One Visayas e-Newsletter Vol 2 Issue 31

Vol 2

Issue 31

In this Issue WESTERN VISAYAS

A grade school teacher conducts a head count of her students during an earthquake drill at the Colegio San Agustin-Bacolod initiated by the City Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council in coordination with its School Disaster Management Committee.

(EAD-PIA6/DRRMO photo)

More on Region 6, pages 2-3.

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CENTRAL VISAYAS

July 30 - Aug. 5, 2012

Published by: PIA 6, 7 & 8

Gov’t vows continued support to packaging industry

By Jaime S. Cabag, Jr. ILOILO CITY, July 31 (PIA6) -- The government will continue to upgrade and accelerate transport infrastructures to support the needs of industries and other sectors of the economy, including the packaging industry, as part of its efforts to sustain economic growth in line with the Philippine Development Plan.

This is to ensure the transport of products in a cost-effective, fast, and safe manner and taking into consideration the packaging of the goods.

Undersecretary Lesley Jeanne Y. Cordero who spoke in behalf of Presidential Communications Operations Office (PCOO) Secretary Herminio Coloma Jr. at the GlobalPack 2012 international packaging conference and trade expo hosted by Iloilo City recently, said that as part of the efforts to support the needs of the transport packaging industry, the government is pursuing the following programs and initiatives: Connecting Rural and Urban Intermodal Systems Efficiently or CRUISE Program Development Bank of the Philippines (DBP) designed to assist the transport packaging sector with 14 projects worth P1.4 billion approved recently.

Tramline system established by the Department of Agriculture in the country to enable farmers to transport their produce from their farms usually in remote mountain areas to the nearest road.

A P684-million local shipping project approved by the Board of Investments (BOI) that is expected to further boost supply chain activities in Mindanao and help make the country more competitive.

More than P600-million program of the Department of Transportation and Communications (DOTC) for the construction and upgrading of key ports in the country including those in Dumangas in Iloilo, Tabaco

and Pio Duran in Albay, Ormoc in Leyte, Lucena City, and Dumaguete City.

Creation of a Shippers’ Bureau in the DTI designed to assist and safeguard the shipment of cargoes coming from abroad based on its list of accredited freight forwarding companies.

Repair by Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) of 1,569 kilometers of roads nationwide as of this date, 2,275 kms. by the end of 2012 and 7,239 kms. of roads repaired by 2016.

Cordero said the government is also implementing other related infrastructure projects as parallel improvements in transportation and infrastructure will augur well for the packaging and transport packaging industry. (JCM/JSC/PIA6)

GlobalPack 2012. Presidential Communications Operations Office (PCOO) Undersecretary Lesley Jeanne Y. Cordero tells in behalf of Secretary Herminio Coloma the participants of the GlobalPack 2012 international packaging conference and trade expo held July 22-28 in Iloilo City that the government will continue to upgrade needed infrastructures in the country to support the packaging industry as part of development efforts laid down in the Philippine Development Plan. (JSC/PIA6)

PhilHealth launches Z package benefit

The 2012 Sandugo Trade Expo at The Block in Island City Mall in Tagbilaran City banners the theme "Greening Products, Winning Markets", and features innovative creations from Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises in Central Visayas as well as other neighboring provinces

More on Region 7, pages 4-5.

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EASTERN VISAYAS

By Hazel F. Gloria CEBU CITY, (PIA) -- The Philippine Health Insurance Corporation (PhilHealth) in Region 7 has officially launched the new Z benefit package for members suffering from breast cancer, acute lymphocytic leukemia for children, prostate cancer and kidney transplant at the Vicente Sotto Memorial Medical Center (VSMMC) in Cebu City.

PhilHealth-7 Public Affairs Head Atty. Karisma Agraviador disclosed this during the Association of Government Information Officers (AGIO) Forum held July 24.

“The Z benefit package” could be availed of by members and beneficiaries of the health program who are diagnosed with any of the four cases,” Agraviador added.

In the Visayas, PhilHealth accredited only VSMMC because of the required facilities and equipments in providing medical treatments for both breast cancer and

kidney transplant. The hospital is also capable of meeting the package cost of the said illnesses.

Meanwhile, Dr. Avril Tiu, Medical Specialist, Benefits Administration Section explained that under PhilHealth’s Type Z package, breast cancer patients get a P100,000 subsidy while kidney transplant is subsidized by P600,000.

With regards to the sponsored members such as the indigents or registered under the National Household Targeting System for Poverty Reduction (NHTS-PR), they will fall under the “no balance billing” category which mean that they don’t pay a single centavo while the employed members will pay the excess amount under the fixed reimbursement system, Tiu added.

This is only an initial offer to our members, and we are hoping for additional benefits in order to help them avail better and quality services in the future, Agraviador added.(PIA-7/HFG)

EVisayas economy grows by 1.8% in 2011

PLAN ambassador Boy Abunda (3rd from left) talks with awardees Premo Bulan (left) of Daram , Samar and Aldrin Christian Sape of Northern Samar as PLAN Philippines country director Carin van der Hor looks on during the 2012 Sinebata awarding ceremonies at Robinsons Place, Tacloban City, July 26. (Vino R. Cuayzon/R8)

More on Region 8, pages 6-7.

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TACLOBAN CITY, Leyte, July 27 (PIA) -- The economy of Eastern Visayas in 2011 as measured by the Gross Regional Domestic Product grew by 6 percent if measured in current prices, and by 1.8 percent in real terms using constant prices.

This was the statement of NEDA-8 Director Bonifacio Uy during the news conference on the 2011 report of the National Statistical Coordination Board (NSCB) held on Thursday at the Ritz Tower de Leyte, hosted by NSCB-8 and moderated by PIA-8.

The 1.8 percent real economic expansion of the Region is lower than the Plan target of 5.26 percent for the year, Director Uy said. He, however, told the local media this is not really very poor performance considering that the country and at least 10 other regions missed their respective growth targets in 2011. The service sector registered the highest growth of 4.1 percent while agriculture, hunting, forestry and fishing and the industry

sector grew slightly by 0.07 percent and 0.04 percent, respectively.

The Industry sector continues to be the dominant sector in Eastern Visayas contributing 43 percent to the GRDP, Uy said. This sector, according to him, holds the fastest growing sub-sector for the past two years.

This, he said, is the Mining and Quarrying, with a tremendous growth of 62.3 percent in 2011. The major mineral products are chromite and magnetite from Eastern Samar and Leyte. The top contributor to the region’s economy is again the manufacturing sub-sector, accounting for a little more than a quarter or 26.3 percent of GRDP. Its 2011 Gross Value Added at current prices of about P60.8 billion is 4.6 percent more than its value in 2010.

The economic stronghold of the manufacturing sub-sector still relies on the metals and chemical and heavy industries located at the Leyte Industrial Development Estate or LIDE. (PIA-8)

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WESTERN VISAYAS

P25-B infra investment fund to help meet PDP goals Rafflesia lobata of the genus, Rafflesia

By Jaime S. Cabag, Jr. ILOILO CITY, Aug 1 (PIA) – An infrastructure investment fund put up by the Government Service Insurance System (GSIS), the Macquarie Group and the Asian Development Bank will help meet the country’s development targets and achieve inclusive growth.

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he P25-billion Philippine Investment Alliance for Infrastructure (PInAI) is the largest infrastructure fund ever assembled for the country, and is a vehicle for investors to participate in the country’s core infrastructure projects, said Robert G. Vergara, president and general manager of the GSIS, during the July 31 launch of the fund.

It can also be used for public-private partnership infrastructure projects of the Aquino administration.

The Pinai supports the Philippine Development Plan (PDP) for 2011-2016, which targets five to 10 investments in

core infrastructure projects in the sectors of transportation, energy, power, water, environment and communications, Based on the Philippine Development Plan, 12 percent of the country’s $120-billion investment requirements have to come from the private sector.

The GSIS is lead investor in the fund along with co-anchor investors, the Asian Development Bank, the Macquarie Group, which is also the fund manager and APG Asset Management Asia, the investment arm of Dutch pension fund’s Algemene Pensioen Groep (APG).

Vergara also pointed out that the participation of the GSIS in the fund,

whose creation was first announced by President Aquino on May during the pension fund’s 75th anniversary celebration, will benefit its 1.7 million members and pensioners.

Vergara expressed confidence that with the combined global financial strength of their partner-investors, plus Macquarie’s proven track record as the pre-eminent infrastructure manager, the PInAI will be fully deployed within its investment horizon of three years.

Vergara said, “It’s all systems go and the fund is now open for business.” (GSIS/ JCM/JSC-PIA6)

PDEA 6 reports drug situation on the downtrend

By Elsa S. Subong ILOILO CITY, Aug. 1 (PIA) -- The illegal drug situation in the region is on a downward trend, according to the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency in Western Visayas, on its 10th anniversary.

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This should give us more reasons to bring our fight further,” PDEA-6 Director Yogi Felimon Ruiz said in media interviews.

Ruiz said his focus has been on intensification of anti-drug operations on high value targets, with constant monitoring of identified drug dens or convergence areas.

He also noted that with the implementation of Republic Act 9165 or the Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act of 2002, the national campaign against illegal drugs has become more vigorous, involving all sectors of society.

Ruiz said the efforts of PDEA-6 have been highly supported by the pillars of the Criminal Justice System, without which actions are not concerted.

The demand reduction program towards eliminating the possibility of being victimized by drug pushers through preventive education has been gaining grounds.

On the other hand, Ruiz said that his personnel are given quarterly workshops on intelligence work, equipping drug operations not only with skills in doing arrests but also with knowledge on legal battle to ensure conviction.

Ruiz said the first decade of their existence as an agency in the region, is just the start of more challenging and long journey towards a drug-free Western Visayas.

He also reported that from January 2011 to June 2012, PDEA-6 has recorded 455 positive anti-drug operations and the recovery of P6,207,451 worth of drug evidences, including weapons, communication equipment, vehicles.

Ruiz said, their efforts would be more vigorous, but their steps would be one at a time. (JCM/ESS/PIA-Iloilo)

Seal of Good Housekeeping prize to fund local projects

By Easter Anne D. Doza BACOLOD CITY, July 31 (PIA6) -- The P35-million Local Government Support Fund or LGSF awarded by the Department of Interior and Local Government to this city for winning the Seal of Good Housekeeping Award will further boost local roads and market rehabilitation projects.

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ocal officials led by City Mayor Evelio Leonardia and DILG Officer Dino Punzaran broke ground for these projects in barangays 4, 17, 14, Singcang, Taculing as well as the Libertad Public Market.

A P1.5-million rehabilitation of local roads connecting to the national roads from Aguinaldo Street, 18th Street to the North Capitol Road while another P1.5-million will be used to rehabilitate

roads in Hilado Street from B.S. Aquino Drive to Burgos Street will be constructed as part of the prize money.

Meanwhile, other areas covered were Rosario St., from San Juan to Araneta, in Brgy 14 which costs P1-million; Lacson St. Extension, from Magsungay Bridge to the Bacolod-Murcia Road, got P3-million for its rehabilitation including Brgys.

Singcang-Airport and Taculing; Magsaysay

St., from Aquino Drive to Araneta, got P2-million.

A P4-million rehabilitation fund was also allocated for the Libertad Public Market or the Bacolod South Market.

Leonardia expressed great gratitude to DILG for the considerable financial assistance citing the great strides of the city in development and the rewards it has reaped through the years. JCM/EAD-PIA6/ CMO Negros Occidental)

WESTERN VISAYAS

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Better infra support brings produce faster to market Mt. Igtuog and Mt. Sakpaw, Panay Island

By Alex A. Lumaque

ROXAS CITY, Capiz, July 31 (PIA6) – Fisherman Percilito Alba is very excited.

H

e had a good catch today after a grueling fishing on the “Tinagong Dagat.” From the wharf of Pres.

Roxas town’s fishing community, he is planning to deliver his freshly caught seafood to the public market.

Luckily, for this 50 year-old fisherman from Barangay Marita, his knowledge and training on the proper handling and packaging of seafood products enabled him to reduce spoilage in his produce.

The newly constructed farm-to-market road particularly on Avalo St. resulted in a faster delivery of his catch to the market.

The farmer’s good day’s catch was made possible through the initiative of the local government unit (LGU) in view of

the Department of the Interior and Local government’s Retroactive Solutions and Leadership Approach.

After receiving the “Seal of Good Housekeeping” last year, the town was entitled to the Performance Challenge Fund (PCF) which was used for vital infrastructure projects.

Pres. Roxas Mayor Raymund S. Locsin led the conduct of several consultative dialogues which led to the identification and realization of the projects.

He also ensured the town’s needed counterpart for the cash grant.

These projects included the improvement of the Resources and Services for Livelihood (RSL) Center to enhance its facilities so that it can cater to

a more advanced training sessions and conferences.

The town’s public market is now more favorable to consumers and traders.

It used to be muddy and unpaved.

Traffic congestions during market days are now less and the vehicles are more organized because parking spaces have been maximized.

Gone now are the days when fishermen’s good day’s catch is ruined for lack of infrastructure and technical support.

Indeed, it was far more than helping them how to catch the fish. (JCM/AAL/ PIA6 Capiz)

Scholars play key role in nutri programs

By Pilar S. Mabaquiao SAN JOSE, Antique (PIA6) -- Barangay Nutrition Scholars (BNS) play a key role in the implementation of nutrition programs.

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he BNS reach out to poor households in remote villages and upland areas to bring government’s health and nutrition services, said Jemma M. Bacongallo, president of Provincial Association of Barangay Nutrition Scholars in Antique.

“Crossing rivers, walking through slippery roads and steep slopes just to reach far-flung communities during Operation Timbang, Parents’ Nutrition Classes among other activities is a great challenge to us BNS,” Bacongallo said.

She said the BNS are inspired most by the thought that "we are not working just for our honorarium or reward, but we are on a mission to empower families to become more caring to their children by putting priority to their health, nutrition and education."

Antique has 642 BNS covering 590 barangays, 19 of which are in the island town of Caluya, 3 are in the island barangays of Culasi and most are in the upland areas of the province.

There are barangays especially with big populations that have two or more

BNS but most have only one BNS with sitios (villages) located far from each other.

What made the Province of Antique more challenging is the fact that it ranked no. 1 in Region 6 in terms of malnutrition, said Bacongallo.

As we pledged to do the best we can, Banquillo said, they are appealing to the local officials to be kind and understanding for their needs, much more their safety while performing their duties. (JSC/MLG/ PSM-PIA6 Antique)

Have your helmets certified now, DTI urges Aklanons

By Venus G. Villanueva KALIBO, Aklan (PIA6) -- The Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) here called on Aklanons to have their motorcycles helmets certified in strict compliance with the use of standard protective helmets when driving.

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TI-Aklan Provincial Director Diosdado P. Cadena Jr. issued this call even as the Department of Transportation and Communication (DOTC) has issued an order moving the implementation of Republic Act 10054 that mandates all motorcycle riders to wear standard protective helmets to January 1, 2013 instead of September this year. “They should take advantage of the fact that there are no charges now in

having their helmets certified at DTI. If they are lucky, we can process their helmets right away, unlike in the early days before the postponement of the implementation when we have to schedule them in processing their applications”, Cadena said.

From July 6 to August 2, Cadena said the DTI has processed 2,317 helmet applications and has approved and issued 2,267 ICC stickers. The DTI has released

5,997 applications, while walk-in applicants reached 4,400.

Of the applications, 50 failed in the evaluation. Of the 60 certified brands, Cadena said 59 are of foreign brands while only one brand is manufactured locally.

The list of standard helmets came from the Bureau of Product Standards, DTI NCR and DTI Cebu. (JSC/VGV-PIA 6 Aklan)

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CENTRAL VISAYAS

DOST 7 confab promotes S&T culture

By Amorganda A. Saludar

Sunflower, Helianthus anuus

CEBU CITY, Aug. 1 (PIA) -- The Department of Science and Technology (DOST)-7 expressed optimism that its three-day conference in Cebu which ended Aug. 1 would develop a stronger S&T culture with the end-goal of maximizing science and technology to propel the country’s growth.

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ver 500 delegates attended the conference which began last Monday, July 30 until July 1 at the DOST-7 office here under the theme, “Science, Technology and Innovation: Working Together for Growth and Development.”

One of the conference objectives is to pave the way for S&T communities to create innovations using science and

technology to hasten local and national development.

The conference also served as a platform for the S&T communities to meet and exchange ideas to maximize the use of S&T for development.

Another focus of the conference is to popularize science and technology through information brigade on the following topics: energy, food safety, green and

urban gardening, green and cloud computing, climate change: earthquakes, typhoons, tsunamis, eruptions and flooding, and innovative ways for funding your S & T projects.

Participants of the conference are from private companies, government agencies, academe and other stakeholders in the field of science and technology.

(FCR/AYS-PIA7 Cebu)

LGU endorsement for special tree cutting required

By Hazel F. Gloria CEBU CITY (PIA) --- The Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) 7 has required of the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) the endorsement of local government units (LGUs) and the Office of the Provincial Governor as a requirement in the issuance of a cutting permit.

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ontejo said that the requirements include application letter, photographs of trees to be removed, sketch map showing the location of trees to be removed, endorsement of local government unit concerned, and environmental compliance certificate (ECC) and minutes of public consultation concerning the removal of trees.

DPWH requested the DENR to cut trees that will be affected by the implementation of the widening of Natalio Bacalso Avenue, Naga-Carcar Section.

DENR 7 Regional Executive Director Dr. Isabelo R.Montejo said, however, that his office have not yet received the endorsements from the concerned LGUs

to support the application for a special tree cutting permit by DPWH. Based on the inventory conducted by a joint team of four from DENR 7 and one from DPWH in May 11 and 16 last year, 155 trees with an aggregate volume of 192.77 cubic meters of different species will be affected.

Of the 155 trees, 25 are century old acacia trees (Samanea saman) with a diameter ranging from 92 centimeters to 226 centimeters. Also, out of 25 trees nine are considered hazardous, defective and need immediate attention.

He further added that the said request was forwarded to DENR Central Office in Manila as the authority is vested upon the DENR Secretary as it involves

century old trees with heritage significance to be cut down.

“The application for the removal of trees causing obstruction to building construction and other infrastructure projects like road widening and road right of way shall be filed at the nearest DENR office,” Montejo added.

“Heritage trees, those with historical and cultural significance as certified by the National Historical Institute or by other appropriate agencies, and landmark trees as certified by the concerned LGU shall be preserved, nurtured and applied with tree maintenance practices as necessary,” Motejo said.(RMN/HFG/PIA-7/ DENR-7)

Agri-fisheries coop gets 1M for tech upgrade

By Jennifer C. Tilos DUMAGUETE CITY, Aug. 2 (PIA) -- The Department of Science and Technology (DOST) in NegOr has granted a P1-million financial assistance to the Southern Negros Agri-fisheries Multipurpose Cooperative (Sonamco) for the technology upgrading of its milkfish and shrimp production.

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he fund will come from the wheel accelerators, three root blowers, D O S T ' s S m a l l E n t e r p r i s e one D.O. meter and a refract meter.

Technology Upgrading Program Arbon said all these machinery will be (Setup). employed in a water reservoir and a fish DOST Provincial Director Gilbert pond. These would also reduce electricity Arbon turned over a check worth consumption--a problem faced by the P999,800 to Sonamco General Manager co-op--with only few horsepower being Juventud Chavez for the technology used. upgrading of its machine-operated marine Sonamco, a registered cooperative production in Dumaguete City. formed in 1997 produces high quality The DOST provided equipment milkfish or bangus and other aquatic including three 7hp submersible pumps, products but only uses a traditional way of two 5hp submersible pumps, 11 paddle production.

The cooperative currently employs roughly 100 skilled workers, 34 direct workers, 27 workers for production, seven hands for non-production and 50 indirect and contract employees. It is has been working for at least 20 years and located in Sumaliring, Siaton, Negros Oriental and recently branched out to a new facility in Bais City. DOST helps small and medium enterprises by endowing funds through machineries for lease intended for three years with zero interest. (mbcn/JCT/PIA-Negros Oriental)

CENTRAL VISAYAS USAID strengthens partners Sunflower, Helianthus anuus

5 commitment

with

local

By Jennifer C. Tilos

DUMAGUETE CITY, Aug. 2 (PIA) -- The United States Agency for International Development (USAID) plans to work more closely with a greater number of local organizations in the country.

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his will enable it to deliver its programs more effectively, USAID Mission Director Gloria Steele said in a press statement.

This expanded engagement with local organizations is part of "USAID Forward," an ambitious reform effort, USAID Administrator Dr. Rajiv Shah said. This will help modernize and strengthen the work of USAID missions around the world, including the Philippines.

USAID Forward will also strengthen the monitoring and evaluation of USAID's programs around the world and will emphasize science, technology, and innovation.

The USAID is the US government’s development arm.

“Over the last 50 years, USAID has worked with public and private partners to help communities throughout the Philippines to reduce maternal and child mortality," Steele said.

Steele added that USAID aims to foster good governance and rule of law, increase economic opportunities, protect the environment, improve access to basic education, strengthen peace in conflict-affected Mindanao and recover from natural disasters that are embedded in the projects.

To further the impact of its efforts in the Philippines in the coming years, USAID takes steps to work directly with a broader range of Filipino partners on upcoming programs.

“USAID Philippines values the partnerships it has built with the government, the private sector and civil society to meet our development objectives," Steele said.

USAID has posted more information on several websites such as http:// philippines.usaid.gov, www.grants.gov and www.fedbizops.gov. (mbcn/JCT-PIA7 Negros Oriental)

DSWD7 asks 4Ps recipients to report transfer of residence

By Jennifer C. Tilos DUMAGUETE CITY, July 30 (PIA) -- The Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD-7) in Central Visayas has called on all Pantawid Pamilya beneficiaries in Central Visayas to update any changes particularly the transfer of residence to avoid removal from the list of beneficiaries.

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SWD-7 Information Officer Aileen Lariba said the social welfare office intensified its effort to ensure that all intended beneficiaries of the pantawid program are covered with the right payment of grant relative to their monthly compliance.

Some beneficiary-families do not comply with such conditions and transfer of residence without informing the program implementer. And this has

caused non-monitoring and non-payment of their grants, said Lariba.

Lariba said updates from the provinces of Bohol, Cebu, Negros Oriental and Siquijor may be texted to 09157984215. Calls may also be made to Maricor Rote at the DSWD-7 regional office, and to city and municipal links or the nearest DSWD office.

The Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program (4Ps) is a national government’s

anti-poverty program involving conditional cash transfer (CCT) including sending the children to school and health development if the family-beneficiaries.

Qualified beneficiaries receive P6,000 a year or P500 per month per household for health and nutrition expenses and P3,000 for one school year or 10 months or P300 per month per child for educational expenses. (mbcn/JCT/PIA-Negros Oriental)

PNoy okays GSIS minimum pension to P5,000

By Jennifer C. Tilos DUMAGUETE CITY, Negros Oriental, Aug. 2 (PIA) -- In his State of the Nation Address, President Benigno Aquino III announced the basic minimum pension of Government Service Insurance System’s (GSIS) old-age and disability pensioners to P5,000 effective January 2013.

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n a GSIS press statement, GSIS Regional Manager Ma. Vilma Fuentes said the increase was a move that is more responsive to the needs of old age and disability pensioners, particularly in the light of the rising prices of basic commodities.

Under the plan, all old-age and disability pensioners will receive the new

minimum monthly pension of P5,000 while those receiving over the minimum but less than P8,000 will receive an adjustment of P200 every month.

The release said roughly 57,000 pensioners will enjoy the new minimum pension while another 50,000 will qualify for the P200 increment. Under Republic Act 8291, otherwise known as The GSIS

Act of 1997, the GSIS Board of Trustees may recommend to the President of the Philippines the adjustment of the basic monthly pension in accordance with the rules and regulations prescribed by the GSIS, provided, however, that the basic monthly pension shall not be less than P1,300. (mbcn/JCT/PIA-Negros Oriental)

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EASTERN VISAYAS

Sinebata awards 2012 winners

Gumamela, Hibiscus

TACLOBAN CITY, Leyte, July 29 (PIA) -- After a thorough screening and judging of 808 photo and 108 video entries from Ilocos in Luzon to Davao in Mindanao, the winners of the Sinebata 2012 Batang Pinoy Media Festival were awarded at Robinsons Place in Tacloban City on July 26.

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he winners received their awards from Archbishop of Palo John Du, Boy Abunda, Bobby Andrews of the Movie, Television Review and Classification Board, Carin van der Hor who is Plan Country Director, and Elvira Yap Go who is AnakTV president.

A young high school student from the island town of Daram in Samar, Premo Bulan Jr., bagged five awards for his 30-second entry “Pasok Na” as Best Public Service Announcement (PSA); National Council for Children’s Television’s Batang Angking Talino’y Angat (Bata) Award; Department of Education (DepEd) Regional Director’s Choice; Philippine Information Agency (PIA) Batang Journalist Award from the nine to 17 years old category; and the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) Child Welfare Award. For the 18 to 23 years

old category, the winner for the PSA was “Entoy na la Pirmi” by Prudencio Cahusay and Aldrin Christian Sape of Northern Samar.

The young directors brought life to the issue of the children with disabilities.

The best music television (MTV) was “Tayo-tayo” by Jearic Casin of Salcedo, Western Samar and “Melissa” by Prince Dane Michael Timbal of Leyte, for the nine to 17 and 18 to 23 years old category, respectively. From among the 48 finalists for the photo contest, “Catching Our Future” by Jeremai P. Molina of Ilocos Sur and “Sisid Para sa Piso” by Katrina May Monsale of Negros Occidental won the nine to 17 and 18 to 23 years old category, respectively.

Other special awards were the Bata Award of the National Council for Children’s Television which were

presented to “Pasok Na” (Western Samar) and “Buhay Lapida” of Nueva Ecija; Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA) award to “Huwag Kang Magpadala sa Droga,” an entry from Nueva Ecija.

The DepEd Regional Director’s Choice was “Pasok Na,” Western Samar for PSA and “Pukot,” Eastern Samar for mini documentary; while Columbia’s Pamilyang Pilipino Award for Photo was given to “Journey of Life,” Sorsogon; “Biyaya sa Tag-init,” Laguna; and “Happiness is a Choice,” Bulacan.

The PIA’s Batang Journalist Award was presented to “Pasok Na,” Western Samar PSA; and “Kapirasong Papel,” Northern Samar mini documentary.

MTV “Melissa” from Leyte and PSA “Pasok Na” of Western Samar won the Child Welfare Award from the DSWD. (PIA-8)

NFA official assures Biliran has enough rice for 2012

By Rodrigo S. Victoria NAVAL, Biiiran, July 27 (PIA) -- An official of the National Food Authority (NFA) in Biliran disclosed that the province has enough stocks of NFA rice for 2012.

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ario A. Cayanong, engineer and provincial manager of NFA-Biliran said his office has 20,000 bags of rice stored in their warehouse.

Cayanong said that the stock is based on the average monthly consumption of 4,000 bags of rice for the entire province.

NFA-Biliran, he said, is currently undertaking an aggressive palay procurement program aimed at increasing

the NFA rice buffer stocks for the entire province.

“NFA buys palay at P17 per kilo,” Cayanong disclose.

This will still increase to P17.40 per kilo due to the incentives given to palay farmers in the drying and delivery of palay.

He said that the price offered by NFA to palay farmers is competitive with that

of the private palay traders in the province.

NFA-Biliran has assigned procurement officers who directly go to palay farms during palay harvest season to buy, he added.

Cayanong also stated that NFA-Biliran was able to buy 4,000 bags of palay in the municipality of Caibiran in the previous harvest season this year. (PIA-Biliran)

Info campaign on free trade agreement up in Samar

By Ninfa Iluminda B. Quirante CATBALOGAN CITY, Samar, Aug 1 (PIA) -- The Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) conducted a Free Trade Agreement (FTA) information campaign in Catbalogan City, recently.

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uring the activity, they conducted basic FTA information session with speakers from the Bureau of Export Trade Promotion and Philippine Export Development Plan (BETP PEDP) Manila.

According to Rose Marie Castillo, chief, Food and Preparation Division (BETP), FTA is an agreement between two or more countries to eliminate or reduce tariffs and other requirements of commerce that restrict trade activities between and among countries.

Minandro Ortego, engineer and officer-in-charge of Testing and Inspection Division- Philippine Trade Training Center

encouraged the participants from Samar to avail themselves of the FTA benefits and do business in free trade areas as he discussed ASEAN-Japan comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (AJCEPA) and Philippine-Japan Economic Partnership Agreement (PJEPA), the two agreements that Filipinos can enjoy.

FTA brings more opportunities to the Filipinos and provides broader market access and opportunities for Filipino professionals and skilled workers like the ASEAN-Australia- New Zealand Free Trade Agreement (AANZFTA).

DTI and BETP PEDP objective is to guide a prospective exporter in every step

and in complying with the requirements needed and securing legitimate buyers for their products.

DTI will conduct trainings and mentor on food processing for interested food sector to do business in FTA. The activity participants were from the academe, business, United Fishpond Operators, Market Vendors Association, fish dealers, Association of Samar producers, local government units from Catbalogan City, Zumaraga, Almagro, San Jose De Buan, and Calbiga. (PIA-Samar with Avha H. Ebalde)

EASTERN VISAYAS

7

Dialogue to help eliminate human rights violations Gumamela, Hibiscus

By Samuel D. Candido

BORONGAN CITY, Eastern Samar, August 2 (PIA) - Some 60 individuals attended the dialogue on “Human Rights Violations, Harassment, and Injustices” held recently at St. Isidore Church, Salcedo, Eastern Samar.

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ccording to Ian Mosquesa, director of Diocesan Commission on Social Action – Justice and Peace, the dialogue aimed at organizing a fact-finding task force to investigate human rights violations that happened in the locality in the recent past, connected to mining operations.

One reported victim of human rights violation was Francisco Canayong of Salcedo, E. Samar who was hacked to death on May, 1 on his way home.

Reports say Canayong was an active member of the Samar Island Partnership for Peace and Development (SIPPAD), a church-based non-government organization headed by the three bishops of of Eastern, Western, and Northern Samar provinces, which strongly supports peace efforts and environmental protection.

Mosquisa said Canayong supported the people in his community who were against mining operations, unknowing that he had to pay with his life.

His case became the main issue in the dialogue held.

Meanwhile, the dialogue ended in the creation of Stakeholders Monitoring Team pending the creation of a Task Force that will probe the killing of Canayong.

Carmelita Sumayod, Salcedo mayor, heads the monitoring team with the following members: Atty. Paquito Nacino, regional director of CHR-8; Atty. Jovan Aboga-a of the provincial legal office; Dante Operario of Mines and Geosciences Bureau (MGB); Police Inspector Marino Estonio, PNP-Salcedo; Rev. Fr. Juderick Calumpiano; and Ian Mosquesa of Diocesan Commision on Social Action, Borongan City and a representative from Philippine Misereor Partnership Incorporated (PMPI-Manila).

Primarily, the team will monitor any human right violation in the six barangays of Salcedo town: barangays Carapdapan, Naparaan, Cagaut, Cantomaja, Palanas, and Camanga.

In August 17 a follow-up dialogue is set with the main objective of creating Task Force “Mano Ansing.”

Present during the dialogue were the municipal mayor of Salcedo;

representatives from the provincial legal office, PNP-Salcedo, CHR-8, DSWD, MGB -8; SB member Francisco Conag, barangay heads of barangays Carapdapan, Naparaan, Cagaut, Cantomaja, Palanas; and Camanga; ASIA Forum-(Human Rights Center-Manila); HarIbon Foundation-(Manila); PMPI-Manila; Catholic Bishop Conference of the Philippines (CBCP)-National Secretariat of Social Action (NASSA-Manila); Task Force Detainees of the Philippines (TFDF-Manila); Medical Action Group (MDG-Manila); CBCP-NASSA-Catarman; CBCP-NASSA-Palo, Eastern Visayas Network of NGOs (EVNET); Diocesan Commission on Social Action –Borongan City; parish priests of Sulangan, Homonhon, Guiuan, and Salcedo; DYBE, NET 25, DYDW, Radyo Bombo, PIA, and barangay officials.

The dialogue was organized by Diocesan Commision on Social Action – Justice and Peace headed by its Chairman, Rev. Fr. Juderick Calumpiano. (PIA-Eastern Samar)

DPWH donates wheelchair to PWD in N. Samar

By Ailene N. Diaz CATARMAN, Northern Samar, July 30 (PIA) -- The Department of Public Works and Highways-Northern Samar First Engineering District (DPWH-NSFED) has donated a wheelchair to a person with disability (PWD) from Catarman, Northern Samar.

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aria Corazon T. Escober, information officer designate and architect, said the grant is in celebration of the 34th National Disability Prevention and Awareness Week.

Escober said the recipient is Richard O. Gallano from Brgy. Dalakit, Catarman, Northern Samar.

He was born normal but was polio-stricken at five years old. He lost his

ability to walk and was not able acquire medical attention due to poverty.

However, this did not stop him for pursuing a good education. He finished both elementary and secondary schools and went to get a degree in Computer Science.

Thus, upon referral from the Department of Social Welfare and Development, DPWH donated a brand-new wheelchair he can use for mobility.

Prior to this, he literally crawls and drags himself to get to places.

Raulito F. Yangzon, DPWH-NSFED assistant district engineer and Escober facilitated the donation on July 24 during a short program held at the DPWH-NSFED grounds.

Escober said the program was part of the strategy to link DPWH with other agencies and personalities and promote social responsibility. (PIA-Northern Samar)

SoLeyte to hold clean-up drives for tourism

By Marcelo M. Pedalino MAASIN CITY, Southern Leyte, July 30 (PIA) -- The governor of Southern Leyte has committed a massive clean-up drive in all 18 towns in the province to spur tourism.

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overnor Damian Mercado, in a live interview over dyDM Friday, said he will coordinate with the mayors in 18 municipalities to launch their own cleanliness campaign following the successful conduct of a similar clean-up activity here.

National line agency, city, and provincial employees tidied the mess in their areas in the first of a series of

“Limpyo Para sa Turismo (Clean-up for Tourism)” activities.Mercado expressed confidence the activity will be replicated in other towns.

Aside from city and provincial governments, the clean-up campaign was also participated in by the private sector, some non-government organizations, and the Southern Leyte Chamber of Commerce and Industry (SLCCI).

Barangay officials in the areas where the cleaning was done also joined.

Last month, Robert Castanares, engineer, SLCCI president, suggested that one of the surest ways to let tourists come into the province is to let them see and feel that the place is clean and neat. (PIA-Southern Leyte)

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

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