Samar has enough supply of rice - NFA economist by Samar Weekly Express

Samar Weekly

EXPRESS

NEWS! Call 251-2341

THE EXPONENT OF SAMAR PROGRESS

Search us on Facebook and like us. Archive our previous issues at: www.issuu.com/samarweeklyexpress

Samar has enough supply of rice - NFA economist VOL. IX NO. 23

JANUARY 10 - 16, 2012

B� NINFA QUIRANTE �� RICKY BAUTISTA

ontrary to spreading speculations that the province will likely to experience a ‘rice shortage’ because of the La Niña phenomenon, an ofﬁcial of the National Food Authority (NFA) assured this will not to happen as of now.

“Samar province has enough rice supply,” said NFA economist Rosario Cadiz who likewise gave an assurance that the government warehouses have enough stocks of rice for the residents of Samar. This assurance given by Cadiz is also in response to the fear of few individuals that rice ﬁelds in Leyte, which served as main source of Samar rice retailers, has been ﬂooded. Ms. Cadiz informed that as of today there were some 72, 209 sacks are in the warehouses of NFA-Catbalogan, while some 37, 523 are in Calbayog, the NFA

ofﬁcial disclosed. As to the delivery promised by rice producers in Iloilo, Cadiz said it has not reached them yet as of today. “We were informed that something happened along the way,” Cadiz added. “We were also told that Iloilo was supposed to deliver some 32 thousand bags of local rice to Samar,” Cadiz told SWE. It was not however clear if the rice producers in Samar was also affected by the rains lately brought by the low pressure area and if it has sufﬁcient rice in stocks.

CATBALOGAN CITY

8 PAGES

Army’s 19IB has new Commander

KANANGA, Leyte – The officers and men of the 19th Infantry Battalion of the 8th Infantry Division welcomed, on Saturday, January 7, as Lt. Colonel Alejandro Nacnac, took over the command from Lt. Colonel Francis Cabugon. The installation of Lt. Colonel Nacnac as the 30th Commanding Officer of the 19th IB was attended by local chief executives, police counterparts, members of the media and civilian guests. Before his appointment as commanding officer of the 19th IB, Lt. Colonel Nacnac was a general staff of the 8th Infantry Division. A member of PMA SEE 19IB P3

CHANGE OF COMMAND. Lt. Col. Alejandro Nacnac receives his “assignment order” as he took over as the new CO of the 19th IB based Kanaga Leyte last January 7, 2012.

E. Samar gets New Calbayog PNP chief vows to PCIJ invites 18 media ‘gatekeepers’ to a training conducting three regional leg of the series will be held CITY crush all “Private Armies” in Samar -- AsCATBALOGAN more CCT from Jan. 31 to Feb. 3, 2012 in training seminar workshops part of PCIJ’s continuing Police Chief vowed to crush CALBAYOG CITY Cebu City exclusively for the on Media Murders and the efforts to provide professional or eliminate the existence of lieu of the presence of pre-selected 15 to 18 media Quest for Justice in the next development opportunities beneficiaries –theIn ‘untouchable’ the hardened criminals in private gatekeepers (editors, desk few months. for journalists and enable susBORONGAN CITY – The Pantawid Pamilya Cluster Operations Unit, Provincial Field Ofﬁce of the SEE CCT P2

armed groups that continue terrorizing the peaceful residents of this city, the newly appointed Calbayog City

BEECARTINE CONSTRUCTION & SUPPLY

ARCHITECTS

ENGINEERS

DESIGNERS BUILDERS DEVELOPERS 148 MERCEDES CATBALOGAN CITY, SAMAR 318-4 TRES DE ABRIL LABANFGON CEBU CITY

BEETHOVEN M. BERMEJO Manager/Proprietor

SERVICES OFFERED: • CONSTRUCTION • COMPLETE PLANS AND DESIGN • PROJECT MANAGEMENT AND SUPERVISION

CP Nos. 09209604331/09053315161/09228947890

E-mail: beecar�ne_com@yahoo.com

soonest possible time. In a report aired at Radyo ng Bayan - Calbay-

SEE CHIEF P2

tained and focused coverage of media killings, the Philippine Center for Investigative Journalism (PCIJ) will be

Welcome to PUPUA BEACH RESORT

Catbalogan City Home Away from Home! For reservation, contact: 0918.9265.791 (Ben)

SOHOTONGROUP NATURAL BRIDGE NATIONAL PARK DAY-TOUR PACKAGE with drinks & food

ONLY P700/PERSON (Group of 7 persons) Inclusions: Sohoton Cave Tour, Golden River Cruising (and optional river trekking), Helmets, Lights, Guides, Permit, Vest, Entrances, SSA, Drinks and Lunch. Call us for reservation: 0920.7675.444

In an invitation letter sent to this paper’s editor, Ms. Che de los Reyes, the PCIJ training director said the Visayas

GRTY

Gravel & Sand Silanga, Catbalogan, Samar

managers, producers, station managers, and media owners) and senior reporters from the SEE PCIJ P7

AFM., Industrial Watchman & Protective Agency Branch Office: Camia St., San Pablo, Catbalogan City

Branch Manager: ARIEL C. TY Mobile No. 0947.9711.031

“ADVERTISE WITH US WITHOUT LEAVING YOUR SEAT ...”

Just Text your ADS @

- 0920.7675.444

FOR YOUR ADVERTISING NEEDS: Call or Text us @ 09207675444 ADS HOTLINE: 321-4833; 251-2341; E-MAIL: trexpelunker@yahoo.com

Much of the Development of Samar is found in leaders & people who care.

Samar Weekly Express

REGIONAL NEWS

PNP hospital soon to rise in EV

he Philippine National Police in Eastern Visayas conducted a ground breaking ceremony that signaled the construction of the Regional Health Service 8 Level 1 Hospital at the PRO-8 grounds at Camp Ruperto Kangleon, Palo, Leyte.

This is in line with the Third Key Result Area (PNP Facilities Development) of the Philippine National Police (PNP) Integrated Transformation Program which aims to develop and upgrade the facilities of the PNP, PSSupt. Elizar Egloso, chief of the Regional Police Community Relations Division, informed. The groundbreaking ceremony for the construction of P5.2 million hospital for PRO8 inside this Camp held last week was ofﬁciated by PNP-8 Regional Director Arnold Revilla who was represented by PSSupt. Edgar Basbas, Deputy Regional Director for Operations, PSupt. Alvin T. Opiniano, MD, MSPH, who is the chief of the Regional Service 8, and guest of honor and speaker Director Edgardo Gonzaga of DOH-8. The ceremony which was witnessed by the PRO 8 personnel and several DOH staff marked the beginning of the construction of the said hospital to address the growing and changing health care needs of the PNP personnel and their families in the region. In his message, Director Gonzaga said that the project is in line with the Department of Health’s thrust of upgrading health stations and hospitals to ensure that

‘Hot’ lumbers seized by ES police BORONGAN CITY-Assorted sizes of illegally cut lumbers were seized recently by the Philippine National Police in the region over a continuing campaign of authorities to crackdown illegal logging. A report of the police community relations office of PNP-8 revealed that elements of Borongan PNP in Eastern Samar recovered hot lumbers with a total volume of 165 board feet in sitio Limbuhan, Brgy. San Jose of this city. The lumbers have an estimated value of P13, 183. On another operation, the elements of Mondragon Police Station led by SPO2 Norberto Ortiz seized 15 logs of various sizes in Sitio Canawa, Brgy. Mirador, Mondragon, Northern Samar. Meanwhile, the police authorities in Burauen, Leyte have also confiscated abandoned illegally cut lumbers after a joint operation with officials of Community Environment and Natural Resources Office (CENRO) was conducted. At least 70 pieces of 2x2x12 hot lumbers with an estimated volume of 280 board feet were seized. Police Senior Superintendent Elizar Egloso, PNP-8 spokesman, said the campaign of their office is in response to the call of other agencies to stop illegal logging as this causes flashfloods and landslides.

all Filipinos have equitable access to effective health care services. “The 1987 Philippine Constitution provides that Health is a Right of every Filipino citizen,” he said. PRO8-RHS8 proposed a P5.2 million Level 1 inﬁrmary hospital with a P2 million worth of equipment. This is the result of the instruction of Dir. Edgardo M Gonzaga MD, DOH Region 8 director dated May 20, 2010 thru the Coordination of then OIC, Health Service 8 PCI Jorge C. Rueda III during one of the inter agency conferences and inspection of DOH8, in compliance to its Supervisory Mandate on all Government Hospitals. This Level 1 Hospital aims to be more responsive to the health needs of its catchment population and to decongest the tertiary hospitals in the nearby places, Director Gonzaga said. He added that through this, “we will be able to attain an improved universal health care, with better health outcomes, responsive health system and equitable health ﬁnancing, such as to improve the access and quality affordable medicines and to improve the plight of health education, placement, compensation, among others.”

OCD sets regional rescue jamboree TACLOBAN CITY – The Regional Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council in Eastern Visayas chaired by Director Rey M. Gozon of the Ofﬁce of Civil Defense will be holding a three-day regional rescue jamboree here next month. In a meeting held Friday with the Technical Working Group, Director Gozon presented several activities proposed which will be conducted during the three-day period expected to be participated in by almost 200 individuals representing the different search and rescue groups

(SAR) of both government and non-government organizations in Region 8. Series of lectures will be conducted which will be of great help to these SAR groups in performing effectively and efﬁciently in search and rescue operations. The participants will be involved also in field exercises such as road jog, swimming, road walk, drills, and exhibits, among others. Best practices and learning experiences will be shared also by each participating team. The activity, which will be jointly funded by the

GIZ, Leyte province and OCD, will conduct also action planning and election of provincial and regional ofﬁcers for rescue teams. The regional rescue jamboree is expected to have an agreed coordination mechanism and structure including communication among SAR operating in Region 8; clustered SAR teams and communication groups as per International Search and Rescue Advisory Group (INSARAG) guidelines; and have an inventory of existing skills, capacities, and accreditation among SAR groups in the region.

OCD 8 regional director Rey Gozon (right) presides the Regional Disaster Risk Reduc�on Management Council mee�ng regarding the Regional Rescue Jamboree held at Ritz Tower de Leyte, Tacloban City, January 6. (Vino R. Cuayzon)

Samar Weekly

EXPRESS THE EXPONENT OF SAMAR PROGRESS

Only P500/Year CALL US NOW... 055-251-2341 or txt @ 09207675444 (Ricky)

SAMELCO II Consumer Hotlines

for BROWN-OUTS and Power Lines TROUBLES, CALL:

0916-660-3276 (Call Only)

for SAMELCO II Oﬃce Concerns: 0917-702-1211 (Text or Call) Monday to Friday, 8:00 A.M. to 5:00 P.M. CATBALOGAN SERVICE CENTER: CATBALOGAN MAINTENANCE CREW: BASEY SERVICE CENTER:

Telefax No. 055-251-5645 Tel. No. 055-251-5646 Tel. No. 055-276-2260

“One Call Does it All”

JANUARY 10 - 16, 2012 CHIEF from page 1... og, Samar Police Provincial Director Nolasco Bathan apparently ofﬁciated the turned over of command from Police Chief Inspector Elmer Cinco to PChief Inspector Eufronio Obong as the new Calbayog City Police Station chief. The new city police chief warned all private armed groups and possible protectors of illegal gambling to stop their illegal activities as they were serious in their campaign to give them a tough battle. “I am (also reminding) the police elements to shape up as the public needs us not only to maintain peace and order and prevent crimes but also for them to have conﬁdence in us,” said the new Calbayog City PNP Chief. For his part, Director Bathan encouraged Inspector Obong to perform well citing the full support of the present administration under Mayor Ronald Aquino. He challenged the new PNP chief to persevere in the quest to preserve Calbayog City’s peace and order. He added that with the full support of Mayor Aquino there’s no reason now why Calbayog should not move forward and gain investors. (Ninfa Quirante)

CCT from page 1...

Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) has added some 7,187 new registered household beneficiaries for the government’s Conditional Cash Transfer (CCT) subsidy program. This was reported by Ms. Febie N. Palines, Social Welfare Officer III and Provincial Coordinator of 4Ps in Eastern Samar recently. Ms Palines said these beneficiaries were from seven municipalities identified as Borongan with 2,744 beneficiaries; San-Julian-744; Balangkayan-572; Oras-315; Can-avid-1,158; Quinapondan-882 and Balangiga-772. She added that there are also 4, 317 new household beneficiaries which are registered and are being validated or partially tabulated to date in five municipalities namely: Dolores-2,200, Llorente-997 (additional), Hernani-74 (additional), Maslog-56 (additional) and Salcedo-990. Aside from the abovementioned beneficiaries, another 9,426 new targeted potential household beneficiaries are now subject for registration and validation by staff of Pantawid Pamilya Cluster Operations Unit Field Office in seven more municipalities namely: Merecedes-409, Guiuan-3,492, Lawa-an-985, Sulat-1,063, Giporlos-1,078, Maydolong-952 and Taft-1,447. Last year there were 5,484 families who are still enjoying the cash subsidy until now the P1, 400/monthly in seven municipalities: Arteche-1,297, Hernani-544, Maslog-430, Llorente-437, Jipapad-694, San Policarpo-1,052 and Mac-Arthur1,030. The report added that this new registered household beneficiaries will receive their first payment in March, while those subject for registration and validation will receive theirs in April or May. These new additional beneficiaries were identified through DSWD’s National Household Targeting System for Poverty Reduction (NHT-PR) and were validated through the coordination with the local government units (LGUs) of E. Samar. Palines further said that they make sure that the new households have no children aging beyond 14 years old; they do not have stable source of livelihood and have agreed to comply with the requirements of the program. For 2012, all 22 municipalities and one city of the province are already under the CCT coverage. CCT is being implemented by the Aquino administration through DSWD. It is an extended version of the Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program (4Ps) - a poverty reduction and social development strategy of the national government that provides cash subsidy to extremely poor households for them to improve their health, nutrition and educational status particularly the children aged 0-14. (Samuel Candido)

Want to travel and need a TOUR GUIDE IN SAMAR ISLAND? Call us, 0920.7675.444

“One Call can saves Lives” Call the Police: SAMAR POLICE PROVINCIAL OFFICE Tel. No. 055-251-2722 Mobile No. 0908-9603294 NORTHERN SAMAR POLICE OFFICE Mobile No. 0915-3557182

EASTERN SAMAR POLICE OFFICE Mobile No. 0927-2052942 LEYTE PROVINCIAL POLICE OFC. Mobile No. 0939-8953627

POLICE REGIONAL OFFICE 8: Mobile No. 0939-3287083

Samar Weekly Express

JANUARY 10 - 16, 2012 19IB from page 1... class ’90, Lt. Colonel Nacnac hails from Piddig, Ilocos. He graduated number one (1) when he took up the Command and General Staff Course Class 53 at AFP Command and General Staff College. GSC is the highest career course for Philippine military officers. He also served as 8th ID’s Assistant Chief of Staff for CivilMilitary Operation (CMO) prior to his designation as commanding officer of 19th IB, the second battalion he commanded in his 22 years of military service. As the new battalion commander, Nacnac’s first marching order to his troops was to maintain high standard of discipline of the 19th Infantry (Commando) Battalion while serving the people. “19th IB had a ‘bishop’. Now I’m installing a ‘knight’ in the person of Lt. Col. Nacnac who is equally skilled as his forerunner,” Major General Chan, 8th ID Commander who presided over the ceremony, said. Maj. Gen. Chan said he expects more than what Nacnac’s forerunner had accomplished. The 19th IB topped other Army Battalions during the third quarter of year 2011 and hopefully, the whole calendar year. Moreover, Leyte has been declared Manageable Conflict-Affected and Development Ready province under Cabugon’s tenure, a legacy which the new commanding officer is expected to uphold. Before leaving 19th IB, Lt. Colonel Cabugon wrote a book entitled, The Implementation of Internal Peace and Security Plan (IPSP) in Leyte, a book which records his experiences on how he battled the communist insurgency in Leyte in barely six (6) months. Lt. Colonel Cabugon was awarded with one (1) Military Merit Medal and a Command Plaque during the change of command ceremony.

Tired of waiting for something to happen? Let us feed your mind, subscribe now! Only P520/year CALL US... 055-251-2341

SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY

Pizza store adopts DOST’s Juan Time

JUAN TIME FOR NEW YEAR. (L-R) Chief Crea�ve Oﬃcer of BBDO GUERRERO David Guerrero, Pizza Hut Marke�ng Manager Raymund Nobleza, 2011 Miss Universe 3rd Runner Up Shamcey Supsup, 2010 Miss Universe 4th Runner Up Venus Raj, Discovery Channel representa�ve Jacque Ruby, and DOST Science and Technology Informa�on Ins�tute Director Raymund E. Liboro encouraged every Filipino to set their watches in sync with Philippine Standard Time or Juan Time at the pre-New Year countdown held last December 30, 2011 at the Araneta Parking Center.

DOST Food Safety Team readily available to help SMEs in R-8 TACLOBAN CITY – The Department of Science and Technology (DOST) in Region 8 has a Food Safety Team that is ready to check on the products of SMEs assisted by the agency in technology upgrading interventions. DOST-8 Regional Director Edgardo Esperancilla informed the local media during a recentlyheld Harampang Ha PIA media interaction, that the team is composed of DOST technical staff with Ms. Marilyn Radam as coordinator together with the members Engr. John Glenn Ocaña, Ms. Imelda Picorro, Mr. Aris Mazo, Ms. Emelyn Maglahus, Ms. Isabelita Pamposa and Mr. Emmanuel Lagdamen. The DOST Regional Food Safety Team partners with other government regulatory agencies in checking the Food Industry, specifically the Small Medium Entrepreneurs (SMEs) that produce large number and quantities of food products for compliance to allowable limits in use of food additives, Director Esperancilla said. It will also train the technical staff of SMEs in understanding food material, in processing it and the hazards associated with each step in the process to learn in identifying critical control points and apply food control to ensure that hazards are eliminated or reduced sufficiently. The team composed of DOST and health officials has been visiting small and medium enterprises

to check their compliance on good manufacturing practices. In addition, the team also assists in enhancing the capability of tertiary schools, local government units as well as other government agencies in terms of food safety system, Director Esperancilla said. The members of the Team are technical persons who can provide regular consultancy services to food industry including food manufacturers, food service units, and street food vendors. Technical consultancy includes good manufacturing practices, good agricultural practices, hazard analysis and critical control points, and food safety management system. The team makes recommendation after inspection and monitors the compliance of enterprises. The DOST Director said the DOST through its Small Enterprises Technology Upgrading Program (SET-UP) has been consistently assisting the food industry as it is one of its priority sectors. Most of the projects assisted through SET-UP relate to food processing and food safety is very critical to these projects. Over the past decade, there has been an increasing number of food alerts creating a genuine concern among consumers. The issue of Food Safety and Hygiene has become a primary concern of consumers and is the ﬁrst yardstick by which food businesses are judged by their customers. In response, DOST take

the initiative in advocating food safety to the food processing sector. To facilitate this, DOST implemented the project Development of Food Safety Teams in DOST Regional Ofﬁces. The DOST Regional Food Safety Teams are the country’s pioneering multidisciplinary groups of trained food safety specialists ready to support the food processing SETUP projects and the food processing industry in the country. “Safety is a basic requirement of food quality. Food contamination and poisoning can occur at any stage from farm to the consumer’s table,” said Director Esperancilla told the local media. (PIA)

ust like pizza deliveries, the new year countdown should be on time. And the only way to be on time in this country is to follow the Philippine Standard Time or PST that sets one common time throughout the country’s 7,107 islands. This is why the Department of Science and Technology

(DOST) partnered with Pizza Hut, along with the Discovery Channel, to again lead the country in synchronizing time pieces with the PST to welcome 2012 just on time in one common time. In the pre-new year countdown held December 30, 2011 at Araneta Parking Center and hosted by beauty queens Shamcey Supsup, 2011 Miss Universe 3rd runner up, and Venus Raj, 2010 Miss Universe 4th runner up, the PST was displayed on the giant clock that served as the reference time in adjusting time pieces for the new year. “… Magsama-sama po tayo sa pagtanaw ng oras na ito, kasi iisa lang po ang oras na ginagamit natin mula Apari hanggang Jolo, kasama na iyong nasa Spratly at sa West Philippine Sea,” DOST-Science and Technology Information Institute Director Raymund E.Liboro enjoined the audience. “We thank Pizza Hut for being the first firm from the private sector that bravely stood against tardiness.” Liboro added that if pizza delivery comes late, it would mean penalty. This should also be our mindset, to commit not to be late because we are holding on to the “true” time, the Juan Time, the Philippine Standard Time, he added. Meanwhile, Pizza Hut Marketing Manager Raymund Nobleza expressed hope that Juan Time will encourage all Filipinos to junk the habit of being late and making excuses for tardiness. “We wish to champion this mindset of being on time so that we all have better chance of reaching our goals in the in the coming year. You can be sure that Juan Time is Pizza Hut Time and that we will be hot on the dot,” Nobleza assured. Pizza Hut’s well-known “Hate Late” campaign is attuned with Juan Time, as it focuses on being “on time, all the time.” Pizza Hut aims to help change the connotation of Filipino Time being delayed, into Juan Time which is on time, resulting in improved productivity. Pizza Hut commits to tie up its “Hate Late” with Juan Time as a continuing campaign among the Filipino people to be always on time. “Dapat iisa lang ang reference time natin na oras para lagi tayong on time. If we all have the same time, there is a better chance for us to be punctual in commitments,” Venus said. Meanwhile, Shamcey believes that time is a resource that is very important but often times overlooked. “In order to reach our personal and professional goals in the coming year, we have to be more conscious of our time and to use it productively. One minute wasted is one minute gone forever,” Shamcey said. The pre-countdown began with the Magical Parade of Lights that circled the Araneta Center. Simultaneous with it were the performances of chorales, marching bands, drum beaters and Pizza Hut’s dancing delivery riders. Minutes before 7pm, Venus and Shamcey led the countdown to set everyone’s watches in the sync with PST to prepare for the New Year countdown the next day. Capping the night were dancing and fireworks display. (Allan Mauro Marfal, S&T Media Service)

DOST awards facilities to handicrafts producers in Northern Samar CATARMAN, Northern Samar – The Department of Science and Technology Regional Ofﬁce 8 turned over on January 10, common service facilities that are envisioned to improve the productivity of handicraft producers in three selected communities in Northern Samar. DOST-8 Regional Director Edgardo Esperancilla and Governor Raul Daza presided over the awarding of the common service facilities that include 3 units of cylinder bed sewing machines and 3 units of Flat bed sewing machines which will be used by the members of the Northern Samar Handicraft Producers As-

sociation particularly in Las Navas, Allen and San Antonio towns. They were joined by Ms. Lucia Dauz, DOST-8 GIA coordinator, Engr. Veronica A. Laguitan, PSCT Catarman and Ms. Marissa Azanza of PLDO. The occasion was also highlighted by the signing of the Memorandum of Agreement by Hon. Paul Daza, Mayor Rudy Baguioso of San Antonio, Mayor Rod Laurean D. Suan of Allen and Mayor Minda Tan of Las Navas. Director Esperancilla said that the establishment of common service facilities for handicraft production in selected communities of Northern Samar was

proposed by the Provincial Livelihood Development Office of the Provincial Government of Northern Samar with the members of the Northern Samar Handicraft Producers Association as the target beneﬁciaries. In order to sustain the project, the Northern Samar Provincial Government opted to collaborate with DOST-Provincial Science and Technology Center for technical and funding support through the DOST-8 Grant in Aid Program. Concerned local government units as project coimplementer also pledged to provide the funding SEE DOST P7

Samar Weekly Express

OPINION

JANUARY 10 - 16, 2012

• EDITORIAL • Beyond slogan WHEN it was disclosed to the public, Dept. of Tourism’s marke�ng campaign slogan hit a trending in social networking sites, par�cularly in Twi�er. However, the web-log did not only indicate approba�on because as news had it, registered more was that of the flak compared to the support for DOT’s new slogan “It’s More Fun in the Philippines.” Like its previous slogan that put the previous DOT secretary in the spot light for rolling out a imita�ve slogan from one abroad, this year’s proposed slogan is touted to be a “copycat”. While the public took it as the official na�onal campaign mo�o of the tourism agency, Malacañang was fast to explain that it is not yet a final version. Calling it instead as “comprehensive sketch” of what the new country tourism marke�ng slogan will be. Tourism officials are as glad that as yet the hit in social networking sites is peaking. For the government, this is tantamount to lesser expense while crea�ng widest range of public awareness. People are talking so much about the new plan of intensifying marke�ng campaign to draw in more and more tourists to the Philippines, in spite the fact that the proposed slogan “It’s More Fun in the Philippines” was a standard adver�sement of Switzerland in 1951. This is the gist of cri�cism against DOT’s latest slogan. Albeit cri�cized, the Tourism office in Eastern Visayas is “more excited” on DOT’s newest slogan. In an interview with Express, DOT Regional Office administrator Bing Lumbre even enjoined the people in the region to support the said campaign, emphatically sta�ng that tourism is “everybody’s business.” He said that the na�onal office’s gesture indicates that the country is ready once more to promote itself to the global market. The support not just the stakeholders in the tourism industry but prac�cally everyone in the society is of utmost importance. Driving tourists to the local shores is actually beyond slogan. It is in fleshing out these mo�os that will lend significance to it. It is in will effec�vely carry out the thrust capsulized in striking slogans that will spell the difference. It is therefore impera�ve upon all Filipinos within and outside the archipelago to take part in this tourism undertaking. Besides, no one stand to gain in its boom but the Filipinos themselves here and abroad.

Samar Weekly

EXPRESS THE EXPONENT OF SAMAR PROGRESS

The Samar Weekly Express is published weekly in multilingual format with editorial and business ofﬁce located at Rizal Avenue, Catbalogan, Samar (Infront of Fire Department near City Hall) with Tel. No. (055) 251-2341, E-mail: trexpelunker@yahoo.com Mobile Nos. 09207675444 Search us at Facebook and ‘like’ us.

HINTS & TRACES BY FR. ROY CIMAGALA roycimagala@gmail.com The Horizon and Beyond IT’S good that while we’re still at the beginning of the new year, we can take a long, hard look at the horizon, and even beyond, to discern how the future will be, what kind of world we would like to have. This is a common practice which we should try to sustain and improve, since there are signs people are getting myopic and insular in their view of things. Very few people can talk about having a worldview, in fact. The common reality is that they just live by the day, in a figurative hand-to-mouth existence, their world ending with every sunset. Looking at the horizon and beyond is a must for us, since we don’t live only in the present, much less, in the past. We are meant for the future, and even beyond time. The reality that we are in is not only temporal nor spatial, but also eternal and spiritual. But that’s saying too much too soon. The more immediate scenario is that with our present level of technological progress, a level is that ever dynamic and quick changing, our capabilities for innovation, collaboration and creativity have gone ballistic. This has changed our world drastically, and of course, we have changed our outlooks and lifestyles. I, for one, even if terribly technologically challenged, feel more empowered and enabled because a new gadget, an android, was given to me last Christmas. Of course, my case is very simple and even “primitive” if compared to others who are riding the crest of this technological tsunami. But with what I have received, I discover that I can have a veritable large library at the tip of my finger, I can go places, call and see friends abroad, have the oeuvre of many authors, etc. Suddenly my world has gone bigger multiple times and in multiple ways. Even in my relatively small world, I can see the tremendous effects of the information technology. In the school where I work, I see simple boys who used to tend cows and DALMACIO C. GRAFIL Publisher RICKY J. BAUTISTA Editor CATHERINE GERADILA Office-in-Charge

ALMA GRAFIL Bus. Manager

Columnists, Writers and Account Executives: Chito Dela Torre, Atty. Batas Maricio, Fr. Roy Cimagala, Ismael Amigo, Juan Mercado, Rommel Rutor, Roger Soria, Myra Tambor, Jenna Igdalino, Gina DeanRagudo, Lilith Sabuco - Teña, Malou Bermejo.

goats in the mountains turn into digital wizards with income their parents and grandparents have never seen before. It’s gratifying to see them attain a certain level of achievement. But I always remind them of the spiritual, moral and apostolic side these dizzying technological developments are supposed to have. We should never allow ourselves to be held captive only by the practical or economic benefits of these things. Going back to the reality that governs us and that I mentioned earlier, we need to remind ourselves that these earthly achievements, while good and have their proper and important place in our life, are not everything to us. If at all, they are simply means to a much higher end. They are supposed to bring us closer to God and to one another. If this criterion is not achieved, then we have failed, no matter how brilliant our performance may have been in the technical side and in the other mundane aspects. Can we say that these amazing new gadget and technologies have made us a better person, a better Christian, more able to establish a more intimate contact with God and with others? Has our love for God and others, expressed in practical ways, improved? Are we now more aware and more able to meet the requirements of the common good, solidarity and subsidiarity? If not, then we still have to drastically reform our attitudes and vision of things. In fact, we should be deeply worried when these technologically generated benefits and advantages have not improved our spiritual and moral life, our intimacy with God and our effective and practical communion with others. That situation can be rife for the terrible danger of making us very materialistic and worldly. We should actively find ways of getting to the spiritual and moral angle of these developments, because our tendency is to be trapped in the worldly and temporal criteria only. We have to continually examine our conscience and rectify our intentions along the way. We should not take this task for granted, otherwise our spiritual selves would weaken and our carnal egos aroused. We should be most careful with our spontaneous reactions and impulses, because they tend to be animalistic first, before they become human and Christian. They are like little children, cute but needing a lot supervision. When we have our spiritual and moral selves in order, then we would be confident we are on the right track toward the horizon and beyond. Otherwise, we’d just be playing games, going nowhere.

Samar Weekly Express is a member of the

PHILIPPINE PRESS INSTITUTE

The National Association of Philippine Newspapers

SAMAR ISLAND PRESS CLUB, Inc. The only SEC registered media organization operating in the three provinces of Samar

Samar Weekly Express

JANUARY 10 - 16, 2012

KAKAMPI MO ANG BATAS BY ATTY. MELANIO ‘BATAS’ MAURICIO NOTARY PUBLIC Expired goods for Sendong victims? LIFE’S INSPIRATIONS: “…So in Christ Jesus, you are all children of God through faith, for all of you who were baptized into Christ have clothed yourselves with Christ. There is neither Jew nor Gentile, neither slave nor free, nor is there male and female, for you are all one in Christ Jesus…” (Galatians 3:26-28, the Holy Bilbe). -o0oFILIPINOS IN ITALY BANNED FROM USING MIDDLE NAMES? Carlito Buhawe Senicolas is an overseas Filipino worker (OFW) from Cebu who has been working for the last 28 years in Italy. He sent me a request for assistance through my Facebook account, Melanio Lazo Mauricio Jr., which is quite unique: he wants the Philippine government to help OFWs in Italy to retain their middle names! Senicolas told me that it was Philippine Ambassador to Italy Romeo Manalo who is responsible for ordering OFWs in that country to stop using their middle names, against the wishes of our countrymen who understanbly value their middle names. Perhaps, the Department of Foreign Affairs can explain this?

COMMENTARY BY ISMAEL AMIGO

1st-APLUMA

Good, bad news of HB 5429 THERE is good news and bad news of a bill ﬁled by a lawmaker exempting provinces from paying the annual income requirements of P100 million if it has no existing city. The good news is no other than the exemption, which if translated into public services could go up well into new infra, new buildings, roads and other services aside from an increased IRA.

VIEWS ON NEWS BY RICKY J. BAUTISTA

trexpelunker@yahoo.com

Tourist arrival in EV declined? ACCORDING to a report fielded by the National Statistics Coordination Board in Region 8, the figure of foreign tourists arrival in the region has declined. Out of ten visitors of the region, nine are domestic tourists, or from inside Philippines only. What had happened? Well, based on this figure, whats the main cause of this figure escalation? Is this because the economy has slowin down? Or is this because we have a very “poor promotion” efforts? Or both? You, what’s in your mind? In most cases, I observed that we rarely make a move selling our very own natural attractions and mostly depend on national tourism campaign. Rarely we participates in tourism caravans and any other local tourism promotional bazzars. In year 2010, the total visitor arrivals in Eastern Visayas totaled 199,705. But domestic tourists accounted for the bulk with a total of 186,670 or 92 %. Foreign tourist arrivals were recorded to only 15,860, comprising only 7.9% of the total visitor arrivals. Tourists coming from America topped the foreign visitors at 5,104, with the majority or 5,082 coming from North America, particularly the U.S.A. Europeans followed at 2,956, mostly coming from Western

OPINION -o0o-

ANYONE NEEDING PR WORK? Some friends who are experts in newspaper reporting, editing, and publishing told me they have grouped themselves into a de facto public relations group, whose services can be availed of by interested parties nationwide, especially those who want to publicize what they are doing or what they have achieved among their constituents. These friends asked me if I can refer PR work to them. I guess, yes, I can. This is a lot better than “envelopmental” journalism, right? So, anyone out there wanting to be featured or needing a PR job for whatever reason? Call me at 0917 984 24 68 or email me at batasmauricio@yahoo.com. Anywhere you are in the Philippines, my friends can help you. Try them. -o0oFIRE EXTINGUISHERS, TEAR GAS, MEMORIAL PLANS, CURTAINS, FISH, FOR SALE: Likewise, as the incumbent president of the Rotary Club of IntramurosManila, District 3810 of Rotary International, I am helping the poor who are members of the seven Rotary Community Corps (RCC) which I established at the start of my term last July 01, 2011 with livelihood programs which allow them to sell fire extinguishers, tear gas for self-defense, memorial and other pre-need plans, personal products, curtains, uniforms, and even live fish or marine products. Whoever you are, or wherever you maybe---here or abroad---please help the Rotary Club of Intramuros push these livelihood programs for the RCC members. You can buy the products the RCC members are selling. This is a lot better than dole outs. Lawyer Mat Caparas, the first Filipino president of Rotary International, started the establishment of RCCs in 1986 inspired by our “bayanihan spirit”, and it

has gone worldwide since then. Call me at 0917 984 24 68 or email me at batasmauricio@yahoo.com. -o0oEXPIRED DONATIONS FOR SENDONG VICTIMS? PAGING RED CROSS: Paging the Philippine National Red Cross. Here is a text message, translated from Filipino to English, from someone who claims he is a resident of Valencia, Bukidnon: “Good morning, Atty. Batas Mauricio. I am amazed by the people from government, especially from Red Cross. Instead of helping us victims of Sendong, they seem to be giving us more problems. “We line up for hours, sometimes for a full day, for the relief goods and donations they will give us. We are happy because, somehow, we receive something. But it is irritating us no end to ﬁnd out, after we reach our homes, that the products given to us cannot be eaten or used anymore because they have expired! Perhaps, it is better if we change `Red Cross’ to `Black Cross’…from Valencia, Bukidnon.” The texter’s number is 09268869639. -o0oFIRST NATIONAL CONGRESS ON GOOD GOVERNANCE: Will the “First National Congress on Good Governance” at the University of the Philippines in Diliman, Quezon City, on January 13 to 15, 2012, among the country’s young leaders, yield something good for Filipinos? It depends, particularly on what the young leaders will be taught there. I hope the organizers will have something---anything, in fact---on what the Bible says is good governance and effective leadership. If there is none, that congress will just be another failure.

The bad news is that if and when the said bill becomes law it would enable provinces autonomy on taxation powers that could very well be translated into higher fees on this and that like real estate taxes. The author of the bill in Rep. Cesar Sarmiento of the Lone District of Catanduanes avers a municipality or a cluster of barangays may be converted into a component city if it has an average annual income of at least P100 million for the last two consecutive years. Cong. Sarmiento explained under HB 5429, the capital town of provinces will also be exempted from paying the annual income requirement of P100 million if it has no existing city even as it also seeks to amend Section 450 of the Republic Act 7160, otherwise known as the Local Government code of 1991, as amended by Republic Act 9009. Given the role as the commercial, political and socio-cultural centers in their respective provinces, Sarmiento said it becomes necessary to further ca-

pacitate these municipalities by elevating their status to component cities. “The change of status will give them more autonomy and taxation powers and an increased share in the internal revenue allotment,” Sarmiento said, adding that cityhood will boost investor confidence and invigorate the business and even tourism climate. Furthermore, a contiguous territory shall be at least 100 square kilometers, as certified by the Land Management Bureau (LMB) or have a population of not less than 150,000 inhabitants, as certified by the National Statistics Office (NSO). The bill provides that the Commission on Election (Comelec) shall conduct and supervise plebiscites in qualified towns within 120 days from receipt of the list from the Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG). The capital town concerned shall shoulder the expenses of the plebiscite. Moreover, the DILG shall issue the necessary rules and regulations within 45 days after the effectivity of this Act.

Europe at 1,780, with Germans topping the list at 824. Asians came in third at 2,026, with the majority coming from East Asia at 1,502. Most East Asian visitors were Japanese, followed by Chinese, Koreans and Taiwanese. Among provinces in the region, Leyte recorded the highest number of visitors at 126,172 or 63.2% of the total number of tourists. Southern Leyte came next with 41,510 tourists or 20.8%. Eastern Samar had a total 21,859 tourist arrivals; Samar had 5,199; Northern Samar had 2,917; and Biliran had 2,048 recorded tourist arrivals. Well, at least, hindi naman masyado kulelat ang Samar hehehe! But kidding aside, I think there is really a need for us to work hard in promoting our ‘native lands.” We have to introduce everything such as our ﬁne beaches, caves, waterfalls, and etcetera through our own little way like in Facebook, Twitters, etc. Also, I encourage our DOT chief Karina Rosa Tiopes and all LGUs and tourism councils to exert more efforts in terms of promotion and development of our beloved region. Bumawi nalang tyo sa year 2012! Hats off and goodluck!

In an effort to stem the destruction of the country’s forest cover, the House of Representatives have recently approved in its third and final reading House Bill 5485 that seeks to impose life imprisonment against illegal loggers. The HB, also called Sustainable Forest Management Act was filed by Representative Rufus Rodriguez of the 2nd district, Cagayan de Oro. The bill provides protection, rehabilitation and sustainable management of the country’s forests. The proposal calls for punishment of up to life imprisonment for those caught harvesting, collecting, and distributing illegally acquired timber that is worth P500,000. Culprits will also be fined with an amount equivalent to 10 times the market value of the captured timber. Other than illegal loggers, other persons engaged in such a business are also subject to the proposal. So beware now folks!

Congress OKs law against illegal logging THERE seem to be good news happening at the House of Representatives huh. Albeit, criticized for the unending debates on impeachment case they filed at the Senate against Chief Justice Reynato Corona, at least, they have finally approved one bill that will look into the future of this country. Although this may sound very late, this one can, at least, minimize the rampant and left and right cutting of trees, irresponsible uses of farm lands in country’s remote and agricultural areas. Under this new law, not only those illegal loggers, financiers will be punish but also those who have illegally occupied forest land or using it for commercial or business purposes will also be held liable.

DISCLAIMER: Views expressed in the opinion and commentary sections do not necessarily reflect the editorial position of The Samar Weekly Express. The SWE does not knowingly publish false information and may not be held liable for the views of readers exercising their right to free expression. The publication, however, reserves the right to edit contributions for clarity, as it sees fit. - Ed.

We value your Opinion!

Talk back with our issues of the week. Send us your feedback and your own commentary in our Letter To Editor Section. Be heard and let us know your say.

Samar Weekly Express

NATIONAL NEWS

Accused, accusers mock asset records law

SC justices, Ombudsman, House keep SALNs secret MANILA -- PCIJ’s latest report looks at patterns of compliance by our public officials with provisions of the Constitution and anti-graft laws requiring the full and prompt disclosure of their Statement of Assets, Liabilities, and Net Worth or SALN. By the records of the PCIJ in securing SALNs since 2006, the sorry picture that emerges is one of rank non-compliance -- or creative defiance of the law -- not just by the justices of the Supreme Court from 1992, but also by the members of the 15th Congress, the executives of the constitutional commissions, the Office of the Vice President, and the star-rank officers of the Armed Forces of the Philippines and the Philippine National Police, among others. And yet, in one of the eight articles of impeachment against Supreme Court Chief Justice Renato Corona, the 188 members of the House of Representatives who signed the complaint censured him for refusing to disclose his SALN. By their act, the House members raised a virtual Sword of Damocles over those in

Chief Jus�ce Corona

Prosecutor Rep. Tupaz

public office who insist on keeping the full details of their SALNs secret. But the House accusers could well be accused of a similar omission, and culpable violation of the Constitution and anti-graft laws. The PCIJ’s records from 2006 to December 2011 reveal a pattern of non-disclosure of SALNs by senior ofﬁcials from all the branches of the government, except for the Senate. Most exemplary in its compliance with the law, the Senate has consistently disclosed copies of the asset records of all its members over the last decades, including that of those who will now sit as judges in Corona’s impeachment trial. Yet still, deﬁance of the SALN law has been

shown as well by the Ofﬁce of the Ombudsman under Aquino appointee Conchita Carpio-Morales, a retired Supreme Court associate justice who became Ombudsman in July 2011. Her office has rebuffed an omnibus request that the PCIJ filed in September 2011 to secure the SALNs of officials that many agencies had denied since 2006. Carpio-Morales’s office to this day also insists on the rule that SALN requests have to be subscribed and sworn to before a prosecutor of the Ombudsman’s ofﬁce, according to a controversial memorandum circular issued by her impeached predecessor Merceditas Gutierrez. If one’s failure to disclose SALNs is now an impeachable offense,

then a long list of ofﬁcials should also now be expunged from public office, including Ombudsman Carpio-Morales and by their own assertion, even 185 of the 188 members of the 15th Congress who ﬁled the impeachment complaint against Corona but have not disclosed copies of their own SALNs. Thus far, only two of the 282 members of the 15th Congress have actually disclosed copies of their 2010 SALN upon request: Mohammed Hussein P. Pangandaman (Lanao del Sur) and Maximo B. Rodriguez Jr. (PL-Abante Mindanao). Neither is among the 188 signatories to the impeachment complaint that the House had submitted to the Senate impeachment court. The PCIJ was able to obtain the 2010 SALNs of five more members of the Lower House, including three who had signed the impeachment complaint against Corona. But that was only because their SALNs seem to have been mixed inadvertently with the asset records of the members of the 14th Congress that PCIJ was allowed to photocopy early this year.

JANUARY 10 - 16, 2012

DOLE release funds for a vegetable garden park in So. Leyte SILAGO, SO. LEYTE – The Department of Labor and Employment in the region has released P256,720.00 fund assistance under its DOLE Integrated Livelihood Program (DILP) to the Local Government Unit of Silago, Southern Leyte for a High Value Vegetable Production Project that will benefit twenty six (26) women members of Puntana Women’s Nature Club Association (PWNCA). In an email sent to The SWE, Virgilio Doroja Jr., the communication officer of DOLE said the livelihood funding check was handed over by DOLE Regional Director Forter G. Puguon, as DOLE Secretary Rosalinda Dimapilis-Baldoz alter-ego in the region, and DOLE Southern Leyte Provincial Head Fe Norma Norma D. Valuis to Silago Mayor Manuel A. Labrador, Sr. in a simple turn-over ceremony held at Silago Municipal Auditorium on January 6, 2012. The event was also attended by Vice Mayor Pacita Almine, Sangguniang Bayan members, Department Heads, PESO Manager Arabie Saudi Tomol, and the members of Puntana Women’s Nature Club Association led by its President Melba Lucero. The project is aimed at creating viable livelihood for the women members of PWNCA, pursuant to the thrust of President Benigno S. Aquino to create local employment. With the use of “modern mulching technology”, the project is expected to produce high value ampalaya, egg plant, tomatoes, melon, okra and sweet pepper. Director Puguon explained that the livelihood assistance was released through the LGU as the Accredited Co-Partner of DOLE in the implementation of its program and services in the municipality. As such, the LGU had to put up 20% of the project cost as counterpart and has the responsibility of monitoring the project to ensure its sustainability. He reminded the beneficiaries that the success of the project lies in their hands and what he hopes for is for the project to become successful so as to uplift the quality of life of its members. He pointed out that being the first recipient in the municipality it should become a model to other livelihood projects in Silago. He also shared his challenge to the municipality of Calubian, the first recipient of DOLE’s Livelihood Assistance Fund for a vegetable production project, of becoming the vegetable basket of Leyte Province. He challenged the PWNCA members and municipal officials with the vision for the municipality of Silago to become the vegetable basket in the province of Southern Leyte, and even of the entire Eastern Visayas Region. Mayor Labrador for his part thanked the DOLE for the assistance saying that in the 61 years of existence of the municipality of Silago, it is only now that it has been given livelihood opportunity. As such, he expressed commitment to assist the group in marketing its products so as to ensure its sustainability. PWNCA President Melba Lucero also expressed her gratitude to the many individuals who had helped them availed of this livelihood project. “Sa pinalanggang Director Forter Puguon, kauban sa among pagpasamalat ang among pagpasalig sa imoha nga among paningkamutan kining inyong gihatag nga proyekto nga maging malinampuson” she added.

SWS: 95% of Pinoys enter 2012 with hope

WOMEN POWER. A group of Filipina devotees carrying a replica of a centuries-old image of Jesus Christ known as the Black Nazarene at the Quirino Grandstand in Manila, Philippines on Sunday Jan. 8, 2010.

MANILA, Philippines - Despite gloomy global economic forecasts and a string of natural calamities that hit the country this year, nine out of 10 Filipinos still face the New Year with hope, the latest Social Weather Stations (SWS) survey showed. The Fourth Quarter Social Weather Survey, conducted from Dec. 3 to 7, showed that 95 percent of Filipino adults said they would welcome 2012 with hope while only four percent would face the New Year with fear. The new figure matches the all-time high of 95 percent recorded in 2002 who were hopeful of entering 2003, the SWS said. It is also two points higher than the 93 percent who entered 2011 with hope. SWS said hope in the coming year has customarily been at high levels, starting at 87 percent when SWS first polled about the issue in December 2000 and 88 percent in December 2001. New Year hope reached its record high 95 percent in December 2002 and 90 percent in December 2003 before it declined to 81 percent in December 2004 and 85 percent in December 2005. It rebounded and remained steady at 91 percent to 92 percent from 2006 to 2008 before it declined to 89 percent in 2009. It recovered to 93 percent in December 2010 and again reached record-high 95 percent in December 2011. Hope in the coming year is widespread in all areas, with record highs in Mindanao and Metro Manila, SWS said. Compared to 2010, New Year hope increased by five points in Mindanao, from 89 percent to 94 percent, a record-high for

that area that was ﬁrst reached in 2002. It stayed at record-high 96 percent in Metro Manila. It hardly changed in the Visayas, from a record-high 97 percent in 2010 to 96 percent in 2011, and in balance Luzon, from 94 percent to 95 percent. New Year hope is also high in all socio-economic classes, with a new record-high set among class E. Compared to 2010, New Year hope rose by four points among the very poor class E, from 89 percent to a new recordhigh 93 percent. This surpassed the previous record-high of 91 percent in 2002, 2003, 2006, and 2007. New Year hope stayed at record high 97 percent among the middle to upper classes ABC. It hardly changed among the masses class D, from 95 percent to 96 percent. New Year hope is higher among those who expected a happy 2011 Christmas than among those who expected a sad Christmas. Of the 64 percent who were looking forward to a happy 2011 Christmas, almost all (97 percent) also look forward to 2012 with hope. On the other hand, of the 11 percent expecting a sad Christmas, 89 percent are hopeful of 2012. The survey question was patterned after polls conducted annually by the Allensbach Institute of Demoskopy in Germany, the SWS said. It used face-to-face interviews of 1,200 adults in Metro Manila, the balance of Luzon, Visayas, and Mindanao. Sampling error margins of plus or minus three percentage points for national percentages and plus or minus six points for area percentages.

Samar Weekly Express

JANUARY 10 - 16, 2012 Republic of the Philippines REGIONAL TRIAL COURT 8th Judicial Region BRANCH 33 Calbiga, Samar IN THE MATTER OF CORRECTION OF THE MARRIAGE CERTIFICATE OF PEPITO CAVEIRO OCENAR AND LEAH LOTOC JABONETE, LEAH LOTOC JABONETE, Petitioner -v.s.THE NATIONAL STATISTICS OFFICE, MANILA and THE MUNICIPAL CIVIL REGISTRAR OF CALBIGA, SAMAR, Republic of the Philippines REGIONAL TRIAL COURT 8th Judicial Region BRANCH 31 Calbayog City IN RE: CORRECTION OF ENTRY IN THE CERTIFICATE OF LIVE BIRTH OF JAYREL LAUTINGCO CANO JAYREL L. CANO, Petitioner, -versusTHE LOCAL CIVIL REGISTRAR OF CALBAYOG CITY AND THE ADMINISTRATOR AND CIVIL

Respondent SPL. PROC. NO. C2011-1171 For: CORRECTION OF ENTRY ON THE MARRIAGE CERTIFICATE IN THE NSO AND MUNICIPAL CIVIL REGISTRAR x- - - -- - - - - - - - - x ORDER This is a verified petition to change the entry of date of birth in the Certificate of Marriage of the petitioner, from December 13, 1972 to her correct date of birth which is November 13, 1971. The petition alleges that petitioner’s correct date of birth is November 13, 1971, however, at the time of her marriage with Pepito Ocenar,

REGISTRAR GENERAL, NATIONAL STATISTICS OFFICE, QUEZON CITY Respondents SPEC. PROC. NO. 466 x- - - - - - - - - - -x ORDER A verified petition has been filed by the petitioner, through counsel, praying that after due notice and hearing, an order be issued directing the Local Civil Registrar, Calbayog City and the Administrator and Civil Registrar General of the National Statistics Office, Quezon City to correct the sex or gender of petitioner JAYREL L. CANO as appearing in his Certificate

DOST from page 3...

counterpart for the improvement of space and building of the production centers. San Antonio Mayor Rodolfo Baguioso committed the vacated Municipal Agriculture Office as the production center for San Antonio Weavers Association. Allen Mayor Rod Laurean Suan committed the Barangay Cabacungan Multi-purpose Hall as Barangay Cabacungan Weavers Association Production Center. Las Navas Mayor Arlito Tan in coordination with the DENR-PENRO Northern Samar will provide the DENR defunct building at Barangay Bukid, Las Navas, as Barangay Bukid Weavers Association Production Center. The Province of Northern Samar has an abundant supply of raw materials for handicraft production such as sea grass, tikog, buri, takay, romblon, pandan and other indigenous materials which are left untapped due to lack of appropriate knowledge and skills of weavers on various weaving styles, color blends, latest fashion, trends and designs on handicraft particularly handbag making. With the Northern Samar Handbag Project in 2009, then Governor Raul Daza sent five women to Cora Cares Foundation Training School in Meycawayan, Bulacan to undergo trainers’ training on handbag making. As a result, 107 skilled weavers from the municipalities of San Antonio, Allen and Las Navas underwent a series of skills and entrepreneurial training, organized per municipality, elected their officers and were federated into the NSHPA composed of 31 members. (PIA)

BOOMBOOM ENTERPRISES

DEALER/SUPPLIER: Hollowblocks, Sand & Gravel, constructions materials, school and oﬃce supplies Contact: 0907.1079.333 (in Basey, Samar)

LEGAL NOTICES she honestly believed that she was born on December 13, 1972 hence, she entered the latter date as her date of birth in their Marriage Contract. And to correct such mistake, she filed the instant petition. The petitioner had sent copies of her petition to the Office of the Solicitor General, National Statistics Office, Manila, and the Local Civil Registrar of Calbiga, Samar, per registry receipt attached to the original copy of the petition. Finding the instant petition sufficient in form and substance, the same is hereby given due course. The petitioner is ordered to publish this Order in a newspaper of general circulation in the Province of Samar and accredited by this

Court, to be determined by raffle, once a week for three (3) consecutive weeks at the petitioner’s expense. The initial hearing is scheduled on January 30, 2012 at 8:30 o’clock in the morning. Furnish copies of this Order to the Office of the Solicitor General, the Office of the Samar Provincial Prosecutor in Catbalogan City, the Civil Registrar of Calbiga, Samar, Atty. Minerva V. Siosana, and the petitioner. IN CHAMBERS, Regional Trial Court, Brach 33, Calbiga, Samar. December 13, 2011.

of Live Birth, from “female” to “male”. Finding the petition to be sufficient in form and in substance, notice is hereby given that this case is set for hearing on April 16, 2012 at 8:30 o’clock in the morning before this Court, at which date, time and place, all persons who have an objection thereto may file any opposition and show cause why the same should 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

Calbayog City, duly accredited with this Court. Let copies of this Order be furnished the Solicitor General, Makati City, the Civil Registrar General of National Census and Statistics Office, Quezon City, the Local Civil Registrar of Calbayog City, the City Prosecutor, the petitioner and his counsel, the Clerk of Court, Regional Trial Court, Calbayog City. SO ORDERED. Calbayog City, Philippines, December 21, 2011.

Republic of the Philippines REGIONAL TRIAL COURT 8th Judicial Region Catbalogan, Samar Office of the Executive Judge RE: PETITION FOR RENEWAL OF COMMISSION AS NOTARY PUBLIC FOR AND IN THE PROVINCE OF SAMAR AND THE CITIES OF CALBAYOG AND CATBALOGAN ATTY. AILEEN T. FORTEZA Petitioner, x---------------x NOTICE OF HEARING

Republic of the Philippines REGIONAL TRIAL COURT 8th Judicial Region Catbalogan, Samar Office of the Executive Judge RE: PETITION FOR RENEWAL OF COMMISSION AS NOTARY PUBLIC FOR AND IN THE PROVINCE OF SAMAR AND THE CITIES OF CALBAYOG AND CATBALOGAN ATTY. ALMA UYLAMPASA Petitioner, x---------------x NOTICE OF HEARING

Notice is hereby given that a summary hearing on the petition for notarial commission of Atty. AILEEN T. FORTEZA shall be held on January 25, 2012 at 11:00 in the morning. Any person who has any cause or reason to object to the grant of the petition may file a verified written opposition thereto before the date of the summary hearing. January 3, 2012, Catbalogan, Samar.

Notice is hereby given that a summary hearing on the petition for notarial commission of Atty. ALMA UYLAMPASA shall be held on January 18, 2012 at 11:00 in the morning. Any person who has any cause or reason to object to the grant of the petition may file a verified written opposition thereto before the date of the summary hearing. January 3, 2012, Catbalogan, Samar.

(Sgd.) AGERICO A. AVILA Executive Judge Date of Posting: Jan. 3-9, 2012

(Sgd.) JANET M. CABALONA Presiding Judge SWE Jan. 27 - 2; 3 - 9 & 10 - 16, 2011 issue

(Sgd.) REYNALDO B. CLEMENS Judge SWE Jan. 27 - 2; 3 - 9 & 10 - 16, 2011 issue

(Sgd.) AGERICO A. AVILA Executive Judge Date of Posting: Jan. 3-9, 2012

ADVERTISE

THIS SPACE IS FOR SALE Please contact us 251-2341 or 09207675444 for details.

ADVERTISE

PCIJ from page 1...

community, mainstream, and online media based in the regions. The Philippine Press Institute has recommended most of the participants who will attend the event, it was learned. Accordingly, the seminar series, which is being supported by the National Endowment for Democracy (NED), will build on the results of the ﬁrst round of PCIJ training seminars on media killings conducted in the early part of 2011. “This second round of seminars aims to scale up and consolidate community consensus and joint action by media front liners and gatekeepers on common concerns that confront journalists who cover the killings, and on measures and best practices that media gatekeepers could implement to assure adequate protection for journalists at risk,” Ms. De los Reyes said. She added that the seminar also aims to “promote and upgrade editorial standards and practices in covering media killings as stories that deserve sustained and focused reportage.” “The seminars will feature breakthroughs and challenges on cases of media murders, and an assessment of how the Maguindanao massacre in 2009 has changed the course of doing journalism in the country. The seminars will offer practical safety tips, legal and journalism tool kits, and hands-on exercises to help the participants reﬁne their reporting skills and ethical obligations as professional journalists,” the training director said. During the seminar, the participants will also be provided an opportunity to interact with public and private prosecutors involved in cases of media killings and with the relatives of victims. Some of the sessions will build on the content and public awareness values of the documentaries on media killings in the country that the PCIJ has produced for the Freedom Fund for Filipino Journalists, including an instructional video for journalists in vulnerable areas. At the end of the training-workshop, it is expected that all participants will be able to hone their skills in media murder reporting and enhance their skills in advance techniques in gathering information related to their crafted stories. (Ricky Bautista)

FOR SALE! House & Lot We are selling our House and Lot, 64.46 sq. meters wide (or nearly 120 sq. m. including front area), 2 bedrooms, with kitchen, cr, store, balcon, front yard, concrete, near San Vicente homes in Basey, Samar. Ready for occupancy. Owner leaving. Rush. 09207675444

Writers & Account Executives Wanted! Join our forces, apply now, send resume and intention to Samar Weekly Express, Rizal Avenue, Catbalogan City or Call 055-2512341. NOW Na!

It pays to

advertise!

SAMAR WEEKLY EXPRESS is now open for your Personal Announcements and Greetings. Start placing your Advertisements on the following categories... ANNOUNCEMENT SECTION: -Birth Announcements -Reunions/Homecomings -Business Announcements -Weddings/Anniversaries -Obituaries

PERSONAL GREETINGS SECTION: -Birthday Greetings -Best Wishes/Anniversary Greetings -Congratulatory Messages -Religious Greetings -Other Personal Messages

JUST CALL US: 055-251-2341 look for CATHY

Beauty, love and drama collide in GMA’s newest primetime offering “Legacy” BEGINNING January 16, 2012, brace yourselves for the grandest, much awaited and the best of Philippine Entertainment on GMA, as it launches the most alluring primetime series that will surely bait the television viewers for its visually unparalleled production and well-crafted story with the grand premiere of “LEGACY.” Dubbed as the “glossy drama masterpiece” of Philippine Primetime Television, LEGACY is top-billed by the most captivating and award-winning young actresses today --- 2009’s MMFF Best Supporting Actress Heart Evangelista as Diana Calcetas and 2010’s FAMAS Best Actress Lovi Poe as Natasha Alcantara. Sprinkling sparks and romantic angles to the series are the most desirable leading men in the industry- Geoff Eigenmann as Josh Ledesma and Sid Lucero as Iñigo Salcedo. Playing an important role in the series is Alessandra de Rossi as Bernadette Alcantara while Mike Tan portrays the role Third San Jose . In the series, Don Romualdo’s son, Cesar, falls in love with a factory worker named Isabel. Among all the girls that he dated, it is only Isabel whom Cesar gets serious with. However, Don Romualdo forces his son to marry Eva, an heiress of the bank who lends them money in order to sustain their business. Cesar later decides to leave Eva and fight for his love for Isabel. But the situation will change when Eva tells him that she is pregnant. Cesar once had a baby named Bernadette from the former bold star Anna Marie but Don Romualdo was not convinced that Cesar is the father of the baby. One day, when Eva tries to confront Isabel, a squabble takes place eventually putting the rallying employees to jail, including Isabel and Lucio, her avid suitor. Isabel hopes and prays that Cesar will help them get out of jail. As expected, the case against them was pulled out and they are released. Full of gladness, Isabel hurriedly goes to the office of Cesar to thank him for the help. To her surprise, Cesar asks her to leave the company and puts an end to their romantic relationship. Her world falls apart and the shock causes an emotional breakdown. Lucio will bring her to the hospital to have her checked and the news of pregnancy was announced by the doctor. She then decides to tell Cesar about the good news but Eva will drive her away. Eva now faces her fear of Cesar leaving them once he learns of Isabel’s pregnancy. Her mom, Sophia, will convince her to continue pretending that she’s pregnant. They will adopt a baby to make their plan realistic. It will be a success and the baby will be named Natasha. After many years, the newly hailed Marketing Officer of the Legacy Corporation, Natasha, stumbles upon Diana in a beauty contest and a rivalry is born between them. The well-loved CEO of the Legacy Corporation Cesar

Dingdong Dantes and Amaya lead-star Marian Rivera

EXPRESS THE EXPONENT OF SAMAR PROGRESS

JANUARY 10 - 16, 2012

PAGE 8

GMA network opens 2012 with a loud roar in Golden Dragon-themed trade launch

Alcantara passes away. His untimely death marks the ﬁght of Bernadette and Diana for legal rights to their father’s name and estate. Having three beautiful daughters battling to be the successor of the Legacy Corporation, who will emerge on top? Up to what extent are they willing to ﬁght to inherit the LEGACY of their father? And who will reign as the sole owner of the corporation? Adding glimmer to the glossy drama masterpiece is the roster of A-list and most respected movie and television actors: Eddie Garcia as Don Romualdo Alcantara; Liza Lorena as Sophia, Jackielou Blanco as Isabel Calcetas, Maritoni Fernandez as Anna Marie Leviste and Cherie Gil as Eva Alcantara. Adding star power to this highly-anticipated program are some of the most talented and promising stars today: Mark Bautista as Eboy; Sam Pinto as Ciara Estuar; Solenn Heussaff as Chloe Martin; Ryza Cenon as Juliet, Chariz Solomon as Candy. LEGACY, created by the GMA Drama group, is headed by Lilybeth G. Rasonable, VP for Drama; Ma. Regina Magno, AVP for Drama; Cheryl Ching-Sy, Senior Program Manager; Winnie Reyes, Executive Producer; and the creative team composed of Jun Lana, Creative Director; Jake Tordesillas, Creative Head; Suzette Doctolero, Creative Consultant; Arlene Navarro-Punio, Headwriter; and Dode Cruz, Creator. Under the helm of director Jay Altajeros, witness the outpouring of beauty, love, drama and how LEGACY raises the bar of primetime series from Monday to Friday starting January 16, 2012 only on GMA.

Marian Rivera faces off with Gina Alajar in Finale of Amaya It’s the final battle between the warrior Amaya against her most vicious and fiercest adversary, Dian Lamitan, in the explosive finale of GMA Network’s widely popular epic series this Friday, January 13. After the commendable run of the first-ever historical epic series in the primetime block, Amaya bids farewell with consistent high ratings performance on its timeslot, and with the overwhelming praises from the televiewers. The entire cast, headlined by no less than primetime queen Marian Rivera, gave exceptional and laudable performances that earned positive reviews from venerable critics here and abroad. This Friday, witness how the final confrontation between Amaya and Dian Lamitan (Gina Alajar) will end as the latter

Samar Weekly

will fight tooth and nail to destroy the chosen one. Will Amaya forgive her stepmother and absolve her wrongdoings or will she cast a painful death against the woman who was responsible for her father’s death? Meanwhile, will Amaya and Bagani’s romance have a happy ending? Will she choose to give their love affair another chance or set off to fulfill the prophecy of leading the banwa of the Manobos? Viewers should also watch out for the cameo appearances of Kapuso stars Dingdong Dantes, Kris Bernal and Rocco Nacino in the series’ finale episode. Amaya, which is created by the GMA Entertainment TV Group, is another first in the Television Industry for its original concept and innovative storyline. Aside from the endorsement by the National Historical Commission of the Philippines and the Department of Education for its historical and cultural context, this pioneering epic series was named as Best Original Drama Series in the 2011 Golden Screen Awards for Television and was also recognized by the Meycauayan Jewelry Industry Association, Inc. for the promotion of the country’s rich jewelry-making heritage.

LINE ADS, RUNNING ADS, COMMERCIAL, ETC. AVAILABLE HERE! Call us Now 251-2341

GMA Network, Inc. (GMA), the country’s leading multimedia company, begins a prosperous new year with a piercing roar in the market. Come January 17 and 18, the leading Network delivers trade presentations to its partner-advertisers at special gala events to be held at the New World Hotel ( Makati ). Themed “Legend of the Golden Dragon,” the event showcases the Network’s key platforms and projects this 2012, with the biggest Kapuso actors and actresses in attendance. Aside from the being the acknowledged premier free-toair channel on the nationwide ratings chart, GMA continues its aggressive expansion efforts with upgrades in the programming lineup for regional, national, and international audiences. The event also celebrates the unprecedented success of television’s leading all-news channel GMA News TV (GNTV), which rose above competing news channels in less than a year from its launch. Likewise, it serves as the launch pad of adfriendly innovations in GMA’s other platforms, such as leading radio channels Super Radyo DZBB 594khz and Baragay LS 97.1, and the all-in-one media website GMANetwork.com. On television, it rolls out the biggest program launches on primetime with a grand salvo this ﬁrst quarter 2012. Among the all-original primetime drama series include Legacy starring Heart Evangelista, Lovi Poe and Alessandra de Rossi; Biritera featuring Dennis Trillo, Glaiza de Castro and Angelika dela Cruz; and My Beloved billed by the phenomenal tandem of Dingdong Dantes and Marian Rivera. Soon to ﬁll GMA’s unbeatable afternoon program grid are Broken Vow headlined by Luis Alandy, Bianca King, Gabby Eigenmann and Rochelle Pangilinan; The Good Daugther starring Kylie Padilla and Rocco Nacino; Hiram Na Puso with Kris Bernal and Mark Herras; Alice Bungisngis and Her Wonder Walis by Tween stars Bea Binene, Jake Vargas, Derrick Monasterio and Lexi Fernandez; and I Bilib with Chris Tiu. GMA Marketing and Productions, Inc. (GMPI) President and COO Lizelle G. Maralag said that GMA is all-out to provide the highest value of service to its partner-advertisers. The Network is set to brace its power and superiority in the broadcast industry for the entire run of 2012. “GMA makes a clear stand out in the opening of 2012 as it continues to grow its nationwide audience, and we hope to elevate the Company’s market value with sustained creative executions and innovative offerings,” Maralag said. Catch more of broadcast media’s newest offerings in all GMA channels and platforms. (PR)

Rizal Avenue, Catbalogan City, Samar (Infront of Fire Department, near City Hall)

Name _____________________________________________ Address ____________________________________________ Signature ___________________________________________ Subscription Rate: P10.00 per copy (in Catbalogan City) Bill me: (Please check on the box of your billing preference) Monthly Annualy Attention: For payment, please use: • A check payable to Samar Weekly EXPRESS • A money order payable to Samar Weekly EXPRESS, or Text us and we will pick up your payment (Cell No. 0920.7675.444.) (cut this subscription form and send to the above address)

Advertise ONLY with the No. 1 Weekly Newspaper in Samar!

Or Call 251-2341