NEWS:

PRO8 arrests 186 violators as gun ban ends PAGE 2

Commentary:

Front page:
More Eastern Samar barangays to be energized
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The Privilege of Having a Father

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E A S TE RN S A M A R
The Exponent of EASTERN SAMAR PROGRESS
VOL. XI NO.03 BORONGAN CITY, EASTERN SAMAR JUNE 11-17, 2013 Php8.00 in Borongan City

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Baybay 3, Borongan City Eastern Samar

Hectares of land in Salcedo as first Peoples Small-Scale Mining areas in EV

ing activities categorized as minahan ng bayan. Dante Operario, MGB regional information officer, said that under the program, existing small scale miners are advised to form cooperative and get a permission to extract minerals from the area. Under the Small Scale Mining Act of 1991, smallscale mining is defined as the mining activities which rely heavily on manual labor using simple implements and methods and do not use explosives or heavy mining equipment. The cooperative will sign an agreement with the government and other stakeholders to ensure that mined area will be rehabilitated, Operario said.

187 P. Zamora St.,Tac. City Tel No. (053) 321-5591

The Mines and Geosciences Bureau (MGB) here in the region has tagged 440 hectares of land in Salcedo, Eastern Samar as the first Peoples Small-Scale Mining Areas in Eastern Visayas. The Provincial Mining Regulation Board(PMRB) has opened the five villages of Salcedo town this year for small -scale chromite min-

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By Alicia E. Nicart The city local government unit (LGU) celebrated yesterday the 115th Independence Day in a simple ceremony. As acting officer-incharge (OIC) of Vice Mayor Fidel Anacta Jr. who is also the acting OIC mayor, Sangguniang Panglunsod member Aurora Anasarias cited the LGUs contribution to the economic growth of the country which she said had recently been reported to have increased by 7.8 percent. Since we became a city, our progress had been in leaps and bounds, Anasarias said. She mentioned several infrastructure projects

Borongan LGU cites economic growth during 115th Independence Day

which have been implemented along with the national highways. Aside from that, she cited several cemented barangay roads, school buildings, drainages and flood control fixtures that are now in place. Aside from our Internal Revenue Allotment (IRA), we are thankful to our local tax collecting offices which have fully supported our infrastructure projects for our people, Anasarias said. Because of them, we were able to generate some P27 million last year and this has become a big boost to our new plans and projects as a city LGU, Anasarias added. She also made a special

mention to the cleanliness and beautification drive of the city, dubbed Baysay Borongan which she said has already attracted the attention of the national leadership. Because of this noble intention she said, the tourism office is up to finance more road projects linking the city proper to most of the local tourist attractions. Borongan is rich with waterfalls, caves and rivers, which are potential tourists come-ons. Isolated morning rain showers did not deter the 115th Independence Day celebration. The participants were mostly teachers and city hall employees. (PIA-Eastern Samar/aen)

A fire hits the commercial center of Catarman, Northern Samar.

More Eastern Samar barangays to be energized

By Samuel D. Candido Residents of 113 remote barangays all over the province are expected to be energized anytime this year because of the Rural Electrification Program (REP) of National Electrification Administration (NEA). Nestor B. Promida from the Planning and Design Section of the Eastern Samar Electric Cooperative (ESAMELCO), a local power firm, said they have submitted the list of beneficiaries to NEA for funding. As of now, the list of beneficiaries was approved and ESAMELCO is now implementing this program, Promida said. For this year, there are two batches to be implemented for the program. The first batch, comprising 37 sitios, will be implemented this second quarter to the third quarter of the year while the second batch with 76 sitios will be implemented in the last quarter. Promida said for this year, the total project cost for energizing the 113 sitios amounts to P70 million, with ESAMELCO shouldering the force accounts and material requirements. For Eastern Samar, there are 392 registered sitios and all sitios are going to benefit from the program, Promida said. Last year, ESAMELCO energized 61 sitios which cost P27.1 million. He said the remaining 218 sitios will be powered in the succeeding years from 2014 to 2016. He added that out of 597 barangays of this province, the following are the only ones that have no electricity: Cagdine, Batang and Japay in Oras; Pinanag-an and Baras in Borongan City and Laurel, Macapagal and Magsaysay in Gen. MacArthur. The government will give distribution systems and kilowatt meters to the beneficiaries, Promida said. The program is under its Subsidy Electric Program (SEP) that was pushed aggressively for lighting all far-flung sitios nationwide as one of the priority projects of President Aquino. (SDC-PIA-E. Samar)

By Samuel D. Candido

Health workers Some teachers complain of hold workshop delayed release of honoraria on RH, others A month after the elec- plained about the process they
The Provincial Health Office (PHO) and Batang Laging Umiiwas sa Tiyak na Impeksyon (Baluti), a child rights organization based in Paranaque, Metro

tions, some teachers who served as Board of Election Inspectors (BEI) are complaining about the delay in the release of their honoraria. Some teachers in various parts of the region have comto page 2

have to undergo before they receive their allowance. A teacher from Tacloban City who requested not to be named said it is hard to process their claims for the release

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Health workers...

E A S TE RN S A M A R
Review it was found out that many maternal deaths are teenage mothers. The Maternal Death Review is being conducted by all Local Government Units (LGUs), hospitals and other public health units which is in accordance with the guideline used by the Department of Health (DOH). During the first day of the workshop, the invited youth participants had a Focus Group Discussion (FGD) and Risks Mapping wherein the issues of teenage pregnancies and ASHR were identified and discussed. While, on the second and third day, the stakeholders had also the FGDs in order to identify programs that would lead to the solution of the issues with the steps and recommendations. The report said, that in the whole Regio-8, Eastern Samar ranks No. 3 in terms of Sexually Transmitted Disease (STDs). Some 68 participants including the Government Offices (GOs), Local Government Units (LGUs), Non-Government Organizations (NGOs), Peoples Organizations (POs), the academe, students and youth leaders and other civil society organizations attended the said activity. (SDCPIA-E. Samar)

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Manila, conducted a three-day workshop on Situation Analysis on Adolescent Sexual and Reproductive Health (ASRH) and Local Government Unit (LGU) Development Planning on June 4-6, 2013 at Dona Vicenta Hotel, this Province. The training aimed to hear a firsthand information from the adolescents themselves and use these information to do action planning between the stakeholders. The workshop, conducted in partnership with United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA), aimed to come up with a data of teenage pregnancies in the province and number of sexually transmitted infections, according to Ms. Alessa Jamyl B. Ypil, Nurse I of PHO. She said PHO conducted an initial survey among birthing facilities (Lying-in RHUs, govt hospitals) that are gathering data on teenage pregnancies since 20112012. Teenage pregnancies refer to women who get pregnant at 19 years old and below. And sadly, the result reflected that in every 100 pregnancies, 11 are teenage mothers (11:100), Ypil said. She added also that through the conduct of Maternal Death

LEGAL NOTICES
Republic of the Philippines Province of Eastern Samar MUNICIPAL CIVIL REGISTRAR DOLORES

NOTICE TO THE PUBLIC

CCE-0009-2013 Date: June 14, 2013

In compliance with the publication requirement and pursuant to OCRG Memorandum Circular No. 2013 - 1, Guidelines in the Implementation of the Administrative Order No. 1, Series of 2012 (IRR on R.A. 10172), Notice is hereby served to the public that Zairyl Tegerero Sabandeja has filed with this Office, a petition for correction of entry in sex from female to male in the certificate of live birth of Zairyl Tegerero Sabandeja at Dolores, Eastern Samar whose parents are Edato Diolola Sabandeja and Natividad Catudio Tegerero. Any person adversely affected by said petition may file his written opposition with this Office not later than June 26, 2013. (Sgd.) LILIA L. ROBEDIZO Municipal Civil Registrar ESB: June 11-17, 18-24, 2013

CAMP KANGLEON, Palo, Leyte - After the generally peaceful conduct of the May 13 synchronized national and local elections and with the election period over, the police in Eastern Visayas will now focus on the prosecution of offenders of election laws as the regions top police official has ordered his men to ensure the conviction of all arrested violators particularly the Commission on Electionsimposed gun ban. The Police Regional Office 8 (PRO8) also announced that hours before the firearms ban ended, they arrested seven more persons for violating the gun control policy in Leyte and Eastern Samar. We will closely monitor the prosecution of all cases involving violation of election laws, including persons arrested for election-related violence and violation of the Comelec gun ban, PRO regional director Chief Supt. Elmer Ragadio Soria said. Soria assured that the police will continue its anticriminality efforts despite the lifting of the gun ban which took effect last January 13 and ended at 11:59 p.m. Wednesday. We will still carry on our campaign against loose firearms and the Oplan Katok to remind gun owners with expired licenses to renew it to avoid being penalized under the law, he added. As of midnight of June 12, PRO8 have arrested 186 violators of Republic Act No. 8294 or Codifying the laws on illegal/unlawful possession, manufac-

PRO8 arrests 186 violators as gun ban ends

with 3 and joint Regional Special Operations Group (RSOG) and Criminal Investigation and Detection Group (CIDG) with 4 arrested persons. Meanwhile, of the 155 firearms confiscated, 58 were high-powered and 97 were low-powered. Authorities also seized during the six month gun ban a total of 16 hand grenades, 54 other explosives, 5 firearm replicas, 67 bladed weapons and 1200 rounds of different ammunitions. A total of 151 criminal charges were filed in different courts throughout the region. The Philippine National Police also lifted the suspension of the permit to carry firearm outside residence, meaning licensed gun holders with PTCFOR can now bring their firearms outside their homes. The Regional Election Monitoring Action Center (REMAC) also said 7 more violatros were arrested recently, including 4 criminal gang members and one public school teacher. In Leyte, four members of Espinosa criminal gang were arrested by joint elements of PRO8 Regional Special Operations Group (RSOG-8) and 8th Regional Criminal Investigation and Detection Unit of the PNP Criminal Investigation and Detection Group (CIDG) early Tuesday morning. The suspects Vincent Lonzaga, Aldin Mago, Norman Tojong and Ritchie Batol were arrested during the implementation of search warrant at their hide-out in Sitio Tinago,

NEWS

JUNE11-17, 2013

ture, dealing in, acquisition or disposition of firearms, ammunition or explosives or instruments used in the manufacture of firearms, ammunition or explosives in relation to Comelec Resolution No. 9561-A or imposing a nationwide Ban on Bearing, Carrying or Transporting of Firearms of Other Deadly Weapons. Majority of the gun ban violators, 177 of them, were civilians while 3 were members of the Armed Forces of the Philippines and 6 were security guards. Of the figure, 22 were arrested in checkpoint operations, 106 were arrested in police responses, 19 during the implementation of search warrants, 7 during the service of arrest warrants and 32 during the conduct of focus police operations. Leyte Police Provincial Office scored the most number of arrests with 40, followed by Samar PPO with 36, Tacloban CPO with 34, Eastern Samar PPO with 25, Southern Leyte and Northern Samar PPOs with 14 each, Ormoc CPO with 10, Biliran PPO with 6, Regional Public safety Battalion 8 (RPSB8) vide economic benefits to the community, the PMRB will not issue a permit, Operario added. Through a memorandum of agreement, local mine buyers can take the responsibility of rehabilitation if a miners group is financially incapable. He said small-scale miners who were cited as the main cause of environment degradation and pollution will be bound to follow the provision of the Republic Act (RA) No. 7076 or the Peoples Small-Scale Mining Act of 1991. Operators are required to secure an environmental compliance clearance (ECC) through an environmental impact statement from the Environmental Management Bureau (EMB).

Brgy. Benulho, Albuera town in Leyte. The raiding team recovered several firearms that includes an AK-47 assault rifle; one M14 rifle; two shotguns; one Colt M16 rifle; one Ingram sub-machine gun; one Llama 9mm pistol; 3 hand grenades; several rounds of ammunitions and 10 motorcycles without proper documents; believed to be used in their criminal activities. In Borongan City in Eastern Samar, public school teacher Rolly Bertos and his companion, Billy Encinas, were arrested while having a drinking spree and creating trouble at Brgy. Maypangdan on Tuesday night. The responding lawmen confiscated caliber .45 pistols with ammunitions from each suspect. In Jipapad also in Eastern Samar, a drunk Mansueto Pecenio alias Teka was nabbed by policemen Tuesday afternoon after receiving complaints from his neighbors in Brgy. 04 poblacion. A Parabellum 9mm pistol with serial number 64797 with one magazine assembly loaded with 8 ammunitions was confiscated from Pecenio. Soria further informed that his men will strictly implement Republic Act 10591 or the New Gun Control Law that provides stricter guidelines on securing a gun license and raising the penalty for illegal possession for firearms as soon as its Implementing Rules and Regulations is released.
(PINSP ROMUEL NACAR) /

Republic of the Philippines Province of Eastern Samar OFFICE OF THE MUNICIPAL REGISTRAR

Hectares of land....

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NOTICE OF PUBLICATION
In compliance with Section 5 of R.A. No. 9048, a notice is hereby served to the public that

LORNA T. CORRE has filed with this Office a petition for change of first name from MARIA EILEEN to AILEEN in the birth
(first name to be changed) (new first name to be adopted) (complete name of petitioner)

certificate of MARIA EILEEN JARADAL TRABOCO who was born on 04 December 1968 at San Julian, Eastern Samar and whose parents are Marcelino Orgasan Trabuco and Josefina Jatulan Jaradal.
(name of mother) (name of father) (complete date of birth) (place of birth) (complete name of document owner)

Any person adversely affected by said petition may file his written opposition with this Office not later than 19th day of June 2013. (Sgd.) LEAH S. VERANA Municipal Civil Registrar

ESB: June 4-10, 11-17, 2013

The 440 hectares site was identified by MGB due to rampant small -scale operations and presence of chromite minerals. The PMRB, with clearance from DENR Secretary Ramon Paje, identified the land encompassing the remote areas of Barangays Caga-ot, Sta. Cruz, Carapdapan, Cantomoja, and Palanas as the minahan ng bayan. The area was previously covered in application for mineral production sharing agreement by the Yinshu Mining Corporation. Each cooperative will be allowed to mine a maximum of 20 hectares. If they cant rehabilitate mined area and will not be able to pro-

Prior to extracting operations, cooperatives are obliged to submit Potential Environmental Impact Report (PEIR) and Final Mine Rehabilitation/Decommissioning Plan approved by the MGB and the Community Development and Management Program (CDMP). As of this week, the 20-member Cantomoja Small Scale Miners Association is the only lone applicant in Salcedo with a proposed area of 11.78 hectares. The group was able to secure endorsement from the barangay council. The PMRB is being led by the MGB regional director as chairman and provincial governor as vice chairman. Members are representative from large scale miners, small scale

miners, and non-government organization. According to MGB, there is a big deposit of chromite minerals in Eastern Samar, particularly in Llorente, Gen. MacArthur, Salcedo, Homonhon Island in Guiuan and Maydolong. However, small scale mining activities are concentrated in three towns of the province. (SARWELL Q. MENIANO)

Tel No. 321-2427; 24-hr Ultrasound & xray services, Surgery, Dialysis, CT-Scan

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JUNE 11-17, 2013

OPINION

E A S TE RN S A M A R

Culture of death still gaining ground

JUST learned that the Belgian parliament is poised to approve euthanasia even for children. This, to me, is a new low in the slippery slope of the culture of death that can start with what many people say as harmless like contraception, or even way before that. When we start claiming rights that do not come from Gods will and commandments and that in fact go against them and that are simply based on human consensus, then we are in for this slippery slope that can appear to us as sweet, convenient, practical and advantageous in the beginning, until its ugliness appears in the end. This so-called right to die that started to be applied on elders is now to be applied on minors. Once finally legalized, Belgium will be the first country to have such law. And Im sure, many others, especially the so-called developed countries, will follow suit. Obviously, some qualifications are made to make the law appear humane. But nothing in them actually erases the fact that the law is giving us some rights that we actually do not have. Life, no matter how deformed, weakened or sick, comes from God and only God can take it away from us. Of course, this issue will be debated ad nauseam all over the world. This is what usually happens when our relationship with God is not anymore strong and clear, sustained by a living piety. When we get unhinged from our Creator and ultimate Lawgiver, then we can go exploring all kinds of possibilities, including perversions. When God has no place in ones heart, when he is ignored, marginalized, or replaced by some human idols, then the road to endless rationalizations is opened. Our God-given gifts of intelligence, will, freedom, etc., which enable us to experience the grandeur of God can also be used to create our own grandeur without God. At the moment, we still have the scourge of abortion still trying to spread its scope in the world. It is even trying to enter our country. And again, this started with the seemingly innocent and supposedly highly practical contraception that we have now officially legalized and are actively promoting with our RH Law. Aside from abortion, we are already seeing how issues like same-sex unions, polyamory, etc., are grabbing the attention and interest of many people. Human sexuality is now defined according to peoples preferences and not anymore according to Gods laws. I shudder at the thought of what would come next after these. Polyamory is a relatively new phenomenon that is gaining ground in some countries. This is what Wikipedia says of it: It is the practice, desire or acceptance of having more than one intimate relationship at a time with the knowledge and consent of everyone involved...The word is sometimes used in a broader sense to refer to sexual or romantic relationships that are not sexually exclusive, though there is disagreement on how broadly it applies... It may even include polysexuality, that is, attraction towards multiple genders and sexes. Now, I dont know what other poly it can tend to. It may reach the ultimate perversity of having sexual and romantic relationships not only with humans but also with animals, plants and even inanimate objects. Again the workings of the slippery slope are evident. We have to do something about these, but always along the path of truth and charity that Christ himself preached, lived and suffered and died for. We have to be wary of falling into bitter zeal that can ignite us with some good intentions, but without prudence and charity. It is a zeal that definitely will be more destructive and constructive, and that can

he onset of the rainy season and typhoons with it, underscore the need to be ready for natural and man-made calamities. The passage of the Disaster Risk Reduction Management law or Republic Act 10121 aimed to bring about a paradigm shift in the way the country faces disasters, from a focus on just responding to emergencies to disaster impact mitigation and preparedness. Based on the United Nations-backed World Risk Report in 2011, the Philippines ranked as the third most disaster-vulnerable country in the world. Typhoons that resulted to flooding claimed thousands of lives and caused billions of pesos in damage. But most of the damage was caused by lack of foresight. There was also criminal negligence
make the issues more confusing and more difficult to resolve. What we have to do first is to pray a lot, to be very generous with sacrifices and mortifications, even extraordinary ones, and wage an unremitting apostolate both on the personal and collective levels, based on doctrine, and pursued always in friendship and confidence. If the environment is too hot or hostile, then we just have to be more patient. There is always divine providence that knows what to do with how we use or abuse our freedom. The world is passing through a certain difficult stage that like the others in the past can always yield something positive and enlightening in the future. This, of course, does not mean that we simply be cavalier about the situation. We have to do all to defend the truth always in charity.

EDITORIAL Lets all be prepared

on the part of authorities who were aware of grave disaster risks but didnt do much about it. Time and again, studies have shown that it is more costly to respond to natural and manmade disasters than to mitigate their impact. Ondoy and Sendong last year were grim examples. While developing countries like the Philippines can barely afford the cost of a single disaster and relies on the international donor community when it strikes, it behooves the government to enforce policies and provide infrastructure that protects people from extreme weather events. With climate change a reality, enough studies have warned of more frequent and powerful storms ahead

The Privilege of Having a Father

Josie Buna Amano He was not a perfect father nor was I a perfect daughter. But I loved him regardless. I am an only child which perhaps was the rationalization for his being strict, protective and a disciplinarian. At first I was blind about it that brought lots of tears whenever he would not permit me to go somewhere else with some close neighbourfriends and if I would be permitted to go out with my cousins they still have to go through some question and answer portion! Oh how I envy my friends who could freely go out and enjoy the teenage life to their hearts content. Am I some kind of a prisoner? What about running away? I do not have the courage to do this kind of rebellion and besides, I do not like it. Why then cant I exchange my father with someone who is not so strict? These question bothered my young thoughts. My father has always a reason for all his actions where I am concerned. On the forefront is my safety, then my studies that should be given priority, and sometimes he would frankly tell me that he does not trust Friend A & B despite my best-selling convincing techniques that these people are trustworthy. I have learned the hard way in seeing my fathers good intentions emotionally I mean. He was more into verbal disciplining. It was worth it however. Then my friends understood my predicament, they didnt invite me anymore whenever they were sure my father would not permit me. But Gods miracles worked on me as I gained new acquaintances in school which was okay for my father for as long as school-related. Time came when I have realized the essence of having to deal with people on a mature level. My father gave me his trust but still strict in as far as men were concern, that stern look was a sure sign to show his point. He took pride on my accomplishments and I would be inspired to do more because I wanted him to be happy. On my down moments, he was my strength. We both love music and movies, our greatest form of entertainment. Ask my father to sing and he would instantly get the cassette player to let you hear his favourite song. The time I had with my father was the greatest opportunity. I thank God for such a privilege that made me what I am now. Likewise, I have accepted wholeheartedly his passing yet I miss him dearly. To my father and all fathers in the world HAPPY FATHERS DAY!

IT PAYS TO ADVERTISE

Newspapering also involves doing community work through CSR

MAKATI CITY- Newspapering is not just all about providing information or news to the reading public. Rather, it should also involve doing community work by practicing its corporate social responsibility (CSR). Thus urged Wally Panganiban, corporate affairs manager of the Mead Johnson Nutrition Philippines, in his talk during the 17th National Press gathering initiated by the Philippine Press Institute held at the New World Hotel, this city. Panganiban said that while newspapering is also business, it should not forget that it has social obligation to the public that needs to be fulfil. Over the years, Ive heard media experts and professionals talk about the medias role in society and how as a watchdog, the media should always take the objective, neutral stand. But does this mean the media should keep to itself

E A S TE RN S A M A R

NEWS
HON. FLORENCIO A. ALMEDA, JR. SB Member HON. ROLANDO I. GACHO SB Member

JUNE 11-17, 2013

HON. JANET B. MACAWILE SB Member

ENACTED: APRIL 03, 2013, at Lawaan, Eastern Samar, PHILIPPINES.

HON. CORAZON I. ELAIRON HON. JOSE D. SABULAO, SR. HON. RODOLFO B. PALAA SB Member SB Member SB Member HON. FRANCISCO G. CATALOGO HON. ERICO O. DACUNO, JR. HON. ROGER A. EDER SB Member SB Member SB Member/ABC Pres. ON. CHESCA ELAINE E. GABORNES H SB Member/SKF Pres. I HEREBY CERTIFY TO THE CORRECTNESS OF THE FOREGOING. EVA G. GAYDA SB Secretary Attested: HON. BANJO G. TOLENTINO Municipal Vice Mayor Presiding Officer Approved: HON. CANDIDA E. GABORNES Municipal Mayor
Annex A GUIDELINES FOR LOCAL WASTE MANAGERS In order to secure a significant result of waste disposal in every barangay of the municipality, the following guidelines shall be adopted: On Its Designation The local waste managers shall be designated in every barangay by their respective punong barangay whose emoluments, if there is any, shall be determined at the sound discretion of the Sangguniang Barangay. Duties and Functions of the Local Waste Manager: Coordinate effort in promoting proper solid waste management with the barangay officials concerned and the people in general. In consultation with the public, recommend to the Sangguniang Barangay designated common collection areas for solid waste. See to it that all common collection areas for solid waste are provided with receptacles that will segregate biodegradable from non-biodegradable and recyclable from non-recyclable waste. Make sure that households wastes are properly segregated in bags or in any other waste containers before depositing them in the common collection areas. Encourage every household to place their waste in designated areas an hour before the collection time. Inform the public of their responsibilities and obligations responsive to the terns and conditions of this ordinance. Make a regular report regarding the volume of waste collected and other information necessary in improving solid waste management in the barangay. Report all violations to this ordinance to proper office/authorities of immediate action. Identify and contact buyers of recyclable wastes and dealers/manufacturers of recycled products. Perform other task that may be assigned from time to time. Annex B GUIDELINES FOR THE INSPECTION UNIT UNDER THE ENVIRONMENTAL SANITATION OFFICE (ESO) For purposes of strengthening the provisions of this Ordinance, the Local Government Unit (LGU), this municipality shall consider the Rural Health Unit (RHU) headed by the Rural Health Officer (RHO) to be the same office to be designated as the Environmental Sanitation Office (ESO) of the municipality (Article X, Sec. 22 of the Ordinance) with the Rural Sanitary Inspector (RSI) to be designated by the local chief executive as head of the inspection unit under the ESO. The inspection unit shall be composed of the following as members, the PNP, all Punong Barangays, the chairperson of the Environment and Sanitation Committee of the Sangguninag Bayan (SB), Committee Chairman on Sanitation of the Barangay Councils, and a representative from the NGOs/Pos to be determine by the Local Chief Executive. The Environmental Sanitation Office (ESO) shall, among others: Ensure the protection of public health and the environment. Promote community participation in the implementation of this Ordinance. Facilitate continuity of fund support for waste management project. Ensure active education and public information on waste management. Recommend alternatives in enhancing solid waste management programs through the Municipal Solid Waste Management Board (MSWMB). Duties and Functions of the Inspection Unit Monitor the degree of enforcement of this ordinance in every Barangay. Supply public information that waste management is a common responsibility of every citizen. Act as responsible partner in the implementation of this ordinance. Make sure that public places and other critical areas such as plazas, rivers, coastal lines, among others are free from waste. Make a periodic and consolidated report and garbage. Conduct apprehensions on violators of the Ordinance and impose the corresponding penalties/charge as may be deemed necessary and lawful.

and not get involved? he asked in his speech during the gathering attended by media workers from different community newspapers across the country. I think that as a stakeholder of the community and of the many issues affecting it, media should also get involved in so doing, the watchdog of society sustains its relationship with all community stakeholders and further strengthens its social license to operate, Panganiban said.

He lamented that some media workers or organizations in the country appears to be unmindful that they have some social obligations to fulfil to their readers or to the community. This may sound okay in the past when doing CSR was something that was nice to do or good to do but not necessary. Today is of course a different story, he said. Businesses, private institutions are expected to engage in CSR or to give back to the community. And with the development of communications technology, these initiatives are put under a microscope for the world to see, Panganiban said. According to him, doing some CSR does not necessary entail cost on the part of the media workers of organizations. He said that they can carry out their CSR by do-

ing some of the followingreadership development which can be done by young people the value of truly objective, balance and professional reporting; inspire future journalists by encouraging young people to take journalism as a career; community advocacy by focusing their strengths and own it. Panganiban, in his talk, said that while there is a decreasing circulation of newspapers, a trend that is not actually only happening in the country, newspapers will remain to stay. The declining circulation of newspaper is due to number of reasons, which include the stiff competition it faces by online edition offered by the Internet, economic difficulties or censorship. (JOEY A. GABIETA)

Some teachers....

QUATOGZ
Restobar

Boulevard Oras E. Samar

It PAYS to ADVERTISE!!

..from page 1 of their honoraria since they have to fill up forms. Now that were done with the filling up of forms, there is again delay in the release of our honoraria, the teacher said. We are still waiting for our honorarium despite the assurance of the Comelec that it will be released immediately, the teacher added. The honoraria were supposed to be distributed to the teachers a day or two after the elections. Some of our fellow teachers who served during the elections worked beyond voting hours, some were even harassed and are facing charges and yet Comelec has not yet given what is due to us, the teacher said. But according to Atty. Veronico Petalcorin, officer-incharge at the Commission on Elections (Comelec) regional office, cash cards issued by Land Bank of the Philippines and the United Coconut Planters Bank (UCPB) were distributed to most teachers who served during the elections. We are very sorry to those who have not yet received their honoraria. If it were coursed through the regional, provincial or municipal Comelec office, then there could have been no problem

in releasing them to the BEIs, Petalcorin said referring to the delay in the release. The problem is with the (Comelec) central office. There were records that do not match with those BEI who served during the elections. Other teachers who do not have Land Bank ATM payroll accounts also have problems in getting their honoraria through special cash cards, Petalcorin added. According to Petalcorin, there were teachers who were in the list, but did not serve in the elections and yet received the amount that not intended for them. This would take time to settle, but we assure those who served will receive their honoraria. Those who did not serve but received the money will have to refund it, the official said. Comelec paid public school teachers who served as chairmen or members of the the BEI for every clustered precinct P3,000 as honorarium, P500 for the final testing and sealing of the precinct count optical scan (PCOS) machine and P500 as transportation allowance. We would recommend to the central office that in the next elections, the honoraria should be released to the BEIs through payroll from our election officers, Petalcorin added. (REYAN L. ARINTO)