Vol 7
In this Issue WESTERN VISAYAS
Vendors in the La Paz public market here take time to browse the content of the Mula sa Masa, Para sa Masa tabloid distributed by PIA-6 Iloilo Information Center. The tabloid is for free and intended to update the Filipino people on the programs and projects of the Duterte administration.
More on Region 6, pages 2-3. Also CLICK Here…
CENTRAL VISAYAS
During the Sinulog Festival, one of the highlights was the Solemn Procession held every third Saturday of January in Honor of the Senyor Sto. Niño. Pit Senyor!!! #Prititit #Sinulog2017 #Empowering Communities (vvv/PIA Cebu)
More on Region 7, pages 4-5.
Jan. 16 - 22, 2017
Published by: PIA 6, 7 & 8
Issue 3
PRRD fulfills promise to poor Samar provinces PIA8 TACLOBAN CITY, Leyte, Jan. 16 (PIA) – President Rodrigo Roa Duterte fulfilled his promise to alleviate the marginalized farmers and fisher folks of the three Samar provinces. Through the Department of Agriculture (DA) Program dubbed Special Area for Agricultural Development (SAAD), the President expects to establish a Food Basket in the region. Assistant Secretary Lerey Panes was in town Monday and turned over P25 million worth of checks to Governor Sharee Ann Tan (Samar), Governor Jose Ong, Jr. (Northern Samar) and Governor Conrado Nicart (Eastern Samar), in the turn-over ceremony held at the Leyte Park. The three Samar provinces are basically agricultural areas, but farmers here lack financial support to put up livestock, vegetable and even rice ventures. Worse, many of the farmers are just paid as tenants by landlords. This set-up makes them become poorer all the more. ―With President Duterte‘s full assistance to us, I am sure our farmers will feel the difference of this present administration,‖ Governor Sharee Ann Tan said. Tan shared that for her part, she has already set some social preparations activities for the farmers of Basey, Calbiga and other rice producing areas, to ensure that government money will not be wasted. Asked if the project implementation will not be
politically favouring allies and partners, Gov. Ong said that there will be none of that, because even Pres. Duterte who did not end up victorious in the three Samar, is still giving focus as he desires to uplift the lives of the poor in the island. The financial assistance will benefit accredited farmers organization with the close supervision of the local government units. After the first P25M has been properly expended and liquidated, another P25M will follow for each of the three provinces. (PIA-08)
#SamarDay #PartnerForChange Change may come to Samar as Gov Sharee Ann Tan said that the national government through DA Secretary Manny Pinol will implement projects to alleviate poverty in Samar. On August 30-31, there is a meeting of the Special Area for Agricultural Development (SAAD).
ASEAN schedules 10 meetings in Iloilo, Bacolod, Boracay Lilibeth A. French ILOILO CITY, Jan. 17 (PIA6) – The cities of Iloilo and Bacolod and the Island of Boracay will be sites of 10 meetings of the 2017 Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) summit hosted by the Philippines. Based on the National Calendar of the ASEAN National Organizing Committee three meetings will be held in Boracay Island, five in Iloilo City and two in Bacolod City. More than a thousand delegates are expected to attend in these 10 meetings composed of three Ministerial and seven Senior Officials meetings. The three meetings in Boracay are the 23rd Meeting of ASEAN Intergovernmental Commission on Human Rights (AICHR) on February 13 to 15, ASEAN Ministerial Meeting (AMM) Retreat on February 19 to 21, and ASEAN Committee on Migrant Workers (ACMW) Meeting on February 21 to 22. Iloilo will be the venue of the 22nd SOCA Meeting and 17th ASEAN Socio-Cultural Community Council
(ASCC) Meeting on March 6 to 9, ASEAN Military Operations Informal Meeting (AMOIM), ASEAN Military Intelligence Informal Meeting (AMIIM) and ASEAN Chiefs of Defense Forces Informal Meeting (ACDFIM) on March 6 to 10 and the 3rd ASEAN-OECD Good Regulatory Practice Network Meeting on March 14 to 15. The city of Bacolod will be hosting the ASEAN Senior Officials Meeting, Joint Consultative Meeting and Other Related Meetings on March 14 to 16 and the 15th Senior Officials Responsible for Information on March 21 to 23. Last January 15, President Rodrigo Duterte led the official launching of the country‘s chairmanship of the ASEAN in Davao City which carries the theme ―Partnering for Change, Engaging the World‖. ASEAN is also celebrating its 50th founding anniversary this year. Philippines is one of the five founding members of the regional grouping. (JCM/laf/ PIA 6-Iloilo)
Also CLICK Here…
EASTERN VISAYAS
Huruhimangraw ha PIA with Sir Rex Gamba and Engr. Nita A. Babalcon, Senior Agricultural-Designate, PCA who talked about Philippine Coconut Authority programs @ DYMS, Aksyon Radio, Catbalogan City on January 18, 2017.
More on Region 8, pages 6-7. Also CLICK Here...
Improvement of port operations, facilities underway in Siquijor Rizalie Anding Calibo SIQUIJOR, Jan. 13 (PIA)--With the province‘s growing tourism and economic activities, ports development and modernization of service facilities are underway with some programs already or nearly completed. This was announced by Philippine Ports Authority (PPA)-Siquijor Acting Division Manager Mary Louise Macalino during the Info Sharing at this year‘s first meeting of the Siquijor Association of Information Disseminators (SAID). Macalino said the Passenger Terminal Building (PTB) of the main port in Siquijor municipality is already completed and operational, but the CCTV, aircon, x-ray machine and other facilities are not yet operational due to the problem on electricity. She said the X-Ray machine is already available and will be delivered as soon as the PTB‘s electricity problem is fixed and its air condition fully functional.
Completion of the access road to the PTB, however, is delayed due to the contractor‘s hitches, such as non-availability of equipment needed to complete the project. Program for the repair of the covered pathway and parking area at the back of the PTB to prepare for the berth lane is also approved to start first quarter of this year. Approval of its port expansion is also seen in 2017. For the port of Larena, the PTB is also completed while current expansion is set to finish this year, she said. She also announced the entry of Maayo Shipping which operates Roll-on-Roll-off (RORO) vessel to and from Liloan, Cebu to Larena. ―This is a good development for our port operation especially with Prince Hyper Mart also operating in the town," she added. (rmn/rac/PIA7/Siquijor)
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WESTERN VISAYAS
Info campaign on federalism up in barangays
Sinulog Festival
Pilar S. Mabaquiao SAN JOSE, Antique, Jan. 17 (PIA6) - - The information campaign on federalism is expected to go full swing reaching the local communities with the support of barangay officials this year.
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aymund Palanog, Program Manager of DILG Antique in an interview said that the campaign involves the participation of barangay officials so they could better understand the advantages of federalism to guide local communities in making decisions in the near future. Since the campaign is integrated in the regular programs of DILG, the information dissemination goes together
with their regular activities during meetings of Liga ng Mga Barangay, Association of Barangay Secretaries/Treasurers, community assemblies among other venues. The Municipal Local Government Information Officers who are the front liners in barangay dissemination have undergone the orientation on Federalism last year, said Palanog. Federalism is one of the priority thrusts of President Rodrigo R. Duterte,
thus, the DILG is doubling its efforts to comply with the directive to increase people‘s understanding and support. At the national level the information drive on federalism started way back in August 2016. DILG Secretary Ismael Sueno has created a team that holds a series of lectures, symposium and orientation nationwide to increase public understanding on the topic. (JCM/PSM/PIA6Antique)
TESDA provides skills trainings to drug surrenderers Lilibeth A. French ILOILO CITY, Jan. 19 (PIA6) - - The Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA) here in Iloilo is currently providing skills trainings to drug surrenderers to bid up their access to decent and stable livelihood and employment opportunities.
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ESDA 6 Information Officer Bernadette Puertas said some 25 former drug dependents who graduated from the drug rehabilitation program conducted by the Police Regional Office 6 are now undergoing training on Shielded Metal Arc Welding (SMAW) NC I. ―Before our drug surrenderers could avail the skills training they must first complete a rehabilitation program,‖ said Puertas. She said the provision of skills trainings is TESDA‘s contribution under the leadership of Director General, Secretary Guiling ―Gene‖ Mamondiong to President Rodrigo Duterte‘s war on drugs by
equipping surrenderers skills and opportunity as well as enhancing their potentials to generate livelihood and employment as they start their life anew as productive member of the community. In the batch of drug surrenderer beneficiaries, two of whom are women, are from Veteran‘s Village Iloilo City Proper. She said before graduation they have profiled the beneficiaries and most of them want to avail of the SMAW NC I training which is provided under their Training for Work Scholarship Program (TWSP). SMAW is one of the short courses offered by the agency that trains enrollees in welding carbon steel plates, welding
procedure or using SMAW welding equipment. Puertas also encouraged those who want to benefit from the various skills trainings programs being offered by the government to visit the TESDA offices nearest them or their Barangay Captains or Mayors and fill up the forms they have distributed for the skills they needed or program they want to avail of. They can also register online through the TESDA website at www.tesda.gov.ph. For this year, 2017, Puertas said Secretary Mamondiong has made available more than 30,000 scholarships for skills training programs for Western Visayas.(JCM/ laf/Pia6-Iloilo)
DENR halts construction of hydro-electric plants Easter Anne D. Doza NEGROS OCCIDENTAL, Jan. 18 (PIA6) - - The Department of Environment and Natural Resources ordered a stop to the on-going construction of the two proposed mini hydro electric power plants of the Hydrotec Renewables Incorporated.
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he order came from the instructions of DENR-Negros Island Regional Director Al O. Orolfo based on the memorandum from Undersecretary Demetrio Ignacio and from the Biodiversity Management Bureau Director Theresa Mundita S. Lim stating the both projects cannot be given due course. Both power plants are within the Northern Negros Natural Park, one in Sitio Campuestohan, Brgy. Cabatangan, Talisay City and the other is in Brgy. Bunga, Don Salvador Benedicto town. ―This is in pursuant to Section 14
(Survey for Energy Resources) of the National Integrated Protected Areas System or NIPAS Act, protected areas, except strict nature reserves and natural parks, may be subjected to exploration only for the purpose of gathering information on energy resources and only if such activity is carried out with the least damage to surrounding areas,‖ the press release from DENR said. It added that ―all renewable energy explorations, development, utilization, and renewable energy systems operations shall be conducted in accordance with existing
environmental regulations as prescribed by the DENR and/or any other concerned government agency as provided in Section 14 of RA 9513 or the Renewable Energy Act‖. In which case, the Northern Negros Natural Park falls within the exception. Accordingly, compliance of the NIPAS act shall remain mandatory despite the merits of the projects or endorsements by the local government units and the Protected Area Management Board of N N N P . * ( J C M /E A D - P I A 6 N e g ro s Occidental)
WESTERN VISAYAS
Dinagyang Festival
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PIA launches 2017 DevCom award Elsa S. Subong
ILOILO CITY, Jan. 17 (PIA6) — The Philippine Information Agency-6 has opened its search for the 2017 IWAG Award which is given to graduating student paper editors.
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hese paper writers are cited for their exemplary performance in the field of development communication through their school publications. The IWAG Award is a yearly recognition which PIA implements as an incentive scheme for school paper writers to engage in development communication through their articles, school and community activities and projects. PIA-6 Director Janet C. Mesa said the recipients will be evaluated according to a set of criteria, namely, 1) Relevance to
devcom thrusts of the articles published; 2) Academic and Scholastic Achievements; 3) Communication Work Experience/ Training; 4)Involvement in School and Community activities. ―These criteria are tied together to show that the IWAG Award recipient excels in the above aspects, where he/she is a good writer, outstanding student and community-oriented,‖ Mesa said. The supporting papers needed include clippings of five devcom articles published, for college level nominees;
three for high school; certified true copies of certificates of recent related trainings and community involvement; accomplished I WA G a w a rd n o m in a t io n f o rm ; and, Nomination letter signed by school head. Qualified as nominees are graduating college or high school paper editors and have served the paper for at least two years. PIA said the deadline for the submission of documents is February 12, 2017, at the nearest PIA office. (JCM/ESS/PIA -Iloilo)
Farmers urged to sell palay to NFA Jemin B. Guillermo ROXAS CITY, Capiz, Jan. 16 (PIA6) – Farmers are urged to sell their palay produce to the government for the province’s buffer.
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apiz National Food Authority information officer Mary Christie Hari-on explained that the palay produce of farmers that are sold to the food agency here serve as a buffer stock for Capiceños. For this year, NFA has prepared some P130-million to buy 144,000 bags of palay in Capiz for buffer stock. Hari-on said that NFA buys clean and
dry palay at P17.00 per kilogram with additional incentives to farmers or cooperatives. ―The additional incentives include drying incentive fee of 20 centavos per kilogram, delivery fee ranging from 20 to 50 centavos per kilogram depending on the distance from the farm to buying station, and cooperative development incentive fee (CDIF) of 30 centavos per kilogram,‖ she
said. Capiz NFA warehouses in Bolo, Roxas City, Dumalag and Sigma towns are ready to buy the farmer‘s palay produce. Last year, the food agency here was able to procure a total of 89,878 bags of palay which is 163-percent accomplishment based on the 55,000 bags of palay procurement target, Hari-on said. (JCM/JBG/ PIA6-Capiz)
APPO: Kalibo Ati-atihan 2017 generally peaceful Sheila Q. Patoza KALIBO, Aklan, Jan. 19 (PIA6) – The week long celebration of Kalibo Ati-atihan festival this year was generally peaceful, according to the Aklan Police Provincial Office.
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From January 9 to 15, no major incidents were recorded by the APPO except for petty crimes such as theft and physical injuries,‖ Senior Police Officer I Nida L. Gregas said in a media interview. Gregas said that through the strict implementation of Atifest 2017 Security Plan, an innovative strategy used by APPO, the celebration of the festival was orderly and schematic, and security and safety of the public was ensured. About 250 police officers from Regional Public Safety Battalion and provincial police offices of Capiz, Iloilo and Antique were augmented and deployed in assistance
centers and staging areas. Also included in the 1,016 security and force multipliers that were deployed during the festival were emergency responders, personnel of Bureau of jail Management and Penology and Bureau of Fire Protection, Philippine Army and its reservists and Citizen Armed Forces Geographical Unit (CAFGU), auxiliary cops, barangay police action teams, Bantay-Bata volunteers. PA and Philippine National Police also deployed K-9 teams and Explosive Ordnance Disposal teams to different advance security control points and staging areas. Police Senior Superintendent John
Mitchell V. Jamili, provincial director of APPO acknowledged that the coordination of the aforesaid forces to PNP-Aklan, greatly helped in the security coverage, which involved operations for internal security, ant-criminality and anti-terrorism. ―The celebration of Kalibo Ati-atihan 2017 was successful and peaceful and attained zero major festival related incidents because of everybody‘s participation, cooperation and support,‖ Jamili said. Meanwhile, 100 uniformed personnel from Regional Public Safety Battalion are being re-deployed for the Ibajay Ati-atihan from January 17 to 22, 2017. (JCM/SQP/PIA6 Aklan)
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CENTRAL VISAYAS
Dumaguete City deputizes highway cops to ease traffic
Sinulog Festival
Jennifer C. Tilos
DUMAGUETE CITY, Jan. 13 (PIA) -- Members of the Highway Patrol Team (HPT) are deputized as traffic enforcers by Dumaguete City to ease congestion in major streets in the city.
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umaguete City Mayor Remollo issued Executive Order No. 1 that authorizes the HPT personnel to issue citation tickets and motor vehicle impounding receipts against persons caught in violation of Ordinance No. 25 otherwise known as Ordinance Regulating the Use of Streets and Highways in the City of Dumaguete and Providing Penalties for its Violations. Sr. Insp. Robelito Mariano, PHPT Team Leader, assured that the city government that it will partner with the TMO in going after not only traffic rules violators, but also in clearing the streets of obstructions as well as regulating the use and/or misuse of mufflers. The city, with a growing population
and vehicles, has been struggling for years to address traffic congestion to the dismay of the citizens. Remollo enumerated the initiatives that will be pursued to address the decades-old problem. Foremost is the strict implementation of existing traffic rules and regulations by the Traffic Management Office, Highway Patrol Team, Land Transportation Office and Department of Public Works and Highway. The mayor also appealed to private schools to open their unused spaces as additional parking lots with a possibility of collecting fees after two to three hours of use. As an example, Silliman University will be opening part of its campus as parking space for cars and
motorcycles. The Philippine Ports Authority (PPA) will also be requested to advise its cargo trucks not to pass through the Rizal Boulevard and Flores Avenue while owners of private warehouses will also be asked to relocate outside of the in the Central Business District. Relocation of the new government center is also believed to contribute in the easing of traffic congestion. Efforts are being exerted so that construction of the multi-purpose center and engineering department will start preferably within the next 3 months. The provincial government has allocated P30 million for the project. (rmn/jct/PIA7-Negros Oriental)
286 arrests in NegOr for Project Double Barrel Jennifer C. Tilos NEGROS ORIENTAL, Jan. 12 (PIA) – A total of 286 drug personalities were arrested and eight persons killed in the province since the implementation of the project Double Barrel on July 1, 2016 until January 5, 2017.
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The war on drugs under ‗Project Double Barrel‘ in Negros Oriental have proven to be effective," said PSupt. Carlos Lacuesta of the Provincial Police Office during a recent Peace and Order Council (PPOC) meeting. However, Lacuesta said that "there are still government officials that are uncooperative especially when members of their families are involved." The police officer also stressed that the deaths during the drug operations in the province are not cases of extrajudicial killing (EJK) but legitimate police procedures. On the other hand, under
Project TokHang, the number of self-confessed drug users and peddlers have been increasing with a total of 13,518. Of the total, 12,586 users and 932 pushers submitted themselves to authorities in the different cities and municipalities in the province. Guihulngan City topped in the list of cities with 1,056 (951 users and 105 pushers), followed by Tanjay City with 1,029; Dumaguete City, 907; Bayawan City, 846; Bais City, 842; and Canlaon City, 626. Records also show that the top five municipalities with the most number of drug surrenderers are Sibulan with 1,146; Sta. Catalina, 855;
Siaton, 659; Mabinay, 609; and Bacong, 593. Lacuesta said the relentless effort of this campaign should be sustained without let up to ensure the eradication of illegal drugs and totally solve the drug problem in the province. Nevertheless, Lacuesta said the doctrine of shared responsibility must be raised to the public. He added that the police in the province needs to harness the indispensable participation and support of the citizenry in the PNP anti-crime campaign to effectively address criminality. (rmn/jct/PIA7-Negros Oriental)
CENTRAL VISAYAS
Dinagyang Festival
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Gallares Memorial Hospital complex to have new building Rey Anthony H. Chiu
TAGBILARAN CITY, Jan. 7 (PIA) — If plans push through, after two years, Tagbilaran City’s skyline would be different with a five-storey structure set to tower above all the buildings inside Governor Celestino Gallares Memorial Hospital (GCGMH) and Regional Training Center Complex.
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his as Health Secretary Paulyn Jean Rossel-Ubial, Assistant Sec. Leonita Gorgolon, Cabinet Secretary and former Maribojoc Mayor Leoncio Evasco, Gallares Hospital Chief Dr. Mutya Kismet Macuno, and Governor Edgar Chatto led the capsule laying during the groundbreaking of the P555-million new building at Gallares Hospital. The new building, set at the former tennis court and parking lot of the hospital, would have a 330-bed capacity, with 16 Operating Rooms, an imaging center for the hospitals Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI), two
Computerized Tomography (CT) scan areas, X-ray, Ultrasound and Mammogram areas, revealed Macuno. DOH said the hospital building inside the complex is funded by the government's Hospital Enhancement Program of the health agency and would be implemented by a consortium of contractors. With the hospital‘s tallest structure as the water reservoir, the new five-storey building would easily dominate the landscape. Contractors and winning bidder EM Cuerpo Construction said that if plans do
not derail, the new facility would start serving the public in 2019, even as the new facility would feature an integrated drainage and water provision system. Right after the ground breaking program, local officials escorted the DOH Secretary Ubial and other guests to another ocular inspection of the proposed hospital lot in Cortes. This is the second week when key members of the Duterte Cabinet arrived in Bohol and inspected the new hospital site in Cortes. (rmn/rac/PIA7/ Bohol)
Gov’t inks MOA on Drug Rehab Center Rey Anthony H. Chiu TAGBILARAN CITY, Jan. 7 (PIA) — The Philippine Government acting through the Office of the Cabinet Secretary, the Departments of Health (DOH), Interior and Local Government (DILG) and Kausaban Foundation Incorporated (KFI) effectively put up a solution to address the voluntary ―surrenderers‖ who need the most immediate drug rehabilitation and treatment.
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abinet Secretary Leoncio Evasco, Health Secretary Paulyn Jean B. Rossel-Ubial and the DILG through Undersecretary John Castriciones signed a Memorandum of Agreement with KFI, represented by Allan Crisologo, for the establishment of the country‘s second Drug Rehabilitation Center in Bohol. The first Drug Rehabilitation Center is now undergoing construction in Nueva Ecija, while a third is slated to rise in Zamboanga, according to Evasco. The MOA binds KFI to finance and construct and deliver a DOH Accredited Treatment and Rehabilitation Center (DATRC) to the Task Force upon completion of the construction according to TF specifications. On the other hand, the Government of the Republic of the Philippines, through Evasco, DILG and DOH would bear all costs in the transfer of the DATRC, its operation and maintenance as well as provide for the personnel, materials, utilities, machinery and equipment necessary for the management, operation and maintenance of the new facility. Earlier, no less than President
Rodrigo Duterte pointed out a conservative estimate of 3.7 million drug personalities in the country, with approximately some 8 percent to 10 percent of them needing immediate drug rehabilitation and treatment. But as of July 2016, however, the country notes only 44 DATRCs, 16 of which are government-owned and 28 are privately-owned. The total accommodating capacity of the 44 DATRC is only about 6,000, according to the DOH. With the problem getting more and more pronounced as the Operation Double Barrel continues to account for more drug personalities willingly surrendering, the need for more DATRCs surface, shared Evasco during the MOA signing ceremony. "While the President has been stern about his anti-drugs policy, he also understands that we need to help those drug victims," Evasco pointed out. In Bohol, where over 30,000 drug personalities surrendered to authorities following Oplan Double Barrel, only one DATRC is operating, said DILG Usec
Castriciones. In Bohol, the DATRC, or Drug Rehabilitation Center, would be a 500-bed facility to rise inside the army reservation site in Carmen town. The signing of the MOA, which in effect establishes the Bohol DRC, now sidelines Bohol Provincial Government‘s long revealed plan to convert Carlos P. Garcia Hospital in Pitogo into a local DRC, revealed Gov Edgar Chatto in his brief remarks at the ceremony inside the Governor Celestino Gallares Memorial Hospital Chief of Hospital‘s Office. Witnessing the signing ceremonies were Presidential Management Staff Assistant Secretary Erwin M. Enad and Boholano appointed as Special Envoy to China Fernando Borja. Also at the MOA signing were DOH and DILG undersecretaries, DATRC Task Force members, Chief of Hospital Dr. Mutya Kismet Macuno, Gov Edgar Chatto, Department of Social Welfare and Development Evelyn Macapobre representing RD Mercedita Jabagat, local officials and GCGMH staff. (rmn/rac/ PIA7-Bohol)
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EASTERN VISAYAS
Region VIII to host 2017 PLEASES National Convention
Sinulog Festival
Samuel D. Candido BORONGAN CITY, Eastern Samar, Jan. 18 (PIA) - The Philippine League of Secretaries to the Sanggunian Incorporated (PLEASES Inc.) — composed of Sangguniang Secretaries of cities, municipalities, and provinces in the whole country — is slated to hold a national convention this June 07-10, 2017 in Tacloban City.
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ccording to Eastern Samar Sangguniang Panlalawigan Secretary Mr. Franklin Robedizo, National Chairman, the association made an effort to have the convention held in Region VIII. Since the founding of the association 20 years ago, Eastern Visayas has not hosted such an activity. He also said that hosting the said convention is a great honor and privilege for Region VIII or the
Eastern Visayas Association of Sangguniang Secretaries (EVASS). Last week, EVASS has conducted an initial preparation due to greatness of the responsibility. It was in this initial preparation that they agreed to hold a regional assembly this April 2017 to polish the details of the activities in line with the said convention. He further disclosed that the occasion will beneficial to the economy and tourism of Region VIII
due to the number of participants who will be attending. The convention will not only be participated by Sangguniang Secretaries. Local Government Officials and barangay officials nationwide will participate as well. The latest PLEASES Inc. National Convention was held in Surigao City in 2015. (ajc/SDC/PIA8-E. Samar)
Eastern Samar holds forum on federalism Samuel D. Candido BORONGAN CITY, Eastern Samar, Jan. 17 (PIA) - For the very first time, the federal form of government was discussed in a forum last January 12 here.
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ederalism is being pushed by the Duterte Administration. In the said forum, former Eastern Samar Provincial Governor — now Senate Secretary — Atty. Lutgardo Barbo discussed the merits of a federal form of government which will replace the presidential unilateral system. According to him, his presentation was based on the proposal of former Senator Aquilino Pimentel, Jr. who has long been pushing for this type of government. Barbo admitted though that before implementing the change in the Philippine Constitution to federalism, the public should thoroughly understand it. In federalism, Barbo said that there will be a sharing of power, responsibility, and sovereignty in the two types of government or structure — the Central Government and the Federal States or Regional States. Every state can also collect its own taxes, has autonomy, has the power to make projects which they deem would be good for the welfare of the people, and has the power to make its own laws. Barbo further said that having a federal system of government would need not only amendment but revision of the Constitution. In this system of government, the Central Government would be stopped about being so
powerful or arrogant — that‘s why its power would just be enough. He emphasized though that not all provisions of the Constitution will be revised. In the Constitution that will be made, there will only be one Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP), Central Bank, educational system, foreign policy, monetary system, and Philippine Flag. Under the said system, 12 federal — which were former administrative regions — will be formed. Metro Manila will be the Federal Administrative Region. There will be four federal states in the Visayas and the Federal State of Eastern Visayas is Catbalogan City as its proposed capital. In Mindanao, there will be three federal states. The group of former Senator Pimentel and PDP Laban has long been pushing that the President and the Vice-President be chosen as a team — it means that they should be elected a tandem. There will also be a change in the qualifications of the two highest officials — they should be a degree holder or a college graduate. In the Federal Congress, the Senate and the House of Representatives will remain. Aside from a few changes, there will also be State Senators who should at least be college graduates. The 24 Senators will now be 81. Meanwhile, every federal state will have one Governor and Vice-Governor. The state legislators will be unicameral in every federal state.
For example, in the Federal State of Eastern Visayas, three state legislators will represent each province and they will be chosen by the members of the Sangguniang Panlalawigan and three will also be chosen from sectoral representatives. The Federal State of Eastern Visayas will now have 42 state legislators. In the federal system, the Supreme Court and its power will remain. Atty. Barbo assured that the Local Government Units (LGUs) will be intact. In fact, their Internal Revenue Allotment (IRA) will increase. Every revenue that will be earned by the government will be divided through 20% for the Federal or Central Government and 80% will be given to the Federal States. The poor regional states will be able to avail the so-called equalization fund that will be administered by the Central Government in order to help these states aside from having a Loan Commission. He also disclosed that the purpose of revising the Constitution is both political and economic aspect. He also said that now is the right time to change the type of government but before that change should come from within us all. However, Barbo said that federalism is not a perfect system but he believes that this will be an answer to the problem of cultural diversity in the Philippines. (ajc/SDC/PIA8-E. Samar)
EV’s Peace Council focuses on PRRD’s security thrust PIA8 TACLOBAN CITY, LEYTE, Jan. 17 (PIA) – In what was learned as the first to meet for the year in the entire country, the Regional Peace and Order Council (RPOC) 08, discussed today some security situation updates.
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his, despite the city LGU‘s holiday declaration, due to the excessive flooding that ensued from the continued heavy rains over the past two days. Held at the Pascualino‘s restaurant, Sta. Rita, Samar, the RPOC laid down some issues and concerns appertaining to peace in Samar and Leyte provinces. Samar Governor and RPOC Chair, Sharee Ann Tan-de los Santos reiterated that development is impossible without peace and security, thus it is imperative that local leaders and officials convene regularly and become proactive in dealing with social and security issues. The three Samar provinces had been identified
earlier as the most depressed provinces where poverty incidence has been consistently high and this issue could possibly have bearing in consistently being poor. Insurgency remains the main peace and security concern in the region, the report of the Army soldier stated, while, Shabu and Marijuana are top selling illegal drugs, reported the PNP officer. Northern Samar has the most number of NPA atrocities having the most number of areas of NPA concentration. A former mayor of Northern Samar confirmed that it is during campaign periods when suspected NPAs would visit the candidates house during wee
hours and exact them amount which the rebels refer as payment for ―Permit to Win‖ and ―Permit to Campaign. ―And they are unimaginably exorbitant,‖ shared the former mayor. On the illegal drug campaign, the police presentation indicated a big downward trend in the supply and demand of Shabu and Marijuana since the President Duterte‘s declaration of war against it. Given these situationers, the RPOC agreed to call government security agencies in an exclusive conference, highlighting on President Duterte‘s national security aspiration for a lasting peace adapting development, governance and security approach framework.(PIA-08)
EASTERN VISAYAS
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NGO bares Duterte admin strategy in fighting AIDS
Dinagyang Festival
Marcelo M. Pedalino KUTING REEF RESORT, Macrohon, Southern Leyte, Jan. 15 (PIA) -- It’s 90% - 90% - 90%.
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hat is the way the administration of President Rodrigo Duterte intends to approach the fight against acquired immune deficiency syndrome (AIDS), according to a non-government organization (NGO) that devotes its energy on spreading awareness and education. At the AIDS media orientation in this posh resort last month, Mr. Celestino Ramirez, Master HIV Trainer connected with Positive Action Foundation Philippines, Inc. (PAFPI), disclosed that the first 90% refers to those infected, ―to let them know they are infected, to avoid contamination and furher infection.‖ The second 90% rate would be focused on the ministering of anti-retroviral drugs or anti-retroviral therapy for those who knew they have
it.
―These drugs suppress spread of the virus prolonging life, but no total healing,‖ Ramirez qualified. The last 90% targets those who are religiously given the proper care and medication, and the person living with the disease will no longer be capable of infecting others. But estimates on where to base the 90% seemed to be the initial challenge those in the health frontlines would have to confront, as figures kept on changing by the day. In Ramirez‘s own reckoning as per records in the country from 1984 to October 2016, some 38,113 individuals had voluntarily submitted for screening on human immunodeficiency virus (HIV),
the precursor of AIDS, even as the estimated figure was 56,000 persons living with HIV. Finding the difference of 17,887 would require a concerted effort of gentle yet firm persuasion by friends, relatives, families so those concerned will come out for testing, a medical process that is free, Ramirez declared. By the time Ramirez discussed these statistics last month, the rate of HIV infection was placed at 26 cases per day. This month, January 2017, however, media reports said the present rate of HIV infection was down to 19 persons per day. Either the 90-90-90 formula had started getting inspiring results, or new infections still go unreported and have yet to be reached out. (ajc/ mmp/PIA8-Southern Leyte)
DepEd official: Safe, secure, festive EVRAA 2017 Rodrigo S. Victoria NAVAL, Biliran, Jan. 13 (PIA) – An official of the education department, this province, told government reporters during the radio program dubbed as ―Kapihan at Pulong-pulong ng Bayan‖ hosted by the Philippine Information Agency (PIA), Biliran Provincial Information Center, of the picture of what the annual regional sports event would be like.
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iliran province is the host of this year‘s annual regional athletic event p a r ti ci p a te d i n b y 13 ath l e ti c delegations from 13 DepEd schools division in Region 8. EVRAA 2017 which will be held on February 5-10, 2017 is anchored on the theme ―Bracing Sports, Breaking Barriers, Breaking to Lead.‖ ―The Department of Education (DepEd) -Division of Biliran assured the public of a safe, secure, and festive conduct of the week-long Eastern Visayas Regional Athletic Association (EVRAA) Meet 2017,‖ said Elwin O. Moncada, senior education program specialist and the information officer-designate of DepEd-Division of Biliran. He informed that an augmentation force of more than 2,000 uniformed personnel of the Philippine National Police (PNP) in other provinces of Eastern Visayas will provide security for the duration of the sporting event together with the medical staff from the Biliran provincial health office. Bringing of backpack bag and umbrellas is prohibited. Moncada likewise informed that they also included in their plan the provision of suggested retail prices on basic necessities and prime commodities in Naval stores and wet market.
Also included in the plan are fares of public transport vehicles in Naval. Excessive prices of commodities and overcharging of fare must be avoided. The billeting of the athletic delegations is already in place as they will be billeted in public elementary and secondary schools near Naval town. The Naval State University (NSU) also offered their classrooms at the main campus in Naval poblacion to cater to at least three delegations, Moncada further said. He gave the public the picture that EVRAA 2017 in Biliran province will be a ―festive sporting event‖ as he mentioned that the heads and officials of the 13 athletic delegations will be entertained with an array of cultural presentations during the welcome night dubbed ―Governor‘s Night‖ on February 5 at the NSU Gymnasium. Another much-awaited event is the holding of Mr and Miss EVRAA 2017, wherein the 13 athletic delegations in Region 8 will field a pair of contestants for the search. The activity will be held at NSU Gymnasium in the evening of February 6, Moncada added. He disclosed that DepEd-Biliran will offer a ―grandiose opening ceremony‖ at the Biliran provincial sports complex after the 1:30 pm parade which will start at the NSU Oval going to the sports
complex in Barangay Larrazabal, this town, and will be capped with a fireworks display at 6:00 o‘clock in the evening. He also mentioned of the same grandiose closing ceremony as EVRAA 2017 ends on February 10. ―We will also establish uniform booths at the grounds of the Biliran sports complex where interested individuals can sell their products, and put in place tour guides that will bring the visitors to the different tourist destinations in Biliran province. Unique local souvenir items will be given as tokens to the heads and officials of the 13 participating athletic delegations of EVRAA 2017. A lively EVRAA 2017 jingle was played during the Kapihan forum by its composer Mr. Benjamin Medallo, and the members of his team. Medallo is one of the education supervisors of DepEd-Division of Biliran. As part of PIA‘s information support to the hosting of the provincial government of Biliran through Governor Gerardo Espina, Jr. jointly with DepEd-Biliran headed by Dr. Carmela Tamayo, Division Superintendent, EVRAA 2017 jingle will be played during the Kapihan forum live every Thursday, 11:00 o‘clock in the morning at Radyo Natin-Naval until the end of the regional sports event. (ajc/FJ/ rvictoria/PIA8-Biliran)
PRC conducts mobile service in Catarman Teresita B. Cardenas CATARMAN, Northern Samar, Jan. 13 (PIA) – In its effort to bring its service closer to the people, the Philippine Regulations Commission (PRC) is now conducting a mobile outreach services to its clients for their comfort and convenience, at Ibabao Hall, New Capitol Building, Catarman on January 12-14, 2017.
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RC 8 OIC Regional Director Narcival Randie Taquiqui said their services offered include application for Licensure Examination; renewal of PRC licenses/ID, authentication of PRC documents, and initial registration for new board
passers. He said a total of 1,100 transactions were successfully completed as of 2:00 this afternoon mostly of LET applicants. The mobile outreach service is open at 8:00 a. m. to 5:00 p.m. however as
early at 5:00 a.m. applicants fall in line at the venue and some of them sleep overnight at the Capitol Building just to avail of the PRC mobile service as previous applicants have yet to be serviced. (ajc/ T.Cardenas-PIA8-N.Samar)
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, 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