One Visayas Issue 18

Vol I

In this Issue WESTERN VISAYAS

ARBs installation in Hda. Varela, Brgy.

Camang-camang, Isabela Neg. Occ. formerly owned by Rio Carmel Agr’l.

Ent. Inc. shown are DAR PARO I Dr. Gideon E. Yongque, jr. OIC MARO Elsa Zamora, COP PI Jason Maguilimutan, Brgy. Captain Letecia Y. Malabor, Ernesto Estanda, distributing the individual CLOAs of ARBs. (PIA-6)

More on Region 6, pages 2-3.

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CENTRAL VISAYAS

December 26 — 31, 2011

Published by: PIA 6, 7 & 8

Issue 18

MGB-6 renews call for utilization of geohazard maps

by Elsa S. Subong

ILOILO CITY, Dec, 27 (PIA) - - The information provided in the geohazard maps show the level of susceptibility of an area to hazards like flooding and landslides, therefore they should be used by the local government officials, according to the Mines and Geosciences Bureau-6.

MGB Regional Director Leo Van Juguan repeated his call for all local chief executives to use the geohazard maps given to them last year, to prepare their people and prevent loss of lives.

Van Juguan reiterated the call in the aftermath of the devastation wrought by tropical storm S”endong” in Iligan, and Cagayan de Oro in Mindanao and in Negros Oriental.

He said the information provided there should spur the mayors, governors and other stakeholders in the disaster preparedness and mitigation program of communities to take action.

“They should relocate communities most vulnerable to hazards of flooding and landslides,” Van Juguan said.

Earlier, Environment Secretary Ramon Paje called on the mayors and governors to give serious attention to the geohazard maps which the DENR has distributed to some 1,600 municipalities and cities and about 4,000 barangays nationwide.

Paje said the maps are there to increase the LGUs’ competence on hazards, vulnerability and risk assessment activities and enable them to establish their local disaster risk reduction management system.

MGB-6, Juguan said, had already given all LGUs copies of the geohazard maps and has continuously conducted

MGB-6 geohazard map of the Province of Iloilo. information dissemination on its content and purpose.

Meanwhile, MGB has completed the detailed geohazard assessment of towns identified as moderately to highly susceptible to landslides in semi-detailed mapping of 1:50,000 scale.

These towns are San Joaquin, Miag-ao, Tubungan, Igbaras, Leon, Alimodian and Lambunao in Iloilo, and the town of San Remegio in Antique.

For 2012, MGB is targeting another eight in Iloilo namely, Calinog, and Janiuay, and in Antique, Laua-an, Hamtic, Patnongon, Valderrama, Barbaza, and Sibalom.

Sec. Paje said the 1:50,000-scale geohazard maps are a critical planning tool in the government’s risk reduction program. (JCM/ESS-PIA6 Iloilo)

All LGUs of EVisayas comply with full disclosure policy

President Benigno S. Aquino III (far left) moderating his own impromptu press conference held at the lobby of Dumaguete Airport's arrival area in Sibulan, Negros Oriental. The President dropped by on Dec. 21, 2011 where he met with the mayors of the ten areas affected by Typhoon Sendong in Negros Oriental. He pledged to provide funds for the immediate repair of major roads and bridges that were damaged by the storm. (RMN/PIA NEGOR)

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EASTERN VISAYAS

TACLOBAN CITY, Leyte, Dec 26 (PIA) - - The local government units (LGUs) in Eastern Visayas are all compliant with the transparency and full disclosure policy of the Aquino government, Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) Region 8 director Pedro Noval Jr. said.

Noval said that among the first things he did when he assumed his office was to talk with the local government executives about the policy on full disclosure.

The DILG director expressed optimism that when the next evaluation comes, all the LGUs in Eastern Visayas will be certified as compliant and will be given the Seal of Good Housekeeping certificate from DILG. He, however, urged local government officials in Eastern Visayas to practice transparency not out of obligation but out of responsibility. Such policy will revolutionize governance as it will make people learn to trust the government, Noval said.

Noval added that a local government unit displays the

seal of good housekeeping” if it has a clean Commission on Audit (COA) report and if it conforms to the rules of full disclosure.

Under the full disclosure policy, he said, the local government will continue to keep the people informed on the goings on in the local government.

Noval said people tend to show willingness to make sacrifices for the government if they see that government officials keep them informed of the programs being undertaken by government, and if they see that government officials are spending public money prudently.

The full disclosure policy is a way of translating the present administration’s “Kung walang kurap¸ walang mahirap” slogan.

Under this policy, LGUs are mandated to post public documents and transactions including budget report, debt services, statement of receipts and expenditures, and bidding results in public places so that people will see them.

(PIA-8)

DENR-7 greening program exceeds target

by Hazel Gloria

An Waray party list representative Neil Benedict Montejo (L) cuts the ribbon during the inauguration of the new Tacloban Immigration building located at Kanhuraw Hill, Tacloban City, December 22. Also in photo are Bureau of Immigration Commissioner Ricardo A. David, Jr (R) and Leyte 1st district board member Roque Tiu (center).

(Raul S. Tiozon/PIA8)

More on Region 8, pages 6-7.

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CEBU CITY, December 22 (PIA) -- Around 3.658 million seedlings were planted in 5,663.78 hectares in Central Visayas since the National Greening Program (NGP) regional launch in June 2011.

A series of tree planting activities were conducted throughout the region with the support and assistance of various stakeholders.

Targeted at greening some 1.5 million hectares of degraded forest lands in six years, Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR-7) regional director Maximo Dichoso said NGP will focus essentially at developing a sustainable forest resource base to accelerate the national greening campaign.

Cebu has covered a total area of 1,965.40 hectares or 101 percent of its target of 1,954 hectares; Bohol with 1,573.38 hectares or 101 percent of its target of 1,563 hectares; Negros Oriental with 1,874 hectares or 101 percent of its target of 1,864 hectares; and Siquijor with 251 hectares or 100 percent of its target.

So far, Dichoso said a total of 3.658 million seedlings were planted of agroforestry, native and indigenous species with close to 39,000 volunteers participated in the planting.

He also said the NGP in its six-year implementation will be carried out following a people-centered development framework, that seeks to achieve stability and productivity of watersheds.

EO 26 supports and complements EO No. 23, an earlier directive of Pres. Aquino which bans logging in natural and residual forests, as well as Proclamation No. 125, declaring 2011 as the National Year of Forests in the Philippines.

This is also in consonance with the United Nations declaration of the International Year of Forests, with the theme: "Forests for People."

For 2012, NGP intends to cover 10,628 hectares. Of these, Cebu province has the biggest target of 4,880 hectares; Negros Oriental with 3,318 hectares; Bohol with 2,130 hectares for Bohol; and 300 hectares for Siquijor. (mbcn/hfg/PIA-7 & DENR-7)

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WESTERN VISAYAS

DENR- EMB-6 declares Guimaras waters clean by: Elsa S. Subong ILOILO CITY, Dec. 28 (PIA6) -- After what was considered the worst oil spill to hit the province of Guimaras, its waters have now recovered and declared fit for swimming and fishing.

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he Department of Environment and Natural Resources- Environmental Management Bureau-6 (DENR-EMB) said the province’s coastal areas and surrounding waters are now safe for aquaculture and recreational activities.

The EMB said that the October 18-21, 2011 Water Quality Monitoring report showed a marked improvement, where all 24 sampling stations covered are now within standards of safe quality.

Last May, according to the DENR, only 16 of the 24 stations have reached the standard levels for oil and grease

concentration, suited for fishing, swimming, and other contact and non-contact recreations.

DENR Regional Executive Director Julian Amador said they have been monitoring the levels of oil and grease concentrations in Guimaras waters the day M/V Solar I spilled about 1.8 million liters of bunker fuel there.

Guimaras waters are classified into Class SB and Class SC based on their beneficial usage.

Class SB waters are those used for bathing and other contact recreation which requires low concentrations for oil

and grease with standards of 2.0 mg/L, while class SC waters are those used for aquaculture purposes and non-contact activities, require a standard of 3.0 mg/L. EMB Regional Director Oscar Cabanayan said this is a happy development for Guimaras to gradually move back to its pristine and natural beauty.

He also said the DENR-EMB is keeping its post until Guimaras coasts and waters are able to provide its residents the future again. (DENR/ESS/JCM/PIA-6 Iloilo)

PNP tells gun owners: Don't fire your guns to celebrate New Year

by Pilar S. Mabaquiao SAN JOSE, Antique Dec. 27(PIA) -- Provincial Director PSSupt. Ruperto T. Floro, Jr. urged the public, as well as men and women in uniform, not to fire their guns in celebration of New Year unless the call of duty demands so.

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he directive aims to avoid incidents of stray bullet claiming the lives of innocent civilians like in previous years.

The Antique PNP has sealed the guns o f a l l P NP p e r s o n n e l AP P O headquarters to ensure these won't be fired unless needed in line of duty.

PSSupt Floro warned his men and women to adhere to the order or else they will face corresponding administrative and criminal sanctions including dismissal from service if found defiant of such

directives.

“We need to celebrate the coming of the year with meaningful reflections and positive dispositions. Firing of guns cannot drive away bad spirits, rather they can harm others or even our loved ones.

So, it would be better if we welcome the year with prayers and wishes that our nation will attain peace and development, said Floro He also recommended the use of indigenous and alternative means to

revelry such as “torotot”, “batya”, big cans, among others. He said it is safer to use but can also produce loud noise.

In addition, Floro instructed the police officers to be in close coordination with the local officials in enforcing the directives on the designation of firecrackers and pyrotechnics zone.

Likewise, the PNP urged the public to be responsible enough in handling firecrackers and pyrotechnics particularly to ensure the safety of children. (JCM/PSM -PIA6 Antique)

Capiz exceeds 2011 NGP target

by Alex A. Lumaque ROXAS CITY, Capiz, Dec. 25 (PIA) –- About 177,190 seedlings have been planted in Capiz since the National Greening Program was launched in the province in June of this year.

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he figure is 690 seedlings higher than the 176,500 trees planted province-wide for the NGP’s initial year implementation, based on records from the Provincial Environment and Natural Resources Office (PENRO) – Capiz.

About 354,380 hectares of timberland were planted with seedlings.

Edwin Borja, National Greening Program (NGP) – Capiz coordinator, said that the needed seedlings for the program were sourced out from a supplier in Batangas as well as local seed

growers.

He added that seedlings planted are of mahogany, rain tree, as well as fruit tree varieties.

The accomplishment was contributed by students and employees of government agencies, civic groups, private organizations and local government units, among others, who conducted tree planting activities at the designated NGP sites in the province.

NGP, as stipulated in Pres. Benigno S. Aquino III’s Executive Order No. 26 issued last February, was launched in

Capiz last June 29 with a program and ceremonial tree planting at the Villareal Stadium.

It is geared towards poverty reduction, resource conservation and protection, productivity enhancement and climate change mitigation and adaptation.

About 1.5 billion trees covering an estimated 1.5 million hectares of lands in public domain are being targeted by the government to plant nationwide under the program from 2011 to 2016. (JCM/AAL/ PIA 6 Capiz)

WESTERN VISAYAS

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Employers urged to observe correct pay rules, core labor standards

by Lilibeth A. French ILOILO CITY, Dec. 26 (PIA) -- Private sector employers have been told to observe the correct pay rules and core labor standards for the holidays this week.

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izal Day on December 30, 2011 and the last day of the year, December 31, 2011 have been declared as regular holiday and non-working special day, respectively, nationwide pursuant to Proclamation No. 84 series of 2010 issued by President Benigno Aquino III on December 20, 2010.

On the other hand, President Aquino issued Proclamation No. 295, declaring January 1, 2012, New Year’s Day as a regular holiday. The said proclamation signed on November 24, 2011 contains the full list of the regular, special (non-working) and special holidays (for all schools) in the country for year 2012.

For Rizal Day and New Year’s Day the applicable pay rules are as follows: (1) If the day is an employee’s regular workday and it is unworked, he/she shall be paid 100 percent of his/her regular salary for that day.

(2) If the day is worked, he/she shall be paid 200 percent of his/her regular salary for that day for the first eight hours.

In excess of eight hours, he/she shall be paid an additional 30 percent of the hourly rate on the said day.

(3) If the day falls on an employee’s rest day and it is unworked, he/she shall be paid 100 percent; but if the day is worked, he/she shall be paid an additional 30 percent of 200 percent. In excess of eight hours, he/she shall be paid an additional 30 percent of the hourly rate on the said day.

For December 31, 2011, the last day of the year which is a special non-working day the pay rules are as follows: (1) If the day is not worked, the “no work, no pay” principle shall apply unless there is a favorable company policy, practice or collective bargaining agreement (CBA) granting payment on a special day even if the day is not

worked.

(2) If worked, the employee shall be paid an additional 30 percent of the daily rate of 100 percent on the first eight hours of work. In excess of eight hours, he/she shall be paid an additional 30 percent of the hourly rate on said day.

(3) If the day falls on the employee’s rest day and is worked, he/she shall be paid an additional 50 percent of the daily rate of 100 percent on the first eight hours of work. In excess of eight hours, he/she shall be paid an additional 30 percent of the hourly rate.

Labor Secretary Rosalinda Dimapilis-Baldoz said in a press report that President Aquino has tasked the DOLE to promulgate and implement the guidelines for the proclamations in consonance with his 22-point agenda on labor and employment to ensure the welfare and protection of the workers.

(JSC/LAF-PIA6 Iloilo)

Aklan farmers urged to sell clean, dry palay

by Venus G. Villanueva KALIBO, Aklan, Dec. 28 (PIA) -- The National Food Authority (NFA) here is encouraging Aklan farmers to sell their palay to the food agency clean and dry, so they would get the maximum buying price of the government.

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ccording to NFA-Aklan Provincial Manager Procopio Trabajo II, the agency is buying clean and dry palay at P17 per kilo.

The local office is also offering drying services to farmers at a minimal fee of P12 per 50 kilograms for those who sell their palay to the NFA. “Those who are not selling their palay to the NFA but would avail of the NFA’s mechanical dryers shall be charged with

the latest approved drying fee based on variable cost,” Trabajo said.

Trabajo also emphasized that priority for the use of the dryers will be given to farmers selling their palay to the NFA. The NFA also assured farmers that they will accept palay “below quality standard” of the NFA, but this will be based on the Equivalent Net Weight Table.

However, damaged palay (“samad” or

“kupil”) will not be accepted.

On top of the support price, NFA also provides incentives which include delivery fee at P.20 per kilogram, drying fee at P.20 per kilogram and cooperative development incentive fee at P.30 per kilogram for the benefit of farmer/sellers and farmers’ organizations.

(NFA/VGV-PIA 6 Aklan)

Bacolod City gets another relocation site BACOLOD CITY, Dec. 27 (PIA) -- After awarding several lots to beneficiaries of the Arao resettlement site, another set of lots from another relocation site in Villa Esperanza in Barangay Tangub were also awarded to additional beneficiaries.

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acolod City Mayor Evelio Leonardia and Vice Mayor Jude Thaddeus Saysyon presided over the awarding of lots.

Ten lots were awarded to informal settlers who were earlier ejected from the road lots of Villa Esperanza.

According to Bacolod Housing Authority Head Josephine Segundino, Villa Esperanza has an area of about 7.8 hectares with 2.25 hectares for residential

purpose equivalent to 332 lots at 72 sqm. each and another 1.22 hectares for roads and pathways.

Leonardia said that houses occupying road lots have to be removed and relocated in order for the entire area to be developed properly as a community.

“I am glad that the city has been able to pursue its relocation projects for informal dwellers because many rural dwellers have really been attracted to try

their luck in Bacolod City which has been developing rapidly,” Leonardia noted.

Councilors Al Victor Espino and Em Ang, Tangub Barangay Captain Carlos Montaño, Department of Environment and Natural Resources 6 representative Susan Fernandez and Villa Esperanza Elementary School Principal Asther Jean Saril witnessed the turn-over of lots to beneficiaries.*(EAD/JCM-PIA6/CMO Negros Occidental)

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CENTRAL VISAYAS

Bohol deploys prosperity teams to sustain peace

by Rey Anthony Chiu TAGBILARAN CITY, Bohol, Dec. 26 (PIA) -- To sustain peace and development at the countryside in Bohol, the province formed a new breed of rural development specialists called “Bohol Prosperity Teams” (BPT).

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02nd Brigade Commander Colonel John Bonafos shared this in the recent Provincial Peace and Order Council (PPOC) meeting at the Mansion.

Bonafos said the 15 prosperity teams were recently deployed to 15 barangays of 12 towns in Bohol as pilot areas for the BPT to zero in and come up with development initiatives at the purok level.

According to Bohol governor Edgar Chatto, the Bohol Prosperity Team is an integration of skilled experts from the 2nd Special Forces’ Special Operation Team and the former Bohol Poverty Reduction Management Office’s Community Organizers for Community Development (COCD).

The joint team aims to promote Purok Power Movement for Peace and Development.

The teams are now in Doljo Panglao, Totolan Dauis, Matabao Tubigon in the first district of Bohol.

These teams have passed four stages of trainings, and were just recently deployed to target barangays, Bonafos added.

Another team is in barangays Santo Nino Talibon, Calanggaman and Pangpang Ubay, Nueva Estrella and Nueva Esperanza Bien Unido, Concepcion Danao and Cagawasan Dagohoy, all in the second district.

The BPT is also in barangays Paraiso Mabini, Katipunan Alicia, Panadtaran Candijay and in Montesuerte and Villarcayo in Carmen.

The team integrates all the interventions by both SF and Bohol Capitol in areas formerly affected or

threatened by insurgency.

Efforts include community organizing for livelihood projects and technical assistance; skills development which tools communities with basic skills to get them off poverty.

Called special operations teams, these experts have largely been credited for filling the void after Bohol was declared insurgency-free.

The BPT is Bohol’s response to the reported re-entry of communist rebels who were formerly chased out of the province during multi-faceted anti-insurgency interventions in the past.

Bonafos reported that this early, the BPT has conducted gatherings and dialogs. (mbcn/rahc/PIA-Bohol)

Cebuano student wins 3rd in 41st Int’l Letter Writing Contest for Young People

by Juju S. Manubag-Empuerto CEBU CITY, Dec. 22 (PIA) -- Charlette Alessi F. Inao, a grade 5 student from Ateneo de Cebu, won the third place in the 41st International Letter Writing Competition for Young People. nao was awarded P5,000 plus a University High School in Naga City while The theme of the competition was plaque and stamp album.

Bianca Marie Ferrel came in second place “Write a letter to an athlete or sports The competition aimed to develop from Ateneo de Davao University in figure you admire to explain what the young people’s skills in composition and Matina, Davao City.

Olympic Games mean to you”. to foster affection for letter writing.

The winners were revealed Mo n d o ñ e d o t o l d i n t e r e s t e d The top slot went to Cherilyn by Philippine Postal Corporation participants to watch out for next year’s Patrocinio Sta. Ana, a fourth year (PPC)-7 Regional Director Robert Letter Writing Competition.(FCR/JSME/ PIA-Cebu) secondary student from Ateneo de Naga Mondeñedo.

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PPOC Bohol mulls funding aid for gov’t witnesses

by Rey Anthony Chiu TAGBILARAN CITY, Bohol Dec. 26 (PIA) -- The Provincial Peace and Order Council (PPOC) in Bohol is looking into adding an assistance system into its law enforcement program to encourage more witnesses to boldly come out and testify to speed up conviction of cases in courts.

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ohol governor and PPOC chair Edgar Chatto earlier tasked Romeo Teruel, head of the Bohol Center for Development Studies, to submit a proposal for an operational program to help government witnesses with the expenses attendant to attending court hearings or trials.

The decision came up after an out-of town council meeting in Guinduman. Councilor Ephraim Licayan said one of the factors for early acquittals and low conviction rates in the courts is the lack of witnesses to support and build solid cases.

The councilor said he has once volunteered as a witness but the hassles he has to go through such as spending for his transportation, meals and time spent are too much for ordinary well meaning citizens.

Police investigators also aired similar concerns.

In his report to the PPOC last month, Teruel submitted two options: an amendment of the old Legal Assistance for Effective Law Enforcement Program (LAELEP); or the establishment of a separate Witness Assistance Program by an executive order or by Provincial Board legislation.

Due to similar problem of suddenly losing a case due to technicality or aiding law enforcers who are sure for performance of official tasks, the LAELEP in Bohol partnered with the local Integrated Bar of the Philippines (IBP).

Teruel recommended that Memorandum on the establishment of the LAELEP shall include actual transportation expenses and meal allowances to witnesses of government in criminal cases without private complainants and who are not enrolled under RA 6981.

The proposal also states that (b.) the fund for this program shall be used to defray

litigation expenses, posting of bail bonds, conduct of continuing legal education and training seminars, maintenance and other operating expenses including actual fare (going to and from residences to the court) of witnesses not only of covered law enforcers but also of those filed by government without private complainants including meal allowances of not more than P300 a day.

Teruel said the other option is the establishment of a separate witness protection program either through an Executive Order of the governor or an Ordinance passed by the Sangguniang Panlalawigan to be funded by the PLGU with an annual allocation of P50,000 and managed by the Provincial Prosecutor’s Office or the PNP. (mbcn/rahc/PIA-Bohol)

CENTRAL VISAYAS

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DSWD 7, NGOs partner for supplementary feeding of malnourished kids CEBU CITY, Dec. 29 (PIA) -- The Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) in Central Visayas has forged a partnership with six non-government Organizations (NGOs) to provide supplementary feeding program to malnourished children outside the government’s day care centers in the identified and adopted villages of the NGO beneficiaries. malnourished pre-schoolers outside the ore than 1,300 malnourished requirements needed for the program.

Beneficiaries of the feeding program day care centers in Talisay City. children will benefit from the The DSWD’s augmentation of feeding program by the DSWD will be malnourished children aged two to and the six NGOs which are the AKAP 12 years old based outside public day care resources in the Supplementary Feeding Bata- Cebu, Rotary Club of Metro Bogo, centers in the identified barangays.

Program with its various partners The supplementary feeding program exemplifies the public and private Zen ith Fo ods C or p or a tion , La Consolacion College in Bais City, Sto. will run from 120 to 200 days. partnership policy, a priority thrust of the Other than the partner-NGOs, Aquino Administration to fast track the Tomas College in Danao City and La private schools and civic groups, the country’s development. (FCR/AS/PIAConsolacion College in Liloan, Cebu.

The DSWD 7 will provide 20,000 DSWD 7 is also partnering with the Office CEBU with report from JB Binghay of kilos of iron-fortified rice while the NGO of Cebu 1st District Rep. Eduardo Gullas DSWD-7) partners will share the other to provide supplementary feeding to 200

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‘Better be safe than sorry,’ says BFP

by Rey Anthony Chiu TAGBILARAN CITY, Bohol, Dec. 26 (PIA) -- The Bureau of Fire Protection in Bohol reminds revelers of the risks of improperly handling and playing with firecrackers.

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peaking at the Kapihan sa PIA recently, Bohol Fire officer Vincent Ente said “Oplan Paalala” is its proactive way of stressing the need to be better safe than sorry, especially in celebrating the holidays.

In coordination with local authorities and the police, “Oplan Paalala” allows firefighters and police officers to visit barangays and remind residents of the safety measures in handling firecrackers and other pyrotechnic devices.

Ente bared that records from the Bureau of Fire showed that 2010 accidents by firecrackers and pyrotechnics increased by seven percent compared to the 2009

data.

“Most of those in the seven percent are children and intoxicated persons who still handled firecrackers and explosives, despite relentless campaigns against these kinds of risky behavior to mark traditional celebrations,” Ente added.

Ente also reminded the public to refrain from picking up and or relighting “dud” firecrackers.

“The best thing to do is to douse the firecracker or explosive with water, that way we can be sure they do not ignite anymore,” Ente stated.

Ente added not everyone likes firecrackers, that is why the BFP asked

municipal authorities to designate firecracker zones where people can freely enjoy and revelers are safely at a distance.

On electrical appliances, Ente reminds, “Follow products specifications.”

Lastly the BFP warned the public not to overload the wire capacity of series lighting because they are not designed for a series of connections.

“This can seriously overload the wire capacity and can cause short circuit. Do not install indoor electrical devices in outdoors,” Ente said. (mbcn/rahc/PIABohol)

Mining companies in CV support environmental programs

by Hazel Gloria CEBU CITY, Dec. 23 (PIA) -- Ten large scale mining companies in Central Visayas spent over P186 million for various environmental protection and enhancement programs (EPEP) within the areas of their operations from January to December 2011. he large-scale mining companies City of Naga already disbursed P2.015 post-mining land use potential for various types of disturbed land and extend to the that spent hundreds of millions of million.

Other mining companies that also met completion of the commitments in the pesos for environmental programs include Carmen Copper Corporation in their commitments include Quarry rehabilitation of the disturbed land in a Toledo City that topped the list with Ventures Philippines Inc. with P799,000; technically, socially and environmentally P156.737 million followed by Apo Heirs of Arturo Zayco/Goodyield competent manner.

Alburo stated every contractor is Cement Corporation and Apo Land and Resources Development Inc.with also Quarry Corporation in the City of Naga P799,000 and Lazi Bay Resources obliged to undertake environmental with P11.180 million worth of Development Inc., P295,000 worth of protection and enhancement programs covering the period of the mineral projects. environmental management projects.

Mines and Geo-sciences Bureau (MGB agreement or permit as stipulated in the Taiheiyo Cement Philippines Inc. and Solid Earth Development Corporation in -7) regional director Loreto Alburo said Philippine Mining Act of 1995.

Alburo articulated that DENR San Fernando had spent P5.062 million EPEP is the description of the expected and while the Philippine Mining Service considered acceptable impacts of the 'out Secretary Ramon J.P. Paje gave instructions Corporation and Dolomite Mining the life-of-mine' environmental protection to strictly adhere to its flagship program Corporation in Alcoy spent P5.865 million. and enhancement strategies based on best requiring a healthy balance of regulations The Philippine Mining Service practices in environmental management in and industry initiative, the integration of principles, practices, tools, systems, Corporation and Bohol Limestone mining.

Alburo explained that these projects approaches in mining operations and active Corporation in Garcia-Hernandez, Bohol allocated P3.466 million while JLR refer to the comprehensive and strategic stakeholder participation in environmental Construction and Aggregates Inc. in the environmental plan that includes management. (mbcn/hfg/PIA-7 & DENR-7)

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EASTERN VISAYAS

DA, EDC allot initial P92-M to develop ‘salad bowl’ in Leyte TACLOBAN CITY, Leyte, Dec. 28 (PIA) -- A 20,000-hectare area at Tongonan mountain range, straddling Ormoc City and municipality of Kananga, in the province of Leyte, will soon become a “salad bowl” that will produce high value semi-temperate vegetables.

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his, as the Department of Agriculture, in partnership with the Energy Development Corporation (EDC), other institutions and farmers’ groups, has set its eyes to make this development a reality.

Recently, Agriculture Secretary Proceso J. Alcala led the signing of a memorandum of agreement at Tacloban City to implement a five-year initiative, called Agri-Pinoy integrated and diversified program for the development of the “OK” upland range. OK refers collectively to Ormoc City and Kananga. The Tongonan mountain range is 500 to 800 meters above sea level.

The DA and EDC will jointly invest P92 million in the next five years to develop suitable areas surrounding the Leyte Geothermal Production Field (LGPF) to benefit 5,600 farmers, who are members of 23 farmers’ associations in Ormoc City and municipality of Kananga.

Alcala said the DA through the DA Region 8 office and National Agribusiness

Corporation (NABCOR) will assist farmers in the land preparation, cultivation, harvesting, processing, and marketing of vegetables and other high value commercial crops.

Currently, subsistence farmers at LGPF produce assorted vegetables and fruits like cabbage, green onion, tomato, eggplant, radish, chayote, cucumber (pipino), and pineapple. About five tons are harvested weekly and sold at public markets in Ormoc City and Kananga.

Under the five-year project, farmers will be encouraged to plant other fruit crops like durian, rambutan and jackfruit and will also include coffee and abaca.

Aside from the DA and EDC, the other project partners are the Visayas Sate University (VSU) and the Partners Multi-Purpose Cooperative (PMPC), representing the 23 farmers’ associations, located in 16 villages or barangays surrounding the LGPF at the OK upland range.

The joint project will not only uplift

farmers from poverty but more importantly transform them into entrepreneurs. It will benefit about 3,000 subsistence farm-families in seven villages in Kananga namely, Rizal, Hiluctogan, Montebello, Aguiting, Lim-ao, San Ignacio, and Tongonan; and nine villages in Ormoc City namely Milagro, Nueva Vista, Cabaon-an, Danao, Gaas, Liberty, Tongonan, Mahayahay, and Dolores.

During the MOA signing, Secretary Alcala underscored that the partnership will not only help in the production but also in the processing and marketing aspect of the project. He stressed the importance of economies of scale saying that the farmers can demand better prices if they have the volume of production.

Of the P92 million initial funding, the DA-NABCOR will share P29 million to establish a consolidation center and pilot packinghouse, and provide marketing support, said NABCOR president and CEO Honesto Baniqued, Jr. (PIA-8)

PCA-SoLeyte gives 4,300 bags of salt fertilizers to coco farmers

by ES Gorne MAASIN CITY, Southern Leyte, Dec. 27 (PIA) - - The Philippine Coconut Authority (PCA) – Southern Leyte Provincial Office has distributed 4,300 bags of salt fertilizers among the eighteen municipalities and the City of Maasin in the province. ccording to PCA Provincial Head Each coconut farmers will receive a He said the salt fertilizers were found Manuel Sembrado, the salt fer- minimum of two sacks of fertilizers, he effective and resulted to more production tilizers coming from the na- said. after one year of application according to tional government were distributed free Sembrano added that those coconut PCA scientists. of charge among the coconut farmers at a trees located in the interior barangays, Sembrado reported that the salt minimum of 226 sacks of fertilizers for where at least it is found two kilometers fertilizers were delivered to the province each f the eighteen municipalities and 232 away from the coastlines radius, were last December 14, 2011. (PIA-South for the city of Maasin. given priority in the distribution.

Leyte)

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Calbayog diocese waives party for ‘Sendong’ victims

by Ninfa B Quirante CATBALOGAN CITY, Samar, Dec. 27 (PIA) -- The Diocese of Calbayog said it cancelled its annual Christmas Party and donated the money instead to the victims of the tropical storm “Sendong”.

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endong claimed the lives of more than a thousand people from the cities of Cagayan de Oro, Iligan, and Dumaguete.

“We also cancelled our Calbayog clergy Christmas Party and decided to give the money to the hungry and the homeless of Cagayan de Oro and Iligan City,” Bishop Isabelo Abarquez texted.

Similarly, he also headed the collection of used clothing for the typhoon victims in Dumaguete City.

“We sent seven sacks of used clothing to the Diocese of Dumaguete through Cokaliong Shipping Lines and that Bishop John Du has acknowledged receipt of the

same,” the good bishop said.

The clergy leader in Samar also said that he has issued a circular letter to brother priests and other religious congregations in the diocese to do special collections for victims of Sendong.

In related development, the 8th Infantry Division (8th ID) Philippine Army, based in Catbalogan, Samar, is preparing the second wave of relief goods delivery to Mindanao on December 27.

In a text message, 11 sacks of rice, 20 sacks of used clothing, eight boxes of noodles, assorted canned goods and this time, bottles of mineral water were collected from the army’s sub-units.

One victim from Cagayan de Oro

City, Frissian Cabatuan from Kauswagan said that they just consume soft drinks in the meantime that supply of potable water is not yet available.

Another victim, Antonio Paculan from barangay Balalong shared that he, his wife, and four-year-old grandchild spent the whole night on their roof, and said that they were luckier as no one was hurt in their family.

It has been more than a week since Sendong wreaked havoc by bringing unprecedented volume of rain that drowned most victims in Cagayan de Oro, Iligan and Dumaguete City in Western Visayas. (PIA-Samar)

EASTERN VISAYAS

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Catarman allocates P35M for KALAHI-CIDSS 2012 implementation TACLOBAN CITY, Leyte, Dec. 22 (PIA) - - Catarman, the capital town of Northern Samar has appropriated P35 million for the implementation of Kapit-Bisig Laban sa Kahirapan-Comprehensive and Integrated Delivery of Social Services (KALAHI-CIDSS) in 2012.

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ayor Carpio said that the funding allocation have been included in the LGU’s Annual Investment Plan (AIP) for the coming year. The KALAHI-CIDSS requires counterpart funding from the local government units-beneficiaries, thus, the mayor said, the funding was included in the AIP for 2012.

The mayor said that after the municipality was identified as a beneficiary of the project, he directed the Barangay Development Committee to identify priority projects in their respective barangays in preparation for the KALAHI-CIDSS implementation.

KALAHI-CIDSS deputy regional project manager (DRPM) Eubolo Co affirmed that they have targeted March 2012 as the date to

formally launch the project in the municipality, through the signing of the memorandum of agreement (MOA) between the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) and the Local Government Unit of Catarman.

“After the MOA-signing, the project will take off and start the whole process - the Community Empowerment Activity Cycle or the CEAC. It involves the social preparation stage, wherein we conduct municipal and barangay orientations, participatory situation analysis, and community consultation.

After that is the project identification stage, then the project preparation, selection and approval stage. Every stage involves certain processes and procedures that ought to be strictly followed.

Carpio looks at KALAHI-CIDSS as a big help to the municipality and its people, especially in the barangays and communities.

With KALAHI-CIDSS, the LGU can concentrate more on projects that generate more return of investments (ROI), like the farm-to-market roads. This is important because if we have good farm-to-market roads, the quality of farm products is preserved while it is transported to the market”, he added.

KALAHI-CIDSS is a government project that aims to improve local governance, empower the community through the Community Driven Development process, and reduce poverty. It is being spearheaded by the Department of Social Welfare Development (DSWD). (PIA 8/DSWD8)

PNoy’s ‘Training for Work’ goes to local institute

by Alice Nicart BORONGAN CITY, Eastern Samar, Dec. 28 (PIA) - - President Benigno Aquino’s Training for Work Program is set to be received by some qualified individuals at the Llorente Technical Institue (LTI) in January

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unicipal Information Officer, Mariz Bormate disclosed that Food and Beverage Service (FBS), Housekeeping, Welding, Plumbing, Electrical and Automotive trainings will be offered with free tuition and assessment fees next month, January 2 to be exact, but applicants have to beat the December 29 deadline.

Bormate informed that this package is a grant of Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA) under the Training for Work Program, being one of the flagship programs of President Aquino.

She said that some 87 slots are up for grabs for the different short-term courses

at LTI which had been running for five years now.

Initiated by former Mayor Anton Cardona, LTI is proud to have produced current productive persons who work in local settings and abroad.

This was opened in Llorente town (just an hour drive from Borongan city) in 2006, as a joint project of the LGU and PLAN Philippines.

It is said to be the only TESDA registered Training Institute in Samar and Leyte.

The former town’s chief executive bears a gratifying success at his bold experiment, five years ago. In a text message, he said he feels good that among

others, he has left this one legacy to his people.

“I am also grateful to Pres. Aquino with his Training for Work Program through TESDA, because this means that with this 87 slots, another 87 poor individuals in the province could help their families in improving their quality of life in the next few months or so,” he concluded.

The be-medaled young mayor, who completed the full three-terms seriously attended to the needs and welfare of his constituents: from the youth, to the elderly, the farmers, the pre-elementary learners, to mothers and infants’ needs, etc. (PIA-Eastern Samar Nicart)

5 EVisayas areas positive for ‘witches broom’

by Neil D. Lopido TACLOBAN CITY, Leyte, Dec. 25 (PIA) -- Approximately 70 hectares of cassava farms in two cities and three municipalities in Eastern Visayas are affected of “witches broom” disease, the regional Department of Agriculture said during the Suruswerte ha PIA radio program December 23 edition.

According to DA information officer Francis Rosaroso, the areas affected of the cassava disease are the cities of Maasin and Ormoc and the municipalities of Kananga, Bato and La Paz in Leyte.

Witches broom is a disease or deformity in a woody plant, like cassava, where the natural structure of the plant is changed. A dense mass of shoots grow from a single point, resulting in a formation of a structure resembling a broom or a bird's nest.

It particularly causes the internode to

grow shorter and the leaves to discolor (light purple) and be distorted turning into bouquet-like in the apical portion of the plant. Roots and tubers become small with rough-textured skin and brown-streaked flesh.

Rosaroso said that the Philippine Crop Training and Research Center in VISCA and the Plant Quarantine Office of the Department of Agriculture has been monitoring said areas that are affected with the disease.

Rosaroso calls on the farmers to

report to the municipal agriculture office or to DA for validation or confirmation if they observed similar cases in their locality.

Likewise, the information officer advices the farmers that planting materials should come from trusted source and have proper coordination with the concerned agencies.

Next year, DA will conduct full blast information campaign about this as well as how it will be eradicated as this disease is just new, he said. (PIA-8)

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