BandilyoEV

Senate Unanimously Concurs in Accession to the Paris Agreement

2017-03-14T05:37:00.005-07:00

The Philippine Senate on Tuesday unanimously concurred in the President’s accession to the Paris Agreement, said Senator Loren Legarda, Chair of the Senate Committee on Climate Change who sponsored the Committee Report on the accord.

Twenty-two senators voted to approve the resolution seeking the Senate’s concurrence in the Paris Agreement.

“I wish to express my heartfelt thanks to my colleagues’ unanimous support on this historic day of the Senate’s concurrence in the accession to the Paris Agreement. I thank the President for signing the Instrument of Accession, the Cabinet Members for heeding the call for urgent climate action, and everyone who fought hard for this Agreement, including the individuals and organizations who have been fighting for climate justice and religiously taking part in the climate negotiations,” said Legarda, a UN Global Champion for Resilience.

The Senator explained the importance of the Agreement especially to a vulnerable nation like the Philippines.

“The Paris Agreement is a testament of solidarity and a call for global climate action. It shows that developing nations and the developed countries could pursue climate action and uphold climate justice together,” she said.

“This accord is a manifesto for climate justice. It also allows our country access to international climate finance mechanisms and to acquire support from developed countries for adaptation, mitigation, technology development and transfer, and capacity building,” she added.

Legarda explained that access to international funds could help finance the development and roll out of early warning systems, comprehensive risk assessment and management tools, and other capacity-building projects and programs that would make local communities more resilient to climate change.

The country’s accession to the Paris Agreement likewise strengthens its role in climate talks, which means that it can exercise governance, oversight, leadership, and decision-making in the implementation of the Agreement.

“The Paris Agreement is an embodiment of a legacy. This will go down in history as one of our shining achievements. The 17th Congress, under the Duterte Administration, can be regarded as the legislative assembly that championed climate action, environmental protection, and sustainable development,” Legarda concluded.

From the day the Paris Agreement was signed by more than a hundred countries on April 22, 2016 at the United Nations Headquarters in New York where Legarda was present, the Senator has called on the Philippines and all nations to immediately ratify the Agreement.

Legarda, principal author of the Climate Change Law and Chair of the Senate Committees on Finance and Climate Change, has been working behind the scenes in pushing for the Philippines’ ratification, explaining the Agreement to Cabinet members, including the President’s economic team, as well as to local government units, while also coordinating with various climate organizations on the way forward. (PR)

DA-RFO 8 EYES FURTHER DEVELOPMENT OF RICE INDUSTRY IN EV

2017-03-12T20:16:00.002-07:00

TACLOBAN CITY --- Even with the deluge of various food type, rice remains to be the number one staple food in Eastern Visayas, thus, there is a need to further boost the production of said commodity in the region. Aside from the implementation of different interventions under the Department of Agriculture Regional Field Office-8’s Rice Program, one of the strategies undertaken is the continuous coordination with key partners at the Local Government Units.

A Consultation/Meeting was then conducted by the DA-RFO 8’s Rice Program together with Provincial/City/Municipal Agriculturists in the six provinces of the region, aimed at orienting key partners about the latest directives and programs in the development of the rice industry. Batch 1 was held on February 21-24, 2017 for the provinces of Samar, Northern Samar and Eastern Samar while batch 2 & 3 was on March 2-3, 2017 for the provinces of Leyte, Southern Leyte and Biliran.

Ms Ma. Remedios M. Ambida, DA-RFO 8’s Rice Program Action Officer cited the need to help farmers in the region especially that there will be no more quantitative restriction for rice. Economic borders are knocked down making it easier for rice products from other countries to enter the Philippine market scene. “Let us together face this challenge and take the hands of the younger generation in developing our rice industry,” Ms Ambida averred.

Based on data from the Philippine Statistics Authority, the region was able to produce 954,844 metric tons of rice in 2016 with an average yield of 3.56 mt/ha. This may be attributed to the various rice-related interventions implemented for the year. Program direction for 2017 will still focus on the utilization of high quality seeds, adoption of high-yielding technology, bufferstocking, farm mechanization, irrigation network services and extension support.

The High Quality Seeds for Adverse Ecosystem is a strategy that promotes quality seeds utilization particularly among farmers planting in rainfed or adverse ecosystem such areas prone to flood, saline and drought, among others. The High Yielding Technology Adoption (HYTA) Roll-Over Scheme, on the other hand, serves to raise farmers’ yield through hybrid rice production technology.

Salient features in the revised guidelines for the provision of agricultural production, postharvest and processing machinery and equipment were also presented stressing the instruction of DA Secretary Emmanuel ‘Manny’ F. Piñol to make available these items as grant to farmer’s associations, however, recipients may provide in-kind equity in the form of shed, land and labor, among others. Irrigation support will still be a major component of the Rice Program through the establishment of Small Scale Irrigation projects such as Small Water Impounding Project, Small Farm Reservoir, small water pumps and solar pumps.

Key partners were likewise oriented about the Rice Crop Manager, an ICT tool developed to provide farmers with fertilizer management practices. Updates on the Gawad Saka Search and Rice Achievers Awards were also laid out. (DA-8)

AGGIE STUDENTS FINISHED OJT

2017-03-12T20:13:00.003-07:00

(Photo By: Francis Rosaroso)

Abuyog, Leyte --- At least 27 fourth year students of Bachelor of Agricultural Technology (BAT) completed their 90-day “On-the-Job Training/ Occupational Internship Program” at the Abuyog Experiment Station (AES), Balinsasayao, Abuyog, Leyte.

No less than the DA-8 Chief, OIC Regional Executive Director U-Nichols A. Manalo conferred them as graduates of the said internship program in a simple culmination rites held on Friday, March 3, 2017 at the AES Grounds which was graced also by the different OJT coordinators from the Northwest Samar State University (Calbayog City) Mark V. Abela; Eastern Visayas State University – Burauen Campus Dr. Petronila D. Tilaon; and, Southern Leyte State University – Bontoc Campus Administrator Eugene P. Baclayon.

In his message, AES Superintendent, Engr. Jose Jimmy C. Palma commended the interns for choosing the DA station in Abuyog as their training ground and venue to further hone their skills and in applying to practice all the theories they have learned from their respective schools.

OIC – RED Manalo for his part, urged the young students to continue and not waver in engaging their chosen profession, especially now that they have gained additional hands-on knowledge in terms of new agricultural technologies that were taught to them during their entire OJT period.

Director Manalo likewise thanked the parents and relatives who witnessed the event, for encouraging their children to pursue agricultural courses which is deemed to be a rare practice among young students nowadays.

The 27 student-interns took their internship program under the auspices of Ms. Brenda A. Almeroda, the OJT Coordinator of AES – Abuyog. (DA-8)

DA PROJECT TO SUPPORT YOLANDA AFFECTED TOWN

2017-03-12T20:12:00.000-07:00

PRESS RELEASE

(Photo by: Francis Rosaroso)

Anahawan, Southern Leyte --- The Department of Agriculture Regional Field Office 8 recently launched a project that would provide livelihood rehabilitation assistance to Yolanda-affected municipalities in the region.

In a simple ceremony held at Anahawan, Southern Leyte on February 27, 2017, the office, together with the Local Government Unit of Anahawan and farmer-beneficiaries, led the launching of Yolanda Rehabilitation and Reconstruction Program (YRRP) for the said municipality.

Accordingly, the YRRP project aims to restore farming livelihoods in areas/ municipalities which were heavily affected by Supertyphoon Yolanda. It will also assist local governments and communities to recover and build back better their agriculture-related economic activities; and, develop livelihood projects that can serve as a venue and mechanism of coordination and harmonization of the various assistance provided by People’s Organizations, and local and international Non-Governmental Organizations.

One of the highlights of the activity was the ceremonial turnover of check worth P11.5 million which was handed over by DA-RFO 8 OIC Regional Executive Director U-Nichols A. Manalo to Hon. Diego A. Loquinte, Municipal Mayor of Anahawan.

The amount replenishes the funding to the livelihood projects for farmers’ associations in the municipality, namely, goat raising integrated with banana, peanut, cassava and corn farming system to be undertaken by Anahawan Corn Farmers Association (ACFA); and, chicken and swine raising in rice and vegetable farming system by the Mahalo-Lewing Irrigators Association (MALEIA). The amount downloaded to the LGU shall be used in the procurement of inputs and goods.

Dir. Manalo commended the local officials and partner stakeholders because the municipality was the first Yolanda-affected area in the region that was able to comply the requirements.

Moreover, he emphasized the continued cooperative efforts of the local government, beneficiaries and national government agencies for the full realization of the project.

Mayor Loquinte extended his gratitude for the support of the national government which would be instrumental in improving the living conditions of the farmers, especially those affected by the supertyphoon.

Aside from the livelihood support, a Farmer's Multi-Purpose Shed cum Info Center and Bodega shall also be established in the municipality. (DA-8)

NMP Launches 6.09 Plus Training Module Video Clip

2017-03-11T06:48:00.002-08:00

NMP Press Release

Tacloban City --- The National Maritime Polytechnic (NMP), the premier maritime training and research institute in the country has launched the 6.09 Plus (Value-adding the Training Course for Instructor, IMO Model Course 6.09) Video Clip during the Maritime Faculty Development Forum held on 21 February 2017 at Grand Men Seng Hotel, Magallanes Street, Davao City and 24 February 2017, at Best Western Plus Lex Cebu Hotel, Cebu City.

The 6.09 Plus project is designed to enhance the capabilities and competencies of faculty in maritime training institutions through enhancing the training interventions for them. Its key components are the conduct of the training needs analysis (TNA), the development of the training module manual based on the results of the TNA, the production of the training module into a video clip, its publication and posting online and the conduct of monitoring and evaluation to determine the effectiveness of training interventions.

The project picks out specific subject matter areas of the IMO MC 6.09 as ‘pieces of the course’ as well as topics not highlighted in the course, which instructors have identified for reinforcement lessons. These were translated into ‘bite size’ training video clips and published online as an open educational resource that can be viewed and downloaded by maritime instructors through the internet.

The online training video clips make training interventions accessible without necessarily enrolling in the 6.09 course from any maritime training provider. Instructors can learn at their own pace without time restrictions within the comfort of their places or even while on board ships. They can view and download fundamental topics in the lessons in specific areas where they need to improve on.

This initiative is NMP’s response to the issues identified by the instructors that hinder their training and professional development, as a result of the TNA. The foremost problems are the cost of training, schedule of training in conflict with workload and other priorities and lack of management support.

This attempt considers the recommendation of the 2010 Manila Amendments to the STCW on the use of e-Learning in maritime education and training. It also highlights the NMP’s role as a key player in the country’s maritime manpower development efforts of producing quality seafarers and upholding their position as the ‘seafarers of choice’ in the international labor market.

The video clip can be viewed and downloaded free of charge from the NMP website (www.nmp.gov.ph), NMP facebook page (facebook.com\nmptrainingcenter) and at the Youtube Channel through the use of 6.09 Plus as search keyword.

Meanwhile, the maritime faculty forum was organized by the NMP and International Mariners Management Association of Japan - Philippine-Japan Manning Consultative Council, Inc. and was participated by maritime instructors from maritime higher education institutions in Mindanao and Visayas regions. Other stakeholders in attendance were officials from the Joint Manning Group, Nippon Kaiji Kyokai (Class NK), Philippine Association of Maritime Instructors, Maritime Industry Authority and Commission on Higher Education.

Meanwhile, the NMP continues to offer Basic Courses, Deck Courses, Engine Courses, Specialized Courses and Professional Development Courses. (NMP)

NMP, IMMAJ-PJMCC Conclude Maritime Faculty Development Forum in Mindanao

2017-03-11T06:47:00.001-08:00

NMP Press Release

Tacloban City --- The National Maritime Polytechnic (NMP) and International Mariners Management Association of Japan(IMMAJ) - Philippine-Japan Manning Consultative Council, Inc. (PJMCC) conducted a Maritime Faculty Development Forum (MFDF 2017) with the theme “Working Together in Enhancing the Competencies of Philippine Maritime Faculty”, at the Grand Men Seng Hotel, Davao City, on 21 February 2017.

The panel discussions and open forum centered on the initiatives of government and the private sector related to maritime faculty development vis-à-vis full implementation of the 2010 Manila Amendments to the STCW, challenges in the implementation of a Faculty Development Program and expectations of employers on competency-based outcomes of maritime higher education institutions (MHEIs) with further emphasis on the expectations of Japanese employers.

On the other hand, the conduct of workshops surfaced the challenges being faced by maritime instructors in the Mindanao region related to maritime faculty development in the light of the STCW Convention.

NMP Executive Director Romulo V. Bernardes in his message stressed the emergent need for collective actions among the country stakeholders in maritime education in responding to the requirements of the industry particularly on the qualifications of maritime faculty.

“This is a serious challenge, but there is much that we can do. I encourage you to take part in the discussions and propose reforms in government policies and suggest programs for consideration of employers and other applicable private organizations”, he added.

The purpose of the MFDF is to generate information on the training and development needs of maritime instructors in MHEIs. The output will serve as basis in the development of an Action Plan for a National Maritime Program for Faculty Development (NMPFD) towards upgrading their teaching competencies to the current approaches as specified by the 2010 Manila Amendments to the 1978 STCW Convention.

The day was concluded with the reading and signing of the Forum Resolution where participants pledged their full support in all initiatives and programs towards enhancing the competencies of the Philippine maritime faculty members and to continuously uphold and promote the production of quality, competent and globally competitive seafarers in the world market.

Resource persons were composed of Capt. Naoki Saito from Nippon Kaiji Kyokai (Class NK), Ms. Presca Lee B. Lugo, MSc from the Maritime Industry Authority STCW Office, Dr. Luis D. Perez from the Commission on Higher Education Region XI, Engr. Felix M. Oca from the Philippine Association of Maritime Institutions and Capt. Andres F. Alvaro from the Joint Manning Group.

The sixty-five (65) participants and four (4) observers were maritime faculty from the Zamboanga State College of Marine Sciences and Technology, Zamboanga City State Polytechnic College, Jose Rizal Memorial State University, Capitol University, Lyceum of Iligan Foundation, Agro Industrial Foundation College of the Philippines, DMMA College of Southern Philippines, Holy Cross of Davao College, MATS College of Technology, Mindanao Polytechnic College, Regency Polytechnic College, St. Joseph Institute of Technology and Colegio de CARAGA. (NMP)

NMP Turns Up Training Needs of Maritime Instructors

2017-03-11T06:45:00.000-08:00

NMP Press Release

Tacloban City --- Results of a training needs analysis (TNA) conducted by the National Maritime Polytechnic (NMP) reveal specific subject areas in the Training Course for Instructors (IMO Model Course 6.09) needing further emphasis and strengthening as well as other industry recommended Knowledge, Skills and Attributes (KSAs) that maritime instructors need to have to reinforce learnings.

Training modules that may be developed under the IMO MC 6.09 are in the areas of Subject-related Lesson Plan, Course Design, Identifying/Determining and Writing Learning Outcomes, Overview of STCW Convention and Code Requirements for Competence-based Training and Evaluating Teaching and Learning.

On the other hand, training modules on other industry recommended KSAs include Communication and Presentation Skills, Leadership, Management and Cultural Awareness, Classroom Management Skills and Development of Instructional Materials.

It also recommended that topics on industry updates, latest development in maritime regulations, attributes of a Maritime Instructor should be priority discussions in professional meetings of maritime instructors in their respective schools or training centers.

The TNA is one of the key components of a recent initiative of NMP dubbed as “6.09 Plus (Value-adding the Training Course for Instructor, IMO Model Course 6.09)”. It is designed to boost the capabilities and competencies of faculty in maritime training institutions through enhancing the training interventions for them.

The IMO MC 6.09 is a basic teacher training for maritime instructors designed to equip the maritime instructors with the fundamental skills on instructional delivery.

Respondents of the TNA were maritime instructors from maritime higher education institutions (MHEIs) and maritime training institutions who have completed the said course.

This undertaking supplements the NMP’s ongoing study entitled Skills Gap Analysis of Maritime Faculty in Philippine Maritime Higher Education Institutions that is aimed at generating information on the training and development needs of maritime faculty of MHEIs, as basis in the development of an Action Plan for a National Maritime Program for Faculty Development.

The National Maritime Polytechnic, the sole government maritime training and research center in the country, conducts maritime studies to come up with policies for the improvement of the manpower sector of the industry. (NMP)

Cambatutay bay in Samar now negative of red tide

2017-03-11T05:51:00.004-08:00

Thus, shellfish samples harvested from Cambatutay bay in Samar are now safe for human consumption or can be gathered and eaten now by the public. However, the coastal waters in Eastern Visayas of Daram Island and Irong-irong bay in Samar; Matarinao bay in Eastern Samar; Leyte in Leyte and the coastal waters of Biliran are still positive for red tide toxin.

BFAR Undersecretary for Fisheries Director Eduardo B. Gongona assured that BFAR and the local government units concerned are continuously monitoring the status of the coastal waters in Eastern Visayas to safeguard the health of the public and to protect shellfish industry. (PIA)

DOH reminds Samarnons to drink safe water to stop diarrhea

2017-03-11T05:49:00.003-08:00

He urged them to boil water for at least 10 minutes to ensure that disease causing germs including cholera are killed.

Another process to disinfect water is through chlorination through the use of hypochlorite (chlorine granules), he added.

The public is also reminded to always store water in clean and covered storage containers to avid contamination with pathogens or microorganisms that cause diseases.

To date four Samar towns have been affected by diarrhea as reported by DOH. Tagapul-an, an island town has three cases, Gandara has 17 cases while Calbiga town has 12 cases.

Motiong town with 103 cases is considered to have an outbreak, added Tirazona.

His health teams have been deployed in the different areas to help residents and the rural health centers to abort the situation.

The DOH representative also urged Samarnons to immediately seek professional help when there is a suspected diarrhea case in their area. (PIA)

Samar group endorses appointment of Gina Lopez

2017-03-11T05:48:00.002-08:00

(Photo by: Emy Calagos)

CATBALOGAN CITY, Samar -- The Samar Island Partnership for Peace and Development (SIPPAD) endorses the confirmation on the appointment of Secretary Gina Lopez of the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR).

SIPPAD led by the three bishops of Samar passed resolution to congress to approve the appointment of Lopez.

In a resolution signed by Bishops Isabelo Abarquez of Samar, Bishop Emmanuel Trance of Northern Samar and Crispin Varquez of Eastern Samar, they said that they find Lopez sympathetic to their cause, that she listens to the voice of the Samarnon seeking protection against mining and logging.

That they find her stand on mining and logging relevant and parallel to the SIPPAD's 11 years of trying to protect Samar from mining and logging.

SIPPAD has passed many resolutions for the passage of the Samar Island Natural Park and resolutions against logging and mining. SIPPAD is a group of non-political,sectoral organizations headed by three dioceses of Samar island. (PIA)

Legarda Calls For More Investment In Green Technology

2017-03-07T21:40:00.003-08:00

Press Release

Senator Loren Legarda today underscored the important role climate finance institutions play in building low-carbon and sustainable infrastructure that will support the climate change mitigation targets of climate vulnerable nations such as the Philippines.

“Climate-vulnerable countries such as the Philippines fought to enshrine a 1.5 degrees Celsius global warming limit in the Paris Agreement not only to survive but also to thrive. We have to transition to clean energy-powered economies not just because it will save the climate but also because it will produce more jobs and pump prime the economy,” said Legarda.

Legarda, Chair of the Senate Committees on Climate Change and Finance, opened the V20 Asia-Pacific Regional Meeting hosted by the Ministry of Finance and Economic Cooperation of Ethiopia together with the Department of Finance, the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) and the Disaster Risk Finance and Insurance Program (DRFIP), which is a joint program of the World Bank Group and the Global Facility for Disaster Reduction and Recovery (GFDRR) at the Asian Development Bank (ADB) Headquarters.

ADB projects that infrastructure needs in developing Asia and the Pacific will exceed 22.6 trillion dollars through 2030, or 1.5 trillion dollars per year, if the region is to maintain growth momentum. But the estimates rise to over 26 trillion dollars, or 1.7 trillion dollars per year, when climate change mitigation and adaptation costs are incorporated.

“Due to the increasingly dire threat posed by climate change, we need to upgrade everything including infrastructure, supply chains, urban services, logistics, food supply, and more. Here at ADB, we are reminded how crucial the international development system would be as we work to realize our vision of resilient, sustainable development,” the Senator stressed.

Legarda said that as chair of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN), the Philippines has a unique opportunity to work even more closely with multilateral development banks and the international community to increase investments that will allow all our economies to become more resilient, more efficient, more inclusive, and more sustainable.

“Colleagues, our nations bear the brunt of climate change even if we are among those who contributed the least to the crisis. We know if the V20 does not remain ahead of the curve, pulling the world along with us, we will have no chance of seeing our 1.5 vision realized, especially in the current geopolitical climate. We need not only survive but also to thrive, and keeping within the 1.5 degrees Celsius global temperature limit is critical.”

“Working closely with our development partners, and with boldness, we can more rapidly de-risk investments even as we rapidly increase incentives that pull in the right kind of private sector capital towards climate-resilient, sustainable and inclusive plans that likewise contribute to the fight to keep warming within the 1.5 degree threshold,” Legarda concluded.

The Philippine Government, during its chairmanship of the Climate Vulnerable Forum (CVF), has taken an active role in initiating the establishment of the Vulnerable Twenty Group of Ministers of Finance or V20, a high-level policy dialogue and action group that hopes to address the critical challenge of climate change more assertively through innovative financing and technology.

City Gov’t focuses on 6 development areas re Transfer of families to Tacloban North

2017-03-07T03:01:00.001-08:00

Photo Credit - Tacloban CIO

TACLOBAN CITY– The City of Tacloban under Mayor Cristina G. Romualdez is focusing on six development areas in its efforts to transfer families living in danger zones to the Tacloban Resettlement sites.

During a recent public hearing of the Senate Committee on Urban Planning, Housing and Resettlement chaired by Senator JV Ejercito, Mayor Cristina G. Romualdez presented a report which outlined City-led initiatives in the transfer of families focusing on the areas of Housing & Transfer, Water and Power Supply, Health and Social Services, Livelihood, Education and Delivery of City Frontline Services.

In said hearing, Mayor Romualdez reported that some 6,580 families have already been transferred to resettlement sites with the help of other government agencies

Meanwhile, City Government-led initiatives in resettlement sites include daily water rationing — Daily delivery of 120 Tons of water to Tacloban North resettlement sites by seven (7) Water Tankers from 2014 to 2017.

A DILG Bottom Up Budgeting project will soon provide a Level 3 Type Water Systems in two resettlement sites, as funds from the Interior Department have already been downloaded to the City and the bidding process for the project has started.

The Local Government Unit (LGU) likewise installed 190 street lights in resettlement sites and assisted 5,310 household applications for electrical connection.

Livelihood assistance in the form of livestock dispersal and production, Capital Start-up Assistance, skills training, among others were availed of by 1,891 households since 2014 to 2016.

Concerning health, the report disclosed that a number of Health Centers and Birthing Facilities are serving the relocatees, namely Suhi District Health Center, Ridgeview Health Station GMA Kapuso Health Station and Barangay Health Stations in Brgy. Sto. Nino, Tagpuro, and Cabalawan. Regular primary care services (immunization, pre – natal check-ups etc) are available in the health facilities.

Mobile Medical Outreach Programs of the Caring, Giving and Reaching (CGR) Out Barangayan Program and environment and health sanitation drives are also regularly conducted in resettlement sites.

Some 491 household beneficiaries have also benefitted from other livelihood projects initiated by the LGU with the help of Department of Trade and Industry, Department of Labor and Employment, Department of Social Welfare and Development and Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources and other Government Agencies. -HENRY JAMES G. ROCA/CIO

1,950 senior citizens avail of Social Pension in Tacloban

2017-03-07T02:59:00.000-08:00

(Photo credit - Tacloban CIO)

TACLOBAN CITY – One thousand nine hundred fifty (1,950) Senior Citizens of this City are set to receive their Social Pension as the City Government under Mayor Cristina G. Romualdez through its City Social Welfare and Development Office (CSWDO) started releasing the Government stipend last Friday, March 3. The government stipend which is availed of by indigent elderly residents will be released until the last week of March.

According to CSWDO Chief Remedios Buna, the pension pay-out covers the first and second quarters of 2016 amounting to 3,000 pesos each.

The pay-out is currently being facilitated by the City Treasurer’s Office, while succeeding releases for this year will be coursed through the Veterans Bank, said Buna.

Social pensioners use the monthly stipend of 500 pesos to buy basic necessities such as food and medicines. Likewise, it was learned that the allowance keeps the elderly recipients motivated and active in any activity related to their sector.

Per the criteria set by Republic Act 9994 or the Expanded Senior Citizens Act of 2010 those who are qualified to avail of the pension program are: Filipino citizens, sickly, disabled, no income or any other means of livelihood, no pension from private and government pension bodies, and no regular support from relatives.

Indigent Senior Citizens has to submit the following requirements to the Office of Senior Citizens Affairs (OSCA) or the CSWDO to avail of the social pension: Filled out Application Form (copies are available at the OSCA and CSWDO), Copy of Baptismal or Live Birth Certificates and Barangay Certification, stating the applicant is a bonafide resident of the Barangay.

Meanwhile, from 1,950 beneficiaries in 2016 the number of social pensioners in Tacloban has increased to 4,810 for 2017, this is after the required age was lowered to 60 years old from 77 years old, disclosed Buna.

The welfare of Senior Citizens is a priority concern of Mayor Romualdez as manifested by the services available for the elderly residents of Tacloban at the CSWDO, among them the provision of financial assistance, medical assistance and burial assistance.

The assessment of possible recipients is handled by the CSWDO while the pension applications are accepted at the OSCA. -HENRY JAMES G. ROCA/CIO

Catbalogan prepares for Women's Month with anti-drug abuse advocacy

2017-03-07T02:38:00.004-08:00

Catbalogan City --- CADAC and GAD Council convened last March 02, 2017 at City Mayor's Office by memorandum of Mayor Stephany Uy-Tan who chairs both councils.

The meeting was in preparation for the month-long celebration of women's month 2017 with this year's theme "We make change work for Women".

The activity was attended by the members of Catbalogan Anti-Drug Abuse Council (CADAC) and Gender and Development (GAD) to specifically take up the issues on the launching of a Community-Based Rehabilitation Program and launching of the Therapeutic Community Team (TCT) to be part of the highlights of the Women's Month celebration along side with the the "Women inspiring Women Forum" and the launching of Barangay VAWC Desk Hotlines.

The national women's month celebration every March is part of the worldwide observance of the International Women's Day.

Part of the celebration on March 08, 2017 is a motorcade to be followed by the unveiling of women's month information materials, which will be put up in strategic places to ensure wider session of women's rights and protection.

(Catbalogan City PR))

A septuagenarian farmer among DAR’s beneficiaries

2017-03-07T02:33:00.000-08:00

(Photo credit to DAR-8)

SAN MIGUEL, LEYTE – A 78-year old widower was among the 658 farmers from three Leyte towns who received their long awaited certificates of landownership award (CLOAs) from the Department of Agrarian Reform (DAR) last week at this town’s auditorium.

Angel Cabello from Jaro could only say he was so happy after receiving the land title to the 2.1-hectare coconut land he is tilling.

DAR Regional Director Sheila Enciso led the distribution of the 344 CLOAs covering a combined area of 689.6 hectares of farmlands situated in 21 barangays within this town and in the municipalities of Jaro and Barugo.

But before the CLOAs were handed to the recipients, Agrarian Reform Program Officer Wendell Ariza gave a lecture first to the former their rights as well as their obligations as agrarian reform beneficiaries (ARBs).

Enciso, assisted by Assistant Regional Director Ma. Fe Malinao, Leyte Provincial Agrarian Reform Program Officer Renato Badilla, Head of the Leyte Registry of Deeds (ROD) Atty. Emeterio Villanoza, RIGHTS National Coordinator Danny Caranza, CARITAS Country Coordinator Jess Agustin and Vice Mayor Atilano Oballo, explained why it took long for DAR to distribute the CLOAs.

According to her, after the release of the titles at the ROD there is a need for DAR to validate the CLOAs to check whether the information in the said documents are still correct.

She likewise advised the ARBs not to sell their CLOAs nor convert their farmlands into another uses to ensure food security.

Further, Enciso disclosed that DAR has ₱288-million additional budget for support services. Her office, she added, received instructions from Undersecretary for Support Services Rosalina Bistoyong to submit project proposals for funding until Friday. In relation to this she directed the Program Beneficiaries Division to discuss with the ARBs in identifying projects that would help increase the farmers’ production and income, and submit project proposals before Friday.

Meanwhile Badilla acknowledged the partnership that has been established between DAR and the RIGHTS, the non-government organization assisting these farmers, which resulted to the release of these CLOAs that were pending at the ROD since 1994. (JOSE ALSMITH L. SORIA-DAR-8 informationa officer)

TARGET LISTED DENTIST BAGGED BY PDEA OPERATIVES FOR SHABU SALE

2017-03-07T02:29:00.003-08:00

Anti-Drug elements of PDEA RO8-Samar Provincial Office arrested a Drug Personality during a buy-bust operation conducted on March 4, 2017 at around 9:30 PM at the suspect’s residence along Licenciado St., Purok 2,Brgy. West Awang, Calbayog City, Samar.

In a report submitted to PDEA Director General Isidro S. Lapeña, elements of PDEA Regional Office 8 under Director Edgar T. Jubay identified the suspect as Ramon Evaristo Tamonan y Rosales alyas “Barit” (Target Listed), Dentist, 57 y.o., male, married.

Purchased and seized from the suspect were eleven (11) pcs. heat-sealed transparent plastic sachet containing white crystalline substance suspected to be Methamphetamine Hydrochloride also known as Shabu with a total estimated weight of 60 grams with an estimated market value of four hundred eighty thousand pesos (Php 480,000.00), and various drug paraphernalia.

Evaristo will be charged for violation of Section 5 (Sale of Dangerous Drugs), Section 11 (Possession of Dangerous Drugs), and Section 12 (Possession of Drug Paraphernalia), Article II of RA 9165.

The suspect is now temporarily detained at Calbayog City Police Station while waiting for his confinement order. (PDEA-8 PR)

WATCHLISTED DRUG PERSONALITY BUSTED IN MAASIN CITY, LEYTE

2017-03-07T02:28:00.002-08:00

Anti-Drug elements of PDEA RO8-Southern Leyte Provincial Office, 78^th Infantry Batallion,PA and Baybay City Police Station arrested a Drug Personality during a buy-bust operation conducted on March 4, 2017 at around 03:30 AM at Brgy. Bitanhuan, Baybay City.

In a report submitted to PDEA Director General Isidro S. Lapeña, elements of PDEA Regional Office 8 under Director Edgar T. Jubay, 78th Infantry Batallion,PA and Baybay CPS identified the suspect as Job Porazo y Paynandos (Watchlisted), 35 y.o., male, single, and resident of Brgy. Bitanhuan, Baybay City.

Purchased from the suspect was one (1) pc. sachet of suspected Shabu, confiscated during the operation were four (4) pcs. heat-sealed transparent plastic sachet containing white crystalline substance suspected to be Methamphetamine Hydrochloride also known as Shabu with a total estimated weight of 0.10 gram with an estimated market value of five thousand pesos (Php 5,000.00), unlicensed firearm, ammunitions, stainless steel leather man, and buy-bust money.

Porazo will be charged for violation of Section 5 (Sale of Dangerous Drugs) and Section 11 (Possession of Dangerous Drugs), Article II of RA 9165.

The suspect is now temporarily detained at Baybay City Police Station while waiting for his confinement order. (PDEA-8 PR)

DPWH Southern Leyte takes the journey to ISO 9001:2015 Certification

2017-03-07T02:26:00.001-08:00

MAASIN CITY, Southern Leyte – Key officials of the Department of Public Works and Highways - Southern Leyte District Engineering Office (DPWH-SLDEO) will undergo series of trainings in the next two months in preparation for the International Organization for Standardization (ISO) 9001:2015 compliance by October 2017.

District Engineer Ma. Margarita C. Junia made the pronouncement after the recent ISO benchmarking at the DPWH 4^th Leyte District Engineering Office in Ormoc City, the first district office of the department in the region to comply the ISO 9001:2008 standards.

“We got lots of ideas on how and where to start and what to do. We have already started long ago the 5S, but we need refinement,” Junia said.

The 5S are sort, systemise, sanitize, standardize, and self-discipline.

The SLDEO has organized a core team to undergo series of training until April this year for the ISO 9001:2015, moving higher than the older ISO 9001:2008 version. This is in preparation for audit from the Development Academy of the Philippines, Internal Audit Service, and from a 3^rd party.

Although the Southern Leyte office was not included as pilot for ISO certification, they have already started the process last year.

In Eastern Visayas, the DPWH offices required to pilot ISO certification last year are the regional office in Palo, Leyte and 4^th Leyte district engineering office. This year, they have to upgrade from ISO 9001:2008 to ISO 9001:2015.

Compared to ISO 9001:2008, the new ISO 9001:2015 published on Sept. 23, 2015, strives to give additional momentum to the continuous and systematic improvement of processes within organisations.

ISO 9001 is the world’s most popular and most commonly used standard for quality management systems.

As part of its journey to ISO 9001, the SLDEO has been working to help employees familiarize and even memorize the DPWH vision, mission, core values, quality policy. Printed copies were posted in strategic areas of every section.

“We have set up our front desk to entertain queries of clients. Directional signs have been in placed to guide them. At the end of their transaction, we ask them to fill up the customer satisfaction survey form. This is one way to find out how people see our service,” Junia said.

All employees are asked to clear up their working desk from any eye sores such as photos, calendars, and notes. After work, employees should ensure that their desks are clutter-free.

This initiative is part of the 5S technique to clean and organise workspace.

Junia also ensures that designs and set up of their new two-storey building is ISO compliant. The structure, which is now under construction, has a floor area of 525 square meters.

It will rise within the 10,000 square meters Area Equipment Service compound in Barangay Ibarra, this city, will be completed within this year.

These initiatives support the DPWH’s expression of commitment to public service quality as it developed a department-wide ISO 9001:2015 Quality Management System.

DPWH has set eyes on ideas about best practices it can adopt for process improvement to comply and be recognized for conforming to internationally accepted standards. (DPWH Southern Leyte PR)

ANTI-ILLEGAL DRUG OPERATIVES STRIKES AGAIN IN TACLOBAN CITY

2017-03-07T02:24:00.001-08:00

Anti-Drug elements of PDEA RO8 and Counter Intelligence-Anti Illegal Drug Task Force (CI-AIDTF) 8^th MIB Philippine Army arrested another Drug Personality in Tacloban City during a buy-bust operation conducted on February 28, 2017 at around 02:40 PM at Brgy. 68, Tacloban City.

In a report submitted to PDEA Director General Isidro S. Lapeña, elements of PDEA Regional Office 8 under Director Edgar T. Jubay and CI-AIDTF 8^th MIB PA, identified the suspect as Harve Membrillo, 26 y.o., male, with live-in partner and resident of Brgy. 66 Paseo de Legaspi, Tacloban City.

Purchased and confiscated during the operation were three (3) pcs. heat-sealed transparent plastic sachet containing white crystalline substance suspected to be Methamphetamine Hydrochloride also known as Shabu weighing MOL 0.36 gram with an estimated market value of three thousand pesos (Php 3,000.00).

Membrillo will be charged for violation of Section 5 (Sale of Dangerous Drugs), and Section 11 (Possession of Dangerous Drugs), Article II of RA 9165. He is now temporarily detained at PDEA Detention Facility while waiting for his confinement order. (PDEA-8)

LAY-OUT ARTIST BUSTED FOR SHABU SALE

2017-03-07T02:22:00.001-08:00

In a report submitted to PDEA Director General Isidro S. Lapeña, elements of PDEA Regional Office 8 under Director Edgar T. Jubay and CI-AIDTF 8^th MIB PA, identified the suspect as Antonio Dy y Ravelo alyas “Tony”, 52 y.o., male, with live-in partner and resident of Brgy. 64 Bliss, Tacloban City.

Dy will be charged for violation of Section 5 (Sale of Dangerous Drugs), Section 11 (Possession of Dangerous Drugs), and Section 12 (POsession of Drug Paraphernalia), Article II of RA 9165. He is now temporarily detained at PDEA Detention Facility while waiting for his confinement order. (PDEA-8)

Bobon clash, a fake news says SAGUPA - SB

2017-03-07T02:20:00.002-08:00

“She was killed. Not in an encounter, but she was killed intentionally.”

Last February 14, an alleged member of the New People's Army was killed due to a firefight in Bobon, Northern Samar. The suspected member of the red army was identified as Bernadette Lutao. According to the reports, Lutao is the wife of the alleged NPA leader Salvador Nordan.

The statement released by the Philippine Army stating that the troops of the 43rd Infantry Battalion, 8th Infantry Division conducted a combat operation in the said town resulting the death of Lutao is contrary to the reports of the residents. Based on the investigation conducted by Northern Samar Small Farmers Association, Bernadette Lutao, a farmer-leader in their barangay, was shot dead and no encounter took place in Sitio Cabaywa, Brgy. Santander, Bobon, Northern Samar.

“The military fooled us again. She was killed. Not in an encounter, but she was killed intentionally”, said Samahan han Gudti nga Parag-uma ha Sinirangan Bisayas (SAGUPA- SB) Secretary General Nestor Lebico. “The military considers the death of this ordinary farmer as a victory. We now see the dangerous consequences of Duterte's all-out war”, he added.  

Meanwhile, the farmers association in Northern Samar is yet to conduct further investigation into the incident.#

For reference:
Nestor Lebico
Secretary General, SAGUPA – SB 

8ID Renders Send-off Ceremony to Newly Enlisted Privates

2017-03-07T02:19:00.000-08:00

New soldier of 8th ID assign to Mindanao

CAMP GENERAL VICENTE LUKBAN, CATBALOGAN CITY – A send-off ceremony was rendered to the 242 newly enlisted privates of this Command during the Monday Flag Raising at Openiano Field on February 27, 2017.

The newly enlisted privates will report to the line units of the 8^th Infantry Division in Eastern Visayas and units deployed in Mindanao to carry out their mandated task in sustaining operation against any lawless elements that disturbed the peace and development of our nation.

The newly enlisted privates were blessed by Capt. John O. Geronimo, the Division Chaplain to keep them safe all the time while performing their duties.

Brig. Gen. Cesar M. Idio, the 8ID Assistant Division Commander, in his message reminded the newly enlisted privates the difficult process they went through before they became part of the AFP.

“As new soldiers, love and take care of your profession. Your job will bring a better life not only for you but also for your family. Likewise, respect each human rights, rule of law and international humanitarian law. Always remember, the security of the people lies on you. May the Lord bless you every day to bring you success in your chosen profession,” Idio added. (DPAO-8)

14IB with 1368th Dental Company joins Eastern Samar State University for Dental Mission in Maydolong

2017-03-07T02:16:00.003-08:00

(1368^th Dental Detachment under LTC EDELBERTO R TACAD DS (PA), offered dental services.)

Barangay Dao, Oras, Eastern Samar – A dental mission spearheaded by Eastern Samar State University (ESSU) in partnership with 14^th Infantry (Avenger) Battalion and the 1368^th Dental Company 8^thInfantry Division was conducted at ESSU- Maydolong Campus in connection with the National Dental Month of its BEED Program.

The dental services were rendered by the 1368^thDental Detachment under Lt. Col. Edelberto R Tacad with the civilian dentist from the Rural Health Unit of Maydolong headed by Dr. Aurora B Borja, Dentist III. Faculty and staff of ESSU Maydolong also distributed medicines to the recipients. More or less sixty local populace of Maydolong, Eastern Samar and its barangays benefited from the dental mission.

Lt. Col. Manuel Leo Q Gador, Commanding Officer, 14^thIB, said that the unit will continue its endeavor of helping partner LGAs, NGOs and other institutions in conducting such activities in which the people, especially the less fortunate families, are given the opportunity to avail of the free dental services.

Meanwhile, Dr. Vicky Myril G. Yadao, Ph.D College Administrator of ESSU Maydolong expressed gratitude to the officers and men of the Philippine Army who had helped them in making the event a success.

8ID Joins the Nation in Celebrating the National Women’s Month

2017-03-07T02:11:00.003-08:00

CAMP GENERAL VICENTE LUKBAN, CATBALOGAN CITY – The 8^th Infantry (Stormtroopers) Division joined the nation in celebrating the National Women’s Month themed “We Make Change Work for Women”.

Brig. Gen. Cesar M. Idio, 8ID Assistant Division Commander personally conveyed the remarks of Lieut. Gen. Glorioso V. Miranda, Commanding General, Philippine Army to the Stormtroopers recognizing the role of women in uniform who have made contributions in the fulfilment of the Army mission.

This celebration aims to inform and engage women as stakeholders of government programs and services,create and facilitate platforms to discuss good practices, gaps, challenges, and commitments in pursuing gender and development (GAD) and inspire and empower women and girls to be agents of change.

In his message, Lieut. Gen. Miranda encouraged the female soldiers to actively participate in the government programs, policy-makings and trainings. Through gender mainstreaming, the Philippine Army narrowed down the existing gender gaps or disparity between the sexes in the organization thus expanding the women’s potentials and continues to achieve their highest goals.

“Let us reaffirm our commitment of malasakit at pagbabago because through working together we can implement real change with our combined efforts and extensive advocacy in promoting gender equality,”Miranda added. (DPAO-8)

(Photo by DPAO-8)

Leyte Economics

2017-03-07T02:09:00.002-08:00

Leyte Governor Leopoldo Dominico "Mic" L. Petilla shows big wing Oyster, a product of West Visoria Fishermen's Association in West Visoria, Carigara, Leyte (Photo By Gina Gerez-PMRC Leyte)