Community News

In less than one (1) year from the disaster, most of the Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) in the City of Baybay are now living in the shelters constructed for them by the Local Government Unit (LGU) in partnership with the national government agencies with funding from the Office of Civil Defense (OCD), and the International Organization for Migration (IOM) with funding from the Unites States Agency for International Development (USAID).

During his message, Baybay City Mayor Hon. Jose Carlos L. Cari thanked the Sangguniang Panlungsod of the City of Baybay, headed by Vice Mayor Atty. Ernesto M. Butawan, for providing funds either to purchase or to rent the land where the housing units were constructed. He also thanked the Baybayanons who allowed the construction of the transitional shelters of the IDPs for free.

It could be recalled that landslides were reported in seven (7) barangays of the City of Baybay due to typhoon Agaton on April 10, 2022. These include Barangays Kantagnos, Mailhi, Bunga, Maypatag, Kan-ipa, Villa Mag-aso, and Kagumay.

Based on the report of City Social Welfare and Development Officer Dr. Manuel Icon Donaire, 156 households were displaced in Barangay Kantagnos, 268 in Barangay Mailhi, 14 in Barangay Bunga, 36 in Barangay Maypatag, 3 in Barangay Kan-ipa, and 102 in Barangay Villa Mag-aso.

The first forty (40) permanent houses constructed by the Baybay City LGU in Barangay Higulo-an was handed over to the vulnerable households of Barangay Mailhi on March 8, 2023. And according to Mayor Cari, “I have already signed a contract for the additional housing units. We preferred to construct permanent structures because it is more cost effective compared to that of the temporary structures.”

The IOM, on the other hand, has constructed 155 transitional shelters for the displaced residents of Barangay Mailhi.  These are located at the temporary resettlement area in Barangay Kambonggan of this city, and in some private lots which were allowed to be used for the construction of their transitional houses for humanitarian reason. It is worth note-taking that the temporary resettlement area was rented by the Baybay City LGU for five (5) years from the Calungsod Family.

The rest (73 households), according to Dr. Donaire either did not stay at the Evacuation Center, thus were not given priority, or they did not pass the assessment of the IOM personnel because they have the capacity to put up their own house.

Dr. Donaire also revealed that in July 15, 2022, the first 40 temporary shelters constructed thru the concerted efforts of the Baybay City LGU, Philippine Army, Bureau of Fire Protection, Philippine National Police, and the residents of Barangay Kantagnos were turned over to the first 40 vulnerable families of the said barangay. The IOM also constructed 69 transitional shelters for the IDPs in Barangay Kantagnos, while the others constructed shanties around the temporary resettlement area in Barangay Maganhan while waiting for the completion of the additional 32 temporary housing units funded by the OCD.

The IOM also constructed transitional shelters for 13 IDPs in Barangay Bunga, 26 IDPs in Barangay Maypatag, and 92 in Barangay Villa Mag-aso. The rest of the IDPs were disqualified from the program either because they did not stay in the Evacuation Center or they have the capacity to build their own house, based on the assessment of the IOM people.

During his message, Mayor Cari said that things happen for a reason and that the survivors of Tropical Storm (TS) Agaton must go on with their lives and be thankful with what they have. He added that they must learn to live harmoniously with each other and work together towards the improvement of their abode. However, he promised that the Baybay City LGU will provide amenities that will make their lives easier such as the pathways, connection of utilities like light and water, and the needed outpost. (Marissa Miguel Cano, City Information Officer, Baybay City, Leyte)

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“Ang gusto ng pulis dito sa Region 8 lagi kayong safe at mabigyan kayo ng serbisyong totoo.” This was the closing statement of the Philippine National Police Regional Office 8 Regional Director PBGEN ROMMEL FRANCISCO D MARBIL during the Blessing and Inauguration of the PNP Sub-station, Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Satellite Office and Terminal with Parking Area at the Visayas State University (VSU) Main Campus in Baybay City on February 27, 2023.

GENERAL MARBIL said that the police wants all the people in their respective areas of jurisdiction to be safe at all times but revealed that they have limitations such as the lack of the necessary equipment and buildings. Thus, he thanked the Local Government Unit of Baybay City headed by City Mayor Hon. Jose Carlos L. Cari for the construction of the building and the Visayas State University headed by President Dr. Edgardo E. Tulin for providing the lot.

During his welcome remarks VSU President Tulin revealed that discussions about the said project started two (2) years ago and that the discussions did not stop despite the pandemic,  “This is a forward looking facility because being a leading university in the country, the rising population of our students is expected to continue. Thus the importance of this facility cannot be underestimated.”

Mayor Cari, on the other hand said that the city is divided into four districts: North, East, South, and the Poblacion District and that close to 40% of the residents of the City of Baybay are in the North District. “Thus much attention should be given here especially because this is where the pride of Baybay is located – the Visayas State University,”  said Mayor Cari.

He added that this project was a part of the Peace and Order and Public Safety (POPS) Plan of the City of Baybay,“And anticipating the completion of our New Diversion Road in Barangay Kilim, the population in the North District Barangays is expected to rise in the next 2-3 years. That is why this sub-station is a must on this part of the city because it is both our duty and commitment to the public to maintain peace and order and to reduce the response time.”

Thus, Mayor Cari thanked the Sangguniang Panlungsod, headed by City Vice Mayor Atty. Ernesto Butawan for allocating funds for the project and VSU for providing the needed lot, “And I am sure that the personnel will be committed by the PNP.”

Vice Mayor Butawan also thanked the VSU Family for accommodating also the Terminal with Parking Area, a project between the VSU, Baybay City LGU and the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH), not only for their students but for the riding public as well. Mayor Cari requested VSU to manage the facility in coordination with the City Traffic Management and Terminal Office (CTTO), headed by the CTMTO Head, Mr. Jerson Colocar.

Congressman Carl Nicolas C. Cari of the 5^th District of Leyte, on the other hand, said that both his office and that of the Baybay City LGU support all the undertakings of the PNP and that the presence of PBGEN MARBIL is a proof of his sincerity to serve not only the Baybayanons but also the whole 5^th District of Leyte.  He added that aside from the building which was turned-over to the PNP, the City of Baybay also has a lot of huge infrastructure projects, “Dahil dito po sa Baybay City libre po ang mangarap. Pero meron po kaming kasabihan dito na Lihok Baybay kaya ginagawa po namin ang lahat upang makamit ang aming mga pangarap.”

The young Congressman also revealed that many law makers in the country supports the bill which he authored, the House Bill No. 4553 which seeks to establish a VSU College of Medicine with the corresponding appropriation of funds from the national government. He said that, if approved, this will give the wannabe doctors in Region 8 the chance to pursue their dreams, “And I thank Dr. Tulin for his help.”

Dr. Tulin also said that the Blessing and Inauguration of the PNP Sub-station, Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Satellite Office and Terminal with Parking Area at the Visayas State University (VSU) Main Campus is a historic unprecedented activity in VSU, while Sangguniang Panlungsod Member & Chairperson of the Committee on Peace and Order and Public Safety Hon. Dominic Junie Murillo said that, “This marks not only the city’s support to peace and order but rather the support to our battle cry towards Kahapsay, Kalinaw and Kaambo-an in the City of Baybay.” (Marissa Miguel Cano, City Information Officer, Baybay City, Leyte)

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After 40 fruitful hours of trainings abd workshops, 84 participants of the First Batch of the Folk Dance and Latin Dance Workshop and 56 participants of the Basic Level Visual Arts Workshop of the Baybay City School for the Arts graduated today (February 17, 2023) at the Convention Center, Binaybayon Comples, Barangay Hibunawan, Baybay City, Leyte.

This was graced by the local officials of the Local Government Unit of Baybay City, headed by Vice Mayor, Atty. Ernesto M. Butawan, the Baybay City Division personnel headed by the Schools Division Superintendent (SDS) Dr. Carmelino Bernadas, the Visayas State University represented by Dr. Alice and Andy Acabal, the parents and guardians of the participants, and the participants of the two (2) workshops.

During his Opening Remarks, SDS Bernadas thanked the Baybay City LGU, especially Baybay City Mayor Hon. Jose Carlos L. Cari who, according to him, was the one who invited him and his talented teachers together with the Culture and the Arts Center of the Visayas State University, headed by Director Jude Nonie Sales, to come up with a program for the Baybay City Schools for the Arts. He also thanked Congressman Carl Nicolas Cari of the 5^th District of Leyte for providing funds for the first ever School for the Arts in Region 8.

One of the Visual Arts participant, the Head of the Monterico Elementary School Mr. Deodato Flandez Jr. said that, “The success to this endeavor is not on the age but on the passion, interest and time management.”

Another Visual Arts participant, Mr. Rexter Fernandez said that he came to the Baybay City School for the Arts with nothing, not even a pencil and a paper, but now he will be bringing with him his art pieces.  He added that, “Now I can re-affirm that what the society needs right now are healers, peace makers and story tellers and you can have all of these thru arts.”

A mother of two (2) participants, Engr. Desiryl Agustin, on the other hand, said that the School for the Arts Program of the City of Baybay was created to help enhance the talents of the budding artists of the city, both young and the not so young.  “I have seen the improvement in the skills of my children. Indeed, this is a very good start to boost their talents and to fulfill their dreams of becoming professionals some day. Looking at the milestones of our children, I can truly say that the trainers did a great job,” added Engr. Agustin.

Baybay 1 Central School pupil, Cassiopeia Reiza t. Bradecin, one of the participants of the Dance Workshop said, “We are here to take our bow to the gratefulness of the leaders of the City of Baybay saying thank you is not enough for the facilities and support laid before us. We pray that this talent will continue and build a city of talents and keep the minds of the youth focused on something worthwhile like this dance program.  We know that this will happen because CARI CARES.”

While the grandmother of one of the participants of the Dance Workshop Education Program Supervisor in Araling Panlipunan Ms. Ma. Teresa Rabanos revealed the benefits of dancing as follows: reduced stress level, improved relaxation, stronger bones, weight control, and a healthier brain.  Thus, she thanked the Baybay City LGU for coming up with this kind of program and hoped that this will continue to be free where the participants are considered as LGU scholars.

To this, Vice Mayor Atty. Ernesto M. Butawan, representing City Mayor Cari, said that the program is not actually free,”For the last 20 years, we constructed roads, bridges, schools, health centers, and other buildings for our constituents. But we realized that we also need to invest on our human resources, create opportunities and provide equal access to it. Thus, the government spends for our constituents to develop their skills using the taxes paid by our constituents. Your local officials just made sure that your taxes work for you.” Vice Mayor Butawan reiterated that we must nurture and embrace our culture thus Mayor Cari and Congressman Cari came up with this program to explore the potentials of our children.

One of the trainers, VSU CAC Director Prof. Sales, on the other hand, said that this is a once in a life time opportunity to learn and improve our skills courtesy of our local officials.  “I consider all of you diamonds in the raft and, as a trainer, I am excited to produce many excellent and award-winning artists to make all Baybayanons proud,” he added.

Prof. Sales also revealed that the Second Batch of the Basic Level Visual Arts Workshop and the Inter-mediate Level Visual Arts Workshop starts on February 18 (Saturday), while the Batch 2 of the Dance Workshop starts on March 4.  He added that the School for the Arts will soon offer Voice and Musical Instruments Training, Acting Workshop for Stage and Film, and the Media Arts Training.

The VSU Artistic Director and Dance Trainer Mr. Juvel Aberilla expressed his heartfelt thanks to the local officials for the support in cultivating the talent of the Baybayanons, “This has inspired us to share our knowledge on culture and the arts and we are hoping that Baybay City will become the Culture and the Arts Hub in Region 8 and in the country.”

Lastly, City Administrator Florante Cayunda Jr., representing Congressman Cari, thanked the team behind the successful first batch of Visual Arts and Dace Workshops, “ Rest assured that the Baybay City LGU will continue to support this program to continue to hone, develop and mold the talents of Baybayanons who only need a venue or an opportunity to shine.”

Atty. Cayunda also revealed that Congressman Cari has already filed the bill in Congress for the establishments of a Culture and the Arts Center. “Both Congressman Carl and Mayor Boying wants to have an inclusive progress and development for tgw City. Thus, we will notice that aside from implementing programs to boost the agriculture, health, education and infrastructure of the city, a number of plaza have been established also to provide open spaces not only for Baynayanons but for our visitors as well. (Marissa Miguel Cano, City Information Officer, Baybay City, Leyte)

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Ang mga mag-uuma lang nga taga-dakbayan sa Baybay ang tugotan nga mamaligya sa ilang mga produkto sa Tabo-an sa Baybay ‘ning dakbayan, nga mas nailhan sa tawag nga Kadiwa Center.

Mao kini ang gitataw ni City Agriculturist Ms. Mora Capangpangan Abarquez dili pa lamang dugay.

Atol sa pagpakighinabi kaniya sa “Nasayod ka ba, Bai?” News Team, gibutyag ni Abarquez nga gipatawag sa Sangguniang Panlungsod (SP) Committee on Agriculture ang mga nanindahay sa  Tabo-an sa Baybay tungod sa mga reklamo nga adunay namaligya didto sa tabo-an nga dili taga-dakbayan sa Baybay. Nasayran nga aduna ‘say uban nga namaligya didto og mga produkto nga ila ra usab gi-angkat gikan sa mga mag-uuma sa laing lugar.

Matud pa usab ni Abarquez nga ilang nasayran nga adunay naghimo-himo og Vendor’s ID pinaagi sa pag-photocopy sa Vendor’s ID nga gi-issue sa City Agriculture Office (CAO) kanila.

Tungod niini, gikuha sa CAO ang mga Vendor’s ID nga ilang giluwatan ug makakuha lang og Tabo-an sa Baybay Vendor’s ID ang usa ka mag-uuma kon makahatag siya og barangay certification nga magmatuod nga usa siya ka mag-uuma sa ilang barangay.

Segun usab sa gikasabutan sa maong meeting nga kinahanglan nga nakabutang sa maong barangay certification kon unsa ang mga utanon nga iyang gitanom ug kon kanus-a ang schedule sa pag-harvest niini.

Pinaagi niini maseguro nga mga molupyo lang sa dakbayan sa Baybay ang makapamaligya sa ilang mga produkto sa Tabo-an sa Baybay ug nga ila ra usab nga abot ang mga produkto sa uma nga ilang gibaligya.

Matud pa ni Ms. Abarquez nga kinahanglan nga dalhon sa mag-uuma ang nahisgotang barangay certificate didto sa City Agriculture Office sa Second Floor sa New Baybay City Hall aron mahatagan sila og Tabo-an sa Baybay Vendor’s ID nga aduna nay numero aron pagseguro nga kalikayan ang pagpakopya niini pag-usab.

Hinuon, gitataw ni Ms. Abarquez nga kada unom (6) ka bulan i-renew ang Tabo-an sa Baybay Vendor’s ID. Matud pa usab niya nga inspeksiyonon usa sa mga kawani sa City Agriculture Office ang umahan sa usa ka mag-uuma sa dili pa siya hatagan sa Tabo-an sa Baybay Vendor’s ID.

Nasayran nga gikasabutan usab sa maong meeting nga 1m x 2m lang ang sukod sa puwesto sa matag manindahay sa tabo-an ug nga dili na puwede nga maghikyad sila sa mga produkto sa uma sa semento didto sa tabo-an.

Kahinumdoman nga gumikan sa pandemya ug sa mga bagyo nga miingo sa dakbayan sa Baybay, nagnihit ang mga produkto sa uma ug misaka pag-ayo ang presyo niini sa merkado ‘ning dakbayan gumikan kay gi-angkat pa man kini gikan sa nagkalain-lain nga mga lugar.

Tungod niini, mihangyo ang Lokal nga Kagamhanan sa Department of Agriculture Regional Office 8 nga ipadala dinhi sa dakbayan sa Baybay ang Kadiwa Center aron makahatag og alternative market sa mga molupyo ‘ning dakbayan.

Unang mi-anhi ang Kadiwa Center kaniadtong Enero 12, 2022 ug mibalhin na sa Maasin City kaniadtong Marso 2, 2022 human masuta nga kaya na sa mga mag-uuma sa dakbayan sa Baybay ang pagmaligya sa ilang kaugalingon nga mga produkto didto sa Tabo-an sa Baybay. (Marissa Miguel Cano, City Information Officer, Baybay City, Leyte)

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Kinahanglan nga mokuha og health card ang tanan nga mga trabahante sa mga food and non-food establishments dinhi sa dakbayan sa Baybay.

Mao kini ang gitataw ni Health Promotion In-charge Nurse Wayne Gunhuran sa City Health Office’ning dakbayan dili pa lamang dugay.

Atol sapagpakighinabi kaniya sa “Nasayod ka ba, Bai?” News Team, gibutyag ni Gunhuran ang mga requirements sa pagkuha og health card.

Alang sa mga food establishments, Stool Examination, Hepa A Examination, usa ka 1×1 ID picture, duha (2) ka documentary stamp, ug medical fee nga usa ka gatos ka pesos (P100.00).

Alang sa mga non-food establishments: Chest X-ray, usa (1) ka 1×1 ID picture, duha (2) ka documentary stamp,ug medical fee nga usa ka gatos ka pesos (P100.00).

Nunot niini, nagkanayon si Gunhuran nga aron kalikayan ang kalangan sa pagkuha og health card, kinahanglan nga siguruhon nila sa pagdala ang tanan nga mga requirements sa dili pa sila muadto sa City Health Office (CHO) nga anaa mahimutang sa Zone 23 ‘ning dakbayan.

Matud pa usab ni Gunhuran nga kon negatibo ang resulta sa laboratory examination, hatagan gilayon nila og health card ang usa ka aplikante ug dili na kinahanglan nga magpakonsulta pa sa doktor.

Sa iyang kabahin nagkanayon si Medical Officer V, Dr. Jerome Profetana nga gi-require sa balaod ang mga health certificates sa tanan nga mga establishments aron kapanalipdan ang ilang mga cutomers.

Partikular nga gitumbok ni Dr. Profetana ang Hepatitis A nga motakod pinaagi sa tubig ug sa pagkaon.

Nasayran nga mao usab kini ang hinungdan nga sa dili pa hatagan og Sanitary Permit sa CHO ang usa ka establisimiyento, gi-require sa CHO ang medical card sa ilang mga trabahante.

Hinuon, matud pa ni Gunhuran nga kon positibo ang resulta sa laboratory examination sa usa ka trabahante, dili sila angayan nga mabalaka tungod kay katambalan man sila nga libre sa CHO. “Ug kon human sa usa ka semana nga treatment, mag-negative na ang result sa ilang laboratory exmaination, hatagan na namo sila og health card,” dugang pa ni Gunhuran.

Nunot niini, nag-awhag ang City Health Office ‘ning dakbayan nga motuman gayud sa mga balaod ang mga magpapatigayon ‘ning dakbayan aron kalikayan ang problema sa umaabot nga mga adlaw.

Gitataw usab ni Dr. Profetana nga maoy tumong sa kagamhanan nga kapanalipdan ang mga katawhan batok sa mga sakit hinungdan nga namugna ang mga balaod nga adunay kalambigitan sa Environmental Sanitation.

Sa katapusan, nagkanayon si Gunhuran nga pinasikad sa Presidential Decree 856, nga mas nailhan sa tawag nga Sanitation Code of the Philippines, kinahanglan nga isul-ob sa mga trabahante ang ilang health card sa tanan nga higayon nga anaa sila sa sila gitabaho-an. (Marissa Miguel Cano, City Information Officer III, Baybay City, Leyte)

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Giawhag sa City Traffic Management and Terminal Office (CTMTO) sa Lokal nga Kagamhanan sa dakbayan sa Baybay ang mga tag-iya sa mga tricycle sa pag-renew na sa ilang franchise.

Mao kini ang gibutyag ni CTMTO Head Mr. Jerson Colocar atol sa pagpakihinabi kaniya sa tulumanon, “Nasayod ka ba, Bai?” nga mabati matag adlaw’ng Martes, Huwebes ug Sabado, alas onse sa buntag hangtud sa alas dose sa udto, sa 92.5 Groove FM.

Matud pa ni Colocar nga sa miaging tuig nueve siyentos otsenta y dos (982) ka mga franchise sa tricycle ang na-renew sa ilang buhatan.

Niining maong gidaghanon, duolan sa duha gatos (186, puti) ka mga tricycle nga nagbiyahe-an sa North District ang na-renew ang franchise; kinyentos baynte (520, yellow) sa mga nagbiyahe-an sa Downtown Area; duolan sa dos cientos (175, blue) sa mga nagbiyahe-an sa South District; ug kapin sa usa ka gatos (108, red) sa mga nagbiyahe-an sa East District.

Apan atol sa pagpakighinabi kang Colocar, iyang gibutyag nga sa pagka karon (Febrero 6, 2023), siyento traynta y seis (136) pa lang mga mga franchise ang na-renew sa ilang buhatan sa kapin sa usa ka libo (1,012) ka mga tricycle ‘ning dakbayan.

Niining maong gidaghanon, baynte nueve (29) ang nagbiyahe-an sa North District, saysente y seis (66) sa Downtown Area, kinse (15) sa East District ug baynte seis sa South District.

Nunot niini, iyang gi-awhag ang mga operators sa pag-renew na sa franchise sa ilang mga tricycle sa labing dali nga panahon.

Matud pa ni Colocar nga  kinahanglan nga ma-inspect usa sa ilang buhatan ang body color, body number ug yellow plate sa matag tricycle sa dili pa sila mo-issue og franchise ug aron pagseguro nga anaa pa sa kondisyon ang tricycle. Kinahanglan usab nga motambong sa ilang gipahigayon nga seminar matag adlaw’ng Sabado ang mga drivers sa dili pa sila mahatagan og Updated driver’s ID sa CTMTO.

Nagkanayon usab si Colocar ang gikinahanglan nga kumpleto na ang mga dokumento inig adto nila sa CTMTO aron dili na sila malangan o magbalik-balik pa.

Gilangkoban kini sa Certificate of Motorcycle Registration ug Official Receipt of Registration gikan sa Land Transportation Office (LTO), BIR Form 0605 ug 2551Q (with OR), picture sa motorsiklo ug sa sidecar, barangay clearance, sedula ug bayad nga P850.00.

Kahinumdoman nga atol sa panagtigom nga gipahigayon ni City Mayor Hon. Jose Carlos Cari uban sa mga tricycle drivers and operators ‘ning dakbayan, usa ang pagpakunhod sa balayranan sa renewal of franchise sa ilang mga gipangayo kaniya.

Nunot niini, gi-amiyendahan ang ordinansa nga gipatuman ‘ning dakbayan ug gikan sa daan nga mil siyete siyentos pesos (P1,700.00) matag usa ka tricycle, otso siyentos singkuwenta pesos (P850.00) nalang ang balayronon sa renewal of franchise sa matag tricycle ‘ning dakbayan.

Nunot niini, mapasalamaton ang mga operators ngadto sa Lokal nga Kagamhanan sa dakbayan sa Baybay gumikan sa ilang makanunayon nga pagsanong sa ilang mga hangyo.

Hinuon, matud pa ni Mayor Cari nga matinud-anon nga pagserbisyo lamang ngadto sa ilang mga pasahero ang gipangayo nga bugti sa gihimo nga pagpangga sa Lokal nga Kagamhanan sa dakbayan sa Baybay ngadto sa transport sector ‘ning dakbayan.

Samtang, gibutyag ni Colocar nga nangandam na ang ilang buhatan alang sa ayuda nga ihatag sa Lokal nga Kagamhanan sa dakbayan sa Baybay sa mga transport groups ‘ning dakbayan alang sa First Quarter sa tuig 2023. Gitataw usab niya nga dili makadawat og ayuda ang mga drivers nga dili updated ang Driver’s ID.

Alang sa dugang kasayuran bisita lang sa buhatan sa City Traffic Management ang Terminal Office ‘ning dakbayan nga anaa mahimutang sa Basement sa New City Hall, Diversion Road, Barangay Gaas ‘ning dakbayan o sa CTMTO Sub-Office nga anaa mahimutang sa atubangan nga bahin sa Baybay City Gym. (Marissa Miguel Cano, City Information Officer III, Baybay City, Leyte)

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Kinse (15) ka mga Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program (4Ps) beneficiaries dinhi sa dakbayan sa Baybay ang mi-graduate na sa programa tungod kay arang-arang na ang kahimtang sa ilang pamilya ug makabarog na sila sa ilang kaugalingon.

Niining maong gidaghanon, tulo (3) ang taga-Barangay Ampihanon, duha (2) ang taga-Barangay Mapgap, ug usa (1) ang taga-Barangay Patag, Barangay Biasong, Barangay Kilim, Barangay Poblacion Zone 21, Barangay Ambacan, Barangay Balao, Barangay Hilapnitan, Barangay Makinhas ug Barangay Mapgap.

Mao kini ang gibutyag ni City Link Virginia Pacurib sa Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) Region 8 sa tulumanon “Nasayod ka ba, Bai?”  Programa kini sa Lokal nga Kagamhanan sa dakbayan sa Baybay nga mabati matag adlaw’ng Martes, Huwebes ug Sabado sa alas onse sa buntag hangtud sa alas dose sa udto.

Matud pa ni Pacurib nga regular ang ilang gipahigayon nga monitoring sa mga 4Ps beneficiaries aron pagseguro nga nagsunod sila sa mga kondisyon nga ilang gilagdaan isip 4Ps beneficiaries. Gilangkoban kini sa pagseguro nga nag-iskuwela ang ilang anak, nga gipatambalan kini kon masakit, nga gi-atiman ang ilang pagkaon ug nga dili gamiton sa bisyo ang kuwarta nga ilang gidawat gikan sa gobyerno sama sa pagsugal ug pag-inom og ilimnong makahubog, ug uban pa.

Gibutyag ni Pacurib nga segun sa ilang gihimo nga monitoring and evaluation sa nahisgotang kinse (15) ka mga 4Ps beneficiaries, may kaugalingon na sila nga negosyo o may trabaho na hinungdan nga kaya na nilang ihatag ang panginahanglanon sa ilang pamilya bisan kon wala sa sila niining maong programa sa gobyerno. Nunot niini, dako ang ilang pasalamat sa gihatag nga tabang sa gobyenro sa ilang pamilya sulod sa pipila ka mga katuigan.

Ayangang masayran nga aduna pay 4,515 ka mga 4Ps beneficiaries dinhi sa dakbayan sa Baybay apan 497 kanila ang gikatahong candidate for exit na. Kini tungod kay segun sa gihimo nga National Housing Tageting System (NHTS) Survey sa mga kawani sa DSWD Central Office, nahilakip na sila sa Non-poor Category.

Matud pa ni Pacurib nga ang resulta sa gihimo nga NHTS Survey sa mga tinugyanan sa DSWD Central Office ang ilang basehan sa paghimo sa NHTS Listahanan.  Kini nagpasabot nga dili mahimong mag-apply ang usa ka tawo aron mahimong 4Ps tungod kay base sa resulta sa ilang gihimo nga survey, mohatag sila og potential list of additional 4Ps beneficiaries sa matag lugar.

Angayang masayran nga adunay gihatag nga potential list of 4Ps beneficiaries nga 1,175 ang DSWD Central Office alang sa dakbayan sa Baybay ug nga ipahigayon karong buwana ang ilang registration and evaluation of documents.  (Marissa M. Cano, City Information Officer, Baybay City, Leyte)

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“Kon walay kitikiti, walay lamok ug kon walay lamok, walay dengue.” Mao kini ang kanunay nga pahinumdom nga giluwatan ni City Health Officer Dr. Norberto P. Oja sa City Health Office ‘ning dakbayan.

Nunot niini, walay puas ang pagpahinumdom sa mga kawani sa CHO ‘ning dakbayan sa mga molupyo ‘ning dakbayan nga sundon sa kanunay ang 4S in Dengue Prevention and Control aron kalikayan ang dengue. Gilangkoban kini sa Search and destroy mosquito breeding sites, Self-protection measures, Say no to indiscriminate fogging, ug Seek early consultation.

Kahibalo-an nga giluwatan sa Department of Health Eastern Visayas Center for Health and Development (DOH-EVCHD) ang Health Advisory No. 2023-002 (January 30, 2023) nga nagpahimangno sa malahutayon nga kampanya batok sa dengue gumikan sa padayon nga pagsaka sa mga kaso sa dengue dinhi sa Sidlakang Kabisay-an.

Angayang masayran na pinasikad sa 2022 Annual Surveillance Report sa Regional Epidemiology and Surveillance Unit (RESU) Eastern Visayas, mikabat sa 6,794 ang natala nga mga kaso sa dengue sa miaging tuig diin 20 ang gikatahong namatay. Segun pa sa maong report, mas taas kini og bali’g 77% kon itandi sa natala nga mga kaso sa dengue dinhi sa Rehiyon Otso sa tuig 2021 diin walay gikataho nga namatay.

Samtang, giluwatan sa DOH-EVCHD ang naghisgotang Health Advisory tungod kay atol sa 3^rd morbidity week sa bulan sa Enero ‘ning tuiga, 210 na ka mga kaso sa dengue ang natala sa RESU Region 8 diin 190 o 90% sa mga pasyente ang na-ospital ug nga gikan sa lalawigan sa Leyte ang labing daghan nga mga kaso (84).

Segun sa maong Health Advisory, posibleng mosaka pa ang mga kaso sa dengue dinhi sa Rehiyon Otso sa unang tulo (3) ka bulan ‘ning tuiga gumikan sa padayon nga pag-ulan nga dala sa Hanging Amihan (Northeast Monsoon).  Busa, ilang gi-awhag ang mga katawhan, lakip na ang mga Lokal nga Kagamhanan, nga sundon gayud sa kanunay ang 4S in Dengue Prevention and Control.

Nunot niining maong kalambo-an, subling gipahinumdoman ni Baybay City Mayor Hon. Jose Carlos L. Cari ang mga Punong Barangay nga palihokon ang ilang mga Barangay Dengue Brigade aron kalikayan ang pagsaka sa kaso sa dengue dinhi sa dakbayan sa Baybay.

Angayang masayran nga segun pa ni CHO Surveillance In-Charge Nurse Kristine Shayne Abarquez Casto mikabat sa 573 ka mga kaso sa dengue ang nataa sa ilang buhatan sa miaging tuig (2022).

Samtang, labing daghan nga mga kaso sa dengue ang natala niining mosunod nga barangay: Gabas (44), Pangasugan (37), Poblacion Zone 23 (33), Poblacion Zone 1 (29), Candadam (25), Guadalupe (24), San Agustin (18), Marcos (17), Hibunawan (15), Hipusngo (13), Kilim (13), Pomponan (13), ug Sta. Cruz (13).

Segun pa sa 2022 Report on Dengue Cases nga gihimo ni Ms. Castos, upat (4) ka bulan ang pinakabata nga nasakit sa dengue sa miaging tuig dinhi sa dakbayan sa Baybay ug 88 anyos usab ang pinakatigulang. Samtang, 4-21 anyos ang kasagarang nasakit sa dengue dinhi sa dakbayan sa Baybay (20-29 cases).  (Marissa M. Cano, City Information Officer, Baybay City, Leyte)

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Seven (7) farms in the City of Baybay received Philippine Good Agricultural Practices (PhilGAP) from the Bureau of Plant Industry Department of Agriculture (BPI-DA) in 2022 and these are only GAP certified farms in Region 8. This was revealed by the Vegetable Production Coordinator of the City Agriculture Office (CAO), Ms. Jane Llanera.

These include the Mazo’s Farm in Barangay Hibunawan owned and Managed by Mr. Romeo Mazo, Uy Integrated Farm in Barangay Imelda owned and managed by Mr. Marlon Uy, Lampag Farm in Barangay Gabas owned and managed by William Albero, Rebecca Farm in Barangay Gabas owned and managed by Ms. Helen Rebecca, Bucal’s Farm in Barangay San Isidro owned and managed by  Rodelina Bucal, Chandria Integrated Farm in Barangay Gacat owned and managed by Punong Barangay Leonila Cajes, Nayre’s Farm in Barangay Gabas owned and managed by Mr. Jovan Nayre, and Basti’s Farm in Barangay Gabas owned and managed by Mr. Albert Rosillo.

Ms. Llanera revealed that is was the Local Government Unit of Baybay, headed by City Mayor Hon. Jose Carlos L. Cari, who provided all the needed inputs to these farms way back 2020, together with the other farmer cooperators in the city.  These include land preparation using the tractor of the Local Government unit (LGU) for free, seeds, farm tools, fertilizer, warehouse, protective structures, trainings, and technical support from the High Value Commercial Development Program (HVCDP) Staff from the CAO.

During harvest, the HVCDP Staff only get the necessary data such as the volume of harvest per vegetable and where they sell their produce, for record keeping, and all the sales go to the farmer as seed capital for the next cropping. Thus, Mayor Cari was pleased that despite the pandemic the farmers of the city were able to display their produce at the Kadiwa Store located at the Bagsakan Center, New Reclamation Area, across the Baybay City Public Market.

Since then, these farmers are continuously selling their produce at the Bagsakan Center on Wednesday and Saturday, even after the Department of Agriculture Regional Field Office VIII transferred the Kadiwa Store to Maasin City, after seeing the increasing number of produce by the farmers in the city.

While during the presentation of the 2022 Accomplishments of the CAO, Ms. Llanera revealed that at the end of 2022, the CAO has 109 farmer cooperators cultivating 228,000 square meters of vegetable farms. Thus, Mayor Cari said that these farms must be sustained, the total land area cultivated for vegetables must be increased, and the Upland Vegetable Production Project in Barangays Monterico and Kabungaan must be expanded to Barangays Amguhan and Ampihanon.

Ms. Llanera also revealed that the Mazo Farm and the Uy Integrated Farm were GAP-Certified in July 2022 while the Lampag Farm, Rebecca Farm, Bucal’s Farm, Chandria Integrated Farm, Nayre’s Farm, and Basti’s Farm were GAP-certified in October 2022. It was Mikko Facturan from the Bureau of Plant Industry (BPI) Central Office Regulatory Division who conducted the validation, together with the BPI Region VIII Personnel Randy G. Dante and Marilyn T. Ritaga and the HVCDP Staff of the CAO.

In relation to this, the City of Baybay is thankful to the Australian Centre for International Agricultural Research Good Agricultural Practices (ACIAR-GAP) Project of the Visayas State University (VSU) which conducted the Training for GAP Certification to the owners of these farms and facilitated the preparation of the documents needed for the GAP certification.

The Good Agricultural Practice Certification Program is being promoted and facilitated by the Regulatory Division of the BPI-DA in order to ensure food safety and assure quality of agricultural products while keeping high regard for environmental protection and that of workers health, safety and welfare.

It could be recalled that the first time that a farm in Region 8 got GAP-certification was in 2015 but according to the ACIAR-GAP Project Science Research Assistant Ana Leah Layola the said farm failed to sustain its GAP certification. (Marissa M. Cano, City Information Officer, Baybay City, Leyte)

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The Baybay City Rootcrops Farmers Association agreed to contribute five hundred pesos (P500.00) each which will be used as capital in buying the produce of their members effective 2023. This was revealed by Rootcrops Production Coordinator Ms. Emylou Bengalan of the City Agriculture Office (CAO) to facilitate the immediate payment of the  farmers’ produce.

According to Bengalan, the organization has 56 members from Barangays San Juan, Maslug, Butigan, Ambacan, Bubon, Gacat, Sta. Cruz, Caridad, Hipusngo, and Guadalupe who are working on the total land area of 19 hectares but their actual production area ranges from 500 square meters to 1 1/2 hectares.

She added that the average production per hectare is 16.65 tons and that around 20% of their tubers are sold at the barangay, around 60% either at the organization’s stall or at Bagsakan Center (on Wednesdays and Saturdas), and the remaining 20% are sold at the Rootcrops Processing Center located at Barangay Cogon, Baybay City, Leyte.

At the Rootcrops Processing Center, tubers are processed into chips and rootcrops-blended ice cream. Just recently, the Baybay Delights Sweet Potato Baby Food and Milk Drink were launched in Barangay Caridad. According to the City Nutrition Action Officer Nurse Kristine Shayne Abarquez Castos, the said barangay needs the most assistance due to the number of under nourished children and pregnant women in their locality. These products are currently sold at the Pasalubong Center which is located near the processing center.

Ms. Bengalan added that the Baybay City Rootcrops Farmers Association, headed by its President Mr. Vicencio Vallente, meets every first Thursday of the month at the Rootcrops Processing Center to discuss matters related to their production and how the organization may help the City of Baybay, specially with regards to the provision of the needed raw materials now that the city have already launched the Baybay Delights Sweet Potato Baby Food and Milk Drink in support to its nutrition program.

On the other hand, Ms. Bengalan revealed that during their latest meeting, the City Agriculture Office (CAO) committed to pick up the tubers from their respective barangays, according the agreed schedule and volume of available tubers. This is to help the farmers bring their produce to the the Baybay City Rootcrops Processing Center. (Marissa M. Cano, City Information Officer, Baybay City, Leyte)

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