One Visayas e-Newletter Vol 2 Issue 52

Vol 2

Issue 52

In this Issue WESTERN VISAYAS

The Regional Police Office-6 mascots help police in their information campaign and deter crime in public places. The mascots are POI Matarung (female representing honest police officer), POI Masaligan male (representing dependable, responsible police officer) and Barangay Peace-keeping Action Team (BPAT) Mapisan (representing diligence). They distributed safety tips leaflets during the Simbang Gabi in Arevalo, Iloilo City. (PRO-6/ ESS/PIA-Iloilo)

More on Region 6, pages 2-3.

Also CLICK Here…

CENTRAL VISAYAS

DILG-7 Gawad Pamana ng Lahi Awarding: Bohol Gov. Edgar Chatto (2nd from left) accepts the Gawad Pamana ng Lahi award Provincial Category Level during the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG-7) Pamana ng Lahi Awarding at the Grand Cebu Hotel on December 14.

Giving the award is DILG USec. Francisco Fernandez (extreme left). Others in photo are (R-L) DILG Region-7 ARD Elias F. Fernandez Jr. and DILG-7 RD Ananias M. Villacorta.

(VVV/PIA-CEBU)

More on Region 7, pages 4-5.

Also CLICK Here…

EASTERN VISAYAS

Civil Service Commission (CSC) 8 outgoing Director Marilyn Taldo, Assistant Commissioner David Cabanag and incoming Director Raymund Gonzales (standing, l-r) listen as the Order for their new assignments is read during the installation and turn-over ceremony held at the CSC regional office, Palo, Leyte, December 21. (Vino R. Cuayzon)

More on Region 8, pages 6-7.

Also CLICK Here...

Published by: PIA 6, 7 & 8

December 24 - 31, 2012

DOST, UPV join hands to link technopreneurs through better ICT

By Elsa S. Subong ILOILO CITY, Dec 26 (PIA6) -- Start up “technopreneurs” can now have better links to a value chain of information communication technology (ICT) and the community and attain commercial growth.

This, after the Department of Science and Technology (DOST) and the University of the Philippines launched the Small Enterprise and Entrepreneurial Development Services-Technology Business Incubator (Seeds-TBI) facility at the UPV-Iloilo campus.

The UPV is the employing arm of the joint project, through which workspace, support services, networking opportunities, mentoring and trainings

will be provided, Engr. Sheila Oberio of the DOST Iloilo Provincial Science and Technology Center said.

UPV Chancellor Rommel Espinosa said UPV takes pride in having the first TBI facility in Western Visayas.

He added that together with the DOST-6, they are on track towards the objective of diffusing technologies that benefit society.

Engr. Oberio said that DOST is encouraging private and government sectors to link to help beginners in “technopreneurship” attain growth through Seeds-TBI marketing and technical services.

(JCM/ESS/PIA-Iloilo).

LGUs urged to designate common areas for fireworks

By Hazel F. Gloria CEBU CITY, Dec 27 (PIA) -- The Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) 7 is urging local chief executives (LCEs) to designate common areas where fireworks can be lighted for the forthcoming New Year celebration to lessen the harmful effects on the people’s health and the environment.

DENR 7 regional executive director Dr. Isabelo Montejo said, “by trying to identify a communal place for setting off fireworks and other pyrotechnics displays, this would put off potential damage or destruction to the communities as the amount of air pollutants from pyrotechnics, such as dust, sulfur and charcoal would complicate respiratory health problems”.

While Filipinos love to celebrate Christmas and New Year’s eve with a bang, Montejo discouraged the use of fireworks particularly those that will cause tremendous damage and even loss of lives.

Likewise, he reminded the communities to avoid burning tires, which produce carbon monoxide and other poisonous metals such as zinc which is harmful when inhaled.

These pollutants lead to the formation of greenhouse gases such as carbon dioxide, carbon monoxide and nitrogen dioxide.

Aside from designating common areas for fireworks, the DENR-7 chief also reminded the people to be environmentally-conscious by promoting responsible solid waste management by reducing, recycling and reusing.

“It is expected that the volume of garbage would go up during these holidays and we want to convey a message to the public to at least minimize the use of plastics as many of them remain uncollected thereby clogging our waterways like esteros and rivers,” he said.

(HFG/PIA-7/DENR-7)

EVisayas BIR to step up campaign on 'Iboto Mo' compliance GOV’T CENTER, Palo, Leyte, Dec 27 (PIA) -- The Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR) in Eastern Visayas, Revenue Region No. 14, is set to intensify its campaign on the compliance with the “Iboto Mo” program of the agency.

The Agency will check and monitor compliance with the directives of Project: Iboto Mo which imposes a five percent creditable withholding tax (CWT) on all election campaign-related expenditures for the coming May 13, 2013 local and national elections, said lawyer Diosdado R. Mendoza, regional director.

Oplan: Iboto Mo requires political candidates, political parties, supporters, and contributors to register with the BIR as withholding agents and deduct the 5 percent tax from payments made to suppliers on whatever campaign materials and services they purchase during the campaign period.

The BIR directs all candidates, political parties, supporters, and contributors to support the Project to

manifest their civic duty and patriotism in helping the country achieve its goal in nation-building.

Mendoza explained that the 5 percent withholding tax is not a tax on the candidate, political party, or contributor.

This is a tax on the supplier of goods and services pertaining to campaign expenditures and on the income of these suppliers of goods and services who will be earning when they provide the materials and services for the campaign requirements of the candidates, political parties and contributors, the BIR director said.

The tax is collected by means of the expanded withholding tax system where the candidates, political parties and contributors when making the payments for the supply of the goods and services are required to deduct a certain amount of the agreed transaction price and remit the same to the BIR. For any questions, concerns, or issues regarding the program, they may call up the Taxpayer Assistance Unit at Tel # 323-3004/524-9124. (PIA 8)

WESTERN VISAYAS

2 IEC campaign, protection plan

training

highlight

forest PIA PIA— —Western Visayas

By Leonard T. Pineda I ILOILO CITY, Dec 26 (PIA6) -- Information-education campaigns (IEC) and capability building are two major components of the 2013 Forest Protection Plan (FPP) of the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) Region VI.

D

ENR VI Planning and Management Division Chief Edna Locsin, who presented the FPP during the Regional Multi-Sectoral Forest Protection Committee (RMFPC) Meeting, said the updating and formulation of this plan included the integration of activities geared towards information dissemination, education campaigns and capability building.

The DENR official said that seminars, workshops, and information campaigns on

forest management will be conducted to involve sectors such as the local governments, the academe, the private sector and other stakeholders.

As for capability building, Locsin said that the trainings will consist of forest fire management, community organizing and local governance for internal and external clients/partners.

Locsin further said that the FPP will also include E-data base creation and maintenance for forestry cases filed and

the status of prosecutions. On the other hand, RMFPC Chair Wilfredo Homicillada said that the updating and implementation of the Forest Protection Plan should involve the four sub-committees namely Policy Review and Formulation, Law Enforcement, Information and Education Campaign, and Socio-Economic and Alternative Livelihood Development. (JCM/LTP/PIA-ILOILO)

CSC reiterates observance of flag ceremonies ILOILO CITY, Dec 27 (PIA6) -- No national or local government office or educational institution is exempted from observing the flag-raising ceremony every Monday morning and the flag-lowering ceremony every Friday afternoon according to the Civil Service Commission.

A

s provided in Republic Act 8491, all constitutional bodies, departments, bureaus, agencies of national government, local government units, government-owned and controlled corporations with original charters, state universities and colleges are required to observe flag ceremonies.

Chairman Francisco Duque reiterated this in Memo Circular 10, series of 2012 that government employees should regularly accord respect to the Philippine flag, and that in this ceremony they must be constantly reminded of how they must

c o n d u c t t h e m s e l v e s a s p u b l ic servants. According to the CSC, if the Monday is a holiday, the flag ceremony should be held the next working day and the lowering of the flag should be held every Friday or the last working day of each week.

RA 8491 also provides that the flag ceremony shall be simple and dignified and shall include the playing or singing of the Philippine National Anthem.

As a sign of respect all persons shall stand at attention and face the Philippine flag. At the first note, all persons shall

execute a salute by placing their right palms over their left chest.

Those in the military, scouting, citizens military training and security guard uniforms shall give the salute prescribed by their regulations and shall be completed upon the last note of the anthem.

To ensure its compliance, the CSC has also directed agency heads to come up with internal guidelines to ensure strict attendance of personnel in the flag ceremonies. (jcm/pia6)

NSO recognizes 3 Aklan establishments

By Venus G. Villanueva KALIBO, Aklan, Dec 27 (PIA6) -- Three establishments in Aklan have been recognized by the National Statistics Office (NSO) for providing their full support to the agency’s business and industry surveys.

R

ecognized during the NSO’s recent Regional Data Dissemination Seminar held in Iloilo City were Aklan Baptist Hospital, Inc. located at Barangay Caticlan in Malay, Aklan, Willy’s Beach Club and Hotel in Boracay Island, Malay, Aklan and Panay Telephone Corporation in Kalibo, Aklan.

As a w a r d e e s , t h e s e Ak l a n establishments each received a plaque of recognition for their prompt completion

and submission of survey questionnaires as respondents in the 2010 Annual Survey of Philippine Business and Industry (ASPBI) and 2010 Survey of Information and Communication Technology (SICT).

Besides the 3 Aklan establishments, 16 others from other provinces were honored, with NSO Deputy Administrator Paula Monina F. Collado and Regional Director Norman R. Julag-ay personally handing in the awards.

Provincial Statistics Officer Blas Solidum of NSO-Aklan said the recognition of the 19 establishments in Western Visayas was NSO’s way of showing its appreciation of the business establishments’ cooperation in providing quality data.

The data, according to Solidum, is important in generating statistics to determine the economic development in the country.(JCMVGV PIA 6 Aklan)

WESTERN VISAYAS

PIA PIA— —Western Visayas

3

Teachers skip party, treat poor students to lunch

By Lorenzo O. Lambatin Jr.

BACOLOD CITY, Dec 27 (PIA6) -- Following Malacañang’s lead, teachers of Brgy. Handumanan National High School skipped their Christmas party to host lunch for the 200 poorest of the poor students in the campus.

I

n a program held at the Brgy.

Gymnasium, Alternative Learning School Education Program Specialist Dr. Gregorio Moyani lauded the teachers and the school under the leadership of Principal III Dennis Develos for their genuine concern shown to the students.

He said the program is a touching and unique way of celebrating the true spirit of Christmas. During the program Develos said poverty cannot hinder one in achiev-

ing one’s dreams and if the students persevere, they may someday also become leaders or find jobs that will give them modest living.

Earlier, more than 150 students benefitted in a nutrition drive sponsored by the Community Development Program of Joy School Ministries.

In his message, Joy School Director Professor Tim Barredo tackled varied juvenile issues facing Filipino youths

ranging from health, suicide, sexual immorality, truancy to disrespect for authority and parents.

Joy School is a Christian institution that helps build communities through livelihood trainings and value formation sessions with parents and children to prepare families fulfill their role in the society. (PIA6-LOL)

8,090 helmets verified, sealed in Capiz

by Alex A. Lumaque ROXAS CITY, Capiz, Dec 28 (PIA6) -- A total of 8,090 helmets was verified and sealed with Philippine Standards (PS) or Import Commodity Clearance (ICC) stickers by the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) from July to December 21 this year. he figure includes 375 motorcycle Transportation and Communications Motorcycle drivers and back helmets which failed during (DOTC) ordered the Land Transportation riders caught not wearing the standard verification.

Office (LTO) to defer enforcement of the protective motorcycle helmet shall be DTI has intensified its verification and Helmet Act until Jan. 1, 2013 upon the fined P1,500.00 for the first offense; marking on motorcycle helmets in the request of DTI to give them more time to P3,000 for the second offense; P5,000 for province by scheduling out-of-town complete inspection of motorcycle head the third offense and P10,000 with activities to reach more motorcycle gears nationwide. confiscation of the driver’s license for the drivers and back riders.

The order was originally for fourth and succeeding offenses. (JCMAAL/ Last July, the Department of implementation on Aug. 1 this year.

PIA 6 Capiz)

T

‘Pasundayag, Sabor Antiqueno’ Expo on By: Pilar S. Mabaquiao SAN JOSE, Antique, Dec 28 (PIA6) -- A showcase of Antique’s best products, tourism services and local delicacies dubbed as Pasundayag, Sabor Antiqueno expo is now open at EBJ Freedom Park San Jose.

“

Pasundayag, Sabor Antiqueno” Expo is one of the highlights of Binirayan Festival, an annual festivities in Antique which aims to highlight the province rich heritage, culture and tradition.

Pasundayag expo features Antique’s banner products and services put up in various booths of the 18 participating towns. Featured products are processed food, marine products, fashion accessories, gift and housewares made of nito, buri, pandan and abaca fibers, souvenir items and tour packages.

Regional Director Rowen Gelonga of

the Dept of Science and Technology 6 (DOST) who was guest of honor and speaker during the opening program underscored that small and medium enterprises have significant contributions in boosting the local economy.

He stressed that trade fairs such as Pasundayag help a lot in promoting local products that become competitive in the global market. Pasundayag and Sabor Antiqueno Expo is open from Dec 27 to 29, 2012.

Booths are open starting at 8 o’clock in the morning until 7 o’clock in the evening. Jocelyn P. Perez, Officer in

Charge of DTI Antique invites everyone to come to the expo and bring home Antique’s best.

Governor Exequiel B. Javier during the opening program commended the participation of local government units, local entrepreneurs, civil society organizations and the Department of Trade and Industry for the success of Pasundayag and Sabor Antiqueno Expo.

This year’s theme of Binirayan festival is “Weaving the Antiqueno identity”. (JCM/PSM/PIA6Antique)

CENTRAL VISAYAS

4 Government transfer

strengthens

conditional

cash PIA PIA— —Central Visayas

By Ferliza C. Contratista CEBU CITY, Dec 27 (PIA) -- Government is embarking on another immediate measure to augment the lives of the Filipino families, this time to those that are in need of protection. ecently, the Department of Social homeless in pockets of poverty who are mainstream families with children in need Welfare and Development not beneficiaries of the regular CCT. of special protection for normal (DSWD) forged a memorandum It also includes indigenous migrant families, psycho-social functioning. of agreement for the implementation of families of children with disabilities, and A MOA was recently signed after a the Modified Conditional Cash Transfer families of child laborers. thorough screening of each NGO’s (MCCT), this time covering Also covered are families displaced by financial and legal capacity and social families-in-need not covered by the natural and man-made disasters and other dedication. original Conditional Cash Transfer environmental factors.

The screening include updated (CCT).

DSWD 7 director Ma. Evelyn permits, audited financial statements, According to DSWD, there will be Macapobre said the main objective of staffing capacity and a good track record over 3,000 families in need of special MCCT is to take the children off the in handling FNSP clients for the last three protection (FNSP) in the entire Central streets and place them in a more suitable, or more years.

Visayas who can avail of more extensive decent, and permanent homes reunited The NGO must also be registered services from government and conduit with their families. and licensed or accredited with the non-government organizations.

She said there will also be enhanced Department of Social Welfare and Families categorized as FNSP are parenting roles through attendance in Development (DSWD). (rmn/FCC-PIA7) those living on the streets and are Family Development Sessions and

R

LTO, DTI to hold final briefing for helmet law enforcers

By Juju Manubag-Empuerto CEBU CITY, Dec 27 (PIA) -- The Land Transportation Office - Region 7 (LTO - 7) and the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI - 7) held a final briefing for enforcers on Republic Act 10054 or the Motorcycle Helmet Act of 2009 at the Sacred Heart Center December 27.

T

his was disclosed by DTI-7 Information Officer, Jojesilia Villamor, in an interview with Philippine Information Agency- Cebu.

Congress promulgated Republic Act 10054 or the Motorcycle Helmet Act of 2009 requires motorcycle riders, drivers, and back riders to wear the standard protective motorcycle helmet that bears

the Philippine Standard (PS) license or the Import Commodity Clearance (ICC) mark at all times while driving long or short drives, in any road type and highway.

Villamor said beginning January 1, 2013, motorcycle drivers caught driving without a protective helmet bearing the ICC seal will be issued citation tickets and penalized as stated in Helmet Act of

2009. “Only LTO-7 deputized traffic enforcers have the authority to enforce the Law,” Villamor said.

The Motorcycle Helmet Act is a law meant to minimize severe head injuries and lower the fatality rate caused by motorcycle accidents. (rmn/JSME-PIA 7, Cebu)

DTI, NBI warn against presence of pyramid schemes in NegOr DUMAGUETE CITY, Dec 27 (PIA) -- The Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) and the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) have issued a warning to the public against suspected pyramiding scheme companies in Negros Oriental.

D

TI provincial director Javier Fortunato said his office has received complaints about a business firm allegedly soliciting shares from the locals.

The DTI is coordinating with Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) to check the record of the company under the Anti-Money Laundering Council (AMLC).

He said the DTI has also asked the NBI to initially investigate case.

During the provincial peace and order council meeting, NBI agent Atty.

Dominador Cimafranca issued a warning to the public against this pyramiding or double-your-money scheme.

This is done before the ponzi schemes could thrive its operation and deceive more victims in the province.

Cimafranca said the scheme is an investment arrangement in which investors are promised high returns but

eventually lose their money as it is redistributed from new to old recruit.

The NBI warned people of Negros Oriental to be vigilant and cooperate in monitoring against these devious companies and report any scams as soon as possible to avoid others from being victimized. (FCR/JCT/PIA-Negros Oriental)

CENTRAL VISAYAS

PIA PIA— —Central Visayas

5

302nd Brigade adjudged as Centcom best Brigade

By Jennifer C. Tilos

DUMAGUETE CITY, Dec 27 (PIA) -- The Philippine Army’s 302nd Brigade in Negros Oriental was awarded as the Central Command, Armed Forces of the Philippines’ (AFP) best brigade for 2012 among the army units in Regions 6 and 7 in the Visayas. aptain Anacito Naz, Army relief operations, the brigade obtained the staffs of the line battalions, the 79th IB and information officer, said the award recognition as one of the best army units 11th IB and the staff officers and enlisted w a s re c ei ve d b y b rig a d e of Central Command. personnel of the 302nd Brigade for having commander Francisco Patrimonio during AFP Central Command covers been adjudged as the best brigade of 3ID the 11th Central Command Founding Regions 6, 7 and 8 with Rear Admiral Jose of the Central Command.

Anniversary this week with AFP Chief of Luis Alanano, AFP Commander. It has two “Our accomplishments coupled with Staff General Jessie Dellosa, as the guest divisions -- the 3rd Infantry Division based excellence leadership are clear of honor at the CenCom Grandstand in in Camp Peralta, Jamindan, Capiz where manifestations that we can certainly Camp Lapu-lapu, Lahug, Cebu City.

302nd belongs and the 8th Infantry achieve our aspirations to become a Naz said that with the successful triad Division based in Catbalogan, Samar. professional army serving the Filipino operations and accomplishments together In his acceptance message, Col. people and securing the land” Col. with personnel administration, resource Patrimonio extended his warmest Patrimonio said. (FCR/JCT/PIA-Negros management and the disaster rescue and congratulations to the commanders and Oriental)

C

Bohol cops seal firearms to prevent holiday firing

By Rey Anthony H. Chiu TAGBILARAN CITY, Bohol, Dec 24 (PIA) -- Acting on reports that about 18 individuals were hurt by celebratory gunfire in the country this year, Bohol Police said they would not allow similar events to happen again.

P

olice Senior Superintendent Constantino Barot led his men, Camp Dagohoy officers and organic staff issued with firearms, in a ceremonial muzzle-taping on December 19 to assure the public that police are concerned for the Boholanos' safety especially during the holidays.

PSSupt. Barot engaged the private sector, specifically civilian gun owners in a partnership for vigilance against celebratory gunfire to make Boholanos

safe from stray bullets and accidental firing during the holidays.

Police had their service firearms taped and sealed from December 19 to January 3 to make sure these firearms are not illegally discharged for the holidays.

Moreover, in a ceremony during a formation at the Bohol Police Office Parade Grounds, firearms of 89 new police officers from the regional office were also sealed for the holidays. Camp Dagohoy sources said the same thing is

happening all over town stations where government issued firearms are temporarily sidelined to keep them from being abused during the holidays.

Bohol police authorities are also issuing reminders to holiday revelers in Bohol to be safe in handling firecrackers and other pyrotechnics for the holidays.

According to the Department of Health, at least 454 Filipinos suffered from firecracker related injuries last year. (FCR/ RAHC-PIA7 Bohol)

BJMP NegOr now accepting applicants for jail officers

By Jennifer C. Tilos DUMAGUETE CITY, Dec 26 (PIA) -- The Bureau of Jail Management and Penology (BJMP) has announced that its office is in need of more than 500 jail officers in the country.

J

ail Inspector Rosalina Malahay of BJMP Negros Oriental said her office is now accepting applications for additional jail officers to fill up the vacancies in the BJMP. Applicants must have the following qualifications: he/she must be a college graduate with civil service and penology

exam officer eligible, must be at least 5’4” in height for male and 5’2” for female, and must not be less than 21 nor more than 30 years of age.

J/Insp Malahay said the applicants must submit the required documents on neuro-psychology exam results, college diploma, birth certificate or marriage

certificate from the National Statistics Office.

Interested individuals may submit their applications to the BJMP provincial office located at 2nd floor of the Bureau of Fire, near Macias Sports Center, Capitol Area, Dumaguete City. (FCR/JCT/ PIA-Negros Oriental)

6

EASTERN VISAYAS

Air passengers must know their rights

PIA PIA— —Eastern Visayas

TACLOBAN CITY, Leyte, Dec 26 (PIA) -- A very much welcome gift this Christmas Season is the Air Passenger Bill of Rights which took effect of December 22, 2012, thanks to the Joint Administrative Order No. 1 between the Department of Transportation and Communication and the Department of Trade and Industry.

A

s provided for by the Joint Administrative Order, the Bill of Rights for Air Passengers recognizes the passenger’s right to be provided with accurate information; the right to receive full value of the service purchased through tickets; the right to compensation in cases of delay, cancellation, and delayed, lost or damaged baggage.

Among others, these are the more significant provisions which everyone must know as airline passenger. On offloaded baggage, if the passenger’s checked-in baggage were offloaded from the flight she or she is in due to "operational, safety, or security reasons," the airline has to inform him or her ASAP, give him or her a report, and ensure that the passenger’s offloaded baggage is carried in the next flight with available space.

The airline must pay the passenger P2,000 for every 24 hours that his or her baggage is delayed. A fraction of a day shall be considered as one day.

For overbooked flights, an airline is allowed to overbook a flight, an industry practice of selling more than the seats the aircraft has, based on demand-supply for a specific flight, as long as the passengers who are bumped off do so voluntarily.

On check-in, if the passenger arrives within the designated check-in area at least one hour before the flight's published time of departure, he or she will not be considered late and the carrier is obliged to make sure passengers are checked in within the deadline.

On flight cancellation, Section 11 Chapter IV provides that if a passenger’s flight is cancelled, he or she has to be notified beforehand via public

announcement or written notice such as through a text message. If an air carrier cancels the flight because of force majeure, safety or security reasons the passenger shall have the right to be reimbursed for the full value of the fare.

Moreover, in the case of delayed departures, Section 12 of the same Chapter provides that airlines are required to provide free food, drinks, Internet access, phone use and, in extreme circumstances, hotel lodging until the flight departs. The flight is considered cancelled if it is delayed at least 6 hours after the original departure time. The passenger has the right to be compensated accordingly. The JAO was signed by Transportation Secretary Jun Abaya and DTI Secretary Gregory Domingo on December 10, 2012. (PIA-8)

DSWD inks MOA with World Vision for 4Ps collaboration

By Rebecca S. Cadavos MAASIN CITY, Southern Leyte, Dec 21 (PIA) -- The Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) Regional Office -8 signed a memorandum of agreement with the World Vision Foundation, Inc. to establish partnership in the implementation of Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program, held Monday at Asia Stars Hotel in Tacloban City.

M

aasin City 4P coordinator Zara Edjoc reported that the MOA signing seeks to collaborate with one another basing on the DSWD and World Vision’s mandates and capacities.

A Christian, child-focused, relief, development and advocacy organization, the World Vision agreed to collaborate and facilitate projects and facilities on anti-poverty programs of DSWD named as “Kaagapay” such as the Family

Development Sessions; mentor the parent -leaders through spitritual nurturing and value formation, to name a few; help improve the teaching and training modules/materials; activities on anti-corruption named as “Bantay” project and the “Gabay and “Tulay” projects.

The “Gabay” project is a mechanism for extending technical assistance such as to provide livelihood and entrepreneurial training, promotion of family-based savings

activity through the Community Managed Savings and Credit Asociation approach, Paralegal training, case management, among others. While the “Tulay” project isto facilitate action, feedback and monitoring of the prooram results.

The MOA was signed by DSWD-8 Regional Director Letecia T. Diokno and World Vision Development Foundation, Inc. Executive Director Elnora Bailen-Avarientos. (PIA-Southern Leyte)

3,000 farmers to benefit from post harvest facilities in Southern Leyte

By Erna S. Gorne MAASIN CITY, Southern Leyte, Dec 21 (PIA) -- Thousands of rice farmers in the province will receive post harvest facilities each in selected rice-producing municipalities to help them conveniently dry up their newly harvested palay.

“

At least 3,036 rice farmers will receive laminated sacks each for the first batch supply within this year, ” Agriculturist Services Office head Marina Gador said.

In close coordination with the provincial government headed by Governor Damian G. Mercado and the

Department of Agriculture – 8, a province wide distribution of laminated sacks will prioritize the 16 rice-producing municipalities, she said.

She shares few rice-producing municipalities to benefit said cost-free assistance with its corresponding laminated sacks like Hinunangan - 440, St.

Bernard – 400, Bontoc – 300 Hinundayan – 320, Sogod – 300, among others.

“Each laminated sack measures 10 x 10 meters," she added.

Gador noted that there will be another batch of post harvest facility that the Southern Leyte expects for the next year, 2013.(PIA-SoLeyte)

EASTERN VISAYAS

7

Eastern Samar PNP press corps formed PIA PIA— —Eastern Visayas

By Alicia E. Nicart

BORONGAN CITY, Eastern Samar, Dec 21 (PIA) -- Police Senior Superintendent Brigido B. Unay spearheaded the organization of Philippine National Police Press Corps (PNP Press Corps) in a meeting held recently at the PNP provincial headquarters, this city.

U

nay said the meeting was important to the whole police force not only because they believe that media has always been an important partner in securing local government units and communities.

With the fast approaching midterm elections, the police officer said, the policemen and women will be playing a big role in the conduct of a clean, fair and

peaceful elections, but they cannot do this alone, unless they partner with the provincial media.

He added that they will solicit media participation in ensuring a safe election in 2013, by providing public with accurate and timely information, thus a regular monthly meeting might be held with them.

The following officers of the PNP Presscorps were elected: 1) President -

Daisy Belizar (DYES), 2) Vice-President Jeymar Grafil (FM Radio), 3) Secretary/ Treasurer-Penelope Pomida, 4) PRO-Kurt Cerbricus and Reyman Rivera, and 5) Business Manager-Shane Mercado.

Twenty-five print and broadcast media practitioners attended the meeting which was the first after 15 years.

(PIA-Eastern Samar)

Biliran has highest human development index in East Visayas TACLOBAN CITY, Leyte, Dec 20 (PIA) -- The province of Biliran posted the highest Human Development Index (HDI) among the six provinces in Eastern Visayas in 2009.

E

vangeline Paran, Region 8 head of the National Statistical Coordination Board. disclosed that Biliran ranked 13.5 of the 79 provinces in the country with its HDI of 0.655 higher than the national average of 0.633.

On the other hand, Northern Samar registered the lowest HDI at 0.449, Paran said.

According to Paran, these were based on the 2009 provincial HDI recently released by the National Statistical Coordination Board (NSCB) and the Human Development Network (HDN).

Human development, according to the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), is a process of enlarging people's choices.

Paran explained that in principle, these choices can be infinite and change over time. But at all levels of development, the three essential ones are for people to lead a long and healthy life, to acquire knowledge, and to have access to resources needed for a decent standard of living.

The HDI is a composite index aggregating these three basic dimensions into a summary measure. Human development therefore focuses on people and the satisfaction of their basic needs, Paran added.

Three Eastern Visayas provinces, namely, Biliran, Leyte and Southern Leyte belong to the medium-HDI range of 0.500 to 0.799.

On the other hand, the three Samar provinces, Samar, Eastern Samar and Northern Samar are in the low-HDI range of below 0.500, pulling them to the bottom 20 provinces.

Biliran posted the highest index for all the three components: Life Expectancy Index, Education Index, and Income Index.

However, its Income Index of 0.463 was way above that of the other provinces in the region.

Every three years, the NSCB publishes the Report on the Philippine Human Development Index which provides information on the human development performance of the country and its provinces.

It focuses on the three indicators of human development: health as measured by life expectancy; education as measured by the combined elementary and secondary enrolment rate and functional literacy rate; and income as measured by real capita income.

Moreover, the report also emphasizes the state of human development in terms of geographic concentration, the development disparities across provinces, and the relationship between HDI and income.

The Report on the Philippine Human Development Index is beneficial to planners and policy makers, in particular, and to the public, in general. It can serve as a guide for planners in prioritizing their goals and in policy-setting as it provides information on the provinces’ strengths and weaknesses from the point of view of human development.

The Family Income and Expenditure Survey (FIES) of the National Statistics Office (NSO) generates the income data for the computation of the HDI. (PIA-8)

Catbalogan receives Sandugo Award

By Ninfa Iluminda B. Quirante CATBALOGAN City, Samar, Dec 20 (PIA) – Catbalogan City Mayor Coefredo ‘Tekwa’ Uy received the Regional Sandugo Award from the health department, Monday during the Health Achiever Awards at Oriental Hotel, Palo, Leyte.

T

he Sandugo Award is the highest award given to local officials that support the Voluntary Blood Donation Program.

This is given to LGUs that inspire 10% of their constituents to donate blood to adequately supply their own kind in emergency cases.

City Health Officer Dr. Gerarda Tizon and City Councilor Stephanie Uy-Tan received the award in behalf of the mayor.

Meanwhile, the National Blood Services Act of 1994 promotes voluntary blood donation to provide sufficient supply of safe blood.

This act aims to raise awareness that blood donation is a humanitarian act.

The health department is encouraging blood donors to ensure that there is a sufficient supply of safe blood. (PIA 8Samar)

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