One Visayas e-Newsletter Vol 2 Issue 17

Vol 2

In this Issue

DOLE-7 intensifies career coaching program for HS studes

By Hazel F. Gloria

WESTERN VISAYAS

TAPATAN in ILOILO. DILG Secretary Jesse Robredo answers questions from the media during the first of a series of Tapatan Summits focused on Disaster Preparedness, April 26 at Sarabia Manor Hotel in Iloilo City.

Joining him are Capiz Governor and Regional Development Council Chair Victor Tanco and DILG-6 Director Evelyn Trompeta. (PIA 6/ EJB/ESS)

More on Region 6, pages 2-3.

Also CLICK Here…

CENTRAL VISAYAS

CEBU CITY, April 25 (PIA) -- The Department of Labor and Employment in Central Visayas (DOLE-7) is intensifying the implementation of its extensive career coaching program for high school students to avoid job mismatch in the future.

DOLE-7 Regional Director Gloria Tango said this during the Association of Government of Information Officers Forum held recently, explaining that the program will help students choose their careers and prepare for a competitive world.

Tango added that students should learn what occupations have high employment prospects, competency standards, and economic pay offs.

"They should also learn what careers are associated to industrially-demanded occupations and the various educational and training skills that are needed in the market nowadays," the DOLE director added.

This program is in response to the administration’s thrust on, "Developing Human Resources, Promoting Full and Productive

More on Region 7, pages 4-5.

Also CLICK Here…

EASTERN VISAYAS

Road upgrading along Ormoc-Lake Imelda road. The 18,090.00 square meters pavement construction project provides additional length to boost the tourism industry of Ormoc City as this road leads towards Lake Imelda which is a tourist spot.

(DPWH-4th-LED/PIA-8)

More on Region 8, pages 6-7.

Also CLICK Here...

Employment, and Ensuring Social Protection for All Toward Inclusive Growth." (mbcn/hfg - PIA 7)

DOLE-7 Regional Director Atty. Ma. Gloria Tango (center) with Admin Officer, Engr. Vicente Abordo (left) and Regional Tripartite Wages and Productivity Board (RTWPB) Atty. Glenn Tabon (right) discuss on Labor Day celebration and update on the employment status in region 7 during the Forum held at the PIA-7 Regional Office, Cebu City.(PIA-7/Ver/HFG)

EVisayas bizmen gather for tourism, trade gab

By Marcelo M. Pedalino

P-Noy’s visit. Pres. Benigno S. Aquino III (center) graces the 17th World Electronics Forum (WEF) and Semiconductor and Electronics Industries in the Philippines Inc. (SEIPI) 108th general membership meeting held recently at the Shangrila’s Mactan Resort Hotel and Spa in Lapu-Lapu City, Cebu. (L-R) With him are Lapu-Lapu City Mayor Paz Radaza, SEIPI Chairman Bing Viera and DTI Secretary Gregory Domingo. (PIA7/HFG)

April 23 - 29, 2012

Published by: PIA 6, 7 & 8

Issue 17

KUTING BEACH, Macrohon, Southern Leyte, April 25 (PIA) -- Leading personalities in the business sector from six provinces and eight cities in Region 8 converged April 25-26 in this resort to discuss issues and concerns about tourism and trade opportunities.

The gathering, officially called Second Eastern Visayas Business Conference, is hosted by the Southern Leyte Chamber of Commerce and Industry (SLCCI), and some 200 participants all over the region are expected to attend, said Sandra Alcober, information officer of the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) provincial office.

Aside from known business figures, mostly heads and members of various chambers of commerce in the region, political leaders and regional directors of government agencies involved in promoting tourism and investments are also expected to come, Alcober added.

Governor Damian Mercado was invited to be the keynote speaker, said Alcober.

She said the two-day affair was .also to highlight a trade fair and exhibit and actual visits to the province’s prime tourist destination at the Agas-Agas zipline at Sogod.

The group was set to witness the soft opening of the “ZooLeyte” or the Maasin Nature and Wildlife Park at Danao Forest Park in Maasin City on April 26.

The conference carries the theme, “One Region.

One Team: Economic Development thru Public-Private Sector Initiative.” The first-ever Eastern Visayas business meeting was held in March last year, hosted by Leyte province, Alcober further said.

Engr. Robert Castanares, SLCCI President, said the objective of the conference is to promote regional trade and investment cooperation in the region. (PIASouthern Leyte)

Raw cane sugar exports increase to $429.6-M

By Elsa S. Subong ILOILO CITY, April 26 (PIA6) -- The Philippine raw cane sugar posted a 72 percent increase in exports which brought the merchandise receipts of Western Visayas from $249.5 million in 2010 to $429.6 million in 2011.

Data from the National Statistical Coordinating Board (NSCB) show that raw sugar cane remains the top export commodity of the region, accounting for 53.6 percent of the total export of Western Visayas.

Raw cane sugar is exported mainly to United States, China, Japan, Korea, and Vietnam.

NSCB noted that the commodity came mostly from Negros Occidental which is the major producer.

On the other hand, coal in bulk contributed the second largest value of exports at $160.9 million in the region, accounting for 37.5 percent of the total exports in the region in terms of market.

According to the NSCB, China and Thailand are the primary markets of this commodity, where a total

of 97.7 percent was exported to China and 2.3 percent to Thailand.

Further, NSCB noted that there was a decrease in the volume and value of coal in bulk exported in 2011 because of the increasing demand for local use in power industry, cement industry among others.

The Semirara Mining Corporation in Antique is the major producer of coal in the country, contributing 94.5 percent of the country’s total coal production.

The other major export commodities and their share in the total receipts were Philippine cane molasses ($12.8 million), crabmeat ($8.4 million), steel scrap ($5.56 million), assorted frozen marine products ($1.2 million), used caterpillar off-highway trucks ($3.8 million), engine block & accessories ($718,480), tuna ($456,285), and cut foliages ($104,468).

NSCB said the markets for these commodities are Japan, Taiwan, Netherlands, Vietnam Korea, USA, Canada, Hongkong, Thailand, Malaysia, Australia and Singapore. (NSCB/ESS/JCM-PIA 6, Iloilo)

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WESTERN VISAYAS

PNoy opts for renewable alternative sources of energy

IT’S MORE FUN IN THE RUINS IN TALISAY, NEG. OCCIDENTAL

By Easter Anne D. Doza BACOLOD CITY, April 24 (PIA6) -- President Benigno S. Aquino III is not thinking of using nuclear energy and would rather opt for renewable alternative sources of power instead, said Presidential Spokesperson Edwin Lacierda.

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acierda, Deputy Presidential Spokesperson Abigail, Valte and their Presidential Communications Development and Strategic Planning Office staff were in Bacolod City recently for a communications roadshow to present the accomplishments of the Aquino administration.

“Currently, the President is not looking into nuclear energy unless safety

concerns in using nuclear energy are addressed,” Lacierda said.

A leak in a nuclear power plant like what happened in Fukushima in Japan, would have a devastating impact on the environment , Lacierda added.

The national government is aware of the looming power shortage in the Visayas and is doing its best to address the issue so that Visayas will not experience the

same fate as Mindanao, the presidential spokesman said.

Lacierda also cited the four hydropower projects of the provincial government of Negros Occidental as other alternative sources of energy for the province. (JSC/EAD-PIA6 Negros Occidental)

Jobseekers advised to pre-register for Labor Day Job Fair

By Lilibeth A. French ILOILO CITY, April 25 (PIA6) -- Jobseekers in Western Visayas who want to participate in the Labor Day Jobs Fair are advised to pre-register prior to the event on May 1 to prevent overcrowding in the registration area and facilitate easier job-matching.

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epartment of Labor and Empl oym ent 6 Di re ct or Ponciano Ligutom said job applicants may pre-register online with PhilJobnet at www.phil-job.net or log on at www.dole.gov.ph.

They may also go to the nearest Public Employment Service Office or at SM City DOLE designated area for the manual registration.

As part of the Labor Day celebration in the region, job fairs will be held simultaneously in the cities of Iloilo and Bacolod on May 1 where more than

30,000 job vacancies are available from participating local companies and overseas recruitment agencies.

DOLE 6 reported that as of April 23 about 5,000 jobs are up for local jobseekers and 25,000 for overseas deployment.

In Iloilo City, the Labor Day Jobs Fair will be held in two venues: Amigo Plaza Mall in Delgado-Isnart Streets for the Business Process Outsourcing while SM City Mall in Mandurriao for the rest of local companies and overseas recruitment agencies.

Job applicants in Negros Occidental are advised to proceed to SM City Mall in Bacolod City where the job fair will take place.

With the theme “Pagtutulungan, Pagbabago, Disenteng Trabaho” for this year’s Labor Day celebration, the DOLE aims to fast-track the matching of jobseekers and employers, particularly in identified areas where skills are highly in demand or available through the conduct of Job and Livelihood Fairs. (JCM/LAF/PIA6)

RDC 6 to set up competitiveness committee

By Jaime S. Cabag, Jr. ILOILO CITY, April 25 (PIA6) -- Western Visayas is one of eight regions of the country where a regional competitiveness committee will be set up this year as a special body under the Regional Development Council (RDC).

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apiz Governor and RDC chair Victor A. Tanco, Sr. confirmed the request of the National Competitiveness Council Philippines (NCC) for the creation of the said council in the region.

The RDC held a meeting at the National Economic and Development Authority (NEDA) here recently to tackle the NCC request and lay down the next steps that will be made to firm up the regional committee and initial activities.

The creation of the special committee will be presented to the RDC during its next quarterly meeting by the middle of this year.

The initial meeting, presided by RDC Co-Chair Ma. Luisa C. Segovia together with NEDA6 Regional Director Ro-Ann Bacal, was attended by heads and representatives of the Iloilo Business Club, Philippine Chamber of Commerce and Industry-Bacolod, National government Agencies, Philippine Association of State Universities and Colleges, University of the Philippines in the Visayas, University of San Agustin, and League of Local Planning and Development Coordinators.

The first regional competitiveness committee was set up in the Bicol Region last March.The other regions where the committee is set to be established this

year are Central Visayas, Eastern Visayas, Northern Mindanao, Davao, SOCCSKSARGEN, CALABARZON, and Central Luzon.

The work of the NCC focuses on 11 areas as follows: education and human resource development; performance governance system; streamlined business permits and licensing system; Philippine business registry; customs/national single window; infrastructure; power and energy; transparency in budget delivery; anti-corruption; ICT governance framework; and judicial reform. (JCM/JSC/ PIA6)

WESTERN VISAYAS

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DOLE bats for more enhanced PESOs IT’S MORE FUN IN ROCA ENCANTADA, GUIMARAS

By Alex A. Lumaque

ROXAS CITY, Capiz, April 25 (PIA6) -- A Basic Employment Services Training (BEST) workshop was recently conducted by the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) here to enhance the capacity of all Public Employment Service Office (PESO) managers.

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he workshop, in partnership with the Bureau of Local Employment (BLE), also aimed to equip the participants with necessary skills in providing technical support to the PESO to make it as a one-stop shop that addresses the ever-changing local and overseas employment needs of the job seekers in their locality.

The activity was in view of DOLE – 6 regional director Ponciano M. Ligutom’s priority to strengthen PESOs in the region under his watch.

Based on DOLE – 6 records, Capiz has established 26 PESOs since the implementation of the PESO Act of 1999 to carry out full employment and equality of employment opportunities for all to strengthen and expand the existing employment facilitation service machinery of the government at the local levels.

Aside from the local government units, the office has also been established at Hercor College, Colegio dela Purisima Concepcion (CPC), and Capiz State University campuses.

“Those who are into employment facilitation can inquire at DOLE on the establishment of the PESO in their place,” Ligutom said during his first interaction with Capiz tri-media practitioners last Feb. 23.

The PESO core functions include provision of labor market information, job matching, referral and placement, career coaching and employment counseling, and other services such as provision of livelihood assistance and reintegration of overseas Filipino workers. (JCM/AAL-PIA 6, Capiz)

Business Permit Licensing System Reforms roll out in Antique towns

By Pilar S. Mabaquiao SAN JOSE, Antique, April 24 (PIA6) -- The Department of Trade and Industry is heading to the different towns in the province to conduct workshops on Business Permit Licensing System Reforms (BPLS).

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Of the 18 towns, we have reached .

14 municipalities where we conducted workshop on the use of simplified form for application of business permit to operate,” said Engr. Lynna Joy Cardinal, Trade and Industry Development Specialist of DTI Antique.

During the workshop, Cardinal said they check on the steps, processes, and signatories involved in business permita and licensing including the forms used.

Also discussed were unified form and standards steps to hasten the flow of business transactions in the respective local government units, explained Cardinal.

DTI commended the leadership of all the LGUs compliant with the BPLS reforms including the initiative of Sangguniang Bayan for the legislative support they extended to institutionalize the reform needed.

BPLS is likewise an undertaking of the Department of Interior and Local Government in their endeavour to streamline business transactions and enhance transparency and accountability in local governance.

In addition, Cardinal explained that simplification and standardization is just a preliminary step of BPLS.

This will be followed by computerization of the system for a speedy, simplified, and transparent transaction.

On the other hand, DTI, has registered a total of 1,095 new business names in 2011 while 150 have renewed its registration in the same year.

The DTI also conducted mobile bu sine s s na me r eg is tr a tion in municipalities to provide access to local business owners to have their business names registered as mandated by law.

(JCM/PSM-PIA 6, Antique)

Aklan to be centerpiece of plans for Panay - Drilon

By Venus G. Villanueva KALIBO, Aklan, April 25 (PIA6) -- President Aquino has many plans for Panay Island, with Aklan and Boracay Island as the centerpiece of these plans, according to Senator Franklin Drilon.

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enator Drilon issued this statement in his message during the commemorative program held at the ABL Sports Complex here today to celebrate Aklan’s 56th anniversary as a separate province from Capiz.

“We are very lucky because we have a very supportive President who has full support of our plans,” Drilon told Aklanons and guests who filled all corners of the ABL Sport Complex during the program.

Drilon also cited Aklan’s united

political leadership which made Aklan progressive.

Drilon also thanked the Aklanons for their support in his comeback bid to the Senate in 2010, and assured them of his continuous support and urged them to sustain this “beautiful cooperation.”

Other guests who graced the Aklan Day celebration were Undersecretary Jose Lotilla of the Department of Transportation and Communication (DOTC) who represented Sec. Mar Roxas, Agham Partylist Representative

Angelo Palmones, former Congresswoman Riza Hontiveros Baraquel, Capiz Governor and RDC Chair Victor Tanco and Kasangga Partylist Representative Teodoro Haresco.

Before heading to the commemorative program venue, Senator Drilon and company also visited the display area of the Aklan Pina and Fiber Festival, just adjacent to the ABL Sports Complex. (JCM/VGV PIA 6 Aklan)

CENTRAL VISAYAS

4 DSWD-7 adoption

matches

children

for

foreign

By Hazel F. Gloria

IT’S MORE FUN IN TAOIST TEMPLE, CEBU

CEBU CITY, April 25 (PIA) -- The Inter Country Adoption Board (ICAB), an attached agency of the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD), successfully matched 12 children from Central Visayas for inter country adoption.

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n a press release from DSWD-7, 12 children in Central Visayas, six years old and below, were successfully matched by ICAB with their prospective adoptive parents in the countries of Canada, Spain, Ireland, Sweden, New Zealand, Finland, Italy, Australia, Norway, Netherlands, and the United States of America.

ICAB continuously assists the DSWD in finding permanent families for Filipino children who were not matched through the local inter country adoption program.

These children came mostly from the different licensed child caring agencies in Leyte, and in the cities of Cebu and Dumaguete namely the DSWD’s Reception and Study Center for Children

(RSCC), NORFIL Cebu, Rainbow Village, and Asilo dela Milagrosa.

One other social worker from Leyte also joined to present additional two children for matching.

DSWD-7 Information Officer Jaybee Binghay said that for this quarter alone, DSWD has submitted 46 children for the scheduled on-site matching and out of this, 13 were already cleared by the DSWD’s Protective Services Bureau for inter-country adoption.

In 2011, DSWD-Central Visayas had processed 99 adoption cases most of which are local adoption with 35 cases while two were inter regional and 62 were for inter-country adoption.

Not only did ICAB conducted the on-site matching for processing of the children for adoption but also oriented the participants, who are mostly social workers from Cebu, Bohol, and Negros Oriental and Leyte on the inter country adoption procedures.

The activity also familiarized and established partnership with the members of the Inter Country Adoption Placement Committee and the staff of the ICAB. Republic Act 8040 in 1995 entitled: An Act Establishing the Rules to Govern Inter Country Adoption of Filipino Children created the ICAB that acts as the central authority in matters relating to inter-country adoption. (mbcn/hfg-PIA 7 & DSWD-7)

Cebu town develops youth advocacy on tourism

By Amorganda A. Saludar CEBU CITY April 24 (PIA) -- With a rich cultural heritage, the local government unit of Argao is strengthening cultural tourism promotion by tapping the local youths to be the tourist guides of local and foreign visitors.

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ngracia Birondo, public information officer of Argao, said they are developing the youth to become the pillars in promoting the historical tourist attractions the town has to offer.

Birondo said the Heritage society was first created in 2008 composed of young Argaoanons from the elementary, high school, and even college levels who possessed huge potentials and abilities to become effective tourist guides.

The young Argaoanons are trained and developed as tourist guides that will welcome visitors and introduce the different historical and tourist spots of the town, the PIO said.

The Society is supported by the municipal government through its tourism office, which advocates the development of their youths in facing people, teaching them to pay tribute and remember the foundation of the place and struggles of the Argoanon ancestors during the Spanish regime.

Dielbert Pantinople Jr., 17, one of the members of the society said that being part of the group really helped him a lot especially in boosting his personality and gaining confidence in front of many people.

Being a member has also led him to know his home place better and discover wonderful things in his locality that he can be proud of in showing to other people, Pantinople declared.

During the recent monthly meeting of the Cebu Association of City and Municipal Public Information Officers held in Argao, the group was introduced by members of the Society to the different historical and tourist sites in the locality.

Birondo said members of the Heritage Society are really trained at an early age, so that their love for their hometown can already be developed and this will be seen through the efforts in promoting their municipality.

“These youths at the same time can value their local history and point to the many different historical sites as well as tourist spots of Argao,” Birondo said. (FCR/ AS-PIA 7, Cebu)

DOLE releases P1.5M for quake victims in NegOr

By Jennifer C. Tilos DUMAGUET CITY, April 23 (PIA) -- The Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) released P1.5 million recently for victims of the 6.9-earthquake that hit Negros Oriental on February this year.

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he cash assistance is through DOLE’s Tulong-Pangkabuhayan sa Ating Disadvantaged Workers (TUPAD) program under the Comprehensive Emergency Employment program for rural workers in the municipalities of Ayungon, La Libertad, Jimalalud, Tayasan and the city of Guihulngan in the first district.

The employment of the victims would be in a form of public infrastructure reconstruction of damaged facilities in the area.

DOLE officer-in-charge Vivencio Lagahid said the employment of the victims may transform their current situations, rebuild their devastated houses, regain their lost properties, and start alternative livelihood with their families in a short span of time.

Of the amount, the five local government units will have P300,000 and 100 workers each for the daily minimum wage of P200 per worker in 15 days.

DOLE regional director Ma. Gloria Tango turned over the checks to the

respective mayors and local treasurers witnessed by the first district Rep. Jocelyn Limkaichong.

TUPAD is an emergency employment program seeking to help displaced workers cope and recover from emergencies or destructive earthquake.

Under the program, displaced workers are given short-term wage employment as immediate source of income for their day-to-day living. (rmn/ JCT/PIA-Negros Oriental)

CENTRAL VISAYAS

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DOH Ok's potable water for Trinidad barangays IT’S MORE FUN IN CHOCOLATE HILLS, BOHOL

By Rey Anthony H. Chiu

TAGBILARAN CITY, Bohol, April 25 (PIA) -- The Department of Health in Central Visayas (DOH-7) gave the pink slip for the cleanliness and sanitation of water in Barangays Guinobatan, Bongbong, and Hinlayagan Norte of Trinidad town in Bohol.

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rinidad Mayor Roberto Cajes facilitated the implementation of the initial three water systems in Trinidad’s 16 waterless barangays.

Cajes knows that access to potable water eliminates water-borne diseases, provides more productivity to families, as well as increases the general health conditions of his people.

Trinidad, a town almost 100 kilometers from Tagbilaran City had problems in accessing to potable water.

One of the major programs of the Aquino administration is the President’s

Priority Program on Water or (P3W) that the Department of Interior and Local Government implements through its banner brand “Sagana at Ligtas na Tubig Para sa Lahat.”

With the P3W, local officials led by Mayor Cajes, with the Department of Interior and Local Government, DOH, and the National Anti-Poverty Commission, identified 16 barangays of the town as beneficiaries of the project.

These barangays are Poblacion, San Vicente, Kinan-oan, Hinlayagan Ilaya, Sto. Tomas, Guinobatan, Tagum Norte, Tagum

Sur, La Victoria, Catoogan, Soom, San Isidro, Banlasan, Bong-bong, Mabuhay Cabiguhan, and Kauswagan.

DOH-7 officials tested the water that gushed from the taps in the three initial barangays, and then gave the people the go signal to gather their drinking water from the barangay tap stands.

Still up for implementation in neighboring barangays, the P3W is expected to benefit residents of 134 more barangays of the town. (mbcn/rahc-PIA 7, Bohol)

Labor Day jobs fair to offer 6,000 local and overseas placement

By Jennifer C. Tilos DUMAGUETE CITY, April 25 (PIA) -- The Tripartite Industrial Peace Council (TIPC) of Negros Oriental is expected to offer more than 6,000 job positions in local and overseas companies during the simultaneous jobs fair on May 1, in celebration of the 110th Labor Day at 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. at Robinson’s Place Dumaguete.

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umaguete City is one of the 200 jobs fair venues conducted nationwide organized by TIPC and PESO in cooperation with private sector employers and local government units.

Dumaguete City Public Employment Services Office (PESO) Manager Socorro Mira, focal person of the jobs fair, said that of the 18 companies that signified participation in the event, 10 will offer overseas employment and eight (8) will hire workers for local employment.

Participating companies from various industries need various skilled workers as hotel crews, nurses, dental assistants, care takers, factory workers, among others, said Mira.

The PESO targets that at least 20 percent of registered applicants find jobs during the event.

In its continuous effort to provide prompt and efficient delivery of employment facilitation services to the unemployed, the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) also set some

job promotion activities in some areas of the province.

According to DOLE labor and employment officer Kenric Villaluz, Bayawan City will hold its jobs fair on May 11 and tree planting on April 28 in celebration still of the Labor Day. Canlaon City, will have a fun walk and labor issues symposium and Zamboaguita town will also have a motorcade and training for the rural workers, said Villaluz. (mbcn/JCT/PIA-Negros Oriental)

4Ps now in 29 Bohol towns as 17 more towns get into list

By Rey Anthony H. Chiu TAGBILARAN CITY, Bohol, April 25 (PIA) -- When school opens on June, 6,343 indigent families from 29 towns in Bohol are assured of benefits under the Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program (4Ps).

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his after 17 more towns have been included in the Set 6 phase of the 4Ps grants in Bohol, said Aileen Lariba, regional information officer of the flagship social service program.

Speaking during the weekly Kapihan sa PIA, Lariba identified the 17 towns as Alburquerque, Antequera, Baclayon, Bilar, Corella, Cortes, Dauis, Dimiao, Garcia Hernandez, Jagna, Loay, Loboc, Maribojoc, Panglao, Sevilla, Sikatuna, and Tubigon.

For Set 6, Tubigon gets the most number of family beneficiaries at 949, followed by Jagna at 882, Garcia Hernandez (469), Bilar (465), and Dimiao (435), according to the list that Lariba provided.

More familiarly called as conditional cash transfer, the 4Ps picks out its

beneficiaries based on the National Household Targeting System.

Implemented by the Department of Social Welfare and Development, the 4Ps allows a family’s three school-aged kids to get an educational assistance of P300 each monthly.

The parents must also make sure that their children attend 85 percent of school time; this ensures their monthly government support.

Another assistance is given to the family who has religiously attended the Family Development Sessions where key resource persons tutor family heads on tips about health and nutrition, community living and cooperation.

The towns of Alicia, Bien Unido, Buenavista, Carmen, Inabanga, Getafe,

Mabini, Pilar, Carlos P Garcia, Trinidad, and Ubay had already been included in the third set of the 4Ps beneficiaries.

The earlier beneficiaries were the towns of Guindulman, Candijay, Clarin, Duero, Lila, San Isidro, and Valencia.

The program had also crossed over to Anda, Balilihan, Batuan, Calape, Catigbian, Danao, Loon, Sagbayan, San Miguel, and then to Talibon, Tagbilaran City, and then Sierra Bullones.

This puts to almost 50,000 poor Boholano families availing of the government assistance. (RAHC-PIA 7, Bohol)

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EASTERN VISAYAS

Tabunan HS stude ranks 3rd in nat'l math tilt IT’S MORE FUN IN THE LEYTE LANDING MEMORIAL, LEYTE

By Ma. Lailani P. Tupaz

NAVAL, Biliran, April 25 (PIA) -- A student from Tabunan National High School in Biliran ranked third in a national math competition for high school students organized by a Philippine bank, a teachers’ association, and the Department of Education (DepEd). arcia Butastas of Tabunan her in Manila for the national Vero said, Butastas had proven her National High School, Almeria competition. proficiency in Mathematics since first year in Biliran province bagged the Butastas vied in the Fourth Year in high school when she championed in third place in the 2012 Metrobank-Math Individual Competition with students from the Eastern Visayas regional math quiz and Teachers Association of the Philippines Fort Bonifacio High School (Makati City); ranked third in the same competition (MTAP)-Department of Education Valenzuela City Science High School; BHC when she was in third year.

(DepEd) Math Challenge National Finals in Educational Institution, Inc. (San Fernando To fulfill her aspirations in the field of the fourth year individual competition City, La Union); Sapang Palay National Mathematics, Butastas aims to take BS category, held last April 20 to 21 at the High School (City of San Jose Del Monte); Accountancy at the University of the Metrobank Plaza Auditorium in Makati San Pablo City Science High School; Philippines, Vero added.

City.

Potter’s Place School (El Nido, Palawan); The annual Metrobank-MTAP-DEPED Butastas who graduated class Tabaco National High School (Tabaco Math Challenge aims to discover young valedictorian and the only national City); Tagum City National High School; Math wizards who can compete in contender of Eastern Visayas in the math and General Santos City High School. international competitions. (PIA-Biliran) Challenge, was under the supervision of Butastas received P30,000 cash prize. her coach, Ana Vero, who accompanied

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DSWD bats for profiling ex-rebel, militia beneficiaries

By Ailene N. Diaz CATARMAN, Northern Samar, April 25 (PIA) -- The Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) provincial office is pushing for the social preparation and profiling of former rebels (FRs) and former militia (FMs) beneficiaries of the Local Social Integration Program (LSIP) under Executive Order Number 2011-10-28-06 series of 2011.

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recollection for the said FRs and FMs facilitated by Social Action Director of the Diocese set off the three-day set of activities, followed by a round table discussion (Huruhimangraw) with LSIP-implementing agencies, discussing each agency’s programs, services and support it could offer to the former rebels and militiamen.

The local DSWD, as the implementor of socioeconomic component of the program, identifies available interventions from local service providers and explains the socioeconomic and psycho-social to

include psycho-educational interventions, processes of cash assistance program as well as other available services and opportunities that may be offered to the beneficiaries.

Ms. Ecel Bantilo, a representative from the Office of the Presidential Adviser on the Peace Process (OPAPP), discussed and explained the extent of the services the OPAPP also could assist in the said program.

The social preparation and profiling activity, according to DSWD, is in preparation for the eventual integration of

the said FRs and FMs to the community they want to belong to, based on their needs and preferences and available program resources.

Alongside the program, a psycho-emotional healing shall also be facilitated in order to ensure the successful transition of FRs and FMs to normal and productive civilian life.

The Integration Program of Northern Samar aims for a responsive and genuine social integration program in line with the peace and security policy of the national government. (PIA-Northern Samar)

Brontispa infestation gradually decreasing in SoLeyte

By Erna S. Gorne MAASIN CITY, Southern Leyte, April 23 (PIA) -– Coconut farmers from municipalities affected by the brontispa have reported positive results in the treatment of this infestation.

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ccording to Carmelita Maturan, coconut development officer of the Philippine Coconut Authority (PCA) Provincial Office, the remedy they have employed may have proven to be effective since latest accounts of farmers suggest that the dessicated coconut leaves affected by the insect are progressively being replaced by regular green and healthy leaves.

“The fight against Brontispa will always be existent. Hence, continued

upkeep and maintenance of the coconuts should be exercised,” Maturan said.

Some of the control measures that PCA recommends are the mechanical control which involves cutting and burning, spraying insecticides, and utilizing biologically controlled parasitoids.

Currently, there are nine municipalities in Southern Leyte that are threatened by Brontispa: Maasin, Macrohon, Padre Burgos, Malitbog, Tomas

Oppus, Bontoc, Sogod, Liloan, and Hinunangan.

The Department of Agriculture is leading the Brontispa fight and is constantly supplying chemicals and fertilizers to local farmers.

The PCA is also closely monitoring the condition of our province’s coconut farms to ensure substantial recovery from the insect attacks. (Yevgeny Duarte, Student Intern/PIA-SoLeyte)

EASTERN VISAYAS

7

NNC promotes vegetable dishes IT’S MORE FUN IN MARABUT, SAMAR

By Gemma T. Tabao

TACLOBAN CITY, April 21 (PIA) – Eastern Visayas held a cooking challenge competition dubbed “Master Gulay Chef Showdown” at the Leyte Provincial Capitol Gym as a start-up activity for the celebration of Nutrition Month in July.

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he recent activity was also aimed at developing low-cost, easy to prepare and nutritious vegetable dishes using indigenous ingredients as part of the campaign of the National Nutrition Council (NNC).

The cooking competition also provided a venue to showcase traditional recipes as well as the numerous ways in which vegetables can be deliciously prepared and presented. Cash prizes of P10,000, P8,000 and P6,000, for the first three places were given. Three winners were also chosen from the groups who received cash prizes of P2,000 each.

Adjudged first prize winner was Patricia Lirios of Barangay Canramos in

Tanauan Leyte. Her recipe was called Linaw-ag or boiled vegetables composed of onions, tomatoes, squash, malunggay patola and okra, mixed with eggs which she considered cheaper than meat.

The second place went to the group of Lydia Nuñez, Paz Yanga and Godilla Jabonete from Calbiga Samar with the recipe of Ginataang Gulay na Kamway, Pako at Alugbati, while the third place went to the group of Edna Costillas, Catalina Pequero & Imelda Conelia of Maasin City having Ginataang Gulay na may Buko as the recipe of their choice .

Three consolation prizes were also given to Richard Elardo of Tacloban City for his tempura vegetables, Joan Deramayo of Sagkahan, Tacloban City who cooked the Easy Vegetable Fritters, and Dr. Gracia Ballete & Rozene Daza of Borongan, Eastern Samar for their Napoles Salad.

The criteria used for judging included palatability or taste which is 25%, use of nutritious ingredients 25%, originality 20%, visual appeal 15% and, ease in the preparation 15%.

The winning recipes will be compiled by the NNC. (PIA-8)

New 8th ID commander vows to sustain the gains of predecessor

By Ninfa Iluminda B. Quirante CATBALOGAN CITY, Samar, April 25 (PIA) -- “Let me assure everyone that the Internal Peace and Security Plan (IPSP) ‘Bayanihan’ programs implemented by my predecessor shall be pursued,” said Brigadier General Gerardo T. Layug of AFP.

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ayug is the successor of Major General Mario Chan who retired on April 8, 2012.

He stated his commitment as he assumes the task of sustaining the momentum of support to the development of Eastern Visayas.

Since the start of the year 2011, with the launching of IPSP “Bayanihan”, the 8th Infantry Division has embarked on programs to promote human security, good governance, and development in the region.

The command was able to realize these programs with the partnership from both the public and the private sectors.

Having recognized the gains in the region, Layug, made sure that everyone under his leadership understands his intention for the region’s stakeholders to steam ahead with the gains in development.

Layug has experience in both local and international peace endeavors as community developer in the country and peace builder in war ravaged nations, aided by the United Nations.

In his first command conference, Layug issued guidance to all units under his command, particularly, internalizing the program on the Internal Peace and Security Plan to support development; strengthening

partnerships with stakeholders so they can share; continuously training to develop professionalism; adherence to Human Rights Law, International Humanitarian Law, and the Rule of Law to promote human security.

Layug said he is committed to pursue the path to peace and development at the helm of 8th ID by providing a sterling leadership.

“To the people of Eastern Visayas, be assured of Team 8ID’s commitment to secure the region and serve the people onwards to “winning the peace.” (PIA-Samar with 8th ID)

Borongan gets new school building

By Alice Nicart BORONGAN CITY, Eastern Samar, April 25 (PIA) – One concrete school building had recently been added to Calingatngan Elementary School, some fifteen minute-ride from the heart of the city.

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his was through the generous gesture of AB S- CB N’ s “Sagip Kapamilya Foundation”.

Schools Division Superintendent Bernardo Adina welcomed the project because according to him the province would be in dire need of classrooms with the upcoming implementation of Kindergarten classes and K + 12.

This is also a good example of the private-public partnership which is the thrust of the Aquino Administration, he added.

In his message, Mr. Marcel Miñon who represented Ms. Tina Monson-Palma as the Program Director of Sagip Kapamilya Bantay Bata 163 said that the project of the giant

TV network is not after any material return from its beneficiaries.

“Hindi po kami nag-aantay ng kapalit, hindi nga po kami nagdala dito ng media upang ipabatid ang kaganapan dito ngayon,” Mr. Miñon said. “Ibig lang po naming matiyak na ang gusali pong ito ay ginagamit sa pag-aaral ng mga bata, dahil sila po ang tunay na bida dito. Huwag po sana itong gawing opisina ng principal kagaya po doon sa isang school beneficiary ng Sagip.

For her part, Mayor Ma. Fe Abunda thanked the ABS-CBN project for crossing the archipelago and reaching barangay Calingatngan which is some more minutes ride from the city proper.

However, being sure that chairs did not include Sagip’s donation, Mayor Abunda pledged to give the required number of chairs of the two rooms, but she left word that the building should be taken cared of by the school and barangay and should not be made as a venue for “Tong-it” sessions.

The P1.2M worth school building was constructed by the 546th Engineering Construction Battalion of 53rd Engineering Brigade stationed in the same city. Commanding Officer, Lt. Col. Virgilio Quilana, led the construction which only took them five months to complete. (PIAEastern 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