One Visayas e-Newsletter Vol. 2 Issue 49

Vol 2

Issue 49

In this Issue WESTERN VISAYAS

Department of Social Welfare and Development Field Office 6 Information Officer Mae Rago-Castillo receives a plaque and a certificate of recognition, for being one of the Best Performing Information Officers for 2012 in Western Visayas, from Sec. Sonny Coloma of the Presidential Communications Operations Office during the Information Officers’ Year-end Assembly held in Talisay City. Also in photo is PIA 6 Regional Director Ma. Janet C. Mesa. (PIA 6)

More on Region 6, pages 2-3.

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CENTRAL VISAYAS

Published by: PIA 6, 7 & 8

December 3 - 9, 2012

Coloma stresses power of information to gov’t IOs ILOILO CITY, Dec. 10 (PIA6) -- Whether it’s about disaster risk reduction or confronting poverty, information can help people make the right decisions in addressing these problems or making the appropriate actions.

This, summed up Presidential Communications Operations Office (PCOO) Secretary Sonny Coloma, is the power of information.

In his keynote speech at the Information Officers’ Year-end Conference and Awards held Dec. 7 in Talisay City, Negros Occ., Coloma said that in times of emergencies like typhoons the government sees to it that the public are given the necessary precautionary measures by way of information or advisories to ensure their safety.

Every single human life is valuable, said Coloma.

He cited as an example of calamities wherein government uses the power of information to keep people safe the recent visit of typhoon “Pablo” in the country.

Regarding the problem of poverty, the PCOO chief said that one of its causes is irresponsible parenthood and reminded government information officers from the Visayas cluster that they can empower people to make sound decisions in this regard.

Coloma said he has initiated the upgrading of government media facilities especially its television station as part of overall efforts to enhance the reach and quality of public information to help people make decisions to improve the quality of their life.

“Democacy has no meaning if there is no improvement in the people’s quality of life, if there is no inclusive growth,” he said.

In her remarks at the start of the conference, PIA-6 Regional Director lawyer Ma. Janet C. Mesa urged government agencies and local government units to maximize the use of digital communication tools and social networking to send out information.

Mesa said the more information we send the more people will know what the government is doing and what people want from the government.

Information is also important for government as it comes from the public in the form of feedback about what the government is doing or the manner in which it does what it is doing.

He cited as an example the incident that happened during a townhall meeting in Metro Manila wherein student protesters, who had managed to enter the venue, interrupted President Aquino who was rendering a report on his first 100 days in office.

Coloma said he welcomed the action as a form of feedback on governance as he said we should be tolerant of those voices (of protesters).

The year-end conference and awards for public information officers is held annually to gather government information officers to strengthen their network and camaraderie, share best practices and recognize their outstanding achievements as they perform their work.

The participants and guests to this year’s event were welcomed by Felix Hiballes, Executive Assistant to Mayor Eric Saratan of the host Talisay City. (JCM/JSC-PIA6)

PNoy visits Cebu Bohol District Three (D3) Mayors Rosemarie Imboy (Loay), Norman Palacio (Bilar) and Fortunato Abrenilla (Jagna) sign the 3Ps MOA in the recent rites at Bohol Tropics Resort. By signing the agreement, these town executives agree to ascertain they provide the supply side of the government, monitor the conditionality compliance by benefactors and hire local links with DSWD. (PIABohol)

More on Region 7, pages 4-5.

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EASTERN VISAYAS

Labor and Employment Regional Director Exequiel Sarcauga (right) assures local media that labor concerns affecting some establishments in Eastern Visayas are attended and addressed to by the department as PIA 8 regional director Olive Tiu (left) listens during the Harampang ha PIA. (Vino R. Cuayzon)

More on Region 8, pages 6-7.

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CEBU CITY, Dec 4 (PIA) -- President Benigno Aquino III visited Cebu last November 30 during the celebration of the National Thanksgiving Mass for the Visayan Saint Pedro Calungsod, not just to grace the celebration but to personally know some problems the province faces.

Aquino said that since he was not able to attend the canonization rites of the Visayan and second Filipino Saint San Pedro Calungsod in Rome, he really found time and effort to accept the invitation of Emeritus Cardinal Vidal to attend the National Thanksgiving Mass at SRP, Cebu on November 30.

“Bilang hindi talaga tayo nagkaroon ng pagkakataton na makadalo sa canonization ni San Pedro Calungsod, pinagsikapan talaga natin at pinipilit bilang tugon na rin sa

imbitasyon ni Cardinal Vidal na tayo’y makadalo sa National Thanksiving Mass,” Aquino said. He added that being here in Cebu already, he will then use his time to know the real status of the province and to know some problems if there are any the province is facing at present.

The President also pledged to make a move for the proposed Trans Rapid Transit Station here in Cebu since the budget allocation for infrastructure for the country already reached to P10B. “Gagawa tayo nga mga hakbang patungo doon,” he said.

In his meeting with some public officials in the province, the President noted that Cebu has minor problems one of which is the traffic situation that needs immediate action. (mbcn/AYS/PIA, Cebu)

282 East Visayan farmers complete organic farming course TACLOBAN CITY Leyte, Dec 6 (PIA) -- The 282 farmers from East Visayas who graduated from the University-on-the-Air (UOA) classes on Organic Farming, are now the Department of Agriculture’s strong partners in weaving a viable organic production system.

This was pronounced by DA Region 8 Regional Executive Director Antonio G. Gerundio during the Culminating Exercises of the UOA on November 28 at the Leyte Provincial Gym. The 282 farmers from Leyte, Samar, and Eastern Samar provinces completed the season-long course and received their diplomas from DA-8 and the Leyte Provincial Agriculture Office. It was observed that there were more women farmers who participated in the University on the Air with 189 out of the 282 graduates.

Said farmers spent almost five months to finish the course by listening to the radio for 30 minutes from Monday to Saturday. By doing so, they kept themselves abreast of the series of topics discussed by experts on organic agriculture from national, regional and provincial offices, Francis Rosaroso, chief of DA 8 Information

Division, said. Similar to the classroom teaching method, the students, after listening and taking note of the lectures, answered short quizzes and major examinations administered by the radio program hosts.

The municipal/city agriculturists and agricultural technologists served as supervisors of the farmer-students.

To complement the discussions, the students were required to join the educational tour to identified progressive farms in the region.

All done, a panel of evaluators selected the top 10 students who were given special awards and prizes sponsored by DA-8 and the local government of Leyte through Governor Ma. Mimietta S. Bagulaya.

Ariel R. Rupa, a 44-year-old farmer from Palo, Leyte was valedictorian; Jonathan Alegro of Babatngon was salutatorian; Pedro Banilbo of Tanauan was first honorable mention; Danilo S. Daylo of Palo was 2nd honorable mention while DaniloDaria of Tunga was third honorable mention. All the medalists are from Leyte.

Coinciding with the event was the awarding of this year’s Regional GawadSaka farmer-achievers. (PIA-8)

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WESTERN VISAYAS

WV pupil tops Nat’l Poster making tilt

By Lilibeth A. French

Sec. Mar Roxas of Region VI

ILOILO CITY, Dec 5 (PIA6) -- A Grade V pupil of Rizal Elementary School in Bacolod City who represented Western Visayas emerged champion in the elementary category of the recently concluded National Road Safety Poster Making Contest.

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epartment of Education 6 Resource Mobilization Special Programs and Project’s Division Chief and Information Officer Dr. Eden D. Deriada said Angelene Arangco, bested other participants from the 17 regions in the country who participated in the competition.

Arangco received her prize of P50,000 cash, a trip for two to Hongkong, an STI scholarship and others during the awarding held at the DepEd Central Office

in Manila that capped the celebration of the World Day of Remembrance on November 18, 2012.

Arangco will be accompanied by her coach, Rosario Villanueva in her trip to Hongkong in January. She also received P10,000 as the regional winner.

The National Road Safety Poster Making Contest was launched last year to increase awareness and level of involvement among students and teachers in road safety related activities in the

school and community. For this year, the contest was opened to schools last June 30 with the regional level judging until October 31. Entries must be made of local and indigenous materials.

The contest was conducted by DepEd in collaboration with the Department of Transportation and Communications and the National Coalition for Commuter Safety and Protection, Inc., (JCM/LAF/ PIA6)

Disaster Council recognizes Gawad Kalasag Regional Awardees

By Leonard T. Pineda I ILOILO CITY, Dec 3 (PIA) -- The Regional Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (RDRRMC) VI gave out recognitions for excellence in disaster risk management and humanitarian assistance to this year's winners.

“The Gawad Kalasag Regional Awardees exemplify excellence in the field of disaster risk reduction,” said Emmanuel De Guzman, keynote speaker during the 2012 Awarding Ceremonies held on Thursday at the Amigo Terrace Hotel here.

The Gawad Kalasag stands for KAlamidad at Sakuna LAbanan SAriling Galing ang Kaligtasan award.

The Office of Civil Defense confers this recognition to individuals, non-government organizations, private sector and government organizations, in recognition of their initiative in helping the Filipino government uplift the standard of disaster management in the country.

For the Province Category, Guimaras was awarded the top prize, with the provinces of Iloilo and Aklan, in second and third places, respectively. For the Highly Urbanized City, the local government of Bacolod City was awarded

first place. Winners for the 1st to 3rd Class Municipalities Category are as follows: 1st Place - San Jose de Buenavista, Antique, and 2nd Place – Kalibo Aklan.

For 4th to 6th Class Municipalities, Balete Aklan was the sole winner.

Barangay Sipitan-Badiang, Guimbal, Iloilo garnered first place for the Barangay Disaster Risk Reduction Management Committee.

For Civil Society Organizations, two local non-government organizations from Aklan were honored: 1st Place – Abante Aklan and 2nd Place - SEALS (Rescue) Inc. The Chamber Volunteer Fire Brigade was the lone winner for Private Organizations Category while for the volunteer organizations Category, the 611th Philippine Coast Guard Auxiliary Squadron was first place.

The Best Basic Search and Rescue Award was given to Iloilo Emergency Responder.

Guimaras Provincial Hospital was awarded first place in the Hospitals Category.

For Best Public Schools Category, Cabasi-Sta. Rosa Elementary School.

Guimbal, Iloilo received the top plum and was included in this year’s Hall of Fame for the said category.

Meanwhile, DOST VI Regional Director and RDRRMC Vice Chair Rowen Gelonga said he is proud that the region has already produced several local DRRMCs which are national hall of famers.

He added that disaster risk reduction is already everybody’s concern, from the local government unit levels to the private sectors.

“We need to commit ourselves to accomplish the set targets on disaster preparedness,” added Gelonga. (JCM/LTP/ PIA-ILOILO)

Search for outstanding public servants on

By Jemin B. Guillermo ROXAS CITY, Capiz, Dec 5 (PIA6) -- The search is on for outstanding public servants.

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eads of offices and public servants are enjoined to participate actively by submitting nominations to the 2013 Search for Outstanding Public Officials and Employees of the Civil Service Commission, said Capiz CSC Director Maria Lina Gonzaga.

“The conferment of the awards form part of the CSC’s advocacy of promoting a culture of excellence and recognizing and rewarding women and men for

outstanding work performance, contribution and superior accomplishments and for consistent manifestation of exemplary ethical behavior in public service,” Gonzaga said.

She said the search covers three categories, namely the Presidential Lingkod Bayan Award, Outstanding Public Official and Employee or the Dangal ng Bayan Award and the CSC Pagasa Award. Apart from the individual

nominations for the Presidential Lingkod Bayan and the Pagasa awards, group or team nominations are likewise encouraged, she said.

Deadline for submission of nominations is on March 29,2013 while the nomination forms and guidelines could be accessed through www.csc.gov.ph.

(JCM/JBG/PIA6-Capiz)

WESTERN VISAYAS

Sec. Mar Roxas of Region VI

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CSC to open testing center in Antique

By Pilar S. Mabaquiao

SAN JOSE, Antique, Dec 5 (PIA6) -- The Civil Service Commission (CSC) will open a testing center in San Jose, Antique for Paper and Pencil Test for Professional and Sub-Professional Career examination.

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ohn Esar T. David, OIC Director II of CSC Antique said Antiquenos need not go to Iloilo City to get the career exams come April 14, 2013 because of the opening of testing center in San Jose, Antique.

The CSC Field Office in Sibalom, Antique now accepts application for career exams on the said date, he disclosed. CSC reiterated that applicants should be a Filipino citizen and at least 18

years of age on the date of filing of application.

An applicant should be of good moral character, have not been convicted of crime involving moral turpitude, immoral conduct, dishonesty, examination irregularity, drunkenness or addiction to drugs.

He/she should not have been dishonorably discharged from military service or dismissed for cause from any

civilian positions in government and has not taken the same level of examination within three months from the last examination taken regardless of their educational attainment.

The examination Fee is P500.00 Deadline for filing of applications is on February 28, 2013. Acceptance will be on first come first served basis. (CSC/JCM/ PSM/PIA6Antique)

DENR-6 advocates use of indigenous seedlings for greening program

By Elsa S. Subong ILOILO CITY, Dec 3 (PIA6) -- The Department of Environment and Natural Resources in Western Visayas has raised some 47.2 million of indigenous species, or 83 percent of the nearly 57 million seedlings it has sown as of date.

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he agency and its partners have pooled efforts for the use of indigenous seedlings for the implementation of the National Greening Program (NGP).

DENR-6 Executive Director Adeluisa Siapno said indigenous seedlings are more adaptive to local conditions such as topography and soil quality.

“We would like to give the greening program an identity of its own here in the region through the use of indigenous

forest trees, where we have abundant resources,” Siapno said.

DENR-6 records showed that in Western Visayas, 3,492,061 million seedlings were planted as of mid-November 2012 for the NGP. The data include that of the DENR, DENR partners, initiatives of the local government units and watershed management boards, of which, 51.13 percent or 2,225,528 million are indigenous.

Siapno said that the abundance of indigenous seedlings raised indicated a large quantity of indigenous forest species to be used in the months and years to come.

This thrust on use of indigenous species is anchored on the DENR Memo Circular 2012-01 issued by Environment Secretary Ramon Paje. (JCM/ESS/PIAIloilo)

Boracay confident of achieving 1.2-M visitors by yearend

By Venus G. Villanueva KALIBO, Aklan, Dec 6 (PIA6) -- Visitor arrivals in Boracay Island have already breached the one-million mark last October yet, and the provincial government of Aklan expressed optimism that by yearend, people visiting the country’s prime tourist destination, foreigners or domestic, could reach 1.2 million.

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his, after Aklan Governor Carlito S. Marquez disclosed recently in his “Governor’s Report to the People” program aired over a radio station here that from January to November of this year, the number of tourists that visited the island already reached 1,100,000.

Earlier, the governor said the province expected that the 1.2 million in tourist arrivals in the island would be attained yet in 2013.

Based on the Aklan Provincial Tourism Office (APTO), the first five

months of the year registered higher number of tourist arrivals except February which had arrivals surpassing the hundred thousand mark.

On the other hand, arrivals from June to November were lower, but when compared to last year’s, this year’s records still registered significant increases per month.

Meanwhile, the province’ operations of its Caticlan and Cagban jetty ports and that of the Philippine Ports Authority (PPA) generated P17,549,585.58 million for the month of November.

Governor Marquez said this is P6,713,630.68 higher than the P10,835,954.90 which was collected during the same period last year.

For the 11-month period from January to November 2012, P171,433,270 million were collected through operations of the jetty ports, higher by P64,255,951.88 million compared to the P107,177,318.12 collected last year during the same period. (JCM/VGV PIA 6, Aklan)

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CENTRAL VISAYAS

Coloma stresses media’s role in nat’l development Sec. Jose Rene Almendras of Region VII

By Fayette C. Riñen

CEBU CITY, Dec 9 (PIA) -- Presidential Communications and Operations Office (PCOO) Secretary Sonny Coloma says that media are stakeholders in national development with a corresponding duty to also propagate the good news happening in the country.

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oloma spoke before reporters of Bacolod City during a recent visit to rally for media support in delivering the good news specifically the achievements of government in the economic front.

The country has been receiving good reviews internationally especially our government’s efforts in attaining economic progress, according to Coloma.

“Media should also propagate the good news since they are also Filipinos and are stakeholders in the development of the country,” said Coloma.

The PCOO Secretary negated reports of the President’s conflict with the

media," “The President only wants media to also highlight the successes in the economic front.

Coloma remarked that amid favorable remarks from international media, wherein lies local media's stance about positive developments.

“Again, the President has no quarrel or squabble with media. In fact, we consider the media as part of our partners in development,” emphasized Coloma.

The PCOO Secretary also took the opportunity to reiterate Aquino’s principle on good governance the "Tuwid Na Daan (straight path)." “Since the President took office, he has been consistent in fighting

corruption. Because addressing corruption also means addressing poverty,” said Coloma bringing attention the President’s dictum of "Walang Mahirap, Kung Walang Korupt (no poverty if there's no corruption)."

Coloma was in Bacolod City to award the best performing public information officers of Region 6 during the Information Officers’ Year-End Conference and Awards 2012 under the theme “Realizing the ‘Matuwid Na Daan’ Thru Responsible Social Networking” and to joint staff members of the PIA Visayas cluster. (PIA 7)

CV mayors sign co-partnership with DSWD on 4Ps implementation

By Rey Anthony H. Chiu TAGBILARAN CITY, Dec 3 (PIA)-- Twenty-four town mayors and their representatives in Central Visayas signed a memorandum of agreement with the DSWD-7 as co-partners in the implementation of the Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program Set 6,at the Bohol Tropics Resort in Bohol, November 29.

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f the 24 local chief executives, 17 child in school or a maximum of P900 for of them are from Bohol towns, education. five from Cebu and two from A household beneficiary of at least Siquijor. three kids in school can get P1,400 per The MOA cites the responsibilities of month, for as long as they regularly both the Department of Social Welfare comply with the conditions, Lariba pointed and Development (DSWD), and the local out. government units, upon which the The 17 Bohol towns: Alburquerque, acceptance of the government’s flagship Antequera, Baclayon, Corella, Cortes, conditional cash transfer program puts on Dauis, Maribojoc, Panglao, Sikatuna and their shoulders the corresponding tasks to Tubigon (District 1), and Bilar, Garcia get the program rolling, explains Aileen Hernandez, Jagna, Loay, Loboc, Sevilla and Lariba, DSWD information Officer.

Dimiao were represented by their mayors With Set 6 implemented, another or representatives during the signing, 21,000 households in the region will while Wadel Cabrera, the National receive monthly grants of P500 each for Deputy Project Manager for the 3P signed health and nutrition and P300 for every in lieu of the DSWD.

For Cebu, the towns of Consolacion, Minglanilla, Liloan, San Fernando and Compostela also sent in their mayors or representatives to sign the agreement.

In Siquijor, the towns of Larena and Siquijor also joined the signing with the mayor of Siquijor signing the agreement.

These towns in the Central Visayas represented the 24 towns in the set 6 beneficiaries of the national government’s implementation of conditional cash grants to poor families as determined by the National Household Targeting system for Poverty Alleviation (NHTS-PR), Kerwin Macopia, the regional information officer for the NHTS-PR said. (mbcn/rahc/FMGM PIA-Bohol)

PWDs recognize Barrier-FrEe ESTablishment in Dumaguete City

By Jennifer C. Tilos DUMAGUETE CITY, Dec 3 (PIA) -- The Ten Outstanding Persons With Disabilities of Negros Oriental Alumni Community (TOPWD-AC) will hold the recognition rites to award the finalists and winners of the Search for ‘BEST in Dumaguete City: First Stretch’ on December 10 at Robinsons Place, Dumaguete City.

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ubbed Search for Barrier-FrEe ESTablishment in Dumaguete City (BEST), Interim Committee Chair Philip Vilos of TOPWD said “the activity aims to recognize efforts made by those who comply with the Law by giving them a Seal of Commendation which they can then boost their branding as a Barrier-Free Establishment, not only to the locals but also to the domestic and foreign visitors who visit the city.”

The TOPD-AC and its partners, Great Physician Rehabilitation (GPRehab),

Dumaguete City Engineer’s Office, Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) Negros Oriental, Dumaguete City Social Welfare and Development Office (CSWD), and Dumaguete City Tourism Office initiated a search that recognizes establishments, offices, institutions that have faithfully complied with the Accessibility Law. The activity also identifies establishments in the city that have instituted accessibility features in their businesses for Persons With Disabilities,

Senior Citizens, pregnant women and all others who have physical limitations.

Vilos said the BP 344 was approved in 1982 but its implementation continues to fall short of its own objectives.

The City Engineer’s Office, however, has tried to enforce it fully, but it has been observed that there are certain lapses even in ramp construction and in the features of the public restrooms in numerous establishments and offices, said Vilos. (mbcn/ JCT/PIA-Negros Oriental)

CENTRAL VISAYAS

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Visayan Forum announces approval of landmark bill for domestic workers Sec. Jose Rene Almendras of Region VII

By Jennifer C. Tilos

DUMAGUETE CITY, Dec 3 (PIA) -- The Visayan Forum Foundation Incorporated in Negros Oriental announced the recent passage of Batas Kasambahay for the welfare of domestic helpers. omualdo Señeres II of the Visayan The Committee agreed to peg the a minimum wage of P2,500 for NCR is an Forum said the civil society groups, minimum wage of domestic workers at P2,500 improvement from P800 – the rate that is still trade unions, and domestic workers per month for the National Capital Region, prescribed under the Labor Code. Wages will commended the decision of the leadership of P2,000 for chartered cities and first class then be adjusted by the Regional Tri-partite the Philippine Senate and the House of municipalities, and P1,500 for other Wage and Productivity Board.

Representatives which approved a consolidated municipalities.

The Bicam has earlier agreed on version of the Domestic Workers Act of 2012.

In a press release, according to the provisions mandating contracts, social Señeres who witnessed the ratification of Fedetation of Free Workers (FFW) President protection and benefits coverage, and the bill on November 26 in Manila said “now Sonny Matula “The Federation of Free mechanisms for rescue of abused domestic that the Kasambahay bill is approved, the rights Workers welcomes with elation this historic workers, among others. and welfare of the domestic helpers will be legislation.”

In the same press release, according to protected.”

“This is a milestone for the workers Lilibeth Masamloc, President of SUMAPI, a The Senate and the House panel agreed movement. After years of lobbying, our National Association of Domestic Workers, on provisions on minimum wage and on domestic workers are now included to have “We find the provisions of the Bill fair to both protection of children engaged in domestic rights as that with other workers and their domestic workers and employers. We merely work – breaking a two-month deadlock that invisible work at home is now wanted to have a fair share from the fruits of delayed the passage of the much-awaited Bill. recognized.”Matula added that the approval of our labor.” (mbcn/JCT/PIA-Negros Oriental)

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Guv issues EO to direct new Bohol tagline use

By Rey Anthony H. Chiu TAGBILARAN CITY, Dec 3 (PIA) -- Wanting to intensify tourism promotions for Bohol, Governor Edgar Chatto urges government and private companies in the province to use the tagline "Bohol: heart of the islands."

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hatto signed Executive Order 38, that detailed the need to adopt and use a slogan and logo for a quicker memory recall as well as easy branding for Bohol.

The tagline, which Bohol launched in Manila in the presence of Department of Tourism officials last May, is Bohol: Heart of the Islands, Truly Philippines. The tagline is written on a heart-shaped logo with the name Bohol amid the famous Chocolate Hills.

It is designed as a catch phrase for easy recall due to its amazing and wonderful offerings tor tourists, the executive order stated.

The logo, designed in heart describes something personal and intimate, which could be experienced with the warm hospitality of the Boholanos, it continued.

The governor also claims that the logo which uses the “most prized tourist destination” is in support of the national government’s tourism campaign under the slogan, “It’s more fun in the Philippines.”

He said the Bohol Tourism Logo and Slogan can be disseminated by printing and using them in paper stationeries in government offices or promotional propaganda materials, tarpaulins, billboards, print-ads of private

offices. Chatto ordered the department offices and hospitals under the provincial government to use the tagline in their stationeries beside the province of Bohol seal.

He also urged national government offices to use the logo and slogan and engaged all owners, operators, managers, proprietors of hotels, resorts, restaurants, shopping malls and private offices and establishment to use the logo and slogan and display them prominently in their promotional materials. (mbcn/rahc/PIABohol)

DOE presents country's energy plan in Bohol

By Elvira C. Bongosia BOHOL, Dec 3 (PIA) -- The Department of Energy (DOE) brought to Bohol its Information, Education and Communication (IEC) campaign on the country's 2012-2030 Philippine Energy Plan (PEP) recently at the Flushing Meadows Resort & Playground in Panglao, Bohol.

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OE-Energy Policy and Planning Bureau director Jesus Tamang said the government recognizes the long gestation periods of energy projects and investments that leads the DOE to formulate a long term energy plan that addresses relevant issues and concerns in energy development.

Based on the presentations made, the current energy situation as of December 31, 2011 revealed that 70.18 percent are from the household electrification level and 70.15 percent from the public electrification level.

The number of service contracts (SCs) showed that 27 are from oil and gas, 52 from coal and 46 from awarded renewable energy (RE) Tamang said there is an energy savings of P220 billion.

Tamang added that the programs for the reform on power energy sector includes Retail Competition and Open Access (RCOA); Adapt Smart Grid Technologies; Grid Interconnection and Electricity Spot Market; Renewable Energy Market and Accelerated Rural Electrification.

The DOE also presented the overview of the system in the power sector to understand better how power is distributed in the country. Luzon has an installed capacity of 11,739

Recognizing the long delayed energy plan, DOE has formulated the 2012-2030 PEP to be launched in December 2012 in time for the annual celebration of the National Energy Consciousness Month (NECM).

Part of the presentation was the the overview of the power system in the power sector. According to Tamang, the stability and reliability of power supply remained the major challenge in the powersector in 2010.

The presentation showed that despite the natural calamities and the adverse effect of climate change that hit the country, the performance of the power industry in 2010 had improved compared to 2009.

Total installed and dependable capacity in the country increased to 16,359 MW and 13,902 MW, respectively with the entry of new capacities in Visayas and Mindanao grids. Four new power plants were connected to the grid adding 632 MW in capacity.

In Visayas, three (3) coal-fired power plants with 82 MW each owned by Cebu Energy Development Corporation (CEDC); 2 x 72 MW by Panay Energy Development Corporation (PEDC) and the 2 x 100 MW by KEPCO-Salcon were tested and

commissioned in 2010 which resulted to an increase in the total installed capacity of Visayas to 2,407 MW. In Mindanao, the first unit (26 MW) of the 42 MW Sibulan hydroelectric power plant in Davao del Sur began testing and commissioning in April 2010 while the second unit (16 MW) followed in August 2010.

The DOE also revealed its “30 by 2030” plan wherein it targets 30 percent of all public utility vehicles will run on alternative fuels by 2030.

Tamang said that 100,000 units of energy efficient tricycles or e-trikes will be rolled out nationwide by 2013.

The Aquino administration earlier said that the e-trike project was important because the Philippines spent $8.78 billion on imported oil in 2010, 66 percent of which was used by the transport sector, the DOE report said.

In April, the government launched 20 e-trikes that are now plying the streets of Metro Manila.

The e-Trike project was started to find alternative forms of public transport that are environment-friendly and produce less noise. (mbcn/ ecb/PIA-Bohol)

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EASTERN VISAYAS

CSC’s Contact Center ng Bayan may now be reached via SMS

Sec. Carlos Jericho Petilla of Region VIII

GOV’T CENTER, Palo, Leyte, Dec 6 (PIA) -- Citizens, civil society organizations, and other entities can now voice out their complaints and concerns through government’s central helpline, dubbed Contact Center ng Bayan (CCB), by sending a text message to 090-888-16565.

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ivil Service Commission-Region 8 Director Marilyn Taldo said the use of SMS started December 3, as part of the Commission’s plan to make it easier and more convenient for the public to complain about inefficiency, discourtesy, and fixing in government offices.

The Contact Center ng Bayan (CCB) is conceived to be government’s main help desk where citizens, civil society organizations and other entities can voice their complaints and concerns with

government agencies and gain access to information.

The primary objective is to provide a venue for the public to air out concerns relative to the quality of front line service delivery by government personnel and any other violations of the Republic Act No. 9845 or Anti-Red Tape Act of 2007 (ARTA) for resolution, insighting and process improvement.

The secondary objective is to provide information about government agency policies and procedures specifically

focused on the CSC, NCC, BIR, PHIC, DOH and DTI, which are part of the CCB. The CCB is accessible nationwide by dialing 1-6565 using PLDT, Smart, and Digitel landlines, Mondays to Fridays, from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Each call to 1-6565 is charged P5 plus VAT. The setting up of the CCB is anchored on the Anti-Red Tape Act (ARTA) of 2007, a law which aims to improve public service delivery, Taldo said. (PIA-8)

NEDA board allots P2.1-B for DZR airport redevelopment

By Aurora J. Casimpan TACLOBAN CITY, Leyte, Dec 5 (PIA) -- The Daniel Z. Romualdez (DZR) Airport in Tacloban City, Leyte province has been allocated the amount of P2.1 billion for its redevelopment.

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he amount, approved by the National Economic and Development Authority, is intended for the improvement of the airport terminal building which will have a size of about 9,000 square meters to 10,000 square meters, enough to accommodate the increasing volume of air travelers.

Antonio Alfonso, area manager of the Civil Aviation Authorities of the Philippines (CAAP) that oversees the

operations of the airport, welcomes the development saying that the improvement of the airport building and the facilities is necessary because of the increase of air travelers and the call of the times.

Alfonso added that the volume of air travelers is expected to surge next year because of the sorties of candidates running for national posts.

The redevelopment of the DZR Airport was mentioned by President

Aquino in his second State of the Nation Address (SONA) where he said that he wants the Tacloban airport to be realized under his term as the airport is one of the projects under the private-public partnership (PPP).

The NEDA board has included the DZR Airport as one of six PPP to be given allocation for improvement. (PIA-8)

DA-8 calls on public to be responsible rice consumers

By Neil D. Lopido TACLOBAN CITY, Leyte, Dec 5 (PIA) -- The Department of Agriculture-Regional Office 8 is conducting a campaign to promote proper rice consumption in preparation for the celebration of the National Year of Rice in 2013.

F

rancis Rosaroso, DA-8 chief happen especially during big occasions like information officer, statistics fiestas, party and other celebrations. show that each Filipino wastes Next year, the DA-8 will focus on two (2) tablespoons of cooked rice every promoting nutritional value of food, eating day. other foods like crops, fruits and This wastage could saved the country vegetables as rice substitute and continue some P6.2 billion worth of rice imports, educating on how to be a responsible rice or could have fed 2.6 million Filipinos in a consumer, Rosaroso said. In a radio year.

Rosaroso noted food wastage interview, Rosaroso shared with listeners

the Pledge of Rice in Filipino: Rosaroso said proper rice consumption could have a significant impact on the country's rice-self sufficiency target for 2013.

President Benigno S. Aquino III has declared 2013 as ‘National Year of Rice’ per Proclamation No. 494, signed on October 18, 2012. (PIA-8)

EASTERN VISAYAS

Sec. Carlos Jericho Petilla of Region VIII

7

Model Pantawid families awarded in Samar

By NinfaIluminda B. Quirante

CATBALOGAN CITY, Samar, Dec 4 (PIA) -- Five model Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program families were recognized and each given P 5,000.

D

uring the press conference held December 4 at the session hall of Samar LGU five families from Basey, San Sebastian, San Jose de Buan, Gandara, and Sta Rita were presented to the media and other Pantawid beneficiaries.

The model families, according to Vina Aquino, DSWD information officer, were endorsed by the parent-leaders and barangay chairmen, and were verified as compliant to the program through the Compliance Verification System.

Lucy Regahal of Basey broke into tears as she was interviewed by media, said that she and husband who is a fish vendor do not depend on the cash grant alone to send their children to school.

Another woman, AvelinaManozo of Pizarro, Gandara who claimed the Pantawid parent leader assignment empowered her to lead some 34 families.

“Before we go to Calbayog to claim our cash grants, I check on their ATMs to make sure that these are intact and that

no one has ‘pawned’ any ATM among the families I supervise,” she told PIA. Three more families: Marilyn Embalzado from San Sebastian, Rowena Advincula of Sta Rita and EditaRebato of San Jose de Buan also shared their heartwarming experiences in complying to the conditions religiously.

There are 46, 380 Pantawid families in Samar according to Gina Omillo, provincial link. (PIA-Samar)

Female OFWs avail of OWWA’s BalikPinay, BalikHanapbuhay program TACLOBAN CITY, Leyte, Nov 30 (PIA) -- Twelve female overseas Filipino workers have availed themselves of the Overseas Workers Welfare Administration’s "BalikPinay, BalikHanapbuhay" program and are currently undergoing 12-day training on Beauty Care and Hair Dressing at the OWWA-8 office.

O

WWA-8 Reintegration Program Specialist Mary Catherine O. Pastor said the program aims to provide immediate source of livelihood assistance through skills and entrepreneurial trainings to returning women OFWs especially to domestic helpers, displaced due to hostilities in

their host countries particularly in the Middle East.

The 12-day training, which started November 19 includes beauty care skills and competencies such as facial care, basic hair-cutting, hair bleaching and styling, and manicure/pedicure. Wellness training for hand and foot spa are also included.

Pastor said that upon completion of the training, participants will receive their Starter Training Kit so they could immediately venture into self-employment.

Pastor called on the other returning women OFWs to visit the OWWA-8 office to avail of program that will help them start in a new venture. (PIA-8)

Former OFW finds success back home with gov’t help This is the story of George C. Capillo of Barangay Buenavista, San Isidro, Northern Samar, a former overseas Filipino worker (OFW) who failed to find success abroad but found it back home.

G

eorge, just like any other OFW, braved the loneliness of being away from his family dreaming to give a more comfortable life to his loved ones, said Patria Bigcas, chief of the Northern Samar Field Office of the Department of Labor and Industry in Eastern Visayas.

For some time, George worked as a carpenter in a construction company in Saudi Arabia in 1996.

Luck came in May 2010, when he was chosen by the local chief executive as one of the beneficiaries of the Kabuhayan Starter Kit, which is being provided to

returning OFWs by the Department of Labor and Employment.

To be able to avail himself of the government assistance, George submitted a business plan titled “Tables and Chairs Production for Rent.”

His proposal was approved. Then George was granted the materials and equipment needed to start his business, amounting to P5,668.

With this kit, he was able to produce 10 pieces of square tables, 40 pieces of chairs and eight pieces of long tables or presidential tables.

As his business became successful and his rental business in demand, George also had to hike the production of chairs and tables.

His rental business of tables and chairs was soon being patronized not only in San Isidro town but by the people in nearby municipalities as well.

George is grateful for the help the government had given him.

The livelihood grant allowed him to increase his income and has helped his family live a better life in many ways.

(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.

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