October 17, 2013 1

“in pursuit of PIA’s commitment to provide a national mechanism for the free flow of timely, accurate and relevant information… “

VOL I ISSUE 45 Daily E-Newsletter of Philippine Information Agency - 8 October 17, 2013

continued on page 5continued on page 5

DA underscores vital role of agri- engineers

Eastern Visayas entry vies in the national search for outstanding rural women

In line with the commemoration of the International Rural Women’s Day and the

National Rural Women’s Day on October 15, a national search for the Outstanding Rural Women was conducted and the winners will be honored in fitting ceremonies on October 16, 2013. The Region’s entry to the national search is the Eastern Visayas Outstanding Rural Woman, Ms. Avelina Palomado, 34 years old, from Tomas Oppus, Southern Leyte. Ms. Eva T. Adora, Gender and Development Focal Person of the Department of Agriculture told the

In order to reach high level of competitiveness, advanced and well-

structured infrastructures are essential. This was underscored by Department of Agriculture Regional Executive Director Antonio G. Gerundio during the Orientation on the Laws, Rules and Regulations Governing the Implementation of Agricultural Infrastructure, Farm Mechanization and Postharvest Development Projects which was recently conducted at the DA-8 Conference Room. With the open market system among and between nations which is set to be implemented in 2015, RED Gerundio, there will be tight competition in the world market. “We should therefore be prepared based on the three important factors that determine competitiveness,” he explained referring to good quality,

lower price and timely delivery products and services. The DA Regional Director further said that heavy duty and properly positioned infrastructure facilities and equipment will lessen production cost and prolong the shelf life and quality of products. This is where the crucial role of Agricultural engineers in infrastructure and mechanization will come in, RED Gerundio told the participants of the meeting who included some municipal and city agriculturists, Agricultural Engineers and DA-8 key personnel. Regional Director German P. Palabyab of the Philippine Regulation Commission (PRC), Engr. Joel O. Pilapil, Assistant Regional Manager of the Philippine Coconut Authority-8 and President of the Philippine Society of

Members of the Eastern Visayas Federation for Information Technology (EVFIT) pose with Mr. Boni Belen (seated right), DOST-ICTO consultant, after the Mentorship Program and EVFIT Meeting held at NEDA-8 Conference Room, October 16. (PIA8)

2 October 17, 2013

BARANGAY E L E C T I O N S

2 0 1 3

September 28, 2013 - November 12, 2013Election Period

for the 2013 Barangay Electionsas per COMELEC Resolution No. 9715

October 11 - 17, 2013(Except October 13)

Filing of COCsfor the 2013 Barangay Elections

as per COMELEC Resolution No. 9761

October 18 - 26, 2013Campaign Period

for the 2013 Barangay Electionsas per COMELEC Resolution No. 9749

October 28, 2013

2013 Barangay Electionspursuant to Sec. 1 of Republic Act No. 9340

September 28 - October 28, 2013Period of Prohibition on issuance

of Appointment, creation of new positions,promotions or giving salary increasesAs per COMELEC Resolution No. 9769

Biliran police leads peace caravan, covenant signing for SAFE 2013 barangay election

The provincial police office here in Biliran province on Wednesday,

October 16, 2013 led the peace caravan and covenant signing for a Secured and Fair Elections (SAFE) in the upcoming barangay elections on October 28, 2013. The PNP-led activities in connection with the peace caravan and covenant signing are anchored on the theme: Pagkakaisa para sa Mapayapa,Pantay at Patas na Halalan sa Oktubre 28, 2013”. The Biliran Provincial Police Office (BPPO) led by Police Senior Superintendent Felix Alberca Diloy, provincial director of BPPO, led at around 8:00 o’clock in the morning on October 16, the peace caravan participated in by all the members of the BPPO and the Naval police station; some national government agencies like the National Police Commission (Napolcom), Philippine Information Agency (PIA) and the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG); and the candidates for the barangay elections this town. The peace caravan which started at the Naval port area passed through some barangays in Naval like in barangays Smo. Rosario, P.I Garcia, part of Caray-Caray, Calumpang, part of Atipolo and Agpangi and to the Naval police station

where a short program and the covenant signing were held. Rosario A. Lora, provincial director of Napolcom-Biliran gave her message in lieu of Naval Vice-Mayor Redentor C. Villordon; PSupt. Mateo Macale delivered the message of BPPO director Diloy; Deonilo Pantas, municipal election officer of Comelec-Naval also gave his message; and Pinsp. Renencio Raquipo, chief of Naval police station with his closing message. Their messages were focused on the lawful things to do in the conduct of the barangay elections; presentation of campaign platforms instead of buying votes to woe the votes of the electorates; prescribed campaign expenditures; and many other reminders to achieve SAFE 2013 in the conduct of the barangay elections on October 28, 2013. The candidates coming from the 26 barangays in Naval read first the candidates’ manifesto before affixing their signatures on the tarpaulin bearing the covenant. The election officer in Naval observed that some candidates in some barangays of the municipality failed to attend the peace caravan and covenant signing. (PIA-8 Biliran)

Steady stream of COC filers for Samar’s two cities

Calbayog City Comelec Officer Atty Fidel Amacna said that a ‘steady

stream’ of filers of certificates of candidacy have been keeping Calbayog City Comelec busy. In a phone interview today, Amacna said that they have served close to half of the expected 2500 candidates from 157 barangays in Calbayog City. Filers have until October 17 to file their candidacy for the barangay election on October 28, 2013. “We will be servicing them tomorrow, even if it is a holiday as

declared by Malacanang for Edl al adha,” said Amacna. When asked whether they will outright disqualify three termers, Amacna said that the law department is authorized to deal with it, including candidates that are not registered voters. In Catbalogan City, some 436 filers have already filed out of the 1,140 posts vied upon. Wilfredo Bordios, City Comelec Officer said that they expect the surge of filers towards the last two days of the continued on page 7

October 17, 2013 3Comelec, PNP, AFP unite their forces to secure peaceful barangay polls

The COMELEC, Philippine National Police (PNP), and the Armed Forces

of the Philippines (AFP) combined their forces to secure the 2013 barangay election. Some 493 areas will be covered by AFP while 362 by PNP in Samar. Samar Comelec Provincial Election Supervisor Atty Maria Corazon Montallana asked the army and the police to have security planning and deployment to avoid conflict on their security coverage, as she chaired the Joint Comelec, AFP, and PNP Provincial Security Control Center Command Conference on Monday at the Samar Police Provincial Office (SPPO), Maulong, Catbalogan City. There are four municipalities and one city in the list of areas of immediate concern in the first district while there are twelve municipalities and one city in the second district. Since the Sangunian Kabataan (SK) election is postponed, Montallana said that she expects no kidnapping incidents and illegal detention. By this, Montallana means the practice of candidates to hold voters in their custody until voting time to ensure that the opposition will not be able to pirate the voters in their favor. This is usually done with the SK as there are few voters. Meanwhile, 801st Brigade Commander Col. Wilson Leyva assured the Comelec that he and his men are in full support to secure the poll centers. SPPO Officer in Charge Col. Roel Acidre said that they have already augmented personnel in the towns with reported threats. Since two crime incidents already happened in Catbalogan City, the PNP augmented the PNP personnel. He added that they will closely monitor the 34 areas in the city while 16 areas are for the AFP. In Calbayog City, PNP Chief Elmer Cinco said that they have confiscated one firearm since the start of gun ban on September 28.

Deonilo Pantas (at the rostrum), municipal election officer of Naval, reminds the candidates in Naval, Biliran some election rules and laws to adhere in order to attain a peaceful and orderly barangay elections com October 28, 2013 during the short program re peace caravan and covenant signing for SAFE 2013 held Wednesday, October 16, 2013 infront of the Naval police station, (rvictoria/PIA-8 Biliran)

BY: CONSUELO B. ALARCON

Cinco said that Calbayog City is generally peaceful aside from one barangay. The barangay council and the rural folks of Happy Valley area are asking for security as they sense threats. According to Cinco, the threats are coming from most wanted personalities, these are the people with warrants of arrest. Cinco added that the PNP will continue to secure the area and will not stop until these people are arrested. (PIA 8- Samar Avha H. Ebalde)

FDA in EV warns the public against buying medicines from unlicensed outlets

The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) of the Department of Health

(DOH) in Eastern Visayas has cautioned the public against buying drugs or medicines from an unlicensed drugstores including sari-sari stores in the region. In a press conference held Tuesday in line with the celebration of the 2013 Consumer Welfare Month, Dr.

Sonia Cabahit, Food and Drug Regulation Supervisor in the region said, consumers must be sure that the drugstore where he buys the medicine has licensed with the FDA of the Department of Health and the product/medicine must also be registered. Otherwise, patients who buy from unlicensed stores run the risk of suffering adverse reactions or side effects, some are life threatening. Also, a drugstore should be supervised by a licensed pharmacist. She explained that in the absence of a pharmacist a drugstore is illegal. She further advise the public to report to the office of the FDA in the region if a drugstore sells medicines without the supervision of a pharmacist. Dra. Cabahit said she welcomes any report or complaints through texting their cellphone number 09164466256 even if anonymous so they can check it and impose regulation. For this year, the Department of Health (DOH) through the FDA) in coordination with the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) is in the forefront of the Consumer Welfare Month Celebration guided by the theme “Health Products Quality, Efficacy, Safety and Transparency…Everybody’s Concern.” (PIA-8).

4 October 17, 2013

Dr. Edita S. Genson (2nd from right), president of Naval State University (NSU) together with Dr. John Anthony Romagos (right), NSU vice-president for planning, research, extension and production services raise the university banner during the opening program of the 4th NSU charter anniversary celebration on October 14, 2013. Looking on are Dr. Loreta Besoyo (1st from left), NSU vice-president for administration and Dr. Minerva Sanosa, NSU vice-president for academics. (rvictoria/PIA-8 Biliran)

University president says more developments coming for NSU

Dr. Edita S. Genson, president of the Naval State University (NSU) revealed

on Monday, October 14, that she is still eyeing of more things to be done for the university. Genson was the first university president of NSU after the then Naval Institute of Technology (NIT) was converted into NSU by virtue of Republic Act 9718 on October 14, 2009 under the term of former Biliran Congressman Glenn A. Chong. The lady university president admitted that four years is not enough to implement the programs and projects intended for the full development of NSU. “It is a transition period” Genson said, revealing further on her plans for

BY: RODRIGO S. VICTORIA

the betterment of the university which include the upgrading of the NSU Hostel and the motor pool building which were inaugurated during the 4th charter anniversary of NSU on October 14. Part of the development plans of Genson was the construction of a five-storey tourism and maritime building and a modern-type covered walk. The Commission on Higher Education (CHED) has already allocated P7M for the construction of the five-storey tourism and maritime building while funding for the construction of a modern-type covered walk comes from the university, Genson further said. She also informed that she did all her best for the continuity of the maritime

program, which is a flagship program of the university, recently subjected for closure based on the order of the Commission on Higher Education (CHED). There were 94 schools in the country offering maritime program which are subject for closure but NSU was rated perfect, which means it can continue its maritime program based on the results of the evaluation by the CHED evaluation team conducted in May this year, she said. “Closing the maritime program is like closing NSU” she said stressing that she has good plans for the university despite her few remaining days in office which can help in raising the quality of education needed in producing globally competitive graduates. NSU celebrates its 4th charter anniversary on October 14, 2013 anchored on the theme: “NSU:A

FDA in EV advise

parents to refrain

from buying toys

from unlicensed

storesBY: CONSUELO ALARCON

An official of the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) of the

Department of Health (DOH) has advised the public against buying toys from anywhere especially in sidewalks which are not regulated by the agency. During the Opening of the Consumer Information Market & Exhibit at Robinsons Mall Tacloban City Tuesday, Ms. Agnette P. Peralta, Director IV, DOH Bureau of Health Device & Technology stressed there is no assurance that toys being sold in sari-sari stores, sidewalks and other unlicensed outlets are safe as they maybe sourced from unlicensed importers, manufacturers and suppliers. She explained that toys can easily be smuggled to the country. Hence, parents are reminded to be vigilant in buying toys for their children. She likewise suggested to parents to check the labels in the packaging of the toys especially the chemical ingredients used in the manufacture of the toys and ensure that the child’s toys are suited to his age and know the lead content of the toys. According to her, toys may pose not only health risks to the children but also other risks and dangers if not handled properly.Toys are devices which are under the regulation of the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) of the Department of Health (DOH). (PIA-8)

promising university on the rise”. The activities highlighting the occasion run for five days starting on Monday, October 14. (PIA-8 Biliran)

October 17, 2013 5of the Engineering Division and Dr. Elvira C. Torres, Chief of the Research Division, both stated that it is necessary to educate not only the Agricultural Engineers but also the DA-8 personnel and other stakeholders on the salient features of said laws and issuances to avoid being penalized by fine, imprisonment or both. The participants of the meeting included some municipal and city agriculturists, Agricultural Engineers and DA-8 key personnel. (PIA 8)

DA underscores...from page 1Agricultural Engineers-Eastern Visayas Chapter, City Engineer Anecito F. Narit of Maasin, Southern Leyte, and Engr. Jonas R. Buhay served as resource speakers of the activity. They commonly underscored some of the salient provisions of Republic Act 8559 or the Philippine Agricultural Engineering Act of 1998. The law provides that an owner who is issued a building permit is required to engage the services of a duly licensed and registered Agricultural Engineer to undertake full time inspection and supervision of the construction work of agricultural buildings and structures.

The former must also submit a Certificate of Completion of the said project prepared and signed by the latter stating that the construction of agricultural buildings and structures conforms to approved plans and specifications. Topics presented in the forum were on the Department of Interior and Local Government Memorandum Circular 2008-167 or the Institutionalization of the Agricultural Engineering Positions in the Local Government Units; the Role of the PRC in the Enforcement of RA 8559; and on R.A. 10601 or the Agricultural and Fisheries Mechanization (AFMech) Law.Meanwhile, Engr. Fernando V. Conde

Philippine Information Agency that Ms. Palomado was chosen as the Outstanding Rural Woman for Eastern Visayas because of her invaluable role in supporting her community, as a leader and role model for rural women. She was also cited for her exceptional role in enhancing agricultural and rural development by adapting extensive integrated farming, livestock, rice, vegetables and root crops. Moreover, she has adopted organic farming, Ms. Adora added. Known province-wide as a rural woman leader, Ms. Palomado was strongly recommended by the municipal and provincial Local Government Units in Southern Leyte. She was also able to complete all requirements, Ms. Adora further said. “Empowering rural women is crucial for ending hunger and poverty. By denying women rights and opportunities, we deny their children

and societies a better future. This is why the United Nations recently launched a programme to empower rural women and enhance food security.” The first International Day of Rural Women was observed on October 15, 2008. This day recognizes the role of rural women, including indigenous women, in enhancing agricultural and rural development, improving food security, and eradicating rural poverty. The idea of honoring rural women with a special day was put forward at the Fourth World Conference on Women in Beijing, China, in 1995. It was suggested that October 15 be celebrated as ‘’World Rural Women’s Day,’’ which is the eve of World Food Day, to highlight rural women’s role in food production and food security. In the Philippines, Proclamation No. 1105 issued in 1997 declared October 15 of that year, and every year thereafter as a ‘’National Rural Women’s Day’’ (NRWD). (PIA 8)

Eastern Visayas entry...from page 1

For the latest stories

from all over the

country

6 October 17, 2013

WARAY NEWS

DSWD nagbukalas hin P10M para han mga biktima han linog ha Central Visayas

Nagbukalas kakulop an Department of Social Welfare and Development

(DSWD) hin P10 milyon ngadto han DSWD-Field Office 7 agud ipanmalit hin mga butang nga ighihinabang ngadto hin mga pamilya nga naapektaran han 7.2 nga linog nga naka-igo han Central Visayas kakulop, Oktubre 15 kon diin por lo menos 20 ka tawo an namatay ha Cebu

ngan nakadestruso hin mga propiedad lakip na en makasaysayan nga mga estraktura ha Bohol. Nagsering hi DSWD Secretary Dinky Soliman nga igin-andam na nira en 2,000 nga family food packs ngan hin 100 nga laminated sacks nga gintalaan kakulop igpadara ngadto ha Cebu City pinaagi han C-130 han Armed Forces of

the Philippines. Nagsering pa hi Soliman nga ginpagi-os na niya an mga tawohan han DSWD han Rehiyon VII ngan an mga empleyado han Central Office agud bumulig hiton mga operasyon kasumpay han natabo nga trahedya. Ginbabana-bana han DSWD nga, basar han ihap han populasyon han National Statistics Office han 2010, maabot hin 342,549 nga mga pamilya tikang hin 316 nga mga barangay ha Bohol ngan Cebu an naapektaran han linog. Sumala pa kan Soliman, gilayon nga ginpagi-os en mga social worker han DSWD agud magmonitor nga mag-ebalwar han gidak-on han lupgop han trahedya palibot han Central Visayas. (Ginbinisaya ni DUM-PIA8, Eastern Samar)

Palasyo giabiabi ang padayon nga suporta sa publiko alang kang Presidente Aquino

Ang Malacanang giabiabi ang dili pala dugay nga suhid sa Social Welfare

Station nga nagpakita nga ang publiko padayon nga nagsuporta sa pamaayo nga buluhaton ni Presidente Benigno Aquino III. Ang suhid sa Social Weather Station alang sa ikatulo nga matag tulo ka bulan sa 2013 nagpakita nga 68% nga mga Pilipino nagtagbaw sa buhat ni Presidente Aquino. Ang suhid usab nagpakita ug pito ka puntos nga dugang sa kadtong wala matagbaw – gikan sa 12 ka persentahe sa Hunyo ngadto sa 19 ka persentahe sa Septembre. Sa pahayag sa Lunes, ang Deputy Presidential Spokesperson padayon ha page 7

October 17, 2013 7Steady stream of COC filers.. from page 2

Abigail Valte nagingon nga samtang maharuson ang kadaghanon nga mga Pilipino ang nagpabilin nga midapig kang Presidente ug sa iyang buluhaton, ang Palasyo giila ang dugang nga ihap sa wala matagbaw nga mga tawo nga naglarawan sa halawum nga kapungot ug wala mapahimuut. Nakig ambit kami niini nga kapungut ug kapakyas. Walay kalamukat nga makapalibog sa tinuud nga isyu nga migawas karon: ang pundo sa publiko gikawat sa mga gipili nga opisyal u gang ilang mga kaabin sa burukrasya ug sa pribado nga sector, si Valte nagingon sa iyang pahayag. Ang suporta sa publiko sa Presdente miasdang tungud sa iyang kamatinuuron sa pagwagtang sa sakit sa sistema, sa iyang walay pagduhaduha nga paghimo sa angayan ug matarong, sa iyang kalooy sa mga kabus, ug sa iyang pagtoo nga sa pagkuha sa panghiphip mao lamang mouswag ang kahimtang sa mga kabus, iyang gipasabut. Kini magpabilin nga tugkaranan nga prinsipyo sa administrasyon ni Aquino sa pagtahak sa labing mahinungdanon nga away sa kadtong miduyog pagdiskaril sa matul’id nga dalan. Bisan sa ilang panalimbasog, kita magdinaugon, tungud kay nahibalo kita ug ang kadaghanan nagpakita- nga

ang atong gisilbihan, ang katawhan, ug nagpabilin sa atong kiliran, padayon niya. Sa maong higayon, si Valte nagpahayag ug pasalamat sa dako nga ihap sa katawhan nga wala madala sa sumasaway, ug nagpasalamat sa ilang pagsalig ug gidayeg ang ilang kaarang sa pagsabut. (Translated by Teresita B.Cardenas/PIA8-Northern Samar)

Palasyon giabiabi...tikang ha page 6

registration period. As to peace and order in the area, Calbayog Chief of Police Elmer Cinco said that Calbayog is generally peaceful these days. While it is true that a killing was reported weeks ago, the police did not classify it as election related. Catbalogan City meanwhile has its share of violent incidents involving two barangay officials in separate incidents. But Samar PPO Deputy Provincial Director Carlito Abriz said the police cannot categorize them yet as election related. “It will depend on the outcome of the on-going investigation,” Abriz said in an interview.” (PIA 8-Samar)

To access back issues of 1EASTERN VISAYAS

8 October 17, 2013

Road const, rehab to continue despite US shut down

The construction of the Secondary Road Project here, which is funded by

the US government under the Millennium Challenge Corporation Fund will continue despite the reported shut down of some agencies of the funding government. This was the assurance mentioned on air over Radyo ng Bayan DYES by project consultant Dave Gange. Gange said that the project which is projected to reduce poverty in this part of th country, will not be affected because the agreement has already been signed beforehand by the US and Philippine governments and the project packages have already been awarded to bidders. Besides, he said, the fund is intact and release of which is periodic. Meanwhile, the MCC consultant, in answer to some queries about rumored abandoned canal constructions, assured also that it is just temporary. “Surely, the contractors will return to the sight to finish and fix the

work”, Mr. Gange said. It was said that in barangay Lalawigan, some three kilometers from the city, some canal construction have been left open and the community is worried about the safety of its people, but Gange, over the radio assured them of the completion of the work ASAP.(PIA-Eastern Samar/aen)

BY: ALICIA NICART

Red Cross chair turns over

community-based health,

disaster equipment to 21

barangays in East Visayas

Chairman Richard Gordon of the Philippine National Red Cross visited

Eastern Visayas on October 15 and 16 to turnover of community based health and disaster risk management project that will benefit at least 3,327 households in the Region. The project is a collaboration of the Philippine Red Cross and the Australian Red Cross, Ms. Vicky Arnaiz, Board Secretary of the PRC Leyte Chapter and Jai Amancio, Leyte Chapter Project Coordinator informed the Philippine Information Agency. The project covers 14 barangays in San Sebastian, Samar and seven (7) barangays in San Isidro, Leyte with a total household population of 3,327. Each of the 21 barangays were given one set of health and disaster equipments, it was learned. The project aims to improve capacities of communities to manage health and natural disaster risks, the PRC Leyte chapter officials said noting that the two municipalities are both disaster-prone and poor areas in the Region. Particularly, the project hopes to make communities have improve ante-natal and good nutrition practices and access to health services; improved hygiene and sanitation practices and access to facilities; more resilient to the impact of natural disaster; and have enhanced partnerships for sustainability. Under the Project, 1-4-3 volunteers were organized. Of the total 322 volunteers, 131 were trained as Community Health Volunteers while 191 were trained as Disaster Management Volunteers. The volunteers have undergone CBHDRM training; workshop on hazard, risks; capacity and vulnerability assessments and are currently training on the Participatory Hygiene and Sanitation Transformation. (PIA 8)

Country Director Matthew Bohn of the Millenium Challenge Corporation (MCC) talks about the good news to Samar, the 222 kilometer-road project extending up to Eastern Samar. (PIA File Photo)