SP okays P10M appropriation for fire station

THE 12th Sangguniang Panlungsod (SP) in its session last Dec. 22 approved the release of P10 million for the construction of a new fire station but not without a lengthy debate between councilors with dissenting opinions. The amount will be sourced from the 2010 yearend unappropriated surplus.

Asst. Majority Floor Leader Claudio P. Larrazabal was the most vocal in opposing the measure, saying he would rather that the money be used to acquire a new fire truck, preferably a tanker with a 75-ft. telescopic ladder. The fire station presently has six fire trucks.
 

Majority Floor Leader Ruben R. Capahi defended the proposal by saying that the garage of the existing fire station can accommodate only four fire trucks and has no space for a new unit. Capahi sponsored the measure being the chairman of the committee on finance and appropriations.
 

But Larrazabal isn’t convinced and sees no point of building a new fire station considering the Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP) is not a devolved agency and as such, is not the responsibility of the LGU. But Councilor Filomeno Maglasang disagrees, saying that even if the BFP is a national office, the Ormocanons are the direct beneficiaries of an improved fire department.
 

The station’s rehabilitation was requested by former Fire Marshall Adel de Paz through a letter dated Apr. 24, 2007, more specifically roofing and ceiling works. Project Development Officer IV Engr. Sally Dejaño who was invited to the session explained that the LGU did not act on the request immediately and waited for the BFP’s move.
 

Four years and eight months later, Mayor Eric C. Codilla decided to take action on the matter after the BFP did not act on the request. But City Engr. Oliveros and Engr. Dejaño realized upon inspection that the existing fire station is already dilapidated that building a new structure would be more economical in the long term than just making repairs.
 

An architect of the BFP presented a plan worth P20 million but Mayor Codilla rejected this for being too expensive. The LGU came up with its own plan worth only half the amount of the BFP plan and has a provision for parking for eight fire truck units.
 

Councilor Rafael Omega Jr. explained the long process of approving the construction of a new fire station by the national government. According to him, the BFP has a program for procuring fire trucks and equipment (helmets, coats, boots, hoses, etc.) but not fire stations as these will have to be approved by Congress and the President.
 

This is the reason why the BFP requested for a station from the LGU instead of a fire truck, he said. Ormoc’s new fire marshall CInsp. Charlie M. Gerson in a separate interview said that RA 6975 sec. 56 allows LGUs to establish fire stations as has been done in some cities in Metro Manila like Makati, Taguig, Mandaluyong, etc.
 

For Minority Floor Leader Rolando M. Villasencio, the P10 million should be spent both on a new fire station and vehicle. But Capahi answered that Villasencio's proposal should have been taken up at the City Development Council (CDC) meeting in Nov. 9 last year or during the time the SP discussed the Annual Investment Plan (AIP).

Ironically, Larrazabal sponsored the said AIP containing the proposed new fire station, being the chairman of the committee on infrastructure. Nevertheless, he maintained his position that fire trucks are more important than buildings. 

Capahi reminded his colleagues that the proposal went through a long process spanning four years and eight months beginning with meetings between the LGU and BFP, to the CDC meeting, to its inclusion in the AIP, to committee meetings last Dec. 13 and 20, and culminating to three readings in the SP. “This is not something that was proposed overnight,” he said.
 

In closing, presiding officer Vice Mayor Nepomuceno P. Aparis opted for a nominal voting which required each member to explain his/her vote. Both Larrazabal and Villasencio voted no. Opposition Councilor Mario Rodriguez abstained as he agrees with fellow oppositionist Villasencio on the need for both a new station and fire truck.
 

Councilor Sotero Pepito said the existing fire station was actually built by the city on a property also owned by the city. As such, the LGU has the duty to construct a new one. He is also concerned on the safety of the existing station. “If something happens [and] that old building will collapse, how will we answer to the constituents of Ormoc? We might be charged of dereliction of our functions.” he argued.

Councilor Demosthenes Tugonon supported the measure as chairman of the committee on police and fire protection. Councilor Jose C. Alfaro Jr. voted likewise on the belief that a new station is a morale booster for the firemen.
 

Councilor Lea Doris Capuyan-Villar voted yes for a new station on the condition that another fire truck will be acquired later on. For Sangguniang Kabataan City Federation President Corinne M. Corro, it is a matter of priorities and a new fire station is a priority now. “I believe we have to take [it] one step at a time so first things first,” she said. by Felix N. Codilla III

(West Leyte Weekly Express issue of Dec. 26-Jan. 1, 2012)

Beboy hails fire station OK by SP

The existing fire station to be demolished to give way to a new structure.

MAYOR Eric C. Codilla applauded the 12th Sangguniang Panlungsod for approving the appropriation of P10 million for the construction of a new fire station. He said he understands the position of the opposition councilors who did not vote in favor of the measure on the belief that new fire trucks are more needed.

The mayor said he actually plans to purchase a fire truck but the issue on the ownership, management and control of the units should be resolved. For this reason, he has decided to acquire not just one but six fire trucks, but these will not be turned over to the Bureau of Fire Protection.

Instead, he will put up garages for the fire trucks near the district health centers in Linao, Valencia, Simangan, Mejia, Ipil and Curva. The locations are dispersed for quick response so that the fire truck nearest to the emergency will be the first to go to the site. The city will own, manage and operate the six fire trucks and will hire its own drivers and firefighters for this purpose. by Felix N. Codilla III

4th LED bares finished infrastructure projects

THE 4th Leyte Engineering District (4th Led) announced the completion of some of its projects, one of which is a multipurpose building (phase I) in Camp Downes, this city with a contract price of P1,301,809.74. Constituents may use the building for their meetings, programs, medical missions and other events or gatherings. 

Meanwhile, District Engr. Lino Francisco C. Gonzales informs that they are also undertaking projects to prevent flooding like the repair and maintenance of the Malitbog River Control in neighboring Albuera town. The P488,444.47 aims to prevent further damage to the structure.
 

In Bantigue, this city, the repair and maintenance of a river control particularly on a box culvert at the national road is being undertaken at a cost of P489,537.78. Moreover, manual ditch cleaning along the stretch of Ormoc-Albuera road is being done to prevent flooding. Vegetation control clearing and cleaning of road shoulders along said are likewise being done to provide safety to the traveling public.

(West Leyte Weekly Express issue of Dec. 26-Jan. 1, 2012)

Thieves dig towards bank vault

A SUSPICIOUS excavation was found behind a bank last Dec. 28. The hole on the ground was discovered by 38-year-old Joseph Manayaga, branch manager of Allied Bank located in Real St., Dist. 5, this city. The digging created an improvised tunnel leading to the vault inside the bank.

Had it not been for the timely discovery of the excavation, the hole would have reached the vault in time for the long weekend, Precinct 1 Commander SInsp. Alvin Shevert Machete said. He stationed some of his men near the bank at night on the possibility that the thieves might continue with the excavation. by Dong Arañez

(West Leyte Weekly Express issue of Dec. 26-Jan. 1, 2012)

Ormoc gives aid to LGUs hit by storm

MAYOR Eric C. Codilla approved the release of P1.5 million cash assistance to three cities devastated by typhoon “Sendong” namely Cagayan de Oro, Iligan and Valencia. The amount will be taken from the 5% calamity fund reserve of the city’s annual budget.

RA 10121 allows the Local Disaster Risk Reduction Management Council (LDRRMC) to transfer said fund to support the work of other LDRRMCs in areas that are declared under a state of calamity. “Sendong” was declared the world’s deadliest typhoon for 2011. by Felix N. Codilla III

(West Leyte Weekly Express issue of Dec. 26-Jan. 1, 2012)

Ormocanon Int’l gives shoes to kids

ORMOCANON International through its vice president for the Philippines Jigs Maglasang distributed shoes to grade one pupils of Can-adieng Elementary School last Dec. 19. He was accompanied by his wife Joy and Donna Regner who measured the sizes of the kids’ feet.

More than 70 pupils from two sections under Melanie Arradaza and Azenith Suganob benefited from the early Christmas gift donated by Wilma Yaht-Phillips, a native of Can-adieng who is now based in the US. Maglasang’s visit to the school gave him the idea of donating a computer unit. by Elvie Roman-Roa

(West Leyte Weekly Express issue of Dec. 26-Jan. 1, 2012)

Construction boom to go on in 2012 -- Beboy

MAYOR Eric C. Codilla assured contractors that the ongoing construction boom in Ormoc will continue next year. He made the assurance at the Christmas party and induction of new set of officers of Philippine Constructors Association Ormoc Chapter Inc. (PCA-OC) last Dec. 22.
 

With 18 more months left into his term, the mayor said he will make sure all doable projects he envisioned will be implemented on 2012 for him to leave a legacy. Mayor Codilla is in his last term as chief executive of Ormoc and during his three terms, he has built mega projects like the P331 million New City Hall and P450 million waterworks system.
 

Mayor Codilla takes pride he was able to implement those projects without resorting to any loan by raising the city’s revenues even without increasing taxes. He is confident he will implement his projects next year as he was able to generate revenues to make up for the expected P90 million reduction of Internal Revenue Allotment (IRA).

For one, his administration is a recipient of P45 million worth of Local Government Support Fund to augment the reduced IRA following the conferment of the Seal of Good Housekeeping for complying with full disclosure on local budget and finances, bids and public offering, and the absence of adverse findings by the Commission on Audit.

Mayor Codilla also announced that Energy Development Corp. paid P304 million in realty taxes for 2010-11 that week. Around P140-150 million of that amount representing 1.5% will accrue to the Special Education Fund (SEF). As of 2010, his administration has spent over P237 million on schoolhouses, covered courts, perimeter fences, comfort rooms, stages, etc.
 

Some of the SEF-funded school projects to be implemented for 2012 include a covered court, swimming pool and 20-room schoolhouse at Ormoc Central School, a 20-room schoolhouse at New Ormoc National High School and six-room schoolhouse at Manlilinao Elementary School.
 

Mayor Codilla also said he will make sure that the bidding of the proposed P10 million fire station, P40 million city hospital and new building of the Manpower Training Center will be done by January.
 

The biggest project expected next year is the P130 million expansion of the Ormoc port. Even if the construction company that will undertake the project will come from Manila, Mayor Codilla believes it will sub-contract some of the works to local contractors especially hauling jobs.

New officers

That evening, Mayor Codilla administered the oath-taking of PCA-OC’s officers led by its new president Lorenzo M. Baltonado Jr. In his message, outgoing president Engr. Joseph Frederick A. Pepito enumerated his accomplishments in the past six years that he led the group.

These include acquiring a legal personality by registering PCA-OC at the Securities and Exchange Commission, establishment of its office and putting in place a lending mechanism for members who are short in capital. Also under his watch, PCA-OC performed social responsibilities, chief of which is the organizing of the 1st Tugob Festival and 2010 fiesta celebration. by Felix N. Codilla III

(West Leyte Weekly Express issue of Dec. 19-25, 2011)

Leyeco V mulls lower rate hike

LEYTE-V Electric Cooperative Inc. (Leyeco V) might reduce the 7719¢ rate increase it is seeking to finance its proposed Capital Expenditures (Capex) following its meeting with banks last Dec. 13. The meeting was made to seek the most advantageous funding scheme for the Capex worth P1,045,162,099.

Representatives of four commercial banks attended the meeting namely Metrobank, Land Bank, Development Bank of the Phils. and Rizal Commercial Banking Corp. Leyeco V Finance Service Department Manager Jannie Ann J. Dayandayan said their proposed 7719¢ rate increase was based on 10% interest rate payable in five years regularly offered by banks.
 

At the meeting however, the banks said it would be advisable for Leyeco V to avail of a long term loan instead of a commodity loan for a Capex this big. As such, they are willing to extend less than 10% interest and stretch the repayment period up to 10-12 years. Dayandayan’s department still has to compute how much their new increase will be.
 

Meanwhile, Leyeco V GM Engr. Juanito E. Jorda reiterated the urgency to implement their five-year Capex program during a public hearing conducted by the Sangguniang Panlungsod last Dec. 21. He explained that the annual Capex they used to make allowed them only to catch up on their short-term needs facility and equipment-wise. The most expensive Capex Leyeco V has implemented so far is P198 million in 2004, part of which was spent to install a 20MVA substation at their main office in Simangan, this city.

Leyeco V came up with a five-year Capex this time not only being a requirement of the National Electrification Administration but also because of capacity buildup which threatens to overload their transformers. At present, Engr. Jorda said they can’t keep up with the energy requirements of their more than 100,000 consumers.

Dayandayan also reiterated that the internally-generated Reinvestment Fund for Sustainable Capital Expenditures (RFSC) which finances their annual Capex is not enough to cover the P1 billion required by the five-year Capex. Leyeco V will only raise P198,615,950.92 RFSC for 2011-15. 

Asked if Leyeco V was making a profit, Engr. Jorda clarified that electric coops (EC), being non-profit entities, are allowed only to make a margin. When he took over as GM in 2009, Leyeco V suffered a net loss which he turned around the next year by making a P41 million margin for the EC. Now that they are making a margin, he announced that Leyeco V will extend a P5,000 mortuary benefit to listed consumers beginning Jan. 1, 2012.
(West Leyte Weekly Express issue of Dec. 19-25, 2011)

4th LED exec places 2nd in test for eng'rs

Engr. Irwin L. Antonio

ASST. District Engr. Irwin L. Antonio of 4th Leyte Engineering District is one of the five officials of the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) in Region 8 that successfully hurdled the 2nd Level Promotional Exams of the Civil Service Commission last Oct. 1 in Cebu City.

The exam was availed of by at least 42 officials in Region 8. Engr. Antonio scored the second highest points at 114 after Asst. Dist. Engr. Angelita G. Opina of Tacloban Sub-District who scored 104 pts. The other successful examinees from the region are Asst. Regional Director Edgar B. Tabacon (115 pts.), Asst. Dist. Engr. Manolo A. Rojas of Southern Leyte Engineering District (111 pts.) and Engr. Pablito Quiniones, chief planning and design of 1st Leyte Engineering District (102 pts.).
 

The exam is for DPWH engineers who are interested to apply for future promotions. DPWH Order No. 43 was issued requiring the passing of the Promotional/Qualifying Exam as requirement in the evaluation and selection of candidates for appointment to executive/managerial positions.
 

Those qualified to take the test are those holders of the positions Engineer III-V, District and Asst. District Engineers, Project Managers I-IV, Director III (Asst. Regional Director and Asst. Bureau Director) and Director IV (Regional Director and Bureau Director) regardless of whether they had taken and passed other similar exams.
 

The exam covers the following subject areas: analytical ability; specialized technical ability (consists of planning (10%), design (20%), procurement (10%), construction (25%), quality assurance (20%), and maintenance (15%)); and managerial ability. Percentage weight allocation per subject is different for the 2nd and 3rd level positions.
 

Examinees who failed the exam last Oct. 1 may retake the same next year. However, frequency of re-taking the exam is limited to ensure only the best and most competent candidates will be appointed to executive/managerial positions. Those who failed the second time may only re-apply after five years while 3rd time examinees who still fail the test are automatically disqualified.

(West Leyte Weekly Express issue of Dec. 19-25, 2011)

Ormocanon Int'l to donate ambulance to rescuers

ORMOCANON International (OI), a group of Ormoc natives now living abroad, plans to donate an ambulance to the Organized Rescuers and Medical aide of Ormoc City (Ormoc). This was bared by OI VP Jigs Maglasang who saw the lack of rescue facilities of Ormoc. He said an ambulance will complement Ormoc’s efforts especially so that there are 11 flood-prone barangays in the city.
 

The last medical donation of OI was P1.5 million last year for Ormoc District Hospital. The amount was spent to refurbish the hospital ground floor, pediatric wards, nurse station, lobby and aisle. A laundry area and mess hall were constructed, and the beds replaced. Dilapidated water pipes were also replaced. by Elvie Roman-Roa
(West Leyte Weekly Express issue of Dec. 19-25, 2011)