BAYBAY CITY- A top military official cautioned the public not to believe on report of a presence of a liquidation squad purportedly operating in Leyte.
Brigadier General Francisco Mendoza, commander of the 802nd Infantry Brigade, issued this call after he received an information that a businessman from Ormoc City received a phone call telling him that he would be killed.
“These are all scams. I urge those who received this kind of calls to ignore them and if they feel that they are threatened, they must call security agencies like the Philippine National Police and the Philippine Army to report the incident (and) for sure they will be able to help you,” Mendoza said.
Mendoza added that even the members of the New People’s Army in Leyte have “no capability to impose active threat” to businessmen.
“We would like to maintain it that way so that our economy will not suffer,” the Army official stressed.
“With development comes peace and with the project comes peace. We cannot achieve peace and development if there are extortionists bringing disorder to our business community,” Mendoza added.
He also added that the public should also be cautious in spreading text messages or information in social media pertaining to the presence of armed groups if these are not validated by the law enforcement authorities.
Mendoza particularly refers an incident wherein they received information that the people in the third district in Leyte expressed their alarm due to the alleged presence of armed group said to be members of the New People’s Army.
“These are just false information that was created to sow terror or create panic in the minds of the people for reasons that they can only explain,” Mendoza concluded.
(ROEL T. AMAZONA)
Army official urge public not to believe report on presence of a death squad in Leyte
Group launches program to educate people to help save sea water quality in Tacloban City
TACLOBAN CITY-The Junior Chamber International-Candahug Liberation (JCI-Candahug Liberation) together with the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR) launched their life below water program in Barangay 90 Payapay, San Jose of this city.
In an interview with Leyte Samar Daily Express, Prosecutor Lemuel Modesto, JCI-Candahug Liberation president, said the program aims to educate the public on the current condition of our seas in the region.
Modesto lamented that there are individuals who do not know and do not care on the condition of our seas even though it is already in danger of being polluted.
Under this program, which was launched last Monday (August 28), the JCI-Candahug together with BFAR will teach the people about activities which are allowed and not allowed to be conducted in sea including programs or projects which can help protect our sea waters including its resources.
“The public must know about the condition of our sea water because at this point in time it is very alarming,” Modesto said.
“The population and demand on food in our country are increasing but most of the people do not know that the foods we can get from the sea are decreasing,” Modesto added.
Aside from the increasing population and demand for food, Modesto said many fishermen will suffer once the food we get from the sea will continue to deplete.
“Our sea waters in Region eight are included in the top ten sea waters in the country which are in danger already such as the Carigara Bay, Kankabato Bay, Leyte Gulf and some sea waters in Samar,” Modesto added.
Among the human activities mentioned by Modesto which destroys our sea water are the conduct of illegal fishing and throwing of garbage.
“If we have clean sea water, the food that we get in the sea will increase and it will help us to have a sufficient supply of food in the country and a safer water to drink,” Modesto said.
Modesto emphasized that the sea water will be much more in danger if the people will continue to throw their garbage anywhere especially human waste and other chemicals.
“If we have a clean environment, in effect, we have clean food, water and (safe) place to live,” he said.
During the launching of the program, the JCI-Candahug Liberation posted tarpaulins and distributed fliers to remind the public about those activities which are allowed and not allowed to be conducted in seas.
The life below water program was among the 17 United Nation Sustainable Programs which the JCI-Candahug Liberation must achieve.
(RYAN GABRIEL LLOSA ARCENAS)
BFAR steps up watch vs. red tide
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)
Popcom aims for full implementation of RPRH Law
TACLOBAN CITY – The Commission on Population (Popcom) held a regional family planning summit to galvanize actions and commitment into a more innovative implementation of the family planning program in the region.
Different concerned agencies and stakeholders converged last Thursday (August 31) for a collaborative information in accelerating the implementation of the Responsible Parenthood and Reproductive Health Law (RPRH) underlining the political commitment of local government units in the region in ensuring that women and their families can have access to life-saving family planning information, services, and supplies.
RPPH Law explicitly provides for family planning which is central to reducing poverty, gender equality and women empowerment consistent with the national development goals.
Popcom Executive Director Dr. Juan Antonio Perez said that despite having RPRH Law, it has been faced with legal challenges falling short of its envisioned outcomes.
Perez said that family planning is “dependent on supplies” and addressing these needs for supplies can help accelerate the implementation of the RPRH Law. The Supreme Court has issued a temporary restraining order on the certification of certain contraceptives.
While concerned government agencies have pitched its share in terms of administrative issuances and memorandum circular, Perez called on their commitment, particularly the LGU’s in assessing RPRH’s progress, review how family planning can contribute to new and critical global development goals and recommit to enabling every woman to realize her right to choose whether and when to have children.
Popcom maintains that family planning saves lives. It enables couples to choose whether and when to have children. It preserves women’s and girls’ health and empowers them to pursue education and work. It boosts their ability to save, contribute to the economy, and invest in the health and education of their children. In sum, family planning enriches communities and strengthens economies.
Meanwhile, Popcom Regional Director Elnora Pulma called for more access to family planning services for women and men to reduce poverty in the region saying poor families should be given family planning services as couples from the poor tend to have more children because of lack of knowledge on family planning.
In the Philippines, there are currently 101 million Filipinos, 60 percent of whom belong to the poor and middle classes.
With a growth rate of about 1.7 percent a year, the population is expected to reach 104 million by the yearend.
Pulma said poor couples have an average of five children, unlike rich couples who usually only have two. She added this is “alarming” that poor families register more births.
“We should address the needs of poor families,” she added.
The country’s population includes 23 million women of reproductive age, which will grow to 30 million by 2020. Seventy percent of these women need services on reproductive health, family planning and couples need to be made aware of the principles of responsible parenthood. Currently, RH services are reaching 46% of the population. Services need to keep pace with the increasing number of women reaching reproductive capacity every year.
(AHLETTE C. REYES)
‘Barangayan’ serves villages in Sagkahan District
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)
ESSU to host 4th international conference on disaster risk reduction management
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)