One Visayas e-Newsletter Vol. 2 Issue 42

Vol 2

Issue 42

In this Issue WESTERN VISAYAS

The Tinolabong Dance Group of Barangay Ingore Day Care Center in Lapaz District performs during the first Regional level Search for Exemplary Pantawid Pamilya Children held at the Iloilo Grand Hotel, October 15. The activity was part of the October National Children’s Month celebration in Western Visayas. (LAF/PIA6)

More on Region 6, pages 2-3.

Also CLICK Here…

CENTRAL VISAYAS

A beaming Tony Lacorte Ehera (5th from left) of Mabinay town holds his trophy after his dish "Chicken Pork with Lemon Grass" won first prize during the Buglasan Festival 7th Lutong Garbo cookfest held Oct. 13, 2012 at Sidlakang Negros Village, Dumaguete City.

Behind Ehera are the members of the Provincial Tourism Council who spearheads the annual contest to mark the Buglasan Festival celebration. (RMN/PIA NEGOR)

More on Region 7, pages 4-5.

Also CLICK Here…

EASTERN VISAYAS

October 15 — 21, 2012

Published by: PIA 6, 7 & 8

MCC-funded road project in Samar starts Oct 18 GOVERNMENT CENTER, Palo, Leyte, Oct 19 (PIA) -- The much-awaited actual construction works for Millennium Challenge Corporation (MCC)-funded Secondary National Roads Development Project (SNRDP) in Samar officially kicked off with a groundbreaking ceremony last October 18.

This was learned from Tonette Lim, Department of Public Works and Highways Region 8 information officer, in a phone patch interview with the Philippine Information Agency.

Lim said gracing the groundbreaking activity were MCC Chief Executive Officer Daniel W. Yohannes; MCA-Philippines Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer Maria Victoria E. Añonuevo; SNRDP Director Rodolfo Arias of MCA-Philippines; DPWH Region 8 Director Rolando Asis; and local government officials led by Eastern Samar Governor Conrado Nicart Jr. and Congressman Ben Evardone. DPWH Undersecretary Rafael C. Yabut represented Secretary Singson, Lim added.

The groundbreaking was for Contract Package 3 which calls for the rehabilitation of a 64.58 kilometer (km) road and the replacement of six bridges from the San Julian and Sulat municipal boundary up to the Balangkayan/Llorente municipal boundary in Eastern Samar. The project is expected to be completed within 36 months.

Funds for the implementation of SNRDP project will be drawn from the Millennium Challenge Account (MCA), a grant given by the United States to the Philippines that qualified to receive by meeting goals set by the foreign aid agency Millennium Challenge Corporation (MCC).

SNRDP involves the rehabilitation of the 222-km Wright-Taft-Borongan-Guiuan road network with the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) as implementing agency.

The road project is divided into four contract packages, with contract package 3 covering the towns of Julian, Maydolong and Balangkayan and Borongan City in Eastern Samar first to take off with a completed project engineering design and concluded bidding process.

The collaborative effort of DPWH together with MCA-Philippines and project management and construction supervision consultant Katahira Engineers International, will ensure that the project be completed of high engineering standards and on time before the six -year term of the President Benigno S. Aquino III administration ends in 2016. (PIA-8)

Project Map courtesy of Millennium Challenge Account—Philippines

1,800 tourists on Royal Carribean liner to visit Boracay

By Vicente W. Villavert ILOILO CITY, Oct 18 (PIA) -- The world-renowned Boracay Island in Western Visayas will be visited by around 1,800 foreign tourists aboard the Royal Caribbean Legend of the Seas Cruise ship on October 27.

This is the first time that Region 6 will be visited by the Royal Caribbean cruise ship and, “There are only two ports of calls in the Philippines, the Port of Manila and Boracay in Aklan province," Director Helen J. Catalbas of the Department of Tourism (DOT-6) said.

The Royal Carribean cruise ship will drop anchor in an area near Boracay Island and its passengers will be transported through pontoon.

“Pontoon is some kind of a floating device or bridge where the tourists will pass through to the wharf,” said Catalbas as she pointed out that from that

point tourists will be ushered to their respective interests of activities in Boracay, such as boating, surfing, visiting local restaurants, shopping and many others.

The tourists will only have three hours to enjoy the fun and beauty of the region’s paradise island and then they will be off for other Asian countries.

Building a pontoon is “quite an expensive investment on the part of the provincial government, but since Boracay is included in the ports of call for the foreign cruise ships therefore it is worth an investment,” the DOT-6 director said.

Boracay’s visitor arrivals from January to September 2012 were recorded at 999,985, Catalbas said as she expressed the people of Aklan’s excitement in relation to the arrival of the Royal Caribbean cruise ship. (JCM/VWV-PIA6 Iloilo)

Cebu town intensifies Greening PH Program

Leyte vice governor Mimiette Bagulay (3rd from left) led regional and provincial officials and business leaders in the ceremonial cutting of the ribbon during the opening of the Agri, Aqua, Trade and Technology Fair in line with the 68th Leyte Gulf Landings anniversary held at the Jamboree Camp Site, Candahug, Palo Leyte. (Raul S. Tiozon/PIA-8)

More on Region 8, pages 6-7.

Also CLICK Here...

By Amorganda A. Saludar CEBU CITY October 10 (PIA) -- San Remegio town in the northern part of Cebu has doubled its effort in the implementation of the Greening Philippines program, which supports the government's National Greening Program.

Around 1,928 participants composed of municipal officials, employees, barangay leaders, the academe, and local police personnel joined the tree planting activity undertaken by the Cebu Provincial government through its Expanded Greening and Wholesome Environment that Nurtures (EGwen) Program.

San Remegio Mayor Jay Olivar together with its municipal employees organized a 3-kilometer Run 2 Plant from the Municipal Building to its planting site to mark the tree planting activity.

San Remegio has a 3.50 has. land parcel at Barangay Kayam utilized as a tree planting site where various types of seedlings were planted mostly composed of Tugas, Mahogany, Nymph tree, Gemelina, Bagtikan, and a range of fruit trees.

Municipal Information officer Venicio Dajuya said that “due to the activity, the town was able to plant 17, 830 seedlings composed of various tree species and fruit trees of various types.”

“Aside from the tree planting in Barangay Kayam, the 27 barangays of San Remegio, the academe, and the PNP personnel also joined the synchronize Run 2 Plant activities province wide,” Dajuya declared.

As of June 2012, San Remegio was able to utilize 10.703 has. of land planted with various types of tree species and fruit trees. (FCR/AYS/PIA-7, CEBU)

WESTERN VISAYAS

2 Peace skills

advocates

enhance

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

By Jemin B. Guillermo

ROXAS CITY, Capiz, Oct 17 (PIA) -- Thirty-six civil military operations officers from Visayas and Mindanao underwent a seminar to enhance their advocacy skills towards winning the peace in the countryside.

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f the total participants to the two-day seminar-workshop at the Third Infantry Division’s headquarters in Jamindan, Capiz, 34 of them came from Regions 6 and 7 while the two others were from the 15th Infantry Battalion in Lanao del Norte, Public Affairs Office Head Enrico Gil Ileto of the 3ID of the Philippine Army said.

The activity, which was participated in by the army’s public information officers and non-commissioned officers, aims to strengthen the government force’s

transparency, accountability and messaging for peace, Ileto said.

The CMO summit was likewise attended by media practitioners from Capiz, Bacolod City and Iloilo.

3ID Commanding General Jose Mabanta Jr. thanked the inputs of media practitioners, particularly on topics on broadcast, print and television that could help the civil military operations officers in enhancing their capabilities in delivering the right information to the public. Mabanta said that information work for

the Philippine Army is a challenging and fulfilling work.

He also urged media practitioners to help the government in spreading the good news to achieve lasting peace in the countryside.

Mabanta also said they are happy with the development with the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) which signals the government’s sincerity to peace with the Communist Part of the Philippines, New People’s Army (NPA) and the National Democratic Front. (JCM/JBG-PIA6 Capiz)

Antique Church-Military group to foster spirit of ‘Bayanihan’

By Margie L. Gadian SAN JOSE, Antique, Oct 17 (PIA) -- A church-military advisory group in antique was organized recently to forge a stronger and harmonious working relationship between the two institutions with the end view of serving the people in the true spirit of “Bayanihan”.

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nitiated by the 301st Infantry Brigade under the leadership of Col. Arnold M. Quiapo, the body hopes to promote and respect human dignity and achieve sustained peace and development in Antique.

It is not only about fighting that the army does but also giving peace and development a chance to flourish in the countryside, Quiapo said. This initiative is a paradigm shift from the old military where the concern was mostly in fighting

the rebels and anyone who puts at risks the security of the state towards a more community-friendly Armed Forces of the Philippines, with high social consciousness and with high moral values as part of their transformation roadmap according to the group. The group also agreed to strengthen their partnership by engaging in activities such as medical mission, environmental protection, sports and educational lectures, which will help, especially the men in uniform, to understand the

different programs and activities undertaken by the non-government organizations (NGO) to ease poverty, improve the living condition of the people and protect the environment and natural resources of our province.

A memorandum of understanding (MOU) will be signed by the two parties in consideration of premises such as communication, grievances, fact-finding mission and membership. (JCM/MLG-PIA6 Antique)

Sagay City bags tourism awards

By Lorenzo O. Lambatin Jr. SAGAY CITY, Oct 16 (PIA) -- Sagay City has won three awards from the Association of Tourism Officers of the Philippines and Department of Tourism Pearl Best Tourism Practices Award 2012 (ATOP-DOT) during the 13th ATOP National Convention in Dakak, Dapitan, Zamboanga del Norte.

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he city won first place for their event, “Adlaw sa Suba 2012” for the sports and wellness category, second place for the Sinigayan Festival 2011 for the festival, city category and second place for Best Tourism Week/ Month Celebration 2011.

Sagay City Mayor Leo Rafael Cueva thanked all the tourism stakeholders and the people of Sagay for their strong support and commitment in setting up the groundwork for sustainable tourism development of the city through different programs and events.

He also thanked the Sinigayan Foundation Inc. and the festival

committees for the hard work and innovation in showcasing the best of the city, promoting bio-diversity conservation and the love for the environment and development of food security among others.

“This year during the Adlaw sa Suba, we have planted more than 10,000 tree seedlings with 3,000 volunteers from all walks of life, released 2,000 tilapia fingerlings into the river, staged a locally conceptualized sports relay challenge and mini races participated by the residents.

The event aims to raise the awareness of promoting the love and appreciation of Himoga-an River,” Cueva said.

“Our tourism month revolves around our guiding principle, ‘tourism enriches, protects and helps build our communities,” City Councilor and Tourism Chairperson Matthew Victor Gamboa said.

The Diliman Preparatory School (DPS) also co-presented the awards and facilitated the judging process with Kenneth Benignos as the chairperson of the awards committees.

There were 86 entries in different categories and 42 qualified as finalists. (Sagay City PIO/JCM/LOL-PIA6)

WESTERN VISAYAS Iloilo town transparency Visayan spotted dear ((Rusa Rusa alfredi alfredi)) - can only be found in the islands of Panay and Negros

3

practices

online

financial

By Elsa S. Subong

ILOILO CITY, Oct 18 (PIA6) -- The daily expenditures, allocations and other financial transactions, are just a click away in Anilao, a fourth class municipality in Iloilo.

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ny local official or the ordinary citizen can just go and inquire about finances of the municipality and in real time, the figures flash before him on the huge computer monitor at the town’s Banaag (Light) Center.

When the lady mayor wants to immediately know the status of funds for her to allocate to some projects, she can have the figures at hand, without leafing through voluminous papers. Mayor Ma. Teresa Debuque, who is also President of

the League of Municipal Mayors-Iloilo, said she always wants a correct guide on how to fit the small budget of the local government unit, which is about P44 million now.

This is how the town’s Financial Management Information System (FMIS) works for good, according to Emerson Franco, Anilao’s Tourism Officer, who also said, they intend this to be a tourism feature. “We have this Banaag Center as a drop in center near the bus stop, where

visitors and tourists readily go and seek information about our town,” Franco said. The FMIS was designed and programmed by an accountant, Ms. Gemma Dumapig, and directly attached to the Municipal Treasurer’s Office.

The system does not only reveal financial transactions but also contains demographic, socio-economic, geographic and baseline data and directory of the town and all its barangays. (JCM/ESS/ PIA-Iloilo)

BIR-Aklan achieves tax collection goal before year-end

By Venus G. Villanueva KALIBO, Aklan, Oct 16 (PIA) -- The Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR) in Aklan has already achieved its annual target collection of P913,028,000 three months before the year ends and has collected millions in excess.

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s of September of this year, the tax collection agency in the province has already collected P935,853,945.08, exceeding this year’s goal by 2.50 percent, BIR-Aklan Revenue District Officer Ricardo J. Osorio said.

Translated to figures, BIR-Aklan’s excess collections against the annual goal amounted to P22,825,945.08, BIR-Aklan records said.

Saying this year’s tax collection performance of BIR-Aklan is unprecedented, Osorio also expressed optimism that by year-end, they could collect a billion in taxes in the province.

“We can see that we only need to collect P64.2 million during the rest of the

year for our revenues here to reach a billion,” Osorio said.

Osorio attributed BIR-Aklan’s efficient tax collection performance due to the help of the tri-media in the province with their campaign, the heightened awareness of taxpayers in paying correct taxes, their “Oplan Kandado” program and the imparted message of BIR Commissioner Kim Henares to the public to pay their taxes promptly and honestly.

With the almost a billion tax collection goal given to them by the BIR this year and the efficient performance BIR has accomplished this early, Osorio is anticipating that next year, their tax collection goal could be placed at a billion already.

Latest information provided by the BIR showed that for September 2012, the revenue district here was able to collect P131,197,836.27, which is 132.38 percent higher than what was collected during the same month in 2011, which was P56,457,738.13.

Last month’s collection goal was placed at P65,023,000 against P131,197,836.27 actually collected or an excess of 101.77 percent or P66,174,836.27 when translated to actual figures.

Osorio said their agency aims to maintain their record of positively achieving their monthly tax collection goals from January to September of this year. (JCM/ VGV-PIA6 Aklan)

Antiqueño wins Pantawid kids search, will represent WVisayas

By Lilibeth A. French ILOILO CITY, Oct 16 (PIA) -- An Antiqueño bested other provincial bets in the first Regional Level Search for Exemplary Pantawid Pamilya Children on October 15 and is set to represent Western Visayas at the national level on October 30.

“

Lipay gid ako, isa dya ka bahol nga oportunidad para sa isa ka simple nga bata parehos kanakon. Magabulig dya dara dungog sa amon banwa hay ginarepresent ko ang mga kabataan kang Pantawid Pamilya kang Antique. (I am happy. This is a big opportunity for a simple child like me.

This will help bring honor to our town because I represent the children of the Pantawid Pamilya in Antique),” 14-year -old Diether Montero said in local dialect.

Honor student and talented Montero was unanimously chosen by the judges when he impressed them with his wit during the question and answer portion of the regional search. He bested Christine Adlong of Cauayan, Negros Occidental

who was adjudged second; Charmae Nadua of Madalag, Aklan, third; Oriel Obuyes of Sapian, Capiz and Shen Fei May Gonzaga of Sara, Iloilo, fourth; and Wency Jane Gabayoyo of San Lorenzo, Guimaras, fifth.

They were judged according to their behavior and practice, 35 percent; intelligence, 35 percent; community and school participation, 20 percent; and talent, 10 percent.

The search was launched to recognize exemplary Pantawid Pamilya children who serve as excellent examples in their households, schools and communities, Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD-6) Assistant Regional Director Joel Galicia said.

It also intends to encourage exemplary compliance of children which exceeds the conditions set by the Pantawid Pamilya, one of the social protection programs being implemented by the DSWD under the Aquino administration.

Western Visayas now has 253,889 household-beneficiaries under the Pantawid Pamilya program.

The Montero family was among the first batch of the household enrollees in the region and receives a cash grant of P1,400 monthly intended to improve the health, nutrition and education of Diether and his two other siblings who qualified in the program. (JCM/LAF-PIA6)

CENTRAL VISAYAS

4 BFP-7 organizes firefighters' kids

fire

prevention

skills

for Philippine Tarsier ((Carlito Carlito syrichta syrichta)) - is is

By Amorganda A. Saludar

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

CEBU CITY Oct 14 (PIA) -- The Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP-7) in the region is set to conduct an out camp on basic fire prevention skills for the children of firefighters in the region.

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he out camp for firefighters' kids on Oct. 13-14 at Cordova, Cebu will be facilitated by experts in fire prevention and protection based in Cebu.

BFP-7 information officer Inspector Michelle Castro said the out camp includes fire and emergency drills, basic safety tips and prevention, games, and other leisure activities intended for kids to

have fun while gaining knowledge on basic fire prevention and safety.

She said the out camp will benefit the children since it is important for them to gain knowledge on fire prevention at an early age.

Castro added the BFP plans to eventually hold a similar activity for other children from nursery to grade schools.

To date, there are 120 kids listed to participate in the out camp.

Also this week, at least 100 firefighters in the region including officials and non- commission officers will undergo training on proper handling of hazardous materials. (mbcn/AYS/PIACebu)

AUDIO-Bohol hosts 20th RADIO-7 Convention

By Elvira C. Bongosia TAGBILARAN CITY, Bohol, Oct 12 (PIA) -- The Association of United Development Information Officers in Bohol (AUDIO-Bohol) with the Philippine Information Agency (PIA-7) will host the 20th Regional consultative conference of the Regional Association of Development Information Officers (RADIO-7) on October 24-26, 2012 at the Bohol Tropics Resort in Tagbilaran City. bout a hundred Information P r e s i d e n t i a l C o m m u n i c a t i o n s region’s information officers. On October Officers (IOs) in Region VII are Operation Office (PCOO) Secretary 25, SMART Communications will give a expected to participate in the Herminio “Sonny” Coloma will be the lecture on Internet Broadcast and Video RADIO-7 regional consultative conference guest speaker and he will discuss on Streaming and Social Media and Effective with the theme: “Information Officers and Communication for Development/Open Use of Social Media and Infoboard for the New Media”.

Government Partnership a n d Development Communication.

This year’s convention aims to enable Accountabilities.

RADIO-7 is a federation of all the IOs to know the importance of new PIA-7 Regional Director Minerva government information officers in the media and social networking in providing Newman will present to the IOs the towns, cities and provinces of Cebu, more public access of government’s End-to-end Early Warning Communication Bohol, Negros Oriental and Siquijor in information on its programs, projects and System in the afternoon.

Central Visayas. accomplishments of their respective The election of officers and Board of It is composed of the Cebu localities.

Directors (BOD) for RADIO-7 will Association of City and Municipal Public This is also in line with the Aquino immediately follow after the presentations Information Officers (CAOCAMPIO) of administration’s philosophy of governance during the first day.

Cebu; Association of United Development to engage people in continuing Induction of the new RADIO-7 Information Officers (AUDIO) of Bohol; conversation and extensive consultations. officers and Board of Directors will be in Association of Negros Oriental Public Bohol Governor Edgar M. Chatto will the evening of October 24 with 1st Information Officers (ANOPIO) of deliver his welcome messages and will District Rep. Rene Relampagos as Negros Oriental; and the Siquijor host a lunch for the delegates on the inducting officer. He will also host the Association of Information Disseminators opening day. welcome dinner and fellowship for the (SAID). (mbcn/ECB/PIA-Bohol)

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Cebu students produce ‘Saving Mother Earth’ video

By Amorganda A. Saludar CEBU, Oct 13 (PIA) -- Ten high school students from San Remegio National High school in Cebu produced a movie titled “Saving Mother Earth” that highlighted solid waste management and tree planting as their exchange project under the Global Connection and Exchange (GCE) Program tie up with the United States.

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ommunity eCenter Manager Romarico Cabellon said these students were the first batch of trainees under the GCE program.

The GCE Program is a joint project of the Philippine Community Center eCenter Network, National Computer Center and the International Research Board.

Cabellon added that the GCE is funded by the US Department of State and was launched in the Philippines in

December 2011 with 14 pilots Community eCenters chosen nationwide.

The training program includes topics about Global Youth Service Day (GYSD) that involves youth in addressing Global Warming; information and communication technology and leadership training.

“Saving Mother Earth” is a video of a tree planting activity in San Remegio, which the students presented to their counterparts in the U.S.

Highlight of the video is the solid waste and environmental management of the town and this was already uploaded at the GCE website and can be accessed worldwide.

Trained GCE teacher from San Remegio National High School Norman Fernandez assisted the students in making the “Saving Mother Earth” video. (mbcn/ AYS/PIA- Cebu)

CENTRAL VISAYAS

Philippine Tarsier ((Carlito Carlito syrichta syrichta)) - is is commonly commonly be be found found in in the the island island of of Bohol Bohol

RDC7 endorses NegOr Palarong Pambansa

5 bid

to

host

2013

By Jennifer C. Tilos DUMAGUETE CITY, Oct 12 (PIA) -- The Regional Development Council (RDC7) in Central Visayas has endorsed the Negros Oriental bid to host the 2013 Palarong Pambansa.

UMAGUETE CITY, Oct 12 (PIA) (PDC), Degamo stated that the event will of hosting a multi-sports event --The Regional Development contribute to boost tourism, sports and competition.

Council (RDC7) in Central other socio-economic development Meanwhile, in the same meeting, RDC Visayas has endorsed the Negros Oriental in region 7 particularly Negros Oriental.

-7 also supported the establishment of bid to host the 2013 Palarong Pambansa.

It is noted that the three provinces of three-unit truck-mounted mobile water In its 3rd quarter meeting in Central Visayas also nominate and purification system for Negros Oriental.

Dumaguete City, Provincial Governor endorse Negros Oriental having adequate The mobile water system project Roel Degamo requested the RDC to facilities and resources to host the Palaro. costing P4,250,000 will be stationed at the support Negros Oriental’s bid to host the Early this year, the province had strategic areas of the three congressional national games next year. In a resolution hosted the 2012 POC-PSC National districts of the province. (mbcn/JCT/PIApassed by Provincial Development Council Games to validate the province’s capability Negros Oriental)

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NegOr disaster council allots P3M to fix hyperbaric chamber

By Jennifer C. Tilos DUMAGUETE CITY, Oct 10 (PIA) -- The Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction Council (PDRRMC) in Negros Oriental has approved a resolution to set aside P3 million for the restoration and rehabilitation of the hyperbaric decompression chamber.

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n a PDRRMC meeting, Provincial Tourism Officer Myla Abellana said there was a need to rehabilitate the hyperbaric chamber which was initially used as a life-saving tool to treat deep sea diving related illnesses.

The P3-million fund allocation will be used for the purchase of hyperbaric accessories such as compressor, oxygen concentrator, among others including the training of the medical staff to operate the chamber.

Abellana said the hyperbaric was acquired six years ago but lacks the

necessary component-parts that will make it fully operational.

Hence, a funding allocation was initially requested to previous administrations but unfortunately, the two governors passed away.

For now, the provincial government of Negros Oriental in cooperation with the private sectors is eagerly collaborating to own a hyperbaric decompression in the province knowing its diving and non-diving health benefits of the chamber.

The Philippine Commission on Sports Scuba Diving Commissioner Dr. Jose

Bernardo discussed the importance of hyperbaric medicine to diving and tourism as one of the most promising modern medical developments.

Dr. Michael Perez, administrator and owner of St. Patrick’s Hospital Medical Center in Batangas, cited also the use of hyperbaric medicine in tourism not only for diving diseases but can treat medical emergencies including decompression illness, carbon monoxide poisoning, and soft tissue infections such as necrotising fasciitis and gas gangrene. (mbcn/JCT/PIANegros Oriental)

Siquijor holds 1st farmer-scientist agri-business conference

By Rizalie A. Calibo SIQUIJOR (PIA) -- The Siquijor provincial government held recently the first farmer-scientist agri-business conference and workshop at the Quicksilver Conference Hall in Siquijor, Siquijor.

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articipants were selected Farmer Scientist Training Program (FSTP) -trained farmers or farmer-scientists actively engaged in the marketing of their farm products with annual incomes of more than P100,000, presidents or representatives of successful FSTP cooperatives /farmer-scientists' associations, and some officials of Agri-Business companies in Siquijor who are now in processing, packaging and marketing of farm products.

Local government units (LGUs), Municipal Agricultural Officers (MAOs) with Agricultural Tecnicians (ATs) and other guests engaged in agri-business also

attended the conference/ workshop. Program leader and 2012 Ramon Magsaysay Awardee Romulo Davide said in his overview that the First FSTP Farmer-Scientists Agri-Business Conference and workshop aims to identify suitable and appropriate FSTP farm production technologies developed by FSTP farmer-scientists in Siquijor province, processing and packaging technologies suitable for the local markets and farm-food products needed by the resorts, hotels in Siquijor.

It also seeks to develop marketing strategies for the local markets and organize a group that will be identified as

the FSTP Agri-Business Club; and discuss, among others, important related matter.

FSTP started in Siquijor in 2003 and has trained already more than a thousand farmer-scientists.

He added that to sustain and inspire more of the FSTP-trained farmers to enlarge their agri-business operation, DOST Region 7 and the University of the Philippines Los Banos (UPLB) have recently signed a Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) to provide financial and technical assistance to FSTP. The conference workshop is component of the project. (RACalibo/PIA-Siquijor)

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EASTERN VISAYAS

DENR reiterates making of charcoal from forest trees illegal

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

TACLOBAN CITY, Leyte, Oct 16 (PIA) -- The Department of Environment and Natural Resources in Eastern Visayas again underscored that cutting of upland forest trees for charcoal production is not allowed by law.

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ENR Regional Technical Director Danilo Javier of the Protected Areas, Wildlife and Coastal Zone Management Service made the stern warning upon learning that a 10-wheeler van loaded with 66 sacks of charcoal without permit was intercepted and apprehended at Barangay Pequit, Paranas, Samar on September 28.

Javier said cutting of these trees to produce the charcoal is not allowed by law, specifically the Revised Forestry Code.

In a report submitted to DENR Regional Director Manolito D. Ragub,

Park Superintendent (PASu) Angelito Villanueva said that on September 28 at 8:45 a.m., a joint Anti-Illegal Logging Operations was conducted by the combined personnel of the DENR, Provincial Environment and Natural Resources Office of Samar, Community Environment and Natural Resources Offices of Sta. Rita and Catbalogan, Samar and Cenro Dolores, Eastern Samar, together with police and soldiers.

At the DENR checkpoint in Barangay Pequit, Paranas, Samar, the team intercepted and apprehended the van loaded with sacks of charcoal without

permit in violation of Section 77 of Presidential Decree 705 as amended by Executive Order 277 and RA 7161.

Arrested during the operation was the supposed owner of the cargo and two helpers.

In the same report, Villanueva said the charcoal had an estimated market value of P16, 500.

He also said the vehicle and charcoal are under the temporary custody of the Paranas Municipal Police Station for safekeeping pending further investigation and proper disposition. (PIA-8)

'Because I am a girl' launched in East Samar

By Alicia E. Nicart BORONGAN CITY, Eastern Samar, Oct 16 (PIA) -- Led by Plan International, the local government of Hernani launched "Because I am a Girl (Biaag)" which coincided with the first International Day of the Girl.

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IAAG aims to empower girls of all ages so that they would have the assets, skills, and knowledge to succeed in life.

Done at the Pedro E. Candido Memorial National High School campus, Hernani, E. Samar, the students joined in the slogan- and poster-making contest.

During the program, a welcome message was delivered by Roseller Abletes, OIC of the Candido HS, followed

by BIAAG rationale which was explained

by Leah Payud, plan area supervisor. The local situation of girl children was

presented by Jezrel Gloria, a student of PECMNHS. In his response, Vice Mayor Cesar Tagon, thanked Plan for the support given to the community through their programs and projects where the young children are beneficiaries.

On the other hand, Roseller Abletes, welcomed this program and at the same time considered the program as a challenge to them.

The commitment sharing and signing followed. Social justice, equality of opportunities, and development impact

among the girls in the five Plan areas are the three battle cries and flagship programs of Plan. Its campaign is to fight gender inequality and lift hundreds of girls in the province out of poverty.

The launching of Biaag was simultaneously done in the other Plan areas, namely: Salcedo, Llorente, Balangkayan, and Oras. Streamers and flaglets dominated the lines which shouted messages of the rights of women and children which were anchored on the theme “ Learning for Life.�(PIA-8)

Training on documentation for biodiversity project implemeters on-going

By Ailene N. Diaz TACLOBAN City, Oct 18 (PIA) -- Implementers of the Samar Island Biodiversity Project are recipients of a three-day training on documentation in Tacloban City, October 16-18.

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he training aimed at enhancing the kills of participants on the basic technique of writing and photography for them to document case stories on the success of SIB project in their area.

Participants were made to familiarize with the digital camera, of its uses and functions, how to take photos at the right

angle, and editing photos using Photoshop to eventually produce a good material.

Basics of writing news were discussed as well. Luis Gorgonio, an expert in the field of writing, said you write to express and not to impress, what is essential are the facts, and the interests of the readers.

The training is part of the capacity-building component under the

Samar Island Biodiversity Project, a joint initiative of CBCP-Nassa and the Protected Areas and Wildlife Bureau of the Department of Environment and Natural Resources.

Participants come from the three Diocesan Social Action Centers of the three provinces of Samar, and representatives from Nassa. (PIA-8)

EASTERN VISAYAS

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

DOH official performance

lauds

7 Biliran

2011

health

By Rodrigo S. Victoria

NAVAL, Biliran, Oct 18 (PIA) -- “Biliran province is a top performer in terms of health program implementation in Region 8 based on its health scorecards,” an official of Department of Health Region 8 said.

D

r. Jaime Bernadas, DOH-8 regional director, said during the declaration of Biliran province as “Rabies-Free Zone on October 11,” the province along with the province of Southern Leyte were top performers in 2011 in the region in terms of implementing health programs.

The DOH-8 chief said Biliran province was already officially declared as a filaria-free province in 2010 and a rabies-free zone this year.

He also said that the province of Biliran has no reported cases of malaria and schistosomiasis.

However, Bernadas said there were reported cases of leprosy in the province but it is manageable and tuberculosis, which he considered one of the highest in the region.

He included the HIV case, which he said is not a problem in the province but it can come with the urbanization of Naval, the capital town of Biliran province.

The top official of DOH-8 who hails from the province of Biliran and whose roots come from the town of Kawayan, expressed confidence that the province can achieve more of its health programs.

He reminded the LGU officials and the health personnel to be vigilant on the emergence and re-emergence of these diseases. (PIA-Biliran)

BJMP intends to transform jail premises as tourist attractions

By Marcelo M. Pedalino MAASIN CITY, Southern Leyte, Oct 18 (PIA) -- One reason why the Bureau of Jail Management and Penology (BJMP) has been coordinating closely with the local government here for a city-donated lot was to change the image of jailhouses -- from a dark spot to a friendly place where tourists are welcome.

I

n fact, many well-known jails all over the country has already achieved this BJMP-inspired objective, such as the one in Cebu Provincial Detention Center, which has been known the world over as the site for dancing inmates, and also in Bohol, said Sr. Inspector Arlene Barraca, the city’s chief jail warden.

During the Action Center Kapihan sa PIA cable-TV program this morning, Berraca, a Cebuana who assumed the top BJMP post only last May, said she was aware that the city government was trying to accommodate a lot for a new city jail, wherein the BJMP Central Office will shoulder the construction of a separate building. Primo Paloma Jr., a senior staff at

the city jail, disclosed that last year’s plan for a 1,000 square-meter lot at the reclamation area was scrapped since it was decided that the entire reclaimed area will be for commercial purposes.

A new site at Barangay Sto. Rosario, about seven kilometers from the city proper to the west, was currently being negotiated by the city government to be the new location of the city jail, among other structures, Paloma informed.

She said she was also thankful to Mayor Samaco to strictly enforce the no-smoking policy inside the jail and for allowing inmates to undergo the Alternative Learning System (ALS) of education, wherein five of them passed the recent accreditation and equivalency

(A and E) test, making those high school undergrad prisoners eligible for college once they can be set free. BJMP will be celebrating the National Correctional Consciousness Awareness Week Oct. 22-28, 2012, a yearly observance mandated by Presidential Decree 551.

Barraca said among the week-long activities scheduled to be done next week starting Monday were a motorcade and a Holy Mass, a Consultative Assembly in the afternoon with the various development partners, a medical mission, a day set for games for detainees and officials’ children, and a videoke, and balak contest.

This year’s theme is “Tao may nakapiit, pagpapalay makakamit.” (PIA-8)

32 San Jorge farmers graduate from Farmers Field School

By Ninfa Iluminda B. Quirante CATBALOGAN CITY, Samar, Oct 18 (PIA) -- Thirty-two farmers who have started studying about rice production since June graduated Wednesday, October 17 at Barangay Mombon, San Jorge Samar.

T

he farmers did not only study in theory but also engaged in real "planting rice".

For a period of five weeks, they cultivated their ricefields and would meet once a week to compare the growth of the staple food.

They were taught to apply Palay Check.

Palay Check on rice production is a dynamic rice crop management system

that presents the best key technology and management.

It includes eight key checks which involves seed quality, land preparation, synchronous planting, sufficient number of healthy seedlings, nutrient management, water management, pest management, and harvest management. Of the eight key checks the farmers led admitted they were unable to check two.

But the farmers said they acquired too much learning.

The 32 farmers with 15 female farmers marched to get their certificates from Mayor Nancy Grey, municipal agriculturist Anita Cabral and other guests, with a vision of better production in the next cropping season.

(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