P1.7M Tandem Ziplines Constructed At Agas-Agas Bridge Completed

April 29,2011

P1.7M Tandem Ziplines Constructed At Agas-Agas Bridge Completed

By Quirico M.Gorpido, Jr.

Brgy. Kahupian, Sogod, Southern Leyte-The construction of an estimated P1.7M worth of tandem ziplines above the 350 linear meters in length and 75 meters in height, almost P1B worth of a mega bridge here has been completed during the third week of April 2011.

The soft opening of the eco-tourism attraction was done simultaneously with the ground-breaking ceremony of the Provincial Pavilion to be constructed atop a hill overlooking the Agas-Agas Bridge, considered by bridge builders as the longest and the tallest bridge in the Philippines.

The ground-breaking ceremony of the proposed building where extreme adventure enthusiasts and tourists are to be housed temporarily while waiting for their turn to zipline down the mountain was led by Congressman Roger Mercado and Governor Damian Mercado. It was witnessed by some provincial and city officials and employees, Mayors, some city and barangay officials and the barrio folks.

However, the kind of sandy-looking soil atop the hill for the proposed construction of the provincial pavilion needs some steel or iron reinforcement and embankment to make it strong and durable to resist a potential earthquake tremor that would possibly rock Agas-Agas.

Also present to witness the soft opening of tandem ziplines as well as the provincial pavilion ground-breaking ceremony were, among others, DPWH’s Engr.Celso Veloso, Leyte Vice- Governor Memit Bagulaya, Maasin Mayor Maloney Samaco and some city officials ,DTI-Maasin Michael Nuñez and his staff,DTI-Regional Director Cynthia Miras and some of her staff,DYDM Manager Rev. Arniel Borneo and his men,Rev Celso Paler,Kahupian Brgy.Captain Cristina Kagurol,Dept. of Tourism Regional Director Carina Rosa Teopes ,Abgao Barangay Captain Nacional “Nikko” Verano Mercado.

Tourism Development

Engr. Robert Catañares, President of the newly-organized Southern Leyte Chamber of Commerce and Industry, Inc.(SLCCII) revealed to the thick audience that 95% of the businesses in the province were classified as micro-entrepreneurs. The agricultural sector was down with the bunchy top pests attacking the abaca plantations in various municipalities, he said. While 9 Maasin barangays coconut plantations were already infested with brontispa pest.

He further disclosed that 200,000 workers were all employed in different government agencies and offices and only small percentage of private employers have hired to work in their businesses.

He then concluded that the only way to let the province of Southern Leyte become progressive and provide employment to the hundreds of jobless individuals is the development of tourism in every municipality that has tourist spots.

Castañares told the crowd that from 2011 up to 2013 “we will focus here in our region (Region 8 Leyte and Samar) before embarking in other places”. Cable cars and bungee jumping will also be constructed in the Mega Bridge. “We intend to finish these projects in time for the 51st anniversary celebration of the province of Southern Leyte”,he said.

He added to say that a 25-hectare animal teen park shall also be built at the Maasin City Forest Park, formerly Danao Reforestation Project of the DENR in brgy.Malapoc Norte.

MOA Signing

Governor Damian Mercado for his part informed the audience that a MOA was signed between the provincial government and the erstwhile Presidential Assistant for Eastern Visayas Vic Domingo, allowing the former to develop the tallest bridge thru private-public partnership for the enhancement of tourism in the area.

The Governor also urged the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) not to allow farmers in the nearby areas to engage in kaingin farming and to preserve/protect the forested surroundings of Agas-Agas from poachers including legal and illegal loggers.

He said he intends to also have a MOA sign between the provincial government and DENR to make such agreement more effective and implementable.

He likewise admonished the barangay folks in the area to treat both local and foreign tourists with respect and hospitality and to patronize the local businesses.

Mercado further enjoined the Mayors of the 18 municipalities to allow and encourage their respective bulk of students from different schools to visit the Agas-Agas Bridge particularly during semestral breaks and summer vacations.

Inviting Micro-entrepreneurs, Investors

On the other hand, Congressman Mercado, the Governor’s older brother has expressed his elation that the new bridge construction has provided a comfortable rides for travelers in going to Tacloban and other parts of region 8(Leyte and Samar).

Like the Governor, he also invited micro-entrepreneurs to sell foods and souvenir items near the bridge and for investors to build cottages as their resthouses and for rent to tourists/visitors while they are not occupying it.

In an interview with the contractor Edwin Sacdalan of Camp Sabros, Digos City, Davao del Sur, he divulged that the estimated P1.7M first tandem ziplines in Eastern Visayas has a length of more or less 880 meters each. That is from the starting point at the topmost part of a hill, down to the other side of the road across the bridge.

The two ziplines were placed parallel to each other, which would take only more or less than 30 seconds to reach the end of the cable wires with stoppers both installed at the end.

Since the opening is free of charge, several curious officials, visitors and extreme adventure enthusiasts were queuing the line. They patiently waited for their turn to test their mettle and the ziplines’ durability.

Additional Ziplines

Sacdalan also informed that an additional 2 or 3 ziplines might be constructed to meet the needs among the extreme adventure enthusiasts that will come to Agas-Agas.

The Leyte and Samar tri-media representatives were also welcome to try it.Nonetheless, the long queue and the fact that all of them have been interviewing personalities involved in the realization of the tourism project, majority of them just let the chance passed by.

Those who have tried the tandem ziplines were the youngest SP member Daisy Gumale of District 2, Anahawan Mayor Roberto Loquinte, President of Southern Leyte Mayors’ League, Carina Rosa Teopes, Brian Sadoguio of the Provincial GSO, City Councilor Nestor Sy, Sr.’s youngest daughter, Panny together with her sister-in-law’s younger sister and some other unidentified individuals.

Moreover, the incumbent Governor after talking to some officials present atop the hill was amazed upon learning that Daisy was one of those who tested the zipline.

The very first to test the zipline as a sample for everybody to see was Sacdalan’s companion. He chose to hang himself in an upside down position-that is his head was below and his feet up!

Australian Jack Reed, 68 years old, married to a Filipina, who was one of those who tried the new tandem ziplines, confided he has already been riding high up the air via zipline in several occasions.

Nonetheless, his very young companion, obviously a close relative of his Filipina wife has vomited right after riding the zipline.It was his very first time to be up in the air. Extreme adventure enthusiasts here in Region 8 and other places can now have their time of recreation, fun and excitement at the Agas-Agas Bridge. (Quirico M. Gorpido,Jr.)

Villa Romana Hotel: 13 Air-conditioned Rooms

With CR and Bathroom In Every Room, Facing

The Breezy Sea of Sogod Bay, One Of The Divesites

Of Southern Leyte Province. Tomas Oppus St. Abgao, Maasin

City, Southern Leyte. Tel. no.(053)381-0639.

Kinamot Sa Abgao Restaurant, Tomas Oppus St.,

brgy. Abgao, Maasin City, Southern Leyte.

Accept Orders.Tel.no.(053)381-3878.

Natasha Service Center/Marikina Shoe Exchange Service Center,

Simplicio Bantug St., brgy. Tunga-Tunga,Maasin City, Southern Leyte.

Tel. no.s (053)570-8144; (053) 381-0430.

"Butete" Is Killing More Filipinos Than Any Other Sea Creatures

April 28,2011

Featured Editorial

“Butete” Is Killing More Filipinos Than Any Other Sea Creatures

A fisherman and his son reportedly died after eating puffer fish, locally known as “butete”, in Bantayan town last week(second week of April 2011). Peter Cordova was declared dead on arrival at the Bantayan District Hospital. His son expired later at the same hospital.

The Cordova family was just the latest of the long list of those who died after eating “butete” and other poisonous fish. Most of the victims are fishermen who are supposed to know that “butete” is highly toxic sea species that is hazardous to human health.

Actually, if cooked properly, “butete” can be eaten. The Japanese have, for many years, perfected the art of safely cooking “butete”.In fine restaurant in Japan,it is an expensive dish to eat.

But in the Philippines, only few know how to cook it. In provinces, many fishermen would just cook “butete” without knowing the techniques of slicing away its highly lethal parts. That is why “butete” has been killing more Filipinos than any other sea creatures.

For years, health authorities kept on reminding fishermen about the danger in eating “butete”.But the reminder will always fall on deaf ears. Some fishermen choose to take the risk than be stricken by death from hunger.

As many would find it, a mere reminder is not enough. Something must be done. Health officials should start finding ways to stop the practice of unsafe cooking of “butete”.

One way is to reach out to those fishermen by fielding experts to teach them the proper way to cook such poisonous fish. Information dissemination is also very crucial in this campaign given the fact that many fishermen still do not know that “butete” is highly poisonous.

Of course, what is more important is for the national government to extend assistance, food or cash, to fisherfolk to enable them to refrain from resorting to cooking poisonous fish. (Source: The Freeman, Cebu-based daily newspaper)

You Don't Have To Be A Superman To Be Great-Duarrte

April 26,2011

You Don’t Have To Be A Superman To Be Great-Duarte

By Quirico M. Gorpido,Jr.

Maasin City, Southern Leyte-Every person, in his own way, has a kind of greatness in himself unique with other individuals. You don’t have to be a superman to be great, guest speaker Dr. Jude Alteveros Duarte of the Southern Leyte State University Sogod main campus told the 92 STI graduating students during the 10^th STI’s commencement Exercises held at the city gymnasium during the recent Thursday night.

In his less than two-hour inspirational speech before the audience also composed of STI staff,parents,friends and relatives of the graduating students, he mentioned great men who at the start were unknown individuals but later became great men. This include actor Jacky Chan, Abraham Lincolm,Winston Churchill, Alexander The Great, American Inventor Thomas Alba Edison and our very own pound-for-pound boxing icon Emmanuel “Manny” Catedral Pacquiao.From a mere amateur boxer, he gradually rises to become the world’s first Filipino boxer to conquer ten boxing divisions in his career. His coming fight on May 8, 2011 with Shane Mosley at Las Vegas, Nevada, USA would determine how great he is in the field of sports’ self-punishing profession.Pacquiao's childhood struggle against poverty and the two stages he has treaded in life from rags to riches is alive and the best model story of success.

He disclosed that all of the great men he mentioned have experienced series of failures in their lives, yet they did not give up. But with patience and determination, they continue to push and push until they have reached their goals for success. He also implied that all of the great men he has mentioned have one thing in common: they have possessed the virtue of being positive in attitude and outlook in life.

Duarte also informed the graduates that they are lucky because they are now in an era of modern technological emergence which changed entirely the methodology of humankind’s workforce. Before the advent of modern science and technology, he said, man’s works were commonly done manually. It makes man’s way of working things more easy and distant communication and transactions with the outside world is just a call and click away.Thus,making distant nations shrink and become more closer to each other, leading to the coined phrase like ‘global community” or “global village”, he stressed.

Distribution of diplomas to the graduates for the 19 DIT(Diploma in Information Technology),10 CET(Computer and Electronics Technology), 41 HRS (Hospitality and Restaurant Services), 18 PESFA(Private Education Students Fund Assistance) scholars and 4 Octoberian graduates(IT and HRS) was led by STI-Maasin President and Chief Executive Officer Nestor Sy,Sr. and assisted by Faculty Head Hilario Mobe,School Administrator Effie Naida Sy-Visaya,TESDA Director Rolando Juanillo and Dr. Jude Duarte.

The STI President and CEO has also handed over special and academic awards to 10 students-graduates of IT and 12 HRS graduates.

Class Valedictorian Raphael Alexander Plasabas, CIT graduate in his valedictory short speech thanked first of all his parents for their moral and financial support. He also expressed his thanks to his classmates for their camaraderie and friendship during their years of schooling as well as the moral support of his friends and relatives.

However, the honored valedictorian chose not to reveal his strategic plan or scheme on how he could get a job with his IT skill.

Earlier, the STI CEO also handed over plaque of appreciations to SLSU’s Dr. Duarte and TESDA Director Juanillo.(Quirico M. Gorpido,Jr.)

STI-Maasin,4th floor,Zialcita-Oppus Bldg.,above Mercury Drug

Facing Panny's Homemade Bake Products,Tel.no.(053)381-3744.

Courses Offer: Information Technology,Computer and Electronic Technology,

Hospitality and Restaurant Services,Travel and Tourism Services, Hotel and Restaurant administration.

Short Courses:MS Office,Culinary Camp,Commercial Cooking NC2,Food and

Beverages Services NC2,Foreign Language(Mandarin).For further details,visit STIMaasin.Tel no. (053)381-3744.

LGU-Sogod Prohibits Nuisance;Regulates Students To Converge In Beaches,KTV Bars During Schooldayss

April 26,2011

LGU-Sogod Prohibits Nuisance; Regulates Students To Converge In Beaches, TV Bars During Schools Days

By Quirico M. Gorpido,Jr.

Maasin City, Southern Leyte-The Sangguniang Panlalawigan has approved during its recent weekly session held at the SP’s Legislative Building near the Provincial Capitol here two ordinances of Sogod town no. 2011-45 and no.2011-46.

Ordinance no. 2011-45 would be regulating students to converge in beaches and KTV bars during school days.

The prohibition was prompted by the years of observations that students in both public and private schools have the habit of converging in some beaches of the municipality and in KTV bars during school days. This kind of activity did by students have made some of them to allegedly cut classes just to be with their peers.

This kind of converging during school days has also brought some bad effects to the youth particularly those who were enrolled in schools. Instead of giving priority time for schedules to study their lessons or doing some assignments, they tend to put it on the sideline and prefer to go with their barkadas.

Earlier, SP Florentino Fernandez, a member of the Committee on Laws, said that his committee has recommended for its approval since it is very beneficial, not only on the part of the parents, but also on the part of the students.

Fernandez said that the ordinance has a corresponding penalty, although Sogod Sangguniang Bayan did not specify whether the penalty for violators is imprisonment or community service.

The second approved ordinance no. 2011-46 would prohibit the existence of nuisance in the municipality and it imposes penalties for violators.

Nuisance in this particular ordinance is defined as “an act of omission,establishment,business,condition of property or anything else which: a)injures or endangers the health and safety of others like (old, dilapidated buildings/chemical fire hazard structures) or a b)annoys or offends the senses like (excessive sounds from various electronic machines and motor vehicles, billboards,signages,etc.);

c) shocks ,defies or disregards decency or morality(bold magazines) or, d) obstructs or interferes with the free passage of any public highways, streets or any body of waters or, e)hinders or impairs the use of property”.

Penalties for violations range from P500.00 for the first offense, P1, 000.00 for the second offense and P2, 000.00 for the third offense.

Fernandez also informed the august body that both abovementioned ordinances have been subjected to public hearings in Sogod’s different barangays.

Although there were some oppositions, but majority of those who have attended expressed their favor and support.

The member of the Committee on Laws then moved for the approval of the two ordinances.

SPs Cesar Rey, Felicula Escaño and Abelardo Almario have seconded his motion.

(Quirico M. Gorpido,Jr.)

Rojas,Esclamado Defends PSWDO Head

April 16,2011

Rojas, Esclamado Defend PSWDO Head On Purchase On Credit Goods For Victims Of Calamities By Quirico M. Gorpido,Jr. Maasin City, Southern Leyt-Two Sangguniang Panlalawigan members Teopisto Rojas,Jr. and Albert Esclamado have defended PSWDO(Provincial Social Welfare Development Office) head Nelita Gonzales-Gomez on her purchase on credit for goods and foodstuff at SLEMCOOP (Southern Leyte Employees Cooperative,Inc.)Store for victims of the January 2011 calamities, which were only discussed during the past two weeks after the goods have already been distributed to the concerned victims in 4 municipalities of the province. The goods and foodstuff which consist of 100 sacks of rice and 100 cartoons of sardines, corned beef and other foodstuff like noodles were worth P400,000.00 plus. These were distributed to the four municipalities of ST.Bernard, San Francisco, Sogod and Bontoc. Rojas has taken exceptions to COA (Commission On Audit) finding that PSWDO head is not authorized to purchase, most particularly on credit. He informed the august body that the incumbent Governor Damian Mercado has already authorized Gomez to purchase such goods because of the management prerogative “to address the urgency for the financial assistance”. Esclamado favorably supported Rojas’ declaration by saying that in times of emergency cases, there’s no need for any legislative action because of the nature of the urgency caused by various calamities hitting part of the province. However, Rojas told Gomez that she can make cash advance so that she can pay immediately the sacks of rice and foodstuff. But the PSWD head negated his claim by saying that COA did not approve the cash advance that’s why her office decided to purchase the goods on credit. She told the provincial board members present that payments for the goods on credit will come from the provincial government’s Calamity Fund. Esclamado asked another colleague Abelardo Almario, Chairman Committee on Laws if confirming PSWDO’s action would not be inconsistent with COA’s ruling considering that the goods were already taken and the legal action has come later. Almario explained to him that the august body must give legality to what the Governor and the PSWDO head have done in connection with the purchase on credit foodstuff because in times of emergency the concerned office could not arrange an agreement like MOA with the suppliers as required by COA. “Emergency situations call for an immediate reaction or activity to mitigate or assist the victims of calamity”, he stressed. Rojas then moved to pass a confirming resolution no.183-s.2011, which was seconded by Roberto Lagumbay,with instruction that Gomez should substantiate the distribution of the purchased goods and foodstuff. Gomez told them that she had already submitted the Requisition Issue Slip to the Provincial Administrator Crispin Arong,Jr. To recall the continual heavy rains last January 2011 have wrought havoc to the municipalities of St.Bernard, San Francisco, Sogod and Bontoc with floods and landslides. It damaged several houses, drowning 4 children and badly affecting hundreds of families and thousands of individuals. The victims of the calamities were temporarily housed in various evacuation centers in each aforesaid municipality. Some government agencies, private companies and some individuals have come to provide relief goods and foodstuff like sacks of rice,canned goods,noodles, laundry and bathing soaps,clothings,containers of drinking water,medicines,kitchen untensils,toiletry products, financial assistance, among others.(Quirico M. Gorpido,Jr.)

SP Refiles Anti-Smoking Ordinance For Provincial Level Implementation

April 16,2011

SP Refiles Anti-Smoking Ordinance For Provincial Level Implementation

By Quirico M. Gorpido,Jr.

Maasin City, Southern Leyte-The Sangguniang Panlalawigan has refiled during its recent weekly session held at the provincial capitol here a province-wide smoke-free ordinance that is going to be implemented in all 18 municipalities thru its Chief Executives for health reasons. The City of Maasin has already its own anti-smoking ordinance which was approved several months ago and is now being implemented.

The aforesaid ordinance is actually a dormant, enacted by the SP members of the past Administration who were not re-elected during the previous May 10,2010 national elections.

The interest in resurrecting the dormant ordinance came when an NGO organization from Metro Manila named Bloomberg Initiative sent a letter to the Southern Leyte SP requesting for their support of the national anti-smoking ordinance for implementation in the province.

The positive response came from SP member Roberto Lagumbay, Chairman Committee on Health and Sanitation and was supported by the majority of his colleagues.

Abelardo Almario, Chairman Committee on Laws disclosed that the resurrected ordinance was approved during the last SP session of the Lerias Administration.However,it did not yet meet the satisfaction of publication which is a legal requirement to make it valid and effective.

He clarified that in the third reading that would be the time that the august body will comply with the requirement of publication.

Almario explained that what they were doing was similar to what Congress was and is doing.”When the terms of some members of Congress would expire, there’s a need of the same previous bill to be re-filed”, he said. He asked a colleague Teopisto Rojas, Jr. if he would agree with his explanation, which the latter has confirmed.

Nonetheless, Rojas pointed out that only a tax ordinance would need to be published in a local newspaper of provincial circulation.”A public hearing for anti-smoking ordinance would suffice”, he said.

He continued:”I believe that the said ordinance under question is not considered as a tax ordinance but rather a regulation with penal provision.Therefore, the conduct of public hearing after the refilling is enough for legal intent and purposes, which is the mandatory requirement”.

Vice-Governor Miguel Maamo, 11, the presiding officer, then urged those involved in the discussions to re-file the talk-about ordinance. Lagumbay stood up and expressed his intention to re-file it, adding that they should not delay it further.

“Since this is a provincial ordinance”, Rojas said, “we will approved it after the conduct of a public hearing akin to the Sangguniang Bayans’ordinances that before it were approved, public hearings were conducted so that whatever inputs that we are going to receive from the public will be made as parts of the amendments to the proposed ordinance.”.

Lagumbay who is in-charged of conducting the public hearings in the 4 IDs of the province implied that he has already made some schedules and has contacted the Mayors and Vice-Mayors of each municipality for such activities.

The Chairman Committee on Health and Sanitation also claimed that the lengthy discussions concerning the re-filed ordinance were considered as the first and second reading. His motion was seconded by Almario.”This ordinance”, he said, “was already deliberated many times in our previous sessions”.

The abovementioned ordinance prohibits the use, sale, distribution and advertisement of cigarettes and other tobacco products in certain places, imposing penalties for violation and providing funds thereof and for other purposes otherwise known as the smoke-free ordinance of the province of Southern Leyte.

Since not one of the 12 SP members including the 3 ex-officio members has opposed, it is apparent that the third and final reading will be unanimously approved by all SP members.(Quirico M. Gorpido,Jr.)

STI-Maasin,located 4^th floor above Mercury Drug and Infront of Panny’s Bakeshop.

Courses offer: Information Technology, Computer and Electronics Technology, Hospitality and Restaurant Services, Travel and Tourism Services, Hotel and Restaurant Administration; short term courses:MS Office, Culinary Camp, Commercial Cooking NC 2,Food and Beverage Services, NC 2, Foreign Language(Mandarin). For further details, visit or contact telephone number (053)381-3744.

Dr. Jocelyn Verano-Villamor, MD, DPAMJ (L)

Pediatrician, R.K.Kangleon St., Abgao, Maasin City, Southern Leyte

Telephone no.(053)381-2371.

Alkaline Ionized Water

#043 R.K. Kangleon St., Mantahan,Maasin City,SouthernLeyte

(near SSS office and below the provincial hospital)

Telephone no.(053)381-5555; cellphone nos.0999-5815555;

0915-8762555.

SP Directs Aguilar To Conduct Probe On Napantao Dive Resort Proposed MOA

April 13,2011

SP Directs Aguilar To Conduct Probe On Napantao Dive Resort Proposed MOA

By Quirico M. Gorpido,Jr.

Maasin City, Southern Leyte- The Sangguniang Panlalawigan has instructed the Provincial Legal Officer Atty. Tobias Aguilar to conduct a thorough investigation to verify the truth of some reliable reports pertinent to the existing renewed MOA of the Napantao residential building of the Napantao Dive Resort in San Francisco,Panaon Island that is presently rented by the provincial government and occupied by the volunteer-members of the Coral Cay Conservation of the United Kingdom.

SP Teopisto Rojas,Jr. disclosed that Governor Damian Mercado has received reports from some residents of Napantao that member-volunteers of the Coral Cay Conservation were receiving payment from the members of the royal blood and the sons and daughter of ambassadors who have undertook diving lessons.

Rojas asked his colleagues during their recent weekly session held at the provincial capitol if CCC has extended financial assistance in the form of grant or soft loan for the protection and preservation of marine life in the aforesaid area similar to what the GTZ (now GIZ) was doing in the province.“Even if the payment is minimal,” he said,” but if converted to euro into peso then it will be significant amount”.

He also divulged that because of the Napantao residential building the province has spent millions of pesos for the opening of the road towards the residential house including power facilities with only one house benefitting from it.”Yet the millions of pesos spent by the province are not deductible to the rentals of the residential house”, he said.

Rojas said he believed that the P12,.000.00 monthly rate, which he described as unreasonable and exorbitant, is not the prevailing rate of residential houses in the municipality of San Francisco.

On the other hand,SP Daisy Gumale defended the CCC members saying there was only one instance that the Coral Cay Conservation received a foreign visitor, the son of the Ambassador, who called the Governor and informed him that is son is in Napantao Dive Resort. Another one, she said, was when Robert Chapman gave a courtesy call at the provincial capitol.

Gumale said that the occasion has prompted them to build the bridges and cemented the roads leading to the dive site to attract tourists to Napantao Dive Resort, considered by experienced scuba drivers as one of the beautiful dive sites of the world.

If you have been there before, she said, you find it hard and in my young age I have to walk 30 minutes going down Napantao.But now you can we can park our cars right at the house of the owner.

“I want to make it on record that it was not the CCC that made the deal between the province and the owner of the house”, she elaborated.”Which regards to the rental, I think we are solely responsible and Coray Cay has nothing to do with how much we are paying”. She continued “My contention is, it is always the intention of the province for the advantage of our marine environment and for so long the CCC is doing their part. They have been submitting reports and they have been helping our PENRMO and CENRO in the establishment of MPAs.And because of their help our LGUs are receiving rewards on MPAs.So I don’t think that it is very disadvantageous for the province to have the Coral Cay. So if the rate found to be expensive we have the power to change and revised the deal and the CCC has nothing to do with the agreement between the owner and the province.”

Despite Gumale’s argument however, Rojas has further stressed that the Legal Officer must move on to fulfill his task of conducting an investigation of questionable things like:1) Whether or not the MOA or lease contract is disadvantageous to the province for spending millions of pesos in the construction of roads and electric facilities for the residential building at the dive site; 2)Whether or not the monthly rental of the said residential house is the prevailing rate of houses of that particular mujnicipality;3) Whether or not the CCC has generated income from the Napantao Dive Resort by accepting fees for diving lessons from the members of the royal blood and sons/daughters of ambassador and other officials from UK;4)Whether or not the approval of MOA for the lease contract by the SP will tantamount to violation of Section 3,paragrahph (g) of RA3019 otherwise known as Anti Graft and Corrupt Practices(Quirico M. Gorpido,Jr.).

TB Affects 2B Peoples Worldwide

April 13,2011

TB Affects 2B Peoples Worldwide-Survey

By Quirico M. Gorpido,Jr.

Maasin City, Southern Leyte-Tuberculosis (TB), the 6^th leading death in the Philippines,9^th worldwide and 2^nd in the Pacific region, has affected 2B peoples according to a worldwide surveys conducted by the health experts.

Ink the Philippines 98 Filipinos died everyday of the dreaded disease with a total of 115,000 death per year. Financially, the TB disease has caused an annual income lost of P6B due to morbidity, P27B lost annually in forgone wages and P8B in actual wages.

TB which is caused by a “rod-shaped” bacteria known as mycobacterium tuberculosiscommonly affects the lungs(pulmonary disease) but also cause extra-pulmonary disease (such as in lymph glands,bones,joints,abdomen,brain,kidney,others). The effective treatment of this disease will be achieved thru the public-private collaboration, studies revealed.

It is disclosed by the health experts that tuberculosis is spread thru the air from one person to another via coughing, sneezinng, talking spitting and other similar mode of transmission.

On a slide show presentation Dr. Liza Orito-Rich, Medical-National TB Coordinator said that the TB- infected 2B individuals, one in every 10 persons will become sick with active TB in his/her lifetime. And that an untreated TB patient will contaminate 10 to 15 persons a year.

Another cause why some TB patients have not been cured is because of improper use of TB drugs, wrong dosage and have stopped taking their medicine during the length of coverage.

To find the correct solution to the spread of TB,health experts conducted studies and have discovered that to push thru with the goal of eradicating TB in the Philippine and in th global scale, there’s the great need to involve the private sector composed of medical private practitioners,barangay health workers,nurses,herbalists and the traditional healers.

In 1997 chart a large portion approximately 36% of TB patients seek the care of private MDs and followed by those seeking care in health centers.

In July 2002 NTP external evaluation conducted by WHO,JICA,USAID,CIDA-World Vision and Medicos del Mundo findings are the following: a)Acknowledge the remarkable expansion and coverage of public sector DOTS;b)Need to focus on quality-control as far as DOTS implementation is concerned;c)Correct some problems in drug supplies;d)Focus on promoting private-public mix(PPM) in DOTS implementation.

The program, explained Dr. Zenaida Bantug –Abiera, PHILCAT (Philippines Commission Against TB) provincial coordinator, the so-called PPM- DOTS collaboration was organized several years back to make the approach of treating TB more effective. This could be done by close partnership and cooperation between the government doctors and the private doctors in all areas of the country where there are RHUs and existing PPM-DOTS (Public-Private Mix-Direct Observe Treatment Standard) units.

Private medical practitioners, in this scheme of treating TB patients are obliged to refer their suspected TB patients to the RHUs- PPM-DOTS units in their respective localities. Patients referred to these units are given free TB antibiotics for the short term duration of six months.

Her statement was supported by DR. Rich saying that with the existing program of the DOH-PPM –DOTS it is now the policy that infected TB patients who consulted private medical practitioners should refer them to the PPM-DOTS hospitals or at the RHUs-PPM-DOTS. Concerned TB patients are likewise advised by the doctors to religiously follow the prescribed dosage recommended and to complete the period of treatment to make it very effective.

The PHILCAT coordinator also urged those people who are both healthy and sick to have a good night sleep of at least 8 hours or even more depending upon a person’s body condition, eat nutritious foods, avoid smoking, avoid too much alcoholic drinks and exercise regularly. This is to make the immune system strong to fight disease.

Abiera further revealed that installation of PPM-DOTS units has now reached across the country. In 2009 report are: 1 NCC,16 RCCs and 221 PPM-DOTS units with a coverage of 36M or around 40% of the total Philippines population.

The Provincial Coordinating Committee co-chairman confided that as against the belief of many people,TB cannot be spread by shaking of someone’s hands, sharing food or drink,touchng bed linen or toilet seats, sharing toothbrushes and kissing.

Nevertheless, TB can be transmitted from person to person via coughing, sneezing, talking and spitting.

Common signs and symptoms of persons affected with pulmonary TB are: cough for two weeks or more, with or without fever, chest and back pain, poor appetite, weakness, weight loss, night sweats and blood in sputum or phlegm.

Although not all who have coughs for 2 weeks or more have TB,the doctor clarified, she strongly urged those who have such symptoms to consult the doctor in their respective localities.

On the other hand, Rich intimated that while the City of Maasin has involved itself in the 2^ndbatch PPM-DOTS implementation starting in 2007, the province of Southern Leyte which is under third batch has just started this year.

The Monday TB campaign awareness held at the bus terminal during the recent Provincial World TB Day was also attended, aside from the members of the IPHO technical staff, by nursing students from the College of Maasin and Saint Joseph College, some Maasin City College students, some SK chairmen, barangay officials, common city folks and two media representatives. Guest speakers were SP-MD Roberto Lagumbay,SP Committee Chairman on Health, Provincial Hospital Head and PPM-DOTS Committee Chairman Dr. Joselito Trumata and City Councilor Narciso “Ricky” Montalbo who represented Mayor Maloney Samaco..(Quirico M. Gorpido,Jr.)

Are We Ready?

April 13,2011

Are We Ready?

We have seen the horrible death and destruction that a combined high-magnitude earthquake and tsunami can cause in a prosperous, well-prepared and disciplined country like Japan. Are we prepared in case a similar disaster hits the Philippines?

The Philippines like Japan, lies in the Pacific Ring of Fire, and is very vulnerable to earthquakes, among other natural disasters. In just the past 21 years, the Philippines has been struck by huge temblors ranging in magnitude from 5.1 to 7.9, resulting in great loss of lives and property. These included the Ragay Gulf earthquake of March 17, 1973, magnitude 7; Mindoro earthquake of November 1994, m7.1; Panay earthquake of June 14, 1990, m7.1; Casiguran earthquake of August 2002, m7.3; Moro Gulf earthquake of Aug. 17, 1976, m7.9; and Luzon earthquake of July 16, 1990, m7.9.

The Moro Gulf earthquake spawned a tsunami that devastated more than 700 kilometers of coastline, collapsed hundreds of buildings and houses, left 100,000 people homeless and killed almost 5,000.In scale of death and devastation it is closest to the Big One that recently struck Japan.

Scientists have predicted that a 7.2 earthquake could damage 38 percent of residential buildings,32 percent of buildings between 10 and 30-storey high, 14 percent of buildings between 30 to 60-storey and 30 to 35 percent of all government buildings. It could cause 33,500 deaths, an additional 18,000 deaths from fire, and 114,000 injuries.

About the safest haven from earthquakes in the Philippines is the pristine and paradise island of Palawan. Mahar Lagmay, a professor of the University of the Philippines National Institute of Geological Statistics, said that there are hardly any faults under the island.

The faults in the Philippines are many: the Manila Trench, Philppines Trench, West Maharlika Valley Fault System, West Ilocos Fault System, Dummon Fault System in Cagayan, East Zambales Fault, Iba Fault and Lubang Fault.

With the country so vulnerable to earthquakes, what is its state of preparedness for a natural disaster? Scientists and other professional people almost unanimously agree that it is not well-prepared.

First off, we would recommend that all proposals to set up new nuclear power plants to help solve the power problem of the country be put on hold. We have seen in Japan how nuclear power plants set on fire buy earthquakes can make a combined earthquake-tsunami disaster a triple catastrophe that could affect not just thousands, but millions of people.

These are among the recommendation made by officials of government agencies and offices such as the Philippines Institute of Volcanology and Seismology and the Department of Public Works and Highways as well as architects and urban planners such as architect Felino Plalafox,Jr.:

Conduct a structural, hydrologic and geologic audit of all private and public buildings to determine their structural integrity.

Build stronger structures, ensure that they strictly follow the building code and ensure appropriate land use.

Make sure that housing projects are not built on earthquake faultlines, at the foot of mountains where landslides could occur and on coastal areas where there could be storm surges, and worse, tsunamis.

4. Prepare hazard maps for earthquakes, floods, volcanlc eruptions, tsunami and floods.

Learn lessons from countries unprepared for disasters, like Haite,as well as best practices from advanced countries like Japan, the United States, Taiwan and South Korea.

Update building and structural codes.

Create citizens’ awareness of the need for disaster prevention and preparation.(By the way, let’s do away with silly practices such as making schoolchildren put their hands or books over their heads in drills for disasters. Hands and books will not provide much protection. Let’s think of a better way to protect schoolchildren.)

Secure open space such as parks, playgrounds, etc., which can be used in disaster prevention and management.

Get all the local government units, from the provincial government down to the barangay, involved in disaster preparedness.

Enhance the educational program to include a course on disaster prevention and preparedness.

Big earthquakes have been striking with alarming frequency all over the world. We in the Philippines have to be especially prepared and instill discipline in our people.(Source: Philippine Daily inquirer. Thanks to Editor-in-Chief Ma’am Letty Jimenez-Magsanoc and Publisher Sir Isagani Yambot.)

Nuclear Worries

April 5,2011

Featured Editorial

Nuclear Worries

The nuclear crisis in Japan has kept many of its neighbors such as the Philippines, as well as the rest of the world, on edge. Both the real danger of nuclear fallout, and the scant knowledge most people have about how to deal with such a crisis, is responsible for this scare.

Both the real danger of a nuclear fallout and the widespread ignorance about a nuclear crisis have in fact much to do with the ruinous text messages that swamped the Philippines last Monday.

But the unfolding crisis in Japan is instructive, at least to those willing to see things for what they really are as far as the potential for a nuclear holocaust is concerned. And the main lesson to be learned is that there is not much anyone can do about an atomic catastrophe.

Japan is one of the leading countries when it comes to technological advancement. But as the events of recent days have shown, it still is no match against the terrible forces of nature when unleashed. Previously, the US and Russia have been dealt similar sobering lessons.

This helplessness of humans in face of natural forces gone wild brings to mind a humorous poster displayed prominently inside one of Cebu’s old watering holes. The poster was made to look like an official notice, a set of instructions to patrons in case of a nuclear bomb attack.

The poster said:”Stay clear of windows. Keep hands free of glasses, bottles, cigarettes, etc.Stay away from bar, tables, orchestra, equipment, and furniture. Loosen necktie, unbutton coat and any other restrictive clothing;

“Remove eyeglasses. Empty pockets of all sharp objects such as pens, pencils, etc.Immediately upon seeing the brilliant flash of nuclear explosion, bend over and place your head firmly between your legs. Then kiss you’re a…goodbye.”

So you see, there is really not much anyone can do in a nuclear holocaust. The best way to confront the problem is not to create it. If Japn, the US and other developed countries are still at the mercy of their ticking bombs, let not the small boys aspire for the big toys.

There are at present some attempts to revive the mothballed Bataan nuclear power plant. The Japan crisis should serve as the best argument as any for us not to even go there. The world is in danger already as it is. Let us not add ourselves to create even more risk and uncertainty.(Source: The Freeman, Cebu-based daily newspaper).