One Visayas e-Newsletter Vol 2 Issue 40

Vol 2

Issue 40

In this Issue WESTERN VISAYAS

Antique Governor Exequiel B. Javier welcomes officers and members of the Regional Development Council 6 (RDC 6) during the council’s third Quarter Regular Meeting held in Sibalom, Antique. He also cites programs that his administration is pushing for the development of Antique.

(T.Villavert/PIA 6)

More on Region 6, pages 2-3.

Also CLICK Here…

CENTRAL VISAYAS

Published by: PIA 6, 7 & 8

October 1—7, 2012

RDC-6 okays resolution for increased tax ceiling of employee benefits ILOILO CITY, Oct 4 (PIA) -- The Regional Development Council (RDC-6) has unanimously approved the Development Administration Committee’s (DAC) Resolution No. 13 calling for the increase of tax exemption ceiling of benefits of government employees from P30,000 to P60,000, in a meeting at Sibalom, Antique.

The DAC resolution asked the RDC to support the proposal to increase the tax exemption ceiling from P30,000 to P60,000 based on the necessity to balance the needs of government employees and the goal of the government to generate higher revenues such as improved tax administration, generate higher revenues from tobacco and alcohol, and stricter implementation of reforms in government spending.

Section 32 of Republic Act No. 8424 or the National Internal Revenue Code excluded certain benefits in the taxable income of government employees, but not to exceed P30,000.

Two pending bills in the Senate also seek to increase the tax exemption ceiling: Senate Bill No. 2739 of Senator Miriam Defensor-Santiago seeks to raise the ceiling to P40,000 while Senate Bill No. 2879 of Senator Ralph Recto raises the ceiling to P60,000.

Related to this, the resolution also cited the RDC and Regional Peace and Order Council of Region 2, which also issued Joint RDC-RPOC Resolution no. 02-39-20012 series of 2012 supporting the proposals of the two senators to increase the P30,000 tax exemption ceiling of the benefits of government employees.

The National Economic and Development Authority (NEDA-2) conducted a study to determine whether an increase in the tax exemption ceiling was really needed.

The study shows P30,000 tax exemption no longer applies in the current year, as it did when it was incorporated in the Tax Code of 1997, considering economic trends such as inflation rate, purchasing power of the peso, average income expenditure and savings, poverty threshold and incidence.

RDC meeting participants were unanimous in saying that the increase in the ceiling was long overdue.

(JCM-PIA6)

The Regional Development Council 6 led by its Chairman, Governor Victor Tanco and Vice-Chair Luisa C. Segovia, together with Antique Governor Exequiel Javier and members of the RDC, during the third Quarter Meeting held in sibalom, Antique.

More shipping firms follow maritime safety rules, says PCG 7

Medical and dental teams from the Philippine Air Force (PAF), Central Command, 6th Special Forces Company, together with municipal doctors and the Barangay Health Workers and Midwives from Medellin, Cebu render free medical check-up, dental services, Operation Tuli and haircut during the Information Caravan with Medical-Dental Mission held at the Brgy. Canhabagat, Medellin, Cebu on September 28. The activity was initiated by the Department of Agrarian Reform-Cebu Provincial Office.(HFG/PIA7)

By Amorganda A. Saludar CEBU CITY, Oct 1 (PIA) - - More shipping companies are now instituting safety measures to prevent overloading of passengers.

“There is not much problem now on overloading and excess of passengers because shipping companies and operators are now doing something in controlling the number of passengers their vessel can accommodate,” Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) - 7 Commander Commodore William Melad said In a press conference marking the 2012 National Maritime Week (NMW) celebration, Melad added that the coast guard has the responsibility of inspecting passenger vessels to make certain that their passenger manifest only

carried the required number of passengers their vessel can accommodate, this is learned.

This year’s NMW celebration carried the theme “100 Years After Titanic: Lessons From Past Maritime Disasters.” Melad said overloading has always been an issue in past maritime disasters in the country.

The official also emphasized that the capability and performance of seafarers today have also improved due to the numerous training they are mandated to take in order to be globally competitive.

Melad credited the improvement in the maritime industry to the other mandating agencies who have been implementing the appropriate rules and guidelines to improve maritime safety. (FCR/AYS/PIA-7, Cebu)

DOLE releases P1.63-M livelihood grant in Eastern Visayas More on Region 7, pages 4-5.

Also CLICK Here…

EASTERN VISAYAS

DOLE-8 Assistant Regional Director Cyril Ticao (left) hands over a DOLE livelihood grant (Starter Kit) for 52 beneficiaries to LGU -Maripipi, Biliran during the opening program of the 23rd National Statistics Month celebration held at Robinsons Place, Tacloban City on October 1. (Vino R. Cuayzon/R8)

More on Region 8, pages 6-7.

Also CLICK Here...

TACLOBAN CITY, Leyte, Oct 4 (PIA) -- The Department of Labor and Employment in Eastern Visayas distributed P1.63 million worth of livelihood grants and starter sets to unemployed and underemployed workers on October 1 at the opening program for the National Statistics Month celebration.

DOLE Region 8 Director Exequiel Sarcauga said the assistance is part of the department’s continuing livelihood interventions for the informal sector and rural workers in the region, who have potentials on becoming successful entrepreneurs.

Sarcauga said, under the program, DOLE 8 turned over checks amounting to P1,631,861 to five accredited co -partner local government units and corresponding Public Employment Service Office (PESO) managers from all over Eastern Visayas.

The local government of Kawayan in Biliran received P248,172 for livelihood projects of 27 beneficiaries.

The amount will be used by the beneficiaries for their livelihood projects like bakery, motorcycle, cassava and Pinoy fries processing, barbershop, dressmaking, barbeque and fishball stand, food processing/delicacy making, manicure/footspa, mini-bakery, fish processing, manicure/ pedicure, puto cheese making, mini parlor, vulcanizing and fishing. Another accredited local government unit (LGU)

co-partner, Maripipi, Biliran received P499,290 for starter kit projects of 52 beneficiaries.

The 52 starter kits comprised of materials, equipment and initial capitalization for haircut/barbershop, food vending, making of native kakanin, cakes and pastries, meat processing, dressmaking body massage, vulcanizing, fishing and baking food delicacies.

Saint Bernard received P384,518 for Lipad (Livelihood Project of Displaced) Saint Bernard skilled and semi-skilled workers.

Under the category of formation and restoration, the project calls for capitalization of pedicab or “pot pot,” driving, fishing, carpentry and small scale entrepreneurship.

DOLE-8 also turned over a check of P404,881 to Pintuyan LGU for the Alive Pintuyan: A Livelihood Development Project for the unemployed and under-employed informal sector.

The amount will be used for capitalization of livelihood projects such as small scale fishing, snack/delicacy making and vending, barbeque grill, sari-sari-store, buy and sell, dressmaking, feeds retailing, peanut butter making, catering service, rug making and vulcanizing.

Finally, Sta. Margarita LGU received P95,000 for the procurement of farm equipment for their farmer beneficiaries. (PIA-8)

2

WESTERN VISAYAS

Job search kiosk now in Antique

Visayan spotted dear ((Rusa Rusa alfredi alfredi)) - can only be found in the islands of Panay and Negros

By Vicente W. Villavert

ILOILO CITY, Oct 1 (PIA 6) -- A better jobs search service for the unemployed dubbed Job Search Kiosk was turned over to the provincial government of Antique.

D

epartment of Labor and Employment, Region 6 (DOLE 6) turned over one Job Search Kiosk to Antique Governor Exequiel B. Javier in a ceremony held in time with the conduct of the third Quarter Regular Meeting of the Regional Development Council 6 in Sibalom, Antique, recently.

DOLE 6 OIC-Assistant Regional Director Salome O. Siaton led the turn-over of the Job search kiosk to Governor Javier with the presence of Vice

-Governor Rose Dimamay, SP members Edgar Denosta and Victor Condez, and witnessed by the officers and members of the RDC. The machine resembles that of an ATM or automated teller machine designed to enable job seekers to register their skills profile and to look for suitable jobs.

“There are only four Job Search kiosks apportioned for the region, and two for Panay island and the other two is

set for Negros Occidental,” Siaton said.

Siaton said an applicant can register their skills and the machine has an automatic matching services and the kiosks will provide free job search, skills registration and other pertinent services to a job seeker. The turn-over of the job search kiosk in Antique and in other parts of the region is a vital step in ensuring local and employment opportunities for its people into the future, Siaton said.(JCM/VWV/ PIA6-Iloilo)

DOST distributes mosquito OL traps in Roxas City

By Alex A. Lumaque ROXAS CITY, Capiz, Oct 1 (PIA6) -- A trainers’ training on the roll-out of mosquito ovilarvicidal (OL) traps to public elementary and secondary schools was conducted here in the province.

T

he activity was led by the Department of Science and Technology (DOST) and Department of Health (DOH) to lower dengue cases by controlling the population of dengue-carrying mosquitoes.

A DOST briefer said that 11 rooms including comfort rooms, canteens, and libraries of all public schools in the city received OL trap kits. Along with the briefer is an OL trap manual and

monitoring form to be filled up by schools for submission to the Provincial Health Office.

The same kits were also given to public schools in the municipalities after necessary preparations and coordination have been put in place.

The training was attended by principals and school heads of the Department of Education (DepEd) – Roxas City Division.

OL trap, a system developed by DOST, is composed of a black container, small strip of plywood for mosquito to lay their eggs on and a larvicide solution to kill the mosquito larvae that will hatch in the strip of wood and in the solution.

The OL trap does not kill the adult mosquitoes, instead its ovicidal and larvicidal effect prevent the next generation of mosquitoes from reaching adulthood. (JCM/AAL-PIA 6, Capiz)

October to highlight Wildlife, biodiversity

By Easter Anne D. Doza NEGROS OCCIDENTAL, OCt 2 (PIA6) -- The province of Negros Occidental will celebrate in November the 8th Wildlife Month.

P

rovincial Ordinance No. 002, Series of 2009 declares the month of November as Wildlife Month in the province which will kick off on Oct. 16.

This year’s celebration is a joint initiative of the Provincial Environment Management Office, Negros Forest and Ecological Foundation, Inc., and the Philippines Biodiversity Conservation Foundation, Inc. in close coordination with the Department of Environment & Natural Resources with the theme “Panghangkat ipadayon, kabuhing alahas amligan naton” (Uphold the challenge, defend the wildlife). The celebration aims to heighten awareness activities in biodiversity

conservation through participation of cities and municipalities within the province of Negros Occidental; mainstream the celebration of Wildlife Month into the different LGU’s of the province; and facilitate the production of teaching aid and supplementary materials on biodiversity and important wildlife of Negros for public high schools.

Among the activities for the month long celebration include, Biodiversity Symposium and Mobile Exhibit, Wildlife Photo Exhibit, 8th Provincial Wildlife Quiz Bowl, 1st Regional Wildlife Quiz Bowl, Tree Growing of Indigenous Tree Species, Animals of Negros Foot Parade, Community-based Biodiversity Protection

Forum, Educators Workshop in Developing Information Materials on Biodiversity and Production of Conservation Education Awareness Materials.

The celebration to commence this October will have mobile exhibits and symposia on October 16 in Moises Padilla, October 30 & 31 in Bago City that will also include “Re-orientation on Biological Resources of Bago City”.

There will also be an “Educator’s Workshop in Developing Information Materials on Biodiversity on October 24-26 with the University of St. La Salle as partner agency.*(JCM/EAD-PIA6 Negros Occidental)

WESTERN VISAYAS

Visayan spotted dear ((Rusa Rusa alfredi alfredi)) - can only be found in the islands of Panay and Negros

3

Gov’t services are for all – Visayas OMB

By Pilar S. Mabaquiao

SAN JOSE, Antique, Oct 3 (PIA6) -- The Office of the Ombudsman in the Visayas said during the Caravan of Government Services in Bugasong, Antique that government services should be for all Filipinos, including those in poor communities.

O

mbudsman Pelagio Apostol said this before thousands of Antiqueños who availed themselves of government services at the St. Joseph Academy in Bugasong on September 27 and 28.

The highlight of the two-day event was a medical and dental Mission held at the covered court of the town where thousands of Antiqueños from different towns particularly central and northern Antique availed themselves of medical

consultation, dental services and free medicines.

Aside from government physicians from public hospitals and rural health units, private medical and dental practitioners also volunteered their services during the mission.

Apostol, in his message, lauded not only the government civil servants who are front liners in this activity but also the private individuals, non-government organizations, members of the media for

the overwhelming success of the event.

Also featured in the caravan were distribution of funding assistance from different agencies for projects in Antique.

Among the agencies that distributed financial support were the Departments of Social Welfare and Development, Agriculture, Interior and Local Government, Population Commission and the Bureau of Customs that gave out hundreds of slippers for children of poor families. (JCM/PSM-PIA6 Antique)

DA revives El Niño task force in WVisayas

By Vicente W. Villavert ILOILO CITY, Oct 3 (PIA6) -- The Department of Agriculture (DA) has reactivated the El Niño task force for the possible occurrence of a dry spell or the El Niño phenomenon in the last quarter of 2012.

“

We are now ready in the region should the projected El Niño phenomenon occur this October to December and just like the La Niña phenomenon, we also have a committee to handle the eventualities, and technical information are disseminated especially to our farmers,” DA-6 Director Larry P. Nacionales said in PIA interview.

The move is in response to the directive issued by Assistant Secretary Dante S. Delima, DA national rice program coordinator to all regional field

units nationwide to create El Niño Action Teams to assess and anticipate the effects of a possible dry spell beginning this October until the Christmas season.

Nacionales said he heads the El Niño Task Force in Western Visayas and it is supported by the provincial and municipal agriculturists in the region.

Nacionales emphasized that the local government units have also key roles in addressing the phenomenon.

The DA-6 director said Western Visayas was affected by the long dry spell

in 2010 where a big drop in the region’s rice production was observed.

Western Visayas has some 178,000 hectares of rain-fed areas with only 130,000 hectares of irrigated farmlands.

For this year, the DA-6 director noted a good rice harvest, which started September and he expects the achievement of their 2012 target of 2.2 million metric tons rice production output for the entire region. (JCM/VWV-PIA6 Iloilo)

Stat achiever wins Fun Run too

By Lilibeth A. French ILOILO CITY, Oct 1 (PIA6) -- After winning the first Western Visayas Achievers in Statistics award last year, Dr. Cherry Nepomuceno of the West Visayas State University successfully hurdled another race in line with the National Statistics Month celebration by topping the Fun Run held at the Iloilo Sports Complex today, Oct. 1.

N

epomuceno clocked 5 minutes and 34 seconds and topped the 36 to 60 years old age bracket, female category of the run that covered two rounds around the track oval.

In the male category with the same age bracket, SPO1 Isidro Pacinio of the Iloilo City Police Office placed first with a time of 3 minutes and 8 seconds.

ICPO’s PO1 Rommel Arante and National Irrigation Administration 6 Data Encoder Jackielyn Estoquia won the male and female categories of the 21 to 35 age

bracket.

More than one hundred employees of the different government agencies, state universities and colleges and local government units joined the Fun Run along with the Hataw exercises that kicked off the 23rd National Statistics Month celebration in the region this October. The month-long celebration will be formally opened on October 5 in the region. It carries the theme “Monitoring Progress on Decent Work through Statistics: Pathway to Inclusive Growth”

which articulates the four objectives of the decent work agenda which are employment, right at work, social protection and social dialogue.

It will be recalled that Nepomuceno was one of the two awardees of the Western Visayas Achievers in Statistics for the Pure Statistics category in last year’s NSM celebration. The other awardee was Professor Vicente Balinas of the University of the Philippines in the Visayas for the Applied Statistics category. (JCM/LAF/ PIA6)

4

CENTRAL VISAYAS

GSIS now more member-friendly, accessible & service-responsive Philippine Tarsier ((Carlito Carlito syrichta syrichta)) - is is

By Juju Manubag-Empuerto

commonly commonly be be found found in in the the island island of of Bohol Bohol

CEBU CITY, Sept 27 (PIA) - - The Government Service Insurance System (GSIS) pension fund is now more member-friendly, more accessible and service-responsive, according to GSIS Trustees Mario “Mayong” Aguja and Karina Constantino-David before the Public Sector Union Officers press conference held recently at the Diamond Hotel, Cebu City. avid enumerated the initiatives of the partnering with National Statistics Office Program and providing options to members current GSIS leadership to provide (NSO) to provide reports of the pensioners' who are beyond the mandatory age of 65 to greater convenience and more status is another easy access strategy continue their membership with GSIS are some accessible service to its 1.7 million members specifically for the elderly. of the programs it put in place for their and pensioners.

Easing the entitlement qualifications for members.

David said the expanded partnership with survivorship pensions whereby GSIS

By January 2013, David emphasized that Land Bank of the Philippines (LBP) as an survivors-members are gainfully employed and all old age and disability pensioners will receive alternative servicing bank with almost 1,000 receiving income or pension from other a minimum monthly pension of P5,000 while ATMs all over the country and the deployment institutions can now receive their monthly those receiving above this amount but less than of 500 additional GSIS Wireless Automated pension benefits also was a positive relief from P8,000 will receive a P200 increase in their Processing System (GWAPS) kiosks in key survivor pensioners. monthly pension. cities and municipalities, all Department of Empowerment of retirees in choosing the There are 57,000 pensioners who will Education (DepEd) divisions and congressional repayment scheme of their outstanding service enjoy the new minimum pension and 50,000 districts give more access to members. loans under the Choice of Loan Amortization will qualify for the P200 increment.(mbcn/JSME/ The cancellation of the local pensioners’ Schedule for Pensioners (CLASP) and the PIA-Cebu) annual renewal of active status (ARAS) liberalizing the terms of the Emergency Loan

D

NegOr ends Peace Month with forum, parade, candle lighting

By Jennifer C. Tilos DUMAGUETE CITY, Negros Oriental, Sept 29 (PIA) - - Over 800 peace advocates participated in the Peace forum dubbed, “Peace and its Effects on the Economic and Political Setting of the Country” on September 26, 10 a.m. at the Negros Oriental Convention Center to close the observation of the National Peace Consciousness Month in Negros Oriental. ffice of the Presidential Adviser on the effects of armed conflict to the economy of the Freedom Park and attended by board member Peace Process (OPAPP) Director country in the past years.

Rodrigo Alanano representing Governor Roel Alexander Umpar spoke before the He also expressed the importance of Degamo and provincial administrator Arnel students, local officials, military and policemen, helping each other to achieve peace, unity, and Francisco. to express his support to the efforts of the solidarity.

Deputy Police Director PSupt. Alet Negrenses in achieving lasting peace and gave On the same day, almost 1,000 students Virtucio said that in order to have peace, all updates on the peace process in the Philippines and provincial capitol employees joined a peace people should be prepared for a war – a war and other threat groups. parade. on crime prevention and against lawlessness.

Umpar emphasized the sense of this year’s The parade started at 4 p.m. at Rizal Patrimonio said it is important that people theme, “Ako, Ikaw, Tayo, Magkakaiba. Sa Boulevard and ended at the Freedom Park help each other to successfully attain peace Kapayapaan Nagkakaisa” into his message that where the flag retreat was held. It was led by because the prolonged conflict at the peace can be achieved if every Filipino talks and the Army’s 302nd Brigade Commander, Col. countryside has enough devastating effects in “breathes” peace.

Francisco Patrimonio. the country’s fight to end poverty in remote Office of the Presidential Political Affairs Capping the Peace month celebration was communities. (MBCN/JCT-PIA7 Negros Executive Assistant Mark Leo Chan cited the a “Candle Lighting for Peace” held at the Oriental)

O

Forum speakers express differing opinions over divorce bill

By Rachelle M. Nessia DUMAGUETE CITY, Negros Oriental, Sept 28 (PIA) - - A local discussion on the issues confronting the Filipino family inevitably turned towards the controversial house bill introducing divorce in the Philippines with the panel of speakers divided over whether the bill should be passed or not.

“

It’s hard for us to accept this because we talk of the sacredness of married life.

Marriage is universally accepted as an exclusive one-man-one-woman relationship,” said Dr. Sylvia Flores, director of the Dumaguete Cathedral Credit Cooperative (DCCCO), a Roman Catholic-initiated organization.

Dr. Flores said divorce will strongly impact on the Filipino family life particularly the children, and it will not be in a positive way.

“What will happen to the children if their parents find other spouses?” she asked.

Echoing Dr. Flores’ sentiments on divorce was George Gilvero who represented the Couples for Christ (CFC) organization during the forum.

“If this will be passed into law, it will destroy the family. It’s good for other

countries but not for the Philippines,” he said.

He added: “We at the CFC are praying that this divorce bill will not be passed.”

Both Flores and Gilvero were among the speakers in Wednesday’s Kapihan forum held to mark this month’s Family Week celebration.

The bill authored by Party List Rep. Luz Ilagan and Rep. Emmie de Jesus to be named “An Act Introducing Divorce in the Philippines,” provides the divorce option for those who have been separated for five years and legally separated for two years.

Psychologist and local chapter executive manager of the Philippine Mental Health Association (PMHA) Aurora Flores said the bill should be passed as it is a better alternative than annulment which is granted in the Philippines.

“In my understanding, the only difference

between divorce and annulment is alimony. In divorce, the man is obligated to give financial support for the children while in annulment, there is none. This is ironic,” she said.

The PMHA manager’s stand on the issue is drawn from years of conducting psychological evaluation for couples seeking annulment, which is one of the services offered

by PMHA. “We evaluate them to determine if these two persons are really incompatible psychologically and emotionally. Our report will be the basis for the court to grant the annulment or not,” she explained.

Flores said that for married couples who fight regularly, divorce or annulment is the last recourse. “To me personally, I prefer divorce because it offers alimony while with annulment, you get nothing,” she said. (RMN/PIA Negros Oriental)

CENTRAL VISAYAS

5

DOST’s ‘Juan Time’ now in Siquijor Philippine Tarsier ((Carlito Carlito syrichta syrichta)) - is is commonly commonly be be found found in in the the island island of of Bohol Bohol

By Rizalie A. Calibo

SIQUIJOR, Oct 1 (PIA) -- “Juan Time,” in the province with the installation of Center (PSTC) in Siquijor, Siqujor.

OST-Siquijor provincial Director Mario de la Pena said PST was set-up in only two provinces in Region VII. The first was installed in Cebu earlier last month and in Siqujor on September 25, 2012.

The PST, he said is set via DOST-PAGASA’s timing system that consists of rubidium atomic clock, Global Positioning System receiver, time interval counter, distribution amplifier, and a computer.

The system automatically calculates its time difference with every satellite within its antenna’s field of view. The PST is available

D

a campaign that aims to promote time-consciousness among Filipinos is now the Philippine Standard Time (PST) at the Provincial Science and Technology online at the DOST-PAGASA website.

In its statement earlier, DOST Sec. Mario Montejo said PST, the country’s official time, sets only one common time in the archipelago’s more than 7,100 islands.

Dubbed “Juan Time”, DOST’s campaign aims to promote the nationwide use of the PST (hence “Juan Time”, a word play on “One Time” and “Juan” being the common name for Filipinos) and sync timepieces with the PST. “Time is a resource that is very important but often overlooked,” said DOST Secretary Mario G. Montejo. “Other than its social and

economic value, time is something that can unite us as Filipinos.”

“Juan Time reminds Filipinos that keeping to the PST avoids the difficulties of having confusing, unsynchronized time,” Montejo added.

Established decades ago, the PST is set by DOST’s Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA), the country’s official timekeeper since 1978 as mandated by Section 6 of Batas Pambansa Blg. 8. (mbcn/RACalibo/PIA-Siquijor with dost-pagasa reports)

Infocar on Magna Carta of Women reaches Siquijor

By Rizalie A. Calibo LARENA, Siquijor, Oct 1 (PIA) -- The information caravan for the advocacy of RA 9710 or the Magna Carta of Women (MCW) reached Siquijor when the Philippine Commission on Women (PCW) conducted on September 27 the 2nd of the series of information caravans scheduled in six identified provinces in the country.

P

CW technical officer Anette Baleda in her overview on the salient features of the law said, the first was conducted in Northern Samar.

The information caravan aims to bring the law closer to the hearts of women and key provincial implementers in the province.

The Magna Carta of Women, she added is a comprehensive women’s rights law enacted in 2009 that mandates the State to institute affirmative action measures.

These include empowerment of women within the Civil Service to achieve a fifty-fifty (50-50) gender balance especially at the top levels of leadership and at least forty percent women membership in all development councils from the regional, provincial, city, municipal, and barangay levels.

The law also assures representation of women’s groups in international, national, and local special and decision-making bodies, including participation of grassroots women leaders in decision and policy-making bodies in their respective sectors.

The Magna Carta of Women also provides for specific women’s rights to comprehensive health services, education and scholarships, agriculture, fisheries, shelter, decent work, equal treatment before the law, protection in times of disaster and calamities or other crisis situations, participation in sports, leave benefits, equality within marriage and the family, non-discrimination in employment in the military and police, non-derogatory portrayal in media, among others, Balelda noted.

The law also mandates all local government units (LGUs) to review ordinances, policies, and programs as to their gender-responsiveness and repeal or amend those accordingly.

LGUs are also required by law to develop a gender and development (GAD) Code and establish women’s desk that will tackle cases of violence against women (VAW) in every barangay.

Other salient features included the specific roles of LGUs on protection and security in times of disasters, calamities and other crisis situations; provision of comprehensive health services, and protection of girl-children and senior

citizens.

Department of Agriarian Reform (DAR) resource person James Arsenio Ponce discussions Anti-Trafficking in Persons Act and other Violence against Women and Children (VAWC) -related Laws.

Participants including government officials were asked to write their commitments to the implementation of the Magna Carta of Women.

Heads and representatives of national/ local government agencies, local chief executives headed by Siquijor governor Orlando Fua Jr., Sangguniang Panlalawigan and Sangguniang Bayan chairpersons of the committee on women, barangay captains and women and other civic organizations attended the information caravan.

It was held at the Siquijor State College Gymnasium and facilitated by the Provincial Government of Siquijor through the Planning and Development office headed by Gladys Estrallada, also the Gender and Development (GAD) focal person in Siquijor. (mbcn/RACalibo/ PIA-Siquijor)

October 4 non-working day in Siquijor town

By Rizalie A. Calibo SIQUIJOR, Oct. 1 (PIA) -- President Benigno S. Aquino III declared October 4, a Thursday, as a special (non-working) day in the municipality of Siquijor, province of Siquijor, in celebration of the “Dilaab Festival”.

T

he Chief Executive issued the declaration through Proclamation No. 471 signed by Executive Secretary Paquito N. Ochoa Jr. on September 13 to give the people of Siquijor the full opportunity to celebrate

and participate in the occasion with appropriate ceremonies.

“Dilaab” suggests the distinct hospitality that the Siquijodnons are popularly known for. “Dilaab Festival,” which gives due recognition to the natural assets

of Siquijor, also honors the town’s patron saint, St. Francis of Assisi, who was known for his being a lover of nature. (mbcn/rac/ PIA-Siquijor & w/ reports from president.gov.ph)

6

EASTERN VISAYAS

OCD holds disaster contingency planning for E. Samar

By Alicia E. Nicart

Visayan Broadbill ((Eurylaimus Eurylaimus samarensis samarensis)) - is endemic to Eastern Visayas

BORONGAN CITY, Eastern Samar, Oct 3 (PIA) -- The Office of Civil Defense (OCD) shared its expertise and experiences in mitigating the effects of disaster to about 50 municipal and line agency representatives.

T

he three-day orientation/ workshop led by OCD Regional Director Rey Gozon expects to come up with contingency plans (CP) for each municipality, as well as for the Provincial Risk Reduction and Management Council (PDRRMC). In his opening statement, Gozom let the participants understand the different challenges that pose hazard to the country, thus the need for a CP. Among the challenges are climate change, poverty, the fast-growing population and urbanization on top of the country’s

geographical location, it being within the ring of fire as in other neighboring countries. He added that there are also some emerging global concerns, like vis-à-vis terrorism and Avian-Influenza.

In Region 8, he said the most common geographical hazards are landslides, particularly in the Leyte provinces, as well as flash floods which may be generated by either earthquakes or incessant heavy rains.

It being a coastal area, it may not be spared by earthquake-generated tsunamis as well as landslides and flash floods due

to liquefied mountains as a result of continuous rains, Gozom said.

He said CPs must be written ASAP in all levels of local government units, with corresponding response capabilities and definitely, these CPs should have a dry run or drill in order to mitigate possible effects of impending hazards of identified common disaster.

After the series of workshops, real contingency plans of each group/sector is expected to be presented in the plenary tomorrow before the closing program.

(PIA-Eastern Samar)

PNP-8 chief awards outstanding cops in Biliran

By Rodrigo S. Victoria NAVAL, Biliran, Oct 2 (PIA) -- The top official of the Philippine National Police (PNP) in Eastern Visayas awarded medals to deserving police officers of the Biliran Provincial Police Office (BPPO).

P

olice Chief Supt. Elmer Ragadio Soria, regional director of PNP-8, pinned the Medalya ng Papuri on Police Chief Insp. Roderico S. Lepasana, chief of police of Naval Police Station, for his achievement in the arrest of persons involved in the alleged illegal drug trade in the municipality of Naval.

Soria also pinned the Medalya ng Paglilingkod on SPO2 Baltazar F. Delearna from Culaba Police Station, SPO1 Teodoro N. Penaflor from Caibiran Police Station, and PO2 Reynaldo P. Lopera from

Kawayan Police Station for serving the PNP for 30 years.

The awarding of medals to outstanding BPPO cops was held today, October 2, in a simple ceremony at the BPPO headquarters in Barangay Larrazabal, Naval Biliran.

The awarding of the four BPPO cops was the highlight of the command visit of the PNP-8 chief in the BPPO. Soria also said in an interview that PNP recognizes police officers in Region 8, who have made significant contributions in

the implementation of the different programs of the organization.

“This is one way of raising the morale of police officers,” Soria said as he emphasized that this will further encourage them to perform their best in their jobs.

He added that they usually give medals to deserving police officers during flag raising ceremony held every Monday at the PNP-8 regional office. (PIA-8)

North Samar DTI reminds motorists to register their helmets to avoid penalty

By Ailene N. Diaz CATARMAN, Northern Samar, Oct 2 (PIA) -- For the safety of motorists, the Congress enacted Republic Act 10054 or Motorcycle Act of 2009, an act mandating all motorcycle riders to wear standard protective motorcycle helmets while driving.

I

n a statement, DTI-Northern Samar Provincial Office said that based on DOTC-DTI Joint Administrative Order No. 1:2011, the DTI Provincial Office will continue to inspect helmets used by the motorists and those sold in the local market all over the province.

The Standards/Authorized officer of DTI will evaluate the condition of helmets based on the following: complete, there should be no damage in the safety parts such as chin strap, hard outer shell, protective and comfort padding; no dents, deformation, cracks or breakage; not painted, posted with stickers, and other solvent; and the brand name is still visible.

Based on the evaluation, DTI Provincial Dir. Stanley Tabiando said that those who

comply with the standards will be provided with Import Commodity Clearance (ICC) sticker.

Free inspection and distribution of ICC stickers will be until December 31, 2012.

By January 1, 2012, full implementation of the law will be in place and motorists who will use sub-standard helmets or those without PS mark or ICC stickers will be penalized, Tabiando said.

Any person caught not wearing standard protective helmet will be punished with a fine of P1,500 for the first offense; P3,000 for the second offense; P5,000 for the third offense; and P10,000 and confiscation of driver’s license for the fourth and succeeding offenses.

Likewise, Tabiando said, any seller and or dealer found selling motorcycle helmets

without the PS or ICC mark will be punished with a fine of not less than P10,000 but not more than P20,000.

DTI Northern Samar Provincial Office is urging motorists to go to their office the earliest time and not to wait for the deadline to avoid hassle of waiting and long queues.

To get an ICC sticker, DTI asked motorists to bring the helmet and a photocopy of driver’s license to their office.

DTI through the Bureau of Product Standards is mandated to use the United Nations Economic Commission for Europe Protocols as basis for specifications in the approval and disapproval of motorcycle helmets sold in the Philippines. (PIA-Northern Samar)

EASTERN VISAYAS

Visayan Broadbill ((Eurylaimus Eurylaimus samarensis samarensis)) - is endemic to Eastern Visayas

7

Samar women recognized for peace efforts

CATBALOGAN CITY, Samar, Oct 2 (PIA) -- Samar women were given recognition for their efforts to keep peace in the towns of San Jorge, Matuginao, and San Jose de Buan.

D

uring the two-day seminar-workshop on women, p e a ce , an d s e c u r it y a t Caluwayan Palm Beach Resort, Brgy.

Caluwayan, Marabut, Samar last September 24-25, concerns on women surfaced.

The women were not necessarily given awards but speaker Jasmine Nario-Galace, We Act 1325 national coordinator and the overall facilitator, recognized the undervalued and underutilized contributions women in conflict prevention, peacekeeping, conflict resolution, and peace-building. She

stressed on the importance of women’s equal and full participation as active agents in peace and security.

Galace also enjoined LGUs to address disproportionate and unique impact of armed conflict on women.

“Women are active agents in peace and security,” she said.

The event was organized by the Women Engaged in Action 1325, a coalition of women organizations and civil society groups working on women, peace and security issues in the country together with the local partner Katungod han Samarena Foundation in partnership with

the Office of the Presidential Adviser on the Peace Process. The workshop pushed for the implementation and localization of Philippine National Action Plan on United Nations Security Council Resolutions 1325 and 1820 to the three conflict affected municipalities.

Given priority too are Integrating the Philippine National Action Plan on 1325 in the work of the Sangguniang Bayan; Legislating National Action Plan on UNSCR 1325; and the Local Development Planning Cycle. (PIA-Samar with Gene Orense 8th ID PAO)

Lamiraw creative writing workshop fellows named Neil D. Lopido TACLOBAN CITY, Leyte, Oct 1 (PIA) -- The Selection Committee of the Ninth Lamiraw Creative Writing Workshop (LCWW) named 19 fellows who will take part in this year’s literary activity on November 6-9 at the Northwest Samar State University in Calbayog City, Samar.

A

ccording to Phil Harold L. Mercurio, chair of the selection committee, the writing fellows from Northern Samar are: Michael Pecayo (Lapinig, Northern Samar/University of Eastern Philippines); Rhoan Lucero-Orebia (San Antonio, Northern Samar/UP Tacloban College); Corazon Castillo (Capul, Northern Samar/UEP/ Central 1 Elementary) and Leonila Salazar (Capul, Northern Samar/UEP/Central 1 Elementary).

Eastern Samar writing fellows are: Medora Nimfa Quirante (Borongan City, Eastern Samar/UP Cebu); Jessie Pomida (Dolores, Eastern Samar/ Leyte Normal University) and Adrian Barbo (Balangkayan, Eastern Samar/Eastern Samar State University).

Samar fellows are: Zarex Labro (Calbayog City/ Christ the King College/City Arts & Culture Office); Patrick Sumampong (Calbayog City/ Northwest Samar State University) and Luzcelda Luna (Calbayog City/Northwest Samar State University). Fellows from Northern Leyte include: Colin Tupaz (Dulag Leyte/Leyte Normal

University); Kenneth Alvin Cinco (Tacloban City/ Leyte Normal University); Firie Jill Ramos (Tacloban City/UP Tacloban) and Dave Rondina (Capoocan, Leyte/Eastern Visayas State University).

Two more fellows, Michael Tantoy from Southern Leyte (Maasin City/St. Joseph College) and Jenny Genoguin from Biliran (Naval State University/Naval, Biliran) are included in the shortlist.

Moreover, the writing fellows from outside Region 8 are as follows: Roy Aragon from the Ilocos Region (Dupax del Norte, Nueva Viscaya/ St. Paul University); Vicente Raras from the Cordillera Region (Camalaniugan, Cagayan/ University of the Cordilleras) and Irmina Torres from the Bicol Region (Cadlan, Pili, Camarines Sur/Ateneo de Naga).

The above-named fellows who qualified for the writing workshop will be given a proportionate travel allowance as well as board and lodging.

LCWW is a multilingual creative writing workshop which fosters inter-regional writers’ exchange. It aims at cultivating and preserving regional languages, especially minority languages that are unrepresented and underserved.

This year’s panelists are Elizabeth Raquel (GUMIL Filipinas/NCLA Coordinator-Ilocos Region), Carlos Arejola (Kabulig Bikol Writers Association/NCLA Coordinator-Bicol Region), Phil Harold L. Mercurio (Katig-CALAO-ALAG Writers Inc./NCLA Coordinator-Eastern Visayas), Jerry Gracio (Katig Writers Network Inc.), Dante Rosales (CALAO Writers Inc.), Prof. Merlie M. Alunan and Dr. Victor N. Sugbo (UP Tacloban), Dr. David A. Genotiva (EVSU) and Dr. Priscilla Macansantos (UP Baguio/NCLA Chair) who is also the keynote speaker.

LCWW is jointly funded by the National Commission for Culture and the Arts (NCCA) and Northwest Samar State University (NwSSU).

(PIA-8/Lamiraw)

EU turns over P400,000 post harvest facility to St.Bernard farmers

By Erna S. Gorne MAASIN CITY, Southern Leyte, Oct 3 (PIA) -- The European Commission’s Humanitarian Aid department (ECHO) turned over a post harvest facility to the farmers of St. Bernard to complement the capability-building activities in its disaster preparedness program.

E

CHO, through its disaster preparedness program, also provided livelihood activities to be undertaken in relatively safe locations so that the stakeholders are protected during disaster events, European Union Ambassador Guy Ledoux said during the turn over ceremony of the Post Harvest Facility, locally known as Barangay Food Terminal “Bagsakan” in St. Bernard.

The mentioned facility worth P400,000 will serve as the trading center of the agricultural products of the farmers coming from the different barangays of the local government unit of St.

Bernard, according to Municipal Mayor Rico Rentuza, who accompanied the EU Delegation during the said turn over ceremony.

Mayor Rentuza said the LGU will facilitate for the wholesale trading of agricultural products from the farmers to the local retailers to include buyers from other towns like Ormoc and Manila. The February 2006 landslide experience in St. Bernard became an opportunity for the local farmers to improve its condition in farming as they produce different agricultural products such as mango, water melons, root crops, pineapples, varieties of pechay, eggplants, among others.

While the most recent product is the Peking Duck propagated in the locality where buyers of the most favorite Chinese food came all the way from Ormoc and Manila, Rentuza said.

Though the “Bagsakan” have three units of freezers but there is still the need for the entire area to be cooler in order for the agricultural products to stay fresh and profitable, he said.

He also noted that the post harvest facility is a joint undertaking of the local government units, GIZ and CARE NL through the European Aid and the Department of Agriculture, he added. (PIASoLeyte)

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