October 27, 2014 1

VOL 1 ISSUE 14 Weekly E-Newsletter of Philippine Information Agency - 8 October 27, 2014

INSIDE

Eight Yolanda heroes will be given recognition by the Department of

Interior and Local Government (DILG) Regional Office 8 on November 5 at Ritz Tower de Leyte, this city. According to DILG information officer Myles Joseph Colasito, the award will be conferred to recognize people who risked their lives in the service of the community during the brunt of Supertyphoon Yolanda and to glorify exemplars of the virtues of courage, selflessness, gallantry, bravery worthy of emulation. Said Yolanda heroes were nominated by those who have

witnessed their heroic deeds when Yolanda struck the region in November last year. The shortlist was released by DILG following the validation of the screening committee. Colasito said there were 18 nominees for such recognition, 12 for the Acts of Valor Category and 6 for Acts of a Good Samaritan Category. The 8 finalists were identified as Benjoe G. Mercenes, 28 years old, single and a resident of Brgy.83-C, Taguictik, San Jose Tacloban City; Christopher M. Caspe, a resident of Brgy. 56 Magallanes, Tacloban, City; Isagani

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

DILG-8 honors ‘Yolanda’ heroes

Sabalza of Brgy. Magay, Tanauan Leyte; Dionesio M. Bagon of Sitio Caloogan, San Jose Palo, Leyte; Armando E. Corillo of V&G Subdivision, Tacloban, City; Chief Inspector Adel D. Bautista of Brgy. Guindapunan, Palo, Leyte; Nilda A. Quiero, a Red Cross worker and resident of Salazar St. Tacloban, City; and Ranil Repasa of Brgy. Canramos, Tanauan, Leyte. Mercenes, used his body to shield women and children from strong winds and debris to help them cross the makeshift bridge he put up between roofs and eventually pulled them one by

BY: CONSUELO B. ALARCON

Maasin City receives National Nutrition Honor Award

1,100 permanent housing units for turn-over to Yolanda victims next month

PNoy remembers Leyte landings, exhorts for lasting peace

2 4 10

continued on page 11

President Benigno S. Aquino III answers questions from the media during a press conference held after the commemorative rites in connection with the 70th Leyte Gulf Landing anniversary at the MacArthur Landing Memorial National Park in Palo, Leyte, October 20. (Vino R. Cuayzon)

October 27, 20142

The City Government of Maasin received Thursday the highest

distinction in nutrition - the National Nutrition Honor Award - from the Department of Health through the National Nutrition Council in an awarding ceremony held at the Philippine International Convention Center in Pasay City. The National Nutrition Council conferred the Nutrition Honor Award to Maasin City since it showed outstanding performance in nutrition program management as manifested by the continued reduction in the prevalence of undernutrition/malnutrition, both among pre-school and school children for six consecutive years. Maasin City group that participated the awarding ceremony was led by Mayor Maloney Samaco with ABC Federation President Nacional Mercado and city department heads.

It was learned that the national validating team led by NNC Executive Director Maria-Bernardita T. Flores evaluated last May, this year wherein they randomly selected 5 barangays such as Pinascohan, Laboon, Malapoc Norte, Ibarra and Canturing. Other local government units that received the NHA include Lal-lo in Cagayan province in Region 2 and the province of Ifugao in the Cordillera Administrative Region in their own categories. The nutrition champions received trophy and cash incentive in the amount of P1,000,000 each, it was learned. Other awards were also given to the 1st and 2nd Consistent Regional Outstanding Winner in Nutrition (CROWN) Maintenance Award; CROWN awardees, among others. (ajc/rgc/PIA8-SoLeyte)

Maasin City receives National Nutrition Honor Award

LGU-Maasin City led by Mayor Maloney Samaco (center, standing) received the National Nutrition Honor Award, the highest nutrition award conferred to LGUs that exemplified outstanding performances in nutrition program. The awarding ceremony held at PICC-Manila, Oct 21, 2014 was participated by city department heads. (EEG/rgc-PIA8-SL)

FAO distributes boat engines to Abuyog fisherfolksBY: RODRIGO S. VICTORIA

The Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) of the United Nations distributed

boat engines to Abuyog fisher folks affected by super typhoon Yolanda. The turn-over ceremony of boat engines this Otober 21, 2014 was at the Abuyog town hall. No less than Ambassador Guy Ledoux of the European Union graced the turn-over ceremony. He was joined by Czech Ambassador Jaroslav Olsa, Jr., FAO representative to the Philippines Jose Luis Fernandez and Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources Regional Director Juan Albaladejo. The provision of boat engines under the European Commission’s Humanitarian Aid and Civil Protection Department (ECHO) of the European Union. Some 1,700 fisherfolks from Abuyog are set to receive boat engines from the ECHO funded project which is one step leading to the rehabilitation of the fishing communities’ livelihood. The EU has provided 1.9M US dollars for fisherfolks in affected areas in the country by super typhoon Yolanda. Ambassador Ledoux said in his message that it is rewarding to see how the fisherfolks have become more empowered one year after typhoon Yolanda. Ledoux hoped that the local communities sustain the hardwork and collaboration to ensure that Abuyog will become more self-reliant. For his part, Fernandez emphasized in his message to ensure that fisheries-based livelihood are restored in a way that is meaningful, sustainable and resilient to natural disasters. The country FAO representative added that the rehabilitation process of the fisheries sector presents the opportunity to introduce improved practices to contribute to more resilient livelihoods. (ajc/rsc/PIA8-Biliran)

October 27, 2014 3

October 27, 20144

President Benigno S. Aquino III has announced that the government

is set to turn-over 1,100 permanent housing units to beneficiaries in Yolanda-affected areas next month. In a short press conference held near MacArthur Landing Memorial National Park, Brgy. Candahug, Palo, Leyte after the commemoration of the 70th Leyte Gulf Landings Anniversary, the President told the media that 120 thousand housing units are targeted to be constructed for this year for the six regions including Eastern Visayas. “The target number of housing units for this calendar year is 120

1,100 permanent housing units for turn-over to Yolanda victims next month

thousand units for 4B, 5, 6, 7, 8 and Caraga and a total of 56,78140 units or 47% of the total number of units has been allocated for the 6 provinces of Region 8,” the President said. To date, 18,456 units were already bid out. Some are still under construction. As to survivors still residing in tents, most of them were already transferred to temporary houses while some are fishermen who prefers to stay because of their livelihood. “Ang sabi sa akin, may natitirang ila-ilan at ang iilan-ilan raw ay mga mangingisda na ang gusto sana ay

BY: CONSUELO B. ALARCON

manatili sa lugar na yun para malapit sa kanilang kabuhayan,” the President said. It was learned from the President that as of September, the Department of Budget and Management (DBM) has released a total of P40, 865, 675, 624.00 to various national government agencies, government owned and controlled corporations and local government units for the implementation of relief and rehabilitation of programs and projects for Yolanda-affected areas. (ajc/cba/PIA-8).

October 27, 2014 5

Palace acknowledges results of Social Weather Stations survey on self-rated poverty

M alacañang on Monday acknowledged the findings of

the latest Social Weather Stations (SWS) survey on self-rated poverty and self-rated food poverty, saying the government is focused on addressing poverty alleviation. In a statement sent to members of the Malacañang Press Corps, Presidential Communications Operations Office Secretary Herminio Coloma, Jr. however noted that a similar government survey showed a decline in poverty incidence. “ While we take cognizance of the slight r ise in the self-rated poverty and self-rated food poverty, the government policies and programs are pursued based on the Family Income and Expenditure Survey (FIES) of the Philippine Statistics Authority, which shows that poverty incidence has eased to 24.9 percent for the first semester of 2013, compared to the 27.9 percent in the same period in 2012,” Secretary Coloma said. He said the same FIES showed a decline in the proportion of extremely poor Fil ipino individuals who could not afford to meet basic food requirements from 13.4 percent in 2012 to 10.7 percent in 2013. “Nonetheless, the government shall continue to focus on intensifying programs for poverty reduction and social protection, including increasing the budget and coverage of the Conditional Cash Transfer program,” he said in the statement. The government, he said, has earmarked the biggest portion of the proposed P2.606-tri l l ion 2015 national budget for social services at P967.9 bil l ion or 37.2 percent. “ The proposed budget also focuses on delivering high-impact projects in 44 provinces with high poverty magnitude where more job opportunities will be created: provinces with high poverty

continued on page 11

October 27, 20146

‘Lamiraw’ workshop now open for applicationThe Lamiraw Creative Writing

Workshop is now open for applications for a 3-day writing fellowship which will be held on November 26-28, 2014 at the Northwest Samar State University (NwSSU), Calbayog City, workshop director Harold Mercurio said. According to Mercurio, 15 slots are at stake: 3 Sebuano, 8 Waray, 2 English, and 2 Inabaknon. Writers are required to submit either 2 flash fictions or 1 ‘full-length’ short story on the languages mentioned in MS Word format, Times New Roman, Font 12. Now on its 11th year, the

fellows who will qualify will avail of free transportation expenses, board and lodging, and workshop materials with funding from the National Commission for Culture and the Arts (NCCA). Panelists in said workshop are: Prof. Merlie M. Alunan, Ms. Daryll Delgado, Ms. Yvonne Esperas, Ms. Jennibeth Loro, Ms. Janis Claire Salvacion, and Mr. Dante Rosales. For interested writers, e-mail your entries along with the official application form to lamiraw@yahoo.com and haroldmercurio@yahoo.com not later than November 15. For inquiry, contact Harold Mercurio at 09167569693. (ldl/PIA-8)

Secretary Alcala grants over P17.4M worth of farm implements for Biliran farmers, fisherfolks

Some P17,407,712.00 worth of farm and fishing implements and other

benefits were Agriculture Secretary Proceso Alcala’s early Christmas presents to farmers and fisherfolks in the entire province of Biliran. In his encounter with farmers and fisherfolks from the eight municipalities of the province of Biliran at the Naval gymnasium, he awarded to the local government units 2 sets of pump and engine (DA-CO) ;

90 bags of corn seeds; 3,987 doses of veterinary drugs and medicines; 1,071 packs of hybrid rice seeds; 4 units of 4WD Tractor; 210 sets of garden tools; and 1 unit rice cutter from the Department of Agriculture (DA). Items from the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR) were 60 units 5.5 HP marine engine, and 200 units gillnets and fishing gears. The Philippine Fiber Industry

BY: MA. LAILANI P. TUPAZ

Development Authority (PhilFIDA) also gave 1,200 tissue-cultured abaca plantlets, and 30 packs of IEC materials from the Agricultural Training Institute (ATI). Aside from the farm and fishing implements and supplies awarded to farmers and fisherfolks through their respective LGUs, Sec. Alcala ordered to raffle off 10 heads of carabaos with plow and harrow, 20 units fiber glass unsinkable boats with engine, 20 sets garden tools, 5 modules of sheep, 5 modules of goat, 100 packs complete fertilizer; 50 pieces hat; 30 pieces t-shirts; 5 pieces umbrellas, and back packs. In Secretary Alcala’s earlier stop at Brgy. Talustusan, Naval, he committed to the local government of Naval represented by Mayor Susan Parilla, Vice Mayor Redentor Villordon, Municipal Agriculturist Nascencia Abad and Agricultural Technologist Shirley Jadulco to release P1.5M for the expansion of rice planting area in said barangay. He also talked with the local farmers in the area as well as the other farmers and fisherfolks all over the province for their concerns to be given the necessary interventions the soonest possible for their total recovery from the rampaging typhoon Yolanda that devastated homes and livelihoods. Together with Secretary Alcala in his visit to Naval, Biliran, were DA Regional Director Bernadette San Juan, and BFAR Regional Director Juan Albaladejo. Congressman Rogelio Espina, Governor Gerardo Espina, Mayor Susan Parilla of Naval, Mayor Dominador Agajan of Almeria, Rodolfo Espina of Kawayan, Mayor Lorenzo Reveldez of Culaba, Mayor Eulalio Maderazo of Caibiran, and Mayor Gemma Adobo of Cabucgayan welcomed Secretary Alcala and party to the province of Biliran. (ajc/mlpt/PIA8 Biliran)

October 27, 2014 7Tacloban prepares activities to commemorate ‘Yolanda’The City Government of Tacloban

has announced Thursday the activities lined up to commemorate typhoon Yolanda on November 8. In a meeting held at the City Hall presided by City Information Officer Bernardita Valenzuela, she said that the commemoration is one way of remembering those who perished on that fateful day and thanking God for all who were saved from the onslaught of the super typhoon. She said that as early as 7 o’clock in the morning, a commemorative walk will begin at the Tacloban Astrodome going to Old Road Sagkahan-Imelda Avenue-Rizal Avenue-Justice Romualdez Streets and last stop is at the City Hall grounds. This will be participated in by international non-government organizations, national government agencies, local officials, barangay residents and the private sector.

During the walk , sounding of sirens will be expected and all catholic church in the city will simultaneously ring their church bells followed by a 1-minute silent prayer and a thanksgiving prayer. Afterwards, the walk will resume until it reaches the city hall. At 10:00 in the morning, memorial services through a Holy Mass including blessing of the dead, offering of flowers and candle lighting will be done at the Holy Cross Memorial Park in Brgy. Basper, Tacloban City, a place where most bodies were buried. A video show about Tacloban before and after Yolanda will also highlight the day’s event at the City Hall lobby. At 5:30 p.m., thousands are expected to join the 24-kilometer stretch Candle Lighting Memorial from Tacloban Airport to Nula-Tula to be spearheaded by “One Tacloban,” a non-government organization. (cba/PIA-8)

The branch office of the Government Service Insurance System (GSIS)

here has institutionalized the conduct of orientation seminars to empower its members particularly the newly-appointed government employees. According to Sol Orcullo, GSIS Tacloban branch manager, the seminar is also aimed at forming a better and stronger bond between the GSIS and its stakeholders. “We are now conducting seminars specifically tailored for newly-hired employees who are also GSIS members by virtue of Republic Act No. 8291,” manager Orcullo said. GSIS is partnering with various

government institutions in the conduct of said orientation-seminars in its effort to connect with as many of its new members as possible and discuss to them their rights, benefits and privileges as members. Among the topics included in their presentations are: GSIS charter, mission and vision; GSIS organization and structure; membership benefits and privileges; GSIS eCard and its features; non-life insurance products; and future directions. GSIS will entertain questions and clarifications from the participants in an open forum after the presentations. (ldl/maa/PIA-8)

GSIS institutionalized orientation-seminars for new membersBY: MARIVIC A. ALCOBER

October 27, 20148

Inopacan LGU job order employees join e-AlkanSSSya program

The job order employees in the municipality of Inopacan will

soon enjoy the Social Security System (SSS) benefits similar to what the regular employees are receiving from the Government Service Insurance System (GSIS). According to Information Officer Oliver Fernandez, the reckoning started after the signing of the Memorandum of Agreement between the local government of Inopacan, Leyte and the SSS-Maasin Branch last October 9, 2014 at the office of the Mayor. The MOA was inked between Mayor Silvestr T. Lumarda and Eric Projo, HRMO of the municipality of Inopacan, and SSS-Maasin Branch Head Gregorio S. Baroza. Fernandez said in his report that the mentioned employees will start paying their monthly premiums starting this October 2014 thru salary deduction from their monthly salary. In consonance with the

Memorandum Circular 2014-83 signed last July 18, 2014 by Secretary Mar A. Roxas of the Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG) urging all local government units (LGU) across the country to enroll at SSS all of the job orders in respective areas as Self-Employed since they could not be absorbed by the GSIS, Fernandez further added in his report. As of press time, the municipality of Inopacan ranked as the second LGU within the jurisdiction of SSS-Maasin who enjoined their job order employees to the e-AlkanSSSys program. The first LGU was the municipality of Limasawa, Southern Leyte, who is already contributing for the payments of their job order employees, he said. Meanwhile, the local governments of the Province of Southen Leyte and the city of Maasin are working on their respective resolutions to authorize the

Provincial Governor and City Mayor to enter into the said memorandum of agreement, Fernandez reported further. (ajc/esg with SSS IO Oliver Fernandez/PIA8-SoLeyte)

BY: ERNA S. GORNE

The products on display at the 4th Consumer Information Market & Exhibit in connection with the 2014 Consumer Welfare Month celebration at Robinsons Mall, Tacloban City, October 13. (Vino R. Cuayzon)

Cebu Pacific conducts inspection, survey of Maasin Airport, cites recommendationsBY: MARCELO M. PEDALINO

The dream of having air transportation functioning at

Panan-awan airport here is getting closer to reality, as an airline company conducted last month, September, a safety inspection and technical survey, as it considered the site for its proposed new destination. The inspection and survey by Cebu Pacific listed eight (8) findings needing “corrective action,” said Capt. Felipe Timolay, Jr. in a letter dated October 1, 2014, addressed to Lt. Gen. William K. Hotchkiss III AFP (Ret.), the Director-General of the Civil Aviation Authority of the Philippines (CAAP). “The planned commercial operations to this station (Panan-awan airport) will be deferred temporarily pending action taken on noted safety concerns. Attached herewith are pictures taken during the airport visit as well as noted obstacles on the approach of runway 16 for your further reference,” Timola wrote in his letter, a copy of which was emailed to PIA through Nedgar Garvez, Provincial Tourism Officer. The safety concerns included provisioning of a Category 5 Rescue and Fire Fighting Service; immediate completion of the airport terminal building; provisioning of an Air Traffic Service and Navigation Aids at the airport; repainting/painting of runway and taxiway edgelines, and establishment of aircraft parking stands at the airport apron; trimming/

continued on page 11

October 27, 2014 9Biliran PNP has a new provincial director

The Philippine National Police (PNP)-Biliran Police Provincial

Office (BPPO) has a new provincial director in the person of Police Senior Superintendent Lito Turalba Bigoy who assumed office on October 16 in simple change of command ceremony held at the PNP-BPPO headquarters in Brgy. Larrazabal, Naval, Biliran. Prior to his new assignment, PSSupt. Bigoy was the Chief of the Investigation and Detection Division of the Philippine National Police (PNP), Regional Ooffice No. 8 in Campetic, Palo, Leyte. The guests of honor during the ceremony governor Gerardo J. Espina, Jr. and Police Chief Superintendent Henry Pelobello

Losanes, PNP regional director for Eastern Visayas. Also in attendance were the chiefs of police (COP) of the eight municipalities of Biliran, heads of national government agencies, PNP officials from the regional office and other visitors. Police Senior Superintendent Felix Alberca Diloy, outgoing provincial director of the BPPO was presented an award for his outstanding performance by regional director Losanes. He also received a token of appreciation from the officers and men of the BPPO. The termination order of PSSupt. Diloy and Designation Order for PSSupt Bigoy were read by PSupt.

Franco Pabona Simborio, Acting Chief of the Regional Police Human Resource Development Division (RPHRDD). After signing his relinquishment of office, PSSupt Diloy delivered his remarks highlighting his accomplishments during his stint as BPPO provincial director for two years and four months. On the campaign against illegal fishing, he informed that more than P93,000 worth of fishing paraphernalia were confiscated while on illegal logging, a total of 127,394 board feet of illegally cut lumber were confiscated and in their campaign against illegal drugs, 43

City Mayor Ma. Fe R. Abunda is strongly supporting the new

project tagged “The National REDD-Plus (Reducing Emissions from Deforestation and Forest Degradation (REDD) System Philippines,” which is being implemented by Gesellschaft fur Internationale Zusammenarbeit (GIZ) in partnership with the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR). Her statement of support was done during the Ceremonial MOA signing and Project Launching on Ocober 14, 2014 at Serenada Resturant and Event Center at Baybay Boulevard this city. According to her, “this project is very relevant to the concern of security, protection and preservation of the forests, forestlands and watersheds which are ideal for the measures being currently undertaken in the effort to be a climate-adaptive city.”

She also said, that in early 2011, they engaged the services of those who were doing illegal logging activities themselves by hiring them as “Forest Enforcers” so they can earn money for their living and stop their illegal activities. Indeed, they stopped cutting down trees and helped in the Local Greening Program and concentrated on planting more trees. “As you would know, unlike other places and provinces, we still have rich forest reserve in the city, and the City of Borongan is just so lucky perhaps because my administration is a strong advocate for the protection of our environment,” Mayor Abunda said. Abunda further said, this is the first time that they will have the REDD-plus Project activities and this is also the first time that the funding agency of a certain project has involved the city government.

“Previously, projects were given directly to People’s Organizations (POs). But we do think that was not enough. The big issue here is the accountability and sustainability of the project,” she stressed. “With the city government being made a partner, we can be assured of transparency in the disbursement of the funds, and once the project is finished, the city government can still pursue its sustainability,” she added. Abunda was thankful to the GIZ for this laudable projects as well as to the DENR for their technical expertise. In conclusion, Abunda hopes to be able to extend to others the same goodness the donor agencies have manifested to the city to make this part of the world a better and safer place to live for all generations to come. (ajc/sdc/PIA8-E. Samar)

Borongan Mayor supports REDD-Plus

BY: FLORDELIS JACKSON

BY: SAMUEL CANDIDO

continued on page 11

October 27, 201410

1. Abri an paisan-isan ha mga magsusurat hin Siday ha Waray ha Sinirangan Bisayas.

2. Diri puydi bumulig an mga empleyado han DENR ngan PIA ug sugad man an mga membro han hurado.

3. Usa la nga entri an kakarawaton ha kada contestant. Sanglit, igpadara nga daan an pinakamaupay nga siday.

4. An unod han entri in masentro ha tema nga “Nagbabag-o na an Panahon, Panahon na para Magbag-o, Nagbag-o na Ako.”

Ini in nanunuyo nga maipasabot ngan maipasantop ha kada tagsa an positibo nga ginawi-an o pamatasan ngan panlantaw ha pag-atubang han mga epekto han pagbag-o han panahon o climate change. Nanunuyo gihapon ini basi maipasamwak an padayon nga pag-ataman, pagmayuyo, pagpanalipod ngan pag-preserba han aton kalibungan. May’da kita mahihimo!

5. An ngatanan nga entri kinahanglan orihinal nga sinurat ha Waray nga pinulungan ngan diri hinubad tikang ha iba nga lingwahe. Kinahanglan waray pa ma-imantala o waray pa ig-api ha iba nga paisan-isan.

6. Kinahanglan an entri typewritten o gin-encode ha computer, double-space gamit in short bond paper lakip an ngaran, address ngan contact number.

7. An magdadaog nga mga entri in makarawat han masunod nga mga premyo:

Syahan nga premyo: P3,000.00 plus certificateIkaduha nga premyo: P2,000.00 plus certificateIkatulo nga premyo: P1,000.00 plus certificate2 Consolation Prize (P500 each) plus certificate

Makarawat gihapon hin certificate of participation adton diri magdadaog nga mga entri.

9. Ipadara an iyo mga entri ha

Philippine Information AgencyRegional Office 8

SDC-2 Bldg, Unit 9&10, National Highway, Brgy. 77, Marasbaras, Tacloban City (sapit la hit Robinsons Go Hotels ngan tabok hin i-Gas gasoline station)

Para hadton hagrayo nga lugar, puydi niyo ig-email an iyo mga entri hini nga email address: pia_ev@yahoo.com

10. Oktubre 30, 2014 an deadline o kataposan nga adlaw han pagkarawat han mga entri.

Para hin dugang pa nga kasayoran, tawagi la hi Neil Lopido ha telepono ihap (053) 523-0837/ Cellphone number: 09216916857.

PNoy remembers Leyte landings, exhorts for lasting peaceBY: AURORA CASIMPAN

U sing the well-remembered lines of the famous General Douglas MacArthur ’s “I have

returned,” President Benigno S. Aquino II I narrated the events that led to freedom for the country. The President said that because General MacArthur was adamant that the entry of the l iberation forces should be in Red Beach in Palo, Leyte and not through Taiwan, the Philippine government was re -established in Tacloban by October 23, 1944. And so it was that 70 years ago in October 20, at “exactly 10:00 o’clock in the morning, All ied soldiers began to climb down from their ships using rope ladders,” continued the President, “boarding a landing craft and swept unto the same beach where a few hours later at 1:00 o’clock in the afternoon, President Sergio Osmeña, Generals Carlos P. Romulo and Basil io Valdez, and General MacArthur would wade ashore.” The journey of independence interrupted by the onset of war was re -established in Tacloban where four months later, Manila would be l iberated. The l iberation, came to be known as the Leyte Gulf Landings commemoration celebrated annually is a story of courage of thousands of brave men and women of different nationalities who came to the Philippines to help restore its lost freedom. The president said that his decisions as the country ’s top leader will always bear relations on the l ives of his countrymen not

continued on page 12

October 27, 2014 11

one over the remaining concrete wall to the safety of the home of the Barredo’s in San Jose District while Caspe swam to help a certain Jacqueline M. Salem being swept away by the storm surge. On the other hand, Sabalza reportedly dived into violent and debris strewn floodwaters to rescue 14 persons in Brgy. Magay, Tanauan Leyte at the height of the typhoon disregarding his own safety. Despite being emotionally drained at that time as he lost his girlfriend who was with him at the evacuation center, he managed to guide the family of Regine Cinco who was trapped by the floodwaters under the bleachers of the cockpit arena where they evacuated. A security guard named Dionesio Bagon who was on duty at

Sundance showed his bravery when he rescued 10 members of the Baquilod Family including an 11-month old baby inside the compound of the lodging house of Engr. Teresita Acidre at Real St. Fatima Village, Tacloban, City. The Acts of Valor Award is a recognition given to individual who saved human life at extreme risk to self while the Acts of a Good Samaritan Award is given to individual for his/her notable acts of service that need not involve attempts of rescue or risk to self but has shown/performed extreme acts of selflessness and sacrifice, performed an act of service of rare or exceptional character that reflects an uncommon degree of concern for the well-being of others. (cba/PIA-8)

DILG-8...from page 1

Biliran PNP...from page 9

Palace recognizes...from page 5

incidence that require adequate social safety nets and those which are vulnerable to natural calamities,” said Coloma. The SWS survey on self-rated poverty, conducted from September 26 to 29, showed 55 percent of the 1,200 respondents nationwide considered themselves poor. The survey said the figure, which is equivalent to an estimated 12.1 mill ion families, is unchanged from June and three points above the 52 percent average for the four quarters of 2013. PND (ag)

removal of noted vegetation growth/trees particularly at the approach of runway 16; Implementation of the planned completion/upgrading of the airport perimeter fence; updating of the airport data on the AIP to include availability of runway/taxiway/ramp PCN; and, for the proposed lengthening of the airport runway, it is recommended that the runway requirement of an A319/A320 aircraft be considered. The letter was copy-furnished to the Assistant Director General of the Aerodrome Development and Management Service, Aerodrome and ANS Safety Oversight Office, and Air Traffic Service. At the Provincial Development Council (PDC) meeting held recently at the RKK Function House, Garvez discussed the contents of the letter, saying some of its main points, like painting and repainting, were clearly doables. Gov. Roger Mercado, presiding PDC chair, approved a resolution referring the Cebu Pacific letter to the Department of Transportation and Communications (DOTC) and CAAP, to relay the observations of the said airline industry and to request for funding. (ajc/mmp/PIA8-Southern Leyte)

Cebu Pacific...from page 8

persons were arrested and all cases were filed in cour. He thanked and recognized the efforts of his two deputies, the COPs of the eight municipalities of Biliran and the officers and men of the BPPO for their support, saying, their contributions were instrumental of what BPPO is, at present. For his part, PSSupt. Bigoy in his remarks after signing his assumption to office, said, he recognizes the efforts of the entire BPPO especially the COPs in carrying out their responsibilities in maintaining peace and order in the province. On the other hand, PNP Regional Director Losanes who was also the guest speaker said he was impressed by the commitment and dedication of PSSupt. Diloy because of the many innovations he introduced to the BPPO. He told his men to wear their uniform with dignity and pride and maintain the good image of the police. He urged them to support PSSupt. Bigoy as their new BPPO provincial director.

RD Losanes told PSSupt Bigoy to work closely with Governor Espina in concerns related to the BPPO activities and programs in maintaining peace and order in Biliran province. For his part, Gov. Espina in his message expressed his appreciation to the achievements of PSSupt. Diloy during his stint as the police provincial director. He told PSSupt. Bigoy, who was formerly assigned as chief of police in Naval, the capital town of Biliran province several years back to continue the programs of his predecessor. Gov. Espina thanked RD Losanes for his support to the province of Biliran. He said, he will coordinate closely with the new provincial director in areas related to peace and order efforts for Biliran province. (PIA 8 Biliran)

October 27, 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.

only today but in generations to come. He went on to say that it will always be incumbent upon himself “to seek out the lessons that will keep us from having to call on our people to make such sacrifices, and having to embark on the path of disaster that led to so much suffering and loss.” The Leyte landings ceremony according to the President is an opportunity for reflection, to give tribute to our forefathers who shed blood to achieve peace and to honor the good will extended to our former enemies. In the years after the war and peace has reigned, it is only r ight that the commitment to peace between the country and its wartime all ies and more significantly its former foes shall remain strong and enduring. (PIA-8)

President Benigno S. Aquino III receives from Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas deputy governor Vicente Aquino a commemorative coin during the 70th Leyte Gulf Landing anniversary at MacArthur Landing Memorial National Park in Palo, Leyte, Ocober 20. (Vino R. Cuayzon)

PNoy remembers...from page 10

www.pia.gov.ph