October 20, 2014 1

VOL 1 ISSUE 13 Weekly E-Newsletter of Philippine Information Agency - 8 October 20, 2014

INSIDE

His Excellency President Benigno S. Aquino III paid tribute to our

forefathers who fought and gave their lives at Red Beach, Palo Leyte 70 years ago. This was emphasized by the President during his speech at the commemoration of the 70th Leyte Gulf Landings anniversary at MacArthur Landing Memorial National Park, Brgy. Candahug Palo, Leyte, Ocrober 20 as he recognizes the courageous leadership of General Douglas MacArthur who reminded the world of the need to reclaim the freedom of the Philippines. He also encouraged the people to have some kind of reflection of the

good things extended not only by our allied countries during the World War II but also to those who were once our enemies. “Today’s ceremony, I believe, gives us an opportunity to engage in this kind of reflection to pay tribute to our forefathers who fought and died here, and to recognize the good will we now extend to those who were once our enemies. Beyond cataloguing the horrors of war, let us honor the peace that has reigned among our nations for close to 70 years. Let us renew our commitment to the strong and enduring friendships between the Philippines and its wartime allies, and perhaps most meaningfully,

“in pursuit of PIA’s commitment to provide a national mechanism for the free flow of timely, accurate and relevant information… “

President Aquino pays tribute to WWII veterans

the countries that were once its foes,” the President said. He also acknowledged the assistance extended by our allied countries who demonstrated unity and friendship in their desire to help the Filipino people affected by typhoon Yolanda in November last year. President Aquino led the commemoration of the 70th Leyte Gulf Landings Anniversary at MacArthur Landing Memorial National Park, Brgy. Candahug, Palo Leyte with the theme “LEYTE 1944, LEYTE 2014: Yesterday’s Heroes, Today’s inspiration on the Road to Recovery”. (jrc/fej/cba/PIA-8)

President Benigno S. Aquino III delivers his commemorative message during the 70th Leyte Gulf Landing anniversary at MacArthur Landing Memorial National Park in Palo, Leyte, October 20. (Vino R. Cuayzon)

BY: CONSUELO B. ALARCON

IOM embraces counter-trafficking initiatives

DOLE releases P6-M for livelihood programs to Cabucgayan town

P176-M credit facility available to micro enterprises in typhoon hit areas, says US Ambassador

2 4 8

October 20, 20142

T he I nternat ional Organizat ion for M igrat ion ( IOM) has taken

another mi lestone as i t cont inues to ex tend i ts helping arms to “ Yolanda” af fec ted areas in Region 8 . On Monday, at the Pat io Vic tor ia in Tacloban, a Press Launch was tendered, a imed at increas ing the awareness level of the t yphoon sur vivors on the counter-traf f ick ing ef for ts of IOM through media . I n h is message, IOM Chief of M iss ion, M r. Marco Boassosaid that counter-traf f ick ing and protec t ion is a key sec tor for IOM migrat ion cr is is operat ional f ramework(MCOF) adding that they provide protec t ion and ass istance to vulnerable migrants, inc luding v ic t ims of t raf f ick ing, exploitat ion or abuse and unaccompanied migrant chi ldren, dur ing a cr is is s i tuat ion. With the Depar tment of Socia l Welfare and

Development(DSWD) i ts provincial and munic ipal of f ices, Bureau of I mmigrat ion (BI ) , Commiss ion on Fi l ip inos O verseas(CFO) and the I nter-Agenc y Counci l Against Traf f ick ing( IACAT ) , IOM expec ts that t raf f ick ing in persons, par t icular ly in women and chi ldren would be e l iminated. Previous repor t has i t that t raf f ick ing in women and chi ldren, i s becoming a global concern and ever ybody is suscept ible and can become a v ic t im of i t par t icular ly those in disaster devastated communit ies. However, Mayor Al f red Romualdezreminds parents the fami ly being the f i rst l ine of defense of their chi ldren. Romualdez who was present dur ing the program launch c i ted that on top of a l l government and non- governments’ ef for ts to stop traf f ick ing, nothing can beat the parents’ posit ive values that should be learnt by their chi ldren,

IOM embraces counter-trafficking initiatives

he stressed. “Pover t y could not be the sole reason for one to be t raf f icked”, Mayor Romuladez sa id. “ I f the fami ly i s c losely k nitted with each other and regular ly communicat ing at each other and helping one another, then, the problem on traf f ick ing might have no place in the home”, he concluded. IOM’s work in the Phi l ippines to counter t raf f ick ing, exploitat ion and abuse dates back to 1996 even when a nat ional law has yet to be passed. The task has been anchored on awareness ra is ing, capacit y bui ld ing and protec t ion suppor t ser v ices. (P IA-8)

Tacloban Mayor Alfred Romualdez underscores the role of parents in protecting their children in his welcome message during the Victim/Survivor-Centered Counter-Trafficking Inception Planning and Press Conference held at Patio Victoria, Tacloban City, October 20. His Excellency Philip Goldberg (left), US Ambassador to the Philippines, and IOM Chief of Mission Marco Boasso shared also their message of support in the counter-trafficking efforts in the region.

October 20, 2014 3

October 20, 20144

BY: ERNA GORNE

Maasin City to get 110 social pension more slots by next year

The city government of Maasin stands to receive 110 social

pension more slots for the indigent senior citizens in the city by 2015. “The national social welfare arm of the Aquino administration has accommodated a hundred more indigent senior citizens in the city of Maasin on top of the 140 existing social pensioners to date, ” focal person Ariel Kirong disclosed in an interview this morning. During the senior citizen’s third quarter meeting held today, Kirong disclosed that starting next year a total of 250 indigent senior

citizens shall be receiving the cash payroll assistance in the amount of P500.00 per month from the national government. Within the fourth quarter this year, a total of P3,000.00 shall be released to the senior citizens as soon as the completion of payroll requirements were complied with, Kirong said. The amount represents the accumulated monthly pensions starting from July up to December 2014, it was learned. He noted that upon reaching the age of 70 years old and certified as

indigent senior citizen by the punong barangay shall then an elderly qualify for the social pension for senior citizens initiated by the national government. The meeting also discussed on several activities lined-up in preparation for the celebration of the National Elderly Week this month which is observed across the country, Kirong added.(ajc/esg/PIA8-Sothern Leyte)

The provincial office of the labor and employment department

in Biliran province released to the beneficiaries the amount of more than P6M to the municipality of Cabucgayan in May this year for the various livelihood programs . “The bigger part of the amount is under the Yolanda Recovery and Reconstruction Program (YRRP) of the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE)”, said Ma. Alita Chavez, officer-in-charge of DOLE Biliran during the Kapihan at Pulong-pulong ng Bayan hosted recently by the Philippine Information Agency (PIA), Biliran Provincial Information Center. Chavez, who was the guest during the kapihan forum further said, DOLE has released some P2.6M under the emergency employment program or Tulong Panghanapbuhay sa Ating mga Disadvantaged and Displaced Workers ( TUPAD), a program component of YRRP where some 540 beneficiaries were identified in Cabucgayan.

DOLE releases P6-M for livelihood programs to Cabucgayan town

She informed that DOLE also released the amount of P1.9M under the Kabuhayan or livelihood program which is also a program component of the YRRP where it benefitted some 240 beneficiaries composed of fishermen, women and other identified sectors in Cabucgayan town. Some of the livelihood projects funded include the provision of raw materials and equipment and establishment of facility for fiber glass boat production in support to local fishermen and acquisition of facilities, tools and equipment for the establishment of small enterprises in support to rural families affected by super typhoon Yolanda, Chavez added. The lady labor officer said, DOLE also released the amount of P1.79M as livelihood support under the Grassroots Participatory Budgeting Process (GPBP) where it also benefitted some 187 beneficiaries composed of farmers, fishermen, women

and other identified members in the community intended for the establishment of small enterprises in support to the development of rural families. Last September this year, DOLE also released the amount of P1.56M to the municipality of Culaba where it benefitted some 134 fishermen for the enhancement of small scale fishing through the provision of fishing paraphernalia with fiber glass boats and engine in support to fishermen affected by super typhoon Yolanda, she added. She said, her office had previously implemented the emergency employment program immediately after the onslaught of super typhoon Yolanda from November, 2013 to December 2013 in the 13 barangays of Cabucgayan; seven barangays in Biliran town; three barangays in Caibiran; one barangay in Almeria and 16 barangays in Naval, all of Biliran province. (ajc/rsv/PIA 8 Biliran)

BY: RODRIGO S. VICTORIA

October 20, 2014 5

DOH intensifies drive against Ebola Virus, says Palace

T he Department of Health (DOH) is intensifying its drive

to combat the deadly Ebola Virus Disease, a Palace official said on Sunday, In a radio interview with radio station dzRB Radyo ng Bayan, Presidential Communication Operations Office Secretary Herminio Coloma, Jr. , said this was the directive President Benigno Aquino II I gave to DOH. He added, the DOH is set to undergo specialized training programs with the World Health Organization ( WHO). “Ang naturang pagsasanay ay bahagi ng preparedness plan ng DOH laban sa Ebola virus disease,” said Coloma. This involves case detection and reporting, outbreak management and response, surveil lance at points of entry, case management, interagency coordination, planning, and resource allocation. He noted that this part of WHO’s comprehensive strategies that integrated the following elements: infection prevention control, contact tracing, case management, surveil lance, laboratory capacity, safe burial, public awareness and community engagement, and national legislation and regulation to support country readiness. Coloma reassures the public that the government is exerting all efforts to build up the country ’s defense against the deadle diseases. “Lalong pinaiigting ng DOH ang paglatag ng matibay at matatag na depensa laban sa Ebola virus disease dahil batid natin ang mataas na mortality rate nito at ang panganib na dulot ng epidemyang ito,” said Coloma. PND (ag)

October 20, 20146

WWII veterans send message of unity and inspiration to the Filipino youth

The World War II Veterans from the different posts in Eastern Visayas as well as the visiting veterans from the allied forces who attended the 70th Leyte Gulf Landings Anniversary

on Monday, October 20, 2014 in Candahug, Palo Leyte sent a message of unity and inspiration to the Filipino youth as they related their varied experiences during the World War II. Now in their twilight years, the veterans recalled, as they were interviewed, the sacrifices they experienced to regain the freedom of the Filipino people. Marcelo Gatela, a corporal and heavy equipment operator assigned in Okinawa, Japan during the World War II, now 89 years old, a widower and presently residing San Jose, Tacloban City said, “together with our comrades, we experienced the bombing in Hiroshima, a situation that even made us braver in our quest to regain the freedom that the Filipino people enjoy. “I am happy that the Filipino veterans especially those coming from the different posts in Eastern Visayas still see each other on occasions like this to relive our experiences and sacrifices during that time, a symbol that the World War II veterans are united even at this time when we are already aging,” he said. “The bravery we demonstrated to fight our enemies during the war, I’m sure, will inspire our Filipino youth to do the same in times when the freedom we enjoy now are at stake,” he added. On the other hand, Antonio Margallo, 89 years old, a resident of Palo, Leyte and a Philippine Scout during the World WarII said, he felt so happy and inspired to live more every time he attends the celebration of the Leyte Gulf Landings here in Candahug Palo, Leyte saying, the freedom enjoyed by our countrymen until this time shows the bravery of the Filipinos. “I thank the Philippine government for the pension, we, the veterans are enjoying now, at least we have something to spend for our medicines to maintain our health to prolong our life and to be able to attend more celebrations of our freedom and to reach

and enjoy the celebration of the Diamond jubilee of the Leyte Gulf Landings in the year 2019. I pray to God that I am still alive during that time”, he said. For his part, Federico Real, 91 years old, also a Philippine Scout based in Okinawa, Japan during the World War II and a member of the Veterans Federation of the Philippines (VFA), Basey Post in Western Samar said, “ I will never miss attending the celebration of the Leyte Landings anniversary every year in my lifetime because this is the only time I can meet my co-veterans during the World War II. As we look back to our sacrifices, we become even more united and closer to each other especially that we are decreasing in number because of old age”. Michael Tierney, a member of the Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW) in the United States of America said, he is happy to see his fellow veterans with his attendance to the celebration this year. The more than 100 World War II veterans from Eastern Visayas who attended the occasion were one in expressing their hope that the Philippine government through the Philippine Veterans Affairs Office (PVAO) will increase their monthly pension to be able to cope up with rising prices of basic commodities. The 70th Leyte Gulf Landings on October 20, 2014 was graced by no less than the President of the Republic of the Philippines, Benigno C. Aquino III as guest of honor and speaker. As President Aquino alighted from the vehicle that brought him from the Tacloban airport to the MacArthur Park in Candahug, Palo, Leyte, the venue of the commemorative program, the veterans shouted with joy and clapped their hands, some, teary eyed to express their joy and elation that the highest official of the Philippines came over to celebrate the occasion with them. Also in attendance in the commemorative program were the dignitaries from the United States of America, Australia, New Zealand, United Kingdom of Great Britain and other allied forces. The celebration was centered on the theme “Leyte 1944, Leyte 2014: Yesterday”s Heroes, Today’s Inspiration on the Road to Recovery.” (PIA 8 Biliran)

BY: FLORDELIS E. JACKSON

World War II veteran Pascuala Miralles, 95 yrs. old of Burauen, Leyte salutes as she saw this photographer aiming his camera at her. This shot was taken during the 70th Leyte Gulf Landing commemorative rites held at MacArthur Landing Memorial National Park in Palo, Leyte, October 20. (Vino R. Cuayzon)

October 20, 2014 7

Biliran anti-drug abuse council revitalized

The provincial anti-drug abuse council (PADAC) in Biliran

province was revitalized recently with the selection of new council members. The Biliran PADAC was formally revitalized on September 16, 2014 composed of the Biliran Governor Gerardo J. Espina, Jr. as chairman; PSSupt. Feliz Alberca Diloy now replaced by PSSupt Lito Turalba Bigoy, provincial director of the Biliran Police Provincial Office (BPPO) as vice-chairman and its members as follows: Marilyn Saboy, provincial director of DILG; Dr.Pedro Escobarte, division superintendent of DepEd; Prosecutor Gary Cruz; Dr. Edgar Veloso, provincial health officer; Flordeliza Trani, head of the provincial social welfare and development office; Flordelis Jackson, information center manager of PIA; Atty.Gicela Thea Zamora, NGO representative, Fr. Kenneth Pius Henricks, church representative and Alfredo Delos Santos, OIC provincial probation and parole officer of the provincial Parole and Probation Administration (PPA). Based on a DILG circular, the PADAC serves as a focal point through which various organization and individuals work together cooperatively in planning, implementation of programs on drug abuse prevention; provides for an effective mechanism for coordination of existing services and programs and those which might

be developed in the immediate future; provides a mechanism to obtain funds, volunteer facilities and technical expertise; conduct information and education campaign on the ill-effects of illegal drugs, monitor and report to proper authorities drug-pushers and drug-users in the locality; and submit monthly monitoring report. Initial steps proposed by the Biliran PADAC include the provision of financial support to anti-illegal drug related operations that will be conducted by the Philippine National Police (PNP) or to operations conducted jointly with the operatives of the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA) in their respective locality. Another step is to monitor the progress of each illegal drug-related cases filed in various courts in the province of Biliran to expedite speedy resolution and to request the executive judge a special day solely for the trial of illegal drugs cases lodged in the different branches of municipal courts and the regional courts. The Biliran PADAC also approved in form a special committee that will monitor illegal drugs-related cases in court agreed to be headed by the provincial director of the Parole and Probation Office in Biliran province. The anti-drug abuse council in Biliran province also proposed to seek the help of the church to include in the homily during masses

in the different parishes in the diocese of Naval where a letter will be sent to Bishop Filomeno G. Bactol, D.D., of the diocese of Naval the prevailing situation of drug abuse in the province of Biliran. Other steps include the conduct of unannounced random drug tests to the members of PNP-Biliran and to seek the support of the community by reporting to the concerned police authorities any suspected individuals allegedly involved in the illegal drugs trade in the province of Biliran. (ajc/rsv/PIA 8 Biliran)

BY: RODRIGO S. VICTORIA

October 20, 20148P176-M credit facility available to micro enterprises in typhoon hit areas, says US Ambassador

T h e p r o m i s e f u l f i l l e d b y h e r o G e n e r a l D o u g l a s M a c A r t h u r

i n h i s f a m o u s p h r a s e “ I S h a l l R e t u r n ” w a s e c h o e d b y U S A m b a s s a d o r P h i l i p G o l d b e r g d u r i n g t h e 7 0 t h L e y t e L a n d i n g s c o m m e m o r a t i v e a n n i v e r s a r y i n O c t o b e r 2 0 i n B a r a s , P a l o , L e y t e . T h e U n i t e d S t a t e s o f A m e r i c a v o w s t o p r o v i d e l o n g l a s t i n g b e n e f i t t o t h e s u r v i v o r s o f t y p h o o n Yo l a n d a b y o f f e r i n g t h e m c r e d i t a s s i s t a n c e t h a t w i l l g e n e r a t e i n c o m e i n t h e f o r m o f s m a l l a n d m e d i u m e n t e r p r i s e s . T h e U n i t e d S t a t e s A m b a s s a d o r t o t h e P h i l i p p i n e s a n n o u n c e d t h a t t h e U n i t e d S t a t e s A s s i s t a n c e f o r I n t e r n a t i o n a l D e v e l o p m e n t

( U S A I D ) h a d p r o v i d e d P 1 7 6 M ( U S $ 4 M ) M i c r o E n t e r p r i s e s D i s a s t e r A s s i s t a n c e Fu n d f o r R e s i l i e n c y ( M E D A S ) Fu n d t o t h e t y p h o o n Yo l a n d a h i t a r e a s w h i c h w i l l c o v e r L e y t e a n d S a m a r. T h i s M E D A S f u n d w i l l b e i m p l e m e n t e d b y t h e P h i l i p p i n e B u s i n e s s f o r S o c i a l P r o g r e s s w h i c h w i l l e n a b l e e l i g i b l e e n t r e p r e n e u r s f r o m t y p h o o n Yo l a n d a h i t c o m m u n i t i e s t o b o r r o w m o n e y i n e s t a b l i s h i n g o r e x p a n d i n g t h e i r m i c r o e n t e r p r i s e s . T h e m i c r o e n t e r p r i s e c o v e r s f o o d p r o c e s s i n g , s a r i -s a r i s t o r e , b a k e s h o p , f u r n i t u r e m a k i n g , a n d m a n y m o r e s m a l l a n d m e d i u m e n t e r p r i s e .

A m b a s s a d o r G o l d b e r g w a s t o u c h e d w h e n h e s a w t h e p r o g r e s s , d e t e r m i n a t i o n , r e s i l i e n c y a n d c o u r a g e o f t y p h o o n Yo l a n d a s u r v i v o r s t o r e c o v e r a n d r e f u s e t o b o w t o t h e c h a l l e n g e s a n d a d v e r s a r i e s f r o m t h e m a s s d e s t r u c t i o n b r o u g h t b y t h e s u p e r t y p h o o n . A r o u n d 3 6 s a r i - s a r i s t o r e s i n b a r a n g a y B a r a s a n d S a n F e r n a n d o P a l o , L e y t e h a d b e e n d i s t r i b u t e d b y U S A I D t h a t w e r e r e c o n s t r u c t e d a n d r e s t o c k e d w i t h i n v e n t o r y w i t h t h e s u p p o r t o f C o c a - C o l a a n d P r o c t e r a n d G a m b l e P h i l i p p i n e s t o t h e e l i g i b l e b e n e f i c i a r i e s a s a f o r m o f r e h a b i l i t a t i o n a n d l i v e l i h o o d a s s i s t a n c e . A m b a s s a d o r G o l d b e r g p r o m i s e d t h a t a t l e a s t 1 , 0 0 0 s t o r e s i n t y p h o o n Yo l a n d a a f f e c t e d a r e a s w i l l b e r e h a b i l i t a t e d a n d t h r o u g h t h e r e b u i l d p r o j e c t , t h e U n i t e d S t a t e s g o v e r n m e n t i s w o r k i n g w i t h t h e g o v e r n m e n t o f t h e P h i l i p p i n e s t o r e s t o r e a c c e s s t o e d u c a t i o n a n d h e a l t h s e r v i c e s , l i v e l i h o o d a c t i v i t i e s a n d p r o v i d e t e c h n i c a l a s s i s t a n c e t o t h e O f f i c e o f t h e P r e s i d e n t i a l A s s i s t a n c e f o r R e h a b i l i t a t i o n a n d R e c o v e r y . ( a j c / j h b / P I A - 8 )

BY: JONNIE H. BUENAVENTURA

DOH 8 regional director Jose Llacuna, DepEd 8 regional director Luisa Bautista-Yu and LMP president Leonardo Javier of Javier, Leyte try the new WASH facility at San Fernando Elementary School during the launching of DepEd-SBM WASH in Schools and the signing of MOU in connection with the Global Handwashing Day celebration held in Baras, Palo, Leyte, October 15. (Vino R. Cuayzon)

www.pia.gov.ph

October 20, 2014 9DENR-8 launches Leyte Gulf Rehabilitation Project

T h e D e p a r t m e n t o f E n v i r o n m e n t a n d N a t u r a l

R e s o u r c e s ( D E N R ) i n t h e r e g i o n h a s f o r m a l l y l a u n c h e d o n Tu e s d a y t h e L e y t e G u l f R e h a b i l i t a t i o n P r o j e c t a t B r g y. 8 9 P a y a p a y, S a n J o s e , Ta c l o b a n C i t y . M a i t a R e i n a G . S u c g a n g , O f f i c e r - i n - C h a r g e , R e g i o n a l P u b l i c A f f a i r s O f f i c e o f t h e D E N R - 8 s a i d , a b o u t 3 0 0 b e a c h f o r e s t Ta l i s a y s e e d l i n g s w e r e p l a n t e d b y t h e e m p l o y e e s o f t h e D E N R a n d o t h e r g o v e r n m e n t a g e n c i e s , b a r a n g a y o f f i c i a l s a n d r e s i d e n t s , e m p l o y e e s f r o m D i v i n e W o r d H o s p i t a l a n d m e m b e r s o f t h e l o c a l m e d i a . T h e t r e e s p l a n t e d a l o n g

t h e c o a s t l i n e s o f S a n J o s e , a c o a s t a l b a r a n g a y i n t h e c i t y w h i c h w a s t e r r i b l y h i t b y s t o r m s u r g e , s h a l l f o r m p a r t o f t h e 1 . 5 m a n g r o v e p r o p a g u l e s a n d b e a c h f o r e s t s e e d l i n g s u n d e r t h e L e y t e G u l f R e h a b i l i t a t i o n P r o j e c t . I n h i s m e s s a g e , D E N R -8 R e g i o n a l D i r e c t o r L e o n a r d o S i b b a l u c a o n c e a g a i n c a l l s f o r p u b l i c p a r t i c i p a t i o n i n g r e e n i n g t h e c o a s t l i n e s . L e y t e 1 s t D i s t r i c t R e p r e s e n t a t i v e F e r d i n a n d M a r t i n R o m u a l d e z w h o g r a c e d t h e a c t i v i t y e n j o i n e d e v e r y o n e t o a c t t o g e t h e r i n p r o t e c t i n g n a t u r e f o r t h e f u t u r e g e n e r a t i o n s .

T h e L e y t e G u l f R e h a b i l i t a t i o n P r o j e c t i s a t o p p r i o r i t y p r o j e c t o f t h e D E N R w h e r e t h e b a r a n g a y s a r e b e i n g t a p p e d t h r o u g h c a s h - f o r - w o r k p r o g r a m f o r t h e s i t e m a i n t e n a n c e a n d p r o t e c t i o n a c t i v i t i e s . T h e p r o j e c t t o b e i m p l e m e n t e d i n t h r e e p r o v i n c e s i n E a s t e r n V i s a y a s s u c h a s E a s t e r n S a m a r, S a m a r a n d L e y t e , h o p e t o b r i n g b a c k t h e l u s h b e a c h a n d m a n g r o v e f o r e s t i n t h e s e a r e a s w h i c h w e r e d a m a g e d b y t y p h o o n Yo l a n d a l a s t y e a r. ( C B A / A J C / P I A - 8 ) .

T he Provincial Government of Eastern Samar through the

leadership of Governor Conrado B. Nicart, Jr. called the leaders of Eastern Samar to support the Nutrition Program. “I urge you to strongly support and prioritized this program in your respective municipality through the budget allocation,” Governor Nicart said. Nicart addressed mayors, heads of agencies, city and municipal nutrition councils during the Nutrition Summit held in October 10 at the Eastern Samar State University (ESSU) Gymnasium, this City. Nicart also said the Province has allocated sufficient funds for the 2015 Provincial Budget in order to support the health services specially to prevent malnutrition. Preventing malnutrition includes various multi-sectoral

initiatives such as poverty reduction, improvements in basic health care, infrastructure, sanitation, food security, better response during and after emergencies and many others. He further said that this activity is in l ine with his top priority program being the leader in the province. During this occasion, he thanked and praised the hardworking and selfless people of the Provincial Nutrition Council through the leadership of the Provincial Nutrition Action Officer, Ms. Sall ie Jabinal, fr iends from Health Organization for Mindanao (HOM), United Nations International Children’s Emergency Fund (UNICEF), Action Contre la Faim (ACF) International, Plan International, Save the Children, Terres De Hommes ( TDH). He also thanked other Non-

Governemnt Organizations (NGOs), Nutrition Champions from the youth, acadme, religious sector, media and other stakeholders. With all this combination of work forces, the Provincial Government of Eastern Samar is full of enthusiasm in marching up towards the achievement of “Zero Malnutrition Now ” in the province which is the theme for this year ’s summit. The governor hopes that the summit would pave the way to reach his dreams of sustainable economic and inclusive growth in the province. (ajc/sdc/PIA8-E. Samar)

E Samar guv asks officials to support nutrition program

BY: CONSUELO B. ALARCON

BY: SAMUEL CANDIDO

October 20, 201410

1. Abri an paisan-isan ha mga magsusurat hin Siday ha Waray ha Sinirangan Bisayas.

2. Diri puydi bumulig an mga empleyado han DENR ngan PIA ug sugad man an mga membro han hurado.

3. Usa la nga entri an kakarawaton ha kada contestant. Sanglit, igpadara nga daan an pinakamaupay nga siday.

4. An unod han entri in masentro ha tema nga “Nagbabag-o na an Panahon, Panahon na para Magbag-o, Nagbag-o na Ako.”

Ini in nanunuyo nga maipasabot ngan maipasantop ha kada tagsa an positibo nga ginawi-an o pamatasan ngan panlantaw ha pag-atubang han mga epekto han pagbag-o han panahon o climate change. Nanunuyo gihapon ini basi maipasamwak an padayon nga pag-ataman, pagmayuyo, pagpanalipod ngan pag-preserba han aton kalibungan. May’da kita mahihimo!

5. An ngatanan nga entri kinahanglan orihinal nga sinurat ha Waray nga pinulungan ngan diri hinubad tikang ha iba nga lingwahe. Kinahanglan waray pa ma-imantala o waray pa ig-api ha iba nga paisan-isan.

6. Kinahanglan an entri typewritten o gin-encode ha computer, double-space gamit in short bond paper lakip an ngaran, address ngan contact number.

7. An magdadaog nga mga entri in makarawat han masunod nga mga premyo:

Syahan nga premyo: P3,000.00 plus certificateIkaduha nga premyo: P2,000.00 plus certificateIkatulo nga premyo: P1,000.00 plus certificate2 Consolation Prize (P500 each) plus certificate

Makarawat gihapon hin certificate of participation adton diri magdadaog nga mga entri.

9. Ipadara an iyo mga entri ha

Philippine Information AgencyRegional Office 8

SDC-2 Bldg, Unit 9&10, National Highway, Brgy. 77, Marasbaras, Tacloban City (sapit la hit Robinsons Go Hotels ngan tabok hin i-Gas gasoline station)

Para hadton hagrayo nga lugar, puydi niyo ig-email an iyo mga entri hini nga email address: pia_ev@yahoo.com

10. Oktubre 30, 2014 an deadline o kataposan nga adlaw han pagkarawat han mga entri.

Para hin dugang pa nga kasayoran, tawagi la hi Neil Lopido ha telepono ihap (053) 523-0837/ Cellphone number: 09216916857.

Basey National High School wins two in Statistics contestBY: NINFA QUIRANTE

Basey National High School romped off with two wins in the two contests held

for the 2014 National Statistics Month celebration in Samar’s Capital City of Catbalogan. Claro Cajefe Jr. emerged as the champion in the poster drawing contest while Mark Wencis Andales came in second in the Statistics Quiz Bee held in the morning. Both students have Sir Christopher Llegado as their coach. Sixty one other contestants joined in the Statistics Quiz in the morning where the champion was from Samar National High School (Catbalogan) Mayona Paula Alcala, Andales second and third place winner was Benjelito Bermejo of the Eastern Visayas Regional High School also in Catbalogan City. Initially, 62 high school students were given questions on statistics without choices for answers - they have to give their own answers. Only 13 of them advanced to the second and final round. In the poster drawing contest, 21 vied for the best poster, Catherine Anaviso of Clarencio Calagos Memorial School of Fisheries in Sta Margarita came in second while a lass named Myra David from Calbiga National High School got the third prize. Contests like this are favorite activities of the statistical community as they invite attention from young people whose ideals have always inspired the not so young members of the statistical community. Members are composed of government and non-government agencies that pool their resources to fund the series of activities they themselves plan the whole month of October. Contestants received cash prizes and tokens from the Philippine Statistics Office (formerly NSO) and the statistical community. (ajc/nbq//PIA8-Samar)

October 20, 2014 11Catbalogan schools join Global Handwashing DayBY: NINFA QUIRANTE

Catbalogan City schools joined the Global Handwashing Day

Wednesday as they performed simulated handwashing sessions right after the morning flag ceremony. In Catbalogan 1 Central School, more than 500 pupils assembled at the covered court followed the instructions of Josephine Floserfina Cases, health coordinator as she demonstrated on stage the six steps in proper handwashing using clean water, soap and clean towel. The kids follwed their teacher singing,” This is the way I wash my hands!” “We shall avoid illness, if we make it a habit to always wash our hands,” said Cases. She also asked children when they should wash their hands. To this the kids chorused ‘before eating’. The health educator promised to monitor them this recess time to check on their

School children of the San Fernando Elementary School in Baras, Palo, Leyte join the Global Handwashing Day celebration on October 15, with the theme: “Choose Hand-washing, Choose Health”. (Vino R. Cuayzon)

commitment. “We also wash our hands, after using the CR (toilet), after coming home from a public place and to avoid skin and eye infections,” she added. Another event aimed to draw attention to the importance of handwashing is a poster-drawing

contest this afternoon, said Dr. Michelle Mustacisa, school principal. She added that the DepEd passed a memorandum circular to all schools to ensure that kids will always “Choose Hand-washing, Choose Health” as the backdrop on the stage drumbeats! (ajc/nbq/PIA8-Samar)

President Benigno S. Aquino III receives from Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas deputy governor Vicente Aquino a commemorative coin during the 70th Leyte Gulf Landing anniversary at MacArthur Landing Memorial National Park in Palo, Leyte, Ocober 20. (Vino R. Cuayzon)

October 20, 201412

USWAG, which means to move forward or towards progress, is the weekly E-Newsletter of the Philippine Information Agency in Eastern Visayas. It aims to document current efforts to build-back-better communities devastated by super typhoon Yolanda as well as deliver timely, useful and relevant information as we move forward together in realizing inclusive growth not only in the region but also the rest of the country.

President Benigno S. Aquino III (8th from left) together with ambassadors and representatives from other countries did the traditional pose after the wreath laying ceremony at the MacArthur Landing Memorial National Park in Palo, Leyte, October 20. (Vino R. Cuayzon)