220 pupils in the outskirts of Calbayog receive early Christmas gifts

By LEVIRESA GETIGAN-BARNIZO
November 29, 2018

CALBAYOG CITY – People’s Outreach Program (POP) and Northern Samar Masonic Lodge 211, both people’s organizations, conducted an early Christmas Gift Giving - distribution of school bags and supplies to 255 pupils of Tanval Cluster (Canjumadac, Tanval and Gelino Elementary Schools), all located in the outskirt villages of Calbayog City, Samar, today, November 29, 2018, with program partners, St. Mary Maternity Clinic and 63rd Infantry Innovator Battalion. The said program partners/volunteers also initiated feeding activity to the same recipient learners and an orientation pertaining Maternal and Child Care to the pregnant women of Brgy. Canjumadac.

On November 24, 2018, Saturday, POP and Masons successfully concluded a bloodletting activity at St. Mary Maternity Clinic, Brgy. San Joaquin, Tinambacan District, Calbayog City, Samar. The undertaking was participated by the personnel of Samar First Mobile Force Company-Palanas Cara, Philippine National Police (PNP), Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP) - San Joaquin, 63rd Infantry Innovator Battalion, Philippine Army, members of Northern Samar Masonic Lodge 211, and some residents of Brgy. Peña and Brgy. San Joaquin, Calbayog City, Samar. A blood bank team from the Samar Provincial Hospital, Catbalogan City assisted the bloodletting activity.

It can be recalled that few months ago, POP and other program partners also conducted civic projects and brought services to more or less one thousand residents of the aforementioned villages including the locals of San Jose, Langoyon, Villahermosa, Sinantan, Himalandrog, and other neighboring barangays, all located in the far flung barangays in Calbayog.

These activities urge indulgence and engagement to other organizations and government agencies to replicate said community projects and services in reaching out people most especially the underprivileged residents in the locality.

CNTs attack soldiers on community immersion in Las Navas, N. Samar

By DPAO, 8ID PA
November 28, 2018

CAMP LUKBAN, Catbalogan City – Two members of the Community Support Program (CSP) Team of 20IB stationed at Brgy. San Miguel, Las Navas, Northern Samar were shot by assailants believed to be members of a Special Partisan Unit (SPARU) of the CPP-NPA Terrorists (CNTs) yesterday, November 27, 2018 at 5:10 P.M.

Both soldiers were tasked to buy foodstuff in the market of Brgy. San Miguel and while on their way back, they were treacherously shot several times by the assailants that resulted in the wounding of two soldiers identified as Cpl Jaype V. Malbas and PFC Rommel C. Debuton, the latter of whom expired from his gunshot wounds upon arrival at the nearest hospital.

Pursuit operations are being conducted by our forces to apprehend these terrorists. Likewise, immediate and appropriate actions have been extended to the survivors of PFC Debuton including giving of due assistance and benefits.

The Community Support Program or CSP is being undertaken by the Philippine Army to transform conflict-affected areas into progressive and sustainable communities through collective and collaborative efforts with local government units and line agencies.

This is the latest attack of the CNTs in our area, who have been conducting terrorist actions in other parts of the country as well. It can be recalled that the President declared a state of national emergency on account of lawless violence in the Provinces of Samar, Negros Provinces, and Bicol Region based on the Memorandum Order Number 32 dated November 22, 2018.

In his statement, Maj. Gen. Raul M. Farnacio, AFP Commander, 8ID said, “I would like to convey my condolences to the bereaved family, friends, and loved ones of PFC Debuton who offered the supreme sacrifice while performing his duty.”

“Your Army will be more steadfast in its campaign, now, that we are under a state of national emergency, in suppressing lawless elements from sowing fear in the hearts and minds of vulnerable communities located in remote areas. These terrorists are depriving the people to act, think, and live normally,” Farnacio added.

DPWH-Biliran DEO to implement P84M new school buildings under DepEd 2018 fund release

Press Release
November 27, 2018

NAVAL, Biliran – The Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) Biliran District Engineering Office (DEO) will be implementing new batches of school buildings under the 2018 Department of Education (DepEd)- Basic Educational Facilities Fund (BEFF).

David P. Adongay Jr., District Engineer said that Biliran DEO has been allotted a total of P84M for the construction of new school building projects that will benefit 15 schools in Biliran Province.

According to Adongay, these projects is subject for bidding on December 12, 2018.

‘”Once these projects will be bid-out, implementation will be speed up for completion in order to benefit the students and teachers of the schools without compromising the quality of the projects,” said Adongay.

School buildings to be implemented are the construction of P18.2M 2-storey, 8-classroom at Lucsoon National High School and P5.4M 1-storey, 4-classroom at Sabang Elementary School both in Naval town, P2.8M 1-storey, 2-classroom at Iyosan Elmentary School in Almeria town, P2.8M 1-storey, 2-classroom at Bilwang Elementary School and P4M 1-storey, 3-classroom at Villa Cornejo Elementary School both in Kawayan town, P12.3M 2-storey, 6-classroom at Culaba National Vocational School, P3.9M 1-storey, 3-classroom at Culaba Central School, and P2.9M 1-storey, 2-classroom at Calipayan Elementary School in Culaba town.

DPWH-Biliran DEO will also implement the construction of P15M 3-storey, 6-clasroom school building at Cabucgayan National High School and construction of P2.8M 1-storey, 2-classroom school building at Langgao Elementary School both in the town of Cabucgayan.

In Caibiran town, school buildings to rise are the P2.8M 1-storey, 2-classroom at Cabibihan Elementary School, P2.8M 1-storey, 2-classroom at Caibiran Central School and P2.8M 1-storey, 2-classroom at Caibiran Sped Center while in Biliran town, a P2.8M 1-storey, 2-classroom will rise at Burabod Elementary School and a P2.8M 1-storey, 2-classroom at Filemon Nierras Memorial Elementary School.

Meanwhile, the district office is now on-going on the construction of P51.6M 2-storey 8-classroom at Manlabang National High School and the construction of P25.3M construction of 2-storey 4-classroom at Naval National High School under Batch 1 of the 2018 DepEd Fund Release.

Leyte II starts bid for 2019 infra projects

By DPWH 2nd LED
November 27, 2018

CARIGARA, Leyte – The Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) Leyte Second District Engineering Office starts bid for the infrastructure projects for 2019.

An amount of P1.463 billion has been allocated for a total of 54 projects that will be funded under the General Appropriations Acts (GAA) of 2019.

District Engineer Carlos Veloso said that with the implementation of the new cash-based budgeting system next year, the district must prepare projects ahead of time to hasten implementation.

Veloso added that as of November this year, an amount of P246.8 million for a total of 17 projects was already bid out.

Among the projects bid out are the construction of multi-purpose buildings in Brgy. Kalinawan, Jaro, Leyte, Brgy. Yapad, Pastrana, Leyte and Brgy. Mabini, Mayorga, Leyte; construction of flood mitigation and drainage system along Balud Seawall in Capoocan, Leyte, Poblacion Zone 2 Seawall in Capoocan, Leyte and Daguitan-Marabong River in Brgy. Batug, Dulag, Leyte; construction of concrete road in Brgy. San Vicente, Tunga, Leyte and widening Primary Roads Daang Maharlika.

Also bid out are the rehabilitation of damaged paved road along Palo-Carigara-Ormoc Road, tertiary roads along Jaro-Dagami-Burauen-La Paz Road, Sta. Fe-Pastrana-Dagami Road, Dulag-Julita-Burauen Road, Tanauan-Dagami Road and Jaro-Dagami-Burauen-La Paz Road; and strengthening of Barugohay Bridge along Palo-Carigara-Ormoc Road and Hibuga Bridge along Mayorga-La Paz Road.

A cash-based budgeting system limits contractual obligations and disbursing payments to goods delivered and services rendered within the fiscal year.

With this, implementing agencies need to complete their contracts by the end of 2019, regardless of possible delays. Projects that are "not implementation-ready" will be removed from the proposed budget.

Palace declares State of National Emergency in Bicol Region, Negros and Samar provinces

By DPAO, 8ID PA
November 24, 2018

CAMP LUKBAN, Catbalogan City – The president declares state of national emergency on account of lawless violence in the Provinces of Samar, Negros Oriental, Negros Occidental and Bicol Region based on the Memorandum Order Number 32 dated 22 November 2018. This is due to the random occurrence of violence in the mentioned provinces and region perpetrated by lawless elements.

To suppress lawless violence and acts of terror and prevent such violence from spreading and escalating in the Samar Provinces and other part of Region VIII, the 8th Infantry Division in close coordination with the PNP and other law enforcement agencies is strengthening its intelligence capabilities against individuals or groups suspected of, or responsible for, committing or conspiring to commit acts of lawless violence within our area of operations.

Major General Raul M. Farnacio, Commander of the 8th Infantry Division, reminded the troops to always religiously adhere to the principles of Human Rights, International Humanitarian Law, and the Rule of Law.

“To the general public, rest assured that your Army will strictly adhere to the rules and procedures set forth by higher headquarters in the conduct of internal security operations in Eastern Visayas. I urged the communities to be extra vigilant in reporting to the proper authorities the presence of suspected armed groups or individuals that will sow terror in their respective communities,” Farnacio added.

DPWH-Biliran DEO installs rainwater collection system to benefit 12 schools in Biliran province

Press Release
November 23, 2018

NAVAL, Biliran – The Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) Biliran District Engineering Office (DEO) almost completes the installation of rainwater collection system amounting to P3.366M that will benefit 12 schools in the Province of Biliran.

According to David P. Adongay Jr., District Engineer, the district office completes 95% overall accomplishment for the installation of rainwater collection in some schools in the town of Naval, Kawayan, Maripipi, Culaba, Caibiran, and Biliranas of October 31, 2018.

Recipient schools are the Caraycaray Elementary School in Naval town, Tucdao National High School and Tucdao Elementary School, both in Kawayan town, Culaba National High School in Culaba town, JD Garcia Elementary School, Salawad Elementary School and Cabucgayan National High School of Arts and Trade in Cabucgayan town, Biliran National high School in Biliran town and Casibang Elementary School, Binalayan Central School, Maripipi National Vocational School, and Maripipi Central School in Maripipi town.

The completion of the project will provide an independent water supply to the recipient schools where water is scarce.

These rainwater collector system were installed to accumulate rainwater from the roof of school buildings and is used to flush on toilets and in watering plants, rather than let it to run off to nowhere.

4 farmer organizations in EV see increased income

By JOSE ALSMITH L. SORIA
November 23, 2018

TACLOBAN CITY – Four agrarian reform beneficiary organizations (ARBOs) in Leyte and Samar are expected to have increased revenues after the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) issued license to operate to four processed food products they manufacture.

Early this year, the FDA issued license to operate for the marketing of “banana chips” by Omaganhan Farmers Multi-Purpose Cooperative based in Tabango, Leyte; “imbotido” by the LIBERCON Multi-Purpose Cooperative based in Hilongos, Leyte; pancit canton noodles produced by the San Roque Farmers Association in Daram, Samar; and “cassava chips” manufactured by ESEP ARC Cooperative based in Salcedo, Eastern Samar.

For the pancit canton noodles, buyers can choose between squash and malunggay flavors, while for the cassava chips, the manufacturer offers sweet blend and garlic flavors at very affordable prices.

With the issuance of the license to operate by the FDA, Assistant Regional Director for Agrarian Reform Beneficiaries Development and Sustainability Program (ARBDSP) Ismael Aya-ay said that these products could now be sold in a larger scale, thereby giving the ARBOs the opportunity to expand their market and earn more.

Meanwhile, Daram Vice-Mayor Lucia Astorga disclosed that they had already introduced the pancit canton noodles to various restaurant owners in Samar and even in Tacloban City.

Aya-ay explained that ARBOs are exposed to various livelihood trainings for additional source of income.

DPWH-Biliran DEO completes Caraycaray flood control (Phase 3)

Press Release
November 23, 2018

NAVAL, Biliran – The newly completed construction/ extension of flood control structure (Phase 3) along Caraycaray River is designed to protect the existing Caraycaray Bridge, the bridge detour and the National Road nearby subjected to heavy floods during rainy days.

Caraycaray Bridge is an essential bridge because it is the only shorter access in going to Mainland Leyte and in going to the only Provincial Hospital from the eastern part of the island.

Under 2018 implementation, the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) Biliran District Engineering Office (DEO) completes Phase 3I of the flood control structure along Caraycaray River which involves the construction of 240-meter revetment structure with reinforced concrete facing and a reinforced concrete foundation amounting to P19M.

This project was prioritized to continue the construction of flood control structure along Caraycaray River which was completed in 2016 (Phase 1) and 2017 (Phase 2).

Meanwhile, the district office is also prioritizing the reconstruction of the washed out flood control structure along Caraycaray River caused by Tropical Storm (TS) Urduja on December 15-16, 2017.

The project involves the construction of 266 meter revetment structure with an amount of P30M to be implemented in 2019. Preliminary and Detailed Engineering Activity for this project is still on-going.

David P. Adongay Jr. said that district’s new design of flood control projects have withstand against major flooding during TS Urduja.

“We have already an additional reinforcing bars on the face of the revetment designed to withstand the impact heavy current of flood water,” Adongay said.

He added that the previous design of flood control is no longer the same as the design of the district office at present, hence assures quality implementation for flood control projects in Biliran.

Access road leading to Ulan-ulan Falls in Almeria town on-going

Press Release
November 22. 2018

NAVAL, Biliran – Soon, no more long hiking for tourists who wish to visit the beautiful Ulan-ulan waterfalls in Brgy. Sampao of Almeria town.

The Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) Biliran District Engineering Office (DEO) is currently implementing the P43.163M construction/ improvement of access road project under the Special Convergence Support Program of DPWH and the Department of Tourism (DOT).

The project involves the concreting of 1.484 km. existing gravel road and rehabilitation of existing concrete pavement in accordance with the latest design standards with complete roadside features and road safety, according to District Engineer David P. Adongay Jr.

Ulan-ulan Falls is one of the most visited waterfalls in the Province of Biliran. “Ulan" is the Filipino term for rain and it suits as a name for this falls.

Hiking needed to reach to the said waterfalls takes 30-40 minutes hike from the barangay road. The completion of this project will encourage more local and foreign tourists to visit the said tourist spot.

“From 30-40 minutes hike, tourists will be able to reach the said waterfalls in just 10-15 minutes by means of vehicle ride”, Adongay said.

The said project is a joint contract with R.T. Morabe Construction / CEC Construction Corporation (JV).

Biliran DEO sets to complete the project before the year ends, however due to unworkable ground cause by irregular weather condition, contractor requested for a contract time extension. As of October 31, 2018, the project is on-going with 67%.

Dawlah Islamiyah member killed in Ormoc

By 802nd Infantry Brigade, 8ID PA
November 22, 2018

ORMOC CITY – Joint intelligence operations conducted by 802nd Brigade,8ID,PA, MIG24, MIG8 and CIDG, Region 8 on November 22, 2018 resulted to the death of Joseph Anulga Jr. alias Dawud, a Dawlah Islamiyah (DI) affiliated Terrorist Cell in Ormoc City at Sitio Lawis, Bgy Airport.

Anulga resisted arrest during the buy bust operation conducted by CIDG in connection with his gun running activities. Anulga is an Islamic Convert and already pledged allegiance to DAESH and its recognized caliph, Abu Bakr Al Baghdadi. He is set to go on "HIJRAH", join the Local Terrorist Groups at any camp in Mindanao and intends to die as a martyr of Islam.

He was reported by residents of Ormoc City for recruiting locals to convert to Islam. Anulga is a direct associate of the late Yusuf Macuto. Macuto was involved in a foiled plot to bomb the US Embassy last November 2016 and the main suspect in the Hilongos bombing last December 2016, and was killed during the Marawi siege.

Brigadier General Lope C Dagoy, the Brigade Commander of 802nd Brigade stated that “Anulga’s death shows the government’s conviction in protecting the people from these lawless elements. This is a clear message that your AFP and PNP will not allow neither tolerate terror groups in our midst.” SOCO and Ormoc City Police are currently conducting scene of the crime operation and processing.

Teen moms learn life-saving skills through PBSP’s Safe Motherhood Caravans

By PBSP
November 21, 2018

CEBU CITY – Rietchelyn Jalea was 18 years old when she had her first child. She was a former restaurant employee in Siquijor when she met her partner, who decided that they leave for his hometown in Bago City, Negros Occidental and build a home there instead.

Soon after, she got pregnant and since she was too young to handle the rigors of motherhood, she had a difficult time balancing her roles as mother and wife. Their elopement also made her family unprepared for sudden expenses needed for a new family.

“The worst experience was when my baby got sick. It made me realize how hard it is to take care of a child. I didn’t know what to do because I am a young mother and no one is there to guide me,” she said.

Jalea is one of the 13,000 women in the country who received life-saving maternal and child care information services through PBSP’s Safe Motherhood Caravans (SMC). PBSP has been organizing annual caravans since 2013, where women attend sessions on pre-natal and post-natal care, responsible parenthood, self-care and nutrition, exclusive breastfeeding, and child care.

“I am really thankful that I was able to attend the Safe Motherhood Caravan because I learned a lot about family planning. After the activity, I decided to get an implant so that I wouldn’t get pregnant yet. I still want to take better care of my child,” Jalea said.

Valuable Information for Young Mothers

In the Visayas, a total of 10 caravans were held this year in the cities of Cebu, Bacolod, Bago, Himamaylan, and Kabankalan, which reportedly have the most number of teenage pregnancies.

PBSP has organized SMCs in these areas since 2014 with help from its corporate donors and local government health partners.

With the help of the annual caravans, the contraceptive prevalence rates in Himamaylan and Bago cities have collectively increased from 44.86% in 2014 to 47.41% in 2016. Infant deaths have likewise dropped from 14 in 2014 to 2 in 2016.

Contraceptive prevalence is the percentage of women who are currently using, or whose sexual partner is currently using, at least one method of contraception.

“The good thing about the Safe Motherhood Caravan is that it really teaches women and mothers how to properly plan for a family and provide easy access to services after every session. And results show: in Barangay Dulao, for example, they used to have the most number of teenage pregnancies within Bago City. But with the Safe Motherhood Caravan, they are now ranked eighth this year,” Bago City Health Office Nurse Angie Licañel said.

In collaboration with the local health units, participants also receive free prenatal consultations, application of implants, vitamins for their children, HIV testing, and other medical services.

“My son is now a year old and my husband and I plan to finish building our own home first before having another child. I also do not want to experience again the difficulties in my previous pregnancy and child-rearing. I am truly thankful for the SMC for teaching us how to be a better mother,” Jalea added.

Business in Health

PBSP’s flagship program on health focuses on maternal and child health, which is anchored on the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goal 3, which is to ensure healthy lives and promote wellbeing for all at all ages.

The Philippines failed to reach the Millennium Development Goal of reducing its maternal mortality rate from 209 to 52.2 per 100,000 live births. The Department of Health has identified at least three contributing factors to the non-achievement: the delay in reaching appropriate centers, delay in providing health, and delay in seeking medical help.

The annual sessions aim to reduce maternal and infant mortality in the country by educating women about safe motherhood practices; promoting the utilization of life-saving maternal, newborn, and child health services; and learn various strategies on responsible parenthood.