November 10, 2014 1

INSIDE

One year ago, the city’s physical picture was horrible and hopeless,

with scattered debris, cadavers and all. Then, one could barely imagine that commerce could ever have a chance in this once progressive city. Tacloban was the center of commerce in the entire region, in fact, “prior to the super-tyhoon “Yolanda” there were about 12,900 registered businesses, but in a wink of an eye they all disappeared. The storm surge ate them up and if there were left overs, desperate and hungry citizens looted them off. Some good signs of a recovering and booming economy

have set in, as some 7,734 businessmen have renewed their permits as of November 1. This was learned from councilor Cristina Gonzalez-Romualdez in a recent interaction with media. According to her, this record have brought in more or less P90M in revenue to the city government and this is close to the P120M target by December this year. She added that the biggest chain of department stores in the country, Shoe Mart(SM) is opening its grocery department on the 20th of November and by December it can open and fully operate the entire department.

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

Tacloban economy soars, SM to open in mid-November “The Mayor is truly happy that these are all happening now in the city, as he continues to work harder for further improvement of Tacloban”, the beauteous actress-turned politician said. She assured media that SM can generate employment in the region, boost income and increase the purchasing power of the consuming public. Indeed, many observers have commented that in less than a year, Tacloban have quickly recovered and business is once more alive in city. (PIA-8)

NFA readies fund for palay procurement

DAR turns over P37-M worth of projects in Biliran

Farmers in ‘Yolanda’-affected areas trained to be self-sufficient-Sec. Alcala

2 6 7

President Benigno S. Aquino III thanked the International Organization for Migration (IOM) and other INGOs, the DSWD and LGU-Guiuan for the construction of Bahay Kubo Transitional Shelters for family-survivor of typhoon Yolanda at Brgy. Cogon, Guiuan, Eastern Samar. (Vino R. Cuayzon)

VOL 1 ISSUE 16 Weekly E-Newsletter of Philippine Information Agency - 8 November 10, 2014

November 10, 20142

We have a ready and sufficient fund for palay procurement, said a top

official of the National Food Authority (NFA) here in Biliran province in a radio program. Lorna S. Ordiz, OIC provincial manager of NFA-Biliran was the guest during the regular radio program of the PIA Kapihan at Pulong-Pulong ng Bayan on October 30, 2014 at Radyo Natin-Naval. Ordiz made the statement for the readiness and sufficiency of fund of the agency for palay procurement to allay fears and apprehensions of palay farmers in the coverage area of NFA-Biliran of instances of delayed payments in the past. The coverage area of NFA-Biliran includes the eight towns in Biliran province and the towns of Calubian and Leyte-Leyte in the province of Leyte.

“Rice farmers should not worry anymore of any delayed payments this time since we will pay them immediately in cash”, Ordiz assured. She informed that NFA buys palay at P17 per kilogram for clean and dry plus additional 20 centavos per kilo as drying fee, 20 centavos delivery fee and 30 centavos per kilo if a farmer is a member of an NFA accredited cooperative. NFA now aggressively pursue its palay procurement by putting up palay buying stations in the entire area coverage, she added. She also urged rice farmers to inform NFA of their willingness to sell their palay harvest even those for pick-up at the harvest area thru cellular phone number 09175727674 or thru telephone number 5009676 and 5009095 for more details. (ajc/rsv/PIA8 Biliran)

NFA readies fund for palay procurement

DILG turns over P137-M rehab fund to E SamarDepartment of Interior and Local

Government secretary Mar Roxas personally led the ceremonial turnover of DILG’s P137M financial assistance to the province of Eastern Samar. According to Roxas, the funds will be used to implement municipal-wide infrastructure projects such as the building and repair of civic centers and municipal buildings in towns ravaged by supertyphoon Yolanda which hit Eastern Visayas exactly a year ago. Several government structures and roads, mostly in the southern part of the province of Eastern Samar were damaged by the typhoon, noted as one of the strongest typhoons in history. Hospitals, health centers, schools and town halls have to be repaired and in the case of the town of Hernani, relocated some three kilometers from its original location. In his message to the people of the province, Roxas promised that DILG will also download funding for projects to be implemented in the barangay level. The turnover ceremony, one of the activities during the Provincial Development Summit, took place on November 7, 2014 at the Eastern Samar provincial gymnasium in Borongan City. Governor Conrado B. Nicart Jr., Vice-Governor Marcelo Picardal, Lone District Representative Ben P. Evardone as well as members of the provincial board were also present during the activity. Aside from Roxas, two other cabinet secretaries attended the summit: Department of Science and Technology secretary Mario Montejo and Department of Transportation and Communication secretary Joseph Emilio Abaya. Also in attendance were town mayors, vice-mayors, councilors and barangay officials. (ajc/Medora Quirante/PIA-8 E Samar)

Eastern Samar governor Conrado B. Nicart, Jr receives the presentation cheque from DILG secretary Mar Roxas for the P137M rehabilation fund from DILG. The funds will be used to repair municipal-level infrastructure damaged by supertyphoon Yolanda. The turnover ceremony was done on November 7, 2014 at the Eastern Samar Gymnasium in Borongan City. (Medora Quirante PIA-8)

November 10, 2014 3Climate Walk taught a lot of lessons, says Commissioner SañoThe Climate Walk was an “extraordinary

experience,” according to Commissioner Naderev Saño of the Climate Change Commission who led the more than 1,000-km walk from Manila to Tacloban City which is Yolanda’s ground zero. “It was an amazing and meaning journey for all of us that taught us a lot of lessons especially the human spirit and about Filipino hospitality,” Saño said. Videographer Charley Sta Maria of Dakila, a woman who completed the walk, said that her perspective in life changed because her awareness on the effects of climate change was broadened. The “Walk for Climate Justice” reached Tacloban City in November 8 after 38 days in time for the first year commemoration of super typhoon Yolanda. The walkers crossed the San Juanico Bridge at 7 a.m. and proceeded to the Holy Cross Memorial Gardens and paid homage to the more than 2-thousand bodies buried in a mass grave in Brgy. Basper. Tacloban Mayor Alfred Romualdez welcomed the group who joined in the solemn Memorial Service attended by local, national and international community together with the survivors in a Holy Mass, blessing of the mass grave, offering of flowers and candle lighting. Saño said that they launched the Climate Walk to remember “our brothers and sisters who lost lives to Yolanda.” “We will always remember and we will keep reminding the whole world that once in our lives the strongest typhoon hit the city and that we will forever commemorate their memories so that future generations would benefit from it and build a county that is resilient to disasters and climate change,” he said. Likewise, Mayor Romualdez said in his message that this historic day should never be forgotten and never be erased. “May all who come, this way remember, that on this piece of earth, the whole world converged to make Tacloban

Climate Change walkers led by Climate Change Commissioner Naderev Sano walk the final 13 kilometers to Tacloban City from Luzon, from Samar, they are shown passing by the Candaya Rotunda, San Juan, Sta Rita, Samar where Samarnons led by Gov Sharee Ann Tan attended a mass to remember Yolanda victims in Samar on November 8, 2014. (Ron Roma/PIA Samar)

continued on page 11Governor Sharee Ann Tan with 20 school children get ready to release doves as a symbol that Samarnons are letting go of their hurt and pains caused by typhoon Yolanda. (Ron Roma/PIA Samar)

November 10, 20144

In partnership with the United States Philippines Society and the Philippine

Disaster Relief Foundation (PDRF), the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) in Eastern Visayas has launched the Livelihood Seeding Program Monday at Liceo Del Verbo Divino, this city. Seventy Four (74) beneficiaries of the program in the City of Tacloban have received the livelihood packages distributed to them. The beneficiaries include dressmakers, food makers, food vendors and small eatery operators. DTI 8 Regional Director Cynthia Nierras, said that a big number of micro enterprises have been affected by super typhoon Yolanda in 64 municipalities and cities in Region 8. Hence, the

DTI 8, PDRF, US Phl. Society Launch Livelihood Seeding Program in Tacloban

beneficiaries need to restore back their livelihood which they were used to for many long years. Nierras likewise said, around 12, 300 micro enterprises were registered at the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) before Yolanda hit the region last year. Initially, four to five hundred beneficiaries in eight (8) places in the region are being targeted by the program. These includes the worst-hit areas such as Tacloban, Palo, Tanauan, Tolosa, Dulag, Tabon-Tabon, Mayorga, all are in Leyte and Guiuan, Eastern Samar. The launching was spearheaded by DTI through Regional Director

Cynthia Nierras, Leyte Provincial Director Desiderio Belas, Hank Hendrickson, Executive Director, U.S. Philippine Society and his wife Anne; Veronica Gabaldon, Program Manager, PDRF, Rene S. Meily, President, PDRF and Tacloban City Assistant Administrator Brando Bernadas. The Livelihood Seeding Program is the DTI’s response to a particular need that was identified during the Post Disaster Needs Assessment (PDNA)) conducted immediately after Yolanda struck the region last year.(ajc/cba/PIA-8)

November 10, 2014 5

President Aquino inspects various rehabilitation sites in Guiuan, Eastern Samar

A year after “Typhoon Yolanda” struck and devastated Eastern

Visayas, President Benigno S. Aquino III inspected various rehabilitation sites in Guiuan, Eastern Samar. The President arrived at 10:25 a.m. on November 7 at the Guiuan Airport, where he was received by Armed Forces Central Command chief Major General Nicanor Vivar, Police Regional Office 8 Regional Director Chief Superintendent Henry Losañes, and Guiuan Mayor Christopher Gonzales. President Aquino immediately proceeded to the town’s public market, where he was met by Guiuan Vice Mayor Rogelio Cablao and Councilor Veronica Ramirez. He was joined by Interior Secretary Manuel Roxas and Mayor Gonzales in greeting people in the market and in viewing a photo exhibit at the town plaza across. The President then visited the nearby Guiuan East Central School to inspect the newly repaired classrooms. He was accompanied by School Principal Dr. Melchor Lacdao, Education Secretary Armin Luistro, and Christoph Dehn, vice chairman for program of Kindernothilfe, the German based foundation-benefactor of the school. President Aquino then went to the Cogon Resettlement Site, where he was received by International Organization for Migration Head of Mission for the Guiuan Hub Bradley Mellicker. He inspected the 133 temporary shelters, each of which measures 76 square meters and has a detached restroom. Together with Social Welfare Secretary Dinky Soliman, the President led the turnover of one of the units, sending Benito Gagarin, Sr. and his family inside their “bahay kubo” temporary shelter. The Chief Executive also handed over to the beneficiary a certificate of occupancy, along with a hygiene kit; a family assistance package containing 25 kilos of rice, 6 canned goods, 8 sachets of energy drink, and 6 sachets of coffee; and a “family kit” containing 1 set of

continued on page 11

President Benigno S. Aquino III inspects the facilities of the temporary shelter at the Cogon Relocation Site in Barangay Cogon, Guiuan during a visit to the province of Eastern Samar on Friday (November 07). With the President are DSWD Sec. Dinky Soliman and DPWH Sec. Rogelio Singson. More than 200 Yolanda survivors will benefit from some 133 housing units. It was in Guiuan where super Typhoon Yolanda, the strongest typhoon ever recorded, made its first landfall on November 08, 2013. (Photo by Gil Nartea / Malacañang Photo bureau)

November 10, 20146

DAR turns over P37-M worth of projects in BiliranMore than P37 million worth of

rural development projects had been turned over in October by the Department of Agrarian Reform (DAR) in two Biliran towns. DAR Assistant Regional Director for Program Beneficiaries Development Ismael Aya-ay led in the turnover of three irrigation projects, a farm-to-market road (FMR) and a potable water system to the local government units of Cabucgayan and Almeria. The local chief executives of the said towns likewise turned over on the same occasion to the recipient barangays, irrigators’ associations and barangay water services association

the completed projects for the operation and maintenance. With a combined total cost of P37.6 million, these projects funded by the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) thru the third phase of the Agrarian Reform Infrastructure Support Project (ARISP-3), according to Aya-ay, are expected to hasten economic growth in the agrarian reform communities (ARCs) in these municipalities. In Cabucgayan, DAR commissioned the National Irrigation Administration (NIA) to rehabilitate the irrigation system in Barangay Magbangon which now supplies water to about 53 hectares of ricefields here and in adjacent Barangay Libertad.

Another project turned over in this municipality is the potable water system implemented in Barangay Balaquid, which according to Mayor Gemma Adobo, is of big help in securing the health of the 208 households. Like irrigation, health is also an important factor in rural development, she added. In Almeria, DAR also commissioned NIA for the construction of an irrigation system in Barangay Iyusan and rehabilitated the one in Barangay Jamorawon that could now supply water to about 102 hectares of rice terraces in these upland villages. Almeria Mayor Dominador Agajan said during the turnover that this may now be the realization of their town’s vision of becoming the tourism hub and rice basket of the province. On the newly-concreted 4.4-kilometer farm-to-market road from Sitio Pitoguhan of Barangay Jamorawon to Barangay Iyusan, Agajan said he never expected it would be this beautiful and durable. Road accidents in this area will now be avoided, he added. For the road improvement, DAR tapped the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) for the concreting where more than 2,600 residents are expected to benefit. Meanwhile, DAR Regional Director Sheila Enciso disclosed that an agricultural warehouse in Barangay Balaquid in Cabucgayan is soon to be turned over too to the agrarian reform beneficiaries organization (ARBO) to complete the package of support services in the area. The warehouse is also funded by JICA under ARISP-3, she added. Enciso hope these projects would help not only improve the quality of life of the ARBs here but also in the economic development of the region particularly the agriculture sector. (JAS/DAR-8)

November 10, 2014 7Farmers in ‘Yolanda’-affected areas trained to be self-sufficient-Sec. Alcala

T he assistance provided by the Department of Agriculture (DA)

to the farmers in Region 8 are just temporary in nature due to the extent of the damaged brought by super typhoon “Yolanda” which mostly devastated parts of the region in November 8, 2013. According to DA Secretary Proceso J. Alcala, they prioritized the farmers in Yolanda-affected areas due to the escalation of prices in agricultural products and rebuild the agriculture industry and livelihood of farmers. Sec. Alcala elaborated that 65.27 percent of irr igation canals or 673,306 l inear meters of irr igation canals had been cleared of debris and desilted to further boost the

plantation in agricultural products. Theregional office has distributed a total of 2,280 k ilos of assorted vegetable seeds to local government units; 24,738 bags of corn seeds; 142,423 bags of certif ied and hybrid rice seeds to affected farming households. Farmer beneficiaries who had been provided with rice and corn were also provided with ferti l izers. A total of 162,878 bags of various types of fer ti l izers had already been distributed to farmer beneficiaries. Sec Alcala said that the assistance provided by the Agriculture department will somehow ease the pains and

sufferings of the farmers and in turn give them the courage to regain the healthy agriculture industry. The farmers were also taught to practice intercropping by planting vegetable products aside from rice and corn as well as encouraged to raise l ivestock as a means of additional income. Sec. Alcala is assured that even if the assistance provided to the farmer beneficiaries is just temporary it has long-lasting effect due to the skil ls acquired by the farmers in sustaining their l ivelihood by not only being dependent on one product but other products which can generate additional income. (ajc/jhb/PIA-8)

BY: JONNIE H. BUENAVENTURA

Typhoon Yolanda 1st commemorative anniversary, November 8. (PIA8 photo)

November 10, 20148

November 10, 2014 9SoLeyte lady solon to introduce paper charcoal making to mitigate climate changeProvincial Board Member Aileen

“Tata” Estrera of the Southern Leyte Provincial Board will personally demonstrate in the production of paper charcoal utilizing the used old newspapers, scratch papers, among other used papers in an effort to reduce garbage and bring down the impact of climate change. Emission of methane gas could be gathered from indiscriminate dumping of garbage hence the provincial lady solon is willing to introduce paper charcoal making to arrest the used paper dumped at garbage sites to decay. Some 220 barangay residents mostly members of the Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program (4Ps), barangay officials and purok leaders will converege at Barangay Asuncion covered court on Friday at 2:00 in the afternoon to participate in the climate change and zero basura orientation and paper charcoal recycling demonstration. According to Forester Edil Alcarde of CENRO Maasin-DENR, methane gas is 20 to 25 times disastrous than carbon dioxide (CO2)emissions that contributes to the global warming of the earth. The PIA Southern Leyte also strongly campaigns for the proper waste segregation wherein each household is given the opportunity to contribute in the mitigation of climate change. The campaign in close coordination with the Office of the General Services of the City of Maasin. (ajc/esg/PIA8 SoLeyte)

Typhoon Yolanda 1st commemorative anniversary, November 8. (PIA8 photo)

November 10, 201410President Aquino underscores role of private sector in rebuilding typhoon-hit communities

President Benigno S. Aquino III on November 7 underscored the

importance of private sector efforts in rebuilding communities devastated by Typhoon Yolanda. “Hindi po matatawaran ang suporta at pagkakaisa na ipinakita ng pribadong sektor para sa ating mga nasalantang kababayan,” President Aquino said in his speech during his visit here. He said the private sector has contributed P12.98 billion for infrastructure, social services, housing, and livelihood programs. “Ayon po sa tala, sa lahat ng mga nasalantang komunidad, 44,008 tahanan na ang nakumpleto ng pribadong sektor. Lampas 7,000 pa ang kasalukuyang ipinapatayo,” he said. He also reported that an estimated 1 million individuals have received business

President Benigno S. Aquino III handed the certificate of occupancy at the Bahay Kubo Transitional Shelter to Benito Gagarino, Sr. as DSWD secretary Dinky Soliman and Guiuan mayor Christopher Sheen Gonzales looked. (Vino R. Cuayzon)

President Benigno S. Aquino III, DSWD secretary Dinky Soliman and Guiuan mayor Christopher Sheen Gonzales posed with the family of Benito Gagarin a recipient of a Bahay Kubo Transitional Shelter for typhoon Yolanda survivors in Brgy. Cogon, Guiuan, Eastern Samar. The unit was constructed by the International Organization for Migration (IOM), DSWD and LGU-Guiuan. (Vino R. Cuayzon)

loan assistance and 190,000 more have received livelihood kits. “Sigurado akong marami ring mag-aaral ang napasigla sa naipatayo nang 375 na classrooms at 462 silid-aralan. Ilan lamang po ito sa mahabang listahan,” he said. The President gave his heartfelt gratitude to representatives of various

local and international non-government organizations. “Kaya naman sa ngalan ng bawat kababayan nating natulungan ng mga kumpanya at industriya: Maraming maraming salamat po sa inyo,” he said. PND (ag)

President Benigno S. Aquino III inspects the facilities of the temporary shelters at the Cogon Relocation Site in Barangay Cogon, Guiuan during the visit to the province of Eastern Samar on Friday (November 07). More than 200 Yolanda survivors will benefit from some 133 housing units. It was in Guiuan where super Typhoon Yolanda, the strongest typhoon ever recorded, made its first landfall on November 08, 2013. (Photo by Gil Nartea / Malacañang Photo bureau)

November 10, 2014 11Climate walk...from page 3

President Aquino...from page 5

President Aquino dismisses rumors of financial grant for families affected by Typhoon YolandaPresident Benigno S. Aquino III on

Friday dismissed rumors circulating in areas struck by Typhoon Yolanda that the government will give each family a financial grant. “Meron din po nakarating sa atin, sabi bigyan na lang ng P40,000 ang bawat pamilya kaysa gawin ang ganitong mga pang matagalan na solusyon… Batikusin niyo na ako, pero palagay ko ang ginagawa natin ay tama,” the President said during the turnover of temporary shelters to victims of Typhoon Yolanda here. He was referring to rumors among Guiuan residents that, according to radio reports, the government will distribute P40,000 to every family whose house was fully damaged during the typhoon and P10,000 to every family whose house was partially damaged. The Chief Executive said that it would cost less if the government gives every family P40,000 than if it completes its rehabilitation efforts in typhoon-hit areas. “Pero sa dulo po noon, pagdating po ng bagyo, ako po ang may konsyensya. Napinsala na naman kayo na pwedeng maiwasan… Hindi

naman ho maaatim ng konsensya ko na pabayaan na lang kayo ... na hayaan maulit uli ang trahedya at sabihin tapos na ang trabaho ko sa inyo,” he said. He said that in every decision he makes, he is guided by his conscience, his obligation to the country and true service.

The President reiterated that rebuilding the devastated areas cannot be done haphazardly. “Ang mahalaga may malinaw tayong mga target. May malinaw na plano upang marating ang mga target na ito,” he said. PND (ag)

the template of the people’s firm resolve to rise above their sorrow and create a new landscape for their future,” Romualdez said. Meanwhile, Saño called for unity and expressed support also to the nationwide climate change advocacy campaign of the Philippine Information

Agency and the Department of Environment and Natural Resources tagged, “Nagbabago na ang Panahon, Panahon na Para Magbago.” “Nakikiisa po kami diyan sa panawagan na ‘yan dahil bahagi ng pagbabago na ‘yan ay ang pagtayo sa

pagkakaisa,” Sano said. The 1000-km journey started in Manila on October 2 passing through more than 100 towns and cities before reaching Tacloban on November 8. (ajc/ldl/PIA-8)

kitchenware, 2 blankets, 1 mosquito net, 1 plastic sheet, and 2 jerrycans all donated by the Kuwait Crescent Society. He was later ushered to the stage for the program, during which he turned over the certificates of occupancy to the first 20 selected beneficiaries of the “bahay kubo” temporary shelter.

Also present during the inspection were Defense Secretary Voltaire Gazmin, Public Works Secretary Rogelio Singson, Transportation and Communications Secretary Joseph Emilio Abaya, Presidential Assistant for Rehabilitation and Recovery Secretary Panfilo Lacson, Metro Manila

Development Authority Chairman Francis Tolentino, National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council Executive Director Alexander Pama, and National Housing Authority General Manager Chito Cruz. The President departed for Manila at 12:45 p.m. PND (ag)

President Benigno S. Aquino III assisted by DSWD secretary Dinky Soliman and Guiuan mayor Christopher Sheen Gonzales distributed certificates of occupancy of the Bahay Kubo Transitional Shelters to typhoon Yolanda survivors in Brgy. Cogon, Guiuan, Eastern Samar. (Vino R. Cuayzon)

November 10, 201412

USWAG, which means to move forward or towards progress, is the weekly E-Newsletter of the Philippine Information Agency in Eastern Visayas. It aims to document current efforts to build-back-better communities devastated by super typhoon Yolanda as well as deliver timely, useful and relevant information as we move forward together in realizing inclusive growth not only in the region but also the rest of the country.

Typhoon Yolanda 1st commemorative anniversary, November 8. (PIA8 photo)