Chiz inaugurates
Bulusan eco-tourism center, recreational facilities

Press Release
March 7, 2022
SORSOGON CITY –
Sorsogon Gov. Chiz Escudero led the reopening and inauguration of
the Bulusan Eco-tourism Center and Facilities in the Bulusan Volcano
Natural Park after two years of massive rehabilitation, to welcome
more local and foreign visitors with the easing of travel
restrictions around the country due to decreasing COVID-19 cases.
“Ginawa nating world class
ang mga facililities dito sa park upang mas marami pang turista ang
pumunta sa muling pagbubukas ng ating lalawigan dahil sa paghupa na
ng mga kaso ng COVID sa Pilipinas. Pinaganda pa natin ang lugar na
ito at hindi lamang ang lalawigan ng Sorsogon ang makikinabang,
kundi partikular ang bayan ng Bulusan,” Escudero said at the
reopening rites on Saturday.
The natural park is also
home to the Bulusan Eco-Adventours, which was launched coinciding
with the blessing and inauguration of the tourism center. It also
hosts new amenities like the al fresco coffee shop and restaurant, a
massage spa and souvenir shop.
Recreational activities
such as eco-tour, trekking, kayaking, stand up paddling, boating and
fishing are now also open to visitors.
Other attractions in
Bulusan Volcano National Park, a protected area, are up for
restoration and improvement, Escudero announced, including the 18th
century bell tower of St. James The Great Church which will be done
in partnership with the National Historical Commission of the
Philippines (NHCP).
Aside from the physical
improvement of tourism sites, Escudero said there is a need to
immortalize the beautiful stories and history behind the landmarks
and destinations in Sorsogon for better appreciation of the
Sorsoganons and visitors.
“Ang turismo ay hindi
lamang tungkol sa magagandang tanawin at mga lugar. Bahagi ng
turismo ang kasaysayan at pinanggalingan ng lugar na sana sa
sinumang bibisita rito ay malaman at makita niya ang mga karasanan
at kwento ng mga pangyayari katulad dito sa Bulusan,” Escudero
pointed out.
He commended the
Provincial Tourism Office (PTO), the Bulusan local government unit
and government agencies involved in the beautification of the
Bulusan park, which was carried out at the height of the COVID-19
pandemic in 2020.
The Department of Public
Works and Highways–Region V has also undertaken the construction of
the arrival and departure shed, a ramp, food bar and upper view deck
at a cost of P30 million.
Sorsogon PTO chief Bobby
Gigantone said the town of Bulusan hopes to attract even a fraction
of the pre-pandemic tourist arrivals as the country transitions to
the new normal phase. In 2019, Bulusan received 141,000 visitors,
mostly locals.
“After two years of being
shut down and undergoing massive rehabilitation, this ecological
escapade is ready to say hello to tourists again. We are hopeful na
ang mga turista ay unti-unting makabalik sa Bulusan at sa aming
lalawigan,” he said.
“Thank you to Governor
Escudero and Bulusan Mayor Mike Guysayko for their commitment and
for supporting our tourism campaign. In time, makakabangon na rin
ang turismo sa Sorsogon,” Gigantone added.
CARD Sulit Padala
waves goodbye to long queues with remit to deposit for CARD clients

Through
CARD Sulit Padala outlets nationwide, CARD clients can now
conveniently and affordably send money straight to their loved
ones’ CARD savings account anywhere in the Philippines. |
By
LYNFA A. TAN
March 2, 2022
SAN PABLO CITY –
CARD MRI clients can now say “bye” to long queues and “hello” to
more convenient transactions with CARD Sulit Padala’s new remit to
deposit service!
Through CARD Sulit Padala,
clients of CARD, Inc. (A Microfinance NGO), CARD Bank, CARD SME
Bank, and CARD MRI RIZAL BANK can now send money straight to their
loved ones’ CARD savings account in any CARD Sulit Padala outlets
nationwide.
CARD MRI Managing Director
Aristeo A. Dequito is optimistic that the new service of CARD Sulit
Padala will help CARD MRI clients to have easier and faster banking
transactions. “With this goal in mind, we are ever-ready and
equipped to improve the alternative delivery channels of CARD MRI,
including CARD Sulit Padala, to give our clients more options to
send money to their families.”
Dequito also mentioned
that with the additional outlets of CARD Sulit Padala, clients can
now easily access CARD MRI’s financial services, in line with its
financial inclusion initiatives and its mission of poverty
eradication.
CARD Sulit Padala,
formerly known as CARD Bilis Padala, is a local money remittance
service, operating since 2006. It finally gained recognition as CARD
Sulit Padala in 2012, and has since upgraded to serve clients more
efficiently in 2017. Aside from express lanes for CARD Sulit Padala
customers, it is also known for its “Piso sa unang padala” promo
that charges as low as PhP 1.00 for its customer’s first
transaction, amounting to PhP 20,000 and below. Affordable charges
also apply in succeeding transactions with CARD Sulit Padala.
CARD clients can also pay
their loans through CARD Sulit Padala, which gives its clients more
options on where to pay their amortization dues. Moreover, CARD
Sulit Padala also welcomes non-clients of CARD to send and receive
money through the remittance provider as well.
To send money through CARD
Sulit Padala, visit any CARD, Inc. unit offices or CARD Bank, CARD
SME Bank, and CARD MRI RIZAL BANK branches and branch-lite units.
Head to the remittance outlet and fill out the remittance slip.
Indicate the date, sender, beneficiary, and contact information,
sign the remittance slip, and present it to the remittance personnel
together with one valid government issued ID or CARD client ID.
To receive money, fill out
the remittance slip with the correct Reference Code from the sender.
Present one valid ID, and you are good to go. Whether a customer is
a CARD client or not, there is no need to wait in line as CARD MRI
gives priority to customers of CARD Sulit Padala.
With CARD Sulit Padala’s
1,449 outlets as of January 31, 2022, customers can now send and
receive money from their loved ones with ease. To know more about
CARD Sulit Padala and their affordable remittance fees, visit their
official Facebook page, @CARDSulitPadalaOfficial
Eastern Visayas
welcomes 2022 with 5.2% inflation rate
By
PSA-8
February 28, 2022
TACLOBAN CITY –
Eastern Visayas welcomed 2022 with 5.2 percent Inflation Rate (IR)
in January. This IR is 1.0 percentage point higher compared with the
4.2 percent IR in December 2021. This January 2022 IR nearly doubled
the recorded 2.9 percent IR in January 2021.
In comparison with the
national average IR, the regional IR is higher by 2.2 percentage
points than the 3.0 percent national IR in January 2022.
Among the provinces, Leyte
posted the highest IR at 6.2 percent in January 2022. Southern
Leyte’s IR came next at 5.7 percent, then Eastern Samar at 5.2
percent. The lowest IR was noted in Samar at 4.1 percent. All
provinces exhibited higher IRs in January 2022 compared with their
figures in December 2021. Southern Leyte’s IR more than doubled,
from 2.8 percent in December 2021 to 5.7 percent in January 2022.
This is the biggest increase in IR among the provinces in the region
at 2.9 percentage points. The IR in Biliran posted at 4.6 percent in
January 2022 is 2.0 percentage points higher than its 2.6 percent IR
in December 2021.
Leyte and Northern Samar
both recorded 1.2 percentage points increase, pushing their January
2022 IRs to 6.2 percent and 4.2 percent, respectively. IR in Eastern
Samar picked up by 0.5 percentage point, registering 5.2 percent IR
in January 2022. Samar’s IR inched up by 0.1 percentage point in
January 2022, settling at 4.1 percent. Meanwhile, IR for Tacloban
City, the lone Highly Uranized City (HUC) in the region, was
recorded at 4.4 percent in January 2022, 0.8 percentage point higher
than its 3.6 percent IR in December 2021.
In January 2022, only the
commodity groups of food and non-alcoholic beverages, transport; and
housing, water, electricity, gas, and other fuels registered IRs
higher than their previous month’s levels by 2.3 percentage points,
0.2 percentage point, and 0.2 percentage point, respectively. All
other commodity groups have either lower or retained their December
IRs.
The financial services
commodity group maintained its December 2021 IR at 47.0 percent,
registering the highest IR among commodity groups in January 2022.
This was followed by transport commodity group (7.4%); food and
non-alcoholic beverages commodity group (7.2%); and housing, water,
electricity, gas, and other fuels commodity groups (5.7%). All the
other commodity groups have IRs lower than the IR for all items
recorded at 5.2 percent.
The heavily weighted food
and non-alcoholic beverages commodity group registered the biggest
increase in IR with 2.3 percentage points, from 4.9 percent in
December 2021 to 7.2 percent in January 2022. Higher IRs were noted
in majority of the items under this commodity group. Fish and other
seafood index registered the highest increase of 4.7 percentage
points, posting an IR of 14.9 percent in January 2022 from 10.2
percent in December 2021. Meat and other parts of slaughtered land
animals index likewise posted higher double-digit IR in January 2022
at 17.3 percent from 12.7 percent in December 2021. Prices of corn
picked up by 0.6 percent in January 2022 after registering 4.0
percent deflation in December 2021.
The indices of vegetables,
tubers, cooking bananas and pulses (4.1%); non-alcoholic beverages
(0.5%); and flour, bread and other bakery products, pasta products,
and other cereals (0.5%) likewise registered annual price hikes
during the month in review after registering deflations in December
2021. The rest of the items under this commodity group recorded
increases in IRs ranging from 0.2 percent to 0.7 percent. Meanwhile,
IR for fruits and nuts index fell to 8.6 percent in January 2022
from its double-digit IR of 10.4 percent a month ago. Sugar,
confectionery, and desserts index retained its previous month’s IR
at 1.1 percent.
The IRs for transport
commodity group and housing, water, electricity, gas, and other
fuels commodity group both inched up by 0.2 percentage point
registering 7.4 percent and 5.7 percent, respectively, in January
2022.
On the other hand, IRs for
the commodity groups of clothing and footwear; information and
communication; and furnishings, household equipment, and routine
maintenance of the house managed to shed off 0.2 percentage point
from their IRs in December 2021, settling at 1.2 percent, 0.6
percent, and 0.4 percent, respectively, during the month in review.
The IRs for restaurants
and accommodation services commodity group (1.0%); personal care and
miscellaneous goods and services commodity group (0.5%); and
recreation, sport, and culture commodity group (0.5%) all eased by
0.1 percentage point in January 2022.
Meanwhile, the commodity
groups of financial services; alcoholic beverages and tobacco; and
health retained their previous month’s IRs at 47.0 percent, 2.5
percent, and 0.9 percent, respectively. Education services
registered zero IR during the month in review.
The Purchasing Power of
Peso (PPP) of the region weakened to P0.89 in January 2022 from
P0.91 in December 2021. This PPP implies that the goods and services
worth P89.00 in 2018 is now worth P100.00 in January 2022.
Compared with their levels
in December 2021, PPP in Biliran and Southern Leyte both weakened by
P0.03. PPP in Eastern Samar and Samar reduced by P0.02, while PPP in
Leyte and Northern Samar diminished by P0.01. Southern Leyte
recorded the strongest PPP at P0.91, while Samar posted the weakest
PPP during the reference month at P0.87.
The PPP in Tacloban City
was pegged at 0.89 in January 2022. This figure is P0.02 lower
compared with its P0.91 PPP in December 2021.

Note: The Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA) has rebased
the Consumer Price Index (CPI) for all income households to base
year 2018, from base year 2012. The methodology of rebasing the CPI
to base year 2018 was approved by PSA Board Resolution No. 15,
Series of 2021. Starting January 2022 (reference month), PSA will
release the 2018-based CPI series for the region, provinces, and
Highly Urbanized Cities (HUCs).
Samar First
secures 100% road maintenance rating for three consecutive years
By
ROMELLA LALAINE A.
GUARDE
February 23, 2022
CALBAYOG CITY –
Samar First District Engineering Office through its Maintenance
Section obtained a 100% rating on the CY 2021 Road Maintenance
Performance Assessment pursuant to the Interim Guidelines of
Department Order 41, series of 2016.
DPWH-Samar I has been
consistently achieving a 100% rating on road maintenance and bridges
for three (3) consecutive years now. In accordance with D.O. No. 41,
series of 2016, otherwise known as, the “Amended Policy Guidelines
on the Maintenance of National Roads and Bridges,” the cumulative
rating for the road maintenance performance assessment is based on
the inspection and validation made for both 1st semester and 2nd
semester rating periods.
The Regional Office and
the Bureau of Maintenance commends DPWH-Samar I for its continuous
effort in providing the traveling public with safe and
well-maintained roads and bridges. Hence, DPWH-Samar I is highly
motivated in maintaining said performance for the years to come.
Additionally, the district
is inspired to continue striving hard to sustain its good
performance in keeping with the commitments and target in the
Philippine Governance System (PGS) Enterprise Scorecard.
konek2CARD hits 2
million-user milestone in Q1

By
CARD MRI
February 23, 2022
SAN PABLO CITY –
With its continuous campaign to financially include more communities
in the Philippines, konek2CARD has finally reached two million
registered users on February 12, 2022 with 2,002,482 registrations
and counting.
konek2CARD is a mobile
banking application used by clients of CARD Bank, CARD SME Bank,
CARD MRI RIZAL BANK, and now, CARD, Inc. (A Microfinance NGO) to
make their financial transactions accessible in the comforts of
their home. Through konek2CARD, clients can now easily check their
balance, pay their bills and loan dues, purchase e-load, and
transfer funds with just a few taps on their phones. Agent-assisted
cash-in and cash-out services are also made possible through
konek2CARD agents strategically placed in barangays.
Looking back, the mobile
banking application has first seen an increase in user registration
after its “Saya ng Buhay, Level App” campaign in April 2021, which
ramped up the registrations to 808,378 in May 2021. Two months after
the campaign, konek2CARD finally reached its one million milestone
on June 28, 2021 with 1,000,828 registrations, which was recognized
by Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas Governor Benjamin E. Diokno in a
recorded statement.
Ms. Cynthia B. Baldeo,
President/CEO of CARD SME Bank who spearheaded the konek2CARD
expansion together with CARD microfinance institutions' (MFIs)
champions, accomplished the milestone of reaching two million
registered clients.
“Once again, we are
reaping the fruits of our digital initiatives, and this cannot be
possible without the help of our institutional partners, konek2CARD
champions, Account Officers (AO), and even our konek2CARD agents on
the ground,” Baldeo said.
Further, Baldeo,
emphasized the role of Account Officers and konek2CARD agents, who
continuously promote the benefits of konek2CARD to clients. “The
success of konek2CARD can be attributed to the hard work and
perseverance of our economic frontliners. With the new normal, they
have served as vanguards to our konek2CARD initiatives. As our
Account Officers visit their centers day by day and as our
konek2CARD agents collect their fellow center members’ weekly dues,
our Account Officers and agents include the importance of the mobile
banking application in their agenda, now that our operations are a
mix of high tech and high touch,” Baldeo added.
A Sign of Success
Consequently, CARD MRI
Managing Director Aristeo A. Dequito also recognized the efforts of
over 17,000 on-boarded konek2CARD agents as of February 2022. “With
the help of our konek2CARD agents, who work closely with our MFIs
and who have taken on a huge and important role in their community,
we are even more hopeful that our goal of bringing our financial
services closer to our clients in all corners of the Philippines is
within reach,” Dequito expressed.
Further, Dequito added,
“There is no question that our clients are composed mostly of nanays
or mothers who desire better lives for their families. Some of them
are not digital savvy or inclined to modern technology, but again,
our hearts are warmed to see our elders try and our younger
generation try with them. It is this family spirit that we see that
makes our konek2CARD experience more purposeful and our journey to
overcoming the pandemic more possible.”
“Growth can be a sign of
success, yes, but it is always the collaborative effort between CARD
MRI and our clients that sustains us to make our mission of poverty
eradication possible,” CARD MRI Founder and Chairman Emeritus Dr.
Jaime Aristotle B. Alip said. “As we pull the ropes together to
surpass the poverty line, we are positive that we will reach even
more milestones together,” Dr. Alip concluded.
The two million milestone
has motivated CARD MRI to continue its mission of serving
communities with its digital financial services. It hopes to achieve
the 3.5 million-user mark by June 2022.
To know more about
konek2CARD, visit their official Facebook page, @konek2CARDOfficial
or their new YouTube account, konek2CARD Official.
MPBs built for
the municipalities of Samar

By
ROMELLA LALAINE A.
GUARDE
February 23, 2022
CALBAYOG CITY –
Samar First District Engineering Office has constructed four (4)
Multi-Purpose Buildings (MPBs) in the municipalities of Tarangnan
and Pagsanghan, Samar.
These projects are funded
under the General Appropriations Act (GAA) FY 2021 with a total
contract amount of P10.97 million.
The multi-purpose
buildings in Tarangnan, Samar consists of a health center and a
covered court. The newly-constructed health center in Brgy.
Tigdaranano will provide efficient and improved health services to
the community, especially with the subsisting health pandemic.
Further, the constructed multi-purpose building in Poblacion is a
covered court in Tarangnan Elementary Central School which already
has an existing stage. Said MPB will serve as a venue for
recreational and social activities of the students and faculty of
the said elementary school.
On the other hand, the
multi-purpose building in Brgy. San Luis, Pagsanghan, Samar finished
its second phase. It completed the construction of comfort rooms for
male and female, located beside the covered court which is
beneficial especially when conducting different events within the
community. Additionally, the multi-purpose building in Brgy.
Calanyugan, Pagsanghan, Samar comprises of the classrooms which will
cater more students so as to provide accessible and quality
education.
With the completion of
these projects, the people and the whole community will become more
involved with the various affairs of their respective barangays.
Over USD 23.6
million in export sales reported on first four days of PH
participation in Gulfood 2022

By
DTI-TPG-Center for
International Trade Expositions and Missions
February 23, 2022
PASAY CITY – The
Philippine participation in Gulfood 2022, facilitated a running
total of USD 23,634,500.00 in export sales in the first four days of
the expo. The Philippine delegation is still expecting to generate
more sales as the event and the business-to-business (B2B) matching
activities conclude. The country showcased its finest tropical food
selections, top halal-certified food products, and unique local
flavors at Gulfood 2022, held recently at the Sheikh Rashid Hall,
Dubai World Trade Centre, United Arab Emirates (UAE) from February
13 to 17, 2022.
Led by the Department of
Trade and Industry (DTI) through the Center for International Trade
Expositions and Missions (CITEM), this year’s delegation marks the
17th participation of the Philippines at Gulfood and is the biggest
Philippine group that has joined in the global trade event.
Featuring a hybrid setup, the Philippine Pavilion featured product
displays with food tasting areas and meeting spaces, and interactive
kiosks with QR codes providing more information about the
exhibitors.
The 2022 cohort also
benefited from CITEM’s updated content and lead generation platforms
for the local food industry, IFEXConnect.com and FOODPhilippines.com,
which provide a seamless sourcing experience for buyers and
exhibitors all year-round. While all thirty-nine exhibitors got to
showcase their products online, nine companies were able to exhibit
onsite in Dubai.
“The Philippines is a
great sourcing destination for food products because of its diverse
agricultural landscapes and rich gastronomy. Especially with this
pandemic, the demand for healthy and halal-certified food products
is high, and the country is poised to be a leader in this category,”
said CITEM Executive Director Pauline Suaco-Juan.
The Gulf Food Hotel and
Equipment Exhibition Salon Culinaire, known popularly as Gulfood, is
one of the world’s biggest food and hospitality industry expos. The
trade and business platform provides buyers and exhibitors to
strengthen their presence and foothold in the Middle East and
African (MEA) region.
“Gulfood has always been a
strategic platform for the Philippines and our companies to showcase
our premium Halal exports to the world. This year’s participation in
Gulfood is a testament to our commitment to export more halal-certified
products to the world as our companies and institutions continue to
develop more products and seek new ways to reach Halal consumers
worldwide,” says DTI Undersecretary Abdulgani Macatoman.
Usec. Abdulgani Macatoman
led the walkthrough of the Philippine Pavilion for the VIPs, which
included Undersecretary Robert Eric A. Borje, Special Envoy of the
President; Congressman Christopher De Venecia, Consul General Renato
N. Dueñas, Department of Agriculture Secretary William Dar,
Construction Industry Authority of the Philippines Assistant
Secretary Noel Prudente, DTI Assistant Secretary Joan Riola,
Intellectual Property Office of the Philippines Director General
Roel Barba, and Board of Investments Governor Angelica Cayas. More
officials attended the ceremonies in full support of Gulfood 2022 as
it is also one of the business events that support the Philippine
National Week in Expo Dubai.
They were also joined by
the organizing team of the Philippine participation at Gulfood 2022,
which included CITEM Executive Director Pauline Suaco-Juan, Export
Marketing Bureau Director Christopher Lawrence Amuco, and Commercial
Attache Charmaine Mignon Yalong.
Also in attendance at the
ceremony is Chef JP Anglo, who recently opened Filipino restaurant
Kooya in Dubai. The celebrated chef joins the movement for promoting
and strengthening Filipino cuisine in the region.
The Philippine Pavilion at
Gulfood 2022 showcased the products of Agrinurture, Inc.,
Brandexports Philippines Inc./8VX Corporation, Business Innovations
Gateway, Inc., Century Pacific Food, Inc., CJ Uniworld Corp.,
Federation of People's Sustainable Development Corp., Fenor Foods
Corporation, Fisher Farms Inc., Fruits of Life Inc., Gem Foods
International Inc., Greenlife Coconut Products Philippines Inc.,
Innovative Packaging Industry Corp., Janicahh Food Products, JNRM
Corporation, KLT Fruits, Inc., Krystle Exports Philippines Inc.,
Limketkai Manufacturing Corp., MagicMelt Food Inc., Marikina Food
Corporation., Market Reach International Resources, Mega Global
Corporation, Miguelitos International Corporation, Pasciolco
Agriventures, Peter Paul Philippines, Philippine Grocers Food
Exports, Inc., Q-Phil International Trading, Sabroso Chocolate
Manufacturing, SandPiper Spices and Condiments Corp., SL Agritech
Corporation, Unilab Inc. /Sekaya Global, Universal Canning Inc.,
Cocoturmeric Health Products, KF Nutri Foods International, Inc., AG
Pacific Nutriceuticals Corporation, Nutrarich Nutraceutical
Innovations, Ahya Coco Organic Food Manufacturing, Gacayan General
Merchandise, PMTZ Care Marketing, and Malagos Agri-Ventures
Corporation.
The Philippines’
participation in Gulfood builds on and strengthens the continuous
demand for the country’s halal-certified food exports to the MEA
region. Data from the Philippine Trade Investment Center (PTIC) in
Dubai indicates that high-quality fruits such as mango, pineapple,
coconut, and other fruits and plant-based products constantly enjoy
high demand and meet Halal production standards.
“Our promotion of
Philippine food to UAE and other countries does not end with our
participation in Gulfood. We are continuously promoting our export
products 24/7, anytime, anywhere through IFEXConnect.com, our B2B
platform for food exporters, and FOODPhilippines.com, our leads
generation and promotion platform for Filipino food. These websites
allow us to widen our reach and strengthen our engagement across the
globe. Buyers and food enthusiasts who want to know more about
Philippine food are welcome to check out our platforms,” added Suaco-Juan.
The Philippines’
participation in Gulfood 2022 is made possible with CITEM’s
partnerships with the Export Marketing Bureau (EMB), Philippine
Trade and Investment Center (PTIC) in Dubai and Jeddah; the RAPID
Growth Project; and the Philippine Coconut Authority (PCA). The
consolidated efforts of these offices are all in support of small
and medium enterprises (SMEs) and their recovery amid the effects of
the COVID-19 pandemic.
Following the events at
Gulfood 2022, a face-to-face business-to-business (B2B) matching
activity will be held on February 18, 2022, at the Jumeriah Beach
Hotel, organized by the EMB in partnership with PTIC Dubai and
Jeddah. There will also be an online networking event for Gulfood
Digital participants from March 1 to 3, 2022 to connect Philippine
exporters to prospective buyers. The initiative is organized by
CITEM in partnership with the EMB and also with PTIC Dubai and
Jeddah.
Eastern Visayas
posts 92.4% employment rate in October 2021 (preliminary)
By
PSA-8
February 21, 2022
TACLOBAN CITY –
Eastern Visayas registered a Labor Force Participation Rate (LFPR)
of 60.1 percent in October 2021. This placed the region’s labor
force at 1.92 million persons who were either employed or unemployed
out of the estimated 3.20 million population 15 years old and over
in October 2021. The latest labor force was lower by 22 thousand
persons compared with the 1.94 million persons reported in July 2021
at 60.7 percent LFPR. However, this was higher by 151 thousand
persons compared with the 56.2 percent LFPR estimated on the same
period in 2020. In 2021, LFPR was lowest in January at 59.8 percent
and highest in April at 62.3 percent.

The region’s Employment
Rate in October 2021 was estimated at 92.4 percent, which was
equivalent to 1.77 million employed persons out of the 1.92 million
persons in the labor force. This was lower by 1.5 percentage points
than the 93.9 percent employment rate in July 2021. This was also
lower by 2.3 percentage points compared with the 94.7 percent
employment rate in October 2020. In 2021, the lowest employment rate
of 92.4 percent occurred in January and October, while the highest
employment rate was recorded in April at 95.0 percent.
Unemployment rate in
Eastern Visayas stood at 7.6 percent in October 2021 or about 146
thousand unemployed persons out of the total labor force of the
region. This figure was 1.5 percentage points higher than the 6.1
percent unemployment rate recorded in July 2021. This was also
higher by 2.3 percentage points compared with the 5.3 percent
unemployment rate in the same period in 2020. In 2021, the highest
unemployment rate of 7.6 percent occurred in January and October,
while the lowest was noted in April at 5.0 percent.
Employed persons who
express the desire to have additional hours of work in their present
job or to have additional job, or to have a new job with longer
working hours are considered underemployed. The number of
underemployed persons in Eastern Visayas was recorded at 316
thousand. In terms of proportion, this was 17.8 percent of the total
number of employed persons in October 2021. The latest
underemployment rate was lower than the 27.6 percent and 21.2
percent underemployment rate recorded in July 2021 and October 2020,
respectively. In 2021, underemployment rate was lowest in April at
15.5 percent, and highest in July at 27.6 percent.
Chiz: Sorsogon to
build ‘home for homeless gays’
Press Release
February 18, 2022
SORSOGON CITY –
Homeless and abandoned members of the lesbian, gay, bisexual and
transgender (LGBT) community will soon have a place to stay in
Sorsogon.
Sorsogon Gov. Chiz
Escudero announced on Thursday that his dream project for the
abandoned as well as elderly members of the LGBT community will soon
materialize as the provincial government has already secured the
land where the gays’ sanctuary will be built.
“We shall soon establish
and construct a ‘Home for Homeless Gays’ in Sorsogon,” the veteran
legislator posted on his Twitter account.
Zaldy Jebulan, a good
Samaritan residing in Sorsogon City, has donated 1,500 square meters
of land located at Barangay Roro to the provincial government in
support of Escudero’s project for the gay community as part of his
“Diversity and Inclusion” advocacy.
The veteran legislator
expressed gratitude to Jebulan for his generosity and for supporting
the provincial government’s desire in “promoting the welfare and
well-rounded development of the people of Sorsogon.”
Jebulan agreed to give
away his land as stipulated in the Deed of Donation so that the
Sorsogon provincial government can proceed with the construction of
the shelter with access road for homeless gays.
“Thank you, Mr. Zaldy
Jebulan, for donating the land where our vision/plan can finally be
realized,” the governor wrote on Twitter as he shared the photos of
the signed Deed of Donation.
According to the Sorsogon
Public Information Office (SPIO), the governor also envisions the
shelter to have a livelihood training center for all LGBT members in
the province.
Escudero, who is running
for senator in the May elections, has been a longtime supporter of
the LGBT community, pushing for equal opportunities for all
regardless of sexual orientation, religious beliefs or political
affiliation.
During his stint as
senator in the 17th Congress (2016-2019), Escudero backed the
passage of the Sexual Orientation and Gender Identity Expression (SOGIE)
Equality Bill, also known as the Anti-Discrimination Bill.
In the 16th Congress
(2013-2016), Escudero co-authored Senate Bill 2358, an older version
of the Anti-Discrimination bill, along with Sen. Grace Poe, which
makes any form of discrimination a “crime against humanity and human
dignity.”
The bill prohibits
discrimination on the basis of ethnicity, race, religion or belief,
sex or gender or sexual orientation, language, disability,
educational attainment and other forms of discrimination.
He also participated in
the “I dare to care about equality” campaign spearheaded by the
Bahaghari Center for SOGIE Research, Education and Advocacy, Inc. (Bahaghari
Center) as one of its champions in fighting discrimination.
“All of us were equally
born albeit not born equal. It is our duty to ensure the equality of
each person in our own eyes and in the eyes of the law,” Escudero
said when he joined the Bahaghari campaign.
A chance to give
back
By
CARD MRI
February 16, 2022
SAN PABLO CITY –
Education is the ticket to success. This is perhaps the reason why
parents break their backs to send their children to school. For
students, the school may be a chore, but for KC Montañes, education
can help her reciprocate her parents’ hard work.
As a Grade 6 student, KC
loves to participate in different school activities which make her
parents proud. All her hard work can be traced back to her dream of
becoming a doctor. Besides her dream, she works hard to give thanks
to the love and support that her parents gave her. Not only is she
an active student, but she is also a responsible daughter. From
helping around household chores, to manning their store when her mom
is resting, she is always there for her family.
As a mother, Arlyn
Romaldon couldn’t be prouder of KC. “At a young age, she is so
responsible around the house and at school. Helping her achieve her
dreams, in any way we can, is really our goal because we want her to
have a bright future,” said Arlyn.
Seeking to improve her
means of providing for her family, Arlyn, a sari-sari store owner,
joined CARD, Inc. (A Microfinance NGO) in Parañaque City. CARD, Inc.
provided her with the financial assistance she needs to get by.
After being a client for three years, opportunities entered her door
one by one.
First, she was able to use
her loan as additional capital to her established store. Because of
this, she increased her stocks and added a variety of essential
goods, which her neighbors benefited from. Second, due to their
financial management, Arlyn and her family acquired a property in
Quezon City. This is now one of their sources of income as they
turned this into a rentable property. Lastly, through the
Microfinance NGO, she availed one of CARD’s products, the Zero
Dropout Program.
Through the Zero Dropout
Program, clients like Arlyn can now avail loans for their children’s
education. This program is exclusive for biological and legally
adopted children of clients and their relatives. For elementary
students like KC, clients can avail up to PhP 3,000 loan to help
them with their children’s fees at school.
Introduced to her by her
Account Officer, the Zero Dropout Program became a way for Arlyn to
afford school supplies to assist KC in her studies. With the issue
of supplies out of the way, Arlyn has one less problem to think
about. This also ultimately helps KC focus more on working harder
for her dreams.
Through the Zero Dropout
Program, Arlyn cleared one hurdle for KC in her journey to success,
while for KC who reciprocates her parent’s love through
perseverance, this is one hurdle cleared for her chance to give
back.
KC is one of the 1,245,071
beneficiaries of the Zero Dropout Program in the Philippines as of
December 2021. To know more about this loan program, leave a message
at CARD, Inc.’s official Facebook page, @CARDIncOfficial.
NMP delivers free Basic
Safety Training to Hernani

BSTMHOF
held at the New Municipal Gym, Brgy. Canciledes, Hernani,
Eastern Samar on 27-28 January 2022. |
Press Release
February 14, 2022
TACLOBAN CITY – In a
conscious effort to spread its advocacy to ensure safety of life at
sea, the National Maritime Polytechnic (NMP) conducted the Free
Basic Safety Training for Motorboat Handlers/Operators and Fishermen
(BSTMHOF) with Typhoon Preparedness on 27-28 January 2022 in
partnership with the Local Government Unit (LGU) of Hernani, Eastern
Samar.
The two-day training, in collaboration with the Philippine Coast
Guard Station thru the Coast Guard Substation (PCG-CGSS) Balangkayan,
Eastern Samar and the Maritime Industry Authority (MARINA) Regional
Office 8, was successfully carried out to 53 participants comprised
of the fisherfolk and motorboat handlers/operators, and the members
of the Emergency Response Team (ERT) of Hernani’s Municipal Disaster
Risk Reduction and Management Office (MDRRMO).
The first day of the training started with an opening ceremony
headed by LGU Hernani thru Mayor Amado L. Candido, with the presence
of NMP’s Training Specialists and Instructors Capt. Lito C. Jain,
OIC Navigational Watch Timothy Limpiado and PCG (Ret.) ENS Telesforo
M. Sambalilo. Also in attendance were Seaman Second Class Raymond C.
Borromeo and Jover Padojinog, representing the PCG-CGSS Balangkayan,
and Mr. Santiago M. Acera of MARINA RO8. The activity was followed
with the theoretical discussions of the topics. While the practical
and assessment exercises was undertaken during the second day.
During the concluding ceremony, NMP Executive Director Joel B.
Maglunsod cited the different emergency incidents at sea and other
crises due to man-made or natural calamities, thereby, giving
emphasis on the importance of equipping not only the local fishers
and motorboat operators, but the community as well, with the basic
safety skills. This is done by exposing them to the new techniques
in personal survival, fire prevention and firefighting, first aid
and knowledge on the rules of the road, marine environment and basic
marine meteorology.
The Basic Safety Training for MHOF is aimed at improving the basic
safety skills of local motorboat handlers/operators and fisherfolk
and expose them to new techniques in Personal Survival, Fire
Prevention and Firefighting, Elementary First Aid and Personal
Safety and Social Responsibility. Additional topics covered the
Rules of the Road, Typhoon Awareness and Marine Safety Requirements.
Former rebels in
Northern Samar receive DOLE assistance

By
JEROLD AMAGO, DOLE-NSFO
February 14, 2022
CATARMAN, Northern
Samar – The Department of Labor and Employment Northern Samar
Field Office (DOLE-NSFO) distributed livelihood kits amounting to
P900,000 to the first batch of twenty-four (24) former members of
the communist group, the New People’s Army (NPA), on February 8,
2022, this town.
Temporarily sheltered in
the government-managed half-way house in Barangay Dalakit, the
Darangpan Center, the former rebels had surrendered to the Armed
Forces of the Philippines (AFP) and have since been receiving
comprehensive assistance from various government agencies, including
the Provincial Social Welfare and Development Office (PSWDO), the
Department of Education (DepEd), the Technical Skills Development
Authority (TESDA), and many others.
DOLE-NSFO, in
collaboration with the Regional Task Force to End Local Communist
Armed Conflict (RTF-ELCAC) and the PSWDO, has enrolled the former
rebels in the DOLE Integrated Livelihood Program (DILP), which
provides in-kind livelihood assistance amounting to a maximum of
P30,000 to qualified and deserving beneficiaries. This initiative, a
result of the consultative meeting between DOLE-NSFO and Northern
Samar Provincial Governor Edwin Ongchuan, intends to change the
lives of former rebels and their families by providing them with
sustainable sources of income and help them reintegrate into
mainstream society.
Joy, a former member of
the NPA who collected extortion money – often called “revolutionary
tax” – from residents of remote communities in Catarman to fund the
communist group, said that he joined the NPA because he had little
choice at the time, with subsistence farming barely making enough to
feed and support his poor family. When life in the mountains became
too risky and difficult, he decided to surrender, hoping to give his
family a better life away from the insurgency.
During the formal
turn-over ceremony held in the Darangpan Shelter attended by
representatives of DOLE-NSFO, DepEd, PSWDO, and the AFP, Joy
formally expressed his appreciation for the assistance he and the
other former rebels have received from the government.
“Malugod ko pong
tinatanggap ang tulong na ito mula sa DOLE. Meron na po kami
pagkakakitaan at malaki po ang maitutulong nito sa aming mga pamilya
ngayon hanggang sa paglipat namin doon sa permanent resettlement”,
Joy explained. (“I welcome the assistance given us by DOLE for it
will help my family earn a living while we adjust to our new life
once we move on to our permanent resettlements houses, Joy
explained.)
He likewise thanked DOLE-NSFO,
led by Provincial Head, Virgilio A. Doroja, Jr., for the livelihood
assistance, which will help him and his fellow rebel returnees ease
back into their normal lives and into their new homes and
communities.
The second round of
distribution, consisting of livestock kits, is scheduled on February
23, 2022 in Catarman, Northern Samar.
PH food exporters
to bring local flavors, top Halal products to Gulfood 2022 in Dubai

By
DTI-TPG-Center for
International Trade Expositions and Missions
February 13, 2022
PASAY CITY – The
Philippines is set to showcase its finest tropical food selections,
top halal-certified food products, and unique local flavors at the
Gulf Food Hotel and Equipment Exhibition Salon Culinaire (Gulfood),
one of the world’s biggest food and hospitality industry expos. The
event will be held at the Dubai World Trade Centre in the United
Arab Emirates from February 13 to 17, 2022.
Led by the Department of
Trade and Industry (DTI) through the Center for International Trade
Expositions and Missions (CITEM), the Philippine delegation to
Gulfood 2022 is the biggest yet, with 39 food export companies
offering a variety of Philippine food products. The country seeks to
strengthen its presence within the Middle East and African (MEA)
region with Philippine halal-certified products, high-value coconut
products, and other distinct and quality food products.
CITEM will spearhead the
country’s hybrid participation in a 135-sqm space at Gulfood 2022
for both onsite and online exhibitor participants. The onsite
pavilion will be located at Booths R140 and R160 of the Sheik Rashid
Hall, while a virtual showcase of Philippine products will be
available via standby terminals that will provide access to
IFEXConnect.com and FOODPhilippines.com.
Visitors will also be able
to browse the exhibitors’ products through an interactive LED
display and connect with the exhibitors through digital on-site
pods. Queuing pods will be also provided for prospective buyers who
wish to schedule a meeting with a particular exhibitor or request
on-site assistance.
Attendees will be given
opportunities to conduct virtual business-to-business (B2B) meetings
in collaboration with the Export Marketing Bureau, Philippine
Coconut Authority, and the Philippine Trade and Investment Center (PTIC)
in Dubai.
“This will be the first
CITEM overseas trade fair that will benefit from our updated content
and lead generation platform for the local food industry,
IFEXConnect.com and FOODPhilippines.com. Our recently-launched
websites will provide the best 365-sourcing experience for both
buyers and exhibitors,” says Paulina Suaco-Juan, Executive Director
of CITEM.
IFEXConnect is a digital
platform that allows users to source Philippine food products,
connect with exhibitors, and access support services. On the other
hand, FOODPhilippines is a digital platform that gathers chefs,
industry experts, and food enthusiasts worldwide to share insights
and news on Filipino food. The community platform features stories
on Philippine ingredients, flavors, processes and techniques,
recipes, heritage, culinary talents, and regional specialties.
“We are bringing a
holistic-sourcing experience through a mix of digital and physical
showcases in the pavilion that will act as the onsite storefront of
IFEXConnect. It will showcase the exhibitors’ products in a curated
retail store-like setting and these products can be viewed online
through the QR codes that we set in place,” Suaco-Juan adds.
This year’s 39-strong
delegation is composed of the following companies: Agrinurture,
Inc., Brandexports Philippines Inc./8VX Corporation, Business
Innovations Gateway, Inc., Century Pacific Food, Inc., CJ Uniworld
Corp., Federation of People's Sustainable Development Corp., Fenor
Foods Corporation, Fisher Farms Inc., Fruits of Life Inc., Gem Foods
International Inc., Greenlife Coconut Products Philippines Inc.,
Innovative Packaging Industry Corp., Janicahh Food Products, JNRM
Corporation, KLT Fruits, Inc., Krystle Exports Philippines Inc.,
Limketkai Manufacturing Corp., MagicMelt Food Inc., Marikina Food
Corporation., Market Reach International Resources, Mega Global
Corporation, Miguelitos International Corporation, Pasciolco
Agriventures, Peter Paul Philippines, Philippine Grocers Food
Exports, Inc., Q-Phil International Trading, Sabroso Chocolate
Manufacturing, SandPiper Spices and Condiments Corp., SL Agritech
Corporation, Unilab Inc. /Sekaya Global, Universal Canning Inc.,
Cocoturmeric Health Products, KF Nutri Foods International, Inc., AG
Pacific Nutriceuticals Corporation, Nutrarich Nutraceutical
Innovations, Ahya Coco Organic Food Manufacturing, Gacayan General
Merchandise, PMTZ Care Marketing, and Malagos Agri-Ventures
Corporation.
From this delegation,
expect to see halal-certified food products such as high value
coconut products, plant-based food products, processed marine, fruit
and vegetable products, frozen native delicacies, noodles, coffee,
cacao nibs, spices, condiments and more.
As one of the world’s
biggest expos for the food and hospitality industries, Gulfood has
historically attracted huge numbers and key players in Dubai. This
year, more than 98,000 professional attendees from 120 countries are
expected to discover different productions of over 5,000 exhibitors
from a wide range of product sectors. Gulfood 2022 marks the 17th
participation of the Philippines in the expo. It is also one of the
business events that support the Philippine National Week in Expo
Dubai.
Currently, there are over
148,929 Filipinos living in the UAE – the third largest expatriate
community in the West Asian country, next to Pakistanis and Indians.
There is also a rising number of Filipino restaurants and city
centers in the UAE, as more franchises are catering to the growing
demand for Philippine food products.
Data released by PTIC
Dubai indicates food exports from the Philippines to the MEA region
went steady in 2020 amid the pandemic. High-quality fruits such as
mango, pineapple, coconut, and other fruits and plant-based products
constantly enjoy high demand and meet Halal production standards.
The country’s participation at Gulfood seeks to strengthen this
demand further.
Halal food culture is also
thriving in the Philippines due to its increasing Muslim population.
As of 2021, around 7.9 million or 8% of the country’s total
population are Muslims. Islamic belief has also been in the country
since the 14th century, creating a deeply rooted appreciation of
Islamic faith and culture among Filipino Muslims.
“This year’s participation
in Gulfood is a testament to our commitment to export more halal-certified
products to the world as our companies and institutions continue to
develop more products and seek new ways to reach Halal consumers
worldwide,” adds Undersecretary Abdulgani Macatoman of DTI.
The Philippines’
participation in Gulfood 2022 is made possible with CITEM’s
partnerships with the Export Marketing Bureau (EMB), Philippine
Trade and Investment Center (PTIC) in Dubai and Jeddah; the RAPID
Growth Project; and the Philippine Coconut Authority (PCA). The
consolidated efforts of these offices are all in support of small
and medium enterprises (SMEs) and their recovery amid the effects of
the COVID-19 pandemic.
DOLE Samar
provides labor education to academe workers

By
NORMA RAE S. COSTIMIANO
February 10, 2022
TACLOBAN CITY – The
Department of Labor and Employment Regional Office No. 8 through its
Samar Field Office (SFO) conducted a seminar on Labor Relations,
Human Relations and Productivity (LHP) for the management and
employees of Christ the King College in Calbayog City last February
2-3, 2022.
The two-day seminar was
attended by over 100 participants.
Mr. Demmie Jose Uyvico,
Senior Labor and Employment Officer and Mr. Raul Tabao, Labor and
Employment Officer III, tackled several important topics on Labor
Relations as well as General Labor Standards, Family Welfare Program
and the Batas Kasambahay.
School President, Fr.
Jovito Malinao, thanked the DOLE for imparting relevant information
through the conduct of LHP.
He said that the seminar
has indeed brought new learning not only on increasing productivity
but also on maintaining good and harmonious relations at their
workplace.
Mr. Uyvico, in behalf of
SFO Head Engr. Aleksei Ceasar Abellar expressed continued commitment
to provide necessary assistance through the Labor and Employment
Education Services (LEES).
“With this LHP seminar, we
hope we have provided the assistance you need. And it doesn’t end
here, because DOLE is always ready to serve its clients”, said
Uyvico.
LHP is one component of
the LEES program which aims to increase awareness on the rights and
responsibilities of workers and employers, work ethics, values and
skills to contribute in fostering a more cooperative
labor-management relations and attainment of decent and productive
work.
Other components of LEES
are Labor Education for Graduating Students (LEGS) and Continuing
Labor Education Seminar (CLES). (with a
report from DOLE-WLFO)
Angono, Calbayog
schools pursue art dreams despite pandemic, thanks to Rebisco

Press Release
February 9, 2022
QUEZON CITY –
Rebisco continues its support for young artists by providing art and
design essentials to two of its beneficiary schools, the Regional
Lead School for the Arts in Angono (RLSAA) in Rizal and the Calbayog
Arts and Design School of Eastern Visayas (CADSEV) in Samar.
Rebisco began to provide
RLSAA with paint brushes, easels, paints and other materials that
will support the needs of the art students in 2019. It also put up a
mini gallery on school grounds that was both classroom and
exhibition space for the students’ art work. In 2021, Rebisco added
CADSEV, known as “a Haven of Art in Eastern Visayas” as a
beneficiary school.
This year, Rebisco will
provide more basic art tools and materials as well as equipment for
mixed media and the performing arts to the two schools. The snacks
and biscuits company hopes that their artistically-inclined students
can continue to hone their innate skills in art and design and
embark on new creative adventures that will allow them to enrich the
Filipino art scene.
The Rebisco donations will
be a great help, said Ms. Rinalyn Beso, CADSEV School Head.
“Teaching the arts through distance learning can be very
challenging, but the instruments and art equipment will give every
learner the opportunity to be creative in the comfort of their homes
while being safe from Covid-19.”
“The new set of art
equipment will inspire and motivate our students to be more creative
and to pursue their passion. They can create more inspiring and
challenging artworks even as they deal with the challenge of remote
learning. We thank Rebisco for being our solid partner in honing the
talents and skills of our young artists. The art equipment will be
an inspiration, a source of joy and a morale booster for our young
artists,” said RLSAA Principal, Edgar Diñozo.
In support of the arts,
Rebisco also introduced to the market its Designer Tin Cans. The
designer cans, which change designs periodically, are mini versions
of the Rebisco Special Assorted Cans, the iconic, all-time favorite
pasalubong. Featured on the sides of the cans are the works of
famous contemporary artists and some students of RLSAA. Packed with
premium Rebisco biscuits, cookies, crackers and wafers, part of the
proceeds from the sales of the cans go to the support being given to
the schools.
The designer tin cans are
available at Rebisco Flagship Store on Lazada for those who want to
have artful keepsakes, enjoy yummy snacks and help boost art and
young artists in their own little way.
Free seaman’s
book for first-time applicants gains NMP’s support

By
National Maritime Polytechnic
February 4, 2022
TACLOBAN CITY – The
National Maritime Polytechnic (NMP) affirms the approval of Maritime
Industry Authority (MARINA) Board on the free Seaman’s Book to be
issued to first time seafarer applicants, as well as the granting of
50% discount for its renewal.
As recently announced by
Transportation Secretary Arthur P. Tugade, the Seaman’s Book, which
cost ranges from Php1,000.00-Php1,800.00, will now be given for free
to seafarers who are applying for the first time during the term of
President Rodrigo Duterte, while the 50% off for the renewal will be
valid until December 2022.
In a statement, MARINA
Administrator Robert Empedrad explained that this initiative of the
MARINA and the Department of Transportation (DOTr) aims to support
the Filipino seafarers especially in the midst of the pandemic and
help lessen the expenses for the processing of their documents.
MARINA yearns to wholeheartedly fulfill the request of our
seafarer-heroes who remains steadfast to help boost our economy amid
the health crisis.
NMP Executive Director
Joel B. Maglunsod expresses full support to this cause as an
excellent way to help our seafarers and repay their valuable
contributions. As an advocate of the seafarers’ welfare, the NMP
will likewise explore other areas possible to pitch in and further
assist the department in the implementation.
The MARINA however is yet
to issue an official advisory for the guidelines and effectivity of
its implementation.
The Seaman’s Book,
technically referred to as Seafarer’s Record Book (SRB), is a full
record of a seafarer's career experience and certifications. It
certifies that the person holding it, is a Seafarer as per The
International Convention on Standards of Training, Certification and
Watchkeeping for Seafarers (STCW) and serves as record of sea
service of the holder.
Nearly 3 in every
10 families in Eastern Visayas are poor
By
PSA-8
February 2, 2022
TACLOBAN CITY –
Poverty incidence among families in Eastern Visayas in the first
semester of 2021 was estimated at 28.9 percent. This implies that in
the first semester of 2021, nearly 3 in every 10 families in the
region were poor or have income that were below the poverty
threshold, or the amount needed to buy their basic food and non-food
needs.
In the first semester of
2021, poverty incidence among families in Eastern Samar was
estimated at 36.0 percent; Leyte (excluding Tacloban City) at 31.3
percent; Samar at 30.0 percent; Southern Leyte at 25.5 percent;
Northern Samar at 23.1 percent; and Biliran at 22.4 percent.
Significant improvements
in poverty incidence among families between the first semester of
2018 and first semester of 2021 were noted in Eastern Samar and
Northern Samar. Poverty incidence among families in Eastern Samar
dropped to 36.0 percent in the first semester of 2021 from 43.0
percent in the first semester of 2018. The province of Northern
Samar, meanwhile, registered 23.1 percent poverty incidence among
families in the first semester of 2021, lower than the 30.0 percent
in the first semester of 2018. On the other hand, poverty incidence
among families in Biliran significantly increased to 22.4 percent in
the first semester of 2021 from 18.0 percent in the same semester of
2018 (Fig. 1).

Given the new master
sample, PSA was able to generate reliable statistics down to the
provincial level as well as for highly urbanized cities (HUCs).
Poverty incidence among families for Tacloban City, the lone HUC in
the region, was recorded at 14.7 percent in the first semester of
2021.
36 out of 100 individuals
in Eastern Visayas are poor
Poverty incidence among
population in Eastern Visayas in the first semester of 2021 was
estimated at 36.0 percent. This implies that in the first semester
of 2021, 36 in every 100 individuals in the region belong to the
poor population whose incomes were not sufficient to buy their
minimum basic food and non-food needs.
In the first semester of
2021, poverty incidence among population in Eastern Samar was
estimated at 43.1 percent; Leyte (excluding Tacloban City) at 39.1
percent; Samar at 37.0 percent; Southern Leyte at 31.7 percent;
Northern Samar at 31.0 percent; and Biliran at 30.7 percent.
Significant improvements
in poverty incidence among population between the first semester of
2018 and first semester of 2021 were noted in Eastern Samar and
Northern Samar. Poverty incidence among population in Eastern Samar
dropped to 43.1 percent in the first semester of 2021 from 52.0
percent in the first semester of 2018. The province of Northern
Samar, meanwhile, registered 31.0 percent poverty incidence among
population in the first semester of 2021, lower than the 36.6
percent in the first semester of 2018. On the other hand, poverty
incidence among population in Biliran significantly increased to
30.7 percent in the first semester of 2021 from 24.9 percent in the
same semester of 2018 (Fig. 2).
Poverty incidence among
population in Tacloban City in the first semester of 2021 was
recorded at 20.1 percent.

Subsistence Incidence
among Families
The subsistence incidence
among families in Eastern Visayas in the first semester of 2021 was
estimated at 13.2 percent. This means that in the first semester of
2021, about 13 in every 100 families in the region have incomes
below the food threshold or the amount needed to buy their basic
food needs and satisfy the nutritional requirements set by the Food
and Nutrition Research Institute (FNRI) to ensure that one remains
economically and socially productive.
In the first semester of
2021, subsistence incidence among families in Eastern Samar was
estimated at 18.7 percent; Leyte (excluding Tacloban City) at 16.0
percent; Samar at 11.7 percent; Southern Leyte at 10.4 percent;
Biliran at 8.7 percent; and Northern Samar at 7.1 percent.
Subsistence incidence
among families in Northern Samar significantly improved to 7.1
percent in the first semester of 2021 from 12.2 percent in the first
semester of 2018. On the other hand, subsistence incidence among
families in Biliran significantly increased to 8.7 percent in the
first semester of 2021 from 5.7 percent in the first semester of
2018. Southern Leyte registered 10.4 percent subsistence incidence
among families in the first semester of 2021, significantly higher
than the 7.9 percent in the first semester of 2018 (Fig. 3).
Subsistence incidence
among families in Tacloban City in the first semester of 2021 was
recorded at 5.3 percent.

Subsistence Incidence
among Population
Subsistence incidence
among population in Eastern Visayas in the first semester of 2021
was estimated at 17.3 percent. This translates that in the first
semester of 2021, about 17 in every 100 individuals in the region
have incomes below the food threshold or the minimum amount needed
to buy their basic food needs.
In the first semester of
2021, subsistence incidence among population in Eastern Samar was
estimated at 24.6 percent; Leyte (excluding Tacloban City) at 21.1
percent; Samar at 15.4 percent; Southern Leyte at 13.9 percent;
Biliran at 13.1 percent; and Northern Samar at 10.6 percent.
Subsistence incidence
among population in Northern Samar significantly improved to 10.6
percent in the first semester of 2021 from 16.1 percent in the first
semester of 2018. On the other hand, subsistence incidence among
population in Biliran significantly increased to 13.1 percent in the
first semester of 2021 from 7.8 percent in the first semester of
2018. The province of Southern Leyte registered 13.9 percent
subsistence incidence among population in the first semester of
2021, significantly higher than the 10.3 percent in the first
semester of 2018 (Fig. 4).
Subsistence incidence
among population in Tacloban City in the first semester of 2021 was
recorded at 7.6 percent.

Food Threshold
In the first semester of
2021, a family of five in Eastern Visayas needed at least P7,904 per
month, to meet the family’s basic food needs. This amount represents
the average monthly food threshold for a family of five. This figure
is 11.2 percent higher compared with its first semester 2018 level
of P7,106.
In the first semester of
2021, the average monthly food threshold for a family of five in
Eastern Samar was estimated at P8,451; Southern Leyte at P8,445;
Biliran at P8,352; Leyte (excluding Tacloban City) at P7,835;
Northern Samar at P7,660; and Samar at P7,319.
Increases in food
threshold between the first semester 2018 and first semester 2021
were observed in all provinces. Biliran posted the biggest increase
in food threshold at 19.4 percent (Fig. 5).

Meanwhile, average monthly
food threshold for a family of five in Tacloban City was estimated
at P8,224 in the first semester of 2021. This registered an increase
of 19.3 percent compared with its level in the same semester in
2018.
The average monthly
poverty threshold for a family of five in Eastern Visayas in the
first semester of 2021 was estimated at P11,292, an increase of 11.1
percent from its first semester 2018 level of P10,163. This
represents the amount needed every month to meet the family’s basic
food and non-food needs.
In the first semester of
2021, the average monthly poverty threshold for a family of five in
Eastern Samar was estimated at P12,103; Southern Leyte at P12,088;
Biliran at P11,957; Leyte (excluding Tacloban City) at P11,232;
Northern Samar at P10,977; and Samar at P10,494 (Fig. 6).
Increases in poverty
threshold between the first semester of 2018 and first semester of
2021 were observed in all provinces. Biliran posted the biggest
increase in poverty threshold at 19.2 percent.

Meanwhile, average monthly
poverty threshold for a family of five in Tacloban City was
estimated at P11,777 in the first semester of 2021. This registered
an increase of 19.1 percent compared with its level in the same
semester in 2018.
Clustering of Provinces
based on Poverty Incidence
All provinces in the
country were clustered from 1 to 5 using poverty incidence among
families as the clustering variable. Cluster 1 comprises the bottom
poor provinces and cluster 5 comprises the least poor provinces.
In the first semester of
2021, two (2) provinces moved one (1) cluster lower from their
cluster category in the first semester of 2018, namely Leyte and
Biliran. The rest of the provinces maintained their first semester
2018 cluster categories.
Three (3) provinces:
Biliran, Northern Samar, and Southern Leyte belonged to cluster 3.
Meanwhile, Eastern Samar, Leyte (including Tacloban City) and Samar
were classified in cluster 2 (Table 6).

IT-BPM sector
urges Senate to ratify RCEP
By
DTI-IDTPG-Bureau of International Trade Relations
February 2, 2022
MANILA – The
Information Technology and Business Process Association of the
Philippines (IBPAP) called on the Senate to ratify the Regional
Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP) agreement in a statement
released Thursday, 27 January 2022. IBPAP represents over 332
member-companies and six partner associations engaged in the
country’s business process outsourcing (BPO) industry and related
sectors.
According to Jack Madrid,
president of IBPAP, “We believe that RCEP will increase external
trade and spur more investments that create more livelihood and
other business opportunities in the country.”
He added that the stable
regulatory environment provided by RCEP would improve the
Philippines attractiveness to investors and accelerate the economy’s
recovery, stressing that the country had the potential to be a
manufacturing and services hub under the agreement.
“RCEP also promises
seamless production networks among the members who will be tied to
common standards, disciplines on intellectual property, rules of
origin, customs process, e-commerce and competition policy. With
stable and predictable rules, the Philippines could aspire to become
a regional manufacturing and services hub, thereby creating
much-needed domestic jobs. This framework will benefit the IT &
Business Process Management Industry by making the country a more
attractive investment destination and help expedite the economic
recovery from the pandemic by creating more job opportunities,” he
explained.
The RCEP Agreement is an
economic treaty brokered by the Association of Southeast Asian
Nations (ASEAN), of which the Philippines is a member, and its
dialogue partners – Australia, China, Japan, New Zealand, and South
Korea. It is estimated to be the largest trade bloc in the world,
representing 30% of the global GDP.
The RCEP Agreement was
signed by the ministers of 10 ASEAN Member States and 5 dialogue
partners last 15 November 2020. The Agreement took effect last 1
January 2022 for 10 Signatory States, for South Korea on 1 February
2022, and will be implemented by Malaysia on 18 March 2022.
The Agreement was ratified
by President Rodrigo Roa Duterte last 02 September 2021, with the
measure being deliberated in the Senate for concurrence.
MWSS, NCIP’s
railroading of Kaliwa Dam strengthens peoples’ unity
By
KATRIBU
January 31, 2022
MANILA – The
desperation of the Metropolitan Waterworks and Sewerage System (MWSS)
and National Commission on Indigenous Peoples (NCIP) to railroad the
Kaliwa Dam project strengthens the peoples’ unity against the said
destructive program.
IPs’ organizations, led by
Katribu Kalipunan ng Katutubong Mamamayan ng Pilipinas (KATRIBU),
IPs’ rights advocates, and defenders of the environment under
Network Opposed to Kaliwa, Kanan, and Laiban Dams (NO to KKLD)
protested in front of the MWSS’ office, January 31.
They opposed the
railroading of the Kaliwa Dam project and the recently concluded
week-long activity by the MWSS and NCIP in General Nakar, Quezon
province.
"MWSS and NCIP continue to
disrespect and neglect the non-consent decision of the majority of
the Dumagat people on the dam project. The manipulation of the FPIC
process also manifests MWSS and NCIP’s desperation to implement an
anti-people program," Rei Paulin, National Coordinator of KATRIBU,
said.
Paulin also added the need
for Metro Manila to address its water security issue. However, he
emphasized that the concern should not compromise the state of the
environment.
"We recognize the water
security problem in some parts of Luzon. Still, this matter should
not compromise the rights and welfare of Indigenous Peoples and the
status of our environment," Paulin added.
During the activity from
January 24-29, 2022, MWSS and NCIP conducted the anomalous MOA
validation of the Kaliwa Dam project amid Alert Level 3 due to the
pandemic.
The agencies barred the
Dumagat people from joining the discussion and negotiation for the
MOA signing and workshop on the Community Royalty Development Plan.
The Dumagat people said that the NCIP invited them to negotiate.
However, during the day of the negotiation, officials required them
to present negative Antigen Test Results. NCIP did not mention the
requirement in the invitation, according to the prohibited
individuals.
Rodrigo Piston, Indigenous
People Mandatory Representative from Lower Pagsangahan, General
Nakar, Quezon, denounced the local government of General Nakar,
Quezon, for allowing such activity amid the Alert Level 3 due to the
Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19). Members of the affected
community claim that such activity put them at risk amid the threat
of the COVID-19 virus.
“We are under Alert Level
3 due to the COVID-19. Still, the NCIP proceeded with the
negotiation. We, in General Nakar, condemned this activity amid the
pandemic. Individuals from other affected communities also opposed
the railroading of the program,” Piston said.
Meanwhile, the NCIP is
notorious for manipulating FPIC processes. In the case of the Kaliwa
Dam project, the commission selected “leaders” from the community to
join the MOA validation. Genuine FPIC requires genuine community
participation. The opposition of the affected communities to the
exclusivity of the MOA validation questions the process’ legitimacy.
Hence, NCIP’s selection of “leaders” for the process violates the
Dumagat people’s collective rights to self-determination.
Piston also condemned the
presence of members of the Philippine National Police during the
negotiation. He reiterated his community’s goals to protect the
environment and secure their ancestral lands from the destructive
state project.
“We are not criminals,
murderers, and thieves. We are expressing the truth and the impact
of the destructive Kaliwa Dam project to our children in the
future,” Piston added.
During the mobilization,
Kakay Tolentino, National Coordinator of Bai Indigenous Women’s
Network, supported the call of the Dumagat people in their struggle
for the protection of their fundamental rights.
“We stand in solidarity
with the Dumagats in opposing the implementation of the Kaliwa Dam
project. We call on the government to stop all destructive projects
across the country. Defend the rights of our IPS! Save our
environment!” Tolentino emphasized.
On the other hand, NO to
KKLD urged candidates for the 2022 May Elections to stand with the
Dumagat people in opposing the Kaliwa Dam project.
"We challenge all
candidates for the upcoming elections to join the struggle for the
protection of the environment, livelihood, and rights and welfare of
the Filipino people,” NO to KKLD said.
Southern Leyte
residents clamor for housing materials

The
Department of Agrarian Reform (DAR) distributes shirts to
children at the Anilao Elementary School in Liloan, Southern
Leyte, which serves as evacuation center after Typhoon Odette
left many families homeless. (Jose Alsmith L. Soria) |
Press Release
January 28, 2022
LILOAN, Southern Leyte
– Members of agrarian reform beneficiaries organizations (ARBOs) in
the Panaon Island area are so grateful for the relief assistance
that keeps on pouring from various sectors.
In the afternoon of
December 16 last year, Super Typhoon Odette made its third landfall in
this town leaving many families homeless.
On January 5 of this year,
a team from the Department of Agrarian Reform (DAR), headed by Chief
of the Program Beneficiaries Development Division, Victoria Ligtas,
brought relief goods for the members of the Anilao Farmers
Association, San Roque Farmers Association, Pandan Farmers
Association, Himay-angan Rice Farmers Association and the Liloan
farmers Agricultural Cooperative.
Ligtas shared that they
have provided the member of the five ARBOs, who are all severely
affected by Typhoon Odette, with food items, drinking water,
garments and “trapal” (tarpaulin) to address their current needs.
The team likewise
distributed shirts and biscuits to children at the Anilao Elementary
School, which serves as evacuation center, where some agrarian
reform beneficiaries (ARBs) are taking refuge.
On December 29, 2021, the
same relief goods were received by the members of the Tuno Farmers
Multi-Purpose Cooperative and the Cangcasto Farmers Association,
Ligtas added.
Ligtas shared that more
than 400 ARBO members from the two municipalities, mostly ARBs, were
benefited. However, they are begging for housing materials to
rebuild their homes that were destroyed when the typhoon hit the
province nine days before Christmas.
ARB Ma. Nita Palabrica,
52, and a mother of three, appeals to those who are still planning
to bring relief assistance for the typhoon victims, “Sana financial
assistance na lang para makapagpatayo kami ng kahit kubo lang” (We
hope for financial assistance instead, so we could build even a
small house only.)
Palabrica’s family is
among those who are still staying in the evacuation center after
their houses were crashed down by the typhoon.
Markenn Jay Maloto, 25,
daughter of an agrarian reform beneficiary (ARB), when asked why she
was crying, said “Wala na kaming bahay. Di kami makatulog ng maayos.”
(We have no house anymore. We can’t sleep well.)
According to her, their
house was knocked down by a coconut tree. Now she, her parents, and
her younger brother, are crammed in one bed to sleep in a corner of
their broken house with a makeshift roof.
She appeals for housing
materials they would use in repairing their house.
Josefa Lupas, 72, was
lucky that she and her paralyzed ARB husband were able to evacuate
before the typhoon came but was dismayed when they returned the
following day to see their house, which stands along the seashore,
heavily damaged.
ARB Jenelyn Almojicar, 50,
chairperson of the Tuno Farmers Multi-Purpose Cooperative, exclaimed
“Salamat! Kahit sa kahirapan sa lugar na papunta dito, nakarating
ang taga-DAR at naalala kami” (Thank you! Even if it’s hard to come
here, people from DAR reached our place and remembered us.)
Almojicar is also asking
for materials they could use in repairing their organization’s
building which include a “sari-sari” store.
Just like what happened to
many houses all over the province, the roof of the said
organization’s building was blown away by strong winds, and
consequently, everything inside were damaged.
According to Almojicar,
members of their organization, who are all farmers, are dependent on
the store for their daily needs.
Meanwhile, DAR Eastern
Visayas Regional Director Robert Anthony Yu is looking for ways the
office could help the distraught ARBs recover and start a
livelihood.
Rep. Wild leads
call for action against Philippines human rights violations
Press release
January 28, 2022
WASHINGTON, D.C. –
This week, Representative Susan Wild (PA-07) led a bipartisan group
of her colleagues in sending a letter to Secretary of State Anthony
Blinken and Secretery of Treasury Janet Yellen, urging them to seek
targeted sanctions against members of the Duterte regime with
documented records of grave human rights violations in the
Philippines. Reports of widespread harassment and assassinations
have been observed by human rights groups, and the International
Criminal Court (ICC) has now begun a probe into possible crimes
against humanity during Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte’s
infamous so-called “war on drugs” – a pretext for an estimated
30,000 killings by security forces during the Duterte presidency.
"Those behind these
corrosive violations should no longer operate with impunity. In our
stand for democracy, the United States cannot overlook the crisis in
the Philippines, and we must take tangible action if we are to truly
stand for human rights and the flourishing of freedom around the
world," the lawmakers wrote. "To this end, we urge the imposition of
sanctions on individuals who are behind these major human rights
violations, particularly via the use of the Global Magnitsky Act."
In July, Rep. Wild
reintroduced the Philippine Human Rights Act, legislation to
reinforce American commitment to international human rights by
suspending security assistance to the Philippines until violence
against dissidents ceases and accountability against the
perpetrators commences.
This letter also arrives
alongside horrific reports detailing the rape of a 15-year-old girl,
Belle, by the 59th Infantry Brigade of the Philippine Army (IBPA)
under the leadership of Lt. General Antonio Parlade, who is among
the individuals listed in the letter as responsible for human rights
violations committed by the Philippine security forces under the
Duterte regime. Rep Wild stands with Belle and her family, who filed
charges against General Parlade and other officials this past week.
Rep. Wild was joined in
sending the letter by Reps. Brian Fitzpatrick (PA-01), Dean Phillips
(MN-03), Suzanne Bonamici (OR-01), Dina Titus (NV-01), Eleanor
Holmes Norton (DC), James McGovern (MA-03), Steve Cohen (TN-09),
Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (NY-14), Jan Schakowsky (IL-09), Betty
McCollum (MN-04), Ted Lieu (CA-33), Andy Levin (MI-09), Anna Eshoo
(CA-18), Angie Craig (MN-02), Earl Blumenauer (OR-03), Chellie
Pingree (ME-01), Pramila Jayapal (WA-07), Barbara Lee (CA-13), Jim
Costa (CA-16), Ro Khanna (CA-17), Danny Davis (IL-07), Mark Pocan
(WI-02), Gerald Connolly (VA-11).
Read full text of the
letter here
NTF-ELCAC’s
red-tagging underscores urgency of passing bill on protection of
rights defenders - Karapatan
By
KARAPATAN
January 27, 2022
QUEZON CITY – The
National Task Force to End Local Communist Armed Conflict’s (NTF-ELCAC)
red-tagging of the authors of House Bill No. 10576 or the proposed
Human Rights Defenders Protection Act “only underscores the urgency
of passing the bill into law,” human rights alliance Karapatan
stated on Thursday, as it called on the Senate to pass Senate Bill
No. 179, the proposed measure’s counterpart bill, filed by Senator
Leila de Lima.
“The NTF-ELCAC and Badoy’s
unhinged and rabid red-tagging of the authors of the proposed Human
Rights Defenders Protection Act in the House of Representatives
should seriously alarm our senators to act with urgency. This is a
very clear reason why a law on protecting human rights defenders in
the country is long overdue, and why it should be passed without any
delay,” Karapatan Secretary General Cristina Palabay urged.
NTF-ELCAC spokesperson
Lorraine Badoy, in her statement last January 20, red-tagged the
authors of the proposed measure, as well as Karapatan and the
National Union of Peoples’ Lawyers, by claiming that it was authored
by “urban operatives” of the Communist Party of the Philippines, the
New People’s Army, and the National Democratic Front, and that, if
passed, “the bill will open the floodgates of abuse and torment on
our people by terrorists” and render the Anti-Terrorism Act
“ineffective and toothless.”
House Bill No. 10576 – a
consolidated version of House Bills No. 15 filed by Albay First
District Rep. Edcel Lagman, No. 161 filed by Quezon City Sixth
District Rep. Jose Christopher “Kit” Belmonte, and No. 240 filed by
the Makabayan bloc – was approved by the House of Representatives on
its third and final reading last January 17, 2022 with a total of
200 affirmative votes. No legislator voted against or abstained on
voting on the bill.
Palabay asserted that the
Badoy’s statement “clearly shows the NTF-ELCAC’s aversion to uphold
human rights in its militarist, fascist, and anti-people
counterinsurgency agenda; after all, the NTF-ELCAC is guilty of the
worst atrocities against human rights defenders from red-tagging,
judicial harassment, enforced disappearances, and extrajudicial
killings. Intentionally or not, she also exposes the true intent of
the terror law: the NTF-ELCAC wants to use it specifically to target
human rights defenders.”
“With or without the Human
Rights Defenders Protection Act, human rights defenders should not
be targeted by the government for their work. However, the specific
situation of human rights defenders and the NTF-ELCAC’s attacks
continue to put us – and each and every Filipino – in peril. It is
therefore urgent that the Human Rights Defenders Protection Act be
passed by the Senate along with the proposed measures to penalize
red-tagging,” the Karapatan official ended.
NMP collaborates
with LGU Guiuan for BSTMHOF

Meeting
with NMP Executive Director Joel B. Maglunsod and the Presidents
of different fisherfolks association of LGU Guiuan held at the
Municipal Hall of Guiuan, Eastern Samar last 14 January 2022. |
By
National Maritime Polytechnic
January 26, 2022
TACLOBAN CITY – The
National Maritime Polytechnic (NMP), is set to propel its way
forward with a renewed partnership with the Local Government Unit (LGU)
of Guiuan in a meeting conducted last 14 January 2022 at the
Municipal Hall of Guiuan, Eastern Samar with NMP Executive Director
Joel B. Maglunsod, Mayor Analiza Gonzales-Kwan, and LGU PESO Manager
Rina P. Vertulfo.
ED Maglunsod and other NMP
personnel, met with the officials of LGU Guiuan to present the
proposal for the conduct of the Basic Safety Training for Motorboat
handlers/Operators and Fishermen with Typhoon Preparedness (BSTMHOF),
and eventually finalize the terms and agreements for the said
training which is scheduled on 25 February 2022. ED Maglunsod and
the rest of the NMP team also met with the fisherfolk of Guiuan for
a consultative meeting to discuss concerns for the said training.
BSTMHOF 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, including topics on the Rules of
the Road, Typhoon Awareness and Marine Safety Requirements.
It is imperative that such
training be conducted to help their people acquire the skills and
knowledge to adapt to varying risks since the municipality of Guiuan
is a fishing community and the only municipality in the region with
the most number of island barangays, hence, most of the houses are
situated in coastal areas, making them more susceptible to the
hazards of typhoons.
Moreover, Mayor Kwan added
that the BSTMHOF is a much-needed training because the Municipality
of Guiuan also serves as a tourist attraction having rich historical
background and a century-old church, and several scenic spots,
surfing camps and white-sand beaches.
This initiative is a
collaborative effort between the NMP, the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG),
the Maritime Industry Authority (MARINA), and LGU Guiuan. It can
also be recalled that prior to this, NMP was able to forge
partnership with LGU Guiuan in the previous years for the conduct of
the said training.
Meanwhile, NMP continues
to upgrade its facilities and provide maritime trainings pursuant to
the STCW Convention as amended in 2010 including value-adding
courses to enhance the competitiveness and qualifications of
Filipino seafarers, and conducts maritime studies to come up with
policies for the improvement of the manpower sector of the industry.
Mayor condemns
NPA’s bomb attack in Samar
By
DPAO, 8ID PA
January 25, 2022
CATBALOGAN CITY –
An anti-personnel mine was detonated by communist NPA terrorists in
Brgy Pelaon, Pinabacdao, Samar at around 08:26 in the morning
January 25, 2022.
An army soldier and a
CAFGU Active Auxilliary (CAA) were wounded by the explosion. The
victims were on their way to a site for a new detachment when the
incident happened. The construction of a new detachment was
initiated in response to an earlier request by the local community
leaders and residents.
Mayor Teodorico Mabag of
the Municipality of Pinabacdao, Samar condemned the communist
terrorist’s use of anti-personnel mine as it poses significant risk
to the lives of the civilian community of Brgy Pelaon where the
explosion happened.
"The incident proves the
CPP-NPA’s willful disregard on the safety and well-being of
humanity. Their continuing manufacture, stockpile, and use of
anti-personnel mine is a gross disrespect to the UN convention that
bans anti-personnel mines to protect humans from its mutilating
effects and suffering. The leaders of the National Democratic Front
of the Philippines (NDFP), which represented the NPA in past peace
negotiations, should be held answerable for the continuing IHL
violations of the NPA that they have been representing," Maj Gen
Edgardo De Leon, Commander 8ID said.
In September 18, 1997 the
Ottawa Convention banned the Use, Stockpile, Production and Transfer
of Anti-personnel mine to put an end on the unnecessary suffering
and desecration of human body caused by its explosion. Aside from
NPA’s use and stockpile of the banned anti-personnel Mines, the
communist terrorists were observed to be abandoning explosive mines
they laid hidden on trail, posing great risks to innocent civilians
passing along. For the year 2021 alone, troops of 8th Infantry
Division have discovered and safely recovered 96 pieces of abandoned
anti-personnel mines in various parts of Region 8.
As of this report, the
wounded servicemen were already evacuated safely and brought to
medical facility for treatment.
Eastern Visayas
closes 2021 with 3.4% inflation rate
By
PSA-8
January 20, 2022
TACLOBAN CITY –
Eastern Visayas closed 2021 with 3.4 percent Inflation Rate (IR) in
December. This IR is 0.4 percentage point lower compared with the
3.8 percent IR in November 2021. However, December 2021 IR of the
region is 1.0 percentage point higher than the recorded 2.4 percent
IR in the same period last year.
In comparison with the
national average IR, the regional IR is lower by 0.2 percentage
point than the 3.6 percent national IR in December 2021.
Among the provinces,
Eastern Samar posted the highest IR at 4.4 percent in December 2021.
Biliran’s IR came next at 4.2 percent, then Samar at 3.7 percent.
The lowest IR was noted in Southern Leyte at 2.2 percent. All
provinces exhibited lower IRs in December 2021 compared with their
figures in November 2021. Samar recorded the biggest drop of 1.7
percentage points from its 5.4 percent IR a month ago, registering
3.7 percent IR in December 2021. The IR in Southern Leyte moved at a
slower pace of 2.2 percent in December 2021, 1.2 percentage points
lower than its 3.4 percent IR in November 2021. Northern Samar
recorded 1.0 percentage point decrease, bringing its December 2021
IR down to 3.0 percent. Meanwhile, IR of Leyte, Biliran, and Eastern
Samar all eased by 0.1 percentage point in December 2021, settling
at 3.0 percent, 4.2 percent, and 4.4 percent, respectively.
In December 2021, only the
commodity groups of housing, water, electricity, gas and other
fuels; furnishings, household equipment and routine maintenance of
the house; and restaurant and miscellaneous goods and services
registered IRs higher than their previous month’s levels by 0.3
percentage point, 0.1 percentage point, and 0.1 percentage point,
respectively. All other commodity groups have either lower or
retained their November IRs.
Transport commodity group
posted the highest IR during the month in review at 6.7 percent,
followed by housing, water, electricity, gas, and other fuels
commodity group at 6.2 percent. All the other commodity groups have
IRs lower than the IR for all items recorded at 3.4 percent.
The alcoholic beverages
and tobacco commodity group registered the biggest decrease in IR
with 2.8 percentage points, which settled at 2.3 percent in December
2021 from 5.1 percent in November 2021. This can be traced in the
declines of IRs in both indices of tobacco and alcoholic beverages
by 1.0 percentage point and 3.9 percentage points, respectively.
Slower IR was also noted
in the transport commodity group, from 8.7 percent in November 2021
to 6.7 percent in December 2021. This 2.0 percentage point decrease
in IR was brought about by the reduction of the double-digit IR in
the operation of personal transport equipment index by 9.7
percentage points.
The IR for food and
non-alcoholic beverages commodity group in December 2021 slowed down
to 3.3 percent from 4.0 percent in November 2021. The IR for
vegetables dropped to 1.0 percent in December 2021 from 5.0 percent
in November 2021, the highest decline of 4.0 percentage points. The
IR for fish fell to 9.7 percent in December 2021 from its
double-digit IR of 12.4 percent a month ago. Slower IRs were also
exhibited in the indices of food products not elsewhere classified
(2.8%); oils and fats (1.4%); sugar, jam, honey, chocolate, and
confectionery (1.1%); and milk, cheese, and eggs (0.7%).
The index of rice and corn
continued to register deflations but at a slower rate of 1.5 percent
and 1.4 percent, respectively. The index of non-alcoholic beverages
retained its previous month’s IR at 0.2 percent, while bread and
cereals retained its previous month’s deflation of 1.2 percent. On
the other hand, meat index continued to register double-digit IR at
14.4 percent in December 2021. Prices for fruits also picked-up
posting IR of 6.1 percent in during the month in review.
Compared with its November
2021 levels, IR for clothing and footwear commodity group (1.4%)
declined by 0.2 percentage point in December 2021. The IR for health
commodity group likewise eased by 0.1 percentage point, settling at
0.9 percent in December 2021.
On the other hand,
housing, water, electricity, gas, and other fuels commodity group’s
IR increased to 6.2 percent in December 2021 from 5.9 percent in
November 2021, recording a slight increase of 0.3 percentage point.
This uptick in IR was brought about by the higher double-digit IR in
the electricity, gas, and other fuels index posted at 17.9 percent.
The IRs for restaurant and
miscellaneous goods and services commodity group and furnishings,
household equipment, and routine maintenance of the house commodity
group both inched up by 0.1 percentage point registering 1.1 percent
and 0.6 percent, respectively, in December 2021.
Meanwhile, the commodity
groups of recreation and culture; communication; and education
retained their previous month’s IRs at 0.9 percent, 0.7 percent, and
0.1 percent, respectively.
The Purchasing Power of
Peso (PPP) of the region remained at P0.75 in December 2021. This
PPP implies that the goods and services worth P75.00 in 2012 was
already worth P100.00 in December 2021.
Compared with their levels
in November 2021, PPP in Biliran and Northern Samar both weakened by
P0.01. The rest of the provinces retained their previous month’s
PPP. Biliran and Leyte recorded the strongest PPP at P0.78, while
Samar posted the weakest PPP during the reference month at P0.69.

NCCP welcomes
House passage of bill for the protection of human rights defenders
Press Release
January 18, 2022
QUEZON CITY – The
National Council of Churches in the Philippines (NCCP), through its
General Secretary, Bishop Reuel Norman O. Marigza, welcomed
yesterday’s passage of House Bill No. 10576 or the Human Rights
Defenders Protection Act on its third and final reading. “The
passage of the Human Rights Defenders Protection Act is a positive
step forward in upholding the rights of those who are working for
the protection of God’s Gift of human dignity,” Bp. Marigza stated.
“For the NCCP, the defense
of human rights is an integral part of our Christian witness and
mission and we have supported this Act since it was introduced in
the previous 17th Congress and we are glad that legislators of this
18th Congress finally voted in favor of its passage,” the Protestant
leader added.
“In recent years, the
state of human rights has sharply declined and the NCCP has observed
various forms of human rights violations and more vicious patterns
of attacks against human rights defenders, including church people,
several of which are our pastors and lay members. We are also
concerned over the rampant red-tagging and we are alarmed over the
freezing and/or monitoring of bank accounts of church-designated
sanctuaries, NGOs and humanitarian actors,” Bp. Marigza said.
“When rights defenders
have fallen victims to violations and abuses, who will now defend
the defenders? We thus call on our Senators pass the counterpart
Senate Bill No. 179 filed by Senator Leila de Lima,” the Bishop
added.
The Human Rights Defenders
Protection Act or House Bill No. 10576 is a consolidated version of
House Bills No. 15 filed by Albay First District Rep. Edcel Lagman,
No. 161 filed by Quezon City Sixth District Rep. Jose Christopher
“Kit” Belmonte, and No. 240 filed by the Makabayan bloc composed of
representatives from partylists Bayan Muna, ACT Teachers, Kabataan
and Gabriela Women’s Party.
The House Bill defines the
rights and freedoms of human rights defenders (HRDs) in the
Philippines and aims to institute measures that will protect them.
This was approved by the lower house chamber on January 17, 2022
with 200 affirmative votes, zero negative, and no abstention.
The NCCP is the largest
aggrupation of mainline Protestant and non-Roman Catholic churches
in the Philippines.
CLFC takes 14th
spot on PFA financial survey
By
CARD MRI
January 18, 2022
SAN PABLO CITY - Among the
49 participating companies, CARD Leasing and Financing Corporation
(CARD LFC) takes the 14th spot with the highest net income after tax
and places 22nd with the highest gross income in the Philippine
Finance Association’s (PFA) Survey on Financial Performance
conducted earlier this year.
Established in 1962, the
PFA, comprised of finance and leasing companies in the country, aims
to develop innovative financial products and services for the
betterment of the country.
“Ranking 14th was
something we never expected. Regardless, CARD LFC welcomes the
recognition as this proves our growth in terms of the quality of our
services to our clients,” CARD LFC President Frederick Nicasio M.
Torres said as he recognizes the leasing corporation’s achievement.
As of December 2021, CARD LFC has more than 6,500 clients, doubling
more than what they had the year before. “This also reinforces the
company, as this shows that we are providing our clients with the
right financing and credit access,” he added.
Besides doubling the
number of clients served by more than 100%, CARD LFC had an improved
repayment rate from last year’s 90% to this year’s 97%. Repayment
rate refers to how often someone pays based on the lender’s loan
terms.
The increase of
performance of the CARD’s leasing and financing institution may also
be attributed to their technological innovations, one of which is
their online loan application via Facebook. Assisted by a chatbot,
interested applicants may message their official Facebook where they
can apply for loans and be immediately released.
Holistic approach
Torres also mentioned that
CARD LFC’s holistic and hands-on approach to their clients drives
the good performance of the institution. “Whenever our clients have
concerns, we respond personally to help them address their needs. We
also refer them to CARD MRI’s institutions to help them expand their
businesses. We know our clients by heart, and we focus on each one
of them.”
CARD MRI Managing Director
Aristeo A. Dequito congratulates CARD LFC’s progress. “The growth of
CARD LFC despite the pandemic shows that CARD MRI will always find a
way to be of service to our communities. Staying true to their
mission of providing the best leasing and financing services in the
most affordable way, CARD LFC’s achievement is proof that at CARD
MRI, we keep in mind our clients’ best interests.”
Since its inception in
2013, CARD LFC has provided leasing and financing services such as
start-up, vehicle, and gadget loans to clients in and outside CARD
MRI. For more information on their products and services, please
visit their official Facebook page, @CARDLFCOfficial.
TESDA sets up
solar lighting systems in Caraga

By
TESDA-PIAD
January 18, 2022
TAGUIG CITY – Due
to the power outage caused by the Typhoon Odette in the Caraga
Region, the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA)
has set up solar lighting systems and charging stations in the
region.
A total of 59 solar
lighting systems have been installed in the Caraga Region, of which,
five were installed in Surigao City and Surigao Del Norte; 27 in
Siargao Islands; and 27 in Dinagat Islands.
These solar lighting
systems were installed by TESDA Caraga with the help of their buddy
regions, the National Capital Region (NCR) and Regions III, XI, and
XII. The “buddy system” is being implemented by TESDA Central Office
to ensure a smooth and faster provision of assistance and skills
training to “Odette”-hit areas.
Also, TESDA Caraga,
together with the augmentation team from Region III, conducted a
community-based training on Solar Concept and Installation at
Consuelo, Dapa, Surigao del Norte last January 12 where a total of
18 families attended the training.
Meanwhile, other
interventions are still ongoing not just in the Caraga Region but
also in other regions which were devastated by Typhoon Odette. TESDA
has allotted P195 million worth of scholarship for the residents of
the affected regions nationwide.
TESDA Secretary Isidro
Lapeña shared that TESDA field offices are currently laying the
groundwork to conduct massive training-cum-production on
construction-related courses which will help the affected residents
rebuild their destroyed houses and other infrastructure in their
community.
These construction-related
training courses include Masonry, Tile Setting, Electrical
Installation, Painting, Shielded Metal Arc Welding, Plumbing,
Carpentry, and also Photovoltaic Systems Installation.
Other TESDA units have
started the conduct of community-based training in Electrical
Installation and even hollow-blocks making. Training in Cookery and
bread-making will also be offered.
It can be recalled that
the TESDA Chief himself has approved the implementing guidelines of
the agency for disaster response last February2021 which is being
followed by all TESDA operating units.
This includes the Relief
Phase where immediate basic needs of the affected population should
be provided and the Rehabilitation Phase which requires the
implementation of construction and livelihood trainings.
Lapeña also noted that
after their recovery, the affected residents can also use what they
have learned from these trainings to generate their own income
through business or employment.
"In the spirit of
Bayanihan, and with TESDA's mandate and guiding principle ‘TESDA
Abot Lahat’, we will always be ready to provide relief and
rehabilitation programs for our disaster-affected kababayans so they
can immediately recover from the crisis," he said.
Duterte appoints
new brigade commander in Samar
By
DPAO, 8ID PA
January 9, 2022
CATBALOGAN CITY –
Col Lenart Lelina assumes command of the Army's 801st Infantry
Brigade through a Change of Command Ceremony at its headquarters in
Camp Eugenio Daza, Brgy Fatima, Hinabangan, Samar on January 8,
2022.
President Duterte signed
the appointment of Col Lelina as new Commander of 801st Bde on
December 28, 2021. Lelina replaced Brigadier General Camilo Ligayo
who assumed higher position as the AFP's Deputy Chief of Staff for
Reservist and Retirees Affairs, J9.
During the ceremony,
Ligayo was recognized for his invaluable contributions to AFP's
mission. He was given Meritorious Achievement Medal and Command
Plaque from Visayas Command and Military Merit Medal from 8th
Infantry Division in recognition of his achievements as Brigade
Commander of 801Bde.
Ligayo on his speech as
outgoing Commander, thanked various stakeholders to include the
provincial governments of Samar and Eastern Samar, Provincial Task
Force ELCAC, PNP and others for their contributions to accomplishing
Brigade Mission.
Lelina is a veteran in
Region 8, first assigned as a young 2nd Lieutenant in 43IB in Samar
and Eastern Samar. In 2019 he became the Deputy Brigade Commander of
the unit until his assumption of the top post. Lelina has a short
and simple message to communist terrorists in Samar and Eastern
Samar: "Lusad na kamo ngan uli na ha iyo pamilya samtang mayda pa
panahon, (Come home and be with your families while there's still
time) period".
AFP Commander in Eastern
Visayas and 8th Infantry Division Commander Major General Edgardo De
Leon presided the ceremony. De Leon on his speech commended the
officers and troops of 801st Infantry "Bantay at Gabay" Brigade for
their high degree of professionalism and commitment to serve. "Nawa'y
lalo ninyong paigtingin ang inyong katapatan sa tungkulin at sa
ating bansa nang sa ganon ay mabilis nating maisulong ang pagkamit
ng kapayapaan at kaunlaran dito sa Samar".
Lt General Robert Dauz,
Commander, Visayas Command was also present during the ceremony to
personally award the Command Plaque and medal from Visayas Command
to BGen Ligayo.
Chiz to LGUs:
Don’t count on windfall from Mandanas ruling
Press Release
January 9, 2022
SORSOGON CITY –
Sorsogon Gov. Chiz Escudero is advising his fellow local chief
executives not to count on the additional P234 billion in internal
revenue allotment (IRA) expected this year as the national
government complies with the Mandanas ruling of the Supreme Court.
Escudero, a veteran
legislator, said the cost of the full devolution of services
mandated by Executive Order 138 would be twice as much as what local
government units (LGUs) are entitled to receive from the national
tax collection. He used 2021 data to estimate the gap between the
increased IRA and the increased cost of newly devolved services.
“Inisa-isa ko iyon sa
national budget ng 2021 dahil line item naman ng budget. Ang
kabuuang halaga ng dini-devolve nila sa LGU ay humigit-kumulang P1.3
trillion samantalang ang dagdag na IRA na bigay ng Mandanas ruling
ay P695 billion lamang,” said Escudero.
“In other words, they
devolved double the amount of what they will be giving LGUs. Iyon pa
lang kukulangin palagi yung pondo ng LGUs,” he said.
According to the
Department of Budget and Management (DBM), the total IRA for LGUs is
projected to increase by 55.7%, from P695.49 billion in 2021 to PHP
1.083 trillion in 2022, which is 4.75% of the country’s gross
domestic product (GDP). This is based on the national tax
collections in 2019, when the Supreme Court made the landmark
decision giving LGUs greater share in national revenue.
The decision, now known as
the Mandanas ruling, stemmed from petitions lodged by Batangas Gov.
Hermilando Mandanas and former Bataan Gov. Enrique Garcia Jr.
seeking local government share in all national taxes, not just in
the taxes collected by the Bureau of Internal Revenue but also in
the duties collected by the Bureau of Customs.
Because of this, LGU share
in the IRA is expected to increase to at least 60% from the current
40%, leaving less money for the national government. As the IRA is
based on the collections in the third year preceding the current
fiscal year, the adjustment in tax allocations resulting from the
Mandanas ruling will take effect in 2022.
“Hindi dapat umasa ang mga
LGUs sa sinasabing windfall from Mandanas ruling kasi mas matindi
ang windfall ng trabaho at pagkakagastusan nila dahil sa EO 138,”
said Escudero, who is seeking a Senate comeback.
“Gaya din ng naranasan
natin ngayong COVID-19 pandemic at nitong nakaraang Typhoon Odette,
kanya-kanyang diskarte ang mga LGUs para tugunan ang pangangailangan
ng kanilang mga constituents. Ganun din ang inaasahan nating
mangyayari sa full devolution,” he said.
To mitigate the impact of
the Mandanas ruling, the national government through Executive Order
138 signed in June 2021, decided to implement the full devolution of
functions, services and facilities to the local government no later
than 2024. LGUs and national agencies were instructed to prepare
devolution transition plans and capacity development agenda.
Escudero warned that
attaching permanent functions and services to a volatile source of
funding is detrimental to LGUs and counter-productive to long-term
planning. He urged local governments to be extra cautious in their
spending because while the devolved functions and services will
remain steady in the coming years, their source of revenue will not.
“LGUs should not create
recurring expenditure or permanent positions because next year, they
might not have the budget for those. By 2023, the IRA will be based
on the 2020 national revenue, and we all know the Philippines had
its worst economic performance that year due to the pandemic. Our
GDP shrank by 9.5% in 2020, the worst since 1947, which means we may
also see the worst IRA since then,” Escudero said.
Government
agencies converge to Limasawa Island

By
DPAO, 8ID PA
January 7, 2022
TACLOBAN CITY –
Regional line government units converged to Limasawa island on Jan
7, 2022 to pour-in more assistance to the Municipality of Limasawa
following President Duterte's order to ensure typhoon victims will
not sleep without roof.
According to Cpt Ryan
Layug, military spokesperson in Region 8, a Philippine Air Force
reconnaissance aircraft was immediately dispatched on Dec 17, 2021
to assess the damage caused by typhoon Odette. It was immediately
disclosed to the public that 90% of existing structures in Limasawa
were totally damaged, while the remaining 10% were severely damaged.
Most of the small boats of the fishermen were also damaged leaving
the Island municipality isolated. Two small boats were even blown up
by strong winds towards the top of a hill, about half kilometer from
the shore.
"Simbahan ra gyud mi
nanagan tanan, naa pa gani pumpboat gilupad ni Odette padulong sa
tuktok sa bukid dadto oh sa punuan sa cellsite (The church became
our sole shelter, there were even pumbboat blown away on top of the
hill in the cellsite)" a resident said pointing on the cell tower at
the hilltop of the barangay. She also mentioned that have they not
pushed themselves inside the unfinished 3-storey church, where
200-300 residents of Brgy Magallanes sought shelter, many could have
died. Sea water and from ocean surge reached the houses, pushed and
washed away all the debris. A resident said it was a miracle that in
Brgy Magallanes, only one died.
"Nakakapanghinayang,
mahigit 70% ng mga pananim, lalo na puno ng niyog, ang natumba at
naputol. Nagkasirasira din ang mga bangka. Halos walang natirang
maayos na bahay." Major General Edgardo De Leon, AFP Commander in
Eastern Visayas or JTF Storm said.
The AFP in Region 8 sent
soldiers in typhoon affected areas to assist the residents and
facilitate relief operation. Carpentry-skilled teams of soldiers
were deployed to help make temporary pantry and sanitation area.
According to MGen De Leon: “scaled down muna ang military operations
para bigyang daan ang pagtulong ng mga sundalo sa mga nasalanta ng
bagyo. Nagkakarpintero muna ang mga sundalo natin para tumulong sa
pagkumpuni ng mga nasirang bahay.”
Limasawa Mayor Melchor
Petracorta broke into tears as he expressed gratitude to the
government agencies’ non-stop convergence effort to help. "Ramdam na
ramdam namin ang presensya ng gobyerno natin, nandyan sila para sa
amin. Maraming salamat". Mayor Petracorta encouraged his
constituents to replicate by waking up early at 5AM everyday to
expedite their recovery process, particularly the repair of homes
and pumpboats. He coined the "Magsipag at Magtulungan, para ang
Pagbangon Hindi Matatagalan" as new motto for the people of Limasawa.
The AFP and PCG has been
helping in the logistics requirement of RDRRMC, transporting relief
goods to the Island. "We along with other government agencies like
OCD, DSWD, DILG and other agencies in Regional Disaster Risk
Reduction Management Council will exhaust all effort to help our
people in the entire Southern Leyte get back on their foot. We are
thankful for their understanding of our shortcomings but we are most
especially touched when they say babangon tayo sir." De Leon added.
OCD distributed family,
house repair and sanitation kits while DSWD handed Family Food
Packs. The AFP sent manpower, able-bodied to help rebuild homes.