One Visayas e-Newsletter Vol. 2 Issue 36

Vol 2

Issue 36

In this Issue WESTERN VISAYAS

Cabatuan Police Station Chief PSInp. Alejandro Apostol Jr. receives a plaque and P 15,000 cash prize from PNP-PRO6 Regional Director PCSupt. Agrimero A. Cruz Jr. and Napolcom Regional Director Marte S. Palomar for being the Most Citizen-Friendly Police Station-Municipal Category in Region 6 during the opening ceremonies of the 18th National Crime Prevention Week held at the Iloilo Freedom Grandstand, Iloilo City on September 3. (EJB/PIA6)

More on Region 6, pages 2-3.

Also CLICK Here…

CENTRAL VISAYAS

Civil Service Commision Provincial Director Gina Crucio congratulates newly-promoted police non-commissioned officers of the PNP-Siquijor Police Provincial Office (SPPO).

Oath taking ceremony and Conferment of Ranks were held at the PNP-SPPO in Caipilan, Siquijor last August 10, 2012.

(RACalibo/PIA-Siquijor w/ CSC foto)

More on Region 7, pages 4-5.

Also CLICK Here…

EASTERN VISAYAS

September 3 - 9, 2012

Published by: PIA 6, 7 & 8

Quake damages P76 M worth of E. Visayas infra

By Erlinda Olivia P. Tiu PALO, Leyte, Sept 5 (PIA) -- The Eastern Visayas Regional Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council placed total damage to infrastructure in the region by the 7.6 earthquake on August 31 at P75,858,500.

Rey Gozon, Office of Civil Defense – Region 8 director, said the amount represents road and bridge damages as reported by the Department of Public Works and Highways and school building damages as reported by the Department of Education in East Samar.

Northern Samar estimated that damages to infrastructure at P45 million, the biggest in the region.

Eastern Samar placed damages at P26,458,000 with P12,800,000 for roads and bridges and P13,658,500 for school buildings.

Tacloban City reported an estimated damages to infrastructure at P4.4 million.

Gozon said 805 individuals were affected: families affected was placed at 189 in 89 barangays of the region.

There were 10 persons injured in the earthquake, he said.

Three of the injured persons were from Guiuan, Eastern Samar; one each from Santa Fe and Dulag in Leyte; two each from Tolosa and Tacloban City; and one from Saint Bernard, Southern Leyte.

Gozon also cited the local government units concerned for the orderly management during the earthquake which resulted to zero casualty. (PIA-8)

DPWH 8 regional director Rolando Asis (right) reports to media that the damage on infrastructure in Eastern Visayas caused by the 7.6 earthquake last August 31 has already reached P88-M during the Harampang ha PIA in Tacloban City, September 6. Also in photo are OCD 8 and RDRRMC chair Rey Gozon and PIA 8 regional director Olive Tiu. (Vino R. Cuayzon)

Panglao invests P15-M Infra to spur economic dev't

By Rey Anthony H. Chiu TAGBILARAN CITY, Bohol, Sept 5 (PIA) -Panglao has allocated over P15M and is expected to gradually put in more to complete a major facelift in the town’s economic landscape with its priority vertical infrastructure it funded in the last two years.

Panglao Mayor Benedicto Alcala and its local officials have consistently allocated millions annually for the continued work of the town market renovation.

In 2010, Panglao put in P3 million for the construction of the public market block tiendas that was included in the Annual Investment Plan, according to Planning and Development Officer Jovencia Asilo.

Also in the 2010 budget, Panglao allocated P2 million for the construction of a Multi-purpose Building that is said to be the hub of the town's health services, disaster response action center and fire department base.

Now a visible building located beside the town hall, the Multi-purpose building has allowed the local government to gain enough working spaces for its

numerous tasks.

By 2011, the town investment council again allocated P2 million for the its market construction that is almost completed.

Two other multi-purpose buildings were also funded form the 2011 20% development fund, the mayor adds.

This year, the town also witnessed the concreting of Cloma Street, a municipal road, which was prioritized to enhance local accessibility. It is a tribute to a notable Panglaoanon who made it to international history as a respected seafarer. For that, the town apportioned P1 million.

Two smaller construction projects: a public restroom and shower at poblacion and a public terminal at the public market each got P.5 million from 2012 IRA Development funds.

This year too, the town ventured into a street lighting project that put up town’s main streets like any town blessed with the fruits of its economic activities.

Panglao had P7.9 million from its IRA share in 2011, a figure that increased to P8.1 million in 2012, according to Asilo. (mbcn/rahc/PIA-Bohol)

Aklan guv expects 1-M tourists before yearend

Philippine National Police 8, government employees, barangay officials and high school students join the integrity walk in connection with the joint kick-off activities of the Philippine Civil Service Month, Tourism Week and the National Crime Prevention Week celebrations in Tacloban City, September 3.

(Vino R. Cuayzon)

More on Region 8, pages 6-7.

Also CLICK Here...

By Venus G. Villanueva KALIBO, Aklan, Sept 5 (PIA6) -- With the rate things are going, the province of Aklan could attain its target of 1 million tourist arrivals as early as November of this year.

This, as Aklan governor Carlito S. Marquez revealed recently over his regular report of accomplishments aired in a local radio station here that from January to August 28 of this year, Boracay Island’s tourist arrivals already reached a total of 854,468.

Last year for the same period, tourist arrivals reached 627,611, posting a difference of 226,857.

As the August 2012 arrivals were only monitored up to the 28th day, Governor Marquez estimated that the August figures could reach up to 79,000 total arrivals for the month.

From August 1-28, arrivals reached 72,033 – with foreign visitors outnumbering the domestic group.

Last month, 35,852 foreign tourists visited Boracay Island, which is 49.77 more compared to domestic tourists which reached 33,889 representing 47.05% while Overseas Filipino Workers (OFWs) reached 2,292 or 3.18%.

The arrivals from January to August 28 this year posted a total of P15.7 billion in tourism receipts.

Meanwhile, the provincial government is currently preparing for the arrival of a cruise ship in Boracay Island slated October 27 with 2,000 passengers who would be staying in the island for 12 hours. (JCM/VGV PIA 6 Aklan)

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WESTERN VISAYAS

DepEd names WV 2012 Best Brigada Eskwela Implementers

Paseo de Iloilo—the most sophisticated courtship and flirtation dance of the Spanish Era

By Lilibeth A. French

ILOILO CITY, Sept 5 (PIA6) -- The Department of Education Region 6 named the winners in this year’s Brigada Eskwela Best Implementers regional search both in the elementary and secondary levels.

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djudged winner in the small schools category, elementary level is Antonio Belo Elementary School of the province of Capiz, followed by Tacas Elementary School of Iloilo City, second and La Carlota Sugar Central of La Carlota City, third.

For the small schools secondary level the top three winners are: Bato National High School of Sagay City, 1st place; Dingle National High School of Iloilo, 2nd place; and Binicuil National High School of Kabankalan City, 3rd place. Bugasong Central Elementary School of the province of Antique and Hinigaran Central Elementary School in Negros Occidental tied for first place in the big schoolselementary level, and Old Sagay Central Elementary School in Sagay City, third.

Winners in the big schools secondary level include Panit-an National High School in Capiz, first; Victorias National High School in Negros Occidental, second; and Ramon Torres National High School in Bago City, third.

The Brigada Eskwela Best Implementers in the exceptional schools category are Kalibo Integrated Special Education Center in Aklan for the elementary level and Tan-awan National High School in Kabankalan City for the secondary level.

DepEd 6 Resource Mobilization Special Program and Project Division Chief and Information Officer Dr. Eden Deriada said they have received 81 entries from the 17 school divisions in the region for this year’s search.

Deriada said entries were judged on the criteria of scope of work, repair and maintenance completed based on School Improvement Plan, Volunteer diversity and participation, Impact of Brigada Eskwela, and Resources generated.

A team from the DepEd Central Office is expected to conduct an evaluation of the top two winners in each category on October 2 to 5 for the national search.

Brigada Eskwela is a yearly activity of DepEd that engages the voluntary participation of stakeholders and the community in ensuring that public school facilities are ready for the opening of classes.

This year it was conducted last May 21 to 26. (JCM/LAF/PIA6)

DTI Iloilo issues 12,000 helmet stickers

By Vicente W. Villavert ILOILO CITY, Sept 5 (PIA6) -- Thirty percent of motorcycle owners’ helmets in the city and province of Iloilo have already been issued with stickers bearing the Import Commodity Clearance (ICC) issued by the Bureau of Product Standards or BPS.

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Out of the 41,000 registered motorcycles in Iloilo, more or less 12,000 or 30 percent have undergone inspection and sticker markings,” said Iloilo Provincial Director Wilhelm Malones of the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI), Iloilo Provincial Office in a PIA interview.

Director Malones said that prior to the deferment of the implementation of the RA 10054, “we had an average of 300 to 400 from July 25, but at the peak hours

of July 27-28 we even reached 900 people a day, and after the deferment of the implementation we only have 100 motorists per day transacting with us”.

To avoid the last minute rush from November to December, Malones said that “our head office though our provincial office implements the letter coding scheme for inspection and sticker markings on motorcycle helmets”.

For the motorists’ guidance, those whose family names that start with letters

A to F can transact with the DTI on September; processing for family names starting with letters G to O is scheduled for October; and letters P to Z on November.

Malones also said that coordination work is also being prepared for local government units which requested the DTI to send their people to the requesting Municipalities for inspection and sticker markings on motorcycle helmets. VWV/PIA 6-Iloilo)

New PNP RD visits Antique

By Margie L. Gadian SAN JOSE, Antique, Sept 4 (PIA6) -- The Regional Director of the Police Regional Office 6, Police Chief Superintendent Agrimero A. Cruz Jr visited the province recently, his first since he assumed office in Region 6.

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e made a call to all local leaders and had a command conference with the Antique Provincial Police Office (APPO). He also met with members of the press where he bared his three (3) top priorities namely; the full implementation of the PNP-Integrated Transformation Program; intensified Anti-Criminality Campaign which includes the strict execution of the Police Integrated Patrolling System (PIPS); and

zero crime and zero tolerance of illegal activities.

The regional director will also be working on the capability enhancement of the police in the region. "A police officer should be an expert in his job, his duty and responsibility should be put in his heart, live by it and fulfill it," Cruz said.

He also reminded that all chiefs of police and the provincial director should be guided with the 'One Strike Policy.'

where a police station commander will be relieved if another PNP unit confirms the existence of illegal gambling or illegal logging, or the presence of fugitives in his area of jurisdiction through a successful operation.

Meanwhile, RD Cruz mulls the installation of integrated closed circuit television system in Western Visayas as an aid in crime prevention. (PNP Antique/ MLG/ JCM/PIA6-Antique)

WESTERN VISAYAS

Paseo de Iloilo—originated in Iloilo

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PHL economy remains resilient global risks, says MB official

despite

By Jaime S. Cabag, Jr.

ILOILO CITY, Sept 5 (PIA6) -- An official of the Monetary Board (MB) said the country’s economy continues to register improving performance and remains resilient despite the volatile global economic environment.

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onetary Board (MB) Member Armando L. Suratos said in his keynote address during the 2012 Awards Ceremony and Appreciation Lunch for BSP Stakeholders in Western Visayas held Sept. 4 at Days Hotel here.

Suratos also acknowledged the contribution of Western Visayas , coming particularly from the agriculture, forestry and fisheries sector which expanded by 3.8 percent as per 2011 figures.

He also said that expected increase in government spending due to fast-tracking of Public-Private Partnership projects also contributed to the improved growth as well as increasing contribution of the services sector with the business process outsourcing industry showing an increasing demand for real properties and robust business activity and the recovery of the agricultural sector from the impact

of natural disasters. He added that notwithstanding these gains, the country will not rest on these laurels in view of the risks facing the economy from external factors such as the lingering sovereign debt crisis in Europe, slow recovery of the U.S. economy, and the risk of an economic slowdown in China, which have dampened market confidence and heightened risk aversion globally.

Meanwhile, two private firms and one government agency from Western Visayas were awarded by the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) with the “Ambition” trophy in recognition of their exemplary support to the bank’s statistical undertakings, information needs and advocacy programs during the awarding and appreciation lunch ceremony.

These are Waffle Time, Inc. – Outstanding Respondent among Large and Medium Firms for the Business Expectations Survey (BES); 7 Stones Boracay Suites – Outstanding Respondent among Small Firms for the BES; and, Bureau of Agricultural Statistics (BAS) Negros Occidental Provincial Operations Center – Recognition for Information Sources for the Report on Regional Economic Developments.

Suratos led the handing out of the “Ambition” trophy that BSP had specially commissioned to be sculptured for the recognition program. With him were BSP Department of Economic Statistics Director Rosabel Guerrero, BSP Cebu Regional Office Director Ma. Lux Berciles, Iloilo Branch Deputy Director Job Nepomuceno, and other bank officials.

(JCM/JSC-PIA6)

3 Capiceños receive CSC awards

By Jemin B. Guillermo ROXAS CITY, Capiz, Sept 4 (PIA6) -- Capiceños are proud of the three recipients of the 2012 Civil Service awards.

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apiz Civil Service Director Maria Lina Gonzaga confirmed that Capiz State University President Editha L. Magallanes is a recipient of this year’s Search for Outstanding Public Officials and Employees or Dangal ng Bayan Award.

Aside from Magallanes, the Provincial Health Office of Capiz and PHO Pharmacist Claire Caberoy are likewise winners of the CSC’s Pag-asa Award for group and individual category, respectively.

She pointed out that in the entire Region 6, four are conferred winners of the CSC Awards of whom one from the Commission on Audit in Iloilo and three from Capiz.

She said the CSC awarding ceremony for the regional level will be on September 13 in Iloilo City while the national recognition will be at the Malacañan Palace on September 19.

Gonzaga explained that the Honor Awards program is an annual undertaking of the Civil Service Commission that

recognizes government officials and employees who have displayed outstanding work performance.

“The conferment of honor awards aims to motivate or inspire government employees to improve the quality of their performance and instill deeper involvement in public service,” she said, adding that the awarding ceremony is done in time for the anniversary of the Philippine Civil Service this month of September. (JCM/JBG-PIA6 Capiz)

25 Negrenses off to Japan for training

By Carolina A. Dionela BACOLOD CITY, Negros Occidental, Sept 3 (PIA6) -- Twenty five young workers from Negros Occidental will undergo an intensive three-year skills training in Japan under the Philippine Overseas Employment Administration-Japan International Training Cooperation Organization (POEA-JITCO) Technical Internship Training Program.

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he Confederal Project Manpower Agency Inc., a POEA-licensed placement agency and managed by Alan Nuega, implements the project, a statement from the Capitol said.

The workers will be trained in highly-skilled welding and painting works

at Hiroshima Marine World, a shipbuilding company in Hiroshima, Japan.

Each intern will receive a basic monthly income of 133,500 Yen, or about P71,000 during the training period.

These workers have passed the Technical Education and Skills

Development Authority (Tesda) skills assessment test for NC Level 1 for Flux Core Arc Welding (FCAW) and construction painting, which is a requirement of the program. (Capitol News/JCM/CAD-PIA6)

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CENTRAL VISAYAS

Gov’t workers told to revive the spirit of heroism

Mazurka Boholana-- a Spanish-inspired ballroom dance from the Bohol

By Amorganda A. Saludar

CEBU CITY September 5 (PIA) -- Civil Service Commission (CSC) 7 Regional Director Atty. Judith D. Chicano called on government employees to revive the spirit of heroism through public service as the country celebrates September as the 112th Philippine Civil Service Month. hicano said that as public servants, through public service. She also urged Week as well as the opening of the one must posses the character of every public servant to feel happy, enjoy Association of Regional Executives of being a hero in their field of and always be positive in doing their work National Agencies (ARENA) -7 Sports serving the public and the country which is as well as sustain the value of being a good Fest. This year’s Philippine Civil Service the main commitment of every civil public civil servant for the country and for anniversary bannered the theme “Kawani servant. the people.

Ikaw ay Isang Lingkod Bayan while “There is something in a public “Buhayin natin ang pagiging bayani the National Crime Prevention Week servant that describes him or her as a bilang mga lingkod bayang civil,” Chicano carries the theme“Sa Crime Prevention hero,” said Chicano as she reiterated the said during the recent joint kick-off activity May Magagawa Ako.” (FCR/AYS/PIA-7, crucial role of civil servants to promote of the Philippine Civil Service Month and CEBU) the welfare of the people in general the 18th National Crime Prevention

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Over 70 barangays in Cebu to undergo geo-hazard mapping

By Hazel F. Gloria CEBU CITY, Sept 4 (PIA) -- Around 74 barangays in Cebu covering one four-week geo-hazard assessment and mapping using a scale of October 5. ines and Geosciences Bureau geo-hazard map include parameters or (MGB) 7 Regional Director features in the area that may affect ground Loreto Alburo said the scale stability and the type of landslides or will indicate more details of the area flooding that can possibly occur in the covered by the map which may include the area. specific physical characteristics or The two-member team will also environment. identify sites in a barangay where A team of senior geologists composed relocation or evacuation areas may be of Maria Elena Lupo and Josephine Aleta possible when disasters occur. will determine the vulnerability of each Alburo said priority in the sitio or purok in a barangay to landslides projects includes 20 barangays in San and flooding.

Fernando and 54 remaining barangays in Among the important information Cebu City. The 1:10,000-scale that can be revealed in a 1:10,000-scale

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city and a municipality are up for a 1:10,000 from September 10 to geohazard map is expected to be completed in 2014.

Alburo said that geohazard maps, which has become an important tool in disaster risk reduction and management.

“We are now embracing a 'new normal' when it comes to the volume of rains being dumped and we would like to respond to that by providing our local communities with a rain-induced geohazards map,” Alburo concluded.

(RMN/HFG-PIA-7, DENR-7)

Siquijor women group receives DOST SETUP funds

By Rizalie A. Calibo SIQUIJOR (PIA) -- The Women’s Organization Nurturing for Development and Economic Recovery (Wonder) received a P172,500-check for its Community-Based Project: Technology Upgrading and Diversification of the Processed Meat Products of People’s Organization in Cangmunag San Juan, Siquijor.

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his is in line with a component project of DOST- Small Enterprise Technology Upgrading Program (SETUP) of the Department of Science and Technology in Region 7.

Under the program, DOST-7 extends its intervention through the introduction of an efficient high capacity meat grinder, manpower training and skills enhancement on meat processing (chorizo), enhancement training on good manufacturing practices, packaging and labeling, training on equipment operations and preventive maintenance.

He said the DOST-7 has approved and released the amount for Wonder but ensures that funds received from DOST/ SETUP will be used to acquire all equipment needed for the project.

They will also monitor and ensure that the implementation of the project is in accordance with the schedule of activities.

They will also evaluate and document project activities and identify alternative courses of action to address problems met, if any, during the implementation of the project.

Likewise, he said, Wonder must make sure the funds are not used in money market placement, time deposits and other forms of investments not related to the project, and be responsible for the day-to-day operation of the project and ensure that it progresses to a commercial scale in the shortest time possible.

These are some of the provisions stated in the memorandum of agreement signed between the women group and the DOST, he said. (RMN/RAC-PIA7 Siquijor)

CENTRAL VISAYAS

Mazurka Boholana-- a Spanish-inspired ballroom dance from the Bohol

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Karomata Fest, Trinidad's bold moves to street dancing

By Rey Anthony H. Chiu

TAGBILARAN CITY, Bohol, Sept 5 (PIA) -- Amid the rising trend of “street-dancing festivals” , Trinidad has come out with the bold move for its "Karomata festival".

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rinidad town under Mayor Roberto Cajes adopted the festival conceptualized in 2007 under then chief executive Judith Cajes.

Festival coordinator Aniceto Petarco said the Karomata Festival was a highlight of the town’s 65th Foundation Days Anniversary celebrated every August 30-September 1. Street-dancers from five high school contingents in the town depicted more of the mimes in a barter trade that led to the conceptualization of the festival.

Petarco said that in his research Trinidad town used to be an informal settlement of migrants located along the river. These migrants, he said were trading buri fabrics and raw material for mosquito

nets which abound in the area. The buri fabric was known as Cabizon, thus the name was also used to refer to the place, an article at the town website showed.

When the Spanish friars arrived and established themselves in the area, Cabizon was renamed Ipil, in reference to the giant Ipil trees abundant along the riverbanks, the article reads.

With Ubay and interior parts of Talibon into cattle ranching, Ipil became a convenient stop-over and trading center engaged mostly in barter.

People from the islands bartered with produce from the highlands and traders from as far as Jagna and Guindulman got to Ipil on carabao drawn carts (karomata),

carrying their produce. These two: barter movements and the karomata provide the spine of the festival from which most choreographs were inspired, also said Jojeline Buendia, festival committee vice chair and town information officer.

In Trinidad however, Petarco assured that with their festival in for a formal registration and recognition from proper authorities, they have prepared for the eventual coming up of the issue.

On the other hand, Trinidad town administrator Judith Cajes hopes that the festival becomes a new source of pride among the young in the town. (mbcn/rahc/ PIA-Bohol)

DOST trains tribal artists in handicraft making

By Jennifer C. Tilos DUMAGUETE CITY, Sept 5 (PIA) -- About 30 Bukidnon Tribe Association members tried their hands at transforming driftwood into creative and functional art pieces in a technology training conducted by experts from the DOST- Forest Products Research and Development Institute (FPRDI) at the Agrarian Reform Municipal Office in Barangay Kabulacan, Sta. Catalina, Negros Oriental.

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he ethnic group was trained in handicraft-making by using natural materials, organized by the Department of Science and Technology (DOST) in cooperation with the local government unit (LGU) of Santa Catalina.

The residents become instant eco-entrepreneurs by trading the decorative art works, flower vases, and lamp shades made of driftwood, DOST director Gilbert Arbon said.

The experts oriented and assisted the participants on the proper creation of handicrafts using driftwood plentiful in the area, said Arbon.

The DOST official said the group was taught to design, clean, finish and coat the unfinished handicrafts until the products were finished and displayed in the showroom.

The extensive training included sideline works such as: technical repairs,

brief orientation and installation of new power tools and pertinent materials.

The tribes now know how to manually operate the power tools with the help of experts from the Institute.

Dionisio Valor, the tribe chieftain, expressed his gratitude to the three forest experts for their invaluable time and efforts in behalf of the entire association. (mbcn/JCT-PIA7, Negros Oriental)

DENR-7, academe break ground for clonal nursery in NegOr

By Hazel F. Gloria CEBU CITY, Sept 2 (PIA) -- The Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR-7), Negros Oriental State University (NORSU) and city government of Guihulngan have set up a three-hectare clonal nursery and bamboo tissue culture facility at the NORSU-Guihulngan City campus in Negros Oriental.

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ENR-7 regional executive director Dr. Isabelo Montejo said this P3.5M proposed facility is purposely initiated jointly with NORSU to generate superior quality of indigenous or native forest tree species to augment the necessary quality seedlings' requirements for the national greening program (NGP) for six years.

Montejo urged the local officials and the academe to gather endemic species found in the province preferably in the forests of Bindoy, Ayungon and Guihulngan since these are the only

remaining forests with a variety of native species. Guihulngan mayor Ernesto Reyes congratulated DENR and NORSU for coming up with a very innovative and creative clonal nursery facility to produce as many quality indigenous planting materials by not just relying on the natural way but also maximizing the existing clonal technology. NORSU President Dr. Don Vicente Real on the other hand promised to give full support for the completion of the project stressing on the positive contribution of the facility not only to their students, to the people in the

province but more so to the environment.

As part of the event and to detect illegal logging activities, Philippine Air Force (PAF) with the 11th Infantry Battalion, Philippine National Police (PNP), DENR representative and Negros Oriental State University-Guihulngan City Campus officials conducted an aerial surveillance in the municipalities of Ayungon, Tayasan, Jimalalud, La Libertad, Guihulngan City and Vallehermoso. (mbcn/HFG/PIA-7 & DENR-7)

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EASTERN VISAYAS

New commander takes over 43rd Infantry Battalion TINIKLING – a Filipino folk dance originated in Leyte

By Ninfa Iluminda B. Quirante

CATBALOGAN CITY, Samar, Sept 5 (PIA) -- Lt Col Angel Madarang, outgoing commander of the 43rd Infantry Battalion leaves his most disciplined, most religious battalion to a “mistah” LtC Glenn Jun Calambuhay.

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n his speech, Tuesday, he said that “The 43rd Infantry Battalion is a professional, disciplined and a dedicated unit that works as a team towards accomplishing the assigned mission,” Madarang hailed his men who have just transferred from Eastern Samar.

He also cited that in Iligan City (where his battalion was posted before E Samar) Mayor Laurence Lluch “Kiko” Cruz cited his men as “most disciplined and most religious unit” ever assigned in the area.

“Even Governor Khalid Dimaporo praised my men for safeguarding the sanctity of votes in the 2010 national and local elections in Lanao del Norte,” Madarang said.

The battalion, he said, also effected the surrender of 14 members of MILF and the turn-over of 14 high powered firearms to include one cal 30 light machine gun. In E Samar, the commander said that they continued their sterling record of relentless military operation and discovered nine enemy camps, three military-initiated encounters, and captured

two rebels and effected the surrender of nine more.

He said that he is hoping his “mistah” will carry on the good deeds his men did under his command.

Major General Gerardo Layug of the 8th Infantry Division installed Calambuhay vice Madarang in simple ceremonies at the 43rd camp in Barangay Erenas, San Jorge attended by Calbayog City Mayor Ronald Aquino, San Jorge Vice Mayor Marcelina Yu and a host of other civilian and army officials. (PIA-Samar)

NSamar positive on attaining rice sufficiency target by 2013

By Ailene N. Diaz CATARMAN, Northern Samar, Sept 4 (PIA) -- The Northern Samar Provincial Agriculture Office, through the help of the Department of Agriculture, remains steadfast in achieving the province’s rice sufficiency target of about 3.8 metric tons (MT) per hectare in the year 2013.

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his is the optimistic view of Medardo Panoy, chief of Crops Section and Rice Program coordinator of the province.

The financial and technical assistance, provided by the Department of Agriculture and Provincial Agriculture Office to the farmers in Northern Samar, helped them plant good variety of seeds thus a good harvest and production are expected as well, Panoy said.

Measures imposed include distribution of registered seeds to the farmers through the community seed

banking system by municipality; conduct of Location Specific Technology Development Project to areas having techno demo farms; conduct trainings to the farmers through the Farmers Field School; and technology transfer using high variety seeds.

In line with this, Governor Paul Daza directed the Provincial Agriculture Office to encourage farmers to register the seeds they planted for insurance under the Philippine Crop Insurance Corporation. This way the capital they invested will be insured and they will get

indemnity when calamity occurs and destroys their plantation.

The provincial government is ready to finance 50 percent insurance premiums of the farmers.

Panoy also said that if the farmers will continue to adopt the new technology, it would be easier for them to implement programs of agriculture and finally hit the province’s goal of rice-sufficiency coming 2013 and in the years to come. (PIA-Northern Samar)

Biliran set to be declared rabies-free province

By Rodrigo S. Victoria NAVAL, Biliran, Sept 4 (PIA) –- Preparations for the declaration of Biliran as a rabies-free province on October 11 are complete.

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r. Suzette V. Apura, provincial veterinarian, said this after the meeting of the Provincial Rabies Prevention and Control Committee on August 28 at the Office of the Provincial Veterinarian.

She said activities on October 11 include a 6 a.m. mass at Naval Cathedral; a motorcade around the town of Naval; flying of white balloons with red colored messages; program at the Nipa Hut at the capitol compound; video presentation on best practices; ceremonial unveiling of

“Rabies-Free Biliran” marker; and awarding of certificate of recognition to local government units with effective and efficient implementation of rabies prevention and control program.

Top officials from the national and regional offices of the Department of Agriculture (DA) and the Department of Health (DOH) will formally declare Biliran as a rabies-free province, Apura said. The veterinarian said Biliran province will be the first province in Eastern Visayas region to be declared

rabies-free. A DOH-DA evaluation team assessed Biliran on April 18-19 to validate the data submitted for the declaration of the province of Biliran as a rabies-free province.

Data also from the provincial rabies prevention and control program coordinator in Biliran province reveal that there were no recorded cases of rabies from animal and human in 2009, 2010, and 2011.

(PIA-Biliran)

EASTERN VISAYAS

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New substation solves low power woes in Sogod Bay TINIKLING – a Filipino folk dance originated in Leyte

By Marcelo M. Pedalino

BRGY. PANDAN, Sogod, Southern Leyte, Sept 3 (PIA) -- A new 10-megavolt ampere (MVA) power substation energized in this interior barangay Saturday will greatly enhance the economic potentials of seven municipalities lining the rugged coastline of Sogod Bay area, said Congressman Roger Mercado who led the ceremonial switch-on of the facility.

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This is a historic occasion,” Mercado said in his speech shortly before turning on the lights, as he cited the management and staff of the Southern Leyte Electric Cooperative (Soleco) for the latest development in power expansion that directly hit a positive impact for the progress of the province.

He said Sogod, being the central part of the province will always be a prime magnet for enterprising ventures from its local entrepreneurs and from outside

investors and a stable power supply will be a great help for locators to consider investing in the progressive town.

Sogod Parish Priest Rev. Fr. Nestor Astillo led the blessing of the 2,000-square meter structure.

Mercado also cited the Soleco initiative for not passing to consumers the cost of constructing the substation, saying that the budget of P42 million was from its own capital expenditure funds and a loan

from Land Bank due for a 10-year repayment term.

He said Soleco will continue to work on its load expansion, as by October the 5 MVA Bontoc station will be transferred to Saint Bernard to augment power needs in the pacific area, while the existing 5MVA Himay-angan, Liloan, substation will then be focused to serve the member-consumers in the Panaon area.

(PIA-Southern Leyte)

Pag-IBIG requires use of MID in all transactions TACLOBAN CITY, Leyte, Sept 4 (PIA) -- Since September 1, the Home Development Mutual Fund or Pag-IBIG Fund has started requiring its members to transact with Pag-IBIG using their Membership Identification (MID) numbers.

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aulino C. Talacay, manager of Pag-IBIG Fund Tacloban branch, told the Philippine Information Agency that this is part of the Fund’s transition to an enhanced system that will make its services faster and more efficient for its members.

Talacay said with this latest development, employers are encouraged

that every time they remit contributions and loan payments of their employees, their MID numbers must be indicated in the remittance forms.

As such, he advised members to indicate the MID when remitting and submitting documents such as Members Contribution Remittance Form, Short Term Loan/Multipurpose Loan

Applications and Monthly Remittance Schedule for Multi-Purpose Loans and Housing Loans.

The Pag-IBIG manager also said that members or employees without MID may secure a Registration Tracking Number (RTN) by registering online through the e - m e m b e r Se r v i c e s f a c i l i t y a t www.pagibigfund.gov.ph.. (PIA-8)

So. Leyte chorale to compete in the CSC 2012 competition

By Rebecca S. Cadavos MAASIN CITY, Southern Leyte, Sept 5 (PIA) -- The Southern Leyte Chorale group will compete at the 112th Civil Service Anniversary Chorale competition to be held in the University of the Philippines (UP) Theater in Diliman, Quezon City, on September 17.

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ivil Service Commission-Southern Leyte Provincial Director Lysander Navales announced during the kicked off ceremony of the Civil Service anniversary, September 4 that the provincial chorale was chosen to be the entry of the whole Visayas region.

Navales said other competitors chosen are two from Luzon, two from Mindanao, and three from the National Capital region.

Meanwhile, Velma Kangleon, one of the members of the provincial choir, revealed that they prepared three songs to be presented during the competition.

“The first song centers on the theme which was arranged originally by Ian Manuel Mercado, titled Ikaw ay Bayani, to

be followed by two Original Pilipino Musics (OPM) titled Isang Dugo and Mabuhay Ka, Pilipino,” she said.

The 112th Philippine Civil Service Anniversary carries the theme “Kawani, Ikaw ay Isang Lingkod Bayani,” which signifies public servants working for gender responsive, accessible, courteous and effective public servants.

The 22-member chorale group is composed of government employees from the provincial offices, Maasin City employees, and some national line agencies, Kangleon informed.

The criteria are as follows: 40 percent Choral Sound which include the tonal quality of the ensemble; 40 percent Musicianship such as the faithfulness to the

written score; and 20 percent for Programming which includes the variety, difficulty and suitability to both the competition theme and the capacity of the choir repertoire.

The grand prize winner will receive P100, 000; First runner-up – P70, 000; second runner-up – P50, 000; and third runner-up will bring home P30,000 and a plaque for each group winners.

The four finalists will also receive P15,000 and framed certificates, while Best Arrangement of the Competition Song will also be awarded and the Best conductor who is a bona fide government employee will also receive an award. (PIA-Southern Leyte)

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