DPWH Leyte office posts 71% accomplishment as of August

TACLOBAN CITY, Aug. 31 (PNA) –- The Second Leyte Engineering District of the Department of Public Works and Highways reports 71 percent accomplishment of target projects and is positive to finish all 68 projects before the year ends.

District Engineer Carlos G. Veloso said they have to finish the projects by September so they can start processing and bidding of priority projects for 2017.

Out of the 68 total number of infrastructure projects being undertaken in the second district, 48 of these have already been completed while 32 are still ongoing, according to their August 2016 report.

Nine of the projects, however, have yet to be started as contract documents are still on process.

The district office has completed the rehabilitation of the portion of the Breakneck Ridge in Lemon, Capoocan, Leyte. The government reconstructed the road after it was badly damaged by typhoon Seniang in 2014.

Veloso said that they have to scrape part of the mountain side to widen the road area and take it away from the deep ravine on the other side.

Among the priority project for 2016 were the repair and rehabilitation of 18 bridges. Most of bridges within the area are either old or have been damaged by heavy rains and water flow during the past typhoons.

Also appropriated were widening and road reblocking along the Palo-Carigara-Ormoc road. Veloso said that this vital highway that cuts across Leyte province have been steadily widened in order to accommodate increasing traffic flow.

Meanwhile, Veloso disclosed that still the first phase of the Hiagsam Bridge in Jaro, Leyte is set to be finished this year. Should it be completed, traffic can be allowed but widening the bridge into four lanes under its second phase will continue. The Hiagsam Bridge was among a number of bridges destroyed during the onslaught of typhoon Senyang.

As the government’s lead construction agency, the DPWH’s budget allocation is the second biggest among government departments. In 2016, the DPWH plans to complete the paving of all national arterial and secondary roads, as well as the continuing development of the national road network—including tertiary roads—and the preservation of road assets.

The district has more than PHP523 million in budget for various infrastructure projects in 2016. (PNA)
LAP/SQM/AHLETTE C. REYES/EGR

7 governors, mayors, private sector reps nominated to head RDC Region 8

PALO, Leyte, Aug. 31 (PNA) –- The Eastern Visayas Regional Development Council has nominated two governors, two city mayors, and three private sector representatives as chairman and co-chairman of the region’s highest policy-making body until 2019.

The council nominated on Wednesday Leyte Governor Leopoldo Dominico Petilla; Samar Governor Sharee Ann Tan-de los Santos; Ormoc City Mayor Richard Gomez; Tacloban City Mayor Cristina Gonzales-Romualdez; RDC private sector representatives Roy Bernard Fiel, Oliver Cam, and Tiburcio Morales.

Petilla, who served as RDC chair from 2013 to mid-2016, vowed to push for more development initiatives for three Samar provinces. The official earlier proposed to form a technical working to come up with development roadmap for the Island.

Bothered that Samar is always on the list of top 10 poorest areas in the country, Tan, a third-termer governor, vowed to work with other provinces to “level up” the economic status of Samar provinces.

Gomez, an actor and neophyte politician, vowed to focus on peace and order and tourism to attain economic growth. “I’m willing to help because I want the region to improve.”

Romualdez, a former actress and city councilor for nine years, said that Tacloban as a regional center, is in better position to bring economic development to the region. “I will push for economic development through agriculture and tourism,” she said.

As RDC’s private sector representative on agri-business, Fiel vowed to focus on farming to curb poverty. “My heart is into farming. I hope we can do a lot to our farmers,” he said.

Cam, who represents the business group, vowed to focus on inclusive growth in the region. “We cannot promise everyone to be rich, but we can promote options for better life.”

Morales, a representative of development administration sector, is advocating for integration of all development efforts of national government agencies as a solution to the age-old poverty in the region.

Under Executive Order No. 325, qualified to head the RDC as chair and co-chair are the provincial governors, mayors of capital towns and cities, presidents of league of municipalities in six provinces, and private sector representatives.

President Rodrigo R. Duterte will select among the seven nominees who will be the chair and co-chair. The appointment will be out before the end of the year.

Under the rule, if a local chief executive is chosen as chair, the co-chair will be from the private sector. If an official from the non-government group will be selected as chair, the co-chair is a local chief executive.

In the RDC full council reorganizational meeting on Wednesday, the new set of 13 private sector representatives also took their oath as the body’s regular members for the term 2016 to 2019.

The RDC serves as the counterpart of the National Economic and Development Authority Board at the subnational level. The RDC is the primary institution that coordinates and sets the direction of all economic and social development efforts in the region. It also serves as a forum where local efforts can be related and integrated with national development activities. (PNA)

LAP/SQM

Gaisano-led firm to open Metro store in Baybay City

BAYBAY CITY, Aug. 31 (PNA) – The city government here and the Gaisano-led Metro Retail Stores Group, Inc. (MRSGI) signed a memorandum of agreement (MOA) for the opening of a new store here.

The MOA sealed the much awaited investment of the company in the city.

“This will not only give income to the city government, but will also curb unemployment in Baybay,” Mayor Carmen Cari said.

The giant retail firm assured the city government that most workers they will hire are residents of this city.

“The firm will start hiring their employees because they will still need to undergo training especially those who do not have experience,” Cari said.

With the signing of agreement, the company will proceed with the construction of their building that will occupy a hectare property within the reclamation area facing the Camotes Sea.

Earlier, MRSGI paid in advance PHP12 million land rental and paid PHP600,000 security payment at the city treasurer’s office.

The reclamation project, which started in 2013, has an area of 9.5 hectares. It is located adjacent to the Baybay City Public Market. This is part of the development program of the local government to improve the economic activity of the city.

The Gaisano store was established in 1949, when Doña Modesta Gaisano, together with her five sons, established White Gold Department Store, acknowledged as the premiere retailer of post-war Cebu City.

Upon the demise of Doña Modesta in 1981, the Gaisano siblings moved on and pursued their respective business interests, according to the company’s website.

In 1982, second youngest son Victor Gaisano and his wife Sally, built the first Metro Gaisano Department Store and Supermarket in Colon, Cebu City. They started the business from very humble beginnings with their children, Margaret, Jack, Edward and Frank.

Today, Metro Retail Stores Group has transformed itself into a company encompassing multiple store formats: Metro Department Store, Metro Supermarket, Super Metro Hypermarket; and has grown into a company of over 9,000 employees with several stores serving the needs of over 250,000 Filipino shoppers a day. (PNA)
FPV/SQM/ROEL T. AMAZONA/EGR

70 K-12 school buildings completed in Leyte's 2nd district

TACLOBAN CITY, Aug. 31 (PNA) -- Seventy more new school buildings address the needs for more classrooms for the K to 12 of basic education program in Leyte's second district.

The Second Leyte Engineering District of the Department of Public Works and Highways reported that only eight of the target 78 school building projects for 2016 are still on-going construction. This posted a 96 percent accomplishment rate.

The implementation of the K to 12 program, which started in 2013, requires additional classroom facilities to supplement the program.

The construction of additional school buildings and classrooms thru the Basic Educational Facilities Fund (BEFF) of the Department of Education have eased classroom shortages and provided additional facilities according to District Engineer Carlos Veloso.

DepEd provided more than PHP411 million in funds for these school buildings to ensure adequate classrooms as the senior high school program starts.

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.

DepEd has set its own engineering design which is similar in all schools nationwide, learning from the devastation of school during supertyphoon Yolanda in 2013 and all the other typhoons that inundated the country.

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.

“We have made sure that our school buildings are even better and stronger,” Veloso said.

Meanwhile, the completion of the eight remaining ongoing school buildings is targeted this September.

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.

Senior High School under the K to 12 curriculum officially opened this school year 2016 to 2017 with the enrolment of students in Grade 11, followed by Grade 12 in next academic year. (PNA)

JMC/SQM/AHLETTE C. REYES/EGR

Emotional Albuera, Leyte 'narco' mayor calls son anew to surrender

ALBUERA, Leyte, Aug. 31 (PNA) –- Beleaguered town Mayor Rolando Espinosa, Sr. once again begged his alleged drug lord son, Kerwin to surrender to the police.

In a press conference late Tuesday afternoon at the town’s police station where he temporarily holds office since last week, the emotional mayor assured his son that he will be safe after yielding to authorities.

The mayor tearfully pleaded to his son and friends to surrender, assuring them to be safe in the hands of Chief Insp. Jovie Espenido, the town’s chief of police.

"I call for my son Kerwin Espinosa to surrender. Look at your father. You know very well that I am innocent of all these accusations. I am the one suffering now for what happened," the elder Espinosa said.

He also named four personalities whom he tagged as his son's friends - Max Miro, Galo Bobares, Tonipet Saldivar and Ferdinand Rondina.

He assured the younger Espinosa and his friends that "as mayor of Albuera, I call all of you to surrender to Espenido and no harm will be done to you" he asserted.

The mayor sought police custody on Aug. 27 after receiving death threats.

He applied for Witness Protection Program (WPP) after revealing in an affidavit the names of government officials allegedly protecting his son's illicit activity.

He disclosed that included in the list are policemen, government officials, members of House of Representatives and a senator. He declined, however, to mention specific names.

The father and son were formerly identified by President Rodrigo Duterte as behind the illegal drug operations in the Visayas area.

In return, the government may consider possibilities for him to qualify in WPP.“He is now working as a mayor. Ours is only for protective custody by securing him according to his request. It's very 

welcome that he is trying to help the government in identifying the men in uniform and government officials who enjoyed drug money,” Espenido said.

To recall, Espinosa surrendered to Philippine National Police Chief Director General Ronald Dela Rosa on Aug. 2, few hours after Pres. Duterte demanded for his surrender and Kerwin within 24 hours or face a “shoot on sight.” The son remained at large.

After four days, Dela Rosa kicked out Espinosa from his official residence after the son failed to meet the deadline for him to surrender.

The mayor was admitted in a hospital in Cebu after he left Camp Crame on Aug. 6.

He returned to his hometown on Aug. 16 and stayed at the town hall day and night for about a week before he asked for police protection and moved to the police station last week. (PNA)
JMC/SQM/ELVIE ROMAN ROA/EGR

Leyte farmers urged to venture in vegetable production

ORMOC CITY, Leyte, Aug. 30 (PNA) –- Farmers in Leyte are encouraged to plant vegetables as government steps up support to its production as alternative source of income.

Speaking before hundreds of farmers during the recently concluded 1st Vegetable Congress, Leyte Governor Leopoldo Dominico Petilla said the provincial government is expanding the Vegetable Compact Farming Project as part of the Leyte economics program.

Leyte’s compact farming is designed to alleviate poverty in rural areas and to make economic growth inclusive and compliment Philippine economy by maximizing land use to increase farm production.

“We want to make vegetables profitable and make our farmers a businessmen and independent,” Petilla said.

More than 200 farmers from Leyte, Southern Leyte, Biliran, Samar, and Eastern Samar provinces participated in the 1st Eastern Visayas Vegetable Congress held in this city. The gathering concluded on Saturday.

United Stated Agency for International Development (USAID) in partnership with the provincial government, Ormoc city government, Department of Agriculture, Agricultural Training Institute and Visayas Statue University organized the event.

Discussion at the congress included vegetable proper cultural management, selection of vegetables that are competitive and suitable for the region and identifying facilities that are needed by vegetable farmers.

Ormoc City Mayor Richard Gomez said that the congress is an important event for the region because “a lot of issues are needed to be tackled, to be shared and technology to be transferred for the development of the region.”

“The congress also assures food security and consistency of vegetable supply for Eastern Visayas,” said Gomez, who encouraged organizers to make this an annual event.

Vegetable consumption in Eastern Visayas is only at 40 percent, according to Department of Agriculture (DA). This is due to high preference to eat meat and other foods.

To promote vegetable consumption, the DA is strengthening the implementation of Gulayan sa Paaralan, which involves communal garden and distributing post-harvest facility assistance to vegetable farmers, said Francis Rosaroso, DA Eastern Visayas regional information officer.

Post-harvest facilities include distribution of cold storage facilities and freezer van that will ensure freshness, longer life span and reduce spoilage a result of transporting vegetable.

From 54 sites in 2014, this program is now being implemented in 101 sites in the province. (PNA)

LAP/SQM/ROEL T. AMAZONA/EGR

Victims of NPA mass purging in Leyte remembered

BAYBAY CITY, Aug. 30 (PNA) -- Family members of victims of the mass killing initiated by the New People’s Army (NPA) commemorated on Sunday the Inopacan mass grave discovery and exhumation in this city.

More than a hundred family members from this city, Inopacan and Mahaplag towns in Leyte visited the final resting place of the skeletal remains of their loved ones.

Skeletal remains of 67 individuals were unearthed from shallow graves in Subang Daku village in Inopacan town on Aug. 28, 2006 through the help of villagers.

The mass purging tagged by the NPA as “Oplan Venereal Disease,” has claimed the lives of about 300 residents in Leyte province, based on estimates of former rebels and the victims’ relatives.

The Philippine Army called the place where the skeletal remains were discovered as “The Garden.”

Among those who joined the 10th year commemoration was Carmelita Tenaja, whose husband was one of those executed. She personally witnessed the summary executions done by insurgents in their village.

Tenaja asked President Rodrigo R. Duterte to help them attain justice.

“Mr. President, you are the only one who can help us. We need your intervention to give justice for the fathers who were killed, for the mothers who were executed and orphaned children,” she added.

Former rebel Erlinda Caiwan recalled that her son was killed by insurgents after she surrendered to military in 1984.

Caiwan admitted that she was part of the group that executed farmers. She was ordered to kill at least four people unknown to her.

“I was compelled to kill because if I would not do it, my life would be at stake,” she told reporters.

After killing the fourth victim, she realized that joining the revolutionary group would not bring her a peaceful life.

Caiwan left the NPA-controlled village at midnight. “They would kill me if they know that I’m leaving. Everyone in our village are either NPA members or sympathizers,” she recalled.

Four days after she surrendered in a military camp in Mahaplag town in 1984, the rebels killed her son.

On Sunday, the old woman joined several others in calling for justice for her son.

She also asked the government not to free those who are facing charges for the murder of their family members despite the ongoing peace talks in Norway between the national government and the Communist Party of the Philippines.

After the mass grave discovery, the Philippine Army filed 15 counts of murder before the Manila Regional Trial Court against couple Benito and Wilma Tiamzon, Satur Ocampo, Vicente Ladlad, Randal Echaniz, Rafael Baylosis, Exusperado Lloren and several others.

The Tiamzons got temporary freedom to be part of the on-going peace talks between the government and the NDF in Oslow, Norway.

“I hope that the President will not allow these people to be free from the charges because they are the reason why people living in remote villages remain poor. They suppressed the right of the people to attain progress. They should face trial and be put in jail,” Caiwan exclaimed.

Col. Francisco Mendoza, brigade commander of the Army’s 802nd Infantry Brigade expressed hope that cases filed against NPA leaders will be pushed through.

“One of the topics in Norway is how to give justice to the victims of atrocities. Let us hope that the government panel will be able to make a better representation to the victims of these killings,” Mendoza said.

“We are always here to protect you and to ensure that these things will never happen again,” he added. (PNA)

FPV/SQM/ROEL T. AMAZONA/EGR

Peace talks with rebels to bring development to remote communities – Leyte mayor

BAYBAY CITY, Aug. 30 (PNA) –- The city mayor here is optimistic that the breakthrough of peace negotiations with the New People’s Army (NPA) will pave a way for the development of villages previously infested by insurgents.

Mayor Carmen Cari said peace talks would mean development and progress in remote villages of the city.

“The recent development of peace talks is very welcome. People living in villages are poor and they don’t have the capacity to go against the New People’s Army,” Cari said. The city has 92 villages with 68 areas categorized as rural.

“If the peace talks become successful, rural villages will soon experience development and progress because farmers can now tend their farms without fear,” Cari added.

Monterico, one of the villages in Baybay, used to be under the influence of insurgents. The area is now one of the focuses for development. The Department of Health is currently constructing a health center in the village.

Cari also asked NPA members to surrender and start a new life as regular member of the community.

The official said the local government is willing to help rebel returnees in the city to start a new life by giving them livelihood support.

Cari cited Erlinda Caiwan, a former rebel who surrendered in 1984, who was hired by the city government after her records was cleared. She retired from government service two years ago. (PNA)

LAP/SQM/ROEL T. AMAZONA/EGR

2-month police drug operations kill 25 personalities in Eastern Visayas

TACLOBAN CITY, Aug. 30 (PNA) – At least 25 persons have been killed for fighting back in legitimate anti-drug operations in Eastern Visayas by the Philippine National Police from July 1 to Aug. 29, 2016.

Of the 25 drug personalities killed in 215 anti-drug operations, seven were in Leyte, four in Samar, four in Southern Leyte, four in Ormoc City, three in Northern Samar, and three in Tacloban City.

In a report to the Regional Development Council’s Development Administration Committee, PNP acting regional director Chief Supt. Elmer Beltejar said 261 drug personalities have been arrested in these drug operations.

At least 12,526.77 grams of shabu and 42.78 grams of marijuana have been recovered by authorities with a total worth of PHP100.19 million. The police also confiscated 57 long and short firearms.

Drug buy-bust, raids, and search led to the filing of 199 cases in courts.

Since President Rodrigo Duterte assumed the presidency, 8,483 houses have been visited by the local police, prompting 16,766 users and 2,122 pushers to surrender or a total of 18,888 surrenderers.

Leyte province has the most number of self-confessed drug personalities at 5,618; Southern Leyte, 4,490; Eastern Samar, 2,793; Ormoc City, 2,089; Northern Samar, 1,237; Samar, 1,129; Tacloban City, 985; and Biliran, 547. 

“The sustained anti-illegal drugs under Project: Double Barrel by anti-illegal drugs units had paved way for a more responsive community in combating the drug menace and defacing crime-breeding areas,” Beltejar said.

The official assured that the PNP in Region 8 will continue their efforts to eradicate illegal drugs in the region with the nationwide enforcement of “Double Barrel” strategy.

The concept is based on a double barrel gun, which fires two in just one squeeze of the trigger. The operation will simultaneously attack big-time drug lords and street-level trading.

The “first barrel” is directed to those at the top, while the "second barrel" is aimed at those in the bottom, which involves reforming drug users who want to get rid of drugs.

With the increasing number of self-confessed drug personalities, the Department of Health embarks on training of local health workers to assist in the rehabilitation process through community-based approach. (PNA)
FPV/SARWELL Q. MENIANO

President Duterte visit cop’s wake, wounded comrade in Eastern Visaya

TACLOBAN CITY, Aug. 29 (PNA) -- President Rodrigo R. Duterte visited on Monday the wake of a police officer in Catbalogan City, Samar and a wounded comrade confined in a private hospital in this city.

The President arrived in Samar’s capital city around 12:00 noon and proceeded to St Funeral Homes in Muñoz village in Catbalogan where PO1 Gary Cabaguing’s body lies in state.

Duterte awarded the Philippine National Police Medal of Valor (posthumous) to the slain police officer. Cabaguing’s wife received the award.

The junior police officer was shot dead while attempting to serve a search warrant to Ernesto Gonzales, 49, for involvement in illegal drugs trade and illegal possession of firearms on Aug. 24.

He was approaching the suspect’s house in Logero village in Marabut, Samar when the suspect, who was hiding in a foxhole under the house, opened fire, hitting Cabaguing in the forehead. The alleged drug trader managed to escape.

Wounded during the operation was PO1 Nestor Villanueva who is now recuperating at the Divine Word Hospital in Tacloban City.

President Duterte talked to Cabaguing’s family for about 20 minutes before formally addressing the slain cop’s relatives, local officials, and residents outside the funeral homes. The Chief Executive also answered questions from the media.

“We are losing two police or military every day. I wonder why no human rights advocate is counting their number, yet they are counting the number of slain criminals,” he said.

At 2:00 p.m., the President arrived at the Divine Word Hospital in this city to visit Villanueva’s hospital room. He talked to the wounded cop and his family for half an hour before addressing the media for 10 minutes.

“I would like to assure law enforcers that if they get into trouble, they have my 101 percent support in the fulfilment of their security duties,” he said.

The Chief Executive assured that despite criticisms, he will continue the anti-drug war and “not allow the Philippine society to deteriorate” under his watch. (PNA)
LAP/SQM & LAAA

President Duterte reaffirms support to cops, soldiers in anti-drug war

TACLOBAN CITY, Aug. 29 (PNA) - “Law enforcement operatives have my 101 percent support,” assured President Rodrigo Duterte after visiting a wounded junior police officer in this city on Monday.

The Chief Executive visited PO1 Nestor Villanueva Jr, who has been confined at the Divine Word Hospital since last week.

The police officer was wounded while his comrade was shot dead while attempting to serve a search warrant to Ernesto Gonzales, 49, for his involvement in illegal drugs trade and illegal possession of firearms on Aug. 24 in Marabut, Samar.

President Duterte arrived at 2:00 p.m. and was greeted by a cheering crowd composed of hospital staff and supporters. Earlier, he visited the wake of PO1 Gary Cabaguing in Catbalogan, Samar who was slain in the same anti-drug operation.

The President said that he can be held accountable and responsible when policemen are charged while performing their duty.

“I will assume all legal and official responsibilities for their action. I will take full responsibility for the things that you would do in obedience to my order,” he assured.

“You will have protection and I will not allow that one of you will be jailed just because you are performing your duty.”

“If I will not stop this industry then I would have compromise the next generation,” he added.

Mr. Duterte first expressed his full backing to law enforcers in anti-drug operation during his visit to the Western Mindanao Command in Zamboanga City on July 22.

The Chief Executive reiterated that he is willing to sacrifice his life, honor, and the presidency just to end the drug menace under his watch. (PNA)
LAP/SQM/RTA/EGR

PDEA lists 839 drug-affected villages in Eastern Visayas

TACLOBAN CITY, Aug. 29 (PNA) -- The Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA) has listed 839 drug-affected villages in Eastern Visayas as of third week of August this year, representing 19 percent of the region’s total number of villages.

About 361 villages with drug menace are in Leyte, 219 in Southern Leyte, 75 in Samar, 74 in Eastern Samar, 59 in Northern Samar, and 51 in Biliran. The region has 4,390 villages in six provinces.

In a report to the Regional Development Council, PDEA Eastern Visayas Regional Director Edgar Jubay said 830 villages are slightly affected, nine are moderately affected and no single area is seriously affected.

Citing their official list, Jubay said illegal drugs distribution is being carried out by 3,101 pushers, 65 financiers and 25 traffickers in the region.

The number of users in the PDEA list is pegged at 2,069, way below than the nearly 17,000 self-confessed drug dependents who surrendered to the Philippine National Police.

While drug trade has been minimized due to President Rodrigo Duterte’s anti-drug war, PDEA said that illicit activities continue in some areas with the involvement of some government officials, modus operandi, and use of new technology.

“One challenge is the capability of high-profile drug personalities to continue their illegal drug trade using new technology such as digital wire transfers of through banks without having to expose themselves physically, thus hampering operatives from arresting them,” Jubay explained.

Modus operandi of drug traders include use of minors to peddle drugs, use of commercial courier services, use of some jail facilities as temporary stock and releasing areas, transacting inside hotels, wrapping drugs with improvised packages, placing drugs inside drinking straws, placing under softdrink bottle, and use of cockfighting chickens as concealment strategy in transporting drugs.

Identified by PDEA in the the region’s drug trafficking route are Matnog port in Sorsogon, Allen and San Isidro port in Northern Samar, San Ricardo and Liloan port in Southern Leyte, Ormoc City port in western Leyte, and other small public and private ports throughout Region 8.

Jubay is optimistic that impact of anti-drug war will be felt in affected communities in the next few months.

Law enforcement agencies arrested 695 drug personalities as of Aug. 21 or 54 percent up than the 451 arrested persons in the same period last year.

A total of 13,912.435 grams of shabu have been seized in various operations from Jan. to Aug. 21 this year, way high compared to the 1,523.593 grams recovered in the entire 2015. (PNA)

LDV/SQM

Search on for Leyte Sports Academy scholars

TACLOBAN CITY, Aug. 26 (PNA) -- The Leyte Sports Academy (LSA) is calling on sports enthusiasts in Eastern Visayas to do a try-out in their facility and be sports scholars in the country’s first ever sports academy.

Priority are youth from poor families, but have the potential to become world-class athletes. LSA offers sports scholarship for youth aged eight to 14 years old.

Currently, LSA has 120 sports scholars this year, up by 30 participants last year. The academy started with 37 athletes when it opened in 2010.

Some of LSA’s sports scholars have already graduated and admitted for full scholarship by top universities in Metro Manila. Some of them opted to study in their home province.

Among them is Karen Janario from Palo, Leyte who availed full scholarship at the University of Sto. Tomas. She was awarded as the Most Valuable Player and also hailed as Rookie of the Year in the University Athletic Association of the Philippines (UAAP) Season 78 Track and Field tournament.

“We are now open to all athletes in the region because since last year, we have started bringing or using Eastern Visayas in our name and not only representing Leyte province,” said Ruben Tamayo, LSA administrator.

“Athletes from elementary to high school may come here to try-out and if they pass, they will be part of LSA and we will train them to become better athletes,” he added.

Once admitted, athletes will have to enroll in schools in their hometown. They will stay at the LSA facility in Leyte Sports Development Center where mentors from the Department of Education will teach them until they finish elementary and high school.

During provincial and regional sports meets, LSA athletes don’t represent the academy, but the school and province where they came from.

LSA offers scholarship for athletics, swimming, powerlifting, boxing, wrestling, taekwondo and wushu.

“These sports are medal rich that is why we are concentrating on them, rather on group sports that we would only get one medal,” said Tamayo.

The LSA administrator said that they will also offer gymnastics and archery after the Palarong Pambansa next year. (PNA)
LAP/SQM/ROEL T. AMAZONA/EGR

DPWH Southern Leyte sustains absorptive capacity gains

MAASIN CITY, Southern Leyte, Aug. 26 (PNA) –- For the first seven months of 2016, the Southern Leyte District Engineering Office (SLDEO) maintained its status as topnotcher in absorptive capacity among 13 district offices of the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) in Eastern Visayas.

Records show that of the PHP823.93 million total cash disbursement in the notice of cash allocations from January to July this year, the district office achieved 100 percent utilization as of July 31, 2016.

“Our remarkable performance in absorptive capacity is a result of regular inspection and regular coordination meeting with project engineers and contractors to thresh out problems and concerns,” said District Engineer Ma. Margarita C. Junia.

The absorptive capacity is determined by dividing the total obligation incurred by the total net allotment. It is measured by the ability to obligate the allotments received from DPWH central office and Department of Budget and Management.

The district office got PHP1 billion for the implementation of 84 projects under the 2016 infrastructure projects based on National Expenditure Program.

These include rehabilitation, upgrading and construction of national highways, improvements and widening of national roads, construction of missing gaps, off-carriageway improvement, and million for construction and maintenance of bridges along national highways.

Also listed are construction and maintenance of flood mitigation structures and drainage systems, improvement of access road leading to tourist destinations, and construction and repair of various infrastructure including local projects.

The SLDEO is tasked to maintain 293.48 kilometers of national roads and 153 bridges built in 18 towns and Maasin City, the regional capital. (PNA)

LAP/SQM/PR/EGR

PNP steps up probe on Tacloban ambush that killed lawyer, teen girl

TACLOBAN CITY, Aug. 26 (PNA) – The Philippine National Police(PNP) Eastern Visayas regional office assured the parents of the girl killed during an ambush of a narco-linked lawyer that they are stepping up efforts to identify the gunmen.

Angelika Bonita, 17, was fatally shot to death with Lawyer Rogelio Bato Jr in an ambush Tuesday afternoon while the two were riding the lawyer’s car.

“We will fully investigate what happened and there will be no cover-up,” said PNP Eastern Visayas acting regional director Chief Supt. Elmer Beltejar.

The parents of Angelika asked law enforces to conduct thorough investigation on the incident that killed their daughter, who has nothing to do with illegal drugs.

Beltejar added that they felt bad that an innocent teenager got killed in a shooting incident that targeted a suspected protector of known drug personalities.

The police regional chief ordered the Tacloban city police office to conduct investigation and hunt the assailants.

Beltejar has called on witnesses to cooperate with authorities to resolve the crime.

“This was done in a broad daylight and we assume that there are witnesses so we will exert all our efforts to get witnesses,” Beltejar said.

Bato is included in the drugs watch list of PNP Eastern Visayas due to his connection with the Espinosas as their legal counsel.

He reportedly receives monthly protection money from the Espinosa. Even the car that he used when he was ambushed was given to him by Espinosa as payment for the services he rendered to them, according to the PNP. (PNA)
FPV/SQM/ROEL T. AMAZONA/EGR

Catbalogan folks learn Samar's history through video mapping

CATBALOGAN CITY, Aug. 26 (PNA) -- The city government here treated its residents with video mapping presentation on Thursday night as part of the city’s month-long 400th founding anniversary celebration.

Video mapping uses projectors, but instead of projecting it on a flat screen, the light is mapped into any surface, turning common objects into interactive displays.

Projection mapping are popularly used in concerts, theaters, advertisings and decorations.

Mayor Stephany Uy-Tan said that their private sector partner, BBCS Data System, a local business firm and printer company Epson conceptualized the presentation.

The video mapping show, held at the Samar provincial capitol grounds, tells some of the important events that happened in Catbalogan as researched by historians of Samar Island.

Included in the video mapping presentation are significant events in the city from the time Jesuit priests transferred their parish from Tinago, now Taranganan town to the present day Catbalogan; the life of locals during Spanish colonization; life during American period; World War 2 survival, Martial Law era, the Doňa Paz sea tragedy and the cityhood of Catbalogan.

Presenting the history of Catbalogan to new generation is a way for them to appreciate and love the city more.

“We are thankful to this innovation made by the private sector in telling the history of the city, which used to be the capital of Samar and Leyte provinces during the Spanish colonization,” Uy-Tan said.

The video mapping is a just a trial, according to the mayor. Their plan is to make the activity an annual competition for talented youth.

The lady mayor added that although this presentation can be an additional attraction for the city, they have to consider funding, conceptualization and prepare the materials needed for presentation.

“This is a good start for us. This is a first in Region 8 and we are planning to maximize the talents of the students of Catbalogan before we can have a regionwide competition,” Uy-Tan added. (PNA)
JMC/SQM/ROEL T. AMAZONA/EGR

Mayor Espinosa moves to Albuera, Leyte police station

TACLOBAN CITY, Aug. 26 (PNA) –- Driven by fear for his life, Albuera, Leyte Mayor Rolando Espinosa temporarily holds office at the town police station starting Thursday.

Chief Insp. Jovie Espenido, Albuera police chief said the mayor occupies their investigation room after seeking a protective custody from the Philippine National Police (PNP).

The beleaguered local chief executive asked for protection after unidentified gunmen shot dead lawyer Rogelio Bato, Jr. and a 17-year-old student on Tuesday in this city.

The lawyer, tagged as high value target by the regional police, is Espinosa's legal counsel and lawyer of the mayor's son Kerwin, the alleged top drug lord in the region.

The embattled mayor arrived at the police station around 9 a.m. on Thursday. A mattress was later delivered to his room where he will also stay overnight. The mayor's room is next to the police chief's office.

“We can assure the mayor’s safety inside the police station,” Espenido said. The local police provided chairs and a desk for the mayor to be able to work.

On Monday, Espinosa met with Espenido for the first time after the latter’s assignment on July 18. The meeting lasted for five hours.

The mayor allegedly linked to illegal drugs trade, formally sought police protection on Wednesday as he executed an affidavit disclosing names of government officials protecting drugs trade in Eastern Visayas region.

Espenido welcomed the decision of the town mayor to ask for protective custody. “This will assure as that we can arrest him immediately once warrant of arrest against him is released by the court.”

The police earlier filed cases against Espinosa for illegal drugs and illegal possession of firearms.

Espinosa surrendered to PNP Chief Director General Ronald Dela Rosa on Aug. 2 few hours after President Rodrigo Duterte demanded for his surrender and Kerwin within 24 hours or face a “shoot on sight.” The son remained at-large.

After four days, Dela Rosa kicked out Espinosa from his official residence after the son failed to meet the deadline for him to surrender.

The mayor was admitted in a hospital in Cebu after he left Camp Crame on Aug. 6.

He returned to his hometown on Aug. 16 and stayed at the town hall day and night for about a week before he asked for police protection. (PNA)

JMC/SARWELL Q. MENIANO

Red tide bloom expands in Leyte bays

TACLOBAN CITY, Aug. 26 (PNA) –- Red tide phenomenon has expanded from Samar seas to Leyte bays this week while contamination continues in seven other bays in Eastern Visayas region.

The red tide — an algal bloom that makes seafood toxic — is a common, naturally recurring phenomenon in coastal waters of Leyte and Samar provinces.

According to local red tide advisory issued to the media on Friday, toxins found in the seawaters of Leyte, Leyte and Cancabato Bay in Tacloban City are beyond the regulatory limit.

"All types of shellfish and Acetes sp. or alamang gathered from these areas are not safe for human consumption," said BFAR regional director Juan Albaladejo.

The public is advised to refrain from eating, harvesting, marketing, and buying shellfishes and Acetes sp. from affected areas until such time that the shellfish toxicity level has gone down below the regulatory level.

For few weeks, red tide alert has been raised in Cambatutay Bay, Irong-Irong Bay, Maqueda Bay, Daram waters, and Villareal Bay in Samar; Matarinao Bay in Eastern Samar; and Carigara Bay in Leyte province.

"Fish, squid, shrimp and crab are safe to eat “provided that they are fresh and washed thoroughly and internal organs such as gills and intestines are removed before cooking," Albaladejo added.

The fisheries bureau asked local government units to assist in the information drive and enforcement of shellfish ban, which strictly prohibits consumption, trading, and transport of shellfish gathered from infested bays.

The recent spate of red tide phenomenon in the region has killed two children and hospitalized several others early last month.(PNA)
JMC/SARWELL Q. MENIANO

PNP honors wounded cop in Samar drug ops

TACLOBAN CITY, Aug. 25 (PNA) - The Philippine National Police (PNP) in Eastern Visayas recognized the bravery of a police officer who was wounded in an anti-drug operation in Marabut, Samar on Wednesday.

PNP acting regional director Chief Supt. Elmer Beltejar pinned the Medalya ng Sugatang Magiting (PNP Wounded Personnel Medal) to Police Officer (PO) 1 Nestor Villanueva Thursday morning. He is now under treatment at the St. Paul’s Hospital, this city.

The junior police officer was injured while attempting to serve a search warrant to Ernesto Gonzales, 49, for illegal drugs trade and illegal possession of firearms.

Villanueva was with PO1 Gary Cabaguing of Samar Provincial Public Safety Company, who was killed during the police operation.

The policemen were approaching Gonzales’ house in Loreto village, Marabut town when the suspect, who was hiding in a foxhole under the house, opened fire, hitting Cabaguing in the forehead.

Gonzales managed to escape after the fire fight using a foxhole exit under his house.

“Police operation is now on-going to arrest the suspect,” Beltejar said.

Police operatives recovered illegal drug paraphernalia, shabu, ammunitions, shotgun, and hand grenade inside the suspect's house. (PNA)
BNB/SQM/ROEL T. AMAZONA/EGR

Leyte town maps out long-term plan for surrendered druggies

CARIGARA, Leyte, Aug. 25 (PNA)-- The local government is mapping out strategies for the rehabilitation of 350 drug pushers and users who voluntarily yielded to the Philippine National Police (PNP) since last month.

Carigara Mayor Eduardo C. Ong said the local government presented their long-term rehabilitation plan during the recent executive-legislative agenda (ELA) for consideration.

"The surrenderers will undergo several training for self renewal as they’re integrated back to the community," Ong said.

Self-confessed drug personalities, according to Ong, were made to sign an affidavit that they will do away with illegal activities and live normal lives through the help of the government.

The official believed that with the very limited funds, the plan to put up their own rehabilitation center is impossible, however, they can ask for assistance from the national government.

“We will coordinate with other government agencies to implement programs that will benefit the surrenderers. One is with the Department of Social Welfare and Development for the implementation of food for work,” Ong said.

The local government will also seek assistance from the Department of Labor and Employment to provide drug dependents with livelihood support so they will not return to drug trading and dependency.

Ong said they are intensifying their campaign against illegal drugs. He said they will pay extra attention to drug suspects who have warrant of arrests.

“The move of the government in the crackdown on drugs is very welcome because illegal drugs destroy the life of the user, their families and put in danger the future of the incoming generations,” the mayor added. (PNA)

FPV/SQM/LIZBETH ANN A. ABELLA/EGR

Parents seek justice for daughter killed in Tacloban ambush of ‘narco’ lawyer

TACLOBAN CITY, Aug. 25 (PNA) -- The parents of the high school student who was killed when gunmen ambushed Lawyer Rogelio Bato, Jr. has asked the government to give justice to their daughter’s death.

Angelika Bonita, 17, was with Bato, riding the lawyer’s Toyota Hilux pickup car when unidentified gunmen fired at them Tuesday afternoon in a village near Robinsons Place Tacloban.

Bato is the legal counsel of Albuera, Leyte Mayor Rolando Espinosa and son Kerwin, the alleged top drug lord in Eastern Visayas. The Philippine National Police confirmed that Bato is on its drugs watch list.

The lawyer and the Grade 9 student sustained multiple gunshots in their body and faces from caliber 45 and M16 rifle.

Couple Joel and Jennifer, parents of Angelika, denied knowing Bato, saying they never meet him.

“We only heard Bato’s name when on the news after the shooting incident,” Jennifer said.

Angelika is the third child in the Bonita family, a beneficiary of the Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program. She is currently enrolled as Grade 9 student of Sagkahan National High School (SNHS).

“We are asking for justice to be served for the death of my daughter. We are blind on what happened, my daughter is innocent,” Jennifer told reporters.

The poor family is living in a coastal area of Fatima village that was badly hit by super typhoon Yolanda.

The mother dismissed claims that their daughter is an illegal drug user and the lawyer’s girlfriend. She described their daughter as kind and respectful.

Joel has called on the government to address extra-judicial killings in the country to prevent innocent civilians from becoming targets in the anti-drug war.

“If you want to get rid of illegal drugs trade, do it in proper way not in a way that there are innocent people being killed,” he said.

Even though they feel that they have slim chances of attaining justice for the death of their daughter, the couple is still hopeful that one day the killer of their daughter will face the law.

The sudden death of Angelika has also shocked the SNHS administration.

Josefina Tanciongco, school principal, said they do not allow students to leave the campus during classes, but the day Angelika died, the school was preparing for their intramurals, conducting try-outs and auditions.

Angelika’s class adviser Manilyn Cabaltera was also shocked of what happened. She recalled that during their classes on Tuesday, Angelika was very active in discussions.

The student is a repeater of Grade 9 for three times, according to the teacher.

School record shows that Angelika was performing well when she was in Grade 7 and Grade 8. The student started having failing grades when she reached Grade 9. (PNA)

LAP/SQM/ROEL T. AMAZONA/EGR

Leyte ‘narco’ mayor seeks police protection; submits lists of drug protectors

TACLOBAN CITY, Aug. 25 (PNA) – Embattled Albuera, Leyte Mayor Rolando Espinosa Sr. had sought police protection as he executed an affidavit on Wednesday disclosing names of government officials protecting the illegal drugs trade in Eastern Visayas.

Philippine National Police (PNP) Eastern Visayas acting regional director Chief Supt. Elmer Beltejar clarified that although Espinosa provided them the list, authorities will not use it against the mayor, but rather a “tactical value.”

The PNP invited Espinosa to the Provincial Prosecutors Office in this city on Wednesday for the subscription of the affidavit, which will strengthen the anti-drug campaign.

“This will substantiate the diagram we have on illegal drug operation in Region 8 and neighboring regions,” Beltejar said.

The PNP will still verify the names provided by Espinosa, which consists of politicians, policemen and government officials who are protectors and sources of illegal drugs by the Espinosa group.

New names were included by Mayor Espinosa in the old list that the PNP refuses to divulge.

“I still have to clear from the national headquarters if we need to divulge the names because we are still lacking of corroborating statements,” Beltejar told reporters.

The PNP in the region are still waiting for two to three more personalities to come out and substantiate the affidavit of Espinosa.

“I can consider this (affidavit) substantial for the reason that we discover new names of protectors and connection of Kerwin that we never encountered in any custodial report we had,” Beltejar said.

Kerwin, the alleged top drug lord in Eastern Visayas, is the mayor’s son. He is still at- large despite calls of President Rodrigo Duterte and PNP Chief Director General Ronald dela Rosa to surrender.

The mayor also applied for witness protection subject for approval of the Department of Justice, 

according to Beltejar.

Espinosa also asked for protective security from Chief Inspector Jovie Espinido, Albuera town police chief. “He feels safer at the police station,” Beltejar said.

If ever the PNP grant the mayor’s request, Beltejar said Espinosa has to abide by certain conditions.

“The mayor should always stay inside the police station and the PNP will never provide security if he wants to go out.”

Espenido welcomed the decision of the town mayor to ask for protective custody. “This will assure us that we can arrest him immediately once a warrant of arrest against him is released by the court.”

The police earlier filed cases against Espinosa for illegal drugs and illegal possession of firearms. (PNA)

FPV/SQM/ROEL T. AMAZONA/EGR

Leyte hospitals earn PHP289.5-M in H1

TACLOBAN CITY, Aug. 25 (PNA) – Eleven hospitals under the provincial government of Leyte earned a total of PHP289.5 million for the first half of 2016.

In a report submitted by the Provincial Health Office to Governor Leopoldo Dominico Petilla, all 11 hospitals, including the Leyte Provincial Hospital, earned in millions during the first two quarters of the year.

The top three earners were the Leyte Provincial Hospital in Palo, Leyte with PHP79.67 million; Ormoc District Hospital in Ormoc City with PHP56.08 million; and the Western Leyte District Hospital in Baybay City with PHP41.07 million.

Meanwhile, Burauen District Hospital earned PHP24.66 million, Carigara District Hospital (PHP23.83 million), Abuyog District Hospital (PHP20.7 million), Manuel Veloso Memorial Hospital (PHP17.5 million), Hilongos District Hospital (PHP16.26 million), Villaba Community Hospital (PHP4.33 million), North Western Leyte District Hospital (PHP3.51 million), and Tabango Community Hospital (PHP1.84 million).

The hospitals' net income is divided into the province's share and the hospital's share. The hospital's share is then divided into 30 percent maintenance and operation expenses, 30 percent capital outlay, and 40 percent employees' share.

The employees' share is given to the doctors and other hospital staff and personnel as an incentive.

This hospital enhancement program was institutionalized by former governor Carlos Jericho Petilla, which was continued by the present administration.

The same scheme has enabled the province to better equip the hospitals under it, encourage quality service among hospital staff, and provide the necessary health service in the area.

Leyte’s hospitals draw heavily from the hospital incentive scheme -- charges for fee for services; pool cash donations; and pool health insurance payments for professional fees.

Petilla said that with more funds generated from these hospitals, more buildings and facilities will be constructed and additional medical equipment will be purchased to serve more patients.

He said the general public can expect better services as more improvements are initiated.

In 2015, the 11 hospitals generated a total revenue of PHP555 million for the provincial government.(PNA)
CVL/SQM/AHLETTE C. REYES/EGR

Leyte provincial board mulls revision of decades-old tax code

TACLOBAN CITY, Aug. 24 (PNA)-- After more than two decades, the Leyte provincial board is eyeing to revise its 1989 Tax Code and implement a new one that suits the needs of the time.

Leyte Vice Governor Carlo Loreto said that this was among the priority agenda that came out during their recent Executive and Legislative Agenda meeting in Cebu together with the different department heads of the province.

Loreto said that plan to revise the tax code prior to super typhoon Yolanda was already in the works, but the governor decided to forego the revision considering the devastations experienced then by all sectors of the society.

“We saw it inappropriate to impose higher taxes then when people were just beginning to recover from the devastation of the typhoon,” Loreto said.

The vice governor admitted the present tax code of the province is “much outdated” and it’s past the time it should be revised as the monetary value then is more than its value 27 years after.

“A revised tax code can improve revenue generation and thereby increase collection,” Loreto said.

Meanwhile, Loreto said that the creation of a technical working group will be done soon.

Only tax provisions on the province’s real property tax have had revisions over the past several years, it was learned.

This enabled the provincial government to levy taxes on real properties competitively in the past years. As mandated under Section 200 of Republic Act 7160, or the Local Government Code of 1991, LGUs has to undertake a general revision of real property assessment every three years.

“It is our task to see that our taxes are suited and competitive to the needs of the time,” Loreto said.

In 2015 the provincial treasurer’s office collected more than Php24 million in real property tax (RPT) basic share alone. As of March 2016, the treasurer’s office collected from the power plants in Kananga, Leyte more than Php63 million in real property tax from Energy Development Corporation (EDC) and the Green Core Geothermal Inc., (GCGI).

In the provincial treasurer’s report for 2015, aside from RPT collection, it revealed that the province also collected Php34.3 million from special education funds; Php6.4 million in business tax; 

Php509,883.00 in fees and charges; and more than Php366 million from economic enterprise.

The province collected a total of Php431.89 million in taxes in 2015. While in 2014, Leyte province ranked 11 in the top 20 LGUs generating locally sourced revenues. (PNA)
PGL/SQM/AHLETTE C. REYES/EGR

Tacloban mayor orders hunt of lawyer's assailant

TACLOBAN CITY, Aug. 24 (PNA) -- City Mayor Cristina Gonzales-Romualdez ordered the local police to hunt the assailants of lawyer Rogelio Bato, Jr., the legal counsel of embattled Albuera, Leyte Mayor Rolando Espinosa, Sr.

Bato, 48, and teenage companion, Angelika Bonita, 17 were gunned down on Tuesday afternoon in Lumbang 2 sub-village, this city while on board a Toyota Hilux pickup.

The victims suffered multiple gunshots when armed men riding a white pickup without plate number, opened fire at them using a .45 caliber and M-16 rifle.

Romualdez, who immediately proceeded to the crime scene, vowed to support the police in hunting the assailants. Police is still facing a blank wall on the motive of the killing.

“We are all outraged by this crime. The challenge posed by the criminals requires other responses, other weapons, and intelligence. There will be no impunity in this matter. No line of investigation will be discarded,” the lady mayor added.

Bato is the legal counsel of embattled Mayor Espinosa. He has provided legal services to the mayor's son, Kerwin, the region's alleged top drug lord.

Meanwhile, former Integrated Bar of the Philippines (IBP) - Leyte chapter president Alberto Hidalgo has called more than a thousand lawyers in the region to wear black armband while in court until the day of Bato's burial.

It was not the first time that assailants in the region targeted lawyers in Eastern Visayas.

“We seek the cooperation of all law offices and courts to allow lawyers to mourn, show solidarity with the bereaved, and to show our total condemnation of this serious affront to our legal system, legal processes and law profession,” Hidalgo said.(PNA)

JMC/SQM/JAZMIN BONIFACIO/EGR

Leyte lawyers condemn shooting of ‘narco’ mayor’s legal counsel

TACLOBAN CITY, Aug. 24(PNA)-- The Integrated Bar of the Philippines (IBP) Leyte chapter condemned the killing of one of its member, Atty. Rogelio Bato Jr., the lawyer of embattled Albuera, Leyte Mayor Rolando Espinosa.

Former IBP Leyte chapter president Alberto Hidalgo has called on his fellow lawyers in the province to join in condemning the brutal killing of Bato on Tuesday afternoon.

“I call on IBP members to wear black armband while in courts until the day of interment of our brother lawyer Atty. Rogelio Bato Jr.,” Hidalgo said.

“Let us show our total condemnation of this serious affront to our legal system, legal processes and the law profession.”

Hidalgo challenged the government to thoroughly investigate this incident and come up with a factual and credible result. “Show to the Filipino people that this is not extra judicial killings.”

Lawyer Leo Giron, law professor at Saint Paul’s School of Professional Studies said that Bato is a “collateral damage” in the anti-drug war.

“His only fault was to be the legal defender of Albuera Mayor Rolando Espinosa, Sr. and son Kerwin,” Giron added.

These reactions came after Bato, the legal counsel of the Espinosas, was found dead with multiple gunshot wounds inside a Toyota Hilux pickup car with a teenage girl around 2:20 pm Tuesday.

The police identified the girl as Angelika Bonita, 17, resident of the city’s Fatima Village and Grade 9 student of Sagkahan National High School. (PNA)
FPV/SQM/LIZBETH ANN A. ABELLA/EGR

Catbalogan City steps up promotion of local culture, arts

CATBALOGAN CITY, Aug. 24 (PNA) – The city government here is stepping up efforts to promote the city’s culture and the arts in line with the city's 400th year founding anniversary.

“We have been trying to save the culture and arts, to promote, to be given the break, and to be given its real identity,” Mayor Stephany Uy-Tan said.

Uy-Tan was elated that Charo Nabong Cabardo, a historian in the region recognizes her administration's efforts in the promotion of the cities culture and arts.

The mayor herself realized how people of Catbalogan had fought to attain what the city has achieved today after attending several activities related to the founding anniversary.

“With this realization, I became more passionate. Knowing the history of the city from 1616 until 2016, deepens my love for Catbalogan,” she added.

The celebration also honors natives of Catbalogan who had excelled in their careers and who have been proud in tracing their roots here.

Among them are Michael Cinco, who designed a dress worn by international singer and actress Jennifer Lopez; entertainers Tessie Tomas and Tom Rodriguez; and retired Supreme Court Associate Justice Antonio Nachura.

“My appeal to people who know someone that deserves recognition to come out and tell us their stories so that in the next years, they will be honored,” Uy-Tan told PNA.

The mayor has called for unity among officials in the city, give each other due respect, and recognize each others’ worth in making sound decisions.

“There is no monopoly in bright ideas when it comes to institutionalizing and concretizing plans for the city thus we need every official’s contribution to development of the city,” Uy-Tan said. (PNA)
FPV/SQM/LIZBETH ANN A. ABELLA/EGR

'Yolanda'-hit Oriental Hotel Leyte to reopen in October

TACLOBAN CITY, Aug. 24 (PNA) –- After it completely shut down in the aftermath of supertyphoon Yolanda, Oriental Hotel Leyte located in the historic town of Palo is targeting to reopen this October, just in time for the 72nd commemoration of the Leyte Gulf Landing.

Leyte Governor Leopoldo Dominico Petilla disclosed that rehabilitation of the devastated hotel is now in full swing, but the October target is only for the partial opening of its facilities.

“It’s not for the full hotel yet as all of its facilities took a big setback after it was lashed with the typhoon and the storm surge in 2013,” Petilla said.

The main building which houses its offices, restaurants and function hall are among the priority for the October dateline for reopening.

Petilla said that it may have taken a while for its owner LKY Resorts and Hotels to rebuild the whole facility; however, its reopening this year is a welcome one which provides a bright hope in the restoring tourism in the locality.

The Oriental Hotel Leyte, formerly the MacArthur Park Hotel, in Palo, totally stopped operation after the Nov. 8, 2013 typhoon as huge waves from a storm surge damaged all of its 110 hotel rooms.

When it shut down, international relief organization Samaritan’s Purse, converted a portion of the hotel complex and function rooms into a warehouse.

Petilla admitted the hotel’s shut down cost the local government unit of Palo and the province in tourism receipts and in turn, economic and livelihood opportunities for the locals nearby.

The Oriental’s convention hall which can accommodate up to 1,000 persons, was already functioning in full and was a venue of national conventions and other gathering before it got totally wasted.

The governor meanwhile added that the province may provide the hotel’s owner and developer a reprieve considering the additional amount they have to put into its rehabilitation.

The hotel is owned by LKY for 25 years under the built-operate transfer scheme. The provincial government, which is the former owner of the property, awarded 25-year contract to LKY in 2009.

The hotel sits on a 5-hectare property and sits next to the historic Macarthur Landing Memorial, a historical landmark in Leyte.

LKY projected the hotel to cost a PHP300 million budget, but another PHP200 million was to be poured in for its total construction before it was struck by the typhoon. (PNA)

JMC/SQM/AHLETTE C. REYES/EGR

Leyte ‘narco’ mayor’s lawyer killed in Tacloban

TACLOBAN CITY, August 23 (PNA) -– The legal counsel of embattled Albuera, Leyte Mayor Rolando Espinosa was gunned down Tuesday afternoon in this city.

The local police identified the victim as Atty. Rogelio Bato. Also killed was Angelica Bonita, 15, a high school student who was with the lawyer inside the Toyota Hilux during the incident.

The shooting took place in Lumbang 2 village, this city around 2 p.m. on Tuesday.

Sr. Supt. Rolando Bade, city police chief, said the two victims suffered multiple gunshots when perpetrators riding a white van without plate number, opened fire at them using caliber 45 and M-16 rifle.

Bade said the city police launched manhunt operations against the suspects, adding that they are still facing a blank wall on the motive of the killing.

“We still need to conduct investigation if the incident is related to illegal drugs,” he added.

In previous interviews, Chief Supt. Elmer Beltejar, Eastern Visayas police regional director, confirmed that Bato is one of the professionals being probed for their alleged link to illegal drugs trade.

Bato has been the legal counsel of Espinosa family. He reportedly helped in the dismissal of several drug-related cases of Kerwin, the mayor’s son.

He also provided legal services to some drug personalities in Eastern Visayas region.

City Mayor Cristina Romualdez, who immediately proceeded to the crime scene, condemned the killing and urged authorities to conduct thorough investigation.

Romualdez commended the national government’s efforts to eradicate illegal drugs, but said this should not involve killing, especially of innocent civilians. (PNA)
LAP/SQM/ROEL T. AMAZONA & JAZMIN BONIFACIO/EGR

Tacloban native is among world's most influential Filipina

TACLOBAN CITY, Aug. 23 (PNA) –- A native of this city is one of the recipients of the 100 Most Influential Filipina Women in the World in 2016.

Bernadette Schlueter, 44, is the only one with Filipino ancestry from Eastern Visayas nominated to the prestigious award. She is currently the principal of Supreme Headquarters Allied Powers Europe (SHAPE) American School at the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) based in Casteau, Belgium. This is the position she held for the last two years.

Shape Elementary School is under the Defense Education Activity (DoDEA) and one of the 181 schools in 14 districts located in 12 foreign countries, seven states, Guam and Puerte Rico.

SHAPE is the biggest of the 13 international schools in the NATO installation in Casteau, Belgium. There are 600 students enrolled in the school with the large percentage of Americans and the others are students from 28 NATO member countries and 22 partnership for peace nations.

She is an educator who has always taken leadership roles she was assigned to. She was assistant principal at CDR William C. McCool Elementary/Middle School in Guam, as a teacher in Korea and Japan, and as the school administrator of JE Mondejar Computer College in Tacloban City. 

Among her awards as a teacher was Korea District Teacher of the Year in 2012 and Awardee of the Scroll of Appreciation from US Forces Korea General Walter Sharp in 2010.

Schlueter was nominated under the Builders category by Leonor S. Vintervoll, founder of Philippine Women's Organization Resource Center based in Oslo, Norway.

Builders, according to the FWN website have demonstrated exceptional business impact at a large workplace environment; displaying deep passion for a cause through collaborative initiatives or alliances with corporations or nonprofit organizations on behalf of her own organization; demonstrates high potential and skill with measurable result.

The awarding is one of the highlights of the 13th Filipina Leadership Global Summit, a gathering of influential Filipina around the world is slated on Aug. 21 to 24, 2016 at Shangrila Hotel, Cebu City.

These Filipina women made a difference through their leadership and influence in their respective fields and communities globally creating a change in the world of Filipinas in diaspora.

There will be an action group discussions, reflections, collaborations, book launching and sharing to help gain insights on the future leadership of Filipina woman in the global workplace.

Vice President Leni Robredo and Senator Loren Legarda are among the distinguished speakers in the three-day event.(PNA)
JMC/SQM/VICKY C. ARNAIZ/EGR

Calbayog seeks more policemen to secure village polls

CALBAYOG CITY, Samar, Aug. 23 (PNA) -- The city government here will pass a resolution requesting the Philippine National Police (PNP) regional office for an additional police troops to secure the upcoming village elections in remote areas here.

Mayor Ronaldo Aquino said there is an increasing concern about the city’s political stability as conflict erupts in some upland villages.

The village poll in October 2016 is expected to be closely contested, and it is potentially opening the door to violence, according to the mayor.

Calbayog City’s 157 villages are politically subdivided into three districts - Calbayog, Tinambacan and Oquendo.

“There has been a history of violence and conflicts being incited by some political parties here in previous elections,” Aquino said.

“Politics is politics. We cannot blame anyone. We all know that village elections is a litmus test for our young democracy,” Aquino stressed.

The conflict, which is happening as early as this month, according to Aquino, is very much driven by political maneuvering.

“We cannot wait out the storm. In our quest for peace, we feel the need of urgency. We’ve decided to pass a resolution to request for additional number of police forces here especially in our remote villages, so that we can stop violence,” Aquino said.

The Special Action Force and some police personnel deployed in the city last May 2016 National and Local Elections has been pulled out mid last month by the PNP regional office.

“Today’s village elections is really promising to people in Calbayog, who will stand better chances of being heard and influencing decisions that directly affect their everyday lives under improved democracy,” Aquino said.

And with the right support, according to Aquino, change will create space and an opportunity to city residents to really take development and poverty issues seriously and overcome the many challenges we are facing.

“I’m really proud of what Calbayog has achieved. We will not tolerate politicians who want to create chaos and panic as a way of campaigning for votes,” the mayor added. (PNA)
FPV/SQM/JAZMIN BONIFACIO/EGR

Leyte athlete to compete in Poland’s World Powerlifting Competition

TACLOBAN CITY, Aug. 23 (PNA) -- A Leyte Sports Academy (LSA) scholar will leave this month to compete in the World Sub Juniors and Juniors Powerlifting Championships on Aug. 29 to Sept. 3 in Szczyrk, Poland.

For the second time this year, Rowella Abrea, 16, will again represent the country in this sports event after winning gold last June at the Asian Powerlifting Championship held in Udaipur, India.

Abrea competed for the 47-kilogram open division at the Asian Powerlifting Championship in sub junior squat, bench press, dead lift including the overall rank.

“Believe in yourself, discipline and always be thankful and have trust in God,” LSA administrator Ruben Tamayo’s reminded Abrea.

To prepare Abrea for the competition, she will undergo rigid training until she leaves for Poland, according to Tamayo.

Tamayo said Abrea’s joining in the world competition is a testament that LSA had gone a long way in achieving the dream of producing world-class athletes.

Leyte Governor Leopoldo Dominico Petilla asked Abrea to perform well in Poland, for her to bring gold just like what she did in India.

“We are very happy for Andrea and definitely, your success in Poland is an honor not just for the province, but for the country as well,” Petilla said.

Petilla added that with the impressive performance of LSA athletes in local and international competition, time will come that athletes from the region will represent the country in future Olympics. (PNA)
FPV/SQM/ROEL T. AMAZONA/EGR