NAVAL, Biliran – The provincial blood program coordinator in the province of Biliran called on the officials of local government units (LGUs) in the province of Biliran to give their full support in the blood donation program.
In an organizational meeting and orientation and reorientation of the Biliran provincial blood council held recently, Von Wendel Ampong, provincial blood coordinator in Biliran province, strongly called the support of the eight municipal mayors and the 132 barangay captains in the drive to reach the blood donation target in the entire province in 2015.
Ampong revealed that the total target of the province of Biliran for 2015 is 1,739 bags of blood which represents one percent of the total population of the province.
“So far, we have more or less 600 bags stock of donated blood at present out of the blood letting activities conducted in several LGUs in the province”Ampong admitted.
He said that the province has not achieved the expected number of bags based on the one percent population of the province in 2014.
Ampong added that the low turn-out of blood donors in previous years maybe attributed to lack of incentives given to potential blood donors in the community.
This year, he expected to have more blood donors who are willing to donate blood during blood letting activities to be conducted in the community with the help of LGUs now giving some incentives to blood donors.
Ampong further emphasized that donating blood has health benefits as well as it helps a lot to patient who is in need of blood.
Meanwhile, the Biliran provincial blood council was revitalized recently with the infusion of more members coming from the community like from the private groups to get the support in the blood donation program of the provincial government. # (fj/PIA8 Biliran)
NAVAL, Biliran- No less than the top official of Biliran town has announced in an exit conference with the members of the Biliran provincial committee (PNC) that she will raise the honorarium of the Barangay Nutrition Scholars (BNS) of her town next year.
Biliran Mayor Grace J. Casil (in white polo), vowed to the members of the Biliran provincial nutrition committee during the exit conference of the monitoring and evaluation of local level program implementation on nutrition (MELPPI) held today, Tuesday, June 23, 2015 in Biliran town, to make significant changes in the nutritional landscape of the town in several areas where the town lagged behind in terms of implementation for the past years.(rvictoria/PIA 8 Biliran)
Alarmed by the low monthly honorarium of the BNS of her municipality, Biiran Mayor Grace J. Casil vowed to increase the monthly honorarium of the BNS serving the 11 barangays of her town.
At present, the municipality of Biliran allocated only P100 monthly honorarium to BNS or equivalent to P1,200 given in full to each of the 11 BNS every end of the year.
“I will hire them as job order employees of the town in 2016”, the lady mayor said infront of the members of the Biliran PNC in an exit conference at her office on June 23, 2015, the scheduled date of the town’s monitoring and evaluation of local level plan imlementation on nutrition (MELLPI).
At first, Casil planned to give them P500 a month but after knowing the duties and obligations of the BNS who are in the frontline of helping in the implementation of health programs, projects and activities in the grassroots level, she finally decided to include them as job order employees.
If a current job order employee of Biliran town is now receiving P100 a day as a minimum daily pay, a BNS will also receive the same amount by next year.
Casil further said that the raise in their honorarium is a big moral booster for the effective and efficient implementation not only of health programs, projects and activities but also in the nutrition aspect of their respective barangay.
The lady mayor also hopes that the increase in honorarium of BNS for next year will help change the not so good nutritional status of 0-5 and school children of her town.
She also vowed to focus on providing more support to the nutrition programs, projects and activities to improve the standing of her town among the eight towns in terms of nutrition. # (fj/PIA 8 Biliran)
NAVAL, Biliran – The provincial blood program coordinator in the province of Biliran called on the officials of local government units (LGUs) in the province of Biliran to give their full support in the blood donation program.
Von Wendel Ampong (standing infront), Biliran provincial blood program coordinator, presents to the participants the status of the blood donation program in Biliran province during the organizational meeting, orientation and reorientation for provincial blood council held at the Biliran provincial hospital conference room, June 19, 2015.(rvictoria/PIA 8 Biliran)
In an organizational meeting and orientation and reorientation of the Biliran provincial blood council held recently, Von Wendel Ampong, provincial blood coordinator in Biliran province, strongly called the support of the eight municipal mayors and the 132 barangay captains in the drive to reach the blood donation target in the entire province in 2015.
Ampong revealed that the total target of the province of Biliran for 2015 is 1,739 bags of blood which represents one percent of the total population of the province.
“So far, we have more or less 600 bags stock of donated blood at present out of the blood letting activities conducted in several LGUs in the province”Ampong admitted.
He said that the province has not achieved the expected number of bags based on the one percent population of the province in 2014.
Ampong added that the low turn-out of blood donors in previous years maybe attributed to lack of incentives given to potential blood donors in the community.
This year, he expected to have more blood donors who are willing to donate blood during blood letting activities to be conducted in the community with the help of LGUs now giving some incentives to blood donors.
Ampong further emphasized that donating blood has health benefits as well as it helps a lot to patient who is in need of blood.
Meanwhile, the Biliran provincial blood council was revitalized recently with the infusion of more members coming from the community like from the private groups to get the support in the blood donation program of the provincial government. # (fj/PIA8 Biliran)
BiliranIsland.com Staff
BiliranIsland.com
First Posted 13:52:00 07/02/2015
A broken heart may have driven John Anthony Enguito, 19 years old, 3rd year maritime student at the Naval State University, Naval Biliran to shoot himself with a gun over his head last June 28, 2015 at past 6 in the evening.
John Anthony Cañete Enguito
He was found by his grandmother Norman Enguito Ejorcadas, 61 years old, the victim was brought to the hospital by his neighbor Ma. Corazon Macalalad Canete and his uncle Danny Linao Ejorcadas . He was pronounced dead on arrival (DOA) by the attending physician at the Biliran Provincial Hospital last June 28, 2015.
Initial investigation conducted by the Almeria Police Station led by PSI Nonito Zuasula recovered one empty shll of cal. 45 and one cal 45 pistol with Colt and Gov’t marking, without serial number. The case is still under investigation.
His family and friends were shocked over the suicide.
BiliranIsland.com Staff
BiliranIsland.com
First Posted 16:03:00 07/03/2015
Last Updated 07:51:00 07/04/2015
“ Abi nako dili sya mag hikog, abi nako komedya ra iyang sulti. Iya diay gitinuod”- Emma Lugagay
My husband killed himself, tied a cord around his neck, and leap to his death. Done, Irreversible.
NOTE: We have removed the blurred photo of a suicide that we had posted here in deference to the request of the family and interested parties who invoked privacy issues. We apologize for any discomfort that this may have caused. But we will retain the narrative of the report we had posted. This event is legitimate news.
John E. Lugagay 51 years old, a sikad (trike) driver was found dead by hanging ;with a rope on his neck by his 12 year old son, Mar John Lugagay inside their home at San Roque St., Barangay Larrazabal, Naval, Biliran He is survived by his wife and eight children.
According to the police investigation, the victim confided his problems to her daughter Maredete Lugagay . The latter said that her father was hurt when his wife left him and that it was better to take his own life. His father suspected that her mother had another man, as she never returned his calls.
The wife, Emma Lugagay said that her late husband was never in favor of her working in Manila, but she was persistent and he eventually gave her permission to leave. The victim was even there to wish her goodbye when she left, but after a few days her husband begged her to come back. She told him that she will return in a month , so that she can earn money to pay for her debts and her fare.
“ Paulion daw ko niya, kay dili niya kaya na wala ko. Ingon sya mag pa abot sya nako” – Emma Lugagay
Photo by Jalmz
A fellow sikad driver, Nardo Hamot told us that the victim doesn’t have any vices. However the site of the incident revealed a half empty Tanduay bottle. The Naval Police Station will continue their investigation to rule out foul play.
Suicide by Hanging
Suicide by hanging is the act of intentionally killing oneself via suspension from an anchor-point or ligature point (e.g. an overhead beam or hook) by a ligature or by jumping from a height with a noose around the neck. (wikipedia.com)
Hanging is avery simple suicide method that does not require complicated techniques. It is one of the most commonly used suicide methods and has a high mortality rate; Gunnell et al. gives a figure of at least 70 percent.[1] The materials required are easily available, and a wide range of ligatures can be used. Because of this, it is considered a difficult method to prevent.[1] In theInternational Statistical Classification of Diseases and Related Health Problems, suicides by hanging are classified under the code X70: “Intentional self-harm by hanging, strangulation, and suffocation.”[ (wikipedia.com)
An autopsy of a hanged body will often reveal neck markings. The nature of these depends on the type of noose. Few or no marks may be found with a noose made of a soft material like bed sheets. A rope or cord noose will, however, leave a deep furrow, often with accompanying abrasions and contusions. Hanging from a high suspension point leaves diagonal marks on the neck like an inverted V, which do not run around the full circumference of the neck. The point where the noose meets the vertical part of the rope is pulled up and away from the body and does not leave a mark on the neck. This can be used to distinguish a hanging from a manual strangulation. However, in a hanging from a low suspension point, the marks on the neck tend to be horizontal rather than diagonal and may look more characteristic of a manual strangulation. (encyclopedia.com)
Trivia from Around the World (samaritan.co.uk)
• 75% of all suicides are committed by men
• suicide rates around the world are slowly increasing
• The number of attempts is rising more significantly
• The most likely group to attempt suicide are young women between 15 and 19 years.
• About 25% of the population personally know someone who committed suicide.
• Factors found to be associated with attempted suicide are : single , marital status (including divorced/widowed); unemployment; social deprivation; history of physical or sexual abuse; alcohol and drug problems; social isolation ; eating disorders (females only)
•
Warning Signs of a Suicidal Person (www.save.org.net)
These signs may mean someone is at risk for suicide. Risk is greater if a behavior is new or has increased and if it seems related to a painful event, loss or change.
• Talking about wanting to die or to kill oneself.
• Looking for a way to kill oneself, such as searching online or buying a gun.
• Talking about feeling hopeless or having no reason to live.
• Talking about feeling trapped or in unbearable pain.
• Talking about being a burden to others.
• Increasing the use of alcohol or drugs.
• Acting anxious or agitated; behaving recklessly.
• Sleeping too little or too much.
• Withdrawn or feeling isolated.
• Showing rage or talking about seeking revenge.
• Displaying extreme mood swings.
Additional Warning Signs of Suicide
• Preoccupation with death.
• Suddenly happier, calmer.
• Loss of interest in things one cares about.
• Visiting or calling people to say goodbye.
• Making arrangements; setting one’s affairs in order.
• Giving things away, such as prized possessions.
Suicide Philippines (rappler.com/06/09/14)
Dr Dinah Nadera, a psychiatrist and professor of the University of the Philippines Open University stated: “The Philippines is cited to have one of the lowest male (2.5) and female suicide rates (1.7 per 100,000) in the Western Pacific Region. Many attribute this data to the Filipinos’ grounding in the Catholic faith, natural resiliency, and gregariousness as a people and as a nation.
“Connectedness” as being preventive for suicide is a concept that needs no proof in the Philippines. Filipinos are known for close family ties, extended family structure, and as residents of a nation of connections, as the Philippines is known as the texting (SMS) capital of the world. She also noted that having close friends is one protective factor in suicide prevention.
BiliranIsland.com Staff
BiliranIsland.com
First Posted 13:52:00 07/04/2015
Nicanor Perol Datuin, 42 years old farmer from Barangay Binohangan, Caibiran, Biliran has been arrested for possession of illegal firearms and ammunition.
The Caibiran Police Station responded to an anonymous text message that a certain Nicanor Datuin was creating trouble at Sitio Gindulangan, Binohangan, Biliran. The suspect was holding his firearm in plain view, while sitting on a bench.
The police team immediately confiscated the firearm and brought the suspect to the station for questioning.
Initial investigation revealed that the firearm, a cal. 38 revolver with defaced serial number, was loaded with five unfired cartridges.
Datuin failed to present any document that shows he has a permit to own a firearm and carry it outside the residence.
The suspect is booked and arrested for one count of illegal possession of firearm. The firearm is now under the custody of the Caibiran Police Station. The case is still under investigation.
There were no reported casualties and damage to property during the incident.
BiliranIsland.com Staff
BiliranIsland.com
First Posted 09:43:00 07/04/2015
The Biliranisland.com would like to clarify the confusion with regard to our previous article (NSU Student kills himself). We use the term “broken heart” as it appropriately covered all aspects that may had pushed to his demise. We would also like to apologize to the persons that may have had suffered .
According to wikipedia:
“A broken heart (also known as a heartbreak or heartache) is a common metaphor for the intense emotional pain or suffering one feels after losing a loved one, whether through death, divorce, breakup, separation, betrayal, or romantic rejection. “
Broken heart syndrome is a recently recognized heart problem. It was originally reported in the Asian population in 1990 and named TAKOTSUBO cardiomyopathy (KAR-de-o-mi-OP-ah-thee). In this condition, the heart is so weak that it assumes a bulging shape (“tako tsubo” is the term for an octopus trap, whose shape resembles the bulging appearance of the heart during this condition). Cases have since been reported worldwide, and the first reports of broken heart syndrome in the United States appeared in 1998. The condition also is commonly called stress-induced cardiomyopathy. ( http://www.nhlbi.nih.gov/health )
Broken heart syndrome is a condition in which extreme stress can lead to heart muscle failure. The failure is severe, but often short-term. The cause of broken heart syndrome is not fully known. In most cases, symptoms are triggered by extreme emotional or physical stress, such as intense grief, anger, or surprise. Researchers think that the stress releases hormones that “stun” the heart and affect its ability to pump blood to the body. (The term “stunned” is often used to indicate that the injury to the heart muscle is only temporary.)
BiliranIsland.com Staff
BiliranIsland.com
First Posted 15:00:00 07/07/2015
Caibiran will celebrate its 98th Annual Town Fiesta on July 25, 2015 in honor of St. James the Apostle.
LISTS OF ACTIVITIES
June 3 – July 14 – Pilgrimage of St. James the Apostle
July 12 – United Caibiran Association of Metro Manila (UCAMM) Fiesta Celebration
July 15 – First & Last Canvassing of MISS CAIBIRAN 2015
July 10 – 21- Sports Competition
* Basketball Tournament – Inter Brgy.
* Volleyball Tournament – Boys/Girls (Inter Brgy.)
July 19 – Caibiran Taekwondo Mayors Cup
July 20 – 8:00 a.m. Nutrition Month Celebration
July 21 –
July 22 – DEP-ED NIGHT
July 23 – PASIDUNGOG 2015
* Balikbayan Night
* Caibiran Matron 2015
July 24 – Vesper Day
8:00 am – Vesper Opening Ceremonies
* Civic Parade
* Band Exhibition Contest
– Playground Demonstration
*Elementary
*High School
5:00 pm – Vespers Mass
8:00 pm – Socials
* Coronation of MISS CAIBIRAN 2015
July 25 – FEAST DAY
4:00 am – DIANA
5:00 am – Eucaristic Celebration
9:00 am – PONTIFICAL CONCELEBRATED MASS
1:00 pm – LARO NG LAHI
4:30 pm – Eucharistic Celebration
5:30 pm – Procession of the Image, St. James the Great
8:00 pm – MNHS ALUMNI NITE
MAUPAY NGA PATRON CAIBIRAN!
NAVAL, Biliran – The appearance of molds with distinct brownish and yellowish colors made the provincial quality assurance officer of the National Food Authority (NFA) here in Biliran province to conclude that the rice samples taken from some rice traders, this town, passed the palatability test.
Leoncio C. Abad (1st from left),provincial operations officer, Clemente P. Bruza (2nd from left),provincial quality assurance officer and Geralyn Blancaflor (in black polo shirt),enforcement and investigation officer, all of NFA-Biliran, conduct random inspection today, Wednesday,July 1, 2015, to rice traders in Biliran province in connection to the directive of Renan B. Dalisay, NFA administrator, to intensify market inspection to assure the public on the possible entry of the alleged fake rice. (rvictoria/PIA 8 Biliran)
A team of NFA-Biliran personnel composed of Leoncio C.Abad , provincial operations officer, Clemente P. Bruza ,provincial quality assurance officer and Geralyn Blancaflor, enforcement and investigation officer, conducted a random inspection on some rice traders in Biliran province in July 1.
The conduct of random inspection to some rice traders within the area of coverage of NFA-Biliran is in line with the directive of NFA administrator Renan B. Dalisay to intensify market inspection on rice traders over entry of alleged fake rice in the country.
The alleged suspicious SECHIN Sinandomeng premium white rice without the supplier’s name and address printed on the sack itself taken from one of the rice traders selling rice here in Naval during the conduct of random inspection on July 1, passed the palatability test, Bruza stated in his report to Lorna Sison-Ordiz, NFA-Biliran provincial manager.
“I observed the appearance of molds with distinct colour like brownish, yellowish and some spotted black in color” Bruza said in his report on the result of the palatability test conducted after three days from date of inspection.
However, Bruza, who is a senior grains operations officer of NFA-Biliran, disclosed that the black markings on the alleged suspicious rice subject to palatability test is highly recommended for further chemical analysis to ensure that there is no other chemicals that might be detrimental to human health.
“Fake rice will not be spoiled after four days, will not stick to the hands hands after it is cooked, liquid substance will come out after squeezing it and worst it will cause stomach discomfort after eating”, he informed in an interview during the conduct of the random inspection.
For her part, Ordiz informed the Biliranons that the province is now fake rice-free based on the latest random inspection of stores selling rice in public markets conducted by NFA-Biliran in the province of Biliran. # (fj/PIA 8 Biliran)
NAVAL, Biliran (PIA) – Junk foods and softdrinks will no longer be available soon in school canteens and stores with the passage of an ordinance prohibiting its sale, promotion and distribution in elementary and secondary schools including in nursery and day care centers, this town.
The proposed ordinance authored by Dr. Gabino S. Velasquez IV, Naval Sangguniang Bayan (SB) chairman of the committee on health and co-authored by Councilor Nick Arthur V. Parilla, is entitled “An Ordinance Prohibiting the Sale, Promotion and Distribution of Junk Foods and Carbonated Drinks in All Day Care Centers, nursery, Elementary and High School Canteens, Stores, Restaurants within the School Premises of the Municipality of Naval,Biliran.
The proposed ordinance strengthens DepEd Order No. 8 series of 2007 which mandates all public elementary and secondary schools to sell only nutrient-rich foods and fortified food products in school canteens and that sale of carbonated drinks, sugar-based synthetic or artificially flavored juices, junk foods, and any other similar food products detrimental to the child’s health and do not bear the Sangkap Pinoy seal and did not pass the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and the Bureau of Food and Drug (BFAD) is prohibited.
One of the reasons cited in the passage of the ordinance is the rising count of obese schoolchildren in the locality which is due to eating junk foods which contributes greatly to malnutrition and obesity and other obesity-related illnesses.
The local ordinance further cited the commitment and accountability of the local government unit of the right of children to good health, which is among of the other basic rights accorded to schoolchildren.
The ordinance also spells out the best interest of the children thereby protecting their health shall be efficiently coordinated with other sectors, agencies,and parents to make them more effective and productive.
Councilor Velasquez, a medical doctor by profession who served as municipal health officer of Maripipi, Biliran for several years informed that though the proposed local ordinance is still subject for public hearing, yet, he is positive for its enactment.
“It is high time for a local ordinance that would spell out what is good for the nutrition of our schoolchildren to be passed especially at present where our market is flooded with junk foods which are not really good for them to eat”, Velasquez said.
Doc Gabby, as he is fondly called by friends, also served as chief of the technical section of the Biliran Provincial Health Office (BPHO) where one of his functions is to oversee the nutritional status of schoolchildren
A committee hearing on the ordinance prohibiting the sale of junk foods and sofdrinks was conducted recently at the Naval SB Session hall with health officials and personnel in attendance led by Dr. Edgar Veloso, Biliran provincial health officer together with heads of elementary and secondary schools in Naval and some representatives of concerned national government agencies in Biliran province. # (fj/PIA 8 Biliran)
NAVAL, Bilira (PIA) – “We already witnessed several congresses here in Biliran province like that of women, youth, elderly and even that of men, but this time, it’s the turn of the pregnant women”, said Dr. Fernando B. Montejo, municipal health officer (MHO) of Naval town in an interview at his office on Tuesday, July 14.
Montejo said that some 60 pregnant women selected by the 12 midwives stationed in the 26 barangays in Naval will converge at the Naval Gym on Thursday, July 16, 2015 for the first ever Buntis Congress.
This Buntis Congress is aimed at giving the participants the knowledge on good and proper nutrition while in the period of pregnancy, said Montejo.
“Teaching them good and proper nutrition is important because this will help and keep them healthy from the first month up to nine months of pregnancy and even after delivery” he emphasized.
The congress will also provide the participants knowledge on the importance of the regular four pre-natal visits or regular health and medical check-ups in the nearest rural health facilities located in the barangay, rural health unit of the town or even in the Biliran provincial hospital, he added.
According to Dr. Montejo, this regular four pre-natal check-ups is a requirement of the Philippine Health Insurance Corporation (PhilHealth) so that a pregnant woman can avail of the benefits provided by PhilHealth during delivery.
“We will also impart to them the importance of delivering birth in a facility-based delivery now located in the rural health unit of Naval and that of the other rural health units of other towns in Biliran province and in the Biliran provincial hospital, to ensure safety, proper care and handling of deliveries which are attended to by trained health personnel” he added.
He admitted that there are still pregnant women in the community at present who refuse to give birth in a facility-based delivery where it poses danger especially to pregnant women with high-risk pregnancies that can cause maternal mortality.
He confided that based on record, there were already three maternal mortality cases in Naval from January to June this year.
Participants to the congress will be given hygiene kits containing towel, soap, tootbrush, toothpaste, alcohol and other necessary hygiene materials that will be used during delivery, Montejo further said. # (fj/PIA 8 Biliran)
BiliranIsland.com Staff
BiliranIsland.com
First Posted 08:55:00 07/16/2015
Two women were arrested on Wednesday evening at around 7:35 of July 15, 2015 by the joint anti-illegal drug operation teams of Naval police station and the Biliran police provincial office at Caneja extension in Brgy P.I. Garcia, Naval,Biliran. Arrested was one of the drug pushers in Naval named Cheryl Ejorcadas,34 yrs old, live-in partner of Richard Arevalo alias “Dagol”, Filipino, jobless and a resident of the abovementioned place and Jeralyn Asentista, 27 yrs. old, single Filipino,helper, native of Santa Maria, Bulacan and presently residing at the above figured place of arrest.
Seized during the buy-bust operation are the following items: one (1) pc small heat sealed transparent plastic sachet containing white crystalline substance believed to be shabu marked with initials “CDE 07-15-2015″ (subject of sale), one (1) pc gravity black eye glass pouch marked with initials “CDE-907-15-2015 containing with two (2) pcs big heat sealed transparent plastic sachets containing white crystalline substance believed to be shabu marked with initials “CDE-1 & CDE-2 07-15-2015″, five (5) pcs small heat sealed transparent plastic sachets containing white crystalline substance believed to be be shabu marked with initials “CDE-3 to CDE-7 07-15-2015″ (possession of cheryl ejorcadas) and (1) pc one thousand peso (P1000.00) bill bearing serial number TY797281 marked with initials as “CDE-8 07-15-2015″ (buy-bust money). The conduct of inventory in connection with said anti-dangerous drug operation were witnessed by the representatives from media and elected official. Suspects are now temporarily detained at Naval police station for documentation and for proper disposition.
The arresting team were composed of PCI Renencio L. Raquipo, team leader, PInsp Kerwin S. Sevillano, asst. leader and SPO2 Alan E. Delis, IOC, PO2 Alexander C. Mejia, PO2 Jimmy Regir, PO2 Ronald Diez, PO2 Randy Rubas, PO2 Randy Coricor,PO2 Raymon Astorga and PO1 Hildeyardo F. Enage Jr..
BiliranIsland.com Staff
BiliranIsland.com
First Posted 15:30:00 07/17/2015
Friars must be a little bit open to the young people. We must understand them; listen to them in their situations and problems. And we must embrace realities, including their shortcomings. These will give us a chance to redirect them-Fr. Greg Redoblado.
Our heartfelt congratulations to Fr. Lino Gregorio Redoblado, OFM on his election as the new General Definitor for Asia and Oceania, the first Filipino to be elected in history.
Fr. Greg; as known to many, grew up in Almeria, Biliran. He was born on May 25, 1966 to the late Dr. Redoblado and Inday Velasquez.
Fr. Greg as a young child.
He graduated valedictorian in the year 1982 in Pope John XXIII Minor Seminary in Cebu city, and joined the Franciscans and pursued his Bachelor of Arts in Comparative Religion, minors in Philosophy and Sociology, at the Our Lady of the Angels Seminary (OLAS), Novaliches, Quezon City. He made his first profession on May 1988 and took his final vows on May 1992. He finished his Theology at the Inter- Congregational Theological Center in Quezon City and was ordained on October 22, 1994.
Fr. Greg with Pope Francis
Fr. Greg served as the Secretary of the Association of Major Religious Superiors of the Philippines (AMRSP) from 1994-1998. He was also Co-Secretary of the Commission on Mutual Relations between Bishops and Religious of the Catholic Bishops Conference of the Philippines (CBCP). Before his studies in Rome, he was Secretary of the OFM Province of San Pedro Bautista from 1995-1998. He gained his Licentiate in Philosophy in 2001 at Pontifico Ateneo Antonianum. In 2005, he finished his Doctorate in Philosophy Magna Cum Laude at the Pontifical University Antonianum. He served as Provincial Definitor and Secretary for Formation and Studies; Guardian, school Director and Dean of the College of our Lady of the Angels Seminary. (santuariodesanantonio).
Fr. Greg officiating a mass
He was also the guardian of the Franciscan community in the Sanctuary de San Antonio in Forbes Park. In 2013 he had been elected as the new provincial minister of the congregation.
Fr. Greg with his childhood friendsFr. Greg and Msgr. Marvin Maceda with fellow Almeriano/Almeriana at Bethany Hill, Caucab, Almeria, Biliran
Other notable priest in the town of Almeria is Fr. Anthony “Nonie” A. Moriilo former University President of University San Jose Recoletos and of the San Sebastian College-Recoletos Manila.
BiliranIsland.com Staff
BiliranIsland.com
First Posted 19:00:00 07/17/2015
Biliran Lover found dead. a third in 3 weeks
The boy, a 17 year old Filipino named Alvin Palma Besoyo, a resident of Sitio Basud Brgy. Poblacion, Almeria, Biliran was found dead at her lover’s house situated at Sitio Mahayahay, Brgy. Pulangbato, Almeria Biliran on the twelfth of July 2015.
Rosana Mariveles, found her lover dead, hanging with a rope around his neck, to what initially appeared to be a suicide; the third male suicide in three weeks in Biliran Province.
Ms. Mariveles her live in partner, narrated that they were visiting her family when that happened. As per police report, she took a nap for less than an hour in the “sala” when she found Alvin hanging with a rope on his neck at around 3:30 in the afternoon at her room. She then screamed for help and together with neighbors brought Besoyo to the hospital in an attempt to revive him. The attending physician pronounced him dead on arrival (DOA) resulting from Asphyxia secondary to strangulation. The police investigation headed by PSI Nonito G. Zuasula listed the nature of incident as suicide by intent.
Besoyo’s family and friends have denied that he died by suicide , they are claiming that a foul play may been a factor in the 17 year old’s death. He was not acting out of the ordinary in the days before he died.
We’re very suspicious and we’re very upset that this happened his mother declared. She wanted autopsy to be done but due to lack of funds, the idea was discarded. Allegedly Alvin’s toes’ was touching the ground when his body was discovered.
Adding to the belief that the death was not a suicide but murder. The family adapted the “pagtuka system” in their son’s wake hoping that the chick will eat away the murderer’s conscience and bring justice to their child. The case is still under police investigation to rule out foul play.
No one has given any indication whether Besoyo had enemies. Incidentally weeks before an eighteen year old male also committed suicide at the Brgy. Pulang Bato, Almeria, Biliran.
BiliranIsland.com Staff
BiliranIsland.com
First Posted 23:32:00 07/17/2015
Suicide No. 4 is Roberto Sacedor, 48 years old, male, from Sitio Bagusay, Agpangi, Naval, Biliran. He hang himself to death from a caimito tree around 6 p.m. today, July 17.
BiliranIsland.com Staff
BiliranIsland.com
First Posted 23:50:00 07/19/2015
Sitio, Palayan, Caucab –Almeria, Biliran is found at the foot of Mount Panamao. Palayan derived its name from the “word” palay as rice terraces were carved in their mountains. It is home to the Biliran’s minority tribe the Manobo or Aeta as they are known. They are thought to be the earliest inhabitants of the Philippines and often lived in isolated and mountainous areas.
Rice terraces carved by the indigenous people.Manobo children
With their small stature, dark skin and curly hair they are easily recognizable. The Manobo’s lived in Palayan village. Their homes are made of bamboo and nipa huts. The Palayan settlers survived mainly in palay and abaca. Slowly they are adapting to the customs and traditions of the Biliranons’.
Palayan product “Abaca” being sold 50 a kilo.Palayan product “Abaca” being sold 50 a kilo.The dedicated rural nurse who walks for hours to palayan village.
By Czeriza Valencia (The Philippine Star) | Updated July 14, 2015 – 12:00am
MANILA, Philippines – Listed Nickel Asia Corp. has approved to guarantee the loan facilities of renewable energy firm Emerging Power Inc. (EPI) for up to P3 billion over a maximum period of three years.
Nickel Asia said the loan facility would be used by EPI to finance the purchase of up to 99.99 percent ownership in Jobin-SQM, Inc. (JSI) and a 60 percent stake in Biliran Geothermal Inc. (BGI).
Part of the loan proceeds would also be used for the development of the initial generating facilities for both projects.
JSI has 100-megawatt (MW) solar and 50-MW Wind Renewable Energy Service Contracts and a 50-year lease agreement with the Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority for 800 hectares within the Subic Bay Freeport Zone where the project will be located.
EPI has allotted $60 million for the acquisition of JSI and phase 1 of the project, which is for an initial generation of 25 MW of solar power to be available by the end of the first quarter of 2016.
BGI, on the other hand, has a geothermal Renewable Energy Service Contract covering 260 square kilometers in the province of Biliran. Resource studies indicated reserves of at least 100MW in the southern portion of the concession.
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Eight geothermal wells have been have so far been completed in this portion.
Separate studies for the northern portion of the concession indicate a potential for another 170MW of geothermal power.
Nickel Asia said the balance of the loan facility would be used to fund the initial portion of equity in BGI and the initial electrical turbines of up to 10MW capacity that would be operational by the third quarter of 2016.
Last year, Nickel Asia provided EPI with a P446 million loan to partly fund the drilling of two holes under the Montelago geothermal project in Mindoro Oriental. The drilling results confirmed an increase in the geothermal resource to a range of 28MW to 30MW of power over 25 years.
Given this development, Nickel Asia’s board approved the conversion of the loan to a 55-percent equity in EPI, allowing it to participate in other renewable power projects pipelined by the renewable energy firm. The board also approved an additional investment of P474 million in the Montelago project, which will increase Nickel Asia’s ownership in EPI to 66 percent.
“Following the completion of the JSI and BGI purchases and in combination with the ongoing Montelago project, EPI will have three renewable projects with the potential to produce 300MW of power within a three-year period,” Nickel Asia said.
In a separate disclosure, Nickel Asia said the value of nickel ore shipments fell 20 percent in the first half to P7.46 billion despite increased shipment volume due to lower ore prices.
The company’s four operating mines sold a total of 9.68 million wet metric tons (WMT) of nickel ore from January to June, up 25 percent from the 7.73 million WMT sold in the same period last year.
BiliranIsland.com Staff
BiliranIsland.com
First Posted 11:22:00 07/22/2015
Magbangon, Cabucgayan – Voltare Recamadas Navarro, a three year old male child drowned to death in Cabucgayan seawall. He was found to be unconscious with saliva foaming at his mouth on the 21ST of July 2015.
The child was brought to the nearest health center for first aid treatment. The latter was given CPR (Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation) but was still unresponsive. The treatment given was not enough to save the life of Voltare.
It is not known if the child was with his guardians at that time.
NAVAL, Biliran (PIA)- A regional health official strongly called on the cooperation of parents for the successful implementation of school-based immunization which will be conducted in the whole month of August, this year.
“The success of this particular health program depends on the full cooperation of the parents of the identified schoolchildren covered in the immunization”, said Fe Modesto, nurse V and adolescent health program manager of the Department of Health here in Region 8 in an interview.
Fe Modesto (standing infront), Nurse V, adolescent health program manager, Department of Health, Regional Office No. 8, orients the district supervisors, secondary school principals and school nurses of DepEd-Division of Biliran, the school based immunization program targeting only the grades 1 and 7 in the province of Biliran which will be conducted in August this year. The orientation was held at D”Mei Residences and Inn, WAD Mall, Naval, Biliran, July 20, 2015.( rvictoria/PIA 8 Biliran)
Modesto urged the parents of identified schoolchildren to include their kids in the school-based immunization program since this will ensure high level of protection and is geared towards the elimination of measles and tetanus and the control of mumps, rubella, and diptheria, while Human Papillomavirus Vaccine (HPV) is introduced as one components in the comprehensive strategy in the prevention of cervical cancer.
In DOH memorandum No. 2015-0146 dated May 20,2015, the guidelines in the implementation of school-based immunization indicated that all grade 1 pupils shall be screened for their measles vaccination history at the time of school entry and vaccinated if evidences show either zero or only one dose to ensure that these students received at least two Measles Containing Vaccine (MCV) by school entry and one dose of Tetanus-diptheria (Td) vaccines.
The guidelines also included all 9 to 13 years old female schoolchildren enrolled in Grade 4 to be vaccinated with 2-dose quadrivalent PMV following the DOH immunization schedule and all male and female students enrolled in Grade 7 regardless of age shall be vaccinated with one dose each of Measles-Rubella (MR) and Td vaccines in the same immunization session.
However, Modesto clarified that here in region 8, the school-based immunization, which will become a routine program in the succeeding years, will cover only schoolchildren in grades 1 and 7, this year.
In region 8, DOH targeted some 113,475 Grade 1 pupils to be administered with the MCV and Td vaccines and 93,243 Grade 7 students to be administered with MR and Td vaccines, Modesto added.
She futher said that a series of orientation on the school-based immunization wil be conducted in the different parts of Eastern Visayas on the following schedules: Baybay City and Ormoc City in Leyte province – July 21; Calbayog City – July 22; Maasin City – July 27 and Catarman in Northern Samar – July 30.
She assured the parents that the free vaccination services to be administered by the health center catchment and the schools are voluntary since only students with parental and guardian consent shall be vaccinated.
A student shall not be suspended, grounded, nor reprimanded in case of zero or one dose and vaccination refusal, Modesto added.
Safety measures were also put in place during the conduct of the immunizations to ensure the protection of schoolchildren, she emphasized. # (fj/PIA 8 Biliran)
