NSO Leyte bares provincial winners of 19th stat quiz
By Neil D. Lopido
Tacloban City (October 27) — The Leyte Provincial Statistics Office, through its provincial statistics officer, Wilma A. Perante, revealed the six winners of the recently conducted 19th Philippine Statistics Quiz held at the Balyuan Convention Center, this city.
For Tacloban City cluster, Sung Shin Woon III A. Cipriano of the Leyte Normal University got the first place while Yves C. Igut of the University of the Philippines Visayas ? Tacloban College got second.
For Ormoc City area, first place went to Karl Axel Protacio Bayani R. Collander of the Systems Technology Institute College while Joaverdee A. Pedoy of the Eastern Visayas State University landed second place.
Winners for schools outside Tacloban and Ormoc City were Clar Don L. Evangelio, first place, from the Visayas State Univesity, Baybay, Leyte and Alexandre John G. Javines, second place, from AMA Computer College, Palo, Leyte.
Panaligan informed that the six winners will compete in the Regional Championship which will be held on October 23, 2010.
The Philippine Statistics Quiz is an annual contest which started in 1992 and has been endorsed by the Commission on Higher Education since 1994. It is open to college freshmen from both public and private colleges and universities designed to test the freshman college students’ knowledge of statistics. (PIA-8)
Negros PNP arrests 23 for gun ban, 32 for liquor ban
Bacolod City (25 October) — Records from NOPPO Operations and Plans Branch revealed that 23 persons were arrested for violation of Comelec Gun Ban while 32 persons were apprehended for violation of liqour ban in the province.
All arrested violators were detained and three cases were already filed in court while the others are still under investigation.
On October 24, Police Senior Inspector Danilo Zuniega and Assistant Election Officer Lillibeth Villanueva of Toboso recovered in plain view two pieces of KG9, one unit of caliber 45 para-ordinance, two pieces silencer of KG9, eleven pieces of caliber 9mm magazines with 277 pieces of live ammunitions, two pieces caliber 45 magazines with 15 pieces of ammunitions, one black holster and one black armor bag during a checkpoint conducted in the national highway of Toboso town at 10:45 PM.
For violation of liquor ban which started Sunday at 1:00 in the morning, 16 persons were arrested in Bago City while 16 others were nabbed in Victorias City.
Negros Occidental PNP officer-in-charge Police Superintendent Roderick Augustus Alba said that police records have proven NOPPO’s intensified campaign against violators during the election period.*(NOPPO/PIA/EAD)
The ball is now in our hands, PNoy tells young generation
Tacloban City (October 21) — President Benigno S. Aquino III called on the younger generations to emulate the “courage of our heroes.”
President Aquino said that there is no greater commemoration of the lives of the heroes of World War II than “for us to commit, to feel for and treasuring the liberty they fought for.
The President exhorted the young generation to internalize the significance of celebrating the Leyte Gulf Landings anniversary which is more than a special holiday and a no class day.
“It is important, therefore, that this yearly tribute be treated not as a holiday, a non-school day for students when they should hang out with friends and stay at home without knowing the real reasons why,” President Aquino said.
“As we pay tribute to them, let their faith bind our hearts and minds towards constantly protecting and preserving our freedom,” the President added. “Let us ensure that the democracy they have watered with blood will forever bloom so we can bequeth a bountiful future to coming generations.”
President Aquino reminished and paraphrased the letter written to him by his late father Ninoy while in prison in 1973, “there is no greater nation on earth than our Motherland. No greater people than our own. Serve them with all your heart, with all your might and with all your strength.”
“My father ended his letter to me by saying, ‘Son, the ball is now in your hands.’ I say, however, the ball is now in our hands.”
He called on the younger generations to help each other. The strength of one becomes the strength of everyone, he said.
“Now that democracy is our birthright, may we further deepen the spirit of patriotism in each of us,” the President said. (PIA 8)
GSIS reforms now 95% accomplished, says regional manager
By Bong Pedalino
Maasin City (October 18) — The changes being undertaken by the Government Service Insurance System (GSIS), the state pension fund, has reached the 95% accomplishment mark, according to Vilma Mooney, the agency’s Regional Manager.
In a huddle with members of the local media on Friday, October 15, here at the PIA Office, Mooney brushed aside insinuations that the pension fund would be having a makeover with the departure of President and General Manager Winston Garcia.
Instead, Mooney stood pat on the initiatives carried out during PGM Garcia’s stint which, at its peak, had subjected the GSIS then to a barrage of complaints from unsatisfied members.
On what could be expected under the leadership of new GSIS PGM Robert Vergara, Mooney said she was not able to meet yet in person the new boss, but based on what she gathered she cited Vergara as pro-service. She did not elaborate.
Informed that many members still had to contend with the perennial non-posted or not updated remittances everytime they accessed the kiosk for possible loans, and whether this concern constituted still as part of the unaccomplished 5%, Mooney insisted the posting system has been okay.
She advised active members having this difficulty to approach or contact the GSIS personnel in-charge of this one, granting that that member’s agency was not remiss in remitting the monthly premium and loan payments.
Mooney also disclosed that the designation of the Agency Authorized Officer (AAO), who will be the one to validate and confirm the individual member’s loan, will no longer have any expiry date, for as long as he or she is still in active service. (PIA-Southern Leyte)
Maasim skilled workers gain TESDA certification
By Joel Pinos
Maasim, Sarangani (18 October) — The 25 participants from barangays Poblacion, Malbang, Kanalo, Lumasal, Amsipit, and Lumatil are now TESDA-certified skilled workers who completed the three-day basic skills training in carpentry, masonry, and plumbing thru the program of Kalahi-CIDSS implemented by DSWD held at Gimena’s Place in barangay Colon Thursday, October 14.
“I would like to congratulate the participants who passed the training, sana ito na ang simula ng kanilang pangarap na makaahon sa kahirapan at mabigyan ng magandang bukas ang kanilang mga mahal sa buhay,” Mayor Jose Zamorro said.
Kalahi-CIDSS is the national government’s flagship poverty?alleviation project which stands for Kapit-Bisig Laban sa Kahirapan?Comprehensive and Integrated Delivery of Social Services ? Kapangyarihan at Kaunlaran sa Barangay through the financial support of the World Bank.
“Actually hindi matatawag na training ito kasi three days lang, we will just screen them for those who qualified for TESDA (Technical Education and Skills development Authority) certification,” said Engr. Wilnard Qui?ones, deputy area coordinator of Kalahi-CIDSS.
“The program really aims to encourage these indigents to become more productive, ang training na ito will be beneficial especially to skilled workers of Maasim to gain employment opportunities,” Kalahi-CIDSS area coordinator Abdullah Lilangan emphasized.
Of the projects being implemented, basic social service facilities such as water system, school building, day care centers and health stations top the list.
“Sa aking pagkakaalam, may malalaking industrial company na papasok dito sa Maasim, isa na rito ang Conal Holdings Corporation. Through this training kakailanganin talaga ang kanilang mga skills,” said municipal engineer Elisio Diola II.
“I would like to thank Mayor Zamorro for being supportive to the implemented program of the DSWD. He understands the situation of our community that is why all out ang support niya dahil nakikita niya na kailangan talaga dito sa Maasim ang mga ganitong programa,” said municipal social welfare and development officer Malou Busano.
Kalahi-CIDSS project follows the Community-Driven Development (CCD) model designed to mobilize the capacity of the local people to analyze their own need, manage resources, and implement appropriate interventions.
CCD employs strategies that development priorities are addressed in a participatory, collective and inclusive decision-making. In Kalaji-CIDSS, control over resources is in the hands of the poor. (Maasim News Central/PIA SarGen)
Negros policemen care for indigenous people
Bacolod City (15 October) — Police officers of Negros Occidental Police Provincial Office (NOPPO) conducted an outreach program to indigenous people (aetas) residing at Purok Ati and Purok Manara in Barangay Puey of Sagay City, recently.
Police Superintendent Edgardo Ordaniel, chief of NOPPO police community relations branch and Senior Police Officer 4 Judy Flores, chief of NOPPO women and child protection desk spearheaded the conduct of this noble undertaking in coordination with Sagay City Mayor Leo Rafael Cueva and Barangay Captain Leofer Cobrado Jr.
Ordaniel said the activity started with the feeding program followed by the distribution of gift packs of rice, canned goods, noodles and sugar which benefited more or less 120 aetas.
After the gift giving, the parents together with their children enjoyed the parlor games with corresponding prizes prepared by NOPPO personnel.
Police Superintendent Roderick Augustus Alba, Neg. Occ. PNP officer-in-charge, stressed that the activity is in line with the celebration of 18th Children’s Month this October. (NOPPO/PIA/cad)
Candidates must not use 4Ps for personal interests, DSWD says
Tacloban City (October 12) — The Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program (4Ps) must not be used by politicians and candidates for their personal interests in connection with the forthcoming barangay and SK elections.
The pronouncement was made by the Department of Social Welfare and Development after receiving several reports that beneficiaries of 4Ps are being threatened to be delisted from the program if they will not vote for certain candidates.
The DSWD added that there are allegations regarding cases of extortion, abuse of power and coercion which directly affect the beneficiaries and the program as well.
The DSWD called on the 4Ps beneficiaries not to allow themselves to be threatened of being delisted from the program if they will not vote for certain candidates in the forthcoming barangay and SK elections.
The 4Ps beneficiaries must not be intimidated, the DSWD added. The 4Ps is a program of the national government which is being implemented by DSWD and not of the local government units much less the barangays.
The 4Ps beneficiaries are requested to report any threats and other unscrupulous deeds through DSWD text Hotline 0918-9122813.
Meanwhile, DSWD Region 8 Director Letecia Corillo said that although there have been no reports of the same being done in Region 8, only in the other regions of the country, the 4Ps beneficiaries are enjoined to informed the DSWD Regional Office in case they encounter the same situations.
The 4Ps is a social development and poverty reduction strategy that provides cash grants to poor households to improve their health, nutrition, and education, particularly of children zero to 14 years provided they comply with certain conditions. (PIA 8)
PNP Eastern Samar bares “gun ban” enforcement progress
By Alice Nicart
Borongan City (11 October) — At least four persons had been arrested and one caliber.45, one caliber.38 and a home-made shotgun with 13 assorted live ammunitions were confiscated by the Eastern Samar Police Provincial Office (ESPO) in the implementation of the election “gun ban”.
The ESPO report indicated the arrest of one Paquito Oculana y NoroÔa of Oras Municipal Police Station on September 25 for illegal possession of caliber.38; Sgt. Diego Luan Coranez, of the 546th Engineer Brigade, Borongan, arrested on Sept. 27 due to possession of caliber.45; Joey Lingan y Amores of San Julian on Sept. 30 for possession of home-made shot gun and Fred Barsana, Gen. McArthur, Oct. 6, for possession of home-made shot gun.
The report added that a total of 345 checkpoints have already been conducted and is still on-going on a 24-hour operation on different strategic locations in every municipal police station, until the “gun ban” order is terminated on November 10.
Prior to the full “gun ban” implementation, on September 29, a Joint Security Control Center (JSCC) coordinating conference was held at the conference room of the PNP administration building at Camp Asidillo, which was attended by Provincial COMELEC Supervisor, Atty. Butch Bautista and Lt. Col. Hermilo Demafiles, Battalion Commander of 14th Infantry Battalion, Philippine Army with the 23 chiefs of police of the 23 municipal police stations. PSSupt Felixberto Marudo Castillo, PNP Provincial Director spearheaded the election-related activity. (PIA-Eastern Samar)
PNoy’s first 100 days report draws mixed reactions in Eastern Visayas
By Rodrigo S. Victoria
Tacloban City (8 October) — The first 100 days of President Benigno S. Aquino III anchored on the theme “Isang Daang Araw sa Isang Daang Matuwid: Report kay Boss” received mixed reactions from different sectors in Eastern Visayas.
In a survey conducted by the Philippine Information Agency in region 8 right after P-Noy delivered his report on his administration’s first 100 days at La Consolacion College, respondents coming from the government and private sectors and even those coming from the ordinary man on the streets answered without hesitation of what they have perceived on P-Noy’s first 100 days in office.
A police officer said P-Noy’s drive of strengthening the AFP and PNP would pave to reforming the image of these institutions as protector of the people who always adhere to the constitution and observed due respect to civilian supremacy.
“I saw a continuing sincerity in his administration, firmness in making decisions and his being transparent in handling the affairs of government,” said a head of a local TV channel here on President Aquino’s report on his first 100 days. She stressed these were the reasons he got high trust ratings in a recent survey.
Another private media practitioner said P-Noy?s participatory approach in running the government where even ordinary citizens were given the chance to give suggestions or to contribute some help to the government only showed how much the president valued the voice of the Filipino people in his government. The same view was also shared by majority of the respondents being surveyed.
The firm action of the president to suspend the excessive perks of top officials of GOCCs and GFIs drew positive reactions from respondents. One respondent openly said that this makes her feel poorer everyday as she thinks of their million-a-year bonuses.
Majority of the respondents also emphasized for the president to properly implement more pro-poor programs and projects and bring to those who are in dire need the much needed government interventions to alleviate poverty and to provide better quality of life.
A beneficiary of 4Ps who was one of the respondents lamented the accessibility of ATM machine located only in the capital town very far from her place of residence where she has to spend some amount of money just to get the financial assistance. She said that aside from the problem on distance, most of the time the lone ATM machine is often offline. She suggested that financial assistance would be channeled to LGUs or another ATM machine will be opened near the localities where majority of the beneficiaries reside.
Some parents who were respondents to the survey also urged the president to review the budget on education as they are very much concerned on the budget cut for SUCs. A university student responded that his studies might be affected with this move of the government because he is apprehensive that tertiary schools would increase their tuition fees and he will just abide for whatever tuition fee increase just to finish a degree.
Other respondents were elated over the resolve of the president on stamping out graft and corruption in government as P-Noy strongly pronounced in his report to run after past and present government officials who allegedly ommitted graft and corruption practices. However, some were dismayed over the silence of the president over alleged involvement of his close men in shady deals.
Moreover, the first 100 days of President Benigno S. Aquino III despite receiving mixed reactions from the different sectors in region 8 majority of them gave his first 100 days presidency a high mark. (PIA 8)
Iloilo aspirants for barangay, SK polls top 1,000
Iloilo City (6 October) — More than a thousand aspirants in Iloilo City have already formalized their candidacies for the Barangay and Sangguniang Kabataan elections, five days after the start of the filing of certificates of candidacies on October 1.
Data obtained from the Commission on Elections ? Iloilo City showed that a total of 851 candidates for Barangay Chairmen and Councilors have already filed their COCs, as of October 5, 2010. The same data showed that a total of 187 candidates for SK Chairmen and Councilors have submitted their COCs to the city COMELEC.
The COMELEC has given aspirants until October 13, 2010 to file their COCs and has set the start of the campaign including the holding of barangay assemblies and candidates fora on October 14.
Iloilo City Election Assistant Officer Jonathan Sayno reminded Barangay and SK candidates to secure a permit from the authorized city official when holding rallies and to notify COMELEC for the holding of such activity.
Sayno said the giving or accepting, free of charge, directly or indirectly of transportation, food and drinks, or anything of value during and within the five hours before and after the meetings or rallies is prohibited.
He further advised candidates to observe other campaign rules and prohibitions especially on the standard sizes of election propaganda printed materials.
“Each candidate is allowed to post only one poster in designated common poster areas in their respective barangays”, said Sayno.
Sayno added that streamers with sizes not exceeding three feet by eight feet may be displayed five days before the date of the meeting or rally and shall be removed within twenty-four hours after said meeting or rally.
The campaign period for the barangay and SK elections on October 25 will end October 23. (PIA/LAFrench)
