High-ranking communist
terrorist killed in Borongan clash
![Recovered items from the rebels](alias-moki-recovered.jpg)
By
DPAO, 8ID PA
January 11, 2024
CAMP LUKBAN, Catbalogan
City – A high-ranking Communist Terrorist of the Sub-Regional
Committee (SRC) Sesame, Eastern Visayas Regional Party Committee (EVRPC)
was killed during an encounter with the troops of the 78th Infantry
“Warrior” Battalion, 8th Infantry "Stormtroopers" Division,
Philippine Army at the hinterlands of Brgy. San Gabriel, Borongan
City, Eastern Samar, January 6, 2024.
Troops while conducting
combat operations encountered an undetermined number of CTGs
belonging to Apoy Platoon, SRC Sesame which resulted in the death of
its leader, Martin Colima Alias Moki.
The NPA rebels retreated leaving behind their slain leader. On the
other hand, the government troops seized one caliber 45 pistol,
seven backpacks and subversive documents.
The 78IB Commanding
Officer, Lt. Col. Allan Tria said that alias Moki and his group
perpetrated numerous terroristic activities in Eastern Visayas. His
group is responsible for the death of six soldiers and wounding of
20 others from the 14th Infantry Battalion in an armed encounter in
Brgy. Pinanag-an, Borongan City last November 11, 2019. Alias Moki
has multiple existing cases such as murder, attempted murder,
frustrated murder, and robbery.
Alias
Moki also is the mastermind of an ambush along the National Highway
at Barangay Libuton, Borongan City, Eastern Samar last December 13,
2019 that killed a policeman and three civilians, and wounding at
least 12 un armed civilian including a minor and one-year-old baby.
"We will relentlessly
pursue them, for we are determined to put an end to their atrocities
in the region. Despite this, we are still offering you peace to
start a new life with your loved ones," Lt.Col. Tria said.
The 8ID Commander, Maj.
Gen. Camilo Ligayo extends his deepest sympathies to the families
and friends of the slain NPA leader.
"It is tragic that they
have taken arms against the Filipinos, it is sad that another
Filipino who was deceived by the misleading ideology of the
communist terrorist died. 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.
Meanwhile, a soldier was
wounded during the encounter and was brought to the hospital for
proper medical care.
CARD MRI celebrates
entrepreneurs in the PsMLNI 2023
![Pagkilala Sa Mga Likha Ni Inay 2023 awardees](PsMLNI-2023.jpg)
The
Executive and Management Committee of CARD MRI, along with the
Pagkilala Sa Mga Likha Ni Inay 2023 awardees: Lailane Gomintong,
Mary Celine Gordon, Rosario Agarin, Rowena Baya, and Rizalina
Tolentino. |
By
MARY ROSE JAVIER
January 11, 2024
SAN PABLO CITY – CARD Mutually Reinforcing Institution (CARD MRI) recognized the
outstanding microentrepreneurs at the "Pagkilala sa Mga Likha ni
Inay Awards 2023" held in San Pablo City, Laguna on December 6,
2023.
The annual PsMLNI awards celebrate the impactful businesses of CARD
MRI clients, underscoring their contributions to the well-being of
their families and communities. The award also reflects the
organization's commitment to empowering members of the communities,
especially the MSMEs and acknowledging their remarkable
self-sufficiency.
The Executive and Management Committee of CARD MRI attended and
witnessed the event, which took place at Maharlika Square.
CARD MRI Managing Director Aristeo A. Dequito commended the awardees
in a speech during the event for embodying the strength and
resilience of Filipino entrepreneurs and providing the institution
with the motivation to remain steadfast in its goal of poverty
eradication. He also emphasized the transformative impact of the
awardees as they generate employment opportunities in their own
communities, ultimately contributing to the social and economic
growth of the country.
The selection process involved judging based on predefined criteria.
After careful deliberation, Juvy Fabro of CARD Bank, Inc. San
Fernando Branch secured the institutional winner and the "Gawad
Maunlad Micro," while Rosario Agarin of CARD SME Bank Naga Branch
earned the "Gawad Maunlad SME."
Three clients from CARD SME Bank won the special awards: Mary Celine
Gordon from Manaoag Branch was awarded the "Gawad Malikhain"; Romeo
Bustamante from Lipa Branch won the "Community Service Award"; and
the "Innovative Family Enterprise Award" for Rizalina Tolentino of
San Pablo Branch.
Other institutional winners for this year include Lailane Gomintong
of CARD, Inc. (A Microfinance NGO) Sta. Lucia Branch and Rowena Baya
of CARD MRI Rizal Bank, Inc. Carcar Branch.
CARD MRI, a group of 25 mutually reinforcing institutions, has been
dedicated to poverty eradication through financial, non-financial,
and social development initiatives since 1986. The organization is
serving more than 9.1 million clients nationwide as of October 2023.
NMP 2023 breaks waves;
Eyes bigger accomplishment in 2024
![NMP accomplishments](nmp-achievements-2023.jpg)
By
National Maritime Polytechnic
January 3, 2024
TACLOBAN CITY – The
National Maritime Polytechnic (NMP) takes pride in announcing a year
of remarkable achievements in 2023, setting new standards and
exceeding expectations. Committed to advancing Filipino seafarers,
NMP's dedication to training, research, and cutting-edge initiatives
has propelled the Agency to unprecedented heights.
As to the conduct of
maritime trainings, NMP surpassed its annual target of 10,000
certificates by training an impressive 15,260 seafarer-trainees,
achieving an outstanding 152.6% accomplishment. Trainees availed of
the diverse array of NMP's courses, ranging from STCW-mandated
courses (Deck, Engine, Safety and Specialized, Professional
Development Courses) and non-STCW or value-adding courses.
Its commitment to
expanding offerings and staying attuned to the evolving needs of the
maritime industry is further reinforced with the development of two
(2) new courses for accreditation with the Maritime Industry
Authority (MARINA), namely: Passenger Ship Crowd Management (PSCMT)
and Basic Training for Ships Subject to the IGF Code.
NMP successfully passed
the 2nd Surveillance Audit conducted by SOCOTEC Certification
Philippines, earning a recommendation for continued certification
under ISO 9001:2015 standards. In dedication to efficient service,
NMP ensured that 100% of trainees received their certificates within
seventy-two (72) hours of course completion. Additionally, NMP's
exceptional average satisfaction rating of 97.21% on eight (8)
service quality dimensions by December 2023 underscores the
institution's unwavering commitment to excellence.
In terms of financial
stewardship and transparency, NMP, in 2023, achieved notable
recognition, securing two (2) prestigious accolades - the
Outstanding eNGAS User Entity for Fiscal Year 2022 Award from the
Government Financial Management Innovators Circle (GFMIC), Inc., and
the 2022 Outstanding Accounting Office Award from the Association of
Government Accountants of the Philippines (AGAP), Inc. In addition
to this, as proof of the Agency’s efficient fiscal management, the
general picture of 2023 revealed a maximum budget utilization rate
of 94.74%, totaling to 75,703M against the allotment of P 79,907M,
reflecting appropriations from all sources excluding Personnel
Services (PS).
In line with its second
mandate, NMP has fortified its position as a maritime research
center with the successful completion of two pivotal studies: (a)
Assessing Filipino Seafarer’s Mental Health and Well-being, and (b)
Investments in Distance Learning in Philippine Maritime Training
Institutions. Meanwhile, a Maritime Research Forum was conducted on
22 June 2023 wherein the 2022 completed studies were disseminated,
namely: "Profile of Filipino Women in Maritime" and "Factors
Contributory to Stress of Filipino Seafarers Onboard Oceangoing
Vessels". During the said event, the NMP Research Agenda CY
2023-2025 was likewise presented to the industry stakeholders
ensuring that the research agenda reflects the diverse perspectives
and ever-evolving needs of the maritime industry.
As NMP charts its course
into 2024, it remains steadfast in its commitment to advancing the
standards of maritime training and research. NMP is poised to issue
over 15,000 certificates and implement the three (3) research
proposals developed in 2023, bearing the following working titles:
(a) Comparative Study on Maritime Education and Training in ASEAN
Countries; (b) Maritime Industry Trends and Their Implications for
Filipino Seafarers on Oceangoing Vessels; and (c) Training Needs of
Migrant Fishers.
Supported by a budget
allocation of P65.8M in its Capital Outlay, this funding will
facilitate the acquisition of a Full Mission Bridge Simulator (FMBS)
and Liquid Cargo Handling Simulator (LCHS), along with the
enhancement of its maritime equipment and facilities.
In
parallel, NMP will enhance its resource generation efforts with the
creation and mobilization of the NMP Committee on External Affairs.
This committee is tasked with establishing partnerships and creating
synergies with various institutions that will contribute to the
Agency's growth and progress. This collaborative approach is
essential in securing necessary resources and vital support for
NMP's continued advancement in the maritime sector.
With the goal of
introducing a comprehensive selection of courses aimed at fostering
the professional growth and skill enhancement of maritime
professionals, NMP is determined to develop the following training
programs: Able Seafarer Engine, Management Level Course – Engine,
Medical Care (MECA), and Refresher Fast Rescue Boat.
In an effort to broaden
its reach and enhance visibility, NMP will extend the offering of
its Professional Development Courses (IMO MC 6.09, 3.12 & 6.10)
beyond Manila to various locations. This expansion invites maritime
education and training institutions (METIs) across the country to
collaborate with NMP in the delivery of these courses.
Meanwhile, as aligned with
its mandate, NMP is committed to establish a Resource Center for
Filipino Seafarers. This strategic initiative encompasses the
creation of a database storage for seafarers' information and
related statistics, aiming to facilitate evidence-based
policy-making and program development. Additionally, it will serve
as a valuable resource for seafarers, offering real-time updates on
matters affecting their employment.
Furthermore, NMP will
actively collaborate with the National Economic and Development
Authority (NEDA) Region VIII for the development of the Terms of
Reference (TOR) in line with the formulation of a comprehensive
Master Plan, which includes a Site Development Plan for Tacloban,
Cavite and Davao.
NMP, under the stewardship
of its new Executive Director Victor A. Del Rosario, together with
its stakeholders and partners both in the public and private sector,
looks forward to a year of continued success and innovation,
charting new horizons for the benefit of the Filipino seafarers and
the maritime industry.
Region 8 posts 95.1%
employment rate in 2022
![2022 employment rate in Eastern Visayas by province](ev-employment2022a.gif)
By
PSA-8
December 29, 2023
TACLOBAN CITY – In
2022, Eastern Visayas registered a Labor Force Participation Rate (LFPR)
of 62.7 percent. This was 0.5 percentage point lower than the 63.2
percent LFPR reported in 2021. The 62.7 percent LFPR corresponds to
around 2.04 million total population 15 years old and over who were
either employed or unemployed in 2022.
Of the six (6) provinces in
the region, Northern Samar registered the highest LFPR at 66.3 percent,
corresponding to 290 thousand labor force during the year in review.
This was followed by Samar, Biliran, and Southern Leyte with 65.6
percent, 65.0 percent, and 64.3 percent, respectively. Leyte posted the
lowest LFPR at 60.3 percent. Tacloban City, the lone Highly Urbanized
City (HUC) in the region, had 61.8 percent LFPR in 2022.
There were about 1.94 million
employed persons out of the estimated 2.04 million labor force in 2022.
This placed the region’s employment rate at 95.1 percent, higher by 1.7
percentage points and 3.1 percentage points than the employment rates in
2021 and 2020, respectively. However, this was lower by 0.5 percentage
point compared with the 95.6 percent employment rate in 2019.
Among provinces in the region,
Samar posted the highest employment rate in Eastern Visayas at 97.4
percent. Northern Samar was next with 95.7 percent employment rate,
followed by Eastern Samar at 95.5 percent employment rate. Biliran and
Leyte reported the lowest employment rate, both at 94.0 percent.
Tacloban City recorded 94.4 percent employment rate during the year in
review (Figure 1).
Eastern Visayas posted a 4.9
unemployment rate in 2022. This means that there were around 100
thousand unemployed persons out of the 2.04 million persons in the labor
force in 2022. This showed an improvement from the 6.7 percent
unemployment rate in 2021. This rate, however, was still higher compared
with the 4.4 percent unemployment rate in 2019.
![2022 unemployment rate in Eastern Visayas by province](ev-employment2022b.gif)
Among the provinces in Region
8, both Biliran and Leyte registered the highest unemployment rate at
6.0 percent, followed by Southern Leyte, Eastern Samar and Northern
Samar at 5.5 percent, 4.5 percent and 4.3 percent, respecively. Samar
posted the lowest unemployment rate at 2.6 percent. Meanwhile, Tacloban
City posted 5.6 percent unemployment rate in 2022 (Figure 2).
Underemployed population is
the proportion of employed population who expresses the desire to have
additional hours of work in their present job, or an additional job, or
to have a new job with longer working hours. Eastern Visayas recorded a
16.0 percent underemployment rate in 2022. This translates to about 310
thousand underemployed persons out of the 1.94 million employed persons
in 2022. The region’s underemployment rate has been double-digit in the
past three-year period at 20.3 percent in 2019, 20.1 percent in 2020,
and 20.9 percent in 2021. However, improvement was noted in employment
situation when it dropped to 16.0 percent in 2022, a decrease by 4.9
percentage points.
All provinces in the region
reported double-digit underemployment rates. Biliran registered the
highest underemployment rate at 26.5 percent, followed by Northern Samar
and Southern Leyte, at 24.0 percent and 20.4 percent, respectively.
Tacloban City posted the lowest underemployment rate at 11.4 percent
(Figure 3).
Catchwall and slope
protection built leading to Bangon Falls
![Bangon road catchwall](bangon-catchwall.jpg)
By
GISSELLE G. PARUNGAO
December 21, 2023
CALBAYOG CITY – Another
construction of a component catchwall of the access road from Brgy.
Tinaplacan, Calbayog City, Samar leading to Bangon Falls has been
recently completed, said Samar First DEO.
The catchwall has a length
of 224.8 meters with a height of 4.2 meters as well as a slope
protection that spans 78.90 meters with a height of six (6) meters.
Also, an open canal is incorporated in the works with a length of
162 meters and Reinforced Concrete Pipe Culvert (RCPC) as well as
installed nine (9) solar LED lights along the structure.
This is drawn from the
General Appropriations Act (GAA) for FY 2023 with a contract amount
of P48.94 million.
Bangon Falls is one of the
tourist destinations of Calbayog City, Samar which is coined as the
“City of Waterfalls.” This will spur tourism activities allowing
tourists a safe and seamless travel experience going to the said
falls and will eventually create more business and job opportunities
in the city.
Phase II FMR road of
Brgys. San Jose to Langoyon completed
![Brgy. San Jose to Brgy Langoyon road](sanjose-langoyon-road.jpg)
By
FLORSELISSA A. JUSAYAN
December 18, 2023
CALBAYOG CITY –
Phase II in the concreting of Barangay San Jose to Barangay Langoyon
Farm-to-Market road (FMR), has already been completed according to
the Department of Public Works and Highways Samar First District
Engineering Office.
The project has a total
revised contract amount of P12.91 million funded under the General
Appropriations Act (GAA) for FY 2023 in convergence with the
Department of Agriculture.
The scope of work includes
a 450 meter-long and 5-meter wide of Portland Cement Concrete
Pavement (PCCP). This structure is a continuation of its first phase
that was completed in 2018.
FMRs connect agricultural
areas to marketplaces, making it easier for farmers to transport
their goods to dealers and customers. These roads also help them get
better price and a wider market for their products.
Concreting of road
continues in San Jorge, Samar
![Brgy. Buenavista to Brgy. Bungliw road](sanjorge-road.jpg)
By
GISSELLE G. PARUNGAO
December 18, 2023
CALBAYOG CITY – A
road concreting in Barangay Buenavista has been completed as part of
the construction of road from Brgys. Buenavista to Bungliw through
Janipon in the Municipality of San Jorge, Samar.
Samar First DEO now
constructed a Portland Cement Concrete Pavement (PCCP) which spans a
total of 507 linear meters with a total width of 6.1 meters. This
only covers part of Brgy. Buenavista with a contract amount of P9.82
million under the Basic Infrastructure Program.
It can be recalled that
this area has been opened and a gravel road has been laid down from
Brgy. Buenavista to Janipon in 2018.
Concrete roads will
definitely give a better travel experience and lessen time travel
thereby decreasing travel costs especially for farmers to transport
their harvested root crops, rice and vegetables.
Road construction for
farmers is underway in Tarangnan, Samar
![Tarangnan, Samar FMR](tarangnan-fmr.jpg)
By
GISSELLE G. PARUNGAO
December 18, 2023
CALBAYOG CITY – A
farm-to-market road (FMR) is being constructed from Barangays
Majacob to Sugod in the Municipality of Tarangnan, Samar to address
the problem of farmers in the transportation of goods.
The scope of work will
span 820 meters of Portland Cement Concrete Pavement (PCCP) road
with a width of 6.10 meters. A stone masonry and embankment will
also be incorporated with a length of 752.90 meters.
The project is in
convergence with the Philippine Coconut Authority (PCA) having a
contract amount of P35.47 million.
The said barangays’
products and nearby areas are mostly root crops and copra which is
their main source of income. These FMR projects connect agricultural
areas to markets, allowing producers to transport their goods to
traders and consumers with relative ease. These roads help the
farmers gain better prices and broader reach for their products.
Road connectivity is also increased allowing better and easy access
to the city proper and neighboring towns.
PH top exporters
recognized in the National Export Congress 2023
![National Export Congress 2023](ph-top-exporters.jpg)
By
DTI-Export Marketing Bureau
December 15, 2023
PASAY CITY – The
Department of Trade and Industry (DTI), through the Export Marketing
Bureau (EMB), together with the Export Development Council (EDC) and
Philippine Exporters Confederation, Inc. (PHILEXPORT), recognized
the country’s top exporters highlighting the Philippine’s potential
to be an agile export powerhouse during the National Exporters' Week
on 07 December 2023, at the Sheraton Manila Hotel.
The highlight of the event
was the National Export Congress (NEC), which focuses on the public
and private sectors' shared vision for the Philippines' export
industry. This year's theme, "Agile Philippines: Empowering
Exporters towards Global Excellence," underscores the importance of
developing and capacitating exporters to be dynamic and resilient
exporters capable of achieving worldwide excellence and recognition.
Following the launch of
the Philippine Export Development Plan (PEDP) 2023-2028 this year,
the NEC complements the PEDP's goals of utilizing and expanding the
country's capabilities in capturing opportunities in current and
emerging global trends. Further, the NEC is also aimed at
recognizing and addressing the obstacles that make it more expensive
and difficult for exporters to compete in international markets and
considering the various levels of development and needs of the
export industry, as well as the varying levels of exporter’s
readiness.
DTI Undersecretary
Ceferino S. Rodolfo, who delivered the message on Secretary Fred
Pascual’s behalf, highlighted this overall goal: "We recognize and
acknowledge the relentless efforts of Philippine exporters to
survive and thrive amidst an increasingly challenging business
environment. There is no scarcity of challenges that we need to
address and surmount. But I am confident that with our shared
aspirations, dedication, and a whole-of-nation approach to export
development and promotion, we will achieve the desired outcomes.”
Meanwhile, Sergio R.
Ortiz-Luis Jr., President of the Philippine Exporters Confederation,
Inc. (PHILEXPORT), shared that PHILEXPORT’s work plan includes
advocacies and programs that hope to ease the flow and cost of doing
business in the country.
“This is a big part of our
efforts aimed at opening and expanding more export markets and
contributing to sustainable exports while generating jobs to help
improve the quality of life of our people,” he said.
Exporters, members of the
diplomatic corps, business partners, and various government agencies
attended the said event. Likewise, the businesses were honored for
their contributions to Philippine export development and growth on
the night of the Export Congress event. The awardees were chosen
based on their track record, recent export performance, and
innovation in service delivery, among others. Despite continuous
global challenges, these exporters have maintained competitiveness
and boosted Philippine export revenues. The Top Exporters Award was
created to honor and appreciate exporters' exceptional contributions
to economic development and inspire the exporting community to seek
greater success.
DTI Undersecretary Ana
Carolina P. Sanchez PHILEXPORT President and CEO, Mr. Sergio R.
Ortiz-Luis, Jr., along with PHILEXPORT Chairman Mr. George T.
Barcelon conferred the awards to the 16 top-performing exporters of
the country, this year, they also awarded six (6) product
diversification and new market diversification awards. They also
recognized 55 Trade Regulatory Government Agencies (TRGAs) for their
contribution and continued commitment to address exports-related
initiatives.
Top Sectoral Awardees were
TEXAS INSTRUMENTS PHILIPPINES INC for Electronics; PHILIPPINE
ASSOCIATED SMELTING AND REFINING CORPORATION for Minerals; YAZAKI-TORRES
MANUFACTURING, INC. for Transport; AMERICAN POWER CONVERSION for
Electricals; DOLE PHILIPPINES INC. for Food; PILIPINAS KAO, INC. for
Chemicals; CARGILL OIL MILLS PHILIPPINES, INC. for Oils, Fats &
Waxes; EHS LENS PHILIPPINES, INC. for Fashion Accessories; SANYO
DENKI PHILIPPINES, INC. for Machinery; and L AND T INTERNATIONAL
GROUP PHILIPPINES, INC. for Garments and Textiles.
For the Services Sector,
Awards were given to DIGITEER, INC. for Software Development;
POINTWEST TECHNOLOGIES CORPORATION for Healthcare Information
Management System; THINKBIT SOLUTIONS for Game Development; WIPRO
PHILIPPINES INC. for Knowledge Process Outsourcing; TRANSCOM
WORLDWIDE (PHILIPPINES) INC. for Information Technology-Business
Process Management; TOP DRAW ANIMATION INC. for Animation.
The Product
Diversification Awards were given to PIXCEL TRANSGLOBAL FOODS INC.,
GEM FOODS INTERNATIONAL, INC., UNIVERSAL ROBINA CORPORATION, and
IBIDEN PHILIPPINES INCORPORATED while the New Market Diversification
Awardees were given to DOLE PHILIPPINES INC. and ALRIVER EXPORT
CORPORATION.
In his message, Secretary
Pascual stressed, “The DTI is steadfast to our commitment of
strengthening the country’s export sector by capacitating industries
to be globally competitive ad innovative. Through a strong public
and private partnerships, we are confident that we can make Filipino
products and services known to the world.
The Exporters' Night is
part of a week-long celebration of the 2023 National Exporters'
Week, an annual celebration of the public and private sectors'
shared commitment to continuously develop and promote the
Philippines as a dynamic force in the global export market.
Eastern Visayas
posts
5.1% unemployment rate in July 2023
![Unemployment Rate in July 2023](ev-unemployment-july2023.gif)
By
PSA-8
December 13, 2023
TACLOBAN CITY –
Eastern Visayas registered a Labor Force Participation Rate (LFPR)
of 60.1 percent in July 2023. This placed the region’s labor force
at 1.98 million persons who were either employed or unemployed out
of the estimated 3.30 million population 15 years old and over.
Eastern Visayas’
unemployment rate peaked at 5.1 percent in July 2023, higher by 0.9
percentage point than the 4.2 percent unemployment rate in April
2023. The 5.1 percent unemployment rate was equivalent to around 101
thousand persons in the labor force who were unemployed in July
2023, higher by about 11 thousand unemployed persons compared with
the 90 thousand unemployed persons in April 2023. The 5.1 percent
unemployment rate in July 2023 was also higher compared with the 4.5
percent unemployment rate in July 2022 which was equivalent to 96
thousand unemployed persons. Eastern Visayas ranked fifth among the
regions in the country with high unemployment rate, during the
period in review.
The region’s employment
rate in July 2023 decreased to 94.9 percent, from 95.8 percent in
April 2023. The 94.9 percent employment rate translates to about
1.88 million employed persons out of the 1.98 million persons in the
labor force in July 2023. This number was lower by about 177
thousand employed persons compared with the 2.06 million employed
persons reported in April 2023. Furthermore, the number of employed
persons in July 2023 was lower by around 130 thousand persons than
the estimated 2.01 million employed persons in July 2022. Eastern
Visayas registered the fifth lowest employment rate among the
regions in the country in July 2023.
Underemployed persons are
employed persons who expressed the desire to have additional hours
of work in their present job or to have an additional job, or to
have a new job with longer hours of work. The underemployment rate
in July 2023 was posted at 25.3 percent or about 477 thousand
persons out of around 1.88 million employed persons in July 2023.
The 25.3 percent underemployment rate was 7.4 percentage points
higher than the rate in April 2023 at 18.0 percent. This was also
higher by 9.3 percentage points compared with the 16.0 percent
underemployment rate registered in July 2022. Eastern Visayas
recorded the second highest underemployment rate among the regions
in the country in July 2023, even higher than the 15.9 percent
national estimate.
Schoolchildren in
flooded area receive school supplies from DAR
![DAR school supplies distribution in Lope de Vega](dar-school-supplies2.jpg)
About
135 schoolchildren from Lope de Vega, Northern Samar receive
school supplies from the Department of Agrarian Reform
(DAR). |
By
JOSE ALSMITH L.
SORIA
December 13, 2023
LOPE DE VEGA, Northern
Samar –Though Children’s Month is already over, the Department
of Agrarian Reform (DAR) in Eastern Visayas continues to support
schoolchildren in agrarian reform communities (ARCs), particularly
in disaster-stricken areas.
Last week, 135 pupils at
the Lower Caynaga Elementary School in this town received school
supplies from DAR after Barangay Lower Caynaga and many other areas
in the province were submerged in flood waters due to the heavy
rainfall brought by the low pressure area and shear line.
Municipal Agrarian Reform
Program Officer (MARPO) Loradelle Flores, assisted by the school’s
head teacher, Bella Doinog, led the said distribution.
Aside from the school
supplies, the schoolchildren also received snacks from Flores.
According to Flores,
Barangay Lower Caynaga is among the villages within the Northern
Samar Settlement project, an ARC area.
Grade five pupil, Jellyn
Tonog, expressed gratitude to the DAR for the school items they
received. According to her, some of their notebooks and papers were
damaged by the flood.
Meanwhile, Doinog became
emotional as she reminisced how the water in the river rose at about
four early in the morning of November 20 this year prompting
residents in low-lying areas to evacuate.
She also shared how
grateful they are for the various relief assistance they received
from different sectors but stressed that only DAR provided school
supplies specifically for the schoolchildren.
![Lower Caynaga Elementary School schoolchildren received school supplies from DAR](dar-school-supplies.jpg)
Philippine coconut
exporters secure $10.98 Million in sales at Anuga Trade Fair
![Anuga Trade Fair](anuga-trade-fair.jpg)
By
DTI-Export Marketing Bureau
December 12, 2023
MANILA – 10
Philippine coconut exporters secured approximately US$ 10.78 Million
in potential sales and US$ 200,000 in actual sales, after their
successful participation in the Anuga Trade Fair held in Cologne,
Germany earlier in October.
The Philippine
government's Department of Trade and Industry - Export Marketing
Bureau (DTI-EMB) in collaboration with the International Trade
Center (ITC) supported the companies during the Outbound Business
Matching Mission (OBMM) and Promotion of Philippine Coconut Products
under the EU-funded ARISE Plus Philippines project.
Anuga is the world's
largest and one of the most prestigious food and beverage
exhibitions. This year, Anuga Germany attracted an astounding
140,000 trade visitors from 200 countries and featured 7,900
companies representing 118 countries.
The companies also engaged
in 417 business-to-business (B2B) meetings; 10 market scoping
activities at Anuga Trade Fair and attended four training sessions
organized by the International Trade Centre, namely, ITC Arise+
Project Sales Negotiation Training; How to maximize your virtual and
trade fair participation training; Getting prepared to exhibit at
ANUGA training; and Training on EU agro-food market requirements and
trends, key points to prepare for B2B interactions and good
practices for successfully trade fair participation. Exporters from
the Philippines also learnt about best marketing practices for
coconut products during a market-sensing visit to Edeka Mohr, one of
the largest supermarkets in Cologne.
The Philippine delegation
included AG Pacific Nutriceuticals Corporation, Ahya Coco Organic
Manufacturing Corporation, Amazing Foods Corporation, Cocoplus
Aquarian Development Corporation, Dignity Products and Services,
Inc., Greenlife Coconut Products Philippines Inc., Pasciolco Agri
Ventures, Tongsan Industrial Development Corporation, Tropicana Food
Products Inc., and Wellnesscare International Corporation.
One of the representatives
from the Dignity Products and Services, Inc commented that “This is
our first-time exhibiting products in Europe, and it has been an
enriching experience. We not only learned about the requirements of
European buyers but also got good contacts in Europe. We thank the
organizers for giving us the opportunity to showcase our business
abroad.”
The business matching
mission advanced the Coconut Philippines flagship campaign, a
strategic effort to establish the Philippines as a global leader in
the export of coconut products. This initiative is closely aligned
with the Philippine Export Development Plan 2023-2028 and the DTI's
priority Industry Clusters for 2023-2028, with a specific focus on
bolstering food security and agriculture.
The participation in Anuga
Trade Fair was organized through the ARISE Plus Philippines, a
4-year EU-funded project which aims at strengthening inclusive
economic growth in the Philippines, through improved international
trade performance and competitiveness as well as economic
integration, in partnership with the DTI and other government
agencies, as well as the private sector.
NMP enhanced faculty
competence through comprehensive training facilitation workshop
![NMP faculty training](nmp-faculty-training.jpg)
By
National Maritime Polytechnic
December 11, 2023
TACLOBAN CITY – In
an effort to enhance the capabilities of its faculty, the National
Maritime Polytechnic (NMP) successfully conducted a two-day Training
Facilitation Workshop on 5-6 December 2023, at the NMP Annex
Building in Tacloban City, attended by 14 organic instructors and 9
guest trainers.
Recognizing the important
role of faculty as NMP's significant human resource capital, the
activity aimed to equip participants with essential pedagogical,
communication, and facilitation skills, fostering a transformative
learning environment.
The workshop covered a
comprehensive range of topics, including Foundations of
Facilitation, Designing Engaging Sessions, Managing Group Dynamics,
and Effective Communication Techniques. The interactive sessions and
practical exercises were designed to empower maritime instructors to
create engaging learning experiences, adapt to diverse learning
styles, and employ innovative instructional techniques.
In his opening message,
NMP Executive Director Victor A. Del Rosario emphasized the
importance of continuous learning, citing studies that highlight a
decline in sustained attention and learning retention often
experienced by students after the initial 20 minutes learning
session. Participants were encouraged to adjust and further develop
techniques and methodologies to maximize knowledge transfer from
faculty to trainees.
"With our dedicated
facilitator and their institutional knowledge, we aim to become the
anchor in the country, providing quality training to our seafarers,"
ED Del Rosario expressed. "NMP has a vital role as a stabilizer in
the maritime industry, and our potential lies in empowering trainers
and instructors to be not only competitive but also ethical
mentors."
NMP remains steadfast in
its commitment to providing top-notch training, fostering a
transformative learning environment, and contributing substantively
to the continued growth and stability of the maritime industry.