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Hatagan sa ilang gikinahanglan nga kaalam ang mga mag-uuma ug mga mananagat sa dakbayan sa Baybay, ingon man usab sa mga kagamitan nga ilang gikinahanglan, aron mahimo silang mas malambuon sa ilang kapanginabuhian.

Mao kini ang giluwatang mando ni Baybay City Mayor Hon, Jose Carlos L. Cari dungan sa pag-ingon nga kinahanglan nga suportahan ang mga mag-uuma ug mga mananagat sa dakbayan sa Baybay aron maseguro ang food security niini.

Nunot niini, ipahigayon sugod ugma ang duha (2) ka adlaw nga Training on Fish Processing and Value Added Fishery Products didto sa Women’s Training and Development Center, luyo sa Pasalubong Center sa Barangay Cogon ‘ning dakbayan.

Gibutyag kini ni City Agriculture Office (CAO)’ Fisheries Consultant Ms. Elena P. Siddiqui kinsa nagkanayon nga tambungan kining maong pagbansay-bansay sa cuarenta y singko (45) ka mga bag-ong tilapia growers sa dakbayan sa Baybay.

Nagkanayon si Ms. Siddiqui nga nagkadaghan ang mga Baybayanon nga nag-interes sa tilapia fishpond production project gumikan kay gawas nga libre ang pagkubkob sa lungag alang sa fishpond, libre pa usab ang tilapia fingerlings ingon man usab ang feeds nga ipakaon niini.

Tungod niini, gipangandaman daan sa Lokal nga Kagamhanan sa dakbayan sa Baybay ang posibleng pagdaghan sa tilapia nga moresulta unya sa pagkunhod sa presyo niini sa merkado, ug sa pagka-alkanse sa mga tilapia producers.

Busa, uban sa panabang sa Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR), gitudlo-an daan ang mga tilapia producers sa nagkalain-lain nga pamaagi sa pagproseso sa tilapia sama sa Tilapia Fish Nuggets, Tilapia Fish Crackers, Tilapia Fish Kropek, ug uban pa nga magsilbi unyang dugang tinubdan sa kapanginabuhi-an, ilabi na sa mga kababayen-an sa ilang tagsa-tagsa ka mga barangay.

Angayang masayran nga ikatulo na kini ka higayon sa pagbansay-bansay sa Baybayanon alang sa Fish Processing and Value Added Fishery Products uban sa mga tinugyanan sa BFAR. (Marissa M. Cano, City Information Officer, Baybay City, Leyte)

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In conjunction with International Youth Day, 2022, the City of Baybay hosted Day 4 of the Regional Conference of Youth-Asia and the Pacific (RCOY-APAC) at the Binaybayon Convention Hall on August 12, 2022.

Youth representatives from the different provinces of Region 8, delegates from Asian and Pacific countries, and UN officials, including no less than the Director of Services of the World Meteorological Organization (WMO), Dr. Johan Stander, were welcomed by the Baybay City Officials led by City Mayor Jose Carlos L. Cari. In his speech, the city mayor acknowledged the role of the youth as a catalyst for change, especially in ensuring water security and climate change adaptation.

The Regional Conference of Youth (RCOY) is a program aimed at gathering youth from different regions to engage them in discussions concerning environmental crises. With the programs and activities strategically prepared during this five-day event, RCOY further capacitated the delegates with skills they can use to train and educate the youth in their respective communities and to use their voice to influence and intervene in local policy consultations. In celebration of the International Youth Day 2022, RCOY served as an avenue for the youth to bring their concerns regarding environmental crises to the international community.

On Day 4, representatives from different groups presented their demands and perspectives during the plenary, which will be included in the drafting of the Global youth Statement (GYS)—submitted every year to the UN Climate Change Conference. Before heading back to Ormoc City, Dr. Stander also held Bilateral Meetings at the Baybay Convention Center VIP Lounge to have collaborative discussions with stakeholders in order to further strengthen and localize youth involvement in climate change issues and solutions.

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Mitambong ang mga Punong Barangays, Kagawad In-Charge of Peace and Order, Chief Tanod ug mga  Barangay Secretary sa noventa y dos (92) ka mga barangay sa dakbayan sa Project Awareness of Bombs that Kills lives and Destroy Properties (Project ABKD) nga gipahigayon sa Regional Explosive Ordnance Disposal and Canine Group (EOD K9) sa Philippine National Police Regional Office 8 (PNP RO 8).

Nasayran nga sa unang adlaw (Agosto 11, 2022) ang mga barangay officials sa East District ug sa Poblacion District ang mitambong sa maong kalihokan nga gipahigayon sa City Auditorium, Legislative Building sa dakbayan sa Baybay. Samtang, gipahigayon ang ikaduha ka adlaw (Agosto 12, 2022) sa Multi-purpose Gym sa Barangay Cogon ‘ning dakbayan Baybay City.

Atol sa maong kalihokan, nagkanayon si EOD Technician PCpl Francis Eric C. Canuda nga chemically formulated ang mga explosives ug nga delikado kini sa panglawas ilabi na sa vulnerable groups nga naglangkob sa mga bata, tigulang, ug mga nagsabak.  Busa, kon gikan magpabuto og fire crackers o misaksi sa fireworks display, kinahanglan nga maligo ug mag-ilis ang maong tawo sa dili pa siya mohangop sa iyang mga vulnerable nga sakop sa pamilya, ilabi na ang adunay sakit sa bata, tungod kay motapot sa sinina ang baho sa pabuto ug makadaot kanila ang paghanggap niini.

Gitataw usab niya nga kinahanglan nga sa tanang panahon, isipon nga tinuod ang bomb threat nga madawat sa usa ka tawo. Hinuon, matud pa niya nga kinahanglan nga dili siya maratol ug ipasabot gilayon kini sa barangay official o sa kapulisan, ug likayan ang pagpasabot kabahin niini sa uban nga mga tawo aron kalikayan ang kagubot.

Gitataw usab niya nga bawal ang pag-text o ang pag-post sa social media og mga bomb threat pinasikad sa Presidential Decree No. 1727 nga nahimong balaod kaniadto pang Oktubre 8, 1980. Lima (5) ka tuig nga pagkapriso ug cuarenta mil pesos (P40,000.00) ang multa nga mahi-aguman sa mga mapamatud-an nga nakasupak niini nga balaod.

Sumala pa ni PCpl Canuda nga daghan na sila og girespondehan nga bomb threat dinhi sa Rehiyon Otso apan palaran ang mga molupyo dinhi sa Sidlakang Kabisay-an tungod kay wala pay nahitabo nga pagbuto og bomba dinhi.

Midugang usab si PCpl Canuda nga walay expiration ang mga explosive device o pabuto hinungdan nga kinahanglan nga itaho gilayon ngadto sa mga barangay officials o sa kapulisan kon adunay mamatikdan o maugkat nga mga landmines ug susama niini nga mga butang.

Sa iyang kabahin, nagkanayon si EOD Technician PSSg Valentino C. Billota nga kon adunay mamatikdan nga butang nga gibilin sa usa ka lugar ug gidudahan kini nga bomba o Improvised Explosive Device (IED) o non-military, non-commercial o modified explosive, kinahanglan nga dili kini nila duolon o hilabtan. Hinuon, kinahanglan nga ikordon sa barangay ang lugar nga nahimutangan sa gikatahapan nga bomba o IED, pasabta gilayon ang kapulisan ug hulaton nga muabot sila sa area kay sila na usab unya ang mokontak sa EOD K9 Unit, kon gikinahanglan.

Gitataw usab ni PSSg Billota nga kinahanglan nga maghimo ang barangay og Bomb Incident Plan ug magpahigayon og Bomb Threat Drill aron magiyahan sila sa angayan nilang buhaton kon mahitabo nga adunay bomb threat, bomb hoax o false alarm sa ilang barangay. Nasayran nga mahimo silang magpatabang sa Philippine National Police (PNP) sa pagpahigayon niini.

Angayang masayran nga mahitabo ang bomb threat kon adunay mo-text o motawag nga adunay bomba sa usa ka lugar ug nga mobuto kini sa ilang gihatag nga oras. Samtang, mahitabo ang bomb hoax kon pananglitan adunay gihimo nga mura’g IED ug gibutang sa usa ka lugar aron lang makuha ang atensiyon sa usa ka tawo. False alarm ang tawag kon adunay nag-report nga adunay gibilin nga bag nga gituho-an nga bomba apan sa pagsusi dili diay, apan gihimo sa usa ka tawo ang pag-report, in good faith, kay nagtuo siya nga bomba gayud ang sulod sa bag.

Malaomon ang EOD-K9 nga magamit sa mga barangay officials ang ilang nakat-onan sa Project ABKD samtang nagpasalamat usab sila sa Baybay City LGU sa pagpasi-ugda niining maong kalihokan tungod kay sa pagka karon duha (2) pa lang ka LGU dinhi sa Rehiyon 8 ang nagpahigayon na sa Project ABKD, ang LGU Paslo ug ang Baybay City LGU. (Marissa M. Cano, City Information Officer, Baybay City, Leyte)

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The Local Vaccination Operation Center (LVOC) of the City of Baybay needs to vaccinate 1,000 senior citizens to meet the Presidential Directive of 90% coverage for senior citizens within his first 100 days.

Medical Officer V, Dr. Jerome Profetana revealed, during the City Inter-Agency Task Force on the Management of Emerging Infectious Diseases (City IATF-MEID), that they already have a masterlist of the senior citizens in the city who have not been vaccinated yet. “We just need to explain to them the importance of being vaccinated against COVID-19,” he said. He also added that senior citizens are given priority in all of the Vaccination Posts and that they might conduct house-to-house vaccination for senior citizens, should this be necessary.

However, Dr. Profetana said that the most challenging directive of President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos is the 50% coverage of first booster shot.  This is because the current accomplishment of the City of Baybay is only 12% and the LVOC needs to vaccinate 40,000 Baybayanons to meet the target.

In relation to this, Dr. Profetana said that the CHO, as a Vaccination Site, is open for Booster Doses from Monday to Friday, except when there is a vaccination scheduled at the Baybay City Gym. He added that they had been advocating for booster shot, thru the CHO personnel, “But many people refuse to get the booster shot because they believe that they are already protected from COVID-19 after their first and second dose.”

Thus, Dr. Profetana revealed that the City IATF-MEID might adopt new policies and strategies not only to meet the President’s directive but also to ensure that Baybayanons are protected against the virus, especially with the incoming face-to-face classes.  It could be recalled that booster dose is available for the adolescents (12-17 years old) and the adults (18 years old and above).

For his part, Baybay City Mayor Hon. Jose Carlos L. Cari said that nobody knows what will happen next as the virus continue to evolve. Hence, the City of Baybay must prepare for the worst scenario. He added that it is best to prepare and pray that the worst won’t happen than to be caught unaware and helpless of the situation. (Marissa M. Cano, City Information Officer, Baybay City, Leyte)

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The City of Baybay, thru Baybay City Mayor  Hon. Jose Carlos L. Cari distributed today (August 10, 2022) six (6) service vehicles to the Barangay Local Government Units of Barangay Bunga, Barangay Bubon, Barangay Punta, Barangay Candadam, Barangay Patag, and Barangay Kaombonggan.

Mayor Cari said that these service vehicles shall be for official use only, particularly for environmental protection, peace and order and disaster response. He added that the recipient barangays must follow the regular maintenance of the said vehicles to maximize its service. He added that they must ask for the assistance of the Suzuki personnel in maintaining the vehicles as part of their after-sales service.

It could be recalled that in June 28, 2022, 19 barangays of the City of Baybay also received service vehicles from the Baybay City LGU. According to Mayor Cari that the recipient barangays during that time were interior barangays to facilitate their mobility, especially in times of disaster and emregency.

The Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD) as well as the   Barangay Auxiliary Network of Information for Humanitarian Assistance (BAYANIHAN) Workers Association were also given one (1) service vehicle each.

Mayor Cari thanked the Sangguniang Panlungsod (SP) of the City of Baybay, headed by Vice Mayor Atty. Ernesto M. Butawan for appropriating the funds for the procurement of the said service vehicles.

In one (1) of the City Development Council (CDC) meetings in the City of Baybay, Mayor Cari said that those barangays who will put up the counterpart of one hundred thousand pesos (P100,000.00) will be given the service vehicle. During the turnover of the said service vehicles in June 28, 2022, however, he said that the concerned barangays need not give counterpart to the cost of the vehicle and instead shall be responsible for the fuel and the maintenance of the service vehicle which they received from the Baybay City LGU. (Marissa M. Cano, City Information Officer, Baybay City, Leyte)

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To the City of Baybay, headed by Hon. Jose Carlos L. Cari, Vice Mayor Atty. Ernesto M. Butawan and the Sangguniang Panlungsod Members – Thank you! This is what the survivors of TS Agaton could say after they were relocated to the Temporary Shelters constructed for them by the Office of Civil Defense (OCD), with the help of the Philippine Army (PA), Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP) and the Philippine National Police (PNP). They said that they are still blessed because despite the tragedy they had gone through, they are now given the chance to start a new life.

It could be recalled that Fr. Hope Lambonao led the blessing of the initial forty temporary shelters in Barangay Maganhan this morning (August 9, 2022). This was attended by Sangguniang Panlungsod Members Hon. Jorge Rebucas, Hon. Ramon Ronald Veloso, and Hon. Dominic Junie Murillo. Also in attendance during the said activity were City Planning and Development Officer Engr. Patrick Postrero, City Engineer Engr. Ranulfo Tagolgol, City Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Officer Engr. Rhyse Austero and representatives of the Philippine Army, Bureau of Fire Protection and the Philippine National Police.

After the blessing, the Head of the Institutional Services of the Leyte Electric Cooperative (LEYECO IV) Ms. Janice Bisnar and Mayor Cari led the Lights-on of the said housing units. Ms. Bisnar revealed that it was the City Social Welfare and Development Office (CSWDO) which facilitated all the documents related to the electricity of the housing units. But according to City Planning and Development Officer Engr. Patrick Postrero, each housing unit was provided with a meter by the LEYECO IV and shall pay for their monthly consumption to the latter.

During the informal meeting with Punong Barangays Hon. Michelle D. Cipe of Barangay Kantagnos and Hon. Renato P. Magan of Barangay Maganhan, Mayor Cari said that the residents must learn to manage their waste to avoid health-related problems. They shall also undergo Training on Fire Safety and Fire Suppression the soonest possible time for protection against fire hazard. Mayor Cari added that a Tanod Post must also be constructed in the area, which will also serve as a meeting place and an area where visitors will be entertained by the residents. (Marissa M. Cano, City Information Officer, Baybay City, Leyte)

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The survivors of Typhoon Agaton need to be relocated the soonest possible time, not only because the Department of Education (DepEd) needs their classrooms for their Face-to-Face Classes but because living in an Evacuation Center is very stressful.  This is despite the fact that the Baybay City LGU, thru the City Social Welfare and Development Office (CSWDO), provides for their food.

Because of this, the Local Government Unit of Baybay, headed by City Mayor Hon. Jose Carlos L. Cari has been trying to look for partners who may help in the construction of permanent housing units for the survivors of Typhoon Agaton in the City of Baybay.

In a meeting with the representatives from the United States Agency for International Development (USAID), the International Organization for Migration (IOM) and the Catholic Relief Services (CRS), Mayor Cari reiterated the need for the construction of permanent housing units and showed them the design of the housing units that the Baybay City LGU is constructing at Barangay Higulo-an for the residents of Barangay Mailhi, which according to the Geologists from the Mines and Geo-sciences Bureau Region 8 (MGB 8), is no longer safe for dwelling.

According to CSWDO Manuel Icon P. Donaire, some of the the survivors from Barangay Mailhi, who are currently staying at the Baybay City Night High School, goes to the barangay during daytime because of their livelihood and goes back to the Evacuation Center at night. “Many of them clamour to have their normal lives back by going back to their barangay but this is discouraged by the city because the Mayor says that we must heed to the findings of the experts,” added CSWDO Donaire.

It could be recalled that after the said meeting which was held at the VIP Lounge of the city, Mayor Cari accompanied them to Barangay Maganhan to conduct inspection of the temporary housing units for the survivors of Barangay Kantagnos.

On the other hand, in an interview with City Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Officer, Engr. Rhyse Austero, it was revealed that forty (40) households from Barangay Kantagnos, who were staying then at the Baybay National High School, have already been relocated to the temporary shelters constructed by the Office of Civil Defense (OCD) in Barangay Maganhan. The Blessing and Ceremonial Lights-on for these housing units will be held tomorrow (August 9, 2022). (Marissa M. Cano, City Information Officer, Baybay City, Leyte)

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Sa dihang nahi-abot na ang bakuna dinhi sa dakbayan sa Baybay, lakip ang transport groups (potpot, tricycle ug multicab drivers) sa mga frontliners nga una nga gibakunahan batok sa COVID-19 tungod kay dako ang ilang risgo nga matakdan sa virus kay sila man ang ikahimamat sa mga bag-ong mangabot sa dakbayan.

Samtang, gumikan kay apektado man ang ilang kapanginabuhian sa pandemya, kay limitado man ang gitiguot nga gidaghanon sa pasahero, matag tulo (3) ka bulan silang gihatagan og ayuda (bugas, food packs, vitamins, face mask, ug transportation allowance) sa Lokal nga Kagamhanan sa dakbayan sa Baybay.

Matud pa ni Baybay City Mayor Hon. Jose Carlos L. Cari nga naghimo usab og ordinansa ang Sangguniang Panlungsod ‘ning dakbayan nga mihatag og mga kaayohan sa mga transport groups ‘ning dakbayan.

Nasayran nga kon masakit ang usa ka potpot, tricycle o multicab driver ug ma-ospital siya, hatagan siya sa Baybay City LGU og allowance nga dos siyentos pesos (P200.00) kada adlaw apan sulod lang sa napulo (10) ka adlaw kada tuig. Hinuon, kinahanglan nga magpakita siya og medical certificate nga magmatuod ngna na-ospital gayud siya.

Ubos usab sa maong ordinansa, makapa-check-up nga libre ang usa ka driver, uban sa ilang pamilya didto sa City Health Office ‘ning dakbayan, kinahanglan lang nilang ipakita ang ilang ID nga magmatuod nga lakip sila sa transport groups ‘ning dakbayan.

Matud pa usab ni Mayor Cari nga kon madisgrasya (simbako) ang usa ka sakop sa transport group ‘ning dakbayan ug motaliwan na kini sa laing kalibutan, may madawat usab nga hinabang gikan sa Lokal nga Kagamhanan ang ilang pamilya. May insurance usab ang mga transport groups diin ang Baybay City LGU ang nagbayad sa ilang premium.

Sa katapusan, nagpahinumdom si Mayor Cari nga kinahanglan nga magpasalamat kita sa kanunay sa Ginoo, ilabi na sa Patron Saint sa dakbayan sa Baybay nga si Immaculada Conception, tungod kay kanunay nga gi-iway ang dakbayan sa Baybay sa mga katalagman. (Marissa M. Cano, City Information Officer, Baybay City, Leyte)

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With the help of the 78^th Infantry Battalion, the families of the victims of the Inopacan Massacre were organized by the Baybay City LGU. Three (3) of the organizations (Monterico Upland Farmers Association, Amguhan-Maypatag Survivors Association, and Ampihanon Survivors Association) received a Rice Retailing Livelihood Package from the Baybay City LGU while the Kabungaan Livelihood Association received a Swine Production Livelihood Package, all worth ONE HUNDRED THOUSAND PESOS (P1000,000,00) each. The city, through the Gender and Development Office and the City Information Office, are conducting assessment on the implementation of these livelihood projects and it is worth note-taking that despite the pandemic and the disasters which hit the city, their livelihood are still intact. In fact, according to them, their rice retailing project helped them get through the difficult times.

The City of Baybay also assisted them in availing of the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) Integrated Livelihood and Emergency Program (DILEEP).

The Monterico Upland Farmers Association received a ONE MILLION PESOS worth of agricultural equipment and farm machineries which they lend to members and non-members for a minimal fee.  The City of Baybay also provided them the building to safe keep the said farm equipment and machineries.

The Amguhan-Maypatag Survivors Association, on the other hand received a ONE MILLION PESOS worth of Ready-to-Lay (RTL) Project which the organization is trying to revive after typhoon Agaton damaged their project site.  But it is good to know that they have already deposited their initial sales in the bank in the amount of more than TWO THOUSAND PESOS.

The Ampihanon Survivors Association also received a RTL Project worth HALF MILLION PESOS from DOLE which was also affected by Typhoon Agaton. However, they still continue to produce eggs but lesser than before they were hit by typhoon. They were also able to deposit FIFTY THOUSAND PESOS (P50,000.00) in the bank.

The Kabungaan Livelihood Association, on the other hand, received a ONE MILLION PESOS worth of Swine Production Project which was also affected by the African Swine Fever (ASF). They still have hogs until now, but only around ten (10) heads, but they have deposited HALF MILLION PESOS in the bank which they placed under time deposit.

Gender and Development (GAD) Focal Person, Ms. Mora Abarquez said that these families of the victims of the Inopacan Massacre in the City of Baybay are blessed to have a Mayor who looks into the needs, especially that of the livelihood, of its constituents. These organizations also have problems among themselves, but these are easily settled through regular visitation by the personnel from the Baybay City LGU. (Marissa M. Cano, City Information Officer, Baybay City, Leyte)

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Part of the lot where the Provincial Fisheries and Aquatic Resources Training Development and Product Display Center is being constructed was damaged due to typhoon Agaton.  Thus, the city immediately scoured and rehabilitated the area so as not to obstruct the construction of the project. This was revealed by Engr. Rolly Rebeca of the City Planning and Development Office (CPDO) of Baybay City who personally inspected the area after the typhoon.

It could be recalled that the Groundbreaking Ceremony of this project of the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR) was held in November 10, 2021 at Sitio Cienda, Barangay Gabas of this city.

According to Assistant Regional Director Cylet Salvacion C. Lluz of BFAR Region 8, “We would not have this project if the Local Government Unit of the City of Baybay has not provided the tenurial documents needed.  This shows your commitment and this is a very good example of what will happen if there is a strong coordination between the LGU and the national government.” This is because the City of Baybay purchased the lot where the said training center is being constructed.

For her part, Regional Executive Director Angel C. Enriquez of the Department of Agriculture Region 8 extended her congratulations to Baybay City Mayor Hon. Jose Carlos L. Cari, “Because seldom could you find the kind of Local Chief Executive who supports agricultural development.  I also acknowledge the Sangguniang Panlungsod headed by Vice Mayor Atty. Ernesto Butawan because one of the elements why agricultural development prospers in a particular Local Government Unit (LGU) is the support of the Sangguniang Panlungsod (SP).”

RED Enriquez added that with the support provided by the Baybay City LGU, there is no reason why this future learning site for fisheries will not be successful.

It could be recalled that Mayor Cari mandated LGU Consultant Mr. Z Jose Tabudlong to look for vacant lands in the barangays that are suitable for fishponds production. As of date, there are 46 fishpond production sites in 33 barangays of the City of Baybay. And to ensure that there will be enough fingerlings for the tilapia producers, the city also established the Freshwater Satellite Hatchery with the help of BFAR.

While in preparation for the possible surplus in tilapia production, the BFAR introduced the Aqua-Base Business School with Gender and Climate Change Perspective Tilapia Production and Value Addition where the participants were trained to make Tilapia Fish Nuggets, Tilapia Fish Crackers, Tilapia Fish Kropek, and others which can serve as additional source of income for the fisherfolk and his family. And with the construction of the Provincial Fisheries and Aquatic Resources Training Development and Product Display Center, more fisherfolks will be trained to become entrepreneurs.

Finally, Congressman Carl Nicolas C. Cari of the 5^th District of Leyte said that, “We have been dreaming of projects like this so that no more families will suffer from hunger, not just in Baybay City but also in the whole 5^th District of Leyte.” Thus, he is hopeful that both the DA-RFO VIII and the BFAR VIII will help again in the establishment of the legislated Multi-species Hatchery in Barangay Hilapnitan of this city.

Mayor Cari, on the other hand, said that projects like this happen in the city because of the 100% support of the SP, the technical and financial support from the national government, efforts of the City Agriculture and the Coastal Resources and Fishery Management Office staff of the City of Baybay, and the cooperation of the farmers and fisherfolks. (Marissa M. Cano, City Information Officer, Baybay City, Leyte)

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