Vol 5
Issue 37
In this Issue WESTERN VISAYAS
President Benigno S. Aquino III unveils the marker of the Iloilo Convention Center during its inauguration held Monday, September 14, 2015. The ICC (inset) is a state-of-the-art convention center in the Iloilo Business Park in Mandurriao, Iloilo City. (LTP/PIA-Iloilo)
More on Region 6, pages 2-3. Also CLICK Here…
CENTRAL VISAYAS
DA undersecretary Emerson Palad explains the WB-DA PRDP and its project components, which include intensified building of infrastructure and logistics for development to carry out the goal of increasing farm family incomes in the six-year project term. With him are Carolina Geron, World Bank Senior Rural Development Specialist and Engr Arnel de Mesa, National Deputy Project Director. (rac/PIA-7/Bohol)
More on Region 7, pages 4-5. Also CLICK Here…
EASTERN VISAYAS
Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) secretary Dinky Soliman (center) Margaretha Wahlstrom (right), UN special representative of the Secretary General and UN Resident and Humanitarian Coordinator Ola Almgren (right), DSWD and OCD officials during a breakfast meeting in Tacloban City, September 14. (Vino R. Cuayzon/PIA8)
More on Region 8, pages 6-7. Also CLICK Here...
Sept. 14 - 20, 2015
Published by: PIA 6, 7 & 8
ICC is fruit of ‗tuwid na daan‘ Leonard T. Pineda I ILOILO CITY, September 14 (PIA) --- President Benigno S. Aquino III said that the Iloilo Convention Center is a fruit of ―matuwid na daan‖, his administration‘s good governance policy. During the inauguration of the ICC held Monday, September 14, Aquino said that the new world-class structure in Iloilo City is a great example of the appropriate utilization of government funds. ―Kongkretong halimbawa po itong Iloilo Convention Center na sa Daang Matuwid, ang pera ng bayan, napupunta sa taumbayan lamang. Ang halaga ng proyektong ito: P713.31 million,‖ he said. The President said that the ICC aims to draw local and international guests for large-scale conferences and meetings not only in the city and province of Iloilo and in Western Visayas but also in nearby regions. ―Tunay po itong maipagmamalaki ng mga Ilonggo. Bukod sa disenyo nitong hango sa inyong Dinagyang at Paraw Festival, kahanga-hanga din ang world-class nitong kalidad,‖ he said. He said that the good news is that the ICC will be the venue for upcoming meetings of the Asia Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) summit in Iloilo City this month and in October. ―Balita ko po, may mga confirmed bookings at inquiries
na rin dito sa mga susunod na buwan hanggang sa susunod na taon,‖ he shared. He also said that building world-class structures and establishing better road networks are ways to attract more tourists to visit the provinces in the country like Iloilo. ―Ito namang pag-unlad ng turismo, direktang nakakalikha ng trabaho. At sa pagkakaroon ng higit na kakayahang paunlarin ang sarili, nakikiambag din ang mga mamamayan sa pag-unlad ng ekonomiya at ng lipunan,‖ he added. (JCM/LTP/PIA-Iloilo).
President Benigno S. Aquino III said that the Iloilo Convention Center (ICC) is a concrete example of ‗Daang Matuwid‘ during its inauguration, September 14, at the Iloilo Business Park, Mandurriao, Iloilo City. (PIA 6)
APEC intensifies moves to reduce aggregate energy Ferliza Calizar-Contratista CEBU CITY, Sept. 14 (PIA)—Members of the Asia Pacific Economic Conference (APEC) agreed to renew their commitment to intensify efforts reducing aggregate energy intensity by 45 percent by 2035. The APEC Expert Group on Energy Efficiency and Conservation (EGEEC), in its 46th meeting held at Marco Polo recently, reaffirmed its commitment to intensify efforts to reduce the aggregate energy intensity by 45% based on the 2005 level by 2035. Energy intensity is a comparative measure to determine the energy efficiency of each economy calculated as units of energy per unit of gross domestic product (GDP). Ways to have low energy intensities include application of energy efficient technologies in its buildings and industries; utilization of efficient mass transport system and vehicles; adoption of energy conservation measures. Highly productive economies also use high energy efficient appliances and equipment. In the meetings the APEC EGEEC actively pursues its Energy Smart Communities Initiatives (ESCI). There will be Knowledge Sharing Platforms (KSP) as a tool to consolidate ideas and best practices among the 21 APEC member economies.
The main pillars of the meetings are in pursuing Smart Transport, Smart Buildings, Smart Girds and Smart Jobs and Consumers. APEC Senior Officials, Finance Ministers and Other Related meetings concluded last week here in Cebu province. Cebu hosted over 80 meetings and 3,000 delegates and entourage. Meanwhile, the Asia Pacific Economic Cooperation (Apec) Cebu Action Plan was formally launched with the unveiling of the commemorative marker yesterday. The unveiling marked the conclusion of the Finance Ministers' Meeting of the 21 APEC member-economies, finalizing a milestone plan crafted and named after the Province of Cebu. Finance Sec. Cesar Purisima along with next APEC host Peru head of delegation Enzo Defillipi and China finance minister Lou Jiwei unveiled the marker at Shangri-la Mactan during a press conference. It was China that hosted APEC prior to the Philippines, while the next host country is Peru. The commemorative marker included significant features representing APEC‘s cooperation and major thrusts in the building of more inclusive and resilient economies. (fcc/ PIA7-Cebu)
UN official lauds recovery efforts in Leyte CONSUELO B. ALARCON TACLOBAN CITY, Leyte, Sept. 16 (PIA) – A high ranking official of the United Nations visited Leyte recently to assess the progress of the rehabilitation efforts in Yolanda affected areas. Special Representative of the Secretary General on Disaster Risk Reduction and Head of the UN International Strategy for Disaster Reduction (UNISDR) Ms. Margaretha Wahlstrom did her field visits to the city of Tacloban and in the municipalities of Tanauan, Palo and Javier, Leyte and she noted a big change in the rebuilding efforts particularly on the aspect of economy, infrastructure and the spirits of the people. In her visit to Tanauan, Leyte, she made a remark that two years is a long time in a person‘s life but a short time to recover after a big devastation. ―You know it takes courage to make so much progress. After two years, as a visitor I noticed a big change in the economy, in housing and the people‘s spirit," the UN official said. She likewise credited the local chief executives for their efforts to rebuild their respective communities. Despite some challenges and issues on potable water and electricity in some resettlement sites, the UN executive was elated at the progress that are evident in most of the affected areas particularly Tacloban, which she said had the most of the "Yolanda" impact. According to her, two years is a long time in individual
life but a short time to recover after a big devastation. ―Though housing still has to be done, the economy is rebuilding and the community is moving and I trust that in a few months many more houses will be full of people,‖ she said. She credited the local chief executives for their efforts to rebuild their communities. She said, she well understood some challenges on potable water and electricity in some resettlement sites. According to her, these life lines including children in school must be indicated as measures to quality life of the residents in resettlement areas. Ms. Wahsltrom arrived Sunday afternoon at Tacloban airport. She was warmly welcomed by Leyte Governor Leopoldo Dominico L. Petilla, Office of Civil Defense 8 Acting Regional Director Edgar L. Posadas and other regional directors of key DRRM member agencies in the region. She was accompanied by Mr. Ola Almgren, UN resident and humanitarian coordinator; Ambassador Alex Lamadrid, Assistant Secretary, Office of Civilian Security and Consular Concerns of the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA); OCD Defense Deputy Coordinator Director Romeo Fajardo, Assistant Secretary Vilma Cabrera of the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD), among others. The Leyte visit of the UN official was part of her three-day mission to the Philippines from September 13-15, 2015. (aen/cba/PIA-8)
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WESTERN VISAYAS
Drilon: PNoy makes Iloilo‘s impossible dreams possible By Elsa S. Subong ILOILO CITY, Sept. 14 (PIA6) — President Benigno S. Aquino III‘s story of accomplishments is embodied in a song, ―Impossible Dream‖, according to Senate President Franklin Drilon.
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rilon, who was with President Aquino in his visit to Iloilo today, was profuse in his thanks to the President for transforming Iloilo into a an attractive tourism and investment destination, which before he thought was an impossible dream. The Senate president said that five years ago cleaning up the dying Iloilo River was an impossible dream, but now the river is rehabilitated, with an esplanade that has become a premier tourist destination. Further, five years ago also, Drilon said, relocating the informal settlers living on the banks of Iloilo River was an impossible dream, but to day they are resettled in 1,000 units of low-cost housing in a model resettlement site. ―Who would have thought that the
four-lane Senator Benigno Aquino Avenue would be a 10-lane highway, with a red-tiled bicycle lane,‖ Drilon said, adding that the lane is the only one of its kind in the country. These and many more ―impossible dream‖ projects came to being, according to Drilon, narrowing down on the state-of-the-art and world class Iloilo Convention Center which Ilonggos never dreamed of, and the President was inaugurating, September 14. ―We built the ICC because we recognize the convention sector‘s immense potential to contribute to tourism growth and to the economic expansion of the province and the region as well,‖ Drilon said. The convention center will be the venue of three APEC Ministerial Meetings from September 21 to October 6, which is expected
to bring economic benefits to the province and promote personal and cultural exchanges. With this, Drilon added, the ICC will not only boost Iloilo‘s reputation as an impeccable location for convention, but will raise the profile of Western Visayas as APEC meetings‘ host. He further said that the realization of the ICC proves that nothing is impossible with strong political will and solidarity of sectors. ―Under your leadership, the Ilonggos dared to dream the impossible. And we succeeded,‖ he told President Aquino. The ICC is one of the two world class government-owned convention centers in the country, the other one being the Philippine International convention Center. (JCM/ESS/ PIA-Iloilo)
Antiqueños help in clean-up activities By Vicente W. Villavert San Jose, Antique, Sept. 18 (PIA6) - - The organizers of ―Let‘s Do It Philippines‖ will engage the Antiqueños to remove trash and debris from beaches and other areas during the conduct of coastal cleanup, and National Cleanup drive on September 19, and 20, 2015, respectively.
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Some five (5) percent of Antique‘s population or 25,000 Antiqueños are expected to participate to this noble undertaking,‖ said Marizka G. Juliano, Let‘s Do It Philippines Provincial Coordinator for Antique during the PIA Radio program. Juliano said that the activity of the Let‘s Do it Philippines movement is aimed at gathering five million Filipinos to work for the safety of the environment and to send a message to the rest of the countries of the world that the Philippines is not their garbage dumping ground. Juliano referred her statement to the recent incident of garbage
shipment to the Philippines from other countries. Juliano was joined by Ian B. Coronongan, Focal Person of Municipal Solid Waste Management Board, Culasi, Antique during the PIA Radio program, who also pointed out that the cleanup drive is a coordinated campaign involving the communities. According to Caronongan, the activity will also serve as an eye opener for everyone as people do not bother throw their garbage into bins properly. ―This is an ambitious program but we believe that we will achieve our goal to
increase the level of awareness of the public and hopefully bring forth changes in behavior,‖ Caronongan said. Juliano on the other hand urged participants to the cleanup drive to upload their pictures using #Let‘s Do It Philippines; # I am 5 Million; and #Let‘s Do It Antique. She said that September 20 per Memorandum of Agreement signed between the Environment Management Bureau and Let‘s Do It Philippines will now be observed as a National Cleanup Day every year to strengthen the program on environmental protection. (JCM/VWV/PIA Antique)
Kids should be taught value of money By Easter Anne D. Doza NEGROS OCCIDENTAL, Sept. 18 (PIA6) - - Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) Director for Financial Consumer Protection Department lawyer Prudence Angelita A. Kasala said financial awareness, like the concept and value of money, should be instilled during the formative years as this becomes the basis of lifelong habits.
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his interactive exhibit which will run until September 25 at the Grand Ballroom of Circle Inn Hotel and Suites in Bacolod City will teach children the concept and value of money, determine fake from authentic money and the different currencies in the world, this aside from the concept of a bank and an Automated Teller Machine by having a mock bank and ATM. They will also role play as bank manager, teller, security and client where they will try to use the mock ATM and learn how important a Personal Identification Number is, what a deposit account is and the services that could be rendered by an ATM. Kids will be given a budget and they will
be asked to shop in the ―pretend‖ grocery to learn the difference between needs and wants. Bacolod City Mayor Monico O. Puentevella in his message during the opening of the exhibit said that Bacolod needs this program because aside from being the City of Smiles, Bacolod is also a ―City of Spenders‖. The Bacolod exhibit is the 7th run of the BSP and the second in the Visayas next to Cebu. ―We believe that the conduct of MMK in Bacolod City is very timely considering that based on the last census in 2010, children below 14 years old comprised 29.1 percent of Bacolod‘s household population which shows quite a young population and signals a
burgeoning economy in the future,‖ Kasala said. To date, the exhibit was able to reach a total of 21,600 students from 17 schools excluding the 7,000 targeted students for Bacolod City. ―We must remind ourselves that childhood money memories will be their foundation as to how they will relate with money in their adult life. We also urge parents and teachers as well to be our advocates by acquiring a better understanding of financial concepts and by putting them into practice‖ Kasala added. *(JCM/EAD-PIA6 Negros Occidental)
WESTERN VISAYAS
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PNoy: Gov‘t measures in place for El Niño By Leonard T. Pineda I ILOILO CITY, Sept. 15 (PIA6) --- President Benigno S. Aquino III assured the public that necessary measures are in place to deal with the impact of the El Niño phenomenon.
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n a press conference after the inauguration of the Iloilo Business Park and the Iloilo Convention Center held September 14, Aquino said that steps are being taken to ensure adequate food production including cloud-seeding operations and distribution of drought-resistant seedlings. ―Isa sa mga ginagawa nating programa ngayon yung continuous na cloud seeding. Habang tag-ulan pinararami natin ‗yung ulan na bumabagsak sa atin, sana pumunta doon sa ating mga dams, mga dikes, sana makapasok rin doon sa tinatawag na aquifer na para may
pagkukunan tayo pagdating ‗nung kasagsagan ng El Niño,‖ he said. He said that the Department of Agriculture under Secretary Proceso Alcala will implement necessary interventions to help farmers and ensure that the country will have sufficient rice and food supply during the drought. ―Nakikipag-negotiations na rin ang NFA para mag-angkat tayo ng dagdag na bigas para nga masiguradong maski tamaan ‗yung ating sariling ani, meron tayong bigas pagdating ng kasagsagan nitong El Niño,‖ he said.
Meanwhile, DA Secretary Alcala said that they have started distributing drought-tolerant varieties of rice such as the Green Super Rice which is primarily being tested in the country. He said that aside from the continuous cloud-seeding operations, the agency is also distributing shallow tube wells in areas with low-water level. He also advised farmers to plant drought-resistant crops as temporary alternative for rice to cushion the effects of the looming prolonged dry spell. (JCM/LTP/ PIA-Iloilo)
LGUs move to stop human trafficking, illegal recruitment By Venus G. Villanueva KALIBO, Aklan, Sept. 14 (PIA6) – There are many ways to stop human trafficking, illegal recruitment and child labor, and these were discussed during the hosting here of the municipality of Kalibo of the Executive Committee Meeting cum Advocacy and Action Planning of the Inter-Agency Task Force-Child Labor, Illegal Recruitment and Trafficking in Person recently.
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nspiring the officials of the municipality of Kalibo and the province of Aklan in general to stop if not fully eradicate the problems which had besieged the province for quite sometime was Mayor Rolando B. Distura of the municipality of Dumangas in Iloilo who shared the success story of his municipality in fighting human traffickers and illegal recruiters who use the ports of the LGU to do their criminal acts. Mayor Distura came together with heads and representatives of various national government agencies with mandates to protect the people like the Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG), Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD), Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE), the Philippine National Police (PNP), Prosecutor‘s Office, the Civil Aviation Authority of the Philippines (CAAP), the Bureau of Immigration (BID), Overseas Workers Welfare Administration (OWWA) and many others. The activity was aimed to expand the Dumangas Protocol in Kalibo and to plan strategies and action which will strengthen the implementation of the agreed Protocol. The activity was well-received by Kalibo mayor William S. Lachica who said Kalibo needs
to have a network like that of Dumangas, as it has the Kalibo International Airport (KIA) which is being used by illegal recruiters and human traffickers as entry or exit points. Atty. Cedric Jaranilla, who represented DILG 6, said human trafficking, illegal recruitment and child labor is everybody‘s concern, and the meeting is essential to avoid finger-pointing and for the involved protocol members to be able to know what to do when illegal activities arise. Mayor Distura shared that his town has four main routes and this made the town prone to illegal activities. Because of this, Task Force Puerto was organized in Dumangas. Mayor Distura shared that in Dumangas, they have an ordinance giving P10,000.00 to whoever could inform the LGU about any illegal activities in the town. He said the names of informers are not revealed and the giving of information is built on trust and respect for the local police. He also cited one tip during his testimony to catch a possible human trafficker – be curious. ―Kon nakita mo ang isa ka bata nga hala hibi nga upod sang isa ka tawo, pwede ka man magpamangkot kon ano niya ang bata. Kay kon
kilala siya sang bata, indi ini tani maghinibi,‖ (If you see a crying child accompanied by a person, you can also asked what his or her relationship is to the child, because if the child knows him or her, the child should not be crying), Mayor Distura said. He also said that one should get curious if a building has a very high fence with the barb wires bending inside than outside, with close, tinted or boarded up windows, and with security camers aimed inside rather than outside. Sharings were then solicited from participants particularly from Aklan through the Prosecutor‘s Office, the PNP and the Provincial Social Welfare and Development Office on the ways these offices were able to curtail the activities of human traffickers here specifically at the Kalibo International Airport and in Boracay Island. The Dumangas Protocol has already a unified matrix of steps, responsible agencies, focal persons and contact numbers in the regional level, and these the local participants in Aklan committed to follow through the provision of local personalities from responsible agencies, so that when need arises, the appropriate person or office can readily respond or assist. (JSC/
Roxas City HIV/AIDS treatment hub up soon By Alex A. Lumaque ROXAS CITY, Capiz, Sept. 17 (PIA6) – A satellite treatment hub for Persons Living With HIV/AIDS (PLWHAs) will soon be established here to provide services for a growing number of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) patients in the province.
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he hub will be at the Roxas City Health Office (CHO) which has already a Department of Health (DOH) – accredited HIV/AIDS counselor and a proficient medical technologist who has been trained on how to do the HIV screening process. It will be in addition to the two existing treatment hubs in the region which are at the Western Visayas Medical Center in
Iloilo City and the Corazon Locsin Montelibano Memorial Hospital in Bacolod City. The proposal was among the priority agenda of the Roxas City AIDS Council (ROCAC) meeting last Sept. 17 to discuss the preparations, requirements and accreditation, among others, for the hub. HIV/AIDS counselor and Roxas City Health Education and Promotion Officer Fe
Salgado said that the hub will be timely as there is an increasing trend of HIV/AIDS cases in the province with already 68 reported cases that include three casualties as of July 31 this year. The three AIDS casualties, all young male professionals, were among those remembered during the AIDS Candlelight Memorial last May at the Capiz Provincial Park here. (JCM/AAL/ PIA6 Capiz)
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CENTRAL VISAYAS
TESDA-LTI to implement dualized training program Rizalie Anding Calibo SIQUIJOR, Sept. 11 (PIA) — The Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA)-Lazi Technical Institute (LTI) will soon implement the Dualized Training Program (DTP) after having acquired accreditation for two qualifications namely, Housekeeping NC II and Food and Beverage Services NC II.
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TP is derived from the Dual Training System (DTS) which is also known as DTS Act of 1994. DTS and DTP are implemented pursuant to the provisions of the Section 4 of Rule VI of RA No. 7796, otherwise known as the Technical Education and Skills Development Act of 1994, which states that ―TESDA shall implement RA No. 7686, otherwise known as Dual Training system (DTS) Act of 1994." In its pursuit of enhancing the employability and productivity of TVET graduates by equipping them with cognitive, psychomotor, and affective skills in demand of the workplace, the LTI encouraged partner industries to become accredited establishments to implement the
program. DTP in general is a TVET program that combines in-plant and in-school training based on a training plan collaboratively designed and implemented by a TVI and its partner establishment that have DTS Accreditation. It has two schemes: the Block Release Scheme and the Day Release Scheme. The first one refers to the schedule wherein the student/trainee spends full time in the TVI to finish the 40% percent of the training and then deployed full time in the establishment to complete the 60% percent in-plant training. The second, on the other hand, refers to the schedule where the student/trainee spends two
days weekly in the school and the remaining working days of the week in the establishment. Meanwhile, LTI found it convenient to adopt the Block Release Scheme. With the two Qualifications accredited, there are already four establishments which are now also accredited, namely The Sylvia, One Sunset View Resort and Restaurant, The Bruce, and Dagsa Resto Bar. All four establishments are located at Solangon, San Juan Siquijor. Last batch of the regular training schedule for Housekeeping NC II and Food and Beverage Services NC II of CY 2015 will start in the month of October before the DTP. (rmn/rac/ PIA7-Siquijor w/ reports from Elsa B. Apiag-LTI)
FDA-7 warns public not to buy meds in sari-sari stores Fayette C. Riñen CEBU, Sept. 17 (PIA) -- Sari-sari stores are not allowed to sell medicines even just basic drugs for flu or colds, an official of the Food and Drug Administration (FDA-7) stressed.
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DA-7 has cautioned the public against purchasing medicines in convenience outlets. Sariah Oriol, head of the Food and Drug Section said under RA 6675 or the Generics Act, said certified quality drugs can only be accessed in legitimate drug stores or pharmacies that have the legal license to operate. ―Without the license, this is a clear violation of the law which can be subject to a filing of a legal case against the establishment,‖ said Oriol during yesterday‘s forum of the Association of Government Information Officers (AGIO-7) that tackled the annual observance of September as Generics Month. Oriol advised the public especially those living in far-flung barangays to access basic
medicines in barangay health centers or in the ‗Botika ng Barangay‘ outlets instead of sari-sari stores. From January to August this year, Oriol said 112 out of around 800 establishments in Central Visayas have been served with notice of violation of the Generics Act with some having been padlocked due to gross violation. Majority of these cases are from Cebu, said Oriol. He said common violations are the absence of a license from the FDA to operate and make available in the commercial market drug products and that some food and drug products are not registered while other products alleged to contain certain ingredients but actually do not based on test.
The cases are elevated to the FDA legal office in Manila that will decide and issue the appropriate penalty, whether it be suspension or closure depending on the gravity, disclosed Oriol. Penalties are defined according to three categories, namely criminal, civil, and administrative of which the latter can be decided by the Secretary of Health to either revoke the license of the drug store or ask the Professional Regulations Commission to revoke the license of the medical practitioner. Oriol said penalties stipulated under RA 6675 are amended in RA 9502 or the Universally Accessible Cheaper and Quality Medicines Act of 2008 with more severe penalties sepcified. (rmn/ fcr/PIA7)
NegOr forms joint task force to intensify peace, security Jennifer C. Tilos NEGROS ORIENTAL, Sept. 11 (PIA) – The province has created a Joint Task Force to beef up peace and security to maintain the well-being of Negrenses and ensure economic development.
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he task force is expected to strengthen coordination and collaboration of efforts among the more than 20 national and local government agency-members in the conduct of joint security operations. In a workshop, Governor Roel Degamo urged the participants to intensify peace and order efforts to minimize if not eliminate all forms of criminalities and illegal activities in the province. Gov. Degamo, however, recognized the contributions made by government agencies in strengthening the province‘ disaster risk reduction and management programs. He noted that with the concerted efforts
among stakeholders, the province has been declared as ―conflict manageable and development ready‖ last year by Defense Ssecretary Voltaire Gazmin. Nevertheless, both Army commander Col. Allan Martin of 302nd IB and P/SSupt Dionardo Carlos of the Philippine National Police said the joint task force needs the participation and support of the communities and local government units to make the duties and responsibilities well-organized. The task force's scope of operations include maritime safety and security, criminality, illegal drugs, insurgency, smuggling, tourism, environmental protection, disaster response, and
land transportation and traffic. This initiative came to realize when some reports of kidnapping by ASG is coming to Dumaguete City from Dapitan and a ship loaded with smuggled rice was intercepted in Zamboanguita town, increasing apprehensions of illegal drugs, human trafficking, and fishing. With this, JTF intends to prevent the illegal activities and lawless elements have been apprehended and prosecuted. However, the governor cited that the province has recorded a low crime rate in Central Visayas, as he also asked the participants to maintain and sustain peace and order in the province. (rmn/jct/PIA7-Negros Oriental)
CENTRAL VISAYAS
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WB partnership to pave farm roads, spur agri-development in Bohol Rey Anthony H. Chiu TAGBILARAN CITY, Sept 14 (PIA) -- Crucial roads that could spur agricultural development in otherwise impenetrable idle areas, reduce hauling costs, cut travel time for basic services and local commute, as well as expand employment opportunities - these are but some of the benefits of the partnership between the government and the World Bank (WB) as they aim to set up in Bohol a total of 17.81 kilometers of key farm-to-market roads.
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he total farm access roads development is from four areas which the World Bank partnership with the government of the Philippines and the local government units agreed to fund under the Department of Agriculture's (DA) Philippine Rural Development Project (PRDP). Benefitting from the DA PRDP Intensified Building Up of Infrastructure and Logistics for Development (I-BUILD) are the rehabilitation of the 5.9838 kilometers of San Agustin-Canmaya Diot Farm to Market Road (FMR) in Sagbayan, 5.5 kilometers of Alegria-Bugho FMR in Loboc, the 3.54 kilometers Ba-ang-Mahayag Norte FMR in Catigbian and the 2.84 kilometers Del Carmen Weste-Tugbas FMR in Balilihan town. All the rehabilitated FMRs now sport the all-weather Portland Concrete Cement Pavement, road shoulders, box culverts, cross drains, and lined canals. The FMR rehab projects cut an average of 51% of travel time in those mentioned areas, cuts 47% of hauling costs for inputs and farm produce, allows the entry of 70% more transport players,
develops over 300 more hectares of cogonal lands, increases land valuation and spurs employment opportunities as well as allows easier access of government basic services, according to project proponents. Developing, upgrading and rehabilitating these named areas cost P 152,368, 179.00 with the WB partnering with the Government of the Philippines, Provincial and Local Governments the governments putting up equity funds, according to project briefers distributed during a press conference September 14. The Press conference happened a few hours after the First World Bank Implementation Support Mission opened at the Pavilion of the Bellevue Hotel in Panglao. The PRDP is a six-year program national project under the DA designed to establish an inclusive climate resilient and market-oriented agri-forestry sector through strategic investments in priority commodity value chains, the press conference showed. It aims to increase by 50% annual real farm income of beneficiaries, 30% increase in enterprise development from same beneficiaries
and some 20% increase in number of farmers and fishers with improved access to agri-services. PRDP components include investments planning (I-PLAN), I-BUILD, Investments in Rural Enterprises and Agriculture and Fisheries Productivity (I-REAP) and Implementation Support to PRDP (I-SUPPORT). Along the spread of time, PRDP follows a value chain analysis, which allows stakeholders and communities to get inputs for their commodity investments, explained Engr. Arnel de Mesa during the press conference. DA Regional Director Angel Enriquez also said the baseline study which the project has started could be a useful tool to fit all other future plans for agricultural development. The projects also use applied geo-tagging to make sure it does not overlap with other similar projects resulting in lost government resources, adopts a document tracking system and puts up a grievance redress mechanism in a flexed effort to make sustainability and empowerment enable communities and expand their opportunities. (rmn/rac/PIA-7/Bohol)
DOLE boosts safety, health of workers Jennifer C. Tilos DUMAGUETE CITY, Sept. 14 (PIA) – The Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) here has strengthened the occupational and health programs for the labor force in partnership with the Occupational Safety and Health Network (OSHNet) to minimize if not eliminate accidents in the workplaces.
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SHNet is a non-government organization (NGO) training arm of DOLE that has already conducted 12 trainings for more than 500 trainees who are now qualified to become safety officers in their workplace. To ensure workers‘ safety and health, OSHNet provides two possible trainings, the construction safety and health (COSH) and Basic Occupational Safety and Health (BOSH) trainings. ―Once companies have safety program and safety officer, accidents can be minimized," said OSHNet president Engr. Renato Infante.
Under the labor standard law, the trainings are mandatory for safety officers which DOLE pushes hard to assure zero work-related accidents in the workplace. Infante said the COSH training is given to employees whose work focuses on construction and BOSH to employees from any businesses. The two trainings are conducted for 40 hours or four days with a registration fee of only P6,000, said Infante. However, the safety orientation for one day is conducted for free, he added. ―We encourage all companies to let their
employees undergo such orientation." Senior Labor and Employment Officer Engr. Diego Amado Nochefranca of DOLE said employers must ensure that workers "are safe and healthy as their rights should not be compromised.‖ Part of the corporate and social responsibility of the companies is to provide trainings for their workers as this is according to the International Standard Organization (ISO), said Nochefranca. (rmn/jct/PIA7-Negros Oriental with reports from Ronelyn Faith Vailoces, intern)
DSWD-7 closes Listahanan household assessment Juju M. Empuerto CEBU City, Sept. 11 (PIA) -- The Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) in the region has closed second round of Listahanan household assessment.
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SWD Regional Director Mercedita Jabagat said that the department's enumerators are done gathering information from the field. ―Our enumerators were able to assess 985,730 households or 97% out of the 1,016,269 target households of the region," she said in a press statement. "We achieved only 97 percent against the given target because the target is big compared to the actual number of households,‖ Jabagat underscored. The social and welfare officer attributed this to the absence of respondent when the enumerators conducted the house visit
because either they were out or they had to attend to their livelihood. ―Enumerators would revisit the household at least three times if there is no qualified and available respondent at the time of their visit," said Listahanan Information Officer Kerwin Macopia. Jabagat said that families who were not yet interviewee still has a chance to be assessed. "There will be validation and finalization phase for families who were not visited during the regular enumeration. These families will be given the chance to appeal and to be assessed," she said.
―We will ensure that there will be announcements of the validation phase in all barangays, so that everyone will be able to participate in this,‖ Jabagat added. The final list of Listahanan's identified poor families will be established after the validation. DSWD through the Listahanan or the National Household Targeting System for Poverty Reduction (NHTS-PR) has undertaken a nationwide assessment to identify the families who will become potential beneficiaries from social protection programs and services of the national government such as the Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program. (rmn/jsme/PIA7Cebu/with DSWD7 report)
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EASTERN VISAYAS
Better health services seen with new EVRMC OPD By CONSUELO B. ALARCON TACLOBAN CITY, Leyte, Sept.14 (PIA) – The out-patient department building of the Eastern Visayas Regional Medical Center (EVRMC) to be completed by February 2017 promises to improve the delivery of health services to the people of Region 8.
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ealth Secretary Janette Loreto-Garin emphasized this during the project launching of the OPD building held recently at brgy. Cabalawan, this city. Garin said the presence of the OPD building is not just a symbol of the continuous assistance of Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) in order for the region to build back better after the havoc of typhoon Yolanda but also a symbol of how we should be moving forward. In the said occasion, she likewise urged all health workers to be committed in serving the people particularly those who are sick to prove that the region is worth helping for. Meanwhile, Takahiro Morita, senior JICA representative said through the EVRMC OPD, we hope to continue what JICA had been doing in the past to include the Philippines‘
health care services and contribute to nation building. The Outpatient Department Building of EVRMC is a 3-story concrete structure designed to follow the ―Build Back Better‖ principle of the typhoon Yolanda Rehabilitation and Recovery Program of the National Government. Approximately, it has a 5, 270 sq. meters space requirement which includes public spaces such as waiting areas and lobbies, OPD Clinics for Internal Medicine, Surgery, Pediatrics, OB Gyne, Family Medicine, Orthopedic, Dermatology, EENT, Opthalmology, Psychiatry, Dental, Physical Rehabilitation, Oncology, Dialysis, Public Health and Wellness and TB DOTS. It also includes OPD Administrative and Ancillary Spaces and the Attendant Building Utility System.
The design calls set for OPD includes disaster-resilient features, windows that can withstand strong winds up to 287 kph and 1.5 times earthquake resistant or degree 12 earthquake with comfortable waiting spaces and individualized clinics for better privacy. To name a few, some of the grant aid projects of JICA that have become integral in helping improve the Philippine Health System are Research Institute for Tropical Medicine (RITM), Davao Medical Center, Vicente Sotto Medical Center, Benguet General Hospital and the National Tuberculosis Laboratory at RITM. The OPD building has 22 months construction period. It commenced September 1, 2015 and will be completed for handover to the hospital by the end of February 2017. (ajc/ cba/PIA-8)
Leyte ‗Bahandi‘ trade fair generates P9.5M sales CONSUELO B. ALARCON TACLOBAN CITY, Leyte, Sept. 16 (PIA) – The exhibitors from the province of Leyte generated more than P9.5 million (or 42 percent) of the total sales of the recently concluded Bahandi Eastern Visayas Regional Trade Fair held at the Megatrade Hall, SM Megamall, Mandaluyong City.
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ccording to Leyte Provincial Director Desiderio P. Belas Jr. of the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI), Leyte exhibitors from fashion accessories contributed half of the income amounting to (Php4,793,218.00 while the processed food sector and the good, decors and housewares sector both placed second in sales. The processed food sector has a total sale of Php1,799,989.00 while the goods, decors and housewares sector got a total sale of Php1,792,873.00. On the other hand, the Support to Tourism contributed eight percent amounting to Php818, 755.00 while the furniture sector
got four percent of the sales amounting to Php350,100.00. Meanwhile, DTI Leyte Public Information Officer Diana M. Quiza informed that two exhibitors from Leyte bagged major awards during the mega trade fair namely the Taps handmade products of Tanauan, Leyte and Lechon ni Timo Romano of Tacloban, City. Taps handmade products was declared as the ―top seller‖ in both Regional Awards and Leyte Special Award categories with a total sales of Php4,041,500.00. Lechon ni Timo Romano, on the other hand, was hailed as ―Best Product of the Processed Food Sector‖ with a total sales of Php86, 200.00. Furthermore, the Rainbow Ticog Industry
of Tacloban City and the Burauen-Arado Sweet Delicacies Producers Association of Burauen were both cited as the among the ―Best Dressed Booth in said event. The Bahandi 2015 generated total sales of more than P22 million surpassing its P13 million target. The Department of Trade Industry (DTI) through regional director Cynthia R. Nierras initiated the Bahandi Regional Trade Fair 2015 with the special support of USAID aimed at showcasing the region‘s SMEs build back their businesses after super typhoon Yolanda and increase the household income of SME, their employees and their providers of raw materials. (ldl/ajc/cba/PIA-8/DTI-Leyte)
DTI SoLeyte eyes virgin coco oil plant by 2016 MAASIN CITY, Southern Leyte, Sept. 17 (PIA) – The Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) Southern Leyte Provincial Office is hopeful that Virgin Coco Oil manufacturing plants will be established in the province by the first quarter of 2016.
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TI Provincial Directtor Michael Nunez said, ―there are more local businessmen who signify interest investing in the production of Virgin Coco Oil right in the province as demand for the said healthy agricultural product abroad like Japan, China, and Germany in Europe keeps rising.‖ However, the United States remains as the major market, Nunez said. He noted during the interview at Action Center Cable TV program at the Senior Citizen Center yesterday that aside from virgin coconut oil, other products can be derived from coconut, like coco sugar, coco syrup, coco vinegar and even coco drinks, etc. He said that VCO according to studies
bears low glycemic index, reduces bad cholesterol, help reduction of virus in AIDS HIV victims according to testimonies, strengthens immune systtem, easily burns belly fats, among others. Nunez further reported that Congressman Damian Mercado is also supporting for the VCO industry establishment as he linked with German consultants to help in the construction of plants to ensure that VCO production quality shall be at par with those sold at international market. However, there is the need to campaign for organic coconut farming in order to satisfy the international accreditation agencies' requirement for organic coconutts for VCO production.
Early this month, Cong. Mercado atttended to the personal visit of Chinese traders, who are buying VCOs from the province and willing to partner with local businessmen in setting up VCO plants in the province. One VCO plant establishment is estimated to cost a maximum of P15M, it was learned. Meanwhile, PD Nunez looks forward to the day when marginal farmers will soon benefit with stable copra prices of coconuts as soon as VCO industry shall be operational in the province. Unlike today , when coconu farrmers selling the traditional copra are suffering from the very low and unstable prices set by most traders. (ajc/esg/PIA8 SoLeyte)
EASTERN VISAYAS
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PNP North Samar expands force multiplier AILENE N. DIAZ CATARMAN, Northern Samar, Sept. 14 (PIA) – The organization of Tricycle Operators and Drivers Association (TODA) was launched as force multiplier that will serve and support the Philippine National Police (PNP) maintain peace and order and be a partner in its crime prevention program in the province.
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he undertaking was initiated by Northern Samar Police Provincial Office (NSPPO) through Police Senior Superintendent Daniel Mayoni, acting Provincial Director. NSPPO started to conduct a seminar for the TODA organization, where on its first stride, they were able to train 78 participants in the municipality of Lope de Vega and 140 in the town of San Isidro. Jean Lao Amoyen, NUP -PNP Public Relation Assistant informed that
the PNP-NSPPO through PD Mayoni who religiously attends and supervises said activity, will cover the whole province with its 24 towns for the said program. Accordingly, the PNP-NSPPO believes that with proper training and crime prevention education of TODA officers and members, it will surely help the PNP in its battle to minimize if not eradicate crimes in this part of the region. Some topics shared and discussed during
the training, Amoyen relayed, were more on duties and responsibilities of TODA officers and members, first responders role, basic first aid, among others. Discussions focused on how to enhance their capabilities in the delivery of basic services. Mayoni said, organized TODA and PNP will work hand in hand towards the attainment of one common objective which is peace in Northern Samar. (ajc/and/ PIA8-Northern Samar)
PCA to plant more coco in SoLeyte Erna S. Gorne MAASIN CITY, Southern Leyte, Sept. 17 (PIA) - The Philippine Coconut Authority (PCA) aims to plant 2,900 hectares more to coconut in the province by next year.
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ccording to PCA Senior Staff Carmelita Maturan, after enlisting those coconut farmers who are willing to join the growing and planting of coconut seedlings this year, the coconut agency of the government will start rolling its Participatory Coconut Planting Project, a new planting program with incentives by next year. Maturan said coco farmers who are participating in the said project will grow their own coconut seedlings of their choice of variety and will be paid by the PCA at P18.00
per good coconut seedling. Then after five months when the good seedling has already grown as high as two feet, the coconut agency will again pay the amount of P 22.00 per plant, she added. ―The project was conceptualized when farmers complained of worn coconut seedlings brought about by the transportation pressures when these are being brought by PCA down to their communities, ― Maturan explained. She said a farmer is entitled to at least
one hectare to be planted with coconut under the project, wherein each hectare will be planted with 120 nuts., according to the project design. However, a maximum of five hectares per beneficiary can be availed if there is less participation among the coconut farmers in an area, she said. A maximum of 2,900 farmers were expected to benefit the full-of incentives coconut growing and planting project, she added. (ajc/esg/PIA8 SoLeyte)
NCSAA to construct centennial schoolbuilding RODRIGO S. VICTORIA NAVAL, Biliran, Sept. 14 (PIA) – ―We want to leave a legacy to the institution that made us what we are now‖, Prosecutor Edna Pitao-Honor, an alumna of the Naval Central School (NCS) and officer of the Naval Central School Alumni Association (NCSAA), emphasized during her guesting at the Kapihan at Pulong-Pulong ng Bayan of the Philippine Information Agency (PIA)-Biliran Provincial Information Center, live over Radyo Natin-Naval on Thursday, September 10.
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onor, together with Marilou Bernardes -Lucente, secretary of the Sangguniang Bayan of Naval and the president of NCSAA said the proposal to construct a classroom building, which she said can be called as ‗centennial building‘ is one activity which will mark the 100 years of existence of the elementary school where she graduated. An engraved marking of year 1915 in one of the concrete posts of the Gabaldon building of the NCS serves as the basis for reckoning the centennial alumni homecoming celebration which is this year, 2015. ―The names of the first 100 alumni of the NCS who can contribute P2,000 will be engraved in a book-like concrete marker‖, Honor added, to recognize their financial contribution including those who are no longer part of the first 100 in a separate marker that contributed to the realization of the proposed construction of a one-storey, one-room classroom building.
―Anybody who is wiling to shell-out more than the P2,000 minimum contribution is most welcome‖, Honor added. For her part, Lucente, who invited all the graduates of the elementary school to join and participate the NCS centennial alumni homecoming set on October 1, 2015, presented during the radio program the bank account number where all the interested NCS alumni can send in their P2,000 contribution for the construction of the centennial schoolbuilding. A Metrobank account registered in the name of Marilou Bernardes-Lucente and Edna Pitao-Honor with account number 493-3-49327439-3 was opened on Thursday, September 10, 2015 for the purpose of receiving the P2,000 intended for the construction of the proposed school building. Bernardes encouraged all the NCS alumni here in Biliran province, in other parts of the Philippines and abroad to contribute for the
realization of the proposed centennial building which she said is one of the highlights to mark the centennial alumni homecoming of the elementary school. The NCSAA president further explained that this year‘s NCS centennial alumni homecoming has a different twist as gathering is not by batches of graduates but identification of groups including the color representing the group is based on the streets where they were residing when they were still schooling at the NCS. Bernardes said the proposed activities of the NCS centennial alumni homecoming starts with a groundbreaking ceremony of the proposed centennial school building at around 3:00 to 4:00 o‘clock in the afternoon on October 1, 2015 to be followed by a thanksgiving mass at the Naval Cathedral, then followed by a torch parade around Naval poblacion and a fellowship at the Naval Gymnasium. (ajc/fj/PIA8-Biliran)
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.
Ms. Minerva BC Newman Regional Director, PIA 7
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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, Children‘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