One Visayas Vol 2 Issue 10

Vol 2

Published by: PIA 6, 7 & 8

Issue 10

In this Issue WESTERN VISAYAS

DOST Regional Director Engr. Rowen Gelonga, one of the vice-chairpersons of the Regional Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (RDRRMC) 6 presents to council members his sector’s report on Disaster Prevention and Mitigation during the 1st Quarter Meeting of the RDRRMC VI held in Iloilo City, March 6. (EJB/PIA 6)

More on Region 6, pages 2-3.

Also CLICK Here…

CENTRAL VISAYAS

Mar. 5—11, 2012

U.S. Navy ship commander: ’Iloilo is beautiful!’

By Jaime S. Cabag, Jr.

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LOILO CITY, March 5 (PIA6) -- USS Chafee Commanding Officer Justin Kubu did not mince words in conveying his admiration for Iloilo which he described as beautiful and as a place of hospitable and friendly people (Ilonggos).

Kubu, who heads one of the U.S. Navy’s most advanced and powerful ships and the more or less 300 men and women aboard it, said they enjoyed a lot their stay in Iloilo and would like to return here.

The USS Chafee, an Arleigh Burke Class Aegis Destroyer, paid a visit to Iloilo to support the activities of “America in 3D” held March 2-4 here and to help promote Philippines-U.S. friendship.

The U.S. Navy official also led in showing local media practitioners around the ship during the media tour held March 4.

The members of the media were allowed to take a look inside the ship’s major sections including the bridge, Combat Information Center, Central Control System, and major deck areas.

With Commanding Officer Kubu to show the mediamen around were Ensign Melissa Pelosi and other officers of the ship.

His remark on the place and their memorable stay in Iloilo complemented the statements made by U.S. diplomatic officials who came here to lead the “America

in 3D” road show of the U.S. Embassy, whose primary objective is to strengthen ties between the two countries The event included activities that sought to enhance these already good ties including tree planting, school painting, sports clinics, dance workshop, musical entertainment, and providing Ilonggos access to U.S. Embassy services.

The media tour was one of a series of tours arranged by the U.S. Embassy of the visiting ship that also included local government officials and representatives from the business and other sectors. (JCM/JSC-PIA6)

PIA-SMART launches Infoboard program in CV

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Dumaguete City Councilor JV Imbo (left) distributing relief goods to calamity-stricken women in behalf of Mayor Manuel Sagarbarria at the Dumaguete Women's Center recently.

Imbo is assisted by City Social Welfare Officer Marina Mendoza (extreme right). The relief goods are for the victims of Typhoon Sendong that battered the city on Dec. 17, 2011. (PIA7)

More on Region 7, pages 4-5.

Also CLICK Here…

EASTERN VISAYAS

EBU CITY, Marso 2 (PIA) -- Cell phones with SMART as service provider will soon receive disaster alerts and weather bulletins including important advisories and information after SMART and the Philippine Information Agency (PIA-7) in Central Visayas launched the Smart Infoboard program at the PIA -7 conference room, Machay building at Gorordo Ave., in Cebu City, March 1.

Some 30 information officers from Cebu, Bohol and NegOr whoare members of the Regional Association of Development Information Officers (RADIO-7) including those of the national and local government agencies attended the Smart-PIA Infoboard launching.

PIA-7 regional director Minerva Newman said the Infoboard is a tool wherein cell phone subscribers that are registered for the services can receive free information from government daily.

Reaching for peace in Samar thru P50-M focused projects

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Regional Director German P. Palabyab (center) of the Professional Regulations Commission 8 gives update on their agency activities during the Suruswerte ha PIA radio program, March 6. Discussed during the program is the conduct of Licensure Examination for Teachers this Sunday, March 11 and the arrival of PRC Chairperson Hon. Teresita R. Manzala in Tacloban City on Friday for the MOA Signing between PRC and Executives of LGUs in Eastern Visayas re efficient delivery of services by respective MOA participants and identification of their converging service mandates. Also in photo are program co-hosts (l-r) Jimmy Angay-angay and Mannny Maaño. (Photo by Raul Tiozon/ PIA-8)

More on Region 8, pages 6-7.

Also CLICK Here...

In a way, the messages that government used to send through personal cell phones can now be sent via a central number assigned by SMART and only those subscribers that allow the text messages on their cellphones can receive these information.

The PIA links with SMART Communications for sending/texting important information on the weather, disaster risk reduction managment and prevention and all other vital information that the public needs to know immediately.

According to the briefing by SMART officials, a cell phone user that allows the SMS/Text information are subscribed to the program through the PIA. With this, text scams and text scares are prevented because the SMS and messages that are sent thru the Infoboard have specific assigned numbers.(Rey Anthony Chiu/PIA-Bohol)

ACLOBAN CITY, Leyte, March 6 (PIA) -- The government has earmarked about P50 million for projects that would benefit conflict-affected areas in Samar Island and address the root causes of insurgency.

Department of Interior and Local Government Region 8 Director Pedro A. Noval Jr., disclosed that with its three provinces considered among the most vulnerable to the CPP/NPA, Samar island is one of the seven zones in the country covered by the “Payapa at Masaganang Pamayanan” program or PAMANA of the Aquino administration which is being implemented by the Office of the Presidential Adviser on the Peace Process (OPAPP) and the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG).

The other areas are Cordillera Area; the Quezon, Mindoro, Bicol Area; Negros Area; Samar Island Area; ZamBaSulTa; Central Mindanao and ARMM; and Compostela Valley, Caraga Corridor.

Each PAMANA area will receive development programs according to the needs of the people residing in that region. With these areas, PAMANA emphasizes its efforts to address what a specific community needs to be developing and working on.

Director Noval said that together with ARD Arnel

Agabe, the DILG provincial directors and the planning officers of the three provinces in the Island of Samar, he met last February 28 with OPAPP Visayas-Luzon Unit Director Aileen Jose to discuss the “Mainstreaming Peace and Development in Local Governance Program (MPDLG),” component of PAMANA program.

It was learned that PAMANA started in Northern Samar and Samar in 2011 but it has now been expanded to include Eastern Samar in 2012.

PAMANA is the national government’s peace and development program framework that seeks to build peaceful and resilient communities, by improving their lives by ensuring that the people benefit from better delivery of basic services.

Noval said that there are three ongoing projects with support from the 2011 PAMANA fund. These include the construction of a section of the San Jose-Silvino Lobos road in Northern Samar' a 50-meter span bridge in Silvino Lobos, and rehabilitation of the Gandara-Matuguinao road.

Moreover, there are peace and development funds being implemented through the DSWD Kalahi-CIDSS processes at San Jose de Buan, Samar and Las Navas, Northern Samar, Noval added.(PIA-8/DILG-8)

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WESTERN VISAYAS

DOH 6 says: Limit outdoor activities to avoid heat stroke

By Vicente W. Villavert

BACOLOD CITY CATHEDRAL, NEGROS OCC.

ILOILO CITY, March 7 (PIA 6) -- As the country continues to experience increasingly hotter temperatures due to the onset of the summer season, the Department of Health has warned the public against “summer -related” health problems.

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If we are not careful anybody can be affected by heat-associated ailments and recreation-associated injuries during these times,” said Dr. Marie Jocelyn J. Te, DoH 6 coordinator for emerging/ re-emerging diseases, in a PIA interview.

Dr. Te cautioned the elderly, and the people who work in open field against heat stroke. “Too much direct exposure to the sun, can cause heat stroke and rashes borne out of hot and humid weather.”

“Heat stroke is a medical emergency, and the patient must be brought immediately to the hospital after instituting emergency measures,” Dr. Te said as she explained that the risk of heat stroke is much higher in hot and humid

weather. Other risk factors are vigorous exercise in hot weather, dehydration and too much direct exposure to the sun.

She said heat stroke may start with the following signs of heat exhaustion: warm, flushed skin; faintness; dizziness; weakness; and headache.

A person exhibiting these symptoms must be brought to a health facility immediately, even as first aid treatment has been applied to the victim.

Dr. Te said one must drink plenty of water “because our body needs water to prevent dehydration during hot days of summer”.

On eating/drinking and food preparation, here are some tips Dr. Te enumerated to guide the public: cook food

properly; refrigerate leftover food and reheat before eating; wash hands before and after food preparation, and before and after eating. Eat lots of fruits and vegetables. Make sure to wash and peel them before eating.

If you and your family are at the beach, do not allow children to swim without the company of an adult who can swim and is not drunk; avoid staying under the sun for more than 3 hours; drink plenty of fluids to avoid dehydration; and wear light clothing.

Dr. Te also reminded those who will travel to distant places to check the vehicle’s condition, emergency kits, and also don’t forget to wear sunglasses to protect your eyes. (JCM/VWV/PIA6-Iloilo)

DENR to rehabilitate mangrove areas in Boracay, other Aklan areas

By Venus G. Villanueva KALIBO, Aklan, March 5 (PIA6) -- Mangrove areas in the world famous Boracay and other parts of Aklan will continue to be “greened” this year by the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR).

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ENR-Aklan’s Provincial Environment and Natural Resources Officer (PENRO) Ivene Reyes said the rehabilitation of mangrove areas in the province will start today. He added that this is part of government’s National Greening Program (NGP) from 2011 to 2016.

One of the mangrove areas which the DENR will rehabilitate and further develop is in Boracay Island, according to Reyes.

Activities in Boracay included

clean-up drive and propagule planting in the area with the help of local officials and community in the island and a private company.

Last year, Reyes said more than 100 hectares of mangrove areas in Aklan located in the towns of Batan, Balete, Numancia and Kalibo were rehabilitated and planted with propagules.

Boracay’s mangrove area is located at the back of the island’s circumferential road, Reyes said.

“Mangroves serve as breeding

grounds of fish and other marine life. They help prevent soil erosion, and protect us from strong winds and waves,” Reyes said.

Last year, DENR-Aklan was able to green its targeted 502 hectares of land, including mangrove areas, under the NGP. DENR-Aklan also targets this year to process 1,500 patents for agricultural lands and 1,200 residential patents of applicants throughout the province. (JCM/ VGV PIA 6 Aklan)

Plans for upgrading of Roxas Airport on

By Jemin B. Guillermo ROXAS CITY, Capiz, March 9 (PIA6) - Plans for the approval of the improvement of the Roxas City airport are currently being finalized.

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ransportation and Communications Secretary Mar Roxas revealed that one of the improvements that will be initiated in the airport is the installation of night-rated facility to accommodate aircrafts even during night time.

Roxas, who was with General Manager Jose Angel Honrado of the Ninoy Aquino International Airport, during the installation of the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas new office here, said that they are now considering the putting up of night-rated facility in order to

decongest the traffic in the runway in Manila airports, particularly at the NAIA terminals.

He stressed that so far, the country has 86 airports, 44 of which have commercial flights and 21 of these airports , including Roxas City, experience passenger traffic.

With the Roxas City airport to be equipped with facility and technology such as runway lights to operate even at night time, more will be coming to Capiz, he said.

Roxas said that he had earlier sent a

team here to inspect, evaluate and present recommendations in line with the needs of the airport terminal here.

As recommended, he said, they are now undergoing a program of work for the modernization of the terminal building of Roxas City airport.

Roxas revealed that the airport in Roxas City is one of the most well-equipped in navigation technology and one with the longest runways in the country. (JCM/JBG/PIA6)

WESTERN VISAYAS

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Cambodian delegates Bacolod's strategic plan MIAG-AO CHURCH, ILOILO

impressed

with

By Lorenzo O. Lambatin Jr.

BACOLOD CITY, March 7 (PIA6)--Cambodian delegates were impressed with the strategic management plan of Bacolod City for the year 2004-2013 during a presentation of Roger Balo, Ph.D. at the Masskara Hall of the New Government Center here.

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he five-man team led by Soy Kosal, a high ranking government official, said they have learned a lot from what they heard from Bacolod City officials and seen in their tour especially in the area of local governance and in the city’s version of Public-Private Partnership Program.

In a press conference here, he pointed out the flexibility of the government’s and the private sector’s role in the local infrastructure development where either of the two can initiate programs and come up with a desired outcome.

The group also noted the crucial role that the NGOs and the people’s organization play in the city’s infrastructure development.

“I will bring all what I have learned from Bacolod to my country,” Soy added.

He took notice of the city’s strategic planning that interested the group and the dynamism of Mayor Evelio Leonardia who showed signs of flexibility in his leadership delivered with a smile, referring to the city’s tag as a “City of Smiles”.

In his opening words, the country’s Partnership for Democratic Local Governance in Southeast-Asia, DELGOSEA, national coordinator Antonio Avila explained that the project between the two countries focuses on the sharing of best practices hoping that they can learn from each other and apply the knowledge in their respective governments.

Soy cited the infrastructures found in

the city and compared the New Government Center Bldg. to that of the White House of the U.S. Last year, Leornardia led a delegation to Cambodia to learn from their “One Window Service” that allows its citizens to avail of government service under one roof.

They were also briefed on the PPP program of Cambodia on infrastucture development.

DELGOSEA was launched in March 2010 and is co-funded by the European Commission and the Konrad-AdenauerStiftung (KAS) of Germany through the German Ministry for Development Cooperation (PIA6/JCM/LOL)

SMEs, DOST partner in techno advancement

By Lilibeth A. French

ILOILO CITY, March 7 (PIA6) -- Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises looking for technological assistance to enhance their productivity and competitiveness have a willing partner in the Department of Science and Technology. he DOST - Small Enterprise economizers of various applications. challenged of the quality outcome of her Technology Upgrading Program It started as a JRS Company in the products.

(SET-UP) assists MSMEs in early 80’s catering not only to the needs Thus, she sought the assistance of addressing their technical problems of the marine industry but also produces DOST 6 for technology assistance through through technology transfer and machinery for agriculture and vehicle Director Rowen Gelonga. technological interventions such as in the repair.

Through the DOST’s SETUP case of Berpa-Flex Technologies in Sta. Then in the late 90s, the demand in Innovation System Support Fund (ISSF), Barbara, Iloilo. the metal industry rose and the company the Berpa-Flex was able to avail of a unit Berpa-Flex Technologies, owned by started to cater to big metals industries, of lathe machine and a unit of shearing Ms. Inesitas Lacson Palermo, a public thus Berpa-Flex was formed as a division machine. school teacher, is one of local MSMEs that for the marine industry.

To date, Salazar said around 116 have availed of DOST assistance.

According to DOST 6 Information companies have already benefited from The enterprise is a sole manufacturer Officer Sol Aplaon Salazar, although Ms. the DOST – SETUP-ISSF since it was of industrial bellows and components in Palermo has the resources she realized implemented in the region in 2003.(LAF/ IIoilo. It also fabricates ducting that it was not enough to meet the PIA6) components, conveyor buckets and demands of her growing clients and was

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TESDA audits assessment centers

By: Pilar S. Mabaquiao SAN JOSE, Antique Mar 8 (PIA) –-The audit team of Technical Education Skills Development Authority (TESDA) conducted a compliance audit of accredited Assessment Centers in Antique.

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he compliance audit according to Provincial Director Rick Abraham of TESDA Antique, endeavors to ensure that the assessment centers complied with the standards set or manual of operations and procedures of assessment of the industry being assessed.

Antique, Abraham said has three assessments centers. These are Advance Central College for Food and Beverage Services, Computer Hardware Servicing, Commercial Cooking and Care Giving.

St. Anthony’s College is another one qualified to conduct assessment for Caregiving NC II and Health Care Services NC II. TESDA Provincial Training Center is also an assessment center for Automotive NC II and Shield Metal Arc Welding NC I&II. In addition, TESDA pursues the assessment and certification of the competencies of the middle-level skilled workers through Philippine TVET (Technical Vocational Education &

Training) Qualification and Certification System (PTQCS). (www.tesda.gov.ph) The assessment process seeks to determine whether the graduate or worker can perform to the standards expected in the workplace based on the defined competency standards.

TESDA has a Registry of Certified Workers which provides information on the pool of certified workers for certain occupations nationwide. (JCM/PSM/PIA6 Antique)

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CENTRAL VISAYAS

Local healers, herbalists urged to promote Siquijor as island of healing

BASILICA BASILICA MINORE MINORE DEL DEL STO. STO. NIÑO NIÑO DE DE CEBU CEBU

By Rizalie A. Calibo SIQUIJOR, March 7 (PIA) -- Governor Orlando Fua recently urged traditional faith healers and herbalists in Siquijor to help promote the province as the island of healing.

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uring the Tourism and Entrepreneurship Awareness Seminar attended by at least 24 local healers and herbalists last week, Gov. Fua said they play a vital role in countering the negative image of the province as the island of sorcery and witchcraft.

The seminar is part of the upgrading of eco-tourism value chain of the province.

Fua challenged the healers and herbalists to ensure that visitors coming to the island will enjoy a pleasant healing

experience aside from the beauty and goodness of the place that is in itself already therapeutic.

Siquijor was envisioned to be the No. 1 destination for traditional and alternative health care in the Visayas during the value chain seminar attended by the tourism stakeholders years ago spearheaded by the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) here.

In support to the Governor’s call, DTI provincial director Nimfa Virtucio related that the apex of mystic power is in

Siquijor and Mt. Banahaw.

This, she said, was according to Bibiano Fajardo, President of the Association of Traditional Health Aid Givers Inc. (ATHAG), who was a trainer in a Hilots Training in the province last year.

While encouraging healers to make a “Siquijor brand” of hilot, she said the group has a lot to contribute to the province’s tourism industry.

She said tourism is the only industry that employs all kinds of people, skilled or unskilled. (rmn/RAC/PIA-Siquijor)

Dumaguete City bans use of plastics

By Jennifer C. Tilos DUMAGUETE CITY, March 1 (PIA) -- Following the passage of City Ordinance 231 with its implementing rules and regulations (IRR), Dumaguete City urges business establishments to reduce the use of plastic bags and styrofoam materials. ccording to City Administrator non-biodegradable materials. to surrender to their respective barangays William Ablong, by August 28 this Under the ordinance, business for proper disposal. year the ordinance will be carried establishments are prohibited from Ablong said the city government will out strictly through its lead agency the providing plastic bags to consumers as conduct a massive information campaign City Environment and Natural Resources packing materials for dry and wet goods to educate residents and business Office. wherein primary and secondary packaging establishments on the use of alternative City Ordinance 231-2011 enacted by materials have been categorically and biodegradable packaging materials. councilors and approved by Mayor Manuel identified.

These include the promotion of Sagarbarria is a significant local legislation Establishments are also barred from alternative packaging materials such as that aims to lessen pollution and boost using styrofoam and other similar “bayong” or “baluyot,” “katsa,” and environmental protection. materials as containers of food, produce, other reusable and/or biodegradable Mayor Sagarbarria also signed the IRR and other products. packaging materials. (MBCN/JCT-PIA for the implementation of the ordinance With Ordinance 231 plastic waste Negros Oriental) to implement the prohibition of use of materials will be cleaned and dried prior

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2,000 join parade for Int’l Women’s Day in Cebu

By Fayette C. Riñen CEBU CITY, March 8 (PIA) -- In celebration of International Women’s Day, around 2,000 participants from various women’s organizations in Cebu City and other government offices and the private sector joined the parade held March 8 to highlight the annual observance in Cebu.

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amila Santina of the Cebu City Women’s Welfare and Family Affairs said the parade which also served as the kick-off activity of Women’s Month every March started at 6:30 a.m. at the vicinity of the Department of Health (DOH) 7 compound.

From the DOH 7, the participants proceeded to Plaza Sugbo fronting the Cebu City Legislative Building for a short program.

Santina said wellness and healthcare services were provided for the first 100 women on a first-come, first-served basis.

“Free screening tests on cholesterol level, anemia, bone density, kidney stone

and ultrasound were provided at the Plaza Sugbo courtesy of a private pharmacy who brought along some doctors to conduct the various examinations,” Santina declared.

The Cebu City Health Department also provided triglyceride level test, pneumonia examination and free OB-gynecology consultation.

Information and education materials on family planning and reproductive health were given to raise awareness on the importance of promoting health among women for optimum health care.

Santina said the Perpetual Succour Hospital has also committed to provide discounts for laboratory exams for the

whole month of March to women as their support to the celebration.

Exempted from the discount however, are senior citizens that already have existing 20 percent discount based on law and GSIS members as well.

Santina said the activities of Women’s Month in Cebu is a partnership between the public and private sector that aims to empower women of their rights in all aspects of life may it be economic, political, and social.

This year’s celebration carries the theme ‘Women Weathering Climate Change: Governance and Accountability, Everyone’s Responsibility.’ (PIA-Cebu)

CENTRAL VISAYAS

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NegOr allocates P2.5-M for waterworks BACLAYON CHURCH, BOHOL

By Jennifer C. Tilos

DUMAGUETE CITY, March 1 (PIA) -- The provincial government of Negros Oriental allocated P2.5 million to buy 70 units of jetmatic pumps. he units are to be installed in for shallow wells will be withdrawn as systems, school buildings, among others in areas without water due to soon as the regular water supply in the quake affected areas. massive damage to water systems areas is restored.

The chief executive expressed desire wrought by 6.9 magnitude earthquake on The governor explained that affected to fast-track the repairs of damaged Feb. 6. This is in response to the directive families or communities need to be infrastructures so that these will be used of Governor Roel Degamo to provide a provided alternative water supply as their at once by the public and to continue the solution to the water problem in the water source were damaged by the distribution of relief goods. calamity-affected places. earthquake.

The PEO reported the total damage Degamo ordered the field engineers Meantime, the governor also directed to infrastructures reached to P507 to fast-track the rehabilitation and the provincial engineer’s office (PEO) to million, which exclude national roads construction of water systems thru the hasten the repair and rehabilitation of and bridges under the Department of use of jetmatic pumps. damaged infrastructure under provincial Public Works and Highways. (MBCN/JCTThe temporary use of jetmatic pumps roads, spillways, box culverts, water PIA NegOr)

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NegOr Gov allays fears of another natural disaster

By Rachelle M. Nessia DUMAGUETE CITY, March 6 (PIA) -- Gov. Roel Degamo urged the public anew not to believe nor spread rumors about another earthquake hitting Negros Oriental province.

Based on expert studies from said Adrian Sedillo, executive officer of the The PDRRMC officer also shrugged Phivolcs, we have nothing to fear Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction and off talks of a tsunami scare, particularly in because there is no threat of another Management Council (PDRRMC) here. areas jolted by the earthquake last month. earthquake here,” said Gov. Degamo.

Last February 6, the province was “There is no threat of a tsunami, Capitol has expressed concern over rocked by a 6.9-magnitude earthquake local or international, in Negros Oriental. rumors that the province is under the that caused bridges and buildings to Phivolcs has assured us of this,” said threat of an impending earthquake or collapse, and roads to crack. The latest Sedillo. tsunami. death toll is pegged at 58.

The earthquake and tsunami scares “Phivolcs told us that based on “There may be aftershocks, but not are all hoax messages being spread by expert studies, an earthquake’s main the main shock,” Sedillo told the Philippine unscrupulous people, he added. (RMN/PIA shock doesn’t hit the same area again,” Information Agency.

Negros Oriental)

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BFP: 19% less fires in 2011, but damages soar 200%

By Rey Anthony H. Chiu TAGBILARAN CITY, March 2 (PIA) -- The Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP) noted a 19.54 percent reduction in fire incidents in 2011 compared to 2010, but for authorities much can still be desired.

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n 2011 when there were fewer fire incidents damages to property was at P41 million compared to only P13 million in 2010 fires, according to Bohol Provincial Fire Marshal Pepe Rebusa.

Still struggling to salvage a seared ego after earning criticisms over a fire that gutted two houses and damaged some estimated P8 million in properties, fire authorities in Bohol said this year’s Fire Prevention Month theme couldn’t be more fitting --“Maki-isa at Makipagtutulongan Upang Sunog ay Maiwasan.”

Rebusa noted that part of the reason the fire in Loay raged for a long time was the communication network just did not turn well as expected.

Rebusa hinted that communicating the alarm should have been far more efficient because this is crucial in mobilizing assets and reiterating the role of unity and cooperation in fire prevention.

This did not happen as desired, said a fire fighter who asked not to be named as he was not authorized to speak.

“Just how many among cell phone users have Fire Station numbers stored in their contacts?” Rebusa asked.

Fire Prevention Month coming in quite ironically with the two houses in Loay and at least three classroom buildings in Talibon razed not a week apart before March 1.

It may be recalled that firemen were informed of the Loay fire only after the initial five minutes when the blaze started, and the Provincial Fire Operations Center which should have been second to know about the incident was informed at least 11 minutes after the first alarm was received.

In these times when cell phones are everywhere, nobody remembered calling the right responders, Rebusa bemoaned.

In a report submitted to the Department of Interior and Local Government, BFP said there were 87 fire

incidents in 2010. This was cut to 70 in 2011 or some 19.54 percent.

In most cases, fires were accidentally caused while region-wide statistics showed that there were 13 intentional fires noted within the period, Rebusa added.

The report also showed that most of the causes of fires are faulty electrical connection with 41 incidents in the last two years; open flames d ue t o to r ch -27; e le ct ri ca l appliances- 16; open flames due to unattended lighted candles -15 and lighted cigarette butts- 9 that were thrown anywhere.

In the beginning months of 2012, BFP responded to 15 fire alarms, 8 of them in January and 3 in February.

Of these, 11 were residential houses, two commercial buildings and one educational structure were involved in fire incidents racking an estimated damage cost of around P10 million. (mbcn/rahc/ PIA-Bohol)

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EASTERN VISAYAS

Women with high waist-hip ratio increased significantly, FNRI survey shows

STO. NIÑO CHURCH, TACLOBAN

TACLOBAN CITY, Leyte, March 7 (PIA) -- There have been significant increases in the number of Filipino women with high waist-hip ratio since 1988.

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his was revealed by the Seventh National Nutrition Survey conducted in 2008 by the Food and Nutrition Research Institute of the Department of Science and Technology or FNRI-DOST. Salvador Serrano of FNRI-DOST said that from 40 in every 100 women in 1988, the figure went up to 54 in every 100 in 2003, and reached up to 65 for every 100 in 2008.

Serrano explained that Waist-Hip Ratio is a measure of android obesity or accumulation of fat in the abdomen.

A WHR that is equal to or more than 0.85 in women and 1.0 in men, are considered high. High WHR increases the

risks of obesity, diabetes, cardio vascular diseases, among other illnesses.

Moreover, android obesity based on WHR is six times greater in women than men, the FNRI survey disclosed.

Serrano said proper diet with emphasis on regular daily consumption of fruits and vegetables as well as avoiding fatty and sweet food plus a healthy lifestyle focused on daily exercise and rigorous physical activity will greatly help in achieving and maintaining a normal waist-hip ratio and weight.

According to the World Health Organization, physical activities include those that are related to leisure, travel, and work as well as those that are

non-work-related. Leisure activities include all kinds of low or high intensity exercises, whether regularly done or not.

Travel activities like walking, biking and skating are needed in traveling to places of work, recreation or leisure. Work related activities include occupational actions that are paid. Non-work related activities are non-occupational routine such as household chores that are unpaid.

To experience all the health benefits of physical activity, one must follow the WHO recommendation to exercise regularly for at least three to five times a week for more than 30 minutes or more.

(PIA-8)

BFP-Biliran fire marshall bats for improved fire safety services

By Rodrigo S. Victoria NAVAL, Biliran, March 6 (PIA) -- A top official of the Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP) in the province of Biliran revealed in a radio program that he is aiming for the improvement of fire safety services in the province under his watch.

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enior Fire Inspector Renato B. Espiña, Provincial Fire Marshall in BFP-Biliran, recently disclosed the plan in the regular radio program dubbed “Kapihan at Pulong-Pulong ng Bayan” of the Philippine Information Agency (PIA).

Espiña said that the improvement of fire safety services in Biliran province was his ultimate aim being at the top of the helm of the agency of the government tasked to serve and protect the public from fire hazards.

The BFP-Biliran top official who assumed provincial fire Marshall on October 2011 talked about his vital plans for the improvement of fire safety services in the province that include the organization of volunteer fire brigade which will serve as first responder during inception stage of fire incident;

procurement of new firetrucks for the municipalities of Culaba, Almeria, and Maripipi; establishment of emergency medical service and special rescue unit; and acquisition of a lot for BFP-Biliran.

He is also contemplating on organizing the Barangay Integrated Defense Action (BIDA) team in Biliran province, a group originally conceptualized by Pablo Cordeta, former BFP National Fire Marshall who hails from this province.

This will be composed of barangay officials and tanods and other interested residents in the barangay who will help in responding in case a fire incident will take place in the community.

Meanwhile, Espiña disclosed that BFP-Biliran conducted several activities in line with the month-long observance of

the fire prevention month celebration this March like the holding of motorcade on March 1; visitation to the different municipal fire stations in the province to determine the readiness of personnel in case of fire incident ; and the conduct of symposium in different identified schools in Biliran province to inculcate awareness among students on what to do in case of fire and including prevention.

Espiña emphasized that fire prevention is not only “a business for the fire officer but it is everybody’s business”.

This year’s fire prevention month celebration this March is anchored on the theme: “Makiisa, Makialam, Makipagtulungan Upang Sunog ay Maiwasan.” (PIA-Biliran)

DOH to deploy 166 RN-HEALS nurses to Eastern Samar RHUs

By Alice Nicart BORONGAN CITY, Eastern Samar, March 6 (PIA) -- Doctor Jean Marie Egargo, Department of Health (DOH) Representative here reported that come May 13, some 166 nurses under the RN-HEALS program will be deployed to the different rural health units (RHUs) of the province.

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his after they have attended the Orientation Program on the same day and have accomplished the needed records, i.e. TIN number, PhilHealth, and ATM cards.

She also said that these registered nurses have one year insurance which is

shouldered by DOH. As before, the professional health workers can expect a monthly salary from DOH, P8,000 apart from the P2,000 incentive being granted by the municipal local government unit where she is deployed at. But she said that not all LGUs

are financially capable to give the said amount.

RN-HEALS nurses are sent to far flung barangays as one of DOH’s programs to increase services on maternal and child health. (PIA-Eastern Samar)

EASTERN VISAYAS

7

North Samar provincial government pursues measures to minimize unemployment GUIUAN CHURCH, E. SAMAR

By Ailene N. Diaz

CATARMAN, Northern Samar, March 7 (PIA) -- Continuous effort is being pursued by the provincial government of Northern Samar to minimize, if not eradicate, unemployment in the province. his is one priority program of During the meeting, TESDA provincial on their students and clientele.

Gov.Paul Daza through job skills director Engr. Zosimo De Asis presented Further, Daza said the provincial matching. updates on the programs and available government is interested to provide A meeting was called recently by the courses offered by TESDA as well as temporary financial assistance to governor with the Education group to actions being undertaken in helping those Nortehanon applying for work abroad for discuss employability of those taking unskilled and unemployed constituents of their job exams and interview. technical vocational skills training program Northern Samar.

On the said meeting, the group in Technical Education Skills and Dr. Raul Gacusan, president of conveyed suggestions to enhance the Development Authority (TESDA) and Northern Samar Association of Private employment program and services of the facilitate measures to lessen and reduce Education Institute informed that their province of Northern Samar. (PIA8the number of underemployed and group is continuously working at effective Northern Samar) unemployed in the province. strategy on job skills matching particularly

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Iloilo organic farmer shares experiences to Samarnons CATBALOGAN CITY, March 5 (PIA) -- Organic farmer Rey Pedroso from Iloilo shared to Samarnons how he started organic agriculture five years ago and how it changed his farming style.

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edroso is a director of the newly -organized National Organic Agricultural Board (NOAB) and was the keynote speaker during the launch of Organic Agriculture in Samar on March 1.

He is also determined to help farmers do the switch from the regular farming style to organic like what he did some five years ago.

He claimed that he applied a small amount of earthworms in a small lot in his farm.

As he saw its benefits, he increased the area until it embraced his whole farm lot.

He urged farmers to start small and

later increase the area devoted to organic little by little.

He admitted though that farmers at first are not interested in this as they worry about implements that will be needed for organic farming to thrive.

But Pedroso assured that with the government’s effort to support Organic Farming through Republic Act 10068 (aka Philippine National Standards on Organic Agriculture Act), transfer of technology and funding will follow.

Pedroso said that the government supports organic farming by setting aside Php 900 million for NOAB in its policy formulation and accreditation, research and development and promotion of

organic farming and other programs that would improve the delivery of goods to farmers.

Pedroso admitted that organic farming is still young but with the constant exposure of farmers and their testimonies of its benefits, the acceptance will be better.

Meanwhile, Agriculture Training Institute head Dr. Paulino Cabahit offered his services for the farmers willing to be trained the organic way.

He added that farmers may approach Engr. Melecia Gordillo, regional focal person on Organic Agriculture for funding of some project proposals on going organic. (PIA Samar with A Ebalde)

491st First Mass anniversary features ecological evangelization

By Marcelo M. Pedalino MAASIN CITY, Southern Leyte, March 3 (PIA) -- The celebration of the 491st First Mass anniversary at historic Limasawa Island on March 31 will be spruced up with a practical application on caring for the ecology in relation to the spiritual aspect on caring of souls.

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ell-established organizations from Cebu were interested to join this year’s festivities, bringing along with them the famed Sr. Sto. Nino religious relic, according to a meeting at the governor’s office last March 1 led by the provincial tourism office.

Among the various groups that expressed interest to come was the Seaknight, which has a reputation of building religious-inspired grottos under the sea.

As laid out in the itinerary, the Seaknight, along with other Cebu-based civic and religious groups, will arrive March 30 at the city’s port from Cebu, then will proceed immediately in a procession to the cathedral, where the

icon will be open for veneration of the faithful the whole day.

Nedgar Garvez, provincial tourism officer, said it will be during certain times while the Sto. Nino is venerated that inputs on environment and the ecology will be delivered by Seaknight speakers, with special emphasis on the crown-of-thorns starfish infestation now prevailing in the city’s and neighboring town’s coastal seas.

On March 31, the Sto. Nino will leave the Cathedral for procession to the port, then board in a separately designed vessel for the fluvial procession to Limasawa, while parishioners from other parishes around Maasin Diocese are expected to participate, riding on their own chartered pumpboats.

After the First Mass celebration of the Holy Eucharist, the image will go back direct to Cebu.

Garvez said the Sto. Nino’s visit, called “Duaw . . . Sangyaw Sto. Nino”, when pushed through as planned, “will mark the historic return of the Holy Child to the island where Ferdinand Magellan started his journey to Cebu, bringing along the first-ever Sto. Nino image in the Philippines that was given to Rajah Humabon and Queen Juliana as a gift after their Baptism.”

The theme for this year’s celebration is, “Balik lawig sa tagoangkan sa Kristiyanismo” (A journey back to the womb of Christianity). (PIA-Southern Leyte)

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.

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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:

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