DepEd expects 'informal' classes to resume
Monday
TACLOBAN CITY, Leyte) The Department of
Education (DepEd) is expecting classes to resume on Monday but in an informal
setting as a way to account students and teachers following the devastation
wrought by super typhoon "Yolanda" (Haiyan) in Eastern Visayas.
Elena de Luna, Assistant Division Superintendent
for Eastern Samar and Regional Information, said "informal classes"
will resume only in schools that were not heavily damaged and were declared by
the Public Works department as safe and durable.
"On December 2, DepEd expects schools na
hindi masyadong na-damage to start to account pupils and teachers as
well," de Luna said.
She said classes already resumed in some areas
affected by the calamity including Northern Samar; Calbayog and Catbalogan in
Samar; and Maasin, Southern Leyte.
De Luna said the United Nations Children’s Fund
(UNICEF) together with Save the Children will set up alternative learning
shelters in four schools in Leyte, which will serve as temporary classrooms.
The four schools that UNICEF identified are Palo
1 and 2 Central Schools and San Joaquin National High School in Palo, Leyte;
and San Roque Elementary School in Tolosa.
Each alternative learning shelter measures 7x9
meters, which is the size of an ideal classroom.
The soft launching for the four learning
shelters is scheduled on Monday.
De Luna said there are plans to establish
similar learning shelters in Tacloban, Ormoc and Eastern Samar. PND (jb)
Leyte Mayor to Residents: ‘We will rise!’
TACLOBAN CITY, Leyte) A mayor of one of the
municipalities in Leyte has encouraged survivors to rise up and start anew
three weeks after super typhoon Yolanda ravaged the Eastern Visayas region.
"We would like to ask everybody not to
despair. We will rise," said Sandy Javier, mayor of Javier, Leyte and
concurring national president of the League of Municipalities of the
Philippines (LMP).
Javier said his municipality is "fast
recovering" and everything is starting to normalize since the catastrophic
storm hit.
"Now, everyone is standing up and trying to
get back to their lives," he said.
He said that the affected residents are starting
to rebuild houses and find alternative livelihood after 60 percent of their
coconuts were destroyed.
He likewise said people are engaging in
bayanihan to clean up ravaged communities and avoid the spread of diseases like
dengue.
"Tapos na ang shock mode. We are telling
everybody to start rising and do their cleaning and soon we will have our work
to continue," he stressed.
Asked what lessons he learned from the recent
disaster, Javier said "if there is a warning, we have to heed the call of
local government units."
Javier is one of the towns that implemented
forced evacuation before Yolanda, the most powerful storm recorded to have hit
land, struck Eastern Visayas.
As LMP head, the mayor said he was able to
coordinate with the governor and some officials in national government to clear
the debris in his town and nearby municipalities right after the storm hit.
In rebuilding Leyte, the mayor reiterated the
40-meter no-build zones from the coastline and emphasized the need to build
more durable evacuation centers.
There is still no electricity in Javier but the
Energy department promised to energize them at the soonest possible time.
"We have to rise and stand up. We are
survivors, don't worry, we'll be okay," said Javier. PND (jb)
Catbalogan Samar hub needs more volunteers
CATBALOGAN, Samar) The repacking center here is
in need of more volunteers as it will start delivering relief goods on December
5, a social welfare worker said Sunday.
Klint Tacal, social welfare assistant of
Catbalogan, said the Catbalogan hub, which started its operations last Monday
had finished repacking some 2,000 sacks of rice.
"We already received 2,000 out of the
10,000 sacks of rice that will come from the NFA," Tacal said.
Each food pack is composed of five kilos of rice
and 10 assorted canned goods.
The Department of Social Welfare and Development
(DSWD) has opened a repacking center in Catbalogan to hasten the delivery of
relief services to worst-hit municipalities in Eastern and Western Samar
including Guiuan, Marabut and Basey.
The first round of distribution will start on
Thursday.
Volunteers participating in the repacking were
given food packs as part of DSWD's food-for-work program.
Tacal said they are needing more volunteers as
they will be operating until the situation in Samar returns to normal.
DSWD staff from Northern and Western Samar are
handling the Catbalogan hub together with volunteers coming from this town. PND
(jb)
Palace says government steps up efforts to help
Yolanda-displaced residents
Malacañang on Sunday reassured residents
affected by super typhoon Yolanda (Haiyan) that the government has intensified
its efforts to render assistance to them.
Presidential Communications Operations Office
Secretary Herminio “Sonny” Coloma Jr. said the assistance includes having
families adopt or host those who had been forced to flee their homes.
“Patuloy na pinag-iigting ng pamahalaan ang
pagtulong sa ating mga kababayan na lumikas sa kani-kanilang mga bayan at
lalawigan sa Silangang Visayas dulot ng bagyo at pansamantalang nanunuluyan
dito sa Maynila (The government continues to extend assistance to people forced
to flee their homes in Eastern Visayas and come to Metro Manila),” Coloma said
over government-run dzRB Radyo ng Bayan.
He said the Departments of Social Welfare and
Development (DSWD) and Health (DOH), and the Philippine Air Force, Technical
Education and Skills Development Authority, Philippine Information Agency, and
local government units are working closely with private groups and non-government
organizations to help the internally displaced persons (IDPs).
Coloma also noted that the DSWD recently
launched a project to adopt or host a family in Metro Manila, to benefit
residents displaced from Eastern Visayas.
He cited figures from the DSWD showing some
4,352 families or 18,016 people had gone to Metro Manila from Samar and Leyte
aboard C-130 planes, or aboard buses of the Land Transportation Franchising and
Regulatory Board from Nov. 16 to 29.
Of these, 3,042 families or 2,932 people had
been assisted through the government’s Oplan Hatid, while the others are
staying in a tent city in Pasay City, or in hospitals in Metro Manila.
Still others are being taken care of by
non-government organizations or local government units.
Coloma also called on Filipinos to continue
supporting those affected by Yolanda.
“Malaki po ang trabahong dapat gawin.
Nagpapasalamat po tayo sa kababayang nag-volunteer at naguukol ng kanilang
panahon at nagbibigay ng tulong. Sana magpatuloy itong diwa ng bayanihan na
kapuri-puri at kapakipakinabang para sa ating bansa (We still have a lot of
work ahead of us. We thank those who volunteered their time and efforts. We
hope this spirit of bayanihan will continue),” he said. PND (jl)
Government vows justice for slain broadcaster
Malacañang on Sunday vowed to bring to justice
the killers of a broadcaster who was gunned down in Bukidnon province last
Friday night.
Presidential Communications Operations Office
Secretary Herminio “Sonny” Coloma Jr. said the Philippine National Police is
now conducting hot pursuit operations against the assailants of Joas Dignos.
“Police authorities are under instructions to
exert utmost efforts in bringing the assailants to the bar of justice. We
reiterate government’s commitment to solve the killings of journalists,
broadcasters, and media practitioners through the combined efforts of all
concerned government agencies,” Coloma said over government-run dzRB Radyo ng
Bayan.
He said the government condemns the killing
where Dignos was reportedly gunned down by motorcycle-riding men.
Coloma also said the PNP is strengthening its
investigative arm, while the Department of Justice is beefing up its battery of
prosecutors assigned to build and file cases.
The government is also closely monitoring the
trial of the accused persons linked to media killings, he added.
“We are determined to end the culture of
impunity that has brought about these media killings and we call on the
citizens to support our efforts,” he said. PND (jl)
Palace: Government sustaining efforts to break
cycle of HIV transmission especially among youth
As people around the world marked World AIDS Day
on Sunday, Malacañang reaffirmed its commitment to work toward finally stopping
the transmission of the virus that causes Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome.
Presidential Communications Operations Office
Secretary Herminio “Sonny” Coloma Jr. said the Department of Health is leading
government efforts to work with development partners and civil society toward
an AIDS-free generation.
“As we join the celebration of World AIDS Day,
we are pleased to report to our people that with the DOH taking the lead, the
government continues to work with development partners and civil society in a
determined effort to break the cycle of HIV (human immunodeficiency virus)
transmission,” Coloma said on government-run dzRB Radyo ng Bayan.
He said the government’s efforts are focused on
the youth, which he said constitutes the most vulnerable sector.
“Despite formidable challenges, we remain
committed to attaining our Millennium Development Goal of getting to zero and
having an AIDS-free generation,” he said.
Coloma said it is important to have a robust
awareness and education campaign, which includes preventive measures to prevent
the transmission of HIV and the spread of AIDS.
He said the government is particularly targeting
the youth aged 15 to 24, who he said are the most vulnerable in terms of risk
of contracting the HIV virus.
“Ang pinakamahalagang aspeto ay educational
campaign at awareness and consciousness briefing para ang mga nasa panganib
hindi po gagawa ng hindi nararapat, at gagawin ang dapat gawin para maiwasan
ang pagkakasakit nito (The most important aspect is the educational campaign
and awareness so those at risk will know the do's and don’ts in avoiding
getting HIV),” he said. PND (jl)
Government plans in place if violence escalates,
Palace assures kin of OFWs in thailand
Malacañang on Sunday reassured kin of Filipinos
working in Thailand that the Philippine government has contingency plans in
place if the violence there escalates.
Presidential Communications Operations Office
Secretary Herminio “Sonny” Coloma Jr. said there are guidelines in place for
the Philippine Embassy in Thailand and the Department of Foreign Affairs.
“Meron silang sinusunod na guideline, may iba’t
ibang alert level. At alam po ng ating DFA employees, mga empleyado ng ating
embahada ay may sapat na kaalaman at kakayahan para protektahan ang ating
mamamayan (They all follow a set of guidelines depending on the alert level.
The employees of our embassy and the DFA are aware and are capable of carrying
out the appropriate measures to protect our Filipinos there),” he said over
government-run dzRB Radyo ng Bayan.
He also said the Philippine government continues
to monitor the situation in Thailand where pro- and anti-government
demonstrators had reportedly engaged in fighting.
But so far, Coloma said there is no report
reaching Manila that indicates a need to take drastic measures.
“So far naman po ay wala pang naiulat na dahilan
para tayo ay mabahala (So far there is no report that should give us reason to
worry),” he said. PND (jl)
Government to respect pullout of foreign troops
bringing aid to Yolanda victims
While it would have wanted them to stay longer,
the Philippine government on Sunday said it will respect the decision of some
foreign governments to pull out their troops bringing relief to victims of
super typhoon "Yolanda" (Haiyan).
Presidential Communications Operations Office
Secretary Herminio “Sonny” Coloma Jr. said the government has to understand the
situation of its neighbors who sent the aid.
“Siyempre ang ating pagnanasa ay hanggang
kailangan ang kanilang pagtulong at tanggap naman natin na kailangan pa, ay
sana mapalawig pa nila ang kanilang pananatili rito at yung paggawad ng
assistance sa atin. Pero nasa pagpapasiya na po nila yan at hindi naman po
natin mapipigilan kung kinakailangan talaga nila mag-pullout sa takdang panahon
na kanilang inaakala ay makabubuti sa kanilang pangangailangan (Of course if it
were up to us, we would want them to stay longer because we still need much
aid. But the decision to pull out foreign troops is up to their respective
governments and we are in no position to prevent that),” he said over
government-run dzRB Radyo ng Bayan.
The destruction brought by Yolanda on parts of
the Visayas and Southern Luzon last month had triggered an outpouring of
support and aid from the international community.
But some foreign governments had already
indicated they are pulling out the troops that brought in relief items and services
to those affected by Yolanda.
Coloma said that while the Philippine government
can seek an extension of the foreign troops’ stay, it has to respect the
foreign governments’ stand.
“Maari po natin silang pakiusapan pero dapat din
po natin isaalang-alang ang kanilang partikular na katayuan. Yun din pong
patakaran ng kanilang bansa sa pag-deploy ng pwersa o tauhan at kagamitan tulad
ng ginawa nila, kailangan din naman igalang natin ang pagpapasiya ng mga
pamahalaan na nagpadala ng tulong (We must also consider and respect the
situation of the foreign governments and their deployment of troops to help
bring relief),” the Communications Secretary noted. PND (jl)
Palace vows to ensure health of residents
affected by Iloilo oil spill
Malacañang on Sunday reassured residents of
Estancia in Iloilo that the government will take the needed steps to ensure
their health following an oil spill involving a power barge damaged by super
typhoon "Yolanda" (Haiyan).
Presidential Communications Operations Office
Secretary Herminio “Sonny” Coloma Jr. gave the assurance even as he said the
government is waiting for the Philippine Coast Guard’s recommendation on
whether to pursue legal action against the barge’s owner.
“Ang batid ko po ay hindi natin pababayaan ang
kapakanan, kalusugan at kaligtasan ng ating mga mamamayan hinggil sa bagay na
yan. At kung sino man ang dapat managot ay papanagutin (What I am sure of at
this time is that we will uphold the health, safety and welfare of those
affected by the oil spill. And we will make sure those who are liable be held
accountable),” Coloma said over government-run dzRB Radyo ng Bayan.
But he said an investigation is still ongoing on
who should be held liable for the oil spill.
For now, Coloma said they will await the
findings and recommendations of the Philippine Coast Guard.
“We must verify kung ano ang naging pangyayari.
At hindi magiging mainam na basta-basta lang po tayo maghuhusga na hindi pa kumpleto
ang information (We must verify what really happened. We cannot just make
judgments based on incomplete information),” he said.
The Communications Secretary said the law
enforcement agency handling the case is the Philippine Coast Guard.
“Ang Philippine Coast Guard ang magbibigay ng
rekomendasyon at magpapanukala rin ng konkretong aksyon (The Philippine Coast
Guard is the agency that is qualified to make the appropriate
recommendations),” he said. PND (jl)
Executive Department ready to cooperate with
Senate probe on Zamboanga siege, Palace says
Malacañang on Sunday said the Executive
Department is ready to cooperate with the Senate in investigating the fighting
last September between government troops and followers of Moro National
Liberation Front founding chairman Nur Misuari in Zamboanga City.
Presidential Communications Operations Office
Secretary Herminio “Sonny” Coloma Jr. said the executive department is ready to
provide information the Senate may need in its probe.
“Nasa karapatan po ng mga senador at ng Senado
na magpanukala at magsagawa ng ganyang imbestigasyon. At kung hihingi po sila
ng impormasyon at paglahok ng pambansang pamahalaan ay makikiisa din naman po
kami sa layunin nila (It is the right of the Senate and the senators to hold
such an investigation. If they need information from the executive department,
we are ready to help them),” Coloma said over government-run dzRB Radyo ng
Bayan.
He said the government shares the objective of
the Senate probe to prevent a similar attack in the future.
“Ganyan naman po ang layunin ng mga Senate
investigations para po makapagbuo ng mga kongkretong rekomendasyon at aksyon na
magpapabuti sa ating kahandaan na harapin ang mga ganyang sitwasyon sa darating
na panahon (That is the objective of Senate investigations, to come up with
concrete recommendations to improve our preparedness against similar situations
in the future),” the Communications Secretary said.
Last September, government troops and Misuari’s
followers engaged in almost a month of fighting in Zamboanga City.
While Misuari’s followers initially occupied
parts of the city by having civilian hostages, government troops eventually
retook the occupied areas. PND (jl)
