Vol 5
Issue 30
In this Issue WESTERN VISAYAS
Published by: PIA 6, 7 & 8
July 27 - August 2, 2015
OCD-8 releases P46M cash assistance for 'Yolanda' victims MARCELO M. PEDALINO MAASIN CITY, Southern Leyte, July 28 (PIA) -- The Office of Civil Defense (OCD) in Region 8 here has released a total of P46,335,000.00 financial assistance, as of June 30, 2015, to the victims of super typhoon Yolanda who were either killed or injured by the deadliest storm on record. This was learned from Acting OCD Regional Director Rey Gozon in an interview on the sidelines of the National Simultaneous Earthquake Drill (NSED) held at the Capitol grounds Thursday last week. The conduct of the NSED, which was spiced with a fire drill using the aerial ladder of the city fire department, was embedded in the week-long Regional Rescue Jamboree participated by more than a dozen active rescue units all over the region.. For death claims, out of the 4,180 applications, 3,946
were already released, while for injured persons, out of 2,017 who applied, 1,305 had been given the needed assistance, Gozon said. He added that OCD, an office under the Department of National Defense and the mandated head of the national and regional disaster risk reduction management councils, extends aids in the form of cash assistance to individual victims of natural calamities, P10,000.00 for death, and P5,000.00 for those injured. Processing of claims has been on-going, Gozon also said. On November 8, 2013, a killer storm by the name Yolanda left a wide path of wreckage and destruction to lives and properties when it crossed the Visayas regions, in which several towns in Leyte province, including Tacloban City, were badly hit by its rampaging more than 300kph strong winds. (ajc/mmp/PIA8-Southern Leyte)
cited the achievements of the Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program or 4Ps, as his administration‘s thrust in attaining ‗inclusive growth‘ He said the scope of this program has vastly expanded now with more than 4.4 million households feeling the benefits, which is extremely far from the 786,523 households covered by the program prior his administration. In Western Visayas, there are 320,000 households covered by the program which utilized the conditional cash transfer (CCT) scheme wherein beneficiaries receive cash grants based on their compliance to their coresponsibilities. All of these beneficiaries, he said, will gain important knowledge; instead of entering menial jobs and once they graduate, it is almost certain that they will find jobs that will pay them a decent salary. Under Pantawid Pamilya, in exchange for assistance, the primary focus of beneficiaries must be the education of their children and this has already borne early fruit. According to studies conducted by the Philippine Institute for Development Studies, in 2008, there were 2.9 million out-of-school children in the country. The years passed and our population grew, but in 2013, only 1.2 million out-of-school children remained. ―Idiin po natin ang diperensiya: 1.7 million. Para po
in Region 6 has at the most three children covered by the program or nearly a million children benefiting from cash grants being released by the government to ensure that they are sent to school and kept healthy. In 2015, the government‘s CCT program yielded 34 high school valedictorians from the six provinces of Region 6. The 4Ps, implemented by the Department of Social Welfare and Development in partnership with the Department of Education and the Department of Health, is an investment in human capital that ensures that children belonging to poor households, particularly those aged 0-18, grow up healthy and stay in school. (JCM/LTP/PIA-Iloilo)
Handog Titulo: Undersecretary Manuel D. Gerochi (3rd from L) of the Department of Environment and Natural Resources congratulates a beneficiary of Handog Titulo Program from the Municipality of Anini-y during the distribution of 1,023 land titles at EBJ Freedom Park, San Jose on Wednesday. With him are (L-R) Jessie Vego Asst. Regional Director for Technical Services, Register of PNoy cites 4Ps in attaining inclusive growth Deeds Antique OIC Jose Leo A. Casibual, SB nating pinuno ng estudyante ang humigit-kumulang 42,500 Member Maxfil B. Pollicar , PENRO Ruel delos By Leonard T. Pineda I ILOILO CITY, July 28 (PIA6) --- President Benigno na bakanteng classroom,‖ he stressed. Reyes, Vice Gov. Edgar Denosta and Governor Aquino III, in his last State of the Nation Address (SONA), Each of the more than 300,00 families covered by 4Ps Rhodora Cadiao. . (PSM/PIA6Antique)
More on Region 6, pages 2-3. Also CLICK Here…
CENTRAL VISAYAS
Australian Ambassador Bill Tweddell hands the framed engraved Bohol map detailing the 14 road segments rehabilitated under the PRMF to Gov Edgar Chatto and VGov Concepcion Lim, while DILG 7 RD Rene Bordeos, Provincial Engineer Gavino Redulla and the 7 contractors took turns in handling over the framed map to Bohol local authorities in a ceremonial trun-over July 22 at the Bohol Cultural Center. (rac/PIA-7/Bohol)
President Aquino cites 4Ps achievements towards inclusive growth in his 2015 SONA, July 27. (www.gov.ph)
Metro Cebu administrative body hopes to be legalized soon More on Region 7, pages 4-5. Also CLICK Here…
EASTERN VISAYAS
School children took deworming tablets during the simultaneous launching of the National School Deworming Day at the Abuyog South Central School Auditorium, Abuyog, Leyte, July 29. (Vino R. Cuayzon/PIA8)
More on Region 8, pages 6-7. Also CLICK Here...
Ferliza C. Contratista CEBU CITY, July 30 (PIA)—The move to formally declare Metro Cebu as an administrative region is hoped to be realized soonest to ensure sustainability of the Mega Cebu Roadmap. Movers of the Mega Cebu vision emphasized at the Kapihan sa PIA the need for the legality of the Metro Cebu Development and Coordinating Board (MCDCB) as a clustered administrative region. MCDCB consultant Atty. Lisa Osorio said, there is a need to finally make the body into law to ensure continuity of the Mega Cebu Roadmap. Mega Cebu is the branding of the inter-local cooperation towards a more sustainable, smart and inclusive ciy-region. The roadmap which started in 201, plotted the collaborative plans of the 14 local government units in Metro Cebu along with private and civic organizations about common areas of concern. ―And the roadmap is now ready, so it is better to have this body formalized for the implementation,‖ Osorio said. She said, although the set up now MCDCB is covered by a Memorandum of Agreement (MOA), it is not binding enough.
Cebu‘s congressmen already made the intention to propose the legislation after the recess of the House of Congress, she said. They had recently made consultations with the concerned stakeholders as they want the legal body to be almost perfect. Ramon Aboitiz Foundation Inc. (RAFI) executive director Evelyn Nacario said, the roadmap is a concerted effort threshing out the issues and concerns of the 13 cities and municipalities and the Province of Cebu. National Economic and Development Authority (NEDA) assistant regional director Jun Ledres said, the realization of Mega Cebu will address the traffic, flooding, garbage problems Metro Cebu. The areas of cooperation, he said, include urban and land use planning and zoning; transport and traffic management; pollution control; flood control, urban shelter; health and sanitation; public safety; road improvement and infrastructure development; coastal, watershed and environmental management and disaster risk reduction and climate change adaptation and management. Mega Cebu carries the tagline ―Making Waves (Wholesome, Advanced, Vibrant, Equitable, Sustainable)‖. (mbcn/fcc/PIA7-Cebu)
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WESTERN VISAYAS
Thousands avail Pacific Partnership medical, dental services Jemin B. Guillermo ROXAS CITY, Capiz, July 28 (PIA6) – Thousands of Capiceños availed of the various health services by the international servicemen who joined the Pacific Partnership 2015 in Capiz.
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n Cuartero town alone, more than 1,000 residents benefited from the medical, dental and optometry services by the team. Mayor Tito Mayo said that while they only targeted 50 residents from every barangay with a total of 22 barangays, there were also residents from other provinces like Iloilo and other neighboring towns in the province who also availed of such services. Mayo said that their people patiently waited for their turn to avail of the health services from the international community, lining up starting early morning. For Pacific Partnership Public Affairs Officer Lt. Timothy Pietrack, the overwhelming support of the local government unit of Cuartero made it a successful event of the town.
He also acknowledged the hospitality and the warm appreciation and welcome of the people of Capiz for the team. Pietrack said that their various engagements in Capiz have been a learning experience for every member of the team which could also be shared in their next Pacific Partnership engagements in the other parts of the world. ―We are honored and privileged to have worked with the Filipino people, particularly the Armed Forces of the Philippines and other government officials for they are very professionals and so welcoming,‖ he said. He said that their stay in the Philippines, which is their longest ever Pacific Partnership engagement so far, was an opportunity to know more about the culture of the Filipino
people. Included in the Pacific engagements in Capiz are the medical, dental, veterinary and engineering civic action, including disaster preparedness capacity building and gender and development training. The medical engagements were earlier conducted in barangays Culasi and Loctugan in Roxas City as well as in Cuartero, while the Sigma town medical civic action is scheduled also this week. The veterinary civic actions were likewise done in Dumarao, Cuartero and next in Pontevedra. The surgical procedure for a short day recovery period cases are ongoing onboard United States Naval Ship Hospital Mercy docked in Culasi, Roxas City. (JCM/JBG/PIA6 -Capiz)
DOH, DepEd deworms 234K public school children By Easter Anne D. Doza NEGROS OCCIDENTAL, July 29 (PIA6) - - The Department of Health together with the Department of Education held a synchronized and harmonized deworming activity to 234,000 public school children in the province during the National School Deworming Day Launch, July 29.
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he launching was held at Hinigaran Elementary School-A in Hinigaran town where school children were also taught proper hand washing, fed before administering the deworming drugs and were also taught proper way to brush their teeth after taking the deworming tablets. Department of Health regional director Dr. Marlyn Convocar said that the simultaneous deworming launches were also conducted in two other priority provinces in the region – San Jose, Antique and Leganes, Iloilo. The nationwide deworming activity targets 16 million while for Western Visayas 1-million pre and school age children aged 5-12
years old were given the deworming tablets. DepEd OIC-Assistant Schools Division Superintendent Anthony Liobet told PIA that the prior to giving the dosage, teachers oriented the parents on the campaign and they welcomed activity because they also see this need for their children. ―Health is important for the school children. It is difficult to learn if the student is not healthy. Concentration is always a challenge during classes if students are sick,‖ Liobet said. DOH National Schistosomiasis Control Program Coordinator Dr. Winston Palaci said the purpose of the harmonized, synchronized deworming of 16-million public school children
nationwide is to eradicate one of the causes why children get sick. ―This is a product of a multi-sectoral collaboration of civil society organizations, people‘s organization and government agencies to show the world that we can do this in one day,‖ Palaci added. Soil Transmitted Helminth Infections or worm infections are among the most common infections worldwide transmitted through eggs present in human feces or waste which contaminates the soil. According to DepEd data, school age children typically have the highest intensity of worm infection of any age group. *(JCM/EAD -PIA6 Negros Occidental)
10 Iloilo towns recognized for nutri efforts Lilibeth A. French ILOILO CITY, July 28 (PIA6) - - The Iloilo provincial government through the Provincial Nutrition Committee on Monday recognized the top ten nutritionally improved municipalities and best performers in the implementation of the nutrition program in the province in 2014.
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r. Raul Banias, Provincial Administrator awarded the cash prizes and certificates of recognition to the winners during the culmination program of the province‘s Nutritional Month celebration this year at the Provincial Capitol‘s lobby. He was assisted by Board Member Shalene Hidalgo, Provincial Health Officer II Dr. Patricia Grace Trabado and Provincial Nutrition Action Officer Dr. Ma. Socorro Colmenares-Quinon. Among the top ten nutritionally improved municipalities, New Lucena emerged first place having registered the lowest prevalence of undernutrition of 2.08 percent. It took home P35,000 worth of check and a certificate of
recognition. Pavia came in second registering a 2.46 percent prevalence of undernutrition; Tubungan, third, with 2.92 percent; Miag-ao, fourth with 3.25 percent; and Tigbauan with 3.48 percent. Each municipality received certificates of recognition and checks worth P30,000, P25,000, P20,000, and P15,000, respectively. Completing the top ten are Cabatuan, Oton, Sta. Barbara, Pototan and Btac. Viejo. Each received P10,000 and certificate of recognition The municipalities of Balasan, Dingle and Anilao were also awarded each with P5,000 and certificate of recognition for being top performers in the implementation of Garantisadong Pambata
(GP) program as indicated by the GP report 2013 -2014. On the other hand, Salvacion Natinga of Sinugbahan, San Joaquin was named as the Best Performing Barangay Nutrition Scholar. Aside from a certificate of recognition, she won P5,000. Other awardees are Marivic Franco of Poblacion, New Lucena, second, and Florigen Baron of Jelicuon Oeste, New Lucena, third. Both took home P4,000 and P3,000 cash prizes. Banias, in his message, urged local government units to take actions to reduce the prevalence rate of malnutrition in the province, currently, at 6.94, which remains a challenge. (JCM/LAF/PIA-Iloilo)
WESTERN VISAYAS
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Gender, development issues, hazards, APEC topbill journ lectures Elsa S. Subong ILOILO CITY, July 28(PIA)—Development issues on gender and development, geological hazards and the Asia Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) meetings are among the topics incorporated in this year’s series of campus journalism trainings of the Philippine Information Agency.
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he seminar-workshops set off July 29-31 for its first batch of student paper writers coming from the colleges, universities and SUCs of Iloilo, Guimaras and Aklan. PIA-6 Director Janet Mesa said the developmental topics will equip the student writers with information which they can write about in the student publications. Mesa said issues on gender and development are relevant as they cut across situations and the other academic disciplines. ―The discussion will not only enable them to write but make them informed
about the gender roles as they affect society,‖ Mesa said. As to inputs on geologic hazards, Mesa said the situation today call on all sectors to be prepared for disasters. ―Knowing about the geological hazards of their areas will enable them to disseminate information in their communities,‖ she added. On the other hand, Mesa said, student writers should also be able to understand what the APEC meetings are all about, as Iloilo will host the meetings in September, besides the ones already completed. ―Practically, the whole of
Western Visayas is involved in the APEC meetings and we want the people to be at least aware, through the help of our student writers,‖ Mesa said. She added that, in fact, it is the next generation that will see the benefits of the APEC policies set today. The PIA in Western Visayas is the only one which has a long and sustaining program for the training and development of school paper writers. The seminar workshops, besides the first batch, is set on the following schedules: Aug. 5-7, Aug. 12-14, Aug. 19-21 and September 1-3. (JCM/ESS/PIA -Iloilo)
Clean-up of Aklan river tributaries up By Venus G. Villanueva KALIBO, Aklan, July 28 (PIA6) -- The provincial government of Aklan, through its Aklan Rivers Development Council (ARDC), will be spearheading a clean-up drive of the Aklan River’s tributaries located in the municipalities of Libacao, Madalag, Malinao, Lezo, Banga, Numancia and Kalibo, Aklan on August 14, 2015.
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his activity, to be joined by an estimated 1,000 participants, was set during a recent launching of the Mass -Based Disaster Risks Reduction and Climate Change Adaptation (DRR/CCA) Project at the Kusina Sa Kalibo organized by the Provincial Planning and Development Office (PPDO) here. The project, according to Engr. Roger M. Esto, PPD Coordinator, will serve as the people‘s contribution to help reduce the incidence of flooding/soil erosion; the community‘s contribution to help protect/ conserved and preserve the environment and in helping promote and enhance everyone‘s participation to development and disaster risk management. Flooding and soil erosion has been a perennial problem in Aklan for years, especially during the strong typhoons that occurred in
the province which caused deaths, mostly by drowning, like in the case of Typhoon Frank with 52 deaths and 2 still missing as of this time, according to Galo Ibardolaza, Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (PDRRMC) Executive Officer, who showed a PDRRMO presentation on the DRR/ CCA at the launching. The clean-up of Aklan tributaries is aimed to clear the waterways of debris so that water could flow smoothly when heavy rains come. The activity was set in response to the latest pronouncement of the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysicial and Astronomical Services (PAGASA) that the rainy season has already started and that 10 to 15 tropical cyclones may enter the Philippine Area of Responsibility (PAR) from May to October this year. During the clean-up, participants who are nearest to their areas will be the ones to clean
the river tributaries as they are familiar with the places. The Aklan River has tributaries in Libacao, Madalag, Malinao, Lezo, Banga, Kalibo and Numancia, the towns traversed by the Aklan River before it goes out to the sea. Besides the members of the ARDC, PDRRMC, the MDRRMCs of the respective municipalities and provincial and municipal officials and employees, tapped to help in the clean-up are students of colleges and universities who are enrolled under the Civic Welfare Training Service (CWTS). Meanwhile, as Executive Director of the ARDC, Atty. Allen S. Quimpo stressed the importance of the clean-up of the tributaries as this is very vital for Aklan, being always ravaged by typhoons, and called for effective measures for a community-based approach in disaster preparedness. (JCM/VGV PIA6 Aklan)
DENR distributes 1,000 land titles By Vicente W. Villavert SAN JOSE, Antique, July 28 (PIA6) - - A total of 1,000 patents/title will be distributed to qualified beneficiaries by the Department of Environment and Natural Resources during the Handog Titulo Program which will be conducted on Wednesday July 29 at the EBJ Freedom Park, here.
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rovincial Environment and Natural Resources Officer Ruel L. delos Reyes of DENR Antique said that the activity is ―our effort to deliver full ownership of land titles to our patentees.‖ De los Reyes said that the primary thrust of the program is to
expedite the processing and issuance of public land patents to qualified beneficiaries. The activity will be graced by Undersecretary for Policy, Planning and Foreign Assisted Programs Manuel D. Gerochi, DENR Region 6 Director Jim O. Sampulna, Governor Rhodora J. Cadiao,
Congressman Paulo Everardo S. Javier, and other DENR key officials. The DENR PENRO Antique also called on the beneficiaries to bring with them valid identification during the program at the EBJ Freedom Park. (JCM/VWV/PIA Antique)
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CENTRAL VISAYAS
DFA: Consider West PH Sea issue in choosing next president Roi Anthoni B. Lomotan DUMAGUETE CITY, July 30 (PIA) -- The issue of the territorial dispute over West Philippine Sea should factor in choosing the country’s next chief executive.
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his was a reminder from Department of Foreign Affairs Spokesperson and Asec. Charles Jose to Oriental Negrenses during a Multi-Sectoral Forum on West Philippine Sea held in Dumaguete City on July 23. Asec. Jose reiterated the tension between China and the Philippines over some features in the West Philippine Sea is one of the pressing issues the country faces that is why it is important that the public takes into consideration a candidate‘s position on the matter and his or her approach to resolve it. ―We have started the legal or the diplomatic track, the decision (of the arbitral tribunal) may be released within the term of President Aquino so it is important to hear the policy of the next president and this should factor in our choosing. The policy should be clear,‖Jose added. According to the DFA spokesman, the
government is pursuing the arbitration because they see it as an effective means to address the issue in a peaceful manner and in accordance to the rule of law. To recall, the Philippine government sent a delegation to The Hague, Netherlands to present the Philippines case before the arbitral tribunal. ―The arbitral tribunal heard arguments with regard to the issue of jurisdiction. They are studying if they have have jurisdiction to hear our case. In case the tribunal rules they have jurisdiction then we expect we will be invited again for another round of oral arguments but this time this will be on the merits of the case,‖ Asec. Jose said. The DFA, in cooperation with Philipine Information Agenct (PIA) conducted a Multi-Sectoral Forum on West Philippine Sea to
raise the public‘s awareness on the various issues related to West Philippine Sea dispute. Participants of the forum are composed of representatives from local government units, civil society, national government agencies, business, civil society, religious, fisherfolk, law enforcement and security as well as education sectors. He noted that the government wants the public to have a deeper understanding on the issue and the forum is one way of educating the public on the core issues of the dispute as well as government‘s legal and diplomatic action on the matter. ―The West PH Sea is a national interest which the country may lose up the 80 percent it its resources from its Exclusive Economic Zone (EZZ) if China continues to claim the territory,‖ he told attendees of the forum. (mbcn/ral/PIA7 -Negros Oriental)
APEC meetings a 'golden opportunity' to showcase Cebu CEBU CITY, July 28 (PIA) --- Hosting around 80 meetings of the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) 2015 Summit from August to October allows Cebu to showcase itself as a tourism and investment destination, a business leader here said.
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Since APEC is a major global organization that accounts for more than 45 percent of global trade, it will definitely give Cebu international exposure," according to Lito Maderazo, former Cebu Chamber of Commerce and Industry (CCCI) president and consultant of the APEC local organizing committee. APEC meetings give Cebu the "golden opportunity" to let the international community know more about what it has to offer, about its people, culture, and heritage, and the famous Cebuano hospitality, he pointed out. Maderazo said the most important event
in Cebu will be the Third Senior Officials' Meeting (SOM3) and it will be attended by delegates from the 21 APEC member economies with the equivalent posts of ministers (cabinet secretaries), undersecretaries, and bureau directors. SOM 3 and related meetings are scheduled from August 20 to September 6, 2015. "They represent various economic portfolios in their respective economies. They are officials with significant influence over their business communities," he cited. APEC member economies include Australia, Brunei, Canada, Chile, China, Hong
Kong, China, Indonesia, Indonesia, Japan, South Korea, Malaysia, Mexico, New Zealand, Papua New Guinea, Peru, Philippines, Russia, Singapore, Taiwan, United States, and Vietnam. According to him, giving the APEC delegates an experience that is pleasant and wholesome will go a long way towards helping Cebu's tourism and investment promotions. He urged Cebu businesses to be aware of the meeting dates and contribute in whatever way they can and for establishments to play the role of good host and provide the visitors with a memorable experience. (rmn/PIA7/Cebu/ Cebu Province PIO and InnoPub Media)
Negrenses support West PH Sea claims BY JENNIFER C. TILOS NEGROS ORIENTAL, Dumaguete City, July 27 (PIA) -- ―The West PH Sea is a national interest which the country may lose up the 80 percent of its resources from its Exclusive Economic Zone (EZZ) if China continues to claim the territory.‖
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epartment of Foreign Affairs (DFA) Assistant Secretary and spokesperson Charles Jose said, Negrenses should be aware and understand on what the Philippines is fighting for in the disputed territory with China on the West Philippine Sea in a recent series of information drive in Dumaguete City. Asec Jose said China demonstrated assertive and aggressive actions in claiming the 9-dash line which the West PhilippineSea has a huge economic importance to the lives of the Filipinos living in its coastal areas. The 9-dash line encompasses the entire West Philippine Sea which China claims contrary on the international maritime law, the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Seas (UNCLOS). China right now, stages its massive
explorations in the disputed territories believed to have stable sources of oil, energy and mineral deposits, ―this is a clear violation of international law,‖ said Asec Jose. With this, the Philippine government is bringing China to international court and to the ASEAN. DFA spokesperson said ―We‘re done with bilateral talks and it didn‘t work out so, we are trying legal and diplomatic means. We are optimistic our case is favorable from the international arbiters.‖ Nevertheless, the Philippines will still continue to push for peaceful negotiations and diplomatic actions in the midst of China's indisputable claim of sovereignty and assertive and aggressive actions to enforce their claims to Philippine territory. ―Despite the issues at present it has not
affected our other areas of cooperation—our economic and socio cultural ties. We are against just against China government‘s policy but not its people, we still maintain better economic and trade relations with China,‖ DFA official said. In a Campus Forum on #WestPHSea@ Silliman University, most students expressed concern and appreciated much the Philippine government's actions on the issue sparked by China's seizure of territories within the Philippines' economic zone. The Multi-Sectoral and Campus Fora on West Philippine Sea spearheaded by the Philippine Information Agency (PIA) and Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) gathered more than 350 participants in Dumaguete City on July 23 as part of the nationwide information campaign. (mbcn/ jct/PIA7-Negros Oriental)
CENTRAL VISAYAS
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DFA tackles West PH Sea issue with Dumaguete studes BY JENNIFER C. TILOS DUMAGUETE CITY, July 30 (PIA) – China’s massive reclamation activities in disputed West Philippine Sea territories caused destruction to marine environment and fishing industry.
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his was stressed recently by Foreign Affairs spokesperson Charles Jose to more than 200 colleges and universities students in a Campus Forum at Silliman University, Dumaguete City. The students showed concern on the ecological damage created by China in the Philippine territorial boundaries, as Silliman is an environmental advocate that gains stature in the fields of environmental and marine sciences being known as a Center of Excellence in Coastal Resources Management. DFA Asec Jose said ―The PH government tried bilateral talks with China to settle the issue. We have exhausted all reasonable efforts.‖ This led the Philippines to file an arbitration case against China to seek clarification and
determine each feature and characteristic of the disputed areas, including its maritime entitlement. It also filed the case in the arbitral tribunal of United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS) last January 22, 2013. Jose said that the oral arguments presented by the Philippines were done on July 7 to 13 this year and the court‘s final decision [of territorial sovereignty] is expected to come out around January to April 2016. Aside from the tension over the West Philippine Sea, Jose emphasized that ―the country is against China‘s claim, not to the Chinese.‖ He added that the issue is not affecting any transactions between China and the Philippines. Under UNCLOS provision, the Philippines has maritime entitlements measured 200 nautical
miles from the baseline. ―Under our EEZ (exclusive economic zone), tayo lamang po ang may exclusive sovereign rights and jurisdiction to explore, exploit, develop, and manage the natural resources that we own,‖ said Jose. In partnership with Philippine Information Agency (PIA), the forum is a series of lectures conducted in different places throughout the country where students, faculty, and staff from different colleges and universities in Dumaguete participated in it. DFA spokesperson also encouraged the audience to talk about the topic to their families, parents, siblings, and friends to establish an informed citizenry among the Filipinos. (mbcn/jct/PIA7-Negros Oriental/ with reports from Andrea Lim, SU intern)
'Hakab Na!' to gather breastfeeding Filipino mothers Jennifer C. Tilos DUMAGUETE CITY, July 28 (PIA) -- Over 55,000 online support group including the DAGIT Dumaguete bloggers have called on lactating mothers or the breastfeeding Pinays to join the ―HaKab Na! 2015‖ on August 1 in celebration of National Breastfeeding Awareness Month of August.
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ow on its third year, Hakab Na! 2015 will gather breastfeeding families, lactation experts, peer counselors, and breastfeeding advocacy supporters to boost awareness of the health and economic benefits of breastfeeding, promote the importance of providing proper support to breastfeeding mothers, and ultimately create a breastfeeding nation. The central event of this simultaneous breastfeeding activity will be held at 500 Shaw Centrum Blvd., Mandaluyong City which is part of ―The Big Latch On,‖ an international activity where mothers latch on their babies from different locations around the world to create a world record. According to blogger Maja Arbolado of DAGIT Dumaguete, this year‘s celebration will highlight the breastfeeding mothers who work outside the home.
In 2014, the Philippines logged a total of 1,772 mom-and-baby pairs breastfeeding in Bacolod, Cagayan de Oro, Cebu, Davao, Manila and Iloilo. This year‘s Hakab Na! will be bigger with additional locations in Dumaguete, Alabang, Aklan, Baguio-Benguet, Bulacan, Isabela, Laguna, Nueva Ecija, Pampanga, Zambales and Singapore. Arbolado said the half-day event in Dumaguete City will also feature talks on various breastfeeding topics and breast milk storage, according to blogger Maja Arbolado of DAGIT Dumaguete. Republic Act 10028 or the Expanded Breastfeeding Promotion Act of 2009 obliges the State to promote and encourage breastfeeding through specific measures that present opportunities for mothers to continue expressing their milk for their children. One of the highlights of the law is that it
gives the lactating mother and additional 40-minute breaktime for every eight-hour working period, on top of time-off for meals, to express milk. Offices should also provide a lactation station where mothers can express and store their milk. Studies have also shown that it is in the company‘s best interest to help mothers succeed in breastfeeding while at work. According to the International Labor Organiz ati on (IL O), employees wh o breastfeed have improved productivity and increased loyalty. Due to the health benefits of breastfeeding the child, breastfeeding mothers have also logged less absences and health care costs have decreased. There is also a lower employee turnover and an enhanced public image of the company. (rmn/jct/PIA7-Negros Oriental)
TESDA offers free nat'l TVET-NATCAC in NegOr BY JENNIFER C. TILOS NEGROS ORIENTAL, Dumaguete City, July 29 (PIA) – The Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (Tesda) here announces its national technical vocational education and training (TVET) competency assessment and certification (NATCAC) on July 31 to August 31, this year.
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ESDA offeres this national competency certification for free to respond to its mandate in the development of world class Filipino workers. The NATCAC program is intended for seven sectors that include Automotive and Land Transport (Driving NC I-II), Construction (carpentry NC II, electrical installation & maintenance NC II, masonry NC II, plumbing NC II, rigid on highway dump truck NC II), Electronics (computer system servicing II, electronic product assembly services NC II), Garments (dressmaking NC II), Health, Social and other Community
Development Services (caregiving NC II), Metals and Engineering (shielded metal arc welding NC II), and Tourism (cookery NC II, bread and pastry NC II, food and beverage NC II). The assessment may be used for workers who want to apply and qualify for higher skilled, higher paying jobs locally and abroad. Interested applicants must come from the workers or industry practitioners and carrer shifter, trainer of provate and public Technical Vocational Institutions, TLE teachers of Grades 9 and 10, public utility vehicle drivers, and returning
overseas Filipino workers. To ensure the integrity of the assessment exercise, competency assessors and TESDA technical representatives are assigned to conduct the assessment. To avail this free assessment and certification program, applicants may visit TESDA-Negros Oriental provincial office at Capitol Area, Dumaguete City or you call (035) 225-15778. The National Certificate of those who will pass will be issued a week after the date of the assessment. (mbcn/jct/PIA7-Negros Oriental)
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EASTERN VISAYAS
Cook fest cap nutri month in Maasin City MA. REBECCA G. CADAVOS MAASIN CITY, Southern Leyte, July 30 (PIA) -- The Nutrition Month celebration this July culminated its activities with a cook fest, Pabasa sa Nutrisyon, lectures on teenage pregnancy, violence against women and children, responsible parenthood, among other talking points on nutrition health-related programs.
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AASIN CITY, Southern Leyte, July 30 (PIA) -- The Nutrition Month celebration this July culminated its activities with a cook fest, Pabasa sa Nutrisyon, lectures on teenage pregnancy, violence against women and children, responsible parenthood, among other talking points on nutrition health-related programs. Maasin City Social Welfare Aide Fe Nida Sy informed that for the month of July, series of Pabasa sa Nutrisyon was held in each barangay throughout Maasin City, while other barangays also conducted their own nutrition culmination activities based on this year‘s theme, ―Timbang Iwasto sa Tamang Nutrisyon at
Ehersisyo,‖ which also include hataw and zumba exercises. Sy reported that the city social welfare office conducted a short program, Ju l y 2 8 at B ar an g a y T a gn ip a gym highlighting the Ten Kumainments of the Department of Health (DOH) as the guide to every Pinoy‘s healthy life. She said that city Nutritionist Michelle Siega discussed the Ten Kumainments. The 10 Kumainments was followed by a cook fest participated by parents of day care children distributed into nine clusters throughout Maasin City. During the cook fest, the parents cooked different low-cost but nutritious
foods such as ginataang gulay, tinolang gulay with either fish, shrimp or crab to add flavor, vegetable afritada, fresh vegetable lumpia, ginataang suso with vegetables, to name a few. The first three winners went home with the following cash prizes: 1st – P2,000; 2nd – P1,500: and P1,000 for the 3rd prize. A consolation prize of P500 was given to the six non-winning remaining contestants, she added. The criteria for the cook fest were as follows: 40% - nutritional value; 20% palatability; 20% - indigenous materials used; 10% - low cost; and another 10% for cleanliness and neatness of presentation. (ajc/rgc/PIA8-SoLeyte)
Solon assures help for Borongan's resettlement village SAMUEL D. CANDIDO BORONGAN CITY, Eastern Samar, July 29 (PIA) – Congressman Ben Evardone promised to help some survivors of typhoon ―Ruby‖ who are now residing in a temporary resettlement community in barangay Sabang Suribao this city.
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e said this in an interview granted to DYES Radyo ng Bayan on July 17, 2015 where he expressed support and commitment to help the residents to be relocated to a safer place. According to the Congressman, he already instructed Mr. Cesar Basilga, Barangay Chairman of brgy. Sabang Suribao to look for a residential lot.
He added, that if the Barangay can find the place, he will help them access funds to build permanent houses either through the Core Shelter Program of the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) or Pabahay Program of the National Housing Authority (NHA), as it is the program of the national government to relocate residents who are living in danger
zones. Cong. Evardone shared his experience when he and city Mayor Fe Abunda visited the barangay hours before ―Ruby‖ made landfall. He said that, then and there, he knew that the water from the river will overflow. Hence, the importance of a residential lot so he can make representation to DSWD and other NHA. (aen/sdc/PIA ESamar)
Consumers welfare protected through Timbangan ng Bayan NINFA B. QUIRANTE CATBALOGAN CITY, Samar, July 29 (PIA) - To safeguard the rights of consumers, some 48 weighing scales were distributed by the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) to different local government units with operational markets in Samar on Tuesday.
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his, according to DTI-Samar When asked by PIA who are the DTI Chief Meilou Macabare is in partners that implemented this, Nierras accordance with the Consumer mentioned the support of congressmen Act of the Philippines or Republic Act Sergio Apostol and Lucy Torres both of 7394. Leyte. The weighing scales will be installed in This is the third distribution in the the public market where consumers can region with Leyte and Biliran leading, the validate their weighed purchases. director said. Even island towns were ―We will install the ‗timbangan‘ afforded the weighing scales with their in all operational markets,‖ said DTI LCEs around like Mayor Vicente Limpiado Regional Director Cynthia Nierras who of Tagapul-an, Mayor Lilia Conejos of Sto attended the distribution and signed a Nino and Mayor Lucia Astorga of Memorandum of Agreement with the Daram - all three are island towns in LCEs present. Samar province. Other mayors in the
mainland were also around as they have to sign a Memorandum of Agreement as regards the care of the timbangan enclosed in ‗cages‘, DTI meanwhile supervises the project. Nierras urged the public to use the timbangan to make sure they are getting their money‘s worth and are not shortchanged. She also urged the vendors to calibrate their weighing scales properly for smooth operations and to avoid unnecessary charges that goes with fraudulent weighing scales. (nbq/PIA 8-Samar)
EASTERN VISAYAS
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Construction of P14M Naval evacuation center starts RODRIGO S. VICTORIA NAVAL, Biliran, July 28 (PIA) - Residents of Naval, the capital town of Biliran province who oftentimes find it hard to seek temporary shelter in times of typhoons need not worry anymore as the construction of a modern evacuation center has already been started in Naval.
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aval Mayor Susan V. Parilla together with Dario Cubelo, area coordinator of the United Nations Development Program (UNDP) in Northwest Leyte and Biliran proudly reported the start of the construction of the Naval evacuation center on the occasion of the simple turn-over ceremony of farm tools and kits at the mayor‘s office for the first batch of Naval farmers who underwent training sponsored by the UNDP. The Naval evacuation center that is situated in the upper portion of Sitio Dapdap in Barangay Agpangi this town, costs P14M said Cubelo. Cubelo informed that this is the only UNDP-funded
evacuation center in Biliran province where the counterpart of LGU-Naval is the lot where the structure is erected. In an interview with Raoul Villordon, Naval municipal disaster risk reduction management officer (MDRRMO), he revealed that the evacuation center is a two-storey building with a total floor area of 204 square meters. Villordon added that the evacuation center funded by the UNDP can accommodate 200 to 250 families with an everage of five members per family. He further reported that the evacuation center is complete with generating set, has a storage area, has complete toilets for male and female
evacuees and has a solar power panel. Villordon further reported that the evcuation center is expected to be finished in the month of September or early October this year since the contract time is only three months. ―We can assure that the evacuation center constructed is really safe since UNDP has hired a consultant who takes charge of supervising the construction on a daily basis‖ the Naval MDRRMO added. He revealed that the consultant even replaced some big steel bars that are supposed to be used since said material did not pass the quality test specified in the program of works. (ajc/fj/rsv/PIA 8 Biliran)
Officials, NGOs assess recovery progress in Tacloban City CONSUELO B. ALARCON TACLOBAN CITY, Leyte, July 27 (PIA) – Nearly two years after typhoon Yolanda devastated this city, local government officials, non-government organizations and other stakeholders gathered Wednesday at Leyte Park Hotel Convention Center A, this city to look into the progress made in terms of recovery.
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he Tacloban resettlement forum was organized by Oxfam, an international non-government organization who have been helping the city since the emergency phase until today. The forum became the venue for the government resettlement cluster, non government organizations and civil society groups to discuss the developments made in the city. It was also the venue for the Yolanda
survivors to air their immediate concerns related to resettlement and the responses made by the government resettlement cluster of some issues and concerns of the internally displaced persons (IDPs). In response, Marilyn Lauzon, National Housing Authority (NHA) Officer-in-charge Project Manager said that the government remains committed to complete the resettlement housing projects for Yolanda survivors in the city.
NHA is responsible for the land development of the 10-hectare property in the northern barangays where the permanent housing units are located. In terms of land development, NHA has accomplished 95.53 percent of the 10 hectare lot which is owned by the City Government of Tacloban. It was learned that 14, 433 permanent housing units are being constructed for Yolanda survivors in the city. (ajc/cba/ PIA-8)
Southern Leyte to launch 'Dugo Mo, Kinabuhi Mo' MA. REBECCA G. CADAVOS MAASIN CITY, Southern Leyte, July 30 (PIA) – The provincial government of Southern Leyte in close coordination with the Philippine Red Cross-Southern Leyte Chapter and the Department of Health (DOH) will launch the ―Dugo Mo Kinabuhi Mo‖ blood donation program on August 1, 2015.
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he blood donation activity is headed by the Provincial Voluntary Blood Services Council chaired by Gov. Roger G. Mercado. It will be held at the Provincial coliseum, Asuncion, Maasin City, PRC-Southern Leyte Chapter Head Jonas Maco informed. He said that the activity is aimed to inten sify 100 % volun teers an d non-remunerated blood donation and to
instill the practice of a healthy lifestyle in every citizen, as well as to launch formally the said blood services council. The day activity will start in the morning at 8:30 with a motorcade around the city proper going to the provincial capitol for the venue, to be followed by a short program, then the launching and an oath taking of council officials and the mass blood donation will commence, Maco reported.
The activity is expected to be participated by the Philippine National Police (PNP), Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP), Department of Education (DepEd), the academe, among other local officials and employees. The provincial government through the governor is looking forward for a dynamic partnership with the Philippine Red Cross to help achieve the goal of saving lives. (rgc/PIA8-SoLeyte)
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