The Official Newsletter of PIA-8 and RTF-8 ELCAC
VOL II NO. 9
May 1-15, 2020
REGION 8 TASK FORCE ACTS 'PRONTO' ON COVID - BELEAGUERED TARANGNAN'S CONCERNS By: PIA-8
TACLOBAN CITY -- The Region 8 COVID-19 Task Force acted promptly on the appeal for help from Tarangnan, Samar Mayor Arnel Tan as raised by the Crisis Communications Cluster led by the Philippine Information Agency, during its May 1 meeting. The concensus of the Task Force is to give utmost priority to the concerns of the beleaguered mu-
nicipality which the Mayor aired during the PIA Panindugan virtual Kapihan with PIA and friends in the morning of May 1. Among the concerns the mayor raised as reported to the body by PIA head Olive Tiu is the need for water, food, medicines and milk. The mayor appealed for the donations to be in kind not
DepEd readies opening of classes, prepares learning continuity plan By: Gemma T. Tabao TACLOBAN CITY -- The Department of Education (DepEd) in Region 8 has started preparing for the opening of classes for School Year 2020-2021 come August 24, this year. During the Suruswerte ha PIA radio program Thursday hosted by Regional Director Olive Tiu, Leyte Schools Division Superintendent, Manuel Albaño said that DepEd Secretary Leonor Briones has already presented the Learning Continuity Plan to the National Inter-Agency Task Force for COVID-19. Said plan, he said, will be the basis for the local plans to be adopted by the different divisions, with consideration to its applicability in the field. “Secretary Briones has already presented the Learning Continuity Plan to the National Inter-Agency Task Force for COVID-19, and after series
of consultations, opening of classes has been finally set on August 24, 2020, though preparations as to what modalities to be used are still underway,” Albaño said.
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cash as procurement is difficult nowadays at the LGU. Besides, “many businessmen do not accept money from Tarangnan already.” With the entire town under lockdown, the LGU is helping its constituents tide their daily subsistence by giving relief goods. Already, it has given its constituents, one sack of rice and other relief goods while the provincial government has already given 12 kilos of rice per family. The LGU fears that it will have of shortness of fund if the situation continues to prevail in the LGU. There are also problems on the delivery of goods due to boarder control. Delivery trucks owners no longer enter the municipality. They only deliver at the
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May 1-15, 2020
Agrarian reform beneficiary organizations in EV generate P22.9-M in sales during quarantine TACLOBAN CITY -- Despite the implementation of community quarantine throughout the country for several weeks now, some 104 Agrarian Reform Beneficiary Organizations (ARBOs) in Eastern Visayas generated a combined gross sales of P22,928,460. This period covers from the last week of March, where most of the local government units started enforcing their respective community quarantines, up to the third week of April this year. Regional Director Stephen Leonidas of the Department of Agrarian Reform 8 (DAR-8) was impressed with the determination of this farmers to survive amid this global crisis caused by the Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID19) pandemic. Members of the said DARassisted farmer organizations continue with their farm activities and marketing of their harvests despite the current crisis situation. As assistance to them during this hard and trying times, Leonidas disclosed that DAR has provided 119 ARBOs throughout the region with quarantine accreditation pass to have access in checkpoints, which was authorized by the Inter-Agency Task Force for the Management of Emerging Infectious Disease (IATF-EID), for the continuous supply of agricultural products. Leonidas said, these farmers did not only earn income during the quarantine period but contributed to the sustainability of food supply in the region. Based on the DAR monitoring
AN REHIYON OCHO YANA
LGU Borongan sponsors installation of electricity to 492 families By: Samuel D. Candido
BORONGAN CITY -- The City Local Government Unit (CLGU) of Borongan through Mayor Jose Ivan Dayan C. Agda sponsored free installation of electricity to some 492 poor families. Mr.Rodito R. Capito, liaison officer of the barangay affairs office said these poor families could not afford the installation cost at P2,900. Said families were enrolled in the “Light Now, Pay Later” program (LNPL) of the electric cooperative and the city government. The city government and the Eastern Samar Cooperative (ESAMELCO) identified the poor families. The electrification project of the city government provided the drop wires, electricity meter, two outlets and two electric bulbs. Asked why he initiated such a generous project, Mayor Agda said he wants to ease up the living condition of the less fortunate citizens especially from the distant barangays. “I’ve been in their state of living, and I know how it feels to be there. As much as I can, I shall make bolder steps to help families of their class, whenever possible for as long as it is within the bounds of law,” continued on page 13 Mayor Agda said.
Ms. Edna Caspe, a mother, a resident of Brgy. San Gregorio and a 4Ps beneficiary, tried to hold back her tears of joy during the interview, but said in a very soft voice in between deep breaths, that she is forever thankful to the city officials, especially Mayor Agda, “for granting the special wish of my special child,” she said. Her special child can now watch his favorite cartoons on their own TV set, the child then would watch at their neighbor’s before the project of the city government. In Barangay Bugas, GuilleTabale could not transfer to his new house as there was no power connection, but with the project, Tabale, his wife and two kids has transferred to the comforts of their own home with the amenities electricity brings. “Baa maupay gad, ibagud it kalugaringontapos may kuryente, happy gud,” ( It is best to live on your own home and with the electricity, everyone is happy.) he shared. The LNPL total project cost is more or less P1-M involving some 492 households. (nbq/SDC/PIA-E. Samar)
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North Samar SP approves mandatory use of face mask By: Teresita B. Cardenas
CATARMAN, Northern Samar -- To avoid respiratory droplet transmission from potentially infected person of COVID-19, the SangguniangPanlalawigan of Northern Samar, through Board Member Albert Lucero, passed an ordinance on the mandatory use of face mask or other protective equipment in public areas in the province. This he said during the Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction Management Council meeting at the Ibabao Hall, Capitol on May 8. Lucero said with the emerging infectious disease, the use of face mask in the community should be considered only as a complementary measure and not as a replacement of established preventive measure such as social distancing and proper
handwashing with soap and water. He said that the use of face mask in public places may serve as a means of source control to reduce the spread of infection in the community from infected individuals who have not yet developed symptoms or who remain asymptomatic. He said that handkerchief, bandana, face towel or any cloth will be considered as long as it covers the mouth. Penalties shall be imposed for persons found in violation of the ordinance as follows: first offense - P1,000; second offense - P2,000; third offense - P5,000 or one month imprisonment or both, at the discretion of the court. (ldl/tbc/PIANorthern Samar)
DOH-8 confirms 4 new COVID-19 cases in Tarangnan, Samar
By: DOH-8 positive of COVID-19 were part of PALO, Leyte -- The Department of the results of the 156 sample speciHealth in Eastern Visayas (DOH-8) mens received by DOH-8 from the on Friday afternoon, May 15, confirmed four (4) new COVID-19 cases Eastern Visayas Regional Testing Center (EVTRC) in Tacloban City. in the region, all from Tarangnan, Patients EV-21 to EV-24 are the close Samar. The four samples that turned contacts of the confirmed COVID-19
May 1-15, 2020
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cases in the area -- Patient EV 21 is a 42-year-old male; Patient EV-22 is a 63-year-old male; Patient EV-23 is an 18-year-old female; and Patient EV-24 is a 21-year-old female. Patients EV-21, EV-23, and EV-24 will be brought to the identified local Community Isolation Unit for medical assessment and isolation while Patient EV-22 will be referred to the Samar Provincial Hospital considering that he belong to the vulnerable group. Community transmission has been continuing in Tarangnan, Samar for a month already and the cases continue to rise as mass testing was conducted. A non-pharmaceutical intervention such as setting up of community isolation unit for the suspects, observing social distancing and staying at home must strongly be enforced to interrupt the ongoing transmission and reduce the spread of infection. “We will continue the intensive contact tracing and massive mass testing in Tarangnan, Samar since community transmission is still there in the area. We will prioritize assisting the two barangays with reported cases and those who are high risk and belong to the vulnerable group close contacts. We would like also to appeal in the community, to strictly follow the protocols given by the local government to prevent COVID-19 to further infect another, otherwise, the whole Tarangnan will be in much worse sitation,� DOH-8 Regional Director Minerva Molon said. As of May 15, a total of 24 confirmed cases were reported in the region, of which, 19 cases are from Tarangnan, Samar. (DOH-8)
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May 1-15, 2020
Returning Biliranons to undergo 21-day quarantine under ‘BalikProbinysa’ By: Rodrigo S. Victoria NAVAL, Biliran -- Returning Biliranons, particularly Overseas Filipino Workers (OFWs) and local residents affected by the Enhanced Community Quarantine (ECQ) lockdowns, are required to undergo 21 days quarantine at designated municipal isolation areas upon arrival in the province. This is based on a memorandum issued by Governor Rogelio J. Espina to all the eight municipal mayors dated May 6, 2020. The “Guidelines on the Implementation of the BalikProbinsyaBalikProbinsya Scheme for Biliranons Wanting to Go Home” harmonizes the procedures by which returning residents and local government units follow in collaboration with relevant national government agencies with oversight functions in COVID-19 related activities, the memo stated. LGUs are mandated to prepare a database of their respective constituencies who are OFWs caught in lockdowns in areas under ECQ specifically data on countries visited prior to arrival in the country, main port of entry, home address, address where mandatory quarantine upon arrival to the country was completed, COVID-19 tests undertaken and results, classification whether sea-based or land-based. LGUs are also required to conduct listing of local residents including their data on home address, temporary address in ECQ areas, livelihood/employment status, and reasons for being caught in lockdown. Returning OFWs are only allowed entry provided they are officially listed by the Overseas Workers Welfare Administration (OWWA) and/or other relevant labor coordinating agencies as undergoing the
DA-8 to invest P244-M to boost rice production in E. Visayas By: Consuelo B. Alarcon
government’s repatriation program, and are officially endorsed by said agency to the Provincial Governor for issuance of Authority to Enter; with health clearance from competent DOH authority, a negative PCR testing result conducted by competent DOH testing laboratory; transport of said OFWs are arranged in coordination between OWWA regional offices from port of embarkation to point of local entry, where entry shall be allowed in designated local ports of arrival in the province; and OFWs not included in the OWWA listing for repatriation but need the same assistance maybe considered in a caseto-case basis, taking into accounts permits to travel and cost of the same. Returning local residents shall inform their home barangay of their plan to go home and request a certification attesting proof of residency. Only actual residents are allowed entry, as validated in the list of each LGU. Two days before the expected date of arrival, arrangement shall be made by the Punong Barangay to the
TACLOBAN CITY -- The Department of Agriculture in Eastern Visayas (DA-8) will invest some P244 million worth of seeds to boost food production in the region amid the Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) crisis. Thousands of farmers in the region will benefit from the Rice Resiliency Project (RRP) which is in time for the planting season. RRP will cover three sub-projects – the Rice Competitiveness Enhancement Fund (RCEF), Expanded Inbred Rice Production (beyond RCEF areas) and Expanded Hybrid Rice Production in suitable areas. In a meeting held Monday at DA-8 office, Regional Director Angel Enriquez said this is to ensure higher food production amidst the threat of COVID-19. “This project aims to ensure the constituents of Region 8 that we will be sufficient in rice and other commodity as well.
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DA distributes RFFA subsidy to rice farmers in Maasin City
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May 1-15, 2020
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By: Ma. Rebecca G. Cadavos MAASIN CITY, May 11 (PIA) -- A total of 700 rice farmers from the different barangays in Maasin City received the Rice Farmers Financial Assistance (RFFA) cash subsidy from the national government through the Department of Agriculture. The cash subsidy in the amount of P5,000 each rice farmer is part of the DA’s initiatives to assist small rice farmers who have registered with the Registry System for Basic Sectors in Agriculture (RSBSA), said Office of the City Agriculture Services (OCAS) Head Virgilia Barrientos. It is one of the interventions of the national government to further support rice farmers who are experiencing the effects of the quarantine measures due to the COVID-19 pandemic. The distribution of the cash assistance was conducted in three batches, with 11 rice farmers from the 1st Batch; 394 for the 2nd Batch; and 295 for the 3rd Batch, Barrientos added. Barrientos clarified that the local agriculture office here submitted the list of all rice farmers that were registered with RSBSA and the DA Regional Office 8 was the one who identified and gave the final list of recipients qualified to receive the RFFA. The P5,000 cash subsidy was claimed at Lhuillier Maasin Branch. “Each farmer-recipient was given a control number and presented it to the Lhuillier Branch to claim the cash,” she
Continuous forest operation nets P3.4M worth of illegally cut lumber By: Ailene N. Diaz
CATARMAN, Northern Samar -- The continuous forest operation by the joint forces of the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) and the elements of the Philippine National Police (PNP) of Northern Samar and the Philippine Army led to the seizure of P3,483,628.10 worth of assorted sizes of lumber and boat keels. The operation was the second of the series focusing in San Isidro being the number one hot spot area of Northern Samar, aimed at catching big-time violators and seize cut forest products particularly in kilometers 17, 18, 15, 14 and 9 of Barangay Happy Valley, San Isidro, Northern Samar. The first was on April 24-26 where the team was able to seize 39,500.75 board feet of assorted lumber worth more than P 1.9 Million. “This is the biggest volume of illegal forest products ever seized in Northern Samar,” said DENR Provincial Officer Angelito B. Villanueva. “We undergo tremendous planning, strategies and coordination with the provincial government leadership through Governor continued on page 11 Edwin Ongchuan, Commanding
Officer of 43IB Philippine Army LtC Raymundo Picut, Jr., PNP Provincial Director PCol Reynaldo Dela Cruz with Mobile Force PMaj Edwin Oloan, PENRO and CENRO in implementing the ‘San Isidro Battle Plan’ so as to ensure success of the operation,” PENRO Villanueva informed. The four-day dispatched resulted to the recovery of numbers of embankments and stockpiles of illegal lumber along the roadsides concealed with coconut tree palms which accounted to 69, 672.65 board feet of lumbers and boat keels in assorted sizes. All recovered lumber were hauled for temporary safekeeping to the 1st Northern Samar Police Mobile Force Company (NSPMFC) based in Barangay Salvacion of the said town. “Even in these times that our country is on the midst of this COVID-19 pandemic, we will not stop to exercise our sworn duties and responsibilities to fight criminality and terrorism,” said PMajOloan of the 1st NSPMFC. In an interview, PENRO Villanueva disclosed seven towns of Northern Samar where illegal tree poaching is active. (ADiaz/PIANorthern Samar)
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May 1-15, 2020
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North Samar guv offers medical scholarship program for Nortehanons By: Teresita B. Cardenas CATARMAN, Northern Samar -To increase availability of physicians and address other priority health concerns, the Provincial Government of Northern Samar through the leadership of Gov. Edwin Marino Ongchuan offered a medical scholarship program for indigent and deserving Nortehanons aspiring to become doctors of medicine. According to Governor Ongchuan applicants will be selected based on a set of criteria which include financial status and intellectual ability. The provincial governor pointed out that the slot in the initial year of implementation is good for 10 medical students only. He informed that benefits that will be availed of by qualified scholars include tuition fees, living allowance, book and uniform allowance, transportation allowance and miscellaneous expenses. Eligibility and qualifications of the applicants are the following: must be a resident of Northern Samar and with good moral character; physically and mentally fit; must not be more than 35 years old for incoming first year; and not more than 40 years old for higher year. Applicants should have passed the National Medical Admission Test (NMAT) and admitted into a medical school in the Philippines. If grantee of other scholarship programs, must have served return service obligation. Applicants for second and third higher year levels must have passed all the subjects.
E. Samar aims for rice self-sufficiency this COVID -19 crisis By: Ninfa Barcena- Quirante
BORONGAN CITY -- The office of the provincial agriculturist is aggressively promoting plant, plant, plant this COVID-19 period. In an interview on Tuesday with Office of the Agricultural Services (OPAS) chief Virgilio Capon, he said that the province is only 67 percent rice sufficient so that it needs to produce more to feed its people. “We cannot rely on Leyte or Nueva Ecija to sell us their rice, they would want their produce for their own use, we cannot also import from Vietnam as the crisis is worldwide,” said Capon. He said that Gov. Ben Evardone asked him to push the Fourth year, clerkship and post graduate internship and review applicants must have accomplished all the requirements for 4th year, clerkship and post graduate internship. Those who will qualify have to sign a scholarship contract and return of service agreement with the provincial government. (nbq/TBC/PIA-Northern Samar)
Rice Sufficiency Program where they will assist the farmers. “The provincial government gives a bag of free certified seeds and 2 bags of urea per hectare of rice field,” he added. “Some 10,000 rice farmers will be assisted by the program.” Presently, with the intermittent rains pouring in the province, Capon thinks it as a good omen for farmers to plant. “GintuyogudhanMakagarahumnga mag-inu-uranbasimakapananom an atonmga para-umabisan kun untamaadlawnayana.” (It is God’s will that rains pour so that our farmers can plant rice.) He added that we do not know when this crisis would end so that it will be better to grow our own food. The province has also ordered some 200 kilos of assorted vegetable seeds. “We do not only give the seeds to farmers but even to other private citizens who want to plant for their survival garden and food security,” Capon said. (nbq/PIA 8 E. Samar)
AN REHIYON OCHO YANA
Police, city enforcers seize P400K worth of cigarettes in Maasin By: Marcelo M. Pedalino
MAASIN CITY -- A composite team of police elements and healthy city enforcers (HCI) raided a store Friday, May 8, for violation of a city ordinance that prohibits the selling of cigarettes and confiscated stocks worth some P400,000 in assorted brands. It was the same store ordered closed on February 7, 2020, for a similar offense, the closure order personally served by Mayor Nacional Mercado at that time. The raid and seizure came at a time when everyone’s attention is focused on fighting the global pandemic coronavirus disease, a clear illustration that even as the city LGU continues to do its best to mitigate the virus’ socio-economic ill-effects, implementation of the usual programs goes on. Charged for violation of city ordinance number 2009-042, the Smoke-Free Ordinance, was Shirley Angeles Lim, 49, businesswoman, resident of barangay Panan-awan. Her outlet, SJL Enterprises,
was located in barangay Tungatunga, at the back of Saint Joseph College (SJC) high school quadrangle. The inventory listed nearly a thousand reams and packs of various brands of cigarettes the raiding police team, led by PCol. Mark Nalda, chief of police, and HCI enforcers headed by Christopher Plateros, took off and kept in boxes at the HCI office. City Vice Mayor Maloney Samaco said the cancellation of business and closure would be the immediate consequence imposed, while a criminal case for smuggling may be considered as the seized items have no Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR) seals. Maasin city has consistently reaped national awards for strictly implementing a smoking ban on its citizens and business establishments, in which the raid last week was by far the biggest haul in one single operation. (mmp/PIA8-Southern Leyte)
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DOH-8 medical team completes 3-day COVID-19 proficiency training in Cebu By: OPAV
A total of 10 medical personnel from the Department of Health in Eastern Visayas (DOH-8) completed their 3-day COVID-19 proficiency training at the Vicente Sotto Memorial Medical Center (VSMMC) and DOH-7 COVID Laboratory in Cebu City. The training was conducted in preparation for the molecular laboratory that has been setup at the Eastern Visayas Regional Medical Center (EVRMC) in Tacloban City, awaiting the laboratory accreditation of the Research Institute for Tropical Medicine (RITM). The Office of the Presidential Assistant for the Visayas (OPAV) received the 10 medical personnel composed of one (1) Pathologist and nine (9) Medical Technologists last May 3. OPAV facilitated their trip from Ormoc City to Mandaue City as well as arranged their accommodation and transport for the duration of their training in Cebu City. The molecular laboratory in Region 8 has been setup at the old EVRMC and has passed Stage 2 of the validation stage in the laboratory accreditation steps of the RITM. The COVID-19 Proficiency Training of the personnel is the third stage. After the training, Stage 4, proficiency panel will be undertaken by the personnel. Once validated by the RITM, Stage 5 or
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May 1-15, 2020
SOLECO’s ‘Pantawid Liwanag Program’ waives power bills of lifeline consumers By: Erna S. Gorne
MAASIN CITY -- The Southern Leyte Electric Cooperative (SOLECO) launched the Pantawid Liwanag Program which aims to waive payments of electric bills for lifeline consumers under its area of coverage greatly affected by the COVID-19 pandemic. The local electric cooperative’s program will ease the burden of lifeliners by exempting them from bill payments for the month of May 2020, said Allan Ferrer, member development officer, in an interview with PIA. Around 32,344 lifeliners with 20 kilowatt-hour or less electric consumption for the month of May are the target beneficiaries of SOLECO’s Social Corporate Responsibility amid the COVID-19 crisis, he said. Presently, SOLECO has more than 100,000 active member consumer-owners (MCO), he added. Ferrer surmised that it would entail a hefty fund requirement amounting to more than P3 million for its implementation.
He also disclosed that the funds intended for major institutional activities such as the holding of the Annual General Members Assembly (AGMA), among others were cancelled due to COVID-19 pandemic and redirected said funds for this noble purpose. Not all MCOs can avail due to limited funds, Ferrer explained. Qualified consumers need not apply for this to benefit the program as they will receive zero electric bill for the month of May, he added. (ldl/ esg/PIA SoLeyte)
DOH-8: No new COVID19 case reported in EV; Confirmed positive remain at 14 By: DOH-8 PALO, Leyte -- The Department of Health in Eastern Visayas (DOH-8) on Wedneday, May 6, reported that there is no new confirmed case of Coronavirus Disease (COVID-19) in the region. The 32 test results released from the subnational laboratory in
Cebu all tested negative for COVID19. These results are from Batch 14 (50 samples) with one pending sample while Batch 13 of samples still have three pending results. Also, Batch 15 (475 samples) and Batch 16 (36 samples) are still pending. Contact tracing of Patient EV-14 from Catbalogan City already started, identified wherein about 100 individuals are for swabbing. These include the chief of hospitals and local chief executives of Samar who were present during a meeting where Patient EV-14 also attended. All contacts were advised to do strict home isolation and self-monitoring. They were also advised to report to the local health authority if symptoms occur. DOH-8 is currently coordinating with the different Local Government Units for localized response and implementation of infection prevention and control measures. The office will also augment a team to do the specimen collection. Furthermore, last April 30, May 2 and May 4, the office received logistics of personal protective equipment (PPEs) from DOH Central Office through the Office of Civil Defense and the Philippine Army. Each PPE set is complete with coveralls, N95 masks, gloves and head cover, shoe cover, goggles, surgical mask, and surgical gown. The complete PPE set ensures that health workers are duly protected while providing care for COVID-19 patients. As part of DOH’s continuous support to frontline medical and healthcare workers, PPEs and other medical supplies have been steadily provided. “To protect ourselves and prevent the spread of the virus to our loved ones and in our communities, let us turn our worries and concerns into actions like practicing
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May1-15, 2020
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PPEs, health essentials to fight COVID-19 arrive in the capital city of E. Samar By: Ninfa Barcena-Quirante
BORONGAN CITY -- Tons of Personal protective equipment (PPEs) and additional health essentials to fight COVID-19 in Borongan City arrived on May 7, said Borongan City Mayor Jesus Ivan DyanAgda. These PPEs and other health essentials were purchased from the P23-M Bayanihan grant given to the local government unit of Borongan. The delivery included 5,000 rapid testing kits, 1,000 pieces of PPEs, 4,000 boxes of face masks, 75 pieces of thermal scanners, and 23,000 pieces of hygiene kits. With the arrival of the PPEs, Agda also announced that the four additional isolation facilities are ready. The LGU received some P64-M Bayanihan Grant from the national government to augment the city’s resources in fighting the COVID-19 pandemic. (nbq/PIA E. Samar)
“DOH-8: No new..” continued from page 8 proper hand washing, social distancing, and coughing etiquette,” DOH-8 Regional Director Minerva P. Molon said. “We’re all at risk of getting the virus. We should support those who are sick and let us not discriminate them. Those who have recovered from COVID-19 are no longer infectious, let us welcome them back into our community. The virus does not discriminate and neither should we,” Director Molon said. (ldl/DOH-8)
‘Mobile Merkado’ reaches far-flung barangays in Maasin City
By: Ma. Rebecca G. Cadavos MAASIN CITY -- More than aims to minimize the movement two weeks since its launching, of people during the General the “Mobile Merkado” in Maasin Community Quarantine period City has reached far-flung baran- due to the Coronavirus Disease gays, some kilometers away from 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic. Maasin City’s commercial center. “Schedules in other baOffice of the City Agricultural rangays were posted in strategic Services (OCAS) Head Virgilia places for the Mobile Merkado’s Barrientos in an interview said route throughout Maasin City,” that the Mobile Merkado earned Barrientos said. some P150,000 in two weeks Barangays that are not time for selling a variety of included in the Mobile Merkado goods to barangays outside the route are Mantahan, Abgao, poblacion area. Tunga-tunga, Tagnipa and “The start-up capital Combado, as these areas are was sourced out from the daily located along the poblacion area. income of the city’s Bagsakan Other market vendors in Center with only P54,000 on Day Maasin City and nearby munic1,” Barrientos said. ipalities also participated in the “The OCAS team went market-on-wheels scheme. to different barangays sched Social distancing, wearuled during weekdays, excluding ing of face masks and bringing of Fridays where the team adquarantine passes were observed. dressed some office concerns, The launching activity was held Barrientos said. last April 22, 2020 in barangay Mobile Merkado sold Panan-awan, this city. (ldl/esg/ fresh farm products including rgc/PIA8- SoLeyte) rice, coffee, sugar, fresh eggs, and other products. She said this is one of the initiatives of Maasin City Mayor Nacional V. Mercado which
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May 1-15, 2020
AN REHIYON OCHO YANA
DENR lifts suspension on transpo permit issuance for forest products, wildlife
By: DENR-8 to procure the needed documents TACLOBAN CITY -- With which ranges from, but not limited Department of Environment to, Certificate of Timber Origin/ and Natural Resources (DENR) Certificate of Lumber Origin (CTO/ Secretary Roy A. Cimatu having ordered the lifting of suspension on CLO) to ensure legitimacy of source. the issuance of transportation perAlso prior to the transport mit for all forest products and wild- of the forest products, the applicant life, the DENR in Eastern Visayas needs to comply with other docuis now gearing up for the possible mentary requirements such as copy upsurge of applicants for transport permit and documents for all forest of valid harvesting permit, approved Wood Processing Plant (WPP) products and wildlife. Permit/Certificate of Registration In a memorandum as Lumber Dealer, approved Log signed on May 1, 2020, Secretary Supply Contracts or its equivalent, Cimatu gave the instruction to all Regional Executive Directors of the among others. The same information shall also be forwarded by the Department to accept, process and concerned CENRO/Implementing issue transport-related permits or PENRO to the DENR field office documents for all forest products who has jurisdiction of the destinaand wildlife being issued by the tion or to the Regional Office itself. DENR. It is noted that issuance of The instruction comes in transport permits was suspended consideration of the results of the towards the end of March 2020 as assessment of the Inter-Agency an added protection against the Task Force for the Management spread of COVID-19 pursuant of Emerging Infectious Diseases to Republic Act No. 11469 or the (IATF-EID) on COVID-19 Recovery Plan which already allows “Bayanihan to Heal as One Act”. As a consequence, it resulted to the social and economic activities to stoppage of businesses and indusproceed. However, DENR 8 Regional tries that were dependent on the Executive Director Tirso Parian continued on page 19 Jr. reminds everyone to observe precautionary measures so as to avoid the transmission of the deadly disease. “While we will try to accommodate and expedite the process, we shall not also be complacent and lower our guards against the deadly virus as we will ensure the strict observance of health and safety protocols laid down by the IATFEID and the Department of Health (DoH),” Director. Parian said. While easing down on the suspension, the applicant still needs
DAR-assisted farmer organizations continue to earn amidst quarantine By: Jose Alsmith L. Soria NAVAL, Biliran -- A famous Filipino saying, “Kapag may itinanim, may aanihin,” may perfectly apply to some members of agrarian reform beneficiaries organizations (ARBOs) who nurtured the various assistance extended to them by the government during the sunny days. Regional Director Stephen Leonidas of the Department of Agrarian Reform (DAR) in Eastern Visayas was happy to know that despite the implementation of the community quarantine as a precautionary measure to control the spread of the dreaded Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19), several members of the seven DAR-assisted farmer organizations in this province continue to earn income from the various livelihood assistance extended to them in the past by DAR and other government agencies. Moreover, they contribute to food sustainability during this hard and trying times. In a report submitted to him, some 31 members of the Anislagan Ceramic Agrarian Reform Cooperative (ACARCO) from
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AN REHIYON OCHO YANA DOH-8 confirms 14th COVID-19 case in EV; Leyte’s first positive case recovers
May 1-15, 2020
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Peace and order budget may be used for COVID-related PPAs, DILG says By: Marcelo M. Pedalino
MAASIN CITY -- Funds drawn from coffers of peace and order By: DOH-8 and PIA-8 council of local government units PALO, Leyte -- The Department (LGUs) may be spent for programs, of Health in Region 8 (DOH-8) on projects, activities (PPAs) intended Sunday, May 3, reported one new to fight Coronavirus Disease 2019 COVID-19 case in Eastern Visayas (COVID-19). based on the confirmatory test This was based on a new results of the samples received from directive of the Department of the the subnational laboratory in Cebu. Interior and Local Government This brings the total con(DILG). firmed positive cases in the region “Aside from the regular to 14. DRRM funds, peace and order Patient EV-14 is a 54-yearfunds can also be used, as long old female from Brgy. Mercedes, as this is backed by a resolution,” Catbalogan City and an employee Jhonel Anavesa, personnel for of the local government unit of operations at the DILG Southern Tarangnan Samar. She was exposed Leyte Provincial Office, said during to Patient EV-2 on March 16, 2020. the media briefing Tuesday at She manifested the sympthe Provincial Social Welfare and toms of COVID infection on April Development Office (PSWDO) 24, 2020. here. The surveillance team is He was referring to the latest looking into the possibility that the DILG issuance, Memo Circular patient might have contracted the 2020-079, which authorized POCs virus from other positive cases in of barangays, municipalities, citTarangnan other than Patient EV-2. ies and provinces, to tap available Close contacts of Patient money from the peace and order EV-14 were already swabbed council for procurement of relief and the results were negative for goods as well as medical supplies for COVID-19 fight, supported by a continued on page 17 resolution.
The guidelines, however, did not specify how much percentage of the POC funds can be used, Anovesa said. Geraldine Maquelabit, DILG provincial director, explained that the first source of funding was
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“DA-8 to invest” continued from page 4
Agricultural activities in the region should be unhampered at these times,” Enriquez said. Enriquez urged local farmers to coordinate with their respective Provincial Agriculture Office or Municipal Agriculture Office as the respective LGUs will spearhead the distribution of seeds and fertilizers. The project will be implemented this year’s wet season cropping. All rice-producing provinces/municipalities under RCEF and non-RCEF areas shall be covered under the Rice Resiliency Project for both irrigated and rain-fed lowland areas. According to DA-8 Field Operations Division Chief, Dr. Andrew Orais, this will cover some 111,232 hectares of agricultural lands. DA Eastern Visayas will start the project this month. (ldl/ cba/PIA8)
“DA distributes” continued from page 5
PPEs purchased by the city government of Borongan. Related story on Page 9.
said. It was learned that the said financial assistance was earmarked from the P3-B Financial Subsidy to Rice Farmers (FSRF) fund under the 2020 General Appropriations Act. (ldl/esg/rgc/ PIA8-SoLeyte)
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Riza and Ramil Caliba, Best SAAD implementer pose with their kids, all girls. The eldest is Precious, Grade 7; Gen May, Grade 6; and Zhanelle, Grade 5 in their house built by hard work, diligence and SAAD fruits. (Photo by Riza Caliba)
FEATURE
SAAD changes housewife’s life
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By: Samuel D. Candido
he life of a housewife named Rizza C. Caliba of Brgy. Nagaja, Hernani, E. Samar changed, with the entry of the program of the government in her town through the Special Area for Agricultural Development (SAAD) of the Department of Agriculture (DA). Rizza is an ordinary housewife, an elementary school graduate, whose husband, a high school graduate is a farmer. They have three children, all girls. The eldest is Precious, Grade 7; Gen May, Grade 6; and Zhanelle, Grade 5. Before the entry of SAAD in her barangay, Rizza sells homemade food in the school, sells vegetables in their barangay, and offers manicure services to help her husband. “During those times, we were happy if we can eat two times a day,” Rizza said. When Typhoon Yolanda came, their house was devastated. “I was so sad because we did
of the beneficiary at that time to avail the swine production is only a pigpen since I did not have money at that time, I borrowed the money from a neighbor,” she added. On December 2018, her sow produced 13 piglets for the first time, she had a difficult time feeding the litters, she and husband had to manually manage them to take turns in feeding on their mom. “This is now the fifth time that this sow is producing piglets, any day from now,” she said, during the interview in May. Her sow has already produced 44 piglets from its 2nd, 3rd and 4th deliveries. “When this sow gives birth, we attend to it and treat the piglets like our own children, they have to be assisted so that all 18 litters can feed.” A different life for the family As time passed, they sold the weaned piglets at P3,000 each and set aside another six for fattening and one as sow in order to have more production. Through this swine production, they gradually built their house and bought appliances. The couple has also a SariSari Store which grew from a swine feeds store for a start, until their finances held them through a bigger
not receive any financial aid from the government, only from NGOs wherein we were given a bunkhouse as a shelter for my family.” “We waited for the promised help for some time, doing our best to grow our own food while my husband did odd jobs for some neighbors,” she recalls. In March 2018, fate seemed to have smiled at the Caliba family. SAAD Program is here continued on page 16 “There was a meeting in our barangay and I was invited to attend, with the staff of SAAD.” “Through their assessment, validation, and profiling and with answered prayers, I was identified as one beneficiary of SAAD.” “We were trained twice for swine production, and after our training, we were given each a sow and eight sacks of feeds,” Rizza added. Best SAAD implementor Riza Caliba shows her brood of piglets from her swine production in “The counterpart Hernani town, E. Samar. (Photo by Riza Caliba)
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May 1-15, 2020
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“Agrarian reform..” continued from page 2
“DOH-8 medical team..” continued from page 7
the full scale implementation will be granted. Last May 6, DOH-8 COVID-19 Testing Team headed by Dr. Kae Parilla went back to Tacloban City after their 3-day COVID-19 proficiency training. The team will be undertaking the COVID-19 Proficiency Panel (Stage 4) once they return to EVRMC in Tacloban City. Once they pass the Proficiency Panel, they will then be granted full accreditation by RITM where they can now perform COVID-19 testing independently and provide official results. In order to augment the testing capacity of the EVRMC COVID laboratory, Cristina Lee Dino Foundation thru OPAV donated a Real Time Polymerase Chain Reaction (RTPCR) machine, a desktop computer set, and additional 1,000 NPS/OPS swab kits. The PCR testing of samples from Region 8 is currently being done at VSMMC but once EVRMC will be granted Stage 5 accreditation by RITM, it will now be running its own PCR testing for the entire region. OPAV would like to thank President Rodrigo Duterte and Senator Bong Go for its continued support in the fight of Visayans in this COVID-19 pandemic. (OPAV)
report, of the 104 ARBOs who continued with their marketing activities to supply food, 33 are in the province of Leyte, 21 in Eastern Samar, 20 in Samar, 15 in Northern Samar, 8 in Southern Leyte, and 7 in Biliran. Among these ARBOs are the MAALSADA FISCO based in Alangalang town, and the Paglaum Farmers Association based in this city. The MAALSADA FISCO continued to supply over 6,000 kilos of milled rice to the Eastern Visayas Medical Center (EVRMC) while the Paglaum Farmers Association delivered some 3,000 kilos of assorted vegetables to the Bureau of Jail Management and Penology (BJMP). Both ARBOs are recipients of marketing tie-up arrangements facilitated by DAR under the Enhanced Partnership Against Hunger and Poverty (EPAHP) program. In Samar, the local government unit (LGU) of Calbiga purchases all the harvests of the Calbiga Vegetable Growers Association, Panayuran Upland Farmers Association, Brgy. Bulao Farmers Association, Canbagtic Farmers Association, and the Borong Active Farmers Association to
give variation to the canned goods commonly given during distribution of relief assistance for the town’s residents. In Southern Leyte, the Liloan Farmers Agriculture Cooperative conducts a mobile market around the municipality of Liloan in coordination with the LGU to sell their products composed of milled-rice and various types of vegetables harvested under the Linking Smallholder Farmers to the Market with Microfinance (LinkSFarMM) program. This is to lessen the movement of people and avoid mass gathering in the market. Meanwhile, in the province of Biliran, the BSF Farm Workers and Beneficiaries Agrarian Reform Cooperative based in Biliran town and the Anislagan Ceramic Agrarian Reform Cooperative based in the municipality of Naval continue to supply fresh eggs, from the egg layering livelihood they availed of under the Convergence of Livelihood Assistance for ARBs Project (CLAAP), to their clients. In his Facebook comment, Agrarian Reform Secretary John Castriciones described the farmers as “silent frontliners” against COVID-19. (DAR-8)
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“Returning Biliranons” continued from page 4 MHO and MDRRMO, and the latter shall inform the Border for proper screening and endorsement to LGU isolation facility. In coordinating arrivals, proper deliberation shall be made so that arrivals are arranged in batches preferably in-between 21 days to avoid overwhelming of local isolation facilities and maximize usage of LGU vehicles should there be need to transport the same from border to community isolation facility arises. In addition, issuance of Authority to Enter by the Provincial Governor requires proof of booking of a transportation passage from the area under ECQ towards the home province. The memo also stated that returning Biliranons shall be tested using the RT-PCR COVID-19 confirmatory test within 24 hours upon arrival at the LGU isolation facility, applying the PCR Testing Algorithm approved by the Provincial COVID-19 Task Force. The provincial government of Biliran will also provide a onetime financial support of P3,000 to procure essential needs to qualified local residents stranded in ECQ areas subject to adjustment of on the cash availability. Local residents who are stranded in ECQ areas for the following reasons such as studying or
participating in any academic-related activities, applying for work or working as daily wage earner/non-regular status, on-going hospitalization or other medical-related procedures, and other cases except being a permanent or long-time resident of the area under ECQ, may be provided with cash assistance to procure essential needs provided they are validated by their respective Punong Barangays as bona fide actual residents. (ldl/rsv/PIA-8Biliran)
“DepEd readies” continued from page 1 He added that according to law, start of classes for the school year should not be earlier than the first Monday of June and not later than the last day of August. Albaño also said that alternative strategies or teaching methods to be implemented will be considered while health threat is still being experienced. Distance learning has been identified as one of the modalities, while studying the most essential learning competencies. “We will still make contextualized learning continuity plans as different strategies will be used depending on the situation of a certain area. Every district will assess the scenario in its areas,” the Leyte DepEdoffcial said. “If no threat in the area, there will be face-to-face classes which means that students will have to go to school but with limited number of students per class at 15 to 20 in each class, so as to
observe social distancing. In cases where there are more pupils, shifting of classes is encouraged, “ he added. Supt. Albaño also explained that in places where it is impossible for students to go to school, education must still continue using the blended learning strategies and some platforms such as radio stations, print materials and online learning through the use of internet. “We will still finalize all these so as to fit the needs of the different districts. While the implementation is not uniform depending on the status of the area, the curriculum is still the same, only the mode of delivery differs,” he said. According to Albano, the paradigm shift from the usual practice to the new normal mode is very challenging especially in Leyte, which is the biggest division in the region, with 80 districts composed of some 366,000 learners and more than 17,000 teachers. At present, the DepEd has already made initial steps. Teachers were already advised to report on June 1 and to undergo capacity building. “For those who cannot report to school due to COVID threat, they can work from home especially those who are immunocompromised. We are still waiting for the guidelines from the central office as to alternative work arrangements, of which guidelines are expected to be out before June 1,” he said. The education office is also in the process of checking school documents to ensure accuracy of data, as closing of classes was not finalized due to the health issue. Leyte Schools Superintendent Manuel Albaño reminded teachers to observe precautionary measures and refrain from posting fake news in their facebook pages, to avoid facing negative consequences. He likewise advised them not to discriminate people in areas where COVID-19 patients have been noted. (ldl/gtt/PIA Leyte)
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May 1-15, 2020
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“DAR-assisted farmer..” continued from page 10 this capital town, as well as 31 members of the BSF Farm Worker’s and Beneficiaries Agrarian Reform Cooperative from the adjacent Biliran town, continue to supply fresh eggs in their respective communities. These 62 ARBO members are into egg-layering business which they started when they became recipients of the Convergence of Livelihood Assistance for ARBs Project (CLAAP) late last year. CLAAP is a joint project of DAR and the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) which provides livelihood assistance to both ARB members of ARBOs and 4Ps beneficiaries. In Kawayan town, 44 members of the Ungale Fish Vendors Association continue to earn income from dried fish processing. These 44 ARBO members were able to avail of financial assistance from the Land Bank of the Philippines thru the Agrarian Production Credit Program (APCP) in 2018, which they used as additional capital in sustaining their business. In the municipality of Cabucgayan, the Balaquid Agrarian Reform Cooperative which is into rice production and trading, continues to supply milled-rice, contributing to the province’s sufficient supply of staple food. This cooperative is a recipient of the foreign-assisted Agrarian Reform Infrastructure Support Project (ARISP). In Caibiran town, the Nagkakaisang Magsasaka ng Caibiran (NaMaCa) Multi-Purpose Cooperative, sell pork from the swine production of the said ARBO. Meanwhile, 34 ARB members of the Almeria Seafarers Multi-Purpose Cooperative, and nine ARB members of the Villa Rice Farmers Producers Association, both from Almeria town, continue supplying fruits, vegetables and poultry products to
local buyers. The two farmer organizations are recipients of Linking Smallholder Farmers to the Markets with Microfinance (LinkSFarMM) program. From the last week of March to mid-April this year, the above-mentioned ARBs/ARBOs earned a combined gross sale of P83,987. According to Leonidas, some activities of these farmers can be sustained even amid the current situation for these are done only in their respective homes, in their front
or backyards. Further, as assistance for these farmers to have access in checkpoints while community quarantine is enforced, Leonidas disclosed that DAR had provided them with the agency-issued quarantine accreditation pass, which was authorized by the Inter-Agency Task Force for the Management of Emerging Infectious Disease (IATF-EID), for the continuous supply of farm products in town markets, food lanes, and other designated trading centers. (DAR-8)
“Peace and order..” continued from page 11 the disaster fund, where a memorandum issued allowed 30 percent for COVID-related expenses realigned from pre-COVID annual investment plan. “Before the money is spent, it must be clear what should it be spent for,” Maquelabit clarified as the overriding principle on changes of plans in reaction to the virus challenge. She said the second funding source was the Bayanihan grant, where each municipal, city LGUs got one month bonus share of their Internal Revenue Allotment (IRA), while provinces received one-half of their IRA monthly share, and the latest was the peace and order public safety funds. On the strategies especially in the handling of relief goods
to people in different localities affected by the quarantine protocols, Maquelabit said this was the discretion of concerned LGUs on how best to manage or conduct the distribution to their constituents. In a related development, 11 municipalities in the province have completed the special amelioration program (SAP) distribution, according to DILG cluster head Roma Demeterio. “These municipalities include Anahawan, Hinundayan, Libagon, Tomas Oppus, Silago, Liloan, Limasawa, Macrohon, Padre Burgos, San Ricardo, and San Juan,” Demeterio said. (ldl/mmp/ PIA8-Southern Leyte)
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“FEATURE: Saad changes..” continued from page 12 store with feeds on the side. Caliba disclosed that money can be easily spent, if not managed properly. “We started with very little, so I know that I have to manage the resources properly, the seminars that the agriculture department gave was a big help to my simple bookkeeping,” she shared. With her store selling feeds, she earns more. She also need not patronize other stores for the feeds. “Every time there is an income from my swine production, I see to it that the money benefits my family. As of now, I have paid my neighbor, I have a motorcycle for my family, this is a big help, especially when we go to Gen. Mac-Arthur to replenish supplies for the Sari-Sari store,” she said. “Last year, I sold my old sow for P22,000 and six fattened pigs at P6,000 each, and this week, my new sow will give birth again and I have six weaned piglets ready for sale at P3,500 each. With the income, I plan to construct more pigpens,” she added. Because of her Outstanding Performance, she was given an award as the top individual performer of the SAAD implementation and she won
some P5,000 cash on October 28, 2019. “With the SAAD Program of DA, I am very thankful for the opportunity given to me and my life changed. You only have to be hardworking and diligent to reach your dreams,” Caliba quipped. The SAAD is a project intended to help alleviate poverty among marginalized sectors of agriculture and fishery, coined after the Visayan word “saad” which means promise. SAAD is a breakthrough project of DA as part of the thrust of President Rodrigo Roa Duterte to increase food production and reduce poverty in the Philippines. (nbq/SDC/ PIA-E. Samar) Ramil C aliba hims elf assi sts the piglets while feeding. (Photo by Riz a Caliba)
Best SAAD implementor Riza Caliba is shown here with her sari-sari store in Hernani town, Eastern Samar, the fruit of her hard work and diligence. (PIA E. Samar)
E. Samar LGU buys palay from locals for relief ops By: Ninfa B. Quirante BORONGAN CITY -- Arteche, Eastern Samar town Mayor Roland Evardone bared that the LGU is buying fresh harvested palay from locals for their relief operations.The farmers were happy that the LGU offered them a reasonable price for the palay. Some businessmen would buy their palay for a measly P500 but the LGU offered P900.00 per bag. “The LGU allocated P1 M for the program to purchase approximately 30 thousand kilos of rice for relief packs now that we are hampered from moving about due to COVID-19,” said Mayor Evardone in a chat message. The young chief executive also said that the LGU is giving out three kilos of rice per week, for two months, so that Artechanons can just stay at home and prevent the spread of the dreaded infection. “We are now on our 3rd wave of distribution, the LGU is also considering to purchase vegetables from the farmers under the One Barangay One Gulay Program,” he added. “We will be patronizing our own products and help our fellow Artechanons eat nutritious food while under the home quarantine period.” Arteche is near the boundary of Northern Samar. Arteche farmers are tilling close to a thousand hectares of high yielding rice variety. (nbq/ PIA E. Samar)
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“DOH-8 confirms..” continued from page 11 COVID-19. “The current situation points to a community transmission in Tarangnan, Samar. Swab tests performed are more than 400 to determine the presence of continuing transmission in the said municipality,” DOH-8 Regional Director Minerva Molon said. The DOH Provincial Office in Catbalogan City is currently coordinating with the patient for proper monitoring and management. Meanwhile, the second sample test result of Patient EV-5 from Burauen, Leyte is now negative of COVID-19. Patient EV-5, who recovered from COVID-19, is the first positive case for the province of Leyte. She will be discharged today, May 4, and will undergo 14-day home quarantine for more observation. Results of the 107 out of 110 samples from Batch 13 sent to Cebu were out. This includes the 13 samples released on Saturday which also turned negative of the virus bringing the total to 106 samples with negative results and one turned positive (Patient EV-14). Three samples are still pending to complete the 13th batch of samples. On the other hand, the 14th batch of samples which was sent to VSMMC in Cebu on Thursday, April 30, only 17 samples had results and were all negative of the virus while the results of the 33 samples are still pending at VSMMC in Cebu.
DA-OPAS delivers SAAD program to Sulat town in E. Samar By: Reden D. Tangara
BORONGAN CITY -- The Department of Agriculture, through the Provincial LGU - Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources - Special Area for Agricultural Development (BFAR-SAAD) distributed some sets of gillnets (0.25x8 knot) to some 96 fisherfolks of Sulat, Eastern Samar on Tuesday, May 5. Another recipient, the Sulat Fisherfolks & Development Association got a Payao/Fish Aggregation Device (FAD) with Tuna hook and line. Virgilio Capon, chief of the Office of the Provincial Agricultural Services said the distribution was delayed due to the COVID-19 pandemic adding that the last distribution was on February 2020. In her message, Vice Governor Maricar Sison-Goteesan asked the fisherfolks to, “Use the equipment properly to serve you for a longer time, because we don’t Dr. Molon calls on the public not to discriminate these people saying, “They are victims of unknown enemies. They are already suffering physically, psychologically and even financially. Instead, let us pray for them that they may be able to overcome this health crisis.” (ldl/ DOH-8/PIA-8)
know when this crisis will end.” Quintin Aclo, 39 years old, resident of Brgy. Riverside Sulat, Eastern Samar and the president of the Sulat Fisherfolks & Development Association, received the certificate of turnover of the livelihood assistance for the association. “Fishing has been our source of income, so I am very thankful to the Provincial Government of Eastern Samar, because amidst COVID-19 crisis, they were still able to deliver the livelihood assistance that has been promised by the BFAR to us,” Aclo said. Fisherfolks in E. Samar get big harvests of tuna with 600 tons a year especially during summer months. The Southeast Asian Fisheries Development Corporation in a report said that “there is high density of scumbrids (mackerel tuna and bonito) along Catanduanes/ Eastern Samar water in May.” Special Area for Agricultural Development (SAAD) is a program of the Department of Agriculture (DA) that intends to help alleviate poverty among the marginalized sectors on agriculture and fishery. (PIA E. Samar with Reden D. Tangara)
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One NPA terrorist killed, M16 rifle and explosives seized in Pinabacdao, Samar By: 8ID, PA CAMP LUKBAN, Catbalogan City -- The Retooled Community Support Program (RCSP) Team of the 46th Infantry (Peacemakers) Battalion, Philippine Army, encountered at least five CPP-NPA Terrorists (CNTs) in Barangay Layo, Pinabacdao, Samar on Wednesday, May 13 about 10:30 a.m. The encounter ensued when government security forces responded to an information provided by the locals on the presence of an armed group conducting extortion activities. After a 10-minute firefight, the rebels retreated leaving behind their dead comrade with one M16 rifle with attached M203 Grenade Launcher; one Improvised Explosive Device (IED) approximately weighing 5 kilograms; one blasting cap; one bandolier with one long magazine for M16 rifle loaded with 10 rounds ammunition; two rounds of ammunition for M203 Grenade Launcher and ammunition for AK47. There was no casualty on the government side. Lieutenant Colonel Rhomel R. Langcauon, commanding officer of the 46IB, lauded the RCSP Team for their efforts and the residents for
providing the Army with timely and vital information that led to the successful security operation. Colonel Camilo Z. Ligayo, 801st Brigade commander in his statement said, “This is a display of the intensified support of local communities to the government, denouncing the atrocities and activities of the rebel-terrorists. It is a tragedy that another rebel loses his life as a victim of this senseless armed struggle in an attempt to defend a futile ideology. If they only considered the call to return to mainstream society, unnecessary deaths in encounters like this would have never occurred.” (8ID, PA)
16 former rebels reintegrate to communities in N. Samar By: 20IB, 8ID, PA LAS NAVAS, Northern Samar -- After three months of stay at “DARANGPAN” in Northern Samar, some 16 former rebels (FRs) have officially regained their civil rights as Filipino citizens and reintegrated back to their communities. Said FRs were provided with cash
assistance, rice and foodstuffs by the provincial government of Northern Samar through the Provincial Social Welfare and Development Office (PSWDO) during the send-off ceremony held in Catarman, Northern Samar on May 5. “DARANGPAN” is a Waray term for shelter, a home for social integration also called a halfway house. It is a civilian facility which serves as Center for reintegration of former rebels who expressed the desire to return into the folds of the law. It is meant to facilitate the systematic assessment, processing, delivery of immediate intervention and development of individual reintegration plans, program and services for the spiritual and moral healing, and transformation of former rebels. Seven of the 16 FRs are residents of the town of Palapag, while nine FRs are from the town of Mapanas, Northern Samar. They were received by their respective local government units upon their return to their localities. Lawyer Francis John Tejano, Municipal Mayor of Mapanas welcomed the nine FRs together with their families who accompanied them in Darangpan. “I officially welcome the nine former rebels who submit themselves back to the folds of the law. I am glad that they chose to live a peaceful life, of which, the LGU of Mapanas, Northern Samar is here to embrace them and share with them the good governance under my leadership,” Mayor Tejano, said. Lieutenant Colonel Juan Gullem, the 20th Infantry Battalion commander appeal to the remaining NPAs in the area to avail of the program of the government. “To the remaining NPAs in my area of operations, I urge you to
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“ DENR lifts suspension...” continued from page 10 buying and transportation of forest products and wildlife. The suspension has resulted to loss of government revenue from collection of fees on forestry-related services here in Region 8 amounting to more than P1 million from an average of P1.2 million revenue for the month of April in the previous years which was down to P590,555.23 for April 2020. This includes forest tenurial instruments/permits and other forest charges. Add to that the effect to seven (7) licensed lumber dealers in the region, their employees and other related businesses. “It is our desire that the lifting of the suspension can help boost the economic recovery in the region after the economic lockdown and start getting back on our feet,” RED Parian added. (ldl/gtt/DENR-8)
Citizens’ info signals gunfight; explosives, high powered firearms seized in Pinabacdao
By: 46IB, 8ID PA CAMP LUKBAN, Catbalogan City brought to H46IB for proper docu-- Elements of the 46th Infantry mentation and disposition. (Peacemakers) Battalion, Philippine No reported injured on the Army encountered more or less five government side while an undeterCPP-NPA Terrorists (CNTs) believed mined casualty on the enemy based to be under the rebel group of ceron the bloodstains on their way of “Tomas Oppus...” continued tain alias PILO in Brgy. Magdawat, withdrawal. from page 18 Pinabacdao, Samar on May 4, 2020 at In his message, Col. Camilo take advantage of the government’s 5:05 a.m. Z. Ligayo, 801st Brigade commander social integration program. It will In a report from Lt. Col. said, “The commitment of the people provide you an opportunity to live Rhomel R. Langcauon, commandof Pinabacdao is a response to the peacefully in the company of your ing officer of the 46IB, the troops serious campaign of the different families and loved ones. A reality were conducting security operations government agencies in ending this that is denied to you by the failed while confirming the veracity of the local armed conflict through Task promises of the NPA leaders and information relayed by the locals on Force to End Local Communist communist cadres for the sake of the presence of armed individuals Armed Conflict (TF-ELCAC) which their personal interest,” Lieutenant harassing the community when they serves as leading example to other Colonel Gullem added. chanced upon the said rebels passing communities.” It can be recalled that on in the area. The plight of the security April 23, 2020 high-powered firearms, A 5-minute firefight ensued forces alongside the support of the ammunitions, explosives, medical that resulted to the recovery of two community and agencies is in full supplies/medicines, and subversive M16 rifles with one plastic short drive for a better advancement of documents were recovered when the magazine with 20 ammunition; two the peoples’ lives, Ligayo concluded. operating troops of the 20th Infantry backpacks and personal belongings; (46IB, 8ID PA) Battalion overran an NPA lair in one bandolier with one long plasBrgy. P. Rebadulla, Catubig, Northern tic magazine with 16 ammunition; Samar. It also resulted to the death of four improvised hand grenades; one an armed NPA and recovery of one Improvised Explosive Device (IED) (1) KG-9 submachinegun in a 5-min- approximately weighing 10 kilograms; ute firefight during a follow through one unserviceable binocular; and encounter in said place on April 27, subversive documents. 2020. (20IB, 8ID, PA) The seized war materiel were
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“Region 8 task force ..” continued from page 1
boarders and from there, the LGU picks up the goods. Another concern is the shortage of health workers as many of the local health workers are in quarantine. OCD’s Mr. Rey Gozon, RTF chair, said he will call on the help of other government agencies in the spirit of whole-of-nation approach. He said the Task Force will request for the needs assess-
ment report of Tarangnan so that the proper intervention will be provided. DOH 8 Regional Director Minerva Molon will send ASAP jerry cans for the people of Tarangnan. She will also make some instructions on the deployment of more health workers to Tarangnan. NEDA Director Meylene Rosales said she will call on the members of the Economy Cluster led by NEDA to help Tarangnan.
43IB CSP team discovers buried CTG’s material in Northern Samar By: 243rd IB, 803rd IB/8ID CAMP LUKBAN, Catbalogan City -- An information provided by a local resident to the members of the Community Support Program (CSP) team of the 43rd Infantry (We Search) Battalion, Philippine Army pertaining to the buried war material of Communist Terrorist Group (CTG) in their safehouse in Brgy. Sumuroy, Lope De Vega, Northern Samar led to the discovery of items on April 30, 2020 at 6:20 a.m. Discovered items include the 6.5 hp MAPRO gasoline-operated generator and other war materiel like two M16 magazines (long), two poncho tents, one Motorola handheld radio, and some subversive documents. Also, around 8:15 a.m. of same day, while scouring the premises of the said barangay, the troops discovered two sacks containing subversive documents with high intelligence value. Colonel Lowell R. Tan, 803rd Infantry Brigade commander
remarked, “The rebels are on the run since the discovery of their lair in Catubig, Northern Samar. The revelation uncovered by the residents concerning buried war materiel indicates a clear loss of rebel support from the masses.” “Thanks to the information provided by the locals to the security forces on the ground. It is vital in making our troops always one step ahead of our enemies,” Tan added. (43rd IB, 803rd IB/8ID)
The Governance Cluster led by DILG through RD Darwin Bibar will also look into the concerns of the municipality and assess the same. PBGen. Bernabe Balba of the Law and Order Cluster will look into the border points concerns of the LGU. To recall, Tarangnan is the municipality with the most number of confirmed positive COVID-19 cases in Eastern Visayas. It is a fourth class municipality situated on the western coast of Samar Island, to the south-east of Gandara and to the north of Catbalogan. Tarangnan has a 10-bed capacity Tarangnan Community Hospital catering to primary health care services. Currently, it is now used as the Isolation Facility for COVID-19 positive patients. (opt/PIA-8)