One Visayas e-Newsletter Vol 2 Issue 47

Vol 2

Issue 47

In this Issue WESTERN VISAYAS

DA Secretary Proceso Alcala announces the provision of an additional fund for the rehabilitation of the breakwater of the Iloilo Fish Port Complex in Iloilo City which had a groundbreaking on November 16 with an initial contract amount of P102,380,000.

Ilonggo Senator Franklin Drilon, seated with Iloilo City Mayor Jed Patrick Mabilog and other DA officials, has also provided fund from his PDAF for the project. (LAF/PIA6)

More on Region 6, pages 2-3.

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CENTRAL VISAYAS

November 19 — 25, 2012

Published by: PIA 6, 7 & 8

12th ASEAN ICT Meet opens in Cebu, gov’t bullish about ICT

By Fayette C. Riñen CEBU CITY, Nov 15 (PIA) -- The Aquino administration remains bullish in the growth of the country's information and communication technology (ICT) sector, which has generated US $11 billion dollars in direct revenues last year.

“In the Philippines, our ICT industry, which is now at the forefront of the BPO (business process outsourcing) race, has enjoyed continuous growth and expansion…and contributed 638,000 new jobs, giving our people opportunities to live more comfortable and safer lives,” President Aquino said in his message to the 12th ASEAN Telecommunications and Information Technology Meeting (Telmin 12) which opened in Cebu this morning.

In a speech read for him by President Jejomar Binay, the President said, "Renewed optimism in our government and institutions and increased investor confidence in the skill and quality of the Filipino workforce have contributed to the success of the ICT industry in the country."

The government recognizes the important role of ICT and has developed policies that would improve our internet use and broadband penetration. “As quoted in the ASEAN ICT Master Plan 2015 from World Bank studies, a 10 percent increase in the broadband use will result in 1.3 percent hike in the overall ASEAN gross domestic product (GDP),” Aquino said.

A larger and more connected ICT industry in this part of the world means more efficient services, which in turn ensure satisfaction, encourage greater interest, and thus ultimately lead to business expansion and investments, he said. Aquino added that, "a connected ICT also means

empowering more of our peoples giving them a chance to speak out their minds, to contribute to social discourse and development."

More than 200 foreign and local delegates in the ICT sector attended the meeting.

The two-day meet carries the theme “ICT: Connected ASEAN, Enabling Aspirations.” Among those who attended were Telecommunications and Information Technology Ministers from the 10-ASEAN member nations and six dialogue partners from China, Japan, Korea, India, the European Union and the International Telecommunications Union. (FCR/PIA 7)

Over 200 foreign and local delegates including the Telecommunications and Information Technology Ministers from the 10-ASEAN member nations and six dialogue partners from China, Japan, Korea, India, the European Union and the International Telecommunications Union (ITU) attend the opening ceremonies of the 12th ASEAN Telecommunications and Information Technology Meeting (Telmin 12), Nov. 15 at Shangri-la Mactan Resort and Spa in Lapulapu City.

East Visayas Bahandi 2012 Trade Fair exceeds sales target DSWD Sec. Dinky Soliman (seated, center) with Sibulan Mayor Marcela Bartoces (seated, right) signing the memorandum of agreement for the additional beneficiaries of the Pantawid Pamilya Program in Sibulan and Amlan towns.

The signing was held Nov. 12, 2012 at Bethel Guesthouse, Dumaguete City. Witnessing the signing is Gov. Roel Degamo (seated, left) and DSWD-7 Regional Director Evelyn Macapobre (center, standing). (RMN/PIA NEGOR)

More on Region 7, pages 4-5.

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EASTERN VISAYAS

Mayor Tito Codoy of Llorente, Eastern Samar (2nd from left) poses with PRO 8 Regional Director PCSupt. Elmer Soria, Plan Area Manager Rodel Bontuyan and PIA 8 Regional Director Olive Tiu after receiving the plaque of commendation during the Plan Philippines Recognition of Partners at Hotel Alejandro, Tacloban City, November 15. (Vino R. Cuayzon)

More on Region 8, pages 6-7.

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PAWING, PALO, Leyte, Nov 19 (PIA) -- The Bahandi 2012 Eastern Visayas Regional Trade Fair held at the SM Megamall Trade Hall during the second week of November surpassed its sales target.

Department of Trade Region 8 Director Cynthia Nierras, Bahandi executive chairman disclosed that the 81 micro small and medium enterprises that participated in the five-day trade fair recorded P12.41 million sales, more than the P11.73 million sales target.

Of the total P12.41 million sales, P5.36 million are cash and booked while P7.04 million are still under negotiation.

Processed food dominated the other Eastern Visayas products in terms of sales at P7.15 million; gifts, decors,

and house wares at P2.70 million; and furniture at P2.55 million.

Director Nierras said that in terms of cash and booked sales, the National Coconut Research Center – Visayas (NCRC-V) at the Visayas State University in Baybay City, recorded the highest at P552,195.

Coconut wine processor, DJ Crater Inc., maker of Vino de Coco has recorded the highest potential market at P4.34 million.

The trade fair which was held on November 7 to 11, had 81 exhibitors, 32 from Leyte, four from Biliran, 15 from Samar; 17 from Northern Samar; 10 from Eastern Samar; and three from Southern Leyte. (PIA-8)

Let’s play to win, NCC’s Luz exhorts Ilonggos

By Jaime S. Cabag, Jr. ILOILO CITY, Nov 20 (PIA6) -- National Competitiveness Council (NCC) Co-Chair Guillermo “Bill” Luz urged government and business sectors in Iloilo to work further to help enhance the country’s global competitiveness level and do it with the “play to win” attitude.

Luz, who represents the private sector in the NCC, made the pitch before the participants of the NCC Roadshow organized Nov. 19 by the NCC and Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) through DTI-6 at Iloilo Grand Hotel here in the wake of results of the Ease of Doing Business Report for 2013 prepared by the World Bank (WB) and International Finance Corporation (IFC) as well as those of the WEF-Global Competitiveness Report for 2011 and 2012.

The latest WB-IFC report showed a slip in the Philippines’s ratings in terms of the ease of doing business in the country from Rank 136 in 2012 to 138 in 2013. The document made a comparison of how easy it is to engage in business in 180 country economies especially in terms of the period of time it takes to start a business.

The results of the WEF Global Competitiveness Report, on the other hand, also showed that the country has to exert more efforts to improve on its competitiveness ranking based on 12 major indicators including, among others, institutions, infrastructure, and macroeconomic environment.

Filipinos never look at business as a competitive endeavor like sports when it is really a competitive activity, Luz

said to emphasize his pitch during his presentation.

“Let’s play to win,” Luz said as he pointed out that Filipinos and Ilonggos for that matter can raise the country’s competitiveness level by working together, embrace a culture of excellence in governance and use public-private sector partnership as a development engine.

He said this is important because being more competitive means winning more investments, favorable trade, tourists, our own people who are working as OFWs, and a good image abroad.

Luz said there are lessons that we ought to learn from the report results, among which are the fact that staying competitive is a continual activity and that embedding and institutionalizing change or reform for the long run is important.

The roadshow also included presentations on the results of the Annual Enterprise Survey on Corruption 2012 Report by Linda Luz Gurrero, vice president of the Social Weather Stations and on Integrity Initiative by Nonette Climaco, Project Officer of the European Chamber of Commerce of the Philippines as part of the roadshow program. (SWS).

Also present at the road show were DTI6 Regional Director Dominic P. Abad and Regional Competitiveness Committee chairperson and Regional Development Council-6 co-chair Marissa Segovia. (JCM/JSC-PIA6)

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WESTERN VISAYAS

JICA aid fuels forest management project Sec. Mar Roxas of Region VI

By Elsa S. Subong

ILOILO CITY, Nov 19 (PIA6) -- The Japan International Cooperation Agency is providing a loan assistance of P500 million for the forestlands in the central towns of Iloilo.

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he Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) said this assistance will fuel its 10-year forestland management project which aims to boost forestlands in the hinterlands of Calinog, Janiuay, and Lambunao towns covering 25 barangays.

DENR said the surveys for the areas to be prioritized, which are landslide prone, are ongoing, to ensure that the 11,577 hectares targeted will be covered with trees.

The project was launched November 17, with DENR Asst. Secretary Rommel Abesamis, Sen. Franklin Drilon, Governor

Arthur Defensor, Sr. and the local officials.

Mayors Alex Centena of Calinog, Frankie Locsin of Janiuay and Reynor Gonzales of Lambunao were saying that their beneficiaries prefer to have fruit trees included in the trees for them to be able to have some source of livelihood.

Among the components of the project are community-based planning and community mobilizing, as well as livelihood training for forest caretakers and farmers, and infrastructures, like farm-to-market roads, and hanging bridges. There are about 3,985 beneficiaries from the three

municipalities which should be mobilized to make the projects successful, according to the DENR. Sen. Drilon said the forestland management project is a boost to the P11-billion Jalaur River Multipurpose Project (JRMP), the biggest dam outside of Luzon.

The project is conceived to provide sustainable irrigation and water supply in the province.

Iloilo Governor Defensor said he was thankful that the Aquino administration has considered the project a priority and now a reality. (JCM/ESS/PIA-Iloilo).

PhilHealth eyes 6 more ‘PhilHealth Express’ in WV

By Lilibeth A. French ILOILO CITY, Nov 20 (PIA6) -- The Philippine Health Insurance Corporation is eyeing to establish six (6) more “PhilHealth Express” offices in Western Visayas to make its services more accessible, convenient and within reach of the residents in this region.

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his was learned from PhilHealth 6 Regional Vice President for Western Visayas Dr. Dennis S. Mas during the launching of the newest “PhilHealth Express” in the region located at the second floor of Robinson’s Place Iloilo City on Monday. The first was in Bacolod City which was launched on October 25.

Other areas considered are Guimbal and Passi City in Iloilo; Roxas City, Capiz; San Carlos City in Negros Occidental; and Kalibo Aklan.

Mas said the setting up of “PhilHealth Express” in vital traffic hubs like mall or shopping centers in strategic high volume traffic areas is part of the efforts of the

agency to ensure customer satisfaction and enrich the member’s experience.

“PhilHealth Express” at Robinson’s Place Iloilo will be open 10 a.m. to 8 p.m., Monday to Saturday. Among the services it offers are inquiry for membership registration, data updating and amendment, ID and Membership Data Record printing, and claim status inquiry.

Payment of premium contribution will soon be available as soon as requirements from the Commission on Audit are complied.

Civil Service Commission 6 Director Atty. Rodolfo Encajonado lauded the efforts of the agency to bring its services closer to the people through “PhilHealth

Express” which is in accord with the provision of Republic Act 9485 or the Anti Red Tape Act wherein all government agencies with front line services are required to come up with improved processes for the enhancement of public service.

Iloilo City has more than 50,000 enrollees in PhilHealth’s Sponsored program, second only to the city of Makati.

PhilHealth Regional Office in Western Visayas receives an average of 800 to 1,000 transactions a day, mostly requests for Membership Data Record which is needed during hospitalization. (JCM/LAF/ PIA6)

Antique gears for Pasundayag Expo 2012

By Pilar S. Mabaquiao SAN JOSE, Antique, Nov 19 (PIA6) -- Preparations for Pasundayag Expo 2012 are underway as the Province of Antique gears up for Binirayan Festival come December 2012.

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The Pasundayag Expo is the annual trade and agro-industrial fair of the Binirayan Festival designed to showcase products from Antique”, explained Romeo Baldevia, Coordinator Pasundayag Expo 2012 at the same time member of the Board of Trustees, Binirayan Festival in a meeting at Conference Room of DTI-Antique.

The fair features the One-Town-OneProduct (OTOP) of the province and municipalities in particular, from various handicrafts, fresh farm produce, foods,

arts and creative industries, horticultural products, tourism related initiatives and institutional exhibits.

The fair which is set to open on Dec 27-29 at EBJ Freedom Park, San Jose also highlights local food and craft demos, garden shows, buyer-seller encounters and performances.

Likewise, Baldevia said, Binirayan 2012 will also feature ‘Sabor kang Probinsya Expo’ or Food Expo also to be launched during the Pasundayag. This will showcase native dishes and delicacies of local

entrepreneurs. Pasundayag Committee is composed of Antique Federation of non-government organizations, Antique Federation of Coops, Department of Trade and Industry, Phil Information Agency, Provincial Offices such as Agriculture, Engineering and Tourism, Phil National Police, Local Government of San Jose, Antique Chamber of Commerce and Industry, Antique Garden Club and members of the media. (JCM/PSM/ PIA6Antique)

WESTERN VISAYAS

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Legislators from Alaska to trade with Aklan Sec. Mar Roxas of Region VI

express

desire

By Venus G. Villanueva

KALIBO, Aklan, Nov 21 (PIA6) -- Representatives of the state legislature of Alaska – Catherine E. Muñoz and Bob Herron, who were in Aklan recently for a Trade and Tourism Mission, are eager to import Aklan’s products, and at the same time export Alaska’s main product – seafoods.

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he two legislators expressed their optimism to import Aklan products during the business meeting held with the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI), the Provincial Tourism Office, Aklan’s business sector and the local media at the Kalibo Sto. Niño Ati-atihan Foundation Inc. (Kasafi) office.

Prior to the meeting with Aklan’s business sector, DTI-Aklan Provincial Director Diosdado P. Cadena showed an audio-video presentation dubbed “What Aklan Has To Offer” while Roselle Ruiz, tourism officer, presented Aklan’s tourist attractions.

Seeing Aklan’s unique products during the presentation as well as Aklan’s tourist attractions front lined by Boracay Island,

Herron said the island could serve as a big market for Alaskan seafoods.

For her part, Muñoz expressed her appreciation for the warm welcome they received from Aklanons, one gesture rendered by an Ati-atihan tribe that pranced and danced to give them a glimpse of Kalibo’s world-famous Sto. Niño Ati-atihan Festival upon their arrival at the business meeting venue.

Muñoz told the audience that of the more than 30,000 Filipinos based in Alaska, 800 of them are Aklanons who had significant contributions to their community.

Muñoz represents the 31st District of Juneau while Herron represents the 37th District of Bethel of the State of Alaska

Legislature. The coming of the legislators to Aklan was made possible through Vice Governor Gabrielle V. Calizo-Quimpo who went to Alaska a year ago and noted the close ties of Aklanons to the two lawmakers and their concern to the Aklanons’ interests.

Besides the business meetings, other activities of the legislators in the province included a courtesy call to Governor Carlito S. Marquez, press conference with the local media, welcome dinner hosted by Aklan, tour to Aklan’s various Piña showrooms, tour to Aklan State University, and visits to Balete town and Boracay Island. (JCM/VGV-PIA 6, Aklan)

PNP Capiz to focus on election 'areas of concern'

By Jemin B. Guillermo ROXAS CITY, Capiz, Nov. 22 (PIA6) -- The Philippine National Police here will be giving priority attention to the election 'areas of concern' in Capiz.

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apiz Police Provincial Director Domingo Cabillan said they have identified so far 66 probable election hot spot barangays in the province.

He explained that the said areas of concerns are identified due to the intense political rivalry and insurgency.

Cabillan said that five areas in Capiz namely Roxas City, Panay, Pontevedra,

Ivisan and Dao have no identified hot spot barangays.

Of the 66 election areas of concerns, 10 barangays were identified in Maayon and nine in Cuartero, eight in Pilar, six in Dumarao, five each in Sigma and Mambusao, three in Dumalag and two each in Panitan, Sapian, Jamindan and Tapaz. He said that the active involvement of the community will greatly help to the

PNP’s thrust in ensuring honest, peaceful, free and orderly elections next year.

Cabillan likewise said that the PNP’s Public Safety Company plus the Barangay Peacekeeping Action Teams (BPATs) and other volunteer groups will be their force multipliers in maintaining peace and order in Capiz.

(JCM/JBG/PIA6-Capiz)

Visayas' Peace perks ups tourism

By Lorenzo O. Lambatin Jr. NEGROS OCC., Nov 19 (PIA6) -- A peaceful Visayas is fuelling vibrant tourism activities in this part of the country.

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rmed Forces of Philippines Central Command Chief Vice Admiral Jose Luis Alano said the military’s peacekeeping efforts are right on schedule.

During his visit to Negros Occidental Friday, he said an ocean liner recently brought 1,600 tourists to Boracay, as people feel it now safe to travel in the region.

He said the natural beauty in the Visayas such as beaches, mountains, waterfalls, Islands and landscapes makes it a top tourist destination in the country giving the much needed income to the local and national coffers.

When the rest of the world struggles in their economy, the Philippines grew six percent in the first semester second to China, he pointed out.

The peaceful situation claim is bolstered by the recent declaration of the province of Aklan that it is already cleared of insurgency.

Areas in Cebu, Bohol, Siquijor and portions of Leyte are working towards that end and are also expected to follow.

“It is an on-going activity,” Alano said.

Being cleared of insurgency means there are no more armed group within the area, he explained. He attributed the peace campaign’s success to the military’s

dedication to their job as he thanked AFP personnel in the province for their contribution.

The achievement, however, he said would not be possible without the support of the private sector and non-government organizations.

He admitted, though, that there are still armed movements operating in remote mountains in Panay and Negros Islands. But these are just pockets of resistance that the AFP is dealing with both with force, if needed, and development approach, he said. (PIA-/ JCM/LOL)

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CENTRAL VISAYAS

DTI, BOI to conduct Investments Road show in Cebu Sec. Jose Rene Almendras of Region VII

By Amorganda A. Saludar

CEBU CITY, Nov 18 (PIA) -- The Department of Trade and Industry (DTI-7) and the Board of Investments (BOI) are set to conduct an Investments Road show on November 22 from 8:30 am to 2 p.m. at the Crown Regency Hotel and Towers, Cebu City. his activity is intended to provide economic activities that include agriculture package of incentives including income tax venue for presentation of the just or agribusiness and fishery; creative holiday, duty-free importation of capital approved 2012 Investment industries or knowledge - based services; equipments among others, the same Priorities Plan (IPP). shipbuilding, mass housing, iron and statement added.

A DTI-7 statement said the road steel, energy, infrastructure, and PPP; Expected speakers to grace this year’s show serves as feedback session to guide research and development; green Investments Road show are DTI government’s further assistance to the projects, hospitals and medical services Undersecretary for International existing measures and to the projects; motor vehicles; strategic Trade Group Adrian Cristobal Jr., and entrepreneurs in their business projects; and disaster prevention and Governor of the Board of investments undertakings. recovery projects.

Geronimo Sta. Ana. (mbcn/AYS/PIAThis year’s IPP covered 13 preferred All these are subject and entitled to a CEBU)

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Anti-cyber pornography, prostitution advocates gather in Cebu for reg'l dialogue

By Amorganda A. Saludar CEBU, Nov 17 (PIA) -- Anti-cyber pornography and prostitution advocates gathered at Dohera hotel in Mandaue City recently for a regional cluster dialogue to come up with concrete programs in combating cyber-porn/prostitution in the country. mihan Abueva of Asia Against synchronize comparability of definitions, of ASEAN member states in addressing Child Trafficking and End Child p e n a l t i e s , extraditions a n d the gaps and to ensure responsive and Prostitution, Child Pornography extra-territoriality and trial of c o m p r e h e n s i v e programs for and Trafficking (ECPAT) Philippines, one perpetrators across the member states in victims-survivor of cyber pornography and of the resource speakers in the dialogue the ASEAN region to be effective in the cyber prostitution. said that here in the Philippines many campaign against cyber pornography and The same format was adopted in the regions have cases of cyber pornography prostitution, the dialog noted. regional dialogue in Cebu that was and cyber prostitution involving not just According to DSWD-7 the regional expected to widen awareness, women and children but also men. dialog in Cebu and other up-coming understanding, realities and dynamics of With the Department of Social dialogs in other parts of the country were cyber pornography/prostitution.

Welfare and Development (DSWD-7) an off-shoot recommendation from the The outputs of the Cebu and other taking the lead, various stakeholders and 3-day ASEAN Conference on Working region’s dialogues will serve as inputs of anti-cyber pornography advocates Toward a Cyber Pornography and Cyber the Philippines for the next ASEAN recommended to address the issue of Prostitution–Free Southeast Asia held on Conference on Working Toward a Cyber harmonizing national laws and local June 19-21 at Diamond Hotel, Manila.

Pornography and Cyber Prostitution – ordinances across the ASEAN region.

The ASEAN conference also became Free Southeast Asia in 2013. (mbcn/AYS/ There is an urgent need to the platform to enhance the competency PIA-CEBU)

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Over 4,000 jobs available during job fair in NegOr

By Rachelle M. Nessia DUMAGUETE CITY, Nov 14 (PIA) -- More than 4,000 job opportunities for overseas and local employment will be offered during a two-day recruitment activity on November 28 and 29 at the Lamberto Macias Sports and Cultural Center, Dumaguete City.

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he two-day job fair is open to all job seekers from around Negros Oriental, Provincial Public Employment Services Office (PESO) focal person Jose Ramon Benedicto said.

Benedicto said that during the job fair, Trioceanic Manning and Shipping Inc. seeks to hire 4,000 fishermen from the province to work in accredited Chinese vessels.

“These vessels are bound for Argentina, Japan, Cape Mauritius, Fiji Island, and other neighboring Asian countries,” he said.

Qualified to apply are males aged 18 to 30 years old who have completed

elementary or high school levels and are physically fit to work.

Interested applicants are required to bring the following documents: bio-data with recent 2x2 ID photo, NSO-authenticated birth certificate, and latest NBI clearance.

Trioceanic will also hold another recruitment activity on Nov. 30 at the Siaton municipal gymnasium, Benedicto said.

Local employers participating in the Nov. 28 and 29 jobs fair are Qualfon Dumaguete, Robinson’s Place Dumaguete, and Island Merchants Corp. which is the distributor of Nestle Philippines in Negros

island.

Also joining the job fair is the Simon Group of Companies based in Cebu which is set to hire workers for local jobs in engineering fields such as civil, chemical, and mechanical engineering.

These companies seek graduates of Commerce, Psychology, Human Resource Management, Business Management, Criminology, Marine Engineering, Science Vet Medicine, Computer Accounting, Midwifery, Nursing Aide, Associate Healthcare Course, English majors, Mass Communication, Nursing, and other four-year courses.

CENTRAL VISAYAS

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DSWD delists 71,000 names from 4Ps list of beneficiaries Sec. Jose Rene Almendras of Region VII

By Rachelle M. Nessia

DUMAGUETE CITY, Nov 14 (PIA) -- The Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) recently delisted 71,000 names from their nationwide roster of beneficiaries under the Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program (4Ps).

SWD Sec. Dinky Soliman the NHTS-PR at the time of assessment, dress. disclosed that the beneficiaries have children 0-14 years old and/or have a Part of what the 4Ps program is doing they dropped from said list were pregnant woman at the time of is to help give the beneficiaries dignity, and found to be ineligible to receive the assessment, and those that agree to meet we should not take that away from them, conditional cash grants issued under the conditions specified in the program. she added.

4Ps program.

The DSWD chief, in a press 4Ps is a human investment program Of the total delisted, three are from conference held Nov. 12 in Dumaguete spearheaded by DSWD which provides Negros Oriental; one is from Siaton town City, said the department continues to conditional cash grants to household and two from Bayawan City. conduct a thorough validation process to beneficiaries for their children’s education Beneficiaries for the program are the identify beneficiaries who must be delisted and health needs. “poorest of the poor” households culled from the program.

Soliman was in Dumaguete City to from the National Household Targeting She said that after four years of lead the signing of a memorandum of System for Poverty Reduction (NHTS-PR). implementing 4Ps, the standard of living of agreement for the additional beneficiairies Households eligible to benefit from the beneficiaries have improved, from in Sibulan and Amlan towns. (RMN/PIA 4Ps are those classified as poor based on their living conditions to the way they Negros Oriental)

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Pantawid Pamilya releases over P50-M to beneficiaries in Siquijor

By Rizalie A. Calibo SIQUIJOR, Nov 17 (PIA) -- The Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program released P50,245,000 cash grant to over 3,000 household-beneficiaries in Siquijor province from 2010 to 2012, said a report from the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) during Secretary Corazon “Dinky” Soliman’s visit to the island on November 12.

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f the total cash grant, P19,967,700 went to 1,067 households of Lazi town in September 2010 (set 3); March 2011 (set 4) and January 2012 (set 5) releases; and P919,200 to 200 households of Enrique Villanueva in its March 2011 (set 4) release.

Maria town had 557 household-beneficiaries that got P2,120,500 in June 2010 (set 4) and San Juan, 625 households with P2,115,100 in December 2011 (set 4).

Siquijor and Larena municipalities are included in August 2012 (Set 5) and September 2012 (set 6) with identified beneficiaries of 634 and 163 households, respectively, but cash grant for the two

municipalities are still on process, the report said..

DSWD-7 information officer Aileen Lariba said the secretary’s visit to the island is mainly to dispel the fears of the beneficiaries aside from the signing of memorandum of agreement for the additional beneficiaries in the province.

Soliman said the DSWD is strengthening convergence efforts with other stakeholders following President Aquino’s order to maximize the funds that they get for the poor.

These include Student Grants-in Aid Program for Poverty Alleviation (SGP-PA with the Commission on Higher Education (CHED), State Colleges and Universities

(SUCs), and the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) and the National Greening Program (NGP) of the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR).

Other convergence efforts are the Free Birth Registration Project with the National Statistics Office (NSO), Philippine Energy Efficient Project (PEEP) with the Department of Energy (DOE), Trabahong Lansangan ng Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino with the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) and the skills training programs with the Department of Science and Technology (DOST). (mbcn/RAC-PIA 7, Siquijor)

German doctors donate medical equipment to Siquijor hospital

By Rizalie A. Calibo SIQUIJOR, Nov 17 (PIA) -- A team of surgeons and paramedics from Germany and the United States recently donated medical equipment and supplies to the Siquijor Provincial Hospital during the team’s visit to the island recently.

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onations include anesthesia machine, mobile x-ray machine, mammogram, hospital beds, stretchers, storage cabinets, refrigerators, autoclave, medical supplies like gauzes and IV lines, nebulizers, ECG machine and spirometer, says Team leader Dr. Dennis Jumawan- Borces.

He said their medical team has done 138 surgeries; 72 major and 66 minor

surgeries.

The team includes Dr. Ashley Dindoyal, Dr. KlemensBieringer, Dr. Eugene Schultz, Dr. Sybille Eibel, Dr. Borces, Christian Sehn, Christian Motsch, Frank Shoendorf, Florian Jung, Joyce Mae Powae, Lilia Nash, Nellie J. Larot, Mae Delez and ChidoIbe. Present during the turnover were Dr. Carlo Muyco, the provincial health officer

II and his staff and Sangguniang Panlalawigan Member, Hon. Art Pacatang and other government officials.

Governor Orlando “Shane”Fua Jr., in a statement said he is very grateful of the support from the German surgeons and paramedics to the island. (mbcn/RAC/PIA-Siquijor)

EASTERN VISAYAS

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Foundation to build 100 ram pump water system projects in Phl Sec. Carlos Jericho Petilla of Region VIII

By Rodrigo S. Victoria

NAVAL, Biliran, Nov 16 (PIA) -- The project officer of the Coca-Cola Foundation Philippines, Inc. (CCFI) said the company envisions to build 100 ram pump water system projects in the country.

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ictor Manlapaz, CCFI project officer, said the plan to build 100 ram pump water system project in the country is in line with the 100th anniversary of the company next year.

CCFI jointly with Earth Day Network Philippines, Inc. (EDNPI) and the Alternative Indigenous Development Foundation, Inc. (AIDFI) are targeting to establish 40 ram pump water system

projects nationwide for this year in partnership with the local government units in the country.

Manlapaz was with Che Idzenga, AIDFI regional project manager for the Visayas in the turn-over of the 15th ram pump water system project located in Gobalin Housing Project in Sitio San Roque, Barangay Larrazabal, Naval, Biliran last November 15.

Meanwhile, Idzenga said that one team from AIDFI will conduct training on solid waste management especially on the proper waste segregation aside from the livelihood support to the residents in the Gobalin Housing sometime in December this year or by January next year. (PIA-Biliran)

LGU strengthens partnership with DepEd, NGO for health care

By Erna S. Gorne MAASIN CITY, Southern Leyte Nov 20 (PIA) — The provincial government of Southern Leyte, in collaboration with the Fit for School, Inc. and the Department of Education- SoLeyte, signed a memorandum of agreement November 19 to strengthen partnerships in the implementation of the Essential Health Care Package (EHCP) in the province.

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rovincial Governor Damian Mercado committed support for the health of the children by giving priority to the health programs allocating substantial funds from the provincial coffers.

The provincial government manifested its commitment to sustain the implementation of EHCP with the financial support of P1.3 million for this school year, which is embedded in the said MOA, Schools Medical Officer IV Dr. Consolacion Ruflo disclosed. The program intends to provide toothbrushes,

toothpaste and hand soap for the all the estimated 54,000 enrolled schoolchildren from Grad VI down to the pre-elementary levels in the public elementary schools across the province this school year, she said.

Meanwhile, ECHP National Director Democrito Figueroa, Jr of the Fit For School, Inc., appreciated the linkage between the provincial government and education sectors who participated in the signing of the MOA at the Provincial Governor’s Office today. He explained that the EHCP is a combination of three

evidence-based preventive interventions to increase child health: Daily Handwashing with soap, Toothbrushing with fluoride toothpaste and Bi-annual deworming.

Simple as these interventions might seem, they are powerful allies in the reduction of key health indicators such as the rates of infectious diseases (by 30 to 50%) and the percentage of dental caries increment (40 to 50%), which was found out to have high impact in solution and cost –effective package, he added. (PIASouthern Leyte)

Borongan hero honored

By Alicia E. Nicart BORONGAN CITY, EASTERN SAMAR, Nov 17 (PIA) -- The Boronganons honoured on November 14 another hero during the Filipino-American war, in simple rites held near the famous Hamorawon Spring, this city.

C

aptain Andres Lobrio, who was represented by his heirs was given recognition for his gallantry in what was known as “Labanan sa Borongan”.

Lobrio led the guerrillas who were armed with the lowly bolos in that daring July 10, 1901 attack in Borongan against the Americans.

A Historical Marker in honour of the guerillas was installed in the site, to remind the local folks, that once and for all, their forefathers offered their lives, more than a hundred years ago, for freedom of the current generation.

Undersecretary Ludovico Badoy of the National Historical Institute (NHI), led the unveiling of the Historical Marker.

Two other battles were waged by the Samarenos, namely the one in Catubig, Northern Samar and the famous Balangiga Encounter in Eastern Samar which according to history books, was the only Filipino-American battle in the entire country where the Filipinos won over the Americans.

An estimate of 20 to 25,000 Samareños were killed in action (KIA) during that war, mentioned Roy Daza, one

of the great grandsons of Eugenio Daza or Loloy Enyong. Eugenio Daza was believed to have brained the Balangiga Massacre, which was dubbed as the "worst single defeat the American soldiers suffered in their entire military campaign in the Philippines". The living Daza is President of the Descendants of Filipino Heroes.

He claims that his great grandpa, and the other heroes should not just be called local heroes, because they did not only fight for the Samarenos but for the whole country as well. (PIA-Eastern Samar)

EASTERN VISAYAS

7

Catbalogan City meet 2012 unites students in sports Sec. Carlos Jericho Petilla of Region VIII

By Ninfa Iluminda B. Quirante

CATBALOGAN CITY, Samar, Nov 21 (PIA) -- Students from different schools under the Catbalogan City Division united in a four-day sports activity on November 14 to 17 with the theme, "Sports Competitions: Developing Athletes towards Excellence in Sports."

T

he Solidarity Conference highlighted the comeback of Catbalogan City Athletic Association (CCAA) 2012 Meet organized by the Division of Catbalogan City, Department of Education.

The opening of the 2012 CCAA Meet was held at the Samar Sports Complex.

City Mayor Coefredo "Tekwa" Uy said, "Ako natuod nga pinaagi han sugad hini nga buruhaton ha aton siyudad, kita makakabulig agud magkamay-ada maupay nga henerasyon (I believe that with this

sports event we are molding a better generation of young people)."

The 18 sports events was categorized into Individuals/Singles, Double/Mixed, Relay and Team. The 13 Schools clusters are: Catbalogan I District, Catbalogan II District, Catbalogan III District, Catbalogan IV District, Catbalogan V District, St. Mary Child Development Center, Samar College, St. Mary's College, Samar State University, Samar National School, Catbalogan National Comprehensive High School, Cluster I

(Silanga National High School and Antonio G. Tuazon National High School), and Cluster II (Guinsorongan National High School, Pangdan National High School and Eastern Visayas Regional Science High School). The 18 Sports events were Archery, Arnis, Athletics, Badminton, Baseball, Boxing, Chess, Football, Gymnastics, Sepak Takraw, Sipa, Softball, Swimming, Table Tennis, Taekwando, Tennis and Volleyball.(PIA 8- Samar/Avha H. Ebalde with reports from LGU Catbalogan City)

DPWH to install coconets in landslide-prone road section in Leyte CARIGARA, Leyte, Nov 21 (PIA) -- Who would have thought that the bunot (coco husk/coco coir), a by-product of the coconut tree, has a far more useful thing than shining floors? The Department of Public Works-Region 8 is all set to install coconets, along a 20-kilometer (km) road stretch in Capoocan, Leyte following a major landslide in said road section.

D

istrict Engineer Margarita Junia said the Department is optimistic that the coconets will solve the problem of unstable slopes, particularly in Barangay Culasian in Capoocan, along the Palo-Carigara-Ormoc Road.

The road section was closed to traffic for five hours since midnight of October 25 due to major landslides following days of heavy downpour brought about by tropical storm Ofel in the province.

Instead of concrete creek sides and embankments, coconets made from

coconut husks will be used to prevent landslides, Junia explained.

Coconets are derived from the fibrous husks of coconuts.

The fiber extracted from discarded coconut husks, which is commonly called coco coir, has to undergo further twining and weaving for it to become a geotextile.

Under the system, cocofiber nets are laid on the eroded area and initially, grasses are planted. The coco fiber will hold the grasses that will prevent the land

from eroding and being washed away during rainfall. After about three to six months, vegetation can already be seen.

This will make the soil more stable.

Aside from the application of coconets, the DPWH is also building road slips protection structures in Capoocan, Leyte.

Just this year, at least six road slips protection projects were completed, Junia said. (PIA-8)

Deped North Samar hosts 2012 regional schools press conference

By Teresita B. Cardenas CATARMAN, Northern Samar, Nov 22 (PIA) -- The Department of Education Division of Northern Samar hosted the 2012 regional schools press conference on November 19-22, 2012 in Catarman, Northern Samar.

S

chools Division Superintendent Dr. Ronelo Al K. Firmo in his welcome message said that Republic Act No. (RA 7079), otherwise known as Campus Journalism Act of 1991 mandates for the development and promotion of campus journalism.

He added that this activity enhances journalism competencies through individual and team competitions.

Firmo explained that it also serves as an avenue to hold coaching and mentoring

expertise of school paper advisers and school management.

It has been declared as a state policy to uphold and protect the freedom of the press even at the campus level and promote the development and growth of campus journalism as a means of strengthening ethical values and encouraging critical and creative thinking and developing moral character and personal discipline of our school children, he stressed. Firmo further said to support

and promote the campus journalism, the Department of Education provides opportunity for the training of pupils and students in campus journalism especially those who have the flair in writing.

The event was participated in by the twelve divisions in the region namely: Biliran, Borongan City, Calbayog City, Catbalogan City, Eastern Samar, Leyte, Maasin City, Ormoc City, Samar, Southern Leyte, Tacloban City and Northern Samar.

(PIA-Northern Samar)

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