Vol 5
Issue 17
In this Issue WESTERN VISAYAS
President Benigno S. Aquino III, together with Governor Alfredo G. Marañon, cabinet secretaries (l-r) Herminio B. Coloma, Jr, Joel Villanueva, Proceso Alcala, Mar Roxas and Bago Irrigators’ Association Rosemary Caunca, leads the ceremonial switch on of the bagging machine that will mechanically pour 50 kilos of rice onto a sack at the modern rice mill facility – Negros First Rice Processing Center in Barangay Tabunan, Bago City. *(EAD-PIA6 photo)
April 27 - May 3, 2015
Published by: PIA 6, 7 & 8
Sec. Coloma: Average of 1M jobs yearly under Aquino gov‘t By Fayette C. Riñen CEBU, May 1 (PIA) --Presidential Communications Operations Office (PCOO) Secretary Sonny Coloma Jr. in a press briefing to Cebu media early this afternoon said that an average of one million jobs annually have been generated under the Aquino administration improving the lives of workers. Coloma made the announcement as the country marks Labor Day placing emphasis that employment generation is a priority thrust under this administration. The PCOO chief said agencies like the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) and the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA) are doubling their efforts in crafting programs that could open more job opportunities for the Filipinos. ―There are 300,000 job openings countrywide facilitated through the DOLE,‖ said Coloma who flew in to Cebu yesterday together with President Aquino and nine other cabinet members including Labor Secretary Rosalinda Baldoz and TESDA Secretary Joel Villanueva. ―Through TESDA, government is providing various technical skills trainings to make people more employable,‖ by matching the skills to the needs of the labor market, said Coloma. Coloma also said that nearly five years into the Aquino
presidency, much has been done to improve the plight of workers such as the higher ceiling for the tax exemption of the 13th month pay of ordinary workers in both public and private sectors and the improvement of labor standards focusing on occupational health and safety by hiring more workers in DOLE to monitor and check on the conditions of workers in hazardous sectors as well as assistance to vulnerable sectors including the plight of overseas Filipino workers. As some labor groups demand for salary increase and raise minimum wage to P16,000, Coloma said this is unrealistic. ―Although we recognize their right to hold protests, this however is not justified,‖ said Coloma adding that raising the minimum wage to P16,000 makes the Philippines the country with the highest minimum wage. Coloma urged labor groups to reconsider their demand as this will be a total turn-off to investors. ―What we want is for more investors to come in and create more job opportunities,‖ said Coloma. Coloma further said the minimum wage is just a benchmark or a reference point where workers can complain if their salary is lesser than what is required under the law. There are other jobs that offer higher salary depending on one’s qualifications, he said. (mbcn/fcr/PIA7)
Gov. Petilla sees brighter future for Leyte‘s farmers More on Region 6, pages 2-3. Also CLICK Here…
CENTRAL VISAYAS
President Benigno S. Aquino III unveils the New Mill Facility Marker in line with the expansion project inauguration of CEMEX Philippines, Apo Cement Plant at Barangay Tinaan, City of Naga, Cebu, May 1, 2015 with a theme: ―Building A Better Future‖. (vvv/PIA Cebu)
More on Region 7, pages 4-5. Also CLICK Here…
EASTERN VISAYAS
Justice secretary Leila de Lima answeres questions from the media during a press conference at the VIP Lounge, DZR airport, Tacloban City, April 30. The Secretary is in Eastern Visayas as commencement speaker of the Eastern Samar State University graduation exercises in Borongan, Eastern Samar. (Vino R. Cuayzon)
More on Region 8, pages 6-7. Also CLICK Here...
TACLOBAN CITY, LEYTE, April 28 (PIA) – When super typhoon ―Yolanda‖ spread heavily its wrath in the region in 2013, the future of the farmers here went bleak and hopeless, so went likewise the apprehension of Governor Dominic Petilla. This he said during the launching today of the ―Pasyada 2015‖, at the Palo Pagibig Plaza which aims to boost tourism visits with food and agricultural production. In his opening message, Gov. Petilla shared his apprehension for his constituents, after super typhoon ―Yolanda‖ wrecked the province particularly the farmers’ livelihood. Fortunately he said, a few days after the devastation, Food and Agriculture Office (FAO) representatives approached and asked what he needed. ―I told them, I need to restore the livelihood of my farmers,‖ Petilla recalled. Indeed, he said, on December 7, barely one month of the ―Yolanda‖ aftermath, the first shipment of 63-thousand sacks of certified seedlings were received by the Department of Agriculture here, who in turn distributed the seedlings to the different farmers in the province of Leyte, with the help of the mayors and local agricultural officers. ―And by May 2014, after four months of farming, DA reported a huge harvest,‖ the Leyte chief executive shared. He cited for instance, the Tanauan farmers who produced 19 -thousand metric tons of rice in 2014 from its 10-thousand in 2013. This way, he said, the farmers did not only recover their production they also ―did it better‖.
Petilla also estimated some 6M coconut trees which were toppled down by the ―Yolanda‖ calamity and it can take seven years for the coconut farmers to recover. For the untoppled trees, two years would be good for the farmers to await recovery. However, with the Compact Farming being introduced to the farmers, a better future might just be in the offing. The training program started with 38 farmers using high value crops; now it has 2,500 families being helped. The training continues where 200 to 300 families are being added up per training and it is continuing until all the farmers in the 1,393 barangays have all been trained. ―Can you imagine the impact the program can give to the agricultural industry and the economy here?‖, Gov. Petilla said. A lot more training programs and interventions are underway for the farmers in Leyte, he said, because from here ―we can show the world that the Leyteños are hard working people coupled with our businesses and industries,‖ he added. ―And not only that, our next target would be the livestock production,‖ Gov. Petilla informed. ―We are also looking at the total well-being and health services for our farmers in order to keep them healthy with their families,‖ Gov. Petilla concluded. ―Pasyada 2015‖ was launched together with Palo Mayor Matin Petilla’s More Income in the Countryside (MIC)-Agri Fair which likewise aims to boost the income of the farmers in the locality. The fair featured local and agricultural products, vegetables and processed foods which were locally produced. (PIA-08)
PNoy - Negros Cyber Center to create 26T jobs By Lorenzo O. Lambatin Jr. NEGROS OCC., May 1 (PIA6)—President Benigno S. Aquino III said the Negros first Cyber Center in Bacolod City which he inaugurated April 30 will generate 6,000 direct jobs and 20,000 indirect jobs. Called Information Technology–Business Process Management hub, IT BPM, the president inaugurated this P674 million project sitting on a two-hectare lot located at Lacson cor. Hernaez Sts. The President also visited Bago City where he inaugurated a multi-million rice processing center in Brgy. Tabunan, President Aquino unveiled the marker at the main entrance with local officials led by Negros Occ. Gov. Alfredo Marañon. He was welcomed at the lobby by DTI Sec. Gregory Domingo, PEZA Dir. General Lilia de Lima, Negros Occ. Vice Gov. Eugenio Jose Lacson and Bacolod City Mayor Monico Puentebella. The building will house call centers at the Business Resource Center, a space to start-up IT companies and training center for IT-BPM like Technology Business Incubation Center, research and development facility and creative studio. It will also have restaurants, banks and conference and exhibition halls. ―The most important is that the whole enterprise is owned and under the management of the local government. This means the expected P90 million income per year will go directly to the provincial government,‖ he said. ―This (building) was started in 2012 and completed in October 2014. It opened and started to operate last December. This is a proof that this structure –with the right people and
plan, at the right quality and price and planning, the project can be made concrete benefitting the people‖ he said. Meanwhile, the P63.9 million Negros First Rice Processing Center (RPC) in Barangay Tabunan, Bago City. Was put up through a counter parting scheme involving the Department of Agriculture which chipped in P19.9 million and the Provincial Government which spent P44 million including the additional allocation for the expansion. The Negros First Rice Processing Center is a modern rice processing facility which has the milling capacity of 10 tons per hour with series of re-circulating dryers coupled to a single biomass furnace that has the milling recovery of 68 percent. (JCM/ Lljr-PIA6 wth EAD report)
President Aquino replies to media queries during the press conference at the side of his visit to Bacolod City, April 30 to inaugurate two major development projects. (PIA6/Bacolod Infocen)
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WESTERN VISAYAS
PRO-6 assures no major crimes during APEC meetings The Bataan Memorial Cross
By Elsa S. Subong
ILOILO CITY, April 28 (PIA6)—The Police Regional Office-6 is committed to ensure a ―zero major crime incident‖ during the APEC meetings in identified venues in Western Visayas.
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RO-6 Director Chief Supt. Josephus Angan said in a press release that the security coverage does not also undermine the impact of petty crimes to the event. He added that besides the 3,000 police personnel deployed to secure the areas of engagement of the APEC delegates, the deployment of law enforcers in civilian clothes has been intensified. ―Police multipliers will be mobilized to provide intelligence information for any
presence of criminal elements and other auspicious groups,‖ Angan said. Angan, designated as Commander of the Site Task Group for the host venues in the region, led the tabletop exercise to review the contingency security measures with member agencies held in Bacolod City last week. ―The concerted efforts of member agencies are pivotal in achieving our security goal,‖ Angan said. Bacolod City will be the venue for the
first meeting on Credit Information Bureau hosted by the Department of Finance, on April 29-30. ―While security plans are already set for APEC events in Bacolod City, it is still necessary for everyone to help,‖ Angan said. The Site Task Force is divided into three Site Sub-Task Groups namely, Security, Peace and Order, and Emergency Preparedness, with designated heads per host venue. (PRO6/ESS/PIA-Iloilo)
Aklan's top taxpayers cited By Venus G. Villanueva KALIBO, Aklan, April 25 (PIA6) -- Top taxpayers of Aklan‘s 17 towns were recently honored by the provincial government for doing their share in paying the right taxes which contributed much to the province's economic development.
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he awarding was held at the lobby of the Provincial Capitol Building. Awarded along with the respective municipalities’ taxpayers were the province's top outstanding municipal treasurers, 5 top Hall of Fame taxpayers from Aklan’s 5 towns, and 5 outstanding Revenue Task Force members. The awards were handed in by Aklan Vice Governor Gabrielle Calizo-Quimpo with the assistance of Provincial Treasurer Suzette Pioquid. Awarded outstanding taxpayers for Calendar Year 2014 per municipality included Smart Communications for Altavas; Teodorico V. Calizo, Jr. of Balete; Smart Communications, Banga; Inocencio Lazarraga, Jr., Batan; Marilyn P. Perez, Buruanga; Panay Telephone Corporation, Ibajay; Royal Four Seasons Incorporation, Kalibo; Anita G. Rescate, Lezo; Ronualdo S. Zeque, Sr., Libacao; Loreto N. Gonzales, Jr., Madalag; Dr. Judith Ibabao, Makato; Boracay Regency Beach Resort, Malay; Aida Yasul Jayme, Malinao; Panay Power
Corporation, Nabas; Panay Power Corporation, New Washington; San Miguel Brewery, Numancia; and Aristotle C. Tirol, Tangalan. Hall of Famers, on the other hand, were Christian Rafael of Numancia, Makati Shangri-La Hotel and Resort, Malay; Prospero M. Tutor, Lezo; Hon. Carlito Marquez, Banga; and HEVA Management and Development Corporation, Kalibo. Outstanding municipal officers awarded from first place to 5th place included Dediosa Dioso of Malay; Elsa M. Tabuena of Kalibo; Froilan N. Redison of Banga; Angelyn Rubias of Tangalan and Elisa Solanoy of Numancia. The province also awarded certificates of appreciation to the Outstanding Revenue Generation Task Force members led by SPO4 Greg F. Ginoy, SPO2 Arman I. Ibea, PO3 Clemente B. Magtanum, and Donald V. Marquez, Admin. Aide I, and Roderick P. Urbano, Admin. Aide III of the Provincial Treasurer’s Office. In her message, Vice Governor Calizo-Quimpo told the awardees
and the audience composed of Provincial Capitol Employees and municipal treasurers that the provincial thrust now is to increase revenue generation of the province, so that facilities could be put up to further push the economy. Mentioning the nearing ASEAN integration, the Vice Governor said the province must be prepared for the ―no barrier‖ entry in the market of products from other countries. ―We have to always catch up and it is good that in Aklan, we have a very active private sector‖, Calizo-Quimpo said. She also cited last year’s accomplishment of the province for placing number one among 80 provinces in the country as the least dependent on the Internal Revenue Allotment (IRA) which is an indication that taxes in Aklan are being put to good use. The awarding of the top Aklan taxpayers is one of the major activities of the province in celebration of its 59th anniversary as a separate province from Capiz since April 25, 1956. (JSC/VGV-PIA6 Aklan)
DOH: Mothers should deliver in health care facilities By Leonard T. Pineda ILOILO CITY, April 27 (PIA6) --- The Department of Health (DOH) is pushing for 100 percent health facility-based delivery to reduce cases of maternal mortality in the country.
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n the Kalusugang Pampamilya on Wheels initiative held recently in Calinog town here, Health Secretary Janette L. Garin said that mothers should only deliver in a health-care facility including rural health center, birthing clinic, barangay health station, or hospital. ―We should not tolerate and we should not allow birth delivery in households,‖ she said. She said that pregnant women should
give birth only in facility-based centers attended by skilled health personnel. She said it is important that pregnant women deliver in a health-facility where equipment are readily available and to prevent infections. ―Babies delivered in households are prone to infections and could suffer many complications,‖ she said. The DOH official said that PhilHealth (Philippine Health Insurance Corporation) has expanded coverage for birth care
delivery and women about to give birth. The National Health Insurance Act of 2013 (Republic Act 10606) provides that un-enrolled women about to give birth shall be covered by National Health Insurance Program (NHIP). This is to ensure that women about to give birth shall have financial risk protection during their pregnancy, delivery and post-partum period through their enrollment to the NHIP. (JCM/LTP/ PIA-Iloilo)
WESTERN VISAYAS
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Capiz PNP reports improved crime situation Mt. Samat National Shrine
By Jemin B. Guillermo ROXAS CITY, Capiz, April 29 (PIA6) – The province of Capiz remains to be a peaceful place, says the Philippine National Police.
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apiz Police Officer-In-Charge Samuel Nacion said that compared to other places, the province of Capiz is generally peaceful. In the recent Provincial Peace and Order Council meeting presided over by Governor Victor Tanco, Nacion disclosed that the crime situation in the first quarter of this year has improved. According to him, the crime volume, to include both the index and non-index crime, for the first quarter of 2015 drastically dropped by almost 15 percent compared to the same period last year. He added that the crime solution efficiency likewise improved during that same period. Nacion said that the decrease in crime volume is attributed to the implementation of the Western Visayas Police Regional Office’s anti-crime strategy such as the Prevention and
Response Operation and Strategy in Crime Suppression (PROSICS) System, 65:35 duty shifts and police-community partnership and mobilization activities. He also cited that the keeping the police force multipliers active and urging the people to be participative in preventing the occurrence of crimes in their locality have likewise contributed to such positive result. He said that the increase in the crime solution efficiency of the police is the result of the continuing investigative capability enhancement of the police field investigators being introduced by their regional office. ―The application of E-Projects and the support of the populace in providing vital information leading to the identification and location of suspects that eventually resulting to their arrest have been a big help to us,‖ he said. Nacion said that because of their intensive drive against illegal drugs in the first
quarter this year, where they have conducted 23 operations, resulted in the arrest 37 individuals. He also said that their campaign for the arrest of most wanted persons, loose firearms, illegal fishing and other criminal activities continues. On the other hand, Governor Victor Tanco said that he is very satisfied with the performance of Nacion as head of the police provincial office here for barely two months. The governor said that the zero crime-related incident during the seven-day Capiztahan festival is a laudable effort of Nacion as he expressed his desire for the latter to be the full-fledged Police Provincial Director of Capiz. During the meeting, the PPOC passed and approved a resolution for the full-fledged status of Nacion as police provincial director here. (JCM/JBG/PIA6-Capiz)
WV workers get P11.50 increase effective May 2 By Leonard T. Pineda ILOILO CITY, April 29 (PIA6) --- The Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE)-6 announced that minimum wage earners in Western Visayas will start receiving the P11.50 wage increase starting May 2, 2015.
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he Regional Tripartite Wages and Productivity Board (RTWPB)-6, attached agency of DOLE mandated to prescribe the minimum wage rates for all private enterprise workers in the region, approved Wage Order No. RBVI-22 on March 27, 2015. The mandate was affirmed by the National Wages and Productivity Commission on April 15, 2015. Nesa Nolido, Board Secretary of RTWPB-6 said the new wage order granted
an adjustment of P11.50 for employees in the private sector both for the agricultural and non-agricultural. For non-agriculture, industrial and commercial establishments employing more than 10 workers, the new wage rate starting May 2 will be P298.50 and P256.50 for those employing ten and below. Workers in the agricultural plantation will receive P266.50 while those in non-plantations will be paid P256.50.
Meanwhile, DOLE-6 Regional Director Ponciano Ligutom said that the wage increase was the result of the petitions filed by the General Alliance of Workers Association, New Independent Workers Organization, and CENECO Union of Rational Employees in 2014. DOLE-6 said that the wage order was published on April 17, 2015 in a local newspaper of regional circulation. (JCM/LTP/ DOLE/PIA-Iloilo)
Antique Kalahi CIDSS gets P349.1M By Pilar S. Mabaquiao SAN JOSE, Antique, April 28 (PIA6) - - Rural Barangays in Antique availed of infrastructure support from the national government through the The Kapit‐Bisig Laban sa Kahirapan ‐ Comprehensive and Integrated Delivery of Social Services or Kalahi‐ CIDSS program.
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aria Theresa C. Cerbas, of KALAHI-CIDSS, DSWD 6 said when the program started in 2012 it only covered eight municipalities funded under the Millennium Challenge Corporation (MCC), but this year it included all towns in the province under the National Community Driven Development Program (NCDDP). Under MCC the towns included are Anini-y, Bugasong, Caluya, Culasi, Laua-an, Pandan, San Remigio and Valderrama with the total budget of P349,104,959 intended for 260 sub projects.
The projects are carefully identified through series of community consultation, meeting with local officials, validation and development of the project proposal with the community residents. The projects identified respond to the problem of the community related to disaster preparedness, accessibility such as roads and bridges and also structures or buildings such as day care centers, schools, multi Most of the projects under MCC are expected to be completed this year. For NCDDP, project identification,
validation and preparation of proposal are ongoing simultaneously with organizational formation and development for people’s association who are frontliners in their respective projects, said Cerbas. For KALAHI-CIDSS NCDDP there are 564 sub projects in the amount of P351,034,140 to cover the 18 towns line with the rehabilitation and recovery program of the government of communities affected by Typhoon Yolanda. Cerbas encouraged the support of the local officials and the community for the success of this program. (JCM/PSM/PIA6Antique)
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CENTRAL VISAYAS
Chinese reclamation at West PH Sea costing $100 million annual damage to its ecosystem
The Bataan Memorial Cross
By Ferliza C. Contratista CEBU CITY, April 28 (PIA) - - - The Chinese reclamation at the West Philippine Sea is already costing a $100 million annual damage to its ecosystem.
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his was the statement of National Dr. Edgardo Gomez, Emeritus Professor of the University of the Philippines—Marine Science Department in the recently held Bloggers Forum in Cebu. ―Due to these illegal; activities the countries around South China Sea lose $100,000,000.00 annually‖ said Dr. Gomez. He added there is destruction of the balance of marine ecosystem seen due to the massive reclamation projects of China in the West Philippine Sea. Over exploitation of endangered species and coral reef ecosystem are among the issues concerning the sustainability of food security in the Philippines, Gomez said.
Gomez said the physical destruction of the marine biodiversity has an impact on climate change and economic productivity of the country. ―Cora; Reefs provide the most productive ecosystem services, it sustains life,‖ Gomez explained. These healthy coral reefs are important for the productivity of neighboring marginal seas and if the Chinese continue to harm these healthy ecosystems, ―we may lose our ecological biodiversity,‖ Gomez warned. Chinese fishers dominating Bajo de Masinloc near Zambales practice destructive fishing using boat propellers to clear sands and coral reefs. They are also harvesting massive giant clams
which are considered endangered. These giant clams are reportedly used as replacements for ivory to sustain Chinese sculptural industry. Tridach Gigas are among the true giant clams found on the West Philippine Sea. The Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) with the Philippine Information Agency (PIA) in Cebu tapped the Cebu bloggers community for the information campaign on West Philippine Sea issues. China has been recently displaying aggression on its claims over the West Philippine Sea, pursuing the Nine dash line claim. (mbcn/fcc/ PIA7/Cebu/ with reports from Caren P. Gabisay, CTU, Devcom Intern)
First bloggers forum on West PH Sea in Cebu By Ferliza C. Contratista CEBU CITY, April 28 (PIA)— The information campaign on the West Philippine Sea is now tapping the bloggers to penetrate netizens.
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or the first time, the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) launched a modern means to make the public, local and international, aware of the issues surrounding the West Philippine Sea (WPS). DFA coordinated with Philippine Information Agency (PIA–Cebu) tapping the bloggers in the province for the information campaign. Executive Director of the Maritime and Ocean Affairs Office (MOAO) DFA, Maria Teresa Almojuela urged the Cebu bloggers to use their blogs as medium in reaching out to the netizens. ―If you can, please blog in Chinese, so that they can understand what’s happening, what their government is doing,‖ Almojuela said. Almojuela briefed the bloggers on the history of the different claims made on the islands in the South China Sea where the West Philippine Sea is located. Each country is entitled to 200 nautical miles
of additional sea boundary as Exclusive Economic Zone and Continental Shelf, she said. This was stated and agreed in the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Seas (UNCLOS) by 166 countries where China and the Philippines were also signatories. ―However China suddenly came up with the nine dash line and now covers 80 percent of the 200 miles Exclusive Economic Zone of the Philippines,‖ Almojuela said. It also overlapped even into the EEZ’s and CS’ of Vietnam, Malaysia and Brunei. Part of the Philippines’ claim in South China sea is the Kalayaan Island Group and the Scarborough Shoal. Currently China had put up a so called ―fishermen’s shelter‖ which turned out to be a military garrison. On the other hand, National Scientist and known marine biologist Dr. Edgardo Gomez told the group that the reclamation and fishing
activities of the Chinese in the area is costing $100,000,000 damage to the marine diversity in the area. These activities include the destruction of the coral reefs where the reclamations are located as well as the gathering of giant clams. Cebu Blogging Community president, Ruben Licera said this is a one of a kind advocacy which is also important for the bloggers to take part. ―Instead of blogging about some non essential things, this time we can help educate specially the Chinese. Let’s learn to blog in Mandarin in their own language,‖ Licera said. The bloggers in Cebu and PIA had already joined hands in several advocacies with hashtag #iBlogsforSocialgood. Other topics include #iBlogforRabiesFreePH and the ecovoluntourism event #iBlogforBantayan. DFA also held in Cebu the very first multi stakeholders forum on WPS in March. (mbcn/fcc/ PIA7-Cebu)
P10M fund for irrigation system of Cebu City‘s upland barangays By Ferliza C. Contratista CEBU CITY, April 27 (PIA) -- Cebu City to build P10 million detachment ponds in upland barangays to avert mild El Nino‘s potential water crisis.
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ebu City Agriculturist Joelito Baclayon in today’s Kapihan sa PIA said, by third quarter of this year, they will already mount the detachment ponds. Seeing the threat of a water crisis due to a predicted prolonged mild El Nino, the Cebu City government will pursue the plan of building detachment ponds in the 28 upland barangays. Baclayon said there will be six 100 square meter ponds that will be made in each of the 28 farming barangays. ―If the water dries up, this will serve as small
farm reservoirs which are way better that natural springs,‖ Baclayon added. Natural springs he said has more water spillage due to natural gravity. Baclayon also said they are in the midst of the design planning and purchasing requests for the making of the infrastructure while negotiating with the farmers whose lots are potential locations of the detachment ponds. ―I also advise farmers to water crops early in the morning and late in the afternoon, not in peak hours in order to conserve water,‖
Baclayon said. He said, his office is always extending assistance to help farmers cope with the El Nino phenomenon. The National Irrigation Authority had reportedly observed that the dams in Central Visayas are now near the critical level. It was in 2009 and 2010 where great number of losses to the agriculture sector were noted brought about by the El Nino. (mbcn/fcc/ PIA7-Cebu/with reports from Caren Gabisay, CTU Devcom Intern)
CENTRAL VISAYAS
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DOH tells IOs: Always be on watch for ebola and MERS COV Mt. Samat National Shrine
By Ferliza C. Contratista
CEBU CITY, April 28 (PIA) -- The Department of Health (DOH-7) reminds the public to be on guard of the deadly viruses of ebola and the Middle East Respiratory Sydrome Coronavirus (MersCov).
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n a recent meeting of the Cebu Association of City and Municipal Public Information Officers (CAOCAMPIO), DOH-7 chief epidemiologist, Dr. Rennan Cimafranca said the suppression of these emerging infectious diseases should be given importance by every municipality and city in Cebu. ―These infectious diseases are among the healthy-threatening challenges the world is facing today‖ said Dr. Cimafranca. He added the DOH had managed to prevent the spread of these deadly viruses in the country over the past months. Cimafranca reported so far World Health Organization 9WHO) has nt issued a specific
treatment for Mers-CoV and Ebola. What they are doing so far is the extension of medical care supports. ―We are thankful that so far there is no case of ebola and MERS COV in the Philippines,‖ Cimafranca said. At the local level, DOH also strengthened surveillance and constant monitoring of passenger in all seaports and airports. In fact, there are ambulances dedicated to deliver any suspected cases in their respective quarantine facilities, said Dr. Cimafranca. Vicente Sotto Memorial Medical Center (VSMMC) and Bureau of Quarantine (BOQ) are the cooperating institutions in
providing medical supports to prevent wide spread of these disease. Ebola virus disease (EVD; also Ebola haemorrhagic fever, or EHF) or simply Ebola, is a disease of humans and other primates caused by ebolavirus. Signs and symptoms typically start between two days and three weeks after contracting the virus with a fever, sore throat, muscular pain, and headaches. Most People infected with Mers-CoV developed severe acute respiratory illness, including fever, cough, and shortness of breath. (mbcn/fcc/PIA7-Cebu with reports from Caren P. Gabisay, CTU Devcom Intern)
DA-BFAR 7 spearheads 11th Fisherfolk Month By Amor Y. Saludar Central Visayas, April 29 (PIA) -- The Department of Agriculture through the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (DA-BFAR-7) in Central Visayas spearheads the 11th Fisherfolk Month Celebration in May this year with the theme, ―Mangingisdang Direktor Para Sa Mas Matatag Na Balikatan.‖
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iving due recognition to farmers and fisherfolks this year, the bureau highlights its role as the country’s strength in the food security program. It can be recalled that President Corazon C. Aquino declared month of May every year as Farmers and Fisherfolk Month. The annual celebration is intended to remind the public of the great contributions fisherfolks have rendered to the Nation’s wealth. This is also to acknowledge the major role played by the country’s farmers and fisherfolks in the economic recovery generating not less than 40% of the country’s export revenues.
To dramatize the endeavor and contribution to nation building, the regional an provincial fisherfolk leaders will act as BFAR regional director and provincial fishery officers for the whole month of May under Special Order 88. An Oath Taking and Installation ceremonies will form part in the opening program on August 29, 2015 at the Conference Room of BFAR 7, Arellano Blvd., Cebu City, 9:00 in the morning. Lined up activities during the Fisherfolk month celebration include giving out of 110 units of 16Hp marine engines to all the coastal municipalities and cities in the region. The recipient municipalities in return will
provide the boat hull which will be use for law enforcement activities in their respective municipal waters. There will also be a simultaneous coastal clean-up, mangrove planting, milkfish fingerling dispersal, tilapia and blue swimming crab will be given out in addition to the sea weeds seedling during the month-long celebration. Various IEC materials will also be also distributed. Capping the celebration is a "Tabo sa BFAR" which will showcase the activities of the Post- Harvest and Marketing Division as they sell out fresh, dried and frozen fishery products. (mbcn/ ays/PIA7with reports from BFAR7-IPRG Cebu)
Pantawid Pamilya student-beneficiaries in NegOr graduated high school BY JENNIFER C. TILOS NEGROS ORIENTAL, April 28 (PIA) -- Some 6,875 student-beneficiaries of the Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program from Negros Oriental completed their high school education this year.
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ccording to Pantawid Pamilya information officer Phoebe Jen Indino, there are 26,454 student-beneficiaries/graduates of the program for Central Visayas. Of these 12,359 are from Cebu province; 6,875 from Negros Oriental; 6,739 from Bohol and 481 from Siquijor. To celebrate this milestone, the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD-7) will hold a PantawidPamilya Regional High School Graduation today at Hoops Dome in Lapu-Lapu City, Cebu. This event dubbed as ―PagtataposNyo, Tagumpayng Pilipino‖ aims to recognize the graduating beneficiaries for their efforts to hurdle another stage in their academic life. Indino said about 250 student-beneficiaries, parent/guardian and partner agencies such as Commission on Higher Education, Technical Education Skills and Development Authority, Department of Education, Department of Health,
Department of Labor and Employment, and other private institutions are expected to gather for the event. The Philippine government’s Conditional Cash Transfer nationwide has more than 300,000 children-beneficiaries that graduated this year. ―We are doing this event to provide a venue for these graduates to be linked to opportunities like scholarships, internships, or part time jobs that will help them realize their dream,‖ said Mercedita Jabagat, DSWD7 regional director. Jabagat added this graduation is considered as a memorable achievement not only for the program, but also for the partner-beneficiaries who are now a step closer to a better life. Earlier, DSWD hosted the first graduation event in the Philippine International Convention Center (PICC) on April 9 with around 4,000 high school graduates from the National Capital
Region (NCR) joining the celebration. The second leg of the event will be held at the Araneta Coliseum on April 23 with around 14,000 students nationwide. DSWD-7 will be sending four exemplary high school graduates for the national event that include John Alvin Serenio of Jagna, Bohol; Marielyn Aquino of Boljoon, Cebu; Joel Gabas Jr. of Bais City, Negros Oriental and Mary Louisse Baroro of Lazi, Siquijor. PantawidPamilya is a human development program that invests in the health and education of poor households primarily those with children aged 0-18. It provides cash grants to partner-beneficiaries who comply with the conditions of sending their children to school, bringing them to health centers for checkups, and attending the monthly Family Development Sessions (FDS). (mbcn/jct/PIA7-Negros Oriental)
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EASTERN VISAYAS
‗Keseo‘ processing center in Gandara town assures sustainability of the industry
The Bataan Memorial Cross
CATBALOGAN CITY, Samar, April 29 (PIA) – The new Keseo processing Center in Gandara assures that there is always an available supply of the much sought foodie-keseo (aka Queseo) by ―Samarnons‖ (folks from Samar province).
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nder the administration of Gandara Mayor Eufemio S. Oliva with other partners and the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI), a processing center for Keseo was built to level-up the production of the local cheese. Keseo is a homemade white cheese processed from carabao milk. Its production has long been a livelihood of the people and may be one of the oldest home-based industry that made Gandara popular. The Processing Center operated by the Gandara Keseo Producers Association (GKPA) is located in Barangay Natimonan, Gandara, Samar. Municipal Agriculture Officer (MAO)
Adelfa U. Gabejan said that this will develop and upgrade the keseo industry in the area and will house processing, packaging, promotion and marketing of the product. DTI Ruth Samonte offered DTI's assistance package which will even improve the keseo quality, promotion for export, application for BFAD accreditation and other assistance. She also turned-over stoves, mixing bowls, and other utensils to the association. Oliva said that Gandara has been associated with Keseo and that success of the association does not rest only on the support of the government but also with the union
between the government and the association towards a common goal of progress and development. He offered Gandara Keseo Producers Association 10 milking carabaos and a starting fund of Php 250,000.00 from the GPBP (formerly BuB) grant that the LGU will receive for the current year. GKPA President Conchita Lejaz assured that the association will be responsible for nurturing the assets of the group and that they will try to inspire the people of Gandara in showing a good example and inspiration to manage livelihood projects. (PIA Samar with J Mendoza, Calbayog Bulletin)
Provl council sustains monthly dialogue to ensure peace and order CATARMAN, Northern Samar, April 29 (PIA) – The Provincial Joint Peace and Security Coordinating Council (JPSCC) of Northern Samar, an affiliation of the Philippine National Police, Northern Samar Police Provincial Office (NSPPO) and Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP), 803rd Brigade, PA recently held its monthly event to update mutual parties plans and strategies on how to uphold the peace and order in the province and other security related measures. This was learned from Jean Lao Amoyen, NSPPO-NUP.
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uring the said event, PSupt. Owen Andarino, PNP Deputy Acting Provincial Director said in his welcome message that the monthly activity aimed at improving the relationship of the PNP and the AFP and other stakeholders in the maintenance of peace and order thru enforcement, internal security operations and public safety services. JPSCC is a collective effort of concerned agencies, Police Senior
Superintendent Daniel Cabitac Mayoni stressed. In his message, he underscored coordination as a serious matter. Issues that cannot be resolved by the Chief of Police, according to him, must be elevated to NSPPO for proper guidance. PNP members must continue its quest to resolve cases by way of crime scene investigation, filing of appropriate cases that are defined in the Revised Penal Code and other laws of the land, he continued.
More importantly, Mayoni appealed to his men to perform their respective duties within the bounds of law. Prior to the event, the PNP Northern Samar Police force accorded arrival honors to the newly promoted Brigade Commander of 803rd BDE, 8ID, PA B/ Gen. Herminigildo C. Aquino as he arrived at the PNP provincial office to personally attend the joint meeting. Other members in attendance were PNP and AFP officers and men. (ADiaz)
Samar more peaceful today says security officers CATBALOGAN CITY, Samar, April 29 (PIA) - If numbers on crime situation rates were to speak, Samar is more peaceful these days. This is more or less the report of Samar Police Provincial Director Nolasco Bathan during the peace and order council meeting Tuesday.
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he police official said that ―crime incidence is lower while crime solution rate is higher,‖ as he compares the situation in January-April 2014 to the same months this 2015. The City of Calbayog posted with the highest number of crimes followed by the City of Catbalogan. The crimes include rape, robbery, theft, carnapping and castle rustling. In his analysis, he reported that crimes usually take place between 6 to 9 in the morning. As to the Calbayog shooting incidents, the police officer said that he ordered his men to intensify checkpoints
in the city to ward off criminal intents, adding that there is no let up in his campaign against loose firearms. Bathan also reported about his successes in the implementation of special laws on logging, fishing, gambling and loose firearms. He said that his men’s achievement is partly due to the logistics support of the provincial government. The OIC director hinted that his OIC status has somehow limited his actions as the supervisor of all municipal police stations in Samar. To this, the council reacted to file a resolution recommending him to become a full-fledged police director.
In related news, the army also expressed that insurgents’ force has diminished and that very soon, as there have been no perceived insurgent activities, some towns will be declared ―Peaceful and Insurgent Free‖ like the island towns off the Calbayog Coast of Lamagro, Tagapul-an and Sto Nino and Tarangnan and Pagsanghan in the mainland. The challenge though in the Paranas-Hinabangan-Motiong-San Jose de Buan remains but has been contained especially that the areas mentioned are homes to the prime tourist destinations that Samar is raving about. (aen/nbq/PIA 8-Samar)
EASTERN VISAYAS
Mt. Samat National Shrine
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Youth campers try to save Pupua mangroves NINFA B. QUIRANTE
CATBALOGAN CITY, Samar, April 29 (PIA) - Members of the Youth for the Environment in Schools Organization (YES-O) in Catbalogan applied the theory learned in their summer camp as they ventured into the muddy and swampy waters of Barangay Pupua to help save the 50-hectare mangrove area in Barangay Pupua, Catbalogan, Samar.
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eaving their slippers to wade in the mangrove mud, they planted at least some 500 mangrove species, assisted by Kagawad Petpet Diocton. With Edgar Guya, the City Environment and Natural Resources Officer, they had exchanges on the relevance of mangrove in the environment. The previous day, the students listened to lectures on climate change adaptation and mitigation where a DENR official advised them not just to plant a tree but grow them, and ensure they survive and grow to become economically productive.
Elpidio Simon, the DENR provincial head said that mangrove forests are important that it does not only provide us food and source of livelihood but also protects settlements from destructive storm surges, flood and tsunamis. That instead of overexploiting the mangroves, coastal communities should instead help rehabilitate the mangrove by planting the so called propagules of local mangrove species like miyape and pagatpat. YES-O is an organization of the youth in schools where part of their exposure is helping reduce carbon footprints through tree growing,
clean-up drive in and out of the school campus, reaching out to the younger generation to inform them of Climate Change and ways to adapt and mitigate. The campers also embarked on an action plan where they outlined their activities for the school year relevant to the protection of the environment. School head Veronica Buenaventura with some five teachers joined the campers in shedding off their footwear and digging the mangrove with their bare hands to plant and eventually grow the mangrove species. (nbq/PIA 8 -Samar)
Search is on for 'Pintados' beauties TACLOBAN CITY, Leyte, April 28 (PIA) – The Search for Miss Pintados and Miss Teen Pintados has started.
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tephen Q. Lagarde, Chairman of the Search Committee said, in a press statement, that an applicant must be of good moral character as endorsed or certified by any of the following: a)the head of the last school attended, b) an accredited school-based organization, c)a civic organization, d)a local government unit or e) the head of
local church and of Filipino ancestry with at least one grandparent in the direct paternal or maternal line possessing Filipino citizenry and a descendant of a native born parent in Region 8. Screening is scheduled every Saturday until May 17, 2015 between 2 to 4 o’clock in the afternoon at Pintados Daycenter at
Magsaysay Boulevard, Tacloban City or may call at cellphone number 09069586982. Pintados Foundation is a world-class organization, imbued with core values, known for its commitment to the cultural, spiritual and economic sustainability of Eastern Visayas. (ajc/cba/ Pintados/PIA-8)
TESDA 8 top official tells STEP graduates to give the best kind of service NAVAL, Biliran, April 28 (PIA) – Like a mother to her children, the top official of the Technical Education and Skills Authority (TESDA) here in Region 8, told to some 178 graduates of the Special Training for Employment Program (STEP) in Biliran province, to extend to their prospective clients the best service they can give.
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peaking before the graduation rites and distribution of tool kits of the STEP graduates at the Naval State University (NSU) Gymnasium on Thursday, April 23, TESDA Region 8 Director Cleta M. Omega gave some motherly advices on how to treat their customers the best way. ―Listen to your customers‖ Omega suggested to the STEP graduates and added that the suggestions they gave on the products and sevices rendered is one way of improving their skills. She set an example that, if the comment of the customer on the food product is salty, then take it as a constructive criticism and improve the product next time so that such customer will patronize the product again.
The TESDA 8 chief added that it is important also to establish good relationship with clients since this is one best trait that most clients like and need when they look for people who can give the products and services they wanted. She further said to the graduates not to overcharge payment of their services to customers since this would shy away customers from going back to patronize their products and services offered. ―What is important also is your participation in any community undertakings and activities applying the skills learned and acquired‖, the lady TESDA chief reminded the graduates.
She also warned the graduates not to sell the tool kits distributed to them. ―Use it to serve the purpose‖, Director Omega added. Meanwhile, Biliran Congressman Rogelio J. Espina of the Lone District of Biliran and Board Member Roger Gerard M. Espina of the First Disrict in Biliran province, who were present during the graduation rites and distribution of tool kits, encouraged Biliranons to enroll in the STEP to augment their income. Congressman Espina promised to get more slots for the STEP so that more Biliranons can avail of the program while his son also vowed to bring this program to the grassroots which he considered a big help to the people in the barangay. (fj/ rvictoria/PIA 8 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
Editorial Consultants Atty. Ma. Janet C. Mesa, Ph. D. Regional Director, PIA6
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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. 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