TACLOBAN CITY – Villagers swarmed a beach in Sitio Batang, Pili, Almeria, Biliran recently to gather juvenile sardines that had washed ashore.
Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources Regional Director Juan Albaladejo said the mass stranding of juvenile sardines, locally called “law-law,” is an indication that they have grown abundant, particularly in Biliran, following the four-month ban on fishing in the Visayan Sea that ended last Feb. 15.
“This is good news because it shows that we have a successful fisheries management measures,” Albaladejo said.
The phenomenon “is coupled with the mild El Niño experienced in the region that favored good growth of zooplankton and phytoplankton in water,” he said.
The plankton blooms concentrate along the shoreline, attracting schools of fish and may have caused the mass stranding.
Albaladejo said the collected fish are safe to eat.
By BiliranIsland.com Staff
First Posted 11:50:00 PM 03/12/2019
BiliranIsland.com
ALMERIA, Biliran – Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR) Region 8 gave warning to the fishermen of Sitio Batang, Brgy. Pili, Almeria, to stop using an illegal method to lure or catch fish called baling (trawl). They will confiscate their fishing equipment if they will use baling.
Sitio Batang, Brgy. Pili, Almeria
The fishermen in Batang are asking why they are not allowed to catch anchovies (bolinaw) that approach their shore. They do this seasonally, around March and April. – BiliranIsland.com
NAVAL, Biliran — The opening of more than 40 Malasakit Centers in the country is now in the pipeline, according to the Presidential Assistant for the Visayas in his message during the opening of the Malasakit Center here on March 18.
Secretary Michael Lloyd Dino said there are already 31 Malasakit Centers in the country which started in the Visayas, wherein eight centers were opened across the island.
In the morning of March 18, Dino graced the opening of the 31st Malasakit Center in Northern Samar and the 32nd Malasakit Center in Biliran later in the afternoon.
He further said the project has expanded to southern and northern regions of the country with 10 centers already opened in the key cities of Mindanao and another 13 presently operating in Luzon.
“To date, the Malasakit Centers is serving 100,000 patients with medical financial assistance worth P300 million every month in all the 31 centers to help the poor and underprivileged Filipinos,” Dino said.
He revealed that the concept of the Malasakit Center was suggested by former Special Assistant to the President Christopher Lawrence “Bong” Go to President Duterte to be adopted nationwide.
Dino added that the idea of the Malasakit Center originated in 2001 when President Duterte was still the mayor of Davao where he initiated the “Lingap para sa Mahirap” to provide medical and financial assistance to its constituents, which was placed inside Pagkalinga sa Bayan Center together with Philhealth, Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) and Philippine Charity Sweepstakes Office (PCSO) and was continued by his daughter Mayor Sara Duterte with the Pagkalinga sa Davao Project in 2017.
“The establishment of Malasakit Center was piloted in Cebu and was brought to a nationwide scale,” he said.
The Malasakti Center is a one-stop shop for all medical financial services where all government agencies which offer financial help related to hospitalization such as Philhelath, DSWD, and PCSO will now be under one roof so that patients will no longer spend time, money, and effort in going to these agencies for assistance.
A monthly Malasakit fund will be given to the hospital hosting the center to augment the services provided by Philhealth, DSWD and PCSO, he said.
Dino initially turned-over the P5 million check to Biliran Governor Gerardo J. Espina, Jr. and Dr. Joyce Pla-Caneja, Chief of the Biliran Provincial Hospital during the opening of the center.
He also assured that the P5M is a regular monthly fund allocation for the operation of the Biliran Malasakit Center. (LDL/RSV/PIA-8, Biliran)
NAVAL, Biliran, (DPWH-BILIRAN) – The Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) – Biliran District Engineering Office posts 88.33% accomplishment of its 2018 infrastructure projects as of February 28, 2019.
Out of the district’s 60 projects, 46 were already completed while 14 are on-going.
The district office is presently implementing 12 projects under the regular infrastructure program including four projects under the convergence program of the Department of Tourism (DOT).
David P. Adongay Jr., District Engineer said that Biliran DEO is fast-tracking the completion of the on-going projects until June, 2019.
Projects to be completed are the P139.566M road widening at Biliran – Naval road section along Biliran Circumferential Road (BCR), P83.142M construction of bypass road at Poblacion Almeria, Biliran and P74.581M construction of drainage canal at Brgy. Talahid to Brgy. Matanggo section in Almeria, Biliran and at Brgy. Atipolo section in Naval, Bilran.
One reconstruction of damaged paved national road at Maripipi, Biliran along Maripipi Circumferential Road is also up for completion amounting to P13M.
The construction of slope protection structures along BCR are also being rushed for completion. These are located at Brgy. Bulalacao section, Kawayan, Biliran worth P45.845M, Brgy. Bato section, Biliran, Biliran worth P45.595 and at Brgy. Pinamihagan and Brgy. Looc section at Culaba, Bilran worth P46.264M.
Moreover, the only one bridge widening project implemented by the district office at Looc Bridge amounting to P21, 898M is also being fast-tracked for completion to serve the increasing vehicular users along BCR.
Under the DOT convergence program, the on-going projects are the construction of P44M access road leading to Bagongbong falls at Brgy Caucab and P43M access road leading to Ulan-ulan falls in Brgy. Sampao both in Almeria town and P13M access road leading to Mainit Hot Spring at Brgy. Villa Vicenta in Caibiran town and P92.9M road opening and concreting of access road leading to Germohenes waterfalls in Biliran town.
Meanwhile, two projects under the local infrastructure program are also on-going. These are the P24M construction of multi-purpose building (2-storey, Wet and Dry Market Building) at Smo. Rosario, Naval, Biliran and P19M renovation of the Municipal Building at P.I. Garcia, Naval, Biliran.
AN AMERICAN civil lawyer was in the country for a week to gather more pieces of evidence and testimonies for an “airtight” case against the 77-year-old American “pedophile” priest arrested in Naval, Biliran.
Mc Donald Worley, who flew from Houston, Texas to the Philippines for the first time, said he talked to the parents, victims, and other individuals who could bring out more information about the alleged sexual abuses done by Fr. Kenneth Hendricks.
Hendricks was assigned in Naval for over 40 years before he was nabbed by local police and US Homeland Security on December 5, 2018.
“I handle this kind of case in the US as well. In the civil case, we are talking about the compensation, how much they’re going to pay to the victims,” said Worley, who is representing nine victims, ages 7 to 25.
Various media reports said that Hendricks allegedly molested over 50 males, mostly during their teens.
“I know this kind of case is very embarrassing. It takes bravery to come out and say, ‘This happened to me,'” the lawyer told reporters in Tacloban City on March 20.
While the victims have kept their identities, Worley also called on others to come forward and speak what they know so that this kind of issue among priests will stop.
He said the Church has a “system failure” because it failed to stop sexual abuses committed by a priest.
“They know something is going on and they do nothing about it,” he said.
Meanwhile, the lawyer clarified that his arrival in the Philippines has nothing to do with the criminal case pursued by the government against Hendricks.
“My understanding is they (Philippines authorities) are making an investigation,” said Worley, adding they will file a civil case against the priest in the Catholic Church in Ohio, USA where Hendricks came from.
In a separate statement, the Archdiocese of Cincinnati in Ohio said that Hendricks “is not, nor has ever been, a priest of the Archdiocese of Cincinnati.”
“To the best of our knowledge, he was ordained to the priesthood in the Philippines to serve in the diocese of Naval. He has never had any assignment with the Archdiocese of Cincinnati. Although not a priest of the Archdiocese of Cincinnati, Fr. Hendricks is listed on our website as a Catholic missionary serving in Asia,” it added.
According to the archdiocese, Hendricks “is one of around 75 missionaries from Southwest Ohio who receive some financial support from the Mission Office of the Archdiocese.”
“None of these individuals work for, or take direction from, the Archdiocese of Cincinnati,” it said. (SunStar Philippines)
By Sheena D. Abrea
First Posted 11:35:00 AM 03/22/2019
BiliranIsland.com
Naval, Biliran – Secretary Michael Dino and local officials led the opening of the Malasakit Center at the Biliran Provincial Hospital on Monday, March 18, 2019.
Together with Dino in the launching program were Governor Gerardo J. Espina and Vice Governor Eriberto D.Tubis,Sr. The Provincial Government expressed their gratitude for the big help.
A Malasakit Center is an agency staffed by representatives from the Department of Health, Department of Social Welfare and Development, Philippine Health Insurance Corp and Philippine Charity Sweepstakes Office. The indigents confined at the Biliran Provincial Hospital can now avail of medical assistance.
The project of Duterte is conceived to improve healthcare services and to give speedy medical assistance to the patients. An initial funding of Php 5 million pesos will be given monthly. Every Filipino is qualitifed for the Malasakit Program.
Malasakit Center is the 32nd branch in the Philippines. -BiliranIsland.com
By BiliranIsland.com Staff
First Posted 07:55:00 AM 03/23/2019
BiliranIsland.com
Naval, Biliran – Former Senator Ramon “Bong” Revilla Jr. who is aiming for a senatorial seat wooed voters in Biliran on March 19, 2019.
He was warmly welcomed by Governor Gerry Boy Espina and his supporters. Revilla held a motorcade around Naval and visited the public Market.
Senatorial aspirant Ramon “Bong” Revilla Jr., paid his courtesy visit to the Office of the Governor, Province of Biliran. Bong Revilla wishes that Biliranons will again help him for another chance in the Senate to continue what he had started. Tuloy ang Laban. Jalmz
Bong Revilla with Gov. Gerryboy Espina
Revilla was acquitted from a plunder case. He is aiming for a senate comback in 2019.
NAVAL, Biliran (DPWH-BDEO) – Regional Director Nerie D. Bueno of the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) Region VIII conducts inspection on various infrastructure projects in Biliran Province on March 20, 2019.
Bueno’s first visit to the province aims to familiarize the road sections and to know the status of projects implemented by DPWH Biliran District Engineering Office (DEO).
“I come here to inspect the projects pero I always go around every road sections para makita ko kung ano ba talaga ang status (ng project),” said Bueno.
“Because I’m not from Region VIII, maganda rin yung may nakaka-interact ako because I know the place. I may not be master of this place but at least may idea ako dito sa utak ko,” said Bueno.
Bueno’s inspection was accompanied by District Engineer David P. Adongay Jr. and Assistant District Engineer Alfredo L. Bollido with section chiefs and Project Engineers (PEs) of the DEO together with Engr. Adelina P. Gomez, Engr. Angelita Obediencia, Ms. Annalyn Mabolo and Ms. Veticia A. Tabafunda, all from DPWH Regional Office VIII.
Among the projects inspected are the on-going road widening at Biliran to Naval section and on-going construction of slope protection structure along Naval-Caibiran Cross Country Road (NCCR) and projects along Biliran Circumferential Road (BCR).
Adongay commits to Bueno to finish these on-going 2018 projects on June, 2019.
Aside from the district implemented projects, Bueno also inspects projects implemented by the Regional Office within the Province.
The Regional Office projects inspected are the completed rehabilitation of Biliran Bridge in coordination with the Japan International Cooperating Agency (JICA), the on-going construction of Mother Mary Bridge at Brgy. Larrazabal, Naval, Biliran, on-going bridge widening of Anas Bridge at Naval, Biliran and on-going road widening at Brgy. Lucsoon to Brgy. Gueron section, Naval, Biliran.
During the inspection, Bueno meets with the PEs of the regional office’s projects to discuss on the problems they encountered during the implementation. The Regional Director expects PEs to take actions on the problems closely and to fast-track the implementation.
Meanwhile, the Regional Director also takes time to visit the office of DPWH-Biliran DEO. According to her, the visit to Biliran is not just to know the culture of the province, but also to know the people and the culture within the office. This includes the managerial styles of the heads of offices with regards to district’s ranking and performance.
By BiliranIsland.com Staff
First Posted 02:23:00 PM 03/23/2019
BiliranIsland.com
KAWAYAN, Biliran – A suspected drug pusher was arrested in a buy-bust operation here on Friday afternoon, where operatives recovered suspected shabu.
Gem Mark G. Ejorcadas, 28, who is from Tucdao, would be charged for violating the Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act of 2002.
Police Insp. Ismael Corzon Jr., Chief of the Kawayan Police Station, said officers from the Drug Enforcement Unit arrested Ejorcadas in Barangay Ungale, Kawayan past 5 p.m. on Friday after he sold shabu to an undercover policeman.
Corzon said Ejorcadas has been under surveillance for four weeks.
Aside from the subject of sale, authorities seized 3 small sachets of suspected shabu and Yamaha Mio 125i Motorcycle.
Ejorcadas, according to her mother, is a feeder of their raised pigs.
Ejorcadas is now detained at Kawayan police jail pending the filing of charges. – BiliranIsland.com
First Posted 03:45:00 APM 03/23/2019
BiliranIsland.com
ADVISORY FROM THE BiPSU UNIVERSITY PRESIDENT DR. VICTOR C. CAÑEZO, JR.
Good day!
The University strongly prohibits the collection of money in any means from the students in line with the expressed prohibition under Republic Act 10931 or the Universal Access to Quality Tertiary Education Act. All personnel is directed to observe the said policy strictly.
I encourage all students to report individuals, especially teaching personnel who are collecting money in place of projects, research or other activities. The contributions made for culminating activities are allowed provided that austerity measures are observed and that the monetary contribution will not be coursed through to their Instructors.
I am also asking the public to be vigilant. You may directly send your reports or complaints to the Office of the President or reach me through my Facebook account (https://www.facebook.com/victorcanezo) or my personal number 0927-2857-885.
NAVAL, Biliran (PIA) — The prevailing low compliance and even non-implementation of the law on ecological solid waste management among the local government units (LGUs) in Biliran province has prompted the new chief of the provincial environment office in Biliran to call on LGUs to follow and implement what is provided for in the said law.
“Although there was no case yet filed against an LGU in Biliran province for not complying the provision of RA 9003 or the Ecological Solid Waste Management Act of 2000 declaring a state policy to adopt a systematic, comprehensive and ecological solid waste management program” Elias F. Aya-ay, Jr., the newly-installed PENRO of DENR-Biliran, said.
Aya-ay, who appeared as guest on March 21 of the “Pulong-Pulong ng Bayan,” a regular radio program of PIA-Biliran at Radyo Natin-Naval station, reported that the regional office of the DENR in Eastern Visayas has already filed a case against LGU Catarman in Northern Samar for not complying with RA 9003.
The new PENRO in Biliran, who came from Northern Samar province before he assumed his post on November 2018 in Biliran, admitted that LGUs have really find it hard to comply the law especially in the establishment of sanitary landfill, which costs millions of pesos.
He observed that LGUs in Biliran province only established an open dumpsite for their garbage which most LGUs could only afford to have and maintained due to lower cost compared to establishment and maintenance of a sanitary landfill.
However, he said management of household wastes is the common problem among local governments in Biliran province due to the practice of non-segregation of wastes before its disposal.
He also observed the common practice of just throwing garbage into the sea among the residents living along the coastal communities of the province, which according to him has a big effect to the environment, especially to the marine life.
Aya-ay urged Biliranons to help the local government unit where they reside by doing one’s share in the proper waste disposal by practicing proper waste segregation at source or waste management must begin in every home for a better place to live with for everybody. (LDL/RSV/PIA-8)
TACLOBAN CITY — A US-based lawyer has touched base in a town in Biliran province with alleged victims of sexual abuse by an American priest who is now detained at a Quezon City jail and is facing a string of cases in the United States for his alleged sexual crimes in the Philippines.
McDonald Worley, a lawyer based in Houston, was in the town of Naval, Biliran, recently to interview nine of the alleged victims of the priest, Kenneth Bernard Pius Hendricks.
Hendricks faced criminal cases for allegedly molesting several boys who served for him as altar boys in Biliran.
At a news conference, Worley said he was not involved in the criminal prosecution of Hendricks but in making the priest compensate his alleged victims, who were now in their early 20s.
“I have nothing to do with the criminal aspect of the case,” Worley said.
Basically money
“I just handle the civil side. So it’s basically money that has to be paid to the victims,” he said.
Hendricks had served as a missionary priest in Naval since 1988 and was arrested on Dec. 5, 2018, inside St. Isidore the Worker Chapel by members of the US Department of Homeland Security with the help of Philippine immigration authorities and local police.
The 77-year-old priest is currently detained at a Quezon City jail after he was charged with acts of lasciviousness and child abuse.
Hendricks also faced federal cases in the United States for engaging in illicit sexual acts in the Philippines.
“I am sad that this happened, which should have never happened,” said Worley during his news conference.
Worley said he was embarrassed that a fellow American came to the Philippines and did “horrible” things to children.
Sickening
He said the narrative of victims, who had been brave enough to speak out, had made him sick.
“It’s really brave for them to say ‘hey, this happened to me’ and I will say something and do something about it so this will not happen again to somebody else,” Worley said.
He said the narration of victims, who were 7 and 12 years old at the time of the alleged abuse, would be used to pin down the disgraced priest in the case for compensation that he was filing in the United States.
“It’s basically testimony as evidence,” Worley said. “It’s all testimony.”
He urged other alleged victims of Hendricks to come out and testify. – Inquirer.net
By BiliranIsland.com Staff
First Posted 01:10:00 PM 03/28/2019
BiliranIsland.com
NAVAL, Biliran – The Episcopal Ordination of Msgr. Marvyn A. Maceda as the Bishop of San Jose De Antique will be held at The Cathedral of Our Lady Of the Holy Rosary in Naval, Biliran, on April 2, 2019, Tuesday at 9:30 AM.
Palo, Leyte Archbishop John F. Du will lead the ordination rites. He will be assisted by Bishop Rex Ramirez of Naval and retired Bishop Filomeno Bactol.
The ordination will be witnessed by Church leaders including Papal Nuncio Archbishop Gabriele Giordano Caccia, Manila Archbishop Luis Antonio Cardinal Tagle, and bishops from different parts of the country.
Fr. Marvyn si 50 years old and has served the Catholic Church as priest for almost 23 years.
The bishop-elect will assume his post in San Jose, Antique on April 9, 2019. – BiliranIsland.com
TACLOBAN CITY — The Department of Tourism (DOT) in Eastern Visayas is eyeing two additional tourist destinations in the region to be part of cruise tourism.
DOT Regional Director Karina Rosa Tiopes said they have seen the potential of Sambawan Island in Maripipi, Biliran and the town of Liloan in Southern Leyte to attract cruise tourists.
“We are preparing these places and pitching these sites to cruise tour operators who are interested in looking for new sites,” Tiopes said.
Sambawan, a semi-curved island that is about an hour sea travel from Kawayan port, features a series of interconnecting stony islets with soaring rock formations covered with green grass. It has become the most visited attraction for tourists in the province.
The island is also a marine sanctuary and a popular dive site. It has an extensive wealth of marine life, good visibility, and corals that are in good condition. Turtles, sea snakes, and reef sharks are also found there.
A view deck was built at the highest point to give tourists the best view of the entire island and witness the spectacular sunrise and the glorious sunset.
Meanwhile, Liloan town, one of the gateways for travelers from Mindanao to Eastern Visayas, offers some of the best beaches in Southern Leyte province that gives tourist awesome time of relaxation and adventure.
Tagbak Marine Park is one of the popular sites in Liloan ideal for swimming, snorkeling, diving, sea turtle watching, and wild duck watching.
The Molopolo Beach Resort, also in Liloan, offers tourists a long stretch of fine white sand and a clear water ideal for boating and surfing.
“In pitching a site, we look at the authenticity of its tourist destination, the history and culture, and cooperation of the local government units and the community to make the site viable for cruise ship destination,” Tiopes said.
As a multi-million leisure industry, cruise tourism is one of the fastest-growing sectors in the tourism industry that provides a significant contribution to the economy and communities to its destination.
Since 2013, Eastern Visayas has been part of the itinerary for port call of cruise ships visiting the country. Most of these are expedition cruises which involves smaller cruise ship with capacity of 100 to 300 tourists.
Those who are into expedition cruises are tourists looking for authentic natural attraction and sites and do community and cultural immersion.
Regular cruise ships destinations in Eastern Visayas are Kalanggaman Island in Palompon, Limasawa Island in Southern Leyte, Capul Island in Northern Samar, and Cuatro Islas in the towns of Inopacan and Hindang in Leyte. (PNA)
By BiliranIsland.com Staff
First Posted 09:49:00 AM 03/30/2019
BiliranIsland.com
NAVAL, Biliran – Two suspects who were allegedly riding in tandem were arrested on March 29, 2019 by the PS Naval and by Barangay Tanods headed by Captain Jeffrey Merez.
The police identified the suspects as Joey Bacalando, 19, “habal-habal” driver, and Ronald delos Santos, 28, laborer, both residents of Barangay Caucab, Almeria.
Barangay Caraycaray Captain Jeffrey Narrido Merez
Bacalando and Delos Santos, who were on board a black motorcycle without registration plate, were allegedly behind the bag snatching of Tata Machete Silvano at 9:21 pm.
Silvano, a lotto office employee, sustained fractures and bruises on her body. She was transported to the Biliran Provincial Hospital, Naval, Biliran for initial treatment and then referred to Tacloban.
According to initial investigation, after the execution of the theft the duo traversed the road to Catmon and then to Haguikhikan, where they hid the stolen items and went back to Caraycaray via the Cabungaan route.
A CCTV footage of BILECO on the riding-in-tandem last night showed that the snatching incident happened at 9:21 in the evening. The alleged suspect was captured last night at 10:30 pm by the local residents and barangay tanods.
The presence of a police car in the Caraycaray highway alerted the duo and they decided to leave their motorcycle behind and traversed the road to Naval School Fisheries (NSF) on foot.
The residents near NSF were suspicous and alerted the tanods of their presence. The local officials tried to question them but they immediately ran.
The residents and the barangay tanods were then in hot pursuit of the suspects. They were cornered and brought to the nearby police for further investigation.
Recovered from the possession of the suspects were shoulder bag, wallet, pouch, malaysian and 4 pc US dollars, 4 pcs five hundred peso bills, 50 pesos, 2 pcs. twenty pesos bill, suspected marijuana leaves, small transparent plastic sachet containing suspected marijuana leaves, G shock wrist watch, Samsung cellphone, Cherry mobile cellphone and sling bag.
Also recovered from the suspects are Cal. 38 paltik revolver with 19 live ammos and motorcycle.
– BiliranIsland.com
Having chosen “Servant of Jesus Christ” as his episcopal motto, Msgr. Marvyn Maceda was ordained bishop for the Diocese of San Jose de Antique on Tuesday.
Elegant flowers adorned the altar of Our Lady of the Holy Rosary Cathedral in Naval, Biliran as Maceda was ordained to the episcopate.
Principal celebrant at the ordination was Palo Archbishop John Du, assisted by Naval Bishop Rex Ramirez and Naval Emeritus Bishop Filomeno Bactol.
The ordination followed the announcement by the Vatican of his appointment last January. He is the first cleric from the 31-year-old diocese to become a bishop.
Maceda, 50, succeeds Jose Romeo Lazo who was named archbishop of Jaro in February 2018.
The attendance included members of the Philippine bishops’ conference as well as Papal Nuncio Archbishop Giordano Caccia and Cardinal Luis Antonio Tagle of Manila.
The cardinal, in his homily, urged his former student at the Loyola School of Theology to remain steadfast in his mission amidst “uncertainties of our times”.
“Remain honest before him. And even if your love is humiliated continue serving him… even if it is impossible humanly speaking,” Tagle told Maceda.
“But that is at the core of being a bishop, to admit of what is impossible humanly speaking and to believe that with God everything is possible,” he noted.
In his message, Maceda has appealed for prayers as he took his new role.
“If you prayed for me that I become a priest, I have become a priest. And now that God has appointed me as bishop, all the more that I need your prayers,” he said.
Maceda will formally assume his post in a ceremony at the St. Joseph Cathedral in Antique on April 9.
By BiliranIsland.com Staff
First Posted 07:42:00 AM 04/07/2019
BiliranIsland.com
ORMOC CITY, LEYTE – 66 delegates from the Biliran division were brought to hospitals in Ormoc City last night, Apr. 6, due to food poisoning.
The Delegates to this year’s Eastern Visayas Regional Athletic Association (EVRAA) Meet in Ormoc City.
Initial report said the delegation of Biliran were billeted at New Ormoc City National High School.
As of 6:55 PM, the Biliran Medical Team reported cases of abdominal pain, nausea, vomiting, and dizziness.
20 victims were brought to Ospa Farmers Medical Center, 30 to the Ormoc District Hospital, and 16 to Ormoc Doctors’ Hospital.
Food poisoning downs 66 athletes from Biliran
As of 12:48 AM, 55 athletes have been released back to their billeting quarters, according to Ryan Japay, Information Officer-Designate of DepEd-Biliran.
The Biliran group includes a variety of caterers.
The Ormoc City Health Office is investigating the incident.
The Biliran delegation is composed of 821 people, including coaches.
There are approximately 10,000 delegates from 13 divisions in Eastern Visayas in the EVRAA spearheaded by the Department of Education from April 7 to 12. – BiliranIsland.com
ORMOC CITY — Sixty-six young athletes from the Biliran school division delegation fell ill due to food poisoning on Saturday night in this city.
Jasmin Calzita, regional information officer of the Department of Education (DepEd), said these athletes were participating the Eastern Visayas Regional Athletic Association (EVRAAR) Meet, which would formally be opened in Ormoc City on Sunday.
The athletes experienced vomiting, nausea, abdominal pain and dizziness after eating dinner past 7 p.m. at the mess hall of Ormoc City Senior High School where they were billeted.
Calzita said the athletes were rushed to the different hospitals in Ormoc City. As of this writing, least 42 were already discharged while the rest were still confined.
Calzita said they had yet to determine what caused the food poisoning pending results of the laboratory examinations.
The food was prepared by a catering service brought in by the Biliran delegation.
“It was agreed that during the opening on Sunday [that] those who fell Ill would not be allowed to join the parade so they could rest,” she said.
Calzita also assured that the incident was isolated.
“We would like to assure the parents that their children are OK now and we are taking care of them to ensure their immediate recovery,” she said.
The Biliran delegation is composed of 821 people, including coaches.
At least 10,000 athletes and coaches from 13 schools in the provinces of Leyte, Southern Leyte, Samar, Eastern Samar, and Biliran joined this year’s EVRAA Meet. /atm
Jalmz
