One Visayas Vol 2 Issue 16

Vol 2

Published by: PIA 6, 7 & 8

Issue 16

In this Issue WESTERN VISAYAS

Youth Consultation. Presidential Spokesperson Edwin Lacierda explains the policy directions of the Aquino Administration to students during a "daylight presentation" held at the University of Iloilo during their visit to Iloilo City as part of their provincial visits to familiarize with issues and concerns affecting various sectors. Lacierda was with Deputy Spokesperson Abigail Valte (seated).

(PIA 6/EJB/ESS)

More on Region 6, pages 2-3.

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CENTRAL VISAYAS

April 16 - 22, 2012

Gov't focused on equitable, inclusive growth

By Vicente W. Villavert ILOILO CITY, April 19 (PIA6) -- Presidential Spokesperson Edwin Lacierda said that the government wants to achieve equitable and inclusive growth for the country to help the poor.

Secretary Lacierda and Undersecretary Avigail Valte were in Iloilo City, April 19 to meet with the Iloilo media to communicate what the government is doing for the people and gather the sentiments of the Ilonggos and the media’s perceptions of the Aquino administration.

To achieve the country’s growth, the government has established various initiatives in agriculture, and other social programs that impact on the needs of the poor.

Government programs like the Conditional Cash Transfer address the poorest sector of the society, and this “is an investment on human capital," Lacierda said, as he emphasized that this is not a dole-out because there is a reciprocity requirement on the part of the program beneficiaries.

Lacierda also said during the presscon that the government is also strengthening its housing program for the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) with around 20,000 housing units established in Luzon last year.

“This year, the target beneficiaries of the housing units are AFP, Philippine National Police, Bureau of Fire Protection, Bureau of Jail Management and Penology in Visayas and Mindanao,” Lacierda said.

Lacierda also said that despite the inflation affecting the country, the government was able to significantly stabilize the prices of basic commodities.

He cited the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas figure on inflation showing that the inflation for March is 2.6 percent from February’s 2.7 percent, which is now the second lowest in Southeast Asia.

As to the public sentiments on wages and economy, Lacierda said that it is understandable and the government is committed to achieve inclusive and equitable growth for the country’s economy, where “even the poorest of the poor should benefit.”

Citing agriculture as one of the government’s initiatives, Lacierda said that the country’s agricultural productivity is high.

“Agriculture Secretary Proceso Alcala has promised President Aquino that the country will be sufficient in rice in 2013,” he added.

The Presidential spokesperson likewise maintained that President Aquino is still enjoying a high public trust rating as shown in surveys, saying “we’ve not heard of any news about the President being tainted with scandals or corruption.”

He said that the government remains sensitive to public sentiments, the reason why he and Usec Valte visited Iloilo City to communicate what Malacanang is doing for the good of the people. (JSC/VWV-PIA6 Iloilo)

RDO 13 aims for bigger tax take from tourism industry Mayors of the identified 11 towns in Negros Oriental that would benefit from KALAHICIDSS program read through the memorandum of agreement during a MOA signing ceremony held April 17, 2012 in Dumaguete City, Negros Oriental. (RMN/PIA NEGOR)

More on Region 7, pages 4-5.

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EASTERN VISAYAS

CEBU CITY, April 17 (PIA) -- Meeting its increasing yearly target goal remains a big challenge to the Bureau of Internal Revenue - Revenue District Office (BIR-RDO) 13 based in Cebu which hopes to get larger tax collections from the booming local tourism industry.

BIR-RDO 13 Regional Director Rodita Galanto said that Cebu and Bohol which are under their coverage areas are prime tourism destinations while the continuing growth of the tourism sector will spur more tourism-related business to sprout.

“Tourism is a top-ranking industry and a vital driver of economic growth. Cebu is recognized as one of the top tourism destinations in the country. Our challenge then is to see to it that business establishments under the industry will be properly taxed like the hotels, restaurants, resorts, cafes and its other allied services like spas and transport,” bared Galanto.

Galanto said that achieving its target goal for this year which has been hiked from P12.4 billion last year to 14.3 billion this year is a huge challenge especially that the agency has consistently exceeded its collection targets since 2009.

“We are strengthening our tax collections conducting regular tax information campaign to all sectors including self-employed professionals. In fact, we already completed our info drive to all local government units in our coverage areas,” revealed Galanto.

Conrado Lee, assistant regional director of BIR-RDO 13 said that in order for self-employed professionals to be able to declare their actual earnings, “we urge everyone to demand official receipt every time they pay fees to these self-employed professionals.” (PIACebu)

North Samar DPWH and DENR ink agreement on mangrove reforestation, other environmental protection projects

By Ailene N. Diaz Social welfare and development secretary Corazon ‘Dinky’ Soliman (left) answers questions from the media on the KALAHICIDSS and the 4Ps program at a presscon held at Leyte Park Hotel, Tacloban City, April 16. At right is DSWD 8 regional director Leticia Diokno. (Vino R. Cuayzon)

More on Region 8, pages 6-7.

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CATARMAN, Northern Samar, April 17 (PIA) -- The Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH)-Northern Samar First District Engineering Office is carrying out its share in line with the Department’s thrust to promote, restore and protect the environment in support of the National Greening Program of the government.

A Memorandum of Agreement sets to formalize the agreement stating the role of DPWH – NS 1st DEO in managing and protecting the area identified, and by doing so, the agency shall put up a project management office.

Recently, the DPWH Northern Samar 1st District Engineering Office conducted a mangrove reforestation

seminar with Mr. Ranulfo Arbiol, the Provincial Environment and Natural Resources Provincial Director discussing on the protected area and wildlife coastal zone management service. He emphasized the importance of mangrove trees especially when disaster occurs and its worth as a good source of oxygen soil.

Arbiol also informed the employees on the mangrove identified areas, criteria on the selection of areas, species appropriate for planting and plantation modalities.

The said seminar was an instructional discussion as well, in line with the plan of the office to conduct mangrove planting as part of the monthly activities of the office. (PIA-Northern Samar)

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WESTERN VISAYAS

Panay-Negros bridge needs study for PPP inclusion--Sec. Lacierda IT’S MORE FUN IN THE RUINS IN TALISAY, NEG. OCCIDENTAL

By Lorenzo O. Lambatin Jr. BACOLOD CITY, April 18 (PIA6) -- The proposed Panay-Guimaras-Negros Bridge needs to undergo a feasibility study before this can be classified as a priority project under the government’s Public-Private Partnership program.

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n response to proposals by local officials that the bridge project be included in the PPP, Lacierda said that all public-private partnership (PPP) projects have first undergone feasibility study before these were included in the scheme.

The National Economic and Development Authority defines PPP as a contractual arrangement between government and private sector to deliver public infrastructure and/or public services.

Earlier, PGN-LGU designated coordinator Vladi Gonzalez was quoted in a local paper here saying the project

would cost about P28.5 billion and revealed government officials in Panay are now negotiating with Japanese representatives for a possible funding from the Official Development Assistance and Japan’s International Cooperation Agency (JICA).

In a PIA radio interview here aired over DYKB- RPN 8, Lacierda said he will take up the matter with PPP Center Executive Director Cosette Canilao and that once the Center gives the go signal, the project will be placed on the pipeline.

Sec. Lacierda and Deputy Spokesperson Abigail Valte were in the

city to explain government programs through the media.

Former Bacolod councillor Wilson Gamboa said if the bridge is realized it will be beneficial to the region.

“In terms of economy, it will provide efficiency in the mobility of the exchange of goods of every province and island, lower transportation cost, a 24/7 service and movement regardless of weather, people movement or i n t e r - i sl a n d t o u r i s m a n d e a s y marketability to foreign tourism,” he told PIA. (JSC/PIA6-LOL NegOcc.)

'Baklay Bukid-Amlig Suba' marks Earth Day in Iloilo

By Elsa S. Subong ILOILO CITY, April 17 (PIA6) -- Mountain trekkers, nature lovers, and environmentalists, particularly those advocating for watershed protection will again be communing in the mountains of the Tigum-Aganan watershed area.

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he province of Iloilo, in cooperation with the local governments of Alimodian and Maasin, the Department of Environment and Natural Resources, and the Eagle Cross, Incorporated will embark on Baklay Bukid-Amlig Suba from April 19-21, in celebration of Earth Day. Baklay Bukid-Amlig Suba (Up through the Mountains, Protect the River) is an adventure mountain trek which includes nature walk from upland Alimodian to the headwaters of Maasin Watershed.

Baklay Bukid started in 2009 initiated by a private organization, the Eagle Cross, Inc., in partnership with the DENR, and from then on, held every year to mark the celebration of Earth Day, April 22.

Dr. Rogelio Borro, director of the Eagle Cross said among others, the event is a celebration of the right of every Filipino to a healthy and balanced ecology by promoting community-based projects of protected areas.

Its objectives include promotion of local eco-tourism activities, such as camping, cultural exchange among host communities, and mountain trekking, and conduct research on water quality of Maasin watershed.

Further, Borro said, the activity aims to rally active participation of government agencies, private sectors, schools, non-government organizations, to better know the state of the watershed and its ecosystems.

The participants should be able-bodied males and females, 15 years old and above, coming from various sectors, including journalists, photojournalists or sheer adventurists, and learn much about the ecosystem in the process.

Registration fee is P150 per participant, to cover insurance, environmental fee, facilitation, guides, and certificate of participation, while each should bring personal provisions for food, utensils, sleeping mats, tents and drinking water.

This year’s theme for Earth Day is “Earth Day Every Day, Everywhere". (JSC/ ESS-PIA6 Iloilo).

Biodiversity expedition conducted in Negros Natural Park

By Carolina A. Dionela BACOLOD CITY, April 18 (PIA) -- A comprehensive survey of rare and unique mammals inhabiting the North Negros Natural Park was conducted recently by a biodiversity expedition team. he expedition was supported by used 20 remote cameras to capture some challenging, it was a ‘beautiful’ experience the Department of Environment 4,000 hours of footage, much of which for the whole team. and Natural Resources, Provincial showed evidence that the park is still The United Kingdom members of the Environment and Management Office and home to a multitude of rare and endemic expedition will return to England later this the Negros Forest and Ecological species. week.

Foundation, a press release from NNNP The team also took an extensive Meanwhile, the data collected will be said. study of insects, rare reptiles and analyzed and assessed by the local and The expedition team composed of amphibians. international experts before any results scientists, biologists, mountaineers, Expedition leader James Sawyer said could be released, Sawyer said. (NNNP/ teachers and logistics experts from the that although the trip had been physically JSC/CD-PIA6 NegOcc.) United Kingdom and the Philippines

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WESTERN VISAYAS

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DTI conducts seminar on safe food processing IT’S MORE FUN IN ROCA ENCANTADA, GUIMARAS

By Pilar S. Mabaquiao

SAN JOSE, Antique, April 19 (PIA6) -- The Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) has facilitated a seminar on Current Good Manufacturing Practices and Hazard Analysis Critical Control Points (HACCP) for food processors in the province.

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his is in line with their thrust to the coaching on firm-level of the control assist the food sector install food points system.

The modules in the seminar cover safety programs in processing seven principles of HACCP namely; plants.

Provincial director Jose Divinagracia of conduct of hazard analysis, identification of DTI Antique said that aside from their critical control points, determination of commitment to help the local critical limits, set-up of monitoring entrepreneurs grow and become active procedures, definition of corrective players in the business industry, it is also actions, set-up of verification procedures, their duty to ensure that food sector and set-up of record keeping and documentation procedures. adheres to the standards of food safety.

Firm-level HACCP system coaching Thus, DTI conducted series of trainings and workshops on good has helped food processors organize their manufacturing practices. Also included is own HACCP team, define their own

productions steps, and construct production flow of diagram.

Engr. Arlene Galopo, Trade and Industry Development Specialist, disclosed that DTI has engaged the expertise of Johanna Jamero, food technologist, consultant and resource speaker for the said training.

Galopo said, hand-in-hand with the development of local industries and introduction of products to mainstream market through trade fairs and expositions, is the assurance that manufacturing of food products were done with utmost quality and safety. (JSC/MLG/PSM-PIA 6, Antique)

PENRO – Capiz taps people’s orgs for seedling production

By Alex A. Lumaque ROXAS CITY, Capiz, April 16 (PIA6) -- Five people’s organizations (PO) were initially tapped by the Provincial Environment and Natural Resources Office (PENRO) – Capiz for the seedling requirement in view of the National Greening Program (NGP) implementation in the province this year.

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GP – Capiz coordinator Edwin Borja said that the POs are Quinabonglan Multi-Purpose Cooperative in Maayon town, Traciano Timberland Farmers Association in Dumarao, Lunayan Forest Planters Association in Cuartero, Dolores Integrated Social Forestry in Dumalag and Pinamalatican Timberland Farmers Association in Sigma.

“We will orient these POs on nursery preparation and seedling production,” Borja stressed.

He added that other POs in the municipalities of Tapaz, Jamindan, Mambusao and Sapi-an will also be tapped for the greening project.

NGP targets more than 1,000 hectares of upland and urban areas provincewide in 2012.

Aside from timberlands, planting sites for this year will include plazas, school grounds and roadsides, among others.

Borja noted that the Department of Agriculture (DA) and the Department of Agrarian Reform (DAR) will help PENRO in attaining the target.

However, he stressed that Executive Order (EO) No. 26 mandates not only Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR), DA and DAR but all national government agencies in producing or imparting seedlings.

The EO directs the implementation of NGP as a government priority to plant about 1.5 billion trees covering an estimated 1.5 million hectares of lands in public domain from 2011 to 2016. (JSC/ AAL-PIA 6 Capiz)

Aklan to plant rubber trees

By Venus G. Villanueva KALIBO, Aklan, April 18 (PIA6) -- The provincial government of Aklan will be planting 4,000 rubber tree seedlings as part of its major activities in celebration of its 56th anniversary as a separate province from Capiz. ccording to the Office of the “Rubber trees could be productive The province is also looking into Provincial Agriculturist (OPAg) for 50 to 60 years and once productive, other multiplier sources of rubber tree here, the rubber tree seedlings, the latex it produces could be harvested seedlings, and plans to tap a recently sourced from Mindanao, will be planted in every other day,” Las Piñas said. discovered plantation in Altavas, Aklan for Castillo, Makato, Aklan in a lot owned by Las Piñas added the latex that the planting sources. the provincial government. rubber trees produce is utilized to The plantation in Altavas, according The planting, according to produce glue, foam, garter and many to OPA, had existed since the 40’s with Uldarico Las Piñas of OPAg, will be others, while its waste products could be no harvesting history. led by Aklan Governor Carlito S. used to produce asphalt.

Besides helping alleviate poverty in Marquez together with other Aklan With this prospect, the provincial Aklan by providing a source of income for officials and provincial government staff on government is planning to put up a Aklanons, planting rubber trees in the April 26. processing plant complete with province is also seen to help protect the Rubber trees, according to Las required machines and planning to enlist environment and mitigate climate change, Piñas, can already be productive the expertise of the Provincial according to OPA-Aklan. (JSC/VGV-PIA6 after five years and could grow to a Cooperative Office in marketing the Aklan) maximum of 1 meter in diameter. rubber tree product in the future.

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CENTRAL VISAYAS

Silliman to host reg’l forum on disaster recovery

By Rachelle M. Nessia

IT’S MORE FUN IN TAOIST TEMPLE, CEBU

DUMAGUETE CITY, April 16 (PIA) -- Silliman University is hosting a two-day forum that gathers psychologists from Visayas and Mindanao, April 20-21 to tackle ways on how to help victims of disaster recover from trauma.

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he 10th Psychology Regional Forum will discuss psycho-social processing and stress debriefing for survivors of calamities.

Silliman University Office of Information and Publications (SU-OIP) Director Mark Raygan Garcia said the activity offers simulation exercise to test the participants’ ability to deal with patients under different disaster scenarios.

The forum is organized for Silliman by its Psychology Department.

The forum’s first day highlight is a

seminar on “Mental Health Management” and “Trauma Healing and Recovery” with Ateneo de Davao University professor Dr. Gail Tan-Ilagan as the facilitator.

Dr. Tan-Ilagan is also the author of the book “War Wounded: Combat Stress Sequelae of the 101D Soldiers” which focuses on combatting stress among active duty troops of the Philippine Army.

Interactive sessions on “Leveling-Off Usual Practices: A Stimulation” and “Debriefing the Debriefers” will mark the second day, with Dr. Joey Marie F. Jegonia

of Xavier University in Cagayan de Oro City as speaker.

Both Mindanao and Visayas were recently hit by at least two calamities, namely: Typhoon Sendong in December last year and the 6.9-magnitude earthquake in February this year.

Victims of the two natural disasters continue to heal and rebuild their lives and communities after losing family members and properties. (RMN/PIA Negros Oriental)

LTFRB central office to decide on P1.50 fare hike for Cebu

By Fayette C. Riñen CEBU CITY, April 17 (PIA) -- Only the Land Transportation and Franchising Regulatory Board (LTFRB) Central Office can determine whether the petition for a P1.50 fare hike for public utility jeepneys (PUJ) in Cebu is valid.

TFRB-7 A c t i n g C h i e f conducted a public hearing to hear the Iway and Engr. Samuel B. Garcia, disclosed Transportation Development sides of all those who are for and against Elnar.

According to Elnar, the Officer Reynaldo C. Elnar said they the said petition. The petitioner was also cannot really say whether the petition of required to submit formal evidences on decision-making process is a tedious one as the board would have to scrutinize the the Cebu Integrated Transport Services the urgent need for a fare adjustment.

Cooperative (Citrasco) for a fare “Our role here at the LTFRB 7 is just validity of the petition taking into adjustment would be granted. to receive petitions, conduct hearings and consideration the sentiments of the riding The Citrasco has filed a petition to forward such petitions to the Central public, operators, drivers and others who will be affected by the fare increase. the LTFRB-7 for a fare adjustment of Office for resolution,” said Elnar.

There is still no possible date on P1.50 raising transport fares from the Elnar added they cannot give any current minimum of P7.50 to P9 for the information regarding the progress of the when the petition will be decided, Elnar first five kilometers and P.90 to P 1.50 for petition because “it is not us that will said. "It will take time because the Board the succeeding kilometer. Incessant fuel decide, it is the central board in Manila cannot immediately decide on such a price increases and high operating and and upon the approval of the chairman petition that will impact on a number of sectors. There are still many factors to maintenance costs were cited as the main from our Central Office.” factors behind the petition.

The Central Office team that will consider.” (FCR/Kimberly Gee Binga-an After the LTFRB-7 received decide are Atty. Jaime D. Jacob together CNU intern/PIA-Cebu) Citrasco’s petition, it immediately with Board Members Atty. Manuel M.

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NegOr ex-rebels receive cash assistance

By Jennifer C. Tilos DUMAGUETE CITY, April 16 (PIA) -- Former rebels who left a communist group recently received cash assistance for livelihood as they return as members of society.

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egros Oriental Governor Roel Degamo, together with the Philippine Army's 302nd Brigade commander Col. Francisco Patrimonio, handed over on Friday financial assistance of P50,000 to each of the five former rebels at the governor’s office.

Patrimonio said the former rebels who left the communist group New People’s Army (NPA) are: Rymel Macatiguib and Manuel Lagrama, both from Mantiquil, Siaton; Alfie Gadiane of Apoloy, Siaton; Gerardo Guillermo and Bobby Sinda, both from Sta. Catatsalina

town.

The rebel returnees personally received the checks with a total of P250,000 for livelihood packages.

The cash assistance is under the government’s Social Integration Program (SIP) as seed capital to start a small business to sustain each of the rebel returnees' family as they return to the mainstream of society, said Patrimonio.

With the funding capital, the returnee may use it to acquire a farm implement or livestock, operate a sari-sari store, among others, he added.

This turnover of checks is part of the

last phase of the SIP implemented by the former administration when President Benigno Aquino III terminated it upon his assumption and replaced with the new integration program dubbed Comprehensive Local Integration Plan.

The activity was witnessed by Provincial Social Welfare a nd Development Officer Alice Lagarde, Provincial Administrator Arnel Francisco, Office of the Presidential Assistance on the Peace Process (OPAPP) representative and some military officials.

(RMN/JCT-PIA Negros Oriental)

CENTRAL VISAYAS

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DOST-Siquijor names ten science scholars IT’S MORE FUN IN CHOCOLATE HILLS, BOHOL

By Rizalie A. Calibo

SIQUIJOR, April 16 (PIA) -- At least ten high school students from Siquijor province have qualified for the Science Education Institute (SEI) scholarships for SY 2012-2013 from the Department of Science and Technology (DOST).

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his was bared earlier by DOST-Siquijor Provincial Director Mario E. De la Pena who said that this is the first time that Siquijor received the highest number of qualifiers and that all six towns are represented.

The qualifiers are Zaidy Martin of San Antonio High School; Sugar Kenn Atay, Saturnino Banting Jr., Lovely Pearl Cenas, and Stiffany Jane Tumapon of Siquijor Provincial High School; Steven Sunogan of the Lazi National Agricultural School; and Krystyl Tedlos of Enrique Villanueva National High School.

The three others who qualified are studying at the Sisters of Mary School Boystown in Cebu but hail from Siquijor. They are Alamid Edayan from Bonga, Maria; Jherold Adam Magsanay from Tacloban, Siquijor; and Vilmar Vicoy from Canlambo, Larena, Siquijor.

A total of 3,400 high school students nationwide have qualified for this year’s the DOST SEI scholarship.

The new science and technology scholars under the RA 7687 Scholarship Program will receive subsidies on tuition fee and other school fees as well as book allowance, monthly living allowance for a 10-to-11 month duration every year and more.

DOST-SEI scholars receive the same benefits as the RA 7687 scholars except for a pro-rated monthly stipend depending on the family's socio- economic status.

Through the annual DOST-SEI Undergraduate Scholarship Programs, talented and deserving high school graduates are given opportunities to pursue four-or-five-year baccalaureate degrees in priority science and technology fields.

Qualifiers can enroll in priority science

courses in state universities and other higher education institutions recognized by the Commission on Higher Education as Centers of Excellence or Centers of Development.

The scholarship is DOST's commitment to uphold the pledge of Pres. Benigno S. Aquino III to support the expansion of scholarships granted to outstanding yet underprivileged students.

"The Department shall always grant scholarships to deserving students who embrace excellence along their chosen fields of specialization," Sec. Mario Montejo said.

SEI Director Filma G. Brawner is confident that the "Iskolars ng Bayan" will someday use the talents and skills they acquired for the development of the country. (rmn/RACalibo with reports from DOST-SEI)

Pilar couples, youth sign vow on responsible parenthood TAGBILARAN CITY, Bohol, April 16 (PIA) – Realizing there is no other way but meeting the issue head on, municipal and provincial health offices here successfully organized and conducted a Family Health Day in Pilar town on April 7.

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he activity came after Pilar, a Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino program beneficiary, has identified a high incidence of high risk pregnancies in their community family development sessions.

The day coincides with the Annual World Health Day, said Pilar Information Officer Gualberto Jaspe, who helped coordinate the activity with the Provincial Health Office.

The activity aims to raise community awareness on the importance of health and healthy practices, especially in towns without formal health facilities.

That day, more than 60 couples and 14 Sangguniang Kabataan (SK) leaders pledged to become responsible parents and youth leaders in

the town.

Adopting the theme, “Adolescent and Couple’s Health Enhancement Program,” the activity included lectures on the importance of family planning and safe motherhood, Human Immune-deficiency Virus- Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome (HIV-AIDS), adolescent reproductive health and the ill effects of smoking.

Conducted by the staff of the PHO and the Rural Health Unit of the town, the activity included testimonies of successful family planning acceptors and interactive games using the lectures as its content.

Pilar Mayor Wilson Pajo, in his message, encouraged couples and SK members to practice

and share what they learned from the activity.

Himself an engineer, Pajo stressed that in the changes of technology and lifestyle, a balanced health should be maintained, and it should be a priority and should not be cast behind.

"It is safer if we are prepared, and that counts most especially when we have families to raise," he said.

A tarpaulin bearing the sign: “I love my family and that is why, as parents and SK leaders, we plan to develop the family to secure our communities” soon had signatures of commitments from couples and town youth leaders. (rmn/RAHC/PIA Bohol)

P3.9M allocated to rehabilitate, conserve Tañon Strait in Cebu

By Hazel F. Gloria CEBU CITY, April 17 (PIA) -- Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) 7 Regional Executive Director Maximo O. Dichoso said that P3.9 million has been earmarked for various projects, programs, and activities along the Tañon Strait Protected Seascape (TSPS).

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his came after the Protected Area Management Board (PAMB) executive committee, in its meeting last April 12 chaired by Dichoso, approved the work and financial plan for 2012 of TSPS. The budget allocation is intended to advance protected area management, and nature conservation and rehabilitation.

Dichoso said that the Board is preparing to implement programs that would encourage critical cooperation from other stakeholders in protecting and preserving all protected areas in Cebu and in all neighboring provinces within the region.

“Cebu Province has 29 protected areas which is considered a great number among all provinces in the Philippines,” he added.

On the other hand, seven special use

agreements in protected areas (SAPA) applications which were deliberated, reviewed and evaluated by the respective site management units (SMUs) whose areas are within TSPS, also obtained the endorsement of the PAMB during the said meeting.

The seven protected area applications are: Ecotourism Park and Visitor Center in Samboan, Cebu; Riverbank Protection Facility, and Bangus Culture in Cage of Baha-baha Fishermen Association, Inc. both in Aloguinsan, Cebu; Bangus Culture in Cage, and Wharf Rehabilitation and Extension Project, also both in Ronda, Cebu; Campuyo Wharf in Manhuyod, Negros Oriental, Tamuyong River Estuarine, and Mangrove Rehabilitation in Negros Oriental.

SAPA is a binding instrument between the

DENR through the PAMB. SAPA may be issued within protected areas except in strict nature reserves and shall be confined only to the management zones of the protected area appropriate for the purpose.

These applications were accepted, reviewed and endorsed by Site Management (SMU) Cluster II Negros Oriental and Cebu SMU after all mandatory requirements were complied with such as Sangguniang Bayan (SB) resolutions, Environmental Compliance Certificate (ECC) and other permits.

The PAMB Executive Committee recently deliberated and favorably endorsed the said projects in a form of a PAMB resolution for the DENR Secretary’s appropriate action. (rmn-PIA 7/HFG/DENR-7)

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EASTERN VISAYAS

‘Thumb-frog’ found in Southern Leyte forest

By Marcelo M. Pedalino

IT’S MORE FUN IN THE LEYTE LANDING MEMORIAL, LEYTE

SOUTHERN LEYTE, April 19 (PIA) -- This province has carved a new impression as a haven for a rich wildlife biodiversity in the wake of reports of the discovery of two new species of frogs in the forests off the Pacific area. ccording to reports, the mountain range in the Pacific area of The Philippines has been listed by newly-found frogs species were a Southern Leyte province.

US-based Conservation International as mottled brown frog with red This area has been part of a among 17 countries that hold most of eyes and a broad yellow stripe running conservation-oriented undertaking initi- Earth’s plant and animals, but at the same down its back, and a yellow green frog ated by the central office of the time a biodiversity hotspot due to massive with a size not much bigger than a man’s Department of Environment and Natural kaingin and illegal logging operations on thumb.

Resources (DENR), in addition to an what was once heavily-forested areas.

The finds were announced by initiative of a German government The DENR, through its wildlife personnel of the British-based Fauna and organization GIZ, the Reducing Emission protection department, reported that Flora International in a forum held at the on Degradation and Deforestation Plus aside from the frogs, 36 new plants and National Museum, it was learned.

(REDD Plus) project. animal species were discovered in the Reports said the new species, which The brown frog specimens measured country over the past ten years. (PIAhave been labeled as endangered and on 1.7 -- 2.2 inches, while the yellow-green Southern Leyte) the brink of extinction and were yet to be ones were 0.8 -- 1.1 inches, an online named, were found at the Nacolod report said.

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DepEd opens Catbalogan Division office

By Ninfa Iluminda B. Quirante CATBALOGAN CITY, Samar, April 18 (PIA) -- The Department of Education (DepEd-8) has opened a new division and appointed an officer-in-charge in Catbalogan City.

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r. Editha De Veyra from Leyte has been installed as the officer-in-charge of the Catbalogan City DepEd Division A motorcade around the city signaled the opening of the Catbalogan DepEd office located at San Bartolome Street, Catbalogan.

As Catbalogan became a city, it is then automatic that the DepEd will function as another division apart from the Samar Division.

The new city division will cover both public and private schools located in the city of Catbalogan with total personnel of

some 757 under De Veyra’s watch.

In the simple ceremonies that followed, De Veyra formally accepted the challenge as the division head and asked the support of the personnel and teachers.

“Hindi man ako taga dito pero magiging maayos at madali ang lahat kung magtutulungan tayo. (Though I am not from Catbalogan, everything will be orderly and easy if we all help each other),” she said.

De Veyra served as OIC- Assistant Superintendent in Samar for one and half year in 2010.

She finished her doctoral degree, Doctor of Philosophy major in Educational Programs Management in 2003 at the Leyte Institute of Technology, now called Eastern Visayas State University. She started as an elementary grade teacher in 1974, and has served the department for 43 years.

The program that ushered the new city division ended with the message of Catbalogan mayor Coefredo Uy as he expressed his appreciation on the launch of the City Division. Uy also announced rice support for the city division teachers.

(PIA-Samar with A Ebalde)

Environmental office bares municipalities with highest collection of deadly starfish

By Rebecca S. Cadavos MAASIN CITY, Southern Leyte, Apr 16 (PIA) -- The Provincial Environment and Natural Resources Management Office (PENRMO) has been continuously extracting the crown-of-thorns starfish throughout Southern Leyte since it reportedly increased in number, particularly in the waters of Sogod Bay and in Maasin City.

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n a mitigation report by Coastal Fisheries Resources and Management Office Provincial Head Eva Abad the municipality with the highest COTS extracted was Padre Burgos with 80,145, followed by Maasin City that extracted around 34,000 and in Limasawa with 25,461 by the end of March 2012.

Abad added that other municipalities which conducted COTS extraction include Macrohon with 3,000 deadly starfish collected; Tomas Oppus – 2,192; Malitbog – 23,565; Lilioan – 1,056; San Francisco – 1,143; Pintuyan – 1,054; Hinundayan – 356; Hinunangan – 863; Bontoc – 18; Libagon – 10; and Sogod with only one reported.

Crown-of-thorns starfish are locally known of dap-marine invertebrates that feed on corals which are marine sanctuaries and kills corals.

In the report, Abad informed that there were municipalities in the province not included in the COTS outbreak such as San Ricardo, St. Bernard, San Juan, and Anahawan.

The total crown-of-thorns starfish extracted as of April 2012 numbered 170,165 pieces, initiated by the provincial government with the assistance of volunteers throughout the province, Abad disclosed. “This does not include the different Dive Shop Divers collection,” she said.

The local government units concerned has been coordinating with different agencies

including non-government organizations to assist in the COTS outbreak and how to mitigate its existence, such as the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR), Department of Science and Technology (DOST), Southern Leyte Chamber of Commerce and Industry (SLCCI), the GIZ, Provincial and Maasin City Disaster Risk Reduction Management Office, among other concerned agencies.

“We are proposing the production of IEC materials such as pamphlets and posters for public awareness which is now designed by PENRMO staff,” Abad said while other activities are properly coordinated with the other agencies. (PIA-Southern Leyte)

EASTERN VISAYAS

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19th SIPPAD seeks suspension of mining in Samar IT’S MORE FUN IN MARABUT, SAMAR

By Alicia F. Nicart

BORONGAN CITY, Eastern Samar, April 14 (PIA) -- Ever true to its mission to help government bring peace and progress to the entire people of Samar, the Samar Island Partnership for Progress and Development (SIPPAD) resolved recently to seek the suspension of the controversial mining operations, particularly in the Eastern part of Samar.

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n motion of Agustin Docena and duly seconded by Maydolong Mayor Henry Afable, approved by the body in today’s 19th assembly, was the crafting and submission of a resolution, for “SIPPAD to request the Honorable Secretary of DENR to suspend all small-scale mining operations in the entire Samar island."

Also, the 19th SIPPAD Assembly resolved to endorse House Bill No. 5898 of Congressman Ben Evardone, of the Lone District of Eastern Samar, which seeks to “declare Eastern Samar a mining-free zone.”

The current mining controversy surrounds Salcedo and McArthur towns which reports say, had rendered problems, e.g. child-labor, high dropout rate, degraded environment, and some serious crimes. Before this, Manicani island

of Guiuan had been left behind too, with their soils damaged by mining.

But comes now SIPPAD. In his talk, Most Reverend Bishop Crispin Varquez explained, that he, together with his other main conveners, Most Reverend Bishops Emmanuel Trance (Catarman) and Isabelo Abarquez(Calbayog) have nothing against mining.

“Per se, mining is not bad, but we oppose to it because of the irresponsible acts of the operators," Most Reverend Varquez averred.

In Homonhon, he said, the forest have gone bald, that people could no longer plant even pineapple at least, because the soils are no longer fit for agri production.

“Neither could we even say that people’s lives there, have improved as mining benefits, because they never did,” Bishop Varquez stressed.

The highest official of the Borongan Diocese likewise revealed that, there could be no opposition at all to mining, if only all the mining laws are followed.

What pains more, Bishop Varquez said, was when one mining operator in Salcedo, allegedly asked a local resident who dislikes mining by asking: How much do you want? Despite his being a Boholano, Bishop Varquez, asserted that, what the operator allegedly said was not only uncalled for, but also ridiculous. “We still have our dignity and honor,” told Bishop Varquez his flock.

Other than the three Most Reverend Bishops, present in the SIPPAD Forum were officials of the national and local government and clergy and other sectoral representatives including DPWH Usec Rafael Yabut and Philippine Army 8ID Commander MajGen Gerardo Layug. (PIA -Eastern Samar)

DILG-8 trains operations officers

By Leonilo D. Lopido TACLOBAN CITY, Leyte, April 13 (PIA) - Twenty-two (22) Local Government Operations Officers (LGOOs) II are currently undergoing the Induction Training (47th Batch) of the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) Regional Office-8 at the St. John the Evangelist School of Theology in Palo, Leyte.

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his was learned from Myles Joseph Colasito, DILG-8 information officer in a press release.

According to DILG-8 Regional Director Pedro A. Noval Jr., the Induction Training for LGOOs is an integral program of the department to further strengthen its internal and organizational competencies critical in helping its clients address its service delivery functions.

It aims to fully capacitate its new LGOOs II who ASSUMED office on

October 2011, or untrained ones who also passed the Department’s LGOO II psychometric examination, to enable them to provide all sorts of technical assistance to LGUs in support of the Department’s mandate.

To respond to training requirements set by LGA, DILG Regional Management formed a Training Management Team and designated the corresponding facilitators, secretariat and documentors for the different modules.

The training has three components.

Director Noval is confident that at the end of the training, the participants would be fully equipped to respond positively to all situations in LGUs where they will be assigned.

The Department has field officers at all municipalities to help LGUs deliver the services expected of them. (PIA-8)

Eco-tourism in Cabucgayan seen to soar with new infra projects

By Ma. Lailani P. Tupaz NAVAL, Biliran, April 16 (PIA) -- A soaring eco-tourism in the municipality of Cabucgayan is envisioned by all concerned agency officials who attended and witnessed the turnover and groundbreaking ceremonies of three infrastructure projects on Thursday (April 12) in Brgy. Balaquid, Cabucgayan, Biliran.

Brgy. Balaquid now enjoys a .5129 kilometer (km) concrete farm-to-market road leading to Kasabangan Falls, a .5169 km communal irrigation system (CIS).

Soon to start is a P2,706,854-worth of potable water supply (PWS) project that is expected to benefit 208 households, and to extend services to neighboring barangays of Magbangon, Libertad, and Bunga also in the municipality of Cabucgayan.

Being an agrarian reform community (ARC), the projects are funded by the Agrarian Reform Infrastructure Support Project (ARISP) III through Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) and government. These are in place to provide farmer-beneficiaries opportunities to engage in

diversified farming to a greater scale, conveniently market their farm products any time of the year, and ultimately spur community development.

Moreover, Department of Agrarian Reform (DAR) Director Eliasem Castillo, National ARISP Project Manager Ma. Celerina Afable, Congressman Rogelio Espina, former DAR director Tiburcio Morales Jr. who represented Gov. Gerardo J. Espina, Jr., Mayor Gemma Adobo, and Vice-Mayor Irvin Cordeta see that the benefits go beyond agricultural improvement, these will all be good for the area's tourism.

A series of falls cascading from the more popular Casiawan Falls is also found in the

municipality of Cabucgayan. It’s coastal resorts facing Biliran strait sooth tired visitors.

Both beach and mountain resorts in this municipality can now be easily reached by roaming vacationers with the provision of all-weather concrete roads, thus, helping boost the municipality’s tourism industry.

Other officials who witnessed the turnover and groundbreaking ceremonies were Japanesse ARISP III Consultant Yukihiro Kawahara, ARDO Reynaldo Villas, Dr. Ma. Cristy Dagdag from ARISP, National Irrigation Administration (NIA) Division Manager Delsy Revillame, DPWH District Engineer Virginia Sarabusing, PARO Elisea Orapa, and PIA Manager Flordelis Jackson. (PIA-Biliran)

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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