Vol 7
In this Issue WESTERN VISAYAS
Barroc National High School Grade 7 adviser, Raffy Torrechante, and her students read Mula sa Masa, Para sa Masa tabloids distributed by PIA-Iloilo staff. The tabloid is produced by the Presidential Communications Office for free and updates Filipinos especially those living in the countryside on the programs, projects, activities, and accomplishments of the administration of President Rodrigo Duterte.
More on Region 6, pages 2-3. Also CLICK Here…
Jan. 23 - 29, 2017
Published by: PIA 6, 7 & 8
Issue 4
Disaster info and exhibit center now open Leonard T. Pineda I ILOILO CITY, January 26 (PIA) --- The city government here officially launched its disaster risk reduction information and exhibit center at John B. Lacson Foundation Maritime University (JBLFMU) Art Deck Building in Molo district here. Dubbed KABALAKA Gallery, the facility offers an opportunity to learn about the city‟s disaster risks and preparedness activities by providing an interactive learning environment to individuals to be engaged in self-help and mutual help efforts on disaster preparedness. „Kabalaka‟ (to care or show concern) is Iloilo City‟s campaign banner for disaster risk reduction. It is an acronym that stands for “KAhublagan sa Barangay para sa LApnagon nga KAhandaan sa KAlamidad” or movement for community-based disaster preparedness. In the KABALAKA gallery, the public can find the work of Ilonggos – captured in videos, infographic materials and other art exhibits – which aims to educate on what to do before, during and after flooding, fire, earthquake, storm surge and El Niño. The exhibit area is comprised of different zones – the information zone, learning zone, and the KABALAKA zone. In the information zone, visitors will know of the various disasters and hazards that affect Iloilo City and awaken their sense of disaster-preparedness at all times. The learning zone is a venue for educational discussions, trainings, interactive designs that focuses on disaster preparedness especially for children and families. The KABALAKA zone contains additional videos, games, reading materials, and exhibits meant to encourage cooperation among the Ilonggo community.
The gallery also features Japanese disaster preparedness activities, games, materials and equipment. It also promotes inclusive disaster risk reduction activities so one can find items and materials catering to persons with disabilities such as the blind and deaf. The center is made possible through the collaboration of the Iloilo City government, CITYNET Yokohama Office and Yokohama City Government and the support of the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA). (JCM/LTP/PIA-Iloilo)
Iloilo City Mayor Jed Patrick Mabilog (2nd from left) leads the ribbon-cutting ceremony for the opening of the KABALAKA Gallery, a disaster risk reduction information and exhibit center at John B. Lacson Foundation Maritime University (JBLFMU) Art Deck Building in Molo district here held Jan. 26, 2017. Also in the photo are (from left) Hirokazu Nagata, Chair of Plus Arts; City Councilor Lady Julie Grace Baronda; Kendra Hirata, Director of Programs of City of Yokohama; and Dr. Ronald Sebastian, CEO of JBLF Maritime University.
CENTRAL VISAYAS
NTC intensifies campaign vs text scams Hazel F. Gloria CEBU CITY, January 25 (PIA) – The National Telecommunications Commission (NTC) in the region intensified their campaign against text scam messages. NTC Legal Officer Atty. Allan Macaraya said during the Philippine Information Agency (PIA) 7 – Association of Government Information Officers (AGIO) 7 Forum held recently at the PIA-7 Regional Office, Cebu City that the public should ignore text scam messages on their mobile devices during Macaraya reported that their office receives 100 complaints PIA Cebu held a Kapihan sa PIA forum in line in a year like “pasaload” scam, or text messages with Goiter and Cancer Awareness Month, about accidents involving a relative or informing the recipient of Jan. 25. The guests were officials from the winning in a raffle. According to NTC, the public should confirm first Department of Health (DOH) in Region 7. if the text messages they received are sent from an 11-digit number because it is a private number or owned by an More on Region 7, pages 4-5. individual. “The duly registered numbers by the commission with 3 to 4 digits or with the name of the Telecommunication Companies like Also CLICK Here… Smart or Globe will appear in the mobile text messages,” explained Macaraya.
EASTERN VISAYAS
NTC officials encouraged the subscribers once they received the text scam messages to report immediately to their office so that they could file and forward it to their Central Office. Once the cellphone number is identified as being used to send text scam messages, they will block the Subscriber Identity Module (SIM) card, said Macaraya. NTC Engineer III, Engr. Bill Peralta also requested the subscribers to provide all the details required and numbers that are reported as source of text scams. The blocking of cellphone will take three weeks to one month due to the numbers of complainants coming from the different regions, explained Peralta. Macaraya said that subscribers can also file their complaints directly to the Telecommunication Companies to be acted right away. Meanwhile, NTC officials will double their efforts to keep the public informed and educate to avoid or ignore text scam messages in order to get away from these unscrupulous activities.(rmn/hfg/ PIA-7/AGIO-7)
PRRD orders completion of permanent shelters PIA 8
President Rodrigo Roa Duterte inspects the housing units for the Typhoon Yolanda-affected families in Tacloban during his visit at the New Hope Village in Brgy. Sta. Elena, Tacloban City, January 25. The president returns to Tacloban two months after his visit during the 3rd year Yolanda commemoration. (Raul S. Tiozon, Jr./ PIA-8)
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TACLOBAN CITY, Leyte, January 25 (PIA) – Obviously, not a smile was seen in his face while the litany of accomplishments was being read before him relative to the relocation of “Yolanda” victims to permanent shelters. This was the general composure President Rodrigo Duterte seen of him on stage today, during his visit at New Hope Village, a government relocation project, Barangay Sta. Elena, this city. And when he started his impromptu speech, PRRD revealed with all candidness that he did not feel like smiling with the progress report because to him, some concerned officials and offices are not performing to the fullest. According to the President, this apparent neglect or indolence is causing the delay of the housing projects‟ completion and transfer of the would-be beneficiaries. “Talagang asar ako, dahil sa three years, ganyan lang ang nagawa ng gobyerno,” he stressed. “Of course we are now part of this, but as I am your President, I expect everybody to work,” he added. What followed was the President‟s order to the line agencies concerned to fast track “again” the completion of the permanent
shelters to effect the transfer of most of the victims who are still located in temporary shelters. On November 8, 2016, the President was in Tacloban when he gave his first instruction to transfer the victims to permanent shelters, then he promised to visit back last December. He did not make it though he said, due to heavy schedule. And two months after today, he learned of 28 families that were transferred to the New Hope Village. But the President has yet to be pleased. “By end of February, I will be back, and if I see more families not having been relocated to safer places, I will take severe steps,” he added. President Duterte sternly warned regional directors concerned and all government personnel, against gallivanting as he will impose zero tolerance or “No Second Chance.” He also told the public to text him whenever they would see government officials in malls during office hours. He pointed out that officials should work 24 hours. “When one does not return to office after lunch, he is short changing government, and this is swindling,” PRRD pointed out.(PIA-08)
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WESTERN VISAYAS
Bucari farmers told: adopt good farming practices
Sinulog Festival
Elsa S. Subong ILOILO CITY, 25 Jan(PIA) — The farmers of Bucari in Leon must adopt good farming practices (GAP) as among the fastest growing agri-tourism sites in the region.
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he Department of Agriculture said Bucari‟s elevation, climate and topography is conducive for production of high value crops like, carrots, lettuce, brocoli, cucumber, sayote and radish. A DA-6 press release said Agriculture Undersecretary Evelyn Lavinia, who recently visited the town of Leon, urged the farmers to go into good agricultural practices and organic farming to produce safe and quality food. “Organic farming and GAP provides for judicious use of pesticides and chemical
fertilizer, whose residues are harmful to human health,” Lavinia said. She added that GAP and organically -grown commodities have high demand in the world market and in the ASEAN Economic Community Integration. In the farmers‟ consultation held, DA-6 Regional Executive Director Remelyn Recoter said that agriculture officials like ASec Lavinia and ASec Hansel Didulo shall see to it that interventions are provided to the community. “This is to improve your production and address constraints
related to high value crops farming,” Recoter added. The farmers said during the consultations that they needed training on organic vegetable production, a food terminal, and farm to market roads that will address post-harvest and marketing constraints. ASec Lavinia stressed the importance of cooperation among farmers and the need to be receptive to government programs. She also advised farmers‟ groups to have a roadmap for all their agricultural undertakings. (JCM/ESS/PIA-Iloilo)
Mararison Island soon to have electricity Pilar S. Mabaquiao SAN JOSE, Antique (PIA) - - Mararison Island in Culasi, one of the emerging tourist destinations in the Region will soon avail a 24/7 supply of electricity when the hybrid power supply system materializes by June 2017.
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We have seen the increasing tourist arrival in Mararison, and stability of power supply is a big factor to boost the tourism industry. Thus, we expect the project be completed in the middle of the year,” said Engr. Greg Rufino Head, Institutional Services Department, Antique Electric Cooperative. As of now, the island is energized by a generator set operated by ANTECO and providing electricity of about 5 hours a day from 5:00 to 10:00 in the evening, he said. With the implementation of the hybrid power system, there will be stable supply of electricity from the renewable solar energy
combined with the generator sets. The Battery Storage Supply System will be provided by the Asian Development Bank who will partner with ANTECO on the completion of the project. The National Electrification Administration (NEA) in partnership with ADB has conducted the study on the feasibility of the project since 2014. For the putting up of Solar Energy, ANTECO sent out invitation to bid to private entities who are interested to invest in the island. Hopefully when the bidding process becomes successful in February the
project implementation could go full swing, said Rufino. The stability of power supply in Mararison will not only boost the tourism industry but it will also impact the economy of the island and the town of Culasi in general, education and peace and order. Tourism Officer Johnjohn Sumanting in a separate interview assured that the local officials are closely monitoring the development undertakings in the island including provisions for environmental protection and sustainability. (JCM/PSM/ PIA6Antique)
Household population in Aklan up Sheila Q. Patoza KALIBO, AKLAN, Jan. 27 (PIA) – Household population in the province of Aklan increased by 7.3 percent from 2010 to 2015, records from Philippine Statistics Authority – Aklan showed.
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ased on the latest results of the 2015 Census of Population conducted by PSA here, household population in the province as of August 2015 was 572,599; while in 2010 was 533,573; showing a 39,026 increase in a span of five years. PSA-Aklan also noted that for the past 15 years, the household population in Aklan surged by 27.14 percent; wherein the recorded household population in 2000 was 450,353. Aklan contributed 7.77 percent to the 7.4 million household population in Western
Visayas. Among the five provinces in the region, Aklan ranked fourth in terms of household population size. In a press release, PSA-Aklan explained that the household population comprised 99.6 percent of the total Aklan‟s population, while the 0.4 percent includes institutional population or those residing in collective or institutional living quarters such as hospitals, orphanages, and military camps. The total number of households of Aklan increased also by 17,556 with 133,679 household listed in 2015 and 116,123
in 2010. The municipality of Kalibo registered with most number of households with 17,930; followed by Malay with 12,664; Ibajay 11,019; and New Washington 10,853. The town of Lezo had the least number of households among the 17 municipalities in the province with 3,590. Meanwhile, in terms of average household size, the town of Nabas registered the highest with 4.6 persons; followed by Ibajay, Buruanga, and Kalibo with 4.5 persons each; Tangalan with 4.4. (JCM/SQP/PIA6 Aklan)
WESTERN VISAYAS
Dinagyang Festival
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One Stop Shop for biz permits extended Easter Anne D. Doza
BACOLOD CITY, Jan. 24 (PIA6) - - The Business One Stop Shop for the processing and renewal of business permits at the Bacolod City Government Center (BCGC) is extended until February 28.
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he extension will give ample time for businesses to renew their permits or apply for a new one. Bacolod Permits and Licensing Office chief Stela Rose Rayos said last year‟s 5-step process is even streamlined to three steps this year. For those applying for a new license will have to secure beforehand clearances namely: Barangay clearance, Zoning, Sanitary Permit to Operate, Environment and Natural Resources Office clearance, and Office of the Building Official clearance. Existing or operating businesses for renewal of permits should be ready with
barangay and zoning clearances before proceeding with step 1. The first step is to file for application for Business at the Annex Building then submit basis for tax computation on Step 2. Step 2 is one-time assessment of taxes, fees and charges at the City Treasurer‟s Office where applicants need to bring their Income Tax Return for 2015 with its comparative balance sheet and income tax statement for 2014 and 2015. Then for Step 3, they need to submit documentary requirement for one time payment of taxes, fees and charges, receipts of O.R. and then claim Mayor‟s Permits
and Clearances at the City Treasurer‟s Office-Assessment Section and the BPLO respectively. The application form for business permit is also downloadable at the Bacolod City website http://www.bacolodcity.gov.ph. All agencies involved in the process of securing permits like clearances from the Bureau of Fire Protection, City Health Office, Bacolod Traffic Authority Office and some barangays are at the BCGC. “This is for convenience and quick processing of business permits. And also to avoid the 25 percent surcharge,” Rayos said. * (JCM/EAD-PIA6 Negros Occidental)
Capiz formulates peace, public safety plan Jemin B. Guillermo ROXAS CITY, Capiz, Jan. 24 (PIA) – Planning and workshop activities for peace and order as well as on public safety have started to roll out in Capiz.
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ed by the Department of the Interior and Local Government, the different towns and city, including that of the provincial government have already kicked off their respective activities for the formulation of their respective three-year Peace and Order and Public Safety (POPS) plan. Erwin Bonifacio of DILG Capiz disclosed that the DILG field officers are leading the conduct of orientation and plan formulation activities in their respective assigned local government units. “All LGUs are required to submit the
3-year POPS plan based on DILG Memorandum Circular 2015-128,” Bonifacio said, adding that the LGUs are required to submit the said plan to their office by Jan. 31 this year. He stressed during the meeting of the government information officers in Capiz that the said POPS plan must be formulated by all the local Peace and Order Councils within 100 days upon assumption of office of the newly elected Local Chief Executives in the 2016 elections and to be implemented for the period January 2017-December 2019. Recently DILG Capiz led by Provincial
Director Clyne Deocampo in partnership with the Capiz Association of Local Planning Development Coordinators Inc. conducted a two-day POPS plan formulation workshop which was attended by the different planning and development coordinators, chiefs of police, health officers and social welfare and development officers from the different LGUs here. For Capiz police Director Samuel Nacion, the POPS plan is not only for compliance of the directives but sets as a direction on how to maintain the peace and order and ensure safety in the community. (JCM/JBG/PIA6-Capiz)
ASEAN LOC targets 100 volunteers for Iloilo meetings Leonard T. Pineda I ILOILO CITY, January 23 (PIA) --- The local organizing committee (LOC) of the 2017 Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) Summit is targeting 100 volunteers who will provide assistance to delegates of ASEAN meetings slated in this city.
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ity Tourism and Development Office (CTDO) head and executive director of the LOC Junel Ann Divinagracia said that there will be 30 liaison officers and 70 student volunteers who will assist during the meetings. “We have conducted interviews and we are in the process of deliberation and in ranking the applicants” she said. She said that those who will pass the screening will undergo a training that will be facilitated by the Department of
Foreign Affairs (DFA) and the Foreign Service Institute. She shared that they are conducting rigid interviews for volunteers for the ASEAN meetings, this time to avoid concerns that they encountered during the hosting of the 2015 APEC (Asia Pacific Economic Cooperation) meetings here. “The biggest challenge with LOs and volunteers is their different personalities,” she said. She said that rigid interviews and trainings
are conducted in order to see if they have the skills and the emotional maturity needed especially since they will be handling key officials from the ASEAN. She added that for student volunteers, they require endorsements from their respective college deans to avoid problems and conflicts as to their academic schedules and examinations. Iloilo City will be the venue of five meetings for the ASEAN summit this March. (JCM/LTP/PIA-Iloilo)
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CENTRAL VISAYAS
NNC-7: No link between goiter, over fatigue
Sinulog Festival
Ferliza Calizar-Contratista CEBU CITY, January 25 (PIA) – Health officials here reiterated that there is no connection between a woman being overworked to her developing goiter.
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ocal health officials debunked the myth as the nation observes Goiter Awareness Week this month. In the recent Kapihan sa PIA Cebu, Dr. Parolita Mission, regional director of National Nutrition Council (NNC), clarified that there is no connection between being overworked or overfatigued to goiter illness. Mission said goiter is the abnormal enlargement of the thyroid gland due to iodine deficiency. The thyroid gland is situated in front of the windpipe and is responsible for producing and secreting hormones that regulate growth and
metabolism. It is a common sight for mothers to have goiters and they usually associate that to being overworked. “But there is no relationship, and it was because the salts before were not iodized and they did not get enough iodine from the food that they take,” Mission said. Other than salt, iodine can be sourced from seaweeds and marine foods. However, iodine-deficient mothers have a high probability to give birth to infants with mental retardation, deaf mutism, or dwarfism. The Regional Bantay Asin Task Force headed
by Rica Aumentado aims to lower the iodine deficiency disorder status of the region. Aumentado said they conduct inventory and monitoring of salt distributors, manufacturers, importers, consignees, and its classification. They also include in the monitoring food establishments for the use of quality iodized salts as well as wet markets, sari sari stores and super markets. In the Philippines, Zamboanga Peninsula ranked highest in iodine deficiency followed by Northern Mindanao and then Davao. Goiter Awareness Week is observed from January 23 to 27. (fcc/PIA7-Cebu)
NORECO-I seeks help in lowering permit fees for indigents Roi Lomotan GUIHULNGAN CITY, Negros Oriental, Jan. 25 (PIA) – Negros Oriental Electric Cooperative (NORECO-1) is seeking support from Sanggunian Bayan (SB) and Sanggunian Panglungsod (SP) members in their coverage areas in helping indigent residents gain easy access to electricity.
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ORECO-1 passed a resolution seeking for a reduction in the permit fees and other charges needed before electricity can be installed in the homes of indigent families. This is in line with the implementation of the National Intensification of Household Electrification (NIHE) Program of the Department of Energy (DOE) that aims to provide power to 45,000 poor households nationwide in partnership with local electric cooperatives. NORECO-I Officer in Charge for Institutional Services Jonah Maxino said they plan to meet with local councilors in their coverage area to convince them to pass a resolution that will lower permit and other processing fees for indigent residents.
Maxino explained that the electric cooperative requires residents to acquire an electrical permit from the Local Government Unit (LGU) before they can install electricity in their homes. However, the process of applying for an electrical permit would entail getting other certifications, which means additional charges for the poor residents. Maxino said they talked with the councilors in Guihulngan City, Tayasan, Bais City, Mabinay, and La Libertad on the issue and they received a positive response from them. On the other hand, Maxino said beneficiaries of the Pantawid Pamilya Pilipino Program of the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) and poor households dependent on illegal flying connection for their power can avail
of the NIHE program regardless of the location of their homes. Through NIHE, NORECO-I can provide a P3,750 subsidy to poor families. Those who would like to become beneficiaries of NIHE must secure a certificate from DSWD certifying they are indigent and submit their names to NORECO-I. The program is expected to be implemented in the electric cooperative‟s coverage area this year. Meanwhile, NORECO-I will once again hold elections for the next member of their board of directors representing Guihulngan City. Maxino encouraged all member-consumers to participate in the elections on March 4.(rmn/ ral/PIA7-Negros Oriental)
17th Ubi Festival opens Elvira C. Bongosia TAGBILARAN CITY, January 20 (PIA) -- The four-day 17th Ubi Festival opens today at Plaza Rizal in Tagbilaran City with this year’s festival bannering the theme: ―Ubing Bol-anon Dugang Palambo-on; Mga Batan-on Ang Pagpananom Buhaton.‖
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bi kinampay and other varieties of ubi in the province of Bohol are displayed for sale at Plaza Rizal starting today until Monday, January 23, 2017. The festival kicked-off with a motorcade at noon from the frontage of Camp Bernido and Provincial Health Office in Purok 4, Dao District this city passing J.A. Clarin Street to Capitol going to CPG North Avenue, down to the Bohol Cultural Center where the opening program was held at 1 p.m. During the program, Gov. Edgar Chatto pledged his commitment and symbolically slices open an ubi to officially launch 2017 as the United Nations World Tourism Organization
International Year of Sustainable Tourism for Development. This is in coordination with the Bohol Tourism Office, Bohol Provincial Tourism Council Inc. and the Bohol Association of Hotels, Resorts and Restaurants. Department of Tourism (DOT) Region 7 Director Catalino Chan III, guest speaker of the program, said Bohol is first in the country to declare 2017 as United Nations World Tourism Organization (UN-WTO) International Year of Sustainable Tourism for Development. Chan, who represented DOT Secretary Wanda Corazon Teo, committed to include the Ube Festival as one of major events in the
national tourism calendar. After the opening program at the Bohol Cultural Center, the ribbon cutting and opening of exhibits followed at Plaza Rizal, fronting the St. Joseph Cathedral. Gov. Chatto and Dir. Chan with Apo Hiking Society member Jim Paredes, cut the ribbon to officially open the 17th Ubi Festival display at Plaza Rizal. The closing and awarding program of the 17th Ubi festival will be held on Monday afternoon at the Island City Mall (ICM) where Ubi festival 2017 winners and 2016 Gulayan sa Paaralan will be recognized and awarded. (rmn/ ecb/PIA7-Bohol)
CENTRAL VISAYAS
Dinagyang Festival
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2017 search for cleanest, greenest brgys launched in Dumaguete Leandria P. Pagunsan
NEGROS ORIENTAL, January 23 (PIA) — The search for the cleanest and greenest barangays in the city was officially launched on January 20, 2017 at the Dumaguete City hall.
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ith the vision to attain ecol ogical bal an ce t owards a cleaner and greener environment, Environment and Natural Resources Officer Rossel Marie Garcia said the evaluation/assessment shall be conducted on a quarterly basis during the months of March, June, September, and December. The search committee shall be composed of the Environment and Natural Resources Office (ENRO), Department of Interior and Local
Government (DILG), City Planning and Development Office, City Health Office, City Tourism Office, City Budget Office, and President of the Liga ng Mga Barangay. The competition has a total prize of P1.8M in the form of environmental projects Winners in each category will receive P300,000 for the champion, and P100,000 for runners up. Announcement of winners will be held on December 2017 during the Christmas party of the Liga ng Mga Barangay.
The contest guidelines have three (3) categories: A1 cleanest and greenest urban barangays with sweeper, A2 cleanest and greenest urban barangays without sweeper and B1 cleanest and greenest rural barangays in cluster one (1) and cluster two (2). The barangays with the highest score per category are considered winners in the contest . The lowest-ranked barangays in each category shall be declared as the “dirtiest barangays in Dumaguete City.” (rmn/lpp/PIA7/Negros Oriental)
Rains bring full capacity to major dams in Bohol Rey Anthony H. Chiu TAGBILARAN CITY, January 21 (PIA) -- The heavy downpour which caused massive inconvenience in Bohol in the past days have filled Bohol’s major dams.
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hen the excessive amount of water situation, shared NIA-7 Information Officer Tony swelled rivers and creeks and Alonzo. submerged crops and rice fields, it also Although Bayongan Dam rarely reaches its managed to fill all four major irrigation reservoirs spilling level, NIA management is confident that it in Bohol. has held up well to its purpose and design since Already in their spilling levels, the water in the start of its operation. Malinao Dam in Pilar, Bayongan Dam in San Project critics have doubted the feasibility Miguel, Capayas Dam in Ubay and Zamora Dam in of the mega dam, but situation like this is one Talibon indicate a good start for a cropping year, of the many justifications for this project, Alonzo according to National Irrigation Administration pointed out. (NIA) 7 Regional Manager Engr. Modesto Since the completion of the Bohol Irrigation Membreve. Project Phase II in 2009, which was highlighted by In fact, Bayongan Dam in San Miguel, Bohol the construction of the 35.50 meters high which has not seen so much water, spilled at Bayongan Dam, it was only after three years, or in about 3:00PM, January 16, and Engr Membreve 2012, that the dam‟s reservoir reached a spilling was there on site to personally observe the level.
Since then, there never was any time that the Bayongan Dam was able to stock up water close to a spilling level despite several typhoons and LPAs experienced by the province during that span. The fact that Bayongan Dam is full this early is an indicative that there will be a sufficient irrigation water supply for the rest of the year. The water can serve the 3,720 hectares of operational area within Bayongan and Capayas Irrigation Systems, this could benefit approximately 5,070 farmers. Malinao and Talibon Irrigation Systems, on the other hand, have a constant inflow from the rivers above their reservoirs adequate for their operation. (rmn/rahc/PIA7-Bohol)
City dads to traffic enforcers: Go after vehicle owners of erring drivers Rey Anthony H. Chiu TAGBILARAN CITY, January 23 (PIA) — Traffic enforcers and deputies may have one more thing against underage drivers and those operating vehicles without licenses.
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t the recent Provincial Peace and Order Council Meeting at the Governor‟s Mansion, Prosecutor Macario Delusa reminded traffic enforcers and road deputized agents that they still have one ace in keeping traffic in control. Already feeling the pangs of traffic congestion with the influx of cheap cars and easy-to-own motorcycles, traffic deputies in the city have their hands full in keeping the streets passable. Add to that the rising number of motorists on the road, the easing up economy and the loose implementation of traffic regulations and the problem worsens. In November, for example, crime statisticians at Camp Dagohoy bared that there were eight recorded homicides, revealed PSuperintendent Lorenzo Batuan.
Delivering his report for PSSupt. Felipe Natividad, Batuan also added that during the month, they noted 44 cases where traffic incidents caused damage to property and 123 cases of traffic-related physical injuries. Camp Dagohoy police noted that of the total 175 crimes, a huge portion of it involved drivers without licenses, minors, and unregistered vehicles. Even PPOC Chairman and Bohol Governor Edgar Chatto also noted that in his sorties all over the province, he witnessed young drivers who sometimes are not tall enough to tap the motorcycle gears. Land Transportation Office (LTO) authorities represented by Florencio Balazuela admitted they can only do their best in making their presence on the streets effective. While the LTO admits they can only do as
much, police officers deputized traffic as agents said they have been apprehending minors without driver‟s licenses but, being minors, they can‟t be booked. On this, Delusa suggested they still apprehend these illegal drivers, be they minors of adults without licenses, and put pressure on the owners whose names the vehicles are registered on. Citing the Traffic Code of the Philippines and the penal code, Delusa said the authorities can go after the vehicle owners for allowing unlicensed individuals to get on their vehicles. Delusa, who also agreed with the observation that more and more drivers are illegally driving despite absence of licenses, said that reducing traffic bulk may put a dent on traffic -related accidents that has been raising a constant alarm during PPOC meetings. (rac/PIA-7/Bohol)
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EASTERN VISAYAS
SoLeyte receives Manuel L. Quezon Award for National TB Control program implementation
Sinulog Festival
Erna S. Gorne MAASIN CITY, January 25 (PIA) - The provincial government of Southern Leyte received the prestigious achiever’s award, the Manuel L. Quezon Award for the National TB Control program implementation from the Department of Health Regional Office -8.
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rovincial Health Officer I Dr. Noel Lumen reported that the provincial government actually received three recognitions and achievers awards for their exemplary achievements in the implementation of the health programs. Lumen disclosed that through the relentless efforts of the medical staff of the Provincial Health Services Office, the provincial government also received
the Manuel L. Quezon Award of Excellence for its outstanding performance in the implementation of the national TB control program in the province. The province also received its second achiever‟s award which is the 2015 Provincial Neonatal and Child Health and Nutrition achievers award due to its outstanding accomplishments that contributed to the significant effect to the
maternal, neonatal and child health and nutrition delivery of services. Meanwhile, the Southern Leyte Provincial Hospital (SOYMPH) also heaped a recognition award for its Outstanding Newborn Screening Facility still from the Department of Health Regional Office -8 through the able leadership of DOH-8 Regional Director Dr. Minerva Molon. (ajc/esg/PIA8 SoLeyte)
Brontispa in SoLeyte no more cause for concern – PCA Marcelo M. Pedalino MAASIN CITY, Southern Leyte, Jan. 24 (PIA) -- The brontispa infestation that once rattled coconut farmers in the province a few years back is no longer something to be scared or to be worried about.
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his was the assurance of Emiberto Acasio, head of the Philippine Coconut Authority (PCA), during the dydm Kapihan sa PIA live Friday. Acasio gave no specifics but announced that the parasitoid or the cultured insect that can counter the spread of brontispa is available at the PCA office, and any farmer who still worries about the disease can ask for it. Alongside efforts to contain the coconut disease was a widespread replanting program and salt fertilization with full support from the provincial government. Acasio said he was grateful to the
leadership of the province for providing 55,000 coconut seedlings and 6,000 bags of fertilizer last year, in addition to the 21,000 nuts secured by the PCA office. Also, the Coconut Participatory Program, (CPP) began in 2015 and continued until this year 2017, enlisted the help of coconut farmers themselves, with PCA giving them cash incentives at P 18 per plantable nut from their own trees, and another P 22 the moment that nut is planted, for a total of P 40 apiece, Acasio informed. He disclosed that in 2015, some 2,217 coco farmers actively joined the CPP, another 1,088 individuals enrolled in 2016,
and for this year 500 slots were allocated, and no takers yet thus far. But he lamented that some of the farmers, especially those in 2015, were not paid due to lack of documentary requirements, and he called on those unpaid yet to submit the required papers as the money is still with the regional office. Acasio also explained the 3-month moratorium on issuing cutting permits, saying this was needed to conduct the required inventory and have a new monitoring system. The moratorium took effect on January 3 and will last on April 3, 2017 for a 3-month period. (ajc/mmp/PIA8 -Southern Leyte)
KALAHI CIDSS turns over 203 roads,pathways project in Southern Leyte Erna Gorne MAASIN CITY, Southern Leyte, January 24 (PIA) – The Department of Social Welfare and Development - KALAHI CIDSS, one of the major anti-poverty program of the national government, has touched the lives of the thousands of disadvantaged people in the province.
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ccording to The Magtambayayong Newletter, a joint information dissemination medium of the three major anti-proverty programs such as the Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program (4Ps), KALAHI CIDSS and Sustainable Livelihood program in the province, KALAHI CIDSS was able to complete concreting of some 203 roads and pathways in different barangays. The concreting project is the one
most needed government intervention identified by the beneficiaries funded by the KALAHI CIDSS program in several barangays of all the municipalities, the newsletter further disclosed. In the 2016 KALAHI CIDSS program, hundreds of roads and pathways projects were constructed and completed for their easy transport of agricultural products to the market and the constituents mobility as well,
Magtambayayong Newsletter said. The said anti-poverty program allocated P 311 Million for Southern Leyte in 2016. Meanwhile, other sub-projects that were completed and believed to be contributing for the province to get out of poverty, were as follows: 40 water systems, 65 drainage canals, 31 street lights, 16 health stations and 15 school day care center classrooms. (ajc/esg/PIA8 SoLeyte)
EASTERN VISAYAS
Dinagyang Festival
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PRC mobile outreach service serves 3,003 professionals Teresita B. Cardenas
CATARMAN, Northern Samar, Jan. 24 (PIA) – The mobile outreach service program of the Philippine Regulations Commission (PRC) region 8 conducted recently in Catarman was able to serve 3,003 professionals in the province and nearby towns and cities.
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aurice de Guia of NSPESO said of the 3,003 applicants served by PRC, 1,916 of them were Board of Licensure Examination for Professional Teachers filers, 609 for renewal of licenses,
43 for initial registration, and 435 individuals for certification and other services. The mobile service aims to decongest the regional office by bringing their services closer to its clientele for their
comfort and convenience. The mobile outreach program was conducted at 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m at the Ibabao Halll, Provincial Capitol Building. (ajc/ tbc-pia8northernsamar)
DOT supports Hands Only CPR to boost medical tourism Erna Gorne MAASIN CITY, Southern Leyte January 24 (PIA) - The Department of Tourism (DOT) is concerned about the safety of tourists hence warmly supports the Hands Only CPR as promoted by the Philippine Heart Association nationwide.
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ccording to DOT-8 Senior Officer Trina Dacuycuy during the Hand Only CPR – basic life one-day seminar in Maasin City, the tourism department wants that in the process of tours wherein cardiac arrests might happen, the people in all walks of life should be prepared for the situation. In partnership with the Philippine Heart Association led by it past president,
Dr Alex Junia, who strongly campaigns to equip people with a simpler and more effective cardio pulmonary resuscitation (CPR), said that early CPR will triple the chance of survival of cardiac arrest victims. About 500 students, DPWH maintenance crews and employees, punong barangays, barangay health workers, Philippine Army reservists,
hotels, restaurants and resort operators, municipals employees, among others, underwent short lecture and physical examination during the said seminar. Dacuycuy said DOT wanted a quality tourist experience in the country to be safe and enjoyable. Hence, it would be better for the people to learn the skills of reviving or resuscitating to save lives, she added. (ajc/esg/PIA8 SoLeyte)
PRRD returns to Tacloban to assess Yolanda rehab works Consuelo B. Alarcon TACLOBAN CITY, Leyte, Jan 26(PIA) --- President Rodrigo Roa Duterte visited yesterday one of the resettlement sites in the city, the New Hope Village located at brgy. Sta. Elena Tacloban City to assess and evaluate the rehabilitation works in the city.
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pon arrival, he immediately inspected a number of housing units at the resettlement site before the ceremonial turnover of 1,000 permanent housing units in said area. In his speech, he ordered concerned government agencies to transfer all relocated families to the resettlement sites as he vowed to impose stricter sanctions to those who cannot comply his directives. This includes all the necessary services to be provided to the settlers including electricity, livelihood, water, among others. The chief executive did not hide his disappointment over the slow pace of the construction of the permanent housing
units. Thus, he promised to return to Tacloban by March to assess again the Yolanda rehabilitation works in the resettlement sites. Based on the data released by the National Food Authority (NHA), out of the 14, 433 housing units to be built in the city, 8, 106 were completed, 5, 617 have been occupied and 3, 141 are still on-going. The chief executive also led the distribution of the certificates of eligibility for lot allocation to four representatives of the Yolanda resettlement sites. In his report to the president, Cabinet Secretary Leoncio B. Evasco Jr. emphasized that out of the 1, 000
permanent housing units to be constructed in New Hope Village, 811 are already occupied while the remaining 189 are still being prepared for occupancy. Meanwhile, Tacloban City mayor Cristina Gonzales thanked the president for visiting the city again. “The presence of our president is a clear indication that the national government is here with us to share our efforts to achieve a safe, self-sustaining and vibrant community that will nurture future generations of all Taclobanons,” the mayor said. To recall, on November 8 2013 super typhoon Yolanda wrecked havoc to Tacloban killing more than 6,000 people and leaving thousands homeless. (PIA-8)
One Visayas e-newsletter is published weekly by the Visayas Regional Cluster of the Philippine Information Agency (PIA) comprising Region 6, 7 and 8. Its main editorial office is located at PIA Region 6, Iloilo City. One Visayas e-newsletter is part of the online news and information dissemination services of PIA and is powered by www.issuu.com. For inquiries and suggestions, call Tel. Nos. (033) 3378719/3377301 or e-mail piaamo6@yahoo.com.
Ms. Minerva BC Newman Regional Director, PIA 7
Editorial Consultants Atty. Ma. Janet C. Mesa, Ph. D. Regional Director, PIA6
Ms. Alicia E. Nicart Regional Director, PIA8
Managing Editor Jaime S. Cabag, Jr. Contributors All PIA Information Officers of Regions 6, 7 & 8 Production and Layout Edson J. BaĂąares Lynnor C. Regalado Regional Offices: PIA 6, 2/F RC Building, Rizal St., Iloilo City, Iloilo 5000, Tel. Nos. (033) 337-8719/3377301/509-0993, Fax No. (033) 337-8719/509-0993, e-mail: r6_pia@yahoo.com/ piaamo6@yahoo.com PIA 7, Room 304, 3/F Machay Bldg., Garardo Avenue, Cebu City, Cebu 6000, Telefax No. (032) 232-4062/232-4126, e-mail: pia7_cebu@yahoo.com.ph/r7_pia@yahoo.com PIA 8, Childrenâ€&#x;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