One Visayas Issue 12

Vol I

Published by: PIA 6, 7 & 8

Issue 12

November 14 - 20, 2011

In this Issue WESTERN VISAYAS

Smart Communications, Inc. Senior Training Officer Juan Paulo “JP” Alpano explains the salient features to PIA 6 regional staff and Provincial Information Managers, the Smart’s Infoboard System which the Philippine Information Agency will soon use in disseminating information and getting feedback from the public in Western Visayas during a briefing of the system held in Iloilo City, Nov. 15. (EJB/PIA 6)

More on Region 6, pages 2-3.

Also CLICK Here…

CENTRAL VISAYAS

PRESENTATION. Municipal Planning and Development Coordinator Efren Logroño (standing) presents the implementation of DSWD’s convergence program for poverty reduction in Buenavista, Bohol during the Media Tour on November 11, 2011. (PIA-7/HFG)

More on Region 7, pages 4-5.

Also CLICK Here…

EASTERN VISAYAS

Leyte governor Jericho Petilla (standing) presiding over the Provincial Development Council (PDC) meeting at the Governor’s Hall, Provincial Capitol Bldg., Tacloban City, November 16.

(Vino R. Cuayzon)

More on Region 8, pages 6-7.

Also CLICK Here...

by TWVillavert

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LOILO CITY, Nov 14 (PIA) -- Secretary Corazon Juliano-Soliman of the Department of Social Welfare and Development said that the findings on the impact evaluation of the implementation of the Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program (PPPP) will be out

by January next year.

Secretary Soliman was in Iloilo City yesterday in line with the DSWD-Civil Society Organizations Consultation Conference-Visayas Cluster where she said that the result of the implementation will “give us a more concrete information and data, and this is being conducted by the Social Weather Station or SWS.” Soliman said they are interested to know the impact of the PPPP or the Conditional Cash Transfer Program along the lines of health situation, education and other aspects of the program’s impact to the beneficiaries.

She said that during the last regional meeting of the Regional Directors of the DepEd, DOH, DSWD and DILG, a report was presented by the DepEd on the good participation of the pupils in schools and notable drop in the number of dropouts.”

DSWD Sec. Corazon Juliano-Soliman (center) discusses the importance of the Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program as a priority program of the national government on poverty reduction and social development, during the November 14 press conference held at Iloilo City. With Sec. Soliman are DSWD 6 Director Minda Brigoli (L) and DSWD Asec. Paresya H. Taradji.(PIA6/TVillavert)

The DSWD Secretary also said that there are more than 2,230,000 beneficiaries of the PPP in the country.

Western Visayas has around 173,669 beneficiaries of the PPPP, and per DSWD data Iloilo tops the list at 55,015; followed by Negros Occidental- 46,273; Aklan23,322; Antique-20,257; Capiz- 14,088; Iloilo City7,718; Bacolod City-3,607; and Guimaras-3,389. (JCM/ TWV/PIA6-Iloilo)

C. Visayas exceeds 2011 seedling production by 14%

by Fayette C. Riñen

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EBU CITY, Nov. 18 (PIA) -- Central Visayas has exceeded its 2011 seedling production target for this year by 14 percent, producing 3.2 million seedlings as of early September over its goal of 2.8M seedlings as required under the National Greening Program (NGP). However, as of early September, the available seedlings have reached 3.2M. Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) 7 Technical Director for Forest Management Services Isabelo Montejo said convergence services of the regional offices of DENR, Department of Agriculture (DA) and Department of Agrarian Reform (DAR) have made NGP-Central Visayas surpass its target.

The NGP, a government priority under the Aquino Administration, is spearheaded by the convergence of DENR, DA and the DAR where the national goal of the program is to plant 1.5B trees in

1.5M hectares of public domain lands within a span of six years or from 2011 to 2016.

Montejo, in his report on the status of the NGP-Central Visayas, bared that for this year, they have targeted 5,632 hectares to be planted and that 30 percent of the identified areas have already been planted with the seedlings produced.

The DENR-7 official added that strong support from LGUs is a success factor in the NGP implementation as the DILG-7 has already issued a directive to barangays to establish their own nurseries.

The Department of Education (DepEd), LGUs and non-government organizations will also be producing their own seedlings, this is stated.

The NGP is a multi-sectoral project that harmonizes all the greening efforts of both the private and public sectors and seeks the attainment of sustainable human development and economic and ecological security. (PIA-Cebu)

Leyte approves P2.54B AIP for 2012

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ACLOBAN CITY, Leyte, Nov. 17 (PIA) –- The Leyte Provincial Development Council, in a meeting held on Wednesday, November 16, unanimously approved the Annual Investment Plan for 2012 with a total funding requirement of P2,542,025,454.25.

With the approval is the endorsement of the AIP to the Sangguniang Panlalawigan of Leyte for its approval and adoption.

Leyte Governor Carlos Jericho L. Petilla said the amount shall be sourced from the General Fund of the province, 20% of the annual Internal Revenue Allotment (IRA), the Special Education Fund (SEF), and other sources such as the PDAF, funding facilities of foreign development institutions and other development partners.

The economic services take the highest share at 37.46% of the total in the percentage distribution of the funding requirement. This is in line with the Province’s vision of “a progressive province of Leyte with empowered people, living in sustainable environment, a leading information and communication

technology service provider, and a historic-cultural tourism zone.”

Social services take the second highest share at 26.95%; other services share 23.28% and general public services share 12.31%.

Among others, the projects or action statements for the economic sector in 2012 are the conduct of aggressive promotion and marketing on emerging ICT and tourism areas; conduct of technology transfer trainings on rice, corn and high value vegetables and fruit crops; strengthening the promotion on the utilization of the technology and production system for a sustainable household level food production through visitations and consultations; conduct of method demonstration on the production of natural/organic inputs like fertilizer and pesticides; community outreach of veterinary services; and livestock production and genetic improvement.

In 2011, the funding requirement of the Annual Investment Plan of the province of Leyte amounted to P1, 865,468,732. (PIA-8)

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WESTERN VISAYAS

DA says WV is doing well in organic agri

by Lilibeth A. French

ILOILO CITY, Nov. 16 (PIA) -- The Department of Agriculture Region 6 (DA 6) said Western Visayas is doing well in the farmer's practice of organic agriculture, compared to other regions in the country.

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A 6 Dir. Larry Nacionales said Negros Occidental has already adopted organic agriculture way back in 2007 through its Provincial Ordinance 007 that prohibits the entry of Genetically Modified Organisms (GMOs) in the province.

The practice of organic agriculture in Negros Occidental was given further boost when a Memorandum of Agreement was signed between Negros Occidental Gov. Joseph Maranon and Negros Oriental Gov. George Arnaiz to make Negros Island an “organic island” in 2005.

Nacionales said Panay Island is

also catching up because there is already a Panay Organic Producers Association, which takes lead in supporting organic agriculture just like the Negros Island Sustainable Agriculture and Rural Development Foundation, Inc. However, he said with different associations organized in Western Visayas promoting organic agriculture, “We will slowly convince farmers that there is an opportunity in organic agriculture not only related to environmental concerns and climate change but also to the economic aspect."

Recently, President Benigno Aquino III has assured the support of his administration in the promotion of organic agriculture in the country to boost food security.

He directed DA to allot at least two percent of its annual budget for the implementation of the National Organic Program as provided under the Organic Agriculture Act of 2010, which strengthens the State's policy to promote, propagate, develop further and implement the practice of organic agriculture in the country. (JSC/LAF-PIA6 Iloilo)

I-rice: Key to eradicating malnutrition by 2015

by Easter Anne Doza

BACOLOD CITY, Nov. 16 (PIA) -- According to the Food and Nutrition Rice Institute (FNRI), iron deficiency anemia (IDA) is still a public health concern in the Philippines. In the latest 2008 National Nutrition Survey conducted by the FNRI, IDA is prevalent among children 6 months to less than 1 year, pregnant and lactating mothers.

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hus, NFA-Negros Occidental is conducting a series of advocacy campaigns on Iron-Fortified Rice that would encourage consumption of iron fortified rice.

NFA Provincial Manager Marianito Bejemino said that I-Rice was designed to curb malnutrition especially among children.

“I-rice is priced the same as ordinary NFA rice. Generally, there is no change in taste, it's just psychological since I-rice is somewhat yellowish in color but that’s

what makes it nutritious because of the yellow grains containing iron rice premix,” Bejemino said. He added that it has slowly gained acceptability since it was launched two years ago.

Provincial Nutritionist Alice Matti revealed that the government targets to eradicate malnutrition by the end of 2015 to reach the Millennium Development Goal, thus, it launched the micronutrient supplementation especially to children and mothers in their productive age from 15 to 49 years old.

In Negros Occidental, 8 out 100 children are malnourished and in Western Visayas 61 out of 100 mothers are anemic, 44 out of 100 pregnant mothers are anemic while those children below five years old 29 out of 100 are anemic, Matti added.

The Philippine Food Fortification Law of 2000 or the Republic Act 8976 calls for the mandatory fortification of staples such as rice, flour, cooking oil, and refined sugar, among other food. (JSC/ EAD-PIA6 Negros Occidental)

Capiz LGUs to formulate comprehensive dev plan

by Jemin B. Guillermo

ROXAS CITY, Capiz, Nov. 15 (PIA ) -- Planning coordinators, local legislators and key personnel from the different local government units in Capiz will undergo a writeshop for the formulation of their respective six-year Comprehensive Development Plan.

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he four-day activity, which is set from November 15 to 18, is spearheaded by the Capiz Association of Local Planning and Development Coordinators chaired by Panitan town Planning Officer Gregorio Dellota, Jr. in coordination with the Department of the Interior and Local Government.

Dellota said the writeshop was planned after a number of local government units were not able to formulate their plan in accordance with

the guidelines set by DILG. He explained that the same was due to the complexity of the process of building the Local Development Indicators Matrix and the integration of the spatial requirements to the sectoral plans.

According to him, the technical working group of each LGU in the province who will join the workshop is composed of the local planning and development coordinator with his/her staff, local government operations

officer, local legislator in charge of appropriation and finance as well as on housing and land use, and the secretary of the Sanggunian.

Records from the provincial DILG office show that only Panay and Dumarao towns have their six-year CDP. On the other hand, some 90 participants from the different towns and city here have already confirmed their attendance to the activity. (JCM/JBG/ PIA6-Capiz)

WESTERN VISAYAS

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Bangko Sentral to issue 100 million pieces of new generation money

by TWVillavert

ILOILO CITY, Nov. 16 (PIA) -- Deputy Director Job Nepomuceno of Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) Iloilo Branch said around 100 million pieces of new generation Philippine banknotes will be released this Yuletide season. epomuceno said the new who are not yet familiar with the new upgraded security features have been designs of the Philippine designs. established to protect the public from currency will be released in Nepomuceno said BSP-Iloilo counterfeiters. various denominations. conducted several information campaigns The old banknotes are still in “This is in addition to the almost 300 to various sectors in the region sometime circulation, but Nepomuceno said that million pieces of the New Generation in April this year about it. these could no longer be used in ordinary Philippine Banknotes that are already “We know that the public is eager to transactions by year 2014.(TWV-PIA6 circulating nationwide,” Nepomuceno said see the designs of the new banknotes,” Iloilo) as he admitted that there are still many Nepomuceno said as he emphasized that

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Aklan has come a long way since 1956 – Aklan guv

by Venus G. Villanueva

KALIBO, Aklan, November 14 (PIA) -- Aklan has come a long way since its founding in 1956, thanks to the Father of Aklan, Godofredo P. Ramos, and it is just right for Aklanons to pay tribute to him, according to Aklan Governor Carlito S. Marquez. arquez said this during the Republic Act 1414, signed on april 25, commemorative program, with Senator commemorative program on 1956 by then President Ramon Magsaysay. Francis Escudero as guest speaker.

November 8 held at the The governor said it is the duty of “We only have small resources, but Provincial Capitol Grounds to celebrate every Aklanon to recognize, acknowledge, let us continue to reach out to attain our the Centennial Birth Anniversary of and thank Goding Ramos for being goals,” he added.

Ramos, who, during his time as the instrumental in the province’s attainment Aklan’s commemoration of Ramos' Congressman of the 3rd District of Capiz, of provincehood in 1956, which was then Centennial Birth anniversary included an filed a bill in Congress for Aklan to be a a very elusive dream. early Thanksgiving Mass, a civic parade, a separate province from Capiz.

Marquez also thanked the children of program, and a cultural presentation at The bill, eventually passed, became Goding Ramos who also graced the the Museo it Akean. (VGV-PIA 6 Aklan)

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2012 Dinagyang to introduce new changes

by Lilibeth A. French

ILOILO CITY, Nov. 14 (PIA) -- There will be some major changes that will be introduced in next year’s Dinagyang Festival, one of the country’s best tourism event.

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his was announced by Mayor Jed Patrick Mabilog during the launching of the 2012 Dinagyang Festival at SM City Iloilo, November 11, 2011.

Mabilog said the major changes will involve the venues of the judging and performance areas and some religious activities. He added that the change in venue was agreed upon together with the 13 participating tribes next year.

For 2012, the first judging and performance area will be the Iloilo Sports

Complex, second, somewhere near St. Clement’s Church, third, Iloilo Provincial Capitol, and the the Freedom Grandstand as the final judging area.

On the other hand, Mabilog said the 2012 Dinagyang will also highlight the country’s third oldest Sto. Nino image at the Arevalo Church in this city.

“In the arrival of Sto. de Nino Cebu we will request the Parish of Arevalo that the third oldest Sto. Nino in the country, the Sto. Nino de Arevalo greets the Sto. Nino de Cebu as it comes to Iloilo,” said

Mabilog.

The collaboration between the city government, IDFI and San Jose Parish was concretized through the signing of a memorandum of agreement held during the launch.

Through the MOA the city government authorizes the IDFI in cooperation with San Jose parish to organize, conduct and manage the 2012 Dinagyang Festival set on January 21-22, 2012. (JSC/LAF-PIA6 Iloilo)

DTI conducts close monitoring of ‘noche buena’ items Pilar S. Mabaquiao

SAN JOSE, Antique Nov. 14 (PIA) -- The Department of Trade and Industry is closely monitoring ‘noche buena’ items in anticipation of the Christmas season. ccording to Glen Fernando, Trade spaghetti sauce, cheese and cream.

Another tip according to Fernando is and Indu st ry Dev elo pment However, ham and quezo de bola are not to buy early and on a staggered basis to Specialist, DTI Antique has already yet available in the local market. avoid the rush before Christmas. conducted monitoring of prices and DTI also noted the increase in prizes However, consumers should also look supplies of noche buena items to ensure of these items as compared to the into the expiry date to ensure goods are that unscrupulous business establishments previous years. safe to eat. will not take advantage of the increasing On the other hand, DTI advised the Likewise, DTI warned unscrupulous demand of these items. consumers to practice practicability in businessmen to judiciously implement the Among the items reported to have buying noche buena items and other fair trade laws to avoid sanctions. (JCM/ sufficient supply are pasta, tomato sauce, Christmas goods for that matter.

PSM/PIA6 Antique)

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CENTRAL VISAYAS

Buenavista poor benefit anti-poverty programs

from

DSWD

by Amor Saludar

CEBU CITY, Nov. 15 (PIA) -- Buenavista town Mayor Ronald Lowell Terol lauded the Department of Social Welfare and Development’s (DSWD)-7 Convergence Program for Poverty Reduction and how this has helped the constituents of his poor town.

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uenavista is located 82.6 kms. away from Tagbilaran City is a 4th class municipality with slightly over 26,000 population based on the 2007 census. Its residents are largely dependent on fishing and farming for their livelihood.

At present, seven programs under the DSWD’s Convergence Program for Poverty Reduction are being introduced in Buenavista. These include Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program (4Ps), Kapit Bisig Laban sa KahirapanComprehensive and Integrated Delivery of Social Services (KALAHI-CIDSS), Self-Employment Assistance-Kaunlaran Program, Social Pension, Rice Subsidy, Supplementary Feeding and Family

Development Sessions.

A major positive result of the 4Ps is the rapid increase of public schoolchildren enrollees,s said Terol. Under the 4Ps Program, family-beneficiaries are given P300/monthly financial assistance for educational needs for every school child under 14 years old with a maximum of three children per household -recipient.

He also lauded the KALAHI-CIDSS program. “Since the DWSD- 7 initiated the KALAHI-CIDSS here in Buenavista, farmers and fishermen were now able to buy apparatus, equipment and other tools needed for fishing and farming due to the financial assistance provided for them under the program while our residents

have now access to safe water supply,” Terol declared.

“The DSWD Convergence Program such as the 4Ps and KALAHI are successfully implemented here and we hope that there are more projects and programs that will benefit the poor people here of Buenavista,” he added.

“We have started to repair our ports, public roads, market roads and the establishment of our new public market and the Sangguniang Bayan (SB) members agreed that P3 million of next year’s municipal budget will be allotted as counterpart to DSWD’s projects and other development programs here,” Mayor Terol concluded. (/FCRAS/PIACEBU)

NegOr gov to mayors: Adopt anti-smoking policy

By Rachelle M. Nessia

DUMAGUETE CITY, Nov. 18 (PIA) -- Negros Oriental Gov. Roel Degamo is pushing for the widespread advocacy against tobacco smoking in Negros Oriental. his, after Canlaon City became anti-smoking campaign,” said Degamo Under R.A 9211, smoking tobacco the latest to join the growing during the launching led by Canlaon City is prohibited in public places such as: number of local government Mayor Jimmy clerigo and attended by centers of children and youth activity such units (LGUs) in the province who hundreds of the city’s residents. as schools, playgrounds, recreational adopted the smoke-free ordinance The governor hopes that more LGUs facilities and youth hostels; elevators and originally started by Amlan town in July in the province will follow suit and stairwells; locations with fire hazards 2009. implement an anti-smoking ordinance, such as gas stations; hospitals and Gov. Roel Degamo lauded the making Negros Oriental a smoke-free health centers, medical and dental Canlaon City government during its province as a result. facilities; public conveyances and public recent launching of the smoke-free Amlan was the first LGU in the facilities such as airports, trains and ordinance. province and in the region to craft bus stations except those with separate “I’m happy to see that there are now and adopt a smoke-free ordinance smoking areas; and, food and beverages more local governments who are which is called for by RA 9211 or the preparation areas. (RMN/PIA Negros Oria g g r e s s i v e l y i m p l e m e n t i n g t h e Tobacco Regulation Act of 2003. ental)

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DTI steps up monitoring of stores selling motorcycle helmets SIQUIJOR, Nov. 18 (PIA) -- The Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) is stepping-up the monitoring of wholesale and retail establishments selling protective motorcycle helmets and their visors to ensure that these are certified. ts effort to ensure safety for the products shall face administrative charges emphasized. f a s t - i n c r e a s i n g n u m b e r o f from the Department,” DTI warned.

The Department has already given motorcycle riders and their In order to provide the industry with all manufacturers, importers and passengers, DTI is making certain that an internationally-accepted reference distributors of protective helmets enough only certified helmets are sold in the standard in manufacturing reliable time to comply with the product market, the DTI in a press release to the protective helmet, DTI adopted the certification scheme. This year, only PIA said.

United Nations Economic Commission on helmets bearing the PS or ICC DTI said it is mandatory for all Europe (UN ECE) standard specifications mark can be sold in the local market, manufacturers and importers of protective and test methods for protective helmets DTI said. helmets and their visors to secure a and their visors for motorcycles and To ensure compliance with the law, Philippine Standard (PS) License or mopeds drivers and passengers as a the DTI enjoins the buying public to Import Commodity Clearance (ICC) Philippine National Standard (PNS/UN patronize only PS and ICC-marked certificate from the Department prior ECE 22:2007). products in the market. Consumers can to the sale and distribution of their It is imperative that the quality of report or file a complaint against products. the product is checked to ensure substandard products through the DTI “Those found with uncertified that it performs as intended, DTI provincial offices.

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CENTRAL VISAYAS

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‘PhilHealth Sabado sa Eskwela’ in Dumaguete set Nov. 19

by Rachelle M. Nessia

DUMAGUETE CITY, Nov. 15 (PIA) -- The Philippine Health Insurance Corporation (PhilHealth) in Dumaguete City, Negros Oriental is inviting individuals interested to become members of the government health insurance program to attend the “PhilHealth Sabado sa Eskwela” activity on Nov. 19, 2011 from 8:00 am to 3:00 pm at the West City Elementary School Mini Park.

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he activity aims to enroll parents of pupils into PhilHealth’s Individually Paying Program (IPP) aside from interested individuals who want to sign up for the national health insurance program, said Marites Que, PhilHealth Dumaguete chief social insurance officer.

Registration will also cover other sectors under the Employed, Lifetime Members, Overseas Worker Members and Sponsored Members programs.

Other services that will be extended during the event include the issuance of

member data record (MDR) and IDs, updating of records, and receiving of payment from old and new members.

Interested members and individuals are requested to bring with them a photocopy of their birth certificate, marriage certificate, birth certificates of children below 21 years old, birth certificate of parents above 60 years old or if not available, any valid ID like senior citizen’s, postal or voter’s ID. Members that are likely to be enrolled under the IPP are required to pay their initial premium of P300 per quarter

or P600 per semester or P1,200 for the whole year.

This is the third such activity staged in Dumaguete City which aims to entice more members to join the national health insurance program.

The PhilHealth Sabado sa Eskwela will be held in cooperation with the Department of Health, Department of Education, Department of Social Welfare and Development and the Department of Interior and Local Government. (RMN/ PIA Negros Oriental)

DENR-EMB 7 mulls higher fines for smoke belchers

by Fayette C. Riñen

CEBU CITY, Nov. 16 (PIA) -- The Department of Environment and National Resources is considering a proposal to increase fines and penalties to vehicle owners violating the anti-smoke belching law.

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n its presentation on the “Status of Air Quality in Central Visayas” during the recent 4th Economic Development Council Meeting of the Regional Development Council (RDC) -7 in Cebu City, the Environmental Management Bureau of the DENR (EMBDENR)-7 identified motor vehicles as the number one source for air pollution.

The Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) - 7 cited three major air pollutant sources that contribute to the formation of greenhouse gases, a culprit in global warming that lead to climate change.

The DENR said there were three major air pollutant sources such as "mobile" or vehicles that emit smoke, "stationary" like establishments that include power and beverage plants, and "area" or residences.

The same DENR EMB 7 reported that carbon dioxide, a greenhouse gas, constituted 50 percent of the air pollutants coming from mobile sources.

The report, however, said that Central Visayas specificially Cebu still enjoys safe breathable air despite increasing air pollutants coming from the three major sources, and has very little

potential to affect public health based on the DENR-EMB 7 air quality index.

In the Emission Inventory conducted last 2008, mobile constituted 64 percent of the air pollution in Central Visayas and 21 percent for stationary while air pollution coming from area or residences had a share of 15 percent, the EMB-DENR -7 reported.

During LTO-7 roadside spot emission tests conducted in 2009, only 12.5 percent of the vehicles inspected passed. In the same year, motorcycles and tricycles had the highest registration volume in LTO-7.

(PIA-Cebu)

PNP Siquijor holds media relations seminar SIQUIJOR, Nov. 15 (PIA) -- Over 20 participants composed of Chiefs of Police of the six Municipal Police Stations with their respective Deputy Chiefs of Police, Police Community Relations (PCR) –Police Non- Commission Officers (PNCOs), Public Information PNCOs, PCR and Public Information Officers from the SPPO Headquarters and Provincial Public Safety Platoon (PPSP) led by Police Inspector Luzviminda B. Langbid and Police Inspector Percebal F. Miasco, respectively attended the 'Media Relations Seminar' held recently at the Siquijor Provincial Police Office (SPPO), Caipilan, Siquijor, Siquijor.

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Our hope and expectations, is that we will be able to re-orient and motivate every PNP member to be responsive of the importance of a healthy and smooth relationship with each other,” Police Senior Superintendent Ernesto Fuentes Agas said.

In his brief message, the provincial director underscored the impact of having good relationship between the Police and the media as a key to effective information release mechanism in order to reduce communication barriers.

The main resource speaker was the

Regional Director of Philippine Information Agency- 7 Minerva BC Newman who gave her lecture from 8:30AM to 12:00NN and resumed at 1:00PM to 2:30PM. Her topics included Knowing and Understanding the Media, Information Operation/Development Communication, News Production and Writing, among others.

On the part of the PNP, PSSUPT Agas discussed among other subjects, the PNP- Media Relations, Functions Rules and Responsibilities of the Spokespersons /

PIO’s, SOPs/Protocol on Crisis Situation, Press Release Writing.

The seminar culminated at around 5:30 PM with the distribution of certificates of attendance to all participants and the message of RD Newman as the Guest of Honor and Speaker.

“The symbiosis of the police and the media makes their jobs easier that will ultimately lead to a well- informed public,” she said. (PIA-Siquijor/RAC& PNP -Siquijor)

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EASTERN VISAYAS

PAG-ASA modernization program ongoing

by Ninfa B. Quirante

CATBALOGAN CITY, SAMAR, Nov. 16 (PIA) -- Philippine Atmospheric Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAg-Asa) Senior Meteorological Officer Eddie Dela Cruz bared recently that the agency is now enjoying a five-year modernization program.

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We have been pushing for this program since 2003, and we are happy that it is taking off, from 2010-2015, ” Dela Cruz said.

The synoptic station, for example, will have a Php400 thousand renovation plan.

They have also purchased some modern equipment needed to monitor weather conditions such as the Microbarograph which measures the heat and coldness at any given time and the maxi-

mum /minimum thermometer.

There is also the Pag-asa Land Radar in Cebu which is for construction next year. This Php 69 million equipment can easily monitor weather disturbances in the Pacific and South Chine Sea (now called West Philippine Sea).

In Mindanao, he added that a Duplex Radar will be installed in Cagayan de Oro City and in another area he can not remember.

“This is also worth Php52-M,” he

shared.

In the whole Samar area, some equipments and buildings will also be put up.

In Guiuan, Eastern Samar, he said that a new building to house the Guiuan Radar Station will be Pag-Asa is also elated that recently, they have been receiving praises for their efforts to warn the public about impending danger in the weather. (PIASamar)

Winners of the 2nd Chito S. Roño Literary Awards bared

by Neil D. Lopido

TACLOBAN CITY, Leyte, Nov. 16 (PIA) – The Northwest Samar State University (NwSSU) in Calbayog City announced the results of the recently concluded 2nd Chito S. Roño Literary Awards released last November 11, 2011 during the graduation rites of the 8th Lamiraw Regional Creative Writing Workshop.

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ccording to Harold L. Mercurio, contest coordinator, the contest covered three categories, namely, poetry, short story and play/screen play using Waray and Inabaknon languages sponsored by Chito S. Roño, a multiawarded TV and film director and a native of Calbayog City.

For the Siday (Poetry) category, Third Prize goes to Jhonil C. Bajado from Maydolong, Eastern Samar and an M.A. student at the Leyte Normal University; First Honorable Mention goes to Leonilo D. Lopido from Dolores, Eastern Samar and currently employed at the Philippine Information Agency 8; and the Second Honorable Mention goes to Jeremy Al-

exandre O. Evardone from Palapag, Northern Samar who is also a playwright and film enthusiast.

No winners were proclaimed for the first and second places as the entries did not qualify to the criteria set by the board of judges.

For the short story category, Yvonne M. Esperas from Tacloban City and a teacher from the Philippine Science High School Eastern Visayas campus, was proclaimed champion for her story “Balay nga Damo It Purtahan.”

For the Drama category, Efmer E. Agustin’s “Tawoan” was proclaimed First Honorable Mention. Agustin is a native of Abuyog, Leyte and a faculty member at

the UP Tacloban College. There were no winners also for the first, second and third places for this category.

No less than Chito S. Roño himself awarded the prizes and citations to the winners present during the awarding ceremony.

Last year, Lamiraw introduced this new addition, the Chito S. Roño Literary Awards for poetry, fiction and drama in order to boost the revival of the literature of Eastern Visayas.

It was launched during the opening ceremony of the Lamiraw workshop headed by Dr. Socorro S. Bohol, NwSSU president and workshop director last November 9-12, 2010. (PIA-8)

NHI acknowledges Daza as local hero

by N. A. E

BORONGAN CITY, Eastern Samar, Nov. 15 (PIA) – Better late than never. Eugenio Salazar Daza, whose 141st birthday is being celebrated today by Borongan City, has long been an unsung hero, despite his heroism and historical contribution during the 1896 Philippine Revolution.

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oday however, Governor Conrado B. Nicart, Jr. expressed admiration at the latest development at the National Historical Institute (NHI) for their recognition of such an exemplary conduct of Eugenio Daza y Salazar, which changed the course of the Philippine-American war in Samar. “ Ang buong lalawigan ng Silangang Samar ay taos pusong nagpapasalamat sa mga kinatawan ng Pambansang Komisyong

Pangkasaysayan ng Pilipinas sa pagkilala sa ating nag-iisang bayani na dapat ikarangal ng buong isla ng Samar at ng buong Pilipinas." he said The Governor noted that it was because of the solid and assertive moves of the Eastern Samarenos to push and prove for Daza’s proclamation as hero, that paved the way to NHI’s recognition of his contribution to the country’s history.

It is this attitude, he said, that could

push the province to move forward even more.

The celebration of Daza Day was not deterred by the heavy rains.

The City Government of Borongan, DepEd, Veterans Federation with the different school bands with the danceable members of the 8th Infantry Division Band, Philippine Army added color to the celebration. (PIA-Eastern Samar)

EASTERN VISAYAS

7

SoLeyte launches San Pablo Marine Protected Area

by R.G. Cadavos

SOUTHERN LEYTE, Nov. 16 (PIA) -- The Provincial Enviroment and Natural Resources Management Office (PENRMO)in close coordination with the Rare Conservation, launched on Tuesday, Nov 15 the Marine Protected Area in the Island of San Pablo, Hinunangan, this province.

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oastal Fisheries Resources Management Unit Officer Eva Abad in a short talk with the Philippine Information Agency (PIA)-Maasin reported that the launching activity coincided with the groundbreaking of the gurad house and the Marine Protected Area billboard, along the seashores of San Pablo Island.

“The whole day activity was graced by the Municipal Agriculture Officers and Agriculture Technicians in charge of fisheries, among other representative from different stakeholders,” Abad

Biliran solon, endeavors

bared.

It was in partnership with the Provincial Government of Southern Leyte, the local government of Hinunangan and the Rare Conservation – an international non-government organization that have programs implemented here in the Philippines, Abad added.

The launching activity conveyed two behaviors to the concerned constituents in order to protect the marine areas, such as “to urge the community to protect the MPA by reporting to the

governor

vow

continued

law enforcers if they noticed any violator, and for the fisherfolks not to go into the MPAs as the immediate beneficiaries of the program,” Abad said.

She added that a conservation fellow in the person of Armando Gaviola has been trained in the United States as the focal person in the implementation of the said program, in addition to Mr. Dag Navarrete who is also in charge of the Punta MPA, a Coral Cay Conservation assisted project in San Francisco town, this province.(PIASoLeyte)

support

to

DepEd

by Rodrigo S. Victoria

NAVAL, Biliran, Nov. 17 (PIA) – The governor and representative of the lone district of Biliran vowed before a big crowd attending the grand opening ceremony of the 2011 Biliran Provincial Athletic meet to give their full support to all the endeavors undertaken by the Department of Education (DepEd), Division of Biliran.

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ongressman Rogelio J. Espina promised in his message “to fully support all the endeavors of DepEd-Biliran” as he revealed several initiative programs and projects geared towards improving the capability of students and improving educational facilities.

He also promised to give a portion of his Priority Development Assistance Fund (PDAF) to the provincial government of

Biliran.

Congressman Espina added that he will pilot for next year the provision of iPAd for high school students to further improve their learning efficiency.

For his part, Billiran Governor Gerardo J. Espina, Jr. stressed in his message that he is “ready to support DepEd-Biliran”, noting the refurbishing made by the provincial government to the Biliran Provincial Sports Complex, the

venue of the 2011 Biliran Provincial Athletic meet.

Governor Espina said that the provincial government is also very much willing to support DepEd-Biliran for the training of athletes who will be selected to represent the province in the Eastern Visayas Regional Athletic Association (EVRAA) Meet that will be held in Maasin City in January 2012. # (RSV/PIA 8/Biliran)

UNICEF nutrition experts visit Northern Samar

by Teresita B. Cardenas

CATARMAN, Northern Samar, Nov. 17 (PIA) –- Nutrition experts from the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) recently visited the province of Northern Samar to discuss the health and nutrition situation of the province with the Provincial Health Office and conducted field visits in order to see actual conditions of children suffering from undernutrition, as well as determine actual conditions in the health centers especially in the rural areas.

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r. Yvonne Grellety, the team leader and a renowned technical expert and global pioneer in the management of acute malnutrition and Community-based Management of Acute Malnutrition (CMAM) and developers of the national guidelines for Eutopia, Malawi, India and other countries was invited by Unicef and was accompanied by Dr. Paul Zambrano, Unicef nutrition specialist and Michelle Borromeo, Unicef fund specialist and focal person for Northern Samar. visited the area for two days.

Provincial Planning and Development Coordinator Engr, Romeo M. Cardenas said that CMAM, globally is the only intervention with strong evidence of success and sustainability to battle SAM is the CMAM, now called Integrated Management of Acute Malnutrition or IMAM. Cardenas informed that children with severe acute malnutrition have a nine-fold risk of dying, and an intervention to address this problem was called for. In response to the issue, Unicef has initiated in 2010 with the local government of

ARMM, a pilot CMAM program to combat the risk of severe acute malnutrition (SAM).

Cardenas also said that the information from this trip will be very helpful in the development of the national guidelines which will help improve not only health and nutrition in Northern Samar, but the Philippines as a whole.

In Northern Samar, 15 children were identified with severe acute malnutrition, and these children are would be recipients of the CMAM programs ones implemented in the area. (PIA-NoSamar)

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) 3378718/3377301 or e‐mail piaamo6@yahoo.com.

Ms. Minerva BC Newman Regional Director, PIA 7

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

Ms. 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