SWE June 11 - 17, 2013

VOL. 10, NO. 45

JUNE 11 - 17, 2013

CATBALOGAN CITY

8 PAGES

Samar Weekly

Chronicling Events in Samar Island Since 2002

EXPRESS The Exponent of Samar’s Progress

Regional police nets 186 gun ban violators in E. Visayas AFTER the generally peaceful conduct of the May 13 synchronized national and local elections and with the election period over, the police in Eastern Visayas will now focus on the prosecution of offenders of election laws as the region’s top police official has ordered his men to ensure the conviction of all arrested violators particularly the Commission on Elections-imposed gun ban.

The Police Regional Office 8 (PRO8) also announced that few hours before the firearms ban ended, they arrested 7 more persons for violating the gun control policy in Leyte and Eastern Samar.

“We will closely monitor the prosecution of all cases involving violation of election laws, including persons arrested for election-related violence and violation

See REGIONAL page 2...

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Calbayognons honor local hero as nation celebrates 115th Independence Day

8ID revives ‘storm troopers’ Press Corps CATBALOGAN CITY – The Army’s 8th Infantry ‘stormtroopers’ Division revived and inducted into office the second batch of 8ID Press Corps officers shortly after a brief election last June 15 at the Camp Vicente Lukban here.

The activity, according to Capt. Amado Gutierrez, chief of the Division’s Public Affairs Office (DPAO), was attended by tri-media personalities from Eastern Visayas provinces.

Of the 44 newsmen that heeded the army’s invitation, 11 were elected and inducted by no less than the commanding general of the 8ID, Major General Gerardo T. Layug.

Elected president of the newly organized 8ID Press Corps was Rommel Rutor, who is also the president of the Samar Island Press Club (SIPC) the only biggest and active media organization in Samar Island and also officer of the National Union of Journalists of the Philippines Samar Provincial Chapter based in Catbalogan City.

Unlike in the first batch which has only two vicepresidents (only for Samar and Leyte), this year’s officers elected six vice-presidents which will represents all the provinces in the region.

Elected vice president from Northern Samar was Amhir Ortego of Power FM Catarman N. Samar; Vice President for Leyte - Fred Padernos of DYBR and Leyte Samar Daily Express, Tacloban City; Vice President for Southern Leyte - Josie Sersena of Ormoc Cable TV, Ormoc City; Vice President for Samar- Gene Navilon of DYOG Calbayog City; Secretaries were - Rachel Arnaiz of Inquirer and Leyte Samar

By RICKY J. BAUTISTA SWE News & Features CATBALOGAN CITY – Two high-ranking insurgents have recently given up their armed struggle and political belief due to the hardships entailed by living in the jungles.

Worried about the families they left behind and the uncertainly of their fate in the mountains due to constant military operations, NPA squad leader Lemuel Moreno alias Ka Kulas and his wife Nida alias Ka Mina, a medical officer of the NPA movement, surrendered to the Army’s 20th Infantry Battalion based in Northern Samar.

“It is very hard for us living in the mountains, with so much running from the government forces, we barely sleeps peacefully,” the NPA couple confessed to the assessing government representatives.

Captain Amado Gutierrez, chief of the 8th Infantry Division public affairs office said the couple-rebels contemplated to give up their “hopeless” struggle and decided last June 14 to return to normal living.

Saying they will give up their loyalty to the underground movement, the duo left their cadres and met the government

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PUPUA BEACH RESORT

Welcome to:

LIFE AT NPA CAMPS. As described by the NPA couple who recently returns to the folds of law, life in the mountains is very hard. Like the photos above, camps are temporary, no bedrooms, food are limited and cadres are sleepless because the government might find them.

These and many other reasons made them decide to surrender and gave up their armed struggle in exchange for a normal life.

See BACK page 3...

CONSTRUCTION & SUPPLY BUILDERS

See CALBAYOGNON p/3...

2 top NPA leaders give up armed struggle due to hard living in the mountains

BEECARTINE DESIGNERS

tion of Rizal.

The wreath laying was followed by a 21-gun salute to honor the legacy of the two heroes.

Nevertheless, the celebration in this city was simple in line with the directive from the Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG) to make the event meaningful sans grandiose activities.

The celebration kicked off with a thanksgiving mass at the Sts. Peter and Paul Ca-

BACK TO NORMAL Officers of the 8ID Press Corps takes oath before 8ID commander General Gerardo Layug at the Camp Lukban, Barangay Maulong, Catbalogan City, June 15.

See 8ID page 3...

ARCHITECTS

CALBAYOG CIT Y -Residents here paid tribute to a local hero, Benedicto Nijaga, along with Dr. Jose Rizal during the traditional wreathlaying ceremony marking the country’s 115th Independence Day celebration here today.

Sr. Don Benedicto P. Nijaga was one of the 13 Filipino martyrs shot to death by musketry in Bagumbayan (now Rizal Park) after the Spanish Government accused them of treason, sedition and rebellion, 12 days after the tragic execu-

Catbalogan City Home Away from Home!

For reservation, contact: 0918.9265.791 (Ben)

IN PREPARATION OF THE CITY FIESTA

DTI slates 1st Catbalogan Food Festival

CATBALOGAN CITY – Twenty-four food producers from all over the province are set to join the first of its kind Catbalogan Festival of Food on August 19 to 21, this year.

DTI Samar Provincial Director Meilo Macabare said the event is intended to showcase the city’s best in dishes on the usual lunch, dinner and snack menus to include salted sea food delicacies like sisi and ginamos.

Macabare said these will be featured during the cooking contest dubbed as “Parasahay Pagluto para Pagdayeg ug Pasalamat

kan San Bartolome,” a concept of Catbalogan City fiesta Hermano Mayor 2013, Justice Eduardo Nachura and family, on August 24.

The contest, it was learned, will be participated in by high school and college students in Catbalogan. Final showdown will be on August 20 at the covered court provincial capitol grounds in Catbalogan City after preliminaries to be held in participating schools.

DTI Samar chief said interested schools to join the event

See DTI page 3...

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Samar Weekly Express

THE REGION

2

JUNE 11 - 17, 2013

Website: www.issuu.com/samarweeklyexpress

DOLE-8 readies P2.5-M summer jobs salaries of student workers TACLOBAN CITY -- The Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) here is now readying the payment for some 1,500 recipients who rendered services this summer under the Special Program for Employment of Students (SPES).

DOLE senior labor employment officer Herminio M. Juntila said that DOLE 8 has allotted P2.515 million as payment to recipients from the first and second districts of Leyte province.

He added that documents coming from partner local government units (LGUs) showing that they have already paid 60 percent of the salaries of the program recipients are just starting to come in. The documents will serve as basis for the DOLE to process the remaining 40 percent of the salary.

DOLE shoulders 40 percent of the salary while the 60 percent will be paid by the partner entities. The rate on the other hand is being determined by the Department of Budget and Management (DBM) based on the classification of the municipality.

Of the 1,500 recipients, the highest was from Tacloban City with 400, followed by Tanauan with 300, and Palo and Babatngon at 100 each.

The remaining slots were spread to other towns of the said districts.

Also except for Tacloban City where salaries are being paid through cash cards, all the rest will be paid in cash.

Juntila added that since the SPES is already a year-round initiative they might look into the possibility of partnering with the academe this time to allow poor but deserving students to earn extra income while enrolled in schools.

SPEs is mandates under Republic Act 9547 with the purpose of helping poor but deserving students develop their intellectual capacities by providing them opportunity to pursue their education through a year-round employment thereby giving them income.

It is open to all qualified high school or college students or even drop-outs as long as they are interested to pursue their studies.

Their annual household income, however, must not exceed P36,000. (PNA)

DPWH requests Army’s 8th ID continues to lure RRs back to fold “The rebel returnees will for more weighalso be able to avail of government livelihood programs, ing machines, from the comprehensive local integration program, that weigh bridge includes immediate cash asTACLOBAN CITY -- The Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) in Eastern Visayas has requested for the establishment of additional weigh bridges and acquisition of portable weighing machines to complement the strict implementation of the anti-overloading law that kicked off this June 1.

DPWH 8 regional director Rolando Asis said that currently, they only have one weigh bridge that is located at the Samar area of the San Juanico Bridge and two portable weighing machines.

He said that they intend to have two additional permanent weigh bridges to be constructed at Wright-Taft road in Catbalogan City, Samar and in Allen, Northern Samar.

Asis explained that they have been monitoring violations of the anti-overloading law, especially by vehicles passing the National Maharlika Highway where Allen town serves as its entry point.

Vehicles traversing from Samar to Leyte could easily be caught because they have to pass by the San Juanico Bridge.

But t he DPWH and members of the composite team, Philippine National Police (PNP) and the Land Transportation Office (LTO), just rely on their portable weighing machines when conducting random inspections.

Under the amended internal rules and regulations of the anti-overloading provisions of Batas Pambansa 8794, axle loads of truck and trailers

Every firearms that will be turned-in by the rebel returnee to the government, a corresponding amount or renumeration will be given to the RRs under the AFPs Gun for Peace program.

TACLOBAN CITY -- The Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) is offering cash incentives and livelihood programs to members of the New People’s Army (NPA) who surrender with their firearms under its Guns for Peace Program.

Capt. Amado Gutierrez, spokesperson of the Army’s 8th Infantry Division based in that are allowed to travel in national highways should be 13,500 kilograms. The maximum allowable gross vehicle weight (GVW) is between 18,000 to 45,000 kilograms depending on the configuration of the axles.

A special permit to travel has to be secured from the DPWH if the vehicle is loaded with inseparable cargoes that will exceed the allowable GVW. Asis said that violators shall be fined an amount equivalent to 25 percent of the motor vehicle users charge (MVUC).

The violation shall be uploaded at the centralized data of the LTO and the vehicles will not be allowed to renew their licenses unless they pay the required penalty. (PNA)

Catbalogan City said the firearms remuneration package is intended to support the rebel returnees and their families as they integrate themselves into mainstream society.

Gutierrez said the AFP will pay P200,000 for light machine guns, P60,000 for M-14 assault rifle, P50,000 for Colt M-16 armalite rifle, and P40,000 for M-203 grenade launcher.

sistance ranging from P5,000 to P15,000,” Gutierrez said.

Last month, two former members of the New People’s Army (NPA) were given extended financial assistance by the government under its Gun for Peace Program.

Former rebel members Romeo Banagbanag and Roberto Rom received P50,000 each, which represented the M-16 firearms they surrendered to the government.

Gutierrez said they have received many surrender feelers from the NPA members, who say they are already tired of hiding in the mountains, and now want to live a normal life with their families.

The AFP Guns for Peace Program is a transition mechanism that is also open to other armed threat groups. (PNA)

Village chief arrested in buybust operation in Tacloban

TACLOBAN CITY -- Operatives of the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA) arrested a village chairman in Tacloban City in a buy-bust operation here.

The suspect was identified as Tacloban City Barangay 50-A chairman Reynaldo Abrematea, who was caught by PDEA agents around 6 p.m. Tuesday near the vicinity of Redemptorist Church.

Seized from the barangay chairman during the buy-bust operation was a one heat-sealed transparent plastic sachet containing white crystalline substance or suspected “shabu”, one unit of Cherry mobile phone and one P500 bill used during the buy-bust operation.

Abrematea will be charged with violation of Section 5 Article II of Republic Act 9165 or the violation on selling, trading or distribution of illegal substance under the Comprehensive Drugs Act of 2002. The suspect was brought to the medical facility of the Philippine National Police (PNP) at Camp Ruperto Kangleon, Campetic for medical check-up.

As village chair, Abrematea also automatically heads the Barangay Drug-Abuse Council in their barangay. (PNA)

REGIONAL from page 1 ...

of the Comelec gun ban,” PCSupt. Elmer R. Soria said.

Soria assured that the police will continue its anti-criminality efforts despite the lifting of the gun ban which took effect last January 13 and ended at 11:59 p.m. Wednesday.

“We will still carry on our campaign against loose firearms and the Oplan Katok to remind gun owners with expired licenses to renew it to avoid being penalized under the law,” he added.

As of midnight of June 12, PRO8 have arrested 186 violators of Republic Act No. 8294 or Codifying the laws on illegal/ unlawful possession, manufacture, dealing in, acquisition or disposition of firearms, ammunition or explosives or instruments used in the manufacture of firearms, ammunition or explosives in relation to Comelec Resolution No. 9561-A or imposing a nationwide “Ban on Bearing, Carrying or Transporting of Firearms of Other Deadly Weapons”.

Majority of the gun ban violators, 177 of them, were civilians while 3 were members of the Armed Forces of the Philippines and 6 were security guards.

Of the figure, 22 were arrested in checkpoint operations, 106 were arrested in police responses, 19 during the implementation of search warrants, 7 during the service of arrest warrants and 32 during the conduct of focus police operations.

Leyte Police Provincial Office scored the most number of arrests with 40, followed by Samar PPO with 36, Tacloban CPO with 34, Eastern Samar PPO with 25, Southern Leyte and Northern Samar PPOs with 14 each, Ormoc CPO with 10, Biliran PPO with 6, Regional Public safety Battalion 8 (RPSB8) with 3 and joint Regional Special Operations Group (RSOG) and Criminal Investigation and Detection Group (CIDG) with 4 arrested persons.

Meanwhile, of the 155 firearms confiscated, 58 were highpowered and 97 were low-powered.

Authorities also seized during the six month gun ban a total of 16 hand grenades, 54 other explosives, 5 firearm replicas, 67 bladed weapons and 1200 rounds of different ammunitions.

A total of 151 criminal charges were filed in different courts throughout the region.

The Philippine National Police also lifted the suspension of the permit to carry firearm outside residence, meaning licensed gun holders with PTCFOR can now bring their firearms outside their homes.

The Regional Election Monitoring Action Center (REMAC) also said 7 more violatros were arrested recently, including 4 criminal gang members and one public school teacher.

In Leyte, four members of Espinosa criminal gang were arrested by joint elements of PRO8 Regional Special Operations Group (RSOG-8) and 8th Regional Criminal Investigation and Detection Unit of the PNP Criminal Investigation and Detection Group (CIDG) early Tuesday morning.

The suspects – Vincent Lonzaga, Aldin Mago, Norman Tojong and Ritchie Batol – were arrested during the implementation of search warrant at their hide-out in Sitio Tinago, Brgy.

Benulho, Albuera town in Leyte.

The raiding team recovered several firearms that includes an AK-47 assault rifle; one M14 rifle; two shotguns; one Colt M16 rifle; one Ingram sub-machine gun; one Llama 9mm pistol; 3 hand grenades; several rounds of ammunitions and 10 motorcycles without proper documents; believed to be used in their criminal activities.

In Borongan City in Eastern Samar, public school teacher Rolly Bertos and his companion Billy Encinas were arrested while having a drinking spree and creating trouble at Brgy.

Maypangdan on Tuesday night.

The responding lawmen confiscated caliber .45 pistols with ammunitions from each suspect.

In Jipapad also in Eastern Samar, a drunk Mansueto Pecenio alias Teka was nabbed by policemen Tuesday afternoon after receiving complaints from his neighbors in Brgy. 04 poblacion.

A Parabellum 9mm pistol with serial number 64797 with one magazine assembly loaded with 8 ammunitions was confiscated from Pecenio.

Soria further informed that his men will strictly implement Republic Act 10591 or the New Gun Control Law that provides stricter guidelines on securing a gun license and raising the penalty for illegal possession for firearms as soon as its Implementing Rules and Regulations is released. (PR)

Commercial center in Catarman razed to ground by fire CATBALOGAN CITY – An old 2-storey commercial building owned and operated by the local government unit of Catarman, the capital town of Northern Samar, was razed to ground Tuesday morning.

Bureau of Fire Protection in Catarman Inspector Hermy Bolosino said the fire that hit the commercial center located at the Old Catarman Market

Tienda in Barangay Narra started at around 8:05 a.m and declared “fire out” at exactly 10:15 a.m., June 11.

BFP initial reports to media disclosed that one whole block consisting of 24 stalls being rented out to private businessmen with a monthly rental of P6, 000 was all razed to ground.

See FIRE page 5...

Samar Weekly Express JUNE 11 - 17, 2013

NEWS

3

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8ID from page 1 ...

Daily Express and Melanie Pasia of Radyo Bombo, Tacloban City; Treasurer - Archie Globio of DYBR Tacloban City; Auditor - Ray Gaspay of Samar News. Com; elected Business Managers were Jeanne Dalmacion of NSTV-8 Local TV and Elmer Siervo of SRFM, San Roque Northern Samar.

No one, however, from the media represented the provinces of Biliran and Eastern Samar.

In his message, General Layug said the army have always experienced good relationship with the media, but with the reinvigorated Stormtroopers Press Corps, the partnership will even strengthen and help achieve both goals of a fair and balanced reporting.

“I am also aware of the level of professionalism of the members of the press in their desire to keep the people informed and I sincerely appreciate your efforts. As the Commander of 8ID, I commit to fully support you in this endeavour of pursuing a common objective of keeping the public informed though a fair, balanced, timely and accurate news” Major General Layug added. (Ricky Bautista)

DTI from page 1 ...

2012 Civic Journalism Community Press Awards winners pose for a souvenir photo with their trophies and prizes.

PPI bares 2012 Civic Journalism Community Press Awards winners MAKATI CITY - A Cebu-based daily newspaper almost made a sweep during the 2012 Civic Journalism Community Press Awards held Friday night.

The Sun.Star Cebu, one of the oldest daily newspapers in Cebu City, won four out of the five awards up for grabs for the daily category during the awards night attended by media personalities coming various community papers of the country.

The Sun.Star Cebu won for best culture and arts reporting, best in photojournalism, best in editorial and best in climate change and biodiversity awards.

During the 2011 Civic Journalism Community Press Awards, the same community paper won the best edited and best on culture and arts.

The other awards up for grabs, the best edited, went to its sister publication, Sun.Star Davao, which is based in Davao City.

The best in science and environment reporting went to Edge Davao which is based in Davao City.

Meantime in the weekly category, the Baguio City-based Bagiuo Midland Courier won three awards: best in climate change and biodiversity reporting, best in culture and arts reporting and best in business and economic reporting.

The Bulacan-based Mabuhay, on the other hand, won two awards, namely, best in photojournalism and best in science and environment reporting.

The Bohol Chronicle, which is based in Tagbiliran City, was named as the best editorial page.

All winners were given P15, 000 cash prize and a trophy.

In hailing the best edited papers, both in the daily and weekly categories, the judges have noted that the winners were well-written, copy-fit headlines, made good use of photographs and technically-sound headlines and over-all dramatic lay out.

This year’s panel of judges were composed of the follow-

may submit a letter of interest to the DTI office indicating the names of the contestants and the category in which they will be participating (secondary or tertiary).

Cash, trophy and certificate of merits will be given to the winners, organizers said. (Avha Hilario Ebalde)

CALBAYOGNON from page 1 ...

thedral where Rev. Fr. Necias Abujuela, in his homily, called for unity and for everyone to leave behind the political hangover caused by the May 13 Elections.

He said that regardless of political persuasion, this is now a time for Calbayognons to come together and pray for those who won that they may reflect the best in wisdom and judgment as they fulfill the great trust afforded to them by the Calbayognons.

Meantime, mayor-elect Ronaldo P. Aquino, in his message delivered by city administrator Rosario Gonzaga during the short program that followed reminded every Calbayognon of their roles to play in turning the vision of a prosperous and peaceful Calbayog City into a reality.

He also echoed the call of Fr. Abujuela for unity in order to achieve this vision that will ensure improved quality of life for Calbayognons. (Aimee C. Querubin/PNA)

BACK from page 1 ...

2012 Civic Journalism Community Press Awards keynote speaker Atty. Adel A. Tamayo, Director, Public Affairs and Communications of TCCEC receives a plaque from PPI chairman Jess Dureza. ing: Manila Standard Today news editor, Joel Palacios, who acted as the chair; Vincent Lazatin, executive director of Transparency and Accountability Network; Mel Velarde, chief executive officer of the Information Technology Ventures; Joel Adriano, Southeast Asia and Pacific Coordinator of the Science and Technology Network; Danilo Arao, assistant professor, Department of Journalism College of Mass Communication of the University of the Philippines(Diliman); Leslie Ann Jose-Castillo, head writer and researcher of ASEAN Biodiversity of the ASEAN Center for Biodiversity and Cecilia Dy, head of the National Committee on Communication of the National Commission on Culture and the Arts.

The community award was organized by the Philippine Press Institute, an aggrupation of community newspapers in the country. This year’s awarding was held at the New World Hotel in Makati with the director of the public affairs and communications of The Coca-Cola Export Corp., Adel Tamano, as the guest speaker.

The PPI is now being headed by its newly-elected chairman, Jesus Dureza.

Soldiers at Barangay Santander, Bobon, Northern Samar.

Captain Gutierrez said the two ex-rebels were connected to Section Committee 2 of the Northern Samar Provincial Party Committee operating in the hinterlands of Northern Samar.

Upon their return to the mainstream of society, the duo surrendered two Caliber .45 pistols with two magazines and four (4) rounds of ammunition.

Capt. Gutierrez said that under the AFP gun for peace program, the two rebel-returnees (RRs) will be receiving the amount of P25,000.00 each or a total of P50,000.00 as part of the firearms remuneration package and other existing government assistance coming from the line government agencies.

In a statement, 8ID commanding general Major General Gerardo Layug said the return of the rebel fighters to the folds of law was a result of the intensive peace efforts of all local leaders and AFP Bayanihan Teams in helping out rebels to peacefully return to the mainstream of society and avail the new program of the AFP which is the Guns for Peace Program.

“Through the gun for peace program, it is the sincere desire of the 8th Infantry Division to help NPA rebels to return to the folds of the law and start a new life,” General Layug said. (RICKY BAUTISTA)

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Army troopers distribute computers, books to elementary schools in Northern Samar

EXPRESS publications publisher Dalmacio Grafil, LSDE Editor Joey Gabieta, SWE Editor Ricky Bautista posed for a souvenir with other PPI Visayas members.

LOPE DE VEGA, Northern Samar – The troops of 20th Infantry Battalion, A Samar-based line unit of the 8th Infantry Division has distributed a total of five (5) sets desktop computers, computer accessories and two hundred

fifty (250) assorted text books and reference materials to five (5) elementary schools in Northern Samar province.

Lieutenant Colonel Noel Vestuir, 20IB commander said the items were donated by the Rotary Club of Loyola Heights

through the efforts of the Office of the Deputy Chief of Staff for Civil Military Operations (J7), AFP. He said the computers and books are part of the joint project of AFP and Rotary

See ARMY page 7...

OPINION Samar Weekly Express

DALMACIO C. GRAFIL Publisher

JUNE 11 - 17, 2013

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RICKY J. BAUTISTA Editor-in-Chief ALMA GRAFIL Bus. Manager CATHERINE GERADILA Office-in-Charge

Columnists, Writers and Account Executives: Rommel L. Rutor Chito Dela Torre Atty. Batas Maricio Fr. Roy Cimagala Ismael Amigo Juan Mercado Roger Soria Myra Tambor Jenna Tizon Igdalino Gina Dean Ragudo Lilith Sabuco - Teña Malou Bermejo.

OFFICE: The Samar Weekly Express is published weekly in multi-lingual format with editorial and business office located at Rizal Avenue, Catbalogan, Samar (Infront of Fire Department near City Hall) CONTACT: Telephone (055) 251-2341 Fax: (053) 321-5591 Main Office: (053) 321-4833 Mobile: 09207675444 E-MAIL: trexpelunker@yahoo.com, mysolotrek@ gmail.com WEBSITE: www.issuu.com/samarweeklyexpress All rights reserved. Except as permitted by law, no part of Samar Weekly Express may be produced or distributed in any form or by any means stored in a database or retrieval system without its prior written permission from the publisher.

Samar Weekly Express is a member of the

PHILIPPINE PRESS INSTITUTE The National Association of Philippine Newspapers

SAMAR ISLAND PRESS CLUB, Inc. The only SEC registered media organization operating in the three provinces of Samar A sister publication of the

Leyte - Samar Daily Express (Tacloban City) and Eastern Samar Bulletin (Borongan City)

EDITORIAL Abusive employers Much as we welcome the influx of investors, homegrown or local, to our cities, towns, and even countryside for their capacity to generate employment and economic activities in these areas, we cannot also tolerate any form of abuse, oppression, and exploitation that some of them are reportedly doing to our lowly countrymen who happen to become their employees.

It has been common knowledge that, indeed, some of these employers tend to abuse their poor workers, who just don’t report their plight to authorities due to fears that they might get fired, that high cost is involved in filing and pursuing court cases. Verbal abuse is very common, in fact very negligible on their part as it is natural for employers to really demand quality time and work from their employees. But to subject the latter to more severe forms of maltreatment is unacceptable.

Take for example the young women, say, sales ladies who are housed in one place to accordingly ensure they are on easy call all the time.

Some of their male employers, mostly foreigners albeit slit-eyed Asians, are reportedly taking the liberty to visit them even when it’s their time to rest, abusing their privacy, and taking advantage of their poverty.

The intrusion is too much in that, these guys would accordingly enter their private rooms at times, in a demanding and lustful demeanor, as though they own these lady-employees’ flesh.

In some cases, some of these workers are allowed to stay in the shops or stores where they work to save rental money and at the same time, to serve as guards inside against likely burglars. By the look of it, it seems that the employers trust them that much for allowing them to have access to store items in their absence. But no, these poor workers do not have freedom to just get out of the building anytime they like.

They are accordingly being locked inside like prisoners to make sure they cannot escape with some items with them.

What if fire happens to erupt in the vicinity? These workers must burn to death for being locked in there! These and many more are just samples of the abuses that these poor workers receive from their employers, not to mention the very low salary that they are getting in exchange for the hard work that they render. These must be addressed by our authorities if they still care for their hard up countrymen and women.

Hints and Traces

By Fr. Roy Cimagala Culture of death still gaining ground

JUST learned that the Belgian parliament is poised to approve euthanasia even for children. This, to me, is a new low in the slippery slope of the culture of death that can start with what many people say as harmless like contraception, or even way before that.

When we start claiming rights that do not come from God’s will and commandments and that in fact go against them and that are simply based on human consensus, then we are in for this slippery slope that can appear to us as sweet, convenient, practical and advantageous in the beginning, until its ugliness appears in the end.

This so-called “right to die” that started to be applied on elders is now to be applied on minors. Once finally legalized, Belgium will be the first country to have such law. And I’m sure, many others, especially the so-called “developed” countries, will follow suit.

Obviously, some qualifications are made to make the law appear humane. But nothing in them actually erases the fact that the law is giving us some rights that we actually do not have. Life, no matter how deformed, weakened or sick, comes from God and only God can take it away from us.

Of course, this issue will be debated ad nauseam all over the world. This is what usually happens when our relationship with God is not anymore strong and clear, sustained by a living piety. When we get unhinged from our Creator and ultimate Lawgiver, then we can go exploring all kinds of possibilities, including perversions.

When God has no place in one’s heart, when he is ignored, marginalized, or replaced by some human idols, then the road to endless rationalizations is opened. Our God-given gifts of intelligence, will, freedom, etc., which enable us to experience the grandeur of God can also be used to create our own grandeur without God. At the moment, we still have the scourge of abortion still trying to spread its scope in the world. It is even trying to enter our country. And again, this started with the seemingly innocent and supposedly highly practical contraception that we have now officially legalized and are actively promoting with our RH Law.

See HINTS page 5...

Samar Weekly Express JUNE 11 - 17, 2013

OPINION

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Post from 2010: “Shelterbox” for calamity victims

LIFE’S INSPIRATIONS: “… `Therefore everyone who hears these words of mine and puts them into practice is like a wise man who built his house on the rock. The rain came down, the streams rose, and the winds blew and beat against that house; yet it did not fall, because it had its foundation on the rock’…” (Matthew 7:24-25, the Holy Bible).

-oooDESPAIR FOR CALAMITY VICTIMS: Here’s what I wrote here on November 20, 2010, which is still relevant today:” When heavy rains, floods, strong winds, volcanic eruptions and other natural disasters or calamities strike, one of the most immediate needs that must addressed by government and private charitable institutions alike is relocation sites or other places where the displaced victims are to be temporarily sheltered.

“Most often, school houses, gyms, covered courts and plazas and other public buildings are transformed as evacuation centers, but bigger problems usually crop up and pose more health and other hazards to the affected families and individuals upon reaching these makeshift shelters, making them pine to return to their homes.

“But with `home’ having been washed away or gravely destroyed even before the victims left them, there is really nothing to return to, for most of the victims. Despondency and despair

HINTS from page 4 ...

Aside from abortion, we are already seeing how issues like same-sex unions, polyamory, etc., are grabbing the attention and interest of many people. Human sexuality is now defined according to people’s preferences and not anymore according to God’s laws. I shudder at the thought of what would come next after these.

Polyamory is a relatively new phenomenon that is gaining ground in some countries. This is what Wikipedia says of it: It is “the practice, desire or acceptance of having more than one intimate relationship at a time with the knowledge and consent of everyone involved…The word is sometimes used in a broader sense to refer to sexual or romantic relationships that are not sexually exclusive, though there is disagreement on how broadly it applies…”

It may even include “polysexuality,” that is, attraction towards multiple genders and sexes. Now, I don’t know what other “poly” it can tend to. It may reach the ultimate perversity of having sexual and romantic relationships not only with humans but also with animals, plants and even inanimate objects.

Again the workings of the slippery slope are evident. We have to do something about these, but always along the path of truth and charity that Christ himself preached, lived and suffered and died for.

We have to be wary of falling into bitter zeal that can ignite us with some good intentions, but without prudence and charity. It is a zeal that definitely will be more destructive and constructive, and that can make the issues more confusing and more difficult to resolve.

What we have to do first is to pray a lot, to be very generous with sacrifices and mortifications, even extraordinary ones, and wage an unremitting apostolate both on the personal and collective levels, based on doctrine, and pursued always in friendship and confidence.

If the environment is too hot or hostile, then we just have to be more patient. There is always divine providence that knows what to do with how we use or abuse our freedom. The world is passing through a certain difficult stage that like the others in the past can always yield something positive and enlightening in the future. This, of course, does not mean that we simply be cavalier about the situation. We have to do all to defend the truth always in charity.

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then set in, crushing whatever hopes that may have been left in their hearts. The stage is then set for a bleak and hopeless future for many of them.

-oooSHELTERBOX GIVES HOPE FOR BETTER LIVES AFTER CALAMITIES: “ `ShelterBox’ is changing all these, however. An international relief organization that delivers emergency shelter, warmth and dignity to people affected by disasters worldwide, ShelterBox now aims to help 500,000 people who are victimized by natural disasters worldwide every year.

“Tom Henderson, the founder and chief executive officer of ShelterBox, told me in an interview at the `affiliate launching ceremonies’ for ShelterBox Philippines at the Fontana Leisure Park in Clark, Pampanga, on Saturday, November 13, 2010, that his group has already helped 500,000 people since it was founded in 2000.

“A Rotarian from the Rotary Club of Helston-Lizard in Cornwall, Henderson said that ShelterBox was initially a project of his Club, and was born out of a realization that aid response to most disasters was in the form of food and medicine, but little or no assistance is given in terms of proper shelter to help them in the first few days as they tried to rebuild their lives. `ShelterBox was launched to fill that void,’ Henderson said, and, in the case of Filipino disaster victims, ShelterBox has already delivered hundreds of `shelter boxes’ six times.

-oooFILIPINO ROTARIANS PUT UP SHELTERBOX PHILIPPINES: “What `proper shelter’ does Henderson’s ShelterBox provide? Lyne Abanilla, a governor of Rotary International District 3810 and now a trustee of ShelterBox Philippines, explained that each `shelter box’ contains a disaster relief tent for a family of about 10 people designed for extreme temperatures and heavy rains, and a host of other items intended to put the victims back on track after the calamities.

“Filipino Rotarians are so impressed by the relevance of what ShelterBox is doing---considering the calamities occurring in the country yearly---that they decided to affiliate themselves with the group, putting up ShelterBox Philippines in the process.

“Anyone wanting to help push this project---or to be helped by it---can approach any Rotarian in Rotary’s 10 districts in the Philippines, said Rotary Past District Gov. Jess Nicdao, the newlyinstalled chairman of ShelterBox Philippines.”

-oooREACTIONS? Please call me at 0917 984 24 68, 0918 574 0193, 0922 833 43 96. Email: batasmauricio@yahoo.com, mmauriciojr111@gmail.com.

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FIRE from page 2 ...

5

Businesses renting the stalls involved in grocery, rice dealers, pawnshops, restaurants and other caterers.

Fire probers said investigation is still on-going as to where the fire actually started.

An initial finding, however, as to cause of fire is “faulty electrical wiring,” the BFP said.

The BFP disclosed no amount of damage of property yet as of this posting.

But residents and bystanders who actually witnessed the fire said the fire started at St. Lukes Pharmacy establishment. Other witnesses also said the fire broke out at the second floor of the Old Market Tienda, which are the “bodegas” of said establishments, and mostly made of light materials.

“We have immediately deployed all our fire trucks to scene but still we find it very difficult for us to save the establishments due to poor water pressure coming from our hydrants,” Fire Inspector Bolosino said.

(Ricky Bautista)

In Depth

By Juan L. Mercado juanlmercado@gmail.com

Lazarus Moment Easter 2013 and that of two millennia ago are about radical change. “You’re very another na, as today’s youngsters quip in “Taglish”.

After the crucifixion’s trauma, the scared disciples locked doors. Time and space no longer constrain Jesus, Luke and John recount. He appears in the barred Upper Room. “Touch me”, he says while displaying nail-pierced hands and side. “ And see for yourself a ghost has no flesh and bones.” He was “very another na.”

Can you tell it is Easter from today’s headlines or newscasts?

Rep.Tomas Osmena tooled around in bogus police cars. Will the local prober, an Osmena ally, provoke the ramrod straight Ombudsman Conchita Carpio Morales, with a whitewash?

Columnist Bobby Nalzaro wonders. A servile city council plays Osmena lapdog.

Chiz Escudero’s standing in the polls skid because of his “Heart” affair. Of 552 Filipino-Chinese businessmen, 354 didn’t pay a centavo in income tax.

Few think of our deaths —and what lies beyond. In a time when we can connect severed limbs, many forget people still wear out and die, Craig Brown writes in Washington Post “Our culture has come to view death as a medical failure rather than life’s natural conclusion.”

“Lazarus, come forth,” Christ cried into a Bethany grave.

“I am the resurrection and the life,” Jesus tells Lazarus’ sisters Martha and Mary. “ The four day corpse emerges, “Untie him and let him go,” Jesus commands.

Easter offers all a “Lazarus moment”. We, too, will be untied from our burial shrouds. “The hour is coming when all those lying in the tombs will hear my voice and come out” — to judgement.

Easter’s bottom line is about sharing food with the hungry to clothing the naked. “Burial shrouds have no pockets, my grandmother said,.” Pope Francis insisted this Palm Sunday.

There are many Easter stories,” writes Irish theologian Eammon Bredin. “But they all express the same message: God did not allow Him to be held in death.” This is not some kind of “[H]is cause goes on.”

“Rather, Jesus has been brought, through death — into God’s future”. That experience “brought Peter the Rock out of Simon the betrayer and a crucified Paul out of a crucifying Saul.” It forged a church of martyrs from scattered disciples.

After Easter, Christ was “seen by some, but not by others,” notes Oblate columnist Ron Rolheiser. The Christmas Child was real, not a ghost. The shepherds saw Him, “ Experts of the law” did not. Some got the meaning and this changed their lives.

Thus, the Magi “returned to their home country by another way.”

Others massacred every child below 2 years of age in Bethlehem.

Peter and John race to the tomb when told it is empty. “Others remain as they are, locked inside their own worlds.” Whether we see or not, depends upon what’s going on inside our own hearts,” Rolheiser adds. “The miraculous doesn’t force itself on us.”

In the Easter appearances, Paul and others do not say: “We’ve seen Jesus again,” but “we have seen the Lord and worshiped Him.” Those who proclaim Easter in their lives, like Mother Teresa of Calcutta or Blessed John Paul II, sometimes stammer to articulate its meaning.

Today, all are invited to listen across two thousand five hundred years to a man who spoke of the Resurrection as itaga sa bato. Deaths decimated Job’s family and flocks, His friends vamoosed. And skin cancer gnawed at him.

“I know that my Redeemer lives,” Job insisted. “And in the end, He will stand upon the earth. And after my skin has been destroyed, yet in my flesh I will see God.”

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LEGAL NOTICES Republic of the Philippines REGIONAL TRIAL COURT 8th Judicial Region BRANCH 27 (Family Court) Bulwagan ng Katarungan Catbalogan City, Samar IN THE MATTER OF THE ADOPTION OF MA. RAMONA VILLA FABRIAG BETIOLA AND TO CHANGE HER NAME IN HER BIRTH CERTIFICATE WITH THE CIVIL REGISTRY, CATBALOGAN CITY AND THE NATIONAL STATISTICS OFFICE FROM MA. RAMONA VILLA FABRIAG BETIOLA TO MA. RAMONA VILLA FABRIAG BERINGUEL, GRACIANO BABALI BERINGUEL, Petitioner SP. PROC. NO. 8225-3-

LEGAL NOTICES

18-13 x- - - - - - - - - - - - - - -x ORDER

Filed with the Court is a verified Petition by Graciano Babali Beringuel, through counsel Atty. Medino L. Acuba, for the adoption of the minor Ma. Rowena Villa Fabriag Betiola. Said adoptee was born on March 1, 1992 in Catbalogan City, Samar to her biological mother, Vilma Vda F. Betiola, wife of the petitioner.

Petitioner prays that after due notice, publication and hearing, a decree of adoption be issued in favour of petitioner to the affect that henceforth the adoptee, MA. RAMONA VILLA FABRIAG BETIOLA be, to all legal intents and purposes, the child of petitioner, and that the surname of said adoptee be changed from BETIOLA to BERINGUEL, the surname of petitioner, or MA. RAMONA VILLA FABRIAG BERINGUEL in full name, which is, and is to be known and registered as such in the

Civil Registry, Catbalogan City.

The petition being sufficient in form and substance is hereby set for hearing on July 22, 2013 at 2:00 o’clock in the afternoon, at the Session Hall of this Court, Bulwagan ng Katarungan, Catbalogan City, Samar.

The Regional Director of the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD), Regional Office No. VIII, Tacloban City, through its Social Welfare Officer, is hereby directed to prepare and submit its Child Study report on the adoptee as well as her biological mother and Home Study Report on the prospective adoptive parents and indicate a recommendation on or before the date of hearing.

The court Social Welfare Officer II Ms. Annie Llauderes is likewise hereby directed to prepare her own Child and Home Study reports and recommendation to the Court on or before the date of hearing.

Let this Order be published at the expense of the petitioners once a week for three (3) consecutive weeks in a duly accredited newspaper of general circulation published in the Province of Samar, to be selected by raffle under the supervision of the Executive Judge of this Court.

Let a copy of this Order and the Petition be furnished to the Solicitor General of the Philippines, Provincial Prosecutor of Samar, Regional Director of the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD), Regional Office No. VIII, Tacloban City and Ms. Annie Llauderes, Court Social Welfare Officer II, as well as the petitioners and their counsel.

SO ORDERED. Catbalogan City, Samar, May 23, 2013.

(Sgd.) AGERICO A. AVILA Judge Designate

LEGAL NOTICES Republic of the Philippines REGIONAL TRIAL COURT 8th Judicial Region BRANCH 41 Gandara, Samar WENEFREDA VENCIO CABRALES, Petitioner, -versusTHE LOCAL CIVIL REGISTRAR OF GANDARA, SAMAR, Respondent SPL. PROC. NO. 13-50 FOR: CANCELLATION OF CERTIFICATE OF LIVE BIRTH (Under Rule 108 of the Rules of Court) x- - - - - - - - - - - - -x ORDER

counsel, on May 27, 2013, praying that after due hearing, an order be issued by the Honorable Court directing the Local Civil Registry Office of Gandara, Samar to CANCELL Certificate of Live Birth of Arlene Vencio Cabrales, marked Annex “C” and Sub-markings, hereof, from its records.

Finding the Petition to be sufficient in form and in substance, notice is hereby given that this case be set for hearing on July 10, 2013 at 2:00 o’clock in the afternoon before this Court, at which date, time and place, all persons who have an objection thereto may file any opposition and show cause why the same should not be granted.

Let copies of this Order be published at the expense of the Petitioner once a week for three (3) consecutive weeks prior the

above-setting in a newspaper of general circulation in the province of Samar and in Calbayog City.

Let copies of this Order be furnished the Local Civil Registrar of Gandara, Samar, National Census and Statistics Office, Quezon City, the Solicitor General, Makati City, the Provincial Prosecutor, the petitioner and his counsel.

SO ORDERED. GIVEN this 29th day of May, 2013, Calbayog City for Gandara, Samar, Philippines.

Republic of the Philippines REGIONAL TRIAL COURT 8th Judicial Region BRANCH 27 (Family Court) Bulwagan ng Katarungan Catbalogan City, Samar IN THE MATTER OF THE ADOPTION OF THE MINOR, SOPHIA ISABELLE CABONIOS VILBAR,

BY SPOUSES ELMER RAGADIO SORIA AND EMELITA TEVES SORIA SPS. ELMER RAGADIO SORIA AND EMELITA TEVES SORIA Petitioners, SP. PROC. NO. 8226-320-13 x- - - - - - - - - - - -x ORDER

biological parents Lea Bacsal Cabonios and Fernando Baladjay Cabonios.

Petitioners pray that after due notice, publication and hearing, a judgment be rendered to the effect that thenceforth, the minor child SOPHIA ISABELLE CABONIOS VILBAR be freed from all legal obligations of obedience and maintenance with respect to her natural parent, and be in all legal intents and purposes, the child of the petitioners; that she be allowed to use the surname of the adopters; and that her surname be changed to SORIA which is the surname of petitioners.

The petition being sufficient in form and in substance is hereby set for hearing on July 22, 2013 at 2:00 o’clock in the afternoon, at the Bulwagan ng Katarungan, Catbalogan City.

The Regional Director of the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD), Regional Office No. VIII, Tacloban City, through its Social Welfare Officer, is hereby directed to prepare and submit its Child Study report on the adoptee as well as her biological parents and Home Study Report on the prospective adoptive parents and indicate a recommendation on or before the date of hearing.

The court Social Welfare Officer II Ms. Annie Llauderes

is likewise hereby directed to prepare her own Child and Home Study reports and recommendation to the Court on or before the date of hearing.

Let this Order be published at the expense of the petitioner once a week for three (3) consecutive weeks in a duly accredited newspaper of general circulation published in the Province of Samar to be selected by raffle under the supervision of the Executive Judge of this Court.

Let a copy of this Order and the Petitioner be furnished to the Solicitor General of the Philippines, Provincial Prosecutor of Samar, Regional Director of the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD), Regional Office No. VIII, Tacloban City, and Ms. Annie Llauderes, Court Social Welfare Officer II as well as the petitioners and their counsel.

SO ORDERED. Catbalogan City, Samar.

June 3, 2013.

A verified Petition has been field by the Petitioner through

Filed with the Court is a verified Petition by Spouses Elmer Ragadio Soria and Emelita Teves Soria through counsel Atty. Gerardo C. Teves, for the adoption of the minor Sophia Isabelle Cabonios Vilbar. Said adoptee was born on October 11, 2009 in Brgy. Bagongon, Catbalogan City, Samar to her

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ARMY from page 3 ...

International dubbed as “Books for Peace” aimed to provide text books, reference materials and computers to remote barangays in support to the government’s effort of providing quality education focusing in conflict affected areas.

The books and computers were turned over to the recipients last June 6-13, 2013.

Among the beneficiaries of the project are San Miguel Elementary School, Curry Elementary School and Magsaysay Elementary School in Lope de Vega; Trojillo Elementary School in Bobon; and Happy Valley Elementary School in San Isidro, all of Northern Samar Province.

Vestuir personally handed over the books and computers to Mr Cristito A Eco, the OIC, Division Schools Superintendent of DEPEd, Northern Samar, who in turn gave the items to the district supervisors and principals of the recipient schools.

“The Books for Peace project would greatly help upgrade the literacy level of elementary pupils of the recipient schools considering that the area has limited access to some open source and readily available reference materials such as internet,” Vestuir said.

The army official thanked the AFP leadership, the office of the Deputy Chief of Staff for CMO, OJ7 and the Rotary Club of Loyola Heights for their support to the Bayanihan Activities of the Unit. (PR)

GO from page 8 ...

the more greenhouse gases are sequestered from the atmosphere. Trees absorb and store greenhouse gases.

Close to home, the third run of Run 2 Plant 4 GREENIN Philippines, which was convened by Ramon Aboitiz Foundation Inc. and partners in 2011, will be held simultaneously in the 40 component local government units of Cebu province and several areas in southern Philippines.

This year, Naga City and Cordova will host the central events in support of the ridge (Naga City) to reef (Cordova) perspective in biodiversity enhancement that takes into account enhancing not only upland vegetation but also coastal areas.

Interested individuals may coordinate with their respective municipalities. Those from Cebu City can register either in Naga City or Cordova.

In Naga City, participants may contact Boy Hilado of the City Environment and Natural Resources Office at 489-8989.

Participants in the Cordova run, may contact Joy Baguio of the Department of Agriculture at 236-3812 or Lily Ator of the Office of Municipal Planning and Development Coordinator at 236-4194.

Other local government units participating in the event include Talisay City, Minglanilla, San Fernando, Carcar City, and Sibonga ib the first district; Argao, Dalaguete, Alcoy, Boljoon, Oslob, Santander, Samboan, Ginatilan, Sibonga, Badian, Alegria, Moalboal, Ronda, malabuyoc, and Alcantra in the second district; Asturias, Tuburan, Balamban, and Barili in the third district; Medellin, Bogo City. Bantayan, Tabogon, Madridejos, and Tabuelan in the fourth district; Liloan, Sogod, Carmen, San Francisco, Borbon, Catmon, Compostela, and Danao City in the fifth district, and Consolacion in the sixth district.

Run 2 Plant 4 GREENIN Philippines, one of the components of GREENIN Philippines program, is a fun run and planting activity that provides a venue for every Filipino to contribute in rehabilitating and protecting our environment. It aims to expand the country’s forest cover and bring back biodiversity by planting native trees.

This event is in line with the national government’s National Greening Program (NGP) and tied to the DILG’s Billion Trees Program under NGP. As we celebrate Environment Month, it is not enough that we remember that we are stewards of the earth but we must choose to rethink and redo things if we want to save the only home we have. (by Rizza Gostado/RAFI intern)

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ARBOR DAY IN SAMAR. Government employees spearheaded by PIA, DILG, DENR and the provincial capitol officials observed the “Arbor Day” or the country wide observance of Environment Day which highlights the planting trees. (PIA-Samar photo)

Arbor Day observed TREE planting activities are to fill the day of June 25 as the Department of Environment and Natural Resources Regional Office (DENR-8) joins the national celebration of the Arbor Day. Arbor Day which comes from the Latin word arbor,that means tree, is an occasion originated in Nebraska, United States wherein individuals and organizations are encouraged to plant trees.

The Philippine Arbor Day however is celebrated tin the country every 25th of June by planting trees and ornamental plants and holding of other forms of relevant activities.

The necessity to promote a healthier ecosystem for the people through the rehabilitation and regreening of the environment was stated in Proclamation No. 643 that amended Proclamation No. 396 of June 2, 2003. Proclamation No. 396 enjoined the “active participation of government agencies including government-owned and controlled corporations, private sector, schools, civil society groups of the citizenry in tree planting activity”.

Early morning on June 25, a tree planting activity will kick off at Brgy. Caibaan Tacloban City being one of DENR-8’s Community Based

Forest Management (CBFM) areas in the region. This will be participated in by the DENR-8 employees, Provincial Environment and Natural Resources Office (PENRO) and Community Environment and Natural Resources Office (CENRO) officials and staff, as well as the barangay officials and members of the Caibaan Upland Farmers Association.

“There are these designated areas wherein we can have our tree planting activity and Brgy. Caibaan is one of them. These designated areas are the ones which have been surveyed and which have undergone mapping already.

Therefore, our seedlings are already computed and planned for these specific areas. These seedlings include narra, mahogany, fruit trees and the like”, says Purificacion Daloos, the chief of the DENR-8 Regional Public Affairs Office.

She added that those seedlings that will be given to anyone who want to ask are only the additional stock of seedlings they have.

“It is already the responsibility of the family to plant trees around their house or anywhere. They can have those seedlings from the seeds of the fruits that they eat. This means that they should not only depend on the seedlings

Go for 350!

EVERYDAY a lot of human activities involve emission of carbon dioxide to the atmosphere―from the mundane turning on of lights, heating or cooling of homes, cooking of food, to large-scale burning of forests, production in factories, and running of vehicle engines.

What are just mentioned are essential to people’s day-to-day living and survival but the tradeoff from the benefits we get from them deserve our immediate attention for they far outweigh the convenience we claim to be vital to civilization.

Carbon dioxide is a heat-trapping greenhouse gas that is identified as a major culprit to climate change. With an atmosphere of high carbon dioxide concentration, earth’s temperature continues to rise in an alarmingly rapid pace. We have been for years dealing with an escalating global warming.

A May 2013 report shows that carbon dioxide emissions have reached an unprecedented level of 400 parts per million (ppm).

that the office has, because the seedlings that we have are allocated to different designated areas that have been surveyed already”, Daloos added.

She further explained that the Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG) and other agencies being part of the National Greening Program also mandate the barangays to produce seedlings so that by the time that tree planting activities like the Arbor Day will be held, they can also supply seedlings.

“We encourage the families to help us nurture the environment by producing seedlings so that they will no longer request for seedlings in the office”, she stated.

DENR-8 also encourages the students and other organizations to participate in the upcoming tree planting activities not only in Brgy. Caibaan but also in other communities in the province having a CENR office namely Palo, Albuera and Baybay in line with the Arbor Day celebration.

“This activity serves as a reminder to the public to always care and protect the environment by means of planting trees. June 25 is not the only Arbor Day, every day should be an Arbor Day”, Daloos said. (Ram Idelbert A. Hilario, LNU-Intern)

Vessel owner agrees to pay damaged reef

TACLOBAN CITY- The owner of a commercial vessel that hit a coral reef off the waters of Maripipi Island in Biliran province has agreed to indemnify for damages it cause due to the incident.

The company, Wisdom Marine Lines, has agreed to pay the local government unit of Maripipi in the amount of P917,000, says local operations chief Ritchie Peñaflor.

Of the amount, P500,000 would be used to rehabilitate the coral reefs that were damaged due to the incident, he added.

The company, as represented by one June Racuela and the municipal government of Maripipi as represented by its mayor, Uldarico Macorol, made the settlement agreement before the Provincial Prosecutors’ Office based in Naval town, Biliran, last Tuesday afternoon.

“They agreed to pay the local government unit, in check, this Friday or by Tuesday next week,” Peñaflor said in a phone interview.

And while waiting for the payment, the 18 Vietnamese crew members and captained

by Nguyen Anh Tuan of the ill-fated MV Unicorn Logger,

According to readings issued from the Mauna Loa Observatory, this is higher than in the past 800,000 years. In fact, the highest ever recorded in the planet’s history.

But what should cause more worry is that the figures already exceeded the safe upper limit of carbon dioxide in the atmosphere, a few notches higher than the set 350 ppm.

As the planet experiences the evident environmental crisis, the clock is ticking and humans are in a race against time and, for certain, the imminent worse case scenario.

United States, which is considered as a major contributor to carbon dioxide emissions, suffer high temperature in winters and summers. Even wind, rains, and storms have intensified. Africa, although a least carbon dioxide contributor, suffers the effects of global warming because it lost many of its trees.

In the Philippines, even the dry season has been marred by typhoons accompanied by floods and landslides ravaging parts of the country.

It may be impossible to stop the growing damage at this point but something can still be done to save what’s left of the habitable portions of our home, our existence.

Reduction of carbon dioxide in the atmosphere requires the

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The vessel is now docked one nautical mile from the port of Naval, the provincial capital. The M/V Unicorn Logger was towed by the ship of the Philippine Coast Guard last June 15. All the crew members chose to stay inside the vessel.

Naval is about one and half hour by boat to Maripipi, the farthest island-town of Biliran province.

Last June 13, the MV Unicorn Logger, a commercial vessel loaded with 1,607 pieces of lumber, ran aground on Sambawan Islet at around 7:10 pm.

This resulted for the destruction of coral reefs covering 270 square meters.

The area of incident was about 50 to 60 meters away from the Sambawan Beach Resort and Diving Camp which is owned by the local government unit of Maripipi.

The said vessel departed from Sandakan, Malaysia last June 11 and was bound for Japan.

Peñaflor said that while they were sad that the incident has resulted to the destruction of coral reefs, they are also happy at the same time that the vessel’s operator has agreed to pay the damages.

“The Sambawan Islet is one our tourist spots as we are promoting it as a diving site. The area where the vessel hit the coral reefs was just one of the three diving sites located within the Sambawan Islet,” he said.

The entire Sambawan Islet has an area of 2.89 hectares.

Peñaflor, however, could not say as to how the rehabilitation of the damaged coral reefs would be done as the local government unit would first consult the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR) on the matter.

reduction of emissions on one hand and the sequestration of these heat-trapping gases on another.

One of the significant efforts to sequester carbon dioxide is through planting of trees. The more vegetation that thrives,

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