Mini-Agraryo Trade Fair registers P241K in total sales

By JOSE ALSMITH L. SORIA
August 16, 2024

TACLOBAN CITY – In four days, the mini-agraryo trade fair, held last week at the regional office of the Department of Agrarian Reform (DAR) in this city, registered P241,110.00 in total sales.

On Tuesday, August 6 this year, Atty. Robert Anthony Yu, DAR Eastern Visayas Regional Director, formally opened the said mini-trade fair showcasing products of agrarian reform beneficiaries organizations (ARBOs) from all over the region, which ran until August 9.

Various products ranging from fresh fruits, vegetables, and eggs, to processed foods and handicrafts were available during the entire duration.

The booth of the Province of Leyte registered with the highest sales at P73,648.00, followed by the booth of the Province of Western Samar with total sales of P43,322.00.

Northern Samar, Eastern Samar, Southern Leyte and Biliran registered total sales of P36,210.00, P33,075.00, P30,970.00 and P23,885.00, respectively.

According to Ronelo Jose Zamora, chief of the Program Beneficiaries Development Division, among the salable products during the said trade fair include fruits and vegetables, root crops, eggs, banana and camote chips, bokarilyo, igot wine, chicharukog, coffee and chocolate, pili products, labtingaw, suman taro chips and calamansi juice.

The mini-agraryo trade fair was among the main activities of the 36th anniversary celebration of the Comprehensive Agrarian Reform Program (CARP) in the region to help ARBOs and agrarian reform beneficiaries (ARBs) promote their products.

Aside from farming, DAR officials encourage ARBs and ARBOs to engage in livelihood activities and become entrepreneurs to have additional source of income.

At the moment, 361 ARBOs out of the 757 DAR-assisted ARBOs regionwide are already managing profitable enterprises.

Nine ARBOs were issued with a License to Operate (LTO), while four ARBO products were issued with Certificate of Product Registration (CPR), both from the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), giving them opportunity to penetrate a wider market.

CARD, Inc. and ASKI Skills and Knowledge Institute, Inc. forge new scholarship partnership

By MARY ROSE JAVIER
August 16, 2024

SAN PABLO CITY – Marking a significant step towards providing further educational support for young students of local communities, CARD, Inc. (A Microfinance NGO) and ALALAY SA KAUNLARAN Inc. Skills and Knowledge Institute, Inc. (ASKI-SKI) signed a Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) for a new scholarship partnership on August 2, 2024, held at CMDI Bay in Laguna.

CARD, Inc. Executive Director Vicente P. Briones Jr. said, “Such scholarship is significant for our young students because it is a step to reaching their dreams. We continue to see that education is the key to combat poverty, so we give our youth the opportunity for quality education, change their lives, and rise above poverty.”

Briones also emphasized that the institution continues to develop partnerships with other organizations such as ASKI as part of our continued advocacy to eradicate poverty.

The collaboration aims to provide quality education and scholarships to 50 selected senior high school students from Talavera and nearby towns in Nueva Ecija.

The MOA commits to fund P1 million, translating to P20,000 per student for over two years. This initiative will benefit children of clients from CARD, Inc., and ASKI, as well as members of CARD Mutually Reinforcing Institutions (CARD MRI).

Moreover, CARD, Inc. will send these selected students to the CARD-MRI Development Institute, Inc. (CMDI) campuses in Bay, Laguna, Tagum City, Davao del Norte, and Buenavista, Agusan del Norte to offer scholarship and educational opportunities.

CARD, Inc. and ASKI Skills and Knowledge Institute’s partnership underscores both organizations' dedication to promoting educational advancement in local communities and supporting the country’s next generation of leaders.

Army puts premium on International Humanitarian Law

By OACPA
August 13, 2024

FORT BONIFACIO, Taguig City – The Philippine Army has reassured its commitment and support to the International Humanitarian Law (IHL) Day and the 75th Anniversary of the Geneva Convention of 1949 at the AFP Commissioned Officers Club, Camp General Emilio Aguinaldo, Quezon City.

With the theme, "75 Taong Paninindigan sa IHL: Kamalayan, Kalinga, Kapayapaan, Kaunlaran – Kalakasan ng IHL sa Bagong Pilipinas," the Department of National Defense (DND) and Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) spearheaded the commemoration while highlighting the importance of balancing the country’s territorial integrity and minimizing harm to human lives, both during and after conflicts.

Army Commanding General Lt. Gen. Roy M. Galido emphasized that the 2024 IHL Day becomes more significant as the Philippine Army focuses on shifting to territorial defense. Soldiers are expected to uphold human rights with high standards of excellence and discipline.

IWPG unveils 3rd Peace Monument in the Philippines

Press Release
August 9, 2024

MANILA – The 3rd Peace Monument of International Women’s Peace Group (IWPG) was unveiled on August 1, 2024 during the 76th Araw ng Kapalong at the Green Paradise Park in Kapalong, Davao del Norte, Philippines. In attendance were 250 peace and women advocates including the Municipal Mayor of Kapalong, Maria Theresa Timbol, and IWPG Secretary General, Na Hyeong Jeon.

The peace monument was established to commemorate the Mindanao Peace Agreement mediated on January 24, 2014 by international peace organization Heavenly Culture, World Peace, Restoration of Light (HWPL). The first IWPG Peace Monument was established in Davao de Oro, and the second in Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia.

Mayor Timbol expressed her full support and commitment to establish the monument in their municipality, upon meeting IWPG Chairwoman Hyun Sook Yoon at the 2023 International Women’s Peace Conference in South Korea.

Mayor Timbol said, “The IWPG Peace Monument is a reminder to all people, especially women around Kapalong, that peace can be achieved. Just start peace within yourselves, then you can spread it inside your family, and eventually it will spread all over the community. Work as one with peace.”

Green Paradise in Kapalong was once a symbol of crime, violence, and conflict. IWPG’s 3rd Peace Monument established in this location is anticipated to create a wind of peace that will spread a culture of peace all around the world.

Ms. Jeon said, “I hope this monument becomes the landmark of Kapalong, so that all the visitors can overcome their own disputes and realize the value of peace. I hope all Filipino women understand their value and practice peace, so that the Declaration of Peace and Cessation of War (DPCW) is established as an international law.”

The DPCW is a document with 10 articles and 38 clauses that outlines the principles and tools necessary to prevent and resolve conflicts, and cultivate a peaceful global society. It was drafted by international legal specialists from 15 countries, to be endorsed to the United Nations. The Municipality of Kapalong joined the DPCW Signature Campaign and gathered thousands of signatures from their constituents and from nearby municipalities before the pandemic, according to Mayor Timbol.

After the unveiling ceremony, the IWPG delegation conducted various other peace activities, including hosting Peace Lecturer Training Education (PLTE) orientation sessions in Davao and Cavite, an art competition and donation drive for children and mothers in Silang, Cavite on August 3.

IP groups celebrate IP Day through protest caravan

By KATRIBU
August 9, 2024

QUEZON CITY – Katribu Kalipunan ng Katutubong Mamamayan ng Pilipinas joined Indigenous Communities worldwide in celebrating the International Day of the World’s Indigenous Peoples (IDWIP) this August 9th, through a series of protests across different government institutions under Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. administration.

Katribu, along with various IP rights groups and defenders, first trooped to the Department of National Defense at Camp Aguinaldo to condemn the intensified attacks by the state, including militarization and rampant aerial bombings in IP lands and territories. Speakers shed light on the effects of military presence and bombings in IP communities, such as surveillance, harassment, and ultimately, death. The most recent bombing happened in Balbalan, Kalinga on June 7 where the destructive Saltan dams are proposed to be built, which would displace and submerge six Indigenous Peoples communities. “These military operations, aside from its counterinsurgency efforts, are in fact also designed to clear the way for destructive projects that devastate our communities and environments,” said Beverly Longid, National Convener of Katribu.

The groups then protested at the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) to denounce the ongoing plunder of ancestral lands and territories that the department allows, initiates, and is complicit in. Advocates joined them in revealing the situation on the ground. Extractive projects such as large-scale mines and dam projects destroy the environment and displace the people.

Presently, Katribu have documented 14 foreign-owned and -funded companies that encroach on ancestral lands. These include extractives such as the Didipio Gold and Copper Mine in Nueva Vizcaya, the Ipilan Nickel Corporation in Palawan, and Tampakan Mining in South Cotabato. While energy projects include the Solar UV Farm in Ilocos Norte, Gened and Saltan Dams in the Cordillera, Kaliwa Dam in Rizal and Quezon Provinces, Jalaur Dam in Iloilo, and the South Pulangi Hydroelectric Power Plant in Bukidnon. In his recently-concluded State of the Nation Address, Bongbong Marcos welcomed these developments for climate mitigation, however it only exacerbates environmental degradation leading to disasters.

The IP groups lastly headed to the National Commission on Indigenous Peoples (NCIP) to demand accountability for its consistent neglect of Indigenous communities. Speakers condemned the NCIP for its failure to aid in human rights violations against IP rights defenders, such as the enforced disappearances of Dexter Capuyan and Bazoo de Jesus and the unjust conviction of the Talaingod 13. “The NCIP, far from protecting IP rights, is a tool of state oppression in violating Indigenous rights,” said Longid. “Such as in the case of proposing FPIC revisions without consulting their constituents, the NCIP only aids corporate plunder.”

The NCIP recently proposed revisions for the FPIC processes, which include the exacerbation of civil and political rights abuses through the exclusion of military activities from the FPIC process, giving a time limit for the communities to give their consent, and restricting access to relevant environmental information. In the recently-concluded academic forum with the UN Special Rapporteur on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples Francisco Cali Tzay last July 24 to 25, IP groups in the Philippines shared their grievances regarding the government's neglect and attacks on them and their communities.

The groups also condemned the NCIP’s connection with the NTF-ELCAC, as seen of their former figureheads Allen Capuyan and Marlon Bosantog who notoriously vilified their constituents. They called for the abolition of both the commission and the task force, and called on the new NCIP chair Jennifer Sibug-Las to not be another Capuyan.

On IDWIP, Katribu along with other IP rights organizations, called to stop the attacks on Indigenous Peoples, their communities, and their defenders. They called for the immediate repeal of the Anti-Terrorism Law (ATL) and the release of all political prisoners. “The celebration of IDWIP must always revolve around the defense of our ancestral lands and the assertion of our right to self-determination,” concluded Longid.

DAR-funded irrigation project in Lawaan completed

By JOSE ALSMITH L. SORIA
August 8, 2024

LAWAAN, Eastern Samar – Rice farmers here may not be able to determine yet whether their harvest will increase now that the rehabilitation of the communal irrigation system in Barangay Taguite is completed, but one thing is certain, they can now plant rice twice a year.

Edgardo Gabornes, president of the Taguite Irrigators Association, Inc., shared that they used to plant rice once a year only for they are just dependent on rain alone. But with the completion of the irrigation project, Gabornes added, water will now continuously flow into their rice fields all year round giving them opportunity to plant rice even on dry season.

On Friday, July 26 this year, Engr. Rizalina Gallarde, Acting-Irrigation Management Office Manager for Eastern-Western Samar Irrigation Management Office, turned over the completed project to the Taguite Irrigators Association, Inc. for the latter’s maintenance.

Gallarde disclosed that the said project, implemented by her office in two phases with a total project cost of P6-million, was funded under the Agrarian Reform Fund (ARF) provided by the Department of Agrarian Reform (DAR).

Celso Cidro, chief of the Program Beneficiaries Development Division (PBDD) of DAR Eastern Samar Provincial Office, said that intervention for irrigation is among the priority agenda of Agrarian Reform Secretary Conrado Estrella III, which explains why this project was realized. Cidro represented Atty. Robert Anthony Yu, DAR Eastern Visayas Regional Director, during the said occasion.

Meanwhile, Engr. Benjie Guarino shared that the project included the construction of more than 200 meters of concrete main canal, 30 meters of flume, carabao crossing and turnout during the first phase, while construction of additional 228 meters of concrete main canal, 204 meters of lateral canal, turnout, head gate and carabao crossing during the second phase, which can now supply water, sourced out from the Taguite River, to approximately 30 hectares of rice fields.

In his acceptance message, Gabornes also expressed his gratitude to President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. and Estrella for the realization of this project, which will be benefited by the 50 members of the Taguite Irrigators Association, Inc. where 38 of them are agrarian reform beneficiaries (ARBs).

Aside from the continuous water supply, the said project will likewise serve as flood control during heavy rains, Gabornes emphasized.

DPWH-Samar I finishes widening of Sinidman Bridge

By GISSELLE G. PARUNGAO
August 6, 2024

CALBAYOG CITY – DPWH-Samar First District Engineering Office recently completes the widening of Sinidman Bridge in Brgy. Sinidman Occidental, Calbayog City funded under the General Appropriations Act (GAA) FY 2023 with a total revised contract amount of P21.56 million.

The said bridge along Calbayog-Catarman road is widened with two (2) additional lanes (left and right) that spans 28.3 meters and width of 3.35 meters each lane.

The continuous widening of bridges complements the widening of roads especially along the national highway. This is to accommodate more vehicles and an easy and smooth travel experience of motorists.

The World’s First International Drone Competition: Khanh Hoa province set historic Guinness records, UAE emerged victorious

Via GLOBE NEWSWIRE
August 5,2024

NHA TRANG, Vietnam – The Ever Glamour Nha Trang (EGN) 2024 festival concluded on August 3 with a dazzling display of drone light performances. After two nights of competition, the UAE team was announced as the champion, while the Korean, French, and Chinese teams won the awards for Best Technical Performance, Best Image, and Best Story, respectively.

The UAE team, nicknamed “Light Wizards,” combined the ultra-lightweight and superlight drones with pyrotechnics and in-depth local cultural understanding to highlight Vietnamese rich history and culture, from the Dong Son bronze drum to the symbolic Lac Bird, lotus flower, as well as the vibrancy of Nha Trang.

Meanwhile, the French team, nicknamed the “Sky Artists,” used 1,000 drones combined with fire magic performances. Audiences were taken on a journey back to the past, from the wonders of ancient civilizations such as the Hanging Gardens of Babylon, the Great Pyramid of Giza, the Acropolis of Athens… and the world-famous Ha Long Bay of Vietnam.

Previously, on the opening night (July 13), the Korean and Chinese teams ignited the stage with their groundbreaking performances. Dubbed the “King of Pyrodrone,” the Korean team brought the first-ever drone performance with silent fireworks in Southeast Asia. Continuous image transitions and traditional music made it a cinematic viewing experience for the audience. Meanwhile, the Chinese team brought stunning visuals and popular Vietnamese songs to illustrate Nha Trang - Khanh Hoa as a harmonious blend of heritage, modernity, and the aspiration for growth.

The closing event welcomed nationally well-loved artists such as Duc Phuc, SOOBIN, Van Mai Huong, Hien VK, and Dung Azu. That same evening, Khanh Hoa made history as the first locality in the country to receive two prestigious Guinness World Records: “The World's Biggest Light Show of Wonders” and “The World's Biggest Light Show of Vietnamese Cultural Symbols - Lac Bird.” Besides contributing to increasing the number of Guinness records in Vietnam, Khanh Hoa also proved its name as one of the most beautiful bays in the world and the premier destination for light shows using unmanned aerial devices.

EGN 2024 attracted more than 50 million live views on media channels and more than 5 million interactions on social media, spreading the Khanh Hoa image to domestic and international tourists.

The event is directed by the Khanh Hoa Provincial People’s Committee, organized by the Khanh Hoa Department of Tourism and Corex Business Solutions, and endorsed by renowned global and domestic brands such as Vinpearl, VinWonders, Heineken, Agribank, VCN, Chicilon Media, and Shojiki.

According to the local Department of Tourism's estimate, in July 2024, Khanh Hoa welcomed 1,550,000 overnight guests, an increase of 24% over the same period in 2023. This year, it set the goal of 9 million overnight guests, including 3 million international visitors, and about 40,000 billion VND in tourism revenue. Large-scale events will be organized to promote tourism growth, enhance the province’s brand image, and attract investment.

8ID celebrates 36th Anniversary, honors heroes and gallant soldiers

By DPAO, 8ID PA
August 2, 2024

CAMP LUKBAN, Catbalogan City – The 8th Infantry “Stormtroopers” Division, Philippine Army, celebrated its 36th Founding Anniversary on August 1, 2024, with the theme “8ID@36: Matatag na Stormtroopers para sa Bagong Pilipinas,” highlighting the division's heroic efforts in combating insurgency.

Major General Camilo Z. Ligayo, Commander of the 8ID, alongside House Minority Leader and 4PS Partylist Representative Marcelino Libanan, led the anniversary celebration. They honored the men and women of 8ID for their significant contributions to achieving the division's goals and fostering regional development.

As part of the celebration, the 8ID conferred awards the three former Commanding Officers for their exceptional service and leadership. The Distinguished Service Star was awarded to Lieutenant Colonel Luzelito Betinol of the 87th Infantry Battalion, Lieutenant Colonel Arnold Lozada of the 93rd Infantry Battalion, and Lieutenant Colonel Joemar Buban of the 20th Infantry Battalion.

Likewise, a Gold Cross Medal was awarded to 2Lt. Guiller Sabido, Cpl. Manuel Cornelio, Cpl. Marlon Bacnotan, Sgt. Esperidion Java Jr., Sgt. Alfredo Datuin Jr., and Cpl Rex Lacambra. These soldiers were recognized for their roles as platoon leader, platoon sergeant, squad leader, and team leader during a successful military operation in Sitio Bagti, Brgy. Mabini, Basey Samar, and Brgy. Osmeña, Las Navas, Northern Samar.

In his address, Maj. Gen. Ligayo expressed his profound gratitude to the Stormtroopers for their unwavering commitment and exceptional service.

“Bilang tagapagtaguyod ng Kapayapaan, nangibabaw sa inyo ang tapang at pagmamahal sa sinumpaang tungkulin. Sa kabila ng mga pagsubok, ipinakita ninyo ang isang matatag na Stormtroopers para sa Bagong Pilipinas na siyang nagbibigay kulay sa ating pagdiriwang,” Maj. Gen. Ligayo emphasized.

Congressman Marcelino Libanan also lauded the Stormtroopers for their enduring spirit to withstand challenges in pursuit of peace.

“Almost four decades have passed since the birth of the 8th Infantry Division, and our approaches to the internal strife in our country have evolved. We have realized that fighting force with force will only result in the vicious cycle of violence instead we have tried and successfully showed a whole of government approach that addresses the root causes of insurgency and as poverty and economic backwardness,” Cong. Libanan said.

The anniversary also included a wreath-laying ceremony to honor the fallen heroes of the 8ID namely Sgt. Leo Jabiñar, Sgt. Marvin Calvintos, Cpl. Isagani Balmes, PFC Reycon Remedio, and PFC Arvien Pajanustan who made the ultimate sacrifice for peace and development in Eastern Visayas.

CARD SME Bank marks its 13 years of empowering entrepreneurs

By EDRIAN B. BANANIA
July 31, 2024

SAN PABLO CITY – CARD SME Bank, Inc., a thrift bank and member of CARD Mutually Reinforcing Institutions (CARD MRI), celebrated its 13th anniversary at Maharlika Square, San Pablo City on July 25, 2024.

The event with the theme “Empowering Entrepreneurs,” marked the bank’s dedication to supporting micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs).

Ms. Cynthia Baldeo, CARD SME Bank President and CEO reflected on the bank's journey, highlighting their commitment to empowering MSMEs despite numerous challenges. “We have come a long way, continually recognizing the needs of MSMEs to aid their business growth,” she said.

Throughout the years, the bank has consistently offered valuable banking products and services to both clients and non-clients. These range from basic savings accounts and time deposits to comprehensive loan products, including microfinance loans for underprivileged individuals, and community development programs.

CARD SME Bank Vice President Mr. Julius Adrian B. Alip expressed pride in the bank's accomplishments. “This 13th anniversary celebrates the institution’s dedication to empowering entrepreneurs and driving business growth. In our more years of service, we will remain committed to uplifting MSMEs and contributing to a brighter future for all,” he stated.

Meanwhile, CARD MRI Managing Director Mr. Aristeo A. Dequito extended gratitude to partners and clients for their trust, emphasizing that the anniversary marks significant progress and reaffirms the institution’s dedication to supporting MSMEs and driving economic development.

The celebration featured an awards night honoring outstanding clients. The recipients included: Ms. Ria Lynn Mejilla from CARD SME Bank GMA branch hailed as the Entrepreneur of the Year for the SME Category; Ms. Rosanna Sinapilo from CARD SME Bank San Pablo as the Entrepreneur of the Year for QSL Category; Ms. Sharon May Sustiguer from CARD SME Bank General Santos City as the Most Promising SME of the Year; and Mr. Marvin Canta from CARD SME Bank Balanga bagged the Argi-Entrepreneur of the Year for QSL category. All winners have received a cash prize, plaque, and tokens.

The event also highlighted the success stories of previous CARD MRI Gawad Maunlad Institutional Winners of the 2023 Pagkilala sa Mga Likha ni Inay, Ms. Yollie M. Perez and Mr. Jhopet O. Fines, who shared their inspirational journeys as CARD clients and entrepreneurs.

“As we continue another year of service in line with CARD MRI’s mission to eradicate poverty, we pledge to continue supporting MSMEs and generating employment in the country,” Baldeo concluded.

The event was attended by CARD MRI Managing Director Mr. Aristeo A. Dequito, CARD SME Bank President and CEO Ms. Cynthia Baldeo, and CARD SME Bank Vice President Mr. Julius Adrian B. Alip alongside CARD SME Bank Senior Adviser Ms. Mary Jane Perreras and other CARD MRI heads, staff, and clients.

CARD SME Bank provides essential banking services to MSMEs and educates its clients on financial management, helping them achieve financial freedom.

As of June 2024, the bank has 323 offices serving more than 1.3 million clients nationwide, with over 8.5 billion outstanding loans.

Brgy. Buenavista, San Jorge gets concreted road

By GISSELLE G. PARUNGAO
July 30, 2024

CALBAYOG CITY – The Department of Public Works and Highways-Samar First District Engineering Office recently constructed a road in Brgy. Buenavista in the Municipality of San Jorge, Samar.

This P4.92 million road is funded under the General Appropriations Act (GAA) FY 2024.

The scope of the project is a 216-meter length of Portland Cement Concrete Pavement (PCCP) with a total width of 6.10 meters (two lanes). Included in the works is the shouldering with the same length as the PCCP.