One Visayas e-Newsletter Vol 3 Issue 9

Vol 3

Issue 9

In this Issue WESTERN VISAYAS

Philippines needs more blood donors.

Department of Health Assistant Secretary Paulyn Jean Ubial urges Filipinos to donate more blood as the country has not yet reached the ideal level of collecting one percent of blood from the country's total population. She was a guest in the recent inauguration of Negros Occidental's first blood bank. (LOL-PIA6)

More on Region 6, pages 2-3.

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CENTRAL VISAYAS

Philippine Information Agency Director General Jose Mari Oquiñena urges young managers and student leaders in Cebu to be active participants in nation-building and not just be an audience. "If you want change, you have to be passionate about it," he said.

Oquiñena was one of the guest speakers during the Young Public Managers and Developers' Summit for Good Governance held Feb. 27 at the University of San Carlos in Cebu City attended by youth organization officers, political science students and student government officers. (RMN/PIA-CEBU)

More on Region 7, pages 4-5.

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EASTERN VISAYAS

Published by: PIA 6, 7 & 8

February 25 - March 3, 2013

Indonesia, UNFPA reps observe Aklan's RH practices

By Venus G. Villanueva KALIBO, Aklan, Feb 26 (PIA) -- The province of Aklan was recently visited by some 35 Indonesians, United Nations Fund for Population Activities (UNFPA) representatives and Commission on Population Central and Regional offices staff as one of the showcases in Region 6 and the whole country for the Indonesia-Philippines Strategic Approaches in Mainstreaming Adolescent-Youth Reproductive Health (IPh-SAMA).

Aklan merited a visit from the group, having been chosen as the country and Western Visayas’ platform in the practice of Family Planning, Reproductive Health, and Gender Mainstreaming.

Currently, the Philippine Government is in partnership with the Indonesian Government through the South-South Cooperation (SSC) for Good Practices in Family Planning, Reproductive Health and Gender Mainstreaming, and under this partnership, the two governments share expertise, experiences and learnings through trainings and field exposures, according to a report of the Aklan Provincial Population and Gender Office (AKPPGO) here.

To cater to the needs of the Indonesian counterparts, the Philippine Government, through the Commission on Population (POPCOM), designed a two-week IPh-SAMA training course, with the visit to Aklan as one of the major activities.

Among the places visited by the Indonesian counterparts included the “Basura Garden” in Balete, Aklan owned by the

Lachica Family and famous for its population and reproductive health advocacy; the Provincial Capitol, to have a courtesy call with Aklan Governor Carlito Marquez who was represented by Provincial Administrator Diego M. Luces; and the Northwestern Visayan Colleges (NVC) Teen Center, the first private school-based facility in Aklan.

The teen center is maintained by AKPPGO-trained NVC youth advocates, which, as part of the Adolescent Health and Youth Development Program (AHYDP) of the Integrated Population, Health and Environment cum Livelihood Development Program (IPHELDP), caters to the welfare of the youth.

Its services range from peer counseling, capability building, sports, theater arts, and other wholesome youth activities aimed to keep the youth productive and divert their attention from the threats of risky behaviours like substance use/abuse, pre-marital sex, teenage pregnancies and acquiring HIV-AIDS and other sexually-transmitted diseases.

The group also visited Bakhawan Eco-Park in Old Buswang, Kalibo, which is part of IPHELDP’s livelihood component through mangrove forestation, crab culture and charcoal briquetting and marketing projects.

The IPHELDP is an on-going POPCOM-funded project implemented by the Kalibo Save the Mangrove Association (KASAMA) in partnership with the Provincial Government of Aklan. (JCM/VGV PIA 6 Aklan)

C. Visayas economy one of most vibrant in PH

By Fayette C. Rinen CEBU CITY, Feb 25 (PIA) -- The economy of Central Visayas continues to be one of the most vibrant in the country today as indicated by statistical data of its Gross Regional Domestic Product (GRDP) in the past two years.

In 2010, the GRDP was the highest in the country at 12.5 percent while in 2011, Central Visayas posted a growth of 7.9 percent stated a report from the National Economic and Development Authority (NEDA) 7; these were higher than that of the national GDP average at 3.6 percent and 7.6 percent, respectively.

Although the National Statistics Coordination Board has yet to release its 2012 economic report for the country, a top official of NEDA 7 expressed optimism that the region will again post positive GDRP growth during the period.

NEDA 7 Assistant Regional Director Efren Carreon earlier said that if previous trends are to serve as bases, then Central Visayas’ GRDP will again exceed the national average GDP growth of 6.6 percent.

Last year, the country’s GDP for the first three quarters or the past nine months grew by 6.6 percent as Carreon disclosed they are confident Central Visayas posted a high growth in 2012 based on the past two years’ GRDP statistics.

Growth in the region was largely driven by the industry sector particularly in construction at 21.5 percent and the service sector especially the real estate, renting and business activities which posted 10.9 percent, the NEDA 7 GRDP report shows.

Carreon further said that 17 new foreign business process outsourcing (BPO) firms opened in Cebu, largely from the non-voice sector based from a report of the Cebu Investment Promotions Center (CIPC) while existing BPO companies expanded its operations employing more workers in the region.

According to the CIPC, the BPOs sector in Cebu alone has an estimated 95,000 workers.

The high paying jobs at the BPO sector and steady remittances of overseas Filipino workers, these have greatly contributed to the high purchasing power of the consumers, according to Carreon.

Also posting positive growth in the region were the areas of tourism, aviation, shipping and exports, the same NEDA 7 report bared. (PIA 7)

Cebu City - gateway of C. Visayas’ vibrant economy

DPWH pursues P336-M funding for Mahagnao road project

Ayala Foundation, Inc. Visayas Manager Dino Abellanosa says that TEN Moves is a social mobilization campaign to raise funds for the construction of 10,000 classrooms all over the Philippines during its launching for Eastern Visayas at the Tacloban City Schools Division conference hall, February 26. (Vino R. Cuayzon)

More on Region 8, pages 6-7.

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CARIGARA, Leyte, March 1 (PIA) -- To improve access to a major tourism destination - the Mahagnao Volcano and National Park - the Department of Public Works and Highways is pursuing the inclusion of the P336-million road project in the tourism infrastructure program list for 2014.

The national government is committed to concretize the Burauen-Mahagnao Road until 2016 since this is a national road, said Ma. Margarita C. Junia, DPWH second Leyte Engineering District chief.

“However, we are requesting that this be included in the tourism infrastructure list for 2014 so we can pave the road in just one year," Junia said.

The project will also involve installation of a drainage system, slope protection, and widening of the existing rough road, she added.

Junia disclosed that concreting is badly needed since the road status is beyond maintenance activities.

“We have been resurfacing the road but rush of flood waters completely washed out the sand and gravel," Junia said.

She disclosed that for this year, the government has allocated P37.83 million for paving about 1.8 kilometers (km) of the remaining 10-km critical road sections.

In a communication, Junia informed the Philippine Information Agency that the Department of Tourism and DPWH regional technical working group recently endorsed the project for presentation to the national committee and endorsement of the Regional Development Council.

Barangay Mahagnao is about 22 km away from the town proper of Burauen but a passenger has to pay P100 for transport using a motorcycle-for-hire.

This is double the bus fare from the town to Tacloban City, it was learned.

The park, situated about 1,200 meters above sea level, is listed among the protected areas identified by the International Union for Conservation of Nature. Mahagnao is a dormant volcano with a crater lake. Barangay Mahagnao also hosts multiple hot spring, a sulphur mountain, and waterfalls. (PIA-8)

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WESTERN VISAYAS

Guimaras, KOICA firm up partnership for disaster management

San Sebastian Cathedral, Bacolod City

By Elsa S. Subong ILOILO CITY, Feb 26 (PIA6) – The provincial government of Guimaras and the Korean International Cooperation Agency (KOICA) has embarked on a research project to strengthen the disaster prevention and management efforts in the province.

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he research project aims to promote disaster prevention through critical habitat conservation, Leny Fible, Guimaras information officer, said in a statement.

Duration is from February to end of 2014.

Fible said the Korean team will lead in the conduct of a scientific survey on critical habitats and charismatic species in identifying putative marine protected areas. The results of the survey will enable the team to develop a comprehensive

conservation plan for the province’s marine ecosystem and aquatic resources.

Details of the project, according to Fible, were firmed up during the latest visit of the KOICA team to Guimaras, with Governor Felipe Hilan Nava and the Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (PDRRMC).

Nava said Guimaras is lucky to have the Korean government support the disaster management program in the province because with the project, it can be enhanced in its effectiveness.

The Republic of Korea has granted an amount of US$35,000 for the research project.

Nava said this partnership is the result of his participation in international conferences and being the President of the Partnerships in Environmental Management in Seas for East Asia Network of Local Governments for Sustainable Council Development. (JCM/ ESS-PIA6 Iloilo)

Iloilo province gets fund for good governance

By Jaime S. Cabag, Jr. ILOILO CITY, Feb 25 (PIA6) -- The Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) has turned over the P7-million Performance Challenge Fund (PCF) to Iloilo province for winning the Seal of Good Housekeeping (SGH).

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ILG Provincial Director Rosario Maza turned over the money to Gov. Arthur D. Defensor, Sr. during a ceremony in time with the province's commemoration of the 27th anniversary of the EDSA People Power Revolution at the Provincial Capitol, Feb. 25.

Maza said the PCF can be accessed by a SGH awardee as an incentive in recognition of its exemplary good governance performance in the areas of transparency and accountability and planning and fiscal management and is linked with incentives and grants.

It is in line with President Aquino’s campaign on anti-corruption and DILG’s “Tapat na Palakad, Bayang Maunlad”, added Maza. It encourages convergence of local

development projects with the priority programs of the national government towards the achievement of the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs), to boost tourism and local development, and in compliance with the Philippine Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Act of 2010 and Climate Change Adaptation Act of 2009.

It is also in line with the Philippine Development Plan for 2011-2016 which puts premium on the promotion of effective and honest governance to create an enabling environment for citizens and the private sector to reach their full potentials.

The province won the Seal of Good Housekeeping in 2011 for its excellent performance in key governance areas of

planning, fiscal management, transparency and accountability, and valuing performance monitoring.

The commemorative event for the EDSA People Power Revolution anniversary initiated by the provincial government started with a flag raising ceremony and releasing of yellow-colored balloons at the capitol grounds.

It was attended by provincial government officials and employees and their counterparts from various national government agencies who have been invited by Governor Defensor to join the commemorative event. Among the agencies which joined were the Bureau of Jail Management and Penology, DILG, Civil Service Commission and the Philippine Information Agency. (JCM/JSC-PIA6)

SPES open to 8,443 students in WVisayas

By Leonard T. Pineda I ILOILO CITY, Feb 27 (PIA6) -- The Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE-6) is targeting 8,443 youths in Western Visayas to take part in the Special Program for Employment of Students (SPES) this year. he SPES, mandated under DOLE-6, under Regional Director DOLE-6 said that they are already Republic Act No. 9547, aims to Ponciano Ligutom, has allocated P21.042 accepting job pledges from interested help poor but deserving students million for the implementation of the SPES private companies and applications from pursue college education by providing in the region. It is intended as DOLE’s interested students through the Public income or augmenting their income by 40-percent counterpart fund for the Employment and Service Office (PESO) of having them employed during summer and program. The 60 percent is paid for in participating local government units Christmas vacation. cash by the employers.

(LGUs). The SPES, as a bridging program, Under the SPES, student-beneficiaries The SPES is open to all qualified high enables student-beneficiaries to gain skills are assigned to work in SPES-registered school, college, technology or vocational and workplace experience, and is jointly private establishments, government students or drop-outs and interested implemented by the DOLE, LGUs, and the institutions, and departments. employers. private sector. (JCM/LTP-PIA6 Iloilo)

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WESTERN VISAYAS

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DAR installs 9 beneficiaries in Pontevedra town Jaro Metropolitan Cathedral, Iloilo City

By Lorenzo O. Lambatin Jr.

NEGROS OCC., Feb 28 (PIA6) -- The Department of Agrarian Reform - Negros Occidental South has assisted the installation of nine Agrarian Reform Beneficiaries in Brgy. Cambarrus, Pontevedra.

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he landholding formerly owned by the estate of Julia Feria Infante was acquired by the government thru Voluntary Offer to Sell (VOS) scheme of CARP with CLOA No. 11828 issued and registered at the Provincial Register of Deeds in favor of nine ARBs. Various conferences and notices were sent to occupants who were not qualified but still refused to vacate the area intended for the ARBs. The ARBs, nevertheless, were officially installed as required by the amended Comprehensive Agrarian Reform Law. After the official installation, drawing of lots was conducted for individual lot assignment.

Because of the presence of unqualified persons in the area who even refused to give way to bonafide ARBs, DAR and the PNP warned that any form of harassment that hampers farming activities in the area will face the law as it obstructs CARP implementation.

ARBs were reminded of their rights, privileges and obligations to the Land Bank of the Philippines and to the local government so that they can continue to avail of benefits.

They were also told to organize to qualify them for DAR’s projects and programs at LBP and other assistance through the Beneficiaries Development Coordination Division headed

by CARPO Ronald Gareza.

DAR Provincial Agrarian Reform Officer I Gideon E. Yongque, Jr.,led the installation with OIC MARO Domingo Gatmaitan, Legal Consultant Atty. May Christina Cuevas, PIO Gloria Cañonero, Legal Officer Eraneil Cabardo and Agrarian Reform staff Vicente Patalita.

They were also assisted by Pontevedra PNP headed by Police Senior Inspector Mary Rose Salve Pico, Deputy PIns. Hercules Trigue and other enforcers based in Brgy.

Dulao headed by Police Senior Inspector Teddy B. Velez. (DAR-G.Canonero/JCM/LOLPIA6)

Semirara Mining Corp. assists families of Panian pit landslide

By Margie L. Gadian SAN JOSE, Antique, Feb 26 (PIA6) -- The management of Semirara Mining Corporation (SMC) has released a total of P13 million as assistance to the 13 personnel affected in the landslide of the west side of Panian open pit mine being mined by SMC for coal.

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unniper Barroquillo, Semirara Administrative Division Manager, said in a phone interview that the amount was released to the families last February 13 by Victor Consunji, president of the company. Each personnel, whether the body is found or not, will be entitled to P1 million. This is on top of other benefits like SSS, insurances and burial benefits.

The recovered bodies have been flown to their respective hometowns.

According to Barroquillo, it is sad that this accident happened, but there are risks

in mining that cannot be avoided despite safety precautions. The company is doing everything to help the families who will be most affected by the loss of their head of family. Now, jobs for qualified members are waiting and so with educational benefits for workers' children.

Meanwhile, SMC is looking into the possibility of using their heavy equipment to build a wall in the area where the landslide occurred to put a stop to the soil erosion that up to this time had not stopped. If nothing is done, the chances of soil caving in at all sides are great and may

pose more danger. Water is also seeping in. The difficulty in recovering the five remaining bodies is mounting because of the thickness of soil that had gone down.

If given the go-signal by the Department of Energy to use their equipment, the company will start building the wall. They are likewise asking the help of LGU Caluya through the Sangguniang Bayan to pass a resolution asking the Energy department in this endeavor.

Semirara has since stopped operation after the February incident. (MLG/PIA6Antique

Parents, officials should help ensure peace and order

By Jemin B. Guillermo ROXAS CITY, Capiz, Feb 28 (PIA) -- Capiz officials called on the parents and barangay officials to join forces to ensure peace and order here.

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n the recent emergency meeting of the Roxas City Peace and Order Council called by City Mayor Angel Alan Celino, Councilor Powell del Rosario said that parents play a vital role in ensuring that their children, under their watch, will not be involved in any criminality.

Del Rosario also said that barangay officials equally have the role in securing their people and ensuring the peace and order situation in their respective areas.

He said that the city’s curfew ordinance for minors should strictly be enforced in order that children will not be wandering in the streets from 10 p.m. until 4 a.m.

The emergency meeting of the RCPOC came after Mayor Celino felt alarmed by the series of robbery incidents in the city

involving business establishments, homes, and government offices.

“Children are being used by adults in the robbery operations because of the protection given by law to said minors,” del Rosario said, adding that the city’s Junkshop Ordinance requiring junkshop peddlers to have identification cards from the city licensing office must also be enforced.

On the other hand, the council members emphasized the need to heighten police visibility through an intensified police mobile and foot patrol as well as intensification of the police’s intelligence network.

The group likewise said that barangays should also strengthen their "ronda" patrol with the barangay civilian volunteer

organization, barangay tanod, and Barangay Peacekeeping Action Teams (BPATs).

Meanwhile, a compact disc (CD) of “Tunog Capiznon” album is now on sale at the Capiz Provincial Tourism and Cultural Affairs Office (PTCAO).

The album contains popular Visayan folk songs and original compositions of budding songwriters. The CD was launched in time with the 118th birthday of Capiceña diva and National Artist for Music Jovita Fuentes last Feb. 15. To come out with the album, the provincial government and the National Commission for Culture and the Arts (NCCA) conducted a songwriting and composition workshop, said PTCAO head Alphonsus Tesoro. (JCM/JBG/AAL-PIA6 Capiz)

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CENTRAL VISAYAS

PAF, U.S. to conduct Operation Pacific Angel in Negros Oriental

Cebu Metopolitan Cathedral, Cebu Sity

By Jennifer C. Tilos DUMAGUETE CITY, Feb 28 (PIA) -- About 80 US military and Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) personnel and local non-government organization representatives are scheduled to kick off “Operation Pacific Angel 2013” on March 4 in Negros Oriental.

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his humanitarian assistance mission will include medical, dental, optometry, and engineering programs as well as various subject-matter expert exchanges.

A press statement from the US Embassy said doctors and engineers from the AFP will work alongside their U.S. counterparts to provide medical, dental, optometry, and engineering assistance to citizens of the Philippines.

In 2012, more than 8,500 people in the Bicol province of Albay received free medical services and hundreds benefited from the subject-matter expert exchanges, to include

sessions on women's health, oral hygiene, and water sanitation, the release read.

In its sixth year, Operation Pacific Angel is a joint and combined humanitarian assistance exercise led by Pacific Air Forces.

The exercise is a capacity-building and experience-sharing effort hosted by U.S. Pacific Command and implemented jointly with other agencies and NGOs, and multilateral military in the Asia-Pacific region to provide medical and engineering assistance to their citizens.

The experience gained through participation in this mission can be applied during future humanitarian assistance and disaster relief efforts.

Four additional Pacific Angel missions are scheduled for this year in the Asia-Pacific region which include Indonesia on April 22 to 26; Yogyjakarta, Java Island; Vietnam on June 10 to 14; Quang Binh Province; Sri Lanka, August 5 to 10; Jaffna Province; and Cambodia on September 9 to 14 in the Ratanakiri area.

The statement said that since 2007, members of the U.S. military with military personnel of a number of Asia-Pacific nations have worked together to improve the lives of tens of thousands of people through Operation Pacific Angel missions. (mbcn/JCT/PIA-Negros Oriental)

Comelec seeks help of Cebu info officers to disseminate election updates

By Ferliza C. Contratista MANDAUE CITY, CEBU, Feb 27 (PIA) -- The Commission on Elections here has asked city and municipal officers to help in disseminating procedural changes in the conduct of this year’s national and local elections.

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andaue Election Officer Atty. Ann Flor Grujilde said the information officers play a vital role in spreading some changes related to the May elections.

Grujilde represented Cebu Provincial Election Commissioner Atty. Eddie Aba as main guest for the first gathering this year of the Cebu Association of City and Municipal Information Officers (Caocampio) held in Mandaue City recently.

Some of the changes include local absentee voting for members of the police force, fire, military local teachers and members of the media which will be conducted on April 28, 29 and 30.

She said application forms should already be filled up by those interested to avail of the local absentee voting.

Grujilde said there will be no need for voters

to put their thumb marks after they had already voted contrary to the usual practice.

“We are doing away with the thumb marks in order to save time,” Grujilde said.

She said city and municipalities should make sure that there are established Accessible Polling Places for senior citizens and persons with disabilities.

These rooms should be on the ground floors.

“However only those that marked senior citizens and PWD’s on their registration forms are allowed to vote at the accessible polling places,” she said.

They also encouraged Department of Education and Comelec staff to write in big fonts all instructions and should be made visible to everyone. Grujilde also announced that the templates of Official Ballots are

already available in the Commelec website www.comelec.gov.ph.

Caocampio president Cebu City Public Information Officer Carlo Dugaduga expressed the group’s appreciation to Grujilde for allocating time with them and for recognizing the essential role of information officers for the upcoming elections.

Information officers present during the first assembly were Dugaduga, Ricky Derecho of Bantayan Island; Lavina Campos of Balamban; Roger Serna of Cebu Province; Engracia Birondo of Argao; Ramil Jerusalem of Ronda; Venicio Dajuya of San Remigio; Arturo Bas of Talisay City; Rydal Cisneros of Dalaguete; Edgardo Maningo of San Francisco; Joel Durante of Compostela and Roger Paller of Mandaue City. (rmn/FCC/PIA)

Repair of Cebu bridges assures smooth traffic flow to airport

By Amorganda A. Saludar CEBU, Feb. 23 (PIA) -- The Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH-7) assured the public of a smooth traffic flow of vehicles going to the Mactan Cebu International Airport (MCIA) despite its repair and maintenance activities to start on February 25.

PWH Cebu 6th Engineering heavy traffic and inconvenience for those is set to finish its works after 70 calendar District Chief Maintenance people going to Mactan, specifically the days but this will depend on the weather Section, Engr. Eda de Guzman airport. condition and the availability of the told the media in a presscon recently at “During the repair, we will be doing materials needed.

PIA-7 that the repair and rehabilitation of one lane at a time. We will start with the “But if the weather is fine and no the first Mandaue-Lapulapu Bridge is set to left lane towards Lapu-lapu City, so the major construction problems occur, we start on February 25 and immediately traffic going to Lapu-lapu will always be will finish before the target schedule,” de after its completion the repair and open. The main concern here is not to Guzman said. rehabilitation process will then focus to delay or inconvenience people going to She also noted that by the 24th of the Marcelo Fernan Bridge (2nd the airport,” de Guzman stated.

February the contractor will mobilize all Mandaue-Lapulapu Bridge).

Target days completion of the repair the equipment needed and De Guzman De Guzman added that DPWH, the and rehabilitation of the first said, Peter Dy of PLD construction Mandaue and Lapulapu traffic teams and Mandaue-Lapulapu Bridge is eight days assured DPWH it will meet the target the contractor find ways not to cause each lane while the Marcelo Fernan Bridge date of completion. (mbcn/AYS/PIA-7)

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CENTRAL VISAYAS

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Fish sanctuaries get giant clams seeding to enhance biodiversity St. Joseph the Worker Cathedral, Tagbilaran, Bohol

By Rey Anthony H. Chiu

TAGBILARAN CITY, Feb 27 (PIA) -- Five fish sanctuaries in Bohol got at least 20 brood stocks of giant clams each to enhance their biodiversity.

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ccording to the Bohol Environment Management Office (BEMO) coastal resource management coordinator, Adelfa Salutan, the clam seeding aims to improve and sustain marine protected area (MPA)) management.

“It also opens up alternative livelihood in the overall goal of reducing poverty incidence by securing food security for Bohol communities,” Salutan added.

The giant clams came from a clam hatchery in Bolinao Pangasinan and part of the P1.376 million giant clam seeding project of the provincial government of Bohol that aims to provide incentives and livelihood to MPA managers who could earn from the export of these exotic meat and novelty shells, Salutan stated.

The BEMO coastal resource management coordinator said that the establishment of MPAs is still the most effective way in the conservation and rehabilitation of the depleted and over-exploited coastal resources.

The Provincial Technical Working group on

MPAs earlier cited studies that revealed the presence of giant clams (tridacna gigas) can increase the recruitment of variety of marine species as well as fast-track the restoration of the biodiversity.

Bohol governor Edgar Chatto said the proposal to seed giant clams in the fish sanctuaries came out naturally. The province helped people’s organizations manning the sanctuaries to assess their areas for seeding.

As the MPAs were assessed for the right parameters for the clams to survive and breed, Chatto sent technicians to the University of the Philippines Marine Science Institute (UP-MSI) in Pangasinan for dispersal training, clam care in sanctuaries, monitoring, documentation and hatchery operations, Salutan said.

Provincial Socio-Economic and Environment Management Cluster head, Liza Quirog said the procured giant clams were sent through military transport with even Bohol key military officials and local government unit representatives handling the immediate transfer from the airport to their holding

site in Bingag, prior to their eventual seeding in the five fish sanctuaries.

The five marine protected areas that received 20 giant clams each through their respective fishermen’s organizations were the marine protected areas of Bingag (Dauis); Basdio (Guindulman); Badinag (Anda); Sinandigan (Ubay); and Lipata in Carlos P. Garcia. (mbcn/RAHC-PIA 7, Bohol) Meanwhile, the Police in Central Visayas has declared a “no-nonsense” drive against illegal gambling in towns and cities of the region.

In a Regional Peace and Order Council (RPOC-7) meeting held at the Bohol Tropics recently, the Bohol Provincial Police Office declared 33 of the 47 towns of Bohol as cleared against “swertres,” an illegal number game that has become a vice among the town folks.

In its saturation drive against illegal gambling in the province, the Police Regional Office (PRO-7) said the BPPO is now focusing on the remaining 14 towns and in Tagbilaran City to ensure that these areas are illegal gambling-free. (mbcn/FC R/RAHC/PIA Bohol)

P50-M ‘Zoocolate Thrills’ Park to rise in Bohol

By Rey Anthony H. Chiu TAGBILARAN CITY, Bohol, Feb 26 (PIA) -- The Zoomanity Group has invested some P50 million in a theme park called Zoocolate Thrills in Gotozon, Loboc, Bohol.

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oomanity is the same group that operates the Zoobic Safari in Subic, Zoocobia Fun Zoo in Clark, Residence Inn and Parasizoo in Tagaytay City.

Zoomanity business development head Engr.

Grace Bondad Nicolas said the investment would be set in a five-hectare lot along the famous Bohol Countryside Tour Circuit.

The planned theme park is an addition to Bohol’s come-ons and attempts to enhance the countryside tour with their signature fun zoo experience, animal interaction and shows as well as tram rides which are the standard offers in Zoomanity’s themed parks all over the country.

Vince Remonde, Zoocolate Thrills Animal curator however says, the biggest contribution would be the jobs that would be generated from the investments.

The company, which operates under the Yupangco Group of Companies, prioritizes local workers as a way of spurring local economic growth, says Remonde.

Now already set up through a joint venture with the Sumampongs of Loboc, Zoocolate Thrills rises in the Sumampong Farm at Gotozon Loboc.

The Zoomanity now owns 90 percent of the place while the Sumampongs own 10 percent. Only about 30 percent of the area has been developed so far as they await the programmed development plan within the year.

Now open with their centerpiece attraction in Tiggy the Tiger, Darius and Maja, tourists who make a stop gets a chance to show their “tiger looks” on a photo opportunity with Tiggy the Tiger.

Here, tiger feeding becomes one tourist attraction while others include ostrich feeding, love

birds feeding, greyhound walking, horseback riding, tram tours and a rare encounter with a bear cat.

The mini-zoo also features the Philippine eagle owl, civet cats, iguanas, monitor lizards, and other wild animals.

The future plan is to have animal shows, greyhound races and zipline rides, Nicolas said.

Operated under the 4 Es philosophy, the Zoomanity Group of investments envisions the Bohol park to be the top zoo themed park in the country, Nicolas said.

"We adhere to education through flora and faunal encounters, enrichment and interaction in the parks, environment conservation through biodiversity and exhibits of natural flora and fauna in simulated habitats as well as entertainment through amusement and adventure," she said. (FCR/RAHC/ PIA Bohol)

Siquijor supports organic agri thru infocars in municipalities, schools

By Rizalie A. Calibo SIQUIJOR. Feb 25 (PIA) -- The Provincial Organic Agriculture Board (POAB) with its Technical Working Committee (TWC) is conducting a series of forums and information caravans to all municipalities and schools in Siquijor Island.

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his is to effectively implement and give more legislators through the adoption of RA 10068 and the priority to the mandate of RA 10068, also creation of MOABs and TWCs. After each LGUs’ adoption of the law, another known as Organic Agriculture Act, says the forum is scheduled to discuss it in details including its POAB. The POAB headed by provincial agriculturist health and environmental benefits and the programs Arturo Pacatang saw the need to bring the law to and projects related with its implementation.

Such forum is scheduled on March 1 for the municipal and school levels. The board also asked their support by creating the Municipal Organic Enrique Villanueva; March 6 for Maria; March 8, Lazi; Agriculture Committees (MOACs) and Technical March 12; San Juan; March 14, Siquijor; and March 15, San Juan.

Working Committees (TWCs) in municipalities.

This time, the forum is not only limited to the The various briefings started on February 12 for the Sangguniang Bayan of Maria; February 13, Lazi local legislators but to all stakeholders including and Larena LGUs; February 14, San Juan; and farmer cooperators and the general public.

A series of information caravan is also February 15, Siquijor.

According to Pacatang, Enrique Villanueva was scheduled in schools especially that the Department the first to adopt the law and create the municipal of Education (DepED) plays an important role in its organic agriculture board (MOAB) and the TWC implementation as provided for in the implementing rules and regulation. later last year.

Section 23 of RA 10068 states that the The briefing aims to introduce the law at the municipal level and to ask for the support of the local National Government, through the DepED and in coordination with concerned government agencies,

NGOs and private institutions, shall strengthen the integration of organic agriculture concerns in school curricula at all levels.

The infocar in schools started on February 19 at Cang-alwang National High School of Siquijor town in the morning and Tambisan National High School of San Juan town in the afternoon.

February 22 is at Catulayan National High School, also of San Juan in the morning and Campalanas National High School of Lazi town in the afternoon.

Kinamandagan National High School is on February 26 in the morning and Leon Parami High School in the afternoon. Both schools are also in Lazi town.

Banban National High School of Siquijor town and Basac National High School of Larena town are scheduled on February 26 while San Antonio and Ponong High Schools of Siquijor town on February 28, 2013. (mbcn/RACalibo/PA-Siquijor)

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EASTERN VISAYAS

UP NEC-DOE team trains Tacloban drivers on fuel efficiency and conservation

Our Lady of Assumption Parish Parish--Cathedral, Maasin City

TACLOBAN CITY, Leyte, March 1 (PIA) -- A seminar on Fuel Efficiency and Conservation on Driving intended for public utility drivers, fleet drivers, and operators and LGU drivers was conducted on February 28 at the UP Tacloban College.

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he organizers ran the seminar in two batches with 100 participants per batch, said Professor Adeline A. Pacia, deputy executive director of the University of the Philippines National Engineering Center.

The seminar was held from 8 a.m. to 12 noon for the first batch and from 1 p.m. to 5 p.m. for the second batch at the UP Tacloban College along Magsaysay Boulevard, Tacloban City.

Professor Pacia said the seminar is part of a project called Energy Efficiency and Conservation in Road Transport

which is a component of the Department of Energy's Philippine Energy Conservation Program.

The seminar is targeted to be conducted in 10 provinces and cities all over the Philippines until April of 2013.

The seminar aims to provide the participants with information on the efficient use of fuel through proper vehicle maintenance, efficient driving and values formation among drivers.

Officials from the Department of Energy graced the seminar, Professor Pacia said. Jesus Anunciacion of DOE

delivered the opening remarks to inform the participants on the overview of the seminar while DOE’s Art Habitan presented the DOE Plans and Programs.

“I’m Blue: Driving for Blue Skies too” was discussed by Art Briones; Fuel Efficient Driving was presented by Eric Soriano and Engine Maintenance was discussed by Alex Loinaz.

Before Tacloban, the seminar has been conducted in Cagayan de Oro, Davao and in Cebu. Other seminar venues are Iloilo, Legaspi, Laoag, Baguio, Pampanga, and Metro Manila. (PIA-8)

OPAPP eyes coconut processing in identified poor LGUs

By Alicia E. Nicart BORONGAN CITY, Eastern Samar, Feb 27 (PIA) -- The Office of the Presidential Assistance on Peace Process (OPAPP) will be establishing coconut processing projects in three of the five identified poorest municipal local government units (LGUs) here under the Payapa at Masaganang Pamayanan (PAMANA) program to arrest poverty in the poorest towns in the region.

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he identified areas will benefit from the P7-million worth of coconut products processing projects, as proposed by the stakeholders of the project.

Coconut trees abound in the province, thus the identified project.

In May 2012, a workshop was held where the stakeholders, mayors, and other key implementers brainstormed, agreed and came up with the coconut processing projects which were submitted to OPAPP for approval and funding.

At present, other preparations are underway, with the community preparation given emphasis for Maslog and Jipapad, the farthest upstream towns of the province, and some barangays by the riverbanks of Dolores.

A series of information caravans will be rolling in these areas composed of representatives from the health sectors, Philippine Coconut Authority, Provincial Planning Office, DENR, Red Cross, DSWD, and PIA.

Production of coconut products like coco coir, coco charcoal briquettes (powderized charcoal), coco wine, and vinegar will start rolling in the three identified areas.

Eastern Samar's town, Jipapad with 7,997 population ranks second among the poorest towns in Region 8, while Maslog with 4,781 population is the third; Silivino Lubos of Samar ranks first. (PIA-Eastern Samar)

DOH assures Naval town of Red Orchid hall of fame nomination

By Rodrigo S. Victoria NAVAL, Biliran, Feb 26 (PIA) -- An official of the health department in the Eastern Visayas region disclosed that the capital town in this province is assured of the nomination into the hall of fame in the Red Orchid Award. r. Eduardo V. Pedrosa, chief of It was learned that the municipality of Meanwhile, the winners for the 5K the non-communicable disease Naval under the leadership of Mayor Fun Run are as follows: 1st place-John cluster of the Department of Susan V. Parilla has already received the Balber, a criminology student from the Health (DOH) in Region 8 revealed the Red Orchid Award from the DOH for Naval State University; 2nd place-Mario information in an interview during the 5K two consecutive years from 2011 and Caparro, a member of the Philippine Fun Run dubbed “Dagan Kontra Tabako, 2012.

National Police; and 3rd place-Agapito Kontra Droga, Kontra Alta Presyon, A local government unit will be Bantad, an employee of the PMPC. Kontra Basura Alang sa Kinabuhi” held on conferred the Red Orchid Award after it Special awards were given to Daria February 23. is found by the evaluating team from the Delos Reyes as the sexiest runner; The municipalities of Pintuyan, San DOH to have effectively, efficiently, and Yolanda Opena of the Mayor’s Office as Juan, Libagon, Anahawan, and Naval are successfully implemented its anti-smoking the oldest runner; Kyle Latoja, nine-year the nominees for the DOH Red Orchid campaign, programs and projects and old as the youngest runner; and the Latoja Award in 2013, Pedrosa said. activities family as the family runner. (PIA-Biliran)

D

EASTERN VISAYAS

Palo Metropolitan Cathedral, Palo, Leyte

7

North Samar guv approves creation committee for anti-trafficking and VAWC

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By Teresita B. Cardenas CATARMAN, Northern Samar, Feb 26 (PIA) -- Governor Paul R. Daza of Northern Samar approved on February 22 the creation of the Provincial Committee on Anti Trafficking (PCAT) and Violence Against Women and their Children (VAWC) in the province.

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overnor Daza said the committee will institute policies and programs to protect women and children who are victims of trafficking and violence and create and establish systems on surveillance, investigation and rescue to ensure effective and efficient coordination.

Daza also said that the committee will undertake an information, education, and advocacy campaign against trafficking in persons and VAWC and monitor and

oversee the strict implementation of RA 9208, RA 9262, and other related laws for the protection of women and children.

Republic Act No. 9208 declares that the state shall give highest priority to the enactment of measures and development of programs that will promote human dignity, protect the people from violence and exploitation, eliminate trafficking in persons, and mitigate pressures for involuntary migration and servitude of

persons to ensure their recovery, rehabilitation, and reintegration.

On the other hand, Republic Act No. 9262 underscores the commitment of the state on safeguarding the dignity of women and children while guaranteeing full respect of their human rights and to protect them from violence and threats to their personal safety and security. (PIANorthern Samar)

'Trash' changes lives of Samar residents

By Ninfa Iluminda B. Quirante CATBALOGAN CITY, Samar, Feb 26 (PIA) -- Trash, waste, useless, this was how some people from Samar Samar looked on rattan, straw and other forest by-products. But these seemingly useless things have changed their lives since the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) showed them how to transform the otherwise wastes into useful and valuable items.

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he lives of people and women’s organizations members in seven municipalities of Samar have been transformed from the livelihood trainings conducted by DTI Samar in a number of communities.

In Barangay Tenani, Paranas, Samar where the houses are near the Samar Ulot Water Shed, rattan, straw and other forest by-products abound.

With the raw materials within reach, the barangay sought the help of DTI and its pool of trainers, to teach jobless men and women to weave, entwine, merge straw strings for products such as bags, baskets, wallets, and other items of value.

The training brought Barangay Tenani people’s organization in Paranas to join in the 2012 Bahandi trade fair in Manila.

They produced bags, baskets, wallets made of rattan, agsam, and bariw (straw).

In the Bahandi Trade fair in Megamall recently, Samar's sales was second to Leyte with P1 million.

There are also bags and wallets made abaca from San Jose de Buan; bariw wallets and bags from Sta. Rita; bariw and abaca bag, envelope bags and baskets from Marabut - these products will be displayed in the coming days at the Pasalubong Center, Catbalogan City. While DTI Samar Provincial Director Meilo Macabare

wish for the other local government to support the people’s organizations, Sta. Rita, San Jose de Buan LGUs have initiated support through the provision of raw materials.

“We are confident that we can sell their products at the existing Pasalubong Center, for a start,” the DTI chief said.

She added that this also in preparation for the Bahandi trade fair in November this year and the RUral Micro Enterprise Promotion Program (RUMEPP) national fair in July. DTI objective is to help people, who are determined to change their lives, Macabare added. (PIA -Samar with Avha Ebalde)

Kangleon memoirs relocates to permanent place

By Rebecca S. Cadavos MAASIN CITY, Southern Leyte, Feb 26 (PIA) -- The memorabilia of the late war hero, Col. Ruperto K. Kangleon is scheduled to be transferred tomorrow, February 27 from Saint Joseph College (SJC) to the city-run Maasin City College (MCC) said Maasin City Investment Officer Willy Justimbaste in a phone patch over radio station DyDM.

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he scheduled date of the transfer will coincide with the 55th death anniversary of Kangleon, a former secretary of the National Defense and senator.

"A more historic, meaningful and symbolic ceremony will be conducted during the transfer of Kangleon memorabilia,” Justimbaste disclosed during the “Maasin City in Action” regular program.

A Holy Mass will start the day activity at 5:30 a.m., to be followed by the transfer ceremony from SJC to a designated room at the second floor of the MCC which will house the personal belongings, among other valuables left behind by the former statesman.

“A covenant signing of Board Resolution will be done after the program proper,” Justimbaste disclosed further.

It was learned that the board resolution states that MCC will be the permanent location of Kangleon memorabilia. It will be inked by MCC President Mayor Maloney Samaco and MCC-VP Vice Mayor Ma. Effie Abiera-Sabandal and will be witnessed by the Kangleon family and clan, among other expectators. (PIA-Southern Leyte)

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