One Visayas Issue 11

Vol I

Published by: PIA 6, 7 & 8

Issue 11

In this Issue WESTERN VISAYAS

The members of the team from the San Carlos C ity Solid Waste Management Office: Engr. Loreto Sanchez (center with plaque), (l-r) Michelle Dumdum, Analou Gomo, Charity Acabal, Marietta Lomocso, Emmanuel Blanco (2nd from right) and Engr. Arthur Batomalaque (extreme right) with San Carlos City Mayor Gerardo Valmayor Jr. (3rd from right) receive the Presidential Lingkod Bayan Award at Malacañang on November 9.

(PIA/EAD/San Carlos photo)

More on Region 6, pages 2-3.

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CENTRAL VISAYAS

November 7 - 13, 2011

DPWH cancels dubious contracts, saves P3.5-B

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EBU CITY, Nov. 10 (PIA) -- Because of the reforms that have been instituted in the bidding and selection process in the awarding of infrastructure projects, the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) cancelled 19 questionable contracts this year and in the process, was able to save P3.5B for the first quarter of this year alone.

“Strict bidding procedures are now adopted to ensure that there is transparency in negotiations of government projects and that the right costs for projects are really declared which would not in any way compromise the quality of such projects,” DPWH Director Rebecca Garsuta said.

Garsuta said putting reforms in the bidding and selection process in awarding government projects is in line with the Aquino administration’s thrust on good governance.

“We expect that by the end of the year, the DPWH can save around P10-B due to the reforms we have made within the agency,” Garsuta said.

Garsuta also said that politicians cannot just use their Priority Development Assistance Fund (PDAF) for any projects because criteria have to be followed on what projects should be constructed.

“We now have a list of priority projects that need to be funded so politicians cannot just choose what projects they want,” Garsuta explained.

Our current Administration is bent on fighting corruption in the bureaucracy and our agency is instituting necessary reforms to reduce graft and reduce costs as well to save money that could be spent on other priority projects that could benefit the people, Garsuta said. (PIA-Cebu)

P375-M PPA project to make Tacloban port world class

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ACLOBAN CITY Leyte, Nov. 8 (PIA) – The ongoing P375.90-million rehabilitation project of the Philippine Port Authority seeks to make Tacloban Port world class with more efficient, appropriate and modern facilities.

Port Manager Dominador Licayan said the Tacloban Port improvement and rehabilitation project involves the expansion of the existing port wharf, the first major improvement since its construction before World War II. The project which started in May 2011 and is set to be completed in early 2013, covers the existing reinforced concrete pier deck, wharf deck, pile caps, beams, old PPA building, and chipping of retaining wall.

The existing concrete pavement with an area of 5,534 square meters will be replaced and containment area will be constructed to include installation of steel pipes and walling (1,456 MT);

Multi-sectoral groups, together with the 302nd Brigade of the Philippine Army, organizing the 11-11-11 Peace Forum and Candle-Lighting Ceremony at Convention Center hold a press conference to publicize the event. by Lilibeth A. French (PIA7) LOILO CITY,

rockworks (15,378 cubic meters); and tie rods (14 sets of 32 mm x 18 m and 90 sets of 70 mm x 24 m).

The port manager said the project is designed for use in the next 50 years and is expected to withstand pressures brought about by climate change such as rising of sea water and bigger waves.

The pavement will be elevated up to 3 meters for more convenient cargo loading and unloading.

Tacloban Port normally serves four cargo ships daily with an average of 500,000 MT of gross registered tonnage.

The port handles foreign and domestic cargoes.

Its management office is located in this Leyte capital, the largest and regional center of Eastern Visayas. It is the center of commerce, tourism, education, culture, and government in the region.

Tacloban is located on Cancabato Bay, in San Juanico Strait which divides the islands of Leyte and Samar. (PIA-8)

Pag-IBIG, LGUs join forces to address housing needs

More on Region 7, pages 4-5.

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EASTERN VISAYAS

Participants of the Lakbayan Para sa Kapayapaan – A people’s caravan for PEACE from Mindanao to Visayas and Luzon pose with Leyte vice-governor Mimiette Bagulaya, board members Carlo Loreto, Roque Tiu and Wilson Uy and PIA 8 regional director Olive Tiu. The group was treated to lunch by the provincial government while on their way to Luzon. (Vino R. Cuayzon)

More on Region 8, pages 6-7.

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Nov. 9 (PIA) - - The Home Development Mutual Fund or Pag-IBIG and local government units here in Western Visayas have joined forces to address housing needs in the region as part of the government’s continued efforts to reduce the country’s housing backlogs estimated at 3.6 million units.

Ten LGUs in the region signed a memorandum of understanding with Pag-IBIG to avail of the agency’s new Group Housing Loan Program to sustain the capabilities of the LGUs to fast-track the development and implementation of housing projects in their areas.

Vice President and HUDCC Chair Jejomar Binay witnessed the MOU signing between the local chief executives of the ten municipalities and Pag-IBIG CEO Atty. Darlene Marie Berberabe, during the opening of the two-day Pabahay Caravan at Sarabia Manor Hotel, Iloilo City, Nov. 8.

LGUs will be given access to loans from P20 million to P40 million for site development and house construction in a land registered under their names which is one of the basic requirements of the program.

The housing units constructed will be offered for sale to intended beneficiaries that include LGU employees and constituents.

VICE PRESIDENT and HUDCC Chair Jejomar Binay leads the Nov. 8 groundbreaking of the 5-hectare housing project of Sta. Barbara, Iloilo LGU that will initially benefit its employees, under the Group Housing Loan Program of Pag-ibig Fund. Assisting VP Binay are Gov. Arthur Defensor, 2nd District Cong. Augusto Syjuco, Mayor Dennis Superficial and other government officials. (LAF/PIA6-Iloilo)

They can own houses and lots priced at up to P400,000 with 6 percent interest rate and over P400,000 to P750,000 with 7 percent interest.

Binay said Sta. Barbara, Iloilo serves as a model of the GHLP program in the region.

He led the groundbreaking of the town’s 5-hectare housing project in Brgy. Lanag implemented under the GHLP, on the same day he was here in Iloilo City for the Pabahay Caravan.

(JSC/LAF-PIA6 Iloilo)

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WESTERN VISAYAS

Nutrition broadcast campaign gains grounds

by Elsa S. Subong ILOILO CITY, Nov. 7 (PIA) – The broadcast media campaign launched by the National Nutrition Council (NNC) all over the country has been gaining grounds in making more Filipinos “nutritionally” aware.

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n the 2011 Second Quarter Survey of the Social Weather Station, it was shown that about 29 percent of household heads watch and/or listen to programs and segments about nutrition on radio and television.

NNC Regional Coordinator Nona Tad-y said this is encouraging because here in the region the NNC has used radio and cable television to a great extent to disseminate messages on breastfeeding and nutrition.

The SWS survey showed that the Visayas got a 23 per cent proportion of the audiences.

Further, it revealed that all over the country, two out of five (41%) class ABC household heads watch and/or listen to programs or segments about nutrition,

while the other proportions are 31 per cent of class D and 20 per cent of class E. As to programs, the survey showed that 4 per cent or about 218,110 households or 1.09 million Filipinos listen and/or watch Radyo mo sa Nutrisyon; 1 per cent or 54,528 households or 272,640 Filipinos listen to Ulat Ukol sa Nutrisyon at AHMP or Accelerated Hunger Mitigation Program; 1 per cent or 272,640 Filipinos listen to Katumbas ay Biyaya drama series, and 1 per cent or 272,640 Filipinos listen to Nutriskwela Community Radio.

Tad-y also said, on the whole where these programs or segments are aired/ telecast, some captive audiences have been identified by the NNC, composed of

Barangay Health Workers, Barangay Nutrition Scholars and members of the nutrition committees in the provinces.

Here in Iloilo the programs are serialized in a local cable TV station and radio stations on a per schedule basis.

In a related development, Tad-y also said that the latest SWS survey on hunger showed that severe hunger was down in the Visayas to 2.3 per cent from 2.7 per cent in June, below the 13-year average of 3.2 per cent for the region.

She said Western Visayas is blessed for during the period, no devastating calamity hit the region, and the programs on poverty alleviation and anti-hunger of the government have benefitted the poor. (JCM/ESS/PIA-Iloilo)

Papua New Guinea delegates visit Sagay City

By Carolina A. Dionela SAGAY CITY, Negros Occ. Nov. 8 (PIA) – Four delegates from the Papua New Guinea Department of Implementation and Rural Development were recently in Sagay City, Negros Occidental for a two-day visit in line with program on International Benchmarking Program III of the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) in Region 6.

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agay City Mayor Leo Rafael Cueva welcomed the delegation and presented the Sagay Marine Reserve program and some of the best practices of the city, the Sagay press release said.

The delegate visited the Material Recovery Facility in Brgy. Rizal AgriMasa Farm and Dairy Farm and Milk Processing Center and the Corn Mill Post Harvest Facility,at GK Punta Roma Village, they

interacted with the children and saw how they made an impact in the lives of the beneficiaries of the housing project of GK. A talk on mangroves was given by Bantay Dagat chairperson Eusebio Bantigue at the Mangrove Park and Beach Resort.

Badira Vari, one of the delegates, said they learned a lot from the visit and they will be sharing these back to their country.

He also said he hopes to forge a link and partnerships especially in the management of coastal resources with Sagay Marine Reserve.

The delegates were Badira Vari, assistant director, District Development Services; Stephen Rambe, asst.director, Corporate Services; Mark Ravu Vagi, financial manager; and Leonila Duque, consultant and HR administrator.*(CAD/ JCM/PIA6)

Six new secondary schools open in Antique

by Pilar s. Mabaquiao SAN JOSE, Antique Nov. 3 (PIA)- The Department of Education, Division of Antique opened six more secondary schools in the province to cater to the growing number of enrolment especially in far-flung areas.

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ssistant Schools Division Superintendent Victor de Gracia said in an interview that these schools are located in areas where existing high schools are quite distant from the cluster of barangays.

“The creation of these schools is a big help to poor families who wished their children would continue their studies but were discouraged due to far distance of schools from their houses,” he said.

Governor Evelio B. Javier National High School in Barangay Tubudan, San Remigio and Eastern Laua-an National High School in Bario Maria, Laua-an are situated in upland barangays.

These schools have their own

separate budget under the General Appropriations Act. Caluya National High School – Sibay Annex is another school located in one of the islets of the island town of Caluya where students need to travel by boat to reach mainland Caluya if not for the opening of the said annex campus.

Another school that opened in Pangalcagan, Bugasong, served students in the upland towns of Laua-an and Bugasong is an annex school of Northern Bugasong National high School.

In addition, DepEd recently opened Sido-San Juan National High School – Villafont Annex campus in Barangay Villafont , Sibalom while another school is set to be launched in the next school year

at Barangay Sumaray, San Remigio, Antique.

With the opening of these schools, Antique now has 56 secondary schools serving more than 35,000 high school students.

DepEd further disclosed the increase in enrollment of 286 high school students from 35,621 last school year to 35,907 of SY 2010-2011 apparently due to opening of more schools.

De Gracia said the leadership of DepEd and the local officials are steadfast in their commitment to achieve the national thrust to provide education for all in consonance with the Millennium Development Goals. (PSM/ PIA6 Antique)

WESTERN VISAYAS

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San Carlos City bags Presidential Lingkod Bayan Award

by Easter Anne D. Doza BACOLOD CITY, Nov. 9 (PIA) - - It's another feather on the cap for San Carlos City, Negros Occ. This fast growing city in the far north of the province got it for winning the Presidential Lingkod Bayan Award in the group category for its Solid Waste Management Office (SWMO). wo years ago, the city also won recognition signed by President Benigno S. management efforts,” Valmayor said. national honor which is the Aquino III and a cash prize of P200, 000 Both Valmayor and Sanchez cited the Galing Pook Award for its which will be divided among the seven San Carlos City Eco-Center, the first in Sustainable Cities Project. members of the team.

Western Visayas, as one of the strongest The San Carlos City Solid Waste Team leader Sanchez said that it is advantages of the team for the award.

Management Office is led by Engr. Loreto not impossible to get the award or The award for the San Carlos City Sanchez with team members Engr. Arthur recognition as long as one is dedicated to SWMO is the first Presidential Lingkod Batomalaque, Marietta Lomocso, Michelle his work and always strives for excellence Bayan award for the city.

Dumdum, Analou Gomo, Emmanuel as a public servant.

Sanchez revealed that other awardees Blanco and Charity Acabal.

Valmayor said he is very proud of the in the same category are Bukidnon All seven, together with San Carlos achievement of the team that is why he Housing Team and the La Union Audit City Mayor Gerardo Valmayor Jr. received made it a point to be there with them Team which also received P200,000 cash the award in a ceremony held at during the awarding in Malacañang. prize each team, medals for team Malacañang, November 9 from Executive “Their (SWMO) hard work has paid members and plaques of recognition.

Secretary Paquito Ochoa. off from the house-to-house information The awarding is part of the 2011 Each member of the team received a education campaign to operating the Honor Awards Program of Civil Service gold-gilded medallion and a plaque of Eco-Center and a lot of other solid waste Commission.*(EAD-PIA6 Negros Occ.)

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Aklanons mark centenary of ‘Father of Aklan’

by Venus G. Villanueva KALIBO, Aklan, Nov. 7 (PIA) -- Aklanons from all walks of life celebrated, Nov. 7 the Centennial Birth anniversary of Godofredo P. Ramos, the “Father of Aklan”, as a way of paying tribute and thanking him for the things he had done for the province.

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amos, during his time as Congressman of the third district of Capiz, was instrumental in filing a bill in Congress for the separation of Aklan from the province of Capiz.Aklan was then a part of Capiz.

The bill, which was eventually passed, became Republic Act 1414, signed into law by former President Ramon Magsaysay on April 25, 1956.

A thanksgiving mass, parade, commemorative program and cultural presentation were held.

The commemorative program after the parade had Senator Francisco Escudero as guest speaker, while Aklan

Governor Carlito S. Marquez, Rep. Florencio T. Miraflores, Rep. Teodorico Haresco of the Kasangga party list, Sangguniang Panlalawigan Officials and municipal mayors led Aklan officials in commemorating the event.

Senator Francisco Escudero complimented the late Congressman Ramos for achieving a rare feat in life, serving in the three branches of government – legislative, executive and judiciary.

Escudero also likened Ramos to somebody who has discovered the fountain of youth for doing something for his province that has far-reaching effects,

which made him well-remembered and loved by the people, and called on Aklanons to emulate what he had done for the province.

“With the leadership of Governor Marquez and Congressman Miraflores, I believe that the province will be brought to the right path with inspiration and lessons given by Godofredo Ramos,” Escudero said in his message.

The senator also acknowledged Aklan’s “bonus” congressman in the person of Hon. Haresco.

All of Ramos’ 8 children led by Victoria Ramos Antonino attended the event. (JCM/VGV PIA 6 Aklan)

New Army chief accepts post as challenge, motivation

by Alex A. Lumaque ROXAS CITY, Capiz, Nov. 9 (PIA) – Newly appointed Philippine Army (PA) chief Major General Emmanuel Bautista said that he accepted the post as a challenge and motivation to further professionalize the organization. he former 3rd Infantry Division a transformation roadmap.

Bautista graduated among the top ten commander based in Jamindan, The official stressed that he will of Philippine Military Academy (PMA) Capiz said in an interview with pursue the reforms instituted by Ortiz Class of 1981. He also topped the Scout Bombo Radyo Roxas, Nov. 8 that he was who is set to retire on Nov. 13 at 56 – Ranger Course, Infantry Officer Advance very much honored to be the 54th com- years old, the mandatory retirement age Course and the Army Command manding general of the Philippine Army. and General Staff Course, and is also a for soldiers.

He officially assumed command, Nov. During the interview, Bautista also graduate of career advancement 9 from Lt. Gen. Arturo Ortiz in a change thanked local government officials and courses in the United States and New of command ceremony be led by Presi- residents in Western Visayas and other Zealand. dent Aquino at the PA headquarters in provinces of Region 7 for the opportunity He is also a recipient of five Fort Bonifacio, Taguig City.

Distinguished Service Stars and Gold to serve 3rd ID since May 4 of this year.

He also assured assistance for the Cross Medal for gallantry in action, among Bautista also revealed that his guiding principle as PA chief are the internal peace rebels who will surrender to the other numerous awards. (AAL/PIA 6 and security plan or Oplan Bayanihan and government.

Capiz)

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CENTRAL VISAYAS

60,000 more families in C. Visayas to become 4Ps beneficiaries

by Fayette C. Riñen

CEBU CITY, Nov. 9 (PIA) -- Almost 60,000 poor families in Central Visayas were added to the list of identified household-beneficiaries under the government’s anti-poverty program dubbed “Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino” Program (4Ps), spearheaded by the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD).

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SWD-7 4Ps Program Coordinator Aileen Lariba said that out of the additional 58,832 poorest of the poor families in the region that can avail of the conditional cash transfer, over 50 percent are in Cebu with 39,047 households followed by Bohol with 11,311 families. Negros Oriental has 7,801 added family-recipients and Siquijor has 673 identified impoverished families.

In Cebu alone, 23 municipalities have been added as Pantawid areas due to the additional household-recipients which used to be only 28 towns and cities.

“So the program now services 51 towns and cities of Cebu province,” Lariba

said during the weekly Kapihan sa PIA, Nov. 9 that tackled the poverty alleviation program of the Aquino Administration.

The implementation of the Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program in 51 municipalities and cities makes Cebu a Pantawid province, having the largest bulk of the beneficiaries in the entire region, Lariba said.

Currently, there are 136,608 poor families in the region who are recipients of the government’s financial assistance program on health and education and with the additional family-beneficiaries, the total number of poor families in Central

Visayas that are recipients of the 4Ps program now reaches 195,440 householdbeneficiaries.

Of the 195,440 householdbeneficiaries, 91,986 families are based in Cebu. The additional householdbeneficiaries are a result of the increased budget for the 4Ps program. From this year's P27 billion, the budget is increased to P39 billion for 2012.

Lariba said the additional householdbeneficiaries can avail of the program starting next year with the approved increased budget. They have to register for the program in their respective areas by second week of December.(PIA-Cebu)

Four Boholanos bag 2011 ‘CPG Awards’

by Rey Anthony Chiu

TAGBILARAN CITY, Bohol, Nov. 5 (PIA) -- Four Boholanos, who have excelled in their different fields and have manifested the traits and character of Bohol’s most illustrious son, found recognition during the 115th birth anniversary of President Carlos P. Garcia (CPG), November 4.

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ecipients of the prestigious CPG Awards are Monsignor Margarito R. Gonzaga in the field of public service, businessman Argeo J. Melissimo for music, poet and literary artist Marjorie Evasco in literature and cultural worker Reinaldo P. Monreal for culture.

The awardees have also been adjudged as having successfully exemplified the notable character and traits of the late CPG, who, in his lifetime had shown a high degree of statesmanship, artistry and love of culture, which has catapulted his simple life to the country’s corridors of

power.

According to awards organizers, CPG Awards is in recognition of the Boholanos who have manifested exemplary accomplishments that significantly contributed to culture and heritage in the fields of living traditions, cultural advocacy, arts and literature, poetry, music, dance, visual or culinary arts, statesmanship, sports or public service.

The awards, which is handed as one is nominated and screened, goes to Boholanos within and outside the

province who have helped in the attainment of the well being of Boholanos and the world in general, provide positive role models for emulation by the youth and promote awareness and understanding on the life and principles guiding the life of the Boholano who made it to the country’s top seat, said organizers.

The awards is also set up as an institution to formally recognize the manifested accomplishments of Boholanos in their chosen endeavors. (RAC/PIA7)

Army’s Youth Leadership Summit produces 121 youth leaders

By Rachelle M. Nessia

DUMAGUETE CITY, Nov. 11 (PIA) --- A total of 121 young Filipinos from various villages of Canlaon City in Negros Oriental province and Moises Padilla town in adjoining Negros Occidental province completed the four-day Youth Leadership Summit (YLS) recently spearheaded by the Philippine Army (PA).

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he youth summit, facilitated by PA’s 11th Infantry Battalion, was held simultaneously in the two local government units (LGUs) from October 26 to 29, 2011.

Some 65 youths participated in the summit at Jose Cardenas Memorial High School in Canlaon City coming from the villages of Panubigan, Pula, Binalbagan and Mabigo while 60 turned up at Moises Padilla Elementary School in Moises Padilla town from Brgy. Quintin Remo.

During the simultaneous graduation ceremonies, the participants staged a

cultural show as a creative demonstration of what they learned at the summit with the theme “Peace and Unity for Progress.”

“YLS emphasizes values formation to make the youth morally and spiritually upright; personality development through leadership skills development, team building and role playing through exposures in various exercises and group activities; and, social awareness to insulate the youth from destructive vices, lawless elements, and deceptive scheming from some sectors,” the press statement said.

Said battalion has been teaming up with LGUs in central Negros area for a series of youth trainings.

11th IB Commander Lt. Col. Ramil Bitong said the youth plays a vital role in the community and cited the need for them to realize their full potential.

“The youth should realize the implications of their actions and decisions to themselves and the community now and in the future,” he said. (RMN/PIA Negros Oriental with reports from 1Lt. Von Ryan Gomez)

CENTRAL VISAYAS

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Zero-based budgeting part of P-Noy’s thrust on good governance

by Fayette C. Riñen

CEBU CITY, Nov. 5 (PIA) -- The implementation of a zero-based budgeting (ZBB) and performance-based budgeting among government agencies as required by the Department of Budget and Management (DBM) are anchored on the Aquino Administration’s thrust of good governance.

BM Acting Director Rolando the benefits to Filipinos of every peso fleshed out some P150B of lump sum Toledo underscored the current spent by the government. funds in the 2012 budget to induce greater administration’s commitment to We recognize the people as our main transparency and facilitate program leave a mark for the responsible and asset so we want to focus spending on implementation. The process of prudent management of public resources programs and projects on basic education digitalization allows us the opportunity to during the half-day Philippine Economic and social protection to benefit the poor procure and implement projects with a Briefing in Cebu this morning. sectors and poor regions, provinces and minimum of human intervention.”

“Our principal mandate is public municipalities – consistent with our Abad continued that “another expenditure management so we make mandate which is Paggugol na Matuwid, important measure is the involvement of sure that every peso the government Diretso sa Tao,” Toledo explained. civil society organizations in the different spends goes to the right projects and It was also stressed measures have phases of the budget cycle.” is spent to the fullest with the least also been adopted by the DBM to In support of the Public-Private leakages,” Toledo said. promote greater transparency and Partnership (PPP) program of the Under fiscal resources management, accountability in the use of public funds. government, Abad said they had set aside every government agency is required to Earlier in the briefing, an audio-visual P22B in the 2012 budget to pay for adopt a ZBB and to present the agency’s economic presentation on “The government’s share of the PPP projects programs’ outputs and outcomes in Philippines: Reaching for Investment like right of way, access roads to preparing the 2011 and 2012 budget Grade Through Good Governance,” airports and for post harvest facilities. proposals. where Budget Sec. Florencio “Butch” (PIA-Cebu with PR from Investor “The ZBB enables us to determine Abad in his message said, “We recently Relations Office)

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Visayan Forum, DOLE grant 50 ‘paaling’ fishing victims livelihood projects

by Jennifer Catan-Tilos

DUMAGUETE CITY, Nov. 10 (PIA) -- The Visayan Forum Foundation, Inc (VFFI) in partnership with the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE)- Negros Oriental provided 50 “paaling” fishing victims from the Municipality of Ayungon with livelihood projects under the Alternative Livelihood Program. he Visayan Forum recently for breeding purpose.

Paaling is a deep-sea compressor t ur ne d o ve r t he f i sh in g Part of the assistance include fishing activity where fishermen, using impl ement s a s li vel iho od deworming of goats which will be done crude equipment, pound coral reefs to assistance to eleven fishermen which twice a year by veterinary technician scare and drive fish into a net laid out on include bancas, fish nets and its assigned in the barangays. the ocean floor. accessories, and petromax as fishing lights.

The assistance for the paaling victims Visayan Forum, a non-government Another 37 fisher-beneficiaries is part of the commitment of the organization engaged in anti-human received two female goats each on the government to promote a better trafficking campaign, has partneredwith following occasion and five bucks were alternative livelihood to fish workers while the DOLE in livelihood assistance also distributed to four Barangay Captains the litigation is going on. activities. (PIA/JCT)

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Pantawid Pamilya in NegOr adds 5 more areas this year

by Rachelle M. Nessia

DUMAGUETE CITY, Nov. 7 (PIA) -- Five more local government units (LGUs) have been added to the roster of LGUs covered by the government-led poverty reduction program, Pantawid Pamilya, in Negros Oriental province. ccording to Bella Tse, Pantawid families in 17 towns and cities in the towns in the province not yet covered by Pamilya provincial coordinator province already benefiting from Pantawid Pamilya, namely: Amlan, Sibulan from the Department of Social Pantawid Pamilya’s monthly conditional and Bacong.

Welfare and Development (DSWD) here, cash grants since the program was “We don’t know yet if there will be a the additional LGUs for the program’s Set first implemented in Negros Oriental in Set 6 implementation of Pantawid Pamilya 5 implementation this year are Dumaguete 2008. but if there is, these three areas will then City, San Jose, Tanjay City, Dauin and DSWD, the government agency be covered,” said Tse. Valencia. spearheading the implementation of said Pantawid Pamilya was implemented A total of 7,511 indigent families program, is now holding pre-engagement in seven LGUs when the program identified by DSWD are seen to benefit sessions with the additional LGUs for the first rolled out in the province, from Pantawid Pamilya in said areas, said implementation of said program in their followed by three LGUs in 2010 and Tse. areas, said Tse. seven more in 2011. (RMN/PIA Negros These are in addition to the 53,000 To date, there are three remaining Oriental)

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EASTERN VISAYAS

DOLE grants livelihood assistance to E Samar women, fisherfolks

by Alice Nicart BORONGAN, Eastern Samar Nov. 8 (PIA) -– Thirty (30) women members of the Busilak Cooperative of Mercedes town this province received some P200,000.00 as livelihood assistance from the provincial office of the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE). his was the information said by “These women own a canteen just taps accredited co-partners which they DOLE Provincial Director, Alexi very close the municipal building of found in the Mercedes local government Abellar in an interview.

Mercedes. I think they are earning quiet unit.

Abellar said that the grant is under well because they have regular customers Meanwhile, another group of DOLE the Department’s Integrated Livelihood who are the municipal employees aside beneficiaries are found in the island Program aimed at mitigating the impact of from the outsiders”, he said. barangay of Divinubo, Borongan who poverty among marginalized sector of It was learned further that the were granted 42 paddle-boats for their society through livelihood enhancement assistance given them was just an Eco-Tourism projects. The project cost and/or assistance. enhancement to their capital because more or less P300,000.00. The Bureau of He added that Busilak is a group of Busilak had been existing long before.

Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR) women who are engaged in cooking as a According to Abellar, Busilak was able also afforded them gillnets for their fishing form of income generation. to avail of the said grant because DOLE livelihood. (PIA-Eastern Samar)

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14 Leyte rebel returnees get additional P50T reintegration aid TACLOBAN CITY Leyte, Nov. 10 (PIA) – The Provincial Government of Leyte through the Provincial Social Welfare and Development Office (PSWDO) distributed, Nov. 8, fourteen checks in the amount of P50,000 each for the 14 former rebels who earlier returned to the folds of the law.

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rs. Gwyndalynn Malate, Focal Person for the FR Program disclosed that the Office of the Presidential Adviser for the Peace Process (OPAPP) has transferred the amount of Php 685,000.00 to the Leyte Provincial Government fund as additional reintegration assistance to 14 former rebels.

In a meeting held at the PSWD Office, Mrs. Malate briefed the beneficiaries (FR’s) on the mechanics of the assistance released by OPAPP to ensure that it will be used to uplift their (FR’s) lives as they return to the mainstream society.

Aside from the Php 20, 000.00 Basic Immediate Assistance (BIA) provided by

OPAPP, the FR’s also previously received provincial cash assistance amounting to Php 7, 000.00 each from the Leyte Provincial Government through Governor Carlos Jericho Petilla. Additional Php 25, 000.00 were given by the provincial government to FR’s who surrendered with firearms, Ms. Malate said.

Nine of the 14 beneficiaries were FR’s who voluntarily surrendered to 19th Infantry Battalion from years 2007 to 2010, First Lieutenant Philip James B. Hocson, 19th IB Civil-Military Officer said.

They were placed under the Social Integration Program (SIP) also through the effort of the provincial government of Leyte, Hocson added.

For his part, Lt. Col. Francis Cabugon, commanding officer of 19th IB, expressed hope that with Gov. Petilla’s peace and development stance, remnants of NPA rebels in Leyte will abandon the armed struggle and surrender before the end of the year 2011.

Meanwhile, the PSWD Office is looking forward for the release of additional assistance for the other four former rebels who surrendered to the 19th IB this year.

Moreover, the PSWD office maintained that the government is open and sincere in the implementation of the Social Integration Program to rebels who wish to return to the folds of law. (PIA-8)

Biz name registration over in 15 minutes – DTI-So Leyte

by Bong Pedalino MAASIN CITY, Southern Leyte, Nov. 9 (PIA) -- Having one’s business name registered in this city and elsewhere in the province with the provincial office of the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI), at least for single proprietorship type of ventures, can be processed and done within just 15 minutes.

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And we are still working to have it in ten minutes, granting the internet or online highway is okay,” said Michael Nunez, DTI provincial Director during a forum with prime movers of the tourism industry here Friday at Candy’s function hall spearheaded by the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE).

Nunez was sharing on what his office can contribute for the development of businesses like hotels, restaurants, and resorts and the expected influx of tourists the moment the five tourism hubs in the province will be fully operational in a couple of years from now.

The trade agency had worked closely

with the German government organization GIZ to streamline business permits and licensing system (BPLS) of the various local government units (LGUs) so investors would shorten their transactions by simplifying the number of steps and signatories of mandated fees, Nunez reported.

In the past several years that this change was being successfully implemented by the LGUs, he had heard some marked improvement in the procedures.

“If the improvement was not felt, tell the DTI, for we are friendly to business, and we are also friendly to customers,” Nunez told a gathering of hotels, restaurants, and

resort operators.

Nunez offered as example his very own office, which used to register the business name for single proprietorship in more than a month’s time, later shortened to three weeks, two weeks, then one day, until the present when the owner will just have to wait for fifteen minutes only.

Soon, prospective registrants would no longer need to go personally to the DTI office to have their business names registered, for they will simply apply online and have their payment transmitted through electronic means, Nunez informed. (PIA-Southern Leyte)

EASTERN VISAYAS

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More poor Biliran families to benefit from 4Ps

by Rodrigo S. Victoria NAVAL, Biliran, Nov. 8 (PIA) -– More poor families in the province of Biliran can avail of the conditional cash transfer (CCT) program or the Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program (4Ps) in 2012 said an official of the regional office of the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD).

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aula B. Unay, provincial link of 4Ps in Biliran province, disclosed on Thursday, Nov. 8 in a meeting of the 4Ps provincial advisory committee held at the Governor’s Hall, provincial capitol building, that a total of 3, 484 poor families in Biliran province can avail of the 4Ps in 2012 based on latest NHTS list.

Unay revealed that the five towns in the province that were included in 2012 under set 5 with the corresponding number of families included in the program as follows : Almeria-520; Biliran-625; Culaba-122; Maripipi-277 and Naval-1,940.

The families will start to receive their payments as early as January next year.

However, Unay said that they will still

undergo the process of registration and validation to ascertain if they have submitted the required documents before one can avail of the program.

The towns of Culaba and Cabucgayan were the first towns of Biliran included in 4Ps since the program was brought to the province in 2010.

Cabucgayan has 457 poor families and Culaba has 535 under set 3B with a total release amount of P12, 543, 300 in 2010, Unay said.

She added that the towns of Cabucgayan has additional 435 poor families included in the 4Ps with the inclusion of Kawayan with 821 and Caibiran with 1,069 in 2011 under set 4D. An amount of P3, 306, 900 for the period January to August was released to

Cabucgayan, Kawayan and Culaba from January to August 2011 through the over the counter payments at Land Bank of the Philippines (LBP), she said.

She further said that the towns of Cabucgayan, Culaba received the amount of P4,052,100 through ATM cash card while Culaba received P4,000 through G-cash while the town of Caibiran will still to receive its payments on November 14-18 this year.

The DSWD official assured that the department will help the poor families get included in the 4Ps though lacking documents like birth certificate and other necessary documents for them to avail of the pro-poor program being pushed under the Aquino administration. (RSV/ PIA 8 Biliran)

DA info campaign tells E Visayans to ‘Eat your Rice Right’ TACLOBAN CITY, Leyte, Nov. 9(PIA) –- In line with the celebration of the National Rice Awareness Month (NRAM), the Department of Agriculture (DA) Regional Field Office 8 is spearheading the promotion and advocacy for Eastern Visayas that will center on “Eat your Rice Right,” which is this year’s theme. egional Executive Director Mr. Francis Rosaroso, DA-8 chief too much rice.

Antonio Gerundio said that the information officer, said that Filipinos Mr. Rosaroso said the Rice information campaign will restrict their energy source on too much Awareness Month Celebration is highlight the Food Production Programs rice notwithstanding other alternative grounded on these facts. For the country which are anchored on the Agri-Pinoy sources available such as banana, corn, to be rice self-sufficient, the public has to Framework formulated by the DA’s top sweet potato, cassava, and potato, among do their share by considering other crops management. others. These foods offer comparable for healthy options.

The DA -8 will support PhilRice – caloric values while some provide similar Through “One Rice-less Day initiated promotional campaign on “One content at lesser quantity. campaign,” and eating just the right Rice-less Day,” which aims to encourage He added that Filipinos eat more rice amount of rice, the country can cut its the public to eat the right amount of rice than what is recommended than any other rice importation to more than half. and to try other sources of good food group, despite new guidelines recom- With five rice-less meals in a week, the carbohydrates such as white corn, sweet mending more fruits and vegetables. country can eventually have zero imports, potato, and cassava.

Furthermore, Filipinos eat and waste Mr. Rosaroso said.(PIA-8)

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E Samar home to largest unfragmented old growth forest, rich bio-diversity

by Ninfa B. Quirante BORONGAN CITY, Eastern Samar, Nov. 7 (PIA) - Eastern Samar is home to the largest unfragmented old growth forest and rich biodiversity, according to Angelito Villanueva of the Samar Island Natural Park (SINP) during the closing ceremonies of the First Visayan Outdoor Festival (EVOF) held in Borongan City from November 3-5, 2011. e was referring to the Borongan “This is one of the advocacies of the that the SINP legislation is now pending in -Llorente closed canopy forest EVOF, to try to preserve and conserve Congress and that Eastern Visayas sitting on 24 thousand hec- this remaining biodiversity, which I think is congressmen have pledged to support it. tares of old growth forest. the remaining forest frontier,” Villanueva The EVOF is against all forms of This encompasses the four towns of told listeners of Radyo ng Bayan-DYES. mining and logging and pushes for Borongan, Maydolong, Balangkayan and The outdoor enthusiasts urged eco-tourism.

Llorente.

Eastern Samarenos to preserve the “If Bohol has tarsier, Davao has the “Here lies in your midst the biggest remaining lowland old growth forest for monkey-eating eagle, Samar has both,” the and richest ecosystem,” Jeanette Garcia there is no other are like it. founder of the Save the Earth Movement from the SINP added.

The group also frowns on the planned said.

The 24 hectare-closed canopy forest Maydolong-Basey road as this surely will The tarsier and the eagle are at home is worth P41 B, said another official of the disturb the eco-system, according to in the Borongan –Llorente Close Canopy Department of Environment and Natural Villanueva.

Forest. (PIA-Eastern Samar) Resources (DENR).

Presently though, the group is happier

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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.

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Editorial Consultants Atty. Ma. Janet C. Mesa, Ph. D. Regional Director, PIA6

Ms. Erlinda Olivia P. Tiu 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