Vol 5
Issue 24
In this Issue WESTERN VISAYAS
Mary Ann Masculino, DSWD-6 Regional Project Development Officer, lauds Pilmico Foods Corporation for launching a series of advocacy and sustainable livelihood programs during the Pilmico Food and Livelihood Expo held Friday at Jaro Gym here. (PIA Iloilo)
More on Region 6, pages 2-3. Also CLICK Here…
CENTRAL VISAYAS
Mr. Victor Intig (left) of DepEd-7 discussing the types of planned events that could be managed using Incident Command System as a group output during a workshop for the Executive Course on Incident Command System at the Bayfront Hotel, Cebu City. The activity is conducted by the Office of Civil Defense (OCD-7).
More on Region 7, pages 4-5.
June 15 – 21, 2015
Published by: PIA 6, 7 & 8
EV ARBOs get income-generating shredders from DAR CONSUELO B. ALARCON TACLOBAN CITY, Leyte, June 17(PIA) -Department of Agrarian Reform Undersecretary Rosalina L. Bistoyong urged agrarian reform beneficiary organizations (ARBOs) in Eastern Visayas to be responsible enough in using the shredding machines distributed to them. The agrarian reform official who led Wednesday the distribution of the shredding machines at DAR regional office compound appealed to the ARBOs to become the role model to other agrarian reform beneficiaries. “At sana po kasama sa responsibility ang inyong pangangalaga dito sa ating mga equipments dahil hindi po biro-biro ang amount na ating ibinuhos dito,” Bistoyong said. A 6-month hands-on training for beneficiaries is included in the project. Nonoy Moraca, technical consultant of the RU Foundry, the manufacturer of the machine assured to
extend the necessary assistance to the ARBOs particularly on the training in order to achieve success in this project. The machines, amounting to P49.5 million were funded under the Agrarian Reform Communities Connectivity and Economic Support Services (ARCCESS) and among DAR‟s major contribution to the livelihood cluster to the Yolanda Recovery and Rehabilitation Program. Of the 500 agrarian reform beneficiary organizations (ARBOs) in the region, 100 were selected to benefit after they underwent screening. Fifteen ARBOs initially received the machines during the turn-over ceremony. The machines will be used by the beneficiaries to turn biodegradable debris into income generating activities and produce community-based organic fertilizer. The distribution of the shredders was one of the highlights of the 27th year anniversary of CARP implementation in the country. (ajc/cba/PIA-8)
P438M earmarked for rehab of public infrastructures in Panay Island By Alex A. Lumaque ROXAS CITY, Capiz, June 18 (PIA6) – A total of P438-million has been set aside by the Aquino administration for the Rehabilitation Assistance on Yolanda (RAY) Batch II for the repair of 1,638 barangay facilities in Panay Island damaged by supertyphoon Yolanda in 2013. “There is a need to repair the barangay infrastructures damaged by supertyphoon Yolanda as these facilities serve as venues for the delivery of basic government services,” said Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) Sec. Mar Roxas during the distribution of RAY II checks worth P139-million in Capiz. Roxas also distributed RAY II checks for Aklan and Antique provinces last weekend for the repair of barangay halls, daycare as well as civic centers and small public markets. In RAY I, various facilities like provincial, city or municipal buildings and halls, public markets, gymnasiums and covered courts were immediately rebuilt to restore the normalcy of local government operations and services. DILG has released to Capiz more than P66-million for the repair of provincial, city or town-based facilities partially damaged by the supertyphoon. RAY supports the national government‟s efforts to restore government services and economic activities in the
Yolanda affected areas through the provision of technical and financial grants for the rehabilitation or reconstruction of LGUs. It covers identified barangays, municipalities, cities and provinces in six regions that are located within the 50-kilometer storm track of Yolanda with significant damage on the eligible list of local infrastructures. (JCM/ AAL/PIA Capiz)
Distribution of P139-M worth of financial assistance for the repair of identified barangay infrastructures in Capiz in view of the Recovery Assistance on Yolanda (RAY) Batch II that was led by DILG Sec. Mar Roxas at the Capiz Gymnasium in Roxas City, June 13 with Cong. Antonio Del Rosario and Gov. Victor Tanco (1st and 2nd from left). (PIA Capiz photos)
Also CLICK Here…
EASTERN VISAYAS
Climate Change Ad Campaign with PENRO Elpidio Simon, PIA-Samar Team Coverage and student of Catbalogan National Comprehensive High School @ Brgy. Mercedes, Catbalogan City June 17, 2015.
More on Region 8, pages 6-7. Also CLICK Here...
DENR-7 to establish more mangrove plantations in Banacon Island Juju M. Empuerto CEBU CITY, June 11 (PIA) -- The Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR-7) intends to establish another 400 hectares of mangrove plantations in Banacon Island under the One Billion Mangrove and Beach Forest Development project this year. DENR-7 regional director Dr. Isabelo Montejo said, “This is another administration‟s project to be implemented by us to rehabilitate the coastal forests in Central Visayas region in line with our commitment to provide safer and better coastal communities against storm surges, coastal flooding, and other disasters.” Montejo added, Banacon Island is one of the very successful sites when it comes to mangrove plantation establishment. DENR has just completed the 2015 target of establishing some 100 hectares of mangrove plantations there. Aside from Banacon Island some 1,000 hectares of mangrove and beach forests plantations will also be established in various identified areas in Bohol province; 1,550 hectares in Cebu; 140 hectares in Negros
Oriental and 125 hectares in Siquijor. Montejo said there is a need to strengthen mitigation efforts or slowing down the effects of climate change by planting more mangroves and maintaining beach forest plantations like growing bread fruit or „kulo‟ or „talisay‟ tree species to act as natural barriers against strong waves. Earlier, the Department of Budget and Management (DBM) released an initial amount of P400 million to cover the necessary expenses for the mangrove planting activities and beach forests development in disaster risk areas particularly Yolanda-and-earthquake-affected towns and cities. Montejo urged the people to plant more mangroves, as they act as natural barriers in the coastlines to shield the communities from highly devastating storm surges and other tsunami-like waves. The 'One Billion Mangrove and Beach Forest Development' project is implemented in provinces affected by super typhoon „Yolanda‟ and earthquake in 2013. (mbcn/jsme/PIA7-Cebu/with reports from Dr. Eddie Llamedo/DENR7)
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WESTERN VISAYAS
Archdiocese of Jaro in 2 commemorative stamps By Lilibeth A. French ILOILO CITY, June 17 (PIA6) - - The Philippine Postal Corporation (PHLPost) has produced two commemorative stamps for the 150 years of the Archdiocese of Jaro which was established on May 27, 1865.
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ess Planco, Marketing Specialist of PHLPost Area 6 said 30,000 copies of the commemorative stamps were turned over by Director Fabiolita Ferraris to His Excellency Angel Lagdameo, D.D., Archbishop of the Archdiocese of Jaro last June 1. Planco said in the denomination of P10, the commemorative stamps measuring 30X40 mm come in two designs. The first stamp features the archdiocese‟s historic cathedral, the Parish of Our Lady of Candles, also known as Jaro Cathedral located in the district of Jaro here. The second stamp bears the image of
Nuestra Señora de la Candelaria (Our Lady of the Candles) whose feast day is celebrated every February 2. The slogan: blessed, consecrated, sanctified… is printed on both stamps. Ferraris also turned over 2,000 pieces of the official First Day Cover (FDC) and 1,000 pieces of Souvenir Folders to Lagdameo. The FDC is an envelope issued on the first day of the release of the commemorative stamps which was last May 27 while the souvenir folders contain the stamps, FDC and a message of Lagdameo. Collectors, those into philately or stamp
collecting and other interested may inquire on the availability of the commemorative stamps and other Philatelic items at the Office of the Archdiocese of Jaro and at the Jaro Cathedral. Postmaster General Josie Dela Cruz, in a PHLPost press report, said that “ the PHLPost congratulates the catholic faithful in celebrating the 150th anniversary of the Archdiocese of Jaro and the launching of the commemorative stamps to highlight the occasion”. The Archdiocese of Jaro is the 5th oldest diocese in the Philippines. (LAF/PIA-Iloilo)
Antique priority province for DOH Universal Health Care Hi5 By Vicente W. Villavert SAN JOSE, Antique, June 15 (PIA6) - - The province of Antique and two other provinces in Western Visayas are priority areas of the Universal Health Care High Impact Five (UHC Hi-5) program which aims to provide tangible outputs within 13 months through synchronized nationwide implementation of activities.
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OH Undersecretary Vicente Y. Belizario said during the UHC Hi-5 Summit in San Jose, Antique that the program embodies the Aquino administration‟s commitment in delivering quality health care for all, prioritizing the poor. Usec Belizario said that the UHC HI-5 focuses on reduction of maternal and infant death cases; improved under-five children; combat HIV and AIDS and malaria; and establishment of functional service delivery network in all areas of the country. He said the deadline for this activity is set on June 30, 2016. DOH 6 Regional Director Marlyn W. Convocar said that Antique, Iloilo provinces and Negros Occidental are three provinces identified as priority areas of UHC Hi5.
Convocar said that Antique and Iloilo belong to the category of provinces that are vulnerable to shocks and disasters. These provinces where the marginally non-poor can easily slide to poverty, and the poor can slide deeper to poverty, while Negros Occidental, belongs to a province with a magnitude of poverty where opportunities of growth may be present but the poor are unable to participate in the growth processes. However, Convocar said that there are other eight municipalities in Iloilo and Negros Occidental which are priorities for Accelerated and Sustainable Anti-Poverty Program. These municipalities are Concepcion, Passi, Tigbauan and Pototan in Iloilo province; and Binalbagan, San Carlos, Hinobaan and La Carlota for Negros Occidental. For this program, poverty
will be reduced in multiple dimension through the creation of sustainable employment opportunities for the poor, as this is anchored under the Philippine Development Plan. The LGUs and private sector will be involved to achieve the objectives of this program. The DOH 6 Regional Director said that profiling of target recipients, health facilities and health care providers shall be implemented to establish baseline data for service delivery. The UHC Hi-5 summit in Antique was attended by Municipal government officials, national government agencies and stakeholders of the government‟s health program, where they also commit to achieve the Millennium Development Goals by delivering better health services down to the barangay level. (JSC/ VWV-PIA Antique)
Manual dealing with rescued marine animals out ILOILO CITY, June 16 (PIA6) — The Department of Environment and Natural Resources-Biodiversity Management Bureau and the Marine Wildlife Watch of the Philippines have recently launched a three-volume online manual series on what to do with rescued marine animals.
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he series would give a clear guide to the general public on how to rescue stranded or captured marine animals. Forester Dennis Piñosa of the DENR-6 Conservation and Development Division, said the manual provides ample knowledge to anyone on the proper handling and reporting of captured sea animals, particularly marine turtles (pawikan) and seacow (dugong). “The manual is of great help in the protection of our wildlife in marine areas especially the marine turtles and the dugongs,” Piñosa said. He added that Western Visayas is rich in marine biodiversity under the watch of the DENR -6. ”If we don‟t know how to protect and take
care of them when captured or stranded in fish cages, these animlas are likely to die,” Piñosa said. Marine turtles abound in Guimaras and the shores stretching from Iloilo City to Antique province, and in Hinobaan in Negros Occidental and other nearby areas in the region. Dugongs, on the other hand, are most likely evident in Guimaras and northern Iloilo. Piñosa said the manual includes information on how to identify sea animals, the procedures on handling them according to body conditions, how to manage and rehabilitate them and the needed forms to fill out and submit to authorities. Electronic copies of the manuals can be downloaded for free at www.mwwphilippines.org. On the other hand, DENR Regional Director Jim
Sampulna said that among those the manual seeks to address is the problem of stranded sea animals which end up being slaughtered for food or kept captive. Sampulna cited the case of a resort owner in Guimaras, who kept a green sea turtle for months, used it as a crowd-drawer, where tourists hold and take pictures of the creature for a fee. “We have to be vigilant and responsible enough in the protection and conservation of our marine resources,” Sampulna said, adding that DENR is conducting an investigation on the case for possible violations of Wildlife Resources Conservation and Protection Act of 2001 and the Animal Welfare Act. (DENR/PIA6-Iloilo)
WESTERN VISAYAS
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WV ready for MERS-CoV By Leonard T. Pineda I ILOILO CITY, June 17 (PIA6) --- Hospitals under the Department of Health (DOH) in Western Visayas are ready to accommodate Middle East Respiratory Coronavirus (MERS-CoV) patients.
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n a media interview, DOH-6 Regional Director Dr. Marlyn Convocar said that DOH-retained hospitals are equipped with isolation rooms, facilities and trained staff and personnel that can handle MERS-CoV patients. She said that Western Visayas Medical Center in Mandurriao, Iloilo City, Western Visayas Sanitarium in Santa Barbara, Iloilo, Dumangas District Hospital in Dumangas, Iloilo, and the Corazon Locsin Montelibano Memorial Regional Hospital in Bacolod City, Negros Occidental are properly equipped. She said that they are also closely coordinating with the Bureau of Quarantine for the strict monitoring on every passenger arriving
at the airports. The three airports in Cabatuan, Iloilo, Silay, Negros Occidental, and Kalibo in Aklan catering international flights to screen incoming passengers have been equipped with thermal scanners. Meanwhile, Presidential Communications and Operations Office (PCOO) Secretary Sonny Coloma in a statement said that the government has put in place all the necessary preventive measures including contact-tracing and other infection control protocols to isolate those exhibiting symptoms of MERS-CoV. He said that since the first quarter of 2014 when the MERS-CoV was first reported in the Middle East, DOH has conducted intensive
monitoring and information dissemination campaigns among Filipino nationals especially among health workers and hospital employees. He cited that the Philippines abides by the World Health Organization‟s (WHO) advice “to continue surveillance for acute respiratory infections and to review any unusual patterns.” He also urged all Filipinos in the Middle East and those traveling to South Korea to remain vigilant, take precautionary measures, heed local health regulations and observe personal hygiene measures. He advised Filipinos coming in from South Korea to accurately accomplish quarantine forms that will facilitate contact tracing. (JCM/ LTP/PIA-Iloilo)
14,000 farmers insured, can now rest easy By Easter Anne D. Doza NEGROS OCCIDENTAL, June 16 (PIA6) - - Close to 14,000 farmers are now insured and P25-million worth of claims have been distributed through the Negros First Universal Crop Insurance Program (NFUCIP) through the Office of the Provincial Agriculturist.
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FUCIP was launched in 2011 and has started giving claims to insured farmer beneficiaries since 2012, Senior Provincial Agriculturist II Dina Genzola said. For its rice program, the Provincial Government subsidizes P500 for the premium while the farmer pays P340 or a total of P840 per cropping season. At most, a rice farmer can claim up to P42,000 per hectare or at the least P17,000 per hectare coverage in case of drought or typhoon. OPA urged farmers to use quality and certified seeds from the Negros Occidental Accredited Seed Producers Cooperative (NOASEPCO) that are high yielding. NOASEPCO is an organized group of 40-70
seed growers and producers not for commercial purpose but as a source of quality and certified seeds. According to Genzola, seed production is another potential industry for the province where even some regional offices get their quality seeds from NOASEPCO. Banner seeds produced by NOASEPCO include coffee, banana, cacao, and other leguminous products in order to reach the self-sufficiency level goal of the province and for diversification purposes. Meanwhile, Genzola who presented OPA‟s roadmap, programs and projects during the multi- sectoral consultation for the World-Bank Funded Inclusive Partnerships for Agricultural Competitiveness Project organized by the
Department of Agrarian Reform also encouraged agrarian reform beneficiaries to avail of the insurance program. “Although most ARBs are into sugar farming, and sugarcane has the capacity to withstand weather conditions, still, we encourage them to insure their crops with NFUCIP or the Philippine Crop Insurance Corporation as protection against the adverse effects of climate change,” Genzola said. Genzola added that climate change is not a concept anymore, it is a reality. ARBs are also advised to plant food that are always on the table and go into cash crops like vegetables that are easy to plant, harvest and sell as well as for consumption. *(JCM/EAD-PIA6 Negros Occidental)
Contests, quiz to mark environment month in Aklan By Venus G. Villanueva KALIBO, Aklan, June 19 (PIA6) -- Poster making, composo and an environmental quiz will be highlighting this year’s celebration of Environment Month here by the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) – Aklan.
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he contests will be held in Malinao, Aklan on June 23 and will serve as the second year conduct of the Libacao-Madalag-Malinao Multi-sectoral Forest Protection Committee‟s advocacy project involving elementary and secondary students of the three municipalities and the respective People‟s Organizations (POs) to create further awareness on environment protection. OIC Chief Merl ene Ab orka of DENR-Aklan‟s Technical Services Division said the contests will be held at Malinao Covered Court in Poblacion, Malinao and the poster-making and environmental quiz will be held simultaneously. For the poster-making contests, contestants
will be in 2 levels – elementary pupils and high school from the different schools in the towns of Libacao, Madalag and Malinao. Other schools in adjoining municipalities like Lezo, Numancia and Makato, however, may join the contest, according to Aborka. For the Environmental Quiz, contestants will be Grade 6 and high school level students coming from the three municipalities formed into teams and like the poster-making contests, other students from adjoining municipalities can join the said contest. On the other hand, the Composo contest is open to all talented barangay residents and members of People‟s Organizations (POs) in the three municipalities and other other interested
ones from adjoining towns. “The songs must be in Akeanon or Hiligaynon or Filipino or English and must have relevance to the theme of the Environment Month, Climate Change, Anti-Illegal Logging, and must give environmental message in protecting the forests and environment”, Aborka said. Theme of this year‟s Environment Month is “Seven Billion Dreams. One Planet. Consume With Care”, and must be observed in the three contest categories, according to Aborka. DENR-Aklan is currently headed by Provincial Environment and Natural Resources Officer Ivene Reyes. (JCM/VGV-PIA6 Aklan)
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CENTRAL VISAYAS
1,600 public school teachers undergo training for K-12 Roi Anthoni B. Lomotan DUMAGUETE CITY, June 16 (PIA) – Some 1, 600 public school teachers in Negros Oriental and Siquijor assigned in Grade 10 classes underwent a training on K-12 basic education program organized by the Department of Education (DepEd) at Silliman University recently.
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ccording to SU Information Officer Mark Garcia the mass training of teachers aims to better prepare them for the full swing implementation of K-12 in 2016. Grade 10 is equivalent to 4th year high school in the previous educational system of the country. Participants are trained on the seven learning areas namely, Science, Mathematics, English, Filipino,
Aralin Panlipunan, MAPEH (Music, Arts, Physical Education and Health) and ESP (Edukasyong Pagkatao). Garcia added DepEd had tapped SU as a training institution for teachers. He also noted that the engagement of the university with DepEd is in recognition of Silliman's strength in basic education program and
intensive preparations for offering Senior High School (SHS) next year. As of now, Silliman University is the only school in Negros Oriental that offers all four tracks in SHS curriculum which are academic, sports, arts and design, technical–vocational and livelihood tracks. (mbcn/ral/PIA7-Negros Oriental/with reports from Mark Raygan Garcia, Director/SU-OIP)
More child labor-free barangays declared in NegOr Juju M. Empuerto CEBU CITY, June 17 (PIA) -- The Department of Labor and Employment Regional Office (DOLE-7) has declared six child labor-free barangays in Negros Oriental.
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ccording to DOLE-7 OIC Regional Director Exequiel Sarcauga, the awarding of Child Labor-Free Barangay certificates highlighted the celebration of the 13th World Day against Child Labor in Dumaguete City with the theme, “Edukasyon at PagsasanayTungo sa Marangal na Buhay.” According to DOLE-7 Labor Communication Officer Luchel Taniza, the six new CL-free barangays in Negros Oriental are Barangay Poblacion in Santa Catalina; Taboan in Bayawan City; Napakaw in Siaton; Pal-ew in Tanjay City; Abis in Mabinay; and Alanginlanan in Manjuyod. I Barangays Canggohob and Manlingay in Mabinay were also declared as child labor-free in 2014, Taniza added. Director Sarcauga espoused before a crowd of Negrenses the advocacy against child labor which has been DOLE‟s consistent campaign. “Child labor is a world problem. We at DOLE have been consistently carrying out several programs to address this global dilemna,” said Sarcauga. According to the labor and employment official, the 2011 National Statistics Office (NSO)
survey revealed that some 3.3 million children in the country are engaged in child labor. In Region 7 alone, he said, around 219,000 have been identified as child laborers. The worst forms of child labor include slavery, trafficking, recruitment for armed conflict, prostitution, pornography, and other unlawful activities, he added. Under the Batang Malaya campaign in line with the Philippine Program Against Child Labor and the country‟s vision for a child labor-free Philippines, the DOLE is persistent in its pledge that every barangay in the country with high prevalence of child labor turn out becomes child labor-free. The government‟s conscious effort in protecting the rights of the children gave birth to RA 9231, otherwise known as Special Protection of Children Against Child Abuse, Exploitation and Discrimination Act, that gives special protection to children from all forms of abuse, neglect, cruelty, exploitation, discrimination, and other conditions prejudicial to their development including child labor and its worst forms. Sarcauga said that at the barangay level, the
Barangay Council for the Protection of Children (BCPC) has been established to uphold the wellbeing of the children and save them from harm. Spearheaded by DOLE-Negros Oriental Field Office (NOFO), the World Day Against Child Labor Celebration in Region 7 was successfully put in place through the concerted efforts of its social partners and stakeholders. Other activities parallel to the celebration were skills training, team building, university course exposure of high school participants at Foundation University, project angel tree, giving of free haircuts, and Eco-kalan cooking demonstrations, among others. DOLE-NOFO oriented those in attendance on the Rights of the Filipino child putting emphasis on the DOLE‟s programs and services which aim to uphold the welfare of the children. Stakeholders were also exposed to a short financial literacy seminar especially on creating, managing, and growing money, said NOFO Officer-in-Charge Ma. Teresa Tanquiamco. (rmn/ jsme/PIA7-Cebu/ with DOLE-7 reports)
DSWD-7 allots P10M for Bohol Carabao-based dairy production Juju M. Empuerto CEBU CITY, June 17 (PIA) – The Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) in Central Visayas through the Sustainable Livelihood Program (SLP) has poured P10 million into a dairy production project in five towns in Bohol.
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he project involves carabao-based small dairy production, milk collection, and raw milk pasteurization for 500 Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program (4Ps) partner-beneficiaries, according to DSWD-7 Regional Director Mercedita Jabagat. Jabagat added that the identified pilot areas for the dairy commodity cluster model project are the towns of Ubay, Mabini, Alicia, San Miguel and Dagohoy. “The pilot areas are considered as bright spot in dairy farming and to further strengthen the local dairy industry we tied up with the Philippine Carabao Center and in coordination with the Provincial Government of Bohol,” said the social welfare and development official. Under the partnership, the identified 4Ps beneficiaries will be trained on carabao dairy micro-enterprise development. “Each beneficiary will be provided with one
carabao so that they could start on their own business,” Jabagat added. The Philippine Carabao Center (PCC) will provide technical assistance on animal production, animal health, forage production, dairy production and processing. “Before the start of the technical trainings, we will also ensure that they are socially prepared and ready to accept the challenge so that they could actively participate in the local economy as entrepreneurs,” Jabagat emphasized. A technical working group composed of representatives from DSWD-7, PCC-7 and local government units (LGUs) will conduct regular monitoring and evaluation to ensure the sustainability of the program. Meanwhile, Cebu City Mayor Michael Rama calls on the value of selfless public service in his message to over 500 Cebu City Hall officials, employees, students and representatives of local and
national government agencies, senior citizens and veterans during the 117th Philippine Independence Day celebration this morning. “We must not think of our selves but think of others, we must exist for others to live,” Rama declared. He asked if everyone most especially the elected public officials if they have practiced maturity because this is just equivalent to being selfless and not selfish. Rama added that as public servant one must have this motto of “public service above self.” The mayor cited the words of Msgr. Roberto Alesna in his homily during the Holy Mass offered for the celebration prior to the flag raising that “struggle is synonymous with hardwork, sacrifice, and dying for others.” Rama then urged public servants and the city officials to work hard for the children and for the future generation. (mbcn/ays/rmn/jsme/PIA7-Cebu/ with reports from Kerwin Macopia/DSWD7)
CENTRAL VISAYAS
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PIA Bohol sets up 4-in-1 workshops for AndaKIDS Rey Anthony H. Chiu TAGBILARAN CITY, June 16 (PIA) -- The Philippine Information Agency in Bohol organized volunteers to bring in four workshops in a day to a deprived community in Talisay, Anda, Bohol on June 13.
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alisay, a barangay about five kilometers from the town famous for its white powdery sand, is populated by fishermen who venture out at sea at night through a narrow passage in a forest of mangroves just to get fish into the family table. "When the government advised them against fishing and to seek alternative livelihood instead, some obliged and the Talisay Fishermen's Association (TAFIAS) was born," recalled Ana Mainit, a public school librarian by the weekday who also sits as chairman of the organization. Pushed to find backyard fisheries as alternative, Mainit and her group converted taro fields into fishponds and produced tilapia which they process into by-products to add value to the freshwater fish. With the help of volunteers and kind-hearted Estonians, TAFIAS set up AndaKIDZ, a benefit group which has been the center of focus in the international and local assistance considering that making children's lives better gives them better chances of getting out of poverty, according to Robin Gurney, a Briton who married an Estonian volunteer who dedicated her life to helping AndaKIDZ. Now with a community center that serve as
the main hub of activities in the community, the environment-friendly center has drawn local and international attention, as well as mainstream volunteerism. The AndaKIDZ Community Center is also becoming a social tourist attraction and destination, aside from being a common venue for child learning when they could not find any outside school. The aim is to get these kids learning, maybe playing so they can better explore the world and work solutions out of the problems besetting the community, Gurney explained. On this, PIA gathered volunteers for a day to help AndaKIDZ with the following: tableya-based chocolate muffins baking demo and workshop for women, basic watercolor painting workshop, basic xylophone and band music workshop as well as board games, all at the green community center. It was a simultaneous workshop with the baking at the center entrance, the xylophone workshop at the building's left wing, the watercolor at the right wing and the boardgames at the main hall. Community residents gathered to learn about
basic baking, and tried cooking a recipe on their own, Mainit said. All the children and adults who responded to the activities also tasted the cooked muffins, which went well with free lemon juice from the community. "It was the first time that I did volunteer and I never realized I could teach kids how to play the xylophone," said Cecil Josef Ligan, an aeronautics engineering student volunteer. Along with Ligan were three other youth volunteers. A regional winner for an on-the-spot painting contest along with PIA Bohol staff handled the watercolor workshop, which was the second module in the Arts workshops that PIA offers to communities. Specialty food and traditional culinary experts also handled the Tableya Choco-muffins, which generated the biggest approval from the children joining the workshops. PIA in Bohol continues to offer free workshops upon request from communities, as well as workshops depending on their needs assessment. (rmn/rac/PIA-7/Bohol)
CARD MRI prepares 2.8M members for ASEAN Integration BY JENNIFER C. TILOS NEGROS ORIENTAL, June 16 (PIA) -- The CARD-Mutually Reinforcing Institutions (CARD-MRI) a social development organization, developed an educational module on ASEAN Integration for its more than 2.8 million members to be included in its weekly Credit with Education (CwE) sessions in preparation for the ASEAN economic integration set this year.
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ARD MRI founder and managing director Dr. Aris Alip said, the sessions will ready its the clients for the ASEAN Economic Community and how they can be a significant part of this integration. “The arrival of big companies from the ASEAN region is a welcome development as it will bring more efficiency and better services to the clients. This means there will be healthy competition," Alip said. According to Alip we must be prepared because the ASEAN integration may also lead to credit pollution, staff and client poaching in our country, which will be challenging to social development organizations such as CARD MRI. "Now that the integration is coming, we want CARD MRI to be prepared for this,” Dr. Alip
said. Higher percentage of CARD‟s membership is in the agriculture sector and some are in the small and medium enterprises or SME. These sectors, according to analysts will be some of the most affectedby the integration. According to Alip, CARD MRI will continue to be relevant by reinventing itself and providing appropriate trainings. CARD-MRI Development Institute, the training institution of CARD MRI has developed a module composed of four sessions that will be discussed every week in a center meeting. Training of trainers were also conducted for the field staff of CARD. In April this year, the CwE for ASEAN Integration already started, which is expected to end by May or June.
These trainings are also relevant to the clients as we prepare them for the ASEAN Economic Integration. We can assist them in developing and making products more competitive, Alip added. According to Nanay Francisca Fatima Baisa, one of CARD‟s center chief in Siquijor, the session was very relevant to her and the community as a whole. “I learned that if our products are not of quality, it will not survive in the market. Though I am only selling breads near schools, I am also affected by this integration,” Nanay Francisca added. Nanay Francisca is also happy to hear that CARD will again set series of trainings for further enhancement of their businesses. (mbcn/jct/ PIA7-Negros Oriental)
3 cities tagged drugs transshipment points in NegOr Leandria P. Pagunsan DUMAGUETE CITY, June 15 (PIA) -- In a recent Provincial Peace and Order Council (PPOC) meeting held at the old session hall of the provincial capitol building, Agent Ivy Claire Oledan of PDEA Negros Oriental bared that the cities of Dumaguete, Tanjay and Bais have become the trans shipment point of drug transportation in Negros Oriental.
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ledan further said that illegal drugs are transported using motorcycles and private four-wheeled vehicles distributing drug supplies throughout the province. Previously, the PDEA and Negros Oriental Police Office (NORPO) with the support of the Negros Oriental Provincial Anti-Drug Abuse and Prevention Council conducted a two-day intelligence workshop at the Provincial Convention Center to update and unify the watch list, target
list and wanted list of personalities operating in the province as well as the current drug trends in the area, Oledan said. The activity was attended by intelligence PNCO's and intelligence officers of the twenty-five police stations in Negros Oriental, PAIDSOTG, National Bureau of Investigation and the Philippine Coast Guard with resource speakers from intelligence officers of PDEA regional office 7. Oledan also revealed that illegal drugs
specifically shabu were being traded at the provincial jail by unidentified suspects. The warden reportedly turned over to PDEA a pack of shabu found by an inmate within the vicinity of the provincial jail. With this development, Oledan said that PDEA will investigate this matter by conducting a surprise inspection at the provincial jail to monitor the alleged trading activities of illegal drugs by inmates. (mbcn/ lpp/PIA7/Negros Oriental)
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EASTERN VISAYAS
Go Negosyo center to boost MSMEs, create jobs RODRIGO S. VICTORIA NAVAL, Biliran, June 17 (PIA) – A top official of the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) in the province of Biliran averred that the establishment of Go Negosyo center in the province will strengthen the micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs) and will also help create jobs.
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The establishment of Go Negosyo center in the province of Biliran is a big boost to MSMEs because it will help and answer the needs of the business sector in further improving their trade,” Engr. Celerina T. Bato, provincial director of DTI-Biliran said in her overview presentation during the orientation and briefing on Republic Act No. 10644 or the Go Negosyo Act, this town, recently. Engr. Bato also informed that the Go Negosyo center will further spur the economic growth and development of the province
with more jobs to be created out of its establishment. She informed that DTI will establish a model C Go Negosyo center in Naval this year, and most probably be upgraded into model B by 2016. “The establishment of model C Go Negosyo centers in the other towns in the province of Biliran will be established in 2016 and will just be upgraded later into model B in the succeeding year” Bato further said. For her part, Naval Mayor Susan V. Parilla promised to provide a space inside the
town‟s treasurer‟s office for the Go Negosyo center. Parilla hopes that the establishment of the Go Negosyo center will also help augment the income of the town aside from the big help it can extend to the business sector of the town. The orientation briefing on RA 10644 or the Go Negosyo Act in Naval that was attended by the different business stakeholders of the town was rendered by Pedro Bimbo B. Tan, Go Negosyo regional coordinator of DTI-8. (ajc/fj/PIA 8 Biliran)
4Ps parents challenged to end poverty cycle ERNA S. GORNE MAASIN CITY, Southern Leyte, June 15 (PIA) - As the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) Regional Office - 8 came to recognize the achievements of the 4Ps children beneficiaries-graduates, the parents were also given a pat on their backs.
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SWD Regional Director Nestor Ramos led the gathering of some 341 graduates from all over the province of Southern Leyte at the city gymnasium in giving recognition of the students' hard work and achievements, where 137 of them were top achievers. Director Ramos challenged their partner parents attending to show to their neighbors that the money they got from the program is from Juan De La Cruz's taxes and that they should not squander it. Director Ramos congratulated the parents
as well for taking their role in educating their children despite financial constraints. Ramos further urged the parents to cut off the poverty cycle through education and good health, which were embodied among the components of the Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program (4Ps). “Education is the very wealth you can give to your children which can never be taken away from them.” Ramos said. He announced that there will be an additional listing of poor families this year as more poor families shall be covered by the
4Ps, one of the anti-poverty programs of the national government. On the same gathering, all of the testimonies from the valedictorians and salutarians achievers expressed gratefulness to the mentioned anti-poverty program as they related how it helped them for their needs, such as spending for school requirements like projects. There were a total of 2,070 high school graduates 4Ps beneficiares across the province, it was learned. (ajc/mmp/esg/ PIA8 SoLeyte)
138 resilient school buildings underway in E. Samar SAMUEL D. CANDIDO BORONGAN CITY, Eastern Samar, June 17 (PIA) - The Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH), Eastern Samar District, Borongan City will be constructing 138 calamity resilient school buildings in Eastern Samar.
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n an interview, Engr. Michael C. Ador, construction section chief, said that some P3.5-B will be used to construct 138 school buildings under the Fiscal Year-2014, DepEd School Building Program from First Batch to Fourth Batch. Engr. Ador said that of the 138 school buildings 25, are already completed; 85 are ongoing; and 28 which have yet to start construction. Of the 138 school buildings that are being constructed, 126 are elementary school buildings and 12 are High School buildings. The allocation for each project varies according to the scope of work stated in the
Program of Work prepared by Eastern Samar District Engineering Office (ESDEO) and duly concurred by the Department of Education (DepEd). The elementary school buildings that are to be constructed in the municipalities are: Balangiga-1; Mercedes-1; Borongan-10; Can-avid-4; Quinapondan-6; Gen. Mac-Arthur -12; and Llorente-1. Other construction are ten in Guiuan; one in Lawaan; one in Sulat;, three in Maslog; two in Hernani; seven in Taft; two in San-Julian; 19 in Oras; six in Giporlos; six in Maydolong; four in San-Policarpo; five in Salcedo; 15 in Dolores; four in Balangkayan; and five in
Jipapad. For the high school building constructions are three in Maydolong; three in Arteche; two in Dolores; one in Giporlos; one in Can-avid; one in San-Policarpo; and one in Llorente. Presently, a joint inspection by the DepEd and DPWH is on-going for some 25 High School buildings to be constructed by the ESDEO under the DepEd Fiscal Year 2015 Basic Educational Facilities Fund (BEFF) - First Batch amounting to P202.7-M. The inspection report is needed to give the contractors the opportunity to rectify identified minor defects or deficiencies. (ajc/ sdc/PIA-E. Samar)
EASTERN VISAYAS
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DOT trains snorkelling guides for Sambawan RODRIGO S. VICTORIA NAVAL, Biliran, June 17 (PIA) – The natural underwater beauty of the most sought-after tourist destination in the province of Biliran, Sambawan Island Dive Camp and Beach Resort, will be more appreciated with the help of snorkelling guides to be trained under a proposal of the tourism department.
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ecently, the regional office of the Department of Tourism in Eastern Visayas in coordination with the Biliran Provincial Tourism and Information Ooffice (BPTIO) commissioned the Blue Water Consultancy and Training Services to assess and evaluate the highly valuable community-based tourism product in the municipalities of Maripipi, Kawayan, Almeria, Naval and Cabucgayan. Luis Mencias and Alex Amable of the Blue Water Consultancy and Training Services together with Patrick Steven Buena, the tourism development area (TDA) manager for Biliran province and some staff of BPTIO started the three-day per town assessment and evaluation of the tourist attractions to be given focus of the five identified towns in Biliran province which started in Maripipi on June 9, 2015. In a meeting with Sonia Alavera, local civil registrar who is also the designated tourism
officer; Marianito Atiga, committee chairman on tourism of SB-Maripipi and Nestor Macorol, private developer of Sambawan Dive Camp and Beach Resort, all of Maripipi, and Buena of DOT 8, Mencias proposed the training on snorkeling guide for Sambawan Island Dive Camp and Beach Resort. Mencias presented to the group the conduct of a six-day training on snorkeling guide for Sambawan and other identified dive sites in Maripipi town. Mencias, who has 20 years of diving experience and a former expert of the Philippine Commission for Scuba Sports Diving, said that the proposed training on snorkeling guide is open to all Maripipinhons who are interested and willing to undergo the whole day training within six days. Qualifications required for a trainee are the following: 18 years old and above, physically fit and able to read and write, Mencias enumerated.
He proposed to train at least a maximum of 24 persons for the six-day training on snorkeling guide which he suggested will be given subsidy while they are on training since they will be out in their livelihood. The trainees on snorkeling guide will also be taught on Buhay Dagat, a holistic concept on how to help preserve the biodiversity of marine life which is the main source of the tourism industry in the area. In an earlier interview, Biliran Governor Gerardo J, Espina, Jr. promised to allocate a bigger fund for next year to further promote and develop the province‟ tourism industry especially that many local and foreign tourists have already took notice of some tourist destinations in the province especially the Sambawan Island Dive Camp and Beach Resort which was recently featured on the front page in one of the national broadsheets in the country. (ajc/fj/PIA 8 Biliran)
2015 Nutrition Month to address overweight and obesity TACLOBAN CITY, LEYTE, June 17 (PIA) – July is set to be marked for the 41st Nutrition Month with focus in addressing overweight and obesity.
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o states the memorandum circular No. 2015-58 of the Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG) signed by Secretary Mar Roxas which urges all provincial governors, city and municipal mayors, punong barangays, DILG regional directors and other concerned officials to participate in the event. With the theme: Timbang Iwasto, sa Tamang Nutrisyon at Ehersisyo, the celebration aims to increase awareness on the role and importance of proper nutrition and physical activity in the prevention of
overweight and obesity among the general public. In today‟s meeting with nutrition stakeholders, at the Hotel Alejandro, this city, Dr. Catalino Dotollo, Jr. Head, Regional Nutrition Council, said that overweight and obesity increases one‟s risk in cardiovascular diseases, diabetes, cancer and muscoskeletal disorders among others. Women who are overweight, he said, my develop problems in ovulation period and infertility. Thus, he said, it is important to move. Physical activity coupled with proper diet will
spell health body, he added and as he put it further, “ galaw, galaw para matagal pumanaw!” Moreover, Dr. Dotollo urged the public to support healthy diets, promote home and community gardens, ensure that healthy foods are available in the community and coordinate with food establishment and school canteens to sell only healthy foods options. He also encouraged mothers to serve their children at home and adults too, to eat only at home, where foods are safely and healthily prepared in. (PIA-08)
Officials say Samar continues fight against poverty NINFA B. QUIRANTE CATBALOGAN CITY, Samar, June 12 (PIA) - Behind the different grand commemoration of the 117th Independence Day from foreign invaders, poor Samar is still shaking off from its biggest battle – fighting poverty.
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n his message, Board Member Alvin Abejuela, who represented Vice Governor Stephen James Tan, said that while our forefathers were successful from getting out of foreign bondage, the present generation is still struggling for food, education and shelter. Abejuela though acknowledged the economic upliftment that the present officials do. For the governor‟s message read by Board Member Luzvminda Nacario, Tan said that
more infrastructure have been built to improve the lives of the people as well as roads to bolster agricultural productivity that can translate to more income, improvement of social services like better hospital services with the free medicines for the poor. “But there is still much to be done, our struggle is not yet over,” adding that only unity can push the Samarnons towards that end. She added that the provincial government has established links to national government entities to pour more projects in the area.
“As a nation gripped with difficulties and unending calamities, let us never lose sight of our love for the Philippines,” the message said. “We must rekindle and hold on to our pride for our country and for our countrymen because only then can we find the right path towards the future that our forefathers fought and envisioned for us.” The short but sweet commemoration was attended by the men in uniform and a thousand government employees. (nbq/PIA 8-Samar)
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. One Visayas e-newsletter is part of the online news and information dissemination services of PIA and is powered by www.issuu.com. For inquiries and suggestions, call Tel. Nos. (033) 3378719/3377301 or e-mail piaamo6@yahoo.com.
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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