One Visayas e-Newsletter Vol 6 Issue 1

Vol 6

Issue 1

In this Issue WESTERN VISAYAS

First meeting of 2016.The first-day-of-the -week meetings were initiated by RD lawyer Ma. Janet C. Mesa (right) to provide a venue for discussing office commitments and engagements for the week as well as for addressing issues and concerns. (PIA6)

January 1 - 10, 2016

Published by: PIA 6, 7 & 8

CHED-6 cites highlights in higher education Elsa Subong ILOILO CITY, Jan. 6(PIA)—The Commission on Higher Education-6 cited the major milestones for Western Visayas in higher education.

In a media release, CHED Supervising Sr. Education Specialist Dr. Rex Casiple said the milestones imply this government’s priority for education. ―The education gets the lion’s slice in the 2016 P1.106-trillion budget,‖ Casiple said, adding that this showed the sector remains among the top priority of the administration.

As to top performing schools, the West Visayas State University remained as one of the premier universities in the country, according to the 2015 University Web Ranking of Top 100 Universities and Colleges.

Along with the WVSU, are UP-Visayas, University of St. La Salle, University of San Agustin and the John B. Lacson Foundation Maritime University.

CHED also said that for academic year 2015-2016, 14 private colleges and universities submitted their intentions to raise tuition and fees and five of which were allowed.

―CHED is strictly implementing the policy to allow non-autonomous higher education institutions to increase fees within the regional inflation rate of 5.08 percent,‖ Casiple said.

Meanwhile, as to performance in Nursing Licensure Exam, CHED noted that a total of 9,707 out of 17,891 examinees nationwide, passed the Nurses Licensure Examination given by the Professional Regulation Commission in May 2015.

Casiple said two universities in the region were included as top high performing schools in the national level, namely, the West Visayas State University (WVSU) in Iloilo which ranked number one, and the University of St. La Salle-Bacolod in the 10th rank.

He added that the overall passing percentage of schools in Western Visayas (62.29%) was higher than that of the national.

On the other hand, CHED records showed that Business Education was still the most popular program in schools, with more than one fourth of the enrolees for AY 2015-2016.

It was followed by Teacher Education and Information Technology, with Agriculture and Fisheries at the lowest ladder. (JCM/ESS/PIA-Iloilo)

More on Region 6, pages 2-3.

Also CLICK Here…

CENTRAL VISAYAS

ATM: Press Conference on KALSADA Program & Bottom-Up Budgeting w/ DSWD Sec. Dinky Soliman, DBM Sec. Butch Abad , Bohol Gov. Edgar Chatto & ABC Pres.Romulo Cepedoza.

More on Region 7, pages 4-5.

Also CLICK Here…

EASTERN VISAYAS

Cebu‘s Sinulog Festival 2016 kicks off Fayette C. Riñen CEBU, Jan. 7 (PIA) -- A solemn mass kicks off the Sinulog 2016 at the Basilica Del Sto. Niño, January 8, followed by a launching parade with 16 contingents from various schools and universities clad in international costumes participating.

Rickey Ballesteros, executive director of the Sinulog Foundation, Inc. during the weekly forum of the Association of Government Information Officers (AGIO7) yesterday morning said this year’s theme is ―Sinulog Goes Global,‖ which compliments Cebu’s hosting of the 51st International Eucharistic Congress (IEC) which will be attended by foreign delegates.

According to Ballesteros, it will be a festive Sinulog fever in Cebu henceforth as big malls will also be creating a celebratory atmosphere complete with sale offerings for the public. ―Let’s join in the festive mood but in a wholesome way,‖ said Ballesteros as he urged the Cebuanos to adhere to the guidelines especially during the Mardi Gras such as no to drinking of liquor and street parties along the parade routes.

Ballesteros said he expects the number of spectators to increase during the Grand Parade on January 17 because of the IEC event, which follows a week after the Sinulog Mardi Gras.

Crowd figures from previous Sinulog parades averaged to over a million.

Riza Macaibay, senior tourism operations officer of the Department of Tourism (DOT7) shared Ballesteros' view that the visitors to the Sinulog this year could climb up due to the IEC. Last year, the number of visitors to Cebu in the month of January alone was at 284,627 as Macaibay expressed optimism the figure could hit the 300,000 mark for this month.

Hotel rates in Cebu City have risen to as much as 200 to

300 percent, bared Ballesteros.

Yet despite the significant rise, all hotels are now fully booked.

This goes to show the popularity of the Sinulog while ―our Sinulog is the biggest and grandest festival in Asia,‖ said Ballesteros.

Estee Marie Plunket, corporate affairs head of the GMR-Megawide Cebu Airport Corp. also said they expect an increase in the passenger arrivals to as much as 20 to 30 percent and also attributed this to the IEC event. ―We are also preparing to create a festive mood at the airport to make our visitors stay in Cebu memorable starting with the airport experience,‖ said Plunket.

Ballesteros however, said beyond the party atmosphere, the people should never forget the religious obligation to honor the Little Child Jesus Señor Sto. Niño. (rmn/fcr/PIA7)

Performers display the image of the Sto. Nino as one of the ways wherein the people of Cebu show their homage to the Little Child Jesus during the Sinulog Festival. (PIA file photo)

TESDA-Leyte bags 2nd place in nat‘l ‗Tagsanay‘ tilt San Roque barangay officials and Provincial Assessment Team look into the list of households to be affected in the acquisition of road right of way for the Philippine Rural Development Program - P230M farm-to-market road project implementation in 11 barangays in Lilo-an, Southern Leyte.

(PIA-SLeyte)

More on Region 8, pages 6-7.

Also CLICK Here...

TACLOBAN CITY, Leyte, Dec. 29 (PIA) -- Technical Educational Schools Development Authority (TESDA) of Leyte trainer Michael Patan-ao placed second-runner up in the recently concluded 2015 Tagsanay National Search at TESDA Taguig Complex, Taguig City.

Patan-ao is currently the School Administrator/ Competency Assessment with registered programs under unified TVET Program registration and accreditation.

Tagsanay, launched in October 2015 during the World’s Teacher Day Recognition, aims to give recognition and incentives to technical vocational education and training (TVET) trainers from either public or private institutions.

It is intended for TVET trainers who have been employed for five years and who have demonstrated exemplary performance and competencies beyond the expectations of a TVET trainer.

From the 36 qualifiers, 8 finalists were chosen to compete for the final four and among them were from Region II who won the TAGSANAY 2015 title, Region III as the 4th runner-up, Region VIII as 2nd runner-up and Region IV-A as 3rd runner-up.

The winners were rated on the following areas: Portfolio Evaluation, Written Exams, Individual and Team Activities, Panel Interview Evaluation.

The Selection Committee for the final 8 was composed of representatives from TESDA Board, Philippine Chamber of Commerce, DOLE, Metrobank and Civil Service Commission.

As expected, the awardees will continue to advocate technical vocational education and training and henceforth, inspire TVET’s other trainers to excel in their respective fields.

(TESDA-Leyte/PIA-8)

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WESTERN VISAYAS

IPPO says no let-up against drugs, criminality By: Elsa S. Subong

Kalibo Ati Ati--Atihan Festival

ILOILO CITY, Jan. 9 (PIA6) — The Iloilo Provincial Police Office (IPPO) said it has been waging a relentless battle against illegal drugs and criminality in the province, during a conference with Iloilo Governor Arthur Defensor, Sr.

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r. Supt. Roderick Augustus Alba, affected.

IPPO director said, ending Alba assured that there are no chiefs the illegal drugs scourge can take a of police sleeping on the job, and he long time, but there is to let up on their considered it a test to his leadership, as he part. has engaged the help of the local chief ―We are strengthening our efforts executives to monitor performance of the against illegal drugs and we are involving police officers. the barangays in the task,‖ Alba said.

Meanwhile, for January to December He reported that out of the 1,721 2015, the IPPO registered a total crime barangays in the province, they have volume of 18,734, which is 19.44 percent identified 268 seriously affected, lower than the 23,255 recorded for the 63 slightly affected, and 205 moderately same period in 2014.

Index crime, or crimes against persons and properties decreased by 34.31 percent, from 4,829 to 3,172, while non-index crimes, or violations of special laws decreased by 20.04 percent, from 10,344 to 8,271.

The IPPO has a crime clearance efficiency of 55.42 percent, almost the same rate as that in 2014.

Crimes cleared means the suspect/s have been identified but at large and cases filed in court. (JCM/ESS/PIA-Iloilo)

15 tropical cyclones spare Capiz in 2015

by Alex A. Lumaque ROXAS CITY, Capiz, Jan. 8 (PIA6) – Capiceños have been blessed and are thankful that the 15 tropical cyclones which entered the Philippine Area of Responsibility (PAR) in 2015 have spared the province from damages.

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Tropical Storm Amang affected Roxas City with signal #1 last January,‖ said Philippine Atmospheric Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA) Roxas City Officer – In – Charge Imelda Ofalla.

The weather disturbance has caused partly cloudy skies with light to moderate wind and rain provincewide and the

Philippine Coast Guard – Roxas City station to cancel all sea vessels to sail to ensure the safety of seafarers, fishermen and passengers.

Ofalla noted that typhoon Nona, that hardly hit Albay, Sorsogon and Northern Samar provinces, has also brought heavy rain in the province last Dec. 12 to 17.

The province was among those

where Public Storm Warning Signal #1 was raised during the Nona onslaught in Central Philippines.

The other tropical cyclones which entered the PAR but did not directly affect the province include Betty, Chedeng, Dodong, Egay, Falcon, Goring, Hanna, Ineng, Jenny, Kabayan, Lando, Marilyn and Onyok. (JCM/AAL/PIA6 Capiz)

COMELEC braces for start of election period

By Venus G. Villanueva KALIBO, Aklan, Jan. 6 (PIA6) -- The Commission on Elections (COMELEC) here has started to remind Aklanons of prohibited activities with the start of the election period in connection with the May 9, 2016 national and local elections.

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ccording to Chrispin Raymund Gerardo, COMELEC-Aklan Information Officer and at the same time the Election Officer of Batan, Aklan, the election period will start this January 10, 2016 (Sunday) and will end June 8, 2016 and there are many things that Aklanons should be careful to avoid doing so as not to violate elections rules and laws.

With the start of the election period, Gerardo emphasized in an interview over a radio station here that COMELEC prohibits the bearing, carrying or transporting firearms or other deadly weapons unless authorized in writing by the Commission.

The transfer or movement of officers and employees in the civil service during this period is strictly prohibited, as stated in the Omnibus Election Code, and so is

the use of security personnel or bodyguards by candidates, unless authorized in writing by the Commission too.

It is also prohibited during the election period the organization or maintenance of reaction forces, strike forces or other similar forces, and the suspension of elective local officials.

Gerardo clarified that deadly weapons not only involve guns but sharp bladed instruments that could hurt or kill, like bolos and knives. ―If you are working in a slaughterhouse and need to bring knives with you, better leave them at your workplace, do not carry them everytime you report for work, or you might be apprehended,‖ Gerardo said.

As of this time, Gerardo said COMELEC-Aklan is already prepared to

post the list of voters and programs of precincts of the province, but is still awaiting the general go-signal from COMELEC-Central Office due to a pending TRO from the Supreme Court.

He also clarified that even as voters’ identifications continue to arrive at Municipal COMELEC offices throughout the province, this doesn’t mean that those who have no IDs yet could not vote in the May 9, 2016 elections. ―Those who have no IDs yet but have undergone biometrics can vote in the elections, because we have already taken their names, pictures, signatures and thumbmarks‖, Gerardo said.

With the start of the election period and the automatic implementation of the gun ban, Gerardo said checkpoints will be installed at strategic areas in the province.

(JCM/VGV PIA6 Aklan)

WESTERN VISAYAS

Sinulog Festival

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DOH to provide free anti-rabies vaccines Carlson B. Alelis

NEGROS OCCIDENTAL, January 5 (PIA6) – The Department of Health (DOH) announced the provision of full-course post exposure prophylaxis of anti-rabies vaccines in 480 Animal Bite Treatment Centers (ABTCs) nationwide.

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OH has a goal of eliminating rabies causes in the country, hence, the provision of eight doses of post exposure prophylaxis in ABTCs, a release from the Department of Health-6 said. ―None of these deaths should occur since we have the necessary interventions to prevent rabies such as promotion of responsible pet ownership, early consultation when bitten by animals and timely administration of vaccines,‖ Health Secretary Janette P. Loreto-Garin said.

Garin said once bitten by animals, people should go to the nearest ABTC immediately.

There are 12 ABTCs in the province,

located at the city health offices of Bago, Cadiz, Escalante, Himamaylan, Kabankalan, La Carlota, Sagay, San Carlos, Silay, Talisay and Victorias.

There are five ATCs found in different hospitals in the province, namely: Dr. Jose Locsin Memorial Provincial Hospital in Silay City; Escalante District Hospital in Escalante City; Kabankalan District Hospital in Kabakalan City; Don Salvador Benedicto Memorial Hospital in La Carlota City and Calatrava Municipal Hospital in Calatrava town.

Bacolod has two ABTCs found at the City Health Office and at Corazon Locsin Montelibano Memorial Regional Hospital.

There were 10 cases of deaths in 2014 in Western Visayas due to rabies infection, 4 of the victims were from Negros Occidental and 1 from Bacolod City, records from DOH-6 showed.

There were two deaths in Sagay City, one from Cadiz City, and one from San Carlos City.

There were 11, 572 cases of animal bites in Negros Occidental alone in 2014, which was almost doubled from the 6, 831 cases in 2013.

Based on DOH’s data, a total of 432,458 animal bite cases were recorded in nationwide in 2015 with 226 reported deaths due to rabies. (JCM/CBA/ PIA6-Negros Occidental)

DTI: businesses may be registered in 15 minutes Pilar S. Mabaquiao SAN JOSE, Antique (PIA6) - - The Department of Trade and Industry in its desire to efficiently serve the public is striving for less than 15-minute processing time of Business Name Registration.

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TI Information Officer Engr.

Lynna Joy Cardinal said we are committed to provide efficient and effective service to our client particularly business owners and entrepreneurs by giving them easy access to registration of their businesses. ―Clients’ satisfaction feedbacks indicated satisfactory ratings. In fact, DTI frontliners have received positive feedbacks from them, she said.

Data showed that there were 1,469 business names (BNs) approved by the DTI-Antique Provincial Office for the year 2015, 1,214 are new businesses and 255

are renewals.

The number of BNs in 2015 is 9% higher than those registered in 2014.

Eighty six percent (86%) of the registered BNs are operating within the barangays. 6% are municipal, 5% are regional and 2% are national in scope.

The top three municipalities with most number of BNs registered are: San Jose, Sibalom and Patnongon.

Likewise, LGUs’ request for mobile BN registration is being accommodated by DTI to serve the micro-businesses in the municipalities, said Cardinal.

BN clients are expected to be served better with the launching of the San Jose

Negosyo Center at the 2nd Floor, Business Park, San Jose, Antique.

The setting-up of Negosyo Center is pursuant to Republic Act 10644 or the Go Negosyo Act promoting ease in doing business and facilitating access of MSMEs to services.

Aside from BN registration, the center will provide consultancy services to businessmen with concerns related to building up a business.

Republic Act 3883 or the Business Name Law, further amended by Department Administrative Order No. 10 -08 requires MSMEs to register their business names. (DTI/PSM/PIA6Antique)

Regional Festival of Talents up in Aklan By: Leonard T. Pineda I ILOILO CITY, Jan. 6 (PIA6) --- The best students in Western Visayas will gather for the 2016 Regional Festival of Talents (RFOT) spearheaded by the Department of Education (DepEd)-6.

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a. Gemma Ledesma, DepEd6 Director III, said that the festival will provide opportunities for students to showcase their talents and skills in the arts, culture, and livelihood through an exhibition of their products and performances.

She said that there will also be parallel learning sessions for teachers and students to enhance their knowledge and skills in their respective field of interest.

The 2016 Regional Festival of Talents, organized by the Curriculum and Learning Management Division of DepEd6, will be hosted by Kalibo Pilot Elementary School and Numancia Integrated School in Kalibo, Aklan from January 28 to 31, 2016.

The events include Sining Tanghalan for Special Program in the Arts, Paligsahang Pangkultura, Tagisan ng Talino for secondary students, and Abilympics for

differently-abled children.

DepEd6 said that the Regional Association of Technology and Livelihood Education (RATLE)-6 will also conduct the Technolympics in Victorias National High School, Victorias City, Negros Occidental from January 28 to 30.

The winners in the RFOT will represent Western Visayas in the National Festival of Talents in February this year.

(JCM/LTP/PIA-Iloilo).

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CENTRAL VISAYAS

KALSADA Program to be launched in Bohol Kalibo Ati Ati--Atihan Festival

Elvira C. Bongosia TAGBILARAN CITY, Jan. 7 (PIA) -- The P6.5-billion project dubbed as KALSADA, jects, will be officially launched here on January 8. onkreto at Ayos na Lansangan at portal as a mechanism for monitoring and Daan Tungo sa Pangkalahatang evaluating the provincial roads.

K a un l ar an ( K A L S A D A ) is a n Provinces were selected based on their innovative devolution program that aims to compliance with the Department of Interior institutionalize good governance by enabling and Local Government’s (DILG) Seal of Good and shepherding local government units on Financial Housekeeping and submission to the Local Road Management, according to DBM of their Local Public Financial Department of Budget and Management (DBM) Management Assessment Report.

Secretary Florencio Abad.

The P6.5 billion fund has a breakdown per The program will rehabilitate and upgrade province according to a formula that provincial roads and transfer these road assets considers performance and need scores such permanently to the provincial government, as previous provincial utilization of SLRF and which will maintain them. The program will provincial road network length of the also develop the Provincial Road Network provinces that have complied with the Development Plan (PRNDP) for each province requirements for consideration. Sec. Abad, and promote the use of an online open data DPWH Secretary Jose Singson, and DILG

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one of the biggest nationally-funded proofficials will lead the ceremony at 4:00 in the afternoon at the Dagohoy Room of Bohol Tropics Resort.

Bohol Gov. Edgar Chatto, who is the head of the Technical Working Group (TWG) of the KALSADA Program, will also lead provincial officials and other guests to the event. Together with KALSADA program, the New Bohol Tourism Video will also be launched together with the Updates on the Bohol Domestic Fiber Optic Network (Bohol DFON). Before the KALSADA launching, Sec. Abad is set to meet the local media for a press conference tomorrow, January 7 from 1:30 pm to 3:00 p.m. at JJ’s Seafood Village. (rmn/ecb/ PIA7-Bohol)

San Francisco ranks best LGU in Cebu Rachelle M. Nessia CEBU, Jan. 5 (PIA) --- A small town in Camotes Island was ranked the best local government unit (LGU) in Cebu during the Capitol-ran Our Cebu Program, an in-house search for the most outstanding LGU in the province.

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an Francisco bagged the award for six times in a row now. It has been a consistent top awardee since the search stated in 2009, according to a press release from Capitol. Governor Hilario P. Davide III and Vice Governor Agnes Magpale recently turned over the trophy and a P1-million cash prize to San Francisco officials during the awarding ceremony held December 29 at the Capitol Social Hall. ―Our Cebu Program continues to change paradigms of local governance. It has engaged

local government units to work towards the vision of a wholesome, advanced, vibrant, equitable and sustainable Cebu,‖ said Gov. Davide. Vice Governor Magpale, who has served as Our Cebu’s program manager since it started, said the recognition is the Capitol’s way of inspiring the stakeholders to participate in the cause to improve the communities.

San Francisco Vice Mayor Aaron Capao, Jr. credited their success to their Purok System that has been in place even before the Our Cebu Program. Capao said through the Purok,

an extension unit of the barangay, San Francisco’s residents are boarding the same boat towards progress and development.

It also encouraged them to participate in the attainment of its vision and mission,‖ said Tiotimo Nodalo, a retired teacher, who was tasked by then Mayor Alfredo Arquillano Jr. to establish the Purok System.

Second place went to the municipality of Liloan which received P750,000 while Naga City landed third place with P500,000 as cash prize. (rmn/PIA7-Cebu/Cebu PIO)

EDC plants about 400T BINHI native trees for ‗10M in 10‘ Jennifer C. Tilos NEGROS ORIENTAL, Dec. 31 (PIA) – After the Energy Development Corporation (EDC) launched its advocacy movement, ―10M in 10‖ or plant 10 million trees in 10 years in October this year, it has already planted about 400,000 premium native trees in Negros Island.

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or two months, these native trees were planted on 470 hectares in various parts of the municipalities of Valencia, Dauin, and Zamboanguita in Negros Oriental and in San Carlos, Calatrava, and Salvador Benedicto in Negros Occidental.

Over 400 members of EDC's farmers' associations have benefitted from the planting and maintenance of these trees. ―With this significant number of trees planted which from a 10 million target it goes down to 9.6M now,‖ claimed Negros Island Geothermal Business Unit head James Villaroman.

He said the ―10M in 10‖ is the first and biggest forest restoration movement to plant, grow, and protect trees in the entire Negros Island. "All these reforested areas are also part of our commitment to EDC's BINHI greening legacy, which is already on its 7th year of implementation," said Norreen Bautista, head of EDC's Community Partnerships, External

Relations, and Watershed Management in Negros Island.

BINHI is the company's science-based corporate greening program launched in late 2008 to restore the diversity of our Philippine forests and our vanishing native tree species.

EDC has planted seedlings of these 96 rare and endangered species in 120 partner schools and parks nationwide, including Negros Occidental and Oriental. There will be many more to follow, each a repository that helps ensure that such rare species will never be allowed to become extinct.

In Negros Island, EDC has already reforested over 2,700 hectares with more than two million native trees under its BINHI program from 2009-2015.

It was launched on October 10, 2015 with EDC's 58 pioneer partners who all want a greener future for their region.

The company is conducting one-on-one

sessions with its 10M in 10 partners to finalize their commitments. Workshops and follow-up meetings with them will be done in 2016 to roll out the master plan and modules of the program. Other individuals and organizations that want to have a greener Negros Island are still welcome to be a part of this green revolution that EDC has initiated.

"10M in 10 is a great opportunity to unite and collaborate with all those who are committed to protecting the environment and restoring the forests of Negros Island," emphasized Bautista.

EDC is the country’s leading producer of geothermal energy and a multi-awarded Filipino company in the areas of geothermal development, environmental excellence, corporate governance and corporate social responsibility. (mbcn/jct/PIA7-Negros Oriental)

CENTRAL VISAYAS

Sinulog Festival

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Smart disaster preparedness caravan reaches Negros Island Jennifer C. Tilos

NEGROS ORIENTAL, Dec. 31 (PIA) – Smart Communications recently brought its disaster preparedness caravan dubbed Pamilyang Ready, Pamilyang Panalo (PRPP) to Negros Island.

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he PRPP is a nationwide disaster preparedness caravan aims to help families that are in high-risk areas to prepare for emergencies and disasters through gamified learning sessions. ―This is already the third year that we are holding these preparedness caravans and we hope to visit more barangays in the coming years.

Through PRPP caravans, we hope to help families embrace the culture of preparedness and contribute to building a nation that is more equipped and ready against disasters,‖ said Smart Public Affairs Group Head Ramon Isberto.

Children at the audience were treated to the filmshowing of Maging Laging Handa videos,

which feature precautionary measures and safety tips for various calamities.

The Maging Laging Handa videos, which are now integrated by the Department of Education in the Disaster Risk Reduction curriculum of elementary students, are developed by Smart, and approved by PAGASA, Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology, and the Mines and Geosciences Bureau of the Department of Environment and Natural Resources.

Apart from providing safety tips, Smart also encouraged the families to be resourceful and shared tips on how they can use everyday household items as helpful instruments in times of emergencies and disasters.

Prior to the event, Smart went house-to

-house for three days, educating residents on preparedness.

Families were also asked to assemble their own emergency bags which they would have to bring during the event.

Smart previously brought disaster preparedness caravan in Marinduque, Quezon, Caloocan, and Iligan.

The last leg for this year will be held in Ilagan, Isabela.

Rescue 5, Emergency Management Center, Eveready, and Pru Life UK are co-presenters of the PRPP caravans.

The PRPP disaster caravan is part of Smart’s #SafePH campaign which aims to help Filipinos embrace preparedness as a lifestyle. (mbcn/jct/PIA7-Negros Oriental)

Nona-hit communities get communication support Jennifer C. Tilos NEGROS ORIENTAL, Dec. 31 (PIA) -- Residents of typhoon Nona-hit communities have reconnected with their loved ones through the free calling and charging services made available by PLDT mobile subsidiary Smart Communications, Inc. (Smart).

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ccording to public relations officer Nora Navarro of SmartComm the "Libreng Tawag" services via Smart Satellite (SmartSAT) and ―Libreng Charging‖ stations were offered in Poblacion, Sta. Cruz in Marinduque; LPMC Office, Rizal St., Sorsogon City; and at the evacuation center in Pinamalayan Maritime Foundation and Technological College Inc. Smart also set up free calling stations in some areas in Catarman, where 90 percent of the population had been affected by Typhoon Nona.

The Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction Management Office has coordinated response

and rescue efforts via SmartSAT. In anticipation of the typhoon, Smart has prepositioned communications support for the use of local government units for emergency response efforts.

Navarro said Smart likewise deployed mobile phone and SmartSAT units to Alagang Kapatid Foundation of sister company, TV5.

The telco provided SmartSAT to the Department of Social Welfare and Development to facilitate faster coordination of relief efforts, and extended communications assistance to Albay Public Safety and Emergency Management Office before Typhoon Nona made its landfall in Bicol.

Recognizing communications as an important form of relief, Smart has been consistent in immediately providing free calls and charging services during disasters.

Furthermore, as part of the Rapid Emergency Telecommunications Team (RETT) formed by the Office of Civil Defense (OCD), Smart has made a commitment to make available emergency communication links to help government and humanitarian agencies assess the needs of survivors and coordinate with each other better for more effective relief efforts to affected c ommun it ie s . ( jmbcn /c t /PI A7 -Ne gr os Oriental)

Cebu Province holds biodiversity summit Rachelle M. Nessia CEBU, Jan. 5 (PIA) --- In a bid to preserve the rich deposits and natural resources in Cebu amid massive development, the provincial government recently held a Biodiversity Summit for local government units (LGUs) and the academe.

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he Provincial Environment and Natural Resources Office (PENRO) led the summit in collaboration with the Philippine Rural Development Program (PRDP) with the theme: ―Diversity Against Adversity.‖ Participants were representatives from LGUs and students and faculty from Cebu Normal University and Cebu Technological University.

The summit was designed to establish ecological measures for future management planning and to develop a participatory conservation system with LGUs, conservation organizations, and the communities.

―Cebu province is abundant with a variety of animals and plants but these resources are depleting in number caused by pollution, exploitation and climate change,‖ according to a press statement from Capitol. ―Through the administration of Gov. Hilario Davide III, the province of Cebu has taken steps to highlight the strength of the natural areas of the province as well as provide various activities to preserve them,‖ the press release stated.

Some of the important resources here are the Cebu Flowerpecker, Cebu Black Shama and Cebu Cinnamon which are reportedly either threatened or endemic species.

According to a study by Edmund Leo Rico, executive director of the Center for Conservation Innovation (CCI) and one of the summit speakers, some forest parts of Cebu are turning into critical habitats for endangered species although there are also areas of forest cover that are unchanged.

Rico pushed for stakeholders to develop short, medium and long-term strategies to connect the remaining forest patches in southern Cebu.

He also stressed that stakeholders should take precautionary measures during the implementation to avoid disturbing the species. (rmn/PIA7-Cebu/Cebu Capitol PR)

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EASTERN VISAYAS

BIR-8 reminds taxpayers to file 2015 ITR early

Kalibo Ati Ati--Atihan Festival

Consuelo B. Alarcon TACLOBAN CITY, Leyte, Jan.6 (PIA) -- The Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR) Eastern Visayas is reminding the taxpaying public to file and/or pay their corresponding taxes due as early as possible to avoid being imposed with corresponding penalties.

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his, as the taxable year is about to close and start the tax filing season of income tax returns (ITR’s) for calendar year 2015.

In a press statement, BIR Deputy Commissioner Nelson M Aspe appeals to all taxpayers in the region to start preparing and submitting annual ITRs and its accompanying attachments as early as January and no longer wait for the

deadline of the tax filing in April 15.

Reymarie T. Dela Cruz, Chief of the Public Information and Education Division said that all manual and/or electronic tax filers or accredited tax agents using eBIRForms and eFPs (Electronic Filing and Payment System) should download its latest version and start filing early to avoid technical difficulties or downtime of the system.

It was learned that on December 26, 2015 all BIR systems (the Integrated Tax System, eFPS, eBIRForms and other eServices) underwent its regular system maintenance in preparation for the tax filing season and year-end adjustment.

For more information or assistance, taxpayers may visit the BIR website at www.bir.gov.gov.ph or call the BIR hotline at 981-888. (ajc/BIR-8/PIA-8)

Borongan City PO conducts ‗Lambat-Sibat‘ orientation Samuel D. Candido BORONGAN CITY, Eastern Samar, Jan. 4 (PIA) -- Sixty residents of Borongan City had attended recently the 2nd batch of the ―Lambat-Sibat‖ Volunteer Orientation at Borongan City Hall lobby.

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ccording to Borongan City Police Office headed by Chief Police Superintendent Matthe Aseo, the purpose of the activity is to recruit ―Lambat-Sibat‖ volunteers who shall work together with the BCPO to prevent, if not stop, crimes through giving proper, correct, and updated information that they should learn

— like illegal activities of criminals and even of the errant members of the BCPO. He also disclosed that the orientation shall be on a monthly basis to urge more Borongan City residents to have more ―Lambat-Sibat‖ volunteer.

The ―Lambat -Sibat‖ program was first implemented in the National

Capital Region and Region III (Central Luzon) wherein its effectiveness in crime prevention had been much proven — prompting the Philippine National Police to implement it nationwide, including the City of Borongan Said activity was spearheaded by the Borongan City Police Office. (ajc/ PIA-E.Samar).

Biliran bikers give food packs to N. Samar ‗Nona‘ victims NAVAL, Biliran, Dec. 29 (PIA) – The three four-wheel vehicles loaded with truckloads of relief goods left unnoticed on early dawn of December 21 in this town, with the mission –deliver relief goods to the victims of Typhoon Nona in Northertn Samar.

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yphoon Nona made landfall in Batag Island in Northern Samar on December 14, 2015 leaving thousands of families homeless, shattered lives and for the people in the devastated province bleak days going to Christmas celebration and even beyond. ―The idea of extending help to the victims of Typhoon Nona in Northern Samar province cropped up in a meeting of the Mount Panamao Team Biliran Mountainbike Club in the house of one of its members two days after the devastation in Northern Samar‖, Atty. Maro Lydinno Opena, one of the top officials of the group, said in an interview.

It was Raffy Martinez, the vice-president of the group, who suggested for the group to distribute relief goods to the victims in Northern Samar instead of holding a Chirtmas party of the group, Opena added.

Opena further said that right there and then, the bikers group composed of 35 regular members immediately raised funds and solicited goods from benevolent donors.

They were able to prepare 264 food packs composed of 3 kilos rice, 3 cans of sardines, 2 cans of beeloaf, 3 packs of noodles and 3 packs of pancit canton for distribution plus 2 extra sacks of rice, 2 boxes of sardines and 2 boxes of pancit canton, he further said. ―We arrived safely at around 8:30 in the morning that same day in Catarman,Northern Samar and was guided by Kabalikat and the Northern Samar Emergency Rescue Team in going to Barangay Milagros, a coastal fishing village in Mondragon town‖, he told.

Opena vividly recounted how happy were the residents of Barangay Milagros, a barangay in Norther Samar

which was badly-hit by wrath of Typhoon Nona, when they arrived in the barangay distributing some 264 relief food packs to all the households of the barangay.

The exta relief goods composed of 2 extra sacks of rice, 2 boxes of sardines and 2 boxes of pancit canton were distributed along the stretch of the ighway from Barangay Mondragon to the University of the Eastern Philippines (UEP) in Catarman. ―We stop in every totally damaged houses along that stretch and apportioned the remaining reief items‖, Opena further told.

The group was back in Naval at 11:00 o’clock in the evening that same day with the mission to share their blessings to the victims of Typhoon Nona in Northern Samar fulfilled and very happy as they showed the true spirit and meaning of Christmas. (PIA 8 Biliran)

EASTERN VISAYAS

Sinulog Festival

7

Region 8 firecrackers record: zero death, 89 injuries Consuelo B. Alarcon

TACLOBAN CITY, Leyte, June 4 (PIA) -- No fatality was recorded by the Department of Health (DOH) in the region during the holiday season.

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s of January 3, 2016 monitoring on the firecracker-related incidents, the record showed that no case of death was reported from December 21, 2015 until January 3.

However, Eighty Nine (89) firecracker -related injuries were recorded during the holidays and this figure is higher than the 70 cases recorded in the same period of last year.

Ma. Elena Villarosa, Information

Officer of the Department of Health (DOH-8) said, piccolo was the most widely used firecracker which resulted to blasts injuries, hand injuries without amputation, eye injuries, among others.

Of the said figure, Northern Samar which was recently hit by typhoon ―Nona‖ posted the biggest number of cases which is 73 percent followed by 29 percent in Eastern Samar; 22 percent in Leyte; 6 percent in Samar; 1

percent in Biliran and zero incidents in Southern Leyte.

Injured individuals include children as young as 6 years old.

It can be recalled that health authorities have issued warning against the use of firecrackers for being hazardous to health.

Monitoring on the firecracker -related incidents will be until tomorrow, January 5, 2016. (ajc/ PIA-8)

LGU Guiuan commits support to POPCOM teen program Samuel D. Candido BORONGAN City, Eastern Samar, Jan. 6 (PIA) – The Commission on Population (POPCOM) commits to give technical aid to the municipality of Guiuan, Eastern Samar in order to educate the parents regarding the prevention of teenage pregnancy among young girls.

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r. Ma. Socorro Flores, Guiuan Municipal Health Officer said that the prevalence of teenage pregnancy in the municipality has increased in the past years and puts young girls at risk of death by giving at such a young age.

Because of this, the Municipal Health Office of Guiuan is determined to implement its Popcom program entitled Youth 4U. Youth 4U is an educational and

entertaining system that teaches adolescents on how to prevent teenage pregnancy and sexually-transmitted infections (STIs).

This program encompasses the welfare of adolescents as a whole including career guidance, guidance and counseling, life skills or the positive mechanisms on dealing with problems and values education.

According to Reyan Arinto, POPCOM’s focal person on Adolescent

Health and Youth Development Program, the program has school-based and facility-based services that involves the school and has facilities needed for the effective guidance and education of adolescents.

In connection with this, Guiuan Mayor Christopher Sheen Gonzales has promised cooperation on the systematic implementation of the Youth 4U activity as he expressed support to the program. (ajc/PIA-8 Eastern Samar)

Hinunangan‘s P11-M KALAHI-CIDSS completed in 3 years Erna S. Gorne MAASIN CITY, Southern Leyte, Jan. 4 (PIA) - One of the major anti-poverty programs of President Benigno Aquino III was set to be completed in 2015, however, some barangay projects were not yet completed due to unavoidable circumstances, it was learned.

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ore than 30 out of 40 barangays have already availed of the different preferred barangay projects funded from the P11 Million budget from the Kapit-Bisig Laban sa Kahirapan – Comprehensive Integrated Delivery of Social Service (KALAHI-CIDSS) KALAHI CIDSS for the municipality of Hinunangan, Community Facilitator Edwin Luperte reported.

Luperte said since the municipality is classified among the third class category, the anti-poverty program was scheduled

to be completed in one year in 2015.

However, among those municipalities belonging to the fourth class category down will implement the said program in three year period He said due to unavoidable circumstances such as change of signatory in the preparations of documents causes unnecessary delays in the program implementation in a few barangays, while others have their barangay projects implementation underway.

Barangay projects identified by

the barangay folks includes barangay road improvements and constructions, drainage canal construction and improvements, rehabilitation of (1) unit day care center, rehabilitation of gravity feed- water supply system, rehabilitation of water supply pipelines, among others, he added.

The mentioned anti-poverty program of the national government is being undertaken in 17 out of 18 municipalities and the City of Maasin in Southern Leyte, he said. (esg/PIA-8 Southern Leyte)

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