One Visayas e-Newsletter Vol 2 Issue 20

Vol 2

In this Issue

DENR-7, LGUs to mark biodiversity conservation areas in Cebu

By Hazel F. Gloria

WESTERN VISAYAS

General Sales Agents of Philippine AirlinesKorea visited the Bacolod Government Center recently for a possible PAL-Korea to Bacolod flights that would bring in more tourists to the city.They were led by Ms. Jessie Kang (3rd from L). In photo - Mayor Evelio Leonardia (center) with Ms. Kang and other Korean sales agents with City Tourism Head Imogene Kana-an (extreme R) (PIO/PIA/cd photo)

More on Region 6, pages 2-3.

Also CLICK Here…

CENTRAL VISAYAS

Launching. Philippine Navy, Army Special Forces, DENR, Philippine Coast Guard, LGU Panglao, Non-Government Organizations in the area and BEMO Bohol during the launching of the Coastal restoration of Amazing Balicasag in time for the Ocean Month. (rahc/ PIABohol)

More on Region 7, pages 4-5.

Also CLICK Here…

EASTERN VISAYAS

Philippine Information Agency 8 regional director Olive Tiu (standing) talks on social graces and protocol during the Eastern Visayas Tour Guide seminar by the Department of Tourism held at the Leyte Sports Development Center, Tacloban City, May 14. (Vino R. Cuayzon)

More on Region 8, pages 6-7.

Also CLICK Here...

May 14 - 20, 2012

Published by: PIA 6, 7 & 8

Issue 20

CEBU CITY, May 16 (PIA) -- The Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) in Central Visayas and the mayors of Alcoy, Argao and Dalaguete, Cebu have agreed to establish the New Conservation Areas in the Philippines Project (NewCAPP) at the 882-hectare Nug-as Forest-Palinpinon Range-Mount Lantoy area.

Protected Area and Wildlife Bureau (PAWB) director Theresa Mundita Lim, DENR-7 RED Dichoso, Alcoy Municipal mayor Nichomedes de los Santos, Argao municipal mayor Edsel Galeos, Dalaguete municipal mayor Ronald Allan Cesante and Cebu Biodiversity Conservation Foundation, Inc. (CBCFI) executive director Renato de Rueda inked the agreement on May 15 at Argao Municipal Training Center, Argao, Cebu.

DENR-7 regional executive director Maximo Dichoso said the agreement is a product of a joint effort of the DENR with its partner institutions in establishing an effective management of biodiversity conservation areas in Cebu.

As indicated in the MOA, the areas of cooperation among the three local government units, Protected Areas and Wildlife Bureau (PAWB) and

CBCFI include the development, adoption and implementation of a biodiversity conservation management plan.

The plan must be consistent with the existing forest and comprehensive land use plan, promotion and practice of good governance including transparency, accountability, and participation in the decision-making process.

The Nug-as Forest-Palinpinon Range and Mt. Lantoy shelter Cebu's endemic bird species, namely; Rufous-lored Kingfisher or Todiramphus winchelli, Black shama or Copsychus cebuensis, and Cebu Flowerpecker or Dicaeum quadricolor that also straddle in the towns of Alcoy Dalaguete and Argao, Cebu.

Dichoso added the Nug-as Forest-Palinpinon Range and Mt. Lantoy is one of the 117 terrestrial key biodiversity areas (KBAs) based on the criteria of vulnerability and irreplaceability.

According to DENR, the Philippines is one of the 17 megadiversity countries that collectively house two-thirds of the earth’s biological diversity and is also one of the 34 global biodiversity hotspots due to unsustainable resource use practices. (MBCN/HFGPIA7 & DENR-7)

DepEd-EVisayas gears up for resumption of classes PALO, Leyte, May 17 (PIA) -- The Department of Education (DepEd) in Eastern Visayas has been gearing up for the resumption of classes on June 4.

DepEd is set to implement once again the annual “Oplan: Balik Eskwela (OBE)” from May 28 to June 8 and the “Brigada Eskwela” or the National Schools Maintenance Week from May 21 to 26.

In Eastern Visayas, the Brigada Eskwela kick off ceremony on May 21 will be attended by assistant secretary Reynaldo Lagune who is the Chief of Staff of Secretary Armin Luistro, Dr. Rebecca Ragrag, DepEd-8 Information Officer said.

A kick-off caravan will start the activity, followed by a program and inter-agency convergence meeting to discuss issues and concerns regarding opening of classes for school year 2012 to 2013.

The kick-off activity will include a signing by stakeholders of a commitment pledge of support to Brigada Eskwela activities.

The OBE and the Brigada Eskwela aim to ensure the smooth and orderly reopening of classes, particularly in public elementary and secondary schools nationwide.

Meanwhile, the thrust in this year's Brigada Eskwela is on school sanitation because it is also where personal hygiene is reinforced among the students which can, in turn, help develop their self-esteem.

Brigada Eskwela mobilizes parents, teachers, students, local government units, non-government units and other community residents in repairing and sprucing up of schools two weeks before the opening of classes in June.

This year's Brigada is slated from May 21 to 26.

The annual school maintenance program enjoins education stakeholders to contribute their time, effort and resources for the repair work. Brigada is participated in by all 45,000 public elementary and secondary schools nationwide. (EOT-PIA8)

Gov’t dev’t efforts anchored on 5 key areas

By Jaime S. Cabag, Jr. ILOILO CITY, May 17 (PIA6) -- The development efforts that the government is pursuing based on the Philippine Development Plan for 2011-2016 are anchored on 5 key result areas in line with President Aquino’s Social Contract with the Filipino People, according to Philippine Information Agency 6 Regional Director lawyer Ma. Janet C. Mesa.

In her orientation-lecture on “Communicating Development” during the opening, May 16, of the three -day seminar on online and public journalism for government information officers at Iloilo Grand Hotel here, Mesa said these key result areas are as follows: Good Governance; Human Development; Economic Development; Peace, Justice and Security; and Climate Change.

Mesa said the primary goal towards which the programs and projects of the Aquino administration are directed is inclusive growth which is high growth that is sustained, massively creates jobs, reduces poverty

and one that should ultimately benefit all Filipinos.

Some of these programs and projects are the anti-corruption campaign, K – 12 Basic Education Program, Pantawid Pamilya Pilipino Program or 4Ps, Public-Private Partnership, peace program, and climate change mitigation and adaptation.

The seminar, which ends May 18, was initiated by PIA6 with the support of SMART Communications to develop the skills and competence of IOs in writing and documentation and is a response to their need for regular updating on journalism.

Earlier, Director 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.

With the advent of electronic media, she added that the IOs must have the necessary journalistic skills and online journalism know-how to effectively use the new information technology. (JCM/JSC/PIA6)

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WESTERN VISAYAS

P21-M funding set for organic farming in Western Visayas IT’S MORE FUN IN THE RUINS IN TALISAY, NEG. OCCIDENTAL

By Elsa S. Subong ILOILO CITY, May 14 (PIA6) -- Farmers in Western Visayas are urged to avail from the funding of P21 million for organic farming initiatives.

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his requires a shift from modern chemical-laden farming to chemical-free agriculture but government is ready to assist, according to the Department of Agriculture-6 (DA).

DA Focal Person for Organic Agriculture Dr. Hector Peñaranda said the funding has been made available through the full-swing implementation of Republic Act 10068 or the Organic Agriculture Act of 2010, which has created the National Organic Agriculture Program.

The law, Peñaranda said, provides the policies on how to implement organic agriculture, research development, extension and technology transfer and funding, which can be availed of by local government units, organized groups of

farmers, non-government organizations, and civil society groups.

He also said that DA has already conducted consultations with local government units (LGUs) and various interested groups on how to access funding support, which can range from a million to two depending on criteria met, on top of which is an accreditation from DA, besides registration with either the S E C , D OL E , o r C o o p e r a t i v e s Development Authority.

Peñaranda said government is bent on the shift from chemical farming to organic, aiming to increase production through the natural way, to avert effects of the unpredictable climate change.

He said the shift may not be done easily because the soil has become acidic through use of chemicals for a long time, and it takes time to build up fertility of the soil and bring back lost microorganisms.

“Based on observations in organic farms in Negros, which started its organic farming activities in 2005, it took about seven years to bring back fertility,” Peñaranda said.

So far, Peñaranda said, the towns of Pavia and Oton in Iloilo have chemical-free certified farm products, while other areas have orga nized farmers doing chemical-free farming and supplying some outlets in the city. (JCM/ESS-PIA-Iloilo)

NEDA to hold orientations on Reg’l Devt. Plan

By Lilibeth A. French ILOILO CITY, May 15 (PIA6) -- The National Economic and Development Authority 6 (NEDA6) has embarked on a series of orientations on the Regional Development Plan (RDP) for 2011- 2016 in the different provinces and cities of Western Visayas.

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he orientatins for Guimaras, Capiz, Iloilo City, and Iloilo province were held May 18. The next RDP orientations will be conducted in Negros Occidental on June 13, Bacolod City on June 14, Aklan, and Antique in July.

According to a NEDA 6 press report, the gathering aims to explain the highlights of the RDP and to generate support from the local government units, the civil society, and the academe in pro-actively contributing to the attainment of the region’s goals and targets.

NEDA 6 Director Ro-Ann Bacal will present during the orientation the state of the region’s growth and development and the overview and highlights of the goals, objectives, targets, strategies, and policy reforms spelled out in the 11 chapters of the RDP. Other presentations include the Role and Functions of the RDC and its Relationship with Local Development Councils; the Regional Development Investment Program; PPP Concepts and Guidelines; an introduction to the region’s area development planning efforts and

highlights of the Coastal, Aquatic and Fishery Resources Development along the Influence Areas of Visayas Sea; and the status of major on-going programs and projects being implemented in the host province/city and monitored by the PMED. The orientation is participated in by the members of the Local Development Council, Sangguniang Panlalawigan/ Panlungsod, mayors and heads of offices, academe, business groups, non-government organizations, and people organizations. (NEDA6/LAF/JCM-PIA6)

Capiz guidance counselors form network

By Alex A. Lumaque ROXAS CITY, Capiz, May 15 (PIA6) -- Guidance counselors help students make decisions not only on their personal and educational needs, but also about life choices.

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t is for this reason that the D e p a r tm en t o f L ab o r a n d Employment (DOLE) recently organized the Guidance Counselors Network (GC Net) in Capiz to tap the group to take part in solving job mismatch to lessen the high unemployment rate in the country.

DOLE-6 Director Ponciano M. Ligutom believes that this network plays an important role in guiding students,

parents, teachers, and the public on the right information about the labor market.

Based on the Department of Education and Commission on Higher Education, barely half of the graduates in college get jobs immediately after graduation because jobseekers do not satisfy what the industry needs.

The network will complement with the earlier government initiatives towards solving job mismatch like “Job Fit,” which intends to identify the needed skills usually

demanded by future employers and youth unemployment status nationwide.

Highly marketable skills and job-ready graduates require strategic preparations, in which guidance counselors are seen as are highly important key persons to take part in this decision-making process.

Not only do guidance counselors guide students' problems and concerns, they are actually skill-fitted as job matchmakers. (JCM/AAL/PIA 6 Capiz)

WESTERN VISAYAS

IT’S MORE FUN IN ROCA ENCANTADA, GUIMARAS

MRF to provide womenfolk

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livelihood

to

Kalibo

By Venus G. Villanueva KALIBO, Aklan, May 16 (PIA6) -- The putting up of a Materials Recovery Facility (MRF) in Kalibo will provide livelihood opportunities to Kalibo’s womenfolk, particularly members of the Samahan ng mga Kababaihan sa Bayan ng Kalibo (SKBK).

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his optimism came up after the conduct of a half-day seminar conducted by Angono Rizal Mayor Geraldo Calderon and Kalibo Mayor William S. Lachica at the 3rd floor of Kalibo Municipal Hall recently.

In a report from the Public Affairs, Information and Communication Department (PAICD), Mayor Lachica said the putting of said MRF will be possible with the help of the Department of Environment and Natural Resources

(DENR) through the Solid Waste Management Section of the Environment Management Bureau in the region.

According to Mayor Lachica, the putting up of an MRF will be a big help to Kalibo’s womenfolk, because they would be able to help their husbands and families by recycling waste materials into useful articles like bags and many others.

Angono Mayor Calderon, in his visit to Kalibo, told constituents that some LGUs had already complied with Republic

Act 9003 or the Ecological Solid Waste Management Act. Calderon, according to the PAICD, currently hosts “Lakbayin ang Magandang Pilipinas” television program over PTV 4 aired every Saturday.

He has also served as mayor of Angono for 3 terms, as DENR ASEC, and as Executive Director of National Solid Waste Management Commission. (JCM/ VGV PIA6 Aklan)

Capitol, PCS ink quality health agreement

By Easter Anne D. Doza BACOLOD CITY, May 16 (PIA6) -- Negros Occidental and the Philippine College of Surgeons (PCS) signed a memorandum of agreement to provide quality medical and surgical health care to indigent patients recently.

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uring the signing, Gov. Alfredo Marañon Jr. represented the province while Dr. Maximo Simbulan Jr. represented the PCS. Quality and medical and surgical health care will be given to indigent-patients through the Negros Occidental Comprehensive Health Program (NOCHP).

As agreed in the MOA, PCS fellows and members will provide surgical

services, skills, and expertise to NOCHP members and their dependents within the policy of No Balance Bill (NBB) program of the Philippine Health Insurance Corporation (PhilHealth).

NOCHP is a priority program of the provincial government under the administration of Gov. Marañon and Vice Gov. Genaro M. Alvarez Jr. that seeks to provide comprehensive health care to indigents.

The card entitles the member and their dependents free outpatient care and subsidized in-patient care in government-run hospitals and in the Corazon Locsin Montelibano Memorial Regional Hospital in Bacolod City.

From September 2010 to March 2012, there were a total of 11, 396 NOCHP card holders who have availed of the NOCHP services. (JCM/EAD-PIA6/ Capitol News Negros Occidental)

POEA slates anti-illegal recruitment and trafficking seminar

By Margie L. Gadian SAN JOSE, Antique, May 15 (PIA6) -- The Philippine Overseas Employment Administration (POEA) is set to hold an orientation and seminar on the campaign against illegal recruitment and human trafficking.

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Pre-Employment Orientation Programme: Trainor's Training and orientation seminar on the Campaign against Illegal Recruitment, Trafficking in Persons and Irregular Migration (CAIRTIM) will be held on May 23 to 24 at the Antique Youth and Migrant Center, AID Center, New Capitol Annex in San Jose, Antique.

The training will not only advance a strengthened and simplified education and information dissemination campaign program but also hopes to achieve a common goal in reaching out to the municipalities and provinces with high incidence of illegal recruitment and trafficking in persons.

Representatives from the academe, faith-based groups and non-government organizations and social institutions like the church, media and the community in the province will participate in the training.

In a report given by Gemma Rose Pedregosa, IOM Coordinator, Antique has a total of 10,733 Overseas Filipino Workers (OFWs) with 6,296 working in land and 4,437 working in seas.

More females are working in land in these figures while most men work at sea.

Most female workers are under household service and caregiving. As to the seafarers, Antique contributes a lot to

making the Panay Islands a number one provider of such.

Of the towns here, the ones with the most number of OFWs are San Jose, Sibalom and Hamtic. On the other hand, the towns with the least OFWs are Caluya, Libertad and Valderrama. Statistics show that the number is evident in the number of population.

Pedregosa further said that so far her office has not received any reported presence of illegal recruiter in the province but rather reports of Antiqueños being victims of illegal recruitment by recruitment agencies based in Manila.

(JCM/PIA6-Antique)

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CENTRAL VISAYAS

DSWD-7, PA implement poverty alleviation in Neg Or

IT’S MORE FUN IN TAOIST TEMPLE, CEBU

By Amorganda A. Saludar CEBU CITY, May 16 (PIA) -- The Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) -7, in combined efforts with the 79th Infantry Batallion, 3rd Infantry Division of the Philippine Army (PA), deployed project staff and personnel to 11 identified municipalities of Negros Oriental to facilitate the implementation of the activities of the Kapit-Bisig Laban sa Kahirapan-Comprehensive and Integrated Delivery of Social Services (Kalahi-CIDSS). alahi-CIDSS is a national project Manjuyod, Pamplona, Santa Catalina, With this new partnership with the of the Government of the Vallehermoso, and Zamboanguita.

PA, DSWD-7 will then be able to reach all Philippines aimed at alleviating Since some of the hinterland communities in Negros Oriental and poverty among identified poor families and communities in NegOr have been address its goal of alleviating poverty by directly managed by the DSWD. It started identified with safety challenges due to the 2015. in 2003 with two provinces in Region VII existence of groups with opposing The project was launched together particularly the provinces of Bohol and ideologies, the 79th Infantry Batallion, 3rd with the signing of a memorandum of Siquijor.

Infantry Division of the PA deployed its agreement last April 17 at the Bethel Starting 2012 until 2015, the project own personnel to look after the situation Guest Hotel in Dumaguete City, NegOr would be implemented in the Province of of the area, and together with the social that formally signaled the start of the N e g r o s O r i e n t a l c o v e r i n g 1 1 welfare agency, has come up with a project implementation. (FCR/AS/DSWDmunicipalities, namely Ayungon, Basay, strategy to ensure a secure and safe 7/ PIA-7, CEBU) Bindoy, Dauin, Jimalalud, Mabinay, conduct of project implementation of activities in the said province.

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PWDs to hold concert in Dumaguete

By Jennifer C. Tilos DUMAGUETE CITY, May 16 (PIA) -- A group of musicians with physical disabilities from Quezon City, the Rondalla On Wheels (ROW) will perform in Dumaguete City on May 25 to June 2.

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ccording to Great Physician Rehabilitation (GPRehab) coordinator Rolando Villamero Jr., the week-long concert of ROW presents will showcase the talents of persons with disabilities’ (PWDs).

GPRehab executive director Analou Suan said, “We take pride in inviting ROW to be in Dumaguete City to raise the awareness of the community about the capabilities of Persons with Disabilities (PWD) and to generate funds for GPRehab’s CHILD (Caring Hands to Inspire and Link with Differently-Abled Children) project.”

The ROW is a small orchestra with instruments like bandurias, octavinas, laud, guitars and contra-bass, as well as drums for rhythm.

The music serves as therapy, spiritual, and creative formation of ROW’s members outside their schooling in Elementary and High School.

The ROW has performed in various occasions in Metro Manila as well as Northern and Southern Philippines. They have also played in Europe, Japan and Hongkong.

A mini concert will be held on May 27, 6 p.m. at Quezon Park. There will be a presentation on May 30 in Bayawan City.

On May 31, 7 p.m., a major concert will be held at Bethel Guest House. A farewell concert at the Main Atrium of Robinson’s Place Dumaguete will be held on June 1 at 4:30 p.m.

Aside from the concerts, ROW will also be doing television and radio exposures, courtesy call, field trip, and interaction activity with Persons with Disabilities in Metro Dumaguete. (MBCN/ JCT-PIA Negros Oriental)

DTI's Diskwento Caravan goes to Central Visayas

By Hazel F. Gloria CEBU CITY, May 16 (PIA) -- The Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) in Central Visayas invites bargain hunters to come to its “Diskwento Caravan: Balik Eskwela Edition” that will open in the provinces within the region from May 16 to June 2.

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ccording to DTI-7 regional director Aster Caberte, on May 16, the caravan will visit Bohol and on May 17, Tagbilaran City.

The "Diskwento Caravan" kicks off on May 22 in Jimalalud, Negros Oriental and on May 25 to 26 in Bayawan.

On May 26, the caravan goes to Cebu - first in Argao and on May 27 in Dalaguete town.

Finally, on June 2, the caravan will be available in Sevilla, Bohol, and in Siquijor.

Caberte said a variety of materials for school and some basic goods are for sale at low prices. These include school supplies, uniforms, shoes, bags, and others.

The DTI ensures cheaper prices for all products. It als offers up to 50 percent discount on all school materials and supplies.

Caberte said the DTI had even gone as far as requesting priests to announce in their pulpits the one-day sale to the public.

This “Diskwento Caravan” is DTI's flagship project that aims to ease the burden of consumers on the continued rise of prices of basic necessities and prime commodities. (MBCN/HFG-PIA7 & Mayette Baring/CNU Intern)

CENTRAL VISAYAS

IT’S MORE FUN IN CHOCOLATE HILLS, BOHOL

160 students Dumaguete

complete

5 SPES

program

in

By Rachelle M. Nessia DUMAGUETE CITY, Negros Oriental, May 17 (PIA) -- Around 160 students completed the Special Program for Employment of Students (SPES) in Dumaguete City.

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he students’ 20-day summer job DOLE shoulders 40 percent while the culminated in a graduation city government covers 60 percent of ceremony held Monday at their wages.

Building 2 of the Dumaguete City Public SPES recipients earned P200 per day.

Market.

“The students can receive a total of as Public Employment Service Office much as P4,000 within the 20-day period,” (PESO) In-Charge Socorro Mira said the said Mira. daily wages of the SPES recipients come The city government earlier allotted from a sharing scheme between the city more than P300,000 to undertake the government and the Department of Labor special employment program to give and Employment (DOLE).

identified students a chance to earn during summer vacation.

During the 20-day period, the program recipients participated in community services in the mornings and attended skills programs in the afternoons.

SPES started in Dumaguete City in 1993 and implemented through the city’s PESO for qualified high school and college students. (RMN/PIA Negros Oriental)

Newly-restored altar of Siquijor church unveiled

By Jennifer C. Tilos DUMAGUETE CITY, Negros Oriental, May 16 (PIA) -- The United States Embassy and representatives of the local government units of Siquijor and Lazi, National Museum and the National Commission for Culture and the Arts unveiled last May 15 the newly-restored and renovated main altar and pulpits of the San Isidro Labrador Church in Lazi, Siquijor.

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he US Embassy has funded $15,000 for the conservation and restoration of the main altar and two pulpits of the San Isidro Labrador Church in Lazi, Siquijor, according to a US Embassy press release provided to the Philippine Information Agency-NegOr. The project supported the repair and restoration of the church’s roof, main altar and twin pulpits and intricate wooden flooring which was completed in March 2012.

During the unveiling ceremony, Siquijor governor Orlando Fua, Jr.

described Lazi as the “heritage center of Siquijor” as he proudly showed the guests the beauty and heritage of the Lazi convent and church.

Also present at the event were Lazi mayor Orpheous Fua, National Museum associate director Cecilio Salcedo, archbishop Onesimo Gordoncillo and a representative from the National Commission for Culture and the Arts.

The church and convent were declared by the National Museum of the Philippines as National Cultural Treasures pursuant to Presidential Decree No. 374

due to their religious, historical and architectural importance, not only to the province of Siquijor, but to the entire Philippines.

The Lazi church complex also figures on the Baroque Churches of the Philippines list submitted by the National Commission for Culture and the Arts (NCCA) to United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) as a candidate for World Heritage Site classification. (MBCN/JCTPIA Negros Oriental)

Diocesan schools get P.6M from DOLE

By Rizalie A. Calibo SIQUIJOR, May 11 (PIA) -- At least five diocesan schools in Siquijor received P638,000.00 from the alternative livelihood program of the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE).

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he program will benefit some 105 members of the faculty and staff of the five schools namely Assisi High School of Siquijor town, St. Vincent Academy of Larena, Ave Maria Academy of Maria, St. Isidore High School of Lazi, and St. John High School of San Juan, town.

DOLE-Siquijor information officer Jerome Alam said, each school beneficiary

received its due amount for each project lined up.

DOLE-Siquijor launched the Integrated Livelihood Program in coordination with the Assisi High School of Siquijor, Incorporated to help private school teachers earn extra income while in the service, Alam explained.

DOLE’s Integrated Livelihood Program aims to provide productive, gainful and secure employment to

marginalized and unprotected workers. It intends to assist the workers in the formal economy in engaging in business to augment their wages/salaries.

Alam hopes that their business activity will provide them with additional sources of income from their share in the profit as well as employment for their family members. (mbcn/RAC/PIA-Siquijor/ with reports from Charlene Manginsay/ST reporter)

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EASTERN VISAYAS

Maasin swimmer grabs gold at Palarong Pambansa IT’S MORE FUN IN THE LEYTE LANDING MEMORIAL, LEYTE

By Marcelo M. Pedalino

MAASIN CITY, Southern Leyte, May 14 (PIA) -- An athlete from this city put Eastern Visayas in the gold map during the recently concluded Palarong Pambansa at Lingayen, Pangasinan.

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hristian Ivan Salud, a Grade Six pupil from the College of Maasin and incoming first-year student, bested other contenders in the 50-meter breast stroke swimming competition winning the gold in the finals, Zaldy Olita, who covered the national games last week, reported live over DYDM. "This was the lone gold harvest of the

athletic delegation from Region 8," Olita said.

Salud, who was a gold medalist during the Eastern Visayas Regional Athletic Association sports meet held in this city last February, also won silver in the 100-meter breast stroke when he finished just seconds behind the lead swimmer from the national capital region, Olita

added.

In the 2008 Palarong Pambansa at Palawan, a Maasin swimmer in the person of Edison Pacsa also grabbed the gold, Olita further reported. (PIA-Southern Leyte)

DPWH-NSSDEO nominates district engineer for CSC awards

By Ailene N. Diaz CATARMAN, Northern Samar, May16 (PIA) -- The Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) Northern Samar 2nd District Engineering Office nominated District Engineer David Adongay, Jr. to the Civil Service Commission (CSC) 2012 Search for Outstanding Public Officials and Employees under the Program on Awards and Incentives for Service Excellence.

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his was learned from Mr. Rey Ursua, DPWH-NSSDEO Information Officer.

During the deliberation done on March 27, members of the committee unanimously agreed that Adongay be nominated for his consistent exemplary performance as district engineer of DPWH, thus, he deserves to be

recommended again as candidate for the said national annual awards.

Adongay was a Dangal Ng Bayan awardee of the 2011 CSC Honor and Awards Program. He is among the seven civil servants from Region VIII to have been bestowed such honor. Moreover, he was the first employee of the DPWH nationwide to have received such a prestigious award.

Meanwhile, during the gathering of the 1st Regional Congress of Lingkod Bayani awardees in Eastern Visayas spearheaded by the CSC Regional Office No. VIII, Adongay was elected as member of the Board of Trustees and simultaneously as vice president of the newly organized Region 8 Association of Lingkod Bayani, Inc. (PIA-Northern Samar)

Regional committee updates ICT roadmap for Eastern Visayas

By Neil D. Lopido TACLOBAN CITY, Leyte, May 16 (PIA) -- The Regional Information Communication Technology Committee (RICTC) in Eastern Visayas, chaired by the Department of Science and Technology through Director Edgardo M. Esperancilla, conducted a Planning Workshop Tuesday to update the ICT Roadmap of the region from 2012 to 2016.

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irector Cynthia R. Nierras of the Department of Trade and Industry and RICTC vice chair, presided over the planning workshop which was attended by members from the national government agencies, academe, and private sector representatives and other stakeholders.

Director Nierras was thankful to the members of the committee and was happy over the outcome of the two-day planning workshop which was carried out in one day as the initial inputs were already done during the 1st RICTC Meeting, a day before the ICT sectoral planning workshop.

The regional ICT committee is composed of five sub-committees: the ICT Business Development chaired by DTI; the E-Government Implementation chaired by the Department of Budget and Management; the ICT Infrastructure chaired by the National Telecommunications Commission; the Human Resource Development chaired by the Commission on Higher Education; and the Advocacy and Legal Concerns sub-committee chaired by the Philippine Information Agency.

During the planning workshop, each sub-committee drafted its five-year strategies, programs, projects, and activities in support of the implementation of the updated ICT roadmap for Eastern Visayas.

The ICT Business Development sub-committee will continue to focus on promoting Region 8 as an ICT Hub through investment development and promotion programs, projects and activities; technical assistance to IT enterprises; and institutional development and linkages.

It also aims to expand the number of locators at the ICT Park to generate employment for Region 8 residents and enhance business assistance for the ICT sector until 2016.

The e-Government implementation sub-committee will be coming up, among others, with an updated database system on e-government/e-governance transactions; ensure 100 percent compliance of Phigeps utilization; establish Community E-Centers for LGUs and strengthen existing ones; giving

recognition/awards to LGUs/NGAs with best ICT practices.

Meanwhile, the ICT Infrastructure sub-committee is enjoining TELCOs and other ICT-infra related agencies to fast track the provision of ICT info-infra support needs for possible BPO locators as well as demands for LGU and other government agencies; assist ICT enterprises/parks in negotiating preferential power rates with local electric coops; encourage TELCOs, BPOs and other ICT stakeholders to actively participate in the annual ICT Month Celebration; and accreditation of local hardware & software suppliers and vendors.

Lastly, the Human Resource Development sub-committee programs, activities and projects include among others, the Academe-Industry program, graduate profiling, conduct of training programs thru various delivery modes, provision of scholarships, establishment of Testing Centers in the region and conduct of competency assessment.

(PIA-8)

EASTERN VISAYAS

IT’S MORE FUN IN MARABUT, SAMAR

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Completion of Biliran circumferential road in 2013

By Rodrigo S. Victoria

NAVAL, Biliran, May 15 (PIA) -- Biliran circumferential road will be finished in 2013.

This was the assurance made by Biliran Congressman Rogelio J. Espina of the concreting of the before thousands of Biliranons who attended the anniversary program of the 20th Biliran Provincehood Anniversary on May 11, 2012 at the capitol grounds.

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he first-termer congressman of the Lone District of Biliran said that some 20 kilometers of the more than 152 kilometers Biliran circumferential road have already been completed.

Data from the DPWH-Biliran revealed that the remaining 4.6 kilometers of unpaved road of the Biliran

circumferential road is located at the Cabucgayan-Caibiran section.

“Hopefully the fund for the completion for the concreting of the Biliran circumferential road will be included in the 2013 General Appropriations Act or next year’s national budget,” he added.

Meanwhile, Congressman Espina also announced the construction this year of

the concreting of the three bridges in Biliran province namely: Talibong bridge in Cabucgayan, Mainit bridge in Caibiran and Tucdao bridge in Kawayan, all in Biliran province.

He said that the construction of the concreting of the three bridges this year will complete the concreting of all the 34 bridges in Biliran province. (PIA-Biliran)

Organic watermelons, sweet corn soon to boom in San Poli

By Alice E. Nicart BORONGAN CITY, Eastern Samar, May 12 (PIA) -– Expect watermelons and sweet corn to be harvested in abundance in two months time at barangay Sta. Cruz, San Policarpo, this province.

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his was reported by Provincial Agriculturist Regalado Opena, who said that this is one of the results of Gov. Conrado Nicart, Jr.’s priority program on “Agricultural Productivity."

He also said these fruits now grow in a demo farm in the mentioned barangay and are 60 percent organic or no artificial

fertilizer or medicine used, for them to grow and bear fruits.

Opena revealed that in two months time, these locally produced fruits will be displayed for sale in a “Tabo”, or flea market.

According to him, the four-wheel drive Tractor with a rotating cultivator, which was granted earlier by the Department of Agriculture(DA) - Regional

Office 08 was a big help to the watermelon farmers in tilling their garden.

He also assured that other farmers who wish to borrow the said tractor can likewise avail of its usage, on a given schedule.

San Policarpo used to supply in truckloads some of the vegetables and fruit requirements of Boronganons. (PIAEastern Samar)

Top 10 engineer wants to inspire Estehanons that they too can make it

By Ninfa B. Quirante CATBALOGAN CITY, Samar, May 16 (PIA)- Vincent Tegerero Tegio was not excited to see the exam results, he was nervous, he felt he may not have done his best in the 300 item-Civil Engineering board Exams recently.

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ut he could not escape the deluge of congratulatory messages beeping one after the other from his cellphone. He did not only pass, he got the top ten ranking along with one from Dela Salle University and another from Mapua Institute of Technology.

“There were times when my allowance was not enough and I had to make do with what I had,” Tegio said.

“My family was my inspiration, I am

aware of the sacrifices my parents do to send us all to school,” he added.

This is the first time that a student from Eastern Samar State University has placed this high in an engineering board exam, according to Engr Leovegildo Cardenas, dean of the College of Engineering at ESSU. “We give cash incentives to our top three graduates who pass the board, I hope it will be bigger for our top ten,”

Cardenas said.

Presently, this bright lad is reaping tons of accolades for his extraordinary feat, from his hometown Mayor Emeliana Villacarillo to his mother’s co teachers, his father’s friends at the munisipyo, high school classmates who like him could not believe the great news and his neighbors in Barangay 12 Dolores, Eastern Samar.

(PIA 8-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.

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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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