One VIsayas e-Newsletter Vol 2 Issue 22

Vol 2

Issue 22

In this Issue

PNoy impressed with Iloilo River developments

WESTERN VISAYAS

Iloilo City Mayor Jed Patrick E. Mabilog briefs President Benigno S. Aquino III on on-going development projects in Iloilo City which President Benigno S. Aquino III addresses the more than 1000 were presented on billboards during his visit participants of the First Philippine International River summit held in Iloilo City, May 30-June 1, 2012. (EAD/PIA6 photo) here, June 1. (EJB/PIA 6)

By Vicente W. Villavert More on Region 6, pages 2-3.

Also CLICK Here…

CENTRAL VISAYAS

University Research Associate of the University of the Philippines, Los Baños El Jirie N. Baticados gave an update of their Biofuel Program during Day 2 of the National Biofuel Board Planning & IEC Workshop held at Bohol Tropics Resort in Tagbilaran City, Bohol on May 21-25, 2012. (PIA-Bohol/ecb)

More on Region 7, pages 4-5.

Also CLICK Here…

EASTERN VISAYAS

May 28 - June 3, 2012

Published by: PIA 6, 7 & 8

ILOILO CITY, June 1 (PIA 6) - - President Benigno S. Aquino III expressed his appreciation of all the developments that are in place to restore and protect loilo River.

This was the impression of President Aquino as relayed to the media by Senator Franklin Drilon, following the President’s inspection of the portion of the 1.2 kilometer Iloilo River Esplanade.

President Aquino was in Iloilo City, June 1to address the First Philippine International River Summit, inspect ongoing projects in the city and distribute PhilHealth cards and land certificates to beneficiaries composed of poor

residents of the city.

The River Summit held from May 30-June 1 was attended by some 1,200 leading experts in the field of river management, aquatic biodiversity, and global climate change from U.S.A., Canada, Korea, Japan, Vietnam, Philippines and other Asian countries who shared sustainable river basin management practices that can be replicated in other cities.

The summit with the theme “My River, My Life,” is part of the continuing effort of the government to effectively manage the country’s rivers and river basins.

At the Iloilo River Esplanade, Senator Drilon briefed the President on the various activities undertaken in the area from dredging to construction of various support structures to restore back the river’s life.

The Ilonggo senator said President Aquino described the project as good for tourism and that the Chief Executive looks forward to coming back here.

During the media interview, Drilon who strongly works for the development of the Iloilo River assured that he will continue to do everything to improve the water quality of the river, as well as to relocate people residing in the river’s danger zone areas.

The President, Drilon said, has committed to extend additional funds should there be a need for more housing units for the informal settlers.

He was also happy to note that President Aquino has congratulated the leadership in Iloilo in uplifting the lives as well as the Ilonggos’ consciousness towards environmental protection.(JCM/VWV-PIA 6 Iloilo)

Robredo awards SGH to 75 LGUs in Reg 7

By Hazel F. Gloria CEBU CITY, May 29 (PIA) -- Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) Secretary Jesse Robredo led the awarding of certificates of Seal of Good Housekeeping (SGH) to 75 local government units (LGUs) in Region 7, during the Tapatan on Disaster Preparedness and Climate Change Adaptation: A Call to Action of DILG-7, last May 25 at the Cebu International Convention Center in Mandaue City.

This is a recognition to the respective LGUs as SGH awardees in good governance through advancing the principles of accountability and transparency in local government management.

Awardee mayors from the different LGUs received the SGH markers, while others sent in their representatives to accept the marks.

The towns of Hagna and Ubay from Bohol province received the Performance Challenge Fund (PCF) worth P1

million from the DILG. The PCF is an incentive fund to eligible LGUs. "For those who have not received the Performance Challenge Fund, the President already approved P750 billion for this year," Robredo said.

He added that SGH would soon be a requirement to enable LGUs to borrow fund at the Department of Finance.

The other part of the event was to formally introduce the Seal of Disaster Preparedness for Floods (SDP) that aims to recognize the performance and efforts of local governments in institutionalizing disaster preparedness for floods in the local level.

Local government units that demonstrate an acceptable level of disaster preparedness and disaster preparedness response before and during floods will accept this SDP mark. (mbcn/hfg/PIA-RO7 & Mayette Baring/CNU Intern)

Road safety now part of elementary school curriculum PIA 8 regional director Olive Tiu (seated,2nd from left) signs the contract with SMART Communications for an Infoboard service as Leyte governor Jericho Petilla (seated, l-r), Community Solutions manager for Vismin Hazel Amoyan and Smart Public affairs chief Jane Paredes look on. Also in photo are (standing, l-r) LSA sports consultant Lucrecio Calo, LSA executive director Rowil Batan, Smart Sales Group chief Eugene Entienza, Smart Sports manager Epok Quimpo and Jacque Garces of Smart Infoboard. (Vino R. Cuayzon)

More on Region 8, pages 6-7.

Also CLICK Here...

TACLOBAN CITY, Leyte, May 30 (PIA) -- Road safety is now part of the elementary school curriculum, Department of Transportation and Communications (DOTC) Assistant Secretary Dante Lantin disclosed during a press conference recently at the Leyte Park Hotel in Tacloban City.

ASec Lantin, who was in the province of Leyte on May 28 for the commemoration of the month of May as Road Safety Month, said that the integration of road safety in the school curriculum will hopefully raise the awareness and inculcate among school children the importance of road safety and proper road etiquette.

The DOTC official cited data from the Department of Health that say that road traffic injury is the second most common type of accidents among children ages 5 to 12, with 263 children falling victim to road crashes every day.

“Whether walking to school or riding their bike to a friend's house, children are among the most vulnerable in the road today,” Lantin said. Oftentimes, the only thing between the school and the road is the gate, the DOTC

official added.

ASec Lantin said that last year DOTC partnered with the Department of Education and the private sector in the implementation of Flash Cards Pilot Project in support of the road safety curriculum component.

The colorful flashcards have different road scenarios, from vehicle sounds, roads and traffic signs, and behavior in walking and crossing the streets, to riding and disembarking from vehicles.

It is important to empower elementary school children by giving them the needed information on road safety because it is at this early point in their lives when they are left to walk to and from school by themselves and must be able to gauge when it is safe to cross the street based on the vehicle’s speed and traffic gaps, ASec Lantin said.

Empowering children at an early age on road safety will help achieve the target of cutting the number of road accidents in half by 2020, the DOTC official concluded.

(PIA-8)

WESTERN VISAYAS

2 Geohazard websites

maps

now

available

in

four

By Elsa S. Subong

MANGO (Mangifera indica), GUIMARAS

ILOILO CITY, May 29 (PIA6) -- Four websites now contain the geohazard maps to broaden public access to this important tool in disaster risk reduction.

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epartment of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) regional executive Director Julian Amador said these websites are that of the DENR (www.denr.gov.ph), Mines and Geosciences Bureau (www.mgb.gov.ph), Environment Science for Social Change (www.essc.org.ph) and Philippine Information Agency (www.pia.gov.ph).

Amador said the easy access to this information will encourage the public to be proactive in taking precautionary

measures to minimize, if not prevent, any adverse impact of calamities.

He had earlier urged local government units to secure a copy and be properly oriented on the details of the maps, as well as integrate the information in the local government unit’s disaster risk reduction and management plan.

DENR secretary Ramon Paje said the accessibility of the maps will make stakeholders become more knowledgeable on the vulnerability of an area, especially their communities. He added that this is necessary as the

Philippines is among the highly vulnerable to the impact of climate change.

“Mas maigi na ang maagap. We have to accept the fact that with climate change, some of the typhoons that come will have greater intensity to trigger flooding and landslides,” Paje said.

Paje further said DENR is negotiating with other entities and organizations for the hosting of the geohazard maps, as part of the government’s risk reduction and management program. (JCM/ESS-PIA Iloilo)

PHL to adopt Incident Command System for disaster response

By Jaime S. Cabag, Jr. ILOILO CITY, May 30 (PIA6) -- The Incident Command System (ICS) will soon be institutionalized in the Philippine Disaster Risk Reduction and Management System.

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CS is a standardized, on-scene, all-hazard incident management concept which allows kits users to adopt an integrated organizational structure to match the complexities and demands of single or multiple incidents without being hindered by jurisdictional boundaries.

It is a non-permanent organization and is activated only in response to disasters or emergencies.

Moves towards its use in the Philippines started as early as 2003 when ICS was introduced to the Philippines along with the other member-states of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) during the 1st ASEAN Committee on Disaster Management Meeting (ACDM) held in Brunei Darussalam on Dec. 9-19 of that year.

In her briefing on ICS for members of the Regional Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (RDRRMC) members during their recent quarterly meeting here, United States Forest Service (USFS) officer Linda Szczepanik said that ICS addresses some persistent issues and problems arising at the site of a disaster or emergency, including that as to who ought to be in-charge on-site.

The on-scene disaster management tool has proven to be an effective response mechanism which, according to Szczepanik has been used by the United States and a number of other countries including Canada, Mexico, Australia, Bhutan and Sri Lanka.

ICS can be used for any type of disaster and its magnitude as well as for non-emergency situations such as festivals,

concerts and conventions. ICS also seeks to secure the safety of responders and other volunteers.

The National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (NDRRMC) has taken the lead towards the adoption of the ASEAN-US cooperation on disaster management with focus on ICS in the country after the 2003 ASEAN meeting.

Moves to have ICS in the country gained more foothold when Republic Act No. 10121 or the Philippine Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Act of 2010 was enacted and provides among others for the establishment of the system as part of the country’s disaster response system to ensure the effective consequence management of disasters and emergencies. (JCM/JSC/PIA6)

PhilHealth urges hospitals to improve facilities, services

By Pilar S. Mabaquiao SAN JOSE, Antique, May 30 (PIA6) -- PhilHealth urged for the improvement and upgrading of hospital services and facilities in line with the implementation of New Case Rate Package.

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he new Case Rate Package was implemented way back in Sept 2011 per PhilHealth Circular No.011-2011 which provides for case rates for selected medical cases, surgical procedures and the no balance billing policy.

Junie Sabusap, Manager, PhilHealth Antique in an interview said that with its implementation, PhilHealth will pay the hospital the whole package as provided for in the circular when a member or his/her dependent is admitted regardless whether the amount allotted is fully utilized or not.

In line with this Sabusap said hospitals are urged to upgrade their services, laboratory facilities, medical specialist and most importantly make medicines available in hospital pharmacies so that members need not spend money out of their pocket for payment.

Sabusap further explained that Paying and Lifetime members are only obliged to pay when the amount provided for in the New Case Rate Package for corresponding illness/ailment is exhausted.

However, for sponsored program or indigent members, no balance billing policy is in effect where an indigent member or his/her dependents are not required to pay above and beyond package rates.

As of date, Sabusap disclosed there are 22 cases with corresponding rate packages.

With this, “we enjoin local officials to give priority to the upgrading of services and facilities of the hospitals and other PhilHealth accredited institutions,” said Sabusap. (JCM/PSM/PIA6 Antique)

WESTERN VISAYAS

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Aklan province has 179 new scholars KAMUNSIL (Pithecellobium dulce), ILOILO

By Venus G. Villanueva

KALIBO, Aklan, May 29 (PIA6) -- A fresh batch of 179 provincial scholars will be trooping to various campuses of the Aklan State University (ASU) here when classes officially open on June 4, courtesy of the Provincial Government College Scholarship Program (PGCSP).

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hese students, according to the provincial government, qualified for the scholarship after passing the qualifying tests by the province given earlier.

According to Jun Isagan, provincial staff in charge of PGCSP, these incoming 179 freshmen students will fill the slots made vacant after the same number of provincial scholars graduated last school year from various campuses of ASU. Isagan said the same practice will be applied every time a batch graduates, in

order to send to college Aklan’s poor but deserving students.

Under the terms of the provincial scholarship programs, scholars could take any course offered by ASU except Nursing and Veterinary Medicine.

“Scholars may also take four-year courses like Civil Engineering or Architecture, provided they pay for their own school fees on their fifth year, as the scholarship is only for four-year courses,” Isagan emphasized.

As an incentive from the provincial government government for scholars as directed by Governor Carlito Marquez, students who maintain grades not lower than 2.5 per semester will be provided P1,000.00 allowance, while those with grades lower than 2.5 will be getting P500.00 allowance per semester.

Based on records of the PGCSP, thousands of scholars had been aided by the province under the program since its inception, with many now gainfully employed. (JCM/VGV PIA 6 Aklan)

NNNP and Taal Protected Landscape ink twinning agreement

By Easter Anne D. Doza NEGROS OCCIDENTAL, May 29 (PIA6) - - The Northern Negros Natural Park (NNNP) and the Taal Volcano Protected Landscape (TVPL), both national protected areas are now bonded through a twinning agreement.

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egros Occidental Governor Alfredo G. Marañon, Jr. led the NNNP delegation to Batangas City to attend the General Assembly of the TVPL recently and the signing of the memorandum of agreement (MOA) for the twinning of the NNNP and the TVPL at Balay Isabel, Talisay City in Batangas.

The twinning agreement is meant to enhance knowledge sharing on best practices, cooperation and partnership, and mentoring between parties.

Representing the TVPL were the Regional Executive Director of DENR Region 4A, ­­­Reynulfo Juan, the Regional Technical Director of DENR 4A Arnulfo Hernandez, as well as the Protective Area Superintendent (PASu) of TVPL, Batangas City CENRO Laudemir Salac.

Aside from them, the other signatories to the MOA were Regional Executive Director of DENR Region 6, Julian Amador, with PEM Officer, Atty.

Aleta C. Nuñez, and other officers as witnesses in behalf of NNNP. Under the co-management agreement between them, the chairmanship of the NNNP-PAMB is shared by the DENR-RED Region 6 and the Provincial Governor of Negros Occidental.

While in the province of Batangas, with Gov. Vilma Santos-Recto at the helm, is very active in the pursuit of the objectives of TVPL. She was represented during the activity by her Provincial Administrator, Victor Reyes.

Twinning activities for protected areas (PAs) are designed to pursue

sustainable management of natural resources found in these ecologically sensitive areas and how each can help the other.

According to Atty. Aleta Nuñez, Negros Occidental Provincial Environment Management Officer (PEMO), the trip doubled as a learning visit, as one of the issues of interest to NNNP in TVPL is the manner the Protected Area Management Board was able to conduct law enforcement, particularly with how they dismantled the more than 7,000 fish pens, in Taal Lake.

The Twinning activity was under the 2 -year European Union -funded Effective Natural Resources Governance (ENRG) Project implemented by the Province thru the PEMO.*(EAD/JCM/-PIA6/PEMO Negros Occidental)

Mediamen tour Panay River

By Alex A. Lumaque ROXAS CITY, Capiz, May 30 (PIA6) -- Local tri-media practitioners recently joined the Panay River Cruise sponsored by the Roxas City government to tour mediamen around the city’s newest eco-tourism attraction.

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he late afternoon activity started at the back of the Roxas City public plaza towards Barangay Barra passing through Barangays 6, 7, Punta Tabuc, Cagay, and Dayao.

Roxas City Vice-Mayor Ronnie Dadivas oriented the participants on the developments, which were put in place, and on the conceptualization of the new tour package for adventure seekers.

Among the features offered by the estimated half-hour boat ride were the

breathtaking view of mangroves, riverbanks lined with Norfolk Pine trees and bougainvillas of various colors and hues.

The river’s beautification and greening, Dadivas said, is an initiative of ONE Capiz Foundation Inc. with the support of the city and provincial governments and the Capiz First Congressional District Office.

The media practitioners who joined the tour came from various broadcast and

print outlets, Roxas City Press Bureau, Capiz Provincial Press Bureau, and the Philippine Information Agency, among others.

The cruise is only a segment of the 98-kilometer Panay River that starts in Tapaz town passing through several municipalities, including Roxas City, before it empties itself into the Tinagong Dagat Bay in Pontevedra town. (JSC/AAL-PIA6 Capiz)

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CENTRAL VISAYAS

DAR 7 to complete CARP target by June 2014

By Hazel F. Gloria

MANGO (Mangifera indica), CEBU

CEBU CITY, May 30 (PIA) -- The Department of Agrarian Reform (DAR-7) in Central Visayas gave the assurance that will be able to complete its land acquisition and distribution target under the Comprehensive Agrarian Reform Program by June 2014. The regional office said that it has a balance of 19,613-hectares of land for acquisition and distribution, which will benefit an estimated 16,000 agrarian reform beneficiaries (ARBs).

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AR-7 regional director Rodolfo Inson said in a press conference that in 2011, DAR-7 distributed 11,758 hectares of agricultural areas to 8,828 ARBs. He said that 4,458 hectares of these were for Cebu province with 3,805 ARBs. For Bohol, DAR-7 distributed 2,905 hectares of agricultural lands to 1,693 ARBs while for Negros Oriental, some 2,649 hectares were given to 3,270 ARBs; and 53 hectares for Siquijor province with 60 ARBs. Inson added that the DAR had distributed more than 178,079 agricultural areas benefiting 137,104 ARBs from October 21,1972 up to March 31, 2012.

From the 197,692 hectare CARP Land Acquisition and Distribution scope of the region, the DAR has a balance of 19,613

hectares which will be completely distributed to the intended beneficiaries by June 2014, Inson said.

"The office is trying hard to accomplish and distribute the LAD balance on or before June 2014. The LAD balance of 19,613 hectares will approximately benefit 14,000-16,000 ARBs," Inson told the media.

For 2012, Inson said DAR-7 has targeted 5,876 hectares to be acquired and distributed to 5,805 qualified beneficiaries with 1478 hectares from Cebu province; 1391 hectares from Bohol; and 1391 hectares from Negros Oriental.

DAR-7 Legal Division chief, Atty. Esther Nadela said that unawareness of the farmers rights and responsibilities is one of the

challenges that the department has been facing.

However, she added that the empowerment of farmers through education and massive information campaign, and protecting their rights are solutions to solve this problem.

The DAR is ready to face whatever challenges that will come along the implementation of its projects. Although DAR received criticisms and negative comments, Nadela added that the projects will still be pursued and DAR will find ways to solve the challenges in the delivery of agrarian justice.

"DAR officials are always looking forward for the welfare of the people," Inson concluded.(mbcn/hfg/PIA-RO7 & Nino Jesryl Maglasang/CNU Intern)

DOST-7 introduces 'eco-efficient water infra'

By Minerva BC. Newman CEBU CITY, May 28 (PIA) -- The Department of Science and Technology (DOST-7) in Central Visayas introduces its eco-efficient water infrastructure project that have been incorporated in its regional office building at EcoTech, Lahug, Cebu City. ccording to DOST-7 Energy Audit Team the microbial and particulate pollutants that may to avoid overflows and emergencies. The water member Engr. Juan Edgar Osorio, this is cause pipe corrosion and degradation, which can still be collected for reuse.

"Plants and crops are watered through the called the Integrated Storm Water eventually leads to increasing incidents of pipe ISWM system," Osorio said.

Management (ISWM) project that he presented breaks and failure.

The ISWM project is in cooperation with The last process of purifying the collected in one of the PQPM-Learning sessions held rain water is through the reuse water treatment the Water Security Section of the Economic and recently at the DOST-7 conference hall.

Osorio explained that the major system. This process uses advanced biological Social Cooperation for Asia and the Pacific (ESCAP) and the DOST-7 with the Korean component of the ISWM includes the rainwater treatment that eliminates nitrogen compound. “Increasing nitrogen concentrations may Institute for Construction Technology (KICT) collection facility that collects rainwater from the roof of their building and storm water from incline the production of plankton leading to and with the Erede, a private Korean company.

DOST-7 regional director Rene Burt Llanto algal blooms,� Osorio said. the porous surface of the road.

This rainwater facility is controlled by a and Engr. Juan Edgar Osorio presented the Osorio added that there is also the primary rainwater treatment that removes contaminants wireless monitoring device called the integrated ISWM project of DOST-7 at the "3rd Regional or pollutants from the water collected by the rainwater administration system, Osorio further Workshop on Eco-efficient Water Infrastructure in Asia" at Bangkok, Thailand which was former to avoid the cause of acute health explained.

Excess water too within the building is ponsored by UN-ESCAP and KICT. (mbcn/hfg/ effects.

He said after rain water is treated, the diverted through the rainwater drainage system PIA-RO7 & Mayette Baring/CNU micro-membrane filtration system will reduce

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71 PWDs finishes vocational courses of DSWD

By Jennifer C. Tilos DUMAGUETE CITY, May 29 (PIA) -- Seventy-one persons with disabilities (PWDs) from the different regions in the Visayas and Mindanao recently received their diplomas as graduates of the Area Vocational Rehabilitation Center 11 (AVRC), a facility of the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) based in Labangon, Cebu City, during their 36th graduation exercises.

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SWD-7 information officer, Jaybee Binghay said that of the total number of PWDs, 14 finished therapeutic massage; nine in consumer electronics; two in electronic motor repair ; 14 in computer technology; seven, commercial arts and crafts; nine , basic cosmetology; eight, commercial cooking; five, basic sewing; one, food processing, and two in furniture and cabinet making.

During the graduation rites, Training Center Superintendent Herminia Cabahug of the AVRC 11 challenged the graduates to enhance their skills and capabilities and explore the bigger working world by availing of the wide variety of services and trainings designed by DSWD made available for them to compete with the growing demands and opportunities in the market.

Aside from their graduation certificates, nine outstanding trainees received training tools that would help them develop their skills, namely Olymer Adiva for massage, Renen Naason for consumer electronics, Glicerio Escuadro for electronic motor repair, Melvin Rule for commercial arts and crafts, Cherrylyn Linao for computer technology, Evelyn Taboada for basic cosmetology, Ryan Joseph Orrilaneda for commercial cooking, Roselo Dejan and Jesus Eyana for furniture and cabinet making.

On the same occasion, the Department of Education also released the certificates of 29 trainees who have successfully passed the examination for the Alternative Learning System, both for elementary and secondary. Of this number, 15 of them are blinds, said Binghay.

AVRC is a vocational training center operated and maintained by the DSWD since l974 which serves persons with physical and social disabilities like the visually impaired, physically handicapped, negative hansenites, mentally challenge, released prisoners, and other disadvantaged sector.

The center aims to maximize the residual capacities of PWDs through assessment and guidance, social adjustment, medical, vocational training and placement services as well as bring maximum functioning of PWDs for their eventual integration into the community.

Interested PWDs who wish to study or enroll in AVRC may approach their municipal or city social welfare office. (mbcn/JCT/PIA-Negros Oriental)

CENTRAL VISAYAS

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NBB: 20% bio-diesel blend possible by 2030 LANKA (Artocarpus heterophyllus), DUMAGUETE CITY

By Rey Anthony H. Chiu

TAGBILARAN CITY, May 30 (PIA) – Members of the National Biofuel Board (NBB) are optimistic that by 2030, the country will attain a 20 percent biofuel mix for its diesel fuel.

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uring its recent five day planning workshop at the Bohol Tropics Resort on May 21-25, representatives from the Philippine Coconut Authority (PCA), Department of Agriculture (DA) and the Sugar Regulatory Authority (SRA) agreed that this can only be possible if NBB member agencies and institutions stick to their commitments and aggressively pursue the plans and programs of the board.

The PCA, DA and the SRA had been into expansion of the country’s plantations to support the biofuel industry needs.

Coconut is a main source of coco-methyl ester (CME), a component for biodiesel; and sugarcane bagasse is a major source of biomass, from which biofuel is extracted, according to the PCA and SRA.

To date, the country’s liquid fuel contains 2 percent biofuel for diesel and 10% bio-ethanol, as mandated by law, the National Biofuel Board (NBB) said the over-all plan is increasing it to 20 percent by 2030.

Biofuel as defined refers to bioethanol and biodiesel, or other fuels made from biomass and primarily used for motive, thermal and power generation, with quality specifications in accordance with the Philippine National Standards (PNS).

A clean fuel source, Biofuel is being developed as part of the country’s effort to wean away from expensive imported fossil fuel by using indigenous, sustainably-sourced out indigenous and renewable energy.

Since the Biofuel Act of 2006 took effect, all liquid fuels sold for motors and engines in the country have contained increasing amounts of locally sourced bio-fuel blends, DOE’s Renewable Energy Management Bureau (REMB) director Mario Marasigan said.

At the recently concluded NBB workshop at the Bohol Tropics, Marasigan said all liquid fuels in the country today have 1 percent to 2 percent bio-fuel blend in biodiesel.

Also, there is already some 10 percent bioethanol blended in gasoline, and as planned, it would hit the 85 percent target by 2030 as stated in the National Renewable Energy Plan. (mbcn/rahc/PIA -Bohol)

DSWD offers college scholarship to Pantawid kids

By Jennifer C. Tilos DUMAGUETE CITY, May 29 (PIA)--The Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD-7) in Central Visayas has announced the Students’ Grants-in-Aid Program for Poverty Alleviation (SGP-PA), which provide college scholarship grants for 282 eligible students in 47 municipalities in region 7 under the Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program.

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SWD7 Information Officer Aileen Lariba said the SGP-PA ensures the underprivileged children has a chance of getting a college education that may qualify for high-value added jobs and, thus giving the families a greater chance to cross poverty threshold for good as it supports its’ scholars entry to labor markets through placement assistance.

Of the 609 focus municipalities in the country identified for the SGP-PA implementation, 47 of these are from Central Visayas with 26 municipalities from Cebu, 19 from Negros Oriental and two for Siquijor province.

Eligible for the SGP-PA applicants are: (1) must be a Pantawid Pamilya beneficiary; (2) not more than 30 years old at the time of selection; (3) should be physically and mentally fit; (4) should be a high school graduate and/or equivalent; (5) no other higher education scholarship/ grant from public institutions; (6) pass the entrance exam and academic requirements set by the SUCs; (7) pass the requirements set by the National SGP-PA Committee;

and (8) must enroll/shift/transfer to CHED priority programs preferably in the leading SUCs most accessible from their residence.

Priority courses that a scholar may enrol include Information Technology, Agriculture and Related Fields, Teacher Education, Science and Math, Engineering, Health Services such as Pharmacy, Radiology and Medical Technology, Arts and Humanities, Atmospheric and Environmental Science.

Lariba said each student-grantee shall be entitled to a maximum of P 60T scholarship grant per school year wherein P30T per semester covering tuition fee, textbooks and monthly allowance of P3,500.

The selected scholarship grantee shall carry a full load per semester as prescribed in the curriculum and finish within the required period of the program.

He/she shall also maintain a satisfactory academic performance in accordance with the policies and standards of the SUC and render a return service of 2

years after graduation in the Philippines except for highly critical courses determined by local industry and government services. “On the other hand, the parents have a responsibility in the implementation of the SGP-PA as well though responsibilities is not new for them since they have already been trained to handle such while they were trying to comply with set conditions of the 4Ps,” said Lariba.

These conditions include pre and post natal care for pregnant women, immunization, weighing, monthly health check-up for children and attendance to Family Development Sessions to continue receiving the P500/ month health grant and 85% monthly attendance is required to receive the P300/month/child education grant but for a maximum of three children only, she added. For SGP-PA, the parents shall sign the contract with the SUCs as the executor of the program and support their child as recipient of grants-in-aid towards completion of college students. (mbcn/JCT/PIA-Negros Oriental)

Bikers raise funds for BRUMM rescue kits

By Rey Anthony H. Chiu TAGBILARAN CITY, May 30 (PIA) -- Over fifty bicycle riders pedaled thru almost 50 kilometers of highway on May 26, to raise funds for the purchase of rescue kits for Bohol’s Rescue Unit for Marine Mammals (BRUMM) during the 'Bike for the Ocean' activity in Bohol recently.

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articipants to the event were members of local bike groups including Paseo de Loon, Association of Tagbilaran Amateur Cyclists, folding bike riders, police bike groups and cycling enthusiasts. Registration fee was P100.

BRUMM members sought for more equipment and rescue kits to include gurneys, towels, pails and water splashing equipments to be included in their rescue kit.

The bike for the Ocean activity intended to gather funds for the BRUMM rescue kits, said Arissa Nancy Jule Tirol, JCI Boholana Kisses President, during a short capping program at Baluarte de Baclayon.

JCI partnered with the Bohol Coastal Resource Management task Force to coordinate for the May 26 'Bike for the Ocean' event as among the many council organized activities for the Ocean Month.

According to Bohol Environment Management Office coastal resource management coordinator Adelfa Salutan, more marine mammal rescue happening frequently in southern Bohol coasts bring up the need to top equip the BRUMM volunteers.

Composed of a multisectoral, inter-agency volunteers, BRUMM was established in the late 90’s as

a quick response team for marine mammal and large marine vertebrate rescue as well as the information communication arm of the BCRMTF, Salutan recalled.

Presently chaired by the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR), BRUMM members have responded to numerous calls for rescue of distressed animals from whales, to dolphins and even marine turtles.

With stranding incidents of dolphins, whales, manta rays and sea turtles frequently happening in the southern coasts, local government units have responded to the call of rescue and protection by organizing their own local BRUMM chapters, headed by the chief executives, municipal agriculturists and chiefs of police.

The strandings have been associated to Bohol being rightly situated near the deep trenches that provide migrating large marine mammals the depths and the numerous fresh water rivers in the area spew out the krill and plankton, which constitute the marine mammals main diet.

But with the subsistence fishermen and commercial trawlers using the same area to fish, “the incidents of by-catch remains high,” a foreign non

government organization now based in Bohol expressed the concern.

Coastal law enforcers also agreed that poachers who intentionally target whales, manta rays and dolphins still slipped through in the guise of legitimate fishers.

Dolphins, whales and other large marine mammals which escape the nets of illegal fishers and which are belatedly freed after getting snagged in nets sometimes get so disoriented they usually swim to the shallows, while sending out distress calls.

Several BRUMM members believed the calls can also act as beacon, which guide more whales or dolphins in the area, sometimes triggering more strandings.

In cases of stranding, immediately notify the municipal MAOs, the police or call Tarsier 117, Dr. Alessandro Ponzo said.

While awaiting for the rescue team, always make the animal feel comfortable by keeping it wet.

Normally, they recover after a few hours, he added.

Then immediately release them back to the sea, where they have more chances of recovering, according to Ponzo. (mbcn/rahc/PIA-Bohol)

6

EASTERN VISAYAS

Leyte’s ‘abortion road’ now thing of the past

BANANA (Musa sapientum ), TACLOBAN

VILLABA, Leyte, May 27 (PIA) -- District Engineer Leopoldo Pica of the Department of Public Works and Highways Leyte 3rd Engineering Office said majority of the DPWH Leyte 3rd District’s P327-million budget for 2012 are focused in the improvement of the 68.27 kilometers of unpaved roads traversing the municipalities of San Isidro, Calubian, Leyte, Tabango, and Villaba, all in the province of Leyte. ica also assured that the so-called that among the ongoing projects are the infrastructure including local projects, and "abortion road" is now a thing of P41.880-million Belen-Consuegra Road; P20 million for priority development the past. In its place is a the P1.7-million Lemon-Leyte-Biliran assistance fund. much-improved road that ensures the preventive maintenance; the P2.44-million Leyte’s third engineering district has a comfort and safety of the traveling public, paving of Tabing-Kawayan-Sta. Rosa-Lawis- total of 178.96 kilometers (km) of road.

Pica said. The road had such a notoriety in Tabango Road; the P16.2-million All are identified as secondary road with the past because, as reports had it, replacement of Sta. Rosa Bridge in Ta- 97.87 km categorized as concrete, 12.82 pregnant women would miscarry every bango; and the P30.15-million con- km with asphalt overlay, and 68.27 km still time they passed this road. creting of Calaguise-Calubian Road. unpaved.

Today, the national government It was learned that for 2012, the The marching order of DPWH poured at least 70 percent of the Leyte 3rd district engineering office has a Secretary Rogelio Singson is to complete engineering field office fund to upgrade the budget of P327.06 million for 73 new and the concreting of all secondary roads by cross country roads linking Leyte towns, carry-over projects. From this budget, 2016. the official said.

P273.25 million are for DPWH regular Pica announced that the DPWH 3rd Pica, in a communications to the projects, P1.79 million for preventive Leyte Engineering District is on track with Philippine Information Agency, disclosed maintenance, P32 million for various the said directive. (PIA-8)

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St. Bernard kite flying competition to showcase Lawigan River Ground Zero View Park

By Erna S. Gorne MAASIN CITY, Southern Leyte, May 30 (PIA) -- The St. Bernard Municipal Tourism Office in this city initiated a kite-flying competition at the Lawigan River Ground Zero View Park.

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he Lawigan River Ground Zero View Park is the official viewing area for visitors who want to take a look at the Guinsaugon ground zero safely. It also serves as the venue to accommodate all activities related to its commemorations.

In 2006, the whole village of Guinsaugon in St. Bernard was covered with mud and rocks in a landslide that buried about a thousand villagers and visitors on February 16, St. Bernard Municipal Tourism Officer Jane Araneta disclosed in an interview.

“As a bordering barangay, Tambis I actually hosts the Lawigan River, which is

the venue of the first kite flying competition last May 22 sponsored by the local government of St. Bernard throygh the leadership of Municipal Mayor Rico Rentuza,” she said.

Araneta said the competition was participated in by the locals and from neighboring municipalities with a total of nine entries. One of the competition categories was Rokkaku fighting.

She reported that “the contestants coming from the municipality of Anahawan garnered the first and second places and won P2,000 and P1,500 prizes, respectively. The third place was won by a Barangay Tambis I resident and earned P

1,000 cash award from the local government of St. Bernard.”

She further disclosed that the local government wanted to institutionalized the kite flying competition not only every year but hopefully to be conducted as a year- round tourism activity in their area.

The community–based tourism plan in the area was shared among the three other neighboring barangays, namely in Barangays Tambis II, Ma. Asuncion and Catmon, all of St. Bernard, which decided on the creation of the Barangay Tourism Center right in Barangay I, she added. (PIA -Southern Leyte)

756 residents of Sta. Rita Samar avail Army's ‘Bayanihan’

By Alicia F. Nicart BORONGAN CITY, EASTERN SAMAR, May 29 (PIA) -– A total of 369 patients benefited recently from the ongoing project of the local government unit (LGU) of Sta. Rita Samar, in coordination with the 801st Brigade, 8th Infantry (Stormtroopers) Division, Philippine Army in partnership with “An Waray” Party List.

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his was included in a report sent extraction, 98 had free haircut and 80

by Ltc Arvin R Lagamon, Army’s children got free circumcision, for a total Division Public Affairs Office of 756 residents benefitting from the said chief. activity.

The report said that a free medical BGen Gerardo T Layug AFP, and dental mission was conducted in Sta Commander, 8ID, PA informed the Rita, Samar on May 25, where 369 residents of the place that the 8th ID, PA patients availed of the free medical in collaboration with the local government consultation, 209 availed of free tooth units and other stakeholders will

continuously deliver these needed services as part of the AFP’s IPSP Bayanihan” .

Meanwhile, Mario Llarenas, municipal councilor of Sta. Rita, Samar expressed his appreciation to the military troops for extending their full support in delivering such medical services to his constituents.

(PIA-8 Eastern Samar/aen)

EASTERN VISAYAS

7

Naval-LGU bags DOH red orchid award anew PINEAPPLE (Ananas comosus ), LEYTE

By Flordelis E. Jackson

NAVAL, Biliran, May 30 (PIA) -- It’s another great honor for the local government unit (LGU) of Naval as it won for the second time the Department of Health (DOH) Red Orchid Award for 2012.

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his was revealed by Dr. Gabby Velasquez, a medical doctor by profession and the Chairman of the Committee on Health of the Sangguniang Bayan (SB) of Naval town in a text message on Tuesday, May 29, to the Philippine Information Agency (PIA)-Biliran.

He said, the achievement of LGU-Naval in the successful implementation of the anti-smoking campaign in said municipality was made possible through the full support and cooperation of all sectors in the area.

Dr. Velasquez, who is the proponent of the municipal ordinance on anti-smoking campaign in Naval town, has been actively spearheading the task force

on anti-smoking in conducting rounds in the poblacion and in the barangays of the town to remove advertisements of cigarettes and other tobacco products in stores selling cigarettes.

He said, since the ordinance on the anti-smoking campaign was approved and was implemented, there was a noted decrease in the count of people in Naval who smoke.

He added that the regular information campaign of the Anti-Smoking Task Force through the Kapihan sa PIA forum which was aired live through the local radio station and the barangay pulong-pulongs conducted have contributed to the decline of smokers in Naval town.

It was learned that the municipality of Naval won the DOH Red Orchid Award in the year 2011 with a cash award of P100,000 and a certificate of appreciation.

This year, Naval town will receive another P100,000 cash award for winning the DOH Red Orchid Award for 2012.

Doc Gabby, as he is fondly called by his friends and colleagues at the SB-Naval, said that together with the SB members of Naval, LGU-officials led by Mayor Susan Parilla, the Anti-Smoking Task Force and the concerned agencies in this program, he will step up the campaign on anti-smoking to be able to get the DOH Red Orchid Hall of Fame Award where the cash award is P500,000. (PIA-Biliran)

34th IB spearheads bloodletting activity in Northern Samar

By Ailene N. Diaz CATARMAN, Northern Samar, May 29 (PIA) -- The 34th Infantry Battalion, Philippine Army under the leadership of Lt Col. William P. Peñafiel Jr. spearheaded a joint bloodletting activity at Barangay Tambangan, Palapag, Northern Samar, recently.

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his is in partnership with the Philippine National Police (PNP), Palapag Municipal Police Station headed by Police Chief Inspector Joel M. Nicha, and in coordination with the Philippine Red Cross (PRC), Northern Samar Chapter represented

by Reynard Fidel, Northern Samar Provincial Health Office (PHO) led by Dr. Glenn Anthony Lozano, and Rural Health Unit (RHU) led by Dr. Delia C. Chy. With the theme “Imo Dugo, Ikabuhi Ko,” the joint bloodletting activity was participated in by civilian populace and

various government agencies supported by Mayor Florencio A. Batula Jr. According to CMO Officer Captain Ramil Palisoc, this benevolent act of donee volunteers collected about 21,300 cc or 43 bags of blood.

The collected bags of blood were turned-over to the Philippine Red Cross and Provincial Health Office to augment their stocks ready for immediate release in times of emergency. Thus, Palisoc said, it will be very beneficial to individual who will need immediate blood-transfusion may it be due to vehicular accident, surgery, and for any other reasons.

In a statement, Palisoc expressed his gratitude and commends the donor-volunteers and stakeholders who participated in this charitable activity and emphasized that their blood donation was an act of kindness which will save many lives.

The activity was just part of a series of activities in line with the Armed Forces of the Philippines’ (AFP) Internal Peace and Security Plan (IPSP) “Bayanihan,” which encourages the involvement of all Filipino people by helping one another and eventually secure justice and lasting peace, he added. (PIA-Northern Samar)

New army privates urged to pursue peace and development CATBALOGAN CITY, Samar, May 29 (PIA) -- An army official urged 101 new graduates of the candidate soldier course to pursue peace and development as they go about their peace and security mission after graduation.

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n March 25 a send-off ceremony for 101 new privates was held at Camp Lukban, Catbalogan City.

In a press release by the 8th Infantry Division Affairs Office (DPAO), it said that a send-off ceremony is a military tradition wherein military officers and non-commisioned officers and dependents bid farewell and good luck to all military troops who will be deployed for specific missions.

In his message, Col Virgilio M Espineli GSC (INF) PA, Assistant Division

Commander, 8th ID, PA said, “Today marks your first official duty as regular members of the Philippine Army.

As you leave the portals of this camp, we expect that you will religiously follow the things that have been taught to you and help bolster the peace and development efforts of the Army in the countryside.”

Senior military officers headed by Colonel Raylindo S Aniṅon, 8ID Chief of Staff, enlisted men and civilian employees attended the ceremony.

The new privates will be assigned to different army battalions under 8th ID in the Eastern Visayas region.

During the ceremony, the privates were reminded of the army’s commitment to respect human rights, adhere to international humanitarian law, and obey the rule of law.

The army official also instilled in the new privates the mantra,” to help win the peace by engaging or involving in peace and development initiatives”. (PIA 8, Samar with 8th I DPAO)

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Editorial Consultants Atty. Ma. Janet C. Mesa, Ph. D. Regional Director, PIA6

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PIA 6, 2/F RC Building, Rizal St., Iloilo City, Iloilo 5000, Tel. Nos. (033) 337-8719/3377301/509-0993, Fax No. (033) 337-8719/509-0993, e-mail: r6_pia@yahoo.com/ piaamo6@yahoo.com PIA 7, Room 304, 3/F Machay Bldg., Garardo Avenue, Cebu City, Cebu 6000, Telefax No. (032) 232-4062/232-4126, e-mail: pia7_cebu@yahoo.com.ph/r7_pia@yahoo.com PIA 8, Children’s Park Compound, Sen. Enage St., Tacloban City, Leyte 6500, Tel. No. (053) 325-5124, Telefax No. (053) 321-2029, e-mail: pia_ev@yahoo.com/r8_pia@yahoo.com