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Pawid: PNP in EV to continue to serve its people; commit loyalty to Constitution

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LOYALTY. Police Regional Director B/Gen. Reynaldo Pawid said that the police organization in Eastern Visayas continues to strive to serve and defend its people. (PRO-8)

On its 33rd founding anniversary

LOYALTY. Police Regional Director B/Gen. Reynaldo Pawid said that the police organization in Eastern Visayas continues to strive to serve and defend its people. (PRO-8)

CAMP RUPERTO KANGLEON, PALO, Leyte– Police Brigadier General Reynaldo Pawid, regional director of the Philippine National Police (PNP), expressed his pride in their efforts to fulfill the goals of the police organization to elevate it to greater heights, establish it as a symbol of competent and genuine police service, demonstrate unwavering dedication and loyalty to the Constitution, and fostering a deep commitment to duty among its personnel.

“Today marks a significant tribute to the remarkable 33 years since the establishment of the Philippine National Police (PNP) as a force that is both national in scope and civilian in character. Over the years, we have encountered successes and setbacks, experienced highs and lows, celebrated achievements, and faced crises. Yet, through it all, we have remained steadfast in our noble mission,” Pawid remarked during a simple commemorative program of the police organization’s 33rd founding anniversary on Monday(Feb.12) held here graced by Tacloban City Mayor Alfred Romualdez, who chairs the Regional Peace and Order Council.

Pawid emphasized that throughout its history, the PNP has continually strived to better serve the community, particularly in its challenging roles of combating criminality, insurgency, illegal drugs, and now, contributing to the government’s efforts to bring about change and development through initiatives such as the “Bagong Pilipinas” campaign.
He underscored that the anniversary celebration is a reminder of the PNP’s ongoing commitment to excellence, which serves as a source of pride for all personnel, regardless of rank.

Pawid also took the opportunity to honor deserving units and individuals who have excelled in their respective roles, as well as pay tribute to the courageous PRO8 personnel who have made the ultimate sacrifice in the line of duty.

“This celebration is a recognition of their invaluable service to the community, their heroic actions, and their unwavering dedication to serving the organization and the public,” Pawid added.

He also extended appreciation for the dedication and support of stakeholders, acknowledging their role in the continuous evolution, transformation, and improvement of PRO8.

Aligned with the theme “Serbisyong Nagkakaisa at may Malasakit sa Kapwa, Tungo sa Maunlad at Ligtas na Bansa,” Pawid emphasized the importance of community policing as a vital strategy in maintaining peace and promoting progress.

He stressed that community policing should prioritize respect for all citizens, sensitivity to their needs, protection of their human rights, and equitable distribution of police services and resources among communities.
(LIZBETH ANN A.ABELLA)

Tacloban operators back PUV modernization program

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MAJESTIC. The province of Biliran is renowned for its abundance of breathtaking waterfalls, among them the captivating Saob Falls nestled in Cabucgayan town. At Saob Falls, tourists are enchanted by the cascading waters that gracefully descend into a serene pool below. (CRISMAN’S PHOTOGRAPHY)
MAJESTIC. The province of Biliran is renowned for its abundance of breathtaking waterfalls, among them the captivating Saob Falls nestled in Cabucgayan town. At Saob Falls, tourists are enchanted by the cascading waters that gracefully descend into a serene pool below. (CRISMAN’S PHOTOGRAPHY)

Deadline extended to April 30

TACLOBAN CITY– Public utility operators in this city have thrown their support on the public utility vehicle (PUV) modernization program being pushed by the Marcos administration.

The program benefits the commuting public and the drivers themselves, the operators, in a press conference on Wednesday (Feb. 7), said.

Melvin Llego, president of the Central Tacloban Transport Cooperative, said that because of the program, they were able to procure ‘new and modern’ vehicles by securing a loan from the LandBank of the Philippines.

“When we shifted from traditional vehicles to modern vehicles, not only were able to secure a loan from the bank but were given a six-month moratorium payment which helped us save to pay the loan,” he said.

The group was able to secure more than P2 million loan from the government-owned bank and pays a monthly payment of about P558,000 a month for the 18 units they have procured.

He added that more than the equipment like air condition, CCTV, and GPS attached to each of the vehicles, the modern vehicles are also environment-friendly.

“We can now help preserve our environment because of these modern public utility vehicles,” Llego said.

Mery Lu Sanderson, president of the Northern Barangay Transport Cooperative, for her part, said that the drivers can now be assured of monthly take-home compared to the previous situation when they were paid on a ‘boundary basis’.

“Before, their income was not fixed as they could only earn at least P350, just enough to buy rice and other daily necessities, after paying their boundary. But now they are being paid of a P400 daily wage,” she said.

Their drivers also now enjoy social pensions unlike before, she added.

The said cooperative have 72 consolidated vehicles.

Meantime, Gualberto Gualberto, the regional director of the Land Transportation, Franchising, and Regulatory Board (LTFRB), said that he welcomed the move of President Ferdinand Marcos,Jr. to extend the deadline of the consolidation to April 30 of this year from the previous deadline of December 31, 2023.

“This will help our help individual operators to join cooperatives who have signified their interest to join the program. This is a very good development,” he said in the same press conference.

Gualberto reported that next to Region 12, Eastern Visayas or Region 8 has the highest compliance of consolidation rating of more than 90 percent.

It was learned that out of the 3,692 registered public utility vehicles in the region, about 3,480 units, including the more than 700 modern buses and jeepneys, have been consolidated as of last month.

“Our transport operators here in Tacloban City are following the policies and programs of the government(on this modernization program) and our commuters have also expressed their gladness on the program saying it is now convenient and comfortable taking public utility vehicles,” Gualberto said.

JOEY A. GABIETA

DILG announces good harvest of GFH awardees for 2023

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TACLOBAN CITY – The Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) in the region has announced a notable increase in the number of Good Financial Housekeeping (GFH) awardees for 2023, showing a seven percent rise compared to the previous year.
According to the statement released by the DILG-8 Eastern Visayas garnered a total of 119 GFH passers for 2023, as recognized by the Bureau of Local Government Supervision (BLGS).

This accomplishment highlights the commitment of local government units (LGUs) in the region to transparently manage public funds, the DILG said.

The GFH serves as a crucial assessment tool for the DILG to evaluate the performance of LGUs in handling public finances with utmost transparency.

The increase from 111 GFH passers in 2022 to 119 in 2023 underscores the continuous improvement in financial management practices among LGUs in Eastern Visayas, the DILG said.

Among the GFH 2023 passers are six provinces, seven cities, and 106 municipalities that have met the criteria, including possessing an unqualified or qualified COA (Commission on Audit) audit opinion for CY 2021 or 2022 and complying with the Full Disclosure Policy (FDP) requirements by posting financial documents timely and prominently.

The recognized provinces include Samar, Eastern Samar, Northern Samar, Leyte, Southern Leyte, and Biliran, along with the cities of Tacloban, Ormoc, Baybay, Maasin, Catbalogan, Calbayog, and Borongan.

At the municipal level, various towns across the region have also been acknowledged for their exemplary financial management, including Almeria, Cabucgayan, Kawayan, Maripipi, and Naval in Biliran province; Arteche, Balangiga, Can-avid, Dolores, General MacArthur, Giporlos, Guiuan, Jipapad, Lawaan, Llorente, Maslog, Maydolong, Mercedes, Oras, Quinapondan, Salcedo, San Julian, San Policarpo, Sulat, and Taft, all in Eastern Samar.
In Leyte, the passers were Abuyog, Alangalang, Albuera, Barugo, Burauen, Calubian, Carigara, Dulag, Hilongos, Isabel, Javier, Julita, Kananga, La Paz, Leyte, Mayorga, Merida, Palo, Pastrana, Tabontabon, Tanauan, San Miguel, and Villaba.

Meantime, passers from Northern Samar are Allen, Biri, Bobon, Capul, Catarman, Catubig, Gamay, Laoang, Lapinig, Lavezares, Mapanas, Palapag, Pambujan, Rosario, San Antonio, San Isidro, San Roque, San Victoria, and Lope de Vega.

In Samar, the towns of Almagro, Basey, Calbiga, Daram, Gandara, Hinabangan, Jiabong, Marabut, Matuguinao, Motiong, Pinabacdao, Santa Margarita, San Sebastian, Santa Rita, Santo Niño, Tarangnan, Villareal, Paranas, Zumarraga, Tagapul-an, and Pagsanghan.

The towns of Anahawan, Bontoc, Hinunangan, Hinundayan, Libagon, Liloan, Limasawa, Macrohon, Malitbog, Padre Burgos, Pintuyan, Saint Bernard, San Francisco, San Juan, Silago, Sogod, and Tomas Oppus in Southern Leyte received the recognition from the DILG.
Reacting to the recognition, Borongan City Mayor Jose Ivan Dayan Agda expressed his elation, saying it inspires them to uphold high standards of governance and ensure quality service delivery to residents.
(ROEL T. AMAZONA)

Maasin City designs strategies to combat against spread of hogs disease

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As 3 areas in Southern Leyte were hit by ASF

TACLOBAN CITY – The Maasin city government, under the leadership of Mayor Nacional Mercado, is set to implement various measures aimed at preventing the potential spread of African Swine Fever (ASF) within their jurisdiction.

This decision comes following the meeting of the Southern Leyte Provincial African Swine Fever (PASF) Executive Committee on Monday (Feb.5) to assess the current ASF situation in the province.

“To control and contain the possible spread of the virus, we will activate barangay responders, strictly enforce quarantine procedures by establishing checkpoints, and implement temporary movement control measures,” Mayor Mercado said.

Additionally, regular disease and field surveillance, information dissemination, education campaigns, and policy updates related to ASF will be conducted, the city mayor added.
“Rest assured that the city government of Maasin is fully committed to ensuring the health and safety of our community,” Mercado stressed.

According to the latest update from the PASF executive committee, ASF cases have been reported in three towns within the province, namely, Silago, Malitbog, and Bontoc.
In Silago, ASF has affected five villages, displacing 99 farmers and 489 hogs.

Malitbog reported ASF cases in three villages, affecting 48 farmers and 448 hogs, while Bontoc has reported cases in two villages.

The PASF report indicates that a total of P4.28 million is required for indemnification in Silago, and P2.87 million in Malitbog, with no reported amount yet for Bontoc.

Meanwhile, after nearly 40 days since Silago Mayor Lemuel Honor declared a “pork holiday” on December 27th in eight villages, another executive order has been issued lifting the ban, as recommended by the provincial veterinary office.

However, hog slaughtering in these villages will only be allowed with a barangay certificate ensuring the health of the animal, to be slaughtered at the barangay communal slaughter house.

In Bontoc, Mayor Noel Alinsub issued an executive order(EO) enforcing a total ban on hog slaughtering for a period of seven days from February 2nd to 9th.

Additionally, selling pork and pork products is prohibited in the affected barangays for seven days, extendable for another 15 days.

The EO also restricts the entry and exit of live hogs within its effectivity period.
(ROEL T. AMAZONA)

With the deadline reset to April 30, LTFRB-8 chief asks operators of public utility vehicles to consolidate

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TACLOBAN CITY– The Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB) office here in the region is urging operators of public utility vehicles to form cooperatives as it pushes the public utility vehicle modernization program (PUVMP).

The deadline for consolidation was set to April 30 of this year, extending the original deadline of December 31, 2023.

LTFRB Regional Director Gualberto Gualberto said that failure to comply may result in enforcement actions, including halting the operation of these utility vehicles.

Gualberto encourages individual operators to visit the LTFRB office to initiate the inclusion process in the modernization program for transport cooperatives and corporations.
The PUVMP, initiated by the Department of Transportation (DOTr), aims to address transportation issues and future demands in the Philippines.

Department Order No. 2017-011, as issued by DOTr, the program seeks to upgrade public transport to global standards, providing a more dignified and efficient commuting experience while promoting environmental sustainability.

In a press conference held Wednesday (Frb.7), various transport service entities in the region highlighted the program’s benefits for both passengers and drivers.

Mervin Llego of the Central Tacloban Transport Cooperative praised the program’s six-month payment moratorium, which allowed the cooperative to save funds for vehicle maintenance and driver compensation.
(LIZBETH ANN A.ABELLA)

Over 14K E. Visayas fishers to receive P42-M fuel subsidy

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A fisherman carries a tuna catch in Guiuan, Eastern Samar in this Nov. 7, 2023 photo. Amid rising fuel prices, the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR) is eyeing to extend a P42.48 million fuel subsidy to at least 14,162 fishermen in Eastern Visayas this year. (Photo courtesy of BFAR)
A fisherman carries a tuna catch in Guiuan, Eastern Samar in this Nov. 7, 2023 photo. Amid rising fuel prices, the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR) is eyeing to extend a P42.48 million fuel subsidy to at least 14,162 fishermen in Eastern Visayas this year. (Photo courtesy of BFAR)

TACLOBAN CITY – Amid rising fuel prices, the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR) will extend PHP42.48 million fuel subsidy to at least 14,162 fisherfolk in the Eastern Visayas region this year.

Christine Gresola, information officer of the BFAR regional office here, said on Monday the number of recipients under the second tranche of the fuel subsidy program is higher than the 5,729 fishers who received the cash aid last year.

Each beneficiary gets a fuel subsidy card worth P3,000. It is available for use at partner and accredited gasoline stations within the region.

“This is to cushion the impact of the ongoing economic challenge causing continuous spike on fuel price, affecting the fishing routine of our fisherfolk and disturbing the price trend of selected fishery commodities,” Gresola said.

The fisheries bureau urged fishermen who did not receive the subsidy last year to visit their respective municipal agriculture office to check if they are registered with the agency’s boat registry system and the Registry System for the Basic Sectors in Agriculture.

Since last year, BFAR has been handing out cards to prepare for the distribution of the second round of fuel subsidies this year.

The fuel subsidy program in Eastern Visayas seeks to maximize the utilization of agri-fishery machinery and facilities and enhance the resiliency of fisherfolk beneficiaries.
(SARWELL Q. MENIANO/PNA)

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