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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.

More than a thousand students in Samar to enjoy summer jobs

by (NIQ/EOT/PIA 8-Samar)


CATBALOGAN CITY, Samar, March 31 (PIA) -- A total of 1,709 Samarnon students will enjoy summer employment under the Special Program for the Employment of Students (SPES).

This is according to June Obregon, head of the Samar Field Office of the Department of Labor (DOLE) in a phone interview today.

The local government unit (LGU) under Samar Gov. Sharee Ann Tan will lead the summer employers by be hiring some 1,000 students.

Following is Paranas that will employ 100 students, Calbayog with 73, Hinabangan with 50; Pinabacdao with 70, Gandara with 50 and San Jose de Buan with 50.

There will also be some 30 SPES beneficiaries in Marabutin, 26 in Pagsanghan, 50 in Sta. Margarita and 30 in Sta. Rita.

Aside from LGUs, some schools will also employ students. These include Samar State University with 20 students, Samar College with 50,

In Calbayog City, Northwest Samar State University will hire 30, Systems Technology Institute (STI) with 20 and Christ the King College with 60.

Obregon said the rates depend on the locality.

The students will work for 26 days this summer. Their salary will be split with the employers paying for the 60 percent and DOLE with the remaining 40 percent.

“This program helps students enroll in college,” Obregon said.

Last year, one student was given a check of P 5,000 for 26 days at P192 daily rate, added Obregon.

Obregon said that the Calbayog LGU that has fully supported the program since it started, and he recognizes the Public Employment Service Officer (PESO) Felipe Gonzaga in Calbayog City for his determination to persuade Calbayog LGU to help the needy students.

SPES is a special program for students who are on vacation during summer to be employed by national agencies, schools or LGUs so that when enrollment comes, they will have earned some amount to be used in their studies, the following school year.







P10M farm-to-market road benefits more than 2,000 folks

by (EOPT/NIBQ-PIA 8, Samar with N. Gomez)


CATBALOGAN CITY, Samar, March 30 (PIA) - A total of 2,385 barangay rural folks will benefit from a farm-to-market road (FMR) worth P10 million in Calbayog City.

A press release from the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) Samar Engineering District 1, said that the rural folks of Barangay Villahermosa, San Jose, Tanval, and Hemalandrog will benefit from the road once completed.


Based on the validation made by the funding agency, 600 farmers working in more than 32,000 square meters of farmlands will be serviced by the road.

Farm produce such as coconut, oil palm, mango, corn, abaca, root crops, and vegetables are harvested from these areas have to reach the market through the road network.

The road will also facilitate trading activities and increase economic activities in the area, this may also encourage landowners to develop their lots estimated at 9,000 hectares.

“The completion of the infrastructure project will give better access and open up new opportunities for higher agricultural productivity in this part of the region,” said Engr. Virgilio Eduarte of DPWH Samar 1.

Representative Mel Senen Sarmiento requested the project from the Department of Agriculture for funding which is estimated to be 15 kilometers long.

DTI taps PBSP for Samar’s SMEs

by Ninfa Iluminda B. Quirante


CATBALOGAN CITY, Samar, March 27 (PIA) -- The Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) engaged the cooperation of a non government organization (NGO) to boost Samar’s small and medium enterprises (SMEs).

Meanwhile, the Philippine Business for Social Progress (PBSP) - Strategic Corporate-Community Partnership (SCOPE) assists in identifying projects mutually beneficial to the company and the community. Through SCOPE, the SME will be able to look for a community that will produce the raw materials that the enterprise needs in its business.

One example given is the Calbayog Tinapa Processors Association that chooses a community that will culture the fish which it uses as raw product. The scheme will not only assure the tinapa makers (the association) of a steady supply of raw materials but will also provide steady income to the fisher folks in the community; the association is headed by Donato Abelda Jr.

"SCOPE has been designed to harness private sector’s competence and expertise in doing business to create employment," said Cebu- based SCOPE consultant Janina Wohlgemuth, in her visit to the SMEs with DTI folks in Calbayog and Catbalogan.

In Catbalogan, an Entre-Pinay , Lolita Cupido of Lolit’s Danguit (dried fish) would also like to have a community that will supply her "danguit" and a dryer. The dryer will be of use during rainy season.

The scheme for funding, DTI said will be 50/50 because even the company owner can benefit from the communities that will supply the raw materials.

But whether company leaders Abelda and Cupido will be granted the SCOPE benefits still remains to be under the consideration of the PBSP executives. Their proposals have yet to be approved, said DTI.

SCOPE projects have been successful with the SMEs in Cebu and in Mindanao. (EOPT/NIBQ-PIA 8, Samar)

SMEs urged to avail of DOST program

by Ninfa Iluminda B. Quirante


CATBALOGAN CITY, Samar, March 26 (PIA)—The Department of Science and Technology (DOST) in Samar is inviting small and medium enterprises to avail of its Small Enterprise Technology Upgrading Program (SET UP) in the province.

Applicants should not be discouraged by the requirements of the agency, said DOST offical Roselle Gopo told members of the Provincial Small and Medium Enterprises Development Council (PSMED) on Wednesday.

“When applicants read the requirements, they are discouraged immediately because they feel they will not qualify,” she said.

Any SME can avail of the program provided they have the requirements.

She explained that the requirement on Financial Statement of the company for three years is the most difficult requirement to submit.

The requirements maybe stringent but this is government money to be poured to the SMEs to promote more jobs when they expand, said the DOST chief.

The program said Gopo has been there since 2003.

Emelyn Maglahos from DOST said that there are at least 16 SMEs who have availed of the program in Samar.

One of them is Gina Colinayo of Villareal who owns a bakery that produces curioso, salvarro, decana and other Samar traditional delicacies. Gina said that it was then DOST Secretary Dr Estrella Alabastro herself who visited her place in Villareal town and granted her funding assistance.

“Gina is almost done with her repayments,” Gopo told the council members.

She then urged the council members to help promote the DOST’s programs to be able to help struggling SMEs in the province.

Dominador Cabanganan, Chairman of Samar’s SMED Council said that SMEs provide 93% of the employment in the province. “So it is just right that DOST should provide these programs, because we employ more people,” Cabanganan said.

Gopo said that aside from SETUP, there is also Consultancy for Agricultural Productivity (CAPE) program which is aimed to institutionalize effective farm management strategies to improve agricultural productivity. DOST may provide consultancy teams to undertake productivity studies for qualified agri-based ventures.

Another project is Venture Financing Program which is aimed to push and accelerate the commercialization of new and emerging technologies/interventions by providing the necessary funding support to start-up technology –based expansion projects.

It shall determine and package the type of assistance needed for a particular technology to cover the wide spectrum of technology commercialization activities, according to the provisions of the program.

DOST said it is willing to help Samarnons avail of the program and the SMED Council also pledged to help SMEs prepare the different requirements needed if only to help the industry. (PIA 8-Samar)

Samar's Entre-Pinays Boost Woman Power

by mb.com.ph


CATBALOGAN CITY, Samar (PIA) — Samar Entre-Pinays claim that their affiliation with the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) has helped them through the best and worst times.

Both DTI-Samar bosses Meilo Macabare and Ruthelma Samonte with two Entre-Pinays confirmed their “love story” in a PIA 8-Samar ‘Huruhimangraw’ radio program over Aksyon Radyo DYMS, in Catbalogan City.

Deny Uy, owner of fashion accessories in Catbalogan talked about how she resigned from being a banker to become a full time Entre-Pinay employing dozens of workers for handcrafted fashion accessories.

Uy now heads the Association of Samar Producers (ASAP) that display their products at Samar’s Pasalubong Center (aka PMSMSED Center) beside the Samar Capitol building.

“I am calling all Samarenas who have creative veins and talent to pursue their dreams, kung ano ang hilig,” Uy beckoned the listeners of the radio program on Thursday.

“We are always guided by DTI every step of the way, our relationship blossomed through years and have seen the worst and best of it,” Uy said exuding trust and confidence in DTI.

PIA 8-Samar featured two Entre-Pinays in its weekly radio program.

Another Entre-Pinay is Lolita Cupido, the woman behind “Lolit’s Danguit” brand of dried fish in Samar.

She recalled that in the 90s, she and fisherman-husband were workers of a neighbor who owned a dried fish business.

It was in the year 2001 when she thought of being on her own and sought the help of DTI. DTI helped her through trainings and egged her to join trade fairs, places a woman of her position would never have dreamed of going to.

It also boosted level of confidence in this shy woman who admitted she is not a college graduate. Cupido now employs some 60 women in her production site in her home in Barangay Guinsurungan, Catbalogan City.

These women, she admitted, were unproductive then. Now, these women are helping their husbands augment their income.

“These Entre-Pinays have mastered the art of business negotiations through participating in the different trade fairs where DTI brought them,” said Macabare of DTI-Samar.

Samonte, from DTI, said that they have helped Entre-Pinays link with funding institutions and in upgrading their products.

“Now Lolit’s danguit’ come in plain, garlic, and other flavors,” said Samonte.

She also sought the help of the Department of Science and Technology (DOST) for assistance in packaging and labeling to command a better price.

Mayor cites city scholars with honors

by (EOPT/NIBQ-PIA 8, Samar with A. Hurtado report)


CATBALOGAN CITY, Samar, March 23 (PIA) -- Mayor Coeferdo ‘Tekwa’ Uy cited city scholars who graduated with honors in simple ceremonies recently.

The Mayor Tekwa Scholarship Program is now reaping its fruits as its first batch of graduates will be marching this month out of high school.

The scholarship program was initiated by the City Social and Welfare Officer Nida Aroza with some 500 scholars; where 249 of them will be graduating this school year, 19 of them with academic honors.

One scholar, Maricar Luna, who studies at Guinsurungan Integrated School acknowledged the mayor’s scholarship program.Luna has no father while her mother is a laundry-woman barely earning for the family.

Jason Magbutay, another scholar from Catbalogan National Comprehensive High School, expressed his thanks to Mayor Uy not only for the scholarship but for bringing changes and progress to Catbalogan.

The scholarship program of Uy is his personal commitment to the young Catbaloganons who are poor but deserving. “I believe that these young people will serve as the foundation of society,” Uy said in Waray. The mayor is known to be a man of few words.

The beneficiaries received P 3,000 to cover allowances and school supplies.

The mayor promised that he will increase the number of scholars to help more families.

Local stand up for peace and security

by (EOPT/NIBQ-PIA 8, Samar with 34th IB)


CATBALOGAN City, Samar, March 22 (PIA) --The rural folks of Lapinig town stood up for peace and security in their hometown through a peace rally with the theme, “Undangon an Kasamok, Respetohon an Katungod ngan Kinabuhi han Tawo” (trans: Stop violence, respect human rights) recently.

More than 2,000 participants from the cross section of Lapinig populace joined the rally which started at 8:00 a.m. from the Lapinig Town Plaza, passed the downtown streets, and returned to the same place at 12 noon.


Right after the parade, a program was conducted wherein Lapinig Central Elementary School Principal, Dr. Liza B. Engo and Rev. Fr. Elmer E. Lopez, Lapinig Parish Priest delivered inspiring speeches regarding the importance of attaining a just and lasting peace not only in Lapinig but in the entire country as well.


Likewise, Lt Col William Peṅafiel of the 34th Infantry Battalion (34th IB) urged the towns people to be always discerning when it comes to false promises peddled by the insurgents’ propaganda fronts.


“Be vigilant to the ideological, political and organizing strategies of the rebels and report to the nearest military units or battalion hotlines any information regarding their plans, activities, and whereabouts,” Penafiel told the people.


The mayor’s representative, Fausto L. Urbano talked about the lifelong dream of his constituents for a violent-free and peaceful society so that development and prosperity shall finally be achieved.


The peace rally culminated with a message from Vice Mayor Vivian Roncales who emphasized that every Filipino, regardless of belief and social status, should join and cooperate in maintaining peace and order in the community to spark development in Lapinig town and prevent NPA atrocities.


According to a report from Capt. Ramil S. Palisoc, CMO Officer of 34th Infantry Battalion, the two-day activity was done to promote a peaceful and safe community to elevate the socio-economic status of the towns of Northern Samar.


Development is impeded by the rebels’ unlawful and violent actions. These activities also show that the community is serious and the people have united to make Northern Samar free from violence and insurgency, something long denied to them by these rebels.

The activity was the second among a series of peace and security awareness campaigns, most of which had already been launched in the different schools and barangays of Lapinig, Mapanas, Palapag, Laoang, Catubig, and Las Navas all of Northern Samar to deter insurgency.


Moreover, these were made to educate the people that peace is not only a choice but a right that everyone must enjoy; they must have the zeal to promote peace for the betterment of their children’s future.

Landslide in Catbalogan wreak three houses

by (EOPT/NIBQ-PIA 8, Samar)


CATBALOGAN CITY, Samar, March 21 (PIA) -- Three houses were damaged due to a landslide triggered by three straight days of incessant rains, in Purok 1 Hillside, Barangay 8, Catbalogan City at dawn March 20.

In a report filed at the Catbalogan PNP Station, it said that the three houses, damaged beyond repair, were owned by Leopoldo Aguilar Sr, 66, a carpenter; Wilfredo Dela Pena a pedicab driver, and Leonora del Pena a vendor.

Although there was no reported casualty, one victim, Darwin Curiano, 26, sustained minor bruises and was brought to the Samar Provincial Hospital for medical treatment.

The other victims have been evacuated by Catbalogan PNP led by PSInsp Lucino Lopido and PSInsp Rex Cantillep to the Ubanon Barangay Hall. Others opted to stay with relatives in safer grounds, temporarily.

According to Barangay Chairman Oliver Abuyen, 59 families were warned by the Mines and GeoSciences Bureau (MGB) and the city government that the area is prone to landslide.

“The authorities have placed warning signs in the very place of the landslide, but the residents themselves removed these signs,” Abuyen said.

Barangay folks and the police helped rescue the victims.

As luck would have it, the Local Disaster Risk Reduction Management Council (LDRRMC) members were in Tacloban City attending a training on disaster management.

In November 2011, some were hurt and one boy was killed after another landslide occurred in Barangay Bunuanan, Catbalogan City.

City Social Welfare Officer Nida Arosa said then that the city is planning to relocate hundreds of families who have built their homes in landslide prone areas as identified by the MGB and the LGU.

RN HEALS program supplements health workers in RHUs

by (EOPT/NIBQ-PIA 8, Samar with A Ebalde)


CATBALOGAN CITY, Samar, March 20 (PIA)—The Health Department’s program on Registered Nurses for Health Enhancement And Local Service (RN HEALS) addresses the necessary number of midwives and nurses in the Rural Health Units (RHUs) especially for the families in the Conditional Cash Transfer (CCTs) areas.

This was pronounced in a meeting on March 19, Monday attended by the representatives from the partner agencies of Department of Health (DOH), Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) and Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD).

Dr. Antonio Tirazona, Provincial Health team leader presided the first meeting this 2012.

The RN HEALS Program has deployed 224 nurses and nine midwives to different municipalities in the province.

“The program up to now is still seeking 34 midwives to be assigned to distant barangays where there is a CCT community,” Tirazona said.

Tirazona said that the provincial government has deployed some 107 nurses with 12 at Basey District Hospital, 59 at the Samar Provincial Hospital, 13 in Gandara District Hospital, five in Tarangnan Community Hospital, and 18 in Calbayog District Hospital.

The other 117 nurses are deployed in RHUs.

The program was implemented in 2011 as RN HEALS Project and has graduated as a regular program to supplement health programs of the LGUs.

“The program has created a pool registered nurses and midwives with enhanced clinical and public health competencies. They have provided quality health care services with focus on maternal and neonatal care in DOH hospitals and far flung areas in the country,” Tirazona added.


Jocelyn Nabong, DOH Catbalogan City representative, said that this program is a convergence of all government agencies.

Public works asked to assess road projects’ viability'

by sunstar.com.ph


PALO, Leyte – The Eastern Visayas Regional Development Council (RDC) reiterated its request to the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) to assess the viability of the proposed five road projects connecting the three Samar provinces.

In a follow-up letter sent last week, Leyte Governor and RDC chairman Jericho “Icot” Petilla asked the DPWH main office for updates of a study proposal approved by the region’s highest policy-making body early last year.

“We would like to follow up on the status of our request as contained in RDC Resolution No. 8, which was forwarded to your office last February 2011… The RDC is requesting DPWH to prepare the feasibility study for the road network connecting the three Samar provinces through the interior municipalities,” Petilla said in a letter to DPWH Secretary Rogelio Singson.

The proposed road networks are the Las Navas-Silvino-Lobos-Matuguinao-Gandara road, Las Navas-Jipapad-Maslog-Oras road, Paranas-San Jose de Buan-Maslog road, San Jose de Buan-Matuguinao road, and Mondragon-Silvino Lobos road.

The RDC request is in response to the proposal of Northern Samar Governor Paul Daza, chairman of the Regional Peace and Order Council (RPOC), to provide road networks in conflict-afflicted areas of Samar Island in the bid to address insurgency.

The proposed projects are included in the 2011-2016 Regional Development Plan as among the much needed new road network to support jobs generation, poverty alleviation, among others, in the whole Samar Island.

The feasibility study will determine the cost of the project and other details that will facilitate actual road construction.

During the RDC Infrastructure and Utilities Development Committee (INFRACOM) this week, DPWH Regional Director Rolando Asis said he will follow up with their central office on the status of the proposal.

Daza told reporters earlier that he will lobby for more development projects for the region but the concentration will be in the three Samar provinces where insurgency problem still exists.

The official emphasized the need to get the support of the National Government since many rebels in Samar Island are from Bicol and other parts of Luzon. Insurgents choose Samar Island because of the terrain and poor road access.

Officials of the RDC and RPOC have earlier endorsed for the immediate funding of the P900-million Samar Peace and Prosperity Road.

The road is eyed for completion this year with P500 million of the budget requirement was released last year, the DPWH assured.

The new roads will be all-weather gravel road connecting to the hinterlands particularly the rebel-infested municipalities of Las Navas, Catubig, Silvino Lubos in Northern Samar; San Jose de Buan and Matuguinao, Samar; and Arteche, Maslog and Jipapad, Eastern Samar.

DPWH inks cooperation project with DSWD for 4Ps folks

by (PIA 8-Samar)


CATBALOGAN CITY, Samar, March 14 (PIA) -- The Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) in Samar’s First Engineering District forged a cooperation project that will guarantee employment for the Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program (4Ps) beneficiaries; Monica Insigne, Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) Field Officer, signed for the DSWD.

In a press release sent by Information Officer Nenita Gomez, she said that this project is an effort of the government to reduce poverty and provide additional income to poor households so as to improve their health, nutrition and education.

This project is called Pantawid Pamilya Guranteed Employment under the Sustainable Livelihood Program.In venturing into this project, DPWH Engineer Virgilio Eduarte and Insigne agreed to hire unskilled labor force from the Pantawid Pamilya beneficiaries for roadside maintenance.

These workers will be deployed in road sections in their barangays or adjacent ones where they can work. The hired beneficiaries will be assured employment for six months. Insigne will submit a list of these beneficiaries to the Human Resource Management Office (HRMO) for the preparation of the job order contract.

DPWH 1 implements P20-M PDAF projects of Sarmiento

by (PIA 8-Samar)


CATBALOGAN CITY, Samar, March 13 (PIA) -- It is a beehive of activities in the first district of Samar where a total of 29 infrastructure projects are being implemented by the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH)to the tune of P20 million is presently implementing some 29 infrastructure projects funded by Rep Mel Senen Sarmientos’ Priority Development Assistance Fund (PDAF) for some Php 20 M.

The projects include water supply systems in Barangay Villahermosa, Sto Nino; Barangay San Agustin, Gandara; Barangay Quezon, Aurora, Mabuhay, Rosalim, and Sapinit in San Jorge; flood control projects in Barangay Kapangasan and Lungib, Gandara; Barangay Baras, Sto Nino; Barangay Velasco, Almagro and Barangay Beunos Aires in Pagsanghan and Barangay Tawiran, Gandara.

In Calbayog City two barangays will also be given river control projects like Barangay Nijaga and Nabang.

Meanwhile, roads are being constructed in Phases 3 and 7 in Barangay Dagum, Calbayog City and Barangay Nabulo of Sta Margarita.

Rehabilitation of road is done in Barangay Oquendo-Barangay Cabugwayan and from Barangay Cogon to Barangay Ginbaoyan, Sur in Calbayog City. Another road rehab is being done in Barangay Palanas, Gandara.

Then there is a footbridge being constructed from Barangay Bauenavista to Barangay Matalud, San Jorge.

As for construction and support to multi-purpose buildings, some of these are in Barangay Balud, Barangay Begaho and Barangay Carmen all in Calbayog City.

In Sta Margarita town, a multi-purpose building is also being constructed at the Sta Margarita National High School, Sta Margarita, Samar.

Lastly, the Municipal Trial Courts of Tarangnan and Sta Margarita are also being repaired.

Funded from the Priority Development Assistance Fund (PDAF) of Representative Mel Senen Sarmiento, these projects will greatly improve the access conditions of farmers to growth centers and encourage infrastructure investment and development in the area said the congressman.

“These projects will open up opportunities for higher agricultural productivity in the First District of Samar,” Sarmiento said. (PIA 8-Samar)

Calbayog women pampered on women’s day

by (PIA 8-Samar)


CATBALOGAN CITY, Samar, March 10 (PIA) -- Calbayog women had the time of their lives, being pampered by the Local Women’s Council on Friday-Women’s Day at the Calbayog City Sports Complex.

Around 800 women of different backgrounds converged to avail medical, dental and personal care services afforded to them, this time of the year.

After the usual ceremonies to mark the day, the women hovered over the different free services.

Some 100 women availed of the tooth extraction from three dentists coming from the city health office led by Dr. Romeo Ortiz.

Some enjoyed the massage service at one corner while some inquired at the livelihood and trade center.

Other services offered were legal, medical particularly opto services, pregnancy tests and other laboratory tests for free.

Malunggay recipes were also featured in a cooking demo by a women’s group.

After enjoying all those perks at least for the Women’s Day, the women stayed to enjoy parlor games, Siday contest, and ballroom dance competition.

AFP Chief of Staff visits 8th ID, assures that AFP being modernized

by (PIA 8-Samar)


CATBALOGAN CITY, Samar, March 9 (PIA -- Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) Chief of Staff Lt. Gen. Jessie Dellosa visited the 8th Infantry Division (8th ID) based in Camp Lukban, Catbalogan City,Tuesday.

The General proudly said that with President Benign Simeon Aquino lll, AFP Modernization has taken off in the manner they expected.

He said they have acquired four helicopters and four more are coming before the year ends.

While the Aquino administration has just been there for less than two years, it has already infused some P 28 billion for the AFP’s modernization program, compared to his predecessors who spent only P33 billion in 15 years, the general told the soldiers.

The army elements of 8th ID were overwhelmed when the AFP official announced a plan to purchase a squadron of fighter planes.

“Upgrading and modernization of the Department of Defense is really here,” said Dellosa.

He said that the focus is now on air force and navy as there are sightings of Chinese vessels in the West Philippine Sea.

Her added that, “there are more procurements to enhance security and maritime domain awareness in the West Philippine Sea.”

He then urged the soldiers to just do their job and ignore some nasty rumors of overthrowing the President.

“AFP is the most solid and organized entity in the government,” he said.

“To you soldiers, I remind you to always follow the chain of command and to focus on your job,” he told the soldiers who afforded him arrival honors with Commanding General Mario Chan in the lead.

“Destabilization plots are lessons we all have learned in the past,” he noted.

Dellosa punctuated his speech by congratulating the 8th ID for winning the war against insurgents in the Visayas.

Gov't forces capture NPA explosives factory in Samar - The Online Zamboanga Times

by cebusandman.typepad.com


MANILA — Soldiers of the Philippine Army (PA)'s 8th Infantry Division successfully captured an explosives factory of the New People's Army (NPA) during combat operations in Paranas, Samar last March 5. Reports reaching the Armed Forces' headquarters in Camp Emilio Aguinaldo indicated that the assault took place after residents of Barangays Paranas, Sto. Nino, and Pagsanjan, which border the NPA explosives factory, sought the PA's help for their safety and well-being. NPA rebels manning the camp were caught off-guard by the military offensive and were unable to mount an effective defense, forcing them to flee. During the encounter, Sgt. Freddie C. Gusoso was hit at the thigh but this did not deter his fellow soldiers from overrunning the camp. Seized were 44 pieces improvised landmines; a machine for landmine production; 20 pieces blasting caps with detonating cords; assorted explosive production paraphernalia; one B40 type rocket launcher; one improvised round for B40 type rocket launcher; and one M-16 automatic rifle. Gusoso was safely evacuated to RTR Hospital, Tacloban City for medical treatment. The soldiers are now investigating the recovered pieces of evidence from the site with the help of the Philippine National Police and the community. With the volume and quality of explosives recovered and the geographic location of Samar Island, Major General Mario F. Chan, 8th Infantry Division commander, believes that the captured NPA explosives factory is the supplier of landmines for NPA terrorists operating in the Bicol Region and Northern Mindanao area. (PNA) DCT/PFN

SALN promotes transparency

by (PIA 8-Samar with M Gomez)


CATBALOGAN CITY, Samar, Mar 6 (PIA) -- Filing of one’s Statement of Assets, Liabilities and Net worth (SALN) promotes transparency, according to the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) Samar’s First Engineering District.This was the message DPWH conveyed to its personnel during a re-echo seminar on filing SALN.

Catherine Quilantang, an accountant at DPWH said that it is not enough to comply with the filing of SALN.“What is important is that they should know why, we file this document as government employees,” she said.

The new form introduces some changes that will explain why a SALN is a must.“The SALN promotes transparency, aside from its legal bases (Section 17, Art Xll, 1987 Philippine Constitution and Section 8 of RA 6713 and Section 7 of RA 3019),” said the accountant.

She added that some new components as regards relations even by just affinity aside from relations in consanguinity in the government are included like "inso," "balae," and "bilas."

Inso refers to the appellation for the wife of an elder brother, or a male cousin.

Balae refers to the parents and parents–in-law relationship, a parent of one's son or daughter-in-law while Bilas refers to the brother-in-law’s wife or sister-in-law’s husband.

Inso, Balae, and Bilas are new entrants to the new SALN form.One wonders where bayaw or hipag can be.

DPWH personnel welcomed the new form and enjoyed filling them up and brushing up with the meanings of the terms as these are in Tagalog while translating the same terms in Waray. The SALN workshop gave them a deeper understanding of what to declare and where to put specific information in the SALN forms.

Organic farmer shares experiences to Samarnons

by (PIA-Samar with A Ebalde)


CATBALOGAN CITY, March 5 (PIA) --Organic farmer Rey Pedroso from Iloilo shared to Samarnons how he started organic agriculture five years ago and how it changed his farming style.

Pedroso is a director of the newly-organized National Organic Agricultural Board and was the keynote speaker during the launch of Organic Agriculture in Samar on March 1.

He is also determined to help farmers do the switch from the regular farming style to organic like what he did some five years ago.

He claimed that he applied a small amount of earthworms in a small lot in his farm.

As he saw its benefits, he increased the area until it embraced his whole farm lot.

He urged farmers to start small and later increase the area devoted to organic little by little.

He admitted though that farmers at first are not interested in this as they worry about implements that will be needed for organic farming to thrive.

But Pedroso assured that with the government’s effort to support Organic Farming through Republic Act 10068 (aka Philippine National Standards on Organic Agriculture Act), transfer of technology and funding will follow.

Organic agriculture refers to farming and livestock production using natural sources of nutrients such as compost, crop residues and manure, and natural methods of crop and weed control instead of using synthetic or inorganic agro-chemicals.

Pedroso said that the government support organic farming by setting aside Php 900 M for NOAB in its policy formulation and accreditation, research and development and promotion of organic farming and other programs that would improve the delivery of goods to farmers.

Pedroso admitted that organic farming is still young but with the constant exposure of farmers and their testimonies of its benefits, the acceptance will be better.

Meanwhile, Agriculture Training Institute (ATI) head Dr. Paulino Cabahit offered his services for the farmers willing to be trained the organic way.

He added that farmers may approach Engr. Melecia Gordillo, regional focal person on Organic Agriculture for funding of some project proposals on going organic in the region.

TESDA specialists undergo advance entrepreneurial skills training

by (PIA 8-Samar)


CATBALOGAN CITY, Samar, March 4 (PIA) -- The TESDA specialists trained on technical-vocational skills will also be taught the rudiments of business as they are now called Tesda Specialista Technopreneurs. “As we anticipate their blossoming into service providers, we will teach them how to maintain logbooks for clients, financial operations and budgeting, personality improvement, records keeping, and how to negotiate with clients,” said Imelda Calagos-TESDA nurturer. On March 9, 2012 in Barangay Capoocan, Calbayog City, TESDA Provincial Director Cleta Omega will gather influentials like Governor Sharee Ann Tan, Representative Mel Sarmiento and Mayor Ronald Aquino for them to see the outcome of the projects they supported. Invited too are partners from the Cooperative Development Authority (CDA), DOLE and other financing institutions so the specialistas will know how to access funds. “Witness the biggest gathering of Samar trained specialistas in plumbing, electrical wiring, massage therapy, haircut and waitering services and others,” said Omega. Yesterday, nurturer Calagos met Barangay Captain Raquel P. Oquendo to finalize the New Enterprise Plan Idea (NEPI), Operations Flow Chart and assessment of the training needs of the skilled workers (aka specialistas) to prepare them to become entrepreneurs. “After the six months incubation period, we will give the tools and kits free of charge to the specialistas through TESDA,” Calagos added. “As the nurturer who supervises them, TESDA hopes to see them after six months to have their own self-operated businesses, that is why, they have to learn all the aspects of business operations,” the nurturer said. This event will also converge all TESDA trained graduates as the agency keeps track of them to ensure that they are gainfully employed. Partnering with TESDA in providing the skills training are Christ the King College, ACLC and, SOS, STI in Calbayog City, and the DTI, DOLE and LGUs. (PIA 8-Samar)

Samar rebel turns a new leaf, given assistance by LGU

by (PIA 8-Samar)


CATBALOGAN CITY, Samar, March 2 (PIA) -- Allan Rafalis of Barangay Canlobong, Pinabacdao, Samar was 12 when he joined the NPA because his uncle was allegedly killed by the military. But his more than 20 years stay in the rebel movement did not bring him any future to look forward to. “My kids are growing and I have to do something to educate them,” he shared. After a long period of reflection and consideration, he decided to surrender to the army. Samar Governor Sharee Ann Tan extended a cash assistance of P30,000 before the start of the Provincial Peace and Order Council (PPOC) Meeting Wednesday at the Samar capitol. Rafalis was accompanied by Lt Col. Hermilo Demafiles, commander of the 5nd Infantry Battalion based in Cantaba, Sta Rita, Samar. Aside from the cash assistance, Tan also promised to give all four children of Rafalis scholarships to secure the children’s future. The cash assistance, scholarship and possible livelihood assistance is part of the Local Social Integration Program of Samar LGU. The program is extended to rebels intending to join mainstream society. In the PPOC meeting, Aileen Jose from the Office of the Presidential Adviser on the Peace Process (OPAPP) urged the local government to embrace rebels wanting to return to the folds of the government. “The goal of the Medium Term Development Plan of the Aquino government is to bring all armed conflict to a permanent and peaceful closure through negotiated political settlement and address the roots of armed conflict which The former rebel now looks at the future in a new light-with his growing children.





Calbayog constructs replicas of falls at the Nijaga Park

by Ninfa Iluminda B. Quirante


CATBALOGAN CITY, Samar, Feb. 28 (PIA) -- In the meantime that access roads for the great Calbayog Waterfalls are not yet fully developed, the local government unit constructed mini replicas of the popular Bugtong-Bangon Falls at the Nijaga Park, Calbayog City.

Mayor Ronald Aquino, during the inauguration of the mini falls, said that the city spent around P3.6 million for the mini falls.

Aquino said that the Sangguniang Panlungsod allotted some P9.5 million for tourism projects, but the fund will not be enough. “It may take some P100 million to fully develop Bugtong-Bangon Falls as an eco-tourism site,” Aquino said in Waray in an interview at Radyo ng Bayan-DYOG Calbayog City.

He added that the city decided to develop Malajog Beach in Tinambacan District instead and set up a zip line and cable car rides.

Meanwhile, road concreting continues in Barangay Amampacang as access to Guinu-guan Cave in Barangay Lungsob and the Mapaso Hot Spring in Rizal (aka Buhang), Oquendo District. (NIBQ-PIA 8 Samar with Eleen Lim.





DOH launches orally fit awards

by Ninfa Iluminda B. Quirante


CATBALOGAN CITY, Samar, Feb 27 (PIA) -- To recognize the health workers’ contributions in making sure pre-elementary schoolchildren maintain proper oral and dental health, the Department of Health has launched the National Orally Fit Awards in time for the National Dental Month.

The campaign that covers the months of February until December of this year and incorporated in the Garantisadong Pambata (GP) Program, will confer awards to an outstanding health worker, day care center, and community.

Under the health worker category, a nominee must be involved with private organizations in the achievement of goals.

For the orally fit day care center, at least eight out of 10 children enrolled in the school should have attended at least 80 percent of the toothbrushing drill and a water and dental trough must be in place as well.

A local government unit may also be a recipient of the award if it passes and implements an ordinance on the importance of oral and dental care. Also, it must have allocated a sound portion of its annual budget for oral health.

According to a memorandum from the department, awardees will receive a plaque of recognition and a cash award. (ldl/nbq/PIA 8-Samar)





Catbalogan LGU conducts mass weddings

by (PIA- 8-Samar)


CATBALOGAN CITY, Samar, February 25, (PIA) -- The Catbalogan City LGU commemorates the civil registry month by holding a “Mass Wedding” at the end of February 2012 in Barangay Palanogon, Catbalogan City.

Royandoyan said that the purpose of the mass wedding is to encourage the communities in the barrios and upland areas to register.

She explained that most children are not registered because the parents are unwed. Once the weddings take place, birth registration follows.

The lady registrar also said that local civil registrars facilitate registrations, it makes registrations less costly fort hose who have a problem with their National Statistics Office (NSO)papers, like typographical errors corrected in the LCR level withour resorting to costly court hearings and publications.

LCRs in cities and municipalities are tasked to secure registration of births, marriages and other legal instruments.

Royandoyan appealed to the public to make sure that the data they enter in the registration forms are honest and correct.

This year’s campaign in registration is “Tamang rehistro pananagutan ng bawat Pilipino”.

With the nationwide promotion on Civil Registration, NSO-Samar through provincial statistician Letecia Chu also urged the public to register life’s record correctly and honestly. ((PIA 8-Samar with Avha H. Ebalde)





DOH strengthens oral health campaign for pregnant women

by (PIA- 8-Samar)


CATBALOGAN CITY, Samar, Feb 24 (PIA) -- The health department is intensifying efforts to improve the oral health conditions of pregnant women in the country. This is in support of reforms on Maternal Newborn and Child Health and Nutrition Strategy to rapidly reduce maternal and newborn mortality. Rural health dentists are required to check on the oral health of pregnant women in the whole province of Samar. DOH also suggested the conduct of Orally Fit Child Awards, outreach activities in hard to reach communities, supervise tooth brushing drills, and oral hygiene lectures in day care centers. In addition, they are also asked to conduct counselling activities for adolescents on good hygiene and diet, and the adverse effects of smoking, drugs, and alcohol to oral health. As for pregnant women, there should be mothers’ classes to promote oral health practices during pregnancy and correct eating habits to young children starting from infancy. In an episode of the PIA radio program ‘Huruhimangraw ha PIA’ in Cataloging, Dr. Nelia Dabuet, provincial dentist aired the suggested activities this National Dental Health Month. Dabuet added that Proclamation Number 559 signed on February 24, 2004 declares the whole month of February every year as the National Dental health Month to arouse dental consciousness among Filipinos. This year’s theme is “Ngiting Matatamis, Ngiping Malilinis, Dala ay Pag-asa Tunay na Ligaya”. (PIA-Samar)





Nutrition media group assesses advocacy programs in E Visayas

by (PIA- 8-Samar)


CATBALOGAN CITY, Samar, Feb 24 (PIA) -- Harmonizing Initiatives for the Spread of Good Nutrition (HIMSoG-8), a nutrition media group assessed its nutrition programs in the past year and vowed to overcome the challenges of malnutrition in Eastern Visayas.

In its first board meeting yesterday at the Department of Health (DOH) compound, the media group outlined its plans for the same mission - fight malnutrition through media power - and with more passion.

HIMSoG - 8 plans to advocate the passage of ordinances and resolutions in local government units to ensure that nutrition programs and projects are supported.

As such, the group is coordinating with the Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG) to give them time to input in the DILG trainings on legislation set this year 2012.

The group will also partner with the Roman Catholic Basic Ecclessiastical Communities (BEC) to reach the families in the barangays that are considered vulnerable. BEC is a community where evangelization is done and organizers come in close contacts with the very target families.

Another project HIMSoG - 8 will do is to visit the National awardee for nutrition-Limasawa to share its best practices for successful nutrition programs and projects.

Aside from its plans for years to come, HIMSoG - 8 also assessed its accomplishments, the past year and although some of its planned activities were missed, the group with the National Nutrition Council (NNC) will continue to brave malnutrition through media power. (PIA 8-Samar)





Daram teachers, parents welcome K+12

by (PIA- 8-Samar)


CATBALOGAN CITY, Samar, Feb 21 (PIA) -- Teachers and parents from the island town of Daram (Samar) welcomed the news and implementation of the DepEd program K + 12. In an interview with Daram DepEd officials recently, they said there has been no opposition to the program with the more than a hundred mentors in Daram. DepEd Miguel Labnao Supervisor said that they made the rounds of the whole island of Daram with fellow supervisor Felipa Del Monte to inform both parents and teachers about K + 12. “What they welcome most is the idea that when implemented, high school graduates can be employed because by then they have mastered some skills,” said Josephine Dacallos, principal of Daram Central School during the Early Child Care Development Summit recently. Winnie Grabador from poblacion 2 said that at first it was difficult to understand why additional years is necessary. “Magdugang ka tuig, magdugang ka gastos(Additional years mean additional expenses)," she said. But with the continuous explanation during PTA meetings, the confusion vanished. “Masosolbar gad basta nag e erestorya (Communications can clear confusion)," the mother of six opined. K + 12 is the DepEd program wherein students will go through 12 years in school:Kindergarten (intro), six years of elementary education, four years of junior high school, and two years of senior high school. The two years of senior high school intend to provide skills and competencies to students to get a job or employment even without going to college. DepEd feels that the new curriculum which President Aquino pushes will facilitate economic growth, will recognize that Filipino graduates and professionals are world class and that the curriculum provides a sound foundation for long term socio-economic development. (PIA 8-Samar)





NGP gains support from ROTC cadets, reservists

by (PIA- 8-Samar)


CATBALOGAN CITY, Samar, February 20 (PIA)— School cadets and reservists have started a massive tree-planting and beach clean-up in response to President Benigno S. Aquino’s National Greening Program (NGP), a student cadet officer said Monday.

Assistant Commandant Malik Rafon of the Samar State University’s Reserved Officers Training Corps (ROTC) said his school would begin a massive start tree-planting program in March this year.

In Catbalogan, some 1400 Naval ROTC reservists and Naval ROTC cadets from the 535th ROTC Command at the Samar State University (SSU) have signed up to plant two or three seedlings to support the program, with a pledge to plant 10 trees each yearly until 2016, Rafon added.

The cadets and reservists have also started a coastal clean-up, collecting more than 50 sacks of non-biodegradable garbage from the island’s littered beaches, he said.

President Aquino’s NGP targets the planting of 1.5 billion trees all over the country in the next four years.





Mejos as new Samar police director will seek alliances with LGUs

by (PIA- 8-Samar Avha H. Ebalde)


CATBALOGAN CITY, Samar, Feb 19 (PIA) -- The Philippine National Police in Region 8 Provincial Office, welcomed chief superintendent Eusebio “Boy” Mejos who assumed as Provincial Director of Samar during the turnover ceremony from outgoing officer-in-charge, Nolasco Bathan. During the ceremony, Mejos said, “kakaibiganin natin ang mga LGUs. We will endeavor to have strong linkages with other stakeholders,” he added. To his chiefs of police and the entire Samar police force, Mejos said, ”As a team we are duty bound to comply with orders from higher headquarters.” “We will make sure that the police is always on top of every eventuality, as we will gain the trust of the community.” “Let us serve not only Samarnons, its visitors,. and even those that are just passing by, with this we will compensate payment of their taxes where our salaries are derived.” Meanwhile in his speech, Bathan said that despite the short span as head of Samar’s PNP, he took the opportunity to serve well that resulted to a more peaceful Samar. “Samar province got the lowest crime rate incidence from June 2011 to September 2011,” Bathan said. PNP C/Supt Pepito M. Pacada Chief Regional 08 Directorial Staff a member of Philippine National Police Academy class ’8, to which Mejos belongs, officiated in the turn over ceremony. In a brief message, He described both Mejos and Bathan as good officers who excel in their positions. Judging from the reactions from his men and the people, OIC Bathan served the people of Samar Province well and steered the PNP to great heights, as Pacada said, it was a job well done.





Akbay Program

by Visayas Newsbits


CATBALOGAN CITY, Samar (PIA) — Some 209 farm household beneficiaries all over Samar received P10,000 checks Friday to help them pursue agri-business ventures.

This was part of a loan program under the Agrikultura: Kaagapay ng Bayang Pinoy (AKBAY), in coordination with the Provincial Agricultural and Fishery Council (PAFC).

According to provincial coordinator John Meniano, the beneficiaries were chosen from the fourth, fifth, and sixth class municipalities whose household income is not more than P9,512, which is considered the poverty threshold in Samar.





TESDA offers non-stop scholarship and training program

by (PIA 8-Samar with Avha H. Ebalde)


CATBALOGAN CITY. Samar, Feb 16 (PIA) -- The Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA) offers non stop-scholarship under the Private Education Students Financial Assistance (PESFA).

TESDA has partner institutions nationwide that implement enterprise-based and community-based training programs.

It also has a network of 125 TESDA Technology Institutes composed of schools and training centers it administers all over the country.

According to TESDA head of Provincial Operations, Primo Regis Jr., at present, they have 82 scholars in STI Calbayog City taking up commercial cooking, house keeping, food and beverage, finishing course for call center agent; 25 scholars for computer hardware servicing in Samar College; and 25 in Innovate Catbalogan.

They also have on-going arc welding, commercial cooking at the North West Samar State University (NWSSU), computer servicing, bookkeeping, and computer programming in AMA CLC Calbayog with 104 scholars under the special commitment of Secretary Joel Villanueva through Representative Mel Senen Sarmiento.

“It is imperative that we perform our moral obligation in providing every youth a chance to education, by giving them access to technical and vocational education as an alternative to formal education. We will ensure that we will judiciously use our budget to respond to this commitment,” Regis said.

For 2012, the agency will focus on competency assessment and certification, development promotion, and implementation of new skills development programs, upgrading, and enhancement of trainor competencies.

Responding to market demands to increase chances for employment to its graduates, TESDA will also develop and offer other courses in electronics/semi-conductors, business process outsourcing, tourism, agri-fishery, and general infrastructure, he said.

The TESDA officer also said that the agency will develop other technical vocational programs to address the need of food manufacturing sub-sectors closer to primary production areas.

“Job creation should be an ultimate goal of technical vocational education,” Regis added.

Graduates receiving the certification mean that they are able to demonstrate competence in occupation-focused skills specifications developed in partnership with the industry training boards and key employment generators.





TESDA launches Specialista Technopreneurship Program (TSTP) in Samar

by (PIA 8-Samar with Avha H. Ebalde)


CATBALOGAN CITY, Samar, Feb 15 (PIA) -- There is the "guru," "the master," the "idol," now there is the "specialista." The Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA) launched TESDA Specialista Technopreneurship Program (TSTP) information center in Calbayog City on February 10, 2012. The specialista is a graduate of a TESDA technical-vocational course that specializes in any of the three groupings: food and beverage, beaauty care and wellness, and building/house repair and maintenance services.

The launch was attended by local government officials headed by Calbayog City Mayor Ronald P. Aquino, TESDA officials and other partners from both private and public sectors. With the launch of the TSTP, new livelihood opportunities will be opened to 30 certified graduates from technical-vocational courses in Samar. The center, according to TESDA head provincial operations Primo V. Regis, opens on February 11 to 25 to respond to queries from the public who want to avail of the services of the TESDA specialistas. The TSTP program is designed for a team enterprise development model for communities with the mission to empower TESDA-certified graduates to get into productive undertakings through the provision of services required by their immediate environment. These graduates form a group that TESDA will nurture in partnership with the local government units until such time that they can do business on their own, said Regis. Under the program, three aggrupations have been organized into: food and beverage services, beauty care and wellness services and building/house repair and maintenance services. “As convergence effort, the local government and TESDA has set up a center cum business site where the specialistas could gain exposure and experience as they get the opportunity to service various clients while under incubation,” he said. The information and business center as part of its social responsibility programs is in support to the government’s rehabilitation efforts to generate decent jobs, develop team work, demonstrate excellence in service delivery, organize a nurturing community and develop values and behaviors. The office and its facilities were provided by city local government of Calbayog. The business center is located at the second floor of the New Cultural and Convention Center in Barangay Capoocan, Calbayog City. TESDA continuous to encourage the scaling up of TSTP by enrolling more aggrupations once TESDA-certified graduates are identified and organized.





USNS Mercy to return for humanitarian mission to Calbayog

by (PIA 8-Samar with Gina Dean Ragudo)


CATBALOGAN CITY, Samar, Feb 14 (PIA) --The United States Navy Hospital Ship (USNS) Mercy, one of America’s premier hospital ships is returning to the country to hold another mission in Calbayog City in June 2012.

In a press conference at Ciriaco Hotel and Resort held recently, US Navy Lieutenant Commander Sonia Maria Lohmeyer said that the USNS Mercy will serve as the platform for up to 1,000 medical, engineering, technical, and administrative personnel, including several hundred volunteers.

Part of the mission is to conduct medical, engineering, and other humanitarian exercises (i.e. Disaster Response Preparedness) and subject matter exchanges (SME).

“The humanitarian exercise is a capacity building, calculating medications on how to respond during crisis situation,” she said.

LTC Lohmeyer added that there is still a great deal of work to accomplish before the Mercy sets sail from San Diego at the beginning of May.

The visit in Calbayog City was to meet the mayors of different localities in Samar led by Congressman Mel Senen Sarmiento.

In this Pacific Partnership PP 12 mission, local doctors and health care providers are also expected to participate, Lohmeyer said.

Bearing the theme “preparing in calm to respond in crisis,” the team of Pacific Partnership 2012 and some 200 participants gathered in San Diego, California, USA on January 30 and 31 for the Mid-Planning Conference (MPC) for the mission. All four host nations -- Indonesia, Philippines, Vietnam, and Cambodia -- sent high-level delegations, as well as their partner nations, including Australia, Canada, Chile, Japan, New Zealand, and Thailand.

In 2008, the USNS Mercy Ship also sailed to Calbayog City for Pacific Partnership 2008 where not only Calbayognons benefited from the medical mission but also to adjacent towns of Sta Margarita and Gandara.

Then US Ambassador to the Philippines, Kristie Kenny, visited Calbayog City during the closing ceremonies of Pacific Partnersship 2008.

At present, Calbayog City and nearby municipalities stand to benefit from this special mission to the Philippines.





Samar proposes P 674-M road projects to tourism destinations

by www.pia.gov.ph


CATBALOGAN CITY, Samar, Feb 13 (PIA) -- The Samar provincial government during a meeting on February 10 of the Provincial Development Council (PDC) proposed P 674-million worth of road projects leading to tourism destinations.

The council is banking on the “Convergence Program for Enhancing Tourism Access” forged between the Department of Tourism (DOT) and the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH).

Governor Sharee Ann Tan presented some seven road network leading to the tourism destination in the second district of Samar. This will ensure the safety and facilitation of travel of visitors and tourists.

“I will personally see the DPWH Secretary and present him a detailed description of the roads and the tourism potentials,” the young governor said.

The total road network consists of 12.5 kilometers (km) to different tourism destinations in the second district of Samar. One leads to the Langun-Gobingob caves in Calbiga said to be the second largest karst formation in the world; another route is one leading to Lulugayan Falls, still in Calbiga town.

Around 1.5 km of concrete road is also proposed that leads to the Lobo and Panahuyan Cave in Jiabong town and another 2.5 km road stretch of concreting work for the Lokilokon-Calapi-San Jose de Buan Road leading to Mt. Huraw in San Jose de Buan town.

Still in Samar’s second district is a two km road concreting project leading to Milagrosa Falls in Pinabacdao town.

In Basey, some 90 kilometers far from Catbalogan, a road that leads to Balantak Falls may also enjoy concreting worth P 20 million.

In Samar’s capital city of Catbalogan, one road project of 1.5 km leads to Catbalogan Airport and the project, includes fencing, and partial improvement of the Catbalogan Airport.

As of press time, the governor said she is awaiting for reports from Samar's first district which projects will be included although she approved in principle the project proposed by San Jorge's tourism officer on a road network that leads to Blanca Aurora Falls in San Jorge town.

In late January 2012, the DOT and DPWH forged a MOA to embark on road projects leading to tourism destinations with the following criteria: road network importance, tourism importance, project readiness, and other economic and social development impacts. “That’s helping to build a strong public sector institution that promotes transparency, good governance especially in tourism – an industry which has now gained national importance,” said Tourism Secretary Ramon R. Jimenez Jr. in his speech at the MOA signing. (PIA 8-Samar)





DENR campaigns with partners in the National Greening Program

by Ninfa Iluminda B. Quirante


CATBALOGAN CITY, Samar, Feb. 11 (PIA) -- The Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) campaigns with partners in advocating the National Greening Program (NGP) as President Benigno S. Aquino III declared the implementation of Executive Order 26 or the National Greening Program as a government priority.

“Our current reforestation efforts are ineffective and inefficient so there’s this new strategy called NGP,” Dr. Cleofe Torres, Dean of the Development Communication in the University of the Philippines, Los Banos said Thursday during a press conference in Catbalogan City.

UP Los Banos is a DENR partner for advocacy.

She noted that NGP consolidates government’s reforestation-related initiatives to harmonize and systematize this so action on denudation and environmental degradation can be more effective.

“The President wants a system that can achieve more impact,” She said.

Aside from greening denuded areas, NGP also targets to help address concerns on food security, poverty, environmental stability, biodiversity conservation as well as climate change adaptation and mitigation.

Torres raised the urgency for tree-planting efforts nationwide as she said that some eight million hectares of the Philippines’ nearly 16 million hectares of forest land are already unproductive, open, denuded and degraded.

“This is what we want to reforest,” she said.

Puring Daloos of DENR-8, urges all sectors to think out of the box so reforestation nationwide can be better undertaken and done at a faster pace.

“Government can afford to reforest an average of 30,000 hectares annually only so there must be new ways of speeding up tree-planting to help prevent total loss of forest cover in the country,” Daloos noted.

“Given our reforestation rate at present, it will take us 280 years to green denuded land nationwide, assuming all seedlings planted will survive,” she said. She clarified that projecting 100 percent survival of seedlings is not realistic, however.

“Seedlings’ average a survival rate of about 21 percent to 25 percent only if these don not get burned down,” she said.

Julie Ybuan of DENR Central Office said that reforestation will be among the activities under the convergence initiative which the DENR, Department of Agriculture, Department of Agrarian Reform and Department of Education established earlier.

The goal of this initiative is to plant some 1.5 billion trees covering 1.5 million hectares in the next six years, she said.

Ybuan noted the spate of denudation-rooted environmental disasters that continue plaguing the country and highlighted the need for reforestation at a faster pace.

“We have no choice,” she said. “How can we make an impact if we just target 30,000 hectares per year? We can’t achieve NGP’s goals if it is business as usual, if things are done within our comfort zones, if tree-planting is seen as a photo opportunity only. Environmental destruction is no longer a joke. It means destruction of lives and properties.” (PIA-Samar with Avha Ebalde)





Samar students to plant 10 trees a year until 2016

by (Nimfa Quirante -PIA 8 Samar)


CATBALOGAN CITY, Samar, Feb 10. (PIA) -- Ninety-four Samar students have committed to plant 10 trees a year until 2016 in support the National Greening Program of the Aquino administration.

Yesterday, after the commitment signing and learning to plant trees, the students proceeded to Barangay San Vicente, Catbalogan to initially fulfill their promise. “This is part of the social mobilization we were dreaming to achieve our goal,” said Adelaida Abenir of DENR-Samar.

DENR involved UP Los Banos Project Advisory Group headed by Dr Cleofe Torres to assist them in doing advocacy work. The DENR and UP LB teams have been going around the country to get people to support the program.

Kloster Paul Saizes, a high school student leader from Samar National School, delivered a passionate appeal to his fellow young people exhorting them to be protectors of the environment while another student, Alberto Anchita from Samar State University-Basey campus, offered a poem personifying "kahoy" (tree), the poem or "siday."

After signing the Pledge of Commitment to plant trees until 2016, the students simultaneously pinned an NGP button bearing the words: "tagapangalaga ng tahanan ng ating lahi." The pins serve as badge and authority to be forest protectors and to plant the promised trees to protect the forest still.





Jiabong ushers "Sabay-sabay Pasuso" for 100 mothers and babies

by Ninfa Iluminda B. Quirante


CATBALOGAN CITY, Samar, Feb. 9 (PIA) -- Some 100 mothers dreaming to give a good quality of life to their babies will come forward on Friday, Feb. 10 and join the Jiabong (Samar) health event called “Sabay-sabay Pasuso.”

Jiabong town is located 10 kilometers south of Samar’s capital city of Catbalogan and is home to mussels, or tahong to locals.

The campaigns aim to educate mothers about the importance of mother’s milk, and also as a call for proper birth spacing of at least three to five years. Municipal and barangay officials of Jiabong are expected to appear in this health event to help the health department on the information campaign on the benefits of breastfeeding.

Health officials from the province like Cynthis Palileo will be lecturing on family planning, according to Nilo Pena, public health nurse of Jiabong Municipal Health Office.

Jiabong local government unit, the rural health unit, and United States Agency for International Development collaborated to push this event to promote breastfeeding.

Aside from tackling breastfeeding issues, a group of nurses under the Rural Nurses-Health Enhancement and Local Service will sponsor games like the popular “Pinoy Henyo” and “Tanging Hinga Mo” for mothers. (NIBQ-PIA 8 Samar)





DPWH urges contractors to abide by deadlines

by Ninfa Iluminda B. Quirante


CATBALOGAN CITY, Samar, Feb 8 (PIA) -- The Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) first engineering district based in Calbayog City, urged the contractors to abide by the deadline set by the department. In a statement by district Engineer Virgilio Eduarte, he echoed the directive of Secretary Rogelio Singson to finish the projects on or before September 30, 2012. On January 24, 2012, DPWH held a contractors’ dialogue with DPWH where he briefed the contractors on the new systems like submission of claims/billings. “The chief of the Accounting Section has to verify the authenticity of the bonds attached in vouchers from insurance companies and the authority to issue bonds,” Eduarte told the contractors. He also reiterated that since credit line commitments are submitted during bidding to ensure the procuring entity that they will finish the projects, contractors are enjoined not to rely so much on progress billings. These and other concerns were taken up with five contractors and their representatives. Meanwhile, the first engineering district in Samar welcomed new assistant district engineer Alvin Ignacio vice Engr Raulito Yangzon who was assigned to Northern Samar. Ignacio has been with DPWH for 21 years and exhibited an impressive record with extensive trainings here and abroad. His experience as a supervisor can be traced back to his being the chief section in the district office where he came from. (PIA 8-Samar/MGomez-DPWH)






Katig writers told to write to resuscitate Waray literature

by Ninfa Iluminda B. Quirante


CATBALOGAN CITY, Samar, Feb 7 (PIA) -- The Katig han Sinirangan Bisayas Waray writers who gathered on Saturday at the Leyte Normal University (LNU) were asked to resuscitate Waray literature by Prof. Merle Alunan, a well known writer and a professor of the UP System.

As if to challenge the budding writers, Alunan quoted a statement from Dr Bienvenido Lumbera that said , “Not much is produced in some regional literatures; in fact some are moribound or dying, as in the case of Waray literature and to some extent, Cebuano literature.”

With the little Waray literature available, Alunan, in her talk on “Latitudes of Intimacy: Modern waray Literature,” presented her dissection of some opus of the Waray poets that figured in Lamiraw, Waray Writing Workshop usually held at the Northwest Samar State University in Calbayog City (Samar) and the Iligan Writers Workshop.

The UP professor who stands as a critic to the Waray writing workshops with Dr. Dave Genotiva and Vic Sugbu drew out the themes in the poems that talked of simple and humble pleasures, the verdant farms and the seas and the rural folks’ pre occupation.

Alunan talked about poets who were mostly males as only one woman writer made it to her dissection.

“Except for Victor N. Sugbo, the new Waray writers found their voices first in their own mother tongues. However, they are all university-trained. It is evident in the styles and poetic techniques they have adopted, and the way they have brought the traditional forms of native Waray poetry closer to contemporary modes of writing.”

“From these new poets of Waray, speaking in the new language of modern poetry, we discover how the Filipino thrives in latitudes of intimacy.”

The speaker mentioned Waray stalwarts like Eduardo Makabenta Sr., Iluminado Lucente, and Casiano Trinchera, whom she said wrote in rhymed quatrains, the lines balanced in strict syllabic measure by a caesura.

Organizers believe that the activity has elicited somehow a flicker of hope for the writers to write more in Waray, Inabaknon, or Sebuano in whatever form of literature that will perpetuate Waray and the other languages spoken in the region.

“Slowly but surely, the Waray writer is coming back to his/her culture, ” Alunan stated.

The activity in Eastern Visayas was initiated by the National Committee on Literary Arts (NCLA), the Katig Writers Network Inc., and Leyte Normal University (LNU) to celebrate the National Arts Month this February. (PIA 8-Samar)





Army deepens knowledge of International Humanitarian Law

by (PIA 8-Samar with 34th CMO)


CATBALOGAN CITY, Samar, Feb 6 (PIA) -- The army learns more on humanitarian law through a series of lectures from the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC). This is in view of the AFP’s drive to equip every soldier with the knowledge regarding the laws on Human Rights and have a deeper understanding and appreciation on the United Nations International Humanitarian Law (UN-IHL), the 34th Infantry (RELIABLE) Battalion (34th IB) headed by Lieutenant Colonel William P. Peñafiel Jr invited a team from the International Committee of Red Cross (ICRC) to give lecture on International Humanitarian Law. This was reported by Captain Ramil Palisoc, civilian military officer of the 34th IB on February 3, 2012. Head of ICRC – Tacloban, Marie Dubeau, an expatriate of French nationality and Maria Socorro T. Pancipanci, Field Officer conducted a lecture to the officers and enlisted personnel of the 34th IB on February 3, 2012. The lecture first touched on the overview of ICRC, its United Nations mandate, roles, facilities, and its relation with the Philippine Red Cross (PRC); then the lecture on the International Humanitarian Law. The troops actively participated and were very eager to learn more about IHL. Questions and clarifications were raised making the whole discussion lively. The difference in language was not a hindrance for the soldiers to absorb all important aspects that transpired during the lecture. Pancipanci would translate to Tagalog what Dubeau was saying. Some still managed to interact using the universal sign language. Lieutenant Colonel William Peñafiel, Jr commended the successful conduct of lecture on IHL, especially the active participation of the troops. He was very thankful for the time and effort exerted by Dubeau and party coming to this far-flung part of Northern Samar just to give a lecture on IHL. He encouraged the soldiers to put into their hearts and minds, and practice what they have learned from this lecture. He reminded his subordinates that all soldiers of the battalion must at all times adhere to the International Humanitarian Law and other laws governing human rights in discharging their duties. He also emphasized to all the stakeholders, to observe human rights as embodied in our campaign plan Internal Peace and Security Plan (IPSP) ‘Bayanihan.’ He encourages the conduct of this lecture from time to time.






6.0-magnitude quake hits Samar

by Xinhua


Manila, Philippines – An earthquake measuring 6.0 on the Richter scale jolted Samar, Philippines at 13:09:29 GMT on Saturday, the U.S. Geological Survey said. The epicenter, with a depth of 60.20 km, was initially determined to be at 11.9541 degrees north latitude and 125.7323 degrees east longitude. (Xinhua)

Registration of farmers winds up in bigger towns in Samar

by pia.gov.ph


CATBALOGAN CITY, Samar, Feb 4 (PIA) -- The registration of agricultural workers in Samar is winding up in the bigger towns while those in smaller ones are over. This was disclosed by the National Statistics Office Romeo Gabatbat during the training of manual processor yesterday in Catbalogan City. Hired interviewers in Catbalogan, Calbayog, Sta Rita, Daram and Basey are still concluding up their listing activity, these are the bigger town in Samar with bigger population. These interviewers do house-to-house listing of households and complete registration of farmers, farm laborers, and fishermen. This will be contained in the Registry System for Basic Sectors in Agriculture (RSBSA), a significant endeavor of the Good Governance and Anti-Corruption Cluster of the national government. The Philippines, according to NSO, being an agricultural country, needs a comprehensive information system that caters to the various data and information needs of economic development partners, policy makers, and implementers. The RSBSA electronic compilation of basic information on farmers, farm laborers, and fishermen will be utilized in agriculture- related programs and services. This activity is a collaboration of the Department of Budget and Management (DBM) Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG), Department of Agriculture (DA), Department of Agrarian Reform (DAR), local government units (LGUs), and the National Statistics Office (NSO). (PIA 8-Samar)






Army donates 31,500cc of blood in Samar

by Ninfa Iluminda B. Quirante


CATBALOGAN CITY, Samar, Feb. 1 (PIA) – A total of 31,500 cc of different types of blood were collected from the elements of the 8th Infantry Division (8th ID) in a mass bloodletting dubbed as “Young Blood, New Blood for the World” with the Philippine National Red Cross at Camp Lukban, Catbalogan City.

In a report filed by the 8th ID, it said that the activity was made possible through the collaboration between Dr. Michieko Malou D. Modesto, Blood Bank Physician of the Philippine National Red Cross (PNRC), Leyte Chapter and the Medical team of Camp Lukban Station Hospital headed by its commanding officer, Lieutenant Colonel Jorge Benavidez.

Pamunag Med Tech, of PNRC Staff Leyte Chapter, Tacloban City said in an interview that recipients of the bloodletting activity are not limited to patients who need blood from this region but the whole country as well.

A big number of soldiers coming from different offices of the division and students of Restructured Reenlistment Training class-80-12 volunteered to donate blood.

A total of 31,500 cc of blood collected will be forwarded to the Blood Bank in Tacloban City for screening. (PIA 8-Samar with the 8th ID Division on Public Affairs Office (DPAO))

Samar Archived News

The older news reports are kept here

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