Agri products trading center to rise in northeast Leyte

JAVIER, Leyte, Nov. 29 (PNA) – A PhP32.48-million trading center will soon rise in this town to reduce the prices of farm products and improve the income of farmers in northeast Leyte.

Department of Agriculture (DA) Secretary Proceso Alcala led the groundbreaking on Friday of the facility located at a one-hectare property in Picas Norte village along the national road in this town.

Alcala said the Northeastern Leyte Agri-Pinoy Trading Center (NELAPTC) is a wholesale trading facility where farmers across northeastern Leyte can consolidate their marketable quantities of vegetable, rootcrops and fruits.

“The national government partners with the local government and private sector to build and operate this facility. This is to eliminate middle men and boost the income of producers,” Alcala told hundreds of farmers who witnessed the ceremonial groundbreaking.

Of the PhP32.48 million required to build the center, PhP24.80 million will be provided by DA and the remaining PhP7.67 million is the counterpart of the local government unit.

Mayor Leonardo Javier said that during the first five years, the facility will be managed by the local government and the five succeeding years to be handed over to farmers’ group.

“In this center, products are traded at wholesale to legitimate traders, including institutional buyers such as hotels, restaurants and canteens,” Javier said.

The facility has an area for receiving, sorting, packing, display, trading; toilet, canteen and a bunkhouse. It shall be equipped with four units of reefer van and two trucks for pick up and delivery of products.

The facility is expected to benefit 957 vegetable farmers in Leyte with a production area of 1,532 hectares in the towns of La Paz, Julita, Burauen, Mayorga, Macarthur, Abuyog, Mahaplag, Dulag, Tolosa, Tanauan, Dagami, Tabontabon and Javier.

Javier town is about 68 kilometers south of Tacloban City, considered as strategic area for supply consolidation and distribution for northeastern towns of the province. (PNA)
SCS/SARWELL Q. MENIANO

DPWH completes PhP1.81-B post-‘Yolanda’ rehab projects

TACLOBAN CITY, Nov. 29 (PNA) – Two years after super typhoon “Yolanda” battered Eastern Visayas provinces, about PhP1.81 billion worth of infrastructure projects have been completed by the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) under the post-disaster rehabilitation and recovery.

The region got PhP2.46 billion for rehabilitation of infrastructure damaged by the typhoon's fierce winds, flood waters and storm surges in November 2013, with a total of 137 projects, according to DPWH Regional Director Rolando M. Asis.

As of end-October, 106 projects had already been completed by the national government with a consolidated projects cost of PhP1.81 billion. There are still 26 ongoing projects and five that have not yet started.

“Projects in badly-hit areas like in Tacloban, Palo, Tanauan, Tolosa and some part of Samar are now complete. We are almost done with all our recovery projects related to post-Yolanda recovery in other areas,” Asis said.

These projects have been implemented in the provinces of Leyte, Biliran, Eastern Samar and some parts of Northern Samar and Southern Leyte.

Tagged as priority for rehabilitation are road slips, slope protection, DPWH office buildings, critical road sections, bridges, flood control, and road resurfacing.

The DPWH is also tasked to reconstruct 22 damaged local government buildings with a budget of PhP794 million. As of end of last month, four projects have been completed, 11 are ongoing, and seven have not yet started. (PNA)
SCS/SARWELL Q. MENIANO

Southern Leyte needs PhP425.6-M to prevent landslides, falling rocks along national roads

MAASIN CITY, Southern Leyte, Nov. 29 (PNA) – The government needs PhP425.6 million to completely solve the perennial problem of landslides and falling rocks in some portion of the national highway in Sogod town.

Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) Southern Leyte District Engineer Ma. Margarita C. Junia said they are eyeing to utilize the design and fabrication of protection systems using high-tensile steel wire mesh and netting. Geobrugg, a firm based in Switzerland, developed the technology.

“The proposed solution is already proven because this has been applied to address geohazards in other parts of the country under the Technical Cooperation Projects of the Japan International Cooperation Agency,” Junia told PNA.

Once realized, the field office would be the first district office in Eastern Visayas to pilot road slope stabilization control system.

The DPWH is proposing to pilot a section in Kahupian village in Sogod town for the stabilization control project in the most critical section, which has an ascending roadway and multiple blind curves.

The installation of the stabilization control system will cover 30,400 square meters area in Sogod town.

According to Junia, the vulnerability of the area to falling rocks and landslides justifies the application of this technology.

The Swiss technology provides highly sustainable solutions for securing unstable slopes or for strengthening existing retaining structures, shotcrete walls, and other conventional materials.

It also secures loose rocks, blocky rocks, rock spurs, overhangs or unstable rock formations with highly irregular surface structures.

Included in the project is the installation of erosion control mat with a three dimensional structure for successful revegetation.

For the pilot site, the budgetary requirement is PhP111.5 million. (PNA)
SCS/SQM/QUIRICO M. GORPIDO JR.

Tacloban fishermen calls for removal of skeletons, debris in Cancabato Bay

TACLOBAN CITY, Nov. 29 (PNA) – Fisher folks in the badly-hit San Jose district in this city has called on the government and other groups to help them remove thousands of skeletons and tons of debris in the depths of Cancabato Bay.

Losanto P. Castillo, Jr., chairman of Tacloban Fisherfolks Urban Association (TFUA) of Fisherman’s village in San Jose district said that not only skeletons were found in the bay, but also vehicles, house appliances and other personal possessions that were washed out during the storm.

“Our appeal is that the bay should be cleaned. We are willing to work hand in hand with the local government unit, the non-government organizations. The catch of the bay has been affected because it is now polluted,” Castillo said.

On Thursday, four skeletal remains of super typhoon “Yolanda” victims were retrieved at the Cancabato Bay.

Persida Rueda Acosta, chief of the Public Attorney’s Office (PAO) led the retrieval operation of skeletal remains. She arrived with a forensic team on Wednesday.

San Jose district, the most populous place in the coastal area of the city got the biggest blow of Yolanda when it hit land as the strongest typhoon on November 8, 2013.

The deaths in San Jose district was estimated to be 70 percent of the city’s 2,700 death toll. The skeletons are said to belong to a 25-year old man and the 60-year old woman.

Acosta said that their office received a letter, hand-carried by the running priest Robert Reyes, who was in Tacloban during the second year commemoration of Yolanda.

“The PAO immediately acted on the urgent request of the fisherfolks to retrieve the bones of the typhoon victims in Cancabato Bay. The letter stated that around 1,600 skeletons are found buried in the depths of the bay, according to Acosta.

Emilio Dador, 65, vice-president of the fisherman’s organization claimed they already approached the local government, various organizations, the city council in charge on fisheries, but their request since more than a year ago have been denied.

Reyes, who helped the urban poor said that it is time to clean up the bay, but the government should give alternative ways of giving livelihood to these fisherfolks. “The dirt from the land are thrown to the dirty waters of

Cancabato and we are not helping the environment and climate change mitigation,” Reyes said, who arrived with the PAO team.

Two full and half body were retrieved, including two skulls. There are also hood of a car, another body of car.

Acosta added that these are already archeological items because it’s already skeletal remains. We hope people will come up with their stories to match the identity of the found skeletons.

“We should return these skeletal remains to their loved ones, so they will have closure. If there won’t be any claims, these could be taken cared and preserved in the main office with other archeological finds,” Acosta added. (PNA)
CTB/SQM/VCA

14-hour power shutdown to hit some parts of Leyte, entire Samar Island

TACLOBAN CITY, Nov. 27 (PNA) - Nearly half of Eastern Visayas' households and businesses will suffer 14-hour power interruptions on Saturday due to expansion project and synchronized maintenance and rehabilitation activities of the National Grid Corporation of the Philippines (NGCP).

The entire Samar Island and some parts of Leyte, including the regional capital will experience blackout from 4 a.m. to 6 p.m., according to NGCP’s Nov. 25, 2015 notice.

The power outage will disrupt Saturday activities of 320,817 households and business establishments in Samar, Northern Samar, Eastern Samar, and some part of northern Leyte. The figure represents 44 percent of the region’s 722,493 total connections as of mid 2015.

“There will be technical works in connection with Babatngon substation expansion project and synchronized maintenance and rehabilitation activities along affected lines,” the NGCP said in a statement.

The Babatngon facility in Leyte supplies power in Tacloban and nearby towns of Palo and Babatngon, some parts of Samar and entire Eastern Samar. The Catbalogan substation in Samar transmits electricity to some parts of Samar and entire Northern Samar province.

Of the 320,817 households and businesses affected, 54,411 are covered by Leyte II Electric Cooperative; 64,712 by Northern Samar Electric Cooperative; 53,228 by Samar I Electric Cooperative; 70,337 by Samar II Electric Cooperative and 78,129 by Eastern Samar Electric Cooperative.

The supply of electric power in Eastern Visayas is generated solely from the Leyte Tongonan Geothermal Field, which generates a total capacity of 699.4 megawatts, more than enough to supply the power requirements of the region. (PNA)
JBP/SARWELL Q. MENIANO

NNC honors Eastern Visayas’ nutrition champions

TACLOBAN CITY, Nov. 27 (PNA) - The National Nutrition Council (NNC) has recognized on Friday some local government units and individuals that contributed to the effort in arresting malnutrition in Eastern Visayas.

In an awarding ceremony at Patio Victoria, this city, the NNC honored three towns, one village and two local nutrition workers for their significant effort to save children from the irreversible effects of malnutrition.

Selected as recipients of 2014 Green Banner Awards are Tarangnan in Samar and Caibiran in Biliran. Bobon town in Northern Samar emerged as the outstanding municipality among the 136 towns in the region in terms of nutrition program implementation.

“I am grateful for this award in our town and this is adding up to the challenge. We’re not satisfied with what we have been doing in the past years for the welfare of our children,” said Bobon Mayor Reny Celespara in a phone interview.

Green Banner is given to the first ranking town in a province in the region that has been adjudged by the inter-agency regional nutrition evaluation team in recognition of efficient implementation of the Philippine Plan of Action for Nutrition.

Of the 4,390 villages in Eastern Visayas, Sto. Niño village in Maasin City stands out as the best in the region with zero malnutrition incidence this year.

The outstanding Barangay Nutrition Scholar (BNS) award went to Lanie Ancheta of Cabunga-an village in Tarangnan, Samar and Jennifer Dejesica of Sto. Niño village in Maasin City. Dejesica is also the regional outstanding BNS.

“I couldn’t believe that my effort will be recognized by the government. I just did my job of ensuring that no children in our village is under nourished,” said Dejesica, 37, a mother of four.

BNS are tasked to monitor the nutritional status of the vulnerable sector in the community and deliver nutrition and other related services.

Finalists to the outstanding BNS awards are Delia Pulga of Magsaysay village in Bobon town; Midarda Longcop of Oriental 1 village in Gamay, Northern Samar; Alicia Bestudio of Malapoc Norte village in Maasin City; and Luisa Pigar of San Isidro village in Mondragon, Northern Samar.

“The awarding ceremony is a fitting tribute to the men and women, as well as local government units and local nutrition councils who stood best in the fight against hunger and malnutrition in the region,” said NNC Regional Nutrition Program Coordinator Catalino Dotollo.

The NNC also recognized the participation of local government units in the monitoring and evaluation of local level planning implementation. These are the towns of Almeria, Naval, Kawayan, Maripipi, Biliran, Culaba, and Cabucgayan in Biliran; Tacloban City, Matalom, and Hilongos in Leyte.

Also recognized are Can-avid, Giporlos, Balangkayan, and Borongan City in Eastern Samar; Catbalogan City in Samar; Mondragon and Gamay, Northern Samar; Liloan, Padre Burgos, and Macrohon in Southern Leyte.

The Special Awards were given to Maasin City for the exemplary implementation of Pabasa sa Nutrisyon; Alvin Manalansan, nutrition officer of United Nations Children’s Fund for his contribution to nutrition programs, and the Department of Social Welfare and Development field office for its support to the feeding program. (PNA)
LAP/SARWELL Q. MENIANO

DepEd Eastern Visayas strengthens communication system

TACLOBAN CITY, Nov. 27 (PNA) - At least 13 information officers and 11 regional staff writers from Department of Education (DepEd) attended on Thursday a two-day capacity building on communication management.

“The workshop is intended to capacitate the division information officers and alternate division information officers... and to strengthen linkages with stakeholders through proper communication,” said Rhoan Lucero-Orebia, OIC-assistant regional director, in her opening message.

“We aim to establish communication system in the division level to promote proper information dissemination to reach all levels of our stakeholders, and strengthen our advocacy on various DepEd programs and projects,” added Jasmin Calzita, regional information officer.

Other speakers during the event were communication unit technical staff Abigail Godoy and Angeline Santos of the DepEd central office.

They discussed about crisis management, writing press release, introduction to social media, website basics, and website sustainability.

“Social media is cost-efficient, has a potentially wide reach, encourages quick sharing of messages, and opens new opportunities to listen, engage, and monitor your progress,” said Santos, as she introduced new platforms for the DepEd to reach out to its stakeholders.

“Our goal is to improve our information, make it effective. We should remember that whatever we do the end is it will impact the children. We should maximize all the communication platforms to ensure that no child will be left behind,” she said.

Santos also urged the participants to “let the children know they are being heard, that their stories are there, and inform them of our programs as stakeholders.”

She however reminded the participants to “exercise tact, caution, and sound judgment when using the official social media accounts.”

Meanwhile, Godoy said that website content should have design qualities like "necessary and useful, credible, understandable and memorable, accessible and useable, and engaging."

The information officers, who came from 13 divisions in the region, were also challenged to come up with up-to-date newsletter and webpage. (PNA)
JMC/SQM/RONALD O. REYES/EGR

DPWH embarks on massive bridge repair in Southern Leyte

MAASIN CITY, Nov. 27 (PNA) –- The Department of Public Works and Highways Southern Leyte District Engineering (DPWH-SLDEO) is bracing for the massive rehabilitation of old bridges in the next two years.

District Engineer Ma. Margarita Junia said 47 bridges will be rehabilitated in 2016 while more structures are now subject to Bridge Management System (BMS) for 2017 repair activities.

“The result of this BMS is the basis for our funding as to what bridge needs repair in 2017,” Junia said.

This year, 37 bridges have been rehabilitated by SLDEO. The total outlay for bridge retrofitting, rehabilitation and strengthening is PHP408 million.

For 2016, the bridge rehabilitation activities require PHP576.97 million, which accounts more than a third of the PHP1.45 billion proposed budget for next year.

Listed for 2016 major repair are bridges of Lilloan, Magaupas, Magkasag, Mayuga, Nahaong, Agogong, Awayon, Biliran, Bonbon, Caaga, Calayugan, Calian, Candatag, Canluwis, Canlupao, Cantamuac, Canumay, Casao, Concepcion, Dinahugan, Higusoan, Hilogtogan, Hipgasan, Iniguihan.

Also up for rehabilitation are bridges of Looc, Mag-ata, Mahalo, Mapait, Maslog 1, Maslog 2, Padre Burgos, Pintuyan 1, Pintuyan 2, Sagbok, San Joaquin, San Jose, San Ricardo, San Roque, San Vicente, Sangaahon, Son-ok, Sta Cruz 1, Sta. Cruz 2, Sudmon, Timba, and Villa Jacinta.

“Some of these bridges have been existing since 1970s. There’s really a need for these bridges to undergo major rehabilitation,” Junia added.

The SLDEO simultaneously conducts bridge inspection for 2016 projects and BMS of old bridges for 2017 activities.

The BMS bridge data are annually collected based on the bridge inventory and condition surveys being conducted by the accredited bridge inspectors from the district office. The accredited regional BMS coordinators from the regional office do the supervision quality checking of the BMS bridge data.

The bridge data collected from the surveys are encoded in the Bridge Inventory Condition stand alone program and uploaded in the repository of all national road and bridge data.

The BMS team in the central office manages the uploading and quality assurance of the BMS data, as well as the conduct of the BMS analysis.

The BMS analyze and generate a list of priority bridges that require major maintenance and replacement which can be funded locally or foreign-assisted bridge programs in the annual General Appropriations Act (GAA).

The province has 153 bridges along the national road with a combined length of more than two kilometers.

The province has the most number of bridges in the region. Of the total number of bridges, 139 are concrete, and 14 are steel. (PNA)
JMC/SQM/QUIRICO M. GORPIDO, JR.

Ormoc prepares to release 2nd tranche of shelter aid

ORMOC CITY, Leyte, Nov. 27 (PNA) - The city government submitted to the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) regional office the Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) signed by the city mayor for the release of the second tranche of the Emergency Shelter Assistance (ESA) in Ormoc.

City administrator Francis Pepito and city legal officer Ivan Verallo personally handed the MOA to DSWD Regional Director Nestor Ramos.

The MOA indicates that each victim of supertyphoon Yolanda under the “totally damaged” category will receive the entire PHP14,286.75 million cash balance from the ESA.

To recall, Ormoc was allocated PHP689.36 million from the Comprehensive Rehabilitation Recovery Plan (CRRP) which turned out to be insufficient as the number of families rose from 40,673 to 52,325 with the accommodation of more names in the master list.

This reduced by half the PHP30,000 supposedly due to beneficiaries under the “totally damaged” category to only PHP15,713.25 on the premise that the balance will be requested from the national government thereafter.

With the conclusion of the ESA distribution last month, Mayor Edward Codilla endorsed to the city council on Oct. 19 a request that he be authorized to enter into a MOA with DSWD for the release of the second tranche of ESA for those under the “totally damaged” category.

The MOA states that DSWD-8 will download PHP414.08 million for the distribution of PHP14,286.75 to 28,984 families.

However, during the meeting called by the SP Committee on Social Welfare, Senior Citizens, Women and Family on Nov. 9, Ramos announced that DSWD can download only PHP289.84 million, which is good for PHP10,000 each. The beneficiaries will also receive galvanized iron sheets to cover the fund gap.

With this information, Councilors Benjamin Pongos and Vincent Rama, committee chairman advised the mayor’s office to submit to the council a revised MOA indicating that the beneficiaries will receive PHP10,000 and nine GI sheets instead.

Ramos told the two city officials that he pitched for the cash and roofing materials modality because there was no money yet during that time.

“At that time we didn’t have additional allocation for the CRRP. After balancing all cash available, we determined we can still allocate,” he said.

Ramos was referring to the PHP492.65 million savings or unreleased funds from the CRRP for the entire Eastern Visayas. He added he will study if the PHP414.08 million needed for ESA’s second tranche in Ormoc can be obligated from the PHP492.65 million CRRP savings of their agency. (PNA)
JMC/SQM/FNC

Army declares 42 towns in Eastern Visayas as rebel-free

TACLOBAN CITY, Nov. 26 (PNA) -– In the past two years, the Philippine Army has declared 42 towns in Eastern Visayas as insurgency-free, raising military’s confidence that the region will attain the rebel-free status by next year.

In a report to the Regional Development Council (RDC) development administration committee, Lt. Col. Ferdinand Bajarin, assistant chief of staff for intelligence of the Army’s 8th Infantry Division (8th ID) said that of the 42 areas, nine are in Northern Samar, four in Samar, four in Eastern Samar and 25 in Leyte.

“This is in line with our effort to declare Samar, Eastern Samar, Northern Samar and Leyte as insurgency-free by 2016,” Bajarin said.

Since October 2013, declared as insurgent-free are the towns of Allen, Biri, Capul, San Antonio, San Vicente, Rosario, Lavezares, San Jose, and San Roque in Northern Samar; Alamagro, Tagapul-an, Sto. Nino, and Daram in Samar; Guiuan, Mercedes, Lawaan, and Salcedo in Eastern Samar.

In Leyte, listed as rebel-free are Palompon, Bato, Matalom, Inopacan, Tabon-tabon, Dulag, Julita, Babatngon, Tabango, Abuyog, Mahaplag, Hindang, Barugo, San Miguel, Leyte, Pastrana, Hilongos, Tolosa, Mayorga, Matag-ob, Merida, Dagami, Calubian, Sta. Fe, and Alangalang.

These areas have been jointly declared as free from threats of New People’s Army (NPA) by local government units and Army battalions in the region.

Bajarin admitted that NPA remained a major security threat in the region since it is undertaking terrorist activities such as murder, extortion, ambuscade, raid and mass mobilizations.

However, the organization has been weakening in the past few years as it is not anymore capable of launching major attacks.

“This year, there were only two ambush incidents in Samar provinces. With those enemy activities, we could already see that that insurgency in Eastern is on the downtrend,” he added.

Lt. Col. Rodrigo Ilustrisimo, chief of the 8th ID Communication-Electronics and Information Systems, said that more towns will be declared as insurgency-free before the end of 2015 and early next year.

“We are on track of making Eastern Visayas insurgency-free by 2016. This has been done by bridging the gap between government and populace,” Ilustrisimo said.

The official emphasized the value of building roads to provide access for the delivery of services, bring trade opportunities, and contribute to peace and order efforts. (PNA)
LAP/SARWELL Q. MENIANO

CRS bares post-‘Yolanda’ accomplishments in Tacloban

TACLOBAN CITY, Nov. 26 (PNA) - The Catholic Relief Services (CRS) has bared their accomplishments one week before the closing of their recovery projects in this typhoon-ravaged city.

CRS has been working in the city to help poor and vulnerable people overcome emergencies, earn a living through agriculture and access affordable health care.

For shelter, CRS assisted 3,119 families through provision of transitional shelter and help build four transitional relocations sites in the city.

The organization also initiated evacuation drills participated in by 4,000 residents. For mangrove reforestation, 5,000 square meters of mangroves have been planted in Anibong district. CRS also constructed seven community infrastructures and eight are still on-going.

Under their water and sanitation program, CRS constructed 1,083 household toilets, declogged 7,176 linear meters of village-level drainage, established 1,180 linear meters of household drainage. A total of 219 families restored access to safe water.

“The program during emergency situations pave way to access clean water and a functioning sanitation infrastructure that enables people to stay healthy while they cope during these stressful periods,” CRS said in a statement.

Other assistance include 1,677 recovered documents through the Philippine Statistics Authority and 880 people trained in protection.

CRS will conduct their final handover ceremony of their Typhoon Haiyan Recovery Program on December 3 at the City Convention Center.

Mayor Alfred S. Romualdez, CRS Tacloban head Renee Lambert, CRS program manager Holly Cantuba, United States Agency for International Development (USAID) representatives Greg Auberry and Joe Curry are expected to grace the event.

These officials will lead in the handover of program documents and certificates of appreciation to 24 partner villages and partner government agencies. Catholic Relief Services (CRS) is the international humanitarian agency of the Catholic community in the United States. Founded in 1943 by the United States Council of Catholic Bishops, the agency provides assistance to 130 million people in more than 90 countries and territories worldwide. (PNA)
CTB/SQM/LAAA/EGR

Calbayog civil engineers steps up support to students

CALBAYOG CITY, Samar, Nov 26 (PNA) – The Philippine Institute of Civil Engineers (PICE) Calbayog City Chapter has strengthened its support to future civil engineers in the city. The group launched its scholarship program to help poor but deserving students finish their education.

PICE Calbayog City Chapter president Virgilio Eduarte said the scholarship program is the biggest project ever implemented by the chapter so far.

Eduarte added that as of now they have three scholars. They are all residents of the city and currently enrolled as freshmen students at the Northwest Samar State University (NwSSU).

He added that the chapter pays the full tuition of the students and they also receive a substantial monthly allowance to support their other school requirements like projects.

“The chapter will fully support the students until their graduation, exams and become civil engineers,” the official said.

If the chapter will have enough funds to support the scholarship program, they want to expand it and add more recipients.

Wengie Cateis, president of Junior PICE NwSSU Chapter shared that civil engineering students in the city are very lucky for the support extended by PICE members.

“PICE Calbayog members are always available if in case they need resource speakers in their seminars and other activities that need the expertise of a professional engineer,” Cateis said.

According to Eduarte, the chapter also assists students in their on-the-job-training (OJT) with free use of facilities through the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) office and the city engineering office. (PNA)
CTB/SQM/JSA/EGR

Sec. Deles wants sustainability of PAMANA projects

HERNANI, Eastern Samar, Nov. 26 (PNA) - Presidential Adviser on the Peace Process Teresita Deles is positive that the Payapa at Masaganang Pamayanan (PAMANA) project will be sustained for as long as people will put “Matuwid na Daan” candidates in power.

PAMANA is the national government’s convergence program that extends development interventions to isolated, hard-to-reach and conflict-affected communities, ensuring that they are not left behind.

Deles said that all projects that are ongoing this year will be completed before the end of Aquino administration.

“That’s the reason why we are hoping that the Matuwid na Daan will continue for the guaranteed continuation of the project,” said Deles in her visit to this town on Wednesday. “Thus, I am challenging the people to support candidates endorsed by the President.”

According to her, PAMANA is just a temporary program, which can be successful if government assistance will be able to reach areas tagged as infested by rebels.

This is the reason government agencies converge with other government agencies like the military and the Philippine National Police to answer the need for security assistance.

For 2015, PAMANA got a budget of Php7.25 billion.

A complementary track to peace negotiations, the program is anchored on the Aquino administration’s strategy of winning the peace by forging strategic partnerships with national agencies in promoting convergent delivery of goods and services, and addressing regional development challenges in conflict-affected and vulnerable areas.

Deles visited this town as one of PAMANA recipients. Hernani posted the highest number of human loss in the province, with 87 casualties when super typhoon Yolanda hit central Philippines on November 8, 2013. (PNA)
LAP/SQM/LIZBETH ANN A. ABELLA/EGR

DPWH to build first four-lane bridge in Leyte

CARIGARA, Leyte, Nov. 26 (PNA) - A first of its kind bridge in Leyte province will soon be constructed by the Department of Public Works and Highways second Leyte Engineering District (DPWH 2nd LED) in Jaro town.

Hiagsam Bridge, which almost collapsed after typhoon Seniang hit the region in 2014, will be 14 kilometers in width. The reconstruction started last week through a PHP37.5 million funding, said 2nd LED District Engineer Carlos G. Veloso.

Hiagsam Bridge, along the Palo-Carigara-Ormoc road is vital for commuters and vehicles traveling to Biliran province and Ormoc City, which is one the region’s major gateway to Cebu.

According to Veloso, the bridge will have four lanes, in compliance to Secretary Rogelio Singson’s directive to merge bridge construction with the ongoing road widening activities in the district.

The rehabilitation project which started November 18 is expected to be finished by May 9, 2016.

Veloso made sure that the project will not be suspended due to election ban since they will ask for an exemption from the Commission on Elections. (PNA)
FFC/SQM/LIZBETH ANN A. ABELLA/EGR

Southern Leyte gov’t pushes aquaculture training for farmers

MAASIN CITY, Southern Leyte, Nov. 26 (PNA) -– The provincial government here is proposing a deal with Southern Leyte State University (SLSU) Bontoc Campus for the establishment of a demonstration farm for aquatic production and culture in Hinunangan town.

The proposed memorandum of agreement (MOA), according Governor Roger Mercado aims to increase food productivity and enhance food security in the province, by teaching and encouraging farmers to engage in aquaculture, tapping the technical know-how of SLSU.

“Farmers in other towns who are going to learn the aquatic technology, they will be more motivated to apply what they will learn to augment their income,” Mercado said

SLSU-Bontoc will likewise be conducting teach-in seminars, on-the-spot teaching demonstration in the field and other hands-on techniques once the MOA will be approved by school head Dewoowoogen Baclayon.

Former provincial board member Vick Barcelon said he will donate a hectare lot as demonstration farm in Hinunangan town.

The new building can accommodate 50 farmers for teach-in seminars and other hands-on field demonstration for the participants’ learning and acquiring skills.

The area located in Tal-ay Hills within Catublian and Nueva Esperanza villages is ideal for inland and upland aquatic culture since it has its own spring water, which normally protects and prevents it from being polluted with other waters from outside source.

The area is also accessible to farmers and other people interested in aquatic food production, according to Barcelon.

A team from SLSU is scheduled to check the lot to come up with recommendations.

The provincial government is committed to provide for the equipment needed in the constructions of infrastructure for the proposed project to make the site suitable to SLSU-Bontoc aquatic technology.

The knowledge and skill in acquiring the technology and techniques in aquatic culture and production will also be taught to farmers and other interested parties in towns outside Hinunangan.

“Teaching the farmers and entrepreneurs in this province how to fish is the best way of helping them provide for their livelihood and food security for their families,” he added. (PNA)
FFC/SQM/QUIRICO M. GORPIDO JR./EGR

New private modern hospital to open soon in Maasin City

MAASIN CITY, Southern, Leyte, Nov. 26 (PNA) – A Php70 million modern private hospital in this city will open early next year.

Contractor Philip Jun Celerinos of Mandaue-based PLD Construction said the well-equipped Living Hope Hospital is being constructed within a 1,600 square meter lot in Isagani village, this city. The works started early last year.

The building is about 75 percent complete, according to the contractor. Works include installation of steeled concrete foundations, architectural, electrical and plumbing, mechanical works, auxilliary works, telecommunication installation, installation of centralized oxygen, and elevator installation.

The Third and fourth floor are designated for the patients’ confinement. The second floor is for the operating rooms and delivery rooms. The laboratory room, pharmacy, emergency room, consultancy clinic and outpatient department are to be found on the first floor.

The new hospital have four wards with a capacity of seven beds each. It has 19 single occupancy private rooms and one room for semi-private with two beds.

The contractor claimed that with the modernization adopted by its owner, Dr. Levi Tan, plus the amenities of the tertiary level hospital, including the acquisition of its newly-purchased modern equipments, Livinghope hospital can be considered as competitive vis-a-vis with the Cebu-based facilities.

“There’s also a big possibility that the new corporation-run hospital can even offer lower rates for its services to confine patients than those in Cebu,” Celerinos said.

The health facility is the fourth hospital in Maasin City. Others are the New Provincial Hospital, Sacred Heart Hospital, Maasin Maternity and Children's Hospital. (PNA)
CTB/SQM/QMG, JR./EGR

NEDA sees brighter prospect of 2015 Eastern Visayas’ economy

TACLOBAN CITY, Nov. 25 (PNA) –- The 2015 Gross Regional Domestic Product (GRDP) is expected to get back on track with two years of massive post-Yolanda reconstruction activities, the National Economic Development Authority (NEDA) reported.

NEDA sees a brighter prospect of the region’s 2015 economic performance, getting closer to the target of five percent set under the Regional Development Plan.

“Economic growth may be below the target, but it is better than in 2014 given the massive infusion of investment and construction works. Yolanda assistance translates into more building and better roads and more jobs,” said NEDA Regional Director Bonifacio Uy.

The 2014 GRDP performance nosedived by 6.8 percent from a positive growth of 4.5 percent in 2013. Economic growth in Eastern Visayas – the poorest region in the country – suffered a 2.3 percent decline last year.

The goal of stepping up growth to 4 to 5 percent looks more achievable with remarkable improvement of the industry sector, which contributes 41 percent to the GRDP.

Citing the latest available data from the Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA), Uy said the value of first quarter export of the region rose to USD138.25 million in the first quarter of this year or nearly tripled than the USD35.01 million exports in the same period a year ago.

For importation, the total value increased to USD156.26 in the first quarter or nearly double than last year’s USD60.62 million.

The official sees a sustained growth of services sector, which is the second biggest contributor to GRDP (40.7 percent). In 2014, it is the only sector that recorded increase in 2014 at 3.6 percent.

“That’s possible if the reconstruction programs will be expanded, sustained and expedited. There are still many rehabilitation activities coming, which will generate more jobs due to higher demand of services,” he added.

Massive assistance from government agencies and non-government organizations to farming and fishing is expected to drive minimal growth in agriculture, hunting, forestry and fishing (AHFF) sectors.

The sector is still largely dependent on the recovery of coconut industry, which would take five to seven years to restore its output.

The construction sub-sector, both private and public constructions, is expected to rise because of the repair of roads, bridges, buildings and houses.

“An increase in public expenditure is expected because of the reconstruction and rehabilitation efforts to address the needs of the affected communities. Implementation of major infrastructure programs and projects will also contribute to the growth in government expenditure,” Uy explained.

Looking at the trend of GRDP growth rates before super typhoon “Yolanda” struck, the target for 2015 is ambitious, according to NEDA.

In 2008, the GRDP grew at 2 percent; in 2009, it contracted by 1.8 percent, then bounced back by 2.0 percent in 2010, and grew by 2.1 percent in 2011.

However, in 2012, the already crawling economy of the region turned for the worse when it contracted by negative 6.2 percent. In 2012, it was the only region in the country that encountered a negative growth.

Eastern Visayas has a very strategic location. It plays an important role in the country because it serves as the backbone of the entire Philippine archipelago. Owing to this location, the region is the principal gateway to northern and southern parts of the country, linking Luzon and Mindanao through the Philippine Nautical Highway.

A major component of the Nautical Highway is the roll-on roll-off (RORO) ports in Northern Samar and Southern Leyte. (PNA)
JMC/SARWELL Q. MENIANO

Leyte mayors back DPWH’s tide embankment project

PALO, Leyte, Nov. 25 (PNA) – Mayors in Leyte province have welcomed the tide embankment project of the Department of Public Works and Highways as it would protect coastal communities from threats of rising seas.

Palo Mayor Remedios Petilla said there were many concerns raised during the consultation process, but these were all resolved through regular meetings with concerned agencies, village officials, and affected communities.

“I support the project because it is an important defence against destructive waves. It will not completely stop the impact of major disaster, but it will help mitigate,” Petilla told reporters.

“A protection of whatever magnitude is better than none. You have to remember that the storm surge was the major reason why many people perished,” she added.

Mayor Pelagio Tecson of neighboring Tanauan town said their town has been consulted by the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) and Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) in the preparation stage.

“There’s no problem on our part because we have been relocating families away from danger zones. Any help to protect us is welcome,” Tecson told PNA.

In contrast, Tacloban City Mayor Alfred Romualdez said the national government should prioritize first the water system project for relocation sites before the “giant seawall.”

The absence of sustainable water system has been derailing the transfer of families from danger zones to resettlement sites. Consequently, the DPWH could not immediately proceed with the construction in highly populated communities.

DPWH Assistant Regional Director Edgar Tabacon agreed that there are many concerns in Tacloban than in nearby towns since there are more structures that would be demolished and more activities would be disrupted.

“We will hold it in abeyance for Tacloban area, as government looks for long term solutions to different issues and concerns. We will probably start the construction in Palo and Tanauan, since those areas are less populated,” Tabacon said in a phone interview.

The 27.3-kilometer project stretches from Diit village in Tacloban to Cabuynan village in Tanauan town. Sections 1 to 3 are in Tacloban, section 4 are coastal villages of Tacloban and Palo, section 5 are some areas in Palo and Tanauan, and section 6 in Tanauan town.

The four-meter high structure, designed to shield coastal communities from big waves, was pushed through by President Benigno Aquino III after the 2013 storm surges wiped out neigborhoods in Leyte province.

The PHP7.9 billion “Great Wall” project include civil works and right of way acquisition broken down in four years – PHP1.46 billion for 2016, PHP1.19 billion for 2017, PHP2.64 billion for 2018, and PHP2.64 for 2019. (PNA)

JMC/SARWELL Q. MENIANO

PCA expands coconut intercropping in ‘Yolanda’-hit areas

PALO, Leyte, Nov. 25 (PNA) – Two years after super typhoon Yolanda struck, the Philippine Coconut Authority (PCA) continues its intercropping program in badly-hit coconut farms, covering 11,063 hectares this year.

Intercropping involves planting of various crops to augment farmers’ income, enhance food supply and mitigate hunger and malnutrition while they are waiting to restore coconut production, said PCA Regional Manager Renato Dubongco.

“Part of intercropping is the provision of a grant-in-kind assistance in the form of planting materials and fertilizers to affected farmer families,” Dubongco said.

Of the 11,063 hectares covered by the project, 7,063 hectares are carry over from last year and 4,067 hectares for 2015.

The intercropping program prioritizes the planting of some crops and fruit-bearing trees in coconut farms. These include cassava, camote, corn, mungbean, mixed vegetable seeds, pineapple, lanzones, ginger, jackfruit, and banana.

“It will take seven years before coconuts return to full productivity. To help coconut farmers earn income and go back to farming, the government, in collaboration with the international agencies, provided alternative livelihood solutions,” Dubongco said.

Eastern Visayas, with an annual average yield of 1 billion nuts, reported 33.82 million damaged trees by Yolanda, almost half of the previously 72.75 million thriving coconut trees.

Of those affected, 15.04 million were categorized as totally damaged; 9.06 million, severely damaged; 4.98 million, slightly damaged; and 4.84 million, moderately damaged. Damage was estimated at PHP16.6 billion in this region. (PNA)

FPV/SARWELL Q. MENIANO