Vol 7
In this Issue WESTERN VISAYAS
PIA-6 information officer Leonard Pineda I shares to 449 Western Visayas campus journalists the benefits that students can avail from ASEAN during the PIA-6 campus journalism seminar workshop held August 16-18 at the Amigo Terrace Hotel, Iloilo City. (PIA – Iloilo Infocen)
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August 14 - 20, 2017
Published by: PIA 6, 7 & 8
Issue 33
PRO-6 launches ‗Tokhang Reboot‘ Leonard T. Pineda I ILOILO CITY, Aug. 15 (PIA6) --The Police Regional Office (PRO)-6 officially launched „Tokhang Reboot‟ as part of its relentless campaign against illegal drugs in the region. During the celebration of the 116th Police Service Anniversary recently held at Camp Delgado here, PRO-6 Regional Director Cesar Hawthorne Binag said that the Regional Oversight Committee on Illegal Drugs has conducted an exhaustive evaluation and concluded that the war against illegal drugs is far from over. “We have reviewed the five stages of the implementation of Tokhang and identified critical areas that need improvement”, he said. He said that they have added a sixth stage which is the Reintegration Stage in cooperation with our Community Stakeholders to ensure that surrenderers will not revert to their old ways. “Despite the success of Double Barrel, it is very sobering that when it comes to the number of surrenderers, PRO-6 (with the exclusion of Negros Occidental and Bacolod City) posted the lowest number among Police Regional offices with 20,598 surrenderers,” he said. He said that the evaluation conducted by the Regional Oversight Committee on Illegal Drugs was validated through interviews with stakeholders in the community who report that the drug problem in their area still persists.
He also said that there are 431 newly identified drug personalities since March 2017 who have been arrested. He added that for Oplan HVT (High Value Targets), the PRO-6 headquarters and all the provincial police offices and city police offices have formed tracker teams to pursue the fugitive Richard Prevendido. (JCM/LTP/PIA-Iloilo)
Philippine National Police (PNP) Director General Ronald Dela Rosa affixes his signature in the commitment board in support of the launching of 'Tokhang Reboot' during the celebration of the 116th Police Service Anniversary held August 14, Camp Delgado, Fort San Pedro, Iloilo City. (LTP/PIA-Iloilo)
CENTRAL VISAYAS NEGORNET strengthens partnership with LGUs Jennifer C. Tilos
The Philippine Information Agency Cebu was awarded by Banko Sentral ng Pilipinas Cebu as Outstanding Regional Partner for the Demonetization Program during the 2017 Awards Ceremony for BSP Stakeholders held August 15 at BSP Regional Office in Cebu City. (PIA – 7)
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EASTERN VISAYAS
NEGROS ORIENTAL, Aug. 4 (PIA) – The Negros Oriental Network of Non-Government Organizations and People‟s Organization (PO) or NegOrNet marked its 14th NGO and PO Week with the gathering of members in a provincial workshop on “Local Governance and Partnership” held recently in Dumaguete City. NegOrNet President Albert Aquino of St. Catherine emphasized that the efforts of consolidating the civil society organizations strengthen its representation in the local governments as part of the People‟s Development Council member particularly in Dumaguete City. This is to recognize the importance of private sector or civil society working together for effective local governance, Aquino said. “The CSOs continue to lobby for an effective participatory in budgeting process in the province as well in other municipalities and cities which comprises of some phases from budget preparation, planning execution and monitoring,” stressed Aquino. CSOs aimed to develop an effective partner with local government units in the province in pursuit of local developments.
With 27-member NGOs and POs, NEGORNET is involved in various collaborations with the provincial government in promoting good and effective governance and development, said Aquino. Negornet serves as a mechanism in consolidating the NGOs and POs for local development and in facilitating meaningful participation in local governance. Negornet in tandem with St. Catherine will also be conducting a trainers‟ training on community-led monitoring system where the CSOs will lead in the monitoring of projects of government, in connection with transparency in government. “The community-led monitoring will train CSOs who would be capable now in effective monitoring of government projects in partnership with agency concern,” said Aquino. Activities for the week-long celebration include a press conference, Provincial Consultation and Forum on Grassroots Participatory Budgeting Process, Final Judging and Recognition Program of this year‟s Timbayayong Awards for Outstanding LGU and NGO/PO Partnership, among others. (jct/PIA7-Negros Oriental)
TESDA implements free training under Yolanda rehab program Samuel D. Candido Photo shows Japan Embassy's 1st Secretary Takuei Nakayama turning over the symbolic key of the 45-units hybrid patrol cars to PNP-8 RD Elmer Beltejar, Matapat Hall, PRO8, Palo, Leyte. In Barong Tagalog is DOE Usec B. Ranque. (aen & gtt photos)
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BORONGAN CITY, Eastern Samar, Aug. 17 (PIA) - The Technical Educational and Skills Development Authority (TESDA) has already started free training under the “Yolanda Recovery and Rehabilitation Program” for the residents affected by typhoon Yolanda. TESDA Provincial Director, Engr. Enrico Banario said that it is not only the beneficiaries under the National Housing Authority (NHA) “Pabahay Program” that will enjoy the free training program but also beneficiaries from different municipalities under the Non-Government Organizations (NGOs) and International Non-Government Organizations (INGOs) who were affected by “Super Typhoon Yolanda” areas from the town of Balangkayan down to Guiuan and Lawaan. Engr. Banario disclosed that for this program, the province of Eastern Samar is allotted P19 million for more or
less 500 selected beneficiaries whose ages are from 15 years old- up. TESDA clarified that those who are willing to benefit this program must be listed in the Barangay Skills Need Mapping Survey that is underway. Interested applicants can also visit the nearest TESDA Office which is located in Brgy. Songco, Borongan City, Eastern Samar. The TESDA Director added that 50% of the slots are already filled-up for the selected beneficiaries who are from Typhoon Yolanda affected areas. The benefits that will be availed of are: free tuition fee for Technical and Entrepreneurship, free Assessment fee; Training Support fund and Training tool kits. The said free training on their choice course had already started in July 31 and will end on December 31 this year. (ajc/ SDC/PIA8-E.Samar)
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WESTERN VISAYAS
PIA6 to student writers: Be catalysts of change Leonard T. Pineda I
ILOILO CITY, Aug. 17 (PIA6) --- The Philippine Information Agency (PIA)-6 encouraged student writers in Western Visayas to be catalysts of positive change in their respective communities through Development Communication.
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peaking to 450 student writers during the PIA6 campus journalism seminar workshop slated August 16 to 18 at Amigo Terrace Hotel here, PIA-6 regional director Atty. Ma. Janet Mesa said that a development communicator has the role of mobilizing the audience and persuading them to join in the development efforts. “As catalysts, student writers can serve as spark or motivator to impact change through their articles in their respective publications,” she said.
She said that development communication is the art and science of human communication applied to a transformation of a country and its people from poverty to a dynamic state of economic growth which will bring about the fulfillment of the human potential. She added that devcom, which is purposive and goal-oriented, seeks to inform, educate, and more importantly, to motivate the public. Meanwhile, Mesa also provided a briefing on the executive order on the freedom of information
(FOI). “The Freedom of Information Order provides for full public disclosure of all government records involving public interest and upholds the constitutional right of people to information on matters of public concern, ”she said. She also explained how the public can request for information from the different national government agencies. She also provided the list of exceptions for both standard and eFOI. (JCM/LTP/PIA6 Iloilo)
20 MSMEs complete 'Mentor Me' course Jemin B. Guillermo ROXAS CITY, Capiz, Aug. 15 (PIA6) – The first batch of entrepreneur- mentees in Capiz has successfully completed the Kapatid Mentor Me (KMME) program.
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he KMME is a 10-week coaching and mentoring program covering 10-module course undertaken by the Department of Trade and Industry in partnership with the Philippine Center for Entrepreneurship-Go Negosyo. Capiz Trade and Industry Director Ermelinda Pollentes said that the program is a strategy to boost economic activity that focused on micro, small and medium entrepreneurs. Pollentes expressed her admiration to the 20 MSMEs here who have dedicated and committed themselves to learn under the program to level up by taking steps in the total development of the
innovation process amidst the challenge in the competition in the ASEAN Region. During the recent graduation rites of the KMME, DTI Assistant Secretary Blesila Lantayona, who represented Secretary Ramon Lopez, she stressed the need for the MSMEs to have the transformation and become competitive in the global market, citing that the graduate-mentees have the potential to scale up and improve their business. Lantayona said that because of the learnings of the MSMEs under the KMME program, more banking institutions are now offering financial loan for them as the financial institutions have already that
confidence on the small business group. She also challenged the graduates to make a difference in the province through an entrepreneurial revolution and be among the successful businessmen in the country that who could be at par in the global arena. Lantayona likewise reiterated the 7Ms for a shared prosperity for an inclusive growth to include the Mindset, Mastery, Mentoring, Markets, Money, Machines and Models. “The shared prosperity can be achieved with the 7Ms that supports initiatives for starting, sustaining and expanding the MSMEs,” she said. (JCM/ JBG/PIA6)
Boracay earns P34B tourism receipts in 7 months Sheila Q. Patoza KALIBO, Aklan, Aug. 13 (PIA6) – The island of Boracay generated a total of P34,518,669,078.30 in tourism receipts from January to July 2017.
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klan Provincial Tourism Office records showed that of the total tourism receipts, P22,819,281,388.80 came from foreign and overseas Filipinos; while P11,699,387,689.50 were from domestic tourists. Based on the report, such earnings were generated from the 1,260,958 tourist arrivals of Boracay for the first seven months this year; which triggered the growth of tourism receipts of
the island. Foreign tourists listed were 574,405; while domestic or local tourists were 655,505; and 31,048 overseas Filipinos. Meanwhile, the Department of Tourism – Boracay expressed optimism that the two million tourist arrivals target for this year will be met or may even be exceeded. DOT-Boracay said that visitor arrivals in Boracay for the first seven
months of 2017 showed a 12 percent increase as compared to last year‟s figure of 1,126,755. With such trend, according to DOT-Boracay, it is not far that target set will be met or may even be surpassed in terms of tourist arrivals and tourism receipts. In 2016, tourism receipts of Boracay were recoded at P48,895,469,783.40. (JSC/SQP/PIA6 Aklan)
WESTERN VISAYAS
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Pag-IBIG JOs now covered by SSS benefits Carlson B. Alelis BACOLOD CITY, Aug. 16 (PIA6) – Around 80 job order (JO) and contractual employees of the Home Development Mutual Fund (HMDF) or Pag-IBIG here, are now covered by benefits from the Social Security System (SSS).
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he coverage was made possible through the signing of a Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) by the two parties, allowing the employees of PAG-IBIG to enroll in the KaltaSSS Program of SSS, a release from SSS said. Representing SSS in the MOA signing were Lilani Benedian, Visayas West 1 Division OIC – vice president and Gerard Gonzales, Bacolod asst. branch head, while Ma. Lourdes
Uy, area head for Western Visayas, represented Pag-IBIG. Some of the JO employees who are now covered by SSS were at the MOA signing to show their support. The event is pursuant to SSS- Pag-IBIG Fund MOA that was signed and executed on January 6 by the SSS Central Office, covering all the regional offices of Pag-IBIG Fund. The KaltaSSS Program extends SSS
membership to JO and contractual workers of government agencies who are exempted from the compulsory coverage of the Government Service Insurance System (GSIS). It can be recalled that 250 employees from the local government unit of Hinoba-an town in Negros Occidental were also covered by the SSS in April also because of the KaltaSSS Program. (JCM/CBA/PIA6-Negros Occidental)
26 LGUs to pilot ‗Twice a Day Feeding‘ Lilibeth A. French ILOILO CITY, Aug. 17 (PIA6) - - A total of 26 local government units in Western Visayas will pilot the implementation of the ―Twice a Day Feeding‖ program of the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) that would benefit 27,700 children in 891 Child Development Centers starting this year.
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SWD 6 Supplementary Feeding Program (SFP) Focal Person Diana Alcantara said an additional P99,720,000 was set aside for the implementation of the “twice a day feeding” program in selected LGUs in the provinces of Iloilo, Antique and Aklan. Alcantara said these LGUs have met the criteria to be included in the program. One of the criteria is that LGUs must have no unliquidated funds from its regular Supplementary Feeding Program.
In Iloilo, LGUs covered by the program are Balasan, Dingle, Janiuay, San Enrique, Btac. Viejo, Pavia, Pototan, Mina, Miag-ao and San Rafael. For Antique, the LGUs are Lau-an, Hamtic, Libertad, Sibalom, Anini y, Culasi, San Jose, Tobias Fornier, Barbaza and Valderrama. Six LGUs were selected in Aklan that include Kalibo, Tangalan, Malay, Banga, Buruanga and Numancia. Alcantara said under the program, children
beneficiaries will be provided with nutritious snacks when they arrive at the center and hot meals before they go home to make sure they eat healthy and nutritious food. Just like the regular SFP, the “twice a day feeding” program will be implemented in 120 days. For 2017, some 118, 207 children in various CDCs and Supervised Neighborhood Play in the region will stand to benefit from the SFP. Of the total number, 10,987 are in Iloilo City. (JCM/laf/ PIA6-Iloilo)
Antique reports 8 dengue mortality Vicente W. Villavert SAN JOSE, Antique, Aug. 16 (PIA6) - - The Provincial Health Officer reported that dengue has claimed eight (8) lives from the period covering January to August affecting six municipalities of the province.
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We have three deaths from the municipality of San Jose, and one each for the municipalities of Anini-y, Hamtic, Valderrama, Culasi and Patnongon,” said Dr. Ric Noel Naciongayo as he urged urged the community to sustain efforts in cleaning the surroundings as a counter measure to get rid of the mosquito breeding sites. The disease is transmitted by the bite of an Aedes mosquito that is infected with a dengue virus. Dengue fever is fatal and mainly affects children.
Mosquitoes breed in stagnant water, ditches, tree holes, discarded tires, flower vases, and many other empty containers which collect rain water. Naciongayo urged the public to practice the four “ S ” recommended by the Department of Health to help prevent the spread of the disease. The four “S” stands for Seek and destroy breeding ground of the mosquitoes; Self protection measures; Seek early medical consultation; and Say no to indiscriminate fogging. Meanwhile, Supervising Sanitary Inspector
Tessie M. Vergara said that around 356 dengue cases were recorded from January to August 16 and it is lower compared to 1,157 cases of the same period in year 2016, but the fatalities were higher this year at 8 compared to only three deaths in 2016. According to Dr. Naciongayo, Gov. Rhodora J. Cadiao directed the Provincial Health Office to intensify the campaign against dengue. The provincial health officer reminded the public to always seek early medical consultation. (JCM/VWV/PIA Antique)
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CENTRAL VISAYAS
DSWD-NIR awards winners of ‗Huwarang Pantawid Pamilya‘ Jennifer C. Tilos NEGROS ORIENTAL, Aug. 3 (PIA) – The Department of Social Welfare and Development-Negros Island Region (DSWD-NIR) has honored the families of this year‘s regional winners of the search for ‗Huwarang Pantawid Pamilya‘ recently in Dumaguete City.
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he family of Evangeline Nalam, 59, widow with four children from the municipality of Sta. Catalina, was named grand winner of Huwarang Pantawid Pamilya. Nalam, a solo parent, is actively involved in different community activities who strived with perseverance in upholding the values and responsibility of a parent. Grantee of Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program (4Ps) since 2009, Nalam is also an active parent leader, community volunteer of several activities in her home barangay Cawitan, namely Kapit-Bisig Laban sa Kahirapan – Comprehensive Integrated Delivery of Social Service (KALAHI-CIDSS), Kababayin-an Buhata Federation (KABUH), Kahugpungan sa Tribung Bukidnon (KATRIBU), Cawitan Fisherfolks Farmers Association (CASFFA), Barangay Anti-Drug Abuse Council (BADAC), San Pedro Panlisu-an Calanan Fatima Farmers Association
(SPPCFFA). Nalam is also an advocate of human rights and voluntarily assisting the victims of Violence Against Women and Children (VAWC) and one of the community based tie-up volunteers of the Philippine National Police (PNP) for the advocacy of gender sensitivity. To date, about 20 cases of reported abuse in the barangay were already referred by Nalam to the Municipal Social Welfare Development Office (MSWDO) and PNP. The family of Adda Conserman from Escalante City, Negros Occidental came in first runner-up and Gloria Gonzales family from Bago City, Negros Occidental as third placer. OIC- Regional Director Shalaine Marie Lucero said the search aimed to recognize family beneficiaries of Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino who maintain strong family ties, demonstrate positive Filipino values, and create
positive impact in the community. During the awarding ceremony, Director Lucero handed over plaques of recognition to the three awardees including P15,000 cash prize for Nalam as a regional winner; P10,000 to Conserman; and P7,000 to Gonzales. The Nalam family will represent the Negros Island Region in the National Search for Huwarang Pamilya 2017 to be held in Metro Manila in September. The Search for Huwarang Pantawid Pamilya is an annual competition of DSWD which recognizes the exemplary family beneficiaries of Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino. The search showcases the stories of families who, despite the challenges brought about by poverty, are able to maintain strong family ties, demonstrate positive Filipino values and create a positive impact in their respective communities. (jct/PIA7-Negros Oriental)
DSWD-7 gives under Lingap sa Masa ‗freebies‘ Ayin Visitación CEBU CITY, Aug. 2 (PIA) --- More than a thousand indigent people in the region accessed free medicines through the Libreng Gamot Para Sa Masa or LINGAP SA MASA Program of the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) Region-7.
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ocial Welfare and Development (SWAD) Cebu Team Leader Timotea Gadapan said that 1,656 patients were admitted at Vicente Sotto Memorial Medical Center (VSMMC) up to P75,000 worth of medicines per patient as of July 25, 2017. LINGAP sa Masa, which began in Februray, has a budget of P121 million, of which P 18.7 million or 15 percent have already been distributed in Region 7, said Gadapan. She added that they only issue a guarantee letter so there is no cash released to the patient. The requirements are one valid ID, the drug prescription with the doctor‟s signature, license number and contact number, and the certificate of indigency from the barangay. Additional cash grants Meanwhile in Central Visayas, more than P500 million was funded for 400,000 beneficiaries under the Pantawid PamilyangPlipino Program (4Ps) from Decem-
ber 2016 to February 2017. Pantawid Pamilya Bohol Grievance Officer Joan Florabal Felicio shared during the recent Kapihan Sa PIA at Richmond Hotel that an additional cash grant of P600 was also added to the monthly rice subsidy per family. Each family can receive up to P2000 per month. More than half of the beneficiaries that are active and compliant comes from the Cebu Province with 221, 810 households followed by Bohol with 44,176 and Siquijorwith 10,355. Felicio also stated that around 40,000 households are becoming self-sufficient with the help of the 4Ps. Community-driven projects and trainings Kapit-Bisig Laban sa Kahirapan-Comprehensive and Integrated Delivery of Social Services (KALAHI-CIDSS) National Community-Driven Development Project (NCDDP) is also of DSWD‟s major projects with a
budget of P3 billion. Under KALAHI-CIDSS, there are 2,549 sub-projects in 74 municipalities across Cebu, Bohol, and Siquijor. Each municipality can receive at most P20 million per year depending on the number of barangays, poverty incidents, and other factors. KALAHI-CIDSS Community Development Officer Karl Arbon explained that KALAHI empowers from the grassroots level through free trainings, capacity building, strengthening communities and improving local governance. “KALAHI is a process. The project [resulting from it] is a bonus,” he added. He emphasized that the KALAHI gives voice to the people so they can choose and that members of the 4Ps are encouraged to be a part of it since they can convene to discuss the problems and interventions needed. (jsme/PIA-7-Cebu/asv)
EDC Negros-wide quiz bee on Jennifer C. Tilos NEGROS ORIENTAL (PIA) -- The Energy Development Corporation‘s (EDC) Negros Island Battle of the Brains (BOTB) kicks off this month of August, with elimination rounds already held in five areas of Negros: Bacolod City, August 7; Bago, Aug. 9, Kabankalan, Aug. 11; Dumaguete City, Aug. 15; and Bais, Aug. 17.
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he regional science trivia contest is open to the all junior and senior high schools in Negros Island Region (NIR). EDC Corporate Communication Officer Frances Ariola said the youth of Negros are highly encouraged to join, if not as contestants, then as audience members cheering on the teams who will be representing their schools and home municipality or city. There are 35 participating schools in Negros island - including two universities, five colleges, and 28 high schools, six of which specialize in science education and their corresponding teams - that are registered for the semi-finals. Each team is composed of two students, plus one faculty adviser. Following the theme “Renewable Energy for a Brighter Future,” trivia questions will tackle renewable energy, the environment, biodiversity, climate change
issues and policies, and current events related to these topics. Ariola said these same topics have, at one time or another, been featured in the Positive Energy Facebook page. “Through this contest, participants and audiences alike will learn the benefits of renewable energy, and its importance to the country. It is hoped that this will inspire the Negros youth to attempt to live more sustainably, and to teach and influence others to do the same,” said Ariola. Winning teams of each semi-final round will receive P3,000 cash prize. They will also compete in the grand finals on September 5, where they stand to win the much-coveted Positive Energy Battle of the Brains trophy and a P30,000 cash prize. The BOTB is a project of EDC and is being orga-
nized with the assistance of DRINK Editorial and Design, a communications agency based in Metro Manila. This is the second year that EDC has organized the quiz bee. Last year, Bago City College emerged as champion of the inaugural contest from among 18 participating schools. “EDC, through the Positive Energy campaign, has actively engaged the Negros youth in the promotion of clean and renewable energy. Together, EDC and its youth champions aim to secure a brighter, carbon-positive future for Negros and the Philippines as a whole," said Ariola. For more information on contest mechanics and a complete list of participants, please visit the website, https://www.facebook.com/ PositiveEnergyNegros. (jct/PIA7-Negros Oriental)
CENTRAL VISAYAS
DTI-7 launches Program Batch 3
Kapatid
5 ‗Mentor
Me‘
Ayin Visitacion
CEBU CITY (PIA) -- The Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) in Region 7, in cooperation with the Cebu Chamber of Commerce and Industry (CCCI) and Go Negosyo, launched the Kapatid ―Mentor ME‖ Batch 3 and Aral Negosyo-Angat Kapatid Countryside Negosyo Program at the Marco Polo Plaza Hotel recently.
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wenty-eight micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs) comprised the 3rd batch of mentees under the Kapatid Mentor Micro Entrepreneurs (KMME) Program. The mentees tackled Module 1 (Enterpreneurial Mind-Setting and Deepening-Values) and Module 2 (Enterpreneurial Marketing Mindset) of the Aral-Negosyo Angat-Kapatid (ANAK) Para sa Bayan, a Derivative Program of KMME for Negosyo Centers. KMME is one of DTI‟s programs for MSMEs that aims to help micro entrepreneurs scale up their businesses through regular coaching and mentoring sessions from business owners and practitioners on different functional areas of entrepreneurship, such as those held in Negosyo Centers nationwide.
Currently, there are 11 Negosyo Centers (NC) in Cebu, namely: NC Cebu City, NC UP Cebu, NC Lapu-lapu, NC Carcar, NC Dalaguete, NC Consolacion, NC Tuburan, NC Bogo, NC Daanbantayan, NC Santa Fe, and NC San Remegio. DTI-7 Assistant Regional Director Nelia Navarro shared that they hope to add 13 more, two in the southwest and 11 in Yolanda-stricken areas. She added that MSMEs are 99.6 percent of the total enterprises in the Philippines with Central Visayas ranking third in having the most MSMEs in the country. Go Negosyo founder and Presidential Consultant for Enterpreneurship Joey Concepcion also talked about “Prosperity for All,” an ASEAN vision that hinges on mentorship and inclusivity among businesses and poverty
reduction. Concepcion believes that mentorship is powerful and is a key element in helping those who want to become entrepreneurs and even entrepreneurs who want to become more successful. “We want businesses to have a greater heart,” Concepcion expressed. Republic Act No. 10644 also known as the “Go Negosyo Act” which seeks to strengthen MSMEs to create more job opportunities in the country. Its basic policy is to foster national development, promote inclusive growth, and reduce poverty by encouraging the establishment of MSMEs that facilitate local job creation, production, and trade in the country. (jsme/PIA-7-Cebu/asv)
Toledo City, PRA sign MOU for 11-ha. reclamation project Ferliza Calizar-Contratista CEBU CITY, Aug. 3 (PIA) — The City of Toledo signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with the Philippine Reclamation Authority (PRA) for the establishment of the 11-hectare reclamation project.
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itnessed by Vice Mayor Antonio Yapha, city councilors, department heads, local media, and PRA, the MOU was officially signed by Toledo City Mayor John Henry Osmena and PRA General Manager lawyer Janilo Rubiato. This will start the establishment of the 11-hectare reclamation project in 30 days, which according to Osmena, will be the location of an international port at the western side of the province. “This will decongest the ports of Cebu City and will be a great source of employment for residents not only in Toledo but in the southwest of Cebu,” Osmena said.
The project has a budget of P644 million initially from a loan from the Land Bank of the Philippines and some local funds. “We welcome private investors interested along the way to complete the project and then the port construction,” Osmena said. There will be oil depots in the planned port area which will solve accidents of exploding oil tankers from happening. Recently, Osmena reported there were two fuel tankers which had an accident, in barangays Magdugo and Media Once. It resulted to the death of six people.
With the port there, there will be no need to transport fuel in long distances. For his part, PRA Rubiato said they are assuring Toledo City that they will extend full assistance as they go about constructing the project. “There are environmentally sound ways in constructing a reclamation other than the usual dumping of materials,” Rubiato said. The project is expected to be done in two years with most of the materials from the areas owned and operated by Atlas Consolidated Mining and Development Corporation (ACMDC) and Carmen Copper Corporation (CCC). (fcc/PIA7-Cebu)
CV ranks 4th in highest number of establishments in PH Jennifer C. Tilos NEGROS ORIENTAL, Aug. 1 (PIA) -- Central Visayas (CV) ranks fourth in the highest number of establishments in the country based on the 2014 Annual Survey of Philippine Business and Industry (ASPBI) in a Data Dissemination Forum held recently by the Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA) here.
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egional Director Ariel Florendo PSA-Negros Island Region (NIR) reported that CV or Region 7 comprised 8.4 percent of the total number of establishments or around 3,000 from the total 35,000 establishments in the Philippines. In the gathering of stakeholders which include the business sector, policy makers, local planners, government sector among others, Florendo said that the data forum aims for stakeholders "to appreciate the data that they can use it in whatever means especially the 2014 Survey on Tourism Establishments in the Philippines (STEP) which is a big help because tourism is one of the factors in the development in the province as well as in the country.” Region7 had around 400,000 workers or 9.7 percent out of 4 milion workers in the country. However, Florendo said the National Capital Region (NCR), where most of the establishments are located, recorded the highest employment at almost 2 million, and among the regions, the Autonomous Region of Muslim Mindanao (ARMM) had the least number of workers at 9,000.
It is noted that Region 7 generated an income about P700 billion and maintained its ranking among the top 5 regions in the country in terms of income generation. NCR which produced the highest income of about P6,000 billion accounted for the lion‟s share of nearly 50.0 percent of the total income, while ARMM produced the lowest income with around P6 billion, said Florendo. When asked why the dissemination of results is quite late, Florendo explained that the 2014 is the reference period which is from January to December of 2014 but the activity where the distribution of the questionnaires and the collection of data was done at 2015. The process also took time, from the distribution of questionnaires, sample of the establishment, after which the collection of data with manual and machine processing, data analysis, evaluation, verification, all of which led to the delay in the releasing of the results. “However, under EO 352, it is stated that the
release of statistical data should be after two years of the reference period and coupled with the merger of agencies from NSO, NCB, BAS and BLESS to PSA and during that period PSA had also the Census of Population, that‟s the reason why it‟s a little bit late,” added Florendo. For 2014 results, Negros Oriental still included in Region 7 but for the 2016, NIR is already included in the 18 regions. The PSA official said the results for 2016, where NIR is included, will be released in a regional and national forum which will be done in October 2018. ASPBI is a yearly survey of PSA that intends to provide information on the levels, structure, performance, and trends of economic activities of the formal sector in the entire country. It also gathers data on employment, compensation, income, expense, total assets, capital expenditures and inventories, and generate indicators from these variables. (jct/PIA7-Negros oriental)
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EASTERN VISAYAS
ESamar creates culture and arts council, elects officers Samuel D. Candido BORONGAN CITY, Eastern Samar, August 17 (PIA) - In line with Republic Act No. 7160, otherwise known as the Local Government Code of 1991, the creation of a Local Council for Culture and Arts is mandated, which shall undertake measures to promote culture and arts.
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he Province of Eastern Samar being aware and cognizant of the role of Tourism, Culture and Arts in nation building, express strong intent to adopt the principle of sustainable tourism development in the formulation of local tourism development plans to give due regard to the conservation of natural endowments and preservation of cultural heritage while affording opportunity for local communities to achieve a better quality of life. In connection with this Act that mandates the creation of Eastern Samar Tourism, Culture and Arts, Eastern Samar governor Conrado B. Nicart, Jr. issued Executive Order No. 025, series of 2017 “An Order Creating the Eastern Samar Tourism Culture and Arts Council (ESTCAC).” Recently, the Eastern Samar Tourism Culture
and Arts Council elected their set of officers and members. The elected Officers and Members are Ex-Officio Chairman – Hon. Gov. Conrado B. Nicart, Jr., Co-Chairman – Nestor Campanero (NGO-Balangiga), Vice-Chairman – Hon. Annabelle Capito (SP Member, Chairman, Committee on Tourism), Secretary – Christine Babiano (Provincial Tourism Officer), Treasurer – Joy Valera (Tourism Officer-Balangkayan). The Information Officers are: For 1st District – Josephine Marissa Acorin (City Tourism Officer-Borongan City), 2nd District – Fe Campanero (Tourism Officer-Balangiga), Muses: 1st District – Mae Aiza Pormida (Tourism Officer-Oras), 2nd District – Marilyn Jose (Tourism Officer-LLorente, Escorts: 1st District – Rico Pajares (Tourism Officer-Jipapad), 2nd District – Zacarias
Banog (SB-Member-Llorente) Other Members are: Hon. Allan Contado – (President, Mayor‟s League of Eastern Samar), Hon. Bondoz Aclao- (President, Philippine Councilor‟s League of Eastern Samar), Hon. Maximo Zacate- (President, Association of Barangay Captain‟s of Eastern Samar), Mr. Kenneth Encienzo – (President, Local Chamber of Commerce of Eastern Samar), Ms. Judith Boco- (Schools Division Superintendent, DepEd Eastern Samar), and Mr. Reymark Estrobo – (Representative, PRIMEA Hotel). The said Council shall be the highest coordinating and policy formulating body on Tourism, Culture and Arts in the province. The first project of the Council will be the formulation of Provincial Tourism Master Plan within this year. (ajc/SDC/PIA8-E.Samar)
NHCP: historical library a learning restoration project Ma. Rebecca G. Cadavos MAASIN CITY, Southern Leyte, Aug. 16 (PIA) – In a visit by the National Historical Commission of the Philippines (NHCP) in Southern Leyte, Chariman Dr. Rene Escalante bared that the restoration project is considered as a learning experience not only for the NHCP team but for Southern Leyteńos as well.
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uring the NHCP visit, Thursday here, Escalante referred to it as a learning restoration project because the restoration of the historical building in Maasin City is another experience for them to learn new things, especially of its structure, which existed around year 1918 yet. “Each one can ask how it was built, how we will restore it and some whys and hows,” for Southern Leyteños who wanted to know about
the historical building, Escalante said during his message to the audience composed of some provincial elected officials and employees, the academe, provincial library personnel, among others concerned. The P20 Million project has already started its restoration process as of this writing and is targeted to be finished by the first quarter of next year, Escalante disclosed. He said that once done, provincial or Maasin
City officials can submit another restoration project to the commission, including the Maasin Cathedral and the Limasawa shrine, all in the name of the historical and cultural commission. The presentation of the project was also graced by Gov. Damian G. Mercado, and former governor Rosette Y. Lerias, the granddaughter of the historical building‟s owner, Tomas Oppus. (ajc/ rgcPIA8-SoLeyte)
Naval MDRRMO eyes earthquake contingency measures Rodrigo S. Victoria NAVAL, Biliran, Aug. 15 (PIA) – With the devastation left by the 6.5 magnitude earthquake that hit Kananga and Ormoc City in July 6, the Municipal Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Officer (MDRRO), this town, has eyed several contingency measures on earthquake.
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We are near the earthquake fault line,” said Raoul Villordon, Naval MDRRMO, recently during the “Kapihan at Pulong-Pulong ng Bayan,” a radio program at Radyo Natin -Naval hosted by the Philippine Information Agency (PIA). He revealed the earthquake fault line is located between the seawaters of Naval and Calubian towns. His office proposed to conduct an assessment of public and private buildings in town together with the engineering office to determine its stability
against earthquake. “Old structures in Naval town need to be retrofitted to restore its stability,” Villordon added. He also proposed for no construction of public and private buildings beyond three storeys in Naval poblacion considering its proximity to the fault line. One of his proposals included the construction of an alternative bridge to Caray-Caray bridge that will be constructed in Sitio Lupa in Barangay Calumpang, Naval. Villordon has in mind that if Caray-Caray bridge
will be severely damaged due to earthquake and will be declared impassable affecting transportation and business, there is still an alternate bridge that can be used. “We have to make the necessary earthquake contingency measures for us to be prepared in times it will happen in town,” Villordon further said. He also encouraged the 26 village chiefs of Naval to craft their disaster risk reduction and management plan as guide on things they must do during disasters. (ajc/FJ/rsvictoria/PIA8-Biliran)
EASTERN VISAYAS
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Ormoc City launches water bill e-payment system Rodrigo S. Victoria ORMOC CITY, Leyte, Aug. 14 (PIA) – The city government of Ormoc launched the online e-payment system that will provide fast, convenient, and ease in paying the monthly water bill of the water concessionaires of Ormoc City Waterworks and Sewerage System (ORWASA).
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memorandum of agreement between the city government of Ormoc and LBP-Ormoc Branch was approved on the Online Water Billing Inquiry and E-Payment System. The Online Water Billing Inquiry and E-Payment System developed by the Information Technology (IT) Division of Ormoc City in coordination and partnership with Land Bank of the Philippines (LBP)-Ormoc Branch was launched at the Ormoc City Hall Lobby on Monday, August 14. Ormoc City Mayor Richard I. Gomez together with the city officials and employees, and Marol Reposar, branch manager, LBP- Ormoc Branch graced the launching ceremony. Jysha Collantes, implementation officer,
LBP-Ormoc Branch, presented the e-payment scheme from start until finish of the water e-payment system. Under the on-line water billing and e-payment system, a registered ORWASA water concessionaire must log-in first to www.ormoc.gov.ph then click the water bill in ORWASA billing system, Collantes said. She added that after the accessing the water bill, the concessionaire must log-in his ORWASA account then enter the password, proceed to assessment, and log-in the amount of payment. The water concessionaire will receive a debit account thru an email confirming the concessionaire‟s payment, she further presented. An ORWASA concessionaire can use her LBP ATM Card, other BancNet ATM Cards, and GCash
Card, Collantes added. However, service charges in the amount of P10 will be charged to LBP ATM cardholder, P20 to BancNet ATM cardholder, and GCash ATM cardholder will be charged at the maximum of P30 depending on the amount of payment, he lady bank officer reported. According to LBP-Ormoc branch manager Reposar, the on-line water billing e-payment system is the first interactive payment system in the Visayas Region. Meanwhile,, Melchizedec M. Yap, chief, Ormoc City IT Division, revealed that the city's bill e-payment system wil be operational within the week if there will be no other things that may cause delay in its implementation. (ajc/rsv/PIA8-Ormoc Desk)
Northern Samar recipient of TESDA‘s mobile training lab Ailene N. Diaz CATARMAN, Northern Samar, Aug. 15 (PIA) – Northern Samar being one of the poorest provinces is one of the recipients of Mobile Training Laboratory, a product of collaborative efforts between the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA) and Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corporation (PAGCOR), this was learned from Engr. Zosimo de Asis, TESDA Provincial Director.
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ccordingly, the project aims to support inclusive growth by reaching the unreached and serving the underserved sector of society. It envisioned to create jobs, reduce poverty and drew into the economic and social mainstreams the majority of people in the remote provinces. Specifically, the project intends to extend free, relevant, quality training services to the constituents and facilitate wage/self-employment of the graduates.
The Mobile Training Facilities are training facilities that have complete set of training tools, training specific equipment, number of training packages and appropriate multimedia equipment and accessories. This is a barangay-based training project, portable that could be easily transported within the province. For Northern Samar, 6 training programs are available to be offered by Mobile Training Laboratory and these are Appliance Repair, Cell phone Repair,
Electrical Installation and Maintenance, Small Engine Repair, Cookery, Bread and Pastry Production and Food Processing. During the Provincial Development Council meeting held recently, it was agreed that the PDC Chairman, Governor Jose Ong and TESDA Provincial Director Engr. Zosimo De Asis will finalize as to what LGU to prioritize out of 24 towns covering the whole province. (ajc/ADiaz/ PIA-Northern Samar)
MGB 8 for relocation, evacuation of residents to safer grounds Rodrigo S. Victoria ORMOC CITY, Leyte, Aug. 15 (PIA) – The Mines and Geosciences Bureau (MGB) Regional Office No. 8 Geohazard Survey Team recommended for the relocation and evacuation of the residents in identified quake-damaged areas in Ormoc City based on a summary report.
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he Summary Report Regarding the July 6, 2017 6.5 magnitude earthquake in North 39 degrees East of Ormoc City. Leyte was presented on Monday, August 14, by Valentin P. Narido, division chief, Geosciences Division of MGB Regional Office No. 8 to the city officials led by Mayor Richard I. Gomez. The MGB 8 geohazard team conducted the survey assessment together with 67 volunteer workers from seven private mining companies namely: Oceana Gold, Carmen Copper Corporation, Taganito Mining Corporation, Platinum Group Mining Corporation, Cebrian Geokonsult Incorporated, Adnama Mining, Hinatuan Mining Company, and the Environment and Management Bureau and the Mnes and Geosciences Bureau of Regional Office No. 7. The survey was also conducted in coordination and data sharing with the Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (Phivolcs) and the local
government unit officials of Ormoc City. Recommended for relocation of the residents into safer grounds based on the report due to fissures, road cracks, damaged concrete and wooden houses, and landslide were the following areas: Purok 1, and Purok 6 in Barangay Tongonan. The guard house in Tongonan was also recommended for relocation due to fissure at the cliff side before Energy Development Corporation (EDC) entrance, and the avoidance of passage of heavy vehicle heading to Purok 7 in Tongonan due to landslide debris, tension cracks and road slips. The report also recommended the relocation of Purok 7 of Barangay Cabintang due to several landslides along the road cuts, and evacuation of the residents situated down slope of the active landslide area. The residents of Purok 5 in Barangay Milagro were also recommended for relocation due to the wooden houses that were located on the cliff.
Residents situated down slope of the active slide area in Barangay Nueva Vista were recommended for evacuation due to the presence of active and/or recent landslides, numerous and large tension cracks, and drainages that were prone to landslide damming, and steep slopes , the report revealed. The report also recommended the evacuation of the area in Purok 7, and Sitios Cabantog and Quary in Barangay Lake Danao due to road cracks, house collapsing, collapsed houses, embankment failure, and block culvert. The summary report also presented several recommendations to mitigate the heavy damages brought by the 6.5 magnitude earthquake to the identified areas in Ormoc City where the recommendations for relocation and evacuation were made. Part of the report is the presentation of the hydrogeological assessment of Ormoc City. (ajc/rsv/ PIA8-Ormoc Desk)
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Ms. Fayette C. Riñen OIC - 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. Bañares 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