Eastern Visayas Medical Center bags Gold Trailblazer in its Proficiency Revalida

By Institute for Solidarity in Asia (ISA)
November 21, 2023

MANILA – In a remarkable stride towards excellence, the Eastern Visayas Medical Center (EVMC) proudly unveiled its transformative journey and recent accomplishments along the Performance Governance System (PGS) pathway, securing the prestigious Gold Trailblazer Award for its commendable progress.

On November 20, EVMC was conferred the PGS Proficient Status during the Institute for Solidarity in Asia’s (ISA) Public Revalida. This democratic exercise validates the successful completion of the four stages of the PGS, ISA's good governance program, where distinguished organizations, including the Department of Health, the Armed Forces of the Philippines, and the Department of Trade and Industry, have engaged in and completed.

EVMC Medical Center Chief, Dr. Salvador Evardone, presented the challenges and the initiatives they took to turn their strategic position into reality. In its pursuit of becoming a center of excellence in health by 2030, EVMC envisions itself as a “1,500-authorized bed capacity apex medical center, providing multi-specialty services by 2028.”

From its humble beginnings as a 100-bed capacity general hospital in Tacloban City, formerly known as the Eastern Visayas Regional Medical Center, EVMC’s transformation journey began in November 2019, when they were conferred with the PGS Initiated Status. Amid the demands of the COVID-19 pandemic, the hospital underwent a strategic refresh, achieving breakthroughs in patient care, human resources, and research.

EVMC’s PGS journey was conveyed in Dr. Evardone’s presentation, with their unwavering commitment to creating positive change in the healthcare industry and attaining several milestones targeted at the areas mentioned in their strategic position, EVMC has gained the support of numerous reputable organizations and external stakeholders from various sectors.

Among the notable achievements highlighted is the enactment of Republic Act 11567, signed by former President Rodrigo Duterte, renaming the institution to Eastern Visayas Medical Center and increasing its bed capacity from 500 to 1,500 beds on June 24, 2021. Additionally, EVMC emphasized the establishment of specialty centers in Cardiology, Neonatal Care, Geriatric Care, and Orthopedics, benefiting the Eastern Visayas community.

Alongside their developments are challenges that EVMC needs to address, which were underlined during the panel evaluation led by Former Medical Field Operations Director at Wyeth Philippines, Mr. Orlando Clavinez. Aside from establishing multiple specialty centers in EVMC, Dr. Evardone shared that they are tackling challenges involving human resources by increasing the competencies of their workforce.

“So one of the challenges, actually, is the manpower, [...] We need to capacitate; we have to invest capital asset, considering that it is a resource and capital incentive in putting some specialty centers,” Dr. Evardone shared.

Dr. Evardone also shared their Multi-Sectoral Governance Council’s (MSGC) commitment toward the growth of EVMC. He highlighted that creating rapport and having a dedicated MSGC is vital to an organization’s development along the PGS pathway.

“The lesson here is that we should make them stay with us, expand the membership if possible, and engross their commitment toward ownership of good governance and the change agenda that we have. The commitment itself translated to ownership and accountability to help us assess the growth of EVMC,” the Medical Center Chief said.

Usec. Francia Laxamana, Undersecretary of Health of the Office of Special Concerns in the Department of Health, commended EVMC for its transformation, noting its evolution into a significant regional healthcare institution with multiple functional specialty centers.

“EVMC has transformed from just a small hospital to now a giant, gigantic hospital as it is, and with all the 16 specialty centers...because most of them started from 70% functionality, even up to 96 to 98%. [Y]ou really are very conscious, committed to be the apex hospital. And you're looking at a very important role, which is your stewardship role as the apex hospital of the Eastern Visayas region,” Usec. Laxamana said.

Following their conferral of the Proficiency status and receiving the Gold Trailblazer Award, Dr. Evardone extended his gratitude to external stakeholders, the panelists, and all their employees.

“This milestone is a reflection of our constant commitment and best intentions," the Medical Center Chief said in his acceptance speech. "I would like to commend the entire EVMC family for choosing to strive to achieve service excellence, in spite of the fair share of challenges, struggles, and shortcomings. With that, I look forward to our continued collaboration as we move on to the final stage of the PGS, the Institutionalization stage.”

1 CNT killed, explosives seized in Northern Samar clash

By DPAO, 8ID PA
November 20, 2023

CAMP LUKBAN, Catbalogan City, Samar – A Communist NPA Terrorist (CNT) was killed in an armed encounter with the troops of the 19th Infantry Battalion in the hinterlands of Barangay Senonogan de Tubang, Silvino Lubos, Northern Samar on November 19, 2023.

Initially, on November 15, 2023, the troops of 19IB engaged the remnants of the Front Committee 1, Sub-Regional Committee (SRC) Emporium of the Eastern Visayas Regional Party Committee (EVRPC) in Barangay Senonogan, Pambujan, Northern Samar. On November 19, 2023, while conducting pursuit operations the troops again engaged said CNTs in the hinterlands of Barangay Senonogan de Tubang, Silvino Lubos, Northern Samar.

The encounter lasted for eight minutes and resulted in the death of one CNT identified as Alfonso Tursido and the capture of two International Humanitarian Law-Banned Anti-Personnel Mines (APMs), two blasting caps, five kilos of rice, and other personal belongings of the CNTs.

The Commanding Officer of the 19th Infantry Battalion, Lieutenant Colonel Marvin Maraggun said that the series of encounters was attributed to the cooperation and timely information provided by the civilians.

“We thank the residents for their cooperation in providing relevant information that resulted in the success of the series of encounters. We assure the public that we will not cease with our operations against the Communist NPA Terrorists until we put an end to the decades-long problem of insurgency,” Lt.Col. Maraggun emphasized.

Meanwhile, the 8th Infantry Division Commander, Major General Camilo Z. Ligayo also expressed his sympathy and condolences to the family of the killed CNT and urged the remaining CNTs to choose a peaceful path and rejoin society.

“We are deeply saddened by this incident; another life is lost because of senseless ideology. This would not have happened if they heeded the call to surrender. To the remaining rebels, it is not too late for a peaceful life, return to the folds of the law,” Maj. Gen. Ligayo expressed.

1 CNT killed, high-powered firearms seized in Northern Samar clash

By DPAO, 8ID PA
November 18, 2023

CAMP LUKBAN, Catbalogan City – A Communist NPA Terrorist (CNT) was killed and six high-powered firearms were captured during an encounter in the hinterlands of Brgy. Senonogan, Pambujan, Northern Samar on November 15, 2023.

The focused military operation was conducted following the information given by a concerned citizen that a group of armed men was seen allegedly extorting the populace in the outskirts of said barangay.

CNTs who belonged to Front Committee 1, Sub-Regional Committee Emporium of the Eastern Visayas Regional Party Committee led by Lontoy Jarito alias Amboy, a notorious CNT leader who perpetrated numerous atrocities and extortion activities in the areas of Northern Samar were encountered by the troops of 19th Infantry Battalion (19IB), Wednesday morning.

The 10-minute firefight resulted in the death of one unidentified male CNT and the capture of five M16 rifles, one M14 rifle, two Anti-Personnel Mines (APMs), seven backpacks, subversive documents, and other war materials.

The 19IB Commanding Officer, Lt.Col. Marvin Maraggun expressed his appreciation for the timely information provided by the locales and commended the Barangay Task Force-End Local Communist Armed Conflict (BTF-ELCAC) for their support in the anti-insurgency campaign.

"The successful operation underscores the desire of populace, members of BTF-ELCAC and MTF-ELCAC in their collective effort in ending local armed conflict in the hinterlands of Pambujan," Lt.Col. Maraggun said.

Meanwhile, the 8th Infantry Division Commander, Maj.Gen. Camilo Ligayo lauded the troops for their efforts to bring peace to Northern Samar. He also thanked the citizens who gave information vital to the successful operation.

"Let us continue engaging the communities from the Barangays down to Sitios, to build a strong relationship with the communities and encourage them to cooperate with the government. Let us continuously engage the populace to inform them of the government’s programs for them who are willing to surrender," Maj.Gen. Ligayo said.

He also extends his deepest sympathy to the family and friends of the killed CNT.

"It is sad that another Filipino who was deceived by the misleading ideals of the communist terrorists died. My deepest sympathy to the bereaved family. On the other hand, I encouraged the remaining members of the rebel group to surrender and be with their families while you still have a chance,” Maj.Gen. Ligayo added.

Hijos Tours and CMDI ignite the spirit of ‘Balagtasan’ among CMDI students

By CARD MRI
November 16, 2023

SAN PABLO CITY – CARD MRI Hijos Tours, in collaboration with CARD-MRI Development Institute, Inc. (CMDI), held the BAISAY: BALAGTASAN 2023 at the CMDI Auditorium in Barangay Tranca, Bay, Laguna on October 27, 2023.

Hijos Tours President Ms. Marilyn M. Manila expressed, "This initiative underscores our commitment to preserving Filipino cultural traditions and providing CMDI students with a platform to express themselves through poetry and debate."

Also, CMDI President Dr. Flordeliza L. Sarmiento shared that the activity “adds depth and diversity to the educational experiences of CMDI students.”

The term ‘Baisay’, derived from the Hiligaynon language, translates to ‘debate’. The event aimed to foster the spirit of 'Balagtasan,' a traditional Filipino art form of poetic debate, among the students of CMDI.

The event had two categories: the Senior High School (SHS) category with the theme, “Magkolehiyo, Magkaroon ng Eksperyensa,” (Go to College, Gain Experience) and “Magtrabaho, Magkaroon ng Negosyo” (Work, Start a Business) in the College category. The participants showcased their linguistic prowess, creativity, and a deep understanding of the theme.

The students also delivered their verses with fervor, engaging in verbal duels that captivated the audience and brought to a mesmerizing display of wordplay and intellectual engagement, making Balagtasan a truly captivating experience.

In the SHS category, the CMDI Tagum representative was hailed champion. The representatives also received additional awards, namely, Marvin Lourence Hamoc for the Lakandiwa ng Taon; and Jhon Aris Apostol and Febby Heart Aquino, for the Prince and Princess of CMDI Baisay 2023.

To add, Reyna Faye Baga, John Aris Bantayan, and Meca Samaling from CMDI-Tagum campus secured the 1st place, while John Lloyd Mendoza, Justine Olan, and Justin Reyes, from CMDI- Bay campus, bagged the 2nd place award.

In the college category, Irene Legaspino was crowned Lakandiwa ng Taon, Charity Calibadan earned the title of the Princess of CMDI Baisay 2023, and Lovely Claire Montes, as addition to the team, were declared the champion of CMDI Baisay 2023 in the College Category, while Reany Eisle Cervantes, Hazel Burdeos, and Angel Mar Valencia secured the 1st place award.

All the winners were recognized with certificates and cash prizes.

Dr. Jaime Aristotle B. Alip, CARD MRI Founder and Chairman Emeritus remarked, "The students' performances demonstrated not only their skill in the traditional art of poetic debate but also their keen awareness of contemporary issues."

He added, “This event served as a testament to the enduring significance of Balagtasan in Philippine culture and the bright future of these young poets and debaters.”

CMDI stands as a learning institute that provides quality education to employees, students, clients of the different institutions of CARD MRI, and other individuals through the use of training programs, academic programs, and digital education programs/open learning.

CARD MRI Hijos Tours is the tour curation company of CARD MRI that aims to promote Philippine tourism and culture while empowering women and their families.

NwSSU civil engineering freshman hails as Eastern Visayas 27th PSQ Regional Champion

By PSA-8
November 14, 2023

TACLOBAN CITY – Eighteen-year old John Benedict Cuadra Sapinit is this year’s Eastern Visayas Regional Champion, besting 19 other first-time first year college students in the 27th Philippine Statistics Quiz (PSQ) Regional Championship -Eastern Visayas. Mr. Sapinit, a BS Civil Engineering freshman from Northwest Samar State University (NwSSU), graduated senior high school at Christ the King College. During the tense 3-round multiple choice quiz on statistical concepts and analysis, he garnered a cumulative score of 29 points out of a total of 40 points.

The second place winner of the 27th PSQ is Vianney Patnugot Tumbagahan, a 19-year old BS Meteorology freshman from Visayas State University (VSU) who scored 26 points. Mr. Tumbagahan graduated senior high school at Daniel R. Aguinaldo National High School in Davao del Sur. Meanwhile, the third place winner is Dwayne Michael Sean Cinco Cabrigas of the University of the Philippines Tacloban College who scored 23 points. Mr. Cabrigas is a 19-yr old BS Computer Science freshman who graduated senior high school from Philippine Science High School -Eastern Visayas Campus.

The winners brought home plaques of recognition and cash prizes worth P10,000 (champion), P8,000 (2nd prize), and P6,000 (3rd prize). Their respective coaches were also awarded with certificates and cash prizes, while the rest of the contestants and their coaches were given tokens and certificates of participation. Mr. Sapinit will represent Eastern Visayas in the 27th PSQ National Championship to be held in Metro Manila on 07 December 2023.

The PSQ is a nationwide annual search for the country’s young statistics whizzes. It is designed to test the knowledge acquired from the secondary education curriculum by freshmen students enrolled in colleges and universities in the 17 regions of the Philippines. At the outset, it promotes, enhance and instill awareness and appreciation of the importance and value of statistics, among students in particular, and the public in general. It was launched in 1992 by then National Statistics Office (NSO) together with the Philippine Statistical Association, Inc. (PSAI).

Samar First completes phase II of road construction leading to Pinipisakan Falls

By GISSELLE G. PARUNGAO
November 14, 2023

CALBAYOG CITY – Samar First District Engineering Office recently completed phase II of the construction of access road leading to Pinipisakan Falls in San Jorge, Samar.

This is drawn from the General Appropriations Act (GAA) FY 2023 with a total contract amount of P48.95 million under the Tourism Road Infrastructure Program (TRIP).

The main carriageway spanned 800 meters and a width of 6.1 meters as well as shouldering of the same length and width of 1.5 meters. A seven linear meters of Reinforced Concrete Pipe Culvert (RCPC) were also installed including slope protections built in two areas with a total length of 45 meters.

As of this time, tourists trudge on foot and ride motor boats for three hours in order to reach Pinipisakan Falls. This multi-year road project is a big help in boosting the tourism industry of Samar and will create different job opportunities for the locals.

IBP successfully holds the second leg of the CPRA rollout

Press Release
November 13, 2023

PASIG CITY – On October 27, 2023, the Integrated Bar of the Philippines (IBP) successfully held the second leg of the rollout of the Code of Professional Responsibility and Accountability (CPRA), marking a significant milestone in the ongoing efforts to create a modern, relevant, and responsive justice system. The CPRA is part of the Supreme Court’s Strategic Plan for Judicial Innovations 2022-2027 (SPJI).

Held at the Podium Hall at the Podium in Mandaluyong City, the second leg was hosted by the IBP Southern Luzon Region primarily through the IBP Rizal RSM Chapter. 174 lawyers attended the rollout, which was MCLE-accredited and counted as attendance of a regional/national convention for IBP Lifetime Membership purposes. Court personnel and judges who also attended the rollout were considered on Official Time.

In opening the second leg, Atty. Pitero M. Reig, IBP Governor for Southern Luzon Region, said that “the foundation of civil society rests largely on the rule of law. Ethical and responsible lawyers strengthen the foundation of the rule of law. Conversely, unethical and irresponsible lawyers erode the people’s faith in the rule of law and the legal institutions.”

In his keynote speech, Supreme Court Associate Justice Jhosep Y. Lopez emphasized the addition of the word “Accountability” in the title of the old Code as a significant reinforcement of ethical commitment among lawyers. The CPRA obliges lawyers to give nobility to the profession to regain the people’s trust in the justice system. In this respect, Justice Lopez said that lawyers should maintain a profession that puts a premium on public service over any monetary consideration. He reiterated making the CPRA their way of life and recalling its provisions not just for professional functions but as reminders to live by them. He thanked the IBP for being a staunch partner of the Judiciary in the dispensation of justice. He expressed optimism for future collaborations for the fruitful adherence to the new code for lawyers.

IBP National Director on Bar Discipline, Atty. Avelino V. Sales, Jr. echoed the sentiments of the esteemed Justice that the CPRA is the legal profession's guide to making all lawyers aware and accountable during his overview and rationale for the CPRA Rollout. Ethics and ethical conduct, as propounded by Justice Lopez, is a way of life to be embodied in not just a lawyer’s professional engagements, but likewise in his or her personal life.

The CPRA Rollout is an initiative of the Integrated Bar of the Philippines to support the Supreme Court in its information campaign on the new Code of Professional Responsibility and Accountability. During the rollout, deputy directors and commissioners of the IBP Commission for Bar Discipline discuss and elucidate upon the newer and salient provisions of the CPRA, as well as the notarial practice among others. The first leg was held in Cotabato last September, with the IBP CBD planning to hold 15 more legs throughout the Philippines until 2025. The third leg will be held in Cebu in December 2023.

The Integrated Bar of the Philippines invites all lawyers to familiarize themselves with the updated Code of Professional Responsibility and Accountability, emphasizing that adherence to this code is not just a moral obligation but also a means to elevate the standards of the legal profession.

Download CPRA here

International Coalition for Human Rights in the Philippines (ICHRP) gathers in Bangkok to condemn US-backed war crimes of Philippine state and commit to growing solidarity movement for a just and lasting peace

Press Release
November 12, 2023

BANGKOK, Thailand – Over 100 human rights advocates from over 30 organizations across the globe held a three-day conference and assembly on November 6-9, 2023 to decry the implementation of US counterinsurgency tactics in the Philippines and to advance international defense of human rights under the new Marcos regime.

Throughout the conference, human rights experts exposed the ongoing onslaught of violations of human rights and international humanitarian law, including extra-judicial killings, disappearances, the intensifying suppression of civil liberties, the slanderous designation of respected leaders as terrorists via the Anti-Terror Act (ATA), and the relentless red-tagging of activists, progressive organizations, and solidarity activists via the National Task Force to End Local Communist Armed Conflict.

Edith Burgos of the Karapatan National Council, identified the counterinsurgency programs of the Marcos government as, “responsible for the steadily deteriorating human rights situation in the Philippines and escalating violations of International Humanitarian Law directed against the Filipino people.”

Burgos’ criticism of Marcos counterinsurgency programs opened up the reality that the human rights atrocities committed by the Philippine military and police are not only aided and abetted by US military aid (over 1 billion US dollars since 2015) and the presence of nine US military bases in the country – but patterned after US Counterinsurgency tactics.

Suzanne Adely, President of the National Lawyers Guild, explained counterinsurgency as “the organized use of subversion and violence to seize, nullify, or challenge political control of a region” which the US has employed since its colonial operations in the Philippines began in 1898. She further pointed out how the use of the term “insurgency” attempts to delegitimize people’s resistance, including armed resistance, as “terrorism,” and drew parallels between the Palestinian people’s struggle for liberation and the Filipino people’s fight against the US-backed Marcos regime.

Edre Olalia, President of the National Union of People’s Lawyers in the Philippines, explained the significance of International Humanitarian Law in the context of the current situation in the Philippines. Olalia expounded that contrary to US counterinsurgency doctrine, armed resistance movements in response to the severe oppression of peoples is legal under the Geneva conventions, and further emphasized the importance of the protection of civilians and non combatants in the context of civil war.

ICHRP chairperson Peter Murphy emphasized the critical role of solidarity in supporting the Filipino people’s aspirations for a just and lasting peace that is free from the injustice of poverty, landlessness, and state repression. He reflected on ICHRP’s role in investigating and exposing the dire human rights situation as well as coordinating an election observers mission which found massive fraud, vote-buying, and red-tagging and intimidation during the 2022 elections.

“The devastating number of attacks that continue under the Marcos regime in the Philippines – the many disappearances, the forced surrenderees, and the killings of NDFP peace consultants, are all violations of international humanitarian law done in the guise of US-designed counterinsurgency programs. The international community must oppose these.”

Organizations from Canada to India, France to Australia, committed to strengthening solidarity support for the Filipino people, continuing to conduct broad education and information dissemination on the situation in the Philippines, lobby their respective government bodies, and oppose foreign support for war crimes in the country.

"The struggle for a just and lasting peace in the Philippines is not a struggle isolated from the people of the world; we will continue to fervently campaign until the demands of the Filipino people are met and activists no longer live in fear of reprisal."

NMP welcomes Second Secretary of the Embassy of Japan

By National Maritime Polytechnic
November 12, 2023

TACLOBAN CITY – Mr. Matsushige Tomoaki, Second Secretary of the Embassy of Japan, received a warm welcome from NMP Executive Director Victor A. Del Rosario and other NMP personnel during his visit to the National Maritime Polytechnic on November 8, 2023.

To have a deeper understanding about NMP, an insighful Agency Brief was presented at the NMP Conference Room, giving emphasis to the Agency's role and significance in the maritime industry.

NMP and Japan boast a rich history of collaboration dating back to 1984 through a technical cooperation program, which has been instrumental in fortifying NMP's capacity to elevate maritime education and training standards across the country. Moreover, NMP was a recipient of a generous US$3 million grant from the JICA's "Programme for Rehabilitation and Recovery from Typhoon Yolanda." This substantial aid facilitated the acquisition, installation, and commissioning of a diverse array of training equipment and simulators. Notable additions included a tanker-type enclosed lifeboat and davit, a fast rescue boat and davit, a full mission global maritime distress safety system simulator, a full mission engine room simulator, and various cutting-edge safety equipment.

After the briefing, Mr. Tomoaki was given a comprehensive tour of the NMP premises to have a look-see of the facilities and simulators generously donated by the Government of Japan through JICA. While refraining from making explicit commitments, Mr. Tomoaki expressed a genuine interest in exploring avenues to facilitate NMP's renewed connection with JICA. This potential collaboration could pave the way for substantial upgrades to NMP's facilities and expansion in Luzon and Mindanao, responding to the growing number of NMP enrollees and the ever-evolving landscape of the maritime industry.

CARD MRI clinches Digital Financial Inclusion Award

By JOSEPHINE RAMOS
November 10, 2023

SAN PABLO CITY – CARD Mutually Reinforcing Institutions (CARD MRI) was selected as one of the five microfinance institution (MFI) winners at the 2nd Digital Financial Inclusion Awards (DFIA), a financial inclusion awards program at the BSP Assembly Hall, Metro Manila on October 24, 2023.

"This acknowledgment is one of those that continue to inspire and motivate us to be more effective in this field. As long as there are those who believe in us, we remain committed to expanding the reach of our services and enhancing our product offerings through continued digitalization," CARD MRI Founder and Chair Emeritus Dr. Jaime Aristotle Alip said.

The DFIA awards aims to spotlight financial institutions that have wholeheartedly embraced digital transformation and leveraging its full potential to expand and enhance their operations.

The Microfinance Council of the Philippines (MCPI) organized the event, which was funded by the Citi Foundation and supported by Citi Philippines and the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas.

In addition to CARD MRI, the roster of winners includes Kabalikat para sa Maunlad na Buhay, Inc. (KMBI), Kabuhayan sa Ganap Kasarinlan Credit and Savings Cooperative (K-Coop), RAFI Micro-Finance, Inc., and Rural Bank of Guinobatan, Inc.

Each winner received P100,000.00 mainly to keep honing their digital awareness as well as to improve their usage of technology.