Congratulations to Tanauanos who lord the 10th National Skimboarding Competition held at shoreline of Bantay-Dagat Tanauan, Leyte (December 27-30, 2011).
Winners are:
Groumet Category
1st Mebul Pingol -Tanauan
2nd Jake Cartalla - Palo, Leyte
3rd Joe Cris Lago - Tacloban City
4th Dexter Oquinas - Baybay City
Wahini Category
1st Inday Ibañez - Tanauan
2nd Sikay Ayes - Tacloban City
3rd Janice Tapdasan - Cebu
4th Clau Las Piñas - Cebu
Open Category
1st Brando Espada - Tanauan
2nd Dariel Espada - Tanauan
3rd Obet Yanuario - Tanauan
4th Rioben Vivero - Tanauan
(This 10th Skimboarding competition is the fifth championship award for the 14 year old Inday Ibañez for skimboarding competition in Wahini Category.
Brando Espada is among the top skimboarders in the country who had been representing us (along with Obet Yanuario and Leo Espada) in various international skimboarding competition)
participants for this year comes from Guimaras Island, Cebu, Talisay, Toledo, Cavite, Baybay City, Borongan City, Tacloban City, Catarman, Samar Province, Tolosa, Tanauan and Palo.
Friday, December 30, 2011
DOH-8 reiterates warning against the use of firecrackers
TACLOBAN CITY – The Department of Health in this region has reiterated its warning to the people not to use firecrackers in celebrating New Year’s Eve.
This was made through Iwas-Paputok coordinator Josephine Ariza in the weekly press forum Express it at the Park on Saturday.
Ariza told media practitioners that there was a change in this year’s slogan of the health agency.
Instead of Iwas-Paputok, the health agency is now using APIR or Aksyon: Paputok Injury Reduction that also aims to reduce the number of injuries and deaths caused by firecrackers/fireworks, to include indiscriminate firing of gun, firecracker ingestion, and firecracker related non-neonatal tetanus.
Based on the record of DOH last year, a total of 49 individuals in the region were injured due to firecracker related accidents, with two of them getting amputated.
The number of victims in 2010 is slightly lower than the 59 cases of firecracker related accidents cases, according to Ariza.
Ariza added that establishing a common firecracker area is one of the best way to mitigate accidents this holiday season, to include having a community fireworks display.
Moreover, that traditional “lantaka,” according to Ariza, is also not advisable to be used this holiday season as it uses chemical that is harmful not just to human health but also to the environment.
She advised the use of “torotot” as it is more affordable and safer but cautioned parents to check first the “torotot” and not to let young children use it.
This was made through Iwas-Paputok coordinator Josephine Ariza in the weekly press forum Express it at the Park on Saturday.
Ariza told media practitioners that there was a change in this year’s slogan of the health agency.
Instead of Iwas-Paputok, the health agency is now using APIR or Aksyon: Paputok Injury Reduction that also aims to reduce the number of injuries and deaths caused by firecrackers/fireworks, to include indiscriminate firing of gun, firecracker ingestion, and firecracker related non-neonatal tetanus.
Based on the record of DOH last year, a total of 49 individuals in the region were injured due to firecracker related accidents, with two of them getting amputated.
The number of victims in 2010 is slightly lower than the 59 cases of firecracker related accidents cases, according to Ariza.
Ariza added that establishing a common firecracker area is one of the best way to mitigate accidents this holiday season, to include having a community fireworks display.
Moreover, that traditional “lantaka,” according to Ariza, is also not advisable to be used this holiday season as it uses chemical that is harmful not just to human health but also to the environment.
She advised the use of “torotot” as it is more affordable and safer but cautioned parents to check first the “torotot” and not to let young children use it.
Public urged to avoid the use of firecrackers
TACLOBAN CITY – The Office of Civil Defense has urged residents in this region to avoid using firecrackers in celebrating the holiday season to avoid accidents. This is also in response to the call of the Department of Health.
OCD Regional Director Rey Gozon said that aside from calamities and disasters, their office are also in alert status during this holiday season as people are in festive mood, celebrating Christmas and the New Year by using firecrackers as one of the traditions that had long been practiced.
However, although it is part of our tradition, Gozon said that using said materials1 in celebrating the holidays should be minimized if not totally stopped to prevent injuries and to protect human health.
“If we cannot avoid it, officials in the barangay must identify a common firecracker zone area,” said Gozon.
“In this way, we can supervise carefully the uses of firecrackers and we may also prevent accidents and injuries,” Gozon said.
He added that instead of using money to buy firecrackers, their money should be saved or rather use it to buy foods.
The same was also asked by Tacloban City Police Chief Superintendent Wilson Caubat.
Caubat stressed that using firecrackers during Yuletide celebration should now be avoided due to injuries it causes especially to children who are more vulnerable to firecracker-related injuries.
As part of their campaign to limit or avoid firecracker related accidents, Caubat said that they had started campaigning and inspecting all stores that sell firecrackers and if they see illegal or prohibited firecrackers being sold, they will immediately confiscate it.
Caubat then asked members of the police force and from the Armed Forces of the Philippines and gun owners to be responsible citizens this holiday season by not using their service firearms or their guns in celebrating Christmas and the New Year.
“If they will be caught or if they are proven to have used their guns in celebrating Christmas and the New Year, those who are in service will face administrative sanction aside from charges and dismissal from service, while civilians will charged in court,” Caubat said.
Caubat added that instead of using their guns, servicemen and gun holders must celebrate the holiday in a way that no one will be hurt.
OCD Regional Director Rey Gozon said that aside from calamities and disasters, their office are also in alert status during this holiday season as people are in festive mood, celebrating Christmas and the New Year by using firecrackers as one of the traditions that had long been practiced.
However, although it is part of our tradition, Gozon said that using said materials1 in celebrating the holidays should be minimized if not totally stopped to prevent injuries and to protect human health.
“If we cannot avoid it, officials in the barangay must identify a common firecracker zone area,” said Gozon.
“In this way, we can supervise carefully the uses of firecrackers and we may also prevent accidents and injuries,” Gozon said.
He added that instead of using money to buy firecrackers, their money should be saved or rather use it to buy foods.
The same was also asked by Tacloban City Police Chief Superintendent Wilson Caubat.
Caubat stressed that using firecrackers during Yuletide celebration should now be avoided due to injuries it causes especially to children who are more vulnerable to firecracker-related injuries.
As part of their campaign to limit or avoid firecracker related accidents, Caubat said that they had started campaigning and inspecting all stores that sell firecrackers and if they see illegal or prohibited firecrackers being sold, they will immediately confiscate it.
Caubat then asked members of the police force and from the Armed Forces of the Philippines and gun owners to be responsible citizens this holiday season by not using their service firearms or their guns in celebrating Christmas and the New Year.
“If they will be caught or if they are proven to have used their guns in celebrating Christmas and the New Year, those who are in service will face administrative sanction aside from charges and dismissal from service, while civilians will charged in court,” Caubat said.
Caubat added that instead of using their guns, servicemen and gun holders must celebrate the holiday in a way that no one will be hurt.
Media practitioners given recognition for their works
TACLOBAN CITY – Four years after it was launched, the Express It At the Park Media Awards has already made its mark on media practitioners in the region.
EIATP Media Awards is the only award giving body in the region, giving recognition to media practitioners and at the same time allowing them to mingle and have time with each other despite their hectic work and schedule.
For this year’s media awards, the organizers chose the theme “Amaya,” inspired by the first tele-epic production of Kapuso Network.
These year’s winners in print category: Best News Writer was Medora Nimfa Quirante of Gahum Weekly; Best Feature News Writer Vicente “Ven” Labro of Leyte Samar Daily Express; and Best Press Photojournalist, Henry Gadaingan of Eastern Visayas Probe.
The television category winners were: Best News Reporter – Jenette Fariola-Ruedas of ABS-CBN TV Patrol Tacloban; Best News Anchor – Clifford Nolido of ABS-CBN TV Patrol Tacloban; and Best TV Cameraman – Jayson Rey Pabua of ABS-CBN TV Patrol Tacloban.
Winners for the radio category were; Best Commentator – Ronald Viñas of DyVL (Aksyon Radyo); Best Radio Newscaster – Luzvi Rimandiman of Bombo Radyo Tacloban; and Best Radio News Reporter — Reyan Arinto of DyVL (Aksyon Radyo).
Recently, Arinto was also given recognition in the national scene for his reportage on ethnic community in Tacloban City.
For this year’s media personality award, Ranulfo Docdocan of ABS-CBN TV Patrol Tacloban was chosen by his colleagues to be given the said recognition.
Docdocan’s segment in TV Patrol Tacloban, Hoy Gising, had made him a household name and as a “big brother” for those in dire needs or those wanting of government services.
Sid Lazada-Palaña of DyVL(Aksyon Radyo) was given citation for his contribution as Entertainment News Reporter and Ryan Gabriel “Rani” Arcenas also of Aksyon Radyo DyVL was given citation for his reportage on Agri News.
Aside from media practitioners, individuals or organizations that made it to headlines this year were also recognized. They were Tacloban City Mayor Alfred Romualdez; Leyte Governor Jericho “Icot” Petilla; An Waray party-list Rep.Florencio “Bem” Noel; and Councilor Cristina Romualdez.
Aside from being named as the News Maker of the Year, Rep.Noel was also cited as the Darling of the Press, for being approachable for interviews and as a “media sensitive individual” who is always ready to support the media in their endeavors.
Special awards were also given such as Star of the Night for those who attended wearing their Amaya- inspired costumes. Eden-Benusa Reyes of Gahum Weekly was chosen as the Female Star of the Night while Ven Labro was the Male Star of the night and PRTV-12 Tacloban was recognized as media outfit with the most number of participants.
Gracing the awards nights were Leyte Vice-Governor Mimiette Bagulaya, Councilor Romualdez, PDEA Regional Director Julius Navales, DILG Regional Director Pedro Noval, and Tacloban City Police Director Wilson Caubat, among others.
Judges of this year’s media awards were Cleofe Luanco-Lajada of the Leyte Normal University, Aurora Casimpan of the Philippine Information Agency, Fr. Amadeo Alvero of Sto. Niño Parish and Joey Reyna of Studio One.
A total of 55 entries from various categories competed in this year’s media awards, making it the most number of entries since it started four years ago.
Sponsors for this year’s media awards were Reps.Neil Montejo and Noel of An Waray Party-list, Paul Clarence Oaminal, Board Member Anlie Apostol, Councilor Romualdez,Babes Costudio, DyVL station manager, and Mr. and Mrs. Dalmacio Grafil and the Department of Environment and Natural Resources. Regional Office VIII.
EIATP Media Awards is the only award giving body in the region, giving recognition to media practitioners and at the same time allowing them to mingle and have time with each other despite their hectic work and schedule.
For this year’s media awards, the organizers chose the theme “Amaya,” inspired by the first tele-epic production of Kapuso Network.
These year’s winners in print category: Best News Writer was Medora Nimfa Quirante of Gahum Weekly; Best Feature News Writer Vicente “Ven” Labro of Leyte Samar Daily Express; and Best Press Photojournalist, Henry Gadaingan of Eastern Visayas Probe.
The television category winners were: Best News Reporter – Jenette Fariola-Ruedas of ABS-CBN TV Patrol Tacloban; Best News Anchor – Clifford Nolido of ABS-CBN TV Patrol Tacloban; and Best TV Cameraman – Jayson Rey Pabua of ABS-CBN TV Patrol Tacloban.
Winners for the radio category were; Best Commentator – Ronald Viñas of DyVL (Aksyon Radyo); Best Radio Newscaster – Luzvi Rimandiman of Bombo Radyo Tacloban; and Best Radio News Reporter — Reyan Arinto of DyVL (Aksyon Radyo).
Recently, Arinto was also given recognition in the national scene for his reportage on ethnic community in Tacloban City.
For this year’s media personality award, Ranulfo Docdocan of ABS-CBN TV Patrol Tacloban was chosen by his colleagues to be given the said recognition.
Docdocan’s segment in TV Patrol Tacloban, Hoy Gising, had made him a household name and as a “big brother” for those in dire needs or those wanting of government services.
Sid Lazada-Palaña of DyVL(Aksyon Radyo) was given citation for his contribution as Entertainment News Reporter and Ryan Gabriel “Rani” Arcenas also of Aksyon Radyo DyVL was given citation for his reportage on Agri News.
Aside from media practitioners, individuals or organizations that made it to headlines this year were also recognized. They were Tacloban City Mayor Alfred Romualdez; Leyte Governor Jericho “Icot” Petilla; An Waray party-list Rep.Florencio “Bem” Noel; and Councilor Cristina Romualdez.
Aside from being named as the News Maker of the Year, Rep.Noel was also cited as the Darling of the Press, for being approachable for interviews and as a “media sensitive individual” who is always ready to support the media in their endeavors.
Special awards were also given such as Star of the Night for those who attended wearing their Amaya- inspired costumes. Eden-Benusa Reyes of Gahum Weekly was chosen as the Female Star of the Night while Ven Labro was the Male Star of the night and PRTV-12 Tacloban was recognized as media outfit with the most number of participants.
Gracing the awards nights were Leyte Vice-Governor Mimiette Bagulaya, Councilor Romualdez, PDEA Regional Director Julius Navales, DILG Regional Director Pedro Noval, and Tacloban City Police Director Wilson Caubat, among others.
Judges of this year’s media awards were Cleofe Luanco-Lajada of the Leyte Normal University, Aurora Casimpan of the Philippine Information Agency, Fr. Amadeo Alvero of Sto. Niño Parish and Joey Reyna of Studio One.
A total of 55 entries from various categories competed in this year’s media awards, making it the most number of entries since it started four years ago.
Sponsors for this year’s media awards were Reps.Neil Montejo and Noel of An Waray Party-list, Paul Clarence Oaminal, Board Member Anlie Apostol, Councilor Romualdez,Babes Costudio, DyVL station manager, and Mr. and Mrs. Dalmacio Grafil and the Department of Environment and Natural Resources. Regional Office VIII.
Move to create new province opposed
TACLOBAN CITY – “We oppose the move to create a new province because it would only mean the decrease of IRA (internal revenue allotment) not just for the province but for other provinces as well.”
This was the reaction of the Leyte fith district Board Member Carlo Loreto when he was asked why they supported the resolution of Surigao province opposing the creation of a new province in Bicol Region.
IRA allocation for every local government unit, according to Loreto, is not enough to support all projects and programs of each LGU particularly in delivering basic social services.
“This strategy of creating new provinces is not good particularly in stimulating for development if it will only be focused in one area like Bicol,” Loreto explained.
Nueva Camarines is a creation of House Bill 4728 and its amended final version, HB 4820, is authored by Deputy Speaker Arnulfo Fuentebella, who represents the 4th district of Camarines Sur.
At present the bill is pending at the committee on local government under the chairmanship of Senator Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr.
Said bill seek for better development particularly in the northern part of the province of Camarines Sur under the Partido Development Administration and will cover the city of Iriga , the municipalities of Baao, Balatan, Bato, Bula, Nabua, Caramoan, Garchitorena, Goa, Lagonoy, Presentacion, Sagnay, San Jose , Siruma, Tigaon and Tinambac
However, this bill which is already approved by Congress with 299 votes is being opposed by several groups such as the leaders of the Camarines Sur chapters of the League of Municipalities of the Philippines , Philippine Councilors League, Liga ng mga Barangay and Camarines Sur 5th District Rep. Salvio Fortuno.
Said officials alleged that the creation of a new province was to accommodate the plan of Fuentebella to run as governor in the election.
Other groups who oppose the creation of the new province and had ask Senate to set aside the consideration of said bill were Sangguniang Panlalawigans of Mountain Province and Surigao and the Vice-Governors League of the Philippines, which they called on the Senate to dump House Bill 4728.
Main reason of why they oppose was it will reduce the IRA due to equal sharing affecting the delivery of basic services.
Problem of reduction of IRA share is currently being experienced by cities in the country after 16 new cities were conferred by the Supreme Court.
To recall, Samar 1st district Representative Mel Senen Sarmiento had also planned to create a new province in Samar.
However, this plan did not push through due to opposition of some sectors and a minimal support from other local officials.
This was the reaction of the Leyte fith district Board Member Carlo Loreto when he was asked why they supported the resolution of Surigao province opposing the creation of a new province in Bicol Region.
IRA allocation for every local government unit, according to Loreto, is not enough to support all projects and programs of each LGU particularly in delivering basic social services.
“This strategy of creating new provinces is not good particularly in stimulating for development if it will only be focused in one area like Bicol,” Loreto explained.
Nueva Camarines is a creation of House Bill 4728 and its amended final version, HB 4820, is authored by Deputy Speaker Arnulfo Fuentebella, who represents the 4th district of Camarines Sur.
At present the bill is pending at the committee on local government under the chairmanship of Senator Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr.
Said bill seek for better development particularly in the northern part of the province of Camarines Sur under the Partido Development Administration and will cover the city of Iriga , the municipalities of Baao, Balatan, Bato, Bula, Nabua, Caramoan, Garchitorena, Goa, Lagonoy, Presentacion, Sagnay, San Jose , Siruma, Tigaon and Tinambac
However, this bill which is already approved by Congress with 299 votes is being opposed by several groups such as the leaders of the Camarines Sur chapters of the League of Municipalities of the Philippines , Philippine Councilors League, Liga ng mga Barangay and Camarines Sur 5th District Rep. Salvio Fortuno.
Said officials alleged that the creation of a new province was to accommodate the plan of Fuentebella to run as governor in the election.
Other groups who oppose the creation of the new province and had ask Senate to set aside the consideration of said bill were Sangguniang Panlalawigans of Mountain Province and Surigao and the Vice-Governors League of the Philippines, which they called on the Senate to dump House Bill 4728.
Main reason of why they oppose was it will reduce the IRA due to equal sharing affecting the delivery of basic services.
Problem of reduction of IRA share is currently being experienced by cities in the country after 16 new cities were conferred by the Supreme Court.
To recall, Samar 1st district Representative Mel Senen Sarmiento had also planned to create a new province in Samar.
However, this plan did not push through due to opposition of some sectors and a minimal support from other local officials.
Approval of revised Tacloban property tax ordinance can be questioned, says city dad
TACLOBAN CITY – Although the ordinance for the revision of real property tax for the city was already approved through the votes of the members of the majority bloc, Councilor and minority member Jerry Uy said that its implementation can be questioned due to technicality.
“I object for the reason of constitutionality,” said Councilor Uy in their last session when they tackled the issue during their regular session.
Asked why he is questioning the passage of the ordinance, Uy explained that the process of public hearing as mandated by a memorandum order of the Department of the Interior and Local Government states that public hearing pertaining to tax ordinances should be initiated by the committee on ways and means and this was not followed by the majority members of the city council.
The two public hearing held in the city for the revenue revisions were headed by the Committee on Finance, which is chaired by Councilor Cristina Romualdez.
This, according to Uy, may become ground for those who would want to question the implementation of the revision 9 of the city in court.
“It should be a joint committee but they do it all by themselves,” Uy said.
“Since this is already approved in the Sangguniang, therefore the implementation of this ordinance will push through not unless somebody contest this in court,” he added.
Uy added that increasing tax collection for the city is inevitable as it is the lifeline of government giving income to be used as funding for government projects and delivering basic social services such as health.
He added that the 25% approved increase is lower than the 100% proposed increase by the City Assessor’s Office may also be acceptable by other sector like the business community.
Councilor Jerry Yaokasin, who also objects the passage of the ordinance, said that he stick to their promise when he supported the campaign of HUC status of the city in 2009, that there will be a tax moratorium for five years.
“My position is, a promise is a promise, whether a tax increase is minimal it is still a tax increase, and we’ve promised Taclobanons to have the increase in 2013, therefore we should stick to that promise,” Yaokasin said.
“We just hope that the taxpayers will accept this,” Yaokasin added.
Yaokasin asked the city government to limit their plans of increasing taxes in the city and rather concentrate in enhancing its local economy.
“If our economy is good it will generate more income and more fund,” Yaokasin said, adding that it would also mean more projects can be implemented such as providing additional classrooms.
“I object for the reason of constitutionality,” said Councilor Uy in their last session when they tackled the issue during their regular session.
Asked why he is questioning the passage of the ordinance, Uy explained that the process of public hearing as mandated by a memorandum order of the Department of the Interior and Local Government states that public hearing pertaining to tax ordinances should be initiated by the committee on ways and means and this was not followed by the majority members of the city council.
The two public hearing held in the city for the revenue revisions were headed by the Committee on Finance, which is chaired by Councilor Cristina Romualdez.
This, according to Uy, may become ground for those who would want to question the implementation of the revision 9 of the city in court.
“It should be a joint committee but they do it all by themselves,” Uy said.
“Since this is already approved in the Sangguniang, therefore the implementation of this ordinance will push through not unless somebody contest this in court,” he added.
Uy added that increasing tax collection for the city is inevitable as it is the lifeline of government giving income to be used as funding for government projects and delivering basic social services such as health.
He added that the 25% approved increase is lower than the 100% proposed increase by the City Assessor’s Office may also be acceptable by other sector like the business community.
Councilor Jerry Yaokasin, who also objects the passage of the ordinance, said that he stick to their promise when he supported the campaign of HUC status of the city in 2009, that there will be a tax moratorium for five years.
“My position is, a promise is a promise, whether a tax increase is minimal it is still a tax increase, and we’ve promised Taclobanons to have the increase in 2013, therefore we should stick to that promise,” Yaokasin said.
“We just hope that the taxpayers will accept this,” Yaokasin added.
Yaokasin asked the city government to limit their plans of increasing taxes in the city and rather concentrate in enhancing its local economy.
“If our economy is good it will generate more income and more fund,” Yaokasin said, adding that it would also mean more projects can be implemented such as providing additional classrooms.
Leyte SP commends Arinto
TACLOBAN CITY – Members of the provincial board of Leyte in their last session for this year unanimously approved the resolution commending Leyte Samar Daily Express and Aksyon Radyo–DyVL News Correspondent Reyan Arinto. This, after he received recognition on his news reportage on the plight of indigenous community in Tacloban City.
Arinto is also a correspondent of national daily Businessworld.
Arinto’s broadcast story at Aksyon Radyo DyVL for the project of An Waray party-list through the Sinirangan Visayas Youth Organization and the University of the Philippines Office of Continuing Education – “Project Lapis: Learning for Adult Persons initiative of the SVYO” earned him a spot of the International Labor Organization (ILO) sponsored “Pagkilala sa mga Natatanging Kuwentong Katutubo” in partnership with Probe Media Foundation.
Project Lapis is a literacy program of the An Waray party-list, the first ever literacy program for indigenous people in the region that was gladly accepted by the Manobos.
It was launched in September of this year with around 20 members of the indigenous group as beneficiary of the program.
Moreover, Pagkilala sa mga Natatanging Kuwentong Katutubo awards aims to recognize program focuses on success stories of indigenous peoples communities or individuals and on how they were able to empower themselves amidst adversities and challenges and that that “journalists have an important role in reaching out to IPs to be able to write positive stories about them other than their being the most disadvantaged sector.”
Just this Saturday at the Express it at the Park 4th Media Awards Arinto for his news reportage at DYVL on the commemoration of Maguindanao Massacre by members of the fourth state in the region also earned him an award as the Best Radio News Reporter.
The resolution for commendation of Arinto was sponsored by Leyte Fifth District Board Member Carlo Loreto and was seconded by all members of the provincial board.
Aside from the commendation of Arinto, An Waray party-list and the University of the Philippines were separately also to be given with resolution of commendation from the provincial board on their effort to uplift the education and knowledge of indigenous people residing in the city of Tacloban.
Arinto is also a correspondent of national daily Businessworld.
Arinto’s broadcast story at Aksyon Radyo DyVL for the project of An Waray party-list through the Sinirangan Visayas Youth Organization and the University of the Philippines Office of Continuing Education – “Project Lapis: Learning for Adult Persons initiative of the SVYO” earned him a spot of the International Labor Organization (ILO) sponsored “Pagkilala sa mga Natatanging Kuwentong Katutubo” in partnership with Probe Media Foundation.
Project Lapis is a literacy program of the An Waray party-list, the first ever literacy program for indigenous people in the region that was gladly accepted by the Manobos.
It was launched in September of this year with around 20 members of the indigenous group as beneficiary of the program.
Moreover, Pagkilala sa mga Natatanging Kuwentong Katutubo awards aims to recognize program focuses on success stories of indigenous peoples communities or individuals and on how they were able to empower themselves amidst adversities and challenges and that that “journalists have an important role in reaching out to IPs to be able to write positive stories about them other than their being the most disadvantaged sector.”
Just this Saturday at the Express it at the Park 4th Media Awards Arinto for his news reportage at DYVL on the commemoration of Maguindanao Massacre by members of the fourth state in the region also earned him an award as the Best Radio News Reporter.
The resolution for commendation of Arinto was sponsored by Leyte Fifth District Board Member Carlo Loreto and was seconded by all members of the provincial board.
Aside from the commendation of Arinto, An Waray party-list and the University of the Philippines were separately also to be given with resolution of commendation from the provincial board on their effort to uplift the education and knowledge of indigenous people residing in the city of Tacloban.
DoH advises public to watch out ones health during the Holidays
TACLOBAN CITY – The Department of Health in this region advised the public to watch out on their health this holiday session to prevent lifestyle-related diseases or the non-communicable diseases to have a safe and healthy holiday session, as lifestyle-related diseases are major public health concern that entails lifelong treatment and major lifestyle changes.
Non-communicable diseases (NCDs) are among the leading causes of death that includes diseases of the heart, diseases of the vascular systems, malignant neoplasms, chronic lower respiratory diseases, and diabetes mellitus.
Cardiovascular diseases, cancers, chronic obstructive pulmonary diseases, and diabetes mellitus, the four major non-communicable diseases in the country are linked by four most common and preventable risk factors related to lifestyle – tobacco use, unhealthy diet, lack of physical activity and alcohol use.
Hypertension and diabetes prevalence have increased; hypertension from 22% to 25% and diabetes from 3.4% and 4.8%.
To ensure a healthy and stress-free holiday season, there are twelve ways to do, according to DOH.
These are prepare early, avoid the Christmas rush to prevent stress; make sure to give children toys which are safe and appropriate to their age and abilities; buy only legitimate and registered products to ensure safety; prepare healthy food, including vegetables and fruits; make sure that foods to be served are unspoiled and fresh to avoid food poisoning.
Attend every festivity but make sure to eat moderately; avoid fatty and salty foods for a healthy heart; have fun and enjoy the holidays but stay sober and drink moderately. Do not drink and drive; engage in regular exercise like walking, jogging and dancing to keep fit; have enough rest and sleep; avoid accidents due to firecrackers/fireworks; have a safe Christmas and New Year celebrations.
Aside from the DOH, the Philippine National Red Cross also advises the public to watch-out on the food that they eat due to several complications it causes like hypertensions.
PNRC added that with the variety of foods that are eaten during the holiday session it also hamper or causes for the low turn-out of blood donations as would be blood donors must have healthy body before donating blood.
Non-communicable diseases (NCDs) are among the leading causes of death that includes diseases of the heart, diseases of the vascular systems, malignant neoplasms, chronic lower respiratory diseases, and diabetes mellitus.
Cardiovascular diseases, cancers, chronic obstructive pulmonary diseases, and diabetes mellitus, the four major non-communicable diseases in the country are linked by four most common and preventable risk factors related to lifestyle – tobacco use, unhealthy diet, lack of physical activity and alcohol use.
Hypertension and diabetes prevalence have increased; hypertension from 22% to 25% and diabetes from 3.4% and 4.8%.
To ensure a healthy and stress-free holiday season, there are twelve ways to do, according to DOH.
These are prepare early, avoid the Christmas rush to prevent stress; make sure to give children toys which are safe and appropriate to their age and abilities; buy only legitimate and registered products to ensure safety; prepare healthy food, including vegetables and fruits; make sure that foods to be served are unspoiled and fresh to avoid food poisoning.
Attend every festivity but make sure to eat moderately; avoid fatty and salty foods for a healthy heart; have fun and enjoy the holidays but stay sober and drink moderately. Do not drink and drive; engage in regular exercise like walking, jogging and dancing to keep fit; have enough rest and sleep; avoid accidents due to firecrackers/fireworks; have a safe Christmas and New Year celebrations.
Aside from the DOH, the Philippine National Red Cross also advises the public to watch-out on the food that they eat due to several complications it causes like hypertensions.
PNRC added that with the variety of foods that are eaten during the holiday session it also hamper or causes for the low turn-out of blood donations as would be blood donors must have healthy body before donating blood.
Councilor Neil Glova urge massage parlors to have their massage therapist acquire license
TACLOBAN CITY – Tacloban City councilor Neil Glova is urging massage parlors in the city to have their massage therapist acquire license.
This is to ensure that provider of massage services are accredited by the appropriate government agency and to ensure that they are doing a legitimate work and not engage in underground or illegal activity like providing extra services.
Glova said that he will be endorsing an ordinance in the city council next year after their holiday recess regarding the matter.
Massage therapy and salon and parlor offering such service is a booming business in the city.
Such business, however, according to Glova, is prone to illegal trade such as prostitution, which is why those who are working should ensure that they have license.
Presidential Decree No. 856 required all massage clinics and parlor to have at least one licensed massage therapist.
This license is to be given or to be certified under Section 62 (a) of PD 856 by Department of Health Committee of Examiners for Massage Therapy before they practice their skills.
This is to ensure that provider of massage services are accredited by the appropriate government agency and to ensure that they are doing a legitimate work and not engage in underground or illegal activity like providing extra services.
Glova said that he will be endorsing an ordinance in the city council next year after their holiday recess regarding the matter.
Massage therapy and salon and parlor offering such service is a booming business in the city.
Such business, however, according to Glova, is prone to illegal trade such as prostitution, which is why those who are working should ensure that they have license.
Presidential Decree No. 856 required all massage clinics and parlor to have at least one licensed massage therapist.
This license is to be given or to be certified under Section 62 (a) of PD 856 by Department of Health Committee of Examiners for Massage Therapy before they practice their skills.
Illegal drug problem in Leyte still manageable,PDEA says
TACLOBAN CITY – Despite the region’s position as strategic transshipment point, Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency Regional Director Julius Navales said that the situation of illegal drug problem in the region especially in Leyte is still manageable.
Navales, who was invited by members of the Sangguniang Panlalawigan during their session on Tuesday informed the members of the provincial board that Leyte there are 150 barangays that are “moderately affected” by illegal drugs while 62 barangays are” slightly affected.”
Moderately affected means there is a presence of one illegal drug-pusher while slightly affected is there is no presence of drug pusher.
Navales added that 16 out of 41 municipalities and one city in the province has no anti-illegal drug operation.
According to Navales, it is either the mayor or other local officials that are not cooperating on their operation to stop illegal drugs.
Moreover, Navales urged members of the Philippine National Police to always coordinate with their agency when conducting anti-illegal drug operation.
Failure to get coordination papers from PDEA might result for the dismissal of case filed against person apprehended on anti-illegal drug operation, according to Navales.
Although they had been advocating and continuously informing police operatives in said process, Navales revealed that still they receive few request from law enforcers on request for coordination papers.
Navales added that in 2010, 30 individuals where arrested due to illegal drugs while in 2011 48 were arrested.
Thirty-two cases were filed in court in 2010 while 50 cases were filed in court in 2011.
He added that conviction rate on cases filed against person apprehended due to illegal drugs is very minimal due to technicality of the case filed.
Navales, who was invited by members of the Sangguniang Panlalawigan during their session on Tuesday informed the members of the provincial board that Leyte there are 150 barangays that are “moderately affected” by illegal drugs while 62 barangays are” slightly affected.”
Moderately affected means there is a presence of one illegal drug-pusher while slightly affected is there is no presence of drug pusher.
Navales added that 16 out of 41 municipalities and one city in the province has no anti-illegal drug operation.
According to Navales, it is either the mayor or other local officials that are not cooperating on their operation to stop illegal drugs.
Moreover, Navales urged members of the Philippine National Police to always coordinate with their agency when conducting anti-illegal drug operation.
Failure to get coordination papers from PDEA might result for the dismissal of case filed against person apprehended on anti-illegal drug operation, according to Navales.
Although they had been advocating and continuously informing police operatives in said process, Navales revealed that still they receive few request from law enforcers on request for coordination papers.
Navales added that in 2010, 30 individuals where arrested due to illegal drugs while in 2011 48 were arrested.
Thirty-two cases were filed in court in 2010 while 50 cases were filed in court in 2011.
He added that conviction rate on cases filed against person apprehended due to illegal drugs is very minimal due to technicality of the case filed.
Prov’l gov’t, local officials cited for declaring Leyte ‘insurgency free’
TACLOBAN CITY – The reason why Leyte was declared as “manageable conflict affected area” and ready for development area was due to the effort of the leadership of local officials, particularly the provincial government.
Major General Mario Chan, 8th Infantry Division commanding general, said this statement right after the province of Leyte was declared as manageable conflict-affected and ready for development on Thursday.
The signing of the declaration was done at the provincial capitol with Governor Jericho Petilla, Major General Chan, Colonel John Bonafos, commander of the 802nd Brigade and Brigadier General Alejandro Estomo, deputy commander of Central Command of the AFP together with the provincial board members and mayors in the province of Leyte.
Chan said that in order to attain their objective to make problem of insurgency in the province inconsequential, contribution of officials from different local government units has big part on the campaign.
“Military operation is not the only solution in attaining this level but the participation of local government officials are also one of the basis why Leyte was declared as manageable conflict-affected area,” Chan said.
“Although we asked for two replacements, the higher-ups only provided us with one battalion, but we still managed to provide security for the province of Leyte,” Chan added.
With the declaration of Leyte as manageable conflict-affected area, this would mean a security for the province to invite more investors, according to Governor Petilla.
The declaration would mean that insurgency is not a problem and local governments to included law enforcers have the capability to secure and maintain peace and order.
Biliran and Southern Leyte were earlier declared as insurgency free provinces.
Major General Mario Chan, 8th Infantry Division commanding general, said this statement right after the province of Leyte was declared as manageable conflict-affected and ready for development on Thursday.
The signing of the declaration was done at the provincial capitol with Governor Jericho Petilla, Major General Chan, Colonel John Bonafos, commander of the 802nd Brigade and Brigadier General Alejandro Estomo, deputy commander of Central Command of the AFP together with the provincial board members and mayors in the province of Leyte.
Chan said that in order to attain their objective to make problem of insurgency in the province inconsequential, contribution of officials from different local government units has big part on the campaign.
“Military operation is not the only solution in attaining this level but the participation of local government officials are also one of the basis why Leyte was declared as manageable conflict-affected area,” Chan said.
“Although we asked for two replacements, the higher-ups only provided us with one battalion, but we still managed to provide security for the province of Leyte,” Chan added.
With the declaration of Leyte as manageable conflict-affected area, this would mean a security for the province to invite more investors, according to Governor Petilla.
The declaration would mean that insurgency is not a problem and local governments to included law enforcers have the capability to secure and maintain peace and order.
Biliran and Southern Leyte were earlier declared as insurgency free provinces.
Leyte SP approves strict use of helmets among motorcycle riders
TACLOBAN CITY – The members of the Sangguniang Panlalawigan of Leyte unanimously approved last Tuesday the ordinance that will strictly enforce the use of helmet among motorcycle riders and owners in the province of Leyte.
Ordinance No 2011-07 or The motorcycle ordinance of the Province of Leyte aims to protect and safeguard all Leyteños especially motorcycle riders and drivers and back riders from deadly road mishaps involving motorcycles and other transport vehicles.
Said ordinance was authored by First District Board Member Roque this after he noticed in their last Sesyon sa Bayan held in the municipality of Abuyog that several individuals particularly motorcycle drivers and back riders are not wearing helmet prompting them to be prone to accidents.
Wearing standard protective helmet is mandated and prescribed by Republic Act 10054 or the Motorcycle Helmet Act which is authored by Senator Ramon “Bong” Revilla enacted last June 2010 and under Section 5 of the provincial ordinance it states that helmet should be worm properly in order to obtain the level of protection.
Its implementation is also applicable to enlisted personnel of the Armed Forces of the Philippines, Philippine National Police and other law enforcement agencies.
However, in situation where a sick, ailing or dying person is being transported in a motorcycle to the nearest hospital for immediate intervention, or in the performance of a hot pursuit operation by law enforcement officers and while wearing turban or headdress on account of religious belief and affiliation, motorcycle drivers and back drivers are exempted to wear helmets.
The ordinance also mandates the Department of Trade and Industry to conduct regular inspection and monitoring of all establishments engaged in selling and/or dealing of helmets and motorcycles.
Only those helmets with marking or bearing Philippine Standard mark or Import Commodity Clearance of the Bureau of Product Standards are to be sold to person with motorcycle or to those who has yet to purchase a motorcycle.
Local government units are also mandated by the ordinance to conduct massive information campaign within their respective jurisdiction to inform their constituents the existence of the ordinance including informing them of the penalties for violators.
Violators of the Motorcycle Helmet Ordinance of the province are to be fined with P500 for first offence; P2,000 for second offense with an imprisonment for a period of two months; and P5,000 for third offense and an imprisonment of six months.
While for law enforcement officers violating the provisions of the Ordinance will be meted out with administrative sanctions in addition to the fine and imprisonment.
This ordinance is the fourth ordinance that Tiu authored that was passed and approved in the provincial board.
Aside from Tiu, his co-authors are Board Members Carlo Loreto, Florante Cayunda Jr, Rolando Piamonte Sr, Deborah Bertulfo, Ma. Lourdes Go-Soco, Anlie Apostol and Kim Roger Serdoncillo.
Ordinance No 2011-07 or The motorcycle ordinance of the Province of Leyte aims to protect and safeguard all Leyteños especially motorcycle riders and drivers and back riders from deadly road mishaps involving motorcycles and other transport vehicles.
Said ordinance was authored by First District Board Member Roque this after he noticed in their last Sesyon sa Bayan held in the municipality of Abuyog that several individuals particularly motorcycle drivers and back riders are not wearing helmet prompting them to be prone to accidents.
Wearing standard protective helmet is mandated and prescribed by Republic Act 10054 or the Motorcycle Helmet Act which is authored by Senator Ramon “Bong” Revilla enacted last June 2010 and under Section 5 of the provincial ordinance it states that helmet should be worm properly in order to obtain the level of protection.
Its implementation is also applicable to enlisted personnel of the Armed Forces of the Philippines, Philippine National Police and other law enforcement agencies.
However, in situation where a sick, ailing or dying person is being transported in a motorcycle to the nearest hospital for immediate intervention, or in the performance of a hot pursuit operation by law enforcement officers and while wearing turban or headdress on account of religious belief and affiliation, motorcycle drivers and back drivers are exempted to wear helmets.
The ordinance also mandates the Department of Trade and Industry to conduct regular inspection and monitoring of all establishments engaged in selling and/or dealing of helmets and motorcycles.
Only those helmets with marking or bearing Philippine Standard mark or Import Commodity Clearance of the Bureau of Product Standards are to be sold to person with motorcycle or to those who has yet to purchase a motorcycle.
Local government units are also mandated by the ordinance to conduct massive information campaign within their respective jurisdiction to inform their constituents the existence of the ordinance including informing them of the penalties for violators.
Violators of the Motorcycle Helmet Ordinance of the province are to be fined with P500 for first offence; P2,000 for second offense with an imprisonment for a period of two months; and P5,000 for third offense and an imprisonment of six months.
While for law enforcement officers violating the provisions of the Ordinance will be meted out with administrative sanctions in addition to the fine and imprisonment.
This ordinance is the fourth ordinance that Tiu authored that was passed and approved in the provincial board.
Aside from Tiu, his co-authors are Board Members Carlo Loreto, Florante Cayunda Jr, Rolando Piamonte Sr, Deborah Bertulfo, Ma. Lourdes Go-Soco, Anlie Apostol and Kim Roger Serdoncillo.
3 robbers arrested in Tacloban
TACLOBAN CITY –An “akbay-bahay” group was arrested by operatives of Tacloban City Police Office Station 1 after they received reports that the group was at Barangay 109-A.
The three suspects were identified as Marvin Abuyabor alias Burdado, Luigi Lacandazo and Arthur Radaza, all jobless and from the municipality of Dulag, were nabbed by police operatives who immediately responded to the report of the robbery incident in said barangay.
Seized from the three suspects were one unit Blackberry phone, two units Nokia 1210, one Nathaniel bag and an XRM motorcycle with plate number 8780HK.
Said motorcycle, according to police operatives, was borrowed by the group from a certain BJ Villegas, also from Dulag.
In the follow-up operation of the Tacloban City law enforcers after coordinating with law enforcers of Dulag to apprehend other suspects, they were able to seize in the hideout of the suspects one unit Nokia N70, two units of laptop computer, one unit Samsung phone, another unit of Nokia phone and a digital camera.
Upon retrieving said robbed items, the police investigators immediately filed a complaint against the suspects at the City Prosecutors Office for the crime of robbery and violation of Batas Pambansa Bilang 6.
City police director Senior Superintendent Wilson Caubat said they are still conducting a follow-up operation as there are still other members of the group that remain at large.
Caubat added that said accomplishment only means that the law enforcers are always on alert and ready to respond on reports of criminal activities done by criminal groups in the city.
He added that as the holiday season is fast approaching, they have instructed their men to always be vigilant and to ensure peace and order at all times.
Caubat then asked the help of barangay officials in safeguarding of the community and identifying criminal elements operating in their area.
The three suspects were identified as Marvin Abuyabor alias Burdado, Luigi Lacandazo and Arthur Radaza, all jobless and from the municipality of Dulag, were nabbed by police operatives who immediately responded to the report of the robbery incident in said barangay.
Seized from the three suspects were one unit Blackberry phone, two units Nokia 1210, one Nathaniel bag and an XRM motorcycle with plate number 8780HK.
Said motorcycle, according to police operatives, was borrowed by the group from a certain BJ Villegas, also from Dulag.
In the follow-up operation of the Tacloban City law enforcers after coordinating with law enforcers of Dulag to apprehend other suspects, they were able to seize in the hideout of the suspects one unit Nokia N70, two units of laptop computer, one unit Samsung phone, another unit of Nokia phone and a digital camera.
Upon retrieving said robbed items, the police investigators immediately filed a complaint against the suspects at the City Prosecutors Office for the crime of robbery and violation of Batas Pambansa Bilang 6.
City police director Senior Superintendent Wilson Caubat said they are still conducting a follow-up operation as there are still other members of the group that remain at large.
Caubat added that said accomplishment only means that the law enforcers are always on alert and ready to respond on reports of criminal activities done by criminal groups in the city.
He added that as the holiday season is fast approaching, they have instructed their men to always be vigilant and to ensure peace and order at all times.
Caubat then asked the help of barangay officials in safeguarding of the community and identifying criminal elements operating in their area.
Rep. Noel to try to transport ‘tuba’ via commercial flight
TACLOBAN CITY – To know if indeed airline companies do not allow transporting of local wine “tuba,” An Waray party-list Representative Florencio “Bem” Noel said that he will try to do it by himself to personally know if indeed bringing “tuba” is indeed prohibited.
“I would like to experience it, and not just rely on what people had told me, ako an magsi-ship,” Noel said.
Noel added that he had already prepared several bottles of tuba which he will give as Christmas present to his fellow congressmen.
“The tuba are with good packaging and wrapped on “bayong” and I will use the plane to transport it,” Noel added.
Transporting tuba via airplane is one of the problems that local producers are complaining as airline companies prohibit them to placed it in their cargo.
Airline companies are not the only one prohibiting the bringing of tuba but there are also reports that hotels also prohibits them to bring said products.
The regional office of the tourism department had also share the same story of tuba producers based on comments they get from personnel of hotels and airline companies.
Tuba is not just popular in this region but also in other parts of Visayas and Mindanao.
As a help to promote this product in the national market, the An Waray party-list group yearly hosts a festival showcasing the variety of uses of tuba, from wine to ingredients in cooking through the Oktubafest during October.
The yearly event does not only aim to promote tuba but also to support the coconut industry, where the region is one of the top coconut producing regions in the country.
“I would like to experience it, and not just rely on what people had told me, ako an magsi-ship,” Noel said.
Noel added that he had already prepared several bottles of tuba which he will give as Christmas present to his fellow congressmen.
“The tuba are with good packaging and wrapped on “bayong” and I will use the plane to transport it,” Noel added.
Transporting tuba via airplane is one of the problems that local producers are complaining as airline companies prohibit them to placed it in their cargo.
Airline companies are not the only one prohibiting the bringing of tuba but there are also reports that hotels also prohibits them to bring said products.
The regional office of the tourism department had also share the same story of tuba producers based on comments they get from personnel of hotels and airline companies.
Tuba is not just popular in this region but also in other parts of Visayas and Mindanao.
As a help to promote this product in the national market, the An Waray party-list group yearly hosts a festival showcasing the variety of uses of tuba, from wine to ingredients in cooking through the Oktubafest during October.
The yearly event does not only aim to promote tuba but also to support the coconut industry, where the region is one of the top coconut producing regions in the country.
Loreto warns people to be vigilant vs groups that use his name in criminal acts
TACLOBAN CITY – Majority Floor Leader of the Sangguniang Panlalawigan, Atty. Carlo Loreto warns people to be vigilant on groups that uses his name in committing criminal acts.
This appeal was made by Loreto after some law enforcers from Baybay City were victimized by a group where one of its members pretended to be himself even asking a load from the law enforcers.
“If they were able to do this on phone, how much more for us to know if they did something more heinous,” Loreto said.
Scam using mobile phone had already victimized several individuals in the country, using names of several government agencies like the Department of Trade and Industry and mobile line providers.
Criminal syndicates sent text messages to several phone numbers, informing them that they supposedly won a promo.
In order for the supposed winner to receive their prices, they will be required to text back certain personal details such as a home phone number and other personal details and/or prepare a certain amount to be paid as a processing fee.
The mobile phone owners are also asked to send prepaid cell phone load to the supposed promo organizer.
To address this problem, Loreto through a resolution that was approved by members of the provincial board, asked the chairman of the committee on peace and order to look into the matter.
To recall, law enforcers, the National Telecommunication Commission and even mobile line providers had already warned the public over various scams of criminal groups as holiday season is fast-approaching.
Aside from mobile phone scams, people are also warned over syndicated groups like budul-budol gangs who are victimizing innocent people taking away their precious belongings aside from their money.
This appeal was made by Loreto after some law enforcers from Baybay City were victimized by a group where one of its members pretended to be himself even asking a load from the law enforcers.
“If they were able to do this on phone, how much more for us to know if they did something more heinous,” Loreto said.
Scam using mobile phone had already victimized several individuals in the country, using names of several government agencies like the Department of Trade and Industry and mobile line providers.
Criminal syndicates sent text messages to several phone numbers, informing them that they supposedly won a promo.
In order for the supposed winner to receive their prices, they will be required to text back certain personal details such as a home phone number and other personal details and/or prepare a certain amount to be paid as a processing fee.
The mobile phone owners are also asked to send prepaid cell phone load to the supposed promo organizer.
To address this problem, Loreto through a resolution that was approved by members of the provincial board, asked the chairman of the committee on peace and order to look into the matter.
To recall, law enforcers, the National Telecommunication Commission and even mobile line providers had already warned the public over various scams of criminal groups as holiday season is fast-approaching.
Aside from mobile phone scams, people are also warned over syndicated groups like budul-budol gangs who are victimizing innocent people taking away their precious belongings aside from their money.
Prov’l administrator: No information yet if EVSU, CHED have changed contract on use of land inside EVSU campus
TACLOBAN CITY – The administrator of the provincial government of Leyte has no information yet if the management of Eastern Visayas State University(EVSU) and the Commission on Higher Education(CHED) have already changed their usufruct contract with regards to the use of land inside the campus of EVSU.
Administrator Vincent Emnas in an interview said that he has not yet received any communication from EVSU officials if they had already changed the deed of donation which they entered into with the officials of CHED for the construction of a building to be used as the regional office of the education agency.
The information on the construction of a building inside EVSU campus was discovered by the provincial government after officials of the barangay forwarded a copy of a complaint to them, due to violation of the agency that funded the building construction of the process of acquiring permits.
The piece of land which EVSU donated to CHED was donated by the provincial government, a violation to the contract with the provincial government, which even the lawyers of said school had admitted, according to Emnas.
“CHED may construct a building on that land and donate it to EVSU after several years, but there is no way that EVSU will donate that land to CHED because it is prohibited in the contract as stipulated when the provincial government donated that land to the school,” Emnas explained.
“That is a violation to the deed of donation by the province,” Emnas added.
He added that they were only informed about the situation when they received a copy furnished letter of the complaint of the barangay chairman of the barangay where EVSU is located.
“When we learned about it, we immediately called the attention of the EVSU management to withdraw the execution of the deed of donation with CHED,” Emnas said.
“We don’t have problem if they will enter into a contract for as long as the deed of donation will not be violated, but as of right now we have not yet received any update on the matter,” Emnas added.
Administrator Vincent Emnas in an interview said that he has not yet received any communication from EVSU officials if they had already changed the deed of donation which they entered into with the officials of CHED for the construction of a building to be used as the regional office of the education agency.
The information on the construction of a building inside EVSU campus was discovered by the provincial government after officials of the barangay forwarded a copy of a complaint to them, due to violation of the agency that funded the building construction of the process of acquiring permits.
The piece of land which EVSU donated to CHED was donated by the provincial government, a violation to the contract with the provincial government, which even the lawyers of said school had admitted, according to Emnas.
“CHED may construct a building on that land and donate it to EVSU after several years, but there is no way that EVSU will donate that land to CHED because it is prohibited in the contract as stipulated when the provincial government donated that land to the school,” Emnas explained.
“That is a violation to the deed of donation by the province,” Emnas added.
He added that they were only informed about the situation when they received a copy furnished letter of the complaint of the barangay chairman of the barangay where EVSU is located.
“When we learned about it, we immediately called the attention of the EVSU management to withdraw the execution of the deed of donation with CHED,” Emnas said.
“We don’t have problem if they will enter into a contract for as long as the deed of donation will not be violated, but as of right now we have not yet received any update on the matter,” Emnas added.
Samar gov to duplicate Leyte basic health services in her province
TACLOBAN CITY – The best practices of Leyte province in terms of delivering basic health services to the people is what Samar Governor Sharee Ann Tan want to replicate in her province.
Conditions of hospitals in Samar province is considered as one of the worst in the region due to absence or lack of equipment, doctors and poor building condition.
Tan, in an interview after her meeting with Leyte Gov.Jericho Petilla, on Tuesday said that among the programs on health services that will be replicated by her administration is to improve the mother and child care and hospital improvement.
Although there is an existing project on rehabilitation of district hospitals, Tan said that on the part of provincial hospital, they are still waiting for the capitation coming from Philhealth which would fund its rehabilitation.
However, although no construction work for additional building is being done, additional equipment were put in place at the Samar Provincial Hospital, Tan said.
Aside from the rehabilitation of district hospitals, she said that they had already forged a tie-up with Sister Eloisa David to address problem on mother and child mortality due to birthing complication by establishing birthing units in every municipality.
David is an official of Kakak Foundation, who had been assisting the provincial government by establishing birthing clinic in the province.
As of July of this year, 23 birthing units had been funded by Kakak Foundation to provide basic health and medical assistance and services to pregnant women and new-born babies.
To address the malnutrition problem in Samar, Tan said that they had been coordinating with the Department of Social Welfare and Development in identifying areas in the province with high malnutrition incidence.
Conditions of hospitals in Samar province is considered as one of the worst in the region due to absence or lack of equipment, doctors and poor building condition.
Tan, in an interview after her meeting with Leyte Gov.Jericho Petilla, on Tuesday said that among the programs on health services that will be replicated by her administration is to improve the mother and child care and hospital improvement.
Although there is an existing project on rehabilitation of district hospitals, Tan said that on the part of provincial hospital, they are still waiting for the capitation coming from Philhealth which would fund its rehabilitation.
However, although no construction work for additional building is being done, additional equipment were put in place at the Samar Provincial Hospital, Tan said.
Aside from the rehabilitation of district hospitals, she said that they had already forged a tie-up with Sister Eloisa David to address problem on mother and child mortality due to birthing complication by establishing birthing units in every municipality.
David is an official of Kakak Foundation, who had been assisting the provincial government by establishing birthing clinic in the province.
As of July of this year, 23 birthing units had been funded by Kakak Foundation to provide basic health and medical assistance and services to pregnant women and new-born babies.
To address the malnutrition problem in Samar, Tan said that they had been coordinating with the Department of Social Welfare and Development in identifying areas in the province with high malnutrition incidence.
Lack of accommodation facilities one reason why tourist arrivals in EV is low
TACLOBAN CITY – The lack of accommodation facilities is one of the reasons why tourist arrivals in the region is still way behind its neighboring islands of Cebu and Bohol.
Accommodation facilities, according to Department of Trade and Industry Regional Director Cynthia Nierras, is among those being looked into by tourists when they visit a tourist destination or when they visit a place for a vacation.
“No matter how good our tourism sites are if there is not enough accommodation facility or we lack of tourism facility, they (tourist) will not come back,” Nierras said.
Aside from having an accommodation facility, Nierras stressed that services of those facilities must also be improved to encourage tourists to visit more often.
Leyte Governor Jericho “Icot” Petilla made the same sentiment with Nierras during the recent Provincial Development Council meeting of the province.
Petilla, talking with different local chief executives in the province, underscored the importance of having hotels and other accommodation facilities that will house tourists each time they visit the province.
Although there are lots of accommodation facilities available in Leyte, Petilla emphasized the needs of a hotel that can compete with first class hotels in other regions.
“We need to have a hotel that we can compare with other hotels in other regions,” said Petilla.
“And I am glad right now that the renovation of MacArthur Park is about to be finished and they will start its operation this December,” he added.
Petilla said that with the opening of the newly-renovated MacArthur Park Hotel, now called Leyte Oriental Hotel, would draw more tourists to the province.
Lack of accommodation facilities is also the problem of Guiuan, the tourism capital of Eastern Samar province, according to Mayor Annaliz Kwan.
Guiuan, famed with its white sand beaches, draws hundreds of tourists yearly, particularly during big events, reason why additional accommodation facilities is needed in said town, according to Kwan.
This problem is being addressed by one of the providers of accommodation facility, the Calicoan Surf Camp, where they purchased container vans and converted them into a room type structures equipped with air-conditioning units and amenities found in regular hotels.
Accommodation facilities, according to Department of Trade and Industry Regional Director Cynthia Nierras, is among those being looked into by tourists when they visit a tourist destination or when they visit a place for a vacation.
“No matter how good our tourism sites are if there is not enough accommodation facility or we lack of tourism facility, they (tourist) will not come back,” Nierras said.
Aside from having an accommodation facility, Nierras stressed that services of those facilities must also be improved to encourage tourists to visit more often.
Leyte Governor Jericho “Icot” Petilla made the same sentiment with Nierras during the recent Provincial Development Council meeting of the province.
Petilla, talking with different local chief executives in the province, underscored the importance of having hotels and other accommodation facilities that will house tourists each time they visit the province.
Although there are lots of accommodation facilities available in Leyte, Petilla emphasized the needs of a hotel that can compete with first class hotels in other regions.
“We need to have a hotel that we can compare with other hotels in other regions,” said Petilla.
“And I am glad right now that the renovation of MacArthur Park is about to be finished and they will start its operation this December,” he added.
Petilla said that with the opening of the newly-renovated MacArthur Park Hotel, now called Leyte Oriental Hotel, would draw more tourists to the province.
Lack of accommodation facilities is also the problem of Guiuan, the tourism capital of Eastern Samar province, according to Mayor Annaliz Kwan.
Guiuan, famed with its white sand beaches, draws hundreds of tourists yearly, particularly during big events, reason why additional accommodation facilities is needed in said town, according to Kwan.
This problem is being addressed by one of the providers of accommodation facility, the Calicoan Surf Camp, where they purchased container vans and converted them into a room type structures equipped with air-conditioning units and amenities found in regular hotels.
Leyte SP passes resolution seeking help from Senators Pia, Allan Peter Cayetano
TACLOBAN CITY – A resolution seeking assistance from Senators Pia Cayetano and Allan Peter Cayetano to provide fund for indigent patients from Leyte who are admitted to the Eastern Visayas Regional Medical Center was passed by members of the Sangguniang Panlalawigan.
It was authored by Majority Floor Leader Carlo Loreto.
Loreto introduced the resolution after the consultant of the two senators came to the province and visited the biggest government-run hospital in the region to check its condition including the patients.
Aside from asking the two senators to provide funds for indigent patients from the province confined at the EVRMC, the members of the provincial board also passed a resolution asking the senators to provide funds for hospital equipments and facilities for EVRMC.
It was learned that the Cayetano siblings, through their Priority Development Fund, had been extending help to government-run hospitals by providing funds for the procurement of hospital equipment.
The Cayetano siblings as advocates of health have been providing assistance to local government units by funding the construction and rehabilitation of rural health units.
The two senators recently provided assistance for the construction of the rural health unit in Hilongos, Leyte.
It was authored by Majority Floor Leader Carlo Loreto.
Loreto introduced the resolution after the consultant of the two senators came to the province and visited the biggest government-run hospital in the region to check its condition including the patients.
Aside from asking the two senators to provide funds for indigent patients from the province confined at the EVRMC, the members of the provincial board also passed a resolution asking the senators to provide funds for hospital equipments and facilities for EVRMC.
It was learned that the Cayetano siblings, through their Priority Development Fund, had been extending help to government-run hospitals by providing funds for the procurement of hospital equipment.
The Cayetano siblings as advocates of health have been providing assistance to local government units by funding the construction and rehabilitation of rural health units.
The two senators recently provided assistance for the construction of the rural health unit in Hilongos, Leyte.
Leyte SP commends topnotchers, schools
TACLOBAN CITY – Members of the Sangguniang Panlalawigan during their recent session passed resolutions of commendation to several individuals from the province of Leyte.
The resolution for commendation was authored by Board Member Roque Tiu.
Dennis Bondos of Leyte Normal University who ranked 7th place in the recent Licensure Examination for Teachers was commended in a resolution.
It was learned that Bondos took BS Biology at the University of the Philippines and took additional 30 units under the teacher certificate program (TCP) which offers a supplemental course for formerly non-education students.
He got a rating of 84.20%,which is a bit lower than 85.80 % of the first placer.
Aside from Bondos, LNU was also given the resolution for commendation having produced students who excel in the licensure examination that is given by the government.
Zandro Dubalan Pluma of the University of the Philippines Manila-School of Health Sciences, was also given with a resolution of commendation after he placed 6th in the recent Midwifery Licensure Examination with general average of 87%.
Tanauan Community eCenter of Tanauan, was also provided with same commendation after being adjudged as the country’s Most Outstanding Community eCenter for this year while Eugene Ramos, manager of the Tanauan CeC, was proclaimed as this year’s Most Outstanding Community Knowledge Worker at the 7th Knowledge Exchange Conference on Community eCenters held last November 22, 2011at Hotel Elizabeth Baguio in Baguio City.
The awards were received by Tanauan Mayor Agapito Pagayanan, Jr. and Ramos from Undersecretary Louis Napoleon Casambre, Executive Director of the Department of Science and Technology.
The resolution for commendation was authored by Board Member Roque Tiu.
Dennis Bondos of Leyte Normal University who ranked 7th place in the recent Licensure Examination for Teachers was commended in a resolution.
It was learned that Bondos took BS Biology at the University of the Philippines and took additional 30 units under the teacher certificate program (TCP) which offers a supplemental course for formerly non-education students.
He got a rating of 84.20%,which is a bit lower than 85.80 % of the first placer.
Aside from Bondos, LNU was also given the resolution for commendation having produced students who excel in the licensure examination that is given by the government.
Zandro Dubalan Pluma of the University of the Philippines Manila-School of Health Sciences, was also given with a resolution of commendation after he placed 6th in the recent Midwifery Licensure Examination with general average of 87%.
Tanauan Community eCenter of Tanauan, was also provided with same commendation after being adjudged as the country’s Most Outstanding Community eCenter for this year while Eugene Ramos, manager of the Tanauan CeC, was proclaimed as this year’s Most Outstanding Community Knowledge Worker at the 7th Knowledge Exchange Conference on Community eCenters held last November 22, 2011at Hotel Elizabeth Baguio in Baguio City.
The awards were received by Tanauan Mayor Agapito Pagayanan, Jr. and Ramos from Undersecretary Louis Napoleon Casambre, Executive Director of the Department of Science and Technology.
Mayor, SP members do not want increase in taxes, says Cristina
TACLOBAN CITY – The city mayor and even the members of the Sangguniang Panlungsod do not want to have any form of increase on payments to the city government but the law is already mandating them to do so, said by Councilor Cristina Romualdez in an interview.
Romualdez, who chairs the finance committee at the council, said that in the proposed Revenue Revision 9, no tax increase will be made but rather on the evaluation of the current market price of city lands.
“We are already mandated by law (to do this),” said Councilor Romualdez.
“We have been receiving words and letters from the Department of Finance asking us to increase taxes or have a slight increase on taxes,” Romualdez added. “If we do not do this, we may face repercussion,” she stressed.
However, even if the city government is aiming to increase its tax collection, proper procedure are to done such as the conduct of public hearing which they did in the Sagkahan District and another public hearing to be conducted next week, according to Romualdez.
Romualdez added that they are still in the stage of negotiation with other sectors as to how much increase is to be implemented for the city in the revenue revision 9.
“We wanted it to be in the minimum so that taxpayers will not be burdened, and we will be implementing programs on tax paying such as installment payment and discounts on early taxpayers,” Romualdez explained.
Moreover, a barangay official of Barangay 62-B commented that taxes that are to be collected by the city should go down to funding projects that are beneficial to the city populace such as addressing problem of garbage, flooding and providing additional street lights.
The official also asked the city councilor on what had happened to the promise of the city mayor that there will be no tax increase within five years once the city of Tacloban status is upgraded into a highly-urbanized city.
Romualdez sidestepped the question by saying that all the the taex paid by the people of the city goes directly to various programs and projects that will benefit the public.
Councilor Jerry “Sambo” Yaokasin, meantime, said that considering the population and the big area of the city, two public hearing on revenue revision is not enough.
“There should be a massive information campaign especially to real property owners if what will happen to them once the revision 9 is approved,” said Yaokasin.
“There should be a series of public hearings until such time that everybody agree on the exact percentage or amount that is to be increased,” Yaokasin added.
Yaokasin said that once the two public hearing of the committee on finance is done, the members of the minority bloc plan to invite City Assessor Engineer Carlos Cordero to their session.
Romualdez, who chairs the finance committee at the council, said that in the proposed Revenue Revision 9, no tax increase will be made but rather on the evaluation of the current market price of city lands.
“We are already mandated by law (to do this),” said Councilor Romualdez.
“We have been receiving words and letters from the Department of Finance asking us to increase taxes or have a slight increase on taxes,” Romualdez added. “If we do not do this, we may face repercussion,” she stressed.
However, even if the city government is aiming to increase its tax collection, proper procedure are to done such as the conduct of public hearing which they did in the Sagkahan District and another public hearing to be conducted next week, according to Romualdez.
Romualdez added that they are still in the stage of negotiation with other sectors as to how much increase is to be implemented for the city in the revenue revision 9.
“We wanted it to be in the minimum so that taxpayers will not be burdened, and we will be implementing programs on tax paying such as installment payment and discounts on early taxpayers,” Romualdez explained.
Moreover, a barangay official of Barangay 62-B commented that taxes that are to be collected by the city should go down to funding projects that are beneficial to the city populace such as addressing problem of garbage, flooding and providing additional street lights.
The official also asked the city councilor on what had happened to the promise of the city mayor that there will be no tax increase within five years once the city of Tacloban status is upgraded into a highly-urbanized city.
Romualdez sidestepped the question by saying that all the the taex paid by the people of the city goes directly to various programs and projects that will benefit the public.
Councilor Jerry “Sambo” Yaokasin, meantime, said that considering the population and the big area of the city, two public hearing on revenue revision is not enough.
“There should be a massive information campaign especially to real property owners if what will happen to them once the revision 9 is approved,” said Yaokasin.
“There should be a series of public hearings until such time that everybody agree on the exact percentage or amount that is to be increased,” Yaokasin added.
Yaokasin said that once the two public hearing of the committee on finance is done, the members of the minority bloc plan to invite City Assessor Engineer Carlos Cordero to their session.
Proposed revenue revision not for tax increase, says Tacloban City assessor
TACLOBAN CITY – The revenue revision of Tacloban is not a proposal for tax increase but rather focuses on market value of all lands and productive improvement within the city.
This was clarified by City Assessor Engr. Carlos Cordero during a public hearing held at Sagkahan Gymnasium .
“The subject of the public hearing was focused on the evaluation of market values of land that needs to be updated,” said Cordero in an interview.
Thus, Cordero said the buildings are not included in the increase and the classification of land (agricultural, residential, commercial or industrial use) but more on the actual market value of land as it has been 12 years since the revision of the tax code of the city was implemented.
“People should not be worried…,” Cordero said.
Former Leyte board member Attorney Evangeline Esperas, who was among those who attended the public hearing, stressed that tax is indeed a must for every local government unit as it is their life blood.
However, Esperas stressed that inflation rate and the comments and recommendations from the business sector should also be heard, before the council members introduced any revision of the tax code.
She added that 100% increase is considerately high among low income taxpayers to include businessmen.
“If there will be an increase that should be reasonably just, not oppressive, and equitable,” Esperas said.
Although it was learned from Cordero that the proposed increase on property tax is 100 percent, he stressed that said increase is still reasonable as the increase is the comparison of the 2000 market value to the market value of 1999, the last time there was a revision of tax code.
“The comparison is not market value in 1999 to the market value of 2011, but the market value of 2000 to the market value of 1999, because if we will use the 2011 market value that would be a huge increase,” Cordero explained.
Cordero added that the revision to be implemented this year is the revision that should have been done in 2002.
This was clarified by City Assessor Engr. Carlos Cordero during a public hearing held at Sagkahan Gymnasium .
“The subject of the public hearing was focused on the evaluation of market values of land that needs to be updated,” said Cordero in an interview.
Thus, Cordero said the buildings are not included in the increase and the classification of land (agricultural, residential, commercial or industrial use) but more on the actual market value of land as it has been 12 years since the revision of the tax code of the city was implemented.
“People should not be worried…,” Cordero said.
Former Leyte board member Attorney Evangeline Esperas, who was among those who attended the public hearing, stressed that tax is indeed a must for every local government unit as it is their life blood.
However, Esperas stressed that inflation rate and the comments and recommendations from the business sector should also be heard, before the council members introduced any revision of the tax code.
She added that 100% increase is considerately high among low income taxpayers to include businessmen.
“If there will be an increase that should be reasonably just, not oppressive, and equitable,” Esperas said.
Although it was learned from Cordero that the proposed increase on property tax is 100 percent, he stressed that said increase is still reasonable as the increase is the comparison of the 2000 market value to the market value of 1999, the last time there was a revision of tax code.
“The comparison is not market value in 1999 to the market value of 2011, but the market value of 2000 to the market value of 1999, because if we will use the 2011 market value that would be a huge increase,” Cordero explained.
Cordero added that the revision to be implemented this year is the revision that should have been done in 2002.
Some councilors in quandary what system to be implemented on garbage
TACLOBAN CITY – The members of the minority bloc of the city council said that they are confused what system is to be implemented by the city government to address garbage problem.
This after members of the minority bloc noticed in the proposed Annual Investment Plan as submitted by Mayor Alfred Romualdez to the city council for review and approval with a proposal of P70 million as fund in the construction of sanitary landfill.
“We are confused what is really the plan of the city government to address our garbage problem,” said Councilor Jerry Yaokasin.
“Is it by constructing our own sanitary landfill or through the German technology based of waste management,” Yaokasin added.
This German technology is called Stabilat and was presented to the city government by representative from Herhof in the previous session.
The company had seek for an authorization for the city mayor to enter into a memorandum of agreement with them and recently approved by members of the city council.
“We need to enlighten which of the two are to be used and implemented in the city,” he added.
The construction of sanitary landfill is mandated to all local government units based on the provision of the Ecological Solid Waste Management Act of the Philippines.
In the region, three cities (Calbayog Ormoc and Maasin) and a cluster of municipalities in Southern Leyte were able to comply with this provision.
Tacloban City, which is the center of the region, had not yet complied with this provision, even with several letters coming from the Environmental Management Bureau urging the city government to construct its own sanitary landfill and close the control dump site located in the northern barangay to avoid penalty or fine that are impose in the law.
This after members of the minority bloc noticed in the proposed Annual Investment Plan as submitted by Mayor Alfred Romualdez to the city council for review and approval with a proposal of P70 million as fund in the construction of sanitary landfill.
“We are confused what is really the plan of the city government to address our garbage problem,” said Councilor Jerry Yaokasin.
“Is it by constructing our own sanitary landfill or through the German technology based of waste management,” Yaokasin added.
This German technology is called Stabilat and was presented to the city government by representative from Herhof in the previous session.
The company had seek for an authorization for the city mayor to enter into a memorandum of agreement with them and recently approved by members of the city council.
“We need to enlighten which of the two are to be used and implemented in the city,” he added.
The construction of sanitary landfill is mandated to all local government units based on the provision of the Ecological Solid Waste Management Act of the Philippines.
In the region, three cities (Calbayog Ormoc and Maasin) and a cluster of municipalities in Southern Leyte were able to comply with this provision.
Tacloban City, which is the center of the region, had not yet complied with this provision, even with several letters coming from the Environmental Management Bureau urging the city government to construct its own sanitary landfill and close the control dump site located in the northern barangay to avoid penalty or fine that are impose in the law.
SMART to provide P2M support to Leyte LSA
TACLOBAN CITY – SMART Communication through their program SMART Sports promised to provide P 2 million as support to the program of the provincial government of Leyte to develop and enhance Leyte’s youth sports ability.
This amount was the outcome of recent meeting of Governor Carlos Jericho Petilla and SMART Communication President Manny Pangilinan and will be provided to the provincial government for two years.
But this is still subject for negotiations, according to Governor Petilla in his talk with the mayors, provincial board members and department heads of the province in the recent Provincial Development Council meeting held at the Governor’s Hall of Leyte Capitol.
“Leyte Sports Academy is the only facility in the country that they find to be provided with fund,” Governor Petilla said, citing its continuous function after it was rehabilitated for the Palarong Pambansa 2009 by training young athletes of the province.
“But what I hope is they fund it like what they did to the boxing arena in Misamis,” Petilla said.
“We are trying to get more, because the idea here is for the province not to spend more for the program,” Petilla added.
In order to get the funding from the telecommunication company, Governor Petilla said that athletes of LSA must perform well by producing more medals in every competition which in recent sports event participated by athletes of LSA most of the kids are able to grab medals particularly gold.
LSA is not just a facility for youth sports enhancement and development but also a facility for their academic performance.
Athletes of LSA are given full scholarship by the provincial government and are taking their academic class within the facility but enrolled in schools in their respective municipalities.
At present around 70 athletes are now enrolled in LSA mostly with an operating expense of P6 million since it started in 2009 and around P8 million budget for 2012 as the LSA management targets 100 scholars for next year.
Aside from the up-coming supports from SMART Communication, Governor Petilla said that Manny Pangilinan had already donated boxing gloves to LSA boxing athletes.
Petilla added that they are also forming a team that will seek help from big companies like Adidas and Nike, to provide LSA athletes uniforms and shoes to lessen expenses of the provincial government.
This amount was the outcome of recent meeting of Governor Carlos Jericho Petilla and SMART Communication President Manny Pangilinan and will be provided to the provincial government for two years.
But this is still subject for negotiations, according to Governor Petilla in his talk with the mayors, provincial board members and department heads of the province in the recent Provincial Development Council meeting held at the Governor’s Hall of Leyte Capitol.
“Leyte Sports Academy is the only facility in the country that they find to be provided with fund,” Governor Petilla said, citing its continuous function after it was rehabilitated for the Palarong Pambansa 2009 by training young athletes of the province.
“But what I hope is they fund it like what they did to the boxing arena in Misamis,” Petilla said.
“We are trying to get more, because the idea here is for the province not to spend more for the program,” Petilla added.
In order to get the funding from the telecommunication company, Governor Petilla said that athletes of LSA must perform well by producing more medals in every competition which in recent sports event participated by athletes of LSA most of the kids are able to grab medals particularly gold.
LSA is not just a facility for youth sports enhancement and development but also a facility for their academic performance.
Athletes of LSA are given full scholarship by the provincial government and are taking their academic class within the facility but enrolled in schools in their respective municipalities.
At present around 70 athletes are now enrolled in LSA mostly with an operating expense of P6 million since it started in 2009 and around P8 million budget for 2012 as the LSA management targets 100 scholars for next year.
Aside from the up-coming supports from SMART Communication, Governor Petilla said that Manny Pangilinan had already donated boxing gloves to LSA boxing athletes.
Petilla added that they are also forming a team that will seek help from big companies like Adidas and Nike, to provide LSA athletes uniforms and shoes to lessen expenses of the provincial government.
RDC-8 supports resolutions of RDC-5, 7 opposing re-imposition of ANCAR
GOVERNMENT CENTER, PALO – Members of the executive committee of the Regional Development Council (RDC) in this region supported the resolution passed by RDC 5 and 7, opposing the re-imposition of anti-carnapping clearance (ANCAR), a way to fight or reduce incidence of carnapping in the country.
ANCAR was first implemented in the Martial Law period until 2011.
The imposition of ANCAR was suggested by Police Director General Attorney Raulo Bacalso of the Philippine National Police National Headquarters in June 14, 2011 where he forwarded a draft to Executive Secretary Paquito Ochoa Jr on the re-imposition of clearance requirements for the transfer of motor vehicles from one island to another.
The PNP contends that the discontinuance of the transshipment clearance resulted in the proliferation of car theft because syndicate had used the situation to freely transport the stolen goods to other parts of the country.
This decision of RDC 8 to support the resolution of RDC 5 and 7 is based on the comments of government agencies and local government units asked to comment on the issue.
Based to the comment of Land Transportation Office, it was discontinued because the PNP realized that it was not a foolproof solution in preventing carnapping incidents and syndicates will just no longer transship or transfer their stolen motor vehicles to other islands to avoid apprehension.
The LTO therefore recommends that the PNP should post personnel in transshipment ports to check registration papers of transported motor vehicles.
On the part of the Department of Interior and Local Government, it commented that the Highway Patrol Group might not be able to implement the function in all ports due to lack of personnel and this may become a venue for corruption and abuse by some PNP personnel.
While the local government of Liloan in Southern Leyte, one of the areas in the region with a busiest port, recommended that the PNP must make sure that the Executive Order will not result to red tape and become a source of graft and suggested that HPG personnel must be always available at all times in every port.
The discontinuance of ANCAR imposition was ordered in May 11, 2004 by former President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo as part of her Nautical Highway Program that aims to promote efficient movement of passengers and goods across island in Luzon, Visayas and Mindanao resulting for the spur of trade and tourism and brought down the cost of goods from rural production areas to urban markets based on the statement of RDC 5.
RDC 5 added that based on the data of Highway Patrol Group on carnapping incidents from January to April 2011 reveal that 286 carnapping incidents are confined in Regions 1, 2,3, 4-A and National Capital Region.
In 654 carnapping incidents from that period, only 11 cases were committed outside Luzon.
ANCAR was first implemented in the Martial Law period until 2011.
The imposition of ANCAR was suggested by Police Director General Attorney Raulo Bacalso of the Philippine National Police National Headquarters in June 14, 2011 where he forwarded a draft to Executive Secretary Paquito Ochoa Jr on the re-imposition of clearance requirements for the transfer of motor vehicles from one island to another.
The PNP contends that the discontinuance of the transshipment clearance resulted in the proliferation of car theft because syndicate had used the situation to freely transport the stolen goods to other parts of the country.
This decision of RDC 8 to support the resolution of RDC 5 and 7 is based on the comments of government agencies and local government units asked to comment on the issue.
Based to the comment of Land Transportation Office, it was discontinued because the PNP realized that it was not a foolproof solution in preventing carnapping incidents and syndicates will just no longer transship or transfer their stolen motor vehicles to other islands to avoid apprehension.
The LTO therefore recommends that the PNP should post personnel in transshipment ports to check registration papers of transported motor vehicles.
On the part of the Department of Interior and Local Government, it commented that the Highway Patrol Group might not be able to implement the function in all ports due to lack of personnel and this may become a venue for corruption and abuse by some PNP personnel.
While the local government of Liloan in Southern Leyte, one of the areas in the region with a busiest port, recommended that the PNP must make sure that the Executive Order will not result to red tape and become a source of graft and suggested that HPG personnel must be always available at all times in every port.
The discontinuance of ANCAR imposition was ordered in May 11, 2004 by former President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo as part of her Nautical Highway Program that aims to promote efficient movement of passengers and goods across island in Luzon, Visayas and Mindanao resulting for the spur of trade and tourism and brought down the cost of goods from rural production areas to urban markets based on the statement of RDC 5.
RDC 5 added that based on the data of Highway Patrol Group on carnapping incidents from January to April 2011 reveal that 286 carnapping incidents are confined in Regions 1, 2,3, 4-A and National Capital Region.
In 654 carnapping incidents from that period, only 11 cases were committed outside Luzon.
Nicua Mining Corp harvests 155 cavans of palay in rehab field
MACARTHUR, Leyte – As of November 5, 2011, harvesting by Nicua Mining Corporation in rice fields which they rehabilitated, the firm was able to harvest a total of 155 sacks of palay.
This was revealed by Nicua Mining Corporation (Leyte Ironsand Corporation) officials during the visit of Board Member and committee chair on environment and natural resources Roque Tiu, representatives from the Mines and Geosciences Bureau (MGB) and the Provincial Agriculture Office.
The 155 sacks of palay were harvested from the 2.1 hectares of rice field that was fully rehabilitated by the mining firm.
The mining firm,which has rehabilitated 11 hectares of rice fields, is said to have its final harvesting on Nov. 22.
As the 2.1 hectares of land are already converted back to its original use as rice fields, the remaining one hectare was just planted with the legume but will be planted with palay.
About 18 hectares of rice fields were already mined by the mining firm, in the first ever rice field mining in the country, according to the Mines and Geosciences Bureau.
Moreover, it was noticed that the rehabilitation process that is being implemented by the mining firm was slow, as 11 hectares are already rehabilitated but only 3.1 hectares is fully rehabilitated as at this time.
Nicua officials reasoned out the occurrence of flooding was the reason why their rehabilitation procedure was slow.
To address this, they had elevated the areas that they had mined and will undergo rehabilitation process.
The mining firm it was learned, will conduct activities that include the drying of palay, repair of dikes, irrigation of paddies, harrowing, spreading of rice straws and construction of farm toilets.
This was revealed by Nicua Mining Corporation (Leyte Ironsand Corporation) officials during the visit of Board Member and committee chair on environment and natural resources Roque Tiu, representatives from the Mines and Geosciences Bureau (MGB) and the Provincial Agriculture Office.
The 155 sacks of palay were harvested from the 2.1 hectares of rice field that was fully rehabilitated by the mining firm.
The mining firm,which has rehabilitated 11 hectares of rice fields, is said to have its final harvesting on Nov. 22.
As the 2.1 hectares of land are already converted back to its original use as rice fields, the remaining one hectare was just planted with the legume but will be planted with palay.
About 18 hectares of rice fields were already mined by the mining firm, in the first ever rice field mining in the country, according to the Mines and Geosciences Bureau.
Moreover, it was noticed that the rehabilitation process that is being implemented by the mining firm was slow, as 11 hectares are already rehabilitated but only 3.1 hectares is fully rehabilitated as at this time.
Nicua officials reasoned out the occurrence of flooding was the reason why their rehabilitation procedure was slow.
To address this, they had elevated the areas that they had mined and will undergo rehabilitation process.
The mining firm it was learned, will conduct activities that include the drying of palay, repair of dikes, irrigation of paddies, harrowing, spreading of rice straws and construction of farm toilets.
Revised MOA of German firm presented anew to city council
TACLOBAN CITY – The revised memorandum of agreement of German firm Herhof was presented anew to the members of the city council during their recent session.
Based on the revised MOA, the company now asks the council members to grant Mayor Alfred Romualdez to enter into a MOA with Herhof.
From 99 years contract, it was reduced to 50 years contract and renewable for 25 years, Councilor Jerry “Sambo” Yaokasin said.
However, members of the city council noticed that in the revised MOA, the company did not include an early provision citing that they will start implementing the project within five years after the MOA is signed.
“We ask to insert in the MOA, that within one or two years after the MOA is signed they should be fully operational,” said Yaokasin.
Yaokasin added that based on the revised MOA, it states that once the garbage of the city do not reach 1,000 tons, garbage from other local government units may be dump in the garbage facility granting that the local government unit will pay for tipping fee.
The revised MOA also mention of BOT or Build and Transfer to Operate.However, the members of the city council criticized it as the facility should be turn over to the city government after 50 years of contract and should not be renewed for another 25 years.
“Another important thing that we should consider is this about technology,” said Yaokasin.
“After 25 years or 50 years this German technology might be obsolete already and another technology might be presented and maybe even better than this one,” he added.
“We asked them (Herhof) to be more specific for us to give the authority,” Yaokasin explained adding that their move is not to block the German company to operate here in Tacloban.
“This project aims to solve the problem on garbage that is why we wanted to support it,” he added.
Moreover, with the passage of the MOA, Yaokasin said that the chief executive of this city can now go to Germany to visit and study the technology that is being presented to them.
Based on the revised MOA, the company now asks the council members to grant Mayor Alfred Romualdez to enter into a MOA with Herhof.
From 99 years contract, it was reduced to 50 years contract and renewable for 25 years, Councilor Jerry “Sambo” Yaokasin said.
However, members of the city council noticed that in the revised MOA, the company did not include an early provision citing that they will start implementing the project within five years after the MOA is signed.
“We ask to insert in the MOA, that within one or two years after the MOA is signed they should be fully operational,” said Yaokasin.
Yaokasin added that based on the revised MOA, it states that once the garbage of the city do not reach 1,000 tons, garbage from other local government units may be dump in the garbage facility granting that the local government unit will pay for tipping fee.
The revised MOA also mention of BOT or Build and Transfer to Operate.However, the members of the city council criticized it as the facility should be turn over to the city government after 50 years of contract and should not be renewed for another 25 years.
“Another important thing that we should consider is this about technology,” said Yaokasin.
“After 25 years or 50 years this German technology might be obsolete already and another technology might be presented and maybe even better than this one,” he added.
“We asked them (Herhof) to be more specific for us to give the authority,” Yaokasin explained adding that their move is not to block the German company to operate here in Tacloban.
“This project aims to solve the problem on garbage that is why we wanted to support it,” he added.
Moreover, with the passage of the MOA, Yaokasin said that the chief executive of this city can now go to Germany to visit and study the technology that is being presented to them.
Thursday, November 17, 2011
Plan Phils. supports passage of RH bill
TACLOBAN CITY – Plan Phils. supports the Reproductive Health(RH) bill as it will provide the basic needs of every women particularly those who are in the family stage as it will help them learn basic information on how to protect themselves and the child they are conceiving, together with arrays of choices on how to plan the number of children they wanted to have.
Dr. Ester Miranda, health and nutrition consultant of Plan Phils Visayas, said that with the passage of the RH bill, all mothers will have access to information especially teenage girls who get pregnant early.
In the region, teenage pregnancy is prevalent, according to Miranda, and most of these young girls are not aware of the consequences of getting pregnant at an early stage.
She added that teenage pregnancies are not just prevalent in urban areas but mostly in the rural areas they had visited particularly in provinces in the island of Samar where Plan Phils is implementing some projects.
Girls as young as 14 years old to 16 years old, Miranda who appeared at the weekly press conference “Express it at the Park”, said that just like in Daram town, Samar, prevalence of pre-marital sex is high.
“If this bill will be passed, these children will be taught through the incorporation of sex education in their academic subjects of how they can protect themselves, respect and value their bodies in order for them not to engage into such kind of activity,” said Miranda.
“It is wrong to say that they will be taught with different sex position or how to use contraceptives because it is not part of the bill, but rather they are to be taught on the different changes that their body will be experiencing when they reache age of puberty and how they should deal with it,” she added.
“Just like girls who are about to have their menstrual cycle, they need to be taught that they have to protect their bodies and not to engage into activities that will cause them to get pregnant,” she added.
Dr. Miranda added that aside from schools teaching sex education, it is also the obligation of parents to teach their children on different stages that adolescent children are experiencing.
However, due to customs and culture of Filipinos, most parents are not open to discuss issue about sex to their children, which tends their children to get information from other sources like their peers, media (television and movies) and internet, according to Dr. Miranda.
“These sources are dangerous because they opt to get wrong information, unlike if they get it from the right person like the educators and their parents,” she added.
Dr. Miranda also accepts the fact that some teachers are still uncomfortable to discuss sensitive issues like sex with their children.
Miranda expressed her hope that the controversial bill will be passed immediately.
“We know that strong opposition is coming from the Catholic Church, but our leaders much also listen to other sectors of religion and not just to one religion, they must listen to what people are saying and visit the grassroots in order for them to decide appropriately and intelligently on the issue of RH bill, because it is only then that they can have a good decision once they get the sentiment of the people that they are representing,” Miranda stressed.
Dr. Ester Miranda, health and nutrition consultant of Plan Phils Visayas, said that with the passage of the RH bill, all mothers will have access to information especially teenage girls who get pregnant early.
In the region, teenage pregnancy is prevalent, according to Miranda, and most of these young girls are not aware of the consequences of getting pregnant at an early stage.
She added that teenage pregnancies are not just prevalent in urban areas but mostly in the rural areas they had visited particularly in provinces in the island of Samar where Plan Phils is implementing some projects.
Girls as young as 14 years old to 16 years old, Miranda who appeared at the weekly press conference “Express it at the Park”, said that just like in Daram town, Samar, prevalence of pre-marital sex is high.
“If this bill will be passed, these children will be taught through the incorporation of sex education in their academic subjects of how they can protect themselves, respect and value their bodies in order for them not to engage into such kind of activity,” said Miranda.
“It is wrong to say that they will be taught with different sex position or how to use contraceptives because it is not part of the bill, but rather they are to be taught on the different changes that their body will be experiencing when they reache age of puberty and how they should deal with it,” she added.
“Just like girls who are about to have their menstrual cycle, they need to be taught that they have to protect their bodies and not to engage into activities that will cause them to get pregnant,” she added.
Dr. Miranda added that aside from schools teaching sex education, it is also the obligation of parents to teach their children on different stages that adolescent children are experiencing.
However, due to customs and culture of Filipinos, most parents are not open to discuss issue about sex to their children, which tends their children to get information from other sources like their peers, media (television and movies) and internet, according to Dr. Miranda.
“These sources are dangerous because they opt to get wrong information, unlike if they get it from the right person like the educators and their parents,” she added.
Dr. Miranda also accepts the fact that some teachers are still uncomfortable to discuss sensitive issues like sex with their children.
Miranda expressed her hope that the controversial bill will be passed immediately.
“We know that strong opposition is coming from the Catholic Church, but our leaders much also listen to other sectors of religion and not just to one religion, they must listen to what people are saying and visit the grassroots in order for them to decide appropriately and intelligently on the issue of RH bill, because it is only then that they can have a good decision once they get the sentiment of the people that they are representing,” Miranda stressed.
DTI reiterates warning over unregulated Christmas lights
TACLOBAN CITY – The provincial office of the Department of Trade and Industry in Leyte warns the public over unregulated Christmas lights that are sold in the market as the Yuletide season is fast approaching.
Consumers, according to DTI Provincial Director Desiderio Belas, should check if the product they are going to buy had passed quality standards by the agency by checking its ICC or Import Commodity Clearance for imported Christmas lights and PS Mark or Product Standard mark for locally made Christmas lights.
The reason why it is important to check this marking, according to him, is to ensure their safety from untoward incident that may happen by using uncheck Christmas lights.
To ensure that the public will buy and use products that had passed that quality assurance of the agency, personnel of the DTI will conduct surprise visits to various stores in the region, to check the qualities of Christmas lights being sold.
Moreover, in line with the upcoming Christmas season, the agency will conduct a fair at their provincial office, selling “noche buena” goods on November 17.
The products to be sold are all provided with five percent discounts for they come directly from manufacturers.
The purpose for the “Diskwento Fair” of DTI, according Belas, is to encourage consumers to buy early the ingredients that they needs for their “noche buena” dinner as some retail stores may take advantage, due to the increase of demand.
Consumers, according to DTI Provincial Director Desiderio Belas, should check if the product they are going to buy had passed quality standards by the agency by checking its ICC or Import Commodity Clearance for imported Christmas lights and PS Mark or Product Standard mark for locally made Christmas lights.
The reason why it is important to check this marking, according to him, is to ensure their safety from untoward incident that may happen by using uncheck Christmas lights.
To ensure that the public will buy and use products that had passed that quality assurance of the agency, personnel of the DTI will conduct surprise visits to various stores in the region, to check the qualities of Christmas lights being sold.
Moreover, in line with the upcoming Christmas season, the agency will conduct a fair at their provincial office, selling “noche buena” goods on November 17.
The products to be sold are all provided with five percent discounts for they come directly from manufacturers.
The purpose for the “Diskwento Fair” of DTI, according Belas, is to encourage consumers to buy early the ingredients that they needs for their “noche buena” dinner as some retail stores may take advantage, due to the increase of demand.
Civil society group urges gov’t to manage its funds carefully
TACLOBAN CITY – A civil society group had urged the government to use and manage its funds carefully to ensure that all basic sectors of society is provided with appropriate fund intended for delivery of basic services.
Cagayan Rep. Juan Ponce Enrile Jr. (right) , assisted by Mayor Remedios Petilla of Palo, Leyte, cuts the ceremonial ribbon during the inauguration of the new outpatient department (OPD) building of the Leyte Provincial Hospital. LITO ABALA BAGUNAS
“Education and health sectors are among those needs bigger budget but sad to say these two sectors also suffers from budget cut that the government had implemented this year,” according to Ana Malindog, executive director of People Partner for Development and Democracy.
Of the two, the education sector suffers the biggest budget cut particularly the state universities and colleges, according to Malindog.
In the National Expenditure Program (NEP) for 2012, 50 schools (SUCs) will have their total budget slashed by a combined P569.8 million, 45 will have cuts in their Maintenance and Operating Expenses (MOOE) funds by P250.9 million, while 58 will have cuts in Personal Services (PS) by P403.3 million.
While there is an increase on proposed P42.693billion health budget for 2012 from this year’s P32.427 billion, the increase is considered inadequate considering the steady inflation, increase in the prices of medicines and medical equipment.
The bigger portion of the increase of P12.5 billion is allotted to PhilHealth (P8.5 billion more from its 2011 budget) and another P3 billion is allotted for government equity for Public-Private Partnership in 25 regional hospitals.
The proposed 2012 health budget is a far cry from the World Health Organization’s (WHO) recommendation of 5% of gross national product (GNP) that should be allotted for health, which is around P440 billion.
Reason why the government is implementing a budget cut is they focus more on debt servicing, according to Malindog.
“The priority right now of the Philippine government is on debt servicing, we have to ask, is it really necessary or is it important at this moment to pay our debt?,” asked Malindog.
Aside from debt serving, Malindog added that the government is also focusing on modernization of the Armed Forces.
“Is there really a war to fight, for us to modernize the military? Malindog asked.
To recall, the President had ordered to provide P10 billion fund for the modernization of the Armed Forces which would be sourced from appropriations of the 2010 and 2011 national budget at P5 billion each.
From the P5 billion fund from 2010, the AFP plans to equip the Philippine Army with armored personnel carriers and radios while the Philippine Navy intends to procure a sea-lift vessel, and the Philippine Air Force targets to acquire one special mission aircraft and two lift aircraft amounting to P1.6 billion.
The remaining P5 billion in the 2011 appropriations is intended to fund civil military operations, health services and disaster response activities.
This includes acquiring 32 five-ton dump trucks and 55 special-purpose vehicles for the Army; two search-and-rescue helicopters; and 30 special-purpose vehicles and 15 amphibian vehicles for the Navy.
Aside from the two focus of the government, Malindog added that another lapse of the government in appropriating budget is by funding projects that are not carefully studied, just like the implementation of conditional cash transfer program.
Cagayan Rep. Juan Ponce Enrile Jr. (right) , assisted by Mayor Remedios Petilla of Palo, Leyte, cuts the ceremonial ribbon during the inauguration of the new outpatient department (OPD) building of the Leyte Provincial Hospital. LITO ABALA BAGUNAS
“Education and health sectors are among those needs bigger budget but sad to say these two sectors also suffers from budget cut that the government had implemented this year,” according to Ana Malindog, executive director of People Partner for Development and Democracy.
Of the two, the education sector suffers the biggest budget cut particularly the state universities and colleges, according to Malindog.
In the National Expenditure Program (NEP) for 2012, 50 schools (SUCs) will have their total budget slashed by a combined P569.8 million, 45 will have cuts in their Maintenance and Operating Expenses (MOOE) funds by P250.9 million, while 58 will have cuts in Personal Services (PS) by P403.3 million.
While there is an increase on proposed P42.693billion health budget for 2012 from this year’s P32.427 billion, the increase is considered inadequate considering the steady inflation, increase in the prices of medicines and medical equipment.
The bigger portion of the increase of P12.5 billion is allotted to PhilHealth (P8.5 billion more from its 2011 budget) and another P3 billion is allotted for government equity for Public-Private Partnership in 25 regional hospitals.
The proposed 2012 health budget is a far cry from the World Health Organization’s (WHO) recommendation of 5% of gross national product (GNP) that should be allotted for health, which is around P440 billion.
Reason why the government is implementing a budget cut is they focus more on debt servicing, according to Malindog.
“The priority right now of the Philippine government is on debt servicing, we have to ask, is it really necessary or is it important at this moment to pay our debt?,” asked Malindog.
Aside from debt serving, Malindog added that the government is also focusing on modernization of the Armed Forces.
“Is there really a war to fight, for us to modernize the military? Malindog asked.
To recall, the President had ordered to provide P10 billion fund for the modernization of the Armed Forces which would be sourced from appropriations of the 2010 and 2011 national budget at P5 billion each.
From the P5 billion fund from 2010, the AFP plans to equip the Philippine Army with armored personnel carriers and radios while the Philippine Navy intends to procure a sea-lift vessel, and the Philippine Air Force targets to acquire one special mission aircraft and two lift aircraft amounting to P1.6 billion.
The remaining P5 billion in the 2011 appropriations is intended to fund civil military operations, health services and disaster response activities.
This includes acquiring 32 five-ton dump trucks and 55 special-purpose vehicles for the Army; two search-and-rescue helicopters; and 30 special-purpose vehicles and 15 amphibian vehicles for the Navy.
Aside from the two focus of the government, Malindog added that another lapse of the government in appropriating budget is by funding projects that are not carefully studied, just like the implementation of conditional cash transfer program.
Laboratory building for LPH inaugurated
PALO,Leyte- A new building that will serves as the Out Patient Department and Laboratory Building for the Leyte Provincial Hospital was formally inaugurated recently.
Representative Juan Ponce Enrile, Jr. of the first district of Cagayan Valley served as guest of honor in behalf of his father, Senator Juan Ponce Enrile, Sr.
The building was provided to the provincial government using fund from the office of Senator Enrile with an amount of P10 million as part of his effort to help health sector in providing basic health services to the people and in support to the program of the provincial government enhancing the health facilities in the province.
During the turn-over of the building, Rep.Enrile promised that aside from the support of the health sector in the province of Leyte, he assured that his father is always open to provide assistance in every problem or needs of the constituency of Leyte.
This announcement of Enrile was gladly accepted by the management of the LPH and officials of the province who were present at the turn-over ceremony.
Aside from the funds that was provided by the senator, it was also learned that Governor Jericho “Icot” Petilla contributed a fund for an additional building, after the province was able to save around P500,000 from the funds that was given by Senator Enrile.
Among those who graced the turn-over ceremony were League of the Municipalities of the Philippines – Leyte Chapter president and Palo Mayor Remedios “Matin” Petilla; Leyte Vice Governor Mimiette Bagulaya and Board Members Roque Tiu and Malou Go-Soco and barangay officials from the municipality of Palo.
Representative Juan Ponce Enrile, Jr. of the first district of Cagayan Valley served as guest of honor in behalf of his father, Senator Juan Ponce Enrile, Sr.
The building was provided to the provincial government using fund from the office of Senator Enrile with an amount of P10 million as part of his effort to help health sector in providing basic health services to the people and in support to the program of the provincial government enhancing the health facilities in the province.
During the turn-over of the building, Rep.Enrile promised that aside from the support of the health sector in the province of Leyte, he assured that his father is always open to provide assistance in every problem or needs of the constituency of Leyte.
This announcement of Enrile was gladly accepted by the management of the LPH and officials of the province who were present at the turn-over ceremony.
Aside from the funds that was provided by the senator, it was also learned that Governor Jericho “Icot” Petilla contributed a fund for an additional building, after the province was able to save around P500,000 from the funds that was given by Senator Enrile.
Among those who graced the turn-over ceremony were League of the Municipalities of the Philippines – Leyte Chapter president and Palo Mayor Remedios “Matin” Petilla; Leyte Vice Governor Mimiette Bagulaya and Board Members Roque Tiu and Malou Go-Soco and barangay officials from the municipality of Palo.
City council to conduct public hearing on new revenue code
TACLOBAN CITY – The committee on finance of the Sangguniang Panlungsod of Tacloban will conduct a public hearing with regards to the proposed revision of city’s revenue code on Nov. 18 and 21 at the Kanhuraw Convention Center and at the Sagkahan Gymnasium.
The public hearing is to be headed by committee on finance chairman Councilor Cristina Romualdez.
The revision of the revenue code has been asked by Mayor Alfred Romualdez for it has been 15 years since it was updated and according to him it had been two years since the city status was upgraded as a highly-urbanized city yet the revenue code remains at revision eight.
However, this move for revision of the city’s revenue code is being criticized by some members of the city council particularly members of the opposition bloc.
Among them is Councilor Jerry “Sambo” Yaokasin, who was once an ally of the city mayor particularly during the HUC campaign.
In an interview with Yaokasin, he recalled that among the promises they made to Taclobanons was there would be no tax increase for the next five years.
“If they will pursue with the passage of the revenue code they will be breaking their promise, because we are still under the five years promise of no tax increase, if there will be an increase that should be in 2013,” Yaokasin explained.
Yaokasin added that under the proposed ordinance seeking for the the revision of the revenue code, members of the opposition bloc had asked that their names be erased as proponents as they withdrew as co-sponsor of the proposed measure.
“But I hope that all voices of the city council will be heard once this is brought up in the floor,” Yaokasin added.
Earlier, the regional office of the Department of the Interior and Local Government had asked all local government units in the region to find ways to improve their finances and should not continue depending on their share on the internal revenue allotment(IRA).
Among the mechanisms proposed by the DILG was to update the revenue code of the LGUs.
The public hearing is to be headed by committee on finance chairman Councilor Cristina Romualdez.
The revision of the revenue code has been asked by Mayor Alfred Romualdez for it has been 15 years since it was updated and according to him it had been two years since the city status was upgraded as a highly-urbanized city yet the revenue code remains at revision eight.
However, this move for revision of the city’s revenue code is being criticized by some members of the city council particularly members of the opposition bloc.
Among them is Councilor Jerry “Sambo” Yaokasin, who was once an ally of the city mayor particularly during the HUC campaign.
In an interview with Yaokasin, he recalled that among the promises they made to Taclobanons was there would be no tax increase for the next five years.
“If they will pursue with the passage of the revenue code they will be breaking their promise, because we are still under the five years promise of no tax increase, if there will be an increase that should be in 2013,” Yaokasin explained.
Yaokasin added that under the proposed ordinance seeking for the the revision of the revenue code, members of the opposition bloc had asked that their names be erased as proponents as they withdrew as co-sponsor of the proposed measure.
“But I hope that all voices of the city council will be heard once this is brought up in the floor,” Yaokasin added.
Earlier, the regional office of the Department of the Interior and Local Government had asked all local government units in the region to find ways to improve their finances and should not continue depending on their share on the internal revenue allotment(IRA).
Among the mechanisms proposed by the DILG was to update the revenue code of the LGUs.
Gov’t agencies should talk first their stand on mining – BM Tiu
TACLOBAN CITY – National line government agencies should talk first with each other in relation to their stand on the issue of mining operation, said Leyte first district Board Member Roque Tiu, chairman of the committee on environment and natural resources.
This statement of Tiu is based on the different stand of national line agencies in the region on the issuance of permits to mining applicants in the province.
The provincial board of Leyte prior to issuance of mining permits had urged the Mines and Geosciences Bureau (MGB) to include them in consultation and for asking a resolution prior to granting mining permits.
In every consultation that the provincial board holds together with some members of national line-agencies, it was noticed that most of them are opposing to any mining operations.
National line agencies that opposes mining operation are the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR), National Irrigation Administration (NIA) and the Department of Agriculture (DA).
Among the reasons of these agencies is that mining activities is detrimental to the environment, destroying the natural eco-system affecting livelihood of people.
“With this kind of problem, the best thing to do is for the representatives of these line agencies to talk first and come up with one decision whether they will oppose or not the activities of mining in the province,” said Tiu.
“No matter how we like to grant a resolution to mining companies, if there are agencies that are opposing we cannot do so,” he added.
Tiu added that on the issue of favoring a mining firm to operate in the province, their top consideration is the ability of the mining firm to implement their social responsibility and the rehabilitation process based on what they had proposed in their application.
He added that members of the provincial board are strong in their decision to oppose off-shore mining as majority of people in the province are dependent on fishing and it is hard to detect the damage that is caused by mining operation when it comes to seawater.
Aside from the members of the provincial board, members of the League of Municipalities of the Philippines-Leyte Chapter through a resolution signed by members of the organization had strongly opposed to any off-shore mining.
This statement of Tiu is based on the different stand of national line agencies in the region on the issuance of permits to mining applicants in the province.
The provincial board of Leyte prior to issuance of mining permits had urged the Mines and Geosciences Bureau (MGB) to include them in consultation and for asking a resolution prior to granting mining permits.
In every consultation that the provincial board holds together with some members of national line-agencies, it was noticed that most of them are opposing to any mining operations.
National line agencies that opposes mining operation are the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR), National Irrigation Administration (NIA) and the Department of Agriculture (DA).
Among the reasons of these agencies is that mining activities is detrimental to the environment, destroying the natural eco-system affecting livelihood of people.
“With this kind of problem, the best thing to do is for the representatives of these line agencies to talk first and come up with one decision whether they will oppose or not the activities of mining in the province,” said Tiu.
“No matter how we like to grant a resolution to mining companies, if there are agencies that are opposing we cannot do so,” he added.
Tiu added that on the issue of favoring a mining firm to operate in the province, their top consideration is the ability of the mining firm to implement their social responsibility and the rehabilitation process based on what they had proposed in their application.
He added that members of the provincial board are strong in their decision to oppose off-shore mining as majority of people in the province are dependent on fishing and it is hard to detect the damage that is caused by mining operation when it comes to seawater.
Aside from the members of the provincial board, members of the League of Municipalities of the Philippines-Leyte Chapter through a resolution signed by members of the organization had strongly opposed to any off-shore mining.
Board Member Tiu supports HB 4626
TACLOBAN CITY – Leyte Board Member and committee chair on environment and natural resources Roque Tiu, said that he supports proposed House Bill 4626 of Rep. Juan Ponce Enrile, Jr. that aims for the country to attain food sufficiency and security.
Enrile was in the province for a dialogue with farmers organizations in Leyte regarding his proposed bill which aims to establish a national food requirement plan wherein all provinces would have a food requirement assessment to determine the needs of the people.
Aside from free irrigation program for farmers, increase subsidy on seeds and fertilizers, ensure farm inputs, and establishment of anti-smuggling task force for the Department of Agriculture (DA) another salient feature of the law is the non-conversion of land to other purpose particularly on agricultural lands that had long been targets of conversion by some investors, converting them for residential, commercial, industrial and for mining use which is very important, according to Tiu.
“When I heard about this proposed bill of Rep. Enrile, I felt glad about it because this supports the food production program of the provincial government and answers the cry of our constituents begging the government not to touch and allow mining companies to let agricultural lands be converted into other use,” Tiu said.
Several agricultural lands in Leyte have been converted into mining sites, resulting to a reduced palay production.
One of these areas is in MacArthur town where there are three mining firms that are conducting their mining operations.
“This really affects our food production and our food security,” Tiu stressed.
To show his support, Tiu said that in their next regular session, he will submit a resolution in behalf of the province of Leyte supporting the bill of Enrile.
Moreover, even the President had already made a statement supporting large-scale mining, Tiu said, that operation of these mining firms should be check first whether their operation has no detrimental effect on the environment and damages projects that are funded by the government.
“There should be safety nets for large-scale mining; they should assure that no places or projects are to be affected while their operation is on-going,” Tiu said.
Enrile was in the province for a dialogue with farmers organizations in Leyte regarding his proposed bill which aims to establish a national food requirement plan wherein all provinces would have a food requirement assessment to determine the needs of the people.
Aside from free irrigation program for farmers, increase subsidy on seeds and fertilizers, ensure farm inputs, and establishment of anti-smuggling task force for the Department of Agriculture (DA) another salient feature of the law is the non-conversion of land to other purpose particularly on agricultural lands that had long been targets of conversion by some investors, converting them for residential, commercial, industrial and for mining use which is very important, according to Tiu.
“When I heard about this proposed bill of Rep. Enrile, I felt glad about it because this supports the food production program of the provincial government and answers the cry of our constituents begging the government not to touch and allow mining companies to let agricultural lands be converted into other use,” Tiu said.
Several agricultural lands in Leyte have been converted into mining sites, resulting to a reduced palay production.
One of these areas is in MacArthur town where there are three mining firms that are conducting their mining operations.
“This really affects our food production and our food security,” Tiu stressed.
To show his support, Tiu said that in their next regular session, he will submit a resolution in behalf of the province of Leyte supporting the bill of Enrile.
Moreover, even the President had already made a statement supporting large-scale mining, Tiu said, that operation of these mining firms should be check first whether their operation has no detrimental effect on the environment and damages projects that are funded by the government.
“There should be safety nets for large-scale mining; they should assure that no places or projects are to be affected while their operation is on-going,” Tiu said.
City council asks TOMECO, traffic light supplier to appear in regular session
TACLOBAN CITY – The Traffic Enforcement Operations Management, Enforcement and Control Office (TOMECO) and supplier of the newly-installed traffic lights in the city of Tacloban authorize representative were decided by members of the Sangguniang Panlungsod of Tacloban to request for appearance in the forthcoming regular session.
This is due to the problems on newly- installed traffic lights that were observed by members of the city council to be in need of calibration, Councilor Jerry “Sambo” Yaokasin explained.
“We are worried because we are already foreseeing that in this coming month of December, there will be a problem on traffic due to the bulk of passengers and vehicles that will use city roads,” Yaokasin said.
Yaokasin added that some council members had observed that traffic lights are not in sync.
“Just like in the traffic light near market area, after “stop signal or red light”, go signal or green light will immediately be on without turning the yellow light or the stand-by or prepare signal,” Yaokasin explains.
“Traffic lights in Paterno corner Imelda Veteranos has also problem as according to one of my colleague, there are times that all green light are on at the same time,” he added.
“Until now these problems have not yet been addressed,” Yaokasin stressed.
Yaokasin added that aside from the problem on traffic lights, they had also found out that the calibration of the traffic lights once problem is experienced was not included in the contract that the city government and the supplier had entered into.
“There were no member of TOMECO who are trained to calibrate these traffic lights, which the supplier should have done before or after these traffic lights were installed,” he stressed.
This is due to the problems on newly- installed traffic lights that were observed by members of the city council to be in need of calibration, Councilor Jerry “Sambo” Yaokasin explained.
“We are worried because we are already foreseeing that in this coming month of December, there will be a problem on traffic due to the bulk of passengers and vehicles that will use city roads,” Yaokasin said.
Yaokasin added that some council members had observed that traffic lights are not in sync.
“Just like in the traffic light near market area, after “stop signal or red light”, go signal or green light will immediately be on without turning the yellow light or the stand-by or prepare signal,” Yaokasin explains.
“Traffic lights in Paterno corner Imelda Veteranos has also problem as according to one of my colleague, there are times that all green light are on at the same time,” he added.
“Until now these problems have not yet been addressed,” Yaokasin stressed.
Yaokasin added that aside from the problem on traffic lights, they had also found out that the calibration of the traffic lights once problem is experienced was not included in the contract that the city government and the supplier had entered into.
“There were no member of TOMECO who are trained to calibrate these traffic lights, which the supplier should have done before or after these traffic lights were installed,” he stressed.
City councilors uncertain on success of Mactan-based water provider
TACLOBAN CITY – Some members of the Sangguniang Panlungsod of Tacloban expressed their uncertainty over the report that a water distributor based in Cebu is planning to provide water services for the water concessionaires of the city particularly those who are residing at the northern part of the city.
In the weekly press conference at the Sangguniang Panlungsod session hall, sponsored by members of the opposition bloc, City Vice-Mayor Arvin Antoni and Councilor Neil Glova said that there is a possibility that the project will not pursue.
Cited by the two city officials is the Memorandum of Understanding that the city government represented by Mayor Alfred Romualdez and management of Mactan Rock Industry Incorporated had entered into.
According to Vice-Mayor Antoni, based on the MOU of the two party which was approved and ratified by members of the city council last December 2010, the company after the ordinance was ratified will have six months to submit the result of their study to the city council.
If the company failed to submit the result of their study and research within six months, the MOU, according to Antoni, is considered as null and void.
“There is no more MOU if it lapses six months based on the signed agreement” Antoni stressed.
“Since December of last year, it is already over six months, and granting that the MOU was signed in the month of February it is still over six months as prescribed and mandated in the ratified MOU,” explained Antoni.
Earlier this week, the city government represented by its former city administrator Bobby Moñus and officials of Mactan Rock Industry Incorporated headed by it President and CEO Lito Maderazo and legal counsel Attorney Alan Gaviola announces that the water company will be operating in the city this after their company had already finished their study on possible source of water for distribution.
The officials of the water company said that their source will be the Tigbao river, ground water and rain catching.
Around P100 million is their initial cost for putting-up the facility and targeting last quarter of next year for their full operation.
In the weekly press conference at the Sangguniang Panlungsod session hall, sponsored by members of the opposition bloc, City Vice-Mayor Arvin Antoni and Councilor Neil Glova said that there is a possibility that the project will not pursue.
Cited by the two city officials is the Memorandum of Understanding that the city government represented by Mayor Alfred Romualdez and management of Mactan Rock Industry Incorporated had entered into.
According to Vice-Mayor Antoni, based on the MOU of the two party which was approved and ratified by members of the city council last December 2010, the company after the ordinance was ratified will have six months to submit the result of their study to the city council.
If the company failed to submit the result of their study and research within six months, the MOU, according to Antoni, is considered as null and void.
“There is no more MOU if it lapses six months based on the signed agreement” Antoni stressed.
“Since December of last year, it is already over six months, and granting that the MOU was signed in the month of February it is still over six months as prescribed and mandated in the ratified MOU,” explained Antoni.
Earlier this week, the city government represented by its former city administrator Bobby Moñus and officials of Mactan Rock Industry Incorporated headed by it President and CEO Lito Maderazo and legal counsel Attorney Alan Gaviola announces that the water company will be operating in the city this after their company had already finished their study on possible source of water for distribution.
The officials of the water company said that their source will be the Tigbao river, ground water and rain catching.
Around P100 million is their initial cost for putting-up the facility and targeting last quarter of next year for their full operation.
Free assessment, evaluation of children with special needs to be held Nov. 20-21
TACLOBAN CITY – The members of the Autism Society of the Philippines–Tacloban Chapter will host a free assessment and evaluation of children with special needs on November 20 to 21 at the Balyuan Convention Center.
Eleven therapists consisting of occupational therapists, speech pathologists and members of the University of the Philippines Allied of Medical Profession are to join in the two-day activity.
The two-day activity is supported by the city government of Tacloban, City Social Welfare and Development Office, Department of Health, Department of Social Welfare and Development and the Leyte Normal University.
The organizers are expecting 150 children from all over the region to be provided with the services in the assessment and evaluation.
“The project is to give a chance to children with special needs in the region to have access to speech pathologist and occupational therapist,” said Dr. Geraldine Abuyabor in the weekly press forum “Express it at the Park”.
“Parents or their caregiver will be taught on how to deal with children who cannot comprehend with their daily living though the assessment that the therapist will conduct on that day,” Abuyabor added.
Aside from children with special needs who belong to less fortunate family, Abuyabor said that the activity is also open for those who have not yet receive or acquire services of therapists.
At present, one occupational therapist and two speech pathologists currently reside and practice in the region, according to Abuyabor.
Aside from the therapists, students of LNU who are taking SPED class are also to join and observe the activity, according to Professor Firie Jill Ramos.
Eleven therapists consisting of occupational therapists, speech pathologists and members of the University of the Philippines Allied of Medical Profession are to join in the two-day activity.
The two-day activity is supported by the city government of Tacloban, City Social Welfare and Development Office, Department of Health, Department of Social Welfare and Development and the Leyte Normal University.
The organizers are expecting 150 children from all over the region to be provided with the services in the assessment and evaluation.
“The project is to give a chance to children with special needs in the region to have access to speech pathologist and occupational therapist,” said Dr. Geraldine Abuyabor in the weekly press forum “Express it at the Park”.
“Parents or their caregiver will be taught on how to deal with children who cannot comprehend with their daily living though the assessment that the therapist will conduct on that day,” Abuyabor added.
Aside from children with special needs who belong to less fortunate family, Abuyabor said that the activity is also open for those who have not yet receive or acquire services of therapists.
At present, one occupational therapist and two speech pathologists currently reside and practice in the region, according to Abuyabor.
Aside from the therapists, students of LNU who are taking SPED class are also to join and observe the activity, according to Professor Firie Jill Ramos.
Amendments made on memo circulars about full disclosure policy — DILG
TACLOBAN CITY – The secretary of the Department of Interior and Local Government issued an amendment to Memorandum Circular 2010-83 through a Memorandum Circular 2011-134 in relation to Full Disclosure Policy of the government.
Thus said DILG Regional Director Pedro Noval Jr..during the weekly press forum “Express it at the Park” held at the Leyte Park Resort.
Under the amended memorandum circular, Noval said that cities and provinces are mandated to have their own websites where they have to post all transactions like biddings.
This, aside from posting their documents in three conspicuous places and published in newspaper in general circulation.
He added that local government units can also post their documents in privately-owned buildings and facilities where the public usually converge, including those owned by religious groups and chamber of commerce.
“But, they must ask for permission first from the management of the facility and the expenses or cost of installing bulletin board will be shoulder by the local government units,” Noval added.
Noval also disclosed that barangay officials are also mandated to implement the memorandum circular.
As part of their campaign to encourage LGU in implementing the Full Disclosure Policy, their agency provides incentives in the form of monetary amount.
In the region, aside from the provincial government of Leyte, other LGUs that were awarded by the DILG for implementing Full Disclosure Policy of the government were the municipalities of Biliran, Almeria, Guiuan, Alang-alang, Burauen, Jaro, Hinunangan, and Laoang, while Ormoc is the only city in the region that was given with recognition by the agency as part of their Full Disclosure Policy.
Thus said DILG Regional Director Pedro Noval Jr..during the weekly press forum “Express it at the Park” held at the Leyte Park Resort.
Under the amended memorandum circular, Noval said that cities and provinces are mandated to have their own websites where they have to post all transactions like biddings.
This, aside from posting their documents in three conspicuous places and published in newspaper in general circulation.
He added that local government units can also post their documents in privately-owned buildings and facilities where the public usually converge, including those owned by religious groups and chamber of commerce.
“But, they must ask for permission first from the management of the facility and the expenses or cost of installing bulletin board will be shoulder by the local government units,” Noval added.
Noval also disclosed that barangay officials are also mandated to implement the memorandum circular.
As part of their campaign to encourage LGU in implementing the Full Disclosure Policy, their agency provides incentives in the form of monetary amount.
In the region, aside from the provincial government of Leyte, other LGUs that were awarded by the DILG for implementing Full Disclosure Policy of the government were the municipalities of Biliran, Almeria, Guiuan, Alang-alang, Burauen, Jaro, Hinunangan, and Laoang, while Ormoc is the only city in the region that was given with recognition by the agency as part of their Full Disclosure Policy.
Solon says PNoy flip flops over passage of FOI bill
TACLOBAN CITY – “It was so disgusting and we felt bad about it that the President suddenly felt cold to touch the Freedom of Information bill that we proposed in Congress,” thus said Bayan Muna Representative Neri Colmenares at the weekly press forum “Express it at the Park”.
Rep.Colmenares said that in the first year of the Aquino administration, the President was very supportive to the bill, however, the President has change his mind in his position to the proposed bill.
Aquino said that his government is not yet ready to support the bill as some people might abuse it.
Colmenares recalled that during the 14th Congress where President Aquino was still a member of the Senate, Aquino was very supportive for the passage of the bill that reached third reading.
Due to problem of quorum, the FOI was not approved by members of the previous Congress.
While in the 15th Congress, Colmenares said that the bill it was not also approved and remained on second reading.
“It doesn’t sound good that the present administration is eager to open the record of the former administration of GMA, yet in this administration we cannot do so,” Colmenares said.
“If the government is really serious in fighting corruption, they must support for the passage of this bill,” he added.
At present, Colmenares said that he still doesn’t know the number of representatives supporting the bill, as most of those who are supporting it in the previous Congress are allied of Aquino.
“I hope that my fellow congressmen will stand to their decision when they supported the bill in the previous Congress. I hope that they will support the passage of said bill in this Congress,” he added.
“We are representatives of the people, therefore we should serve them and not just one person…we hope that P-noy will change his decision again,” Colmenares added.
Rep.Colmenares said that in the first year of the Aquino administration, the President was very supportive to the bill, however, the President has change his mind in his position to the proposed bill.
Aquino said that his government is not yet ready to support the bill as some people might abuse it.
Colmenares recalled that during the 14th Congress where President Aquino was still a member of the Senate, Aquino was very supportive for the passage of the bill that reached third reading.
Due to problem of quorum, the FOI was not approved by members of the previous Congress.
While in the 15th Congress, Colmenares said that the bill it was not also approved and remained on second reading.
“It doesn’t sound good that the present administration is eager to open the record of the former administration of GMA, yet in this administration we cannot do so,” Colmenares said.
“If the government is really serious in fighting corruption, they must support for the passage of this bill,” he added.
At present, Colmenares said that he still doesn’t know the number of representatives supporting the bill, as most of those who are supporting it in the previous Congress are allied of Aquino.
“I hope that my fellow congressmen will stand to their decision when they supported the bill in the previous Congress. I hope that they will support the passage of said bill in this Congress,” he added.
“We are representatives of the people, therefore we should serve them and not just one person…we hope that P-noy will change his decision again,” Colmenares added.
RH bill not anti-life, says Rep. Colmenares
TACLOBAN CITY – Although they believe that Reproductive Health(RH) bill is not anti-life, Bayan Muna party-list Representative Neri Colmenares said that they are open to accept comments from those who are opposing the bill, in order for them to carefully study the controveria measure.
This reaction of Colmenares was made after he had a brief dialogue with a religious group based in this city regarding their stand on RH bill.
The religious group from this city stressed that the RH bill is an anti-life bill as it promotes the use of contraceptives and the bill provides that it should be included in essential drugs.
They added that once said bill is passed, the fate of the Philippines will be the same with other countries that are implementing reproductive health law, where population is now dwindling.
Hearing this comment, Colmenares stressed that it is their firm stand that RH bill is not an anti-life bill or promoting use of contraceptives and encouraging abortion.
“I have read the bill, all its provisions and I never encounter any sentence or word that promotes abortion,” said Colmenares.
“What the RH bill is promoting is the right of every woman, to have access to health services that are due to them especially married and pregnant women,” Colmenares added.
“However if there are portions of the bill that is seen to have problems or having contradiction from beliefs of other sectors, I will be glad to hear those comments for me to study them and if possible make changes on the proposed bill,” he added.
To recall, few days before Colmenares visited the city, a forum for RH bill was conducted at the Leyte National High School Gymnasium sponsored by Purple Ribbon Campaign Coalition, a group of several organizations supporting the bill.
Said group is urging members of Congress particularly representatives in the region to support the measure and set aside politics and listen not just from one sect of religion but including other religions and what people are saying.
In the region, among representatives who have strongly voiced out their opposition to the passage of the RH bill were Leyte Representatives Lucy Torres-Gomez, Sergio Apostol and An Waray party-list Representative Florencio “Bem” Noel.
Among them, Noel became controversial after having a slight tiff with his wife who supports the RH bill being a member of “Soul Sister,” a group of female members of Congress.
However, thiir differences, according to couple, is part of their professional job as legislators and will not affect their personal life.
Noe said that his opposition to RH bill was due to his beliefs that problem of poverty and overpopulation will be address if the government will focus on addressing problems in the countryside.
This reaction of Colmenares was made after he had a brief dialogue with a religious group based in this city regarding their stand on RH bill.
The religious group from this city stressed that the RH bill is an anti-life bill as it promotes the use of contraceptives and the bill provides that it should be included in essential drugs.
They added that once said bill is passed, the fate of the Philippines will be the same with other countries that are implementing reproductive health law, where population is now dwindling.
Hearing this comment, Colmenares stressed that it is their firm stand that RH bill is not an anti-life bill or promoting use of contraceptives and encouraging abortion.
“I have read the bill, all its provisions and I never encounter any sentence or word that promotes abortion,” said Colmenares.
“What the RH bill is promoting is the right of every woman, to have access to health services that are due to them especially married and pregnant women,” Colmenares added.
“However if there are portions of the bill that is seen to have problems or having contradiction from beliefs of other sectors, I will be glad to hear those comments for me to study them and if possible make changes on the proposed bill,” he added.
To recall, few days before Colmenares visited the city, a forum for RH bill was conducted at the Leyte National High School Gymnasium sponsored by Purple Ribbon Campaign Coalition, a group of several organizations supporting the bill.
Said group is urging members of Congress particularly representatives in the region to support the measure and set aside politics and listen not just from one sect of religion but including other religions and what people are saying.
In the region, among representatives who have strongly voiced out their opposition to the passage of the RH bill were Leyte Representatives Lucy Torres-Gomez, Sergio Apostol and An Waray party-list Representative Florencio “Bem” Noel.
Among them, Noel became controversial after having a slight tiff with his wife who supports the RH bill being a member of “Soul Sister,” a group of female members of Congress.
However, thiir differences, according to couple, is part of their professional job as legislators and will not affect their personal life.
Noe said that his opposition to RH bill was due to his beliefs that problem of poverty and overpopulation will be address if the government will focus on addressing problems in the countryside.
EV lacks intervention facility, specialists for children with special needs
TACLOBAN CITY – The lack of intervention facility for children with special needs is one of the problems that parents are experiencing.
Aside from lack of intervention facility, the region also lacks specialist for children with special needs like occupational therapist and speech pathologist.
At present, one occupational therapist and two speech pathologists are currently residing and practicing in the region.
These two, according to Autism Society Philippines–Leyte Chapter, are the major problems why people from their sector are deprived of the services that should be acquired especially that their condition needs special attention.
Although at present the Autism Society Philippines has already an office in the region, the organization said they have no capability to provide services as they are an organization composed of parents of children with special needs.
However, the organization is implementing programs like the free evaluation and assessment to be conducted this November 20 and 21 at the Kanhuraw Convention Center with help from organization of medical practitioners and local government units.
This effort of Autism Society Philippines–Leyte Chapter is lauded by Bayan Muna party-list Representative Neri Colmenares, when he heard the effort of the organization when he visited the city last week.
The party-list representative said that the government should be doing something like implementing programs that will educate people of what autism really is.
“Some people are treating them as ‘sira-ulo’ but they are not. I know this because I have a friend who’s suffering from same problem because they have three children that are all suffering from autistism,” Colmenares said.
Aside from lack of intervention facility, the region also lacks specialist for children with special needs like occupational therapist and speech pathologist.
At present, one occupational therapist and two speech pathologists are currently residing and practicing in the region.
These two, according to Autism Society Philippines–Leyte Chapter, are the major problems why people from their sector are deprived of the services that should be acquired especially that their condition needs special attention.
Although at present the Autism Society Philippines has already an office in the region, the organization said they have no capability to provide services as they are an organization composed of parents of children with special needs.
However, the organization is implementing programs like the free evaluation and assessment to be conducted this November 20 and 21 at the Kanhuraw Convention Center with help from organization of medical practitioners and local government units.
This effort of Autism Society Philippines–Leyte Chapter is lauded by Bayan Muna party-list Representative Neri Colmenares, when he heard the effort of the organization when he visited the city last week.
The party-list representative said that the government should be doing something like implementing programs that will educate people of what autism really is.
“Some people are treating them as ‘sira-ulo’ but they are not. I know this because I have a friend who’s suffering from same problem because they have three children that are all suffering from autistism,” Colmenares said.
Solon pushes food sovereignty bill
TACLOBAN CITY – A bill for food sovereignty is being pushed in Congress by its proponent Cagayan Valley first district Representative Juan Ponce Enrile Jr.
In his visit last week in Leyte, Enrile held a dialogue with members of various farmers’ groups in the province asking support from them for the passage of House Bill 4626.
Under the bill, known as “Food for Filipinos First Act of 2011” all local government chief executives shall submit their provincial food requirement plan to the Department of Agriculture every March of the previous year so that the DA in collaboration with the Department of Trade and Industry can formulate the National Food Requirement Plan (NFRP) before the budget call for inclusion in the proposed budget of the succeeding year.
House Bill 4626, aside from formulating NFRP, also seeks for prohibiting conversion of lands into other purposes particularly into agricultural lands into commercial, industrial and mining.
Conversion of agricultural land into other purposes, according to Enrile, is among reasons why the country is experiencing inadequate rice supply.
Providing scholarships on agriculture related courses for farmers children is also part of the proposed bill of Enrile, to encourage them to take agriculture courses and return to their farm after graduating in order to help in providing stable source of food for the area they are located and for the country.
In his visit last week in Leyte, Enrile held a dialogue with members of various farmers’ groups in the province asking support from them for the passage of House Bill 4626.
Under the bill, known as “Food for Filipinos First Act of 2011” all local government chief executives shall submit their provincial food requirement plan to the Department of Agriculture every March of the previous year so that the DA in collaboration with the Department of Trade and Industry can formulate the National Food Requirement Plan (NFRP) before the budget call for inclusion in the proposed budget of the succeeding year.
House Bill 4626, aside from formulating NFRP, also seeks for prohibiting conversion of lands into other purposes particularly into agricultural lands into commercial, industrial and mining.
Conversion of agricultural land into other purposes, according to Enrile, is among reasons why the country is experiencing inadequate rice supply.
Providing scholarships on agriculture related courses for farmers children is also part of the proposed bill of Enrile, to encourage them to take agriculture courses and return to their farm after graduating in order to help in providing stable source of food for the area they are located and for the country.
Monday, November 7, 2011
Rep. Noel supports call for return of Balangiga Bells
TACLOBAN CITY – The An Waray party-list Representative Florencio “Bem” Noel said that he supports the move to ask for the return of the Balangiga Bells that was taken by American soldiers as war booty after the deadly Balangiga encounter at the height of Philippine-American War.
The two bells, which was used to warn residents of Balangiga, Eastern Samar, were taken after the siege conducted by American forces as a retaliation against the locals who had killed around 70 American soldiers.
According to Noel, he had been supportive in the effort to retrieve the two bells which are presently display in Wyoming, USA and in an Army based in South Korea.
Noel added that during the incumbency of former Eastern Samar Representative Marcelino “Nonoy” Libanan, they were among those who had been urging the Philippine government to ask the US government to grant their request to return the bells to the rightful owner, which is the townpeople of Balangiga.
Among the efforts which Libanan did, according to Noel, was he personally went to US to talk with officials of said country regarding the possibility of giving back the bells. However, nothing had happened about it.
Recently, Vice President Jejomar Binay had made a statement supporting the call for the return of the Balangiga bells.
However, the call to retrieve the Balangiga bells would be impossible at the moment, according to Binay, as the United States law mandates that any foreign nation properties or materials that were acquired by the US government before giving it to its original owners must be granted first by law.
The two bells, which was used to warn residents of Balangiga, Eastern Samar, were taken after the siege conducted by American forces as a retaliation against the locals who had killed around 70 American soldiers.
According to Noel, he had been supportive in the effort to retrieve the two bells which are presently display in Wyoming, USA and in an Army based in South Korea.
Noel added that during the incumbency of former Eastern Samar Representative Marcelino “Nonoy” Libanan, they were among those who had been urging the Philippine government to ask the US government to grant their request to return the bells to the rightful owner, which is the townpeople of Balangiga.
Among the efforts which Libanan did, according to Noel, was he personally went to US to talk with officials of said country regarding the possibility of giving back the bells. However, nothing had happened about it.
Recently, Vice President Jejomar Binay had made a statement supporting the call for the return of the Balangiga bells.
However, the call to retrieve the Balangiga bells would be impossible at the moment, according to Binay, as the United States law mandates that any foreign nation properties or materials that were acquired by the US government before giving it to its original owners must be granted first by law.
Doc says cell sites have no adverse effect to human health
TACLOBAN CITY – Based on the committee hearing conducted by the committee on environment and natural resources of the Sangguniang Panlalawigan of Leyte, cellular phone sites have no adverse effect to human health as stated by Department of Health, Bureau of Health Devices and Technology Health physicist Rudolf Jiz.
The reason, according to Jiz, why cell site radiation is not harmful to human health is because its radiation is considered as non-iodizing radiation or a low energy radiation which is also found in microwave and radio transmitters.
He added that modern cell sites are now regulated by emitting low power radiation with only two watts power.
The committee hearing was conducted in relation to the proposed ordinance authored by first district Board Member Roque Tiu, who is also the chairman of the committee on environment, that aims to regulate the construction, installation, establishments, operation and maintenance of cell sites of base stations of cellular mobile telephone services in the province of Leyte.
The proposed ordinance was due to complaints by some residents in the province on the mushrooming of cell sites in some locality which residents fear could affect health.
Aside from Jiz, the committee hearing was attended by Department of the Interior and Local Government Provincial Director Artemio Caneja, Engineer Ronaldo Penserga of the National Telecommunications and Communication, forester Leo Santiago Dacanay, Senior Environment Management Specialist of the Environmental Management Bureau, and Engineer Florentino Quiñones, Science Research Specialist II of the Department of Science and Technology.
Jiz, who provided insight regarding radiation and its effects to human health, provided information based on the statement of the World Health Organization, stating that telecommunication sites has no adverse effects to human health but made precautions that cell phones should be put away from human organs specially to male as its heating effect has a harmful effect on genitals.
Jiz added that cell phones users especially those who use mobile phone for calls must limits it to five minutes, and if they cannot avoid it by limiting their call to five minutes, they must use ear phones or speaker phones.
He added that local government units must also be informed that mobile phone companies are required to ask a permit from the Bureau of Health Devices and Technology prior to installation of cell sites.
With the inputs that the committee had learned from the resource person, Tiu had asked to provide them a written comment which they need to be forwarded to the Sangguniang members two weeks after the conducted committee hearing.
The reason, according to Jiz, why cell site radiation is not harmful to human health is because its radiation is considered as non-iodizing radiation or a low energy radiation which is also found in microwave and radio transmitters.
He added that modern cell sites are now regulated by emitting low power radiation with only two watts power.
The committee hearing was conducted in relation to the proposed ordinance authored by first district Board Member Roque Tiu, who is also the chairman of the committee on environment, that aims to regulate the construction, installation, establishments, operation and maintenance of cell sites of base stations of cellular mobile telephone services in the province of Leyte.
The proposed ordinance was due to complaints by some residents in the province on the mushrooming of cell sites in some locality which residents fear could affect health.
Aside from Jiz, the committee hearing was attended by Department of the Interior and Local Government Provincial Director Artemio Caneja, Engineer Ronaldo Penserga of the National Telecommunications and Communication, forester Leo Santiago Dacanay, Senior Environment Management Specialist of the Environmental Management Bureau, and Engineer Florentino Quiñones, Science Research Specialist II of the Department of Science and Technology.
Jiz, who provided insight regarding radiation and its effects to human health, provided information based on the statement of the World Health Organization, stating that telecommunication sites has no adverse effects to human health but made precautions that cell phones should be put away from human organs specially to male as its heating effect has a harmful effect on genitals.
Jiz added that cell phones users especially those who use mobile phone for calls must limits it to five minutes, and if they cannot avoid it by limiting their call to five minutes, they must use ear phones or speaker phones.
He added that local government units must also be informed that mobile phone companies are required to ask a permit from the Bureau of Health Devices and Technology prior to installation of cell sites.
With the inputs that the committee had learned from the resource person, Tiu had asked to provide them a written comment which they need to be forwarded to the Sangguniang members two weeks after the conducted committee hearing.
Good cop to receive recognition
TACLOBAN CITY – Amid negative report recently against a law enforcer who was involved in a robbery hold-up of an P8.2 million fund of the Department of Social Welfare and Development, the Sangguniang Panlalawigan of Leyte is set to give recognition to a law enforcer assigned at Camp Ruperto Kangleon, Campetic, Palo, Leyte.
The recognition is set to be given to P02 Roel Naputo, after he returned the wallet of Board Member and Majority Floor Leader Carlo Loreto who went to the PNP Regional Office as member of the screening committee for aspirant law enforcers.
According to Loreto’s account, he did not notice that his wallet containing an amount of P20,000 slipped from his pocket.
He only learned about it when he was in a store and about to pay.
Loreto added that after a moment the law enforcer arrives, riding his motorcycle and giving him his lost wallet.
The deed of Naputo, according to Loreto, needs to be given with recognition to set as an example to other policemen and to let other people know that policemen could still be trusted.
“I think we should let everybody know about his deed because in most of the time, bad acts of policemen are the only one being highlighted,” Loreto said.
Board Member Rolando Piamonte, who is a former police officer, the deed of Naputo only shows that there are still good policemen in the service.
He added that discipline had long been part of law enforcers training that helps to mold them into a good public servant.
“We always appreciate the good works of law enforcers, however we have law enforcers who get involved in criminal activities, but they are only few of them, we still have lots of good law enforcers,” said Piamonte.
Piamonte added that even there are only few law enforcers, who got involved in criminal activities most of the time they are the one highlighted as media in the country are more on reporting bad news than good news.
“I hope that there will come a time that news about law enforcers are center on their good deed and not on their involvement in criminal activity because there are only few scalawags in service,” he added.
The recognition is set to be given to P02 Roel Naputo, after he returned the wallet of Board Member and Majority Floor Leader Carlo Loreto who went to the PNP Regional Office as member of the screening committee for aspirant law enforcers.
According to Loreto’s account, he did not notice that his wallet containing an amount of P20,000 slipped from his pocket.
He only learned about it when he was in a store and about to pay.
Loreto added that after a moment the law enforcer arrives, riding his motorcycle and giving him his lost wallet.
The deed of Naputo, according to Loreto, needs to be given with recognition to set as an example to other policemen and to let other people know that policemen could still be trusted.
“I think we should let everybody know about his deed because in most of the time, bad acts of policemen are the only one being highlighted,” Loreto said.
Board Member Rolando Piamonte, who is a former police officer, the deed of Naputo only shows that there are still good policemen in the service.
He added that discipline had long been part of law enforcers training that helps to mold them into a good public servant.
“We always appreciate the good works of law enforcers, however we have law enforcers who get involved in criminal activities, but they are only few of them, we still have lots of good law enforcers,” said Piamonte.
Piamonte added that even there are only few law enforcers, who got involved in criminal activities most of the time they are the one highlighted as media in the country are more on reporting bad news than good news.
“I hope that there will come a time that news about law enforcers are center on their good deed and not on their involvement in criminal activity because there are only few scalawags in service,” he added.
MGB reg’l chief asks line agencies to join town monitoring team where mining operates
TACLOBAN CITY – The Mines and Geosciences Bureau (MGB) Regional Director of the Department of Environment and Natural Resources had asked other line government agencies to participate or join the municipal monitoring team of every locality where mining operation exist.
In the meeting held in the municipality of Tolosa which was attended by Committee on Environment and Natural Resources Chairman of the Sangguniang Panlalawigan of Leyte Board Member Roque Tiu and spearheaded by the committee on environment and natural resources of Tolosa’s Sangguniang Bayan regarding to the mining application of Northern Access Mining Incorporated, MGB Regional Director Roger De Dios, stressed the importance of the other line government agencies to become members of the monitoring team.
Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources, National Irrigation Administration and the Department of Agriculture are among the national government line agencies that oppose to mining operation as it will damage the environment which is the source of the people’s livelihood and the eco-system.
During the meeting held in the municipality of Tolosa, De Dios stressed that these government agencies should become part of the monitoring team to ensure that mining companies are operating as what is mandated by law especially in the process of rehabilitating the land they are mining.
De Dios added that comparing mining operation before which is not regulated and protected by law reason why some mined areas are neglected and was not rehabilitated, mining operation now is protected by law and rehabilitation process is strictly impose to mining companies for them to comply.
He added that mining companies are required to deposit a fund intended for rehabilitation process of the areas which they are to mine.
In the meeting held in the municipality of Tolosa which was attended by Committee on Environment and Natural Resources Chairman of the Sangguniang Panlalawigan of Leyte Board Member Roque Tiu and spearheaded by the committee on environment and natural resources of Tolosa’s Sangguniang Bayan regarding to the mining application of Northern Access Mining Incorporated, MGB Regional Director Roger De Dios, stressed the importance of the other line government agencies to become members of the monitoring team.
Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources, National Irrigation Administration and the Department of Agriculture are among the national government line agencies that oppose to mining operation as it will damage the environment which is the source of the people’s livelihood and the eco-system.
During the meeting held in the municipality of Tolosa, De Dios stressed that these government agencies should become part of the monitoring team to ensure that mining companies are operating as what is mandated by law especially in the process of rehabilitating the land they are mining.
De Dios added that comparing mining operation before which is not regulated and protected by law reason why some mined areas are neglected and was not rehabilitated, mining operation now is protected by law and rehabilitation process is strictly impose to mining companies for them to comply.
He added that mining companies are required to deposit a fund intended for rehabilitation process of the areas which they are to mine.
Leyte SP calls on airline company, DZR Airport management on complaints
TACLOBAN CITY – The Sangguniang Panlalawigan of Leyte in their recent session decided to call the attention of an airline company and the management of the DZR Airport in response to a complain of an Australian war veteran who experienced problem in his recent visit to the province to participate in the Leyte Landings Commemoration.
The complain, which was sent to the office of Leyte Board Member Majority Floor Leader and Governor Carlos Jericho Petilla, narrates the problem that Robert Duncan Bell experienced last Oct. 21 when he and his wife were about to went back to Metro Manila.
Based on the letter of Bell, the staffs of Cebu Pacific Air were not able to provide adequate answer to his question including from other passengers why their flight was delayed without proper notice.
The letter of Bell also states that the treatment of the airline staff to its passengers “will act as a drawback for prospective tourists to visit the Leyte region, an area which also welcomes new international businesses to set up, and especially those many international military veterans wishing to visit the Leyte Gulf MacArthur historical monument.”
It also all added that the “Tacloban airport does need considerable improvements…” and “the public address system needs to be replaced with a new system with proper acoustics, so all terminal can understand what’s being said, presently it is too loud and inaudible even to Filipinos.
This problem that Bell experienced was confirmed by Board Member Niccolo Villasin who chairs the committee on tourism, among the two committees (committee on public utility) that will conduct the committee hearing with the airline management and airport management.
Villasin said that he was at the airport at the time and has the same flight with Bell.
He added that it was not the first time he experienced such problem and he already made a complain to the management of the airline company but there was still no response to his complaints.
Board Member Anlie Apostol, on her part, added that the provincial board also needs to ask the update for the rehabilitation of the DZR Airport.
Apostol, who compares the local airport to other airport in the country which is smaller, said that they are far better when it comes to services than in Tacloban City.
Moreover, on the part of Board Member Carlo Loreto although it was only Bell who sent letter to the provincial government, he said that several people experienced the same treatment, adding that they are duty bound to act on the complain.
The complain, which was sent to the office of Leyte Board Member Majority Floor Leader and Governor Carlos Jericho Petilla, narrates the problem that Robert Duncan Bell experienced last Oct. 21 when he and his wife were about to went back to Metro Manila.
Based on the letter of Bell, the staffs of Cebu Pacific Air were not able to provide adequate answer to his question including from other passengers why their flight was delayed without proper notice.
The letter of Bell also states that the treatment of the airline staff to its passengers “will act as a drawback for prospective tourists to visit the Leyte region, an area which also welcomes new international businesses to set up, and especially those many international military veterans wishing to visit the Leyte Gulf MacArthur historical monument.”
It also all added that the “Tacloban airport does need considerable improvements…” and “the public address system needs to be replaced with a new system with proper acoustics, so all terminal can understand what’s being said, presently it is too loud and inaudible even to Filipinos.
This problem that Bell experienced was confirmed by Board Member Niccolo Villasin who chairs the committee on tourism, among the two committees (committee on public utility) that will conduct the committee hearing with the airline management and airport management.
Villasin said that he was at the airport at the time and has the same flight with Bell.
He added that it was not the first time he experienced such problem and he already made a complain to the management of the airline company but there was still no response to his complaints.
Board Member Anlie Apostol, on her part, added that the provincial board also needs to ask the update for the rehabilitation of the DZR Airport.
Apostol, who compares the local airport to other airport in the country which is smaller, said that they are far better when it comes to services than in Tacloban City.
Moreover, on the part of Board Member Carlo Loreto although it was only Bell who sent letter to the provincial government, he said that several people experienced the same treatment, adding that they are duty bound to act on the complain.
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