Tuesday, May 31, 2016

DPWH office expects more projects in Ormoc under Mayor Richard

ORMOC CITY, Leyte, May 31 (PNA) -– The Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) is expecting more infrastructure projects to be implemented here following the election of Richard Gomez as mayor, citing the smoother relationship between the city government and congressional office.

DPWH Leyte 4th district engineering chief Lino Francisco Gonzales said the representative of the district where Ormoc belongs is the wife of the incoming mayor.

This prompted Gonzales to revise his earlier projection of PHP1.8 billion worth of infrastructure projects to be implemented in northwest Leyte this year to even higher. At present, the district has 63 projects for 2016 worth more than PHP1 billion.

“I expect development of (Ormoc’s) tourism (industry specifically in) Lake Danao, most especially that the congresswoman is the chairperson of the House committee on culture, recreation and tourism,” Gonzales said, referring to Rep. Lucy Marie Torres Gomez.

“So I expect the development of Lake Danao and then the airport,” he said. Lake Danao is Ormoc’s premier tourism site but its development is hampered by its classification as a protected area. The airport, on the other hand, needs runway lights, traffic control tower and fire truck to convince airlines to include Ormoc to their routes.

Gonzales believes that with a friendlier administration in Ormoc, Rep. Gomez will facilitate the entry of more projects to the city. Most projects solicited by the congresswoman from various agencies are implemented by 4th LED. “Although in fairness also to outgoing Mayor Edward Codilla, his administration was also cooperative with us,” he added. (PNA)
FFC/SQM/FNC/EGR

DepEd says ‘Brigada Eskwela’ support in Region 8 overwhelming

TACLOBAN CITY, May 31 (PNA) -– Support to this year’s Brigada Eskwela is overwhelming as different sectors extended their help to boost school preparation activities, the Department of Education (DepEd) Eastern Visayas regional office said.

DepEd regional information officer Jasmin Calzita said hundreds joined the regional Brigada Eskwela caravan and kick off activity on Monday at the Biliran National Agricultural High School in Biliran, Biliran.

“Partner agencies, parents, non government organizations joined together to ensure that campuses will have an environment conducive to learning,” Calzita said.

DepEd provincial and city offices held their own kick off activities in various sites on Monday.
Calzita said the continued increase in participation has raised their confidence to surpass the donations of man-hours and building materials, as well as cleaning tools, generated in previous Brigada Eskwelas.

The DepEd regional office expects more support this year since their advocacy has started last year when they launched the promotion of senior high schools (SHS) program.

“Adding up to the throng of Brigada Eskwela supporters are parents of SHS enrolees,” Calzita added.

The DepEd has identified 361 schools in Eastern Visayas that will offer SHS program starting June 13, 2016. Of the number, 340 are existing secondary schools and 21 are stand alone campuses. At least 123 private schools will also offer SHS.

Started in 2003, Brigada Eskwela is a nationwide voluntary effort bringing together teachers, parents and the community to clean up and repair public schools to prepare the facilities for the school opening.

Undertaken in all public schools every third week of May or two weeks before classes begin, participants include private organizations, individuals, national and local government agencies, local businesses, and international organizations and foundations.

Volunteers paint classrooms, repair furniture, and clean up the school grounds. Materials and supplies come from parents or private businesses and foundations. (PNA)
FFC/SQM


DPWH office expects more projects in Ormoc under Mayor Richard

ORMOC CITY, Leyte, May 31 (PNA) -– The Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) is expecting more infrastructure projects to be implemented here following the election of Richard Gomez as mayor, citing the smoother relationship between the city government and congressional office.

DPWH Leyte 4th district engineering chief Lino Francisco Gonzales said the representative of the district where Ormoc belongs is the wife of the incoming mayor.

This prompted Gonzales to revise his earlier projection of PHP1.8 billion worth of infrastructure projects to be implemented in northwest Leyte this year to even higher. At present, the district has 63 projects for 2016 worth more than PHP1 billion.

“I expect development of (Ormoc’s) tourism (industry specifically in) Lake Danao, most especially that the congresswoman is the chairperson of the House committee on culture, recreation and tourism,” Gonzales said, referring to Rep. Lucy Marie Torres Gomez.

“So I expect the development of Lake Danao and then the airport,” he said. Lake Danao is Ormoc’s premier tourism site but its development is hampered by its classification as a protected area. The airport, on the other hand, needs runway lights, traffic control tower and fire truck to convince airlines to include Ormoc to their routes.

Gonzales believes that with a friendlier administration in Ormoc, Rep. Gomez will facilitate the entry of more projects to the city. Most projects solicited by the congresswoman from various agencies are implemented by 4th LED. “Although in fairness also to outgoing Mayor Edward Codilla, his administration was also cooperative with us,” he added. (PNA)
FFC/SQM/FNC/EGR

Tacloban rescue team braces for rainy days

TACLOBAN CITY, May 31 (PNA) -- The Tacloban City Rescue Unit (TACRU) has launched an information drive to help residents here prepare for the rainy season.

The campaign is now concentrated on the city’s 25 villages tagged as flood prone areas and 36 communities identified as vulnerable to landslide.

“People are becoming more aware, as far as taking precaution, but definitely, there are many people who still don’t want to understand,” said Rene Moshe Amana, operations and warning officer of Tacloban disaster risk reduction and management office.

The coming of La Niña in the region has sent the city into high gear. The City Engineering employees have been busy clearing and declogging canals and waterways. TACRU have already issued warnings to families living in areas considered high risk.

The city’s firefighters and police officers – who are then the first responders in emergency situations - have undergone trainings to evaluate risks.

After supertyphoon Yolanda razed the city to ground in 2013, the Tacloban rescue team had undergone trainings where they were able to practice swift water rescues.

The city urged residents to be prepared for emergency plans especially the potential impacts of La Niña.

Last week, the state weather bureau predicted more rainy days in the second half of 2016, that may lead to flooding around the low-lying areas in the community and possible landslides.

“Heavy rains should put us on notice that La Niña is very real and are going to be with us through this rainy season,” Amano said.

“The rain and all that came along with it, the flooding knows no boundaries and its absolutely important that we continue to do what we are doing, which is collaborate, share information and first and foremost keeping people safe,” he added. (PNA)
JMC/SQM/JAZMIN BONIFACIO/EGR

DepEd Calbayog calls for more public support to ‘Brigada Eskwela’

CALBAYOG CITY, Samar, May 31 (PNA) -– The Department of Education (DepEd) field office here asked the support of the community to join in the preparation of opening of classes on June 13.

Teachers and other stakeholders joined the Fun Run early Monday morning from different points and converged in Gadgaran village where the new campus of the Calbayog Arts and Design School of Eastern Visayas (CADSEV) is situated for the Brigada Eskwela 2016 kick-off ceremony.

Brigada Eskwela is the DepEd’s traditional school preparation drive, rallying support from various stakeholders.

DepEd Calbayog schools division superintendent Raul Agban said that they had chosen CADSEV as the venue for this year’s Brigada Eskwela kick-off so that the public will be aware that a school exists in the area. He also added that since CADSEV is a new school, the more it needs the support of stakeholders.

“We must stand and join together to ensure that our schools are ready for the comeback of our children for them to have a clean, conducive environment not only on the first day of classes but all through the school year,” Agban said.

“To the parents, we are vouching for your support in this week-long Brigada Eskwela to prepare our school so that on June 13 our children will already have a regular class because we have prepared their classrooms for them,” Agban added.

DepEd Calbayog has earned about PHP45.5 million worth of resources since the program was implemented in 2003.

This year, the city government has allocated PHP5,000 each to support class opening preparations in 197 elementary, junior and senior high school campuses in the city. (PNA)
JMC/SQM/JENNIFER S. ALLEGADO/EGR

DOT consults stakeholders to draft new Region 8 tourism roadmap

TACLOBAN CITY, May 31 (PNA) –- The Department of Tourism (DOT) is stepping up consultation activities with various stakeholders to come up with regional tourism development roadmap for 2017 to 2022.

DOT Eastern Visayas Regional Director Karina Rosa Tiopes said the ongoing consultation is the main activity in drafting the new plan for tourism, one of priority sectors identified by the Regional Development Council as economic growth drivers.

“We need to consult because this is everybody’s plan. For everyone, to be on board, we have to listen to them. We have plans, but plans are dynamic given the development happening since we drafted the old plan in 2011. We need to see where we are and what have we have done so far,” Tiopes said.

Included in the consultation are local government units, affected communities, tour operators, hotel owners, restaurant management, transportation services and other establishments that offer tourism-related services.

The ongoing activity will also help the tourism stakeholders come up with a subplan for each of the seven tourism development areas (TDAs).

The TDAs identified in the 2009 Central Philippines tourism super region management plan are the Samar-Leyte Interface (Tacloban-Basey), Northwestern Leyte (Ormoc), Northern Leyte (Biliran), Southeastern Samar Island (Guiuan), Southern Leyte (Sogod Bay Area), and Northwestern Samar (Catarman).

“Each TDA will have their own priorities. They have to make a consensus,” she added.
Coming up with a new plan will be done within the year for implementation in 2017 to 2022, according to Tiopes.

Tiopes said the region is on track of hitting its target under the existing tourism development plan. In that roadmap, Eastern Visayas is eyeing 705,698 tourist arrivals by this year, targeting domestic visitors from three regions and foreign tourist from Europe and other five countries.

Of the target number, 658,686 are domestic and 47,103 are foreigners. The sectoral plan targets tourist from within the region, Central Visayas, and National Capital Region. Target foreign tourists are from USA, Australia, Japan, Europe, Korea, and China. (PNA)
JMC/SARWELL Q. MENIANO

DepEd says ‘Brigada Eskwela’ support in Region 8 overwhelming

TACLOBAN CITY, May 31 (PNA) -– Support to this year’s Brigada Eskwela is overwhelming as different sectors extended their help to boost school preparation activities, the Department of Education (DepEd) Eastern Visayas regional office said.

DepEd regional information officer Jasmin Calzita said hundreds joined the regional Brigada Eskwela caravan and kick off activity on Monday at the Biliran National Agricultural High School in Biliran, Biliran.

“Partner agencies, parents, non government organizations joined together to ensure that campuses will have an environment conducive to learning,” Calzita said.

DepEd provincial and city offices held their own kick off activities in various sites on Monday.
Calzita said the continued increase in participation has raised their confidence to surpass the donations of man-hours and building materials, as well as cleaning tools, generated in previous Brigada Eskwelas.

The DepEd regional office expects more support this year since their advocacy has started last year when they launched the promotion of senior high schools (SHS) program.

“Adding up to the throng of Brigada Eskwela supporters are parents of SHS enrolees,” Calzita added.

The DepEd has identified 361 schools in Eastern Visayas that will offer SHS program starting June 13, 2016. Of the number, 340 are existing secondary schools and 21 are stand alone campuses. At least 123 private schools will also offer SHS.

Started in 2003, Brigada Eskwela is a nationwide voluntary effort bringing together teachers, parents and the community to clean up and repair public schools to prepare the facilities for the school opening.

Undertaken in all public schools every third week of May or two weeks before classes begin, participants include private organizations, individuals, national and local government agencies, local businesses, and international organizations and foundations.

Volunteers paint classrooms, repair furniture, and clean up the school grounds. Materials and supplies come from parents or private businesses and foundations. (PNA)
FFC/SQM


Monday, May 30, 2016

DOST inaugurates PHP31-M regional office building

PALO, Leyte, May 30 (PNA) -– The Department of Science and Technology (DOST) has inaugurated its PHP31 million three-storey office building on Monday, one the of the national government’s projects in under the post-Yolanda recovery initiatives.

The building, funded through the comprehensive rehabilitation and recovery plan, is within a 900-square meter lot of the Philippine Science High School at this town’s Government Center, next to the old DOST regional office building.

Aside from the DOST regional office, the structure also houses the state of the art conference facilities, management information center and information and communication technology hub in the region.

“This is a testament of resilience of DOST Region 8 employees. I hope that it will become home for new ideas and innovation to deliver excellent services,” said outgoing DOST Secretary Mario Montejo.

DOST Regional Director Edgardo Esperancilla said the construction of building signals the completion of their post-Yolanda projects in Eastern Visayas, which mainly composed of technology assistance to small and medium enterprises.

“Yolanda taught us a lot of lessons and brought out the best of us. The new building is an embodiment of how we have ascended from the devastation brought about by the super typhoon,” Esperancilla added.

The DOST complex now houses the regional office, technology resource center, multi-purpose cooperative building, testing laboratory, and DOST Leyte provincial center. (PNA)
FFC/SQM

DOST Eastern Visayas rehabs 128 early warning system for La Niña

TACLOBAN CITY, May 30 (PNA) -- The Department of Science and Technology (DOST) is rehabilitating 128 early warning systems in Eastern Visayas in preparation for the expected heavy rainfall towards the second half of this year.

DOST Regional Director Edgardo Esperancilla said 60 percent of these facilities have been repaired as of this week. The target is to complete the rehabilitation works next month.

“In preparation for La Niña, we have to fix warning systems to ensure more accurate, integrated, and responsive disaster prevention and mitigation system, especially in high-risk areas,” Esperancilla said.

Of the 128 early warning systems, 102 of these are hydrometeorological (hydromet) devices set up in 2012 and 26 are disaster early warning system installed in 2014.

Hydromet include the automated weather station (AWS), automated rain gauge (ARG) and the water level monitoring system (WLMS) produce data that enhance local disaster management.

The AWS measures wind speed direction, air temperature, humidity, pressure and the amount of rainfall, its duration and intensity. The ARG, on the other hand, gathers the amount of rainfall incident in an area.

Another device, the WLMS, measures the rate by which the water level rises within the river system or bodies of water.

“All three devices automatically send data to a central base station on a pre-determined interval. The data gathered from these stations are being used by government agencies for further risk evaluation and hazard analysis,” Esperancilla explained.

The 26 units of disaster early warning systems were set up in major river basins in the region’s six provinces. A major component of the project is the community-based flood early warning system piloted in Binahaan River in central Leyte.

Each installed system has the ability to send warnings to low-lying communities six hours before the water surge, hence giving residents enough time to prepare.

Early warning systems are designed to substantially reduce casualties and damages to movable properties.

Most of these warning systems, according to the DOST official were damaged by super typhoon Yolanda in 2013. Some were destroyed by weaker typhoons in 2014.

The state weather bureau earlier warned of a developing La Niña, which will bring heavy rainfall in most parts of the country from July to December 2016. (PNA)
BNB/SARWELL Q. MENIANO

Region 8’s Arts and Design School braces for class opening

CALBAYOG CITY, Samar, May 30 (PNA) -– The Calbayog Arts and Design School for Eastern Visayas (CADSEV) in this city is gearing up for the opening of classes on June 13.

CADSEV, the lone senior high school in the region to offer arts and design track, will cater students from the six provinces region, keen on learning skills in arts.

Education Program Supervisor Noel Sagayap said that DepEd had chosen Calbayog as home of the senior high arts and design school since the city has been known as rich in culture and arts.

Sagayap said that as of now, at least 65 incoming Grade 11 students from DepEd divisions of Calbayog City, Catbalogan City, Samar, Northern Samar, Eastern Samar and Leyte were already enrolled.

“This number of students is enough for us to have at least two sections for the first batch of arts and design,” Sagayap said.

The two-storey four-classroom school building built by the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) is now near completion and it will be finished by first week of June.

“The contractor gave an assurance that the classrooms will be utilized on the first day of classes, but we also prepared a contingency plan in case problems arises,” he said.

According to Sagayap, DepEd has already lined up the construction of four eight-classroom buildings that will also be used as laboratories.

Also up for construction in the future are facilities such as students dormitory, canteen, amphitheater, auditorium, parking area, and sports facilities.

CADSEV campus is located in more than two hectares lot owned by the Calbayog city government in Tomalon Estate, Gadgaran village.

Students enrolled in arts and design track will choose the following specializations: media and visual arts, under this field is painting including drawing and printmaking, architecture including interior design and landscape architecture, photography and film making including video and crafts.

Media arts including animation, web design, interactive mobile applications and the like, decorative arts including furniture, ceramics, jewelry and set design.

Also included are performing arts with dance, music and theater. Literary arts with introduction to play, elements of drama and writing for media with scriptwriting for television and radio.

Meanwhile, Sagayap asked parents to support their children who has interest and talents in arts and design and enrol them in this senior high school track.

Sagayap added that students who has interest in the said field has now an opportunity to learn skills or learning being offered in the famous arts and design school in Laguna.

“This is really a good opportunity that the learning our children could acquire from the famous arts and design school in Laguna is now in the region. All we have to do is to extend our full support to our children for them to enhance their talents.”

The Calbayog local government has allocated at least PHP60 million for the construction of access road leading to the new campus, said Mayor Ronaldo Aquino. The budget was sourced out from the city’s 20 percent development fund for 2016. (PNA)
FFC/SQM/JENNIFER SUMAGANG–ALLEGADO/EGR


Sunday, May 29, 2016

Max's Group offers new partnerships with local agri-biz

PALOMPON, Leyte, May 28 (PNA) – The Max’s Group Inc. (MGI) welcomes business opportunities and partnerships with the local agriculture industry here by buying locally produced products used in their restaurant chain nationwide.

During the 6th Eastern Visayas Regional Business Conference hosted by the Palompon Chamber of Commerce and Industry on Thursday, MGU Director Carlyn Salud said that they are buying locally-sourced farm products; however, challenges always lie in the supply chain.

“We cannot seem to have enough supply locally, that is why we are encouraging farmers to grow the products and we are ready to buy them,” Salud said.

The homegrown fastfood conglomerate buys 76 metric tons of vegetables every month for all its restaurants.

Also, they consume at least 10 tons of bell peppers a month and 20 tons of ubod or heart of palm.

“We would like local farmers to massively grow bell peppers, these we consume in tons. But there is always the problems of sustainable supply, as the produce is not even enough for local consumption.

Salud otherwise expressed interest during the conference to get their supply of “danggit” from Palompon, which they presently source in Cebu. Danggit is a salted, sun-dried rabbitfish (a.k.a. spinefoot), which are abundant and native to the island’s shallower waters.

The company has a network of over 500 stores in the Philippines and more than 30 international stores in Canada, the US and Middle East.  Its roster of restaurants include Max’s pancake house, yellow cab, Krispy Kreme, and jamba juice, among others.

This year’s Eastern Visayas regional business conference pushed for rebuilding the region through agro–tourism projects seen to benefit both sectors of agriculture and tourism by boosting the region’s economy through the improvement of income and potential economic viability of small farmers in rural communities.

Bringing in tourism is seen to enhance the agriculture industry in the region and growth of locally produced farm products. (PNA)
RMA/SQM/AHLETTE C. REYES/egr


Eastern Visayas farmers ask to brace for La Niña

TACLOBAN CITY, May 28 (PNA) – The Department of Agriculture (DA) regional office has rice farmers to brace for intense rains as La Niña sets in during the second half of the year.

DA Eastern Visayas Regional Director Leo Cañeda said they have already advised farmers to plant early and utilize climate smart rice variety that can withstand stress due to flooding.

If La Niña will bring its worst, Cañeda said, about 155,000 hectares of rice farms in the region will be affected. In two cropping seasons, those areas normally produce 200 metric tons of rice.

Should there be loses during La Niña, the regions rice self-sufficiency will suffer the most.

The region experienced a three percent shortfall in rice production last year compared to the previous year as the region only just recovered from the devastations caused by natural calamities.

Rice self-sufficiency is presently posted at 88 percent. Leyte’s plains in the second district, which is the rice granary of the region, is being braced to face the La Niña occurrence.

The end of an El Niño event is often followed by the reversal of the phenomenon, known as La Niña.

La Niña occurs when easterly trade winds strengthen. That cools water across the central and eastern 
Pacific Ocean, which in turn can up-end weather around the world. The severity of the phenomenon is measured by ocean temperatures and changes in wind patterns.

It also increases the likelihood of tropical cyclones in the Pacific.

On the other hand, DA reported that aside from rice, El Niño did not have a significant effect on the production of other agricultural products in the region. (PNA)
ZST/SQM/AHLETTE C. REYES/EGR


Goldberg leads turnover of new classrooms in Leyte

PALO, Leyte, May 28 (PNA)- United States Ambassador to the Philippines Phillip Goldberg lead on Friday the turnover ceremony of two-storey 10-classroom building at Palo National High School, this town.

The school building is part of the 310 school building donation of the US government to the country’s rehabilitation effort in areas devastated by super typhoon Yolanda that struck some parts of Leyte and Samar islands on Nov. 8, 2013.

The school building was designed to withstand magnitude of 8.5 earthquake and typhoon with 360 kilometer per hour wind velocity. Each classroom is equipped with learning materials and ventilation to help students study in a conducive environment.

The 10 classrooms are part of the 199 classrooms that were already constructed by the United States Agency for International Development (USAID). Construction is now ongoing for 111 classrooms.

USAID estimates that these school facilities will benefit more than 35,000 students once all are completed.

The US government allocated USD 143 million assistance to the post-Yolanda rehabilitation program implemented by USAID that covers school building and health center construction, livelihood assistance through aquaculture, agriculture, and community stores.

“The devastation was tremendous but the resilience of the people here and the ability to recover is remarkable,” said Goldberg, who had visited the province six times after the super typhoon in 2013.

“This is part of the more than 250 classrooms that the US Government through the US Embassy Manila’s USAID is building in Leyte province to help restore access to education. Not only education is basic human right but it is also a powerful resource that plays a critical role in poverty alleviation,” he added.

Goldberg added that the turnover was timely for the start of class next month.

Goldberg reminded students to study hard and use the building on how it is intended for them to become educated and land better jobs and contribute to better economy.

Palo National High School principal Nino Angelo Mendoza said that this donation would address classroom shortage with the two percent increase in enrollment in the new academic year.

The school’s enrollment has reached 1,000 with 600 of for Junior High School and 400 under Senior High School.

“This classroom donation will help in filling the gap of classroom shortage of the school,” Mendoza said.

Aside from the school building, students also received a water system that will provide potable water for the students, learning and educational instruction materials from Andrew High School in Illinois and school bags made from indigenous materials.

Leyte Governor Leopoldo Dominico Petilla thanked the American government for continuing helping typhoon devastated areas in the region, especially the education sector.

“What we do here is for the future of our children. This gives us a place, a shelter and protection and most importantly, this will not only for the education and welfare of our children. It also signifies the friendship of Filipino and American people,” Petilla said.

The ambassador and the governor inspected the new learning facility and conversed with some Grade 7 students.

After the turnover ceremony, Goldberg went to Bethel International School in Palo town to open the Training of Trainers Program, a program of the US Embassy in partnership with the Asian Soccer Academy Foundation, local government units and Department of Education.

The program is a sport-based capacity building training for six months. It will be participated by 100 students and 20 local teachers and coaches. (PNA)
RMA/SQM/ROEL T. AMAZONA/EGR

Friday, May 27, 2016

Road right of way clearing removes 212 structures in S. Leyte

MAASIN CITY, Leyte, May 27 (PNA) -- About 212 structures have been removed from road sides along major thoroughfares in Southern Leyte as the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) steps up drive to recover the road right of way.

Of the 212 structures removed, 100 of these were along Junction Himayangan-Silago-Abuyog Boundary Road, 74 in Boundary Southern Leyte-Maasin-Macrohon-Sogod DaangMaharlika, 16 in Liloan-San Ricardo Road, eight in DaangMaharlika, seven in Bato-Bontoc Road, and six in Abuyog-Silago Road.

The newly removed obstructions consists of 172 makeshift structures and 40 concrete structures.

As of May 2016, about 9,066 structures are targeted for demolition by DPWH Southern Leyte office.

At least 1,057 of these structures are categorized as “doable” and 8,009 are long term.

As of May 23, at least 2,058 notices have been served to property owners, urging them to voluntarily demolish their own structures or else the government would take legal actions to clear national roads.

“We are heading orders from Secretary Rogelio Singson to strictly enforce the removal of obstructions and prohibited uses within the road right of way of national roads,” said District Engineer Ma. Margarita Junia.

So far, no single case has been filed at courts as property owners voluntarily remove encroachment after two or three notices, according to Junia.

Considered as obstructions within the right of way are all kinds of private and permanent structures such as buildings; houses; shanties; stores; shops; sheds; posts; canopies; billboards; signage; advertisements; fences; walls; railings; basketball courts; garbage receptacles.

Other common obstructions are plants and plant boxes; driveways and ramps occupying or protruding to the sidewalk; humps; construction materials (gravel, sand, cement, lumber, steel bars, waste materials, etc.); and vehicles and equipment that are junked, parked, and occupying or protruding to the sidewalk or shoulder.

Prohibited activities within the right of way include vending; repair of vehicles; disposal of household, commercial, industrial wastewater and sewage; raising of animals; washing and drying of clothes, crops, and other similar items; and sports and related activities. (PNA)
JMC/SQM/DPWH SOUTHERN LEYTE-PR/EGR


MCC eyes transpo, power as focus on second deal

TACLOBAN CITY, May 27 (PNA) –- The Millennium Challenge Corporation (MCC) is looking at transportation and energy as priority areas in the development of second compact or agreement to further poverty-reducing support in the Philippines.

MCC Chief Executive Officer Dana Hyde said it is too early to pronounce, but based on initial analysis, the two sectors need more support from the US government to improve the living condition of poor families.

“We’re taking a look at cost of transportation, cost of energy, and certainly the world economy in the Philippines and how to create value and opportunity,” Hyde told reporters in a press briefing at the Tacloban Airport late Thursday afternoon.

Hyde said that an economic team from the US is now working with their counterparts in the country to analyze economic indicators and identify priority sectors.

“We’re making a good progress on compact 2, but we are still on early stages of analysis,” the official said.

In December 2014, the MCC has selected the Philippines as eligible to develop a second compact or agreement- with MCC to continue its fight against poverty.

“This is the first time ever that a country still working on compact 1, which is doing so well, that the board decided to give green light to go ahead and begin developing compact 2,” said MCC Board member and President of the International Republican Institute Mark Green.

“I think many of us in the board thought it was a good idea, but we had a doubt because that’s the first time ever. But what everything I see tells that it was a wise choice,” Green added.

The Philippines compact project was signed on Sept. 23, 2010 by President Benigno S. Aquino III and then US Secretary of State and Millennium Challenge Corporation (MCC) Chair Hillary Clinton.

MCC’s compact with the Philippines has ended on May, 26, 2016. It implemented poverty-reduction projects, focusing on three areas - improvement of tax revenue collection and administration, 
rehabilitation of secondary road network in Samar provinces, and funded about 4,000 small-scale community development projects in poor rural communities.

Hyde is optimistic that partnership will be sustained even with the change of administration in the country.

“People of the United States and the Philippines have strong and deep partnership. We have reasons to believe that this will continue. We’re very much looking forward to working with the new administration as we shape the second investment,” she added. (PNA)
JMC/SARWELL Q. MENIANO

MCC positive of anti-poverty project sustainability

TACLOBAN CITY, May 27 (PNA) –- Top officials of the Millennium Challenge Corporation (MCC) is optimistic of the sustainability of USD434 million US-funded projects in the country as they celebrate the end of five-year compact.

MCC Chief Executive Officer Dana Hyde said building the capacities of beneficiaries has raised their confidence that these projects will have lasting impacts in poor communities.

Hyde and MCC Board member and President of the International Republican Institute Mark Green was in Leyte on Thursday to check a footbridge project in Barugo town and talk with project recipients.

On Wednesday, the two officials met with President Benigno Aquino III and some cabinet members to highlight compact accomplishments.

“Sustainability is always in the forefront of our discussions. We are happy that there are legislations in placed and local government organize maintenance groups. What’s interesting here is organizing beneficiaries to maintain a project. That is very innovative,” Hyde said.

The first compact was signed in 2010 and has ended on May 25, 2016. The Millennium Challenge Account-Philippines (MCA-P) implemented the projects, focusing on three areas - improvement of tax revenue collection and administration, rehabilitation of secondary road network in Samar provinces, and funded about 4,000 small-scale community development projects in rural poor communities.

With the revenue reform, the MCC reported more than USD300 million in additional taxes have been generated since 2013, and these figures continue to grow.

Road rehabilitation covers 222 kilometers of coastal and mountainous roads and 61 bridges connecting Samar and Eastern Samar provinces. It reduced transportation costs, expanded commerce, and helped raise incomes of locals.

The compact’s community-driven development project, Kapit-Bisig Laban sa Kahirapan (Linking Arms Against Poverty) Comprehensive and Integrated Delivery of Social Services – known as Kalahi-CIDSS – has funded thousands of projects in basic infrastructure and social services based on needs identified and prioritized by residents across Filipino communities.

"Kalahi-CIDSS here is an international model of Community-Driven Development (CDD) and its impact. I thank the Filipinos for being the teaching instrument for MCC. We are strong believers now in CDD," Hyde added. (PNA)
JMC/SARWELL Q. MENIANO


Lifting of COA suspension on Ormoc’s fuel requisition sought

ORMOC CITY, Leyte, May 26 (PNA) -- The city government has requested the recall and lifting of the notice of suspension imposed by the Commission on Audit (COA) on its procurement of fuels and lubricants in 2014.

The basis for the notice is the non-submission of monthly reports of official travels as well as incomplete and not properly filled up monthly reports of fuel consumption and drivers’ trip tickets.

COA based its findings on Circular No. 77-61 or the Manual on Audit for Fuel Consumption of Government Motor Vehicles issued on Sept. 26, 1977. But city administrator Francis A. Pepito in his reply letter, described the findings as unfair and baseless.

For one, Circular No. 77-61 made mention of the documents cited by COA (i.e. drivers’ trip tickets, monthly reports of official travel and fuel consumption), but these were considered as tools to ensure effective control of fuel consumption and proper utilization of government vehicles. It did not require the attachment of the same as supporting documents to the disbursement vouchers.

While Circular No. 77-61 was issued 39 years ago, this was the first time it was implemented strictly by COA, per accounts of employees long connected to the city government. Previous auditors were not as strict on the matter, General Services Officer Domardoni Cayanong said.

Pepito finds it odd that the entire PHP15.8 million liability was imposed only on Mayor Edward C. Codilla and 17 department heads when the consumption constituted the entire operations of the city government for 2014 including national offices receiving fuel subsidy from the mayor’s office like the COA itself.

Pepito also reminded COA that Ormoc was under a state of calamity in 2014. “To suspend the payments of fuel and lubricants that were utilized during that time simply because of the non-submission of some documents…would amount to penalizing the city officials for performing their mandated tasks under the prevailing abnormal situation,” he wrote.

“To strictly require the city officials and the drivers to strictly fill up the trip tickets, which was issued way back in 2014 would, in effect, require them to fabricate the details and entries in the said trip tickets as it would be impossible to accurately recall the same especially during the times when the operation of the city government was still in disarray consequent to the massive devastation caused by typhoon Yolanda,” the reply continued.

Pepito further observed that the implementation of a 39-year-old circular is not practical considering the standards set in computing fuel consumption no longer apply in the present time. This is true especially so that the circular lists down motor vehicles (with type, model and cylinder) that have long been phased out and have not been part of the inventory of motor vehicles of the city government.

Pepito went on to explain that the city government has long implemented its own tracking system on the requisition of fuels and lubricants which can be generated from the database of the General Services Department and City Accountant’s Office.

“Thus, while the submitted monthly report of fuel consumption and driver’s trip tickets were incomplete and not properly filled up, it does not mean that the city allowed the wastage of fuels and lubricants,” he wrote.

Finally, Pepito cited the remedy imposed by COA on its notice of suspension which states:

“Henceforth, the Approved Driver’s Trip Ticket should be properly and completely filled up. Prepare and submit the Monthly Report of Official Travels.” He took note of the word “Henceforth” which means that COA is requiring compliance on the local government’s future or subsequent transactions. (PNA)
LAP/SQM/FNC/EGR

Substantial school bldg projects completion eyed in Southern Leyte

MAASIN CITY, Leyte, May 26 (PNA) -- The Department of Public Works and Highways Southern Leyte District Engineering Office (DPWH-SLDEO) is eyeing a substantial accomplishment in their school building construction in time for the opening of new academic year on June 13, 2016.

Out of 53 school building projects in different sites in the province, 13 have been completed and 37 are still ongoing as of this week.

Four projects have been suspended due to redesign of foundation up for review by the Bureau of Design. Before, it failed the soil bearing capacity test conducted.

These 53 projects of varying designs have 173 classrooms to absorb the first batch of senior high school (SHS) learners in 18 towns and Maasin City, the provincial capital.

District Engineer Ma. Margarita C. Junia said some projects have encountered delays due to cost adjustment to include the transhipment of materials to far flung project location, bidder filed motion for reconsideration, and failure to pass the sub soil test.

“With the regular coordination with the Department of Education and measures undertaken to address bottlenecks, we are optimistic to attain remarkable accomplishments in our school building projects during the opening of classes,” Junia said.

The DPWH-SLDEO expects to complete all classrooms before the fourth quarter of this year.

These projects are expected to boost the preparation of the province for next year’s full implementation of the SHS program under the kindergarten and 12 years of basic education (K to 12) program of the national government.

One of the recipients of school building projects is the Ichon Integrated Senior High School in Barangay Ichon, Macrohon, Southern Leyte, a home to more than 700 secondary students.

School Principal Myrna Caballero said the project will benefit at least 270 learners from 17 villages in Macrohon and Maasin City. Most of them are SHS learners.

“With this structure, we are assured that all SHS enrolees will have their classes in an environment conducive to learning,” Caballero said.

The campus has 205 slots for SHS program -67 for General Academic Strand; 72 for Accountancy, Business and Management; and 66 for Home Economics.

The Ichon Integrated Senior High School is just one of the 56 public schools in the province that will offer the SHS program this coming academic year.

Data from the DepEd shows that Maasin City and Southern Leyte towns need at least 242 classrooms this year for the projected 8,655 SHS enrolees. (PNA)
LDV/SQM/PR/EGR

Thursday, May 26, 2016

Completion of post-Yolanda coco replanting eyed in 2017

TACLOBAN CITY, May 26 (PNA) –- The Philippine Coconut Authority (PCA) is eyeing to complete the post-Yolanda replanting in Eastern Visayas by 2017, paving the way for recovery of the coconut industry in five years.

PCA Regional Manager Joel Pilapil said that last year, 4.3 million trees were planted in farms ravaged by super typhoon Yolanda. For 2016, the target is to plant 4.5 million trees.

“The remaining of the 10 million trees target will all be planted in 2017 to complete our replanting activities,” Pilapil told PNA.

Some 13 million coconut trees in the region were either uprooted or sheared by the monster typhoon in 2013, with no chance of recovery. However, only 10 million trees are being targeted for replanting, citing cultural management and variety considerations.

“We will follow the ideal density of 100 trees per hectare. Before Yolanda hit us, some farmers cultivate 200 to 300 trees per hectare,” Pilapil said.

With the scarcity of planting materials from local sources, the region gets supplies from PCA-operated nurseries in Davao, Zamboanga, Cotabato and Bohol.

The program involves replacement of totally damaged coconut trees through replanting, using tall or dwarf varieties. A new planting scheme was introduced – by group of three’s in triangular pattern equivalent to 192 trees per hectare.

The PCA also provides grant-in-kind of PHP30 per tree or PHP3,000 per hectare as incentive for labor in planting.

Eastern Visayas, with an annual average yield of 1 billion nuts, reported 33.82 million affected trees, almost half of the previously 72.75 million thriving coconut trees. (PNA)
JMC/SARWELL Q. MENIANO

Gov’t agencies, village officials in Eastern Visayas ink deal vs illegal drugs

PALO, Leyte, May 25 (PNA) -- Different national government agencies and association of village officials in Eastern Visayas signed a deal on Wednesday to step up fight illegal drugs in the region.

In a statement, Police Regional Director Chief Supt. Jose Erwin Villacorte said agencies are bound to support each agency in an aggressive campaign in combating the drug menace in the region thru continuing exchange of information, coordinated operations and mutual capacity building.

Those who signed the memorandum of understanding (MOU) are Villacorte; Laurefel Gabales, Philippine Drugs Enforcement Agency regional director; Socorro Ramos, representative of the Commission on Higher Education; Cyril Casey Blanco, representative of the Department of the Interior and Local Government; Luisa Yu, Department of Education regional director; and Board Member Edwin Faller, president of association of village chiefs in Leyte.

The agreement paves the way for enhanced partnerships in combating illicit trafficking and abuse of dangerous drugs, psychotropic substances and their precursors.

“Recognizing that illegal drugs pose a serious threat to the people’s health, security and general welfare and adversely affect the region’s economic, social, cultural and political foundations, we have pledged to work together to liberate our area from the clutches of the drug menace,” Villacorte said.

“The MOU embodies more than just a set of printed materials, rather, it manifest in the strongest possible terms the ardent desires of our counterparts to pool its manpower, expertise, resources and efforts towards the achievement of a common goal,” he added.

The police regional office expresses optimism that with the recent signing of a deal, the government can achieve more milestones in the war against illegal drugs. (PNA)
JMC/SQM/LIZBETH ANN A. ABELLA/EGR



Wednesday, May 25, 2016

Better road unveils tourism opportunities in Northern Samar

TACLOBAN CITY, May 25 (PNA) –- The new road linking Northern Samar towns facing the Pacific Ocean, will open up tourism opportunities in impoverished areas where farming is the major source of living, an official said.

Northern Samar provincial tourism officer Josette Doctor said that unknown to many, the towns of Lapinig, Gamay, Mapanas, Palapag, and Laoang are endowed with rock formations, dive sites, beautiful beaches, and waterfalls.

“We are trying to develop Pacific towns now that we have the circumferential road. The first step is to prepare the place and encourage more tourism-related investments. We also have to train communities, make them aware, and open their minds to tourism and not just farming,” Doctor said.

Aside from natural wonders, other attractions in these towns are century-old churches, American burial site, and a lighthouse.

The newly-completed circumferential road links remote Northern Samar towns to Eastern Samar, making the area more accessible to Tacloban City, the regional capital.

Mapanas town Mayor Francis John Tejano said seeing a Tacloban-bound passenger van passing through their town is something unusual.

“It’s just normal in other place, but in our place, this means a lot to us. Only during the Aquino administration that the bumpy and muddy road was paved. We are happy that we are not isolated anymore,” Tejano said in a mobile phone interview.

Although Northern Samar’s Pacific towns are endowed with natural wonders, these areas are one of the poorest areas in Eastern Visayas region.

With a poverty incidence of 61.6 percent, Northern Samar is the fourth poorest province in country, trailing behind Sarangani, Sulu, and Lanao del Sur. (PNA)
JMC/SARWELL Q. MENIANO

Northern Samar drafts post-disaster recovery plan

TACLOBAN CITY, May 25 (PNA) –- Northern Samar province is now drafting the 2016-2019 typhoon Nona Rehabilitation and Recovery Plan, a blueprint that will spell out the strategy of the province to build back better after the December 2015 disaster.

National Economic and Development Authority (NEDA) Regional Director Bonifacio Uy said that the provincial government is expected to come up with the recovery plan within the second quarter of 2016.

NEDA and other members of the Regional Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council recently held a write shop to map out post-disaster plans of the province.

The local government had sought for technical assistance of NEDA, citing the latter’s experience from crafting the Yolanda Rehabilitation and Recovery Plan for Eastern Visayas.

“Preparing this plan is one of top priorities of our office since this will be the basis of the government’s response to help Northern Samar recover and build back better from typhoon Nona,” Uy said.

The writeshop focused on consolidating the programs, projects and activities, policy recommendations, and potential bottlenecks to implementation. These were earlier identified in a rehabilitation and recovery planning workshop conducted on March 10 to 11 this year in Catarman, Northern Samar, participated by various stakeholders from the provincial and regional levels.

Projects and activities will comprise the Nona investment program with specific cost estimates per year of implementation. The recovery plan dubbed as “Padayon” (a local term for continue) is divided into four sectors - infrastructure, social, productive, and cross-sectoral.

Internationally known as Melor, typhoon Nona made its first landfall over Batag Island, Laoang town in Northern Samar on December 14 last year. It moved in a northwest direction, leaving destruction on its path largely in the northern coastal towns of the province.

Nona is the strongest typhoon to hit the province in 34 years with a reported peak intensity of 10-minute sustained winds at 175 kilometers per hour.

The typhoon has killed 10 residents in Northern Samar, destroyed 65,000 houses and the farming sector suffered about PHP100 million worth of damage. (PNA)
JMC/SARWELL Q. MENIANO


OCD strengthens ties with Eastern Visayas media

TACLOBAN CITY, May 25 (PNA) -– The Office of the Civil Defense (OCD) is stepping up linkages with the media in the bid to bring disaster risk reduction and management (DRRM) information to communities.

OCD Regional Director Edgar Posadas acknowledged the media’s role in spreading information that empowers communities on DRRM.

“We truly appreciate your efforts in ensuring that better information, communication and awareness is conveyed to our stakeholders,” said Posadas during a two-day media gathering that kicked off on Tuesday.

Posadas said that during emergencies, people seek up-to-date, reliable and detailed information. “It is our goal to equip our communicators with adequate knowledge,” he added.

“As the most important source of information in the region, we are privileged to help the media enhance their understanding the fundamentals of DRRM,” Posadas said.

Topics discussed during the gathering are the DRRM system in the country, climate change adaptation, disaster prevention and mitigation, preparedness, response, post-disaster recovery. (PNA)
FFC/SQM/LIZBETH ANN A. ABELLA/EGR


Leyte’s skim boarders advocate environmental protection

TANAUAN, Leyte, May 25 (PNA) -- Local surfers in this coastal town are not only sports enthusiasts, but environment champions as well.

Jamaica Salceda, ambassador of Sol Shred Skim, an international organization of skim boarders, said surfing is a lifestyle for them who live in coastal communities.

Last week, skim boarding was again revived by local organizers here. Young surfers in the region are hopeful that they will once again gather to prepare for some competitions here and abroad.

“We enjoy riding the fantastic waves coming from the ocean and as it raises a liquid wall or tunnel. However, if the seawater is dirty and the beach has a lot of garbage, we do not feel refreshed and don’t enjoy playing. We, surfers are sensitive to environmental issues,” Salceda said.

“As environmental activists, we are serious about environmental issues and coastal protection and that we work and help some non government organizations in protesting against coastal pollution,” 
Jamaica said.

Local surfers in this town started focusing on taking people closer to the nature through tree planting activities, coastal cleanup, and garbage segregation.

“We all know that we have limitations, but we do believe that engaging the kids and their families is the way forward,” she said.

She recognizes the contributions of several environmentally-proactive groups across the region and acknowledges every one of them for sharing their expertise. (PNA)
SQM/JAZMIN BONIFACIO/EGR

Tuesday, May 24, 2016

Vital Leyte bridge eyes to open in July

TACLOBAN CITY, May 24 (PNA) -- The 2nd Leyte Engineering District of the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH 2nd LED) expressed optimism that contractors can meet with the extended target date this June to finish the PHP36.5-million reconstruction of the Hiagsam Bridge in Jaro, Leyte.

The main bridge at least, according to 2nd LED District Engr. Carlos Veloso, while the extended part will have to be accomplished on a later date.

The reconstruction started in November and had the original target date of completion this May; however, its contractor had to request for an extension which is set in June.

Veloso said the least to expect is to have the main bridge opened to public starting July.

Being reconstructed is a reinforced concrete deck girder (RCDG) bridge which is 19.3 meters wide and will span the length of 50.8 linear meters.

The bridge will also be expanded on each side in line with the road widening projects being done to the public highways adjacent to the bridge.

Highways within the second district are being widened to accommodate more traffic and provide easier travel.

Soil exploration or boring test has also been done to the foundation of the bridge prior to the reconstruction’s groundbreaking last November.

After the bridge was damaged in December 2014 by typhoon Seniang, an asphalt overlay detour spillway have been constructed as an alternative bridge being utilized for a smooth traffic accessible to motorcycle, light vehicles and medium truck. The detour bridge runs both ways.

Veloso said he is positive contractors will be able to meet the target date of completion in order to bring back the normal flow of traffic along this area.

The bridge is a vital structure in Leyte province linking Tacloban City, the regional capital and Ormoc City, the economic hub in Southern Leyte. (PNA)
FFC/SQM/AHLETTE C. REYES/EGR

Police probes killing of retired cop in Leyte

ORMOC CITY, Leyte, May 24 (PNA) – The local police here launched an investigation on the killing of a retired chief of police of Albuera town, who was shot dead inside his car on Monday.

Chief Insp. Castor Cabilogan, Ormoc police station 1 chief, said that the victim, Alfredo Bucabuca, 64, was driving his car heading home to Tinag-an village, Albuera town around 4 p.m. when two unidentified riding-in-tandem suspects fired at him.

Bucabuca’s wife, who was inside the car, was unharmed. The city rescue unit immediately responded to the scene and found the victim was already dead.

The police believed the suspects have tailed Bucabuca and took the chance when they were caught by traffic while approaching Panilahan Bridge in this city.

The car sustained seven bullet holes at the driver side. The Scene of the Crime Operatives recovered seven empty shells of suspected cal. 45 pistol at the crime scene, along the national highway of Macabug village, this city.

The neighborhood also believed the assailants used a gun silencer for they failed to overhear the blast despite speedy fire.

Bucabuca is currently the People’s Law Enforcement Board chair in their town and known to have no enemy.

Bucabuca was a former member of the defunct Philippine Constabulary, who was absorbed in the PNP (Philippine National Police). When promoted as inspector, he was assigned as the town’s chief of police and retired in 2003 after 25 years in service.

Authorities launched an intensified investigation to pinpoint the suspects and their motive. (PNA)
RMA/SQM/ELVIE ROMAN ROA/EGR

Senior high school building ready in Leyte for school opening - DPWH

TACLOBAN CITY, May 24 (PNA) -- The Leyte 2nd Engineering District (2nd LED) of the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) assured to complete the first five batches of K to 12 (kindergarten and 12 years of basic education) classrooms just in time for the opening of classes in June where the senior high school formally starts.

All the 79 units of school buildings will be ready when classes open, according to 2nd LED District Engineer Carlos Veloso.

The Department of Education provided PHP413 million in funds for these school buildings under its Basic Educational Facilities Fund (BEFF) just to ensure that there will be available and adequate classrooms when the senior high school program starts.

Veloso said that some of the building construction took time as soil testing was first conducted to ensure safety of the buildings.

It was learned that some of the building are two-storeys or three-storeys high and making sure that it is built on solid ground is a must.

Also, Veloso added that all school buildings being constructed by the DPWH are typhoon resilient based on a new standards jointly set by DepEd and the DPWH. With stronger typhoons expected with the radical change in climate, the education and public works departments made sure that schools can withstand ferocious winds and heavy downpours.

Meanwhile, DPWH is expected to provide half of the number of needed classrooms for the first year implementation of SHS and the other half in 2016 in preparation for the second year implementation in 2017.

As part of the ongoing preparations for the full implementation of the K to 12 program particularly the Senior High School (SHS) in school year 2016-2017, the Department of Education continues to undertake efforts to adequately address the needs and ensure the success of the SHS program in the region.

The completion of two additional years is expected to equip students with skills that will prepare them better, whether they decide to pursue higher education, employment, middle level skills development, or entrepreneurship in the future.

SHS under the K to 12 curriculum officially opens in school year 2016-2017 with the enrolment of students in Grade 11, followed by Grade 12 in next school year. (PNA)
FFC/SQM/AHLETTE C. REYES/EGR

DepEd Leyte sets Brigada Eskwela launch

TACLOBAN CITY, May 24 (PNA) -- The five-day Brigada Eskwela by the Department of Education (DepEd) Leyte division will kick-off at Alang-alang National High School on May 30.

Schools division superintendent Ronilo Al Firmo said that this year’s priority for Brigada Eskwela, the annual school preparation program of the education department will focus schools that will offer senior high school (SHS) program.

From May 30 to June 3, kick off activities will also be held in towns of Carigara, La Paz, Tabang, Isabel, Mahaplag, and Bato.

In Leyte province, at least 116 public schools and 31 private schools will offer SHS this new academic year.

“We hope that stakeholders will support this yearly Brigada Eskwela because this will ensure uninterrupted first day of classes,” Firmo said.

This year’s Brigada Eskwela will run from May 30 to June 4, 2016. It is anchored on the theme “Tayo Para sa Paaralang Ligtas, Maayos at Handa Mula Kindergarten Hanggang Senior High School.”
The education department had called stakeholders to contribute their time, effort and resources to this school maintenance effort.

Stakeholders include members of Parents Teachers Organizations, Philippine National Police and Armed Force of the Philippines and the private sector.

Brigada Eskwela is an effective proof of partnership between the education department and the community for preparing schools in activities like minor repairs and cleaning of classrooms, fixing furniture, repainting of classrooms, repair of school gate and facade, and de-clogging of drainages. (PNA)
SQM/ROEL T. AMAZONA/EGR

MCC to roll out 2nd batch of anti-poverty projects

TACLOBAN CITY, May 24 (PNA) –- The US government’s Millennium Challenge Corporation (MCC) is in the process of identifying possible projects up for funding in the second agreement, following the expiration of the first set of anti-poverty grants this month.

MCC Deputy Resident Country Director Burak Inanc said that after the economic constraints analysis, the next step is to identify projects that will drive economic growth and fight poverty.

“That’s currently under development. The way MCC works is there is a very structured process. In the beginning, they do economic constraints analysis because MCC programs are all designed to increase economy and address poverty,” Inanc said.

Inanc is eyeing to complete the identification process within this year and sign an agreement next year.

In a statement, the US embassy said once designed, proposed, and approved, this new compact would allow the Philippines to continue to benefit from MCC’s poverty alleviation initiatives and build upon the Philippine government’s strong policy reform efforts.

In 2014, the MCC, has selected the Philippines as eligible to develop a second “compact” or agreement- with MCC for further poverty-reducing support.

The Philippines compact project was signed on Sept. 23, 2010 by President Benigno S. Aquino III and then US Secretary of State and Millennium Challenge Corporation (MCC) Chair Hillary Clinton.

The USD434 million grants from the US government funded the Secondary National Road Development Project linking Samar and Eastern Samar provinces, tax administration reform of the Bureau of Internal Revenue and community development projects of the Department of Social Welfare and Development.

“I don’t think we will focus on doing the same projects. We are looking at broader number of sectors. 

It’s not clear exactly what the projects will be. We are very concern that that projects funded under the first compact are sustained after the compact is over,” Inanc added.

The MCC is a US government agency helping lead the fight against global poverty through sustainable economic growth.

Created by Congress in 2004, the MCC operates based on the guiding principles of competitive selection, country-led design, country-led implementation and a focus on results. More than USD10 billion has been provided to the world’s poorest countries supporting various projects. (PNA)
JMC/SARWELL Q. MENIANO

Monday, May 23, 2016

153 aspiring military officers pass pre-entry exam

CATBALOGAN CITY, Samar, May 23 (PNA) - At least 158 applicants passed the recently concluded pre-entry examination conducted by the Philippine Army last February to November 2015 and February to March 2016 in Eastern Visayas.

The pre-entry examination determines those who are qualified to join the officer corps of the Armed Forces of the Philippines and enlisted personnel.

Qualified applicants will take up army qualifying examination and special written examination for officer candidate course and officer preparatory course in two separate venues in Eastern Visayas at Samar State University in Catbalogan City on May 24 and Leyte Normal University in Tacloban City on May 25.

The Army recruitment process is anchored on the Army objectives to incorporate skilled personnel who are willing to serve in the noble profession of arms and willing to respond on the challenges for defense and development in pursuit of peace and progress. (PNA)
FFC/SQM/PR/EGR


Samar keeps goal of upgrading provincial hospital

CATBALOGAN CITY, May 23 (PNA) -– The provincial government here vowed to continue the upgrading of Samar Provincial Hospital as demand for better healthcare services rises.

Samar Governor Sharee Ann Tan, who received a fresh term in the May 9 elections, said that the provincial government has done its best to improve the hospital’s services despite limited funds.

The Department of Health (DOH) and the United Arab Emirates Red Crescent extended financial support for the repair of the hospital as well as the purchase of new medical equipments.

“I just wish that these efforts will continue for a more improved hospital despite criticisms. These became an inspiration to advance the provincial government’s drive in reaching the goal in healthcare,” Tan said.

The governor noted that number of patients have been increasing in the past two years due to improved services. The hospital management is left with no choice but to accommodate them despite limitations.

Tan vowed that in the next three years of her term, the construction of the four-storey hospital building at the provincial agriculture compound will be realized. Recently, the local government completed the construction of the new outpatient building.

“I’m just keeping hope and stay focused to implement the project the soonest possible,” Tan said. (PNA)
FFC/SQM/LIZBETH ANN A. ABELLA/EGR

DENR seeks immediate recovery of chainsaws used for ‘Yolanda’ rehab

TACLOBAN CITY, May 23 (PNA) -– Bothered that it may be used for illegal logging activities, the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) is seeking for the immediate recovery of chainsaws distributed by the Philippine Coconut Authority for debris clearing after the 2013 super typhoon.

DENR Eastern Visayas Regional Executive Director Leonardo Sibbaluca said that since the removal of coconut debris is now done, there’s a huge possibility that some people will use these chainsaws to cut trees.

“Are they going to use these chainsaw to pull out weeds? Of course not! This will surely be used for illegal logging,” Sibbaluca said.

The official revealed that some foresters have already recovered chainsaws acquired by some individuals for post-Yolanda clearing operations.

PCA Regional Manager Joel Pilapil said they are now on the process of recovering chainsaws borrowed by some groups and local government units since late 2013.

“Now that debris clearing is over, most individual operators have already returned the chainsaws. However, most units are still under the possession of local government units,” Pilapil said.

PCA records show that of the 2,625 chainsaws distributed after super typhoon Yolanda, 289 units are scheduled for return to the central government within the first half of 2016. Of the number, 151 are in Eastern Samar, 110 in northern Leyte, and 28 units in western Leyte.

The government has embarked on massive chainsaw distribution to remove fallen coconut trees in support to recovery activities for coconut farmers. The 2013 super typhoon has destroyed about 13 million trees in Eastern Visayas region.

Clearing was one of the priorities after the disaster considering that rotten coconut trees serves as breeding ground of rhinoceros beetle that is feed on the palm shoot.

The pest has been present in the region’s coconut farms even before super typhoon Yolanda struck, but its population has been manageable, according to PCA.

The beetle’s population usually starts to increase six months after a coconut tree is uprooted or sheared. (PNA)
FFC/SQM

Tanauan, Leyte rekindles skimboarding

TANAUAN, Leyte, May 23 (PNA) -– This typhoon-hit coastal town has revived skimboarding in the bid to draw more tourists.

Skimboarding is a wave-riding sport popular in the United States, Canada, Australia, Canada, Spain, Japan, Taiwan, Hong Kong and the Philippines.

In the Philippines, the sport is popular in Zambales, Siargao and the Pacific coastal towns of Eastern Visayas. Unknown to many, Tanauan, Leyte is the skimboarding capital of the country.

But after super typhoon Yolanda ravaged this town on November 8, 2013, the local government stopped the annual water sport competition as the local government shifted its focus to rehabilitation of tourism facilities.

“After almost three years of hibernation, skimboarding enthusiasts here took the initiative of reviving the water sports that gives pride to our town,” said Mayor Pelagio Tecson.

Skimboarding was introduced in this town in 2000 by the locals, which was later trained by American tourist, Tim Garret, who taught them skimboarding techniques, including modifying the designing of the skimboard.

Using the discipline of surfing, skimboarding involves riding a board on wet sand or shallow water. 

But unlike surfing, where one has to look for big waves, breaking far from shore, skimboarding starts at the beach where short-break waves could be found.

A skimboarder would run fast, drop and mount his board before reaching the break point of the wave.
Skim boards usually are oval shape and smaller than surf boards because they do not require as much buoyancy.

Starting 2005, the town had been hosting the National Skimboarding Competition, from once a year to twice a year. It is usually held after the observance of Holy Week and before New Year’s Day.

The competition was headed by then Mayor Roque Tiu, who included the competition in their annual local programs, providing not only budget for the competition, but also full support in the promotion of the water sport.

Months after the monster typhoon struck, the skimboarding champions from Tanauan and nearby towns gathered weekly at the town’s Bantay Dagat area to train children and hold local competitions every month.

This activity goes on for more than three years despite ruins of the Bantay Dagat wharf, that witnessed the glory days of skimboarding in the town back then.

Skimmer Jamaica Salceda of Tolosa town said that looking for people to support their cause of reviving the competition was hard, but they are lucky to have friends who helped them in looking for partners.

Their consistent participation in national skimboarding scene also helped in persuading sponsors to support the event.

She also thanked the local government for finally giving nod to them when they presented their plan to conduct skimboarding competition this year.

“After nearly three years, some people thought that skim boarding no longer exists in Tanauan, but what they do not know is we are able to continue,” said Salceda, who is one of the top female skimmer in Leyte.

Salceda added that aside from its help in promoting the tourism potential of Tanauan, skimboarding also provides livelihood to them as skimboarding instructors.

Skimmers like her, take part-time job as skimboarding instructors in Dulag town in the surfing camp provided by ABS-CBN Foundation to the locals.

Mervin Kenneth Maceda, one of the frontrunners of skimboarding in Tanauan is pleased that younger generations in their town will continue what they have started.

As the skimboarding capital of the country, Maceda said that it is important for the children to learn the the sports so they could represent the country in international competition.

“We are always here to support them and look for groups that can help them if they would compete abroad to represent our country in international competition,” said Maceda.

Although, they don’t get support from the national government when competing abroad, the glory they bring as winners is enough to make Filipinos proud of them.

He added that involving the youth in skimboarding takes them away from unproductive activities that may destroy their future.

Maceda, along with his elder brother, Darwin and some friends are the first to play skimboarding in the coastal waters of Tanauan way back in 2000. They are Tim Garret first batch of learners.

Among those who are happy for the revival of skimboarding in Tanauan is international skim champion Roderick Bazar of Borongan City in Eastern Samar, who now owns a skimboard business.

Bazar’s skimboarding career started in Tanauan, competing every year against local skimboarders of the town which he said are the best skimmers he had competed with.

Seeing his fellow skimboarders again in Tanauan, brings back the memories of his humble beginnings as skimboarder.

“I am happy to see that they have revived skimboarding because this is where I started. I gain friends here and I was able to compete abroad because of skimboarding. The people and Tanauan is my inspiration every time I compete in international event,” he shared.

Organizers of the skimboarding competition said that aside from the bi-annual skimboarding event, they will also introduce local skimboarding competition, exclusively for local skimmers of the town and nearby provinces, starting August this year, as part of the town’s fiesta celebration.

From three categories, groomet (beginners), wahini (womens division) and open category, organizers introduce advance category for professional skimmers or those who had already competed in various national and international skimboarding events.

With the revival of skimboarding competition in the town, organizers hope that the glory of Tanauan as skimboarding capital of the country will be retained.

The sports is also seen as one way to rebuild the lives of water sports enthusiast in this costal town after the destructive 2013 super typhoon (PNA)
FFC/SQM/RTA/EGR


Samar’s festival to perform on Independence Day

TACLOBAN CITY, May 23 (PNA) -– Samar’s Tribu Katbalaugan will perform in the 118th Independence Day Celebration at Quirino Grandstand on June 12.

Catbalogan City Mayor Stephany Uy-Tan said they accepted the invitation to perform in the significant event from the Department of Tourism.

Tribu Katbalaugan of Catbalogan City, the provincial capitol will perform in the event along with five other festivals in the country.

Mayor Uy-Tan said that they are fortunate to be chosen to represent Eastern Visayas for the 118th Independence Day celebration.

“This is a great opportunity to once again showcase the talents of our people and our city’s festival after our back-to-back win during the Aliwan Festival last month,” Uy-Tan told PNA.

The city will be sending 100 dancers. They will start their practice for their new dance routine.

A representative from the DOT main office will also visit their city to check the progress of their preparations for the national event.

“This participation reinforces our efforts to promote our local culture and coincides with this year’s Quadricentennial celebration of Catbalogan as the cabecera or capital of whole island of Samar,” she added.

This year’s commemoration is anchored on the theme “Pagkakaisa, Pagaambagan, Pagsulong.” This is President Benigno C. Aquino’s last Independence Day celebration as the country’s chief executive.

Other regions that will present their cultural festivals are Cordillera Autonomous Region (Upland Culture), Region 2 (Agri-Eco, Bambati Festival of Isabela), Region 5 (Nature, Lapay Bantigue Festival, Masbate), Region 10 (Cultural Community, Manobo, Bukidnon), and Region 12 (Muslim, Sharif Kabunsuan, Cotabato City).

Each festival contingent will showcase their dance routine for only five minutes, divided into progressive dance parade and theatrical cultural performance.

Aside from the invitation to perform in the 118th Independence Day celebration, Tribu Katbalaugan also received an invitation to be a guest performer for the 30th Pintados Festival and 21st Kasadyaan Festival of Festivals in Tacloban City on June 27, 2016 in this city. (PNA)
FFC/SQM/RTA/EGR