NEW OFFICE ADDRESS: HERMOSILLA DRIVE, ORMOC CITY
VOL. 16 NO. 05
ORMOC CITY
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FEB. 23-MAR. 1, 2015
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Minimum wage in Ley-Sam is now P 235 - P 260/day TACLOBAN CITY (PNA) - The Regional Tripartite Wages and Productivity Board in Eastern Visayas has granted a Php14.50/ day increase in the salaries of sugar industry (non-plantation) workers and integrated the existing P 15.00 per day cost of living allowance (COLA) into the basic wage for all sectors. The board issued Wage Order No. 18 on Tuesday afternoon, seeking to eliminate wage rates that are below the poverty daily threshold. “We adjusted the pay of nonplantation sugar industry workers from Php220.50 to Php235 to raise the capacity of low-income workers
to buy their basic needs. We cannot deny that their income is very low,” RTWPB chairman and Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) regional director Elias Cayanong told reporters. Under Wage Order No. 18, which is up for approval by the National Wages and Productivity Commission (NWPC), the RTWPB ruled that Php15 COLA under Wage Order No. 16 issued in May 2011 will be added to the basic pay. Workers can still receive a Php7 daily COLA under Wage Order No. 17 issued in October 2012. Meanwhile, the non-adjustment see
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15-year old bags Ms. WLC 2015 crown
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Cotiangco sues Dodong, Violy for Albuera-Burauen road THE FORMER district in-charge of Rep. Lucy Torres-Gomez has sued ex-solon Eufrocino “Dodong” Codilla and his daughter-in-law Violy Codilla at the Ombudsman, for alleged graft and corrupt practices, in relation to the controversial Albuera-Burauen road. Engr. Violy Codilla is the wife of Mayor Edward “Ondo” Codilla here. Aside from the complaint about the Albuera-Burauen Road, she and highranking public works officials are also facing “plunder” and other criminal complaints about a P 426-million road in Masbate province, where she comes from. Here, it was learned that Paulito Cotiangco, a native of Brgy. Valencia,
Ormoc City, where the Codilla family in Ormoc hails from, filed the complaint a few months ago yet. In his complaint, Cotiangco alluded that ex-Cong. Codilla used his influence to bag contracts for Yakal Construction, the construction firm of his daughter-in-law, for the AlbueraBurauen road that went on for years during his term. The complainant said the project, when implemented, was “sub-standard” and caused the Government and the people “undue injury.” The same road was also the subject of an investigation by the DPWH in 2013. Some P 500-million had alsee
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YOUNGEST MS. WLC EVER. High School department candidate Charybel Faith Dizon of the Western Leyte College was crowned school queen in a pageant that gathered a record-breaking crowd of 2,000 spectators. She was crowned by Rep. Lucy Torres-Gomez and WLC President Emmanuel Fiel. Photo by Wilfred Dizon
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By Jhay R. Gaspar 15-year-old Charybel Faith Dizon from the High School department of the Western Leyte College makes history as its youngest beauty queen ever, outshining 10 other candidates from the different colleges during the coronation night of the Search for Ms WLC 2015 on February 28 at the School Gymnasium. The crowned fourth year high school student also bagged all minor awards – Best in Talent, Best in Production number, Best in swim wear, and Best in Evening Gown – which is also a first time in the history of the
prestigious annual beauty pageant. Candidates were pre-judged in the talent competition on February 25, sponsored by the College Supreme Student Council. Completing her Court are May Anne Matuguina of the College from the Business (HRDM), first runner up; Karen Lee Goza from the High school department, second runner up; Kirzty Joy Rojas from College of Business (FM), third runner up; and Mary Ann Pilapil from the College of Nursing, fourth runner up. “What would you choose: family or career?” From the elegantly deco-
rated stage, in front of a not-too-easyto-please crowd, Dizon answered, “I would choose my family because according to Maslow’s hierarchy of needs, safety and security comes first, before career. As a high school student, my family provides me tender love and care so that someday I can share the same tender love and care to the rest of the world.” “I joined the pageant to gain experience, para mag-enjoy ko,” said Dizon. The youngest among the candidates, she said her only preparasee
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NEWS
February 23- March 1, 2015
Visayas-wide blackout due to equipment failure; Leyte coops say they are ready for an energy crisis
DSWD reg’l director, Legaspi to “face off” before the city council to explain what is delaying ESA
THE NATIONAL Grid Corporation of the Philippines (NGCP) confirmed that the blackout that occurred in some parts of the Visayas on the early morning of February 19 was due to the explosion of some equipment in the Naga Power Plant. The confirmation was an answer to rumors that the blackout was already part of the dry-run for the upcoming rotational brownout that the Department of Energy (DOE) will be implementing this summer. Energy Secretary Carlos Jericho Petilla have been very vocal in his statement that the country is now facing energy crisis, and that it will become worst this coming summer due to the shutdown of some power plants in the country. He warned the public to be ready for rotational brownouts of two hours in some areas, to minimize the effect of the power shortage. Gerardo Torres, head of the Visayas Operations and Maintenance Department of NGCP, said the power failure on February 19 has nothing to do with the said rotational brownout. He said it was due to the explosion of the potential transformer in the Naga power plant. This potential transformer is used to measure the kilowatt and megawatt hour being generated by the power plant, and is connected to the Visayas grid of the NGCP The occurrence was not immediately isolated by the power plant and went through the transmission lines of NGCP, resulting to the tripping off of power transmission in Bohol, Cebu, Leyte and Samar. Torres assured the public that NGCP is already taking up measures so that there would be no repeat of the same incident again. Meanwhile, Leyeco II manager Ma. Rosario Avestruz and DORELCO manager Atty. Manuel Saño, in an interview, assured concessionaires of Leyeco II and DORELCO that there is no need to worry about the said rotational brownout. Both managers said the cooperatives have already found other sources of power in the Visayas that will supply them, in time of the said energy crisis that is expected to occur this coming summer season. By Henry Gadaingan
ORMOC CITY – To finally put an end to the “he said, she said” reports about the P 680-million Emergency Shelter Assistance (ESA) funds for Ormoc City alone, councilor Vincent Rama said DSWD regional director Nestor Ramos will be in Ormoc on March 10, to meet with the city council and explain what ESA is all about, what it was for and what was holding up its release. Also invited to the same meeting is Mrs. Marietta Legazpi, the city’s social welfare head. Another invitee is the Office of the Presidential Assistant on Recovery and Rehabilitation, which Rama hopes could explain how they came up with the number of partially and totally damaged households that is now funded in the General Appropriations Act of 2015. Rama added that they would also be inviting other offices that could help shed light on the issue, including city legal counsel Atty. Ivan Verallo, for his legal opinion. To recall, the “he said, she said” reports on the ESA is the
E. Samar rejects coup calls EASTERN SAMAR – Provincial officials here led by Governor Conrado B. Nicart Jr., a party mate of Pres. Benigno Simeon C. Aquino III have rejected calls for a coup d ‘etat and for the president’s resignation, saying the calls were “anchored on baseless accusations.” In Provincial Board resolution number 22, the provincial officials said that in P-Noy’s 4 and 8 months, he had “strengthened our sovereign rights and freedoms, revitalized the national economy by effectively instituting reforms in the national government’s budgetary and expenditures processes, restored the people’s trust and confidence in the rule of law, and ensured national security and peace.” The resolution also notes that “despite the Aquino Administration’s evidently honest, sincere and just efforts to weed out corrupt practices in government and ensure the safety, health and well-being of the people, resulting in a more vibrant economy”, there are “certain personalities allegedly motivated by self-interest” and has suggested a “power-grab” with “barely 14 months until (the) next PresiSHOWING @ dential Elections in May 2016.” The resolution was signed by the governor, vice-governor starting MARCH 4, 2015 Marcelo Ferdinand A. Picardal, and board members Celestina A. Cabato, Byron M. Suyot, Jonas B. Abuda, Peregerio R. Balase, Gorgonio B. Cabacaba, Joji N. Montallana, Maria Caridad Sison-Goteesan, Karen D. Alvarez, Jenny G. Baldono and Maximo E. Zacate. By Lalaine M. Jimenea
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hot topic for two weeks now, after DSWD regional director Nestor Ramos revealed that the P 680-million for Ormoc’s ESA is already available for release, albeit the defect is in the side of Ormoc’s CSWDO. At that time, Ramos said Legazpi has not yet submitted to their office the masterlist of beneficiaries, which their office had yet to evaluate independently. Ramos reported this to Rep. Lucy Torres-Gomez in a meeting, after the congresswoman expressed her concern why only Palompon has yet been released the ESA, when all towns in the 4th district already has funds earmarked for the purpose in the General Appropriations Act of 2015 that they approved in Congress. On her part, Legazpi announced on radio that she was not publicly revealing the masterlist, unlike the public posting adopted by the LGU of Palompon, because it will create chaos. Their office has also prepared a list way over OPARR’s figures, and are proposing that see
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REP. LUCY TORRES-GOMEZ IS ESCORTED BY EV COAST GUARD COMMANDER CAPT. PEDRO TINAMPAY during a pass in review held at the port area on Monday, Feb. 23. The congresswoman was guest of honor during an awarding ceremony spearheaded by the EV Coast Guard to all its partners in securing Pope Francis during his January visit to Leyte. Gomez and Tinampay handed the awards to Ormoc City police director Jose Bucsit Macanas, Col. Dinoh Dolina of the 802nd Brigade, Police Maritime Group Commander Sr. Supt. Edmund Gonzales, City Fire Marshal Romeo Jaca and his deputy Insp. Consesa Asumbrado, the Philippine Navy and Coast Guard personnel. By Paul Libres
Swimming pool maintenance may eat up P 1-million a year, consultant from Cebu tells school board THE MAINTENANCE of the newly inaugurated Olympic-sized swimming pool at the New Ormoc City National High School here, constructed by the City government to the tune of P 21-million, may take up to P 1-million a year. This was relayed by councilor Dr. Mario “Mayong” Rodriguez, who sits at the City School Board. Councilor Rodriguez said a swimming pool expert from Cebu apprised the local school board about this, in one of their meetings last year. The P 1-million would include chemicals to keep the water clean, filters and the electricity to run it, and manpower. However, he said, the proposal of the Cebu expert was not approved. Rodriguez honestly admitted they were surprised at the estimate of the pool specialist, but added it was an expense that could be necessary in the near future, because the swimming pool is already operational. “It’s already there. We have no choice but to maintain it.” He also mentioned that on the planning board is the creation of a “special body” that would manage the pool, collect fees and make it selfliquidating, if not income generating. However, Rodriguez said that the school board, in coordination with city engineering, is looking into the possibility of converting the pool into a freshwater one with flowing water. This way, the cost of maintenance is reduced but an attendant problem has to be addressed first, too. Rodriguez said he has not
A truck loaded with cement fell off a ravine on the afternoon of Saturday, February 28, at Brgy. Villa in Baybay City. Residents in the area are seen trying to extricate at least 4 people from under the truck and cement. As of the time this picture was taken, the four people were reportedly alive. Photo by Doreen Dañas seen the pool yet, but he has been told that it had no drainage. Meaning, the possibility that it would overflow in heavy rains, is there. A good drainage system is also imperative, if the pool would be converted to “flowing”. The councilor said that with the pool’s inauguration, Ormoc City could host next year’s Eastern Visayas Regional Athletic Association meet, that is if Naval in Biliran does not rise up to the challenge. “We already have a pool and the oval,” he said, which makes Ormoc ready to host a huge athletic event. He also hopes that the pool would help train swimmers. “It is a
medal rich sport,” he pointed out, as individual winnings are included in the count for gold, silver and bronze medals. On the other hand, Rodriguez said that the Local School Board, for 2015, has P 48-million for its disposal. Around 9-million of the annual funds, representing 1.5% of the city’s Real Property Taxes, goes to teacher’s allowance. “Our teachers just get P 500 a month,” he said, “which is not much.” In comparison, he said, Tacloban City which has a lower Internal Revenue Allotment, gives their teachers P 600 a month from the SEF and another P 900 from their
general fund. “If we can do that here, it would be really nice for our public school teachers,” Rodriguez said. The city would not also purchase school supplies this year, because some P 8-million worth of school supplies purchased last year would be distributed by school opening this June. “We agreed to distribute it on the first day of classes,” Rodriguez said, adding that the supplies came only on January. Instead, he said, they are earmarking the local school board funds for the repair of the City Grandstand and the bleachers. Again, this is geared to making the City ready to host the EVRAA. By LMJimenea
February 23- March 1, 2015
World Vision Int’l. padayong nagsilbi sa mga Pilipino
Si Ms. Rhonda Hirst, Communications Manager sa World Vision
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BALITANG SAKSAK-SINAGOL
ORMOC CITY – Ang World Vision International nagsilbi sa mga Pilipino sud na sa dugay nga katuigan. Human sa bagyong Uring, usa ang World Vision ang nilihuk aron mapoypoy ang kabalaka ug kaguol sa mga Ormocanon nga nakagum sa trahedya. Daghan pang mga kalamidad niagi, anaa ang World Vision niayuda sa mga nanginalanglan. Human sa bagyong Yolanda, 14 ka buwan na ang nilabay, ang World Vision nagpabilin sa ilang kaakuhan nga tabangan
ang tanan. Pebrero 26 sa hapon, usa ka press briefing gitambongan sa EV Mail sa buhatan sa World Vision, mismo si Rhonda Hirst, ang Communication Manager sa iNGO, nipadayag na sa pagkakaron adunay 22 ka building o mga tunghaan na ilang gipatukod dinhi sa Western Leyte. 10 sa Villaba, usa sa San Marcelino, Matag-ob, 11 sa Merida ug may mga Health Centers pang ilang gitukod didto sa Matag-ob, Villaba, Merida ug Ormoc. Si Ms. Hirst, usa ka Australiana, nipadayag nga magpabilin ang World Vision dinhi sa Leyte. Nanguli na ang ubang nga iNGO, apan sila komitido nga dili mobiya sa Pilipinas kay nasayud sila nga ang mga Pilipino nagkinahanglan sa ilang serbisyo. Si Christie Macaba, communication staff sa nahisgotang iNGO, niingon ilang gipalapdan ang ilang serbisyo. Dili pa lang dugay, ilang gitabangan ang mga nabiktima sa human trafficking nga makabarog og balik. Mas sakit pa sa bagyo ang gidangatan nila Joy, Merly ug Esperanza, dili matuod nga pangalan, nagpuyo sa usa sa bukirang barangay sa Ormoc nga imbis nanimpalad, nangitag trabahao bisan katabang, naabot sa Kalibo, Aklan, didto gipriso og pito ka bulan ug duha ka adlaw, wa pakan-a og tarong ug wala hatagig suweldo. Naluwas sila sa DSWD ug sa mga pulis ug nakauli sa Ormoc. Tabangan sila sa World Vision aron mahupay ang ilang gibating pagmahay sa kinabuhi. Aduna say livelihood program gihatag ang iNGO ngadto sa mga miyembro ug kadtong nagub-an og mga pinoy-anan sa bagyo, gihatdan og sen, plywood ug mga kahoy aron mapabarog pag usab ang ilang nagusbat nga kabalayan. Ni Paul Libres
Sunod-sunod nga pagpanglungkab ug kawat natalaan sa syudad karong semanaha lamang ORMOC CITY - Kawat sa motor ug laing tulo ka kaso sa pagpanglungkab ang narehistro sa station I sud ning semanaha. Una nga nahitabo ang pagkawat sa motor ni Ranulfo Laudesa, 29, food server sa Ormoc District Hospital, taga Sto. Nino, ning siyudad. Sa report nakuha sa buhatan sa pulis, si Laudesa nitug-an ang insedente nahitabo alas kuartro sa kaadlawon, Peb. 25. Sa inbistigasyun ni PO3 Ruben Orsolino, si Laudesa nipahayag nga ang iyang motor Honda XRM nga may plaka YQ-911 giparking kilid dapit sa Emergency Room sa ODH gabii sa Pebrero 24. Nianang Pebrero 25 na sa kaadlawon, mouli na siya, apan kalit nakugang kay ang motor niini wala naman. Gialerto niya ang bantay sa ODH apan wala sad kini kalibutan kay wa makabantay sa kawatan. Gipangita ni Laudesa ang iyang sakyanan sa pamasin nga gibalhin ug butang apan wala gyud.
Post Office gilungkab
Pebrero 26 sa buntag, si Julie Tura, teller sa Post Office sa Ormoc, nakawatan og salapi bana-bana sa P 15,000.00 dihang ang ilang buhatan gisud og kawatan. Duda ang mga pulis nga nisud ang kawatan gabii pa sa Pebrero 25 o kaha kaadlawon na sa Pebrero 26. Si Tura nireport na sa trabahoan buntag sa maong petsa, pero pag sud niya sa opisina, nakita nga abli na ang hunos sa iyang lamisa ug wala na ang kuarta sa sud,
hasta na ang mga personal nga gamit niini. Usa ka kawani sa Post Office nga nahinabi sa EV Mail nidugang na kon naablihan pa ang drawer sa ilang labaw na si Noli Espos, hayan makakuha pag daghan kuarta ang kawatan kay didto gibilin lang ni Mr. Espos. Ang kawatan didto agi sa luyo, ug giguba ang kandado.
Asian Pension Plan ug Internet Cafe, gilungkab pud; CCTV giapil og kuha
Pebrero 27 sa buntag, laing kawat ang gi-report sa Station I. Usa ka ginganlan og Karen Tonio, OIC sa Asian Pension Plan nga anaa ang opisina sa dalan Rizal ang gisud sad og kawatan. Nakuha sa kawatan ang kuarta nga P28,000.00 nga didto sa drawer sa kahera. Kini nadeskubrehan alas otso na sa buntag. Gisundan ang report sa lungkab sa Asian Pension House sa lungkab sa Buzz Internet Café nga kasikbit lamang. Matud ni Radin Venus, ang empleyada sa Internet Café, nawala gikan kanila ang kita nga moabot sa P 20,000.00. Nadeskubrehan nila ang insedente sa pag abli na sa opisina nianang buntag, Pebrero 27. Si SPO2 Mark Alexis Ruita, ang duty investigator, nihimo sa iyang inbistigasyun kuyog ang taga PNP-SOCO ug niingon hasta pa ang CCTV nga gi instalar sa Buzz Internet Café, giapil og kuha sa kawatan.
Sa pakisusi, nasayran ang mga kawatan o kawatan didto nanukad sa ikaupat nga andana sa Sugarland Building unya nipatinghug paingon sa ikaduhang andana diin nahimutang ang Internet Café. Human nakuha sa kawatan o mga kawatan ang kuarta, nikatkat kini sa kisame ug didto puntarya sa kasikbit nga Asian Pension Plan. Sa laktud, una gisud sa kawatan ang internet shop. Gikuhaan og pahayag si Supt. Ibrahim Jambiran bahin niining mga sunod-sunod nga hitabo, polong niini nga ang
mga kawat nga nahitabo ning uwahing mga adlaw usa ka dakong hagit kaniya. Busa mas palig-onon pa niya ang ilang pagpaniid, makig koordinasyun sa mga opisyal sa barangay aron madakpan ang mga malapason. Kihaan kon madakpan ang suspek base sa testigos ug mga ebedensiya nga ipresentar nila unya sa piskaliya ug sa husgado. Malaumon ang hepe nga madakpan ra nila kining mga kawatan nga posibling nigamit og mga menor de edad aron maoy mokatkat ug molusot sa gamayng buslot. Ni Paul Libres
Mga ngitngit na dapit sa syudad, pahayagan na ORMOC CITY – Pahayagan o sug-an ang mga dalan sa syudad nga ngitngit sa ingon mominus ang kriminalidad sama sa pagpanglabni ug pagpangawat. Kini ang gibotyag ni Supt. Ibrahim Jambiran, hepe sa station I, sa interbiyu sa EV Mail. Matud niya, base sa record nga natala sa ilang buhatan, sagad sa mga kawat ug pagpanglabni nga nahitabo ning uwahing mga adlaw nahitabo sa ngitngit nga dapit. Nakig koordinasyun siya kang City Administrator Atty. Francis Pepito ug didto nasayran sa hepe nga ang siyudad nagpalit og 300 ka pedaso nga sodium lamps. Giila sa station I ang mga dapit nga ngitngit mao ang parte sa District I, District 4, ug District 12, kining luyo sa Ormoc Doctors Hospital ug sa ubang dapit sud sa district barangays. Sa dapit luyo sa Ormoc Doc, daghan nang mga nurses ang nabiktima sa esnatser nga mag motor. Ang hepe nidugang na kon mapasigaan na gani ang tanan kalsada, mahimong iyang irekomendar ngadto sa siyudad nga magbutang og mga CCTV kay dako kini og gamit aron dali masulbad ang kremin. Sa samang higayun bahin sa pagpadan-ag sa siyudad, gikahimuot sa mga nanimuyo sa Camp Downes nga naabot na ang sodium lights sa ilang dapit. Wala pa hinuon malukop apan ang suga hapit na makaabot sa tunghaan anaa sa barangay Camp Downes. Ni Paul Libres
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February 23- March 1, 2015
Bubukol rin
The law of love
ON MARCH 2, the Electric Subsidy Council will meet to discuss on how the royalties that Ormoc have received in the past few years would be distributed. The matter of distributing the royalties, this time, has become trickier, as it will only be for a selected sector. Originally conceptualized to “subsidize” the electricity of residential consumers in “host” areas, the royalties will now just be used to subsidize households whose electricity consumption is 100 kwh and below. Meaning, if you consume an average of 101 kwh, then you are off from the list. I don’t know if this is some kind of “class legislation” but it discriminates against electric consumers who consume more. I kind of wonder how the new Codilla administration would explain to the people why not all of residential electric consumers would be getting it this time, unlike in the past. What is funnier is the fact that this situation is an offshoot of the Renewable Energy Act of 2008, a law authored by Congressman Mikey Arroyo at the Lower House, with our very own former congressman Dodong Codilla as one of the co-authors. Another of its “bad effects” was the reduction of the SEF share from the Real Property Taxes of renewable energy company operators to only 1%, from its usual 1.5% share. In fact, the obscure law that nobody noticed got passed in Congress, became a big deal in Ormoc when former Mayor Eric Codilla complained that it was never consulted with affected LGUs like us here. The noise sputtered and died when it was found out that one of the co-authors was Cong. Codilla himself. I have a personal fascination with the issue of electric subsidies of our city. I remember being “invited” to an almost “full council” meeting by nine councilors out of 12, and grilled about my stand on its distribution. I could just laugh at the memory of that morning. They wanted to bully me that morning, but it seemed they were the ones who fell flat on their faces. Then, the issue of P 50-million of the same funds being used for the waterworks project. In its 2013 Audit Report, COA notes that the funds were used for purposes that it was not intended for, vindicating what we have been raising a ruckus over. The “shortcuts” that the previous administration had taken in using the funds is taking its toll, apparently. ORWASA is practically begging for the city to increase our water rates, but the P 50-million from the subsidies can be a legal hindrance. As pointed out by businessman Iñigo Larrazabal in the not-so-distant past, if ORWASA wants to increase its water rates, they will have to seek the permission of each of the electric consumer whom they deprived of the P 50-million. That is still a lot of money and I am staking my claim on my minuscule claim. That is the problem when leaders play God, and circumvent laws. Somehow, bubukol rin. And speaking about the water system, I just got a call from a friend in Canadieng who is wondering why there water service has become intermittent. It started on Friday, February 28. He is asking where the promise of uninterrupted, high-pressure water has gone? Sometimes, he said, there would be no water or its pressure not enough to bring it to the second floor.
TO be sure, that’s the law that should govern us who, being created in the image and likeness of God who is love, are meant to love and for love. In short, love is the be-all and end-all of our life and our whole being. Short of that, we are actually not living as we ought to live. That’s why when Christ was asked what the greatest commandment was—read, what does God really want us to do—he replied very clearly: it is to love God with everything that we are and have, and to love our neighbour as ourselves. Later on, he perfected that divine imperative by giving us a new commandment, and that is that we have to love one another as he himself has loved us. Christ, who declared himself to be our way, our truth and our life, is the standard of the love we ought to have. He is the giver and author of that love, the very pattern as well as the goal of that love. A love that does not come from him, or does not have at least some semblance of that love, albeit unwittingly held by us, is not true love. We need to do everything to be able to love as Christ himself loves us. It is a love that has clear do’s and don’ts, although it is also a love full of mercy and compassion. It’s a love that perfectly blends truth and charity, justice and mercy and compassion, and is capable of being consistent despite the changing circumstances of place and time. In this regard, it might be good to review the doctrine on the ‘law of gradualness’ as contrasted to the ‘gradualness of the law’ in order to have a good idea of how this love with clear content that is exclusive can be made compatible also with the demands of mercy and compassion that are inclusive. This is now a relevant and urgent point worth considering given the fact the papacy of Pope Francis whose thrust is mercy and compassion is trying to delineate the grey areas where truth and charity are at play, where justice and mercy and compassion have to blend. The ‘law of gradualness’ means that we have to have a decisive break with sin while leading a progressive path toward a total union with God’s will and his loving demands. It’s a gradual process with a clear idea of what sin is. In this law, we don’t deny the objectivity and gravity of sin, even as we try our best to grapple with it in varying degrees. The “gradualness of the law” implies that the objectivity of the sin and its gravity may vary according to one’s subjective understanding of it or of his condition and circumstances at a given moment. It is a total subordination of the objective to the subjective. A sin may be a sin or not, its gravity grave or not, depending totally on how one sees it or on how his condition would grapple with it. This is not right. While it’s true that subjectivity has a say on the gravity of sin, it cannot redefine the objectivity of sin. Sin is sin irrespective of one’s knowledge and awareness of it or not. But it’s also true that pastoral and disciplinary aspects of the morality of our human acts, especially our sinful acts, would somehow be adapted to the circumstances of the person, and of time and place, etc.
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The right to food (This is the official statement of Hilal Elver, United Nations Special Rapporteur on the right to food, Hilal Elver, in a press conference in Manila this week.) I AM addressing you today at the conclusion of my official visit to the Philippines, which I undertook at the invitation of the Government from 20 to 27 February 2015. My objective during this visit has been to evaluate the realisation of the right adequate food in the country as recognised in international law. The following statement outlines my preliminary findings and recommendations based on the information gathered during my visit. My final report will be presented to the United Nations Human Rights Council in March 2016. Firstly I would like to thank the Government of the Philippines for the invitation to visit the country and for its excellent cooperation during my visit. I very much appreciate the spirit of openness with which I was able to engage in dialogue with the authorities. During my stay I met with various Government representatives from the Department of Foreign Affairs, the Department of Agriculture, the Department of Health, the Department of Social Welfare and Development, the National Food Authority and the National Nutrition Council. I also met with the Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives along with Chairs of the Committees on Food Security, Agrarian Reform, Human Rights, Natural Resources, Labour and Employment and Vice Chair of the Committee on Reforestation, as well as the Chairs of the Senate Committees on Justice and Human Rights and on Food Security. In addition, I met with the Chair of the Commission for Human Rights and staff as well as representatives from international organizations, academia, development agencies and a range of civil society actors and organizations. During the visit I also visited a number of projects in Nueva Ecija, Luzon and interacted with communities living in Visayas, Tacloban as well as urban poor living in various locations in Metro Manila. I am also very grateful to the Office of the United Nations Resident Coordinator for its invaluable support both before and during the visit and for its assistance in coordinating these meetings. I would like to offer my sincere gratitude to everyone who took the time to meet with me, particularly those who shared their personal experiences, as their contributions have been vital to the success of my visit. In recent years the Philippines has rapidly risen to a lower middle income country ranking
as the 39th largest economy in the world (World Bank 2013). Recovery in exports and investment generated gross domestic product (GDP) has led to a growth of 6% in the first half of 2014 (Asian Development Bank), with slightly stronger economic growth anticipated for 2015. Despite the unprecedented growth rates over the last few years lamentably the Philippines ranks 29th in terms of hunger incidence (2014 Human Development Index) with an estimated 3.8 million households having suffered from involuntary hunger at least once during the last quarter of 2014 (Social Weather Stations). Accessing adequate and nutritious food continues to be a challenge across most of the country both in terms of under and over nutrition, with women and children faring worst. While there has been a minimal decrease in the number of underweight children from (20.7% in 2007 to 20.2% in 2011), wasting has increased between 2003 and 2011 from 6% to 7.3%. It is estimated that 7.36 million children in the country are malnourished (8th National Nutrition Survey). I was alarmed to learn that some 4 million children in the country suffer from stunted growth ranking the Philippines 9th in the world in this regard (UNICEF). The effects of under-nutrition are irreversible, and lack of access to adequate and nutritious food is having a detrimental effect on future generations and must be addressed as a matter of urgency. Pregnant women with children less than 5 years are also particularly vulnerable to malnutrition, with close to 12% of lactating mothers underweight (Food Nutrition Research Institute). Poor nutrition of mothers, both before and during pregnancy, has a direct impact on child development. Agricultural sector An annual growth rate of 2% a year (one of the highest in the world) combined with the steady decline of agricultural productivity and further food production in the last three years further contributes to the persistent hunger and food security problem in the country. While in principle the Government policy of encouraging rice self-sufficiency is commendable, in reality the country does not provide enough food to satisfy all the caloric demands and as a result considerable amounts of rice are being imported. In order to keep pace with the growing population the country would have to significantly increase its rice production. Moreover it would be more effective if the self-sufficiency programme were to focus not only on rice but
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Correspondents/ Columnists: HENRY GADAINGAN, PAUL LIBRES, MUTYA COLLANDER, JHAY GASPAR, TED MARCOS, JENIBETH LORO, IVY CONGSON, DR. MANUEL K. PALOMAR, Ph.D., KEN ENECIO VICKY C. ARNAIZ, JUAN MERCADO, JT DELOS ANGELES, ATTY. BEULAH COELI Section Editor FIEL, RICARDO MARTINEZ, JR., FR. ROY CIMAGALA,, ATTY. CARLO LORETO, with MAI-MAI T. VELASQUEZ, ATTY. EMMANUEL GOLO, ADELINA CARRENO, IÑIGO LARRAZABAL, YONG ROM, GILBERT ABAÑO, EMIE CHU, DR. GERRY PROF. EDITHA CAGASAN PENSERGA, NIKKI TABUCANON SIA
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RIGHT TO FOOD
LALAINE MARCOS-JIMENEA Publisher/Editor-in-Chief
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JOSE SANRO C. JIMENEA Business Manager
Cartoonist: HARRY TERO Marketing Assistants: VICKY ARNAIZ/ TED MARCOS/ HENRY GADAINGAN Marketing Representative in Manila: RURAL PRESS COMMUNICATORS REP. INC. 3055 Tolentino St., cor. Balabac St., Pinagkaisahan, Makati City Telephone Numbers: (02)8823978 / (02)8823205 Fax No. (02)8823223 Email Address: ruralpresscomm@yahoo.com; ruralpress@yahoo.com
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Administrative Assistants ELVIRA MARTINITO & ROSENDA CELIZ (Ormoc Office) Authorized Representatives: ARSENIA BENDO (Calbayog City) • EMILY ABAD/AIREEN ARONDAIN (Biliran) • KAREN ANN H. SABIO (Balangiga, E. Samar) • MARITESS MASENDO (Hilongos) • CHARISA ECHAUZ (Guiuan, E. Samar) NILO BORDIOS (Borongan City)
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February 23- March 1, 2015
Renewable energy updates
The forty days of Lent THIS CORNER can only wonder how we are observing the “Ten Commandments” that was even featured in the monumental movie directed by Cecil B. De Mille. I was then in Manila for my college. It was shown in the Odeon theatre in Avenida Rizal, and even lasted four hours with an intermission in between, for the patrons to relax and take a bite of food or a breath of fresh air. It was such an awesome and colossal picture with a cast of good performers! Since we are now in the Lenten period, we should mellow down our lives to go with the season. Let us all go back to God and repent for our sinful ways. We need to be reminded why and what we are doing in planet Earth. There has to be a reason why we are here if not for a particular purpose. I dis-tinctly remember back in the Elementary grade, when the nuns in St. Theresa’s College in Cebu City exhorted the students on the subject of Religion: “God made me to know Him, to love Him, to serve Him and to be with Him in the next (world).” Lent this year started last 18th February. Six weeks (actually 40 days)of observing fast and abstinence on the inclusive Fridays. Due to Vatican II, we have the option on the Fridays by switching them for acts of mercy except Good Friday. A lot of good can be had from fast to have a semblance of change in our lives. Our day to day existence can be so matter-of-factly. For those of us who indulge in reading books, there is the need to pause and give rest to our eyes. Fasting means refraining from not only eating our favorite food but also our pastimes. It also means from voluntarily giving up what we like to do the most. Maybe lessening our daily television viewing; our drinking of alcohol; our going to fiestas; our going to the movies; our usual beach parties; the weekly “barkada” gathering for mah-jong or piat-piat or poker or bridge or “hantak” or cock derbies. There are so many books on Lenten meditation that could put us in the correct state of mind about repentance. Jesus Christ showed us the way when He went to the desert in order to fast for forty days. He had to lead the way and teach us even if He is God. We can do no less. Before Vatican II, we observed the fast to receive Holy Communion starting with midnight up to the Mass. Now, it
can be done one hour before actual communion time. This was done so that the Church will go with the times. What is the connection between that of the wilderness or desert during the time of Jesus Christ and that of today? Today’s desertis the many temptations that hinder us on our own repentance; the cruelties in modern day crimes: murders, burglary, rape, kidnapping, assassination, arson, abortion, child-abuse, etc. How about those that fester the same abuses that lead to crime: drug pushers, filthy maga-zines and their writers, cyber crimes by the use of modernday gadgets, pornography, pimping of children, buying of votes in order to be re-elected again, the so-called “plunder” involving the stealing of no less than P50 million. To say that we cannot avoid these temptations is a lot of bull. Jesus Christ himself was tempted by the devil on three occasions as it appears in the four Gospels. The most effective way to fight these temptations is by prayer and repentance. Let us do our share of doing it by fasting and abstinence during this season of Lent. The devil can quote the Bible and even recite the Pater Noster -- the Our Father -- but it cannot pray the Hail Mary. It was in Genesis that God said that the strife will be between “the woman (meaning Mama Mary)”and Satan. No doubt about it: the Rosary is a powerful weapon against the evil one. All that is expec-ted of us by Mama Mary is to pray the Rosary once a day. St. Padre Pio prayed 40 Rosaries every single day. This is equivalent to ten block Rosaries including the Mystery of Light or some prayer books use the term “luminous” to mean the same. This corner urges the readers to pray the Rosary every day. If possible, make it block Rosary which involves the four myste-ries: Joyful, Luminous, Sorrowful and Glorious in that order. This corner knows of 5 times of the use of the Number Four that is found in the Bible: 1) 40 days of the Great Deluge; 2) 40 days of Lent; 3) 40 years of the wandering Jews; 4) 40 days from Resurrection to Ascension; 5) 4 Horsemen of the Apocalypse.
Rabies MARCH IS Rabies Awareness Month. Rabies is a disease with a high death rate. Usually, when symptoms appear, the rabies virus has already reached the brain and survival is nil. All patients diagnosed with rabies will eventually die. In 2014, the Animal Health Division of the Bureau of Animal Industry (BAI) states that there is an increasing trend in rabies incidence: from 473 cases reported in 2010 to 545 cases in 2013. In 2013, the top 3 areas were Cebu - 55 cases, Misamis Oriental - 43 cases and Bulacan - 39 cases. The sources are primarily animal bites from dogs (98%), cats (1.8%) and goats (0.2%). It also reported 15 rabies-free zones in the country and hopes to extend the list by combining efforts of the private and government sectors. Rabies is a zoonotic disease. It is transmitted from animals to man. The virus is usually transmitted through animal bites – by rabiesinfected dogs, cats, rats and bats. Usually, rabid dogs die first before the bitten person dies. A rabid dog usually exhibits hypersalivation, hyperactivity and irritability; we call them “iro na buang”. These animals have the tendency to bite anyone or any animal along their path. In the Philippines, no one has survived rabies infection. In human infection, from the day of the animal bite, it takes 20-90 days (incubation period) before symptoms
become prominent. Initial symptoms include fever, weakness, loss of appetite, dizziness, vomiting, pain and/or itchiness at the site of the bite. After a few days, symptoms indicating brain involvement are manifested by hyperactivity, bizarre behavior and presence of hallucinations. It will then be followed by frequent salivation, hydrophobia – fear of water (refuses to take a bath, even drinking water), aerophobia – anxiety or fear of moving air (fanning or air from electric fan) and seizures. If these symptoms are manifested, death is imminent. Doctors can only give supportive care to patients which includes giving of IV fluids, administering of anti-seizure medications, confining the patient in a dim room, with no moving air and no noise. Persons who are bitten by pets must wash the bite site with soap and water for 10 minutes. Avoid putting vinegar, nor sucking the wound. One must see a doctor so that appropriate anti-rabies vaccines can be given (at the recommended interval and number of doses). The local government must take advantage of the assistance provided by the national government and if not enough, must seek means to promote the control of rabies occursee
DOCTOR
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WITH THE see-sawing prices of fossil fuel (and usually on the up-swing), focus is again on finding alternative sources. While renewables such as wind, solar, hydro and biofuel may be leading the way in terms of sustainable energy uptake, there are new developments in the horizon. Researchers are working on a technique called Plant-e, which converts energy from growing plant life and bacteria systems into electricity, turning crop fields into power sources. The technology captures energy that already occurs in the natural processes of water-based plant life. The plants take in solar energy through photosynthesis, and waste products from the reaction are delivered into the waterlogged soil. There microorganisms break down the material and release electrons and protons that can be picked up by an anode and cathode to produce an electrical charge. According to the researchers, plant growth is not compromised at all by the technique. After developing its product in the lab, the researchers have successfully piloted Plant-e using a rooftop garden. As well as providing the urban area with a garden to grow food, the 15m2 plant bed was also able to power a smartphone. While the technique has currently only been tested in urban settings and yields a small amount of electricity per m2, the Plant-e team foresee multiple connected energy farms on city rooftops to help power buildings, and eventually creating an super-large network of rice fields and wetlands around the world. In another frontier, researchers of renewable energy have also invented the artificial leaf. More an idea than an actual leaf, they came up with a way to harness light with silicon to split
water into oxygen and hydrogen. From there, it was theorized, it was just a step further to create hydrogen fuel cells. But there was a slight problem. The infrastructure for a hydrogen-fueled economy did not exist then and to this day still is nowhere close to becoming a reality. To help solve it, they took the hydrogen from the photovoltaic cells of the artificial leaf and fed it to the soil bacterium Ralstonia eutropha. The idea is to take that microbe and do a lot of genetic engineering so that it will combine the hydrogen with carbon dioxide and produce liquid fuel. When it is worked out and done at scale that is more efficient than plants do it, and it does not compete with resources we use to make food, then we have found the “dream” fuel. But there is still the challenge of improving the efficiency of the process so that fuel could be produced commercially. Currently, only 1 percent of the sunlight can be converted into liquid fuel, which falls far short of the 10 percent efficiency needed to establish a viable, sustainable solar fuel industry. If successful, this initiative would help combat global warming by finding a replacement for fossil fuels and avoid the concerns of biofuels, which often compete with food for land. Whether or not those specific technologies are ever developed on a large scale, there is no doubt that many possibilities exist for energy generation that are available if people are able to consider alternatives to current thinking. That awakening may prove to be the greatest thing to come out of climate change debates.
The Gospel on Sunday MARCH 8, 2015 3rd Sunday of Lent John 2:13-25 The Passover of the Jews was at hand, and Jesus went up to Jerusalem. In the temple, he found those who were selling oxen and sheep and pigeons, and the money-changers at their business. And making a whip of cords, he drove them all, with the sheep and oxen, out of the temple; and he poured out the coins of the moneychangers and overturned their tables. And he told those who sold the pigeons, “Take these things away; you shall not make my Father’s house a house of trade.” His disciples remembered that it was written, “Zeal for thy house will consume me.” The Jews then said to him, “What sign
have you to show us for doing this?” Jesus answered them, “Destroy this temple, and in three days I will raise it up.” The Jews then said, “It has taken forty-six years to build this temple, and will you raise it up in three days?” But he spoke of the temple of his body. When therefore he was raised from the dead, his disciples remembered that he had said this; and they believed the scripture and the word which Jesus had spoken. Now when he was in Jerusalem at the Passover feast, many believed in his name when they saw the signs which he did; but Jesus did not trust himself to them, because he knew all men and needed no one to bear witness of man; for he himself knew what was in man.
NI ATTY. MANING GOLO
Brown out Dear Atty. Golo,
Dear Pearl,
Aron kono maka daginot sa koryente, kon mag “brown-out” sa adlawan, hus-on ang gisaksak. Peru kon ang “brown-out” sa gabii, ang gisaksak idoot. Wa man ko kasabot! Ang nag “distribute” pod sa atong koryente mao ang “National Greed Corporation”! Dili ba ang “greed” hakog? Mao diay mahal ang singel. Parehas sa akong ugangan, hakog kaayo. Gusto siya mohawid sa “allotment” sa akong bana. Nganong daghan mang “hakog” ? Ako lang tingali ang dili hakog kay inig kobra nako sa sweldo sa akong bana, ako gyong palitan og pandesal si Mama.
GRID, dili GREED. Ang “National Grid Corporation (dili National Greed Corporation) mao ang nag duma sa “transmission” sa koryente aron moabot sa bisan asa nga dapit. Usa kini ka privado nga “corporation” nga mipuli sa National Transmission Company (Transco) nga namugna ubos sa RA 9136 (Electric Power Industry Reform Act). Dili sila hakog. Nagpa ginansya lang. Bahin sa imong estorya sa “brown-out” mora man og lain ang imong gipasabot. Peru bahin sa imong ugangan, tahora siya. Ayaw siya tawga og hakog. Ikaw bitaw, dili man hakog. Tihik lang.
Matinahuron, Perla
Imong amigo, Manny G. Golo
People, Places LGBT Forum jumpstarts Women’s Month OXFAM, IN close coordination with several non-government agencies like IOM, ECLIPSE, INIGMATA, LGU-Ormoc and Coalition for Ormoc Women, held an LGBT (Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender) forum jumpstarting its celebration for 2015 National Women’s Month Celebration held at the City Hall, February 28. With 104 participants coming from the academe, out of school youth and different community groups, the seminar is to increase awareness of the public what the LGBT community is, what are the issues suppressing their human rights and what should be done to prevent such from occurring. Josefa Pizon, co-lead organizer representing Coalition for Ormoc Women and Rural Development Initiatives in Leyte, said that the seminar is an initiative that helps them define the next direction they are heading. “This seminar has started a spark to form a core group of the LGBT here in Ormoc,”she added. It is relevant to fully understand the current trend of discrimination issues in the LGBT society and for them to equip themselves with adequate knowledge to effectively convey to the general public what is LGBT rights are and ways to prevent discrimination, she further discussed. Also, Pizon explained why discrimination is prevalent in the LGBT community. She attributed it to less knowledge on the nature of LGBT. She sees the need of disseminating information more, because of the recent high-profile killing of a LGBT by an American soldier. Alvin Truya, a resource person, discussed hate crimes originating from gender-based violence. It is when attacks on LGBT people are triggered because of their sexual orientation or gender identity. Often, the drive is a desire to punish LGBT as defying gender norms, he discussed. Gender equality advocate, Lucky Manalang, Monitoring and Evaluation Officer of Bisdak Pride, a human rights organization based on Cebu, shared that the best support the LGBT can gain is through the participation of non-LGBT community. In his six years doing community service, he learned that total acceptance starts within the family. Felmar Cabahug, student leader and a participant from the academe, on the other hand, said he found the forum insightful. “I am a member (LGBT) and I have to know my rights, kay dili pa kaayo broad ako knowledge so I have to enhance it.” As a student leader, he plans to mobilize an LGBT community in his academe. By Merli Salazar
KEITECH takes in trainees from 15 LGUs KANANGA, LEYTE - The Kananga-EDC Institute of Technology (KEITECH) now accepts qualified residents from 13 municipalities in Leyte and two towns in Samar to enroll in its free technical-vocational trainings, aimed at building up a critical workforce of skilled laborers to help rebuild the Yolanda-stricken region. KEITECH, which previously only accepts Ormoc City and Kananga residents, has started training residents from the towns of Barugo, Burauen, Capoocan, Carigara, Dagami, Dulag, Jaro, Julita, La Paz, Mac Arthur, Mayorga, Tabontabon and Tunga. The two towns in Samar was not yet identified. A total of 1,080 residents from the 15 LGU’s will benefit from the new enhanced single qualification skills training offered by KEITECH. Trainees have the option to take one
of the following short-term (3-month) courses: carpentry, plumbing, electrical installation and maintenance, plus another week of training in basic masonry and welding. KEITECH’s short-term course was started in April 2014 with the first two batches coming from Kananga and Ormoc City, and the third batch from the additional 13 municipalities. The fourth batch is currently training and scheduled to finish on March 20, 2015. So far, 186 of the 285 graduates have already been employed in construction projects in Tacloban, Ormoc and Isabel. “With the massive destruction caused by Yolanda, we need more hands to join the rebuilding efforts. KEITECH is doing its share by giving free training and facilitating the trainees’ employment through our placement office and the Public Employment Service Office of the LGU. This is
one of the programs under the Lopez Group’s Leyte Rebuilding Project which also includes the construction of typhoonresistant schools,” KEITECH President Paul Aquino said. Aquino signed a Memorandum of Agreement with the mayors of the 15 LGU’s on February 23, 2015, together with Richard Tantoco, president and chief operating officer of EDC and Cleta Omega, regional director of TESDA to formalize KEITECH’s commitment to extend the center’s services and expand its beneficiaries. KEITECH is a joint project of EDC, the LGU of Kananga and TESDA. Present during the MOA signing were Mayors Edward Codilla of Ormoc, Elmer Codilla of this town, representatives from eight municipalities, and seven Public Employment Service Office (PESO) Managers as witnesses. By Jhay Gaspar
Lingkod Kapamilya, EDC turnover 48 classrooms
Scholarship Build
A RENEWED commitment was the Builders activity with their scholars ea Affirming their pledge and renewing t fundraisers of Sanctus Vincenzus Scholars Builders were led by President Dr. Dario C
Pledge of Commitment of God of Providence, we gather as sisters, br the scholars who need us and as partners with remember, unite with and celebrate with all wh have gone before us, those who are living amon Open our hearts so that we will listen, speak in all of our relationships. Awaken us to your p our lives. We pray for the grace to respond to May we walk with integrity as your faithful B Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
DA hastens response to Ruby- affected areas
TACLOBAN CITY - Determined to fast track the flow of rehabilitation assistance to heavily affected areas of Typhoon Ruby, the Department of Agriculture- Regional Field Office 8 has mobilized its workforce in the Field Operations Division (FOD) for the immediate distribution of various agricultural inputs and farm tools to the municipalities in the three (3) Samar provinces and other areas in Region 8. Dr. Andrew T. Orais, FOD Chief, disclosed that he received a marching order from Regional Executive director Bernadette F. San Juan to lose no time in sending the agency’s initial rehabilitation assistance to the affected municipalities. “Our aim is to immediately give out whatever available seeds and farm tools so that farmers could be motivated to start replanting while most rainfed areas still have enough supply of water due to occasional or intermittent rains,” Dr. Orais said “Besides, we need to double our efforts so that we can help our farmers and fishers recoup or recover whatever damage they incurred when Typhoon Ruby struck and destroyed the agri and fishery sector with estimated production value of P2.4 billion,” Dr. Orais further said. As of press time, the DA and partner organizations have already positioned 12,917 bags of certified and hybrid seeds to the provincial local government units of Leyte (9,188 bags); Biliran (1,857 bags); Samar (895 bags); Eastern Samar (751 bags) and Northern Samar (153 bags). The DA hopes that these high-yielding rice seeds could subsequently replenish and even increase the expected harvest for this current cropping season. Together with the distribution of quality rice seeds, the agency likewise distributed 25,025 bags of Urea fertilizer; 3,759 packets of assorted vegetables to the three (3) Samar provinces, which in turn would handle the distribution to affected farmers in their respective areas. The DA has distributed 500 sets of farm tools and implements, consisting of 500 units of bolo (guna); 500 pieces of pick mattock and another 500 pieces of shovel. Said farm tools were distributed to the Elementary Schools in the Samar provinces. Reliable feedbacks reaching the office have confirmed that farmers are now starting to intensify the rehabilitation of their vegetable farms using the seeds and farm tools given them by DA. The agency likewise distributed 1,998 cuttings of cassava plant materials and 19,998 sweet potato cuttings were immediately sent to Eastern Samar as farmer’s alternative food crops for rice. In close coordination with concerned LGUs, the DA provided one (1) floating tiller and two (2) pump and engine sets to Dolores, Eastern Samar so that this heavily-affected municipality could jumpstart its massive replanting with the installation of this most needed farm equipment and small scale irrigation facility. Meanwhile, clearing operations continue in the typhoon-ravaged areas, giving priority to available machineries for land preparation. More vegetable seeds, root crops and other fruit tree planting materials, including corn seeds, are being readied for the next series of distribution. “This is our way of showing and reassuring the farmers that the national government, thru the DA, has not and will not abandon them in their times of need,” Regional Executive Director San Juan told participants during the recently concluded consultation with stakeholders and partner-agencies. Her utmost advice to all DA staff and partner-agencies: “We just have to make sure we build back the farmers’ lives better – and in a more sustainable manner.” PR
The Sanctus Vincenzus Scholarship Foun these generous people have given the cha
Principals of seven recipient schools in Ormoc City pose for posterity with the donors and local officials. Left to right (starting on the 7th person) is DepEd Ormoc Superintendent Dr. Mariza Magan, ALKFI Managing Director Clarissa Ocampo, Leyte governor Dominico Petilla, Ormoc City Mayor Edward Codilla, Kananga Mayor Elmer Codilla and Richard Tantoco, President and Chief Operating Officer of EDC. KANANGA, LEYTE - More than 4,000 students from 18 schools in this town, Ormoc City, Merida, Isabel, and Albuera will benefit from typhoon-resilient classrooms that ABS-CBN Lingkod Kapamilya Foundation Inc. (ALKFI) and Energy Development Corporation (EDC) built for them. On Monday, a total of 48 new classrooms were turned over to DepEd in a ceremony held at the Kananga National High School. The ceremonial turnover was led by Clarissa Ocampo, Managing Director of ALKFI and Richard Tantoco, President and Chief Operating Officer of EDC, with the LGU officials and representatives of Leyte. Present to acknowledge receipt of the classrooms were Leyte governor Dominico Petilla, Ormoc City Mayor Edward Codilla, Kananga Mayor Elmer Codilla, Kananga Vicemayor Macario Lumangtad Jr., DepEd Leyte Superintendent Dr. Ronilo Al Firmo, and DepEd Ormoc Superintendent Dr. Mariza Magan. Paul Aquino, KEITECH President; Erwin Baylon, OPARR representative; Jun Dungo, Sagip Kapamilya Head; and Angela Cristina Lopez, Sagip Kapamilya Operations Head were also in attendance. The new classrooms, cost-
ing 1.2 million each, were built by the Lopez group using funds raised from donations by ALKFI. EDC itself also donated P 4.5 million, aside from supervising the constructions. EDC tapped W.V. Coscolluela and Associates for architectural design and Sy^2 and Associates for structural design. Engr. Boy Sy of Sy^2 and Associates was around, while Arch. Bong Gozon of W.V. Coscolluela and Associates sent a representative in his behalf. The classrooms are designed to withstand wind velocity of up to 250 km. per hour, the standard requirement of DPWH for typhoon resilient structures. It complies with the standards set under the Minimum Performance Standards and Specifications (MPSS) and approved by the Department of Education. Inclined floors with drain canals were constructed, instead of gutters where ripping of the roof starts. The classrooms also feature high ceilings and wider windows for ventilation. Other amenities include wider theatre-type blackboards, electric fans, and comfort rooms. In his opening remarks, Catalino Sabanal, Kananga National High School principal, thanked the EDC for being the “fastest in constructing concrete classrooms with
structures grounded in strong foundation.” He also reminded “EDC supported the school’s financial needs and donated millions worth of materials such as computers and paints for Brigada Eskwela.” Kananga Mayor Elmer Codilla also said that the “disaster-resilient rooms is one way to address the climate change issues.” Ormoc City Mayor Edward Codilla, on his part, reminded the students “magaral ng mabuti”. Ormoc city received 7 buildings totaling to 19 classrooms in 7 schools. “EDC is not only constructing buildings but building the future,” said Leyte Gov. Dominico Petilla. “Continue to show the world you deserve the blessing,” he told the students. Almost 3,000 schools in Leyte were destroyed by super typhoon Yolanda, but “60-70% of them have already been restored,” revealed Clarissa Ocampo. “Education is one big equalizer. Iyong mga mayayaman, pag tamad, nalalagpasan ng mga nagsisikap,” EDC President Tantoco said. After the series of messages, it was the students’ turn to thank the donors for the “classrooms that represent hope.” Each school also prepared an intermission and cultural dance numbers for the guests. By Jhay Gaspar
The pledging was held in the presenc razabal and co-founders Sr. Mary Vincen Rapay, recited their pledge. Also witnesses to the event were gene Rodriguez, Jennette T. Rodriguez and th Tessie Chua, as well as two prospective and Carmen Villarin Sanchez. Several Bu during the fellowship at the La Vigia Res Another highlight was the visit of M Standards Unit of DSWD in Region VII final assessment for the accreditation of th to interview the Board members. Engr. jolly fellow and favorite emcee of the gro introduce themselves and relate the reaso with the fund raising arm of the SVSF fo The scholars, majority of whom were individually. President Leni gave a Power and Mission of the Foundation and the Bu guideline of the Foundation all these year achievements of the SVSF attained in th three partner schools, namely: SPC, EVSU The Foundation has supported 138 schola Sr. Mary Vincent Feliciano wrapped another PowerPoint presentation to intro Key Processes in the Foundation’s Schol Looking forward to DSWD’s accredit momentous occasion, the Board happily m ing at the Boardroom of St. Peter’s Colle
& Happenings
ndation, together with its fundraiser Scholarship Builders, pose for posterity with their scholars to whom ance to have a bright future.
ders re-affirms commitment to support SVSF
highlight of the Scholarship arly this month. their commitment as the official ship Foundation, the Scholarship Capuyan, in reciting their pledge:
Students visit Army camp in Leyte
f the Builders rothers, and friends, fundraisers for h the schools who educate them. We ho once were our members, those who ng us, and those who are yet to come. k and act with love, mercy and justice presence in the unexpected places of o the needs of the world and others. Builders. We ask this in the name of
Congratulations
on your 15th year Anniversary and More Power. DOMINADOR O. AGUIRRE, Jr.D.M. President
ce of SVSF president Leni Larnt Feliciano and Ms. Gladys C.
erous sponsors Mrs. Carmen M. he lovable couple, Dodong and members, Ma. Aida Tan Nival uilders shared their experiences staurant in Bantigue. Ms. Elsa Onida, the head of the II, who came to Ormoc for the he Foundation with DSWD and Jovencio “Boy” Laurente, the oup, made each of the Builders ons why they joined and stayed or the past 11 ½ years. e present, introduced themselves rPoint presentation on the Vision usiness Model that has been the rs. She likewise enumerated the he past years like there are now U and Cebu Doctors University. ars and produced 70 scholars. up the afternoon’s session with oduce to the guests the updated larship Policy. tation of SVSF and to mark the met for its regular Annual Meetege. PR
MS. WLC 2015 CHARYBEL FAITH DIZON (middle) is flanked by her Court. (L-R) Kirzty Joy Rojas from College of Business (FM), third runner up; May Anne Matuguina of the College from the Business (HRDM), first runner up; Karen Lee Goza from the High school department, second runner up; ; and Mary Ann Pilapil from the College of Nursing, fourth runner up. Photo by Wilfred Dizon
Eastern Visayas State University, EVSU KANANGA, LEYTE – 67 students from the National Heroes Institute (NHI) in this town paid a short visit to the 19th Infantry Battalion’s main camp here on Saturday, February 28, 2015. The student delegates, who are currently undergoing Citizens Army Training (CAT), was joined by 1Lt. Hermenegildo Apordo, adjutant of the 8th Regional Community Defense Group (8RCDG) and Mr. Erwin Taboso, the CAT coordinator of NHI. Upon their arrival, Cpt. Ronald Odchimar, acting CMO officer, briefed the guests on the history of the 19th IB. Meanwhile, Lt. Col. Nedy Espulgar, commanding officer, discussed 19IB’s mission where he explained the primacy of upholding the broad framework of security. A short film entitled the “Philippine Army Today” was also shown to the students. Likewise, armaments and other military equipment, from individual to crew-served weapons were presented through a static display. Students were also toured to selected facilities such as the firing range, mess hall, admin offices, and the camp’s main showcase, its organic garden and livestock. Lt. Apordo said the activity was included in the program of instruction for CAT so cadets would get actual grasp of the military life and works, which is only usually seen in movies. On the other hand, Lt. Col. Espulgar hoped that the visit would significantly enlarge the students’ knowledge and understanding of their motherland and national defense, especially that CAT and Reserve Officers Training Corps (ROTC) are no longer obligatory in secondary and tertiary learning institutions. A traditional “boodle fight” lunch hosted by the soldiers marked the end of the visit. Meanwhile, it was learned that two more towns in Leyte would be declared “insurgency free” on Monday, March 2. These would be the towns of Bato and Matalom. With a PR
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Faculty and Staff
8
NEWS
RIGHT TO FOOD ... from P. 4 also to include a diverse range of other staple foods. It would also be beneficial if the budget allocated to encouraging rice self-sufficiency were diverted to other necessary sectors such as fisher folks and coconut farmers who are the most vulnerable. Those working in the agricultural sector are particularly prone to hunger due to low rural incomes, whether as farmers or farm workers. Lack of access to productive resources such as land, seeds, water and capital and the vulnerability of the sector to climate change as well as armed conflict in some areas of the country has had a significant impact on their ability to earn a living. Coconut farmers are particularly vulnerable to the impact of extreme weather events and are among the poorest. Additionally transport infrastructure as well as lack of access to irrigation facilities hampers productivity. In particular small holder farmers, who benefit from government programmes, are challenged with limited transport and storage facilities, as well as handling and marketing their produce. The existence of monopolies and large traders presents an additional challenge as well lack of support services and post harvest facilities. Similarly the issue of land conversion has also had an impact on food production with large land owners selling off land for commercial use. In order to protect prime agricultural land necessary legal steps should be taken. Such practices, including mega mining projects in some areas of the country, have had a devastating effect on local communities, particularly on those from indigenous groups who have been forced to leave their ancestral lands. In some areas land is also being used for the production of sugar cane for use in Biofuels. Aerial spraying as a means of controlling pests is having a detrimental impact on the health of communities living within these areas and must be addressed as a matter of priority. Urban poor Access to adequate and nutritious food is hampered by poverty and income levels. While the country has experienced tremendous growth over the last decade it has not been inclusive. I have observed significant disparities in Manila with many seemingly benefitting from all the comforts of modern life others are forced to live in extremely precarious conditions. Some 45% of the urban poor rely on the informal economy (Dept. of Labour and Employment) for employment. Without a stable and sufficient income, these households struggle to provide their children with nutritious and adequate food, often resorting to processed and junk food as an alternative. Unable to produce their own food they are vulnerable to food price hikes and any money they have is spent on the little food they can afford, with nothing left over to cover other basic necessities such as access to health care, medication or to cover the cost of basic school materials. I was impressed by some of the pilot projects that have been introduced by the Government to empower women living in urban poor areas in Metro Manila to earn additional income through waste management and I would encourage the dissemination of similar projects to all urban areas including the promotion of community gardens and peri-urban agriculture. Fisherfolk Fisherfolk are among the poorest in society with low incomes exacerbated by the expansion of aquaculture which is having a negative environmental and social impact on coastal communities. The rising sea levels as well a particular vulnerability to climate change and changing ecosystems is preventing small scale fishers from fishing local waters. Additionally a lack of appropriate equipment prevents them from venturing further out to sea. Their livelihoods are further at risk from mega projects at sea, as well as competition from large scale fishing vessels. Agrarian Reform The Comprehensive Agrarian Reform Extension with Reforms (CARPER) seeks the redistribution of land exceeding five hectares to landless farmers and farm workers who cultivate them. The legislative objective is laudable however implementation of the law is hindered by various roadblocks. It has been pending for 25 years with huge tracts of land remaining in
the possession of few, while those farmers who have tilled and worked the land are allegedly being harassed and criminalised. The notice of coverage which under law puts the land up for re-distribution, is often ignored by landowners. These farmers and farm workers are losing their means and source of subsistence. This is a key element to ensuring food security and preventing social unrest in the Philippines and I would encourage the Government to do all it can to ensure that this legislation is passed as soon as possible. Technical and financial support are also essential in addition to land entitlement. Legal Framework As a State party to the International Covenant on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights the Philippines has committed itself to undertake the appropriate steps, to the maximum of its available resources, to ensure the realisation of the right to an adequate standard of living, including adequate food (art. 2(1) and art. 11 (1). I have found that, for the most part, the Philippines has a wide range of well formulated and well-intended policies and strategies to realise the right to food. However, legislation does not always translate into reality for many in the country. There are severe implementation gaps in almost all policies related to the right to food with a lack of coordination among relevant agencies to ensure implementation. Many of the existing laws are also conflicting and overlap. A clear and comprehensive policy that promotes the right to adequate food is essential and I was encouraged by the support expressed by both Government representatives and civil society for such a framework. Indeed steps have already been taken in this regard with a number of Bills aimed at reducing hunger currently pending The Government of the Philippines has declared its commitment to developing a national framework for ensuring the right to adequate food and I commend the efforts made to date to develop policies to ensure food security. The Government of the Philippines has declared its commitment to developing a national framework for ensuring the right to adequate food and I commend the efforts made to date to develop policies to ensure food security. While much more could be said on a range of issues, including commending positive Government policies and programmes, let me finish with some preliminary remarks that will be addressed in more detail in the report. In order to fully meet its human rights obligations with regards to the right to food the Philippines must: 1. Devise and adopt a national strategy on the right to adequate food. Such a strategy must establish time-bound benchmarks and effective implementation plans for each region. It should also include the necessary budgetary and fiscal measures to ensure sustainability in the long term. It should clearly designate the authorities and agencies responsible for implementation and establish appropriate monitoring and accountability mechanisms to ensure authorities comply with their mandates. It must be implemented with a strong cross-sectorial coordination and be led by a ministry or an agency with the capacity to convene and coordinate all ministries and relevant stakeholders. The full and active participation of all actors concerned should be ensured including the most vulnerable to hunger. 2. Pass pending legislation that address hunger, including the Right to Adequate Food Bill, the National Land Use and Management Act, the Agrarian Reform Extension Law as well as all other pending bills in relation to the right to adequate food and nutrition. 3. Consider establishing a national commission to monitor child nutrition, with particular emphasis on child stunting. 4. Ensure women’s participation in the crafting of a food security plan with state support for women to access sustainable agriculture and community based coastal resource management and implement laws on women such as Magna Carta of Women withz Section 20 Food Security and Productive Resources. 5. Ensure that the establishment of a comprehensive social protection system. I welcome the commitments made by the government to improve and depoliticize the social assistance schemes. While the Government is seeking to better target the schemes, I would urge the authorities to ensure that the poorest of the poor are reached as a matter of priority without discrimination. 6. Consider undertaking a comprehensive budget analysis to facilitate the assessment of the impact on the right to food on government
February 23- March 1, 2015 Republic of the Philippines PROVINCE OF LEYTE City of Baybay OFFICE OF THE BIDS & AWARDS COMMITTEE
INVITATION TO BID The City of Baybay, Leyte invites all interested qualified / eligible bidders for the following project to wit; Item II BAYLECON0215007 Contract Name: Rehab./Improvement of Biasong Kabalasan Brgy. Road Contract Location: Baybay City Item of Work: Item 1 Aggregates Base Coarse ABC: P6,000,000.00 Contract Duration: 50 cd ITEM V BAYLECON0215010 Contract Name: Flood Mitigation Control Contract Location: Brgy. Igang, Baybay City Item of Work: Re-channelling of River ABC: P6,500,000.00 Contract Duration: 60cd Item VIII BAYLECON0215013 Contract Name: Construction of Igang Bridge Contract Location: Brgy. Igang, Baybay City Item of Work: Item 400 Pre Cast Concrete Test Pile (Type IV Furnish & Driven) Pier & Abutment Item 400 (1) Pre Cast Regular Pile (Type IV Furnish & Driven) Pier & Abutment Item 103 Structure Excavation Item 405 Concrete Works( footing.column.copping) Item 404 Reinforcing Steel ABC: P10,000,000.00 Contract Duration: 95cd Item IX Contract: Name: Contract Location: ABC: Contract Duration:
BAYLEGOOD0215014 Vacuum Frying Machine with Cooling Tower LGU Baybay P870,000.00 (delivered to Baybay) 30cd
Date & Deadlines of Procurement Activities Receipt of LOI: March 6, 2015 Issuance of Bidding Documents March 12, 2015 Pre-Bid Conference: March 12, 2015 (10:30 A.M.; Engineering Office) Receipt of Bids: March 20, 2015 (10:30 A.M. ; Session Hall) Opening of Bids: March 20, 2015 (1:00 P.M; Session Hall) Interested bidders are required to submit letter of intent together with their eligibility documents (authenticated). A Pre-bid Conference will be held at the City Engineering Office on date & time mentioned above. A complete set of bidding documents maybe purchased by interested bidders upon payment of a nonrefundable fee. All bids must be accompanied by a bid security in a form of cash, certified check, manager’s check, bank draft, or its equivalent in a freely convertible currency and must be delivered together with the bidders bidding documents on or before bid closing date. Bids will be opened promptly on the above bid closing date in the presence of participating bidders/representative who chose to attend. The Baybay Bids & Awards Committee reserves the right to reject any or all bids, waive any defect or formality, assumed no obligation whatsoever to compensate indemnity to the bid lowest evaluated, responsive and complying bid.
(Sgd.) FEDERICO O. MILAN, JR.
BAC Chairman Date of Publication: Feb. 27, 2015 LGU Website DBM Philgeps Website LGU Information Board EV Mail Feb. 23-March 1, 2015
budgets and to ensure the implementation and realization of the right to food. 7. Comply with its duty to protect individuals and communities against human rights abuses in the context of economic activities and to ensure access to effective remedy for victims, particularly within the extractive industries. In addition efforts should be made to ensure development of a range of strategies that enhance the country’s ability to conserve and protect its environment and to empower local communities. 8. Establish a programme to mitigate hunger and increase household incomes such as sustainable livelihood programmes for food producers such as small holder agriculture and fisheries in the country within the framework of sustainability. 9. Prioritise vulnerability assessments, adaptation and mitigation financing and support to urban poor, small farmers and coastal communities who are particularly vulnerable to the impact of climate change. 10. Finally, in the short term, I call on the Government to expedite the Right to Adequate Food Bill and to allocate the necessary bud-
getary and human resources for its effective implementation. I also call on the international community to continue its cooperation with the Philippines, including through financial and technical support. Despite the fact that in terms of economic growth the Philippines now enjoys the status of a middle income country, the high level of inequality combined with acute vulnerability to climate change necessitates continued support from the international community. Finally, I believe that with the necessary political will and if the Government gives priority to designing and implementing effective policies with the participation of all relevant stakeholders aimed at ensuring the right to adequate food, I am convinced that the Philippines could reverse the current situation and make impressive strides in attaining food and nutrition security for everyone in the future. I will finish by reiterating my commitment to continue the dialogue initiated during this visit. I look forward to working with the Government in a spirit of cooperation on the implementation of my recommendations.
February 23- March 1, 2015
9
NEWS
MS. WLC ... from P. 1 tion was to diet. “Since this is my first time to join a beauty pageant, wa ko nag expect [nga mudaug ko],” shared Dizon. The other candidates have already experienced joining pageants, but during the practice, she already caught the eye of her co-candidates for her poise and confidence. “Joining a pageant enhances confidence and personality. And winning requires still being humble and encourage good things to others,” the Ms. WLC 2015 said. Dizon plans to take up Nursing in her tertiary education in the same school. She will get a 100% tuition fee discount for one whole year as one of her prizes. Congresswoman Lucy Torres and her father, Manuel V. Torres, City councilors Vincent Rama and Bennet Pongos were among the guests during the prestigious pageant. Meanwhile, GMA-7 artist Alden Richards sent the crowd screaming when he serenaded the candidates during the
evening gown competition. “(Having a professional artist) is a tradition of the WLC for years that keep on improving every year,” said one of the WLC students from the audience. This year ’s Ms. WLC, themed “Above and beyond 70”, gathered an estimated 2,000 people. The search for Ms. WLC is an annual highlight of the school’s Foundation Days. “It is the training ground of the students that aim to produce developed beauty talents,” said Roderick Omega, Chairman of the over-all organizing committee. Omega expressed his gratitude to the generous sponsors and also acknowledged the support from the School President and the Board of Directors. Next year, Omega said, the organizing committee plans to replace swimwear with fun wear because “some potential candidates aren’t just comfortable in the swimwear competition.”
WAGES ... from P. 1 of basic pay for other sectors is DOLE’s response to requests of employers’ groups for a “status quo” on the wage structure in the region due to impacts of recent natural calamities. The wage body has called on financially distressed retail and services establishments employing less than 10 workers to “negotiate to determine their own wage level.” “For the small retail and services sector, where 90 percent of our establishments are under that category, the Php15 COLA was also integrated to the existing daily minimum wage of Php229,” said RTWPB Secretary Florencio Aguilos added. Workers in the non-plantation sector of sugar industry, and small retail and services, are the least income earn-
ers covered by the minimum wage law with a daily pay of Php220.50 and Php229, respectively under Wage Order No. 17. With the adjustment, the minimum wage in Eastern Visayas now ranges from Php235 to Php260 across sectors. The wage body has not received any petition for adjustment from workers’ groups, but they initiated the conduct of public consultation and hearing motu proprio or on their own. The RTWPB presented this week the final draft of their board’s decision to the NWPC. The national wage body will review the decision for a week. After the approval, the regional board will publish their decision in a local newspaper and it will take effect after 15 days.
DOCTOR ... from P. 5 rence in the community through mass vaccination, dog control measures, dog spaying and castration. Eighty percent (80%) of dog bites occur in the home. The only way rabies can be prevented is through the routine vaccination of pets, and it is always wise to consult our friendly veterinarians, coupled with ‘responsible pet ownership.’ Immunizing our pets will not only protect our neighbors, but ourselves and members of our family from rabies. Several cities and towns have passed ordinances allowing the impounding of stray dogs and strictly penalizing dog owners who fail to keep their dogs within their homes. Those dogs roaming around the neighborhood are likely to be bitten by rabid dogs, thus, can also transmit the rabies virus. In this light, rabies prevention starts with responsible pet ownership.
FR. ROY ... from P. 4 This is where a continuing assessment of things ought to be done especially by our Church leaders with the participation of as wide a contributor of people as possible. Our estimation of the love that Christ wants for us will always be a work in progress especially in its pastoral and disciplinary aspects. We can never say that we already have it so perfectly that we do not need anymore to make any improvement or refinement. Let’s remember that our pastoral and disciplinary laws and ways, no matter how effective they may be in a given period of time or in a given place, are at best human estimations that will always be in need of updating, adapting, revising, modifying, enriching, etc. They will always remain human, and as such will always have changeable parts though there are also permanent and absolute parts. This is, I think, what Pope Francis is trying to do with his insistent call for more mercy and compassion to those who need to be better treated by updated pastoral and disciplinary laws.
JAPANESE ... from P. 12 In the meeting, the visitors from JICHIRO asked valuable information from the affiliates in order to provide further assistance such as programs and projects that could be beneficial not only to the affiliates of the union but to the community as well. Last year, the same Jap-
anese organization already provided financial assistance to all affiliates of PSLINK affected by the super typhoon “Yolanda”. This time, they proposed other programs and projects to assist the affiliates and the communities that will be realized through linkage with local
government units (LGUs). The visitors also toured Tacloban City and some places in the town of Palo where remnants of the destruction of the super typhoon are still visible. Ujie, in his message, expressed his grief on the destruction brought by the super typhoon in Tacloban.
“However, we should remain strong and hopeful amid all these. I empathize with you as we also, in Japan, experienced calamity in 2011 when we were hit by a killer tsunami. Yet, what matters is getting back on our feet and moving on as we go along,” he said.
proposal is fair, said it was not. “Why should I only get P 15,000 when I should get P 30,000? I have housing material debts that I have to pay off and it is even more than P 30,000. Getting the whole P 30,000 would be a big help,” she said in the vernacular. Many were also of the same opinion. One noted that others who were readily amenable to the suggestion were okay to it because their houses have not really been destroyed. “Mu-okay gyod na sila kay wa man kaayo naguba ilang balay. Bonus kaayo ang P 15,000,” he said. The P 30,000, he pointed out, was a big help to those who really lost their houses, while P 15,000 was a windfall for those who did not really lose their homes. The ESA is also hounded by the lack of transparency. A
Ms. Tero, who reached the EV Mail through PM, said their barangay officials refused to bare the list. They also got reports that their names are on the list but the actual beneficiaries would be other people. “Pwede diay na nga baylo-an nila, Ma’am, ang beneficiary inig himo na sa tseke?,” she asked. Meanwhile, news posted on the DSWD website shows that many LGU’s in Western Visayas have already received their ESA. The releases are P 10,000 for those with partially damaged houses and P 30,000 for those with totally damaged houses. It has been made clear that the ESA is an “assistance” to the needy, and is not intended for all typhoon victims, hence the guidelines and limitations. By Lalaine M. Jimenea
have already filed their answers to the Albuera-Burauen Road complaint. Codilla Sr. is assisted by lawyer Rene C. Abcede, while the mayor’s wife is assisted by Atty. Fermin A. Pepito who is the brother of Ormoc City Administrator Atty. Francis Pepito. Engr. Violy Codilla said that the complaint filed against them was “more of a persecution rather than prosecution”, saying it comes from a candidate who was defeated in his bid for city councilor in 2013. She also questions why it was only her and ex-solon Codilla who were complained of, alluding Cotiangco was acting on the orders of his “bosses”. In a similar complaint filed
against Mrs. Codilla for the national road project in Masbate, included are undersecretaries Romeo Momo and Jaime Pacanan of the DPWH, accountant Ma. Teresa Armario, engineers Godofredo Beltran and Alex Lacuna, Region 5 Director Danilo Desquito, Flocerpida Azotea, Fe Longoria and the Commission on Audit resident auditor who was not named in the complaint affidavit. The existence of the complaint that is currently lodged at the Ombudsman was reported by senior reporter Jomar Canlas for The Manila Times on February 16, 2015. By Lalaine M. Jimenea
DSWD ... from P. 2 instead of giving those with totally damaged houses the full P 30,000.00, to just give one-half the amount, so that everybody gets a slice of the ESA. Liga amenable to splitting to 50/50 split of the P 30k assistance Meanwhile, Atty. Mariano Corro, Liga ng Barangay president, said they have also invited Legazpi to shed light on the issue earlier, on Monday. Before the barangay chairmen of the city, Legazpi reportedly told them that OPARR recommended only 40,000 households to avail of the ESA, while their office has listed more. Corro said that Legazpi explained that it was their proposal to split the P 30,000 for those with totally damaged houses to only P 15,000 each, in the meantime the city is still requesting for more funds to
cover all of the listed beneficiaries. Corro said that the barangay chairmen were amenable to the proposal, and that they have even passed a resolution recommending its adoption. What’s fair? What’s unfair? Rama, on the other hand, said the news about the Liga’s resolution was very welcome. “We will personally hand a copy to the DSWD regional director,” Rama said, “for him to tell us if it can be done or not.” Rama added that Verallo’s legal opinion to the legality of the proposal would also help. However, not everybody thinks splitting the P 30,000 is a “win-win” solution or “fair” to say the list. Jenny J., a widow with two children whose house was totally destroyed by Yolanda, when asked if she thinks the
ROAD ... from P. 1 ready been poured into the said road, which is a just 13.7-kilometers, but remained impassable. No less than Secretary Rogelio Singzon ordered “to leave no stones unturned” in the probe of the road. In a Philippine Daily Inquirer report about the probe, the agency’s Quality Assurance Unit was quoted as saying the government had “already poured some P500 million into the project that was undertaken by two DPWH engineering districts.” The project was covered by at least 20 contracts from 2004 and 2010, “and yet, the road remains unfinished and cannot be used by local residents until now.” It adds that
some sections of the BurauenAlbuera road “cannot even accommodate any kind of land transportation, not even a motorcycle, because they remain as mountain trails.” “Also, a crossing structure should have been put up over the Tabgas River in the Albuera section. However, there is no such bridge structure,” the report reportedly notes. The “crossing structure” got a fund of P 80-million. Cotiangco, on the other hand, bolstered his complaint with a survey conducted by a private surveyor, noting “under delivery” in some of the contract areas and specifications. Former solon Eufrocino Codilla Sr. and Violy Codilla
10
NOTICES
Extrajudicial Settlement NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that the property of the late FELIPE CASINILLO SR. re a parcel of land designated as Cad Lot No. 14066 situated at Eastern Poblacion, Hilongos, Leyte covered by TD No. 1400201064 R13, covering an area of 1,101.50 sq. m. was settled among his heirs per Doc. No. 116; Page No. 24; Book No. XXII; Series of 2014 of Notary Public Exzon B. Mendoza. EV Mail Feb. 16-22, 23- March 1, & 2-8, 2015 Extrajudicial Settlement NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that the property of the late ELISA DADULA re a parcel of land situated at Hilongos, Leyte, containing an area of 6,257 sq. m. under TD No. 14025-00282-R13 was settled among her heirs per Doc. No. 398; Page No. 81; Book No. XIV; Series of 2015 of Notary Public Ma. Lourdes Madula-Vilbar. EV Mail Feb. 16-22, 23- March 1, & 2-8, 2015 Self Adjudication with Deed of absolute Sale NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that the property of the late TEOFILA PACHECO GENIS and EUGENIO GENIS re a parcel of land covered under TCT No. 4081, designated as Lot No. 1854, containing an area of 327 sq. m. situated at Barangay Ipil, Ormoc City, Leyte was adjudicated unto herself by ROSITA PACHECO GENIS and sold in favor of VICTORIA BELLO PACHECO per Doc. No. 427; Page No. 84; Book No. XCVI; Series of 2013 of Notary Public Cleto L. Evangelista. EV Mail Feb. 16-22, 23- March 1, & 2-8, 2015 Affidavit of Self-Adjudication NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that the late SUSANO TAN IMPAS had left an account with Metrobank, Real St., Ormoc City branch, under SA #139-3-13916265-0 was adjudicated unto herself by EPIFANIA PERIDA IMPAS per Doc. No. 24; Page No. 49; Book No. XL; Series of 2015 of Notary Public Ari g. Larrazabal. EV Mail Feb. 16-22, 23- March 1, & 2-8, 2015 Extrajudicial Settlement with Absolute Sale NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that the property of the late PAULO NAVARROZA re a parcel of land under TD No. 08-15014-00154, covered by Katibayan ng Orihinal na Titulo Blg. P-70975, registered in the name of the Heirs of Paulo Navarroza rep. by Veronica N. Cuyo, situated at Brgy. Katipunan, Hindang, Leyte, designated as Lot No. 5231 Case-13 Cad-638-D, containing an area of 2,484 sq. m. was settled among his heirs and sold in favor of SPS. AMANDO NAVARROZA and MARIA MARTE NAVAR-
ROZA per Doc. No. 25; Page No. 5; Book No. X; Series of 2015 of Notary Public Atty. Josenil D. Marquez. EV Mail Feb. 16-22, 23- March 1, & 2-8, 2015 Extrajudicial Settlement NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that the properties of the late CELESTINO TRUYA POLIQUIT re an account from ALLIED BANK (PNB) Baybay Branch with Savings Passbook Account No. 0840-752975 and Market Savings Deposits Account No. 0845-004678, situated at Baybay City, Leyte; a parcel of land designated as Lot No. 497-B-3-A, covered by TCT No. T-24755, situated in Brgy. Poblacion, Baybay City, Leyte, containing an area of 1,661 sq. m. ; Lot No. 497-B-7, covered by TCT No. 24104, containing an area of 415 sq. m. were settled among his heirs per Doc. No. 281; Page No. 57; Book No. LXV; Series of 2015 of Notary Public Joseph Carnel M. Bandalan. EV Mail Feb. 16-22, 23- March 1, & 2-8, 2015 Affidavit of Self-Adjudication NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that the late CELESTINO T. POLIQUIT had left a peso account with Allied Bank Baybay, Leyte Branch under two (2) account with Acct No. 0845-00467-8 and Acct. No. 0840-75297-5 was adjudicated unto herself by MARGARITA F. POLIQUIT per Doc. No. 51; Page No. 11; Book No. XLII; Series of 2015 of Notary Public Ernesto M. Butawan. EV Mail Feb. 16-22, 23- March 1, & 2-8, 2015 Extrajudicial Settlement NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that the property of the late Severo Rebato and EUTIQUIA D. REBATO re a parcel of land Lot 23, Swo-08-000026, situated at Brgy. Mabini, Ormoc City, containing an area of 117 sq. m. covered by OCT No. P-711 was settled among their heirs per Doc. No. 67; Page No. 14; Book No. XV; Series of 2009 of Notary Public Alberto L. Conopio. EV Mail Feb. 16-22, 23- March 1, & 2-8, 2015 Extrajudicial Settlement and Partition with Sale NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that the property of the late FELIX TANEO re a parcel of land consisting ½ share designated as Lot 5303-C-3-B, Psd-08-024743-D situated in the Brgy. of Tambulilid, Ormoc City, containing an area of 200 sq. m. covered by TCT No. 52831was settled and partitioned among his heirs and sold in favor of SPS. BIENVENIDO C. SINGSON & ZOSIMA G. SINGZON per Doc. No. 183; Page No. 37; Book No. L; Series of 2015 of Notary Public Aleah Rafel G. Bataan-Tolibao. EV Mail Feb. 16-22, 23- March 1, & 2-8, 2015
Republic of the Philippines Local Civil Registry Office Province of Samar City of Calbayog NOTICE OF PUBLICATION In Compliance with the publication requirement and pursuant to OCRG Memorandum Circular No. 2013-1 Guidelines in the Implementation of the Administrative Order No. 1 Series of 2012 (IRR on R.A. 10172)/ Administrative Order No. 1 Series of 2001 (IRR on R.A. 9048) Notice is hereby served to the public that LALAINE RAYPAN ALLERO has filed with this Office, a petition for CHANGE OF SEX CHILD’S GENDER from MALE to FEMALE in the Certificate of live birth of CHRISTINE MAY RAYPAN ALLERO at Calbayog City, Samar and whose parents are ALLAN ALLERO and LALAINE RAYPAN bearing registry number 2004-2506. Any person adversely affected by said petition may file his/her written opposition with this Office not later than February 06, 2015. (Sgd.) FE D. QUEROLJICO City Civil Registrar EV Mail Feb. 16-22, & 23- March 1, 2015
City of Calbayog NOTICE OF PUBLICATION In Compliance with the publication requirement and pursuant to OCRG Memorandum Circular No. 2013-1 Guidelines in the Implementation of the Administrative Order No. 1 Series of 2012 (IRR on R.A. 10172)/ Administrative Order No. 1 Series of 2001 (IRR on R.A. 9048) Notice is hereby served to the public that JELITA LUSARA VILLAMOR has filed with this Office, a petition for CHANGE OF SEX FEMALE from FEMALE to MALE in the Certificate of live birth of PEGIE BANGCALE LUSARA at Calbayog City, Samar and whose parents are PASCUAL D. VILLAMOR and JELITA B. LUSARA bearing registry number 2000-732. Any person adversely affected by said petition may file his/her written, opposition with this Office not later than January 30, 2015. (Sgd.) FE D. QUEROLJICO City Civil Registrar EV Mail Feb. 16-22, & 23- March 1, 2015
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Republic of the Philippines Province of Samar Municipality of Almagro OFFICE OF THE MUNICIPAL CIVIL REGISTRAR NOTICE OF PUBLICATION In compliance with Section 5 of R.A. 9048, a notice is hereby served to the public that SAMUEL ANDRINO DOJA, petitioner has filed with this office a Petition for Change of First Name from SIANITO to SAMUEL in his Certificate of Live Birth bearing registry number 10 of parents MARIANO DUHA and NICOLASA ANDRINO. Any person adversely affected by said petition may file his/her written opposition with this office not later than two weeks. (Sgd.) Nelida N. Bernales Municipal Civil Registrar EV Mail Feb. 16-22, & 23- March 1, 2015
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Republic of the Philippines Local Civil Registry Office Province of Samar City of Calbayog NOTICE OF PUBLICATION In Compliance with the publication requirement and pursuant to OCRG Memorandum Circular No. 2013-1 Guidelines in the Implementation of the Administrative Order No. 1 Series of 2012 (IRR on R.A. 10172) / Administrative Order No. 1 Series of 2001 (IRR on R.A. 9048) Notice is hereby served to the public that MILYN PROBADORA PELENIO has filed with this Office, a petition for CHANGE OF SEX CHANGE OF SEX from MALE to FEMALE in the Certificate of live birth of MYLEN PROBADORA PELENIO at Calbayog City, Samar and whose parents are PEPETO PELENIO and GELLERMA PROBADORA bearing registry number 86-00026. Any person adversely affected by said petition may file his/ written, opposition with this Office not later than February 02, 2015. (Sgd.) FE D. QUEROLJICO City Civil Registrar EV Mail Feb. 16-22, & 23- March 1, 2015
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Republic of the Philippines Local Civil Registry Office Province of Samar
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NOTICE TO THE PUBLIC CFN CCE-007-2015 RA 10172 DATE: February 14,2015 In compliance with the publication requirement and pursuant to OCRG Memorandum Circular No. 2013-1 Guidelines in the Implementation of the Administrative Order No. 1 Series of 2012 (IRR on R.A. 10172). Notice is hereby served to the public that CLARITA PINOTE CABAÑEZ has filed with this Office, a petition for correction of entry in the child’s Sex from “MALE” to “FEMALE” and the child’s, father’s and informant’s last names from “CABANEZ” to “CABAÑEZ” in the certificate of live birth of Clarita Pinote Cabanez at Palompon Leyte and whose parents are Joselito S. Cabanez and Amelita F. Pinote. Any person adversely affected by said petition may file his written opposition with this Office not later that February 23, 2015. (Sgd.) CARMELITA G. LODOVICA MCR Name of Newspaper: EV Mail Place of Publication: Eastern Visayas Date of Publication: EV Mail Feb. 15-22, & 23- March 1, 2015
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NOTICE TO THE PUBLIC CFN-0001-2015 CCE-0006-2015 R.A. 10172 DATE: February 14, 2015 In compliance with the publication requirement and pursuant to OCRG Memorandum Circular No. 2013-1 Guidelines in the Implementation of the Administrative Order No. 1 Series of 2012 (IRR on R.A. 10172). Notice is hereby served to the public that YOLANDA DECLAROS DOROG has filed with this Office, a petition for change of first name from “PEREGRINA” to “YOLANDA” and correction of entry in the child’s date of birth from “MAY 16, 1963” to “MAY 10, 1963” in the certificate of live birth of PEREGRINA LICARDO DECLAROS at Palompon Leyte and whose parents are Rufino Declaros and Clarita Licardo. Any person adversely affected by said petition may file his written opposition with this Office not later that February 23, 2015. (Sgd.) CARMELITA G. LODOVICA EV Mail Feb. 15-22, & 23- March 1, 2015
Republic of the Philippines REGIONAL TRIAL COURT 8th Judicial Region BRANCH 15 Hall of Justice, Burauen, Leyte Special Proceedings No. 15-02-199 IN RE: PETITION FOR CORRECTION OF ENTRIES IN THE CERTIFICATE OF LIVE BIRTH OF MARIBEL M. OCTA, MARIBEL OCTA NARCA Petitioner, -versusTHE LOCAL CIVIL REGISTRAR OF BURAUEN, LEYTE Respondent, x--------------------x ORDER A verified petition had been filed by the petitioner, through counsel, praying that after due publication, notice and hearing, an Order be issued directing the Office of the Local Civil Registrar of Burauen, Leyte to correct the corresponding entry with regards to her first name of the petitioner from “Mariebelle” to “Maribel” and the entry regarding her date of birth from “November 16, 1974” to “November 16, 1975”. Finding the petition to be sufficient in form and substance it is hereby ordered that the said petition be set for initial hearing on March 19, 2015 in the morning session of this Court at the Hall of Justice, Regional Trial Court, Branch 15, Burauen, Leyte, at which date, time and place, all persons may appear and show cause, if any, why the petition should not be granted. Let a copy of this Order be published at the expense of the petitioner in a newspaper of general circulation in the Province of Leyte, once a week for three (3) consecutive weeks, with the last publication to be made at least one week prior to the date of initial hearing. Furnish copies of this Order and petition to the Office of the Solicitor General, Municipal Civil Registrar of Burauen, Leyte, Office of the Province Prosecutor, the petitioner and her counsel. SO ORDERED. IN CHAMBERS, Hall of Justice, Burauen, Leyte, February 12, 2015. (Sgd.) YOLANDA U. DAGANDAN Presiding Judge Feb. 9-15, 16-22, 23- March 1, 2015 Republic of the Philippines Supreme Court REGIONAL TRIAL COURT Eighth Judicial Region Branch 36 Carigara, Leyte OFFICE OF THE EXECUTIVE JUDGE Petition No. 2015-03-NC IN RE: PETITION FOR COMMISSION AS NOTARY PUBLIC ATTY. ALUINO O. ALA, Petitioner. x------------x ORDER Filed in Court on February 23, 2015 is the present petition for appointment as notary public for and within the province of Leyte and the cities of Tacloban and Ormoc. Petitioner avers among others that he is forty two years old and resident of Brgy. Abango, Barugo, Leyte and maintains a regular place of work at del Rosario St., Baybay, Carigara, Leyte; that he is a member of the Philippine Bar, with Roll of Attorneys No. 48830; that he has paid his membership dues for the current year 2015, as certified by the IBP National Office and IBP Leyte Chapter; that he has paid his Professional Tax for the current year; that he possesses all the qualifications and none of the disqualifications for the Office of the Notary Public; that he has not applied for notarial commission with the Regional Trial Courts of Tacloban and Ormoc Cities. After a careful perusal of the petition, the Court finds the same to be sufficient in form and substance. Acting thereon, the Court hereby RESOLVES to: 1. SET the summary hearing of this petition on March 23, 2015 at 8:30 AM; 2. ORDER the petitioner to publish, at his expense, this Order in an accredited newspaper of general circulation in the Province of Leyte; 3. DIRECT the Clerk of Court, OCC-RTC, Carigara, Leyte, to include this petition in the raffle of cases for publication by accredited publications of general circulation in the Province of Leyte; and 4. ORDER the Court Sheriff of the Office of the Clerk of Court, Regional Trial Court, Carigara, Leyte to post this Order in the bulletin board of this Court, bulletin board of the OCC, RTC, Carigara, Leyte, and bulletin board of the municipal hall, Leyte, Leyte. SO ORDERED. IN CHAMBERS 25th day of February 2015, Carigara, Leyte. (Sgd.) LAURO A. P. CASTILLO, JR. Executive Judge EV Mail Feb. 23- March 1, 2015 Deed of Absolute Sale of a Portion NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that the property of CLOTILDE L. FERNANDEZ re one-half (1/2) portions of a parcel of land designated as Lot No. 396, covered by TCT No. T-20212 with an area of 431 sq. m.. A portion of 46 sq. m. sold in favor of SPS. EFREN DABON and LOLITA LOPEZ DABON per Doc. No. 1878; Page No. 50; Book No. 94; Series of 2011 of Notary Public JESUS V. PALERMO. EV Mail Feb. 23- March 1, 2-8, & 9-15, 2015 Affidavit of Self-Adjudication NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that the property of the late JAIME P. FERNANDEZ re a parcel of land
Lot No. 396, situated in Municipality of Baybay, containing an area of 431 sq. m. covered by TCT No. T-20212; a half portion owned containing an area of 215 sq m. was adjudicated unto herself by CLOTILDE L. FERNANDEZ per Doc. No. 95; Page No. 19; Book No. XLVI; Series of 2011 of Notary Public Joseph Carnel M. Bandalan. EV Mail Feb. 23- March 1, 2-8, & 9-15, 2015 Extrajudicial Settlement with Deed of Partition NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that the properties of the late DIONISIO ESCO re parcels of land Lot 1- Lot No. 7560 containing an area of 1,966 sq. m. covered by TD No. 24887 R6 and TD No. 07035-
February 23- March 1, 2015
REPUBLIC OF THE PHILIPPINES REGIONAL TRIAL COURT 8th Judicial Region Branch 18, Hilongos, Leyte -o0oSP. PROC. NO. H-538 IN RE: PETITION FOR CORRECTION OF ENTRY IN THE CERTIFICATE OF LIVE BIRTH OF ANNALIZA AGUILAR- SORIANO, SANDRA S. ABEDEHOS, Petitioner, -versusNATIONAL STATISTIC OFFICE (NSO), Respondent. x---------------------x ORDER Petitioner, through counsel, filed a Petition for Correction of Entry in the Certificate of Live Birth of Annaliza Aguilar-Soriano registered with the Local Civil Registrar of Hindang, Leyte particularly on the entry of her first name from “ANALIZA” to “ANNALIZA”. In support of the petition, the petitioner aver, THAT: she is of legal age, Filipino, single and residents of Brgy. Poblacion I, Hindang, Leyte; she was given Special Power of Attorney of Annaliza A. Soriano to appear and prosecute the instant petition; the first name of Annaliza A. Soriano was erroneously entered as Analiza in the Certificate of Live Birth issued from the National Statistic Office, hence, prayed for the correction of the same by canceling or correcting the first name of the subject person from “ANALIZA” to “ANNALIZA”. WHEREFORE, finding the Petition to be sufficient in FORM and SUBSTANCE, the same is set for initial hearing on March 16, 2015 8:30 morning at which date, time and place anyone that may be prejudiced by the approval of the instant Petition may come to court in this first opportunity. Published this Order in a newspaper of general circulation in the Province of Leyte, at least once a week for three (3) consecutive weeks at the expense of the petitioner. Furnished copy of this Order to the Petitioner and her counsel at the given addresses for them to be present at the scheduled initial hearing. SO ORDERED. IN CHAMBERS, this 12th day of February, 2015, Hilongos, Leyte, Philippines. (Sgd.) EPHREM SUAREZ ABANDO Executive Judge ESA/csv Feb. 9-15, 16-22, 23- March 1, 2015 00198 R12; situated at Barangay Bunga, Baybay City; Lot 2- Lot No. 7594 containing an area of 22,571 sq. m. covered by TD No. 24835 R6 and TD No. 07035-00197 R12; Lot 3- Lot No. 6964 containing an area of 5,959 sq. m. covered by TD No. 27119 and TD No. 07061-00412 situated at Barangay Kilim, Baybay City were settled and partitioned among his heirs per Doc. No. 212; Page No. 43; Book No. LXV; Series of 2015 of Notary Public Joseph Carnel M. Bandalan. EV Mail Feb. 23- March 1, 2-8, & 9-15, 2015 Extrajudicial Settlement NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that the properties of the late SPS. ANDRESA QUILANTANG- MANAGBANAG and VICENTE MANAGBANAG re parcels of land Lot 5210-E-15-C, Psd-08-020722-D, containing an area of 4,937 sq. m. covered by TCT No. 52225; and Lot 2516, Psd-08-002078, containing an area of 317 sq. m. covered by TCT No. 18036 all situated in Linao, Ormoc City, Leyte were settled among their heirs per Doc. No. 491; Page No. 99; Book No. XXXI; Series of 2015 of Notary Public Gerentstein T. Banzon. EV Mail Feb. 23- March 1, 2-8, & 9-15, 2015 Amended Extrajudicial Partition NOTICE IS HEREBY GIEN that the late VICENTE V. SUAZO, SR. had left a savings account with the Development Bank of the Philippine, Ormoc City Branch under Savings Account No. 0765-249480530 was Settlement and partitioned among his heirs per Doc. No.483; Page NO. 98; Book NO. 118; Series of 2014 of Notary Public Danilo B. Banares. EV Mail Feb. 23- March 1, 2-8, & 9-15, 2015 Affidavit of Loss NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that JOSE A. OPOSA, Filipino, of legal age, married, and a resident of 21 Polaris St., Bel-Air Village, Makati City, is a registered Stockholder of the following Stock Certificate of the Bank of Ormoc (Rural Bank of Ormoc City, Inc.) with a par value of P100.00 per share, Cert No. 345 and No. of Shares 185 issued on September 15, 1995. That on January 6, 2014,
he noticed the said certificates of shares stock were missing. The whereabouts of said certificates cannot be ascertained despite due and diligent searched. He requesting the Bank of Ormoc to issue new certificates of shares of stock to replace the lost certificates, and he undertake to surrender the said certificates in the event the same should be found. This affidavit is executed for the purpose of reconstituting the said lost stock certificates, affidavit was subscribed on April 3, 2014 at Makati City, Philippines per Doc. No. 378; Page No. 76; Book No. 96; Series of 2014 before Atty. Tomas F Oluay, Jr. EV Mail Feb. 23- March 1, 2-8, & 9-15, 2015 Extrajudicial Settlement with Waiver of Rights NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that the estate of the late MELCHORA P. BIORE re a sum of money deposited at the Development Bank of the Philippines (DBP) and a parcel of residential land with a house thereon covered by TD No. 08-31045-00026 designated as Cad. Lot No. 10034-P, Cad. 519-D consisting of 150 square meters situated at Brgy. Taberna, Palompon, Leyte , were settled among her legal heirs who waived their rights in favor of PEDRO P. BIORE per Doc. No. 466; Page No. 94; Book No. XLVII; Series of 2015 of Notary Public Donna Villa M. Gaspan-Cerna. EV Mail February 23-March 1, 2-8, 9-15, 2015 Extrajudicial Adjudication with Deed of Absolute Sale NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that the property of the late DIONESIO SEVILLINO re a half portion of Lot 4109 of Tacloban Cad. No. 22, Case No. 8, situated in Barrio of Tigbao, Tacloban City containing an area 6.4073 hectares covered under Homestead Patent No. 58527 with OCT No. 1675 was settled among his compulsory heirs, and his share of the property consisting of 3.2036 hectares sold in favor of OPERATION BLESSING FOUNDATION PHILIPPINES, INC. per Doc. No. 275; Page No. 55; Book No. VI; Series of 2014 of Notary Public Rogelio P. Gula. EV Mail February 23-March 1, 2-8, 9-15, 2015
AUCTION SALE
“This is to inform the public that we will be conducting an Auction Sale at 9AM on MARCH 4, 2015 for all unredeemed pledge articles for the month of SEPTEMBER 2014 at the following branches where it was pawned: 1. Gemmary Pawnshop & JewelleryOrmoc (053) 561-0733 2. Gemmary Pawnshop & Jewellery – Baybay (053) 563-8336 “Pawners are directed to verify their pawn ticket.”
Deed of Self Adjudication with Sale NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that the property of the late SEVERINO MEJARES and TEOFILA V. MEJARES re parcels of land, Lot No. 7719-A, containing an area of 152,543 sq. m. covered by TCT No. 7641; Cad. Lot No. 8819-Part, containing an area of 15,400 sq. m. covered by TD No. 9456; Residential House One (1) unit residential house erected on Lot 7719A all situated in Barangay Manlilinao, Ormoc City were settled among their heirs and Parcel II- Lot 8819-Part sold in favor of REMEGIAS A.VILLARMINO and MARIA S. VILLARMINO per Doc. No. 397; Page No. 80; Book No. CCLII; Series of 2013 of Notary Public Nicolas S. Maglasang. EV Mail Feb. 9-15, 16-22, & 23- March 1, 2015
Republic of the Philippines Province of Leyte Municipality of Villaba Office of the Municipal Civil Registrar NOTICE FOR PUBLICATION In compliance with the publication requirement and pursuant to OCRG Memorandum Circular No. 2013-1 Guidelines in the Implementation of the Administrative Order No. 01 Series of 2012 (IRR on R.A. 10172). Notice is hereby served to the public that RACHEL O. LUBIANO has filed with this Office, a petition for correction of entry in sex from “FEMALE” to “MALE” in the certificate of live birth of Rachel O. Lubiano who was born on May 17, 1994 at Villaba, Leyte and whose parents are ALBERTO A. LUBIANO and ROSITA DELA CRUZ OLINGAY. Any person adversely affected by said petition may file his written opposition with this Office not later than 6 February 2015. (Sgd.) ENGR. MEDALLO V. PUNONG Municipal Civil Registrar EV Mail Feb. 23- March 1, & 2-8, 2015
REPUBLIC OF THE PHILIPPINES REGIONAL TRIAL COURT 8th Judicial Region Branch 18, Hilongos, Leyte -o0oSp. Proc. No. H-537 For: Probate of Will IN THE MATTER OF PETITION TO APPROVE THE WILL OF LETECIA A. SALTALAMACCHIA, Deceased, GUMERSINDO S. PAZ, as Executor, Petitioner, x----------------x ORDER Petitioner, through Atty. Josenilo Marquez Reoma, filed a Petition for Probate of Will of deceased Leticia A. Saltalamacchia. In support of his petition, the petitioner avers, among others, THAT: he is of legal age, Filipino, widower and a resident of Matalom Leyte; he is the executor named in the last will and testament of deceased Letecia A. Saltamacchia and he is legally qualified to act as such and hereby agrees to accept said trust, hence, prayed that upon due notice and hearing, the above-mentioned will of the deceased Letecia A. Saltalamacchia be approve and allowed; that letters testamentary be issued to herein petitioner, without bond and such other relief be granted as shall be deemed just and equitable under the circumstances. WHEREFORE, finding the Petition to be sufficient in FORM and SUBSTANCE, the same is set for initial hearing on March 16, 2015 at 8:30 in the morning at which date, time and place anyone that may be prejudiced by the approval of the instant Petition may come to court in this first opportunity. Published this Order in a newspaper of general circulation in the Province of Leyte, at least once a week for three (3) consecutive weeks at the expense of the petitioner. Furnished copy of this Order to the Petitioner, his counsel and the named devisees of the deceased, namely: Raul A. Ocampo of Hindang, Leyte and Arnulfo A. Ocampo of Abuyog, Leyte at the given addresses for them to be present during the scheduled initial hearing. SO ORDERED. IN CHAMBERS, this 12th day of February, 2015, Hilongos, Leyte, Philippines. (Sgd.) EPHREM SUAREZ ABANDO Executive Judge ESA/csv EV Mail Feb. 9-15, 16-22, & 23- March 1, 2015 REPUBLIC OF THE PHILIPPINES REGIONAL TRIAL COURT 8th Judicial Region Branch 18, Hilongos, Leyte -o0oSp. Proc. No. H-536 IN THE MATTER OF CANCELLATION OF THE RECORD OF BIRTH IN THE CIVIL REGISTRY OF SHANE ABOYME SERUT, BY ANALIZA A. SERUT, Petitioner, -versusTHE LOCAL CIVIL REGISTRAR OF Hindang, Leyte, Spouses REYNALDO & CYNTHIA SAAVEDRA Respondents. x---------------------x ORDER Petitioner, through counsel, filed the Instant Petition for Cancellation of Record of Birth of Shane Aboyme Serut registered with the Local Civil Registrar of Hindang, Leyte. In support of their petition, the petitioner avers, THAT: she is of legal age, Filipino, and a resident of Brgy. Doos del Norte, Hindang, Leyte; she is the mother of Shane Aboyme Serut; for the reason of substantial mistakes prayed that the records must be canceled for integrity, avoid confusion and to pave the way for new registration. WHEREFORE, finding the Petition to be sufficient in FORM and SUBSTANCE, the same is set for initial hearing on March 16, 2015 at 8:30 in the morning at which date, time and place anyone that may be prejudiced by the approval of the instant Petition may come to court in this first opportunity. Published this Order in a newspaper of general circulation in the Province of Leyte, at least once a week for three (3) consecutive weeks at the expense of the petitioners. Furnished copy of this Order to the Petitioners and their counsel at the given addresses for them to be present at the scheduled initial hearing. SO ORDERED. IN CHAMBERS, this 5th day of January, 2015, Hilongos, Leyte, Philippines. (Sgd.) EPHREM SUAREZ ABANDO Executive Judge ESA/csv EV Mail Feb. 9-15, 16-22, & 23- March 1, 2015
CLASSIFIEDS
February 23- March 1, 2015
11
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Cel No. 0908-896-1037
12 CAAP says another runway restriction to be done again TACLOBAN CITY (PNA) -- The Civil Aviation Authority of the Philippines (CAAP) will announce another round of limited operation of the Daniel Z. Romualdez (DZR) Airport to complete the repair of its runway. Allan M. Cahingcoy, CAAP Tacloban assistant area manager, said that after the current repair of the 338-meter portion of the runway on March 5, CAAP officials and airline officials will meet again to agree on closure dates for airbus. “The Department of Transportation and Communication will set the schedule of repair during months with fewer passengers, but it will be within the first half of the year,” Cahingcoy said. From Sept. 4 to Dec. 22, 2014, the airport was closed to airbuses due to major repair of the runway with developing potholes caused by submersion to seawater when super typhoon “Yolanda” (Haiyan) struck. The three-month restriction allowed the contractor to repave 1,500 meters out of the 2,138 meters runway. The remaining 638 meters portion has been deteriorating, which calls for immediate repair. The work was slow owing to the scarcity of materials for asphalt overlay and unfavourable weather in the province last year. Cahingcoy said once the paving work for the 300-meter portion begins; only 1,500 meters of the runway will be available for use, below the 1,700 meters minimum requirement of an airbus. The airport will only be open for propeller-driven aircraft. “For the ongoing repair works, we still allowed airbus operation during daytime since repair is concentrated on the northernmost part of the runway. There’s still 1,800 meters available, more than the minimum requirement of an airbus,” he explained.
Japanese labor union officials to assist typhoon hit Leyte TACLOBAN CITY (PNA) -- Key officials of the National Maritime Polytechnic (NMP), a government maritime training and research agency here, recently met with Japanese workers union group leaders to discuss measure that would help affected communities rise up from disasters. Joining the Japanese delegation were Tsuneo Ujie, president of All Japan Prefectural and All Municipal Workers Union (JICHIRO); Katsuhiko Sato, special member of JICHIRO executive committee and general secretary of the Public Services International (PSI) Japan Chapter; and Annie E. Geron, PSI vice-president. The visitors were received by NMP OIC Deputy Executive Director and Agency Officer-in-Charge Atty. Ruben Maceda. During the courtesy meeting, various projects and linkage entered into by NMP with the Japanese government through the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) were discussed, including the mutual relationship between the NMP management and the NMP Services Association (NMPSA), the sole and exclusive employees union and negotiating agent of NMP affiliated with PSLINK. The courtesy meeting with the NMP key officials was ensued by a dialogue with the NMPSA member employees. Joining the members of the NMPSA in the said meeting were officers of the union organization of the National Police Commission (NAPOLCOM) led by assistant regional director Danilo Tan. see JAPANESE p. 9
DSWD releases P 6-B for ESA
TACLOBAN CITY (PNA) -- The Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) has already released Php6 billion for the emergency shelter assistance (ESA) for families in central Philippines, whose houses were damaged by super typhoon Yolanda in 2013. Speaking to reporters in a press briefing here Monday afternoon, DSWD Secretary Corazon Soliman said that funds have already been downloaded to affected local government units tasked to distribute the cash aid to families. “We have already released Php6 billion for some of the 171 areas within the 100-kilometer radius of Yolanda’s path,” Soliman told reporters. Under ESA program, families with partially damaged houses will get Php10,000 while those with totally damaged houses will get Php30,000. “There’s a proposal to increase the assistance to Php70,000 for totally damaged and Php30,000, but it’s not yet approved,” Soliman said. The cabinet official clarified that the cash aid is only intended for families dwelling outside the high risk zones. “We don’t give assistance families who will be transferred to resettlement sites since it will be funded by the National Housing Authority, but we are assisting them in transitional shelters,” she added. The DSWD still gets new proposals from affected areas not within the 100-kilometer diameter area. The social welfare agency is seeking the approval of the Department of Budget and Management to use the 2015 calamity fund for expanded ESA distribution. The provision ESA aims to augment resources of affected families in safe dwelling zones to enable them to purchase materials to rebuild damaged houses. Families who have already managed to rebuild their house on their own are also entitled to receive such benefit to pay off debts incurred for reconstruction.
NEWS
February 23- March 1, 2015
Construction of biggest poultry dressing plant in Leyte starts, will be operational on October 2015 ALBUERA, LEYTE – Construction of the region’s biggest poultry dressing plant starts this week, after a groundbreaking ceremony was held on the site where it would rise at Brgy. Antipolo, this town, on February 24, Tuesday. Present to help in the laying of the capsule and groundbreaking were Palompon Mayor Ramon and Lourdes Oñate of DBSN Farms Agriventures Corp., assisted by Rep. Lucy Torres-Gomez of the 4th district of Leyte, Leyte Provincial Administrator Vincent Emnas representing Gov. Dominic Petilla, Board Member Mesias Arevalo, DOLE regional director Elias Cayanon, EMB regional director Letecia Maceda, NMIS regional director Orlando Ongsotto, LandBank manager Eulalio Lagapa, Mayor Ramon dela Cerna Jr and other town officials, and barangay chairman Eduardo Jaballa and council. San Miguel Foods Inc. (SMFI) Technical Service Manger Engr. Vic R. Antonio was also present, and gave the guests an overview of the plant’s operations and its economic contribution, once operational starting October 2015. He also announced that because of the plant’s dressing capacity, they welcome more applicants for contract growing.
The owners and invited guests take turns at shovelling sand and gravel to cover the capsule containing the plans of the dressing plant, during the groundbreaking ceremony. Ramon Oñate, president and CEO of DBSN Farms Agriventures Corp., said that the plant has the capacity to dress 40,000 chickens a day. There is still room for more growers, he said, as their study shows that poultries Leyte are just producing 27,000 heads of chicken a day, at its peak. He said this does not only open up opportunities for contract growing but also means more employment. The plant itself, he said, would be employing about 200 people. He also assured locals that it was a zero waste
plant and eco-friendly. Feathers generated would not just be thrown away, but converted into pellets, ready for delivery to another SMFI plant that would make it into an ingredient for aqua feeds. Oñate also thanked his wife Lourdes, for supporting him in his endeavors. He also thanked the Land Bank for giving him the opportunity to put up the plant, the SMFI for trusting him to be their partner in Leyte, the provincial and town officials for their all-out support to make the plant happen, including giving him tax
incentives. Rep. Lucy Torres-Gomez, on the other hand, lauded those present for helping the DBSN and SMFI to be able to put up the plant, opening doors of opportunities to people in Leyte that was still reeling from super-typhoon Yolanda. She also lauded the Oñates for taking a leap of faith to expand their business venture. She said that just as the mayor is successful in politics, she is sure he would be successful in his dressing plant venture. By Lalaine M. Jimenea
SM Foundation turns over school buildings in Tacloban and Tanauan, Leyte; will put up 700 houses by July By Ted Marcos TACLOBAN CITY – Two 2-storey 4-classroom school buildings were inaugurated and turned over in separate blessing rites in Tacloban City and Tanauan, Leyte, this Thursday and Friday, respectively, by their donors SM Foundation and Philippine Stock Exchange Foundation. The typhoon-resistant school buildings are located in the Tacloban City National High School (TCNHS) in Brgy. Bagacay, Tacloban City and in San Roque Elementary School, Tanauan, Leyte. The school buildings were provided with complete facilities such as toilets, ventilation, electrical connections, chairs and teacher’s desks. The turnover of the school building in Tacloban City was attended by SM Prime Holdings, Inc., BDO Foundation and SM Foundation officers led by Maureen Abelardo, president of BDO Foundation; Carmen Linda Atayde, Executive Director for Education of SM Foundation; Koleen Davila Palaganas, Vice-Pres. for Internal Communication; and Neny Regino, PR Officer of SM Foundation. Several DepEd officials led by Dr. Gorgonio Diaz, Jr., Tacloban Schools Division Suprintendent, TCNHS teachers and their principal Josefina Tanciongco were also present. City Councilor Cristina
Grateful Taclobanons, led by vice mayor Jerry Yaokasin and councilor Cristina Romualdez, show their appreciation to SM Prime Holdings and BDO Foundation officials who were in the city this week to turnover school buildings. Romualdez, who represented her husband City Mayor Alfred Romualdez, signed the Deed of Acceptance in behalf of the city. In her message, Mrs. Romualdez said that the donated school building is “a building of hope”, and that it will result to the improvement of education of the children who wish to secure successful careers in the future. She said further that another future result of the successful education of the school children will be the improvement of Tacloban City. Deborah P. Sy, Executive Director of SM Foundation and daughter-in-law of Henry
Sy, Sr., who attended on the 2nd day blessing and turnover of the school building in Brgy. San Roque, Tanauan, Leyte, said that the SM donated school buildings in Eastern Visayas reached a total of four buildings with 28 classrooms. There was a previous donation of 2 school buildings in Hernani, Eastern Samar, with 20 classrooms. Mrs. Sy informed also that SM Foundation will construct and donate 200 housing units in Ormoc City, 400 in Tacloban City, and 100 in Sta.Fe, Leyte, as part of their rehabilitation efforts and shelter assistance
program to typhoon Yolanda devastated areas. Construction of the houses is projected to start in July this year. The blessing and acceptance of the school building in Brgy. San Roque, Tanauan, was also attended by Philippine Stock Exchange (PSE) Foundation officials, since the donated school was a joint donation by PSE Foundation and SM Foundation. The PSE Foundation officials present were Hans Sicat, president & CEO of PSE, Inc. and chairman of PSE Foundation and Vivian Yuchengco, Director of PSE Foundation.
Feb. 23-Mar.1 & Mar. 2-8, 2015 ENVIRONMENT CODE OF THE CITY OF BAYBAY OUTLINE The Environment Code of the City of Baybay is a compendium of all environmentrelated national laws (republic acts, presidential decrees, executive orders, letters of instructions and department administrative orders) and local ordinances enacted by the Sangguniang Panlungsod that focus mainly on conservation, protection, enhancement, utilization and rehabilitation of the City’s environment including the development, management and administration of its natural resources, specifically on land, air, water and minerals sector and along the functional areas that are devolved to the local government units. This Environment Code will provide guidance on the design of environmental systems, facilities and green preservation, including mechanisms towards a low-carbon economy. LGU-Baybay anchored this Environment Code to benefit present and future inhabitants of the City, ensuring that it remains as a liveable, agro-/fishery-industrialized-based economy and eco-tourist destination as stated in its declaration of policy. After Typhoon Yolanda, LGU-Baybay realized that it is facing a climate-defined future. Concerns on climate protection are already mainstreamed in this Environment Code in order to minimize the magnitude of impacts due to climate change to the City. The Code includes enabling policies to increase the carbon stock of the City through the protection of its natural resources, maintaining green buffer zones, focusing on its remaining forest areas, watershed areas, resource reserves and potential wildlife sanctuaries. Also integrated are mechanisms to increase awareness, improve knowledge management and capacity development on climate protection that are essential to promote and develop community and institutional efforts on adaptation and resilience to climate change. These include activities such as the observance of global and local events, specifically World Water Day, Environment Month, Arbor and Treeplanting Day and Environmental Education Month. The Code also strengthens the City Environment and Natural Resources Office (ENRO), also defining its organizational structure and functions and deputization of environmental enforcers. This Baybay City Environmental Code is a key step in implementing a sound and sustainable environmental regulation for the City of Baybay. REPUBLIC OF THE PHILIPPINES PROVINCE OF LEYTE CITY OF BAYBAY OFFICE OF THE SANGGUNIANG PANLUNGSOD Excerpts from the MINUTES OF THE 6th REGULAR SESSION OF THE SANGGUNIANG PANLUNGSOD OF BAYBAY CITY, LEYTE HELD AT THE SESSION HALL ON FEBRUARY 16, 2015 CITY ORDINANCE NO. 001 S. of 2015 “AN ORDINANCE ENACTING THE ENVIRONMENT CODE OF THE CITY OF BAYBAY, PROVINCE OF LEYTE” Sponsored by: HON. CRISTELO L. LORETO, HON. ALAN D. FERNANDEZ AND HON. TERESITA J. VELOSO Be it enacted bythe Sangguniang Panlungsod of the City of Baybay in session assembled, that: ARTICLE I Section 1. Title This Ordinance shall be known as the Environment Code of the City of Baybay, Province of Leyte, and shall be hereinafter referred to as the Environment Code. ARTICLE II Section 2. Authority, Governing Laws/Statutes The enactment of this Environment Code is pursuant to Article II Section 16 and Article XII Section I of the 1987 Philippine Constitution and the provisions of Republic Act 7160 or the Local Government Code of 1991, particularly those that provide authority to the Local Chief Executives to protect the environment and impose penalties for acts that endanger thereof, particularly: a) 1987 Philippine Constitution Art. II, Section 15 which states: “The State shall protect and promote the right to health of the people and instill health consciousness among them;” Art. II, Section 16 which states: “The State shall protect and advance the right of the people to a balanced and healthful ecology in accord with the rhythm and harmony of nature.” Art. XII, Sec. 2 which states: “All lands of the public domain, waters, minerals, coal, petroleum, and other mineral oils, all forces of potential energy, fisheries, forests or timber, wildlife, flora and fauna, and other natural resources are owned by the State.” b) Presidential Decree No. 1152, also known as the “Philippine Environment Code”, stipulated that the environment shall be recognized as a vital concern of the government; c) RA 7160, otherwise known as the Local Government Code of 1991, Book 1, Title 1, Chapter 1, Section 3 (i) which states: “Local government units shall share with the national government the responsibility in the management and maintenance of ecological balance within their territorial jurisdiction, subject to the provisions of this Code and national policies.”; Book III, Title III, Chapter 3, Article 1, Section 455, (b) (2) (3) (vii) on the powers of the City Mayor which states: “Adopt adequate measures to safeguard and conserve land, mineral, marine, forest, and other resources of the city;” and Section 458 (1) (vi), on the powers of the Sangguniang Panlungsod which states: “Approve ordinances and pass resolutions necessary for an efficient and effective city government and in this connection, shall: protect the environment from destructive activities such as dynamite fishing and other forms of destructive fishing, illegal logging and smuggling of logs, smuggling of natural resources products and of endangered species of flora and fauna, slash and burn farming, and such other activities which result in pollution, acceleration of euthrophication of rivers or of ecological balance.” d) The effective implementation of the provisions of this Environment Code is governed by the following specific laws/statutes, policies and all other relative legislations presidential decrees, letters of instructions, executive orders, department administrative orders, memorandum circulars pertaining to environment, relevant rules and regulations, local ordinances of the City of Baybay, specifically the following: 1. The 1987 Philippine Constitution and PD 1152 or the Philippine Environment Code 2. Republic Act (RA) 7160 – The Local Government Code of 1991 and its Implementing Rules and Regulations (IRR) 3. RA 6957 as amended by RA 7718 – An Act Providing for Build-Operate-Transfer. 4. RA 6969 – Known as the Toxic Substances, Hazardous and Nuclear Waste Control Act of 1990 5. RA 7076 – People Small Scale Mining Act of 1991 6. RA 7161 – An Act Incorporating Certain Sections of the National Internal Revenue Code of 1977, as amended. 7. RA 7586 – National Integrated Protected Areas System Act of 1992 8. RA 7942 – The Philippine Mining Act of 1995 9. RA 8435 – Agriculture and Fishery Modernization Act 10. RA 8048 – The Coconut Preservation Act of 1995 11. RA 8485 – Animal Welfare Act of 1998 12. RA 8550 – The Philippine Fisheries Code of 1998 13. RA 8749 – The Philippine Clean Air Act of 1999 and its IRR (DAO No. 81, Series of 2000) 14. RA 9003 – The Ecological Solid Waste Management Act of 2000 and its IRR (DAO No. 34 Series of 2001) 15. RA 9729 - The Philippines Climate Change Act of 2009 16. RA 10121 - The Philippines Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Act of 2010 17. RA 10174 - The People’s Survival Fund, amending RA 9729 18. RA 6657 – Comprehensive Agrarian Reform Law 19. RA 9175 – Chainsaw Act and its IRR (DAO No. 24 Series of 2003) 20. RA 9275 – The Philippine Clean Water Act of 2004 and its IRR 21. RA 9147 – Wildlife Resources Conservation and Protection Act of 2001 22. Commonwealth Act 141, as amended – Public Land Act/RA 9176 23. PD No. 198 – Provincial Water Utilities Act of 1973, as amended. 24. PD No. 979 amending P.D. 600 – Marine Pollution Control Law. 25. PD No. 705, as amended – Revised Forestry Code of the Philippines 26. PD No. 856 – The Code on Sanitation of the Philippines 27. PD No. 953 – Requiring the Planting of Trees in Certain Places and Penalizing the Unauthorized Cutting, Destruction, Damaging and Injuring of Certain Trees, Plants and Vegetation. 28. PD No. 984 – Pollution Control Law of 1977 29. PD No. 1067 – Water Code of the Philippines of 1977 30. PD No. 1096 – National Building Code of the Philippines. 31. PD No. 1151 – Philippine Environmental Policy of 1977 32. PD No. 1152 – Philippine Environment Code of 1978 33. PD No. 1198 – Requiring All Individuals or Partnership Engaged in Exploration
NOTICES and Exploitation of Natural Resources or in Construction of Infrastructure Projects to Restore, Rehabilitate Areas Subject Thereof or Affected Thereby to their Original Condition. 34. PD No.1586 – Environmental Impact Statement System of the Philippines of 1978 35. PD No. 1899 – A Decree Establishing Small Scale Mining as a New Dimension in Mineral Development 36. Executive Order (EO) No. 72 (1993) Re-affirming Specific Provision of RA 7160 on the Need for LGUs to Prepare their CLUPs and Prescribes the Review and Approval Process Therefore. 37. EO No. 111 (1999) –Establishing the Guidelines for Eco-tourism Development in the Philippines. 38. EO No. 113 – Establishing the Gawad Pangulo sa Kapaligiran 39 EO No. 192 – Reorganization of DENR 40. EO No 263 – Community-Based Forest Management Strategy 41. EO No. 247 (1995) – Prescribing Guidelines and Establishing a Regulatory Framework for the Prospecting of Biological and Genetic Resources, their By-Products and Derivatives for Scientific, Commercial and Other Purposes 42. LOI 1260 – Establishing the Integrated Social Forestry Program 43. LOI 1312 – mandates the establishment of tree parks by LGUs 44. DAO No. 78 Series of 1987, as amended – Provides Listing of Tree Premium Species 45. DAO No. 35, Series of 1990 – Revised Effluent Regulation of 1990, Revising and Amending the Effluent Regulations of 1982 46. DAO 2004-04 – Deregulating the Tree Harvesting, Transporting and Selling of Firewood, Pulpwood or Timber in Private Lands. 47. DAO No. 34 Series of 1990 – Revised Water Usage and Classification/Water Quality Criteria 48. DAO No. 40 Series of 1996, as amended – Revised Implementing Rules and Regulations of RA 7942 49. DAO No. 30 Series of 1991 – Guidelines for the Transfer and Implementation of DENR Functions Devolved to LGUs 50. DAO No. 30 Series of 1997 – Small Scale Mining Safety Rules and Regulations 51. DAO No. 52, Series of 2000 – Revised Guidelines in the Issuance of Private Land Timber Permit (PLTP) 52. DAO No. 7, Series of 1994, as amended – Revised Guidelines in the Issuance of Certificate of Origin for Logs, Timber, Lumber and Non-Timber Forest Products 53. DAO No. 97-32, Series of 1997 – Rules for the Administrative Adjudication of Illegal Forest Products and Machinery, Equipment, Tools and Conveyances Used in Connection Therewith. 54. MAO No. 41 Mineral Resources Decree – Rules and Regulation Governing the Granting of Small Scale Mining Permits Under P.D. 1899 55. MAO No. MRD 41 – A & B – Amendment to MRD 41 56. DOH Administrative Order No. 18 Series of 1993 – Standards of Quality and Requirements for the Processing, Packaging and Labeling of Bottled Drinking Water 57. DAO No. 2, Series of 2003 – Implementing Rules and Regulations of RA 9072 58. DAO No. 4, Series 1999 – Rules and Regulations on the Conduct of Scientific Procedures Using Animals 59. DA AO No. 21, Series of 1999 – Code of Conduct in the A) Euthanasia for Pets/ Companion Animals; B) Slaughter of Animals for Food. 60. DA-AO No. 8, Series of 1999 – Rules and Regulations of Animal Control Facility, Aviary, Cattery, Circus/Carnival Animal Show, Corral, Crocodile, Farm, Dog Farm, Kernel, Laboratory Animal Facility, Monkey Farm, Pet Shop, Poultry Farm, Race Tracks and Equestrian Establishment, Slaughter House, Stock Farm Disease(FMD), Recovered Animals S.,1995 61. NMIC MC # 1-97 – amendment Re: NMIC # 7-94 dated 23 December 1994 NMIC Guidelines in Support to DA’s Reportable Disease Eradication Program, 14 May 1997. 62. PPA MC 17-95 –Assistance to the Efforts of the BAIRC Outbreak of Foot and Mouth Disease, 11 April 1995 63. PPA MC # 09-95 – Assistance to the Efforts of the BAI, Re: Outbreak of Foot and Mouth Disease, 15 February 1995 64. BAI MC No. 8, Series of 2002 – Guidelines for FMD Protected Area Declaration, 30 July 2002 65. DA-DILG AO No. 3 (1996) – Rules of the Preferential Treatment to Small Fisherfolks 66. DAO 15, Series of 1990 – Guidelines on the Establishment and Management of Mangrove 67. DAO 30, Series of 1994 –Guidelines for NGO-assisted Community-based Mangrove Forest Management 68. DA-DENR Joint General Memorandum Order No. 3 (1991) – Guidelines on the Conversion of Underutilized, Underdeveloped, Abandoned Fishponds to Mangroves 69. DAO 15, Series of 1990 – Regulations Governing Management of Mangrove 70. DAO 98-24, Series of 1998 – Schedule of Approving Authority for Foreshore Lease 71. DA-DILG-DENR-DOJ Joint Memorandum Order No. 2 (1996) – Guidelines in the Implementation of EO 240 72. EO 240 – Creation of FARMCs 73. EO 117, Series of 1993 – Establishes the Inter-Agency Task Force for Coastal Environment 74. Ordinance 016, Series of 1959, on Regulating Fishing and Fisheries in the Municipality of Baybay, Leyte Prescribing Penalties thereof and for other Purposes 75. Ordinance 009, Series of 1960 on Improving Annual Registration Fees on Native Boats and or Bancas Powered with Inboard or Outboard Motor in the Poblacion of Baybay , Leyte, Used for Fishing either for Personal Use of Commercial Prescribing thereof and for other Purposes 76. Ordinance 027, Series of 1962, on Regulating Fishing and Fisheries in the Municipality of Baybay, Leyte, Prescribing Penalties thereof and for other Purposes 77. Ordinance 004, Series of 1964 on Anti-Littering and Prohibiting Person or Persons from Throwing any Refuse or Garbage and/or Spitting into Streets, Canal or any Place Not Appropriate Within the Poblacion of this Municipality of Baybay, Prescribing Penalties thereof and for other Purposes 78. Ordinance 020, Series of 1964 on Prohibiting Sinsoro Operators to Use Explosives in Fishing and Penalizing if Caught Using Explosives 79. Ordinance 009, Series of 1965 on Prohibiting and Penalizing Sinsoradores to fish in Baybay Waters Without First Securing Permit from the Municipal Government of Baybay, Leyte 80. Ordinance 068, Series of 1966 Prohibiting Any Person/Persons or Corporation to Gather and Haul Sand and Gravel Within the Territorial Jurisdiction of Barrio Sto. Rosario, this Municipality, and Imposing Penalty for Violations thereof and for other Purposes 81. Ordinance 004, Series of 1983 Regulating the Hauling of Local Minerals, Particularly the Sand, Gravel Stones and Other Allied Aggregates in the Shores, River Beds, and Banks and other Similar Areas of Baybay, Leyte, Prescribing Penalties thereof and for other Purposes 82. Ordinance 011, Series of 1983 Regulating the Hauling of Local Minerals Particularly the Sand, Gravel Stones and Other Allied Aggregated in the Shores, River Beds and Banks and other Similar Areas of Baybay, Leyte Prescribing Penalties thereof and for other Purposes 83. Ordinance 20, Series of 1983 Prohibiting the Dumping of Waste Matters, Garbage and Other Waste Materials Along the Seawall and Causeway in the Poblacion of Baybay, Leyte Including the Beaches from Sitio Lawis, Barangay Hipusngo, Up to the Visayas State College of Agriculture, Prescribing Penalties thereof and for other Purposes 84. Ordinance 013, Series of 1988 Regulating and Imposing a Mayor’s Permit Fee for the Extraction of Sand and Gravel in the Municipality 85. Ordinance 015, Series of 1990 Requiring All Owners of Chain Saws for Hire in the Municipality of Baybay, Leyte to Register Their Said Equipment in the Office of the Municipal Mayor, Prescribing Penalties thereof and for other Purposes 86. Ordinance 024, Series of 1992 Requiring All Stall, Stores or Commercial Establishments in Baybay, Leyte to Provide Their Own Trashcans to be Placed in Strategically Conspicuous Places at Their Respective Establishments, Prescribing Penalties thereof and for other Purposes 87. Ordinance 93-013, series of 1993 on Anti-littering, and Prohibiting Any Person or Persons from Improper Urinating, Throwing of any Refuse or Garbage, Cigarette Butts, Match Sticks, Into the Canals and on the Streets or in Any Public Places Not Appropriate Place Within the Municipality of Baybay, Leyte 88. Ordinance 07-A, Series of 2011 Amending Municipal Ordinance 01, series of 2005 on the Comprehensive Solid Waste Management of the Municipality of Baybay, Leyte 89. Ordinance 007-A, Series of 2011 Amending Article II - coverage of the Comprehensive Solid Waste Management Ordinance of 2010 of the City of Baybay to Include Brgy. Cogon of this City 90. Ordinance 011, Series of 2011 Amending Article X, Administration and Enforcement Section 31 of the City Ordinance No. 02, series of 2010, better known as An Ordinance Establishing and Adopting the Comprehensive Zoning Ordinance of the City of Baybay 91. Ordinance 007, Series of 2013 Regulating the Use of Plastic Bags in the City of Baybay, and Providing Mechanism for its Recovery and Recycling, and Providing Penalties for Violations thereof. Section 3. Vision It is the vision of the City to be “an agri-industrialized, environmentally sustainable,
A progressive and peaceful community, whose residents are healthy, empowered and law-abiding under the guidance of competent and development-oriented leaders.” Section 4. Mission It is the mission of the City to “promote local autonomy by developing and strengthening the capabilities of the city government in order to effectively provide the necessary basic services to the people, institutionalize people’s empowerment by enjoining them to participate in local governance in order to achieve a progressive and self-reliant community.” Section 5. Declaration of Policy It is hereby declared by the City Government of Baybay to push for the attainment of sustainable development goals, thus it has placed environmental protection as a basic foundation of the sustainable development of the city, through judicious use of its natural resources and institution of appropriate environmental measures and reforms that will enable every citizen to provide for their needs without jeopardizing the future generations’ capacity to meet their own, also ensuring that the city remains as a liveable agro-/fishery-industrialized-based economy and as eco-tourist destination. Section 6. Purpose(s) This Environment Code is enacted to integrate the planning, environmental impact assessment, implementation, management, monitoring and evaluation of programs, services, projects and activities on all environmental laws through effective and efficient legislative enactment in order to attain the goal for a better quality of life for the citizenry of Baybay City in the context of healthful ecology, environmental, social and economic security, specifically on the following: a) For the Environment Code to be an instrument so that the goal, vision and mission of the City may be realized; b) To operationalize the mandate provided by the Local Government Code that local government units shall share with the national government the responsibility in the maintenance of ecological balance within their territorial jurisdiction; c) Put into motion the powers of the City Government to enact ordinances and resolutions to protect the environment; d) To ensure the rights of Baybay constituents, present and future generations, to a balanced and healthful ecology in accord with the rhythm and harmony of nature; likewise, ensure the freedom of all Baybayanons from all risks, dangers, hazards of pollution, impacts of climate change and environmental disasters; e) Provide guidance to the City Government, other government agencies, business and commercial establishments as well as the general public in environmental protection and management through the implementation of the environmental impact assessment for all proposed projects and undertakings in the City; f) Set up institutional mechanisms that shall oversee the implementation and monitoring of the Environment Code; g) Provide a quick response mechanism for the City Government to take immediate actions on environmental law violations; h) Forge partnerships and other administrative arrangements with governments agencies such as the DENR, EMB-8, NWRB, LTFRB and with civil society organizations (CSOs), the academe, the church and other sectors in the sound management, development and protection of the environment of the City of Baybay; and i) Provide for funding support as may be needed to implement, monitor and strengthen environmental protection and management in the City. Section 7. Operative Principles This Code is anchored on the following principles: 5.1 The Principle of Sustainable Development Consistent with this principle, the City of Baybay envisions the equitable and wise utilization and ecosystem management of natural resources to meet the needs of the present generation without compromising that of the future generation. 5.2. The Principle of Stakeholders’ Participation The strategy towards sustainable development should be democratic, participatory and in partnership with the private sector, civil society organizations (CSOs), and other stakeholders. 5.3. The Principle of Integration This Environment Code integrates national, provincial, municipal and barangay policies, plans and programs into local development initiatives 5.4. The Principle of Development Legislations This principle provides the basis for the enactment and enforcement of laws that meet the needs of every Baybayanon in a holistic manner. It takes into consideration the impact of rules and policies on the lives of the disadvantaged and marginalized sectors, the environment and health for its inhabitants and likewise safeguards resources for the needs of the present and future generations. 5.5 The Precautionary Principle This Environment Code provides a framework of norms, standards and requirements to apply precautionary approach to the assessment of risk of environmental harm. Where there are threats of serious or irreversible damage, lack of full scientific certainty should not be used as a reason for postponing cost-effective measures to prevent environmental degradation. 5.6 The Polluter Pays Principle The earth’s resources, being finite, and development is inevitable, the ‘polluter pays’ principle is adopted to compensate the external cost of pollution affecting the community and environment. This principle also calls for a compensation for damage done to the environment with the polluters bearing an appropriate share of the costs that arise from their activities, products, substances, and services. 5.7 The User’s Fee Principle To ensure sustainability of resource base and wise management for the maintenance of ecological balance, this principle calls for the levying of appropriate fees and charges to all users of natural wealth of the City of Baybay subject to existing applicable laws, rules and regulations provided that all fees collected shall be deposited in a trust fund to be utilized for projects to protect the environment. 5.8 Co-Management, Co-Production Sharing and Joint Venture Agreement The protection and management of our natural resources must be a shared responsibility of the government and the civil society with an end goal beneficial to both parties. The City Government of Baybay can enter into a co-management, co-production sharing and joint venture agreements with National Government Agencies (NGAs), CSOs and private sector in the protection and management of our natural resources subject to the provisions of the existing laws and regulations. 5.9 The Principle of Adaptive Management This principle shall recognize and implement a process of environmental up-keeping of the City of Baybay to ensure absorptive and adaptive capacitation against natural changes and anthropogenic causes. Section 8. Definition of Terms As used in this Environment Code, the following words and phrases shall mean as follows: Agricultural waste - refers to waste generated from planting or harvesting of crops, trimming or pruning of plants and waste or run off materials from farm and field. This also includes waste, either solid or liquid, derived from institutions that use, manufacture or dress crops or livestocks such as food companies, abattoirs, etc. Air pollutant - in accordance with Article 2, Section 5 (Definition of Term) of the Philippine Clean Air Act refers to any matter found in the atmosphere other than oxygen, nitrogen, water vapor, carbon dioxide, and the inert gases all in their natural or normal concentrations, that is detrimental to health or the environment, which includes but not limited to smoke, dust, soot, cinder, fly ash, solid particles of any kind, gases, fumes, chemical mists, contaminated steam and radioactive substances. Biological diversity - means the variability among living organisms from all sources including terrestrial, marine, and other aquatic ecosystem and the ecological complexes of which they are part; this includes diversity within species, between species and ecosystems. City - refers to the City of Baybay. City ENRO - refers to the City Environment and Natural Resources Office. DENR - refers to the Department of Environment and Natural Resources, which, under Executive Order 192, Series of 1987 is the primary government agency responsible for the conservation, management, development and proper use of the country’s environment and natural resources. Discharge Permit - refers to the clearance or legal authorization granted by DENR/EMB-8 to a person to discharge liquid waste or wastewater of specified concentration and volume that directly or eventually drains into any sewer system or any water body for a specified period of time and under such terms and conditions as contained in said permit. DOH - refers to the Department of Health. DPWH - refers to the Department of Public Works and Highways. Ecological solid waste management - refers to the systematic administration of activities which provide for segregation at source, segregated transportation, storage, transfer, processing, treatment and disposal of solid waste and all other waste management activities which do not harm the environment.
B Eco-park - refers to ecological parks to be established in barangays where people can commune and enjoy nature. Effluent - refers to any wastewater, partially or completely treated, or in its raw natural state or liquid waste flowing out through a pipe or a single outlet structure from a manufacturing/ industrial plant or wastewater treatment plant. EMB-8 - refers to the Environmental Management Bureau-Region 8 Office in Tacloban City. Emission - refers to the act of passing into the atmosphere an air contaminant, pollutant, gas stream and unwanted sound from a known source. Environment - refers to the quantity, diversity and sustainability of renewable and nonrenewable natural resources, including the ambient environment such as the atmosphere, climate, sound, and odors that are critical determinants of the quality of life. In a broad sense, it shall include the total environment of man such as economic, social, cultural, political, and historic factors. Environmental Compliance Certificate (ECC) - refers to the document issued by DENR/ EMB certifying that the project under consideration will not bring about an unacceptable environment impact and that the proponent has complied with the requirements of the environmental impact statement system and that the proponent will further comply with the obligations set forth in said ECC for its continued operations. Flood neutral development - refers to land development that mitigates flooding by retaining/detaining additional flood waters due to conversion of permeable lands within a property. t) “Hazardous wastes” refer to substances that are without any safe commercial, industrial, agricultural, or economic usage and which may cause danger to health and safety of people, plants and animals. HLURB - refers to the Housing and Land Use Regulatory Board. LTO - refers to the Land Transportation Office. LTFRB - refers to the Land Transportation, Franchising and Regulatory Board. Materials Recovery Facility - refers to the station where recyclable solid waste materials are stored and includes a solid waste transfer station or sorting station, drop-off center, a composting facility and a recycling facility. Mayor - refers to the City Mayor of Baybay. NWRB - refers to the National Water Resources Board. Person - refers to natural or juridical person. PG-ENRO - refers to the Provincial Government Environment and Natural Resources Office of Leyte. Plastic bag - refers to sando bag, pouch, plastic shopping bag and plastic film bag. It is a type of flexible packaging material made of thin, plastic film that is used for containing and transporting goods and other products (commercial or industrial). It shall also refer to thin gauge packaging medium that is used as bags or wraps. Primary packaging material - refers to those materials used as the first bag or packaging material for the goods or products. Private lands - refer to lands owned by private persons. Public lands - refer to lands owned by the government. Rain garden - is a planted depression that allows rainwater run-off from impervious urban areas like roofs, driveways, walkways, parking lots, and compacted lawn areas the opportunity to be absorbed. This reduces rain run-off by allowing storm water to soak into the ground (as opposed to flowing into storm drains and surface waters). Recycling – is an effective means of conserving resources, reducing waste disposal, and often, of cutting costs in disposing waste and used materials for some useful purposes. Reforestation – refers to the process of renewing, restoring and re-establishing the forest cover on denuded lands by either direct seeding or planting with the use of tree seedlings or cutting. Reservoir – an artificial impoundment where water is kept for future use. The use of pond reservoir is to allow the setting of organic matter from the water source before it is used in the ponds. River – refers to the natural surface stream of water of considerable volume and a permanent seasonal flow where navigational lanes are defined. Retention pond - is a pond that has water and retains water at all times. It is designed to hold a specific amount of water indefinitely. The pond has a drainage leading to another location when the water level gets above the pond capacity, but still maintains a certain capacity. Sanitary landfill - refers to a waste disposal site designed, constructed, operated and maiStained in a manner that exerts engineering control over significant potential impacts arising from the development and operation of the facility. Secondary packaging material - refers to those types of packaging materials used for wet goods to provide support to the primary packaging material first used and is intended to better the packaging and for the convenience of the handler as well. Segregation - refers to a solid waste management practice of separating different materials found in solid waste in order to promote recycling and re-use of resources and to reduce the volume of waste for collection and disposal. Segregation at source - refers to a solid waste management practice of separating, at the point of origin different materials found in solid waste in order to promote recycling and re-use of resources and to reduce the volume of waste for collection and disposal. Septage – means the sludge produced on individual on-site wastewater disposal systems, principally septic tanks and cesspools Settling Pond – refers to a pond specially designed for the setting of heavily loaded particles and other organic matter in the water before disposal to the surrounding environment. Sewerage – includes, but not limited to, any system or network of pipelines, ditches, channels, or conduits including pumping stations, lift stations and force mains, service connections including other constructions, devices, and appliances appurtenant thereto, which involves the collection, transport, pumping and treatment of sewage to a point of disposal. Slaughter – refers to humane killing of animal for food. Smoke belching vehicles - are vehicles that emit excessive smoke than that allowed by law and regulations that endangers health of people when being exposed and may lead to various lung-related ailments. Solid wastes - refer to all discarded household, commercial wastes, non-hazardous institutional and industrial wastes, street sweepings, construction debris, agricultural wastes, and other non-hazardous/non-toxic solid wastes. Solid waste management - refers to the discipline associated with the control of generation, storage, collection, transfer and transport, processing, and disposal of solid wastes in a manner that is in accord with the best principles of public health, economics, engineering, conservation, aesthetics, and other environmental considerations, and that is also responsive to public attitudes. Styrofor - refers to a packaging material used as food containers, disposable cups, plates, etc. Sustainable Development – is a process of development in which the use of resources, direction of investments, orientation of technological development, and institutional change are all directed harmoniously altogether to meet the present and future human needs and aspirations. (Philippine National Biodiversity Study, 1997). It also means meeting the needs of the present generation without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs. (Brundtland Report, 1987 WECD) Tenurial Instrument – is an agreement or contract between DENR and an individual, people’s organization or corporate entity which guarantee peaceful possession and use of specific forest land area and the resources found therein within a given time period. Such an agreement or contract cannot be altered or abrogated without due process. Tree Park – refers to the land outside the protected area, developed and maintained to enhance the beauty and improve the ecosystem and to provide the populace a healthy and wholesome environment and serve as a show window for nature conservation. Wastewater – means waste in liquid state containing pollutants Water Pollution - means any alteration of the physical, chemical or biological or radiological properties of a water body resulting in the impairment of its purity or quality. Water Quality – means the characteristics of water which define its use in terms of physical, chemical, bacteriological or radiological characteristics by which the acceptability of water is evaluated. Wetlands – are regularly wet or flooded and has water table that stands at/ or above the land surface for at least part of the year. Wildlife – are wild animals, birds and other living things that includes vegetation living in a natural, undomesticated state. Zonation Plan – defines the boundaries of specific areas for fisheries utilization and development purposes. ARTICLE III - Integrated Solid/Hazardous Waste Management and Land Pollution Control Section 9. Operative Principles The City of Baybay envisions being a model in waste management and free from any form of pollution. The City, in recognizing that the increasing level of economic activities and population growth would lead to an increase in the volume of wastes, could contribute to global warming and climate change, and could pose adverse impact on the environment and health of the populace, so hereby adopts the following principles: a) The City shall ensure and maintain ecological balance and safeguard public health
NOTICES through sustainable and integrated waste management; b) The City shall adopt and adhere to the provisions of RA 6969, otherwise known as the “Toxic Substances and Hazardous Nuclear Wastes Control Act of 1990”, and RA 9003, otherwise known as the “Philippines Ecological Waste Management 0f 2000”, and shall ensure that pollution arising from harmful gases, particulates, and leachate produced by burning and dumping of hazardous substances are minimized if not abated; c) The City, realizing the adverse effects of global warming and climate change, shall ensure, as mitigation measure, to reduce greenhouse gas emissions due to methane coming from indiscriminate disposal and decomposition of bio-wastes; d) The City, cognizant of the primary role of LGUs in ecological solid waste management, for this purpose, commits to control and regulate solid waste generation through segregation at source, storage, collection, transport, recovery and recycling of refuse materials, including treatment and final disposal into a sanitary landfill of the residual waste, in accordance with RA 9003 and the City’s 10-Year Comprehensive Solid Waste Management Plan; e) The City, cognizant of the crucial role of barangays and the police in implementing RA 9003, for this purpose, shall give primary responsibility to its barangay officials and police officers to ensure compliance to the mandate of RA 9003; f) The City shall enlist all sectors of the City in ecological solid waste management; g) The City shall adhere to the provisions of the “Stockholm Convention on Persistent Organic Pollutants” and shall coordinate with the DENR/EMB-8 Office and other government agencies to ensure that these pollutants do not find their way to the City; h) The City shall come up with a system of rewards and incentives to those who champion on solid waste management, and corresponding penalties and obligations to violators. Section 10. Responsibility of Commercial Establishments and Institutions in SWM All commercial establishments, stalls and stores, whether for profit or not, including all institutions, offices, schools, hospitals and clinics shall, before they are issued the necessary Mayor’s Permits, make an undertaking, through the Office of the City Environment and Natural Resources Officer (City ENRO), that they shall be responsible for the cleanliness in their respective establishments and in their peripheries, and if the Mayor’s Permit is for renewal, a report on the status of their cleanliness and a commitment/undertaking to be responsible for the cleanliness in their own establishment and in their peripheries. At their own expense, all establishments and institutions shall practice segregation at source, and provide their own garbage bins for recyclable and residual waste to be placed in strategically conspicuous places at their respective establishments, likewise to display in their respective businesses that they advocate and support a “Clean City of Baybay” or words to that effect. The City Mayor or the City ENRO as his duly authorized representative shall have the authority to inspect any establishment at any time during office hours to inspect their cleanliness programs and campaigns. All those found to be in violation will be issued citation tickets and be required to undertake cleaning operations. Section 11. Requiring All Public Vehicles to Put-up Waste Receptacles All public utility vehicles such as jeepneys, buses and tricycles shall put up their own wastebaskets/waste receptacles in their vehicles. Section 12. Prohibiting Littering, Spitting, Urinating and Defecating in Public Places A City Ordinance shall be enacted prohibiting any person to litter, spit, urinate, defecate human waste or excreta and otherwise indiscriminately dump wastes in vacant lots, sidewalks, street plazas, public landmarks and all other public places in the City. Section 13. Regulating Use of Plastic Bags and Styrofor Plastic bags and styrofor are materials that do not degrade easily in the environment and mostly form the bulk of solid wastes. The use of these materials shall be assessed and regulated by LGU-Baybay and shall be considered in a specific local ordinance. Section 14. Barangay and Police Officers in the Forefront of SWM Every barangay official, police officer in the City shall be in the forefront of integrated solid waste management and shall have the responsibility to ensure that the provisions of RA 9003 are enforced. For this purpose, every barangay official shall ensure that their respective areas of assignments are clean and shall assist in the apprehension of violators of RA 9003. Once a month, barangay officials shall likewise conduct their own cleanliness program to showcase to the people their leadership in complying with the provisions of RA 9003. The Barangay Chairperson shall submit a quarterly report to the City Mayor through the City ENRO on their accomplishments in this regard. The City ENRO shall come up with a yearly reward system on the cleanest barangay. Section 15. Toxic and hazardous wastes. The City hereby adopts and adheres to the provisions of RA 6969 in the handling and disposition of toxic and hazardous wastes, including persistent organic pollutants and health care/hospitals wastes. ARTICLE IV - Water Resources Management and Water Pollution Control Section 16. Operative Principles The City of Baybay envisions being a model in sustainable water management. The City shall ensure that: a) The primary need of its residents for clean domestic water will be sustainably met; b) Clean and sufficient supply of water is secured and sustained, made available and prioritized in the following order: domestic use, ecological flows, and economic use (i.e. agricultural, industrial and recreational); c) Urban riverside reserves are established and maintained, and that all adjoining water bodies are protected and rehabilitated to restore and maintain river ecosystem and to conserve ecological habitat and its biodiversity for the benefit of present and future inhabitants of the City; d) The City hereby adopts RA 9275, otherwise known as the “Philippine Clean Water Act of 2004”. A. Provisions to Ensure Sustainable Water Supply Section 17. Integrated Water Resources Management Plan Within one (1) year from the passage of this Environment Code, the City Mayor together with BCWD, EMB-8, DENR/CENRO-Baybay, City ENRO and barangay officials, private sector group, civil society organizations and other concerned national government agencies shall formulate an Integrated Water Resources Management Plan. The purpose of the plan is to secure and sustain water supply for all City residents. Section 18. Regulating the Installation of Overhead Water Tanks The installation and use of centralized overhead water tanks in sub-divisions that draws water from groundwater resource shall be regulated. The Mayor shall formulate the necessary guidelines to regulate overhead installation of water tanks taking into account availability of water for all. B. Provisions to Ensure Water Quality Section 19. Water Quality Monitoring Within one (1) year from the effectivity of this Code, the City Mayor, in consultation with DENR, DENR/EMB-8, BCWD and other concerned national government agencies and private sectors shall come up with a Water Quality Monitoring Plan. Likewise, the City should coordinate with DENR/EMB-R8 in the conduct of water sampling and analysis of water samples for effective water quality monitoring of major water bodies in the City, including identification of potable water sources. Section 20. Annual Environmental Clearance of Industrial Firms All industrial firms, including desludging operators of septic tanks, commercial poultry and livestock farming, shall be subjected to an annual environmental clearance evaluation of the City ENRO, prior to securing a Business Permit. Any firm found to be violating its environmental responsibilities shall not be issued business permits until corrective measures are instituted. Likewise, the City shall require all industrial firms to: a) Establish water treatment facilities and waste disposal system; b) Control and abate effluents and other pollutive substances and wastes to be disposed of in unprotected lands or to enter into waterways to prevent its contamination; c) Adopt precautionary measures, clean production techniques, recycling and waste audits and minimization in all stages of industrial operations. The City, through its City ENRO, shall coordinate with the DENR/EMB-8 in conducting regular environmental monitoring to synchronize, consolidate and simplify environmental monitoring forms and guidelines. Section 21. Environmental Clearance for Livestock and Poultry Farms Backyard livestock and poultry raising within the urban and sub-urban areas in the City are not allowed anymore to operate. All livestock and poultry farms that are otherwise exempt from ECC requirements from the DENR/EMB-8 due to population or number of heads must obtain an environmental clearance from the City ENRO prior to securing a Business Permit.
Feb. 23-Mar.1 & Mar. 2-8, 2015 Section 22. Prohibition on the Disposal of Effluent and Sludge No person shall dispose or cause to allow disposal of effluent and sludge from septic tanks, industries, motor repair shops, motor pools, vehicle garage and terminal, car wash and junkshops establishments, gasoline stations, livestock and poultry and other similar establishments, into drainage canals, creeks, rivers or any water body, including land areas to avoid pollution. Section 23. Measures to Address Problems on Recharge and Flooding To address the problems of recharge and flooding in the City, future land developments shall be flood neutral. Contractors, developers and/or planners shall incorporate in their development plans provisions for retention ponds, detention ponds, rain gardens and/or swales as long as these are appropriate in the area being developed. The size and dimensions of the pond shall be determined on the basis of the pond design guidelines/standards of the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH). The size of the detention or retention pond shall be at least 2% of the total area for low and medium-density residential development, parks, golf courses or any development with less than 30% built-up area and at least 4% of the total area for high-density residential, commercial and industrial development or any development with more than 30% built-up area. These areas can be sited on within the 30% open space of the subdivision, or in any other place as may be determined by the developer. Contractors, developers and/or planners who fail to comply with the foregoing in their plans shall not be endorsed for approval of the City ENRO. Failure of the contractors, developers and/or planners to execute their approved plans shall be sanctioned with the revocation of their development permit, without prejudice to making the necessary remedial measures at their own expense. Section 24. Maintenance of Drainage Systems The City Mayor shall adopt necessary measures to ensure that adequate City and barangay drainage systems are established and maintained to prevent the negative effects of all types of effluents on both surface and underground water quality. Section 25. Rewards and Incentives The City Mayor shall give rewards and due recognition to contractors, developers and/ or planners who adopt and comply with the best practices for water resources conservation and protection. Likewise, appropriate incentives for entities which shall adopt and/or introduce innovative methods, measures, technologies, techniques and processes that will reduce flooding and/or encourage water recharge in the City shall be formulated. C. Provisions to Ensure River Reserves and Conservation of River Ecosystem Section 26. Rehabilitation and Protection of Pagbanganan River and Other Rivers/ Streams under the Jurisdiction of Baybay City Historically, Pagbanganan River is closely related to the daily common life of the constituents of Baybay City. As such, the rehabilitation of the Pagbanganan River shall be one of the top development priorities of the City, considering that it is a major tributary of Baybay City, and that whatever environmental damage of said river can also adversely affect the City in terms of agriculture, socio-economic and environment impacts. To rehabilitate and protect Pagbanganan River, including all other rivers/streams within the jurisdiction of Baybay City, the City shall: a) Implement measures relevant to the rationalization of the management of the country’s major river basins (EO 510) and Integrated Coastal Management for major river tributaries; b) Initiate linkages and improve inter-governmental and unit coordination and public/ private partnership in integrated coastal and river management, and shall initiate programs and extend participation to all constituents of the City; c) Organize a Pagbanganan River Management Committee that shall take on the supervision and coordination of efforts, development and implementation of programs for the management, rehabilitation and maintenance of Pagbanganan River; d) Allocate funds for the use of the Pagbanganan River rehabilitation and enhancement program. The rehabilitation plans and programs shall be dubbed as “Adopt Pagbanganan River” with the participation of various stakeholders. The following activities shall be implemented:(1) launching of a river clean-up and maintenance by dredging, and removal of oil and grease, solid wastes, and debris and other contaminants by physical, mechanical and biological methods (2) quarterly monitoring of water quality (3) riverside tree planting (4) awareness campaign on the importance of river ecosystem (5) bamboo and/or mangrove tree-planting; e) Similar strategies for Pagbanganan River shall be implemented to rivers and other surface waters within the jurisdiction of Baybay City. Section 27. Duties and Functions of the Pagbanganan River Management Committee a) The Pagbanganan River Management Committee shall consist of the City Mayor as chairman and the City ENRO as Secretariat, one (1) representative from each of the following, City Engineers Office, CPDO, DPWH, DOH, private sector, farmer sector (especially association of livestock growers), youth sector, including one representative from each of the council of the barangays along the River; Baybay City Sanguniang Panlungsod Committee Chairman on Environment and DENR/CENRO-Baybay; b) The Committee shall likewise bring together diverse river interests to create a system approach for the clean-up, restoration of landscapes, and rehabilitation of river ecosystem, preservation, and enhancement; c) The Pagbanganan River Management Committee shall be responsible in gathering, conducting and compiling pertinent information regarding the Pagbanganan River, adjoining bodies of water, and its ecosystem. The Committee in coordination with other sectors can request or employ the help of private sectors if necessary, for the gathering of information needed to decide on measures for the rehabilitation and protection of Pagbanganan River; d) The Committee shall take in consideration possible sources of river pollutants and employ all possible ways or solutions to include strategic, structural and technological means in order to mitigate, if not completely stop, the flow of the pollutants to Pagbanganan River and other minor tributaries in the City; e) The Committee shall be tasked to provide essential information on the water quality of the river and its tributaries, pollution sources and emission discharges and concentrations, degraded habitat and ecosystem through the City ENRO, in coordination with DENR/EMB-8 in its program on Ädopt-a-River and Linis Estero”; f) The Committee shall also determine and implement best management practices for Pagbanganan River including the Integrated Coastal Management in all its tributaries wherein the combined resources and capabilities of the public and private sectors are utilized Section 28. Rehabilitation and Protection of All River Embankments and Implementation of ‘no-build zones’ The Mayor shall adopt adequate measures for the implementation of clearance, easement or ‘no-build-zones’, rights of way and greenbelts along river banks as prescribed by law, and Presidential Decree No. 1067 otherwise known as the Water Code of the Philippines, which provide that “banks or rivers and streams and seashores of the seas throughout their entire length and within a zone of three (3) meters in urban areas, twenty (20) meters in agricultural areas and forty (40) meters in forest areas, along margins are subject to easement for public use in the interest of recreation, navigation, floatage, fishing and salvage”. Section 29. Punishable and Prohibited Acts a) Dumping of wastes in Pagbanganan River or in any of the bodies of water, whether solid or liquid, or any matter that causes pollution, is strictly prohibited; b) No individual, or establishment/institution, whether public or private, is allowed to directly dispose of their wastewater into the Pagbanganan River without undergoing appropriate water treatment process as advised by the City ENRO; c) Introduction of invasive alien species (IAS) in Pagbanganan River proper and other bodies of water within the City is prohibited. Section 30. Fines and Penalties under this Ordinance Any person who commits any of the prohibited acts provided in this Article shall be penalized and be fined an amount of Php 5,000.00 or imprisonment of not more than one (1) year or both, at the discretion of the Court. If the offense is committed by a corporation, partnership or other juridical entity duly organized in accordance with law, the chief executive officer, president, general manager or person-in-charge shall be liable for the commission of the offense penalized under this Ordinance. ARTICLE V - Air Quality Management and Odor/Noise Pollution Control Section 31. Operative Principles Baybay City envisions being a model City in air quality and noise management. a) The City recognizes that measures should be in place to manage and control air and noise pollution to ensure that the health and well-being of its people are protected. For this purpose, the City, pursuant to Section 17 of RA 7160 (the Local Government Code) reaffirms its authority to enforce pollution control laws and take over the testing and apprehension of smoke-belching vehicles and in the abatement of noise and nuisance. b) The City reaffirms the principle enunciated in RA 8749 (the Clean Air Act of 1999) to the effect that the responsibility of cleaning the habitat and environment is primarily area-based;
Feb. 23-Mar.1 & Mar. 2-8, 2015 that polluters must pay; and that a clean and healthy environment is for the good of all, and should therefore be the concern of all. c) The City, pursuant to Section 17 of RA 7160 (the Local Government Code) reaffirms its authority to enforce pollution control laws and take over the testing and apprehension of smoke-belching vehicles and in the abatement of noise and nuisance. For this purpose, the City will partner and enter into administrative arrangement with NGAs, such as DENR/EMB-8 and LTO to abate air pollution in the City. Section 32. Industrial Air Pollution Control The City in collaboration with DENR/EMB-8, shall ensure that industrial firms operating within the City shall comply with air quality standards, periodically tests the emissions of industrial firms and establish adequate capability to respond to citizen’s complaints on industrial air pollution. Section 33. Vehicle Emissions Control The City in coordination with the Land Transportation Office (LTO) shall establish a regulatory system to ensure that the emission of vehicles operating within the City is in accordance with the standards provided for under existing laws. Administrative arrangements with LTO shall endeavor to deputize the City Government to undertake the necessary testing and initiate the prosecution of those in violation. Section 34. Control and Regulation of Noise Pollution No person shall cause to allow or permit the creation of any unnecessary noise through the use of any device on any street adjacent to any hospitals, schools or courts of justice. The City shall be responsible in evaluating the noise generating potential of infrastructure projects as part of its responsibility in the grant of zoning clearances and building permits. All projects which generate potential noise level must conform to the standards established by the DENR, the Occupational Health and Safety Standards of the DOLE, the DOH and other offices and shall be required to install soundproofing devices and eliminate vibration. In consultation and coordination with DENR, DOLE and DOH and other offices, noise and vibration standards, including operating hours, shall be set for both mobile and stationary engines, factories, pub houses, restaurants, videoke/karaokes, amusement parks and other similar establishments and noise-generating equipment. Section 35. Prohibition of smoking in public places and public vehicles Smoking inside a public building or an enclosed public place including public vehicles and other means of public transport or in any enclosed area outside of one’s private residence, private vehicle, private place of work or any duly designated smoking area is hereby prohibited. Section 36. Measures against offensive odor The City shall require industries or other businesses whose operations emit odor which causes secondary disturbances such as nausea, insomnia and overall discomfort to adopt measures that will mitigate the odor pollution including dilution by ventilation or dispersal, combustion or oxidation, neutralization or odor masking. Upon recommendation of the BCEC, until such time that measures is in place, the operations of said industries or businesses will be suspended. ARTICLE VI - Comprehensive and Unified Coastal Zone and Resources Management Section 37. Operative Principles Baybay City envisions being a model City in coastal zones and resources management. The City hereby: a) Adopts the integrated coastal zone management by using the ecosystem approach in the development and management of the coastal environment and resources pursuant to Executive Order No. 533, “Adopting Integrated Coastal Management as a National Strategy to Ensure the Sustainable Development of the Country’s Coastal and Marine Environment and Resources and Establishing Supporting Mechanisms for its Implementation”, and, promotes the development of an Integrated Coastal Resources Management Plan for the City of Baybay; LGU-Baybay shall consider the coastal zone planning as a tool to improve the use of coastal resources. It incorporates the context within which it operates; the capability required to assess, evaluate and monitor outcome; and the process through which it could be attained. Planning the coastal zone shall be based on certain principles that promotes its effectiveness, responsiveness and acceptability to its key stakeholders and which guide the preparation of the coastal land use plan; b) Reaffirms its authority to enforce marine pollution control laws and other laws relevant to the abatement of destructive fishing practices and over fishing in order to protect and conserve marine and coastal resources. For this purpose, the City adopts and implements PD No. 979, Sec. 2, for the prevention and control of pollution of the sea by the dumping of wastes and other matter that create hazards to human health, harm living resources and marine life, damage amenities or interference with the legitimate uses of the sea within the territorial jurisdiction of the Philippines; c) Reaffirms the principle enunciated under the agreement for the Sulu-Sulawesi Marine Ecosystem Program and supports the implementation of other international and local agreements on habitat restoration and biodiversity conservation in coastal areas, including the prevention of quarrying and extraction of marine mineral resources; In coordination with DENR/CENRO, Visayas State University and other concerned NGAs and private and civil society stakeholders, community-based habitat restoration and biodiversity conservation areas shall be located, planned and executed such as mangrove rehabilitation and protection, marine turtle sanctuary, wild bird sanctuary, thresher sharks sanctuary and other marine and coastal species identified by updated IUCN Red List as endemic, threatened and endangered. d) Recognizes that measures should be in place to regulate industrial use permits/rights and other interests over coastal areas; e) Initiates and improve inter-governmental and unit coordination and public/private partnership in integrated coastal management and fosters public and private sector marine ecosystem stewardship and accurate understanding of habitat restoration; f) Develop and implement training and information campaign to strengthen capacity of stakeholders to manage coastal zones and resources. Plan
Section 38. Formulation of Integrated Coastal Zone and Resources Management
Planning and development of integrated coastal zone management program (ICZM) is the key management tool for sustainable economic program. The plan shall define and delineate the zoned areas and resources covered by the management regime. It must clearly spell out and define the resources and critical issues and strategies and the mechanics that are necessary to address such issues and sustainability of the resources pursuant to the provisions of RA 7160 (the Local Government Code of 1991), RA 8550 (the Philippine Fisheries Code of 1998), RA 7586 (National Integrated Protected Areas System Act of 1992), RA 7586 (National Integrated Protected Areas System Act of 1992) and other applicable laws and issuances. Each LGU ICZM Plan should reflect its own unique set of conservation issues. The ICZM Plan should include the content, form and scope of a community’s coastal zone management plan which covers a review and permit system including the requirements of the EIA System for development projects and similar activities. The ICZM Plan shall include and address the following: a) Enumeration and description of options for the improvement of the community’s welfare in coastal areas in order to maintain the integrity of the coastal ecosystem and the productivity of the natural resource base; b) List of objectives and policies of the ICZM program; c) Identification of permissible types of uses of coastal resources and terms and conditions on their uses; d) Identification of areas that offer the best potential for compatible uses and provision of technical basis for land-use planning and zoning; e) Provision of detailed representation of the inventory of the resources in the zone, and an identification of the coastal areas for conservation; f) Provision of authority for identifying and protecting natural hazards; g) Authorization of the institutional arrangement for managing the program, and procedures for public participation; i) System of procedure for permit approval and, procedure for monitoring of activities and enforcement of compliance to permits issued; k) Issues and areas of concerns such as natural resources degradation, pollution, land use conflicts, and destruction of life and property as a result of natural hazards. Section 39. Preservation of Ecosystem that Supports Coastal Zone and Resources Management Development of coastal resources shall avoid manipulation of biological cycles that are important to the natural productivity of the coastal zone to influence other ecosystems’ productivity and sustainability. It shall regulate the alteration of the degree and direction of river flows having far reaching effects on the coastal zone ecosystem, the diversity and productivity of the seashores, fisheries and the natural configuration of the coastlines that protects the immediate lands.
NOTICES Section 40. Sustaining Inter-Agency and Inter-Municipal Cooperation LGU-Baybay shall recognize the federation or alliance to ensure and sustain coherent management strategies and policies in areas wherein resources are shared by neighboring municipalities considering ecological processes that transcend one municipality and affecting the others. The federation or alliance shall define its functions and responsibilities as the policy making and advisory body of the Local Chief Executives. LGU-Baybay shall strengthen the inter-agency Technical Working Groups composed of DA, BFAR, DENR, DILG, FARMC, academe and other interested parties pursuant to the provisions of the joint DA-DENR, DILG, Administrative Order No. 1, Series of 2008, “Defining/ Identifying The Areas of Cooperation and Collaboration Among DA, DENR and DILG in the Planning, Management, and Control of Aquaculture Development to Mitigate Impacts in the Environment.” Section 41. Community Organizing and Enhancement of IEC Program LGU-Baybay shall promote community organizing in ICZM to enhance management of projects, the adoption of responsible fishing practices and the internalization of the concepts of resource conservation by the local community. Likewise, LGU-Baybay shall formulate and implement a continuing information and education program to enhance awareness, appreciation and responsibility in ensuring the wise and sustainable utilization of resources, to intensify interest of developing capabilities towards rational management of marine water and coastal resources, and to establish a broad-base support for resource management plan implementation. Section 42. Mangrove Management System Mangroves provide tremendous primary ecological and economic benefits, primarily in providing nursery grounds for fish, prawns and crabs, and in supporting fisheries production in coastal waters. Mangroves also protect the environment and coastal communities from storm surges, waves, tidal currents and typhoons. The aspects of the mangrove management system shall embody four (4) management options, namely: (a) Mangrove Nursery Establishment and Management – this involves physical selection and preparation of the site and the application of nursery technology and operations; (b) Mangrove Plantation Establishment and Management – this involves a number of stages ranging from site selection and preparation, out-planting, care and maintenance, and monitoring and evaluation; (c) CBFMA – this is a land tenure instrument for mangrove habitats to be given to qualified and organized coastal communities under the CBFM Program of the government implemented by the DENR. The CBFMA provides a multitude of benefits to the holder ranging from management control over the area and exemption to pay taxes or rent normally levied by the government to natural resource users aside from being bankable; (d) Fishpond Restoration – this is a management option that provides information on how People’s Organization (PO) can modify abandoned fishponds reverted to the category of forestlands or fishponds not covered by the Fishpond Lease Agreement (FLA) or permit and are thus illegal. These areas can be restored and developed to plantation for benefits to the community in terms of firewood, lumber or poles; an area for collecting shells, crabs, and fish; or providing shelter and food for mangrove fauna such as crabs, shells, shrimps, and fish harvested in coastal waters. Fishpond restoration shall only be conducted after the fishponds shall have been reverted to the category of forestlands and shall have been granted to the CBFMA holder by the DENR. ARTICLE VII - Urban Forestry Management and Development Section 43. Operative Principles a) Regulate and control the restoration, preservation, protection, conservation and sustainable development of city’s forest resources through the establishment of tree parks, tree farms and tuition trees program; b) To address the continued degradation of the forest resources, improve and increase City’s water resources, improve soil fertility from decomposing forest litter, absorb toxic gases, improve micro-climate, reduce run-off, minimize erosion, provide wildlife shelter and food, provide windbreaks and continuous source of wood that indirectly reduce pressures on natural resources extraction; c) To increase income of constitutes and revenues for the City through land improvement tax, business tax and income tax; d) To ensure sustainable development of local idle lands and provides opportunity to achieve self-sufficiency in food products; e) To provide and enforce penal measures, set and regulate disciplinary actions to all violations committed in the process of implementation; f) To establish greenbelts and buffer areas. Section 44. Prohibitive Acts Prohibitive Acts punishable under this Ordinance shall include and not limited to the following: a) No person is allowed to climb, gather fruits, destroy trees that belong to the public domain without permission from the Office of the City Mayor; b) No person is allowed to post bills, advertisements, billboards and sign boards at the trunk or branches of the tree without the permission from the Office of the City Mayor; c) No person is allowed to destroy or mutilate or attach/place any rope, wire or any material use for tying sign board poster, handbill or substances place at the base that cause death or harmful to the trees planted along the city streets or to cause or permit any wire charge with electricity to be placed or attached to any such tree or allow any gaseous, liquid or solid substance which is harmful to such trees to come in contact with their roots, trucks or leaves; d) No person shall climb any tree/trees or fasten or tie an animal, bicycle or motorcycle or any animal drawn cart or allow any animal owned by him, or under his control to stand so near such tree/trees that the same may be gnawed or otherwise injured by such animal. e) Cutting of acacia/fire trees will only be done for very compelling reasons and with favorable endorsement from the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR). f) Refrain from cutting trees regardless of species found within 20 meters from riverbanks or creeks of at least 5 meters in width to prevent soil erosion/sedimentation. g) Cutting, injuring or destroying any tree/trees and shrubs planted along public roads/city streets, in plazas, parks, schools and other public grounds except as demanded by public safety. Section 45. Penalties under this Ordinance a) Any violation of this Article shall be punished by imprisonment of not more than fifteen (15) days or a fine of not less than P 1,000.00 and not more than P 5,000.00; Provided, that in case of recidivism, the violator shall be punished by imprisonment of not more than 30 days or a fine of not more than P 2,000.00 or both fine and imprisonment, at the discretion of the Court. b) Any person who shall violate the provision of Section ___ on Prohibitive Acts punishable hereof, or any regulation promulgated there under, shall be punished with imprisonment for not less than two (2) years but not more than five (5) years, or both such fine and imprisonment at the discretion of the Court; The person referred to under this section shall mean an individual, partnership, firm, corporation or other legal entity. c) Any person illegally cutting, uprooting, destroying or injuring planted or growing trees in plantation areas shall be penalized in accordance with applicable forestry laws, rules and regulations; d) Any person who cuts, destroy natural growing plants, flowering, ornamentals and forest trees, along public roads, school premises, or on banks of rivers and creeks shall be punished with imprisonment for not less than six months and not more than two years. Or a fine of not less than P 1,000.00 and not more than P 5,000.00, or with both such imprisonment and fine at the discretion of the court. Section 46. Protection of Trees in the City The City recognizes that the matter of tree cutting in public and private lands is within the jurisdiction of the DENR. For this purpose, the City Mayor, within sixty (60) days from the passage of this Environment Code shall enter into administrative arrangements with the DENR for said agency to assist in protecting the trees within the City. In no case shall centennial trees be cut unless authorized by National Historical Institute under appropriate guidelines.
C intervals sufficient for healthy growth of such flora and create adequate shade and landscaping. All subdivision developers shall be inspected to ensure that the requirement for green buffer and spaces allotted for parks and playgrounds are planted with trees. Section 50. Requiring landowners to cut their grasses during summer months. All landowners, whether public or private, shall be required to cut and dispose properly the grasses during the months of February to June of every year to prevent grass fires. ARTICLE VIII - Mineral Resources, Conservation, Management and Development Section 51. Operative Principles The City of Baybay envisions being a model in ecological management, conservation, regulation and development of mineral resources. Section 52. Prohibition on Mining Any mining, quarrying and extraction of ores and other mineral resources, except the extraction of sand and gravel minerals, is strictly prohibited in public waters, private and public lands in the City. LGU-Baybay, in coordination with the Provincial Government and the DENR/ Mines and Geo-Sciences Bureau Region 8, shall conduct monitoring related to this activity. Section 53. Permit to Extract, Remove and Dispose Sand and Gravel (SAG) Resources No person, corporation, partnership or government entity/instrumentality shall be allowed to extract, remove or dispose of sand and gravel minerals from public waters unless authorized under a permit issued in accordance with Republic Act 7942 or the Philippine Mining Act, Leyte Province Order No. 05-02, Series of 2005 and Municipal Ordinance No. 45, Series of 1983, in order that their quarrying activities shall not adversely affect the river environs especially not to prematurely scour and erode the river embankments. LGU-Baybay, in coordination with the Provincial Government and the DENR/Mines and Geo-Sciences Bureau Region 8, shall conduct monitoring related to this activity. Only Commercial SAG Extraction Permit shall be allowed for the extraction, removal and disposition of sand and gravel and other loose or unconsolidated materials which are used in their natural state without undergoing processing, covering an area of not more than five (5) hectares for a term of not exceeding five (5) years from the date of issuance thereof, renewable for the same period, but not to exceed a total term of twenty five (25) years. ARTICLE IX - Land Resources Management Section 54. Operative Principles The City of Baybay envisions being a model in ecological management of lands. a) Lands in the City shall be used for the purpose for which they have been classified. The Comprehensive Land Use Plan (CLUP) of the City, enacted pursuant to law shall be used as basis in land classification and use; b) Private lands, whether for agricultural, residential, commercial or industrial purpose bear social functions. As such, landowners are enjoined to responsibly use these lands; c) The necessary easements as provided by laws must at all times be observed in infrastructures; d) Public lands must be devoted for public use. The City shall establish eco-parks for the enjoyment of its people. e). All landowners, residents and all establishments must likewise ensure that all lands, whether public or private, must be maintained for their ecological functions such as water infiltration and recharge, soil fertility, soil stabilization and erosion control among others cleanliness at all times and must comply with the laws on integrated solid waste management and the toxic and hazardous wastes; f) All remaining flora and fauna in the City shall be protected, conserved and restored. Section 55. Green Management of Public Lands All public lands in the City, whether owned by the national or city government shall be managed ecologically. For this purpose, the administrators of these public lands, in addition to the primary purpose for which the lands are being used, shall have plans to ecologically manage the same. All offices/building located within said public lands must also ensure cleanliness at all times in their own areas and in their peripheries. Section 56. Green Management of Private Lands All private lands shall be, as much as possible placed in productive condition and be managed ecologically. For this purpose, all private landowners shall put in productive use their landholdings. All landowners shall require all offices and business establishments located within their landholdings to submit an annual report on the status of their green management of the land they occupy to the City ENRO, upon renewal of their Mayor’s Permits, and they shall likewise ensure that their own areas and peripheries are clean at all times. Section 57. Establishment of Eco-Parks in Barangays Within one (1) year from the passage of this Environment Code, every barangay in the City or clusters of barangay shall establish an eco-park(s), which will showcase best environmental practices in the barangay, a barangay nursery and herbal garden, and shall also serve as common playground/park for its residents. Open spaces in subdivision areas may be used as eco-parks. Every barangay is mandated to include in their annual budget the funds necessary to maintain said eco-parks. Section 58. Provisions to Prevent or Minimize Flooding These provisions shall apply to all contractors, developers and planners who are undertaking or intend to undertake land development projects in the City of Baybay. Construction and development activities within the City shall be regulated in consideration of the need to ensure that the water supply of the City continues to be sufficient for the needs of its residents. Contractors, developers and/or planners intending to develop areas within the City of Baybay shall submit their plans for consideration and approval to the City through its City ENRO to ensure compliance with this Environment Code and the City Engineer’s Office to ensure compliance with the National Building Code. The City ENRO shall review the plans and assess whether these are in conformity with the guidelines and design standards provided in this Environment Code. In addition to the provisions of P.D. 957, its implementing rules and regulations, and the regulations of the HLURB, the following guidelines shall be observed by contractors, developers and planners: a) The problem of water recharge and flooding shall be taken into consideration in the formulation of land development plans; b) Methods/measures to address problems of recharge and flooding shall be employed subject to the design parameters provided herein; c) Drainage and storm water and rainwater run-off into water bodies and retention/ detention ponds shall be ensured; d) Permeable materials shall be used in surface areas located in open spaces; e) Rainwater harvesting methods are encouraged; f) A significant portion of the developed land shall be allotted for recharge; and g) Vegetation shall be encouraged. ARTICLE X - Eco-Tourism Section 59. Operative Principles The City Government of Baybay shall formulate plans and programs with institutional mechanism for sustainable community-based ecotourism guided by environmentally-sound policies involving active participation of the stakeholders. This Code hereby adopts the ecotourism principles, policies and objectives as embodied under Executive Order No. 111, “Establishing the Guidelines for Ecotourism Development in the Philippines dated June 17, 1999.” Section 60. Identification, Designation and Classification of Eco-Tourism Sites The City Government of Baybay shall identify, designate and classify ecotourism sites in the City in close consultation with concerned government agencies pursuant to existing standards, policies and laws on eco-tourism and environmental protection.
Section 47. Tree Inventory, Mapping and Tagging The City Government in coordination with the DENR shall formulate and adopt a program to number all trees within the City. The tallying classification shall be applicable to all trees that are of the maturing age and shall reflect classification of trees by species, information on location and ownership.
Section 61. Eco-Tourism Development Plan The City Government of Baybay, through its Baybay Investment and Tourism Promotions Office (BTIPO), shall formulate an eco-tourism plan and program for the City as an effective mechanism for eco-tourism development patterned after the national eco-tourism strategies and pursuant to the provisions of the Tourism Code of Leyte.
Section 48. Registration of Chain Saws Aside from DENR requirements pursuant to the Chainsaw Act, the City Government shall require all owners and operators of chain saws and similar tree-felling equipment to register the same with the City ENRO and to secure a permit prior to operation.
Section 62. Eco-Tourism Within Protected Areas Protected areas within the City that have potentials for eco-tourism purposes shall be subject to inventory assessment and classification pursuant to existing laws, rules and regulations.
Section 49. Urban Greening and Landscaping Street islands as well as both shoulders of roads and buildings shall be planted with shade or ornamental trees in a matter that is scientifically and agriculturally acceptable at
Section 63. Education and Advocacy The City Government of Baybay shall encourage public and private school authorities in the City to include in their prescribed environmental education curriculum all information materials related to eco-tourism sites, projects and activities by way of brochures, posters,
NOTICES
Feb. 23-Mar.1 & Mar. 2-8, 2015 videos and related devices. Likewise, in order to ensure sustainability of eco-tourism projects in the City, It shall also encourage active participation of all other sectors of the civil society and business, media, and the youth in education and advocacy campaign activities pertaining eco-tourism, including site visits to eco-tourism sites of the City. ARTICLE XI - Mainstreaming of Climate Protection Concerns Section 64. Operative Principles Climate change is a reality and cannot be denied. Adaptation and mitigation to its impacts can be addressed by intensifying preparedness through capacity development and access, availability and provision of accurate information and skills to the people of Baybay City. Section 65. Development of the Local Climate Change Action Plan LGU-Baybay recognizes that all City constituents has shared-responsibility of responding to climate change and should therefore be informed and engaged. With the aim to lead a coordinated Baybay City climate protection initiative, a City Climate Change Action Plan (CCCAP) shall be prepared, adapted by LGU and implemented in close coordination with all residents, businesses and higher education institutions. The CCCAP shall contain information and recommended actions to enable all sectors at the local level to adapt to a changing climate by promoting a clear understanding of climate science, its potential impacts and vulnerabilities on local environment and communities. The CCCAP provides a matrix of adaptation options and greenhouse gas (GHG) emission reduction opportunities. This CCCAP also tries to promote the mainstreaming of climate protection concerns on all sectors, as well as it aims to achieve the city’s improved targets to develop climate-smart facilities, services and investments in order to help improve the local environment, local economy and enhance Baybay City’s reputation as an environmentally and agro-/fishery-industrialized progressive and resilient City. Section 66. Energy Development Program In line with the environmental policies aimed at protecting the world from global warming, climate change and other forms of ecological degradations, the LGU-Baybay shall: a) undertake an environment-friendly sustainable energy development program in partnership with concerned agencies, academe, e.g., the Visayas State University being the center for research on renewable energy and climate change concerns, and with the private sector through harnessing local alternative and renewable energy sources such as solar, wind, hydropower, bio-fuel, biomass and other viable sources to mitigate global warming. b) undertake strict regulatory and monitoring system in the utilization of energy sources that have contributed to the degradation of the environment (e.g., fossil fuels and coal). c) ensure implementation of environmental standards and policies. Section 67. Energy Enhancement Measures Consistent with the development of a sustainable energy program, the City Government of Baybay shall adopt measures that include, but not limited to the following: a) Give full support and incentives to investments and projects that develop local alternative and renewable environment-friendly energy sources. b) Conduct study and research and establish pilot projects on energy sources. c) Provide capability building activities for technical personnel and other stakeholders in the development of sustainable energy. Section 68. City Mangrove and Tree Planting Program In order to increase the carbon stock of the City, the City, in coordination with DENR, and pursuant to Presidential Executive Order No. 26, Series of 2011, otherwise known as the National Greening Program (NGP), shall implement a mangrove/tree planting program which will involve the police, students, teachers, government and private employees and other citizens. NGP requires LGUs and other government agencies to provide government support in terms of tree planting, production of quality seedlings, mobilization of all government employees and students to plant at least 10 seedlings each, annually, and to also encourage the private sector to participate in the Program as well. Primarily, NGP is a climate change mitigation strategy as it seeks to enhance the country’s forest stock to absorb carbon dioxide, which is largely blamed for global warming. The tree planting activity may coincide with an environmental event or the City Mayor may designate a specific date as Arbor and Tree Planting Day. Section 69. Promotion of environment-friendly alternative transport systems The City shall encourage and provide incentives to persons who will utilize alternative and environment-friendly transport systems. Section 70. Promotion of energy-saving practices The City shall put in place and encourage shift to energy-saving measures such as daylight saving time, efficient lighting systems and utilization of hydropower, solar and wind energy. Incentives will be given to establishments that will showcase best energy-saving measures. Section 71. Grant of tax exemptions/tax incentives In order to encourage the private sector, business/establishments and institutions to implement climate change adaptation and mitigation, the City Mayor, within six (6) months from the passage of this Code, shall submit to the Sangguniang Panlungsod Omnibus Guidelines for the grant of tax incentives and/or tax exemptions to best practices in solid waste management (e.g. subdivisions not anymore requiring collection of garbage with the practice of recycling and composting); renewable energy practitioners; efficient use of water; and other environment-friendly operations. Section 72. Environmental Advocacy and Integrating Environment Education in School Curricula The City Government of Baybay shall encourage all school levels in the City to integrate environmental protection and management in their prescribed environmental education curricula. The teachers and students shall likewise be enjoined to participate in the environmental advocacy activities of the City, such as tree planting and coastal clean-up. Section 73. Information and Education Campaigns The City Mayor shall come up with a sustained and intensified information and education campaign designed to educate and elicit people’s participation in environmental protection and management, in partnership with university, the private sector and other concerned agencies, through the use of tri-media facilities. Special focus shall be given to climate change adaptation and mitigation measures. It shall also encourage active participation of all other sectors of the civil society and business, media, and the youth in education and advocacy campaign activities pertaining to climate change adaptation and mitigation. Section 74. Prohibition on the Burning of Agricultural Wastes Burning of agricultural wastes from rice or from any planting materials especially rice stack or rice hulls is hereby prohibited, particularly as a mitigation action to reduce the emission of greenhouse gases to the atmosphere. Section 75. Assigning of Dates for Environmental Events The City Mayor is hereby authorized to assign and give importance to environmental events such as World Water Day, Earth Day, Earth Hour, World Environment Day, Philippine Environment Month, Arbor and Tree-planting Day, Day of Ocean, Climate Protection Month and Environmental Education Month in view of increasing environmental advocacy and awareness of all communities and City residents, and inculcating in them the importance of the environment, especially in increasing the adaptive capacities and resiliency of communities to face the challenges of climate-defined future. ARTICLE XII - Institutional Mechanisms to Implement the Code Section 76. Operative Principles The City of Baybay envisions all of its citizens united in environmental protection and management. a) The City Mayor shall call upon the entire citizenry of the City and rally the people towards environmental conservation, protection, restoration and enhancement. b) The City shall also set up a “Quick Response Mechanism” to immediately respond to environmental law violations. Section 77. Strengthening the City Environment and Natural Resources Office The City Environment and Natural Resources Office, which is created pursuant to City Ordinance No. ___, Series of _____ and Article 122 (n) of R.A. 7160, is the primary arm of the City Government of Baybay in the development and promotion of environment friendly communities for the protection and conservation of the City’s natural resources and in preserving the ecological balance of environment and its sustainable development as well as preventing and abating pollution in Baybay City. The City Government of Baybay shall institutionalize City Environment and Natural Resources Office, which shall be headed by an Environment and Natural Resources Officer
who possesses the minimum qualifications as stated in the Local Government Code. The City ENR Officer (City ENRO) has the primary function to lead, implement, develop and over-see the planning and monitoring of environmental programs/projects, and in coordination with relevant government agencies, undertake a comprehensive program of urban environmental protection and management for the City, including the integration of concerns for eco-efficiency, climate change adaptation and disaster risk reduction and management into all plans and programs of the City. Specifically, the Local Government Code defines the duties and responsibilities of the City ENR Officer, to wit: (i) Formulate measures for the consideration of the Sangguniang Panlungsod and provide technical assistance and support to the Mayor to carry out measures to ensure the delivery of basic services and provision of adequate facilities relative to environment and natural resources services as provided in Rule V of the LGC; (ii) Develop plans and strategies on environment and natural resources program and projects and implement them upon approval thereof by the Mayor; (iii) Establish, maintain, protect and preserve communal forests, watersheds, tree parks, mangroves, greenbelts and similar forest projects and commercial forest, like industrial tree farms and agro-forestry projects; (iv) Provide extension services to beneficiaries of forest development projects and technical, financial and infrastructure assistance; (v) Manage and maintain seed banks and produce seedlings for forests and tree parks; (vi) Provide extension services to beneficiaries of forest development projects and render assistance to natural resources-related conservation and utilization activities consistent with ecological balance; (vii) Coordinate with government agencies and NGOs in the implementation of measures to prevent and control land, air and water pollution with the assistance of the DENR; (viii) Be in the frontline of the delivery of services concerning the environment and natural resources, particularly in the renewal and rehabilitation of the environment during and in the aftermath of man-made and natural calamities and disasters; (ix) Recommend to the Sangguniang Panlungsod and advise the Mayor on all matters relative to the protection, conservation, maximum utilization, application of appropriate technology, and other matters related to the environment and natural resources; and (x) Exercise such other powers and perform such other duties and functions as may be prescribed by law or ordinance. The Office of the City ENRO shall comprise the following five (5) sections, namely: 1) Administrative & Support Services Section; 2) Water & Air Quality Management, Enforcement & Regulatory Section; 3) Integrated Solid Waste Management, Enforcement and Regulatory Section; 4) Mineral Resources Management & Regulatory Section; 5) Coastal Resources Management, Enforcement & Regulatory Section; and, 6) Urban Forestry & Lands Resources Development, Management & Enforcement Section. Within six (6) months from the passage of this Code, the City ENRO shall define the functions of the differenct Sections in its Office, and shall come up with a Manual of Operations and Systems and Procedures. Section 78. Creation of Baybay City Environment Council There is hereby created the Baybay City Environment Council (BCEC), composed of the following as members: 1) City Mayor 2) SP Chair on Environment 3) DENR/CENR Officer 4) Chief of Police 5) Representative from the academe 6) Representative from the business sector 7) Representative from the Civil Society Organization on environment 8) Representative from the media 9) Representative from the women sector 10) Representative from home-owners association sector The members/representatives from numbers 6-10 shall be chosen from among their respective sectors, who must be a recognized leader in the sector, of unquestionable integrity, and a passion for the environment, and a bonafide resident of the City of Baybay. The members shall elect from among themselves the set of officers, whose term shall be co-terminous with the LGU City elected officials. The Co-Chair of the BCEC shall come from the private sector. All members of the City Council as ex-officio member/resource person in the BCEC. The BCEC may also invite other resource persons/sector representatives as it may deem necessary and appropriate. Section 79. Functions of the BCEC The BCEC shall meet at least once every quarter and shall have the following functions: a) Serve as a venue to discuss various environmental breakthroughs, issues and problems in the City and act on the same either by taking direct action and/or recommend the same to the appropriate body/office; b) Monitor progress of implementation of the City’s Environment Code; c) Make the discussions, deliberations and findings of the BCEC public except when the BCEC itself decides that the same is confidential; d) Recommend environmental plans to the Sangguniang Panlungsod; e) Take the lead role in information and education campaigns; and f) Mobilize the BCEC members in support of environmental protection and management. Meetings may be rotated among the different barangays or in some other places. Section 80. City ENRO to Act as Secretariat The City ENRO shall serve as the Secretariat to the BCEC, and for this purpose: a) Assist the BCEC in ensuring that regular meetings are conducted; b) Prepare preliminarily the agenda for every meeting for approval of the Chair of BCEC; c) Follow-up on meetings’ attendance to ensure that quorum and maximum participation of members are achieved; d) Take down minutes of meetings, and prepare summary of meetings and agreements reached; e) Follow-up on agreements reached and report the same in the next meeting; f) Provide technical support to the members; and g) Undertake such actions and assistance as the Chairperson or the members may direct. Section 81. Setting-up of Environment Desks in Barangays and PNP Office Within six (6) months from the passage of this Code, all Barangay Chairpersons and the City Chief Police Officer shall establish environment desks in their units to act on immediate complaint of its residents. Section 82. System of Recognition for Environment Champions The Mayor shall come up with programs and projects on a yearly basis to give recognition to champions of environmental protection and management. Laws
Section 83. Quick Response Mechanism in Cases of Violations to Environmental
In all cases of violations of environmental laws, notwithstanding that the DENR or some other national agency is the national government agency primarily responsible for the enforcement of national laws, the City, through the City ENRO, pursuant to Rule 11 of the Supreme Court Administrative Matter No. 09-6-8, otherwise known as the Rules of Procedure for Environmental Cases, approved on April 10, 2010, may arrest a person violating environmental laws, even without a warrant in the following instances, quoted, thus: a) When in his presence, the person to be arrested has committed, is actually committing or is attempting to commit an offense; or b) When an offense has just been committed, and he has probable cause to believe that based on personal knowledge of the facts or circumstances that the person to be arrested has committed it. Individuals deputized by the proper government agency who are enforcing environmental laws shall enjoy the presumption of regularity under Section 3(m), Rule 11 of the Rules of Court when effecting arrests for violations of environmental laws. Section 84. Creation and Deputation of Baybay City Green Enforcers The City Mayor is hereby authorized to create the Baybay City Green Enforcers so that environmental laws are enforced in the City. Within six (6) months from the passage of this Environment Code, City the Mayor shall enter into appropriate administrative arrangements with DENR to deputize and give proper training to the Baybay City Green Enforcers. The City Mayor may likewise enlist service providers to conduct the training. ARTICLE XIII - Funding Section 85. Operative Principles The City shall ensure sustainable funding for environmental protection and management.
D Section 86. Funding Within six (6) months from the passage of the Environment Code, the City Mayor shall submit to the Sangguniang Panlungsod for its consideration the inclusion of funds in the Annual Investment Program necessary to carry out the mandates under this Environment Code, and shall include the budget for the operations of the City ENRO, the Baybay City Green Enforcers and the BCEC. In order to expedite the processing of funds for projects for climate change adaptation and mitigation, the City can refer to RA 10174 or the People’s Survival Fund that provides long-term finance streams to enable the government to effectively address the problem of Climate Change. Likewise, the City can refer to Joint Memorandum Circular of the Department of Budget and Management and Climate Change Commission No. 2013-01, dated December 27,2013 on the Guidelines in Tagging/Tracking Government Expenditures for Climate Change in the Budget Process, specifically on the identification, tagging and prioritizing climate change-related activities for all government agencies and taking stock of relevant climate change programs, projects and activities to enable oversight and line department managers to track and report climate change-related expenditures. Section 87. Special Account There is hereby established a special account to be known as Environmental Account in the books of the City. All collections from fines and penalties collected under this Environment Code and donations for environmental projects of the City shall accrue to said account and shall be used solely to finance environmental projects. ARTICLE XIV - Penalties Section 88. Operative Principles Penalties that will be imposed for violations of this Environment Code have the primary purpose of educating the violator of the importance of environmental protection and management. Immediately after the passage of this Environment Code, the City Mayor shall formulate the corresponding fines and penalties, under each specific environmental Ordinances. Likewise, the Mayor shall issue the necessary guidelines on the imposition of environmental community work. The City shall, however, impose punitive measures to those who will continue to violate this Environment Code. Section 89. Persons Violating the Provisions of this Environment Code Any person who violates any of the provision of this Environment Code shall be penalized as herein below set forth. In case of partnerships or corporations, aside from the penalties to be imposed on the actual violator, the managing partner or executive officer shall also be required to render environmental community work. Section 90. Environmental Community Work Immediately after the passage of this Environment Code, the City Mayor shall issue the necessary guidelines on the imposition of environmental community work. Environmental community work, rather than punitive, aims to inculcate upon the violator the importance of environmental protection and management. It has the objective of turning the violator into an environment advocate. ARTICLE XV - Administrative Procedure on the Imposition of Fines, Environmental Community Work and Filing of Cases Section 91. Operative Principles The administrative procedure on the imposition of fines and penalties, environmental community work and filing of cases shall be simple and expedient. Section 92. Issuance of Citation Tickets Violators of the provisions of this Environment Code will be issued a Citation/Violation Ticket by the deputized Baybay City Green Enforcers, the Police or any other deputized officer shall be informed of the infraction committed, corresponding fines to be paid, the hours required for environmental community work, and the imprisonment penalty imposable. Section 93. Payment of Fines and Render of Environmental Community Work If the violator does not contest the citation, the violator shall pay the fine and render environmental community work. Otherwise, the violator shall be brought to the police station for the filing of the necessary charges in court. Section 94. Procedure in Cases where Violation of Provision Includes Suspension or Cancellation of Business License The violator shall be given citation ticket and be required to explain within seventy two (72) hours why the business establishment will not be suspended or closed, or why no criminal charges shall be filed against the violator. Said explanation shall be given in writing to the City ENRO who shall evaluate the explanation, and if unsatisfactory, either recommend to the City Mayor the suspension or cancellation of the business permit, or file the corresponding cases in court as the case may be. Section 95. Administrative Sanctions and Citizens Suits Officials of the concerned local government and national agencies who fail to comply with this Code when required, or who fail to enforce the provisions of this Environment Code and its Implementing Rules and Regulations shall be charged administratively in accordance with the Ombudsman Law, Civil Service Rules and Regulation, RA 7160 and other existing laws, rules and regulations. Any citizen may file an appropriate civil, criminal or administrative action in the proper court or bodies against: a) Any person who violates or fails to comply with the provisions of this Environment Code or its Implementing Rules and Regulations; b) Other implementing agencies or any public officers who willfully or grossly neglects the performance of an act specifically enjoined as a duty by this Environment Code or its Implementing Rules and Regulations. This Environment Code adopts the “Rules of Procedure for Environmental Cases” issued by the Supreme Court as SC Administrative Matter No. 09-6-8-SC promulgated April 2010. ARTICLE XVI - Final Provisions Section 96. Authority of the Mayor to Issue Guidelines and Implementing Rules and Regulations The Mayor may from time to time issue supplemental guidelines to strengthen the implementation of this Code. Section 97. Applicability Clause All matters not covered by this Code shall be governed by pertinent laws, rules and regulations. Section 98. Separability Clause Should any part of the provision or provisions of this Code be declared unconstitutional or contrary to existing laws, other parts hereof, which are not affected thereby, shall continue to be in full force and effect. Section 99. Repealing Clause All City ordinances, resolutions, circulars, memoranda, executive orders or rules and regulations inconsistent with the provisions of this Environment Code are hereby repealed or modified accordingly. Section 100. Effectivity Clause This Environment Code shall be effective fifteen (15) days after its publication in a newspaper of general circulation in the Province of Leyte and a review of the Sangguniang Panlalawigan. Section 101. Implementing Rules and Regulations One (1) month after the effectivity of this Environment Code, the Provincial Governor shall cause the preparation and issuance of its Implementing Rules and Regulations in close consultation and coordination with concerned national and local government agencies and offices. APPROVED, February 16, 2015. I HEREBY CERTIFY to the correctness of the foregoing resolution which was duly adopted by the Sangguniang Panlungsod during its regular session held on February 16, 2015. (Sgd. ) AMELITO V. BORNEO SP Secretary ATTESTED AND CERTIFIED TO BE DULY ADOPTED: (Sgd.) MICHAEL L. CARI City Vice Mayor & Presiding Officer APPROVED BY HER HONOR: (Sgd.) CARMEN L. CARI City Mayor EV Mail Feb. 23-Mar. 1, 2-8, 2015