Southern Leyte Province News November 2011

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PBSP completes contingency plans in 50 priority barangays in Southern Leyte

by. ES Gorne


MAASIN CITY, Southern Leyte, November 29 (PIA) -- All of the 50 priority barangays under the Strengthening Disaster Preparedness thru SMS Technology project, spearheaded by the Philippine Business for Social Progress (PBSP), have facilitated for the completion of each respective contingency plans. PBSP Project Consultant Jason Calva reported that all of the 10 recipient local government units, under the project with their five priority barangays, have already completed formulation of their respective contingency plans last Saturday, November 26, 2011. Calva said that since June this year, PBSP have assisted the 5 - barangays of each the municipalities namely, Malitbog, Bontoc, Libagon, Liloan, San Francisco, Pintuyan, San Ricardo, Saint Bernard, and Hinunangan and the city of Maasin. He further disclosed that since the contingency plans at the level has been completed then the project will now undertake for the formulation for the ten municipal contingency plans by the month of January and scheduled for the provincial contingency plan by the month of February next year. According to Maasin City Disaster Risk Reduction Management Council (CDRRMC) Staff Ritchie Sumalinog that during times of crisis, contingency plans are often developed to explore and prepare for any eventuality, designed to inform citizens and concerned officials by the use of short messages system (SMS) technology through cellular phones. The project will apply mobile phone SMS technology to improve the communication system among DRRM organizations at various levels of the DRRM command chain not only in Maasin City but throughout the province, he added. The project also aimed to assess existing vulnerabilities; implement disaster avoidance and prevention procedures; and develop a comprehensive plan that will enable the organization to react appropriately and in a timely manner if disaster strikes, it was learned. ### (PIA SoLeyte/esg)






SoLeyte PSWDO sets dialogue with local stakeholders to comply with Senior Citizens Act

by. ES Gorne


MAASIN CITY, Southern Leyte, Nov. 28 (PIA) -- The Provincial Social Welfare and Development Office (PSWDO) in Southern Leyte will soon meet with the local stakeholders mostly based in Sogod, Southern Leyte to appeal for the compliance of the Republic Act 9994, otherwise known as "an act to maximize the contribution of senior citizens to nation-building, grant benefits and special privileges and for other purposes." The senior citizen’s dialogue will also tackle on the one per cent share the group is entitled to receive from the Annual Investment Plan (AIP) of the local government units and government agencies, PSWDO Senior Staff Renato Honrada, who is also the Senior Citizen Focal Person disclosed to PIA Southern Leyte in an interview today. The participating stakeholders the group will expect in the said dialogue includes the bus operators, drug proprietors, convenient stores, Municipal Social Welfare and Development Officers (MSWDOs), Office of the Senior Citizen’s Association (OSCA), Land Transportation Office (LTO) and Senior Citizen’s Municipal Presidents, Honrada said. PSWDO still received several complaints about owners of business establishments who are not granting the discount due the senior citizens, he said. He added that some of the bus operators do not give the riding senior citizens with the discounted fare they are supposed to avail under the law. While a lot of convenient stores and even drug stores do not entertain their privileges in the discounted purchase of groceries and drugs. While the one per cent share from the AIPs still need to be strongly advocated with the assistance of the MSWDOs of respective OSCA in all 18 municipalities, he disclosed. Meanwhile, Honrada will also invite the participation of Maasin City OSCA and CSWDO who can share their experiences in the successful implementation in the city of the different privileges they have availed in discounted groceries, drug stores, transportation, electric and water bills payments. Maasin City OSCA, Maasin City Senior Citizen’s Federation President together with CSWDO last month gave recognition to at least five establishments such as Mercury Drug Store, Rose Pharmacy, Southern Leyte Electric Cooperative, Maasin Water District and Metro Hiper- Gaisano for complying with RA 9994, he added. # ## (PIA Southern Leyte/esg)






National government absorbs payments for 2012 indigents sponsored program -- So. Leyte Philhealth

by. Bong Pedalino


MAASIN CITY, Southern Leyte, Nov. 26 (PIA) -- All poor families can expect to be covered by the Philippine Health Insurance Corporation (Philhealth) next year as the national government will be the one to pay for the P 1,200.00 annual premium, said Misael Paigan, head of the provincial Philhealth Service Office. The selection of the qualified families will be based on the National Household Targeting System (NHTS), a country-wide database, for Philhealth’s nationwide sponsorship program next year, Paigan revealed during the Action Center cable TV program Wednesday. He said those enrolled through the initiatives of the local government units (LGUs), the municipalities, cities, provinces, or by the Office of the Congressman, these will have to continue, provided the concerned LGUs or entities will be the ones to pay the full P 1,200.00 premium per recipient. In the past, the LGUs shared 10% of the premiums while the national government paid the other 90%, he added. The intention of the national government to take care of the Philhealth premiums by next year shall insure the widest coverage of medical care for all Filipinos, also known as universal coverage, and this will also be in line with the country’s commitment to the Millennium Development Goals (MDG) of the United Nations, said Henry Madula, Philhealth Information Officer. Madula said that among the objectives of the MDG will be to greatly reduce the maternal and child mortalities before, during, and shortly after giving birth. Philhealth has included normal delivery in accredited birthing facilities, along with new born screening, as among the listed benefits that active members can claim. Aside from reaching out to as many potential members to be enrolled as possible, Paigan said Philhealth has been working closely with hospitals so common drugs and medicines needed by member-patients while being admitted can be available with support from the Department of Budget and Management (DBM). Philhealth is also monitoring public and private health care providers so these wellness outlets can be accredited as soon as they can comply with the requirements, so that members can have much wider access in availing Philhealth’s benefit payments, Paigan also said. (PIA-Southern Leyte/bong)







Red Cross -So Leyte to join “Million Volunteer Run”

by. R.G. Cadavos


MAASIN CITY, Sotuhern Leyte, Nov. 25 (PIA) -– The Philippine National Red Cross (PNRC) – Southern Leyte Chapter will join the sycnchronized “Million Volunteer Run” throughout the country on December 4, 2011. The “Million volunteer Run” is a run for humanity, which declared the year 2011 as the International Year of Volunteers, PNRC-Southern Leyte Chapter Fund Raiser Yen Yen Ravago reported this afternoon. “PNRC seeks to awaken the volunteer spirit in every Filipino through the Million Volunteer Run to be held on a Sunday, that will start in front of the city hall grounds at 3:00 pm,” she said. The activity, which is a 3-kilometer run will tour around the city proper. “A raffle tickets is also sold at P10.00 each with cash prizes prepared at stake,” Ravago said. A cash prize of P10,000 for the first winner; P8,000 for the second prize and P5,000 for the third prize winner. A P500 consolacion prize will also be given to 25 ticket holders, the report said. A registration fee will also be collected from the participants, Ravago disclosed, such as P125 with free sando; P200 with free sando and five raffle tickets; and P500 with a package-free containing sando, accidental insurance, toolkit with whistle and bag and 5 raffle tickets. In Maasin City, Mayor Maloney Samaco directed all city employees to participate in the “Million volunteer run” of the Red Cross in a Memorandum Order No. 398 series of 2011. “All city heads of offices with Representation Allowance will register for the P500 category, while the city employees may opt to register in any of the categories listed,” the memo noted. While the provincial government, also committed to participate, though as of this writing about a few has registered yet for the said activity Ravago said. It was learned that the Philippine Red Cross (PRC) will serve as a driving force to advance the spirit of volunteerism to address today's humanitarian challenges. “We will empower the nation against the dangers of disasters,” it added. (rgc/PIA-SoLeyte)






PhilHealth Link project now implemented in Southern Leyte

by. ES Gorne


MAASIN CITY, Southern Leyte, Nov. 24 (PIA8) -- The Philippine Health Insurance Corporation (PhilHealth) members and beneficiaries can now have easier, faster way to facilitate membership verification through the PhilHealth LINK project. PhilHealth Service Office Head Misael Paigan said their office, through PhilHealth Link Communication Center (PLCC), can now respond to queries on membership and collection status of the patients. The facilities of the PhiHealth Link including the systems developed will be made available to all government hospitals and soon to include the RHUs. Paigan said the operation of the PhilHealth Link is an improvement from the manual member verification method through mobile or landline phones. PhilHealth Southern Leyte Information Officer Henry Madula said it would be easier for any hospital patients to verify if they could avail the PhilHealth services as a member or as a beneficiary of a family relative working in other places. Magdula said some patients prefer to be charged to the charity ward instead of verifying at their office. Magdula further said with the introduction of said facilities, PhilHealth hopes to increase Bed Occupancy Rate of the HCP and improve the Benefit Delivery Rate in the region. (PIA Southern Leyte/esg)





PhilHealth – SoLeyte mulls drug consignment to ensure availability

by. ES Gorne


MAASIN CITY, Southern Leyte, Nov. 23 (PIA) - The Philippine Health Insurance (PhilHealth) – Southern Leyte has been working closely with the provincial government of Southern Leyte to consider drug consignment to ensure availability of drugs and medicines to its members. “ In order to ensure availability of drugs and medicines to PhilHealth members right at the hospital, the office is closely working with the Sangguniang Panlalawigan Committee Chair on Health for the provincial government to consider the drug consignment with the Department of Budget and Management (DBM),” PhilHealth Service Office – Maasin City Head Misael Paigan said during the “Action Center” MCTV program at Senior Citizen Center this morning. Paigan said the provincial government has been considering such system inorder to come up strategies to address the most pressing problems in government hospitals such as inadequacy of medicine and drugs. It has been noted that most of the government hospitals has no enough supply of the drugs and medicines needed by the PhilHealth members or beneficiaries as prescribed by the medical doctors attending their physical ailments. Paigan said he is hopeful that strategy will address the medicines and drugs availability in the hospitals and non- hospital facilities inorder to provide quality services from PhilHealth and other stakeholders for the welfare and health of the people. In addition, Paigan revealed that in Southern Leyte, PhilHealth has accredited 6 government hospitals, 5 private hospitals and for the non- hospital facilities - 18 Rural Health Units for the Out-Patient Benefit Package, 12 RHUs for the Tuberculosis Directly Observed Treatment Short course (TB-DOTS) and 15 health facilities for the Maternal Care Package.(PIA Southern Leyte/esg






SoLeyte Solon distributes 50 computer sets

by. ES Gorne


MAASIN CITY, Southern Leyte, Nov. 22 (PIA) -– Southern Leyte lone district representative Roger G. Mercado on November 18 distributed 50 sets of computers to different schools, government offices and barangays at the Provincial Capitol here. The office of the congressional district allocates funds for the purchase of 50 sets of computers complete with accessories at P35,000 per unit, Congressional District senior staff Aida Morsen disclosed to PIA Southern Leyte in a phone interview. Morsen said 25 barangays coming from the municipalities of Maasin City, Macrohon, Padre Burgos, Malitbog, Tomas Oppus, Bontoc, Sogod, Libagon, Lilo-an, San Juan, St. Bernard and Hinundayan got their requested computers from the office of the congressional district. She further said that 19 government offices such as the Clerk of Courts, PNP stations, Bureau of Fire and Proection, Solid Waste Management Office, Municipal Trial Courts, Bureau of Jail Management and Penelogy, ABC Federation Office, Liga ng Barangay in Maasin City, Maasin City Investment Office, Provincial Budget Office, Sangguniang Panlalawigan and the Municipal Local Government Operations Office (MLGOO) in Macrohon and Padre Burgos Community Hospital. Morsen added that 5 elementary schools and schools district office in Bontoc also received their computer sets while the Malitbog Fisherfolk Cooperative also got their computer set also. Meanwhile, the congressional district also released an initial fund in the amount of P200,000.00 out of P400,000.00 through the Provincial Social Welfare and Development Office (PSWDO) to be utilized for the socio- cultural needs of the people, Morsen added.(PIA SoLeyte/esg)






SoLeyte replicates National Convergence Initiative to alleviate poverty

by. R.G. Cadavos


MAASIN CITY, Southern Leyte Nov. 21 (PIA) -– The provincial government of Southern Leyte, through the efforts of Gov. Damian G. Mercado, replicated the convergence initiative of the national government in its aim to alleviate poverty and enhance the quality of life of the people, particularly the Southern Leyteños. “There will be three agencies that converge and share the responsibility for rural development and sustainable management of natural resources,” Provincial Agriculturist Marina Gador informed. These are the Department of Agriculture (DA), Department of Agrarian Reform (DAR) and the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR), not to mention the provincial government led by Gov. Mercado, she said. Gador stated in a phone interview this morning that in Southern Leyte, the provincial convergence initiative project will focus on the rubber tree production at the Southern Leyte Resettlement Area at the municipality of Humunangan, this province with the Agrarian Reform Beneficiciaries (ARBs) as the recipients. “As of now, the province is on the potting stage with about 120,000 seedlings at Southern Leyte State University – Hinunangan Campus, while the budding propagation will follow thereafter for about six months,” Gador said, adding that the establishment of a nursery for the budding propagation will be identified. The potting activity started by late October, 2011 yet, she added. She said that the reorganization of the members of Provincial Convergence Initiative met last August, 2011 yet, joining the DA, DENR , DA forces with the provincial government and some stakeholders as counterparts of the said project. “We will again meet on December 6, 2011 at the Hinunangan Municipal Hall committing support for the provincial convergence initiative,” Gador added. It was learned that through this convergence strategy, it is expected that efforts to enhance rural development will improve and be more efficient. The national convergence initiative is the government’s strategy for poverty alleviation that will eventually enhance the quality of life of people along the countryside and appreciate the value of their land as a a best source of opportunity for development. Furthermore, the NCI was formalized through a Joint Memorandum Circular issued in 1999 and is geared towards reducing overlaps and conflicts among DA, DAR and DENR. It also seeks to improve coordination and cooperation in areas such as policy dialogue and advocacy, knowledge management, capacity development as well as agribusiness. (rgc/PIA-SoLeyte)





SoLeyte launches San Pablo Marine Protected Area with Rare Conservation

by. R.G. Cadavos


SOUTHERN LEYTE, Nov. 16 (PIA) -- The Provincial Enviroment and Natural Resources Management Office (PENRMO)in close coordination with the Rare Conservation, launched on Tuesday, Nov 15 the Marine Protected Area in the Island of San Pablo, Hinunangan, this province. Coastal Fisheries Resources Management Unit Officer Eva Abad in a short talk with the Philippine Information Agency (PIA) -Maasin this morning reported that the launching acitivity coincided with the groundbreaking of the gurad house and the Marine Protected Area billboard, along the seashores of San Pablo Island. “The whole day activity was graced by the Municipal Agriculture Officers and Agriculture Technicians in charge of fisheries, among other representative from different stakeholders,” Abad bared. It was in partnership with the Provincial Government of Southern Leyte, the local government of Hinunangan and the Rare Conservation – an international non-government organization that have programs implemented here in the Philippines, Abad added. Abad disclosed that the establishment of the MPA also emphasized the social marketing in its aim to contribute to the sustainable fishing not only here in the locality but throughout the country. The launching activity conveyed two behaviors to the concerned constituents in order to protect the marine areas, such as “to urge the community to protect the MPA by reporting to the law enforcers if they noticed any violator, and for the fisherfolks not to go into the MPAs as the immediate beneficiaries of the program,” Abad said. She added that a conservation fellow in the person of Armando Gaviola has been trained in the United States as the focal person in the implementation of the said program, in addition to Mr. Dag Navarrete who is also in charge of the Punta MPA, a Coral Cay Conservation assisted project in San Francisco town, this province.(rgc/PIA-SoLeyte)






So. Leyte grants livelihood assistance to 18 People’s Organizations

by. Bong Pedalino


MAASIN CITY, Southern Leyte, Nov. 15 (PIA) -- The provincial government has granted nearly 1 million pesos in livelihood assistance to 18 People’s Organizations (POs), a move designed to help every group’s members while they acted as accredited stewards to protect and preserve the environment in their respective localities. The POs, spread province-wide at an average of one per local government unit, were comprised mostly of marginal upland dwellers and have existing community-based forest management agreements with the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR), it was learned. The Provincial Environment and Natural Resources Management Office (PENRMO) disclosed that out of the 18 POs, only about four or five have yet to receive their assistance. The provincial government’s intervention was intended to augment the PO members’ income as they will be expected to be productive in a profitable venture, while at the same time seeing to it that the natural habitat in their surrounding can be maintained. Last week, Emely Labata, a forester at PENRMO, spoke on the topic Climate Change Adaptation in Forestry during a three-day training for personnel of local disaster bodies in various municipalities and this city. Among the salient point she discussed centered on diversification of local economies and livelihoods through non-wood products, among others. She said the local government has tapped the 18 POs for the management of forest resources, including proper utilization of products derived from the forests. She reported that the provincial government has already released the P 50,000.00 cash assistance to almost all the POs to finance their livelihood project proposals in agri-business.(PIA-Southern Leyte/bong)

PNP-SoLeyte nabs drug suspect

by. R.G. Cadavos


MAASIN CITY, Southern Leyte, Nov. 14 (PIA) -- The Southern Leyte Police Provincial Office nabbed another drug suspect in a buy-bust operation conducted Thursday at Barangay Mambajao, this city. In a report sent by Police Community Relations Chief Abdulmajid Jaji to the Philippine Information Agency-Maasin said the “PNP personnel of Maasin Police Station under the supervision of PSUPT Hector F. Enage, Maasin City Chief of Police together with the Southern Leyte Criminal Investigation and Detection Team (SLCIDT) personnel, conducted a buy bust operation at Brgy Mambajao, Maasin City,” which resulted to the arrest of one Angelito Grullo Cadavero alias Lito, 26 years old, single, laborer and a resident of Brgy Mantahan, Maasin City. Confiscated from the suspect’s possession, control and custody were the following items: five (5) pieces small transparent plastic cellophane containing suspected methamphetamine hydrochloride locally known as shabu; two (2) pieces small transparent plastic cellophane containing suspected residue of shabu ; five (5) pieces aluminum foil ; two (2) pieces lighter ; two (2) pieces five hundred peso bill (PHP 500.00) used as marked money ; one (1) box matches labeled “Fuego” ; and black ballpen. The conduct of inventory and photograph of evidences was witnessed by a media reporter and Brgy Kagawad of Brgy Maria Clara, Maasin City and a representative from the Department of Justice, Jaji reported. The suspected shabu and aluminum foils will be submitted for laboratory test with Southern Leyte Crime Laboratory at the Provincial Capitol Compound, Asuncion, this city through the Philippine Drugs Enforcement Agency 8 (PDEA8), Candahug, Palo, Leyte while cases for violation of section 5,11 and 12 of article 11, R.A 9165 are now being prepared. He further disclosed that during the command conference with the PNP-Southern Leyte Police Provincial Personnel led by Officer-in-Charge PSSupt. Allan Cuevillas, it was agreed to strictly implement all the directives from the higher headquarters in its combat against any form of illegal activities. (rgc/PIA-SoLeyte)






DTI – So Leyte to inspect Christmas lights next week

by. ES Gorne


MAASIN CITY, Southern Leyte, November 13 (PIA8) -- The Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) Southern Leyte Provincial Office will conduct a close monitoring of Christmas lights next week, Trade and Industry Specialist II Rowena Garde disclosed to PIA SoLeyte in a phone interview. As early as September, DTI already warned the local establishments to not sell faulty Christmas lights. Garde said the local establishments were already given a list of brands of safe Christmas lights with Import Commodity Clearance (ICC) marks. The department declared that only those Christmas lights produced from January 2009 up to the present production are allowed to be sold in the market, she added. She also said that in the ICC marks, the last two digits indicates the year of production of said commodity, such as 09, 10 and 11. There are also ICC marks that bears the full year of production that can be easily recognized by the buyer.(PIA SoLeyte/esg)






EV nominates SoLeyte, Biliran to national Agri-Pinoy Rice Achievers Awards 2011

by. PIA Press Release


TACLOBAN CITY, Leyte, November 12 (PIA) -– With Southern Leyte and Biliran as top rice producing provinces in Eastern Visayas, they are the region's nominees to the search for Agri-Pinoy Rice Achievers Awards 2011. Southern Leyte and Biliran were chosen because they achieved a 152 percent rice sufficiency index, said Department of Agriculture Region 8 information chief Francis Rosaroso. He added that Southern Leyte is the Region’s top hybrid rice producer, due to the Provincial Government's program “Plant Now Pay Later” that allows farmers to avail of seeds and other inputs loan, payable after harvest. The Agri-Pinoy Rice Achievers award is open to all provinces, municipalities/cities, irrigators’ association and agricultural extension workers, Rosaroso said. There are four categories for the Agri-Pinoy Rice Achievers’ Awards: the Top 10 Outstanding Provinces, which will receive P4 million each; Top 50 Outstanding Municipalities/Cities, which will receive P1 million each; Top 10 Outstanding Irrigators’ Associations, which will receive P1 million each. The awards will be in form of projects, which should help increase the productivity of the rice production industry in the locality. The Top 500 Outstanding Agricultural Extension Workers will each receive P20,000 cash. The Agri-Pinoy Rice Achievers’ Awards aims to encourage the full participation of LGUs involved in rice production and to recognize the highly performing provinces, municipalities and cities, Irrigators’ Associations, and agricultural extension workers as important stakeholders in the national food self-sufficiency program. The main criteria for the selection are yield increment, production data on rice for 2006-2010, budget allocation for rice production, provincial Rice Self Sufficiency Program (RSSP) road map and profile of the IAs (Irrigators Associations). The awarding of winners will be in January of 2012, Rosaroso said. (PIA 8)






Prov’l gov’t launches Southern Leyte Champion of the Seas 2012

by. ES Gorne


MAASIN CITY, Southern Leyte, Nov. 11 (PIA) -- The provincial government of Southern Leyte recently launched the search for the Southern Leyte Champion of Seas in 2012 to boost its food security in the province. That the Champion of the Seas 2012 competition will be competed among the Fisheries and Aquatic Resources Management Council (FARMCs) and MPAs in the different municipalities of the province and the City of Maasin according to Agricultural Technologist Rein Lagumbay of the Provincial Environment and Natural Resources Management Office – Coastal and Forest Resource Management (PENRMO-CFRM). The provincial government recently awarded 22 out of 48 Marine Protected Areas (MPAs) at P10,000.00 cash incentive for those who were able to submit management plans respectively, she said. Lagumbay said the provincial government has already integrated in the Annual Investment Plan (AIP) for this year the annual incentives for all the MPAs established in the province to come up with management plans. Last June, the first batch of 26 MPAs with management plans were already awarded with P10,000.00 each for this year, Lagumbay added. During the celebration of the Fish Conservation Week last October 2011, the provincial government initiated separate fora with the Southern Leyte Greenbelt Mangroove recipients and MPAs stakeholders on October 18 and 19, respectively, Lagumbay added.(PIA SoLeyte/esg)






DILG-SoLeyte to LGUs: Launch TXT PPUR 2861 during Friday’s flag retreat

by. R.G. Cadavos


SOUTHERN LEYTE, Nov. 10 (PIA) –- Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG) Secretary Jesse M. Robredo through DILG-Southern Leyte Provincial Office directed all governors, mayors and barangay chairmen nationwide to conduct and attend their flag retreat on Friday, November 11 and rally their constituents to vote – via text message PPUR 2861 or via the Internet – for the Puerto Princesa Underground River in the worldwide search for the New 7 Wonders of Nature. The directive quoted Secretary Robredo saying that the call to the country’s local chief executives a day before the final voting comes to an end on November 11 (Friday at 7:00 pm) which is part of a “last-ditch” effort by all government agencies concerned for all Filipinos to support the PPUR campaign. “I have directed all local chief executives to conduct and attend their flag retreat on Friday and rally and remind their constituents about their patriotism and what the country could get in return in terms of tourism and related revenues by voting for the PPUR campaign,” DILG Provincial Official quoted Robredo. It was explained further that by joining the flag retreat ceremonies constitutes a patriotic act for all Filipinos, this is the same as participating in the PPUR campaign, while urging barangay chairmen, mayors and governors that during the flag retreat this Friday, “they should ask and request their constituents to get their cellphones and text to vote for PPU,.” The source said. It was learned that PPUR has made it to the top 10 New 7 Wonders of the World finalists in a recent update on the ongoing worldwide voting, the DILG chief said the Filipinos should not just be contented with the PPUR landing at number 7 among the finalists. Aside from sending SMS message by typing PPUR and sending it to 2861, the public and all concerned government officials and employees can vote via the Internet by logging on to www.new7wonders.com. Apart from the PPUR, other nominees that made it to the top 10 include, the Dead Sea (Israel/Jordan/Palestine), Grand Canyon(United States), Great Barrier Reef (Australia/Papua New Guinea), Halong Bay (Vietnam), Jeita Grotto (Lebanon), Jeju Island (South Korea), Komodo Island (Indonesia), Sundarbans (Bangladesh/India), and Vesuvius (Italy). (rgc/PIA-SoLeyte)





DSWD-8 to hire additional workers for 4Ps expansion in Southern Leyte

by. ES Gorne


MAASIN CITY, Southern Leyte, Nov. 9 (PIA) -- The Department of Social Welfare and Development- 8 (DSWD-8) is now conducting a two-day orientation and examination of the applicants who will attend the implementation of the Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program (4Ps) expansion in the province. According to DSWD-8 staff Daisy Polistico, who is also the 4Ps Regional Point Person, there is the need for the government agency to hire more workers who will attend to the 4Ps expansion of the program to seven more municipalities in the Southern Leyte. Polistico said to effectively manage the anti-poverty program of the Aquino administration in the province, the regional office will need less than ten social welfare assistants and 12 municipal links more workforce. Earlier this year only four municipalities in the province, namely, Pintuyan, St. Bernard, Bontoc and Tomas Oppus were the 4Ps beneficiaries , Polistico added. The additional seven more municipalities with the potential indigent families to benefit from the 4Ps will be as follows: Maasin City – 2,725; Libagon - 898, Lilo-an – 1,236, Limasawa - 416, Malitbog – 1,127, San Francisco - 700 and San Ricardo -629, she disclosed further. It was further learned that DSWD -8 has been considering to increase the number of beneficiaries in the municipalities of Bontoc and Pintuyan, who were earlier benefited from the 4Ps this year. The government’s 4Ps program provides up to a maximum of P1,400 per family beneficiary per month and this includes P500 for the health/nutritional need of the family and a P300 educational assistance for every (14 years old and below) school children of the family for a maximum of three children.(PIA SoLeyte/esg)






So. Leyte Chamber of Commerce adds Limasawa as the fifth tourism hub

by. Bong Pedalino


MAASIN CITY, Southern Leyte, Nov. 8 (PIA) -- The Limasawa historical landmark has been added to the man-made tourist attractions in the “tourism dream” crafted by the Southern Leyte Chamber of Commerce and Industry (SLCCI), a visionary framework that was integrated in the development agenda of the various local government units. SLCCI President Engr. Robert Castanares announced the inclusion of the cultural and heritage icon in a gathering of hotels, resorts, and restaurant owners organized by the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) Friday and Candy’s function hall, where he spoke about the development directions of the tourism industry in the province. In his detailed presentation, Castanares discussed a comprehensive analysis of the economic situation in the province, in which the best way to circulate money was to lure tourists through the identified five tourism hubs that would position the province as the “playground of Eastern Visayas” by the year 2013. The first hub will be a theme park at Danao Forest Park in this city, wherein some 30 hectares was already approved by the city government to be developed into a zoo, to be called “ZooLeyte”, the target date for opening will be in April, 2012, Castanares revealed. The second hub, which was already operational since April 15 this year, was the popular Agas-Agas Zipline destination in Sogod, and Castanares said in a month or two, other features will be added like the off-road adventures, bungee jump, and cable car. The third hub will be the Silago canopy walk, or a stroll through high trees, the walk ending in a scenic waterfalls, and development of this project was still in progress. The fourth was the Napantao Dive Site in San Francisco, said to be among the top five dive destinations in Asia, and this will be enhanced further to cater to the expected surge of diving enthusiasts. The fifth hub was the Limasawa historical landmark, an ambitious project that would put up a 100-meter high cross in the island, equipped with elevator to reach the top portion where businesses like coffee shop and others can be enjoyed. Last year, when the tourism framework was presented to the local media, only the four hubs were highlighted. Castanares said the prime concern for the Limasawa project was the ground texture of the island if it can support such a huge infrastructure. The provincial “tourism dream” attempts to capture some 200,000 visitors starting this year until the end of 2013, Castanares also said. (PIA-Southern Leyte/bong)





DOLE 8 forms So. Leyte tourism industrial peace council

by. Bong Pedalino


MAASIN CITY, Southern Leyte, Nov. 7 (PIA) -- The Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) on Friday held a forum with owners of resorts, hotels, and restaurants here and elsewhere in the province held at Candy’s Function hall this city. The day-long activity discussed issues involving the key players of the tourism industry, leading to the formation of a tripartite industrial peace council on this particular sector. DOLE provincial field Officer Fe Norma Valuis said that throughout the entire region, the labor agency succeeded in forming tripartite industrial peace councils on three major groups, such as the power sector, the manufacturing sector, and the third in the series to be organized were the operators of hotels, restaurants and resorts, and tourism-related ventures (HRT). In his inspirational message, DOLE Regional Director Atty. Forter Puguon, emphasized that among the thrusts of his office was to strengthen labor relations between management of private business, the workers, and the government, or the development of a tripartite dialogue to resolve conflicts and promote peace. The DOLE “helps businesses by caring for workers,” Puguon said, adding that it would be costly for management to keep on hiring and training new personnel every now and then. Attending the event, aside from owners or representatives of known hotels, restaurants, and resorts, were Engr. Robert Castanares of Kuting Reef Resort, who was also the President of the Southern Leyte Chamber of Commerce and Industry (SLCCI); and Nacional Mercado, President of the Southern Leyte Association of Hotels, Restaurants, Resorts, and Bars (SLAHRRB). Also present from the DOLE family were Bernardita Velarde, Planning Officer, DOLE RO8, Marites Vinas, provincial head of the Northern Leyte field office, and Florencio Aguilos, Board Secretary of the Regional Tripartite Wages and Productivity Board (RTWPB). Other offices comprising the government sector included the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI), Technical Education Skills Development Authority (TESDA), Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR), and the Provincial Tourism Office. (PIA-Southern Leyte/bong)






New crime lab in So Leyte opens amid high expectations

by. Bong Pedalino


MAASIN CITY, Southern Leyte, Nov. 4 (PIA) -- Leading forensic experts of the Philippine National Police (PNP) and the local officials, on Thursday graced the opening and blessing rites of the Provincial Crime Laboratory Office (PCLO), located at the back of the capitol compound, this city. The ribbon-cutting ceremony was led by Gov. Damian Mercado and City Mayor Maloney Samaco, and they were assisted by PCSupt. Lorlie Nilo Arroyo, Director of the Crime Laboratory, and PSupt. Rea Villavicencio, Chief of the Regional Crime Laboratory, Region 8 Office. Also attending the event were PSupt. Allan Cuevillas, the new PNP Provincial Director, and PSupt. Pepito Pacada, formerly the PNP Provincial Director now serving as the Regional Chief of Staff. Pacada was representing PCSupt. Arnold Revilla, the Regional PNP Director. Other guests were officials from the municipality of Sogod, and some heads of national and provincial offices. Incidentally, PCLO, the new crime lab, which is also called the Scene of Crime Operatives (SOCO) operations center, was blessed by a Priest with surname Soco, in the person of Rev. Margarito Soco. PSInsp. Randie Dagatan, a native of Dulag, Leyte, who will head the SLPCLO as its Provincial Chief, stressed in his welcome remarks that forensic investigation is indispensable in attaining justice and having a speedy solution using science to crimes committed. He said the provincial crime lab was the second facility established under the leadership of her regional boss, PSupt. Villavicencio, who assumed the post for just one year and six months. The first one was put up in Northern Samar, it was learned. Mayor Samaco, in his message, cited the crime lab as a long cherished dream that was finally realized, adding that it will be a great help in maintaining the city’s image as the most peaceful place. Gov. Mercado, likewise, hailed the new outfit as a step forward for the solution of drug-related cases, which he said were dismissed on a mere technicality as the evidence brought to the regional lab for examination oftentimes will not be confirmed. “With this crime lab, babawi tayo. This is a big breakthrough in our campaign against criminality,” Gov. Mercado pointed out, expressing in a nutshell the overall sentiment of the community matched with the generally high expectations of the newly opened lab that must be results-driven. He pledged to provide support for the lab’s maintenance, sharing the burden with the city government, even as he emphasized his commitment that “those less in law are always my priority.” For her response, PCSupt. Arroyo said the SOCO unit will surely deliver the expected services through the lab. “I assure this will help investigators solve crimes,” said Arroyo. (PIA-Southern Leyte/bong)

SoLeyte PhilCAT sets to assess anti-TB campaign progress in the province

by. ES Gorne


MAASIN CITY, Southern Leyte, November 3 (PIA) -- The Philippine Coalition Against Tuberculosis (PhilCAT) in close coordination with the Provincial Coordinating Committee (PCC), who jointly implemented the Public – Private Mix DOTS (PPMD) in the province, calls on the stakeholders to a consultative meeting to assess anti - TB campaign progress in the province. “Tuberculosis remains a major problem in the province,” Provincial Health Officer II Jose Lito Trumata, who is also the Provincial Coordinating Committee (PCC) Chairman disclosed in a letter to PIA SoLeyte. This year, PhilCAT and Global Fund to Fight Aids, Tuberculosis and Malaria (GFATM) earlier launched together with the PCC the implementation of the global fight against tuberculosis (TB) down in the province, Trumata said. He said the strategy calls for the private and public sector campaign for a joint effort in the combat against TB. PCC has set a consultative meeting with the stakeholders on November 8, 2011 at Kuting Reef Resort and Spa in Macrohon to assess how far the PhilCAT- Province Coordinating Committee have gone in the implementation of Public-Private Mix DOTS in the province and to formulate plans/strategies for its sustainability. The following stakeholders signed up a memorandum of agreement with PhilCAT- PCC: Philippine Dental Association- Southern Leyte, Southern Leyte Pharmacist Association, Department of Education, FOBI, Philippine Health Insurance Corporation, Provincial Social Welfare and Development Office and the Provincial Population Office, which will also include the Southern Leyte Medical Society, Department of Health representatives of Southern Leyte, Municipal Health Officers of Southern Leyte, Southern Leyte League of Mayors, Southern Leyte League of Councilors, and the Philippine Nurses Association-Southern Leyte Chapter. According to Trumata the scheduled consultative meeting is an important step in the public-private partnership towards the fight against TB to reach our national vision: “TB Free Philippines.”(PIA SoLeyte/esg)

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