One Visayas Issue 14

Vol I

In this Issue WESTERN VISAYAS

PIA 6 Regional Director Atty. Ma. Janet C. Mesa and SMART Communications, Inc. Sales and Wireless Community Solutions Department Head James Albert Bernas sign the MOA for the PIA 6 Infoboard System that will allow PIA 6 to send information more efficiently to its clientele.

The MOA signing was witnessed by (from L) PIA8 RD Erlinda Olivia Tiu, PCOO Sec. Herminio “Sonny” Coloma, Jr., PIA Director-General Atty. Jose A. Fabia and SMART Communications VisMin Community Solutions Dept. Manager Hazel Amoyan. (EJB/PIA 6)

More on Region 6, pages 2-3.

Also CLICK Here…

CENTRAL VISAYAS

Housing Fair 2011. Pag–IBIG Fund Vice President for Visayas Group, Ms. Victoria B. de la Peña (center) leads the ribbon cutting ceremony during the opening of the Housing Fair for 2011 held at the SM City Cebu Rotonda onOctober 21, 2011.

With her are from (L-R) Mr. Ariel Mercado of Primary Homes, SHDA President Mr. Paolo Quisumbing of ABQ & Sons Development, NHA Manager Engr. Gavino Figuracion and HUDCC Regional Representative Engr. Dodong Garso.(PIA-7/HFG/contributed photo)

More on Region 7, pages 4-5.

Also CLICK Here…

EASTERN VISAYAS

Robinsons Mall operations manager Sweetheart de Paz (left) assisted by DTILeyte provincial director Desiderio Belas and Marites Viñas of DOLE cut the ribbon during the opening program of the Pre-Christmas Trade Fair 2011 at Robinsons Place, Tacloban City, November 27. (PIA-8/Vino R. Cuayzon)

More on Region 8, pages 6-7.

Also CLICK Here...

Nov. 28 — Dec. 4, 2011

Published by: PIA 6, 7 & 8

Issue 14

Gov’t spends people’s money wisely, says Coloma

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LOILO CITY, Dec. 4 (PIA) — Presidential Communications Operations Office (PCOO) Secretary Herminio “Sonny” Coloma stressed that the government is not underspending on programs and projects.

If ever it is perceived to be doing so, this is because it just wants to make sure that people’s money is spent wisely and efficiently in consonance with President Aquino’s thrust on good governance, said Coloma during the yearend conference of government information officers of Western Visayas held Dec. 2 in Iloilo City.

He cited as an example the reforms adopted by the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) wherein it sees to it that infrastructure projects have the necessary program of work before their contracts are awarded to winning bidders.

Coloma, who graced the event with PIA Director General Atty. Jose A. Fabia, told the government information officers that government spending was expected to go up this fourth quarter as a result of the P72-billion stimulus fund unloaded by the government for priority development projects.

The government will also be rolling out projects from the Philippine Development Plan (PDP), which serves as the country’s blueprint for development from 2011 to 2016.

Coloma said the funding for these projects will come from the national budget (P1.8 trillion for 2012), public-private partnership, Official Development Assistance (ODA), and foreign direct investments.

Coloma graced the yearly gathering of information officers with Philippine Information Agency (PIA) Director General Jose A. Fabia.

They also led the launching of the PIA Info Board, which is a public-private partnership project between PIA 6 and SMART Communications, Inc., together with PIA Regional Director Ma. Janet C. Mesa and SMART Community Solutions Department head James Albert Bernas, and handed out awards to the region’s Best Performing Information Officers and Best IO Bloggers (JSC/ PIA6)

PCOO Sec. Herminio “Sonny” Coloma, Jr. lectures government information officers on Communication for Development (C4D) during the Western Visayas Information Officers’ Year-end Conference and Infoboard launching held Dec. 2 in Iloilo City. (EJB/PIA 6)

10 urban poor leaders receive 'Exemplary Service Award'

by Hazel Gloria EBU CITY, November 29 (PIA) -- Ten urban poor leaders nationwide will receive an Award for Exemplary Service as the Presidential Commission for the Urban Poor (PCUP) celebrates its 25th Anniversary on December 8, 2011.

Two of the awardees are from the Visayas region, particularly from Lapu-Lapu City and Tacloban City. Awardees are Concordio D. Austero of the Ibabao Marigondon Urban Poor Association, Marigondon, Lapu-Lapu City and Danilo M. Naputo of Brgy. 103 Palanog Homeowners Association, Inc., Brgy. 103, Tacloban City.

The other awardees are from the National Capital Region, Mindanao and Luzon areas.

The award acknowledges the exemplary contribution and good deeds of the urban poor leaders in uplifting the sectors’ lives and dignity.

Nominees were endorsed by the urban poor organizations. They were chosen according to the service they have rendered to the urban poor sector.

President Benigno S. Aquino III will give the award on December 9, 2011 at the Heroes’ Hall, Malacañang, Manila.

The anniversary’s theme is, “25 years of Exemplary Service: United and Helping the Urban Poor.” (PIA-7/hfg&PCUP)

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EVisayas ranks No.1 in 4Ps beneficiaries’ profile updating

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ACLOBAN CITY, Leyte, Nov. 28 (PIA) -– Eastern Visayas ranks number 1 in the updating of the data of beneficiaries of the Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program (4Ps), the National Program Management Office (NPMO) of the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) recently disclosed.

The results on database updating were presented during the Regional Beneficiary Data Management (BDM) Officers Training held in Mandaluyong City.

Eastern Visayas Regional Beneficiary Data Management (BDM) Officer Ms. Jonalyndie Bituin, said the results presented by the National Management Office inspires and motivates the Pantawid Staff in Eastern Visayas to work harder and to make better collaborative efforts.

According to Ms. Bituin, the Region’s performance rate was 82%, followed by CAR with a rating of 66%.

The rating means that 82% of the beneficiaries’ data have been updated and so it would result to 82% movement of unpaid cash grants.

The reason why the database needs to be updated is because the system reflects the compliance data of a beneficiary. .Non–compliance with conditions of the program

results to lower entitlement of cash grant or zero balance.

Ms. Bituin said this happens when during the survey prior to registration for the Pantawid Pamilya Program, the information that the interviewee disclosed about the household profile is different from the actual scenario.

These refer particularly to the name of school their child or children are enrolled in, the name of the health center they go to for health check-up, and the dates of birth of their child or children.

For the month of June 2011, from the national level down to the municipal level, the NPMO mandated 100% compliance updating the database for a particular period.

Then massive updating was also required for the month of October 2011.

As a result for the 100% compliance mandate, Field Office Eight topped the performance result covering 98,000 plus beneficiaries out of 156,000 plus marked as “not attending”.

With the massive updating strategy and regular encoding, the Regional Office hopes that the remaining 57,000 plus will be catered to and is expected to come up with 100% updated profiles of beneficiaries. (PIA-8)

WESTERN VISAYAS

2 Foreigners dominate arrivals in Boracay

November

tourist

by Venus G. Villanueva

KALIBO, Aklan, Nov. 30 (PIA) -- More foreign tourists arrived in Boracay this month of November compared with domestic visitors.

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klan Governor Carlito S. Marquez in his monthly report on the provincial government’s activities and accomplishments for the month aired over a local radio station here, relayed that 52.7% of visitor arrivals in Boracay were foreigners, based on the recorded 60,000 total arrivals from November 1-27 of this year.

The biggest number of these foreign visitors, according to Marquez, is composed of Chinese nationals from mainland China, whose number keeps on increasing due to more flights landing directly at Kalibo International Airport (KIA).

“The Chinese nationals also know no other beach destination except Boracay, thus their big number visiting the island,” Marquez said.

Boracay’s fame among the Chinese, the governor added, was due to the visit to Aklan of China’s Minister of Information in 2004, as well as the visit to China of some legislative officials who brought with them brochures featuring the island.

Website posts about the island, adjudged as one of the best destinations in the world, were also seen as contributing factors to Boracay’s popularity among foreigners.

From January to November 27 of this year, Marquez said a total of 811,652 arrivals had been listed by the province, compared to 713,000 in 2010 for the same period.

Marquez expressed optimism that the 2011 arrivals would reach 900,000 and at the same time hoping that arrivals of both

foreign and local visitors would hit the 1,000,000 mark next year.

The governor said the figure cited for the period does not include entries of visitors passing Tabon Point, another alternative entry point to Boracay during the “habagat” season, who were not registered, thus the possibility that there could be more arrivals than what were listed.

The province is also counting on the full implementation of the Unified Ticketing System at the Caticlan Jetty Port and later at the Cagban Jetty in Boracay that would accurately record actual arrivals in the island.

The full implementation of this system, according to the governor, will be a big help in realizing the 1,000,000 tourist arrival target for the island in 2012. J

Iloilo City, TESDA join hands in technopreneurship program

by Elsa S. Subong

ILOILO CITY, Nov. 27 (PIA) -- The Iloilo City government and the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA) recently launched the TESDA Specialista Technopreneurship Program (TSTP) for the city residents.

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ESDA-6 Director Florencio Sunico said that through the program, communities can avail of high quality and affordable house maintenance and appliance service by certified specialistas.

TESDA offered free training for qualified residents in partnership with the Technical Institute of Iloilo City, a Technical Vocational Education school run by the city and the Professional Electronics Institute, Inc. Sunico said the TSTP is unique as having a direct link or connection with employment, where graduates of tech-voc

courses can get into, in cooperation with the local government units, non-government organizations and technical vocational institutions.

He added these TESDA Specialista scholars are provided with on-the-job experience and quality community exposure as they undergo training.

There are already 10 certified graduates of the Technical Institute of Iloilo City who will participate as scholars in carpentry, plumbing and electricity, in the TSTP. These TESDA Specialistas will be part of the enterprise development model that

TESDA will assist into productive activities to help themselves and the community.

TESDA is giving them basic tools or starter kits to be used as their initial materials for livelihood enterprises.

Sunico thanked the city government headed by Mayor Jed Patrick Mabilog for the support and partnership with TESDA. TESDA-Iloilo Provincial Director Yolanda C. Porschwitz congratulated the Technical Institute of Iloilo and the Professional Institute, Inc. for being the first two model schools in TSTP, in Iloilo.

(JSC/ESS-PIA6 Iloilo).

DOE sets briefing vs. illegal trading of petroleum products

by Alex Alex A. Lumaque

ROXAS CITY, Capiz, Nov. 30 (PIA) – A briefing on the role of local government units (LGU) in the implementation of the downstream oil industry rules and regulations will be conducted by the Department of Energy (DOE) on Dec. 13 at the Provincial Capitol here.

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The half-day activity, in time with the 2011 National Energy Consciousness (NEC) Month celebration, aims to orient all LGUs in Capiz on the existing rules and regulations in the business of retailing of petroleum products,” said DOE Visayas Field Office director Antonio E. Labios in a letter to prospective participants.

He added that the briefing aims to highlight the significant role of the LGUs in

the downstream oil industry, especially in checking the proliferation of illegal trading and short selling of petroleum products, among others.

Representatives from the Treasurer's Office as well as Business Licensing Office of all LGUs and concerned national government agencies have been invited to attend the activity.

The DOE in collaboration with other government offices is also planning to

forge partnerships with the LGUs to effectively protect the consumers, promote product safety and ensure fair trade practices.

The NEC celebration every December reflects DOE’’s goal to maintain and implement energy commitment toward sustainable development. (JSC/AAL-PIA 6 Capiz)

WESTERN VISAYAS

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RDC Chair says multi-sectoral support needed for sustainable development

by Lilibeth A. French

ILOILO CITY, November 29 (PIA) -- Regional Development Council Chair and Capiz Governor Victor Tanco, Sr. said government should involve various sectors in achieving sustainable development.

“Government alone cannot do all these. We need to involve the business community, the academe, the labor sector groups as well as the various community-based people’s organization in order to achieve sustainable development that provide the needs of the present generation without comprising the ability of the future generations to meet their own needs,” said Tanco during the recent Regional Consultation on the Philippines’ participation in the 2012 United Nations Conference on Sustainable Development or the Rio+20 Conference held in this city.

The UN General Assembly has slated the Rio+20 Conference on June 20 – 22,

2012 in Rio de Janiero, Brazil with a two-fold theme on green economy within the context of sustainable development, and poverty eradication, and the institutional framework for sustainable development.

As input to the Rio+20 Conference, Tanco said the consultation was conducted in order to continually secure political commitments to sustainable development, assess progress and gaps in efforts to attain sustainable development and identify new and emerging challenges that the region needs to focus its attention in the coming years.

He said RDC 6 has been mainstreaming the concept of sustainable

development in the region since the launching of Philippine Agenda 21, citing that the Regional Development Plan for 2011 to 2016 contain chapters that outline specific commitments to ensure that development efforts will redound to the benefit not only of today’s population but for the generation to come.

Tanco likewise, said that the RDC is supportive of the National Greening Program of President Benigno Aquino; in efforts to mainstream disaster risk reduction and climate change adaptation concepts in local planning and investment programming; and in promoting environmental consciousness in localities.

(JCM/LAF/PIA-Iloilo)

Price coordinating councils hold talks on consumer welfare Negros Occidental, Dec. 1 (PIA) - - Regional officials and representatives of the local price coordinating councils of the different local government units in the province gathered recently for a seminar-workshop on consumer welfare provided in RA 7581 or Price Act.

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rnesto Pineda, Executive Assistant representing Bacolod City Mayor Evelio Leonardia, said the seminar-workshop was aimed at encouraging cities and municipalities to set up their own price monitoring councils for the benefit of the consumers, farmers and traders.

The main focus of the talks was on RA 758l or an act providing protection to consumers by stabilizing the prices of basic necessities and prime commodities and by prescribing measures against undue price increases during emergency situations and related developments.

Discussions were also made on

climate change; the Agri Pinoy Framework on food security; l00 percent food sufficiency by year 2013; sustainable agriculture through organic farming; water conservation with the rehabilitation of the irrigation system; safe and affordable food to all; partnership with the national, local, private, and civic sectors; gulayan sa paaralan; and the 4-H club.

Meanwhile, the use of Electronic Drug Price Monitoring System or EDPMS which is a computer-based solution aimed at capturing, processing, storing and generating reports on drug prices and inventories from drug companies, establishments and outlets was tackled

during the seminar-workshop.

Food and Drugs Officer II of DOH/ FDA Marian Dimatulac revealed that administrative sanctions for non-compliance of EDPMS ranging from not less than Php 10,000 but not more than Php 200,000, will be imposed for non -compliance, depending on the gravity of the offense, starting from the 2nd violation to the 4th violation and finally the revocation of one’s license to operate on the 5th violation while at first violation, will be issued a written warning.(EAD/JCM -PIA6/CMO Negros Occidental)

Trees to help address climate change and food security By: Pilar S. Mabaquiao

SAN JOSE, Antique Dec 1 (PIA)- Growing trees can help solve the problem on climate change and boost initiatives to attain food security.

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his according to Regional Director Oscar Cabanayan of the Environment Management Bureau, Region 6 when he graced the signing of the letter of commitment between the Municipal Government of San Jose and the Department of Environment and Natural Resources.

Cabanayan said, trees capture the carbon in the atmosphere that can slow down global warming. Tree plantation also creates undergrowth and prevents soil erosion.

Trees don’t allow sunlight to reach the ground, thus the more trees in our

environment, the cooler it becomes, explained Cabanayan.

Growing fruit trees likewise answer the need for food and can create livelihood or income generating activity.

Greening the environment is not the end, Cabanayan emphasized but the beginning of teaching our children, the next generation to find ways to care for the Earth.

Cabanayan called on the support of local officials, non-government organizations, agencies of government and community in general to support Executive Order No. 26 or the National

Greening Program (NGP) as government’s institutionalized response to mitigate climate change and global warming.

The endeavor of the local government of San Jose de Buenavista in planting trees at the watershed areas of San Remigio as contained in the letter of agreement is a laudable effort towards risk reduction of looming effects of disastrous climatic conditions, he said.

Cabanayan enjoins everyone to do its share in greening the environment and importantly saving our planet for the next generation. (JCM/PSM/PIA6 Antique)

CENTRAL VISAYAS

4 NGOs promote awareness

Anti-Human

Trafficking

by Hazel Gloria

CEBU CITY, November 25 (PIA) -- The United Nations Children's Fund (UNICEF), in cooperation with Ayala Center Cebu and Cebu Parklane International Hotel, will hold a free concert entitled, “I Move Stop” featuring Kitchie Nadal at The Terraces, Ayala Center Cebu at 6:30 p.m. today, November 25.

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he concert’s theme is “End Cyber Human Trafficking, Make Justice Happen” to raise awareness and to encourage local mechanisms for the prevention and protection of children against child trafficking. The concert also aims to advocate the holistic recovery and reintegration of child victims of trafficking.

The event also feature STC Buhilan Theater Organization, UP Sayawe, STC Sikabay, Apple and the Worms, Midnight

Summer, Candice Rosales, Sarah Caparas, Jeanette Lavilla and many others.

On the other hand, in celebration of the International Anti-Trafficking Day, UNICEF in cooperation with PLDT SMENation will initiate a Fun Run dubbed as “2011 Cebu Against Trafficking Race or CATRace” on December 11.

Registration starts on October 20 until December 4, 2011 with the running categories of 3k, 7k and 15k. The

registration fee is P250 which already includes dri-fit running t-shirt, race bib and snacks.

Assembly area will be at the Cebu International Convention Center at 4:00 a.m. on December 11.

Participants can register at the following venues: Cebu City Sports Center, Ground Floor, Cebu City Hall, Mandaue City Hall and SK Office, ABC Building, Lapu-Lapu City Hall.(PIA-7/HFG)

Lazi church, convent restoration underway

by Rizalie A. Calibo & Inacher A. Abatayo

LAZI, Siquijor, Nov. 29 (PIA) -- Following the series of field studies, ocular survey/visit, documentation and assessment, the National Commission for Culture and the Arts (NCAA) recently released P600,000 for the restoration of the Lazi Church and Covent in Siquijor province. he project includes restoration of 1, 1973 also declared the two structures establishment of “dagkotanan” (an area retablos, two pulpits and the as national historical landmarks under the where candles are lit). door of the church.

National Historical Institute.

SFHI treasurer Verna Alih, the old National Museum conservation Constructed by Augustinian “dagkotanan” has been closed because it curator Engr. Orlando Abinion said the Recollects, the Baroque church was almost caused fire to the church. field studies, visits and assessment were established in 1857 while the convent was The group is currently considering a done by the National Museum, NCCA and erected in 1887 and finished in 1891. new location. the National Historical Commission of the Currently, the convent also houses SHFI is a non-government Philippines (NHCP) early this year. the Siquijor Heritage Museum which organization that leads in undertaking Abinion said the US Ambassador preserves religious relics, artifacts and repairs, restoration and preservation of Harry Thomas will also release some reprinted archival photographs (ca. 1900- monuments and sites in the province. preservation fund for the restoration of 1950) of the various churches and It also contributed in the establishthe altar as he appeals Siquijodnons to convents in the island. ment of the Siquijor Heritage Museum. unite in preserving the magnificent The two structures are included in Alih said, giving focus on the national treasures. the Philippine National Commission on preservation and propagation of the Reminiscent of the old Spanish Culture and Art’s list of 26 outstanding Siquijor culture and heritage sites will also settlement in the province, the two heritage churches of the Philippines that strengthen the Siquijodnon’s faith and landmarks are considered as national are targeted for restoration. patrimony. (PIA-Siquijor with reports treasures, pursuant to Republic Act No. Also supporting the project is the from Inacher A. Abatayo.)

4846.

Siquijor Heritage Foundation Incorporated Presidential Decree-260 dated August (SFHI) that allocated P110,000 for the

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Cebu NGO calls on lawmakers to pass RH Bill

by Fayette C. Riñen

CEBU CITY, December 01 (PIA) -- A Cebu-based non-government organization called on legislators to hasten the passage of the Reproductive Health (RH) Bill in order to empower women and allow them to fully participate in the nation-building process.

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How can we promote women empowerment if basic decisions such as what methods to adopt with regards to family planning is hindered?” according to Jaqueline de la Peña, executive director of Kaabag sa Sugbo.

Kaabag sa Sugbo is one of the NGOs in Cebu advocating against violence against women and child abuse.

“Women should be given the right to decide for her body and sexuality,” Akbayan Partylist spokesperson Riza Hontiveros-Baraquel said.

Baraquel added that, “Many Filipino mothers die from maternal complications and in order to reduce the incidence of maternal mortality rate, we need to pass the RH Bill.”

Previously, the DOH-7 said there is a rising incidence on maternal mortality rate (MMR) in the country and that the Philippines is far from reaching its goal of reducing MMR to an acceptable level as mandated under the United Nations Millennium Development Goals (MDG).

As a signatory to the United Nations

MDG, the Philippines has until 2015 to decrease its MMR to 52 deaths per 100,000 population. A present, the country’s has a MMR of 62 deaths per 100,000 population, the DOH-7 said.

Both Baraquel and De la Peña spoke in a press conference during the two-day Regional Conference on Violence Against Women and Child Abuse in Cebu. The theme of the conferene was “Empowering Women: Changing Communities.” (PIACebu)

CENTRAL VISAYAS

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Bayawan hospital soon to be equipped with CEMONC

by Rachelle M. Nessia

DUMAGUETE CITY, Nov. 28 (PIA) -- The Negros Oriental provincial government has set aside funds to equip the Bayawan City District Hospital with a Comprehensive Emergency Obstetrics and Newborn Care (CEMONC).

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his was announced by Negros Oriental Gov. Roel Degamo in a recent medical mission held in Bayawan City, Negros Oriental as he disclosed that construction of said facility worth P18 million, will start soon.

The move is in line with the provincial government’s efforts to reduce the maternal and child mortality rate in the province while improving the health services at the Bayawan District Hospital,

said Degamo.

Data from the Integrated Provincial Health Office (IPHO) show that the number of infant deaths slightly rose in 2010 with 153 deaths or 6.26 percent from 145 or 5.75 percent recorded in 2009.

Maternal mortality, on the other hand, dropped from 29 deaths or 115.7 percent in 2009 to 24 or 98.17 percent in 2010.

Degamo recently led the medical team that held a mobile surgical and medical mission at the Bayawan District Hospital.

The four-day medical mission held November 16 to 19, 2011 brought various health services not only for Bayawan City residents but also from the neighboring towns of Sta. Catalina and Basay. (RMN/ PIA Negros Oriental)

Media sees importance of convergence in poverty reduction

by Hazel Gloria

CEBU CITY, Dec. 01 (PIA) – A Bohol town’s convergence strategy in implementing poverty reduction and social protection programs of the government makes for better program management, including maximization of resources.

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his was among the findings made by a group of local and national media practitioners, who visited program sites implementing the “Tatsulo” convergence strategy in Buenavista town, according to Evelyn Macapobre, regional director of Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD)-7.

Macapobre said that the programs included in the said strategy were the Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program (Pantawid Pamilya); Kapit Bisig Laban sa Kahirapan-Comprehensive and Integrated Delivery of Social services (KALAHI-CIDSS); and Self-Employment Assistance-Kaunlaran (SEA-K) livelihood program.

She added that the “Tatsulo” provided “unified” feedback mechanism (e.g., reporting, monitoring and evaluation).

The 22 media practitioners who joined the visit comprised of journalists from Manila Bulletin, Sun Star Daily, Cebu Daily News, CCTN-47, DYDD, DYKC, DYTR, DYRD, DYWC, DYGB and DYRM and Super Balita. Four Philippine Information Agency personnel, and representatives from civil society groups also joined the learning group.

They interacted program beneficiaries that helped them to clarify issues, and gain deeper understanding of the “Tatsulo” strategy.

Macapobre further said, DSWD’s

partnership with other national government agencies, non-government organizations, and civil society organizations enhances government's relationships with the various stakeholders. She added that the visit highlighted also the role of media as partners in advocacy and promotion efforts of the welfare agency.

"We also included 'big tickets' like the social pension for indigent senior citizens; supplementary feeding program for day care children; and rice subsidy for the marginalized farmers and fisher folks.

These are programs that help indigents cross poverty," Macapobre remarked.

(PIA-7/hfg/DSWD/jb)

DSWD7 allocates P8.26M for homeless families in Dumaguete City

by Jennifer Catan-Tilos

DUMAGUETE CITY, Nov. 25 (PIA) -- The Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) region 7 has allocated P4.2 million for housing needs of the displaced and homeless families of Dumaguete City.

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ubbed as the Core Shelter Assistance Project (CSAP), this program of DSWD benefits 60 indigent families who were victims of flashflood in Dumaguete City three years ago.

The DSWD has identified and prioritized families living in shanties along rivers banks and creeks of Barangays TabucTubig, Bagacay, Junob, Cadawinonan, Batinguel, Candau-ay, Balugo, Taclobo, and Barangay 8, said Regional Social Marketing Officer Kaye Pantinople of DSWD. Pantinople said that with the assistance of the city government of Duma-

guete which grants a counterpart of P4.06M covering the purchase of lot, survey, and site development. Each household will receive a 50 square meter land area in their relocation site at Barangay Bajumpandan, Dumaguete City, which has a total land area of 5,000 square meters.

The CSAP program was officially opened through a ground breaking ceremony recently conducted and led by DSWD’s Assistant Regional Director Nemia Antipala and Dumaguete City Mayor Manuel Sagarbarria.

The program aims not only to provide new and safe relocation site

within the city but also to bring out maximum participation of beneficiaries in the construction of their houses.

Community Organizing and Social Preparation Components will follow through to ensure that the family-beneficiaries are able to grasp the positive values of mutual cooperation, unity, and self-reliance that this project brings, said DSWD officer.

Second District Cong. George P. Arnaiz of Negros Oriental also graced the ground breaking ceremony and expressed gratefulness to DSWD for the project and the amount released. (PIA/JCT)

EASTERN VISAYAS

6 BIR Eastern Visayas collection targets

exceeds

October

TACLOBAN CITY, Leyte, Nov. 26 (PIA) -– BIR Eastern Visayas continues to perform well as shown by the positive revenue collection for the month of October.

IR Eastern Visayas Director P5.588 million equivalent to 27.11%.

RDO 88 Tacloban City registered an Diosdado R. Mendoza said that The four Revenue District Offices increase from the assigned goal ranging for the month of October the BIR under the BIR Eastern Visayas Region also from 0.04% to 27.11% in October 2011. posted a collection of P327.120 million registered a positive performance for the Director Mendoza who was guest at which is 3.32% or 10.500 million more month of October by generating increased the Suruswerte Ha PIA radio program on than its goal for the period. revenues over that of Taxable Year 2010, Friday, November 24, shares the honor of Compared to the previous year’s col- Director Mendoza disclosed. the good performance since he was lections for the same period the Bureau Catarman, Northern Samar recorded transferred to Tacloban in September. managed to have a surplus of P17.209 a total collection of P27.321 million; He however, challenged them to million or 5.55%, Director Mendoza said. Catbalogan City with P44.233 million; double their efforts considering that the Revenue No. 86 in Borongan City Ormoc City with a collection of 57.323 succeeding months of November and emerged as the top performer with its million; and Maasin City with P27.154 December 2011 have higher collection overall collections of P26.203 million that million. goals compared to the preceding months. surpassed its 20.615 million collection goal All Revenue District Offices in (PIA-8) in October 2011 with a wide margin of Eastern Visayas with the exception of

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Catbalogan city prepares 103 families for possible relocation after landslide

by Ninfa B. Quirante

CATBALOGAN CITY, Samar, Nov 29 (PIA) -- The city government of Catbalogan, through the city social welfare and development office (CSWDO), is preparing some 103 families that maybe at risk in the landslide area in Barangay Bunuanan, Catbalogan City.

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n an interview with Nida Arosa of the CSWDO, she said that Mayor Coefredo Uy has asked them to prepare an inventory of the families ‘at risk’ of being affected by landslide.

Two landslides in the recent past have claimed five lives in the same area.

On October 21, 2011, a mother and her three young children were buried in a landslide. After a month, on November 22, an eight year-old boy named Aldrin Abaincia also suffered the same fate.

Authorities believe that the first incident was caused by continuous rains and that the second one was triggered by the clearing operations of the first landslide.

According to Arosa, the LGU is still planning the relocation pending upon the recommendation of the Mines and GeoSciences Bureau (MGB).

However, in a report from a regional paper, it said that of the MGB rapid geohazard assessment results stated that only

Samar province has the lowest number of areas prone to landslide with only Basey, Calbayog, Marabut and Talalora, with 15 Barangays are in highly susceptible , 11 are in moderate and 10 are low.

Just the same, LGU Catbalogan maintains that they will wait for recommendation, but as of the present time, both the Samar LGU and Catbalogan LGU have extended emergency assistance to the affected families. (NBQ/PIA 8-Samar)

Maasin City College named best smoke-free college in EVisayas

by R.G. Cadavos

MAASIN CITY, Southern Leyte, Nov. 29 (PIA) -– The Department of Health (DOH) Regional Office 8 has declared Maasin City College as the Best Smoke-Free College throughout Eastern Visayas.

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The Maasin City College strictly implemented the smoking ban basing on city ordinance for which Maasin City was awarded the Red Orchid award for two times,” Maasin City Mayor Maloney L. Samaco reported in a phone interview over radio station DyDM. He said that the two other choices of the DOH-8 evaluating team were Leyte Normal University and the Naval State University. ”Advertisements of the ill effects of smoking are seen within the the school campus, such as posters, stickers and the like, and seminars were conducted to the teachers and other teaching staff, students,

among other personnel of the school regarding the executive orders of anti-smoking capmpaign program,” Samaco informed during the “Maasin City in Action” regular program hosted by Zaldy Olita.

The best practice that was also considered by the evaluators was the search operation by the security guard upon entry of the school campus to the students whether they had brought along a cigarette or a lighter, Mayor Samaco noted.

The city mayor said that the implementation of anti-smoking campaign drew positive reception from the teaching

staff and the students of the Maasin City College, saying that “I am grateful for the support of the college administration as well as the city officials for the support they have extended to the programs of the city government.”

The awarding ceremony is set on December 6, 2011 to be held at Tacloban City, he disclosed. “Maasin City has again reaped another award in the field of health program, and the city of Maasin will be competing as the Best Smoke-Free College at the national level,” Mayor Samaco further said. (PIA-Southern Leyte)

EASTERN VISAYAS

7

Naval barangays to implement Makamasang Tugon projects in 2012

by Rodrigo S. Victoria

NAVAL, Biliran, November 28 (PIA) –- The focal person in the implementation of community-driven development projects said on Monday that the 26 barangays this town will implement the Makamasang Tugon projects starting the second quarter of next year.

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akamasang Tugon Round 1 (MTR1) municipal monitor Jonathan G. Adriatico revealed the information in an interview with Philippine Information Agency (PIA) on the first day of the two-day criteria setting workshop held on November 28 at the White House, Barangay Calumpang this town.

Adriatico disclosed that an amount of P11.7M is allocated for the implementation MTR1 projects under the KALAHI-CIDSS that will be started in April next year.

He added that each barangay will receive the amount of P450, 000 to finance in the implementation of MTR1 project identified by the barangay as

priority project.

He said that the MTR1 projects that are expected to be finished in June of next year are funded through a grant by the Millennium Challenge Corporation (MCC).

LGU-Naval through Naval Mayor Susan V. Parilla shouldered the LGU counterpart amount of P2.34M for the implementation of the MTR1 projects, Adriatico said noting that the provincial, municipal, barangay local governments are required to give counterpart amount of 30% of the project cost.

The municipal monitor also assured that implementation of the MTR1 projects in the municipality of Naval will undergo proper check and balance to avoid

wastage of funds, Adriatico added.

He is also hopeful that another round of Makamasang Tugon projects will be implemented in the capital town of Biliran province if positive results will be observed after the MTR1 project implementation.

Meanwhile, Mayor Parilla assured to participants composed of barangay captains and MTR1 representatives in the two-day criteria setting workshop that she will not intervene in the selection of projects rather she will give them the discretion to choose whatever projects that will be implemented under the MTR1 in their respective barangays. (PIA-Biliran)

BFAR: Guiuan is E Samar’s best marine life producing town

by Samuel D. Candido

BORONGAN CITY, Eastern Samar, Nov. 28 (PIA) -– Guiuan town, some 103 kilometers south of Eastern Samar’s capital city of Borongan, has been considered as the best marine life producing municipality of Eastern Samar.

T

his, according to the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources – Guiuan Marine Fisheries Development Center (BFAR- GMFDC) and the Philippine Association of Crab Processors Incorporated (PACPI) of Manila who collaborated for a hatchery production trial recently.

According to Ms. Nonita S. Cabacaba, OIC-Center Chief and Project Leader of Blue Swimming Crab at BFAR-GMFDC, the decline in annual catch of blue-swimming crab around the area is

alarming.

Ms. Cabacaba further said that after a series of trials, blue-swimming crabs were finally produced successfully in the hatchery.

On May 31, 2001 the first crab reseeding was made in Bagunbanwa Island where some 1,500 juvenile crabs were released at the marine sanctuary.

In a November 25, a press conference held at the BFAR-GMFDC, Ms. Haydee Ann A. Montoya, Program Director of PACPI said that there is another crab reseeding in Manapag Reef Sanctuary

to ensure that a steady and sustainable supply of crab meat is met.

This blue-swimming crabs, known locally as “masag” or “alimasag” is a very important fishery commodity in the Philippines aside from local consumption and export market.

The PACPI is a legitimate national organization that seeks to develop the crab industry. It also seeks to protect and enhance the natural supply of blue swimming crab in the Philippine waters.

(PIA-Eastern Samar)

101 UEP-COED graduates pass licensure exam for teachers

by Ailene N. Diaz

CATARMAN, Northern Samar, Nov. 28 (PIA) -– The University of Eastern Philippines (UEP)- College of Education (CoEd) time and again proved its worth by producing 101 new licensed teachers in the September 2011 Licensure Examination for Teachers (LET).

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his was learned in an interview with Ms. Romula Obleopas, head of the University Publication and Media Affairs Office, University of Eastern Philippines Obleopas informed that there were 56 who passed in the Elementary level and 45 in the Secondary level.

For his part, Dr. Ronato S. Ballado, UEP Dean of the College of Education said, “if we calculate the percentile of the number of takers based on the actual number of (CoEd) students who graduated, (UEP) got a passing percentage of 39.29% (Elementary Level) as compared to 22.68% in the national level and 71.43%

(Secondary Level) as compared to 31.45% in the national level.”

UEP President Atty Mar P. De Asis isaid they are happy with the performance of the CoEd graduates in the licensure examination. This year’s passing percentage surpassed that of last year’s average performance of 35.12%.

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