BiliranIsland.com Staff
BiliranIsland.com
First Posted 06:16:00 02/18/2019
Naval, Biliran – A suspected drug pusher was arrested on Monday after the police conducted a buy-bust operation around 10:30 a.m. in Barangay Smo. Rosario, Naval, Biliran.
The buy-bust operation was launched by joint elements of PDEA RO8-BPO, RSET, Biliran PPO DEU and Naval MPS.
The operation resulted in the arrest of one Hermie Fajardo, 36, married, and a resident of of Brgy. Smo. Rosario, Naval.
Police made the arrest after the suspect handed out a plastic sachet containing shabu to a police officer who acted as poseur buyer.
Recovered from the suspect were three plastic sachets of shabu, 3,000 cash, and the 5 pcs. P100 marked money.
The suspect is now detained at the Naval Police Station where he is facing raps for violation of Republic Act 9165 otherwise known as the Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act of 2002. – BiliranIsland.com
MANILA, Philippines – A Roman Catholic priest, initially detained for sexual abuse, was arrested again Tuesday for allegedly molesting over 50 other victims – including altar boys as young as seven years old.
Authorities arrested Father Kenneth Pius Hendricks more than two months after he was first detained at the Bureau of Immigration (BI) detention cell in Camp Bagong Diwa in Taguig City for sexual abuse.
Hendricks was initially arrested on December 5, 2018 in Biliran province by virtue of a warrant of arrest issued by a United States District Court for Ohio on November 11, 2018 for “engaging in illicit sex with a minor in a foreign country.”
Police, however, served Tuesday another five warrants of arrest against the priest for allegedly molesting more victims, who are mostly altar boys.
Police said the victims, who were previously afraid to report to authorities due to apparent grave threats from Hendricks, only had the courage to come out after learning that the priest has already been arrested by immigration authorities.
The five warrants of arrest were issued by Biliran Regional Trial Court Branch 16 for acts of lasciviousness and child abuse charges against Hendricks.
Hendricks’ second arrest was a joint effort of the Regional Special Operations Unit (RSOU) of the National Capital Region Police Office (NCRPO), BI’s Fugitive Search Unit, and US Department of Homeland Security.
He would be transferred from the BI detention facility to RSOU jail.
According to police, Hendricks came to the Philippines from Cincinnati in Ohio, USA in 1968. Upon arrival to the country, he was ordained as priest in the Franciscan Order and practiced his vocation at the St. Isidore the Worker Chapel at Talustosan Village in Biliran province. /kga
BiliranIsland.com Staff
Photos by Erial C. Docallos
BiliranIsland.com
First Posted 09:33:00 PM 02/19/2019
Almeria, Biliran – One died and one was hurt when a motorcycle allegedly slammed into a moving truck along the national road in the Batang – Pili area.
Backrider Love Joy Talisik, 15, resident of Pitugohan, Almeria, a grade 10 ANHS student, was declared dead on arrival at the Biliran Provincial Hospital. The motorcyle driver Alfonso Yaon, from Pitugohan, Almeria is still unconscious.
Joel Antipuesto, 41, from Ormoc was driving a delivery truck bearing the plate no. GRY 140, going to Almeria when the motorcycle bearing the victims, allegedly slammed into their vehicle.
Antipuesto is in the Biliran Provincial Hospital with police escort for medical evaluation.
– BiliranIsland.com
Kenneth Hendricks, the controversial priest who allegedly molested over 50 people in Biliran, is turned over by the immigration bureau to the police
MANILA, Philippines – Father Kenneth Hendricks, the American Catholic priest accused of molesting more than 50 people in the province of Biliran, is now under the custody of the National Capital Region Police Office (NCRPO).
Metro Manila top cop Director Guillermo Eleazar served the warrants of arrest on Hendricks at 11 am on Tuesday, February 19, inside the Bureau of Immigration detention cell in Camp Bagong Diwa in Taguig City.
Hendricks, 77, was first arrested in December 2018 by virtue of an arrest warrant by United States judge Stephanie Bowman.
The 5 new arrest warrants were issued in the Philippines by Biliran Regional Trial Court Branch 16 Judge Constantino Esber over charges of acts of lasciviousness.
According to the police, more than 50 people have allegedly been molested by Hendricks since he arrived in the Philippines in 1968. He was ordained as a Franciscan priest and worked in Biliran in a village chapel in the town of Naval.
He is now detained by the National Capital Region Police Office’s Special Operations Unit. – Rappler.com
NAVAL, Biliran- Biliran Province State University (BiPSU), formerly Naval State University (NSU), joined the first quarter Nationwide Simultaneous Earthquake Drill (NSED) at 2:00 PM, today.
In his welcome address, Dr. Victor C. Canezo, university president emphasized that safety should be an individual concern and encouraged the participants of the activity to take the drill not just a mere simulation.
“Let this drill be a drill of life, a drill that will somehow save lives in the future and a drill that someday will lessen the vulnerability and strengthen our resiliency,” Dr. Canezo stressed.
The activity kicked-off with an opening program at the university gymnasium and the ceremonial pressing of button.
Meanwhile, Mr. Rey M. Gozon, Assistant Regional Director of the Office of the Civil Defense (OCD) Region VIII, mentioned that the said drill was conducted because of the region and country’s vulnerability to earthquakes, and it is also mandated and stipulated in our policies and programs related to Disaster Risk and Reduction Management (DRRM).
Different officials and agencies graced the said activity including Director Henry Anthony M. Torres, Regional Director of the Office of Civil Defense; Hon. Gerard Roger Espina, Municipal Mayor of Naval, Philippine National Police (PNP), Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP), Arm Forces of the Philippines, Office of the Civil Defense, Kabalikat, Coast Guard Auxilliary, Biliran Provincial Hospital, Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH), Naval Rescue Unit (NAVRU), BILECO, PDRRMO, MDRRMO, Philippine National Red Cross, Department of Health (DOH) Region 8, Department of Trade and Industry (DTI), Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE), Philippine Information Agency (PIA), BIPSU-Nursing Department and BIPSU DEARTH.
BiPSU, the first State University and Colleges (SUC) in the region to partake in the 2019 NSED, along with other government agencies in the country observed the “Dock, Cover, Hold” drill and was assessed by invited evaluators in different clusters such as health, information management system, rescue and operation, RDNA, Incident Command Center, Building Assessment, etc.
TACLOBAN CITY- Recipients of a housing resettlement project in Culaba, Biliran have alleged that they are being threatened of being delisted if they will not vote ‘straight’ in the forthcoming May 13 elections.
Margarita Villegas, a resident of Barangay Marbel of said town, claimed that they were asked to ‘vote straight’ in favor of outgoing Mayor Lorenzo Reveldez who is running for vice governor of the province, and his brother, Councilor Rodito Reveldez, who is running for mayor of the town.
“We were told that we will not be awarded with our housing unit if we will not vote straight,” Villegas, in a media interview, said.
Culaba is a recipient of a housing project from the National Housing Authority (NHA) located in Barangay Guinapondan.
The housing project is part of the government’s Yolanda assistance program.
In Culaba, the recipients of this housing project are families living in coastal areas, declared as danger zones, of the town.
The said housing project has more than 700 units but many of the recipients chose not to occupy their units due to absence of water and power supplies.
Villegas said that they find it unfair that their eventual occupation to their housing units is being politicized.
“We are the beneficiaries of this pabahay project of our government but we will not be given our unit as he claimed that he has the right whom he want to award the units,” she said, referring to Mayor Reveldez.
Mayor Reveldez was contacted by Leyte Samar Daily Express for his side through his mobile phone on this claim by the beneficiaries but did not received a reply from him. – Joey A. Gabieta
BiliranIsland.com Staff
Photos by Joan Aguilos
BiliranIsland.com
First Posted 09:19:00 PM 02/26/2019
NAVAL, Biliran – Anti-narcotics agents arrested a suspected drug pusher in a buy-bust operation in Naval, Biliran on Monday afternoon.
Dranreb Yu, 38, liaison officer of a construction firm and resident of Sitio Laca, was caught after selling suspected crystal meth, or “shabu,” to an undercover agent in Barangay Smo. Rosario around 4:10 p.m.
The agents seized from Yu, who is a high-value target, 1 plastic sachet of suspected shabu worth P 500.00 and 4 sachets of suspected shabu, 1 pc five hundred peso bill and samsung cellular phone.
CULABA, Biliran – Families living in coastal areas in this town claimed they were left out of the Yolanda housing resettlement project intended for those living in danger zones by the National Housing Authority.
Beneficiaries of the San Lorenzo Heights housing project in Barangay Guindapunan, which has more than 700 units, began moving into their houses last year, but many units remain unoccupied because there were no water and power connections.
Wilfredo Tan, 59, a resident of Barangay Marvel whose house is just a few meters from the sea, said his house was destroyed by Supertyphoon Yolanda in November 2013, but he was not able to receive aid from the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD).
“We were included in the listing, but when I followed up, the Municipal Social Welfare and Development Office (MSWDO) said they forgot to include us in the list of housing beneficiaries,” Tan said.
Corazon Bertulfo and her husband Damiano said they wanted to be relocated because their house was destroyed by the typhoon.
“We were listed in the barangay and in the mayor’s office, they even took photos of our house, but we were not given a unit,” Bertulfo said.
Damiano said he sought out Mayor Lorenzo Reveldez, but did not get any assurance.
Other recipients also claimed they were being threatened with being delisted if they do not vote for particular candidates in the May 13 elections.
Margarita Villegas, another Marvel resident, said in a media interview they were told to vote for outgoing Mayor Reveldez, who is running for vice governor, and his brother, Councilor Rodito Reveldez, who is running for mayor in Culaba.
“We were told that we will not be awarded with our housing unit if we do not vote straight,” Villegas said.
“We are the beneficiaries of this pabahay project of our government, but we will not be given our unit as he claimed that he has the right whom to award the units,” she said, referring to the mayor.
A staff from MSWDO Culaba confirmed that the list of housing beneficiaries came from the mayor’s office.
“Kung may puso sila, maski saan pa kami bumoto bibigyan kami ng tulong dahil nakita naman nila ang nangyari sa amin,” Damiano Sr. said.
Mayor Reveldez and MSWD Officer Joy Castillo could not be contacted through their office and through their personal mobile phone numbers. – Manila Bulletin
BiliranIsland.com Staff
BiliranIsland.com
First Posted 08:24:00 PM 03/02/2019
CULABA, Biliran – Culaba Mayor Lorenzo A. Reveldez, Jr. claimed there is no truth to the statements published in Leyte Samar Daily Express and Manila Bulletin.
The recipients of the housing units are not politicized and that he did not threaten anyone. The list was made in 2016 and submitted to the NHA Regional Office. The ones in the list will receive their housing units regardless of their political affiliations.
Interview video: Culaba Mayor Reveldez responds to delisting issue in housing project
The San Lorenzo Heights housing project in Barangay Guindapunan, Culaba, Biliran has more than 700 units.
He said that the fake news maybe politically motivated.
Reveldez said that everyone is entitled to his/her own opinion. But they should be responsible in making assumptions. His office is open for any questions.- BiliranIsland.com
BiliranIsland.com Staff
BiliranIsland.com
First Posted 10:10:00 AM 03/03/2019
NAVAL, Biliran – Two people were already victimized by riding in tandem robbery starting within the month of March 2019.
The first victim was Angelyn Fabon, 23 years old, a resident of Sitio Kawayanan, Brgy. Talusutusan, Naval.
Fabon stated that on March 1, 2019 at 8:00 pm, two men riding in tandem wearing black overalls and face masks snatched her bag containing cards, cash and documents along the Brgy. Atipolo Highway.
On the same day, Ethly Escalante Olaguer filed a report that a riding in tandem riding a Skygo/Russi motorcycle attempted to snatch her bag at Brgy. P.I. Garcia.
The riding in tandem duo were also suspects in the murder case in Cabucgayan last March 2, 2019.
The Naval and Cabucgayan Police Stations formed a joint task force in catching the suspects.
On March 2, 2019, following a lead, Alex Cabilin, 33 y.o., and Renato Cabilin, 31 y.o., were nabbed in Calumpang, Naval, Biliran.
Recovered from their possession was a .9mm weapon registered to P01 Donnel J. Sanita.
The weapon in question was reported missing in September 2018, along with Php37,000 and an iPhone cellphone in P01 Sanita’s rented apartment. – BiliranIsland.com
BiliranIsland.com Staff
BiliranIsland.com
First Posted 08:38:00 PM 03/04/2019
NAVAL, Biliran – The Drug Enforcement Unit (DEU) of Naval Police Station led by Police Captain Chamberline B. Ludevise arrested Elves Paje, 19, a resident of Barangay Villa Consuelo, Naval, Biliran.
Their team then conducted surveillance and a series of validation against the suspect.
Paje was arrested at 9 am, march 4, in Villa Consuelo.
Seized from the suspect were three small packs of shabu.
Also seized were 1 piece heat-sealed transparent sachet of shabu and P500 buy-bust money.
Paje is included in the list of PDEA’s High Value Targets.
Paje will be charged with violating Republic Act RA 9165, or the Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act of 2002. – BiliranIsland.com
By BiliranIsland.com Staff
Photos by PNP Cabucgayan & Jalmz
First Posted 08:24:00 AM 03/05/2019
BiliranIsland.com
CABUCGAYAN, Biliran – Rosalito Amistoso Orzal, 46 years old, was slain in his own home last March 2, 2019 in Sitio Capayas, Brgy. Bunga, Cabucgayan, Biliran.
Inside the bed room where victim Rosalito Orzal was shootTwo fired cartridges was recovered inside the bedroom
His wife Mirasol Orzal stated that they were already sleeping when an unknown assailant barged inside their house and shot his husband in the back twice. He was fatally wounded and was declared dead on arrival in Biliran Provincial Hospital.
The murder victim was Rosalito Orzal, 46 years old, married, welder. he was killed in his house in Sitio Capayas, Brgy. Bunga, Cabucgayan, Biliran.
The Cabucgayan PS recovered from the crime scene two pieces of fired cartridge case of a .9mm weapon.
Recovered fragment of slug inside the bed roomThe recovered two (2) fired cartridges of Cal 9 mmRecovered one unit single motorcycle Rusi color red from possession of Alex Cabelin.
Four persons were arrested in connection with murder. The following suspects are Carmelino Garing the alleged mastermind, Reynaldo Cabilin alias “Intoy”, the alleged killer, Alex Cabilin and Angelo Ramirez.
1. Carmelino Saludar Garing, aka“Odo”, 46 years old, married, Arpor, and a resident of Brgy. Bunga, Cabucgayan, Biliran. Allegedly he is the mastermind of the murder. The victim filed rape case against Odo last year for allegedly raping his daughter. Garing is a first degree cousin of Mirasol Garing Orzal, 40 years old, wife of the victim.2. Renato S. Cabilin, aka “Intoy”, jobless and resident of Sitio Lupa, Brgy. Calumpang, Naval, Biliran, allegedly the hired hitman.3. Alex S. Cabilin, aka “Awen”, 33 years old, single, jobless and resident of Sitio Lupa, Brgy. Calumpang, Naval, Biliran. He is the brother of Renato, the lookout and the driver of the Russi motorcycle, getaway vehicle.4. Angelito Singzon Ramirez aka “Lito”, 31 years old, live-in, laborer, resident of Brgy. Bunga, Cabucgayan, Biliran. He is the alleged middleman. He contacted the Cabilin Brothers, to kill the victim for 10,000 pesos. He is a fish delivery boy of Garing.
Alfredo Orzal Canonoy came forth to the police station with a tip that led to the arrest of the perpetrators. Ramirez borrowed Orzal’s phone and upon returning discovered messages crucial to the case. In the pretext of extracting information he pretended to be Ramirez. The latter apparently offered to pay Php 10,000 pesos to kill Rosalito.
Recovered 1 unit cellphone in the possession and control of Alex Cabelin.
The Cabucgayan PS under the supervision of Police Inspector Vic Viros and coordinated with Naval PS in arresting the Cabilin brothers in Sitio Lupa, Calumpang , Naval.
Recovered from their possession was a .9mm weapon.
Recovered short firearms pistol Glock 9mm in the possession and control of Renato CabilinRecovered two assembly magazine of Cal. 9mm in the possession and control of Renato Cabelin.13 pcs unfired cartridges of Cal. 9mm in the possession and control of Renato Cabilin
Authorities are eyeing personal grudge behind the murder. Garing allegedly raped the victim’s daughter and attempted to buy their silence with money. The father refused the offer and continued the case. Rosalito is survived by his wife and three children.
The suspects will be charged with murder (violation of Art. 248 of the Revised Penal Code).
Renato Cabelin will be charged for Violation of RA 10591 & Comelec Gun Ban.
The 4 suspects are now detained in the Cabucgayan police station.
By BiliranIsland.com Staff
First Posted 09:58:00 PM 03/05/2019
BiliranIsland.com
ALMERIA, Biliran – The Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP) fire trucks of Almeria, Kawayan and Naval worked together to put out the house fire in Almeria.
The fire started around 6:18 p.m., Tuesday evening in Sitio Puro, Pili, Almeria.
The fire crew arrived at the scene and found the house of Ms. Vilma Pabilada Lindsey engulfed in flames. The family was able to get out safely at the start of the fire.
According to witnesses, before the fire started, the electric lights of the Lindseys’ went out, then a loud noise was heard. The cause of the fire is still under investigation. The house is totally burned.
BFP successfully put out the fire and prevented it from spreading to neartby houses. – BiliranIsland.com
MANILA, Philippines – Naval, Biliran Mayor Gerard Espina warned municipal employees to focus on public service rather than wasting time on mobile phone and online games and apps during office hours or find a new work place.
In an office memorandum dated March 1, 2019, Espina said that “a significant number of employees” were reported to be playing mobile games, particularly Mobile Legends and Player Unknown’s Battlegrounds (PUBG) during office hours.
Mobile Legends is known as a multi-player battle arena while PUBG is a third-person shooting game.
“Let it be known to all municipal employees that this act is not included in your responsibility, obligation, and duty as public servants,” the document read.
Photo taken by Naval (Biliran) Mayor Gerard Roger M. Espina Posted by Project Jurisprudence – Philippines
Under this circumstance, I hereby order that employees that are caught playing mobile games during office hours will be [terminated] upon proven guilty,” it added.
The mayor further said that he hopes the said memorandum would prompt erring employees to “level-up” their “maturity in terms of the seriousness of public service or ‘squad up’ to find a new place of employment.” / gsg
By BiliranIsland.com Staff
Photos by Jalmz
First Posted 07:29:00 AM 03/07/2019
BiliranIsland.com
NAVAL, Biliran – Rose Pharmacy, the one stop shop for affordable basic needs like medicines, snacks on the go, and many more opens its first new branch at WAD Mall, Naval Biliran (in front of Charlie Grocery Store) for better service to the community, this March 2019.
Located at WAD Mall, Padre Inocentes St., Brgy. Smo. Rosario, Naval, Biliran.
Rose Pharmacy open in Naval
Rose Pharmacy open in Naval
Rose Pharmacy in Naval is open from 7.00 am to 9.00 pm.
The Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR) in Eastern Visayas has warned of potential red tide bloom as the El Niño phenomenon hits the region this year.
The extended dry season prompted the fisheries bureau to conduct active surveillance of bays and municipal waters previously hit by red tide phenomenon.
“From one sampling and testing of seawater and shellfish meat every two weeks, we have been doing it three times a week since February to ensure public safety,” said BFAR Regional Director Juan Albaladejo in an interview Thursday.
Conditions related to dry season such as low salinity, warm temperature, and sudden rains after sunny days can cause algal blooms. Red tide algae make potent natural toxins.
The active surveillance covers Matarinao Bay in Eastern Samar, Irong-irong Bay in Samar, Maqueda Bay in Samar, Villareal Bay in Samar; Carigara Bay in Leyte; Biliran waters in Biliran province, coastal waters of Daram, Samar, San Pedro Bay in Samar, and Cancabato Bay in Tacloban City.
Red tide alert is still up in San Pedro Bay and Cancabato Bay as of this week.
The bureau reiterates its public advisory to refrain from eating, harvesting, marketing, and buying bivalve marine products and Acetes sp. (small crustaceans) from these two bays until such time that the toxicity level has gone down below the regulatory level.
Fish, squid, shrimp, and crab are safe to eat “provided that they are fresh and washed thoroughly and internal organs such as gills and intestines are removed before cooking,” according to BFAR.
Red tide is a term used to describe a phenomenon, where the water is discolored by high algal biomass or the concentration of algae. The discoloration may not necessarily be red in color, but it may also appear yellow, brown, green, blue or milky, depending on the organisms involved. (PNA)
NAVAL, Biliran – The full operation of PHP15.21-million Higatangan micro grid project will bring more opportunities to this popular tourist island destination, National Electrification Administration Administrator Edgardo Masongsong said.
During the ceremonial switch-on in Higatangan Island on Friday, Masongsong said the non-stop power supply will mean economic opportunity as it opens the door for businessmen to invest in this island-destination.
“Few investors are putting up business in this island because on the problem on the power supply, but now that electricity is here, we expect more businessmen to come in and invest on the island particularly in the tourism-related establishment to cater local and foreign tourist,” Magsongsong said.
The micro grid project was pushed through the donation of South Korean government and ELT Co. Ltd such as 10-kilowatt (KW) power solar panel photovoltaic, 50-KW power control system, 50-kilovolt diesel generator, and 20-KWH plus 16-KWH extra energy storage system.
Biliran Electric Cooperative (Bileco) counterpart was to purchase the lot for the micro-grid.
Magsongsong added that improving the life of every Filipino is among the main goals of the present administration, under its Ambisyon Natin 2040 that represents the collective long-term vision and aspirations of the Filipino people for themselves and for the country in the next 25 years.
This goal of the national government is in line with the target of an electric cooperative that is rural electrification to spur rural development.
Higatangan Island is famous among tourists for its shifting sand bar. The island is surrounded by white sand beaches and its water is ideal for swimming snorkeling and diving. There is also a portion of the island with rock formations, which is best site for cliff diving.
Since 2006, all 132 villages in Biliran province are already energized with Mabini and Legaspi in Higatangan as the last energized village, however, electricity supply is only available from 5:30 p.m. to 10:30 p.m. on the island.
Legaspi village chief Milluh Roble said the microgrid is an answer to their plea for a stable power supply.
“As the leader of the village, let me say thank you in behalf of the constituents for this project that will give us a wonderful opportunity,” Roble said.
Mabini village chief Rosalie Arevalo hopes that when the demand for electricity supply increases, the proposal to provide a power source to the island through underwater cable will be realized.
The full energization of Higatangan excites Rosita Salazar, caretaker of Higatangan Island Beach Resort.
“We have a website were tourist can book online. Since there is no electricity in the island, the booking is checked online by the owner who lives in Canada then she would call or send a message to us through our mobile phone if there is a reservation,” Salazar told the Philippine News Agency (PNA).
Salazar added that electricity is a vital part of their operation because it ensures that the resort will have enough water supplies that their guests need.
The availability of 24-hour electricity on the island will not only benefit businesses but even schools and students, according to residents.
At the campus of Fidel M Limpiado Sr. National High School, parents, teachers and students were also happy to the good news of having an uninterrupted power supply.
Lea Monette Catandihan, a mother of an elementary and a high school student, said electricity is an important aspect in the study of life her children.
“Without electricity, how can my child charge her mobile phone when she needs to do research online?” asked Catandihan who owns a small store near the school campus.
“Aside from researching, we can review our lesson anytime of the night, especially during exams if there is electricity,” added Lea Baquilar, a Grade 10 student.
Computer Laboratory in-charge Rudy Magdalaga said without electricity, the students of the only secondary school in Higatangan are deprived to learn basic knowledge in computer.
Although the school has a generator set, its power is not enough for the use of 24 computer sets at the school’s laboratory.
The generator set is only used when it is necessary or when the students really need to use the computer.
“Of the 24 computers that we have, we are only using 12 and not all students can use the computers, they must share one computer per three students,” Magdalaga said.
“The gap between mainland students and the island students is very far when it comes to computer usage. Some of the students still don’t know how to turn on computers,” Magdalaga added.
Although the ceremonial switch-on is already done, the island will continue to have a five-hour power supply daily due to technical issues on the micro grid equipment.
Korean experts will arrive next month to correct the problem for the island residents to finally experience the 24-hour power supply. (PNA)
New classrooms were recently constructed in five schools in Leyte and Biliran, the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) said.
An P8.97-million two-story school building with four classrooms, and another building with two classrooms worth P2.7 million were built in Cabintan National High School in Ormoc City. The buildings can accommodate 300 students, according to DPWH Region 8 Director Nerie Bueno.
A technical vocational laboratory multipurpose building and a two-story building with six classrooms were also constructed at Matica-a National High School in Ormoc City. The school buildings were implemented with a budget of P2.5 million and P11.4 million, respectively.
Moreover, a two-story building that houses eight classrooms was also recently completed at the Dr. Geronimo B. Zaldivar Memorial School of Fisheries in Albuera, Leyte. The building was implemented with a P16.56-million allocation.
Another building with two classrooms was built in Cabibihan Elementary School in Barangay Cabibihan. Kindergarten and Grade 3 pupils will use the building, officials said.
A building with three classrooms was also completed in Katipunan Elementary School in Caibiran, Biliran. It will serve as classrooms for the Kindergarten, Grade 5, and Grade 6 students of the school.
According to Bueno, under the Basic Education Facilities Fund 2018, they are implementing 69 school building projects.
“We are fast tracking all school building projects to reduce congestion and provide better learning facilities for the students and teachers,” Bueno said.
Basic Education Facilities Fund is a convergence program between the DPWH and Department of Education.
By BiliranIsland.com Staff
Photos courtesy of BILECO
First Posted 05:34:00 AM 03/11/2019
BiliranIsland.com
Naval, Biliran – A grass fire caused a 13 -hour power outage in the entire Biliran Electric Cooperative (Bileco) coverage.
All on duty BILECO personnel are in Brgy. Palarao, Leyte, Leyte right now to assist NGCP in the power restoration efforts. Power was interrupted at around 3PM today due to burnt NGCP wooden pole affecting the entire coverage of BILECO. According to NGCP, no estimated time of restoration yet. – Bileco
The entire province of Biliran was plunged into darkness shortly before Sunday night, March 10, due to an unscheduled power outage.
Bileco Power Advisory 4:15 PM
POWER UPDATE:
The National Grid Corporation of Philippines (NGCP) has called for an emergency power interruption this afternoon, March 10, due to a burnt pole at Brgy. Palarao, Leyte affecting the entire franchise area of BILECO. Power restoration activity is on-going. NGCP has informed us that power might not be restored until tomorrow as there were two (2) structures in Brgy. Palarao that were affected.
Pls keep posted for updates on power restoration. Kindly disseminate information.
BILECO personnel assist NGCP in the repair and hauling of materials to the site some 300 meters from the national highway of Brgy. Palarao, Leyte, Leyte. The steep terrain is adding difficulty to the restoration efforts. – Bileco
Power was restored at 4:41 AM, after the NGCP and Bileco personnel worked together to repair the burnt NGCP poles. – BiliranIsland.com
TACLOBAN CITY – The province of Leyte is Eastern Visayas’ biggest fish producer in the fourth quarter of 2018, the Philippine Statistics Authority’s Regional Statistical Service Office (RSSO), reported here over the weekend.
Wilma A. Perante, PSA regional director, said Leyte produced 9,585 metric tons (MT) of fish, comprising 31.5 percent of the region’s production.
Samar ranked second at 7,650 MT, while Biliran had the smallest volume at 1,227 MT.
Perante the region’s fishing industry posted a 3.9 percent increase in production, from 29,306 MT in the same quarter of 2017 to 30,461 MT a year later, Perante said.
Eastern Visayas accounted for 2.5 percent of the country’s fishery production. It ranked sixth among the regions with low fishery production.
Commercial fishing went up by 6.4 percent, from 2,672 MT in 2017 to 2,844 MT in 2018.
All provinces in the region posted increases in commercial fishing, except Southern Leyte, which recorded a decline of 51.6 percent.
Leyte had the highest increase of 74.7 percent.
Municipal fishing in Eastern Visayas increased by 5.8 percent. Northern Samar, Samar, and Southern Leyte posted growths in production of 42.1 percent, 18.8 percent, and 6.8 percent, respectively.
Leyte’s fish production dropped by 23.7 percent, Eastern Samar by 19.5 percent, and Biliran by 3.5 percent.
Leyte’s aquaculture produced 7,294 MT accounting for 86.5 percent of the region’s production, Perante said.
Regional aquaculture production declined at bit at 0.7 percent. Samar, Northern Samar, and Southern Leyte recorded increases at 96.6 percent, 23.1 percent, and 16.7 percent, respectively.
Eastern Samar had the biggest drop of 31.2 percent.
More than half or 63 percent (19,179 MT) of the region’s fishery production came from municipal fishing. Aquaculture contributed 27.7 percent (8,437MT) and commercial fishing 9.3 percent (2,844 MT), Perante said.
