One Visayas e-Newsletter Vol 5 Issue 1

Vol 5

Issue 1

In this Issue WESTERN VISAYAS

ILOILO CITY POLICE OFFICE Public Information Officer P/SSupt. Gilbert Gorero briefs members of the Dinagyang Festival Committee on their security preparations for Dinagyang Festival 2015 during the meeting of the said committee at the PRC Iloilo Chapter office, January 8. (PIA 6)

January 1 - 11, 2015

Published by: PIA 6, 7 & 8

P10B budgeted for health, education of WV kids ILOILO CITY, Jan. 5 (PIA6) - - The government through the Department of Social Welfare and Development 6 has invested a total of P10,486,324,200.00 in health and education of children of household beneficiaries of the Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino program in Western Visayas for the past six years.

Data obtained from DSWD 6 indicated that the amount was released as cash grants to some 326,214 beneficiaries in the different provinces of the region from period 2008 to period 4 or October and December 2014.

Negros Occidental recorded the highest number of beneficiaries and amount of cash grants received with 126,797 beneficiaries who received cash grants amounting to P3,627,793,300.00.

Iloilo followed with 94,431 beneficiaries with cash grants of P3,144,986,600.00; Capiz with 39,331 benefeciaries with cash grants of P1,252,988,100.00; Antique with 29,159 with cash grants of P1,167,235,000.00; Aklan with 28,000 beneficiaries with cash grants of P1,042,685,100.00; and Guimaras with 8, 496 beneficiaries with cash grants of P250,636,100.00.

To get their cash assistance, 4Ps beneficiaries must

comply with the conditions of the programs such as on health, education and Family Development Sessions.

DSWD 6 Information Officer May Rago- Castillo reported during a recent gathering with the members of media that beneficiaries in the region have achieved 89.43 percent compliance rate with education, 84.51 percent compliance with health and 95.65 percent compliance with Family Development Sessions as of December 2014.

Castillo said conditions on education include enrollement rate and attendance of children in school and on health include immunization of children, pre-natal and post natal visits of pregnant women and deworming among school-age children.

The FDS, according to Castillo, aims to empower parents for them to better take care of their family.

Castillo cited how the program transformed especially women beneficiaries or mothers who were before exclusive only in their homes taking care of their children but now playing active roles in their communities as parent leaders or volunteers of other programs of DSWD. (JCM/LAF/PIA-Iloilo)

More on Region 6, pages 2-3.

Also CLICK Here…

CENTRAL VISAYAS

Mother Earth Foundation and the youth with Senator Loren Legarda call in for a zero waste economy during the 2nd Zero Waste Youth Convergence Wednesday at the Philippine Normal University in Manila. Legarda, principal author and sponsor of the Ecological Solid Waste Management Law, said that young Filipinos should take control of their future by being actively involved in addressing environmental issues facing the country today particularly the problem of solid waste management. (OSLL/PIA-NegOr)

More on Region 7, pages 4-5.

Also CLICK Here…

EASTERN VISAYAS

Palo Archbishop John Forrosuelo Du, DD was emphatic in his invitation to the people to come and welcome and attend the Holy Mass Pope Francis will celebrate on January 17, 2015, during a press briefing at the Gonzaga House (Bishop's Residence), recently, exactly where Pope Francis will have his dinner with the 25 victims of typhoon Yolanda and 5 victims of earthquake in Bohol in 2013.

More on Region 8, pages 6-7.

Also CLICK Here...

Diocese of Dumaguete uses Smart Infoboard for disaster preparedness DUMAGUETE CITY (PIA) --The Diocese of Dumaguete is utilizing the Infoboard service of SMART Communications, Inc. to broadcast updates for disaster mitigation and prevention and even diocesan advisories and other special campaigns or announcements.

Launched recently in Dumaguete, the Infoboard is a free service provided by SmartComm to the Diocese, as a tool for timely information dissemination especially in times of disaster or emergency.

In his message, Bishop Julito Cortes said the Infoboard allows the Diocese‟s much needed capability to contacts the key leaders, priest, collaborators, civil society, government, NGOs especially in times of disasters and calamities but also during other big events for the building up of the life of the church and the community.

Bishop Cortes expressed his gratitude to SmartComm management for providing this communication solution to text broadcast information, updates, instructions and reminders to as many contacts as possible.

This web-based short messaging service, Infoboard helps disseminate information to a target group as fast, wider and relevant information in real time.

The SmartComm provides P10,000 load allocation for free messages per month, however only Smart or Talk & Text users can receive the messages.

This Smart powered Infoboard is being achieved after a series of disaster preparedness training with clergy, religious and lay members of the Diocese of Dumaguete which facilitated by Smart. (mbcn/JCT/PIA7-Negros Oriental)

Security of Pope’s visit to Leyte assured

By Jonnie H. Buenaventura TACLOBAN CITY, Leyte, Jan.7 (PIA) –In order to ensure the security of His Holiness Pope Francis on his visit to Leyte, the joint task force of all agencies of the government had been activated.

According to Police Chief Superintendent Asher Dolina, Regional Director of the Police Regional Office 8, he will deploy some 9, 836 PNP personnel, 81 of whom are officers while the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) committed to deploy 200 personnel to complement the security forces.

There are also some 11, 700 force multipliers and 1, 000 AFP reservist to augment the forces of AFP and PNP, Dolina added.

Meanwhile, Office 0f Civil Defense Regional Director Blanche Gobenciong emphasized that so far there is no serious threat against the Pope‟s visit to Leyte.

However, the Philippine government being the host country should take all the precautionary measures to prevent untoward incidents.

Hi Holiness Pope Jorge Mario Bergoglio is expected to arrive in Tacloban City, Leyte on January 17, 2015 at Daniel Z. Romualdez airport and will officiate an open air mass with an estimate attendance of 150, 000 devotees. All sects are invited to attend.

After the mass, the Pope will proceed to Archbishop Palace and to Palo cathedral which are both located in Palo, Leyte, some 12 kilometers away from Tacloban, City.

Learning about the security preparation for the Pope, Palo Archbishop John Du was so grateful but he requested to be considerate to all in attendance, pilgrims or otherwise.

The visit of the Pope has two distinct purposes being the head of state which is Vatican and his apostolic journey being the head of the Catholic Church. (aen/jhb/PIA-8)

Pope Francis I. (papalvisit.ph photo)

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WESTERN VISAYAS

Boracay tops P27B tourism receipts in 2014

By Venus G. Villanueva KALIBO, Aklan, Jan. 6 (PIA6) -- Boracay Island’s visitor arrivals in 2014 was able to generate a total of P27,066,835,756.80 in tourism receipts, records obtained from the Provincial Tourism Operations Office (PTOO) here showed.

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ast year, the island welcomed a total of 1,472,352 tourists, just more than a hundred short of the targeted 1.5 million.

Of last year‟s arrivals, 682,832 were foreign tourists while 745,266 were domestics.

Overseas Filipinos, or the balikbayans, on the other hand, reached 44,254.

Compared with 2013 figures, arrivals in 2014 are higher by more than a hundred thousand.

Of the listed monthly arrivals in 2014, 11 registered positive growth rates, with the highest attained in November 2014 which had 34%

November 2014 arrivals listed 103,540 while arrivals in November 2013 had only 77,027.

The low arrivals in November 2013 were attributed to Typhoon Yolanda which greatly affected the province‟ agriculture and infrastructure sectors.

The month of September 2014 on the other hand registered a negative growth of -6%, as it was during this month when the China travel ban was issued.

The China travel ban is also considered as one of the reasons for the failure of Boracay to attain its 1.5 target, plus the bad weather conditions due to typhoons which affected the province.

Meanwhile the Department of Tourism (DOT) 6 said despite Boracay Island‟s failure to attain its 1.5 million tourist arrivals for 2014, an increase of more than 100,000 in arrival is still a remarkable record, and Boracay still remains the country‟s number 1 tourist destination.

Boracay Island has maintained its image as a safe destination, and is now also becoming a favorite cruise ship destination.

DOT said it is looking forward to a more strengthened Boracay Island in 2015. (JCM/VGV PIA6 Aklan)

Food aid program to feed 8,000 school kids By: Leonard T. Pineda, I ILOILO CITY, Jan. 8 (PIA6) --- The Philippine Red Cross (PRC) Iloilo Chapter is targeting to feed around 8,000 school children from four public elementary schools in this city for its annual Dinagyang Food Aid Program this 2015.

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oji Esper Marmolejo, Chapter Service Representative of PRC-Iloilo, said the Dinagyang Food Aid Program had been targeting various public schools in the city in the last five years “This year‟s recipien ts are among those that are yet to be served,” she said.

The food aid program is scheduled on Arevalo Elementary School on January 8; Lapaz 1 Elementary School on Jan. 13; Mandurriao Elementary School, Jan. 15 and Jalandoni Elementary School on Jan. 20.

She said that the school children will be fed with arroz caldo cooked using the PRC‟s two mobile kitchens.

Two medical missions will also be conducted in Molo district here at Bgy. Tanza Baybay on Jan. 10 and at Bgy. Tanza-Esperanza on Jan. 17.

The Red Cross will also deploy 150 volunteers to provide medical and first aid services during the two-day highlights of the festival slated Jan. 24-25. (JCM/LTP/ PIA-Iloilo)

Iloilo to go organic in 2015 By: Leonard T. Pineda, I ILOILO CITY, Jan. 6 (PIA6) --- Organic agriculture will be the major thrust of the Provincial Agriculture Office (PAO) here for 2015.

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AO chief Dr. Ildefonso Toledo said that they are going to continue with the advocacy on organic farming in the province this year as mandated by Republic Act 10068 or the Organic Agriculture Act of 2010.

“It is quite difficult to change what has been a conventional way of doing agriculture in the province but there are strategies being employed for farmers to easily adopt organic agriculture,” he said.

He said that one of the factors why they are pushing for organic farming is climate change in which effects have been

felt in the province.

He also said that indicators would point that agriculture contributed to global warming with the use of pesticide and inorganic fertilizers.

“In our own rank, we should make our own corrections as far as adaptation and mitigation strategies to climate change are concerned,” he said.

He said that the agricultural sector in the province has felt the impact of climate change as early as 2007.

“For instance, rain does not come on what has been on a pattern that it should

come on May,” he said.

Meanwhile, the PAO chief said that Iloilo is the first and only province in the country to operate a Climate Field School (CFS) in the municipality of Dumangas.

“In the climate field school, we train farmers to use climate forecast applications in agriculture,” he stressed.

He said climate forecast has helped farmers here keep tabs of changing weather and climate patterns, and adjust their farming practices. (JCM/LTP/ PIA-Iloilo)

WESTERN VISAYAS

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Bacolod City readies disaster plan By: Easter Anne D. Doza BACOLOD CITY, Jan. 8 (PIA6) - - Members of the City Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council as well as representatives from vital national government agencies are attending a four-day workshop to formulate a comprehensive Contingency Plan on disaster management and emergency response.

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he workshop is conducted by the Office of the Civil Defense Region 6 in coordination with the BCDRRMO. Rufino Alcala, BCDRRMO head said this contingency plan aims to prepare them to respond well to an emergency situation and the potential humanitarian

impact of disasters.

A formulated Contingency Plan is also one of the requirements f o r h o s t in g t h e A s i a P a c i f i c Economic Cooperation where Bacolod City will host the Open Data Initiative meeting on April 16-17 this year.

“Developing a contingency plan involves decision making in advance about the management of human and financial resources, coordination and communication procedures, and being aware of a range of technical and logistical responses,” Alcala said. *(JCM/EAD-PIA6 Negros Occidental)

Well-being of families priority thrust of 4Ps in 2014 By: Pilar S. Mabaquiao SAN JOSE, Antique (PIA6) - - Among the priority thrust of Pantawid Pamilya program this year is to boost the well-being of family beneficiaries.

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effrey Gabucay, Provincial Operations Officer in a radio program bared the top agenda of the government to increase the level of well-being of disadvantaged families under the program.

“This year, there will be more opportunities for sustainable livelihood, facilitation of employment and capacity building in terms of skills for them to become entrepreneurs or gainfully employed,” said Gabucay.

Based on the random assessment of beneficiaries in Antique during the last quarter of 2014, Gabucay disclosed that of the 657 families included 391 or 60 percent of the households have reached the level of self-sufficiency.

The remaining 40 percent have stepped up from survival to subsistence level.

The result might change when the assessment will be done to big number of beneficiaries, however, this could inspire families, communities and stakeholders to note that collective efforts have bear positive results, he said.

As of latest count, Antique has a total of 28,935 Pantawid pamilya families.

Aside from economic empowerment, there will be continuing provision of health grants for children 0-5 year old and pregnant women and educational grants to children until they finish high school.

Family Development Sessions (FDS) will also continue with capacity building on

disaster preparedness.

Inclusion of Disaster Preparedness session during FDS has really helped a lot in keeping the families safe as manifested during the occurrence of typhoons last year, said Gabucay.

Gabucay reiterated the call to parents to support their children by being compliant to the conditions of the program.

Use the cash grants as intended for their health and education.

He also assured that no one delist them from the program only DSWD when they are non-compliant to the conditions or not using the grants for the purpose it was released to them. (JCM/ PSM/PIA6 Antique)

3 weather disturbances hit Capiz in 2014 By: Alex A. Lumaque ROXAS CITY, Capiz, Jan. 7 (PIA6) – Three weather disturbances affected the province in 2014 while rehabilitation and reconstruction efforts were

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ased on PAGASA – Roxas City Forecasting Center, these disturbances included tropical storms Basyang and Seniang which put the city under Public Storm Warning Signal No. 2 and 1, respectively and typhoon Ruby.

Basyang entered the Philippine Area of Responsibility (PAR) Jan. 30 to Feb. 1 while Seniang which brought moderate to heavy rains that submerged 129 barangays provincewide in floodwater was recorded

by PAGASA last Dec. 28 to 31.

Tropical storm Seniang has also caused the death of three minors in separate incidents in Mambusao and Dao towns.

The Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office (PDRRMO) monitoring report on typhoon Ruby last Dec. 6 to 9 sent about 27,000 families in 391 affected barangays provincewide to 651 evacuation centers.

Aside from damages to infrastructure and agriculture, typhoon Ruby which

became a super typhoon before it weakened as it entered PAR, totally damaged three houses and partially destroyed 941 residential structures in the province.

Ruby also forced the 2014 Sinadya sa Halaran Festival executive committee members to re-calendar most of the civic, cultural and economic activities after the storm. An average of 20 weather disturbances enter the PAR each year which sometimes also affect Capiz. (AAL/ PIA6 Capiz)

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CENTRAL VISAYAS

NegOr to host Ateneo de Manila Glee Club concert in Dumaguete City DUMAGUETE CITY, Jan. 5 (PIA) --- The provincial government here in cooperation with Metro Dumaguete College, Inc. (MDC, Inc.) and the Ateneo de Manila University Office of Student Activities are inviting Negrenses to watch the internationally acclaimed Ateneo de Manila College Glee Club’s pre-valentine benefit concert, "Ateneo Sings from the Heart: A Benefit Concert Prelude to Valentine" on February 13 at 8:00 p.m. at the Negros Oriental Convention Center.

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he 32 cast performers of the Ateneo‟s glee club under the baton of Dr. Beverly Shangkuan-Cheng will be performing in the city to fund MDC‟s scholarship program dubbed "Make Dreams Come True" for deserving students who wish to finish a college degree.

MDC President Dr. Delma Manila expressed her elation over Ateneo‟s acceptance of the invitation for them to perform a concert-for-a cause. " We are quite humbled by the generous gesture of goodwill and community outreach program that the ACGC has extended to our College by way of a one-night performance for the benefit of our present and incoming scholars and beneficiaries of our scholarship fund, the Make Dreams Come True, it also highlights the present thrust of the College in

bringing top-caliber cultural performers as part of the cultural appreciation and education of the College's students and the immediate community as well," Dr. Manila said.

Ateneo Glee Club Pres. Kyle Tingzon said the group is thrilled by the opportunity to perform in Dumaguete City and be part of a noble cause that will help deserving students secure a college diploma.

The Ateneo de Manila College Glee Club (ACGC) has held concerts internationally, and released several albums with song genres ranging from Classical, Negro-Spiritual, Sacred Choral works, as well as Pop and OPM. The Glee Club remains active internationally through the performances it stages and choral festivals it participates in.

It started in 1921, the year the American Jesuits took over the administration of Ateneo

de Manila University.

Its primary function was providing liturgical music at the San Ignacio Church in old Intramuros.

Jose Mossesgeld Santiago, a 1911 graduate of the Ateneo who became the first Filipino to sing a La Scala de Milan, was appointed conductor.

In 2002, the Glee Club had its first female conductor in the person, Ma. Lourdes Hermo, an alumna of the Philippine Madrigal Singers and the Philippine Youth Orchestra.

Concert tickets are available at P500 (VIP), P300 (Patron) and P200 (General Admission) at McDonalds, Cang's Shopping Complex (Daro), Lee Super Plaza and Dumaguete City Tourism Office. For ticket inquiries and reservation kindly call (035) 422-9728. (rmn/jct/PIA7-Negros Oriental)

Sinulog 2015 kicks off January 9 CEBU CITY, Jan. 6 (PIA) – A 16-team contingent coming from various schools in Cebu with a school-guest from Baybay, Leyte will join the parade that formally launches the Sinulog Festival 2015 on Friday, January 9.

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he parade route starts at the Basilica del Sto. Niño after the Holy Mass at 2:00 p.m. going to Fuente Osmeña Circle then will proceed to the Cebu City Sports Complex (CCSC) for a short program that will end with fireworks display.

Ricky Ballesteros, executive director of the Sinulog Foundation, Inc. (SFI) said “what is new with this year‟s launch is that four new songs will be introduced where dance performances will tune up to the beat of the music.”

Ballesteros said included in the four new songs that will be played during the kick-off parade are „Welcome to Cebu‟ and „I Love Cebu.‟ In order to spice up the “monotonous” beat of the regular Sinulog

song, they decided to come up and introduce the four new songs to further liven up the parade, said Ballesteros.

According to Ballesteros, the grand finale of all the performers at the CCSC will be a dance performance to the tune of „Welcome to Cebu!‟ The SFI executive director said they are in the final stages of the preparations as the major challenge remains the weather.

“I heard that a LPA is coming. I just hope it will be within the week and not next week,” said Ballesteros, adding that they are offering eggs to ensure that there will be fair weather during the Mardi Gras on January 18.

Over 40 contingents will be participating in the grand street parade as

top winner will bring home a cash prize of P1 million followed by P700,000 for second place and P500,000 for the third place and fourth placer gets P300,000.

There are nine out-of-town contingents, of which three come from typhoon-devastated areas namely Catbalogan, Samar and Albuyog and Alangalang in Leyte.

Despite the Papal visit, Ballesteros expressed huge optimism that crowd volume on the 18th will still be higher than last year pegging a 10 percent increase of spectators every year.

“It is very hard to book now for hotel accommodations because as early as October last year, bookings have already been made,” said Ballesteros. (rmn/fcr/PIA -7)

DOH gives health tips for those attending Papal events MANILA, Jan. 7 (PIA) - Few days before the much-awaited apostolic visit of Pope Francis, the Department of Health (DOH) gives health tips to those who will be attending the papal events.

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OH Assistant Secretary Dr. Gerardo Bayugo gave tips to ensure a safe and emergency-free papal visit.

The public is advised to bring plenty of water and to bring fans, raincoat instead of umbrella, so as not to obstruct view of others.

Bayugo also advises those with

chronic illnesses to bring their medicines and go to the nearest first aid station, if medical attention is needed.

In case of emergency, keep calm and do not panic and remember that help is always nearby.

Most of all, the DOH official advises the public to have concern for the safety of others and not push or shove other

devotees.

Around four to six million people are expected to attend the papal Mass in Luneta on Sunday, January 18, 2015.

The number of crowd for this papal visit is expected to break the World Youth Day 1995 record. (CBCP-SAC/RJB/ JEG/PIA-NCR)

CENTRAL VISAYAS

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Firecrackers-related injuries drop by 25.2% in CV CEBU CITY, Jan. 8 (PIA) – Injuries caused by firecrackers in Region 7 went down by 25.2% compared to the same period last year. ecords from the Department of firecracker-related cases, Bernadas said the New Year‟s celebrations, he said.

Health (DOH) show that a total of 74 danger posed by firecrackers for the vulnerable Of the total firecrackers-related injuries fireworks-related cases were tallied in population – the children and the elderly – will reported in the region this year, Cebu province the region from Dec. 22, 2014 to January 2, continue to exist. recorded 67 cases, followed by Bohol with 1, 2015, a drop from the 98 total cases recorded He cited the death of the one-year old and Negros Oriental, 6. in the same period last year. boy in Dumaguete City as a reason for Victims ranged from one year old to 62 One mortality caused by a firecracker reflection especially among those who use years old, with majority of them males. blast was recorded in Dumaguete City, a firecrackers who he said have a responsibility Cebu City tallied the highest number with one-year old boy who died after a firecracker to uphold in making sure that no one is 26 cases. blew up on his chest while on a motorcycle harmed.

Two cases of injuries from stray bullets with his father.

The health official said the local were also recorded in Cebu City.

Despite the decrease i n government units in the region could follow The common firecrackers used were firecracker-related injuries, health officials here the footsteps of Davao City, which issued an Hotdog, Judas Belt, Whistle Bomb, Pop Up, are not happy as they continue to push for executive order in 2001 and an ordinance in Cannister, Araw, Piccolo, Kwitis, Fountain, total ban on firecrackers.

2002 banning firecrackers in the city.

Thunder, and Yolanda.

“We are not totally happy. We insist on “There is no reason for other LGUs Of the total incidents, 59% occurred in our advocacy for total ban on the use of not to do the same as Davao City,” said the streets while 41% at the victims‟ homes. firecrackers during festivities and celebrations,” Bernadas.

DOH has earlier announced a stressed Dr. Jaime Bernadas, DOH-7 regional A legislation banning the use of 16% decrease in the number of director during today‟s Kapihan sa PIA. firecrackers is needed to help eliminate injuries fireworks-related injuries nationwide this year.

Despite the reduction i n and death during revelries especially during (rmn/PIA Cebu)

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President Aquino meets with church leaders to iron out preps for Pope Francis' visit MANILA, Jan. 9 -- President Benigno S. Aquino III met with leaders of the Catholic Church on Thursday to go over the preparations being made for the visit of Pope Francis to the Philippines on January 15-19.

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he President, together with members of his Cabinet, met with Luis Antonio Cardinal Tagle and other leaders of the Catholic Church to discuss the security aspect of the pope's visit, Communication Secretary Herminio Coloma, Jr. said during a press briefing in Malacañang.

"Nagkakaisa ang pamahalaan at ang simbahan sa panawagan sa mga mamamayan hinggil sa kanilang pakikiisa sa lahat ng mga ipaiiral na patakaran na naglalayong tiyakin ang maayos na daloy ng lahat ng kaganapan at ang kaligtasan ng lahat ng lalahok," Coloma said.

"Tinukoy ang kahalagahan ng kooperasyon mula sa lahat ng inaasahang dadalo sa mga misa sa Luneta at Tacloban, at sa mga sasaksi sa motorcade ng Santo Papa sa Kamaynilaan at Leyte."

Coloma called on the people to stay calm

and follow appropriate guidelines to ensure their safety and the pope's security.

For the mass in Luneta on January 18, he said, the Rizal Park and the Quirino Grandstand will be open to the public from 6 a.m. until 1 p.m.

Participants will not be allowed to bring bags and backpacks, he said.

"Maaaring magbaon ng pagkain, inumin, at mahalagang kagamitan na dapat ay nakapaloob sa clear o transparent plastic bag o container," he said, advising those who will attend the mass to bring fans, hats and raincoats, instead of umbrellas.

"Mahigpit na ipatutupad ang mga hakbang panseguridad. Hindi pahihintulutan sa mga itinakdang secured areas ang mga „di awtorisadong indibidwal. Mamamahagi rin ng car passes para sa mga awtorisadong sasakyan

lamang," Coloma said.

Coloma also said that the Manila International Airport Authority and the Civil Aviation Authority of the Philippines have already announced the cancellation of air travel and the limitation of flights during the pope's visit. The two agencies have called on travelers to cooperate with the authorities.

The Pres ident has de signat ed Undersecretary Emmanuel Bautista as the point person on security preparations during the papal visit.

On Saturday, January 17, the pope will visit Leyte and celebrate a mass at the Tacloban Airport, bless the Pope Francis Center for the Poor, and meet with priests and seminarians in Palo, Leyte as well as families representing xthose affected by Typhoon Yolanda last year. (PCOO/PND (as)

Roxas unveils PNP upgrades for 2015 MANILA, Jan. 9 -- Interior and Local Government Secretary Mar Roxas has revealed plans for the Philippine National Police in 2015, starting with the expansion of the intensified anti-crime campaign called OPLAN Lambat-Sibat to other regions after its success in the National Capital Region (NCR). tarting this month, Roxas said that the progress of their complaints," Roxas Roxas maintained that the morale of the PNP will be installing closed-circuit explained.

150,000-strong police force remains high in television cameras (CCTVs) in every Sometime between the second and third carrying out the law and order programs of the police station, as well as in 100 quarters of the year, the PNP will also be Aquino administration under the banner of high-crime areas in Metro Manila for real-time receiving around 1,000 new patrol vehicles, “Tuwid na Daan.” coverage. more than 5,000 firearms, and more than "Hindi na pwede ang bara-bara, In March, PNP is set to digitize their crime 52,000 radios. kanya-kanya at ningas-cogon (We can no incident reporting system by reintroducing the "We want our men and women in blue to longer allow the PNP to operate ad hoc, in incident record form (IRF) in every police 'move, shoot, and talk' better so they can silos and sporadically.) We need a precinct in the metro, which was envisioned to combat crime more effectively," he added. programmatic, deliberate and sustained replace the old blotter system in capturing data A national emergency hotline will also be approach in fighting crime," he said. about crime. operational within the year to receive "Rest assured that the PNP remains "The IRF will serve as the complainant's concerns not only for the police, but also the focused on their duty to serve and receipt and a reference number will also be Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP) and medical protect the people," he added. (DILG/RJB/JCP/ provided so victims can track down the emergency units.

PIA-NCR)

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EASTERN VISAYAS

BSP Tacloban demonetizes old banknotes

By Consuelo Alarcon TACLOBAN CITY, Leyte, Jan.7(PIA) – The Bangko Sentral Ng Pilipinas (BSP) has announced the start of demonitization process of old banknotes beginning January 1, 2015 (New Design Series, NDS) with new generation currency banknotes.

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his move is in line with the provisions of section 57 of Republic Act No. 7653, otherwise known as the New Central Bank Act which authorizes the BSP to replace banknotes that are more than five (5) years old.

Deputy Director Joseph Norbert S. David, head of BSP Tacloban Branch said, the public may continue to use the NDS Banknotes until December 31, 2015 in paying and buying of goods and services and other business or financial transactions requiring the use of cash.

Furthermore, government institutions holding in trust old banknotes which could not

be exchanged within the prescribed period, such as banknotes used as evidence in a litigation case will have to request the BSP Cash Department in writing, within the period of exchange, for a special exchange arrangement.

David also said from January 1, 2015 until December 31 2016, the public may exchange with authorized financial institutions namely universal and commercial banks, thrift banks and rural as well as cooperative banks, their NDS banknotes with the New Generation Currency (NGC) Series at full face value, without charge.

Within this period, the public may also

opt to exchange NDS banknotes with the BSP or any of its regional offices/branches around the country.

Overseas Filipinos (OFs) who have in their possession NDS banknotes which could not be exchanged within the prescribed period may register online starting October 1, 2015 to December 31, 2015 through the BSP website.

These NDS banknotes may be exchanged with the BSP within one (1) year from the date of registration.

Hence, starting January 1, 2017, NDS banknotes that have not been exchanged shall no longer have any monetary value and considered demonetized. (ajc/cba/PIA-8)

DSWD-8 reports updates on typhoon Seniang TACLOBAN CITY, Leyte, Jan. 5 (PIA) – A total of 1, 411, 900.00 food packs was already distributed by the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) to 51, 995 affected families after typhoon Seniang hit the region before the year ended.

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ased on a progress report of the Disaster Response Operations Monitoring & Information Center of the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) Regional Office 8, of the 51,995 affected families, 45,929 are from Leyte; 6,041 from Western Samar and 25 from Southern Leyte.

As of this writing, 41,678 families are still inside the evacuation centers equivalent to 211,363 individuals.

DSWD 8 disclosed that 1,330 homes were partially damaged and 41 were totally damaged.

At least 28 persons in Eastern Visayas were confirmed dead from the onslaught of the typhoon. Most of the fatalities died due to landslides. Nineteen (19) people died in Brgy.

Mercedes, Catbalogan, City; 5 in Brgy. Cabuynan, Tanauan; and 4 died in Brgy. Polahongon, Mahaplag, both in Leyte. Landslides were also reported in the villages of Bunuanan and San

Roque, Catbalogan, City.

The youngest victim of the landslide aged 1 year old and 10 months baby was from the village of Cabuynan, Tanauan, Leyte.

Meanwhile, upon the request of Mayor Stephany Uy-Tan, the Sangguniang Panlungsod of Catbalogan City has passed resolution 2014-186 declaring the city under State of Calamity due to the loss of lives and massive damages in the affected barangays after the onslaught of Seniang.(ajc/cba/PIA-8)

South Leyte provincial hospital operates as enterprise – Administrator

By Marcelo M. Pedalino MAASIN CITY, Southern Leyte, Jan. 6 (PIA) -- The provincial hospital, now in its new, interior, but spacious location at barangay Dongon this city, will function much like a business establishment.

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nd this will be set into motion starting this year, said Jesse Quilantang, Provincial Administrator, in an interview at his office Monday.

“The hospital will function much like a business entity since its expenditures is financed from the income that is generated from the health care services being provided to patients,” Quilantang remarked.

He added: “Charity patients are those being treated by government doctors and are staying at wards. Paying Patients are those who prefer to be treated by private doctors and stay at private rooms.

With Philhealth Point Of Care Program, all patients may be enlisted with Philhealth and they benefit the refund from Philhealth for the cost of hospitalization.”

For charity patients the excess of

hospitalization cost after deducting the Philhealth benefits will be subsidized by the provincial government through its Fund For The Indigents, Quilantang said.

He said this year, 2015, the province budgeted P 175 Million as Fund For The Indigents, the amount equivalent to the annual budget of the provincial hospital then.

Rooms for charity patients should not be put down, as these will be provided with decent amenities much like private rooms, such as air-conditioning system for the comfort of everyone, patients and tanods alike, Quilantang disclosed, quoting the instruction of Gov. Roger Mercado.

“The main feature of the operation of the hospital as an enterprise is the assurance that charity patients will be discharged from the hospital without paying a single centavo for the

hospitalization costs, since Philhealth and the Provincial Fund For The Indigent take care of this, as long as the patient will cooperate in providing the necessary papers in supporting his charity status as patient.

“The special power of attorney (SPA) will be issued by the patient through a ready form provided during admission to SLEMCOOP PHARMACY. Through this SPA, the SLEMCOOP PHARMACY will be able to collect the reimbursement of the cost of medicine prescribed to the patient,” Quilantang explained.

Last month, transfer of equipment and services from the old to the new health facility began in earnest.

This month, the technical personnel are expected to hold office at the new location, it was learned. (ajc/mmp/PIA8-Southern Leyte)

EASTERN VISAYAS

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Civil Service honors agencies for corruption fight, excellent service TACLOBAN CITY, Leyte, Jan. 8 (PIA) – Civil Service Commission (CSC) Regional Office 8 here bestowed recognition upon some government agencies and private institutions, for excellent public service and for fighting corruption.

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overnment Service Insurance System (GSIS) Borongan Eastern Samar Satellite Office and Catarman, Northern Samar topped the list of the awardees for service excellence based on Anti-Red Tape Report Card Survey.

CSC-8 Regional Director Victoria Esber shared that the awardees were rated also for “clients‟ satisfaction rating”.

According to her, the recognition given to agencies and organization is what Secretary Edgardo Duque wants given, to those who adhere to his advocacy for the good of public service.

A client for instance, described GSIS Borongan as one with a very organized queuing system which ensures the smooth flow of the frontline service transactions. It also has a convenient waiting

area, the remark said. Manager John Vianney Ocana however said in his brief acceptance speech that he did not expect the recognition considering that the office was just through with the recovery phase after super typhoon “Yolanda” and “Ruby”.

Meanwhile, Manager Hector Buedron-Uy of GSIS Catarman cracked that they have a small office but it does not limit their practice in serving the public, even the single comfort room that they have is likewise one important facility they share to employees and clients alike. A client also said that the employees of GSIS Catarman are very accommodating.

Both GSIS provincial offices were likewise awarded each with P100,000.00 in checks.

Other awardees were: GSIS Tacloban and Catbalogan branches, Social Security System

(SSS) branches of Ormoc, Catarman and Calbayog, Land Transportation Authority of Borongan and Palo Offices, Philippine Health Insurance Corporation offices of Catbalogan, Catarman and Ormoc areas.

As partner institutions in CSC advocacy campaigns, DYVL-Action Radio, Philippine Information Agency 8 and Junior Chamber International were among the named individual awardees.

The awarding ceremony was done during the CSC‟s 1st Congress on Fortifying Service Excellence and Fighting Corruption which was held at the BIR Function Hall, Government Center, Palo, Leyte, and was a attended by more or less a thousand human resource personnel of government institutions and local government units and department heads in the region. (PIA-8)

PRO8 official vows to prosecute individuals for illegal firing during holidays TACLOBAN CITY, Leyte, Jan. 5 (PIA) – A high ranking official of the Philippine National Police (PNP) in Eastern Visayas has vowed to prosecute individuals who violated the law during holiday season.

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n a press statement, Police Regional Office 8 OIC Regional Director Chief Superintendent Asher Abanilla Dolina said, despite government‟s campaign against illegal discharge of firearms during holidays, a number of individuals continue to violate the law in the region.

As recorded by police authorities, two persons were nabbed for illegal firing and another two are still under investigation.

The first suspect was caught by Almeria Biliran Police while the other suspect who is an alleged AFP reservist reportedly created trouble and challenged everyone to a fight at Purok 2, Scandinavian Village, Barangay 100, Tacloban,

City. Said suspect was said to be under the influence of liquor when he fired his firearm.

Furthermore, two civilians were hit by stray bullets during the new year revelry.

Fortunately, the victims were safe after treated at the nearest hospital.

Both incidents happened a few minutes before the new year comes.

The first victim, a resident of Sitio Olot, Barangay Bolusao, Lawaan, Eastern Samar was hit by a slug on his left little finger while watching a television inside his home on December 31 at 11:45 in the evening.

The slug, believed to be from a caliber 45 fell from the roof of his house and was turned

over to the police.

The other victim who is a resident of Barangay Guindapunan West, Carigara, Leyte was hit on his neck by a stray bullet.

Another stray bullet from an unknown caliber was also found inside the home of Helen Aquin Y Dy at Sto. Nino Street, Tacloban City.

Investigation disclosed that the Aquin family heard a noise and upon checking, they noticed a hole in their ceiling and discovered a stray bullet on their bed.

Meanwhile, PNP has reported a reduction of firecracker and stray bullet incidents for the year 2014 compared to the previous years. (jrc/cba/PIA-8)

Anti-Red Tape czar hailed TACLOBAN CITY, Leyte, Jan. 9 (PIA) – Civil Service Commission (CSC) Chair Edgardo Duque received recently some acclamation in absentia for championing the campaign against corruption and red tape.

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his was done

by CSC Commissioner, Attorney Robert S. Martinez who flew to the city to bestow recognition upon some government and private institutions for adhering to the cause of CSC. In his message to about a thousand of governm ent per sonn el off ic ers in attendance of the 1st CSC Congress, Martinez had to pause in between paragraphs as he tried to crystalize emotionally the hard work of Sec. Duque in the fight against corruption.

He apparently went emotional on the fact that his boss is hardly seen despite the fact

that his hard work is now reaping fruits, as in some government and private offices in Region 08 .

“Yet, it is only CSC Regional Office 8 which has recognized his relentless campaign,” Martinez said in his acceptance speech, after receiving for his boss, the plaque of recognition from CSC-8 Regional Director Vicky Esber.

“Today, because of Sec. Duque, there are 132 excellent agencies in the country,” he added, as he also urged the attendees to continually support CSC adherence for excellent public service.

He also cited the speedy recovery of

Region 8, after every calamity “If typhoon „Yolanda‟ was the strongest typhoon to have ever hit the planet, then Eastern Visayas have the strongest people on earth,” he quipped.

The never-abrasive Commissioner Martinez, as said of him by Dir. Esber assured that the campaign is an avenue for head of offices, human resource personnel to effectively engage each other in ensuring the effective delivery of public service.

The Commissioner was all praises to GSIS offices in the region for leading the list of awardees for excellent government public service. (PIA-8)

One Visayas e-newsletter is published weekly by the Visayas Regional Cluster of the Philippine Information Agency (PIA) comprising Region 6, 7 and 8. Its main editorial office is located at PIA Region 6, Iloilo City.

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Ms. Minerva BC Newman Regional Director, PIA 7

Editorial Consultants Atty. Ma. Janet C. Mesa, Ph. D. Regional Director, PIA6

Ms. Erlinda Olivia P. Tiu Regional Director, PIA8

Managing Editor Jaime S. Cabag, Jr. Contributors All PIA Information Officers of Regions 6, 7 & 8 Production and Layout Edson J. BaĂąares Lynnor C. Regalado Regional Offices: PIA 6, 2/F RC Building, Rizal St., Iloilo City, Iloilo 5000, Tel. Nos. (033) 337-8719/3377301/509-0993, Fax No. (033) 337-8719/509-0993, e-mail: r6_pia@yahoo.com/ piaamo6@yahoo.com PIA 7, Room 304, 3/F Machay Bldg., Garardo Avenue, Cebu City, Cebu 6000, Telefax No. (032) 232-4062/232-4126, e-mail: pia7_cebu@yahoo.com.ph/r7_pia@yahoo.com PIA 8, Childrenâ€&#x;s Park Compound, Sen. Enage St., Tacloban City, Leyte 6500, Tel. No. (053) 325-5124, Telefax No. (053) 321-2029, e-mail: pia_ev@yahoo.com/r8_pia@yahoo.com