Monday, January 26, 2009
Tuesday, January 20, 2009
Tribu Buyuganon of Abuyog,Leyte is Sinulog 2009 Free Interpretation Grand Champion
Tribu Buyuganon of Abuyog, Leyte was declared as the Grand Champion under the Free Interpretation Category in the recent Sinulog Festival held in Cebu City, in honor to their patron Sr. Sto. Niño.
The contingent from Abuyog, Leyte defeated twenty-eight other contenders coming from different part of the country with their presentation of the interception of the Holy Child Jesus in one of the two boys who hit the bees beehive with a slingshot that prompted the bees to went after the boys and get one of the boys stung that causes for him to be unconscious and twitching on the ground.
The exciting and engaging presentation of Tribu Buyugan had impressed the audience as well as the judges that make them choose Tribu Buyugan and declared as the Grand Champion defeating last year’s Grand Champion Lumad Basakanon of Basak Cebu City that took the 2nd place.
Aside from winning the Grand Price in the Free Interpretation Tribu Buyugan was also declared as Third Placer in the Street Dancing Category.
Other contingents from Eastern Visayas are Karatong Festival of Dulag which declared as the 5th placer in the Free Interpretation Category. Tribu Kabatuk of Tacloban City, judged as Best in Production Design and Best in Projection for their lead Dancer and Karakas Festival of Borongan, Eastern Samar.
With the success of the contingent from Leyte, Leyte Governor Jericho “Icot” Petilla said that he is happy together with the people of Leyte in the pride that the contingent had given to the province when they competed in Sinulog.
The Governor added that the achievement of the contingent will help the province in promoting tourism industry of Leyte.
Former Leyte Governor and Congresswoman Remedios “Matin” Petilla added that with the success of the contingent of Leyte, the Kasadyaan Foundation in her leadership has now more reason to continue their legacy in showcasing the various festivals in Leyte through the Kasadyaan Festival held during Tacloban City Fiesta.
The contingent from Abuyog, Leyte defeated twenty-eight other contenders coming from different part of the country with their presentation of the interception of the Holy Child Jesus in one of the two boys who hit the bees beehive with a slingshot that prompted the bees to went after the boys and get one of the boys stung that causes for him to be unconscious and twitching on the ground.
The exciting and engaging presentation of Tribu Buyugan had impressed the audience as well as the judges that make them choose Tribu Buyugan and declared as the Grand Champion defeating last year’s Grand Champion Lumad Basakanon of Basak Cebu City that took the 2nd place.
Aside from winning the Grand Price in the Free Interpretation Tribu Buyugan was also declared as Third Placer in the Street Dancing Category.
Other contingents from Eastern Visayas are Karatong Festival of Dulag which declared as the 5th placer in the Free Interpretation Category. Tribu Kabatuk of Tacloban City, judged as Best in Production Design and Best in Projection for their lead Dancer and Karakas Festival of Borongan, Eastern Samar.
With the success of the contingent from Leyte, Leyte Governor Jericho “Icot” Petilla said that he is happy together with the people of Leyte in the pride that the contingent had given to the province when they competed in Sinulog.
The Governor added that the achievement of the contingent will help the province in promoting tourism industry of Leyte.
Former Leyte Governor and Congresswoman Remedios “Matin” Petilla added that with the success of the contingent of Leyte, the Kasadyaan Foundation in her leadership has now more reason to continue their legacy in showcasing the various festivals in Leyte through the Kasadyaan Festival held during Tacloban City Fiesta.
DENR Inaugurates SINP Headquarters
Samar island rainforest is one of the remaining rainforest in the country that helps to conserve the nature’s gift to human. Samar has good to offer in eco-tourism, it is one of the 200 Eco-Region in the world vital to preserving the Earth’s Biodiversity; it is the Center of Plant Diversity; an Endemic Bird Area; the Mammal conservation Priority Site; Reptile and Amphibious Conservation Priority Sites; and one with the biggest limestone formation in the country.
Samar is consider as the last bastion of biodiversity in the country and the home of biggest bird in the country the Philippine Eagle that was first seen in the island of Samar as recorded by historians.
The Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) in coordination with United Nations Development Program (UNDP) and Global Environment Facility inaugurated the Samar Island Natural Park (SINP) Headquarters in Barangay Ternani, Paranas Samar last December 12 with the goal to preserve biodiversity in Samar Island and reduce poverty in upland communities.
Director Mundita Theresa S. Lim, DENRs Director of Protection of Wildlife Bureau and National Director of Samar Island Biodiversity Project said that the headquarter will be the instrument in achieving their goal to preserve biodiversity, protecting the forest of Samar island and setting Samar island as the center of biodiversity in the country for the future of the children.
UNDP Director Renaud Meyer said that the headquarter will not only set as the physical base for the protected area but also venue of different stakeholders to converge for information exchange for dialogue and for promoting innovation and conservation and development effort.
“This structure will be the site for conservation of biodiversity not only for Samar Island but also for the entire Visayas region,” he added.
He added that UNDP hopes that the SIBDP will not remain into documents but continues to educate and promote biodiversity conservation to protect the environment for the benefit of children’s future.
The island was declared as a protected area last August 13, 2003 by virtue of Presidential Proclamation 442 creating Samar Island Natural Park (SINP). With a total land area of 333,330 hectares and a buffer zone of 125,400 hectares, a thirty eight species of mammals, two hundred fifteen species of birds, fifty one reptiles, 26 amphibians and over one thousand species of plants will be supported by the park
And through SINP soil erosion, sedimentation of rivers and coastal waters will be minimized and occurrence of destructive flashfloods will also be reduced. There will be sufficient and continuous supply of clean water for domestic, agricultural, commercial and industrial uses to all samareños. There will also be sustainable livelihoods for upland communities through sustainable farming systems, harvesting and utilization of non-timber products and community base eco-tourism, local communities will also be empowered in resource management.
Personalities that were present during the inauguration are UNDP Director Renaud Meyer, DENR Undersecretary Mauel D. Gerochi, DENR Region 8 Director alfred Pascual and National Project Director Theresa Mundita S. Lim from the Protected Areas and Wildlife Bureau and the local officials of Paranas.
Samar is consider as the last bastion of biodiversity in the country and the home of biggest bird in the country the Philippine Eagle that was first seen in the island of Samar as recorded by historians.
The Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) in coordination with United Nations Development Program (UNDP) and Global Environment Facility inaugurated the Samar Island Natural Park (SINP) Headquarters in Barangay Ternani, Paranas Samar last December 12 with the goal to preserve biodiversity in Samar Island and reduce poverty in upland communities.
Director Mundita Theresa S. Lim, DENRs Director of Protection of Wildlife Bureau and National Director of Samar Island Biodiversity Project said that the headquarter will be the instrument in achieving their goal to preserve biodiversity, protecting the forest of Samar island and setting Samar island as the center of biodiversity in the country for the future of the children.
UNDP Director Renaud Meyer said that the headquarter will not only set as the physical base for the protected area but also venue of different stakeholders to converge for information exchange for dialogue and for promoting innovation and conservation and development effort.
“This structure will be the site for conservation of biodiversity not only for Samar Island but also for the entire Visayas region,” he added.
He added that UNDP hopes that the SIBDP will not remain into documents but continues to educate and promote biodiversity conservation to protect the environment for the benefit of children’s future.
The island was declared as a protected area last August 13, 2003 by virtue of Presidential Proclamation 442 creating Samar Island Natural Park (SINP). With a total land area of 333,330 hectares and a buffer zone of 125,400 hectares, a thirty eight species of mammals, two hundred fifteen species of birds, fifty one reptiles, 26 amphibians and over one thousand species of plants will be supported by the park
And through SINP soil erosion, sedimentation of rivers and coastal waters will be minimized and occurrence of destructive flashfloods will also be reduced. There will be sufficient and continuous supply of clean water for domestic, agricultural, commercial and industrial uses to all samareños. There will also be sustainable livelihoods for upland communities through sustainable farming systems, harvesting and utilization of non-timber products and community base eco-tourism, local communities will also be empowered in resource management.
Personalities that were present during the inauguration are UNDP Director Renaud Meyer, DENR Undersecretary Mauel D. Gerochi, DENR Region 8 Director alfred Pascual and National Project Director Theresa Mundita S. Lim from the Protected Areas and Wildlife Bureau and the local officials of Paranas.
Skim boarders Once again Rules the Shoreline of Tanauan
Tanauan, Leyte being located in Eastern Visayas and part of PGMAs Central Philippines Super Region Plan where tourism has the competitive edge and tourism industry is the priority investment. To help the government is in this project Tanauan as the Skim boarding Capital of the Philippines yearly held the National Skim boarding Competition in its shoreline Bantay Dagat Area at Barangay Sto. Niňo.
Ninety-two skimmers competed in the event where there are 19 competitors in the Groumet Division (Beginners) and 73 competitors from the Open Division, Participants for this years competition came from Tacloban, Tanauan, Palo, Calbayog, Borongan, Cebu, Liloan, Talisay, Lapu-lapu, Ormoc, and Argao.
Once again native Skimboarders of Tanauan showed their dominance in the water sports in both Groumet and Open Division.
In Groumet Category Herald Vargas of Tanauan was proclaimed Champion, while Niňo Mercado of Tanauan is the 1st Runner-up, Nick Callaso of Palo is the 2nd Runner-up, and Carl Gabas of Tanauan is the 3rd Runner-up.
While in the Open Category, Lemuel Cobacha of Tanauan was hailed as the Champion and Dariel Espada, former National Champion of Skimboarding competition was declared as the 1st Runner-up, followed by 2nd Runner-up Leo Espada and 3rd Runner-up Rueben Vivero
This year the Women Category was not included by the organizers for the women who are competing in the water sport are the same person who are competing since the National Skimboarding started in Tanauan.
In an interview with the event organizers at the closing ceremony, they said that this years competition was not fully promoted because of lack of time, which was agreed by Tanauan Mayor Roque Tiu in a radio interview.
Although the water sports competition is held regularly every year its prominence in the world of water sports competition in the country is not widely accepted by some local government officials Mayor Tiu added.
Despite the said problem Mayor Tiu and the organizers are happy with the turn-out of the competition, citing that some skim boarders in the country especially in the region are improving mentioning skimmers from Borongan who are among those who made it in the semi-finals.
Ninety-two skimmers competed in the event where there are 19 competitors in the Groumet Division (Beginners) and 73 competitors from the Open Division, Participants for this years competition came from Tacloban, Tanauan, Palo, Calbayog, Borongan, Cebu, Liloan, Talisay, Lapu-lapu, Ormoc, and Argao.
Once again native Skimboarders of Tanauan showed their dominance in the water sports in both Groumet and Open Division.
In Groumet Category Herald Vargas of Tanauan was proclaimed Champion, while Niňo Mercado of Tanauan is the 1st Runner-up, Nick Callaso of Palo is the 2nd Runner-up, and Carl Gabas of Tanauan is the 3rd Runner-up.
While in the Open Category, Lemuel Cobacha of Tanauan was hailed as the Champion and Dariel Espada, former National Champion of Skimboarding competition was declared as the 1st Runner-up, followed by 2nd Runner-up Leo Espada and 3rd Runner-up Rueben Vivero
This year the Women Category was not included by the organizers for the women who are competing in the water sport are the same person who are competing since the National Skimboarding started in Tanauan.
In an interview with the event organizers at the closing ceremony, they said that this years competition was not fully promoted because of lack of time, which was agreed by Tanauan Mayor Roque Tiu in a radio interview.
Although the water sports competition is held regularly every year its prominence in the world of water sports competition in the country is not widely accepted by some local government officials Mayor Tiu added.
Despite the said problem Mayor Tiu and the organizers are happy with the turn-out of the competition, citing that some skim boarders in the country especially in the region are improving mentioning skimmers from Borongan who are among those who made it in the semi-finals.
Thursday, January 8, 2009
Eastern Visayas Facts
Basic Facts
Location : Easternmost coasts of the Philippine archipelago
Boundaries : N - tip of Bicol Peninsula
S - nickel belt of Surigao
E - Pacific Ocean
W - Maqueda Bay, Visayan and Camotes Sea
Capital : Tacloban City
Are : 21,562.8 sq. kms.
Topography : Leyte has vast plains. Samar is marked by broad upland areas and low rugged hills. Biliran has fertile plains and lush green hills. These islands have long undulating coastlines.
Climate : No distinct dry or wet season. Driest month - April to May. Rainiest months - November to January.
Population : 3.9 M (2007 census)
Dialect/Languages : Lineyte-Samarnon (Waray-waray), Cebuano, Inabaknon (Capul Island), Filipino and English.
Religion : Predominantly Catholic
Political Composition (Region 8)
Provinces
Biliran
Leyte
Southern Leyte
Eastern Samar
Northern Samar
Samar
Cities
Tacloban City
Calbayog City
Ormoc City
Maasin City
Number of Towns - 139
Places of Interest
Leyte Provincial Capitol - Tacloban City
Seat of the Philippine Commonwealth Government in 1944. View bas-relief depicting the first Cathlic Mass at Limasawa and MacArthur's return at Palo.
CAP Bulding (formerly Price Mansion) - Tacloban City
Official residence and headquarters of General Douglas MacArthur during the liberation of the Philippines in 1944. It is now owned by College Assurance Plan.
The Boy Scout Monument - Fatima Village - Tacloban City
The first Boy Scout Monument in the world in human form erected in 1941.
Sto. Nino Shrine and Heritage Museum - Tacloban City
Houses the miraculous image of the Holy Child and priceless art objects.
Palo Metropolitan Cathedral - Palo, Leyte
Converted into an evacuation hospital of the Allied Forces of Liberation and refuge of civilians during the Japanese-American War of 1944. A samply of modern gothic church architecture with gold-plated 17th century altar as the main attraction.
MacArthur Landing Memorial - Palo, Leyte
Statues one a hlaf times bigger than life-size reenact the historical landing of General Douglas MacArthur and his forces.
Visayas State University (formerly VISCA) - Baybay, Leyte
Internationally renowened agricultural institution, nestled between the foothills of the majestic Mt. Pangasugan and the serene Camotes Sea; the regions forefront for agricultural advancement and excellent discoveries and inventions.
Hill 522 - Palo, Leyte
Entrance to the first liberated town of Palo in 1944. The fight on this hill caused the loss of many American and Japanese lives.
Hill 120 - Dulag Leyte
Where the first American flag was raised by the US Liberation Forces on October 20 1944 after the Fall of Bataan.
Breakneck Ridge - Capoocan Leyte
Site of one of the bloodiest battles during the liberation of the Philippines.
Buga-Buga Hills - Villaba, Leyte
Stronghold of General Suzuki and a favorite destination of the Japanese.
Limasawa Island - 45 min. pumpboat ride from Padre Burgos, Southern Leyte
Site of the first Cathloic Mass in the Orient and the diver's paradise.
Navy 3149 Base -Guiuan, Eastern Samar
Base of the American soldiers of the World War II
Balangiga - Eastern Samar
At the Balangiga town plaza lies a 31-piece life-size brass mural depicting the September 28, 1901 "Balangiga Encounter", a work of art of our national artist napoleon Abueva. Nearny are the statue of the local war hero and the Balangiga Church.
Pilgrimage Sites
Sto. Nino Church - Tacloban City
Where the miraculus image of the infant Jesus, Senor Sto. nino de Leyte, Tacloban City's patron is enshrined.
Where the miraculus image of the infant Jesus, Senor Sto. nino de Leyte, Tacloban City's patron is enshrined.
Monday, January 5, 2009
DOT Promote Eastern Visayas Dive Sites and Marine Life Protection
"The Department of Tourism in Eastern Visayas continues its program in promoting top dive sites in the region, where dive sites in Southern Leyte have already been validated and assessed by the Philippine Sports Commission on Scuba Diving headed by DOT Sec. Ace Durano," according to DOT Region VIII Director Karina Rosa Tiopes.
Dir. Tiopes said that there are about 21 dive sites in Southern Leyte around Sogod Bay that had been classified as breakthrough destinatio for diving.
The Sogod Bay area near Pader Burgos, Malitbog and Panaoan Island is home to some spectacular coral reefs in the world, with 500 hard coral species which have been recorded in the Philippines. Coral reef provide home for various sea water creatures and species, like sea turtles, pygmy seahorses, whale sharks, large sweet lips, angel fish among others, that interest divers to visit the place.
Dive site identified in Southern Leyte were the Baluarte, Lungsod a-an Marine Protected Area; the Burgos Pier Nite Dive; The Santa Sofia MPA and Tangka'an Cliff MPA south of Padre Burgos; Heaven's Gate located towards Tangka's Point outside of Southern Leyte. Malitbog Southern Leyte's Bonga Bend and the Panaoan Island with its Napantau MPA considered as on the finest wall dives in the Philippines and the Sonok Point where the whale shark can be seen.
"Promotion of the premiere eco-tourism destination is needed to be preserved and it is the responsibility of the local folks, not only by the authority in protecting the marine environment, to maintain its natural beauty free from abuse and destruction,"according to Dir. Tiopes.
This concern was brought by the DOT Director to the Department of Environment and Natural Resources Wildlife Traffic Monitoring Team Leader Arnulfo Viojan on thier discovery that some fishermen had been involved in using cholorx for illegal fishing.
"The use of chlorox as a new and destructive aid for ilegal fishing is more alarming," according to Dir. Tiopes, "simply because they are easily accesible to the unscrupulous individuals who persist in illegal methods of fishing."
Usually chlorox is used for laundry to whitten and to remove stain on clothes. Chlorox, which can be bought at departmnt stores, sari-sari stores and groceries has a new use to fishermen incatching fish, no matter how harmful and destructive it may result to the environemnt.
This new form of illegal fishing is most harmful to the other ocean living creatures including the corals where fishes lay their eggs.
As the government had tightned its campaign on illegal fishing like dynamite fishing and cyanide fishing, fishermen had found a new way in indulging at illegal fishing which made the DENR in coordination with the DOT to conduct strict monitoring for apprehension of fishermen who are involved in such activity.
The country is home of beautiful and unique coral reefs, now being promoted by the DOT as part of its eco-tourism come-ons. Protection and preservation of these beautiful sites should always be in partnership with the local communities and the local government units.
Dir. Tiopes said that there are about 21 dive sites in Southern Leyte around Sogod Bay that had been classified as breakthrough destinatio for diving.
The Sogod Bay area near Pader Burgos, Malitbog and Panaoan Island is home to some spectacular coral reefs in the world, with 500 hard coral species which have been recorded in the Philippines. Coral reef provide home for various sea water creatures and species, like sea turtles, pygmy seahorses, whale sharks, large sweet lips, angel fish among others, that interest divers to visit the place.
Dive site identified in Southern Leyte were the Baluarte, Lungsod a-an Marine Protected Area; the Burgos Pier Nite Dive; The Santa Sofia MPA and Tangka'an Cliff MPA south of Padre Burgos; Heaven's Gate located towards Tangka's Point outside of Southern Leyte. Malitbog Southern Leyte's Bonga Bend and the Panaoan Island with its Napantau MPA considered as on the finest wall dives in the Philippines and the Sonok Point where the whale shark can be seen.
"Promotion of the premiere eco-tourism destination is needed to be preserved and it is the responsibility of the local folks, not only by the authority in protecting the marine environment, to maintain its natural beauty free from abuse and destruction,"according to Dir. Tiopes.
This concern was brought by the DOT Director to the Department of Environment and Natural Resources Wildlife Traffic Monitoring Team Leader Arnulfo Viojan on thier discovery that some fishermen had been involved in using cholorx for illegal fishing.
"The use of chlorox as a new and destructive aid for ilegal fishing is more alarming," according to Dir. Tiopes, "simply because they are easily accesible to the unscrupulous individuals who persist in illegal methods of fishing."
Usually chlorox is used for laundry to whitten and to remove stain on clothes. Chlorox, which can be bought at departmnt stores, sari-sari stores and groceries has a new use to fishermen incatching fish, no matter how harmful and destructive it may result to the environemnt.
This new form of illegal fishing is most harmful to the other ocean living creatures including the corals where fishes lay their eggs.
As the government had tightned its campaign on illegal fishing like dynamite fishing and cyanide fishing, fishermen had found a new way in indulging at illegal fishing which made the DENR in coordination with the DOT to conduct strict monitoring for apprehension of fishermen who are involved in such activity.
The country is home of beautiful and unique coral reefs, now being promoted by the DOT as part of its eco-tourism come-ons. Protection and preservation of these beautiful sites should always be in partnership with the local communities and the local government units.
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