One Visayas Vol 2 Issue 13

Vol 2

In this Issue WESTERN VISAYAS

Ms. Risa Hontiveros Baraquel of A n a k b a y a n P a r ty l i s t l a u d s t h e organizers of The Outstanding Women of Iloilo for cultivating pride and the valuing of the achievements of women in Iloilo City during the awarding ceremony of TOWIL 2012 held, March 29 at the SM City Activity Center. (EJB/ PIA6)

More on Region 6, pages 2-3.

Also CLICK Here…

CENTRAL VISAYAS

March 26— April 1, 2012

Published by: PIA 6, 7 & 8

Issue 13

Outstanding Ilonggo women honored on Women’s Month

By Vicente W. Villavert

I

LOILO CITY, March 30 (PIA 6) - - The City of Iloilo honored its outstanding women for their exemplary contributions to the city during the awarding ceremony of the 2012 The Outstanding Women of Iloilo City held, March 29 here in observance of the International Women’s Month.

City Mayor Jed Patrick Mabilog told the 14 honorees during the ceremony held at the SM City Activity Center that “the women in the City will learn a lot from your experiences, and you are being honored for your exceptional and exemplary contribution in your respective fields”.

The 2012 Outstanding Women of Iloilo (TOWIL) are Dr. Eden Deriada for Academe and Education; Gina Sarabia Espinosa for Arts and Culture; Marjorie Caperonce Florete for Business Corporation and Entrepreneurship; Rebecca Berlin for Civic Organization; Marie Louise Cathryn Serbas for the Differently-Abled Persons; Regional Director Evelyn Trompeta for Government Service; Judge Marciana Deguma for the Judiciary; Regional Director Ma. Janet C. Mesa for Media, Public Information and Journalism; Rosalie Sarabia Trenas for Non-Government Organization; Ma. Teresea Chan for Philantrophy; SPO1 Ana del Rosario Baganes for Protection and Security Service; Lucy Buendia for the Religious Sector; Dr. Lilia S. Teves for the Professional sector; Ma. Rose A. Cacho for Values, Social and Community Service.

“They are worth emulating,” said Iloilo City Councilor Plaridel Nava, chairman, SP committee on Women and Family Relations, while Congressman Jerry Trenas firmly

PIA6 Regional Director lawyer Ma. Janet C. Mesa (2nd from right) is one of Iloilo City’s 14 outstanding women for 2012. Here, she enjoys a moment of “women power” with (from left) city councilor Plaridel Nava, Mayor Jed Patrick Mabilog, Anakbayan’s Risa Hotiveros Baraquel, Congressman Jerry Trenas and Vice Mayor Joe Espinosa III. (EJB/PIA6)

believes that “our nation has the responsibility of not only granting equal rights to women, but to empower them”.

Keynote speaker Anakbayan Partylist spokesperson Risa Hontiveros Baraquel urged the women sector here to monitor the progress of Bills such as the Reproductive Health Bills “to form our opinions on it and take our positions on the questions of free and responsible bill in family planning and health, and sexuality education for young people”.

PIA 6 Director Ma. Janet C. Mesa, who is one of the 14 awardees said that the words of former Prime Minister of Great Britain Margaret Thatcher, aptly describe women “if you want something said, ask a man, if you want something done, give it to a woman”. (JSC/VWV/PIA6Iloilo)

C. Visayas police on full alert for Holy Week

World Wildlife Fund for Nature (WWF) -Philippines Communication Officer Sophia Dedace says that the “I Will If You Will Campaign” is part of the preparations of Earth Hour 2012 on March 31 in order to solicit the support of the public and extend their commitment on electricity conservation beyond the Earth Hour 60-minute power switch off campaign. (FCR/JSME/ PIA-Cebu)

More on Region 7, pages 4-5.

Also CLICK Here…

EASTERN VISAYAS

C

EBU CITY, March 28 (PIA) -- Beginning 5 p.m. of March 28, Central Visayas police will be on full alert status as public assistance centers (PACs) and motorist assistance centers (MACs) are set up in convergent areas for the observance of Holy Week.

S/Supt. Orlando Ualat, chief of the Regional Directorial Staff of the Police Regional Office (PRO) 7 during the “Talakayn sa Isyung Pulis” forum assured the police are ready to secure places constantly visited by the public such as bus terminals, seaport, airport, churches and shopping malls.

“We are also encouraging police commanders to coordinate with the Land Transportation Office and the Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board to assist in the monitoring of over-speeding buses and other public vehicles to prevent any untoward accidents on the highway,” Ualat declared.

Ualat said the implementation of the security measures will go beyond the Lenten break as the Philippine National Police recently launched the “Oplan Summer Vacation 2012 and ‘Bantay Lakbay”., wherein the public assistance desks of the police will be placed in the major transportation terminals in sea, land and air to assist tourists or travelers,” said Ualat.

In churches, however, the different PACs will still be set up on April 1 until 8.

The police, on the other hand, are strengthening their intelligence monitoring for possible threats during the Lenten period.

Ualat, however, added that though there were no reported threats, this is no reason to be complacent.

“Your police will always be working very hard to ensure the safety and security of the community we serve,” Ualat further declared. (PIA-Cebu)

EVisayas sign MOA supporting Earth Hour

T Kananga Mayor Elmer Codilla in his message in the ceremonial opening of the Leyte Provincial Freshwater Hatchery in Kananga, Leyte on March 22 envisions to make his town a major supplier of tilapia fingerlings in the region with the establishment of the Leyte Provincial Freshwater Hatchery in his town that is expected to produce 3M of tilapia fingerlings annually. (rvictoria/PIA 8 Biliran)

More on Region 8, pages 6-7.

Also CLICK Here...

ACLOBAN CITY, Leyte, March 26 (PIA) -Various stakeholders in Eastern Visayas converged at the Robinsons Place in the morning of March 26 in order to sign a memorandum of agreement supporting the Earth Hour Commemoration in Eastern Visayas on March 31.

The activity was spearheaded by the JCI Candahug Liberation led by its President JCI Senator Rommel Capungcol, MD, which has been spearheading the Earth Hour activities since 2007, together with Kabang Kalikasan ng Pilipinas and World Wide Fund for Nature Philippines to help promote actions to reduce pollution and wasteful exploitation and consumption of resources and energy in order to save Mother Earth.

The activities on March 31 include the Earth Hour switching off the light from 8:30 – 9:30 p.m.; the Walk for a Cause and Bicycle Ride from 8:30 to 9:30 p.m. with assembly area at the Rotary Walk beside the Astrodome; and the Tugtugan Para sa Kalikasan concert at Balyuan Amphi Theater.

With this year’s official campaign “I Will If You Will”, Earth Hour 2012 aims to showcase how everyone has the power to change the world they live in through creative action, aside from the usual turning off of lights, which provides for further opportunity for the communities to be part of actual environmental solutions.

Among those that attended the MOA signing hosted

by PIA8 were the Provincial Government of Leyte represented by Board Member Roque Tiu who is the chairman of the Environment and Natural Resources Committee of the Provincial Board, City Government of Tacloban represented by Ms. Christine Jane Vanilla, Philippine Information Agency Regional Director Olive Tiu, Phillippine Army, Philippine National Police, APO fraternity, Operating Room Nurses Association, DENR, Leyeco, EVSU, JCI Tacloban, Bureau of Fire Protection, Leyte Chamber of Commerce and Industry, Tribu Harbat, AKMA-RESBAT, Tacloban Filipino Federation of Commerce and Industry and Tau Gamma Phi. (PIA-8)

2

WESTERN VISAYAS

NEDA chief tells LGUs: use PPP Manual

By Elsa S. Subong

BACOLOD CITY CATHEDRAL, NEGROS OCC.

ILOILO CITY, Mar. 27 (PIA) -- Socio-Economic Planning Secretary and NEDA Director General Cayetano Paderanga, Jr. said he was looking forward to the day when the use of the Manual on Public-Private Partnership (PPP) will “spread like wildfire”.

P

aderanga, who led the PPP team during the launching of the manual here in Iloilo City, March 26, said the local government officials should study, get trained and use the manual to forge ahead with a collective vision for governance with integrity and honor.

The manual was updated and enhanced by the PPP Center in collaboration with the National Economic and Development Authority, the Department of the Interior and Local Government, the World Bank, the Asian

Development Bank, and the Local Governance Support Program for Local Economic Development.

PPP Center Executive Director Cosette V. Canilao said that the manual is given to the local chief executives to enable them to undertake well-prepared projects that will benefit their constituents through the creation of more jobs and improved delivery of basic services.

He added that the PPP Center will step up its efforts to provide more local government executives with the prerequisite trainings on the procedures,

process flow and project cycles to successfully implement their local PPP infrastructure projects.

The Socio-Economic Planning Secretary also said government is set to grow its infrastructure industry by increasing its expenditure and fueling the nation’s economic gains from the projects set for 2012.

With the launching of the manual, Paderanga, likewise, said the LGUs are critical partners in pursuing inclusive growth for Filipinos. (JCM/ESS/PIA-Iloilo)

BFP San Jose says carelessness is top fire cause

By Margie L. Gadian SAN JOSE,Antique March 27 (PIA) -- The Bureau of Fire Protection in San Jose has listed human carelessness as the main reason for fire incidences. n the advocacy conducted by the turned into boarding houses, classrooms spreading rapidly or blocking your exit. If Philippine Information Agency in into motor repair shops or even their you do not know how to use the fire support to the observance of Fire own houses were being turned into equipment, then leave the building Prevention month, Fire Officer I John welding shops or vulcanizing shops which immediately.

Randolph Baria, Information Officer of San are prone to f fire occurrences.

Close room doors and hallway doors Jose Fire Station said that from January 1 Baria shared some safety preventive to prevent air movement and spread of to December 31, 2011 all fire incidents tips that would be helpful to all concerned smoke. listed in the area were cause by human in case fire occurs in their homes or Lastly, he advised everyone not to carelessness. offices. panic. Advise everybody that the fire plan These include poor housekeeping, He advised to always establish a fire is in operation and remain calm. improper use of electrical equipment, safety plan.

Confidence and judgement is extremely improper handling of flammable liquids, In case of fire, evacuate in immediate important and will help a lot. overloaded electrical outlets and excessive danger, sound the alarm, notify the Baria further said that fire drills just accumulation of rubbish. nearest Fire Station and perform fire drill like earthquake drills are as important to Further investigation also showed that duties assigned to you. prevent extreme damage to properties fires were result of changing original Fight the fire with proper equipments and loss of lives. (JCM/MLG/PIA6-Antique) designs, where residential houses are only. He said not to fight the fire if it is

I

Sipalay City emerges as natural sports tourism venue

By Easter Anne D. Doza NEGROS OCCIDENTAL, March 27 (PIA) - - The beach front of Poblacion Beach in Sipalay City on March 24 teemed with locals and tourists alike, unmindful of the sizzling heat of the sun as they all eagerly awaited for the National Age Group Triathlon series to begin.

W

ith the bikes lined-up, complete with the accessory helmets and proper footwear, the beach marked with buoys for the swimming course and the signages properly identifying the run tracks, the competition began.

Sipalay City, some 170 kilometers south from the province’s capital of Bacolod City, is known to tourist (mostly foreign) divers, spelunkers, trekkers, and beachcombers.

This tourist-friendly city is emerging as yet another venue for sports events like the National Age Group Triathlon Series with its natural facilities in place.

Negros Occidental Governor Alfredo G. Marañon Jr. in an informal interaction with the media that afternoon said that Sipalay City with its natural resources is a better venue for triathlon.

The governor also revealed that Sipalay City Mayor Oscar Montilla also plans to develop some areas in the city for

off-road biking and mountain biking.

Maranon said they are eyeing to hold big game fishing contest like those in Hawaii and San Diego in the area.

“Its fun. A lot of athletes participated and I am very sure that next year there will be a lot more people coming here because the facilities are first class,” Marañon added.*(JCM/EAD-PIA6/Negros Occidental)

WESTERN VISAYAS

3

Ilonggo TESDA 'specialistas' get tool kits

By Lilibeth A. French ILOILO CITY, March 28 (PIA) - - Some 60 Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA) training graduates received tool kits under the agency’s Specialista Technopreneursip Program (TSTP) in a ceremony led by TESDA Director General Secretary Joel Villanueva at the Iloilo Provincial Capitol on March 27.

MIAG-AO CHURCH, ILOILO

T

he said graduates from Iloilo City, Passi City and towns of Mina and Oton have completed the vocational training program of the agency.

They were issued a certificate after passing the TESDA’s assessment and competency program.

The specialistas were grouped into 10 -man teams according to their skills and qualifications under the TSTP. Those from Iloilo City were in appliance repair services aggrupation, hotel and restaurant management services aggrupation,

building/house repair and maintenance services aggrupation and health and other development services aggrupation; those from Oton are into health and other development services aggrupation; those from Passi City in automotive aggrupation; and from Mina in building/house repair and maintenance services aggrupation.

Each specialista in the group received a tool kit which he or she will use to render services to households or in his or her barangay.

Villanueva said TSTP intends to address among others the remaining 39.1 percent of the vocational technical courses graduates who remained jobless as shown by the Impact Evaluation Study conducted last year by helping them to get into productive undertakings to further improve their living conditions.

Currently, there are 3,640 TESDA specialistas enrolled in the program who comprise a total of 364 aggrupations nationwide. (JCM/LAF/PIA6)

Farmers undergo training on organic agriculture

By Jemin B. Guillermo ROXAS CITY, Capiz, March 28 (PIA6) -- Some 50 members of the La Paz Farmers Association in Jamindan, Capiz recently underwent a training on the basic concepts on natural farming solutions.

C

apiz State University (CapSU) Extension Associate Niño Manaog said that practical applications in the actual preparation of foliar fertilizers including oriental herbal nutrient and fish amino acid were likewise done by the participants.

Manaog said the activity was spearheaded by the Farmers’ Information and Technology Services (FITS) Center of said town with funding support from the Western Visayas Agricultural Training Institute (ATI).

He added that the activity was able to benefit farmer’s cooperative members

from seven barangays of Jamindan, namely barangays Sto. Rosario,Lapaz, Caridad, Esperanza, Fe, San Jose and Jagnaya.

During the activity, CapSU training coordinator and Techno Gabay Team Eduardo Navarra also provided the farmers with inputs on the advantages of organic farming practices while campaigning against the disadvantages of conventional farming.

Earlier, Capiz Governor Victor Tanco pointed out the need to take a step towards achieving the goals of organic agriculture by promoting, propagating, further developing and implementing the

practice of agriculture in the province.

Tanco said that the prime intentions of pushing for the, practice of organic agriculture in Capiz is in preparation for the future of Capiceño children.

Republic Act 10068 or the Organic Agriculture Act of 2010 defines organic agriculture to include all agricultural systems that promote the ecologically sound, socially acceptable, economically viable and technically feasible production of food and fibers. (JCM/JBG/PIA6-Capiz)

Aklan strengthens fight vs. human trafficking

By Venus G. Villanueva KALIBO, Aklan, March 29 (PIA) -- Aklan front line service providers at the Caticlan Jetty Port and Terminal Building are all set to undergo training which aims to educate these personnel on the apprehension of potential perpetrators of human and child trafficking.

T

he Provincial Social Welfare and Development Office (PSWDO) spearheaded the training which aims to strengthen front liners from the Philippine National Police, security officers, coast guards, tourism officers, according to governor Carlito S. Marquez.

The training will be held today, March 29 until tomorrow, March 30 in Casa Pilar,Boracay Island.

“The jetty port is the gateway to Boracay Island and to other provinces through the Roll On, Roll Off vessels, considered one of the busiest terminals in terms of passengers and tourists both local and foreign,” Marquez said.

The province is currently operating a

Social Welfare Desk at the jetty port in the aim of curbing child trafficking and other forms of abuse.

The training, according to the governor, is urgent, for the effective detection and surveillance of traffickers, as well as the rescue and handling of child victims.

Main resource person in the training will be Darlene Pajarito, US State Department’s 2011 Global Trafficking in Person’s Hero Awardee and at the same time, assistant city prosecutor of Zamboanga City, according to the PSWDO. Topics to be covered include Surveillance and Detection and Rescue

Protocol, by Ma. Theresa Macatangay, team leader of the Anti-Human Trafficking Task Force of Cebu City, Best Practices of Zamboanga City on Anti-Human Trafficking by City Social Welfare Officer Francisco Barredo, Guiding Principles in Handling Trafficked Children by Dionela Madrona of the Philippines Against Child Trafficking.

The training is also part of the province’ activities for Women’s Month, conducted in coordination with the Philippines Against Child Trafficking (PACT) in partnership with the Aklan Gender and Development Commission (AGADC). (JCM/VGV-PIA6 Aklan)

CENTRAL VISAYAS

4 Cebu Province gender-responsive LGUs

honors

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

By Amorganda A. Saludar CEBU CITY March 28, (PIA) -- The Cebu Provincial Women’s Commission (CPWC) gave recognition to the most gender-responsive local government units (LGUs) in the province during the recent 12th Cebu Women’s Congress.

T

he LGUs were recognized due to their extraordinary efforts in providing various services for women at the same time, uplifting their morale.

Presentation of awardees was held at the Cebu International Convention Center in Mandaue City and participated in by nearly 1,000 women from the different cities and municipalities of the province as well as various women organizations and local government officials.

Two top winners emerged in two categories namely the LGUs under the 1st -3rd class municipality and under the 4th-5th class.

The Municipality of Balamban won the 1st-3rd class category while for the 4th-5th class was the Municipality of Oslob. Both LGUs received P100,000 cash prize plus a trophy.

Runners-up under the 1st-3rd class were the towns of Medellin and Liloan while the municipalities of Tabuelan and Santander were also the runners-up under the 4th-5th class. Each municipality brought home P30,000 and a plaque of recognition.

Cebu Gov. Gwen Garcia together with Vice Gov. Agnes Magpale and Assistant Provincial Prosecutor Atty.

Lolita Lomanta, chairperson and one of the judges of the search, personally

handed the awards to the deserving LGUs. The search for the most gender-responsive LGUs began four years ago and is conducted annually by the Province of Cebu and the CPWC to highlight the good gender governance of LGUs relative to delivering services in the areas of health, social, education, law enforcement and protection of women.

The Cebu Women’s Congress and the Search for the Most Gender Responsive LGU are just part of the activities lined up to celebrate March as Women’s Month in Cebu. (FCR/AS/PIACEBU)

Make energy conservation a way of life – DOE Visayas

By Fayette C. Riñen CEBU CITY, March 26 (PIA) -- Make energy conservation a way of life and help combat climate change, appealed the energy chief in the Visayas.

E

ngineer Antonio Labios, regional director of the Department of Energy (DOE) – Visayas Field Office, said climate change is a real global threat and that we need to take action no matter how small it may be to reduce greenhouse emissions.

Greenhouse gases are the main culprit behind global warming that leads to climate change.

The Philippines, meanwhile, has been dubbed as the third riskiest country in the world when it comes to disaster risks and natural hazards due to its vulnerability and susceptibility to typhoons, floods and earthquakes.

This is contained in the UN University Institute for Environment and Human Security studies published in 2011.

Engr. Ed Amante, chief of the Energy Resource Development of DOE-Visayas, said adopting energy efficiency and conservation measures will

lead to the reduction of greenhouse gas emissions.

“If we adopt judicious use of electricity, then less fuel is used resulting to lesser emissions,” Amante declared.

Labios said the National Energy Efficiency and Conservation Program (NEECP) is a flagship program of the DOE and that their long-term objective is to make energy efficiency and conservation a way of life.

“In 2010, the actual savings generated from the NEECP was 24.8 million barrels of oil equivalent,” Labios said.

One of the measures under the NEECP was the 10 percent mandatory energy savings among national government offices.

To promote massive awareness on the NEECP, the DOE, in partnership with the Philippine Information Agency (PIA), is conducting seminars throughout the country largely targeting households and students.

In Cebu, the seminar is set tomorrow with 300 participants from various sectors including academe, households, barangays, local government units, NGO and the business community.

“All sectors are included in the advocacy campaign. We are highlighting the households and the academe because for one, students are very enthusiastic to implement what they learn. And we want to inculcate in them the value of conserving energy while at a young age which could be adopted until they become adults,” disclosed Labios.

Labios said since the family is the basic social unit of society then it is practical that households should be the first in adopting such a program that could also lead to a way of life for every family.

Apart from contributing in the battle against climate change, Labios said adopting measures for a judicious use of energy will lead to savings in power costs. (FCR-PIA 7, Cebu)

PRC to hold mobile processing in Dumaguete

By Rachelle M. Nessia DUMAGUETE CITY, March 27 (PIA) -- The Professional Regulatory Commission (PRC) will hold a mobile processing activity for professionals on April 19 to 20, 2012 from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. in Dumaguete City. he venue will be at Robinson’s who are interested to avail of the services Those requesting for the release Place in Calindagan, this city. are requested to visit the Dumaguete City of their PRC ID’s are also encouraged to During the activity, PRC will Public Employment Office (PESO) at the visit the PESO office to have their names renew Professional ID Cards, release second floor of Bldg. 2, Public Market listed. (RMN/PIA Negros Oriental) PRC IDs, and hold registration for Complex for the complete list of Teachers’ Bar and Nurses. Professionals requirements or call 226-3530.

T

CENTRAL VISAYAS

5

DA 7 cautions rice farmers on insect attacks BACLAYON CHURCH, BOHOL

By Amorganda A. Saludar

CEBU CITY, March 27 (PIA) -- The Department of Agriculture (DA) in Central Visayas warned farmers in the region about the existence of two types of rice-attacking insects that can greatly affect rice production.

Norberto Ouano, assistant center chief of the Regional Crop Protection Center of the DA 7, cited hoppers and rice bugs as the two rice-eating insects that could hinder good rice harvest.

These insects deeply rely on stems and grains of rice for their food.

Ouano said hoppers may cause ‘hopper burn’ where it directly attacks the lower portion of the rice by sucking its lower stem.

Rice bugs, on the other hand, concentrate on the panicles of rice grains.

The official recommended that one of the basic measures to counter these attacks is to use another variety of high breed grain seeds that have a higher survival rate against it.

“We also recommend the use of high breed seeds because of its higher production yield. It also produces good quality of rice,” Ouano said.

Another measure he suggested is the adaptation of synchronized planting so that the insects will be scattered and will not be housed in one particular area.

According to him, since these insects prefer to the stay in moist places, farmers are also advised to observe proper cleanliness and proper water management.

Of the two rice-eating insects, rice bugs have recorded the most number of serious attacks. Eighty percent of the cropping in Valencia, Negros Oriental, and in Dimiao and Garcia Hernandez in Bohol were affected.

“Grabe ang atake ani (the attacks were very serious) but the attacks recorded were scattered to specific barangays. Although the attacks were very alarming, the affected areas, however, were situated near trees preventing the attacks from spreading wide and far,” Ouano said.

He added, however, that they cannot predict whether the insects would invade Cebu, but no reports as of yet were received by their office.

“We also advise farmers to conduct duki-duki (research) on plants and we urge them to communicate with their respective local government units,” the official concluded. (FCR/AS-PIA 7, CEBU)

NGO guards vs illegal recruitment in disaster areas

By Rachelle M. Nessia DUMAGUETE CITY, March 28 (PIA) -- In the aftermath of the two natural disasters that hit Negros Oriental last year and early this year, local anti-human trafficking groups are strengthening linkages in the neighboring Negros Occidental province in expectation of increased illegal recruitment activities.

T

he Visayan Forum Foundation (VFF), a n on- gove rnm ent organization, is beefing up its network in San Carlos City, Negros Occidental to closely monitor possible illegal recruitment victims coming from disaster-hit areas in Negros Oriental.

San Carlos, along with Vallehermoso town in the Negros Oriental side, straddles the border of the two provinces.

“We were not lucky enough to have good connections in the San Carlos area so we’re working on it right now,” said Dondee Seneres of VFF here during a March 27 forum in Dumaguete City.

There is a possibility that trafficked victims will be re-routed to San Carlos following the heightened watch against

human trafficking in some of the major ports in Negros Oriental.

VFF has earlier noted a link between climate-caused disasters and an increase in illegal recruitment.

“We noticed that during disasters, while the government and other organizations are busy handing out relief goods and assistance, illegal recruiters would also take advantage of the situation by stepping up their recruitment,” said Marlene Pepino of the VFF in the same forum held by the Philippine Information Agency.

Pepino said the illegal recruiters would target the women and young people.

“They are the most vulnerable to trafficking because they are easily

convinced by the illegal recruiters in view of their situation,” said Pepino.

After Typhoon Sendung struck on Dec. 17 last year, a task force from the Provincial Inter-Agency Council Against Trafficking (PIACAT) immediately launched a watch against illegal recruiters in flood-hit areas where government agencies are extending relief assistance.

When the 6.9-magnitude earthquake jolted the province on Feb. 6, this year, the task force again carried out an operation against human trafficking activities in quake-hit areas.

“Our team also made an ocular inspection two days after the earthquake.

We saw in the evacuation centers of affected areas how vulnerable the victims were to possible illegal recruitment,” said Seneres. (RMN/PIA Negros Oriental)

Negligence is major cause of fire incidents – BFP

By Rachelle M. Nessia DUMAGUETE CITY, March 26 (PIA) -- Negligence of household members is one of the major causes of fire incidents, including candles left burning after a power outage.

T

his was revealed by City Fire Marshall William Tacaldo, Jr. during a recent forum held by the Philippine Information Agency (PIA) here.

Misuse of electricity is also among the top causes of fire alarms here, he said.

The Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP) has stressed fire prevention rather than suppression in its information drive this month to mark Fire Prevention Month.

“We are conducting lectures in elementary and secondary schools to

teach the students fire-safet y consciousness. We are putting more effort in prevention,” said Tacaldo.

The city fire marshall said that in their line of work, only 15% is allotted to fire-fighting.

“The government is pushing for the prevention program to make more people observe measures that will avoid fire cases.

Through prevention, we can avoid the loss of lives and damage to property,” he said.

Tacaldo said the fire incident that razed two houses in Brgy. Calindagan this month, with damages pegged at P300,000, was due to unattended lighted kerosene lamp.

According to Provincial Fire Marshall C/Insp. Arnulfo Sayson, since January this year, the BFP here responded to 22 fire alarms across the province.

Damage to property is pegged at P3M. (RMN/PIA Negros Oriental)

6

EASTERN VISAYAS

Leytenos pledge to save energy

STO. NIÑO CHURCH, TACLOBAN

TACLOBAN CITY, Leyte, March 28 (PIA) -- Around 300 people participated in a pledge to save energy and save the environment at the Oriental Hotel, MacArthur Park, Leyte, Tuesday as a prelude to the observance of Earth Hour. he Philippine Information Electricity Conservation in Households and She added that the pledges empower Agency (PIA) Regional Office Schools. people to share a personal dare with the Region 8 partners with the Earth Hour is a worldwide event world by asking everyone what they are World Wide Fund for Nature Philippines organized by the WWF for Nature, held willing to do to save the planet.

(WWF) and the Department of Energy every last Saturday of March that encourage During the Earth Hour 2011 a (DOE) in gathering participants from households and businesses to turn off their record-breaking 1661 cities and government agencies, schools, business non-essential lights for one hour to raise municipalities in the country participated in establishments, military, media, and awareness and take action on climate the activity, which made the Philippines an Earth Hour Champion for the third time non-government organizations to commit change. themselves to save energy.

The pledge stemmed from the ‘I Will if and an official "Hero Country".

Ibay added that Earth Hour is now the Led by a student of Tanauan, Leyte high You Will’ pledge about planet earth which school, the 300 participants pledged to Atty. Angela Ibay, National Director of largest annually recurring environmental "save energy everyday". The pledge Earth Hour Pilipinas, said is snowballing in event on earth. (PIA-Samar). culminated the half-day Seminar on cyberspace.

T

Kananga town envisioned to be source of tilapia fingerlings

By Rodrigo S. Victoria NAVAL, Biliran, March 27 (PIA) -- With an estimated more than three million tilapia fingerlings that will be produced annually by the hatchery located in his town, the mayor of Kananga envisions his town as a major supplier of tilapia fingerlings in Leyte province and in the whole of Region 8.

I

t was learned that the Leyte Provincial Freshwater Hatchery is a project of the Deutsche Geseilschaft fur Internationale Zusammenarbeit (GIZ) under the Enhancement of Food Security (EFOS) project in the Visayas component in collaboration with the regional offices of the Department of Agriculture and Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources and the Leyte government.

Kananga Mayor Elmer Codilla shared this vision for his town to become a major supplier of tilapia fingerlings in Leyte province and in Region 8 at the ceremonial opening recently of the Leyte Provincial Freshwater Hatchery situated in Barangay Libongao, Kananga.

Mayor Codilla said that the P5.38 million-worth Leyte Provincial Freshwater Hatchery can produce 3,015,000 genetically modified tilapia fry/fingerlings annually to be distributed to 3,015 household pond operators at 500 pieces per operator.

He said that the establishment of the tilapia hatchery, which was an expansion of the Kananga Integrated Production Center in 2007, will address the growing demand for tilapia fingerlings in the municipalities of Leyte and even of the entire Region 8.

The local chief executive of Kananga added that the establishment of the tilapia hatchery that was fully operational in June 2011 was able to provide income to 137

households who work in ponds and dike development like drainage canals and other structures in the project establishment phase.

The Leyte Provincial Freshwater Hatchery has already provided 500 pieces of tilapia fingerlings for free to backyard and commercial fishpond operators in 29 municipalities and two cities in Leyte province, he added.

Meanwhile, Leyte Governor Carlos Jericho Petilla who attended the ceremonial opening likewise emphasized the sustainability of the operation of the Leyte provincial Freshwater Hatchery and not to fall in what he called “Build Operate Abolished (BOA) facility.” (PIABiliran)

Superstore pledges to halt sale of cigarettes

By Erna S. Gorne MAASIN CITY, Southern Leyte, March 27 (PIA) -- One of the superstores in Maasin City has pledged to discontinue selling cigarettes especially when they are located within the 100-meter radius from an elementary school.

I have talked with Dr. Edward who live within the 100 meter–radius located within the prohibited areas,” he Gaisano, the Maasin Hiper from schools, he disclosed. further said.

(Gaisano) owner and he agreed The mayor even requested the Hiper He also gave instructions to the city to stop selling cigarettes at the owner to also put down the billboards of employees to always wear the anti-smoking pins together with their ID superstore," Maasin City Mayor Maloney cigarettes set up inside the superstore.

Samaco said.

“As long as I am still the mayor of cards in slings as the city government is The incessant campaign to prohibit Maasin City, I will not issue any business expecting national evaluators to visit the smoking in public places had now reached permit allowing any establishment to sell city by next week. (PIA-Southern Leyte) newly established superstores in the city cigarettes particularly those that are that are still selling cigarettes to those

“

EASTERN VISAYAS

7

Recruitment for AFP officership courses on GUIUAN CHURCH, E. SAMAR

By Ailene N. Diaz

CATARMAN, Northern Samar, March 27 (PIA) -- The Armed Forces of the Philippine through the 803rd Brigade based in Catarman, Northern Samar announces the recruitment for officer candidate course (OCC) or officer preparatory course (OPC) for candidates for military officers with the rank of 2nd Lieutenant.

A

pplicants should at least meet the following qualifications: a natural born Filipino citizen, a baccalaureate degree holder, single, never been married and has no legal obligation to support a child at the time of OCC oath taking, with good moral character, at least 5 ft in height, no pending case in civil or military courts and physically, mentally & psychologically fit.

For Officer Candidate Course at least 21 to 24 years old and for Officer Preparatory Course at least 21 to 30 years old. Garnered at least 100 score in Phil.

Army Aptitude Test Battery (PAATB) and have passed the Army Qualifying Examination (AQE) and Special Written Examination (SWE).

Pre-entry examination for the two

courses is scheduled on April 17, 2012 at 803rd Infantry (Peacemaker) Brigade, at Camp Somoroy, Brgy. Dalakit, Catarman, Northern Samar. Passers of the Phil. Army Aptitude Test Battery (PAATB), Army Qualifying Examination and Special Written Examination will be interviewed by the OCC CAD Board on May 22, 2012.

Other schedules set for Visayas Area: DATE/VENUE APRIL 11 TO 16, 2012 - Army Recruitment Office (ARO) for Visayas, Lapulapu, Apas, Lahug, Cebu City.

APRIL 19, 2012 - H8ID, Camp Lukban, Brgy.

Maulong, Catbalogan City, APRIL 21, 2012 - Leyte Colleges, Tacloban City

APRIL 23, 2012 - St. Joseph Colleges, Maasin, Leyte APRIL 25, 2012 - 702CDC, CP BERNIDO, Tagbilaran, Bohol APRIL 28, 2012 - Capiz State University, Capiz APRIL 29, 2012 - Western Institute of Technology, Iloilo City APRIL 30 - MAY 15 - ARO for Visayas.

Camp Lapulapu, APAS, Lahug, Cebu City For more details, call Telephone Number (032) 231-5157 and look for Elma and Maj. Laguna or contact SSG Noel D. Cabides, Assistant Recruitment NCO for Eastern Visayas, at Cellphone Number 09283795781. (PIA-Northern Samar)

GSIS tells would-be retirees to submit papers on time BORONGAN CITY, Eastern Samar, March 23 (PIA) -- Vanessa Perlado, Provincial Chief, Government Service Insurance System (GSIS) here informed would be retirees to submit their papers on time or better yet, ahead of their retirement date.

T

his, after the sorry tale of a Borongan to inquire about her benefits but retiree emerged seeking media would always get the same reply. help due to delayed GSIS beneHowever, GSIS mentioned that when a fits. retiree’s pertinent papers are fully It was learned, however, that the re- accomplished and requirements are tiree submitted her pertinent papers in Feb- appropriately complied with, it only takes ruary, a month after the retirement date last them a week or two to process a retiree’s January. benefits.

In an interview, the concerned confided This must be a lesson learned for all that she had been shuttling Catbalogan- government employees due to retire in a

few years' time -- that they should make sure that all their papers, pertinent to their employment, must be complete.

These include the complete service record, papers dealing with contracts - if he or she is a contractual or was a contractual employee - Pag-IBIG records, and such. (PIA -Eastern Samar)

A ‘love story’ of DTI and Samar Entre-Pinays

By Ninfa B. Quirante CATBALOGAN CITY, Samar, March 23 (PIA) -- Samar Entre-Pinays claim that their affiliation with the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) has helped them through the best and worst of times.

B

oth DTI-Samar bosses Meilo Macabare and Ruthelma Samonte with two Entre-Pinays confirmed their "love story" in a PIA 8-Samar ‘Huruhimangraw’ radio program over Aksyon Radyo DYMS, in Catbalogan City.

Deny Uy, owner of fashion accessories in Catbalogan, talked about how she resigned from being a banker to become a fulltime Entre -Pinay employing dozens of workers for handcrafted fashion accessories.

Uy now heads the Association of Samar Producers (ASAP) that display their products at Samar’s Pasalubong Center ( PMSMSED Center) beside the Samar Capitol building.

“I am calling all Samarenas who have creative veins and talents to pursue their dreams, kung ano ang hilig,” Uy enjoined the listeners of the radio program on Thursday.

“We are always guided by DTI every step of the way, our relationship blossomed through years and have seen the worst and best of it,” Uy said exuding trust and confidence in DTI.

Another Entre-Pinay is Lolita Cupido, the woman behind "Lolit’s Danguit" brand of dried fish in Samar.

She recalled that in the 90s, she and fisherman-husband were workers of a neighbor who owned a dried fish business.

It was in the year 2001 when she thought of being on her own and sought the help of DTI. DTI helped her through trainings and egged her to join trade fairs, places a woman of her position would never have dreamed of going to. “Maupay gad ini nga DTI kay hul-os gud an ira pag mangno ha amon,” Cupido said in Waray.

It also boosted level of confidence in this shy woman who admitted she is not a college graduate. Cupido now employs some 60 women in her production site in her home in barangay Guinsurungan, Catbalogan City.

These women, she admitted, were unproductive then. Now, these women are helping their husbands augment their income.

“These Entre-Pinays have mastered the art of business negotiations through

participating in the different trade fairs where DTI brought them,” said Macabare of DTI-Samar.

Samonte, from DTI, said that they have helped Entre-Pinays link with funding institutions and in upgrading their products.

“Now Lolit’s danguit’ come in plain, garlic, and other flavors,” said Samonte.

She also sought the help of the Department of Science and Technology (DOST) for assistance in packaging and labelling to command a better price.

These two Entre-Pinays are just samples of how far women can go if they are passionate about their business, the DTI women said.

Clearly these two have grown with DTI’s guidance and assistance.

And the road to success does not end here for them, DTI says that the prospect of an export business is being laid out, and the process should make their ‘love story’ stronger. (PIA-Samar)

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