One Visayas e-Newsletter Vol 2 Issue 48

Vol 2

Issue 48

In this Issue WESTERN VISAYAS

Information Officers from TAWMB, MIGEDC member-LGUs and partner NGAs listen intently as Prof. Allen Del Carmen lectures during the two-day Development Journalism Writeshop conducted by the Canadian Urban Institute (CUI) on November 20-21. The writeshop is CUI’s initiative in enhancing the IOs’ skills in information dissemination and a step in assisting the TAWMB develop its newsletter, Move Up Bioregion. CUI, a Toronto-based not-for-profit organization funded by the Canadian International Development Agency (CIDA), seeks to create a world of thriving, sustainable, harmonious and engaged urban regions. (LTP/PIA6ILOILO)

More on Region 6, pages 2-3.

Also CLICK Here…

CENTRAL VISAYAS

Engr. Erick Cabarubias of Cebu Energy Development Corp. (CEDC) explains to the media the basic principle of generation that is for the prime movers to turn the generator so that power is generated. Cabarubias said that CEDC and the Toledo Power Company (TPC), subsidiaries of Global Business Power Corporation (GBPC) in Toledo City, committed to engage the community in their programs and projects. PIA information officers and the Cebu media visited CEDC's Toledo coal plant on Nov. 20. (PIA-Bohol/ ECBongosia)

More on Region 7, pages 4-5.

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EASTERN VISAYAS

Leyte Governor Mimiette Bagulaya (left) welcomes athletes, coaches and officials from Regions 6, 7 and 8 to the Batang Pinoy 2012 Visayas Leg Athletic Competition during its opening ceremony at the Leyte Sports Development Center, Tacloban City, November 20. (Vino R. Cuayzon)

More on Region 8, pages 6-7.

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Nov. 26 - Dec. 2, 2012

Published by: PIA 6, 7 & 8

North Samar has 3 new bridges worth P30-M

ALLEN, Northern Samar, Nov 25 (PIA) -- A new bridge would have done wonders for the people in Northern Samar, but to have three inaugurated simultaneously is a big boon to all.

The Department of Public Works and Highways recently conducted the simultaneous inauguration of three concrete bridges in barangays Lipata and Cabacungan in Allen, Northern Samar.

The three bridges, two in Barangay Lipata and one in Barangay Cabacungan, had a project cost of P30 million, or P10 million each, Sandy Pua, DPWH district engineering office chief, said.

The lives of the people from the villages can now transport their farm and marine products with ease with the presence of these bridges. For years, they had been having a hard time transporting their goods to the market and clients. There used to be unstable structures made of logs that served as bridges.

The three bridges are a big boost to the town of Allen’s tourism promotions being one tourism potential

as attested by the Department of Tourism, Pua further said.

It was learned that the construction work for the three bridges started on February 6 this year and was completed in eight months.

The inauguration was attended by Congressman Raul Daza of Northern Samar who said the construction of the bridges was made possible through the concerted efforts of the people concerned.

Pua said that by early next year, another P9.7 million has been bid out for the construction of the Barangay Kalarayan bridge this town; P29 million for Allen-Barangay Bonifacio road concreting; and an allocation of P67 million for school buildings, health centers, among others, in the first district in this province.

The inauguration was also attended by Allen Mayor Talaboy Suan, other provincial and municipal officials and officials of DPWH Northern Samar First District. (PIA-8)

Iloilo now key player in business – DTI ILOILO CITY, Nov. 26 (PIA6) -- Metro Iloilo has been included in the 2012 Surveys of Enterprises on Corruption, where more than 70 percent of the respondents expressed satisfaction on the efforts of the local government in promoting good business climate.

Department of Trade and Industry-Iloilo Director Wilhelm Malones said in media interviews that this meant that the city and province of Iloilo have growth potentials.

“We are included so that we will be aware that we have become a great part of the big group which can contribute so much in the business,” Malones said.

The survey also showed that about 66 percent of respondents have good business expectations in the next two years in the midst of perception that the level of corruption is found the most in the city and municipal government. Malones noted that Iloilo has

tools to enable it to address corruption that includes investment and incentives bodies existing in the local government units.

The perception can make way for the stakeholders to review the procedures that need improvement, Malones also said.

Malones said there is the need for officials to identify what would be their focus, particularly in reducing the steps of transactions to reduce perception of corruption.

It was the first time for Metro Iloilo to be included in the survey together with Angeles in Pampanga.

Before, the surveys covered only the National Capital Region, Cebu, Cagayan de Oro, Davao, Cavite, Laguna and Batangas.(JCM/ESS/PIA-Iloilo)

PNoy to grace Calungsod nat’l event in Cebu CEBU CITY (PIA) -- All eyes will be on Cebu for the National Thanksgiving Mass of San Pedro Calungsod on Nov. 30 with President Benigno S. Aquino III leading officials and guests who will grace the historic religious event.

Over 500 tri-media practitioners have been accredited to cover the sacred occasion and their number is growing, according to Trinidad G. Silva Jr., chairman of the Commission on Social Communications (CSC) for the thanksgiving mass, at a recent media briefing.

“We have already issued a deadline for media accreditation last Tuesday (November 20) but more and more names are being submitted,” said Silva.

A volunteer staff of the CSC showed a list of the total media being accredited that had reached over 500.

Apart from Cebu media, major television, print and radio, networks from Manila also sent their teams to cover the event. Also, members of the Malacañang Press Corps will be there.

An estimated 500,000 to one million devotees, bishops and priests from all over the country, local and national officials will be present to attend the mass that will start at 5 p.m.

Silva advised those who will attend the mass at the South Road Properties to bring their own umbrellas with the erratic weather and also to expect muddy

grounds as only 10 percent of the 27-hectare area is covered in concrete and the rest in limestone.

According to William Mensenares of Radio TV Malacañang (RTVM), “We will put up a press center where a monitor will be placed and telephone lines for local calls only. The center will be wi-fi ready which will be provided by the Cebu Archdiocese.”

RTVM will take charge of broadcast concerns and assist and provide the media with audio and video outputs.

Considering the vast area, screen monitors will also be strategically placed so people at the back could see the ongoing mass in the templete. (PIA 7)

WESTERN VISAYAS

2 Iloilo City unveils convention center

proposed

P450-M Sec. Mar Roxas of Region VI

By Leonard T. Pineda I

ILOILO CITY, Nov. 24 (PIA6) -- The first state-of-the art convention center in Western Visayas was launched here with the formal unveiling of the scale model of the proposed P 450-million Iloilo City Convention Center (ICCC).

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enator Franklin Drilon, who led the ground-breaking ceremony, said this convention center is a realization of a lifelong dream of the residents of Panay Island to have their own highly impressive and sophisticated convention center at par with those of Cebu and Davao.

“The convention center designed by Architect Willy Coscoluella will be able to hold the best and the most glamorous of the conferences, exhibitions, and trade fairs among others,” Drilon added.

The convention center is to be situated on a 1.7-hectare lot inside the former Iloilo Airport which is currently being developed by Megaworld Corporation as the city’s business hub. Along with Drilon, Megaworld President Mr. Andrew L. Tan, Tourism Secretary Ramon

Jimenez Jr., Iloilo City Representative Jerry Treñas, Iloilo City Mayor Jed Patrick Mabilog, Iloilo Provincial Governor Arthur Defensor, Jaro Archbishop Angel Lagdameo, and other key political and business figures were present during the event.

The architectural design of Iloilo’s prime convention center was conceived with the Paraw and Dinagyang as inspiration.

The scale model presented during the unveiling ceremony showed the building’s 15 exterior fins mimic the sail of the Paraw while the main glass walls are painted with ceramic paint laminated in glass featuring abstract figures of the Dinagyang revelry.

Fifty percent of the cost of the state-of-art -convention center will be funded by Drilon’s Priority Development Assistance Fund and the

other half will be shouldered by the Department of Tourism and the Tourism Infrastructure and Enterprise Zone Authority.

Meanwhile, Megaworld First Vice President Kevin Tan said that the rise of the topnotch convention center is a symbol of the bright future of Iloilo.

During a presscon after the formal unveiling, Tan also expressed his optimism on Iloilo and towards building the largest development business park in Western Visayas.

In the same presscon, Drilon said that the convention center will create the traffic necessary to move the economic growth of Iloilo. (JCM/LTP/PIA-ILOILO)

WASH experts visit Antique for learning exchange program

By Pilar S. Mabaquiao SAN JOSE, Antique, Nov. 28 (PIA6) -- WASH (Water, Sanitation and Hygiene) experts coming from 10 countries visited Antique, Nov. 28 for a learning exchange also dubbed “WASH for all schools learning exchange".

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ander Profunga, Regional Project Officer for Region 6 & Romblon, Fit for School, Inc., said under WASH is Essential Health Care Program implemented in different schools in the province which advocates for proper handwashing and toothbrushing particularly among school children.

Profunga said the learning exchange unveiled the best practices and strategies implemented by concerned agencies on the Essential Health Care Program and its impact to the health and nutrition of children vis-à-vis their performance in school. The best practices were shared to WASH experts from

Afghanistan, Bangladesh, Cambodia, India, Kenya, Indonesia, Laos, Nepal, Sri Lanka and Tanzania who are interested in replicating the program in their respective countries.

Among the schools visited are Buhang Elementary School in Hamtic and Assemblyman Segundo Moscoso Elem School in San Pedro, San Jose.

The activities of the learning exchange included school visits for observation on handwashing and toothbrushing drills and interaction with teachers, parents and pupils, There were also roundtable discussions with local officials headed by Governor Exequiel B. Javier, DepEd by Division Superintendent John

Arnold Siena and other stakeholders.

Guimaras and Antique are among the 30 divisions in the country implementing the Essential Health Care program and lucky enough to be visited by these international wash experts, said Profunga.

About 70 visitors came for the said learning exchange, 35 are going to Guimaras and the remaining 35 are expected to visit Antique.

Aside from WASH experts, the delegation was also composed of top officials of Fit for School Inc., United Nations Children’s Fund and German International Cooperation.

(JCM/PSM/PIA6Antique)

1st nat’l confab on youth advisory councils reels off Dec. 3

By Lilibeth A. French ILOILO CITY, Nov 28 (PIA6) -- The First National Convention on Regional Youth Advisory Councils, intended to strengthen the localization of youth policies and programs in the country, will kick off December 3, 2012.

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ore than 300 representatives of the member-agencies of the Regional Youth Advisory Councils (RACs) from the 17 regions and Adolescent Sexual Reproductive Health Inter-Agency Committee and youth organizations are expected to participate in the three-day event which will be held at Amigo Terrace Hotel, Iloilo City.

National Youth Commission ASEC and NCRYAC Organizing Committee Chair Erwin Chua Andaya said that the National Congress seeks to achieve three objectives: First, to combine and harmonize all the Regional Action Plans under the framework of

the Philipine Youth Development Plan and integrate the Adolescent Sexual and Reproductive Health Communication Plan in the PYDP Strategic Plan for 2013; Second, to identify RAC’s good practices in youth development on the PYDP objectives; Third, to identify the advocacy role of the RACs in mainstreaming the PYDP at the local level to generate the duty bearer’s commitment to the 2013 PYDP Strategic Plan.

President Benigno Aquino’s social contract with Filipinos requires the participation of all stakeholders especially in the implementation of sector plans such as the

2012-2016 PYDP. The RACs are the regional counterpart of the National Advisory Council which was established primarily to localize the implementation of policies and the coordination and monitoring of programs at the regional level. NAC was created by virtue of RA 8044, otherwise known as the “Youth in Nation Building Act”.

The NCRYAC is organized by the NYC in partnership with the United Nations Populations Fund (UNFPA). NYC is the sole policy making and coordinating agency of the government for youth development. (JCM/LAF/ PIA6)

WESTERN VISAYAS

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Urban poor in danger zones get disaster training Sec. Mar Roxas of Region VI

By Lorenzo O. Lambatin, Jr.

BACOLOD CITY, Nov. 26 (PIA6) -- Bacolod’s urban poor underwent a two-day training on disaster preparedness from the Presidential Commission for the Urban Poor at the Masskara Hall of the New Government Center represented by Assistant Regional Director, Presidential Commission for the Urban Poor, Victor Saril, a press release from the Bacolod City PIO said.

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We are here to help in cooperation with the City Government of Bacolod the urban poor who are almost always hit by disasters and calamities,” Victor Saril said.

He especially recognized the support of Mayor Bing Leonardia and Vice Mayor Thaddy Sayson in the city’s disaster preparedness thrust and thanked the city for the accommodation granted the commission. Saril acknowledged the special presence of the city’s Disaster Risk

Reduction and Management head Joe Marie Vargas, who served as one of the speakers in the first day of the training.

Some 30 leaders from different associations such as the Homeowners Association of Tangub, Purity Homeowners Association, Magkaruha and Kabalaka Associations participated in the training. They came from Sum-ag, Singcang, Tangub, and Mansilingan who represented such organizations as the Homeowners Association of Tangub,

Purity Homeowners Association, Magkaruha and Kabalaka Association.

“With their basic skills, they can be on their own to protect themselves from disasters, and qualified association members living nearby the shorelines or danger zones may be entitled to loans to construct their homes through the commission,” Saril stated. (Bacolod City PIO/PIA6-LOL/JCM/)

Over 300 farmers complete 5-month organic farming course on radio

By Jemin B. Guillermo ROXAS CITY, Capiz, Nov. 26 (PIA6) -- A total of 337 Capiz farmers has graduated early this November from a nearly five-month school-on-the-air class focused on organic vegetable production.

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he provincial government is promoting organic farming among farmers through its school-on-air program.

Office of the Provincial Agriculturist Information Officer Teodoro Buenvenida of Capiz said this will help increase farmers' productivity and preserve the environment.

He said that of the total graduates, 49 were from Cuartero, 32 each from Panay and Sigma, 28 from Jamindan, 27 from President Roxas, 25 from Dumarao, 22 from Maayon, 20 each from Dao and Mambusao, 18 each from Ivisan and Tapaz,

16 from Sapian, 13 are from Roxas City, 11 from Panitan and 6 in Pilar.

The program is a partnership of the Department of Agriculture and the provincial agriculture office. in partnership with the OPA here, the organic farming is being promoted to .

Buenvenida said organic farming will restore soil fertility and reduce farmers expenses for chemical inputs. He said that apart from these benefits, “people will also be consuming natural and more nutritious food which is good for our health.”

Seven graduates were recognized as achievers during the graduation ceremony.

Among them were Johny Gregorio, Jovelyn Dolencio, Jofritz Mendoza and Harvey Hare, all from the municipality of Dumarao, Lorlyn Cordovero of Cuartero, Rocillo Villeza of Jamindan; and Jenielyn Daños of Panitan, Buenvenida said.

He said 582 farmers have enrolled in their on-going SOA class on corn production. They have only targeted 500 farmers.

The current program will run for four months or 16 airings over a local radio station here every Sunday morning. (CM/ JBG/PIA6-Capiz)

More Ilonggos expected to join World AIDS Day celeb

By Vicente W. Villavert ILOILO CITY, Nov. 25 (PIA6) -- As a way of showing the region’s commitment to help in the campaign against the spread of HIV/AIDS, the Department of Health (DOH) will gather thousands of Ilonggos from various sectors of the society on December 1 which is observed as the World AIDS Day. harity Perea, regional STI program Guimaras with 4 cases. Perea said that the “Hataw sa World AIDS Day at 6:00 A.M. coordinator of the Department of most-at-risk population are sex workers; at Plazuela de Iloilo to be followed by a Health, Region 6 said that there is males who have sex with other males; and citywide distribution of IEC materials on still no cure for HIV-AIDS, “ that is why clients of sex workers.

AIDS. A motorcade will be held at 1:30 we want people to be aware, and the DOH Region 6 in collaboration with P.M. from Plaza Libertad to the Iloilo society’s involvement is necessary for the partner agencies under the Regional National High School to be participated in zero AIDS-related deaths, zero new HIV Multi-Sectoral Partnership for Sexually by different public/private high school infection, and zero stigma and Transmitted Infections, HIV and AIDS students, gove rnment agencies, discrimination by year 2015.

Prevention and Control spearheads the Non-government organizations and other Presently in Western Visayas, there celebration of this year’s World Health civic organizations. are about 223 People Living with HIV Day in Iloilo City.

With this year’s theme “Getting to (PLHIV), Perea said as she noted that School to school AIDS preventive Zero”, the event’s invited speakers are some 48 PLHIV died since year 2003. education will be conducted in Iloilo City City Mayor Jed Patrick Mabilog and Iloilo tops the PLHIV cases with 99; public high schools and private school DSWD 6 Director Minda Brigoli.(JCM/ followed by Negros with 78 cases; prior to December 1 event. The World VWV/PIA 6-Iloilo) Aklan- 25; Capiz- 12; Antique- 5; and AIDS day celebration will kick off with a

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CENTRAL VISAYAS

Cebu hosts the first regional forum on migration Sec. Jose Rene Almendras of Region VII

By Amorganda A. Saludar

CEBU CITY (PIA) -- The first Regional Forum on Migration held outside Metro Manila was conducted in Cebu on Nov. 23, 2012 at the Pag-IBIG Auditorium with the theme: “Reintegration and Development: Partnership and Challenges."

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he forum marked the celebration of the Month of Overseas Filipinos and International Migrants Day with the nationwide theme “Strengthening the Partnership between Overseas Filipinos and LGUs Towards Sustainable Development of Communities.”

The same forum also brought together representatives from LGUs, OFWs, members of their families, civil society organizations, government agencies and other stakeholders in the migration process to mainstream the concept of migration and development by sharing experiences and best practices at the LGU level.

This also highlighted the partnership of OFWs and LGUs that helps bring about development in communities and in the country, innovative strategies and good practices, identification of challenges, and crafting solutions and ways of moving forward.

In her opening remarks, Carmelita Nuqui of Philippine Migrants Rights Watch said that OFWs have greatly contributed to the country’s economy.

“Our OFWs really contributed a lot to the economic status of the country but their lives as OFWs are not often times easy as there are times in their stay abroad that they will be challenged and they opt to go back home because of some difficult situations they have experienced while working abroad,” Nuqui said.

Nuqui said it is important for the government and other concerned agencies to create initiatives to support OFWs who chose to come home after years of serving abroad.

She also said that reintegration is not that easy as some OFWs really started from nothing although there are several who really found their good fortune abroad and so it is not difficult to start life anew here in the country.

Former OFW and now a successful entrepreneur and businessmen Kenneth Carredo and Dr. Carlito Astillero also relayed their stories of tears and joy abroad as well as their successful reintegration in the country. Both supported the statement that life

abroad is not always milk and honey as they too have their own sad experience of being an OFW. “First thing that will really make you sad is your family, you will always think of them and long to be by their side,” Carredo said.

Carredo and Astillero then lauded government agencies such as the Overseas Workers Welfare Administration (OWWA), Philippine Overseas Employment Administration (POEA), Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) and local government units for giving them aid for them to be successful in their reintegration.

Both Carredo and Astillero were given financial aid by the POEA and OWWA for them to start their own business.

Several talks during the forum include Best Practices of Mainstreaming Migration and Development by the Local Government; Experiences in Reintegration to the Philippines and Success Stories of Overseas Filipinos; and the Role of Civil Society in Migration and Development which were discussed by individuals fit to tackle such topics. (rmn/AYS/ PIA,CEBU)

DOST, UPLB forge agreement to engage farmers to agri-business

By Rizalie A. Calibo SIQUIJOR (PIA) -- The Department of Science and Technology (DOST) and the University of the Philippines at Los Banos (UPLB) have signed a mmorandum of agreement (MOA) to provide financial and technical assistance to the Farmer Scientist Training Program.

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The project Urban and Rural Technology Transfer and Commercialization of Farm Products developed by FSTP-Trained Farmers in Region 7 (Phase 1) aims to sustain and inspire more of our FSTP-trained farmers to expand their business operation," said Romulo Davide, program leader and 2012 Ramon Magsaysay awardee during the agri -business conference and workshop held recently in Siquijor.

Davide said Corn-Based Farmer-Scientists Research Development Extension (RDE) Training Program (FSTP)

has long been in operation in Cebu and Siquijor. It started in Colawin, Argao, Cebu in 1994 and has since expanded to almost all towns of Cebu.

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

Citing its goal of liberating poor farmers from the bondage of poverty and hunger and as business enterprise, Davide said over 20,000 FSTP-trained farmers scientists in region 7 are now successfully engaged in agribusiness. Their annual income has greatly been increased to

more than 100% with some of the model farmer-scientists now earning more than a million pesos annually from the sales of their farm products, he said.

He said that with the agri-business undertaking with the DOST, Siquijor will be able to identify appropriate farm production, processing and packaging technologies suitable for the local markets and farm-food products needed by the resorts and hotels in Siquijor.

This will also boost Siquijor tourism, he said.(rmn/RAC/PIA-Siquijor)

Construction of OPD building in NegOr to serve people more

By Rachelle M. Nessia DUMAGUETE CITY (PIA) -- The construction of the Out-Patient Department building at the Negros Oriental Provincial Hospital (NOPH) will be completed before the year ends to serve a greater number of clients in the province. his was revealed by Provincial expedite measures to repair the modern times when the welding machine had to be Health Officer Dr. Dante equipment at the imaging and diagnostic used; this damaged the UPS of the Domingo in a report to Gov. department of NOPH. Said equipment, equipment,” explained Capitol Information Roel Degamo. particularly the Magentic Resonance Officer Adrian Sedillo. Sedillo said the The construction is currently on the Imaging (MRI) and the mammogram, were governor plans to procure a new UPS final phase with the installation of fixtures earlier damaged as a result of the ongoing unit, especially since there are many like aircon, water, and drainage system, construction of the OPD building. “The NOPH clients who need to avail of the said Adrian Sedillo, capitol information equipment were affected by the MRI and the mammogram. (RMN-PIA 7, officer. The governor also ordered to construction work, especially during the Negros Oriental)

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CENTRAL VISAYAS

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Measures to boost anti-illegal operations in NegOr sought Sec. Jose Rene Almendras of Region VII

quarry

By Rachelle M. Nessia

DUMAGUETE CITY (PIA) -- The provincial government here has Regulatory Board (PMRB) to strengthen its campaign to crack down province. ov. Roel Degamo said his office still that this would be difficult for them to do receives reports of continued illegal due to the vast area they cover,” said quarry activities in the province.

Sedillo in a statement.

The provincial government earlier The provincial government and MGB asked the Mines and Geosciences Bureau eventually agreed to hold the inspection of (MGB) to conduct an inspection of quarry quarry areas to two days every month areas in the province twice a month, said when the PMRB convenes.

Capitol Information Officer Adrian It was also agreed that the Sedillo. “But MGB officials have admitted Environment and Natural Resources

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urged the Provincial Mining and on illegal quarry operations in the Division (ENRD) should provide the list of areas that will be inspected “since they know best the status of each quarry operation in the province,” added Sedillo.

In line with this, the governor also instructed the ENRD to look into the creation of a task force that will run after illegal quarry operators. (RMN/PIA-7 Negros Oriental)

DA, ATI push breadfruit production in Siquijor

By Rizalie A. Calibo SIQUIJOR (PIA) — The Department of Agriculture (DA) and the Agricultural Training Institute (ATI) in Region 7 are pushing for the production of breadfruit in the island as substitute to rice to increase Siquijor province’s food staple sufficiency level.

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training course on breadfruit production with emphasis on asexual propagation was held recently at the Provincial Agriculturist Office Training Hall in Larena, Siquijor in support to the Food Staple Sufficiency Program (FSSP) of the government.

It was attended by 30 participants composed of agricultural extension workers and farmers leaders.

The training focused more on the propagation of the tree.

As a seedless specie, propagation has to be done through asexual methods such

as grafting, budding and layering. One has to be skillful and needs different approaches to get higher percentage of survival, says resource person Domingo Opanda as he demonstrated the “how to’s” of the different methods.

Breadfruit are indigenous trees in the island that bear fruits widely utilized as food substitute.

The province has identified breadfruit, locally known as “Kolo” or “polo”, in San Juan town as an alternate staple food as practiced by their ancestors. It grows well in the island and can be found in all of its

six municipalities based on the inventory of breadfruits trees, both bearing and non-bearing, conducted by the Provincial Agricultural Technology Coordinating Office (PATCO) and the office of the provincial agriculturist here.

Massive plantation is further encouraged to alleviate hunger and provide long-term food security.

Moreover, developing the breadfruit industry mitigates the effects of climate change and and provide livelihood to farmers, PATCO said. (rmn/RAC/PIASiquijor)

Clean technology makes coal plants viable

By Rey Anthony H. Chiu TAGBILARAN CITY, Bohol (PIA) -- Opposition to coal as a fuel to source out the much needed energy to address the country’s growing power needs can rest easy as recent use of clean technology makes emissions no longer hazardous.

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n a recent media tour to the Toledo Power Plant of the Cebu Energy Development Corporation (CEDC), media were briefed on the plant’s generation capacity of 246 megawatts of power through a new technology called Circulating Fluidized Bed (CFB) coal-fired power plant of three units each with an output of 82 megawatts, said Vasco Teofilo Saldana, engineer and plant operations manager.

Saldana said the CFB technology has addressed the issues and concerns raised over old coal-fired power plants pointing out that while the old perception of coal is dust and black smoke, the CFB incorporates in its process an electrostatic precipitator that can collect 99.9 percent of solid particulates from coal, thus eliminating the dust and black smoke.

Mae Melchor, CEDC communications officer during the media briefing on November 21 revealed that coal is still by far the cheapest fuel available to artificially produce thermal energy which prompted scientists to pursue

the development of technologies that make use of clean-coal technologies in coal-fired power plants.

On coal as the culprit allegedly associated with acid rain, Melchor explained that while sulfur dioxide and nitrogen oxide indeed cause acid rain, the new technology allows limestone to be injected in sulfur dioxide which causes a chemical reaction converting sulfur into calcium sulfate, which can now be used as base for cement production.

As for nitrous oxide, Saldana said its production is a result of extremely high combustion processes and the CFB does not use extreme heat so that nitrous oxide is reduced to negligible levels.

Saldana also assuaged fears that coal ash-carrying heavy pollutants can leach into aquifers as water systems is consistently being monitored and the gathering of monitoring samples indicate that the coal ash which the plant stores in its waste facility is way below the standards set by the government’s environment agency. The Department of

Energy (DOE) said questions raised about the use of coal in producing thermal energy to propel the turbines to generate power have mainly been focused on dust, carbon emissions and nitrous oxide. The said past experiences of coal-fired power plants show communities eternally shrouded in thick smoke, a carpet of dust, dangerous carbon and nitrous oxide emissions as well as smokestacks eternally belching, according to DOE-Visayas officials.

Energy officials here said the country has renewable energy (RE) development in its crosshairs but that RE takes a long time to develop into a commercially viable option, or would need a huge investment to generate enough to be viable. According to Rey Maleza, engineer-supervisor of the Energy Industrial Management Division of the DOE-Visayas, 150MW power capacity is needed by 2015 in the Visayas with the surging investments in the region while 50MW new capacity is needed starting 2016 to meet the (increasing) demand and required (power) reserve. (FCR/RHACPIA 7, Bohol)

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EASTERN VISAYAS

$180-M Biliran geothermal project starts April 2013

By Rodrigo S. Victoria

Sec. Carlos Jericho Petilla of Region VIII

NAVAL, Biliran, Nov. 28 (PIA) -- A huge chunk of foreign investment amounting $180 million or roughly P7.38 billion will be poured in the island province of Biliran with the start of the 49 megawatts Biliran geothermal project in April 2013.

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The amount will be downloaded in a Singapore bank,” Nilo A. Apuada, the site manager of Orka Energy Philippines Inc assured the members of the Sangguniang Bayan (SB) of Naval, barangay officials, heads of concerned agencies, and the head of a people’s organization present during a regular session held in Barangay Libtong in this town.

However, Apuada clarified that the release of the $180 million depends on the completion of the necessary requirements needed for the geothermal project to start.

It was learned that Orka represented by Nilo A. Apuada and its local partner Biliran Geothermal Incorporated (BGI), represented by the company’s legal counsel, Atty. Thea Gicela Nueve-Zamora, were in the process of securing the necessary documents as requirements for the geothermal project to start in Biliran province.

The documents include barangay

resolutions coming from Barangays Cabibihan and Villavicenta in the municipality of Caibiran and from Barangay Libtong in the municipality of Naval including SB resolutions from the two municipalities approving the exploration drilling of the three exploration holes of the geothermal project. These documents are vital also in securing an Environmental Clearance Certificate (ECC) from the regional office of the Department of the Environment and Natural Resources in Region 8.

Apuada also clarified that another set of documents will be asked by Orka and BGI from the concerned local government units and national government agencies if the three exploration holes are found to be positive of geothermal energy source.

The Orka site manager said that December 20, 2012 is the deadline set by the company for the completion of the necessary documents before the funds for the project will be released

and for the project to start by April 2013.

Meanwhile, Apuada said that the area for the development of the geothermal project is from three square kilometers to six square kilometers or about 30 hectares to 60 hectares.

Both Apuada of Orka and Atty. Zamora of BGI answered all the issues and concerns ranging from the environmental safety and economic benefits of the geothermal project and also took note of the suggestions and recommendations from the members of SB Naval led by Vice Mayor Redentor Villordon, Dr. Urbano Doydora, provincial director of DENR-Biliran, Sofronio Dacillo, environment and disaster management officer of Biliran province, Barangay Libtong barangay officials led by Barangay Captain Judy Espregante, and Deonilo Pantas, president of a non-government organization representing the affected Community-Based Forest Management Area in Libtong. (PIABiliran)

4Ps, indigent families in Maasin City receive PhilHealth cards for 2013

By Erna S. Gorne MAASIN CITY, Southern Leyte, Nov. 28 (PIA) -- Thousands of beneficiaries of Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program (4Ps) and indigent families based in Maasin City were given their PhilHealth cards with validity period from January 1- December 31, 2013.

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aasin Mayor Maloney Samaco during the PhilHealth cards distribution yesterday said “ I am very grateful to the efforts of President Benigno Aquino III for considering Maasin City among the Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program (4Ps) beneficiaries, wherein 2,695 households from the city will benefit in the government health insurance every year. ” He said that aside from the beneficiaries of the anti-poverty program of the Aquino administration who were identified thru the National Household Targeting System (NHTS), the city government at the same event

distributed PhilHealth cards to some 2,436 indigent families coming from the seventy barangays in the city.

Meanwhile, Provincial Governor Damian Mercado, who also grace the event, distributed another set of 2,083 indigent families still coming from Maasin City, Maasin City Social Welfare and Development Office (MSWDO) PhilHealth Focal Person Arlene Matondo said.

While Congressman Roger Mercado in his keynote message said poverty is the only one real enemy of the city.

He urged the provincial and city social welfare and development office to look for

more indigent households to be enrolled in PhilHealth as the LGU- Southern Leyte will still accommodate 8,000 more beneficiaries for the government health insurance for the same period by next year.

PhilHealth – Maasin City Officer In Charge Henry Madula also briefed the new PhilHealth cardholders of their prospective beneficiaries which include their spouses, children with ages below 21 years old, children out of wedlock of the same age bracket, and parents and step parents who are 60 years old and above. (PIASouthern Leyte)

11 Samar barangays to benefit from farm-to-market road rehab

By Ninfa Iluminda B. Quirante CATBALOGAN CITY, Samar, Nov. 27 (PIA) -- In two months, the people of Pagsanghan, Samar and some parts of Gandara, Samar will enjoy transporting their products and goods by land.

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wo barangays of Gandara, Samar and nine barangays of Pagsanghan, Samar will benefit from the Department of Agrarian Reform (DAR) and Pagsanghan local government partnership project.

According to Mayor Ruben Palma, the 15.174 kilometer (km) San Agustin (Gandara) Pagsanghan farm-to-market road rehabilitation project was funded by DAR and Pagsanghan costing P26.9 million where P13 million was from DAR, and the other P13 million from the LGU as counterpart.

Mayor Palma said that Congressman Mel Senen Sarmiento also gave P7 million for road concreting.

“This road rehabilitation project is a big help for the transportation of our goods and products,” said Mayor Palma.

“We are very thankful and happy for the support given by the national government and the office of the congressman,” Palma added.

In 1995, the CARP poured in P5 million for road opening of gravel road but poor maintenance rendered the road impassable.

Pagsanghan folks resorted to the old mode of transport-through the river again.

With the rehab, barangay folks from these areas see a glimmer of hope for a safer all-weather road to and from the next growth center which is either Calbayog City or Catbalogan.

The road project is expected to be completed by early next year, according to DAR Information Officer Teresa Tijol.

(PIA-Samar with Avha H. Ebalde)

EASTERN VISAYAS

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North Samar exhibitors generate almost P1-M from Bahandi Trade Fair Sec. Carlos Jericho Petilla of Region VIII

By Ailene N. Diaz

CATARMAN, Northern Samar, 26 Nov. (PIA) -- A total sales of P993,943 was generated by the seventeen exhibitors from the province of Northern Samar during the five (5) day trade fair and exhibit or Bahandi 2012 showcased in SM MegaTrade Hall 1, 5th level, Building B SM Megamall, Mandaluyong City.

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ahandi 2012 Regional Trade Fair is the region’s biggest marketing event showcasing traditional and newly developed products by the handicrafts and food artisans coming from the six provinces of Eastern Visayas.

DTI Provincial Director Stanley Tabiando said that of the 86 exhibitors from Eastern Visayas Region, 18 came from Northern Samar. Seventeen (17) of which exhibited handicrafts and processed food and one (1) Tourism and Investment

Booth manned by Provincial Tourism Officer, Ms. Josette Doctor.

Tabiando also said that the province’ producers exhibited mouth watering delicacies such as pili, banana, gabi, peanut, mushroom and tuna and unique products crafted by artisans with craftsmanship honed by time.

Among the indigenous raw materials prominently hand crafted by the producers of Northern Samar came from abaca, nito, tikog, coco coir, rattan, bamboo. Other products include coco

vinegar, coco ethanol, VCO, VCO soap, calamansi jam and other preserved fruits.

The fair aimed at promoting not only the products of the Region but also its tourist attractions.

Through the exhibit, the visitors were able to have a glimpse of what each Province has to offer, Tabiando reiterated.

“The Best of Eastern Visayas,” is the Bahandi Trade Fair theme for this year to showcase the regions’ best produced.

(PIA-Northern Samar)

LGU gears up for Enchanting Palo Christmas Festival 2012 PALO, Leyte, Nov. 25 (PIA) -- As the much-awaited holiday season is fast approaching, the local government of Palo under the leadership of Mayor Remedios Loreto Petilla, is currently preparing its annual Palo Christmas Festival tradition.

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eople annually visit the municipality which turns into an enchanting Palo Christmas Village, clear manifestation of the town’s public and private partnership as every house, every private and public office is decorated with lights and other symbols of Christmas.

For this year, several innovations are being introduced by the mayor - the Christmas Festival competitions will include the search for the Best Decorated and lighted Barangay Main Street Competition for barangays Buri, Arado, Cavite East, Cavite West, Cogon, Sta. Cruz, Naga-Naga, St. Michael, Salvacion, Guindapunan, Pawing, Baras, Luntad, and San Fernando.

Other competitions include the search for the Best Christmas Lantern; the Santa Claus Making contest; the Best Decorated Barangay Hall; Best Christmas Tree using

recyclable materials; the Best Belen and the Best Lighted and Well-Decorated Government Agency.

Petilla encourages all barangay officials, Palo residents, business establishments and government offices to once again join this annual activity.

The mayor said the Palo Christmas Festival will start on December 14 until the Feast of the Three Kings on January 6, 2013.

There will be Nightly Shows at the Palo Plaza where various competitions will be featured, among which are “Paskoshion” Competition (recyclable Materials); Hip-hop Competition - Kids Category; Hip-hop Competition - Teen Category; Siday Competition; Christmas Caroling - Youth and Adult Category; Christmas Caroling Children Category; Dance Drama Competition (For teachers); Drama

Competition; and Giant Puppet Competition.

A visit to Enchanting Palo, will not be complete without dropping by the Christmas House of the Saboren Family, as the Christmas festival was initiated 25 years ago by famous tenor Enrique Saboren.

To encourage others to the idea of a Christmas Village, he started by decorating his entire house converting it into a Christmas House.

Meanwhile, in a radio interview, Palo Councilor Wilson Uy said that the Duaw Palo program of Mayor Petilla calls for the institutionalization of the culture of Palo through 4Ps that includes Pamalandong during the Holy Week Season, Patron in August, Pagbalik ha Palo for the Leyte Landing celebration in the month of October and Pasko. (PIA-8)

Eastern Samar has new PNP director

By Alicia E. Nicart BORONGAN CITY, Eastern Samar, Nov. 28 (PIA) -- Police Senior Superintendent Brigido Basio Unay has recently assumed officer-in-charge of the Provincial Police Command here.

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n simple rites yesterday, Unay received the PNP Office Symbol and Property Book from outgoing Provincial Director Police Senior Superintendent Manuel Enage Cubillo who has just completed his two-year stint in the province.

In his acceptance message, the new PNP Director thanked the good Lord “for the blessing and for His divine guidance so that I can serve the people of Eastern Samar with humility and passion”.

According to him, maintaining peace and order in the Eastern Samar police

provincial office (PPO) is always a challenge but the good news, he said is, he is confident he can live up to the challenge.

With the many extremely capable, professional and courageous officers, men and women around the command, he said, added to the very supportive local chief executives, there would be no reason why he could not carry on the many good performances of his predecessor.

He is committed to pursue the 10-Point Agenda, highlighted by the Patrol Plan 2013, laid out by Police Director

General Nicanor Ancheta Bartolome as the PNP Chief then.

He will also make community relations as the core activity in all forms of police operations but this is not a change in strategy he said, nor in policy, rather, this is just a rationalization approach in order to produce better results.

He added that there is no way they can win the war against criminality and insurgency if they do not have the support of the community.

Unay hails from Catarman, Northern Samar. (PIA-Eastern 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.

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