The Official Newsletter of PIA-8 and RTF-8 ELCAC
VOL II NO. 1
January 1-15, 2020
EASTERN VISAYAS RPOC BATS FOR LOCALIZED PEACE ENGAGEMENT
PALO, Leyte -- The Regional Peace and Order Council (RPOC) for Eastern Visayas is poised on taking the localized peace engagement track in ending insurgency in the region. This stand was made official during the first quarter RPOC meeting held at NEDA Region 8 Conference Room on January 13, 2020. Major General Pio Diñoso, the Vice Chair of RPOC who was the presiding officer, said the peace and order council unanimously passed a resolution that it prefers and recommends to all Provincial, City and Municipal Peace and Order Councils to tread the localized peace engagement track. “There was a long discussion on the recommendation
(L-R) PBGEN Ferdinand O. Divina, PNP PRO-8 regional director; MGEN Pio Q. Diñoso, 8ID commander and RPOC EV co-vice chairperson; DILG Asec Marivel Sacendoncillo; and DILG-8 Regional Director Artemio B. Caneja. (Raul Tiozon, Jr./ PIA-8)
of the Army for the RPOC to take the position of Mayor Sara Duterte for the government to
cease peace negotiations with the CPP-NPA that was also supported by other LCEs like Gov. Nelson Dayanghirang of Davao Oriental,” Leyte Task Force-ELCAC story Major Gen. Diñoso said. The Philippine Army TACLOBAN CITY -- For almost entitled to the lot that they tilled. 19 years, the farmers/surfacing However, by virtue of a court order, commander in the Region justified rebels occupying the Larrazabal the farmers/surfacing rebels have to that during the recent ceasefire, the NPA attempted to ambush by lots in Sitio Airport and Sitio vacate the land. landmines troops of 8ID in CalCabatoan, Barangay Casiongan, This situation could have biga but this move was thwarted Calubian, Leyte; Sitio Catoogan, provoked insurgency. This situaby the people who informed the Barangay Daja Daku, San Isidro, tion could have made the farmers/ Army of the plan. Leyte; Sitio Crossing, Barangay surfacing rebels to return to the Also, hours before the Taglawigan, San Isidro, Leyte; Sitio mountains. ceasefire took effect, they am40, Barangay Jubay, Calubian, Leyte Governor Leopoldo bushed a PNP vehicle killing 1 and Sitio Sorosimbahan, Barangay Dominico “Mic” Petilla was quick policeman and 3 civilians. Anislagan, Calubian, Leyte, ento come to the rescue by offering tertained the thought that they are continued on page 20 “These show that local rebels do
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January 1-15, 2020
Task Force-ELCAC continues to make a difference in hinterland folks’ lives TACLOBAN CITY -- For the 361 residents of Barangay Hibacaan in the remote, landlocked town of San Jose de Buan in Samar province, January 4, 2020 was a special day. It was the graduation day for some 74 residents who were given the opportunity to be trained on Organic Hogs Raising, Organic Fertilizer Production and Bread Making. This will provide them livelihood oppotunities for sustainable income or supplemental income, thanks to the Samar Provincial Task Force-ELCAC Poverty Reduction Livelihood and Employment Cluster headed by TESDA Samar and the San Jose de Buan Municipal Task Force-ELCAC. On this day, the Cluster members had to travel two and a half hours from Catbalogan to San Jose de Buan town proper and another 25 minutes to Hibacaan. At the Hibacaan Covered Court, the candidates for graduation, 24 for Bread Making, 25 for Production of Organic Fertilizer and 25 for Organic Hog Raising, were waiting. The Graduation Ceremony with the Distribution of Allowance for the participants and Distribution of Tool kits for Organic Fertilizer Production was participated by TESDA Samar headed by Engr.
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AN REHIYON OCHO YANA
PRO 8 bares 2019 accomplishments By: Consuelo B. Alarcon PALO, Leyte, Jan. 9 (PIA) -- The Police Regional Office 8 (PRO 8) recently bared its 2019 accomplishment report. A press statement released on Tuesday by PRO8 revealed a notable accomplishment from January to December 2019 showing big success in police operations. “We will continue our efforts in combating criminalities in the region to maintain the safety and security of the community,” PNP 8 Regional Director Police Brig. General Ferdinand O. Divina said. Records showed that a total of 3,538 warrants of arrest were implemented last year resulting to the arrest of 3,357 wanted
persons. Among those who were arrested were 318 individuals who belong to the Top 10 Most Wanted Persons in Eastern Visayas. Police authorities in the region also conducted 620 police operations on Double Barrel Reloaded resulting to the arrest of 711 drug personalities, 607 were under watchlist while 104 are considered as newly-identified drug personalities. Meanwhile, 397 drug personalities voluntarily surrendered to police authorities. Seventeen drug personalities under watch list were neutralized during police operations. As to anti-iilegal gambling
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January 1-15, 2020
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EVRMC extends quality health services to Villaba Polyclinic By: Rodrigo S. Victoria
TESDA-8 Samar Provincial Director Engr. Enrico Banario confirmed the graduates and awarded the training certificates with Hon. Eva L. Castillo, Vice Mayor of Calbiga; LTC Rhomel R Langcauon, CO of 46IB; Ms. Delia Mabansag, PESO Calbiga; Mr. Danilo Miralles and Erick Mabajen.
For 75 folks in conflict-stricken village in Samar, better life in 2020
TACLOBAN CITY, Jan. 3 (PIA) - Some 75 residents of Barangay Guimbanga, one of the 11 priority barangays in Calbiga, Samar, are looking forward to a better life for them and their families in 2020. This is so as several days before New Year, they successfully completed their livelihood trainings and received their certificates of completion in a simple graduation rites held at the Pavillion, Brgy. Letiron, Calbiga, Samar. The graduates expressed their gratitude for the sincerity of the government to uplift their lives and improve their well-being in the society. Of the 75 graduates, twenty five (25) students finished their training on Raised Meat Type Animals (Leading to Organic Agriculture Production NC-II); twenty five (25) in Producing Organic Fertilizer; and twenty five (25) in Producing Various Concoctions and Extracts. Aside from their certificates, the graduates received tools as part of their starter kits: 50 Knapsack Sprayers, 50 weighing
scales, 25 Shovels, 25 Spading Forks, 25 Sprinkles and 25 Measuring Cups. The skills training towards employment program is part of the Executive Order Number 70 to End Local Communist Armed Conflict in the Province of Samar to rebuild the community into a better place to live. The trainings were conducted by the Bosis Family Rural Farm School from September 25- October 03 2019 through the TESDA-Samar, lead of the Poverty Reduction and Employment Cluster (PRLEC) of the Samar Provincial Task Force to End Local Communist Armed Conflict and the Calbiga Municipal Task Force- ELCAC. No less than TESDA-8 Provincial Director Engr. Enrico Banario confirmed the graduates and awarded the training certificates with Hon. . Eva L. Castillo, Vice Mayor of Calbiga, LTC Rhomel R Langcauon, CO of 46IB, Ms. Delia Mabansag, PESO Calbiga, Mr. Danilo Miralles and Erick Mabajen. (PIA8)
CABUNGAHAN, Villaba, Leyte -Villabanons will not only receive the usual health care services beginning this year, but the kind of health services at par with the quality health services provided by the Eastern Visayas Regional Medical Center (EVRMC). This after the Villaba Polyclinic located in Barangay Cabungahan this town, was inaugurated on Saturday, January 4. The P25 million worth Villaba Polyclinic, which is a primary health care facility, caters to outpatient services with available diagnostic tests and consultation services from specialized doctors from the EVRMC. It has rooms for consultations, laboratory and minor OR and eventually will have a birthing facility in the next phase, said John Paul Roca, information officerof the Department of Heath 8 (DOH-8). Dr. Salvadore Evardone, EVRMC medical center chief, informed during the inauguration, that the polyclinic will be fully operational by March this year with the EVRMC medical doctors visiting every week to conduct consultation services. “We are committed to provide quality and accessible care services,� Evardone emphasized in his acceptance speech adding that the polyclinic is part of their deliverables which is expected to have breakthrough results, even
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January 1-15, 2020
New Villaba Port to improve town’s economy By: Rodrigo S. Victoria
SILAD, Villaba, Leyte -- The opening of the newly inaugurated Villaba Port located in Barangay Silad this town, is seen as a vital catalyst in improving the local economy. Congressman Vicente “Ching” Veloso of the 3rd District of Leyte, told reporters that the newly inaugurated Villaba Port would be a big factor in boosting the local economy as he envisioned it to be the new seaport hub in the Visayas and a gateway to the identified famous island destinations in the northwest part of Leyte province. The Villaba Port, which is approximately 31.48 nautical miles to Tabogon, Cebu; 28.61 nautical miles to Polambato, Cebu; and 22.49 nautical miles to Maya Malapascua, Cebu, could cater the following sea routes : VillabaCebu, Villaba-Bohol, and VillabaDumaguete, Veloso said in an interview. “The Villaba Port would definitely serve as an alternate route to passengers from the neighboring towns in Leyte province in going to Cebu,” Veloso pointed out as the port is only two kilometers from Lemon.
Power in 7 Samar towns restored By: Golda Meir T. Tabao
CATBALOGAN CITY -- Seven municipalities in the Second District of Samar now have stable power connection after the onslaught of Typhoon Ursula last December 24, 2019 based on the Power Restoration Report of the Samar II Electric Cooperative (SAMELCO II) as of Sunday. The said typhoon caused several damage to power lines and caused power outage since. The estimated damage totalled to P19,817,484 with the municipality of Sta. Rita having the biggest damage amounting to P4,053,719. At present, the municipalities of Hinabangan, Jiabong, Talalora, Motiong, Paranas, San Sebastian, San Jose de Buan are 100 percent energized. This totals to 22,177 households whose power lines were restored. On the other hand, Catbalogan City has a 98 percent completion rate wherein 56 out of 57 barangays have been energized. Brgy. Basiao, an island barangay, is the lone barangay yet to be powered. Basiao is nearer to Zumarraga and connects its line from one of the barangays of the latter, which is yet to be powered, continued on page 14 too. Moreover, Basey already has 47 percent of energized barangays, Calbiga with 80 percent, Marabut with 79 percent, Pinabacdao with 75 percent, Sta. Rita with 68 percent, Villareal with 74 percent, Zumarraga with
Veloso also envisioned the Cebu- Villaba-Matnog RoRo sea route as he observed a “bottleneck” on said sea route. He said the Cebu-VillabaMatnog would cut the travel time from those travelling from Mindanao to Luzon and an advantage to merchants bringing their goods to and fro. The newly inaugurated Villaba Port funded by the Department of Transportation (DOTr) consisting of the Villaba Port Development Project at P18, 599, 572.41 and the Continuation of Improvement Villaba Municipal Port Project, is also poised to serve as gateway to famous island destinations of Kalanggaman, Malapascua, Dawahon, Libagon, Carnasa in Leyte, and in Higatangan and Sambawan in Biliran. He already have an initial talk with Mr. Bong Omega of the Roble Shipping Lines and Ms. Mary Andrescio of the SuperCat, who attended the inauguration, for the provision of boats to serve the Villaba Port. DOTr Asec for Maritime Lino Dabi, PCG Commodore
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E. Samar officials continue relief operations to families affected by Typhoon Ursula By: Samuel D. Candido
BORONGAN CITY -- Eastern Samar officials led by Gov. Ben Evardone and Rep. Maria Fe R. Abunda continue doing relief operations in areas damaged by Typhoon Ursula on December 24, 2019. Maria Myrla C. Arma, Local Disaster Risk Reduction Management Officer (LDRRMOIII) said that some 11,530 food packs were distributed to affected families and 900 sacks of NFA rice were distributed to eight municipalities of Eastern Samar. Arma disclosed that the provincial government dispatched and distributed relief packs in Guiuan on December 27, 2019 with 200 sacks of NFA rice. On January 2-3, 2020 food packs with kilos of rice, noodles, sardines, corned beef, beef loaf, and coffee were given to 5,782 affected families in 23 hardly hit barangays. In Mercedes town, some 75 sacks of NFA rice, were given while in Salcedo town 150 sacks of NFA rice and food packs to 2,511 families in 15 barangays.
In Balangkayan town, officials gave out 100 sacks of NFA rice and food packs for 2,266 families in eight barangays. In Maydolong town, some 100 sacks of NFA rice were also given. In Llorente town, they gave out 100 sacks of NFA rice and food packs to 971 families. In Hernani town, some 75 sacks of NFA rice were dispatched and in Giporlos town, another 100 sacks of NFA rice. Arma added that the repacking of relief goods is still
Gov. Ben Evardone with other officials is about to distribute releief packs to Estehanons affected by Typhoon Ursula. (Photo sourced out from Ben Evardone FB account)
on-going and the distribution will continue to the municipalities affected by Typhoon Ursula. “As of January 11, 2020, the total number of affected families given food packs totaled to 11,530 and 900 sacks of NFA rice distributed to victims of Typhoon Ursula,” Arma said. This is done so that, “No Estehanon should go hungry,” according to Gov. Evardone. Based on the report of Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction Management Officer (PDRRMO) Ma. Josefina C. Titong some 63,563 families were affected by the typhoon in Eastern Samar. The PDRRMC also reported that the Province of Leyte through Governor Dominico L. Petilla donated 100 sacks of commercial rice for the victims of Typhoon Ursula. (nbq/SDC/PIAE. Samar)
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AN REHIYON OCHO YANA
PRO8 estimates P5.4-M damage to PNP buildings during Typhoon Ursula By: PNP 8
CAMP RUPERTO KANGLEON, Palo, Leyte -- Several PNP Buildings in Eastern Visayas were recorded to have been damaged during the onslaught of Typhoon Ursula on December 24, 2019 with an estimated amount of PHP 5, 473, 920. 65 according to the Office of the Regional Engineering Unit 8. Among the damages incurred are the following: damaged gutter; ceiling; scaffolding; roofing; painting; lamp post; ceiling eaves; purlins and fascia; detached service drop wire; water leak at flooring; broken glass doors; windows and light bulbs; and slight concrete damage due to soil scouring. For Regional Headquarters, the estimated amount of damage is P528,784; Samar Police Provincial Office, P1,674,813; Eastern Samar Police Provincial Office, P1,687,460; Leyte Police Provincial Office, P1,273,373.65; Biliran Police Provincial Office, P250,190; Tacloban City Police office, P24,900; and Ormoc City Police Office, P34,400. Of all the Police Provincial Offices, only the province of Northern Samar has no reported damage. Of this estimated worth, the items needed for repair even before the onslaught of Ursula was also included. “The damage caused by Ursula will not hamper our effective and efficient delivery of public service to the community.
ESAMELCO energizes 70,000 households in E. Samar By: Ninfa Barcena-Quirante BORONGAN CITY -- The Eastern Samar Electric Cooperative (ESAMELCO) reported that it has energized 70% of the barangays and energized 78% of the households in Eastern Samar, affected by Typhoon Ursula. In the social media account of Esamelco To Serve, it announced that Total No. of Fully Restored/ Energized Barangays is 405 and the total number of households restored/energized is 70,646. The electric coop added that the target date of total power PNP-PRO8 hopes for a faster release of funds for the immediate repair of above-mentioned damage,” PBGEN Ferdinand O. Divina, regional director said. Should you have any inquiry, please contact us through the following social media accounts and Facebook Accounts: Pulis Rehiyon VIII or Facebook Page: Police Regional Office 8 or YouTube Channel: Pulis Otso (The Official YouTube Channel of PRO8). (PNP PRO8)
restoration is on January 15, 2020. “In addition to SURSECO 1 & 2, SURNECO, ASELCO and ANECO, FIBECO and SOLECO also reached out their hands to help us,” General Manager Jose Michael Edwin Amancio said. He also extended his sincerest gratitude to all electric cooperatives who sent out their workforce to help the people in Eastern Samar. He then appealed to Estehanons: “Let us all pray for the safety and success of this restoration.” (nbq/ESamelco To Serve)
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January 1-15, 2020
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Zero fire incident recorded in Samar By: Golda Meir T. Tabao
CATBALOGAN CITY -- Zero fire incident was recorded in the province of Samar per information gathered from the Bureau of Fire Protection-Samar Provincial Office. Provincial Fire Marshal Insp. Joselito M. Manog said, “We had an intensified fire safety and information dissemination campaign this year.” Every Fire Station was directed to visit and have a public address at fire prone areas, distribute fire safety leaflets, and provide visibility especially during the 24th and 31st of December. In Catbalogan City, fire trucks roamed around the city playing jingles and reminders to have a fire safe community. Manog also shared that there was a designated area for firecracker vendors at San Roque St., near the Department of Justice Hall.
The vendors were required to have a special permit from BFP, PNP and the City Mayor’s Office. “We had a team that secured the area day and night in case of any untoward incident. Also, there had been no illegal fire crackers sold and seized as the vendors were well-aware of the prohibited fire crackers upon application of a permit,” Manog added. The monitoring officially started last December 16, 2019 up until January 3, 2020, while BFP was in full alert status starting December 23, 2019 to January 1, 2020. Insp. Manog, however, reminded the public that fire safety should be an everyday practice even if the holiday season is over. In 2019, there had been 11 fire occurrences wherein one occurred at 12:35 in the morning of January 2. (nbq/GMT/PIA-Samar)
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Maasin City grants discounts to early taxpayers By: Ma. Rebecca G. Cadavos MAASIN CITY -- As the year 2020 has started, the City Treasurer’s Office in Maasin announced to the public to pay their real property taxes early for this year in order to avail of discounts. Acting City Treasurer Imelda A. Bandibas said in a short interview that tax discounts will be granted to those who will pay their real property tax early. These include a 20 percent tax discount if paid not earlier than January 31, 2020; 15 percent discount if paid not later than February 28; and 10 percent discount if paid not later than March 31, this year. “Failure to pay tax on or before the dates indicated will mean that taxpayers will pay an interest at the rate of two percent for each month of delinquency until the delinquent taxes will be fully paid,” Bandibas clarified. The basic real property tax and the additional 1 percent Special Education Fund (SEF) tax will be paid simultaneously, Bandibas added. The city government will also allow quarterly payment for real property tax scheduled as follows: 1st installment will be on or before March 31; 2nd installment – on or before June 30; 3rd installment – on or before September; and on or before December 2020 for the fourth installment.
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NMP launches new Mobile App
TACLOBAN CITY -- With the advent of modern technology, the National Maritime Polytechnic (NMP) has rolled out a new mobile app entitled NMP App which aimed to aid its stakeholders in verifying the authenticity of NMP-issued certificates. Its dashboard displays the options to verify the authenticity of a certificate by using the name and birth date of the trainee, certificate number and other pertinent information. The app also features a side function which allows trainees to verify if they are already enrolled in their preferred schedule for Professional Development Courses (PDC), namely: Training Course for Instructors (IMO Model Course 6.09); Assessment, Examination and Certification
of Seafarers (IMO Model Course 3.12); and Training Course for Simulator Instructors (IMO Model Course 6.10). “The app is very useful, good, and convenient to all trainees of NMP,” said Donald A. Cosep, a trainee, when asked for his feedback during the mobile app launching on December 13, 2019 at the NMP Training Building The mobile app is a free service for NMP stakeholders with Android devices and gadgets. It is available for download in Google Play Store. Any misuse or manipulation of the personal data provided in the search result will be subjected to Republic Act 10173 otherwise known as the “Data Privacy Act (DPA) of 2012, its Implementing Rules and Regulations (IRR), and other relevant policies, including issuances of the National Privacy Commission (NPC). It is the policy of NMP to respect and uphold the data privacy rights and to ensure that all data collected from its trainees and other third party individuals are processed pursuant to the general principles of transparency, legitimate purpose, and proportionality as stated in the DPA. The NMP app will be updat ed should there a need to include other features. (NMP)
DPWH reports of a new landslide in Wright-Taft Road By: Ninfa Barcena-Quirante BORONGAN CITY -- The Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) Eastern Samar District Office reported that a new rockslide/landslide happened at 1:00 a.m January 7, 2020 in Brgy. Binaloan, Taft, E. Samar. The 8,000 cu/m of land mass is preventing vehicles from passing though the Wright-Taft Road. Engr. Jayson Espeso, information officer said that this is the third landslide in the area since January 3, 2020 due to heavy rains. At 3:00 p.m on January 3, 2020, a landslide prevented a van and a JM bus liner to pass through the area, so the passengers reportedly left the vehicles. As the rrains continued, another volume of rocks and mud covered the road damaging the bus and the van waiting for the clearing ops. Luckily, the passengers have vacated the vehicles earlier, so that no one was hurt. DPWH advised motorists to take the Basey-LawaanBuenavista Road for the meantime. Engineering districts from Samar, Eastern Samar and
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January 1-15, 2020
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BFP Catarman to impose fire prevention initiatives in communities By: Ailene N. Diaz CATARMAN, Northern Samar -- The Bureau of Fire Protection Catarman will impose fire prevention measures and initiatives in the grassroots and strengthen the community as partners in ensuring safety against destructive fires. This was learned from Fire Inspector Darwin Orsolino, the acting municipal fire marshal of the Capital town of the province and the cluster town of Bobon, during the PIA hosted radio program at DYSM on January 11, 2020. “In response to DILG Circular 2019-40, on the implementation of Oplan Ligtas na Pamayanan, we will pursue the four programs as mandated,” Orsolino said. “The four programs under the Oplan Ligtas na Pamayanan include, Handang Pamayanan where we are to assist the barangay in the crafting and formulation of the community fire protection plan, the Bayanihan where we are to organize community fire auxiliary group or barangay volunteer fire brigade.” Another, is the Lingap program where we will conduct house to house campaign, to assess hazards and lastly, the Kaagapay program where we will designate BFP personnel who will assist the barangay on its operation,” Orsolino explained. As reported, “the three
Zero firecracker injury in So. Leyte, PNP reports By: Marcelo M. Pedalino
MAASIN CITY, Southern Leyte -- For three straight years, the province registered no casualty during the traditional noisy revelry in welcoming the new year as the clock strikes midnight on December 31. According to Police Corporal Jason Roa of the Southern Leyte police provincial office (SLPPO), there was no report reaching police stations in the field of any victim of fireworks over the past 48 hours. In a phone interview, Roa said they are monitoring the situation from the field every three hours since December 24, and thus far the results were negative. But their monitoring will still be until January 5, 2020, Sunday, Roa added. continued on page 18 Over the past two years,
as the clock stroke past midnight to welcome 2019 and 2018, there were also no reports of people being brought to hospitals for suffering firecracker blasts in the city and elsewhere in the province. Concerned government agencies such as the Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP) and the police have been strict in enforcing the ban on the sale of illegal firecrackers, regularly checking up on vendors to ensure safety. Many had observed that the loudest noise at the height of the new year celebration peaked in less than ten minutes, and most of those noise were fireworks display. (mmp/PIA8-Southern Leyte)
AN REHIYON OCHO YANA DTI calls on starting business owners to register business name 10
January 1-15, 2020
By: Samuel D. Candido BORONGAN CITY -- The Department of Trade and Industry - Eastern Samar Provincial Field Office (DTIEastern Samar) calls on starting business owners to register their business name as well as to renew their business registration in one-stop-shop or in the Negosyo Centers.
Senior Trade and Industry Development Specialist (STIDS) Ligaya C. Catuday said that business name registration gives business owners an exclusive ownership to their business name. Catuday said, submitting applications to register business name by starting business
owners this January 2020 is timely. This started on January 02, 2017 and will end on January 20, 2020. She also disclosed that getting a business name in DTI is the first step to secure a Mayor’s Permit and is also used to register at the Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR). She further said that the BJMP-S. Leyte reports no jailbreak during City of Borongan as well as other municipalities of Eastern Samar holiday season regularly put up a one-stop By: Erna S. Gorne shop for processing the Mayor’s MAASIN CITY -- The Bureau of Christmas and New Year celePermit. Included in the one-stop Jail Management and Penelogy brations in the locality. shop are departments of the (BJMP) in Southern Leyte reported “There is no incident city or municipal government no jailbreak during the holiday sea- of escape reported among the and some government agencies son throughout the province. Persons Deprived of Liberties which are part in licensing like Adhering to the official (PDLs),” he said. DTI, PhilHealth, BFP, PNP, SSS, message of BJMP Chief Gen. There were no case of inand DOH. Allan Iral, who vowed that there discriminate firing among their “Those who have no will be no jailbreaks for the rest personnel who were issued with Negosyo Center, are advised to of the holiday season, BJMP firearms, Sonon added. register in the nearby Negosyo Southern Leyte conducted jail Jail Supt Sonon also led Center,” Catuday said. inspections in all its three disin the inspection of two other In Eastern Samar, there are trict jail facilities. BJMP-managed jails in the provtwelve municipalities and one Jail Provincial ince -- the Sogod District and city who have Negosyo Center. Administrator Superintendent San Juan District jails. They are Guiuan, Salcedo, Rill Fabella Sonon, who is also BJMP was on red alert Lawaan, Giporlos, Gen. Macthe Maasin City Jail Warden status from December 23, 2019 arthur, Maydolong, Borongan assured the public of 100 percent until January 2, 2020, hence, no City, San-Julian, Can-avid, no breach of security in jails continued on page 18 Dolores, Oras, Maslog, and during the recently concluded Arteche. She added that fee for registering the business name depends on its territorial scope. In the barangay level, the amount is P215; in municipalities and cities, P515; regional, P1,015; and national is P 2,015. The permit gets released
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January 1-15, 2020
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OWWA-8 releases calamity assistance to OFW families in Northern Samar By: Ailene N. Diaz
CATARMAN, Northern Samar -- The Overseas Workers Welfare Administration - Regional Welfare Office 8 (OWWA-RWO 8) sets two weeks for the release of cash assistance, starting today, to the families of Overseas Filipino Workers (OFWs) affected by “Typhoon Tisoy” which hit the province on December 2, 2019. OWWA-8 Regional Director Sergio B. Borgueta Jr. said, the Welfare Assistance Program – Calamity is a financial assistance amounting to P3,000 given to victims of calamity. “OFWs of active membership and residents of Northern Samar can avail of the assistance. Active members, meaning, those OFWs whose last payment of contribution is still within the two-year period of membership when the calamity struck,” Borgueta emphasized. Qualified to claim the cash assistance are OFW, spouse, children of legal age and parent of single OFW. Once validated as active, they have to accomplish Claim Form and submit with identification card, proof of relationship if the applicant is an OFW dependent, ID picture and barangay certification. Around 12 OWWA staff from the regional office headed by the regional director will facilitate the release of the cash assistance on the following schedules and venues: January 6-10 at
Ibabao Hall, Provincial Capitol; January 11-12 at NSPESO, DA Compound; and January 13-17 at Ibabao Hall, Provincial Capitol. Borgueta said there are
more benefits and programs in store for OFWs during the administration of President Rodrigo Roa Duterte. (LDL/ ADiaz/PIA-8, Northern Samar)
PNP-8, LGU South Leyte plan site for chopper base By: Marcelo M. Pedalino
MAASIN CITY -- The regional office of the Philippine National Police (PNP) in Eastern Visayas is working closely with the provincial government of Southern Leyte for a sizeable lot where a hangar for air power capability would be built. This was the main subject of discussion when Police Brig. Gen. Ferdinand Divina, PNP-8 regional director, visited Gov. Damian Mercado in a courtesy call Thursday, January 2. Present during the meeting at the governor’s office were Police Col. Nelson Eucogco, PNP provincial director, and the members of the Sangguniang Panlalawigan. In a follow-up telephone interview, PCol. Eucogco said the PNP regional office was looking for an area to build a
structure that will house two helicopter units. The vicinity of the airport in barangay Panan-awan was considered for its safe location during inclement weather, as well as easy access to respond for calls in neighboring Leyte towns, Eucogco reported. The two choppers were already procured by the PNP and what is lacking is the sizeable lot where a hangar would be put up, Eucogco disclosed, adding that procurement of the desired lot by the provincial government is now under negotiation. As soon as the lot shall have been formally purchased,
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AN REHIYON OCHO YANA “Task Force ELCAC..” continued from page 2
Advance payments for PhilHealth-accredited hospitals to take effect soon By: Ma. Rebecca G. Cadavos
MAASIN CITY -- An advance payment to hospitals will be implemented soon by the Philippine Health (PhilHealth) Insurance, according to Chief Social Insurance Officer Misael F. Paigan during the PIA Kapihan program held on Friday, January 10. “PhilHealth will give an advance payment to hospitals for the prospective payments of patients covered by PhilHealth,” Paigan said before the local media at the Kapihan held at the PIA southern Leyte Office. The amount to be given to hospitals accredited by PhilHealth will be computed three years back, and the average amount will be considered as an advanced payment to hospitals, Paigan clarified. “Patients should not worry on their hospital expenses because the government has done everything for their health care benefits,” Paigan said. He mentioned some assistance from other government
agencies, such as the Philippine Charity Sweepstakes, the Malasakit Center at the Provincial Hospital here, the local social welfare office through the Assistance to Individuals in Crisis Situation (AICS), aside from PhilHealth. On the other hand, Paigan also encouraged the members during the Kapihan, which was live over radio station DyDM, to pay their contributions in advance for at least three years to avoid the rate increase every year. “They will pay the prevailing rate for this year if they will pay in advance for at least three years,” he said. The Kapihan program was hosted by PIA Info Center Manager Erna Sy. Gorne together with the local media and PhilHealth Insurance Agent Romulo S. Carbonilla Jr. (LDL/ RGC/PIA-8, Southern Leyte)
Enrico C. Banario, Provincial Director; DepEd; SOS Children’s Village Calbayog; LGU of San Jose de Buan, Samar headed by Mayor Joaquin R. Elizalde; 801st Infantry Brigade under Col. Camilo Z. Ligayo, Commander, together with the 87IB under Lt. Col. Reynaldo B. Balido Jr, Commander. The tool kits which were distributed to each graduates of Organic Fertilizer Production consist of 1 pc Knapsack sprayer, 1 pc Weighing scale, 1 pc Shovel, 1 pc spading fork, 1 pc Sprinkles and 1 pc Measuring cup. To recall, the Eastern Visayas Regional Task Force on Ending Local Armed Conflict through the Samar Provincial Task Force, conducted barangay consultation at Barangay Hibacaan, San Jose de Buan, Samar on September 26, 2019. The barangay consultation was conducted in order to identify and validate the livelihood programs needed by the residents as part of the efforts of the Poverty Reduction, Livelihood and Employment Cluster of the Task Force through the Samar Provincial Task Force in coordination with the San Jose de Buan Municipal Task Force. Barangay Hibacaan has been identified as one of the priority areas for convergence in the implementation of the whole of nation approach as mandated by EO No. 70. (PIA-8)
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EVFIT, DICT spur tripartite MOA signing for trainors training on ERP software dev’t in EV By: Leonilo D. Lopido
TACLOBAN CITY -- In an effort to promote human resource development as one of its primary focus in region 8 this year, the Eastern Visayas Federation for Information Technology (EVFIT) and the Department of Information and Communications Technology 8 (DICT-8) witnessed the tripartite signing of a Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) in December last year for the conduct of the first batch Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) Software Development Training for trainors, industry practitioners and university/college professors. According to Oliver Cam, EVFIT president, the MOA signing formalizes the training agreements between the three partners – Ama Computer Learning Center (ACLC) Tacloban which is the local partner, WeSupport Services and Tech Mahindra which are the partners at the national level. “The important significance of this MOA signing is to open up opportunities and bring in this relevant updated industry training down to our level here (Eastern Visayas) so that our graduates whether it’s in the high school level or out-of-school youths or even college graduates can actually update their skills to what is actually needed by industries so that their employability and skills level is now at par with what is required in industry at the national and even at the
international level,” Cam said. Cam said since EVFIT is exploring how EVFIT can be relevant to the local community here in the region despite limitations in terms of infrastructure, the ICT council is optimistic to make the best way it can do. “What we can do right now is to prepare and focus on the human resource development aspect,” he said, adding that EVFIT wanted to replicate said training to make it a regular activity throughout the year aside from its plan of hosting an ICT Summit. “We really look forward to the three partners to work together to really bring the training of enterprise resource planning software development, which is again end-to-end, full stack, meaning from front-end to back-end development, all is done in one training and the focus initially is to train
the trainors,” Cam further said. EVFIT will be focusing on potential trainors -- lecturers or teachers from ACLC and other schools in the region -- who are interested to get their skills updated. For his part, DICT Regional Director for Central and Eastern Visayas Leo Cipriano Urbiztondo also expressed view on how can academe compensate and how can Eastern Visayas as well contribute the need of the industry in terms of human resource readiness. “The main purpose is to revitalize the ICT Council and how can the council and the DICT collaborate so that it can improve the ICT industry for the region and how we can produce jobready skilled people from Region 8,” Urbiztondo said.
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Mr. Oliver Cam (extreme left), president of the Eastern Visayas Federation for Information Technology (EVFIT) and Regional Director Leo Cipriano Urbiztondo (extreme right) of the the Department of Information and Communications Technology for Central and Eastern Visayas together with other agencies witness the tripartite signing of a Memorandum of Agreement for the conduct of the first batch Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) Software Development Training for trainors, industry practitioners and university/college professors in Eastern Visayas. (Photo courtesy of Mr. Oliver Cam)
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“New Villaba port...” continued from page 4
Normando D. Reyes, Marina Administrator Vice-Admiral Narciso Dingson, Dr. Rey Martinez, representing Davao City Mayor Sara DuterteCarpio, and PPA Port Manager Engr. Manuel Boholano who attended the inauguration of the Villaba Port, have expressed full support and assistance to the further development and improvement of the newly inaugurated port. “Walang bayad ang mangarap” (to dream entails no payment), Congressman Veloso, who is on his second term of the 3rd District of Leyte, pointed out to media on his dream of making Villaba as a city with this development. (LDL/RSV/PIA-8, Biliran)
AN REHIYON OCHO YANA “Power..” continued from page 4 76 percent, and Daram with 34 percent. A total of 411 out 524 barangays or 76,061 out of 90,190 households whose power lines have been restored in the district. Daram, an island municipality, has a low completion rate as the restoration is done manually including the transfer and installation of electrical posts. A Power Restoration Rapid Deployment (PRRD) Taskforce has likewise been deployed in three teams to the badly hit municipalities of Basey, Marabut and Sta. Rita. The PRRD Taskforce is composed of around 78 linemen from Samar Electric Cooperative I (SAMELCO I), Leyte Electric Cooperative IV (LEYECO IV), Siargao Electric Cooperative (SIARELCO), Dinagat Island Electric Cooperative (DIELCO), Davao del Norte Electric Cooperative (DANECO) and Bukidnon Second Electric Cooperative (BUSECO). Aside from the linemen, these
electric cooperatives also brought with them boom trucks and other heavy equipment. SAMELCO II asks the understanding of the community in their efforts to restore power lines. “As much as we want to accommodate the requests of consumers who wish for their households to be energized, we follow a restoration procedure,” Dickson Q. Bernales, Member Education Division Supervisor of SAMELCO II said. “We prioritize our backbone line which traverses to the city and town proper areas as there is a necessity to energize the offices especially the City and Municipal Halls. After the backbone lines, there is the lateral lines that now enters the barangays. The third priority is cluster of houses and last is individual houses,” Bernales added. Bernales also shared that SAMELCO II General Manager Joey Talon issued a marching order to energize all barangays by January 15, 2020. (LDL/GMT/ PIA-8, Samar)
“Maasin City...” continued from page 7
TESDA-8 Samar Provincial Director Engr. Enrico Banario confirmed the graduates and awarded the training certificates with Hon. Eva L. Castillo, Vice Mayor of Calbiga; LTC Rhomel R Langcauon, CO of 46IB; Ms. Delia Mabansag, PESO Calbiga; Mr. Danilo Miralles and Erick Mabajen. (RELATED STORY ON PAGE 3)
She said that basic real property tax is computed at 1.5 percent of the assessed value of the property and the 1 percent SEF from the total assessed value as mentioned. From the basic real property taxes collected, 30 percent of this will be shared to the barangays to be distributed as follows: 50 percent to where the property is located and another 50 percent will be given equally to all component barangays of the city, Bandibas said. (LDL/RGC/PIA-8, Southern Leyte)
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“PNP 8, LGU So. Leyte” continued from page 11 the PNP-8 will then finance the construction of the hangar facility, Eucogco further said. Meanwhile, Eucogco also revealed that the project for the new administration building of the Southern Leyte police provincial office (SLPPO) was already in the hands of the DPWH-Southern Leyte for implementation. He was hopeful that work for the new SLPPO building can start anytime this year, inasmuch as almost all stations of the PNP in the field were already new, except the main office. (LDL/ MMP/PIA-8, Southern Leyte)
www.pia.gov.ph “PRO 8 bares..” continued from page 2
EASTERN SAMAR: E. Samar Rep Maria Fe Abunda confers with DPWH ADE Engr. Domcelio Natividad (facing her) reharding the status of the Wright-Taft Road. (PIA ESamar) photo by Engr. Jayson Espeso (RELATED STORY ON PAGE 8)
operations, a total of 463 police operations were conducted resulting to the arrest of 1,165 bettors, 49 ushers, 12 players, 15 collectors, 9 operators and 5 maintainers. Over three hundred thousand pesos worth of bet money was confiscated during the operations and 450 cases were filed in court. As to anti-illegal fishing, 1,612 operations were conducted by the police resulting to the arrest of 3,462 individuals and seizure of fish with fishing paraphernalia amounting to P201,519, 264. (LDL/CBA/PIA 8)
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AN REHIYON OCHO YANA Maasin City calls for entries for ‘SakaySakay Festival 2020’
“We are ready to cater to patients with HIV/AIDS,” Castillones reiterated. The facility will be housed at the Salvacion Oppus Y?iguez Memorial Provincial Hospital (SOYMPH) in Barangay Dongon, this city. On the other hand, in preparation for the opening of the treatment hub, all SOYMPH health personnel underwent a five-day orientation last December 9-13, 2019, Medical Technologist Bianca Pangilinan said. Pangilinan who was one of the resource speakers during the orientation said that some of the topics discussed were the treatment and counselling procedures, including the blood testing. “Each health personnel must know how to handle an HIV patient because we are here to educate, stop the stigma and inform the people how HIV can cause the Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome,” she said. AIDS is a chronic,
MAASIN CITY, Jan. 15 (PIA) -This year’s Sakay-Sakay Festival, which is conducted in honor of Child Jesus, will be held on Sunday, January 19, at the Maasin Port Area. According to Maasin City Assistant Tourism Officer Dainty Ynes G. Daling, the contests that are open to highlight the said festivity include the following categories: Banca category, Pumpboat category, Higante category, Coastal decorations and the street dancing competition. Each category has corresponding prizes, she said. For the Banca category prizes are P40,000, P30,000, and P20,000 for the 1st, 2nd and 3rd winners, respectively, with consolation prizes of P10,000 each for the next two non-winners, she added. Daling further said that for the Pumpboat competition, the prizes are P15,000, P10,000 and P5,000 for the 1st, 2nd and 3rd winners, respectively, and consolation prizes of P2,500 each to the ten non-winners. On the other hand, prizes for the winners of the Higante category are as follows: P12,000, P8,000 and P6,000 while the prizes for the Coastal decoration are: P10,000, P7,000 and P5,000 for the 1st, 2nd and 3rd place winners, respectively. Daling said consolation prizes will also be given to non-winners of Higante category at P2,500 each for 10 non-winners and P1,500 each for 25 non-winners on the Coastal decor
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HIV/AIDS treatment hub to open in Southern Leyte By: Ma. Rebecca G. Cadavos
MAASIN CITY -- The Human Immunodeficiency Virus/ Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome (HIV/AIDS)Treatment Hub in Southern Leyte is set to open this January 2020, Southern Leyte Provincial Health Officer Dr. Ionne L. Castillones reported. The treatment facility will offer testing and treatment services including medicines for free, Castillones said. “The facility will also include counselling for patients to know what HIV is all about, its treatment and how to prevent it,” she said in a short talk the other day at the provincial hospital here. Its goal is to make people aware of their HIV status especially those engaged in risky activities, such as men having sex with men, to mention one, saying that “this is a voluntary procedure with the consent of the patient, among his or her immediate relatives.”
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“Maasin City calls� continued from page 16 category. For the street dancing competition, the city tourism office has prepared P45,000, P35,000 and P20,000 as prizes for the first, second and third winners, respectively. As of this writing, there are already two entries for the Banca category, seven for the Higante category, 25 for the Pumpboat category, and four entries for the street dancing competition, Daling said in a phone interview this morning, January 15. Daling urged those who would like to participate for the Sakay-Sakay Festival to visit their office. The overall chairman of the Sakay-Sakay Festival 2020 is Maasin City Tourism Officer Atty. Chen C. Abrea, Daling said. (LDL. RGC/PIA-8, Southern Leyte)
ANNOUNCEMENT The Professional Regulations Commission (PRC), upon the request of the Provincial Government of Northern Samar will conduct mobile service on January 23-25, 2020 at Ibabao Hall, Provincial Capitol. Due to the expected volume of applicants, the services offerred will be exclusive to application for the Board Licensure Examination for Professional Teachers (BLEPT). Registration process will start with an on line application at the PRC website www.prc.gov.ph, make sure to have a printout of the on line application, pay for the examination fee in any authorized payment centers and keep the proof of payment. Bring those documents and other requirements to PRC mobile service to complete the application. (PIA NorSamar)
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“DPWH..” continued from page 8 the Regional Office are still assessing the landslide mass as clearing could be risky to their
personnel and equipment. (nbq/ with reports from Engr Jayson Espeso/DPWH Eastern Samar)
“HIV AIDS..” continued from page 16
potentially life-threatening condition that can damage the immune system, in which HIV interferes with the body’s ability to fight organisms that cause diseases. The other speaker during the 5-day orientation was SOYMPH Nurse Searchie Baylan, Pangilinan said. As of May 2019, the cumulative HIV/AIDS cases in Maasin City reached 24 since 1984. While the province of Southern Leyte, had 91 HIV/AIDS cases - cumulative from 1984 up to March of 2019, it was learned. (rgc/ PIA8-SoLeyte)
“BJMP So. Leyte..” continued from page 10 Christmas break was allowed for the BJMP personnel, he added. He noted once again that BJMP contributed for a generally peaceful celebration of the Southern Leytenos during the Christmas and New Year. (LDL/ ESG/PIA-8, Southern Leyte)
“Eastern Visayas RPOC...” continued from page 1 “BFP Catarman...” continued from page 9 major causes of fire incidents in the previous years were more on electrical to include overloading, short circuit and octopus wiring, the open flame from gasera, candles and mosquito coil and the cigarette butt,” he said.
Further, he said, the BFPCatarman will focus, continue and enhance information campaign strategy to avoid fire incidents so as to prevent loss of lives and properties. (nbq/ADiaz/PIA-N. Samar)
not take orders from those at the national level,” Diñoso said. In its stead, the Army proposed taking the localized peace engagement track. This recom was supported by Regional Director of OPAPRU who moved for its approval and seconded by the regional director of NICA8, thereby making official through a resolution the RPOC position that it prefers and recommends to all PPOCs/ CPOCs/MPOCs to tread the localized track. (PIA 8)
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“EVFIT..” continued from page 13 In addition, Cam said that right now, the ICT sector has a very small contribution to the economic output of the region. “We start where we can make the most, we start on developing fist the human capital, the skills level and even attitude and other aspects of their development for people who are interested to go into the field of ICT,” he said. Meanwhile, Cam added that prior to the MOA signing on the same day, the DICT has conducted consultations through a Focus Group Discussion with local stakeholders especially on the role of the National Broadband Plan which Eastern Visayas very badly needs due a very poor ICT communications infrastructure. The Japanese Experts Team is currently supporting the DICT in its implementation of the National Boadband Plan, as commissioned by the Ministry of Internal Affairs and Communications of Japan with focus on the deeper study of the recommended pilot project particularly for the western section of Eastern Visayas. “The FGD was very enlightening simply because we told them (the Japanese Consulting Firm Numura Research Institute, Inc.) the real score of what is happening on the ground and the lost opportunities and potentials that we are missing because of our very poor broadband infrastructure,” he said. Cam emphasized that for them who are also in the
business sector, this will also allow them to now explore and raise awareness among all business owners of the potential of ICT in increasing the income of businesses by expanding to online ecommerce and start selling their products online. “If this happens (the National Broadband Plan), and we have reliable, affordable good quality broadband service in many of our major
urban centers in the region, then it’s going to facilitate and it will be a multiplier in terms of economic activity,” he said. EVFIT, formerly known as Regional Information and Communication Technology Committee (RICTC), aims to promote Region VIII as a proactive, dynamic and globally competitive ICT Hub. (OPT/ LDL/PIA-8)
“DTI calls on ..” continued from page 10 within 15 minutes or the normal transaction through online registration. But due to slow internet connection and the high volume of applicants, the transaction is finished on the next day. Catuday said that the payment today is online which
started on May 2019 on the issuance of official receipts not like before, that from January to April, it is manual. DTI said that in 2019, some 1,458 registered with DTI, most of these are trading in the retail kind. (nbq/SDC/PIA-E. Samar)
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“Leyte Task Force ELCAC...” continued from page 1 the government lot at Sitio Limite, Barangay Daja Daku, San Isidro, Leyte for the displaced farmers/surfacing rebels, teaching them the rudiments of MIC compact farming. This uplifted the spirit of the poor dislocated farmers, opening their eyes to the fact that the Government is sincere in helping them. Meanwhile, the Leyte TF-ELCAC E-CLIP Cluster did the meticulous task of processing and enrolling those qualified to the E-CLIP. Coordination and convergence with other government agencies brought positive results. It was not an easy task, but Leyte Task Force-ELCAC has brought its message to the fore - the
President’s whole-of-nation approach is doable, the best solution to end local communist armed conflict. (PIA 8)
“EVRMC extends...” continued from page 3
though it is a big challenge to operate. He also pointed out that the DOH will provide nurses, and the Villaba LGU to provide other manpower compliment for the polyclinic as well as security personnel. For her part, Dr. Minerva P. Molon, DOH 8 chief, who turned-over the key to the DOH partners during the inauguration, vowed to give the needed support for the continued operation of the
Polyclinic. She assured the groundbreaking of a birthing facility by the first quarter this year. This, she hopes to be realized before she retires from the service this year. She also envisions the provision of medical equipment to the Polyclinic within the next two to three years. Molon also thanked all the partners for the realization of the project with special mention of Dr. Leonita Gorgolon, Director of HFEP of the DOH Central Office and 3rd District of Leyte Congressman Vicente Veloso. Congressman Veloso, for his part, pointed out that the establishment of the Villaba Polyclinic is a necessity for the health concerns of his constituents after the Villaba Community Hospital was closed in 2017. The Villaba Polyclinic was implemented after four long years delay due to the rigorous budget process. Veloso narrated how hard it is to get funding for a health facility, which he planned at first to be a hospital. “This is the first step for providing the basic health services to the constituents of the district,” Veloso said. Congressman Veloso, chairman of the Justice Committee in the 18th Congress and now a member of the Judicial and Bar Council (JBC), revealed that he requested the amount of P500-M for the further development of the Polyclinic and also reported that two mobile clinics are available for use in his district -- one for the Villaba Polyclinic and one for the Calubian District Hospital. (OPT/ LDL/RSV/PIA-8, Biliran)