One Visayas e-Newsletter Vol. 2 Issue 38

Vol 2

Issue 38

In this Issue WESTERN VISAYAS

Philippine Army Commanding General Lt General Emmanuel Bautista (left) answers question from military officials during the recent Company Commanders' Symposium at the 3rd Infantry Division, Philippine Army headquarters at Camp Macario Peralta Jr, Jamindan, Capiz (Photo by Sgt Arnold Pineda, 3DPAO/PIA-JBG),

More on Region 6, pages 2-3.

Also CLICK Here…

CENTRAL VISAYAS

September 17 - 23, 2012

Published by: PIA 6, 7 & 8

'AlkanSSSya' program to benefit informal sector

By Amorganda A. Saludar CEBU CITY, Sept 17 (PIA) -- The Social Security System (SSS) extended their services to cover the informal sector such as public drivers of jeepneys, trisikads (tricycle), and habal-habal (motorcycle) as well as market vendors in their micro-savings program dubbed "AlkanSSSya." Workers in the informal sector are encouraged to register in the program and be active SSS members so they could enjoy the benefits provided by the SSS. AlkanSSSya is a micro-savings program that offers convenient remittance of contributions and guarantees members’ access to affordable social protection.

At present, the program caters to 34 participating organizations representing 18,600 workers in the National Capital Region and Luzon.

SSS President and Chief Executive Officer Emilio de Quiros clarified that the responding organizations are composed of tricycle drivers and operators associations as these are the target sectors of the program along with transport operators, workers in the direct selling industry and market vendors.

The AlkanSSSya program of the SSS requires a 1.5 tall metal safety boxes with secure mini-compartments placed in accessible locations where savings of the members are stored. By the end of the month, this will be accounted for and picked up by an SSS collecting personnel.

One AlkanSSSya unit is assigned to every member who can drop any amount they are capable of daily until they can completely acquire the required monthly contribution. Members are mandated to save at least P312 every month for them to be able to meet the salary credit of P3,000 monthly. (FCR/AYS-PIA7 Cebu with SSS PR)

SSS President and Chief Executive Officer Emilio de Quiros said that the AlkanSSSya program was specifically designed to meet the informal sector’s way of life and to make saving for monthly SSS premium as affordable as only as P10 a day.

30 Matag-ob families receive core shelter homes

Boholanos actively involve and participate in this year's 27th International Coastal Clean-up (ICC) activity early this morning. The third Saturday of September has been declared as International Coastal Clean-up Day pursuant to Presidential Proclamation No. 470, series of 2003 and as reinforced by Executive Order No. 14, series of 2004. (PIA-Bohol/ecb)

More on Region 7, pages 4-5.

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EASTERN VISAYAS

MATAG-OB, Leyte, Sept 16 (PIA) -- Thirty families in Barangay San Sebastian in Leyte province are now happy owners of permanent homes said Clotilde Malatbalat, provincial social worker of Leyte.

She said the core shelter project costing more than P2.8 million for the 30 families, was sourced from the combined funds of the DSWD of P70,000 per beneficiary, P10,000 each from the provincial government of Leyte and P15,000 each from the local government unit of Matag-ob.

The permanent core shelters were recently turned over to the families who were victims of the 2008 Typhoon Frank, by DSWD Secretary Corazon "Dinky" Soliman and Leyte Gov. Carlos Jericho Petilla together with other local DSWD and municipal officials.

DSWD-8 also provided cash for work in the amount of P2,400 for each of the beneficiaries.

Thirteen families out of the 30 core shelter

beneficiaries, are enrolled under the Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program.

The Core Shelter Project stands on a 6,317 square meter lot in the mountain barangay of San Sebastian donated by the family of Romilia Omega-Cotejar.

Malatbalat said that the Core Shelter Assistance Project (CSAP) is a rehabilitation program of the DSWD that aims to provide shelter units to families whose houses were totally destroyed by natural and man-made calamities, and how have no capacity to rebuild or construct their own units.

The beneficiaries of CSAP are organized into the Neighborhood Association for Shelter Assistance (NASA), an association composed of the beneficiaries which promotes collective action in realizing goals of the project and to develop and uphold the values of self-reliance among the beneficiaries and the community. (PIA-8)

Beneficiaries of upland rice program cite increased yield

Philippine Information Agency (PIA-8) Regional Director Olive Tiu (center) introduces the hot issue on the Tacloban City water expansion program to media. Guests were Leyte Metropolitan Water District manager Nestor Villasin (left) and DPWH-Tacloban City district engineer Arnaldo Bonifacio (right) at the start of the media interaction “Harampang ha PIA”, Tacloban City, September 13. (Vino R. Cuayzon)

More on Region 8, pages 6-7.

Also CLICK Here...

By Elsa S. Subong ILOILO CITY, Sept. 17 (PIA6) -- Farmers from the upland towns of Barbaza, Antique, Nabas in Aklan, Tapaz and Dumalag in Capiz, and Tubungan and Calinog in Iloilo revealed increase yield with rice varieties from government.

The farmers were chosen as pilot beneficiaries in the upland rice farming development program of the Department of Agriculture (DA).

DA-6 Regional Information Officer Juvy Gaton said the farmers were provided per their association, 25 kilos of nine varieties of rice, including Palawan, malido, upland and lowland dinorado, azucena, bugok, weedy rice, UPL R1-1 and UPL R1-3.

For the initial harvest Gaton said the farmers altogether, yielded 3.7 tons per hectare for malido and 4.98 tons/hectare for UPL.

They used to harvest only about 2.2 to 2.5 tons per hectare, before the varieties were given them, according to DA. Gaton said farmer-participants had an estimated income added together, of about P 58,050 and P42,570 per hectare of UPL Ri-1 and malido respectively, as against previous income of P11,650 and P11,500.

Gaton said that for every 25 kilos given them, they were supposed to give back also 25 kilos to the seed bank and give another 25 to those other farmers who would like to use the varieties.

DA-6 said it is optimistic that the upland farmers here will be able to contribute much to the rice sufficiency program of the government. (JCM/ ESS/PIA-Iloilo)

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WESTERN VISAYAS

UTI, 4th leading cause of morbidity in Iloilo

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

By Vicente W. Villavert

ILOILO CITY, Sept 19 (PIA) -- Urinary Tract Infection (UTI) is the fourth leading cause of morbidity in Iloilo, said Assistant Provincial Health Officer Maria Soccoro Colmenares-Quinon of the Iloilo Provincial Health Office.

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The urinary tract is the body’s drainage system for removing wastes,” said Quinon during the PIA cable-television program as she emphasized that the urinary tract includes two kidneys, ureters, bladder and urethra.

Some infections can lead to serious problems like kidney infections, “that is why we at the Iloilo Provincial Health Office (IPHO) encourage the Ilonggos to undergo annual routine urinalysis as prevention from other life threatening diseases,” Quinon said.

Urinalysis or a regular checkup of urine is the simplest and cheapest way to find out if a person has a kidney disease.

“Diabetes is ninth leading cause of mortality in Iloilo,” Quinon further said.

Dr. Helen Caro Pastolero, head, Kidney Center of St. Paul Hospital, Iloilo City said during the PIA-Cable TV program that the 2010 Renal Disease Control Program data said there are eight to 12 cases of kidney diseases per 100,000 population in the country.

Pastolero said that in Iloilo, there now exists dialysis facilities in five hospitals and

three other privately owned and operated free-standing dialysis centers.

“At St. Paul Hospital, we already have conducted kidney transplantations for the past six years,” Pastolero said as she noted that there are some 300 to 400 patients undergoing dialysis sessions monthly at the hospital.”

Both Quinon and Pastolero said that their respective institutions implement different programs and activities to help increase public’s awareness on kidney disease prevention. (JCM/VWV-PIA6 Iloilo)

Capiz Info Officers go online

By Alex A. Lumaque ROXAS CITY, Capiz, Sept 19 (PIA) -- An online site was established by the Capiz Association of Government Public Information Officers Inc. (Cagpio) to provide more access to Capiceños on different government-based activities and accomplishments in the province.

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he site, capizcagpio.blogspot.com, posts various news and features contributed by government agencies and local government units for public awareness.

“Mediamen can also source out information from the site,” said Capiz Provincial Press Bureau (CPPB) Head Edward Basilonia.

CPPB helped the association in the creation of the blogsite to heed the call to explore new and exciting outlets of

government information.

For her part, CAGPIO President Carlette C. Pretta emphasized that existing information dissemination practices already established will still be followed.

The blogsite also contains photo releases, Hiligaynon news items and links to local and national articles for online readers and researchers.

A chatroom was also included in the site to facilitate interaction among Cagpio

members as well as site visitors who would like to clarify some points on the online article’s contents.

This is in line with what Presidential Communications Operations Office (PCOO) Secretary Sonny Coloma said that the use of digital tools and social media helped realize the Aquino administration’s philosophy of governance which is to engage people in continuing conversation and extensive consultations.

(JCM/AAL-PIA6 Capiz)

600 cops re-assigned in West Visayas cities, provinces

By Shiela Q. Patoza ILOILO CITY, Sept 18 (PIA) -- A total of 621 police officers were reassigned in different City and Provincial Police Offices in Western Visayas effective September 15.

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f the total number, 36 went to the Aklan Police Provincial Office (PPO); 52, Antique PPO; 48, Capiz PPO; 13, Guimaras PPO; 165, Iloilo City; 179, Negros Occidental; 61, Bacolod City; and 67, Iloilo City PO, PO3 Francisco Lindero of the Police Regional Office 6 (PRO-6) Public Information Officer said.

Lindero said 621 police officers were reassigned after staying for at least two

years with the Regional Public Safety Battalion.

Putting additional police officers will strengthen the peace and order campaign of the police stations, PRO-6 Director CSupt. Agrimero Cruz Jr. said in a statement.

Cruz also directed all field commanders to review their units’ patrol plan and other security measures to prevent the surge of street crimes and

other forms of crimes, especially these months of September to December.

It is such a big challenge for the police force to handle the responsibility of keeping peace and order, especially when it is expected that traffic will slow down and commuters shall flock establishments in the coming months, Cruz said. (SQP/JCM-PIA6)

WESTERN VISAYAS

Paseo de Iloilo—originated in Iloilo

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50 Antique ‘Tesda Specialistas’ to get tool kits

By Pilar S. Mabaquiao

SAN JOSE, Antique, Sept 17 (PIA) -- Some 50 sets of tool kits worth P310,000 are set to be distributed to Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (Tesda) Specialistas in Antique.

“

Tesda Specialistas” are trained and certified workers of Tesda who passed the assessment and are holders of National Certificates (NC) in any chosen field or course of specialization.

Provincial Director Rick Abraham of Tesda, Antique, said each tool kit is worth P6,200 that contains items, tools and supplies that are essential for a certified worker to start his or her job.

Tesda has allotted 10 Specialistas with corresponding tool kit for each aggrupation.

Already released to the Specialistas are four tool kits for Food and Beverage Services NC II Specialistas and five for auto services and trouble shooting, Abraham said.

Tool Kits for 10 massage therapists, five motorcycle and small engine repair services, 10 electricians, 10 refrigeration

and air conditioning servicing NC 1 and five food and beverage NC II are upcoming, he added.

With the implementation of this program, Tesda hopes to contribute to government efforts in the creation of employment opportunities that will eventually lead to poverty alleviation.

(JCM/PSM-PIA6 Antique)

Tourism Week to highlight Aklan's tourist attractions

By Venus G. Villanueva KALIBO, Aklan, September 18 (PIA6) -- Aklan’s tourist attractions found in its 17 towns will be taking centerstage here on September 24-29 in celebration of Tourism Week.

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he celebration, to be spearheaded by the Aklan Tourism Officers Association (AkTOA) in partnership with Aklan Provincial Tourism Office (AKPO) will include various activities that will showcase and promote the tourist attractions of the province and create better understanding of the benefits of tourism, according to Aklan Governor Carlito S. Marquez in a letter to various sectors here requesting their support to the celebration.

The three-day Province-wide Familiarization Tour will start September 25 with a registration/briefing at the

Kalibo Municipal Conference Hall, followed by a trip to the Pina Village in Kalibo, then to New Washington town, Kalantiaw Shrine in Batan, Veterans Shrine in Altavas, Basura Garden in Balete Chateau de Gloria in Banga and to Libacao to stay overnight.

On the second day of the tour, the participants will be subjected to the Libacao Wild River experience through kayaking and bamboo rafting, cross the Aklan River to Madalag through the newly-built bridge to visit the town’s church situated atop a hill, witness a demo on Abaca-weaving in Maliano, visit the

Bayangan Village and Dragon Fruit Plantation in Lezo and the century-old acacia trees in Numancia, view the seafoods presentation of Makato, go to Jawili Falls in Tangalan, view the Bamboo Handicrafts Showcase of Ibajay and the demo on Bariw Weaving in Nabas.

The group will then proceed to Boracay Island to stay overnight, and in the morning, they will visit the Pangihan Cave in mainland Malay and go diving/ mountain-hiking in Buruanga and travel to Kalibo in late afternoon of September 27.

(JCM/VGV PIA 6 Aklan)

Rebel returnees express peace by art

By Lorenzo O. Lambatin Jr. NEGROS OCCIDENTAL, Sept 19 (PIA) -- Thirty-five rebel returnees responded to the Army 303rd Infantry Brigade’s invitation to participate in a mural painting at the Negros Occidental Multi-Purpose Gym as part of the on-going peace month celebration.

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ssisted by members of the Art Association of Bacolod led by its President Sonia Golez, returnees painted on the theme “Patubuon ang kalinong sa tunga naton (Let us grow peace in our midst).”

The activity was a good exercise for returnees to bring out the message they have in mind for themselves and for their comrades, 303rd Infantry Brigade Commander Col .Oscar Lactao said.

He sees a time in the near future for insurgency in Negros Occidental to end given the commitment and compassion of people in the province as shown in their efforts to achieve peace, both in the government and private sector.

Provincial Police Director-Officer in Charge Sr. Supt. Miko Lirazan is thankful that the rebels have decided to lay down their arms and join the mainstream society.

Lirazan told returnees that if they are industrious, a good life awaits them.

During the program, Negrense Asian Achiever Awardee Nunistell Mae Fulo-Lee rendered an interpretative native dance depicting peace. She is an artist and a former member of the Bayanihan Dance Group, the country’s premier cultural dance group that represent the Philippines in cultural programs abroad.

(JCM/LOL-PIA6)

CENTRAL VISAYAS

4 DENR-7 to environment

implement

100%

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

By Hazel F. Gloria CEBU CITY, Sept 20 (PIA) -- The Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR-7) will impose a "100-percent smoke-free environment policy" in all its provincial and community offices including government service vehicles in four provinces in Central Visayas.

ENR 7 Executive Director prohibition in all areas of government action pursuant to Rule XIV Isabelo Montejo said, this premises, buildings and grounds, except (Discipline) of the Omnibus Rules and policy is pursued to maintain a open spaces designated as smoking areas, Implementation Book V of Executive healthy and productive workforce while he added.

Order No. 929. protecting our people from exposure to Montejo issued this memorandum to In line with this, Montejo urged secondhand smoke which is considered disallow DENR 7 employees, field and the public that no-smoking policy more dangerous or risky. office-based personnel from smoking could not only reduce risks on This is also in compliance with the within office premises and in their field of public health but can also contribute to Civil Service Commission Memorandum assignments. Smoking is also banned in any minimize environmental hazards brought Circular Number 17, series of 2009 that DENR-7 vehicle. Any violation shall be about by polluted air. (mbcn/HFG-PIA7, adopts and promulgates a smoking considered ground for disciplinary DENR-7)

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PCG to spearhead Nat'l Maritime Week celeb

By Amorganda A. Saludar CEBU CITY, Sept 18 (PIA) -- The Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) – Central Visayas is the lead agency in spearheading the 2012 National Maritime Week Celebration on September 24-30 under the theme "One Hundred Years After Titanic." his year's National Maritime observance. To kick off the opening of the Control (OPCON) units in coordination Week celebration is focused on weeklong celebration, there will be with the Coast Guard Auxiliary. promoting unity among maritime simultaneous blowing of horns to be A leadership training and team stakeholders from both government participated by vessels in the Area Of building workshop will also be conducted agencies and the private sector including Responsibility (AOR) in Cebu, Tagbilaran to be participated by the maritime shipping firms and academe as well as and Dumaguete. agency and stakeholders, review and giving emphasis and value to the A mass will follow, then a press training centers and other maritime seafarers. conference with the maritime agency and institutions.

PCG–CV Deputy Commander Capt. other stakeholders and concerned Also slated for the celebration are a Anelito Gabisan said that being the lead government agencies. bloodletting activity and fun run to be government agency in this year’s Other activities set for the participated by the PCG-CV, PCG celebration here in the region, they will celebration will be a scubasurero and Auxiliary-CV, maritime schools, shipping present all the resources they have in the coastal clean-up activity to be conducted company and maritime agencies. (FCR/ underlined activities just to ensure a in the AOR of the three Coast Guard AYS-PIA7 CEBU) successful commemoration of the annual stations in the region through Operation

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Food company receives financial support from DOST

By Jennifer C. Tilos DUMAGUETE CITY (PIA) -- The Department of Science and Technology (DOST)-NegOr turned over a check worth P850,000 funding assistance to Sans Rival Food Corporation for the technology upgrading machineries for its sans rival and silvanas production.

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ans Rival, a prominent confectionery firm, is the leading and pioneering cake and pastry enterprise in Dumaguete City.

A silvana is a delectable sweet frozen delicacy made of a pair of round crusts with butter filling in between coated with cookie crumbs and is a favorite "pasalubong" among tourists that visit Dumaguete City.

DOST Assistant Provincial Director Roslyn Tambago said the Small Enterprise

Technology Upgrading Program (Setup) innovation system support fund provides Sans Rival the equipment on compact tabletop depositor, product cylinder, handheld nozzle and a handheld flocker to upgrade and enhance fast and efficient production of silvanas and sans rival, two of the company’s best and main product lines.

The DOST also provided a tabletop depositor with frame base, work table, foot pedal, six-gallon conical hopper and

1.75” product cylinder. All these machineries will be installed in the new Sans Rival commissary situated in Bagacay, Dumaguete City, said Tambago.

The financial support from DOST will play an integral role to the firm’s steadfast endeavor of establishing itself as the hub for excellence in producing quality cakes and pastries to be sold at a fair and reasonable price, Tambago added. (mbcn/ JCT/PIA 7-Negros Oriental)

CENTRAL VISAYAS

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

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NegOr’s “Buglasan Lutong Garbo” up

Bohol

By Jennifer C. Tilos DUMAGUETE CITY, Negros Oriental, Sept 19 (PIA) -- A touch of Fiesta sa Nayon, this year’s seventh Buglasan Lutong Garbo cook fest is set to be held at Sidlakang

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ver P70,000 is up for grabs for the local culinary talents who will join the indigenous cooking competition among the participants from various local government units (LGU) in Negros Oriental.

Lutong Garbo Committee Chair Sylvia Uy has enjoined the LGUs who have completed their respective cooking competitions to submit their entries before the end of September. Uy said this food festival promotes Negros Oriental’s

native cuisine in celebration with the Buglasan Festival of festivals which showcases what the province has to offer to tourists.

Winners for this competition will all receive a trophy and P10,000 for the first prize; P7,000 for the second prize and the third placer gets P5,000.

For non-winners, consolation prize of P2,500 cash and certificates of appreciation will be awarded by the Lutong Garbo Competition committee.

The Lutong Garbo is open to all Negrenses but duly endorsed by the local executives.

The contestant is required to cook a recipe good for 10 persons.

Food preparation will be judged according to the following criteria: palatability, 40 percent; originality, 40 percent; texture, 10 percent and dish presentation, 10 percent. (MBCN/ JCT-PIA7 Negros Oriental)

Siquijor Trade, Agro, Food Fair opens

By Rizalie A. Calibo SIQUIJOR (PIA) -- Siquijor province held a five-day Trade, Agro and Food Fair to highlight its 41st anniversary as a province.

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h e e ven t s h ow c as e d the province’s industries, resources and craftsmanship.

Products in focus are home furnishings such as furniture, novelty items, gifts and housewares, woodcraft, quilted textile items and paintings; processed food such as peanut products,

banana chips, processed meat, dairy products and bakery products; and ornamental plants, agricultural products, and food fiesta.

The activity which ran from September 13 to 17 and was spearheaded by the Provincial Government in cooperation with the Department of

Trade and Industry (DTI), Office of the Provincial Agriculturist and the Siquijor Hotel, Resorts and Restaurants Association (Shorretas).

Opening ceremonies was held. at the Provincial Capaitol Grounds, Pulangyuta, Siquijor, Siquijor.

(RMN/RAC-PIA7 Siquijor)

PLDT connects Trinidad to the world

By Rey Anthony H. Chiu TAGBILARAN CITY, Bohol (PIA) -- Trinidad, Bohol finally opened its floodgates to the 'world wide web' for global internet connectivity as it launched the new information gate (I-Gate) thru PLDT SMART and Sun Cellular partnership.

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uring the switched-on, Trinidad Mayor Roberto Cajes said the I-Gate opening affords the town more than enough bandwidth to send and receive data, thus avoiding bandwidth bottlenecks that lesser ISP's provided in the past.

The switch from a slower 128 kilobytes per second (kbps) encrypted data transfer to a much faster committed line also gives Trinidad town hall, Trinidad Municipal College (TMC), public access point and a promising plan for business process outsourcing center in town.

Nilo Bantilan, PLDT Vis-Min SME Business Head. explained the I-Gate is a special private leased line offered by PLDT and allows Trinidad town a managed

connectivity to the world-wide web and connects with local internet service providers like SMART and Sun Cellular, making internet usage in the town go leaps and bounds.

This also means in areas where there are practically no cellular phone signals, I-gate can manage data sending and receiving, as long as there is wireless fidelity connection also, adds Marlon Macua, Trinidad Information technology chief.

For Trinidad, opening up internet connectivity solves most of the need on spending big on publishing its processes in response to transparency, Mayor Cajes said. According to Trinidad information officer, Jojeline Buendia, the town was

awarded outstanding website in 2004 by the Cebu Chamber of Commerce for e-governance category.

This also pushed the LGU to vigorously pursue computerization programs for its operations. Trinidad has another feather in its cap as LGU with most updated reports handed by the Commission on Audit in 2007.

It also elevated Trinidad’s chances of getting the Seal of Good Housekeeping in 2012. Trinidad municipal administrator, Judith Cajes shared that huge portion of its chances come from its computerization program that is essentially Geographic information system-based. (mbcn/rahc/PIA -Bohol)

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EASTERN VISAYAS

PhilHealth-8 bags 2nd Galing-Likha Kalusugan Award

TINIKLING – a Filipino folk dance originated in Leyte

TACLOBAN CITY, Leyte, Sept 14 (PIA) -- PhilHealth – Region 8 bagged the 2nd Galing-Likha Kalusugan Award, after its PhiHealthLINK program was chosen as one of the top three outstanding health innovations in the country.

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ccording to the award, PhilHealthLINK is an “important key not only in patient’s availment of hospital services but also in unlocking the financial flow of reimbursements to cash-starved public health facilities, thereby improving overall health system sustainability.”

“We are happy just to be included in the top ten. But to be in the top three best health innovations in the country is indeed an honor,” Walter Bacareza, regional vice president of PhilHealth-8 said.

The PhilHealthLINK project, which was launched in mid-2010, is a collaboration between PhilHealth regional office and the provincial governments in Eastern Visayas.

Miramar Zabala, PhilHealth-8 information officer, said it is a call center where PhilHealh member can verify if their coverage, when availing health care services and benefits in government hospitals.

A PhilHealthLINK coordinator in the hospital gets basic information from the patient and places a call to a

PhilHealth-based call center agent. The agent checks if the patient can avail benefits either as a member or as a dependent.

Once found eligible, the patient will no longer submit a Member Data Record (MDR) - a primary document required in availing of PhilHealth benefits. A resolution slip is attached to the claim in lieu of the MDR. The awarding ceremony was conducted last September 4 at the Intercontinental Hotel in Makati City.

(PIA-8)

EVisayas nominates Leyte and Tacloban City to Gawad Pamana ng Lahi 2012 TACLOBAN CITY Leyte, September 18 (PIA)— The Provincial Government of Leyte and the City of Tacloban are the Eastern Visayas Regional awardees of the 2012 Gawad Pamana ng Lahi.

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s such, the two are the nominees of the Region to the national Gawad Pamana ng Lahi 2012, the Department of Interior and Local Government Region 8 Director Pedro Noval, Jr., informed through Ms. Carmelita Zabala, Chief of the Local Government Capacity Development Division of DILG-8.

Ms. Zabala disclosed that this year, there is no Regional awardee for the municipal category because not one was able to meet all the criteria for the award.

The Gawad Pamana ng Lahi, Ms. Zabala said, is a total award concept and is conferred to a Province, City and

Municipality for reason of exemplary performance in Administrative Governance, Economic Governance and Environmental Governance.

Exemplary performance information is drawn from the database of the on-line Local G ov ernance P erform ance Management System (LGPMS), from International Organization or National Agency-bestowed Awards, and acknowledged innovations.

There are non-negotiable eligibility requirements to qualify a province, city or municipality for the Regional Gawad Pamana ng Lahi, Ms. Zabala informed.

These are the LGPMS Overall

Performance Index of at least 4.00 and the Seal of Good Housekeeping Silver Recipient within the current year 2012.

Moreover, only a province, city or municipality with at least 80 overall regional performance point score may be eligible to receive the Regional Gawad Pamana ng Lahi.

The Province of Leyte will receive a glass trophy of exemplary performance and a cash award of P3 million.

Meanwhile, the City of Tacloban will receive glass trophy of exemplary performance and a cash prize of P2 million. (PIA-8)

BFAR to expand seaweed production

By Ninfa Iluminda B. Quirante CATBALOGAN CITY, Samar, Sept 18 (PIA) -- Despite being afflicted with ice-ice, the white particles that grow on the seaweed farms in Daram, Samar, the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR) sees the need to expand to Calbayog City.

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n her presentation, BFAR Assistant Regional Director Lina Palobe said that the office will purchase some P200,000 worth of seaweeds for planting in Calbayog City.

Palobe also asked the seaweed farmers in Daram and Zumarraga to take care of the seaweeds so that the ice-ice particles will not destroy the plants in the sea. “Just like plants on land, farmers

should check the status of the seaweeds,” Palobe urged seaweed farmers.

The seaweeds are placed in strings then submerged in seawater.

The seaweed plants, just like plants that are grown in soil, will branch out.

Seaweeds are used in food and cosmetics, according to BFAR. Palobe also informed the Regional Advisory Committee Meeting members

during the meeting in Catbalogan that the seaweed farmers have been taught to process the seaweeds by pickling these.

There are 192 seaweed farmers in Daram and 119 in Zumarraga.

Daram and Zumarraga are both island towns off Samar Sea and are known to have abundant marine products. (PIA-8)

EASTERN VISAYAS

TINIKLING – a Filipino folk dance originated in Leyte

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Model Pantawid Pamilya beneficiary says CCT helps her family a lot

By Neil D. Lopido

TACLOBAN CITY, Leyte, September 15 (PIA) – “Nalilipay ako nga nahibulig ako hini nga 4Ps kay dako an bulig ha amon pamilya” (I am happy that I am a 4Ps beneficiary as it helps our family a lot), said Alicia Egos, 43 years old from Javier, Leyte.

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ana Alicia, as she is fondly called in Javier, said the Pantawid Pamilya allowed her to know herself better thru the Family Development Sessions and other community activities.

When 4Ps was not yet implemented in their area, she said she was barely seen even by her neighbors and even in the streets as she used to stay only at home attending to her children.

Her 47-year-old husband, who is a farmer, serves as her partner in all the daily family undertakings such as in backyard gardening and as part time driver to earn additional income for the family.

Mana Alicia and her husband do not rely on the CCT alone but are doing

measures to augment family income and lessen expenditures.

Because of the leadership potential seen in Mana Alice’s performance together with the other members of her family, she was chosen as a parent-leader where she became more busy being a member also in the community health team.

Mana Alicia learned to manage her time especially with her family as well as her other responsibilities, especially when it comes to accomplishing her monthly reports.

These are just some of the good deeds of Mana Alicia and her family which earned her to be chosen as one of the five awardees of the Department of Social

Welfare and Development – 8 Search for Huwarang Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino for the province of Leyte.

Mana Alicia received a cash prize of P5,000, a plaque and certificate of recognition. The same was also awarded to Charita Cabantac of Mayorga; Lucy Asna of Abuyog; Emelyn Montilla of Sta. Fe; and Nilda Barbado of San Miguel.

Asked why she was chosen as the national entry, Mana Alicia humbly said, “because I was able to meet the requirements and criteria.”

Mana Alicia encouraged her fellow 4Ps beneficiaries to comply with the conditions of the government’s anti-poverty program. (PIA-8)

10,000 energy-efficient lamps to be distributed province-wide

By Marcelo M. Pedalino MAASIN CITY, Southern Leyte, Sept. 18 (PIA) -- Around 10,000 units of compact fluorescent lamps (CFLs) will be distributed throughout the province as part of a synchronized, nationwide activity initiated by the Department of Energy (DOE).

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ccording to Aida Morsen Moralde of the office of Cong. Roger Mercado, which will give out the lamps or bulbs, the schedule will be given to consumers on September 22-28.

The only requirement to avail the energy-saving lamps is for member-consumers of the Southern Leyte Electric Cooperative (Soleco) to show the latest paid monthly bill of

Soleco at Mercado's district office said Moralde.

She said a total of 5,000 households will stand to benefit of this initiative under the Philippine Energy Efficiency Project (PEEP) of the DOE. Based on its technical advantage, one CFL lamp has a power of 14 watts, but its brightness is equivalent to 75 watts yet consumes less electricity.

The PEEP covers all 182 congressional districts nationwide, including party-list representatives, for an overall budget of P 3.6 million and a target of 1.8 million households to be lighted by these CFLS all over the country, Moralde said. For the distribution in Southern Leyte, Moralde said their office intends to coordinate closely with barangay captains, especially in remote areas of the province. (PIA-8)

PIA staff bags first place in 2012 Waray Poetry contest TACLOBAN CITY Leyte, Sept 17 (PIA) -- A staff of the Philippine Information Office – Eastern Visayas won the top prize in the Pasidungog Eduardo Makabenta Sr. Para Han Siday (Eduardo Makabenta Sr. Literary Award for Poetry).

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eonilo Lopido, a Waray editor for the PIA, was announced winner by the National Commission for Culture and the Arts (NCCA), in cooperation with the Leyte Normal University.

Among his poems for the contest include Ha Langyaw (In foreign land), Paglanat (Pursue), Mga Pakiana (Questions), Huna-Huna (Reflection) and Pagsapi-I (Possession).

Lopido will receive a plaque of recognition and cash prize of P15,000.

Meanwhile, Ma. Evangelina Lumen-Pundavela from La Paz, Leyte won second prize and Jhonil C. Bajado from Maydolong, Eastern Samar got the third place.

The second and third place winners will receive plaques of recognition and cash prizes of P10,000 and P5,000, respectively.

This year’s judges were Prof. Merlie Alunan, Dr. David Genotiva and Dante Rosales.

The “Pasidungog,” which is now on its third year, honors the memory of the late Eduardo Makabenta Sr., a renowned Waray poet who also translated Rizal’s two novels, Noli Me Tangere and El Filibusterismo, into the Waray language.

(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.

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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