One Visayas e-Newsletter Vol 2 Issue 27

Vol 2

Issue 27

In this Issue WESTERN VISAYAS

Iloilo City Mayor Jed Patrick Mabilog presides over the Regional Peace and Order Council (RPOC) special meeting, which tackled the status of the Closure Program with the RPM-P/RPA/ABB-Tabara Paduano Group (TPG) and updates on the Comprehensive Local Integration Program (CLIP), held at the Iloilo Grand Hotel, Iloilo City, July 3. With him are (from L), OPAPP Dir. Alexander Umpar, PNP-PRO6 PCSupt. Cipriano Querol Jr., OPAPP Usec. Luisito G. Montalbo and DILG 6 Director Evelyn Trompeta. (EJB/MMS/ PIA6)

Published by: PIA 6, 7 & 8

Tacloban City plants 1000 seedings in support of NGP TACLOBAN CITY, Leyte, June 30 (PIA) -- Some 1,000 mahogany and narra seedlings were planted in Tacloban City in celebration of Arbor Day this year in support to the National Greening Program(NGP) of the Aquino administration.

Officer-in-Charge Regional Executive Director Manolito D. Ragub of the Department of Environment and Natural Resources said that the site of the tree planting activity was within the Community Based Forest Management area of the Caibaan Farmers Livelihood Association (CFLA) in Barangay Caibaan, Tacloban City.

A total of 258 participants compose of several organizations, agencies and other sectors joined the tree planting activity, which covered 0.6 hectares of forestland in Barangay Caibaan.

Ragub said that the trees that have been planted shall be nurtured and taken care of by the PO to help make the country a greener and healthier place to live

CENTRAL VISAYAS

More on Region 7, pages 4-5.

Also CLICK Here…

EASTERN VISAYAS

in which is the essence of Arbor Day. The DENR was joined by representatives from other government agencies such as the Philippine National Police, Departments of Health, Interior and Local Government, Public Works and Highways, Science and Technology, Social Welfare and Development, Education, the Bureau of Jail Management and Penology and the Barangay LGU of Caibaan.

Philippine Arbor Day is celebrated in June 25 of each year as embodied in Presidential Proclamation No. 643 signed in 2004, by planting trees and ornamental plants and other forms of relevant activities.

Trees planted this year will significantly contribute to the country’s goal of planting 1.5 billion trees in 1.5 million hectares nationwide as envisioned by the National Greening Program of the Aquino administration. (PIA-8/DENR-8)

Gov’t enhances flood forecasting with Project NOAH

More on Region 6, pages 2-3.

Also CLICK Here…

Dr. Angeline Gonzalez of DTI in Dumaguete City shows a sample of the prescribed helmet under the Motorcycle Helmet Act of 2010 which will be fully enforced in Negros Oriental province by August 1, 2012. Motorists are required to wear the standard helmet with the DTI-issued hologram ICC sticker affixed at the back as proof that the helmet has passed DTI's inspection. Standard helmets are now available at around 18 stores in Dumaguete. (RNessia/ PIA NEGOR)

July 2 - 8 , 2012

By Jaime S. Cabag, Jr. ILOILO CITY, July 5 (PIA6) -- Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA) Administrator Dr. Nathaniel Servando said Project NOAH is part of the initiatives designed to enhance the flood forecasting and warning services of their agency in the aftermath of powerful storms that triggered devastating floods in the country.

Project NOAH is the acronym for Nationwide Operational Assessment of Hazards. The project is scheduled to be officially launched nationwide on July 6 in Metro Manila.

The PAGASA chief said their agency closely collaborated with the Department of Science and Technology (DOST) and the University of the Philippines-Diliman for the establishment of the project which integrates some of the informational data from PAGASA particularly radar and Automated Weather Station (AWS) data.

Under the project, more AWS as well as Automated Rain Gauges and water level measuring stations are planned to be installed in 18 major river basins in the country including Jalaur River Basin of Iloilo, Panay River Basin of Capiz and Ilog-Hilabangan of Negros Occ. in the region.

It has eight components, namely: (1) Hydro met Sensors Development (2) DREAM-LIDAR 3-D Mapping Project (3) Flood NET-Flood Modeling Project (4) Hazards Information Media (5) Enhancing Geo-hazards mapping through LIDAR (6) Doppler System Development (7) Landslide Sensors Development Project, and (8) Storm Surge Inundation Mapping Project.

Servando arrived in Iloilo City together with Undersecretary Proceso T. Domingo, head of the Office for Special Concerns of the Office of Civil Defense (OCD) to grace the opening activities of the observance of the National Disaster Consciousness Month (NDCM) in Western Visayas.

The opening of the month-long event was highlighted by a simultaneous fluvial parade at Iloilo River and motorcade through major streets of this city.

Usec Domingo described the fluvial parade as an innovative way of highlighting the opening of the event and drawing public awareness about the importance of disaster preparedness.

The kick-off was capped by a program held at the lobby of the Iloilo Provincial Capitol here. (JCM/JSC/ PIA6)

Cebu business sector lauds PNP’s efforts to maintain peace & order

Pacific Partnership 2012 US Navy servicemen along with some Japanese partners treated 32 Catbalogan street children last week to a fun-filled day of badminton, soccer, volleyball and origami. The PP servicemen also left some hygiene kits for the kids, while the city government complemented the kits with grocery items. (PIA 8-Samar with Ador Hurtado and WARAYA members)

More on Region 8, pages 6-7.

Also CLICK Here...

By Amorganda A. Saludar CEBU CITY July 3 (PIA) -- The Cebu Chamber of Commerce and Industry (CCCI) lauded the Philippine National Police (PNP) in Cebu province and the entire Central Visayas for their efforts in maintaining peace and order that guarantee the security of lives and properties of the community and the business sector.

CCCI President Prudencio Gesta said the police play a vital role in improving the business climate that leads to the success of their business.

“The PNP’s efforts in ensuring peace and order would also mean security in investments may it be human, monetary and any other related resources for business,” said Gesta. He likewise lauded the intensified measures of the PNP to thwart bank

robberies and their relentless pursuit to jail criminals involved in bank heists and robberies of commercial establishments.

Due to the hard work shown by the police in maintaining a peaceful climate, “the PNP can really expect the business sector of their full support in the implementation of every rule and regulation in order to ensure peace and order and security to lives and properties of the public,” said Gesta.

Gesta was the guest speaker during the kick-off ceremony of the 17th Police Community Relations Month held at the Police Regional Office-7 in Cebu City with the theme “Mamayan at Kapulisan: Patuloy ang Ugnayan sa Higit na Ligtas, Mapayapa at Maunlad na Pamayanan”. (FCR/AYS-PIA7 CEBU)

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WESTERN VISAYAS

WB, DENR to assist Bacolod City in dumpsite rehabilitation UPV Administration Bldg., Miag-ao Campus

By Lorenzo O. Lambatin Jr.

BACOLOD CITY, July 2 (PIA6) -- The World Bank (WB) and the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) are set to provide assistance to the rehabilitation and closure plan of a dumpsite in this city, an official said.

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ilda Luisma, Human Resource Officer and member of the Solid W a ste Man ag emen t T ea m/ Technical Working Group, said that representatives from WB and DENR were recently in Bacolod to discuss the details of the Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) for the assistance on the said project.

Bacolod City was selected as a recipient - one of the Magic four - to be given this financial and technical assistance from World Bank based on the assessment of DENR last April 27,

according to Leonardo Fuller, Project Manager of Integrated Persistent Organic Pollutants (IPOPS).

The assistance extended is mainly for the closure and reconstruction of dumpsites in selected cities/recipients.

Other members of the Magic four are General Santos, Iloilo, Bacolod and another city in Luzon.

Stipulated in the MOA were procurement guidelines of the World Bank taken up in the meeting at Planta Hotel. After the meeting, the representatives toured the existing

dumpsite and sanitary landfill situated in Brgy. Felisa, this city.

Senior Procurement Specialist Rene Manuel, Gerardo Parco, Rey Ancheta, Tomas Sta. Maria, Marissa David and Jian Xie represented the World Bank Group in the Philippines. EMB-DENR personnel, Solid Waste Management Technical Group, members of the Bids and Awards Committee, Mayor Evelio Leonardia and Vice Mayor Jude Thaddeus Sayson were also present during the meeting. (JCM/LOL/Bacolod PIO-PIA6 Negros Occ.)

3ID camp eyed as ecotourism site

By Alex A. Lumaque

ROXAS CITY, Capiz, July 3 (PIA6) -- The 3rd Infantry Division (3ID) of the Philippine Army based at Camp Macario Peralta in Jamindan, Capiz in now being considered as an ecotourism area in the province.

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ID Commanding General Jose Z. Mabanta, Jr said the exposure of the camp to tourists will be an opportunity to tell the world about the rich cultural heritage of the people at the military reservation.

A recent talk was conducted by top 3ID officials with the Provincial Tourism and Cultural Affairs Office and other private enterprises to realize the plan.

“Tourists visiting the world class island resort of Boracay will now have another option for a place to visit.

Visiting the camp will give visitors a chance to understand more of the local society and culture here”, said Mabanta.

“With the five waterfalls that we have so far discovered here at the immediate vicinity of the cantonment area, this is one of the best places to travel to and appreciate what the natural environment

can offer. We believe there are more unexplored waterfalls within the reservation,” he said.

The camp, the country’s third largest military camp spanning over 33,310 hectares, has been declared a military reservation through Presidential Proclamation No. 67 and officially proclaimed by virtue of Sangguniang Bayan Resolution No. 19 of Jamindan town.

The sprawling camp covers the municipalities of Jamindan and Tapaz of Capiz province and Lambunao town in Iloilo and is inhabited by various communities of indigenous people (IP).

3ID continues to protect and promote the interest and well-being of the IPs with due regard to their beliefs, customs, traditions and institutions in coordination with the National Commission on Indigenous People.

The whole camp is a nature park and a wildlife sanctuary. Among its beautiful spots are the grotto and shrine of the Blessed Virgin Mary, located at a hilltop where one can enjoy the mountain view as far as Dumalag, Capiz. A variety of flora and fauna also surrounds the grotto.

The camp also offers a two-hour hike in a nature trek that treats hikers to a glimpse of the 100-meter waterfall and the three-basin falls where visitors can take a dip. The place also has a vacation and picnic area dubbed “Kalikasan Nature Park,” which has complete amenities and a viewing tower.

Furthermore, the 3ID boasts of its swimming pool that offers confined water scuba diving and is a great get-together area for different activities. (JCM/AAL/PIA 6 Capiz)

More health studies needed, research body says

By Elsa S. Subong ILOILO CITY, July 4 (PIA6) -- More health studies are needed to generate relevant data to deal with health and other related problems in the country, according to the Western Visayas Health Research and Development Consortium (WVHRDC).

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OST-6 Director Engr. Rowen Gelonga, co-chair of the Consortium, said the body seeks to link researchers and institutions to facilitate health research activities attuned to the health needs in the region.

Dr. Aretha Liwag of the WVHRDC Research Management Committee said, health research today becomes important with the country’s commitment to the millennium development goal in improving the health of the people through prevention of diseases. Liwag, who conducted an

orientation on the need for more studies, urged medical professionals, professors and research institutions to come up with research proposals that can pave the way for development of local technologies to address prevalent diseases.

DOST-6 Information Officer Sol Salazar said the WVHRDC will conduct research proposals which address some priority health problems on maternal and child health, communicable diseases, non-communicable diseases, traditional and alternative medicine, environmental, health, special sectors, health

service, substance abuse, innovations/new technologies, gender and health.

It is also prioritizing proposals which are relevant and sound and do not violate ethical standards for research activities.

Interested parties may contact the WVHRDC secretariat for queries through telephone number 320-0907 to have their studies funded.

DOST said each approved proposal will be provided with a budget support of P200,000. (DOST6/JSC/ESS-PIA6, Iloilo)

WESTERN VISAYAS

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Planting rubber trees can help reduce poverty UPV Administration Bldg., Iloilo City Campus

By Venus G. Villanueva

Kalibo, AKLAN, July 3 (PIA6) -- Can rubber trees help reduce poverty in Aklan? A big YES, according to Aklan’s number one advocate of rubber trees – Governor Carlito Marquez, who never forgets to give the numerous advantages of planting them in the province during his various speaking engagements here nowadays.

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ccording to him, a hectare could provide a planter P30,000 in net income per month.

Five years after planting rubber trees, latex, its main product that is used to make tires, rubber shoes, shoe soles, etc., could already be harvested.

His advocacy to plant rubber trees in Aklan started in 2011 when he delivered his State of the Province Address (SOPA) where he mentioned the plan to plant rubber trees.

As an offshoot of this plan, people from the Office of the Provincial Agriculturist (OPA) started scouting in the province for existing rubber trees, later discovering that there are already 3 areas with rubber trees – Cabugao, Altavas, which has 1,500 trees approximately 65 years old, Aklan State University (ASU) in Banga, which has 5 trees aging 35 years and in Alegria, Buruanga, which has 500 trees and only 4 years old.

Presently, the province is establishing scion grove/multiplier rubber tree plantation by procuring 4 promising clones placed in Castillo, Makato, Aklan.

By 2013 to 2014, the provincial government of Aklan, in collaboration with the Department of Agriculture Regional Field Unit 6 or other private institutions will be procuring ready-to-plant budded rubber tree seedlings to be distributed to willing farmers.

By 2017, the provincial government through the Economic Enterprise Development Department (EEDD) will be establishing a processing plant and buy the latex harvest of the planters to assure market of the produce.

Recently, the drive in planting rubber trees in Aklan was further boosted when a month ago, the governor received a letter from an Aklanon engineer working as a senior electrical engineer at the Yokohama Tire Philippines in Clark Freeport,

Pampanga. In his letter to the governor, Jeremiah Joy Peniano said that during his vacation in Aklan this April, his father, a former employee of the Department of Agrarian Reform (DAR) here mentioned the possibility of supplying a portion of the rubber requirement of his company.

Peniano told the governor that presently, his company, which is employing 1,700 employees, produces 22,000 tires per day, operating 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

“Currently, we are getting our rubber requirement from Thailand, Indonesia, Zamboanga and North Cotabato. In five years time and with our ongoing expansion, we are planning to double our production output and aiming to be Yokohama Rubber Corporation’s biggest tire factory in the world,” Peniano told the governor in his letter.

Planting rubber trees might just be one of the solutions. (JCM/VGV-PIA6 Aklan)

NAPOLCOM now accepting PNP applications online ILOILO CITY, July 3 (PIA6) -- The National Police Commission (Napolcom) is now accepting applications online for the Philippine National Police (PNP) Entrance and Promotional Exams slated October 14.

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he On-line Examination Application Scheduling System (OLEASS) will start July 9 and end on July 20.

According to Napolcom, the applications shall be on a "first come, first served" basis and they reserve the right to limit the number of examinees it will accommodate. It also reserves the right to stop accepting applications even ahead of its identified deadline if it deems necessary.

An applicant interested to become a policeman/policewoman should log on to the official website of Napolcom at

www.napolcom.gov.ph, click on the on-line examination application scheduling system and fill out the mandatory requirements (name, address, contact numbers, etc.) to get the scheduled appointment at the regional office for the processing of his/her application either for promotion or entrance.

The applicant then submits his/her application and waits for the confirmation which will appear if the submission was correctly done. If it does not, the process should be repeated.

A letter-reply will be sent to his/her email address confirming the scheduled

appointment at the Napolcom regional office.

The applicant should then print out the letter reply and submit it to the Napolcom regional office together with the other required documents for the processing of his/her application.

Those who do not receive their letter-reply may inquire at the Napolcom Regional Office at Cor. Fuentes-Ledesma Streets, Iloilo City or call telephone numbers 3370934 and 3350023.

(Napolcom/JCM-PIA6)

Guv enjoins observance of Disaster Consciousness Month

By Margie L. Gadian SAN JOSE,Antique, July 5 (PIA) -- Governor Exequiel B. Javier, chairman of the Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (PDRRMC) enjoins all PDRRMC/MDRRMC/BDRRMC member agencies and stakeholders to observe the National Disaster Consciousness Month which falls in the month of July.

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n a letter, he advised stakeholders to plan and undertake significant activities to highlight the celebration in accordance with Republic Act 10121.

R.A. 10121 is an act strengthening the Philippine Disaster Risk Reduction and Management System, providing for the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Framework and institutionalizing the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Plan.

Further, the Act encourages a disaster risk reduction and management approach that is holistic, comprehensive, integrated, and proactive in lessening the socioeconomic and environmental impacts of disasters including climate change, and promotes the involvement and participation of all sectors and all stakeholders concerned, at all levels, especially the local community. Activities suggested for the month include conduct

of public awareness, information and education campaign, conduct of drills and emergency simulation exercises in schools and offices, and hanging of streamers in s t r at e gi c pl a c e s with d is a s te r consciousness messages.

This year's National Disaster Consciousness Month theme is: "Ligtas na Bayan, Maunlad na Pamayanan." (JCM/ MLG/PIA6-Antique)

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CENTRAL VISAYAS

Dengue fever shows more unusual symptoms UPV Cebu College

By Rey Anthony H. Chiu

TAGBILARAN CITY, Bohol, July 2 (PIA) -- If dengue fever can manifest in “by the books” symptoms then, health practitioners are now in for tougher times dealing with the disease that has claimed the lives of at least 10 Boholanos since January 2012.

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nurse who sits as Provincial Dengue Program Coordinator and a medical officer based at the Department of Education (DepEd) schools’ division office in Bohol confirmed that the new dengue strain, brought by the aedes aegypti mosquitoes, carries symptoms that are not the usual indicators of the disease.

Nurse Polizena Rances and Dr. Aida Calamba of the DepEd here said that dengue then, can be confirmed following symptoms which can be “read” from their college books: headaches, three days of high fever, vomiting, exhaustion, rashes, swelling in the lymph nodes, intense joint and muscle pains and low platelet count.

"Fever associated with dengue now may not be as high unlike then or platelet count can go erratic that proper medical monitoring is needed," Rances said.

At the weekly Kapihan sa PIA on June 28, Rances bared that dengue has hit 273 patients in Bohol from January to the third week of June.

Since then too, ten patients have died marking a case fatality rate of 3.66 percent in Bohol.

According to provincial epidemiology surveillance unit (PESU) Fritzie Olaguir, this is way too high based on the Department of Health standards of one percent of the total cases.

Olaguir also said most fatalities came to hospitals at a rather late admission.

Dr. Calamba, whose agency has spearheaded an anti dengue drive in schools said while prevention of the disease is still a layman’s best defense, seeking immediate medical attention is a crucial step in dengue treatment.

Dr. Calamba, nurses Olaguir, Rances and Angeles Bagnit all pressed that they need communities to join the drive by searching and destroying mosquito breeding places; patients seeking early medical attention; self protection and saying no to indiscriminate fogging. (mbcn/ rahc/PIA-Bohol)

12 Cebu youth leaders explore Europe CEBU CITY, July 3 -- Twelve youth delegates and three adult leaders from Cebu were sent to an exchange visit in the cities of Haarlemmermeer in the Netherlands and Kortrijk in Belgium through the program Young Minds on Xplore (YMX) Season 3 of the Ramon Aboitiz Foundation Inc. (RAFI) from April 14 to May 6 this year.

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he program was in partnership with Vereniging Haarlemmermeer Cebu (VHC), the Meerlanden Youth Cebu and the City of Kortrijk.

Young Minds on Xplore (YMX) Season 3 aims to provide an avenue for better understanding and appreciation of Cebuano and European cultures and for cultivating a deeper sense of nationalism among the participants.

To better appreciate European culture and understand best practices and systems in Europe, the delegates visited the Hague, which is the Netherland's seat of government, and the European Parliament in Brussels, Belgium.

In Belgium, Kortrijk Deputy Mayor Alain Cnudde welcomed the delegates and

conducted a brief discussion of the sister-city relationship between Cebu City and Kortrijk.

They visited institutions and organizations such as St. Michiels Church, NOC and the Youth Movement, Oxfam Wereldwinkel Fair Trade, Haaberkrats, AZ Groeninge Hospital, Groep Ubuntu and Acht Kanter.

The delegates were able to attend the Sunday Lowland Games organized by the City of Kortrijk in preparation for the 2012 Olympics.

In the Netherlands, a council session in the City of Haarlemmermeer was held, where the mayor welcomed the delegates. They went to the Meerlanden Sanitary Landfill, NEVISO-Roots for

Development, the Cruquiushoeue Stable Center, Spaarne Hospital and various educational institutions.

The delegates toured around the Dutch capital city of Amsterdam and the Jewish Historical Museum and took part in the Dutch national holiday in celebration of Queen Beatrix's birthday.

Upon arriving in Cebu, the delegates started working on projects that support the "I Am A Hero" and Mega Cebu Project of RAFI. More information about YMA may be availed of through 418-7234 loc. 110 or through www.rafi.org.ph or www.facebook.com/rafi.org.ph. (MBCN/ HFG/RAFI-PIA7)

Army provides free social services to 3 remote villages

By Rachelle M. Nessia DUMAGUETE CITY, July 3 (PIA) -- More than 2,000 residents in three hinterland barangays in Ayungon town benefited from a series of outreach activities led by the 11th Infantry Battalion (IB) of the Philippine Army here.

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he outreach campaign was held in the barangays of Carol-an (June 20), Nabhang (June 21) and Mabato (June 27), which are said to be the remotest villages in Ayungon town and shares the provincial boundary with Kabankalan town of Negros Occidental.

Of the total residents who took part in the outreach program, 574 came from Brgy. Carol-an, 396 from Brgy. Nabhang and 1,408 from Brgy. Mabato. The outreach drive was done in cooperation

with the Ayungon municipal government and included free consultation, measles vaccination, circumcision, dental services, mass wedding, tree planting, massage and peace advocacy symposiums, said 11IB Capt. Ariel V. Quirog.

Quirog said medicines were also given to the beneficiaries for free.

Ayungon Mayor Edsel Enardecido officiated over the wedding of ten couples in Brgy. Carol-an and six in Brgy.

Mabato. A total of 150 school bags with

school supplies and 800 packs of relief goods were also handed out in Brgy.

Carol-an.

The outreach program was undertaken by the soldiers together with the Army’s medical team from the 11IB and the 302nd Brigade, municipal health officers, municipal agriculture officers, barangay officials, Department of Education, barangay health workers, and fire volunteers. (RMN/PIA7 Negros Oriental)

CENTRAL VISAYAS

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112 trainees from NegOr receive certificates UPV Cebu College Administration Bldg.

By Jennifer C. Tilos

BAYAWAN CITY, Negros Oriental, July 2 (PIA) -- More than 100 trainees graduated in different vocational skills on June 27 in Bayawan City, Negros Oriental.

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f the 112 graduates, 39 completed the training on Personal Computer Operatio,; 24 in Consumer Electronics Servicing, 16 in Food Processing and Preservation, 16 in Building Wiring Installation, and 17 in Rough Carpentry.

According to Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA) Information Officer Geraldine delos Reyes, the National Certificate (NC) or Certificate of Competency (COC) is very important now because most employers

require their job applicants to present this certificate before they are accepted.

The NC will be issued only after passing the competencies required on a certain qualification level.

Bayawan and the Tolong Multi-Purpose Cooperative (TOMPUCO) funded the skills training for their 112 beneficiaries from different barangays.

Adonis Rivera, principal of Bayawan National High School, told the graduates to adapt to changes by quoting Charles Darwin, “It is not the strongest specie that

will survive but he who adapts to change”.

City Mayor Rene Gaudiel graced the occasion, who also inspired the trainees to be more productive.

Delos Reyes confirmed the graduates in behalf of the TESDA provincial director Toni June Tamayo. She encouraged the graduates to upgrade their skills acquired and take the competency assessment to be a certified skilled worker.

(MBCN/JCT-PIA7, Negros Oriental

8,000 elementary studes in Bohol get free breakfast

By Rey Anthony H. Chiu TAGBILARAN CITY, Bohol, July 1 (PIA) --The Department of Education (DepEd) continues to serve free breakfast for 8,222 pre and primary students in a bid to get to the 70% undernourished kids in Bohol this year.

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ohol pilots the Breakfast Feeding Program which DepEd implements for 160 days or roughly 8 months, DepEd sources said.

At the recent Kapihan sa PIA tackling July as National Nutrition Month Celebration, DepEd’s Dr. Aida Calamba told listeners that the move is being made because within these ages, school authorities note a high drop-out rate.

She added that breakfast is a crucial meal most kids miss to catch up with school, or their walk to school can easily use up the nutrition intake and thus would struggle with hunger to survive the entire morning class sessions.

Started in 1997, the Breakfast Feeding Program is a government attempt to get to the 70% of the malnourished kids and ascertain 80% of their attendance and

class participation, Dr. Calamba explained.

The program also hopes to be sustained as the government engages parents’ cooperation and participation in preparing the nutritious food in the menu.

She said while the government provides the funds for the supplemental feeding program, it is in line with the 2012 Nutrition Month Theme “Pagkain ng gulay ugali-in, araw-araw itong ihain”.

The supplemental feeding menu puts in a basic vegetable which is malunggay, adds Angeles Bigcal, a nurse who is among the 22 nurses DepEd hired to attend to the school health service and nutrition education needs.

At the radio forum on air, Bigcal who is nurse in charge at the Bohol Division

Office said the feeding program also encourages the establishment of school vegetable gardens inasmuch as the feeding ingredients promote locally grown vegetables.

Meanwhile, fifty-one high school students leaders from the Infant King Academy (IKA) in Cortes and Saint Vincent Institute (SVI) in Maribojoc, Bohol gathered on June 23 at the Parola Hall of the Municipal Port of Maribojoc for a one-day Leadership Enhancement Training Seminar (LETS) Workshop initiated by the Philippine Information Agency-Bohol.

The workshop was designed to equip them with the necessary skills as student leaders in their respective schools (mbcn/ rahc/PIA-Bohol)

Siquijor disaster council distributes disaster preparedness equipment

By Rizalie A. Calibo SIQUIJOR, June 30 (PIA) -- The provincial disaster council has distributed 20 Kenwood hand-held radios with early warning systems, preparedness and response equipment to its four committees.

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he Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (PDRRMC) will also distribute 12 heavy duty and four underwater flashlights, two underwater digital cameras, three transistor radios, two repeaters and 12 battery chargers.

During the PDRRMC meeting held at the Sangguniang Panlalawigan Session Hall, Siquijor Provincial Capitol PDRRMC Executive Officer Arturo Pacatang said the province has acquired at least 30 units of handheld radios and other equipment from last year’s local disaster risk reduction and management fund

(LDRRMF). Four of these units were already turned over to the Integrated Provincial Health Office (IPHO), Provinci al Soci al Welfare a nd Development (PSWD), Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) and the two barangays in Lazi.

He said the mitigation, response, rehabilitation and preparedness committees through the lead agencies should receive five hand-held radios and two flashlights each with charger.

One repeater is placed in Mt. Bandilaan and the other one will be placed at the IPHO. The underwater camera and the underwater flashlights were given to

Bantay Dagat task force and the emergency rescue team, he said. He added there is a regular inventory of equipment in the province and that in the event of disaster, these equipment are available.

Pacatang urged the PDRRMC to adopt a resolution allowing the use of the 2011 PDRRMC budget balance for the purchase of a rubber boat for water search and rescue, 135 horse power unit engine for the Samaritan boat or a new speed boat that would transport patients from Siquijor to Dumaguete as he admits Siquijor hospital’s constraints in handling emergency cases.

(RMN/RAC-PIA7 Siquijor)

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EASTERN VISAYAS

Pacific Partnership accomplishments exceeded targets - BGen Layug

UPV Tacloban Administration Bldg.

CATBALOGAN CITY, Samar, July 2 (PIA) -- B. Gen Gerardo Layug, the Commanding General of the 8th Infantry Division, Philippine Army declared that the accomplishments of the biggest U.S. humanitarian mission in Samar exceeded targets.

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ayug was assigned as the ground missions done in 25 sites in Samar commander during the project and Northern Samar treated 25,000 that started in June 18 and ended patients.

July 2.

The engineering projects were done Pacific Partnership is the largest ahead of schedule and instead of just three humanitarian and civic action mission in projects, one additional structure was also the Asia Pacific region designed to completed. strengthen regional partnership and The general also cited the combined enhance a collective ability to respond to efforts of the different national natural disasters and crisis, according to Lt government agencies like health, Cmdr Matthew Breedlove, the USNS in e d u c a t i o n , defense, police charge of the media affairs. working together as one to serve the “We succeeded because our Samarenos. dedication to serve the people and our Although the general did not specify collective effort is reflective of our the locations of the infrastructure ‘Bayanihan’ spirit, all throughout the components, organizers mentioned conduct of the Pacific Partnership 2012,” school buildings in Barangay Malaga, Layug said in his message.

Palanit and health centers in Calbayog and He reported that the medical/dental Gandara.

“The Disaster Preparedness subject matter expert exchange also generated positive feedbacks and inputs on how to enhance our capacity to respond to disasters,” Layug added.

He also mentioned the veterinary missions, public engagements, community services, donations of school supplies, and equipment to the health centers.

After acknowledging the benefactors of the various humanitarian projects in Samar, the general bid the project implementers goodbye.

“As you set sail to Subic Bay from Samar Island, and on to Vietnam and Cambodia, I wish you clear skies, calm seas and fair winds,” he said. (PIA-Samar with reports from ECB)

Cooking showdown held in Southern Leyte

By Rebecca S. Cadavos MAASIN CITY, Southern Leyte, July 3 (PIA) -- At least 16 municipalities, including the city of Maasin, participated in the cooking competition held recently here, as one of the activities of the 52nd Founding Anniversary celebration of the province.

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he cook fest, initiated by the Provincial Social Welfare and Development Office, was aimed at developing the best cooks in the province to use indigenous ingredients within the locality, Provincial Social Welfare and Development Office information officer-designate Amy Malazarte said.

She said that “each participating municipality was represented by their best cook during the competition”.

The first three winners went to the

municipality of Liloan, which presented "Guyabano Salad;" municipality of Anahawan with "Ginataang Gulay with Guyabano and Hipon;" and Limasawa town with "Utokan," awarded as the first, second, and third prizes respectively, Malazarte said.

The first place was given P15,000; P12,000 was set for the second prize; and P10,000 for the third prize winner. A consolation prize of P3,000 was also given to each participating team, Malazarte said.

The judges panel for the cooking competition was chaired by National Nutrition Council Regional Director Carina Santiago, with members Teresita Marquez from the Department of Education, Provincial Nutritionist Nilda Rich, Teresita Carayo and Paul Coster from the private sector.

Daisy Gamale, Sangguniang Panlalawigan Committee Chairman on Women, was the guest of honor during the affair in behalf of the province of Southern Leyte. (PIA-Southern Leyte)

N. Samar launches vegetable gardening activity

By Teresita B. Cardenas CATARMAN, Northern Samar, July 3 (PIA) -- Various government agencies launched a vegetable gardening activity at Mondragon I Central School in Northern Samar.

T

he Provincial Nutrition Council of Northern Samar, the Department of Education, Philippine National Police (PNP) and the local government of Mondragon led the activity as kick-off for the celebration of Nutrition Month to emphasize the importance of eating vegetables as part of a healthy diet.

Provincial Nutritional Council members, municipal officials, school administrators, teachers, students and the

PNP attended the activity.

This year’s theme, “Pagkain ng gulay ugaliin, araw-araw itong ihain” simply means promoting vegetable consumption and production in school, Provincial Planning and Development coordinator Engr. Romeo M. Cardenas said in his speech.

Cardenas urged school administrators, teachers and students to take care of the vegetable seedlings to

ensure maturity of the crops and enjoy the fruit of their labor.

He also asked everyone to start growing vegetables at home without using pesticides or insecticides. He added that these tasted better than what is sold in the market.

The event started with a short program followed by a vegetable planting activity. The PNP also sponsored a school feeding activity. (PIA-Northern Samar)

EASTERN VISAYAS

7

Biliran gov leads vegetable planting UPV Tacloban College

By Flordelis E. Jackson

NAVAL, Biliran, July 3 (PIA) -- The governor of Biliran led a vegetable planting at the demo farm beside the Office of the Provincial Agricultural Services (OPAS) at the provincial capitol compound on July 2.

G

overnor Gerardo J. Espina Jr. led the activity, which is the kick-off of the series of activities prepared by the Provincial Nutrition Council (PNC). It is part of the celebration of Nutrition Month centered on the theme, “Pagkain ng gulay ugaliin, araw-araw itong ihain!”

Provincial Agriculturist Jaime Casas said in an interview that Biliran Provincial Health Officer (PHO) Dr. Alfonso Veneracion, Department of Health (DOH) -Biliran representative Dr. Salvacion Salas, capitol employees, government offices’ heads and PNC officers and members joined the governor in filling up 12 big plots at the demo farm.

“With the governor leading in the

planting of vegetables at the demo farm, this will inspire more Biliran farmers who visit the OPAS regularly for consultation on modern technology on vegetable production, to plant more vegetables for the consumption of the Biliranons,” Casas said.

“The provincial government of Biliran through Governor Espina strongly promotes vegetables in the daily diet of every Biliranon,” he added.

Casas said that the demo farm was planted with some 700 vegetable seedlings of different varieties such as ampalaya, pechay, tomatoes, kangkong, and eggplant.

“Planting at the capitol demo farm will be done continuously to ensure a

year-round and adequate supply of vegetables,” he said.

The PNC will also conduct a series of fora through the Municipal Nutrition Action Officers (MNAOs) of the eight municipalities of Biliran province to convince mothers to make vegetables always part of the family meal.

During the fora, mothers will also be taught how to grow a family garden with the help of the children in gardening because children appreciate the food served to them if they know how these vegetables were grown and prepared.

(PIA-Biliran)

Maasin Zoo open for business -- Gov. Mercado

By Marcelo M. Pedalino DANAO FOREST PARK, Maasin City, Southern Leyte, July 1 (PIA) -- Saying that to experience being in a zoo is every child’s dream, Gov. Damian Mercado yesterday opened the door of the Maasin Zoo for all visitors to come and see for themselves the latest man-made attraction the province can offer.

“

Finally, we can declare Southern Leyte open as the playground of Eastern Visayas,” Mercado said during the grand opening ceremony here, an activity timed to become part of a series of events marking the 52nd anniversary celebration of the province today.

The realization of the project, which took eleven years to materialize, was a proof that President Benigno Aquino’s familiar mantra of Public-Private Partnership (PPP) for big-ticket undertakings was doable, Mercado said.

He was referring to the close

coordination between the provincial and city governments and their private partner, the Southern Leyte Chamber of Commerce and Industry (SLCCI) led by its President Engr. Robert Castanares.

About three years ago, it was the SLCCI, with technical support from the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI), which drafted the tourism framework for the province by building five tourism hubs in key areas.

In April 2011, the first hub at Agas-Agas zipline adventure in Sogod town was inaugurated, an extreme adventure sport that keeps on attracting

interested riders since its opening.

The Maasin Zoo, also called Maasin Wildlife and Nature Park, was the second hub, and soon to follow will be the canopy walk adventure in the forests of Silago, Sogod Bay Diving, and Limasawa Shrine, Mercado said.

Rev. Fr. Amiel Borneo later led the blessing of all the cages and facilities around the zoo, including housing complex of animals such as tigers, lions, crocodiles, snakes, birds, monkeys, camels, horses, and ostritches, among others. (PIA-Southern Leyte)

Let's give children a space in media, Anak TV says

By Alicia F. Nicart BORONGAN CITY, EASTERN SAMAR, June 29 (PIA) – A children’s advocate has urged media practitioners in Samar and Leyte to provide a space for children in their outlets, either print, broadcast or cable TV, where children could freely express their views and opinions.

I

n a press conference, Mag Hatol of “Anak TV,” the Philippine Advocacy for Child-Sensitive, Family-Friendly Television, said studies show that 98 percent of television programming cater to adults’ needs and only 2 percent are for children.

Through the “Right of the Child to Expression” campaign in partnership with Plan International, Hatol has inspired and taught children to develop and produce 3-seconder video spots where little children expressed their clamor for assistance and adults’ interventions for most of their pressing needs.

He cited a media product produced by a group of young children from Salcedo

town a few years ago. As shown, the 3-seconder video, expressed the children’s need in that particular town, for a good road leading to their school, because, at times, passing jeeps would run over the wide, brownish potholes, splashing dirty water on their faces and unto their newly ironed uniforms. The video also showed, the pupils’ slippers that were soaked with clay even as they were already damaged.

According to Mr. Hatol, the children in Samar and Leyte are so talented. That Salcedo elementary graders never had a background of MassCom work, except for a cheap camera on hand, were able to produce such a potent advocacy material.

Yet, it was so effective, he said, that when the former Salcedo Mayor saw it, the official immediately ordered the urgent rehabilitation of the said potholed road.

Hatol said children have something to tell the world and their elders should listen.

He observed that most newspapers in the region are barely Child-Friendly.

Salcedo, Eastern Samar is a PLAN area, where some child-friendly programs are being funded by a foreign aid organization.

Other programs in the province are in Oras and Llorente towns. Mr. Rodel Bontuyan manages the Plan Areas in the region while Ms. Analyn Co heads PLAN in the Eastern Samar. (PIA-Eastern Samar)

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