An Rehiyon Ocho Yana August 1-15, 2020

The Official Newsletter of PIA-8 and RTF-8 ELCAC

VOL II NO. 15

August 1-15, 2020

CORDS 8 SAYS ELCAC EXISTS TO PROVIDE BALANCE BETWEEN DEV'T AND SECURITY VIA A PLATFORM OF GOOD GOVERNANCE By: Olive P. Tiu TACLOBAN CITY -- Secretary Eduardo Del Rosario, Cabinet Officer for Regional Development and Security in Region 8 (CORDS 8), stressed that the real challenge in Region 8 espe-

Whole-of-nation approach at work in assisting families of Inopacan Atrocities victims By: Olive P. Tiu BARANGAY AMGUHAN, Baybay City -- The hinterland barangay of Amguhan, in Baybay City, Leyte, home to some families of Inopacan Purging victims, was the venue of a convergence activity, a tangible manifestation of the whole-of-nation approach, on August 10, 2020.

After what seemed to be a very long and winding travel, several government agencies, Local Government Units, Government Military forces and victims’ families from seven barangays of Baybay, Inopacan and Mahaplag, reached the Amguhan Barangay Covered Court for the opening ceremonies for various livelihood trainings, granting of financial assistance and other benefits, a continuation of the support being given to the families of the Inopacan Purging victims.

This convergence effort started since the RTF8-ELCAC Special Convergence Mission on October 29, 2019 which was attended by Secretary

continued on page 17

cially in the Island of Samar is balancing priorities between development programs and programs to attain peace and security.

In his speech during the virtual Visayas Inter-Regional Task Force Convergence Meeting on August 14, Secretary Del Rosario said that development alone cannot be accomplished overnight for there can never be development without peace.

“This is the reason why ELCAC exists,” the CORDS 8 said, “to provide adequate balance between development and security through a strong platform of good governance.”

Thus, in the summing up exercise, Del Rosario cautioned his colleagues that it is not only important to know the number of activities delivered by each cluster but also equally important is the honest assessment on how the collective efforts have truly enhanced development on the ground

and the people benefitted from the projects, and have these projects and programs contributed to the higher national strategic goal of reducing CTG capabilities and preventing recruitment.

“Only then can we proudly claim that we are winning in this whole campaign,” Del Rosario added.

Del Rosario intimated that on the part of the RTF 8-ELCAC, in order to complement efforts in the Region, it has recommended to the NTF-ELCAC leadership the possible formulation of an inter-agency agreement to allow the conduct of information drives in schools to shield students from CTG radicalization and recruitment.

He also announced that the RTF8-ELCAC was successful in getting the support of the Samar Island Partnership for Peace and

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August 1-15, 2020

AN REHIYON OCHO YANA

Families of Inopacan Purging victims receive P3.463-M worth of livelihood assistance from DOLE By: Olive P. Tiu AMGUHAN, Baybay City -- It was a happy and ‘moving on’ day for the surviving families of the victims of the Inopacan Atrocity in the ‘80s, when they received some P3.463 Million livelihood assistance from the Department of Labor and Employment Region 8.

The surviving families in four Baybay City barangays, two barangays in Mahaplag and one barangay in Inopacan formed themselves into associations with the assistance from the LGUs, DOLE and other government agencies.

The associations themselves identified the livelihood activities they want to engage in. So far, the Associations in the four barangays of Baybay City have completed the requirements and were ready to receive their financial assistance.

The distribution was conducted during the Convergence Activity of the Leyte Task ForceELCAC PRLE Cluster at Amguhan, Baybay City on August 10.

No less than DOLE Region 8 Director Yahya Centi led in the ceremonial distribution of Financial Assistance to the Associations of the surviving families.

The Regional Director presented to the Amguhan Association the amount of P997,350 for its egg-laying livelihood project.

The Monterico Association,

NHA-8 provides housing needs for former rebels, disaster victims and uniformed men in EV By: Gemma T. Tabao

TACLOBAN CITY -- The National Housing Authority (NHA), as mandated, has assisted the housing needs of the former being a rice producing community was given P990,600 for its farm machineries project.

The Ampihanon Association received P478,000 for egg-laying project; while the Kabunga-an Association received P997,250 for its swine production project.

The DOLE Regional Director said the other three barangays, two from Mahaplag and one in Inopacan have yet to complete their requirements.

It is hoped that the assistance together with those from the Local Government Unit of Baybay City and other government agencies, will improve the economic status of these families and the community they are living in.

Meanwhile, the LGUs and the other agencies will continue to monitor and assist the members of the seven associations comprising the surviving families of the victims of CTG atrocities in the ‘80s. (PIA-8)

rebels, disaster victims and men in uniform in the Eastern Visayas region.

This was learned from NHA District Manager Marilyn Lauzon, during the Suruswerte ha PIA radio program hosted by Regional Director Olive Tiu of the Philippine Information Agency 8.

“With the government’s program to End Local Communist Armed Conflict (ELCAC), we are set to provide housing units for some rebel returnees, particularly in San Isidro, Leyte, the first of a kind project in coordination with the Provincial Government of Leyte,” Manager Lauzon said.

“In this project, Leyte Province has the lot in San Isidro, Leyte which was donated to the former rebels through the ECLIP program. Said LGU shall be responsible for the construction of the housing units, however, funds will come from the NHA. The request is already at the national level, for the 489 housing units at 450,000 per unit,” Lauzon added.

Lauzon also said the housing units will be constructed at

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AN REHIYON OCHO YANA

Samar Island Partnership for Peace and Development (SIPPAD) now member of RTF8-ELCAC TWG

By: Olive P. Tiu TACLOBAN CITY -- The Samar in the RTF8-ELCAC TWG. Island Partnership for Peace and

The guidelines in the creDevelopment known as SIPPAD ation of TF-ELCAC provide that and led by the three bishops in in order to ensure the inter-agency Samar Island, is now a member convergence in the implementaof the Technical Working Group tion of Programs, Projects and (TWG) of the Regional Task Force Activities in conflict-affected and to End Local Communist Armed vulnerable areas from the national Conflict (RTF ELCAC). down to the local levels, there is a

This after Department of need to create a similar task force Housing and Urban Development in the region composed of memSecretary Eduardo Del Rosario bers of the 12 clusters and with who is the Cabinet Officer for participation of the private sector.

Regional Development and

Earlier, on February 21, Security for Eastern Visayas and 2020, during the 43rd Samar the Chairperson of the Regional Island Partnership for Peace and Task Force 8-ELCAC, approved Development (SIPPAD) meeting Resolution No. 1 Series of 2020 held at the St. Mary Academy in “A Resolution for the Inclusion of Borongan City, Eastern Samar, the Samar Island Partnership for the three bishops of Samar Island Peace and Development (SIPPAD) accepted the challenge to become as Regional Task Force 8- End the lead convener of the localized Local Communist Armed Conflict peace talks with members of the Technical Working Group New People’s Army (NPA).

Member.”

The prelates vowed to

To recall, during the July help end insurgency in the pres7 meeting of the RTF8-ELCAC ence of Human Settlements and TWG, it passed a resolution for Urban Development Secretary the SIPPAD to be considered to Eduardo del Rosario, the Eastern get one slot of the private sector Visayas cabinet officer for regional representative in the Regional development and security, and Task Force.

Presidential Adviser on the Peace

There are two slots for the Process Carlito Galvez Jr. private sector representative (PSR) continued on page 12

August 1-15, 2020

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ELCAC empowers barangays, says DILG 8 chief By:Golda Meir T. Tabao

CATBALOGAN CITY -Regional Director Karl Caesar Rimando of the Department of the Interior and Local Government 8 (DILG-8) said during the Panindugan Virtual Kapihan hosted by Regional Director Olive Tiu of the Philippine Information Agency 8, that the program to End Local Communist Armed Conflict (ELCAC) through Executive Order 70, has helped empower the barangays in their fight against insurgency.

“Through ELCAC, particularly the Retooled Community Support Program (RCSP), the issues of the barangays in the different communities were identified.

These were further forwarded or referred to the concerned agencies for better response,” Director Rimando said.

Director Rimando also said they have localized the RCSP in all provinces of the region.

“We have oriented all governors, DILG officials and field officers and these officials are already aware of their responsibilities as regards to EO70,” he said.

When asked what the common basic services the community members demand, Director Rimando identified livelihood opportunities, additional schools, and agricultural projects,

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August 1-15, 2020

DPWH-8 completes 79.5% of RTF- ELCAC infra projects for 2020

By: Consuelo B. Alarcon

By Consuelo B. Alarcon TACLOBAN, CITY, Leyte -- The Department of Public Works and Highways in Eastern Visayas (DPWH-8) has reported 79.5 percent completion rate of infrastructure projects in different areas in the region identified by the Regional Task Force to End Local Communist Armed Conflict (RTF8-ELCAC) as priority areas this year.

During the Panindugan Virtual Kapihan ha PIA hosted by PIA8 Regional Director Erlinda Olivia P. Tiu, DPWH-8 Regional Director Nerie Bueno said, the projects include flood control projects, multi-purpose buildings, farm-to-market roads to far-flung barangays, among others.

“Sa 2020 projects po hindi pa natin masyado nakuha lahat ang ating proyekto dahil alam naman po natin na ang buong pondo po ng 2020 ay hindi pa nare-release ng buo. So meron pa po tayo di nare-release na pondo but hopefully with the coming weeks ito po ay mare-release at matutuloy po ang ating ginagawang mga proyekto,” Bueno said.

As cluster lead for infra projects in the region, Bueno said that she is optimistic that all projects related RTF-ELCAC will be completed as scheduled.

For the year 2020, DPWH-8 has alloted Php7.9 billion funds for the implementation of infra projects under RTF8-ELCAC program of the government.(ldl/cba/PIA-8)

AN REHIYON OCHO YANA TESDA chief to launch PRLEC’s ‘AKKAP’ project in E. Samar town By: Samuel D. Candido by the Department of Labor and BORONGAN CITY -- Secretary Employment (DOLE). Each orgaIsidro S. Lapeña of the Technical nization is given 25 participants, Education and Skills Development and the Department of Agrarian Authority (TESDA) will launch the Reform (DAR) identified the said “Agrikultura at Kabuhayan tungo participants. sa Kaunlaran At Pangkapayapaan”

TESDA will give P5,000 (AKKAP) in Can-avid, Eastern in structural materials, Protective Samar on August 25, 2020.

Personal Equipment (PPE) allow This is according to Dr. ance of P500, Internet Allowance Antonio C. Waniwan, provincial – P500, Daily Living Allowance – director of TESDA Eastern Samar.

P160 and free T-shirt support in the TESDA is the lead agency of the amount of P450.

Poverty Reduction, Livelihood and

“I expect that after the trainEmployment Cluster (PRLEC) ing, the trainees will build a poultry of the Task Force to End Local house, the trained masons will build Communist Armed Conflict a Rice Mill, and the trainees for (TF-ELCAC). vegetable production will establish a

Dr. Waniwan disclosed farm,” Dr. Waniwan said. that there are three priority project

“The concept of the said component to be launched such as training, is a training with output, vegetable production, native chickif there is an output that is alen meat and egg production, and ready their source of income,” Dr. rice milling project.

Waniwan added. The project aims

The acting provincial to provide customized livelihood director said TESDA will start the training course for Barangay Pandol programs to farmer cooperators of conflict-stricken barangays and beneficiaries on August 11, 2020. increase farm productivity and The three courses are: Carpentry income of the target beneficiaries.

NC-II for 51 days, Masonry NC-II

The project also wants to for 31 days, and organic vegetable ensure household and community production NC-II for 39 days. food security; increase resilience of There are three cooperative organizations in Brgy. Pandol recognized continued on page 15

AN REHIYON OCHO YANA

August 1-15, 2020

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Army in Samar welcomes surrender of two Militias TACLOBAN CITY -- Lt. Col. Edgar Allan Orbito, Battalion Commander of the 63IB, welcomed the surrender of two Militia ng Bayan members in Basey, Samar and urged other NPA members to return to the folds of Northern Samar opens PTF-ELCAC Operation the law.

Orbito identified the surCenter renderees as Alias Dudik, 51 years By: Ailene N. Diaz old and Alias Bong, aged 22, both CATARMAN, Northern Samar for the PTF-ELCAC activities which -- The province of Northern Samar will be manned 24/7 by the represen- residents of Brgy. Mabini, Basey.

The duo surrendered at the opens the Provincial Task Force tatives coming from the 12 clusters.

Headquarters of 63IB in Brgy. New to End Local Communist Armed

During the short program, Conflict PTF-ELCAC Operation DILG presented the guidelines in the San Agustin, Basey on Monday, July Center in a simple gathering on establishment and management of the 27, 2020.

The militia members August 11, 2020. operation center and acquainted the decided to stop supporting the

“This may be the first OpCen task force on the functions, organiCommunist Terrorist Group’s cause in the province and in the whole zation structure and staffing pattern, island of Samar and I thank the duties and responsibilities and details and focus instead of serving the local government.

Governor Edwin Marino Ongchuan on the submission of reports.

They brought with them for giving us the location to put up

Governor Edwin Ongchuan one (1) hand grenade, one (1) this Operation Center,” said DILG led the ribbon cutting to officially Magnum 357 pistol and medical Provincial Director Danilo Laguitan. open the center for operation, asparaphernalia.

“More than just the facility, sisted by DILG Provincial Director this represents the collective efforts Danilo Laguitan with Board Member The Militia ng Bayan acts as the NPA’s paramilitary in the barangay. of the Nortehanon under the leaderFlorencio “Fawa” Batula, chair of

To recall, the Basey ship of Governor Ongchuan for our Peace and Order/Public Safety and Municipal Task Force to End Local quest for sustainable peace,“ added a representative of 803rd Brigade Communist Armed Conflict, using Laguitan.

Commander, Philippine Army. the whole-of-nation approach,

DILG said, the center will be

The Operation Center is has embarked on a Retooled the coordination and consolidating located at the ground floor of the Community Support Program in area of PTF-ELCAC activities of the Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction the town’s conflict-stricken baranprovince for its daily, monthly and and Management Office within the quarterly reports collated from differ- New Capitol Compound, Catarman, gays to listen to the concerns of the people and to bring the necessary ent clusters and 24 LGUs Municipal Northern Samar. (ADiaz/PIAbasic services to the constituents.

Task Force.

Northern Samar) (PIA-8)

In concept, the reporting hub

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August 1-15, 2020

N. Samar PNP chief assures sustained peace and order in the province

AN REHIYON OCHO YANA

He also reminded the men and officers under his watch to follow the directive of PNP Regional Director Police Brigadier General CATARMAN, Northern Samar -Bernabe Balba to be Malinis, The newly-installed Officer-in-Charge Magalang, at Maaasahan. of the Northern Samar Provincial

Lastly, Col. Apud appealed to Police Office (NSPPO) Police Col. the public to actively support the new Arnel J. Apud assured sustained peace leadership and report to their office and order in the province. any untoward incident to ensure pub This he said during the PIA’s lic safety. (nbq/TBC/PIA-Northern radio program Huruhimangraw sa Samar) Panginudto at DYSM on August 7.

CabSec Nograles

The provincial command is doing its best to thwart any untoward witnesses virtual incident like illegal drugs, illegal logturnover of Yolanda ging, illegal gambling, and insurgency housing units in Ormoc that may occur during this trying By: Consuelo B. Alarcon times and for the police officers and men on the ground to strictly observe ORMOC CITY -- The Inter-Agency and carry out regular routine function Task Force (IATF) Yolanda chairin keeping peace and order. man, Cabinet Secretary Karlo

The new provincial director Nograles, has virtually witnessed on was proud to inform the public of its Thursday, August 6, the turnover of one time big time operations which 1,419 completed permanent housresulted to the arrest of the 11 most ing units to the city government of wanted individuals and one of them is Ormoc. included in the top ten list of the most The symbolic key of the wanted persons. housing units was formally accept He then conducted ocular ed by Ormoc City Mayor Richard inspection to some Municipal Police Gomez from Ms. Marilyn Lauzon, Stations to ensure that Chief of Police district manager for Leyte of the under his command, perform its National Housing Authority, in a functions, duties, and responsibilisimple ceremony. ties according to the set of standard

In his virtual message, that will gain trust, confidence, Nograles thanked the National cooperation, and support from the Housing Authority for completing the community.

project even in times of pandemic as he asked the beneficiaries to ensure that the house and lot given by the government is well taken cared of.

For his part, Ormoc City Mayor Richard Gomez thanked Secretary Nograles for his support and help as well as to the NHA for giving Ormoc the privilege to relocate some of the displaced victims of super typhoon that hit the country on November 8, 2013.

Gomez is also hoping that the National Housing Authority will build more housing units for illegal settlers in the future.

Estela Apuya, one of the beneficiaries and a mother of two children who previously lives near the sea also expressed her gratitude to the government for giving her family a safe home to live away from the dangers especially when typhoon occurs.

The land acquisition, land development and construction of the 1,419 housing units are funded by NHA with Edison Development & Construction/3R Metal Craft (JV) as contractor developer of the project.

The Bagong Pag-Asa Subdivision Phase 1 and Phase 2 are located in Brgy. Margen, Ormoc City.

It is a conventional bungalow row house with a modal size of 40 square meters and a floor area of 28.60 square meters with an estimated cost of P290,000 per house and lot.

Of the 54,508 proposed permanent housing units for Yolanda victims in Region 8, some 35,462 units were already constructed by NHA while 10,877 of which are still ongoing construction. (ldl/cba/PIA-8)

AN REHIYON OCHO YANA August 1-15, 2020 7 system. Local governments will be CORDS 8 chairs Balik Probinsya, Bagong empowered to effectively manage Pag-Asa Program Committee in Eastern crises to come and build resilient communities.

Visayas By: Olive P. Tiu

TACLOBAN CITY -- Department of Human Settlements and Urban Development Secretary Eduardo Del Rosario, the Cabinet Officer for Regional Development and Security for Region 8 is the chair of the newly-created Balik-Probinsya, Bagong Pag-Asa Program Committee under the Regional Development Council for Eastern Visayas.

Upon learning about this development, Secretary Del Rosario said, “With pleasure to serve the people of Eastern Visayas Region.”

To recall, this is not the first time the Secretary is serving the region. He is currently the CORDS of Region 8 and the chair of the Region 8 Task Force - ELCAC. He has served the region in various capacities during his active service with the military.

The Balik Probinsia, Bagong Pag-Asa Regional Council coordinates BP2 activities in the region and act on matters needing immediate attention as it receives guidance and instructions from the National BP2 Council.

It is composed of CORDS 8, Secretary Eduardo Del Rosario as chairperson, with NEDA RD Mylene Rosales as vice chairperson. The members include all the Provincial Governors in the region; all the cities/municipalities hosting BP2 programs; RDC Sectoral Committees chairs and co-chairs; DILG, DSWD, DA, DTI, DENR, DHSUD, DPWH, DBM, NHA, DOLE, CDA and TESDA. The Balik Probinsya, Bagong Pag-Asa which was piloted in the province of Leyte on May 21, aims to provide hope for a better future to

Filipinos through equity in resources throughout the country that will boost countryside development.

This program is geared towards addressing Metro Manila’s congested urban areas by encouraging people, especially informal settlers to return to their home provinces and assist them in this transition with support and incentives on transportation, family, livelihood, housing, subsistence and education, among others.

Using the whole-of-nation approach, government agencies will be all hands on deck in ensuring the continuous improvement of economies and quality of life in the provinces with the program’s long term plans on various investments in infrastructure, agriculture, business, transportation and access to a responsive healthcare

Executive Order No. 114 issued on May 6, 2020, institutionalized the Balik Probinsya, Bagong Pag-Asa Program and created the BP2 Council to oversee its implementation.

The Program aims to ensure balanced regional development and equitable distribution of wealth, resources and opportunities that boost countryside development, provide adequate social services and promote full employment, industrialization and an improved quality of life in rural areas. (PIA-8)

The Philippine Air Force thru TOG 8 in coordination with RITF 8 assisted the arrival of 39 Returning Overseas Filipinos (ROFs) from Manila to Region 8 via Philippine Airlines at DZR Airport Tacloban City at 4:53 a.m. on August 9, 2020. The said ROFs were successfully turned-over to their respective LGUs.

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August 1-15, 2020

PSA to conduct Census on Population and Housing starting September 1

By:Gemma T. Tabao TACLOBAN CITY -- True to its mandate to prepare and conduct periodic census on population and housing (CPH), the Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA) is set to conduct the 2020 CPH starting September 1, this year.

PSA-8 Regional Director Wilma Perante, during the Suruswerte program hosted by Regional Director Olive Tiu of the Philippine Information Agency, said that some 4,832 enumerators will be deployed all over the region, and will be visiting the households or individuals in efforts to gather information on population and its characteristics, aside from the information on housing.

“This is the biggest activity of the government of which the PSA is mandated to collect information on population and housing. We have to establish an updated data, considering that the last census was still in 2015,” Director Perante said.

She added, “The census will be using the face-to-face method while observing the health protocols. However, there would be other alternative methods such as the self-administered questionnaires in which the enumerator may leave the questionnaire and retrieve afterwards in cases where respondents are busy enough to answer the questions.

Telephone interviews may also be applicable, and other innovative strategies especially for those difficult to reach individuals.”

Perante also disclosed that the members of the Regional Statistics Committee and employees of the PSA are considering and in the process of

continued on page 13

AN REHIYON OCHO YANA NHA turns over 1,419 housing units to LGU Ormoc for victims of Typhoon Yolanda By: Olive P. Tiu TACLOBAN CITY -- The National Force for the Unified Implementation Housing Authority in Region 8 and Monitoring of Rehabilitation and (NHA-8) is set to conduct a virtual Recovery Projects and Programs in turnover of Physically Completed the Yolanda-affected Areas.

Yolanda Permanent Housing Projects Mayor Richard Gomez, in Ormoc City on August 6, 2020.

Congresswoman Lucy Torres-Gomez Ms. Marilyn Lauzon, District and the National Housing Authority Manager Leyte 4,5/Southern Regional Officials will be at the Leyte of NHA, in an interview at Conference Room of the Office of the the Suruswerte Ha PIA hosted by Mayor in Ormoc City.

Director Olive Tiu, said that the com- Lauzon said this is the first of pleted housing projects are Bagong the series of virtual turnover activities Pag-Asa Subdivision Phases 1 and 2 of completed housing units for the located at Barangay Margen, Ormoc Typhoon Yolanda victims in Eastern City.

Visayas.

Lauzon added that Bagong

Engr. Jong Gempeson, Team Pag-Asa Subdivision Phase 1, has Head for Tacloban Yolanda Project 1,000 units while for Phase 2, there are who was also guest at Suruswerte Ha 419 units.

PIA, said that on August 20, NHA will

The turnover to the LGU turn-over to the City Government of the completed Bagong Pag-Asa of Tacloban completed permanent Subdivision Phases 1 and 2, is purunits at five villages, namely North suant to NHA guidelines that comcontinued on page 18 pleted projects shall be turned over to the LGU by executing a Deed of Donation and Acceptance (DODA).

The event will be attended virtually from Manila by Cabinet Secretary Karlo Nograles who also serves as Chairman of Task Force Yolanda or the Inter-agency Task

AN REHIYON OCHO YANA

August 1-15, 2020

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RTF8 vs COVID-19 records 8,478 returning residents in EV in July By: Olive P. Tiu TACLOBAN CITY -- The Regional Task Force 8 vs COVID-19 reports Yolanda housing project in E. Samar town nears continues arrival of returning resicompletion dents in Eastern Visayas.

By: Samuel D. Candido

RTF Chair, OCD-8 Director Lord Byron Torrecarion said that BORONGAN CITY -- The conzones badly need the permanent from July 9 to July 30, the RTF8 struction of 744 Yolanda housing houses.

Emergency Operations Center has reunits in Hernani, Eastern Samar is

“We are doing our best to corded some 8,478 returning residents nearly completed. help them own a better and safer who arrived in Eastern Visayas.

According to Andrew house,” Candido said.

There are two sources of inMolina, project engineer of

Meanwhile, Hernani Mayor Phintechstar Construction, the said that he received a letter recently formation on the returning residents, Torrecareon said. construction of 744 housing units from Cabinet Secretary Karlo A. B.

One is CAAP for those arrivis now 80 percent complete. Molina Nograles. ing at the airport and the Philippine said that out of 744 housing units,

“With your continued Coast Guard for those arriving at the 428 are bungalow and 285 housing support and cooperation, I reaffirm different ports in Eastern Visayas. units are loftable. my commitment to monitor the

Those who arrived via the

He added that the target development and completion of Tacloban City DZR Airport totals to completion of the said project Yolanda Permanent Housing Project 5,486. This number included 1,519 is August 2020, but because of (YPHP) before the President steps Returning Overseas Filipinos (ROFs); Typhoon Ursula and the COVIDdown from office,” the letter said.

3,689 Locally Stranded Individuals 19 pandemic, they set another time “Aside from completing the housing (LSIs); and 278 Authorized Persons schedule to October 2020. construction in the resettlement Outside Residence (APOR).

In an interview with PIA, sites, I am continuously prodding

Meanwhile, those who arHernani Mayor Amado L. Candido our implementing agencies to rived at the different ports in Region 8 said he is optimistic that the conensure that water and electricity numbers to 2,992 LSIs. struction of ongoing Yolanda hous- are available in all housing units,”

All in all, the number of ing project will be fast-tracked.

Nograles added. arriving LSIs in the region from July 9

“Of the almost 1,000 fam “As we employ a township to July 30 is 6,681. ilies who need relocation, 250 of approach in the housing project

The LSIs gets the bulk of the them moved to houses built by the sites, we are also keen on having soreturning residents representing 78.8 Gawad Kalinga (GK) while 55 fami- cial infrastructures such as daycare percent of arrivals. lies got new houses from the United centers, school buildings, and health

To recall, the reports from the Nation Development Programme centers within or nearby the resetDOH in Eastern Visayas shows that (UNDP),” Candido said. tlement areas to make them more COVID-19 confirmed positive cases

Mayor Candido disclosed habitable,” Nograles further said. are mostly LSIs. (PIA-8) that some 700 families in danger continued on page 12

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August 1-15, 2020

AN REHIYON OCHO YANA

PSA-8 to deploy over 4K Census enumerators in EV By: Consuelo B. Alarcon TACLOBAN CITY -- The Philippine Statistics Authority in Eastern Visayas (PSA-8) will be deploying some 4,832 enumerators all over the region starting September 1, 2020 to conduct the 2020 Census of Population and Housing (CPH).

The primary aim of the CPH is to provide government executives, policy and decision makers and planners with updated population and housing data as basis for social and economic development plans, policies and programs of the national and local governments.

During the Surusuwerte ha PIA Program on Tuesday hosted

by PIA-8 Regional Director Erlinda Olivia P. Tiu, Regional Director Wilma A. Perante of the Philippine Statistics Authority 8 assured that all information provided by the respondents during the interview/survey will be held strictly confidential.

Director Perante is urging the public’s cooperation and truthfulness in providing information to the enumerators and assured that PSA personnel and enumerators who would visit each household will be properly equipped with face masks and other protective equipment.

“That is why we encourage everyone na ‘pag may pumunta na taga-Philippine Statistics Authority para mag-interview sa mga bahay-bahay ngayong September, bigyan ng panahon ang ating mga enumerators,” Perante said.

Perante said that gathering of the information will be done in various methods such as face-to-face interview following the strict health protocol; self-administered questionnaire wherein the interviewer will leave the questionnaire to the household and will be collected by PSA afterwards; through online (web-based) but on a limited scale called computer-aided interviewing (CAWI) technique; and through a telephone interview.

“Authorized interviewers/ enumerators of PSA who are assigned to conduct surveys have identification cards equipped with face masks, face shields and questionnaires. If in doubt, households may ask from the enumerator the contact number of PSA office and may call to verify if the said enumerator is PSA-authorized,” Director Perante said.

Perante added that training for enumerators started as early as fourth week of July and will run until end of August this year.

As of August 1, 2015 CPH, Eastern Visayas population was recorded at 4,440,150.

This year’s Census of Population and Housing banners the theme, “Sama Na, Census Na.” (ldl/cba/PIA8)

Maasin City to install QR code for contact tracing By: Marcelo M. Pedalino

MAASIN CITY -- The city government will soon employ a high-tech system in trying to locate people that have made contacts with those infected with the coronavirus as a way to stop local transmission of the invisible disease.

City Mayor Nacional Mercado announced this scheme, technically called QR Code, in his short talk on the occasion of the 20th founding anniversary of the cityhood of Maasin August 10.

It was in a recent video conference with Baguio City Mayor Benjamin Magalong, the country’s contact tracing czar, that the idea first gained traction, when Magalong advised on incorporating one of the best practices of Ormoc City Mayor Richard Gomez, Mercado recounted.

A discussion on integrating the QR Code to contact tracing procedure immediately followed, with Ormoc City acting like a big brother, introducing the developer to the information technology team of the city, along with Councilor Mikey Mercado in

continued on page 16

AN REHIYON OCHO YANA

August 1-15, 2020

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Duque: FDA to conduct own clinical trial of Russian COVID vaccine

PSA to provide PPEs to Census enumerators in Southern Leyte By: Ma. Rebecca G. Cadavos

MAASIN CITY -- As a precautionary measure in this time of COVID-19 pandemic, hired enumerators for the conduct of Census of Population and Housing (CPH) throughout the province of Southern Leyte will be provided with personal protective equipment (PPEs) before they will start the census on September 1, this year.

PSA Provincial Statistical Officer Eutemio Llevado Jr. said that they will provide face masks, face shields, alcohol, as well as uniform for their identification such as t-shirts, vests, to mention a few.

He said the PPEs will be used during the face-to-face interview. The one-meter physical distancing will be observed for safety and security.

“There are a total of 727 enumerators who will be assigned in the field including the PSA field personnel,” Llevado said.

From the total number of enumerators, 536 of them hired by the statistics office are currently undergoing training by batches, Llevado said in an interview on August 13 at the PSA office.

Each enumerator targets about 16 households to be interviewed for rural areas and 18

households in the urban area in one day.

“We have given them 25 days to complete the survey,” Llevado said.

Meanwhile, the CPH training was divided into three parts. The first part focused on the instructions and procedures in filling out census questionnaires/forms including the concepts and operational definitions used in the census.

The second part presented the extensive background information on the nature of the census operation and instructions that would enable the supervisors to accomplish the tasks assigned to them while the third part focused on the discussion of the major activities and operational plans and procedures for the census undertaking.

The series of training started last July 27, 2020 which was participated in by the team supervisors, headquarter clerks in each respective municipality and the hired local enumerators.

Each training class is required to adhere to the health protocols mandated by the Department of Health as preventive measures against COVID19. (ldl/rgc/PIA-Southern Leyte)

By: Marcelo M. Pedalino MAASIN CITY -- Health Secretary Francisco Duque on Friday reported that the COVID vaccine developed

by Russia will undergo a clinical trial Phase 3 by our own Food and Drug Administration.

“We still need more information on this vaccine,” Duque said in an interview with PCOO Secretary Martin Andanar during the Laging Handa Network Briefing.

The health secretary said that when the vaccine passes Russia’s clinical trial Phase 3, “this will also be done by our FDA who will give permission to conduct a clinical trial Phase 3 where this will be injected to subjects who have given their consent” to pass through the trial.

“By that process, we will know if it passes our standards of safety, efficacy, and quality,” Duque said.

Duque thanked Russia and President Vladimir Putin for offering the vaccine to the Philippines, even as he also said US President Donald Trump tasked a top Pfizer official to give priority to the country.

These are ongoing talks and updates will surely be given to the public, Duque assured. (ldl/mmp/ PIA-Southern Leyte)

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August 1-15, 2020

AN REHIYON OCHO YANA

DOH-8 official calls for whole-of-nation approach following transmission of local cases of COVID-19 in EV By: Consuelo B. Alarcon

TACLOBAN CITY, Leyte -- An official of the Department of Health Eastern in Visayas (DOH-8) has called on all government agencies and the public to take an active part in the fight against the spread of coronavirus disease (COVID-19) as transmission of local cases are reported in 15 areas in the region.

The 15 areas with transmission of local cases due to exposure to COVID-19 patients include Tacloban City, Ormoc City, Palo, Carigara, Tanauan, Barugo, Matagob, and Dulag, all in Leyte; Villareal, Basey, Calbayog and Catbalogan City in Samar; Lawaan and Giporlos in Eastern Samar; and Almeria in Biliran province.

In a virtual presser, DOH-8 Assistant Regional Director Exuperia Sabalberino underscored the importance of the participation of government agencies and cooperation of each individual to prevent further transmission of the dreaded virus.

“We are calling for the cooperation of the different government agencies and the public. Hindi po ito laban ng illan lang. Sa panahon ngayon, kailangan po nating lahat

kumilos. Kinakailangan po natin ang whole-of-nation approach, magtulungan po tayong lahat at maging BIDA Solusyon Kontra COVID-19,” Sabalberino said.

Sabalberino mentioned the BIDA Soulusyon Campaign which promotes an active role of individuals in the fight against COVID-19 by practicing the following behaviors simplified in four (4) letters such as B - Bawal walang mask; I - Isanitize ang mga kamay, iwas hawak sa mga bagay; D - Dumistansya ng isang metro; and A - Alamin ang totoong impormasyon.

If such health protocols will be followed the transmission of the virus will be reduced up to 96 percent based on recent study, Sabalberino said.

With the increasing number of COVID-19 cases in the region, the government through the Department of Health, will implement a stricter enforcement of localized lockdowns coupled with the Coordinated Operations to Defeat Epidemic (CODE).

CODE is patient- and community-focused where the DOH will assist the LGUs through

community engagement activities to promote preventive behaviors and to address the increasing trend of cases.

It is a protocol that will begin active case finding through close coordination between DOH representatives and the local communities.

As of 8 p.m. of August 14, DOH-8 reported 75 new COVID19 cases in Eastern Visayas, bringing the total number of confirmed cases in the region to 1,539 with 993 total recoveries and 540 active cases. (ldl/ cba/PIA-8)

“Samar Island...” continued from page 3

SIPPAD is a partnership composed of different sectors – church, government, academe, civil society organizations, youth and media – in the provinces of Northern Samar, Eastern Samar and Samar headed by the three bishops in the Diocese of Borongan, Calbayog, and Catarman, who oversee the church in Samar provinces. (PIA-8)

“Yolanda housing...” continued from page 9

The housing project in Hernani is part of the P800-M housing projects of the national government intended for Yolanda victims.

Hernani, a coastal town of Eastern Samar facing the Pacific Ocean, heavily suffered the brunt of “Super Typhoon Yolanda” on November 8, 2013. (nbq/SDC/PIAE. Samar)

AN REHIYON OCHO YANA “CORDS 8...” continued from page 1

Development (SIPPAD), a multi-sectoral organization convened by the faith communities of Samar, as private sector representative in RTF8.

Del Rosario commended the officers and members of the Regional Task Force 8 to Eliminate Communist Armed Conflict for their superb accomplishments in the first semester of 2020 despite occasional setbacks and the threat of the COVID pandemic.

“I congratulate everyone in the RTFELCAC Team especially my co-vice chairs, Governor Leopoldo Dominico Petilla; Chairperson of RDC 8 and Governor Ben Evardone, Chairperson of RPOC 8; and Major General Pio Diñoso III, TWG Chairperson for a superb performance in the first half of the year and standing up to the challenges of sustaining good governance despite occasional tactical setbacks and the spread of the COVID pandemic,” Secretary Del Rosario said.

The August 14 activity was organized by the National Task ForceELCAC and was participated in by the CORDS, JRTF Vice Chairpersons, Governors, City Mayors, TWG Heads, Secretaries, CORDS Advisers, 12 National Cluster Heads, and NTF Secretariat, among others.

The activity which was presided by National Security Adviser and NTF-ELCAC Vice Chair Secretary Hermogenes Esperon Jr., aimed to apprise the CORDS and the JRTFELCAC core groups on the current security updates on Region 6, 7 and 8; to identify inter-regional peace and development gaps; harmonize and synchronize peace and development efforts of JRTFs’ target priority barangays; assess and review the current performance of JRTFs; and come up with unified and harmonized efforts of implementing the JRTFs programs, activities and projects. (PIA-8)

“ELCAC empowers...” continued from page 3

among others, which according to him, are the same problems that have long existed.

“There had been an instance when we visited barangays conducting RCSP, that the problem of the community was on the lot of the owner and right then and there, the owner donated the lot for the benefit of the community,” Rimando added.

Rimando further said that 80 percent of the barangays have already their Barangay Development Plans (BDPs).

“Through ELCAC, barangays have become enthusiastic in crafting BDPs to really address the issues in the community,” he said.

On the local Peace Engagement which the DILG is the cluster head, the director said there is a scheduled Regional Peace and Order Council Meeting, where issues on how to help LGUs through the concerted efforts of the different government agencies will be tackled.

The ELCAC efforts of the government was recently stalled due to the COVID-19 pandemic. This has now resumed since the assumption of office of RD Rimando, following the health protocols and minimum health standards set forth by the Inter-Agency Task Force on COVID-19. (LDL/GMT/ PIA-Samar)

August 1-15, 2020

13

“PSA to conduct..” continued from page 8

testing on the new innovation which is through web or online approach called Computer-Assisted Web Interviewing or CAWI. Identified enumerators for the said census were screened through written examination and interview, and have started attending the required training until the end of August, before the survey formally starts.

“The activity will also help provide job opportunity for the interviewers, especially this pandemic time where some people have lost their jobs,” Prerante said adding that the hiring of the interviewers will be localized, meaning, the interviewer will come from the area itself that is assigned for him to conduct the interview. Perante, who is optimistic of having the result by the fourth quarter or before the year ends, said the PSA will be offering enumerators’ fee which is higher than the minimum wage set by the region.

She also disclosed that per 2015 survey, Region 8 has a total population of 4,440,150, with sex ratio of above 100.

This means that there are more men than women in the region. (LDL/GTT/ PIA-Leyte)

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August 1-15, 2020

AN REHIYON OCHO YANA The Philippine Air Force thru the Tactical Operations Group 8 in coordination with the Regional Inter-Agency Task Force 8, provided personnel to assist the arrival of 80 Returning Overseas Filipinos (ROFs) from Manila to Eastern Visayas via Air Asia at DZR Airport Tacloban City at 8:39 p.m. on August 10, 2020.

Immediately, they were processed and facilitated by OWWA and successfully turned-over to their respective LGUs to undergo 14 days quarantine.

“NHA-8 provides..” continued AFP-PNP Housing Project.

Another one is for those who have from page 2 the Peace and Prosperity Village at Daja Dako in San Isidro, Leyte, which is expected to become a new community of the former rebels and farmers who do not have houses yet.

Per NHA, there were also other areas that sought the help of NHA like in Samar, where orientation has already been conducted to those who returned to the folds of the law, and have signified their intention to join the “Balik Pamilya” program.

“We have three housing options for our former rebels.

First is for them to avail of the

existing houses but do not own the lot, so the government will buy the lot and construct the house of which cost also amounts to P450,000. The last option is house repair for those who already have the house and lot,” Lauzon added.

During the Suruswerte program, Lauzon also informed about their housing program for the personnel of the Armed Forces of the Philippines, the Philippine National Police, the Bureau of Fire Protection and the Bureau of Jail Management and Penology.

Relative to this, housing units are being offered to the families of men in uniform who were slain and wounded in action.

For the Emergency Housing Assistance Program, the NHA official mentioned some housing projects for the victims of natural and man-made calamities, like the Pope Francis Village of

which beneficiaries were Typhoon Yolanda victims

“In Ormoc City, we have also provided some 1,000 housing units, while 211 units were turned-over too, in Kananga, Leyte, the areas hit by the earthquake sometime in 2016,” Lauzon said.

Just recently, NHA has turned over through Deed of Donation and Deed of Acceptance, some 1,419 completed housing projects for Typhoon Yolanda survivors. This was known as Bagong Pag-asa Subdivision Phases 1 and 2 located in Barangay Margen in Ormoc City. The turn-over ceremony was virtually witnessed by no less than the Cabinet Secretary Carlo Nograles, who is the Chairman of the Inter-agency Task Force for the Unified Implementation and Monitoring of Rehabilitation and Recovery Projects and Programs in the Yolanda-affected Areas.

The office further disclosed that on August 25, they are set to turn-over to the City Government of Tacloban some five subdivisions namely: North Hill Arbours Phases 1 and 2, St. Francis Village Phase 1 and 2, and Guadalupe Heights Phase 3.

“Other virtual turnovers are tentatively scheduled also this August in Baybay, Leyte and Basey, Samar,” Lauzon said. (LDL/ GTT/PIA-Leyte)

AN REHIYON OCHO YANA

August 1-15, 2020

15

“TESDA chief..” continued from page 4 farming activities through modern technology; enhance the use of uncultivated lands, and provide capacity building programs among farmer cooperators on entrepreneurship, and product packaging and processing.

The three Brgys. Boco, Pandol and Balagon of Can-avid have been tagged by Philippine Army (PA) as insurgency-influenced. These barangays can be reached through a motorboat ride via Can-avid River for four hours.

The PRLEC initiative is one of the convergence programs under the Executive Order No. 70 aimed to better the services of the government for communities, especially vulnerable ones, as part of the government’s efforts to promote sustainable and inclusive peace. (nbq/ SDC/PIA-E. Samar)

Tactical Operations Group 8, Philippine Airforce in coordination with RIATF 8 provided personnel to assist the arrival of 93 Returnig Overseas Filipinos (ROFs) from Manila to Eastern Visayas via Philippine Airline at 5:55 am of August 4, 2020 at DZR Airport, Tacloban City.

The said ROFs were successfully turnedover to their respective LGUs.

LCEs in E. Samar seek prayers for new confirmed COVID-19 cases By: Ninfa Barcena-Quirante

BORONGAN CITY -- Local Chief Executives of the municipalities in Eastern Samar with new confirmed COVID-19 cases seek prayers.

This as health authorities reported that the province has five new cases of COVID-19 as of 10 p.m of August 6.

In a post from Dr. Rodel Delgado of the provincial health office, he said that the new confirmed cases are tagged as follows: EV- 1117 35/F is from Lawaan, with a chronic illness, admitted in EVRMC on July 29.

She has no travel history but is a contact of a confirmed case while admitted in EVRMC. Another case is EV-1118, 29/M from Llorente, who is an LSI from Quezon City. He arrived in Eastern Samar on July 28 and developed Fever on July 29. He was transferred to ESPH on August 2 and is still admitted at present.

Still another is from Arteche town, EV-1119, 27/M, an LSI from

Calamba, Laguna. He arrived in Eastern Samar on August 1 and developed loss of smell on August 3. He is currently asymptomatic and has been isolated in Arteche since his arrival.

From Gen Macarthur is EV1120, 76/F, an LSI from Montalban, Rizal. She arrived in Eastern Samar on July 28 and developed cough on August 3. She has been isolated since arrival in General MacArthur.

And the fifth is EV-1121, 21/M still from General MacArthur, an LSI from Laguna. He arrived in Eastern Samar on July 25 and developed cough on July 30. He has been isolated since arrival in General MacArthur.

The PHO report added that all contacts of the five new confirmed cases are already in isolation.

“Let’s not panic. All patients have already been in quarantine facilities. Please continue our prayers for the

continued on page 22

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August 1-15, 2020

“Maasin City to install.” continued from page 10

a visit to Ormoc.

“The developer communicated with me . . . on Wednesday he will visit the city and present the whole system to our inter-agency task force (IATF), and to be endorsed for concurrence by the city council,” Mercado said.

“Hopefully within this month we will introduce the QR Code system into our contact tracing protocol,” he added.

By then, customers entering business, commercial establishments will no longer use ballpen in registering their names in a logbook when they buy something, as the software will already be included in one’s touch screen cellular phone as an app. For the barangays the city government will be allocating one smart phone each because the QR Code needed these kinds of phones as hardware, not the keypad analog that has no internet application, Mayor Mercado said.

In his short talk Mercado also shared the city’s covid response that included massive disinfection of public places around the city, food security allocation for the city’s 25,000 families given in five batches, mobile merkado reaching the farthest barangays, implementation of national programs on SAP and TUPPAD, and regular dishing out of baseline information through his facebook account.

He likewise acknowledged the many donations the city government received from private individuals and organizations as well as from government officials and agencies that greatly helped in easing the impact of covid in the city for the arriving LSIs, OFWs, and the well-being of medical and volunteer frontliners. (ldl/mmp/ PIA8-Southern Leyte)

AN REHIYON OCHO YANA Cokaliong Shipping Lines resumes transporting of LSIs from Cebu City to S. Leyte By: Ma. Rebecca G. Cadavos

MAASIN CITY -- A total of 171 locally stranded individuals (LSIs) from Cebu City arrived in Maasin City Port early morning of August 4, 2020 on board Cokaliong Shipping Lines.

As directed by the Provincial Inter Agency Task Force for the Management of Emerging Infectious Disease (PIATF-MEID), Cokaliong Shipping Lines resumed its operations in transporting LSIs from Cebu City to Southern Leyte.

Of the total 171 LSIs, 70 are from Maasin City.

The rest of the LSIs are distributed as follows: one (1) each from the municipalities of Hinunangan, Liloan and Hinundayan; two (2) each from San Ricardo and Tomas Oppus; Anahawan - 5; St. Bernard - 11; San Francisco - 12; Libagon - 9; Sogod

- 25; Malitbog - 3; Padre Burgos - 6; Macrohon - 17; and Limasawa - 17.

On board the ship were also LSIs from Leyte province particularly Tanauan, La Paz and Tolosa with one (1) LSI each; two (2) each from the municipalities of Bato and Hilongos; and six (6) from Hindang.

As agreed by the PIATFEID, each municipality was required to fetch their LSIs at the city port.

It was learned that all transported LSIs will be immediately placed at the LGUs quarantine/isolation facility.

The resumption of operations in transporting LSIs was based on a Memorandum Order signed by the PIATF-EID Chair Gov. Damian G. Mercado.

Mercado, in his memorandum, advised all assigned personnel to wear proper protective equipment to include face mask, face shield, among other protective gears and follow health protocols to ensure safety and security of everyone in assisting the arrival of the LSIs. (ldl/esg/rgc/PIA8-SoLeyte)

AN REHIYON OCHO YANA

August 1-15, 2020

17

Dante Navarro said the training cost is more than P3 million and will be facilbigasan livelihood project in the amount of itated by four partner tech-voc schools.

TESDA leads the government agencies P100,000, water pump, and hand tractor Hermogenes Esperon Jr., National included in the PRLEC Cluster which for the rice fields.

The City Government Security Adviser and Vice Chairperson is in charge of poverty reduction and of the National Task Force-ELCAC, and will soon start road concreting in this livelihood.

Secretary Eduardo Del Rosario, Cabinet barangay in the amount of P3 million.

The Department of Labor and

It was learned that the beneficia- Officer for Regional Development ries were formed into associations so they Employment conducted the ceremonial in Eastern Visayas and Chair of the can access government assistance. TESDA distribution of Financial Assistance to the Regional Task Force 8-ELCAC. Amguhan Association in the amount of

Baybay City Mayor Jose Carlos Regional Office 8 thru TESDA Leyte awarded skills training to the beneficiaries P997,350 for egg-laying livelihood project; L. Cari warmly welcomed the guests who were represented by their association Monterico, P990,600 for farm machineries and the beneficiaries. He disclosed project; Ampihanon, P478,000 for egg-laypresidents and barangay chairpersons. that the City of Baybay fully supports ing project; and Kabunga-an, P997,250

Awarded to Monterico the President’s EO 70 and the Task for swine production. DOLE Regional beneficiaries are skills trainings on Force-ELCAC. Director Yahya Centi said the other baProduction of High-Quality Inbred

“The City Government of rangays have not completed their requireBaybay has been giving assistance to the Rice, Seed Certification, and Farm ments yet.The Department of Trade in the survivors who are situated in four baran- Mechanization; Organic Agriculture Region has opened credit facilities without Production NCII; Bread and Pastry gays, Amguhan, Monterico, Kabungainterest and payable in 10 years, Assistant Production NC II; and Electrical an and Ampihanon,” Mayor Cari said.

Regional Director Larry Sultan said. The Installation and Maintenance NC

For Amguhan, the City Department of Agriculture (DA) has II. The beneficiaries from KabungaGovernment has provided fishpond, already distributed 1,400 certified seeds, an may avail any of the trainings they cacao, vegetables and jackfruit produc500 hybrid seeds and 1,000 corn seeds plus are qualified like Organic Agriculture tion, goat dispersal, all for the livelihood 1500 fertilizers to include urea and comProduction NC II; Small Engine of the beneficiaries who were formed into associations. The City Government Servicing Leading to Motorcycle/Small plete fertilizer to the farmer beneficiaries.

Engine Servicing NC II; and Production On August 12, DA will turnover a water is about to start the P3 million concretpump, genset and water tank to Barangay of High-Quality Inbred Rice, Seed ing of barangay road so that the baranMonterico.

Certification, and Farm Mechanization. gay will be more accessible.

On August 11, DA will turnover

The Barangay Amguhan

For Monterico, the City combined harvester for rice and corn to beneficiaries were awarded scholarships Government provided grass cutter, Barangay Kilim Farmers Association. for BPP NC II; Production of Highfishpond, swine dispersal, bigasan, feed Quality Inbred Rice, Seed Certification, It will also turn over to the City, two (2) retailing and sayote production for the and Farm Mechanization; and Organic heads of cows and some 10 heads of goat livelihood of the beneficiaries. Also, about for breeding and distribution to various Agriculture Production NCII. For to start is the concreting of road project in barangays.

Ampihanon beneficiaries, they were the amount of P3 million.

Moreover, DA has provided 500

The beneficiaries from Kabunga- awarded trainings on Small Engine; native chicken which were distributed at an were given fishpond, swine production OAP NC II; and Production of High50 each to various barangays. This is in adQuality Inbred Rice, Seed Certification, and sayote production for their livelihood. dition to seeds of high value commercial Another P3 million road concreting proj- and Farm Mechanization.

For the Caulisihan, Inopacan crops and vegetables, jackfruit planting ect is about to start in this barangay. For the beneficiaries from Barangay Ampihanon, association members, they may avail of materials, ube and coffee production and planting of lakatan variety of baany of the trainings they are qualified the City Government provided fishpond, nanas. The beneficiaries expressed their like Organic Agriculture Production gratitude to the government for iniNC II; Production of High-Quality tiating projects for the families of the Inbred Rice, Seed Certification, and Farm Mechanization; or Cookery NC victims of NPA atrocities in Inopacan during the 1980s. They truly feel that the II. For the San Juan, Mahaplag association members, they were awarded the government cares for them, they said.

(PIA-8) Organic Agriculture Production NC II training. TESDA Region 8 Director

“Whole of nation...” continued land preparation using 4-wheel tractor, for the planting of rootcrops and vegetables, from page 1

AN REHIYON OCHO YANA Batch 2 of LSIs at Red Cross COVID skills camp starts 14-day quarantine 18

August 1-15, 2020

By:Ma. Rebecca G. Cadavos

MAASIN CITY -- With the arrival of another batch of Locally Stranded Individuals (LSIs) from Cebu City early morning on August 4, 2020, the city government of Maasin turned over 30 of them to the Red Cross 143 COVID-19 Skills Camp at Danao Forest Park here.

At the Red Cross COVID camp, the LSIs will participate in different activities each day until they will be able to complete the 14day quarantine period required by the health department, same as the first batch.

On Day 1 (August 4), a leveling off, objective settings and house rules were presented, as a welcome for the said returning Maasinhons.

Day 2 was set for volunteer management orientation course; Day 3 - psycho-social support program; Day 4 - hygiene promotion,

proper handwashing and COVID19 prevention; Day 5 – “One man one tree can make a forest” tree planting activity; and for Day 5 will be allotted for the emergency first aid training.

On Day 7, the LSIs will undergo basic life support training (BLS-Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation); Day 8 - fire safety orientation; Day 9 - substance abuse prevention education program; Day 10 - gardening program; Day 11 - food security orientation; Day 12 - new normal orientation; Day 13 – retreat/recollection ; and on Day 14, the last day, will be the post deployment orientation ad graduation along with the distribution of certificates for complying the 14-day quarantine.

Maasin City Mayor Nacional V. Mercado, during the press briefing held Wedensday, August 5 at PIA Provincial Office said, with the shortage of quarantine facilities within the city, 30 of them were placed at the Red Crossmanaged facility, about 15 kilomeAt 1:04 a.m. of Aug. 10, 2020, the Philippine Air Force thru the Tactical ters away from the city Operation Group 8 in coordination with Regional Inter-Agency Task Force 8 provided personnel to assist the arrival of 72 Returning proper.

Overseas Filipinos (ROFs) from Manila to Region 8 via Air Asia at A total of DZR Airport, Tacloban City.

70 new LSIs

on board Cokaliong Shipping Lines arrived in Maasin City.

“The local government of Maasin had already utilized 33 public schools as quarantine/ isolation facilities for those LSIs and returning Overseas Filipino Workers,” Mercado said.

As of press time, LGUMaasin has 286 locally stranded individuals and 156 ROFs housed at the city’s quarantine facilities.

Meanwhile, among the participating agencies for the Red Cross 143 activities include the Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP), the Philippine National Police (PNP), Department of Health (DOH), the religious sector, the media group. (ldl/esg/rgc/ PIA8-SLeyte)

“NHA turns over...” continued from page 8 Hill Arbours Phases 1 and 2; St. Francis Village Phases 1 and 2; and Guadalupe Heights Phase 3.

Gempesson disclosed that the allocation for Tacloban City totals to 14,433 housing units for Yolanda victims. He said that the list of corresponding beneficiaries is provided

by LGU Tacloban.

Other virtual turovers are scheduled tentatively in Baybay, Leyte and Basey, Samar this month of August.

NHA is keeping up its pace and fast tracking the construction of all housing projects for Yolanda survivors in four provinces of the region that were devastated by the super typhoon in November 8, 2013. (PIA-8)

AN REHIYON OCHO YANA

August 1-15, 2020

19

Distribution of cash subsidies for ‘waitlisted’ SAP beneficiaries in EV ongoing By: Gemma T. Tabao

TACLOBAN CITY -- The Department of Social Welfare and Development in Eastern Visayas (DSWD-8) continues its distribution of the P5,000 financial subsidy under the Social Amelioration Program (SAP) to qualified waitlisted or leftout beneficiaries who were not included in the first tranche.

According to DSWD-8 S. Leyte shifts quarantine status from GCQ to Regional Director Marie Angela Gopalan, the distribution of the said MGCQ financial assistance will continue reBy: Marcelo M. Pedalino gionwide, until all the 81,434 waitlisted beneficiaries from the 129 listed municMAASIN CITY -- The provincial health and safety measures and the inter-agency task force (PIATF) has high percentage of recoveries in the ipalities are able to avail of the government’s financial assistance. decided on placing Southern Leyte province has pushed the provincial “We will make sure that all the province under the least lenient government to finally adopt the new left-out or waitlisted beneficiaries can type of quarantine status, from gen- quarantine classification.” avail of the SAP financial assistance. eral community quarantine (GCQ) Indeed, in its facebook They have just to wait for their schedule since June, to a modified general page, the provincial government so as to ensure an orderly and accurate community quarantine (MGCQ). posted 89 total recoveries and only distribution,” Gopalan said. “All the

During its second virtual 33 active cases from a high of 122 qualified left-out beneficiaries can have meeting on Friday -- the last day for confirmed positives as of August 1. their share,” she added.

Executive Order 36 -- the PIATF

The current 33 active cases With the above-mentioned came out with a new command, were distributed as follows: Maasin number of Region 8 waitlisted beneExecutive Order 38, which impleCity – 14, Pintuyan – 5, two (2) ficiaries, 38,420 of them are from the ments the MGCQ from August 1 to cases each for the municipalities of 35 Leyte municipalities. As of August August 15.

Sogod, Liloan, Saint Bernard, San

“Southern Leyte has sucJuan, Anahawan, and San Francisco, 10, 2020, some 45 municipalities in the region were already done with cessfully confined the transmission and one (1) each for the towns of the pay-out. Out of this number, six (6) to very few direct contacts of those Hinunangan and Malitbog. are Leyte towns, benefiting some 907 returning OFWs and LSIs who are

Even under MGCQ in the waitlisted families, with a total distributfound positive for COVID-19,” the latest order, basic health protocols ed amount of P4,535,000. Other Leyte 15-page order stated as one of the and operational guidelines on zonreasons for the change. ing containment strategy will still be areas included in the list are still waiting for their turn, as scheduled by DSWD in

Another rationale was that implemented, EO 38 mandated. “the positive outlook of tightened

“In preparation for the new the next few days.

The Social Amelioration normal, the provincial government Program or SAP is a cash emergency relies more on the responsive actions of the city and municipal local subsidy program of the government implemented sometime in April, governments hence giving them this year. This is intended for Filipino more responsibility on monitoring and sustaining health guidelines im- families whose lives were affected by the plementation,” the latest EO, signed Enhanced Community Quarantine due to the Covid-19 pandemic. (LDL/GTT/ continued on page 24 PIA-Leyte)

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August 1-15, 2020

Hernani town in E. Samar distributes relief goods for 2,500 family beneficiaries affected by COVID-19 By: Samuel D. Candido

BORONGAN CITY -- The local government unit of Hernani in Eastern Samar distributed relief goods to 2,500 families affected by COVID-19.

This is the third wave of relief distribution, said Mayor Amado L. Candido, with the first wave on April 3.

“We distributed one sack of rice to 2,674 families on the first and second wave,” Candido said.

“Our distribution is done through forming a single line, where beneficiaries follow the health protocols,” Candido said.

Ms. Jam I. Gida, the staff of Office of the Mayor said that the relief goods contained: 5 cans of corned beef, 4 cans meatloaf, 12 sachets milk, 4 sachets powder detergent, 4 sachets toothpaste, and 12 sachets of coffee.

Ms. Irish G. Norcio, a family beneficiary said, she thanked the LGU for the concern.

As LGU Hernani learned that there is a COVID-19 positive case in Llorente and Gen. MacArthur, it convened immediately the Municipal Inter-agency Task Force (MITF) of COVID-19 to plan and execute some measures to protect the people from being infected.

Hernani is located between the two bigger municipalities, Gen. MacArthur and Llorente which are trading

continued on page 22

AN REHIYON OCHO YANA Samar Day celebration goes non-traditional By: Golda Meir T. Tabao

CATBALOGAN CITY -- The Provincial Government of Samar adapted a non-traditional way of celebrating Panurundon: Samar Day 2020.

With the COVID-19 pandemic, the province opted to use online platforms for the different activities.

Mr. Michael Cristobal, designated provincial information officer said, “This year, we limited our activities that may engage a big crowd, that is why we utilized online platforms. We are encouraging everyone to stay at home, and watch online.”

For this year’s celebration, online competitions include Facemask Design, Digital Poster-Making, Online Singing for Kids and Adults, TikTok Dance Challenge, and Spark Samar Vlogging.

For the vloggging contest, the vlog will revolve on the Secret Kitchens of Samar, which was supposed to be launched by the Provincial Tourism Office last March, had it not for the pandemic.

“Supposedly, the core project for Tourism this year is the Secret Kitchens of Samar. We had to

postpone the launching because of the pandemic,” Mr. Cristobal said.

The Secret Kitchens of Samar features the heirloom recipes of Samarnons that are kept by families for generations and hardly shared to anybody outside their family. It is the aim of the Spark Samar Campaign to share the food of Samar and at the same time protect these heirloom recipes and establish ownership.

“We want to sustain the Secret Kitchens of Samar, that is why we incorporated it in our vlogging competition. This is our food brand and our next goal is for Samar to become the next food destination,” Cristobal shared.

For the past years, Samar Day was a grand celebration with the Samarnons anticipating the different activities.

Among the activities usually held were the Tandaya Festival, Festivals of Festivals which is a competition of festivals of the different Samar municipalities, showcasing their talents through a dance showdown. The winner of which will compete at the different festivals outside the province.

continued on page 22

AN REHIYON OCHO YANA WARAY NEWS

Rep. Abunda nagdeliver hin digital printers ha mga eskoylahan By: Ninfa Barcena-Quirante BORONGAN CITY -districts an printers basi matiIgindeliber personal ni Rep. kangan na an pag reproduce han Maria Fe Abunda an iya saad mga modules ngan may-ada na nga digital printers para hin 15 mahi-duhol ha kabataan, pag nga school districts dapit ha sur abre han klase. han probinsya, han ika 12 han

Samtang, ha iya pagkita Agosto. han pagkuri han mga magtutut Dida hin usa nga virtual do pag-alakapa han pag-reproconference han ika 10 han bulan duce han mga modules, nag pasa han Agosto, gin-ayat ni Abunda gihapon hi Abunda hin House hi Gov. Ben Evardone nga Bill 7285 nga naghihingita nga magtunga hira han gastos han matagan an mga magturutdo hin pag-reproduce han mga modules allowance yana nga panahon han nga gagamiton ha pag-abre han COVID-19. An nasabi nga HB in school year 2020-2021 yana nga aada na ha First Reading. (nbq/ ika-24 han Agosto.

PIA E. Samar with reports from

Sumala kan Cora Basada, the Baysay Este Congressional staff han kongresista, ini nga 15 Diaires) nga digital printers an ginhangyo Northern Samar Second han mga school districts basi District Engineering mabaton hagilayon an isyu han reproduction. An maabot naman Office installs rainwater 200 in mga printers gihapon nga collectors possible ha katapusan na han By: Ailene N. Diaz bulan maihatag para naman han CATARMAN, Northern Samar mga daru-dagko nga eskoylahan, -- A total of 16 Rain Water dugang niya.

Collection System will be in Gintalinguha han konstalled by the Department of gresista ha Eastern Samar nga Public Works and Highways hagilayon maihatag ha mga - Northern Samar Second nagkikinahanglan nga school District Engineering Office

August 1-15, 2020

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(DPWH-NSSDEO) in different schools, Rural Health Unit and public market within their area of jurisdiction as informed by DPWH-NSSDEO information office.

“The project is a rainwater collector or a small water utility collector which will supply school population it intends to cover.

It is a consumptive water supply that promotes water conservation method, a rain water supply system,” District Engineer Ferdinand Briones said.

Ms. Ma. Luisa Adora of the Information Office said that area beneficiaries were identified through a 5-day survey and geotagging as instructed by Asst. District Engineer Charlito S. Carlobos.

District Engineer Briones added that the selection of recipient was based on areas with limited or no source of water or schools with no existing water supply as provided by the National Anti-Poverty Commission (NAPC).

The project is in compliance with the Republic Act 6716, “An Act Providing for The Construction of Water Wells Rainwater Collectors, Development of Springs and Rehabilitation of Existing Water Wells in all Barangays and Schools in the Philippines.” (nbq/ldl/and/PIA-N. Samar)

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August 1-15, 2020

AN REHIYON OCHO YANA

“Hernani town...’” continued from page 20

“Samar Day celebration...’” continued from page 20

“LCEs in E. Samar’” continued from page 15

partners of Hernani.

Aside from the minimum health protocol, the MITF implemented a curfew.

The barangay officials and PNP will monitor the residents if they follow the health protocols, and the LGU plans to have a quarantine code system to fast track contact tracing in the municipality in case there is a COVID-19 positive.

Other prohibited acts are using karaoke and patronizing beer houses. The LGU also held an orientation of barangay officials to become members of the Municipal Contact Tracing Team.

The mayor appealed to the residents to be safe, observe health protocols, and stay home. (nbq/ SDC/ PIA-E. Samar)

Mutya ng Samar was also one of the highlights of the festivities where the beautiful ladies of Samar compete for the crown and title of Mutya ng Samar. The winners are supposed to pursue their advocacies and promote the sustainable tourism campaign of Spark Samar.

“We are not cancelling the Mutya ng Samar competition, but we postponed it to December hoping that the situation will be better by then. We do not want to draw crowd, hence, the decision to postpone,” Cristobal said.

“In December, we will be having our annual Light a Tree month-long celebration and all the rest of the activities we are supposed to have during Samar Day,” Cristobal added.

Samar Day is celebrated every 11th of the Month to commemorate the day when Queen Isabel of Spain signed the Royal Decree separating Samar from the Province of Leyte and establishing it as a separate province. (LDL/GMT/ PIA-Samar)

good health of everyone.”

In his public post, Llorente town Mayor Dan Boco said that he is saddened with the case in his town, but added that the patient just breezed in without any medical certificate, he was though admitted because of fever due to an infection of his multiple stab wounds.

Boco said that he has asked his people to strictly follow the health protocols and assured that those exposed to the patient are now in isolation for 14 days.

“Those health workers are all in PPEs as they discharge their duties,” Boco said. He appeals to all residents to continue observing health protocol and to continuously pray for the health workers. In another post of Arteche town Mayor Rolando Evardone, he said that EV 1119 is an LSI from Calamba Laguna who arrived on August 1 in a private car with two companions.

They were directed to the quarantine facility where the Mayor assured that he did not have any direct contact except with the health workers wearing complete PPEs as they were received.

On August 3, the patient felt loss of the sense of smell, which is one indication of COVID-19. Evardone said that the LGU immediately started contact tracing. On Aug. 5, the patient was swabbed with his roommate and his result was positive while his roommate yielded negative. The patient though asymptomatic is in an isolation facility in Arteche town. The mayor then urged his people not to panic, but to follow health protocols to avoid community transmission.

“I urged you to pray for EV 1119 for healing,” the mayor said in the dialect. Presently, PHO E. Samar said it has seven pending samples at the Eastern Visayas Regional COVID-19 Testing Center (EVRCTC). (nbq with reports from PHO, Arteche LGU and Llorente LGU)

At 12:38 a.m. of Aug 7, 2020, the Philippine Air Force in coordination with Regional Inter-Agency Task Force 8 provided personnel to assist the arrival of 65 Returning Overseas Filipinos from Manila to Eastern Visayas via sweeper flight Philippine Airline at DZR Airport, Tacloban City. The said ROFs were successfully turned-over to their respective LGUs to undergo 14 days quarantine.

AN REHIYON OCHO YANA August 1-15, 2020 23 roads, he is always joined in by hunBorongan City employees plant trees on dreds of his constituents.

Arbor Day Recently, about five hundred city By: Samuel D. Candido

BORONGAN CITY -- A total of 156 participants most of them employees of Borongan City led

by City Mayor Jose Ivan Dayan C. Agda, Vice-Mayor Emmanuel T. Tiu Sonco and Sangguniang Panglungsod Members planted trees on Arbor Day, July 30, 2020 at Sitio Cagsawa, Brgy. Cabalagnan, Borongan City.

According to Vicky Mae C. Gavilan, environmental management specialist II of the City Environment and Natural Resources Office (CENRO) close to 3,000 Narra trees and 2,000 more fruit bearing trees were planted.

“The city employees hiked the uphill planting area, undeterred by the muddy elevation,” Gavilan said.

During the planting of trees, the participants were also advised to observe health protocols such as: wearing of face masks and maintaining social distance.

“I thank Mayor Agda for being supportive. I did not expect that he would join the team, until reaching the elevated planting area,” the CENRO officer said.

The area consists of four project sites which are the area on assisted natural regeneration (ANR). The four projects are: reforestation project, city tree-park, wildlife rescue project, and agro-forestry projects.

Other local officials and national agencies that joined the tree planting are: Sangguniang Kabataan Officials and Brgy. Councils of Canyupay and Cabalagnan, DENR-CENRO, Philippine Army, PNP, Coast Guard, BFP, BJMP, CDRRMO, DTI, and DPWH.

The private organizations

employees, Sangguniang Kabataan federations, police officers, employthat also joined the tree planting ees from national line agencies, city are the LGBTQ team and local hall officials and employees, and bikers who were greeted with an non-government organizations 800-meter hike from the main swarmed in Barangay Tuburan’s road which offered great views of river and the whole stretch of the the verdant hills of Borongan and barangay road to pick up tons of Maydolong. garbage.

Arbor Day celebration is With his mantra, “Clean provided in the approved Ordinance and Green is the best solution to No. 119, series of 2015 which manCOVID-19,” Rep. Mercado exdates the city-wide tree planting plained that cleanliness will keep aimed in restoring the forest cover one’s immune system strong, to mitigate the impact of greenpromotes good health and enables house effect. (nbq/SDC/PIA-E. Samar with reports from Borongan one to easily combat the threats of health problems to include coronaCity Information Office) virus disease (COVID-19).

Solon advocates clean He further campaigned that cleanliness in the environment and green campaign will eventually destroy the breeding vs. COVID-19, dengue places of mosquitoes thus reducing By: Erna S. Gorne the exposure to people’s lives against MAASIN CITY -- Clean and green the deadly dengue. continued on page 24 environment has been his advocacy not only to combat climate change but to respond to the health crisis threatening the lives of the people nowadays.

Every time Representative Roger Mercado leads in the cleanup drives in rivers, swamp sites and

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August 1-15, 2020

AN REHIYON OCHO YANA “Solon advocates..” continued from page 23

Not too long, Rep. Mercado together with the Federation of Sangguniang Kabataan in Maasin City, barangay officials, among others, cleaned the swampy area in Barangay Maria Claria.

As of July 21, 2020, the Provincial Health Office reported 654 cases of dengue across the province with Maasin City getting the bulk of infected persons, it was learned.

Meanwhile, the veteran solon recently led in the massive tree planting of some 2,000 acasia mangium seedlings at the hilly mountains of Danao Peak in Malapoc Norte, on August 1, 2020, a Saturday.

As usual, he was able to gather the support of hundreds of people, who kept coming in all his initiatives, be it a planting or cleanup activity for the last 23 years.

Adhering to his other slogan, “One Man, One Tree Can Make A Forest,” the green thumb Mercado recorded to have planted nearly a million trees across the province. (ldl/ esg/PIA8 SoLeyte)

“S. Leyte shifts...” continued from page 19

by Gov. Damian Mercado, said.

Still, the defining moment of EO 38 lay in the opening of the province to outbound public transportation, to any point within Region 8, subject to specific instructions in accordance with clearly defined minimum health standards and certification of operators by the Department of Transportation (DoTr).

These include half the usual passenger capacity, no more aircon in vans, windows open during trips,

list of passengers for every trip, foot bath, thermal guns, and always wearing of facemasks, among others.

The provision on open public transport around the region had to be issued in an addendum, as the previous restrictions on outbound travel were still inadvertently retained in the new EO. (ldl/mmp/ PIA8-Southern Leyte)

CORDS 8 chairs Balik Probinsya, Bagong Pag-Asa Program Committee in Eastern Visayas (Story on page 7)