The road to Salvacion and Langit

Nine months after the completed road project here was turned over Alicia D. Josol, Barangay Captain of Barangay Salvacion in Alangalang, Leyte, remembers the time when the way going to her village was dangerous, as it was very slippery.

Accidents happened regularly. She even fell down one time from her ride on a motorcycle or “habal-habal,” as it is commonly known in the area.

There was no decent road at all. It was an unpaved one, only a foot trail where pedestrians, animals and motorcycles could pass by.

The road was such in a terrible state that accidents are an accepted reality.

It was part of the price to pay when going to the village. It was also a reality that they would have to wade through waist-deep water every time it rains just so they could go to their place, Josol said.

Now, these are just memories of the past.

Josol thanked the Department of Agrarian Reform (DAR), the Asian Development Bank (ADB) that provided the funds under the second phase of the Agrarian Reform Communities Project, and the local government unit (LGU) of Alangalang.

Mayor Reynaldo Capon Sr. said that today, the road is made more comfortable.

People can already travel here and to the adjacent Barangay Langit using a bicycle, something that used to be unthinkable before, he added.

There are now more vehicles that ply this area. Motorcycle fare has gone down to ₱20 from the previous ₱80 to ₱100, Capon said.

The ₱8.49-million total project cost of the 3.55-kilometer road was shouldered by the LGU and a loan from the ADB by the national government.

Thus, Regional Director Sheila Enciso reminded the recipients during the turnover of the said road project to maintain it in good condition for 10 years. Otherwise, the LGU will have to pay the loan counterpart, equivalent to 40 percent of the total project cost.

Meanwhile, Leyte-Biliran Provincial Agrarian Reform Program Officer Renato Badilla advised the residents in the area to take this opportunity in improving their quality of life.

According to him, this project is aimed at increasing household income by improving farm production, thereby reducing poverty in the countryside. 

Animal waste: An alternative fuel

Three farming communities in Southern Leyte were relieved somehow from using expensive fuel in cooking.

This after the Department of Agrarian Reform (DAR) introduced to the residents of three remote villages in the City of Maasin and the towns of Hinunangan and Tomas Opus the Community-managed Potable Water and Sanitation Hygiene (CPWASH) project, a new approach in delivering water, energy, health and sanitation in the countyside by using available resources in the community.

CPWASH has four sub-projects – the rain water collector, the bio-sand filters, the iron removable filters and the bio-gas digester.

Under the last sub-project, no one in these villages ever thought that the wastes of their pigs can be transformed into an alternative fuel.  

Virginia Dueñas, one of the recipients of the said project in Barangay Hantag, Maasin City, disclosed that they no longer use firewood or LPG (liquefied petroleum gas) in cooking after this project was introduced to them by DAR. According to her, they can now save around ₱700 a month for they no longer buy LPG.

Their income likewise has increased as they are forced to raise more pigs in order to gather sufficient organic wastes that would be turned into fuel.

CPWASH project coordinator Julius Monge explained that animal wastes are fed and collected in the bio-gas digester that in turn, produce methane gas through anaerobic digestion.

         Further, under the CPWASH project rural folks were also trained how to construct bio-sand filters and iron removable filters to make water from deep wells potable. (PR)

Simultaneous Operations Rescue 13 Victims from Online Sexual Exploitation in Tacloban and Biliran

LEYTE – Nine (9) children are now safe from violence after being rescued by the National Bureau of Investigation Anti-Human Trafficking Division (NBI-AHTRAD) on Friday morning, February 23, 2018.  The children, ages 4 to 17 years old, are all victims of Online Sexual Exploitation of Children (OSEC).  Three (3) suspected traffickers were arrested during the simultaneous operations. Four (4) adult victims were also rescued.

The NBI-AHTRAD conducted an entrapment operation in Tacloban City, rescuing two (2) minor siblings, ages 15 and 17, and arresting three suspects – the victims’ older sister Jessa (real name withheld), her male live-in partner, and another woman Monica (real name withheld). Jessa and Monica are believed to be cousins.

Two adult victims, ages 19 and 22, were also removed from Jessa’s house, where the operation was conducted. Authorities recovered a laptop computer and a cell phone.

During the entrapment operation, the suspects were caught by the agents in the act of offering to sexually abuse the victims and “live-stream” those sex acts from Jessa’s Tacloban home in exchange for money from a foreigner.  If convicted, the suspects face a mandatory sentence of life imprisonment for human trafficking under RA 10364.

In the second operation, NBI-AHTRAD implemented a search warrant at a house in the Municipality of Culaba, Biliran Province where Monica was also operating a cybersex den.  Seven (7) children, ages 4 to 17, and two (2) adults, ages 20 and 24, were rescued. Several of the victims are related to the arrested suspects. Two of them were rescued inside the house while the rest were rescued from the neighborhood.

Among the items seized from the house were a desktop computer with screen and keyboard, headset, webcam, iPad and a smart phone. Both operations were conducted around 6:30 a.m.

“The Online Sexual Exploitation of Children is the most alarming, evil epidemic facing Filipino children today,” said Atty. John Tanagho, IJM Cebu Field Office Director. “Everyone from law enforcement to local and national government officials to prosecutors to NGOs to churches must work together to END this horrific abuse of Filipino children.”

Atty. Janet Francisco, Chief of NBI-AHTRAD, also hailed the successful operations.

“The arrest and rescues we made today in Region 8 by NBI-AHTRAD and local NBI agents should send a clear message that Online Sexual Exploitation of Children (OSEC) will not be tolerated anywhere in the Philippines,” she said.

Both of the cases started with an international referral from the UK National Crime Agency after a UK citizen was arrested and convicted in the UK for sexual offenses against Filipino children, including child sexual assault and child pornography.  The UK perpetrator Alain Charlwood-Collings lived in Biliran from 2008 to 2012 where he sexually abused and exploited numerous children with the help of his Filipina girlfriend and other Filipinos.  From 2012 to 2015, he returned to the UK but continued to direct and purchase the live-streamed online sexual abuse of Filipino children (OSEC).

This is an alarming case of massive sexual abuse and exploitation of children taking place right in Biliran Province over a period of seven (7) years involving 35 to 46 victims.

Some of the identified victims who suffered abuse at the hands of Charlwood-Collings were infants under 6 months of age.

Through the years, he sent a total of over 2.4 million pesos (33,431 British Pounds) to at least 15 individuals in the Philippines.

When he was arrested, the UK police found an extensive amount of child sexual abuse materials in his possession, including 107 videos amounting to 104 hours of sexual abuse of Filipino children.

The UK perpetrator is now serving an 18-year prison sentence in the UK.

Police will file complaints against the suspects for criminal violations under RA 10364 the Anti-Trafficking in Persons Act, RA 9775 the Anti-Child Pornography Act in relation to RA 10175 the Cybercrime Prevention Act and potentially other related violations. 

These successful simultaneous OSEC operations were a collaborative effort of NBI-AHTRAD, NBI Region 8, Department of Social Welfare and Development Region 8 (DSWD-8), the Provincial Social Welfare Office and International Justice Mission (IJM). 

The rescued victims are now safe in the protective custody of the government. Rescued victims of OSEC need many social services, including therapy and rehabilitation.  OSEC victims would only be returned to the community after a comprehensive family home and risk assessment is conducted to confirm that the home is a safe place for the children and that they will no longer be sexually abused or exploited by their parents, relatives or family friends. (PR)

DTI-ARRM, JICA’s support to innovations in Mindanao’s rural value chain

The Department of Trade and Industry in the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (ARMM) and the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) gathered more than 350 stakeholders in Mindanao in a forum promoting local industries to potential investors and businessmen. 

The forum “Creating awareness for inclusive and sustainable industry development in ARMM” is an offshoot of the JICA-assisted ARMM Industry Cluster Capacity Enhancement Project (AICCEP) that aims to encourage collaboration, innovation, and sharing of resources among industry clusters including abaca, coconut, rubber, coffee, palm oil, and seaweeds to name a few. 

Said forum is implemented under the Market Driven Local Industry Promotion (MDLIP), a sub-project of the Comprehensive Capacity Development Project for the Autonomous Regional Government in Muslim Mindanao. The event included exhibits and business matching activities. (PR)

Catbalogan City received agricultural equipments

(Photos by Paulus Aragon)

Catbalogan City - The City Government of Catbalogan is a recipient of the 2016 Bottom-Up Budgeting (BuB) program of the Department of Agriculture through the Regional Field Office 8 under the Infrastructure Support for Sustainable Rice Production Program via Provision of thirty-three (33) units of tractor and twenty (20) units of Mechanical Thresher in the amount of Five Million Two Hundred Fifty Thousand Pesos (PhP 5.25 M).

Thirteen (13) farmers association registered at the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) were the recipients of the said units along with the city’s nursery during the turn-over held at City Plaza last February 06, 2018 with Atty. Salvador Diputado as the guest representative from DA-RFU 8.

City Mayor Stephany Uy-Tan was personally present during the said turn-over along with City Councilor Max Pescos and the respective Barangay Chairs and Kagawads of the identified thirteen (13) barangays.

“Ini nga activity gintatawag naton nga turn-over ceremony, pagbalhin hin katungdanan — deri panhatag. Karuyag namon ipasabot nga gintatapuran namon kamo hini nga mga equipment deri como nga beneficiaries, kundi como kasugbong namon nga nakakakontribwer para ha kauswagan han aton siyudad”, Mayor Step shares.

Mayor Step further emphasized that all these support are provided so that farmers can have a sustainable means of livelihood and in turn address poverty and social inequities.

Catbalogan City through the leadership of Mayor Step is assisting indigent families and households through various programs and projects geared towards economic and social development. (PR)

DPWH to widen 10 bridges in Southern Leyte

MAASIN CITY – Widening of 10 bridges along Southern Leyte’s national highways is up for implementation this year to complement road widening activities of the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH).

“Based on our observation, motorists as well as the travelling public experience daily inconvenience brought by high volume of vehicles traversing the national highways. We believe the expansion of our bridges will provide an increase mobility in the area,” said DPWH Southern Leyte District Engineer Ma. Margarita Junia.

These projects amounting to P252.59 million are expected to ease out traffic and ensure a safer and convenient route to motorists plying the province’s major thoroughfares.

The bridges to be widened include Bitanhuan (P47.64 million), Gakat (P17.3 million), Iti (P23.4 million), , Nahaong (P17.3 million), Nahulid (P26.3 million), Oticon (P37.3 million) and Pangi (P18.75 million), all in Libagon town.

Also up for expansion are Buac (P16.5 million), Maac II (P22.5 million) and Magapso (P25.6 million) bridges in Sogod town.

“We would like to ask for the understanding and cooperation of the public once the construction of these bridges starts because this will cause short-term inconvenience,” Junia said.

The field office will be providing alternate route and install warning signs as well as traffic advisory once these bridges are closed during construction phase, the district engineer assured.

The widening of permanent bridges from two lanes to four lanes is among the major projects included in the 2018 General Appropriations Act approved by the central government. (PR)

DPWH completes rehab of S. Leyte bridges in 2017

MAASIN CITY - The Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) field office here has recently completed major rehabilitation works of several permanent bridges in Southern Leyte funded in 2017.

District Engineer Ma. Margarita Junia said that at least 18 bridges have undergone retrofitting, repair and strengthening last year as part of its massive rehabilitation of old bridges in the province.

“Since the program started in 2015, we already rehabilitated a total of 102 bridges in Southern Leyte,” Junia reported.

The rehabilitated structures last year are Ag-agan, Ambao, Calag-itan, Catiwing, Dagsa, Hitunlob, Ingan, Malibago, Marayag, Minoyho, Panas, Pinamudlan, Sap-ang, Hindag-an, Silago, and Tuno bridges.

The P141 million-worth of rehabilitation activities included the carbon fiber application, stone masonry, and water proofing. These are intended to strengthen each structure weakened by decades of daily heavy trucks passage and abnormal weather.

“With the repair of these bridges, we assure that its quality have become stronger, thus, ensuring safer travel for motorists,” Junia said.

Rehabilitated bridges were determined through Bridge Management System (BMS) bridge data annually collected based on the bridge inventory and condition surveys done by DPWH-accredited bridge inspectors.

In 2018, the bridge strengthening project will continue with P59 million outlay covering Dan-an, Lanang, Liloan, and Pondol bridges.

DPWH Southern Leyte is tasked to maintain 153 bridges, the most number among 13 district offices in the region. Of the total number of bridges, 139 are concrete, and 14 are steel. (PR)

TACLOBAN FIRST RECIPIENT OF THE PUV MODERNIZATION PROGRAM

Tacloban City – After traumatically experiencing the wrath of Super Typhoon Yolanda/Haiyan year 2013, Taclobanon are thankful for being the recipient of the National Government Public Utility Vehicle (PUV) Modernization Program. Forty-five (45) units of an eco- passenger friendly vehicle (E-JEEP) will be plying the streets of Tacloban City after it was formally launched January 23, 2018 at Plaza Rizal, this City. All units were showcased at Plaza Rizal and motorcade around the City’s thoroughfare for Taclobanon to appreciate it. A simple ribbon cutting ceremony done, blessing of the units and a short program with guest coming from the Presidential Office, National Government (DOTr, LTFRB, NHA) and the City Government. The locals were privileged to take a free ride of the eco-passenger vehicle known as the E-JEEP to showcase the various features the solar passenger vehicle unit. Each vehicle is equipped with CCTV camera, TV screen, and overhead air fans, charging socket, digital signboard, cushioned comfortable seats and the use of a reloadable value card whenever a passenger took a ride. The “pure solar, it just make sense” unit are manned by 2 drivers and 2 marshals as revealed by DOTr Chair Atty. Martin Delga III during the prescon held at the City USAID Bldg. In an interview, Mayor Cristina G. Romualdez expresses her thanks to President Rody Duterte and the National government agencies (LTFRB, DOTr) involved in this program for bringing the first PUV Modernization Program implementation to the City of Tacloban. The six (6) Ceres Buses given to Tacloban were not enough to ferry thousands of Taclobanon now residing in permanent shelters located in the Northern barangays of the City, Mayor Cristina said. The presence of the 45 units of E-jeeps will now address transportation issues the City has this past days, she added. We owe this all to the President of the Philippines for piloting the implementation of said program to the resilient city of Tacloban. The present administration is more concerned in providing riding publics a decent, eco-friendly passenger public utility vehicle, a safe comfortable transport system to address the comforts of the riding public with competent disciplined drivers and fairs regulated by the government. Each unit can accommodate twenty passengers. Also present during the initial launching were: Office of the Presidential Asst. for the Visayas ASEC Gerard Gonzales, DOTr Road Transport & Infrastructure Asec. Mark Richmund de Leon, LTFRB Chair Atty. Martin Delga III, Star 8 Pres. & CEO Jacob Maimon, LTFRB RO8 Director Renwick Rutaquiao, Natl. Housing Authority, City VM Jerry Yaokasin, City Officials and other LTFRB regional directors coming from other regions, Barangay officials and the people of Tacloban. The PUV modernization is an inter-agency transportation program in partnership with DOTr, LTFRB, Office of the President, Solar Star 8 Company and the Local Government Unit. With the presence of E-JEEP Taclobanon will be less exposed to air pollution and other health hazards. It’s a clean, green and safe transportation modernized scheme for riding publics. Mayor Cristina asks Taclobanon to take good care of the 45 eco-friendly passenger units given us. Thank you to all who made this projects possible for Tacloban. (Gay B. Gaspay-TISAT/Kanhuraw Media Team, photo by Elizabeth Lesiguez)

Commander, 8ID Pins Award to Wounded Soldier

Camp Lukban, Catbalogan, Samar – The Commander of the 8^th Infantry (Stormtroopers) Division Maj. Gen. Raul M Farnacio AFP pinned the award of the Wounded Personnel Medal (WPM) to Corporal Artemio Bendo Jr. (Inf) PA who was wounded during an encounter with undetermined number of communist terrorists (CTs) on January 16, 2018 at Camp Lukban Station Hospital.

            Corporal Bendo along with his fellow soldiers from 43^rd Infantry (WE SEARCH) Battalion were in the area of Barangay Somoroy, Lope de Vega, Northern Samar last January 14, 2018 to conduct humanitarian assistance to residents affected by torrential rains when the encounter with CTs transpired.

            In his short message, Maj. Gen. Raul M Farnacio said that, “This award is a manifestation of the degree of sacrifice that a soldier has to pay in order for our fellow Filipinos to continue to live in peace. It is just fitting to commend personnel such as Corporal Bendo who risked his life in helping and protecting the less fortunate in the far-flung areas.”

            Since the beginning of the year, the 8ID has been intensifying its campaign to defeat the CTs as per marching order given by President Rodrigo Roa Duterte declaring the Communist Party of the Philippines-New People’s Army as an identified terrorist organization.

It can be recalled that on January 4, 2018, two CTs were killed and two high powered firearms were recovered by the soldiers of 78^th Infantry (Warriors) Battalion during an encounter at Barangay Hilapnitan, Baybay City, Leyte.

           

           “The successful encounters of our government troops are the result of 8ID’s effort to defeat the communist terrorists in support to President Duterte’s campaign against the CTs who continue to extort money from communities and private businesses and employ atrocities against civilians.” Farnacio added.

JICA fetes outstanding individuals, projects in PH

The Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) honored outstanding partners in the Philippines in an awarding ceremony held in Manila recently. 

The Philippines received the most number of commendations in a roster of 40 recipients of this year’s JICA President Award given from the Tokyo Headquarters. 

The awardees are selected from thousands of JICA projects in about a hundred overseas offices including the Philippines. 

Leading the awardees is National Economic and Development Authority (NEDA) Undersecretary Rolando Tungpalan and projects on maternal and child health, Typhoon Yolanda rehabilitation and recovery, and Philippine Coast Guard (PCG). 

Meanwhile, the first JICA Philippines Chief Representative Awards were given to JICA counterparts whose commitment to the project ensured sustainability and whose support to JICA projects contributed to the trusted relations between JICA and the Philippines. 

NEDA Undersecretary Rolando Tungapalan (right) receives the JICA President Award from JICA Chief Representative Susumu Ito (left) for his cooperation with the works of JICA and promotion of international cooperation.

(From left to right) Receiving the awards for their agencies’ and local government units’ collaboration on the Project on Rehabilitation and Recovery from Typhoon Yolanda were Department of Interior and Local Government Undersecretary Austere Panadero, Tacloban City Planning Officer Janis Claire Canta, Palo Mayor Remedios Petilla, Department of Public Works and Highways Secretary Mark Villar, and TESDA Deputy Director General Rebecca Calzado

(From left to right) Recognized for their roles in the successful implementation of the Project for Cordillera-wide Strengthening of the Local Health System for Effective and Efficient Delivery of Maternal and Child Health Services were the Province of Apayao, represented by Provincial Health Officer Mary Ann Canonizado, Province of Abra, represented by Governor Maria Jocelyn Bernos, Department of Health-Cordillera Administrative Region represented by Regional Director Lakshmi Legazpi and Province of Benguet represented by Governor Cresencio Pacalso

Captain Rolando Punzalan, Jr., Deputy Chief of Coast Guard Staff for Plans, Programs and International Affairs receives the award on behalf of the Philippines Coast Guard for the comprehensive and continuous cooperation with the agency.

(from left to right) Philippine counterparts Philippine Rice Research Institute (PhilRice) represented by Planning Officer Teodora Briones, Mary Mediatrix Villanueva of Dios Mabalos Foundation, Former Department of Public Works and Highways undersecretary Raul Asis, Japan Agricultural Exchange Council (JAEC) represented by Executive Director Ryoji Sakamoto are also recipients of the first JICA Chief Representative Award for their steadfast dedication in the successful implementation of development projects and long-standing relations with JICA in the Philippines

(From left to right) Winners of the first JICA Philippines Photography Competition, “JICA and the Filipinos: Images of a Better Tomorrow”, runner-up Robert Alvarez, 2^nd placer Macbeth Omega, grand prize winner Jaime Singlador, and runner-up Carter Luma-ang receive their certificate of recognition from JICA Chief Representative Susumu Ito  

NASSA/CaritasPH: A government that curtails press freedom is an insecure government

In an interview with the Union of Catholic News (UCAN), NASSA/Caritas Philippines' National Director, Archbishop Rolando J. Tria Tirona, OCD expresses disbelief over the government's recent action against Rappler and other media entities in the country.

"The action smacks of "reign of terror," an arrogant and high-handed warning to the media practitioners that do not kowtow to the administration," states Archbishop Tirona.

He further expressed that "a government that curtails or limits press freedom and freedom of expression is a frightened and insecure government. It is not worthy to lead the people to truth, justice and to the total good."

Thus he appealed to all media practitioners, especially that "Catholic media must always side with Freedom which is a sure way to human enrichment. It must be courageous to denounce what blocks healthy expressions of creativity and of freedom. It must be vigilant against agents of lies and darkness."

Lastly, he called on all Catholic faithful "to be guided and enlightened by the Catholic teachings to discern what is true and false, fake and authentic, good and evil. The faithful must not just swallow what they hear or read. They must think and process what's being said or written."

JICA, DOH kick off cooperation to boost PH drug rehab program

The Department of Health (DOH) and the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) kicked off a 5-year technical cooperation project bolstering the Philippines’ capacity in drug treatment and rehabilitation.

DOH Secretary Francisco Duque III and JICA Philippines Chief Representative Susumu Ito signed on December 20, 2017 the Records of Discussion underscoring JICA’s technical support to establish evidence-based drug dependence treatment and rehabilitation services in the Philippines.

Under the cooperation, JICA will dispatch experts on drug treatment and rehabilitation in order to strengthen Philippine government’s capacity to effectively deliver facility-based drug dependence treatment and rehabilitation services through research, training, and developing a Philippine relapse prevention model and M&E of services.

President Duterte has issued Executive Order No. 4 in 2016 establishing and supporting drug abuse treatment and rehabilitation centers in the country.

Early this year, JICA and DOH signed a 1.85 billion yen grant aid “Program for Consolidated Rehabilitation of Illegal Drug Users” or CARE that seeks to establish a DOH TRC and improve operational and design standards of TRCs in the country.

In all, JICA’s development assistance aims to provide opportunity to drug dependents reduce the risk of relapse, and integrate themselves into society.

Aside from drug treatment programs, JICA has been actively supporting DOH’s advocacy since the 1970s in areas such as maternal and child health services (MCH), and research and development on infectious diseases among other health challenges. (PR)

Año vows relentless war against illegal drugs, crime, and corruption in turnover ceremony

Incoming Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) Officer-in-Charge (OIC) Eduardo M. Año vows to be the "conductor who will lead towards a clear vision" while relentlessly waging a war against illegal drugs, corruption, communist insurgency, and violent extremism in the turnover ceremony held on Tuesday afternoon.

Facing the officials and employees of DILG, OIC Año laid the blueprint of his leadership focusing on illegal drugs citing that "with the collective efforts of the employees and DILG-attached agencies, greater tasks will be accomplished in the service of President Rodrigo Roa Duterte's administration".

"Under my watch, the DILG will relentlessly and resolutely wage a campaign to rid the country of illegal drugs, criminality, and corruption. The threats of communism and violent extremism will also be met head-on," says Año.

"I will strongly uphold our primary mandate to 'promote peace and order, ensure public safety and further strengthen local government capability aimed towards the effective delivery of basic services to the citizenry'” he adds.

To realize the said endeavor, Año says that existing local institutions that deal with peace and order and public safety such as the Peace and Order Councils (POCs), Anti-Drug Abuse Councils (ADAC), and People’s Law Enforcement Board (PLEB) shall be strengthened.

He also says that the engagement of  the citizens and other sectors of society in this effort or a whole-of-nation approach is essential to this crusade.

The DILG OIC declares as well that under his leadership, ranks of local and police officials shall be "cleansed" to "separate the bad eggs from within the ranks".

"As for local and police officials, and all engaged in crime groups, you will be held accountable and will be dealt with uncompromisingly for violating our laws,” says Año.

Strengthening LGUs

According Año, being earmarked with 15% more budget compared to last year implies greater responsibility and accountability  for the Department and higher expectations to produce relevant and solid programs and projects. 

"Local government accountability and performance is one indicator which will enable us to reach out to more Filipinos, ensuring that we are fulfilling our mandate. Thus, we will make certain that we strike a balance between our national and local government unit (LGU) driven initiatives," explains Año. 

Continued scaling of the performance meters that LGUs should meet such as Seal of Good Local Governance and Performance Challenge Fund, says Año, will be intensified to push LGUs to go beyond the demand of their job employing better service performance for the people. 

Año also promises to carry out needs and capacity building programs for LGUs for them to implement programs and projects that will address the needs of the constituents, especially in the fields of local economic development, social protection such as water, health facilities and other relevant projects.

He also incites greater efforts for disaster preparedness saying that "such initiatives must start early on to protect the lives of our people and prevent tragedies brought about by typhoons 'Urduja' and 'Vinta' from happening again."

Improved internal governance capacity
 
"This is the only way for us to effectively perform our mandate.  Magagampanan lamang natin ang ating katungkulan kung may sapat tayong kakayahan at kagamitan."

Año also spoke of improving the internal governance capacity which includes the recruitment of new Police, Jail, and Fire Personnel and the necessary conduct of capacity enhancement activities.

He says that such enhancement trainings will develop in them the values to become persons responsible for the protection of the people’s lives, procurement of necessary equipage, and construction of needed facilities.

Año also acknowledged the steadfast leadership of outgoing DILG OIC Catalino S. Cuy saying that the turnover is about "brothers-in-arms accepting the greater challenge of leading their own teams of civil servants for a chance to better serve the Filipino public, and improve our communities and country." (PR)

1K Increase in Teachers’ Allowance Under 2018 Budget

Senator Loren Legarda today said that all public school teachers will receive additional Php1,000 in their cash or chalk allowance this year.

Legarda, Chair of the Senate Committee on Finance, said that additional Php770 Million was allocated in the Department of Education’s (DepEd) budget to increase the annual chalk allowance of public school teachers from Php2,500 to Php3,500 per teacher.

“This is good news for our teachers because additional allowance means they can purchase more of what they need to be more effective in teaching. Now they have additional Php1,000 to purchase classroom supplies like chalk, markers, paper, erasers and other materials,” said Legarda.

“We wanted to give them more but this is what the 2018 budget can provide as of now. Hopefully, for the 2019 budget, we will be able to give Php5,000 for annual chalk allowance per teacher. The DepEd should already include the necessary amount in their proposed budget,” she added.

In 2015, chalk allowance increased from Php1,000 to Php1,500 per teacher. It was raised to Php2,500 under the 2017 national budget. In the 2018 budget, it is now Php3,500.

Legarda also said she hopes that the allowance of teachers will be released early enough for them to actually purchase their supplies.

“The provision of chalk allowance to our teachers is an important concern and it is equally important to ensure that it is given to our teachers on time, before the start of the school year. If government agencies could easily provide office equipment to their staff, we should do the same for our teachers who only want the best for their students,” Legarda concluded. (PR)

Catholic Church prays for enlightened Philippines in 2018, committed to eradicate poverty, and uphold life and human rights

The Catholic Church, through its national social action arm, NASSA/Caritas Philippines is wishing for a new year whose citizenry is bold enough to do what is morally right.

 In his 2018 New Year’s message, NASSA/Caritas Philippines’ National Director Archbishop Rolando Tria Tirona said that “we pray and work for a Philippines prosperous in human and spiritual values, committed to eradicate poverty and corruption, dedicated in upholding human rights and the sacredness of life, unflinching in its fights against illegal drugs and human trafficking, enlightened to choose worthy leaders, and a Philippines proud of its heritage, yet open to the family of nations.”

He further stressed that “though 2017 have presented us with challenges which almost divided us as a nation, we have many other things to be thankful of. Our resilient spirit made us rise above the numerous typhoons. Despite the many environmental struggles we have faced, our efforts to protect the environment especially against mining have been sustained and produced positive results. The anti-drug campaign has endeavoured us to stand up for life and uphold human rights.” 

​

Archbishop Tirona added that “there is still hope. Many beautiful things are still happening. Social media is springing with viral posts of Filipinos doing good deeds. This is what we need to spread. Instead of negative news and hate, let us make it a habit to share the good news, and do good things no matter how small. From hope, we can make love, compassion and Caritas viral in our homes.”

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NASSA/Caritas Philippines is the humanitarian, development and advocacy arm of the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of the Philippines. (PR)