Be The Master Of Your Own Canoe-Rasheed

Be The Master Of Your Own Canoe-Rasheed

By Quirico M. Gorpido,Jr

Maasin City, Southern Leyte-Be the master of your own canoe, stressed Abdullah Rasheed, Regional Director, Asia-Pacific region, who was the guest speaker during the opening of the recent 7^th National Rover Moot held at Camp Danao, Malapoc Norte, here in this 10-year old city.

However, before any person can possibly acquire this kind of mastery, the guest of honor urged the senior scouts to join the scouting movement where they could learn to build character and develop the virtue of self-discipline. which is good for both the youth and adults.

He claimed the scouting activities would make a person’s body and mind healthy. “And being healthy the rover should be active and ready to serve the community and his fellowmen”‘, he declared.

He also encouraged each scout girl and boy to recruit one more rover each to join their ranks in order to reach its membership in the country to at least 35,000 or even more.

Rasheed further mentioned that hundreds and hundreds of rovers offered their voluntary services to one of devastated villages in Indonesia .It was badly hit by the past tsunami where hundreds of inhabitants have perished. The rovers helped rebuilt the village and its people back to normal life, he revealed.

For more understanding about the nature of scouting or rovering, the Asia-Pacific Scout Regional Director, moreover, recommended a particular book on scouting to read by all of the senior and junior scouts.

Mayor Maloney Samaco, Camp Head, and Dr. Pedro Escobarte, Jr., BSP Council Chairman welcomed the 1,274 rover moot (senior scouts) who represented the different provinces of the country. Like the provinces of Leyte,Davao,Agusan,Zamboanga,Camiguin,Surigao,Lanao,Bohol,Iloiilo,South Cotabato,General Santos City,Camarines Sur,Parañaque City,Tuguegarao,Misamis Oriental and Occidental.

On the other hand, because of the prevailing presence of bats in the vicinity of Camp Danao,Malapoc Norte, Mayor Samaco chose the flying creatures as the official mascot of the place, applicable in any event that would take place in Camp Danao.

On the background, the mascot with maroon-colored attire personified by a barrio folk named “Quaki” clumsily fluffed its wings while the opening program was going on stage.”We have chosen bat as the official mascot because of its prevailing presence here”, he told the crowd of rover moot.”Later this afternoon you could see hundreds of bats flying in this place”.

True enough, at past three in the afternoon hundreds and hundreds of large bats came out from their respective dwelling caves and trees flying over the eastern horizon of the hinterland barangay.

Reforestation Project

Formerly Camp Danao was a reforestation project of the Department Of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR).It was planted with agoho, mahogany, G-melina, Acacia mangium, narra and other forest trees. The 485-hectare lot Administration project was turned over to the City Government of Maasin several years ago. The ceremony occurred during the leadership of former Mayor Damian Mercado, now the Governor of Southern Leyte. Its name was then changed to City Forest Park.

Under Mercado’s administration, the area was developed. It has now a big concrete building, widely huge playground, a stage, some CRs, accessable road connections, a cottage amidst a pond .Faucets were also installed which distribute potable water in strategic corners within the area.

A 100-meter high hill now called Damian’s peak with a winding road that spiraled towards the peak was improved. A small resthouse was also built that doubled as observer’s and guard’s post. At the peak, one can have a breathtaking view of the entire surrounding area.A telescope would be appropriate for a viewer to bring along with him for a clearer and bigger view of the vegetative environs. On the other hand, during the holding of the recent jamboree, its name was further changed officially by Mayor Samaco to Camp Danao. The camp site, considered by some people as also a tourist attraction, is less or about 15 kilometers away from the city proper.

Community Emersion

Simultaneous with the holding of the rover moot (senior scouts), was also the one Visayas Regional jamborette comprising the junior scouts. However, both scouts did not arrived in succession due to the occurrence of Typhoon. Some have come 2 or three days after the opening day of the jamboree.

Cebu delegates who were much nearer to Maasin did not come. But Iloilo and Antique contingents who resided much farther from Camp Danao were able to come, though late.Nevertheless, one of the high school teachers who led a group of jamborette stationed at the City Hall waiting for a bus to fetch them emphatically expressed:”Better late than never”.

Additionally, there was no exact figure of the participating junior scouts. There was also no list of activities that they were doing during their camping. Even the BSP Southern Leyte Council office has no record to show to this correspondent. On the other hand, based on experienced by this reporter, grand campfire or night camfire, parlor games, socials, talent show and some learning skills were taught during the duration of the activities.

The rover delegates were assigned in eleven barangay schools in the city for their community emersion. This involved the following schools: 1)Brgy.Malapoc Norte-school head Victoriano Pia,Brgy.Captain David Maldo, and project coordinator Jesus Meris; 2)Brgy.Malapoc Sur-school head Valentina Mullet,Brgy.Captain Jimmy Padecio,project coordinator Teofilo Pana; 3)Brgy.Manhilo-school head E. Queñones,Brgy.Captain Josefina Cortel,project coordinator Leonindes Rivera; 4)B rgy.Badiang-school head Romeo Roa,Brgy.Captain Doroteo Almacin,Sr.,project coordinator Juanito Nombrado; 5)Brgy.Reyms-school head Consolacion Kangleon,Brgy.Captain Felix Verrano,project coordinator Roy Garbonera; 6)Brgy.Maasin Central-head school Adela Paloma,Brgy.Captain Rodrigo Panilo,project coordinator Arthur Grino; 7) Brgy.TOPS-school head Mario Orais,Brgy.Captain Lina Llido,project coordinator Ephraim Moring; 8)Brgy.Asuncion-school head Evangeline Galos, Brgy.Captain Narciso Montalbo,project coordinator Arlen Estillori ; 9)Brgy.Ibarra-school head Alejandra Salas,Brgy.Captain Josefina Binongo,project coordinator Josefina Gumato; 10)Brgy.San Rafael-school head Herminigilda Magat,Brgy.Captain Danilo Dueñas,project coordinator Ariel Sayre; 11)Brgy.Bagtikan-school Ponciana Greda,project coordinator John Tobeza.

The projects that the rovers were doing during their community emersions within their respective areas of assignment, according to Eagle Scout Karl Pete Francisco Carayo of the office of Boy Scout of the Philippines, Southern Leyte Council, were landscaping, beautification of the school area, fencing, repair or painting of classrooms.

Other activities that the senior scouts were doing during their 7-day stay were fellowship and welcome socials,fellowhip campfire, grand campfire at the main camp arena, field demonstrations, arts and cultural shows, concert at the park.

Earlier, a mass was held officiated by Rev. Manny Bansi.It was attended by the sub-camps contingents and some BSP officials. Right after, the various scouting groups representing each contingent marched up the stage as they were called and faced the crowd as each banner unfolded.

Other officials who were also present were J. Rizal C. Pangilinan, BSP Secretary General; PNP provincial personnel led by Pepito M. Placada and PNP Maasin led by Hector Flores Enage,Alfredo Roa,SLBSP Council head, Rogelio Villa,Jr.,Eastern Visayas BSP Regional Chairman, Albert Esclamado(representing the Governor) and some press people.(Quirico M. Gorpido,Jr.)

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PCA Urges Coco Farmers To Combat Brontispa Infestation

PCA Urges Coco Farmers To Combat Brontispa Infestation

By Quirico M. Gorpido,Jr.

Maasin City, Southern Leyte-The Philippine Coconut Authority(PCA)has found solutions both biological and chemical means to help coco farmers in the province to combat the destructive infestation of Bron- tispa pests.

This was the essence of an interview with LSDE by PCA-Maasin Head Manuel Sembrano at his office located at the provincial capitol here.

He disclosed that PCA provincial office has now conducted massive information drive against the dreadful effects of the Brontispa infestation in all municipalities of the whole province to coconut farmers, Barangay Captains, Mayors, Vice-Mayors and other concerned LGU officials with the involvement of the Office of the Municipal Agricultural Services (OMAS) staff.

Sembrano hinted that if their conduct of the massive information drive against the pestering pests will go smoothly, with the cooperation and participation of concerned farmers, the said activity could be finished within the duration of one month.

The PCA head informed that his office and that of the OMAS in every municipality has informed in advance the coco farmers and all other high LGU officials and stakeholders concerning PCA’s intention to come to their places for such an important activity against this particular pests, whose mission is to wipe out the coconut industry of the Philippines, known as “the tree of life” because of its many beneficial and useful parts.

He informed that during their info drive that were attended by hundreds more or less, PCA personnel have taught the participants how to detect the Brontispa’s presence on young coconuts in their farms and the signs of their infestation. They also taught them, he said, how to kill the pests by chemical and biological ways.

Above all the coconut farmers and the other attendees were also instructed to report immediately to the PCA main office or to the Office of the Municipal Agriculture Service (OMAS) in their respective municipality any sign of the infestation so that it can be addressed right away.

Earlier, this correspondent was invited by the PCA head prior to the completion of the interview to go with him to brgy. Combado to see for myself also the physical appearance of the Brontispa pests. We rode on his motorcycle until we reached an area, not very far from where he lives. He pulled up and we got off and walked towards several two–year-old coconuts planted along the highway.

He pointed to the infested leaves of young coconuts and went near it. We scoured the folded leaves of young coconut fronds and found some Brontispa longissima crawling upon it now turned-brownish as sign of its infestation.”The brownish colored leaves is an indication of the presence of many pupae”, the third stage in the development of Brontispa,”he said.

He caught one Brontispa and passed it on to me. The small insects’ appearance is somewhat harmless to look at. But actually they are deadly to the growth of young coconuts. I examined its form and it has nothing to be feared about.Nonetheless, its appearance alone is not enough measure to judge its destructiveness. It’s how the totality of their unchecked destructive clandestine work would result that measure the true nature of its existential mission.

Asked where these harmful insects come from. He revealed that the short-flying pests have come from Vietnam thru rice importation done by the government.”They would ride on vehicles and other means to get to other places,” he said.

Furthermore, PCA Administrator Oscar G. Garin divulged that Brontispa infestation is spreading fast and that infested-coconuts will die within a year if not treated immediately. He strongly enjoined the coconut farmers in all affected regions of the country to help save the coconut industry by relentlessly joining the war against Brontispa.

Aside from the Philippines, the Brontispa infestation has also affected much earlier other five countries and five territories. Namely,Indonesia,South Vietnam,Thailand,China,Australia;Western Samoa, Papua New Guinea, Marianas Island,Guam,Tahiti.

Effective Strategies

The PCA has pointed two effective strategies on how to combat the Brontispa infestation: 1) For the biological approach his office has utilized two friendly insects that would help minimize, if not to wipe out the presence of Brontispa pests in some areas here. These are the parasitoid specie scientifically known as tetrastichus and the earwigs, euphemistically described as black knight terminators in shining armor by the PCA bigwigs.

The latter insects, Sembrano said, commonly habituate among bananas’ dried leaves and hide in matured coconuts fronds and it can be cultured inside the cages.”Earwigs should be feed with Brontispa to accustom themselves of the appearance and the taste of the pests”, he said, “an important step to be taken so that when they are released they would be seeking the Brontispa pests for their food”.

He said that these helpful insects also eat other pests in the farms so that the “accustomization” inside the cages would help them to devour first the Brontispa before eating other insects.

2) For the chemical means is to use PCA’s prescribed chemical spray in liquid form. To get the effective result ,the ratio is 3 tablespoonful for every 16 liters of water to make it effective in killing the brontispa, but still harmless to the plants. There’s also another chemical in powder form, which could be used only if the infestation is so devastating. “This chemical powder is only use as the last resort if there’s a vast unstoppable Brontispa infestation in a coconut farm”, Sembrano said.

However, Sembrano explained that the use of the two friendly insects is only applicable if the infestation is still in small area or is minimal. But in big infestation, chemical use is the best approach to combat and quickly prevent the spread of the destruction of young coconut plants.

Moreover, he said that there’s another way which is simple farm technology to kill the brontispa, other bugs and harmful insects in the farms. The following are the important ingredients for a mixture:

a)two kilos of madre de cacao leaves; b)two kilos of cassava leaves; c)one half kilo of panyawan leaves; d)one gallon of coconut vinegar. Pound very well with an alho (long hardwood pestle) inside the lusong (big , thick hardwood mortar) the madre de cacao, cassava and panyawan leaves until it turns into bits and pieces. Extract the sap by squeezing it very well inside a container and mix it with one gallon of coconut vinegar.

Allow for 7 days to ferment. To apply in the plants add 8 liters of water to the one half liter of mixture and spray on the infected coco plants and in other plants infested with harmful insects.

Still other chemical-free means of spraying/killing the farm pests, he said, are pepper and garlic mix with water. Consult the municipal agriculturist in your place for proper and correct ratio between water and the garlic-pepper concoction to make it effective in killing the pests.

He claimed that the abovementioned blends are money-saving tips because it is cheap, safe for the environment and the human health. It is also proven very effective.(Quirico M. Gorpido,Jr.)

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Andalucia:Merchant's Ship Replica Reminiscence Of Spain's Maritime Might

Feature

Andalucía: Merchant Ship’s Replica Reminiscence Of Spanish Maritime Might And Colonization

By Quirico M. Gorpido, Jr.

Maasin City, Southern Leyte-The docking at Maasin Pier of Andalucía, which is a replica of a merchant ship used in the Galleon Trade by Spain on her business activities with the Latin America, Asia and the Philippines, is an opportune time for historians and students of history to take time to look back of the past by embarking aboard for some glimpses of how it was during the period of Spanish colonization and its maritime might.

The newly-finished seven sails boat now folded as it approached Maasin anchored at the big harbor at past 4:00p.m., November 1, 2010 from Bohol after a 10-day visit of the latter’s place.

People from all walks of life continued to come in droves after hearing the earlier announcement of the boat’s arrival by DYDM’s Jade Nombrado.Some rode on cars, single motorcycles motorcabs.While others came by walking towards the pier.

The boat with a width of 10 meters and 50 meters in length was welcome by Governor Damian G. Mercado and Macrohon Mayor Fe Gaviola -Edillo who led a dance troupe, winner of the Macrohon’s Maghaon Festival whose members were selected students of the Macrohon Institute.

The young group of MACI high school students performed their winning Maghaon dance piece with zeal and gusto under the beat of drums and bugles before the arriving Spanish sailors as the people watched at a distance. As Andalucía touched the sides of the harbor after the berthing maneuver, the energetic young dancers were the first to enter aboard. They were followed by some curious people nearby who wanted to have the first in-look of the boat.

Mobile and modern dancing equipments/gadgets with colorful dancing lights were installed at the pier in preparation for the welcome party (bienvenida) scheduled the following night. It was sponsored by the provincial government led by Governor Damian Mercado and also attended by some capitol officials. For the six-day stay of the boat, a daily schedule of visiting hours were distributed to the media during a press briefing at Kinamot Sa Abgao Restaurant located close to the windy sea.

The MACI dance winner repeated their performance aboard and some of the crew joined in dancing with them by imitating their actions. While other boat’s crew took some shoots as they positioned under the towering masts. The scattered crowd at the pier moved closer to have a closer view of Andalucía and the dark-blue uniformed sailors. The onlookers watched with delight while Governor Mercado moved at the distance viewing the entire scene.

Ship’s Descriptions

The 28-crew boat including 2 women is 10 meters width and 50 meters length. Weighing 600 tons and backed –up by 760 horsepower from 2 diesel engines, it has 6 big and small decks. A huge lamp replica called in Spanish fanal was positioned atop the back of the boat’s upper deck. Several large bright bulbs installed on the ship’s sides have provided the bird’s eye view of the ancient ship’s two towering masts and sails during the night.

“WE mainly use the seven sails with a total of 1,000 square meters in length on our trip”, journalist on-board Miguel Talegon Zaera informed.”The 2 engines are used for departing and arriving”.

The Galleon ship’s replica utilized in the 17^th up to the 19th century is entirely made of hardwood-pine and iroco (oak tree).”Pine was taken from a certain place in Portugal, while the iroco was taken from Finland, Africa and Brazil”,he said.”The construction of Andalucía, named after a place in Southern region of Spain, took 1 year and one half to finish”.

The two big rounded-masts in juxtaposition believed by a police officer to be made of steel due to its hardness and strength is actually of hardwoods. “In Spain it is prohibited to cut a very tall tree”, Enrique Torres Barragan of the Dept.of Logistics explained.”Blocks of hardwood trees were glued together until it reached the desired height. It’s not made of steel. The ship is covered with hardwoods”.

Galleon’s Replica

The journalist on-board also clarified that “Andalucía is a replica of the merchant ship Galleon, but not of the Victoria as stated by a Manila-based national broadsheet. It is larger than that of the Victoria. The NAO Victoria, the only ship out of 5-ship fleet under the command of Ferdinand Magellan in his circumnavigation around the world (1519-1522), was the only one able to return to Spain. It was led by Captain Juan Sebastian Elcano.Its replica construction initiated by the NAO Victoria Foundation was funded solely by the government of Spain. Victoria made its first journey around the world only in 2004 up to 2006”.

Zaera continued to narrate:”On the other hand, Andalucia, which took one and a half years to finish, has made its first journey just recently. It departed from Sevilla, also a place in the Southern region of Spain, sometime in March 2010.It reached in Manila, Philippines during the second week of October of the current year. The funds utilized in the Andalucía construction came from both the government and the private sectors”.

The visiting boat is adapting to advanced science and technology, whose trip is funded by various sponsoring organizations, has a state-of-the-art gadgets and equipments. It uses Global Positioning System, radio, sextant, compass and the so-called EIS. Its radar has 12-mile radius coverage to detect incoming ships and land location. A highly-sensitive modern antenna was erected atop the toldilla (upper deck). Near the entrance of the Royal Admiral Room are square holes on both sides where cannons are positioned as if ready to fire for an attacking approaching enemy.”It’s no longer the real one but replicas. It just serve as decorations”, Zaera explained.

Right beneath the toldilla is where the Almirante (Admiral Room) also called royal chamber is located. It has a dinning table with chairs made of thick hardwood .On either side was built 4 cabins which is exclusively for the VIP’s accommodation during their stay. On a wall hanged a frame displaying an engraved design of the Victoria. On the other side is the traditional graven image of the St0. Niño. Well-arranged furniture, also replicas which were made of pine and iroco adds beauty to the coolness of the Admiral Room. There’s also the replica of ancient tools and weapons on display encased in a transparent glass.

Infront of the opposite upper deck beneath, which is adjacent to the bow,is a small canteen. It has 2 other cabins for the crew called Sollado (orlop or sleeping quarters).And the hull of the ship is made of polyester and fiberglass.

Press Conference

Earlier in the evening of their arrival, a press conference was held at the Kinamot Sa Abgao restaurant which was built close to the sea. It was attended by the local media. Eight of the crew faced the press.

Asked how many months did it took Andalucía to reach the Philippine shore from Spain, Captain Manuel Murube revealed that it took almost 7 months to reach the Phjilippines.However,in going to the country, the ship anchored in China, Taiwan and Hongkong before proceeding to Manila. They stayed for several days in each stopover.

“Our trip is a great experience and we are learning everyday”, seaman Jose Viñas told the press.

Queried by a government media on the purpose of their trip, another crew informed that, “it is to promote the history of the Spanish maritime might during its period and to promote science”.

DYDM station Manager Rev. Amil Borromeo further invited the Andalucía crew to attend the upcoming 500 years celebration of Ferdinand Magellan’s landing in Limasawa Island in March 1521, where the First Catholic Mass was held and officiated by Priest Pedro Valderrama and his men under the instruction of Magellan.

Barragan responded that Spain is also preparing for such event and is hoping that they are still around by the year 2021 so that they can participate in the journey from Spain to the Philippines, tracing the route of Magellan and his five-ship fleet.

He further divulged that their trip in Maasin was not included in their routes. He said they came here thru the invitation of Governor Damian Gaviola Mercado via the Spanish Embassy. Cesar Gonzales, also a seaman added that “their trip here is the best”.

Also present at the presscon were Pepelu Varo-Chief Engineer; Jose Luis Rivera-Engineer; David Gargenia-Engineer; Jaime Rodriguez-First Mate; Manuel Garcia -Second Mate; Antonio Martin Madrid-Chef.

During an interview with LSDE aboard the Andalucía, children, teenagers and adults were milling around looking at every nook and corner for glimpses of the past. With cameras and cellphones on hands, visitors coming from Maasin and the neighboring towns posed for souvenir photos as they invited some crew to join in their photo sessions.

Visitors From Various Persuasions

For six days visitation period , people from various persuasions and callings, formed long line of queues, waiting for long under the heat of the sun, just to be able to view the interior built of the boat.Zaera estimated that since the first day of the “open house” visitors have reached 15,000 plus. He claimed that the number of people coming to visit the Andalucía is largely equal to that of the Manila, Cebu and Bohol visits.

During their second up to 6th-day stay, some of the sports-minded crew played football at the Capitol’s sunken garden pitting against the local players. Others have visited the dive resort in Padre Burgos, hopped to Limasawa island and enjoying the underneath sea beauty of Sogod Bay. While the other crews went caving in Cambaro, Macrohon. On the fifth day, the City Govt. sponsored the advanced farewell dinner/party(dispedida)led by Mayor Maloney Samaco with some city hall officials together with selected personalities of the city.

AS they left Maasin, the Andalucía would have sailed around the Limasawa Island prior to their next trip to Singapore then to Sri Lanka.But the continuous coming of many visitors on the sixth day, now much lesser than the first five days, has affected the plan and the scheduled trip to Limasawa the following day was put on hold. On the 7^th day the boat left Maasin pier at past 8:00 a.m.After their stopover at Sri Lanka they shall be passing the Mediterranean seas. The crew might also anchor in Italy, Germany and France and would stay for several days in each place. After that the ship shall be departing for their return to the port of Sevilla, also located in the Southern region of Spain.(Quirico M. Gorpido,Jr.)

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PCA Urges Coconut Farmers To Combat Brontispa Infestation

PCA Urges Coco Farmers To Combat Brontispa Infestation

By Quirico M. Gorpido,Jr.

Maasin City, Southern Leyte-The Philippine Coconut Authority(PCA)has found solutions both biological and chemical means to help coco farmers in the province to combat the destructive infestation of Bron- tispa pests.

This was the essence of an interview with LSDE by PCA-Maasin Head Manuel Sembrano at his office located at the provincial capitol here.

He disclosed that PCA provincial office has now conducted massive information drive against the dreadful effects of the Brontispa infestation in all municipalities of the whole province to coconut farmers, Barangay Captains, Mayor, Vice-Mayors and other concerned LGU officials with the involvement of the Office of the Municipal Agricultural Services (OMAS) staff.

Sembrano hinted that if their conduct of the massive information drive against the pestering pests will go smoothly, with the cooperation and participation of concerned farmers, the said activity could be finished within the duration of one month.

The PCA head informed that his office and that of the OMAS in every municipality has informed in advance the coco farmers and all other high LGU officials and stakeholders concerning PCA’s intention to come to their places for such an important activity against this particular pests, whose mission is to wipe out the coconut industry of the Philippines, known as “the tree of life” because of its many beneficial and useful parts.

He informed that during their info drive that were attended by hundreds more or less, PCA personnel have taught the participants how to detect the Brontispa’s presence on young coconuts in their farms and the signs of their infestation. They also taught them, he said, how to kill the pests by chemical and biological ways.

Above all the coconut farmers and the other attendees were also instructed to report immediately to the PCA main office or to the Office of the Municipal Agriculture Service (OMAS) in their respective municipality any sign of the infestation so that it can be addressed right away.

Earlier, this correspondent was invited by the PCA head prior to the completion of the interview to go with him to brgy. Combado to see for myself also the physical appearance of the Brontispa pests. We rode on his motorcycle until we reached an area, not very far from where he lives. He pulled up and we got off and walked towards several two–year-old coconuts planted along the highway.

He pointed to the infested leaves of young coconuts and went near it. We scoured the folded leaves of young coconut fronds and found some Brontispa longissima crawling upon it now turned-brownish as sign of its infestation.”The brownish colored leaves is an indication of the presence of many pupae”, the third stage in the development of Brontispa,”he said.

He caught one Brontispa and passed it on to me. The small insects’ appearance is somewhat harmless to look at. But actually they are deadly to the growth of young coconuts. I examined its form and it has nothing to be feared about.Nonetheless, its appearance alone is not enough measure to judge its destructiveness. It’s how the totality of their unchecked destructive clandestine work would result that measure the true nature of its existential mission.

Asked where these harmful insects come from. He revealed that the short-flying pests have come from Vietnam thru rice importation done by the government.”They would ride on vehicles and other means to get to other places,” he said.

Furthermore, PCA Administrator Oscar G. Garin divulged that Brontispa infestation is spreading fast and that infested-coconuts will die within a year if not treated immediately. He strongly enjoined the coconut farmers in all affected regions of the country to help save the coconut industry by relentlessly joining the war against Brontispa.

Aside from the Philippines, the Brontispa infestation has also affected much earlier other five countries and five territories. Namely,Indonesia,South Vietnam,Thailand,China,Australia;Western Samoa, Papua New Guinea, Marianas Island,Guam,Tahiti.

Effective Strategies

The PCA has pointed two effective strategies on how to combat the Brontispa infestation: 1) For the biological approach his office has utilized two friendly insects that would help minimize, if not to wipe out the presence of Brontispa pests in some areas here. These are the parasitoid specie scientifically known as tetrastichus and the earwigs, euphemistically described as black knight terminators in shining armor by the PCA bigwigs.

The latter insects, Sembrano said, commonly habituate among bananas’ dried leaves and hide in matured coconuts fronds and it can be cultured inside the cages.”Earwigs should be feed with Brontispa to accustom themselves of the appearance and the taste of the pests”, he said, “an important step to be taken so that when they are released they would be seeking the Brontispa pests for their food”.

He said that these helpful insects also eat other pests in the farms so that the “accustomization” inside the cages would help them to devour first the Brontispa before eating other insects.

2) For the chemical means is to use PCA’s prescribed chemical spray in powder form. To get the proper ratio in the mixture of 16 liters of water with the said chemical powder, coconut farmers should first consult the municipal agriculturist to make it effective in killing the brontispa, but still harmless to the plants.

However, Sembrano said that the use of the two friendly insects is only applicable if the infestation is still in small area or is minimal. But in big infestation, chemical use is the best approach to combat and quickly prevent the spread of the destruction of young coconut plants.

Moreover, he said that there’s another way which is simple farm technology to kill the brontispa, other bugs and harmful insects in the farms. The following are the important ingredients for a mixture:

a)two kilos of madre de cacao leaves; b)two kilos of cassava leaves; c)one half kilo of panyawan leaves; d)one gallon of coconut vinegar. Pound very well with an alho (long hardwood pestle) inside the lusong (big , thick hardwood mortar) the madre de cacao, cassava and panyawan leaves until it turns into bits and pieces. Extract the sap by squeezing it very well inside a container and mix it with one gallon of coconut vinegar.

Allow for 7 days to ferment. To apply in the plants add 8 liters of water to the one half liter of mixture and spray on the infected coco plants and in other plants infested with harmful insects.

Still other chemical-free means of spraying/killing the farm pests, he said, are pepper and garlic mix with water. Consult the municipal agriculturist in your place for proper and correct ratio between water and the garlic-pepper concoction to make it effective in killing the pests.

He claimed that the abovementioned blends are money-saving tips because it is cheap, safe for the environment and the human health. It is also proven very effective.(Quirico M. Gorpido,Jr.)

Provl Govt. Requests P-Noy For Two Bridges Constructions In Sogod,Liloan

Provl Govt. Requests P-Noy For Two Bridges Constructions In Sogod, Liloan

By Quirico M. Gorpido, Jr.

Maasin City, Southern Leyte-Governor Damian G.Mercado in behalf of the provincial government of Southern Leyte has requested President Benigno Simeon Aquino,111, for the constructions of two bridges in Sogod and Liloan.

During the recent session held at the provincial capitol here SPs Florentino Fernandez and Albert Esclamado have moved to pen two resolutions nos. 488-s.2010 and 500-s.2010.It requested His Excellency for the bridge construction of Zone V in Sogod town and that of Caligangan in Liloan town of Panaon Island. Both requests were seconded by SPs Daisy Gumale and Cesar Rey.

It was disclosed that the existing footbridge in Sogod that connects vast tract of farm lands of barangays Concepcion 1, Concepcion 11 and Consolacion is now dilapidated. This poses a great danger to the farmers and the neighboring areas.

Unless the dilapidated bridge would be replaced with a new one, it said further, the damage will greatly affect the socio and economic conditions of the people in particular and the municipality of Sogod in general.

On the other hand, the existing bridge in Caligangan,it was revealed, was made only of a spillway. During rainy days, logs, branches of trees and other debris clog up the bridge making it impassable.

At this moment, due to constant digging up of siltation, the spillway was wrecked and has become dilapidated. This prompted the Barangay Council of Caligangan to pass a resolution addressed to the incumbent Governor and passed on to the Sangguniang Panlalawigan. The SP in turn passed the above-mentioned resolution requesting for a two-lane steel bridge from the “Tulay Ng Pangulo Program” to the new President.

However, the Provincial Board cannot make sure when their double requests would be granted or accommodated in their favour. Regarding the cost estimates of the two proposed bridges in two municipalities, the Provincial Board, presided over by Vice-Governor Miguel Maamo,111, could not tell in advance either.

Lately, this correspondent visited the provincial capitol and inquired at the Vice-Governor’s office if they already have received a reply of the abovementioned requests from the President. The lady secretary informed that they have not yet received a reply-letter from Malacañang.She said that the office of the Vice-Governor is still waiting for it.(Quirico M. Gorpido,Jr.)

SP Approves 20% Counterpart Of P1M Plan International's Donation For School Building Construction

SP Approves 20% Counterpart Of P1M Plan International’s Donation For School Bldg.Construction

By Quirico M. Gorpido, Jr.

Maasin City, Southern Leyte-The Sangguniang Panlalawigan has approved recently during their session at the provincial capitol a 20% funds as counterpart to Plan International’s P1M donation for the construction of one unit school building with two classrooms and complete facilities at Son-ok Elementary School in Pintuyan,Panaon Island of this province.

Nevertheless, although being approved already, it was still necessary for the Provincial Board to pass a resolution no.435-s.2010 endorsing Son-ok’s resolution no.1-s.2010 to the Provincial School Board. This is with the provision that their request would be expedited due to the urgency of the need.

The favorable endorsement of SP Daisy Gumale of the second District was seconded by Cesar Rey.

On the other hand, Plan International, which is based in the Panaon Island composed of four municipalities, has requested the Sangguniang Panlalawigan for an accreditation.

However,SP Abelardo Almario,Chairman Committee on Laws, Rules and Ways, told the august body that Plan International, being a non-profit, non-stock organization cannot be accredited under the Government Procurement Act of which the BAC handles all procurement of goods, services and infrastructures.

Almario also commented that considering the broad and encompassing power of the Sangguniang Panlalawigan,it would serve the best interest if the accreditation be made by the SP itself as a body for Plan International’s.

But the Provincial Legal Officer, Atty.Tobias Aguilar, recommended that instead of an accreditation, it would just be recognition by the SP “for the noble and humanitarian efforts of Plan International in the province”.

Vice-Governor Miguel Maamo, 111, for his part had asked Almario if the Plan International has a previous accreditation from the provincial government.Nonetheless.the latter could not give a definite answer to the former.

But when Plan International Manager Fe Montaño made a follow-up of her office’s application, Almario asked her in turn the same question thrown to him by Maamo. The Manager replied in the positive.

Moreover, the recommendation of the Legal Officer prevailed that thru resolution no.434-s.2010, the word accreditation was not used but by “extending recognition to Plan International for its noble and humanitarian efforts” by providing financial assistance and helping some poor families, most particularly in the areas where Plan International is based.

Furthermore, Gumale, the endorser of the Son-ok’s request for 20% provincial government’s counterpart for the school building construction, could not be contacted as of presstime concerning the progress of the project. She was still out of the country on official US visit, according to our source at the provincial capitol.(Quirico M. Gorpido.Jr.)

RARE Conservation,Inc. Offers Scholarship To Provincial Employee On Biodiversity Conservation

RARE Conservation, Inc. Offers Scholarship To Provincial Employee On Biodiversity Conservation

By Quirico M. Gorpido,Jr.

Maasin City, Southern Leyte-RARE Conservation, Inc., a US-based non-government organization has offered scholarship to a provincial employee, Armando O. Gaviola to study biodiversity conservation at Georgetown University in Arlington, Washington, DC.

This was learned during the recent session held at the newly-finished Legislative Building’s session hall at the provincial capitol here.

The NGO has put up a budget allocation of $176,566.00 for the two-year program which is piloted in the municipality of Hinunangan.This is under the consent of the local leadership for the future benefit of its fisherfolks.

However, 2% of the aforesaid amount which is $4,347.82 or approximately P200, 000.00 Philippine currencies will be the counterpart of the provincial government. This is particularly taken from the EIC program of the Provincial Environment and Natural resources Management Office (PENRMO) budget during the implementation of the program.

Gaviola during his presence at the weekly session informed the august body that the program will cover for two years. For the first two months, he will be having a comprehensive training in Georgetown University. He will be back to the province in ten months working closely with the municipality of Hinunangan.

For another two months in Georgetown, he will be going back again for 10 months for similar purpose. This is actually his “practicum” to implement what he has learned at the US University.

The last two months in Washington, the US scholar further said, shall be the finalization of the master plan for reasonable fishing in Southern Leyte and his graduation ceremony.

Gaviola also clarified to the Provincial Board Members that his US studies would be shouldered by RARE Conservation and that he will not be claiming any travel or per diem as an employee of the provincial government, in answer to SP Florentino Fernandez’s inquiry.

He likewise informed that the project that is piloted in Hinunangan, which will be focused in the islands of San Pedro and San Pablo, shall be replicated in the 18 municipalities and one city during its actual implementations.

Asked again by Fernandez on Hinunangan’s responsibility as a host of the project, he said that Hinunangan’s counterpart as of the moment is “to lay down a master plan” and that by 2012 the municipality might take part in the financial aspect.”To date, it’s more on the technical side that is on information education drive in agriculture and fishery”, he said.

Again asked further by another SP Roberto Lagumbay why the project is to be focused in Hinunangan,he revealed that there’s an ongoing minor illegal fishing and the current threat of the exploration of mining in the municipalities of Silago,Hinunangan and Hinundayan.He did not however divulged the name of the firm conducting the mining exploration.

Furthermore, he claimed there’s now a strong opposition from the local leadership of the place. He said that an association of fisherfolks, the MFARMCs is in the process of the petition addressed to the LGU to take action against the mining exploration.

Prohibition of Small Holes Fishing Nets

At the time the entire fisherfolks from 18 municipalities and one city of the province would learned from Gaviola’s knowledge on biodiversity conservation in fishery and agriculture, concerned fish consumers provincewide are expecting that they would stopped seeing small fishes being sold at the public markets by fish vendors in some areas of Southern Leyte.

The principal reason for its premature presence inside the “banyeras”(huge tin deep basins where various small fishes aside from big fishes for sale were stored) is because some fishermen, if not the majority, were using very small holes fishing nets instead of big holes, which would allow entrapped small fishes to escape inside the fishing nets.

The whole fishery sector in the province should be strictly instructed by fishery officials in every LGU to avoid using fishing nets with small holes but fishing nets with big holes only. This is in order that small fishes like mangko, bangsi, salinyasi and other small fishes being caught on nets can escape out and can allow themselves to grow into matured fishes for man’s consumption later on.

On the part of all the fishermen everywhere in the country, it is their obligation to follow and cooperate with fishery laws since the laws are promulgated for the good benefit of both the fishermen and the consumers.

Concerned people have observed that there’s a huge depletion of our marine resources due to dynamite and overfishing of immature fishes in our seas. Plus the unabated breached of our fishery laws on biodiversity conservation on sea products by some of our uncooperative fishermen. We hope that when Gaviola will be imparting his knowledge he learned from his US studies, our fishermen and farmers in the whole province will start learning to follow and cooperate with the laws on fishery and agricultural conservation.

As of presstime, Gaviola is currently in the US University acquiring some technical knowledge from experts in the field of fishing and agriculture.(Quirico M. Gorpido,Jr.)