One Visayas e-Newsletter Vol 2 Issue 18

Vol 2

Issue 18

In this Issue WESTERN VISAYAS

Assistant Regional Director Dax B. Villaruel (extreme Right), of the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE 6) checks on the situation at the Amigo Plaza Mall, Iloilo City where a job fair intended for Business Process Outsourcing is being held in connection with the conduct of the Labor Day Job and Livelihood Fairs. Other highlights of the activity include the free haircut, medical and dental services of the Philippine Army and the blood letting activity of the Philippine Red Cross. (TVillavert/PIA 6)

More on Region 6, pages 2-3.

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CENTRAL VISAYAS

PCOO Secretary Sonny Coloma having lunch with Lapulapu mayor Paz Radaza and some PNP officials at the Movenpick Hotel, Lapulapu City during the secretary's visit here as the special guest of honor for the "Kadaugan sa Mactan" celebration. (mbcn/PIA-7)

More on Region 7, pages 4-5.

Also CLICK Here…

EASTERN VISAYAS

Published by: PIA 6, 7 & 8

April 30 - May 6, 2012

More than 100 EVisayans get HOTS at May 1 jobs fair TACLOBAN CITY, Leyte, May 2 (PIA) -- At least 139 Eastern Visayans were hired on the spot (HOTS) during the Labor Day jobs fair sponsored by the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE).

DOLE 8 Regional Director Exequiel Sarcauga informed that there were about a thousand jobseekers, 904 to be exact, from all over the Region who trooped at the Tacloban City Convention Center on May 1.

About 15 percent or 139 were able to land a job as of 3:00 o’clock in the afternoon of May 1, Ms. Thess Viñas, chairman of the Jobs Fair Committee, said.

Most of the hired applicants are from the provincial government of Leyte through the Work Appreciation Program, one of the components of the year-round President’s Youth Work Program, Kabataan: to provide the youth the opportunities to be able to appreciate work and develop proper work ethics by exposing them to actual work situations and giving them stipend of 75% of the prevailing minimum wage.

The number will still increase as several applicants have yet to complete the requirements, Ms. Viñas said.

There were about 38 recruitment agencies, 26 local employers and 12 overseas, who participated in the Labor Day Jobs Fair, which was conducted from 9:00 o’clock in the morning to 5:00 o’clock in the afternoon on May 1 at the Tacloban City Convention Center.

POEA Regional Coordinator Rosario Jervoso informed that for this year’s Labor Day jobs fair, only job

Thousands of job seekers flocked at the Tacloban City Convention Center for the Jobs and Livelihood fair as the nation celebrates the 110th Labor Day, May 1. (Vino R. Cuayzon)

orders that are for immediate deployment overseas were considered by the POEA to ensure that applicants if qualified may be deployed in two-week time.

She added that no placement fee was required from the applicants by the participating recruitment agencies.

Earlier reports from DOLE-8 stated that the Region has about 110,000 people who are jobless as of January, 2012.

All the regional offices of the DOLE conducted job fairs on Labor Day. The mandate from Secretary Rosalinda Baldoz was that at least 15 percent of those who applied during the jobs fair should be hired on the spot. (PIA-8)

Western Visayas minimum wage earners can expect P12 hike

By Lilibeth A. French ILOILO CITY, May 2 (PIA) -- Minimum wage earners in Western Visayas can expect a P12 increase in their daily wage, according to DOLE 6 Director Ponciano Ligutom.

The announcement was made by Ligutom during the opening of the Labor Day Job Fair here at SM City Mall in Mandurriao participated in by local and overseas companies.

Ligutom said the Regional Tripartite Wages and Productivity Board (RTWPB) in Region VI, through Wage Order No. RB VI-20, has granted a P12.00 per day increase in the basic pay of all minimum wage earners in the region.

The wage order approved by the regional wage board on March 26, 2012 had already been sent to the National Wages and Productivity Commission for confirmation.

In a separate interview, Ligutom said they are still waiting for the confirmation of the board resolution which will be published in a newspaper of general circulation to become effective.

President Benigno Aquino has already ordered the RTWPB to step up consultations, dialogues, and studies into the possibility of granting Filipinos’ fervent wish for added renumeration.

Aside from the wage hike, Ligutom also announced the three programs currently being implemented by the department intended to address child labor problem and

employment. These programs include Child Labor-Free Barangay, Government Internship Program, and Special Program for the Employment of Students-Training for Work Scholarship Program.

Ligutom also gave the hotlines where residents in the region can text their inquiries on the different programs and services of DOLE as well as their problems, issues and concerns related to labor through their Reklamo mo…

I-Text Mo! Sabton Ko! Program.

The Labor Day Job fair, which kicked off the Labor Month celebration in the region also featured a one-stop shop of pre-employment services, display of products of the different DOLE assisted projects in Iloilo and Guimaras, skills demonstration, and career counseling and coaching, and free call for OFWs. Mayor Jed Patrick Mabilog, Councilor Plaridel Nava, Philippine Chamber of Commerce, Inc. – Iloilo Chapter President Joe Marie Agriam, heads and representatives of different government agencies attended the opening program of the Job fair at SM City while DOLE 6 Assistant Regional Director Dax Villaruel led the officials in the opening of the other job fair at Amigo Mall Plaza for the business process outsourcing.

As of 11:00 a.m. yesterday, in the data obtained from DOLE 6, some 4,473 applicants had already registered in the jobs fair being conducted in the cities of Iloilo and Bacolod while two were hired-on-the spot by Teleperformance, a BPO company. (JSC/LAF-PIA 6)

Coloma credits Cebuanos’ ‘independent mind’ for progress

By Fayette C. Riñen CEBU CITY, April 30 (PIA) -- Secretary Sonny Coloma Jr. of the Presidential Communications Operations Office (PCOO) said the independent-mindedness of the Cebuanos is a key factor behind the province’s prosperity.

Thousands of job seekers flocked at the Coloma was in Cebu last week as guest of honor in Tacloban City Convention Center for the the 12th ‘Kadaugan sa Mactan’ at the Liberty Shrine in Jobs and Livelihood Fair as the nation Lapulapu City. celebrated the 110th Labor Day, May 1. (Vino Expressing one’s views on matters of public interests R. Cuayzon) are crucial to the progress of any province because this means the people are involved, according to the PCOO secretary.

He further said that aside from Cebu, there are also More on Region 8, pages 6-7. other places in the country that display the same independence that contributes to the overall development Also CLICK Here...

of the country.

“A crucial key to prosperity is citizen empowerment and this is what the Aquino Administration wants the Filipinos to be – an empowered people,” Coloma declared.

While in Lapu-lapu City, Coloma watched the reenactment of the historic battle between Spanish conqueror Ferdinand Magellan and Cebuano great warrior Lapu-lapu in the island of Mactan, Cebu some 491 years ago.

Coloma hailed Lapu-lapu City as one of the cities perfect to do business in the Philippines apart from being a popular tourist destination due to its white sand beaches and its being home to world class resorts attracting more tourists to come in, even as he urged the city government to continue promoting its best assets – tourism and business. (FCR/AS/PIA-CEBU)

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WESTERN VISAYAS

Capiz breaks ground for new hospital

By Alex A. Lumaque

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

ROXAS CITY, CAPIZ, May 3 (PIA6) -- A groundbreaking ceremony on the new Roxas Memorial Provincial Hospital (RMPH) main building was recently held at Barangay Lanot here to officially start the construction of the health facility in the province.

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ealth Secretary Enrique T. Ona said during the activity that the Capiz provincial government’s health initiative supports Pres. Benigno S. Aquino III’s health agenda to bring quality medical care to the Filipinos.

“Health care is an interest of everybody whether you are in the local government unit, in the national government or the private sector,” Ona added, committing to attend the inauguration of the new RMPH if he is still DOH Secretary upon completion of the hospital.

During the program, RMPH hospital director Dra. Ma. Cellini B. Bauson

submitted a budget proposal amounting to P364-million for the new RMPH building.

“From a 100 bed capacity,we are now vying for a 300-bed capacity hospital,” Bauson said.

The Capiz provincial government will initially fund P100 - million to start the construction of the RMPH main building.

This was confirmed by Capiz Gov. Victor A. Tanco, Sr. in his message during a simple program that followed the groundbreaking rites.

“We are also banking on public private partnership. But then I’m sure that

in the next two years we will be completing this new hospital and this is another monument to our desire to deliver good health care services to all people,” Tanco said.

Aside from an official from the Makati Medical Center Foundation, also present during the activity were DOH 6 officials and some Integrated Provincial Health Office and RMPH officialsand employees, among others.

The old RMPH is located along Arnaldo Boulevardhere. (JCM/AAL/PIA 6 Capiz)

PhilHealth deploys nurses to hospitals

By Elsa S. Subong ILOILO CITY, May 2 (PIA 6) -- The Philippine Health Insurance Corporation (PhilHealth) started today, May 2, the deployment of nurses under the PhilHealth Customer Assistance, Relations and Empowerment Staff (CARES) to various accredited hospitals nationwide.

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n Region 6, PhilHealth Head, Dr. Dennis Mas, said there are 33 nurses hired and deployed as permanent CARES to 18 Tertiary Level hospitals and the remaining will be on roving to Levels I and II government hospitals.

There are 530 registered nurses nationwide who were hired for the job.

Dr. Mas endorsed said nurses to their assigned hospitals, where they will serve as frontline officers of PhilHealth at the point-of-service to ensure a hassle-free availment of benefits.

Mas said the nurses’ duty is 9am to 5 p.m. on weekdays, and 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Saturdays.

He also said in a press release that the nurses are tasked to provide essential information on membership, premiums, and eligibility requirement for benefit availment, and directly respond to issues and concerns of members.

“We are putting a PhilHealth staff in the hospital, to ease our members from the burden of going to Philhealth office to inquire and request for necessary documents to avail of benefits, which our CARES can now address,” Mas said.

Mas said they are optimistic that with CARES assistance in hospitals, incidence of return to hospital claims or claims that are denied can be reduced.

Aside from customer assistance, to PhilHealth members, the CARES can also enlist new members, and conduct information and education campaign for members to know their rights and responsibilities.

The CARES have been trained and equipped on policies, procedures and processes in relation to effective implementation of the National Health Insurance Program. (JCM/ESS/PIA-Iloilo)

8 couples marry daily in Aklan in 2011

By Venus G. Villanueva KALIBO, Aklan, April 30 (PIA6) -- An average of eight (8) marriages were celebrated daily in the province of Aklan in 2011, according to the National Statistics Office (NSO) here.

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he NSO came up with this number based on their record of registered marriages last year, which reached 2,890.

Of this number, Kalibo had the highest recorded marriage with 447, followed by Malay which had 336 and Ibajay, with 265.

Lezo, the smallest municipality of Aklan, had the lowest number of marriages with 68.

NSO records also revealed that May is the most favored month for marriages

by Aklanons in 2011 with 489 recorded, possibly as this is the period for many fiestas and other events.

On the other hand, December is the next favored month, which had 346, and June, with 336.

November, according to the NSO, had the lowest number of marriages with 102.

In 2011 too, most marriages in Aklan were solemnized under the Roman Catholic Church rites, with 1,552 or 53.70% followed by Civil Ceremony with

1,140 or 39.45, and other religious rites, 189 or 6.54%.

Tribal and Muslim weddings have the least number of ceremony held with 1 and 5 marriages registered respectively.

Aklan presently hosts a Muslim community in Kalibo while Malay has Aeta communities in Boracay Island and in one of its barangays in the mainland. (JCM/ VGV PIA 6 Aklan)

WESTERN VISAYAS

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PIA-SMART online writing training set IT’S MORE FUN IN ROCA ENCANTADA, GUIMARAS

By Lorenzo O. Lambatin Jr.

NEGROS OCC., May 3 (PIA) -- The Philippine Information Agency with SMART Communications will be holding a three-day “Online writing for Information Officers” at Iloilo Grand Hotel on May 16-18.

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he training is intended to develop the skills and competence of IOs in writing and documentation and is a response to the need of IOs for regular updating on journalism.

The live-out training will have a registration fee of P1, 800 for each participant that will include handouts, snacks and meals.

Participants are requested to a bring laptop, digital camera, copy of a newsletter (if any) and a documentation of flagship program.

Among the topics to be discussed include modules on clear and simple communication of government development agenda, feature writing, effective photos for publication, documentation of best practices, online journalism and public journalism.

PIA Regional Director Atty. Janet Mesa said the government’s strong bias for information on programs, projects, accomplishments and best practices necessitates that those assigned in

information work in agencies and LGUs must deliver.

The IOs must have the necessary journalistic skills and online journalism skills to effectively use the information technology within reach.

For reservations, IOs in Negros Occ. are requested to call 4353933, email piabacolod@yahoo.com or text 09209459381 not later than May 11. (PIA6 -LOL/JCM)

DOLE 6 reaches out to clients through SMS

By Lilibeth A. French ILOILO CITY, May 3 (PIA6) -- The regional office of the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) in Western Visayas is using the popularity of short message system (SMS) or text messaging to be more accessible to residents, especially workers, in the region.

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ecently, DOLE launched a text hotline wherein the public can send queries, concerns and complaints on labor-related matters as well as any information on the services and programs of the agency, through the use of text messaging on a cellular phone.

DOLE 6 Director Ponciano Ligutom said that with the text facility the public can now communicate with them without going to their office.

"Almost everybody has now his or her own cellphone so he or she can

engage us anywhere or anytime of the day," said Ligutom.

Ligutom said they will try to act on the queries sent to them as soon as possible as there are personnel assigned to attend to the dedicated hotlines.

The public can reach the DOLE regional office through cellphone numbers 09173276515 or 09173276818, while the Iloilo Guimaras Field Office through 09173276719.

The dedicated hotlines for the different DOLE provincial offices in the

region are the following: for Aklan, the hotline is 09173273132; Antique, 09173275313; Capiz, 09173275220; and Negros Occidental, 09173275919.

On the other hand, the hotlines for DOLE's satellite office in Sagay is 09173275717 and in Himamaylan 09173275414.

The text hotline, which is an initiative of DOLE 6, was launched in this city when the country celebrated the Labor Day in honor of Filipino workers on May 1.

(LAF-PIA 6)

Pagsapupo Center serves abandoned women and children

By Pilar S. Mabaquiao SAN JOSE, Antique, April 30 (PIA6) -- Abused, neglected and abandoned women and children in Antique have found refuge at the province’s crisis center also called "Pagsapupo Center."

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Pagsapupo" is a local term which means care and love for someone.

Thus, Pagsapupo Center was a term coined to mean taking care of abandoned and abused women and children, said Lazaro Petinglay, Provincial Social Welfare and Development Officer.

Launched in March 2011, the center has handled more than 175 cases of women and children who were victims of abandonment, neglect, abuse, incest.

It also was a refuge for those who ran away to escape violence in the home.

It takes commitment to care for the victims, said Judy Malunda, resident social worker stationed at the center.

However, seeing them cope with the situation and eventually find the right direction is likewise a fulfilling experience, she added.

Aside from a resident social worker, the center is also managed by four house parents and security guards, who took turns managing the center 24/7.

To avail of its services, necessary coordination should be done with the local social workers in municipalities for appropriate case analysis and referral.

Case conference is done after some interventions at the center before discharge or referral.

Pagsapupo Center is located in Binirayan San Jose, Antique.

It is a centerpiece project of the Provincial Government in partnership Provincial Gender and Development Inter-Agency Committee (GAD-IAC) with annual budget allocation of not less than P.5 million.

Construction of the building was a collective undertaking of the Provincial Government of Antique and Senator Loren Legarda while the lot where it was erected was a donation from Antique National School (JSC/PSM-PIA6 Antique)

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CENTRAL VISAYAS

Bohol gives PNoy +65 net satisfaction rating IT’S MORE FUN IN TAOIST TEMPLE, CEBU

By Rey Anthony H. Chiu TAGBILARAN CITY, Bohol, May 1 (PIA) -- President Benigno Simeon Aquino III garnered +65% net satisfaction rating for his performance as president in the latest round of survey conducted by a Bohol-based Holy Name University Research Center.

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n the same survey that was conducted on March 31 to April 19, Boholanos also showed high awareness of him, being president.

The survey, which is officially known as the Bohol Poll used 400 respondents, picked scientifically from each of the province’s political district on 100 voters each while Tagbilaran City had another 100 respondents.

The survey results said, 71% of the respondents were satisfied of PNoy’s performance, only 12% of the Boholanos said they were dissatisfied by Aquino’s performance, giving the president the net satisfaction rating.

Across districts, Aquino garnered the least satisfaction rating in Bohol’s District 1 comprising the towns close to Tagbilaran City.

The respondents, who could be from the towns of Alburquerque, Antequera, Baclayon, Balilihan, Calape, Catigbian, Corella, Cortes, Dauis, Loon, Maribojoc, Panglao, Sikatuna, Tubigon and Tagbilaran City gave Aquiino a +46% satisfaction rating.

This however is lower compared to +72 for the voters who could come from the towns of Clarin, Inabanga, Buenavista, Getafe, Talibon, Trinidad, San Miguel, Dagohoy, Danao, Sagbayan, Bien Unido, President Garcia and Ubay.

Highest presidential net satisfaction rating comes from respondents of Bohol’s Third District: Loay, Loboc, Bilar, Batuan, Carmen, Sierra Bullones, Pilar, Alicia, Mabini, Candijay, Guindulman, Anda, Duero, Jagna, Garcia Hernandez, Valencia, Lila and Sevilla.

On the other hand, Vice President Jejomar Binay pegged an 80% performance satisfaction rating, an overwhelming 96% of the respondents aware that he is the country’s Vice President.

Only 10% of the respondents representative of Bohol’s 1.2 million people said they were dissatisfied with Binay, which results to a +71% net satisfaction rating. (mbcn/rahc/PIA-Bohol)

Exhibit of Spanish churches opens in Sibonga town

By Rachelle M. Nessia DUMAGUETE CITY, May 3 (PIA) -- A traveling exhibit on Spanish-era churches opens today at the Church of Nuestra Senora del Pilar in Sibonga, Cebu province for public viewing.

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he exhibit, organized by the Ramon Aboitiz Foundation, Inc. (RAFI) and Ortigas Foundation, Inc., is dubbed “Hidden Treasures: An Exhibit of Spanish-Era Churches of the Philippines”.

The exhibit kicked off earlier on April 18 at the Cathedral Museum of Cebu, which was also the International Day of Monuments and Sites.

After Sibonga town, the exhibit will travel to the following churches in the

Archdiocese of Cebu: Church of San Guillermo de Aquitania, Dalaguete, Cebu (May 14-21); Church of San Miguel Archangel, Samboan, Cebu (May 23-30); Church of San Francisco de Asis, Dumanjug, Cebu (June 2-9); Church of San Francisco de Asis, Balamban, Cebu (June 12-19); Church of San Roque, Cordova, Cebu (June 21-28); and Church of Santo Tomas de Villanueva, Danao, Cebu (July 10-15).

The exhibit will also travel to churches in the Bohol province.

The Ortigas Foundation Inc. conceived the exhibit, while its exhibit in Cebu and Bohol is hosted by RAFI in partnership with the Archdiocese of Cebu through its Commission for the Cultural Heritage of the Church.

(RMN-PIA Negros Oriental)

Over 7000 slots for DSWD-7 summer jobs open

By Hazel F. Gloria The Department of Social Welfare and Development Region 7 (DSWD-7), Field Office opens over 7,551 slots for summer jobs in Central Visayas this year.

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n a DSWD press release, interns who are working this summer will receive a minimum regional wage rate at P275 per day for 52 days.

The department is calling on interested students, college graduates and graduates of vocational courses who are unemployed, to apply for available summer jobs this year.

As school opening is forthcoming, the DSWD in Central Visayas now accepts job applications for its Expanded Government Internship Program (GIP).

GIP is part of the Aquino Administration’s efforts to strengthen youth participation in nation building, expose them to government service, train them on life skills, and contribute to their economic well-being.

Interested applicants from the provinces of Bohol, Cebu, Negros Oriental and Siquijor, aged 18 to 30 years old, can submit their application letter and resume to the DSWD, Field Office-7 in Cebu City.

Qualified applicants will be assigned to the DSWD Field Office, centers and institutions, and communities covered by this welfare agency all over the region and to communities where the DSWD projects, as well as programs are being implemented in partnership with the local government units. (mbcn/hfg/PIA-7 & DSWD-7)

CENTRAL VISAYAS

IT’S MORE FUN IN CHOCOLATE HILLS, BOHOL

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Siquijor 4-H gets 10 livelihood projects

By Rizalie A. Calibo

LARENA, Siquijor, May 2 (PIA) -- At least 10 projects for the 4-H club of Siquijor province were funded by the Department of Agriculture-Training Institute in Region 7, according to a report from the office of the provincial agriculturist here.

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upervising Agriculturist Roselyn Bonachita said the projects that totaled P550,000 were distributed to the different 4-H clubs of the municipalities to give them livelihood opportunities.

Three of these are goat raising projects of Wow 4-H club of Cansayang, San Juan, Siquijor headed by National Gawad Saka Awardee, Elnard Ympal; Minalulan 4-H club of Maria, Siquijor thru

its president, Alcris Nisnisan; and Logucan 4H also of Maria, headed by Sionielyn Magsayo.

Each of them received P50,000.

A total of six 4-H clubs engaged in swine raising projects also received funding.

Larena town’s Sandstone 4-H of Barangay Sabang also received P50,000 for native chicken production.

Bonachita said the assistance was given in a form of loan with no interest.

Earlier, Provincial Governor Orlando A. Fua Jr. hailed the livestock sector for its contribution to the province’s agricultural productivity, citing the province’s 21,013 heads of cattle, 794 carabaos, 39,489 swine, 20,024 goats, and 474,371 chickens. (rmn/RAC-PIA Siquijor)

Neg. Or. Industrial Peace Council holds job fair

By Jennifer C. Tilos DUMAGUETE CITY, May 3 (PIA) -- The Tripartite Industrial Peace Council (TIPC) in Negros Oriental has organized a job fair in celebration of Labor Day on May 1.

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f the 20 companies or agencies that participated in the job fair in Robinson’s Place Dumaguete, Qualfon and SPI Global needed 100 agents while Teletech needed 50.

For overseas employment, 200 domestic helpers are needed, 733 for construction workers, among others.

The job applicants included fresh graduates, skilled and semi-skilled workers and disadvantaged workers.

They are provided search assistance by the Public Employment Service Office (PESO)-Dumaguete City.

To symbolize the unity and strong determination of TIPC and maintain industrial peace, Canlaon City held a solidarity run to also promote health consciousness.

The Bayawan TIPC composed of management, labor and government representatives also conducted a

tree-planting activity to support the efforts of the local government unit to protect the environment now for the future.

In Cebu City, more than 20 suppliers joined the “Tabo sa Mamumuo” that offered discounted price on basic commodities at the USC south campus.

(JCT-PIA7 Negros Oriental)

Philippine Navy to launch Visayan mobile recruitment

By Hazel F. Gloria CEBU CITY, May 3 (PIA) -- The Philippine Navy will conduct a Visayan mobile recruitment for qualified applicants from May 9 to 12 to fill its manpower needs of 200 officers and 1,500 enlisted personnel for the year 2012.

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asic qualification requirements for both officership and enlistment are the following: must be a natural born Filipino; of good moral character; single and with no child to support; height of at least 5 feet; must not have any pending civil/criminal case; physically and mentally fit for training; and must pass the Armed Forces of the Philippines Aptitude Battery Test, IQ, and special written examinations.

The Navy is in need of applicants for officership who are 21 to 28 years old,

and graduates of a 4- or 5-year baccalaureate degree, preferably, Bachelor of Science in Electrical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Information Technology, Electronics and Communications Engineering, Computer Science, Accountancy, Marine Engineering, Maritime Transportation, Civil Engineering, and Naval Architecture.

For enlistment, applicants should have finished at least 72 units of college course or have graduated a 2-year vocational and

associate courses, preferably Electrical, Welding, Plumbing, Mechanics, Electronics and Communications, Aviation and Aircraft Maintenance and Heavy Equipment Operators, and aged between 18 and 23 years.

For more details, interested applicants may contact the Personnel Office, Headquarters Naval Forces Central. (rmn-PIA-7/HFG/NAVFORCEN)

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EASTERN VISAYAS

DOH promotes one-stop screening in Region 8

cervical

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

TACLOBAN CITY Leyte, May 3 (PIA) – The Department of Health in a public-private partnership with Merck Sharp & Dohme Philippines (MSD) will be offering free cervical cancer screening every Tuesday for the whole month of May for women in the Visayas aged 25 to 49 years old. n line with this, a launching of screenings will be offered to the public These are primary prevention which t h i s n a t i o n w i d e s c r e e n i n g every Wednesday in Metro Manila, every concerns promotion of healthy lifestyle program which is now on its fifth Fridays in Luzon, every Tuesdays and avoidance of risky sexual behavior, year, will be conducted on Tuesday, May in Visayas and every Thursdays in secondary prevention which consists of 8, 2012, at 9:30 in the morning at the Mindanao. immediate screening and diagnosis to early Eastern Visayas Medical Center in Cervical Cancer ranks as the second detect women with pre-cancerous lesion Tacloban City. leading cancer among women and that and other abnormalities, and the tertiary As part of its initiative to reach out to nine out of ten cases occur in developing prevention which addresses concerns on more Filipino women this May in countries like the Philippines. immediate treatment, if possible, to celebration of Cervical Awareness Month, The health department said the prevent pre-cancerous lesion from develthe DOH will be offering free screenings National Cervical Cancer Prevention and oping into invasive cancer. (PIA-8) to women at 58 DOH-retained hospitals Control Program addresses the cervical nationwide. cancer issue in the country in three For the whole month of May, the different levels.

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Road repair in Samar’s poorest town now in the works

By Ninfa B. Quirante CATBALOGAN CITY, Samar, May 1 (PIA) -- The repair of the 34.121-kilometer access road to Samar’s poorest town is now in the works.

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his was learned from Emy Bonifacio, Program Development Officer of the Office of the Presidential Adviser on the Peace Process –Payapa at Masaganag Pamayanan (OPAPP -PAMANA) in an interview recently.

San Jose de Buan is a hinterland town, and in 2003 was ranked as one of the poorest in the region with a poverty incidence of 82 percent. It is accessible by road and is 74 kilometers from the capital

city of Catbalogan. About 34.121 kilometers of the total road length is poorly maintained and in a very sad state where time travel by bus runs from five to six hours.

The provincial government under Gov Sharee Ann Tan has placed the road project as priority and Tan committed around P30 million for this road project.

PAMANA and LGU proponents express hopes that the concreting of this

road will eventually improve the delivery of government services like agriculture, health, education, information to the rural folks, and this will also encourage the farmers to produce more.

The military also hopes that an improved peace and order situation will be brought about by the better road link to the main highway. (PIA 8-Samar)

1st zoo in Eastern Visayas opens in Maasin City

By Rebecca G. Cadavos MAASIN CITY, Southern Leyte, April 27 (PIA) -- Organized by the Southern Leyte Chamber of Commerce and Industry (SLCCI) in coordination with the city government of Maasin, the Maasin City Nature and Wildlife Park or simply known as Maasin Zoo had its soft opening, April 26, Thursday. The zoo is situated at Danao Forest Park, Sitio Danao, Malapoc Norte, this city.

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he soft opening, held at past 3:00 p.m. started with a short program, attended by different stakeholders, media practitioners, local and regional officials, and visitors composed of the 12 chambers throughout Eastern Visayas coming from Palompon, Baybay, Isabel, Ormoc, Leyte, Calbayog, Samar, Catarman, Northern Samar, Guian, Burauen, and the Southern Leyte CCI headed by its President Robert Castañares.

The program was hosted by Zaldy Olita from the city government.

A tour around Maasin zoo was made after the program, led by Maasin City Mayor Maloney Samaco with the Sangguniang Panlungsod members; Director Karina Rosa Tiopes from the Department of Tourism, Director Cynthia Nierras of the Department of Trade and Industry, Director Edgar Esperancilla of the Department of Science and Technology; and investors of the zoo.

Animals found at Maasin Zoo are two camels, two miniature horses, three tigers, one small Celebes Black Ape, two red-necked ostrich, crocodiles, snakes,

and different species of birds such as the silver pheasant, victoria crown, umbrella and black palm cockatoos, Philippine eagle, among other classes of birds.

A grand opening of Maasin Zoo is set this May, while summer break is on the wane, it was learned.

The 30-hectare park is located in the 500-hectare Danao Forest Reserve in the upland barangay of Malapoc Norte, 14 kilometers away from the city proper and situated 335 meters above sea level.

(PIA-Southern Leyte)

EASTERN VISAYAS

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CENRO-Maasin partners with 11 POs to protect 5,410 ha. upland areas IT’S MORE FUN IN MARABUT, SAMAR

By Erna S. Gorne

MAASIN CITY, Southern Leyte, April 30 (PIA) -- The Community Environment and Natural Resources Office (CENRO) – Maasin of the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) Southern Leyte Provincial Office is now undertaking the development of 5,410 hectares of upland areas under the Community-Based Forest Management Program (CBFMP) in close coordination with the local peoples’ organizations.

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ENRO-Maasin, which covers eight municipalities out of the 18 municipalities and one city of Maasin in the province, reported that the CBFMP is a regular program of the environment department to carry out the reforestation in timberland areas in the mountains and mangrove areas, CENRO-Maasin Senior Staff Edil Alcarde disclosed.

The following upland areas and respective people’s organizations and their areas of coverage include.: 1) Maasin Farmers Marketing and Credit Org. (MAFAMCO) in Ibarra, Maasin City with 181 has; 2) Young Innovator for Social &

Environmental Development Association, Inc. (YISEDA) in Maasin City with 549 has; 3) Kapunongan Mag-uuma sa Sto. Nino (KAMAS) in Macrohon with 182 has; 4) Malico Farmers Resources Management and Conservation Or ganiz ation (MAFARMCO) in Macrohon with 102 has; 5) Malitbog Upland Developers for Sustainable Association (MUDSA) in Malitbog with 563 has; 6) Tomas Oppus-Malitbog Farmers Association, Inc. (TOMFA) in Tomas Oppus with 71 has; 7) Tomas Oppus Forest Developers Association, Inc. (TOFDA) in Tomas Oppus with 325 has; 8) Anahao Movement for Productive Community

organization (AMPCO) in Bontoc with 451 has; 9) Kahupi-an Upland Farmers Association, Inc. (KUFA) in Sogod with 2,169 has; 10) Aktibong Grupo sa Mag-uuma Alang sa Libagunong Abot (AGILA) in Libagon with 675 has; 11) Barangay Danao Farmers Association (BADAFA) in Macrohon with 244 has; 12) Bogo Women’s Association (BWA) in Maasin City with 50 has thru the Congressional Fund of Rep. Roger G. Mercado.

The overall CBFMP workers availing of the said social forestry program totaled at least 410 beneficiaries, he added. (PIASoLeyte)

Sambawan beach resort in Maripipi now open to tourists

By Rodrigo S. Victoria NAVAL, Biliran, April 27 (PIA) -- As local and foreign tourists flock to famous beach resorts in the country to cool themselves this summer, a newly developed beach resort located southwest in the island municipality of Maripipi particularly in Sambawan islets is now open to tourists.

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ayor Uldarico P. Macorol of Maripipi, one of the eight towns in Biliran province, informed PIA in an interview that a private developer named Nestor C. Macorol, a Baptist church leader who is engaged in the business of supplying water filter in Manila and who hails from Maripipi, took interest in developing the beach which started in February this year.

Sambawan beach resort has now four cottages made of native materials and construction of other cottages are

ongoing, to include four solar panels that provide electricity to the cottages during daytime, two guardhouses and nine maintenance stewards who maintain the cleanliness of the resort, Macorol said.

Macorol disclosed that Sambawan beach resort can be reached in 10 to 15 minutes through pump boat ride from Barangay Ol-og in Maripipi.

Reservations for Sambawan beach resort have increased since its opening in March, this year, Macorol said.

Many tourists have already visited the resort and in fact the members of the local tourism council of the municipality of Kawayan in Biliran province will hold their meeting on Tuesday (May 1) in Sambawan beach resort, Macorol said.

Macorol said that for reservations, anybody who is interested to enjoy and relax at Sambawan beach resort may contact Sonia Alavera, local tourism officer-designate of Maripipi town. (PIABiliran)

N Samar, Korean company ink accord on biomass project in the province

By Ailene N. Diaz CATARMAN, Northern Samar, May 1 (PIA) -- The provincial government of Northern Samar and the Korean Environment Corporation (KECO) with DASS Solutions recently agreed to put up a 10-megawatt biomass power plant project in the province.

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his was learned from Ms. Sylma Lutao, the provincial information officer who said that Governor Paul Daza led the signing of the agreement with Dr. Kwan Jeong, president and chief executive officer of DASS Solutions, and Oh-Heon Kwon, general manager of KECO. Dr. Kwan Jeong of DASS Solutions presented to the body the concept of

biomass power plant project, initial preparations which started in year 2009, and the operations of the power plant which they targeted to complete in 2015.

It was learned that the feedstock that will be utilized in the operation of the power plant will come from coconut husk and coconut fronds which requires 280

tons of this material for its day-to-day operations.

Also, the biomass power plant once it becomes operational, will be capable of generating electricity expected to supply the province through the Northern Samar Electric Cooperative (NORSAMELCO).

(PIA-Northern Samar)

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