Vol 7
In this Issue
Aug. 28 - Sept. 3, 2017
Published by: PIA 6, 7 & 8
Issue 35
DPWH district optimistic to hit 85% accomplishment By Ma. Rebecca G. Cadavos
MAASIN CITY, Southern Leyte, Aug. 29 (PIA) – The end of the year, Junia reported. Department of Public Works and Highways- Southern Leyte Among the finished projects are the P2.7 million District Engineering Office (DPWH-SLDEO) is optimistic of hitting reconstruction of Lilo-an-San Ricardo road and the nine 85% accomplishment target for this year after attaining significant rehabilitation projects of permanent bridges along major accomplishment in the in the early part of the first semester. thoroughfares in the province such as the P23 million bridge In a report, District Engineer Ma. Margarita C. Junia stated rehab in Hinundayan, another P15 million in San Juan town, the P22 that the DPWH field office here posted a 45% accomplishment for million bridge rehab in San Francisco and in the municipality of regular projects, surpassing the 40% goal for the period. The field Sogod with P5 million. office is tasked to carry out P1.8 billion worth of projects this year, The infrastructure department also implements projects she said. funded by other agencies like the school buildings from the As of June 30, DPWH-SLDEO has already completed 10 out Department of Education and farm-to-market roads from the Back to Back! Due to overwhelming number of participants, the PIA-6 campus journalism of 50 projects, and another 23 projects up for completion by the Department of Agriculture. (rgc/PIA8-SoLeyte) seminar workshop has two venues for this batch this week! The lectures kick-off with PIA-6 Director Atty. Ma. Janet Mesa tackling Development Communication and PIA-6 Training Officer Elsa Subong discussing the Rationale of the Campus Journalism DA chief wants to double Guimaras rice production Seminar-Workshop.
WESTERN VISAYAS
By: Elsa S. Subong
More on Region 6, pages 2-3. Also CLICK Here…
CENTRAL VISAYAS
PCOO Sec. Martin Andanar responds to the questions raised by members of the local media in a press conference held at Bethel Guest House. Sec. Martin Andanar also cites plans of reviving the national network of public information officers through the Provincial Communication Officers Network (PCO Net) during the presscon. Joining Sec. Andanar are other PCOO officials: Usec. Marvin Gatpayat and ASec. Ana Maria Banaag. (PIA7-NegOr)
ILOILO CITY, Aug. 28 (PIA6) — The average yield of rice farmers in Guimaras is at 3.3 metric tons per hectare, but Agriculture Secretary Manny Pinol wants that doubled. Guimaras province, as records would show, is already 112.3 percent self-sufficient in rice still Pinol wanted to raise rice production there to at least six metric tons per hectare. Pinol in his recent ―Biyaheng Bukid‖ has turned over P5.9 million worth of Rice Processing Center to the Guimaras Seed Growers Multi-Purpose Cooperative in Bgy. Cabana, town of San Lorenzo. He said that farmers need to have access to technology, financing and marketing in order to obtain improved production. He also said there is a need to review rice production in Guimaras. ―The market price of palay in the province is only P12 per kilo,‖ Pinol said. ―Farmers can double their production using high yielding varieties with sufficient water, proper fertilizer and mechanization,‖ he further said. The secretary encouraged the farmers to use public hybrid seed varieties released by the Philippine Rice Research Institute and the International Rice Research Institute and private varieties by seed companies. The DA is offering a financing program for farmers who opt
to plant hybrid rice varieties. Through the DA-Agricultural Credit Policy Council, a farmer can loan up to P20,000 per hectare through his cooperative as the credit conduit, with only six per cent interest per annum. ―Added to this are the skills trainings, technology and marketing which the department will provide,‖ Pinol said. (JSC/ESS/ PIA6 Iloilo)
Agriculture Secretary Emmanuel ―Manny‖ Pinol addresses farmers during his recent ―Biyaheng Bukid‖ in the province of Guimaras.
Panglao kids featured in 'E-Power Mo' campaign More on Region 7, pages 4-5. Also CLICK Here…
EASTERN VISAYAS
Turnover Ceremony of Hospital Equipment and Supplies to the Province of Samar donated by Mr. Dirk Nijs Patrick Georges Haghedooren of Belgium, Europe. The activity was graced by Gov. Sharee Ann T. Tan represented by Vice Gov. Jimboy Tan. (GMT/rr)
More on Region 8, pages 6-7. Also CLICK Here...
Rey Anthony Chiu TAGBILARAN CITY, Aug. 29 (PIA) --Two Panglao kids were featured in the country's video-documentary campaign for consumers and stakeholders to be informed, to be empowered, and to choose for themselves the most convenient, affordable, and reliable power source as the country draws its energy roadmap. Jane Heberly Anne Bompat and Christopher Abellana, both Grade 6 pupils of Lourdes Elementary School, topbill the Department of Energy's (DOE) e-Power Mo Campaign, in the government's bid to popularize the energy chain to the consuming sector through a video documentary called "Lamp of Dreams." Along with Bompat and Abellana are Zione Peter Pañe and Jane Honeylee Mijares, both Grade 5 pupils of the same school. Made at a time when Bohol had a bout with power outages as an earthquake hit Leyte and disrupted the island's power source, the kids shared how tough it was studying without electricity. "It is hard to study using candles because it flickers with the wind," said 11-year old Christopher Abellana in the documentary that would also be DOE's campaign video in international venues. "A kerosene lamp is not as bright, it is hard to read in low light, it can ruin our eyes," Bompat, who was shown studying in a bamboo bed in their small family sala, shared. "My request to the President is to give us light that does not need to be plugged into expensive power sources," Bompat continues. The video documentary campaign also aims to empower consumers through a wide range of options in utilizing conventional, renewable, and alternative energy sources, said DOE Undersecretary Felix William Fuentebella who is also
the documentary executive producer. In Panglao, the DOE along with Liter of Light through its founder Illiac Diaz, taught 34 elementary kids the process of assembling a one-watt solar powered lamp, which they were to give to the delegates of the Asia Cooperation Dialogue which was held in the island. The handing-off ceremony is symbolic of the need for the world to rethink on the renewable sources of energy, which also includes geothermal and which the Philippines comes as a pioneering developer, Energy Development Corporation Corporate Social Responsibility Division Head Engr. Edwin Magallanes said. This too, as the country drafts its energy roadmap which would be the main framework upon which the development of the country's industrial revolution would rely, according to Energy Secretary Alfonso Cusi. Sec. Cusi admits the crucial need for the government to send across the message of the energy sector to the energy chain: be informed of the wealth of energy resources available to Filipinos to be globally competitive. But while building on the reserve energy resources, the e-Power Mo campaign also picks on educating consumers about safety and energy saving measures through energy efficiency. The campaign also focuses on the delivery of reliable, quality, and affordable energy and its services. "We wish there would be more support to the country's alternative and renewable energy development as the more sustainable source of energy," said Lourdes Cablitas, a parent in Panglao. (rahc/PIA-7/Bohol)
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WESTERN VISAYAS
Multi-sectoral forum Ambisyon Natin
tackles
ASEAN,
By: Pilar S. Mabaquiao
SAN JOSE, Antique, Aug. 31 (PIA6) - - The Multi-Sectoral Forum of Philippine Information Agency tackled topics on Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN), Freedom of Information, Tax Reform, Ambisyon Natin and Real Numbers at the Evelio B. Javier Gymnasium, Binirayan Sports Complex San Jose, Antique.
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bout 200 participants representing the various sectors of farmers, senior citizens, local officials, tricycle drivers, Pantawid Pamilya beneficiaries, students, government employees, information officers, police officers heads of offices, non-government organizations among others attended the said forum. The activity served as a venue for the various sectors to enhance their awareness on various programs of government and how they could get access to them. Atty Ma. Janet C. Mesa, Regional Director of PIA6 in her discussion of the Freedom of Information (FOI) emphasized that FOI 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. However there are certain limitations that the
information could not be made public such as those covering security and public safety, confidential information protecting the privacy of persons, and other limitations. Information on the ASEAN was discussed by Leonard T. Pineda I, the thematic priorities and the benefits that the people could get with the state membership to the association. Director Juvy Danofrata of the Department of Finance Research and Information Division also tackled the government tax reform program dubbed as TRAIN or the Tax Reform for Acceleration and Inclusion where she underscored the need for government to implement such reform to fund the 10- point socio-economic agenda. ―We are redesigning the tax system making it simple, fairer and more efficient to lessen the over-all tax burden of the poor and the middle class, she said during the forum.
Senior Economic Devt Specialist Marian Therese Pamonag of NEDA likewise complemented the discussion of DOF with the explanation of Ambisyon Natin 2040, a long term vision of the Filipinos which could be an anchor for development planning across Presidential Administration and a guide for engaging with international development partners. ―Matatag, Maginhawa at Panatag na Buhay para sa Lahat‖, a widely shared common vision for self and country, Pamonag shared. On the other hand, PSupt Norby Escobar of Antique Police Provincial Office discussed the ―Real Numbers‖, the PNP’s accomplishments relative to the government’s relentless campaign against illegal drugs and maintenance of peace and order. Mayor Elmer Untaran also attended the forum and expressed his support to the said programs of government. (JCM/PSM/PIA6Antique)
Capiz schools ready for drug test By Jemin B. Guillermo
ROXAS CITY, Capiz, Aug. 29 (PIA6) – The Department of Education is preparing for the conduct of the random drug test for students in secondary schools in Capiz.
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apiz DepEd Superintendent Dr. Miguel Mac Aposin disclosed that orientation for the school heads and parents through the Parents Teachers Associations have been lined up for the upcoming drug testing. He said that earlier, they have sent their team to Cebu for an orientation regarding the process of the conduct of such test. The DepEd recently issued Department Order No. 40 that provides guidelines for the conduct of random drug testing in public and private secondary schools covering School Year 2017-2018
and thereafter. The conduct of random drug testing will be based on the parameters under Republic Act No. 9165 otherwise known as the Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act of 2002 and its Implementing Rules and Regulations. The DepEd issuance likewise stressed that the drug testing will likewise be guided by the Dangerous Drugs Board Regulation No. 6, Series of 2003, as amended by Dangerous Drugs Board Regulation No. 3, Series of 2009 Aposin said that the conduct of the random
drug test for students will be in partnership with the Department of Health. He explained that this measure aims to help and guide their students to do away with illegal and dangerous drugs. ―Should there be students who will be found positive for illegal drugs use, they will be referred to proper authorities for counseling or rehabilitation,‖ he said. On the other hand, Aposin said that the drug test is mandatory for DepEd personnel. (JSC/JBG/ PIA6 Capiz)
DOST awards WV Best SETUP adoptors BY: LILIBETH A. FRENCH
ILOILO CITY, Aug. 30 (PIA6) - - The Department of Science and Technology 6 (DOST 6) conferred awards to the Best Small Enterprise Technology Upgrading Program (SETUP) Adoptors in Western Visayas.
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s. Roselita Sauza, General Manager of Rosa Foods, Inc. from Linabuan Norte, Kalibo, Aklan led this year’s awardees after she was chosen as the Regional Best SETUP Adoptor. She represented Western Visayas in the national search. Sauza together with the other Provincial Best Adoptors received their Certificates of Recognition from DOST Assistant Secretary Emmanuel Galvez and DOST 6 Director Rowen Gelonga during the awarding held as part of the opening activities for the Regional Science and Technology Week 2017 (RSTW 2017) in the region on August 29 at SM City Iloilo. Awardees for the Provincial Best SETUP Adoptors were: For Iloilo - Ms. Feliciana Valencia, owner of Cafekur Garments Industry from Brgy.
Cabanbanan, Oton; for Guimaras - Mr. Teodoro Ganancial, Jr., owner of Boboy’s Delicacies from San Miguel, Jordan; for Negros Occidental - Mr. Jay Ralph Zapata, President, LLZ Foods Corp. from Brgy. Cone 9, Talisay City; for Capiz – Ms. Janice Anne Zaldarriaga, owner, SPANGGO Spanish-Ilonggo Café, Roxas City; and for Antique - Mr. Walden Lim, owner, Tibiao Bakery, Inc. from Tibiao. The Search for the Best SETUP Adoptor is done every year to honor outstanding beneficiaries of the program that intends to encourage and assist SMEs to adopt technological innovations to improve their operations to further boost their productivity and competitiveness. One of the major components of the RSTW 2017 is the Tektienda. This is an MSME Product Fair at SM City Iloilo which provide an avenue for the
micro small and medium enterprises (MSMEs) assisted by DOST 6 under SETUP to display their best products. The fair will run until August 31. In his message before the awarding, Science and Technology Secretary Fortunato de la Pena encouraged the public to visit the fair and see the products of the program beneficiaries. ―I am proud to say that the products you see now can compete globally not only because they are excellent in terms of quality in face but also in terms of the packaging that you can see and this is helping us provide longer shelf life of our products,‖ said De la Pena This 2017, DOST 6 has already released a total funding assistance of P38,414,934 to 31 projects under SETUP. (JCM/laf/PIA6 Iloilo)
WESTERN VISAYAS
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CLMMRH performs first successful kidney transplant Easter Anne D. Doza NEGROS OCCIDENTAL, Aug. 30 (PIA6) - - A 15-man team of surgeons, nephrologists, urologists and nurses conducted the first ever kidney transplant operation at the Corazon Locsin Montelibano Memorial Regional Hospital.
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ransplant Team leader Dr. Alexander Kent Achurra during a post operation press conference told the media that after the operation, the patient-recipient who is a 39-year old female was able to produce substantial amount of urine after the transplant, from 42-year old male donor. ―Basically the operation was within the expected time of four-hour surgery for kidney transplant. Both the donor and recipient are doing okay,‖ Achurra assured. CLMMRH medical center chief Dr. Julius Drilon
said with the successful first ever kidney transplant in the regional hospital, they hope to go into cardio-vascular surgeries soon. ―These concepts went back 10 years ago wher we wanted to decongest Metro Manila and the National Capital Region of the means for kidney transplant,‖ Drilon said. According to Drilon, as of the latest numbers, there are around 40,000 patients all over the country that need transplantation. So far, out of the number, only 1,600 patients have availed of kidney transplant, Drilon disclosed.
National Kidney Transplant Institute executive director Dr. Rose Marie Liquete said over-all there are about three kidney transplants at NKTI and hopefully this medical center, can do it also here. Dr. Liquete said at the moment, the Philippine Health Insurance Corporation (PhilHealth) is offering the Z Package which is about P600,000. A kidney transplant costs roughly from P1.2 million to P1.5 million excluding a pre-transplant work-up as long as there is a suitable donor. *(JCM/ EAD-PIA6 Negros Occidental)
DPWH: More high-impact infra projects for Iloilo By: Leonard T. Pineda I
ILOILO CITY, Aug. 28 (PIA6) --- The Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) assured the Ilonggo public that more high-impact infrastructure projects are lined up for Iloilo.
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n his message during the inauguration of two major infrastructure projects held recently here, DPWH Secretary Mark Villar said that Iloilo will still be the site for more major infrastructure projects by the agency. ―We are committed to the development of Iloilo. No problem sa funding. Tuloy-tuloy po. Palaki nang palaki po ang pondo dito sa Iloilo,‖ he said. He said that a team from DPWH will come here this month to start planning for the proposed Panay-Guimaras-Negros link bridge. ―That is one of the largest projects in the nation. It is a 19-kilometer bridge. The longest bridge that we have in the country today is two kilometers
long. So this 19-kilometer bridge is world class and something that will become an icon for many generations to come,‖ he said. The Panay-Guimaras-Negros link bridge is included in the ―Build, Build, Build‖ project of the administration of President Rodrigo Duterte. Villar recently visited Iloilo for the inauguration of the Iloilo River Esplanade Phase 3 and the Nabitasan-San Rafael by-pass road project. The Iloilo River Esplanade Phase 3 involves the construction of a 200 linear meter riverside promenade along Benigno S. Aquino Jr. Avenue (Iloilo Diversion Road). The Phase 3 involved the construction of a
walkway with paving blocks, slope protection, landscaping and complementing structures such as seat wall, view deck, boating station, skating rink, activity area, and others. Meanwhile, the Nabitasan-San Rafael by-pass road involved the construction of the 787 lineal meters of Portland concrete cement pavement, including a 90-lineal meter pre-stressed concrete girder bridge. The new road will allow motorists to travel from Barangay Nabitasan in La Paz district to Barangay San Rafael, Mandurriao district without the need to take the busy General Luna Street here. (JSC/LTP/PIA6 Iloilo)
Aklan declares decade of road safety Venus G. Villanueva KALIBO, Aklan (PIA6) -- The Sangguniang Panlalawigan of Aklan has declared the period 2017 to 2027 as the decade of action for road safety in the province of Aklan.
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he declaration is contained in Resolution No. 2017-390, sponsored by SP Member Nemesio P. Neron and co-sponsored by SP Member Jay E. Tejada attested and approved during the 46th regular session of the 17th Sangguniang Panlalawigan of the province held July 17, 2017. The SP resolution was attested by Vice Governor Reynaldo M. Quimpo and approved by Aklan Governor Florencio T. Miraflores. The Aklan SP came out with the resolution noting the increasing number of road accidents in the province in the previous years, resulting to loss of lives, injuries, and loss of properties. The resolution cited the data gathered by the U.P. National Center for Transportation Studies, noting that in 2010, the Philippines had 12,620 road accidents which was equivalent to 34 people killed daily. The Sangguniang Panlalawigan noted that in Aklan, in 2015, 475 road accidents transpired,
broken down as 12 cases of reckless imprudence resulting to homicide, 227 cases of reckless imprudence resulting to physical injury, and 236 cases of reckless imprudence resulting to damage to property. In 2016, the Aklan SP noted that road accidents increased almost 4 times at 1,883, broken down as 44 cases of reckless imprudence resulting to homicide, 959 cases of reckless imprudence resulting to physical injury, and 880 cases of reckless imprudence resulting to damage to property. If analyzed, the 1,883 cases of road accidents in 2016 will mean an equivalent of one (1) public utility tricycle with 5 passengers crashing everyday, according to the resolution. Based on records of the Land Transportation Office (LTO) in Aklan, the province has 30,412 registered vehicles, broken down as 23,068 private; 7,114 for hire; and 230 government, plying on the roads of the province which is equivalent to a
road density of 68 registered vehicles on a one (1) kilometer major road length, national with 160.740 kilometers and provincial with 285.408 kilometers. Meanwhile, the provincial government, as a head start and contribution to help reduce incidence of road accidents, recently conducted a summit on Road Safety at the Governor Corazon L. Cabagnot Tourism and Training Center in Old Buswang, Kalibo, attended by more or less 200 stakeholders and representatives of agencies and organizations concerned. The summit was held to help reduce by 50% in a five-year period from 2017 the number of road accidents in Aklan; to raise level of awareness and understanding, educate and enhance the competencies of the Aklanon community on road safety and its linkage to risk reduction; share experience on road safety, and get the commitment of all concerned to action on road safety. (JSC/VGV/ PIA6 Aklan)
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CENTRAL VISAYAS
PQA to promote performance excellence with Makx Excellence Portal CEBU CITY, Aug. 29 -- The Philippine Quality Award (PQA) officially announced its partnership with Makx Excellence Portal (MEP), a multi-advocacy Learning and Development Events Production Company, to reinforce its presence in encouraging and engaging public, private and other organizations across all sectors; to strive for and attain performance excellence.
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epartment of Trade and Industry - Competitiveness Bureau (DTI-CB) Executive Director Virgilio P. Fulgencio himself, graced the MOA signing ceremony with MEP Founder and CEO, Mr. Mark Alleister M. Roa on 11 August 2017. DTI-CB is the implementing agency of the PQA and Philippine Quality Challenge (PQC). The partnership serves as one of the initiatives of the Bureau to further promote and raise awareness of the programs among the general public. PQA is a national award program that recognizes achievements of public and private sector organizations in their journey towards performance excellence, created through Executive Order 448 on 03 October 1997 and on 28 February 2001 it was institutionalized
through the signing of Republic Act 9013, also known as the Philippine Quality Award Act (See Implementing Rules and Regulations). The PQA sets a standard of excellence to help Filipino organizations achieve world-class performance. To date, there are 78 PQA recognitions awarded (8 organizations re-apply), composed of 56 from the private sector (6 re-apply) and 22 from the public sector (2 re-apply). MEP Founder Mak Roa said ―As a Social Entrepreneur, it always excites me to meet and work with people and organizations that are in the trade of uplifting the lives of my fellow countrymen and create a positive impact to the social well-being of the Philippines in general. It’s the reason why MEP was founded. It is an honour to be PQA’s partner in promoting world-class competitiveness and
excellence‖. MEP is the first multi-advocacy Learning and Development Events Production Company in the Philippines that aims to be one of the strongest support to worthy advocacies; serve as a Social-Marketing and Awareness Vehicle of its Clients; and, aims to be a gateway or ―portal‖ of knowledge and skills, empowering the people to aid in strengthening the Philippines as a Nation. ―This year marks the 20th year of the PQA, and we want to make this program big and the next buzz word in the industry by encouraging organizations both from private and public to adopt the framework of global performance excellence; and with MEP as our partner in advocacy and marketing, we will be able to make this possible.‖ DTI-CB Executive Director Fulgencio said. (PQA)
BFAR turns over P3M CFLC to Baclayon LGU Elvira C. Bongosia TAGBILARAN CITY, Aug. 24 (PIA) -- The government’s efforts to make fish accessible and affordable to Boholanos continue as the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR) on Tuesday turned over a P3-million Community Fish Landing Center (CFLC) to the local government unit of Baclayon.
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FAR 7 Director Dr. Allan Poquita led the turnover of the CFLC to Baclayon Mayor Benecio Uy, who in turn will entrust the facility to the local fishermen's organization. Baclayon CFLC is a two-storey facility located near the town’s port that incorporates fish drying areas, stall spaces, administrative office, and refrigeration facilities. Bohol OIC Provincial Fishery Officer Leo Bongalos said the Baclayon CFLC is among the six other completed fish landing centers located in
Inabanga, Tubigon, Clarin, Calape, Carlos P. Garcia, and Anda which were built in a bid to promote inclusive growth in the sector and lower fish prices. Meanwhile, construction of fish landing centers are ongoing in Ubay, Talibon, Getafe, and Loon. Another batch of towns including Lila, Panglao, and Dauis are also expected to start construction of the same facility in their respective areas through BFAR. According to Bongalos, the CFLC is a multi-use
facility: fishermen's fish landing site, accessible cheap fish market, fishermen's protection from bad weather, a space for mending and fixing broken nets and gears, meeting area as well as other venues for extra income opportunities for mothers. In 2016, BFAR funded P2.8 million to each of the towns of Inabanga, Tubigon, Clarin, Calape, President Carlos P. Garcia, Anda, Baclayon and Ubay of the CFLC building construction while LGU recipients provided P.2 million worth of lot as counterpart. (ecb/PIA7-Bohol)
DOST-SEI slates scholarship aptitude test Oct. 15 Jennifer C. Tilos
NEGROS ORIENTAL (PIA) -- The aptitude examination for the Department of Science and Technology-Science Education Institute (DOST-SEI) scholarship program will be conducted on October 15, 2017 (Sunday), starting at 7:00 A.M. at the Negros Oriental State University-Main Campus I in Dumaguete City.
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he scholarship program is open to talented senior high school students aspiring to become engineers and scientists to apply now for college scholarships. The DOST-SEI opened its undergraduate scholarship programs, namely RA 7687 and Merit, to senior high school students who wish to pursue four or five-year courses in science and technology (S&T) fields starting school year 2018 -2019. To be eligible under the Merit program, the student applicant must be: natural born Filipino citizen; member of the top five percent of the
graduating class for non-STEM strand and all are eligible to apply under the STEM strand; of good moral character and good health; and qualifier of the 2018 S&T scholarship examination. Under RA 7687 program, he/she must also be poor, talented and deserving student who belongs to a family whose socio-economic status does not exceed the set values of certain indicators, and resident of the municipality for the last four years as attested by the barangay chairman. Qualifiers can choose from among 71 science and engineering courses available, such as
agribusiness management, medical technology, and marine biology. The aspiring RA 7687 Scholarship Program scholars will receive subsidies on tuition and other school fees as well as book allowance, monthly living allowance for 10 to 11 month duration every year and more. DOST-SEI Merit scholars will also receive the same benefits as the RA 7687 scholars except for a pro-rated monthly stipend depending on the family’s socio-economic status. (jct/PIA7-Negros Oriental with reports from DOST Information Officer Sean Adrian T. Guardiano)
CENTRAL VISAYAS
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ProVet: Poultry products safe to eat Elvira C. Bongosia TAGBILARAN CITY, Aug. 25 (PIA) -- Bohol Provincial Veterinarian, Dr. Stella Marie Lapiz, on Thursday said it is safe for Boholanos to eat chicken and eggs as long as these are properly cooked.
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uring a Kapihan sa PIA yesterday, Lapiz shared the necessary precautions that Boholanos must observe to protect themselves against the bird flu outbreak. These include cooking chicken properly, proper hand washing, avoiding exposure to infected fowls, reporting unusual poultry deaths, among others. Last Sunday, Agriculture Sec. Emmanuel Piñol announced that he has ordered a ban on the shipment of fowls from Luzon, particularly those from Pampanga which has been placed under a state of calamity due to an avian influenza outbreak. However on Tuesday, the Department of
Agriculture (DA) lifted the ban on the shipment of poultry and poultry products from Luzon to other parts of the country. Provincial Quarantine Officer Dr. Maria Eleanore Abisado clarified during the Kapihan sa PIA that aside from a seven-kilometer quarantine radius from an affected area imposed by DA, shipments must also be validated by quarantine officers, and must carry certification that they came from accredited and inspected farms in Luzon. The products must also carry the seal of the quarantine officers. Fresh eggs, chicks, and chicken meat are allowed as well as balut eggs that are cooked before
shipment. "All other products not mentioned but coming from accredited farms inspected by quarantine officers and certified to be free from any diseases will be allowed," Abisado said. Lapiz, meanwhile, assured that the Provincial Government of Bohol has taken more measures to prevent the entry of bird flu to the province. She added that additional quarantine inspectors have been deployed at the ports and city airport where there are direct trips and flights from Luzon. The installation of footbaths at the ports and airport is another preventive measure, Abisado added. (ecb/PIA7-Bohol)
DTI encourages more MSMEs to go digital Ferliza Calizar-Contratista CEBU CITY (PIA) – The Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) is targeting more Cebu micro small and medium enterprises (MSMES) to embrace digital transformation.
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uring the second Slingshot Philippines – Cebu recently, Maria Elena Arbon, DTI Cebu Provincial Director, said they are expecting more MSMES to be knowledgeable and attuned to the idea of digitizing their businesses. ―We encourage more MSMEs to embrace digital innovation and this Slingshot is one of the venues for these businesses to partner with existing tech startups, shaping a more dynamic innovation ecosystem in Cebu,‖ Arbon said. The first Slingshot held last year was aimed at increasing the digital start-up community in the province.
This year, Arbon said, it will enable these start-ups to have access to the MSME market. Arbon said Slingshot aims to improve the capacity of both startups and MSMEs in line with the Asean Strategic Action Plan by keeping up with current trends in the tech industry, preparing brick-and-mortar enterprises for transformation into the digital era, and linking enterprises with potentially groundbreaking ideas to investors. DTI Export Marketing Bureau (EMB) Director Senen Perlada said the laid out plan at the national level is to have ―innovation economic zones‖.
These ―innovation economic zones‖ will function just like the business economic zones although this time it will be the startup companies. The startup companies under these innovation economic zones will enjoy fiscal holiday and other fiscal and non-fiscal incentives. A b ou t 30 0 MS ME S an d s tar tup s attended the 2nd Slingshot Cebu at Marco Polo Hotel recently. There were break-out sessions designed for digital transformation lessons for small and medium scale entrepreneurs while the other group is for big companies. (fcc/PIA7-Cebu)
Feature: Cacao gets 'sweet' push in Bohol Rey Anthony Chiu TAGBILARAN CITY, Aug. 29 (PIA) -- How long does it take to grow and harvest cacao? One and a half years if grafted, said 67 -year old Bern Karaan, who has had six years of cacao planted in his farm in Jagna.
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his, as Boholanos have been exposed to the feasibility and marketability of the cacao as government gives the crop a push. Cacao industry workers in Bohol have assumed that because growing the crop uses up so much time before one can harvest, it is not given a priority. The shortened time for growth, they believed, could change the mentality of people. A high value commercial crop, a native cacao planted at 3x3 meters can produce between two to three tons annually, according to Philippine cacao expert Christopher Fadriga, national president of Plantacion de Sikwate. Sold at P200 to P300 per kilo, cacao has the potential to be an excellent cash crop, attests another cacao grower, Cecilia de Leon. Herself a retiree from the US, de Leon, who also grows coffee aside from cacao, started a nursery, knowing that the demand for grafted
seedlings would go high in the next months. A local chocolate maker has been scouring for cacao seeds and sourcing them out from Mindanao after the requirement of six tons could hardly be met, chocolatier and Department of Science and Technology (DOST) Assistant Provincial Head Vina Antopina said. The native cacao, which is one the country intends to register internationally as the source of the Ginintuan Aromatic Chocolate, gives out the heirloom white seeds, notably ranked as one of the best sources of chocolates in the world. Already surviving in Bohol, the native cacao are prime source of cocoa which is the main ingredient for chocolates. Characteristically small and prone to diseases, the small seed yielding cacao were later pruned for the "better" forastero and trinitario varieties. It was seen as better because these later varieties are sturdy, produces bigger seeds and thus
produce more weight, said Antopina. DOST attempts to bring back to Bohol the glory and the profitability of the cacao through its Small Enterprises Technology Upgrading Program (SET-UP) production enhancement seminars. And little did Boholanos know that the cacao which they grew for ages are those of the criollio variety, the best cacao variety. The coming of the forastero and the trinitario has caused cross pollination that has altered most of the local production, cacao producers said during the seminar. Asked why, after all the years, cacao has not shot up as a good cash crop, de Leon surmised: "I think it is for lack of information and the lack of technology." "Cacao has always been grown for personal consumption," she added, considering that the native variety could take long years to grow before one can harvest them. (rahc/PIA-7/Bohol)
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EASTERN VISAYAS
Smart: quake-affected communities should be prepared Consuelo B. Alarcon
TACLOBAN CITY, Leyte, Aug. 28 (PIA) – The series of earthquakes that jolted Leyte recently pushed a private company to tap the local media and the academe in the province to promote disaster preparedness.
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hrough its #SafePH advocacy, the PLDT wireless unit Smart Communications Inc. (Smart) held a press conference with the local media here, to inform them on the importance of disaster preparedness. Aside from holding a press conference, the seventh leg of the TNT Tropang Ready Disaster Preparedness Caravan conducted a series of lectures and demonstration for the students at Eastern Visayas State University wherein students were taught how to prepare in case of emergency or calamity. The speakers from Smart demonstrated to the
participants the proper way to do the ―duck, cover, and hold technique during earthquakes in support to the government’s program in disaster risk reduction. A ―Go Bag,‖ or first aid kit were distributed to media. SMART representative said the bag could help an individual or a family survive the next 72 hours after a calamity struck. It contains a flashlight, bottle of water, flashlight battery, garbage bag, cotton, gauze, safety pins, t-shirt and other essentials.. ―It is said that the youth are the members of the society who are most vulnerable to
calamities. But here at Smart, we believe in their capability to mobilize their communities in times of emergencies, through their knowledge of the latest technology,‖ Ramon R. Isberto, PLDT and Smart public affairs group head said in a press statement. The TNT Tropang Ready caravan has been in Batangas State University, Bulacan State University, Southern Leyte State University, University of Science and Te chnology of Southern Philippines-Cagayan de Oro, University of Baguio and Isabela State University. (PIA8)
CHO urges PBs to conduct anti-dengue activities Rodrigo S. Victoria
ORMOC CITY, Leyte, Aug. 29 (PIA) – The city health office urged the punong barangays to conduct anti-dengue activities to address this particular health concern.
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ata on the dengue situation from the City Health Office revealed 339 cases of dengue and death of four Ormocanons as of August 14, 2017. The 10-year dengue situationer from the city health office reported the following cases and deaths due to Dengue from 2007 to 2017: 2007-358 cases and two deaths; 2008-293 and zero death; 2009-127 cases and one death; 2010-436 cases and four deaths; 2011-211 cases and one death; 2012-127 cases and four deaths; 2013- 436 cases and six deaths; 2014-529 cases and one death; 2015- 613 cases and zero death; 2016-467 cases and four deaths and as of August 14, 2017- 339 cases and four deaths. The reported August 14, 2017 deaths due to dengue were from District 4 with one, District 13
with one, Barangay Cogon, one, and Barangay Luna, one. The data also showed dengue cases from health centers in Ormoc City as as follows: Ipil-95 cases, Dona Felisa Mejia-92, San Pablo-65, Linao-39, Valencia-25, and Curva-23. Elsie S. Jaca, disease surveillance officer, city epidemiology and surveillance unit of Ormoc City health office and Dr. Edmund Kierulf, program manager on vector control program also of the city health office and district health physician of Barangay Valencia, strongly urged the punong barangays of Ormoc City to conduct activities and measures to address the increasing number of dengue cases and to prevent more deaths. The 110 punong barangays of the Ormoc City Liga ng mga Barangay held their regular monthly
meeting on Monday, August 28, at the Liga ng mga Barangay session hall this city. ―Hope this year’s dengue cases would not surpass the number of dengue cases in previous years,‖ Jaca said to punong barangays and further asked the punong brangays of what recommendations they could give to address the dengue situation in Ormoc City at present. Some punong barangays gave suggestions like the conduct of fogging, clean-up drive, and search and destroy operations to breeding places of dengue carrying mosquito-Aedes Egypti. The city health office personnel who attended the meeting and the punong barangays agreed to conduct a simultaneous clean-up drive in all barangays of Ormoc City, tentatively scheduled on September 30, 2017. #
Japanese Embassy, DOE lead in Prius turnover anicart
TACLOBAN CITY, LEYTE (PIA) – Mr. Takuei Nakayama was all praises at the warmth and hospitality accorded of him recently by the officers, men and women of the Regional Police Office-08.
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akayama, who is the First Secretary of agencies, for them to quickly respond to disasters Japan’s Embassy in the country, led the and emergencies. formal turnover of some 45-Toyota Prius In a show of thanks, a sumptuous lunch was Patrol Cars to the regional command of the police prepared for the Japanese official with live music of office. the PNP Marching Band. He said, that Japan is concerned on the The hybrid cars are Japan-donated as a Philippine’s rural community, and for this reason, it promotional approach for future generation vehicles, allots environment friendly and safe cars to Region being fuel-efficient and environment-friendly. 08 in particular. He was joined by Department of Energy He added that since most of the vehicles of U n d e r s e c r e t a r y B e n i t o Rangue, the national government agencies in the region were all Department being the country’s partner of the damaged by super typhoon ―Yolanda‖, Japan deemed project. it proper to give-away these Prius Cars to concerned For his part, USEC Ranque said that this
joint undertaking of Japan and the Philippines, was crafted as part of the government’s support for the economic and social development of communities devastated by the super typhoon. He added that DOE recognizes the role of PNP in maintaining peace and order of the community and in ensuring the public safety. Early on, eight Prius cars were likewise turned-over to eight national government agencies in Region 08 as they are believed to be the first responders during emergencies and disasters: OCD-2, LTO, DOST, DTI. DENR-EM, BFP and PIA. (PIA—08/an)
EASTERN VISAYAS
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Biliran TESDA-CNSAT announces vacant teaching position Flordelis E. Jackson
NAVAL, Biliran, Aug. 23 (PIA) – Here’s good news for one who is seeking a teaching job, as the Cabucgayan National School of Arts and Trades (CNSAT) of the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA) in Cabucgayan town in Biliran province reiterates its announcement to fill in its vacant post for Instructor I.
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his was disclosed by Lino Severino, Vocational School Administrator (VSA) III of the said school during the Kapihan forum hosted by the Philippine Information Agency (PIA), Biliran Provincial Information Center over Radyo Natin-Naval. He said the salary grade (SG) attached to the position is SG 12 with a basic monthly pay of P21,387 plus a P2,000 per month allowance. The qualifications to the position, he said, is that the applicant must be a Bachelor’s Degree holder and must be eligible, having passed the Civil
Service (CS) Professional Examinations and or Licensure Examination for Teachers (LET) board examinations or any eligiblity appropriate for 2nd level position. He added that for the special qualifications, the applicant must be a holder of Computer System Servicing NC II and Training Methodology Level I. Furthermore, Severino said, for those interested to apply for the position, they are to submit the required application documents in three copies to the VSA or to the administrative officer of the school.
The requirements, he added, include the duly accomplished Civil Service Form No. 212 Revisied 2017 Personal Data Sheet (PDS) which can be downloaded through www.csc.gov.ph; application letter; authenticated college diploma; authenticated certificate of eligibility and certificates of trainings attended which shall be certified true copies of the original. For more details applicants may inquire from the office of the VSA, TESDA-CNSAT in Cabucgayan, Biliran through cellphone number 0977 804 8960. # (fjackson/PIA Biliran)
Various sectors attend federalism forum Rodrigo S. Victoria
NAVAL, Biliran, Aug. 24 (PIA) – Representatives from the various sectors in the province of Biliran attended the forum on federalism in Biliran province.
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eing one of the major thrusts of President Rodrigo Roa Duterte (PRRD) administration, it likewise interested to more than 500 participants who listened intently to the discussion. The participants were representatives of the provincial, municipal and barangay local government units, youth, academe, women, senior citizen, military, and the private sector who converged for the forum at the Naval State University (NSU) Gymnasium on Thursday, August 24. The forum dubbed, People’s Dialogue on Federalism was conducted by the provincial office of the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) in Biliran province and the Philippine Councilors League (PCL) in coordination with the League of Municipalities of the Philippines
(LMP)-Biliran Chapter. ―The transition to federalism requires the elevation of the electorate to a higher level of political awareness,‖ Lynn E. Mckinnery, president of PCL-Biliran Chapter said in her welcome message. For her part, Marilyn D. Saboy, provincial director of DILG-Biliran, said in her message that ―there will be more rounds of federalism dialogues in the province of Biliran in the coming days to let the people at the grassroots level understand and grasp federalism. Saboy added that the barangay officials who attended the forum on federalism will be the one to organize a forum on federalism in their respective areas ―to raise the level awareness‖ of their constituents. She reported that there were already two
introductory fora on federalism conducted in Biliran province which were attended by the provincial officials and the municipal mayors earlier this year. Lawyer Cyril Casey G. Blanco, legal officer of DILG Regional Office No. 8, who was the resource person of the federalism forum, emphasized that the presentation on the basic concept of federalism was ―just to raise the level of awareness‖ and ―not to convince‖ participants to immediately embrace federalism. Blanco, who extensively presented and discussed the three key messages which centered on what is federalism, why do we go into federalism, and how do we go into federalism, also clearly expounded his answers during the question and answer portion. (PIA-Biliran/R Victoria)
BFAR issues shellfish bulletin for Carigara Bay Consuelo B. Alarcon TACLOBAN CITY, Leyte, Aug. 24 (PIA) – The public has been advised by Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources to refrain from consuming shellfish coming Carigara Bay in Leyte for the time being, due to presence of the red tide toxin beyond the tolerable toxicity level.
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hellfish bulletin no. 28 series of 2017 dated August 22 2017 of the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR) disclosed that samples collected from Carigara bay in Leyte reveal positive for paralytic shellfish poison otherwise known as red tide toxin. In its advisory, BFAR 8 informed that the toxin level extracted from the shellfish samples taken from said bay was 74.82 ugSTX (saxitoxin) eq/100g of shellfish meat which is beyond
the regulatory limit of 60 ugSTXeq/100 g of shellfish meat. Prior to this, shellfishes collected along the coastal waters in Irong-Irong, Maqueda and Villareal Bays in Samar and in Matarinao bay in Eastern Samar are all positive of red tide toxin. Hence, all types of shellfish and acetes sp. Or alamang gathered from said bays are not safe for human consumption. However, fish, squids, shrimps and crabs are safe
for human consumption provided that they are fresh and washed thoroughly and internal organs such as gills and intestines are removed before cooking. With this development, the public is advised to refrain from eating, gathering or harvesting, transporting and marketing shellfish from said bays until the toxicity level has gone down below the regulatory limit of 60 μgSTXeq/100g of shellfish meat. (PIA8)
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. Fayette C. Riñen OIC - 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. 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