One Visayas Issue 15

Vol I

Published by: PIA 6, 7 & 8

Issue 15

In this Issue WESTERN VISAYAS

The flood control team of Bacolod City in an ongoing clearing of the drainage system in major streets of Bacolod City. (City Hall/PIA/cad photo)

More on Region 6, pages 2-3.

Also CLICK Here…

CENTRAL VISAYAS

Cebu Vice Gov. Agnes Magpale talks on the Provincial Women and Children Code that promotes the welfare of women and children during the recent Regional Conference on Violence Against Women and Child Abuse (VAW-C).

With her are Dr. Rhodora Bucoy of SIDLAK Gender Resource Center-7 and DILG-7 Assistant Regional Director, Elias Fernandez who also shared their inputs on the Magna Carta of Women and Gender and Development. (PIA-7 Cebu/AS)

More on Region 7, pages 4-5.

Also CLICK Here…

EASTERN VISAYAS

Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas governor Amando Tetangco Jr. leads in the traditional tossing of coins after the blessing and inauguration of the BSP Tacloban Branch Building at San Jose, Tacloban City, December 8.

Also in photo are Rep. Ferdinand Martin Romualdez (1st district, Leyte), Leyte governor Jericho Petilla and monetary board member Peter Favila. (Vino R. Cuayzon)

More on Region 8, pages 6-7.

Also CLICK Here...

December 5 — 11, 2011

FITS urges Siquijor banana producers to also go into processing

by Rizalie A. Calibo SIQUIJOR, Dec. 5 (PIA) -- To boost entrepreneurship and tourism in Siquijor province, the Provincial Farmers Information and Technology Services (FITS) Consortium encouraged local banana producers to also go into processing and become entrepreneurs themselves.

Provincial Science and Technology Director Engr.

Mario de la Peña said a two-day training on Banana Processing for at least 25 members of Siquijor Banana and Peanut Producers Association (SBPPA) will start December 6 at the DOST Conference Room, this province.

“We are responding to the needs of the local farmers. They wish to venture into processing and so we are giving this training to them,” he said.

De la Peña said he is convinced that the training is already a big step towards boosting not only province’s

banana industry but also the farmers’ income.

At present, de la Peña said the province has only five processors and are focusing on the same line of products, common of which are banana chips.

He said Duran Banana Products has received assistance from DOST’s Small Enterprise Technology Upgrading Program (SETUP) – from technology upgrading to product packaging and labeling.

The rest are still struggling and are needing more assistance from different line agencies although the FITS and DOST have also assisted them through trainings particularly on good manufacturing practices, label design and product packaging, he said.

“This time, we are focusing on products other than the existing ones processed by our local processors like banana catsup, flour, marmalade, and others,” the DOST provincial director also said.

(PIA-Siquijor/RACalibo)

PHILEXPORT Christmas Bazaar shows Leyte’s best products

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ACLOBAN CITY, Leyte, Dec. 8 (PIA) -- The best export quality products from the various municipalities of Leyte will be showcased at the Philexport Christmas Bazaar scheduled on December 8, 2011 to January 7, 2012 at the local Robinsons Place.

Organized by the Philippine Exporters Confederation, Inc. (PHILEXPORT) in partnership with the Department of Trade and Industry-Leyte, the bazaar will support the country’s export promotion programs towards further small medium enterprise (SME) development and the export industry as a whole.

DTI Provincial Director Desiderio Belas, Jr. said the Christmas Bazaar will showcase indigenous raw materials like ticog, romblon, pandan, bariw, coco shells and raffia made into unique handicrafts, gifts and decors.

Furniture from Bato, Leyte, herbal soap from Tabontabon, charcoal stove from Abuyog will also be

displayed, Director Belas added.

Moreover, local native delights and delicacies like cassava roll or kabkab from Baybay City, banana chips and veggie noodles from Tolosa, and roscas from Barugo, cheesesticks from Hilongos, pili products, bukayo, pinato, coco candies from Burauen, tarts and pastillas from Carigara will also be sold.

PHILEXPORT is the umbrella organization of Philippine exporters accredited under the Export Development Act (EDA) of 1994. It is a non-stock, non -profit private organization born out of the unification of the Philippine Exporters Foundation and the Confederation of Philippine Exporters last October 1991.

In partnership with government, PHILEXPORT leads the country’s export community in the pursuit of sustainable export-led national growth and development. (PIA-8)

Western Visayas' ‘strong’ exports identified

by Jaime S. Cabag Jr.

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LOILO CITY, Dec. 7 (PIA) -- Industries in Western Visayas that have strong export potentials and can generate more foreign currency reserves and contribute further to the region’s development have been identified in the 20112016 Regional Development Plan.

The list includes loomweaving/indigenous fibers in Aklan, muscovado sugar in Antique, horticulture in Capiz, mango in Guimaras, bamboo in Iloilo, and gift ware and holiday décor in Negros Occidental.

Their sample products for export include the following: loom woven cushion covers, placemats, fabrics, table runners, bags, and shawls; muscovado rocks and muscovado sugar in sachets; flora like dracaena sanderina, florida beauty, godseffiana, polycias, song of Korea, and ophiopogon; fresh mangoes, dried mango preserves, ketchup and wine from mango; furniture and furnishings from bamboo; and assorted laminated products, tabletop accessories, lampshades, baskets and ceramics from giftware and holiday décor.

These sectors have existing markets in some countries in Asia, United States, Europe, and the Middle East. They are also targeting new markets in

Infocen Managers from Western Visayas draft PIA6’s communication plan aimed mainly at making people aware of programs and projects including exports promotion implemented by the government under the Philippine Development Plan for 2011-2016. The complanning workshop was done during their Dec. 9 yearend conference.

(PIA6)

other countries in these areas.

The regional plan calls for the promotion to cover product quality improvement of the export potentials of these industries in order to propel their competitiveness in the global market and increase export revenues of the region from US$160 million in 2009.

These potentially strong exports are on top of the region’s existing products or commodities that have been traded abroad including coal, raw sugar, sugarcane molasses, crab meat, and assorted frozen marine products. (JCM/JSC-PIA6)

WESTERN VISAYAS

2 CSPC conducts Sibalom officials

two-day

orientation

for

by Margie L. Gadian

SAN JOSE, Antique, Dec. 6 (PIA) -- A two-day orientation and planning workshop on special tion of children was held early this month.

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articipants were officials of the ten (10) barangays in Sibalom.

DOJ Undersecretary Leah T. Armamento, Chairperson of the CSPC, emphasized the role of local officials in addressing child abuse and exploitation in their respective barangays. She said that even if a place has no high incidence of child abuse, it is better to put in place preventive measures.

As an incentive, Usec Armamento announced the awarding of cash prizes for those barangays with the best child protection programs among the ten (10) chosen barangays.

First prize is P50,000, second prize is

P30,000 and third prize is P20,000.

Among the topics discussed during the workshop were legal policies involved in child protection such as; RA 7610, otherwise known as the Anti-Child Abuse and Exploitation Act, RA 8353 or the Anti -Rape Law, RA 9208, otherwise known as the Anti-Trafficking in Persons Act, RA 9775 or the Anti-Child Pornography Act and RA 9344, otherwise known as the Juvenile Justice and Welfare Act of 2006.

The second day focused on the planning workshop for the barangays.

The Committee for the Special Protection of Children consists of the

protec-

Department of Justice (DOJ) as the chair with DSWD as co-chair.

Members are the DILG, Commission on Human Rights (CHR), DepEd, Department of foreign Affairs (CHR), DOT, DOLE, DOH, NBI, PNP, Bureau of Immigration, the National Prosecution Service and the Council for the Welfare of Children (CWC) as the secretariat.

Members from the non-government organization are the ECPAT-Philippines, Philippine Inter-Faith Network for Children and the Child Protection Unit Network Foundation. (DOJ/MLG/JCM/PIA -Antique)

606 farmers complete organic farming 'on air' course

by Vicente W. Villavert

ILOILO CITY, Dec. 8 (PIA) -- A graduation ceremony for the 600 farmer-graduates of the Department of Agriculture (DA)-Region 6's school-on-the-air distance study program will be held on December 9 in Punta Villa Resort, Villa, Arevalo, this city.

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egional Information Officer Juvy Gaton of DA 6 noted that this year’s students of the school-onthe air were young, with ages ranging from 17 to 25 years old. They came from 25 municipalities in Western Visayas.

“We are happy to have these young people who are interested in farming because our farmers now are getting older,” Gaton said in a PIA interview. "Very few of the younger generation are interested to engage in farming, and only few are enrolled in...agriculture courses.”

Gaton said that the DA 6 School-onthe-Air has somehow encouraged young

people to learn farming techniques through a series of broadcast modules.

The school aired three-times a week on topics such as organic and sustainable farming.

“School-on-the-air (SOA) teachers are experts in organic farming and they facilitate the transfer of various farm technologies from 4:00-4:30 A.M. over DYRI," Gaton added.

The SOA started last July. Upon registration, the students examinations were administered to students to find out the level of their knowledge on the said topics to be covered in the course.

Gaton said the school-on-the-air will

award honor students during the graduation ceremony.

The DA 6 regional information officer said that the SOA topic on organic farming is also in step with President Aquino’s thrust on promoting organic agriculture as a means to address the food security in the country.

During the recent 8th National Organic Agriculture Conference President Aquino directed the Department of Agriculture to ensure that two percent of its annual budget be allocated for the implementation of its programs and policies on organic agriculture. (JCM/TWV/ PIA6-Iloilo)

Sapi-an MPO gets Most Outstanding Award

by Alex Alex A. Lumaque

ROXAS CITY, Capiz, Dec. 5 (PIA) -- The Provincial Population Office (PPO) has awarded Sapi-an Municipal Population Officer (MPO) – designate Lani Arnz Caberte as this year’s Most Outstanding MPO in the province during the recent 20th Barangay Service Point Officers (BSPO) Congress here.

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PO - Capiz Administrative Operation In-Charge Gennie L. Mariano said the award is aimed to recognize active and working MPOs, who have introduced innovations in family planning and reproductive health services in their respective towns.

“The awardee received a Certificate of Recognition and P3,000.00 cash,” she said.

Caberte, who is also the town’s executive secretary, believed that the strict implementation of a parenthood

seminar and close coordination with a school-based teen center coordinators were among his winning factors for the award.

PPO – Capiz has classified the teen center as among the “most visited” by various groups who conducted observation and study tour on adolescent-friendly projects.

The MPO is also a member of a Pre-Marriage Counseling (PMC) team created by the municipal government to ensure efficient and effective delivery of

PMC services.

PMC is a requirement for couple’s who want to apply for a marriage license.

Caberte added that through the MPO and help of the various departments in the local government unit, about 8,000 unwed couples in Sapi-an have benefited from a number of mass weddings in the past couple of years.

Another mass wedding is scheduled in Sapi-an in February 2012 in time with the Civil Registration Month celebration.

(JCM/AAL/PIA 6 Capiz)

WESTERN VISAYAS

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DepEd-6 urges use of ‘Juan Time’

by Elsa S. Subong

ILOILO CITY, Dec. 8 (PIA) -- The Department of Education - Western Visayas is urging all schools under its supervision to observe the use of “Juan Time,” which means being “on time” by observing the Philippine Standard Time (PST) established by the Department of Science and Technology (DOST).

“

Juan Time,” according to the DOST, is a campaign that promotes time consciousness among the Filipinos, through the use of the PST, which is the country’s official time.

DOST Secretary Mario Montejo said that “Juan time” by keeping to the PST will help society avoid confusion and difficulties caused by unsynchronized time.

DepEd-6 Information Officer Dr. Eden Deriada said the agency has always observed PST, and that is working to help change the mindset of the Filipino’s concept of time a.k.a. "Filipino time," which means coming late for appointments.

Recently, Education Secretary Armin Luistro issued a memo which states that class schedules, meetings and events

should be based on the PST, and these activities should start on time.

He likewise directed all offices in all levels to set all clocks, including all time recording devices to match the PST set by the DOST through the PAGASA. (JCM/ESS/PIA-Iloilo)

Bacolod City to monitor oil pumps

By Easter Anne D. Doza

BACOLOD CITY, Dec. 6 (PIA) -- The local government of Bacolod City will soon have a Task Force, which will inspect the accuracy of the calibration of pump machines of gasoline stations in the city.

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acolod City Mayor Evelio Leonardia announced that he will soon issue an executive order creating a task force and will assign Vice Mayor Jude Thaddeus Sayson to head the task force, which shall include representatives of national agencies concerned with consumer welfare, particularly the Department of Trade and Industry.

The task force will determine the

accuracy of the pumping machines of the different gasoline stations, Leonardia said. He appealed to the public to help the city in this monitoring as this affects everyone.

Sayson said once the executive order is issued, he intends to meet with major oil suppliers.

He also said that a graduated cylinder will be used in determining the actual volume of gasoline in the monitoring.

“Gasoline stations caught shortchanging the public will be subjected to legal action and subject for closure,” Sayson added.

The task force will also apprehend illegal vendors on the streets selling fuel in softdrink bottles and other unauthorized containers.*(EAD/JCM/-PIA6/CMO Negros Occidental)

Aklan is insurgency-free province

by Venus G. Villanueva

KALIBO, Aklan, Dec. 9 (PIA) -- The province of Aklan and the Philippine Army (PA) signed a resolution declaring Aklan as an insurgency-free province.

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he signing between the two parties, was led by Aklan Governor Carlito S. Marquez and Col. Eric Uchida of the Philippine Army, was witnessed by members of the Provincial Peace and Order Council (PPOC) members and other Aklan officials.

It was held December 8 at the Governor Corazon L. Cabagnot Tourism and Training Center at Old Buswang, Kalibo, Aklan.

The declaration of Aklan by the PA as insurgency-free was based on its comprehensive intelligence assessment, which enabled Aklan to obtain a Green Code.

“The peaceful and orderly atmosphere in the province of Aklan has paved the way for its unhampered socio-economic development over the years, thanks to the cooperation, vigilance and continued support of all

stakeholders,” Marquez said.

He added the signing of the joint declaration between the province of Aklan and the Philippine Army is a milestone in the history of Aklan. The governor added that every Aklanon should manifest support as advocate of peace and development.

A signing of the Commitment of Support of Stakeholders followed after the signing of the resolution in the same venue.

According to the PA, an insurgency-free province is one with a noted reduction of insurgent-related activities, and an improvement in the peace and order situation in the province, wherein national and provincial development efforts have produced fruitful results.

In the case of Aklan, once it is declared insurgency-free, tourist arrivals will further increase, business investments

will pour in, infrastructure development will continue, secured and unhampered with the general feeling of security prevailing, according to the Philippine Army.

Despite declaring Aklan as insurgency -free, the PA assured it will still maintain an active support role to the Philippine National Police (PNP) as may be determined by the PPOC and in areas where the insurgents’ recovery efforts and threats from other groups are highly probable.

Aklan, for its part, will facilitate delivery of basic services and development programs in former insurgent-affected areas and promote and support economic development and medical action programs and activities by facilitating involvement of local government units, NGOs and other civic organizations. (JCM/VGV PIA 6 Aklan)

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CENTRAL VISAYAS

PACT tells schools, barangays to lead the campaign against trafficking

by Jennifer Catan-Tilos

DUMAGUETE CITY, Dec. 7 (PIA)-- The Philippines Against Child Trafficking (PACT), Negros Oriental Chapter has encouraged the schools and barangays in the province to actively campaign against child trafficking.

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ocal PACT convenor Judith Alpuerto said the communities must play a more active role in the campaign against child trafficking by conducting awareness raising activities in their respective areas where children may be possible targets of traffickers.

This is also a united call of the more than 40 nationwide chapters of PACT in observance of International Day Against Trafficking. More than 16,000 students, barangay officials, and residents will be taking part all over the country in a week-long series of activities from December 5-12 with the theme “Komunidad Palakasin, Child Trafficking Sugpuin,” (Empower Communities to Combat Child Trafficking) and conducted

in partnership with the Inter-Agency Council Against Trafficking (IACAT).

According to Alpuerto, the December 12 International Day Against Trafficking is held annually in celebration of the signing by majority of the countries of the Protocol to prevent, suppress, punish trafficking in persons especially women and children, supplementing the UN Convention on transnational organized crime, also known as the Palermo Protocol.

The PACT pushes the schools to discuss the issue of child trafficking and other forms of abuse and exploitation among their students so they can protect themselves and provide scholarship op-

portunities for children so they can continue their education uninterrupted.

Barangays are responsible for raising the consciousness of parents on the issue, and supporting local livelihood opportunities so that their children will not be forced to work, it is said.

The PACT official said the barangays should mandate recruiters to register with the barangays, monitor recruitment activities in the communities and activate their Barangay Council for the Protection of Children (BCPC) or the Barangay Council Violence against Women and Children (VAWC) desk for the implementation of programs for children and against all forms of violence”. (PIA/JCT)

DAR establishes 43 farmer-beneficiaries in Cebu

by Hazel Gloria

CEBU CITY, Dec. 6 (PIA) -- The Department of Agrarian Reform (DAR) provincial office in Cebu installed, Dec. 6 a total of 43 farmer-beneficiaries in landholdings located in four barangays in Cebu.

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he farmers are recipients of Certificates of Land Ownership Awards (CLOAs) in a 7.1206 hectare area in Brgy. Binabag, Bogo town, previously owned by the Martinez Agricultural Corporation (MAC) and landholdings totaling to 93.8324 hectares in Barangays Tinubdan, Daanbantayan and Panugnawan in Medellin town, previously

owned by the Paz Luna Agricultural Corporation.

The CLOAs are granted under the compulsory acquisition scheme of the Comprehensive Agrarian Reform Program (CARP).

Isaganie Yee, DAR officer-in-charge Provincial Agrarian Reform Officer, said DAR provincial office created a Task Force on the farmer-beneficiaries’

installation to expedite and ensure a smooth installation of the beneficiaries.

Atty. Alvin Arante, Chief Legal Division as well as head of said task force, added that a notice was sent to the respective landowners for the schedule of the installation. (PIA7/HFG/RMN/DARPO)

PNP-7 to fast track graduation of 523 new police recruits

by Fayette C. Riñen

CEBU CITY, Dec. 5 (PIA) -- In order to strengthen police visibility and thwart criminals at bay especially this Christmas season, the Police Regional Office (PRO) -7 is requesting the Police Regional Training School (PRTS) to fast track the graduation of the over 500 new police recruits a week earlier than scheduled.

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olice Regional Office (PRO) 7 Deputy Director for Operations S/Supt. Louie Oppus said 523 new police recruits are set to graduate on December 16 “but we are asking the PRTS if possible, to set the graduation date on December 10 so that we can already download them to the different police offices for security augmentation.”

Oppus said there are also slightly over 270 police recruits that just graduated from the second phase of their Field Training Program.

“They together with the new graduates with a combined number of about 800 police personnel can be given to various police offices to help them in their crime prevention efforts,” Oppus said.

Though Oppus admitted the Christmas season is an opportunity for criminal elements to strike as people have more money to spend but this should not be made as an excuse why crime incidence will rise.

“Police directors should just continue implementing the Police Integrated Patrol System (PIPS) Program where police visibility through foot and mobile patrol is strengthened in crime prone areas and random checkpoints are done in strategic places,” Oppus said.

The police official added that they are also banking on their force multipliers such as barangay tanods and officials to ensure that peace and order is maintained in their localities. (PIA-Cebu)

CENTRAL VISAYAS

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DENR-7 urges LGUs to designate common areas for fireworks

by Hazel F. Gloria

CEBU CITY, Dec. 7 (PIA) -- Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR-7) regional executive director Maximo Dichoso urged local chief executives to designate a common area for fireworks for the forthcoming holidays to reduce harm to health, lives and environment. ichoso also reminded the people result to respiratory problems, he environmentally-conscious by promoting to avoid burning tires, which explained. responsible solid waste management by These pollutants lead to the reducing, recycling and reusing. releases carbon monoxide and Dichoso encourages the public to other toxic substances to the formation of greenhouse gases such as carbon dioxide, carbon monoxide and minimize use of plastics during the environment.

Designating a common area for nitrogen dioxide.

Christmas holidays as many of them Aside from designating common areas remain uncollected and they clogged the fireworks display would protect people from harms way as air pollutants could for fireworks, the DENR-7 chief also waterways and rivers. (PIA-7/hfg/DENR-7) reminded the people to be

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50 new rescuers complete NegOr search, rescue training

by Rachelle M. Nessia

DUMAGUETE CITY, Dec. 6 (PIA) -- A total of 50 individuals in Negros Oriental have completed the ten-day intensive Search and Rescue (SAR) training sponsored by the Negros Oriental provincial government to strengthen the province’s capability to respond to emergency situations.

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ubbed as the Core Shelter Assistance Project (CSAP), this program of DSWD benefits 60 indigent famOf the 50 new rescuers, 20 are soldiers from the Philippine Army 11th Infantry Battalion based in Guihulngan City, Negros Oriental. Another 20 came from the Philippine National Police (PNP) and 10 from the Bureau of Fire (BFP) here.

The SAR training came in the wake of instructions from Gov. Roel Degamo for

the executive officers of the Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (PDRRMC) to enhance the province’s disaster management preparations in view of the unpredictable weather brought about by the climate change.

Degamo said the training is a boost to the province’s SAR capabilities in addition to the already available rescue teams in the second and third congressional districts here.

The governor, however, clarified that the search and rescue are just among the many components of the disaster management plan of the provincial government for the next five years.

Sedillo disclosed that before the year ends, the PDRRMC is again scheduled to conduct another round of SAR training for provincial government employees, PNP, rescue volunteers, and the BFP. (RMN/PIA Negros Oriental)

Bohol's tarsiers now back in their natural habitat

by Hazel Gloria

CEBU CITY, Dec. 6 (PIA) -- The once held captive and maltreated tarsiers or Tarsius Syrichta in Bohol are now back in their natural habitat in the towns of Corella and Sikatuna, Bohol.

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his after a series of consultations took place between the local government units, Bohol Tourism Association, permit holders and the Department of Environment and Natural Resources in Region 7 (DENR-7) in Bohol.

The consultations were triggered by a report from the Tarsius Project of the Czech Republic, presented by Dr. Milada Petru.

Petru is a field zoologist from the Decin Zoo in the Czech Republic, who conducted a study on the tarsiers in Bohol, made possible thru a grant from the Czech Republic in 2009.

She pointed out how the shy, nocturnal animals that thrive in Bohol island are allegedly abused and cruelly mishandled.

The study found that tarsiers were living in appalling conditions with no space to hide and rest, poorly planted, noisy and open, and the behavioral rules on the

proper handling and care of the animals were not followed.

DENR-7 Regional Executive Director Maximo Dichoso said the tarsiers are subjected to stress since many visitors or tourists want to interact with them by day, disrupting their nocturnal lifestyle.

This contact alters their biological processes making them weak and vulnerable to diseases, he said.

After the consultations, an association by all Tarsier Centers was created, during which stakeholders agreed to transfer all the captive tarsiers into a 167-hectare Tarsier Conservation in Bohol.

The conservation site is manned by German Palapar of the Tarsier Centers Association with DENR-7 providing technical assistance.

According to Dichoso, tarsiers are classified as “near threatened” in the International Union on the Conservation of Nature (IUCN) List of Threatened Species, requiring adequate protection and conservation.

Tarsiers prefer dense, low-level vegetation in secondary forests, with perching sites averaging 2 meters above the ground.

It is the smallest primate in the world and can be found in Bohol, Samar, Leyte and Mindanao.

Meanwhile, a memorandum of agreement (MOA) was signed between DENR-7 represented by Dichoso and the Wings of Serenity, Inc. on November 21, 2011, for the establishment of a Tarsier breeding and research center in Bilar, Bohol.

Cemex Philippines and Conservation International also signed a MOA with DENR-7 to conduct research on Tarsiers within and outside Bohol.

With the transfer of Tarsiers, the conservation area has been collecting a daily income of P50,000 per day and tourists are now limited to observing and taking pictures. (PIA-7/HFG/RMN/DENR7)

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EASTERN VISAYAS

DA, DSWD to launch Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino program in Northern Samar

by Teresita B. Cardenas CATARMAN, Northern Samar, Dec. 8 (PIA) -- To create public awareness and to promote advocacy of agriculture as one way to avert the adversities of poverty and hunger in the province, the Department of Agriculture (DA) and Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) will launch the Agrikulturang Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino program on December 12 in Las Navas, Northern Samar.

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he cooperation program is envisaged to implement agricultural productivity projects that would provide sustainable livelihood and emergency or short-term jobs that would develop the skills and guarantees employment opportunities of the Pantawid Pamilya beneficiaries in coconut, sugar, rice/corn, and coastal communities and other areas under agricultural zones in the countryside.

The program has three initial project components, namely: the improvement of agricultural productivity of pantawid pamilya coconut farmers; the development of paddy dikes, irrigation canals, and

service roads in undeveloped or unutilized but potential rice/agricultural fields; and the village livelihoods in productive coastal areas.

The launching, which will also be highlighted with the MOA signing of the two agencies will take-off the pilot implementation of three project components in Region 8: Calbayog City, Western Samar for component 1; Las Navas and Catubig, Northern Samar for component 2; and in Carigara, Leyte and Catbalogan City, Western Samar for component 3.

The activity, which will be led by DA Secretary Proceso Alcala and DSWD

Secretary Corazon “Dinky” Soliman in Las Navas, Northern Samar is in line with President Benigno Aquino III convergence strategy by harmonizing the implementation of its three core poverty reduction and social protection programs, the KALAHI CIDDS; Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino and the SEA-K program; and expanded its uniting effort to build partnership with other agencies to synchronize and focus resources in one common area and beneficiaries in order to create optimum impact. (PIA-Northern Samar)

Pasalubong Center opens in Samar

by Ninfa B Quirante

CATBALOGAN, Samar, Dec 5 (PIA) -- Balikabayans, local tourists and just plain travellers from near and far can now get a glimpse of Samar’s best products at the Samar’s Pasalubong Center just beside the grand Samar Capitol.

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n December 5, the Association of Samar’s Producers (ASAP) the provincial government through Gov Sharee Ann Tan and the DTI opened the center in time for the opening of Christmas Festival.

Deny Uy, the President of ASPA said this is a ‘dream come true’ for the producers to be able to showcase the different products they have labored for through the years.

“This showroom will promote

Samar,” she told a small group of concerned individuals for Samar’s delicacy and other products.

The DTI through Meilo Macabare, chief said they are supporting the center as it gives livelihood to hundreds of Samarnons.

Samar’s products like dried danggit, posit, fermented sisi, curioso, decana, salvaro, torta, pinato are just some of the products displayed.

As for arts and crafts, there are

t-shirts with ‘certified Samarnon’ inscriptions, fans, buri bags from Basey, wooden knick knacks from Marabut and ‘bakbak’ (made from abaca) bags.

It was Gov. Tan with the Tourism Council, DTI, the chamber of Commerce ASPA and the Samar PSMED Council that pooled their resources to come up with a ‘pasalubong center’.

(NBQ/PIA8-Samar)

Wildlife park in Maasin City to spark more economic activities

by E.S. Gorne

MAASIN CITY, Southern Leyte, Dec. 6 (PIA) -- The future looks rosy for Maasin City when the wildlife park opens in March next year. The Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) – Southern Leyte expects the creation of service oriented establishments that would cater to the needs of guests coming to the area.

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TI provincial director Micheal Nunez noted that the park will serve as magnet for tourists particularly in the Danao Forest Park in Barangay Malapoc Norte in Maasin City.

Nunez said that since the location of the animal park is 20 kilometers (km) from Maasin City hence there is a need for business establishments to open like restaurants, souvenir shops, and such, to cater to the visitors.

He is also anticipating the construction of more hotels at the downtown area and the plying of transportation to accommodate the expected influx of tourists in the city.

With the wildlife park, Nunez also sees agricultural activity perking up as there would be more demand for supply of food. This, he avers, is an opportunity for the locals to produce more food and agri products.

Nunez said that the animal park is the second of four tourism hubs that the Southern Leyte Chamber of Commerce, Inc (SLCCI) have identified for the province of Southern Leyte.

Maasin City Mayor Maloney Samaco stated that the animal park shall be known as the Maasin Nature and Wildlife expected to operate by March 2011. (PIASoLeyte)

EASTERN VISAYAS

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Climate Change Commission pilots Borongan as Eco-City Model

by Alice Nicart

BORONGAN CITY, Eastern Samar, Dec 6 (PIA) –- Expect Borongan City to undergo some changes sometime soon. This, after the Climate Change Commission (CCC) identified the place as pilot area for several environmental cum economic interventions.

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he Commission, chaired by Atty. Mary Ann Sering, was in town recently to conduct a dialogue and consultations with Mayor Ma. Fe Abunda and concerned local officials.

Borongan has been identified as recipient of the said project due to its vulnerability to natural calamities, i.e., landslides, floods, even tsunamis.

Department of Environment and Natural Resources officer (DENR) Dorinda Labro said in an interview that as CCC pilot area, Borongan will have activities that have never been done here before.

Foremost is the establishment of a sanitary landfill and not an open dumpsite.

The landfill will be set up in sitio Can-aga, about seven kilometers (km) from the

highway of Barangay Bugas, which is some 14 km north from the city proper.

Labro ascertained that within three years Borongan will undergo a transformation where its economic and environmental status will be for the better with the full support of CCC.(PIA Eastern Samar)

DA-8 intensifies promotion of organic farming in EVisayas TACLOBAN CITY, Leyte, Dec. 3 (PIA) -- The Department of Agriculture Regional Office 8 has embarked on an intensified campaign to promote organic farming in Eastern Visayas.

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griculture Regional Executive Director Antonio G. Gerundio led the organic farming promotion as he exhorted the local government partners in the provinces of partners in the provinces of Southern Leyte and Biliran “to go back to the basics” through organic farming.

RED Gerundio made the call to the participants composed of local chief executives, municipal agriculturists, agricultural technologists and other key partners who attended the Orientation and Briefing on the Organic Agriculture Program (OAP) held in Maasin City, Southern Leyte and Almeria, Biliran

on November 24 and 25, 2011, respectively.

The briefing paved the way to initially orient the participants on the program and to organize provincial and municipal/ city Local Technical Committees for the OAP. It will be patterned from the composition of the National Organic Agriculture Board (NOAB) which is composed of representatives from the DA, DILG, DENR, DAR, DOST, DTI, DepEd, DOH, small farmers organizations, NGO, the academe, and the private sector/agribusiness firms.

Also present as resource speakers during the activity were OAP Regional

Focal Person Engr. Melecia C. Gordillo, OAP support staff and DA-8 Executive Assistant Mr. Onisimo C. Paduano, Eastern Visayas Organic Agriculture Network Chair and VSU Dean Dr. Edwin A. Balbarino, and Ms Ma. Elena A. Mendoza, LGU Ormoc City Marketing Division chief.

The DA in coordination with its LGU-partners will be conducting similar orientation briefing in other provinces in the region before the year ends, Mr. Francis Rosaroso, DA-8 chief information officer said. (PIA-8)

N. Samar to establish Histo-Cultural and Arts Expo center

by Ailene N. Diaz

CATARMAN, Northern Samar, Dec. 5 (PIA) -– The provincial government of Northern Samar is set to establish a Histo-Cultural and Arts Expo Center at the provincial Capitol starting early next year. This was learned from the office of Culture and Arts through Mr. Perrain Rebadulla, provincial consultant on Culture and Arts. ebadulla said, it aims at promot- nation as well, such as the Battle of be called Grand Canyon in Brgy. ing local tourism in history, cul- Catubig, Marker of Sumuroy, Palapag Inugkaran, Laoang, Northern Samar. ture and arts, and advocate Church and Fortress, Capul Church and Rebadulla stressed, that the end goal awareness to the youth and to the new Fortress and Capul Lighthouse. of the Histo-Cultural and the Arts Expo generation for them to appreciate the The Expo Center could also exhibit Center of Northern Samar is to identify, richness of history. exterior and interior structures of the old preserve, protect, promote and present It is also hoped that through that churches of Catubig, Laoang, Pambujan, ideas, arts and artifacts of the province, Center, documents of important events Catarman and Bobon. Likewise, the building pride in the chronicle of events and structures of the province be Japanese Artillery Emplacements which is and confidence in the future. (PIAuncovered. Much of those contributed to found in Capul, the Batag Lighthouse, and Northern Samar) the history of the province and to the the Ancient Burial Site in Laoang used to

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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