NPA Attacks CAFGU Detachment, Wounding 4 Civilians

 

CAMP GENERAL VICENTE LUKBAN, CATBALOGAN CITY – On March 30, 2017, a day after the 48^th NPA Founding Anniversary, a series of attacks was perpetrated by communist terrorists in different military detachments as part of their offensive operation against government forces. Among these is the NPA attack on the Geparayan CAA Detachment located at Brgy. Geparayan, Silvino Lobos, Northern Samar.

More or less 150 NPAs attacked the detachment which is surrounded by the community of the Brgy. Geparayan which resulted to the casualty of four civilians, namely, Genalyn C. Tulin, 31 y/o; Jocelyn Tulin, 12 y/o; Danica Tulin, 10 y/o and Ruby Jane Tulin, 2 y/o, burning of the detachment, and the loss of one (1) M60; one (1) R4A3; four (4) carbine rifles; five (5) garand rifles and one (1) Harris handheld radio.

The atrocity proved once again that the NPA is no longer concern for the well-being of civilians who are considered non-combatants and a clear manifestation that the communist terrorists do not abide to the Human Rights, International Humanitarian Law and Rule of Law.

To achieve lasting peace and development, your Army in Eastern Visayas is calling the stakeholders and the general public to support the government forces in fighting these communist terrorists. Everyone is highly encouraged to report to any nearest military units any NPA sightings in their area. Despite this unfortunate incident, rest assured that the 8ID will continuously conduct massive combat operation to deter the evil plans of the NPA and other lawless elements against our peace-loving people in Eastern Visayas. (8th ID-DPAO)

NMP QMS to Undergo Surveillance and Certification Audits in 2017

Tacloban City --- The National Maritime Polytechnic Quality Management System (NMP QMS) will undergo surveillance and certificationaudits under ISO 9001:2008andISO 9001:2015, respectively, this year.

As an agency that commits to continuous enhancement of seafarers, maintaining ISO Certification of its QMS confirmsthe agency’s relevance in carrying out its mandate of upgrading the qualifications of Filipino seafarers and providing responsive maritime industry researches.

With the Surveillance Audit under ISO 9001:2008 set on25-26 May2017, the NMPremainsdedicated in the further improvement of system processes and procedures.

Internal quality audits are conducted year-round in all levels of the organization to ensure that actual processes follow the established procedures.

Challenges in the accomplishment of agency plans, programs and activities are being addressed in the quarterly management review meetings and monthly quality time meetings.

Review and revisionof quality procedures are conducted to ensure its relevance and that these are carried out in accordance with agency and GOP policies and regulations.

More importantly, to keep NMP abreast with the evolving quality standards and other industry requirements, preparations are underway towards the transition of its existing standardtoISO 9001:2015.

Accordingly, revisions on the Quality Policy Manual adopting the new standard was approved by the NMP Board of Trustees during its meeting on 27 March 2017 held at the Office of the Secretary, Department of Labor and Employment, Intramuros, Manila.

Review and modifications on the Quality Proceduresare being undertaken that involve its re-alignment to the requirements of the 2015 standard, conduct of internal quality audits, submission of documents for Stage 1 Audit by the Certifying Body, and Stage 2 Audit that entails on-site visit by the Certifying Body within the last quarter of the year.

The changes introduced in the 2015 revision of the standard are intended to ensure that organizations continue to adapt to the changing environments in which they operate. Some of the key updates in ISO 9001:2015 include the introduction of new terminology, restructuring some of the information, an emphasis on risk-based thinking to enhance the application of the process approach, improved applicability for services, and increased leadership requirements. A three-year transition period (September 2015-September 2018) is given to organizations certified under the 2008 version to move to the new edition of the standard. (PR)

DAR installs 84 beneficiaries

SAN MIGUEL, LEYTE – After over 20 years of waiting the 84 agrarian reform beneficiaries (ARBs) here were finally installed by the Department of Agrarian Reform (DAR) to their awarded lots within the Leyte Sab-a Basin Development Authority.

          In 1991, DAR handed a collective certificate of landownership award (CLOA) numbered OC-4, covering Lot 1578 in Barangay Capilihan to the beneficiaries under the Comprehensive Agrarian Reform Program (CARP) but failed to install them due to harassment by other farmers in the area.

          Leyte Provincial Agrarian Reform Program Officer Renato Badilla who issued the writ of installation disclosed during the ceremonial installation that the area measures 207 hectares.

          In September last year, DAR conducted the subdivision survey and revalidation of ARBs to check if those mentioned in the CLOA are still around.

          Remegia Labaclado, one of the ARBs installed, wished in her message that the individual CLOAs be released to them soon.

          She also said that they will immediately till the land and make it productive after having been deprived for two decades.

          Meanwhile, Regional Director Sheila Enciso directed DAR’s Program Beneficiaries

Development Division to discuss with the ARBs appropriate projects that would help increase the farmer’s production and income and submit immediately the project proposals to the central office for funding.

          Meanwhile, Badilla likewise acknowledged the partnership that has been established between DAR and the Rights, the non-government organization assisting these farmers, which resulted to their installation.  (JOSE ALSMITH L. SORIA)

Legarda on Peace Talks: NDF Agenda is Within Reach

Senator Loren Legarda today expressed optimism that the government and the National Democratic Front of the Philippines (NDFP) would finally come up with a peace accord that is agreeable to both parties and beneficial to the Filipino people.

Legarda said that many of the NDFP’s proposals can already be addressed through existing laws and government programs.

The Chair of the Senate Committees on Finance and Climate Change said that the 2017 national budget, and even the 2016 national budget, includes programs and provisions aimed towards rural industrialization and development as well as environmental protection, which form part of the NDFP’s social reform agenda.

“I welcome the agreements made during the fourth round of peace talks under the current administration. I am optimistic that the matters discussed and those in the NDFP’s social reform agenda would already be addressed as many of these are covered by current laws and funded in the national budget,” said Legarda.

“I commit to work on a national budget for 2018 that would support and advance the gains of the peace process. That is the least Congress can do,” she added.

The 2017 General Appropriations Act (GAA) has funding for rural industrialization and development. Under the Agriculture and Fisheries Modernization Program (AFMP), Php3.9 billion is for the Program Beneficiaries Development (PBD) Component of the Comprehensive Agrarian Reform Program (CARP) in support of the programs and projects of the AFMP.

Other items in the budget on rural development include the Php2 billion irrigation service fee subsidy and Php1 billion under the Small Business Corporation subsidy for microenterprises.

The 2017 GAA also includes a provision mandating the Department of Agriculture (DA) to increase the resilience of agricultural communities through the implementation of disaster-resilient agricultural infrastructure projects and the distribution and development of seeds, which are optimally adaptive to present and to future climate conditions; while the Department of Agrarian Reform (DAR) shall provide support to all Agrarian Reform Communities (ARCs) for them to be attuned to climate change adaptation and disaster risk reduction. The DAR shall also capacitate the ARCs in renewable energy and energy efficiency, ecological solid waste management (ESWM), and sustainable land use such organic farming approaches and the use of water catchments.

Legarda said that the Agri Agra Reform Credit Act of 2009, which she co-authored, requires all banking institutions to set aside 25% of their total loanable funds to agriculture and fisheries credit.

Moreover, post-harvest facilities, irrigation, and farm-to-market roads are funded annually by the National Government through the DA.

On the issue of environmental protection, Legarda said that the country has laws in place protecting our natural resources and ensuring the integrity of our ecosystems. She cited the Ecological Solid Waste Management Act, Clean Water Act, Clean Air Act, Environmental Awareness and Education Act, Renewable Energy Act, Climate Change Act and the People’s Survival Fund Law, and the Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Act.

She said that the 2017 GAA funds the implementation of these laws and contains various provisions also aimed at biodiversity protection.

“All government agencies are mandated to ensure that the protection of biological diversity is integrated in their development programs and projects. We also sought the support of state universities and colleges (SUCs) through area management and mapping and inventory of biodiversity. SUCs shall ensure the protection and enhancement of protected areas located within the vicinity of their campuses, while the DENR should involve SUCs in the National Greening Program through the establishment of clonal nurseries and conduct of forest research,” Legarda explained.

Moreover, local government units (LGUs) are primarily responsible for the implementation and enforcement of environmental laws within their respective jurisdiction.

“Many of the items in NDFP’s social reform agenda can already be addressed through existing laws and programs. We also have several proposed measures in the Senate that would support these programs. I am optimistic that with the sincere efforts of both parties to pursue just and lasting peace, we will see the creation and eventual implementation of a peace agreement between the government and the NDFP,” Legarda concluded. (PR)

NPA Threats Led to Massive Evacuation in Calbiga

CAMP GENERAL VICENTE LUKBAN, CATBALOGAN CITY – About 549 household from the barangays of Cambagtic, Bulao, San Mauricio, Guimbanga, Minata, Sinalangtan, Caamlungan, Binangaran, Daligan and Buluan all of Calbiga, Samar fled their respective communities to seek shelter to the town gymnasium from April 4 – 7, 2017.

One of the Barangay Chairmen from upper barangay claimed that residents were forced to evacuate on the grounds of threat from communist terrorists that they will conduct an attack against the 87^th IB troops at the said area and they were ordered purportedly by the New People's Army to troop down to avoid being caught in a possible crossfire with government troops.  The passing of the villagers of Canbagtic to other barangays spread like wildfire of the above mentioned rumors which the residents panicked and also evacuated, triggering a mass exodus to the town gymnasium.

       Combined efforts of 87^th IB, Municipal Police Station (MPS), Municipal Social Welfare and Development (MSWD) and Local Government Unit (LGU) reached at a dialogue with the evacuees to solve the current situation represented by their respective Barangay Chairmen, agreed to convince the residents to return to their community.

Local DSWD distributed relief goods to the evacuees and the LGU of Calbiga provided trucks for transportation back to their respective barangays. Most of the evacuees returned to their communities but some refused and opted to stay at the covered court as of press time.

       Your Army in Eastern Visayas is deploying community peace and developments teams which are encouraging community based initiatives defined by the local communities, with local government units coordinating efforts against insurgency, geared towards presenting long-term solutions while at the same time addressing the immediate needs of the local community. (8th ID-DPAO)

DILG to LGUs: Ensure peaceful, safe Holy Week

Despite the decreasing trend of petty crimes as a result of the national government’s all-out campaign against illegal drugs, the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) still urges all local chief executives to ensure peaceful commemoration and safety of their constituents and guests this Holy Week.

DILG Officer-in-Charge Catalino S. Cuy said that local government units (LGUs) should work closely with the concerned local traffic enforcers, barangay tanods, law enforcers, or public safety officers in places of public convergence such as churches, transport terminals, plazas, and malls to ensure the safe observance of this yearly commemoration.

“People usually flock to churches and other religious destinations during the Holy Week but there are also those who would like to relax and enjoy the long weekend,” Cuy said. “Whatever their choice may be, let us ensure that crowded places and other places of interests remain crime-free, safe, and clean.”

The DILG OIC also emphasized that medical assistance booths should be set-up to assist people who might faint or get dizzy amid the excruciating heat.

He added that segregated trash bins should be placed in strategic locations to keep the public places litter-free and clean.

Cuy also advised the Philippine National Police (PNP) to deploy their staff and ensure police visibility, checkpoints, and mobile patrols to prevent the occurrence of crimes and other threats to public order and safety.

“Be on guard for pickpockets who easily prey on unsuspecting victims amid the huge crowd,” he said. “Be alert also for those akyat-bahay criminals who barge into empty houses and rob whatever worthy materials they could find.”

Cuy also assured the public that the Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP) is always ready to respond to fire incidents and other accidents that may happen during the Holy Week.

He also called the public to make sure that all electrical appliances are unplugged and  gas tanks are turned off before leaving their homes or heading off to their vacation destinations.

“Let us maintain the solemnity of the Holy Week and reflect on the sufferings of Jesus for all humanity. At the same time, let us ensure that the long holiday break this Lenten season will be crime-free, safe, and stress-free” Cuy said. (DILG)

It takes a woman to do a man’s job: The MBA-WIDA story

Photo by DAR-8

TACLOBAN CITY --- The women of Magbinuligon Bayanihan Association – Women In Development Association (MBA-WIDA) formerly the Opong MPC are proof that women can indeed bring change and make things happen.

Formed from the defunct Opong MPC, the MBA was organized with the help of DAR in 2009.

According to DAR Agrarian Reform Program Officer I (ARPO I) Ma. Milagrosa Noveda, she spearheaded the reorganization effort of what is now the MBA, and has 379 members, 197 of which are females and 182 are males. It is a federation or network organization, with WIDA as its affiliate member.

The organization has a one (1) hectare communal farm planted to high yielding vegetable varieties, in addition to a less than a hectare tilapia fish pond. It is also engaged in rice production.

But the women of MBA-WIDA, have walked the extra mile. They may look comely, shy and pretty; but mind you, some of them are certified welders with NC II certificates from TESDA.

Some have also received training in carpentry and masonry, and gentlemen, take a bow, these ladies constructed their warehouse from scratch.  ARPO I Noveda says that these women actually built their warehouse, and it was a sight to see them holding hammers, welding tools and do construction work. Welding, carpentry and masonry, are traditionally the preserve of men.

It is not every day that we find women in a rural community break the gender barriers, and the women of MBA-WIDA, have shown they can indeed make a difference.

In a rural community, the traditional occupational roles are very much emphasized between sexes.

However, things were to change when super typhoon Yolanda came. It brought change at a rapid pace.

Several international non-government organizations, private agencies and donors, and government agencies poured assistance to calamity-stricken areas,  Tolosa, included.

There was also a serious shortage of skilled labor particularly for carpenters, masons, plumbers, electricians and the like. Soon, government agencies and civic-minded organizations started training those interested in these skilled occupations that were in short supply.

These trainings included both men and women, and the members of MBA-WIDA. Together, they were a force in the rehabilitation and development of their community.  After Yolanda, it opened several opportunities for livelihood and entrepreneurship.

But they did not stop there. They were able to access ILO funding worth P2M, more or less, for the construction of their building with provisions for an office and storage area. It was here that the women showed their carpentry, masonry and welding skills, and did traditional chores that used to be the preserve of men, a few years back.

Yes, there were males who helped them along the way, but this was something new and it signalled a new chapter in the life of empowerment of women in local life.

They were also a beneficiary under the Partnership Against Hunger and Poverty (PAHP), ARPO I Noveda said. They also availed of the on-site training provided by DAR and from partners.

Today, they are engaged in addition to their vegetable production where they produce bell peppers, they are in vermi-cast production, an organic fertilizer derived from African Night Crawlers earthworms with technology provided by the DAR.

They produce green charcoal briquettes. They have also engaged in the production of red rice organically, which is in high demand for the wellness and health conscious market, particularly the diabetics.

They have diversified their interests: meat processing, and catering business. In line with this, they underwent trainings in food preparation and food handling, table skirting. They have also produced nuggets from vegetables. Their latest venture is the production of organic dishwashing liquid, which they started marketing in their area.

The MBA-WIDA is an epitome of empowerment, breaking traditional stereotypes. They have also learned to think of their future, access and mobilize resources to effect their plans. They may have to deal with challenges along the way. But after the storm, they have charted their lives in their hands, and blazed new trails. (DAR-8)