One Visayas e-Newsletter Vol 2 Issue 37

Vol 2

Issue 37

In this Issue WESTERN VISAYAS

Representatives of the academe who are members of a consoritum for the protection of Tigum-Aganan watershed, Iloilo province, show the Memorandum of Understanding which they signed in a ceremony, Sept. 12.

They are flanked by (L) Alimodian Mayor Juanito Alipao, TAWMB President and by Canadian Urban Institute Project Manager Brnjamin Luz (extreme right). Signatories are OIC Dean Corazon Corbal, Western Visyas College of Science and Technology, Sr. Carolina Agravante, President, St. Paul University-Iloilo, Dr. Florence Bogacia, Central Philippine University, CSD Dir. Ma. Teresa Magalong, University of Iloilo-Phinma, and University of the Philippines-Visayas Chancellor Rommel Espinosa. (CUI/ESS/PIAIloilo)

1st Korean- Ilonggo Fest showcases Ilonggo, Korean cultures

By Elsa S. Subong ILOILO CITY, Sept 10 (PIA) -- The blending of Ilonggo and Korean cultures will highlight a weeklong festival here on September 17 to 22.

Dubbed the Korean-Ilonggo Friendship Festival, the event is the first of its kind in the country, officials of the Iloilo City government said City Tourism Officer Ben Jimena said they have long been planning to organize the event that aims to strengthen friendship between the Koreans and the Ilonggos.

Jimena said the event is a cross-cutting of cultural fusion of the Koreans and the Ilonggos and would create greater awareness of the presence of the former in Iloilo.

He said there are about 3,000 Koreans in this city and 70 percent of them are students. The festival’s

More on Region 7, pages 4-5.

Also CLICK Here…

EASTERN VISAYAS

A Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program beneficiary gets her cash incentives using the Conditional Cash Transfer (CCT) biometric system as DSWD secretary Corazon “Dinky” Soliman, Matag-ob mayor Michael Torrevillas and other officials look during its launching at Matag-ob, Leyte, September 7. (Vino R. Cuayzon)

More on Region 8, pages 6-7.

Also CLICK Here...

organizers will bring in artists and models from Korea to perform, among them the Step Girl and Karen groups and the XLR8.

There will also be mall exhibits and fashion shows during the festival week, that will feature culture, places and dresses of Korea.

The exhibits will be mounted at SM City starting September 21, while the festival concert will be at the Central Philippine University Gym. A food festival at Delgado Street on September 22 will also offer Korean and Ilonggo cuisines.

Meanwhile Moon Dae Jin or Tiger Moon, vice president of the Iloilo Korea United Community Association Inc. said they are happy to have chosen Iloilo and they will campaign for more Koreans to come here. (JCM/ESS-PIA6 Iloilo)

DepEd to hold Nat’l Literacy Conference

By Amorganda A. Saludar CEBU CITY, Sept 11 (PIA) -- The Department of Education (DepEd), in coordination with the Literacy Coordinating Council (LCC) and other government organizations, will hold the National Literacy Conference and Awards on September 18 to 20 at More on Region 6, pages 2-3.

Teachers Camp in Baguio City, in celebration of the Also CLICK Here… annual Literacy Week.

Presidential Proclamation No. 239 declared CENTRAL VISAYAS September 2 to 8 of every year as Literacy Week.

This year's theme is “Literacy for Life and a Sustainable Future: Learning Together for the 21st Century,” which is in line with the priority agenda of the United nations Literacy Decade (UNLD) for 2011-2012 geared towards literacy and peace.

Considered one of the highlights of this year’s conference is the giving of recognition and awards to top five winners of the Search for Outstanding Implementers of the National Literacy Programs or Best Performing indigenous People Projects in the country.

Community Volunteer Eugenio Lloren gets the DSWD award from ARD Nemia Antipala and Gov. Edgar Chatto. Lloren has helped the Eskaya people of Lundag Pilar pave the hard to maneuver portions of the 2 kilometer impassable road from the provincial road to the barangay. With him is Mayor Wilson Pajo and the town Kalahi Coordinator flanking them. (PIABohol)

September 10 - 16, 2012

Published by: PIA 6, 7 & 8

Chosen winners through their exemplary accomplishments in literacy development through their programs and projects are from the local government units’ Highly Urbanized City, Independent Component City, Municipal Level Class A and Municipal Level Class B categories.

Presidential Communications Operations Office (PCOO) Secretary Sonny Coloma has directed all regional directors of the Philippine Information Agency and other agencies under PCOO to act as front liners in information dissemination by providing, promoting and supporting the publicity measures of the event.

Coloma also pushed agencies under the PCOO to encourage the participation of literacy program stakeholders, more so the local government executives and concerned advocates from non-government organizations in the regions.

This is a live-in conference wherein participants are requested to register on September 18, between 9 a.m. to 9 p.m.. (MBN/FCR/AYS/AAS-PIA7 Cebu)

Biometric system for the CCT program piloted in Leyte town

By Neil D. Lopido TACLOBAN CITY, Leyte, Sept 11 (PIA) -Over-the-counter claims of cash grant under the Pantawid Pamilya Program is faster using the biometric system developed by the provincial government of Leyte through its Income Creating Opportunities Through Technology Project – Information Technology (ICOT-P IT).

The Conditional Cash Transfer (CCT) biometric system was launched on September 7 in Matag-ob, Leyte. Among those who attended the affair were Secretary Corazon Soliman, Leyte Governor Carlos Jericho L. Petilla and other government officials and Pantawid Pamilya beneficiaries.

Soliman said the use of biometric system will ensure that cash grant will be received by the beneficiaries themselves who just need to put their fingerprints in the biometric system.

In this system, once the fingerprints matches with that in the system, the data of the beneficiary and the amount he/she has to receive will be seen in the computer.

After verification by the IT and DSWD personnel, the beneficiary will receive the cash amount.

The biometric system will also be implemented in Maguindanao and eventually all over the country covering all the more than three million beneficiaries, which are set to be included in the system by 2013, Soliman said.

Governor Petilla praised the three ICOT-P IT graduates--some of whom are only 17 years old--who developed the system. They will also be sent to Maguindanao to introduce the program.

During the launching, about 807 household beneficiaries from 18 barangays of Matag-ob, Leyte, experienced the verification using the system. It took them less than a minute to get the cash grant. (PIA-8)

Leyte governor Jericho Petilla (center) briefs DSWD secretary Corazon “Dinky” Soliman, mayor Michael Torrevillas of Matag-ob, provincial and local officials on the operation of the Conditional Cash Transfer (CCT) biometric system for the Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program beneficiaries during its launching in Matag-ob, Leyte, September 7. (Vino R. Cuayzon)

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WESTERN VISAYAS

Thousands benefit from Ombudsman caravan of gov’t services Paseo de Iloilo—the most sophisticated courtship and

By Jaime S. Cabag, Jr.

flirtation dance of the Spanish Era

ILOILO CITY, Sept 12 (PIA) - - A total of 15,399 people benefited from the services offered during the series of Caravans of Government Services organized by the Office of the Ombudsman in the Visayas in Western Visayas since 2008.

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mong the government services offered during the caravan are medical and dental consultation and services, assistance for issuance of farmers’ passbook, legal assistance, distribution of seeds or planting materials, notarization of affidavits and information dissemination on other government services and benefits.

Deputy for the Ombudsman Apostol thanked the government agencies and other sectors who have actively supported the project in bringing government services closer to the people, even as he invited them to join another caravan slated at the St. Joseph Academy Covered Gym in Bugasong, Antique on

September 27 and 28.

The project is part of the performance by the Ombudsman of its mandated function to extend assistance to citizens in obtaining basic public services from government with commitment to public service as its guiding principle.

Associate Graft Investigation Officer III and Ombudsman Region 6 Public Information Officer Evangeline G. Nunal said that their office has already had six caravans in San Jose, Antique on April 4, 2008; Pototan, Iloilo, August 21, 2008; Kalibo, Aklan, May 29 to 30, 2009; Roxas City, Capiz, August 31 to September 1, 2010; Kabankalan City, Negros

Occidental, August 4 and 5, 2011; and Sagay City, also in the said province on September 8 and 9, 2011.

Another caravan is slated to be held in Bugasong, Antique, this coming Sept. 27 -28, which will also benefit residents from nearby municipalities. Ombudsman6 called for a coordination meeting recently with partner agencies to prepare for the forthcoming activity.

The project has also enabled government agencies and local government units to provide immediate solution to problems brought to their attention by walk-in clients and promoted transparent, accountable and effective governance, said Nunal. (JCM/JSC-PIA6)

Phl tops cases of depression in Southeast Asia

By Vicente W. Villavert ILOILO CITY, Sept 13 (PIA6) -- The Philippines has the highest incidence of depression in Southeast Asia, the Department of Health (DOH) said.

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epression leading to a suicidal behavior is a major public health problem, DOH Assistant Secretary Paulyn Jean B. Rosell-Ubial said.

Ubial said during a press briefing with the Iloilo media that a study conducted in the Philippines in 2004 showed that of the 90 people who are depressed, only one third will seek help. The other one third will suffer the symptoms but are ashamed to seek help and the remaining third will suffer the symptoms but do not even know that there is something wrong with them.

Ubial said that there is a need to develop and hold campaigns to increase awareness of suicidal behaviors in the community, incorporating evidence on both risk and

protective factors. The DOH assistant secretary emphasized that there is also a need to reduce stigma and promote mental health literacy among the general population and health care professionals.

The WHO said about one million people worldwide die by suicide each year. This corresponds to one death by suicide every 40 seconds.

Another DOH partner in the advocacy on the prevention of suicide is the Natasha Goulbourn Foundation headed by Jean Margaret Goulbourn, a noted fashion designer, entrepreneur and wellness advocate.

The Natasha Goulborn Foundation (NGH) was established in 2007 in memory of

her daughter whose death was caused by depression.

NGF saw the need to deliver the information and education drive at a much faster and wider scale and has likewise developed two programs.

Goulbourn said the first program has to do with the development of a curriculum for the Information and Crisis Intervention Center, and the second program is the continued observance of the World Suicide Prevention Day. The NGF has partnered recently with the Philippine Psychiatric Association and several schools nationwide for a wider scope of the program. (JCM/VWV-PIA6 Iloilo)

Grant of brgy. official eligibility subject to new requirement

By Venus G. Villanueva KALIBO, Aklan, Sept 10 (PIA) -- The Civil Service Commission (CSC) has ruled that effective August 1 of this year, the granting of Barangay Official Eligibility (BOE) will strictly be based on the completion of the term of office.

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SC-Aklan Field Office said this new promulgation is based on CSC Resolution No. 1200865 circulated in all government agencies through MC No. 13 on the grant of BOE pursuant to RA 7160 of Local Code of 1991.

Based on the new promulgation, the CSC said, “In no instance shall a barangay official who did not complete his/her term of office for whatever reason be allowed to avail of the grant of BOE.” The new resolution also repeals the aggregate

five-year service requirement provided under previous rule.

The circular also stipulates that filing of applications for the grant of BOE for elective and appointive officials who have completed their terms of office before August 1, 2012 shall be within 2 years from effectivity date or until August 1, 2014 only.

Barangay officials whose terms will end on or before August 1 will be accepted by the CSC in a continuous

manner. The CSC also clarified that barangay secretaries and treasurers who are related within the fourth civil degree of consanguinity or affinity to the appointing punong barangay are not qualified for the grant.

The CSC also emphasized that the BOE is appropriate to first level positions in the government and do not require licenses or skills test eligibility.

(VGV/CSC-PIA6 Aklan)

WESTERN VISAYAS

Paseo de Iloilo—originated in Iloilo

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DA launches 3rd Cropping Rice Program

By Easter Anne D. Doza

NEGROS OCCIDENTAL, Sept. 12 (PIA6) -- The Department of Agriculture, Philippine Crop Insurance Corporation and the National Irrigation Administration launched the first P98.9-million 3rd Cropping Rice Program, a government insurance subsidy program nationwide at Brgy. Bagroy in Bago City.

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griculture Secretary Proceso Alcala said that about 119,000 hectares nationwide are practicing third cropping and there is an additional 2,730 hectares in Negros Occidental.

National Irrigation Administrator Antonio Nangel revealed that of the 2,730 hectares in Negros Occidental there are 3,045 farmer-beneficiaries from 48 Irrigators’ Association.

“Negros Occidental has 13,000 hectares of irrigable area and so far 11,900 hectares are already covered by NIA’s irrigation facilities,”

Nangel said. At the launching, Alcala also pledged the establishment of P6-million rice processing facility complete with rice mill, dryer and capital to complement the existing post harvest facilities for the farmers in Brgy.

Bagroy, Bago City.

With the aggressive livestock programs of the provincial government, Alcala pledged for the establishment of the Liquid Nitrogen Plant for the province where semen of male cow or goats for artificial insemination will be stored.

DA raffled off two goats, 20 carabaos with plows, two threshers and two hand tractors

with trailers to farmers who were present during the launch.

Rosemary Caunca, President of the Negros Occidental League of Federation of IAs, Inc. (NOLFIA) with 104 IAs and 12,278 farmer-members was impressed by the programs of DA. “This is the first time in my entire life that the agriculture programs and farmers were given number one priority by the national government, by no less than President Noy himself,” Caunca said in her acceptance speech.*(JCM/EAD-PIA6 Negros Occidental)

Antique health office urged residents to undergo urinalysis

By Margie L. Gadian SAN JOSE, Antique, Sept 12 (PIA) -- The Antique Integrated Provincial Health Office (IPHO) urged residents to undergo urinalysis to detect kidney disease.

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Urinalysis is one of the most basic and simplest forms of detecting a kidney dysfunction in a person,” said Dra. Cecilia Balensoy, Provincial Health Officer I of the Integrated Provincial Health Office of Antique.

Symptoms only surface during severe kidney dysfunction such as painful urination or blood in the urine or edema for that matter, said Balensoy.

More and more Filipinos are developing renal problems, with at least 10,000 Filipinos requiring kidney transplant each year due to unhealthy habits, according to report from the

National Kidney and Transplant Institute (NKTI).

“Kidney failure is the ninth leading cause of death among Filipinos today,” NKTI Executive Director Dr. Aileen Riego -Javier said.

Only around 86 percent of Filipinos with kidney failure however, can undergo dialysis, while only 14 percent can afford transplants due to expensive costs.

Without dialysis or kidney transplant, patients with kidney failure or end stage renal disease (ESRD) can die, said the NKTI official.

Balensoy explained that based on the

Philippine Renal Disease Registry, the top causes of kidney failure in the country is diabetes, which comprises of 44.6 percent of cases; high blood pressure, 23 percent; and inflammation of the kidneys, 19.3 percent. To prevent developing kidney problems, one must control hypertension and diabetes, two leading factors that contribute to kidney disease, she said.

Balensoy also emphasized that a lifestyle change should immediately be done to prevent developing a kidney disease much more the end-stage renal disease. (ESRD). (JCM/MLG-PIA6 Antique)

Capiz gets Seal of Good Housekeeping marker

By Jemin B. Guillermo ROXAS CITY, Capiz, Sept 12 (PIA) -- The Seal of Good Housekeeping award is a precious and prestigious award for a local government unit (LGU).

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his was what Capiz Governor Victor Tanco said during the turn -over ceremony of the Seal of Good Housekeeping marker to the provincial government of Capiz, September 11.

Tanco said that the award is one recognition that every LGU is looking forward to receive as the same is one of the best.

Department of the Interior and Local Government Regional Director Evelyn Trompeta turned over the said marker to Tanco in the presence of Vice Governor Esteban Evan Contreras II, members of the Sangguniang Panlalawigan and department heads of the provincial

government. The governor recognized the Seal of Good Housekeeping as one of the best legacy programs to the LGUs by then Sec. Jesse Robredo.

“In the said program, everybody’s involvement, from the lowest employee to the high ranking provincial official, is needed in achieving the goal,” he said.

Tanco said that the next round of competition is more challenging knowing that now DILG Secretary Mar Roxas is from Capiz.

“Because of this award we received, many, including the different LGUs, are also expecting so much,” he said, pointing out that they will continue to sustain and maintain the principles of accountability

and transparency in local governance that made the province win the award. During the turnover of the seal marker, Trompeta likewise turn over to Pontevedra Mayor Esteban Jose Contreras the P1-million Performance Challenge Fund for the town’s winning of the same seal.

On the other hand, Trompeta said that the P7-million Performance Challenge Fund for the province of Capiz is part of the award that will be accessed soon.

She explained that they have first released the said fund to those provinces that have higher poverty incidence. (JCM/ JBG-PIA6 Capiz)

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CENTRAL VISAYAS

MGB-7 identifies 33 Sitios in Cebu susceptible to landslides and flooding

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

By Hazel F. Gloria CEBU CITY, Sept 10 (PIA) -- The Mines and Geosciences Bureau (MGB) 7 said 33 sitios in 17 barangays in Talisay City, Cebu are highly susceptible to landslides and flooding.

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he MGB findings and recommendations were given to local government units (LGUs).

Based on the results of the 1:10,000-scale geohazards assessment conducted early this year, 77 percent of the 22 barangays in Talisay City are at high risk to either landslides or flooding.

“Eight sitios in seven barangays are rated high for landslides, and 25 sitios in 12 barangys were flood-prone areas,” said MGB 7 Regional Director Loreto Alburo.

A team of senior geologists composed of Maria Elena Lupo and Josephine Aleta conducted the said four-week assessment last February and March 2012.

The eight sitios with barangays that have high landslide susceptibility rating are: Barangay Proper, Camp 4; Zone 1, Candulawan; Campo 2, Jaclupan; Iba, Lagtang; Caduldulan, Lawaan 3; Barangay Proper, Manipis; and Campos, Purok 7, all in Tapul. The same assessment indicates the following sitios with barangays for

flooding: Proper and Zone 2, Biasong; Zone 2, Candulawan; Barangay Hall Proper, Tugas, Santo Niño, Baybay, and Karomahan, all in Dumlog; Ilang-ilang and Santa Catalina, Lagtang; near San Isidro, Lawaan II; Kasagingan, and Riverside, Lawaan; Lower Linao, Linao Proper, San Miguel, all in Linao; Cabutoy, Dapdap and Sunrise, Pooc, Pangpang, Isla Verde, and Ilang-ilang, San Isidro; San Roque; Rattan, Tangke; and Purok 5, Tapul.

Globetrotting journalist says niche tourism ideal for Bohol

By Rey Anthony H. Chiu TAGBILARAN CITY, Bohol, September 11 (PIA) – For Bohol tourism to be truly sustainable, the government has to make a choice: dive into mass tourism and put everything at stake or go the path less traveled in niche tourism destination and bank on sure-fire lessened human impact to the environment.

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hese are the statements of a world renowned author, travel journalist and mining expert, globetrotter and professor of the Istanbul Technical University, Dr. Orhan Kural, upon seeing Bohol’s immense potential as a choice destination.

Kural said niche tourism would make Bohol cater only to few but more environment and culture conscious learning tourists than plain sightseeing

visitors.

“Keep Bohol as it is, go slow on development that impacts on the environment and maintain the rustic feel that Bohol offers,” Kural said.

He added that the roads are adorable but niche tourists are not much interested with the roads that push cars to speeds and make tourists miss the sights they really want to see.

Appointed as Turkish ambassador to

Benin and a self-confessed admirer of the vast African continent, Dr. Kural said some African nations now know they can go niche tourism and earn the same.

The Istanbul-based professor and chairman for the Turkish Travel Club said it would also be good for Bohol, to rid of plastics and cellophanes, which tourists could bring in to protected areas.

Plastics take decades or even hundreds of years to decompose, leaving

DOST-Siquijor conducts MPEX briefing to 4 firms

By Rizalie A. Calibo SIQUIJOR (PIA) -- The Department of Science and Technology (DOST) conducted a briefing on Manufacturing Productivity Extension for Export Promotion (MPEX) to four firms at the DOST-Provincial Science and Technology Center (PSTC) Conference.

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OST Provincial Director Mario de la Pena said the four firms identified by MPEX to be given assistance this year are: Larena Triad Coffee Shop, Sweet Sensation Cakes & Pastries, Elena’s Bakery and Pasalubong Center and DanMild Personal Care Products.

The briefing was facilitated by Josie F. Elli, the MPEX Project leader of DOST 7 with consultants from the University of San Jose-Recolletos (USJR), engineers Dennis Kilongkilong and Gilbert Nakila.

MPEX is a program intended to help increase the productivity of small and medium scale enterprises (SMEs) in the Philippine manufacturing sector.

The Technology Application and Promotion Institute (TAPI) of DOST was given the task of implementing MPEX. The program started in January 1991 and has already served 140 firms nationwide. About 65 percent of 32 first firm beneficiaries have implemented recommendations with good results.

MPEX identifies strategies to improve

productivity of small and medium manufacturing enterprises in the export sector and potential exporters; recommends productivity improvement measures for immediate implementation; and develops capability to provide other forms of assistance to develop the manufacturing sector.

More details about the program, may be had from the local office of DOST at Siquijor, Siquijor. (RMN/RAC-PIA7 Siquijor)

CENTRAL VISAYAS

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

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DSWD trains gov't engineers on Kalahi infra operations

By Rachelle M. Nessia

DUMAGUETE CITY, Sept 10 (PIA) -- The regional office of Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) in Cebu gathered over 70 engineers from local government units (LGU) in Western, Central and Eastern Visayas for an inter-regional training on the implementation parameters of Kapit-Bisig Laban sa Kahirapan – Comprehensive and Integrated Delivery of Social Services (Kalahi-CIDSS) program. alahi-CIDSS is a core poverty Kalahi-implementing LGUs on the design namely: Rigorous, Realistic and Responsive alleviation program of the of the poverty alleviation projects in their approaches that she said are needed to be national government carried out towns. considered in planning small or big-scale

by DSWD in partnership with identified During the training, the participating infrastructure.

LGUs. engineers brought with them site There are currently 47 towns in The weeklong training was dubbed: validation reports and actual survey data Visayas implementing the program. Said "Inter-Regional Water System, Roads and on the infrastructure needs in their towns have a poverty incidence rate of Bridges Construction, Operation and communities, which are results of a 33.33 percent or higher.

Maintenance Training of the Kapit-Bisig participatory situational analysis that were Of the total, 25 municipalities are Laban sa Kahirapan – Comprehensive and earlier conducted in their areas. located in the island-provinces of Bohol, Integrated Delivery of Social Services DSWD-7 Director Ma. Evelyn Negros Oriental and Siquijor. (RMN-PIA (Kalahi-CIDSS)."

Macapobre, in her welcome address, Negros Oriental with reports from It leveled off with t h e quoted DSWD Sec. Dinky Soliman's 3Rs, Simeon Remata III)

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Tanjay City bars motorists wearing bonnet, bandanna

By Jennifer C. Tilos DUMAGUETE CITY, Sept. 9 (PIA) -- Tanjay City in Negros Oriental intensified its implementation of the ordinance that prohibits drivers from wearing bonnets or other face-covering items. anjay City Mayor Lawrence Teves Under Ordinance 3 prohibiting the directed the law enforcers to strictly directed the Philippine National use of bonnets, bandannas, or other enforce the ordinance and other Police (PNP) and Tanjay City materials of similar nature that cover the anti-crime measures to keep the area Integrated Traffic Operations Management face or hide the identity of a person within peaceful and orderly. to ban motorists that conceal or cover the city of Tanjay, carries penalty of P200 With the implementation of the their faces including those persons walking to P1,000 and imprisonment not ordinance, the mayor said this is to ensure anywhere within the city "to deter crimes exceeding for five days for its violation. the safety of the residents within the and other untoward incidents" from Citing the increase number of criminal city. (mbcn/JCT-PIA 7, Negros Oriental) happening. activities using bonnets and the like, Teves

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Experts cite role of policy research in development

By Rey Anthony H. Chiu TAGBILARAN CITY, Bohol, September 11 (PIA) -- A research advocate wants to know whether the growing number of theft and robbery cases in Bohol are done by people forced to commit crimes because of poverty or by criminal groups.

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t the recent Kapihan sa PIA commemorating Development Policy Research Month in Se pt emb er , B o h ol C en te r f or Development Studies (BCDS) Chief Romeo Teruel cited the role of development policy research to dispel the notion that development policy research wastes local government time and resources.

BCDS is the research arm of the Provincial Government of Bohol and has

largely played key role in backing with scientific data Bohol’s development plans in the past years.

Holy Name University Center for Local Governance’s (HNU-CLG) Josefina Tortor-Cimene earlier congratulated Bohol for initiating the move to establish the BCDS and leading by manifesting the necessity of [policy] research.

HNU Research Center’s Maria Paz Espiritu, on the other hand rebutted common myths that research makes

things costly.

She explained that by research instead of readily venturing out to start projects that end up not viable, a well founded research can save local governments the troubles.

On the other hand, Bohol island State University’s Dr. Anacleta Perez pointed out the local culture of superstition has made research somewhat unpopular among Boholanos. (mbcn/rahc/ PIA-Bohol)

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EASTERN VISAYAS

San Juanico Bridge remains safe despite minor cracks

TINIKLING – a Filipino folk dance originated in Leyte

By Erlinda Olivia P. Tiu GOVERNMENT CENTER, Palo, Leyte, Sept 9 (PIA) - The San Juanico Bridge which connects Leyte and Samar provinces is safe despite sustaining shallow cracks on some of its piers, Department of Public Works and Highways Region 8 Director Rolando Asis said.

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he damage sustained by the Bridge is minor and cannot cause any alarm on the commuting public, Asis told the media during the Harampang at PIA held here, recently.

Asis disclosed that he has already created a team that will thoroughly look into the piers or columns of the bridge so these could be fixed immediately considering its importance in the

transportation system. Based on the DPWH inspection, piers 5, 33, and 34 sustained “minor cracks” which could be the result of the earthquake.

Pier 5 is located at the Leyte side while piers 33 and 34 are located at the Samar side.

It may be recalled that the entire region and some parts of the Visayas and Mindanao were jolted by a 7.6-magnitude earthquake last August 31 which also

caused minor damages to various public infrastructures in Eastern Visayas.

San Juanico Bridge which is a major landmark in the Region, spans 2.1 kilometers, has more than 50 piers and is considered to be a vital installation in the region.

The bridge, located along San Juanico Strait, was constructed at a cost of more than $12 million in 1969 and was finished in 1973. (PIA-8)

Local law granting BHW benefits, incentives passed

By Rodrigo S. Victoria NAVAL, Biliran, Sept 13 (PIA) -- The long wait for granting benefits and incentives for Barangay Health Workers (BHWs) serving Naval, the capital town in Biliran province, is over.

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he Sangguniang Bayan of Naval has finally passed the "Barangay Health Worker’s Benefits and Incentives Ordinance of the Municipality of Naval, Biliran 2012” recently (or Ordinance No. 19 series of 2012).

Section 6 of Ordinance No. 19 granted all accredited BHWs in Naval the following incentives and benefits: hazard allowance; subsistence allowance; P200 monthly honorarium; PhilHealth insurance; terminal pay of P500 per year of service but not to exceed P10,000 for each BHW, training, education and career

enrichment programs; civil service eligibility for BHW who rendered five years continuous service; free legal service;, preferential access to loans and mortuary assistance of P2,000 for each BHW. However, hazard allowance is still to be determined by the Local Health Board and the Local Peace and Order Council in Naval.

The subsistence allowance is computed equivalent to the meals they take in the course of their duty. PhilHealth insurance will be charged against the funds

of the barangay they are serving and a second grade civil service eligibility is granted as provided under Section 6 of the ordinance.

Sections 8 and 12 of the ordinance provides the amount of P100,000 appropriated from the general funds in Naval, which is over and above the existing appropriations for the BHW. The financial benefits granted in Ordinance No. 19 will be implemented effective on January 2013 based on Section 16 of the ordinance. (PIA-Biliran)

BIR-Southern Leyte collects P38.4M in taxes

By Marcelo M. Pedalino MAASIN CITY, Southern Leyte, Sept 10 (PIA) -- The Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR) here has collected P38,426,070.73 in taxes for August 2012.

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his is a 34.11 percent increase from P28,652,376.20 in August 2011, said Revenue District Officer (RDO) Alexander Laroza.

The cumulative collection also yielded high results year-on-year. Cumulative taxes as of August this year taxes reached P 254,606,647.30, as against the accumulated tally for the same period last year of P 219,403,023.92, or a 16.05 percent increase, Laroza said. When measured vis-à-vis the stated goal, the

August 2012 collection exceeded the target set for that month in the amount of P 35,415,000.00 by P 3,011,070.73, the chief taxman said.

But when the cumulative collection performance was compared with the cumulative collection goal, Laroza said they still incurred a deficit of P 8,945,352.70, a slight 3.39 percent short over the goal of P263,552,000.

He said he would intensify some activities to offset the slight decrease of

the cumulative tax take, even as he moved to strive and maintain a surplus output for the remaining months of the year.

Among the tax-related acts that he intends to focus to keep the momentum of high performance and cover the shortage were monitoring for compliance, tax mapping operation and a regular, weekly re-orientation seminar with business taxpayers. (PIA-Southern Leyte)

EASTERN VISAYAS

TINIKLING – a Filipino folk dance originated in Leyte

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Samar needs to replant coconuts

By Ninfa Iluminda B. Quirante

CATBALOGAN CITY, Samar, Sept 12 (PIA) -- Samar province sees the need to replace old trees that have not been yielding better coconuts. c c o r d i n g t o t h e r e g i o n a l the Philippine Coconut Authority in areas where old and infested development direction in coconut, Development Manager Emi Acasio. trees are found, are considered the best Leyte and Samar have the largest Acasio confirmed that coconut is still strategy to increase coconut production percentage of senile trees. the most commercial crop, though not only in Samar but in the whole Eastern This is one of the reasons why Samarnons have not really explored the Visayas. attention is also given to coconuts in other by-products of coconut.

Presently, PCA is implementing Samar.

Presently though, a kilo of copra is replanting, fertilization, and the According to the Samar government P14 only which Samarnons say is continuous advocacy for farmers to website, coconut is the main commercial “barato” (cheap). organize even in the most remote crop in the province, which is mostly Based on the agribusiness roadmap barangays for them to receive easily concentrated in coastal areas. gleaned from the Regional Micro Small and government programs to make the The total coconut area in Samar is Medium Development Conference, coconut industry better. (PIA-Samar) roughly a thousand hectares according to expansion of coconut land and replanting

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DOT calls for entries to Icons of Greatness

By Erlinda Olivia P. Tiu TACLOBAN CITY, Leyte, Sept 12 (PIA) -- Department of Tourism (DOT 8) Director Karina Rosa Tiopes called on the youth of Eastern Visayas to participate in DOT’s Icons of Greatness, a program that seeks to involve the youth in the search for heroes and appreciation of important events through tour itinerary-making and poster-making competitions.

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irector Tiopes said that the competition is open to all Filipino Youth ages 15 to 30 who are residing in the Philippines.

Submission of entries will be from August 28 to October 31. Judging and awarding ceremony will be in November.

Organized by DOT in partnership with the University of the Philippines Manila and the National Historical Commission of the Philippines, Icons of Greatness is a three-tiered program: it involves research, creativity and tour itinerary components. The project aims to enhance appreciation of the inherent greatness of the Filipino people and give new meaning to old places by re-contextualizing them in the life or event of an icon.

The icon must have any of the following distinctions to his, her or its name: the Order of National Artists, a National Shrine, the Oder of National

Scientists, National Observance Day, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, a National Historical Site, National Monument, a National Historical Landmark, Military Shrine, Order of Lakandula, Order of Sikatuna, Philippine Legion of Honor, Order of Gabriela Silang, Gawad sa Manlilikha ng Bayan, Gawad Mabini, Order of the Golden Heart and Presidential Medal of Merit.

Among the historical sites in Eastern Visayas, according to Director Tiopes, are MacArthur Landing Memorial National Park, Limasawa, Leyte Provincial Capitol, Price Mansion, Capul Church, Guiuan Church, Palo Cathedral, Catubig Church for the Battle of Catubig, Palapag Church, among others.

Each contestant must present a proof of his/her age by submitting a birth certificate and any of the following IDs: valid student identification card (ID) with photograph issued by the government

(Driver’s License, Voter’s ID, Postal ID, NBI). If in case the contestant has no valid ID, a barangay certification should be presented stating the age of the contestant.

A person can only submit one entry within the contest period. A completely filled-out contest submission/participation form that can be downloaded from the website, ww.iconsofgreatness.wix.com/ tourism or requested from the Department of Tourism, Rm. 417, 4th floor, DOT Building, T.M. Kalaw St., Manila.

Icons of Greatness is also supported by the Presidential Communications Operations Office, Philippine Information Agency, National Commission for Culture and the Arts, National Youth Commission, Philippine travel industry stakeholders, various educational institutions, and corporate sponsors. (PIA-8)

Municipal LGUs to receive Bronze Seal of Housekeeping

By Alicia F. Nicart BORONGAN CITY, Eastern Samar, Sept 13 (PIA) -- Eight municipal local government units are set to receive glass markers as symbol of the Bronze Award for Good Housekeeping. ida B. de la Cruz of the will be held on September 28 during the program. The following LGUs are set to provincial Department of Peace Forum. receive the 2ft. by 3.5 ft. glass Interior and Local Government De la Cruz added that the Good markers, which they will have to install in said this in an interview.

Housekeeping Program, which was their respective municipal halls: The awarding ceremony, which will initiated by the late Secretary Jesse Balangiga, Guiuan, Hernani, Maydolong, also recognize the leadership of the Robredo, is now on its second phase and San Julian, Sulat and Dolores. (PIA-Eastern provincial government of Eastern Samar, the DILG is determined to continue the Samar)

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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