Tacloban rehabilitates mass grave site of 'Yolanda' victims

TACLOBAN CITY, Oct. 31 (PNA) -- The city government here has replaced wood crosses with concrete ones at the mass grave site for 2,900 victims of super typhoon Yolanda that pummeled the city three years ago.

Ildebrando Bernadas, chief of the city disaster risk reduction and management office said they moved the completion of date of mass grave rehabilitation to Oct. 31 from the original Nov. 8 as people are expected to flock the site for the All Saints’ Day and All Souls’ Day observance.

On Nov. 8, the city will mark the third anniversary of the monster typhoon that hit central Philippines in 2013.

The local government pushed for rehabilitation projects after they acquired the 2.7 hectares grave site property for PHP8 million, according to Bernadas.

The burial place is located in the city’s Vasper village near the Holy Cross Memorial.

In the past All Saints Day and All Souls Day observances, family members had to pick crosses and put a label on it since they do not know the exact grave of their loved ones. (PNA) JMC/SQM/Aldwin John M. Cadayong (OJT)

/EGR

400 Eastern Visayas workers benefit from 'endo' drive

TACLOBAN CITY, Oct. 31 (PNA) -- At least 400 workers in Eastern Visayas have been regularized after the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) launched a campaign to stop the practice of "endo."

DOLE Regional Director Elias Cayanong said the region is on track in addressing "endo" (short for end of contract) in the region since the DOLE stepped up efforts last month.

Cayanong said the labor department got the report through monitoring from labor laws compliance officers deployed to inspect establishments.

Among the firms who responded to the call to end the "endo" practice are hardwares, retail shops, hotels, and restaurants.

“There are more reports of voluntary regularization, but we have to validate it first,” Cayanong said.

The labor department aims to regularize 50 percent of workers suffering illegal labor

contractualization by the end of 2016 and completely eliminate the practice next year.

"I believe the target is realistic since we are just talking about endo. There are contractors that comply with the law such as those implementing project-based activities," he added.

The DOLE has adopted two tracks in eliminating illegitimate contractualization, including labor-only contracting and "endo".

In the first track, the DOLE regional offices conducted series of consultations and meetings to encourage employers to voluntarily regularize workers who are under "endo" and labor-only contracting arrangements.

For the second track, labor laws compliance officers inspected establishments, principals, and contractors which are practicing "endo" and labor-only contracting arrangements.

Cayanong explained that those found to be engaged in labor-only contracting are subjected to mandatory conferences to assist them in their compliance with labor standards

The abolition of "endo" practice by 2017 is included in the eight-point labor and employment agenda of Secretary Silvestre Bello III. (PNA)

JMC/SARWELL Q. MENIANO

DTI Eastern Visayas launches 43 business centers

TACLOBAN CITY, Oct. 31 (PNA) -- The national government has already launched 43 negosyo centers in the past two years in a bid to ease doing business and facilitate access to services for micro small and medium enterprises (MSMEs).

Since June 2015, the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) led the opening of 20 centers in Leyte province; six in Samar; five in Eastern Samar; and four each in Biliran, Northern Samar, and Southern Leyte provinces.

The DTI launched the first Negosyo Center in Eastern Visayas in Carigara, Leyte on June 22, 2015.

 The latest is inside the campus of the Eastern Visayas State University (EVSU) in Tacloban City that opened on Oct. 28.

“This is not just a DTI project because a negosyo center has lifeline with different national government agencies. In real sense, it is bringing government services closer to MSMEs,” said DTI Regional Director Cynthia Nierras.

The DTI vowed to continue opening more centers in the future, but it will mainly depend on the availability of funds and support of local government units.

Setting up of business centers is in compliance to Republic Act No. 10644 or the Go Negosyo Act.
 The law seeks to strengthen micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs) to create more job opportunities in the country.

The centers are responsible for promoting “ease of doing business and facilitating access to services for MSMEs within its jurisdiction” such as business registration assistance, business advisory 

services, business information and advocacy, and monitoring and evaluation.

The MSME Development Council through the DTI is the coordinating and supervising body for all the agencies involved in the establishment and operation of the Negosyo Centers. It performs oversight functions and assigns personnel to fulfill the functions of the center. (PNA)
JMC/SARWELL Q. MENIANO

Region 8 cops give out safety precautions for ‘Undas’

PALO, Leyte, Oct. 29 (PNA) – The Philippine National Police (PNP) regional office released safety precautions in the observance of All Saints’ Day and All Souls’ Day on Nov. 1 and 2 in the region dubbed as “Oplan Undas.”

Chief Supt. Elmer Beltejar said security measures for the annual event were now in place.

Even when going out of the house, one is advised to secure one’s home before going out like closing all doors and windows, making sure all appliances are unplugged and water faucets are off.

“As much as possible, leave someone to look after one’s house,” Beltejar added.

To those traveling out of town, they are advised to take precautions and no problems in the vehicle. 

The PNP reminded travelers to remember the word “blowbag” that stands for battery, light, oil, water, brakes, air and gas.

At the cemetery, no alcoholic drinks, sharp objects and sound system are allowed so as not to disturb the people paying respect to their dead.

It was also mentioned that police personnel are directed maximum police visibility, maintain security in vital installations, ensure operational readiness to deter criminal activities.

There will be PNP Assistance booth in major cemeteries and people are advised to locate the first aid stations in case of emergencies.

The people are also advised to maintain cleanliness at the cemetery and not to leave garbage anywhere in public places. (PNA)
RMA/SQM/Vicky C. Arnaiz /egr

Top cops inspect Kerwin’s detention cell

PALO, Leyte, Oct. 29 (PNA) – Top officials of the Philippine National Police (PNP) inspected the Leyte provincial jail to check on its security measures as high profile drug kingpin Kerwin Espinosa is considered to be detained there.

PNP Eastern Visayas Chief Supt. Elmer C. Beltejar led the inspection of the prison facility on Friday in Kauswagan village, this town.

Espinosa was arrested in Abu Dhabi on Oct. 17 after an overseas worker tipped off authorities about his presence in United Arab Emirates.

Beltejar said that although Espinosa’s deportation might take a month to process, the PNP was considering options on where to detain him.

Espinosa’s father, Albuera Mayor Rolando Espinosa, Sr. was detained at Leyte sub-provincial jail in Baybay City, just 20 minutes drive from their hometown.

He was arrested on Oct. 5 on charges of illegal possession of firearms and drugs, the same charges filed against the younger Espinosa.

The son has been in and out of jail for a number of times on several charges.

Meanwhile, Beltejar told reporters that the 15 vehicles owned by Espinosa’s and kept by individuals were turned over to Albuera police station.

“The police impounded the vehicles at the station and we are just waiting for the Deed of Donation from the mayor and that includes the residential house, which will be converted to a drug rehabilitation center,”

The government is also set to freeze the properties, finances and the financial investments of the family.

Beltejar said the Zelan hotel, which is owned by the Espinosa’s, might be closed for failure to pay electric bill since the surrender of mayor in August. (PNA)
RMA/SQM/Vicky C. Arnaiz/egr

Samar town library thrives in digital age

VILLAREAL, Samar, Oct. 28 (PNA) -- Despite conveniences offered by digital age where information can be easily accessed at one’s fingertips, a small library in this sleepy town continues to be a vital source of information.

The municipal library here was established in early 1989 by the local government. The mayor donated the initial batch of books. The library has been attracting about 30 to 40 readers daily such as students, government workers, and the general public.

With the absence of a building to house the library then, the facility had to share a space with the municipal information agency. After the construction of the new town hall, the library transferred to the old legislative building.

Located near the shore, the library suffered damages from typhoon Ruby in 2015. However, it managed to resume its normal operation.

Dea Manicane, the municipal librarian, said that they have about 2,000 books on shelves of various kinds, topics, and genres. The Philippine National Library and various groups donated these books.

"We also have a daily supply of newspapers that attract regular visitors at the library,” Manicane added.

Students from local schools are regular readers. "The library helps a lot in my study because it is accessible and I can research topics which are advanced from what we have in school," said senior high school student Hyddeh Varela.

Another student also said that the library was a big help because of its wide array of encyclopedias that are also available online.

The librarian regularly attends seminars conducted by the National Library of the Philippines to update its content and to know the latest trends in book and digital collections.

Villareal is a small coastal town in the western part of Samar province with a population of nearly 27,000. It is a two-hour drive from Catbalogan City in Samar and an hour-trip from Tacloban City, the regional capital. (PNA) LAP/SQM/Jonabel L. Salazar (OJT)
/EGR

DPWH fixes Southern Leyte’s Liloan Bridge

LILOAN, Southern Leyte, Oct. 28 (PNA) -– The Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) is currently strengthening the Liloan Bridge here that connects Leyte’s mainland to Panaon Island.

The PHP50 million project, which is one of the major upgrade works since the bridge was built, involves concrete jacketing on piers and application of carbon fiber sheets as well as carbon fiber plates.

Jacketing is done by application of a new layer of concrete to strengthen the bridge piers. Carbon fiber sheets and plates are materials used in strengthening bridges to increase a structure’s load capacity.

“This project is a priority of the district since there is no alternate bridge that connects Panaon Island to the mainland. Based on findings of experts from JICA (Japan International Cooperation Agency), the bridge badly needs strengthening,” said DPWH Southern Leyte District Engineer Ma. Margarita C. Junia.

Completion of Liloan Bridge rehabilitation is one of the projects recently delegated by the DPWH Eastern Visayas regional office to Southern Leyte office for supervision.

The project is said to be the second major upgrade of the 291-meter bridge commonly known to locals as Wawa Bridge. The structure got its major repair after it was slightly damaged by the earthquake that jolted Bohol province in 2013.

Southern Leyte Rep. Roger Mercado backed the project, saying strengthening the bridge would ensure that Panaon Island is always accessible especially during emergencies.

Panaon Island is composed of the towns of Liloan, San Francisco, San Francisco, Pintuyan, and San Ricardo. The lawmaker noted that some villages in these towns are prone to landslides and rockslides.

 

Mercado said that stable infrastructure also supports the tourism development. The small island, known for scuba diving and whale watching, has been attracting European tourists.

Liloan Bridge forms part of the primary national highway that links Mindanao to Luzon. Liloan and nearby San Ricardo town have roll-on roll-off ports that serve ferries going to Surigao in Mindanao.

Liloan is derived from the local term “lilo”, meaning whirlpool. Whirlpools are visible at Panaon Strait, the navigable narrow waterway that separates mainland Leyte and Panaon island. (PNA)
LAP/SQM/PR/egr

12 Eastern Visayas LGUs earn Seal of Good Local Governance

TACLOBAN CITY, Oct. 28 (PNA) –- Four provinces, one city and seven towns in Eastern Visayas earned the Seal of Good Local Governance (SGLG) award this year from the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG).

Awardees are Biliran, Eastern Samar, Leyte and Samar provinces; General MacArthur and Salcedo in Eastern Samar; Barugo, Javier, and Tabango in Leyte; and Calbayog City in Samar.

During the awarding rites Thursday afternoon at the Sofitel Hotel in Pasay City, Barangay Hingatungan, Silago, Southern Leyte was also declared as the best Lupon among the 4th and 6th class municipalities.

DILG Eastern Visayas Regional Director Marivel C. Sacendoncillo lauded the SGLG awardees and challenged them to sustain their gains.

“We are happy that these LGUs accepted the challenge to perform better in observing the tenets of good governance,” she said.

The SGLG drives LGUs to encourage investment and employment (Business-Friendliness and Competitiveness); protect the constituents from threats to life and security (Peace and Order); and safeguard the integrity of the environment (Environmental Management).

For an area to become an SGLG recipient, an LGU needs to pass all the three core assessment areas—Good Financial Housekeeping, Social Protection and Disaster Preparedness, and at least one from the essential assessment areas—Business-Friendliness and Competitiveness, Peace & Order or Environmental Management.

LGUs meeting the minimum criteria will not only be conferred with the SGLG, but will also entitle them to a package of incentives, such as the Performance Challenge Fund and access to other national performance-based programs. (PNA)
LAP/SQM/JAZMIN BONIFACIO

Tacloban to strictly enforce smoking ban

TACLOBAN CITY, Oct. 28 (PNA) -- This city has stepped up its drive against smoking in public places through the enforcement of a local ordinance.

The city's anti-smoking ordinance widens its scope to indoor smoking restrictions by including restaurants; air-conditioned establishments; and other places such as public transport, parks, sport stadiums, and airports.

The ordinance also prohibits the posting of advertising materials of tobacco firms anywhere.

The city government also reiterated the ban of selling cigarettes to minors, which had been ignored by some stores, Vice Mayor Jerry Yaokasin noted.

“The best way to protect non-smokers’ health is to provide a smoke-free environment,” Yaokasin added.

According to the official, a task force from the city hall is enforcing the ban uniformly and sending out inspectors for surprise checks to establishments and even small stores to check their compliance to the ordinance. (PNA)
JMC/SQM/JAZMIN BONIFACIO/EGR

Leyte bridges to be widened in 2017

TACLOBAN CITY, Oct. 28 (PNA) -- The Second Leyte Engineering District of the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH 2nd LED) is allotting PHP198.5 million to widen nine permanent bridges along the primary roads in the district.

This bridge widening project is set in 2017 and will target to expand the bridges to more than two lanes.

These bridges include Calbasag Bridge, Bocog Bridge, Balocawe Bridge, Bawon Bridge and Balire Bridge along the Maharlika Highway.

Meanwhile, Ponong Bridge, Sagkahan Bridge, Tagak Bridge and Cocot Bridge along the Palo-Carigara-Ormoc Road is part of the bridge widening project.

The DPWH 2nd LED sees the improvement of the structure of this bridge with additional lanes will decongest vehicular traffic and serve as an open gate to facilitate the transport of goods and services and ease in transportation for the riding public.

“The bridge will bring multiplier effects to the people and the community, and with ease in transport, we can bring in more economic activity to the area,” 2nd LED district engineer Carlos Veloso said.

The 2nd LED just recently opened to public, partially, the four-lane Hiagsam Bridge in Jaro, Leyte.

 The bridge was devastated in 2014, reconstructed in 2015 and opened to public a year later.

The bridge is claimed to be typhoon resilient which will become a basic quality of the other bridges eyed for widening in 2017.

Veloso said that these bridges need to be built stronger and sturdier to withstand flashfloods and the growing strength of typhoon nowadays. (PNA)
JMC/SQM/AHLETTE C. REYES/EGR

Eastern Visayas accepts 2022 cacao output challenge

PALO, Leyte, Oct. 27 (PNA) –- More than 500 cacao planters, traders and other stakeholders gathered in the first regional industry forum as Eastern Visayas region accepted the challenge to raise local cocoa beans production to 5,000 metric tons (MT) by 2022.

The Department of Agriculture (DA) opened on Thursday the two-day forum of cacao stakeholders held at the Leyte Academic Center here.

The gathering signals the acceptance of the national challenge to produce 100,000 mt of cacao nationwide by 2022 with five percent coming from the region.

The cacao industry roadmap aims to expand cacao cultivation from the current estimated 300 hectares to 5,000 hectares after six years.

“With the challenge to contribute five percent of the national output, I am sure we can make it, if we will work together,” said DA Regional Executive Director Wilson A. Cerbito.

The event also aims to unify and enhance linkages between cacao growers, traders, processors, and institutional buyers and other concerned groups on the development of local cacao industry.

Cacao trees produce cocoa beans, a major ingredient in making chocolates.

According to the agriculture department, the global demand for cocoa beans is expected to reach between 4.7 million to 5 million mt by the year 2022, and global deficit supply is at one million mt.

For the Philippines alone, the local consumption is at 50,000 mt annually, but the local supply is only around 10,000 mt, making the country a net importer.

This looming deficit has given rise to the Philippine Cacao Challenge, which commits the Philippines to producing 100,000MT by the year 2022 and onwards.

Agriculture Undersecretary for agribusiness and high value crops Evelyn Laviña urged farmers to put their hearts into cacao planting.

“Focus on cacao and be good at it. Put your mind in it and you will succeed. Our goal is not just to produce the quantity and quality, but go for flavorful and fine cacao seeds,” Laviña said.

Valente Turtur, chairperson of the Philippine Cacao Industry Development Council, said farmers must apply locally-tested technology in cacao growing.

"We need to do it right from the start. We need to influence all sectors to follow the standards because we have to earn the trust of international buyers,” Turtur added. (PNA) LAP/Sarwell Q. Meniano & Danica-Ann M. Ultado (OJT)

DTI asks media, buyers to report sale of fake Christmas lights

TACLOBAN CITY, Oct. 27 (PNA) -- The Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) has asked the media and consumers to report the sale of substandard Christmas lights.

DTI Eastern Visayas Regional Director Cynthia Nierras cited the role of media and buyers in identifying stores, which are still selling substandard products without or with fake Import Commodity Clearance (ICC) stickers.

“The monitoring committee of DTI is only composed of one or two persons and hence not all establishments can be checked. The media and consumers can encounter substandard Christmas lights and report them directly to DTI,” she added.

Nierras explained that DTI’s issuance of ICC stickers is centralized and they have means of determining the genuine ICC stickers issued by them.

“The monitoring is ongoing and we are still waiting for reports from the provinces about trading of substandard Christmas lights,” she added.

Lanie Cabudoc, 30, a resident of Vasper village, this city, said that she does not buy cheaper Christmas lights because she is uncertain of its quality.

“I always check on the ICC sticker, but it’s not a guarantee that the product is safe. I also inquire with the DTI considering that everything can be counterfeited today.” Cabudoc added.

The DTI warned consumers against substandard Christmas lights since this can cause fire due to electrical malfunctions.

The trade department launched the monitoring of Christmas lights in the market on Sept. 1. (PNA) FPV/SQM/Aldwin John M. Cadayong (OJT)

/EGR

NMP completes rehab of dorm for trainees

TACLOBAN, CITY, Oct. 27 (PNA)-- The National Maritime Polytechnic (NMP) with main office in this city, has completed the PHP10 million rehabilitation of its rating’s dormitory

NMP Executive Director Manuel Roldan said the budget is part of the national government’s PHP36 million allocation for the repair of the entire NMP complex in Cabalawan village here.

Rehabilitation of the rating’s dormitory started three months ago. It is a standalone building within the 17-hectare complex.

The building can accommodate up to 200 persons. Interested trainees can stay at the dormitory for only PHP 60 per day.

“Damaged portions of the complex were also repaired such as the administration building, canteen, and the officer’s dormitory. Fencing of the compound is now on-going,” Roldan added.

While the post-Yolanda rehabilitation is not yet fully completed, NMP is back to its normal operation.

NMP, which has been training 150 seafarers weekly, is a maritime training center for Filipinos that seeks to produce highly competitive seafarers for local and international maritime jobs.

Through Executive Order No. 126 in 1987, the NMP became a state college governed by the Department of Labor and Employment . It offers various courses for deck and engine officers and the basic safety courses for both officers and ratings.

The NMP complex, located near the shoreline of Leyte Gulf, were badly damaged by super typhoon Yolanda in 2013.(PNA) FPV/SQM/Ma. Mercedes C. Arpon (OJT)

/EGR

Young finswimmers from Leyte lauded for int'l win

TACLOBAN CITY, Oct. 27 (PNA) -- Young finswimmers from Leyte were commended by the provincial government for winning in an international competition held in Hong Kong.

The provincial board approved a resolution on Thursday commending the victory of eight athletes composed of four boys and four girls from the swimming team of Leyte Sports Academy (LSA).

The team bagged 40 gold medals, eight silver medals and four bronze medals at the Hong Kong Summer Finswimming Competition on Oct. 23, 2016.

The athletes were Rolando Anibe, Jr., Price Lou Augustus Labang, Reyl Malbas, Jaysmith Traveño, Charity Anibe, Tehillah Mag-aso, Jelahlou Mendoza and Julian Princess Aseo.

The athletes are all scholars of the LSA, a sports development program of the province focusing on poor but deserving to be trained as athletes that will represent Leyte and the country in national and international sports competition.

Leyte Vice-Governor Carlo Loreto said provincial government officials are very proud for the achievements of the young athletes.

"This is a singular achievement in international sport competition where athletes that represents the country are from Leyte and we are very proud of them," said Loreto.

LSA administrator Ruben Tamayo was overwhelmed with the recent victory of their team in the international competition, even exceeding their previous performance when they competed last year in a similar event in Taiwan.

Tamayo added that LSA, as the national training pool for finswimming in the Philippines, gives them the privilege to represent the country in all international competition for finswimming.

“Unlike swimming, this sports event is not yet popular in the country, but we are already offering this field of sports because LSA is the national training ground for finswimming in the country. That is why whenever there is an international fin swimming competition abroad, LSA athletes are sent to represent the country,” Tamayo said.

“It means that the training that we offer for finswimming is improving,” Tamayo added.

Finswimming is not yet part of Palarong Pambansa but it is part of international events such as SEA Games and World Games.

The water sports is described as the progression with monofin or with two fins either on the surface or underwater, by means of the swimmers' muscular force only and without use of any mechanism, not even muscle powered.

Aside from finswimming, LSA also offers other athletics such as swimming, powerlifting, boxing, wrestling, taekwondo and wushu scholarships. (PNA)
JMC/SQM/ROEL T. AMAZONA/EGR

Gov’t maritime training center to expand in Luzon, Mindanao

TACLOBAN CITY, Oct. 27 (PNA) -- State-run National Maritime Polytechnic (NMP) will expand its maritime training operations in Luzon and Mindanao in a bid to reach out to more Filipino seafarers.

NMP, with main office and training center in Cabalawan village, this city, is in the process of scouting for location in Mindanao.

In Luzon, a facility will rise in Tanza, Cavite, according to Manuel Roldan, NMP executive director.

NMP acquired a 2.3-hectare property in Tanza town. The maritime agency earlier requested the Japanese government to provide funding support and soft loans to build the facility.

The maritime agency has been a beneficiary of Japan's assistance since 1984 through technical cooperation program.

Roldan noted that many interested seafarers are deprived of world-class training from the government with the absence of affordable training centers.

"It will be costly for them to go to Cebu or Manila and to other training centers. The concept is maybe, we can also create NMP training centers in Mindanao so that the far-flung areas can access trainings," Roldan told reporters.

On the other hand, the DPWH has already made the PHP60 million proposal for the fencing of their office complex to prevent encroachment.

With these expansions, NMP will have one executive director and three deputy directors from the three NMP institutions in major island groups.

The other two training centers will be managed by NMP-Tacloban, according to NMP deputy director Jeffrey Cortazar.

"Our theme is to make the Filipino seafarers the choice of the world and our role is to make our training courses of high quality, the preferred training centers of choice," he added.

The NMP is an attached agency of the Department of Labor and Employment that provides maritime training and research. It is also mandated to respond to needs of seafarers and the industry. (PNA) FPV/SQM/Dara Pearl P. Dacuyan (OJT)

/EGR

(Feature) Extinct shell specie leads to historical ignorance in Biliran town

CABUCGAYAN, Biliran, Oct. 27 (PNA) -- Decades back, human activities wiped out the seashell where this town derived its name. However, in the digital age, memories of this tiny creature are slowly disappearing among young generations.

“Cabucgayan got its name from the shell called bucgay. Way back then, in our time when we we’re still young, this town is abundant of that shell,” said Edith Talacay, 75, a retired elementary teacher.

Bucgay is an edible freshwater shell that thrives along or near the mouth of the riverbanks and town's streams. It is a hard gray-colored shell of about 50-80 millimeters in circumference with two tiny shielding thorns.

It has an oval opening on the side enclosed with a flap-like film and moves slowly on top of the stones.

Tales of the elderly in the community would say that after the Spanish-American warfare, a foreign who was wandering around the community passed by a woman, who was picking shells along the river. The stranger asked her then on what is the name of the place.

The woman who could not understand foreign language just answered “bucgay!” Since then, the community, known as Esperanza became Cabucgayan.

Back then, dwellers of the community would just go to the rivers and streams to harvest these shells as side dish for staple food. But now, bucgay is nowhere to be found, and eventually lost as time goes by.

“We just go to the river or at the seashore. Then, we would gather these shells so that we would have something to eat. But, today many things have changed, you could not find this kind of shell now,” Talacay recalled.

As the population of the town grows to nearly 20,773 this year, many have established settlements near the rivers and seas, which used to be the shell’s natural habitat.

Another factor is the massive quarrying in the river as demand for construction materials steadily increases, hence, destroying the dwelling place of the shell.

Today, the young townsfolk are clueless about this historic creature considering its rare existence. 

Many of them are just aware that from the term bucgay comes the name of the place – Cabucgayan.

“I don’t know its physical features or how it looks like since I haven’t seen it at all. All I know is that bucgay plays a big role in our town’s rich history,” said Rhone Joshua Borres, 16, a senior high school student.

Cabucgayan is a small town concealed from the eyes of many, situated in the heart of the mystifying hidden beauty of Biliran Island.

Located on the southeastern part of the island, this town is adjacent to Caibiran town, facing south of the picturesque Carigara Bay and east of Villareal Bay.

This town has a total landmass of 49.4 square kilometers, politically subdivided into 13 villages.

The place is about 118 kilometers away from Tacloban City, the capital of Eastern Visayas and 33 kilometers from Naval, the provincial capital.

The place is wealthy of history and scenic places to visit like the Mt.Suiro, ideal for camping and trekking, and the Casiawan and Kasabangan Waterfalls for its fascinating water cascades. (PNA) JMC/SQM/Danica-Ann M. Ultado (OJT)
/EGR

NMP upgrades maritime training services

TACLOBAN CITY, Oct. 27 (PNA)– The National Maritime Polytechnic (NMP) upgrades its training services to comply with the standards of training certification and watch keeping for seafarers (STCW) amended in 2010.

NMP Executive Director Manuel Roldan said that 26 of the courses they offer are already upgraded, but they still have seven courses pending for accreditation.

“The full compliance of STCW 2010 will start by January 2017, that’s why it’s very crucial that NMP has to upgrade the training requirements of the seafarers, otherwise, they will not be allowed to be on board again,” Roldan added.

After the STCW’s amendment, they reviewed and revised their courses to make sure that they would address the competency requirements needed.

Roldan said that there are about 80,000 seafarers affected by these amendments.

“The navigation watch and the engine watch, two of those pending courses, are very important to seafarers. If they would not take these courses, they will not be given the permission to get on board,” Roldan explained.

According to him, these courses have not been accredited yet because the Maritime Industry Authority (Marina) had issued a moratorium that holds the accreditation of these courses.

“Marina is evaluating the courses and procedures itself. They saw some flaws and they are evaluating it, but they had promised that they will lift the moratorium by the middle of November this year and we are waiting for it,” Roldan added.

NMP, which was severely damaged by super typhoon Yolanda, is now back on its feet and is catering to a minimum of 150 trainees weekly. (PNA) FPV/SQM/Jonabel L. Salazar (OJT)
/EGR

(Feature) Biliran’s 4Ps recipient shares success story

CABUCGAYAN, Biliran, Oct. 27 (PNA) -- Mariflor Maala, 41, of this town’s Esperanza village, couldn’t imagine life without the government’s conditional cash transfer program.

For her, the monthly cash grant of PHP1,600 from Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program (4Ps) enabled them to send their four children to school.

“Life is better now with 4Ps. My husband and I don’t have to worry about school expenses anymore. With government assistance, we are more capable of sustaining our daily basic needs,” said Mariflor, a mother of four.

Her husband, Arnold, 44, is a farmer and a part-time carpenter, who only earns an average of PHP3,000 monthly.

In the past five years, the Maala family has been receiving cash grants from national government’s conditional cash transfer program.

Three of their children qualified the education component of the program - one in grade school and two in secondary.

“Whenever the school year starts, I could buy all their school needs. They could go to school with complete school uniform, a pair of school shoes, not just wearing flip flops and old clothes. 

Whenever they had projects or assignments, I could financially support them unlike before,” Mariflor added.

Mariflor recalled how hard life was before availing the cash grant. “Our life back then was so tough.

When my husband got sick, my income from doing laundry was not enough to buy food and send our four children to school.”

“Some 4Ps recipients said that the program has not dramatically improved their lives, but for us, it’s a big help. However, we still have to work and not just depend on assistance,” Mariflor told PNA.

Cabucgayan, a 5th class town in Biliran, has 970 4Ps beneficiaries, the third town with highest number recipients in the island province.

The program was piloted in the town’s three villages - Looc, Bunga and Balaquid - six years ago. The program expanded after a year to the town’s other 10 villages.

Maricar Riza Gaviola, the town’s senior 4Ps staff revealed that in their social welfare development monitoring, 77 of the household grantees are now self-reliant, 777 are subsistent, and least 34 households are still at survival stage.

The Department of Social Welfare and Development, through its community-based and financing program, also provided employment and livelihood assistance to beneficiaries.

“We aim to help them graduate from inter-generational poverty through livelihood programs and development assistance,” Gaviola explained.

In every two months, the 4P’s technical staff conduct compliance verification on the grantees and monitor them through checking their presence in school and scheduled home visitation. (PNA) JMC/SQM/Danica-Ann M. Ultado (OJT)
/EGR

Region 8 trade fair generates PHP28-M sales

TACLOBAN CITY, Oct. 26 (PNA) -- The Bahandi 2016 Regional Trade Fair has generated PHP28.07 million sales, surpassing its target, the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) reported on Tuesday.

Joined by 111 Eastern Visayas producers, the trade fair at SM Megamall Megatrade Hall in Mandaluyong City on Oct. 5 to 9, exceeded the PHP15 million target sales for selling products such as processed food items, decors, handicrafts, furniture, furnishings, and fashion accessories.

“In Region 8, our producers have limited market. We have to bring them to Manila to link them with institutional buyers,” said DTI Regional Director Cynthia Nierras.

Of the PHP28.07 million generated sales, PHP18.22 million was earned by Leyte producers, PHP384,370 by Southern Leyte exhibitors, PHP202,882 by Biliran entrepreneurs, PHP4 million by Samar traders, PHP3.93 million by Eastern Samar producers, and PHP1.43 million by Northern Samar exhibitors.

Broken down to sales category, PHP3.77 million are cash, PHP13.53 million booked, and PHP1.43 million under negotiation.

“For booked sales and under negotiation, it’s up to producers how to follow up with prospective buyers. We brought with us many new producers, bringing in new products. They learned a lot through engagement with buyers,” Nierras said.

This year’s Bahandi (the local term for treasure) is anchored on the theme “Promoting Pride…Inspiring Innovation…Celebrating Change.” It was meant to showcase the momentum that has driven Eastern Visayas producers in their recovery from the 2013 disaster.

The annual trade fair was launched in 1998 as a strategy to help micro small and medium enterprises grow their business.

The event was made possible through a partnership of DTI, United States Agency for International Development, Great Women Project, BAHANDI Producers Association of Eastern Visayas, Inc., the Regional Development Council, and the Department of Tourism regional office. (PNA)
JMC/SARWELL Q. MENIANO

Anti-corruption, anti-drug program launched in Tacloban

TACLOBAN CITY, Oct. 26 (PNA) -- The Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) and the city government here launched on Tuesday a community-based anti-corruption, anti-drug, and anti-criminality program.

Dubbed as Mamayang Ayaw sa Anomaliya, Mamayang Ayaw sa Iligal na Droga” (Masa Masid) program, the DILG, local government, and the local police tied up to fight prohibited drugs, prevent of criminality and eradicate of corruption by mobilizing village government and other institutions.

“Our police force cannot do the job alone. They are here to support us and enforce the law. But we, all the sectors in the community; the villages, the business sector, the academe, the local government unit, should help those drug dependent to become productive members of the community,” said Mayor Cristina Romualdez.

The Masa Masid program was conceptualized by DILG Secretary Ismael Sueno envisioned in uniting the different organizations to create a drug-free community.

It also aims to restore the spirit of volunteerism among people.

Romualdez also emphasized that with the help of the different sectors of the community, Tacloban City will be a drug-free capital.

The day’s event kicked off with a parade around the city center joined by the city residents and various private and government sectors.

It was followed by the launching of the program and the anti-drug summit at the Tacloban City Convention Center.

DILG city director Darwin Bibar delivered the summary of the program while city police director Sr. Supt. Rolando Bade provided the rationale of the anti-drug summit.

The event concluded with the signing of the commitment wall from by stakeholders. (PNA) JMC/SQM/Danica-Ann M. Ultado (OJT)
/EGR

Tacloban gov’t renews vow to fight illegal drugs

TACLOBAN CITY, Oct. 26 (PNA) -- Mayor Cristina Romualdez reiterated the commitment of the city government in the fight against illegal drugs during the joint anti-drug summit and launching of anti-corruption and anti-drug campaign on Tuesday.

The event kicked off with a parade from Rizal Park to the astrodome. Hundreds of students and teachers; employees from the city government, Philippine National Police; Philippine Coast Guard, Bureau of Fire, Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG); business sector; inter-faith groups; non-government organizations and village officials attended the event.

The groups that attended the parade were carrying placards of support and there were mini-floats that bore the negative effects of illegal drug addiction.

Romualdez expressed her full support to the summit and the Masa Masid (Mamayan Ayaw sa Anomaliya at Mamayan Ayaw sa Illegal na Droga) program.

“The collective efforts of my administration, law enforcers and other sectors have made an impact in the drop of crime rate in the city in my first 100 days in office,” Romualdez said.

Masa Masid is a new program of the DILG, under President Rodolfo Duterte’s administration to rid communities of illegal drug users, sellers and drug proliferation, prevention of corruption and criminality.

Under DILG Memorandum Circular 2016-116, the program has four main thrusts: information and education campaign in communities for government programs against corruption, illegal drugs and criminality; creation of a reporting mechanism on illegal drugs-related activities; formulation of community-based rehabilitation programs; and revive the spirit of volunteerism by creating a volunteer-friendly atmosphere for organizations that wishes to be partners for change.

The DILG encouraged desks to be set up in the village hall for the volunteers helping the village leaders address problems in the community.

Romualdez hopes the crime rate will lessen further with the new program.

Businesswoman Caroline Andrade gave her full support to the program. She said when the city is drug-free, criminality and corruption are lessened, more business locators will come to invest and give employment opportunities. (PNA)

JMC/SQM/VICKY C. ARNAIZ/EGR

Missing Catanduanes fishermen return home after rescue in Eastern Samar

TACLOBAN CITY, Oct. 26 (PNA) –- The three missing fishermen that were rescued off the coast of Borongan City returned to their home province late Wednesday afternoon.

After 14 days of wandering in the open sea, the fishermen finally returned home two days after their rescue, the Office of the Civil Defense (OCD) reported.

OCD Regional Director Edgar Posadas identified the rescued fishermen as Zaldy de Jesus, 41; Renerio del Valle, 38; and Luis Tupig, 37.

The group left their hometown on Oct. 11 and had been reported missing after typhoon Karen made its landfall in Aurora province on Oct. 16.

The fishermen narrated that they were sailing home when big waves turned their fishing boat upside down.

They wandered at the sea for two weeks days, using a raft recovered from parts of the capsized boat until a group of fishermen from Eastern Samar rescued them. They fed themselves by eating raw fish they caught.

“We told each other that no one should give up. Our determination to survive kept us alive,” de Jesus said.

Upon their return, the three fishermen will advocate to their fellow fishermen the importance of having communication and lifesaving equipment in their fishing boats.

Each of them received PHP12,000 from the regional office of the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) through the Eastern Samar and Borongan City local government. They also went through psycho-social debriefing by the DSWD.

Posadas said the incident highlights the need to require all fishing boats to have safety and lifesaving devices.

“Fishermen should have at least a life vest or a GPS before leaving their place to ensure safety and monitor their location,” Posadas said.

Local government units were urged to come up with local ordinances that will enforce or mandate provision of safety materials in every fishing boat to ensure safety and survival of fishermen whenever they go out fishing in high seas. (PNA)

LAP/SQM/ROEL T. AMAZONA/EGR

Army confirms NPA recruitment in Samar amid truce

TACLOBAN CITY, Oct. 26 (PNA) -- Communist rebels have intensified their recruitment activities in remote villages of Samar provinces despite a ceasefire being observed by the government and insurgents, a top military official confirmed.

Philippine Army's 8th Infantry Division Brig. Gen. Raul Farnacio said members of the New People's Army (NPA) have been visible in some remote communities in Samar Island to regain strength.

“There have been visitations and show of forces. They even drive former rebels away from communities,” Farnacio told reporters.

With the ongoing ceasefire, government troops cannot stop the reported recruitment activities. As counter-insurgency, the army has been assisting in the delivery of government services through the conduct of Bayanihan or the Internal Peace and Security Plan (IPSP).

The ceasefire agreement calls for the cessation of hostilities between government troops and communist rebels as peace negotiations resumed.

“There are many disadvantages of ceasefire and we’re hoping that once specific provisions are laid down, rebels will comply,” Farnacio added.

Samar provinces have been a stronghold of armed rebels due to its terrain which consists of densely forested mountainous areas, high poverty incidence, and issue of widespread landlessness, according to a 2013 study of William Norman Holden of the University of Calgary in Canada.

Since the early stages of the rebellion, Samar Island has been considered to be a rebel stronghold, with 11 percent of all NPA-related incidents have taken place on the three provinces, the same study revealed.

The NPA launched its first tactical operation in the country in Calbiga, Samar in 1974, when it ambushed an army scout patrol and seized a number of their weapons. (PNA)

JMC/SQM