921 Leyte farmers receive CLOA from DAR

CARIGARA, Leyte – The Department of Agrarian Reform (DAR) turned the Christmas of 921 Leyte farmers more meaningful as the latter received their long awaited certificates of land ownership award (CLOAs) here last week.

A total of 442 individual and collective CLOAs covering 941.5 hectares of farmlands situated in the municipalities of Barugo, Jaro and San Miguel were distributed by DAR Undersecretary for Field Operations Karlo Bello during the occasion.

Bello thanked the DAR personnel for doing their jobs despite various problems being encountered in the field.

To the farmer beneficiaries, Bello asked them to just continue believing in the government.

OIC-Regional Director Ma. Fe Malinao disclosed that these are part of the unreleased CLOAs pending at the Registry of Deeds (ROD) for several years. According to her, this is now the third distribution since November last year after thorough validation of agrarian reform beneficiaries.

Old couple Dulcisimo Sotto, 84, and Soledad, 82, of Barangay Bahay, San Miguel, Leyte thanked DAR for they now have the right to the land they are tilling.

Lolita Arpon of Barangay Malpag, San Miguel, Leyte thanked DAR also for she won’t be going to Tacloban City anymore just to follow up when their CLOA will be released. To her, it was a wonderful Christmas gift she received this season.

Though speechless, a grandmother from Barangay Macanip, Jaro, Leyte Juanita Colangco, 87, can’t hide her happiness when she received her CLOA.

Meanwhile, DAR Leyte Provincial Office Chief of the Legal Division Daniel Pen reminded the agrarian reform beneficiaries of their responsibilities and obligations during the said occasion emphasizing not to sell their awarded lands but make them productive instead, and pay their taxes as they are now the owners of the land. (JOSE ALSMITH L. SORIA)

Long Overdue YRRP Funds finally turned over to LGUs

A total of 94 out of the 106 targeted local government units in Region 8 have received funding assistance from the long overdue Yolanda Rehabilitation and Reconstruction Program (YRRP).

More than 20 City and Municipal Mayors including one Governor graced the YRRP Coordination Meeting which was held today (Dec. 20) at the Grand Ballroom of the Oriental Hotel, Palo, Leyte. 

The main highlight of this whole day event was the turnover of the YRRP funds (part of the total PhP 3. 6 Billion funds) to the LGUs with no less than their Local Chief Executives receiving said financial assistance from DA-8 Chief Atty. Salvador D. Diputado.

In his inspirational message, RED Diputado stressed the importance of DA and LGU partnership in the government's effort of attaining the region's agricultural development. He also emphasized that prior to his assumption as the new RED of DA Eastern Visayas on November 6, this year, DA Secretary Manny Piñol reminded him to fast track the YRRP fund utilization and that by the end of the year all funds should have been duly obligated and disbursed.

And this exactly what the new DA-8 Chief had focus on in the past few days in office. Among many novel strategies, Director Diputado immediately put into place the deployment of Project Development Officers (PDOs). This group, in coordination with APCOs and other YRRP field personnel VISITED the different LGUs and directly talked with the Local Chief Executives and asisted in complying some lacking documents with the frontline Municipal Agriculture Staff.

Accordingly, the strategy has paid off handsomely as proven by the strong cooperation and support of partner LGUs that took extra miles in helping their farmer-constituents proposed viable projects that could cope with the economic losses incurred by them four years ago due to Super Typhoon Yolanda.

"That's why we called you on this coordination meeting to further strengthen our partnership and work more efficiently and effectively to make the lives of our typhoon-affected farmers even better," Director Diputado exclaimed.

Meanwhile, NEDA-8 Regional Director Atty. Bonifacio Uy reaffirmed his agency's faith in the agriculture sector as an important driver of economic growth. He cited last year's 4.4% growth in Gross Domestic Product (GDP) which he explicitly attributed to the huge contribution of the agriculture sector.

"For the first time ever our region has posted the highest growth partly because of the outcome or the result of the massive Yolanda rehabilitation projects that the DA and other partner-agencies had poured in after Yolanda," the NEDA-8 Director quipped.

"We are very happy that the DA, under the leadership of a highly qualified Director Atty. Diputado, is now giving all this financial support to our LGUs because this will surely help alleviate the poverty incidence in our region. In fact, in 2015 or barely two years after Yolanda, the poverty incidence in Region 8 has lowered to 8% with Eastern Samar posting an all time reduction of 18%," Director Uy further said.

Reacting to this wave of positive comments from the regional technocrats, OIC
-Governor Marcelo Ferdinand Picardal of Eastern Samar who was the only provincial dad present, expressed his heartfelt gratitude to the national government for its sincere efforts of helping the LGUs amidst all disasters besetting their respective areas. On behalf of his farmer-constituents and fellow Chief Executives, he assured that said YRRP funds will be strictly used according to its varied purpose.

Also present to witness the ceremonial turnover of the more or less Two Billion Pesos YRRP funds were ARD for Research and Regulations Elvira C. Torres, YRRP Focal Person Rolando B. Hipe, together with component team leaders, the DA-8 APCOs, Division Chiefs and all YRRP-hired workforce

DILG warns public on fake OIC appointment scams under federalism and Revolutionary Government

  
The Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG) has issued a warning to all local government officials and the general public against scammers going around the country falsely claiming that they could have people appointed as OIC-barangay and local officials under a federal system of government and a revolutionary government (RevGov) and asking for money in return.
 
In a meeting with all DILG Regional Directors on Wednesday, DILG Officer-in-Charge Catalino S. Cuy said that numerous reports have reached the central and field offices regarding various groups masquerading to be affiliated or permitted by the government or by the DILG to campaign for federalism or RevGov and claiming that they could have people appointed to local positions.
 
Cuy directed all DILG field offices to issue a strong warning to all LGUs about this scam that has been going on for some time.
 
According to aggregated reports, scammers lure both incumbent and aspiring local government officials into being included in a supposed priority list of people to be appointed should the country shift to a federal form of government or undergo a RevGov. In exchange, unwitting victims give money to con groups for membership fees or donations.
 
Cuy says that President Rodrigo Duterte himself already made it clear during a November 21 event in Taguig City that claims that a Revolutionary Government will soon be established are all false.
 
"Sabi nga po ng Pangulo, huwag po tayong maniwala sa RevGov dahil wala tayong makukuha diyan and let us focus on building our country,” Cuy says.
  
Newly installed DILG Assistant Secretary for Communications and Capacity Development Jonathan E. Malaya encourages the public to get in touch with his office or with the Local Government Academy (LGA) at telephone numbers (02) 6389649 or 6341906 local 116 or via email to lgamail@lga.gov.ph and rpdd@lga.gov.ph on concerns on the government’s federalism campaign.
 
On Wednesday, Malaya has been assigned as the administrator of the DILG's federalism program as per DILG Order No. 2017-1212.
 
"I urge all DILG field officers to be vigilant and proactive and to immediately warn all barangay captains and local government officials in their respective jurisdictions of the scams being perpetrated by these unscrupulous individuals," he says. 
 
"This scam is all over the country -- from Cagayan Valley to Cotabato, from Metro Manila to Samar. The groups go by many names," he points out. 
 
“Nakakalungkot na may mga kababayan tayong sumasakay sa pederalismo para makapanlinlang at nagpapanggap na inatasan sila ng DILG o ng Pangulo na mangampanya kaugnay sa pederalismo,” he laments.
  
“Wala pong katotohanang magtatalaga ang DILG ng OICs sa kahit anumang local government positions. Kapag hiningan kayo ng pera o anumang bagay o pabor, magtaka na po kayo at agad ipaalam ang mga grupong ito sa pinakamalapit na DILG field office sa inyong lugar,” he warns.
 
In September this year, the DILG announced the campaign dubbed as “One Nation, One Government: Transition to Federalism Project” which shall accredit civil society organizations (CSOs) as well as resource speakers as federalism advocacy partners.
 
Malaya says that only accredited CSOs are authorized to use the DILG logo or the DILG name in their respective activities.
 
He says that all federalism-related information campaign initiatives of DILG operating units, regional and field offices, as well as local governance stakeholders, are implemented within the standards and parameters set by the DILG in terms of content, activities, and resource management.
 
Activities include, among others, orientation sessions, seminars, knowledge exchange sessions, focus group discussions, forums, and symposia.
 
Further, the Local Government Academy, as the training arm of the DILG, is responsible for training resource persons on DILG's key messages and content parameters for all federalism information campaign activities.
 
Resource persons who successfully complete the training shall be issued certificates and their names will be included in the national database of resource speakers on federalism for the DILG's Transition to Federalism Project.
 
Local government units (LGUs) may also conduct their own federalism information campaign activities in coordination with DILG field offices whose staff will guide LGUs on the key messages and content to be delivered to ensure that these are consistent with those set by the Department. (DILG)

ILO: Over half of the elderly in Philippines have no pension

A universal pension can propel Philippines towards reaching global social protection standards.

(ILO News) – Only 29 per cent of the world population enjoy comprehensive social protection and more than 1 out of 2 people have no protection at all, says the ILO in its new World Social Protection Report 2017/19. This leaves many vulnerable to poverty, inequality and social exclusion, constituting a major obstacle to economic and social development for any country says the ILO in its flagship report which provides an inventory of social protection worldwide—covering the state of benefits for maternity, unemployment, old age, healthcare, etc.

Despite being considered the engine of the world economy, Asia clearly lags behind when it comes to the protection of its population. The decades-long development model dominating the region prioritised economic growth at the expense of redistributive policies. Consequently, a large share of the population are denied the right to social protection. 

The gap in pension coverage is particularly relevant because the region is ageing at a historically unprecedented rate. Where OECD countries took 50-100 years to transition from young to old societies, Asian countries are taking just 20-25 years. And yet, nearly half the elderly in the region still do not benefit from a pension, a proportion that is only higher in Africa.

Despite progress in recent years, Philippines’s social protection system retains serious gaps. For example, the majority of the elderly citizens of the country do not have income security, i.e. do not have a pension, despite a significant increase in allocation. This is in contrast to countries like China, Thailand, Mongolia, Brunei Darussalam and Timor-Leste which have considerably expanded their coverage through the use of universal tax funded pensions.

The pension gap is happening at the same time that life expectancy for Filipinos is rising on average. Between 2000 and 2015, life expectancy rose by five years, which is the fastest increase since the 1960s. This makes the low pension coverage a particularly troubling problem, creating additional financial burdens for family, as the ratio between elderly parents and adult children rise.

In 2017, the government made efforts to increase benefit levels of senior citizens receiving contributory pension and to increase the social pension coverage of indigent senior citizens. However, around forty per cent of Filipino senior citizens are still left without income security.

On the positive side though, social protection remains one of the major agenda in the country as reflected in the Philippine Development Plan 2017-2022, launched in January 2017. The plan has identified adopting and institutionalizing the Social Protection Floor as one of the strategies to achieve universal social protection under the Strategic framework to reduce vulnerability of individuals and families. Specific strategies include establishing an unemployment insurance system, enhancing social protection for the informal sector, improving the social pension system, expanding health insurance packages, and strengthening mechanisms to ensure enrolment in the social security system, among others. Further, it also highlights the need to address implementation issues on convergence, planning, mainstreaming at the local level and better data collection.

Khalid Hassan, Director of ILO Manila Country Office, recommends, “ILO’s new report shows many countries, regionally and across the world, are prioritizing their social protection systems. We think this is a good time for Philippines to follow the same path and extend protection to its elderly through the launch of a universal pension.” (ILO)

Senate Approves Proposed 2018 Nat’l Budget

The Senate unanimously approved the proposed 2018 national budget worth Php3.767 Trillion said Senator Loren Legarda, Chair of the Senate Committee on Finance and sponsor of the budget.

On Wednesday night, 16 senators present in session voted to approve the proposed national budget on third and final reading.

Legarda said that the Senate increased to Php51 Billion the allocation for the implementation of the Universal Access to Quality Tertiary Education Act. There is also an additional funding worth Php327 Million for free Wi-Fi in state universities and colleges (SUCs) and public places and additional Php10 Million for capital outlay for each SUC. Under the Commission on Higher Education (CHED), there is funding worth Php250 Million for free tuition for medical students enrolled in SUCs.

Under the Department of Education (DepEd) budget, cash allowance of teachers will increase from 2,500 to 5,000 per teacher as the Senate provided additional Php1.8 Billion; and there is also additional Php2.5 Billion for school-based feeding program.

The budget will continue to fund the Universal Healthcare Program under PhilHealth so that all Filipinos are covered by its Point-of-Service program. The Senate also allocated Php6.5 Billion under PhilHealth to provide for the health insurance of government employees under the executive department.

It also provided funding for the rehabilitation of Marawi City. There is Php10 Billion under the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management (NDRRM) Fund for Marawi rehabilitation.

“We have also provided additional funding for the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) centers nationwide in the amount of Php3 Billion, while the Conditional Cash Transfer (CCT) Program has a total budget of Php89 Billion,” said Legarda.

The Senate also approved Php60 Billion for the increase of base pay of military and uniformed personnel; while Php1.647 Billion was allocated for the full payment of total administrative disability (TAD) arrears for the surviving spouses of World War II veterans. Meanwhile, additional Php372 Million was allocated under the Bureau of Corrections for additional prison facilities.

Legarda also explained that the Php900 Million and Php500 Million for the Philippine National Police’s (PNP) Oplan Double Barrel and MASA MASID, respectively, were realigned. Php1.35 Billion was transferred to the PNP and Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) Housing Program; while the Php50 Million was allocated for additional budget for acquisition of body cameras of police officers.

“Under the budget, we still have the Php2 Billion subsidy for irrigation fees of farmer associations, which we first introduced in the 2017 budget. We also provided additional funds to boost livelihoods and the development of micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs), including the additional Php800 Million for the Department of Trade and Industry’s (DTI) Shared Service Facilities (SSF),” Legarda said.

The Senator added that the 2018 General Appropriations Bill ensures ecological integrity, clean and healthy environment, risk-sensitive investments, and disaster preparedness through special provisions that integrate and mainstream disaster risk reduction and climate change adaptation and mitigation strategies in government programs. “We firmly believe that building an inclusive and prosperous economy requires us to continually strengthen our resilience to impacts of natural hazards and climate change,” she added.

The Senate and the House of Representatives will convene tomorrow, November 30, 2017, the bicameral conference committee to reconcile the differences in their respective versions of the proposed 2018 national budget.

The Senate panel will be composed of Legarda as the chairperson, with Senate President Pro Tempore Ralph Recto, Senate Minority Leader Franklin Drilon and Senators Cynthia Villar, Sonny Angara, Panfilo Lacson, Joseph Victor Ejercito, Nancy Binay, and Juan Miguel Zubiri. (PR)

Firm adopts DOST technologies to step up green charcoal production

A Pampanga-based green technology firm recently acquired technologies from the Department of Science and Technology's Forest Products Research and Development Institute (DOST-FPRDI) to improve its green charcoal products designed for top players in the country's chicken roasting industry.

Mackay Green Energy, Inc. developed a bamboo hybrid called "bana grass" whose hard main stem can be turned into charcoal briquettes for industrial use. The company tapped DOST-FPRDI's briquetting system and technical help for the project.

A charcoal briquette is a compacted mass of fuel material made from a mix of charcoal fines and a binder, and molded under pressure.  It is less messy than ordinary charcoal and easier to handle because it is compact and uniform in size. Also, it easily ignites, burns more slowly, gives more intense heat per unit volume, and is almost smokeless when burning.

"The bana grass briquette is a most welcome development," says DOST-FPRDI's Engr. Belen Bisana. "The use of eco-friendly charcoal can help relieve pressure on the country's mangroves. During the past decade, the heavy dependence on wood charcoal by lechon businesses all over the country has been blamed for the depletion of our mangrove forests."

During DOST-FPRDI's recent techno-demo at Mackay, officers from Mang Inasal Philippines, Inc. were on hand to observe how the bana  grass briquettes are made. According to Mackay's Joseph Issifu, aside from Mang Inasal, they have on-going talks with two other top roasting companies who are interested in their product.

Mackay Green Energy, Inc. acquired 30 manual briquettors, 30 drum kilns, six binder-mixers, and six charcoal crushers from DOST-FPRDI. (By Rizalina K. Araral & Carl Anthony Lantican, DOST-FPRDI)

Inventor turns cooking oil into biofuel

Used cooking oil maybe harmful to health but a little bit of science can turn it into an environment savior. This is exactly what Davao-based Emiliano Quitiol, an inventor, found out way back in 2003 when he started working on his own biofuel. Now he has perfected his product which he called EFQ Bioforce.

"Fresh cooking oil, after several times of use, is considered a toxic substance and hazardous (to health)," Quitiol said.

"Used cooking oil as raw material for the production of EFQ Fuel and Oil Additive will pave the way in solving the proper disposal of used cooking oil and will assure the public health and safety," added Quitiol when he  pitched EFQ Bioforce to members of  the Rotary Club of Davao recently.

His idea stemmed from his resolve to help curb pollution. He said his invention will eventually help restore bodies of water affected with spillage and contaminants that may pollute and destroy the habitat of marine life.

But how does his product work? According to Quitiol, adding 1mL of his product to a liter of fuel will act on and rearrange the molecular structure of the conventional fuel into chain branching of hydrocarbon atoms. This allows more efficient fuel combustion and consequently reduces air pollution.

Currently, Quitiol already has three kinds of products, namely EFQ Bio Force Diesel Additive, EFQ Bio Speed Gasoline Additive, and EFQ BioPower Engine Oil Additive.

Quitiol won in the Department of Science and Technology (DOST)- National Invention Contest and Exhibit  in 2014. Later, he availed himself of the Invention Based Enterprise Development Program of DOST- Technology Application and Promotions Institute. IBED is a program intended to encourage and transform innovations into a technology enterprise. It covers pilot production, field/market testing and formulation of systems and procedures in preparation for a larger production scale. The program also aims to build the capabilities of inventors to create businesses out of their inventions.

Used cooking oil may be harmful to health but a little bit of science can turn it into an environment savior. This is exactly what Davao-based Emiliano Quitiol, an inventor, found out way back in 2003 when he started working on his own biofuel. Now he has perfected his product which he called EFQ Bioforce.

"Fresh cooking oil, after several times of use, is considered a toxic substance and hazardous (to health)," Quitiol said.

"Used cooking oil as raw material for the production of EFQ Fuel and Oil Additive will pave the way in solving the proper disposal of used cooking oil and will assure the public health and safety," added Quitiol when he  pitched EFQ Bioforce to members of  the Rotary Club of Davao recently.

His idea stemmed from his resolve to help curb pollution. He said his invention will eventually help restore bodies of water affected with spillage and contaminants that may pollute and destroy the habitat of marine life.

But how does his product work? According to Quitiol, adding 1mL of his product to a liter of fuel will act on and rearrange the molecular structure of the conventional fuel into chain branching of hydrocarbon atoms. This allows more efficient fuel combustion and consequently reduces air pollution.

Currently, Quitiol already has three kinds of products, namely EFQ Bio Force Diesel Additive, EFQ Bio Speed Gasoline Additive, and EFQ BioPower Engine Oil Additive.

Quitiol won in the Department of Science and Technology (DOST)- National Invention Contest and Exhibit  in 2014. Later, he availed himself of the Invention Based Enterprise Development Program of DOST- Technology Application and Promotions Institute. IBED is a program intended to encourage and transform innovations into a technology enterprise. It covers pilot production, field/market testing and formulation of systems and procedures in preparation for a larger production scale. The program also aims to build the capabilities of inventors to create businesses out of their inventions.

JICA-assisted new LRT 1 rolling stocks seen to help decongest Metro Manila traffic

One hundred twenty (120) new rolling stocks for the Light Rail Transit (LRT) Line 1 supported by the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) through Official Development Assistance (ODA) are seen to help decongest Metro Manila and enhance business climate in the country.

The Department of Transportation (DOTR) awards this week the contract to supply said new rolling stocks to Mitsubishi Corporation (MC). MC will supply 120 cars (equivalent to 30 train sets) to LRT Line 1 beginning 2020 until 2022.

Said project is part of the JICA’s JPY 43,252 million ODA loan for ‘Capacity Enhancement of Mass Transit Systems in Metro Manila Project’ that aims to support quality transport infrastructure in the Philippines to help sustain the country’s robust economic growth. 

“Through the project, JICA aims to support the Philippines in accommodating growing demand for quality mass transport and job opportunities,” said Mr. Susumu Ito, Chief Representative of JICA Philippines office. 

“The present administration’s thrust to usher in a ‘golden age of infrastructure’ could also mean a ‘golden age for investments’ in the Philippines.’ With this, JICA hopes to continue contributing to Philippine economic growth in a sustainable way through infrastructure development.”

The LRT Line 1 new rolling stocks will use Japanese technology and products while helping reduce greenhouse gas emissions. Once completed, the new rolling stocks of LRT Line 1 can accommodate 1,388 passengers per train and more than double the number of running trains to 222.

JICA has supported quality transport infrastructure in the Philippines since the ‘70s with 45% of its ODA loan portfolio channeled to supporting infrastructure even in the remotest areas.

The Philippines’ investments in transportation infrastructure are now in the works, with the approval recently of the Philippines’ first subway project to be assisted by JICA by the National Economic and Development Authority (NEDA) Board.

The JICA project noted that shifting from road-based transport to rail based mass transit could help ease the worsening traffic situation in Metro Manila due to urbanization and population growth. Metro Manila’s urban rail systems have been built since the mid-1980s (LRT Line 1, MRT Line 3, and LRT Line 2) and transport demand has increased since. (JICA)

DILG lauds “Harvest of Good Governance” in Eastern Visayas

TACLOBAN CITY - “Good governance is everybody’s business, not just that of local government units (LGUs), DILG or of national government. Good governance is equivalent to creating better life for the people,” emphasized Regional Director Marivel C. Sacendoncillo of the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) during a press conference on Popularizing and Sustaining the Seal of Good Local Governance (SGLG) Gains on November 20, 2017 at Ironwood Hotel, Tacloban City.

DILG launched the SGLG as an incentive program to encourage LGUs to embrace good governance. Twenty-six (26) of the 448 SGLG awardees nationwide are from this region, an increase from 12 in 2016 and seven (7) in 2015.

Three cities in the region (Baybay, Maasin and Tacloban) passed the SGLG.  The 23 SGLG winner-municipalities are as follows: From Eastern Samar, Guiuan, Oras, Salcedo and Sulat. From Samar: Basey, Calbiga, Daram, Gandara, Motiong and Villareal. From Northern Samar the winners are Lapinig and Lavezares. From Leyte: Alang-alang, Barugo, Leyte, San Isidro and Tabango. From Southern Leyte: Liloan, Macrohon, Padre Burgos, Saint Bernard, San Ricardo and Sogod. The town of Barugo is the region’s sole three-time SGLG winner.

Director Sacendoncillo lauded the LGUs for this “harvest of good governance” due to greater receptiveness among mayors of the SGLG. DILG-8 initiated a series of dialogs with LGUs and partner agencies and focused on closer mentoring to address the most challenging SGLG indicators. She sought the help of media and the public in creating a climate of good local governance by using SGLG indicators in demanding better performance from local official.

The press conference led off with an overview of the SGLG by Pia Lovete, Chief of DILG-8 Local Government Monitoring and Evaluation Division, followed by the welcome remarks of DILG RD  Sacendoncillo. Present to share their insights were Mayors Ma. Rosario C. Avestruz of Barugo, Leyte; Ma. Luisa A. Menzon of Lapinig, Northern Samar; Atty. Melchor L. Melgar of Salcedo, Eastern Samar; Arnold James Ysidoro of Leyte, Leyte; Hermenigildo Culpa of Padre Burgos, Southern Leyte; as well as Atty. Irene Chiu representing Mayor Cristina G. Romualdez of Tacloban City. In attendance were representatives of ABS-CBN, ATV24, Philippine Daily Inquirer/Leyte Samar Daily Express, Tacloban City Information Office, Philippine Star/Freeman, Business Mirror/EV Mail, Kaugop RTV, IBC 6, DYVL, Magik FM, Bombo Radyo, RMN Tacloban, and San Juanico Balita.

The mayors, who will receive the award in Manila on November 27, 2017, expressed gratitude to their hardworking employees and community for the SGLG award. They expressed resolve to sustain their efforts in complying with the expected new indicators in next year’s SGLG evaluation.

The 2017 SGLG follows the “4+1 principle” where LGUs must pass all four Core areas: 1)Financial Administration, 2)Disaster Preparedness, 3)Social Protection, and 4)Peace and Order, which was added this year as a Core area. The areas considered Essential, which LGUs must pass at least one are: Business Friendliness and Competitiveness; Tourism, Culture and the Arts; and Environmental Protection.

SGLG winners can access the Performance Challenge Fund (PCF), which may be used for projects such as disaster risk reduction and management, local economic development, potable water and construction of local water impounding stations. (DILG-8)

WELDER BUSTED BY PDEA OPERATIVES

Tacloban City - Anti-Drug elements of PDEA RO8 arrested another Drug Personality during the conduct of buy-bust operation at Brgy. 22, Tacloban City on November 29, 2017 at around 05:35 PM.

           

In a report submitted to PDEA Director General Aaron N. Aquino elements of PDEA RO8- Tacloban City Office under Director Edgar T. Jubay identified the suspect as Noel Burgos y Maceda, male, 39 y.o.,single, welder, and resident of Brgy. San Roque, Sta. Fe Leyte.

            

Purchased and held during the operation were two (2) pcs. heat-sealed transparent plastic sachet containing suspected shabu weighing MOL 0.02 gram with an estimated market value of Two Thousand Pesos (Php2,000.00).

             

The suspect will be charged for violations of Section 5 (Sale of Dangerous Drugs) and Section 11 (Possession of Dangerous Drugs), Article II of RA 9165.

              

He is now temporarily detained at PDEA RO8 Detention Facility while waiting for his commitment order. (PDEA)

PDEA BAG TWO DRUG DEALERS IN TACLOBAN CITY

Tcloban City - Anti-Drug elements of PDEA RO8 arrested another Drug Personalities during the conduct of buy-bust operation at Brgy. 42-A, Tacloban City on November 29, 2017 at around 06:00 PM. 

           

In a report submitted to PDEA Director General Aaron N. Aquino elements of PDEA RO8- Tacloban City Office under Director Edgar T. Jubay identified the suspects as Gregorio Pacheco y Fuentes alyas “Gors”, male, 43 y.o., married, PUJ Conductor, and resident of Brgy. Blumentrit, Alang Alang Leyte; and Annalyn Gariando y Bugos, female, 28 y.o., single, and resident of Brgy. 59, Picas Tacloban City.

            

Purchased and held during the operation were ten (10) pcs. heat-sealed transparent plastic sachet containing suspected shabu weighing MOL 0.3 gram with an estimated market value of Ten Thousand Pesos (Php10,000.00).

             

Pacheco will be charged for violations of Section 5 (Sale of Dangerous Drugs) and Section 11 (Possession of Dangerous Drugs), while Gariando will be charge for violation of Section 26, Article II of RA 9165.

              

They are now temporarily detained at PDEA RO8 Detention Facility while waiting for their commitment order. (PDEA)

5 NPA Rebels Surrender with Firearms

CAMP GENERAL VICENTE LUKBAN, CATBALOGAN CITY – Five members of the New People’s Army surrendered to the different army units in Eastern Visayas last November 23 and 24, 2017 at Barangay Guirang, Basey, Samar and Sitio Canonghan, Barangay Osmeña, Palapag, Northern Samar, respectively.

The surrenderees were Alona Bojocan who turned-over a cal. 38 revolver and fragmentation grenade to Lt. Col. Arnel A. Floresca, Commanding Officer of 87^th Infantry (Hinirang) Battalion; Tinny Laoreno Gerbon, Richard Albaseno, Mrs. Sheryl Rebay, and Arnel Aquino, all residents of Sitio Canonghan, Barangay Osmeña, Palapag, Northern Samar who turned over two .45 handguns, one .38 revolver and two 5.56 magazines to the soldiers assigned with 20^th Infantry (We Lead) Battalion and 83^rd Civil Military Operations Company.

            They are now undergoing the process of enrollment under the Comprehensive Local Integration Program (CLIP) in order to avail of the financial and livelihood assistance from the government  so that they can start a new and peaceful life.

In his statement, Maj. Gen. Raul M. Farnacio, Commander, 8ID said that “the surrender of the NPA guerrillas only shows that the intensified strategy of your Army to counter the insurgency problem in Eastern Visayas is effective.  It is also the result of the pro-active cooperation of our stakeholders, above all the support given by the communities and local government units within our areas of operation.”

He also encouraged the NPA rebels in Region 8 to lay down their arms voluntarily and live a normal life with their families thru reintegration programs of the government. (8th-DPAO)

Army Troops Clashed again with the NPAs in Matuguinao, Samar

 

CAMP GENERAL VICENTE LUKBAN, CATBALOGAN CITY – Another clash between the troops of 43^rd Infantry (We Search) Battalion and the NPA terrorists took place today at 8:30 a.m. at Barangay Mahayag, Matuguinao, Samar.

            Upon receiving a warning coming from a concerned villager on the presence of the armed group conducting illegal activities in the community, troops immediately responded and encountered more or less 60 rebels.

            During the heat of the firefight, the 3^rd Field Artillery Battalion launched  rounds of artillery fire support to the engaging troops to pin down the striking enemies.

            Initial result of the encounter disclosed that there was no casualty on the government side while undetermined on the enemy side.

            During the tension, the military troops ensured the safety of the community and were advised not to go home until the clash is over.

Maj Gen Raul M Farnacio said that the 8^th Infantry Division will pursue its combat operation to hunt these terrorists who are continuing illegal activities that disturb the well-being of our people. In planning and conducting operations, the Army puts the people’s welfare and well-being above all other consideration.

DAR installs new provincial heads

CATBALOGAN, Samar – Eastern Samar Provincial Agrarian Reform Program Officer-II (PARPO-II) Enrique Granados III now heads the Department of Agrarian Reform (DAR) provincial office in Samar after he was installed on Monday by Regional Director Sheila Enciso.

          Granados replaced Leovigildo Monge, by virtue of Special Order No. 250, series of 2017 issued by Secretary Rafael Mariano early this month, as the latter will retire from government service on his 65^th birthday on May 28.

          In his acceptance message, Granados said that his new assignment is a challenge to him on how to maintain the impressive performance of Samar under PARPO Monge. DAR-Samar in 2015 was recognized among top performers.

          According to Land Tenure Improvement Division Chief Celsa Mabutin, though they expect a different management style, they need the expertise of PARPO Granados in the documentation of distributed but not yet documented (DNYD) lands.

          Granados, 60, joined DAR in 1983 as Senior Land Acquisition and Allocation Officer. He became Municipal Agrarian Reform Officer (MARO) in 1988 before becoming chief of the Beneficiaries Development Coordinating Division (BDCD) and the Operations Division on separate occasions.

          In 2003, he was designated PARPO-II for Northern Samar. He also became the DAR provincial chief in Leyte prior to his assignment in Eastern Samar where he served for eight years.

          Meanwhile, on May 12 before reporting to his new assignment, Granados turned over his responsibilities in Eastern Samar to PARPO-I Gilberto Apilado who was designated PARPO-II for the said province under the same special order.

          Apilado, 55, joined DAR in 1990 as Agricultural Engineer II. He was promoted to Chief Agrarian Reform Program Officer (CARPO) for BDCD and was later on designated as PARPO-I.

          Further, Chief of the Program Beneficiaries Development Division Teresita Caballa-Alde, 60, will take the place of Apilado as PARPO-I.

          For a smooth transition, Enciso urged all employees of both provinces to extend to the incoming officials the same support they had given to Monge and Granados during their time. (JOSE ALSMITH L. SORIA)

Clashes Erupts Again, 1 Soldier Killed

 

CAMP GENERAL VICENTE LUKBAN, CATBALOGAN CITY – The 43rd Infantry (We Search) Battalion again clashed with more or less 20 NPA rebels at Barangay Mahayag, Matuguinao, Samar on May 16, 2017 at 9:45 in the morning that resulted to the death of Corporal Renjie P Ada (Inf) PA while undetermined casualty on the enemy’s side. The 15-minute firefight occurred during the combat operation going to the location of the armed group which is according to the concerned villager, asking for assorted foodstuffs and medicines in their area.  

          A pursuit operation is being conducted to track down and apprehend the rebels.  Army units in nearby areas were ordered to conduct checkpoints along possible entries/exits of withdrawals of the enemy and to verify possible accommodation of wounded enemy in nearby hospitals.

            Your Army is sincere in its offer of peace.  We will ensure the personal safety of those who will choose to lay down their arms and peacefully return to their families.  Lay down your arms and return to the comfort of your families and friends.   Live peacefully and take care of your children as they grow and become productive members of the community.

            Massive military operations will be relentless against these lawless elements as long as peace and development in Eastern Visayas region is at stake.

12 year-old boy apprehended while carrying illegal Ammunitions

CAMP GENERAL VICENTE LUKBAN, CATBALOGAN CITY – On May 13, 2017 at 2 o’clock in the afternoon, the troops of 803rd Infantry (Peacemaker) Brigade while conducting security patrol in Brgy De Tubang, Silvino Lobos, Northern Samar apprehended a 12-year old boy carrying a half sack of rice that concealed 20 rounds of 5.56 mm ammunitions, three (3) cartridge 7.62 mm, linked for M60 machinegun and two (2) cartridge 5.56 mm linked for K3 machine gun.

After some interview, the child was immediately turned-over to Provincial Social Welfare Development for proper custody and brought to Catarman Provincial Hospital to check his health condition.

This kind of incident is a clear manifestation that the NPA terrorist group violated the International Humanitarian Law stating that children ages 18 below are prohibited to participate in any hostilities and carrying supplies that could merely put their lives into danger.

Maj Gen Raul Farnacio said, “Let us give our children the chance to grow up while peacefully learning from their youthful experiences and contributing in their own unique ways. NPA should stop recruiting and using minors for their illegal activities”,

TWO DRUG DEALERS BUSTED IN ORMOC CITY

Tacloban City --- Anti-Drug elements of PDEA RO8 and Ormoc City Police Station- City Drug Enforcement Unitarrested two Drug Personalitiesduring a conduct of Buy-bust Operation at Brgy. Macabug, OrmocCityon April 10, 2017 at around 08:15PM.

In a report submitted to PDEA Director General Isidro S. Lapeña, elements of PDEA Regional Office 8 under Director Edgar T. Jubay and Ormoc CPS-CDEUidentifiedthe suspects as Elpidio Buya y Donayre, 44 y.o, male, single, Habal-Habal driver and resident of Brgy. Danhug, Ormoc City; and Luis Lacerna y Ymas Jr., 43 y.o.,male, married, Ormoc LGU employee (JO- Assigned with ORWASA), and resident of Brgy. Macabug, Ormoc City.

Purchased and confiscated from the suspectswere three (3) pcs. heat-sealed transparent plastic sachet containing white crystalline substance suspected to be Methamphetamine Hydrochloride also known as Shabu with a total estimated weight of  0.2gram with an estimated market value ofOne thousand sixhundred pesos (Php 1,600.00).

Buya and Lacerna will be charged for violations ofSection 5 (Sale of Dangerous Drugs) and Section 11 (Possession of Dangerous Drugs), Article II of RA 9165

The suspectsarenow temporarily detained at Ormoc City Police Station Lock-Up Facility while waiting for their confinement order. (PDEA-8)

TRICYCLE DRIVER DETAINED FOR SHABU SALE

Tacloban City --- Anti-Drug elements of PDEA RO8 and Calbayog City Police Station- City Drug Enforcement Unitarrested another Drug Personality during a conduct of Buy-bust Operation at Brgy. Obrero, Calbayog City, Samaron April 10, 2017 at around 03:30PM.

           In a report submitted to PDEA Director General Isidro S. Lapeña, elements of PDEA Regional Office 8 under Director Edgar T. Jubay and Calbayog CPS-CDEUidentifiedthe suspect as Joey Santiago y Monteno, 29 y.o, male, with live-in partner, tricycle driver and resident of Purok 3, Barangay Carmen, Calbayog City.

Purchased from the suspectwere one (1) pc. heat-sealed transparent plastic sachet containing white crystalline substance suspected to be Methamphetamine Hydrochloride also known as Shabu with a total estimated weight of  0.05gram with an estimated market value ofFive hundred pesos (Php 500.00).

          Santiago will be charged for violations ofSection 5 (Sale of Dangerous Drugs), Article II of RA 9165

The suspectisnow temporarily detained at Calbayog City Police Station Lock-Up Facility while waiting for hisconfinement order. (PDEA-8)

East Asia Pacific Economic Update, April 2017: Sustaining Resilience

Key findings
 

• The outlook for developing East Asia is expected to remain broadly positive in the next three years, with growth driven by robust domestic demand and a gradual recovery in the global economy and commodity prices.
• China’s economy will grow 6.5 percent in 2017 and 6.3 percent in 2018, compared with 6.7 percent in 2016, as the government rebalances toward consumption and services.
• In the rest of the region, including the large economies in Southeast Asia, growth is expected to pick up slightly to 5 percent in 2017 and 5.1 percent in 2018, up from 4.9 percent in 2016.  
• As a whole, the economies of developing East Asia and Pacific are projected to expand at 6.2 percent in 2017 and 6.1 percent in 2018.
• Poverty in the region is likely to continue to fall, driven by sustained growth and rising labor incomes.
• The global environment and domestic vulnerabilities still pose risks to the region’s prospects.These include: faster-than-expected interest rate hikes in the U.S.; protectionist sentiments in some advanced economies; and rapid credit expansion and high levels of debt in several East Asian countries.
• To address these risks, the report recommends that policy makers continue to focus on prudent macroeconomic management and ensuring sustainable fiscal balances in the medium term.
• Growth in the region will continue to be driven by strong domestic demand, including public, and increasingly private, investment. This trend will also be supported by gradually rising demand for exports, as emerging markets and developing economies recover.
• The slow pace of recovery in commodity prices will benefit commodity exporters in the region, but won’t unduly hurt the economies of commodity importers in East Asia.
• In China, growth will continue to moderate, reflecting the impact of the government’s measures to reduce excess capacity and credit expansion. As a result, the report expects activity in the real estate sector to slow down.
• In the short term, policy makers should prioritize measures that counteract global risks threatening the availability and cost of external finance, as well as export growth.
• Across the region’s large economies, increasing fiscal revenues can help governments finance programs that boost growth and foster inclusion while reducing risks to fiscal sustainability.
• Some smaller commodity-exporting economies will need to take steps to increase their fiscal solvency.
• In China, the government can sustain its efforts to reduce corporate debt and restructure state-owned enterprises, tighten the regulation of shadow banking and address rising household mortgage debt. Reforms to reduce excess industrial capacity could be complemented with improved social transfers and labor policies.
•  With credit growth remaining high across much of the region, including Vietnam, the Philippines and Lao PDR, the report suggests an emphasis on strengthening regulation and enhancing supervision.
• The longer-term challenge for the region lies in sustaining rapid growth while ensuring greater inclusion. Governments can address these challenges by increasing productivity and investment, which have slowed recently in several economies, as well as by improving the quality of public spending. 
• In the face of rising protectionism outside the region, East Asia can seize opportunities to advance regional integration, including by deepening ongoing initiatives, lowering barriers to labor mobility and expanding cross-border flows of goods and services within the ASEAN Economic Community.
• Policy makers can put future economic prospects on a more sustainable path if they take steps to reduce pollution caused by farming, a rising threat amid the intensification of agriculture in the region.