Rebels attack disaster response truck in N. Samar

TACLOBAN CITY - A soldier was killed and three other government troopers were wounded when suspected members of the New People’s Army (NPA) attack a military disaster response truck in Northern Samar early Tuesday morning, hours before the start of 12-day unilateral ceasefire.

The military cargo truck was heading to the town center of Las Navas, carrying six soldiers tasked to deliver equipment for Las Navas Agro-Industrial School, a training center run by the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority.

The ambuscade took place in the remote village of Bukid around 5 a.m. on Tuesday.

The firefight with undetermined number of suspected communist rebels lasted for 15 minutes, said Capt. Isagani Viernes, spokesman of the Philippine Army’s 8th Infantry Division, based in Catbalogan City, Samar.

Las Navas, a fourth class farming town, is about 317 kilometers north from the regional capital of Tacloban.

Equipment are supposed to be used for disaster response in the town after typhoon "Nona’s" devastation.

Viernes refused to name the victims since their families are not yet informed about the incident. The army troops belong to the 20th Infantry Battalion based in Opong village, Catubig, Northern Samar.

Wounded soldiers were brought to hospitals in Tacloban City and in a district hospital in Catubig town in Northern Samar for treatment.

“Since the aftermath of typhoon Nona, we don’t have military offensive since our focus is on disaster response. Rebels are taking advantage on our operation,” Viernes said.

The rebels launched the attack before the 12-day holiday truce and four days after the ambuscade of a disaster response military in Pinabacdao, Samar.

President Benigno S. Aquino III has approved the recommendation of the Department of National Defense for the unilateral declaration of the Suspension of Military Operations (SOMO) against the NPA for the Christmas and New Year holidays.

The SOMO will commence at 12:01 a.m. of December 23, 2015 and would end at 11:59 p.m. of January 3, 2016.

“We will be on defensive mode even if there’s SOMO because rebels traditionally mark their anniversary with atrocities,” Viernes added.

The Communist Party of the Philippines-New People’s Army will celebrate its 47th founding anniversary on Dec. 26. (PNA)

‘Nona’ kills man, leaves trail of destruction in Northern Samar

TACLOBAN CITY – Typhoon Nona left Northern Samar with at least one dead, after it unleashed its wrath on Monday that caused widespread power outages and communication network paralysis.

The Regional Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (RDRRMC) identified the casualty as Pascual Ancente Jr., 31, of Allen Northern Samar. The victim died due to multiple wounds and head trauma when a galvanized iron sheet hit him.

The typhoon has displaced more than 5,000 in Northern Samar where typhoon Nona made its first landfall in Laoang town Monday noon.

At least 2,171 have been stranded in various ports in Northern Samar, Leyte, and Southern Leyte as the state weather bureau raise typhoon warning signals in these provinces.

The government is struggling to assess the extent of damage of typhoon Nona in Northern Samar due to power interruptions and absence of mobile phone signals.

The National Grid Corporation of the Philippines (NGCP) said that some transmission lines in the province have experienced tripping as early as 9:26 a.m. on Monday.

Office of the Civil Defense (OCD) Regional Director Edgar L. Posadas described the impact as “not good” in his text message during an ocular inspection Tuesday morning.

The typhoon left trails of destruction in the province, toppling several trees, destroying some houses, and rendering some sections of national roads impassable, according to the official.

“We are still gathering data on the impact of Nona in Northern Samar. Local disaster risk reduction and management council officials could not be reached via mobile phone, landline and email,” Posadas said.

Citing initial reports from the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH), road sections along Mapanas to Palapag and Allen to the provincial capital of Catarman have been impassable since Monday night.

On Tuesday morning, the DPWH cleared the Lope De Vega-Catarman road sections, making the province accessible from Calbayog City in Samar. (PNA)

‘Nona’ strands 2,054 passengers in Eastern Visayas; more LGUs suspend classes

TACLOBAN CITY– More than 2,000 passengers were stranded in Eastern Visayas seaports on Monday as the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) halted sea travel due to typhoon nona.

The Office of the Civil Defense (OCD) reported Monday noon that 2,054 passengers on board 203 buses, truck and light cars were stranded in ports in the provinces of Northern Samar, Samar, Leyte and Southern Leyte due to cancellation of 15 trips of roll-on roll-off vessels.

About 1,234 passengers are in Allen, Northern Samar, the region’s exit point to luzon, according to OCD regional director Edgar L. Posadas. Affected passengers in Leyte are all heading to Cebu.

The department of social welfare and development was urged to distribute food packs to affected passengers, who have been in ports since Sunday.

In its noontime report, the OCD said there were no reported casualties and missing persons in the six provinces of the region.

The weather disturbance has placed Northern Samar, Eastern Samar, Biliran, and Samar under public warning storm signal number 3. Leyte and Southern Leyte provinces were under storm warning signal number 2 and 1, respectively.

Class suspensions

More local government units declared class suspension on Monday morning to ensure safety of learners as typhoon made its landfall in Northern Samar.

As early as Sunday afternoon, Northern Samar governor Jose Ong suspended classes in all levels as well as work in all government offices except those involved directly in disaster risk reduction and management.

In Catbalogan City, Samar, Mayor Stephany Uy Tan announced on Sunday afternoon the suspension of classes in the elementary and secondary.

In Calbayog city, Mayor Ronald Aquino issued an order for the suspension of classes in all levels both public and private schools.

City DRRM Council initial meeting this morning at the City Mayor's Conference Room.Mayor Ronaldo Aquino, CDRRMC Chairman, presided the meeting.
Posted by LGU Calbayog Bulletin on Sunday, December 13, 2015

Classes has been suspended in all levels in Biliran. The province, along with Northern Samar, Samar and Eastern Samar.

The state weather bureau has raised public storm warning signal no. 2 in Leyte, prompting the provincial government to declare suspension of classes in elementary and secondary levels, said Department of Education Leyte Division Superintendent Ronilo Al Firmo.

In Tacloban City, Mayor Alfred Romualdez suspended classes in all levels.

The suspension of classes is aimed at affording all residents in affected areas to prepare for the forthcoming storm and its consequences. (PNA)

Work in Provincial Government Offices SUSPENDED effective at 1:00 P.M. today pursuant to Memorandum Order No. 12-14-001 issued by the Office of the Governor.
Posted by Plo Eastern Samar on Sunday, December 13, 2015

Typhoon 'Nona maintains strength; makes landfall in Northern Samar

MANILA -- Typhoon "Nona" maintained its strength and has already made landfall in Northern Samar as it continues to move westward, the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA) said Monday.

In an interview, PAGASA weather forecaster Shelley Igancio said typhoon Nona hit land in Batag Island in Northern Samar around 11 a.m.

Ignacio said as of 12 p.m. the eye of the typhoon Nona was located in the vicinity of Modragon, Northern Samar or 20 km east of Catarman, Northern Samar (12.6°N, 124.8°E), packed with maximum sustained winds of 150 kph near the center and gustiness of up to 185 kph.

She also said the typhoon continues to move west at 17 kph, and if it maintains its speed and movement, it is expected to make another landfall in Sorsogon province early tonight, then cross Albay and Burias Island.

She further said the typhoon is expected to exit landmass by Wednesday and PAR on Friday towards southern Vietnam.

Nonot added the typhoon is expect to weaken due to interaction in landmass and presence of cold winds coming from the northeast monsoon.

Meanwhile, public storm warning signal (PSWS) no. 3 (121-170 kph expected in 18 hours) is raised over the provinces of Catanduanes, Camarines Sur, Albay, Sorsogon and Masbate including Ticao and Burias Islands in Luzon; Northern Samar, Eastern Samar, Samar and Biliran in Visayas.

Public storm warning signal no. 2 (61-120kph expected in 24 hours) is raised in the provinces of Camarines Norte, Marinduque, Romblon, Oriental Mindoro, Occidental Mindoro, Batangas, Laguna and Southern Quezon in Luzon and Leyte in the Visayas.

Signal no. 1 (30-60 kph expected in 36 hours) is hoisted over Metro Manila, Bataan, Bulacan, Lubang Island, Coron, Cavite, Rizal, the rest of Quezon including Polillo Island in Luzon; Southern Leyte, Northern Cebu including Bantayan and Camotes Islands, Aklan, Capiz, northern Negros Occidental and northern Iloilo in Visayas; Dinagat province and Siargao Island in Mindanao.

Flashfloods and landslides are expected over areas under signal # 2 and 3, while storm surges of up to 4 meters are possible.

The estimated rainfall amount is from heavy to at times intense within the 300 km diameter of the typhoon.

Typhoon Nona is expected to be in the vicinity of Gasan, Marinduque on Tuesday morning.

By Wednesday morning, it is forecast to be at 200 km west of Calapan City, Oriental Mindoro and by Thursday morning, at 260 km West of Coron, Palawan

By Friday evening, it is expected to be at 370 km west of Puerto Princesa City, Palawan and by Saturday evening, 735 km west southwest of Puerto Princesa City, Palawan or outside PAR. (PNA)

'Nona' intensifies into typhoon; 7 areas placed under Signal No. 2

MANILA – Seven areas in Luzon and the Visayas are now under Public Storm Warning Signal (PSWS) No. 2 as severe tropical storm “Nona” has intensified into a typhoon and is now moving in a westward direction, according to the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA) on Sunday afternoon.

PAGASA defines a typhoon as an intense tropical cyclone with maximum wind speed exceeding 118 kilometers per hour (kph).

PAGASA weather forecaster Gener Quitlong told the Philippines News Agency that as of 4 p.m., the eye of typhoon "Nona" was located at 440 km east of Catarman, Northern Samar (12.3°N, 128.7°E) packed with maximum sustained winds of 140 kph near the center and gustiness of u
p to 170 kph.

Quitlong said the typhoon is moving westward at 19 kph and maintaining its speed and movement, it is expected to make landfall in Sorsogon province at around 9-11 a.m.on Monday.

PSWS No. 2 (61-120 kph winds expected in 24 hours) is hoisted over the provinces of Catanduanes, Albay, Sorsogon and Ticao Island in Luzon; Northern Samar, Eastern Samar and Samar in the Visayas.

Signal No. 1 (30-60 kph winds expected in 36 hours) is raised over southern Quezon, Marinduque, Romblon, Camarines Norte, Camarines Sur and Masbate, including Burias Island in Luzon; Biliran, Leyte, Southern Leyte and Northern Cebu, including Camotes Island in the Visayas; and Dinagat province and Siargao Island in Mindanao.

Occasional rains and gusty winds will be experienced over the provinces under PSWS #1 while those under PSWS #2 will have stormy weather.

Residents in low-lying and mountainous areas of the provinces with PSWS are alerted against possible flash floods and landslides.

The estimated rainfall amount is from moderate to heavy within the 300-km diameter of the typhoon.

Qutilong said the state weather will possibly raise PSWS #1 over the rest of Southern Luzon, Aklan, Capiz and Metro Manila tonight.

He noted that Metro Manila is expected to come under Signal No. 2 by Monday night.

He said the state-run weather bureau also issued a gale warning due to the effects of typhoon "Nona" as the sea condition would be rough to very rough due to strong to gale force winds expected to affect the eastern seaboard of Luzon and the Visayas.

"Fishing boats and other small seacraft are advised not to venture out into the sea while larger sea vessels are alerted against big waves," he said. (PNA)

Biggest red tide hits Eastern Visayas

TACLOBAN CITY -- Eastern Visayas region is threatened by what the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR) described as the biggest red tide bloom that has not been seen in more than three decades.

BFAR Regional Director Juan Alabaladejo blamed the prolong dry season this year and sudden downpour as the major factor that triggered the bloom in eight bays and coastal waters, considered as the region’s major source of shellfish.

“If you’re to an aerial view of Samar Sea up to Biliran Sea, the color of water turned to copper red with a depth of six to nine meters, stretching up to a kilometer from the shoreline. This is the most widespread occurrence since 1983,” Albaladejo said in a phone interview.

The discoloration of seawater is triggered by massive population growth of few species of a type of algae that produce toxins.

Since mid-October, BFAR has been raising alert over Carigara Bay in Carigara, Barugo, San Miguel, Capoocan, and Leyte towns in Leyte province; Biliran Strait in Naval, Caibiran, Cabucgayan, Culaba, Kawayan, and Almeria in Biliran province; and coastal waters of Leyte, Leyte.

Red tide alert is also up over Cambatutay Bay in Tarangnan, Samar; Irong Irong Bay in Catbalogan City, Samar; Villareal Bay in Villareal, Samar; and Maqueda Bay in Jiabong, Catbalogan City, Motiong, Paranas, Pinabacdao, Hinabangan, San Sebastian, and Calbiga, Samar.

“The red tide occurrence has affected the livelihood of thousands of fishermen, but we have to strictly impose shellfish ban to safeguard public health,” said BFAR

Since mid November, the toxin found in shellfish harvested from contaminated bays, has already killed a seven-year old boy and downed 22 others in Leyte and Biliran provinces, according to the Department of Health (DOH)

The boy from the coastal San Mateo village in Carigara town succumbed on Nov. 30 after eating univalve shellfish harvested from the bay contaminated with algae.

The other six members of his family also manifested symptoms of paralytic shellfish poisoning, but survived, according to DOH Eastern Visayas Regional Director Minerva Molon.

In San Mateo village alone, red tide has downed 16 people. The nearby village of Minuhang in Barugo town has recorded four cases of poisoning with one victim still confined at the Eastern Visayas Regional Medical Center in this city.

Two victims were also downed on Nov. 28 in Naval, Biliran or a week after BFAR issued a shellfish bulletin, placing Biliran Strait as red tide-affected area.

All victims have experienced vomiting, dizziness, numbness of extremities, and paralysis.

Molon said that one mortality is very alarming considering that there have been repeated warnings from the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR).

“Some victims were not able to hear warnings. I think verbal announcement is not enough, they should print it and post the announcement in strategic areas,” Molon added.

Albaladejo said the reading for waters in Carigara Bay and in Biliran is 9,000 and 12,000 cells per liter, respectively. This is way above the 10 cells per liter during normal situations.

The official has called on the public to heed government warnings not to harvest, transport, trade, and eat any kind of shellfish contaminated with algae. (PNA)

Samar gov declares support for Roxas’ presidential bid

CATBALOGAN CITY -- Despite being a stalwart member of the Nacionalist People’s Coalition in Samar province, Governor Sharee Ann Tan said she will be supporting the candidacy of Liberal Party (LP) presidential bet Mar Roxas.

Her support stems from the massive support the province received during Roxas’ stint as secretary of the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG).

The massive government assistance to this poor province came through distribution of police patrol jeepneys to poor towns, post-Yolanda reconstruction of local government-owned buildings, and water system projects for waterless communities.

“We saw for ourselves how Secretary Mar helped the province and we cannot just ignore the support he has given us,” Tan said.

In May 2015, 23 brand new units of multi-role patrol jeeps were issued by DILG to towns in Samar province. Roxas then said the patrol jeeps would help the local police force maintain the peace and order situation in Samar against communist rebels, who often clash with government troops in the area, causing violence, damages, and disruptions to daily life of innocent civilians.

In post Yolanda time, the province received Php16.52 million to fund special projects under the Reconstruction Assistance on Yolanda (RAY) phase 1 project of the DILG.

This went to the rehabilitation of municipal halls, public markets and civic centers. Samar still received a second tranche of the post typhoon fund through RAY phase 2 projects in the amount of Php82.43 million.

RAY 2 funds are for rehabilitation of identified village facilities. Under this, Samar has 138 special projects which some have already been completed before Typhoon Yolanda had its second commemoration earlier this month.

The Sagana at Ligtas na Tubig sa Lahat (Salintubig) Program, which started in 2011, has also been brought to Samar by Roxas, according to Tan.

Salintubig is designed to provide grant financing and capacity development programs to enhance/improve capacities of the LGUs and water service providers in planning, implementation and operation and management of water supply facilities in a sustainable manner and for the implementation of water supply projects in waterless towns.

It also covers poorest villages with high level of waterborne diseases; resettlement areas.

“It’s not hard to support him because he’s been truly helping us. What will that make of us if we were not to support him?” Tan said.

Meanwhile, Tan assured majority support from the local chief executives and municipalities for Roxas’ presidential bid.

The ruling Tan clan, which includes Samar Representative Milgrosa, the governor’s mother, and her brother Samar Vice Governor Stephen James, belong to the Nationalist People’s Coalition and Nacionalista Party, respectively.

However, Tan said their province never suffered discrimination during the Aquino administration. “And we will repay that with our support,” she added. (PNA)

Trooper killed, 3 others hurt in Northern Samar ambush

MANILA -- A trooper from the 63rd Infantry Battalion was killed while three others were hurt after an undetermined number of New People's Army (NPA) bandits ambushed them in Catarman town, Northern Samar on the afternoon of Nov. 24.

Reports forwarded Thursday by 8th Infantry Division spokesperson Capt. Isagani Viernes said the unprovoked attack took place at 3: 28 p.m. in Barangay Washington, of the said locality.

The ambushed troops were aboard a KM-450 military truck, which was headed for their headquarters in Catarman, when fired upon by rebel forces.

A trooper was killed in the initial gunfire while three others were wounded.

Return fire from government forces drove away the NPAs, Viernes said.

Pursuit operations are still ongoing. (PNA)

Samar guv defends anew Php800-M bank loan application

CATBALOGAN CITY -- The provincial government will push through securing a Php800 million loan from the Landbank of the Philippines, as it would unlock economic opportunities in poverty-stricken communities.

Samar Governor Sharee Ann Tan reaffirmed their plan to apply for loan after a provincial legislator and local civil society organization launched a two-week signature drive, opposing the move.

“We badly need this loan to finance the construction of farm-to-market roads since this would jump start livelihood projects, which we have been pushing through for years,” Tan said.

Part of the loan will be used as counterpart fund for the World Bank-funded farm-to-market roads construction under the Philippine Rural Development Project (PRDP).

The Php804.76 million PRDP covers road construction in interior villages in the towns of Basey, Sta. Rita, San Sebastian, Pagsanghan, Motiong, and Villareal.

Under existing rules, recipient local government units are required to put up a 10 percent equity of the total cost of infrastructure projects.

Aside from counterpart of World Bank-funded projects, the local government will also use the loan to finance seven road constructions in Catbalogan City, Gandara, Jiabong, and San Jorge towns. The total cost is Php545 million.

About Php200 million of the loan will also be used in the construction of the first phase of the new Samar Provincial Hospital. Another Php100 million will be utilized to augment national government funds for infrastructure projects in rebel-infested areas.

Tan justified the need for a loan considering that all funds have already been allocated for the implementation of various programs.

“If someone would come and offer 90 percent of the project cost, why not put up 10 percent counterpart to realize the project?” the governor asked, referring to PRDP.

On fears that the loan might be used for election campaign, Tan assured that procurement activities are subject to existing regulations. For PRDP, she said the World Bank process is tedious.

“This is not intended for campaign since we have planned this project in the past long before the election period. Likewise, it is only this year that PRDP came in,” she explained.

The local government will be using the annual internal revenue allotment and of Php1 billion and provincial government properties as collateral. The loan is payable in 15 years, with an annual interest of five percent.

This week, various groups convened for a launching of two week signature drive, blocking the loan application. The target is to gather 600,000 signatures in 24 towns and two cities.

“It has begun. A signature campaign to petition the rejection of the governor's Php800 million loan with Landbank. I was the only one. Now we are many. The administration should hear the people's voice,” said Board Member Alma Uy-Lampasa, on her Facebook post.

Tan defended the loan application, saying that it was approved by majority of provincial legislators. The provincial government has detailed plans on how to spend the loan, she added.

Samar is one of the 10th poorest province in the country with a poverty incidence of 43.5 percent from 2006 to 2012, according to the National Anti-Poverty Commission. The poverty situation is expected to worsen after super typhoon Yolanda ravaged some parts of the province on Nov. 8, 2013. (PNA)

Samar governor dismayed by new Calbayog killing incident

Photo Courtesy of Facebook Pages:
NET25 Western Samar & Province of Samar (Aksyon Padayon!)

CATBALOGAN CITY -- Governor Sharee Ann Tan has expressed dismay over recent killing of their political supporter in Calbayog City even after the signing of peace pact.

Tan said the death of Ryan Cui, who was shot to death by unknown gunmen in Calbayog on Nov. 7, is a big loss to them especially that the victim is a close friend of Calbayog Councilor Raymund Uy.


Uy, an ally of Tan’s family, is running as district representative in the 2016 elections under the Nationalist People’s Coalition. Tan noted that some victims of recent killings are close allies of Uy.

The governor asked the Philippine National Police (PNP) to conduct a thorough investigation on the case.

“I am calling not just the authorities, but the people as well as the cooperation of everyone, to remind them not to resort to violence and to respect the dignity of life,” Tan said.

Tan expressed her disappointment with the situation because it’s only been few weeks that politicians in the province signed a peace covenant to stop violence.

“When I heard that report, the question that immediately came into my mind was, what’s the use of signing the covenant if such violence continues to happen?” Tan said.

The official also asked the PNP to jail those with standing warrant of arrest as well as chase members of the private armed group and their handlers. (PNA)

LALAKI BINARIL PATAY HABANG NAKIKIPAG INUMAN SA CALBAYOG CITY, SAMAR Ayon sa imbestigasyon ng mga pulis, Nakilala...

Posted by NET25 Western Samar on Monday, November 9, 2015

OPAPP distributes 136 boats, nets to E. Samar fishermen

TACLOBAN CITY—The Office of the Presidential Adviser on the Peace Process (OPAPP) has distributed 136 boats and fishing nets as livelihood assistance to fisherfolks in eastern Samar.

The project is in partnership with Spain's Agencia Española de Cooperación International Para el Desarrollo (AECID)

Dubbed as Bangkapayapaan (boat for peace), the event was held in Hernani, Eastern Samar, led by Secretary Teresita Deles of OPPAP and Spanish Ambassador to the Philippines Luis Antonio Calvo.

Mayors of the recipient towns, Edgar Boco of Hernani, James Ty of General MacArthur and Dinco Codoy Jr. of Llorente all expressed their appreciation of the assistance given to the locals.

AICED supports the OPAPP in mainstreaming peace and development in local governance in the Philippines thru the Mainstreaming Peace and Development in Local Governance Project (MPDLGP).

As one of AECID’s efforts for assistance, the boat and net livelihood project was crafted right after the destruction of supertyphoon "Yolanda" on Nov. 8 2013.

Communities chosen as beneficiaries for this project are situated in coastal areas, wherein their main source of income is fishing. The project provided the fishermen with their own boat with engines and a set of nets to augment their income.

The first turnover was held on March 25, 2014 at Balayuan Center in Tacloban City with recipients communities of Marabut, Sta. Rita and Villareal in Samar.

Of the 136 boats turned over, there were 72 for Hernani, 24 for Llorente and 40 for General MacArthur.

Calvo is hopeful that the partnership between the Philippines and Spain thru AICED will continue and that more beneficiaries will benefit from the project. (PNA)

Samar is ready for 'Undas' 2015

CATBALOGAN CITY, Samar, October 30 (PIA) - Samar province is ready to welcome the public trooping to the different public cemeteries this weekend.

In an interview, aired over Aksyon Radyo DYMS, PSupt Jennifer Sumpo, PNP spokes person and Police Community Relations in-charge said that Oplan Kaluluwa has been activated in all towns of Samar.

She said they have alerted all chiefs of police to ensure that peace and order reign in the observance of  All Saints and All Souls Day.

Sumpo also enumerated things that cemetery goers need not bring like firearms, bladed weapons, liquor, cards used in gambling, flammable materials and drugs.

“The police will be deployed in areas of convergence to ensure that criminal elements do not take advantage of big crowds to perpetrate their criminal intent,” Sumpo assured the public in PIA’s Huruhimangraw radio program early today.

The Catbalogan City Police Chief Carlito Abriz also informed PIA –Samar that the city LGU has called a meeting to plan and prepare for the coming UNDAS or Pyesta han mga Patay (as locals call the date).

Tasks, he said, have been divided among civic organisations, Police, Army,  Red Cross, Catbalogan Traffic Enforcers and even barangay tanods.

He said that not only are security forces deployed but even the city health office and the City Disaster Risk Reduction Management Unit.

Abriz said that they will start operations on October 31.

In related news, the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH), maintenance section will also install their ‘Lakbay Alalay’ posts in strategic areas in Samar to assist travelers.

There will be Lakbay alalay posts in Calbayog, Cabalogan, Buray Junction in Paranas   and  near the Yolanda Memorial at San Joaquin, Sta Rita, Samar near the San Juanico Bridge.

The police are hopeful that with the careful planning on security, Samarnons would be able to observe Undas peacefully like they did last year. (NINFA B. QUIRANTE/PIA 8-Samar)

News report from Philippine Information Agency

Calbayog seeks reactivation of local tourism council

CALBAYOG CITY, Samar - The City Government here is looking at reactivating its tourism council to strengthen the link with private sector as partners in local tourism development.

Mayor Ronald Aquino said that partnership with the private sector as member of the local tourism council is vital to achieve remarkable growth in tourist arrival.

Last year, the city has welcomed 93,826 tourists, nearly half than the 53,812 visitors in 2013.

The figure is still minimal, according to Aquino, but very encouraging for the City Government. That is why they included tourism as one of local development priorities.

Dubbed as city of waterfalls, Calbayog is the home to nine waterfalls spread throughout its 880.7 square kilometers land area.

Most famous of which are Bangon and Tarangban Falls in Tinaplakan village, about 45 minutes travel from the city center up north near the boundary of Samar and Northern Samar.

Road leading to Bangon Falls are now being concreted, said Aquino.

Aside from waterfalls, Calbayog City is also taking pride for its four major dive spots inspected and validated by the Department of Tourism. These are Isla Pawikan and Puy-aw in Binaliw village, Kinawan Reef in Tinambacan district, and Daraga Islet in Malajog village.

“By the first quarter of 2016, we are looking at deploying reef rangers and snorkeling guides and construct tourist holding areas in nearby barangays,” Aquino told PNA.

The second phase for the development of Malajog Ridge is also ongoing with the construction of a zip line that will start at the tip of the ridge and will end at Daraga islet with a distance of about 850 meters.

The Malajog Ridge View Zip-line and the eco-trail are components of the two-phase Malajog Tourism Development Project. The first phase is the eco-trail that spans to almost a kilometer, starting a few meters off the national highway in Malajog village. (PNA)

WATCH VIDEO: Calbayog Street Party

(10.16.15) 8:00 p.m. The DJs have worked-up the crowd at the "I Love Calbayog Street Party 2.0"#CharterDay2015 #AdlawSanCalbayog2015 #ILoveCalbayog
Posted by Ronald Ladrero Ricafort on Friday, October 16, 2015

Samar political dynasty expands turf

CALBAYOG CITY, Samar, Oct. 17 -– The Tan political dynasty in this province will attempt to expand their turf in the 2016 polls by fielding a family member as mayoralty candidate in this city.

Angelie Tan, daughter of Samar Rep. Milagrosa Tan, the matriarch of the most powerful political clan in the province, formally joins the mayoralty race for the second time, facing the same opponent - Mayor Ronaldo Aquino.

Calbayog Politics AQUINO vs. TAN in 2016 #Calbayog #VotePH2016 #HatolngBayan2016 #Samar pic.twitter.com/rcvyl9bSP9

— Jennifer Sumagang (@jhenysumagang) October 15, 2015

She will run under the Nacionalista Party (NP) in an attempt to control the oldest city in the province.

In 2013, Angelie lost the three-corner fight against Aquino and Rey James Uy, son of late Rep. Reynaldo Uy.

“If given the chance I will do everything whatever that I need to do to make Calbayog a better place to live in” Tan said.

Tan added that she would closely look into the peace and order situation and livelihood programs for city residents.

Introduced as her running mate is Board Member Lolita Daguman.

Angelie is a sister of Samar Govenor Sharee Ann Tan and Vice Governor Jimboy Tan.

Their mother, Milgarosa sought a seat in the provincial board in 1998 to replace her brother-in-law Ruben Tan, who was in turn a substitute for her late husband, Ricardo.

After three years, she ran as governor and served for nine years. In 2010, she became a member of the House of Representatives, representing the second district of the province.

Milagrosa is now seeking a third and last term as district representative. (Jennifer S. Allegado/PNA)

DepEd, Calbayog gov’t break ground for reg'l senior high school campus

photo from LGU Calbayog Bulletin Facebook Page

CALBAYOG CITY, Samar ( Oct. 14) – The Department of Education (DepEd) Eastern Visayas and the city government here broke the ground on Wednesday for the region’s Senior High School (SHS) for Arts and Design campus.

The stand-alone school, which will be named Calbayog City Regional Senior High School for Arts and Design, will solely offer Arts and Design track starting next year on the course of the K to 12 program full implementation.

It will rise in a 2.7-hectare land owned by the local government located in Tomalon Estate, Gadgaran village, which will be lent to DepEd through a Deed of Usufruct.

On the other hand, construction of infra structures like classrooms, laboratories, dormitory and other facilities will be shouldered by DepEd.

Calbayog City is known to be the Center of Arts and Culture in the region and the presence of artists in the various fields in art and culture in this locality inspires DepEd to choose the city as the site for the Regional Senior High School for Arts and Design under the K to 12 program.

DepEd Region Director Luisa Bautista-Yu said the Calbayog City Regional Senior High School for Arts and Design will cater to students of this city other parts of the region who have interest in arts and design with specialization in media and visual arts, performing arts and literary arts.

Not only Calbayognons but students from all over Region-8 aiming to enhance their skills on arts and designs are now...

Posted by LGU Calbayog Bulletin on Tuesday, October 13, 2015

The DepEd official also seeks public’s support to make the project a reality, and advocate the school to other divisions in the region.
“Let us help one another to make this a reality, this is not only for Calbayog, this is for the whole region and for the whole country,” Yu said.

Mayor Ronaldo Aquino on his State of the City Address mentioned that education was one of the city’s priority programs.

Aquino said that aside from lending to DepEd a parcel of land for the senior high school, the city also allotted Php 60 million under the 2016 budget for the construction of circumferential road leading to the campus.

The official added that choosing Calbayog as the seat for the regional SHS for arts and design only proved that the city remained and would always be the seat of arts and culture in the region.

“With this campus in Calbayog only proves that the city remains and will always be the seat of arts and culture in Eastern Visayas.” Aquino said.

Meanwhile, education program supervisor Noel Sagayap is very optimistic that they will reach the 160 target of enrolees for the first batch of Grade 11 at the new campus next school year for the full implementation of K to 12.

Sagayap said that based on the career guidance they had conducted with the present Grade 10 student showed that a lot of them was interested to enroll in the said track.

The former division office in Calbayog East Central School will be the temporary school site of the Regional Senior High School for Arts and Design while waiting for the construction of classrooms in Tomalon Estate to be finished.

He also assured the public that whatever facilities needed for the said senior high school would surely be provided.

“DepEd assures the public especially those who are interested to enroll in the said school the facilities will be available and laboratories will be well-equipped to meet the needs of the students since the department had already allocated a budget for the 17 senior high school for arts and design across the country and one of this is in Calbayog,” he added.

The education department has scheduled Oct. 19 to 23, 2015 as early enrollment for the senior high school. (PNA)

Top Calbayog officials unite for 2016 polls

CALBAYOG CITY, Samar, Oct. 16 -- The top two officials in this city have joined forces to raise their chance for re-election in next year’s polls.

In the 2013 elections, Mayor Ronaldo Aquino and Vice Mayor Diego Rivera belong to opposing parties.

The Liberal Party tandem together with aspirant for city council seat filed their certificates of candidacy (COCs) on Thursday at the city election office here.

For the city council, running under the ruling party are Sylvan Ayong, Billie Martires, Rosely Mestiola, Virigilio Clemens, Jessie Jackson, Alex Gelera, Roger Casurao, Cesar Sabenecio, Aquilina Sabi, Charlie Labong Conejos and Jim Uy

Launching of Regional Special Operations Task Group 8and the Signing of the Pledge of Commitment Against Political...

Posted by Calbayog City Police Station on Thursday, October 8, 2015

Rivera said that as elected officials, it is just proper to unite and set aside politics for the development of the city.

After he was elected in 2013 elections, Rivera extended his hand to Aquino and agreed to support the administration’s development initiatives.

Aquino assured city residents to sustain improvement in the city, believing that he has still the support of constituents.

“I ask the people here to only support those who are native of this city because they are the one will truly love our city, but true-blooded,” Aquino added.

The two incumbent officials will be running against Angelie Tan for mayor and Lolita Daguman of the Nacionalista Party.

Angelie is a member of the most powerful political clan in the province. Members currently holding elective posts are her mother Samar Rep. Milagrosa Tan, her sister Governor Sharee Ann Tan and her brother Vice Governor Jimboy Tan.

Angelie ran for mayor in 2013, but lost to Aquino, however, his running mate, Vice Mayor Rivera won the elections. (PNA)

Calbayog River fun run set on October 10

CALBAYOG CITY – Residents in this city will join forces for the second time to save Calbayog river through a fun run on October 10.

The activity, which is part of the city’s week-long 67th Charter Day Anniversary celebration, is spearheaded by Save Calbayog river Foundation Inc. Concerted effort (Sacrifice), with the theme “Gugma san Salog, Dalagan Calbayog.”

The first run for Calbayog River was held in 2012, hosted by Christ the King College Batch 1993, to support the various programs and projects of sacrifice for the restoration and preservation of the rivers.

“We believe that other than us, our children and the future generations deserve to live with clean rivers, safe environment and a beautiful city, and we appeal to everyone to be our partner in our advocacy for life, for our rivers, aquatic resources and the environment as a whole,” said Sacrifice President and Department of the Interior and Local Government city Director Zino Llarenas.

Sacrifice is a private non-profit organization with a mission to work on saving the Calbayog river by cleaning and protecting it and its tributaries through a citizen-based advocacy.

It has been implementing programs such as patrol the river on a regular basis to identify and investigate pollution problems and make sure the responsible parties are held accountable.

The campaign also ensures that ordinances on environment, particularly on waste management and waste water treatment are implemented and enforced.

The group will also educate the public about the calbayog river and the other related issues and coordinate with government agencies in cleaning and protecting the river.

This year’s run for Calbayog river was made possible through the support of the local government unit of Calbayog, government agencies, LGUsof different villages in the city, non-government organizations, academe, business sector and other sectors. (PNA)

Army official to join Samar gubernatorial race

CATBALOGAN CITY -- An Army official who will be retiring from military service Wednesday is eyeing to run for governor in Samar province next year.

After 25 years of military service, Lieutenant Colonel Emilio Zosa returned to Sta. Margarita town, where he grew up and disenchanted with what he has observed of Samar political scene.

“I have been very disappointed with the way the province was being run by some politicians. They always say they want to be the voice of the people, but it ended up differently,” Zosa said.

Zosa is a graduate of class 1991 of the Officers Candidate School (OCS) Philippine Army. He served as the Military Intelligence Commander of the Philippines to Middle East, where he had to travel abroad and to different areas in the country.

Zosa, the provincial chairman of Liberal Party in Samar province, believes that he all need that “determination and a whole lot more” for the 2016 gubernatorial race in the province.

A neophyte in politics, he paints his inexperience as an endowment. He remains untainted by corruption scandals compared to any other politicians in Samar.

He is calling for “transformation” in the entire province. According to him, solutions must be based on policies and ideas. “The people in Samar want a new message and a new messenger,” he added.

Those who once commanded the soldiers, visited Samar villages, carrying his own luggage, wear jeans and rubber shoes. The military, he said, taught him not just to give orders but to lead by example.

“Soldiers are the sons of poor people. I have worked with them for 25 years and I always consider things for their welfare. That's why I have a bond with the people," the official said. "I came from a poor family and have lived in poor villages without water or electricity, and I was fine. I don't think other politicians know how to do that."

Zosa pledges to crack down existence of Private Armed Groups in Samar, fight against corruption, improve the education, medical and health services to the people, livelihood and uphold justice to all the people in the province.

“Reality tells me that there is desperation in Samar,” Sousa said. “We’ve had economic growth, but no development.”
Zosa will be challenging the Tan family, who is in control of key positions in the province.

In 2011, Zosa was reported to be one of the two military intelligence officers who disclosed to senators the names of officials who ordered to wiretap the phones of several officials, including former President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo and poll commissioner Virgilio Garcillano, during the 2004 elections. (PNA)

Samar politicians asked: Support anti-private army drive

THE police, military and local political leaders in Samar province agreed to sign a covenant on October 1 and pledge that they will never support or use private armed groups (PAGs).

The deal came as a result of the Samar Peace and Security Dialogue initiated by law enforcement agencies after the killing of a family in an interior village of Calbayog City.

The massacre is linked to private-armed groups, reportedly supported by local politicians in the province.
Law enforcement agencies have recorded 34 shooting incidents in Calbayog alone, killing 22 people.

Philippine Army’s 8th Infantry Division Commander, Major General Jet Velarmino, said the military had an agreement with Police Regional Director Asher Dolina to jointly stop violence in Samar province.

But stopping this problem needs help and cooperation from local government officials of Samar, said Velarmino.
“We need your help to stop these killings,” he told Samar officials during a recent meeting with them.

Present during the gathering were Samar Governor Sharee Ann Tan-de los Santos, Calbayog City Mayor Ronald Aquino, Vice Governor Stephen James Tan, some town mayors, Provincial Board members and village officials.

“You are from Samar, you must show your concern to your province like how we in the law enforcement agency shows our eagerness to solve the problem in this place,” said Velarmino.

“We don’t like to see people die just because of misunderstanding and differences in our political view,” he added.
For his part, Dolina said the existence of killings affects development and prevents investors from coming in, resulting in poverty among the people.

“No investors in a right mind will insist if they will read every day in newspaper that there are killings in Samar. There will be no progress in this province,” Dolina said.

He added that what had happened in Calbayog where innocent people like children and women are victims of a shooting incident is not acceptable and must be “categorized as animalistic act.”

“Local leaders should initiate to put an end to the lawlessness happening in the province of Samar in order not to affect their effort in promoting the province for possible future investors,” the police official added.

He then urged local chief executives in Samar to denounce PAGs and promise not to form and use the same in the 2016 elections.

In response, Tan and Aquino both said that they do not tolerate PAGs for their political advancement.

“I assure you that I will not tolerate and at the same time I will not support PAGs,” said Governor Tan, who also asked municipal mayors to follow her in condemning PAGs, not only in words, but also in action.

Mayor Aquino, for his part, said that PAGs have no room in his leadership, citing his first order when he assumed post as city mayor was not to re-hire PAGs members who received salaries from the City Government as job order employees.

He said policemen should go against members of PAGs since most of them have existing criminal record and cases filed in court with standing warrant of arrest. (PNA)

Samar gov’t offers cash reward for arrest of wanted private armies

CATBALOGAN CITY [Sept. 23]-- The Samar provincial government would offer Php100,000 for the immediate arrest of private armies with standing warrant of arrest to attain peace and order in the area.

“The reward is in the hope that criminality in the province will stop and that for criminals to realize that their acts are not welcome in Samar,” said Governor Sharee Ann Tan.

The official made the announcement during the recent Samar Peace and Security Dialogue at the army camp in this city. Private armies members have been tagged as suspects in the recent killings.

“The provincial government has to go to this extent of offering the monetary reward to show to the world that we do not tolerate and we condemn senseless killing in the province,” Tan added.

“I hope that at least within the month, one person with warrant of arrest will be caught by authorities.”

Police Regional Director Chief Supt. Asher Dolina said they have already validated the names of wanted private armies.

“In coordination with the Philippine Army, we will run after them and impose the rule of law in the province of Samar,” Dolina said.

Dolina asked village officials to take part in the drive to hunt down criminals especially when these people are seen in their communities.

The police official, however, refused to divulge the number of wanted PAGS members in Samar as part of their operational plan.

Meawnhile, local officials in Samar from different political parties recently gathered for a peace and security dialogue initiated by the Philippine Army’s 8th Infantry Batallion and the Philippine National Police.

The dialogue prompted political opponents Samar Governor Sharee Ann Tan and Calbayog City Mayor Ronald Aquino to both agree to work for peace.

Town mayors of Sta. Margarita, Matuguinao, Almagro, and San Jorge were also present along with their village officials.

Maj. Gen. Jet Velarmino said the conduct of the dialogue is in response to the series of killings in Samar. From January to mid-September, there are already 34 shooting incidents, resulting to 22 deaths. Most of these were recorded in Calbayog City, the hometown of Interior and Local Government Secretary Mel Senen Sarmiento.

Last week, a family of five, including two children, were brutally killed in Victory village in Calbayog by alleged private armies.

Both Tan and Aquino agreed to stop and resolve the killings that are perceived to be politically motivated and perpetrated by private armies.

Tan said the provincial government of Samar will not tolerate any killings, especially when innocent people are the victims.

Aquino, for his part, appreciated the police and army in pursuing the dialogue.

Dolina said the dialogue is the beginning in their pursuit to impose rule of law in the province. (PNA)

Samar gov’t offers cash reward for arrest of wanted private armies

CATBALOGAN CITY -- The Samar provincial government would offer Php100,000 for the immediate arrest of private armies with standing warrant of arrest to attain peace and order in the area.

“The reward is in the hope that criminality in the province will stop and that for criminals to realize that their acts are not welcome in Samar,” said Governor Sharee Ann Tan.

The official made the announcement during the recent Samar Peace and Security Dialogue at the army camp in this city. Private armies members have been tagged as suspects in the recent killings.

“The provincial government has to go to this extent of offering the monetary reward to show to the world that we do not tolerate and we condemn senseless killing in the province,” Tan added.

“I hope that at least within the month, one person with warrant of arrest will be caught by authorities.”

Police Regional Director Chief Supt. Asher Dolina said they have already validated the names of wanted private armies.

“In coordination with the Philippine Army, we will run after them and impose the rule of law in the province of Samar,” Dolina said.

Dolina asked village officials to take part in the drive to hunt down criminals especially when these people are seen in their communities.

The police official, however, refused to divulge the number of wanted PAGS members in Samar as part of their operational plan.

Meawnhile, local officials in Samar from different political parties recently gathered for a peace and security dialogue initiated by the Philippine Army’s 8th Infantry Batallion and the Philippine National Police.

The dialogue prompted political opponents Samar Governor Sharee Ann Tan and Calbayog City Mayor Ronald Aquino to both agree to work for peace.

Town mayors of Sta. Margarita, Matuguinao, Almagro, and San Jorge were also present along with their village officials.

Maj. Gen. Jet Velarmino said the conduct of the dialogue is in response to the series of killings in Samar. From January to mid-September, there are already 34 shooting incidents, resulting to 22 deaths. Most of these were recorded in Calbayog City, the hometown of Interior and Local Government Secretary Mel Senen Sarmiento.

Last week, a family of five, including two children, were brutally killed in Victory village in Calbayog by alleged private armies.

Both Tan and Aquino agreed to stop and resolve the killings that are perceived to be politically motivated and perpetrated by private armies.

Tan said the provincial government of Samar will not tolerate any killings, especially when innocent people are the victims.

Aquino, for his part, appreciated the police and army in pursuing the dialogue.

Dolina said the dialogue is the beginning in their pursuit to impose rule of law in the province. (PNA)

Phivolcs issues sea-level monitoring advisory due to Chile quake

MANILA -- The Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (Phivolcs) on Thursday instructed certain provinces in the country to monitor the change in sea levels of their respective coasts following the magnitude 7.9 earthquake which jolted Chile.

In its "Tsunami Information No.1" released Thursday morning, Phivolcs, in particular, issued the advisory to the provinces of Batanes Group of Islands, Sorsogon, Cagayan Northern Samar, Ilocos Norte, Eastern Samar, Isabela, Leyte,Quezon, Southern Leyte, Aurora, Surigao del Norte, Camarines Norte, Surigao del Sur, Camarines Sur, Davao Oriental, Albay, Davao del Sur, Catanduanes and Davao Occidental.

Phivolcs said these provinces, fronting the Pacific Ocean, are "advised to wait and listen for updates." However, it said there is no evacuation order implemented in these areas.

The agency issued the advisory as it warned that the Chile earthquake has the "potential to generate a destructive tsunami that can strike coastlines in the region near the epicenter within minutes to hours."

The earthquake struck the South American nation at 6:55 a.m. Thursday Philippine time and has a depth of 33 kilometers. (Benjamin Nathaniel Bondoc/PNA)

Army installs new commander in Samar

FOTO FROM: Dpao Stormtroopers Facebook page

CATBALOGAN CITY -- The Philippine Army has installed a new commander of a brigade that covers the provinces of Samar and Eastern Samar.

Col. Perfecto M. Rimando is the new commander of 801st Infantry Brigade based in Camp Daza, Fatima, village, Hinabangan, Samar.

Rimando succeeded Brig. Gen. Leoncio A. Cirunay Jr., who assumed the position as commander of the
Armed Forces of the Philippines Reserve Command.

Prior to taking the helm of 801st Infantry Brigade, Rimando was the chief of Philippine Army Human Rights Office (PAHRO) based in Fort Bonifacio, Metro Manila.

Maj. Gen. Jet B. Velarmino, commander of the Army’s 8th Infantry Division presided the turnover of command on Monday.

Rimando vowed to continue to support the initiatives of the local government units and closely collaborate with the stakeholders in line with the AFP Internal Peace and Security Plan “Bayanihan”.

“I can still remember when I first set foot on the island of Samar 29 years ago as a platoon leader, and now I am here again as a brigade commander and have noticed many changes and improvements through the years. I am grateful to be here once again to do the task and mission that our people and our country expect from me,” Rimando said.

Velarmino, in his message, acknowledged Cirunay’s contribution to the relative peace that Samar and Eastern Samar provinces are now experiencing.

Likewise, he challenged the new commander to continue the plans and programs initiated by his predecessor that fit the current situation and work hard towards the realization of “Insurgency Free” Samar and Eastern Samar provinces.

“I commend Brig. Gen. Cirunay for his immeasurable contributions to the accomplishments of 8ID mission. With Col. Rimando as the new Commander of 801st Infantry Brigade, I know it is in good hands and with his past experiences in this area and support of the men and women of the 801st Brigade,” Velarmino said. (PNA)

East Visayas officials hail Sarmiento’s appointment as DILG chief

TACLOBAN CITY, Sept. 13 (PNA) - Eastern Visayas officials have hailed the recent appointment of Samar 1st District Representative Mel Senen Sarmiento as the new Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) secretary a milestone for Eastern Visayas.

An Waray Party-list Rep. Neil Benedict Montejo said that only in the Aquino administration that personalities from Eastern Visayas are given key positions in the official family of the President.

Other Waray-speaking Cabinet members of President Benigno Aquino III are Department of Science and Technology Secretary Mario Montejo and Department of Health Secretary Janette Garin.

Aside from them, family roots of Department of Tourism Secretary Ramon Jimenez and Department of Energy Officer-in Charge Zenaida Monsada are also from Eastern Visayas.

“It’s a great challenge and an honor for us that the President trust people from our region,” Congressman Montejo said.

Former An Waray Party-list representative and now Philippine Charity Sweepstakes Board of Director Bem Noel said that Sarmiento is more than capable for the job as DILG chief.

Noel cited that before becoming a member of Congress, Sarmiento was a local chief executive, thus he knows the plight and situation and the needs of local government units, just like the late DILG Secretary Jesse Robredo.

Tacloban City Vice Mayor Jerry Yaokasin said that it was the trust and confidence of the President on Sarmiento that make him land in one of the most powerful Cabinet positions.

“He is very qualified, more than qualified if you will look at his experience. Hopefully he will do a good job in the remaining months of the Aquino administration,” said Yaokasin.

Sarmiento, in an interview right after his appointment, thanked the President’s trust and confidence with him, but stressed that more work should be done as DILG chief.

Before accepting the position, Sarmiento said that he contemplated about it, considering on how he can serve better the country and the people. (PNA)

Gov't replants 1.8M coconut trees

TACLOBAN CITY -- The Philippine Coconut Authority (PCA) here has already planted 1.8 million coconut seedlings all over the region as one of its rehabilitation projects to revive the coconut industry.

PCA Leyte provincial manager Joel Pilapil said they are optimistic of hitting the 3.2 million target trees for replanting by end of 2015.

"We have distributed dwarf variety because this produces faster than other varieties, the farmers can make use of its products in not less than three years after planting," he explained.

To prop up the replanting program, every farmer is given PHP30 by the government for every planted seedling.

This is one of the PCA’s projects under Yolanda Recovery and Rehabilitation Programs (YRRP) alongside with coconut timber and utilization, coconut planting/replanting, coconut fertilization and coconut intercropping.

PCA also distributed mixed vegetable seeds for intercropping to different areas within the region as alternative source of income while waiting for the nuts to bear fruits.

"We cannot just wait for these coconut seedlings to grow, so we distributed seeds for intercropping. As of now, we already have 2,941 intercropped areas," Pilapil added.

The funds used for these projects according to him, came from last year’s budget, which was not fully used.

Super typhoon Yolanda damaged 33 million coconut trees in Eastern Visayas and 13 million of which were totally damaged mostly from the coconut farms in Leyte and Eastern Samar.

Copra, a byproduct of coconut, was the primary agricultural source of income of farmers in the region before the 2013 disaster. (PNA)

PCSO distributes 50 ambulances to Eastern Visayas towns, hospitals

TACLOBAN CITY -- The Philippine Charity Sweepstake Office (PCSO) turned over on Friday 50 ambulances to local government units (LGUs) in Eastern Visayas.

Leading the distribution were PCSO General Manager Jose Ferdinand M. Rojas II, PCSO Board Members Betty B. Nantes, Mabel B. Mamba, Francisco G. Joaquin III and Florencio Gabriel G. Noel.

Noel, a former representative of An Waray Party-list, said the 50 ambulances worth PhP 885,000 each represent the second batch of the four batches of donations for the region.

The recipients of the ambulances are Bontoc, Hinunangan, Hinundayan, Limasawa, Maasin City, Macrohon, Malitbog, Saint Bernard, San Ricardo, Silago, and Tomas Oppus in Southern Leyte province.

Calbayog City, Catbalogan City, Daram, Gandara, Pagsanghan, Paranas, Sta. Margarita, Sta. Rita in Samar; Capul, Catarman, Gamay, Laoang, Las Navas and San Roque in Northern Samar.

Bato, Baybay City, Dagami, Hindang, Palo in Leyte; Dolores, Maydolong, Quinapondan and Llorente in Eastern Samar; and Almeria, Biliran, Cabucgayan, Caibiran, Culaba, and Maripipi in Biliran.

There are also eight state-run hospitals that received ambulances: Biliran Provincial Hospital in Naval, Biliran; Eastern Samar Provincial Hospital in Borongan City, Eastern Samar; Leyte Provincial Hospital in Palo, Leyte;

Matalom Community Hospital in Matalom, Leyte; Salvacion Oppus Yniguez Memorial Hospital in Maasin City, Southern Leyte; Samar Provincial Hospital in Catbalogan City, Samar; San Antonio District Hospital in San Antonio, Northern Samar; and Tabango Community Hospital in Tabango, Leyte.

Another recipient is the Tacloban Delta Volunteer Fire Rescue Inc. in Tacloban City.

“Funds for the procurement of ambulances were sourced out from the charity fund, which represents 30 percent of the gross sales of all the PCSO lotto games,” Noel said.

Noel reiterated his call to the mayors as well as chiefs of hospital present during the ceremony to follow the guidelines set forth in the memorandum of agreement (MOA). Politicians are barred from printing their names in the ambulance.

Meanwhile, on the same occasion, the 138 villages from the city of Tacloban received check amounting to PhP 48,000 each as financial assistance from PCSO for medicines, medical equipment and supplies. (PNA)

Sarmiento assumes post as new DILG secretary

MANILA -- Western Samar Representative and Liberal Party (LP) Secretary General Mel Senen S. Sarmiento officially takes over Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG) as its new secretary on Friday through a simple turnover ceremony held at the main office in Quezon City.

Outgoing Secretary Mar Roxas handed over the post to Sarmiento with a positive and confident outlook, noting that the Western Samar solon possesses integrity, competence, and experience.

Outgoing Secretary Mar Roxas formally turns over the leadership of the Department of Interior and Local Government to...

Posted by Philippine National Police on Friday, September 11, 2015

“His competence is well-established, his integrity (with) nearly 20 years of public service, ni minsan hindi nadapuan ng kahit anong mantsa, o anomalya (his name was never stained nor linked to any anomaly),” said Roxas.

Roxas, who is the standard bearer in the 2016 presidential polls, perceived a striking similarity between late DILG secretary Jessie Robredo and Sarmiento, highlighting that “he has received every award, every accolade” that Robredo received.

He also recognized the DILG family and assured Sarmiento that he will be working with a dedicated, persevering, and self-sacrificing government staff.

“They have always stepped up, always delivered, and have always given all that they can for the welfare of our people,” Roxas commended.

One remarkable moment during the ceremony was Roxas handing over a framed set of slippers to Sarmiento to serve as a “constant reminder” that there are still a lot of people to serve and reach out to.

Sarmiento started his public service as vice mayor of Calbayog City from 1992-1995. In 2001, Sarmiento won as mayor of Calbayog City and has served its people for three terms before winning as congressman of the first district of Samar in 2010. With two decades worth of experience, he has earned recognition and respect deserving of being the newly-installed DILG secretary.

DILG is responsible for supervising local governments, ensuring public safety, and promoting peace and order. Under this department are Philippine National Police, Bureau of Fire Protection, Bureau of Jail Management and Penology, and other attached agencies. (PNA)

Calbayog Mayor: We are ready for tourists

CATBALOGAN CITY, Samar, September 11 (PIA)—Calbayog City Mayor Ronald Aquino said that the city is ready to receive tourists during a press conference Monday.

This was his reaction when asked him if his people and the city are ready to receive tourists.

“We have hotels, restaurants, convention center, function rooms, our roads leading to tourist destinations are being prepared,” Aquino said.

Aquino told the media that his city is a city of waterfalls which has nine breathtaking and majestic ones, the waterfalls and the scenic beaches along Samar Sea has drawn tourists to this third largest city in the country. One of the waterfalls will also be developed to become a mini-hydro power plant, the mayor said.

He also asked those present to visit Malajog Beach where the city will construct a zipline.

As to tourists looking for food adventure to satisfy their gastronomic taste, Calbayog has the best tasting tinapa and other gourmet dishes. Actress and presidential sister Kris Aquino has mentioned that Calbayog has the best tinapa in his tv show recently.

Calbayog City has also the best hotels where the most famous is Ciriaco Hotel that faces the scenic Samar Sea.

Calbayog City is also considered the gateway to Christianity in the Visayas as the first wave of Jesuit missionaries commenced their mission there in 1596. Calbayog has also the so called pilgrimage tour where tourists are conducted to different Catholic Churches.

As to the peace and order and security of travelers, Aquino said that the city is relatively peaceful. He acknowledged the leadership of the P/Supt Ernesto Salvador Tagle of the city police force.

It will be recalled that the whole police force was replaced following the spate of killings in the city early in June 2015.

“Look at you, do you feel unsecure here?” he asked the media that attended the presscon, after the Vesper Day parade.

Aquino adds that since January up to June this year, some 53 thousand tourists have been registered where some 51 thousand are local ones and some 2 thousand, foreigners.

Although the police reports of some ten killings in the hinterlands in three months, the crime recorder said that they have reached a crime clearance index of 89.19% in July and 70% in August of this year.

Crime clearance index means that in a crime committed, the suspect is identified, the case is filed and the suspect arrested.

The killings happened in the hinterlands, the police officer told PIA.

With active security forces in town, the chief executive of Calbayog beckons tourists, come and visit Calbayog City for its natural wonders, gastronomic delights from Samar Sea and hospitality. (PIA 8-Samar with CTIO)

A Fiesta Press Conference with Mayor Ronaldo Aquino (September 7/City Mayor’s Conference Room) Mayor Aquino had a “...

Posted by LGU Calbayog Bulletin on Monday, September 7, 2015

Sarmiento is next DILG secretary

Photo Courtesy of MSSS Facebook Page

Samar First District  Representative Mel Senen Sarmiento will take the post as secretary of  the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG), President Benigno Aquino III said on Tuesday, September 8.

"I offered the job to him [Sarmiento],” Aquino said when asked by if he has already chosen the next DILG chief.

“The transition is being worked out so that he is not thrown into the deep end right away, and there's a smooth transition between Secretary Roxas and Congressman Sarmiento," the president added

He said that Sarmiento's appointment is still subject to the confirmation of the Commission on Appointments.

Aquino confirmed this in a forum hosted by Philippine Daily Inquirer and was broadcasted in the government-run television network PTV-4.

Sarmiento is the secretary-general of the Liberal Party. He will replace outgoing DILG Secretary Mar Roxas, who is the party’s standard bearer for next year polls.

He is the former mayor of Calbayog City, whose celebrating its city fiesta on that day.

The appointment of Sarmiento makes him part of Aquino’s cabinet with only few months left in his administration.

DILG is in-charge of the local governments in the country and other government agencies like Philippine National Police, Bureau of Jail Management and Penology and the Bureau of Fire Protection. (Samar News Reports)

WATCH THE FULL FORUM HERE: [The quotation can be found on 52:02]

#Calbayog

#Calbayog Tweets

#HappyFiestaCalbayog Tweets

Miss Anyag 2015 Results

Miss Anyag 2015: NINA PIA BOCO

First Runner-Up:SHARMAINE SARMIENTO

Second Runner-Up:MELVA VACUNAWA

FOTOS: Jan Phillip Rentasida

Calbayog City Drum Corp Competition Result

Catbalogan targets 100,000 tourists this year

Mayor Stephanie Uy-Tan in the middle during Civic-Military and Manaragat Festival Parade August 23, 2015
Photo credits to: Michael Balan, taken from Facebook page Manaragat Festival: August Month-long City Fiesta Celebration

CATBALOGAN CITY -- The city government here is aiming to reach 100,000 tourist arrivals this year in its effort to make the city as one of the top destinations in the region.

Mayor Stephanie Uy-Tan said that from the more than 3,000 tourists in 2011, the city welcomed 90,000 visitors last year.

“The increase in arrival was enormous, which can also be attributed to the increasing number of tourism-related facilities in the city,” Uy-Tan said

This aside from the fact that Catbalogan is the center of commerce, trade, industry and education in Samar province.

The 100,000 tourist arrival target for this year is attainable, according to Uy-Tan, due to several activities that are beneficial to their tourism campaign.

Foremost to this is the activities for the upcoming 400th year celebration of the St. Bartholomew Parish next year.

Several activities have been prepared for the celebration next year that includes the presentation of various school on life of Catbalogan people from different era.

The recent achievement of Manaragat Festival at the Aliwan Fiesta will also boost their tourism campaign, Uy-Tan added.

According to the official, presenting the local traditions through dances has been proven to attract visitors. (PNA)
FFC/SQM/RTA/EGR

RDC Eastern Visayas probes Matnog port congestion

[Aug. 24] TACLOBAN CITY –- The Eastern Visayas Regional Development Council (RDC) is now currently looking into the port congestion problem in Matnog, Sorsogon, which has slackened reconstruction activities in typhoon-ravaged areas.

RDC Chairman and Leyte Governor Leopoldo Dominico Petilla said the region’s highest policy-making body has created a technical working group to study the port congestion concern.

The group is chaired by businessman Oliver Cam of the Eastern Visayas Chamber of Commerce and Industry with members from the Maritime Industry Authority, Philippine Coast Guard, Philippine Ports Authority, some representatives from Biliran and Samar local governments, National Economic Development Authority and some businessmen.

The group is expected to convene and report updates to the RDC on the ongoing study.

The RDC issued a resolution to study the port congestion problem after receiving reports from traders and logistic firms that there has been a significant backlog of seven to 14 days in the boarding of rolling cargoes at the said port since January 2015.

“Such delay in the queuing and loading of delivery truck carrying construction materials at the said port causes a subsequent delay in the implementation of government infrastructure projects in the region, especially Yolanda reconstruction projects,” Petilla said.

The delay, according to the RDC, has also “led to the escalation of prices of construction materials and basic goods and commodities in the region since the cost of delays is imputed to the retail prices of these commodities, in effect, passing the cost to the consuming public.”

The congestion, according to reports reaching the RDC, has triggered corruption. Some traffic enforcers and port personnel ask for bribes of PHP500 to PHP1500 in exchange for prioritization in loading to roll-on roll-off vessels.

“These multiple repercussions, if taken collectively and if unabated, will compromise further the socio-economic development in the region, considering the onslaught of super typhoon Yolanda and its already poor performing economy and pervasive poverty problem,” the RDC resolution stated.

Cam said the congestion has been hurting the regional economy since 70 percent of supplies in the region is being transported by land.

“We have to get Bicol officials on board to improve the situation because we, as the poorest region are the one suffering,” Cam added.

Officials from Bicol are expected to present plans on how to resolve the congestion during the RDC meeting in Ormoc City next month. (PNA)

FFC/SQM