Difference between revisions of "Southern Leyte News"

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==Protecting the forest is Leyte boxer's toughest fight==
*Source: http://www.gmanews.tv/story/232614/special-reports/protecting-the-forest-is-leyte-boxers-toughest-fight
*09/16/2011 | 06:44 PM
:by MARK D. MERUEÑAS, GMA News
MAASIN CITY, Southern Leyte - Against the advice of his parents, Mark Cadabos gave up farming and left his hometown in Southern Leyte at the tender age of 12 to pursue a boxing career in Manila in 2001.
Fortunately for the young boy, he landed a spot and came under the tutelage of professional boxers at the Tiger City Boxing Stable in Mandaluyong City. For almost a decade, everything went as Cadabos had planned, until news of his father's death forced him to return here, to their small farming village of Lunas in the provincial capital of Maasin City.
With their breadwinner gone, Cadabos - now 22 years old - was left with the responsibility of attending to the needs of their family. He still occasionally fights in local matches in the province, but he never expected he would end up turning to the very practice he abandoned a decade ago for income: forest farming.
Cadabos is one of the more than 100 forest farmers belonging to a local people's organization, the Youth Innovators for Social and Environmental Development Association (YISEDA), which is protecting the Nacolod Mountain Range, locally called the "San Francisco Nature's Park."
No different from his exhausting boxing schedule in Manila, Cadabos starts each day by trekking to the foot of the 1,900-foot high mountain as early as 7 a.m. Six days a week, he brandishes a machete and lugs a hand-woven basket containing seedlings on his back as he makes a calculated ascent. He negotiates the slippery slopes, leaps over treacherous ravines, avoids sharp rocks, and endures bee stings in order to cultivate sections of arable land and plant seedlings in denuded areas.
The Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) has awarded their group some 400 hectares of forest land to protect for 25 years, with technical assistance from the government and funding from local governments and the German development agency Deutsche Gesellshaft fur Internationale Zusammenarbeit (GIZ).
The project aims to institute effective sustainable forest management in the mountain range, warding off illegal loggers and kaingin farmers while restoring the forest land with a variety of trees like Lauan, Acacia, and Sagimsiman.
In a 2006 report, the United Nations' Food and Agriculture Organization said the Philippines lost around 157,000 hectares of forest annually from 2000 to 2005. Until last year, the country was still losing forests at the rate of 150,000 hectares per year, according to Dr. Bernd-Markus Liss of the GIZ.
In exchange for protecting the forest, the farmers gain the right to harvest trees while planting new seedlings in their place, in specially designated plantation areas on the slopes of the mountain range. At the same time, YISEDA members are taught proper agro-forestry, planting fruit-bearing trees, vegetables, and root crops that provide them with a steady source of income.
Also, Cadabos' community contributes in a huge way to easing the greenhouse effect that warms the planet through a global strategy known as Reducing Emissions from Deforestation and forest Degradation-plus (REDD+).
Boxing takes a backseat
Cadabos was planting seedlings near a mountain peak when our group of journalists from Manila visited the project site one rainy Thursday morning. He volunteered to assist us as we made the steep descent from the mountain.
He candidly told GMA News Online that he still intends to return to Manila to revive his abandoned boxing dream in the future. "Labing-pitong panalo [17 wins]," he says when asked about his career, "at apat na talo [And four losses]."
Referring to the famous boxing venue of most of his idol Manny Pacquiao's matches, he confesses, “Sana dumating din ang araw na ako naman ang lalaban sa Las Vegas." [I hope someday I can also fight in Las Vegas]
But that dream is still far away, Cadabos admits. For now, he is focusing his attention to the needs of the mountains surrounding their small village.
On this particular day, he is potting prepared seedlings to meet his group's daily quota of 10,000 seedlings. Their target is to pot a total of 120,000 plants in two weeks' time, all for the meager allowance of P120 a day or a total of only P1,440 for the entire endeavor.
"Okay lang kahit mahirap, kami din naman makikinabang niyan kapag tumagal [It doesn't matter if this job requires hard labor because villagers here like me are the ones who will benefit from this anyway when the time comes]," he says.
After ensuring that all the visitors have safely made their way down, the young boxer-farmer politely asks if we didn't mind him going back up the mountain to return to his farming duties. Cadabos gives a small nod to the journalists, turns around, and disappears behind the trees.
Back in the mountain, he will face another of his life’s battles which, despite being the toughest for him, he also finds the most rewarding. In this battle, unlike in his boxing stints, there are no tallies for wins and losses. There is only victory.


==Col Ruperto Kangleon's daughter recounts family ordeal during WW II==
==Col Ruperto Kangleon's daughter recounts family ordeal during WW II==
Line 60: Line 111:
She noted that the driving force of her father to be strong and dedicated to defend the nation is his love for the country.
She noted that the driving force of her father to be strong and dedicated to defend the nation is his love for the country.
The late Col. Ruperto Kangleon later became the Secretary of the National Defense during the administration of then President Carlos Garcia and a senator of the third congress of the Republic of the Philippines.### (PIA SoLeyte/esg)
The late Col. Ruperto Kangleon later became the Secretary of the National Defense during the administration of then President Carlos Garcia and a senator of the third congress of the Republic of the Philippines.### (PIA SoLeyte/esg)


==PENRO-Southern Leyte joins annual Fisheries Conservation Week fete==
==PENRO-Southern Leyte joins annual Fisheries Conservation Week fete==

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Dietary supplement is a product that contains vitamins, minerals, herbs or other botanicals, amino acids, enzymes, and/or other ingredients intended to supplement the diet. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration has special labeling requirements for dietary supplements and treats them as foods, not drugs.

Manufacturers and distributors of dietary supplements and dietary ingredients are prohibited from marketing products that are adulterated or misbranded. That means that these firms are responsible for evaluating the safety and labeling of their products before marketing to ensure that they meet all the requirements of DSHEA and FDA regulations.

Wars of ancient history were about possessions, territory, power, control, family, betrayal, lover's quarrel, politics and sometimes religion.

But we are in the Modern era and supposedly more educated and enlightened .

Think about this. Don't just brush off these questions.

  • Why is RELIGION still involved in WARS? Isn't religion supposed to be about PEACE?
  • Ask yourself; What religion always campaign to have its religious laws be accepted as government laws, always involved in wars and consistently causing WARS, yet insists that it's a religion of peace?

WHY??

There are only two kinds of people who teach tolerance:
  1. The Bullies. They want you to tolerate them so they can continue to maliciously deprive you. Do not believe these bullies teaching tolerance, saying that it’s the path to prevent hatred and prejudice.
  2. The victims who are waiting for the right moment to retaliate. They can’t win yet, so they tolerate.

Protecting the forest is Leyte boxer's toughest fight

by MARK D. MERUEÑAS, GMA News


MAASIN CITY, Southern Leyte - Against the advice of his parents, Mark Cadabos gave up farming and left his hometown in Southern Leyte at the tender age of 12 to pursue a boxing career in Manila in 2001.

Fortunately for the young boy, he landed a spot and came under the tutelage of professional boxers at the Tiger City Boxing Stable in Mandaluyong City. For almost a decade, everything went as Cadabos had planned, until news of his father's death forced him to return here, to their small farming village of Lunas in the provincial capital of Maasin City.

With their breadwinner gone, Cadabos - now 22 years old - was left with the responsibility of attending to the needs of their family. He still occasionally fights in local matches in the province, but he never expected he would end up turning to the very practice he abandoned a decade ago for income: forest farming.

Cadabos is one of the more than 100 forest farmers belonging to a local people's organization, the Youth Innovators for Social and Environmental Development Association (YISEDA), which is protecting the Nacolod Mountain Range, locally called the "San Francisco Nature's Park."

No different from his exhausting boxing schedule in Manila, Cadabos starts each day by trekking to the foot of the 1,900-foot high mountain as early as 7 a.m. Six days a week, he brandishes a machete and lugs a hand-woven basket containing seedlings on his back as he makes a calculated ascent. He negotiates the slippery slopes, leaps over treacherous ravines, avoids sharp rocks, and endures bee stings in order to cultivate sections of arable land and plant seedlings in denuded areas.

The Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) has awarded their group some 400 hectares of forest land to protect for 25 years, with technical assistance from the government and funding from local governments and the German development agency Deutsche Gesellshaft fur Internationale Zusammenarbeit (GIZ).

The project aims to institute effective sustainable forest management in the mountain range, warding off illegal loggers and kaingin farmers while restoring the forest land with a variety of trees like Lauan, Acacia, and Sagimsiman.

In a 2006 report, the United Nations' Food and Agriculture Organization said the Philippines lost around 157,000 hectares of forest annually from 2000 to 2005. Until last year, the country was still losing forests at the rate of 150,000 hectares per year, according to Dr. Bernd-Markus Liss of the GIZ.

In exchange for protecting the forest, the farmers gain the right to harvest trees while planting new seedlings in their place, in specially designated plantation areas on the slopes of the mountain range. At the same time, YISEDA members are taught proper agro-forestry, planting fruit-bearing trees, vegetables, and root crops that provide them with a steady source of income.

Also, Cadabos' community contributes in a huge way to easing the greenhouse effect that warms the planet through a global strategy known as Reducing Emissions from Deforestation and forest Degradation-plus (REDD+).

Boxing takes a backseat

Cadabos was planting seedlings near a mountain peak when our group of journalists from Manila visited the project site one rainy Thursday morning. He volunteered to assist us as we made the steep descent from the mountain.

He candidly told GMA News Online that he still intends to return to Manila to revive his abandoned boxing dream in the future. "Labing-pitong panalo [17 wins]," he says when asked about his career, "at apat na talo [And four losses]."

Referring to the famous boxing venue of most of his idol Manny Pacquiao's matches, he confesses, “Sana dumating din ang araw na ako naman ang lalaban sa Las Vegas." [I hope someday I can also fight in Las Vegas]

But that dream is still far away, Cadabos admits. For now, he is focusing his attention to the needs of the mountains surrounding their small village.

On this particular day, he is potting prepared seedlings to meet his group's daily quota of 10,000 seedlings. Their target is to pot a total of 120,000 plants in two weeks' time, all for the meager allowance of P120 a day or a total of only P1,440 for the entire endeavor.

"Okay lang kahit mahirap, kami din naman makikinabang niyan kapag tumagal [It doesn't matter if this job requires hard labor because villagers here like me are the ones who will benefit from this anyway when the time comes]," he says.

After ensuring that all the visitors have safely made their way down, the young boxer-farmer politely asks if we didn't mind him going back up the mountain to return to his farming duties. Cadabos gives a small nod to the journalists, turns around, and disappears behind the trees.

Back in the mountain, he will face another of his life’s battles which, despite being the toughest for him, he also finds the most rewarding. In this battle, unlike in his boxing stints, there are no tallies for wins and losses. There is only victory.





Col Ruperto Kangleon's daughter recounts family ordeal during WW II

by ES Gorne


MAASIN CITY, Southern Leyte, Oct. 18 (PIA) -- Being a member of the family of highest guerilla leader in Leyte, the 81-year old daugther of then WW II Col. Ruperto Kangleon recounts how their family suffered the ordeal of escaping from the grips of Japanese army wanting to hostage the immediate family of Kangleon during the second world war. The fifth child of the ten siblings of then Col Kangleon, Sister Lourdes Tagle Kangleon disclosed that for at least seven narrow escape sometimes in barefoot to different places like Barili and Carcar both in Cebu City, Jetafe in Bohol, Malitbog, Hinundayan, Libagon, Sogod and St. Bernard for almost four years in hiding away from their father, who fought against the enemy of the state during the weekly kapihan segment of the “Action Center” cable tv program at the Senior Citizen’s Building in Maasin City this morning. Sister Kangleon, a medical doctor by profession who graduated at UST Medical School and took her post graduate studies in U.S. in 1956, is connected to the Medical Mission Sisters – International Religious Congregation of Women. She recounted in one of their escape route to a three – hour walk to the deep jungle of Libagon, wherein she, her mother and youngest daughter Cecilia were not able to join her other three brothers and older sister, Corazon escape , because she was very sick. And to their fear, her brothers and sister Corazon were caught by the Japanese soldiers, however, failed to use them as a leverage for their father to surrender, Kangleon recounted. She recalled their father replied to the Japanese soldiers that he would not surrender and leave the fate of his four children at the hands of God. The four of children were brought to Tacloban City to join with the rest of people who were in prisoned by the Japanese soldiers. The younger Kangleon remembered how their survived without food most of the time as they are enroute of their escapes, some times they scratch for rootcrops different places, pressed their throats to appease hunger, among other sufferings because they were the target of the Japanese soldiers being the family of the leader of the guerillas. After the war, she was grateful that all of the members of the family were all reunited. She noted that the driving force of her father to be strong and dedicated to defend the nation is his love for the country. The late Col. Ruperto Kangleon later became the Secretary of the National Defense during the administration of then President Carlos Garcia and a senator of the third congress of the Republic of the Philippines.### (PIA SoLeyte/esg)

PENRO-Southern Leyte joins annual Fisheries Conservation Week fete

by R.G. Cadavos


MAASIN CITY, Southern Leyte, Oct 17 (PIA) -– The Province of Southern Leyte through the Provincial Environment and Natural Resources Office (PENRO) will observe the annual Fisheries Conservation Week celebration on October 18-20, 2011. The whole celebration will highlight activities such as the Mangrove Forum and Greenbelt Appreciation Trip, the Marine Protected Areas (MPAs) Forum and Awarding of Financial Assistance to 22 MPAs and the Launching of 2012 Search for the Champions of the Seas and MPA Appreciation Trip. Coastal Fisheries Resources Management Unit Officer Eva Abad reported in a phone interview this afternoon, Monday, that the Mangroove foum whill be held in the morning of Oct 18 at Casa Ampil here to be participated by MPA beneficiaries,among other participants and project visits will proceed in the afternoon of the same day at Barangay Manhilo, Maasin City and Molopolo of Macrohon, this province, two of the marine protected areas here. While, the awarding of financial assiatance for the MPAs will be conducted on the second day, October 19 at Casa Ampil, Maasin City,”this is the second batch of MPAs -beneficiaries that will be given financial assistance, the first batch was awarded last July, 2011 yet,” Abad bared. “For the second batch, a total of 22 Marine Protected Areas were identified throughout the province, with P10,000 as cash assistance to be given per site, a total of P220,000 was allotted for the said purpose,” Abad reported. On the third day, the delegates will visit San Pablo Island, at the municipality of Hinunangan and will conduct an MPA Pride Campaign, the source added. This year’s theme is dubbed as ”Fishery resource conservation in the context of global needs for food, security and safety.” (rgc/PIA-Soleyte)

DOLE 8 conducts orientation on security agencies, hiring companies

by Bong Pedalino


MAASIN CITY, Southern Leyte, October 16 (PIA) -- The Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) through its provincial office here held an orientation on the basic rights and benefits of security guards. The orientation was held at Casa Ampil on Saturday attended by security agencies in the city and province together with the business entities which hired such agencies, said Fe Norma Valuis, provincial Field Officer of DOLE. It was learned that when conflicts arise as to who will pay the benefits of the the security guards, the common situation was that both the agencies and the ones who hired them, were poiting at each other. But the law on sub-contracting provided that when a security agency fail to pay their obligations to their personnel, the principals are obliged to pay for whatever is due, said Valuis in a press conference at the DOLE provincial office with Regional Director Forter Poguon. Valuis said many security guards came to her office seeking assistance on matters that should have been settled either by the agency concerned or both the agency and the principal. Based on the principle that ignorance of the law excuses no one, these principals should have been hailed to judicial processes sooner than later for whatever shortcomings committed or omitted on the agency-principal relationship. But Valuis quoted Director Poguon as saying it would be better to educate them first on an orientation proceeding before applying the law so they will no longer have any alibi. For his part, Poguon cited a very specific case that happened in the province several years ago involving some 25 security guards under a security agency who failed to pay the right amount of salaries. Upon investigation, it was found out that the security personnel’s claim was right, and it was also determined that the principal failed to pay a sizeable fraction of the unpaid amount to the agency. In the end, close to P 1 million pesos was duly paid both by the principal and the agency after a due process deliberation undertaken by DOLE 8, Pugoun said. (PIA-Southern Leyte/bong)

DTI intensifies bamboo production in Southern Leyte

by R.G. Cadavos


MAASIN CITY, Southern Leyte Oct 14 (PIA) -– In order to support and develop the bamboo production in the province of Southern Leyte, the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) recently conducted basic skills training on Processed Bamboo Products under the project Sustainable Development of Southern Leyte Employees Multi –Purpose Cooperative- Bamboo (SLEMBOO). Trade and Industry Development Specialist Sandra Alcober said Friday the SLEMBOO project of the Southern Leyte Employees Multi-Purpose Cooperative Inc. now focused on increasing the volume of production, improved quality of bamboo products, capacity development of human resources and increased, well-organized nodes. “After the project’s implementation, for the last quarter of 2010, an increased awareness of bamboo products which resulted to its growing demand,” Alcober said, adding that there’s a need for an additional source of bamboo raw materials and workers in order to cope up with the said demands and will also serve as a buffer for future demands. Alcober said the skills training conducted to the participants was aimed to open another outlet that will supply the bamboo raw materials and labor needs of SLEMBOO through imparting the skills on how to harvest bamboo products, cutting, cleaning, flattening and bamboo chips making. DTI-Southern Leyte headed by DTI Provincial Dir. Micahel Nuñez encouraged the prospect-producers to “sharpen their skills they learned from the training through continuous production.” The idea of barangay entrepreneurship is also a gesture of the local government of supporting the project through serving as a middleman such as in the allocation of funds for labor payment and the purchase of equipment and in turn selling the output of its people to SLEMBOO, the source said. The skills training targeted Barangay Libhu, this city in addition to the treatment plant in Barangay Sto. Niño in the municipality of Macrohon and the display center at Barangay Ibarra here, where different bamboo products can be seen such as luber, sheets furniture and designed chips, among other bamboo finished products. (rgc/PIA-SoLeyte)

DepEd-SoLeyte joins Global Handwashing Day this October

by R.G. Cadavos


MAASIN CITY, Southern Leyte, Oct 13 (PIA) -– “Handwashing with soap is the most effective and cheapest way to prevent diseases,” Department of Education (DepEd) Supervising Nurse Teresita Marquez disclosed in an interview with PIA-Maasin, Tuesday. Marquez said that October 15 is set as the Global Handwashing Day, but since it falls on Sunday, “DepEd Southern Leyte Division will conduct the Global Handwashing Day on Monday, Oct 17 at Bolod-Bolod Elemntary School, Barangay Bolod-Bolod, Saint Bernard, this province.” The said activity which is relative to Essential Health Care Package program of the education department will be participated by different stakeholders such as the local government units, the Parents-Teachers Association officials, school principals, head teachers, among other division teachers and DepEd health personnel throughout Southern Leyte Division. “While the other school districts throughout the (18) municipalities of the province will have a synchronized activity at their own level,” Marquez bared. This will be led by the school’s principal, she added. Proper handwashing has been echoing and reinforcing the call for improved hygiene practices not only here in the country but worldwide. Global Handwashing Day will be the centerpiece of activities that will mobilize millions of people across five continents to wash their hands with soap. As of school year 2011-2012, Southern Leyte Schools Division has a total enrolment of 53,933 for the elementary and Kindergaten departments, Marquez disclosed during the Provincial Nutrition Planning with the Technical Working Group held at Supercha Restaurant in Maasin City. (rgc/PIA-SoLeyte)

Maasin City distributes relief goods to 300 evacuees

by ES Gorne


MAASIN CITY, Southern Leyte, October 12 (PIA) -- Despite the weakening of Typhoon “Ramon” to a tropical depression early this morning, Maasin City Social Welfare and Development Office (MSWDO) distributed relief goods since last night until this morning to 300 evacuees who fled to different barangays at the height of typhoon “Ramon”. According to MSWDO Febe Maria Sta.Cruz, the hundreds of evacuees coming from Barangays Combado, Manhilo, Canturing, Mambajao, Asuncion and Tagnipa, all of Maasin City, voluntarily evacuated to respective barangay halls, DOTC office in Barangay Combado last night at the height of the typhoon. It was further reported that one house owned by one of the evacuees due to the rising creek in Barangay Combado was also hit by a fallen tree that almost cut the house totally. Most of the evacuees were threatened with the rising waters along the river banks of Canturing River and spelling over to Barangay Mambajao also, more swelling creeks in Barangays Tagnipa, Manhilo and Combado and fear of storm surge in Barangay Asuncion, Sta. Cruz added. The each relief good distributed to the evacuees found at the evacuation centers consists of rice, noodles, canned goods, among others, she said. Earlier today, Maasin City Mayor Maloney Samaco cancelled its earlier instruction to suspend the government officers operations, however, due to the development of the weakening to tropical depression Ramon, government works resumed this afternoon. Meanwhile, DPWH– Southern Leyte reported that the earlier reported landslide in Daang Maharlika – Sogod road network particularly in Pancho Villa section is now passable to heavy traffic after the removal of the landslide materials due to typhoon Ramon. (PIA SoLeyte/esg)

PPMT to launch 11 support projects for Silago –Agrarian Reform Communities

by ES Gorne


SILAGO, Southern Leyte, Oct 11 (PIA) -- The Provincial Project Management Team (PPMT) held a meeting together with the Municipal Mayor Manuel Labrador to finalize plans on the launching of projects for the Silago-Agrarian Reform Communities (ARC) under the Agrarian Reform Infrastructure Support Project III (ARISP III). The Silago-ARC is composed of two (2) barangays, namely: Katipunan and Hingatungan. The projects scheduled to be launched for the Silago-ARC, Department of Agrarian Reform – Southern Leyte Public Information Officer Marilyn l. Capilitan disclosed to PIA Southern Leyte. Capilitan said the following support projects includes for physical infrastructure such as Hingatungan -Communal Irrigation System (CIS) with Extension; Gumamela – Infres Farm to Market Road (FMR); Lawaan – Infres FMR; Kaabon – Intake FMR; Hingatungan Potable Water Supply (PWS) System; Post-Harvest Facility.

She further said that other support projects for the institutional development consist of cooperative development; irrigation development; potable water supply development while for agriculture and agribusiness development also contains rice enhancement, vegetable production and marketing and swine fattening. The total cost of the aforementioned projects is Php 50,545,138.03 wherein most of this will go to the Infrastructure Sub-Projects, she added. The launching which is set on October 12, 2011 at Brgy. Hingatungan here, will not only be attended by the officials and coop members of Silago-ARC, it will also be graced by no less than Congressman Roger C. Mercado, the Provincial Governor of Southern Leyte Damian G. Mercado, and other Provincial Board Members, Capilitan said. She said the DAR-Provincial Project Management Office (DAR-PPMO) headed by PARO Venerio A. Yap as the Project Manager together with the other members of the PPMT which are the NIA, DPWH and LGU-Silago will witness the launching of the said projects. It is also expected that the DAR Regional Director Engr. Eliasem Castillo, who is at the same time the Project Manager of the DAR-Regional Project Management Office (DAR-RPMO), will be present during the launching to represent the DAR-Central Project Management Office (DAR-CPMO). She added that on the same day and place, a Harvest Festival will also be held wherein vegetable products of the Agrarian Reform Beneficiaries (ARBs) and other People’s Organizations (POs) will be displayed. The Local Government Unit (LGU) here who hosted the PPMT meeting, will also host the said launching, Capilitan said. (PIA SoLeyte/esg)

DILG- Maasin campaigns for PPUR in barangay assemblies

by Bong Pedalino


MAASIN CITY, Southern Leyte, Oct. 10 (PIA) -- The nationwide, synchronized barangay assembly held in most of the 70 barangays here on Sunday served as an opportune occasion for the city office of the Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG) to strongly push for a text or online vote for the Puerto Princesa Underground River (PPUR) to be included in the list of new 7 wonders of nature. “If we vote for Maasinhon Trio, which is up to this day only, for the honor and pride of our city and Southern Leyte, I might as well appeal on all of you here to vote for the Puerto Princesa Underground River as one of the new seven wonders of the world, for this will be the pride and honor for our country,” said Elsa Tingcoy, City DILG Officer, at the Tagnipa gym barangay assembly attended by Tagnipanians led by Punong Barangay Felix Verano. She was referring to the three local singers -- Andrew Sanchez, Lecenio Lolo, and Bonnie Salubre -- who were semi-finalists in a talent search of a popular television network, and they did make it to the finals, courtesy of a strong text vote after last night’s final vote tally, where they gained 52% of the total votes cast. Early on, shortly before her pitch on the PPUR, Tingcoy explained the rationale behind the holding of a barangay assembly, a yearly activity every October to mark the passage of the Local Government Code which was passed on October 10, 1991, so today is the 20th anniversary of this law that grants autonomy to the many local villages across the country. The week in which the date October 10 will fall will also be the Local Government week, in which LGUs were advised to hold social-sports activities -- for Maasin City this coincided with the celebration of Employees’ Week -- and the whole month of October is Local Government Month, Tingcoy said. This year’s commemoration of the local autonomy became more significant as the nation was challenged to bond together so the famous underground river in Palawan can be known as among the new 7 wonders of nature, Tingcoy stressed, adding that this was also in consonance with the directive from DILG Secretary Jesse Robredo and President Benigno Aquino III himself, who signed Proclamation No. 182 for this purpose. The Philippines is known as the texting capital of the world, and it would be a big opportunity loss if the country cannot harness this texting power for the PPUR, Tingcoy said as a challenge to the barangay folks. In a brief chat with PIA after her talk, Tingcoy said she had already rounded several barangays along the highway, especially those with full cell signals, speaking the same message, and she expected to collect and collate the votes sent until the end of the month. Voting will be until November 11, 2011, it was learned. According to the 7 wonders website each SMS sent counts as one vote, and it can be easily done by sending PPUR to 2861 for all Globe and Smart subscribers. Located 50 kilometers north of Puerto Princesa, Palawan, the underground river features a limestone karst mountain with an 8.2 km navigable water that winds through a cave before flowing directly into the South China Sea or the Philippine Sea, the website reported. (PIA-Southern Leyte/Bong)

Maasin willing to donate lot for new city jail, says BJMP

by Bong Pedalino


MAASIN CITY, Southern Leyte, Oct. 8 (PIA) -- The city local government unit is willing to give a portion of a reclaimed lot within city to be used as the site for a new city jail. This was learned from Eleuterio Ortiz, Provincial Head and concurrent City Warden of the Bureau of Jail Management and Penology (BJMP) at the weekly “Media Forum” Wednesday at dyDM. Ortiz quoted City Mayor Maloney Samaco as saying the new prison facility can be located at the reclamation area in barangay Combado, this city. The new structure will be a two-storey building, but details on specific area or how much would be the cost-sharing between the BJMP and the city government for the project are still to be discussed. Ortiz earlier disclosed a resolution passed by the city council that called for the relocation of the city jail in barangay Bactul, a far-flung, interior barangay more than 15 kilometers from the city proper. He said he lobbied for reconsideration of the planned Bactul site, citing as reason its location which could pose as an invitation for enemies of state to rescue one of their own, if ever. The present city jail at the old municipal building in the heart of the city has been cramped and crowded, with its present population of 58 inmates, including one lady, in a jail capacity of only 30 prisoners, Ortiz said, adding that the edifice itself was already dilapidated and needed major repairs. This building will be re-invented and be transformed into a museum once the jail occupants can be transferred to the new location, Ortiz added. (PIA-Southern Leyte/bong)

OWWA-8 announces winners of 2011 Model OFW Family of the Year awards

by R.G. Cadavos


SOUTHERN LEYTE, Oct 7 (PIA) -- The Overseas Workers Welfare Administration (OWWA) based in Tacloban City named the two winners for the search of 2011 Model OFW Family of the Year after a two-week regional screening and validating the eigth nominees throughout Eastern Visayas Region. OWWA Labor Communications Officer Florence D. Panao reported that the search was categorized into two, the sea-based category which was won by Capt. Teddy V. Abrea from Almeria, Biliran and the land-based category that was awarded to Engr. Cesario G. de Dios, Jr. from Ormoc City. The winners garnered the highest scores, topping the pre-screening and screening periods, Panao disclosed. They were ranked according to the following criteria: 50% wholesome OFW family image with indicators that include constancy of positive communication, sharing of responsibilities among family members and psychosocial maturity of children. While, another 20% for civic and community involvement of OFW and family members which may take the form of involvement in advocacies and successful community projects, membership in civic organizations, and special commendation to family members; 20% success of family members’ education that indicates family members’ completed education and special citations received; and10% success in managing family finances that ranges from business to savings and investment. Both winners are now successful in their own fields, the source added. They received plaques of recognition during the awarding ceremony held at Patio Victoria, Baluarte in San Jose , Tacloban City, October 5, 2011 and was awarded a G-cash amounting to P20,000 and a BDO Savings Account with initial deposit of P5,000. Panao further said that a plaque of recognition was also given to the other nominees – Panfilo Abanilla, Nilo Cabantac, Jose Genson, Romeo Navidad, Jaime Orzales, and Jaime Sapeda for their contribution to the upliftment of the OFW Family image. She added that the 2011 MOFYA on its 7th year was aimed at “giving proper recognition to the outstanding achievements of OFWs and their families; promoting success stories about the OFW families’ endurance over the challenges of overseas employment and highlighting the role of the OFW family in the attainment of socio-civic, educational, professional and material success.” (rgc/PIa-SoLeyte)

Limasawa garners Nutrition Honor Award, a first in Region 8

by Bong Pedalino


MAASIN CITY, Southern Leyte, Oct. 6 (PIA) -- For consistently getting recognized in its nutrition program for the past six consecutive years, the historic island-municipality of Limasawa, this province, shines once again for the Nutrition Honor Award (NHA), the first local government unit (LGU) in Region 8 to reap such distinction, according to Nilda Rich, the Assistant Provincial Nutrition Action Officer. In a phone interview with the Philippine Information Agency (PIA) Tuesday, Rich said Limasawa was a Green Banner Awardee for nutrition in the years 2005, 2006, and 2007, while for the next three years, from 2008, 2009, and 2010, the LGU garnered the Consistent Regional Outstanding Winner in Nutrition (CROWN) award. This year’s nutrition performance evaluation, which was based in the 2010 assessment, Limasawa made history again for landing in the top spot, this time the NHA, and for this outstanding effort it stands to receive P 500,000.00 from the National Nutrition Council (NNC), an agency under the Department of Health (DOH), Rich informed. Awarding ceremony was slated to be held on October 25, 2011, in Manila, it was learned. Rich cited a decreasing trend of malnourished population in Limasawa, attributing this to the many nutrition-oriented activities initiated or supported by Mayor Melchor Petracorta. Among the many nutrition-based activities, she noted a constant monitoring of children in great dangers to be malnourished, and before getting into the borderline, these target children will be the focus of Limasawa’s concentrated feeding program. Meanwhile, Maasin City will also be a CROWN awardee for its nutrition program during the October 25 awarding rites, with P 250,000.00 cash incentive, said Dr. Francilisa Tan, Head of City Health Unit I. The members of the City Nutrition Committee, along with Mayor Maloney Samaco, will be the ones to receive the citation and the financial reward, said Dr. Tan. (PIA-Southern Leyte/bong)

BSP Southern Leyte Council marks 50th council anniversary

by ES Gorne


MAASIN CITY, Southern Leyte, Oct. 5 (PIA) -- The Boy Scout Philippines (BSP) – Southern Leyte Council is in the height of preparations as they will host the Golden Jubilee Jamborette at Camp Danao in Maasin City on October 24-30, 2011 to mark the 50th council anniversary celebration. In time with the golden anniversary celebration of the BSP - Southern Leyte Council, the provincial council will initiate for the conduct of a jamborette in the province, Maasin City Mayor Maloney Samaco, who is also the BSP – Southern Leyte Council Chairman, reported during the “Maasin City In Action” radio program, Tuesday at the DyDM radio station. Samaco reported that at least 1,000 senior boy scouts, cub scouts delegates coming from the different municipalities in the province and other councils, who were also invited, were expected to join the provincial jamborette. He also disclosed that another scouting activity which is the holding of a National Rovermoot in Davao City this year shall be conducted at the same period. He intends to send a lean delegation to the said scouting activity due to its conflict. Last year, the provincial council hosted for the conduct of 7th National Rovermoot and the First One Visayas Regional Jamboree in Camp Danao, Maasin City. Meanwhile, the first provincial Kawan holiday, another three- day scouting activity intended for the cubs scout with ages ranging from 6 – 10 years old was successfully conducted at Malapoc Norte Elementary School, Council Clerk Carl Carrayo reported to PIA Maasin. Carroyo also disclosed that last Monday, October 5, selected boy scouts has started to hold one-day offices at the provincial and city offices from the office of the City Mayor and the different department heads as one of the activities of the boy scout in the province.### (PIA SoLeyte/esg)

Tree planting activities in Maasin City enlists 600 planters

by ES Gorne


MAASIN CITY, Southern Leyte, October 4 (PIA) -- At least, two more National Greening Program (NGP) sites identified in Maasin City were planted with seedlings jointly by selected national high school students, barangay officials and some members of the Knights of Columbus last Saturday, October 1. Led by the Department of Environment and Natural Resources – Community Environment and Natural Resourses Office (CENRO), two different planting activities were held. Rene Soria, CENR focal person, said an ongoing tree planting in one of the NGP site identified in Sitio Magtuasi, Ibarra which covers eight hectares was started by at least 400 fourth year high school students coming from the following schools in the city: Maasin Vocational High School, Libhu National High School, Guadalupe National High School and Ibarra National High School While in the Barangay Laboon planting site, at least 200 students coming from Nonok National High School and Dongon National High School, barangay officials and members of the Knights of Columbus joined the event, Soria added. Earlier, Soria said that the NGP sites in Sitio Canlugok, Lunas with 80 hectares and Barangay Kahupi-an, Sogod with 85 hectares were planted completely with 500 seedlings per hectare.. He also expressed appreciation to the transportation assistance of the Department of Public Works and Highways in bringing the students to the designated NGP sites on Saturdays. He also disclosed that their office only allowed the fourth year high school students in the tree planting since the NGP sites were located at high mountains which posed danger to younger students. Those younger ones were tapped to plant trees in the school premises, barangay plazas, safe river banks with the direct supervision of their respective teachers, he said.### (PIA SoLeyte/esg)

SoLeyte propagates parasitoid to combat brontispa infestation in 6 towns - PCA

by ES Gorne


MAASIN CITY, Southern Leyte, October 3 (PIA) -- The Philippine Coconut Authority (PCA) Southern Leyte Provincial Office now undertakes the propagation of parasitoids to combat the infestation of brontispa in the six municipalities of the province. The provincial office has started to gather the pupa of brontispa from the municipality of Bontoc that they can use for the parasitoids to lay their eggs, PCA Provincial Officer Manuel Sembrano disclosed. Sembrano said their office no longer promote spraying insecticides since it has no effect to curb brontispa infestation but rather affected more municipalities instead. He earlier reported that brontispa infestation has covered only four municipalities, namely Bontoc, Tomas Oppus, Malitbog and Lilo-an and the city of Maasin, however recently, their office has monitored that the municipality of Sogod is the newest municipality to have been affected by the said coconut disease. He is optimistic that brontispa could be minimized with the introduction of parasitoids eating the eggs of brontispa that in a cycle of 18 days, one mummified pupa of brontispa could produce 7 to 40 parasitoid adults. That only five mummified pupa of brontispa is needed to clear out brontispa infestation in one hectare of coconut trees. Sembrano said that parasitoid propagation has been successfully implemented in Vietnam in its struggle against brontispa dilemma among coconut plantations. He further disclosed that they expect that from six to twelve months after the parasitoids shall be introduced in brontispa infected coconut trees, affected trees will be revived. Sembrano said that they intend to pilot in Barangay Pamahawan of Bontoc to its three-year old affected brontispa coconut trees since it would be easier for them to monitor of the progress of the parasitoid. ### (PIA Southern Leyte/esg)

DENR completes planting of 82,500 seedlings in two Southern Leyte NGP sites

by ES Gorne


MAASIN CITY, Southern Leyte, September 30 (PIA) --- The Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) Provincial Office reported to have completed the planting of seedlings in two enrolled National Greening Program (NGP) sites in Southern Leyte. According to Rene Soria, the NGP Focal Person, said that Southern Leyte has enrolled 13 NGP sites so far. Soria added that the national high school students and people’s organizations filled the two NGP sites to total number of 82,500 seedlings planted and completed the same by the middle of September, this year. Soria said the people’s organization, Young Innovators for Sustainable Environment Association, which is based in Sitio Canlugok, Barangay Lunas together with the fourth year national high school students coming from the Bantid National High School (NHS), Baugo NHS and Dongon NHS, were all able to plant the whole of the eighty (80) hectares to a total of least 40,000 seedlings being planted in at least two Saturdays. He also reported that another enrolled NGP site in Barangay Kahupi-an, Sogod which covers 85 hectares has been planted with at least 42,500 seedlings already. Since the enrolled site is very far, the DENR has decided to forego with the participation of the children instead the tree planting were spearheaded by the barangay officials, the people’s organization which is the Kahupi-an Upland Farmer’s Association and the DepEd staff of the concerned national high schools. (PIA SoLeyte/esg)

PNP – South Leyte commends police break through vs illegal drugs, wanted persons

by ES Gorne


SOUTHERN LEYTE, Sept. 29 (PIA) -- The Southern Leyte Police Provincial Office gave letters of commendation to the PNP personnel of Maasin City and Macrohon Police Officers for their accomplishments in enforcing the law against illegal drugs and arrest of wanted persons in their areas of responsibility. According to Police Chief Inspector Abdulmajid B Jaji, PCR Chief , PSupt. Jacinto Arazo Cesar, Officer In Charge of the Southern Leyte Police Provincial Office and PSupt. Jonathan Penida, Deputy Provincial Director for Operation led in the awarding of their accomplishements last September 26, 2011 at the Camp Gov. Alfredo K. Bantug in Maasin City. Jaji said commendations were given to PSupt Hector F Enage, Maasin City Chief Of Police and to his personnel SP04 Nicasio F Sunit, P02 Oscar D Dullasin Jr, P02 Dominico G Petere and P02 Aldous Dexter M Roa, for the success of their operation against illegal drugs last 15 September 2011 at Barangay Maria Clara, Maasin City. That the operation resulted to the apprehension of Andrew Maceda Caberte, a known drug pusher in the area and the confiscation of four (4) pcs small sachets containing Methamphetamine Hydrochloride locally known as “shabu,” one (1) pc rolled stick of suspected dried marijuana leaves, cash money amounting to six hundred twenty pesos (P 620.00) and one piece of five hundred peso bill “buy bust” money, Jaji said. While in Macrohon Police Station, Jaji further disclosed that commendations were also given to PInsp Aljohn Teddy R Llanes, Chief Of Police and to his personnel SP04 Loido D Achacoso, SP04 Raymundo A Almacin III, SPO2 Restituto E Ligtas, SP02 Virgilio M Paloma, PO2 Robert P Villa, P02 Jimmy T Ganosa, for the success of their operation against wanted persons last 09 September 2011 at Barangay Lower Villa Jacinta, Macrohon. It resulted to the arrest of Alfredo Lolo Mindajao, a long time wanted person for the crime of Homicide docketed under Criminal Case number 1481 issued by the RTC Judge of 8th Judicial Region, Bulwagan ng Katarungan, Branch 24, Maasin City, Jaji added. He said such accomplishments have proven their strong determination to enforce the law without fear nor favour and compliance with existing orders to arrest law violators in the province of Southern Leyte.(PIA So. Leyte/esg)

Silago Women’s Group ventures into vegetable production

by R.G. Cadavos


SOUTHERN LEYTE, Sep 28 (PIA) – The Katipunan Women’s Association (KWA) from Barangay Katipunan of Silago here ventured into vegetable production as their first project and started planting last August, 2011. They had their first harvest after about three weeks, newly designated Department of Agrarian Reform (DAR) Information Officer Marilyn L. Capilitan reported to PIA-Maasin. “KWA was formally organized last June, this year with the assistance of DAR through Municipal Agrarian Reform Officer Deonilo H. Malaki and Senior Agrarian Reform Program Technoligst- Development Facilitator Magdalino Tagnipez, both of DAR-Silago,” Capilitan related. She said that KWA, formerly a women’s group composed of all ages with sixty five (65) members, is now down to forty two (42) as the senior members decided to transfer to the Senior Citizens association. “Mostly women-members are wives of Agrarian Reform Benificiaries of same barangay,” Capilitan added. The group ageed and voluntarily prepare the area for their vegetable production and planting materials. In twentry five days, the KWA had their first harvest of 19 kilos of cucumber (pipino) last Septemer 23 from the 15-20 cucumber hills out of 1,080 cucumber hills planted on August 29. Capilitan disclosed that the women’s group are looking forward to make a huge harvest of the planted cucumber by the end of this week and the rest of their planted veggies such as pechay, ampalaya, string beans, tomatoes, okra, pepper and eggplants. The project, according to Capilitan will not only improve the camaraderie of the women and uplift their livelihood but will also make the association active and productive under the energetic leadership of the group’s President Clarinda Casicas. (rgc/PIA-SoLeyte)

Southern Leyte formally declared insurgent free on September 29

by PIA Press Release


TACLOBAN CITY Leyte, September 27 (PIA) -- The Province of Southern Leyte will be formally declared as “Insurgent-Free” in simple rites that will be conducted at Ruperto Kangleon Function House in Maasin City on September 29. Captain Dranreb Canto of the Philippine Army’s 802nd Brigade based in Ormoc City, informed that the pronouncement will be formalized with the signing of the joint declaration by the 8th Infantry Division of the Philippines Army commander Major General Mario Chan and Southern Leyte Governor Damian Mercado. The 802nd Brigade CRS explained that a province is categorized as insurgency free when the threat posed by the CPP/NPA is successfully downgraded into a mere law and order problem. This is what happened to Southern Leyte and the other previously declared insurgency-free areas. After a thorough security situation assessment, when it is found that the local government can handle the situation, the AFP then hands over the lead-role to the LGU and assumes a support role to the PNP. On September 29, the guests will be welcomed officially by Vice Governor Miguel Maamo who is also the Vice Chairman of the Southern Leyte Provincial Peace and Order Council. This will be followed by the narrative on declaring Southern Leyte as insurgent free and the signing of the joint declaration. Among the special guests in this historical occasion are Leyte Governor Carlos Jericho L. Petillla who is the Chairperson of the Regional Peace and Order Council, and Lt. General Ralph Villanueva, commander, Central Command of the AFP who aside from Major General Mario Chan, commander of the 8th Infantry Division and Southern Leyte Governor Damian Mercado, will also deliver their respective messages. Being declared as insurgent free will boost Southern Leyte’s of becoming a tourism and investment destination as it will enhance confidence among investors and business companies to come to the province. (PIA 8)

DSWD conducts training for counselling services for rehab of domestic violence perpetrators

by R.G. Cadavos


MAASIN CITY, Southern Leyte Sep 26 (PIA)-- At least 28 participants throughout Eastern Visayas attended the Training on the Counseling Services for Rehabilitation of Perpetrators of Domestic Violence (CSRPDV) initiated by the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DWSD) Field Office 8 at Orcmoc City, September 19-22, 2011. Fe Nida Sy who was the representative from the City Social Welfare and Development Office here disclosed that the week-long training emphasized the responsibilities of both the victim/survivors and the perpetrators of domestic violence, which is considered as one of the serious problems in the society. Topics of the said training include Gender Sensitivity, Gender Responsive Case Management, Bayanihan ng Awa at Gawa ni Apo (BAGA), Types of Counseling for the Perpetrators of Domestic Violence, among others, while Lessons from the Masters were also presented by the facilitators from the DSWD, Sy reported. “Violence can be stopped and abusive behaviors among perpetrators can be reduced only by providing appropriated interventions to the offenders,” Sy quoted Yvonne Abonales, who was one of the speakers, saying that the importance of community involvement and initiative is responding and reducing the incidence of domestic violence are recognized. There were five phases on case management that were discussed such as: initial supportive response, gender-based assessment process, intervention planning and implementation, monitoring and evaluation, and finally, the closure and follow-up which is an integral part of a continuing process to complete the rehabilitation, Sy said. Other discussants during the training were Lolta B. Dadap, John Caliguid, Thelma F. Banal, Myrna U. Tan, Leilani Jocano, Anabelle Agner, all Municipal Social Welfare Officers who underwent the Trainors’ Training on CSRPDV in Baguio City. “Success begins in the mind, nurtured in the heart and expressed by the hands,” Sy quoted BAGA resource speaker Thelma Banal. Southern Leyte sent Virgie Caimo to represent the Provincial Social Welfare and Development Office.(rgc/PIA-SoLeyte)

TESDA -8 aims for ISO certification

by Bong Pedalino


MAASIN CITY, Southern Leyte, Sept. 25 (PIA) -- Out of the 16 regions across the country, the Technical Education Skills Development Authority (TESDA) Region 8 office, along with Region 3 and the Cordillera Administrative Region (CAR) offices, has been busy these days to comply with the procedures and requirements to attain the ISO 2009-9001 certification. Rolando Juanillo, TESDA Director of Southern Leyte province, disclosed during the “Action Center” cable TV program Thursday that once their office would become ISO-certified, their services and programs can be delivered more efficiently, such as the processing of registration for technical-vocational skills training providers or for qualified private institutions. Quality of trainings, quality graduates produced, and institutions strengthened, were just some of the expected impact of having an ISO certification, Juanillo said. He added that his office right now was undergoing an internal audit as one of the requirements for attaining the ISO goal. Another positive effect was that those being assessed for specific skills competencies would no longer be delayed in the processing of their applications and in taking the assessment for a national TESDA certificate in an ISO-tagged agency, Juanillo added. With the TESDA chief as guest during this week’s edition of “Action Center” were two heads of private schools which were providers of TESDA-accredited vocational-technical courses. They were Armado Daque, Vice-President of Hinunangan Skills and Technological Center which opened just last year, and Emelyn Corollo, Executive Training Director at Saint Joseph College (SJC) Vocational Training Center (Voctrac), now on its 8th year of operation since 2003. Other private learning institutions in the province with TESDA-accredited programs included the College of Maasin, Systems Technology Institute (STI), Southern Leyte Business College (SLBC), St. James College in Padre Burgos, and St. Thomas Aquinas in Sogod. Meanwhile, Juanillo informed that his office is having an ongoing program, the National Synchronized competency assessment for specific technical-vocational courses, a program that began in August and will last until November this year. He said in Southern Leyte province, 170 slots were slated for free assessment on a first-come, first-served basis, and at present only 73 slots remained open. Those interested are advised to coordinate with the TESDA office to file their application before proceeding to the private provider for the competency assessment which, when one shall have passed it, would entitle him or her to have a National Certificate II (NC II), a document employers would usually ask. (PIA-Southern Leyte/bong)

DSWD conducts training for counselling services for rehab of domestic violence perpetrators

by R.G. Cadavos


MAASIN CITY, Southern Leyte Sep 26 (PIA)-- At least 28 participants throughout Eastern Visayas attended the Training on the Counseling Services for Rehabilitation of Perpetrators of Domestic Violence (CSRPDV) initiated by the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DWSD) Field Office 8 at Orcmoc City, September 19-22, 2011. Fe Nida Sy who was the representative from the City Social Welfare and Development Office here disclosed that the week-long training emphasized the responsibilities of both the victim/survivors and the perpetrators of domestic violence, which is considered as one of the serious problems in the society. Topics of the said training include Gender Sensitivity, Gender Responsive Case Management, Bayanihan ng Awa at Gawa ni Apo (BAGA), Types of Counseling for the Perpetrators of Domestic Violence, among others, while Lessons from the Masters were also presented by the facilitators from the DSWD, Sy reported. “Violence can be stopped and abusive behaviors among perpetrators can be reduced only by providing appropriated interventions to the offenders,” Sy quoted Yvonne Abonales, who was one of the speakers, saying that the importance of community involvement and initiative is responding and reducing the incidence of domestic violence are recognized. There were five phases on case management that were discussed such as: initial supportive response, gender-based assessment process, intervention planning and implementation, monitoring and evaluation, and finally, the closure and follow-up which is an integral part of a continuing process to complete the rehabilitation, Sy said. Other discussants during the training were Lolta B. Dadap, John Caliguid, Thelma F. Banal, Myrna U. Tan, Leilani Jocano, Anabelle Agner, all Municipal Social Welfare Officers who underwent the Trainors’ Training on CSRPDV in Baguio City. “Success begins in the mind, nurtured in the heart and expressed by the hands,” Sy quoted BAGA resource speaker Thelma Banal. Southern Leyte sent Virgie Caimo to represent the Provincial Social Welfare and Development Office.(rgc/PIA-SoLeyte)




Senator shares P 9.5 M PDAF for market, abbatoir development in 19 So. Leyte LGUs

by Bong Pedalino


MAASIN CITY, Southern Leyte, Sept. 23 (PIA) -- This city an 18 municipalities of Southern Leyte province received an equal share of financial aid given by Senator Francis “Chiz” Escudero, taken from his Priority Development Assistance Fund (PDAF). Each recipients got P 500,000.00 assistance for the development of their respective public markets and abbatoirs, said District Engineer Carlos Veloso of the Department of Public Works and Highways-Southern Leyte Engineering District (DPWH-SLED), the implementing agency tasked to handle these projects. The Senator’s total financial assistance on this matter totaled P 9.5 Million, and the money was already available at the DPWH Regional Office, Veloso remarked during the weekly “Media Forum” live Wednesday at dyDM where he was the guest. With Veloso in the radio program were three division chiefs, namely, Engr. Allan Eway for maintenance, Engr. Vincent Sy for Planning, and Engr. Letty Olarte, the Office-In-Charge for Construction. These projects were scheduled for bidding and for proceeding to actual work within the last quarter of this year, according to Engr. Sy in a follow-up interview with the Philippine Information Agency (PIA) yesterday. Sy said that six towns out of the 18 were slated to sign a Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) with the Regional Office very soon for them to undertake the project by administration. As for Maasin City, the assistance was included in the relocation sites for market stalls at the Combado reclamation area, where construction was in progress, said Sy. (PIA-Southern Leyte/bong)

BIR clarifies action vs So Leyte's tax evading professionals

by ES Gorne


MAASIN CITY, Southern Leyte, Sept. 22(PIA) -- Mr. Carlos Tambal, Assistant District Revenue District Officer in Southern Leyte clarified that the legal team of the BIR Regional Office in Eastern Visayas was the entity in charge of filing the case against the tax evader-professional from Southern Leyte. The action made by the BIR in Southern Leyte was to refer the findings to the legal team at the BIR Regional Office, Mr. Tambal said in a phone patch with Philippine Information Agency. Mr. Tambal said his agency’s action was not the direct filing of a tax evasion charge but was a referral to their legal team at the BIR Regional Office recommending the filing of such a charge. Mr. Tambal was referring to the reported case of tax evasion filed by BIR against a lawyer based in Sogod, Southern Leyte. Said tax evader has not been paying the annual income tax, no monthly filing of income tax, no issuance of receipts and is not even registered with the BIR. It may be recalled that taking a cue from the State of the Nation Address of President Benigno Aquino, the Bureau of Internal Revenue has vowed to go after doctors, lawyers, accountants and other professionals who are not paying the right income taxes. The BIR is now collecting pertinent data from various agencies such as the Professional Regulation Commission which exercises supervision over all professionals such as accountants, nurses, teachers, engineers, among others. Aside from running after big time tax evaders, the agency will also go after professionals who under declare their income. (PIA 8 Southern Leyte)

Anti-smoking drive in Maasin City boosts tourism, says Mayor

by Bong Pedalino


MAASIN CITY, Southern Leyte, Sept. 21 (PIA) -- Prohibiting smokers in public places began as a program to keep the people healthy but it turned out to be a magnet for visitors to come into this city, to learn and study on how it was done. “It has become one of our tourism come-on, a tourist’s attraction,” said City Mayor Maloney Samaco in the bi-weekly radio program “Maasin City In Action” today. Samaco reported that right after the dyDM program he will be meeting a group of visitors coming from Butuan City, the Caraga Region composed of Doctors, Department of Health (DOH) personnel, and from the local government unit (LGU) who are scheduled to pay a courtesy call to him this morning at his office. He said last week, students from Dumaguete City doing theses on anti-smoking were also here for a deeper study on the subject, adding that their leader was a confessed chain smoker who wanted to quit smoking at least for the time being that they were in the city. The smoke-free advocacy has become a cause worth pursuing, not just for compliance so that the city can garner awards, Samaco said, stressing that his fulfillment has always been to see a smoker, either a visitor or a Maasinhon, change such an unhealthy lifestyle by quitting the habit, with the city anti-smoking program serving as the friendly inspiration. Samaco claimed the city has been known by other local government units across the country for its strict implementation of smoking ban as many LGUs had come already, and many are still wanting to come in the near or far future, a scenario that undoubtedly helped the tourism-related sectors in the city. Asked by host Zaldy Olita that the Butuan visitors will soon become Maasin’s rival in the coveted Red Orchid award of the DOH, Samaco said he would not mind if the visitors, upon learning in the city, would eventually be part of the competitors in a stiff competition for the DOH recognition. “The more important thing is that we can share with them, teach them just the same” the ways and strategies on how to implement a successful anti-smoking campaign, Samaco replied. (PIA-Southern Leyte/Bong)

PDC to tackle 2012 AIP with focus on food security

by ES Gorne


MAASIN CITY, Southern Leyte, Sept. 20 (PIA) -- The Provincial Planning and Development Office will present the 2012 Annual Investment Program (AIP) and the 6-year Provincial Development Investment Program (PDIP) for its discussion and approval by the Provincial Development Council (PDC). According to Provincial Planning and Development Officer Virginia Lim-Cruz, who is also the Provincial Development Council (PDC) Secretariat Head, the final annual investment plan shall be deliberated during the meeting of the PDC on September 29, 2011. Cruz said, so far, the biggest share that the AIP will appropriate every year usually is biased for the agricultural development wherein the food security of the province is at stake. She expects that the PDC will give consideration for the food security of the province for this year, as well. She said that the presence of foreign organizations who are spearheading for agricultural development pouring down interventions in the province of Southern Leyte , however, the need for the counterpart of the province has to be considered in the AIP. Cruz further disclosed that the 6-year PDIP shall be anchored on the major thrusts on Tourism, Environment and Agriculture (T-E-A) development of the province, in addition to the basic social services of the provincial government. Another factor that has to be well thought of in the plans is the looming reduction of Internal Revenue Allocation (IRA) of the province , Cruz added. Cruz added that PDC is composed of the Office of the Reprsentative, local government units, all SP chair on finance and non-government organizations to include local media, all based in the province.### (PIA SoLeyte/esg)

SoLeyte LGU releases P2.7 M for irrigation repair in Barangay Nava

by Erna S. Gorne


SOUTHERN LEYTE, Sept. 19 (PIA) -- The provincial government of Southern Leyte led by Provincial Governor Damian G. Mercado turned-over P2.75 Million - worth irrigation repair project, Nava Communal Irrigation Improvement Project to Obong Farmer’s Association thru its President Ricardo T. Burlaza to boost the palay production in the province. Governor Damian G. Mercado turned-over in a simple ceremony last Sept 13, 2011at Tuburan, Hinunangan, So. Leyte the P2.75 M Nava Communal Irrigation Improvement Project undertaken by the Provincial Agricultural Services Office (PAgSO) to benefit at least 79 direct local rice farmers, PAgSO staff Feliciano Malaki, Jr reported to PIA Southern Leyte. The 79 members – beneficiary of the mentioned irrigation repair will cover 80 hectares rice fields which will soon betprovide better irrigation water distribution needed to boost palay production, Malaki said. Malaki added that Ricardo “Titing” Burlaza and fellow 79 members were very thankful for the concerted approach of all the concerned government officials who have collaborated towards the realization of their dream to improve the decade old facilities to alleviate their plight. Also present with Gov. Mercado were Mayor Romeo M. Gomez of Hinunangan LGU, the four (4) Sanguniang Panlalawigan members from the 2nd District (Hon. Junby Fernandez, Hon. Berting Lagumbay, Hon. Daisy Gamale and Hon. Almario), the barangay Captains of Nava and Tuburan, Hinunangan, he said. Gov. Mercado stressed to demonstrate under the “Aksyon, Solusyon, Inisyatibo” we are serious in improving the efficiency of support services to the farmers who are our partners in the thrust of “food security,” that is why “we included these in our Annual Investment Plan.” Malaki added. On the other hand, Hon. Junby Fernandez, the SP Committee Chairman on Agriculture expressed hope that after the turn-over, these will be managed and maintained by the recipient Obong Farmer-Members and could be passed thru their respective successors. In this way, we will be able to address similar needs or purposes in the future, Malaki said. While, OIC Provincial Agriculturist Marina E. Gador also said, “ with the cooperation of the farmers here, you have your Palayamanan Project here and we should also be able to contribute to the goal of increasing the present level of palay production per hectare. We should likewise work on producing vegetables and corn for local demand.” ### (PIA SoLeyte/esg)

DTI presents major investment projects to promote So Leyte tourism

by R.G. Cadavos


MAASIN CITY, Southern Leyte, Sept. 16 (PIA) -– There were at least five (5) major tourism investment projects that were presented by the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) during the Provincial Micro Small and Medium Enterprise (MSME) Development Action Planning held at the Ampil Pensione here, September 15-16, 2011. Ma. Delia M. Corsiga, Division Chief from DTI-Regional Office 8 said that the major investment in tourism industry in Southern Leyte were identified as follows: Danao Forest Park where an investor is proposing to establish a zoo, the Agas-Agas Adventure complex which includes not only the zipline but also bungee jumping ang probably the installation of cable cars, different dive sites throughout the province, the Limasawa destination package and Silago Forest canopy walk. “Statistics show that Southern Leyte business sector mostly operates in small business enterprises, while Eastern Visayas rank 4th in terms of having number of SME operators,” Corsiga pointed out in her presentation. By investing in these projects, employment will increase and the gross domestic product contributions will also rise, she added. The government sector will just support what business to be installed while the private sector will be the one to put up the business, she added. Corsiga while presenting the SME Development Plan for 2011-2016 nationwide is grateful for the support and eagerness of the business sector led by Southern Leyte Chamber of Commerce and Industry (SLCCI) President Robert Castañares, who was also one of the participants, to include the different stakeholders throughout the province. Probable challenges that maybe encountered in investing a project/business were also discussed by Corsiga such as the business environment, access to finance, access to markets, productivity and efficiency, and the like, while how to address these challenges at the local level will be validated during the workplan. The MSME Development Plan for 2011-2016 aims to create a business environment that will center on a culture of government that will foster the establishment, development, sustainability and competitiveness of small and medium enterprises not only in Southern Leyte but throughout the country. It also seeks to improve productivity and the delivery of competitive, standard, compliant and equipment-friendly products and services. The two-day planning workshop is in close coordination with the German International Cooperation (GIZ).

Barangay Kagawads urged to enrol their children in SUCs to avail of scholarships

bby Bong Pedalino


MAASIN CITY, Southern Leyte, Sept. 15 (PIA) -- Barangay officials here were challenged during the recent gathering Monday to make use of scholarship opportunities at state colleges and universities by virtue of their position as village leaders, in which up to four children were allowed to avail of this privilege. The moment their children can pass the college admission test as required by the state schools, they will be qualified to become scholars and exempted from paying the regular school fees like tuition, according to Jani Arnaiz, a Kagawad of barangay Mantahan here who is also a Correspondent of the Philippine Daily Inquirer (PDI) and President of the Associated Media of Southern Leyte (AMSL). In the weekly Media Forum program live over dyDM yesterday, Arnaiz called on his colleagues, especially those who have children due for tertiary education, to maximize the chance afforded by their being village leaders as duly discussed by National Vice President Crisanto Ramos during their Monday conference. In Southern Leyte province, the government-funded institution of learning is the Southern Leyte State University (SLSU) which has four campuses in different locations. Monching Buyer, another local journalist who is also a Kagawad of barangay Mambajao, affirmed that many of their fellow village officials did take heed on this opportunity, adding that this was also the policy implemented by Mayor Maloney Samaco for Maasin City College (MCC), a city organized school. In prodding his co-councilors at the barangay to ponder on the scholarship, Arnaiz put emphasis on the courses on agriculture, agricultural entrepreneurship, or short-term vocational-technical studies that are in-demand these days, especially with a certificate from the Technical Education Skills Development Authority (TESDA). The forum tackled the growing economic boom now experienced by the city of Maasin, a situation others feared would not be sustained in the long run. The discussion, however, took into consideration the risk these investors underwent, and that they will not be doing so without accurate conduct of a feasibility study. Among the suggestions aired for the sustainability of the “Maasin boom” was the development in the field of agriculture, in which it was noted that many wealthy Maasinhons would rather kept their money in a bank rather than invest in agri-business, a circumstance the media practitioners dreamed of reversing. They called on the moneyed individuals to consider putting their money in agri-business ventures like cash crops, livestock, fisheries so rural folks can be employed and have income, and also to arrest the declining trend of farmers, whose children go to other places seeking jobs rather than tilling their farms. (PIA-Southern Leyte/bong)

AFP conducts battery of tests for Soldier Course in Maasin City, Sogod

by ES Gorne


MAASIN CITY, Southern Leyte, Sept. 14 (PIA) -- Over a hundred applicants mostly criminology students and ROTC cadets from Maasin City and Sogod, Southern Leyte took the first battery of tests for Candidate Soldier Course (CSC) and Officer Candidate Course (OCC) held in the province. “ The said battery of tests were usually conducted in Manila and Cebu City. This is the first time ever held in the provinces, ” TSG Marcos Maquelabit, Operations Non-Commissioned Officer of 805 CDC, Reserve Command (ARESCOM) based in Maasin City said in an interview with PIA Southern Leyte. That the Army Recruitment Center (ARC) is located in Fort Bonifacio, Manila, Maquelabit said. Once the examinees passed the exams, it would qualify them to the CSC and OCC and eventually as an army officer, he added. Mostly of the criminology fourth year students and ROTC cadets from the Saint Joseph College (SJC) in Maasin City took the exams in the morning and the fourth year students of Southern Leyte State University (SLSU) in Sogod, Southern Leyte later in the afternoon of the same day, he added. While the said army reserve command were able to enlist 460 Enlisted Personnel (EP) with 16 reserve officers, with the highest rank of Major being given to Governor Damian Mercado and another Major rank to Vice Governor Miguel Maamo. Maasin City Mayor Maloney Samaco’s rank as Major is now on the process and the Municipal Mayors rank will be Captains, he added. The enlisted personnel also includes barangay officials where barangay captains and councilors were ranked as I Lt. and II Lt., respectively, Maquelabit added. He said these people are the military reserves based in the province that could be immediately pulled out in times of emergencies to include natural threats to the national security. ### (PIA SoLeyte/esg)

PNRC So Leyte has 200 blood bags deposited at SOYMPH Blood Bank

by ES Gorne


MAASIN CITY, Southern Leyte, Sept. 13 (PIA) - The Philippine National Red Cross (PNRC) has now in position 200 blood bags of 450 cubic centimetres which are deposited at the Salvacion Yniquez Oppus Memorial Provincial Hospital (SOYMPH) blood bank for all the needed blood purposes in the province. “For the first time in the history of PNRC Southern Leyte, this is the biggest collection of blood, so far.” PRNC Officer in Charge Noli Casas disclosed to PIA SoLeyte interview over the phone today. Casas said he intend to distribute the blood collected to other public hospitals within the province, namely the Sogod District Hospital and Anahawan District Hospital, so that the people need not to travel to Maasin City just to get blood. However, in Sogod Distrist Hospital the blood refrigerator is still undergoing repair while he need to know if the Anahawan District Hospital is licensed to stock blood in their hospital and if they have a medical technician trained for the blood banking processing yet, Casas added. He reported that last Saturday the religious group, Dating Daan, conducted (4) blood donation activities simultaneously in Hinundayan, Sogod, Maasin City and Hilongos that resulted to the collection of 55 blood bags of 450 cc. Casas further said that aggressive blood collection is not only intended for dengue patients needing blood but in preparation also for any disaster that might strike the province. He said, “It should be remembered that Southern Leyte is prone to disaster and one of the best way to be prepared is to increase the level of awareness of the community in donating blood especially in times of emergencies, disasters.” He remembered during the Guisaugon landslide disaster that there were those rescued from the disaster that were not given the needed blood due to the absence of blood donors despite the presence thousands of people in the area who refused to be taken blood inorder to save the lives of the survivors. Casas also disclosed that another of blood donation has been scheduled by the Liga nga Barangay this coming Sep- tember 17, 2011., however due to the present ample supply of blood, they only requires one blood donation from each of the seventy barangays in Maasin City.(PIA SoLeyte/esg)

So Leyte solon to DOST: Demonstrate anti-dengue traps

by Bong Pedalino

MAASIN CITY, Southern Leyte, Sept. 12 (PIA) -- Representative Roger Mercado on Saturday requested the Department of Science and Technology (DOST) provincial office through its staff, Daphne Santiago, to hold video showing and actual demonstration on how the DOST’s ovicidal trap will be used in households as a preventive measure against dengue. Mercado made the request during a block-time radio program “Serbisyo Publiko” live at dyDM with host Digo Credo and Santiago as guest. He said that during the anti-dengue clean-up drive last Friday at barangay Asuncion, the second in a series which the lone Southern Leyteno lawmaker initiated, DOST was ready to show and teach people about the mosquito trap in the brief ceremonies, but since it was still past 1 pm and the Asuncion gym was open, the showing was cancelled as it cannot be clearly seen in broad daylight. This week, the DOST was urged to catch up by doing a film showing in the evening in the two barangays where the cleanliness campaign was already undertaken, at barangays Combado and Asuncion, and be with the cleaning warriors in the next rounds of the activity so by the evening of that day the video showing and actual demonstration can be made immediately, Cong. Mercado appealed. Santiago said her office is very much willing to support the advocacy of Cong. Mercado in his efforts to spare the city and province from the dengue outbreak by holding a weekly volunteer clean-up drive in the city’s central barangays for a start, spreading later on to other barangays and other towns of the province. Last Friday’s clean-up activity at barangay Asuncion saw Cong. Mercado leading the pack of provincial and city hall employees numbering over a thousand let open a stagnant water choked by blocking sands with the help of a payloader, picking thrash and debris in the beach, and sweeping the highways and every nook and corner around the barangay. This coming Friday’s next stop will be barangay Abgao, the home barangay of the Mercado’s, it was learned. Santiago, who brought a sample of the DOST-invented mosquito trap, explained that any housewife can easily operate the ovitrap, which looks like a middle-sized black glass with a cardboard stick look-alike dipped in halfway water. The water will be diluted with a packaged pellet, stirred, then placed in specific points inside or just outside the house where mosquitoes are known to converge. After one week, the eggs of the mosquitoes will be trapped in the rugged cardboard surface, unable to propagate. The water will be replaced, another pellet added, and the contraption will be used again for another one week. Asked if the concoction would not be dangerous for babies or house pets to play around, Santiago said the trap was loaded with chemical that’s why it should be placed in inaccessible areas around the house to spare it from sight of small children and animals to avoid unexpected complications. (PIA-Southern Leyte/bong)

St. Bernard MDRRMC vies for regional Gawad Kalasag award

by ES Gorne


MAASIN CITY, Southern Leyte, Sept. 8 (PIA) -- The St. Bernard Municipal Risk Reduction Management Council (MDRRMC) will undergo validation being one of the nominees in the Gawad Kalasag award for its best practices particularly in forewarning the local communities in times of disaster through the maximize use of Early Warning System (EWS). According to Cherelyn Lubang, the Office of Civil Defense (OCD) representative during the Southern Leyte PDRRMC meeting held recently, announced that a team representing the national offices of OCD, DSWD and DILG will validate the St. Bernard MDRRMC this week. Lubang further said that St. Bernard MDRRMC has adopted effectively the early warning system with the recent heavy rains experienced in the municipality that induced flashfloods and floodings and saved the lives of the communities and eventually arrived with zero casualty. St. Bernard MDRRMC also has been identified by some foreign assisted non-government organizations (NGOs) such as CARE –ACCORD, among others for its effective use of early warning system which has saved lives and some properties of the victims since they were already evacuated before the any calamity strikes. CARE ACCORD Project, a pilot project on disaster preparedness and mitigation, covers only 5 out of the 30 barangays, to address concerns at disaster hazard areas in St. Bernard, it was learned. Gawad Kalasag promotes the Filipino inherent spirit of bayanihan, volunteerism and spontaneous cooperation in times of major problems like responding to disasters and emergencies. Meanwhile, PDRRMC wanted to include the purchase of rubber boats in the Disaster Annual Investment Plan for next year. The local disaster council also would like to purchase and install VHF radio repeaters for Limasawa Island and Pacific Towns areas in the said disaster investment plan.### (PIA SoLeyte/esg)

Cebuano news: So. Leyte DENR works double time to attain 2011 NGP target

by Bong Pedalino


MAASIN CITY, Southern Leyte, Sept. 7 (PIA) -- The provincial office of the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) is working double time to reach its target of reforesting 1,800 hectares of timberland areas in the province this year, according to Ricardo Tomol, Provincial Environment and Natural Resources Officer (PENRO). In a casual chat with the Philippine Information Agency (PIA) on the sidelines of a meeting held at Rep. Roger Mercado’s office Monday, PENRO Tomol said his office will be doing a double time in coordination with various government agencies as they are expected to cover all bases for the remaining months of the year. In July, Cong. Mercado led the launching of the National Greening Program (NGP) in the province, during which the sites to be planted, also called NGP sites, were duly identified, with the challenge that these areas should be planted based on the timeline specified under the nationwide reforestation program. Last month, the DENR coverage under CENRO-Maasin were able to plant 20 hectares of the NGP site at barangay Lonoy with the help of high school students, while at CENRO-San Juan, some 4o hectares were already accomplished. CENRO refers to Community Environment and Natural Resources Office, a subdivision of the provincial DENR, with CENRO-Maasin comprising the areas from Maasin to Sogod, while CENRO-San Juan comprising the rest of the towns in the pacific and Panaon island, including Libagon. For the NGP, CENRO-Maasin was assigned 800 hectares, and CENRO-San Juan, 1,000 hectares, Tomol said. He told the heads of offices present during the meeting at Congressman’s office that he will soon provide them with their respective schedules for the NGP-led tree-planting activity, as it was already understood that under NGP every employee was committed to plant ten trees per year until 2016. For the two CENROs, the strategy now would be to plant more than 300 hundred hectares per month until December to accomplish the goal of 1,800 hectares, Tomol said. Aside from closely coordinating with the Department of Education (DepEd), Tomol said he will also go around to the various local government units in the province and the different People’s Organizations to step up the pace. The NGP will go on until 2016, with an expected increase in hectare coverage every year, it was learned. The national target was to plant 1.5 billion tree and fruit-tree seedlings in 1.5 million hectares. Whereas the reforestation programs in the past 25 years covered only some 200 hectares, the NGP, in a matter of six years raised it almost a thousand times, Tomol intimated. The other difference is that while past reforestation programs relied only on human monitoring, the NGP uses satellite technology in tracking planted sites, so everything has to be feed into the computer, the internet, Tomol added. (PIA-Southern Leyte/bong)

“Takbo Laban sa Krimen” highlights Crime Prevention Week in Maasin City

by R.G. Cadavos


MAASIN CITY, Southern Leyte Sep 6 (PIA) -- As the nation celebrates National Crime Prevention Week, September 1-7, 2011, a fun run dubbed as “Takbo Laban sa Krimen” is one of the highlights of the week-long activity. In a report sent by PSupt. Hector F. Enage to Philippine Information Agency (PIA)-Maasin, the fun run to be conducted this afternoon at 3:00 will be participated by the Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG) family such as the Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP), Bureau of Jail Management and Penology (BJMP), the Philippine National Police (PNP), and oither uniformed personnel and identified non-government organizations. The “Takbo Laban saKrimen” is closely coordinated by the city government led by Mayor Maloney Samaco, the source informed. Earlier, the city ploice force participated in the blood letting activity organized by the PIA-Maasin staff last Friday, Sept. 2, which was also one of their activities lined-up for the nationwide celebration of crime prevention. Other activities prepared were the Crime Prevention Symposium held last 3rd of September that tackled topics like Rules of the Community in Criminal Justice System with CInsp. Euterio Ortiz of BJMP as the speaker and Crime Prevention discussed by PSupt. Enage. On September 4, the police authorities conducted a barangay visitation at Barangays Tawid and San Agustin, while September 5 was the destruction of handmade gas guns conducted in front of the city hall grounds and was followed by a motorcade around the city. The city PNP and the Southern Leyte Provincial Police Office will be also guesting at the” Action Center” Kapihan aired at Maasin Cable TV at Senior Citizens building here hosted by PIA Infocen Manager Erna Sy Gorne and Bong Pedalino. And to culminate the week-long celebration, a program will be held at the Maasin Police Station in the morning of September 7 with DILG City Local Government Operations Officer Elsa Tingcoy as the guest speaker. (rgc/PIA-SoLeyte)

8 barangays in Saint Bernard conduct simultaneous disaster drills

by Bong Pedalino


SAINT BERNARD, Southern Leyte, Sept. 5 (PIA) -- Residents in eight (8) calamity-prone villages in this municipality on Saturday held simultaneous community drills on various disaster scenarios to test the capacity of the people for quick response during bad weather, and to practice efficient coordination among disaster bodies in the barangays concerned, the Barangay Disaster Risk Reduction Management Council (BDRRMC) along with their town counterpart, the Municipal Disaster Risk Reduction Management Council (MDRRMC). Barangays Nueva Esperanza, Ayahag, and Sug-angon, which are located along the foot of Mount Kan-abag like the ill-fated Guinsaugon (in fact, next to Sug-angon is the buried Guinsaugon) were given a landslide scenario with selected victims on fatalities and injuries, while the five other barangays -- Tambis 1, Tambis 2, Himbangan, Panian, and San Isidro -- were given flooding situations being high-risk flood areas, along with injured and dead victims as well. The activity, the third in a row since 2008, was organized and fully backed-up by a non-government organization that focused its advocacies on empowering localities that are vulnerable to disasters, in cooperation with the municipal and barangay local government units. The first two drills were held under ACCORD, or “Strengthening Assets and Capacities of Communities and Local Governments for Resilience to Disasters”, while the one on Saturday was under ASCEND, for “Advancing Safer Communities and Environments against Disasters.” According to its literature, ASCEND is a community-based disaster preparedness and mitigation project with activities in eleven (11) municipalities implemented in Jomalig (Quezon), Marinduque, Rapu-rapu (Albay), Calabanga (Camarines Sur), Maragusan (Compostela Valley), and in Saint Bernard. ASCEND was funded by the European Commission’s Humanitarian Aid and Civil Protection department (ECHO) for 2010-2011. A hand-held radio communication between the MDRRMC base and the eight Punong Barangays set the mood of the drill that began past eight in the morning until past lunch time. As soon as the “message” of bad weather following three days of incessant rains was heard on the two-way radio, the Punong Barangays called all the committees of the BDRRMC to mobilize their respective committees and prepare for a pre-empted evacuation to avert a tragedy, which was already “ongoing”. The “batingaw” was pounded, first in slow pounding, to alert people for a possible evacuation and another, much faster pounding was made later to signal that people go to designated pick-up points immediately. An exchange of calls between the village leaders and the MDRRMC base made possible the arrival of dump trucks to ferry people to the evacuation sites, Police personnel for crowd control, ambulances and rescue personnel from the Saint Bernard Emergency Rescue Unite (SBERO) to carry the “wounded” and the “dead” victims. At the relocation site, several scenarios had to be attended, like a complaining evacuee who wanted to transfer to another room, trouble inside the evacuation center, and another set of “wounded” and “dead” at the relocation site. Overall, the conduct of the drills was successful, even as during the assessment after lunch, there were some deficiencies noted, such as cranking communication system for lack of charged batteries, duplication of orders among the BDRRMC committee heads, and a lot of laughing participants as the activity itself was no laughing matter. The second community drill held last October 3, 2009 was more real as it was raining the whole day due to a low pressure area, while last Saturday it was sunny. Among the observers were residents of neighboring barangays and from Silago, including Marichu Tan of the Office of the Civil Defense (OCD), and the local media.

First blood-letting at PIA-So. Leyte nets 12 bags

by Bong Pedalino


MAASIN CITY, Southern Leyte, Sept. 4 (PIA) -- At the end of the day, the provincial chapter of the Red Cross here went home with 12 bags of fresh blood donated by donors in a blood-letting activity held at the provincial office of the Philippine Information Agency (PIA) Friday, this city. The activity represented a 50% increase from the expected donors of eight individuals. Among those who gave blood were three employees from the neighboring office of City Agriculture, five Policemen from the City Police Station, a walk-in student from Maasin City College (MCC), an employee from the city local government unit, Angie Book, correspondent of the local weekly Southern Leyte Times (SLT) and this writer. The city’s Police elements were informed on the spot, yet P/Supt. Hector Enage, the city’s police chief, responded immediately, sending his men and documenting the process as part of their celebration of Crime Prevention Week, it was learned. The blood-letting began 9 in the morning and ended at 3 in the afternoon. Actually, more than ten other prospective donors who were willing to donate blood were also denied for various reasons by the attending medical officers of the Red Cross. Some had high blood, asthma, and recent tooth extractions. The successful conduct of the activity was attended and supervised by Dr. Nadine Sy of the Salvacion Oppus Yniguez Memorial Provincial Hospital, along with her two nurses. Infocen Manager Gorne said the next round of the same event Friday next week will be held at the spacious function hall of the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH), although this has yet to be coordinated with District Engineer Carlos Veloso. (PIA-Southern Leyte/bong)

Feature: PIA-So. Leyte office becomes 'blood-letting clinic

by Bong Pedalino


The Southern Leyte office of the Philippine Information Agency (PIA) was transformed into a channel for blood donors to shed a fraction of the life-giving liquid so that others may live. On short notice, what was normally a routine office appearance was altered to become an eerie sight of three lined cots for the blood-letting process, the tables and chairs neatly arranged to resemble a functional albeit improvised medical facility. In a little while, as doctors and nurses from the Salvacion Oppus Yniguez Memorial Provincial Hospital (SOYMPH), along with volunteers from the local Red Cross arrive, the smell of alcohol together with the presence of other paraphernalia such as the one for measuring blood pressure, the office has transformed into PIA Clinic, at least for today. The activity was in line with the instruction from PIA Director-General Jose Fabia for the field offices to coordinate in their respective localities with the media, private groups, non-government organizations, health personnel, and local government units to conduct a simultaneous blood-letting every Friday until the need persists, so the collected blood be given to areas in other parts of the country that are still lingering from the dengue outbreak. On deck at the “PIA-So. Leyte Clinic” today to lay down in the prepared cots are at least eight volunteer blood donors whom Infocen Manager Erna Gorne approached to share their precious blood, including employees from the City Social Welfare and Development Office (CSWDO) and the Office of the City Agriculture Services (OCAS), PIA’s neighbor offices. Jani Arnaiz, President of the local media group Associated Media of Southern Leyte (AMSL) who is also a correspondent of the Philippine Daily Inquirer, had indicated also to give blood -- his very first attempt if ever this try would materialize. Marichu Tan, the lone personnel of the Office of Civil Defense here, also listed her name in the donors’ list.(PIA-Southern Leyte/bong)

Southern Leyte media to join PIA in blood letting activities

by R.G. Cadavos


MAASIN CITY, Southern Leyte Sep 1 (PIA) – The Associated Media of Southern Leyte will join the Philippine Information Agency (PIA) in the blood letting activities to help dengue-stricken areas throughout the country to prevent the spread of virus. In a media forum aired regularly at radio station DyDM every Wednesday, media practitioners who faciliated the radio program such as the PIA, DyDM reporters, among other private correspondents here committed to join the blood donation activities as directed by PIA Director General Atty. Jose Fabia through Region 8 Director Olive P. Tiu . The AMSL has been regularly supporting in every program the PIA initiated. During the forum, Southern Leyte Provincial Information Center Manager Erna Gorne disclosed in a phone patch interview that “ PIA is asking your support and hopeful that the media will also be one of the donors of the voluntary blood donation.” The PIA is now coordinating with the Philippine National Red Cross- Southern Leyte Chapter to facilitate the blood letting activity, “we are suggesting to the PNRC that it will be held at the PIA Office at Barangay Combado here,” she added. On the other hand, one of the hosts, Ramon Buyser of DyDM, a Kagawad of Barangay Mambajao disclosed that “Barangay officials here initiated already the blood donation every 4 months, held at the barangay hall and conducted by the Red Cross,” adding that “the activity started last year yet, he added. The blood letting activity was in response to a memorandum from Atty. Fabia “to conduct a voluntary blood donation day as dengue cases in many parts of the country is increasing.” The bloodletting activity in Eastern Visayas started last August 26, Friday at the PIA 8 Regional Office in coordination with the AGIO-8, KBP Eastern Visayas, REAL and the Philippine National Red Cross Leyte Chapter to mobilize people in the blood letting activity. (rgc/PIA-SoLeyte)

700 Maasin seniors get medical, dental services thru LIDEF mission

by ES Gorne


MAASIN CITY, Southern Leyte, Aug. 30 (PIA) -- About 700 senior citizens in Maasin City got medical and dental services as the Office of the Senior Citizens Association (OSCA) thru the initiatives of Senior Citizens Federation President Willie J. Justimbaste in close coordination with the Limasawa Development Foundation (LIDEF) and Congressman Roger Mercado conducted a medical and dental mission today. The aging citizens needing medical and dental services swelled into 700 warm bodies as the organizers prepared for only 500 indigent senior citizens, Engr. Esperanza Samaco, LIDEF President disclosed to PIA Southern Leyte in an interview this morning. City Social Wefare and Development Officer Fe Sta Cruz noted that only 500 indigent senior citizens were listed for their preparations but it was found out that there are those barangays who were not able to submit their lists to CSWDO earlier. Most of those who went to the mission were suffering from cough, hyper tension, needing vitamins, problems with eye sight, diabetes, among others, while a number of the senior citizens were have their decaying teeth extracted, Engr. Samaco said. Samaco further said the foundation were preparing for the medicines both for medical and dental needs to include the honoraria of the medical doctors, dentists, nurses and dental aides who assisted during the conduct of the mission, preparations for the snacks and meals to include the senior citizens availing the services. Meanwhile, Congressman Mercado who turned to 60 years old today received his senior citizen’s card and purchase slips from the OSCA officers and witnessed by the Federation of Senior Citizens Associations in Maasin City and the CSWDO Fe Sta. Cruz. Later in the afternoon, Congressman Mercado also gave a birthday offering for the indigent children aging from four to seven years old exclusively from Barangay Abgao, his resident barangay, it was learned.### (PIA Southern Leyte/ esg)

'Sunken' roads in So. Leyte are the effects of 12 daily tremors - DPWH

by Bong Pedalino


MAASIN CITY, Southern Leyte, Aug 29 (PIA) -- Citing a study done by a geologist, Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) District Engineer Carlos Veloso disclosed that certain sections of the national highway in this province are always damaged due to a dozen daily movements of the ground. In an interaction with local media Tuesday, Veloso, head of the Southern Leyte Engineering District (SLED), identified these perennially destructed sections as the one along Bato, Leyte, to Bontoc road and the other at barangay Hindag-an, Saint Bernard. A technical explanation of these seemingly “sunk” sections was the presence of underground water that over time eventually loosened the soil coupled with the everyday dose of the natural earth-shaking move which is not strong enough to be noticed. The damaged road sections also fell along the fault line that traverses the province, Veloso said. Assistant District Engineer Manolo Rojas said they had installed gabions in these areas, saying this kind of structure was permeable, or allows the passage of water through piles of stones hitched with tie wires. Meanwhile, another problematic road portion which is the steep saddle road in Pintuyan, will be re-engineered to cut across a mountainside to lower its elevation. Veloso said his office has already complied with the program of works for an initial budget of P 50 Million asked by the DPWH Central office for a 700-meter alternate road to divert the saddle, adding that the instruction was the result of a resolution submitted by the provincial government to Malacanang. Several motorists suffered accidents in the past while negotiating this uphill, winding road, and its imminent change in design is timely considering that a new Ferry terminal in Benit, San Ricardo, was already in operation. Both Veloso and Rojas were optimistic the development of the much lower saddle road will be made part of the regular budget of the agency, saying that DPWH Secretary Rogelio Singson’s timetable was that all primary roads would be paved by 2013. (PIA-Southern Leyte/bong)

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