One Visayas e-Newsletter Vol 2 Issue 32

Vol 2

Published by: PIA 6, 7 & 8

Issue 32

In this Issue WESTERN VISAYAS

PIA-Capiz OIC and CAGPIO Consultant Jemin B. Guillermo (3rd from left) poses with Philippine Red Cross officials after receiving the award for CAGPIO which has been one of the Top Performers in PRC-Capiz’ 2011 Mobile Blood Donations. Also in photo are (L -R) PRC – Capiz administrator Nelia Cartujano, PRC National Blood Services director Dr. Christine Monina Nalupta, Capiz SP Ma. Emile M. Ardivilla, PRC–Capiz Board of Directors (BOD) Chair Dr. Charlie T. Robles and former BOD Chairman Bo Bediones who represented Capiz Gov. Victor A, Tanco, Sr. in the activity. (PRC/PIA Capiz/ AAL)

More on Region 6, pages 2-3.

Also CLICK Here…

CENTRAL VISAYAS

In a press conference for Negornet's 9th Annual NegOr NGO and PO Week from Aug.1-6, w/ Atty. Arturo Umbac, Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction Management Officer; Negornet President Msgr. Merlin Logronio; and Provincial Administrator Arnel Francisco on Aug. 1 at Sidlakang Negros. (JCT/PIA)

More on Region 7, pages 4-5.

Also CLICK Here…

EASTERN VISAYAS

Participants of the 3rd Regional Rescue Jamboree in one of their Simulated Emergency Response Exercises (SERE) on multi-casualty maritime accident held recently at Brgy.

Cabalawan, Tacloban City. (Vino R. Cuayzon/ R8)

More on Region 8, pages 6-7.

Also CLICK Here...

Aug. 6 - 12, 2012

DENR-7’s P2-M reg’l clonal nursery in Cebu operational

By Hazel F. Gloria CEBU CITY, August 8 (PIA) -- The Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR-7 has started operating a P2.3-million regional clonal nursery in Camp 7 Minglanilla, Cebu.

DENR-7 Regional Executive Director Dr. Isabelo Montejo said the project is in line with the national greening program (NGP) of the government and is one of the strategies implemented to meet the national target of planting 1.5 billion trees in some 1.5 million hectares until 2016.

The newly completed 3-hectare clonal nursery intends to produce 20 million seedlings until year 2016 with a project cost of more than P18 million.

Supervised by the Ecosystems Research and Development Services (ERDS), the said clonal nursery is now presently accommodating 230,000 seedlings in its hardening area, 26,310 cuttings per cycle in its rooting beds or mist system, and 6,944 cuttings per cycle in its recovery area.

In May 2012, ERDS started the operation of the nursery and it has already produced some 8.8 million seedlings of indigenous and fruit tree species.

Montejo said, “our intention is to produce high quality planting materials for the NGP requirements in the

region as we set aggressive greening efforts purposely to reduce poverty while ensuring food security, biodiversity conservation and address climate change.”

In an inventory conducted by DENR 7 last July, 23.4 million seedlings are now produced in various field offices in the four provinces of Central Visayas.

Meanwhile, Montejo instructed all field officials to ensure the proper maintenance of the existing nurseries so that they would be able to supply the needed seedlings for various tree planting and growing program.(HFG/PIA-7/ DENR-7)

DENR-FMB photo

EVisayas researchers vie for best health research in Phl GOVERNMENT CENTER, Palo, Leyte, Aug. 6 (PIA) -After a thorough review and evaluation, the Evaluation and Selection Committee for the Regional Research Oral Presentation and Poster Exhibit Contest has chosen three entries in the professional category and four entries in the student category from Eastern Visayas to compete for the best research from different regions of the country.

Department of Science and Technology Region 8 Director Edgardo Esperancilla said the contest will be held in time for the celebration of the 6th Philippine National Health Research System (PNRS) National Assembly on August 8-10 at Sofitel Philippine Plaza Hotel, CCP Complex, Pasay City.

Esperancilla said that under the professional category, the official entries of Eastern Visayas include The Cloning and Expression of Dengue Virus Envelope Protein Domain III in E. Coli by Dr. Adelaida G. Rosaldo of UP Manila School of Health Sciences based in Palo, Leyte (oral presentation).

Another entry is the Effect of Mosquito Ovicidal/ Larvicidal (O/L) Trap System in Reducing Dengue Incidence in Tacloban City by Leonido P. Olobia et. Al of DOH-8 (oral presentation).

The third entry is the Effects of Different Types of Milk Fat Globule Membrane Materials on the Physical and Rheological Characteristics of Set Yoghurts by Pet Anthony L. Pascual et. Al of the Leyte Normal University (poster exhibit).

Under the student category, Eastern Visayas has four

official entries among which is the Effect of Taro (Colocasia esculenta L. Schott) on the Growth of Lactobacillus acidophilus in Acidophilus Milk by Meryl Velarde Capapas of the Visayas State University (oral presentation).

The second entry is the Brassica rapa var. chinensis (petsay) Has a Diuretic Activity in Albino Mice by Aicy L. Depositario et. al of St. Scholastica’s College, Tacloban City (poster exhibit).

The third entry is the research on the Production and Flavor Enhancement of POI by Aldrin Abiera Aldarnia of the Visayas State University (poster exhibit).

The student category entry is the research on the Perceptions of Hepatitis B Virus Infected Students of Naval State University on the Disease: Basis for an Intervention Scheme in Naval, Biliran by Joselito Arrogante, Mary Jane Cabingas, Daryl Dacdac, and Jessa Anne Nebruda of Naval State University, Naval, Biliran (poster exhibit).

These papers were endorsed by the Eastern Visayas Health Research & Development Consortium (EVHRDC) as its entries.

The researchers of the region’s entries in both professional and student categories have been advised by the Philippine Council for Health Research and Development, the lead agency and organizer on the PNHRS Assembly, to attend the oral presentation of their entry before the panel of evaluators on August 8 and 9. (PIA-8)

AFP, PNP tie-up bolsters anti-insurgency campaign in Visayas

By Alex A. Lumaque ROXAS CITY, Capiz, Aug 7 (PIA) -- The Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) and the Philippine National Police (PNP) convened in the Visayas' Joint Peace and Security Coordination Center (JPSCC) in Iloilo City to further strengthen combined security forces conducting counter-insurgency and law enforcement operations.

“In a situation where arrest of insurgents depend on the concepts of the rule of law and combat operations giving the insurgents the necessary physical pressure, the combined efforts of the Army's counter-insurgency and the PNP's law enforcement operations should be given primacy, ” said 3rd Infantry Division (3ID) Commanding General Major Gen. Jose Z. Mabanta Jr. Police Regional Office (PRO-6) Director CSupt. Cipriano E. Querol Jr. (before moving up to a higher post in the PNP) also attended the meeting along with the operations officers from the PROs of Regions 6, 7 and 8 and key officers from the AFP's Central Command.

The conference tackled concerns on how the PNP would support the Army's counter-insurgency efforts particularly in the islands of Panay, Negros and Samar.

The AFP's Central Command has jurisdiction over major AFP units deployed in Regions 6, 7 and 8.

The JPSCC is tasked to formulate and implement plans for intensified operations against lawless elements, armed and other threat groups.

It is also responsible for monitoring and assessing peace and security situations and coordinating the implementation of necessary measures to ensure peace and security in its areas of responsibility.

In the Internal Peace and Security Operations' (IPSO) assessment of 3ID, due credit was given to the combined efforts of the Army and the PNP through the JPSCC at the Regional level which frustrated the New People's Army (NPA) in its plan to step up its operations by sustaining pressure on them in focus areas.

The IPSO assessment said 44 NPA members from the islands of Panay and Negros are now on their way back to mainstream society after laying down their arms, choosing to live a life in peace.

The conduct of IPSO is done in a complementary and concerted effort with stakeholders to address the structural challenges that fuel insurgency. (JCM/AAL-PIA6 Capiz)

2 Boracay’s 7-month nearly 800,000

WESTERN VISAYAS tourist

arrivals

reach Rafflesia lobata of the genus, Rafflesia

By Venus G. Villanueva KALIBO, Aklan, Aug. 6 (PIA) -- Almost 800,000 tourists have visited Boracay Island during the first seven months of this year.

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total of 778, 801 foreign and local tourists visited Boracay Island from January to July this year, Aklan Governor Carlito S. Marquez said in his monthly report over RGMA-DYRU, one of Aklan’s local radio stations.

This year’s seven-month arrival, the governor said, is 38 percent higher or 564,173 than last year’s tourist arrivals for the same period.

The month of July this year, owing to unfavorable weather condition, had only 76,003 tourists visiting Boracay. It was noted however that in the past month, more foreign tourists came to the island than domestic ones.

Foreign tourists in Boracay last month reached 35,674 while domestic tourists were listed at 34,742.

Overseas Filipino Workers (OFWs) who

visited the island, on the other hand, reached 5,587.

The visitor arrivals from January to July generated a total of P14.1 billion in tourism receipts. Meanwhile, jetty port collections for the seventh-month period this year reached P116,768,417.19, which is 50 percent higher than last year of the same period which was P77,635,306.27.

(JCM/VGV-PIA6 Aklan)

PWDs mentored in jewelry-making

By Margie L. Gadian SAN JOSE, Antique, Aug. 6 (PIA) -- The celebration of the National Disability Prevention and Rehabilitation Week has highlighted the accomplishments of persons with disabilities (PWD) in Antique.

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he week-long observance opened the door to more opportunities for those who are not yet in the loop by opening their eyes to the importance of being counted as a member of this big organization of about 8,000 registered members all throughout the province.

For one, the provincial government has channeled funds to support different programs aside from creating a Provincial Disability Affairs Office (PDAO), a first in the country, that will handle all concerns and programs of this sector.

A non-government organization has also realized the need to take care of this group not only physically but also provide livelihood to them and their families so they may be able to stand on their own feet.

A Dutch lady with polio, Liliane Brekelmans-Gronet, founded the non-government organization Liliane Foundation guided by the saying, “Don’t just

give them fish but teach them how to fish.” The foundation started its programs and services in the Philippines in 1985 with Sr. Agnetia Naval as the first mediator and worker, five years after it was founded.

Liliane Foundation believes in strategic partnership, which plays an important role in reinforcing the intervention chain. Strategic partners are organizations, knowledge institutions and companies that the foundation cooperates.

The work around the Philippines is currently being carried out by more than 100 local partners, San Jose, Antique included and supervised by technical consultants.

One of their programs is income generating projects and job development.

With the help of Adante Leyesa, a Batangas-born designer of handmade accessories, a group of PWDs and their families were mentored to make fashionable

handmade accessories. These pieces are now out in the market for sale and little by little have gained loyal customers who appreciate the beautiful and world-class items our PWDs are making.

In fact, an atelier has been opened to showcase their finished products at Dalipe Trade town, San Jose, Antique.

Who would ever think, that these persons once looked down as a liability would rise one day and fend for themselves and become useful citizens of this country.

With proper guidance and sufficient support from concerned organizations, government and people, our less fortunate brothers and sisters could find a niche in this world, respected and cared for and be proud to be a Filipino and an Antiqueño (JCM/MLG-PIA6 Antique)

PhilHealth embarks on campaign for social health insurance

By Lilibeth A. French ILOILO CITY, Aug. 9 (PIA) -- The Philippine Health Insurance Corporation (PhilHealth) will embark on an educational campaign on social health insurance nationwide to ensure that every Filipino has greater access to health care.

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hilHealth-6 Regional Vice President Dennis Mas said in an invitation letter sent to the Philippine Information Agency that the campaign dubbed “PhilHealth Shines: Social Health Insurance Educational Series” will equip various sectors with right knowledge and understanding of social health insurance.

In Western Visayas, the educational campaign will be held for two days from August 16 to 17. It will kick off with a Shines caravan around major streets of Iloilo City starting at PhilHealth Regional Office at 10 a.m. on August 16.

A summit will be held at the Amigo Terrace Hotel, Iloilo City on August 17 to be participated in by all local chief executives in the region. PhilHealth President and Chief

Executive Officer Eduardo Banzon is expected to join the summit.

On the afternoon of the same date, PhilHealth will launch the Primary Care Benefit 1 Package with Mayor Jed Patrick Mabilog and other City Health officers and staff at the Iloilo City Hall.

Primary Care Benefit 1 Package is a new package which is initially available to PhilHealth’s members under the Sponsored Program, Organized Group and Overseas Workers Program. Beneficiaries will be entitled to basic, quality health care services through accredited public health care providers nationwide under the program.

The primary benefits included in the PCB I Package are consultations, regular blood pressure monitoring and health promotion like

education on breastfeeding, counseling on lifestyle modification and smoking cessation.

Medicines for identified common diseases which are expected to be provided by the health providers are also included in the package. Also available are diagnostic services such as complete blood count, urinalysis, sputum microscopy, fasting blood sugar, lipid profile and chest x-ray. The Shines and the new PCB I Package are just some of the initiatives launched by PhilHealth to further expand the National Health Insurance Program to ensure coverage for all Filipinos, especially the poor, and better financial protection of its members as it pursues, together with the Department of Health, the attainment of Universal Health Care or Kalusugang Pangkalahatan thrust of the Aquino administration. (JCM/LAF-PIA6)

WESTERN VISAYAS

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Iloilo Guv cites gains in SOPA Mt. Igtuog and Mt. Sakpaw, Panay Island

By Vicente W. Villavert

ILOILO CITY, Aug. 9 (PIA) -- Iloilo Gov. Arthur Defensor, Sr. thanked the volunteers who helped him face the challenges of environmental degradation by planting 1.4 million trees as he also reported to the people of the province his achievements and accomplishments 2 years after he assumed office during his Aug. 8 State of the Province Address.

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o protect Mother Earth “we have exceeded our target by having planted 1.4 million trees with 65 percent survival rate, and our volunteers showed us that the best way to survive the challenges of environmental degradation is by collectively answering the call for environmental rehabilitation,” Governor Defensor said.

Defensor cited the Barangay Service Point Officers for religiously monitoring the survival of the trees planted, as he called upon the Ilonggos to again join next month the planting of another million trees and 500,000 mangroves.

“Our million trees is our long-term contribution to cushion the impact of ecologi-

cal imbalances that have brought destructive typhoons and floods to our province,” the governor said.

In his SOPA, Defensor cited his administration’s efforts in addressing the pressing and persistent challenge of poverty, hunger and disease.

“This is the reason why we released P73.3 million for the PhilHealth enrollment of 71,209 families, covering the period January 1, 2012 to December 31, 2013,” Defensor said.

This year, the provincial government is embarking on a massive hospital improvement program by earmarking on an additional P500 million to improve 12 hospitals with focus on the four strategically located hospitals in Pototan, Cabatuan, Sara and Guimbal.

The governor said that to provide universal access to basic education, “we invested P34 million by hiring 300 teachers and P39.4 million for the construction and repair of classrooms and school facilities this year alone”.

As the Governor’s term enters its final year, he also highlighted his administration’s achievements in various aspects such as agriculture, education, peace and order, social services, and good governance.

“I came back two years ago not for the love of power or material gain, but for the love to serve the people of the Province of Iloilo,” Defensor concluded.(JCM/VWV/PIA 6-Iloilo)

DOST opens packaging, labeling and metrology centers

By Venus G. Villanueva KALIBO, Aklan, Aug. 8 (PIA) -- Aklan’s food producers can now give other food manufacturers from other provinces a run for their money with the opening here today of the Packaging and Labeling Center at the Department of Science and Technology (DOST) located at the provincial capitol compound.

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n the same occasion, the DOST also opened the Metrology Center, also housed here.

According to Jairus Lachica, DOST-Aklan provincial director, the packaging center, in cooperation with the Aklan Food Producers Development Cooperative (AFPDC) will be providing affordable packaging services to micro, small and medium Enterprises (MSMEs) in order to create more improved products and increase their marketability through enhanced product packaging.

The Metrology Center, on the other hand, is being established in cooperation with the Aklan State University (ASU) to cater to the needs of local entrepreneurs and MSMEs in Aklan on mass and volume calibration of

equipment. The launching of the two centers was graced by Aklan Governor Carlito S. Marquez, ASU President Benny A. Palma, and AFPDC President Roselita Sauza, who all lauded the move of the DOST which would make Aklan’s food products and other crafts more competitive in the market.

“We have the best beach in the world with Boracay Island, it is high time our best products should be packaged attractively to compete with others coming from other provinces with the help of our packaging and labeling center,” said DOST Provincial Director Jairus Lachica in his message after the ribbon-cutting and blessing ceremonies.

Lachica’s sentiment was echoed by Sauza, AFPDC president and producer of Rosa Foods

processed meat products, who said with the packaging center, tourists would now better appreciate and take home Aklan’s food products instead of those coming from other provinces which are being preferred due their attractive packaging and easy handling.

Governor Carlito Marquez said better packaging and labeling of Aklan’s food products is very important for longer shelf life and quality of goods.

“Good packaging of products will greatly help our entrepreneurs who are the backbone of our economy. Entrepreneurship provides growth in our industry,” Marquez said. (JCM/ VGV-PIA 6, Aklan)

Rafael M. Salas' books now open to public

By Easter Anne D. Doza BACOLOD CITY, Negros Occ., Aug. 9 (PIA) -- Seven thousand of the 11,000 personal book collection of the late Rafael Montinola Salas, former executive secretary and former Executive director for the United Nations Fund for Population Activities are now housed at the RMS Library at the Negros Museum and are open to the public.

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armelita “Menchu” Salas, Rafael Salas’ wife and former ambassador to Czechoslovakia, together with former senator and chair of the Rafael Montinola Salas (RMS) Foundation Ramon B. Magsaysay and former Bacolod City Mayor and RMS Library Project Director Joy Valdez, led a press conference before the inauguration of the library in time for the 84th birthday of the late RMS. The books were part of the collection of RMS since his college days up to his death in March 3, 1987, said the lady Salas who remembered RMS as a voracious

reader and has enduring love for the Japanese culture.

The collection was initially donated to the Asian Institute of Management, which had to give up the books, as they are no longer read in their library where their management students are busy with mostly management books.

“We chose it here (The Negros Museum) because these books should be made available to people studying towards leadership,” Mrs. Salas said.

Magsaysay said the foundation is now an offshoot of what the young Rafael

“Paeng” Salas stood for, for the past 50 years and his brand of professionalism.

RMS was instrumental in breaking the 80-year-old problem of periodic rice importation in country when he was appointed action officer of the Rice Sufficiency Program.

“Paeng never wavered in his commitment for public service with a sense of good governance coupled always with integrity,” Mrs. Salas added.

(JCM/EAD-PIA6 Negros Occidental)

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CENTRAL VISAYAS

DTI holds SME caravan to support Siquijor ecotourism

By Rizalie A. Calibo

Sunflower, Helianthus anuus

SIQUIJOR, Aug. 7 (PIA) -- The Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) in coordination with the Siquijor Provincial Small and Medium Enterprise Development Council (PSMEDC) and the provincial government of Siquijor held on August 2 to 3 an Enhanced Small and Medium Enterprises (SME) Caravan at Dondeezco Beach Resort, Dumanjug, Siquijor, Siquijor.

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he Enhanced SME Caravan, said DTI-Siquijor Provincial Director Nimfa Virtucio, is a smaller version of the SME caravan regularly conducted by the DTI that is tailored to the capability of the people and the local resources in the province.

It involves four seminars and training simultaneously conducted that included

managerial training, training on branding, values formation seminar and skills training on “bayong-making” that all supports the initiative of the province for eco-tourism of the SMEDC for responsible production, Virtucio said.

The caravan aims to provide MSMEs access to comprehensive and focused support for enhancing managerial and

technological capabilities, Virtucio added. It also aims to provide MSMEs with skills training on livelihood to enable them to build on their competencies and to create more entrepreneurs thereby increasing livelihood and employment opportunities for the marginalized sector, she added. (MBCN/RAC-PIA7 Siquijor)

Cebu Guv wants LGUs to adopt purok system for good governance

By Fayette C. Riñen CEBU CITY, Aug. 8 (PIA) -- Implementing the “purok system” as a good governance approach is a legacy Governor Gwen Garcia hopes the next leadership of Capitol will sustain. arcia in a press conference this “to make the dream of Cebu as the number purok system as an emerging model of morning said the best governance one livable province. Let us contribute to this governance. “It is a transformative program” strategy is still community involvement goal,” added Aboitiz. that involves residents down to the purok down to the grassroots level and this she RAFI and the provincial government level in making his surroundings better, said wants to be adopted down to the “purok” signed an agreement in 2008 for the eGWEN Garcia. units in all cities and municipalities in the Our Cebu Program. eGWEN stands for The “purok” is similar to a sitio, where province of Cebu. expanded Green and Wholesome the approach would be to organize purok “The purok system transcends beyond Environment that Nurtures that basically aims communities in every barangay and personalities and administrations” as we all to develop a better Cebu in the areas involve them in local governance, Garcia “cooperate and collaborate to push for Cebu’s including cleanliness, health, sanitation, disclosed. growth,” said Garcia. environment, culture and heritage promotion, “Sometimes, one barangay has eight The Provincial Government has found a and the recently added criteria of governance puroks. The more, the better because this partner in the Ramon Aboitiz Foundation, Inc. structure and system. means more and more people are involved,” (RAFI), a non-government organization, which Garcia said the promotion of “purok” said Garcia. shares its vision of accelerating development approach was already introduced to the local Garcia said 19 municipalities out of the for a better Cebu which can be realized with government units in the eGWEN Program but over 50 cities and towns of Cebu have already community participation. it was limited to the city or municipal level. adopted the “purok” system approach.

“The beginning of change for a livable Under the program which started four Recognition awards and cash rewards Cebu begins at the grassroots level. years ago, cities and municipalities are directed were given to top three local government It starts with “you”, as we should do the to implement programs in line with the units, top three barangays and top three things we can do and not expect them to be eGWEN thrusts and are graded accordingly by puroks in Cebu at the “4th Partners given to you,” stressed RAFI President Capitol evaluators.

Conference” for the eGWEN Our Cebu Roberto “Bobby” Aboitiz in the same Those with outstanding performance are Program under the theme “Puroks in the presscon. then given recognition and cash incentives by Forefront of Grassroots Governance” held Aboitiz said there is no reason why the the Capitol every August as part of the Aug. 8 at the Cebu International Convention. next leader of Cebu would not support the activities of the province’s founding (PIA-Cebu) program. “We must not be afraid of change. anniversary on August 6. The governor said We must always be optimistic,” as we all strive they are focusing on the effectiveness of the

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Smart opens 2nd Journ.ph blogging contest for gov’t IOs in Regions 6, 7,8 DUMAGUETE CITY, Aug. 9 (PIA) -- Smart Communications has announced its 2nd Journ.ph Best Information Officer (IO) Blogger contest which is now underway for information officers in Regions 6, 7 and 8.

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he contest aims to find the best bloggers among information officers in said regions who are registered as mentors at journ.ph.

Smart partnered with the Philippine Information Agency (PIA) Region 6 for the launching of the contest last year.

As part of its Online Campus Journalism program, Smart and the Ateneo Java Wireless Competency Center (AJWCC) opened journ.ph, a Wordpress-powered blog where student journalists can publish campus and community stories. Journ.ph also engages experts in the journalism industry to serve

as mentors for future journalists in the country.

The contest is open to all information officers (regular, contractual and casual) working in government agencies and local government units in Regions 6, 7 and 8.

Participating IOs must register as mentor at journ.ph by filling out the online contest registration form at http://goo.gl/ iXE7p.

The Journ.ph team will evaluate the registration. Approved contestants will receive an agreement form. Registered contestant are expected to blog on the

following topics: tips on writing, tips for writers/journalists, cyber laws/ethics, career tips for writers/bloggers and work experience as information officer that can be helpful for campus paper journalists.

At stake are Smart premium items and cash prizes ranging from P5,000 for the Best IO Blogger award, P3,000 for first runner-up, and P2,000 for second runner-up.

Special awards will be handed out for the Most Active Agency and Most Active Blogger. (RMN-PIA7 Negros Oriental)

CENTRAL VISAYAS

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Visayan forum hails Senate concurrence to int'l treaty for domestic workers Sunflower, Helianthus anuus

By Jennifer C. Tilos

DUMAGUETE CITY, Aug. 8 (PIA) -- Visayan Forum praised the Senate for its approval of the International Labor Convention 189 on Decent Work for Domestic Workers during its Aug. 6 session.

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isayas coordinator Romualdo Señeris of the Visayan Forum, and human rights awardee Ma. Cecilia Flores Oebanda jointly commended the Philippine Senate for concurring ILO 189.

Señeris said, “This is a historic moment for the Philippines as it signifies the start of better protection and improved working and living conditions for more than three million Filipino domestic workers inside the Philippines and even those who are working in other countries.”

With the Senate vote, the Philippines will now be the second country to formally ratify ILO Convention 189 after Uruguay.

The Convention will enter into force as soon as PHL formally delivers the ratification

instrument to ILO Geneva.

“Millions of domestic workers in the Philippines and all over the world have been waiting for this moment. They have been traditionally excluded from labor laws and other regulations protecting the rights of workers against abuse. It is high time that domestic workers get the recognition and the protection that they deserve,” stated Oebanda.

The Convention mandates ratifying ILO member countries to establish standards for decent wages, employment conditions, social protection coverage, and effective protection against forced labor, debt bondage, and other forms of abuse. The Senate vote has been eagerly anticipated by

the international community. The petition for the Philippine ratification to ILO Convention 189 has garnered more than 50,000 signatures from all over the world, through the efforts of anti-slavery group, Walk Free.

The VF said the unanimous vote brings the message of the Senate, loud and clear – domestic work is indeed decent work!

Domestic Workers are not slaves.

Meantime, Oebanda also called for urgent approval of the Domestic Workers Act, pending the third and final reading at the House of Representatives. The Senate has already approved its version of the Bill since 2010. (mbcn/JCT-PIA 7, Negros Oriental)

Dumaguete invites smokers to join free cessation clinic

By Rachelle M. Nessia DUMAGUETE CITY, Aug. 8 (PIA) -- The local government here is urging smokers to join a free smoking cessation clinic organized by the City Health Office. This is in line with the implementation of the smoke-free ordinance on Sept. 1, 2012.

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ity Administrator William Ablong said the cessation clinic is also mandated in the ordinance for smokers who are willing to quit their smoking habit.

“The clinic and the cessation program is already in place. But so far, nobody has signed up for it yet,” said Ablong.

He said Mayor Manuel Sagarbarria earlier issued a memorandum circular banning smoking in city government-owned buildings here.

With the law’s enforcement just a few weeks away, Ablong is hopeful that smokers will participate in the clinic to help them quit smoking.

The smoke-free ordinance declares public areas, including public transportation and

government-owned facilities, around Dumaguete City as off-limits to smoking. Around 100 enforcers coming from the 30 barangays here and police personnel have been deputized to enforce said ordinance after they completed two batches of trainings.

Ablong revealed that of the total enforcers, around 20 are smokers.

City Health Officer Dr. Ma. Sarah Talla said they will invite the smokers in the enforcement group to form the first batch of clients for the cessation clinic.

Dumaguete-based Philippine News Agency (PNA) Bueau Chief Judy Flores-Partlow, a smoker who has been cigarette-free for four months now, lauded the smoke-free ordinance. Partlow started smoking at the age

of 20. Four months ago, she decided to stop the habit.

With the city now banning smoking in public places starting next month, Partlow said she will be urging her sisters who smoke to stop their smoking habit to not only avoid violating the law but also to avoid smoke-related diseases.

Dr. Talla said the number of tobacco-related respiratory diseases caused by first-hand or second-hand smoking have been on the rise in Dumaguete City, particularly cases involving bronchitis, bronchial asthma, and pneumonia.

Records show that 10 Filipinos die every hour due to tobacco-related diseases. (RMN/ PIA Negros Oriental)

300 farmer-scientists graduate from training program in Siquijor

By Rizalie A. Calibo SIQUIJOR, Aug. 7 (PIA) -- Nearly 300 local farmers from five towns in Siquijor province were recognized in last week’s joint graduation barangay level phases I, II and III and launching of Farmer-Scientists Training Program in corn-based production system for sustainable agricultural development.

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an Juan town has a total of 84 graduates with 19 farmers completing the Phase III, 46 for phase II and 19 for phase I while Larena town, 43 graduates with 32 for phases I and 11 for phase II. Siquijor has 68 graduates, five of which completed phase III; 38 for phase II; and 25 for phase I. Lazi town has 72 graduates, 9 completed phase III; eight for phase II and 55 for phase I while and Maria town has 25 graduates with nine completing phase III, two for phase ll and 14 for phase I. Phases I, II and III graduates receive certificates of completion, achievement and recognition, respectively.

Phase I focuses on value formation, research exposure and technical empowerment; phase II on on-farm experimentation and technology adoption; and phase III on farmer-to-farmer technology transfer and adoption.

In Phase I, farmers and scientists set up experimental plots of corn to compare the effects of organic from inorganic fertilizers, varietal trials, intercropping and other methods.

Cultivation of the farmer’s minds for love of God, country and people are also emphasized, Dr. Romulo G. Davide, FSTP program leader said.

Phase II is when farmers replicate their research experiences from Phase I in their own farms.

They set up experiments with the assistance of scientists or experts and agricultural technicians to determine which production technologies are adoptable in their farms.

Finally in phase III, the farmer-scientists share their expertise by teaching untrained fellow farmers how to generate and develop farming technologies based on their Phase I and Phase II experiences.

They use either the Adopt-A-Farmer model or Adopt-A-Barangay model with support from the local government units.

They are backed up by the municipal agricultural officers, agricultural technicians and experts, and scientists from other agencies when needed.

The program emphasizes intercropping system, together

with livestock to increase farmer’s income, Davide also said.

FSTP is first introduced in Siquijor in 2002 by Davide, known as the father of FSTP. His vision was to make Siquijor an FSTP country.

With several farmers embracing the program and graduating every year, his vision is very near if not already realized, he said.

FSTP is based on the assumption that “there is no barren soil, only barren mind,” and that “farming is business.” It is designed to liberate poor farmers from the bondage of poverty and hunger, he said.

The activity was held at the San Juan Social Center, San Juan, Siquijor attended by Dr. Davide himself, provincial and municipal agriculturists and technicians, provincial governor Orlando A. Fua Jr., mayors of the five municipalities, and heads of partner agencies. (mbcn/ RACalibo/PIA7-Siquijor)

6

EASTERN VISAYAS

DILG lauds new policy on LGUs securing loans

Gumamela, Hibiscus

TACLOBAN CITY, Leyte, Aug. 7 (PIA) -- The Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) lauded the new policy that allows only local governments (LGU) that have been conferred with the Seal of Good Housekeeping (SGH) to secure a loan from banks and other financial institutions.

D

ILG-8 Regional Director Pedro A. Noval Jr. said that as a result of talks between DILG Secretary Jesse Robredo and Department of Finance Secretary Cesar Purisima, the Bureau of Local Government Finance (BLGF) issued Finance Circular 1-2012 on April 16 listing down SGH as one of the stringent requisites for LGUs applying for authority to borrow money from banks and other financial institutions.

Noval said DILG is glad that SGH is now being recognized by other national government agencies and other concerned sectors as an effective way to determine

whether an LGU has sound financial management, is ready to secure loans and pays for them.

Robredo, in a statement, said that with the inclusion of SGH as an additional requirement for borrowing LGUs, “good local governance is fast becoming the norm and is the way to go for local governments.”

Under the new circular which superseded Local Finance Circular 1-2000 issued on January 19, 2000, aside from the Seal of Good Housekeeping, among the documents that were added to the original requirements are letter-request from the local chief executive; certification

from the local legislative body that the proposed project to be financed by the loan is included in the Approved Annual Investment Plan for the current year; authenticated copy of the resolution authorizing the local chief executive to negotiate and contract a loan; and proof of compliance with the full disclosure policy of the DILG. In Eastern Visayas, DILG has identified at least 118 LGUs which may be eligible to be conferred the SGH by DILG Central Office this year. This is an improvement from the 35 LGUs, which were granted the award last 2011. (PIA-8)

New airline flies the Tacloban-Manila route TACLOBAN CITY, Leyte, Aug. 2 (PIA) -- The entry of another carrier in the area is a welcome development for Eastern Visayas.

O

n Monday, the Tiger Airways which partnered with the South East Asian Airlines (SEAIR) December of 2010, made its maiden flight from Manila to Tacloban and vice versa.

The Civil Aviation Authority of the Philippines-8 told the Philippine Information Agency (PIA) that Tiger Airways which is managed by SEAIR flies to Tacloban from Manila daily.

“Tiger Airways arrives in Tacloban at 10:25 a.m. and leaves for Manila at 11:10 a.m.,” Yvette Separa of CAAP said.

A browse of the SEAIR and Tiger Airways website shows that the introductory one-way ticket costs from P516.

The Tacloban flight is part of SEAIR network expansion.

It was also gathered that SEAIR had transformed from a leisure airline business model to a low-cost budget airline.

The change in business model enhances the passenger experience of short and safe flights from one island destination to another.

At present, Philippine Airlines, Airphil Express, Cebu Pacific, and ZestAir provide air travel services to Tacloban City.

With the entry of the SEAIR in the City, there are now 15 flights daily at the Daniel Z. Romualdez Airport in Tacloban City.

(PIA-8)

Samar receives automatic weather station device

By Ninfa Iluminda B. Quirante CATBALOGAN CITY, Samar, Aug. 2 (PIA) -- The Samar Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (PDRRMC) has received an automatic weather station (AWS) device to be used for saving crops and livestock.

I

n behalf of the DRMMC, Samar Governor Sharee Ann Tan accepted the device from the Weather Philippines Foundation Incorporated (WPFI).

The council, composed of local department heads and national government agencies, concurred with the suggestion of Provincial Agriculturist Anita Taran to put up the weather device at the Regional Integrated Agricultural Research Center (RIARC) in San Jorge, Samar to be

used by agriculturists and livestock farmers.

“The data from the AWS device will be very helpful to the farmers in the San Jorge-Gandara area whose crops and livestock are at risk during bad weather days,” Taran said during the meeting of the PDRRMC, Aug. 1.

To formalize the process and ensure the maintenance and sustainability of the AWS device, a memorandum of agreement (MOA) will be executed by

WPFI and the Department of Agriculture – Region 8, which supervises the RIARC in San Jorge, Samar.

DOST and PAGASA reminded recipients of the device to make sure that it is fenced and well maintained to ensure the data dispatched will really serve their purpose, which is to warn farmers of impending disaster like abnormal rainfall and destructive weather condition.

(PIA-Samar)

EASTERN VISAYAS

7

Climate Change Commission pilots Guiuan as eco-town in the Visayas Gumamela, Hibiscus

By Leonilo D. Lopido

TACLOBAN CITY, Leyte, Aug. 3 (PIA) -- The Climate Change Commission, an attached agency of the Office of the President tasked to coordinate, monitor and evaluate the programs and action plans of the government relating to climate change, has launched on Aug. 1 the Ecotown project in Guiuan, Eastern Samar, the first in the Visayas.

T

he formal launching of the project entitled, “Demonstrating the Ecotown Framework,” was done with the signing of a memorandum of agreement between the Climate Change Commission represented by Commissioner Naderev M. Saño and Mayor Annaliza G. Kwan together with the provincial government of Eastern Samar, the Department of the Interior and Local Government, Regional Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council, Plan International, GIZ, and other civil society groups who expressed support to the project.

It was learned that under the MOA, CCC will prepare a work plan to be

accompanied by technical and financial assistance to help the local government unit (LGU) enhance existing plans to make it climate change resilient and facilitate capacity building for local adaptation planning, implementation and monitoring of climate change initiatives in the municipality.

Sano explained Guiuan was selected for several factors: as as a pilot site, it is a representative of the climate impact; possesses track record on good governance; and importantly, the context of ridge-to-reef which the town has from mountains/forests to rivers/seas/marine ecosystem. The Commissioner, in turn, hopes Guiuan will continue its best

practices endeavors particularly on solid waste management, environmental management, protection of the environment, providing sustainable livelihood to its constituents, among others.

An eco-town is a planning unit composed of municipalities or a group of municipalities located within and around boundaries of critical key biodiversity areas, which are at high risk to climate change.

In Eastern Samar, three more LGUs have been selected to be part of the Ecotown demonstration – Borongan City, Can-avid, and Llorente. (PIA-8)

Israeli ambassador visits Northern Samar

By Teresita B. Cardenas CATARMAN, Northern Samar, Aug. 8 (PIA) -- Ambassador Menashe Bar’on of the State of Israel visited the province of Northern Samar on Aug. 7 to promote the Philippine-Israel Center for Agricultural Training (PICAT) project.

During the press conference, Ambassador Bar’on said that PICAT is a project of cooperation between the State of Israel and the Republic of the Philippines. It is a research and development project based in Central Luzon State University (CLSU) in Munoz, Nueva Ecija.

The project aims to establish a coordinative extension and training center in agriculture and allied fields in the region that will promote farm productivity, profitability, and sustainability thereby

contributing to the betterment of living standards of farm families and their communities, he added.

He further said that it also seeks to re -tool local government extension personnel in extension methods and recommended agricultural technologies for a more effective and efficient extension delivery and outreach and conduct field trials in the university and the pilot areas to yield technologies that can improve farm productivity, profitability, and sustainability.

Moreover, he said that PICAT was able to send for training more than 100 Filipinos comprising farmers and DAR officials in Israel on special courses regarding vegetable production and post-harvest technologies.

The project is in support of the United Nations Millennium Development Goals (MDGS) that aims for the eradication of poverty and hunger of farm families and their communities.

(PIA-Northern Samar)

42 Eastern Samar cops promoted

By Alicia F. Nicart BORONGAN CITY, Eastern Samar, Aug. 3 (PIA) -- The provincial command of the Philippine National Police here promoted 42 non-commissioned officers.

T

he Pinning of Ranks ceremony was held after the flag raising ceremony at the provincial command, headed by Police Senior Supt.

M a n u e l E .

C u b i l l o Of the 42 cops, 36 police officer 1 (PO1) were promoted to PO2; four PO2 to PO3, one PO3 to SPO1 and one SPO1 to SPO2. Cubillo reminded the police to be mindful of their new and increased

responsibilities. He also told the cops not to waster their chances to advance and exert efforts beyond targets to achieve better performance.

Meanwhile, Deputy PNP Provincial Commander Edwin Barbosa said these newly promoted cops will have to wait for another five years to be promoted again. He said that for now, they are assigned to the Public Safety Battalion,

formerly the PNP Mobile Force, before they are deployed to their different provincial assignments.

The report added that these 42 cops were only in the first part of the promotional process, the next batch will be on the second semester of the year.

(PIA-Eastern Samar)

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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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