The Official Newsletter of PIA-8 and RTF-8 ELCAC
VOL II NO. 12
June 16-30, 2020
DILG SUSPENDS RETURN OF LSIS TO E. VISAYAS By: Consuelo B. Alarcon TACLOBAN CITY -- Secretary Eduardo Año of the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) has approved to temporarily suspend the return of Locally Stranded Individuals (LSIs) to Region 8 in response to a joint resolution submitted by the Regional Inter-Agency Task Force on the Management of Emerging Infectious Disease (RIATF-MEID) and the Regional Task Force for COVID-19. The joint resolution stated that the implementation of the temporary suspension of inbound travel by land, sea or air, of LSIs will take effect 12:01 a.m. of June 28 to 12 midnight of July 9 while outbound travel from Region 8 to other parts of the country as well as entry of returning Overseas Filipinos to the region shall be allowed provided that required documents are complete. During the recent visit of DILG Secretary Año and Chief Im-
plementer of the Inter-Agency Task Force for COVID-19 Secretary Carlito Galvez in Eastern Visayas, local government units in Eastern Visayas have aired their concerns to the national officials as many quarantine facilities are already full. The two officials were supportive in addressing the concerns of the local chief executives in Eastern Visayas and likewise praised the local officials for properly managing the COVID cases in their respective LGUs. The joint task force recommendation to suspend the return of LSIs was due to the sudden spike of COVID-19 cases in Region 8, majority of whom are LSIs. This is also to give time for LGUs to vacate and disinfect quarantine facilities for returning residents. As of Thursday, June 25, report from the DOH-8 revealed that 58.42 percent of the COVID-19
cases in the region are locally stranded individuals. Meanwhile, Sec. Año and Sec. Galvez also turned over 8,000 PPEs for the health workers and frontliners in the region. (ldl/cba/PIA8)
Guvs call for RT-PCR testing of LSIs before going home to Region 8 By: Olive P. Tiu TACLOBAN CITY -- All Locally Stranded Individuals (LSIs) should undergo RT-PCR/COVID-19 confirmatory test before going home to Eastern Visayas. This was among the suggestions given by the provincial LCEs in a virtual meeting among the Eastern Visayas governors and the Region 8 IATF on COVID-19 on June 18, hosted by the Department of the Interior and Local Government 8 (DILG-8). The governors, who shared their insights and suggestions to strengthen government efforts against COVID 19 in the region, noted that LSIs constitute the bulk of confirmed COVID positive in the region as only health certificate and travel authority are needed for them to be able to come home. The Department of Health Region 8 recorded that the LSIs constitute the biggest number of confirmed COVID positive cases in the region, followed by the returning OFWs and the beneficiaries of the Balik Probinsiya program.
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AN REHIYON OCHO YANA required by some agencies for some CDA-8 lauds coops’ assistance to members, related purposes,” she said. communities amid health crisis However, Director Jornales 2
June 16-30, 2020
By: Gemma T. Tabao
TACLOBAN CITY -- The Cooperative Development Authority in Eastern Visyas (CDA-8) lauded the different cooperatives in the region as among its partners in giving assistance to the members and non-members in the localities. This was disclosed by CDA Regional Director Venus Jornales in an interview during the recent “Suruswerte ha PIA” hosted by Regional Director Olive Tiu of the Philippine Information Agency 8. “We acknowledge the very laudable efforts of our cooperatives. More than a hundred of them were our partners in giving relief assistance to their members, which are in form of cash or in kind. They have even extended physical services despite the risk,” she said. According to Jornales, this is after the CDA has issued a memorandum allowing them to use the community development fund which is 10 percent of their total fund, in helping members during the COVID19 pandemic. She added, “Not only cooperative members were able to receive the assistance, but some other people in the community as well, especially the
frontliners.” The CDA director also said that in response to the health crisis the country is experiencing now, the office has issued a regulatory relief order. “We encouraged them to give assistance to their employees even if they are not members. We also gave them the permission to release interest of their shares of capital which is only given after general assemblies and financial reports are done, but this time we allowed them, considering the emergency needs,” Jornales said. She added, “Through a memorandum circular, we gave a moratorium for the submission of mandatory reports, to avoid sanctions and corresponding penalties. We also issued a memorandum on the extension of debt payments, as we want to implement the ‘Bayanihan To Heal As One Act.” “We have given them the moratorium because the time when national health emergency was proclaimed, that was usually the same period when cooperatives’ general assemblies are being conducted and reports are being presented. These CDA compliance reports are being
stressed that the regulatory relief is only extended up to June 30, 2020. Hence, the office is informing the cooperatives to submit their reports on or before the given deadline. “They just have to get in touch with the CDA’s field offices for these concerns, or they may send reports through couriers,” she said. She added that the office is also looking into some considerations as to the conduct of general assemblies which is also nearing its deadline, considering that mass gatherings are still prohibited. “But this is pending the decision of our head office,” she said. Per CDA, the office has registered a total of 1,055 cooperatives regionwide as of December 2019, and these are categorized as large, medium, and micro cooperatives. It has a total recorded members of 406,000. Of the recorded list, Leyte has the most number of cooperatives, fol lowed by Southern Leyte and Biliran. Only few were registered in the Samar areas. Most of them are on credit and multi-purpose, while others are farmers, transport, marketing and producers cooperatives. In her message, CDA Director Jornales enjoined all cooperative members and officers to give their utmost cooperation for these organizations to fully prosper. “We need the cooperation of the members as the future of these organizations are dependent on them. The members are the owners, the managers and the operators. We are just here to guide and facilitate,” she said. “We also encourage others to become cooperative members because this could be of big help especially in times of need,” she added. (LDL/GTT/PIA-Leyte)
AN REHIYON OCHO YANA June 16-30, 2020 PCIC-E. Samar distributes TESDA-8 continues its skills training assisindemnity checks to farmers, tance amid health crisis fisherfolks
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By: Gemma T. Tabao
By: Samuel D. Candido BORONGAN CITY -- The Philippine Crop Insurance Corporation (PCIC), E. Samar Provincial Extension Office here distributed indemnity checks worth P15.3-M to some 4,000 farmers and fisherfolks as a payment for damage to palay, high value commercial crops (HVCC) and motorboats as “Typhoon Ursula” hit the southern part of Eastern Samar on December 24, 2019. According to Ms. Adelaida G. Amos, area manager of PCIC, the amount covered for insurance for palay and corn, root crops, and banana is P20,000 per hectare while cacao and coffee is P30,000 per hectare. The PCIC Manager also said the payment of palay and root crops will depend on the percentage of damage. Amos also said for those HVCC that were 15-20 percent damaged, the payment is P1,500. Amos further said most of the indemnity payments are banana farmers. From January to June, 2020, some 722 farmers also received indemnity checks worth P2.7-M. Mr. Nilo Macawile, a banana farmer of Brgy. Talangdawan, Salcedo, E. Samar received the biggest amount of payment of insurance through an indemnity check worth P14,000, an insurance of his 5-hectare banana plantation devastated by “Typhoon Ursula” on December 2019. His covered insurance then for his banana plantation is P50,000. Another beneficiary is Mr. Inigo A. Guarino Jr., a rice farmer in Brgy. Cancilides, Hernani who received an indemnity check for the insurance of his palay that was damaged by
TACLOBAN CITY -- The Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA) in its commitment to provide training assistance to qualified individuals, continues with the implementation of its training programs and livelihood assistance, amid COVID-19 pandemic. In an interview with TESDA 8 Regional Director Dante Navarro during the Suruswerte ha PIA hosted by Philippine Information Agency 8 Regional Director Olive Tiu, he said, “We still continue with our skills development programs in the region despite some restrictions. We will also be inspecting all our vocational schools so as to know whether or not the students will pursue with their vocational studies should this be possible.” He said that the agency’s most “Typhoon Ursula.” “I will use the money to replant and I will continue to avail of the insurance products being offered by the PCIC as this will help me in recouping my investments after typhoon and other natural calamities,” Guarino said. On June 25, 2020, PCIC also distributed P 250,000 to 132 farmers and fisherfolks who received
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recognized program on top of the other vocational courses is the Isuzusponsored scholarship program. This 2-year Japan-packaged scholarship course with free meals and accommodation, started in 2008 and can only be availed of in Region 8, among the 17 regions nationwide. “This 2-year course which is only offered in Region 8, has been recognized all over the world. This offers four national certificates from NC I to NC IV, which means that once a beneficiary finishes the course, he becomes a holder of NC I to NC IV eligibilities,” he said adding that graduates of this program are assured of employment locally and abroad. Navarro disclosed that at present, there is a total of 69 Isuzu scholars composed of two batches – Batch 17 and 18 -- from the three Visayas regions. He also said that though classes have been temporarily suspended, still they were given learning materials and sometimes have practical exposures to be able to sustain the learnings, precautionary measures being imposed though. Aside from regular training programs, TESDA office also leads in the Poverty Reduction, Livelihood and Employment Cluster (PRLEC)
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AN REHIYON OCHO YANA
June 16-30, 2020
Mayor Romualdez urges Taclobanons to strictly follow health protocols to avoid spread of COVID-19 By: Gemma T. Tabao TACLOBAN CITY -- Tacloban City Mayor Alfred Romualdez informed Taclobanons that there is no need to panic amid the increasing number of COVID-19 in the city, but cooperate instead and strictly observe the health protocols prescribed by the Department of Health, to avoid the spread of the disease. “There is no need to panic as we have done the necessary protocols so as to manage the cases. The city has provided a hotel as isolation facility for the medical workers of the Eastern Visayas Regional Medical Center or EVRMC. This is our assistance to the said health institution, considering that most of the health workers who tested positive of the virus are residents of the city,” Mayor Romualdez said in a press briefing. Romualdez added that the families of the affected health workers were already tested and almost 99 percent of them got negative results. He said the city has also assigned a quarantine facility for the frontliners of the Tacloban City Health Office, adding that no cases of the city’s health workers have been noted. Romualdez said they also contracted another hotel and have utilized two evacuation centers as quarantine facilities for
the returning Locally Stranded Individuals (LSIs) who have no capacity for home quarantine. “As the father of the city, it is my responsibility to protect Taclobanons and the city itself against this deadly disease,” he said. Romualdez said he assigned the City Inter-Agency Task Force to look into the city’s health situation particularly at the EVRMC, in efforts to improve the health system and processes, so as to minimize, if not avoid further spread of the virus. “I am very much concerned with these infected health workers. We want to look into the facilities of the EVRMC because we want to know where the lapses in the system are, and where we can be of help,” he said. The city chief also informed that the city government is willing to extend its assistance to all health workers and to the EVRMC, as well, even telling its head Dr. Salvador Evardone,
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APEC distributes financial assistance to 100 ESAMELCO member-consumers
By: Samuel D. Candido
BORONGAN CITY -- The Association of Philippine Electric Cooperatives (APEC) party-list and Eastern Samar Electric Cooperative (ESAMELCO), in coordination with the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD)- Region-8, conducted a 2-day distribution of P3,000. cash assistance to 100 indigent member-consumer owners (MCOs) of ESAMELCO. According to Ms. Imelda L. Aberia, institutional service division (ISD)-manager, the 100 indigent MCOs are identified with their houses as totally damaged by “Typhoon Ursula” that hit the southern part of Eastern Samar on December 24, 2019. She added that the said financial assistance was originally intended to MCOs affected by Typhoon Ursula, but due to COVID-19 pandemic, the pay-out was delayed. Aberia further said that this financial assistance that were given to MCOs are intended to re-construct their houses but since they have
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AN REHIYON OCHO YANA
June 16-30, 2020
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Prov’l gov’t, LCEs of Eastern Samar support Anti-Terrorism Bill
Northern Samar: Beating All Odds @ 55
By: Ninfa Barcena-Quirante
BORONGAN CITY -- Governor Ben Evardone and some local chief By: Ailene N. Diaz executives present in a meeting on Thursday signed a manifesto of supCATARMAN, Northern Samar economic dimension. -- “Beating All Odds @ 55,” as “The pandemic brought into port to the Anti-Terrorism Bill. The manifesto was entitled “No to Northern Samar theme on its 55th light the dire need for more health Terrorism, Yes to Development.” Founding Anniversary is timely, professionals and medical facilities The group of chief execand should serve as battlecry in this as even before this health emergen- trying times, said Governor Edwin cy, the lack of doctors has long been utives believes that the President need to approve the bill immediately Ongchuan in his anniversary mesa challenge to the province when it sage before the officials, employees comes to addressing the health and because terrorists do not recognize time or occasion when they attack. and guests with the media at the nutrition issues.” The ‘manifesto’ also stated Capitol grounds. Thus, he announced and the violent incidents the terrorists “For my 11 months as expressed his gratitude to the did in Eastern Samar. Governor, I have already delivProvincial Health Office and the One such incident was on ered noteworthy programs under Sangguniang Panlalawigan for being December 13, 2019, in the middle my flagship program dubbed as responsive to the call which led of the Christmas season, when the Padayon nga Kauswagan.” to the creation of PGNS Medical One of the programs he Scholarship Program for financially rebels ambushed some policemen and civilians that died while most said, is the Kauswagan Caravan, poor but deserving students who were injured. bringing the provincial services to will be medical practitioners of the Also, in November 2019, the far flung and poor barangays of province after five (5) year or so of just days after the province’s the province providing the constitstudies. Founding Anniversary Celebration, uents with medical services, assis Part of his message also six soldiers were killed and twenty tance to farmers among other social is a reiteration for his fellow were injured in a bombing incident. services. Nortehanons to follow conscien Lastly, NPAs demanded a “This is one way of telling tiously the health protocols, proper everyone that the province is here handwashing, wearing of face mask, share of a ‘relief goods’ in Balangiga town provided by the LGUs to its to listen, look and personally know observing physical distancing and people due to the COVID-19 threat. their needs. We are now bringing most specially staying at home. As a province that suffered the capitol to the barangays,” the The Province of Northern ‘terrorist attacks,’ the signatories are Governor further said. Samar is one of the three Samar Facing the challenges posed Island provinces created by virtue of convinced that existing laws are still not enough to stop terrorism in the by this pandemic, he said the havoc Republic Act No. 4221 on June 19, country. brought by COVID-19 does not 1965, hence its 55th. (ADiaz/PIA They agree that a stronger only affect our health system but it Northern Samar) legal backbone is needed to support also affects the many facets of our daily lives. It affects the social and continued on page 14
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AN REHIYON OCHO YANA
June 16-30, 2020
TESDA continues offering courses via online platform By: Marcelo M. Pedalino MAASIN CITY -- The Technical Education Skills Development Authority (TESDA) has continued offering courses, this time using internet technology on one’s handy cellular phone or desktop computer. This was disclosed by Elizabeth Garcia, TESDA provincial director, and Jed Paolo Cairo, supervisory specialist, in a recent media interview. There are 78 online courses anyone interested can select, the topics comprising varied sectors, such as agriculture, construction, health, and medical services, among others. To gain access, one has to download the TESDA app in the touch screen phone via the Play/ App store, and for desktop users visit the TESDA website, then click on online programs. Nine free courses relevant to COVID-19 management are also offered, like practicing preventive measures in the workplace, general duties, awareness, health effects of climate change, learning, teaching, and managing tech-voc training
during COVID-19, and standard precautions with hand hygiene. The frontline volunteers and health personnel, especially those planning to become one of them, can learn much from the subject “COVID-19: How to put on and remove personal protective equipment (PPE).” The self-study will greatly depend on one’s available free time, Garcia said, adding that a qualified TESDA scholar is privileged to get P160 living allowance and P500 internet allowance. Meanwhile, TESDA had asked permission from the national inter-agency task force for them to be allowed the conventional faceto-face instruction complete with health protocols like face masks and PPEs. The added cost on compliance of the standard health protocols was the reason why the allocation of TESDA scholars in the province this year was reduced to 1,260 slots unlike last year’s 1,653 scholars, Garcia further said. (ldl/ mmp/PIA 8-Southern Leyte)
Borongan records first COVID-19 case By:Ninfa Barcena-Quirante BORONGAN CITY -- A health worker in Tacloban City is Borongan’s first COVID-19 case, revealed reports from the Department of Health - Eastern Visayas on June 22, 2020. According to records, Patient EV-431, a health worker at the Eastern Visayas Regional Medical Center is the second confirmed COVID-19 case for the province of Eastern Samar. In a message, Dr. Rodel Delgado, spokesperson of the provincial Inter-Agency Task Force on COVID-19, said patient last visited Borongan City on June 7. Delgado further wrote in an official statement to the press, that the case is not a local case. “Said health worker has not exposed anyone in the province as he/she has been in quarantine since exposure,” the provincial health office said further. In subsequent statements, the PHO said it has requested a correction for the tagging of said result. Because tagging of results is “software-generated,” and has tagged patient’s in permanent residence, correction may take some time. (nbq/PIA E. Samar)
AN REHIYON OCHO YANA
June 16-30, 2020
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PhilHealth bares PPOC-S. Leyte realigns 2020 funds for community isolation COVID-19 measures benefit package during By: Erna S. Gorne pandemic MAASIN CITY -- The Provincial amounting to P15 Million, the By: Teresita B. Cardenas
CATARMAN, Northern Samar -In order to provide health services coverage for all Filipinos during the COVID pandemic, the Philippine Health Insurance Corporation (PhilHealth) bared the benefit package of community isolation facilities operating in the province. This was disclosed by PhilHealth Northern Samar OIC Ms. Evelyn Montes during the” Kapihan sa PIA” at the PIA Provincial Information Center, Old Capitol on June 8. Ms. Montes said that all public and private facilities should be certified by the Department of Health (DOH) as Community Isolation Unit and deemed accredited by their office for the COVID19 Community Isolation Benefit Package. For isolation facilities to avail of the package, the LGU shall secure the following proof of DOH certification: proof of service delivery support from Level 2 or Level 3 referral hospital through a memorandum of certificate, provider data records, and signed performance commitments. The officer- in-charge said that the COVID-19 community isolation benefit package include all identified services needed to effectively manage cases needing isolation services based on applicable guidelines adopted by DOH, whether suspect, probable, confirmed, or otherwise. She pointed out that the package will cover all inputs and activities within the entire episode of care at the Community Isolation
Peace and Order Council (PPOC) – Southern Leyte realigns some of its funds intended for different programs, projects and activities (PPAs) to pave the way for COVID19 measures. The move was unanimously agreed by the body during the meeting held Tuesday, June 10, 2020 after a thorough review of all PPAs approved last year. PPOC Chair Governor Damian Mercado led in the identification of urgent peace and order programs to continue its implementation just to ensure the stability in the province while searching for more funds to respond COVID-19 crisis in the locality. Of the PPOC 2020 funds
Unit, including payment for staff and professional fees, medicine, diagnostics, transport and other operational cost. Testing for COVID-19 and inpatient services for COVID-19 patients developing severe outcomes shall be covered by other applicable COVID-19 case rates, she added. (nbq/tbc/PIA-Northern Samar)
council finally realigned some projects and came up with P7.7 Million funds for the COVID-19 measures. Among those programs affected were the activation and provision of the operational expenses of the SWAT Unit in the Southern Leyte Provincial Police Office (SLPPO) and establishment of Balay Silangan in Hinunangan. “The budget for the establishment of Balay Silangan may be scrapped in favor of COVID-19 measures since there are already two anti- illegal drugs clinics in Maasin City and Pintuyan, ” DOH Provincial Officer Dr. Verna Fernandez explained. PNP Provincial Director Col. Nelson Eucogco volunteered for the SWAT operational budget to forego to pave the way for COVID -19 measures to include the needs of frontliners manning the checkpoints, among other measures. DILG LGOO VI Roma C. Demeterio, who facilitated the said meeting, advised the members of the PPOC that 2020 funds can now be realigned as provided in DILG
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June 16-30, 2020
DOH-8 reports first 3 COVID-19 deaths in Eastern Visayas
AN REHIYON OCHO YANA TESDA-trained dressmakers get first order of 5K facemasks By: Ninfa Barcena-Quirante
BORONGAN CITY -- Some 25 TESDA-trained dressmakers had CANDAHUG, Palo, Leyte -- As their first order of 5,000 face masks cases of Coronavirus Disease 2019 from Gov. Ben Evardone on June 16, (COVID-19) continue to rise in just after they received their NC II Eastern Visayas, mortalities from the certificates. dreaded virus were recorded. These dressmakers flaunt The Department of Health in ing off their self-sewn uniform also Eastern Visayas (DOH-8) confirms received their allowances and starter the death of COVID-19 patients kits. EV-238, EV-255, and EV-382, the first They were trained for 20 days three recorded deaths in the region. in Brgy Pandol, Can-avid. The first COVID-19 death This barangay along with was recorded in Kawayan, Biliran, a Boco and Balagon have been tagged 65-year-old, male, and a resident of by the army as insurgency-influenced Brgy. Inasuyan, Kawayan, Biliran. due to the distance from Can-avid He is a Locally Stranded Individual poblacion. These barangays can be (LSI) from Manila who arrived in his reached through a motorboat ride via hometown last June 11, 2020 via a the Can-avid River for four hours. private van together with five (5) other Early last year, the Task Force family members. to End Local Armed Swab samples were taken Conflict (TF–ELCAC) on June 14, 2020 along with his team through its refamily and he was tested positive for tooled community supCOVID-19 and was tagged as Patient port program learned EV-255. He has existing medical con- that the locals needed ditions such as hypertension, conges- livelihood and employtive heart failure and diabetes mellitus. ment in the area. Patient EV-255 died on the same Being the date when the swab samples were cluster head of the taken and was diagnosed with Poverty Reduction Acute Respiratory Distress, Diabetes Mellitus type II and Uncontrolled Cardiovascular Disease. Per validation and review by the mortality review committee, his death was COVID-19 related. Patient EV-382 was the second recorded death of a confirmed COVID-19 case from Brgy. Aguiting, Sitio Madapao, Kananga, Leyte. He is a 47-year-old male and a Locally Stranded Individual (LSI) who arrived from Cebu on June 15, 2020. The following day, while he was at their staff house in Ormoc City, he complained of severe chest pain, hence, By: DOH-8
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Employment and Livelihood Cluster (PRLEC), TESDA deployed some trainers to train them on driving, electric installation and maintenance, breadmaking, food processing, organic hog raising and dressmaking for the women of Pandol. Isideria B. Guldarase, a grandmother, was one of those trained by TESDA through Provincial Director Antonio Waniwan. Isideria said that she grows vegetables but she also became interested in Dressmaking. She and 24 of her classmates take turns in sewing using five sewing machines that TESDA delivered to Brgy. Pandol. The class, as its contribution to avert the COVID-19 virus, had the
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AN REHIYON OCHO YANA
June 16-30, 2020
9
NPA weakens with mass surrender of 71 CTGs in Northern Samar
ALPAS COVID assistance to farmers gain acceptance By: Ninfa Barcena-Quirante BORONGAN CITY -- The Ahon Lahat, Pagkain Sapat Kontra sa COVID-19 or ALPAS COVID19 ushered by the Department of Agriculture 8 (DA-8) and the Eastern Samar Provincial Agricultural Services (OPAS) is gaining enormous acceptance from E. Samar farmers. On Tuesday, June 23, the team of DA-8 Agriculture Program Coordinating Officer Grace Palconit and OPAS Chief Virgilio Capon fast-tracked the distribution of high quality palay seeds, fertilizers, vegetable seeds and fishing equipment to the farmers and fisherfolks of Can-Avid, Arteche and Jipapad, all in Eastern Samar. “We are not sure when this pandemic threat will stay, so we have to plant, plant, plant and ensure that we get the maximum yield,” said OPAS chief Virgilio Capon in his message to the farmers. For her part, Grace Palconit urged the farmers to work harder because when they get better harvest, they get better income. As the team brought in high quality palay seeds, the discussion
focused on the rice sufficiency project of the government. Capon said that with the pandemic, all nations, all provinces are securing their own that the people cannot rely on their trading partners anymore. “Diri na hira mapapalit,” (They won’t sell anymore) he said. So he continued by saying that the farmers have only to rely on themselves to produce more rice to fill in the needed food supply. He said the province spends as much as P820-M a year to procure rice as rice sufficiency is only 65 percent. With the 22 thousand hectares of rice fields in the province, he added that if the maximum rice yield of just 80 bags per hectare or an average of 4 mt/hectare will be realized, then the province will be rice sufficient. Capon repeated his challenge to the three towns he went to. He urged them to prepare their lands, put on earth ridges (or pilapil to trap rains), use fertilizers, take
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TACLOBAN CITY -- The Communist Terrorists Group in Northern Samar further weakens with the mass surrender of 71 CTG members and supporters to the 43rd Infantry Battalion on June 15 in Northern Samar. Reports coming from the 43rd IB stated that the surrenderees included 45 Yunit Militia, 13 Batahang Organisasyon sa Partido (BOP) and 13 Communist Terrorist Group supporters, at Barangay E Durian, Bobon, Northern Samar. Lt. Col. Raymundo Picut Jr., commanding officer of the 43rd IB said the mass surrender is a result of the convergence efforts of all government agencies, local leaders, and peace-loving people in Northern Samar. Picut called on the remaining CTG members to return to the folds of the law saying, “To those NPAs who are still in the armed struggle, let’s give peace a chance.” “Come and lay down your arms and return to the comfort of your homes, your families and friends, so that you may live peacefully,” Picut added. The military troops will continuously collaborate with concerned government agencies and other civil society organizations for the necessary interventions and other assistance under the Enhanced Comprehensive Local Integration Program (E-CLIP) for surrenderers, if qualified, to become productive citizens. (PIA-8)
AN REHIYON OCHO YANA the following individuals in our 26 more Southern Leyteños test COVIDisolation center,” Mercado said, add19 positive, city records first case ing that they will undergo RT-PCR
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June 16-30, 2020
By: Marcelo M. Pedalino
MAASIN CITY -- The Department of Health in Eastern Visayas (DOH8) released a total of 69 new confirmed cases on Wednesday, June 17 -- the highest thus far, breaking last week’s 68 tally -- bringing the total number of COVID-19 positive persons to 333 all over the region. And out of the 69 positive cases, 26 come from various places in Southern Leyte, including one (1) from this city, and that made 33 in all for the province, in addition to last week’s seven (7) confirmed cases. “For Southern Leyte: 12 from Libagon, 8 from Tomas Oppus, 3 from Bontoc, and one (1) each from Padre Burgos, Hinunangan, and Maasin City,” the DOH said in a press release. “Case investigation is ongoing and more details will also be provided by the concerned LGUs,” the DOH further said. Maasin In his facebook post Wednesday night, Maasin City Mayor Nacional Mercado tagged the fateful day as the LGU’s locally stranded individual (LSI) update #10. “Our hearts are in deep sorrow with today’s recently issued update from the Department of Health EVRCTC where one (1) LSI coming from Cebu City via Cokaliong Shipping Lines last June 9, 2020 at 12:45 a.m., has been added to the growing COVID-19 positive cases in the region,” Mercado said. “The said LSI actually tested non-reactive after conducting a Rapid Diagnostic Test . . . and so far, he is asymptomatic,” the Mayor added.
He reminded the “public not to panic because the said individual will be moved out from the quarantine facility in Danao to our isolation center and will be closely monitored by our local health personnel, so there is no chance to be in contact with the general public.” Mercado was referring to the “Danao Forest Park COVID-19 skills camp 14-days in a quarantine” organized by the Philippine Red Cross - Southern Leyte chapter fully supported by other public and private sectors, where 30 out of 41 Maasinhon LSIs who arrived at dawn on June 9 were billeted. On Monday, June 15, the 7th day of the Danao 14-day quarantine, all the participants were taken swab samples because two of their co-passengers, a mother and daughter from Padre Burgos, tested positive. “We have already instructed all our health personnel and frontliners to submit immediately those who have primary exposure to the patient as wells as his/her secondary contacts in order to closely monitor
swab test. “The local government unit of Maasin, in coordination with our city health officials, would like to re-assure the Maasinhons that we are on top of the situation. We will surely exhaust all our efforts and take all the possible measures for the safety and security of all Maasinhons,” Mayor Mercado posted.
Hinunangan This pacific town, like Maasin city, also had its first encounter with a positive returning resident. “He is an OFW from Riyadh, 27 years old, married, who arrived on June 8 via PAL flight PR4147. He was fetched at HIS Capsule Hotel, Tacloban City,” the Hinunangan LGU said in an official statement posted Wednesday night. He was non-reactive, asymptomatic, and is now confined at Anahawan District Hospital for further management, while the town’s contact tracing team was already mobilized, the statement, written
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AN REHIYON OCHO YANA
June 16-30, 2020
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Joint military-police team neutralizes notorious CNT extortionist, his aide, in N. Samar By: 20IB, 8ID, PA
EV deploys cops to Cebu
By: Consuelo B. Alarcon
PALO, Leyte -- Some 54 police officers in Eastern Visayas were deployed to Cebu City on Thursday, June 18, to augment law enforcers in the implementation of enhanced community quarantine (ECQ). The EV police contingent comprising 52 police non-commissioned officers (NCOs) and two (2) police commissioned officers underwent proper health protocols and other health check requisites before they departed at 10 a.m. on June 18, 2020 via Lite Shipping Ferry in Ormoc City. Police Regional Office 8 Director Bernabe Mendoza Balba, in a press statement said, the deployment of police personnel is in response to the request of the national headquarters to augment the police force in Region 7. “As we battle with this pandemic, I am one with the burden being faced by the Police Regional Office 7 where the frontliners, especially a large number of the police force, are now busy performing their mandated duties. As we heal as one, we responded to the request of the
national headquarters to send an augmentation to PRO7. My only prayer is that our troop will come back here safe and sound,� General Balba said. The 52 police officers from PRO 8 will serve as additional forces of the manpower of the PRO 7. The police were tapped to ensure the orderly implementation of the enhanced community quarantine. Cebu City was placed under ECQ due to the increasing number of cases of Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19). (ldl/cba/PIA-8)
PALAPAG, Northern Samar -A notorious Communist NPA Terrorist (CNT) who was responsible in various extortion activities targeting the government infrastructure projects and business establishments in the pacific towns of Northern Samar, and his aide, were neutralized by the combined elements of Team Peacemaker and the Northern Samar Police Mobile Force Company while conducting an inter-agency law enforcement operation on Saturday, June 20, at vicinity of Brgy. Bagacay, Palapag, Northern Samar. The fatalities were identified as Zaldy Meraya @Podyot/ Bato, finance officer of Sqd 1, FC15, SRC Arctic and his aide Bebe Tobino @Kidlat/Lawin, member of Sqd 1, Sandatahang Unit Pampropaganda (SYP) Platoon, FC15 CN: M3, SRC Arctic. The government troops were about to serve a warrant of arrest issued by Judge Decoroso M. Turla dated May 11, 2020 with Criminal Case Number 5712 for multiple attempted murder, when the CNTs fired their gun which triggered a brief armed engagement. The said law enforcement operation was launched as an offshoot to the encounter between 20IB and NPA at vicinity of Sitio Cag-anibong of same barangay on June 14, 2020 wherein combat tracking conducted by the pursuing troops led them towards the
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Tagalog News: Isang miyembro ng NPA sa Northern Samar sumuko TACLOBAN CITY -- Isang miyembro ng NPA sa Northern Samar ang sumuko noong Araw ng Kalayaan. Sa ulat galing sa militar, ang miyembro ng NPA na taga Brgy. E. Duran, Bobon, Northern Samar ay nagsurrender sa 43rd Infantry Battalion na pinangunguluhan ng Commanding Officer na si Lt. Col. Raymundo Picut. Isinuko din niya ang dalawang calibre 38 revolver, mga bala at isang granada. Ang pagsuko ng nasabing miyembro ng NPA na ito ay nagbigay daan para sumuko din ang 71 na iba pang miyembro at supporters ng NPA pagkaraan lang ng ilang araw, noong Ika 15 ng Hunyo. “Ang pagsuko ng nasabing kasapi ng NPA ay isang patunay at resulta ng sunod-sunod na operasyon na inilunsad sa unang distrito ng Northern Samar,“ ang pahayag ni Lt. Col. Picut. Hinikayat din niya ang iba pang miyembro ng NPA na bumaba na at magbalik-loob sa pamahalaan. Ang pamahalaan ay may mga programa para sa nga nagbabalik loob, dagdag pa ni Picut. “Andiyan ang Enhanced
Conprehensive Local Integration Program o E-CLIP at ang Local Social Integratiin Program (LSIP) ng local na pamahalaan ng Northern Samar na magbibigay sa inyo ng ayudang pinansiyal at iba pang serbisyo para sa pagsisimula ng bagong buhay.” (PIA-8)
Online application for 2021 DOST-SEI undergraduate S&T scholarship program now open By: DOST VIII
CANDAHUG, Palo, Leyte -The Department of Science and Technology - Science Education Institute (DOST-SEI) together with the Department of Science and Technology Regional Office VIII (DOST VIII), announces that the application for the 2021 DOST-SEI Undergraduate S&T Scholarship Program is now open online. The said scholarship is for incoming Grade 12 students for Academic Year 2020-2021, who
intend to pursue STEM courses when they enroll in college next year. Interested applicants may apply online through https://www. science-scholarships.ph/. Deadline of submission of application is on August 28, 2020 and the date of nationwide qualifying examination is on October 25, 2020. Scholarship privileges include tuition fee of P40,000 per year; book allowance of P10,000 per year; monthly living allowance of P7,000; and thesis allowance of P10,000. Scholars will also receive PR/MS uniform allowance of P1,000; graduation clothing allowance of P1,000; one (1) economy class roundtrip transportation allowance; and a ‘premium’ group insurance. Eligible applicants are natural-born Filipino citizens, of good moral character and in good health; Grade 12 students under the STEM Track; belong to the upper 5 percent of the graduating class (for non-STEM Grade 12 students); and for High School graduates prior to the K-12 Program, eligible are those who have not yet earned any post-secondary units in college/university level (must also be part of the upper 5 percent in his/her high school graduating class). To know more about the Scholarship Programs that DOSTSEI offers, you may visit http:// www.sei.dost.gov.ph/. For more inquiries, you may contact DOST VIII Scholarship Unit staff, Ms. Sharmaine A. Gonzales thru 0909-118-9016 or thru facebook account www.facebook.com/ dost.sei.8 or www.facebook.com/ dost8/. (DOST VIII)
Cebuano News: ‘Hogstel,’ nangunang programa sa post COVID-19 recovery sa S. Leyte Prov’l Veterinary Office
AN REHIYON OCHO YANA
June 16-30, 2020
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By: Erna S. Gorne MAASIN CITY -- Hotel alang sa mga baboy kon gitawag nga “Hogstel” sa hamubo nga pinulongan, usa ka matang sa pagpagpamuhi og mga baboy, ang nangunang programa sa Southern Leyte Provincial Veterinary Services Office (PVSO) ubos sa Post COVID-19 Recovery nga programa. Sumala kang Provincial Veterinarian Dr. Francisco Cabarrubias Jr., ang LGU Southern Leyte nagtumbok sa mga katawhan nga nawad-an og trabaho tungod sa COVID-19 ang mga benepisyaryo sa maong programa. Ang PVSO nagduso sa maong programa sa matang sa pagpamuhi og mga baboy alang sa pagsuplay sa lokal nga panginahanglan, sumala ni Dr. Cabarrubias dili pa lang dugay. Sumala ni Dr. Cabarrubias, ang matag benepisyaryo makadawat og libre nga baktin, pagka-on sa baboy og pagpuyo sa maong hogstel. Inig baligya sa baboy, ipabilin ang puhunan og ang ganansiya lamang ang pwede nga madala sa maong benepisyaryo diha sa ilang panimalay. “Dili lamang sila mamuhi og mga baboy kondili tudlo-an usab sila mga mahimong mga negosyante og mga baboy,“ dugang pasabot niya nga ang tumong sa lokal nga pangagamhanan nga makahimo usab silang nga
“DOH-8 reports..” continued from page 8
was brought to OSPA Hospital. Swab samples were taken on June 17, 2020, and tested positive for COVID-19 on June 20, 2020. He was then transferred to City Unified Hospital (CUH) in Ormoc City. While he was in the said hospital, his condition worsened and was hooked to a mechanical ventilator. However, on June 24, 2020 EV-382 died due to severe pneumonia secondary to COVID-19 and acute myocardial infarction. As per contact tracing and investigation, patient EV382 has no contact with anyone from Kananga, Leyte. Patient EV-238 was the third COVID-19 mortality in the region, an 80-year-old female and a local resident from Brgy. Poblacion, Tarangan, Samar. She was confirmed with COVID-19 last June 16, 2020 and was immediately isolated at the Samar Provincial Hospital. Due to her existing medical conditions such as diabetes, hypertension and asthma, he was referred to Eastern Visayas Regional Medical Center (EVRMC) on June 20, 2020. Her condition progressed and became severe. She passed away on June 24, 2020 with a diagnosis of multi-faccontinued on page 20 torial shock such as cardiogenic
shock, septic shock from community acquired pneumonia (high risk) and acute kidney failure. This is the first local transmission COVID-19 death in the region. “Our three (3) mortalities have underlying medical conditions such as diabetes and cardiac diseases, making them extremely vulnerable to COVID-19. The concerned Local Government Unit (LGU) of the COVID-19 fatalities followed meticulously the protocols on handling of human remains to prevent contamination and transmission of the virus, “DOH-8 Regional Director Minerva Molon said. “Again, we reiterate that the best way to protect ourselves and the vulnerable group from this disease is to stay at home, keep yourself healthy and practice the general preventive measures such as wearing of face mask, frequent handwashing, practicing cough etiquette and social distancing,” Director Molon appealed. (DOH-8)
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AN REHIYON OCHO YANA “We are inspired by our TESDA Secretary who is very hard-working and determined. In partnership with the Department of Agriculture, he wants communities to be oriented and trained on food security, especially on backyard gardening. With this, hunger and poverty will be minimized,” Navarro said. (LDL/ GTT/PIA-Leyte)
“PCIC-E. Samar” continued from page 3
indemnity checks in Borongan City. Amidst the pandemic caused by COVID-19, the PCIC continues to implement free insurance for crops and pets of farmers and fishing supplies, whether they are registered or not in the Registry System on Basic Sectors in Agriculture (RSBSA) in Eastern Samar. The program is free to provide protection to the “stakeholders” in agriculture as well as farm capital at the time of losses due to calamity or attack of pests or disease in pets, PCIC said. “We are happy to assist beneficiaries recoup their investments especially in municipalities with farming as its primary source of livelihood,” Amos said. (nbq/SDC/PIA-E. Samar)
“TESDA-8..” continued from page 3 of the government’s Whole-of-Nation Approach to End Local Communist Armed Conflict or ELCAC. “Even before the coronavirus pandemic, we were giving livelihood assistance especially to rebel returnees. However, we provide them first with two to three months training, for them to be capacitated and be assured of productive endeavors,” he added. Navarro also informed that with the assistance of other partner agencies particularly the provincial government of Leyte. TESDA has
also catered its services to 262 former rebels in San Isidro, Leyte. He likewise informed that the office just recently gave training toolkits and allowances to some 18 former rebels in Northern Samar. Same training assistance was likewise given to Eastern Samar municipality where the beneficiaries were already able to make facemasks which are very useful in this time of pandemic. The director disclosed that there are about 300 former rebels in the region who were provided with skills trainings and livelihood assistance. In response to the pandemic the country is currently experiencing, TESDA has committed to prioritize its attention to the Balik-Probinsya Program. “We will be providing training programs to these Balik-Probinsya beneficiaries. We were already able to get their profiles, even before they left Manila or other areas,” he said. “We know their preferred training courses, although others were still undecided. Hence, we took the responsibility to help them decide on the courses suitable for them,” Navarro added. Among the training courses the office has suggested are organic agriculture production and animal production for an integrated farming system, considering that food production is the most identified solution during this health crisis and some people find difficulty in looking for means to meet their basic needs.
“Prov’l gov’t..” continued from page 5 the ‘criminal justice system’ in response to terrorism. By signing on the said manifesto, they believe that the Anti-Terror Bill is needed to achieve peace and sustainable development. They emphasized their high respect to the Constitution and human rights. “We stress that the AntiTerror Bill must be implemented with full respect to civil, political, and human rights at all times. We, as a society, will not stand idly by if it is used as an instrument for abuse and illegality,” stated the manifesto in part. “We are of the position that battling terrorism and respecting constitutional rights are not mutually exclusive. We can do both. It is in this context that we express our support to the Anti-Terror Bill and call for its passage and lawful implementation.” The manifesto concluded that the Anti-Terror Bill will help achieve peace and prosperity in Eastern Samar. (Reden D. Tangara and nbq/PIA 8 E. Samar with reports from Pen Pomida)
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June 16-30, 2020
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“APEC distributes..” continued from page 4 already fixed their houses, the money will be used now to defray expenses while the MCOs are in Modified General Community Quarantine (MGCQ). Aberia disclosed that the money was downloaded to DSWDRegion 8, through their program of Assistance to Individuals in Crisis Situations (AICS) and ESAMELCO assisted on the processing of MCOs applications and in the pay-out. The 87 MCOs who received their financial assistance yesterday, June 24, 2020 are from the municipalities of Borongan, Maydolong, Balangkayan and Llorente at the ESAMELCO Main Office, Brgy. Cabong, Borongan City while the 13 MCOs who will receive today, June 25, 2020, are from the municipalities of Quinapondan, Giporlos, Balangiga and Lawaan at their Sub-ESAMELCO Office in Brgy. Buenavista, Quinapondan, Eastern Samar. Ms. Azusima A. Caubot, one of the beneficiaries from Brgy. Cabong, Borongan City said that it is a big help and timely as people today have restricted movements with the COVID-19 pandemic. “I am very thankful that at last I received the financial assistance and I will use the money for additional capital of my business which is small canteen,” Caubot said. ESAMELCO is one of the 11 electric cooperatives in Eastern Visayas that was given financial assistance by APEC party-list. APEC covers Region 4-A, Region 4-B, and Region 6, 7, 8. APEC is a political party-list in the Philippines with Hon. Sergio Dago-oc as representative who allocated the financial assistance to MCOs. (NBQ/SDC/PIA-E. Samar)
“26 more Southern Leyteños.” “Mayor Romualdez...” continued from page 10 continued from page 4 in a mix of English and Bisaya and signed by Mayor Reynaldo Fernandez, also stated. Local transmission? All other affected LGUs are expected to issue their own official statements with a brief profile of the patients. So far, only this city and Hinunangan had done as of this writing. Also, it cannot be ascertained for now if the sudden upsurge of positive cases constituted a local transmission, a situation the DOH defined as an infection befalling a person who has no travel history and without exposure to a COVID positive individual. Gov. Damian Mercado hinted during the provincial inter-agency task force (PIATF) meeting last Monday that he may order a lockdown if the cases in the province continue to increase. Sought for comment, Geraldine Maquelabit, DILG provincial director, told PIA in a text message that she was coordinating with the governor for a PIATF meeting today, June 18. (ldl/mmp/ PIA8-Southern Leyte)
to coordinate with his office should the hospital needs more assistance. He added that the national government has also assured its assistance to the city and the region, as well. Romualdez further advised people from other areas to avoid coming to the city if only for unnecessary transactions, however, saying that returning Tacloban residents are welcome in the city. “We are not pushing for lockdown, we are just very much cautious,” he said. It is noted that at present, Tacloban City has 54 recorded COVID-19 cases, of whom two have already recovered. (LDL/ GTT/PIA-Leyte)
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“ALPAS COVID...” continued from page 9 care of their plants well and insure their crops with the Philippine Crop Insurance Company (PCIC). “This is free, sponsored by your local governments, this insures your crops and the farmers, too,” Capon said. Aside from the high-yielding rice variety and fertilizers, the team also brought vegetable seeds that when planted can provide vegetables
AN REHIYON OCHO YANA to the communities. In Arteche town, the Arteche Tuna Fishers led by their President Elmar Afable received two units of Payao (also called a fish aggregating device (FAD) and some fishing paraphernalia. Arteche is a coastal town. In yonder Jipapad, the town at the end of Oras River, the locals were provided with materials for tilapia culture. Gaudencio Legria of Can-avid town, accepted the challenge to produce
80 bags of rice. In 1986, he said he was named outstanding farmer as his yield reached 135 bags/hectare. Of course, he offered that the rice farmer needs to visit his plants daily to check on their growth and so that they can readily detect pests and diseases and be addressed at once. “Giuupayi na gad ini nga libre it gahi, mayda pa bonus nga fertilizer,” (We are thankful that the palay seeds are free and fertilizers too) said the 70-yearold farmer. Arnulfo Buenafe of Brgy. Rawis, Arteche, who has farmed since 1971 said, he can produce the 80 bags per hectare challenge. Another farmer, from Jipapad town, Rufino Oros said he can also produce 80 bags per hectare given the present assistance from the government. He said he plows his rice land at night so that it is cooler and his carabao does not get tired easily. These are only some of the more industrious farmers in Eastern Samar who accepted the challenge to produce more to fight the pandemic and emerge victorious in the fight against hunger and COVID-19 with the help from the government. (nbq/ PIA 8-Eastern Samar)
“TESDA-trained...” continued from page 8 project of sewing 400 masks. These, they donated to Gov. Ben Evardone to be given to those who need them. The Governor was so pleased, he tried one on and gave his order to sew 5,000 more. The dressmakers were so happy that they rendered a dance number to the delight of the audience. When asked who taught Arteche Town Mayor Roland Evardone asked the farmers to refrain from relying on other them their dance moves, Isideria quickly offered “from you tube!” towns for vegetables when Arteche can produce and supply their own, during the ALPAS COVID Project of the DA and the Rice Sufficiency Project of the provincial government. (nbq/PIA E. Samar) (PIA E. Samar)
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June 16-30, 2020
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“Guvs call...” continued from page 1 Joining the meeting were Gov. Rogelio Espina of Biliran, Gov. Ben Evardone of Eastern Samar, Gov. Leopoldo Dominico Petilla of Leyte, Gov. Edwin Marino Ongchuan of Northern Samar and Gov. Reynolds Michael Tan of Samar. Gov. Damian Mercado of Southern Leyte had to chair a PIATF meeting being held simultaneously and was represented by Provincial Administrator Jason Calva. A corollary suggestion was that considering the testing capacity of health facilities, the LSIs should be swabbed at the health facility of origin. The swab samples may be sent to Region 8 via EVRMC for processing of the result. One more suggestion was for the temporary suspension of the repatriation of LSIs, returning Overseas Filipinos and the Balik Probinsiya Program (already suspended). The governors also suggested for the National Government to establish/assign Quarantine Area per province for LSIs where the PCR Test will be conducted first. This was forwarded to the National IATF for its comment and action. The governors also requested for DepEd to allow Local Government Units in Eastern Visayas to utilize school buildings as isolation facilities, beyond June 30, 2020. It was pointed out that the holding area of Allen Port is already full of stranded LSIs. Thus, the governors suggested to use the Regional Hub in Allen as holding area for LSIs. Also raised was the issue of fake Travel Authorities issued by several Local Government Units in Luzon. It was underscored that Travel Authorities are issued by the PNP either in the regional, provincial or municipal level as the case maybe. The LGU or its staff may not issue the same. The travel authority is
computerized and not handwritten as the Fake Travel Authorities showed. There was also this request for RIATF in Region 5 to implement stricter security protocols at Matnog, Sorsogon Port since there are LSIs arriving at Allen with fake or no travel authority at all. There is a large number of uncoordinated and undocumented LSIs making receiving LGUs unprepared for their arrivals. The governors suggested that there should be a time phasing of every two weeks or 15 days on the arrivals of LSIs so that the current occupants of isolation facilities can finish first their 14-day quarantine. This will give time for the isolation facility to be vacated and disinfected. Moreover, specific quarantine area in the receiving LGUs must already be identified and informed the LSIs prior to their departure at their area of origin. It was noted that most of the LSIs do not know where to go upon arrival. There must also be transparent protocols and systematic handling of LSIs and for the provincial governments to timely arrange the transport of LSIs going to their home province. Only those LSIs with negative PCR Test result will be allowed to return to or be transported home. (PIA-8)
Eastern Samar governor Ben P. Evardone (PIA file photo)
“PPOC S-Leyte...” continued from page 7 Memorandum Circular 2020-79. “The local government units can also do likewise,” Demeterio said referring to the utilization of peace and order funds by realignment for COVID-19 measures. (esg/ PIA-8 SoLeyte)
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June 16-30, 2020
Ensuring stability of peace and development in Leyte, Southern Leyte By:PIA-8 MAHAPLAG, Leyte -- The 14th Infantry (Avengers) Battalion of the 8th Infantry Division, Philippine Army, is moving to a new home in order to ensure the stability and sustainability of peace and development in Leyte and Southern Leyte. Lt. Col. Roberto Obaob told the Philippine Information Agency that the Battalion is transferring to a more strategic location in Mahaplag, Leyte. The groundbreaking ceremony of the new Main Command Post was held on June 16, 2020. The guest of honor, Major General Pio Diñoso III, said the transfer from Burauen to Mahaplag is to ensure that peace in the area is maintained. Leyte, he recalled, was declared insurgent-free in December. “This does not mean that there are no more NPAs in the area,” General Diñoso said. “It means that the insurgency problem is manageable and that Leyte is ready for further development,” he added. Diñoso disclosed that the 14IB, the 93IB and the 802nd Infantry Brigade will remain in Leyte, Southern Leyte and Biliran. During the occasion, the ceremonial signing of the Plans and
Newspaper of the Day was done by Gen. Diñoso, Col. Zosimo Oliveros of the 802 Infantry Brigade, Lt. Col. Roberto Obaob, Gov. Leopoldo Dominico L. Petilla represented by Ms. Gwendolyn Malate, Gov. Damian Mercado represented by BM Jonathan Lee Moraon and Mahaplag Mayor Daisy A. Lleve. This was followed by the placing of the plans and newspaper in the time capsule and the lowering of capsule and covering with sand by all the guests who also included the owner of the land, Dr. Felicisimo Abuyabor Jr.,
Barangay Chair Arente Ciscon, and PIA-8 Director Erlinda Olivia P. Tiu. Among the highlights was the tree planting by all the guests. TESDA Leyte’s Vilma Arteche and Marites Asistol delivered toolkits for the carpentry trainees of the 14th IB. (PIA-8)
“Joint military...” continued from page 11
safe house of @Podyot. Seized from the encounter site were the following: two (2) Cal .45 pistol; one (1) Acer laptop; 12 assorted cellular phones; three (3) flash drive (USB); and subversive documents. Colonel Lowell Tan, commander of the Army’s 803rd Infantry (PEACEMAKER) Brigade said that the neutralization of @Podyot will lessen if not totally stop the extortion activities and resource generation of CNTs in the pacific towns. (20IB, 8ID, PA)
AN REHIYON OCHO YANA DA’s 122nd Founding Anniversary: A celebration of triumph over adversity
T
he nationwide observance of 122nd Founding Anniversary of the Department of Agriculture (DA) on June 23, 2020 may not have the aplomb of a usual grandest celebration. Nevertheless, all of us working in this sector were overwhelmed with good intentions to raise its level of service and excellence, the message is clear: it was a celebration of triumph over adversity. As we all know, in the past three months, the agency has its handful share of tasks and responsibilities and mandated to ensure the adequacy of food supplies as the country was threatened by the global novel coronavirus disease. That, in itself, was a tall order and perhaps, the biggest challenge for a “returnee” DA Secretary William D. Dar. Immediately, all regions were directed to put into place appropriate strategies and measures so that the food chain or food production will not be totally hampered. Regional Offices were instructed to touch base with concerned stakeholders, especially, local government units to disseminate information regarding the agency’s overall effort in pushing for increased food sufficiency. In one broad stroke, the crème de la crème of the industry
– were once again had to run a gauntlet of protective measures just to make sure the entire country, most especially the National Capital Region will not run out of food. Otherwise, all hell will break loose, and worse, heads will roll not due to COVID, but for inefficiency and probably dereliction of duty. A presidential declaration of public health emergency has been issued indicating that the looming crisis already seeps in. Agricultural workers initially tagged as backliners, later on became frontliners. Corollary to this, fieldworkers suddenly became oblivious to the danger that the dreadful coronavirus had posed. At present, it may seem premature, but for more than three months now, the least we can say is: Optimistically, all the things we have done together had paid off handsomely. Slowly but surely, there seemed to be positive indications that collectively we are winning the fight against hunger in the midst of COVID. The ALPAS Kontra COVID-19 or “Ahon Lahat, Pagkaing Sapat” otherwise known as AGRI-4PS or the Plant, Plant, Plant Program as part of the economic stimulus program package is now being adopted in varied forms
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by considerable number of local chief executives who, by the way, are the real food czars as provided under the local government code. Going back to our topic on DA founding anniversary, the simplest and most austerely celebration unfolded, yet its impact to many people was way beyond our expectations. Our invited guests, though minimal in number, were not deterred in joining with us as we pushed our way in staging this first of its kind event. So far, not a few said that was one of our best celebrations yet. A true product of collaborative efforts from planning to execution stages contributed by different divisions and operating units. The synergy that no less than Regional Executive Director Angel C. Enriquez has been advocating since Day 1 when she assumed office, has consciously or unconsciously came into flesh. There was more to celebrate than usual after undergoing those tough three months. Hence, the 122nd Founding Anniversary aptly served as DA’s celebration of triumph over adversity, and why not? Under the able leadership of RED Enriquez with full backing from ARD Elvira C. Torres and ARD Larry U. Sultan and the rest of division chiefs, the DA-RFO 8 has been able to accomplish the following: 1) A virtual thanksgiving mass was offered where majority of DA-8 employees attended in the comfort of their four-walled offices, while their key LGU-partners, including farmers and fisherfolks also watched
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8’s men and women who played various crucial roles in the common pursuit to alleviate the adverse impact of the COVID-19 pandemic. DA’s line bureaus and attached agencies, as well as media partners were also given due recognition during the event. 4) Two coffee table books were formally launched. The first, entitled “Sinirangan Bisayas: A Metamorphic Journey towards Bountiful Harvest and Enhanced Income (Tungo sa Masaganang Ani at Kita). It tried to bring to the fore the vital “DILG suspends...” continued accomplishments of DA-RFO 8 for the from page 1 period 2016-2019 where seven Regional in their respective places. The livesExecutive Directors struggled to hurdle treaming coverage via facebook major challenges and transformed accounts to about 485 viewers. the region into resilient and receptive 2) The day’s event also induced place to farming innovations. The public’s keen interest not only on “urban second book entitled “Farmer Heroes of agriculture” but also the technology Eastern Visayas.” on “Intensive Tilapia in Tanks with The title alone, suggests that Aquaponics” courtesy of the Bureau of the key personalities featured in this Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR- coffee table book were farmer-bene8) under the auspices of Director Juan ficiaries who raised the level of their D. Albaladejo and staff. This was widely economic development existence disseminated thru the extensive live cov- thru the support given by DA’s SAAD erage provided by PIA-Region 8 led by Program. These two books were ably Regional Director Erlinda Olivia P. Tiu, produced by the Regional Agriculture and TV Patrol Tacloban of ABS-CBN and Fisheries Information Section as thru Mr. Geron Ponferrada. one of the tools to preserve the strug 3) A special recognition and gles and triumphs of DA-RFO 8 in the tribute to the nine (9) 2020 Gawad Saka face of prevailing adversities. Regional and Provincial Qualifiers and The 122nd Founding one Outstanding Rural Women nomiAnniversary was simply observed nee was initiated along with the giving of without so many fanfares and, with meritorious service awards to DA-RFO
strict adherence to the public health safety protocols. Despite the limitations in peoples’ movement, short preparations, and other “do’s and don’ts” reminders, it fairly went on smoothly. Even Rev. Fr. Dave C. Carillo, who officiated the virtual mass, congratulated the DA-8 management and staff for a well-thought out event and to borrow his own words “we have done it with a big bang!” Congratulations to us all! (Francis Rosaroso/DA-8)
“Cebuano news.” continued from page 13
negosyante. Atol sa Media Briefing dili pa lang dugay, gipasabot ni Dr. Cabarrubias nga ang Hogstel, mao ang pagtukod og napulo ka kuwarto (pens) nga pinuy-anan sa napulo ka mga baboy ubos sa usa ka atop, matud niya. Kini diin kini paga-atimanon og napulo ka mga benepisyaryo sa matag lungsod diin ang matag baboy adunay usa ka tag-iya, dugang niyang pahayag. “Kinahanglan nga panghingusgan ang pagpamuhi og mga baboy tungod kay wala nay lain nga tinubdan nga saligan sa mga baboy sa probinsiya, “ matud ni Cabarrubias. Sukad pa sa miagi nga tuig, wala nay taga-Mindanao og Luzon nga mga suppliers og mga baboy og mga produkto sa mga karneng baboy ang gitugotan nga mosulod sa probinsya aron sa paglikay sa African Swine Fever nga makatakod sa mga lokal nga mga baboy, dugang pahayag niya. Sa kasamtangan, mokabat og 30,000 ka mga baktin og dagko nga mga baboy ang naihap sa tibook probinsiya. Matag bulan adunay 4,000 ka mga baboy ang gi-ihaw aron i-suplay diha sa merkadohan, dugang tahu ni Cabarrubias. (egorne/PIA8 SoLeyte)