One Visayas Vol. 2 Issue 1

Vol 2

January 1—8, 2012

Published by: PIA 6, 7 & 8

Issue 1

In this Issue Message from DG... page 8

WESTERN VISAYAS

BUENAVISTA LGU-LYMPICS. Mayor Samuel T. Gumarin greets the participants to the LGU-Lympics organized by the Buenavista Employees Association to engage them in friendly and healthy sports and cheers and yells competitions, as a form of healthy lifestyle showdown recently. The event culminated in a grand Christmas party. (LGU/ESS/PIA-Iloilo) More on Region 6, pages 2-3.

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CENTRAL VISAYAS

Pantawid Pamilya beneficiaries in barangay Sawang Calero, Cebu City listen to lectures on Hydrophonics gardening recently. (PIA-7/mbcn & DSWD-7/al) More on Region 7, pages 4-5.

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EASTERN VISAYAS

Leyte

releases

P11.5-M

TACLOBAN CITY, Leyte, Jan. 3 (PIA) -- Leyte recently released P11.5 million as provincial cash counterpart for the Kapit-Bisig Laban sa KahirapanComprehensive and Integrated Delivery of Social Services (KALAHI-CIDSS) in Leyte.

This is a manifestation of Leyte’s continued support to the project and its objectives, said Governor Carlos Jericho Petilla, acknowledged by DSWD as one of its strong supporters of the program in the region.

Petilla believes in the program’s primary objectives to empower communities and to improve local governance.

This project was able to develop their capability and mobilized their resources as well as empowered them to become active members and implementors of government projects in their area.

For the municipality of Javier, the province has committed P1,811,210 as counterpart; La Paz, P2,010,995; Julita, P1,467,636; Mahaplag, P1,561,858; Mayorga, P1,280,410; San Isidro, P1,108,481; Tabango, P803,450; and Tabontabon, P718,895.

for

KALAHI-CIDSS

The next release will include the P1,953,415 the provincial government has pledge for the KALAHI CIDSS in Bato, Leyte. The Municipal Local Government Unit (MLGU) and Barangay Local Government Unit (BLGU) have obligated P2, 431,921, and delivered P2, 115,815 or 87 percent of the total fund.

On the other hand, Mahaplag, Leyte, which has committed a total of P1, 226,243.10 has delivered P1, 219,021.10 or 99 percent, the highest among the nine municipalities.

The local cash counterpart from the province is a requisite for downloading and disbursement of funds from the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) central office for the identified KALAHI-CIDSS sub-projects in the above-mentioned municipalities.

KALAHI-CIDSS is a unique program approach of the government to development. It is one of the largest poverty alleviation portfolios of World Bank in the Philippines having flowed in almost P15 billion for infrastructure projects. (PIA-8)

Local bizmen upbeat about Iloilo economy ILOILO CITY, Jan. 5 (PIA6) -- Local businessmen remain upbeat about business and investment prospects here in 2012.

Iloilo Business Club (IBC) executive director Lea Lara and Philippine Chamber of Commerce and Industry (PCCI) Iloilo Chapter president Joe Marie Agriam said in media interviews here that this general outlook of their colleagues is based on recent events in Iloilo.

They were referring to the investments put in by a number of businessmen particularly those of Megaworld Corporation, businessman Edgar “Injap” Sia II and Ayala Land, Inc., all in the Mandurriao district area that have created a multiplier effect.

Lara and Agriam also acknowledged the support provided by the national and local governments in terms of needed infrastructure including roads, which are important in mobility and accessibility of people and goods.

Lara said they are forward-looking and optimistic about the New Year. Agriam, for his part, said things are looking rosy.

The local PCCI official is particularly upbeat about the coming events in Iloilo including the Dinagyang Festival, 2nd Iloilo International Film Festival and

Chinese New Year celebration which would augur well for local tourism and business.

Both business leaders also spoke well about local tourism as they said they are also pushing it because of the sector’s bright prospects.

New business investments have been complemented by the P2.4-billion infrastructure projects package, which includes radial and circumferential roads to be implemented by the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) here. (JCM/JSC/PIA6)

Iloilo’s “upbeat” developments have started to rise on this area in Mandurriao, Iloilo City. (Photo credits: www.skyscrapercity.com/earth.google.com)

C. Visayas produces 1st grads of DAR mediators nationwide Department of Agriculture 8 regional information officer Francis Rosaroso and Jessa Faye Macapañas alternately caution farmers and listeners of Suruswerte ha PIA regarding the “witches broom” disease affecting the cassava plants.

Suruswerte is a radio program aired live over station DYVL Aksyon Radyo at 10:00-10:30 AM every Tuesday and Friday. Others in photo are co-hosts Jimmy Angay-angay an d Manny Maaño. (Vino R. Cuayzon) More on Region 8, pages 6-7.

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by Fayette C. Riñen CEBU CITY, Jan. 2 (PIA) -- Central Visayas produced the first graduates of the Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) trainings nationwide conducted by the Department of Agrarian Reform (DAR).

The 37 graduates composed of lawyers, legal officers and municipal agrarian reform officers are now certified ADR mediators after they were given certificates of completion and accreditation as ADR mediators signed by DAR Sec. Virgilio de los Reyes.

The DAR held the series of trainings in compliance with RA 9285 or the country’s law providing for ADR.

Apart from handling DAR cases, the ADR mediators can also resolve other disputes particularly on land issues.

Only 37 out of the 59 participants in Region 7 were able to complete the trainings done in four phases. The last phase included an internship wherein participants were made to handle actual mediation cases in the various towns and cities in Central Visayas.

DAR will continue to hold ADR trainings in other regions throughout the country to be able to provide speedy resolution to DAR-related cases and land disputes through professional, skilled and objective ADR mediators. (PIA-Cebu with PR from DAR)

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WESTERN VISAYAS

WVisayas has more workers in agri, forestry ILOILO PROVINCIAL CAPITOL

by: Elsa S. Subong

ILOILO CITY, Jan. 4 (PIA) -- The decreasing interest in agricultural courses has not dimmed employment opportunities in agriculture, hunting and fishery in the region, said a survey of the National Statistics Office (NSO).

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he NSO recently conducted a Regional Data Dissemination Seminar on the 2009 Annual Survey of Philippine Business and Industry before the academe, government institutions and partner establishments in Western Visayas.

NSO-6 Director Norman Julag-ay said the survey showed that of the 1,163 establishments with employment of 20 and over, agriculture, hunting and forestry had the most number of workers with 21,793 or 21 percent.

Julag-ay said real estate, renting and business activities came in second, with 16,304 or 15 percent employees, noted to have outdone other

sectors after agriculture, in three years’ time.

The sector having the least number of employees was the social and personal service, with 1,110 or 1 percent.

The others were into growing of sugarcane including muscovado sugar making in the farm which had 29,261 workers, while the irrigation systems employed 5,835.

As to revenue generated in the region, real estate, renting and business had the highest generated value added of P21.9 billion with revenue amounted to P2.4 billion, while fishing had the lowest revenue of P313 million with estimated value added of

P133 million.

Leah Lara, executive director of the Iloilo Business Club, said the real estate is indeed experiencing a boom, with OFW spending focused on it, but added that the agriculture sector should not be sacrificed because of the extreme conversions of lands into subdivisions.

NSO-Manila Officer Elsie Solidum said the data should serve as a wake-up call to the agriculture development stakeholders in the region to improve on the employment potentials of this sector.

(JCM/ESS/PIA-Iloilo)

Aklan, AusAID sign MOA for road improvement

by Venus G. Villanueva KALIBO, Aklan, Jan. 4 (PIA6) -- The province of Aklan, through Governor Carlito S. Marquez, and the Australian AID for International Development (AusAID) recently signed a Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) for the Provincial Road Network Management Facilities program.

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he program, according to Engr. Roger Esto, Provincial Planning and Development Coordinator who witnessed the MOA signing, entails the rehabilitation and improvement of Aklan’s provincial road network.

Esto said that under the set-up, Aklan will receive P40 million yearly for three

years for the implementation of the project, while Aklan will provide a 12 percent counterpart for the project.

To be prioritized are road networks of far-flung municipalities so that farmers in the areas will find it easier to bring their produce to the market..

Presently, the project is on its

assessment stage to be facilitated by the Provincial Engineer’s Office and AusAID consultants.

If the province qualifies for the bonus, Esto said the amount will also be used for further improvement of Aklan’s provincial roads. (JCM/VGV PIA 6 Aklan)

BIR Capiz exceeds 2011 target

by Alex A. Lumaque ROXAS CITY, Capiz, Jan. 6 (PIA) -- The Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR) Revenue District Office (RDO) No. 72 has collected about P591.6 million last year.

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he figure is approximately P13.5 head Gil Tabanda. million higher than its P578.070 Controllable taxes like withholdings million goal for the year-long on compensation, as well as at source period. and capital gain tax, among others, Based on the report of collections of have significantly contributed to the BIR Capiz, the agency has generated collection.

P54,190,756.55 tax for the month of The intensified crackdown on tax December alone which is nearly 10 evaders through the implementation of percent higher than its target.

Oplan Kandado, “BIR on Wheels,” and The District’s massive tax campaigns the P16 million payment of the like seminars and dialogues relative to tax Robinsons Land Corporation (RLC) collection have contributed to the last June have also helped in the increased accomplishment, said BIR – RDO No. 72 collection.

BIR Capiz has closed two business firms in view of its “Oplan Kandado” campaign in the province in 2011.

The accomplishment was also attributed to the BIR’s much needed reforms instituted to improve its business processes and systems.

Due to its aggressive efforts in collecting taxes in the province, the District was given recognition as early as October during the gathering of BIR top officials in the region. (JCM/AAL/PIA 6 Capiz)

WESTERN VISAYAS

NEW GOVERNMENT CENTER—BACOLOD CITY

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DSWD-6 needs more workers for expansion of pro-poor programs by: Elsa S. Subong

ILOILO CITY, Jan. 2 (PIA) -- The regional office of the Department of Social Welfare and Development needs about 200 additional workers for the expansion of its pro-poor programs this 2012.

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SWD-6 Director Minda Brigoli said the agency is set to expand its convergence programs for Kahirapan-Comprehensive and Integrated Delivery of Social Services or Kalahi-CIDSS, the Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program or 4Ps, and the Self-Employment Assistance or SEA-K program. .

The workers needed to facilitate implementation of these programs

include engineers, financial analysts, community workers and other support staff.

DSWD said that New KALAHI-CIDSS municipalities in 2011 until June 2012 have an estimated cost of P234.26 million, with 408 barangays covered and 215 prioritized sub-projects.

On the other hand, Brigoli said they are favorably considering the inclusion of

Iloilo City and Bacolod City in the Urban Kalahi-CIDSS program this year, as these cities are also hosting thousands of indigent families.

Meanwhile, per DSWD record of accomplishments for Kalahi-CIDSS as of November 30, 2011, the project has released a total of P137.5 grant funds for 10 municipalities. (JCM/ESS/PIA-Iloilo).

APPO intensifies campaign against criminality

by Pilar S. Mabaquiao SAN JOSE, Antique Jan. 5 (PIA) -- The Antique Police Provincial Office (APPO) committed to intensify its campaign against criminality as they welcomed 2012 with optimism of building strong partnerships with the community and multi-sectoral groups.

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n an interview, PSupt. Jose Roy Torrechilla said, "we need to enhance our partnership with community, agencies of government, non-government organizations and local government units in stepping up our campaign against criminality and maintenance of peace and order".

With Police Integrated Patrol System (PIPS), Torrechilla said it is their goal to lower the crime rate this year,

The 18 Municipal Police Stations and two mobile groups are coherent in its mission to ensure lawless elements are apprehended and possible intrusion to peace and order are averted, said Torrechilla.

PNP also enjoined the support of Barangay Peacekeeping Action Teams in 590 local communities to help police officers maintain peace and order in their barangay.

In addition, the PNP has designated Police Officer (supervisor) in every barangay as link of the PNP to the people at the same time enhance police relations and serve as accountable officer in terms of peace and order. This is one of the priority thrust of PNP under Police Director General Nicanor A. Bartolome. (JCM/PSM/PIA6 Antique)

Teachers modern day Rizals

by Easter Anne D. Doza BACOLOD CITY, Jan. 2 (PIA) -- Teachers, who are advocates of education and intellectual development, are modern day Rizals, according to Bacolod City Mayor Evelio Leonardia.

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n his 11th Rizal Day speech, Leonardia expressed that as leaders of the city, they share the responsibility with teachers in keeping the Rizal spirit alive in the young and future leaders of the country.

“It is therefore our prime duty as adults to instill in them the task of valuing the search for knowledge as Rizal would have liked and wanted,” Leonardia told the crowd, mostly of teachers that gather around the Bacolod

City Rizal Park to commemorate the 115th Death Anniversary of the country’s national hero.

The mayor added that through the use of modern technology and social networking sites, the young can express themselves and can contribute to the continued quest for national stability just like what Rizal did during his time when he used the power of his pen as a peaceful reformist and rejected all invitations to

join groups advocating armed revolts.

The celebration was highlighted by a re-enactment of the life of Rizal and the floral offering on the statue of Rizal led by the city officials, other government agencies and non-government organizations led by the Yuchengco Group of Companies.*(JCM/EAD-PIA6/Negros Occidental)

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CENTRAL VISAYAS

Greening program to benefit agri sector CEBU PROVINCIAL CAPITOL

by Hazel F. Gloria

CEBU CITY, Jan. 4 (PIA) -- The Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR-7) says the government's national greening program will considerably benefit the agriculture sector especially in improving water yield of watersheds.

"It would ensure supply of water to irrigate farmlands," DENR-7 regional executive director Maximo Dichoso said.

He also urged business sectors, academe, non-government organizations and other stakeholders to support the implementation of the National Greening Program (NGP) Central Visayas.

This developed as DENR-7 is set to cover 10,628 hectares this year or an increase of 188.71 percent of its 2011 target of 5,632 hectares covering the four provinces of Bohol, Cebu, Negros Oriental and Siquijor.

Dichoso added that under the NGP, the government seeks to improve the vegetative cover of watersheds that could supply the much needed freshwater requirement of the region.

“There is a need to work together for a collaborative greening and maintenance, at the same time promoting the strength of social mobilization and volunteerism through public-private partnership among the various

stakeholders to make sure that we can hit the goal of planting 3.523 million seedlings this year,” he said.

By soliciting the help and support of our business sectors, we can ensure that those planted areas will be taken care of and that proper maintenance activities will be provided for with the resources available from them, Dichoso noted.

President Aquino issued EO-26 on February 24, 2011 declaring the National Greening Program as a government priority initiative to reduce poverty, promote food security, environmental stability and biodiversity conservation, and enhance climate change mitigation and adaptation.

Specifically, it seeks to plant 1.5 billion seedlings in 1.5 million hectares of public lands nationwide in six years, from 2011 to 2016. This is more than twice the government’s accomplishment for the past 25 years, of about 730,000 hectares.

Dichoso explained that NGP addresses soil erosion, secures a sustainable supply of water and provides additional livelihood for farmers through agroforestry.

Food security is one of the pressing issues facing the Philippines today and widely regarded as highly susceptible to the effects of climate change.

Soil erosion is equally problematic due to the country’s geographic conditions, the DENR said.

DENR data showed that about 20 million hectares or two-thirds of the country’s total land area of 30 million hectares, are hilly and mountainous, making these areas susceptible to soil erosion.

Soil erosion, according to studies, directly impact on low crop productivity, reduction of the capacity of water conveyance structures, destruction of wildlife habitat, and destruction of standing crops.(mbcn/hfg/PIA-7 & DENR-7)

Siquijor police enforces stricter road policies

by Rizalie A. Calibo SIQUIJOR, Jan. 6 (PIA) -- The Philippine National Police in Siquijor now implements stricter road policies to reduce the number of road mishaps in the province and to curb criminality. azi Police Station Inspector accidents and maintain peace and order in Cubo said most of the road Romeo Cubo said they are Siquijor. mishaps involve vehicles or motorcycles strictly implementing the helmet He said that following the said that do not have plates. (mbcn/rac/PIAand “no plate, no ride” policies to policies has also been strengthened Siquijor) seriously solve criminality, reduce road and started two months ago in Lazi town.

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Cebu City Police sets security measures for upcoming Sinulog Festival

by Amor Saludar CEBU CITY Jan. 3 (PIA) -- Security preparations for the upcoming Sinulog Festival are now being drafted by the police here as Cebu celebrates the Sinulog Festival on January 15.

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he Sinulog Grand Mardi Gras in Cebu City on Sunday is expected to attract hundreds of thousands of tourists and local residents who will witness the grand parade along the city’s major routes.

In a recent meeting with Police Regional Office-7 director C/Supt.

Marcelo Garbo, Cebu City Police Office Director S/ Supt. Melvin Ramon Buenafe bared his plan to utilize more than 3,000 police personnel that will be scattered throughout the parade routes as well as other Sinulog-related activities prior to the Mardi Gras.

Buenafe said that the more than 1,000 police personnel in the city will be augmented by 2,000 police neophytes from the Regional Public Safety Battalion (RPSB) to ensure peace and order amid the hundreds of thousands of crowd that will flock to the streets.

Over 5,000 criminology students from the different universities in Cebu will also be deployed to assist the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) Central Command for crowd control.

Part of the security measures will be the creation of a crisis committee tasked to respond to major alarms and incidents during Sinulog-related events particularly

during the actual celebration of the Sinulog grand parade.

It is expected that when the Police Coordinating and Advisory Council (PCAC) would release the resolution on the total gun ban, this will be implemented in Cebu City starting January 5 until January 25 this year.

Buenafe assured the public that they will intensify the’ Oplan Boga, Oplan Sita’ to strengthen the enforcement of the gun ban implementation so that people illegally carrying firearms will be apprehended.

(FCR/AS/PIA-CEBU)

CENTRAL VISAYAS

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Application now open for Silliman U’s 51st Writers’ Workshop CEBU CITY HALL

by Rachelle M. Nessia

DUMAGUETE CITY, Jan. 2 (PIA) -- Silliman University (SU) in Dumaguete City, Negros Oriental is now accepting applications for its 51st National Writers Workshop, which will run from April 30 to May 18, 2012 at the SU Rose Lamb Sobrepeña Writers Village, this city.

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he workshop is offering 15 fellowships to promising writers.

Fellows will be provided housing, a modest stipend, and a subsidy to partially defray their transportation costs, a release from SU said.

Applicants must submit manuscripts in English on or before February 10, 2012.

Manuscripts should be submitted in hard copy on short-size bond paper, using Times New Roman or Calibri in 12 pt. font type.

Applicants for Fiction and Creative Non-Fiction fellowships should submit three to five entries while applicants for Poetry fellowships should submit seven to ten poems.

Applicants for Drama fellowship should submit at least a One-Act Play. For plays exceeding the one act length, a scene accompanied by a synopsis of the entire work should be included.

Each fiction, non-fiction, or drama manuscript should not be more than 50 pages in double-spaced format.

“We encourage applicants to stay below the 50 pages since a submission half that length is more than sufficient as a critical gauge,” the press release said.

Manuscripts should be submitted along with a letter of recommendation from a literature professor or an established

writer, resume, a notarized certification that the works are original, and two 2x2 ID pictures.

Entries that fail to comply with said requirements will automatically be disqualified.

Applications must be sent to Dr. Evelyn F. Mascuñana , Chair, Department of English and Literature, Silliman University, 6200 Dumaguete City.

F o r i n qu i r i e s , e m ai l atnwworkshop_su@yahoo.com or call (035) 422-6002 loc. 350. (RMN/PIA Negros Oriental with reports from Ian Rosales Casocot)

Concert-for-a-cause set for Sendong’s victims in Dumaguete City

by Jennifer Catan-Tilos DUMAGUETE CITY, Jan. 4 (PIA) -- Top musicians and artists in Negros Oriental will come together for a fund-raising concert for the victims of typhoon Sendong. The concert-for-a-cause will be held on January 6 at 7:00 p.m. at the Macias Sports Center, Capitol Area, Dumaguete City.

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he event is dubbed “Hugyaw! sa Panaghiusa-Kalipay-Paglaum” and features the best talents in the province, said Glynda Descuatan, one of the concert organizers.

Proceeds of the concert will be used for the tents, construction materials and other necessary supplies for those houses which were totally or partially damaged of the typhoon.

Entrance fee is P50.

“This is for a more lasting solution to the problem of dislocation. While

relief efforts are ongoing, there is the greater challenge of re-building these communities. Some of the families now cramped inside chapels or day-care centers, or stay with relatives who can barely support their own families," said Descuatan. "Some have set up camp in vacant lots.”

To make the program unique and more meaningful, Descuatan explained, it is segregated in three parts. One part called "Panaghiusa" involves audience participation, community singing and

getting-together activities. There will also be live band accompaniment from the Youth Band Z’MAR, of Sibulan United Church of Christ in the Philippines.

The third part is Paglaum which will feature testimonies of hope from affected families, plus videos and photos taken by various groups to be played on the wide screens, among others.

The organizers request the public to support the concert-for-a-cause to help the typhoon Sendong victims in Dumaguete City. (PIA/JCT)

PAGASA-Cebu warns residents in creeks, rivers

by Fayette C. Riñen

CEBU CITY, Jan. 4 (PIA) -- This early, PAGASA-Mactan has already advised residents living near creeks and rivers in Cebu to be extra cautious as the first three months of this year will experience rainfall due to the La Niña phenomenon.

AGASA-Mactan Chief Oscar Eight automatic weather stations community residents living in critical areas Tabada in a media interview said (AWS), a gadget that measures the at risk of landslides, flashfloods and they already gave evacuation volume of rainfall, have already been flooding. warnings to all stakeholders as Cebu and placed in Metro Cebu, Bogo City, There is a need to heighten disaster the rest of the country will witness Bantayan Island and Camotes Island in the consciousness and preparedness in the continuous rains from January to March, northern part of Cebu as well as the minds of every Filipino because it is not this year. provinces of Bohol and Negros Oriental, the responsibility of the government alone Tabada especially warned that the La this is said. but a lookout of every sector in society, Niña will bring heavy rains in the Another AWS is proposed to be Tabada stressed.

Visayas in February and March as he stationed at Alegria, a municipality in PAGASA on the other hand, said the advised those living in danger zones such southern Cebu. low pressure area located at the East as creeks, rivers and in landslide and Tabada said 7.5 milliliters of rainfall Southeast of General Santos has flood-prone areas to be extra volume can already trigger landslides and disorganized and is expected not to vigilant and immediately evacuate their flooding in danger zone areas. intensify into a typhoon, this is said. homes.

Tabada previously said that since the Today’s forecast in Cebu is cloudy The PAGASA is expecting five installation of a weather radar system in with sunny periods and light rains typhoons to enter the country for the first Mactan that covers a 500-kilometer range, becoming moderate until the weekend, five months this year or from the period daily weather bulletins have been issued as according to PAGASA-Mactan. (PIA-Cebu) January to May. part of their early warning signal to

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EASTERN VISAYAS

Tanauanons lord over skimboarding competition

8th

national LEYTE PROVINCIAL CAPITOL

TACLOBAN CITY, Leyte, Jan. 1 (PIA) -- The skimriders of Tanauan once again emerged as champions in the three divisions of the recently concluded the 8th Tanauan National Skimboarding Open Competition held at the Bantay Dagat Area of Tanauan in the province of Leyte.

Skimboarding Competition chairman Eugene Ramos said that in the Open category, Tanauan's Brando Espada who is the current title holder, was again proclaimed the champion. Coming in as first runner up was Dariel Espada; Obet Yanuario as the 2nd runner up and Rioben Vivero as third runner up.

All of them are from Tanauan, Leyte.

In the same competition held on December 27 to 30, Tanauan's Inday Ibanez, the reigning champion, ably defended her crown and emerged as champion in the Wahini (women's) division. Sicay Ayes of Tacloban City was

declared as the second placer. Janice Tapdasan of Cebu was third placer while Clau Las Pinas of Cebu was 4th placer.

For the grommet division which is the category for the younger players or beginners, Mebul Pingol of Tanauan was proclaimed champion. Jake Cartalla of Palo, Joe Cris Lago of Tacloban and Dexter Oguias of Baybay were declared as second, third and fourth placers, respectively.

The champion for the Open Category received a trophy and P25,000 in cash while the wahini and grommet champions received P5,000 each.

Not one of the more than 100 participants left before the awarding, a clear manifestation that the participants loved and enjoyed the camaraderie at the Skimboarding Area.

The skimriders did not only learn to put their energies in the right places, they also developed that sense of responsibility to the sea which is the source of their enjoyment.

Thus, the skimmers themselves, saw to it that the environment was kept clean and protected. (PIA-8)

Doctor-less municipalities in E.Visayas down to 3 TACLOBAN CITY, Leyte, Jan. 5 (PIA) –- With the recent deployment of 10 young medical graduates to 10 doctor-less municipalities, there remain only three municipalities in Eastern Visayas without doctors, the Department of Health informed.

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OH-8 Director Edgardo Gonzaga identified these municipalities as Santo Nino, Jiabong, and Tagapul-an, all in the province of Samar.

He recalled that in 2009, there were 15 municipalities in the region without medical professionals. It is a big help that the number had dwindled to just three.

The DOH director said that before, indigent patients had to travel long hours to go to clinical specialists in provincial or city centers.

The thrust of the Doctor to the Barrio (DTTB) Program is to provide medical care by deploying competent, dedicated doctors twice a year to far-flung areas that needed them most.

These areas are typically underdeveloped and economically challenged municipalities described as isolated, depressed, and hard to reach. Deployed doctors are expected to render two years of service in the municipalities.

These Doctors to the Barrios receive about P28,000 ($995.231) a month in

salaries and other benefits. They serve the municipality for two years.

A number had been taken in by the local government units (LGU) as their municipal health officers.

The Department of Health pays for the salaries of the doctor but on the third year, the doctor and the Department of Health negotiate with the municipality to take in the doctor as the regular municipal health officer paid by the LGU. (PIA-8)

DepEd courts barangay involvement in education

by Ninfa B Quirante CATBALOGAN CITY, Samar, Jan. 4 (PIA) -- The Department of Education (DepED) is courting the barangays for their support to education.

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laire Menda, information officer of DepEd Samar, thinks that this is an idea to “solidify” the school and barangay.

“This is one of the three big goals that DepEd needs to achieve, one is to see to it that all school-age children are in school, next is to make sure that those in school, stay until the last day in school and those who are in school get quality education,” the DepEd official said.

She mentioned that barangay officials

are not only involved during the ‘Brigada Eskwela” when communities forge alliances to prepare schools during the opening but also to help the schools weld that holding power for students.

DepEd seeks to unite a grand alliance among government organizations, families, and individuals in meeting the basic learning needs of all children.

During education summits that are periodically held, the barangays, especially those in remote areas, appeal to teachers to minimize their absences so that

schoolchildren become inspired always to report to school.

“We can not always monitor them, the barangays help us do that,” Menda said.

The teachers in turn renew their commitment to hold classes the whole five days, Menda said.

The barangays keep an eye on the schools, make sure that classes are held regularly, and in turn extend affordable support to their activities. (PIA-Samar)

EASTERN VISAYAS

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East Samar police accomplishments for 2011 TACLOBAN CITY HALL

bares

biggest

by Alice Nicart

BORONGAN, Eastern Samar, Jan. 3 (PIA) -- Residents in the area used to dread commuting and traversing the highways of the province of Eastern Samar for fear of being held-up. But those days are long gone , Chief Inspector Edwin Barbosa Police Community Relations Office (PCRO)- Philippine National Police (PNP) Provincial Command said.

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ccording to Barbosa, the neutralization of hold-up incidents in highways of the province was their major accomplishment for 2011.

It can be recalled that there used to be a series of hold-up incidents along the stretch of Hernani and Llorente towns.

However, just before the year ended, the suspects were collared by police authorities.

Asked about the recent New Year’s revelries, Barbosa said that the celebration was relatively peaceful, no illegal discharge of ammunition was reported except for five firecracker-related injuries which were reported by the Provincial Health Office (PHO).

Several years back, members of the defunct Philippine Constabulary (PC) and Integrated National Police (INP) would

fire their firearms at midnight at the change of the year. This resulted in injuries and sometimes, the death of victims.

Later it became taboo as several of them faced charges; others were dismissed from the service for indiscriminate firing.

The PNP Provincial command is under the leadership of SSupt. Manuel E. Cubillo.(PIA-Eastern Samar)

Naval mayor bares priority projects for 2012

by Flor Jackson NAVAL, Biliran, Jan. 2, (PIA) -– Mayor Susan Parilla of the local government unit (LGU) of Naval bared some of her priority projects for the year 2012.

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n an interview with Mayor Parilla, she said that the need to complete the drainage projects for poblacion Naval is a priority to avoid flooding in major streets of the area especially now that the rainy season which is usually experienced during the last quarter of the year will spill over during the first months of 2012.

Naval’s prize of P900,000 for being one of the municipalities in region 8 that garnered the Seal of Good Housekeeping award from the Department of Interior

and Local Government (DILG) will be used to finance the drainage project.

She added that the amount of P1 million won by Naval in the Gawad Pamana ng Lahi award last year, will be added to the P900,000 to complete the drainage project.

Mayor Parilla said that aside from the drainage project that LGU-Naval has to complete early this year, to be given focus by her administration is the strict implementation of the solid waste management.

She also said that she will continue the greening program of LGU-Naval by encouraging residents in Barangay Caraycaray, Naval who are living along the shorelines to plant more mangrove seedlings in their place.

A mangrove nursery will be set up in Sitio Banderahan, Caraycaray to ensure continuous supply of mangrove seedlings every time a mangrove tree planting activity is scheduled. (PIA-Biliran)

YISEDA completes tree planting under the UN REDD Plus program

by ES Gorne MAASIN CITY, Southern Leyte, Dec. 29 (PIA) -- A people’s organization has completed its part in planting forest trees in the 110-hectare land under the United Nations Program on Reducing Emissions from Deforestation and Forest Degradation in Developing Countries (UN-REDD Plus Program).

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he people’s organization Young Innovators for Sustainable Economic Development Association -(YISEDA), accredited by the Community-Based Forest Management (CBFM), is now waiting for the monitoring and evaluation of their completed reforestation project, according to Provincial Environment and Natural Resources Management Office (PENRMO) REDD Plus Project Coordinator Ransom Fiel.

The project is also in partnership with the provincial governments of Maasin City and Southern Leyte and with Gesellschaft

fur Internationale Zusammenarbeit (GIZ), a German government organization.

Project Coordinator Fiel said that YISEDA, based in Sitio Canlugok in Barangay Lunas, Maasin City, has already received its mobilization fund for the seedling production and planting of forest trees from the GIZ. Fiel added that Maasin City also participated, together with 14 other barangays, who all forged financial agreement with the GIZ for the mobilization fund for the seedling production, site preparation and plantation establishments respectively.

The barangays who have given their support are Hinapu Daku, Hinapu Gamay, Pinaskuhan, Canju-om, Libertad, Pansa-an, Nonok Norte, Nonok Sur, Lunas, all of which are based in Maasin City, Fiel said.

Most of the barangays are already accredited by the Department of Labor and Employment as a people’s organization in each of the 14 barangays involved in the REDD Plus Program, Fiel explained. (PIA-Southern Leyte)

Message from DG What is so important in a new year? It is just the changing of a number. From 2011, it is now 2012.

The coming of a new year is celebrated in all cultures and religions. It is the coming of a new age.

It is also a reason to hope.

Our countrymen, by overwhelming number look at 2012 with hope for a better life and a better Philippines, and rightly they expect so much from our leaders especially our President. 2010 and 2011 were the foundations of this great expectation. From a campaign promise of daang matuwid, the one year and a half of the Aquino Presidency has laid down the plans and programs of good governance.

We saw the development and articulation of the Philippine Development Plan.

We saw the systematic prosecution and bringing to justice of those who have violated the law. We saw the start of rebuilding and strengthening of the foundations of democracy and our institutions.

We saw that public money was prudently spent and policies were cleverly crafted.

We saw that this government is truth worthy and its President can be trusted. People saw that and they believe that he can deliver on the change that he promised.

These are the reasons for the high hopes and expectations for 2012.

As they say, new year is an opportunity for renewal. As we meet 2012 and embrace its promise of a new and better life for all Filipinos, let us look at 2011 and the years before that as foundations into the future. Let us take a stock of the good and trail-blazing projects that we had undertaken. Let us continue to innovate and improve on them and with hard work and with the grace of God Almighty, we will be able to do more.

To all the officials and personnel of PIA and our partners, thank you for a fruitful 2011. Your work in improving and saving the lives of others through timely, accurate information has affected the lives of countless Filipinos.

To those to whom much was given, much is expected. God has been so kind to us. Let us do more. We pray for wisdom. We pray for strength. We pray for guidance and protection as we perform our daily task with honor, dedication and joy.

God bless our country and its people. God bless PIA and the Philippines.

ATTY. JOSE A. FABIA PIA Director General

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