You are on page 1of 8

DAILY EXPRESS

website: leytesamardaily.net

Leyte-Samar

POSITIVE l FAIR l FREE


e-mail: Editorial - lsdaily2@yahoo.com

Advertising: lsdaily_ads@yahoo.com

VOL. XXV NO. 030

SUNDAY JANUARY 20, 2013

P10.00 IN TACLOBAN

INSIDE
NEWS
Unity Walk and Prayer Rally for SAFE 2013 to be held today
news page 2

Samar political detainee gets temporary freedom


BY REYAN ARINTO, Staff Writer

DENR, DepEd to forge agreement on use of trees affected by road project


news page 3

Road concreting project in Kananga town commences


news page 3

Davao eyed for abaca expansion


news page 6

Ormoc mayor lauds GIZ for support to city projects


news page 8

Sun and clouds mixed with a slight chance of thunderstorms during the afternoon. High 87F. Winds light and variable. Chance of rain 30%.

weather

Presiding Judge Feliciano Aguilar of the Regional Trial Court, Branch 41 of Calbayog City, granted Chief Public Attorney Persida Rueda Acostas motion for FEEDING PROGRAM . Mrs Yedda Marie Romualdez (2nd right) (wife of Leyte 1st dist. Rep.Ferdinand Martin FM humanitarian reasons Romualdez) assisted by son Marty (right) distributes nutritious porridge with chicken and egg to more than 800 children for Acosta to be allowed during a feeding program at Barangay Cogon Palo Leyte yesterday. PHOTO BY VER S. NOVENO treatment at the specialist kidney hospital. The court cited in its order Thursday, Jan. 17, the medical certification of Dr. Erwin Erfe, on the urgency of the check up and treatment at the said hospital owing to its TACLOBAN CITY The City Treasurer We have been implementing the first come complete facilities for biOffice(CTO) said that there will be no exten- first serve basis. There will be no special treat- opsy and treatment. sion of January 20, 2013 deadline for renewal of ment. Everybody should line up even City Hall In her manifestation business permits and licenses, saying there was employees, Cordao told reporters. cum compliance, Acosta enough time given to taxpayers to do such transSection 90 of Ordinance 99-58 or the 1999 said there is an urgent actions. Revenue Code of the City of Tacloban, orders need for the 40- year old City treasurer Zosima Cordao said that the businessmen to renew permits and licenses dur- political prisoner to be Kanhuraw Business Center is open this weekend ing the first 20 days of January. There was no treated owing to his kidto accommodate renewals from 15,000 business extension provided by the ordinance, she said. ney ailment. operators. to page 7 to page 2

TAC L O BA N CITYWell-known political prisoner and cultural worker Ericson Acosta has been released for the meantime from Samar sub-provincial jail in Calbayog City after a Samar trial court granted his temporary release.

CTO: No deadline extension for business permit renewal

Members: DALMACIO C. GRAFIL, Publisher/Owner-LSDE; ALVIN Gz. ARPON, Columnist-LSDE; RINDO LAGONOY, DYDW; RAMON G. CUYCO, LSDE; VEN S. LABRO, Editor -LSDE/PDI; GAY B. GASPAY, PIA; JOEY GABIETA, Staffwriter-LSDE/PDI; PACIFICO SILVESTRECE, Sunto the Guest of the EXPRESS IT AT THE PARK at the day Punch; EILEEN NAZARENO-BALLESTEROS, Columnist-LSDE; LUZVIMINDA SANTIAGO, PIO-Philhealth; GINA GEREZ, PGO; REYAN Nook of Leyte Park Hotel, Tacloban City every ARINTO, LSDE; LITO A. BAGUNAS, LSDE; VINO CUAYZON, PIA; WILSON CHAN, LPH; RONALD VIAS, DYVL; AHLETTE REYES, LSDE; Saturday 7:30-9:00 AM NILDA GO, KBP; FRED PADERNOS, LSDE; ATTY. IMELDA NARTEA, Leyte Province; SARWELL MEANO-Correspondent-LSDE; LEMUEL For Special Edition by appointment PAGLIAWAN - LSDE; ROLLIE MONTILLA - Eastern Times; MARK MORALLOS-DYDW Tel. No. 321-4833 Telefax 053-321-5591

WATCH - REACT - LISTEN

We accept Computer To Plate Printing


Contact Dandee: (053)321-4833

Leyte Samar Daily Express

Unity Walk and Prayer Rally for SAFE 2013 to be held today
CAMP KANGLEON, Palo, Leyte In yet another effort to ensure a peaceful conduct of the midterm polls, the Police Regional Office 8 (PRO8) will spearhead an early morning unity walk in Tacloban City today, Sunday, January 20, to highlight the governments campaign for a secure and fair election on May 13. Top government officials to be led by Police Chief Superintendent Elmer Ragadio Soria, Regional Director of PRO8, Commission on Elections regional director Jose Nick Mendros, Interior and Local Government regional director Pedro Noval, Jr. will be joined by heads of other government agencies and their employees, religious leaders, political party leaders, military, students, academe, civic groups, election watchdogs and other election stakeholders in a massive Unity Walk and Prayer Rally for SAFE 2013 in a show of full support in attaining a secure and fair elections. While PRO8 is currently implementing aggressive police operations targeting partisan armed groups and loose firearms, there is a great need to seek Divine intervention, guidance and grace to ensure a secure and fair elections, Soria said. The activity will come in the heels of the successful peace covenant signing in Samar last January 13 in Calbayog City with DILG Secretary Mar Roxas presiding that garnered support from the church and other election stakeholders and signed by local candidates seeking for different congressional and local elective posts. The top police official added that activity will be conducted to portray the significant role that will be played by the different stakeholders in the forthcoming elections as he urged the electorate to join and support the event. Three walk groups will assemble in designated areas and will stride along designated routes on their way to the prayer rally to be held at the Balyuan Amphitheater. The Unity Walk Group 1 composed of PRO8 contingent, representatives from the Commission on Elections, National Police Commission, Department of Interior and Local Government, Region 8 Administrators League, Department of Education, Department of Budget and Management, Department of Justice, Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency and Armed Forces of the Philippines will walk from the Leyte National High School area along Lino Gonzaga Ave. The second group composed of leaders and personnel of Leyte Police Provincial Office, Regional Training School 8, Comelec-Leyte, religious groups, academe, students, civic groups, non-government organizations and other election stakeholders will walk from the new Land Bank of the Philippines branch along Real St. The third group comprising officers and men of the Tacloban City Police Office, Comelec-Tacloban, Barangay Peacekeeping Action Teams, barangay officials, election watchdogs, other civic groups, academe and students will converge at the Leyte Lumberyard area along Rizal Ave. Leaders of various religious groups will lead the inter-faith prayer and benediction. Other highlights of the event are the lighting of the unity candle, recitation of the Voters Pledge, signing of the Pledge of Commitment, and releasing of doves and white balloons to signify the united effort of all the participants towards SAFE 2013. Similar activities will be simultaneously held in provincial capitals in the region, Soria said. (PINSP

NEWS

Sunday, 20 January 2013

ROMUEL A NACAR)

Samar...
from page 1

Erfe said that detainee Acosta suffered from multiple instances of hematuria, meaning blood in the urine, since 2009. He also suffers from bouts of blood in the urine accompanied by lower back pain, high grade fever and painful urination or dysuria. He also stressed the patients health condition is precarious and requires urgent confinement through diagnostic examination, possibly including renal biopsy and other specialized anciliary procedures in a specialist kidney hospital. The court also ordered that political detainee Acosta should be escorted by jail officer Jesus Os-

tulano of the Samar sub -provincial jail of Barangay Carayman, Calbayog City. Pablo Tariman, fatherin-law of Acosta, earlier sought the assistance of Acosta for assistance for the treatment and legal assistance of his son- in- law, who is detained at the Calbayog City sub provincial jail as he has been complaining of urinary difficulties since July last year. Former UP Collegian editor Acosta was teary eyed when he was interviewed by mediamen praising the efforts of Acosta for his temporary release, hoping that other political prisoners who suffer from serious ailments could likewise be allowed treatment for humanitarian considera-

tions. Acosta, who authorities claimed, is a leader of the communist rebels movement, was arrested in San Jorge town in Samar and was detained for 23 months at the Calbayog sub-provincial jail while being tried by the Gandara Regional Trial Court on charges of illegal possession of explosives. His family and supporters insisted he was doing volunteer research work

for a local peasant group when he was captured. The court allowed his temporary release to undergo a medical check-up and treatment after Acosta visited him with a medicolegal consultant who confirmed he is suffering from nephritis, a condition characterized by blood in the urine, lower back pains, fevers and painful urination and that no hospital in Samar is equipped to treat Acostas condition.

Sunday, 20 January 2013

NEWS

Leyte Samar Daily Express

TACLOBAN CITY An agreement between the Department of Environment and Natural Resources and Department of Education will be forged on the use of trees that will be affected by the United States-funded Samar road upgrading project. DENR Regional Director Manolito Ragub said they have to make sure that the 7,739 trees that will be removed from road construction will be properly accounted. We should make a noble cause out of this. This will be converted

DENR, DepEd to forge agreement on use of trees affected by road project


to school furniture for the benefit of students of public schools especially in Samar provinces, Ragub told Leyte Samar Daily Express. The project will keep the road right-of-way at not less than 20 meters as specified by Executive Order No. 621. The upgraded road will have a road shoulder of 1.5 meters on both sides. Ragub said that for two contract packages (CP) alone, they need P6.15 million as replacement cost that will be affected by the 222-kilometer road rehabilitation project. We will enforce the rule that in every tree cut, it should be replaced with 100 seedlings, which will be planted in different parts of Samar Island, Ragub said. With the 7,739 trees that will be cut, the DENR requires a 773,900 replacement. The department will still determine the cost required in two other CPs that are still under bidding process. The P6.15 million from the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) fund for road- right- of -way, will

Leyte Samar Daily Express

offers Digital Printing


Election Campaign materials, such as leaflets, posters, sample ballots and other printing jobs. Contact ALMA or AILEEN 09062701817/09193272677 053-321-4833/053-523-7373

cover compensations for CP1 with 236 affected trees and a funding requirement of P641,481 and 2,029 trees for CP3 with replacement cost of P5.51 million. The $214.44 million road project covers 15 towns in Samar and Eastern Samar traversing 134 villages with 23 kilometers crossing the Samar Island Natural Park (SINP), a 458,700 hectares area, which hosts a total of 974 species of plant diversity. Only few of trees along roadsides are naturally grown. Most of the

Accept Printing:

trees were grown through tree planting activities. The natural forest cover will still be intact, Ragub said. Other than trees, the MCA-P disclosed that a total of 9,169 structures will be removed by the

entire project. The most common obstructions are fences, houses, stores, public waiting sheds, water faucets, ramps, benches, garages, balconies, doors, driveways and pathways.
(SARWELL Q. MENIANO)

Road concreting project in Kananga town commences


KANANGA, Leyte - Close to four kilometers of farm-to-market road concreting project in this town officially started last January 15 during the groundbreaking ceremony of the concreting of sitio Km. 14 to sitio Torrel, Barangay Masarayao farm to market road. The project is funded by Asian Development Bank (ADB) thru the Agrarian Reform Communities Project II (ARCP II). The stretch of the road concreting is 3.828 kms from the national highway in Km 14 up to the famous Queen Pineapple Plantation in sitio Torrel, Brgy. Masarayao in Kananga. The total cost of the project is P20,775,669.22 Mayor Elmer Codilla, Vice Mayor Macario Lumangtad Jr. and municipal officials led the groundbreaking ceremony of the road concreting project. Joining them are personnel from the Department of Agrarian Reform regional, provincial and municipal offices, provincial agrarian reform officer Marlu Merin of PARSSO Leyte; Engr. Francis Diloy of CARPO/ BDCD-Leyte ; provincial rural infra specialist Engr. Danilo Artugue, provincial rural infra Engr. Jojo Dalumpines; regional environment and social safeguard Bong Fernandez; provincial environment and social safeguard Joel Pajares; CDD Coordinator Godofredo Pastor; AED coordinator Ma. Matilde Vergara, municipal agrarian reform officer Evelyn Laurente. Also present were municipal engineer Claudio Jao Jr. and Engr. Joseph Frederick Pepito of JFAP Construction and barangay officials led by chair Marcos Cuizon. Merin urged the local officials and the community to help maintain the project so that it will served its purpose even for a long span of time. He lauded the support of the Sangguniang Bayan of Kananga that is instrumental to the realization of the project. Vice Mayor Lumangtad Jr. said that the concreting of the road was just only a dream. But the persistence and determination of Mayor Codilla yield fruitful results. Mayor Codilla, in his message, said that the project was realized because of the support of the barangay officials and land owners who donated portions of their property for the said project. The mayor said that before the LGU was hesitant to avail the ARCP II project because of the 70% counterpart of the local government, its a good thing that the Office of the President thru the National Government Assistance to Local Government Unit (NGALGU) shouldered the 25% of the project cost in order to help LGUs. Thus the equity of the LGU is now at 40to page 7

LEYTE IRON SAND MINING CORPORATION

*Minimum of five (5) years work experience in a similar capacity *Must be analytical and proactive Diesel Mechanic / Heavy Equipment Mechanic (3) *Qualified applicants must be College Level or any equivalent training course in TESDA *Minimum of five (5) years work experience in a similar capacity *Can handle pressure and can work with less supervision Heavy Equipment Operator (3) *Qualified applicants must be High School Graduate or any equivalent training course in TESDA *Qualified applicants must have a Drivers License with 1238 Restrictions *Minimum of 2 years work experience in a similar capacity *Can work with less supervision Procurement Officer (2) * Male or Female, not less than 45 years old *Graduate of any Engineering course but preferably BS Mechanical Engineer * Minimum of 2 years work experience in a similar capacity * Qualified applicants must have a Drivers License * Can work with less supervision Shipping Foreman (2) *Qualified applicants must be four year course Graduate preferably Customs and Administration * Minimum of three (3) years work experience *Must be keen into details and can handle pressures Community Relations Officer (2) *Qualified applicants must be a graduate of Environmentalist *Minimum of two (2) years work experience

*Must have exceptional written and communication skills Safety Engineer (2) *Qualified applicants must be Engineering Course Graduate *Must have extensive trainings/seminars from Safety Accredited Agencies *Minimum of three (3) years work experience *Must have exceptional written & communication skills Safety Inspector (3) *Qualified applicants must be College Level *Minimum of one-two years (1-2) work experience *College Level or High School Graduate *Can work with less supervision Accounting/Admin Officer (2) *Qualified applicants must be Accountancy Graduate, preferably Certified Public Accountant *Minimum of three (3) years work experience HR/Admin Officer (2) *Qualified applicants must be Psychology Graduate, preferably has experience in Mining Industry *Minimum of three (3) years work experience in a similar capacity *Has an extensive knowledge in all facets of HR *Has a good analytical ability, very keen on details & can handle pressures Human Resource Department Leyte Iron Sand Mining Corporation Brgy. San Pedro, MacArthur, Leyte (053) 535-0043 / 09173155363 Email Address: maridelmaico.lmc@gmail.com or geraldinemdevera. lmc@gmail.com

JOB VACANCIES LEYTE ASSIGNMENT


Mine Manager (2) *Qualified applicants must be Licensed Mining Engineers. *Minimum of ten (10) years work experience in a similar capacity *Possesses strong leadership and management ability to lead a team of technical professionals *Effective communication and interpersonal skills Processing Plant Manager (2) *Qualified applicants must be Licensed Metallurgical Engineers. * Minimum of ten (10) years work experience in a similar capacity *Possess strong leadership and management ability to lead a team of technical professionals *Effective communication and interpersonal skills Chemist (2) *Qualified applicants must be Licensed Chemical Engineers *Minimum of five (5) years work experience, preferably in Mining Industry *Must be keen and articulate into details Motor Pool Chief Mechanic (2) *Qualified applicants must be Licensed Mechanical Engineers

Leyte Samar Daily Express

OPINION

Sunday, 20 January 2013

Leyte Samar

DAILY EXPRESS
POSITIVE * FAIR * FREE

Dalmacio C. Gral Publisher Ven S. Labro Editor-in-Chief Joey A. Gabieta Copy Editor Alma M. Gral Business Manager
The Leyte Samar Daily Express is published daily with editorial and business ofces at G/F Knights of Columbus Bldg., 187 P. Zamora St. Tacloban City CONTACT Tel. Nos. 321-4833/ 523-7373 Fax. (053) 321-5591 WEBSITE leytesamardaily.net EMAIL ADDRESS EDITORIAL lsdaily2@yahoo.com ADVERTISING lsdaily_ads@yahoo.com All rights reserve. Except as permitted by law, no part of Leyte Samar Daily Express may be re-produced or distributed in any form or by any means stored in a database or retrieval system without its prior written permission from the publisher. Commentaries from readers whose identities they prefer to remain anonymous can be accommodated as blind items. It will be our editorial prerogative, however, to verify the veracity of such commentaries before publication. Letters should be as brief as possible, and sent with the writers name,signature address and phone numbers (if any) to: Letters to the Editor, Leyte Samar Daily Express, They may be edited for length and clarity.

EDITORIAL

Pass the FOI bill now

UICK and correct action. This is the best and justly deserved path for the House of Representatives to take on the Freedom of Information (FOI) bill. Slow and wrong. This is the worst and justly reasonable judgment that Filipino voters would have of the House members, most especially of those seeking reelection in May 2013, should the FOI fail to pass. Time, the dribble drivel in the House, and an Executive seemingly less than lame in his support for the bill the odds seem stacked against the passage of the FOI bill in the 15th Congress. This is even as the Senate had passed its version of the bill on third and nal reading before Christmas last. Only nine session days remain from Jan. 21, when lawmakers return to work after a monthlong holiday break, to Feb. 6, 2013, after which lawmakers will have another extended break and

plunge into election campaign mode. They will have just three more session days in June intended mainly for closing ceremonies, before adjourning sine die to give way to the incoming 16th Congress on June 30, 2013. Failure by the incumbent House to pass the FOI up to third reading, so it could be submitted to bicameral action thereafter, in the coming nine session days is certain death for the bill in the 15th Congress. Legislative work on the bill will revert to step one yet again in the 16th. This is why only quick, focused action to pass the FOI bill is the absolutely correct path for the 280-odd members of the House to take, in their last nine session days before the election campaign kicks off. It avoids wasteful spending of scarce taxto page 5

Chiz welcomes Comelec ruling on political airtime but sees internet ruling vague
Senator Chiz Escudero welcomed the Commission on Elections (Comelec) ruling shortening the airtime that a political candidate may buy for campaign ads, saying the move would level the playing field for all candidates. Those who have deep resources will no longer lord over the airwaves and leave those who have meager resources way, way behind, Escudero said at the Senates weekly Kapihan sa Senado media forum. At least no single candidate can put one over the other in terms of airtime. Its a fair ceiling, said online advertisement, whether procured by purchase, or given free of charge, shall not be published more than three times a week per website during the campaign period. Chairman Sixto Brillantes said online chito dela torre election propaganda includes ads posted on game for everyone, its a vague issue, given the social networking sites welcome thing, he added. innovative concept of the such as Twitter and Facebook. But the senator also internet technology. Escudero said s a i d t h e C o m e l e c s Comelec Resolution regulations on internet 9 6 1 5 , w h i c h c o v e r s i n t e r n e t r e g u l a t i o n s campaigning remains a the airtime acquisition to page 5

Sister Publications
Samar Weekly Express Eastern Samar Bulletin

Quidnuncs Neighbor

PPI

Leyte Samar Daily Express


is a member of the

PHILIPPINE PRESS INSTITUTE


The National Association of Philippine Newspapers

Sunday, 20 January 2013

OPINION
Pass...
from page 4

Leyte Samar Daily Express


Lawmakers that they are, they must be well aware of the Constitutional principle of a public ofce is a public trust, the very reason why the news media and all citizens must pry and probe, critique and censure, and report news good and bad about issues and events vested with public interest. Libel laws, codes of ethics, and self-regulation mechanisms are fully observed in most news media agencies. There are no reasons that are writ in law for these few lawmakers opposed to the FOI to now dangle ROR as a precondition to their vote. In this instance, it is clear that to them, ROR is truly just a monkey wrench to kill the bill.

Jueteng again on limelight


Two number pair makes millionaires. Same number use as scythe by the Devil. giving of money to voters on election. It could be likened to the increase in prices of commodities and services that is impossible to return the exchange of U.S. dollar to Two Pesos. Some suggest that jueteng has to be legalized to stop officials and law enforcers from committing corruption. It will even be a source of tax. Some lawmakers are even suspected of intentionally not enacting a law to legalize jueteng because of losing the source of funds for election expenses. The lotto game was created by law, is it moral? It is also gambling, only legalized. By legalizing jueteng, the Atimonan 13 incident may no longer be repeated. As long as jueteng exist there will be more deaths, not only deaths but source of corruption will persist, so they say. As for me, whether or not jueteng is legalized, it is still immoral because the principle laid down by Christ Jesus to love your neighbor no longer exists. When a person wins, it will be for the chagrin of the loser who in a sense is a neighbor. Understanding the teachings of Christ manifest that all forms of gambling are from evil. (Feedback welcome, g_duna@ yahoo.com)

Ormoc Upside Down


FIDEL D. BANZON Since the time I could already understand what was happening around me, the words anak ng jueteng was the expression I often heard. I was born in Los Baos, Laguna, known those days as home of hot springs. My father was a constable with the rank of corporal. He was active chasing collectors of jueteng number game. I have written in the past about the story of my mothers uncle whom my father caught worthy to note. Mothers uncle asked my father, Do you know me? My father replied, Yes. You are the uncle of my wife. He retorted, Why arrest me? I dont want you to be a bad example to my children. Jueteng is not only recent concoction of gamblers. It was already existing many years before I was born. It is one game even member of the law enforcement agencies are fond of betting. It is also a source of funds for many politicians and law enforcers. In mid 1950s, when I was the criminal investigator of the Police Department in Los Baos, seven of the 10-member force was ordered by then Municipal Mayor Genaro Villegas Catalan to apprehend the participants in the jueteng lottery at Barrio Batong Malake. That was the first time the drawing of numbers was done in our town. Reason? Their holding of the draw in other municipalities of Laguna was known to the constabulary, hence the transfer of venue. They thought mayor of then peaceful town will not bother them and consent their presence. They were wrong because they were hauled to the municipal building and lectured by the mayor. The mayor was not anxious to file charges or had them penalized. The gamblers were released. They only transferred from one town to another within Laguna province. Why jueteng games continue to exist? It is one game poor people can afford. Those who have nothing in life are enticed with the prize, though, only for small amount compared to the PCSO number games. They prefer to bet in jueteng because there are collectors going around. Unlike the PCSO betting stations without collectors soliciting for bets. It is the combined convenience and low bet price that lures the poor bettor. However, it is not only the poor people, but those from the middle class cast their bet, too, for sheer fun or trying lady luck. To erase from the face of the earth the game of jueteng is impossible, like,

payers money on legislative work that often start and end as mere verbal jousts among lawmakers. It is, most assuredly, also the right thing for the House to do. The FOI bill implements the state policy of transparency and accountability that the Constitution we Filipinos ratied in 1987 explicitly and fully guarantees. Passing the FOI bill is thus a constitutional obligation that lawmakers have had to fulll, to do right by all citizens, from 25 years ago. Passing the FOI bill is a public good that trumps any and all supposed private concerns that a few lawmakers claim are the reasons why they do not favor FOI and insist on loading it up with right-of-reply (ROR) provision. They have had, they say, fallen victim to negative reporting by the news media.
too easy to look for ones departing vehicle. It has been a mess, a snarl, and a snafu. It has seemed for over a week that nobody was looking into the situation. Add to that the noticeable presence of single motorcycles whose drivers do not wear the required helmets, which no traffic enforcer or policeman cares about. All these stink like the stink which drivers and paying passengers alike get every time they get through the market section at the HUC boulevard area the awful bad smell has been there since before Christmas 2012. Va r i o u s s e c t o r s have called it a the first controversial state for year 2013 that Tacloban think-tanks might have just missed in their oversight duty. For how
to page 7

online and independent media agencies, and citizen journalists of this nation state here and clearly now our expectations of the House of Representatives: Get back to work, assure a quorum, pass the FOI bill in your last nine session days. You have all promised and sworn to serve by matuwid na daan, transparency, and accountability in government, and we expect nothing less than clear, concrete results on your promises. It is election season once more and you are all likely to offer more promises to get elected. But before we vote, we ask you to nish your unnished business. Start with one you swore to We, the newspa- deliver two decades pers, television net- and a half ago: Pass works, radio stations, the FOI bill now.

The Sower
THE REVEALER OF GOD
Mortal eyes can see only those things that are mortal. For instance, you cannot see your own spirit; therefore, how can you behold its Creator? When the spiritual eyes are opened, then surely you can see the one who is Spirit, and all spiritual realities as well. Who can open our spiritual eyes to see God? It is Jesus Christ. We know that the Son of God has come and has given us understanding to know him who is true (1 Jn 5:20). St John the Baptist confirmed that Jesus Christ was sent by God to reveal him as he is, when he said to his own disciples who complained about the baptism by Jesus, No one can receive anything except what is given him from heaven(Jn 3:27). It is Jesus who gives us not only the spiritual eyes to see God, but also a heart to experience Gods presence. Take a piece of charcoal: however much you may wash it, its blackness will not disappear; but let the fire enter into it and its dark colour vanishes. So also, when we receive the fire of the Spirit of Christ, all the blackness of evil is driven away from our heart and thus we are able to experience Gods presence. How fortunate are we who have been baptized by the fire of Christ to be able to recognize and experience the true living God! This gift of awareness of God is not t be hoarded and kept to ourselves. We are to share this gift with others. If people refuse to listen to us, we can still pray for them to the Father. (His Word is Life by Vima Dasan, S.J. published by Paulines. Visit us at www.paulines.ph or at Paulines Media Center, Real St., Tacloban City. Tel. #321-3195) Sowers Seeds: Saint Paul lays down a clear principle: Do you not know that your body is a member of Jesus Christ? And that your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit? +Blessed James Alberione, Founder of the Pauline Family

Chiz...
from page 4

have many loopholes, and the Comelec has not yet developed the core competence to provide and define standards for its usage. It leaves more questions than answers. How can Comelec monitor it? For example, how do they count the minutes used by a particular candidate? What if someone uploads an ad without the candidates knowledge or permission? Will that be counted against his airtime? What if ill-meaning protagonists will use this free uploading just to discredit a political rival? These are realities that I hope the Comelec will tread with caution and consideration, Escudero

said *** The main thoroughfare at the Abucay new bus terminal at Tacloban highly urbanized city is a constant sight of congestion, since a week ago, during rush hours on afternoons. This needs a quick review by whoever is in charge of the traffic there. This unwelcome development resulted after the city government radically changed its already smooth traffic and terminal program when it allowed the start of the demolition of some expensive structures inside the terminal station where buses, jeeps and vans used to park and wait for paying riders. Commuters have been placed in a confusion. It is now not

Prayer for the Nation and for Those who Serve in Public Ofce
God, our Father, you guide everything in wisdom and love. Accept the prayers we offer for our nation; by the wisdom of our leaders and integrity of our citizens, may harmony and justice be secured and may there be lasting prosperity and peace. Almighty and eternal God, You know the longings of our hearts and You protect our rights. In your goodness, watch over those in authority, so that people everywhere may enjoy freedom, security and peace. We ask this through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, forever and ever. Amen. (Courtesy of Daughters of St. Paul)

Pray the Holy Rosary daily for world peace and conversion of sinners (The family that prays together stays together)

Leyte Samar Daily Express

NEWS
finds time to pray the novena every Friday. Among her petitions to the Child Jesus are good health and success in the careers of her family. She recently bought a small icon of Sto. Nino and had it blessed. Marina said she could have chosen other places in the Philippines to vacation with her husband, but she opted to spend it in Cebu because of the Sinulog celebration. This is the time where I can give thanks to the Child Jesus for the continued blessings He bestowed on us, she said. More visits Right after Sinulog, Marina plans to bring her husband to the neighboring islands. According to Cebu City Mayor Michael Rama, the Balik Cebu Program has become an engine of growth of Cebus tourism industry. The program, which is now on its 12th year, has attracted Cebuano balikbayans to come home and celebrate the citys grand fiesta. The Balik Cebu program is sponsored by Ayala Center Cebu and Cebu Holdings Inc. in partnership with the Cebu City Tourism Council, Department of Tourism, Sinulog Foundation Inc. and volunteers from the private sector. (SUNNEX)
Republic of the Philippines Department of Transportation & Communications Land Transportation Franchising & Regulatory Board Regional Office No. 8 Tacloban City LTFRB CASE NO. VIII-2013-0036 Ref. No. VIII-2010-0722 Application for Sale & Transfer of a CPC to operate a UV EXPRESS service with Prayer to Adopt Trade Name DIOSDADO TINGCOY-VENDOR DONALD TINGCOY-VENDEE Applicant/s/Petitioner x.............................x NOTICE OF HEARING APPLICANT REQUEST AUTHORITY FOR THE APPROVAL OF SALE MADE BY DIOSDADO TINGCOY-VENDOR IN FAVOR OF DONALD TINGCOY-VENDEE OF A CPC FOR THE TRANSPORTATION OF PASSENGERS AND FREIGHT ALONG THE LINE: TACLOBAN CITY-SOGOD & VICE VERSA WITH THE USE OF ONE (1) UNIT A UV EXPRESS SERVICE WHICH CERTIFICATE IS TILL VALID AND SUBSISTING. NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN THAT THIS APPLICATION WILL BE HEARD BY THIS BOARD ON JANUARY 31, 2013 AT 9:00 AM AT ITS OFFICE AT THE ABOVE MENTIONED ADDRESS. At least TEN (10) days prior to the date, applicant/s shall publish this Notice once in one (1) Daily newspaper of general circulation in Eastern Visayas. Parties opposed to the approval of the application must file verified written opposition supported by documentary evidences on or before the above date furnishing a copy of the same to the applicant, and may if they so desire, appear on said date and time. This application shall be acted upon by the Board on the basis of its records and the documentary evidences submitted by parties under the board deems it necessary to receive additional documentary or testimonial evidences. WITNESS THE HONORABLE REGIONAL DIRECTOR, ARTHUR L. SAIPUDIN, this 17th day of January 2013. (Sgd.) GUALBERTO N. GUALBERTO Clerk of Board

Sunday, 20 January 2013

Coming back for more


GEORGE Issler of Switzerland and Geoff Witts of Australia learned about Cebu and Sinulog through their Cebuana wives. Since his first visit in the 1990s, George loved to keep coming back to Cebu; Geoff on the other hand, promised he would try his best to come back for next years Sinulog. We come here for vacation, but left before Sinulog because of work commitments. This is my first time to actually experience Sinulog, said Geoff, 54, a caregiver. His wife, a registered nurse, Julieta Gestoso-Witts, 54, and his three children came home to Cebu for a one-month holiday to visit relatives. The family arrived last Dec. 23. A retired engineer, George, 70, said since his first Sinulog experience in 1994, he and his wife Marina Issler now make it a tradition to come home annually to visit relatives and participate in the Sinulog revelry. The couple bought a condominium unit in Lahug, so they will have a place to stay in Cebu for four to five months. Marina Issler, 50, is from the Bantayan Islands. The Issler and the Witts were among the balikbayans (returnees) welcomed by the Balik Cebu Committee last Thursday night at the Ayala Terraces Cebu. Officials estimate that there were over 400 balikRepublic of the Philippines Department of Transportation & Communications Land Transportation Franchising & Regulatory Board Regional Office No. 8 Tacloban City LTFRB CASE NO. VIII-2013-0033 Application for Issuance of a CPC to operate a PUJ service with Prayer to Adopt Trade Name (COLORUM LEGALIZATION) MARTIN R. ABUEME Applicant/s/Petitioner x.............................x NOTICE OF HEARING APPLICANT REQUEST AUTHORITY FOR THE ISSUANCE OF A CERTIFICATE OF PUBLIC CONVENIENCE TO OPERATE A PUJ SERVICE FOR THE TRANSPORTATION OF PASSENGERS AND FREIGHT ALONG THE LINE: GUIUAN-SULANGAN & VICE VERSA WITH THE USE OF ONE (1) UNIT. NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN THAT THIS APPLICATION WILL BE HEARD BY THIS BOARD ON JANUARY 31, 2013 AT 9:00 AM AT ITS OFFICE AT THE ABOVE MENTIONED ADDRESS. At least TEN (10) days prior to the date, applicant/s shall publish this Notice once in one (1) Daily newspaper of general circulation in Eastern Visayas. Parties opposed to the approval of the application must file verified written opposition supported by documentary evidences on or before the above date furnishing a copy of the same to the applicant, and may if they so desire, appear on said date and time. This application shall be acted upon by the Board on the basis of its records and the documentary evidences submitted by parties under the board deems it necessary to receive additional documentary or testimonial evidences. WITNESS THE HONORABLE REGIONAL DIRECTOR, ARTHUR L. SAIPUDIN, this 17th day of January 2013. (Sgd.) GUALBERTO N. GUALBERTO Clerk of Board

bayans who joined the welcome dinner party filled with song and dance numbers. Arrivals in 2012 The start of Cebus liveliest season for tourism this year coincided with a report that the Department of Tourism (DOT) fell short of its target of 4.6 million tourism arrivals for 2012. There were 4,272,811 foreign tourists who came to the Philippines last year, 9.07 percent higher than the 3,917,454 who arrived in 2011, the DOT said. The agency did not say why it failed to achieve its target of 4.6 million tourists, but the data showed that arrivals from China declined, from a high of 42,868 in January last year to 17,360 in December. But compared with the 243,137 arrivals from China in 2011, the total tourist arrivals from China in 2012 showed a moderate increase of 3.19 percent to 250,883 visitors, the DOT said. China was the fourth biggest source of arrivals last year, it added. Korea continued to be the countrys largest visitor market with 1,031,155 arrivals, accounting for 24.13 percent of the total last year. Tourists from the United States composed 15.27 percent of the total inbound
Republic of the Philippines Department of Transportation & Communications Land Transportation Franchising & Regulatory Board Regional Office No. 8 Tacloban City LTFRB CASE NO. VIII-2003-1503 Application for Extension of Validity of a CPC to operate a MINI-BUS service with Prayer to Adopt Trade Name DANILO SUMAPIG Applicant/s/Petitioner x.............................x NOTICE OF HEARING APPLICANT IS A GRANTEE OF A CPC TO OPERATE A MINI-BUS SERVICE FOR THE TRANSPORTATION OF PASSENGERS AND FREIGHT ALONG THE LINE: ORMOC CITY-CARIGARA & VICE VERSA WITH THE USE OF ONE (1) UNIT WHICH CERTIFICATE WILL EXPIRE ON NOVEMBER 6, 2013. IN THE PRESENT APPLICATION, APPLICANT REQUEST AUTHORITY TO EXTEND THE VALIDITY OF A CPC USING THE SAME NO. OF UNIT AND ROUTE. NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN THAT THIS APPLICATION WILL BE HEARD BY THIS BOARD ON JANUARY 31, 2013 AT 9:00 AM AT ITS OFFICE AT THE ABOVE MENTIONED ADDRESS. At least TEN (10) days prior to the date, applicant/s shall publish this Notice once in one (1) Daily newspaper of general circulation in Eastern Visayas. Parties opposed to the approval of the application must file verified written opposition supported by documentary evidences on or before the above date furnishing a copy of the same to the applicant, and may if they so desire, appear on said date and time. This application shall be acted upon by the Board on the basis of its records and the documentary evidences submitted by parties under the board deems it necessary to receive additional documentary or testimonial evidences. WITNESS THE HONORABLE REGIONAL DIRECTOR, ARTHUR L. SAIPUDIN, this 11th day of January 2013. (Sgd.) GUALBERTO N. GUALBERTO Clerk of Board

traffic. Its total of 652,626 visitors was up by 4.5 percent from 2011. Japan, which provided 412,474 visitors, was the third biggest source of tourists in the country, followed by China. Next to China was Taiwan registering 216,511 arrivals, followed by Australia with 191,150 tourists. Hospitality a real plus At the Balik Cebu dinner, Geoff expressed his admiration for Cebu and described the province as the Philippines crown jewel. I love everything about Cebu, the culture, the hospitality and the friendly people, he said. Last year, we werent able to come home for Sinulog; what my husband did was watch the live streaming of Sun.Starif theres one person in Australia who knows more about Cebu, its Geoff, Julieta quipped. For his part, what George loves during the Sinulog celebration is the chance to meet new people, aside from the colorful street dancing. The couple plans to watch the repeat performances and the awarding of the Sinulog parade winners on Monday in the Cebu City Sports Center. Julieta and Marina are both devotees of Sto. Nino. Though they live far away, Julieta said she always
Republic of the Philippines Department of Transportation & Communications Land Transportation Franchising & Regulatory Board Regional Office No. 8 Tacloban City LTFRB CASE NO. VIII-2003-0195 Application for Extension of Validity of a CPC to operate a FILCAB service with Prayer to Adopt Trade Name ANNABEL JALIPA Applicant/s/Petitioner x.............................x NOTICE OF HEARING APPLICANT IS A GRANTEE OF A CPC TO OPERATE A FILCAB SERVICE FOR THE TRANSPORTATION OF PASSENGERS AND FREIGHT ALONG THE LINE: TACLOBAN CITY-ST. PAULS-CAMPETIC & VICE VERSA WITH THE USE OF ONE (1) UNIT WHICH CERTIFICATE WILL EXPIRE ON JUNE 6, 2013. IN THE PRESENT APPLICATION, APPLICANT REQUEST AUTHORITY TO EXTEND THE VALIDITY OF A CPC USING THE SAME NO. OF UNIT AND ROUTE. NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN THAT THIS APPLICATION WILL BE HEARD BY THIS BOARD ON JANUARY 31, 2013 AT 9:00 AM AT ITS OFFICE AT THE ABOVE MENTIONED ADDRESS. At least TEN (10) days prior to the date, applicant/s shall publish this Notice once in one (1) Daily newspaper of general circulation in Eastern Visayas. Parties opposed to the approval of the application must file verified written opposition supported by documentary evidences on or before the above date furnishing a copy of the same to the applicant, and may if they so desire, appear on said date and time. This application shall be acted upon by the Board on the basis of its records and the documentary evidences submitted by parties under the board deems it necessary to receive additional documentary or testimonial evidences. WITNESS THE HONORABLE REGIONAL DIRECTOR, ARTHUR L. SAIPUDIN, this 18th day of January 2013. (Sgd.) GUALBERTO N. GUALBERTO Clerk of Board

Davao eyed for abaca expansion


DAVAO Region is among areas in the country where abaca plantations are to be developed this year, the Fiber Industry Development Authority (Fida) has reported. The agency is targeting at least 1,000 hectares that will be developed for abaca plantations this year in a bid to meet the demand for abaca fibers in both the local and foreign markets. Fida administrator Cecilia Gloria Soriano said that other than Davao Region, they are also eyeing abaca expansion in Bicol, western and northern Mindanao, Caraga and Visayas regions. She said the agency will also rehabilitate 600 hectares of old and unproductive, disease and typhoondamaged fiber crop areas in Bicol and western and eastern Visayas. In a bid to assist abaca growers, Soriano said the agency will provide technical assistance for expansion, opening or rehabilitation of abaca farms. Soriano said Fida will continue to make available to farmers high yielding and disease-free abaca
Republic of the Philippines Department of Transportation & Communications Land Transportation Franchising & Regulatory Board Regional Office No. 8 Tacloban City LTFRB CASE NO. VIII-2013-0038 Ref. No. VIII-2004-0007 Application for Sale & Transfer of a CPC to operate a UV SHUTTLE service with Extension of Validity & Change Engine & with Prayer to Adopt Trade Name RODOLFO PFLEIDER II-VENDOR ZOSIMO EDANG-VENDEE Applicant/s/Petitioner x.............................x NOTICE OF HEARING APPLICANT REQUEST AUTHORITY FOR THE APPROVAL OF SALE MADE BY RODOLFO PFLEIDER II-VENDOR IN FAVOR OF ZOSIMO EDANG-VENDEE OF A CPC FOR THE TRANSPORTATION OF PASSENGERS AND FREIGHT ALONG THE LINE: FROM TACLOBAN CITY TO ANY POINT IN REG. 08 WITH THE USE OF ONE (1) UNIT A UV SHUTTLE SERVICE WHICH CERTIFICATE IS STILL VALID AND SUBSISTING. NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN THAT THIS APPLICATION WILL BE HEARD BY THIS BOARD ON JANUARY 31, 2013 AT 9:00 AM AT ITS OFFICE AT THE ABOVE MENTIONED ADDRESS. At least TEN (10) days prior to the date, applicant/s shall publish this Notice once in one (1) Daily newspaper of general circulation in Eastern Visayas. Parties opposed to the approval of the application must file verified written opposition supported by documentary evidences on or before the above date furnishing a copy of the same to the applicant, and may if they so desire, appear on said date and time. This application shall be acted upon by the Board on the basis of its records and the documentary evidences submitted by parties under the board deems it necessary to receive additional documentary or testimonial evidences. WITNESS THE HONORABLE REGIONAL DIRECTOR, ARTHUR L. SAIPUDIN, this 18th day of January 2013. (Sgd.) GUALBERTO N. GUALBERTO Clerk of Board

planting materials. It operates experiment stations-cum seedbanks, tissue culture laboratories, diagnostic laboratories and an immunology laboratory which are all strategically located throughout the country. The agency is collaborating with the local government units and the farmers organizations in major abaca-producing areas for the establishment of abaca nurseries, she added. Soriano also said the implementation of abaca disease management project will be sustained this year covering 15 municipalities with relatively high percentage disease incidence. In 2012, the project covered nine municipalities. This benefitted their abaca farms and ensure the continuous supply of abaca fibers in the local and foreign markets, she said. Soriano said the project this year targets to reduce the percentage disease incidence in 5,000 hectares abaca farms to improve production. (SUNNEX)
Republic of the Philippines Department of Transportation & Communications Land Transportation Franchising & Regulatory Board Regional Office No. 8 Tacloban City LTFRB CASE NO. VIII-2013-00039 Ref. No. VIII-2011-0604 Application for Volunary Segregation of Units of a CPC to operate a VEHICLE FOR HIRE service with Prayer to Adopt Trade Name JESUS DOYON, SR. - 1st Party Applicant ROMEO FERMANO - 2nd Party Applicant Applicant/s/Petitioner x.............................x NOTICE OF HEARING APPLICANT IS A GRANTEE OF A CPC TO OPERATE A VEHICLE FOR HIRE SERVICE ON THE LINE: FOR EXCLUSIVE USE OF CONTRACTING PASSENGERS FROM ORMOC CITY TO/FROM ANY HOTELS, RESORTS & PORTS WITHIN REG. 08 & VICE VERSA WITH THE USE OF TWO (2) UNITS WHICH CERTIFICATE IS STILL VALID AND SUBSISTING. IN THE PRESENT APPLICATION, APPLICANT REQUEST FOR VOLUNTARY SEGREGATION OF UNIT FROM JESUS DOYON, SR. - IST PARTY IN FAVOR OF ROMEO FERMANO-2ND PARTY WITH THE USE OF ONE (1) UNITS USING THE SAME ROUTE. NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN THAT THIS APPLICATION WILL BE HEARD BY THIS BOARD ON JANUARY 31, 2013 AT 9:00 AM AT ITS OFFICE AT THE ABOVE MENTIONED ADDRESS. At least TEN (10) days prior to the date, applicant/s shall publish this Notice once in one (1) Daily newspaper of general circulation in Eastern Visayas. Parties opposed to the approval of the application must file verified written opposition supported by documentary evidences on or before the above date furnishing a copy of the same to the applicant, and may if they so desire, appear on said date and time. This application shall be acted upon by the Board on the basis of its records and the documentary evidences submitted by parties under the board deems it necessary to receive additional documentary or testimonial evidences. WITNESS THE HONORABLE REGIONAL DIRECTOR, ARTHUR L. SAIPUDIN, this 18th day of January 2013. (Sgd.) GUALBERTO N. GUALBERTO Clerk of Board

Sunday, 20 January 2013

NEWS
CTO...
from page 1

Leyte Samar Daily Express


mineral water owned by Larrazabal also sourced their water in the same barangay. He said that his administration is more than willing to enter into a joint undertaking with national agencies considering that the LGU can put up counterpart funds for the project. He mentioned the ongoing irrigation projects and other infrastructure projects in Kananga that his administration is working hard to improve the delivery of the services to the people of Kananga. services in Region VIII deserves another feather to its cap. After opening routes to Ormoc City, Catarman in Northern Samar and Calbayog City, expanding operation which used to be only between Catbalogan ( G r a n d To u r s b a s e located in Samar) and Tacloban, now it regularly serves the riding public wanting conveyance to and from Borongan City. I discovered this for myself only one late evening this week as I waited for a ride back to Tacloban. The Grand Tours van came at about a few minutes after 7 p.m., and as I disemabarked f r o m i t a t Ta c l o b a n already, the driver told me that the route was plied first early last November, 2012. I had not known that before. Most

DAS4 Cleanest Vessel 2012


(Cargo Category)

Road...
from page 3

Gothong Southern Shipping Lines Inc. recently celebrated another milestone when one of its vessels, bagged the top title in the Bureau of Quarantines (BOQ) annual search and recognition of the Cleanest Vessel - Cargo Category. M/V Don Albino Sr. was declared Cleanest Cargo Vessel for 2012 during BOQs recently concluded awarding ceremony held at Sarossa International Hotel and Residential Suites. The annual awarding led by BOQ, is aimed to acknowledge the efforts of shipping industries in maintaining the cleanliness of their ships which is an imperative requirement of the office, as well

as DOH and the Maritime Industry Authority (MARINA). Cebu Quarantine Medical Officer, Dr. Philbert S. Muga and Ms. Rose L. Alegarbes, BOQ Health Educator, gave the award to the Master of MV Don Albino Sr., Capt. Ronnie S. Osorio, accompanied by Marine Department Head, Ernie M. Alix and GS HR Core Services Head, Leolu S. Tagalog. For the last five years, Gothong Southern has been consistently recognized by BOQ for its efforts to operate and maintain a fleet of cargo vessels with standards that surpass the maritime industrys requirements.

It is mandated business owners renew their permits and licenses on the last day thats why we tapped our volunteers to somehow shorten waiting time. Business owners who fail to comply with the deadline will be penalized with a 25% surcharge and a 2 % interest per month, she said. The Real Property Tax Revision 9 which imposes 25% adjustment on real property values, already took effect this year. Hence, she encouraged real property owners to avail of the 20% maximum discount by settling their tax payments within this month. The city government here has collected P495.75 million of local taxes in 2012, surpassing the annual target by 18% with the remarkable surge in business tax earnings. For 2013, the city government is aiming to collect 448.5 million local taxes. (SARWELL Q. MENIANO)

45% of the project cost it was learned. The mayor explained the importance of the said road not only to the land owners whose pineapple and sugarcane plantations are located in the barangay, but its significant role also to the lives of the residents and ordinary folks. The sweetest pineapple which is the pride of Ormoc is in Torrel, the mayor said, and the

Engr. Jao said that the project will be completed after 120 calendar days. The said place where the road concreting project is on progress, is included in the Dept. of Tourism (DOT), Canadian International Development Agency (CIDA) destination/ itinerary for the promotion of Northwest Leyte Tourism Alliance. The road is indeed leading to a major tourism destination, which is the Queen Pineapple Plantation in Kananga, Leyte. (GERARD
REYES)

Chiz...
long this will remain, no one at the terminal station can offer a guess. Perhaps mayor Alfred Romualdez is not informed about this perplexity there. A joke said, though, these problems would be naught once the terminal and the market are closed, and thoroughly studied for excellent, perpetual remedies. *** Hats off to Grand Tours! : By the way, Grand Tours transport
from page 5

often, from the Petron vicinity at the national highway in Basey, Samar where Tacloban-bound Basaynons wait for buses and vans from Borongan and Guiuan (Eastern Samar), we could only take either Van-Van or Duptours vans. The entry of this transport service of Grand Tours came as an exhilarating relief. Thank you, Grand Tours management. Thanks a lot, too, for your elegant new terminal station at Tacloban. Yours certainly boosts greatly the tourism drive in the Eastern Visayas region. *** I like your Christ, I do not like your Christians. Your Christians are so unlike your Christ. Mahatma Gandhi *** Ka Chito

ROVIC BLDG., DEL PILAR & JUSTICE ROMUALDEZ STREETS., TACLOBAN CITY

Emporium

eFurnitures eSofa Beds eDining Tables


l GROCERY l CLOTHINGS & RTW l HARDWARE l KITCHENWARE lPLASTIC WARES l APPLIANCES

eOfficeTables e Sports e Supplies

l HOUSEWARE l COSMETICS l GIFT ITEMS l SHOES & SANDALS l TOYS l and many more THE BIG DIFFERENCE IN MALL SHOPPING! WITH THE LOWEST PRICE IN TOWN.

Leyte Samar Daily Express

NEWS

Sunday, 20 January 2013

Ormoc mayor lauds GIZ for support to city projects


ORMOC CITY The mayor of this city lauded the German International Cooperation (GIZ) on providing assistance on the implementation of various projects intended for the welfare of the Ormocanons. Mayor Eric Codilla, in an interview with Leyte Samar Daily Express, revealed that GIZ provided technical support to some five of the projects initiated by the city government. Codilla said these projects include the streamlining of business permits, the construction of the sanitary landfill, putting up of flood mitigating control, construction of solar dryer and the conduct of trainings for rescue and disaster assistance. The official pointed out that GIZ extended assistance to the city government for they are aware that the administration is making its best to implement projects that would help the lives of their constituents. GIZ help us in technical aspect by means of conducting trainings to teach the community in a certain topic like disaster preparedness. We are proud to say that the assistance that they provided simply is the fruit of the good governance we have, he said. The local government unit always make sure that every projects assisted by the GIZ are properly implemented and given value, for them not to be tired on helping us, Codilla added. Furthermore, the chief executive said that with the cooperation and support of GIZ, the city government enables to address and give back to the people the necessary things that they supposed to receive from their elected public officials. BETHANY HOSPITAL
Tel No. 321-2427; 24-hr Ultrasound & xray services, Surgery, Dialysis, CT-Scan

Catering Services
Nancy E. Villablanca Tel. 323-8411 / 09164413724 Blk 25 Lt 45 NHA Baras Palo, Leyte

m&n

ELECTRONIC SERVICE CENTER

REPAIR

(REY GERILLA GRADO)

THE Department of Tourism (DOT) has failed to meet the 4.6 million target tourist arrivals in 2012. There were only 4,272,811 foreign tourists who went to the Philippines last year, 9.07 percent higher from the 3,917,454 tourists who came here in 2011, the DOT said. The agency did not cite the reason why it failed to achieve its target of 4.6 million tour-

Tourism department misses target in 2012


ists, but the data showed that arrivals from China significantly declined, from a high of 42,868 in January last year to 17,360 in December. But comparing to 2011 volume of 243,137 arrivals, total tourist arrivals from China in 2012 showed a moderate increase of 3.19 percent to 250,883 visitors, the DOT said. China was the fourth biggest source of arrivals last year, it added.

* Television* Amplier * MP3, MP4, Player* Microwave ovens * Digital Camera* FAX Machine * Playstation* CD/VCD/DVD Player and all other electronic devices!!!

Real St. Tacloban City Front of Bethany O.P.D. Hospital Tel. # (053) 523-341-3565 / 09214533891 WE REPAIR ALL BRANDS

DUPTOURS Shuttle Service


Fully Air-Conditioned Vehicles For Hire from

Relations between the Philippines and China have been affected by the territorial row. Manila has been claiming parts of the South China Sea, while Beijing says it owns practically the entire area. Korea continues to be the countrys largest visitor market with 1,031,155 arrivals, accounting for 24.13 percent share of the total visitor volume, the Tourism department said. The said market rose

by 11.45 percent from its arrivals of 925,204 in 2011. Another record was achieved by the tourism industry as it is the first time that a source market of the Philippines reached its 1 millionth visitor, it added. Record shows that all major markets of the country registered growth in arrivals, DOT said. Following the Korean market, the United States market constituted 15.27 percent of the total inbound traffic by producing 652,626 visitors to the Philippines. This figure is up by 4.50 percent from 624,527 in

2011. Japan which provided 412,474 visitors was the third biggest source of tourists in the country, followed by China. Next to China was Taiwan registering 216,511 arrivals, followed by Australia with 191,150 tourists. Other markets with substantial contribution to the overall visitor arrivals include Singapore with 148,215 arrivals, Canada with 123,699 arrivals, Hong Kong with 118,666 arrivals, United Kingdom with 113,282 and Germany with 67,023 arrivals, DOT said. (SUNNEX)

BILLBOARD * PANAFLEX * TARPAULIN * BANNER CLOTH * PHOTO PAPER * BACKLIT * MAGNET MEDIA * T-SHIRT PRINTING * MESH * CLEAR STICKER * VINYL STICKER * LIGHTED SIGNAGE * TENT FOR RENT * TENT FABRICATION * STREAMERS

83-A Burayan San Jose, Tacloban City Tel. No.: (053) 323-4184 523-8704 Span No: 341-1840 Cel. No.: 09206404495 e-mail add: aep_signshop@ yahoo.com MR. AVELINO ESPINO PINPIN Manager/Proprietor

Do you want to look fabulous? Shop only at . . .

97 Sen. Enage St. Tacloban City *Tel No. 325-4027 Theres always something nice for you!

PROFESSIONAL AUTO CARE DETAILING SERVICES

Kar Ko
Tacloban City Sto. Nio St., Tacloban City Leyte, Philippines Cell, # 09209816587 Sun 09228584759 09228126886 Carigara Ormoc City Borongan Guiuan Catbalogan Naval Baybay Calbayog - (053) 523-8107 321-1370 - (053) 546-1352 - (053) 561-6823 - (055) 560-9747 - (055) 271-2121 - (055) 543-9127 - (053) 500-7834 (053) 327-0130 - (053) 327-0300 - (055) 534-3020
AUTO SPA Tel: (053) 523-1920 Cel: 0917-5168368
- EXPERT IN EXTERIOR AND INTERIOR DETAILING.- MOTUL - Performance Motor Oils - CAR CARE PRODUCTS AND SUPPLIESCAR WASH

with wi- zone

You might also like