Leyte Province News November 2011 (2024)

Feture: DA-DAR-DENR Convergence Initiative making great waves in East Visayas

• Source: http://www.pia.gov.ph/?m=1&t=1&id=66170
• Wednesday, November 30, 2011

by PIA Press Release

The positive impact of the DA-DAR-DENR Convergence Initiative Program in Eastern Visayas is doing great as shown by its accomplishment in 2011 particularly at the municipality of Javier, Leyte and in the province of Northern Samar being the pilot areas for the Local Agro-Enterprise Cluster model.This was revealed during the 4th Quarter Meeting and Project Review of the DA-DAR-DENR Regional Convergence Initiative Technical Working Group (RCITWG) in Region 8 held at Ritz Tower de Leyte, Tacloban City on 25 November 2011.The occasion was graced by top officials from the three lead agencies namely, Regional Directors Eliasem P. Castillo and Rogelio P. Trinidad from the Departments of Agrarian Reform and Environment and Natural Resources, respectively, and Regional Technical Directors Arsenio A. Fortin and Wilson A. Cerbito from the Department of Agriculture-8 (DA-8), Mr. Francis Rosaroso, DA-8 information chief, said.Engr. Fernando Sarile, Jr., planning and development officer of Javier, Leyte reported that few of the initial projects/assistance extended by DA and its attached agencies in partnership with LGU-Javier included the establishment of a bagsakan center; distribution of ginger, abaca, and jackfruit planting materials; conduct of trainings/seminars; site validation and techno-demo area establishment for jackfruit, abaca, hybrid rice and coconut; soil fertility mapping; pasture development; registration of farmers with the National Farmers Registry System (NFRS); crop insurance; and small scale irrigation project and composting facility.Technical and financial assistance were also provided for the coco coir plant establishment, and instant salabat and vinegar production.For its part, the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR) and the German Society for Technical Cooperation (GIZ) intervened/assisted in the creation of the Alliance of Fisheries and Aquatic Management Development Council.Furthermore, the Agrarian Reform Community Program (ARCP) was also started by DAR alongside with DENR’s National Greening Program (NGP) and the Bito Watershed Rehabilitation and Development and Rattan Plantation Projects.Road concreting and rehabilitation and irrigation projects are also in progress as part of the national government and partner-institutions’ major commitments to the municipality.The GIZ, through its Environment and Rural Development Program (ENRDP), also partnered with the national agencies and LGU-Javier to help realize the goals of the CI Program. It provided funds and technical assistance particularly on the development of the Land Use and Development Plan (LUDP) and implementation of the flood mitigation project and the farm-to-market roads (FMRs).For Northern Samar, major interventions are on road rehabilitation, paddy dike development, conduct of trainings on upland rice production; establishment of techno-demo areas on rice production; distribution of light traps and metarhizium for rice black bug control; provision of shallow tube wells; conduct of Community-Based Participatory Action Research on Rice-Based Farming Systems; construction of the Bugko and Bobon Irrigation Projects; establishment of coconut nursery; distribution of abaca plantlets; establishment of the abaca stripping center; provision of mobile spindle stripping machine and abaca solar dryers; and the construction of stripping sheds.BFAR also turned-over 11 units of patrol boat for the province amounting to P4.4 million.DAR, on the other hand, has conducted an orientation and hands-on training on banana production and distributed banana plantlets to farmer-beneficiaries, while under the NGP of DENR, thousands of fruit trees and premium tree species were produced to be planted in identified mountains and idle lands of the province.According to Engr. Romeo M. Cardenas, Northern Samar’s Provincial Planning and Development Coordinator, P418.3 million or 70% of the total amount committed by various agencies during the launching of the LAEC-Northern Samar has already been released as of September, this year.Meanwhile, RTD Wilson A. Cerbito, Region 8’s Convergence Initiative focal person, revealed that the National Convergence Agribusiness Forum, which was earlier scheduled on November 28, 2011, will be held on February 15, next year. Region 8 will have four agribusiness investment proposals (AIPs) as entries in the said event. Also, on May 21, 2012, Region 8’s CITWG, in collaboration with the National Economic Development Authority (NEDA) and the Regional Development Council (RDC), will be hosting the 2nd Agribusiness Market Place. (PIA 8/DA8)

DSWD – 8 removes 19,028 beneficiaries after validation

• Source: http://pia.gov.ph/?m=7&r=r08&id=66141
• Tuesday, November 29, 2011

by Aurora J. Casimpan

TACLOBAN CITY, Leyte, November 29 (PIA) -- To ensure that only qualified beneficiaries would be benefitting from the Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program (4Ps) of the government, the Department of Social Welfare and Development in Eastern Visayas does follow up validation of those listed as beneficiaries.The validation undertaken by the regional DSWD has resulted to the removal of beneficiaries that are found out to be not economically poor.Joan Baclay, information officer of the 4Ps program, informed that 19,028 beneficiaries across the region were deleted from the program.In the validation of their status, said former members were found to be earning decently and were not really poor. Another basis cited was because the former members do not have children whose age range from zero to 14 years old to support.Originally, the regional office of the DSWD had identified 188,916 4Ps beneficiaries in Eastern Visayas.DSWD delisted from the program around 8,515 individuals erroneously identified as poor. Rundown of the numbers showed 5,964 from the Samar province; 1,953 from Leyte; 344 from Eastern Samar; 91 from Biliran; 153 from Southern Leyte and 10 from Northern Samar. The numbers were taken when the program was first launched in the region in 2008.The 4Ps beneficiaries receive as much as P 1,400 a month depending on the number of children with age ranges from zero to 14 years.It was learned that the 4Ps program is now in all the 6 provinces in the region; in 4 out of 7 cities; and in 2,783 out of the 4,390 or 63.39 percent of the barangays in Eastern Visayas. (PIA-8)

PDEA heightens anti-drug campaign in EV

• Source: http://www.pia.gov.ph/?m=7&r=r08&id=65964
• Monday, November 28, 2011

by Aurora J. Casimpan

TACLOBAN CITY, Leyte, Nov. 28 (PIA) -– The Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA) in the region informed that the exorbitant price of shabu has focused the agency’s concern on personalities selling or using shabu.PDEA regional director Julius Navales disclosed that the selling price of shabu (hydrochloride methamphetamine) costs between P 8,000 to P 10,000 per kilogram compared to P 6,000 to P 8,000 per kilogram in other regions.Director Navales also said that the high price of the prohibited drug has lessened the agency’s problem to dealing with personalities who are users or sellers of shabu. But the director also said that the lessened problem brought by shabu does not mean that the drug enforcement agency in the region has lessened its vigilance against the illegal drug.PDEA’s anti-drug campaign continues unabated through buy bust operations against personalities known to be engaging in illegal drug peddling. Another anti-drug campaign is on the conduct of seminar or forum on the ill-effects of using prohibited drugs in school campuses.Director Navales also said while their agency could monitor the entry points of shabu in the region through known and legal entry points those shipped using private ports are difficult to do and need a search warrant issued by a court before the agents can enter said ports.It was learned that PDEA is requesting their central office to provide the agency with K9 sniffing dogs to help them on their monitoring of suspicious items at various ports. (PIA-8)

Public-Private Partnership builds two-classroom school building in Albuera, Leyte

• Source: http://pia.gov.ph/?m=7&r=r08&id=65835
• Sunday, November 27, 2011

by PIA Press Release

CAMP DOWNES, Ormoc city, Leyte, November 27 (PIA) -- Residents of Barangay Salvacion in the municipality of Albuera in the province of Leyte are living witnesses that President Aquino’s Public-Private Partnership development strategy really works.On November 25, pupils of Salvacion Elementary School witnessed the turnover of the newly constructed two classroom school building by Major General Carlos B Holganza, commander of the National Development Support Command of the Armed Forces of the Philippines, Colonel John S. Bonafos of the Army’s 802nd Infantry Brigade and Tina Monzon-Palma of the ABS-CBN Sagip Kapamilya Foundation Incorporated.Captain Dranreb Canto, information officer of the 802nd Brigade, informed that the project was implemented by the Army’s 546th Engineer Construction Battalion, 53rd Engineer Brigade with the direct supervision of the 802nd Brigade under Colonel Bonafos.The construction of the school was done in the Bayanihan spirit. The materials were provided by the ABS-CBN Sagip Kapamilya. The cost of labor and other expenses were shouldered by the Office of the 4th Congressional District of Leyte under Congresswoman Lucy Torres-Gomez. The chairs and ceiling fans were donated by the Provincial Government of Leyte through Governor Carlos Jericho L. Petilla. The residents volunteered their expertise to fast track the school’s completion.Major General Holganza said that the simple ceremony of turning over the newly constructed school building and the presence of all the sponsors is a manifestation of convergence towards a common goal, “winning the peace in order to create an environment conducive for sustainable progress.”“The Army of 802nd Brigade will continue to uphold and carry on the marching order of helping the Leytenos create an environment conducive for sustainable peace and development in the province”, Colonel Bonafos said. (PIA 8)

BIR-8 optimistic to meet 2011 collection target

• Source: http://pia.gov.ph/?m=7&r=r08&id=65741
• Saturday, November 26, 2011

by Neil D. Lopido

TACLOBAN CITY, Leyte, Nov 26 (PIA) -– Despite the high collection goal for the months of November and December, the Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR)in Eastern Visayas is still optimistic it will attain its target for the year 2011.This was disclosed by BIR-8 Director Diosdado R. Mendoza as guest during the latest edition of the Suruwerte ha PIA radio program on November 25 over DYVL Aksyon Radyo.Mendoza said that as of October this year, the bureau has already collected P3.1 billion and has P1 billion more to attain for this year’s collection target pegged at P4.3 billion.Mendoza said that the bureau is intensifying all its tax campaign activities within the Revenue District Offices region-wide to attain the high collection goal for the months of November and December.For the month of September and October, BIR-8 performed well as it exceeded its collection targets, Director Mendoza said.With the remaining two months revenue collection, BIR-Eastern Visayas’ actual collection may have a significant increase with the influx of infrastructure projects coming from the Department of Public Works and Highways for November and December, Mendoza said.However, Mendoza stressed that if they will not be able to meet their collection target, there might only be a slim shortfall.Meanwhile, Mendoza is urging also the local government units to comply in the remittance of their withholding taxes considering that their remittances will also help a lot in attaining the collection goal and to avoid also imposition of penal and administrative sanctions.BIR will coordinate with the Bureau of Local Government Finance to get information and specific data needed so that the taxes due to the government will be remitted.Mendoza also emphasized that the bulk of BIR’s tax remittance advices is with the DPWH which is hoped to be remitted within the year considering that many projects have already been accomplished.Moreover, BIR Region 8 continues to intensify its programs, activities and strategies like tax compliance verification drive, oplan kandado, run after tax evaders, premyo sa resibo, among others.Lastly, Mendoza called on all taxpayers in Eastern Visayas to cooperate with the Bureau of Internal Revenue, as the agency given the order to collect the needed revenues for the government. (PIA-8)

Military Operations intensifies in Northern Samar

• Source: http://pia.gov.ph/?m=7&r=r08&id=65659
• Friday, November 25, 2011

by Aurora Frolinda J. Casimpan

TACLOBAN CITY, Leyte, November 25 (PIA) -- Government military forces based in Lope de Vega, Northern Samar have intensified its combat operations in anticipation of the Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP) celebration of its founding anniversary in December 26.The New People’s Army (NPA), the armed wing of the communist rebels, is anticipated for a possible disruption of the peace and order situation in some areas in Northern Samar after last December’s ambush which killed at least ten army soldiers and a nine-year old boy.The said ambush incident caught the military by surprise as there was an agreement between the government and the communist insurgents to suspend their respective military and offensive operations during the Christmas Holidays.Lt. Col. Noel Vestuir, commander of the 20th Infantry Battalion of the 8th Infantry Division said that “the 20th IB has been doing sustained operations to sustain pressure against members of the rebel army to frustrate their acts of violence”.The commanding officer also said that sightings of armed men believed to be NPA members had been confirmed in various villages under their areas of operations as the date of the CPP’s anniversary gets nearer.The military had tagged Northern Samar as an insurgent hotspot with some of its towns covertly occupied by the rebels.The battalion commander also disclosed that the military and the local officials are coordinating closely relative to the possible threats of NPA rebels. (PIA-8)

Good governance caravan to arrive at Eastern Samar

• Source: http://pia.gov.ph/?m=7&r=r08&id=65405
• Thursday, November 24, 2011

by PIA Press Release

TACLOBAN CITY Leyte, Nov. 24 (PIA) -- A caravan on good governance will stop by Eastern Samar on November 25, with Ramon Magsaysay Awardee for government service and a recipient of International Women of Courage Award, Ms. Grace Padaca leading.The one-day activity aims to support for greater accountability and transparency among government officials as fulfillment of their obligations to the people of the province.“We want to raise the awareness among Estehanons especially the young students to exercise their responsibilities and claim their rights for good governance” said Mr. Rodel Bontuyan, Area Manager of Plan International, the sponsor of the activity, in cooperation with the federated student council organization of Eastern Samar State University.As one of the organizers of Kaya Natin! Movement for Good Governance, Padaca who is former governor of Isabela, will also be joined by former governor of Southern Leyte Rosette Lerias.The caravan will take off with an early morning interview at DYBE in Salcedo, Eastern Samar to be followed by the Student Leaders’ Forum at ESSU-Salcedo Campus. The group will then proceed to ESSU-Maydolong Campus for another round of forum at around 10:30 in the morning.This will be followed by a motorcade around Borongan City at noon time. The student’s forum will be conducted at Eastern Samar National Comprehensive High School and a press conference will follow thereafter.Kaya Natin! Movement was established by Grace Padaca, then governor of Isabela together with former Mayor Jesse Robredo now DILG Secretary, and former governor Ed Panlilio of Pampanga.The movement is doing campus tours and recruits principled local government officials aimed at improving the country’s political situation. It was launched in the year 2008 at the Ateneo de Manila University. (OPT/PIA 8)

EMB-8 bares triple environment-related celebrations for the month of November

• Source: http://pia.gov.ph/?m=7&r=r08&id=65175
• Tuesday, November 22, 2011

by Neil D. Lopido

TACLOBAN CITY, Leyte, Nov. 23 (PIA) -– The Environment and Management Bureau (EMB) of the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) in Eastern Visayas disclosed that there are three important environment related celebrations that the whole country is commemorating in the month of November.Ms. Maribel Munsayac, head of the Environmental Education and Information Section of EMB identified the three celebrations during the Suruswerte ha PIA radio program Tuesday edition as Clean Air Month, National Environmental Awareness Month and the Climate Consciousness Week on November 19 to 25.Among the activities which EMB-8 spearheaded include information and education campaigns, environmental forum/lectures in schools, and seminars on environmental topics for pollution control officers, among others.According to Munsayac, EMB-8 conducted last week an information education campaign in Tongonan, Ormoc City together with the Energy Development Corporation and concerned agencies to discuss to the community people environmental laws and empower them to be vigilant as they are the ones directly affected in times of environmental upset.Also tackled during the program is the Republic Act 9512 or the Environmental Awareness and Education Act of 2008 – the latest addition to other environmental laws.Munsayac said that this is useful in integrating into the lessons at all school levels, include in lesson plans of teachers so that the students will be aware on environmental laws and inculcate in their minds and hearts the love for the environment in support also of all stakeholders.Air pollution, according to Munsayac, has three sources, namely: mobile sources, stationary sources, and area sources. Mobile sources came from vehicles and this is regulated by the Department of Transportation and Communications (DOTC)through the Land Transportation Office (LTO); Stationary sources came from industries and factories while area sources are those regulated by the local government units such as smoking. (PIA-8)

CSC confers seal of excellence awards to PhilHealth, DFA

• Source: http://pia.gov.ph/?m=7&r=r08&id=64903
• Monday, November 21, 2011

by PIA Press Release

TACLOBAN CITY, Leyte, Nov. 21 (PIA) -– The Civil Service Commission (CSC) is set to bestow citizen’s satisfaction center Seal of Excellence Awards to the Philippine Health Insurance Corporation (Philhealth) and the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) for obtaining excellent ratings in the Report Card Survey.CSC Field Office 8 Regional Director David Cabanag Jr. informed that the first and second phase validation confirmed and strengthened the evidence of excellent services provided by the concerned government offices.Director Cabanag added that an awarding ceremony or “Pasidungog” will be conducted to honor the awardees who will receive a wall-mountable glass seal and cash award.The CSC Director said that the Report Card Survey is an evaluation tool mandated by the Anti-Red Tape Act of 2007.The Report Card Survey provides a quantitative measure of actual public service user perceptions of the quality, efficiency and adequacy of different frontline services as well as a critical evaluation of the office or agency and its personnel.The target respondents for the survey are individual clients who have availed of any frontline service of government agencies.The survey is conducted among clients within the agency premises immediately after they finished availing frontline services. It also includes the quality of service of the service provider, as well as, the physical working condition of the agency concerned.R.A. 9485 seeks to improve efficiency in the delivery of government service, particularly in the area of front-line services in line with the avowed policy of the state to promote integrity, proper management of public affairs and public property as well as to establish effective practices aimed at the prevention of graft and corruption in government.Towards this end, all government units, agencies and instrumentalities were mandated to set up their respective Citizen’s Charters that shall set their respective standards and outline procedures to access front line services that shall be publicized to serve as a guide to constituents seeking to avail of front line services.Against their Citizen’s Charter, all offices and agencies are subject to a Report Card Survey by the Civil Service Commission in coordination with the Development Academy of the Philippines which will be used to obtain feedback from people transacting with the LGU or agency whether their service commitments were realized.The survey is also used to determine hidden costs incurred by clients to access services which may include bribes or payments to fixers. (PIA-8 /CSC-8)

SP to enact an ordinance declaring all schools in Leyte as pollution- free zones

• Source: http://pia.gov.ph/?m=1&t=1&id=64819
• Sunday, November 20, 2011

by PIA Press Release

TACLOBAN CITY, Leyte, Nov. 20 (PIA) -– The Sangguniang Panlalawigan of Leyte is set to enact during its November 22 session, an ordinance declaring all schools in Leyte as “pollution-free areas” in a bid to protect the children and the academic communities as a whole, from the ill effects of pollution.Board Member Carlo P. Loreto who is the author of the proposed ordinance, informed that the same has already been calendared for third and final reading on Tuesday, during the regular session of the legislative body.The proposed ordinance will establish an environment suitable for education and growth, and full development of the students, the Board Member said.“When approved, the proposed ordinance would pave the way towards providing our schools the atmosphere that is much more conducive to learning,” BM Loreto said. We have to initiate whatever step we can to ensure a good learning environment for our students because the youth is the future of our country, Loreto added.It may be noted that air pollution level in some schools today even in Leyte province is continuously increasing due to some activities that some school administrators themselves tolerate or those activities made by households around the school community.One of the activities is garbage burning wherein garbage such as wrappers, paper bags, plastic bags, newspapers, used office supplies and others are burned in open areas without considering its negative effect to the environment.Accordingly, some activities may also produce greenhouse gases that can potentially or can reasonably be expected to induce global warming, which include carbon dioxide, oxides of nitrogen, chlorofluorocarbons, and the like.Loreto, who chairs the committee on education at the Sangguniang Panlalwigan said such activities would eventually alter the physical, chemical, and biological properties of the atmospheric air.He said air pollution may even be detrimental or injurious to the health of the students in the schools and to the nearby residents of the academic community.Moreover, the Board Member said that the ordinance includes noise pollution. Environmental noise affects health and well-being physically, mentally and socially. There is ample evidence showing that high noise levels interfere with speech and communication, decreased learning ability and scholastic performance, increase stress-related hormones, blood pressure changes, ischemic heart disease, among others.Thus, even the conduct of construction activities that will disturb or destruct students from their learning, is also included in the ordinance.Loreto said this proposed ordinance would also mean putting vehicles under specific limitations as regards to smoke emissions as may be prescribed in the Clean Air Code.The proposed ordinance provides that any person who shall violate any provision of the proposed ordinance shall be meted with appropriate penalty such as a fine of not more than five thousand pesos (Php 5,000.00) or an imprisonment of not more than sixty (60) days, or both such fine and imprisonment at the discretion of the Court.The proposed ordinance is co-authored by Board Members Roque Tiu, Wilson Uy, Antonio Jabilles, Deborah Bertulfo, and Niccolo Villasin. (PIA 8)

East Visayas nominates 4 LGUs, 2 NGOs for DSWD Panata Ko sa Bayan awards

• Source: http://pia.gov.ph/?m=7&r=r08&id=64759
• Saturday, November 19, 2011

by PIA Press Release

TACLOBAN CITY, Leyte, November 19 (PIA) –- Eastern Visayas has six nominees in this year’s search for Panata Ko sa Bayan awards, the Department of Social Welfare and Development Region 8 informed.The nominees consist of four local government units and two non-government organizations, who shared their resources, time and energy to help the DSWD carry out its mandate as leader in social protection, DSWD Region 8 Director Leticia Diokno informed.One of the two regional nominees for the Best NGO under the Salamat Po Award, a sub-award of the Panata Ko sa Bayan, is the Federation of Omega Beneficiaries of Maasin City in Southern Leyte. The NGO is an active member of the Area Based Standards Network, which is a nationwide organization of registered, licensed and accredited social welfare and development agencies, as well as DSWD and LGU – run centers and institutions promoting social welfare and development.The other entry for the Best NGO award is the SOS Children’s Village in Calbayog City.Two local government units in the province of Leyte and in Eastern Samar, are highly recommended to the Gapas award for their noteworthy achievements in the implementation of the DSWD program, Kapit-Bisig Laban sa Kahirapan: Comprehensive and Integrated Delivery of Social Services: Kaunlaran at Kapangyarihan sa Barangay or KALAHI-CIDSS. These are the local government units of Balangiga in Eastern Samar, and the local government units of Kananga, and Leyte-Leyte in the province of Leyte.Meanwhile, the local government of Calbiga in Samar province is also a Gapas Award nominee for its model SEA-K KABAYAN or the Self-Employment Assistance – Kaunlaran Level II livelihood program implementation.The “Pagkilala sa Natatanging Kontribusyon sa Bayan” or “Panata ko sa Bayan Awards” is a consequence of the “Gawad Paglilingkod sa Sambayanan” (GAPAS), which was started in 2000, and gave honors to “stakeholders and employees who have contributed to the realization of the shared vision of empowering individuals, families, and communities.”The DSWD Regional Director said the current awards confers additional rewards to DSWD partners and stakeholders, under four sub-awards.The “Salamat Po Award is a commendation of donors or resource agencies and volunteers who provided assistance in the Department’s delivery of services as well as a recognition to non-government organizations (NGOs) with best practices.”On the other hand, the “Gawad sa Makabagong Teknolohiyang Panlipunan" is an award given to either a local government unit (LGU), NGO, or DSWD Field Office who has introduced a new and effective social technology deemed as best practice based on the standards set.The “GAPAS Awards is a commendation given to a LGU implementing DSWD programs and services such as Day Care Services, Kapit-Bisig Laban sa Kahirapan – Comprehensive and Integrated Delivery of Social Services, the Model Self-Employment Assistance – Kaunlaran/Kabayan, and the best People’s Organization like the PAG-ASA Youth Association, Kapisanan ng mga Liping Pilipina Nasyonal, National Day Care Workers Federation, Inc., Federation of Senior Citizens Association of the Philippines.Lastly, the Gawad Ulat is a recognition of media organizations and media practitioners who were committed to advance the advocacy, promotion and publicity of the Department’s programs.Every year, the winners are awarded during the DSWD anniversary celebration at the DSWD Central Office in Manila, and will be invited to participate in activities organized by the anniversary committee to advocate the principles of the award and vision of the Department as well.The awarding will be done in January next year at the DSWD Central Office in Quezon City. The awardee for each category will receive cash and a plaque, and is invited to join the anniversary celebration in Manila and other special events to advocate the principles of the award and the Department’s vision as well. (PIA 8/DSWD8)

DTI Leyte warns establishments selling sub-standard X’mas lights

• Source: http://pia.gov.ph/?m=7&r=r08&id=64667
• Friday, November 18, 2011

by Marivic Alcober

TACLOBAN CITY, Leyte, Nov. 18 (PIA) -– The Department of Trade and Industry (DTI), Leyte Provincial Office headed by Provincial Director Desiderio P. Belas, Jr. is currently monitoring stores selling Christmas lights.As per report of DTI Leyte’s Provincial Standards Officer Ms. Candelaria C. Duavis it was learned that as of November 15, 2011, the DTI-Leyte Monitoring & Enforcement Team was able to monitor 19 establishments selling Christmas lights.During the conduct of said monitoring, it was found that six establishments were selling uncertified and sub-standard Christmas lights with no Import Commodity (ICC) marks or Philippine Standards (PS) marks logo or stickers. Immediately said establishments were issued Notices of Violation by the DTI.Ms. Duavis reported that some 4,367 violative products were confiscated from said establishments and the owners were made to submit a dully signed promissory document not to sell substandard Christmas lights in their store.During its inspection activities, Duavis informed that DTI-Leyte Inforcement Team was able to inspect a total of 186,583 sets of Christmas lights worth P12,443,000. The result of the inspection showed that some 182,216 sets of Christmas lights valued at P12,051,000.00 or 97% complies to the prescribed Christmas Lights Standards. On the other hand, about 3% or 4,367 sets of Christmas lights valued at P391,793.00 were found not complying with the prescribed standards.Relative to this, Director Belas is urging the cooperation of the general public to report to the DTI any establishment selling Christmas lights having no ICC or PS stickers. (PIA-8/DTI-Leyte)

E. Visayas holds summit on R&D, Extension in HEIs

• Source: http://pia.gov.ph/?m=7&r=r08&id=64457
• Thursday, November 17, 2011

by Neil Lopido

TACLOBAN CITY, Leyte, Nov 17 (PIA) -– The Leyte Normal University (LNU) in partnership with the Visayas State University (VSU) and the Commission on Higher Education (CHED) is conducting a two-day summit dubbed as Eastern Visayas Summit on Research, Development and Extension in Higher Education Institutions (HEIs) on November 17-18 at the LNU gymnasium.No less that CHED chairperson Patricia B. Licuanan will deliver the summit address while Leyte Governor Carlos Jericho L. Petilla will gave his keynote address.Among the activities which will be taken up during the summit include plenary papers presentation and opening of exhibit on research, development and extension.Plenary papers include a status report on research in graduate education in the Philippines, CHED-Zonal Research Center’s initiatives to stimulate a strong research culture in the region and the role of research in regional development.Also to be presented is the VSU’s Q-Seedling Project (Enhancing Tree Seedling Supply via Economic and Policy Changes in the Philippine Nursery Sector) as the regional runner-up for the Search for Best Higher Education Research Program.Meanwhile, the exhibit on Research, Development and Extension will be launched on the first day highlighting HEIs research and development activities.Also expected to grace the summit are: Dr. Jose L. Bacusmo, VSU President; Dr. Socorro O. Bohol, Northwest Samar State University President; Director Edgardo M. Gonzaga, Department of Health; Director Buenaventura C. Go-Soco, Jr of the National Economic and Development Authority; and research officials and practitioners from all over the region. (PIA-8/LNU-SPO)

DSWD warns public: Be on watch for unauthorized solicitations

• Source: http://pia.gov.ph/?m=7&r=r08&id=64183
• Wednesday, November 16, 2011

by PIA Press Release

TACLOBAN CITY, Leyte, Nov. 16 (PIA) -– With Christmas just a little more than a month away, the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD)warned the public to be wary of people conducting unauthorized solicitations and fund­-raising activities.DSWD Region 8 Director Leticia Diokno in an advisory said that Presidential Decree No. 1564 or the Solicitation Permit Law signed on June 11, 1978 provides the DSWD with exclusive authority to regulate the solicitation, acceptance of donations or contributions for charitable or public welfare purposes.Director Diokno said that under the Solicitation Permit Law, any person, corporation, organization, or association desiring to solicit or receive contributions for charitable or public welfare purposes must secure a permit from the DSWD.She, however, revealed that R.A. 7160 otherwise known as the Local Government Code of 1991 gives the city and municipal mayors the authority to regulate the holding of activities for charitable and welfare purposes within their respective areas of jurisdiction.The activities may be in the form of benefit shows or dances, bingo socials for charity, raffle draws, solicitation through e-mail, text messages, tri-media campaign and similar modes of solicitations, Director Diokno added.If the solicitation activity will be done in two or more cities or municipalities within the region, application for permit should be filed at the DSWD Field Office located along Magsaysay Boulevard, next to the Tacloban City Tennis Clubhouse in Tacloban City.The DSWD Director disclosed that the Department also issued Administrative Order No. 79 series of 2003, or the “Omnibus Rules and Regulations on Public Solicitations,” to protect the public from illegal acts and to regulate the conduct of public solicitations at the national and regional levels.Should anyone knock on anyone’s doors, send e-mails, or text messages, for the purpose of asking donations for fund-raising projects, the public is advised to report to the DSWD, personally or through telephone, with numbers 321-2524, or 321-2040, and 321-2111.A penalty of imprisonment or fine shall be imposed on any erring individual or corporation or association, Director Diokno concluded. (PIA 8/DSWD8)

Full Disclosure Policy amended

• Source: http://pia.gov.ph/?m=7&r=r08&id=64086
• Tuesday, November 15, 2011

by Aurora J. Casimpan

TACLOBAN CITY, Leyte, November 15 (PIA) –- Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) Memorandum Circular 2010-83 has been amended by Memorandum Circular 2011-84.DILG-Eastern Visayas regional director Pedro Noval Jr. informed that DILG Secretary Jesse Robredo issued said amendment in relation to the Full Disclosure Policy of the government.Director Noval explained that under the amended memorandum Circular, cities and provinces are mandated to form their own websites where all transactions of all local government units will be posted.The website has been added to the original mandate of LGUs where documents should be posted in three conspicuous places and published in a newspaper in general circulation. With permission LGUs can also post documents in places where citizens converge like privately-owned buildings and facilities regardless of ownership.DILG provides incentives in the form of monetary amount as part of its strategy in encouraging LGUs to implement the Full Disclosure Policy program of the agency.LGUs recognized and given awards in the implemetation of the FDP include the towns of Almeria, Biliran, Alangalang, Guiuan, Burauen, Jaro, Hinunangan, and Laoang and Ormoc City. (PIA-8)

Healing priest to visit Leyte on November 15

• Source: http://pia.gov.ph/?m=7&r=r08&id=63966
• Monday, November 14, 2011

by PIA Press Release

TACLOBAN CITY, Leyte, Nov. 14 (PIA) –- Fr. Fernando Suarez who is widely known as the “healing priest” is scheduled to arrive in Leyte on November 15 for several healing masses in various parts of the province.On November 15, Father Suarez is set to go to Burauen, Leyte for a Healing Mass. In the afternoon, he goes to Ormoc City where he is expected to conduct another Healing Mass at the Ormoc City Astrodome on November 16.This is the second time that the healing priest will go to Ormoc City, Mr. Eugene Tan said. The first time Fr. Suarez went to Ormoc, around 10,000 people flocked at the Astrodome to be prayed over and touched by Fr. Suarez.On November 17, Fr. Suarez will be at the Santo Nino Church in Tacloban City and on November 18, he will be in Palo, Leyte.This is not the first time that the healing priest has come to the province of Leyte, Mr. Tan said. He has been coming to the province for three or four years already.There are many municipalities that are requesting Fr. Suarez to their places but the schedule of the healing priest is so tight.The organizers used to issue tickets to those who would like to avail of the healing. This year, however, no tickets will be issued so as not to deprive those who would like to see the healing priest.This time, the sick people will be accommodated at a first come first served basis, Mr. Tan said. (PIA 8)

EV nominates SoLeyte, Biliran to national Agri-Pinoy Rice Achievers Awards 2011

• Source: http://pia.gov.ph/?m=7&r=r08&id=63634
• Saturday, November 12, 2011

by PIA Press Release

TACLOBAN CITY, Leyte, November 12 (PIA) -– With Southern Leyte and Biliran as top rice producing provinces in Eastern Visayas, they are the region's nominees to the search for Agri-Pinoy Rice Achievers Awards 2011.Southern Leyte and Biliran were chosen because they achieved a 152 percent rice sufficiency index, said Department of Agriculture Region 8 information chief Francis Rosaroso.He added that Southern Leyte is the Region’s top hybrid rice producer, due to the Provincial Government's program “Plant Now Pay Later” that allows farmers to avail of seeds and other inputs loan, payable after harvest.The Agri-Pinoy Rice Achievers award is open to all provinces, municipalities/cities, irrigators’ association and agricultural extension workers, Rosaroso said.There are four categories for the Agri-Pinoy Rice Achievers’ Awards: the Top 10 Outstanding Provinces, which will receive P4 million each; Top 50 Outstanding Municipalities/Cities, which will receive P1 million each; Top 10 Outstanding Irrigators’ Associations, which will receive P1 million each.The awards will be in form of projects, which should help increase the productivity of the rice production industry in the locality. The Top 500 Outstanding Agricultural Extension Workers will each receive P20,000 cash.The Agri-Pinoy Rice Achievers’ Awards aims to encourage the full participation of LGUs involved in rice production and to recognize the highly performing provinces, municipalities and cities, Irrigators’ Associations, and agricultural extension workers as important stakeholders in the national food self-sufficiency program.The main criteria for the selection are yield increment, production data on rice for 2006-2010, budget allocation for rice production, provincial Rice Self Sufficiency Program (RSSP) road map and profile of the IAs (Irrigators Associations).The awarding of winners will be in January of 2012, Rosaroso said. (PIA 8)

Leyte farmer leaders support Food Sovereignty bill

• Source: http://pia.gov.ph/?m=7&r=r08&id=63439
• Friday, November 11, 2011

by PIA Press Release

TACLOBAN CITY, Leyte, Nov. 11 (PIA) –- Leyte farmers openly supported the bill filed by Rep. Juan "Jack" Enrile Jr. in the 15th Congress seeking to put a Food Requirement Plan for Filipinos, ensuring that all of them are able to eat from what is locally produced before exporting these farm products to other countries.The farmers expressed their gratitude that the Congressman has thought of filing a bill that would benefit the small farmers and fisher folks. They added that they will endorse the bill and will request the congressmen in Leyte to support the bill.The bill, when it becomes a law, requires the Department of Agriculture (DA)to define and put together a Food Requirement Plan for the Filipino people, making them as priority consumers for the locally-produced food crops.The Congressman of the first district of Cagayan who was in Leyte on November 9, conducted a consultation with leaders of farmers organizations and cooperatives to present his proposed bill and to get their insights as he said that he always learn from the farmers because of their vast experience in agriculture.The congressman, who is the only son of Senate President Juan Ponce Enrile, said that he has been through 63 provinces nationwide to meet with multi-sector groups, particularly farmers and fishermen, as part of his consultations for support of his proposed bill.His bill, if approved, would overhaul the National Food Authority (NFA), replacing it with the National Strategic Food Supply and Reserve Corporation (NSFSRC) that provide a system of determining the minimum food requirements of Filipinos.The bill is mainly based on the seven points, outlined in his privilege speech last December 2010, that now serves as guide to his "crusade for a comprehensive framework against poverty and hunger." He argued that Filipinos must be able to eat first what is locally produced before exporting these to the international market.Enrile explained "food sovereignty" as the "right of people, communities and countries to define their own agricultural, labor, fishing, food and land policies, which are ecologically, socially, economically and culturally appropriate to their unique circ*mstances."Under the proposed bill that tackles eight parts with 25 sections, NFA will be stripped of its regulatory function, except trading, which will be transferred to the Department of Agriculture.The bill calls for the government to prioritize agricultural infrastructure support; ensure access to low-interest credit to farmers, fisher and farm workers; remove all subsidies on export-oriented agriculture and transfer them to grains and vegetable farmers and livestock growers; launch an effective and strong campaign against smuggling and dumping of food and agri-based products and commodities that can be supplied by local produce; reclaim our original strength on agricultural research and scientific breakthroughs; strengthen NFA as a state trading enterprise that protects our farmers and fisherfolk; and break all land monopolies as government implements the last phase of agrarian reform program. (PIA 8)

Ormoc builders ink MOA for labor-management cooperation

• Source: http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=2&sid=&nid=2&rid=384914
• November 10, 2011, 1:35 pm

by (PNA)

LAP/LAM/FNC/mec

ORMOC CITY, Nov. 10 (PNA) - The Philippine Contractors Association-Ormoc Chapter (PCA-OC) has signed a memorandum of agreement (MOA) with the National Conciliation and Mediation Board (NCMB) for the establishment of a Labor Management Cooperation (LMC) mechanism in the city’s construction industry.

LMC promotes alternative dispute resolution being encouraged by the government to amicably settle labor disputes. Rene de los Reyes, national president of Philippine League of Labor-Management Cooperation Practitioners Inc. (Philamcop), credits LMC for the industrial peace enjoyed by Region 8 for the past nine years.

But De los Reyes cautions LMC advocates from being complacent in times of peace. He draws inspiration from the sign at the 38th parallel in Panmunjom, South Korea which states, “We must be ready in times of peace so that we are all ready in times of war.”

LMC is a revolutionary way to settle disputes and conflicts and create an atmosphere of peace. Under this system, employers’ prerogatives and workers’ rights meet halfway to attain a win-win solution in labor disputes. De los Reyes said LMC would have made a big difference in settling the row at Philippine Airlines (PAL).

According to him, the Labor Department summoned him to Manila twice to see if a dialogue can settle the PAL dispute but it was too late. PAL’s LMC council died in 1993 and has not been revived. Since then, labor-management disputes have been handled through legal processes and strikes.

Ironically, other companies of Lucio Tan who owns PAL have LMC systems in place like Asia Brewery Inc. and Century Park Hotel that are enjoying industrial peace. PAL’s biggest competitor, Cebu Pacific (CEB), also has an LMC council. “In fact, our biggest member (in Philamcop) is JG Summit (CEB’s parent company) with 23,000 employees,” he said.

De los Reyes is currently concentrating on establishing LMC councils in non-unionized industries wherein workers are not protected. The Employers Confederation of the Phils. indicates that only eight percent or 2 million of the country’s 36 million workers belong to a union.

De los Reyes congratulated PCA-OC for responding quickly to his invitation to establish an LMC. He recalled proposing the initiative to its president Engr. Joseph Frederick A. Pepito and secretary Engr. Javier Arradaza on Aug. 28. Two months and three days later, a MOA is signed.

In contrast, it took three years for the formation of the Isabel Contractual Agencies’ Association for Industrial Peace which covers 18 contract service providers to Philippine Associated Smelting and Refining Corp. and Philippine Phosphate Fertilizer Co., Inc. It also took seven months for him to negotiate with Ormoc Hotel and Restaurants Association which will sign a MOA next month.

DILG to LGUs: Let’s push PPUR to victory

• Source: http://pia.gov.ph/?m=7&r=r08&id=63042
• Wednesday, November 09, 2011

by PIA Press Release

TACLOBAN CITY, Leyte, Nov. 9(PIA) -– With only two more days before the November 11 deadline for voting, the Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG) called on all the local government executives at all levels to urge their constituents to vote for the Puerto Princesa Underground River as one of the New Seven Wonders of Nature.DILG-8 Regional Director Pedro A. Noval Jr. said that Secretary Jesse Robredo, who is chairman of the Inter-agency Task Force for the PPUR campaign created under Presidential Proclamation 182, said the “local government sector should play a pivotal role in the final push to victory for the PPUR” .According to Director Noval, the DILG secretary said he was delighted to learn that PPUR has made it to the top 10 finalists in a recent update on the ongoing worldwide voting.Aside from the PPUR, other nominees that made it to the top 10 include, the Dead Sea (Israel/Jordan/Palestine), Grand Canyon (United States), Great Barrier Reef (Australia/Papua New Guinea), Halong Bay (Vietnam), Jeita Grotto (Lebanon), Jeju Island (South Korea), Komodo Island (Indonesia), Sundarbans (Bangladesh/India), and Vesuvius (Italy).The report about the PPUR’s overall standing is indeed a positive development, although only seven will be chosen among the 10 finalists, the SILG said.Secretary Robredo said there is a need to close ranks and demonstrate patriotism in order for our entry to get into the magic seven.“The help of our local government officials is very crucial at this critical juncture” he added.Robredo reiterated his call to local officials and the public to vote through text messaging or SMS by typing PPUR and send it to 2861, or via internet by logging on to www.new7wonders.com.“Ang pakiusap po natin sa ating mga mayors at governors na sa lahat ng gagawin nilang pulong mula ngayon hanggang Nov. 11, pakiusapan nila ang kanilang mga kapulong na ilabas muna ang kanilang cell phones at mag-text upang bumoto para sa PPUR,” he said.Moreover, Director Noval further informed that each PPUR trivia downloaded before November 11, 2011 shall entitle the sender to two (2) raffle entries under the "Pera sa Kweba" promo of the private sector. Those received from November 11 to December 28, 2011 corresponds to one (1) entry.The grand prize for this promo which seeks to educate the public and make people appreciate why PPUR deserves to be among the New Seven Wonders of Nature, is P25 million.There are consolation prizes, as well as daily, weekly, bi-weekly and monthly winners.Nations are competing to be included in the list due to the huge eco-tourism windfall for the communities concerned, Director Noval added. (PIA 8 with DILG)

PNP-8 annual general inspection starts

• Source: http://pia.gov.ph/?m=7&r=r08&id=62815
• Tuesday, November 08, 2011

by PIA Press Release

TACLOBAN CITY, Leyte, Nov. 8 (PIA) -- The four-day Annual General Inspection on Operational Readiness, Security Inspection Test and Evaluation (AGI-ORSITE) starts on today to test the overall readiness of the Philippine National Police (PNP) in Eastern Visayas.PNP 8 Director Arthur Revilla said that the AGI-ORSITE is an annual activity conducted by the Internal Affairs Service of the PNP to gauge the competency of its units and all police personnel when it comes to their duties and responsibilities as law enforcers.PC/SUPT Revilla assured that the police officers of Region 8 are very much prepared to undergo this annual activity.In fact he said that the readiness of his personnel for the annual inspection from the regional office down to the lower offices has always been observed by his men even without the assessment from the higher headquarters.The capability, effectiveness and readiness of his uniformed and non-uniformed personnel in addressing mandated duties and responsibilities will be checked and evaluated by the team headed by Police Director Ifor Magbanua, Inspector General of the PNP Internal Affairs Service.Director Revilla said the police station's defense and fire plan and the execution of scenarios such as first aid, medical evacuation, arrest-search and handcuffing techniques, hostage taking negotiation, scene of crime operations, interdiction/close quarters battle and conduct of checkpoints are all readied for inspection.The PNP Director said he has constantly reminded his men to observe the “Tamang Bihis” at all times and to always bring along with them white handkerchief, whistle, writing notebook with ball pen, handcuffs and prepared to answer questions to be raised by the inspectors.The best police regional office nationwide will be judged based on its readiness and superior operational and administrative accomplishments. (PIA 8)

Voices of young 4Ps beneficiaries heard at Children’s Forum in EV

• Source: http://pia.gov.ph/?m=1&t=1&id=62746
• Monday, November 07, 2011

by PIA Press Release

TACLOBAN CITY Leyte, November 7 (PIA) -– For the first time in the history of the Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program (4Ps) in Eastern Visayas, young grantees were recently gathered together in a Children’s Forum held at the Multi-Purpose Hall of the University of the Philippines.Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) Region 8 Director Leticia Diokno said that the Pantawid Pamilya Children’s Forum was participated by selected grantees from Mayorga, Santa Fe and Tacloban City, all in the province of Leyte.During the forum, most of the young grantees shared common views on the gains and impact of Pantawid Pamilya in their lives, particularly in the aspect of education.It was observed that most of the participants were performing well in their respective schools, not only in the academic aspect but also in the extra-curricular activities.They all claim that they owe their good standing in school to the Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program of the Aquino Administration.Eiver Ky Villegas, 11, of Mayorga, Leyte expressed his gratitude that the government has thought of extending support to the needs of the children, especially in education. Eiver believes that education is important to his quest for a brighter future for him and that of his family. He said that if he finishes his studies, he would be ascertained of finding a good job in the future.Alona Rose Aguirre, 12, of Tacloban City, said that she used to wear a plastic bag to cover her head during rainy days. With Pantawid Pamilya, she is now using an umbrella to protect herself from the rain.On the other hand, Ma. Locel Catapal, 11, of Sta. Fe Leyte, shared that her parents used to worry for her school fees and their everyday meals, but with Pantawid Pamilya her parents found a partner to help ease their financial worries.The Pantawid Pamilya Children’s Forum was an educational and fun-filled three-hour event where children grantees met new friends from other municipalities, played fun games and showed their talents and expressed their knowledge on the 4Ps through poster making. (PIA 8)

LGUs and the public must be informed about PDP, RPD --NEDA

• Source: http://pia.gov.ph/?m=7&r=r08&id=62716
• Sunday, November 06, 2011

by PIA Press Release

TACLOBAN CITY Leyte, November 6 (PIA) –- There is a need to inform the local government units and the public about the Philippine Development Plan for 2011-2016 and the Regional Development Plan.Mr. Ryan Babon, Communication and Advocacy Program Development Information Staff of NEDA Central Office, said this during the recent episode of the Suruswerte Ha PIA radio program.The reason for this is so that the Local Government Units could align their development plans to that of the national and regional plans, Mr Babon said. There is a need to harmonize these plans so that there is similar direction in all the levels of governance.This is also pursuant to relevant provisions of the Local Government Code of 1991 which provide that all LGUs shall prepare their comprehensive development plans¸ Local Development Investment Plans, Annual and Supplemental Budgets, in the context of and in harmony with national and regional policies, goals and strategies.The new national development plan prioritizes big investments in roads, people, new technology, good governance and the environmentIt puts primacy on area-based planning and is not limited by political boundaries. The plan encourages capitalizing on natural economic areas.This will allow for "greater complementation among LGUs, provide for more strategic investments, and enable services to reach places where they are most needed.The key targets for Inclusive Growth in the PDP 2011-2016 includes reducing poverty incidence to 16.6 percent from 33.1 percent in 1991. Another is employment creation with an annual average of 1 million jobs and annual average labor force growth of 2.75 percent. One more target is reduction unemployment rate to 6.8-7.2 and achieving the Investment to GDP ratio of 22 percent by 2016.Other MDGs by 2015 include 100% participation of school-age children in primary education; 1:1 ratio of girls to boys in primary education and 50% share of women in non-agricultural wage employment; 26.7 under-five mortality per 1,000 live births; 52 maternal mortality per 100,000 live births; and Zero prevalence of malaria and tuberculosis. (PIA 8)

NMP inks MOA with LGU Guiuan on conduct of basic safety training

• Source: http://pia.gov.ph/?m=7&r=r08&id=62590
• Saturday, November 05, 2011

by PIA Press Release

TACLOBAN CITY Leyte, November 5 (PIA) –- The National Maritime Polytechnic together with MARINA and the Philippine Coast Guard, recently signed a memorandum of agreement with the Local Government of Guiuan¸ Eastern Samar to officially seal their partnership in the conduct of Basic Safety Training for the local motorboat handlers, operators and fishermen.The MOA signing was attended by Guiuan Vice Mayor Rogelio O Cablao representing the Local Government of Guiuan, NMP Executive Director Josephus Jimenez, MARINA Regional Director Manuel Portus, and SCPO Melchor Revadulia, Station Commander of the Philippine Coast Guard in Tacloban.The Basic Safety Training is part of the NMP course offerings which presently caters to the constituents of the neighboring municipalities of the region in support to the government’s program on poverty-free zone area particularly whose means of livelihood depend on the country’s vast oceans and seas.It is conducted based on the request of the recipients on a mutually agreed schedule and through a Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) involving the requesting Local Government Unit (LGU), Maritime Industry Authority (MARINA) RO8, Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) Tacloban and the NMP. The training runs for three (3) days per session and is conducted for free, Director Jimenez said.As a collaborative undertaking, NMP conducts the training by providing the trainers, training facilities and handouts to the participants. The local government units identify and gather the participants and provide venue and meals. MARINA and PCG assist by providing a lecture to discuss domestic marine laws, rules and regulations.The program aims to enhance the basic safety at sea skills of small scale motorboat handlers/operators and fishermen. It further endeavors at providing these specialized and marginalized workforce the understanding on the basic safety navigation such as the economical, safe and efficient shipment of commodities and people with the prescribed and enforced rules and regulations governing water transportation.Ms. Toti C. Stephens, Peace Corps Volunteer assigned in Guiuan, Eastern Samar, noted that Guiuan is an ideal recipient of the training since the municipality is situated in the shorelines along the Pacific Ocean and Leyte Gulf, with fishing as the main source of livelihood of the people. (PIA 8/NMP)

Agri-Aqua Trade Fair highlights agriculture as Ormoc’s top priority

• Source: http://pia.gov.ph/?m=7&r=r08&id=62384
• Friday, November 04, 2011

by PIA Press Release

ORMOC CITY Leyte, November 4 (PIA) -- The recently held Agri-Trade Fair in Ormoc City was a manifestation of the Ormoc City government’s giving top priority to agriculture and fishery sector.Spearheaded by the City Agriculture Service Office, the Agri-Trade Fair is one of the most awaited events being featured during Ormoc City’s Charter Day celebration as far as the farmers and fisherfolk are concerned, as this is the event wherein the local food producers and other exhibitors are given the opportunity to display and sell their farm produce apart from the chance to join and win in landscaping contest, best dressed booth exhibits, native dance contest, among others.Ormoc is known for its Queen pineapple, biggest and sweetest Bangkok Santol, luscious langka and other local fruits and vegetables. It is also known as the Hybrid Rice producer in the Region.Said Agri-Aqua Fair was formally opened with DA-8 Regional Executive Director Antonio G. Gerundio as the guest speaker.In his message, RED Gerundio commended the city government under the leadership of Mayor Codilla for giving top priority to agriculture and fishery sectors.“The best proof of which is your successful implementation of the Hybrid Rice Production Enhancement Program where you were able to produce Outstanding Farmers in the likes of Mr. Alfredo Roble of Brgy. Valencia who recently garnered the 2011 National Gawad Saka Award,” RED Gerundio informed.The DA-8 Director also cited the people of Ormoc for trailblazing the promotion and advocacy of natural farming system (NFS) otherwise known as ‘Organic Farming.’“Being the region’s frontrunners of organic farming, we are sponsoring a Forum-Dialogue on Organic Agriculture on Friday, October 21 and we have invited a pool of organic farming experts from the UPLB to discuss pertinent issues and concerns about this subject,” RED Gerundio disclosed.Director Gerundio also mentioned about the grandiose plan to transform Ormoc City and Kananga into a major market players in the country’s vegetable industry.“Pretty soon we will make Ormoc as the market gateway for vegetables and other upland crops.” As to the details on how this will be done, RED Gerundio simply disclosed that the DA, together with other partner agencies from the government and private sectors are presently coming up with a thorough evaluation and assessment of the market and supply chain of the vegetable industry in Region 8. (PIA 8)

DA and partners to develop Ormoc Kananga Upland Range as ‘market gateway’ for vegetables and agri products

• Source: http://pia.gov.ph/?m=7&r=r08&id=62345
• Thursday, November 03, 2011

by PIA Press Release

TACLOBAN CITY, Leyte, November 3 (PIA) -- The Department of Agriculture in Eastern Visayas, together with its partners in the government and private sector, have agreed to pool their efforts and resources in order to develop the Ormoc Kananga Upland Range or OK Upland Range.This will mean that the OK Upland Range, composed of the upland communities within the Leyte Geothermal Production Fiel, will become the center of attention for agricultural developments not only of one but of several service oriented agencies and organizations, Francis Rosaroso, DA-8 chief Information Officer, said.The site is in the mountains of Tongonan between the municipality of Kananga and Ormoc City. It is considered the vegetable bowl of Ormoc and the place where the Energy Development Corporation’s Leyte Geothermal Production Field (EDC-LGPF) is nestled. Interestingly, EDC-LGPF is the country’s largest producer of geothermal energy covering a total of 107,625-hectares with a stored power capacity of more than 700 MW.The Department of Agriculture (DA), the Visayas State University (VSU), the National Agribusiness Corporation (NabCor), the Energy Development Corporation (EDC) and the Partners Multi-Purpose Cooperative (PMPC) - a peoples’ organization had initial talks and will soon enter into a multilateral agreement to develop the adjoining upland areas straddling Ormoc City and the Municipality of Kananga, collectively known as OK Upland Range, into progressive upland farming communities with modern agro-enterprise consolidation centers with the end-view of ultimately making the OK range as “market gateway” for vegetables and other agricultural products not only here in Region 8, but the entire country.As an initial investment, the DA is allotting P.8M for the conduct of a thorough assessment of the vegetable production systems wherein a scoping study to assess the existing production practices for the target crops, including the knowledge base for the new vegetables will be introduced.All partner agencies agreed to pool their resources to raise the financial and logistical requirements needed for the implementation of the program also dubbed as “Agri-Pinoy Integrated and Diversified Program for Development of the OK Upland Range.”Reference materials and program documents have indicated that the main goal of this program is to promote profitable and sustainable production of high value crops and livestock for the upliftment of the socioeconomic wellbeing of the upland settlers serving as stewards in the environmental protection of the Leyte watershed within the OK range.Among others, its specific objectives are: to analyze the supply chains for targeted high-value crops and livestock and develop supply chain management (SCM) interventions; to Improve the existing production and postproduction practices of people’s organization (PO)-members into innovative and market-oriented commercial SCM systems, and to ensure product quality, market linkage, and logistics efficiency through the establishment and operationalization of a consolidation center.DA-8’s point man and project consultant Leo Abejuela said a program inception activity is scheduled early this month in order to put to motion the initial support activities and make the program running.One of the highlights of the program inception is the actual signing of the Memorandum of Agreement by heads of the partner-agencies namely Engr. Manuel C. Paete, resident vice president of the Energy Development Corporation Leyte Geothermal Production Fields; Antonio G. Gerundio, regional executive director of the Department of Agriculture- Region 8; Chief Operating Officer Mr. Honesto F. Baniqued, Jr of National Agribusiness Corporation; President, Dr. Jose L. Bacusmo of the Visayas Sate University; and Chairperson Marilyn A. Tarranza of the Partners Multi-Purpose Cooperative based in Tongonan. (PIA 8)

All Saints Day in E Visayas generally peaceful

• Source: http://pia.gov.ph/?m=7&r=r08&id=62143
• Wednesday, November 02, 2011

by PIA Press Release

TACLOBAN CITY, Leyte, November 2 (PIA) -– Tacloban City and Region 8 as a whole observed All Saints Day in a peaceful and orderly manner, the Philippine National (PNP) Police reported.This as the PNP heightened their security measures by fielding security forces in the different cemeteries, together with the full cooperation of the barangay officials, the Tanods and the cemetery-goers alike.The PNP has recorded no untoward incidents in the City of Tacloban, even in the City's biggest public cemetery. The people entering the cemetery were subjected to body search by the Philippine National Police in order to ensure that no deadly weapons and liquor, which are prohibited, will not be smuggled inside the cemetery.However, many bolos and pointed cleaning materials, radios and forks were confiscated because they are not allowed inside the cemetery. From 6:00 o’clock to 9:00 o’clock in the morning of November 1, more than 200 pieces were already confiscated at the Tacloban cemetery.The PNP thanked the people for understanding that these measures were implemented in order to ensure the safety of the citizens who were paying respect to their departed love ones.It was the general observation that unlike in the previous years, the observance of the All Saints Day and All Souls Day was done in a well-organized and orderly manner.Also gone is the perennial traffic congestion near the Public cemetery as the PNP closed the El Reposo St. Including the Real portion to traffic. The traffic was rerouted to the Old Road in Sagkahan in order to avoid traffic at the Redemptorist Church.The PNP attributed these positive developments to the cooperation and support of the people. The PNP also acknowledged the support of the local radio stations as a big help in informing the people on the policies for the cemetery goers.It was timely that they were able to inform the general public through local radio stations on matters concerning security and preparedness like going to the cemetery earlier to avoid traffic delays, bringing of just the most important things needed and allowed and not to wear jewelries and most importantly to obey to the rules and regulations for everybody's good.As a whole, this year's observance of All Saints Day in the city was a solemn one with the collective effort of all the sectors of society. (PIA 8)