September 26

September 26, 2013 1

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

VOL I ISSUE 25 Daily E-Newsletter of Philippine Information Agency - 8 September 26, 2013

East Visayas PPA to implement P483-M projects in 2014

The Philippine Ports Authority in Eastern Visayas is set to implement

P483 million capital outlay projects in 2014. This is in line with the thrust to provide reliable and responsive services in PPA ports, sustain development of port communities and the environment and to be a model corporate agency of the government, Manager Dominado Licayan of PPA-Tacloban said. Manager Dominador Licayan informed the Philippine Information Agency that among the projects which are to be implanted is the Tacloban Port Improvement Phase II worth P380 million. “Our vision is for the customers doing business in our ports to experience full and sustained, productivity, efficiency, comfort, connectivity, safety and security,” Manager Licayan said. Another project is the P56 million construction of Back-up Area, RoRo Ramp and two (2) Units Breasting Dolphins at the Port of San Ricardo in Southern Leyte. The third project is the P47 million Manguino-o Port Improvement Project Phase II at Calbayog City. These are all in line with the thrust of making PPA ports safe for all stakeholders, Manager Licayan said. Meanwhile, there are at least three repair and maintenance projects and one capital outlay project for calendar year 2013, Manager Licayan disclosed. These include the repair of port facilities at the Port of Catbalogan with funding of P16.759 million; the repair

PIA 8 regional director Olive Tiu (left) emceed the 2nd Eastern Visayas Regional Development Council (RDC) and the Region Eight Administrators League (REAL), Inc. joint assembly with the theme: “Just, Lasting Peace and the Rule of Law” at Matapat Hall, Camp Ruperto Kangleon, Palo, Leyte, September 23. Others in photo are (l-r) PRO8 regional director PCSupt. Elmer Soria, DBM regional director and REAL president Imelda Laceras, Director Ma. Eileen Jose of OPAPP, NEDA 8 regional director Bonifacio Uy and Regional Internal Affairs Service 8 chief PSSupt. Reynaldo Magtajas. (Vino R. Cuayzon)

National Maritime Polytechnic inaugurates its public employment service office The National Maritime Polytechnic,

the only government maritime training center in the country, formally opened its Public Employment Service Office (PESO) on September 25, 2013. The inauguration was graced by Department of Labor and Employment Undersecretary Ciriaco Lagunzad and other DOLE Central Office officials and the NMP media partners. NMP Executive Director Forter Puguon said that with the PESO institutionalized at NMP, the facilitation of employment after the training at NMP will be served.This is an added service only to those who will be training at NMP, Director Puguon said. However, he said that in

the future, NMP will also accommodate other seafarers who are unemployed by way of referral to the industry players. Director Puguon told the media during the 3rd Quarter NMP-Media Partnership Forum that PESO does the job of a recruitment agency. The difference is that the recruitment agency charges fees while the PESO does the job for free, he said. The NMP PESO is very much accessible as it is located at the ground floor of the NMP administration building fronting the NMP main gate. The trainees who want to avail of the PESO services may just look for Mr. Ricardo Mondia who is the PESO officer of NMP.

continued on page 7

2 September 26, 2013

BY: CONSUELO B. ALARCON

Mayor Remedios Petilla (left) inducted Leyte governor Leopoldo Dominico Petilla and League of Municipalities of the Philippines-Eastern Samar Chapter president Emiliana Villacarillo of Dolores, Eastern Samar as new members of the Region Eight Administrators League during the 2nd Eastern Visayas Regional Development Council (RDC) and Region Eight Administrators League (REAL), Inc. joint assembly held at Matapat Hall, Camp Ruperto Kangleon, Palo, Leyte, September 23. (Vino R. Cuayzon)

PPA EV hosts National Maritime Week Celebration

The Philippine Ports Authority (PPA) in Eastern Visayas headed by Manager

Dominador D. Licayan hosts this year’s celebration of National maritime Week with the theme “ Sustainable Development: IMO’s Contribution Beyond Rio + 20” and its sub-theme “ Going Green in PPA Ports”. Aside from PPA, other major players in the week-long celebration from Sept. 23-29, 2013 include the Maritime Industry Authority and the Philippine Coastguard. PPA, Marina and PCG are major maritime attached agencies to the Department of Transportation and Communication. Several activities were conducted already for the week-long celebration. As kick-off activity, a mass was held at Sto. Nino Church in Tacloban City participated in all partner agencies and a short program followed. To drumbeat the celebration, an Kapihan Forum with the local media was held Tuesday at the PPA regional office located inside the port area of the city where PIA region 8 director Olive Tiu acted as moderator. The event, which is now on its 14th year will focus on the recognition of the vital role of Filipino seafarer’s towards the development of Philippines as maritime country and to underscore the importance of safety in shipping, maritime safety and maritime environment. Filipino seafarer’s are major factor in the growth of Philippine economy and international trade. Our country remains also to be a leading supplier of seafarer’s in the world. (PIA-8)

NFA Samar beefs up monitoring of rice dealers

As rice prices these days shoot up, the National Food Authority (NFA)-Samar

beefed up its monitoring on licensed rice traders to ensure that they do not violate their creed and cheap NFA rice reaches target households. In an interview, Francisca Mercado, NFA-Samar manager told PIA that they have apprehended one rice retailer for charges of diversion, mislabeling and overpricing. Diversion is when a rice retailer delivers rice purchased from NFA to another area. “His people in the area where he is a licensed rice retailer are waiting for a cheaper price and selling them in another area is a violation of the trust given by the government,” said an NFA investigation officer. This case is being resolved now though the violator has admitted to the offense.

The NFA issued a stern warning to licensed grains retailers to stick to their mandate as rice retailers, lest they be subjected to the so called ‘one strike’ policy. This means that only one misdeed, their license will be revoked. Meanwhile, Mercado assured once more that there is enough NFA rice in Samar.She added that it is almost harvest time and she is hopeful that rice price will be back to its usual price that the poor can easily afford. “NFA price remains at Php 27.00 though we allow a minimum extra charge for handling and transportation to non carline municipalities, but charging Php 35 to Php 38 per kilo is way too much,” said Mercado. She advised consumers to be vigilant and report any unscrupulous rice trader to them for proper sanction. (PIA 8-Samar/NBQ)

September 26, 2013 3

NEDA 8 regional director Bonifacio Uy (left) gave the rationale and the objectives of the joint assembly to the guests and participants of the 2nd Estern Visayas Regional Development Council (RDC) and the Region Eight Administrators League (REAL), Inc. joint assembly with the theme: “Just, Lasting Peace and the Rule of Law” held at Matapat Hall, Camp Ruperto Kangleon, Palo, Leyte, September 23. Others in photo are (l-r) PRO8 regional director PCSupt. Elmer Soria, DBM regional director and REAL president Imelda Laceras and Director Ma. Eileen Jose of OPAPP. (Vino R. Cuayzon)

OWWA 8 invites biliran OFW dependents to avail of ODSPBY: FLORDELIS E. JACKSON

Qualified dependents of Overseas Filipino Workers (OFWs) in the

province of Biliran who are high school graduates or about to graduate from high school this year are invited by the Overseas Workers Welfare Administration (OWWA) region 8 to avail of the OFW-Dependents Scholarship Program (ODSP) for the school year 2014-2015. According to the information received by PIA-Biliran from Alberto Penaflor of OWWA regional office 8 in Tacloban City, he said, ODSP is a scholarship program which offers financial assistance to qualified dependents of OFW with a monthly salary of US$400.00 or below. Under the program, he added, the OFW dependent shall enroll in any four to five-year Baccalaureate or associate course leading to a baccalaureate degree or associate degree in state colleges or universities or any CHED-accredited school.To qualify for the scholarship program, the applicant must be a beneficiary or legal

dependent of any OFW who is an active OWWA member. They must be children, either natural or adopted of the married or single OFW or a brother or sister (half or full-blood) of single or childless married OFW. The applicant, he added, must not be over 21 years old and must pass the qualifying or entrance examination conducted by an OWWA-partner state college or university or any CHED-recognized and accredited educational institution in the region or province where the applicant belongs. A financial assistance of P20,000 per year or P10,000 per semester will be enjoyed by the scholar which covers tuition fees and other academic-related expenses to be released on a semestral basis. There will be no summer class disbursement of funds. The scholarship grant is provided only once and is not transferrable from an eligible OFW family who is an active OWWA member. Likewise, he informed that the

scholar must not be a recipient of other scholarship grant or similar grant of any government or private institution. The scholar’s academic status must be observed and maintained and in no case be allowed to transfer to any state colleges or universities located in another region. The scholar, together with his parents or guardian will have to sign a scholarship agreement with OWWA specifying the terms and conditions of the grant. For more details, interested OWWA dependents who desire to apply for the scholarship grant are advised to visit and inquire from the OWWA Regional Welfare Office no. 8 located at the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) region 8 compound at Trece Martirez St., Tacloban City or they may call telephone number (053) 321-4376 or (053) 523-0315. (PIA 8 Biliran)

Cases of dog bites in Biliran increase

The number of dog bite cases in the province of Biliran has increased even

if it’s still halfway of 2013, said a health official in-charge of recording animal bites and human rabies cases. Based on the provincial report on animal bites and human rabies cases here in the province of Biliran, it was reflected that dog bites in human are now at 311 cases as of January to June 2013. Lorna C. Jadulco, Biliran provincial rabies control program coordinator, informed that the figure is higher by 100 cases compared to the same period in 2012 where it recorded only 211 cases. “Ninety percent of dog bites recorded this year came from astray dogs” Jadulco revealed. She suggested to LGUs to intensify its campaign on responsible pet ownership specifically on safekeeping continued on page 7

4 September 26, 2013

113TH PHILIPPINE CIVIL SERVICE ANNIVERSARY: Some personnel of the Provincial Police Office submit for routine medical check-up as blood donors prior to the Blood Letting activity which was spearheaded by the CSC at the Provincial Gym, Borongan, Eastern Samar, as part of the month-long PCSA celebration. (PIA-Eastern Samar)

CSC, Medical Society mark public service celeb with Blood Letting, Screening activities

A number of senior citizens and government employees availed

today of the free Blood Screening for Sugar and Cholesterol levels at the Provincial Gym. This, on the occasion of the 113th anniversary of the Civil Service Commission(CSC) and in celebration of the Medical Week, spearheaded by the Eastern Samar Medical Society (ESMC) in cooperation of the Provincial Health Office(PHO). CSC Provincial Director, Rey Albert Uy informed that the Blood Letting activity is a yearly activity of their office in cooperation of Red Cross. “For today, we expect more donors from the Philippine National Police (PNP) and some members of the Philippine Army(PA), while we are encouraging others also to donate some drops of their blood in order to help save more lives”, Dir. Uy said. It was learned from Dr. Jessica Sabalberino, Neurology Specialist of PHO, that the blood will be deposited in the Blood Bank of the Provincial Health

Office. In his message, Governor Conrado Nicart expressed thanks to the initiatives of the CSC and the Medical Society with their President Dr. Benedicto Garcia, because as he put it, blood is vital for the preservation of the lives of needy patients including delivering mothers. While attending another important event in Manila, Gov. Nicart’s message was delivered by Administrative Officer and daughter Abigail, which included his encouragement for more blood donors because according to him, we never can tell, “the blood you donated might just be saving you or your family’s lives”. Meanwhile, Ms. Corazon Dulfo, a retired school teacher submitted for Blood Testing to check her Sugar and Cholesterol levels. According to her, it was better to avail of the free service because it costs her more or less a thousand pesos when she asks for it in a private clinic. continued on page 7

Biliran animal bite center now accredited by PhilHealth

It’s good news for the members of the Philippine Health Insurance (PhilHealth)

here in the province of Biliran as the provincial animal bite center at the Biliran Provincial Hospital (BPH) is now PhilHealth-accredited. It was learned from PhilHealth office here in Biliran province that the Biliran animal bite center at the BPH was accredited by PhilHealth in April this year.Lorna C. Jadulco, Biliran provincial rabies control program coordinator who is also manning the center, said that the animal bite center in the province is classified by PhilHealth under category 3. PhilHealth coverage under category 3 includes bites from dog and cats, livestock like pigs, wild animals like monkey and bats and rabid persons, she said. Jadulco added that the services included under category 3 are rabies vaccination, rabies immunoglobin, local wound care, tetox, antibiotics and supplies like syringes. Excluded in the package is the in-patient treatment of animal bites amounting to P 3,000 which include P2,700 for vaccines, drugs and supplies and P300 for the professional fee. She advised PhilHealth members who have been victims in any of these cases to just visit the animal bite center for treatment and to know further on how to avail of the benefits covered by PhilHealth in these cases. She also informed the public that the Biliran animal bite center at the BPH has already been extending rabies treatment services to the constituents of Biliran for free for several years now. (PIA-Biliran)

September 26, 2013 5Biliran joins

W O R L D R A B I E S D A Y celebration

BY: FLORDELIS E. JACKSON

The entire province of Biliran led by Governor Gerardo J. Espina, Jr.

together with its eight municipalities joins with the rest of the provinces in the country and nations across the world in celebrating World Rabies Day on Saturday, September 28, 2013. In Biliran province, Dr. Suzette Apura, Provincial Veterinarian informed through a letter-invitation that since the day of the celebration falls on a Saturday, a non-working day, the celebration will be observed on Friday, September 27, 2013, the program to be held in Almeria, one of the eight municipalities of Biliran province at 8:00 o’clock in the morning at the municipal gymnasium. “The celebration in Biliran and the entire country was based on the memorandum issued by Secretary Proceso Alcala of the Department of Agriculture (DA) enjoining all local government units (LGUs) to have their own activities relative to the occasion in their respective areas”, she said. Every year, the hosting of the observance of World Rabies Day in Biliran province is rotated to other municipalities.This year’s host is the municipality of Almeria. Dr. Apura informed that all roads in Biliran lead to Almeria as all local chief executives and other officials of the LGUs, Provincial Rabies Prevention

and Control Committee (PRPCC) officials and members will converge in Almeria town to join in the celebration. Part of the activities of the day-long affair, Dr. Apura said, are free dog rabies vaccination and dog spaying and neutering to be held at the Almeria gymnasium. Along this line, all dog owners are advised to bring their dogs for vaccination at the designated place in Almeria. Film showings will also be conducted in the same venue to raise people’s awareness on the dangers and effects of rabies in human beings, responsible pet ownership and other information relative to rabies prevention and control. The film showing, Dr. Apura added, aims to contribute to the reduction of global burden of people being victims of rabies especially deaths among young children affected with rabies. September 28 has been designated as World Rabies Day by the Alliance of Rabies Control (ARC) and the World Health Organization (WHO). The ARC is a non-profit organization formed by leading rabies researchers and public health professionals to help prevent and control rabies. (PIA 8 Biliran)

Gov’t health facility implements new health insurance law

BY: AURORA J. CASIMPAN

In line with Republic Act 10606 otherwise known as National Health Insurance

Act of 2013 signed into law by President Benigno S. Aquino III earlier in June this year, Eastern Visayas Regional Medical Center (EVRMC) in Tacloban City has implemented the “No Balance Billing” policy to indigent patients. The signed law ensures Philhealth coverage to all citizens to include the indigents and persons with disabilities (PWDs). The new law on health insurance which amended Republic Act 7875 or the National Health Insurance Act (NHIP) of 1995 mandates the compulsory enforcement of NHIP even with the existence of local government unit (LGU) based health insurance programs. Dolly Ibañez-Casio, EVRMC-Neo-Natal Intensive Care Unit supervisor and information officer told the hospital’s “no balance billing” policy means that EVRMC will shoulder the membership enrolment of indigents and PWDs confined in the hospital but are not enrolled in Philhealth. Poor patients can go home without money being shelled out. The hospital official gave an example saying that if an indigent patient incurred hospital bills amounting to 12,000 and his Philhealth benefits covers only 10,000 for a specific condition, the remaining amount is shouldered by the hospital. She said that the membership is for life and that the hospital will shoulder the Philhealth monthly premium. Meanwhile, EVRMC is upgrading its services and human resources since it is applying for ISO-QMS 9001-2008 or the International Standard for Quality Management System. The application is in line with the mandate of the Department of Health (DOH) that all DOH-retained government hospitals will be ISO-QMS certified. (PIA-8)

6 September 26, 2013

Presidente Aquino gipananglitan ang papel sa agricultural and biosystems engineering sa sa Pilipinas alang sa kalangkuban sa ekonomiya duyog sa ASEAN

CEBUANO NEWS

Ang Presidente Benigno Aquino III giila ang labing mahinungdanon

nga papel sa agricultural and biosystems engineering pagpasiguro nga ang Pilipinas andam alang sa kalangkuban sa ekonomiya duyog ang 10 nga miembro

sa Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN 2015). Ang tinguha sa paghiusa sa ASEAN Economic Community duul na, ang kinahanglan lang mao ang paghapsay sa atong mga tubag sa mga hagit nga dala niini padulong sa katin’aw,

ang Punoan nga Ehekutibo nagingon sa mga organisador ug sumasalmot sa ASEAN Conference on Agricultural and Biosystems Engineering. KIni nga tinuud nga butang sa patigayon ug agrikultura ug gikan sa panglasang nga mga produkto: ang kadaghanan sa lumulupyo sa ASEAN nagsalig niini nga duha nga sektor alang sa ilang panginabuhi ug pagkaon; ang kalampusan sa pagtubag sa ilang kabalaka niini nga duha nga nataran labing mahinugdanon dili lamang sa pagtukod sa ilang tagsatagsa nga ekonomiya, apan usab sa pagsulbad sa mga problema sama sa kakabus, malnutrisyon, ug pagkadili hapsay, ingon sa Presidente. Ang Pilipino nga mga agriculture engineers ug ang ilang mga kaambid gikan sa South East Asia nagtigum sa Martes, ang pinakauna nga ASEAN conference on Agriculturist and Biosystems Engineering (ACABE 2013) sa Manila Hotel. Ang okasyon mahuman sa Septembre 27. Ang Presidente nanawagan sa tanan nga mga agricultural engineers nga himoon nga kapuslanan kini nga hilimoon pagtukud ug paghiusa, bayloay ug kasayuran, ug magdumala ug mga mahinungdanon nga isyu nga may kalabutan sa agrikultura ug biosystems engineering. Siya usab naglaum nga kini nga sektor unta magdula ug dako nga papel sa tiningub nga kauswagan sa katilingban nga ASEAN. Ang kumperensya nagtinguha pagpabagay sa kaarang sa agrikultura nga enhenyeriya, sumbanan ug serbisyo paghimo sa rehiyon nga agrikultura ug pangisdaan nga sektor nga makaapil sa tigihay sa kalibutan, ug makalahutay sa pagbag-o bago sa klima. (Translated by Teresita B. Cardenas/PIA8-Northern Samar)

September 26, 2013 7

and proper care of dogs to avoid incidents of astray dog bites. However, Jadulco said that the figure is not alarming since no rabies case was reported out of the reported dog bite cases in human this year. She assured the public that the health department in coordination with the local government units in Biliran province has intensified the rabies vaccination program to avoid the occurrence of rabies case. The province of Biliran was declared as a rabies-free province in the country by the Department of Health (DOH) on September 28, 2012. (PIA-Biliran)

Case of dog bites...from page 3

Her test today, revealed however still, a slightly elevated Cholesterol level with normal FBS. She said, she needs more sweating-off and diet management.Close to a hundred have availed of the Blood Screening Test before noontime today, while more than 50 police and army soldiers donated their blood. A “Hataw Exercise” which was led by RN-Heal Nurses set the tone of the medical mission which was joined in by some provincial and national government employees and doctors themselves. Medical Representatives from UNILAB, Mr. Archieto Lisbe and Ms. Glaiza Esperancilla assisted in the Blood Screening.(PIA-Eastern Samar)

CSC, Medical Society...from page 4

POPCOM to hold regional

population quarterly

conference in Catarman

BY: TERESITA B. CARDENAS

The Commission on Population in Eastern Visayas in partnership with

the provincial Government of Northern Samar will hold a Regional Population and Management Conference (RMPC) on October 2-5, 2013 in Catarman. OIC Regional Director Elnora R.

Pulma said that the conference serve as a venue for provincial and city population officers, POPCOM and some organizations in the region to discuss latest population program directions and initiatives. With President Aquino’s administration promoting responsible parenthood and provision of information and service on family planning using artificial and natural methods, POPCOM is inviting all media practitioners in the area to attend the press conference on October 2, 5:00 p.m. at the Pink City in Catarman, Pulma said. The media interaction among

local population officials is expected to generate information on the progress made in attaining the objectives and goals particularly on the population management programs and its development in the region, she added. (PIA8-Northern Samar)

Organic Agri projects faring well in EV

In a bid to step up the implementation of the Organic Agriculture Program (OAP),

the Department of Agriculture-8 (DA-8) spearheaded the Assessment of OAP funded-projects on September 13, 2013 at the Leyte Park Hotel, this city. Said activity was aimed at evaluating the status and accomplishments of various projects funded by the program and, at the same time, determining solutions to the constraints faced by the implementers. Dr. Carlos S. dela Cruz, DA-8’s OAP Focal Person also shared that a team from the National Organic Agriculture Board is set to visit the region to validate some of these projects. The presentation of outputs kicked off with the report of Ms Alicia Bulawan of the Regional Integrated Agriculture Research Center (RIARC-Abuyog). For the Bio-Organic Fertilizer Production Project, Ms Bulawan stressed that there are 758 bags of organic fertilizers available at the station. The project also served as technology demonstration area and learning laboratory for some practicing students and visitors. The station has also performed site selection and validation for the establishment of a 25-hectare Organic Jackfruit Plantation and Techno-demo in Javier, Leyte. Meanwhile, Dr. Feliciano T. Lolo, Superintendent of RIARC-San Miguel shared that three animal houses have been constructed in support of their organic native pig, chicken and goat production. A 1.5 hectare feed resource

area was also established as one of the critical components of an organic livestock and poultry farm. The collaborative efforts of all DA-8 research stations paved the way for the production of organic rice and vegetable seeds and organic jackfruit plant materials. Dr. Francisco Dayap said that four composting facilities that produce vermicast, vermi compost, vermi tea and vermiworms were also operationalized in Babatngon and Abuyog, in Leyte, San Jorge, Samar and Salcedo, Eastern Samar.Members of the academe have also supported the program through the training services of the Visayas State University (Alang-alang and Isabel Campuses), Eastern Visayas State University and the Samar National Pilot Opportunity School for Agriculture in San Policarpo, Eastern Samar. Some local government units equally laid out their interventions and projects such as the organic goat breeding and vegetable production of LGU-Maydolong, organic bio-fertilizer production of LGU-Kananga and organic farming techno demo of LGU-Calbiga. DA-8’s other Operating Units such as the Regional Crop Protection Center, Soils Laboratory and the Regional Agriculture and Fisheries Information Division have also contributed their shares in boosting the implementation of Organic Agriculture Program in this part of the country.

of port facilities at the Port of Borongan with P11.895 funding; and the repair of Dolores Port in Dolores Eastern Samar with P3 Million funding. The capital outlay project for this year is the construction of Ro-Ro Ramp at Port of San Jose, Northern Samar with a P15 million funding. (PIA 8)

East Visayas PPA...from page 1

8 September 26, 2013

September 28, 2013 - November 12, 2013Election Period

for the 2013 Barangay Electionsas per COMELEC Resolution No. 9715

October 11 - 17, 2013(Except October 13)

Filing of COCsfor the 2013 Barangay Elections

as per COMELEC Resolution No. 9761

October 18 - 26, 2013Campaign Period

for the 2013 Barangay Electionsas per COMELEC Resolution No. 9749

October 28, 2013

2013 Barangay Electionspursuant to Sec. 1 of Republic Act No. 9340

September 28 - October 28, 2013Period of Prohibition on issuance

of Appointment, creation of new positions,promotions or giving salary increasesAs per COMELEC Resolution No. 9769

BARANGAY ELECTIONS

CALENDAR OF EVENTS

Maasin hosts

“Batang Pinoy” Visayas leg sportsfest

BY: MARCELO M. PEDALINO

This city formally opened its doors to visiting players coming from about

two dozen local government units in the entire Visayas who will see action in 21 sports events for the qualifying rounds of the Philippine Youth Games, the Batang Pinoy Visayas leg. City Mayor Maloney Samaco declared open the 5-day sports hostilities yesterday at the crowded city gym to the wild cheers of over 1000 athletes from the three Visayas regions, in fitting opening ceremonies spruced with surprising fireworks. In his welcome message, Samaco said he was only informed of the city’s hosting right after this year’s elections, but he accepted it as a challenge inasmuch as one of his key agenda focused on putting the city in the map for sports excellence. He also said the games offered an opportunity to promote the city through sports tourism. “You can visit our city zoo and our many pilgrimage sites,” Samaco said, addressing the visiting contingents. Gov. Roger Mercado, for his part,

said he was grateful to the Philippine Sports Commission (PSC) and the Philippine Olympic Committee (POC) for choosing the province and the city as the venue of the Visayas round of the national sportsfest. Among the guests who graced the opening ceremonies were Romeo Maga, POC representative and Atty. Jose Luis Gomez, PSC Commissioner. Commissioner Gomez, in his keynote speech, emphasized on the sports for all program of the commission that aimed to develop the potential talents of young people who are enrolled in schools and those out of schools aged 15 years old and below. He said this year’s Batang Pinoy games was already in its third edition, and thus far it had already sent promising athletes in international competitions. A colourful rendition of a local, cultural show called “Ajonay festival” performed by students of Maasin City College capped the dazzling opening rites. (esg/mmp, PIA8-Southern Leyte)