TACLOBAN CITY – The Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR)here in the region has stepped up its monitoring of harvesting and trading of shellfish from bays affected by red tide phenomenon.
The BFAR’s Fisheries Protection Law Enforcement Group confiscated on Thursday (August 31)P900 worth of mussels reportedly gathered from red tide affected Maqueda Bay in Samar province during an inspection at the public market in this city.
“We will be burying the seized mussels at the Coastal Resource Management Center BFAR in Diit village to avoid future harm,” said FPLEG head Reynato Galan.
The team also inspected landing areas and markets in Babatngon, Leyte, and Villarreal, Samar to prevent the selling of shellfish from affected bays. The fisheries bureau had set up FPLEG stations to monitor compliance with shellfish ban.
Identified as red tide positive are Matarinao Bay in Quinapondan, Salcedo, General McArthur, and Hernani, Eastern Samar; Irong-Irong Bay in Catbalogan City and Tarangnan, Samar; Maqueda Bay in Jiabong, Samar; Villareal Bay in Villareal, Samar; Carigara Bay in San Miguel, Barugo, Carigara, Capoocan, and Babatngon in Leyte; and coastal waters of Daram, Samar.
BFAR has tied up with the maritime police, Philippine Ports Authority, police public safety battalion, Philippine Fisheries Development Authority, and local government units to carry out an intensified fisheries checkpoint in the region.
The bureau reiterates its public advisory to refrain from eating, harvesting, marketing, and buying shellfishes and Acetes sp. from affected bays until such time that the shellfish toxicity level has gone down below the regulatory level.
Fish, squid, shrimp, and crab are safe to eat “provided that they are fresh and washed thoroughly and internal organs such as gills and intestines are removed before cooking,” according to BFAR.
Red tide is a term used to describe all phenomena which the water is discolored by high algal biomass or the concentration of algae. The discoloration may not necessarily be red in color, but it may also appear yellow, brown, green, blue or milky, depending on the organisms involved. (SARWELL Q.MENIANO/PNA)

TACLOBAN CITY-Scores of residents from 7 barangays in the city were recipients of the frontline services being offered by the Barangay Outreach Program of the City Government held last Tuesday (August 29).
Starting at 8 am in Brgy. 64 Sagkahan, the Barangayan served residents of Barangays 62, 62-A, 62-B, 63, 64 75 and 76.
According to Dr. Gloria Fabrigas, MASA and special projects for health head, the Barangayan is a regular project of Mayor Cristina G. Romualdez which bring much needed health and frontline services directly to the communities.
Doctors and medical personnel from the City Health Office held medical consultations and likewise administered free tooth extraction and dispensed free medicines during the half-day activity.
Free Optometric services, such as the distribution of reading glasses, were also made available to residents.
Among the other services delivered during the Barangayan were free haircut by staff from the Cristina’s Learn and Earn Program (CLEP) and the free live birth processing of the City Civil Registrar.
Barangay residents also availed of employment services from the Public Employment and Services Office (PESO) and were also assessed for eligibility to services of the City Social Welfare and Development Office like assistance to persons with disabilities and PhilHealth coverage.
The City Veterinary Office also conducted house to house anti-rabies dog vaccinations and deworming.
A feeding program for children also highlighted the activity. (HENRY JAMES G. ROCA/CIO, Photos by Mario Papuran)

BORONGAN CITY- All systems go for the Eastern Samar State University (ESSU), based here, is hosting the 4th International Conference on Integrated Disaster Risk Reduction Management – considered as one of the major events in the field of DRRM – on Sept. 4-6 at the ESSU Multi-purpose Hall.
This year’s theme is “Managing our future by managing disasters” aims to find innovative ideas in dealing with complexities and change associated with man-made and natural disasters that have become the currency of the times.
ESSU is mandated to look for avenues and platforms in a form of scholarly endeavors that will lend an explanation, information or if not a possible solution associated with climatic and environmental forces including acts of terrorism that threaten human existence.
A total of 250 participants coming from various public and private elementary, secondary and tertiary institutions particularly those designated as DRRM officers in each school, provincial/city/municipal DRRM officers, researchers and representatives from INGAs are expected to attend the 3-day event.
One of the highlights of the conference is the paper and poster presentation focusing on two thematic areas, namely: risk assessment, risk reduction and management including conflict management; disaster response and sustainable development that are anchored on the National Climate Change Action Plan.
A parallel session will also be held exclusively for delegates coming from local government units and INGAs with the following subject matter experts: Dante Eleuterio and Xyla Ortinero of Save the Children organization; Mayor Richard Gomez of Ormoc City or his representative; Atty. Bonifacio Uy, NEDA 8 regional director; Engr. Arnaldo Villanon, director, alternative renewable energy center; and Forester Edgar Peque, director, Center for Eco-Governance and Climate Change Adaptation.
The welcome address will be delivered by Edmundo Campoto, president of ESSU.
The keynote speaker is Dr. Mel Capistrano, country manager of the Asian Disaster Preparedness Center (ADPC) with headquarters in Bangkok, Thailand.
Former DENR Secretary Gina Lopez will also give a message concerning her advocacy on environmental protection and management.
Six distinguished plenary speakers will deliver lectures during the first day of the conference which includes, Atty. Antonio La Viña, executive director of Manila Observatory and former dean, School of Governance, Ateneo de Manila University; Dr. Gideon Lasco, a PhD graduate from the University of the Amsterdam and columnist of the Phil. Daily Inquirer; Dr. Fibon Tan, an associate professor of the Mapua Institute of Technology and an awardee during an international congress of scientists in Moscow, Russia held this year; Dr. Melvin Jabar who obtained his PhD in Japan; Dr. Teofredo Esguerra, the unit lead of the energy development corporation; and Dr. Arnolfo Monleon of the Marinduque State College.(PR)