One Visayas e-Newsletter Vol 2 Issue 34

Vol 2

Issue 34

In this Issue WESTERN VISAYAS

Rev. Fr. Mamerto Alfeche, OSA, officiates the mass intended for DILG Secretary Jesse Robredo at the San Jose Parish, Plaza Libertad, Iloilo City, August 22. The mass which was followed by a necrological service, was attended by officials and members of the DILG Family and LGUs in Region 6 led by (from left) LMP-Iloilo President and Anilao Mayor Ma. Teresa Debuque, Iloilo City Mayor Jed Patrick Mabilog, DILG 6 Director Evelyn Trompeta, Guimaras Governor Felipe Nava and DILG 6 Legal Officer Atty. Cedric Jaranilla. (LAF/PIA6)

More on Region 6, pages 2-3.

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CENTRAL VISAYAS

Members of the Indigenous People and Cultural Community in Negros Oriental give a cultural dance during the group's 1st general assembly on Aug. 14, 2012 at Brgy. Banmil, Bais City. Numbering about 5,000, the group's members come from Amlan, Mabinay, Bais City, Pamplona, and Tanjay City. (LJD/PIA NEGOR)

More on Region 7, pages 4-5.

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EASTERN VISAYAS

Aug. 20 - 26, 2012

Published by: PIA 6, 7 & 8

P11.2-B Jalaur river project to benefit Iloilo agri, tourism

By Lilibeth A. French ILOILO CITY, Aug. 22 (PIA6) -- The P11.2-billion Jalaur River Multi Purpose River Project- Stage II (JRMP II) which will be put up in Calinog, Iloilo will bring enormous benefits to agriculture and tourism in Iloilo, according to Senator Franklin Drilon.

The Jalaur Dam in Calinog, Iloilo that will be put up in first quarter of 2013 will irrigate 32,000 hectares of riceland, Drilon said.

Drilon gave an update of various development projects in Iloilo during the recent inauguration of the Iloilo River Esplanade which was also funded through his Priority Development Assistance Fund.

He added that the biggest dam outside Luzon will also provide 85,000 cubic meters of water to Iloilo City and nearby municipalities and 7 megawatts of hydroelectric power that will supplement the power requirement of Iloilo City.

The project, said Drilon, will also bring another eco-tourism attraction in Iloilo as a man-made lake will be created covering an area of 800 hectares which is 100 meters deep.

Thousands of jobs are also expected to be generated from the construction of the project costing P11.2 billion sourced from the P8.95 billion loan from the Export Import Bank of Korea while the P2.2 billion will be the Philippine government's counterpart.

President Benigno Aquino witnessed the signing of the memorandum of understanding between the Philippines and South Korea that provides for the P8.95 billion official development assistance for the construction of the JRMP II held at the Malacanang Palace last August 9.

On the other hand, the 1.2 kilometer Iloilo River Esplanade that connects the Aquino and the Carpenters Bridges in Mandurriao District in this city is part of the redevelopment efforts of the Iloilo River project which Drilon initiated last year.

This new tourist destination in this city was designed

by Paulo Alcazaren who developed the Singapore Quay. It boasts of a viewing deck, a recreational space for walking and other physical activities and beautiful landscape planted with various ornamentals.

Along the redevelopment of the Iloilo River, Drilon said that a 1,000 housing unit project has already started for the poor families who are living along the Iloilo River and exposed to the danger of flood.

He further said that with the help of the Philippine Ports Authority he is also pushing for the construction of the new passenger terminal building to clean the Muelle Loney and make it another destination for leisure.

Boxing superstar and Saranggani Congressman Manny Pacquaio joined Drilon during the inauguration which was attended by officials from the city and province of Iloilo and national government agencies in Western Visayas. Also, gracing the event were Ilocos Sur Governor Chavit Singson, Bacolod City Mayor Evelio Leonardia and Roxas City, Capiz Mayor Allan Celino. (LAF/PIA6)

Sen. Franklin Drilon tells Ilonggos of some projects for the redevelopment of the Iloilo River which he committed to undertake including the 1.2 kilometer Iloilo River Esplanade he inaugurated here on Saturday, August 18. Also in the picture are boxing superstar and Saranggani Congressman Manny Pacquiao (3rd from right), Ilocos Sur Governor Chavit Singson, Mayor Jed Patrick Mabilog, Vice-Mayor Jose Espinosa III and City Councilor Plaridel Nava. (LAF/PIA6)

Negros Oriental lauds steps to boost tourism

By Rachelle M. Nessia DUMAGUETE CITY, Aug 21 (PIA) -- The provincial government of Negros Oriental lauded the efforts of tourism stakeholders in fleshing out a provincial tourism roadmap that aims to boost the local tourism industry.

The provincial tourism office crafted a tourism development plan during the strategic planning workshop with local stakeholders and officials from the Department of Tourism.

Gov. Roel Degamo said the plan will help realize his goals toward a more improved tourism industry in the province.

The governor said tourism is one of the central components behind his livelihood programs as he

recognizes the potential of an improved tourism industry in opening jobs and livelihood opportunities in the province.

These funds have been used for the continued development of Lake Balanan in Siaton town where a zip line was built and completed, Capitol Information Officer Adrian Sedillo said.

Other tourist spots that have been developed are the Twin Lakes of Balinsasayaw, Mabinay Caves, Mantalip Reef in Bindoy and Tanjay Mangrove Forest, among others.

Sedillo said the provincial government has also prioritized the rehabilitation of popular tourist areas that were hit by the floods brought by Tropical Storm Sendong, such as the Tejeros Resort in Valencia and Baslay Hot Spring in Dauin. (RMN-PIA7 Negros Oriental)

EVisayas’ e-loading machine's win, a boost to region's inventors

DOST-Leyte provincial director John Glenn Ocaña (front) thanks the Food and Nutrition Research Institute (FNRI), the provincial government of Leyte and the LGUs of Mahaplag and Pastrana for the support and cooperation extended thus making the project a success during the feedback conference of Sulong Pinoy at Hotel Alejandro, Tacloban City, August 22. (Vino R. Cuayzon)

More on Region 8, pages 6-7.

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PALO, Leyte, August 21 (PIA) -- The triumph of Eastern Visayas’ entry, the Smart e-loading machine, at the National Invention Contest and Exhibits (NICE) held recently at SMX Convention Center, Seashell Lane, Mall of Asia Complex, Pasay City, is a big boost to the region's inventors, Department of Science and Technology Region 8 Director Edgardo Esperancilla said.

This year’s NICE was participated in by 63 entries from different regions of the country, in the different categories.

The Smart E-Loading Machine was invented by then Samar State University students Remnan R. Piczon and Jason G. Arroyo, now BS ECE graduates, was the official entry of the Region in the Sibol Award – College Level Category.

The researchers from SSU in Catbalogan City, Samar, bagged three (3) awards for the Sibol Award – College Category from three award giving bodies. Smart E-Loading Machine won Second Place and a cash prize of P3,000 from

Federation of Filipino Chinese Chamber of Commerce and Industry, Inc. (FFCCCII).

It bagged First Prize with a cash award in the amount of P50,000.00 from the Philippine Development Alternatives Foundation (PhilDAF).

Finally, it won Second Prize as Outstanding Student Research (SIBOL-College Level) with a cash prize of P25,000.00 from no less than the Undersecretary for S&T Services, USEC. Fortunato T. Dela Peña.

Aside from the cash awards, the winners also received plaque of recognition.

The Smart Loading Machine which is a do-it-yourself cellphone loading machine that eliminates errors and load wastage because all information are keyed in by the customer himself or herself, was first conceptualized in 2009 and became a thesis project of Piczon and Arroyo.

Together with its project adviser Engr. Mirador Labrador, the two students received SSU funding support to enhance the project. (PIA-8)

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WESTERN VISAYAS

NSO prepares for implementation of agri sectors registry system Rafflesia lobata of the genus, Rafflesia

By Pilar S. Mabaquiao

SAN JOSE, Antique, Aug. 22 (PIA) -- The National Statistics Office (NSO) is preparing for the implementation of a Registry System for Basic Sectors in Agriculture (RSBSA).

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he RSBSA is a nationwide undertaking to list all farmers, farm laborers and fishermen and gather basic information about them, their household, farm and farming and/or fishing activities, Jesus Escote Jr., provincial statistics officer, said in an interview over station DYKA. With NSO as the statistical arm of the government, Escote said, the Department of Budget and Management provides funds for this undertaking and subsequently will be the custodian of RSBSA database system.

RSBSA hopes to address the need for a comprehensive and systematic information

system about the basic sector in agriculture, explained Escote.

The Cabinet Cluster on Good Governance and Anti-Corruption Cluster chaired by President Benigno S. Aquino III, has included the database or registry of farmers, farm laborers and fishers in the list of key programs for the digitization and information technology in government.

The RSBSA is an offshoot of the government’s effort to promote transparency, accountability, participatory governance and strengthening of public relations.

In Antique, total enumeration of households in 590 barangays will be

undertaken by field enumerators to be assisted by barangay secretaries, punong barangays and other kagawads to be trained

by NSO. With this, Escote banked on the support of local officials and concerned agencies like Departments of Interior and Local Government, Agrarian Reform and Agriculture.

The survey is expected to start on October to November 2012, however, training of persons involved in all levels, central office, regional, provincial down to the municipal level will start August to ensure the use of standardized concepts and definitions. (JCM/PSM-PIA6 Antique)

Malay town moves to protect Boracay's white sand thru stricter penalties

By Venus G. Villanueva KALIBO, Aklan, Aug. 22 (PIA) -- Persons caught taking Boracay Island’s powdery white sand will suffer stricter penalties with the recent amendment of an ordinance of Malay, Aklan that bans extraction and collection of white sand and pebbles in the beaches.

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he Sangguniang Bayan of Malay implemented the amendments in Municipal Ordinance 310 published recently in a local newspaper to stop the blatant extraction of white sand in the island of Boracay which has greatly diminished its beauty and caused the slow degradation if not the destruction of the pristine island.

“Boracay Island, a masterpiece of nature endowed by the Almighty with powdery white sand, is gradually dissipated by man’s selfish interests without due regard to consequences,” the ordinance stated.

The imposition of stricter penalties in the ordinance was also anchored on the provision of the Constitution to protect and advance the right of the people to a balanced and healthy ecology in accord with the rhythm and harmony of nature and on the

mandate of the Local Government Code for the protection of the environment and the imposition of appropriate penalties for acts which endanger the environment.

With the amendments, first offenders caught extracting Boracay Island’s white sand will be fined P2,500 or imprisonment of one month or not more than three months or both, at the discretion of the court, the ordinance said.

For the second and subsequent offenses, the ordinance imposes an imprisonment of not less than three months or not more than six months or both, at the discretion of the court.

The ordinance also said juridical persons, hotels, resorts, or business establishments violating the ordinance will be fined P2,500, imprisonment of not less

than one month but not more than six months or both – to be imposed on the establishment’s president, manager, administrator, owner or proprietor.

Whenever warranted, their business permits may also be revoked.

Besides the stricter penalties, white sand and pebbles extracted and collected by the offenders shall be returned to the beach where the things were taken by the offenders themselves.

The ordinance, which takes effect after publication, will be implemented by the Office of the Mayor and the deputized representatives of Malay Auxillary Police (MAP) in coordination with the Philippine National Police and other law enforcement agencies. (JCM/VGV-PIA6 Aklan)

Barangay response teams to respond to emergencies in Roxas City

By Alex A. Lumaque ROXAS CITY, Capiz, Aug. 22 (PIA) -- Ten Barangay Emergency Response Teams (BERT) from different villages in Roxas City will be initially organized by the city government to address the need for prompt response during emergencies at the grassroots level.

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ach team members will undergo a five-day training on first aid, rescue, firefighting, water search and rescue and relief operations, said Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP)-Roxas City Public Information Officer FO2 Marlon Garbo.

BFP will lead the training of BERT members.

“As soon as the uniform for the participants are ready, the training will

start,” Garbo noted, adding that quick emergency responders in every community are very important to emergency situations brought about by natural or man-made calamities at any given time.

The proposed group is in addition to the existing community-based groups already in place in some barangays in the city like barangay tanods (village watchmen), Barangay Peacekeeping Action

Team (BPAT) and Citizen’s Crime Watch, among others.

The initiative is in line with the Peace and Order priority thrust of Roxas City Mayor Angel Alan Celino under his development agenda dubbed “Hope.”

Aside from peace and order, other development thrusts embodied in “Hope” a r e h e alth, o pp or tun iti e s an d environment. (AAL/PIA6 Capiz)

WESTERN VISAYAS

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PhilHealth-6 releases P81.7-M for families of sponsored members Mt. Igtuog and Mt. Sakpaw, Panay Island

By Lilibeth A. French

ILOILO CITY, Aug. 22 (PIA) -- The Philippine Health Insurance Corporation (PhilHealth) has released P81,694,000 for the per family payment rate of its sponsored members under the National Household Targeting System for Poverty Reduction in Western Visayas for the first two quarters. hilHealth released the amount to the I (PCB I) Package in accredited public health Magalona said with the new PCB I local government units (LGU) in the care providers. package poor members’ access to medical help region where the entitled members Under the PCB I, qualified members are is enhanced. They can now go to accredited are enlisted. entitled to primary preventive care and health care providers and avail of these PhilHealth-6 Membership and Marketing diagnostic services such as consultation; regular primary benefits without paying a single Section Chief Owen S. Magalona said the basis blood pressure monitoring; health promotion centavo. for the payment depends on the number of like education on breastfeeding, counseling on He added this new set of enhanced sponsored families in the local government unit lifestyle modification and smoking cessation; benefits is also in consonance with the aim of under the NHTS and the amount of coverage and medicines for common diseases like the Universal Health Care agenda of the per capita is P500. asthma, acute gastroenteritis with no or mild present administration.

The distribution of checks to the local dehydration, upper respiratory tract infection Data from PhilHealth-6 based on the 2011 chief executives and representatives of the or low risk pneumonia and urinary tract report of the National Statistical Coordination concerned LGUs was witnessed by PhilHealth infection. The diagnostic services included in Board showed that Western Visayas has President and Chief Executive Officer Dr. the package are complete blood count, 8,046,075 projected population and 40 percent Eduardo P. Banzon during the agency’s urinalysis, sputum microscopy, fasting blood of them is enrolled under PhilHealth's lecture-summit dubbed PhilHealth “Shines” or sugar, lipid profile and chest x-ray.

Sponsored Program.

Social Health Insurance Educational Series, For now, the PCB I package is only Some 370,828 households are enrolled which has been launched in Iloilo City. available to members under the Sponsored under the NHTS-PR with an estimated 915, Magalona said the capitation payment will Program, Organized Groups and Overseas 945 dependents while 548,405 are estimated go to the services availed of by the sponsored Workers Program and to their qualified enrolled under the LGUs with 1,354,560 members under the new Primary Care Benefits dependents. dependents. (JCM/LAF-PIA6)

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DOTC to improve 6 WV LTO offices, 43 others

By Jaime S. Cabag, Jr.

ILOILO CITY, Aug. 22 (PIA6) -- The Department of Transportation and Communications (DOTC) will work with the Land Transportation Office (LTO) to improve LTO’s regional office and five district offices in Western Visayas.

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ased on a report from the DOTC, these are part of 49 LTO offices nationwide that will be included in the P111-million repair and renovation project of the agency designed to raise the standard of its offices to levels suitable for servicing the public in fulfillment of the commitment of the government to provide convenient, affordable, reliable, efficient and safe transport services.

The improvement works that will be undertaken in LTO offices in Region 6 with an approved contract budget of P6.5 million include the improvement of building, records and supply room and COA record room of the LTO Regional Office, Iloilo City; improvement

of law enforcement office and fencing of impounding area of LTO Bacolod District Office; improvement of building (impounding area) of LTO Cadiz District Office; improvement of extension of lecture room and covered impounding area with fence of LTO San Jose (Antique) District Office; improvement of building and covered impounding area with steel fence of LTO Calinog (Iloilo) District Office; and, improvement of building and covered impounding with steel fence of LTO Iloilo City District Office.

As this developed, DOTC said a pre-bid conference for the said projects will be held nationwide on September 10, 2012 and the

deadline for submission and opening of bids is on September 24, also this year.

The improvement of LTO offices is part of the overall upgrading program of the DOTC for transportation facilities in the country that was announced by DOTC Assistant Secretary Ildefonso Patdu, Jr. in behalf of Secretary Manuel A. Roxas during a previous Regional Development Council (RDC) meeting here.

DOTC has allocated some P1 billion for the funding needs of the program this year.

The upgrading program, which will also cover airports and seaports, will augur well for the socio-economic development of the region.

(JCM/JSC/PIA6)

Reorganized PADAC to fight against drug abuse

By Easter Anne. D. Doza NEGROS OCCIDENTAL, Aug. 23 (PIA6) - - The reorganization of the Provincial Anti-Drug Abuse Council (PADAC) is seen to win the fight against drug abuse.

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he council which held its first meeting, reactivated the PADAC by virtue of Executive Order 12-014 Series of 2012 chaired by Governor Alfredo G. Marañon Jr., Vice-chaired by Negros Occidental Provincial Police Office Director PSSUpt. Milko D. Lirazan with 19 regular members from various government agencies and non-government organizations.

Marañon said that the council has an important task because it seems that we are losing the fight against drug abuse.

“It’s a pity because our police force cannot do this alone. We must help, the civil society, the NGOs, everybody should do our outmost best to prevent this problem into

becoming an unmanageable and unreversable problem, and at least here in Negros it is not as bad as the others,” Marañon added.

According to a report from Agent Cleveland Villamor of the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA), there are new trends in illegal drugs trade where transactions are made through cellphones and internet while payments are coursed through e-money, g-cash, pay pal and even credit cards.

As of June 2012, PDEA has conducted 11 operations in Negros Occidental arresting 13 personalities while eight operations were conducted in Bacolod City and arrested 10 persons.

PDEA observed that inspection of persons

as well as baggages arriving at Bacolod ports seems not in accordance with usual port practices wherein which illegal drugs are able to penetrate the city and the province.

PDEA seeks augmentation of personnel from local governments for deployment in local ports which can help discourage couriers’ entry thru ports.

Dr. Ernesto Palanca, Executive Director of the Negros Occidental Drug Rehabilitation Foundation Incorporated (NODRFI), said that the reactivation of the PADAC is a good start for Negros Occidental to becoming a drug-free province.*(JCM/EAD-PIA6 Negros Occidental)

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CENTRAL VISAYAS

Media groups join forces to support FOI Act

Sunflower, Helianthus anuus

By Amorganda A. Saludar CEBU CITY (PIA) -- Several media organizations and editors joined forces in their efforts to push for the immediate passage of the Freedom of Information (FOI) Act.

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he Philippine Press Institute (PPI), the Kapisanan ng mga Brodkaster ng Pilipinas and the Right to Know, Right Now! Coalition decided that August 15 be marked as "FOI Day" to place emphasis on the importance of the said act.

The PPI members have been tasked to publish and upload the pooled editorial (in English and Filipino) while the KBP

on their end is in charge of producing a public service advocacy plug for radio broadcast and its member stations are scheduled to air the plug starting Friday, August 17.

Other online media agencies expressed their willingness to upload this pooled editorial, while citizen journalists have promised to post and pass it around

Facebook, Twitter and other social media networks.

The National Union of Journalists of the Philippines has also made the rounds of press corps in major beats yesterday and today, their members will start wearing "Right to Information, Right Now!" button pins at their worksites.

(FCR/AYS-PIA7 Cebu with PCIJ PR)

901 interviewers needed for agri census in NegOr

By Rachelle M. Nessia DUMAGUETE CITY (PIA) -- The National Statistics Office in Negros Oriental is in need of 901 field interviewers for the Registry System for Basic Sectors in Agriculture (RSBSA) data gathering in the province.

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nterested applicants may submit their applications to their respective barangay captains not later than September 7, according to a statement from the Capitol.

Qualifications for interviewers are as follows: preferably a resident of the barangay, not more than 45 years old, college graduate or must have completed at least two years of college education, physically fit and able to travel, good moral character, legible handwriting skills, can speak the local dialect and can

operate a global positioning system (GPS) device. Hired interviewers will receive a daily wage of P286 and a P50-fixed allowance.

They will gather data on the socio-economic profile of farmers, farm laborers and fishermen in the barangays they are residing.

The interviewers will conduct house-to-house visits in the barangays where they will list all households and hold face-to-face interviews with farmers, farm laborers and fishermen.

The RSBSA registration will start September 17 and end on November 9 this year.

The RSBSA is an offshoot of the government’s effort to promote transparency, accountability, participatory governance and strengthening of public relations.

Negros Oriental is part of the second batch of provinces whose database will be completed by July 2013. (RMN-PIA7 Negros Oriental with reports from Elgie Magallano)

Siquijor attractions showcased at Philippine Travel Mart

By Rizalie A. Calibo SIQUIJOR, Aug. 19 (PIA) -- Siquijor province participated in the 23rd Philippine Travel Mart in a bid to boost the local tourism industry held at the SMX Convention Center Mall of Asia Complex on August 10-12. It is the premiere and biggest annual travel show in the country.

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iquijor Provincial Tourism Officer Jossette Armirola said Siquijor has been a regular participant to the annual event because it has been proven to be beneficial to the province’s tourism industry. "Visitors to the Siquijor booth said they love Siquijor and want to go back to the island," she said.

She said tourist arrival in the province has been increasing every year. “Staying tourists alone (tourist spending at least overnight in the province) totaled to 18,964 from January to June, already near

to reaching the whole of last year’s arrival of 26,212.

The 23rd Philippine Travel Mart launched some of the latest tour programs in the country in partnership with the Department of Tourism and the Philippine Tourism Authority, including Philippine Island Fun Caravan Getaways and the Sale Ng Bayan.

Philippine travel industry has launched the slogan “Its more fun in the Philippines,“ with regions in the country offering the most diversified products,

sports adventure, ecotours, heritage, culinary, folklore, leisure and shopping.

Apart from this, Filipinos are known to be very hospitable to foreign visitors making them feel wanted and important.

The Philippine Travel Mart is organized by the Philippine Tour Operators Association (PHILTOA). It is the biggest and longest running travel trade exhibition dedicated to the promotion and marketing of inbound and domestic tourism, Armirola said. (RMN/ RAC-PIA7 Siquijor)

CENTRAL VISAYAS

Sunflower, Helianthus anuus

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DOST funds machinery, equipment upgrading in Siquijor

By Rizalie A. Calibo

SIQUIJOR, Aug. 19 (PIA) -- The Department of Science Technology (DOST-7) in the region has approved another project for Siquijor province, this time the Machinery and Equipment of Lyn and Sam Welding Work and Machine in Catulayan San Juan, Siquijor.

OST-Siquijor Provincial Specifically, he said, it introduces forms of investments not related to the Director Mario de la Pena said Lathe Machine to improve product quality project citing several other provisions on Lyn and Sam Welding Work and and increase production volume by 50% the Memorandum of Agreement Machine owned by couple Sam and Lenie based on the 2011 production output. signed between the DOST and the Tubal is the beneficiary of the project DOST will also monitor and ensure beneficiary. entitled “Machinery and Equipment that the implementation of the above De la Pena said, the beneficiary is Upgrading of Lyn & Sam Welding Work project is in accordance with the schedule responsible for the day to day operation and Machine in Catulayan, San Juan, of activities. of the project and ensures that it Siquijor” as a component project of Small It will also monitor, evaluate and progresses to a commercial scale in the Enterprise Technology Upgrading Program document project activities and identify shortest time possible.

(SET-UP). alternative courses of action to address SETUP is one of the strategic He said the projects aim to upgrade problems met, if any, during the programs under the National Science & the fabrication capability of the machine implementation of the project.

Technology (S&T) Plan that provides funds shop through the introduction of lathe Lyn and Sam Welding Work and for various livelihood development machine to improve productivity in the Machine, on the other hand, must ensure projects in the provinces, de la Pena said. production of mini corn mill and other that funds are not used for money market (mbcn/RAC/PIA-7-Siquijor) metal based products. placement, timed deposits and other

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New organic agri council in NegOr created

By Rachelle M. Nessia DUMAGUETE CITY, Aug. 21 (PIA) -- The provincial government here created a council that will implement measures in making Negros Oriental the organic food basket in the country.

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ov. Roel Degamo has issued an executive order organizing the Negros Oriental Agriculture Management Council (NOOAMC).

This is in response to an ordinance that was passed by the Sangguniang

Panlalawigan pushing for organic farming in Negros Oriental, Capitol Information Officer Adrian Sedillo said.

The ordinance calls for the creation of a council that will oversee the implementation of this law, Sedillo said.

The council's members have met with the governor during which Gov. Degamo made clear his goal of seeing a more developed food production in the province as a result of natural farming methods. (RMN-PIA7 Negros Oriental)

Cebu LGU, RAFI ink partnership to address classroom shortage

By Amorganda A. Saludar CEBU CITY (PIA) -- The Ramon Aboitiz Foundation Inc. (RAFI) and its partners have turned over 12 classrooms in the four public elementary schools of Asturias town. These include Bago Elementary School, Tubigagmanok Elementary School, Manguiao Elementary School and Ubogon Elementary School. he local government of Asturias needed to nurture the love for learning. Education focus area of RAFI, creating a shouldered the P1.3 million labor We wish to emphasize the need to have a conducive and engaging learning cost of the renovation of the more effective classroom learning and this environment to nurture the love for classrooms while the RAFI donated the would require change in the culture of learning.

P4.4 million for the material costs of the classroom management.

Other focus areas of RAFI are repair and rehabilitation of the dilapidated Our dream is to be able to help Integrated Development, Micro-finance & classrooms. create classrooms that are more Entrepreneurship, Culture & Heritage and School teachers, parents and the child-friendly, participative and stimulating. Leadership & Citizenship. community on the other hand, served as It is our hope that these newly-repaired At present, Asturias has 32 property custodians of the construction classrooms will be able to contribute classrooms in 11 schools repaired and materials. towards improving student performance turned over through the program since RAFI Deputy Director for Operations and participation.”

2009. Another 28 classrooms in eight Amaya Aboitiz said, “RAFI is doing its best The municipality of Asturias was schools in Asturias will be repaired as part to help provide enabling conditions by c h o s e n as one of t h e of the second batch of the school repair improving physical structures, but we also municipality-beneficiaries of RAFI’s School program. (FCR/AYS-PIA7, Cebu with RAFI recognize that other key ingredients are Rehabilitation Program (SRP) under the PR)

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EASTERN VISAYAS

P25-M project to bring potable water to Villareal

Gumamela, Hibiscus

TACLOBAN CITY, Leyte, Aug. 19 (PIA) -- Residents of Villareal town in Samar province may have forgotten that tap water once flowed into their homes.

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t has been decades since they enjoyed water from their faucets instead of fetching water in pails and plastic containers from deep wells.

This could change in a few months as Villareal on August 15 broke ground for a P25-million water project that stands to benefit about 14,000 people or 60% of its population.

The project is a soft loan from the Municipal Development Fund Office (MDFO) under the Department of Finance (DOF) and the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG).

DILG-8 Regional Director Pedro A. Noval Jr., who was the guest of honor during the ground breaking, lauded municipal officials led by Mayor Reynato R. Latorre for persistently pursuing the project after years of exploring alternatives for a viable water source, Mr. Myles Colasito, DILG-8 information chief said.

Mayor Latorre revealed that the municipality shall form a cooperative to manage the facility.

The project is set to be completed by February 2013. Fourteen barangays will be set up with Level 3 or household level

water systems with Level 2 or communal faucets to be installed in five (5) of these barangays to accommodate those without water connections.

Six barangays in the town proper are covered by this water project.

These are Central, Mercado, Miramar, Soledad, Tayud and Villarosa.

Residents in eight rural barangays will also be able to avail of the new water system, namely, Cambaguio, Canmucat, Mahayag, Pacoyoy, Pangpang, Sa n An d r e s , Sa n R o q u e a n d Ulayan. (PIA-8)

DOST PINOY feeding program improves nutri status of kids

By Neil D. Lopido TACLOBAN CITY, Leyte, Aug. 23 (PIA) -- A study conducted by the Food and Nutrition Research Institute (FNRI) of the Department of Science and Technology (DOST) reveals that the feeding of DOST Pinoy (Package for the Improvement of Nutrition of Young Children) of complementary foods improved the weight of children six to 35 months old as well as enhanced the knowledge of mothers/caregivers on infant feeding in the municipalities of Mahaplag and Pastrana in the province of Leyte.

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his was disclosed by Glenda P. Azaña, Science Research specialist as she presented the highlights of results of the study during the feedback conference held at the Hotel Alejandro, Tacloban City, Wednesday.

Azaña said that 250 children were included in the study – 127 in Mahaplag and 123 in Pastrana. The two towns in Leyte are considered poor and food-poor municipalities (below the poverty

threshold) based on the 2009 poverty statistics of the National Statistical Coordination Board.

The children in both areas were fed alternately daily for 120 feeding days from July to November 2011 with FNRI-developed complementary foods such as rice-mongo instant blend, rice-mongo-sesame ready-to-cook blend and rice-mongo curls.

Results show significant decrease in the prevalence of underweight among

children in both towns from 100 percent to 72.5 percent in Mahaplag (covering 10 barangays) and from 98.9 percent to 73.9 percent in Pastrana (covering 13 barangays).

FNRI is the lead agency in food and nutrition research and development in the country which provides accurate data, correct information and innovative technologies to fight malnutrition. (PIA-8)

23 slots for DAR internship employment up

By Alicia F. Nicart BORONGAN CITY, Eastern Samar, Aug. 22 (PIA) -- A Department of Agrarian Reform (DAR) official has announced the opening of 23 slots for internship employment in their office.

E

ddie Casillano, DAR provincial chief of staff, said in a media interview that the hiring could have actually happened in January, however, they have just received the memorandum of agreement recently.

Applicants are expected to troop to their

office despite the few remaining months of actual service.

A hired intern, he said, shall be paid P188.75 a day from date of hiring until January 2013.

This is 75 percent of the approved minimum wage in the area, Casillano said.

Priority applicants are children of the beneficiaries of agrarian reform communities who are college graduates and who can help the DAR personnel in computer works and land surveys.

(PIA-Eastern Samar)

EASTERN VISAYAS

7

Biliran to showcase local products in national trade fairs Gumamela, Hibiscus

By Rodrigo S. Victoria NAVAL, Biliran, Aug. 18 (PIA) -- Local products in Biliran province will be showcased in the two upcoming national trade fairs that will parade the best local products in the country.

R

onelo G. Jamin, provincial officer of the Rural Micro-Enterprise Promotion Program based at the Biliran office of the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI), said identified local products will be exhibited in the booths of Biliran province in the national trade fairs.

The trade fairs, which will be held in SM Megamall in Mandaluyong City, are "Proudly Made in the Philippines One Town One Product (OTOP) Fair" on

September 19-23 and the "Bahandi Trade Fair" on November 7-11.

“Local food products made of sticky rice locally known as suman and dried fish and handicrafts made of romblon and bamboo will be showcased as Biliran’s products in the two national trade fairs," Jamin said.

He added that products to be presented by the Biliran exhibitors also include the suman of the Naval Suman Makers Association (NASUMA) in Naval,

Biliran and dried fish of the LRB Cabucgayan Aquamarine Processors Association in Cabucgayan, Biiran.

He said bamboo craft of the Salangi Bamboocraft in Salangi, Almeria, Biliran and the romblon handicraft of the Looc Agrarian Reform Beneficiaries Multi-Purpose Cooperative in Cabucgayan, Biliran will form part of the Biliran exhibitors to the two national trade fairs.

(PIA-8)

MCA-P assures Samarnons protection vs human trafficking

By Ninfa Iluminda B. Quirante CATBALOGAN CITY, Samar, Aug. 21 (PIA) -- The Millennium Challenge Account-Philippines (MCA-P) is not only concerned with the infrastructure that it will make travel to Eastern Samar faster and comfortable but it is also bent in making sure that Samarnons do not fall prey to human trafficking.

T

he Millennium Challenge Account -Philippines (MCA-P), in charge of the rehabilitation and repair of the 222 kilometer-road that traverses Samar to Eastern Samar has signed a memorandum of agreement with the Visayan Forum Foundation to fight trafficking in persons.

MCA-P Chairman and Executive Officer Marivic Anonuevo said during the Samar Island Partnership for Peace and Development (SIPPAD) MCA–P is committed to ensure that no social

problems arise or are aggravated because of the project.

“We have identified trafficking in persons as a major problem in Region Vlll and in many parts of Samar Island,” Anonuevo said.

“Together with the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) and their contractors, LGUS, CSOs, NGOs and community leaders, we also signed a covenant to fight this modern-day slavery,” she added. The repair, rehabilitation of the Samar roads is seen

to usher economic development in Samar which also means that delivery of social services will be more intense that the poorer families need not resort to migration where they oftentimes become victims of human trafficking.

Visayan Forum (VF) was established in 1991 and works to protect vulnerable migrants like those in Samar, in fact VF has more than a thousand cases of human trafficking cases. (PIA-Samar)

Regional bet for Nat’l Tesda Idol hails from Maasin

By Marcelo M. Pedalino MAASIN CITY, Southern Leyte, Aug. 19 (PIA) -- The nominee for Region 8 in the nationwide Idol search initiated by the Technical Education Skills Development Authority (Tesda) hails from this city, in the person of Neptali Wales, a Tesda-certified automotive servicing mechanic.

W

ales will compete with 10 other vocational-technical course aspirants from different regions all over the country in the wage-employed category, said Tesda Provincial Director Rolando Juanillo.

Juanillo said this was the first time in the three-year Tesda Idol search starting in 2009 that Southern Leyte submitted a nominee who turned out as the region’s entry after having undergone a rigid regional selection procedure.

Results will be known next week, on Friday, during the 18th anniversary celebration of Tesda, Juanillo added.

The annual Tesda Idol search is meant to highlight the skills and capabilities of individuals who have been productive through hired jobs or having own business enterprise following a training course accredited by the agency.

Juanillo said Wales is presently connected with the Southern Leyte Electric Cooperative (Soleco) over the

past two years, working as an automotive mechanic.

Meanwhile, Juanillo also revealed that the Provincial Social Welfare and Development Office (PSWDO) was a nominee in this year’s Kabalikat Award, an honor conferred by Tesda to local government units that extended all-out support to their programs and projects.

(PIA-Southern Leyte)

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