One Visayas e_Newsletter Vol 2 Issue 21

Vol 2

Issue 21

In this Issue WESTERN VISAYAS

Brigada Eskwela. Teachers and parents join hands during the May 21, 2012 start of “Brigada Eskwela” to clean up the premises of San Miguel Elementary School in San Miguel, Iloilo in preparation for the opening of classes in June. (JSC/PIA6)

More on Region 6, pages 2-3.

Also CLICK Here…

CENTRAL VISAYAS

May 21 - 27, 2012

Published by: PIA 6, 7 & 8

Military spearheads first-ever Carigara Youth Leadership Summit TACLOBAN CITY Leyte, May 24 (PIA) -- The Philippine Army’s 19th Infantry Battalion based in Kananga, Leyte recently conducted the first-ever youth leadership summit in Carigara, Leyte.

Aimed at developing the leadership potential of the youth, the summit which was conducted at Cong. Alberto T. Aguja Central School on May 18, 2012, was a joint project of 19IB, Alternative Learning System, Sangguniang Kabataan and the Municipal Government of Carigara.

The three-day activity was participated in by some 175 young men and women most of who are members of the Sangguniang Kabataan and some are active youth leaders coming from the different barangays of the municipality.

Lt. Colonel Joel Alejandro S. Nacnac, Commanding Officer of 19IB, emphasized the importance of the activity to the youth and challenged them to be the catalyst for change in Carigara.

Atty. Ulpiano U. Arpon Jr., Vice Mayor of Carigara, Leyte who was the guest of honor and speaker during the opening of the activity, extended his gratitude to the 19th Infantry Battalion for spearheading an activity which focuses on developing the leadership traits of the youth.

The facilitators composed of 19IB personnel and Alternative Learning System (ALS) mobile teachers and coordinators expressed optimism that with this kind of training, the spirit of nationalism, social awareness and volunteerism of the youth as future leaders will be enhanced. (PIA-8)

LTC Joel Alejandro S. Nacnac, Commanding Officer of the 19th IB underscores the importance of the Leadership Summit and challenged the youth to be the catalyst for change. (PIA-8/Photo courtesy of 19th IB)

More infra projects completed in WV

By Jaime S. Cabag, Jr.

WORKSHOP. Karina Hernandez of MRK and Associates facilitates the teambuilding activity on the on-going Information, Education and Communication (IEC) Planning Workshop of the National Biofuel held at the Bohol Tropics Resort, Tagbilaran City. (PIA-7/HFG)

More on Region 7, pages 4-5.

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EASTERN VISAYAS

ILOILO CITY, May 23 (PIA) -- Two hundred thirty-seven new infrastructure projects have been completed in Western Visayas as of the first quarter of this year, according to a report from the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) regional office here.

Of these completed projects, 216 were part of the 338 carryover projects from 2011 while 21 are part of the 169 projects in the 2012 infrastructure program of the DPWH. On the part of carryover projects in particular, this means an accomplishment rate of 70.71 percent.

The rest of the projects either are ongoing or have yet to be started.

C. Visayas 100% ready to implement K to 12 - DepEd 7

By Fayette C. Riñen

Department of Health assistant secretary Dr. Paulyn Jean Rosell-Ubial gave her keynote message during the launching, turnover of Cryotheraphy machine and kick- off ceremony of Cervical Cancer Awareness Month held at Eastern Visayas Regional Medical Center, Tacloban City, May 17, 2012. (Raul S. Tiozon/ PIA-8)

More on Region 8, pages 6-7.

Also CLICK Here...

Likewise, the projects are part of the DPWH regular infrastructure program, preventive maintenance, water supply sewerage, and other infrastructure support to strategic tourism destination, DPWH lump sum projects, various infrastructure including local projects, and other projects.

Funds for the implementation of the projects were taken from the P2.568 billion allotted for carryover projects last year and P4.784 billion earmarked for the agency’s infrastructure program this year.

Last year, more than 200 projects were completed by the DPWH6 headed by Regional Director Evelyn T. Barroso. (JCM/JSC-PIA6)

CEBU CITY, May 23 (PIA) -- An official of the Department of Education here said they are "100 percent ready and prepared” to implement the K to 12 Program in Central Visayas.

Dr. Carmelita Dulangon, officer-in-charge of the Department of Education (DepEd) 7 said public school teachers of Grade 1 in Region 7 are currently undergoing training to prepare them for the implementation of the program with classes due to start in less than two weeks’ time.

Based on the data of the DepEd 7, there are 4,838 Grade 1 public school teachers from the 19 school divisions in Central Visayas. The number however, is higher because there are other public school teachers that are locally-hired by the local government units to augment the lack of teachers of DepEd, bared Dr. Milagros Gabia, chief of the Policy, Planning and Research Division of DepEd 7.

“DepEd 7 has already started conducting a series of training to its over 4,500 Grade 1 public school teachers by batches since early May. This week, we are training the 3rd batch and next week will be the last batch in time for the opening of classes on June 4,” disclosed Dr. Emiliano Elnar Jr., chief of the Training and Development Division of DepEd 7 in the same PIA forum.

But Dulangon said the number of Grade 1 public school teachers including the local hires of local government units may reach up to 6,000. “Our target is to train all these teachers before school opens,” said the DepEd 7 acting director.

Dulangon said training the Grade 1 public school teachers is critical as the K to 12 Program makes kindergarten mandatory.

“The mandatory additional two more years in high school is set for implementation on 2016 yet,” she added. (PIA-Cebu)

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WESTERN VISAYAS

Funeral car motorcade awareness campaign

highlights

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

By Vicente W. Villavert ILOILO CITY, May 24 (PIA6) -- What better way to send a stark message than to hold a motorcade of funeral cars?

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Using funeral cars in our advocacy can send a strong message to the public to do away with a negative situation or letting go of something that could be detrimental to our health,” said Charity Perea, Regional Sexually Transmitted Infection (STI) Coordinator of the Department of Health (DOH), Region 6.

On May 20, Ilonggos were witnesses to a motorcade of 10 funeral cars from different funeral services in Iloilo City during the AIDS Candle Light Memorial with the theme “Promoting Health and Dignity Together.”

“It was a head-turning event that day, and we believe it got 100 percent attention from the public," said Perea.

She added that it was the first time in the city’s history that a motorcade of funeral cars was held to help in the advocacy of raising the level of awareness of the public on the global threats posed by human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) and acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS).

One of the messages in the streamers read, “Be responsible for your sexual behavior or else you will end up riding in this funeral car before your appointed time.”

Perea said that based on records, there were 188 People Living with HIV-AIDS (PLWHAs) in Western Visayas in 1994 to February 2012. Of these, 39 percent were overseas Filipino workers.

These include 41 seafarers, nine domestic helpers, 10 land-based contract workers, five skilled workers, two work paramedics, and one entertainer.

Forty-seven of the total number have died, bringing to only 141 PLWHAs who are currently receiving health services from the government and non-government organizations. (JCM/ VWV-PIA6 Iloilo)

Kalibo school leads regional Brigada Eskwela launching

By Venus G. Villanueva KALIBO, Aklan, May 24 (PIA6) -– The country’s hall of fame awardee of Brigada Eskwela, the Kalibo Integrated Special Education Center (KISEC) served as this year’s venue for the regional kick-off of Brigada Eskwela 2012 held May 21 in Kalibo, Aklan.

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he kick-off started with a parade and followed by a program which was graced by Department of Education (DepEd) Assistant Secretary Armando C. Ruiz for Finance and Management Services of DepEd Central Office, who said that Brigada Eskwela is a revival of the spirit of Bayanihan.

Ruiz also emphasized the need for sanitary and hygienic school premises in order to have a conducive learning environment for school children.

He also called for everyone to support the implementation of K to 12 in the coming school year.

For his part, Kalibo Mayor William Lachica cited DepEd for launching Brigada

Eskwela (Schools Maintenance Week) which will last up to May 25.

Lachica said the clean-up of schools by the community with the participation of school children, will instill in them (school children) the value of cooperation. (JCM/VGV PIA 6 Aklan)

4Ps Provincial Grievance Committee to be revitalized by: Margie L. Gadian SAN JOSE,Antique, May 24 (PIA6) -- Provincial Social Welfare and Development Officer Larry Petinglay has called for the convening of the 4Ps Provincial Grievance Committee on Friday, May 25, 2012 at the Pinnacle Suites at San Jose, Antique as a step to address the problems encountered in the implementation of the Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program.

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e said that a delisting of some beneficiaries is necessary because they are no longer qualified under the requirements regarding the program as given by the DSWD. Some members also do not follow the conditions stipulated by the agency for the successful implementation of the program.

DSWD said the 4Ps program is not a dole-out. The Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program (4Ps) is a program of government

managed by the DSWD that aims to reduce poverty by providing qualified families conditional cash grants.

The program is currently covering 255 municipalities and 15 key cities in 45 provinces, serving 700,000 households.

In Antique, the program is already on its fourth year of implementation and has reached a total of 28,369 household beneficiaries covering a total of sixteen (16) municipalities.

Only the towns of San Jose and

Belison are not covered by the program.

In the light of all the stipulated conditions for its grant, many problems on its implementation still crop up and need to be addressed early.

Thus the need to revitalize the grievance committee for a more responsive, appropriate and timely solution to all the problems encountered.

(JCM/MLG/PIA6-Antique)

WESTERN VISAYAS

IT’S MORE FUN IN ROCA ENCANTADA, GUIMARAS

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Visayas-wide Congress highlights children's leadership capacities

By Elsa S. Subong

ILOILO CITY, May 23 (PIA6) -- About 110 children aged 10-15 years old from various places in Regions 6, 7 and 8 were gathered in Iloilo City, May 21-25 for a Visayas-wide Congress that underscores the need to develop children’s capacity to participate in activities. Convened by World Vision, the activities aim to enhance their knowledge on the proper use of social media, health and nutrition and community participation. he congress carries the theme children will enjoy good health, how they children, sustainable livelihood for parents, “Batang taga Visayas, hawak natin will be educated for life, experience the health programs, child protection and ang pagbabago, magkaisa tayo!” love of God and their neighbors. youth employment. said Maryann Zamora, spokesperson for World Vision Executive Director The Visayas-wide Children’s Congress World Vision. She added that all activities Elnora Avarientos said during a press also included creative presentations and in the congress are facilitated by trained conference that the congress marks an educational tour of Iloilo. (JCM/ESS/PIA child leaders.

World Vision’s 55 years of working in the -Iloilo, with a report from student intern Zamora said these children come Philippines, in partnership with Ma. Feliza Inez Lumbo/WVSU) mostly from the poorest areas in the government agencies and the community, country and they will tackle issues on how opening opportunities for education for

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Food agency intensifies campaign on I-rice

By Jemin B. Guillermo ROXAS CITY, Capiz, May 23 (PIA6) –- Officials of the National Food Authority are stepping up their advocacy efforts for iron-fortified rice (I-Rice) consumption.

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apiz NFA Information Officer Rose Andalecio said the Provincial I-Rice Advocacy Team (PIRAT) of the agency here is conducting a series of assemblies with the local government units (LGUs) in the province to intensify the campaign on the importance of eating I-Rice.

She stressed that the first LGU assembly was held in Dumalag town which was participated in by Mayor Lilia Castro, members of the Sangguniang Bayan led by Vice Mayor Amado Eriberto Castro, Jr., Liga ng mga Barangay and Municipal Cooperative Development Council officers and members as well as

department heads of said local government.

Andalecio said the importance of iron as a micro-nutrient to human life, Republic Act 8976 or the Food Fortification Law of 2000 and the results of the 2008 National Nutrition Survey of the Department of Science and Technology’s Food and Nutrition Research Institute are given prime focus during the discussion.

She said that through the forum, they would be able to provide the correct information to the public and address different issues and misconceptions about eating I-rice.

On the other hand, she said that the same forum is also being planned for the towns of Ivisan, Sapian, Mambusao, Sigma, Pilar, President Roxas and Tapaz.

Earlier, Capiz Sangguniang Panlalawigan Member Jaime Magbanua passed a resolution urging public support for the promotion and implementation of the Philippine Food Fortification Law. Magbanua is the national vice president and secretary general of the Confederation of Grains Retailers Association of the Philippines (GRECON) and the GRECON president in Capiz and Western Visayas.(JCM/JBG/PIA6-Capiz)

DAR-Neg.Occ. to acquire and distribute 32,000 has. of land in 2012

By Easter Anne D. Doza BACOLOD CITY, Negros Occ., May 22 (PIA6) -- The Department of Agrarian Reform-Negros Occidental has 32,000-hectare target for Land Acquisition and Distribution (LAD) for 2012.

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s of April 2012, DAR has covered 175,664 hectares of land for about 131,995 agrarian reform beneficiaries.

Claim Folder Days, a brainchild of DAR Secretary Virgilio delos Reyes, were conducted by DAR to give a clear picture of the status of all landholdings in the province.

The activity aims to hasten the processing of claim folders (CF) subject to the Comprehensive Agrarian Reform Program coverage by way of Voluntary

Offer to Sell (VOS) or Compulsory Acquisition (CA).

It also provides updates and improves the LAD database, determines the critical information of each landholding and its status as well as classifies CFs status into either workable or problematic.

Strategies were also adopted by DAR to hasten LAD processes from Research, Projection, Issuance of Notice of Coverage, Identification of ARBs, conduct of Final Survey and to CLOA Generation and Distribution.

Continuous mass processing of claim folders is ongoing and the formation of Task Forces to focus on field and ground activities.

This new system adopted can help unclog problems that hinder or drag CFs processing.

Close coordination with other line agencies like the Land Registration Authority, DENR and Land Bank of the Philippines forms part of LAD.*(JSC/EADPIA6/DAR Negros Occidental)

CENTRAL VISAYAS

4 LCEs to attend preparedness

reg’l summit on disaster IT’S MORE FUN IN TAOIST TEMPLE, CEBU

By Fayette C. Riñen CEBU CITY, May 21 (PIA) -- Over 100 local chief executives from the different municipalities, cities, and provinces in Central Visayas were expected to attend the "Tapatan on Disaster Preparedness and Climate Change Adaptation: A Call To Action" summit in Cebu on May 25, spearheaded by the Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG).

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ILG 7 Regional Director Ananias M. Villacorta bared the activity, which serves as their agency’s response to the clamor from different sectors of society to strengthen the disaster preparedness efforts of local government units (LGUs) following the occurrence of various calamities in many parts of the country.

Villacorta added the activity is also in line with RA 10121 or the Philippine Disaster Risk Reduction and Management

Act of 2010 and RA 9729, otherwise known as the Climate Change Adaptation Act of 2009.

Apart from the local chief executives of the 136 provinces, cities and municipalities in Central Visayas to include the Local Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Officers, targeted participants included representatives from the DRRM-CCA partner regional line agencies, civil society organizations, pri v ate comp anie s en ga ge d in

disaster-related corporate social responsibility projects, leaders of communities at risks, media, and the agencies under the DILG 7.

The summit is the second of a series of summits to be conducted in the Central Visayas Region on May 25, with the Cebu International Convention Center in Mandaue City as the venue.(PIA7, Cebu)

Cebu-based NGO launches 'Run to Plant for Greening PHL'

By Jennifer C. Tilos DUMAGUETE CITY, May 21 (PIA) -- The Ramon Aboitiz Foundation Inc. (RAFI), a Cebu-based NGO launched the 2012 “Run 2 Plant 4 GREENIN Philippines” program recently at the Cebu Provincial Capitol Conference Room.

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his year, 'Run 2 Plant 4 GREENIN Philippines' is a running and planting activity which targets to plant 220,000 native tree seedlings on June 30 all over Cebu Province.

RAFI chief operating officer Dominica Chua said “the idea of this activity is not just to plant or for photo purposes, but to really grow trees to become forests. This will be held simultaneously in 50 municipalities and component cities in Cebu, making the event a province-wide endeavor."

'Run 2 Plant 4 GREENIN Philippines," one of the components of the GREENIN Philippines Program, is a fun run and planting activity that provides a venue for every Filipino to contribute in rehabilitating and protecting our environment. It aims to expand the forest cover of the country.

The event is designed to promote healthy lifestyle by running and environmental conservation by planting native tree species that will become vibrant forests in the next few years.

GREENIN Philippines Program, which stands for Generation REdemption and Expansion of Natural resources INitiatives in the Philippines Program, is one of the programs under RAFI's Integrated Development focus area.

It aims to replicate best practices in environmental protection, conservation, and rehabilitation to more places in the country for a greener Philippines. (mbcn/ JCT/PIA-Negros Oriental)

NegOr launches backyard herbal medicine program

By Rachelle M. Nessia DUMAGUETE CITY, May 21 (PIA) -- The Provincial Agriculture Office in Negros Oriental recently launched a backyard herbal medicine program, dubbed “Go Herbal, Negros Oriental,” with the presentation of a manual of herbal medicines. he manual was formally Gov. Degamo lauded the manual, pushed for medicinal plants as an presented by local agriculture saying that it will give Negrenses an alternative remedy in treating various officials before Negros Oriental alternative to the high cost of medicines ailments.

Gov. Roel Degamo, Board Member Erwin and hospitalization.

Degamo, who pursued the Macias, and First District Board Member He said the program will boost the late governor’s herbal program, Liland Estacion. preventive aspect of the provincial earlier ordered the agriculture Capitol Information Officer Adrian government’s delivery of health services in office here to conduct further scientific studies on backyard Sedillo said the manual serves as a the province. guide for Negrenses on the proper The provincial government’s herbal medicine. (RMN/PIA Negros use of herbs, which plants to herbal me dicine pro gram was Oriental) use in treating common illnesses, and initiated by the late former Gov. Emilio the appropriate herbal preparations.

Macias II, a doctor by profession who

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CENTRAL VISAYAS

IT’S MORE FUN IN CHOCOLATE HILLS, BOHOL

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Dumaguete set to mark AIDS Candlelight Memorial

DUMAGUETE CITY, May 21 (PIA) -- Dumaguete City is set to commemorate the 29th International AIDS Candlelight Memorial (IACM) activity this Sunday, May 27 with candle lighting at 5:00 p.m. at the Quezon Park.

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ity Health Officer Dr. Maria Sarah Talla said the candle lighting is an annual activity spearheaded by the City Health Office to commemorate the lost lives of those people who died of AIDS. It is also a support to those individuals who suffer from HIV, and an awakening for the communities to move against HIV and AIDS, she added.

This year’s celebration theme is “Promoting Health and Dignity Together.”

According to Talla, the theme is a people-centered and a human-based approach which is why it seeks to promote awareness on HIV and to promote respect for the human rights of people living with HIV. Expected to participate in the candle lighting are members of the stakeholders committee on HIV, Department of Social Welfare and Development in the city, SEAK and Kalipi, City Population Office, MARPA, youth in different barangays in the city; De-

partment of Education, Holy Child Hospital; Silliman University Medical Centr, Negros Oriental Provincial Hospital, and Dumaguete City HIV/AIDS Council.

Talla said the CHO in Dumaguete City does not have any recorded AIDS case, but she urged the public to report to her office those who have any symptoms of HIV/AIDS. (mbcn/JCT/PIA-Negros Oriental)

Lazi unveils Heritage Marker on St. Isidore’s day

By Rizalie A. Calibo SIQUIJOR, May 21 (PIA) -- The San Isidro Labrador Parish in Lazi, Siquijor unveiled its official church marker to mark the National Cultural Treasure of the Philippines on the feast of San Isidro Labrador on May 15, 2012.

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he unveiling ceremony followed the blessing of the Retablo Mayor and pulpits officiated by Most Rev Archbishop Onesimo Gordoncillo with special participation of U.S. Embassy Cultural Affairs Officer Allan Holst.

A certificate of declaration declaring the church as National Cultural Treasure was also presented.

The restoration of the "retablo mayor” and the pulpits was implemented

by the National Museum of the Philippines with financial assistance from the US Embassy in Manila.

In a press release, the Embassy said it provided $15,000 last year for the project that was completed in March this year.

The project supported the repair and restoration of the church’s roof, main altar and twin pulpits and intricate wooden flooring considered among the best in the country.

Present during the ceremony were local officials and representatives of the province led by Gov. Orlando A. Fua, Jr. who proudly described the town of Lazi as the “heritage center of Siquijor”.

Also present were National Museum Associate Director Cecilio G. Salcedo, Archbishop Onesimo Gordoncillo and a representative from the National Commission for Culture and the Arts. (RAC/PIA-Siquijor)

Balicasag Island a pristine dive-paradise

By Rey Anthony H. Chiu TAGBILARAN CITY, Bohol, May 22 (PIA) -- The local government unit of Bohol through its Socio-Economic and Environment Management (SEEM) cluster pushed for an agreement with the island stakeholders to keep Balicasag Island as pristine and as ideal as it was promised when it was declared a naval reservation.

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alicasag Island, lying 10 kilometers southwest of Panglao has world class seascapes, which have been internationally recognized, making it a premier dive site.

Under a memorandum of agreement (MOA), it established the Balicasag Island Dive Resort in 1987 allowing it to have built-billeting quarters and tourist amenities, to promote underwater sports which the island boasts of.

The same MOA largely aims to protect the marine life sanctuary that was to showcase a model for marine environmental conservation, ecological preservation and tourism.

But like all success stories, Balicasag did not only lure tourists, it also drew people to live within the 25 hectare island which sits amid Bohol’s most productive seas.

Capitol’s SEEM head, Liza Quirog and marine conservationists shared the same observation that the island’s ecological sustainability is seriously threatened by population pressures, unhampered inward migration and expanding tourist arrivals.

The MOA launched during the Ocean Month celebration on May 2 is called “Coastal Restoration of Amazing Balicasag” (CRAB).

It now seeks to harmonize all government agencies having stakes in the island to jointly pan for the restoration of the island’s lure as Bohol’s marine protected areas showcase, Quirog said.

Signatories of the MOA included Philippine Navy, Philippine Coast Guard, Tourism Infrastructure and Enterprise Zone Authority, Department of tourism, Department of Environment and Natural Resources, Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources, National Housing Authority, Congressional office for the First District, Provincial Government of Bohol and the Municipality of Panglao. (mbcn/rahc/PIA-Bohol)

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EASTERN VISAYAS

Rural folks await completion of NDRRMC funded road rehab in Motiong IT’S MORE FUN IN THE LEYTE LANDING MEMORIAL, LEYTE

By Ninfa B. Quirante

CATBALOGAN CITY, Samar, May 23 (PIA) -- More than a thousand rural folks from Motiong are waiting for the two-kilometer rehabilitation of a road project funded by the National Disaster Risk Reduction Management Council (NDRRMC).

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o the rural folks of Barangays New Minarog, Maypange, Candumakul and other barangays beyond, the one lane road stretch is better than their old gravel road which runs off during heavy rains.

The Php 17-M road will spell a big difference to these rural folks whose main

transportation is the habal-habal.

A habal-habal is a motorcycle modified to seat more than two persons, even more.

Engr Dindo Conge, Motiong Municipal Engineer said that the construction is almost 70 % completed..

PIA joined the inspection team,

Tuesday and learned that the road rehab project has been awarded to Richmark Construction.

“When finished, the project will facilitate movement of goods and the people,” Mayor Francis Langi said. (PIASamar)

Women urged to undergo cervical cancer screening

By Neil D. Lopido TACLOBAN CITY, Leyte, May 24 (PIA) -- The Department of Health Regional Office 8 (DOH-8) through its director, Dr. Jaime S. Bernadas, is encouraging women 30 years old and above to undergo a regular cervical cancer screening for an early detection, prevention and control of cervical cancer.

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n his message during the Cervical Cancer Awareness Month launching and kick-off ceremony held at the Eastern Visayas Regional Medical Center last May 17, Director Bernadas underscored this year’s theme, “Babae, Mahalaga Ka,” as he added that “mahalaga ka kaya dapat magpatingin ka na.”

“Statistics is alarming,” said EVRMC Chief Dr. Alberto C. de Leon saying that half a million cases of cervical cancer are diagnosed worldwide yearly and almost 250 thousand die every year.

In the Philippines, it is estimated that three Filipino women die of cervical cancer every six hours and 12 women die every day, EVRMC information officer Dolly Casio added.

2012 Cervical Cancer Awareness Month Fast Facts also revealed that around 6,000 Filipino women are diagnosed with cervical cancer every year with more than half dying in five years.

During the kick-off ceremony, EVRMC through Dr. de Leon received a cryotherapy machine turned over by the

Philippine Obstetrical and Gynecological Society Region 8 Chapter Officers led by Director. Fe Garciano-Merin.

Meanwhile, Director Bernadas is envisioning to establish centers in provincial and district hospitals and train gynecologists who will man these centers as well as capacitate these hospitals considering that majority of the population are not within reach of the regional hospital like the EVRMC. (PIA-8)

DA-EV official urges farmers to diversify to livestock raising

By Aurora J. Casimpan TACLOBAN CITY, Leyte, May 24 (PIA) -- A top official of the Department of Agriculture (DA) in Eastern Visayas is encouraging farmers in the region to diversify from farming to live stock raising to augment their income.

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ntonio Gerundio, regional executive director of the agriculture department, bared that majority of the farmers in the region are dependent on rice production, where most farmers till land of not less than a hectare.

The areas of tilled land coupled with the erratic weather conditions undermine the income of the farmers.

As income booster for the farmers, Gerundio advised farmers to diversify to livestock raising.

According to the regional agriculture chief, livestock and poultry raising would generate additional income for the farmers as the said industry is not much affected by the ever-changing weather conditions.

The animal disposal program of the DA could be availed by the farmers

relative to owning animals should the farmers decide to engage in livestock industry.

It was learned that several farmers in the region have already diversified into livestock and poultry raising and that these same farmers are making use of their limited agriculture lands in raising animals, which are later sold to augment their income financially. (PIA-8)

EASTERN VISAYAS

IT’S MORE FUN IN MARABUT, SAMAR

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Samar U attracts more enrollees due to board topnotcher

By Alicia F. Nicart

BORONGAN CITY, Eastern Samar, May 21 (PIA) -- An influx of engineering enrollees has flocked Eastern Samar State University (ESSU) after one of its graduates made it to the top 10 of the recent civil engineering examinations.

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ngr. Grace Manlapas, head of ESSU said, after Engr. Vincent Tegio placed tenth in the civil engineering examinations, more students enrolled in the university.

ESSU used to fill a class with 40 students but last Friday, they decided to increase it to 60 per class to accommodate more applicants. In just five

days, they have completed two full sections of Engineering freshmen. Next week, ESSU is still expecting more enrollees to come, but they have to inquire if they can still open a class, considering a very “lean but mean” Engineering teaching staff, said Engr. Leo Cardenas, Head of Engineering and Technology Department of ESSU, in a text

message.

“Tegio could have contributed to the increase of our enrollees, because according to them, they are becoming more confident in their chosen course and in the institution they are in,” Manlapas said. (PIA-Eastern Samar)

‘Sinebata’ media fest for the youth TACLOBAN CITY, Leyte, May 23 (PIA) -- What started last year as a regional media fest for the youth as “Kabataan sa Bisayas Media Festival” has evolved into a nationwide media fest for the youth called “Sinebata”.

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hild advocates Mikee Cojuangco Jaworski, Boy Abunda, Cheryl Cosim, and Mag Cruz Hatol jointly announced recently that the SINEBATA: Kabataang Pinoy Media Festival deadline for receiving entries is on June 29 in order to accommodate students who will troop back to school come June 13.

Sinebata is a joint undertaking of AnakTV and Plan International with partners like the National Council for Children’s Television, Department of Education, DSWD, Philippine Information Agency, PDEA, University of the Philippines, Baguio Museum, West Visayas State University, Aquinas University of

Legazpi, Goethe Institut, Robinson’s Malls, Leyte Normal University, PNP, East Visayas State University, Kairosolutions and Columbia’s.

The contest is open to all youth who are Filipino citizens living, studying, or working in any Philippine province, town, or city. They can use any camera, whether hand-held video, handycams, digital cameras, mobile phones with camera capabilities, and so on.

There are two categories — one for those aged nine to 17; and another, from age 18 to 23. Students as well as out of school youth are invited to join the contest.

Entries must be e-mailed to anaktv_seal@yahoo.com. They can also be sent to any of the following reception centers: Sinebata, AnakTV, 8-A Matatag Street, Pinyahan, Quezon City; Sinebata, Plan International, 2/F Uytingkok Building, Veteranos Avenida, Tacloban City; Sinebata, Baguio Museum; Sinebata, Office of the VP for Research, West Visayas State University, Iloilo City; Sinebata, Office of External Affairs, Aquinas University, Legazpi City or to Sinebata, NCCT, 4/F, Bonifacio Building, DepEd Complex, Meralco Avenue, Pasig City.

(PIA-8)

Naval to launch ‘Love Ko Ang Naval’ tourism slogan campaign

By Rodrigo S. Victoria NAVAL, Biliran, May 23 (PIA) -- “Love Ko Ang Naval” will be the official tourism slogan of Naval, the capital town of Biliran province.

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his was revealed by Marilou Bernardes-Lucente, president, Naval Tourism Council who is also the chairperson on the committee on tourism of the Sangguniang Bayan of Naval.

Lucente said that the town’s tourism slogan will be officially launched on June

24 at Banderahan Beach located in Barangay Caray-Caray this town.

It was learned that Banderahan was the site where a flag pole was erected and used to signal for help by the constabulary detachment camped at the old watchtower in Sitio Ilawod that served also as the burial site of Japanese during

World War II as told by Professor Rolando Borrinaga, a nationally acknowledge historian who is a native of Naval. Now, the place was also developed as an eco-tourism site by Naval Mayor Susan V. Parilla. (PIA-Biliran)

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