In Samar

TACLOBAN CITY – At least 30 former New People’s Army (NPA) members from Matuguinao, Samar will soon own a housing unit through the “Saad nga Balay” program.

Mayor Aran Boller said that a groundbreaking ceremony was held on June 19, coinciding with the celebration of the 59th founding anniversary of the town.

The housing project, located within the town proper, is funded by the provincial government of Samar. Each housing unit costs P250,000, has a land area of 7 x 7 meters, and features a semi-concrete design.

Mayor Boller mentioned that land preparation is currently ongoing to ensure the area is not prone to flooding, considering its low-lying location.

The municipality has about 50 former rebel surrenderees who are qualified for the housing project, but currently, funding is available for only 30 units. “The priority to receive these houses are former combatant rebels,” Mayor Boller said.

He added that providing decent houses symbolizes the commitment to inclusive growth and reconciliation. It also aims to help former rebels build a better future, fostering hope and stability as they reintegrate into a normal community.

The Saad nga Balay housing project was conceptualized by 801st Brigade Commander BGen Lenart Lelina and first implemented in San Jose de Buan, also in Samar.

This project is a collaboration between the local government and national agencies, aiming to provide affordable housing and support for former rebels in their reintegration into society.

The construction of the housing units is led by the military and assisted by partners from various national government agencies, including former rebels.

Aside from housing assistance, former rebels undergo skills training, education, and community development programs while waiting for the completion and turnover of their homes.

As of now, the housing project, implemented through a “bayanihan” concept, has three project sites in Samar province and two in Eastern Samar. These are in the towns of San Jose de Buan, Calbiga, and Matuguinao in Samar, and the municipalities of Dolores and Can-avid in Eastern Samar.

The Matuguinao Saad nga Balay project is targeted for completion by next year.
(ROEL T. AMAZONA)

ORMOC CITY-Three persons were arrested by local police for illegal logging at around 1:52 pm on July 13, in the mountainous area of Barangay Santol, San Miguel, Leyte.

The suspects were identified as alias “Samuel”, 46, with a live-in partner, a laborer, and a resident of Brgy. Libtong; alias “Chris”, 33, married, a laborer, and a resident of Sitio Pikasa Brgy. Libtong; and alias “Josh”, 22, single, a laborer, and a resident of Brgy. Bahay.

According to police, they received a tip from a concerned citizen about illegal tree cutting in Brgy. Santol at approximately 12:15 pm on July 13.

Following the tip, personnel led by Police Major Ronald Espina proceeded to the reported location to investigate. Upon arrival at around 1:52 pm, the team caught the suspects in the act of cutting Kili-Kili lumber.

The suspects presented a certification from the Municipal Environment and Natural Resources Office (MENRO) of San Miguel dated June 18, 2024, along with other related documents.

However, upon inspection, it was found that the permits did not match the actual location where the Kili-Kili tree was being cut.

The permit indicated Brgy. Bahay, also in San Miguel and not Brgy. Santol.
The suspects also claimed that their chainsaw had a permit, but it was in the possession of their employer.

Consequently, the police arrested the suspects and were then brought to the San Miguel Municipal Police Station for documentation and proper disposition, along with one Stihl chainsaw for verification.

The five pieces of illegally cut Kili-Kili lumber were left at the site for an ocular inspection and proper scaling by the Community Environment and Natural Resources Office(CENRO- 8) personnel.

While at the police station, a certain alias “Avery”, 47, married, a farmer, and a resident of Brgy. Cayare, San Miguel presented a certificate of chainsaw registration purportedly issued by the Department of Environment and Natural Resources dated February 23, 2022. However, it was discovered that the registration was already expired effective Feb. 23,2024.

The confiscated Stihl chainsaw and the five pieces of illegally cut Kili-Kili lumber were turned over to the CENRO 8 office for proper disposition.
(ROBERT DEJON)

TACLOBAN CITY – Senator Francis Tolentino expects President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. to extensively discuss the country’s economic situation and the West Philippine Sea issue during his third State of the Nation Address (SONA) on July 22 at the Batasan Pambansa.
Tolentino, a political ally of Vice President Sara Duterte, commended the President for his handling of the economy but noted that there is still much to be done in the agriculture sector.

“He will probably address inflation and foreign policy, especially our issues in the West Philippine Sea,” Tolentino said on Thursday, July 18, in a brief interview on the sidelines of the 45th commencement exercises of Eastern Visayas State University in Jaro, Leyte, where he served as commencement speaker.

“The economy is doing well, but agriculture is somewhat lacking, though that’s partly due to El Niño. We can’t control El Niño,” he added.

The country’s agriculture sector has suffered extensively due to the El Niño phenomenon, or dry spell. As of June, the Department of Agriculture reported P9.89 billion in losses in the agriculture sector, affecting 170,469 hectares of farmland.

Meanwhile, Sen. Tolentino praised the Marcos administration for expanding the coverage of the P29 per kilo rice program.

“That’s a good move so that our citizens can afford it,” he said.

The Department of Agriculture earlier reported that the P29 per kilo rice program would expand from the current 13 Kadiwa Centers to 23 Kadiwa Centers beginning August 1. Additionally, the P29 per kilo rice will be available not only in Luzon but also in the provinces of Cebu and Maguindanao.

Sen. Tolentino assured the President that the Senate would continue to be his partner in implementing his programs.

“We in the Senate will expedite what needs to be done,” the senator said.

(JOEY A. GABIETA)