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INFOBYTES THE OFFICIAL E-NEWSLETTER OF THE PHILIPPINE INFORMATION AGENCY-7 | WWW.PIA.GOV.PH VOL. 2 | NO. 15 July 26, 2013
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Greenpeace proposes roadmap to counter climate change
By Jennifer C. Tilos DUMAGUETE CITY (PIA)--Environmentalist group Greenpeace and scientists from Silliman University-Institute of Environmental and Marine Sciences (SU-IEMS) and Coastal Conservation and Education Foundation (CCEF) have warned that Philippine’s rich marine ecosystem may be severely affected by climate change. The warning came as the Greenpeace ship Esperanza docked in Dumaguete City after assisting in a reef check to inspect the condition of the marine sanctuary in nearby Apo Island. Greenpeace Southeast Asia media assistant Aileen Dimatatac said the province's community-managed marine reserve and some of Apo Island’s reefs have borne the brunt of two strong typhoons. “Climate change and the use of fossil fuels are the ocean’s silent killers,” according to Mark Dia, Regional Oceans Campaigner for Greenpeace Southeast Asia. “They warm the oceans and make the sea water more acidic, killing fragile and important marine species, such as plankton, the basis of the marine food chain. Since the Philippines relies so heavily on the oceans, it only makes sense to put resources that can increase the resiliency of the marine environment. "Our lives depend on it,” Dia went on. The scientists took turn to explain that climate change is considered a very serious threat to the oceans globally. Rising temperatures due to global warming causes thermal stress in oceans, and in particular causes coral bleaching when living coral turn white, weaken and eventually die. It is said that marine life is also damaged by ocean acidification, when excessive amounts of CO2 in the atmosphere cause sea water to become more acidic. Ocean acidification can cause mass extinction of marine species, food insecurity and damage A child avails free oral examination during kick-off activity to economy. in celebration of Nutrition Month this July at Amlan, Negros In a recent of report of World Bank “ Turn Down The Heat: Oriental. Every July the Provincial Nutrition Council Climate Extremes, Regional Impacts, and the Case for Resilience” celebrates Nutrition Month. This year, the theme of the projects that extreme weather events are going to be more severe in celebration is "Gutom at Malnutrisyon, sama-sama nating Southeast Asia in the coming decades. wakasan." (RAL/PANEGOR) By 2050, increased water temperatures will severely affect fish in the Java Sea in Indonesia as well as the Gulf of Thailand. In southern Philippines, maximum fish catch potential is predicted to decrease by 50 percent, the report read. Meanwhile, all coral reefs in the region are predicted to The Department of Education (DepEd) is almost done experience severe thermal stress by the year 2050, World Bank report filling up the 61,510 new teacher items created in 2013 to keep stated. Experts have long noted the Philippine seas are set to pace with increasing enrollment in public schools nationwide. As of July 11, 55,848 items or 90.79 percent have suffer from the impacts of climate change such as rising sea level, increase in sea temperature, and more frequent and extreme weather. been filled mainly due to a streamlined hiring process. Under the previous practice, the entire recruitment Communities, particularly those that rely heavily in coastal resources, and hiring process takes approximately 8 months. such as in the Philippines, will bear the brunt of the impacts. By working closely with the Civil Service Commission “One of the effects of climate change that the Philippines is experiencing right now is the increase in the frequency and severity of and the Professional Regulation Commission, DepEd was typhoons,” said Dr. Janet Estacion of the Silliman University Institute able to reduce the hiring process to 5 months. However, some Divisions and Regions were able to fill up more than half of their of Environmental and Marine Sciences (SU-IEMS). “Since most Filipinos live in coastal areas, they are directly allotted new teaching positions within 3 months. 102,603 new teaching positions have been created impacted through the destruction of property and disruption of livelihood. Fisherfolk become more marginalized as the marine since 2010. Of these 91 percent are already occupied by new ecosystems they depend on are destroyed and fish migration patterns hires. (DepEd) get less predictable,” said Dr. Estacion. However, in the central Philippines, including Apo Island, studies are ongoing to help marine ecosystems cope with the effects of climate change. Led by Dr. Aileen Maypa, Research Director of CCEF, research on how reefs can adapt to the impacts of climate change and how these can be mitigated is currently being conducted. The organization is developing a protocol for coral reef recovery, fisheries recovery and coral reef rehabilitation that can be used by local communities and LGUs. They are also looking into the redesigning of Marine Protected Areas (MPAs), including the establishment of a network of MPAs, as a resiliency strategy to climate change. (mbcn/JCT/PIA7-Negros Oriental)
91% of 61K new teacher items filled as of July
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DENR-7 achieves 99% of seedling production target under NGP By Jennifer C. Tilos
The Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR-7) has achieved 99% of its target seedling production in the region under the National Greening Program (NGP). Of the 13,009,433 seedlings targeted for this year in Central Visayas, DENR-7 reported that 12,844,993 seedlings have been produced under NGP as of July 12, 2013. DENR-7 Information Officer Dr. Eddie Llamedo said the agency is set to fully complete the remaining balance of 160,000 seedlings by the end of this month to adequately address the planting of good quality seedlings. As of July 12, data released by the Forest Management Services (FMS) showed that Cebu province has already produced 4,215,020 seedlings and Bohol with 3,253,619 seedlings. Seedling production in Negros Oriental for the same period is at 5,638,142 while Siquijor, 37,000 seedlings. “This is a very big accomplishment for Region 7, now that we have almost completed our seedling production and the rainy season has just started, we are looking forward for a great performance also in our plantations,” DENR-7 Regional Executive Dir. Isabelo Montejo said. Montejo added that as of July 12 also, plantation accomplishments have reached around 3,837.86 hectares or 16% of the total target which is 24,361 hectares for 2013. Average survival rate of said plantation is pegged at 80 percent. Montejo said there is a need to establish plantations in a daily average PIA-7 personnel (in red PIA shirt) serving as secretariat during the Philippine of 230.74 hectares or 1,617.53 hectares Network for Organ Sharing Advocacy on Deceased Organ Donation Symposium per week until October 30 in order held at the Gov. Celestino Gallares Memorial Hospital in Tagbilaran City. for DENR-7 to reach its objective of reforesting 20,523.14 hectares. NEGROS ORIENTAL To accomplish this, Montejo said they will augment their personnel in the field. In an expanded executive committee meeting last July 15 attended DUMAGUETE CITY (PIA) --About 400 indigent-residents in barangays by the four provincial environment and Calango and Tampi in the municipalities of Zamboanguita and Amlan, respectively, natural resources officers (PENROs) in have availed of the free medical and dental civic action program (MEDCAP) the region, Montejo issued instructions conducted by the army's 302nd Brigade recently. to fast track the plantation activities in The MEDCAP is the army's continuing efforts in delivering basic health selected forest land areas. services to the less privileged residents especially in the conflict affected areas Montejo added that the in the Brigade’s area of responsibility. government is at its full gear to undertake In observance of the National Nutrition Month, the Department of Health a massive greening program towards (DOH) led the medical services-mission in cooperation with the army group and reducing or alleviating poverty while local government unit of Zamboanguita. ensuring food security, biodiversity The health team served more than 150 residents including the adjacent conservation, and address climate barangays in Zamboanguita with medical consultation and dental services. change. NGP aims is to plant 1.5 billion The Department of Agriculture (DA) also conducted free livestock artificial insemination, vaccination, and distribution of vegetable seeds to the barangay trees in some 1.5 million hectares from 2011 to 2016. residents. This is more than twice the Zamboanguita LGU also offered feeding program to at least 100 children- beneficiaries at Calango Elementary School in line with the celebration of Nutrition government’s accomplishment of 730,000 hectares for the past 25 Month's theme “Gutom at Malnutrisyon, Sama-sama Nating Wakasan.” While in separate occasion, the team served some 217 residents in years. It can be recalled that the barangay Tampi for a free medical health services which include blood chemistry, Central Visayas region has planted dental services and consultation. The MEDCAP in Amlan was sponsored by Maayo Shipping Inc., Philippine around 8,070,042 seedlings covering 11,018.40 hectares in 2012. Dental Association (PDA) Negros Oriental Chapter, Rotary Club of Dumaguete Among the areas targeted East (RCDE) and Philippine Councilors League Inc. Dumaguete City (PCLI). for planting under the program are 302nd Brigade Commander, BGen Francisco Patrimonio said that the forestlands, mangrove and protected involvement of various stakeholders is consistent with the spirit of “Bayanihan” areas, ancestral domains, civil and to address the health concerns of the Negrenses. military reservations, urban area under The event was a manifestation of commitment and dedication by peace the greening plan of local government loving citizens in order to serve the needy Filipino people, Patrimonia added. units, inactive and abandoned mines “This collaborative effort was indeed very successful and supports the and other suitable lands. (rmn/JSME/ AFP Internal Peace and Security Plan Bayanihan,” said Patrimonio. (mbcn/JCT/ PIA-Cebu/DENR-7) PIA7-Negros Oriental)
Army serves 400 residents in medical services
BOHOL
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PNP creates teams to address rising street crimes
By Elvira C. Bongosia TAGBILARAN CITY, Bohol (PIA) -- Due to the increase in crime volume in Tagbilaran City, the Philippine National Police (PNP) in the city created different teams to address the problem. In the City Peace and Order Council (CPOC) meeting held recently, City Police Chief PSupt. Romeo Perigo said that three teams were created to address street crimes in the city. These teams are: Loose Firearms Tracker Team headed by PInsp. Antonio Samante with 3 members; Robbery/Snatching Tracker Team headed by SPO4 Edgardo Chan with 3 members; and Illegal Gambling/Drugs Tracker Team headed by PSInsp. Adriano Bacus with 4 members. This as crime volume in the City of Tagbilaran increased from January to June this year reaching 638 as compared to only 558 in the same period last year. Poblacion 2 in Tagbilaran City has the most number of crime volume with 196, followed by Barangay Cogon with 160 and Barangay Dampas and Poblacion 3 both have 55, according to the PNP here. Crime volume of other barangays is as follows: Poblacion 1 (28), Bool (21), Booy (21), Dao (21), Ubujan (16), Mansasa (16), Taloto (16), San Isidro (14), Manga (14), Tiptip (5) and Cabawan (2). PNP reports showed that index crime also slightly increased from January to CEBU June this year with 511 compared to 503 of the same period in 2012. Poblacion 2 again has the most number of index crimes with 169, followed by Cogon with 116 and Dampas with 47. For Non-index crimes, 127 By Rachelle M. Nessia incidences are recorded this year compared Barili town in Cebu province is a predominantly agricultural community 62 to only 55 on the same period from January kilometers from Cebu City. It has a population of more than 70,000, and 42 barangays, to June of 2012. 10 of which are coastal. The town is touted as an eco-tourism destination. The Tagbilaran City Police reported Barili was chosen as the pilot town for National Streamlining of Business that for the crime days, Fridayand Saturday Permits and Licensing System (NSBPLS) program in Cebu province in 2007. Since have the most number of crime incidence then, the business permit processing system it adopted has resulted in more business followed by Tuesday then Thursday. investments in this second-class municipality. As for the crime clock, 8-10 p.m. Back then the program was introduced and administered by Deutsche has the most number of crime incidences, Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit (GIZ) before it turned over the reins followed by 6-8 p.m. and 4-6 a.m., the police to the Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG). here said. NSBPLS was instrumental in boosting Barili’s revenue generation. “There Almost all barangay captains of are now more business permit renewals in our town and the number of applications Tagbilaran city present during the meeting reported drug problem cases in their for business permits have also increased because of NSBPLS. More taxes are being respective barangays. paid now,” said Jinky Panares, permits officer of Barili local government unit. The CPOC meeting held recently By the end of 2008, Barili reported Revenues from business taxes climbed was the first under the new administration of steadily since 2007; from P511,000 in 2007 to P1.214 million in 2009. By 2012, Tagbilaran City Mayor John Geesnell ‘Baba’ business taxes collected was pegged at P1.5 million. Yap who admitted that right now, the city is Other own-source revenues in the town also increased, among them having problems with the peace and order community taxes (47%), permit fees (20%), fees for weights and measures (27%), situation. garbage fees (39%), and sanitation fees (38%). “Right now, we are having problems “Our image as an LGU has improved greatly due to the efficiency in our with our peace department in our city service as a result of the BPLS. Our clients are now more satisfied with our services,” and since we are also 8-days old with our added Panares. administration, with the help of our vice Getting one’s business permit renewed in Barili now takes not only 2 days mayor Jose Antonio ‘Toto’ Veloso and some and 50 minutes, but only 30 minutes while securing a new permit takes 4 days. of the councilors present and the officials of Processing steps were reduced from 8 to 5, and renewals from 5 to 4. the PNP, barangay captains and department To speed up procedures, Barili created a joint inspectorate team composed heads, we will all work together for the of fire, building, health, zoning and Business Process Licensing Office inspectors development of Tagbilaran City. Let’s all using one inspection report form instead of separate forms. scratch aside our political issues, political Because of Barili’s successful implementation in NSBPLS, the town is affiliations and do whatever is best for our city now touted as the model LGU when it comes to streamlined business permit and of Tagbilaran,” the new mayor said. (mbcn/ licensing. But it’s not ony Barili that is reaping the benefits of NSBPLS. ecb/PIA7-Bohol) According to Korina Balansag, in-charge of NSBPLS at DILG Cebu, they have seen a vast improvement in Cebu LGUs due to the system. “Aside from there INFOBYTES is a weekly now being a focal person at the LGU level for the NSBPLS implementation, the electronic newsletter produced by the system helps the LGUs in the DILG Seal awards,” she said. Philippine Information Agency-Region 7 One criteria for DILG seal awards like the Seal of Good Housekeeping is with stories submitted by its Provincial business competitiveness, and Balansag said the streamlining programs helps the Information Centers in Cebu, Bohol, towns and cities in this area. Negros Oriental and Siquijor. In 2010, DILG identified 11 LGUs for the NSBPLS implementation: Catmon, Tabugon, Bogo, Carcar, Danao, Lapulapu City, Naga City, Talisay City, Toledo City, Cebu City, and Mandaue City. By 2012, the target areas are: Daanbantayan Island, San Remigio, Borbon, San Fernando, Badjao, Dalaguete, Moalboal, Oslob, Sambuan, Santander, We welcome Aloguinsan, Asturias, Balamban, Pinamungahan. questions, clarifications DILG for now continues to conduct coaching sessions on streamlining with and feedback: other Cebu LGUs to expand the success enjoyed by Barili under the program. Their sessions, said Balansag, are based on DILG’s Joint Memorandum Circular No. 1 infobytes-editorial@gmail.com Series 2010. (RMN/PIA Cebu)
The Barili Story: A Cebu town's experience in streamlining biz permits, licensing system
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SIQUIJOR
DTI releases 712T to woodcraft assn
DOST staff installing the Water Level Monitoring Station (WLMS) in Seniora River, Lazi. This device will determine the water level of the river by sound wave and ultrasonic sensor and transmit the data to the central server.
LARENA, Siquijor-- The Department of Trade and Industry (DTI)-Siqujor recently released P712,000 to the Larena Woodcraft Makers Association (LAWOMA) for the procurement of materials and equipment in woodcraft and furniture making. The fund is taken from the new program, Shared Service Facilities (SSF) under President Aquino’s administration. DTI Provincial director Nimfa Virtucio said the program aims to provide the micro, small and medium entrepreneurs (MSMEs) a common service area with better and new technologies and equipment. This is to improve the quality of goods and productivity, thus, increasing the competitiveness and helping them graduate into the next higher level where they could tap a better and wider market and be integrated in the global supply chain, she said. Trade and Industy development specialist and SSF program coordinator Percival Marchan added that to be a beneficiary of the program, an organization must be accredited by the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) or other accrediting agencies to give them a legal identity. Engr. Marchan said the Siquijor Association of Food Entrepreneurs (SAFE) and two other associations from Napo of Lazi town and Cangmangki of Enrique Villanueva will also receive the same financial assistance. Materials and equipment for LAWOMA includes two units portable generator, six compressors with nail gun, four belt sanders, four routers, three chainsaws, two power planers, two portable band saws and two planers. LAWOMA President Roberto Pajermo said that with the new acquired equipment, the association can enhance more the quality of its woodcraft products. Woodcraft is the identified One To w n , O n e P r o d u c t ( O T O P ) o f L a r e n a . L AW O M A i s a n a s s o c i a t i o n e s t a b l i s h e d i n 2009 and is composed of 50 woodcraft makers. (mbcn/rac/PIA7-Siquijor with reports from IAAbatayo)
Siquijor rep open to P3-M plan for HRST
LAZI, Siquijor (PIA) -- Siquijor’s newly-elected lady legislator is open to the proposal of constructing a Hotel and Restaurant Services Technology (HRST) building inside the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority-Lazi National Agricultural School (TESDA-LNAS) in Lazi. Congresswoman Marie Anne S. Pernes visited the TESDA-LNAS school recently and interacted with the faculty, staff, employees and students of both the TESDA Provincial Office and the school. TESDA-LNAS officials said a blueprint for the building worth P3 million was submitted several years ago but has remained in hiatus since then. With the new dispensation, it is hoped that the plan would prosper in light of new curricular developments lined up in the academe, TESDA-LNAS officials said. Pernes was accompanied by congressional staff members, including her son and was welcomed by the agency led by engineer Samuel A. Jordan, Siquijor Provincial Office officer-in-charge (OIC) and engineer Winefredo B. Salas, TESDA-LNAS OIC. A short conference followed after acquaintances were made as the lawmaker took the opportunity to share her views, plans and opinions in bringing more development and services to the lone district. TESDA-LNAS officials expressed hopes that the district could be assured of a more effective delivery of health services for the people of the island as the newly-elected legislator is a medical practitioner. Pernes’ late father-in-law, Dominador Pernes, was an assemblyman during his prime, being a member of the Pusyon Bisaya, Central Visayas’ only opposition block which won seats in the now-defunct Batasang Pambansa during the Martial Law years. He left the province a landmark legacy having authored Batas Pambansa 833, which, in 1983, created the Lazi National Agricultural School from the former Lazi Provincial High School. (fcr/rac/JCM-TESDA-LNAS).