One Visayas Vol. 2 Issue 3

Vol 2

In this Issue WESTERN VISAYAS

Chief Supt. Cipriano Querol, Jr. observes as facilitators install the computer units, during the one-day e -Blotter System briefing at PRO-6.

The e-Blotter aims to give a daily update on what is really happening in every police station, so that strategies for quick response and crime prevention can be mapped out.

(PRO6/ESS/PIA)

More on Region 6, pages 2-3.

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CENTRAL VISAYAS

January 16—22, 2012

Published by: PIA 6, 7 & 8

Issue 3

Iloilo in ‘Dinagyang mood’

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LOILO CITY, Jan. 20 (PIA6) -- Iloilo City is bursting into a festive mood as Ilonggos pay homage to the Sr. Sto. Nino and showcase their rich cultural heritage in their worldacclaimed Dinagyang Festival which reaches its peak this weekend, Jan. 21-22.

The festival’s two major highlights will cap the annual religious-cultural celebration – the Kasadyahan Regional Cultural Competition on Jan. 21 and the Dinagyang Ati Tribe Contest on Jan.22.

Highlighting the religious aspect of the festival was the fluvial procession along Iloilo River that was held Jan. 20, led by the San Jose Parish Church in the heart of the city. As a religious sidelight of the festival, the Sto. Nino de Cebu met with the Sto. Nino de Arevalo here at the said parish church for the first time, marking yet another historic event associated with Dinagyang.

The local government units of Iloilo led by City Mayor Jed Patrick Mabilog and Gov. Arthur Defensor, Sr. are joining hands with the private sector and the Church in celebrating the festival, which has been entered in the Hall of Fame of the Association of Tourism Officers of the Philippines as the country’s best tourism event.

Since Dinagyang 2012 was launched in November of last year yet, a series of events all designed to give more color and life to Dinagyang has been held to usher in the peak of the festival.

The safety of the public is ensured by well-coordinated police measures aided by volunteer peacekeeping groups.

The top winner in the Dinagyang Ati Tribe contest is usually invited to perform in national and international events. This year’s festival theme is “Beyond Awards: A Culture of Excellence”. (JSC/ PIA6)

Members of a group participating in the Dinagyang tribe contest present a preview of their performance during the opening salvo of the 2012 Dinagyang Festival which peaks Jan. 21-22. (EJB/ PIA6)

Cebu’s Sinulog 2012 has biggest crowd turn-out in 32 years

by Fayette C. Riñen

PROCESSION. Almost two million people join the solemn procession of the miraculous image of Santo Niño on January 14, 2012 in Cebu City. Devotees do not mind the threats of terrorism and longer route of the procession which started at the Basilica del Santo Niño around 1:30 pm.(PIA-7/hfg) More on Region 7, pages 4-5.

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EASTERN VISAYAS

Bureau of Internal Revenue Commissioner Kim Jacinto-Henares (2nd from left) answers questions from the media at a press conference held at the BIR RR No. 14 grounds, Candahug, Palo, Leyte, January 18. The Commissioner was also the guest of honor during the inauguration and blessing of the Records and Multi-Purpose building. Others in photo are (l-r) ACIR Zenaida Chang, RD Diosdado Mendoza and ARD Nasser Tanggor.

(PIA-8/Vino R. Cuayzon) More on Region 8, pages 6-7.

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EBU CITY, Jan. 16 (PIA) -- The Sinulog Mardi Gras here gathered at the height of festivities an estimated 3.8 to 4 million people, a record turnout in the last 32 years.

Cebu City Police Director Ramon Melvin Buenafe said there were no major untoward incidents reported. Last year's crowd was estimated to be over 2 million.

This year, there were also more contingents that joined the grand parade at 135 while the program at the Cebu City Sports Complex (CCSC) ended close to 9:00 p.m. that was capped by a spectacular fireworks display.

Vice President Jejomar Binay briefly greeted the crowd at the CCSC “Pit Senyor” before walking and mingling with the people outside along the carousel route.

The grand parade drew appreciation from first-time tourist-spectators. One was Kristin Kidd, a Canadian actress, who said that Sinulog was more fun compared with other festivals in other countries. It

was also very unique and very cultural, she added.

Kidd, who was dressed in comical costume, said they were shooting a film to be posted in the internet channel “Channelfix” which was part of a reality gag show.

Another was 9/11 hero Rebecca Canalija, a Cebuana nurse in her 50s now based in New York but came here to watch the Sinulog for the first time.

Canalija was given recognition for her help in tending to the needs of the wounded and the dying at the hospital during the 9/11 tragedy. Her services extended until the rescue operations were completed which earned her a recognition as one of the 9/11 heroes in a book about them, this is reported.

The Department of Tourism (DOT), meanwhile, just last week launched the homecoming “hospitality’ counter for balikbayans at the Mactan Cebu International Airport.

The country’s 6th counter will address the travel needs of the balikbayans and other tourists providing them a list of guided tours with special discount rates. (FCR/PIA-7)

Leyte’s Lingganay Festival Sinulog 2012 champion

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ACLOBAN CITY, Leyte, Jan 16 (PIA) -The Lingganay Festival of Alangalang, Leyte emerged as champion of the free-interpretation category of the 2012 Sinulog Festival held in Cebu City on January 15.

Lingganay Festival, the reigning champion of the Pintados-Kasadyaan Festival in the province of Leyte, bested 30 other festivals from all over the country to win the coveted prize of P500,000 and trophy.

The other festival contingents from Leyte also did well in the much-awaited Sinulog Festival.

Karatong Festival of Dulag, Leyte won as the second runner up while the Pasaka Festival of Tanauan, Leyte ranked number six.

Mayor Loreto “Entong” Yu of Alangalang said

that the Lingganay Festival was also chosen as the Best in Musicality and Best in Costume.

Earlier, the Lingganay Festival star dancer Conchitina Cleofe Cloma Yu was proclaimed second runner up in the Sinulog Queen 2012 where Nerissa L. Modesto, lead dancer of Pasaka Festival of Tanauan, was chosen as the first runner up.

The winners were judged according to the criteria such as theme, concept and ritual, 10 percent; performance, 25 percent; choreography, 25 percent; costume, 20 percent; props, 10 percent; and Sinulog musicality, 10 percent.

Sinulog Festival which is dubbed as the mother of all festivals in the country, is a festival in honor of Señor Sto. Niño. (PIA-8)

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WESTERN VISAYAS

VP Binay, Aklan LGUs sign MOA on housing, Pag-IBIG membership ILOILO PROVINCIAL CAPITOL

by Venus G. Villanueva KALIBO, Aklan, Jan. 16 (PIA6) -- Government employees in Aklan renting apartments or other kinds of dwelling will soon have houses of their own through the LGU Housing Program, which was recently formalized with the signing of a Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) by Vice President Jejomar Binay who is also the Chairperson of the Housing and Urban Development Coordinating Council (HUDCC), several mayors of Aklan, and Atty. Darlene Marie B. Berberabe, Chief Executive Officer of Pag-IBIG Fund.

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he MOA Signing was held January 13 at the 3rd Floor of the Kalibo Municipal Building and attended by mayors of Aklan, municipal and barangay officials of Kalibo, and the local media.

VP Binay was in Aklan on January 13 to grace Kalibo’s Sto. Niño Ati-atihan Festival. On hand to welcome him before the MOA-signing were Kalibo Mayor

William Lachica, Aklan Governnor Carlito S. Marquez and Kalibo’s elected officials and department heads.

With Binay were former Senator Ernesto Maceda, Pag-IBIG officials and staff of the provincial officer here, and mayors of nearby Antique and Capiz provinces.

Binay said the MOA-signing for the LGU Housing Program is a manifestation that LGUs all over the Philippines are

willing to help each other.

“Paying P2,000 a month could already enable a government employee to own his own house worth P375,000,” Binay said.

The mayors also signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with the Vice President and the Pag-IBIG CEO for the inclusion of job orders hired

by LGUs as Pag-IBIG members. (JCM/VGV PIA 6 Aklan)

Rice husk stove: cheaper, environment-friendly and more efficient

by Lorenzo O. Lambatin Jr. BACOLOD CITY, Jan. 16 (PIA6) -- Rice husk or ‘labhang’ in the Hiligaynon dialect is abundant anywhere in the country where there are rice mills. nventors, environmentalists and Non-government Organization in the cauldron holder, muffler, rice husk business minded people have been municipality of Ilog adopted this holder, steam box, rice husk adjuster and challenged to convert this tons and environment-friendly technology and is a stand. tons of chaff into good use, aside from selling the item for over a thousand pesos, The steam box is an important part of being utilized as garden material and in Program Coordinator Ruben Llandoc told the stove. It is a boxlike metal with water making compost.

PIA. inside and placed directly on the fire.

Early attempts to use rice husk as an The demonstration was a double When heated, it gives off steam that alternative fuel is promising. promotion of the town’s mouthwatering enhances the flame giving it a blue color.

During the 6th Negros Organic oyster that was boiled using the stove. It When put together, one can make a Festival last December 2011, many appeared to have attracted more buyers genuine environment-friendly stove observers believe the technology from those who love sea food. powered by rice husk and water vapor. developed by the Central Philippine What is more interesting about it is in The organization is now looking at University (CPU) Engineering Department the way the stove is manufactured. putting up their own shop so that they can has made a breakthrough.

The Ilog Kinder Home Foundation assemble the product themselves to Several people who came to the fair employ mothers to make the pattern in maximize income. could not help but turn their attention to almost perfect accuracy, cut by the fathers Despite the crowning usefulness of an assembled metal stove that can turn and then handed to a local shop for the this ‘strike,’ Llandoc said the stove is still a rice husk into a blue flaming fire, in equal, final assembly. technology-in- -the-making as they if not better, efficiency as the ones we get “It’s a purely self-help organization,” continue to perfect parts and functions to from our local Liquefied Gas Petroleum Lladoc said, adding that the entire training make it more efficient and more attractive dealers. was given for free by CPU. to consumers. (JCM/LOL/PIA6) Called ‘Strike Gas Strove,’ a The parts of the stove include a pan,

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COMELEC urges voters to validate registration early

by Pilar S. Mabaquiao SAN JOSE, Antique, Jan. 16 (PIA6) -- The Commission on Elections (COMELEC) urged registered voters to validate their registration early to avoid the rush as Election 2013 nears.

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COMELEC has to validate thousands of registered voters, so it is much better if they visit the COMELEC office early to avoid inconvenience,” said Atty. Hazel L. Alconga, Election Officer III of San Jose, Antique.

"In San Jose alone," Alconga said, "we need to validate more than 12,000 voters for them to be qualified to vote come 2013."

The province has more than 289,000 registered voters; the town of Sibalom

and San Jose are among the vote-rich municipalities.

Those who need to be validated are voters who were who have not had computerized picture-taking, and have not provided the COMELEC with specimen signature and biometric finger prints.

She added that the said voters need to undergo validation, even if they voted in the recent national election.

"We call on barangay officials to help in this advocacy so that the voice of their

constituents will be heard during election time,” she said.

Voters should bring their valid ID for proper identification during the process of validation.

Voters who have been de-activated for not having voted for the past two elections may apply for re-activation.

Registration for unregistered but qualified voters is ongoing. (JCM/PSM/PIA6 Antique)

WESTERN VISAYAS

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Ombudsman aims for improved survival rate of fact-finding investigations NEW GOVERNMENT CENTER—BACOLOD CITY

by Elsa S. Subong

ILOILO CITY, Jan. 18 (PIA6) -- The Office of the Ombudsman aims for more enhanced and quality initial fact-finding investigations so that the cases brought to them for action can go beyond preliminary investigations.

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mbudsman Iloilo Officer-incharge Atty. Sonnette Daquita said in an interview with the Philippine Information Agency, that most of the cases they attend to often fail to reach a level where substantial pieces of evidence are established, hence, they are dropped.

She said for a case to “survive” beyond the initial stage, it needs strong evidence through case build-up undertaken by trained investigators.

“Among our priorities is to enhance evidence-gathering, following the standards of a fair, impartial and expeditious case build-up,” Daquita said.

To achieve this, she said the Office of the Ombudsman plans to train field investigators in specialized techniques, like forensic engineering and forensic auditing.

Moreover, a specific measure the

office is looking at, Daquita added, is the gradual involvement of trial prosecutors at the Office of the Special Prosecutors in the preliminary investigation, as members of the investigating prosecution panels.

“The graft investigation officers at the Central Office shall be involved in the trial of cases before the Sandiganbayan as members of trial prosecution teams,” she further said.

Meanwhile, Daquita said that.the Ombudsman is also keen on monitoring the cases referred to other agencies by instituting a system of monitoring to ensure no unreasonable delay in the termination of administrative proceedings and consequently, verdict.

Instances of this, Daquita cited, the criminal cases referred by the Office of the Ombudsman to the Department of

Justice for prosecution in the regular trial courts.

“These cases should be monitored until their final disposition in courts,” she added.

Daquita said cases involving Ombudsman decisions in administrative cases which are endorsed to the heads of concerned agencies for implementation of the penalty, are also strictly monitored to ensure compliance.

“We have discovered that there had been agencies/local government units handed down the decisions, which did not comply so we need to monitor,” Daquita said.

She said the priority tasks they have set up cover the period from 2011-2018, so they have the time to gradually effect these developments. (ESS/PIA-Iloilo)

WV crime registrars undergo e-Blotter System orientation

by Elsa S. Subong ILOILO CITY, Jan. 17 (PIA6) -- Sixty-five police crime registrars underwent a one-day orientation on the operation of e-Blotter System, at Camp Delgado recently to increase their knowledge and skills in recording crime incidents using the new technology.

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olice Regional Office-6 Director Chief Supt. Cipriano Querol, Jr. said in a media release that the e-Blotter System will replace the manual system currently used.

Querol said crime information is an effective management tool for easy and intelligent way of mapping out peace and order and anti-criminality strategies.

The e-Blotter System implementation in PRO-6, according to Police Information Officer PO3 Francis Lindero, Jr., aims to

facilitate crime documentation and to modernize data storage.

Dir. Querol said the e-Blotter is a result of years of finding ways of enhancing reporting system in the country for effective law enforcement, public safety and effective administration of justice.

“This,” Querol said, “requires comprehensive, adequate and timely information on crimes, criminals and the operations of the Criminal Justice System.

He added that the project will also

provide update of situations from the ground to the PNP National headquarters.

He said the project was first implemented in National Capital Region Police Office in September last year, replicated in other regional offices that were ready with the equipment.

Querol said the 65 police crime registrars are just the first batch and the rest will be trained so that everybody will become knowledgeable with the system.

(PRO-6/JCM/ESS/PIA)

Roxas City to revive police outposts

by Alex A. Lumaque ROXAS CITY, Capiz, Jan. 18 (PIA6)-- The Roxas City Police Station (RCPS) will revive the various police outposts, particularly in the entrance and exit points of the city to strengthen its anti-criminality campaign.

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his was disclosed by newly installed RCPS chief Supt.

Salvador Dagoon during an interview over Budyong Kapehan cable television program here.

“Outposts will be established at barangays Tanza, Balijuagan, Bato, Adlawan and Lanot,” Dagoon said in Hiligaynon during the interview.

He added that policemen will also be visible to the communities to give access to residents to various barangay-based public safety services.

The visibility of policemen in the barangays is one of PNP Chief Nicanor Bartolome’s 10 doable objectives which is One Police Per Barangay Supervisor to take the police service to a higher level.

“We hope the community will cooperate with the cops in maintaining the order and peace in the area,” Dagoon added.

The Roxas City’s top cop also noted that additional policemen will also be coming to RCPS in the coming months to reinforce the more than a hundred RCPS manpower. (AAL/PIA 6 Capiz)

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CENTRAL VISAYAS

NegOr vice-guv promotes use of bicycles for barangays

CEBU PROVINCIAL CAPITOL

by Jennifer Catan-Tilos DUMAGUETE CITY, Jan. 18 (PIA) -- Negros Oriental vice-governor ApolonioArnaiz wants to promote the use of bicycles as an alternative mode of transportation of all barangay personnel in the province to save gasoline and promote the use of non-motorized vehicles.

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rnaiz allocated P500 thousand to buy surplus mountain bikes as transportation of all barangay personnel and turned-over 24 units of bicycles to the village chiefs Tuesday at the Dumaguete City hall grounds.

"The use of bicycle is an alternative and sustainable mode of transportation for a healthier environment," Arnaiz said.

The turneover ceremony was witnessed by Dumaguete City Mayor Manuel Sagarbarria, City Administrator William Ablong and city hall employees.

Of the 30 barangays in the city, 24 were given bicycles and the other six barangays will follow, according to Vice-Governor Arnaiz.

Arnaiz, who is an environmentalist,

also announced to the barangay captains that those barangays situated near rivers will also have budget allocations to buy giant bamboo seedlings that will be planted beside the Banica River banks.

The Vice Governor explained that bamboos can cover bald mountains quicker than other tree species; protect the side of rivers and also contribute to a

Valencia town get new P20M rural Health building

by Jennifer Catan-Tilos DUMAGUETE CITY, Jan. 17 (PIA) -- The newly constructed Rural Health Building will be formally turnedover from Energy Development Corporation (EDC) to the local government unit of Valencia on January 19 at 9:00 a.m. in Valencia town.

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DC Chairman Emeritus Oscar Lopez will lead the unveiling of the building together with President and COO Richard Tantoco and Vice-President of Southern Negros Geothermal Power (SNGP) Dwight Maxino of EDC; and Valencia Mayor Enrique Gonzalez.

Valencia residents expect to benefit from a modern Rural Health building that provides better health services delivery.

The building lies on a 742 square

meter floor area that costs not less than P20 million.

Valencia LGU manages and maintains the building operation as stipulated in the memorandum of agreement signed by the two parties.

Under its corporate social responsibility program, the EDC constructed the building to improve local health infrastructure and access to quality health and medical services in the rural communities.

Valencia which hosts the geothermal facility of EDC receives royalty taxes from the company.

EDC is also engaged in various projects such as education, livelihood development, infrastructure and the environment to benefit the host communities and Valencia town.

Some of the design features of the new rural health unit include recovery room, emergency land pad, among others.

(PIA NegOr/JCT)

GIZ, NegOr ink MOA to preserve forestland

by Jennifer Catan-Tilos DUMAGUETE CITY, Jan. 17 (PIA) -- The German Development Corporation (GIZ) and the provincial government of Negros Oriental, together with the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR), recently signed a memorandum of agreement to sustain partnership in forestland management.

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nder the agreement, the GIZ will provide P100 million grant for technical and financial support to the province’s effort to protect and preserve forest cover in its Forest Land Use Plan (FLUP).

The LGUs will provide P1 million in counterpart funds.

Provincial Governor RoelDegamo

said the forestland management program would help prepare the province against floods and landslide.

The governor led the signing of the agreement with DENR Regional Technical Director, Dr. IsabeloMontejo; GIZ Country Director Robert Kressirer and their local counterparts.

The MOA includes creation of a

provincial forest land use assistance team (PFAT) to coordinate forest land use planning (FLUP) and monitor its implementation.

Currently, 11 LGUs are implementing FLUPs, and eight more LGUs have requested for technical assistance from DENR to prepare an FLUP.(PIA/JCT)

CENTRAL VISAYAS

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Crime volume in Cebu dips by 18% 2011 CEBU CITY HALL

by Fayette C. Riñen CEBU CITY, Jan. 17 (PIA) -- Cebu’s total crime volume dropped by 18 percent to 6,916 last year from 8,429 cases in 2010.

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ebu Provincial Police Director S/ Supt. Patrocinio Commendador attributed the decrease in crime volume to their consistent implementation of anti-crime programs and interventions.

“Index crimes or crimes against properties and persons also registered a drop from 5,776 cases in 2010 down to 4,750 cases last year,” Commendador said.

Cebu, however, had the most number of cases of physical injury, homicide, rape, murder and car-napping in the Central Visayas region.

Cebu City had the highest number of

theft and robbery cases in Central Visayas, according to a report from the Regional Investigation and Detective Management Division of the Police Regional Office (PRO) 7.

Non-index crimes or violations of special laws on illegal drugs, illegal fishing and illegal gambling among others also registered a decrease from 2,653 cases in 2010 down to 2,166 cases in 2011, Commendador said.

“We were able to conduct 447 anti-drug operations last year and arrested 533 people with 405 cases now filed in court,” he added.

On illegal gambling, the Cebu Provincial Police Office (CPPO) apprehended 461 people based on the 260 operations conducted. Two hundred twenty-six cases are now filed in the proper courts, Commendador added.

Commendador said that this year, they will continue their campaign in pursuing wanted persons, sustain the implementation of existing programs and conduct more aggressive patrolling to further reduce crime volume in the province. (PIA-Cebu)

DOLE-Siquijor calls on sustainability of projects

By Rizalie A. Calibo & Inacher A. Abatayo SIQUIJOR, Jan. 13 (PIA) -- The Department of Labor & Employment (DOLE) in Siquijor encourages associations in the province to apply for project grants and urged them to sustain those projects that DOLE-Siquijor has funded through the years.

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OLE-Siquijor provincial Director Ma. Theresa Tanquiamco recently called for project sustainability and progress and urged beneficiaries to handle efficiently the responsibilities entrusted to them.

Tanquiamco said the DOLE-Siquijor had released P1,821,000 worth of livelihood assistance to at least six organizations here in 2011.

The Basac Women’s Association

received P230,000 for its squash noodles production enhancement. Canlambo Multi -Purpose Cooperative got P160,000 for the training and production and skills upgrading on quilted items.

The SiquijorPoblacion Women’s Organization received P178,388 for the training and processing of squash food.

Tanquiamco added that the Triple M Farmers Association of Lazi town, Lazi Bay Worker’s Association and the

Siquijor Association of Food Entrepreneurs also received assistance for their projects.

She said opportunities are still open to other interested organizations and encouraged them to submit proposals to avail of the programs.

For further inquiries, one may visit DOLE Office at Poblacion, Siquijor, Siquijor. (mbcn/rac/iaaPIA-Siquijor)2

Siquijor gives P3-M assistance to ‘Sendong-hit’ cities

By Rizalie Anding Calibo SIQUIJOR, Jan. 17 (PIA) -- The provincial governor of Siquijor said the LGU has appropriated some P3 million out of its last year’s quick respond calamity fund to help the cities of Dumaguete, Iligan and Cagayan de Oro.

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We found ourselves with a hefty balance of the calamity fund last year, that is why when Sendong hit our neighboring provinces, we had this buffer fund to extend assistance to these provinces,” Provincial Governor Orlando A. Fua said during the first Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction Management Council (PDRRMC) meeting held today at the SangguniangPanlalawigan Hall, this

province.

Fua said the Department of Budget of Management (DBM) has approved the transfer of P2 million to Iligan City and P500,000 each to Dumaguete and Cagayan de Oro City.

He also said that another P3 million was appropriated for the procurement of equipment and materials such as handheld radios for members of the PDRRMC,

installation of radio repeaters that will link one municipality to the others using portable transceivers; and additional machine for another speedboats to convey patients from Siquijor to Dumaguete and do patrol duties to watch against illegal fishermen encroaching the province’s municipal waters. (mbcn/rac/ PIA-Siquijor)

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EASTERN VISAYAS

DENR selects EVisayas as NGP pilot site for 2012

LEYTE PROVINCIAL CAPITOL

TACLOBAN CITY, Leyte, Jan. 15 (PIA) -- The Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) has chosen Eastern Visayas as pilot site for the implementation of the National Greening Program in 2012.

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his recognition was made after the DENR Regional Office sent a very good panoramic view of Kanloboc mountain range in Southern Leyte which could easily match the Chocolate Hills in Bohol. Once jeopardized by excessive logging and kaingin, these 2,000 feet high mounds will soon be home to towering trees thanks to locals who volunteered to protect these mountains and replanted some 400 hectares of formerly denuded land with the help of GIZ and DENR. The progress of this area will be evaluated and monitored by the DENR in the coming days, DENR Regional Public

Affairs Officer Purificacion Daloos said.

Being the pilot area for NGP is actually a recognition of the Region’s exceeding its targeted number of hectares with tree seedlings planted since it was launched last year.

“Eastern Visayas was able to produce 4,052,500 seedlings for production and 8,105 hectares for planting with indigenous tree species,” Daloos said during the weekly Harampang ha PIA. It was learned that DENR’s accomplishment resulted from the agency’s social mobilization strategy where various partners from different sectors were made to plant trees under

the greening program. The convergence initiative of the Environment, Agriculture and Agrarian Reform departments posted an accomplishment of 83% by producing 70,000 seedlings out of the target of 84,000 seedlings.

As an offshoot of the region’s accomplishment last year, DENR-8 was given a higher target of 12,365 hectares to be planted with trees.

The NGP seeks to harmonize all greening efforts in the country and aims to plant 1.5 billion tree seedlings on 1.5 million hectares of land nationwide from 2011 to 2016. (PIA-8)

Reg’l sports meet to promote tourism in Maasin City

by Bong Pedalino MAASIN CITY, Southern Leyte, Jan. 16 (PIA) -- Maasin City will host the Eastern Visayas Regional Athletic Association (EVRAA) sports competition this month. It will also provide an opportune time to promote the city as “the playground or recreation area” not just in Region 8 but in the country as well. o maximize awareness on this Center” last week, Segovia admitted he the city’s other attractions are its thrust with the expected arrival will have to capture the visitors’ attention well-known pilgrimage sites for the of more than 6,000 participating during their week-long stay in the city for religious, and the Guinsohatan Falls and persons for the EVRAA Jan. 27-Feb. 4, the the EVRAA to advertise the city’s cave for the adventurous, in addition to City Tourism Office will be putting up potential for wholesome fun. several beaches along the coastline. tarpaulins all over the city with the His excitement and confidence was Segovia reported that in 2010, more message “Come and discover . . . it’s boosted in particular with the anticipated than 30,000 tourists came to the city as more fun in Maasin City,” said City opening anytime of the Maasin Nature and gleaned from the records of hotels and Tourism Officer Royeno Segovia.

Wildlife Park at Danao Forest Park. restaurants, and about 2,000 plus of this The slogan was a take-off from the The family-oriented theme Park will number were foreigners. latest line made popular by the be home to rarely seen animals in the With decent shopping centers now Department of Tourism (DOT), “It’s wild, secured by a wide fence where operating in the city, coupled with an more fun in the Philippines,” a campaign visitors can interact and even feed, Segovia aggressive tourism campaign for the pitch that in itself attempts to draw reported, adding that other attractions theme park and existing tour sites, Segovia millions of tourists in the country this included horse-back riding and off-road said a significant rise in tourist arrivals can year. adventure for kids. be expected. (PIA 8-Southern Leyte) During the cable TV program “Action Aside from the upcoming theme park,

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Biliran farmers continue to harvest fresh produce despite continuous rains

by Flor Jackson NAVAL, Biliran, Jan. 14 (PIA) -- Farmers in Biliran, especially vegetable and fruit growers, continue to harvest despite continuous rains experienced in the area for more than two weeks now, said Biliran provincial agriculturist Jaime Casas.

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e said the people in Biliran, especially in the capital town of Naval, still enjoy a supply of their choice vegetables and fruits in the market stalls of the town despite the wet days that ran for over two weeks.

Casas added that rice farmers in the province were not affected because only few have planted their rice seedlings as they are still in the stage of rice field preparation.

However, the agriculturist reported that some five rice farmers in the municipality of Caibiran have been affected because their seedlings were sprouting already and were washed out.

“The damage suffered by the rice farmers, though, in this town was very minimal,” he said.

Meanwhile, Casas said he ordered the municipal agriculturists in the eight municipalities of the province to monitor

closely the activities of the farmers in their areas.

“As of now, the Office of Provincial Agricultural Services (OPAS) in Biliran is assisting identified fruit growers in the province spray their fruit trees against pests and fungal diseases that have affected fruit trees because of the moisture as a result of the continuous rainy days,” he said. (PIA 8-Biliran)

EASTERN VISAYAS

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Media Fest in Daram draws children of all ages TACLOBAN CITY HALL

by Ninfa B Quirante

CATBALOGAN CITY, Samar, Jan. 17 (PIA) -- Children of various ages and backgrounds, flocked to the Daram covered court to watch MTVs and public service announcements (PSA) filmed by members of the Young Hearts Media Correspondents.

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ineteen children of the media correspondents had taken their oaths as members of the Young Hearts Media Correspondents (YHMC and accredited by Erlinda Olivia Tiu regional director of PIA 8 in May 2011.

Totch dela Cruz of Plan Philippines informed the Philippine Information Agency that “20 more children age 9-15 in Daram recently completed the Basic Media Literacy program” conducted by Plan Philippines and Anak TV. According to dela Cruz, the budding filmmakers were taught video lessons where were assigned to shoot an MTV or PSA as a requisite for graduation.

During the training, the children were

given a lecture on child survival, development and protection as their inherent right, and with this knowledge, they better appreciated the rights of children.

They produced PSAs and MTVs which were screened in public on the evening of January 13 at the Daram municipal gym.

That night, five MTVs and three PSAs were viewed by children, parents, guests from the DEpEd, and Plan Philippines.

The MTVs and PSAs had issues on child labor, environmental protection, anti -trafficking, and child abuse.

Like a real movie festival, Plan Philippines also invited two outstanding filmmakers - Wency Anotado who came from Seoul, Korea and won the Children’s

Choice Award for his short film “I am a Man" during the 23rd Seoul International Youth Film Fest in South Korea and Richelle Jaropoy from Catarman, Northern Samar. Her “Tinimbang ka ngunit Kulang," a documentary on malnutrition got applauded.

Parents of the 19 new members of media went with their kids on stage to receive the awards as Best Director, Best Actress, and Best Actor awards.

The PIA, represented by the Samar provincial manager, was with the children to induct them as the Youth Media in Daram and to give them a short message as they enter the world of responsible media. (PIA 8-Samar)

Borongan City Council approves P400-M budget for 2012

by Alice E. Nicart BORONGAN CITY, Eastern Samar, Jan. 17 (PIA) -- The Sangguniang Panglunsod (SP) of the newly converted city of Borongan has recently approved its 2012 budget of P412.7 million.

R

eports reveal that of the total, P27.7 million goes to the office of city mayor, Ma. Fe Abunda for her Barangay Development Programs.

Earlier, the city mayor mentioned, among others, that she will focus on the construction and rehabilitation of flood control projects in some barangays, even those in the poblacion.

“Thanks to our new Internal Revenue

Allotment (IRA), this time, I can implement more improvement projects for the place,” the mayor said.

The new IRA will also facilitate the appointment of the newly created chiefs of offices for: City Environment and Natural Resources Office, Information Office, General Services Office, Office of the Veterinarian, Cooperative and Development Officer, Population Officer

etc.

The budget will go to the following: road widening - P5 million; improvement of public market - P4 million; improvement of Hamorawon Park - P5 million; purchase of new vehicle - P2.5 million; construction of covered court P2 million, health centers - P1 million, drainages - P15 million, and day care centers - P2 million.(PIA 8-Eastern Samar)

DILG stamps seal of good housekeeping on 35 EVisayas LGUs TACLOBAN CITY, Leyte, Jan. 16 (PIA) -- A total of 35 local government units (LGUs) in Eastern Visayas have been granted the Seal of Good Housekeeping by the Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG). his came about as the DILG government and the municipality of San The Seal of Good Housekeeping is a bared the third wave of LGUs Isidro; in Southern Leyte, Maasin City and set of criteria aimed at recognizing LGUs that have been given the coveted the municipalities of Hinundayan and with good performance in internal seal, Myles Colasito informed the local Macrohon; and in Samar, the municipalities housekeeping particularly on the areas of media in the recently held Harampang Ha of Calbiga and Marabut.

Sound Fiscal Management, Transparency PIA. In the first wave of evaluation for the and Accountability, and Valuing Colasito identified the recipients of Seal of Good Housekeeping, only the Performance Management. Information on the Seal of Good Housekeeping in the municipality of Kawayan in Biliran was the last part is taken from the agency’s third wave of evaluation as the provincial included. own Local Governance Performance government of Biliran, together with the For the second wave of evaluation, Management System. municipalities of Cabucgayan, Kawayan, the Seal of Good Housekeeping was given Among the key components in the and Maripipi; the provincial government of to the municipalities of Almeria, Biliran SGH criteria are compliance to the Eastern Samar together with the and Naval in Biliran; Guiuan in Eastern DILG’s Full Disclosure Policy, and municipalities of Balangiga, Dolores, Samar; the provincial Government of acceptable levels of findings from the Hernani, Maydolong, San Julian, and Sulat. Leyte together with the municipalities of Commission on Audit.

In the province of Leyte, the latest Alang-Alang, Burauen and Jaro and LGUs that will pass the Seal of Good recipients were Tacloban City, Babatngon, the City of Ormoc; Laoang in North- Housekeeping (SGH) can avail of the Calubian, Dagami, Palo, and Tanauan; ern Samar; and Hinunangan in Southern Performance Challenge Fund (PCF). PIA-8) while in Northern Samar, the provincial Leyte.

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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.

One Visayas e‐newsletter is part of the online news and information dissemination services of PIA and is powered by www.issuu.com. For inquiries and suggestions, call Tel. Nos. (033) 3378718/3377301 or e‐mail piaamo6@yahoo.com.

Ms. Minerva BC Newman Regional Director, PIA 7

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

Ms. Erlinda Olivia P. Tiu Regional Director, PIA8

Managing Editor Jaime S. Cabag, Jr. Contributors All PIA Information Officers of Regions 6, 7 & 8 Production and Layout Edson J. Bañares Lynnor C. Regalado Regional Offices: 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