One Visayas e-Newsletter Vol 2 Issue 33

Vol 2

Issue 33

In this Issue WESTERN VISAYAS

Regional Director Alfonso B. Catolin of National Commission on Indigenous Peoples assures members of indigenous communities that the government is committed to help indigenous communities achieve empowerment particularly in working for Certificate of Ancestral Domain Title which is the major thrust of his agency during the Indigenous People’s Day in Antique on Thursday. (MLG/PSM/PIA6 Antique)

More on Region 6, pages 2-3.

Also CLICK Here…

CENTRAL VISAYAS

PIA-7 & MIMAROPA staff pose for posterity on the last day of the Joint Mid-Year Program Review and Staff Dev Training Workshop at the Legend Hotel, Puerto Princesa City. (FCR/ VVV&JSME/PIA Cebu)

More on Region 7, pages 4-5.

Also CLICK Here…

EASTERN VISAYAS

Philippine National Police 8 regional director PCSupt Elmer Soria (left) answers questions during the dialogue with local media personalities at Camp Kangleon, Palo, Leyte, August 13. Others in photo are RPCRD chief PSSupt Roel Acidre and public information officer PSupt Jennifer Sumpo. (Vino R. Cuayzon/R8)

More on Region 8, pages 6-7.

Also CLICK Here...

Aug. 13 - 19, 2012

Published by: PIA 6, 7 & 8

BIR EVisayas exceeds 1st semester target by P120M PALO, Leyte, August 14 (PIA) -- The Bureau of Internal Revenue in Eastern Visayas exceeded its 2012 first semester target of P2.18 billion by 5.5 percent or P120 million.

BIR Regional Director Atty. Diosdado R. Mendoza said the BIR region’s collection for January-June 2012 reached P2.30 billion. This is 24.95 percent higher than the P459-million collection during the same period last year.

The percentage contribution shares over the total accumulated collection of the different Revenue District Offices are as follows: RDO No. 85-Catarman, N. Samar, 8.42 percent (%); RDO No. 86-Borongan City, 8.17%; RDO No. 87-Catbalogan City, 12.53%; RDO No. 88Tacloban City, 43.8%; RDO No. 89-Ormoc City, 19.13% and RDO 90-Maasin City, 7.95%.

Revenue District Office No. 85-Catarman, Northern Samar headed by Atty. Eduardo T. Obero was hailed as the Top Performing Revenue District Office for the 6-month period with an excess of 18.12 percent over its assigned

district goal and 40.44 percent increase compared to its prior year’s collection performance.

Director Mendoza said the positive collection was significantly attributed to the higher compliance on Income, VAT and Excise Taxes.

The six (6) Revenue District Officers identified various strategies to strengthen the collection efforts and efficiency through consistent monitoring and efficient management of Outstanding Delinquent Accounts and Receivables, RD Mendoza disclosed.

Intensified tax campaign and implementation of the existing flagship programs such as the TCVD (Tax Compliance Verification Drive), developing of RATE (Run After Tax Evaders) and Oplan Kandado cases for non-compliant taxpayers, as well as strengthening the linkages with other government agencies to support and assist in the delivery of these programs will form part of the outlined activities of the Bureau, the BIR Director said.

(PIA-8)

Social media: A boon to Rotarians-Sec. Coloma BACOLOD CITY, Aug 13 (PIA6) -- Presidential Communications Operations Office (PCOO) Secretary Herminio Coloma, Jr. urged fellow Rotarians to strengthen the use of the social media in reaching out to society and in getting members who will carry out their goals to improve the lives of mankind.

In his speech at the Rotary International seminar at L’ Fisher Hotel here, Coloma rallied more than 300 delegates from the Visayas and Mindanao Rotary Districts 3850, 3860 and 3870 to put family first on top of their agenda while having fun accomplishing the Rotarian mission and creating happy and satisfied clients.

“Rotary is all about seeing others happy,” he said, as he urged them to recruit professionals and business leaders who are also happy in their profession.

The Secretary is banking on the 1.2 million-strong Rotary members across the globe who could bring further success to the organization’s programs and strengthen it using the social media.

He cited, for example, President Aquino who placed third in Facebook with the most number of likes behind Angel Locsin and Vice Ganda. The three enjoy followers in millions and are constantly talked about by the hundreds of thousands.

He said Rotary leaders should design their activities to be challenging such that the challenge is higher than their guests’ level of skills. Through that, the club could get the best members, he added.

The organization is well-known for its anti-polio crusade worldwide by raising funds to make vaccine supply

adequate with a goal to rid the world of the crippling disease.

For the last twenty years, it has produced more than two billion vaccines through donations and grants from donors, among them, the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation.

Each year, thousands also benefit from the Rotary Clubs’ program on education, literacy, scholarships, water management, book donations, peace promotion activities and humanitarian projects.

There are now 34,000 Rotary clubs in more than 200 countries. The clubs are nonpolitical, nonprofit, nonreligious and is open to all cultures, races and creeds.

(JSC/LOL-PIA6 Negros Occ.)

Presidential Communications Operations Office Chief Sec. Herminio Coloma was guest of honor during the last week's Rotarian's Multi District Seamless Seminar, L' Fisher Hotel, Bacolod City. (PIA6-LOL-EAD)

Negros Oriental to boost tourism dev't plan

By Jennifer C. Tilos DUMAGUETE CITY (PIA) -- Negros Oriental tourism officials started to improve on the province’s tourism development plan with similar strategies set up in the National Tourism Development Plan.

In a workshop held recently, the Department of Tourism (DOT) with tourism officials from Puerto Princesa and Bohol, whose tourism industries are well-advanced, urged local government units in Negros Oriental to come up with doable tourism plans in their localities.

“Negros Oriental has a lot of tourism assets and destinations to offer to foreign and local tourists but somehow it lacks technical knowhow on product development, infrastructure support, marketing and promotions,” said DOT officer Warner Andrada.

Tourism is the second industry in the world, while it stimulates economy it also creates local pride, Andrada said as he noted that tourism development should be more sustainable and inclusive.

Andrada challenged the province to replicate Puerto

Princesa and Bohol’s best practices in tourism development to catch up with the world of tourism industry.

Local government units play a very important role in tourism development to influence other stakeholders to support the industry to grow positively, said tourism operations officer Rebecca Labit of Puerto Princesa City.

“We expect also industry players to be considerate by providing accurate data, for instance, the number of foreign and local tourists coming in the province so that the government can create strategic infrastructure development,” Labit said.

The DOT also outlined some factors crucial to tourism development such as the mismatch of promotion of eco-tour destinations, high prices of services and products, eco-cultural against mainstream tourism, uncontrolled environmental law violation, waste disposal problem, lack of marketing strategy and unstable power supply, among others. (mbcn/JCT-PIA 7, Negros Oriental)

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WESTERN VISAYAS

Implementation of PQA to enhance gov’t performance

By Vicente W. Villavert

Rafflesia lobata of the genus, Rafflesia

ILOILO CITY, Aug. 15 (PIA) -- Western Visayas government and private organizations and institutions are expected to promote standards on organizational performance compared to leading organizations and business in other countries, after the day-long orientation on Philippine Quality Award (PQA) and Philippine Quality Challenge Program.

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onducted by the Department of Trade and Industry’s Center for I n d u s t r i al C o m p e t i t i ve n e s s (DTI-CIC), the activity has gathered some 70 participants from different local government units, schools, hospital, business process outsourcing small and medium enterprises from Iloilo, Antique, Aklan, Capiz and Guimaras.

Division Chief Mario M. Jusi of DTI-CIC said the PQA was established by Executive Order Number 448 in October 1997 and was institutionalized through the signing of Republic Act 9013 on February 28, 2011 otherwise known as the PQA Act. PQA is a national awards program that recognizes public and private organizations which have achieved exemplary levels of quality and business excellence.

Jusi said there are four award and recognition categories. These are the

Philippine Quality Award for Performance Excellence; Mastery in Quality Management; Proficiency in Quality Management; and Commitment to Quality Management.

“We already have conducted around eight forums on PQA for the academe, industries, health care, BPOs and hospital sectors in Manila, this year,” said Jusi as he emphasized that for the provinces the conduct of the forum is multi-sectoral.

After gaining information about PQA, he said “we will invite them to participate and apply through our administrator.”

Here are the addresses of the PQA Administrators: PQA Administrator for the Private Sector, Philippine Society For Quality Inc., 3-2 Suite Sunshine Condominium 9633 Kamagong St., San Antonio Village Makati City; PQA Manager Department of Trade and Industry Center for Industrial Competitiveness, 6th floor, Trade and Industry Bld., 361 Sen. G. Puyat

Ave., Makati City; and PQA Award for the Public Sector, Development Academy of the Philippines, Center for Quality and Competitiveness, 5th Floor DAP Bldg, San Miguel Avenue, Ortigas Center Pasig City.

Jusi said there were already 41 recipient organizations since 1998, and of that figure one institution was recognized in Iloilo City with John B. Lacson Colleges Foundation-Arevalo in year 2005, and in 2009 the John B. Lacson Foundation, Inc. He said that if you receive a PQA Recognition, you will earn the prestige of being a recipient of a national quality award and serve as a role model for others. As to the benefits of applying for the PQA, he said it “promotes employee involvement and encourages the discipline to anticipate and respond to rapid changes in your business and customer environments as well as it helps propel future growth and profitability.(JCM/VWV -PIA6 Iloilo)

DOTC allots P59.49M to develop Kalibo Int’l Airport, further boost tourism

By Venus G. Villanueva KALIBO, Aklan, Aug. 17 (PIA) -- The Department of Transportation and Communications (DOTC) will be allotting P59.49 million for the development of the Kalibo International Airport (KIA) here.

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he project will include completion of asphalt overlay of its runway, concrete paving of apron expansion with taxiway and construction of security fence, the DOTC’s invitation to bid said.

The province’s international gateway to Boracay Island will be developed by the DOTC along with two others – San Vicente in Palawan and Sanga-Sanga in Tawi-Tawi, DOTC said.

KIA is currently one of the country’s busiest airports, ranking seventh in terms of passenger traffic.

The development of KIA is seen to further boost Aklan’s tourism potentials with the island of Boracay as the anchor.

Philippine Airlines (PAL), Cebu Pacific, Zest Air, AirAsia,China/Mandarin Airlines are among the airlines utilizing KIA.

It caters to international flights to and from Hongkong, Taipe, South Korea (Incheon and Pusan) and local flights to Manila, Cebu, Clark and the recently-launched Kalibo-Davao flight.

Based on records of the Civil Aviation Authority of the Philippines here (CAAP), KIA averages 20 to 25 flights daily serving some 2,500 international and domestic passengers. (JCM/VGV-PIA6 Aklan)

Antique disaster council gets new generators, gears

By Pilar S. Mabaquiao SAN JOSE, Antique, Aug. 17 (PIA) -- The Department of Social Welfare and Development turned over equipment and gears for the disaster preparedness and rescue operations of Antique Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council.

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SWD Regional Director Minda B. Brigoli turned over one generator set to the provincial DRRMC to be used in case of brownouts caused by disasters or calamities.

Other equipment released are meant for oil spills in case it happens, said Broderick Train, provincial disaster council officer.

Last year, Train said a ship sank near the shore of San Jose, Antique and

residents feared the occurrence of an oil spill.

Because of the long stretch of coastlines and a number of island villages, the province may be vulnerable to oil spill, Train said.

Some of the gears include protective suits, protective goggles, oil resistant boots, rain coats, spray equipment, sleeping bags, gloves, knapsack sprayers, flashlights and helmets. In addition, Brigoli

urged local authorities to be vigilant in times of disasters. Likewise, she enjoined local residents to heed the call of their DRRMCs, particularly on pre-emptive evacuation and other instructions to avoid casualties.

Brigoli turned over the equipment on August 9 during the Provincial Indigenous People’s Day celebration. (JCM/PSM-PIA6, Antique)

WESTERN VISAYAS

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Iloilo family wins ‘Huwarang Pamilya’ reg’l search Mt. Igtuog and Mt. Sakpaw, Panay Island

Pantawid

By Lilibeth A. French

ILOILO CITY, Aug. 15 (PIA) -- A family from Iloilo was chosen as the “Huwarang Pantawid Pamilya” in Western Visayas after the regional screening and deliberation of six entries from the five provinces of the region on August 14, Tuesday.

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he Rodriguez family from Barangay Layog, Maasin, Iloilo will represent Western Visayas in the national search conducted by the Department of Social Welfare and Development in recognition of the vital role of families in the success of Pantawid Pamilya as the primary beneficiaries of the program.

The family of Rey and Evangeline Rodriguez has been enrolled in the Pantawid Pamilya program since June 2010. Out of their seven children, three are currently included in the program. Rey works as a laborer while Evangeline is a housewife.

Adjudged first runner up is the Obuyes family from Barangay Agtatacay, Sapian. Second runner up is the Valaquio family of Barangay Guintas, Jamindan. Both are from the province of Capiz. The judges were guided by the following crite-

ria during the selection: a family with 100 percent compliance with all conditions, 25 percent; a family that promotes practices and promotes healthy living, 20 percent; a family that is actively involved in community and environmental endeavors, 20 percent; a family who demonstrates love and respect for the community including the environment, 20 percent; a family who manages and utilizes cash grants properly, 15 percent.

DSWD-6 Pantawid Pamilya Information Officer Alma Joronadal said the search, which is conducted for the first time also intends to develop these model families as Pantawid Pamilya champions who would help advocate the impact of the program aside from recognizing them for religiously following their co-responsibilities in the program. Household beneficiaries have

four conditions to comply with before they receive their cash grants under the program. These are maintaining at least 85 percent school attendance among three to 14 years old children, availing of regular health care services and regularly attending the Family Development Sessions. To date, there are 253,245 households in the region covered by this anti-poverty program to ensure that the poor will not be left behind as the country moves to attain economic progress.

Joronadal said cash prizes are in store for the regional winners which will be awarded during the Family Week celebration in September. The Grand Prize winner will receive P10,000; first runner-up, P5,000; and second runner-up, P3,000. All of them will also be awarded certificates of recognition.

(JCM/LAF-PIA6)

Bacolod City wins reg’l search for child-friendly city

By Easter Anne D. Doza BACOLOD CITY, Negros Occ., Aug. 15 (PIA) -- Bacolod City garnered the highest score of 84.47 percent in the regional Search for the Child-Friendly Municipalities/Cities in Region 6 judged by the Regional Awards Committee of the Regional Council for the Welfare of Children (RCWC).

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epartment of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD-6) Regional Director Minda Brigoli, CESO III, in a letter addressed to Mayor Evelio Leonardia revealed the result.

Brigoli said the RCWC Western Visayas has endorsed the city’s documents and evaluation results to the National Awards Committee as the region’s entry for the Highly Urbanized City category.

Brigoli congratulated the city and wished that Bacolod will make it to the search in the national level.

Leonardia thanked the city Department of Social Services Division headed by Sally Abelarde for their good performance that led to the achievement, as well as the constituents of the Bacolod City for their cooperation. In October of 2011, Bacolod was the only local

government outside of Luzon that made it as National Finalist for the Most Child-Friendly Award.

The awa r d for th e Mo st Child-Friendly City, National Level in 2011 was won by Mandaluyong City.

Bacolod is a consistent regional winner and has been included in the national level for many years now. (JCM/ EAD-PIA6 CMO Negros Occidental)

Soldiers learn IP culture, tradition

By Alex A. Lumaque ROXAS CITY, Capiz, Aug. 11 (PIA) -- A lecture on indigenous people’s (IP) culture and tradition was facilitated by the 301st Infantry Brigade recently at Camp Carreon in Calinog, Iloilo.

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r. Alicia P. Magos, professor emeritus at the University of the Philippines – Visayas, gave the lecture to the platoon and squad leaders of the 61st Infantry Batallion’s “Bayanihan Teams”.

Bayanihan teams are 61IB's primary units tasked to look into the concerns of the IPs of Panay, particularly in the municipalities of Tapaz and Jamindan in Capiz and Calinog towns in Iloilo.

Magos, who authenticated the existence of the Panay-Bukidnon in her anthropological studies that started in

1993, has also pioneered the School for Living Tradition in Central Panay.

“Lessons learned from the lecture will now form part of a soldier's tool as they deal with IPs, other concerned lead government and non-government agencies facilitating the concerns of the IPs,” a statement from the Division Public Affairs Office of the 3rd Infantry Division (3ID) said.

Earlier, the leadership of 3ID said that for the sake of peace and following what is allowed within the Constitution, it is more than willing to distribute parts of Camp

Gen. Macario Peralta Jr. to the IPs of Panay. "We appreciate the presence of Jornelito Espanola of the National Commission on Indigenous People (NCIP) and the IP participants from Tapaz who definitely added more insights on the IP culture for the soldiers," said Lt. Col. Christopher Sab-it, 16IB commander, during an open forum.

An agreement of support between the Battalion and the Panay-Bukidnon of Calinog and Tapaz has been achieved in two fora conducted late last year.

(JSC/AAL-PIA 6, Capiz)

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CENTRAL VISAYAS

Cebu City health office intensifies anti-dengue measures Sunflower, Helianthus anuus

By Amorganda A. Saludar

CEBU CITY Aug. 14 (PIA) -- The Cebu City Health Department (CCHD) continues to strengthen its defense measures against dengue amid the rainy season where cases are likely to spread despite a significant decline of dengue cases in July compared to the previous month.

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urinda Macasocol, assistant city epidemiologist of the City Epidemiology Surveillance and Statistics Unit of the CCHD said they do not want to be complacent just because cases of dengue went down last month by slightly over 50 percent from 388 cases in June to 195 cases in July.

“Each barangay in the city has its own barangay dengue brigade intended to initiate immediate measures and actions in the continuing anti-dengue campaign drive,” said Macasocol. There are 80 barangays in Cebu City.

Barangay health workers together with the CCHD continue its ongoing house-to-house education and information campaign to educate residents to make it a habit of maintaining clean surroundings and destroy possible breeding sites of mosquitoes, Macasocol said.

Since the start of this year, the city health team in coordination with the local barangay officials, barangay health emergency response teams, dengue barangay brigade and other

non-government organizations regularly conduct search and destroy operations for the breeding sites of mosquitoes and other insects that carry not only dengue fever.

The assistant city epidemiologist further said they emphasize the importance of early consultation when on-and-off fever is noted and of immediate admission to the Cebu City Medical Center (CCMC) for confirmed & severe stage of the disease to prevent unnecessary deaths.

A fast lane for dengue consultation has also been established at the CCMC’s outpatient department to easily address dengue cases, while there is also a dengue ward with available supplies and medicines.

There are also seven satellite laboratories all over the city for free complete blood count, platelet counting and monitoring for those with recurring fever suspected to be dengue.

The laboratories complement the main lab at the CCHD and at the CCMC

while the latter provides free hospitalization to city residents with suspected and confirmed dengue virus, Macasocol disclosed.

Last June 3, the city’s sanitary inspectors partnered with the Rotary Philippines in the conduct of larviciding activity in the identified stagnant pools of water in 20 city barangays.

Intensified campaign for proper waste disposal and regular collection of garbage as well as de-clogging activities were likewise conducted.

At present, the main focus of the city health department is to the raise the level of dengue prevention measures which has been effective with the decline of dengue cases last month, Macasocol said.

Macasocol said given the situation, the City Epidemiology Statistics and Surveillance Unit of Cebu through the CCHD and the CCMC continuously provides active, daily and on-going Fever SMS Surveillance covering the 80 barangays of the city. (FCR/AYS-PIA7, Cebu)

Dumaguete nutrition scholar receives regional outstanding award

By Rachelle M. Nessia DUMAGUETE CITY (PIA) -- A barangay nutrition scholar in the city was awarded as the City Outstanding Barangay Nutrition Scholar in Region 7.

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anilyn Orlina of Barangay Motong received the award during the 2012 Grand Nutrition Awards and 8th Regional Nutrition Action Officers Congress held Aug. 3 in Cebu City.

Since 2003, Orlina has been serving underprivileged families in the local

community for eight years now.

“She initiated the sowing of eggplant seeds and distributed seedlings to the parents of undernourished children in her barangay,” said City Nutrition Action Officer Lourdes Tabaraza in a statement.

Orlina also led the livelihood project where she raised native chickens, gave them to parents-beneficiaries who in return, gave back two female chickens as payment. (RMN/PIA Negros Oriental)

Perilous highway in Bohol undergoes repair

By Rey Anthony H. Chiu TAGBILARAN CITY (PIA) -- A perilous portion of a highway in Cortes town in Bohol is being repaired.

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ontractor of the project, Ven Ray Construction, said the Junction Road at Cortes going to Balilihan (kilometer 8+892 to kilometer 9+434) is closed for the concreting project.

The characteristic dangerous curve branching off the highway in Cortes immediately takes an ascent, which has caused less powerful engines to falter at this section, causing accidents.

Recently, the landslide in Sitio Lilo-an has caused a reroute where vehicles were diverted to the junction road, causing the asphalt road to deteriorate fast,

jeopardizing a sub-base not designed for heavy traffic.

According to the Bohol Engineering District 1 of the Department of Public Works and Highways, the job needed the alteration of the grade of slope and some corrective engineering to the sub-base to stabilize the soil upon which the concrete highway is to be laid.

The contractor advised those who wish to travel through the area to take the National Road along Tagbilaran North Road until Sitio Lilo-an Poblacion and then go up by the Southern Industrial Project

onward to their destinations.

For those who would be inconvenienced by the development, since Cortes would be celebrating the feast day of Saint Roche (San Roque) on August 15-16, the contractor also assured that the road section would be partially opened.

Last August 6, Cortes access from junction Salvador to Cortes Central Elementary School was closed to traffic due to construction of the portion of the highway. (mbcn/rahc-PIA 7, Bohol)

CENTRAL VISAYAS

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RDC 7 forms Task Force ‘Tabang’ for flood-hit victims in Luzon Sunflower, Helianthus anuus

By Fayette C. Riñen

CEBU CITY (PIA) -- The Regional Development Council (RDC) 7 yesterday formed Task Force “Tabang” to help flood-hit victims in Luzon.

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n a meeting, RDC 7 Chairman and Cebu City Mayor Michael Rama appealed to local government units, regional government agencies, business sector and shipping lines to help solicit donations to address the urgent needs of thousands of evacuees affected by the heavy flooding in Metro Manila and nearby provinces.

“Let us help our unfortunate brothers in Luzon who badly need immediate assistance,” Rama said. “If it is not now, when? If it is not us, who?”

Immediate needs of the evacuees are towel that can also be used as blankets, canned goods, biscuits, choco bars, tetra pack milk (for infants), other ready-to-eat food items and used clothing, Alvin Santillan said, chief of the Cebu City Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council.

“The evacuees only eat once a day which is usually bread. It is really a pitiful

sight to see,” Santillan stated, who was sent by Rama to Manila to determine the immediate needs of the victims.

Rama, for his part, has committed P5 million in cash assistance to Luzon to be taken from the city’s calamity funds.

Prudencio Gesta, president of the Cebu Chamber of Commerce and Industry (CCCI), said that early this week they have already solicited a fund-raising campaign from their members for the Luzon victims.

TF Tabang would each do its share in soliciting donations from Cebuanos and other generous Filipinos to share and give what they can to the evacuees.

Identified drop-off centers are the regional office of the Department of Social Welfare and Development 7, which is open 24/7; Provincial Capitol; Talisay and Lapulapu City Halls; all police stations in Central Visayas and the office of the Cebu Chamber of Commerce and Industry in

North Reclamation Area, Cebu City.

“We are targeting before the end of this month to be able to ship the donated goods to the thousands of evacuees in flood-stricken areas in Luzon,” said Efren Carreon, assistant regional director of the National Economic and Development Authority (NEDA) 7. NEDA 7 is the secretariat of the RDC Central Visayas.

Sulpicio Lines also gave its commitment to ship free of charge the donated goods and items to Luzon.

Rama said it is better to help than be the one being helped and that Cebuanos should thank God that the region never experienced heavy flooding of such magniture.

The RDC 7 chair, however, said this does not mean that a similar disaster would not happen here. “We just have to keep on praying to Señor Sto. Niño to continue to protect us and make us safe,” he added. (FCR-PIA7 Cebu)

Dumaguete septage facility cited best in Region 7

By Rachelle M. Nessia DUMAGUETE CITY (PIA) -- The National Nutrition Council in Region 7 (NNC-7) has awarded the septage facility in Brgy. Camanjac here as the Best Innovative and Good Nutrition project in the region during a regional event held August 3 in Cebu City.

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he wastewater treatment facility here earned the recognition of being a world-class low-cost septage management system during the 2012 Grand Nutrition Awards and 8th Regional Nutrition Action Officers Congress.

City Nutrition Action Officer Lourdes Taburaza received the plaque of recognition in behalf of Mayor Manuel Sagarbarria.

Taburasa said NNC-7 cited the

septage facility in the city for realizing the need for a sanitary sewer system due to the high level of pollution of Dumaguete’s coastal waters.

The city’s septage facility was a result of Dumaguete’s participation in the USAID Local Initiatives for Affordable Wastewater Treatment (LINAW) program.

Completed in May 2010, the septage system has minimized the adverse effects of wastewater to public health and has

reduced the deteriorative impact of wastewater on the environment, said a press statement from the city’s public information office.

“The project also came into fruition through the strong support of the city government and the high participation of the community stakeholders including business sector,” the press release said.

(RMN/PIA Negros Oriental)

Siquijor DA-PATCO leads promotion of organic agriculture

By Rizalie A. Calibo SIQUIJOR, Aug. 14 (PIA) -- The Department of Agriculture-Provincial Agricultural Technology Coordinating Office (DA-PATCO) Siquijor is taking the lead in promoting organic agriculture in the province.

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n the series of information caravan s conducted over these months, program coordinator Bernadith Bunado said that apart from providing farmers with fertile soil, organic agriculture reduces pollution and destruction of the environment, prevents depletion of natural resources and further protects the health of farmers, consumers and the general public.

He said that once farmers and locals go organic agriculture, everybody can enjoy healthy and organically-produced fruits and vegetables without the harmful effects of chemicals both to the body and the environment.

support locals and schools that would go into organic farming.

She also encouraged them to submit proposals for organic farming-related projects which she said are more likely to get immediate approval and funding both She said their office and the provincial from the local and national government. government are allocating budget to (RMN/RAC-PIA7 Siquijor)

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EASTERN VISAYAS

Limasawa to showcase seafood products in China International Fair Gumamela, Hibiscus

By Erna S. Gorne

MAASIN CITY, Southern Leyte, Aug. 14 (PIA) -- A ten-man delegation of municipal officials from Limasawa will showcase its prime seafood products to the largest global investment and trade promotion event in China from September 8-11, 2012.

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he Department of Agriculture (DA) is organizing the Philippine participation to the 16th China International Fair for Investment and Trade (CIFIT) 2012 to be held in Xiamen International Convention Center, Xiamen, China, said Limasawa Sangguniang Bayan Secretary Remigilda Salomon, who is also designated as the Municipal Tourism Officer.

The Limasawa officials delegation is headed by Mayor Melchor Petracorta, Vice Mayor Sim Olojan, SB Member Grace

Joy Esclamado, ABC President Ronel Gabriel, Municipal Accountant Eddieflor Laurejas, Municipal Treasurer Berlinda Mercado, Municipal Assessor Melba Licong, Municipal Assessor Melba Licong, Municipal Agriculturist Vilma Montanes, Municipal Social Welfare and Development Officer Marie Ann Kangleon and Municipal Tourism Officer Remigilda Salomon, she disclosed.

Salomon said their delegation will display the local seafood products such as dried squid and flying fish, dog shark meat

(lahus) and shark liver oil to showcase the exportable diverse Philippine agribusiness products.

CIFIT is the largest global investment and trade promotion event in China. In 2011, it was attended by 110 countries and regions with 15,118 international visitors. Likewise, there will be series of seminars for free on international investment forum of selected countries, DA Director Engr. Leandro Gazmin for Agribusiness and Marketing Assistance Service. (PIA-SoLeyte)

Borongan baratillo expected to bring more revenues

By Alicia E. Nicart BORONGAN CITY, Eastern Samar, Aug. 10 (PIA) -- The long stretch of baratillo (bazaar) occupying practically the entire Baybay boulevard of the city, is expected to bring in more revenues to the city government of Borongan.

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his is the projection of Maning Celada of the city mayor’s office, based on the increased number of baratillo owners who registered for business in the early of August yet.

As observed these traders do business several weeks before and extends even farther, after the fiesta.

Celada attributes the increased number of baratillo registrants to the improved set-up of the stalls, per instructions of Mayor Fe Abunda.

According to him, Abunda instructed, that these open market be operated in consistent to her advocacy “Baysay Borongan."

Last year, he said, an estimate of P1.3 million was generated from the baratillos, and the same is expected this year or maybe even more.

The stall owners will also be provided with temporary CRs in addition to a few that are already in place which can be found towards barangay Songco, he added.

This is so, he said, because part of “Baysay Borongan” campaign, the city Mayor is developing the area as a tourism site, and finding garbage all over the boulevard will surely spoil the Baysay campaign, Celada added.

Meanwhile the parade of the roasted pig, or the Lechon Festival, which is open

to Borongan residents has P15,000 at stake for the champion and P5,000 for each consolation prize.

A marching band competition also shall be opened to elementary, high school and tertiary levels, with prizes similar to the Lechon Festival winners. Borongan city fiesta comes every September 8 of the year in celebration of the feast of the Nuestra Senora de la Natividad.

The said belief of the pious devotees is depicted in a creative and choreographed street dancing and interpretative performances dubbed “Padul-ong Festival”. (PIA-Eastern Samar)

Nutrition Council taps Samar gov as nutrition advocate

By Ninfa Iluminda B. Quirante CATBALOGAN CITY, Samar, Aug. 15 (PIA) -- The National Nutrition Council (NNC) has ‘enlisted’ Samar Governor Sharee Ann Tan as a nutrition advocate. She met with other pregnant women in the Health and Nutrition Forum on Samar Day last August 11.

Tan encouraged fellow mothers to eat vegetables to serve as models for their children in eating veggies and to plant vegetables in their backyards not necessarily for business but for food sustenance.

She said mothers should encourage their children to eat vegetables, admitting that there is a major problem in malnutrition and offering a supplementary feeding to malnourished children.

Tan also distributed weighing scales and height boards to 57 barangay health workers (BHWs) in line with the nutrition

program. She said the weighing scales and height board will be used to determine the number of malnourished children in the barangays for monitoring.

Tan added that she will expand her distribution of weighing scales and height board to determine where the malnourished are so that proper interventions can be done.

Meanwhile, Alva Gadin, provincial nutritionist, said the provincial committee is doing its best to track these children down and offer interventions to normalize their weights.

Samar is considered number one when it comes to malnutrition prevalence based on the Operation Timbang last year where malnutrition prevalence reached 21.53 percent.

Several local government units in their municipal nutrition committees have been mobilized to help reduce the number of malnourished children.

“The number has declined, but we still have a lot to do to make the nutrition situation a lot better,” Gadin said(PIASamar)

EASTERN VISAYAS

7

Biliran to construct detention home for CICL Gumamela, Hibiscus

By Rodrigo S. Victoria

NAVAL, Biliran, Aug. 12 (PIA) -- The province of Biliran will soon have its own detention home for Children In Conflict with Law (CICL) as bidding for the first phase of the facility was already finished on August 7, 2012.

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lordeliza Trani, provincial social welfare and development officer (PSWDO) in Biliran province, said in a meeting with the provincial technical working group of the Responsible Youth and Family Program (RYFP) on August 3, 2012 that an initial amount of P4 million was allocated for the construction of the youth facility called Bahay Pag-Asa. “Funding for the construction of Bahay Pag-Asa came from the RYFP common trust fund” said Trani, whose fund was sourced out from the one percent of the 20 percent development fund of the 142 barangays, eight towns and the provincial government of Biliran.

She added that a total fund of P3,841,677.97 was available as of August 3, 2012 for the construction of the Bahay-Pag-Asa with P1,760,677.97 coming from the RYFP common trust fund, P2,080,000 counterpart fund from Senator Francis Pangilinan and a donation of P1,000 from MB Ang Construction and Supply.

The groundbreaking of the Bahay Pag-Asa that will be constructed in a one hectare lot in Sitio San Roque in Barangay Larrazabal, Naval, Biliran is set on August 30, 2012.

Ms. Trani further said that the Bahay Pag-Asa will serve as temporary transition

home and rehabilitation center for male disadvantaged children of the province aged 15 years old and below who was alleged to have committed heinous crimes and need immediate protection from a highly risky and unsafe environment while undergoing intervention or rehabilitation; 16 - 18 years old, who come in conflict with the law, have no parent or relatives to come home to while assessment of discernment is being undertaken and children at risk, abused, neglected and exploited by parents or relatives who are unemployed, irresponsible, with very low parental skills, or with serious behavioral problems. (PIA-Biliran)

Army presents internal peace, security operations to North Samar peace council

By Ailene N. Diaz CATARMAN, Northern Samar, Aug. 15 (PIA) -- The Philippine Army, 803rd Brigade presented to the Provincial Peace and Order Council the internal peace and security operations “Oplan Bayanihan” in a meeting recently held at Governor’s Conference Room, Provincial Capitol.

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ol. Mario Lacurom, Deputy Brigade Commander informed the body that while the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) is constitutionally mandated to protect the people and the state and too was called to lead in addressing armed threat to national security jointly with PNP, it however, recognizes the need for a complementary and concerted effort from various stakeholders towards meeting its primary goal and that is of winning the peace.

Lacurom said gains have been achieved consistent with the “Oplan Bayanihan” principles.

First, Bayanihan is not solely an AFP’s plan. It is an open document that is shared, co-owned and co-authored by

other stakeholders, thus, it intends to involve all stakeholders from planning, implementation to evaluation phase, to cover the period 2011 to 2016.

Second, Bayanihan is anchored on the peace framework of the government; hence, anchored on national security guidance, national defense policies and in harmony with other government policies for peace, security and development.

The third, Lacurom further said, that AFP’s internal security efforts are no longer just intended to defeat the enemy, rather, operation will focus on the more significant goal that is winning the peace.

Fourth, Bayanihan is a paradigm shift where the AFP embraces the broader frame of human security and gives equal

focus to its twin roles as protector of the people and the state.

Thus, aside from the gains garnered through combat operations, it also strengthened its support to law enforcement. The number of former rebels who return to the folds of law through the Local Social Integration Program is another milestone of 803rd efforts in partnership with the provincial government and line agencies towards winning the peace.

Col. Rolando Malinao, Brigade Commander emphasized the importance of the active involvement of all stakeholders especially local and national government agencies.(PIA-Northern Samar)

Chito S. Roño literary awards now accepting entries in poetry, short story, play

By Neil D. Lopido TACLOBAN CITY, Leyte, Aug. 10 (PIA) –- The 3rd Chito S. Roño Literary Awards of the Northwest Samar State University is now accepting entries in poetry, short story and play/screenplay in Waray and Inabaknon languages.

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arold L. Mercurio, coordinator, said the contest is open to all writers from Eastern Visayas, those currently residing within the specified geographical area or those born in the region but has since migrated to another place or country.

Mercurio said they must also be a Waray of Inabaknon speaker or writer.

For poetry, an entry must consist of five poems of any topic, theme, length and form while for short story, an entry must be at least eight pages but not more than

30 pages long of any theme accompanied by a one-page summary.

For play/screenplay, an entry must have a length of 35-45 minutes with an open and free theme accompanied by a one-page summary.

Inabaknon writers must provide a translation of their works either in Waray, Filipino or English.

Deadline for submission of entries is on September 30, 2012.

Prizes at stake for the poetry category are P5,000, P3,000 and P1,000

for the first, second and third place winners, respectively.

Meanwhile, the top winner the short story will receive a cash prize of P5,000.00 and for the play/screenplay, the first placer will receive P6,000.

All entries must be addressed to Chito S. Roño Literary Awards, Arts, Social and Cultural Affairs Office, c/o Mr. Harold L. Mercurio, Northwest Samar State University, Rueda St., Brgy. Balud, Calbayog City. (PIA-8/NwSSU)

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

Ms. Erlinda Olivia P. Tiu Regional Director, PIA8

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