The 2021 Pilot Community-Based Monitoring System (CBMS) data turnover ceremony marks a significant milestone for the city of Baybay, according to Minerva Eloisa P. Esquivias, Officer-in-Charge Deputy National Statistician.

The ceremony was conducted on 17 April 2023 at the Conference Room, Baybay City Hall.
DNS Esquivias highlighted the fact that government programs and policies are matters that indispensably shape the life, status, and development of the people, making the availability of CBMS data key component towards holistic governance.

PSA Leyte Chief Statistical Specialist Sheryl Ann A.Jamisola presented the 2021 Pilot CBMS Data of Baybay City which included data on peace, food security, health, sanitation, education, and employment. She said that there are still more data that can be generated from the CBMS results.

Baybay City Mayor Jose Carlos L. Cari, in his acceptance message, said that he is a believer of data. He narrated that when he was still a Barangay Chairperson, he already adopted the posting of CBMS Data Board in their barangay.

Now, that CBMS data for Baybay City is in their hands, they will use these as benchmark data from where they can base their development programs that alleviate the lives of Baybayanons.

In behalf of City Administrator, Atty. Florante, Cayunda, Jr., Marissa M. Cano, the city information officer, presented the plans and programs that will utilize CBMS data. She emphasized the relevance of CBMS data in the preparation of various plans being formulated by the city.

Meanwhile, Atty. Eliezer P. Ambatali, Director of the Legal Service of PSA discussed Data Security as provided in the Data Privacy Act of 2012 (RA 10173). He emphasized that with the data in their hands comes the responsibility as vigilant stewards of data.

CBMS is an organized technology-based system of collecting, processing and validating necessary disaggregated data that may be used for local planning, program implementation, and impact monitoring while empowering communities to participate the process. It involves the generation of data at the local level which serves as basis in targeting households for government programs geared towards poverty alleviation and economic development.

PSA Regional Statistical Services Office VIII (RSSO8) Regional Director Wilma A. Perante officially closed the ceremony with much gratitude to the City of Baybay for its full support, dedication and hard work. She also expressed her hope that the CBMS results be cascaded to the barangay local government units (BLGUs), the foreground implementers of government programs and projects of the city. (PR)

TACLOBAN CITY-The Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) Leyte Second District Engineering Office (L2DEO) is now working on the replacement of damaged concrete pavement and the application of an asphalt overlay project at the Bagahupi-Babatngon-Sta. Cruz- Barugo-Carigara Road.

The department, using its asset preservation program for preventive maintenance, has earmarked P17.51 million for this purpose which involved in the replacement of 1,632 lane kilometers of damaged pavements and the application of 7,092.97 square meters of asphalt overly with reflectorized thermoplastic markings.

District Engineer Leo Edward Oppura said that the preventive maintenance projects of the department aim to strengthen the existing pavement structure and improve pavement serviceability.

Roads are susceptible to damage when exposed to heavy loads, and the combined impacts of traffic loading and the environment will cause damage to the infrastructure, regardless of how well-designed and constructed it is. As a result, road maintenance is required to improve the road’s surface capability.

The Bagahupi-Babatngon-Sta.Cruz-Barugo-Carigara Road section is classified as a tertiary road, measuring 4.608 kilometers and sharing boundaries with Leyte First DEO.
(LIZBETH ANN A. ABELLA)

Calbayog City fire incident

TACLOBAN CITY – Fire victims in Calbayog City received financial assistance from the provincial government and Rep. Stephen James Tan.

The fire victims lost their houses when a fierce fire hit the village of Carmen and part of Obrero on Tuesday early morning.

The fire office in the city, as of press time, has yet to determine the cause of the fire.
The fire victims received P20,000 on April 18 attended by Rep. Tan, City Mayor Raymund Uy, and a representative of Governor Sharee Ann Tan.

At least 215 families were left homeless during the fire that razed the villages of Carmen and Obrero.

“We always need to look at the brighter side, at least no one died during the fire. We always need to look forward. I hope that you will use this cash assistance for rebuilding your homes,” Rep. Tan said during the distribution.

The solon provided P10,000 cash assistance while the remaining amount of the P20,000 was provided by the provincial government.

In his message, Mayor Raymund Uy was thankful to all those who immediately provided assistance to the city government and to the fire victims themselves.

“We are thankful for all this help, and we hope this will give strength to our fire victims to recover fast and continue to go on with their life and live normally,” the city mayor said.
Mayor Uy also expressed his optimism that the cash assistance from the provincial government and Rep. Tan will help the victims a lot to start rebuilding their homes.
All fire victims are temporarily staying at the city’s sports convention center.

Mayor Uy disclosed Sen. Bato de la Rosa and the city government of Maasin also pledged to provide assistance to the fire victims.

He added that the city government is also planning to provide permanent houses to them.
“We wanted that if we relocate you, the lot where you will be staying will already be in your name, that you own it. A property that no one may use during election to threaten you. A property that you will pay for a certain amount and you can give as an inheritance to you children,” Mayor Uy added.
(ROEL T. AMAZONA)