VOL. 10, NO. 37
APRIL 16 - 22, 2013
CATBALOGAN CITY
8 PAGES
Samar Weekly
EXPRESS Chronicling Events in Samar Island Since 2002
The Exponent of Samar’s Progress
DepEd gears up for “Balik Eskwela” 2013-2014
CATBALOGAN City -- Summer might not yet be over, but the Department of Education (DepEd) is up and ready with school-related activities for students in the upcoming school year 2013 to 2014. DepEd will hold Operation Balik Eskwela (OBE) on May 27 to 31, as well as the Public Assistance Station (PAS) on June 1 to 8 to ensure the smooth opening of classes when school year 2013-2014 starts in June. This annual event will address the problems that usually crop up during school opening and see to it that school children are in their respective classrooms and buckling down to lessons at the first day of the school year. One of the components of the OBE is the convergence of government agencies so that all concerns associated with school opening are taken into account. See DEPED p2...
AFP winning battles vs insurgents in Samar, Northern Samar CATBALOGAN City -- Government troops are winning the battle against insurgents in this part of Samar amid sporadic encounters between the two camps. A report from the Philippine Army (PA) disclosed that a total of seven camps of the New People’s Army (NPA) have been recovered since the start of the year. The latest was an NPA camp in San Isidro in Northern Samar that was overtaken by the 20th Infantry Battalion. The camp has 15 bunkers that accommodate more or less 20 people, a kitchen, a comfort room and three outposts. They also recovered four caliber .38 revolvers at the camp. In Pambujan and Las Navas towns, a series of encounters also took place which resulted in the recovery of some explosives and war devices believed to be abandoned by the NPA’s Rudante Urtal Command operating in Northern Samar. Recovered war items include eight landmines, two detonator sets, 10 pieces blasting caps and 200 meters long electrical wirings placed separately under the 22 NPA bunkers in the area. The NPA camp has two kitchens and can accommodate 40 to 50 rebels. The military troops also recovered paraphernalia such as revolutionary song book, hand held radios, NPA codes, and assorted medicines. In 2012, a total of 131 NPA camps was seized or discovered by the military. Eight camps were recovered with NPA resistance and 123 of these camps were seized without resistance.
See AFP page 2...
METRO DEPARTMENT STORE AND SUPERMARKET TO RISE SOON IN CALBAYOG. Owner of the leading retail chain stores in Cebu City breaks ground for the 11,30 square meters supermarket branch inside the Christ the King College in East Awang, Calbayog City last April 16, 2013. (See complete reports on page 3...)
Bird strike hits Cebu Pacific plane in(STORY Tacloban on page 2...)
P1.15-M illegal drugs seized in anti-drug operations in Eastern Visayas By RICKY J. BAUTISTA, SWE News & Features
CATBALOGAN City -- The Eastern Visayas regional police seized at least P1.15 million worth of prohibited drugs in the first quarter of 2013, the police reported on Friday. C/Supt Elmer Soria, regional director of the Police Regional Office 8 (PRO 8) said that from January to March alone, at least 60 drug personalities were arrested by antiillegal drug operatives in 39 police operations. The anti-illegal drugs operations also resulted in the
confiscation of 97.61 grams of methamphetamine hydrochloride or “shabu” and 127.26 grams of dried marijuana leaves with a total street value of P1,158,792.90. Soria added that PRO8 had filed a total of 39 cases for violation of Republic Act 9165 (Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act of 2002) on trial in different courts throughout the region. In an effort to continue safeguarding the region, the PNP official vowed to continue its tract against prohibited drugs. “(And) we complement (these operations) with consistent dialogue with community leaders to obtain
See DRUG page 5...
Samar BIR Basey town gets boost for its weaving industry BASEY, Samar -- The local governexceeds tax ment unit (LGU) of Basey, known for its intricately designed woven products, is collection goal determined to further strengthen its weav-
ing industry here. Some 22-farmer members of the Tikog Weavers Association, mostly housewives, recently gathered for a workshop that focused on enhancing their skills in mat weaving and establishing a plantation that will serve as source of their own raw materials. The participants were taught the
CATBALO GAN City -- The Bureau of Internal Re venue (BIR) through its Revenue District Office (RDO) 78 based in this city has exceeded its target goal of P58.9 million for the month of February with its P59.9million collection.
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Samar Weekly Express
THE REGION
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APRIL 16 - 22, 2013
Website: www.issuu.com/samarweeklyexpress
New road in Leyte province seen to provide positive economic growth TA C L O B A N C I T Y (PNA) -– The completion of the Albuera-Burauen road will bring positive economic development to the two districts in the province of Leyte connected by the new road currently being constructed under the fund released by the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH). Albuera Municipal Development Officer Mario Cubi said that the road would provide easy access for transporting farm goods from their town to its neighboring towns from the second district thus it will result in the increase of farmers’ income. The Albuera-Burauen road is also envisioned to cut road travel from the region’s capital of Tacloban to Ormoc City, a major gateway to Central Visayas by 18 kilometers. Distance of Ormoc to Tacloban City at present is 107 kilometers but if travelers will use Albuera-Burauen road, it will be cut to 89 kilometers or a shortened time travel from two hours to one hour and 30 minutes. The completion would also result in improvement on the peace and order situation in the area which is said to be still under the influence of the New People’s Army.
The construction of the 36.22-kilometer road project started in 2008 and at present, about 14.25 kilometers are now concrete, 10.06 kilometers are gravel and more than 10 kilometers remain unpaved mostly in Albuera side. For this year the regional office of the Department of Public Works and Highways had allocated about P187 million for the project, where P100 million would be allocated on the Albuera side and the rest would be used on the Burauen area. In 2012 it was learned that the project did not get funding from the national government after failing to meet some requirement but civil works continued using the 2011 budget allocation. DPWH Regional Director said that they are targeting to open and pave the road next year but only if the budget is released timely. Captain Ian Fabillon, Philippine Army 78th Infantry Battalion Civil Military Operation cited this infrastructure project of the government as a “road for peace” for it will be instrumental in minimizing influence of NPA in upland villages of Burauen and Albuera. (PNA)
Political culture makes Samar, N. Samar “areas of concern”
TA C L O B A N C I T Y (PNA) -- The political culture in provinces of Samar and Northern Samar makes these places special areas of concern, said Lawyer Veronico Petalcorin, acting regional director of the Commission on Elections (Comelec) in Eastern Visayas. He cited the political culture in these areas where there exists an intense political rivalry as reasons for giving the place a special attention this coming mid-term polls. Meanwhile, the Comelec is currently waiting for a validated report on the information that a vehicle owned by a political candidate was allegedly flagged down by members of the Philippine National Police (PNP) Wednesday evening in Calbayog City. He added that it should not be interpreted that once a politician is involved it should already be surmised as election-related because there could be other angles. Petalcorin was also informed of an alleged abduction incident in Lapinig town of Northern Samar which the director assured to investigate. “We are responding to whatever immediate concerns. We are investigating, validating information,” he said adding that they will make appropriate actions once they have in their hands validated information.
Nonetheless, he stated that as a whole the peace and order situation in the region is “manageable” and under control. On the other hand, verification with the Police Regional Office 8 (PRO 8) revealed that the incident in Calbayog City was an offshoot of the operations against Jimmy Managaysay and Jesus Galit, both wanted for murder cases. The local authorities received report that they were allegedly on board a white Mitsubishi van with plate XKL 432 that has just arrived at the vicinity of a food chain in the city. PRO 8 media relations officer, Inspector Romuel A. Nacar, in his statement quoting the report from their provincial office in Samar, said that the vehicle sped away when authorities arrived. When they identified themselves as policemen and ordered the driver to stop “the van accelerated and attempted to evade from the responding police officers.” Thereafter, the van was surrounded by a large number of people that hampered the policemen to search the van. After more than two hours of negotiation, Monmon Uy, a mayoral candidate of Calbayog arrived and the passengers of the van, Jessie Jackson and Jeffrey Radomes, stepped out and went with the authorities.
PALARONG PAMBANSA 2013. Department of Education and Smart Communications, Inc. partner for the 2013 Palarong Pambansa. Signing of the MOA between (from left to right) Smart Sports Consultant Patrick Gregorio, Smart Sports Manager Epok Quimpo and Education Secretary Br. Armin A. Luistro FSC. (DepEdComm). (PIA Photo)
Bird strike hits Cebu Pacific flight in Tacloban airport TACLOBAN City -- Cebu Pacific flight 5J651 suffered a bird strike before taking off at the Daniel Z. Romualdez (DZAR) Airport on Friday morning, reports said. None of the passengers was hurt, however. The Cebu Pacific aircraft was set for take-off at the DZR Airport runway at 6:25 am when wild ducks surged into its path. Bits and pieces of the birds were seen scattered all over the runway after being sucked in by the two engines. The pilot managed to stop the A320 aircraft safely. The technical crew inspected the engine for possible damage. The Civil Aviation Authority of the Philippines (CAAP) said Cebu Pacific flight was rescheduled at 5:00 p.m. for its flight to Manila. Migratory birds have been giving headaches to airline operators and pilots because of their presence near the runway. The birds are worrisome because of the possibility of a bird strike, when any one of them or part of the flock collides with airplanes flying in and out of the runway. No fatalities have so far been reported in local bird strikes, except for costly maintenance and repairs and cancelled flights, according to Philippine Airlines (PAL). All the other local airplanes have experienced bird strikes over the years, but the damage is often negligible because local birds are smaller and lighter. The US Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) said 15 percent of bird strikes worldwide caused actual damage, which could mean US million if an engine is smashed up. In 2008, the Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA) recorded bird hits involving three international air carriers. The first of these accidents was in May 12, 2008 when a Cathay Pacific plane from Hong Kong collided with a bird while landing. All over the country, the record jumped from 42 bird strikes in 2009 to 120 in 2010. Airlines and pilots said they could pose danger to aircraft The authorities are cur- landing and taking off. Migratory birds are often rently verifying who is the seen flying near the airport owner of the van but Nacar runway, hunting for their daily said that it can be affiliated intake of insects, lizard and with Uy but he is not sure if it tiny fish at the artificial pond was registered under his name. formed at the spot where the Nacar added that the runway drainage system diswanted persons were “able to gorges excess water on the way escape and it could be they out to nearby canals outside were not on board the van.” the airport perimeter. (PNA) (PGL/PNA)
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Cebu Pacific plane was checked for damage after it was hit by birds at DZR airport, San Jose, Tacloban City.
DEPED from page 1 ...
The Oplan Balik-Eskwela Inter Agency Task Force is participated in by the Department of Trade & Industry, the Department of National Defense, Interior& Local Government, Public Works & Highways, Health, the Philippine National Police, the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA) and the Metro Manila Development Authority. Another key component of the OBE is the creation of the Information and Action Center (IAC) at the Bulwagan ng Karunungan at the DepEd Central that will serve as the communications hive of all school-opening concerns and issues. (PNA)
AFP from page 1 ...
Lt. Colonel Arvin R. Lagamon, commanding officer of the 63rd IB said the series of engagements against the NPA rebels is a clear manifestation that the government forces are continuously performing its tasks in securing the communities particularly in Northern Samar Province. “We will further strengthen and intensify our security operations to protect the lives of the innocent civilians from any terroristic activities of the NPA rebels in the communities,” Lagamon further said. M/Gen. Gerardo T. Layug, Commander of the 8th Infantry Division based in Camp Lukban, Catbalogan City while saying that the NPA defies the signed Comprehensive Agreement on the Respect for Human Rights and International Humanitarian Law (CARHRIHL) between the government and the NDF by using landmines in their terroristic activities, lauded his troops for their dedication in the service of the people and their efforts to accomplish their given tasks even at the risk of endangering their lives. “The 8ID troops will continue in performing their mandate of protecting the people, securing the region and ensuring that the delivery of basic services to the people in Eastern Visayas will remain unhampered despite threat from the enemies,” Gen. Layug said in a statement. (Ricky Bautista)
Samar Weekly Express
APRIL 16 - 22, 2013
BUSINESS/ECONOMY For alerts and feedback, e-mail at mysolotrek@gmail.com Website: www.issuu.com/samarweeklyexpress
IN EASTERN SAMAR NAPC trains indigents from 11 towns of Eastern Samar on improving income generating capabilities BORONGAN CITY --The National AntiPoverty Commission (NAPC) extended support to indigent families from 11 towns of Eastern Samar by providing inputs on how to improve their income generating capability. NAPC culminated its two-day livelihood training this week for participants coming from this city and municipalities of Can-avid, Sulat, San-Julian, Maydolong, Balangkayan, Llorente, Hernani, Mercedes, Salcedo and Guiuan, Eastern Samar. NAPC director Jesusa I. Rebete said that they wanted to encourage the local folks, especially beneficiaries of the conditional cash transfer (CCT) program in the province, to have additional income. The participants were provided brief inputs on the localization of the coco road map in Eastern Samar as well as the value chains of coconut/by products and other coconut inter-crop products and identify possible business models. The training likewise provided venue for the formulation of joint action plan on business models identified as well as institutional arrangements from national government agencies, local government units, and private sectors that will be engaged in the project. During the workshop, most of the participants agreed to make coco coir and coco peat from coconut husk. Some agreed to plant coffee, root crops and other agricultural products to boost their income. Concerned national government agencies (NGAs), local government units (LGUs), civil society organizations and grass root organizations also expressed support to the endeavor. The training was also attended by representatives of the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD), Department of Trade and Industry (DTI), Department of Agriculture (DA), Philippine Coconut Authority (PCA), Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG), Department of Science and Technology (DOS) and Land Bank of the Philippines (LBP). (Ricky Bautista/PNA)
SAMAR from page 1 ...
The BIR in Samar aimed to collect P777.472 million for this year, leveling up from the tax collected by the bureau in 2012. Last year, it collected some P612 million, with over 2.44 percent or P14.586 million excess against the target. Revenue District Officer Rolando Espina thanked the businessmen and taxpayers in the province for the early remittances of their taxes, saying it’s a good sign that they are now complying with the bureaus’ deadline. Top collection sources were the wages of employees at the Department of Education (DepEd), filing of income tax returns by local government units (LGUs), one-time transactions and expanded withholding tax by the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) and collection from valueadded tax, it was learned. The BIR will also be implementing the collection of five percent from campaign expenditures of this year’s election candidates which is expected to help increase the collection rate of the revenue district this year. For this year’s collection target, the BIR-Samar chief expressed optimism that they would overshoot the tax target to be able to maintain being in the top tax collector in Eastern Visayas region. To maintain this record, Espina said the BIR Samar conducts massive tax information campaigns, “Oplan Kandado” and even rendering entertainment activities during special occasions. Meanwhile, for the month of February 2013, the BIR national office reported a collection of P74.52 billion in tax revenues, higher by around 8.48 percent or equivalent to P5.82 billion when compared with the same period in 2012. Collections by regional offices amounted to P27.13 Billion. The amount is P4.74 Billion or 21.17 percent higher than the collections made in February 2012, continuing with the previous year’s trend of double digit growth registered by the regional offices. Collections by the large taxpayer service amounted to P45.29 Billion, which is P6.32 Billion or 16.22 percent more than collections made in August 2011, a marked improvement over the previous year’s single digit growth rate. (Ricky Bautista/PNA/PIA)
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Metro Hypermarket, 3 other supermalls to rise in Calbayog By RICKY J. BAUTISTA, SWE News & Features
CALBAYOG City -- A leading retail store based in Cebu City recently broke ground for its department store and supermarket that will rise soon in this city. The mall that will stand at the 11, 380-square meter lot inside the city’s Christ the King College in East Awang is expected to start operations last quarter of 2013. It will be operated by the Vicsal Development Group (VISCAL), the led retailer of Gaisano that owns the Metro Retail Group. Metro Retail Group chief of operations Eduardo Ponce saidon Thursday they have chosen this city because of its good location and there is lesser competitors in the area except for a local market. Ponce added that Metro stores are known for their comfortable and friendly outlets that offer a wide assortment of fresh and quality products at competitive prices. “Its retail offerings include grocery, home furnishing (house ware, linen, home decors, furniture), food outlets, car dealers, pharmacy and many more,” Ponce said. To date, through a series of expansions and partnerships with Ayala Land Inc., Megaworld and other developers Metro already operate 23 retail outlets in various places nationwide. The addition of Calbayog branch and several other ongoing expansions will brought the Metro stores to 30 by end of the year. Meanwhile, City Councilor Danilo Bernate, who represented Mayor Ronaldo Aquino in the groundbreaking ceremony, said the putting up of Metro Mall
in the city is the long-time dream of the city folks. “This is indeed the most-awaited hypermarket in the city. This is one of our dreams and Calbayognons really deserve this mall,” Bernate said. He hinted that aside from the Metro Hypermarket, three more super malls are set to break ground in the coming months to cater the demands of the city residents and its neighboring towns. Bernate added that the city is now putting its focus on tourism development projects in addition to their newly renovated airport and high-end bus Terminal to attract more tourists, visitors and investors. (Ricky Bautista/PNA)
TROOPERS of the Army’s 63rd Infantry Battalion, without sustaining any casualties, have successfully overrun a New People’s Army (NPA) camp located in Barangay Osmena, Las Navas municipality, Northern Samar on Saturday. Reports from Lt. Col. Arvin R. Lagamon, 63rd Infantry Battalion commander, said the captured rebel base is consist of 31
makeshift huts and two kitchens that can accommodate 50 fighters. Also seized were one M-16 automatic rifle magazine filled with ammunition, a cellphone, blood pressure measurement apparatus, assorted medicines, and various NPA documents and personal belongings. Lagamon said that the NPA camp was discovered after his troopers
had a brief firefight with the rebels who fled after sustaining an undetermined amount of casualties. “The 63rd Infantry Battalion will continue to intensify its internal peace and security operations against this lawless group in order to ensure the safety of our people and pursue development efforts in every community in the area of responsibility,” he said. (PNA)
SAMAR province will have two model police stations by third quarter of this year, data from the Regional Logistics Development Division of the Police Regional Office 8 (PRO 8) here disclosed. Construction is currently going on for the P4.7 million two-storey with roofdeck municipal police station (MPS) in Paranas town located on the 600-square meter lot donated by the municipal government in Brgy. Zone 4. The project which is around 30 percent completed was funded through a cost-sharing scheme with the local government unit (LGU) giving P1 million and the Philippine National Police (PNP) the remaining P3.7 million. The new facility is expected to boost peace and order in its area of jurisdiction that has a population of around 29,327 according to
the 2010 Census of Population and Housing. On the other hand, another MPS is being constructed at Daram, an island municipality of the Samar province, amounting to around P4.6 million. The LGU of Daram shelled out P500,000 for the project while the PNP provided the remaining amount. The new police station will be serving the 54 barangays of Daram, a third class town with a population of 41,322 based on the latest census. PRO 8 logistics division chief, S/Supt. Mario Abraham G. Lenaming said that three projects were approved for implementation this year. The third project in Calbayog is still being processed. Lenaming said that these projects are being funded through the PNP trust receipts, General Appropriations Act and coun-
terparts of LGUs. He added that LGUs are also encouraged to have counterparts in equipment and furnishing. The construction of the MPS project is one of the initiatives under the PNP Integrated Transformation Program (PNP-ITP) that aims to “standardize and enhance police stations.” The project encompasses physical infrastructure, service delivery methods, systems and procedures and human resource and technical capabilities that are significant for the efficient and effective delivery of police service Currently, there are 39 existing buildings in the 144 municipalities and cities in Eastern Visayas that are owned by the PNP. Since 2011, the PNP has already constructed some P46.7 million worth of MPS projects in the region. (Perla G. Lena/PNA)
Army troopers overrun NPA camp in NS
2 model police station projects to be completed in Samar Q3 of 2013
Samar, N. Samar to be insurgency-free by 2016 says Army officer
CATBALOGAN City -- Samar and Northern Samar will already be among the provinces in Eastern Visayas to be named as insurgency-free and manageable conflict-ready for development by 2016. Lt. Col. Leo Lorenzo Madroñal, assistant chief of staff for Civil-Military Operation (CMO) of the 8th Infantry Division of the Philippine Army (PA) here, said on Thursday that the government is now winning the hearts and minds of the people with their new approach in dealing with the insurgency problem. The military has adopted a holistic approach and people-centered programs in trying to respond to the problem. In previous months, Madroñal said that the military has already handed-over to local government units (LGUs) in the provinces of Leyte, Eastern Samar, Biliran, and Southern Leyte the responsibility for Internal Peace and Security. Recently, the military presented before the Regional Development Council (RDC) its efforts in achieving a peaceful environment that would lead to economic development in areas affected by insurgents. (Ricky Bautista/PNA)
Gun ban violators in Eastern Visayas now 104
CATBALOGAN CITY -- With barely three weeks before the elections, the number of gun ban violators in Eastern Visayas increased to 104 with the apprehension of two others Friday last week. Reports from the Police Regional Office 8 identified the latest violators as Joel Famor and Renato Dagaas both of Southern Leyte who were apprehended evening of Friday at Sitio Tabunok, Guinsangan also of the said province. Police authorities recovered from the duo one Colt caliber 5.56 mm M4A1 assault rifle more popularly known as “baby armalite” bearing serial number 3399617 loaded with a magazine with 10 live ammunitions and one caliber 7.62 mm improvised M14 rifle with Chinese markings loaded with one magazine with 10 live ammunitions. The latest seizure brings to a total 85 firearms of assorted calibers confiscated and 86 cases filed in different courts throughout the region since the start of implementation of election gun ban last January 13. (Ricky Bautista)
OPINION Samar Weekly Express
DALMACIO C. GRAFIL Publisher
APRIL 16 - 22, 2013
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EDITORIAL Public school teachers: Our unsung heroes on elections Since time immemorial on election seasons, of all professionals that abound in our country only teachers are entrusted the responsibility of conducting elections at the precinct level. Certainly other professionals or anybody who has earned an education would be capable of doing the job as members of the Board of Election Inspectors. It is a thankless job for them and yet they assume the role because only teachers are entrusted the job in our democratic elections. It is heartwarming to note however that in the forthcoming May 2013 elections some 240,000 public school teachers who will serve in the polls will be insured, secured and will be entitled to legal assistance from “harassment suits”. They will be entitled to receive P3,000 honorarium on time through their ATM payroll accounts. Further Comelec Chair Sixto Brillantes revealed that should there be savings from the P30 million allotted for the election, he will release to them additional incentives. Elections have come and gone, and relatively these have been conducted fairly, honestly and credibly in the precinct levels. Those who “won” via cheating did them in transit by unscrupulous political strategists at the municipal and other higher levels, but seldom is it done at the precincts, the actual voting scene where teachers hold fort. Our public school teachers therefore should be given the respect they richly deserve. Better still, government should provide them more benefits during or even in no election season. They are our unsung heroes in democratic polls for without them we wonder how honest, orderly, peaceful and credible elections would be in the Philippines.
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Hints and Traces By Fr. Roy Cimagala Is the Church in crisis? TO give a quick, blunt reply, the Church has always been in crisis. That’s its character, it goes with the territory, since it has to deal with all kinds of people, some brilliant and faithful, others not so, etc. That it appears in crisis today is no breaking news. I suspect that the question is raised today because of that survey that reportedly showed dwindling numbers of churchgoers. But I consider that question moot and academic, with hardly any practical use other than to provoke or embarrass some people. Ok, there is some supposedly serious reason why such decline is happening. But that’s precisely the reason why the Church continues to be in some trouble. Even with Christ, there already was severe crisis. He had Judas and some Jews pestering him. He was crucified, remember, for carrying out his mission. After him with the Church established, the crisis has not stopped but continues to fester under different forms and ways and in different circumstances. The problem the Church has to contend up to the end of time will be lack of faith and everything that follows it. Try imagining persuading people about a supernaturally mysterious God, about spiritual and supernatural realities like faith, hope and charity, God becomes man who is Christ, the role of the Holy Spirit, the nature and mission of the Church, etc. To top it all, try imagining making people understand about our weakened human condition, the reality of the devil, sin and temptations, and the need for abiding ascetical struggle, the development of virtues, the recourse to the sacraments, etc. But remember Christ and his apostles. Many times, Christ had to scold his apostles for their lack of faith even in the face of the obvious. Such will be our predicament. We just have to learn to live with it, and continue to do something about it, always with the help of grace. It’s an exciting life, what we have. The survey, I suspect, was clearly politically motivated. It came out all of a sudden. I’ll see if I have enough motive to bother to check who were behind it. It was meant to be like the North Korean threat, to pressure the Church to bend to the preferences of some politicians.
See HINTS page 5...
Samar Weekly Express APRIL 16 - 22, 2013
Inanities, rather than substance, in Comelec
LIFE’S INSPIRATIONS: “… Commit to the Lord whatever you do, and he will establish your plans…” (Proverbs 16:3, the Holy Bible). -oooINANITIES, RATHER THAN SUBSTANCE: It’s a typical Sixto Brillantes Jr. The reaction, I mean, that he gave to the motion with the Supreme Court of 1 ANG BATAS Party List to postpone the elections for party list groups from May to October 2013, is typical of him---condescending and insulting, for lack of logical arguments to back him up. Imagine, 1 ANG BATAS raised factual and legal issues in asking the high court to reset the election for party list groups---that is, that the review of the party list qualifications’ as ordered by the tribunal may take time, and that the same order of the Supreme Court will require the application of the Constitutional provision on equal protection of the laws so all party list groups could be evaluated on the basis of the new Supreme Court guidelines---and yet he has chosen to deal with inanities rather than on substance. Why, what did Brillantes, as chairman of the Commission on Elections, say to the petition of 1 ANG BATAS? He said, as quoted by the media: 1 ANG BATAS “might just be exploring the possibility of reversing its disqualification by the Comelec. If it will be postponed and there will be a review, they may be thinking that they will have a chance to participate in the elections…” -oooACCREDITATION FOR SEVERAL MILLION REASONS: With due respect to Brillantes, 1 ANG BATAS is, of
HINTS from page 5 ... Remember that we are in an election campaign season, and the RH issue is kind of hot. Even some clerics put themselves at odds with the official Church stand on it and are twitting and facebooking their questionable views among which is precisely the claim that with the Church position on RH, many people are deserting the churches. Critics of the Church will always exhume past scandals, slamming it with the current ones and even inventing some, to support their claim. Well, we are in this imperfect world. Nothing is new. We just have to try our best to be hopeful and do whatever we can to spread the truth in charity and goodness. As to the survey result that many are deserting the Church, many of my friends echo the same observation that I have. The churches here in the country are filled with people. More Masses are scheduled. The churches have to be expanded. And during big feasts, one has to be blind not to see the tremendous popular piety flooding even the streets. That there are many imperfections in this public display of piety should not surprise us. We just have to look at our individual selves and see how even with our best efforts we are still short of what we ourselves consider to be the ideal Christian life. And try to extrapolate this situation to the whole of society, and, thus, we should not be surprised to see the many gaping imperfections around. But it would be wrong to stop there. What we have to do is to continue with the effort to improve in all aspects and in all levels of Christian life. Christian life is a matter of faith, hope and charity put into action. It’s not just something to be desired and professed. And we are given all the means so we can truly live it. It can be both easy and difficult, depending on how we look at it. It’s easy because God is behind it. Difficult, because there are truly tremendous challenges involved plus our weaknesses and temptations and the complications we ourselves make. At the moment, we have to figure out how to go about untangling those under the spell of atheism, agnosticism, relativism, etc. These are the ones deserting the Church.
Views on News
By Ricky J. Bautista trexpelunker@yahoo.com
(This column will resume next issue. Ed.)
OPINION
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course, exploring the possibility that it may still participate in the elections, notwithstanding that it was disqualified by the Comelec earlier. 1 ANG BATAS believes that if the Comelec allowed other party list groups which are not really qualified to become party list candidates, or other nominees which are not really marginalized, 1 ANG BATAS should also be accredited. The fact is that, the Comelec merely closed its eyes to the overwhelming evidence showing the track of record of the people behind 1 ANG BATAS as a party list group, and the qualification of its nominees to represent the sectors whose causes it is espousing, that of the professional and urban poor sectors. For what reason did the Comelec do this? You can make your guess, but, certainly, 1 ANG BATAS did not have the capacity to deal with those who were saying it could be accredited for several million reasons. Even now, if you look around the country, you can see that there are many party list groups that the Comelec accredited which cannot even show anything to prove that they have done something for the poor and the marginalized and the underrepresented. How come these groups were accredited while 1 ANG BATAS, whose core group already won as a party list in 2007, winning two seats, was not? Brillantes could very well answer this truthfully. -oooMAN PROPOSES, GOD DISPOSES: And, unless Brillantes has forgotten, the issue of whether or a party list group that the Comelec disqualified earlier---like 1 ANG BATAS---could still participate lies with the Supreme Court, where petitions are still pending questioning the poll body’s decision to disqualify those groups. And, unless Brillantes has forgotten, the fact is that the accreditation of 1 ANG BATAS as a party list group is still under consideration by the Supreme Court, and that, like in the case of the 52 party list groups that the tribunal tossed back to the poll body for a determination of their qualifications pursuant to the guidelines that had been put in place and which had been ordered to be used henceforth, the case of 1 ANG BATAS is still going to go through the same process. With due respect to Brillantes as the chairman of Comelec, the reversal that he suffered in the hands of the Supreme Court over his denial of accreditation to the 52 party list groups may yet overtake him in the case of 1 ANG BATAS. Indeed, 1 ANG BATAS believes that “man proposes, but only God disposes”, as the Bible said in Proverbs 16:3, “Commit to the Lord whatever you do, and he will establish your plans.” -oooREACTIONS? Please call me at 0917 984 24 68, 0918 574 0193, 0922 833 43 96. Email: batasmauricio@yahoo.com, mmauriciojr111@gmail.com.
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PAMANA allocates P10-M for road project in Eastern Samar
CATBALOGAN City -- About P10 million has been shelled out by the national government for the initial implementation of a road project that will connect the remote and upstream municipality of Maslog in Eastern Samar. Mayor Septemio C. Santiago said that travelling from Maslog to the nearest town of Dolores will be easier as soon as the road project will be implemented through the government’s Payapa at Masaganang Pamayanan (PAMANA) program. “From the usual three to four hours by boat, it is expected to lessen about two hours of travel from the town center to the next town of Dolores. The road project of PAMANA will not only bring convenience to residents. It is also expected to improve their livelihoods,” Santiago said. Maslog is a fifth class municipality and majority of residents depend on agriculture. Like other interior towns in Eastern Samar, it delivers its products to larger neighboring towns. The place is also known for its cool climate and lush rainforest. The mayor said the Office of the Presidential Adviser on Peace Process (OPAPP), in coordination with partner agencies has already conducted an information caravan with social services package from PAMAMA projects in Maslog. Engr. Nida de la Cruz, chief of Operations Performance and Capability Development of the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG), said the information caravan was part of the social preparation program of the road rehabilitation project in Maslog. The project forms part of the 42-kilometer road that will traverse the towns of Can-avid and Dolores. The 18-kilomer stretch will connect Dolores to Maslog. The project total cost is P446 million. PAMANA is the government’s program and framework for peace and development in areas affected by armed conflict and communities covered by existing peace agreements. It seeks to reduce poverty, improve governance and empower communities. (Reyan Arinto/PNA)
DRUGS from page 1 ...
5
their support in our anti-drug campaign.” Last Tuesday, another notorious drug pusher was arrested by operatives during a buy-bust operation at Bonifacio St., District III in Ormoc City. The suspect was identified as certain Glenn Tidalgo y Kho, 32, single of Sitio Kalipay, Barangay Cogon, Ormoc City. Recovered from the suspect were four small heat-sealed small transparent plastic sachets containing “shabu” and the P500.00 bill used as buy-bust money with serial number WX769301. The suspect is currently detained at Ormoc CPO lockup cell while drug charges are being prepared against him, the region’s top cop averred. (Ricky Bautista/PNA)
BASEY from page 1 ... proper way of propagating ‘tikog’. Tikog grows in marshlands and its stalk can be made as mats, handbags, placemats and handicrafts among others. Eugenia Bautista and Emma Germano of the Ecosystems Research and Development Service (ERDS) of the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) emphasized the importance of having good drainage system at the ‘tikog’ plantation, among others. The lecture was highlighted by a hands-on exercise on how to properly plant the ‘tikog’ stalks. Mat-weaving is the primary livelihood in Basey, a little town situated in the southwestern part of the province of Samar. The place is located few kilometers from Tacloban City, the economic center of whole Eastern Visayas region. The town, which is widely known for its Sohoton Natural Bridge National Park, also holds the Guinness World Record for having the longest mat locally known as ‘banig’ that was ever weaved. Town history said the mat industry here started in 1950’s. And from its humble beginning its has gained recognition as one of the country’s best and recommended mat industry. During the old times, mats were being used only as floor covering used by the natives when they slept but as time passed by some innovations and designs were made to cater the demands of the modern age. Products of this truly “Waraynon” banig include wall mats, slippers, traveling bags, floor mats, wallets, clothes, among other decorations materials. Currently, local residents are making efforts to be recognized in the global map in terms of mat-weaving particularly of handcrafting native materials that compete even in the international markets. To complement the efforts, the Department of Tourism (DOT) helps by providing the necessary exposure of the product such as during trade fairs and by inviting tourists and visitors to have a peek of the town and its tourism potentials. The recent training was facilitated by the local government of Basey under Mayor Igmedio Ponferrada. (Ricky Bautista/PNA)
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Republic of the Philippines REGIONAL TRIAL COURT 8th Judicial Region BRANCH 32 Calbayog City IN RE: PETITION FOR ISSUANCE OF NEW OWNER’S DUPLICATE ORIGINAL CERTIFICATE OF TITLE NO. 1621 IN LIEU OF THE LOST ONE, CORAZON SALAS TIMAN, Applicant/Petitioner LRC No. 316 x- - - - - - - - - - - - x ORDER
This is a verified petition for Issuance of New Owner ’s Duplicate Original Certificate of Title No. 1621 in lieu of the lost one, filed on October 09, 2012, by petitioner, thru counsel, praying among others, that after due notice and hearing an order be entered directing the Register of Deeds of Calbayog City, Province of Samar to issue a new owner’s duplicate Original Certificate of Title No. 1621 in lieu of the lost one, the same be regarded as the owner’s duplicate Original Certificate of Title No. 1621 for all purposes of the law. The petition reads: That petitioner is of legal age, Filipino, married, and with residence and post office address at Barangay Trinidad, Calbayog City, Samar; that she is the vendee of a certain parcel of land more particularly described as follows: A parcel of land covered by Original Certificate of Title No. 1621 situated in Barangay Trinidad, Calbayog City, Samar, designated as Lot No. 5392, Case 4, Cadm. 422 bounded on the North along line 1-2 by Lot 5394, Case 4, Cadm. 422; On the East along line 2-3 by Lot 5608, Case 4, Cadm. 422; on the South along line 3-4, by Road and on the West along line 4-1 by Lot 5391, Case 4, Cadm. 422, containing an area of Seven Hundred Forty (740) square metesr, more or less and registered in the name of Marcelino Giray”
That said parcel of land was sold by the registered owner Marcelino Giray to Porferio Gara sometime in July 24, 1991; that upon execution of the deed of sale, Marcelino Giray delivered and handed to Porferio Gara the owne’rs duplicate original copy of the Original Certificate of Title (OCT) No. 1621; that on June 6, 2001, Porferio Gara sold portion of said parcel of land to herein petitioner; that the remaining portion of the parcel of land was again sold by Porferio to herein petitioner sometime in July 9, 2008; that after the sale of the remaining portion was effected on July 9, 2008; Porferio Gara delivered and handed said owner’s duplicate original copy of OCT No. 1621 to petitioner which she kept inside a cabinet in her bedroom in her house in Brgy. Trinidad, Calbayog City, Samar; that in year 2008, while the petitioner was in the United States, she had a renovation of her house which included the refurbishing of the cabinet where she kept the owner’s duplicate original copy of OCT No. 1621. After the renovation, she was informed that the owner’s duplicate original copy of OCT No. 1621 can no longer be found and was lost during the house renovation; that when petitioner finally came home to the Philippines, she was able to confirm that indeed owner’s duplicate original copy of OCT No. 1621 is lost and can no longer be found despite diligent efforts to retrieve and recover it; that she reported to loss of said owner’s duplicate copy of OCT No. 1621 to the Register of Deeds of Calbayog City through execution of Affidavit of Loss on September 21, 2012; that despite having been issued Certificate Authorizing Registration (CAR), petitioner cannot cause the transfer to her name of OCT No. 1621 unless the owner’s duplicate original copy of said title be re-issued and reconstituted; that said owner’s duplicate original has not been pledged or delivered to any person or entity to secure payment or performance of any
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LEGAL NOTICES obligation but was lost solely. Finding the petition to be sufficient in form and substance, notice is hereby given that this case is set for initial hearing on July 22, 2013 at 2:00 o’clock in the afternoon before this Court, at which date, time and place, all persons who have objection thereto may file any opposition and show cause why the petition should not be allowed. Let this Order be published at the expense of the petitioner, once a week for three (3) consecutive weeks prior the above-setting in a newspaper of general circulation in the Province of Samar and in the City of Calbayog. Furnish copy of this Order together with a copy of the petition and all its annexes to the Office of the Solicitor General (OSG), 134 Amorsolo Street, Legaspi Village, Makati City, the Registry of Deeds of Calbayog City, the Office of the City Prosecutor of Calbayog, the parties and their counsels, for their information and comment. SO ORDERED. IN CHAMBERS, February 20, 2013, Calbayog City.
(Sgd.) FELICIANO P. AGUILAR Acting Presiding Judge SWE April 9 -15; 16 - 22 & 23 29, 2013 issues
LEGAL NOTICES
Republic of the Philippines REGIONAL TRIAL COURT 8th Judicial Region BRANCH 32 Calbayog City IN RE: GRAPHICAL TECHNICAL DESCRIPTION TO NUMERICAL TECHNICAL DESCRIPTION IN THE ORIGINAL CERTIFICATE OF TITLE NO. 14704. SPS. ARTURO & CECILIA OLASIMAN, Petitioners -versusTHE REGISTRY OF DEEDS, CATBALOGAN CITY, Respondent LRC No. 317 x--------------x ORDER
This is a verified petition for Graphical Technical Description to Numerical Technical Description in the Original Certificate of Title No. 14704, filed on October 17, 2012, by petitioner spouses Arturo & Cecilia Olasiman, thru counsel, praying among others, that after due notice and hearing, an order be issued directing the Office of the Registry of Deeds for the Province of Samar,
Catbalogan City, to inscribe in the Original Certificate of Title No. 14704 the numerical technical description of the subject property as appearing in the records of Bureau of Lands, DENR, Regional Office No. VIII, Tacloban City, in lieu of graphical description appearing therein. Finding the petition to be sufficient in form and substance, notice is hereby given that this case is set for initial hearing on July 22, 2013 at 2:00 o’clock in the afternoon before this Court, at which date, time and place, all persons who have objection thereto may file any opposition and show cause why the petition should not be allowed. Let copy of this Order be published at the expense of the petitioner, once a week for two (2) consecutive weeks prior the above-setting in a newspaper of general circulation in the Province of Samar and in the City of Calbayog, and likewise let a copy of this order be posted, for three (3) consecutive weeks prior to the date of hearing, at the Bulletin Board of the Following: 1. R e g i o n a l Tr i a l Court, Branch 32, Calbayog City 2. Office of the Clerk of Court, RTC, Calbayog City
3. Municipal Hall of Tagapul-an, Samar; and 4. Barangay Hall of Brgy. Luna, Tagapul-an, Samar Furnish copy of this Order together with a copy of the Petition and its annexes, to the Office of the Solicitor General (OSG) at 134 Amorsolo Street, Legaspi Village, Makati City; the Office of the City Prosecutor, Calbayog City; the Administrator of the Land Registration Authority; the Director of Bureau of Lands, Department of Environment and Natural Resources, Regional Office, Tacloban City; the Register of Deeds of Catbalogan City, the adjacent property owner’s of OCT No. 14704 found in Brgy. Luna, Tagapul-an, Samar, the parties and their counsels, for their information and comments. SO ORDERED.
IN CHAMBERS, February 20, 2013, Calbayog City. (Sgd.) FELICIANO P. AGUILAR Acting Presiding Judge SWE April 9 -15; 16 - 22 & 23 - 29, 2013 issues
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Samar Weekly Express APRIL 16 - 22, 2013
LEGAL NOTICES Republic of the Philippines REGIONAL TRIAL COURT 8th Judicial Region BRANCH 32 Calbayog City IN RE: ISSUANCE OF A NEW OWNER’S DUPLICATE CERTIFICATE OF TITLE EDUARDO B. GOMEZ, Petitioner -versusTHE REGISTER OF DEEDS OF CALBAYOG CITY, Respondent LRC No. 319 x- - - - - - - - - -x ORDER
This is a verified petition for issuance of a new owner’s duplicate Certificate of Title, filed on March 07, 2013, by petitioner thru counsel, praying among others, that after due notice and hearing, the Court will issue an Order directing the registers of Deeds of the City of Calbayog for the issuance of a new owner’s duplicate of Transfer Certificate of Title No. 1943. The petition sets forth the following material allegations: That petitioner is of legal age, Filipino, married, with residence at Clearwater, Crystal Cove Garden, Baguio City, and at Brgy. Capoocan, Calbayog City; that petitioner is one of the legitimate children and heirs of the late Tomas Gomez, Jr. who was the registered owner of a parcel of land covered by Transfer Certificate of Title (TCT) No. 1943, duly registered with the Registry of Deeds of the City of Calbayog; that
petitioner was the one who kept the said TCT No. 1943, but a few years ago, he entrusted its safekeeping to his late brother Jose Gandhi B. Gomez. Upon the latter’s death early last year, petitioner discovered that the said TCT No. 1943 is missing and inspite exerting effort to find it, same can no longer be found; and that as a result of the said loss, petitioner executed an Affidavit of Loss, a copy of which was furnished the Office of the Registry of Deeds, Calbayog City. WHEREFORE, premises considered, let the petition be set for initial hearing on August 05, 2013 at 2:00 o’clock in the afternoon, during which, all those interested are directed to show cause why the application shall not be granted. Let this Order be published at the expense of the petitioner, once a week for three (3) consecutive weeks prior the above-setting in a newspaper of general circulation in the Province of Samar and in the City of Calbayog. Furnish copy of this Order together with a copy of the petition and all its annexes to the Office of the Solicitor General (OSG), 134 Amorsolo Street, Legaspi Village, Makati City, the Registry of Deeds of Calbayog City, the Office of the Prosecutor of Calbayog, the parties and their counsels, for their information and comment. SO ORDERED. IN CHAMBERS, April 2, 2013, Calbayog City, Philippines.
(Sgd.) FELICIANO P. AGUILAR Acting Presiding Judge
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Environment Ombudsman launches Solid Waste Management compliance program M A N I L A ( P NA ) -- The Office of the Ombudsman Monday launched during the annual global observance of Earth Day the Solid Waste Management Compliance Program that aims to monitor the local government units’ compliance with Republic Act No. 9003 or the Ecological Solid Waste Management Act of 2000. In her keynote address during the launching rites at the Ombudsman Function Room, Ombudsman Conchita Carpio Morales noted the Ombudsman’s power to direct any officer or employee of the government to perform and expedite an act or duty required by law. Morales added as mobilizer of government services, the Ombudsman has the role of ensuring basic services are delivered to the people, which includes making the government agencies comply with their duties under RA 9003. In his presentation, Deputy Ombudsman for Luzon and Environme nt a l Ombudsman Gerard Mosquera, said that instead of the usual approach of investiga-
tion and prosecution, the program tackles the problem of inaction or indifference through what noted environmentalist Atty. Antonio Oposa, Jr. describes as the “power of the stationery.” “Using the Ombudsman letterhead, letters shall be sent randomly to selected national agencies and local government units to request information on their compliance with the provisions of RA 9003, which data shall be gathered and evaluated by a technical working group composed of representatives from the Environmental Ombudsman team and civic organizations,” Mosquera said. “In next year’s celebration of Earth Day, the Office plans to recognize the best performing government agencies and local government units in terms of compliance with the solid waste management law,” he added. In her speech, Morales also cited statistics from the National Economic Development Authority showing only nine of the 17 LGUs in Metro Manila have submitted a Solid Waste Management Plan, while only 414 of the total 1,610 LGUs in the
country have complied with the national plan as of 2012, which translates to a 52.9% compliance rate for Metro Manila and a mere 25.7% compliance rate at the national level. In cooperation with the Department of Environment and Natural Resources, Department of the Interior and Local Government and Metropolitan Manila Development Authority, the program is also partnering with environmental groups such as Zero Waste Philippines Inc., Mother Earth Foundation, Eco-Waste Coalition and Bangon Kalikasan Movement. DENR undersecretary Ernesto Adobo, DILG undersecretary Austere Panadero, MMDA chairman Francis Tolentino, all ex-officio member agencies of the National Solid Waste Management Commission, expressed their support and joined Ombudsman Morales in signing the “Manifesto of Commitment,” along with United Nations Development Programme country director Toshihiro Tanaka and representatives of various civic organizations. (PNA)
7
DENR-8 gears to plant more than 12-M seedlings in 2013 TACLOBAN CITY (PNA) -- The Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) in Eastern Visayas or Region 8 is now in the preparation stage for its massive tree planting activity to cover some 18,000 hectares of identified areas in the region this year. Elmer Labaclado, National Greening Program (NGP) regional coordinator, said 17,714 of the around 18,000 hectares are the target plantation identified under the NGP. The remaining areas are part of the DENR Secretary’s commitment to poverty projects aligned with the NGP. Around 12 million of various trees species are expected to be planted once the rainy season starts sometime in July. The bulk of the project will be in Samar province, specifically Borongan and Dolores towns where 3,650 hectares will be covered. In Leyte, the DENR has identified 3,165 hectares covering Palo, Albuera and Baybay towns. Other provinces will have 2000 hectares each except for Biliran, being the smallest province where only 770 hectares have been identified for the plantation. Labaclado said that they have already submitted their C-files containing the designated areas for planting in compliance with the requirement of the Department of Budget and Management (DBM) for the downloading of funds. Also, the DENR has awarded the contract to people’s organizations (POs) that will serve as direct beneficiaries of the program. The POs will be the one to prepare the areas to be planted as well as raise seedlings that will be utilized. The groups will be paid P15 for every forestry seedling that will be planted and P65-70 for every high-value crop that will be utilized, he added. Last year, the DENR was able to cover 11 hectares with the survival rate pegged at 85 percent. NGP is one of the priority programs of President Benigno Aquino III that aims to undertake massive reforestation program targeting 1.5 million hectares nationwide by 2016. (PGL/PNA)
Livelihood assistance to Pinoys displaced by Saudi crackdown urged MGB-8 produces higher TEAM PNoy sena- a 3-month grace period working documents and were given to undocu- extend all assistance they scale geo-hazard maps torial bet Cynthia Villar today urged government mented OFWs which will could give to the workers to prepare a livelihood assistance program for the thousands of undocumented overseas Filipino workers who will be repatriated to the Philippines as a result of a recent labor and immigration crackdown in Saudi Arabia. In a statement, Villar reacted over reports that Saudi government will not provide any assistance to some 20,000 undocumented Filipino workers affected by said crackdown. Saudi Ambassador to the Philippines Abdullah Al-Hassan said that
end on July 4, and after to legalize their stay in that, the Saudi govern- the Kingdom during the ment will deport them all three-month retrieve. to the Philippines. The recent imple“We urge the govern- mentation of amendment to extend all pos- ments to the Kingdom’s sible assistance to undoc- labor laws affected those umented OFWs so that thousands of illegal forthey can be repatriated eign workers including in an orderly and humane OFWs with expired resimanner,” Villar said. dency cards. D FA s p o k e s m a n Villar, a staunch jobs Raul Hernandez said at and livelihood advocate, least 1,000 undocument- had earlier urged the ed OFWs have camped Department of Foreign outside the PHL Consul- Affairs (DFA) and the ate in Jeddah and were Department of Labor and asking to be repatriated Employment (DOLE) to for fear of being arrested augment their personnel by Saudi authorities af- in Saudi Arabia to assist ter a recent crackdown the Filipinos to be afagainst illegal migrants. fected by the crackdown. According to Mrs. The senatorial aspiVillar there are over a rant also urged the Overmillion Filipinos work- seas Workers Welfare Ading in Saudi Arabia and ministration (OWWA) to some 20,000 of them are extend assistance to the said to be undocumented. displaced OFWs in order She said DFA and DOLE to prepare them for their official should now expe- eventual reintegration dite the processing of the into Philippine soil. (PR) <<< ----------------------------------------------------------------LEYTE SCENE. SENATOR Loren Legarda checks various products made out of recycled materials displayed at the Ormoc City Hall. Legarda, author of the Ecological Solid Waste Management Law, urges the use of recyclable waste materials like newspapers, food and beverage wrappers, and plastic sando bags into new useful materials such as bags, accessories, decorations, and slippers among many others. (Photo by Edward Ganal)
TACLOBAN CITY -- Densification of the geo-hazard maps at a scale of 1:10,000 is now in full swing in Eastern Visayas and is expected to be completed by 2014, according to a Mines and Geosciences Bureau (MGB) official. MGB-8 Regional Director Alilo Ensomo, Jr. said the agency is already finished with the geo-hazard assessment and mapping program at a scale of 1:50,000 covering all cities and municipalities in the region. “(The) 1:10,000-scale geo-hazard maps will help local government units in identifying flood-prone and landsliderisk areas,” Ensomo said. Ensomo said Eastern Visayas has been prioritized for map production considering its location in the eastern seaboard, which is prone to typhoons that could trigger flooding and landslides. Details that can be found in a 1:10,000-scale map are parameters or features in the area that may affect ground stability and the type of landslides that can possibly occur in the area. “Relocation sites can also be plotted using the 1:10,000 maps. Local government units can use them for crafting disaster mitigation measures such as evacuation and possible construction of new community sites,” Ensomo added. Ensomo said geohazard maps are now accessible and downloadable from four government websites, including that of a non-government organization. The government websites hosting the interactive geohazard maps include that of the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (www.denr.gov.ph), MGB (www.mgb. gov.ph), Philippine Information Agency (www.pia.gov.ph) and Environmental Science for Social Change (www.essc. org.ph). “The posting of these maps is aimed at broadening public access to the geo-hazard maps, which has become an important tool in disaster risk reduction and management,” Ensomo said. He added that with the identification of the Philippines as among those highly vulnerable to the impact of climate change, Filipinos should brace for typhoons with greater intensity in terms of wind speed and rainfall that could trigger flooding and landslides. (RLA/PNA)
Palarong Pambansa athletes, coaches from Region 8 hospitalized CATBALOGAN city -– More than 169 athletes and coaches from Eastern Visayas have complained of abdominal bloating or cramps, nausea and vomiting and may have been affected by bacteria, or food poisoning during their stay in this city for the Palarong Pambansa 2013. In a report posted by the Philippines News Agency (PNA), it said that eleven of these delegates have been hospitalized and admitted at the Negros Oriental Provincial Hospital here. The PNA source Adrian Sedillo, Dumaguete City capitol information officer said Governor Roel Degamo has already ordered an immediate investigation on the incident. The athletes are billeted at the Colegio de Sta. Catalina de Alejandria (COSCA) in this capital city. No further information was immediately available at press time. The Palarong Pambansa will officially open on Sunday, April 21, with a grand parade around the city streets before the opening program to be graced by Executive Secretary Paquito Ochoa as guest speaker. Around 12, 000 thletes from all over the country are participating in the Palarong Pambansa 2013, which will runs from April 21-27. Meanwhile, the opening ceremony will be at the Gov. Mariano Perdices Memorial Sports Stadium with the parade commencing at the Silliman University. Twenty-two events, including four demonstration sports, will be competed in the week-long competition. Regular sports disciplines include archery (Ang Tay Golf Range), arnis (Holy Cross High School gym), athletics (Gov. Mariano Perdices Memorial Stadium), badminton (The Court – LP Hyper mart), baseball (Silliman Hights Ball Park Diamond 1, Dr. Orbeta Ball Park Diamond 2 & 3, and Martinez Ball Park 1 & 2), basketball (Lamberto Macias Sports Center, Silliman University gym, Talay Basketball gym, and ABC Learning Center gym), boxing (Robinson’s Place Dumaguete), chess (Silliman Hall), football (Silliman University Cimafranca Ball Field, Gov. Mariano Perdices Memorial Stadium, Foundation University Ball Field and Silliman University Ravello Field), gymnastics (Negros Oriental State University Cultural Center), sepak takraw (SLS-Don Bosco HS gym), sipa (Catherina Cittadhi School gym), softball (Cimafranca Ball Park), swimming (Sen. Lorenzo G. Teves Aqua Center), tale tennis (Negros Oriental Convention Center), taekwondo (St. Paul University gym), tennis (Praxevilla Tennis Court, YMCA Tennis Center, Silliman Tennis Center, and volleyball (Foundation University – Children’s Forum, Foundation University gym and Asian College gym). Demonstration events are futsal (Valencia gym), wrestling (NORSU), billiards (Negros Oriental Convention Center) and special events at the Arco Sports Center. (Ricky Bautista)
139 Palaro athletes now OK AT LEAST 139 out of 150 athletes have been released from the hospital after they fell ill from diarrhea while participating in the 2013 Palarong Pambansa in Dumaguete City in Negros Oriental, the Department of Education (DepEd) said on Sunday. DepEd Information Officer Tina Guanzon said 11 athletes remained under observation at the Negros Oriental Provincial Hospital but they were reported in stable condition. “Officials suspect drinking water caused the athletes to fell ill. But they are waiting for laboratory tests before making any conclusion,” Guanzon said. The Palarong Pambansa opened with colorful ceremonies at the Don Mariano Perdices Memorial Stadium last Saturday with about 10,000 athletes, coaches and school officials from different parts of the country. The event will end next Saturday. The athletes were competing in 17 major sports events that included archery, arnis, athletics, badminton, baseball, basketball, boxing, chess, football, gymnastics, sepak takraw, softball, swimming, table tennis, taekwondo, tennis and volleyball. (From the wires)
Palaro athletes competes for Archery’s medals. (VRV)
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Writers and Fotogs Wanted! Athletes of the Palarong Pambansa 2013 arrives in Dumaguete.
PSC chair urges athletes to observe discipline and respect in Palaro 2013
PHILIPPINE Sports Commission (PSC) chairperson Ricardo Garcia has challenged all the athletes to enjoy the games, maintain respect and discipline during the entire duration of the Palarong Pambansa 2013 being staged in Dumaguete, Negros Oriental. Garcia was elated to witness the grand opening salvo of the Palarong Pambansa 2013 in Negros Oriental, being the host province on Sunday evening. Garcia was the guest of honor and speaker during the opening ceremony of the Palarong Pambansa at the Governor Mariano Perdices Coliseum in Dumaguete City. He said the Palarong Pambansa is the best training ground for future great athletes who will be bringing pride and honor for the country. There have been numerous Filipino athletes who made names in the Olympics and international sports competition. The Philippine Sports Commissioner also extended his gratitude to the provincial government of Negros Oriental and the Department of Education for putting up such a grandiose opening salvo and well prepared billeting quarters. Department of Education Secretary Armin Luistro officially proclaimed the opening of the Palarong Pambansa 2013. Governor Roel Degamo in his welcome message encouraged all delegations to enjoy and make their experience in Negros Oriental a memorable one. This is the first time that the provincial government of Negros Oriental won the bidding to host the Palarong Pambansa. There are 17 regions participating in the national games that includes 17 sports events and five demonstration games. (PNA)
Pacquiao offers $6M to Bradley
Manny Pacquiao is moving heaven and earth to snatch Tim Bradley from the claws of Juan Manuel Marquez. To entice Bradley, Pacquiao’s camp has dangled a mouth-watering $6 million guarantee for the American puncher to agree on a rematch scheduled for Oct. 13 in at The Venetian in Macau with Hall of Fame promoter Bob Arum of Top Rank calling the shots in partnership with Sands China. Over the weekend, Marquez spoke to the Mexican media, declaring that he will face Bradley on Sept. 14 at the Thomas and Mack Center in Las Vegas although Bradley’s manager Cameron Dunkin issued a statement denying that a deal has been reached by the two parties. Even Top Rank hasn’t come up with an official statement regarding the supposed matchup between the fighters who have dealt Pacquiao defeats in his last two fights. Koncz remains hopeful that Bradley will instead agree on a second meeting with Pacquiao since he will definitely earn much more owing to Pacquiao’s immense popularity. If Bradley is guaranteed $6 million, just imagine how
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much Pacquiao is getting which Koncz politely declined to comment on but sounded upbeat about the figures his boss is entitled to earn in his highly-anticipated comeback bout. “We have offered Bradley that amount,” said Koncz from Los Angeles. Pacquiao’s last fight was a stunning sixth-round knockout loss to Marquez last December and even though he will be coming off a defeat, the 34-year-old eight division champion hasn’t apparently lost his luster. Koncz said the people in Macau want him to get the job done. “They would like to promote it the best way they could.” Koncz said that he has everything all planned out except for the choice of opponent. “Manny will be promoting it in the US and will train in General Santos City and spend the last two weeks of training in Macau.” If a Bradley fight can’t be made, Koncz said he has a solid fall-back position. “We have other options,” he said. (From the wires)