1 Eastern Visayas | September 3

Vol 1 Issue 2 A Daily E-Newsletter of Philippine Information Agency - 8 SEPTEMBER 3, 2013

The 19th National Crime Prevention Week (NCPW) Celebration

in Eastern Visayas was formally launched Monday at the Tacloban City Convention Center spearheaded by the National Police Commission (Napolcom) headed by Regional Director Nicomedez Jose. This was in cooperation with the interagency technical working group such as Philippine National Police, Department of Interior and Local Government, Philippine Drug

Director Pedro A. Noval, Jr (center-top right photo) of the Department of the Interior and Local Government 8 together with other regional heads, representatives and government employees recite the “Panunumpa sa Watawat” and “Panunumpa ng Kawani ng Gobyerno” during the kick-off program of the National Crime Prevention Week celebration held at the Tacloban City Convention Center, September 2. (NEIL A. LOPIDO/PIA-8)

Leyte Provincial Board institutionalizes paperless system

The Vice Governor and the members of the Board Members of the

province of Leyte have collectively agreed to institutionalize the paperless system in the Sangguniang Panlalawigan. Leyte Vice Governor Atty. Carlo P. Loreto told the Philippine Information Agency that the paperless system is now being used in the Sanggunian. “At the onset, the new system will normally entail some major changes and new procedures to follow which may be perplexing to some of us,” Vice Governor Loreto said, Nevertheless, he gave the assurance that with the assistance of the technical personnel, the system will be adapted as expected. It was learned that the members of the provincial board now

have tablets which they could open and use anytime and anywhere to see and to study the Agenda for the next session. Vice Governor Loreto said the institutionalization of the paperless system in the Sangguniang Panlalawigan is in harmony with the Provincial Government’s persistent advocacy for the protection and preservation of the environment and in compliance with RA 8972 or the Philippine Electronics Commerce Act of 2000. The initiative introduces a real time transmission of the Agenda and all matters that has to be considered during the regular sessions of the Sanggunian to the presiding officer, the members of the Provincial Board and

to all concerned. Henceforth, it shall be the standing policy of the provincial board to minimize the use of papers and plastics in the sessions of the Sangguniang Panlalawigan. Another policy is for the Municipal Sanggunians within Leyte and the Sangguniang Panglungsod of Baybay and all government and non-government entities transacting official business with the Provincial Board shall be required to submit only 1 hard copy and one soft copy in digital format of any document that has bearing with their official transactions. The third policy, according to Vice Governor Loreto, is for the Sangguniang Panlalawigan Secretariat to send by email or through any electronic mode of transmission, all proposed items in the agenda of the forthcoming session every Thursday of continued on page 8

NAPOLCOM leads nat’l crime prevention week kick-off

By: CONSUELO B. ALARCON

continued on page 8

www. pia.gov.ph

2 | SEPTEMBER 3, 2013

Add pork to IRA -- Gov. Mercado

A former lawmaker of the lone congressional district here has

added his voice to the raging national issue involving the prudent use of a fiscal allocation allotted to House and Senate members in the midst of glaring controversy to its alleged abuse and misuse. “The pork barrel should be added to the Internal Revenue Allotment (IRA) of local government units. That is my suggestion,” said incumbent Gov. Roger Mercado, a three-termer member of the House of Representatives from 2004 to 2010. He was referring to the Priority Development Assistance Fund (PDAF), the official name of a lump sum appropriation given each Congressman and Senator, at P 70 Million and P 200 Million annually, respectively, the subject now of investigations due to alleged diversion to ghost non-government organizations (NGOs). In a press conference at barangay Combado Wednesday while he was having several social service activities to mark his 62nd natal day yesterday, Mercado reiterated his

position that the said allocation during his time has helped a lot in pushing for the development of the province. With PDAF integrated in the IRA, this will surely be used to expand delivery of basic services related to health, education, and livelihood for the people, among others, Mercado explained. In a live radio interview on Monday, Mercado was grateful he was not dragged in the current controversy, saying he would have resigned had his name been involved. President Benigno S. Aquino III on Friday called for the abolition of the PDAF, saying its high time this would be scrapped even as he stressed that pet projects of lawmakers will be coordinated with the proper government agencies for insertion and implementation. Meanwhile, hundreds of poor folks and senior citizens in barangay Combado benefitted from the free medical-dental mission initiated by Gov. Mercado, as well as feeding of children of 4Ps members, food for work, and distribution of bundles of joy. The activity, dubbed “Gasa Para sa Barangay Combado,” was held at the Maasin City National High School campus. (esg/mmp/PIA8-Southern Leyte)

By: MARCELINO M. PEDALINO

Southern Leyte Governor Roger Mercado (PIA file photo)

Pag-Ibig Fund to hold

service desk in Catarman

on September 4 and 5

By: AILENE N. DIAZ

Pag-Ibig Fund Regional Office-8 will render a two-day service desk

at the Municipality of Catarman on September 4 and 5, 2013. This was learned from Mr. Ketchie Rex A. Barrante, Marketing Specialist of Pag-Ibig Fund Regional Office8. According to Mr. Barrante, services to be offered cover assistance to queries on membership status, claims, loanable amount, employer’s registration, loan applications, among others. Barrante calls on members of Pag-ibig Fund particularly those from far flung areas, island and pacific towns of Northern Samar, to avail of their services as they come only once a month. Pag-Ibig fund representatives will hold office, whole day of Wednesday, September 4 and half day on Thursday, September 5. (PIA8-Northern Samar)

Napolcom 8 re-opens on-

line application for PNP

entrance and Promotional

Exams

The National Police Commission (NAPOLCOM) in the region has

re-opened its On-line examination Application Scheduling System (OLEASS) for the October 20, 2013 PNP Entrance and Promotional Examinations. This is to accommodate to those who failed to register during the regular schedule last July 29.Napolcom 8 Acting Director Nicomedez E. Jose said, this is based on a

By: CONSUELO B. ALARCON

memorandum issued by Napolcom Commissioner and Vice-chairman & Executive Officer Eduardo U. Escueta dated August 22, 2013 instructing all napolcom regional directors to re-open the on-line exam application scheduling system. This is also in line with the ‘no walk-in’ policy of the commission on the filing of applications and to accommodate those Regional offices who failed to meet their respective quotas. College graduates and in-service Police Officers who are interested in taking the exams may go on-line and apply at www.napolcom.gov.ph from September 19-21, 2013. Director Jose is optimistic that the three day extension of OLEASS is continued on page 6

SEPTEMBER 3, 2013 | 3

Miners’ alliance in Region 8 holds activities to promote responsible mining

In order to promote responsible mining, the Alliance of Responsible Miners

of Region 8 (ARMOR 8) marked its second anniversary through a Mining Exhibit and a symposium. Mr. Francisco Arañes, ARMOR-8 president, said that the Mining Exhibit which was held recently at the Robinsons Place Tacloban Activity Area, was by far the first of its kind in the Region. It showcased the achievements of the member companies in the areas of rehabilitation, livelihood and education programs in their respective host communities. The centerpiece of the exhibit was a diorama illustrating the mining process at a glance. “We hope to impress upon the people that the mining industry is a very proactive industry,” Engr. Arañes said. It is more than mining per se, he added saying “In our efforts to promote responsible mining from where we are, we also touch and change people’s lives,” he said. The opening of the five-day exhibit was attended by Mr. Roger Portula who represented Leyte Governor Dominic Petilla, and City Councilor Cristina Romualdez who represented Tacloban City Mayor

Alfred Romualdez. Both local government units advocate the importance of responsible mining in promoting sustainable development as they both premium on environmental protection, Engr. Arañes said. Meanwhile, the other activity was the recent conduct of the Mining Symposium in Guiuan, Eastern Samar which aimed to promote better understanding and appreciation of the mining industry among the participants. Paper presentations on varied mining topics were discussed, Engr. Arañes said. Mines and Geosciences Bureau Central Office Assistant Director, Dr. Elmer Billedo presented the fundamental of responsible minerals development through his topic “ Mining Policy Shift: Regulations for a Competitive and Responsible Industry.” Mining regulations in the Philippines was discussed by Atty. Ronald Recidoro of the Chamber of Mines of the Philippines. Mining and Environment: Stewardship was presented by Engr. Nonita Caguioa of MGB-8 while Ms. Jane Urbanek of Nickel Asia Corporation discussed Responsible Mining and its Impact to Social Development. Engr. Arañes gave the assurance that ARMOR-8 is bent on conducting more similar activities in the Region in order to let more people understand and appreciate the mining industry. (PIA 8)

BIR Eastern Visayas collection up by 8.51% for July 2013

By: ERLINDA OLIVIA P. TIU

For the month of July, the Bureau of Internal Revenue in Eastern

Visayas collected P454-billion in tax revenues. Ms. Arsenia Gente, chief of the Collection Division of BIR Eastern Visayas, said this is 8.51% or P82.8 –million higher than the collections made in July of 2012. Ms. Gente added that the total collection of BIR Eastern Visayas from January to July 2013 totaled to P3,242.35 billion. This, she said is 19.30% or P524.61million higher as against the same period in 2012. At the national level, for the month of July 2013, the BIR collected P 100.1 billion in tax revenues, P16.58 Billion or 19.85% more than collections made in July 2012. BIR Regional Office in a statement said that for July 2013, collections from BIR operations amounted to P94.94 Billion, P15.82 Billion or 20% more than collections made in July 2012. On the other hand, collections from non-BIR operations amounted to Php 5.16 Billion, P761 Million or 17.3% more than collections made in July 2012. Furthermore, collections by the Regional Offices amounted to P33.48 Billion, or P4.02 Billion or 13.66% more than the collections made in July 2012.Finally, collections by the Large Taxpayer Service amounted to P61.46 Billion, P11.80 billion or 23.76% more than collections made in July 2012. (PIA 8)

(PHOTO ON RIGHT) City and municipal mayors of Eastern Visayas sign the Declaration of Commitment to disaster risk reduction and management action during the regional summit for local chief executives at the DPWH Multi-purpose Hall, Palo, Leyte, August 21. (VINO R. CUAYZON)

4 | SEPTEMBER 3, 2013

Palo Archbishop John Du (left) leads the concelebrated thanksgiving mass to commemorate the anniversary of ATOM 7.6 (August Twenty One Miracle) an earthquake with a magnitude of 7.6 that hit Tacloban City and its nearby towns. (VINO R. CUAYZON)

CSC sets career service examination paper and

pencil test in East Visayas

By: TERESITA CARDENAS

The Civil Service Commission of Northern Samar Field Office announces the conduct of career service examination paper and pencil test at Catbalogan and Tacloban City on October 13. CSC Provincial Director Emmanuel Fuentes said that acceptance of applications at Northern Samar Field Office will be until August 30, 2013 only and shall be on a first come, first served basis. He said admission requirements are the following: at least 18 years of age on the date of filing of application; must be a Filipino citizen, and of good moral character; have not been convicted by final judgment of an offense or crime involving moral turpitude, or disgraceful or immoral conduct, dishonesty, examination irregularity, drunkenness or addition to drugs; have not been dishonorably discharged from the military service of dismissed for cause from any civilian

positions in the government; and no pending administrative case. Fuentes added that those who have already passed the same level of examination or comparable thereto given by the Professional Regulation Commission, as well as passers of the bar examination and those who had graduated with honors need not apply. Further he said applicants must accomplish properly the prescribed examination application form (CS Form No. 100 Revised 2012); four copies of identical I.D. pictures with specifications; with full handwritten name tag in the format with signature over printed name; original photocopy of any valid ID containing applicant’s clear picture, date of birth, and signature of the authorized head of the issuing agency such as driver’s license, SSS ID. Postal ID, BIR ID, Barangay ID, Voter’s ID, Valid passport, or police clearance; and examination fee of P500.00. (PIA8/Northern Samar)

East Visayas areas with many dengue cases priorities in distribution of OL traps

By: CONSUELO B. ALARCON

The Department of Science and Technology (DOST) will be

distributing Ovicidal-Larvicidal or OL Trap to places in Eastern Visayas with many reported dengue cases. DOST Region 8 Director Edgardo Esperancilla, in an interview, said that among these areas are Tacloban City and Leyte. He said the distribution of OL traps is now on going in different schools nationwide to control the population of the dengue carrying aedes mosquitoes. The first to avail of the system are those places which recorded high incidence of dengue cases. The OL trap was developed by Department of Science and technology (DOST). However, in the second phase of implementation, the Department of Health (DOH) takes the responsibility by allotting more than P30 million for the procurement of OL traps this year. The DOH will determine where dengue cases are high and the distribution will be done directly to the schools, Director Esperancilla said. Relative to this, Esperancilla said DOST-8 is planning to converge teachers from different schools in the region to gather their reports after the first phase of the implementation was done. More trainings will also be conducted by DOST to educate the classroom teachers on how to use the OL traps and on new ways of monitoring in their respective schools. Esperancilla assured other schools who haven’t receive yet to be patient in waiting as they will also be provided with OL traps. “One advantage of OL traps is that it is effective in attracting aedes mosquitoes and at the same time it is very lethal to hatched larvae,” Esperancilla said. (PIA-8)

SEPTEMBER 3, 2013 | 5

NGO pushes for natural hog fattening in So. Leyte for food security, employment generation

A newly-formed group in this province will venture into organic hog

raising to address the twin issues of employment and sustainable local pork stock, along with added health benefits for consuming naturally-grown meat. The Southern Leyte Socio-Economic Development (SOLSED) organization counted among its objectives the reduction of poverty incidence by 3%, 5%, and 10% annually in the next three years. This can be made possible by generating employment for 5,000 to 10,000 individuals or families from 2014 until 2016, according to former Department of Agrarian Reform (DAR) provincial head Silverio Gempeson, in a powerpoint presentation held recently at the DPWH Function Hall. Gempeson, one of the founding organizers of SOLSED, discussed in detail its business model concept in front of several heads of national line agencies attending the meeting, including Lone District Rep. Damian Mercado. In his opening message before the start of the presentation, Cong. Mercado stressed that the swine fattening production which will be the initial focus of SOLSED’s operation will be the main livelihood to augment the income of qualified individuals in the province and, in effect, will solve the number one problem of unemployment. He said national line agencies, along with local government units, will be asked later on to contribute their share in the pooled livelihood fund, in

addition to his congressional initiative and that of the provincial government, a scheme long known as counter-parting. Michael Nunez, provincial director of the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI), provided some data during his presentation with some scenario on how the project entitled Natural Hog Fattening will be carried out. In their data gathering, he said some 1,110 heads of meat were consumed by consumers in Maasin City and Sogod alone per month, with a value of over P 8 million. It was also observed that some 9,000 heads of pigs every month passed through the province from Mindanao, a condition SOLSED would try to reverse by making the province an exporter rather than a net consumer of the livestock product, Nunez informed. He said that as a start SOLSED will mobilize 500 families all over the province to engage in piggery project fully supported in terms of inputs, with every family envisioned to increase their income by P 1,650 a month. The objective will be to flood the local market of at least 300 heads of locally grown, marketable hogs per week to support the requirement of the province at the same time developing the market for organic meat, Nunez said. The project will need a capital of P 23.72 million, he added. (PIA8-Southern Leyte)

By: MARCELINO M. PEDALINO

Region 8 nominee wins national search for Idol ng TESDA, self-employed category

The representative of Eastern Visayas in the national search

for Idol ng TESDA, self-employed category bested four other finalists from other regions of the country and was proclaimed National Winner. Director Cleta Omega of the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority Regional Office 8 said that Dr. Jacqueline S. De Paz, administrator of St. Clare Polytechnic School of Burauen, Inc., 38 years old, married and mother of one boy, by winning the title, has brought honor and pride to Eastern Visayas Region. Dr. De Paz received a trophy and cash award of P25,000 from a fellow Waraynon Mr. Boy Abunda, who was the keynote speaker during the awarding rites. Mr. Abunda was assisted by TESDA Secretary Joel Villanueva during the Awarding Ceremonies on August 23, 2013 at the Tandang Sora Hall, TESDA Women’s Center, Taguig City. Dr. De Paz also received a plaque of recognition and cash prize of P5,000.00 for being this year’s Regional Awardee. Dr. De Paz is a medical doctor but she made a career change, she trained and became actively involved in technical education and skills development because she wanted to help the families in her hometown, Burauen, especially those who cannot afford to send their children to school to pursue their dream of gaining access to education and acquire productive skills. Dr. Jackie as she is fondly called by her town mates finds complete joy and fulfillment in seeing that her kababayans find employment to augment their family income after completing training in her institution which offers training on Food & Beverage Services NC II, Housekeeping NC II, Bartending NC II, Front Office NC II and Household Services NC II.

Dr. Jackie also sees to it that the graduates find ready employment by hiring them as on-call waiters and food server attendants in the catering business she had also set up in May of 2012. The search for TESDA Idols is being conducted annually by TESDA

to give due recognition to graduates of technical education and skills development (TESD) programs who have attained skills excellence and success in their chosen occupation and contributed to the economic growth in their communities, Ms. Elizabeth continued on page 8

6 | SEPTEMBER 3, 2013

Samar youth attend leadership summit

Some 22 young people in Samar who attended the Youth Leadership

Summit at the 801st Infantry Brigade learned that leadership is action and not just definition. This is according to 1Lt Gener Contillo, the Civil Military Operations Officer of the 801st Brigade, in Barangay Fatima, Hinabangan, Samar in an interview today. Part of the training included lectures on the aspects of leadership like courage, bravery and action, he added. The group of 15 boys and six girls also got the chance to experience

Oplan Red Plate operations in two Leyte cities flag down 34 government vehicles

a slice of the regimented army life like hurdling an obstacle course and rapelling in the army training camp. “We also taught them patriotism,” said Contillo. The leadership training aims to instill the core values of a true leader in action and not just by mere definition said the army official. “We were surprised at how enthusiastic they were in enhancing their knowledge and skills to assist them in their personal development,” said Contillo. “We also gave them information on the recruitment ways of insurgents

The Inter-Agency Task Force’s Oplan Red Plate operations in

Eastern Visayas led by the Office of the Ombudsman here flagged down a total of 34 government vehicles in the cities of Baybay and Ormoc on August 25 and 26 which is a Sunday and a regular holiday, respectively. According to the team leader, Mr. Julius Oballo, Associate Graft Investigator I, 10 government vehicles were caught in Baybay City while 24 vehicles in Ormoc City. Of the 10 vehicles in Baybay City, seven were found to have no trip tickets while the three have trip tickets. In Ormoc City, of the 24 vehicles, 16 were found to have no trip tickets while the eight have trip tickets. Aside from having no trip tickets, other violations found by the task force included no “For Official Use Only” signage of the vehicle/ no office logo, trip ticket bears no list of passenger/s, no driver’s license,

among others. It may be recalled that in July this year, a two-day Oplan Red Plate operations was conducted in Tacloban City and spotted more than 100 government vehicles, majority of which were used outside of official functions. Oballo said that more operations will be conducted in the various parts of the region in the coming months with the joint efforts of the task force composed of the Office of the Ombudsman as the lead agency, Philippine National Police, Land Transportation Office, Philippine Information Agency, Civil Service Commission and Commission on Audit. The Office of the Ombudsman Visayas led by Deputy Ombudsman Pelagio Apostol initiated an inter-agency task force meeting in July this year to strengthen the implementation of Oplan Red Plate in Eastern Visayas. (PIA-8)

so they will have greater awareness.” The Junior Chamber President Philip Lominuque, meanwhile, taught them social graces, the proper decorum on social events and promoting peace through friendship and service. Brig General Romeo Labador, who witnessed how successful the leadership summit enthused that there will be more trainings of the same nature. “Maybe I would also suggest that they include a module on disaster preparedness for the youth,” said Contillo. (PIA 8-Samar / NBQ)

By: LEONILO A. LOPIDO

enough to cover the quota of region 8, however, the registration is also based on a “first come first serve” basis. Relative to this, Napolcom is reminding applicants not to stop until he/she gets the reply or confirmation that registration has been completed and applicants who successfully registered may file and submit pertinent exam requirements at the Napolcom Regional Office 8 Sagkahan District Tacloban City on September 23-25, 2013 including a print-out copy of OLEASS reply/confirmation.(PIA-8)

NAPOLCOM 8... from page 2

www.issuu.com/1easternvisayas

1 EASTERN VISAYASis an e-newsletter

published daily by the

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Children’s Park Compound,Sen. Enage St., Tacloban City

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SEPTEMBER 3, 2013 | 7

East Visayans for institution of reforms in SK, DILG consultation on SK shows

By: ERLINDA OLIVIA P. TIU

Reforms must be instituted instead of pushing for the abolition of the

Sangguniang Kabataan (SK). This was the general sentiment of those who attended the Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG)-initiated regional consultations held in August 23 at the DILG Region 8 Training Center. It was also the general consensus of those in attendance that the SK elections slated on October 28, 2013 should push through, Mr. Myles Colasito, DILG Region 8 Information Officer said. The participants in the consultation composed of representatives from the youth, local government leagues, oversight agencies and national agencies involved in youth development, civil society, media, Sanggunian representatives and key political leaders had different views on what to do with the SK, Mr. Colasito added. DILG Assistant Regional Director Arnel Agabe presided over the event which aimed to get the views of the various stakeholders and to come up with a position paper on the SK

issue which shall be submitted to the DILG Central Office as part of a larger nationwide series of consultations for consideration in the Department’s eventual recommendation to Congress.During the consultation, the participants were presented with the pros and cons of the proposed abolition or reform of the Sangguniang Kabataan.The participants were then requested to present their views by writing on Metacards and posting the same at the white boards.If the recommendation is for SK reforms, such reforms should be identified. If the opinion of the participant is for abolition of SK, then the reasons must also be identified.On the other hand, if the recommendation is for postponement of the SK elections, then an alternate schedule should be proposed.Majority of the youth sector representatives present, both from the SK and from student leaders are open to reforms while several government officials, league representatives and private sector participants wanted it abolished, ARD Agabe said. (PIA 8)

Samar State University

wins 6 of 9 entries

in 2013 EV Regional

Invention Contest,

ExhibitsBy: CONSUELO B. ALARCON

The Department. of Science and Technology (DOST) in Eastern

Visayas recently bared the regional winners of 2013 Regional Invention Contest and Exhibits (RICE) held at Robinsons Activity area. DOST 8 Science and Research Specialist II Engr. Paul Quinones said of the six categories, only four categories had qualified entries. There were no qualifiers in the Invention and Industrial Design categories. Mr. Quinones added that all the declared first prize winners in the four categories will vie for the national invention contest in July of 2014 coinciding with the celebration of the National Science and Technology Week. For Student Creative Research Category, high school (Sibol award) category, the students from Samar National School won as third place for their research- entry entitled Feasibility of ethanol from Saba Banana Stem Juice. The second place was bagged by the students from Dolores National High School with their entry entitled Turmeric Powder as flour. Furthermore, the first Place was awarded to the research entry Banana Peel extract and used oil as shoe polisher by the students of Dolores National High School. Moreover, Samar State University bagged all the prizes for student creative research category (Sibol Award college level). Their entries were log in log out monitoring system for classrooms using biometric scanner; automated mosquito-attractor and killing system; and development of CMOS-based and SMS-featured AC

Leyte 1st district Board Member Gina Merilo (left) assisted by DOST 8 Regional Director Edgardo Esperancilla (right) cuts the ribbon during the opening program of the 2013 Regional Invention Contest and Exhibits with the theme: “Inventions and Innovations for Smarter Philippines” at Robinsons Place, Tacloban City, August 19. (Vino R. Cuayzon)

continued on page 8

8 | SEPTEMBER 3, 2013

the week to the vice Governor and the Floor Leader. Thereafter, the Vice Governor or the Floor Leader will email the approved agenda to the Board Members, the SP Secretary and the Governor. With the paperless system in place, Vice Governor Loreto said, the Sanggunian will be instrumental to the reduction of paper consumption, a significant contribution to environmental advocacy. He said that the production and use of paper has a number of adverse effects on the environment known collectively as paper pollution. Pulp mills contribute to air, water and land pollution, he said. It also contributes in deforestation, he said. Moreover, the paperless system will save time and effort in submission of voluminous documents to the Sanggunian. It will also redound to savings for the provincial government, Vice Governor Loretto said. It may be recalled that the implementation of the paperless system has been initiated during the term of then Vice Governor Mimiette Bagulaya with the help of the Department of Interior and Local Government. However, it is only now during the term of Vice Governor Loretto that it is fully implemented. (PIA 8)

Leyte Provincial Board... from page 1

Enforcement Agency, Philippine Information Agency (PIA) and the City Government of Tacloban. Other government agencies also joined the kick-off ceremony were the Civil Service Commission, Bureau of Fire protection, Bureau of Jail Management and Penology (BJMP), the academe and other stakeholders. The celebratation started with a holy mass at 7:30 A.M. where msgr. Alex Opiniano, parish priest of Sto. Nino parish Church, was the main celebrant followed by a short program. Highlight of the program was the Re-launching of “Pito laban sa Krimen”, a simultaneous whistle blowing of all attendees led by Police

NAPOLCOM... from page 1

Regional office 8 Director Chief Supt. Elmer R. Soria. “The whistle blowing symbolizes the shared commitment of each one to actively participate in crime prevention efforts and sending a strong message to criminals and would-be offenders that law enforcers are in constant watch of any crime activities and wrongdoings.” Soria said. DILG Region 8 Director Dr. Pedro S. Noval who was the keynote speaker underscored the importance of empathy or compassion to prevent

the comission of crimes in line with the theme “ Malasakit mo ay kailangan upang ang krimen ay maiwasan”. According to him, being emphatic to the welfare and plight of others is just like caring and loving our own families. If others welfare is being looked up to, this will somehow lessen hostilities and difference in communities, hence, crimes will be prevented. The observance of national crime prevention week started last September 1 until September 7, 2013. (PIA-8)

PCSupt Elmer R. Soria, regional director of Police Regional Office 8, led the simultaneous whistle blowing as a symbol of shared commitment of every one to actively participate in crime prevention efforts. The re-launching of simultaneous whistle blowing dubbed “Pito Laban sa Krimen” highlighted the kick-off program of the National Crime Prevention week celebration held at the Tacloban City Convention Center, September 2, 2013. (Neil D. Lopido/PIA-8)

Power outage monitoring system. For the Outstanding Creative Research Category, Samar State University also won first prize through their entry entitled Design and Development of Electric Energy Consumption and Monitoring System. The second place was Palompon Institute of Technology with the entry Zener diode Tester while the third placer was Dr. Feliciano Senon of Visayas State University through

his entry Twinning machine for 1-5mm twine production. For Outstanding utility Model, the first place was the Standard Process of Fermenting Rock Oyster and the second place was Biodegradable plastic. Both are entries of the students of Samar State University (SSU). The contest was open to all researchers, inventors, students in Eastern Visayas. Of the 30 entries submitted, only 23 qualified after thorough screening, Mr. Quinones said. (PIA-8)

Samar State... from page 7

Canales, TESDA Information Officer said. The Search has two (2) categories, the self-employed category and the wage- employed category. The Self-employed Category is open to both male and female TVET graduates who operate a business as a sole proprietor, partner in a partnership,

Region 8 nominee... from page 5independent contractor or consultant for at least 3 years. On the other hand, the Wage-employed Category is open to male and female TVET graduates who work at an employer’s facility, use the employer’s equipment and receive a paycheck whether their work is completed or not, for at least the last three years, Ms. Canales said. (PIA 8)