45th Nutrition Month launched in Tacloban

By JACK C. GADAINGAN
July 24, 2019

TACLOBAN CITY – Around 200 nutrition stakeholders in Eastern Visayas literally walk-the-talk as directed by the 45th Nutrition Month theme, “Kumain nang Wasto at Maging Aktibo…Push Natin ‘to!” by braving a slight drizzle to embark on an early morning Walkathon of approximately five kilometers in order to revel the regional launching of this year’s Nutrition Month on July 5, 2019 at the capitol grounds, here.

This rain and sweat drenching warm up was followed by another 30-minute session of Zumba prior to the unfolding of the more cerebral slanted activities.

Dr. Catalino P. Dotollo Jr., Regional Nutrition Program Coordinator (RNPC) of National Nutrition Council Region VIII (NNC-8), in his opening message, said this year’s Nutrition Month theme focuses on two viable: Kumain ng wasto – which is healthy diet, and Maging Aktibo – that is encouraging increased physical activity and reduce sedentary behavior. Push Natin ‘to! because we would want to pursue this activity beyond July and even 2019, he said.

In Kumain ng Wasto, Dotollo explained to eat balanced food particularly a variety from the three basic food groups Go, Grow and Glow – referring to Pinggang Pinoy where the Glow composes 50%, and Go and Grow another 50% of the whole meal; in Maging Aktibo, to engage more in physical activity and not just be sitting (idle). The RNPC cited recent studies baring trend of non-communicable diseases getting higher in the country and even in Region 8, particularly on cases of obesity and overweight. He recommended home gardening as a productive way to being active.

Leyte Gov. Leopoldo Dominico L. Petilla, in a message delivered by former Vice Gov. Nestor “Gangang” Villasin, paid tribute to the local government officials who, despite the insufficient resources, are still able to provide their constituents with the best possible nutritional care. I want to congratulate you for your innovative health and nutrition programs, he said.

Regional Director Minerva P. Molon, Department of Health Region VIII (DoH-8), said this year’s Nutrition Month theme is just fitting, because as we journey to fight our battle in addressing double-burden-malnutrition in the region, data shows that while we are making progress in reducing under nutrition such as wasting and stunting, overweight and obesity is also increasing across all ages, and majority of our adults are physically inactive!

A press conference initiated by the Philippine Information Agency (PIA) in coordination with NNC-8 media-group partner Harmonized Initiative of Media for the Spread of Good Nutrition in Region 8 (HIMSoG-8) followed the thematic talks.

The launching program was capped with a “Nutrimizing Race,” that was participated per-agency and nutrition-stakeholder groups present.

Meanwhile, it was learned that the four FM radio stations established by the NNC in Eastern Visayas have conducted a simultaneous “Nutri Eskwela Radio Program – Nutrition Month Launching” on July 1, 2019. These are the Radyo Kabulig based in San Policarpo town and Radyo Kauswagan based in Borongan City both in Eastern Samar province, and Radyo Kasugbong in Catubig, Northern Samar and Radyo Kausbawan based in Palompon, Leyte.

Further it was gathered that a series of activities have been lined up for the month-long celebration among them: an “Asin Summit” on July 26, 2019 and a “Barangay Nutrition Scholar Day” on July 30, 2019.

Leyte flood control structure underway

By DPWH 2nd LED
July 24, 2019

PASTRANA, Leyte – The Department of Public Works and Highways, through the Leyte Second District Engineering Office (DPWH-Leyte2DEO), begins the construction of flood control system along Binahaan river at Barangay Lourdes to Macalpiay in Pastrana, Leyte.

District Engineer Gerald Pacanan said that the engineering office allocated a total of P84.7 million intended to protect lives of residents and prevent the influx of water to agricultural and residential areas during onset of heavy rains.

“Once completed, this structure will prevent the overflowing of Binahaan river and protect the lives of residents within the flood prone areas,” he added.

The project covered the construction of 1,242-lineal meter of structural concrete footing, stone masonry works with concrete facing and grouted riprap.

The project started on July 15 and will be completed on or before December 15, 2019 funded under Regular Infrastructure Fund for 2019.

Binahaan River is one of the biggest rivers in the province and irrigates 6,317 hectares of rice fields and also the source of water for the Leyte Metropolitan Water District (LMWD), the water system that distributes potable water for the towns of Pastrana, Tanauan, Sta, Fe, Palo, Tolosa, Dagami, Pastrana, and Tabon-Tabon.

NMP trains 22 rescued Mindoro fisherfolks

By National Maritime Polytechnic
July 22, 2019

TACLOBAN CITY – The National Maritime Polytechnic (NMP), with the aim of promoting safety of life at sea and in recognition of the need to enhance the basic safety skills of the country’s marginalized fisherfolks, trained the twenty-two (22) rescued Mindoro fisherfolks with Basic Safety Training for Motorboat Handlers/ Operators & Fisherfolks with Typhoon Preparedness (BSTMHOF) last 17-18 July 2019 at the Sikatuna Beach Hotel and Restaurant, San Jose, Occidental Mindoro.

The training was conducted in response to the request of DOLE MIMAROPA Region as part of their package assistance to the 22 rescued fisherfolks who were abandoned after their boat was reportedly hit by a Chinese vessel off Recto Bank.

The training was made possible in collaboration with Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) – Coast Guard Station – Occidental Mindoro, and the Maritime Industry Authority (MARINA), Local Government Unit (LGU) of Occidental Mindoro and the DOLE Regional Office IV-B.

In his message, LGU-San Jose Acting Mayor, Hon. Roderick Q. Agas expressed his appreciation for the continuous support and assistance of the government through the aid of the different national agencies to his constituents.

“Hindi po tayo pinapabayaan ng ating pamahalaan. Binigyan tayo ng pagkakataon na maging mangingisda pero kailangan ilagay natin sa ating sarili na tayo yung pinakamagaling at walang ibang shortcut, kailangan mag-aral tayo at matuto. Alam po naming magagaling na kayo pero kailangang ilagay natin sa tamang perspektibo yung mga matutunan natin” said Acting Mayor Agas.

He also quoted a Chinese proverb that says, “Kung tutulong ka huwag mo lang bigyan ng isda pero turuan mo rin kung paano manghuli ng isda para hanggang sa huli may hanapbuhay at tatagal ang hanapbuhay ng gusto mong tulongan”.

DOLE Regional Director, RD Joel M. Gonzales also thanked the NMP leadership for granting their request to conduct the said training. He also reminded the participants that the knowledge and learning experiences that they acquire in the training are among the things that can never be stolen from them.

“Ang layunin ng training na ito ay madagdagan ng tulong at kaalaman ang inyong kakayahan at ito ay pang habang-buhay ninyong maisasama” he disclosed.

The Basic Safety Training for MHOF is aimed at improving the basic safety skills of local motorboat operators and fisherfolks and expose them to new techniques in Personal Survival, Fire Prevention and Firefighting, Elementary First Aid and Personal Safety and Social Responsibility. Other salient topics are Rules of the Road, Typhoon Awareness and Marine Safety Requirements.

The participants were thankful for the trainings conducted which equipped them with additional knowledge and confidence on how to respond properly in the event of an emergency and the skills on how to use lifesaving, safety, and communication equipment and other survival paraphernalia.

This was the first batch of graduates produced by NMP on MHOF this year. NMP also inked similar MOAs with other LGUs such as the municipalities Tolosa, Leyte and Limasawa, Sothern, Leyte. The training is set to be conducted on 23 -24 July 2019 and 07-09 August 2019, respectively.

Likewise, coordination with other LGUs in the region is currently being made for possible collaboration, thereby expanding the reach of beneficiaries for this program.

The BSTMHOF is in conformity with the NMP Course Plan as approved by the Board of Trustees on 19 March 2007.

Meanwhile, NMP continues to upgrade its facilities and provide maritime trainings required pursuant to the STCW Convention as amended in 2010 including value-adding courses towards improving the qualifications of Filipino seafarers for their employment acceptability and enhanced competitiveness. It also regularly conducts maritime studies to come up with policies for the improvement of the manpower sector of the industry.

Save the Children Philippines calls for stronger disaster preparedness for kids

Press Release
July 19, 2019

MAKATI CITY – Save the Children Philippines has called for the strengthening of disaster preparedness in schools and communities as children face the highest risks of death, injury and disease in times of emergencies.

Lawyer Albert Muyot, Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Save the Children Philippines said local governments should invest in building resilience of children as part of climate change adaptation strategy.

The Philippines ranks third on the list of the 171 disaster-prone countries, next to the island-nations of Vanuatu and Toga, according to the World Risk Report of 2018.

Globally, there are 535 Million children, or one in four living in countries prone to disasters.

July is declared as National Disaster Resilience Month to raise awareness on the need for building resilience across national and local levels.

Muyot said children’s rights to proper healthcare, access to education and protection from violence must be ensured at all times, especially during emergencies.

“Disasters such as earthquakes, massive flooding and severe typhoons take a heavy toll on children’s lives, particularly those in deprived and marginalized situations,” he said.

Save the Children Philippines partnered with the Department of Education (DepEd) for the implementation of Education Safe from Disasters that puts in place and automate a management information system for disaster preparedness in all public schools.

Muyot said child protection and child participation should be at the core of disaster preparedness systems in schools and communities.

Save the Children Philippines advocated the passage of Republic Act 10821 or the Children’s Emergency Relief and Protection Act that directs national and local government agencies to implement and sustain comprehensive emergency program to protect children from disasters and emergencies.

The law prioritizes the protection of children, pregnant and lactating mothers during disaster and emergency situations. It also prevents the prolonged use of schools as evacuation centers to allow children to resume classes.

More than 11 million school children have been affected by major disasters from 2007 to 2012, based on figures from DepEd.

Muyot said schools and local authorities should integrate children’s rights to participate in developing policies that affect them, including disaster preparedness.

Save the Children Philippines pioneered a disaster resilience program for child survivors of typhoon Yolanda through the Batang Empowered and Resilient Team (Team of Empowered and Resilient Children).

The program helps children know the difference between risks and hazards at home and in schools. It also teaches them what to do before, during and after a disaster which include bringing of essential things such as water and flashlights in the go-bag.

More than 3,000 child facilitators have been trained under the BERT program which started in the Yolanda hit provinces in the Visayas.

At least 6,555 children in remote areas in Mindanao who are vulnerable to disasters and impact of armed conflict were also trained as BERT child facilitators.

“One of the core principles of children’s rights is to be heard on matters that affect them including drafting disaster preparedness plans,” said Muyot.

DOLE-8 capacitates child labor program implementers

By NORMA RAE COSTIMIANO
July 19, 2019

TACLOBAN CITY – The Department of Labor and Employment Regional Office VIII successfully capacitated some seventy-five enumerators, encoders and community facilitators for the implementation of child labor program in Eastern Visayas last July 11-12, 2019 at Avenue Hotel, Marasbaras, this city.

DOLE RO VIII OIC-Assistant Regional Director, Atty. Cecilio I. Baleña welcomed all the participants coming from the seven provincial field offices of the agency namely North Leyte Field Office, West Leyte Field Office, Southern Leyte Field Office, Biliran Field Office, Samar Field Office, Eastern Samar Field Office and Northern Samar Field Office.

The two-day activity dubbed as “Capacity-Building for Child Labor Profiling Implementers” was conducted to orient all enumerators, encoders and community facilitators on the scope of work they need to deliver to effectively implement the child labor prevention and elimination program of the regional office.

For this year, DOLE RO VIII has been given a target of 10,575 child laborers in Eastern Visayas to be profiled, 30% higher than the region’s target of 8,106 in 2018.

“Child Labor” is defined by DOLE as any work or economic activity performed by a child that subjects him/her to any form of exploitation or is harmful to his/her health and safety or physical, mental and psychosocial development.

Mr. Virgilio A. Doroja, Jr., Regional Child Labor Program focal and Senior Labor and Employment Officer, provided the National and Regional Child Labor Situationer. He likewise discussed Republic Act No. 9231 or the Anti-Child Labor Law, and Department Order No. 149-16 or the Guidelines in Assessing and Determining Hazardous in the Employment of Person below 18 Years of Age.

The roles of the enumerators, encoders and community facilitators were clearly tackled by Ms. Cristina T. Longjas, Chief of the Technical Support Services Division (TSSD) of the office. To fuel inspiration for the child labor implementers, she also presented the 2018 accomplishments of DOLE RO VIII in child labor profiling which summed up to a total of 9,715 child laborers profiled, accounting to a 120% accomplishment rate.

“We urge all of you to be passionate in doing your jobs. We need your full cooperation and support in order for us to be able to deliver our target for this year. Your contribution will be valuable to our goal of achieving a child-labor free Eastern Visayas”, said Ms. Longjas.

On the second day, Engr. Mark Louie Daza and Ms. Ma. Dahlia Aseo, Child Labor Program focal persons of DOLE-NSFO and DOLE-SLFO, respectively, gave the child labor implementers orientation on the possible sources of data on child laborers as well as data gathering tips and reporting forms.

Since the task of the enumerators will involve interview with children, a topic on “How to Conduct Child -Sensitive Interview” was likewise given by guest resource speaker in the person of Mr. Edison Cinco, Social Welfare Officer II of Department of Social Welfare and Development Regional Office VIII.

The activity was capped with an open forum wherein questions relative to the implementation of child labor program were raised and clarified.

The services of the enumerators, encoders and community facilitators will be engaged by DOLE RO VIII for a period of six months through a Memorandum of Agreement.

A MOA Signing was held last July 15, 2019 during the 2019 Mid-Year Performance Assessment and Planning Conference of the regional office.

DE Adongay of Biliran DEO granted CES eligibility

By DPWH-Biliran
July 19, 2019

NAVAL, Biliran – David P. Adongay Jr., District Engineer of the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) Biliran District Engineering Office (DEO) has recently been registered in the roster of Career Executive Service Eligible (CESE) by virtue of Career Executive Service Board (CESB) Resolution No. 1466 dated June 20, 2019.

Career Executive Service (CES) is a continuing pool of well-selected and development-oriented career administrators belonging to the third level of the civil service who shall provide competent and faithful service.

Adongay is one of the six candidates who have been found to possess the required managerial capabilities and have passed the prescribed CES examinations in the latest conferment.

According to Adongay, passing CES means passing a stringent of four examination processes namely: Management Aptitude Test Battery (MATB), Assessment Center (AC); Performance Validation On-the-job; and Board Interview.

“It was not easy,” described Adongay.

After passing the written examination for the first stage in 2010, Adongay was enlisted to the second stage of the exam which is AC in Mach, 2017.

In AC exam, Adongay said that a series of simulation test were conducted for a period of eight hours to assess how they would react to situations they encounter while working and how they solve problems.

“This tests were rated on several core competencies such as customer/client interaction, integrity, strategic and operational planning, problem-solving, etc.” he said.

After passing the second stage, the district engineer submitted himself to the third stage on which is the performance validation on the job. In this stage, Adongay said that he has undergone a background investigation in the last quarter of 2017 to determine his accomplishments, competence, integrity and assets.

In March 2019, Adongay undergone the last stage of the examination process which covers a period of over one-hour board interview to determine his managerial and leadership styles, passion for work and performance ranking of office that would determine him to fit for the executive service.

Throughout the Philippines, Adongay said that out of 183 DEOs, only few District Engineers has been conferred with CES Eligibility.

“Modesty aside, I am proud passing the CESE. This is a defining moment of my life,” he said.

Among the advantages of being a CESE is an opportunity to be promoted to higher position and a raise in salary but Adongay said doing public action is his motivation.

“D.P.A.”, the acronym of his name, always reminded him that it stands for “Doing Public Action”. By “Doing”, it refers to performance, “Public” connotes people and serving them with utmost professionalism, “Action” means acting with urgency, professionalisms and adherence to desired change models. Modesty aside, this is what he had been advocating for in his whole career at the DPWH.

Adongay is equipped with a masters and doctorate degree in public administration in the University of Eastern Philippines. He graduated with flying colors in his Doctoral degree in Public Administration with an Academic Excellence and University College Award having General Percentage Average of 1.01. To top it all, he also got the Best Dissertation Award, Best Dissertation Presenter Award and a Leadership Award.

He was also a recipient of various citations and awards which totals to 81, notable of which is the 2011 Outstanding Public Officials and Employees or Dangal ng Bayan Award from the Civil Service Commission and Outstanding District Engineer conferred by DPWH Regional Office in 2017. On the same year, he was also nominated to an outstanding district engineer award nationwide.

LGUs urged to submit approved Annual Investment Plan with nutrition allocations

By JACK C. GADAINGAN
July 18, 2019

TACLOBAN CITY – Department of Health Region VIII (DoH-8) Regional Nutrition Program Manager Felecita R. Borata called on the lead-nutrition workers representing local government units (LGUs) to submit to the National Nutrition Council Region 8 (NNC-8) the approved year 2019 Annual Investment Plan (AIP) from their respective LGUs.

This came about after Niño Archie S. Labordo, NNC-8 Nutrition Officer III, presented the status of 2019 AIP submissions from Philippine Plan of Action for Nutrition (PPAN) focus areas. Reportedly the LGUs that have submitted their approved 2019 AIPs are: the towns of Caibiran, Biliran, Villareal, Tarangnan, Sta. Rita and Daram, and the Province of Northern Samar.

No submissions yet were received from the provincial LGU of Biliran and its six remaining municipalities; the provincial LGU of Samar including its two cities and 20 municipalities; 22 municipalities of Northern Samar; and the provincial LGU of Eastern Samar, its capital city and 22 municipalities.

This was gathered during the Joint Nutrition Regional Technical Working Group (RTWG), Province/City Nutrition Action Officers (P/CNAOs) and District/City Nutrition Program Coordinators (D/CNPCs) first quarter meeting held on March 1, 2019 at Alejandro Hotel, here.

The same call was reiterated during the same RTWG, P/CNAOs, and D/CNPCs joint second quarter meeting held on June 11, 2019 at the COA Training Center, Palo, Leyte.

The four provinces considered as focus-areas for the implementation of PPAN 2017-2022 in Region 8 are: Eastern Samar, its component 22 municipalities and one city; Northern Samar and component 24 municipalities; Samar and component 24 municipalities and two cities; and the island-province of Biliran and eight component municipalities.

The integration of Local Nutrition Action Plans (LNAPs) into the Local Development Plans and AIPs of LGUs ensued when Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG) Secretary Eduardo M. Año, issued Memorandum Circular 2018-42 dated 26 March 2018 sustaining: the Adoption and Implementation of the Philippine Plan of Action for Nutrition 2017-2022, stipulating the guidelines on the roles and responsibilities of DILG field offices and LGUs in the implementation of the PPAN.

The memo-circular enjoins LGUs to formulate their local nutrition action plans (LNAPs) – based on PPAN 2017-2022 programs applicable to their respective localities, and to include them in their Local Development Plans and AIPs, to ensure adequate funding for nutritional impact.

As this developed, it was clarified that the nutrition status of a local government unit (LGU) will be an additional dimension in the conferment of the “Seal of Good Local Governance (SGLG),” thereby accordingly prioritizing nutrition outlay in LGUs’ AIPs starting Fiscal Year (FY) 2019, might in fact be a healthy investment for localities.

Public hearing on minimum wage issue conducted in Tacloban City

By Norma Rae Costimiano, DOLE-8
July 18, 2019

TACLOBAN CITY – After series of public consultations in different areas of Eastern Visayas, the Regional Tripartite Wages and Productivity Board (RTWPB) in Region VIII has conducted a Public Hearing on the minimum wage issue on 17 July 2019 at Patio Victoria, San Jose, Tacloban City.

Director Yahya A. Centi, Regional Director of the Department of Labor and Employment Regional Office VIII and Chairman of the RTWPB VIII, presided the said public hearing.

Director Centi informed that the board did not receive any petition for a wage increase from the labor groups and that said public hearing is initiated by the RTWPB VIII.

“As of date, this wage board has not actually received any petition from our labor sector. However, considering it has been a year already since our existing wage order was issued, we deemed it necessary to conduct all those consultations in Leyte, Samar and Biliran islands”, said Director Centi.

Aside from Director Centi, also present during the event were the members of the wage board, namely: Director Meylene Rosales of the National Economic Development Authority (NEDA), Ms. Anthea Aivi Borbon representing Director Celerina Bato of the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI), Atty. Miguel Tezon and Mr. Efren Gabriola representing the Labor Sector and Mr. Orlando Uy representing the Management Sector.

The public hearing was attended by more than sixty (60) participants from the labor, management and government sector.

Ms. Bernardita M. Navarra, Head of the DOLE North Leyte Field Office, gave her opening remarks.

Different topics were discussed for the appreciation of the participants. NEDA Director Rosales discussed about the latest economic condition of the region while Ms. Borbon of DTI provided updates on the prices of basic good commodities and its suggested retail price. Lastly, Director Perante of PSA tackled the different indicators significant in setting the minimum wage such as inflation rate and consumer price index.

The public hearing was capped with an open forum wherein different questions were raised, one of which was from Mr. Felipe Ygrubay, SB Member of Palo, Leyte. He inquired why there was no petition received considering there are labor sector representatives sitting in the wage board.

Atty. Tezon answered that as members of the wage board, they are not allowed to file petitions.

“Well, we are representing the labor sector so we can have a voice in setting up the minimum wage but we are not allowed to file petitions. The reason perhaps why no petition was filed is simply because our labor groups trust us”, said Atty. Tezon.

Immediately after the public hearing, the RTWPB convened to finally discuss the issuance of new minimum wage order for workers in Region VIII, details of which are yet to be revealed by the board.

DPWH upgrades secondary roads in Leyte

By DPWH 2nd LED
July 18, 2019

JARO, Leyte – Continuous civil works are ongoing to upgrade the road section along Jaro-Dagami-Burauen-La Paz according to the Department of Public Works and Highways Leyte Second District Engineering Office.

About 18.488 kilometer portion out of the 47.245 road length will undergo reblocking, asphalt overlay, shoulder paving and construction of drainage structures.

District Engineer Gerald Pacanan said that this project will improve road condition and hasten traffic flow to ensure the safety of motorists going to and from the area. “This project will also ease the transport of agricultural products from the locality to the public markets and boost the economic activities in the region,” he added. A total P133.6 million will be spent for the reconstruction of pavement, drainage structures and asphalt overlay.

Another P137.1 million will also be allocated for the off-carriageway improvement which includes paving of shoulders and drainage structures.

This reliable road network links the municipalities of Jaro, Dagami, Burauen and La Paz in Leyte.