September 15, 2014 1

VOL 1 ISSUE 8 Weekly E-Newsletter of Philippine Information Agency - 8 September 15, 2014

INSIDE

T he advocacy campaign on climate change adaptation here

is headed to produce concrete results in terms of waste reduction, especially in the pilot barangay of Asuncion. This developed following an orientation with barangay officials and heads of various sectors within the barangay Monday, September 8, with speakers from the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR), and from the General Services and

Disaster Risk Reduction Council of the city government. Forester Edilberto Alcarde of DENR-CENRO talked about the overall subject on climate change and its i l l effects, Benjase Lumen of the City General Services lectured on zero waste management, while Michael Samaco of the CDRRMC briefly took up the integration of r isk reduction and climate change adaptation. Asuncion Punong Barangay Narciso Montalbo, Jr. welcomed

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

OPARR’s ‘eMPATHY’ targets to be online by mid-October

Another Leyte town declared ‘insurgency-free’

Agrarian beneficiaries prepare for agribusiness

Boronganon wins skimboarding event in USA

Ligtas-Tigdas in So. Leyte targets over 40,000 pre-school kids

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LGUs, DENR, PIA undertake action-oriented advocacy on climate change in So. Leyte

the selection of his barangay as pioneering site of the activity, saying he had been planning all along on orienting his constituents on the matter. Since methane in decomposed garbage has been singled out as a great contributor for trapping greenhouse gases in the atmosphere that can lead to global warming, a project on zero basura at household and purok levels was conceptualized. Also, a j ingle -making contest for youths of the barangay was also introduced as another project that can raise awareness.

BY: MARCELO PEDALINO

continued on page 11

DOH Assistant Secretary Paulyn Jean Rosell-Ubial conducts monitoring visits in Tacloban and Tanauan, Leyte on September 11 and 12 in line with the ongoing nationwide Tigdas-German-Measles and Oral Polio Vaccine Mass Immunization for the whole month of September which aims to bring measles and polio cases in the country down to very low levels and move towards measles elimination. (ldl)

September 15, 2014 September 15, 20142

H i s E xc e l l e n c y, Pr e s i d e n t B e n i g n o S . A q u i n o I I I ,

a p p o i n t e d t h e H o n o r a b l e G o v e r n o r o f t h e Le y t e Pr o v i n c e , Le o p o l d o D o m i n i c o L . Pe t i l l a , a s C h a i r p e r s o n o f t h e R e g i o n a l D e v e l o p m e n t C o u n c i l ( R D C ) V I I I f o r t h e r e m a i n i n g t e r m o f 2 0 1 3 -2 0 1 6 . Pr e s i d e n t A q u i n o s i g n e d h i s a p p o i n t m e n t p a p e r o n A u g u s t 2 7 , 2 0 1 4 . T h e a p p o i n t m e n t b y t h e Pr e s i d e n t o f t h e R D C C h a i r p e r s o n i s p r o v i d e d u n d e r E xe c u t i v e O r d e r 3 2 5 ( s e r i e s o f 1 9 9 6 ) , e n t i t l e d “ R e o r g a n i z a t i o n o f t h e R e g i o n a l D e v e l o p m e n t C o u n c i l s .” T h e R D C i s t h e h i g h e s t r e g i o n a l p o l i c y - m a k i n g b o d y

t h a t s e t s t h e d i r e c t i o n o f a l l s o c i o e c o n o m i c e f f o r t s i n t h e r e g i o n . I t i s c o m p o s e d o f p r o v i n c i a l g o v e r n o r s , c i t y a n d c a p i t a l t o w n m a y o r s , p r e s i d e n t s o f E a s t e r n V i s a y a s Le a g u e o f M u n i c i p a l i t i e s o f t h e P h i l i p p i n e s , n a t i o n a l g o v e r n m e n t a g e n c i e s a n d p r i v a t e s e c t o r r e p r e s e n t a t i v e s . I n c o m i n g c h a i r p e r s o n Pe t i l l a s h a r e s t h e v i e w t h a t t h e r e l a t i v e l y h i g h p o v e r t y i n c i d e n c e i s t h e r e g i o n’s u l t i m a t e d e v e l o p m e n t c h a l l e n g e . U n d e r h i s l e a d e r s h i p, R D C V I I I s h a l l f o c u s o n p o v e r t y a l l e v i a t i o n t h r o u g h c o n v e r g e n c e o f d e v e l o p m e n t e f f o r t s o f g o v e r n m e n t a g e n c i e s , l o c a l g o v e r n m e n t u n i t s , p r i v a t e s e c t o r a n d o t h e r d e v e l o p m e n t p a r t n e r s a n d s t a k e h o l d e r s . S p e c i f i c a l l y, Pe t i l l a s a y s h i s t h r u s t i s t o f r e e p o o r f a m i l i e s f r o m t h e b o n d a g e o f p o v e r t y a n d e n c o u r a g e e n t r e p r e n e u r s h i p

PNoy appoints Leyte governor as RDC-8 chairf o r s u s t a i n a b l e d e v e l o p m e n t t h r o u g h a g r i c u l t u r e b a s e d s t r a t e g i e s t h a t w o u l d i n c r e a s e a g r i c u l t u r a l p r o d u c t i v i t y, a u g m e n t f a m i l y i n c o m e a n d s p u r o t h e r e c o n o m i c o p p o r t u n i t i e s a n d a c t i v i t i e s i n t h e r e g i o n . H e a l s o c o m m i t s t o m a k e t h e C o u n c i l i n s t r u m e n t a l i n p r o v i d i n g a d e q u a t e s o c i a l s e r v i c e s , l i v e l i h o o d p r o g r a m s , w a t e r a n d i n f r a s t r u c t u r e s u p p o r t t h a t w i l l p r o m o t e t h e w e l l - b e i n g o f p e o p l e a n d s i m u l t a n e o u s l y p r e s e r v e t h e e n v i r o n m e n t a n d a d d r e s s t h e c h a l l e n g e s o n p e a c e a n d o r d e r. . A s t h e R D C V I I I S e c r e t a r i a t , t h e N E DA R e g i o n a l o f f i c e V I I I w e l c o m e s t h e R D C V I I I C h a i r ’s f o c u s o f d e v e l o p m e n t a n d e n j o i n s e v e r y o n e t o a l s o e x t e n d f u l l s u p p o r t t o t h e C h a i r p e r s o n . ( N E DA - 8 / M Y B )

Leyte governor Dominico Petilla with PIA deputy director general Virgilio Galvez (PIA FILE PHOTO)

www.pia.gov.ph

September 15, 2014 3

A website with a map-based database of information being

developed by the government through the Office of the Presidential Assistance for Rehabilitation and Recovery (OPARR) is expected to be

accessed online by the public by mid-October, an official said Friday. OPARR Assistant Secretary Victor Batac said that the database dubbed as “eMPATHY” or e-Management Platform:

Accountability and Transparency Hub for Yolanda will be the central repository of information on all projects undertaken along the Yolanda corridor. With United Nations Development Programme’s (UNDP) assistance, OPARR has tapped the services of Synergy International Systems, a leading company in providing customizable, off-the-shelf application for development assistance tracking, the same technology used by several other countries for their recovery efforts. The eMPATHY is now in the initial stage of roll-out which requires orienting all development partners including the regional offices of national line agencies, local government units, local and international organizations, private organizations, foundations and international aid organizations. Likewise, OPARR is fast tracking the trainings for regional line agencies as well as national line agencies, Batac said Government agencies implementers are thus required to submit and update reports using the system, however, non-government organizations and civil society organizations are not obliged but are encouraged to report/update the government and the public of their projects to avoid duplication and address gaps, he said. The system allows project implementers for data entry, project verification and submission, implementation of project updates, implementation of project approval/commenting, managing key performance indicators, managing organization profiles, cluster profiles, reporting and analysis. Among the benefits of the information management system to users include full access to information, real time progress

BY: LEONILO LOPIDO

OPARR’s ‘eMPATHY’ targets to be online by mid-October

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September 15, 2014 September 15, 20144DOLE releases P781K to Can-Avid farmers

The Department of Labor and Employment released Tuesday

P781,000.00 financial livelihood assistance to the Local Government Unit of Can-Avid, Eastern Samar for the Farm Mechanization Project of Barangay Baruk Farmers Association. The livelihood grant was formally turned over by Regional Director Elias A. Cayanong, CESO III, to LGU representatives Ms. Sarah Obina, Municipal Treasurer and Ms. Elvira Grata, PESO Manager at DOLE Eastern Samar Field Office. The simple turn-over was witnessed by Assistant Regional Director Exequiel Ronie A. Guzman, Ms. Fe Estrella, Eastern Samar Field Office head, along with the staff and personnel of the agency’s provincial arm. The livelihood assistance will benefit 91 farmer beneficiaries who for the longest time toiled the 110 hectare ricelands using basic farming methods. RD Cayanong said that the

grant which is primarily intended for the purchase of farm tools and equipment is expected to increase the crop yield of beneficiaries and improve the quality of their living condition. “We are confident that we are on the right track. DOLE will continue to assist the marginalized sectors of our society by giving them opportunity to live a decent life and somehow alleviate them from the bondage of poverty. With these farm implements, we hope that beneficiaries of the farmer’s association will improve their pre and post-harvest capacities as well as let their families benefit from the spillover of this livelihood assistance,” said the regional chief. RD Cayanong and ARD Guzman assured closer partnership and continuous delivery of DOLE programs and services to LGU Can-Avid provided there is proper implementation and liquidation of previous assistance granted. (mtabanao/DOLE-8)

Launching Ceremony of Carpentry Skills Training cum Shelter Construction, a partnership program which provides training and livelihood assistance to Yolanda victims who were relocated at the New Kawayan, Tacloban City. Representatives from the International Labour Organization, Operation Compassion, the City Government of Tacloban, Eastern Visayas State University and other government agencies orients the beneficiaries on the program and the services they will avail of during the launching held at the Multipurpose Center, September 12. (RST)

especially that free trade will be opened soon, she added. Enciso disclosed that DAR has already commissioned earlier the Metro Dumaguete College for the business development training of the ARBOs in selected areas in the region. Meanwhile, San Isidro Mayor Susan Ang is looking forward to seeing her town as vegetable producer and her constituents engaged in l ivelihood. Last year, DAR had already provided these ARBOs with five power ti l ler cultivators and five water pumps that they used in their farming operations as recommended by the Visayas State University commissioned earlier conducted the needs assessment and design assessment to ensure the success of this project venture. (DAR-8/JALS)

Agrarian beneficiaries...from page 7

September 15, 2014 5

President Aquino to highlight Philippine successes in his European, US tripsPresident Benigno S. Aquino III

said his trip to Europe and the US is aimed at boosting other nations’ confidence on the Philippines noting

President Benigno S. Aquino III reviews the honor guards during the send-off ceremony at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport Terminal II on Saturday (September 13). The President is embarking on a four-nation official tour of Europe from September 13 to 20, before proceeding to New York to attend the Climate Summit 2014 on September 23. (Photo by Benhur Arcayan / Malacañang Photo Bureau)

that his travel is a good opportunity for the country to strengthen its relations with the countries he will be visiting.

“Malamang, nakarating na po sa kanila ang transpormasyong tinatamasa natin ngayon, kaya’t layunin po nating lalo pang pataasin ang kanilang kompiyansa sa ating bansa,” the President said in his departure speech at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport Terminal 2 on Saturday. The President said he’ll share with other leaders that the country’s present economic gains are the result of good stewardship of the government. Among the major agenda of his meetings in Europe and the US include trade, peace and security, as well as the ongoing reforms in the Philippines. “Magandang pagkakataon nga po ang biyaheng ito para mapatibay ang relasyon ng Pilipinas sa ibang bansa,” he said. In Europe, the President said he’ll advance the interest of the country’s seafarers, particularly with the assessment of the European Maritime Safety Agency (EMSA) on the level of Filipino seamen’s competence. The President said he will spell out the country’s thrust to ensure that Filipino seafarers have the skills and knowledge based on the 1978 Convention on Standards of Training, Certification and Watchkeeping. The Philippines will also assure European governments that the country takes part in the global effort to fight illegal fishing and that the Philippines is addressing the concerns of European nations with regards to this menace, he said. Together with the government Economic Development Cluster, the President said they will talk to European and American businessmen to bring their investments to the Philippines and promote the country’s tourism potential. “Ilan lang po sa mga ibibida natin ay ang mga umuusbong na oportunidad sa industriya ng manufacturing, IT-BPO, enerhiya, at sa mga isinusulong nating proyekto sa ilalim ng Public-Private Partnership,”

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September 15, 2014 September 15, 20146PIOs, private media learn from NGCP facility tour in Ormoc

At least 28 information officers from the government agencies

and the private media had the chance to tour the facilities of the National Grid Corporation of the Philippines (NGCP) in Ormoc City, September 9, 2014. The information officers coming from the government agencies of DILG, Philippine Statistics Authority, SSS, DTI, TESDA, Philippine Coastguard, the PNP, DENR-PENRO and CENRO, DPWH, Southern Leyte Health Services Office, Southern Leyte Electric Coop and from the private media toured the facilities like the control room room, the work station, and other significant areas related to the transmission of electricity. After the facility tour, an orientation on NGCP’s role facilities

was conducted at Sabin Resort function hall with key officers from the NGCP as resource speakers. NGCP Leyte Control Area Head Engr. Ildebrando F. Fajardo explained the role of the power industry, the delivery of power to the consumers and the systems operations of the grid. He said that, “the key players in our operations are the generator, transmission and the consumers.” NGCP-Ormoc have substations where they distribute in electricity such as Leyte-Samar-Biliran, Cebu and Bohol, among other areas. Topics discussed include the major causes of power interruptions, transmission system problems, transmission profiles, safety and security of the public,

power shortage, Republic Act 7832 known as the Anti-Electricity and Electric Transmission Lines/Materials Pilferage Act of 1994. Other resource speakers were Alvin P. Santos, Head of Operations, Planning and Control System; Security Officer Dominggo Bernard; Chief Engineer Rodolfo Daganzo from Visayas District, and Ms. Martinez. The National Grid Corporation of the Philippines is tasked to deliver safe and reliable electricity throughout the country. It holds the responsibility of bringing the electricity produced by power plants to distribution utilities. The tour was coordinated by PIA-Southern Leyte and NGCP thru its Corporate and Public Affairs Office. (vrc/rgc/PIA8-SoLeyte)

BY: REBECCA CADAVOS

Another Leyte town declared ‘insurgency-free’M ilitary, police and local officials

witnessed the signing of the joint declaration of an “insurgency-free” Merida at the town’s ABC Session Hall, September 4. The joint declaration was signed by Mayor Jesus Antonio Martinez and Col. Arnulfo Matanguihan, Deputy Commander of the 802nd Infantry Brigade and attended by officials from the 22 barangays of Merida. Also present as witnesses were Mr. Joselito delos Angeles, Secretary to the Sanggunian who represented Vice -Mayor Marcos Antonio Solaña; Lt. Col. Nedy Espulgar, commanding officer of the 19th Infantry Battalion; and Police Inspector Eduardo Satorre, Chief of Police who represented Leyte Police Provincial Director Brigido Unay. Mr. Delos Angeles, said the pronouncement was based on

the enacted Sangguniang Bayan Resolution No. 14-15-092 which authorized Mayor Martinez to sign the joint declaration as an “insurgency free” municipality attested by Vice -Mayor Solaña and adopted by the council on June 18, 2014. Merida is the second town in the provinces of Leyte, Southern Leyte and Bil iran to be declared insurgency-free, next to Matag-ob (Leyte) which was declared last June 12. The town’s insurgency situation was on its peak in 2000 and dwindled in 2006 with the surrender of several insurgents when top ranking cadres were neutralized by government forces. I t can be recalled that the provinces of Bil iran and Southern Leyte were both declared insurgency-free in December 2008 and October 2011, respectively.

Likewise, the province of Leyte was also declared as Manageable Conflict-Affected and Development Ready Area in December 2011. Lt. Col. Espulgar said that the 19IB had been pushing local chief executives to declare their respective towns or cities as insurgency-free early this year. “ We assessed and set priorities which town will go first, send proposals to the Local Chief Executives then attend Sangguniang Bayan Sessions and encourage LGUs to reactivate their Local Peace and Order Councils which are appropriate venues in discussing peace and order concerns, ” Espulgar added. On the other hand, Mayor Martinez explained the impact and benefit in declaring Merida as insurgency-free. Just recently, he said, a certain company is eyeing to

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September 15, 2014 7

Agrarian beneficiaries prepare for agribusinessS ixty-eight farmers and agrarian

reform beneficiaries (ARBs) here and from four other nearby municipalities completed recently the different modules on hybrid vegetable production conducted by the East-West Seed Co. in preparation to an agribusiness venture being prepared for the former by the government. The farmers and ARBs are all members of ARB organizations (ARBOs) from Barangay Daja Diot in this town and the municipalities of Calubian, Leyte, Tabango and Vil laba being groomed by the Department of Agrarian Reform (DAR) to be agri-entrepreneurs by

tapping the East-West Seed Co. for the technology transfer. Ramil Rodaje, 49, one of the ARBs who completed the training, said that he did not only learn how to produce more, but he was also taught how to produce more with less expense. The result also encouraged the farmers to continue vegetable production as they are earning much from just a small lot. Daisy Monreal, Senior Technology Transfer Specialist of East-West Seed Company said that 30 of the graduates showed potentials of a farmer technician and will be trained further to serve

as trainers to other farmers. DAR Regional Director Sheila Enciso said that after completing this training, the ARBOs will then undergo another one from a different professional service provider, this time on business development for the marketing of their products. This is the concept of the Agrarian Reform Communities Connectivity and Economic Support Services (ARCCESS), Enciso explained. The ARBOs are being prepared to be competitive not only in the local market but internationally as well,

conitnued on page 4

September 15, 2014 September 15, 20148Boronganon wins skimboarding event in USA

A sk imrider f rom Barangay Sabang, Borongan Cit y won

in one of the most prest igious sk imboarding events in the wor ld. Roder ick Celada Bazar, 28 , of th is Ci t y won in the Master ’s Div is ion Categor y in the 2014 ZAP Amateur Wor ld Championships of Sk imboarding in Delaware, United States of Amer ica (USA) . The wor ld ’s top amateur sk imboarders h i t the shore break giv ing a l l their best tacks and wave r id ing sk i l l in Dewey Beach in Delaware, USA last August 9-10, 2014. Just last March 2013, the Phi l ippines was invited to a prest igious gather ing of sk imboarders f rom al l over the wor ld in Kent ing, Taiwan. Sk imboarders f rom Singapore, USA, France, Japan and M alays ia par t ic ipated in the sa id event . The Phi l ippines was

represented by Roder ick and Jerr y. Both of them brought home the Championship and 1st place, respec t ively. I n an inter v iew with PIA, Bazar expal ined the di f ference bet ween sk imboarding and sur f ing. “Sk imboarding i sder ived f rom sur f ing and unl ike sur f ing, i t begins at the beach by dropping the board unto the thin wash or the fading waves,” Bazar sa id. For this year ’s competit ion at United Sk im Tour in Newpor t Beach, USA, the Phi l ippines is invited and wi l l be represented again by M r. Bazar. M r. Bazar thus appeals to the Eastern Samarenos to help him ra ise P42,000.00 for h is p lane t icket . He has obtained a US Visa a l ready but st i l l lacks money for plane t ickets. Sk imboarding and sur f ing are growing spor ts in Eastern

BY: SAMUEL CANDIDO

Prepare for ASEAN integration in 2015, Entrepreneurs in So. Leyte told

Nearly two hundred business-minded individuals coming from different

places in the province gathered here over the weekend for the first provincial micro, small, medium enterprise (MSME) entrepreneur summit. Among the many lectures and sharing of experience from various speakers, the participants got one more important message: make use of next year’s unified ASEAN market for expansion of your goods and services. The exhortation came from Rey Calooy, the Vice-Mayor of this town, who confessed to be more comfortable being with entrepreneurs like him than in company with politicians. Calooy, proprietor of many businesses who literally started from scratch, has been dubbed as the “Iron Entrepreneur of the South.” In 2015, products from other countries in the ASEAN community will freely flow into the country, posing a stiff competition with local products, Calooy said, adding that instead of being threatened, he encouraged the entrepreneurs to freely sell also their own goods and services to an expanded ASEAN market. The challenge was to produce products that are truly competitive in terms of quality and innovation, he added.

Samar but athletes st i l l lack suppor t f rom local government units . (aen/sdc/PIA8-E Samar)

Roderick Bazar relates his winning experience with DYES anchor Carlos Capito. (Photo by PENELOPE POMIDA - Radyo ng Bayan Borongan DYES)

BY: MARCELO PEDALINO

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September 15, 2014 9

DENR-Biliran top official shares ways to mitigate climate change

T h e t o p o f f i c i a l o f t h e p ro v i n c i a l e n v i r o n m e n t d e p a r t m e n t i n

t h e p r o v i n c e s h a r e d s e v e r a l w a y s o n h o w t o m i t i g a t e t h e e f f e c t s o f c l i m a t e c h a n g e i n a s t u d e n t s ’ f o r u m h e l d i n a p r i v a t e s c h o o l , t h i s t o w n o n Tu e s d a y, S e p t e m b e r 9 , 2 0 1 4 . D r. M a r i o L . Tu b a n i a , p r o v i n c i a l e n v i r o n m e n t a n d n a t u r a l r e s o u r c e s o f f i c e r ( P E N R O ) o f t h e D e p a r t m e n t o f E n v i r o n m e n t a n d N a t u r a l R e s o u r c e s ( D E N R ) i n B i l i r a n p r o v i n c e t o l d s t u d e n t s o f t h e C a t h e d r a l S c h o o l o f L a N a v a l t o s t a r t w i t h i n t h e m s e l v e s w a y s t o h e l p m i t i g a t e t h e e f f e c t s o f c l i m a t e c h a n g e . H e s a i d p r a c t i c i n g t h e 3 R s w h i c h s t a n d s f o r r e d u c e , r e u s e , r e c y c l e a s t h e a p p r o p r i a t e w a y s i n s o l i d w a s t e m a n a g e m e n t i n s c h o o l a n d i n t h e h o m e i s a l r e a d y a b i g h e l p t o c u s h i o n t h e i m p a c t o f g a r b a g e t o c l i m a t e c h a n g e . “ Yo u c a n n o t j u s t b u r n y o u r g a r b a g e t h a t e a s y ” Tu b a n i a s a i d e x p l a i n i n g f u r t h e r t h a t b u r n i n g g a r b a g e h e l p s d e s t r o y t h e o z o n e l a y e r t h a t p r o t e c t s t h e p l a n e t f r o m e x t r e m e h e a t . T h e D E N R p r o v i n c i a l c h i e f

a l s o e n c o u r a g e d t h e m t o s t a r t p l a n t i n g t r e e s i n c e t r e e s h e l p a b s o r b c a r b o n d i ox i d e e m i t t e d f r o m f a c t o r i e s a n d v e h i c l e s . H e r e v e a l e d t h a t D E N R -B i l i r a n i m p l e m e n t e d t h e p l a n t i n g o f t r e e s u n d e r t h e N a t i o n a l G r e e n i n g Pr o g r a m ( N G P ) o f t h e A q u i n o a d m i n i s t r a t i o n w h e r e h i s o f f i c e t a r g e t e d s o m e 4 0 0 h e c t a r e s o f l a n d p l a n t e d t o t r e e s i n B i l i r a n p r o v i n c e t h i s y e a r. H e a l s o c h a l l e n g e d t h e C S N s t u d e n t s w h o a t t e n d e d t h e s t u d e n t s ’ f o r u m o n c l i m a t e c h a n g e t o c o m e u p w i t h a p r o j e c t i n s c h o o l a i m e d a t h e l p i n g m i t i g a t e t h e e f f e c t s o f c l i m a t e c h a n g e . ( v r c / r s v / P I A 8 B i l i r a n )

BY: RODRIGO VICTORIA

Mangrove seedlings were planted recently along the coastal area of Barangay Pangi, Libagon initiated by the provincial government through the Provincial Environment and Natural Resources Management Office participated by the Municipal Agriculture and Services Office personnel, barangay officials, 4Ps beneficiaries and PENRMO. (rgc/PIA8 Southern Leyte)

September 15, 2014 September 15, 201410Leyte posts 5.9 percent inflation rate in July 2014

Ligtas-Tigdas in So. Leyte targets over 40,000 pre-school kids

The inflation rate of the province of Leyte slightly went up to 5.9

percent in July 2014 representing an increment of 0.4 percentage point compared to the 5.5 percent inflation rate in the previous month. This indicates that the general price levels of goods and services in Leyte were higher by 5.9 percent in July 2014 compared to the price levels during the same period the previous year. All of the eleven major commodity groups contributed to the 5.9 percent overall inflation rate, however, the following major

commodity groups significantly contributed to the provincial inflation rate: food and non-alcoholic beverages at (7.3 percent); alcoholic beverages and tobacco (25.1 percent); and housing, water, electricity, gas and other fuels (6.1 percent). Increment was posted on the inflation rate of three major commodity groups from June to July 2014. The highest increase was on the year-on-year rate of price change of alcoholic beverages and tobacco by 2.4 percentage points due to the increase of the inflation rate of

alcoholic beverages and tobacco by 2.9 percentage points and 1.3 percentage points, respectively. Similarly, inflation rate of housing, water, electricity, gas and other fuels and food and non-alcoholic beverages likewise increased by 0.7 percentage point and 0.4 percentage point, respectively. Meanwhile, the purchasing power of the peso in Leyte maintained its value at 67 centavos from April to July 2014. (PSA NSO-Leyte)

No stones left unturned, all bases covered.

This, in a nutshell, was the overriding goal as health authorities in this province embark on a month-long immunization campaign to protect children five years old and below of preventable measles and polio diseases. In real terms, this involved reaching out to 44,870 pre-school boys and girls, with a rapid coverage assessment (RCA) for 72 areas all over the province considered high-risk of contaminating the disease, said Noel Lumen, Provincial Health Officer. The stated figures, however, did not include those coming from this city, Lumen said during the Action Center Kapihan sa PIA Cable TV program Wednesday. The Department of Health (DOH) has marked the entire month of September for the measles and polio immunization of children below five years old nationwide, beginning September 1, where President Benigno S. Aquino III led the launching ceremony. The President had called on local government units (LGUs) to help make sure the health program can reach their intended targets, even persuading

parents to cooperate and bring their concerned children to vaccination posts in the Rural Health Units. Lumen echoed a similar message, saying that aside from health units in the field, a particular vaccination post will also be established in the sitios and puroks to cater to remote areas where neighborhood dwellings are sparse and far between. Health personnel going to the field were also advised to coordinate first with the Mayor as a courtesy call and with the Punong Barangays so someone can accompany their rounds, particularly in areas marked for fast assessment, Lumen said. These included resettlement sites, crowded places in urban centers, and those ranked as prone to natural disasters. Measles often manifest as fever when its virus, spread through the air, can enter a weak or poorly immunized body, resulting in complications like pneumonia, blindness, and even death. Lumen also advised parents whose kids had completed the vaccination requirements to still bring such kids for this round, saying there is no overdose for immunization. (vrc/mmp/PIA8-Southern Leyte)

The day-long event, held at Bal’s Inn Resort in the central barangay of Jubas here Sunday, September 7, was organized by the Southern Leyte Business Club (SLBC), in which Calooy was one of the Board of Directors, in close coordination with the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) provincial office. The activity carried the theme, “Beating Challenges . . . Accelerating Innovations”, truly a mind-setting attitude in anticipation of a wider reach for marketing in the Asian arena. Provincial Administrator Jesse Kilantang welcomed the participants in behalf of the province. while the Vice-Mayor himself did the same for the municipality and in behalf of Mayor Oliver Ranque. Aside from his exhortation for entrepreneurs to prepare for the upcoming ASEAN integration in 2015, Calooy also discussed at length on the topic “What it takes to be an Entrepreneur,” wherein he emphasized the qualities needed to become one. He said true entrepreneurs have goals, are happy with their failures, give importance to time, stays away from bad debts, joins the right crowd, practices total self-discipline, values personal savings, loves to help others, and, above all, have faith in God. (vrc/mmp/PIA8-Southern Leyte)

Prepare for ASEAN...from page 8

September 15, 2014 11

he said. In the US, the President said he will address the UN Climate Summit 2014 in New York to tell other nations on the need for a concerted global effort to tackle climate change, which affects vulnerable countries like the Philippines. At the same time, he said he will meet the Filipino Community to tell them about the developments in the country and the ongoing reforms in government. According to the President, he will also seize the opportunity to express the country’s gratitude to other nations that immediately extended assistance when the Philippines was hit by Typhoon Yolanda last year. “Gayundin, ilalatag natin sa kanila ang kongkreto nating mga plano para sa pagbangon at rehabilitasyon ng mga apektadong komunidad,” he said. Part of the President’s itinerary in Europe includes Spain, Belgium, France and Germany. In the US, he is expected to visit Boston, New York, and San Francisco in California. He will return to Manila on September 25. The President’s entourage is composed of Foreign Affairs Secretary Albert del Rosario, Agriculture Secretary Proceso Alcala, Trade Secretary Gregory Domingo, Tourism Secretary Ramon Jimenez Jr, Transportation Secretary Joseph Emilio Abaya, NEDA Dir. Gen. Arsenio Balisacan, Cabinet Secretary Jose Rene Almendras, Presidential Communications Operations Office Secretary Herminio Coloma Jr, Presidential Management Staff Secretary Julia Abad, and Presidential Communications Development and Strategic Planning Office Undersecretary Manolo Quezon. Presidential Appointment Undersecretary Rochelle Ahorro and Presidential Chief of Protocol Ambassador Celia Feria are also part of the delegation. PND (as)

President Aquino...from page 5LGUs, DENR...from page 1

OPARR’s “eMPATHY”...from page 3

Another Leyte town...from page 6

The idea on the song-writing and inter-purok zero basura was initially discussed by Servado Acedo of DENR-PENRO, even as details on their mechanics are sti l l being worked out. But these contests are scheduled to be launched within this month after a purok-level information drive in the barangays’ seven puroks within this month, with awarding of winners set on November 29 in time for the barangay ’s annual f iesta. The provincial government through its environment management office and the department of agriculture in the city or province will also be tapped to be involved in this undertaking. Barangay Asuncion is the second largest barangay in the city proper next to barangay Combado. Where the seat of the provincial government and the Diocese of Maasin are located. I t has a population of about 4,000 people and, at an estimated one -half k ilo of thrash per person, the barangay can generate 2,000 k ilos of garbage per person per year, according to Benjase Lumen of the city general services. (vrc/mmp/PIA8-Southern Leyte)

reporting, easy identification of gaps and easy coordination with various implementers. Meanwhile, OPARR will be installing mobile 4G LTE antenna for internet access in Leyte and Samar with a 30-kilometer radius reach. As a mobile internet, this gadget will be useful also especially during disasters. In conclusion, Batac calls on the public participation and vigilance in monitoring of these projects from the P170 billion rehabilitation and recovery funding of the government from proposal submission, approval and implementation. (aen/ldl/PIA-8)

put up a solar energy plant in town. “An insurgency-free town will mean strong economic confidence from the business sector ”, the Mayor said. Finally, Col. Matanguihan called the continued support of the local officials of Merida to be one in achieving peace as he also underscored this year ’s theme of the National Peace Consciousness Month celebration, “Nagkakaisang Bayan para sa Kapayapaan.” “ I to ay deklarasyon na hindi na natin muling payagan ang insurhensiya sa bayan ng Merida. I to ay desisyon na dapat panindigan nating lahat.” ( This is a declaration that never again shall we allow insurgency to set foot in the town of Merida. This is a decision that we must all stand for). (19th IB, 8ID)

maupay nga an Bangsamoro Bas ic Law in nasasakop han Konst i tusyon,” s i r ing niya . S i r ing han Senate Pres ident nga nal i l ipay hiya nga an Pres idente in nagpatapod nga an balaudnon in nahisusulod han const i tut ional boundar ies. Nagpatapod naman hiya nga rerespetuhan nira an mga k atungod ngan igkuk ins iderar an mga ginhihingyap han mga Musl im nga Fi l ip ino. Ha panahon nga an basic law in ma-rat i fy, an Organic Law nga nagmugna han Autonomous Region in Musl im M indanao in matatapos, s i r ing ni Dr i lon. (PCOO/Translat ion by maa/PIA8)

Kongreso nanunuyo...tikang ha page 12

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September 15, 2014 September 15, 201412

Kongreso nanunuyo mahipasa an Bangsamoro Basic Law ha syahan nga quarter han 2015H i Senate Pres ident Frank l in

Dr i lon in nagsir ing dida han Meyerkoles nga ginhihingyap nira mahipasa an ginproponer nga Bangsamoro Bas ic Law ha syahan nga quar ter sunod nga tuig. “Gintatagan namon hin ta laan an amon k alugar ingon tubtub syahan nga quar ter sunod nga tuig,” s i r ing ni Dr i lon han pagpak ianhi han mga repor ter han k anan senado gintalaan nga oras para han pagpasa han balaudnon. Durante han ceremonial turnover han draft han Bangsamoro Bas ic Law, ginhangyo ni Pangulo Aquino an Kongreso nga ipasa dayon an balaudnon para an Musl im M indanao in magk aada hin supis iyente nga panahon

paglugar ing hin pagpadalagan. S i r ing ni Dr i lon nga an pagpasa hini ha syahan nga quar ter sunod nga tuig in maghahatag han rehiyon hin igo nga panahon mak agdumara hin plebis i to ngan maipahamtang ha lugar an t ransit ion commiss ion ant is an 2016 nga pini l iay. An ginproponer nga Bangsamoro law in magk ak aada hin bipar t isan suppor t ha Senado, s i r ing niya , d i in aada hi Senador Ti to Sotto, an Senate minor i t y leader Senador ; Senador Bongbong Marcos, chairman han Senate local government committee ngan Senador TG Guingona han Peace and Unif icat ion.

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.

WARAY NEWS

“ I n i nga balaudnon in magk ak aada hin bipar t isan suppor t . Mak ik ig-usa k i ta h ini paghimo k aupod han aton mga k ausa para magdumara hin committee hear ings sunod nga semana. Hahangyuon naton hira Senador Bongbong ngan Senador TG nga mag-set h in committee hear ings sunod nga semana,” s i r ing niya . Dugang pa niya nga paghihimangrawan han Senado an Bangsamoro Bas ic Law k ahuman han nagpapadayon nga committee hear ings han budget . Ser ing ni Dr i lon kumpiyansa nga an pitad in mahipapasa. “Panginginanuon ta hin

padayon ha page 11