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.
Thursday, November 17, 2011
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.
BM Babalcon says the call for some board members to resign politically motivated
CALBAYOG CITY – The call for some board members of Samar province to resign has political motives, according to second district Board Member Eunice Babalcon, when asked to comment on the issue.
Babalcon in a short interview said that those who are asking for them to resign should be identified including their motive.
“If we already know these people that are asking for our resignation, then it will be the only time that we can answer their call for us to resign,” said Babalcon.
She added that if ever the call for them to resign comes from the camp of Governor Sharee Ann Tan, they will not abide with it as said move only aims to force them to approve the proposed budget of the provincial government.
“If this call comes from them, then we will not do it… we won’t listen to them,” Babalcon stressed, adding that the governor and her younger brother, Vice Gov. Stephen James Uy, have no right and are not credible in asking them to resign.
The Tan siblings are facing recall petitions for their alleged incompetence.
Although the people behind the issue of asking them to resign are not yet identified, Babalcon added that if said move really comes from the camp of the governor then one of the reasons why the resign call was made was the budget of the province.
“It is only clear that, what they really want is for the budget to be approved and they don’t care on the correct procedures that we need to follow in approving it,” she added.
“We understand that the budget for the province is important, but what we only want is for the proper procedure to be followed and not by the procedure that they want us to do,” Babalcon stressed.
Babalcon in a short interview said that those who are asking for them to resign should be identified including their motive.
“If we already know these people that are asking for our resignation, then it will be the only time that we can answer their call for us to resign,” said Babalcon.
She added that if ever the call for them to resign comes from the camp of Governor Sharee Ann Tan, they will not abide with it as said move only aims to force them to approve the proposed budget of the provincial government.
“If this call comes from them, then we will not do it… we won’t listen to them,” Babalcon stressed, adding that the governor and her younger brother, Vice Gov. Stephen James Uy, have no right and are not credible in asking them to resign.
The Tan siblings are facing recall petitions for their alleged incompetence.
Although the people behind the issue of asking them to resign are not yet identified, Babalcon added that if said move really comes from the camp of the governor then one of the reasons why the resign call was made was the budget of the province.
“It is only clear that, what they really want is for the budget to be approved and they don’t care on the correct procedures that we need to follow in approving it,” she added.
“We understand that the budget for the province is important, but what we only want is for the proper procedure to be followed and not by the procedure that they want us to do,” Babalcon stressed.
‘Large-scale mining better than small-scale mining,’ this was advised to BM Roque Tiu
TACLOBAN CITY – “Large-scale mining is better than small scale-mining as what was advised to me,” said Leyte Board Member Roque Tiu.
Tiu’s statement was in support to an earlier pronouncement of President Aquino who categorically made known his preference of large-scale mining than that of small-scale mining.
The President in an interview during his recent visit in Leyte said that he favor large-scale mining operations as it is easy to check as he had ordered a panel composed of the country’s top environment officials to craft a mining policy that will ensure that the environment is protected and to preserve the country’s potential especially on eco-tourism.
Tiu said that based on the advice to him, large-scale mining is far better than those operating in small-scale as large-scale mining companies can assure that they have the capability to rehabilitate the area.
The Mines and Geosciences Bureau (MGB) is the government agency task to regulate the operation of large-scale mining companies, as it is where they submit their application for mining permits, while small-scale mining permits are granted by the provincial governors.
He added that based on what MGB Regional Director Roger De Dios said mining companies particularly those in large-scale operation are obliged to deposit a fund intended for rehabilitation process of the areas they had mined as mandated by existing law.
“Unlike in small-scale mining where there is no assurance of the rehabilitation, our environment will be damaged,” he stressed.
In Leyte, there are no reported operation of small-scale mining, but at present three mining companies are currently operating based on the data of the MGB among which are the Nicua Mining Corporation, Leyte Iron Sand and Strongbelt Mining Corporation operating in the municipality of MacArthur.
While the fourth one which is the Northern Access Mining Incorporated has still to comply of acquiring a resolution interposing no objection from the provincial board and is set to have its initial operation in Tolosa.
Tiu’s statement was in support to an earlier pronouncement of President Aquino who categorically made known his preference of large-scale mining than that of small-scale mining.
The President in an interview during his recent visit in Leyte said that he favor large-scale mining operations as it is easy to check as he had ordered a panel composed of the country’s top environment officials to craft a mining policy that will ensure that the environment is protected and to preserve the country’s potential especially on eco-tourism.
Tiu said that based on the advice to him, large-scale mining is far better than those operating in small-scale as large-scale mining companies can assure that they have the capability to rehabilitate the area.
The Mines and Geosciences Bureau (MGB) is the government agency task to regulate the operation of large-scale mining companies, as it is where they submit their application for mining permits, while small-scale mining permits are granted by the provincial governors.
He added that based on what MGB Regional Director Roger De Dios said mining companies particularly those in large-scale operation are obliged to deposit a fund intended for rehabilitation process of the areas they had mined as mandated by existing law.
“Unlike in small-scale mining where there is no assurance of the rehabilitation, our environment will be damaged,” he stressed.
In Leyte, there are no reported operation of small-scale mining, but at present three mining companies are currently operating based on the data of the MGB among which are the Nicua Mining Corporation, Leyte Iron Sand and Strongbelt Mining Corporation operating in the municipality of MacArthur.
While the fourth one which is the Northern Access Mining Incorporated has still to comply of acquiring a resolution interposing no objection from the provincial board and is set to have its initial operation in Tolosa.
Leyte SP members make on site inspection of Leyte Park Beach Hotel
TACLOBAN CITY – The members of the Sangguniang Panlalawigan of Leyte made a site inspection of MacArthur Park Beach Resort Hotel which is currently being redeveloped by the LKY Property Holdings Incorporated.
Leyte Board Member Roque Tiu in an interview said that based on what they saw, there was a big improvement on the facility which the province can really be proud of.
Tiu added that based on the information that they received, the hotel will have its soft opening on Dec. 16, this year while its grand opening will be on March next year.
Around 65 rooms will be available on its soft opening while on its full operation more than a hundred hotel rooms including villas are to be available for possible guests.
Tiu also said that during their visit, the members of the provincial board had suggested to the operator of MacArthur Park Beach Resort Hotel to add additional amenities such as water sports like jet ski, banana boat ride, wind surfing to attract more tourists.
“If this will be finished this can be a very good attraction and come-on for tourists, especially for those who will conduct convention, because they will also be constructing a convention facility that can cater around 1,000 people on a classroom type and around 500 participants on a roundtable discussion type of convention,” Tiu said.
Convention facility is among the facility that the province and the region needs, according to Leyte Governor Jericho “Icot” Petilla and this was also echoed by the Department of Tourism.
The existing big facilities in the region which are gymnasium and astrodome are not suitable for convention activities but for sports events only.
Tiu added that in the upcoming convention of board members which Leyte is to host January of next year, they will hold it in the said hotel to showcase that Leyte has a hotel facility that can be compared to other hotels in other cities of the country.
To recall, LKY Property Holdings Incorporated president Wilbert Lee assured Gov. Petilla during his visit to the hotel that they will open on December.
At least P150 million was already invested by the LKY in renovating MacArthur Park Hotel, representing half of its total investments of P300 million under the 25 year contract with the provincial government.
Leyte Board Member Roque Tiu in an interview said that based on what they saw, there was a big improvement on the facility which the province can really be proud of.
Tiu added that based on the information that they received, the hotel will have its soft opening on Dec. 16, this year while its grand opening will be on March next year.
Around 65 rooms will be available on its soft opening while on its full operation more than a hundred hotel rooms including villas are to be available for possible guests.
Tiu also said that during their visit, the members of the provincial board had suggested to the operator of MacArthur Park Beach Resort Hotel to add additional amenities such as water sports like jet ski, banana boat ride, wind surfing to attract more tourists.
“If this will be finished this can be a very good attraction and come-on for tourists, especially for those who will conduct convention, because they will also be constructing a convention facility that can cater around 1,000 people on a classroom type and around 500 participants on a roundtable discussion type of convention,” Tiu said.
Convention facility is among the facility that the province and the region needs, according to Leyte Governor Jericho “Icot” Petilla and this was also echoed by the Department of Tourism.
The existing big facilities in the region which are gymnasium and astrodome are not suitable for convention activities but for sports events only.
Tiu added that in the upcoming convention of board members which Leyte is to host January of next year, they will hold it in the said hotel to showcase that Leyte has a hotel facility that can be compared to other hotels in other cities of the country.
To recall, LKY Property Holdings Incorporated president Wilbert Lee assured Gov. Petilla during his visit to the hotel that they will open on December.
At least P150 million was already invested by the LKY in renovating MacArthur Park Hotel, representing half of its total investments of P300 million under the 25 year contract with the provincial government.
An Waray party-list to continue giving projects to barangays in the city
TACLOBAN CITY – An Waray party-list Representative Florencio “Bem” Noel promised that he will continue in giving projects to barangays in Tacloban despite reports that some of the projects like the tanod out-posts that he provided with funding were taken out by members of the Traffic Operation Management Enforcement and Control Office (TOMECO).
Noel said that as those projects were asked by the residents and officials of the barangays, those who had issued an order to remove them should have respected the people who had asked for his help.
“I am hoping and praying that whoever did that will return them back to their proper place.These are the little tings that we can give to the barangays that they had asked from us because they need them,” Noel stressed.
Noel added that the funds that were used on those projects provided to the barangays were public fund which means that it should not be taken out that easily.
He said that in order to avoid future problems in their project implementations, barangay officials should seek permit from the city government.
“Those who were able to get projects from us, I told them that if it needs permit, they should secure one.But it doesn’t mean that basta-basta na la ig-papa stop it patrabaho,”he said,referring to an infrastructure project funded by the party-list but was stopped by the city government for some reason .
“If ever they continue doing this, if they take away a barangay out-post, I will give another barangay out-post to them.It will not make us stop giving projects to the barangays,” he added.
Noel said that as those projects were asked by the residents and officials of the barangays, those who had issued an order to remove them should have respected the people who had asked for his help.
“I am hoping and praying that whoever did that will return them back to their proper place.These are the little tings that we can give to the barangays that they had asked from us because they need them,” Noel stressed.
Noel added that the funds that were used on those projects provided to the barangays were public fund which means that it should not be taken out that easily.
He said that in order to avoid future problems in their project implementations, barangay officials should seek permit from the city government.
“Those who were able to get projects from us, I told them that if it needs permit, they should secure one.But it doesn’t mean that basta-basta na la ig-papa stop it patrabaho,”he said,referring to an infrastructure project funded by the party-list but was stopped by the city government for some reason .
“If ever they continue doing this, if they take away a barangay out-post, I will give another barangay out-post to them.It will not make us stop giving projects to the barangays,” he added.
Youth group bats for passage of RH bill
TACLOBAN CITY – Youth Consortium for Reproductive Health focal person Leo Lauzon asked the members of Congress and Senate to listen not just to one sector of religion but to all sectors of religion as they represent not just one voice but the voice of people.
Pro-RH group C4RH bats for the passage of the RH bill in the Senate and House of Representatives. In photo are (from right) Prof.Ladylyn Mangada, C4RH point person; Dr. Ester Miranda, Health and Nutrition consultant of Plan Phils.; Cesar Ong, Youth Adviser Panel; Leo Lauron, focal point person; and Anna Malindog, Executive Director. LITO ABALA BAGUNAS
Lauzon’s organization is among the organizations in the region that supports the passage of Reproductive Health Bill, which is currently in the second reading in Congress and strongly opposed by leaders of the Roman Catholic Church.
Reasons why it is being opposed by church leaders is, according to them, it promotes abortion through use of contraceptive pills and promiscuity among teenagers for it will incorporate sex education among school age children.
“We recognize that the Catholic Church has the right to oppose the bill, but they should not block it… our leaders must also think that every policy that they will pass should not just be a policy for one religion but a policy for all,” Lauzon stressed during a media forum on Saturday.
Lauzon added that those who are opposing should read the content of the bill before they should oppose it in order for them to really understand and know what are included in the bill.
“The bill does not dictate couples on what kind of family planning they should use but rather it gives them choices if whether they want to use natural family planning or artificial family planning,” he added.
“RH Bill points out our right to choose… it is what we stress and we value,” Lauzon added.
Moreover, Lauzon stressed that the RH Bill does not promote promiscuity among youth as it will not teach the uses of contraceptives and sexual position but rather on the stages that every youth is experiencing during adolescent stage, including their physical and emotional changes.
The bill, according to Lauzon, will educate young people on what is going on in their body.
“This will teach them and tell them on how to respond on the changes that their body is experiencing, and will allow them to have their own decision on what to do in order to protect their body,” Lauzon added.
Pro-RH group C4RH bats for the passage of the RH bill in the Senate and House of Representatives. In photo are (from right) Prof.Ladylyn Mangada, C4RH point person; Dr. Ester Miranda, Health and Nutrition consultant of Plan Phils.; Cesar Ong, Youth Adviser Panel; Leo Lauron, focal point person; and Anna Malindog, Executive Director. LITO ABALA BAGUNAS
Lauzon’s organization is among the organizations in the region that supports the passage of Reproductive Health Bill, which is currently in the second reading in Congress and strongly opposed by leaders of the Roman Catholic Church.
Reasons why it is being opposed by church leaders is, according to them, it promotes abortion through use of contraceptive pills and promiscuity among teenagers for it will incorporate sex education among school age children.
“We recognize that the Catholic Church has the right to oppose the bill, but they should not block it… our leaders must also think that every policy that they will pass should not just be a policy for one religion but a policy for all,” Lauzon stressed during a media forum on Saturday.
Lauzon added that those who are opposing should read the content of the bill before they should oppose it in order for them to really understand and know what are included in the bill.
“The bill does not dictate couples on what kind of family planning they should use but rather it gives them choices if whether they want to use natural family planning or artificial family planning,” he added.
“RH Bill points out our right to choose… it is what we stress and we value,” Lauzon added.
Moreover, Lauzon stressed that the RH Bill does not promote promiscuity among youth as it will not teach the uses of contraceptives and sexual position but rather on the stages that every youth is experiencing during adolescent stage, including their physical and emotional changes.
The bill, according to Lauzon, will educate young people on what is going on in their body.
“This will teach them and tell them on how to respond on the changes that their body is experiencing, and will allow them to have their own decision on what to do in order to protect their body,” Lauzon added.
Mixed reactions seen among city dads on financial assistance to Sangyaw Foundation
TACLOBAN CITY – Four opposed, one abstained and five approved favoring the resolution to provide financial assistance to Sangyaw Foundation worth P150,000 among members of the city council.
In their recent regular session, members of the minority block opposed the resolution asking to provide another financial assistance to the Sangyaw Foundation. This, after the Commission on Audit report stated that the foundation is in-eligible to be granted with such kind of support.
In the latest COA report, according to City Councilor Jerry “Sambo” Yaokasin, it states that the city government had provided a financial support to the foundation amounting to P2.6 million which the government agency found it as illegal as the foundation still has no track record.
The foundation was created after the city mayor had revived Sangyaw Festival to oversee and supervise the activities for the city fiesta but later on the function of the foundation was taken care of by the chief executive of the city.
He added that based on the COA report, the financial assistance that was given by the city government when the foundation was created was asked to be liquidated and be refunded by the foundation.
“The P2.6 million financial assistance is not yet resolved, that is why it is illogical that we provide another financial assistance to them,” Yaokasin stressed.
When asked why the other five members of the city council approved the resolution, Yaokasin said that based on the statement of City Council Floor Leader Attorney Edwin Chua, the members of the city council are not liable to any complaints that might be filed against the foundation.
“He said that we are not liable to any complaint but only the beneficiary of the financial assistance, which is the Sangyaw Foundation,” Yaokasin said.
“But still, I would like that the P2.6 million be refunded first before we should grant them the P150,000,” he added.
In their recent regular session, members of the minority block opposed the resolution asking to provide another financial assistance to the Sangyaw Foundation. This, after the Commission on Audit report stated that the foundation is in-eligible to be granted with such kind of support.
In the latest COA report, according to City Councilor Jerry “Sambo” Yaokasin, it states that the city government had provided a financial support to the foundation amounting to P2.6 million which the government agency found it as illegal as the foundation still has no track record.
The foundation was created after the city mayor had revived Sangyaw Festival to oversee and supervise the activities for the city fiesta but later on the function of the foundation was taken care of by the chief executive of the city.
He added that based on the COA report, the financial assistance that was given by the city government when the foundation was created was asked to be liquidated and be refunded by the foundation.
“The P2.6 million financial assistance is not yet resolved, that is why it is illogical that we provide another financial assistance to them,” Yaokasin stressed.
When asked why the other five members of the city council approved the resolution, Yaokasin said that based on the statement of City Council Floor Leader Attorney Edwin Chua, the members of the city council are not liable to any complaints that might be filed against the foundation.
“He said that we are not liable to any complaint but only the beneficiary of the financial assistance, which is the Sangyaw Foundation,” Yaokasin said.
“But still, I would like that the P2.6 million be refunded first before we should grant them the P150,000,” he added.
City council asks LMWD status of its water pipe upgrading project
TACLOBAN CITY – The members of the Sangguniang Panlungsod of Tacloban approved a resolution addressed to the Leyte Metropolitan Water District and the Maynilad regarding the problem of water supply in this city.
The resolution’s author Councilor Jerry “Sambo” Yaokasin said that the resolution was in response to queries of Tacloban residents he had received in his account at networking site Facebook and even on text messages regarding the water supply problem of the city.
“It is important that the Sangguniang Panlungsod should know the state of the upgrading that LMWD is implementing on the water pipeline for the city water consumers,” Yaokasin said.
“We need to know when this will be finished, if they had set a time line and when will be the water supply for the city be adequate,” he added.
According to him, based on complaints that he had received on his Facebook account some residents had been awake all night waiting for water to come out from their faucets.
“Majority of the Taclobanons is suffering from lack of water supply and this needs to be answered and we can only have the answer to the question if we will ask the LMWD on the status of their water pipe upgrading project,” he said.
Aside from the LMWD, the resolution was also addressed to the Maynilad, a private company that deals on water supply distribution and had signed a memorandum of agreement with the city government of Tacloban to conduct a feasibility study and survey among Tacloban water consumers.
“We just want to be fair with the city government, because they are the one who made a statement before, that Maynilad will be putting a water system for the people of this city,” said Yaokasin.
“When will they be coming in and what is the time table on when the water system will be finished if ever they construct a water system for the city consumer,” Yaokasin added.
The resolution’s author Councilor Jerry “Sambo” Yaokasin said that the resolution was in response to queries of Tacloban residents he had received in his account at networking site Facebook and even on text messages regarding the water supply problem of the city.
“It is important that the Sangguniang Panlungsod should know the state of the upgrading that LMWD is implementing on the water pipeline for the city water consumers,” Yaokasin said.
“We need to know when this will be finished, if they had set a time line and when will be the water supply for the city be adequate,” he added.
According to him, based on complaints that he had received on his Facebook account some residents had been awake all night waiting for water to come out from their faucets.
“Majority of the Taclobanons is suffering from lack of water supply and this needs to be answered and we can only have the answer to the question if we will ask the LMWD on the status of their water pipe upgrading project,” he said.
Aside from the LMWD, the resolution was also addressed to the Maynilad, a private company that deals on water supply distribution and had signed a memorandum of agreement with the city government of Tacloban to conduct a feasibility study and survey among Tacloban water consumers.
“We just want to be fair with the city government, because they are the one who made a statement before, that Maynilad will be putting a water system for the people of this city,” said Yaokasin.
“When will they be coming in and what is the time table on when the water system will be finished if ever they construct a water system for the city consumer,” Yaokasin added.
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