Vol 5
Issue 35
In this Issue WESTERN VISAYAS
Iloilo Governor Arthur Defensor Sr. receives a certificate of appreciation from National Economic and Development Authority (NEDA)-6 Regional Director Ro-Ann Bacal for hosting the 3rd Quarterly Meeting of the Regional Development Council (RDC)-6 held Friday, September 4, 2015, at the Casa Real (Old Provincial Capitol) Building,, Iloilo City.
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CENTRAL VISAYAS
Aug. 31 - Sept. 6, 2015
Published by: PIA 6, 7 & 8
APEC spells sales for Cebu entrepreneurs Ferliza C. Contratista CEBU, September 2 (PIA) – The hosting of the Asia Pacific Economic Conference (APEC) in Cebu is infusing money for local entrepreneurs. In yesterday's briefing held at the newly-opened APEC Activity Center at the Capitol, Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) Regional Director Asteria Caberte said there are already several sectors benefitting from the delegates and their entourage. Caberte said they peg the spending of the delegates at $100 daily, excluding the amount they pay for their transportation and accommodation. “With around 6,000 delegates expected until end of APEC and if they are spending 100 dollars a day, imagine the value adding to the province,” Caberte said. As of the latest count, there are already almost 2,000 APEC delegates in Cebu province. Caberte said the Exquisitely Filipino exhibit at the SM City North Wing, which showcases 18 of Cebu’s best products, is earning P100,000 daily. “We will have 30 more stalls at the Exhibit Halls, all Filipino/Cebu products from fashion to clothing to delicacies,” Caberte said. She said the local furniture industry has already benefited from the orders of furnishings and decorations for the convention halls and lounges of hotels, restaurants, and the Mactan Cebu International Airport. “We want the delegates to go out and enjoy the local tours and businesses. The food served to delegates are coming from our farmers, this is an impact of APEC,” Caberte said. On the other hand, Department of Tourism (DOT) Regional Director Rowena Montecillo reported that as of the last ten days, there were already 49 tours availed by 107 delegates.
She said the most availed tour is the Cebu City tour which would take only three hours, followed by the Twin City Tour (Mandaue and Cebu Cities) and then the south countryside tour which will go as far as Carcar City. “The delegates want to sample local food, go to the spa and massage,” Montecillo said. APEC also produced jobs since the hotels and restaurants need to hire additional people as front liners, like waiters, bartenders, drivers and cooks. Montecillo said they had received all praises and no complaint so far from the delegates. “This APEC is also a learning experience on our front liners and how we can improve more. I want the APEC delegates to have fond memories of Cebu, how they were treated by our drivers, servers,” Montecillo said. APEC in Cebu runs from August 22 until September 11 with 87 meetings. (rmn/fcc/PIA7-Cebu)
DTI-7 Regional Diretor Asteria Caberte tells media that several sectors are already benefiting from APEC delegates and entourage during a briefing held at the APEC Activity Center, Cebu City. (PIA Cebu)
Draw out the lingkod-bayani in you, civil servants urged NINFA B. QUIRANTE CATBALOGAN CITY, Samar, September 3 (PIA) - Samar civil servants joined the whole nation SOM3 Chair Usec. Laura Q. Del Rosario in calling for the spirit of the Lingkod Bayani in every civil answering questions during the press briefing servant. This, as some 500 civil servants gather at the capitol park held September 4 at the International Media Center, 2/F Bayfront Hotel, Cebu City. (vvv/ to mark the 115th civil service anniversary on September 1, 2015. PIA Cebu) The Civil Service Commission (CSC) led by Director Rey Albert Uy urged the civil servants to imbed in their hearts patriotism, integrity, excellence and spirituality. He added that one doesn’t need to die to become a hero, but just to be an ordinary public servant who values his
More on Region 7, pages 4-5.
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EASTERN VISAYAS
NAPOLCOM 8 acting regional director Danilo Rosillo (left) presented the Community and Service-Oriented Policing System (CSOP) during the 2015 National Crime Prevention Week and Tourism Week celebration kick-off ceremony at the Eastern Visayas State University (EVSU) Inner Court, Tacloban City, September 1. (Vino R. Cuayzon/PIA8)
More on Region 8, pages 6-7. Also CLICK Here...
clients’ satisfaction and pursues means to deliver public service with a smile. The 115th anniversary that drumbeats the theme: “Kayang Kaya Mo, Lingkod Bayani” underscores ordinary tasks delivered with excellence and with clients’ utmost satisfaction. One government official stated that being a (lingkod –bayani) servant-hero is an opportunity to celebrate the bravery of any Filipino who has braved not necessarily death but persecution for home, for nation, for justice or for freedom. Other events for the 115th civil service anniversary include blood-letting, fun-run and sportsfest. (vrc/nbq/ PIA 8-Samar)
231 BuB projects in WV to start soon Lilibeth A. French ILOILO CITY, Sept. 1 (PIA6) - - Local government units from the different provinces in Western Visayas were already given the go-signal to proceed with the implementation of some 231 projects that will bolster agricultural productivity and livelihood of farmers. The projects worth P313, 638, 739 are covered by the Bottom-up Budgeting program of the Department of Agriculture 6 for 2015. Dr. Joyce Wendam, Regional Technical Director for Admin, Research and Regulatory of DA 6 said Notices to Proceed were already issued for the implementation of the projects. In fact, there are some projects which are now on the procurement stage. Majority of the BuB projects to be implemented this year are livelihood projects numbering to 124 worth more than P149 million. Other projects are 76 postharvest-related projects worth more than P126 million and 31 Communal Irrigation Projects worth over P38 million. Of the 124 livelihood projects, around 43 projects at a cost of P54,772,112.00 will be implemented in Negros Occidental; 37 projects in Iloilo; 25 in Antique; 11 in Capiz; 7 in Aklan; and 1 in Guimaras. Negros Occidental together with Iloilo got the most approved infrastructure projects with 31 each under BuB program this year.
Last year, DA 6 set aside P867,805, 679 for the implementation of 607 BuB projects in the region. Out of the 607 projects, 149 are now completed, 91 are ongoing and 368 are in the pipeline. Wendam said poverty incidence is among the considerations for selecting LGUs in the BuB program. “It is the people in the community who identify and prioritize appropriate projects under the BuB program which adheres strictly to the principle of good governance involving transparency, accountability and participation,” said Wendam. She said civil society organizations (CSOs) have also an important role in the program as they participate in the planning of the said poverty reduction projects. Also, the CSOs together with the religious groups constantly monitor the implementation of the BuB projects regionwide. BuB is an approach to budget preparation by national government agencies and government owned and controlled corporations with the participation of the basic sectors of the community and CSOs. It aims to bring genuine equity, development and empowerment to poor households and communities and make growth more inclusive and transparent. On its third year of implementation, the program’s allocation slightly increased at P20.9 billion from P20.5 in 2014 to fund projects in 1,590 cities and municipalities nationwide. (JCM/LAF/PIA6 – Iloilo)
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WESTERN VISAYAS
Aklan urged to be more competitive By Venus G. Villanueva KALIBO, Aklan, September 3 (PIA6) -- The province of Aklan should be at the forefront of competitiveness, as it caters to a global community and receives the most number of tourist arrivals in this part of the country, according to Vice Governor Gabrielle Calizo-Quimpo.
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ice Governor Calizo-Quimpo issued this statement at the recent conduct of an orientation meeting on Cities and Municipalities Competitiveness Index (CMCI) Survey held at the Conference Room of the GRQG Building at the Provincial Capitol. “Competitiveness is the challenge of the day. We should be on our toes in terms of being competitive. Our schools should also be competitive”, she said. She also welcomed the conduct of the orientation as an opportunity for a wholesome discussion to validate whether Aklan is competitive or not. The CMCI survey is conducted by the National Competitiveness Council (NCC) and is now on its third year of implementation which aims to measure competitiveness at the local government level using the indicators
under three categories: Economic Dynamism, Government Efficiency and Infrastructure. To make the approach more pro-active, the Regional Competitiveness Committee (RCC) has engaged the Provincial and City Competitiveness Committees (PCC/CCC) to facilitate the gathering of data in all cities and municipalities of the region and the state universities and colleges to validate outputs of the survey. At the orientation, Engr. Gilberto Altura, Chief, Project Development Division, National Economic Development Authority (NEDA)VI and Henry D. Tampani, CMCI Regional Focal Person, Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) 6, gave the Rationale of the CMCI Survey and the Indicators of the CMCI Survey respectively. Engr. Altura shared with the orientation participants composed of members
of the Provincial Competitiveness Council and 17 CMCI focal persons that for 2015, two Aklan municipalities entered the top ten in the Regional Competitiveness Ranking. In overall competitiveness, Kalibo ranked 5th and 5th also for Government Efficiency. Malay, on the other hand, ranked number 2 in Infrastructure and 10th in economic dynamism. Meanwhile, Aklan has now a Provincial Competitiveness Committee (PCC) through Executive Order No. 0201 series of 2015 April 10, 2015 by Governor Florencio T. Miraflores. The PCC, with 20 members coming from various national government and provincial offices, is chaired by Governor Miraflores and vice chaired by the Provincial Administrator. (JCM/VGV PIA6 Aklan)
Coco farmers form industry dev‘t council Carlson B. Alelis NEGROS OCCIDENTAL, Sep. 1 (PIA6) – Coconut farmers in the province have formed the Local Coconut Industry Development Council (LCIDC) with the help of the Philippine Coconut Authority (PCA) during the Coconut Farmers‘ Forum held in Bacolod City recently.
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rovincial Coconut Development Manager Rodrigo Gamarcha said the coco farmers made use of their time during the forum as they gathered and organized a development council that will assist in the implementation of PCA’s programs. Some 50 coco farmers from the seven districts in Negros Occidental, including the Lone District of Bacolod City, attended the forum held at PCA’s office in the province which led to the formation of the LCIDC. “They will be concentrating on policies,
programs, implementations and monitoring to assist our office for more effective and efficient delivery of our programs in Negros Occidental when it comes to the coconut industry,” Gamarcha said. They must know the programs in order for them to be active participants as partners in implementing PCA’s programs, he added. He said the council could further boost the coconut industry because the coco farmers have stayed in their areas for a long time, hence, they know how the program should be implemented to improve their
condition. The members of the LCIDC are leaders, presidents and active members of their respective barangays. The Coconut Farmers’ Forum was held in relation to the observance of the National Coconut Week held during the period of August 24 to 30. “Our main objective for this National Coconut Week is to give due honor and recognition to our coconut farmers, the backbone and the main performers of the coconut industry,” Gamarcha said. (JSC/CBA -PIA6 Negros Occidental)
Antique‘s rice stocks sufficient, NFA‘s palay procurement on By Pilar S. Mabaquiao SAN JOSE, Antique (PIA) - - The National Food Authority declared that Antique has sufficient supply of rice with the latest inventory of 198,491 bags to last for 42 days.
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FA Provincial Manager Marianito Be je m ino sa id th e tota l inventory was derived from the combined stocks of commercial rice dealers, households and NFA. Bejemino likewise said that palay procurement is ongoing at NFA warehouses in San Jose and Culasi at the price of P17 per kilo for clean and dry palay. Incentives are also given to farmers organizations. For palay which do not pass the required moisture content, NFA has seven
mechanical dryers with biomass furnace. It charges a minimal amount of P12 per sack (of 50 kilos) depending on the moisture content of palay when it was brought to the NFA warehouse. Since last week of August, palay procurement increased said NFA Information Officer Elizabeth Salazar. She said some farmers have taken advantage of the change in climate by planting early thus, harvest time started early as well.
Salazar encouraged farmers to sell their palay to NFA not just because of the higher price but also to help government procure enough buffer stocks. Walk-in farmers will be paid in cash up to P200,000 immediately after the transaction is completed or they will be given a ceiling of 200 bags of palay per farmer per day for cash payment. For subsequent delivery, farmers should get a passbook at NFA office free of charge. (JCM/PSM/PIA6Antique)
WESTERN VISAYAS
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4 WV filmmakers avail of grants program Leonard T. Pineda I ILOILO CITY, September 2 (PIA) -- Four talented and visionary filmmakers from Region 6 were recognized as the winning filmmaker-grantees of the Western Visayas Film Grants Program spearheaded by the CineKasimanwa Film Festival and the Department of Tourism (DOT)-6.
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he four selected filmmakers were Aimee Apostol-Escala for Iloilo, Noel Galon for Guimaras, Romart Martesano for Aklan, and Ethel Mae Reyes for Antique. DOT-6 Regional Director Helen Catalbas said that the Western Visayas Film Grants Program was conceptualized to promote tourist spots in the region citing the power of films to attract young local and foreign tourists. “Region 6 has always been known for its beautiful culture and spots but there is more to see and we hope to see these other spots and locations through films,” she said. She said that the films will serve as DOT-6 campaign to promote the region which has generated more tourists in 2014 and 2015.
Meanwhile, Aimee Apostol-Escasa’s “Ang Katapusan Nga Handum”, representing Iloilo will be shot in Igbaras Waterfalls, Mountain Biking area in Igbaras, Miagao Church, San Joaquin Church, and the Coral Gardens of San Joaquin. Noel Galon’s “Sa Dapadapa sang Balaan Bukid” will represent Guimaras with the film to be shot at the Old Trappist Monastery, Alubihod Beach areas, Roca Encantada, and Suba Malawig Eco-Tour. The film will also feature “Ang Pagtaltal sa Balaan Bukid”. Romart Martesano’s “Sa Pagtunod It Adlaw” from Aklan will be shot at the Aklan Sampaguita Garden, Basura Garden, Jawili Falls, Ariel’s Point, and in Boracay Island. Ethel MaeReyes’ “Ang Panglakaton” which will represent Antique will be shot in Malalison Island in Culasi, Nogas Island in
Anini-y, Tibiao Eco-Adventure Park, Bugang River and Malumpati Cold Spring, and Igpasungaw Falls. DOT-6 said that all winning short films will have its premiere during the CineKasimanwa: The Western Visayas Film Festival on December 1 to 6, 2015 at SM Cinema 1, FDCP Iloilo Cinematheque and the UPV Cinematheque. Three winners will be selected by a board of jury composed of national and international film directors, actors and film critics. The Western Visayas Film Grants Program, a pioneering projects, aimed at strengthening Iloilo’s current status as the country’s haven of local films with CineKasimanwa’s record breaking editions in 2013 and 2014. (JCM/LTP/PIA-Iloilo)
1,043 houses built in Red Cross‘ ops in Capiz Alex A. Lumaque ROXAS CITY, Capiz, Aug. 28 (PIA6) – The ongoing typhoon Haiyan Operation of the Philippine Red Cross in the province has already built and completed 1,043 core shelter units as of the Aug. 21 update report.
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lso, 97 houses are up for completion in view of the operation’s overall target of 2,458 housing units for identified supertyphoon Yolanda victims. Each of the core shelter unit costs P105,000.00. The PRC’s core shelter assistance is
implemented in the identified barangays of Panay, Panit-an, Ivisan, Dao, Dumalag, Dumarao and Tapaz towns. A ceremonial turnover of the initial 32 housing units built was conducted by PRC to identified beneficiaries in Barangay Capagao in Panit-an town in time with the first
anniversary of supertyphoon Yolanda last Nov. 8, 2014. The infographic reports also highlight the Shelter Repair Assistance of P15,000 for each of the 4,658 identified households province-wide. (JSC/AAL-PIA6 Capiz)
LGUs urged to implement rainwater harvesting Elsa S. Subong ILOILO CITY, Sept. 3(PIA) — The local government units should pass ordinances that require the public to practice rainwater harvesting.
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his is in the wake of the dry spell that hits Iloilo in the event of the El Niño, according to the Climate Resiliency Team of the United States Agency for International Development (USAID). Elizea Gozun, leader of the team, said capturing and storing rain especially during periods of heavy downfall in an area, is a way of managing sources of available water. Gozun was resource person during a climate change forum in Iloilo City, where a study showed Iloilo city will experience below normal rainfall from October 2015 to January 2016. “You should be conscious that you will have less water in the days to come, even if you are still experiencing rains these days,” Gozun said.
A study of the Manila Observatory and Geographic Foundation, Inc. showed that the city’s temperature will continue to go up, which will result to more evaporation. The USAID tapped the above entity to conduct a study in temperature, rainfall, projected water demand and vulnerability assessment of water in Iloilo City amid the impact of climate change. “Water conservation and water demand management should be strictly practiced in preparation for the dry spell,” Gozun said. El Niño phenomenon, as a prolonged warming of the Pacific Ocean sea surface temperatures can constrain the supply of rain-driven commodities and reduce agricultural outputs.
The Water Security for Resilient Economic Growth and Stability (Be Secure) Project of the USAID, facilitated the forum, which included strategic planning for Metro Iloilo Water District, development of new water systems, supporting small scale community-based water service providers and supporting the national survey on water utilities. Gozun said that local government officials and all stakeholders should understand better the impact of climate change. “Make sure that you have water sources and that water conservation and storing should be a way of life,” Gozun said, underscoring the need for rainwater harvesting. (JCM/ESS/PIA-Iloilo)
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CENTRAL VISAYAS
Dumaguete City to mark Filipino Family Week Jennifer C. Tilos DUMAGUETE CITY, August 29 (PIA) -- Dumaguete City will join the country in observing Family Week on September 20 to 27 with this year‘s theme ―Gender Equality and Children‘s Rights in Contemporary Families."
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he City Social Welfare and Development Office and the Family Steering Committee have lined up activities for the weeklong celebration. Among these activities that will start on September 21 include an Ecumenical service at 1:30 p.m. at the DCCCO Multi-purpose hall and a symposium on Sept. 22 at the Women’s Center from 1:00 to 5:00 p.m. A Kapihan sa PIA Forum will also be held on Sept. 23 at 9:00 a.m. at Bethel Guest House and in the afternoon, a skills training at the
facility of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints along Pinili Street will be done from 1:30 pm to 5:00 p.m. On Sept. 25 at 1:00 p.m., there will be a family dialogue and poster making contest at the Robinson mall. The City Health Office will also hold a medical and dental mission on Sept. 25 from 8 am to 12 noon at the Quezon Park. Chairperson of the Family Week celebration George Gilvero said the celebration aims to highlight the importance of families, enhance understanding of their
functions and problems, and focus attention on the rights and responsibilities of all family members. Presidential Proclamation No. 60 dated September 28, 1992 and Executive Order No. 241 dated June 9, 1995 declared the observance of the National Filipino Family Week on the last week of September and every year thereafter. It aims to strengthen family unity and relationships through meaningful celebration and promotion of Filipino values. (rmn/jct/PIA7 -Negros Oriental)
Mental health as an economic issue discussed in APEC Ferliza Calizar-Contratista CEBU CITY, August 31 (PIA) – Mental health is considered as an essential discussion in the Asia Pacific Economic Conference (Apec) meetings.
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een as one factor that is vital to economic development, health ministers and representatives from the member-economies tackled mental health during the APEC 2015 Health Working Group (HWG) meeting. In a press briefing at the International Media Center, Department of Health (DOH) Undersecretary Kenneth Hartigan-Go said that mental health is a neglected condition which has an impact on a developed economy. He said there are assessments conducted about mental health not only in the Philippines but among the member economies. “Work pressures, stress, anxiety affect ability to have income,” Go said, adding that there are many institutions not capable of handling mental sickness.
APEC is looking at a greater recognition of mental health as a serious issue, according to Peter Sheehan, Research Director of The Victoria Institute of Strategic Economic Studies Australia. “The cost of incidents and future prevalence of non communicable diseases and mental health is 5 to 6 percent of the Philippines Gross Domestic Product (GDP),” Sheehan said. DOH Secretary Janette Garin, in her keynote speech during the 5th APEC High Level Meeting on Health and Economy, said that mental illness is now considered as a chronic disease. She said that mental and physical well-being are now equal partners. “Many mental illnesses can be prevented and all can be treated allowing a culture of
mental wellness to emerge and flourish,” Garin said. The Philippines, she said, is taking a leadership role this year in the promotion of mental well-being. In the August 25 meeting in Manila, the needs and priorities of economies were assessed and it paved the way for the launch of a digital hub which will promote innovative collaborations between governments, academe and private sector. “More people are forced to retire early because of ill health, the economy will become less productive,“ Garin said. There are 87 APEC meetings held in Cebu. As of August 30, 2015 there are more than 1,500 delegates from the 21 member economies. (rmn/fcc/PIA7-Cebu)
Four Cebu designers in Thailand creative workshop Juju M. Empuerto CEBU City, September 2 (PIA) -- Four designer-makers from Cebu‘s crafts and furniture scene are now in Chiang Mai, Thailand to represent the Creative Cebu Council in the ―Craft Connect! Project‖ First Workshop on Design and Marketing for the Crafts and Furniture Industries in Southeast Asia from August 31 to September 4, 2015.
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his after the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI)-Cebu successfully held the Southeast Asian Creative Cities (SEACCN) Forum in Cebu City last June 25 to 26, 2015, according to Provincial Director Nelia Navarro in a press statement. Navarro bared that the designer-craft makers from Cebu are Karla Maria Ana (Kae) Batiquin, Manager at the Holistic Coalition of the Willing (HoliCOW) and Design Ventures Cebu; Anya Lim, Co-Founder and Managing Director of ANTHILL Fabric Gallery; Koh Martinez Onozawa, President/CEO and Co-founder of Loudbasstard, Inc.; and Neil Felipp San Pedro, Creative Director of Neil Felipp.
The “Craft Connect” is a project supported by the German Government via the German International Cooperation (GIZ) to promote collaboration, design development and innovation among ASEAN crafts, furnitures and decorative items makers/designers, said Navarro. Over the four month-period, the invited designers, furniture makers, and craft makers from Chiang Mai, Cebu, and other cities in Southeast Asia will be working together and exchange ideas to help promote innovation and technology in ASEAN countries. Other project partners and supporters include the handmade-chiangmai partners
(NOHMEX, CAMT, and the British Council), the TCDC (Chiang Mai Branch) and the DITP (Chiang Mai), as well as the partners of the Southeast Asian Creative Cities Network (www.seaccn.com), particularly the Creative Cebu Council and DTU in Cebu. Navarro added that on November 2015, Cebu will take the turn in hosting the Second Workshop of the Craft Connect Project, which will invite more local designers and craft makers from Cebu along with other designers, craft makers and furniture makers in Chiang Mai and other Southeast Asian Creative cities (Cebu, Bandung, Penang, Chiang Mai). (rmn, jsme/PIA7-Cebu/with DTI7 report)
CENTRAL VISAYAS
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APEC Activity Center opens at Capitol Ferliza Calizar-Contratista CEBU CITY, September 1 (PIA) — Cebuanos can now get a glimpse of what the Asia Pacific Economic Conference (APEC) is all about with the opening of the Activity Center at the Capitol today.
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ebu Provincial Information Officer Ethel Natera said the APEC Activity Center is also open to media and bloggers who were not able to obtain an accreditation at the APEC International Media Center. But more importantly, students, clubs, civic and other non government organizations, even those from the government, can drop by and be able to get an idea or inputs on what APEC is all about. “This will be an avenue where we can help each other in explaining APEC in layman’s terms,” Natera said. The Activity Center which is at the Dignitaries Hall of the Cebu Provincial Capi-
tol will live stream some of the meetings conducted during the day. In today’s launching, Lito Maderazo of the APEC Regional Operations Committee (ROC) likened APEC to a neighbourhood scenario. “You have to talk about traffic, about health, about peace and order. In APEC, the member-economies will talk about how to easily transfer goods and services to each other,” Maderazo said. Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) Regional Director Asteria Caberte emphasized that APEC has a direct impact on the Micro Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs). She said the furnitures and fixtures at the
Mactan International Airport and in the hotels where the delegates meet and are billeted were sourced from the local MSMEs. Department of Tourism (DOT) Regional Director Rowena Montecillo said the hotels are hiring additional workforce even on a temporary basis just for APEC. Assistant Secretary Lito Nadal encouraged the Cebuanos to put their best foot forward. “This is about Cebuanos owning APEC, we need to show how hospitable the Cebuanos are,” Nadal said. APEC is now on its 10th day in Cebu province. (rmn/fcc/PIA7-Cebu)
NegOr‘s peace and order situation leads to vibrant economy Roi Anthoni B. Lomotan NEGROS ORIENTAL, Sept. 2 (PIA) – The province's current peace and order situation has helped the province achieve a vibrant economy.
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egros Oriental Gov. Roel Degamo said this in his message before employees of the provincial government as well as officers of the provincial police office during the flag-raising ceremony held yesterday at Freedom Park, Capitol Area, Dumaguete City. The flag-raising ceremony is the kick-off activity for the celebration of the National Consciousness Month this September. “Our economy became vibrant. A lot of investors have put their confidence in the province because we already addressed peace and order (issues),” Degamo stressed. To recall, Negros Oriental has been
declared as a conflict-manageable and development-ready province in 2014. This means that the insurgency level in the province is at manageable level and it no longer poses a threat to the development of the province. Gov. Degamo said this achievement is attributed to the collaborative efforts of various stakeholders and by the means of providing government services to the people in the hinterlands and in the conflict areas. Aside from Degamo, heads from different law enforcement agencies also gave messages for the observance of the National Peace Consciousness Month. Sr. Supt. Dionardo Carlos, officer in charge and chief of the provincial police office,
encouraged everyone to do their share in preserving, protecting, pursuing, and promoting lasting peace. Meanwhile, Col. Allan Martin, Commander of the 303nd Infantry Brigade of the Philippine Army based here, said he is hoping that province would no longer celebrate Peace Month because everything is already peaceful. This year’s Peace Consciousness Month carries the theme “Sama-samang Isulong, Panatilihin at Pag-igtingin ang Kapayapaan sa Ating Inang Bayan.” Activities for this month’s celebration include Run for Peace, Peace Forum, Art Exhibit for Peace and a motorcade. (rmn/ ral/PIA7-Negros Oriental)
No security threat, APEC-related crime reported in Cebu - PNP Ferliza Calizar-Contratista CEBU CITY, September 1 (PIA) — The Philippine National Police (PNP) here reported that no APEC-related incidents were reported since the Asia Pacific Economic Cooperation meetings in Cebu started this month.
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olice Superintendent Rey Lyndon Lawas, spokesperson for Site Task Group Cebu, said in yesterday's briefing that there has been no reports of crimes related to APEC. “For the first week of August, there is a decrease in crimes by six percent because there are more policemen deployed out in the field,” Lawas said. Lawas said there has been no identified security threats so far, but they are continuously levelling up security measures especially with more delegates expected to come in the province until September 11.
“The peace and order is not only attributed to the participation of all the government agencies but also the involvement of the community as a whole,” Lawas said. Lawas said there are so far, there have been 1,492 delegates that arrived in Cebu for the Apec meetings , of which more than 300 are local and more than 1,000 are foreigners. On the other hand, Lawas said they also welcome any investigation to be conducted on the allowance of the policemen detailed to secure APEC meetings here.
Senator Antonio Trillanes IV in his recent visit to Cebu said he will call for an investigation on the alleged discrepancy in the allowance and benefits to the assigned policemen. “We understand the intentions of the good senator and we are ready to answer questions if need be, we are ready with the documents,” Lawas said. There are 3,000 policemen deployed in Central Visayas and nearby regions for the holding of the APEC meetings in Cebu. The meetings will run from August 22 until September 11. (rmn/fcc/PIA7-Cebu)
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EASTERN VISAYAS
Bigger cruise ship to visit Limasawa in March next year MARCELO M. PEDALINO MAASIN CITY, Southern Leyte, Aug. 28 (PIA) -- Inspired by the positive feedback of the first cruise ship that docked in Limasawa in February this year, another one will be coming, this time a bigger one, and it will be in mid-March next year.
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his was announced by Nedgar Garvez, Provincial Tourism Officer, during the Action Center cable TV program Tuesday. The upcoming tour will have another set of passengers, mostly moneyed, retired foreigners, males and females, who enjoy travelling by ship to select tourism sites in many parts of the world. In February 23, a cruise ship with around 100 passengers landed in Limasawa island, virtually recreating a scene nearly 500 years ago when the natives first made contacts with travelling Europeans led by Ferdinand Magellan, a Portuguese navigator under the services of Spain.
But while Magellan and his men were looking for famed islands in the orient that were rich in spices -- and introduced a new faith in the process -- the visiting foreigners in February 23 simply relished every moment of their fleeting stay in the island. Garvez recalled that the guests broke agreed guidelines for their interaction with the townfolks of Limasawa, preferring instead a free-wheeling mingle, such as eating the prepared meals by hand, strolling around freely, dancing the beat of the Sinugdan tune, and stayed longer than the allowed time. The Department of Tourism (DOT) was the agency arranging with cruise ship travels in
their destinations anywhere in the Philippines, in coordination with the concerned local government units of towns and provinces where the tourists are expected to land. Next year’s schedule, March 12, barring unforeseen obstacles, is timed on the month in which Magellan’s fleet celebrated Mass in the shore of Limasawa, the day being an Easter Sunday, on March 31, 1521, and accounts in history books said it was the First Mass ever celebrated on land in the Philippines. Garvez said it was just fine that the second cruise ship visit was set weeks earlier that the First Mass anniversary so as not to disturb the religious significance of the event. (ajc/mmp/PIA8-Southern Leyte)
NCCA continues to give grants to deserving arts and cultural projects CATBALOGAN CITY, Samar, September 3 (PIA) -- The National Commission for Culture and the Arts (NCCA), led by its chairman Felipe M. de Leon Jr. and OIC-executive director Adelina M. Suemith, continues to fulfill its mandate of preserving, developing and promoting Philippine arts and culture by giving grants to deserving arts and cultural projects.
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ncouraging artistic creation, the lead national agency for arts and culture is now accepting proposals for projects to be implemented in 2016. This year, it is also looking for implementers of projects which have been conceptualized by the agency. For 2016, the NCCA is providing venues for the different regions to articulate their local culture and development concerns which the different programs and projects shall address. In Catbalogan, the NCCA team composed of Jayson Conda, Maritess Pitalbo, Henry Kangleon and Anne Cabrera met the press at the M Grand Royale Resort to seek their assistance in disseminating the information as regards the submission of project proposals. The NCCA has set two categories of proposals. Category A includes projects which have been conceptualized during the various
levels of planning workshops by its various national committees following the identified needs of the locality and where specific outputs and deliverables had been defined. Projects in this category will have three or more component activities. Proponents interested to implement projects under this category may submit a letter of intent. On the other hand, Category B calls for project proposals conceptualized by proponents with due consideration to the important concerns cited in the project brief and aligned to the identified NCCA priorities and outcomes. Interested proponents may submit a project proposal. Project briefs as well as guidelines and requirements can be viewed and downloaded at the NCCA Web site (www.ncca.gov.ph, http://ncca.gov.ph/about -ncca-3/grants-program)
Deadline of submissions of letters of intent and proposals is on September 30, 2015. It must be submitted to the Planning, Policy Formulation and Programming Division (PPFPD) led by its division chief, Ms. Marichu Tellano, at Room 5-A, fifth floor, NCCA Building, 633 General Luna Street, Intramuros, Manila. It may also be submitted via email to ncca.luzon@gmail.com(for Luzon); ncca.visayas@gmail.com (for the Visayas); ncca.mindanao@gmail.com(for Mindanao); and ncca.ncr@gmail.com (for NCR). For inquiries on the NCCA Grants Programs, contact P/PFPD through direct line 5272-214, trunkline no. 5272192, email add pmd@ncca.gov.ph, grants@ncca.gov.ph, or info@ncca.gov.ph. (PIA 8-Samar with NCCA PR)
23 DPWH-Southern Leyte employees tested positive on illegal drugs MA. REBECCA G. CADAVOS MAASIN CITY, Southern Leyte, Sept. 1 (PIA) – An office-wide surprise random drug test was conducted to all budgetary and Job Order field and office personnel of the Department of Public Works and Highways-Southern Leyte Engineering Office
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PWH-SLEO District Engineer Margarita Junia said that the activity was planned and organized in coordination with the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) and administered by a Department of Health (DOH)-accredited laboratory. “The purpose of the random drug testing is to cleanse the organization,” Junia quoted. She believes that healthy-bodied and healthy-minded personnel can satisfactorily perform their duties and responsibilities which forms an integral part of achieving the department mandates, she added.
The activity was conducted right after the flag raising ceremony. The employees were directed to proceed to the function hall where the drug testing took place. More than 300 personnel went through the drug test, the source said. Earlier, the lady district engineer pushed for a mandatory drug testing after agents of the Philippine Drug enforcement Agency (PDEA) caught a DPWH-SLED regular employee for illegal drugs trade last March this year. The suspect alleged that drugs he traded were intended for government engineers.
“The suspect’s claim is alarming because it brought shame to the whole organization,” Junia said. The surprise drug test found 23 DPWH employees positive of drugs. Though a confirmatory test is still sought and w h a t a c t i on t o t a k e w i t h t h e said employees who were found positive is still being studied Junia revealed. The mandatory drug test is part of DPWH-SLED’s drive to increase awareness on the harmful effects and dangers of drug use/ abuse in workplaces. (jrc/rgc/PIA8-SoLeyte)
EASTERN VISAYAS
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‗Bahandi‘ 2015 trade fair is back NEIL D. LOPIDO TACLOBAN CITY, Leyte, September 1 (PIA) – ―Binagol,‖ ―moron,‖ ―sagmani,‖ and ―suman balintawak,‖ are only some of the delicacies from the eastern part of the Visayas that will be showcased during the Bahandi 2015 Eastern Visayas Regional Trade Fair on September 2 to September 6 at SM Megamall, Megatrade Hall 2, Mandaluyong City.
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his was announced by Regional Director Cynthia R. Nierras of the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) during the recent Kapihan ha PIA dubbed “Panginsayod” who said that after more than a year of recovery and rehabilitation efforts, the participating Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) have started to rebuild their enterprises towards expanded economic a ctivity. “We are happy that we are back in Bahandi 2015 in Manila. This is also a result of the assistance that we have been giving to Yolanda-affected MSMEs for the past two years,” Director Nierras said. The five-day trade fair is expected to generate some
P13 million sales from 88 participating SMEs in the region that will showcase products such as processed food items, decors, handicrafts, furniture, furnishings, fashion accessories as well as tourism destinations. "When you buy from Region 8, you are helping the 'Yolanda' victims recover," she said. Nierras even made special mention to the “suman balintawak” of Naval, Biliran who told the media that no less than DTI secretary Gregory Domingo said it was the “best suman” he ever tasted during the Bahandai 2012. With the theme, “Products crafted with hope and determination; moving forward and beyond super typhoon Yolanda,” the holding of Bahandi 2015 shows also their perseverance
and hope to bring out the message that they are back into business, she said. “This is also a venue to recognize the programs of interventions and assistance provided by the government and international and local non-government organizations to Yolanda-affected SMEs to build back better their businesses aimed also at helping not only the producers but also the people dependent in them like the suppliers of raw materials as well as the workers to get back also to their source of income.” This year’s Bahandi, which means treasure and wealth, is supported by the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) and the Regional Development Council 8. (jrc/ldl/PIA-8)
2nd leg of RDC VIII peace and development caravan TERESITA B. CARDENAS CATARMAN, Northern Samar, Sept. 3 (PIA) - The Province of Northern Samar hosted the second leg of the Regional Development Council VIII peace and development caravan in Las Navas, Northern Samar on September 1.
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he activity involves the conduct of series of service missions of key government services to conflict vulnerable areas in the three Samar provinces which aimed to bring government closer to the people and help regain people’s trust and confidence. Likewise the said activity served as
a platform for information campaign to present the government programs, projects and activities through the conduct of consultations and dialogues. As a manifestation of sincere commitment to the government’s anti-insurgency campaign the different line agencies such as OPPAP, DTI,
DepEd, DPWH, DAR, DENR, DA, DOST, DOLE, TESDA,DILG, DSWD, DOH, FIDA, DBM, NEDA, 803rd Birgade, 20th IB, and the department heads and staff of the Provincial Government were there to extend their programs and services for development . (jrc/ tbc/PIA8-North Samar)
EV PNP celebrates 114th Police Service Anniv TACLOBAN CITY, Leyte, Aug 27(PIA) – PNP Chief Police Director General Ricardo C. Marquez visited the region yesterday to join the celebration of the 114th Police Service Anniversary anchored on the theme ―Pambansang Pulisya: Patuloy sa Makabuluhang Paglilingkod at Makatarungang Pagpapatupad ng Batas‖.
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arquez was accompanied by his wife Luz Marquez; PNP Center for Police Strategy Management (CPSM) Director Police Chief Superintendent Noel A Baraceros and Police Chief Superintendent Rolando Ualat, DIPO-Visayas. Likewise, Major General Jet Velarmino, Commanding General of the 8th Infantry Division, Philippine Army, heads of national government agencies, local chief executives, business leaders, non -government organizations, private sector also joined in the celebration. In his message, Marquez commended his men led by Police Chief Superintendent Asher A. Dolina for the efforts made that have been instrumental in helping the PNP organization in the fulfillment of its mission. “I am pleased to join today as we celebrate and pay tribute to the 114 years of experienced service rendered by the gallant men and women of our organization,” Marquez said. As he commended his men, he expressed commitment to serve the community and the
whole country with a hope that his men will also be committed. The PNP official came not only to thank and congratulate his men for the accomplishments done particularly during the Papal visit but also to ask each and every one to rally the leadership of the organization and to cross ranks so that they can better perform their functions such as serving the community, building state neighborhood and help contribute in nation building. This year’s celebration was highlighted by the giving of awards and commendations to deserving PNP personnel and units for service excellence and exemplary performance. Police Regional Office 8 bagged the Best Performing Regional Office. Other unit awardees are the Tanauan Municipal Police Office for the Achievement Award on the arrest of Most Wanted Person and Malitbog Municipal Police Station on the Achievement Award for the Solution of Sensational Criminal Case. Meanwhile, Leyte Police Provincial Office got two special unit awards namely the Recognition for the Unit with the Most
Number of Firearms Accounted and the Recognition for the Unit with Notable Accomplishment in the Campaign Against Illegal Drugs. For individual awardees, two policemen received the Achievement Award in the Field of Police Operations namely Police Inspector Benjamen B. Lodo Jr. for the Police Commissioned Officer Level and PO3 Arvin M. Caberte for Police Non-Commissioned Officer Level while PO3 Allan D. Guimbaolibot got the Achievement Award in the Field of Intelligence and NUP Maria Edna A. Sande for the Achievement Award in the Field of General Support. Other Awardees are the Municipality of Palo, Leyte as Outstanding Local Government Unit of the Year and PARDSS-Tacloban Command as Outstanding Non-Government Organization of the Year. In said celebration, PDG Marquez likewise turned over patrol cars to Police Regional Office to be used in patrol operations. (fej/cba/PIA-8)
One Visayas e-newsletter is published weekly by the Visayas Regional Cluster of the Philippine Information Agency (PIA) comprising Region 6, 7 and 8. Its main editorial office is located at PIA Region 6, Iloilo City. 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
Editorial Consultants Atty. Ma. Janet C. Mesa, Ph. D. Regional Director, PIA6
Ms. Alicia E. Nicart Regional Director, PIA8
Managing Editor Jaime S. Cabag, Jr. Contributors All PIA Information Officers of Regions 6, 7 & 8 Production and Layout Edson J. Baùares 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