One Visayas e-Newsletter Vol 2 Issue 28

Vol 2

In this Issue WESTERN VISAYAS

Cebu Governor Gwendolyn Garcia shares the Suroy-suroy Sugbo tourism program that brings tourists to the countryside during the Iloilo Provincial Tourism Summit held at the Grand Hotel, Iloilo City. Governor Garcia was the keynote speaker of the Summit. Photo shows, from Left, Mr. Juan Jose Jamora, Chairman of the Iloilo Business Club; DOT 6 OIC-Director Helen Catalbas; Dr. James Soukamneuth, USAID Enterprise Officer; and Iloilo Sangguniang Panlalawigan Member, and Chair of the SP Committee on Tourism Demy Sonza.(TWV/PIA 6)

More on Region 6, pages 2-3.

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CENTRAL VISAYAS

July 9 - 15, 2012

Published by: PIA 6, 7 & 8

Issue 28

DOE urges more media advocacy on downstream oil industry By: Elsa S. Subong ILOILO CITY, July 13 (PIA6) - - The Department of Energy has urged government communicators and the media to help in advocating and disseminating the developments in the marketing and selling of oil in the country.

In an advocacy campaign held in Iloilo City on July 12, attended by some 100 information officers and the media. DOE Director for Oil Industry Management Bureau Zenaida Monsada said despite limited access to the basis for local oil prices, the agency has been transparent in its computation of prevailing prices.

She said it costs millions to subscribe to the Platts Data, which is the basis for current local prices in the market, and DOE does not have much resources to disseminate the information to the public who are not subscribers.

Like any other commodity, oil prices can be volatile depending on many factors like local standards, availability of oil providers, geographical locations, geopolitical concerns and speculation in the world market, and even changes in weather.

The country relies on the Dubai benchmark for its prices because it is relatively cheaper, as the Philippines get its oil from Middle East countries because the country uses more diesel here.

“Besides proximity, it takes less travel time to reach us, hence, lesser costs,” Monsada said.

Monsada also said that Republic Act 8479 or the Downstream Oil Industry Deregulation Act of 1998

provides for fair price on oil, not low price, as it is encouraging entry of new players in the industry.

She said it is a fact that the Oil Deregulation Law has promoted healthy competition among these players for better, quality service.

On the other hand DOE Director for the Visayas Atty. Antonio Labios said it may not be easy explaining prices of oil but the agency has always been taking initiatives to ensure that there are fair prices, besides reliable sources of sufficient supply of energy.

The DOE team, in coordination with the Philippine Information Agency-6, had been conducting a series of advocacy campaigns with various sectors, on the DOI. (JCM/ESS/PIA-Iloilo)

Department of Energy - Oil Industry Management Bureau Director Zenaida Y. Monsada briefs members of media, government information officers and other participants on policies and updates on the downstream oil industry during the Multi-Sectoral Advocacy Campaign on the industry conducted by DOE in coordination with Philippine Information Agency in Iloilo CIty, July 12. (EJB/PIA6)

Cebu, Visayas to have stable power supply in next 2-3 years

By Fayette C. Rinen

Provincial governor Orlando A. Fua Jr. with the engineers, planners and decision-makers in the province during the Storm Water Management and Design Training conducted by the Confederation of Scientific and Professional Organization (COSPO) through the DOST. (RACalibo/PIA-7 Siuqijor/fotos from MEP/DOST-Siquijor)

More on Region 7, pages 4-5.

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EASTERN VISAYAS

CEBU CITY, July 10 (PIA) -- A power executive echoed the assurance of the Department of Energy (DOE) 7 that Cebu and the rest of the Visayas will have stable supply of power within the next two to three years.

Sebastian Lacson, senior vice president and chief operating officer of the Visayas Electric Company (VECO) in a media forum this morning assuaged fears that brownouts would occur due to insufficient power supply. “Cebu and even the rest of the Visayas Region need not fear of prolonged brownouts because our baseload supply of power is quite stable within the next two to three years,” said Lacson. DOE 7 Engr. Antonio Labios previously gave the assurance that Cebu’s power supply is good and stable until 2015.

But like Labios, Lacson said Cebu and the Visayas need additional power plants to accommodate the increasing demand of a growing business community and rising needs of an increasing population.

Energy Usec. Josefina Patricia Magpale-Asirit in a visit to Cebu last March said the Visayas grid has a total of 83 MW surplus from its 1,843 MW available capacity.

This is due to the 610 megawatts added to the Visayas grid last year, she added.

Although in the DOE Power Development Plan, the grid would need 100 MW additional power supply by 2015, Asirit said the power projects are expected to be coming on line during different years and from various sources. (PIA-Cebu)

$214.44M Samar road rehab starts August

Mayor Valente Adolfo of Mayorga, Leyte welcomes delegates from the World Health Organization, personnel from the Department of Health, guests and visitors to the kick-off ceremony for the province of Leyte in observance of the Schistosomiasis Awareness Month and its mass treatment conducted in Brgy. Bonifacio, July 5.

(Vino R.Cuayzon)

More on Region 8, pages 6-7.

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TACLOBAN CITY, Leyte, July 8 (PIA) -- After rigid screening of interested contractors, the contract will be awarded and the winning bidder will start constructing the Secondary National Roads Development Project (SNRDP) on August 15, an undertaking funded by a $214.44-million Millennium Challenge Corporation five-year grant.

Rene Galapon, project engineer of the Department of Public Works and Highways Region 8 said that the winning contractor will work on the SNRDP Contract Package 3 which entails the rehabilitation of 64.6 km of road starting from the municipal boundary of San Julian and Sulat to Balangkayan and Llorente municipal boundary.

This was the first segment of the four phases of the SNRDP placed for bidding, Galapon said, since the design consultant had completed the detailed engineering designs activities, including road surveys, pavement tests, geotechnical and drainage/hydrology

studies, bridge evaluation and hydraulics, plan preparation, and cost estimation, among others.

The MCC SNRDP was divided into four contract packages. Contract package 1 which is up for bidding on July 15, involves the rehabilitation of a 16.3-km stretch of road from Buray Junction to Barangay Tenani in Paranas, Samar.

Contract Package 2 traverses the 63.8-km road from Barangay Tenani, Paranas, Samar to the municipal boundary of San Julian and Sulat.

Contract Package 3, the first segment of the SNRDP placed in bidding, includes the rehabilitation of 64.6 km of road starting from the municipal boundary of San Julian and Sulat to Balangkayan and Llorente municipal boundary.

The fourth contract package is from town boundary of Balangkayan and Llorente to Guiuan, which is 79.5 kilometers. (PIA-8)

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WESTERN VISAYAS

RDRRMC holds symposia on disaster fund utilization UPV Administration Bldg., Miag-ao Campus

By: Jaime S. Cabag, Jr.

ILOILO CITY, July 10 (PIA) -- The Regional Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (RDRRMC) is holding a series of symposia on the utilization of the Disaster Risk Reduction and Management (DRRM) fund by local government units in Western Visayas.

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he Office of Civil Defense (OCD) regional office here said the activity in Boracay, Malay, Aklan this week is attended by disaster risk reduction and management officers, accountants, budget officers and auditors from the provinces of Aklan, Antique, Capiz and Guimaras and officials of OCD, RDRRMC and provincial DRRMCs. The symposia are part of the activities of the ongoing observance of the National Disaster Consciousness Month (NDCM) in the region.

OCD6 said issues and concerns related to the use of the DRRM fund will be discussed during the symposium which will have OCD

Civil Defense Executive Officer Ronald I. Flores as resource person.

The calamity fund is now known as DRRM fund with the implementation of the Philippine Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Act of 2010.

It provides that not less than 5 percent of the estimated revenue from regular sources of a local government unit shall be set aside as the local DRRM fund to support disaster risk management activities before, during and after a disaster.

These activities include pre-disaster preparedness training programs including training, purchasing of life-saving equipment, supplies and medicines as well as payment of

premiums on calamity insurance and construction of evacuation centers.

Of the LDRRM fund, 30 percent shall be allocated as Quick Response Fund or stand-by fund for relief and recovery programs in order that situation and living conditions of people in communities or areas stricken by disasters, calamities, epidemics or complex emergencies may be normalized as quickly as possible.

Unexpended LDRRMF shall accrue to a special trust fund for in DRRM related activities within the next five years.

Similar symposia for Iloilo and Negros Occidental will be held on a later date, said OCD6. (JSC-PIA6)

4Ps is PNoy's promise fulfilled

By Carolina A. Dionela BACOLOD CITY, July 11 (PIA6) -- President Aquino's campaign promise to assist the poor has been fulfilled thru government's conditional cash transfer (CCT) program, also known as Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program (4Ps).

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uring a communication roadshow in Bacolod City, Presidential Spokesperson Edwin Lacierda said “instead of waiting for the economy to grow the President directly invested in human capital to help the poor, help themselves.” Contrary to what the critics claim, Lacierda said the 4Ps is not a dole-out project as beneficiaries are required to comply with certain conditions to continuously receive the cash grant.

In Western Visayas, more than 261,000 households are covered by the Pantawid Pamilya program in 118 cities and municipalities. In Negros Occidental, some

104,097 beneficiaries of 4Ps this year will receive P1.7 billion in cash grants.

Liane Garcia, provincial social welfare and development officer, said that the allocation for Negros Occidental is the largest received by the province and the biggest among the provinces in the region.

Garcia said each household will receive P1,400 a month or P145.7 million for the entire province monthly. Local government officials confirmed that the cash grant of the 4Ps has improved the economic condition of their communities, she added.

Records of the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD), the lead

implementing agency of the 4P’s, showed that more than five million extremely poor households are already enrolled in the program.

The poorest households are selected for coverage through the National Household Targeting System for Poverty Reduction implemented by DSWD. The 4P’s is a human development program of the national government that provides conditional cash grants to extremely poor households to improve their health, nutrition and education, particularly of children aged 0-14 years old. (CD/JCM/PIA6, NegOcc.)

Aklan PPOC OKs agreement on disposition of arms, forces

By Venus G. Villanueva KALIBO, Aklan, July 9 (PIA6) -- The Provincial Peace and Order Council (PPOC) has approved a resolution of support to the proposed Closure Agreement between the Government of the Philippines (GPH) and the Rebolusyyonaryong Partido ng Manggagawa ng Pilipinas/Revolutionary Proletarian Army/Alex Boncayao Brigade (RPMP/RPA/ABB) Tabara-Paduana Group (TPG) Towards the Disposition of Arms and Forces.

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he approval was one of the highlights of the PPOC meeting held at the GCLC Tourism and Training Center in Old Buswang, Kalibo.

The resolution of support was crafted by the Office of the Presidential Adviser on the Peace Process (OPAPP) as part of the Peace Agenda under the administration of President Benigno Aquino III to end all internal armed conflicts which includes bringing to a closure peace talks between the GPH and the RPMP/RPA/ABB through a negotiated political settlement.

Based on the resolution presented before approval by OPAPP Executive Director Luisito Montalbo, both parties have endeavored to craft the “Closure Agreement towards the Disposition

of Arms and Forces” with three-fold objectives – full disposition of arms and forces and to return to civilian life the armed members of the RPM-P/ RPA/ABB (TPG); bring transformation of RPM-P/ RPA-ABB (TPG) into a legitimate socio organization; and infuse development projects to identified conflict-affected areas.

Part of the closure program, according to the resolution, is a socio-economic reintegration package such as livelihood, core shelter, and other forms of assistance for forty-two (42) RPM-P/RPA/ABB (TPG) from Ibajay, Madalag and Nabas towns in the province with a proposed settlement site at the upper portion of Barangay Cabugao, Ibajay.

Under the agreement, OPAPP, through the PAMANA Program will be providing funding for the projects with the support of concerned national government agencies, Provincial Government of Aklan and concerned local government units.

In his presentation of the resolution, Montalbo revealed that the closure agreement will have a total budget of P28.70 million, broken down as P4.5 million peace dividends for the 9 barangays at P500,000 each; P2.1 million for livelihood, P2.1 for core shelter and P20 million for the settlement site at Barangay Cabugao.

(JCM/VGV PIA 6 Aklan)

WESTERN VISAYAS

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DOT to showcase mini-galleons, piña cloth in Malaysia tourism fair UPV Administration Bldg., Iloilo City Campus

By Vicente W. Villavert

ILOILO CITY, July 11 (PIA) -- The arts and crafts along with the beach resorts of Guimaras and Boracay of Western Visayas will be promoted in the forthcoming Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia First Philippine Tourism Fair.

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IC-Director Helen J. Catalbas of the Department of Tourism (DOT 6) said the event will afford the region to establish a connectivity to the Malaysian investors and tourists to also experience fun in the Philippines’ Western Visayas region.

Catalbas said the Kuala Lumpur First Philippine Tourism Fair will be held July 19-23 and with the DOT as head of the delegation, the region will have around 10 to 12 participants to the said tourism event in Malaysia.

“The resorts will be promoted, as well as the region’s ingenuity along with Aklan’s Piña (pineapple) cloth hand painting and Guimaras’ mini-galleon making,” Catalbas said.

Piña weaving is the oldest industry in the province of Aklan and has a wide range of Piña-based handicraft products, while Guimaras is famous for miniature ships, handcrafted with unique designs perfect as souvenir items.

Catalbas said that the region’s participation is essential in attracting the Malaysians to also visit Western Visayas, because Malaysia is another booming economy in Southeast Asia.

Catalbas said that the DOT 6 will also prepare for the results of the region’s participation to the Kuala Lumpur event, by training hotels, restaurants, resort operators in Halal food cooking.

The DOT 6 OIC-Director said the training on Halal food cooking will be conducted anytime this year.

“Halal foods are foods allowed under Islamic dietary guidelines,” Catalbas said as she emphasized that once “our hotels, restaurants and resorts have Halal certification, we can likewise strengthen our campaign to attract other Muslim countries to visit our tourist attractions here”.

According to the DOT 6, the Malaysian visitor arrivals for the period January to December 2011, was recorded at 1,495 and around 980 tourists recorded for the period covering January to May 2012.

(JCM/VWV-PIA6 Iloilo)

DOE calls on LGUs to help enforce LPG standards

By Jemin B. Guillermo ROXAS CITY, Capiz, July 11 (PIA) -- Energy officials urged local government units in Capiz to support government efforts in ensuring compliance on standards in the sale of liquid petroleum products.

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epartment of Energy Visayas Field Office Director Antonio Labios said petroleum products (LPP) as well as liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) dealers and retail outlets must comply with the required standards for the welfare of the public.

In a talk during an education campaign among energy stakeholders, Labios called on the local government units and concerned agencies such as the Bureau of Fire Protection, Department of Trade and Industry and Philippine National Police, among others to help the DOE in the enforcement of rules and regulations on the trade of petroleum trade.

Among those present in the meeting were consumer groups, petroleum businessmen and officials and representatives from the LGUs and national government agencies.

This was held following a four-day inspection and monitoring of the downstream oil industry establishments in Capiz.

"The education campaign served as venue for stakeholders to tackle the issues concerning petroleum products business," Labios said. It was also an opportunity for the officials to listen to the problems of petroleum buyers. He also said that the LGUs play a vital role in ensuring compliance of quality and quantity standards as he expressed appreciation on the initial move of the League of Municipal Treasurers of Capiz to take actions in partnership with the local legislators in the province concerning violations committed by dealers and retail outlets.

During the event, the participants were briefed on oil pricing, retail rules in the

business of retailing LPP, LPG regulatory framework, consumer tips in buying LPP and safety and consumer tips in buying and using household LPG. The DOE resource persons include DOE Visayas Field Office Supervisor Rey Maleza, Senior Research Specialist Aida Parrena, Engr.

Alex Rayos and Engr. Edmar Derla.

On the other hand, Provincial Legal Office and Administrator Jose O. Villanueva said that the province is happy about the initiative of DOE of giving attention to Capiz and other provinces in Western Visayas through its inspection and monitoring and advocacy activities so that the public and businessmen will also be aware of their rights and responsibilities. (JCM/JBG-PIA6 Capiz)

PNP says Antique crime rate down

By Margie L. Gadian SAN JOSE, Antique, July 12 (PIA) -- The Antique Police Provincial Office (APPO) has declared that crime incidents in the province of Antique has dropped for the first six months of this year as compared to the same period last year.

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Philippine National Police report revealed that Antique’s total crime dropped by 14.96 percent from 234 crimes in January to June 2011 as against 199 crimes during the same period in 2012.

While the index crimes (crimes in violation of the Revised Penal Code) and the non-index crimes (crimes in violation of Special Laws) likewise dropped by 5.75 percent and 41.67 percent respectively, equivalent to a 10 and 25 incident decline.

During the same period, the crimes against properties which recorded 31 incidents last year lowers down to 21 incidents or a

32.36 percent decrease; theft incidents posted 19 to 6 equivalent to 68.42 percent decrease; cattle rustling and carnapping all decreased by 100 percent for having 0 incidents.

Meanwhile, the robbery incidents increased by 87.50 percent. Out of 15 cases listed for this period, the Antique cops were able to clear one case; solved 7 cases and 7 are still under investigation.

One of its significant accomplishments on the resolution of robbery cases was the arrest of an 18 year old male suspect and two minors.

A case of robbery was filed before the Prov’l Prosecutor’s office in San Jose. In the

follow-up investigation of the San Jose police, he was being pointed to be the same suspect responsible in the other robbery incidents in San Jose.

“These positive developments are manifestations that the 'Pulis Nyo Po' in Antique are working hard in carrying out its mission of maintaining the stability of peace, order and security in the province and will continue to double our efforts in safeguarding our province.” Police Senior Superintendent Ruperto T. Floro Jr said. (JCM/ APPO/MLG-PIA6 Antique)

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CENTRAL VISAYAS

PNoy reiterates public accountability in good governance UPV Cebu College

By Fayette C. Rinen

CEBU CITY, July 7 (PIA) -- President Benigno S. Aquino III reiterated his campaign promise of “Tawid na Daan” in a visit to Cebu stressing the accountability of public officials for any illegal activities happening in their areas of responsibility.

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quino who was in Cebu to grace the 64th birthday of Danao City Vice Mayor Ramonito Durano III, cited the massive illegal logging in Mindanao where he ordered six mayors to explain why they should not be charged for a crime that happened right in their own areas.

The President said it is unacceptable for these local chief executives to reason that they did not know what was going on right in their own jurisdiction. Names of the mayors were withheld.

In his visit to the said area in Mindanao last year, Aquino said the place boasts of abundant trees. But in a visit three weeks ago, he got a shock when he saw that the many forest trees that once stood there were gone due to massive tree-cutting.

EO 23 which Aquino issued in February last year imposed an indefinite ban on illegal

logging which he said, was the major cause of widespread landslides and flooding resulting in numerous deaths and damages to properties.

If they (mayors) did not know what was happening, then they must be absentee mayors, scoffed the President.

The President said the provincial and city police director and six other police chiefs were suspended for their alleged involvement in the illegal logging activities. Thirty-one DENR officials were likewise made accountable for failing to curb illegal logging despite the ban.

Government is bent on cracking down illegal loggers in the country.

Aquino then reiterated and stressed on fulfilling his campaign promise of “Tuwid Na Daan” where he said the relentless battle against graft and corruption continues and that reforms are needed to lift the country out of poverty coupled with equity and justice.

During his visit, the President witnessed the official signing of the coalition agreement between the Liberal Party (LP) and the Durano’s local Bakud party. The main signatories were LP President and Transportation and Communications Secretary Manuel “Mar” Roxas and Rep. Ramon “Red” Durano VI. Apart from Roxas, other Cabinet secretaries seen were Interior and Local Government Sec. Jesse Robredo, Energy Sec. Rene Almendras, and Budget Sec. Florencio Abad.

Over 500 people attended the event comprised mostly of local officials mainly from the 5th District of Cebu and other LP local officials. Aquino stayed only for slightly over an hour before departing back to Manila. (PIA 7, Cebu)

Anti-insurgency campaign strengthened in NegOr

By Jennifer C. Tilos DUMAGUETE CITY, June 11 (PIA) -- Four members of the New People’s Army (NPA) surrendered last week at the 79th Infantry Brigade in 3rd district of Negros Oriental. rmy’s Information Officer, Capt. snowballing of surrender of their active armed On the other hand, “Winning the Peace” Anecito Naz said the surrender was members. instead of “Defeating the Enemy” is a very brought by the series of encounters and Army’s record shows that from 2008, popular approach of the military in addressing the presence of Peace and Development there are 90 armed members of the NPAs in insurgency problem in the province.

Teams right in the established mass base the said area that are deployed in four platoons The government, military and other areas. The surrenderees were members of the operating in the hinterlands of the 2nd and 3rd stakeholders which crafted the Integrated South East Front of the Kilusang Rehiyon districts of the province.

Peace and Security Plan (IPSP) Bayanihan is Sentral Bisayas, said Naz. Naz said the members of the armed optimistic that the conflict will end in a The surrender of the NPA members, Naz regulars were continuously reduced up to less peaceful way. said was also characterized by the timely and than 30 for the first semester of 2012.

Peace and progress can be achieved quality information fed to the troops coming The number of platoons was reduced to through convergence of effort and fostering from the people in the conflict affected areas only one operating in the hinterlands of Sta solidarity among the Filipino people. (mbcn/ that led to the armed engagements and Catalina and Siaton.

JCT-PIA7 Negros Oriental)

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DOST distributes 1,364 OL trap kits to Siquijor schools

By Rizalie A. Calibo SIQUIJOR, July 12 (PIA) -- A total of 1,364 ovicidal-larvicidal trap (OL trap) kits were distributed by the Department of Science and Technology (DOST) to public elementary and secondary schools to help fight dengue upsurge in the province.

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OST-Siquijor provincial director Mario E. de la Pena said the number of kits given is proportionate to the number of classrooms provided by the Department of Education (DepEd).

Some 534 elementary schools and 148 secondary schools or a total of 682 schools were enlisted for OL trap distribution. Each school gets two OL traps (in/out).

DepEd-Siquijor Dengue Project focal person Dr. Josephine Bongoyan said the project is timely as dengue cases in the province have reportedly increased.

Twenty-eight dengue cases were reported from the province’s different Disease

Reporting Units (DRUs) for the period January 1 to May 30, 2012.

The figure, according to that report by disease surveillance officer Zellamaye Gascon, is 61 percent higher compared to the 11 cases reported during the same period of last year.

To control the further increase, Provincial Health Officer Redempta Cortes also called on the national and local government agencies, barangays, schools and all households to intensify efforts and help in the government’s fight against dengue.

The OL trap, it was learned, is a simple technology that kills the eggs and larvae of the

female Aedes aegypti mosquito that carries the dengue virus.

The black container attracts mosquitoes to lay their eggs on the lawanit strip soaked with the OL pellet-water solution.

The OL pellets, made of organic and non-toxic material, attract mosquitoes and kill their young, in effect reducing the number of the next generation of mosquitoes.

DOST’s school-based OL Trap program intends to reduce the number of mosquito population in schools and communities, and subsequently lower dengue incidents, through the use of the OL Trap. (RACalibo/PIA-7, Siquijor)

CENTRAL VISAYAS

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Sandugo trade exposition ‘sets up booth’ July 25-29 UPV Cebu College Administration Bldg.

Rey Anthony Chiu

TAGBILARAN CITY, Bohol, July 11, 2012 (PIA) – One of the country’s longest running trade fairs and product showcase “sets up booth” anew this July 25-29, and spreads the gospel of creative use of indigenous materials in a world now leaning towards green technologies. ore than 80 Filipino exhibitors have Central Visayas, including those under the One manufacturers and subcontractors dig their signed in to the 2012 Sandugo Town, One Product (OTOP) Philippines that new finds for the year.

Regional Trade Expo at the Island make use of indigenous raw materials and local And just as the fair also puts up City Mall, Tagbilaran City, said sources at the ingenuity, will also be highlighted. show windows of Bohol’s natural wonders, Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) in In this year’s trade exposition, local booths will also be set up at the Island Bohol. organic produce will also be displayed, she City Mall for display and showcase related Running since 1988, the Sandugo Trade adds. adventure and fun activities for tourists and Expo this year banners the theme “Greening A thing to watch is the world class quality visitors who wish to explore the destinations Products, Winning Markets,” and features prototypes local producers are presenting. on the rise. innovative creations from Micro, Small These are products of the series of trainings The trade expo is consistent with the and Medium Enterprises in Central Visayas as and consultations between producers and country’s encouraging economic growth while well as other neighboring provinces of the expert designers. putting emphasis on environmental and region.

Side activities of the trade fair will include resource protection and responding to social A major highlight of the trade expo will a Green Forum on July 26 and an MSME concerns, said DTI regional director Asteria be the special settings which will feature three Caravan on July 27, both of which will be held Caberte. different perspectives – Green Technologies at Metro Centre in Tagbilaran City, the expo Green growth in the Philippines is for Tourism, the Raffia Country Branding events calendar bare. important because risks to development Program of DOST and a Showcase of Crafts This unique opportunity for scouting new are rising as growth continues to erode and Processed Food in the region, says Ma. products has not failed to draw national and natural capital, she explained. (RAC/PIA7Elena Arbon DTI Bohol director. international buyers during the fair as Bohol) According to her, unique products in exporters, buying agents, wholesalers, retailers,

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'Special education’ integration in academic curriculum pushed

By Rachelle M. Nessia DUMAGUETE CITY, July 10 (PIA) -- Special education must be incorporated into the general education curriculum.

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his was the statement of an official form the Department of Education (DepEd) in Dumaguete City during a forum here on the rights of persons with disabilities (PWDs).

Judith Mapue, special education supervisor, said integrating special education in the curriculum of colleges and universities will help sustain the program on inclusion of PWDs. This will also allow education majors to gain knowledge and skills in dealing with students with special needs. Among the subjects that could be featured in the

curriculum are sign language, Braille reading, and psychology in dealing with PWDs. DepEd has mandated the implementation of “Inclusive Education System” which pushes for inclusion of PWDs in the same class with students without disabilities. Mapue spoke in a forum organized by the Great Physician Rehabilitation Foundation, Inc. (GPRehab) in partnership with the American Studies Resource Center of the Robert B. and Metta J. Silliman Library.

During the forum, University of Texas special education professor Dr. James Patton noted the growing number of PWDs who are

now admitted into the country’s education system.

However, GPRehab Executive Director Analou Suan described the inclusive education in the country as “still in its infancy stage.”

She attributed this to the lack of trained teachers who can adjust to the needs of PWDs in the classroom.

In Dumaguete City and Negros Oriental, there are close to 500 special students enrolled in public elementary schools. (RMN/ PIA Negros Oriental with reports from Mark Raygan Garcia)

Siquijor holds training on storm water management

By Rizalie A. Calibo SIQUIJOR, July 12 (PIA) -- The provincial government of Siquijor sponsored a training on storm water management and design for engineers, planners and decision makers in the province.

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ario de la Pena, Department of Science and Technology (Dost)-Siquijor provincial director, said the training provides basic concept of storm water management and techniques on the utilization of rain or storm water.

“The technology on storm water management is very important especially with the occurrence of extreme weather condition in the country.”

He said the course enables the participants to be familiar with the basic concept of stormwater management and

understand various approaches, tools and strategies to mitigate flooding.

The training also aims to enhance planning and designing skills particularly on the sizing of hydraulic structures such as draining lines, lagoon and cisterns, and identify and develop the needed policy support mechanism to encourage water conservation measures that will eventually reduce flood frequency and its consequential effect.

It was attended by provincial and municipal planning officers, engineers, engineers, Sangguniang Panlalawigan and Bayan

chairpersons on agriculture, and representatives from the Integrated Provincial Health Office.

De la Pena said Provincial Governor Orlando A. Fua recognized the scarcity of water in Siquijor and for the need to tap storm water for agricultural and other purposes. He also participated in the activity.

The training was conducted by the Confederation of Scientific and Professional Orgnanization (Cospo) through the Dost.

(RACalibo/PIA-7, Siquijor).

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EASTERN VISAYAS

Saint Bernard is EVisayas Kalasag Award

bet for national

UPV Tacloban Administration Bldg.

TACLOBAN CITY Leyte, July 9 (PIA) -- The Local Disaster Risk Reduction and Management (LDRRMC) of Saint Bernard, Southern Leyte has been nominated as this year’s bet of Eastern Visayas to the national search for Kalasag Award.

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ffice of Civil Defense-8 Director and Regional Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council Chairman Rey Gozon said the nomination of Saint Bernard came after a thorough evaluation of the Regional Search Committee for the Kalasag Award.

Saint Bernard LDRRMC was cited for excellence in disaster risk management, humanitarian assistance in preparing or responding to disasters and recovering from disasters and similar emergencies.

Saint Bernard, the lone nominee from Eastern Visayas, was also cited for best practices particularly in forewarning the local communities in times of disaster through the maximized use of the Early Warning System (EWS).

St. Bernard MDRRMC also has been identified by some foreign-assisted non-government organizations (NGOs) such as CARE –ACCORD, among others, for its effective use of early warning system which has saved lives and some properties of the victims since they were already evacuated before the any calamity strikes.

The committee is composed of NEDA Director Bonifacio Uy, DOST Director Edgar Esperancilla, PIA Director Erlinda Olivia Tiu, OCD Director Gozon, and representatives of DOH, DSWD, DILG, DepEd, and Philippine Red Cross Leyte Chapter.

The Gawad KALASAG Award is an honor given to best government office (GO), non-government organization (NGO) and individuals who have shown heroic acts in time of disasters and calamities and in working on disaster risk management (DRM). (PIA-8)

SP approves P600-M Eastern Samar provincial budget

By Alicia F. Nicart BORONGAN CITY, Eastern Samar, July 11 (PIA) -- The proposed budget of more than P600 million of the Eastern Samar provincial government has been approved.

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ith a majority vote of eight against five, the budget was approved Monday during the regular session of the Sangguniang Panlalawigan (SP).

The court in June issued an order on the nullity of the Appropriation Ordinance, citing the “insufficiency in the

number of votes” (7 vs. 6) as the main reason.

In one of his previous statements which was aired live over Radyo ng Bayan DYES, Governor Conrado Nicart said he will not implement a re-enacted budget and will instead continue to implement the 2012 budget

particularly the salaries of the provincial employees.

But yesterday, on his urgent request, the same Appropriation Ordinance was re-submitted to the SP, passed and approved, with eight board members who voted in the affirmative and five in the negative. (PIA-Eastern Samar)

Alternative Learning System (ALS) may soon eradicate illiteracy in Calbayog

By Ninfa Iluminda B. Quirante CATBALOGAN CITY, Samar, July 11 (PIA) -- The Alternative Learning System (ALS) program in Calbayog has helped reduce the number of illiterate Calbayog residents, DepEd-ALS Program Supervisor Ricky Cano said.

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ano, in an interview over Radyo Calbayognons or 2.50 percent,”Cano ng Bayan-DYOG, said data show explained. that illiteracy rate has declined in Through the program out-of-school 2011. youth can get education while earning a “In 2010, there were more than living, he said. The ALS Basic literacy 5,000 illiterate folks in Calbayog City program targets those who have not out of the 160,000 population or attended formal schools. some 3.2 percent; in the year 2011, Cano added that most of their the number declined to 5,046 as students are parents. At times classes are against the population of some 201,000 held at home as part of the family literacy

program where members teach each other reading and writing.

DepEd Calbayog City Division has eight mobile teachers in Calbayog City.

The Basic Literacy Program is presently implemented in Barangays Cagmanipis Sur, Cagmanipis Norte, Bante, Tomaligues, Amampacang, Cogon and Naga. (PIA-Samar )

EASTERN VISAYAS

UPV Tacloban College

BSP orients public Currency banknotes

7 on

New

Generation

By Ailene N. Diaz CATARMAN, Northern Samar, July 11 (PIA) -- Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) personnel visited the province of Northern Samar last July 9 to orient residents there on the New Generation Currency (NGC) banknotes at the Catarman Municipal auditorium.

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SP Currency Specialist Remedios Ilagan said only BSP has the power and authority to issue the national currency and all notes and coins issued by it are considered legal tender for all private and public transactions.

She explained in detail the distinction of the new design series (NDS) which is in circulation for more than 20 years now

and NGC which was initially distributed in December 20, 2010.

Ilagan assured the public that the present banknotes will remain in circulation and will continue to be accepted as legal tender for at least three more years.

The gradual shifting from NDS to NGC will give the public time to ensure a smooth transition to the new currency.

DepED evaluates Biliran schools Brigada Eskwela 2012

Ms. Remedies Ilagan was joined by Corporate Affairs Office Manager Erick Martinez and representatives from BSP Tacloban.

Representatives from local government units, national government agencies, non-government organizations, business sector, academe and media attended the event.

(PIA-Northern Samar)

for best implementors of

By Flordelis E. Jackson NAVAL, Biliran, July 11 (PIA) -- Four schools in the elementary and secondary levels in Biliran were evaluated Tuesday by a team of evaluators from the Department of Education regional office as entries to the regional search for Best Implementation of Brigada Eskwela 2012.

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his was disclosed by Elwin Moncada, teacher at the Naval Central School, in an interview.

He said that among those evaluated were Naval Central School (NCS) and Sabang Elementary School (SES) both in the municipality of Naval. The evaluation team likewise evaluated the Almeria National

High School (ANHS) of the municipality of Almeria and the Naval National High School (NNHS) of Naval town for the secondary level.

The evaluation team headed by Dr. Ursula F. Rojas who is the co-chairman of the DepEd-8 Regional Brigada Eskwela monitoring and evaluation team will visit 40 public elementary and secondary

schools regionwide in a month's time to evaluate other schools.

Three public elementary schools and three public high schools will be endorsed by the team to represent DepEd region 8 in the search for the 2012 National Best Brigada Eskwela Implementtors.

(PIA-Biliran)

SOLECO gives away P 10 million patronage credit to consumers

By Marcelo M. Pedalino MAASIN CITY, Southern Leyte, July 12(PIA) -- The Southern Leyte Electric Cooperative (SOLECO) will be distributing patronage credit certificates to its more than 60,000 consumers, both individuals and institutions, throughout the 500 barangays all over the province.

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ccording to former officer-in-charge Archie Salazar, the patronage credit -- known as patronage refund by credit cooperatives -amounts to P10 million, but this will be given in two phases: P5 million this year, and another P5 million in the first quarter of 2013.

Salazar provided a hint on this piece of good news for its power users during the closing minutes of the cable TV “Action Center� Kapihan sa PIA program

last week, in which he disclosed that the bonanza will be given in the form of patronage credit certificates.

The certificates will be charged to the power consumption of consumers beginning their August bill.

The patronage credit was based on the electricity consumed over the past five years, from 2006 up to 2010, Salazar added.

The SOLECO board passed Resolution number 78-2012 on April 20,

2012, requesting the National Electrification Administration (NEA) to grant the P10 million patronage credit on a staggered basis, and NEA interposed no objection to the move, Salazar said.

Field personnel of SOLECO had began distributing the certificates to 40 barangays of Maasin City, and the barangays in other towns will follow, Salazar also said.

(PIA-Southern Leyte)

One Visayas e‐newsletter is published weekly by the Visayas Regional Cluster of the Philippine Information Agency (PIA) comprising Region 6, 7 and 8. Its main editorial office is located at PIA Region 6, Iloilo City.

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