New DAR office soon to rise after lot donation

By JOSE ALSMITH L. SORIA
September 26, 2018

CATBALOGAN CITY, Samar – The provincial office of the Department of Agrarian Reform (DAR) currently situated in this city may soon be transferred to Paranas town after the local government unit (LGU) donated recently a lot for this purpose.

Paranas Mayor Eunice Babalcon representing her municipality as the donor and Agrarian Reform Secretary John Castriciones representing the DAR as the recipient, formally signed the Deed of Donation during the latter’s recent visit to this province for the 300-square meter lot beside the Paranas evacuation center intended for the construction of DAR provincial office.

The two officials signed the document in the presence of Atty. Medino Acoba, a Notary Public, and witnessed by DAR Regional Director Sheila Enciso and Vice Mayor Yolanda Tan.

According to Babalcon, her municipality “is very much willing to give the property” considering the role DAR plays in improving the quality of life of the farmers.

Before the formal signing of the document at the Samar State University gymnasium, Castriciones dropped by the municipality of Paranas on his way to Catbalogan City from Tacloban City where his plane landed, per invitation of the Mayor and for the symbolic tree planting at the donated lot.

Provincial Agrarian Reform Program Officer II (PARPO-II) Enrique Granados III disclosed that the Samar DAR Provincial office used to occupy one of the offices at the provincial government center in this city until 2016.

Since the building they were occupying was to undergo renovation, the DAR provincial office transferred to another location.

From February 2016, they had been renting office space. At present, they are renting at the downtown area in this city at P140,000 a month which increases annually, Granados added.

Regional Director Sheila Enciso likewise shared that though Paranas is about 30 kilometers away from Catbalogan, the government would be able to save a big amount from rentals.

On the other hand, Spouses Rolando and Hideliza Tomalabcad likewise donated 7,000 square meters land intended for DAR employees home lots and dormitory. The couple though refused to issue a statement when asked for comments.

Signing of both documents coincided with the Secretary’s distribution of certificates of land ownership award (CLOAs) to agrarian reform beneficiaries (ARBs).

In appreciation, the Secretary presented a plaque recognizing the donors act of goodwill.

DPWH Biliran DEO conducts axle load survey for the first time

Press Release
September 25, 2018

NAVAL, Biliran – The Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) Biliran District Engineering Office (DEO) conducts a week-long axle load survey on large trucks passing through Biliran Circumferential Road (BCR) referenced at Sitio Riverside Brgy. Caraycaray, Naval, Biliran.

The operation was conducted 24/7 from September 4-12, 2018 on a rotational shifts spearheaded by Engr. Ian M. Lazarte, Regional Road Traffic Information Application (RTIA) Coordinator and Mr. Penny Lloyd E. Batoto, RTIA Coordinator of Biliran DEO.

According to District Engineer David P. Adongay Jr., the main purpose of the said activity is to collect data that will be used for appropriate design standards for the said road.

“It is done by weighing large trucks on a weighbridge installed on a national road” said Adongay.

In accordance with Republic Act 8794, trucks are prohibited from passing through national roads and bridges if their axle load exceeds the 13,500 kilograms per axle capacity limit and allowable computed gross vehicle weight (GVW).

The axle load surveys will also give information whether the roads are abused or not by the transporters, hence assist the Bureau of Design in deciding on appropriate corrective measures.

The summary of the data gathered is stored in the Road and Bridge Information Application (RBIA) and is used as one of the important inputs to the new planning and programming processes.

Axle load survey are part of the DPWH’s mandate in ensuring road safety. This is the first time that Biliran DEO conducted the said activity in the province.

Regional youth leaders united to break cultural barriers for peace

By Sigaw ng Kabataan Coalition
September 25, 2018

QUEZON CITY – In line with the country’s celebration of the Peace consciousness Month and in observance of the international day of peace, Sigaw ng Kabataan Coalition, an independent non-partisan national alliance of young leaders and youth organizations in the Philippines, together with the Rotary Satellite Club of Fort BGC Titans, Rotary Club of Fort Bonifacio Global City holds the Philippine Intercultural Youth Convention (PIYC) 2018, with the theme “Breaking Cultural Barriers, Empowering Young Leaders,” on September 22-23, 2018 in Great Eastern Hotel, Quezon City.

The convention was opened with a keynote address from the former Department of Environment and Natural Resources Secretary, Ms. Gina Lopez, “It is not money nor staff that brings change in the society. It is the commitment to integrity and love, and the youth should know this as you will inherit the country.”

Other distinguished speakers include DOLE Undersecretary Ciriaco Lagunzad delivering the message of President Rodrigo Duterte and DOLE Secretary Silvestre Bello III, Commissioner Teddy Co of the National Commission on the Culture and Arts, Director Mary Grace Pascua of the National Commission for Indigenous Peoples, Irish Inspirational Speaker and Best Selling author Mike Grogan, Landbank Director JV Hinlo, and Past President Oliver Alvarez of the Rotary Club of Manila Magic.

PIYC 2018 provides an opportunity for different ethnic groups in the Philippines to exchange knowledge of their culture and heritage, and for young leaders to engage and have a close encounter with government officials and experts in various development fields.

The convention had six sessions which discussed the youth’s developmental priorities based on a national survey done by SKC in 2017. These includes Peace in Diversity with Ms. Jasmine Suleik of the United Nations Youth Advisory Board Philippines and Mr. Elmer Albacete of the AFS Intercultural Programs Philippines as speakers, moderated by SKC Sultan Kudarat Governor, Mr. Kaharudin Gumaga Dalaten. The Health and Social Welfare session had UN Youth Advisory Board Ph Chairperson Neil Lomibao, Dr. Dexter Galban National Chairperson of the Philippine Society of Health Advocates for Policy Engagement, NVAP President Engr. Emer Rojas, and DOH Director Dr. Rodolfo Antonio M. Albornoz as speakers.

Speakers for the Quality and Accessible Education for all session are DSWD Assistant Secretary Rhea Penaflor and Commission on Higher Education Director Joselito Alisuag. In-hand Abra Foundation Executive Director Carmelita Bersalona shared about youth opportunities in the bamboo industry while Mr. Rodne Galicha of the Climate Reality Project PH and Mr. Vermon Timbas of the DENR-EMB spoke during the Climate and Environmental Action session.

In a press conference held during the PIYC 2018, Datu Pax Ali Sanki-Mangudadatu, President of the Sultan Kudarat Association of Youth Organization said in his statement, “There can be unity in diversity. If every one of us with different backgrounds from different institutions can come together, we can do great things. Even the small things, we can do in the greatest ways.” With this, Mr. Ramil Tolledo of the AFS Philippines added, “Peace should be achieved by having interaction among different cultures. It is what makes us relate with each other, promoting peace and our different advocacies.”

Being among the latest personalities that symbolize the significance of embracing the diverse Philippine culture without any form of discrimination, Mr. Norman King, the first graduate of the University of the Philippines from the Aeta community delivered in his statement, “Alisin natin ang diskriminasyon; huwag tayong maglagay ng isang invisible barrier na naghihiwalay sa kayo at kami, palaging dapat mayroong tayo. Bigyan natin ng isang makulay na kwento ang ating henerasyon, gamit ang kaibahan natin bilang lakas sa pagkakaisa na maabot ang ating mga minimithi.”

SKC National President and Rotary Satellite Club of Fort BGC Titans Chairman Mr. Ellirie Aviles on emphasizing the main purpose of PIYC 2018 said, “We encourage the youth to engage in their communities and take on leadership roles. We are not just the future – the youth is today. We should take action and not wait for tomorrow to come. Nananawagan po tayo sa lahat na makialam, makiisa, at makibahagi, at sama-sama nating palakasin ang sigaw ng kabataan.”

“We need to be united to be able to do actions that will result to beneficial permanence. Let us unite by promoting better understanding of the various cultures in the country. By breaking these cultural barriers which hinder growth in our communities, starting among the youth, we are empowering our people and helping the country’s efforts towards the achievement of the UN Sustainable development goals,” he added.

Focused on discourses in culture and sustainable development, PIYC 2018 unifies the Filipino youth to define its role in building a better future while remaining rooted in Filipino heritage.

The convention was organized in partnership with the Department of Social Welfare and Development, Department of Labor and Employment, AFS intercultural Programs Philippines, and the Korean Cultural Center. And supported by SKC’s advocacy partners, the Rotaract Clubs of Fort Bonfacio Global City, San Francisco Del Monte Malaya Achievers, and Zamboanga City West, and the GANAP QCPU.

EV registers second highest underemployment rate in the country at 27.2% in July 2018

By PSA-8
September 20, 2018

TACLOBAN CITY – Eastern Visayas registered the second highest underemployment rate in the country at 27.2% in July 2018. This translates to an estimated 506 thousand underemployed persons or those employed persons aged 15 years old and over who express the desire to have additional hours of work in their present jobs; or to have additional job; or to have a new job with longer working hours. This figure is 5.3 percentage points higher compared with the 21.9% underemployment rate registered in July 2017. Bicol Region posted the highest underemployment rate in the Philippines at 28.0 percent (Table 1).

Out of the estimated 3.2 million population 15 years old and over in July 2018, about 2.0 million were economically active or in the labor force. This number translates to a Labor Force Participation Rate (LFPR) of 61.8%. This figure is 1.1 percentage points higher compared with the 60.7% LFPR in the same period a year ago. Among the regions, Eastern Visayas recorded the sixth highest LFPR.

The Employment Rate (ER) in Eastern Visayas in July 2018 was estimated at 95.3%, ranking sixth among the regions with high employment rates in the country. This figure is slightly lower than the 96.0% ER recorded in July 2017. Employment rate is the proportion of employed persons to total labor force.

Meanwhile, about 92 thousand persons in the labor force were unemployed. This translates to an unemployment rate of 4.7%, slightly higher than the 4.0% unemployment rate recorded in the same period of 2017. Considered unemployed persons are persons in the labor force who are reported as without work; and currently available for work; and seeking work or not seeking work due to the following reasons: a) belief that no work is available, or b) awaiting results of previous job application, or c) because of temporary illness or disability, or d) weather, or e) waiting for rehire or job call.

Data were based on the preliminary estimates released by the Philippine Statistics Authority from the Labor Force Survey (LFS) conducted in July 2018.

480 CAFGU trainees to boost Army strength in Arakan Valley Complex

By 19th Infantry Battalion, 8ID PA
September 20, 2018

MAGPET, Cotabato – A traditional military reception rites tested the 480 recruits for the Citizens Armed Force Geographical Unit (CAFGU) during the first day of their training here, today, September 20, 2018.

The recruits who will undergo the 45-day CAFGU Active Auxiliary (CAA) Basic Training will be handled by the 72nd Infantry Battalion, to capacitate them with basic soldiery skills such as marksmanship and small-unit tactics.

Captain Alex Raposon, Commanding Officer of Hotel Company, 72IB said that upon completion of their training, recruits will be distributed to different battalions to serve as territorial forces and defend communities which are being threatened by the Communist New People’s Army Terrorist (CNT).

In the past few weeks, the recruits underwent background, security checks and screening process in selected areas in North Cotabato Province. Some of them are Indigenous Peoples who came from the towns of Arakan, Antipas, Pres. Roxas, and Magpet or the so called Arakan Valley Complex where there is strong presence of the NPA.

Lt. Col. Ehrlich Noel Paraso, Commanding Officer of 19th Infantry Battalion whose unit assumed internal peace and security responsibility of the Arakan Valley Complex welcomed this recent development.

Paraso said that the territorial forces play significant role in preventing the NPAs from threatening Indigenous People’s communities, recruitment of minors and extortion efforts.

Paraso hopes that there will be more people who will volunteer in the next batches of the training.

Inflation rate in Eastern Visayas increases to 6.1% in August 2018

By PSA-8
September 19, 2018

TACLOBAN CITY – The Inflation Rate (IR) of Eastern Visayas increased to 6.1% in August 2018. This IR is 0.2 percentage point higher compared with the 5.9% IR a month ago, but 3.1 percentage points higher than the recorded 3.0 percent IR in the same period last year.

All provinces in the region registered higher inflation rates in August 2018 compared with their figures in the previous month, except Samar, which posted a decrease of 0.2 percentage point in August 2018 (7.4%) from 7.6 percent in July 2018. Eastern Samar, meanwhile, recorded the highest IR at 8.8% during the reference month. It has also registered the highest increase in IR of 1.0 percentage point. Southern Leyte posted the lowest IR at 1.8% (Table 1).

Majority of the commodity groups in the region exhibited higher IR from July 2018 to August 2018. Recreation and culture recorded the highest increase of 3.3 percentage points. It was posted at 3.9% in August 2018 from 0.6% in July 2018. This can be attributed to the huge increase in the index of recreational and cultural services.

The heavily-weighted food and non-alcoholic beverages went up to 8.6% in August 2018 from 8.2% in July 2018, an increase of 0.4 percentage point. This can be traced to higher IR among all food items, except meat and food products not elsewhere classified, which posted slower IR. Fish remained to have a double digit IR at 19.6%, the highest among all food items (Table 2).

Inflation rate for housing, water, electricity, gas and other fuels slowed down to 5.3% in August 2018 from 5.9% in July 2018, a decrease by 0.6 percentage point. Similarly, IR for alcoholic beverages and tobacco also went down by 0.4 percentage points but still recorded double digit IR at 21.2%, the highest among all commodities. Transport likewise registered a decrease by 0.4 percentage point, settling at 6.8% during the month in review.

Education, meanwhile, retained its negative IR at 16.2%.

The Purchasing Power of Peso (PPP) of the region remained at P0.81 in August 2018. This PPP implies that goods and services worth 100 pesos in August 2018 only costs 81 pesos in 2012. All provinces sustained their PPP from last month, except Northern Samar, which registered a 0.02 centavo decrease in the PPP compared with its P0.77 PPP in July 2018. Leyte recorded the strongest PPP at P0.84, while Northern Samar posted the weakest at P0.75 (Table 1).

NPA medic escaped from sexually abusive leader; surrenders to military

By 19th Infantry Battalion, 8ID PA
September 18, 2018

MAGPET, Cotabato Province – A female member of Communist Party of the Philippines –New People’s Army terrorist (CNT) escaped from her sexually abusive leader and surrendered to Alpha Company, 19th Infantry COMMANDO Battalion (19IB) at Magpet, Cotabato Province, yesterday; September 17, 2018.

Alias Wilma, 20 years old, the designated medic of Pulang Bagani Command 2 (PBC2) escaped from her group while temporarily camped in a mountainous area between the province of North Cotabato and Davao City.

When her father, Bong (not his true name) knew his daughter’s whereabouts, he asked assistance to the nearest Army detachment and was rescued immediately by troops of 19IB in Barangay Calinan, Davao City.

In an interview, Alias Wilma claimed that she was one of the five (5) teenage girls from Magpet, Cotabato who were forced to join the NPA terrorists last March. All of them experienced sexual harassment from their superior whom the group knew as Alias Botchoy.

“Misulod mi diri aron mawala ang mga pagpahimulos, apan naa ra man diay gihapon pagpanghimulos sulod sa armado.” (We joined the NPA to stop the abuses, yet we suffer the same within the organization), Alias Wilma said.

Lieutenant Colonel Ehrlich Noel Paraso, Commanding Officer of 19IB said that NPA terrorist’s act of preying on its own female comrades for sexual satisfaction only proved the communist organization’s disrespect to women’s rights.

“I call on to the local leaders of the NPA terrorists to stop the exploitation of women and minors and other forms of abuses they are committing against the people. NPA terrorists are continuously recruiting members to join their failed armed struggle, yet they have rotten ranks and system.”

Early this year of 4th Infantry Division’s campaign, there have been recoveries of war materials and medical supplies from encounter sites and encampment of NPA terrorists. Some of which were syringe, birth control pills and condoms.

“This is not the first time that NPA terrorists’ leaders sexually abuse their female members. We have reports in some areas not only in 4ID that sexual exploitation have been happening in the ranks of the said terrorist group. Their leaders made sexual advances to their females by touching delicate body parts to the extent that these female feel molested and sexually abused. I call on the parents who have daughters that joined the NPA terrorists to reach them and ask them to come home before it will be too late.” Major General Ronald Villanueva, Commander of Army’s 4th Infantry Division said.

Last April 2018 in San Carlos, Negros Occidental, a journal was found in an encounter that contained confessions of how the owner and at the same time a member of the NPA terrorist was molested and almost raped by her comrades after she was recruited in 2011.

“Tayo ang Solusyon sa Polusyon”

By ELENOR A. ANOLLADO
September 18, 2018

CALBAYOG CITY – Tons of trash get dumped on our coastlines every year. The garbage includes plastic bottles, plastic bags and packaging, food wrappers and cigarette butts – detracting from the natural beauty of the shore and harming wildlife. International Coastal Clean-up is part of an international campaign focused on keeping trash out of oceans, bays, rivers and lakes.

In line with this, the Department of Public Works and Highways- Samar First District Engineering Office (SFDEO) joins the 32nd International Coastal Clean-up (ICC) day on September 18, 2018 at Brgy. Burabod Sta. Margarita, Samar, with the theme “Tayo ang Solusyon sa Polusyon”, to promote better ocean health and environmental consciousness. This is pursuant to Presidential Proclamation No. 470, series of 2003, declaring every third Saturday of September of every year as the International Coastal Clean-up Day.

Volunteers from every section pick and segregate trash and debris for item classification. They were able to collect 238 kilos of trash mostly consisting of plastic bottles and wrappers, used diapers, and soiled cardboard.

Trash accumulates in the ocean, threatens the health of every creatures in it and the ecosystem, at the same time endangering the life of people. What goes to the ocean goes back to us.

DPWH: An eco-friendly government office

By MAE ANGELICA R. COMOTA
September 17, 2018

CALBAYOG CITY – With the recent global environmental issues and concerns such as global warming and climate change, various forms of environmental deterioration have reached a stage that require massive, orchestrated national effort.

In line with this, the Department of Public Works and Highways launches the 2018 Recognition Awards for the Most Eco-friendly District Engineering Office.

As part of this competition, DPWH -Samar First District Engineering Office (SFDEO) undergoes an assessment by the Eco-Friendly Regional Assessors Team (EFROAT) composed of representatives from the DPWH Central Office, led by Mr. Andro Santiago.

The assessment aims to review the Office’s implementation of its Environmental Management Programs in terms of the following criteria: 1) Electricity Consumption; 2) Water Conservation; 3) Waste Management; 4) Greening Program; 5) Green Procurement Program; 6) Emergency Preparedness; 7) Air Pollution Prevention; and 8) Order and Cleanliness.

Under SFDEO’s environmental management program, the wise utilization of office supplies and materials are religiously followed in order to avoid waste; construction materials such as asphalt containers are repurposed into plant holders; a compost pit is set up in order to contain biodegradable waste; a rainwater collection system is installed; fuel allocations are reduced; air-condition units are turned on within a specific time period; and the concept of carpooling is practice whenever there is field work.

All employees are also made aware in this campaign as their efforts and actions are critical towards achieving an eco-friendly office.

Based on the findings of the assessment conducted by the EFROAT, SFDEO is an above average, eco-friendly government office.

“After this assessment our environmental management program will not stop, we will continue to sustain and improve our current practices in order to gain more grounds in becoming a more eco-friendly office, not only for the recognition but more importantly to help in creating a better world for the next generation,” said District Engineer Alvin Ignacio as he addressed all the employees of DPWH -Samar I during the exit conference with the EFDOAT.

PSA conducts 2018 Occupational Wages Survey (OWS) and 2017/2018 Integrated Survey on Labor Employment (ISLE)

By PSA-8
September 17, 2018

TACLOBAN CITY – The Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA) has started the conduct of the 2018 Occupational Wage Survey (OWS) and 2017/2018 Integrated Survey on Labor and Employment (ISLE) today, 17 September 2018, simultaneously nationwide.

The 2018 OWS is an establishment-based survey that aims to monitor the wage rates of 22 low-paid occupations in 21 non-agricultural industries. Its objective is to generate wage estimates to aid minimum wage determination.

The 2017/2018 ISLE, formerly BLES Integrated Survey (BITS), is a survey of establishments employing at least 20 workers which consists three modules covering topics on employment, conditions of work and industrial relations. It aims to provide inputs to studies on industry trends and practices, and bases for the formulation of labor policies.

A total of 185 establishments with employment size of at least 20 workers were selected as samples across the region. These establishments were extracted from the 2017 List of Establishments (2017 LE). Questionnaires will be delivered by hired Statistical Researchers to sample establishments. However, for Biliran and Eastern Samar, questionnaires will be delivered directly from PSA Central Office through mail since their sample size is less than ten (10) establishments. Accomplished questionnaires will be collected/submitted starting 1 October 2018.

The consolidated results of these surveys are expected to be released by November 2019.

The PSA appeals to the public, especially the business sector, to cooperate and support the conduct of this survey. The office also assures that all information gathered will be held strictly confidential and shall not be used as evidence in court for purposes of taxation, regulation or investigation as provided for in RA 10625.

Second quarter number of constructions in Eastern Visayas up by 4.8%

By PSA-8
September 17, 2018

TACLOBAN CITY – The region’s total number of constructions in the second quarter of 2018 reached 1,244. This reflected an increase of 4.8% from the 1,187 constructions recorded in the same quarter of 2017.

By type of construction, the number of residential building constructions decreased to 843 constructions in the second quarter of 2018 from 894 constructions in the second quarter of 2017, a decline by 5.7%.

The number of non-residential building constructions went up by 14.5% reaching to 205 constructions in the second quarter of 2018 from 179 constructions in the same period of 2017.

The combined number for additions/alterations and repairs of existing structures significantly increased to 196 constructions during the quarter in review from 114 constructions in the second quarter of 2017, a surge by 71.9%.

Majority (67.8%) of the constructions were residential buildings. Non-residential buildings comprised 16.5%, while additions/alterations and repairs accounted for 15.8% of the region’s total constructions.

The total value of constructions in the region during the second quarter of 2018 was estimated at P2.4 billion. This figure is 10.8% higher compared with the P2.2 billion total value of constructions in the same quarter of 2017.

By type of construction, the total value of additions/alterations and repairs more than doubled, posting an increase of 112.5%, from P87.2 million in the second quarter of 2017 to P185.2 million during the quarter in review.

Similarly, aggregate value of residential building constructions increased by 24.4%, from P911.5 million in the same period of 2017 to P1.1 billion in the second quarter of 2018.

On the other hand, total value of Non-Residential Buildings declined by 7.1% to P1.1 billion in the second quarter of 2018 from P1.2 billion in the second quarter of 2017.

Total value of Residential Building in the region comprised the largest share in terms of value at 46.9%. Value of constructions of Non-Residential Building contributed 45.5%, while Additions/Alterations and Repairs accounted for 7.7% of the region’s total value of construction.

Average cost per square meter was estimated at P8,198 for Residential Building and P8,926 for Non-Residential Building.

Data were based on the preliminary results of construction statistics from approved building permits.