One Visayas e-Newsletter Vol. 2 Issue 35

Vol 2

Issue 35

In this Issue WESTERN VISAYAS

Civil Service Commission Chief of Personnel Rufino Leonoras says this year’s theme for the 112th Anniversary of the Philippine Civil Service calls on all public servants to awaken in them the sense of heroism, as “Lingkod Bayani”. Leonoras and CSC-6 Asst. Dir. Raymond Gonzales were guests during the weekly cable TV program of PIA anchored by Elsa Subong. (PIA 6/ESS/EJB)

More on Region 6, pages 2-3.

Also CLICK Here…

CENTRAL VISAYAS

Some members of the Women’s Organization Nurturing for Development and Economic Recovery (WONDER) led by its chairman, Eutiquia C. Solicar (receiving the check) with the DOST-Siquijor personnel led by provincial director Engr. Mario de la Pena (right) during the turnover of a P 172,500-check for the “Community-Based Project: Technology Upgrading and Diversification of the Processed Meat Products of People’s Organization in Cangmunag San Juan, Siquijor” as a component project of DOST- Small Enterprise Technology Upgrading Program (SETUP). (RACalibo/PIASiquijor with DOST-Siquijor photo)

More on Region 7, pages 4-5.

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EASTERN VISAYAS

ACLC College HRM program head Giovanni Enecio (left) awards a certificate and a token to PIA 8 regional director Olive Tiu (right) after her lecture on Developing a Professional Presence in Tourism Industry through Social Graces and Etiquettes to 3rd year students on hotel and restaurant management in preparation for their forthcoming on-the-job training. The seminar workshop was held at ACLC College, Real Gymnasium, Tacloban City, August 29. (Photo by Raul S. Tiozon/PIA -8)

More on Region 8, pages 6-7.

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Aug. 27 - Sept. 2, 2012

Published by: PIA 6, 7 & 8

BFAR-7 to put up mammal rescue center in Cebu

By Fayette C. Rinen CEBU CITY, Aug 29 (PIA) -- The Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR)-7 is planning to establish a marine mammal rescue center (MMRC) in Cebu by early next year.

Assistant Regional Director Allan Poquita told members of the Coastal Law Enforcement Alliance Region (Clear)-7, during its regular meeting, on the importance of putting up the MMRC to assist in the rescue, rehabilitation, and release of stranded marine mammals.

“We have competent people who are well-trained on marine mammal rescue. In case there are stranded mammals that need rescuing, our people at the MMRC are capable of responding and assisting the stranded mammals back to the deep sea,” said Poquita.

Poquita cited a whale stranding incident in Toledo City in southwestern Cebu where ordinary

fishermen were incapable of assisting the "butanding" (whale) back to deep sea.

“If there is already an MMRC, then it would be very easy for the public where to call for assistance in bringing stranded mammals back to sea or in case, rehabilitation is needed,” he added.

The official also updated Clear-7 members that their agency has formed a quick response team that could assist the group in any emergency cases.

“The QRT that was created in Manila was even used during the flooding incident. The same could be done here. The team under our office could be an asset of Clear-7 that could be tapped in any emergency situation,” said Poquita.

Fifteen members of Clear-7 attended the regular meeting, of which one of the main agenda was to provide inputs for the compilation of the 10year accomplishment of the group. (PIA 7, Cebu)

St. Bernard disaster council bags reg’l Gawad Kalasag Award

By Erna S. Gorne MAASIN CITY, Southern Leyte Aug 28 (PIA) -The Office of the Civil Defense (OCD)-8 led by Regional Director Rey Gozon awarded this year, the first place in Gawad Kalasag Award to the St. Bernard Municipal Risk Reduction and Management Council (DRRMC).

The St. Bernard DRRMC chaired by Municipal Mayor Rico Rentuza received from OCD-8 the first prize check in the amount of P50,000, said Provincial Civil Defense Officer (PCDO) Marichu Tan. Tan said the recognition earned by the local council will automatically qualify them as the nominee for the national level competition in disaster preparedness.

However, Tan noted that a validating team will conduct verifications on the disaster preparedness to include its best practices on early warning, disaster response, among others, of the regional winner local risk reduction and management council.

Last year, the local risk reduction and management council has been noted for its best practices on flood early warning systems, which has become worth replicating throughout the country as acknowledged by the international non-government organizations such as Oxfam.

Mayor Rico Rentuza of Saint Bernard, Southern Leyte is all smiles as he receives the region's Gawad Kalasag Award (First Placer) given

by RDRRMC-8 chairman and OCD-8 regional director Rey M. Gozon and PIA-8 regional director Erlinda Olivia P. Tiu during the culmination program of this year’s National Disaster Consciousness Month in Eastern Visayas held at the San Juanico Golf & Country Club, Tacloban City, July 31. (Neil Lopido/PIA-8)

Meanwhile, Tan reported that continued Community Based Contingeny Planning Workshop in the province has been scheduled for the municipality of Hinundayan on September 8. On September 5-7, a DRRM orientation and earthquake drill, will be given to 250 students of San Juan Polythechnic College in San Juan, Southern Leyte, she added.( PIA8, SoLeyte)

WV Development Partners Forum up

By Atty. Ma. Janet C. Mesa ILOILO CITY, Aug 27 (PIA6) -- A Western Visayas Development Partners Forum was set to be held on August 31 for Panay and on September 20, 2012 for Negros Occidental to be sponsored by the National Economic and Development Authority.

The forum aims to develop a meaningful partnership between the government and the private sectors in responding to problems and issues identified in the Regional Development Plan and local development plans, particularly concerns along poverty, education, health, gender, housing, and environment.

It is also expected to strengthen the collaboration between government and the private sectors in pursuing projects and activities that contribute to poverty alleviation and socio-economic growth.

The forum will specifically identify priority problems and issues that could be resolved in partnership with the private sector. Participants will also learn about good practices and pitfalls in community projects implemented through corporate social responsibility and in

collaboration with NGOs Interventions by non-government and private sector organizations in response to problems and issues in specific localities will also be discussed as well as identification of priority areas for collaboration and effective resource mobilization mechanisms to improve public-private partnership in addressing development issues in the six provinces in the region. The forum also hopes to get the commitment of potential private sector and non-government organizations in providing financial, material, and technical support for specific targeted communities.

Mr. Rob Nazal, head of the Globe Telecom Corporate Social Responsibility and Ms. Lorna de los Santos, Program Officer from the World Vision-Philippines have been invited to be resource persons.

Invited to attend the forum are regional line agencies, local government units and the private sector – corporations, non-government organizations, civic and professional groups and higher education institutions. (RL/ NEDA 6/PIA6)

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WESTERN VISAYAS

DOT, DFA to work for sustained int’l flights in Iloilo Rafflesia lobata of the genus, Rafflesia

By Elsa S. Subong ILOILO CITY, Aug 27 (PIA6) -- While the Department of Tourism-6 said the Iloilo Airport is of international standards and will start accommodating international flights to Hongkong and Singapore in November this year, the Department of Foreign Affairs’ Consul General to Hong Kong, Noel Servigon said the challenge is on how to sustain these flights.

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he Iloilo Airport has the capacity to accommodate international flights, with runway lights and instrument landing system which can support low visibility and night landings.

Airport specific details showed that its 45-meter-wide, 2,500-meter long runway has been built to support aircraft as large as the Boeing 787 and the Airbus A330.

Servigon said there may be many passengers from Iloilo to Hong Kong but it is not sure whether there will be many from there back to Iloilo.

“The challenge for Ilonggos is how to attract tourists from Singapore or Hong Kong to go to Iloilo,” he told media in an interview.

This was admitted by DOT-6 Dir. Helen Catalbas when she said that tourism is a big factor in sustaining the international flights, because they cannot rely on the overseas Filipino workers alone.

“The OFWs are seasonal flyers, hence, tourists should be our main targets,” Catalbas said.

Servigon said that according to the latest data from the Hong Kong Immigration Department, there were about 144,553 Filipino domestic workers there.

Catalbas said the tourism stakeholders in Iloilo are working hard to create tourism packages and programs in

preparation for the start of the international flights.

DOT-6 said it is organizing sales missions to Hong Kong and Singapore to promote the city and the province.

She added the tourism boards of Hong Kong and Singapore will be in Iloilo by middle of September to promote travel to their respective places.

Meanwhile, as Consul-General, Servigon said he is offering the services of his office to help promote this “welcome development” in Iloilo, which is a significant event both for the overseas Filipinos, seafarers and the tourism industry here. (JCM/ESS/PIA-Iloilo)

CSC head says performance-based bonus will spur better performance

By Alex A. Lumaque ROXAS CITY, Capiz, Aug 28 (PIA6) -- The new system of giving bonus to government employees will motivate higher performance and greater accountability in the public sector.

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A government employee can get as much as P35,000 as productivity incentive based on individual and office performances,” said Civil Service Commission Chairman Francisco T. Duque III, who was guest and speaker of the third Human Resource Management Practitioners (HRMP) congress. President Benigno S. Aquino III announced during his State of the Nation

Address (SONA) that government personnel will be ranked and rewarded based on their contribution to the accomplishment of their departments’ outputs and outcomes.

The CSC official added that the task force is led by the Department of Budget and Management.

Other members of the group are CSC, Office of the Ombudsman,

Commission on Audit, National Economic and Development Authority and the Department of Finance.

The new system will replace the existing across-the-board productivity enhancement incentive received by the government workers every December.

(JCM/AAL-PIA6 Capiz)

PIA6 slates journ seminar-workshop, Sept. 4-6

By Lorenzo O. Lambatin Jr. BACOLOD CITY, Aug 27 (PIA6) -- The Philippine Information Agency will be conducting a campus journalism seminar-workshop for high school staffers, with the theme “convergence Journalism” on September 4-6 at the Grand Regal Hotel.

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laptop is required for each publication on the third day while a camera is needed for the photography session.

Schools interested to join the seminar are urged to make their reservations to the PIA by calling 4353933, text 09209459381 or email at piabacolod@yahoo.com not be later than September 30. Participants are expected to understand the concepts of

development journalism and other forms of writing, hone their skills in writing, reporting and editorial management skills and know the concepts of the principles of convergence and on-line journalism and apply them in news and information efficiently.

Modules include principles of development communication, reform agenda of the Aquino administration, emerging journalism forms, the

multi-lingual campus paper, news and features, opinion editorial articles, sports writing, photojournalism, copy editing/ headlining, page design, social media: ethics and responsibility, online journalism/smart journ.ph.

Registration is P1, 500 for each participant who are either editors, writers or advisers- preferably, those who have not yet attended the seminar before.

(PIA6/JCM/LOL)

WESTERN VISAYAS

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BSP to honor outstanding stakeholders in WV Mt. Igtuog and Mt. Sakpaw, Panay Island

By Jaime S. Cabag, Jr.

ILOILO CITY, Aug 30 (PIA6) -- The Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) will host its Annual Appreciation Lunch for BSP Stakeholders in Western Visayas on Sept. 4 at Days Hotel-Iloilo here.

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he BSP Iloilo Branch headed by Deputy Director Job T. Nepomuceno said the event is their way of appreciating the continuous support of their stakeholders to the bank’s various undertakings.

The appreciation lunch will coincide with the 2012 Awards Ceremony for BSP Stakeholders designed to recognize institutions that have extended exemplary support to BSP’s statistical undertakings, information needs and advocacy programs.

The event is also part of the highlights of the bank’s 19th anniversary this year which bears the theme “Shared Goals, Shared Responsibilities and Valued Partnerships”.

BSP Iloilo Research Specialist Doreen Santerva said Monetary Board (MB) Member Armando I. Suratos will lead local BSP officials in honoring this year’s outstanding stakeholders during the event here.

Iloilo is one of nine areas outside the

National Capital Region (NCR) where the event was set to be held.

Meanwhile, the Monetary Board exercises the powers and functions of the Bangko Sentral towards the achievement of the vision of the bank to become a world-class monetary authority and a catalyst for a globally competitive economy and financial system that delivers a high quality of life for all Filipinos. (JCM/ JSC-PIA6)

Survey of enterprises in Antique covers 33 respondents

By Pilar S. Mabaquiao SAN JOSE, Antique, Aug 30 (PIA6) -- The 2011 Survey of Enterprises in the Philippines or SEP covers 33 businesses in the province.

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ccording to Provincial Statistics Officer Jesus Escote, Jr., National Statistics Office, the survey is very important because the data gathered nationwide will be used to provide reliable estimates of total income, value added and gross fixed capital formation and total non -financial assets of corporations.

These economic indicators are essential for macro planning, policy formulation and decision making by

government and private sectors, explained Escote.

In Antique, the 33 covered enterprises are mostly located in the town of San Jose, the province capital. Other respondent-enterprises are in the municipalities of Valderrama, Bugasong, Culasi and Pandan.

Reference period for this SEP is fiscal year 2011. The statistical unit referred to is an enterprise which refers to the

smallest legal unit producing goods or services that benefit from a certain degree of autonomy in decision-making especially in allocation of its current resources.

Presently, distribution of questionnaires are ongoing while collection of data will be next month, said Escote. Data processing (manual and machine processing), analysis and evaluation will be until August 2013

Breastfeeding mothers cited

By Venus G. Villanueva KALIBO, Aklan, Aug 30 (PIA6) -- The province of Aklan has celebrated Breastfeeding Month by honoring mothers who took the road to lifelong health by breastfeeding their babies.

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uring a short and simple program held at the Conference Hall of the Dr. Rafael S. Tumbokon Memorial Hospital (DRSTMH), Felissa Cuachon, Czarina Mae Uyaco and Carmela Francisco were feted by the provincial government of Aklan through the Provincial Health Office (PHO) for practicing exclusive breastfeeding.

Exclusive breastfeeding, the Food and Nutrition Research Institute (FNRI) said, means feeding the baby only with breast milk for the first six months of his or her life and following this with safe and appropriate complementary foods starting at six months with continuing breastfeeding up to two years and beyond, if possible.

Cuachon was honored as a Breastfeeding Celebrity while Uyaco and Francisco were recognized as Breastfeeding Champions.

Cuachon shared with the audience how she and her husband, a government physician, were able to save a lot because she opted to breastfeed all their four babies.

She added that with breastfeeding, she and her husband had no need to buy milk formula, and they were spared from the exhausting ritual of preparing milk bottles even in the late hours of the night as breast milk is ready all the time.

“Presently, all our four children, because they were breastfed, excel well in school, are not prone to allergies. Up to this time, not one of them experienced being hospitalized,” Cuachon said.

For their part, Uyaco and Francisco, all first-time mothers, related the advantages of breastfeeding their babies.

Uyaco, whose baby is six months old, said breastfeeding allows her to provide her baby fresh, clean and accessible milk

any time, while Francisco, who has a four-month old baby, said she is assured of providing her son nutritious human milk with more than a hundred ingredients not found in cow’s milk.

Prior to the awarding, PHO officials, led by Dr. Victor Santamaria, PHO II, Celia de Lemos-Ledford, Provincial Breastfeeding Promotion Program Coordinator, and Aklan SP Member Jonna Morales-Torres, who represented Vice Governor Gabrielle Calizo-Quimpo in the program, each delivered messages.

Besides the awarding of Aklan’s Breastfeeding Celebrity and Champions, the province’ 17 Municipal Barangay Health Workers (BHW) Federation Presidents, the PHO’s breastfeeding advocates in the barangays were also honored during the program.

(JCM/VGV-PIA6 Aklan)

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CENTRAL VISAYAS

DILG-7 head hopes Robredo’s legacy will continue

By Amorganda A. Saludar

Sunflower, Helianthus anuus

CEBU CITY Aug 24 (PIA) -- The Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG-7) Director Ananias Villacorta expressed optimism that the next DILG secretary will continue the legacy and the good deeds of the late Secretary Jesse Robredo. illacorta added that he hopes that the good deeds started by Sec. Jess express its grief on the death of the DILG whoever sits as the next DILG will be continued as well as the actions he secretary whom they consider as a good secretary will have the same heart implemented),” Villacorta declared. leader. as with the late secretary and that He also pledged that DILG-7 will Officials and representatives from everything he has started for the continue to implement what Sec. other government agencies, as well as development of the country and for the Robredo started for the development of local members of media also attended the sake of good governance among leaders the region and the country and to ensure mass. will be continued. that good governance is also practiced Another mass is set on Friday, August “Nanghinaut mi nga mapadayon unta here.

24 at the Cebu Metropolitan Cathedral ang mga maayong binuhatan nga nasugdan Today, the DILG-7 deviate from its with the members of the regional ni Sec. Jess ila unta nga ipadayon ang mga usual daily routine through a holy mass development council in attendance. lakang nga iyang nahimo (We are hoping conducted inside the regional office to (mbcn/AYS-PIA7 Cebu)

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Roadshow set in Dumaguete to prepare PWDs for 2013 elections

By Jennifer C. Tilos DUMAGUETE CITY, Negros Oriental, Aug 28 (PIA) -- The Foundation for Communication Initiatives, Inc. (FOCI) is set to hold a Fully Abled Nation (FAN) Day national roadshow in September in Dumaguete City to increase active participation of persons with disabilities in 2013 elections.

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OCI Managing Director Criselle Capistrano said the FAN advocacy campaign is implemented by the Asia Foundation (TAF) with the support from Disability-Inclusive Elections program of Australian Agency for International Development (AusAID).

FOCI will visit key cities in the country where PWD concentrations are located that include Legazpi, Cotabato, Davao, La Union, Iloilo, Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (ARMM) and Dumaguete City.

The foundation will collaborate with PWDs, disabled peoples organizations

(DPOs), the Commission on Elections (Comelec), the Parish Pastoral Council for Responsible Voting (PPCRV), and other elections-focused NGOs to increase awareness of the Comelec and local government units (LGU) on the needs and concerns of PWDs, as well as to promote their participation in elections and other democratic processes, said Capistrano.

The activity will also provide technical assistance on advocacy strategies, financial management, volunteer management, and media training for DPOs and NGOs working with PWDs to enhance their

participation in the next year’s elections and also develop PWD responsive election materials.

The foundation urged stakeholders to participate in the FAN Day to present proposals to the Comelec especially on easy access to registration sites and polling places for PWDs to reduce or remove constraints that PWD voters face to freely exercise their rights.

The FAN Day will be opened with a disability-sensitivity workshop to be followed by a media interaction. (MBCN/ JCT-PIA Negros Oriental)

1st Sports for Dev't and Peace Certificate Course held in Dumaguete

By Rachelle M. Nessia DUMAGUETE CITY, Aug 23 (PIA) -- The first-ever course on Sports for Development and Peace in the country was held in Dumaguete City after Silliman University's Masters in Peace Studies Program initiated the event in cooperation with goals for peace international.

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first of its kind in the country, the two -day seminar gathered educators, athletes, government staff and students for a discussion revolving around the theme: "Beyond the Olympics, Beyond the Games: Harnessing the Power of Sports for Development and Peace."

The seminar featured as its lecturer and trainor Ale xander Cardenas from Colombia-US who is an expert in sports for development and peace from the Catedra UNESCO de Filosofia pa la Paz (Spain).

He is also a recipient of the prestigious Marie Curie Fellowship of the Consortium on Sustainable Peacebuilding funded by the European Commission The course's program is a specialized modular offering aimed at equipping participants in the theories and practical applications of sports as a tool for societal transformation.

This program supports the idea that sport can be utilized as a way to advance principled leadership, human rights, teamwork and conflict transformation, according to a statement provided by Jenny Lind D. Elmaco, a member of Masters in Peace Studies faculty.

Sport for Development and Peace (SDP) is a new strategy for social intervention that has gained support from the United Nations, FIFA and other entities. It has become a platform for the implementation of development and peace programs and the design of research that recruits sports and other forms of physical activity to the realization of international community goals such as the United Nations’ Millennium Development Goals (MDG’s).

Using sports, cooperative games, Theater of the Oppressed, critical analysis of literature and other pedagogical tools, the certificate course aimed at equipping a pioneer batch of

SDP practitioners and motivating them to create their own Sports for Development and Peace programs in their respective communities.

Cyril Mapula, Foundation University Student Government President, who was given a scholarship by Goals for Peace, International to attend the course said, “it injected knowledge as well as the passion to use sports as a tool for development and peace. It opened our eyes towards the usefulness of sports aside from competition itself.”

Myra Vivares-Waddington, coordinator of the Masters in Peace Studies program of Silliman University, hopes that the activity will be a springboard for initiatives from the different sectors in Negros Oriental and in the country to create effective and interesting SDP programs, especially for the youth. (RMN-PIA7 Negros Oriental with reports from Kriss Michael Abadia Tubog)

CENTRAL VISAYAS

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'Powered by grass, not by gas'

By Rachelle M. Nessia Sunflower, Helianthus anuus

What vehicle is powered by grass and not by gas? Answer: tartanilla, the horse-drawn carriage that may soon trot in big numbers once again on the streets of Dumaguete.

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illiman University (SU) has partnered with Smart Communications, Inc. to develop the prototype of a modern tartanilla which they presented to the public on August 27.

This is not the same tartanilla that our Filipino ancestors once rode in, though. The university’s staff from its Buildings and Grounds Department, the brains behind the machinery, took the existing carriage and revamped and re -designed it.

Among other innovations, they fitted it with four wheels (the original carriage only had two wheels) and disk brakes.

The result is a more roomy carriage that can carry up to 6 adult passengers.

It is also less taxing on the horse, and more appealing to the eyes.

SU President Dr. Ben Malayang III said the "Powered by Grass" tartanilla was launched to show an idea that he hopes will be adopted by the private or public sectors for environment-friendly purposes.

"We launched this to show that it can be done, and to see if others can adopt this. This is not just for Silliman but for Dumaguete as well," he said.

"In addressing climate change, we are putting value in indigenous practices such as the tartanilla," Dr. Malayang added.

The prototype was developed with a P150,000 funding from Smart Communications, Inc. James Bernas, head of Smart's Community Solutions team, sees the project as a springboard for a more efficient,

environment-friendly mass transport system.

Dr. Malayang said they are exploring the possibility of utilizing the modernized tartanilla as a livelihood opportunity for the university's retirees.

"We really hope there will be more tartanillas like this that will be used later on as a more environment-friendly mode of transportation," he said.

After the launching, the modern tartanilla trotted around the university campus for a test drive with SU Board of Director Chairman Dr. Leonor Briones and Dr. Malayang's wife, Gladys, among its first passengers. Garcia said the prototype, for now, will be used for free university tours within Silliman grounds.

(RMN/PIA Negros Oriental)

DOST gives ‘Rapya’ a world-class brand

By Rey Anthony H. Chiu CORTES, Bohol, Aug 24 (PIA) -- The Department of Science and Technology (DOST) classified the hand woven raffia in Bohol as 'world-class' but marketing experts account its dismal market to a poor packaging.

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It’s quite a pity that a product that incorporates the long tale of traditions, industry, artistry and ingenuity of the residence of Bohol, could not get the right price it should command,” DOST-Bohol Information Officer Vina Antopina said.

Raffia, a natural fiber obtained from “buri” palm, is one of Bohol’s leading showcases of its hand woven industry, that humbly emerges from a home based industry into firm-level

production which has provided income and jobs to the the people of Bohol. Raffia fiber is stripped from dried young buri palm leaves, some dyed, others in their natural colors and woven by hand or modern looms.

According to DOST-Bohol Director Marcial Tanggaan, with DOST's technical assistance for a country branding of the raffia and focusing on its packaging, this world-class product could be Bohol's pride in the

international market. Tanggaan believed that giving the raffia its right packaging and branding is just appropriate for a product that is very close to the heart of the residence of Bohol.

Today, the Bohol raffia carries the "Rapya" brand, a neat packaging of sepia and the shades of brown. A market package that elevates the product among those showing excellence, hardwork and world-class craftsmanship. (mbcn/rahc-PIA7 Bohol)

Mayors should protect lives, properties and reduce disaster risks, says Cebu town official

By Fayette C. Riñen CEBU CITY, Aug 25 (PIA) -- Local chief executives must prioritize the protection of lives and properties of their constituents by empowering communities to take the lead.

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uring a recent orientation briefing to members of the Cebu Association of City and Municipal Public Information Officers (CAOCAMPIO) in San Francisco town, Vice Mayor Alfredo Arquillano said the community-based approach has earned their municipality global recognition in good governance.

“Mayors should involve the people in finding solutions to problem and they should be there to support the people,” Arquillano said. “It is communities that build nations.”

Arquillano was a 2011 UN awardee for disaster reduction.

The community-based strategy dubbed as the ‘purok’ system approach was an idea that started in 2004, when Arquillano was on his last year of his first term as municipal mayor. The idea was to organize several households into several puroks where each purok would consist of around 50 households depending on their geographical location, bared Arquillano.

“I first started selling the concept to the residents where they would organize into puroks and initially advocated for clean and green surroundings where each purok was responsible for

beautifying its surroundings. There was resistance which I already anticipated because people are always resistant to change so I gave my plan five years to be acceptable to the people,” said Arquillano.

Arquillano said he started with those that were supportive to the concept starting with cleanliness and beautification efforts to promote the town as a tourism destination.

“Those that have organized the puroks have transformed their surroundings into a clean and beautiful area which led other people to appreciate the essence of the purok system and eventually organized themselves into puroks,” disclosed the vice mayor.

It took less than five years to organize puroks in the 15 barangays of San Francisco which made other programs easy to implement such as on solid waste management and greening program which are essential components of climate change mitigation and reduce risks of disasters.

The municipal government then went into a partnership with a non-government organization Plan International on disaster risk reduction to capacitate the puroks into strengthening community resilience through disaster preparedness.

In 2010, Plan International nominated the town to the United Nations Sasakawa Award for Disaster Reduction which had four nominees from the country namely Albay, Guinsaogon, Makati City and San Francisco town. Only San Francisco made it to the top six finalists worldwide which later were trimmed down to three. The six finalists were Vancouver, Argentina, India, Central America, Pakistan and the little municipal island town of San Francisco.

The town later bested the two top finalists Argentina and Vancouver to covet the title of the 2011 UN Sasakawa Award for Disaster Reduction.

The award is given to an individual or institution that has taken initiatives in reducing disaster risk in their communities and advocates for disaster risk reduction.

Just this year, the municipality has earned three titles from the Cebu Provincial Government as the Best Model LGU, Green Champion and Grand Champion for the EGWEN Our Cebu Program.

EGWEN stands for Expanded Green and Wholesome Environment that Nurtures.

Currently, there are over 120 puroks organized in the town’s 15 barangays. (PIA-Cebu)

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EASTERN VISAYAS

Alangalang acquires P13-M fire truck from Korea for protection of peatlands Gumamela, Hibiscus

By Erlinda Olivia P. Tiu

ALANGALANG, Leyte, Aug 31 (PIA) -- The Korea Federation of Fire Association (KFFA) turned over, Aug 30 to the local government of Alangalang, Leyte a newly refurbished fire truck worth P13 million at the Central Office of the Bureau of Fire Protection.

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he donation will boost the local government’s fire fighting capability as it only has one fire truck which Alangalang Mayor Loretto Yu described as “old Yu said the acquisition of new fire truck is part of the Sustainable Use and Protection of Philippine Peatlands Project which is being implemented in the country by the Department of Environment.

The National Action Plan on Peatlands was drafted within the framework of the ASEAN (Association of Southeast Asian Nations) Peatland Management Strategy.

It spells out specific operational objectives and serves as a guide for the implementing agencies and collaborating partners on specific actions that must be undertaken to ensure protection and sustainable se of peatlands in the Philippines.

There are two areas in the Philippines where substantial areas of peat have been found: the Agusan Marsh and the Leyte Sab-a Basin.

Occurrence of wildfires, often caused by agricultural activity by local people in protected peat swamp forests, both on and below the surface, is among the threats in the sustainability of peatlands. The fire truck donation from Korea will help the local government contain such occurrences.

The DENR project focuses on awareness raising on how valuable peatlands are.

The peatland in the Leyte Sab-a Basin has the capacity to absorb and hold a lot of water during the rainy season, releasing it slowly to maintain base flows in the outflow rivers.

It is also important in preventing penetration of saline water up rivers due to this contribution to minimum flows in the rivers during dry periods.

The limited information available suggests that biodiversity values of Philippine peatlands are high.

High scenic values are found in identified Philippine peatlands, including the striking forests of Lanipao (Terminalia copelandii) in both the Agusan Marsh and the Leyte Sab-a

Basin. Both peatlands are surrounded by uplands, from which impressive views of the peatlands can be gained.

Peatlands are also important to local communities as a source of wood like timber and firewood for domestic needs and nonwood products like the Frimbistylis globulosa, locally known as “tikog” for mat making and other livelihood purposes.

Meanwhile, the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) partially released P3.5 million out of the P7 million Sagana at Ligtas na Tubig sa Lahat (Salintubig) Project funding to the local government of Alangalang, Leyte, August 28.

The funding will be used to upgrade and rehabilitate the water system of the municipality, which is currently not yet safe for drinking.

He disclosed that upon learning that his LGU is qualified, he lost no time in completing the requirements. This is a rare opportunity, he added. (PIA 8)

N. Samar sets month-long celebration for National Peace Consciousness

By Ailene N. Diaz CATARMAN, Northern Samar, Aug 29 (PIA) -- The province of Northern Samar has set a month-long celebration to observe the National Peace Consciousness Month, September.

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Mass for Peace at 5 a.m. kicks off the celebration on September 1 to be held at Catarman Cathedral and will be followed by a Walk for Peace.

On September 8, Plant for Peace will be conducted along Pamana road project area as Northern Samar is one of the recipient of Pamana, a national government’s peace and development framework to respond and strengthen peace building, reconstruction and development in conflict-affected areas.

Another proposed activity is the Peace Caravan along carline municipalities and one-day retreat cum healing and reconciliation for parolees and probationers.

KaPEACEtahan on the 24rth of the month will culminate the month-long celebration with the following activities: Holy Mass at Sacred Heart Plaza, Peace Covenant Signing of 24 Local Chief Executives, release of balloons and doves, photo display/exhibit of peace initiatives,

mural painting, medcap, blood letting, legal counseling, and concert for peace.

This is the first time Northern Samar w ill cel ebr at e Natio nal P ea ce Consciousness Month in coordination with the Northern Samar Peace and Development Forum, local and national agencies.

The Provincial Peace and Order Council will lead the celebration through the Provincial Governor Paul A. Daza.

(AD-PIA 8, Northern Samar)

Bankarera to attract tourists

By Alicia F. Nicart BORONGAN CITY, Eastern Samar, Aug 30 (PIA) -- More than 40 motorized boats are expected to join the 2012 Bankarera (boat race) which will be held the whole day of September 5 at the Borongan Bay according to Maning Celada, focal person of the water sports activity.

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elada said the boat race is intended to attract local and foreign tourists since Mayor Fe Abunda plans to develop the Borongan Boulevard as a tourist destination under her “Baysay Borongan” advocacy.

Celada added that participating boats should not be less than 26 feet in length with only 16-HP machine. At the moment,

40 boat owners have enlisted for the race, 32 of them coming from Barangay Sabang.

The latter came originally from Davao Oriental but in years that they have stayed in Borongan, they had learned to love the place.

Celada said that they are joining the game, not merely for the prize but because they are strong devotees of the Lady Patroness of Borongan city, Nuestra

Senora de la Natividad. In fact, they are joining the Fluvial Parade of the Padul-ong Festival, Celada added.

Two big buoys will mark the area by the Borongan bay where each of the boat will form the figure eight.

Winning Bankeros will receive P5,000 for the first prize; P3,000 for the second; and P2,000 for the third prize.(aen-PIA8, Eastern Samar)

EASTERN VISAYAS

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Small-scale fishing project to uplift economic standing of 48 fisherfolks in Maasin Gumamela, Hibiscus

By Erlinda Olivia P. Tiu

TACLOBAN CITY, Leyte, Aug 30 (PIA) -- Forty-eight (48) fishers in Maasin City, Southern Leyte are hopeful that the small-scale fishing livelihood project funding that they recently received from the Department of Labor and Employment Integrated Livelihood Program (DILP) in partnership with the city government of Maasin, will uplift their economic status.

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aid livelihood project is aimed at enhancing and transforming fishing activities of individual fishers to a cohesive community enterprise that has a high chances of becoming not only income-augmenting but more so employment-generating undertaking.

During the launching-cum-turn-over ceremony of small-scale fishing project on August 16 at the City Agricultural Services Grounds, Poverty Alleviation Center in Combado, Maasin City, DOLE Regional Director Exequiel Sarcauga emphasized the active and significant role of LGU Maasin towards the successful inception of the project.

DOLE-RO8, under the Capacity Building for Livelihood Formation, committed a P612,049-fund assistance while LGU Maasin

shared 20 percent (P153,012.25) of the total project cost.

DOLE will monitor the project for three years and upon meeting the required conditions stipulated in the operational guidelines of the DILP, DOLE’s major involvement will then be phased-out, Virgilio Doroja Jr. of DOLE said.

Meanwhile, Lone District of Southern Leyte Congressman Roger G. Mercado in his speech during the activity said, “Today, we have just received a great blessing because this is a response to our need. Through this, we will have a source of living.” Aside from Congressman Mercado and Director Sarcauga, the top personalities present in the event were Chair of the Committee on Agriculture, Fisheries and Environment Honorable Vivencio Costillas, Chair of the Committee on

Livelihood Honorable Reynaldo Hatayna, City Agriculturist Amado Acasio, RTWPB Board Secretary Florencio Aguilos, PIA Southern Leyte Information Center Manager Ms. Erna Gorne, DOLE-SLFO Head Ms. Fe Norma D. Valuis, and partners from the local media.

Moreover, as part of the DILP, capacity building trainings were conducted for beneficiaries of the program. A two-day Social Preparation Seminar and Entrepreneurial Appreciation Course (SPEAC) was conducted to the 48 fisherfolks from August 16-17, 2012 at the Kinamot sa Pugaling, Maasin City.

Seminar Modules discussed were as follows: Values Reorientation, Communication, Leadership, Management, Ten Personal Entrepreneurial Skills, Action Planning and Workshop, Mr. Neil Moraleta of DOLE Southern Leyte Field Office informed. (PIA 8)

Southern Leyte Electric Coop to energize 10MVA power substation

By Rebecca S. Cadavos MAASIN CITY, Southern Leyte, Aug 29 (PIA) -- The Southern Leyte Electric Cooperative (Soleco) has received the certificate of approval from the National Grid Corporation of the Philippines (NGCP) to connect its recently completed 10MVA power substation at Barangay Pandan, Sogod this province.

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OLECO general manager Jonathan S. Empeño, in a press release, said that the full energization will be on September 1 at Barangay, Pandan while the substation’s immediate activation will be on the 29th of August.

“The certificate of approval came after NGCP assessed Soleco’s application have complied with all the technical requirements of NGCP’s Open Access Policies and the Philippine Grid Code,” Empeño said inviting media practitioners to cover the event. He said that the

10MVA power substation in the municipality of Sogod was a project initiated by the cooperative in 2011 in response to the area’s rising power demand as big establishment such as Gaisano Capital, began to operate in nearby municipalities.

Empeño disclosed that the primary impact of the energization is the increased power capability of Soleco which means delivering quality, efficient, and a sufficient power supply in the Sogod Bay area.

“This increases the number of substations from three to four with a total

power capacity increase from 20MVA to 25MVA,” he said, adding that with the energization of Pandan substation, the immediate relocation of the 5MVA Bontoc substation will follow to relief the fully-loaded 5MVA substation in Barangay Himay-angan in the municipality of Liloan.

The blessing and energization activity is expected to be attended by Cong.

Roger G. Mercado, Gov. Damian G. Mercado, Sogod Mayor Sheffered Lino Tan, among other representatives as guests. (PIA8, Southern Leyte)

DOLE NegoKarts ready to roll in streets of Libagon

By Erlinda Olivia P. Tiu TACLOBAN CITY, Leyte, Aug 29 (PIA) -- Fourteen units of Negosyo sa Kariton (NegoKarts) are now ready to move around the streets of Libagon, Southern Leyte to offer goodies and delicacies to local folks.

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he Department of Labor and Employment Regional Office 8 and the local government unit of Libagon formally turned over the NegoKarts to 14 women beneficiaries during the closing program of the Social Preparation Seminar and Entrepreneurship Appreciation Course on August 22 at Libagon Municipal Hall.

Regional Director Exequiel R. Sarcauga said DOLE earlier released to LGU Libagon P179,600 for the project,

consisting of purpose-built carts, raw materials and other ingredients for the identified food vendors of Libagon.

“This is what is meant by the inclusive growth that President Aquino wants to achieve; that whatever gains this government will have, it wants to ensure that the people of Libagon, Southern Leyte are part of it,” Sarcauga stressed.

Libagon Mayor Oliver Ranque expressed his gratitude to DOLE for partnering with the LGU in providing

livelihood to his constituents. He gave the assurance to oversee the implementation of the project to make sure that it will be sustained.

The beneficiaries are expected to take their carts and offer their products to students and people of barangays Hubas, Talisay, Magkasa, Mayuga, Kawayan, Tigbato, Otikon, and Nahulin in Libagon, Virgilio A. Doroja Jr., labor communications officer said. (PIA 8)

One Visayas e‐newsletter is published weekly by the Visayas Regional Cluster of the Philippine Information Agency (PIA) comprising Region 6, 7 and 8. Its main editorial office is located at PIA Region 6, Iloilo City.

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

Ms. Minerva BC Newman Regional Director, PIA 7

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

Ms. Erlinda Olivia P. Tiu Regional Director, PIA8

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

PIA 6, 2/F RC Building, Rizal St., Iloilo City, Iloilo 5000, Tel. Nos. (033) 337-8719/3377301/509-0993, Fax No. (033) 337-8719/509-0993, e-mail: r6_pia@yahoo.com/ piaamo6@yahoo.com PIA 7, Room 304, 3/F Machay Bldg., Garardo Avenue, Cebu City, Cebu 6000, Telefax No. (032) 232-4062/232-4126, e-mail: pia7_cebu@yahoo.com.ph/r7_pia@yahoo.com PIA 8, Children’s Park Compound, Sen. Enage St., Tacloban City, Leyte 6500, Tel. No. (053) 325-5124, Telefax No. (053) 321-2029, e-mail: pia_ev@yahoo.com/r8_pia@yahoo.com