February 9, 2014 1

“in pursuit of PIA’s commitment to provide a national mechanism for the free flow of timely, accurate and relevant information… “

VOL 2 ISSUE 31 Daily E-Newsletter of Philippine Information Agency - 8 February 9, 2014

Three months after Yolanda, Leytenos are called to join the Bayani Challenge 2014

Challenge, we will go to the areas affected by recent disasters and show our brothers and sisters that we will not leave them behind,” Usec Oquinena who founded the Bayani Challenge told the more than 700 students who were visibly awed as the USec motivated them to join the Challenge to rebuild Yolanda hit areas. It was observed that despite being noontime already, the students from various colleges and universities in Tacloban did not leave the Gym, clapped and laughed and lighted candles at the end of the program. These events have brought

T he Red Cross Societ y of China is set to turn over

166 c lassrooms to Yolanda devastated communit ies in Tacloban and Palo on Februar y 10. Phi l ippine Red Cross Chairman R ichard Gordon, Red Cross Societ y of China Vice Chairman Dr. Zhou Baige and PRC Secretar y General Gwen Pang are expec ted to arr ive tomorrow at 7 :00 o’c lock in the morning for the turnover ceremonies. They wi l l be met by Leyte Governor Dominic L . Pet i l la , Palo

Red Cross set to turn

over 166 classrooms to

Tacloban, Palo on Feb 10 The third month anniversary of the Yolanda onslaught in Eastern

Visayas on February 8, 2014, was marked with the Leyte launch of the Bayani Challenge 2014 at the Leyte Normal University Gym. At said launch, PCOO Undersecretary and PIA Director General Jose Mari Oquinena called on the youth of Leyte and Eastern Visayas to join the Bayani Challenge 2014 with the theme Walang Iwanan, which will be conducted in the disaster-hit areas in the Visayas to include Leyte, Samar , Eastern Samar, Aklan, Antique, Capiz, Iloilo, Negros Occidental, Bohol, Cebu, Palawan and Zamboanga in Mindanao. “For this year’s Bayani continued on page 5continued on page 5

School organization leaders from various schools in Tacloban and Leyte lighted candles in support to the Gawad Kalinga Bayani Challenge 2014 which will start on April 12. (Photo by Raul Tiozon, Jr./PIA-8)

2 February 9, 2014

PARR is ahead of schedule, official says

G en. Vic Batac the Assistant Secretary to the Presidential

Assistant on Rehabilitation and Reconstruction said PARR is ahead of schedule. “ We were able to gather corporate, business leaders in one gathering and secured their commitment to help in the rehabilitation and recovery of the Yolanda Avenue,” General Batac said. General Batac made the pronouncement during the recently-held consultative assembly conducted by the Province of Leyte with PARR at the Governors Hall of the Provincial Capitol.

According to General Batac, PARR has divided the Yolanda Avenue into 24 cuts that would include all the provinces affected including Leyte, Samar, Cebu, Negros, Capiz, Aklan, I loilo and Palawan. So far, Batac said, 80 have already commitments to include international NGOs. He said that the “entire world is here helping out and PARR is starting the coordination at its level.” He emphasized that the role of PARR is really to coordinate with the national agencies , local government units and the international aid agencies. Batac who represented

Secretary Panfilo Lacson during the Leyte consultation, said the Secretary wanted to impart that message to all those who were gathered at the Governors Hall that “ We have to be patient.” Secretary Lacson was appointed last December 10, Batac said. There were many holidays that month of December. I t was only in January that he started as PARR secretary, Batac said. Meanwhile, it was learned that Engr. Robert Castanares of Southern Leyte and the Eastern Visayas Chamber of Commerce and Industry has been designated as the PARR regional coordinator for Eastern Visayas. (PIA 8)

One of the schoolbuildings in Pawing Elementary School, Palo, Leyte damaged due to super typhoon Yolanda. (Photo by Neil Lopido/PIA-8)

Provincial Govt holds consultative meeting with PARR for the rehab and reconstruction of Leyte

The provincial government conducted a consultancy meeting

on the rehabilitation and reconstruction of Leyte with Rehabilitation and Reconstruction Czar Secretary Panfilo Lacson who was represented by Assistant Secretary Vic Batac, recently.

Leyte Governor Leopoldo Dominico L. Petilla in his welcome message expressed his gratitude for all the support the government is getting through the concerted effort of all government and non¬government organizations and the international

organizations. This will enable the Leytenos to get their lives back to normal as quickly as possible, the young provincial governor said. The governor said that if there is any bright light that has come out of typhoon it’s the degree of how regular Filipino in the Philippines and other parts of the country have responded with speed and determination to help. The governor continues to call on the private sector as well as national agencies to continue their support to the provincial government efforts in rehabilitation and reconstruction. The governor expressed hope that with all the efforts put together and with the strong support of president Benigno Aquino and Sec. Panfilo Lacson, Leyte will get back to where it was before the typhoon, if not even better. The congressman of the fifth district of Leyte Jose Carlos L. Cari also gave his message and emphasized that the hope that since it is almost 3 months after the typhoon Yolanda he was expecting that the news he will hear and read should at least be the efforts of the national agencies in the region. He also said that national

continued on page 3

February 9, 2014 3Retired army official exhorts stakeholders to keep on helping the government in building peaceIn times of chaos, let us continue

building peace and empower our countrymen towards peace and development.” This was the pronouncement of newly Retired Army Brigadier General Virgilio Espineli during his visit in Tacloban City, recently, as he encouraged stakeholders to join hands with the government for the fast recovery of Eastern Visayas. Despite these trying times, Espineli still emphasized the importance of working closely with the stakeholders in having a good harmony in the region.“Recovery is possible if we only work hand and hand,” he said. He also acknowledged the professionalism and commitment of the soldiers of the 8th ID and the support and cooperation of the public and the private sector partners who worked with them to make Region 8 a better place to live in.

Espineli shared that he was supposed to retire before typhoon Yolanda came, but since there is incoming Super typhoon, he was asked to extend his stay in the service in the Philippine Army in Eastern Visayas and wait until he reached his 56th birthday on November 27, 2013. Espineli was one of the first high ranking officials who responded in Tacloban City a day after the devastation. On their way to Tacloban City after the typhoon, the general also led the clearing operations and diligently engaged themselves in clearing the highways with scattered debris.Espineli cited the resiliency of the Yolanda victims which made him more attached in Eastern Visayas. The general intimated that his very first assignment was in region 8 after he graduated from Philippine Military Academy (PMA) and he never

thought that he will come back and retire here. Yolanda’s wrath paralyzed the delivery of other government services, but AFP continued thru the help of other stakeholders and was able to assist delivery of relief goods and reach the target area safely for the benefit of the survivors of the typhoon.“We got this significant success because of the continuous support of the civilian, local government units, and all the stakeholders. To our men and women in uniform, I hope that you will keep on serving well our people,” Espineli said as he closed his message. (PIA 8 with Avha H. Ebalde)

agencies should coordinate and involve the local government unit in any activities for the business in rehabilitating and recovery from the province starts with the barangay added Cari. His presence in the meeting is to show his support to the convergence of national offices in the meeting as well as the other four congressmen of Leyte. Gen. Vic Batac, the Assistant Secretary to the Presidential Assistant on Rehabilitation and Reconstruction office of the President for his part said that Sec. Lacson wanted to impart the message to all who were gathered in the governor’s hall of the provincial Capitol that “We have to be patient, for he was just appointed last Dec. 10 and there were many holidays in that month. It was only on January 1 that he started as PARR secretary , its just 60 office days

Prov’l Gov’t holds...from page 2ago,” said Batac. However, Batac said that PARR is ahead of schedule. “We were able to gather corporate/business leaders in one gathering and secured commitment with business leaders to help in the rehabilitation and recovery of the Yolanda avenue,” he said. According to Batac, PARR divided Yolanda Avenue to 24 cuts that would include all provinces affected Samar,Leyte,Cebu, Negros,Aklan Capiz, Ilo- ilo and Palawan. As of today, according to Batac, 80 cuts already have commitments to include international NGO’s. Batac said “that the entire world is here helping out and PARR is starting the coordination at their level”. Batac emphasized PARR’s role is really to coordinate with the national

agencies, local government units and the international aid agencies. Aside from messages Corazon Alvero the Provincial Planning and Development Officer IV presented during the meeting the Priority Rehabilitation and Recovery Projects of the province of Leyte. The meeting ended with an open furom and updates from different agencies and the afternoon session is the presentation of Bottom-Up Planning Strategy and Understanding the National Budget in relation to the Yolanda Rehabilitation and Reconstruction Efforts by Mr. Joseph A. Ranola President CNB. The meeting ended with a closing remarks from Evelia Q. Martin the Provincial Planning and Development officer of Leyte. (PIA 8)

4 February 9, 2014

Catbalogan LGU distributes 72,500 fingerlings to its fisherfolksThe City government of Catbalogan

led by Mayor Stephany Uy Tan through the City Agriculture Office, distributed some 72,500 fingerlings to Catbalogan fisherfolks at City Plaza, on February 5, Wednesday. This is in line with the administration’s effort to assist fisherfolks in their livelihood as well as to sustain the production of tilapia in the city, according to Tan. The fingerlings were distributed to Renato Diocton, SSU Mercedes Campus with 6,000, Ronnie Cabreras, Brgy. Payao with 3,000, Father Helera, Brgy. Silanga with 3,000, San Roque Lagoon, Brgy. San Roque with 6,000, Archie Tan, Brgy. New Mahayag with 9,000, Ricardo Flores, Brgy. New Mahayag with 6,000. To complete the distribution, other fingerlings were distributed to Rex Gamba, Brgy. New Mahayag with 9,000, Leo P. Ladrera, Brgy. Old Mahayag with 3,000, Romy Cadano, Brgy. San Vicente with 9,000, Raul

Colocado, Brgy. New Mahayag with 3,000, Cawayan People’s Organization, Brgy. Cawayan with 6,000 and to City Nursery Demo Farm, Brgy. San Vicente with 9,500. After the turned over of fingerlings, the City Agriculture Office conducted an orientation to the beneficiaries. Following the said activity, Tan personally visited the fish ponds of the several recipients at Barangays Payao and San Vicente. Aside from the new fish pond intended for the new fingerlings, the City Nursery & Demo farm located at Barangay San Vicente, has also of eggplants, tomatoes and other agricultural products. This initiative of the current administration is anchored on the commitment to address food shortage as well as to assist family’s economic stability through sustainable livelihood programs. Meanwhile, although

spared from the super typhoon, Catbaloganons are currently experiencing economic difficulties due to unstable livelihood and limited supplies.In response to the calamity, city has allocated nine Million Pesos intended for rice subsidy program for the 18,000 households in Catbalogan City. In support to this program, Tan and the City councils issued an Executive Order. This was officially started during the distribution at Barangays 01 and 02 Poblacion last February 06, 2014 in coordination with the City Social Welfare and Development Office and the respective Barangay Chairs and Officials.As support to the current crisis faced by families and communities, each household will receive nine kilos of rice according to Tan. (PIA 8 Avha H. Ebalde)

February 9, 2014 5

Three months after...from page 1

Red Cross set to...from page 1

Mayor Remedios L . Pet i l la , some students, among others. At 9 :30 in the morning, the turnover r i tes wi l l be conduc ted at the San Jose E lementar y School with a shor t program and presentat ion of school keys to the pr incipals of 20 rec ipient schools.I n the af ternoon, the group wi l l v is i t the Palo Nat ional H igh School which is a lso a benef ic iar y of Red Cross c lassrooms. Ear l ier, PRC chairman Gordon, in a statement sa id “ The par tnership bet ween the Phi l ippine Red Cross and the Red Cross Societ y of China shows

the Filipino to its core: relationships that refused to leave each other behind. The Filipino people’s Resilience has inspired other nations to help, USec Oquinena said as he observed that there were non Filipinos who were present to signify their intention to enlist as volunteers. With the guest of honor were Gawad Kalinga prime movers Mr. Boy Montelibano and Mr. Tanny Go who noted that with the youth staying in Tacloban to help in the rehabilitation, there is great hope for restoration and rehabilitation. With at least a million volunteers from the various parts of the country and the world, this

the best in our people when we work for the common good of our fe l lowmen.” Gordon said the projec t symbol izes “ the good that can be achieved due to endur ing t ies that bind both nat ions and that great goodwil l , c loser cooperat ion and f r iendship is achieved when both Red Cross societ ies cooperate on projec ts that benef i t humanit y.” Meanwhi le, Dr. Zhao sa id the Hong Kong branch of the Red Cross Societ y of China donated 9 ,300 student armchairs and 166 sets of teachers’ tables and chairs . “ We were shocked to learn the damage, the destruc t ion, the

year’s Bayani Challenge will begin on April 12, a little after Araw ng Kagitingan or The Day of Valor and culminate on June 12, Independence Day, Gawad Kalinga is orchestrating it to be the most historic and most patriotic Bayani Challenge to have hit the country ever. Bayani Challenge 2014 is targeting 20,000 houses in the mentioned calamity-hit areas, it was learned. In Leyte, Bayani Challenge 2014 will be in the municipalities of Tanauan, Palo, Alangalang, Ormoc and Tacloban City. GK is looking for 1 million volunteers for the manpower at about 10-15 volunteers/group for

despair brought about by Haiyan, or Yolanda as you cal l i t ,” she sa id in a statement. “ When we came to k now over 6 ,000 died, we sent our search and rescue team; when we learned that there are near ly 30,000 injur ies, we sent our medical team; when we were aware that over four mi l l ion people are af fec ted, among whom tens of thousands of students could not go back to school because their c lassrooms are damaged, we sent our construc t ion team,” she added. (P IA 8)

each house. Bayani Challenge it was learned, aims to build relationships among different sectors, groups and nationalities, creating peaceful and more caring communities that are ready for any eventuality. It is also the platform to gather and inspire volunteers who are key players in innovating and implementing plans that address poverty and other social challenges. This is also the opportunity to raise extraordinary resources that complement funded or unfunded programs of the local government. (PIA 8).

6 February 9, 2014

Palasyo: Mga eskwelahan nga nagbalhin han era mga kalendaryo en may kalugaringon nga charter A n mga eskwelahan nga

nagbalhin han era mga academic calendars en ginhuhuna-hunaan nga ginturo-timbang an mga positibo ngan negatibo parti han era mga desisyon, sering han Malacanang dida han Huwebes. Naobserbahan gihapon ni Presidential Communications

Operations Office Secretary Herminio “Sonny ” Coloma Jr. nga miyentras an UP en usa nga institusyon han gobyerno, eni en mayda kalugaringon charter. “An gin-ngaranan nga eskwelahan en may tagsa-tagsa nga charter. An UP en usa nga institusyon han gobyerno pero

mayda eni kalugaringon nga charter,” sering ni Coloma dida han pakig-aragtubang ha mga taga media. An Ateneo de Manila University ngan han University of the Philippines en nag-aprobar han pagbalhin han pagtikang han klase tikang ha Hunyo ngadto ha Agusto. Sering ni Coloma waray nakakaulang heni nga mga eskwelahan pag-ayad han era mga kalendaryo. “Seguro naman resonabli nga huna-hunaon ngan esering nga antis nira mahimo ito nga era tagsa-tagsa nga desisyon gin-adman anay nira hin maupay,” dugang pa niya. Sering gihapon niya nga an pagbalhin han kanan eskwelahan kalendaryo en diri bag-o, kun diin gindumara gihapon eni dida han administrasyon ni Pangulo Diosdado Macapagal, samtang hi Alejandro Roces an anay education secretary, pero an tikang han academic calendar en katapos-taposan ginbalik ha Hunyo. ( Trans. by maa/PIA-8)

WARAY NEWS

February 9, 2014 7VP Binay nasuporta dumaraon ha Phl pagpili han 2014 Ms. WorldNagpagawas hi Vice President

Jejomar C. Binay han iya hul-os nga suporta para han pagdumara han pagpili han Miss World dinhi ha Pilipinas yana nga tuig. Eni en matapos igproponer an edeya han ha pagkayana nga Miss World nga hi Megan Young ngadto han Vice President. “Eni en makakahimo hin pag-uswag para han nasud,” sering ni Binay kun an okasyon en madadayon

yana nga Nobyembre. Dugang pa niya nga eni en magigin dako nga honor para han nasud kun an pageant en pagdumaraon dinhi. “Pamati ko magigin talwas kun an pagdumara heni en panagbalayan han Pilipinas, mas magigin kilala an nasud,” sering niya. Sering ni Miss Young ngan Miss World Events Director Mr. Steve Douglas, an ginproponer nga

pagdumara han finals dinhi ha nasud en para mabuligan an rehabilitasyon nga gius para han mga biktima han makusog nga bagyo Yolanda. Sugad man, sering ni Young nga an pagpili en makakaghatag hin duon han pagigin matibaksi han mga Pilipino labot la han pagpakusog han kanan nasud turismo. ( Trans. by maa/PIA-8)

Canada, Pilipinas nagpirma MOU parti paghag-id han militar

Ginpormal han Canada ngan han Pilipinas an era defense training

cooperation program pinaagi han pagpirma hin usa nga Memorandum of Understanding kun diin nakapahamtang en mga opurtunidad hin paghag-id para han mga Pilipino nga mga militar ha Canada. An kanan Canada ambassador para ha Pilipinas nga hi Neil Reeder ngan hi AFP Deputy Chief of Staff nga hi Lt. Gen. Virgilio Domingo en nakadto han pagpirmahay han Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) didto ha Camp Aguinaldo, pasabot han Embahada han Canada ha Pilipinas. “Nalilipay ako pagtistigo yana nga adlaw hini nga importante nga panhitabo han kanan aton mga nasud kuoperasyon parti ha depensa nga programa. An Canada ngan han Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) en nagkaada hin makusog nga pagka-usa ha paghag-id han militar tikang han 1997, ngan eni nga kanan yana nga adlaw pirmahay en nagduduso hito nga pagka-usa nga magpadayon ngan magmauro-iha pa” sering ni Ambassador Reeder. “Eginpaparayaw ko pagsering nga tubtub yana kami en naghatag hin paghag-id hin masobra 150 nga mga tawo han militar han Pilipinas ha Canada nga natikang han ngatanan nga panguna nga mga serbisyo han AFP,” dugang pa ni Ambassador Reeder. “Kumpiyansa ako nga eni nga MOU

en makakatugot han duha nga mga nasud nga magin hurohilawig ngan magin makuro-kusog an ekselente na nga relasyon, sugad han eginpakita nga ekselente nga espirito han kooperasyon nga eginpagawas han aton tagsa-tagsa nga mga tawo han militar ha pagbaton ngadto han Bagyo Yolanda.” An mga tawo han AFP en gintagan hin mga oportunidad pag-atinder hin paghag-id nga mga kurso han Canadian Armed Forces (CAF) ha iba-iba nga mga pasilidad hin paghag-id han militar ha mga lalawigan han Nova Scotia, Ontario, Quebec, ngan British Columbia.

An paghag-id nga mga kurso nga eginhatag ngadto han AFP han nakalabay en nag-uupod han peacekeeping and UN Mission staff courses; senior management nga mga kurso, national security nga programa, mga kurso hin English ngan French nga lenguahe, command and staff courses, civil-military relations, public affairs, ngan han Naval boarding party nga paghag-id para han Philippine Navy. An pagpili han mga mapartisipar tikang ha AFP en ginproproseso pinaagi ha Office of the Deputy Chief of Staff for Education and Training, Unit Training Division. (Trans. by maa/PIA8)

Fisherman Alex Shierra, one of the recipient of Ahon! Sampong Libong Bangka para sa Dalawangpung Libong Pamilya Initiative, do the painting of a fishing boat during the turn-over to typhoon Yolanda affected fisherfolks from private donors held at the Brgy. Salvacion Jinamoc Island Basey Samar, February 2. (Photo by Raul S. Tiozon/PIA-8)

8 February 9, 2014

H i P a n g u l o B e n i g n o S . A q u i n o I I I e n m a a t i n d e r

h a n B i y e r n e s h a n i k a - 5 0 n g a a n i b e r s a r y o h a n k a t i n d o g h a n E l s i e G a c h e s V i l l a g e ( E G V ) , a n p i n a k a - u n a n g a k a n a n g o b y e r n o p a s i l i d a d p a r a h a n m g a t a w o n g a m a y m g a d e p e r e n s y a h a p a n l a w a s . N a k a p a h a m t a n g h a A l a b a n g , M u n t i n l u p a C i t y , a n E l s i e G a c h e s V i l l a g e e n g i n t i k a n g a n d i d a h a n P e b r e r o 3 , 1 9 6 4 n g a m a y b u l i g p i n a n a s y a l t i k a n g h a U n i t e d N a t i o n s C h i l d r e n ’ s F u n d ( U N I C E F ) . A n p h i l a n t h r o p i s t n g a m a g - a s a w a n g a h e r a S a m u e l G a c h e s n g a n E l s i e M c C l o s k e y e n n a g d o n a r h a n e r a 1 6 k a -h e k t a r y a n g a s u m m e r v i l l a n g a d t o h a n g o b y e r n o p a r a m a g a m i t n g a o r u k y a n h a n m g a m a y s a k i t , e d a r a n n a n g a n m a y m g a k a k u l a n g a n o d i p e r e n s y a h a p a n l a w a s . A n p a s i l i d a d e n n a g t i k a n g p i n a a g i h i n t u l o l a a n a y n g a m g a k a b a b l a y a n n g a n p i p i r a l a n g a m g a p a s y e n t e . H a p a g k a y a n a , a n E G V e n m a y - a d a n a 1 4 n g a m g a c o t t a g e s n g a n a g h a h a t a g h i n 2 4 - o r a s n g a s e r b i s y o n g a d t o h i n 5 8 9 n g a m g a k a l a l a k i n - a n n g a n k a b a b a y e n - a n n g a m g a p a s y e n t e n g a n a t i k a n g h a n n g a t a n a n n g a m g a k a t e g o r e y a p a r a m a g k a - u u p a y . A n p a s i l i d a d e n m a y -a d a m g a s o c i a l w o r k e r s , p s y c h o l o g i s t s , m g a d o c t o r , n u r s e s , k a m a e s t r a h a n , m g a n a g s e s e r b i s u g a d h i n k a g -a n a k h a n m g a p a s y e n t e , t h e r a p i s t s , d i e t i c i a n s , n g a n

a d m i n i s t r a t i v e n g a m g a p e r s o n a l e s n g a n a g h a h a t a g h i n a d m i n i s t r a t i b o n g a s u p o r t a . A n k a d a u s a h a e r a e n m a y - a d a e g i n h a t a g n g a t a g s a -t a g s a n g a e g i n p a h a m t a n g n g a t r a b a h u o n n g a n m g a r e s p o n s a b i l i d a d n g a m a y k a l a b u t a n h a p a g b a n t a y , p a n g i n a n o , p a g h a g - i d , n g a n p a g p a k a - u p a y h a n k a d a t a g s a n g a m g a i n d i b i d w a l n g a m a y m g a k a k u l a n g a n o d i p e r e n s y a h a p a n l a w a s . A n E G V e n s u p o r t a d o h a n V a l e n c i a F o u n d a t i o n , K n i g h t s

o f C o l u m b u s , a n a b o g a d o n g a h i R o d o l f o R o b l e s , a n K i w a n i s C l u b , C a t h o l i c W o m e n ’ s C l u b , F r i e n d s o f E l s i e G a c h e s V i l l a g e I n c . n g a n h a n i b a n g a m g a l o k a l n g a n h a n n a t i k a n g h a l a n g y a w n g a m g a o r g a n i s a s y o n . K a u p o d d i d t o h a n m g a n a k i k i t a n g a i g k a k a u s a h a n P a n g u l o a m o h e r a S o c i a l W e l f a r e S e c r e t a r y D i n k y S o l i m a n , D S W D R e g i o n a l D i r e c t o r A l i c i a B o n o a n , l o k a l n g a m g a o p i s y a l n g a m g a s t a k e h o l d e r s . ( T r a n s . b y m a a /P I A - 8 )

Pangulo Aquino maatinder Elsie Gaches Village Ika-50 nga anibersaryo

Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR) National director Asis Perez hands over a certificate of appreciation to Federico Sevilla Jr. for their invaluable act of donating fishing boats/boats building materials through the Ahon! Sampong Libong Bangka para sa Dalawampung Libong Pamilya Initiative which will substantially aide fisherfolks in need to regain their means of livelihood affected by the devastation of typhoon Yolanda. The event was held at the MV DA-BFAR ship docked in Tacloban Port area, Feb 2. (Photo by Raul S. Tiozon/PIA-8)