One Visayas Vol 2 Issue 8

Vol 2

Issue 8

In this Issue WESTERN VISAYAS

DIRECTOR. Bureau of Internal Revenue Regional Director lawyer Romulo Aguila, Jr. asks the help of Capiz media in their tax campaign which is the bloodlife of the nation. He stresses that the taxes being paid to the government will in turn result in development and progress through different programs and services to the people. (PIA/ JBGuillermo)

Feb. 20—26, 2012

Published by: PIA 6, 7 & 8

Biliran one of top 10 provincial Agri-Pinoy rice achiever awardees

By Flordelis E. Jackson NAVAL, Biliran, Feb. 21 (PIA) -- Biliran is one of the top 10 outstanding provinces in the entire country that earned recognition and received an award in the 2011 Search for the Agri-Pinoy Rice Achievers.

It was learned by the Philippine Information Agency that Biliran province was endorsed by the Department of Agriculture regional office No. 8 through Regional Executive Director Antonio Gerundio for its exemplary performance in rice production.

Also part of the factors considered that enabled the province to earn the prestigious award were the funding and technical support extended by the provincial government through the Office of the Provincial Agricultural Services (OPAS) to the rice farmers in the area.

To validate the results of the evaluation done by the DA officials in region 8, the DA national committee for the 2011 Search for Agri-Pinoy Rice Achievers Awards visited the province of Biliran on January 27 this year to conduct field inspection of the rice farms and other aspects of the search.

The 2011 Search for Agri-Pinoy Rice Achievers Awards aimed to identify and recognize top performing provincial, city and municipal LGUs, irrigation administrators, and agricultural extension workers in the field of rice production as well as sustain and step up awareness and commitment of the LGUs to the rice self-sufficiency program of DA that will contribute to the country’s self-sufficiency in food program by the year 2013.

The awarding ceremony was held Feb. 10 at the Philippine International Convention Center (PICC) in Manila. (PIA-Biliran with reports from DA-8)

P6.2-B tax collection target ‘doable’, says BIR-6

More on Region 6, pages 2-3.

Also CLICK Here…

By Vicente W. Villavert ILOILO CITY, Feb 22 (PIA 6) -- Director Romulo L. Aguila, Jr. of the Bureau of Internal Revenue Region No. 11 is optimistic that the agency’s CENTRAL VISAYAS target revenue collection target of P6.2 billion this year will be met following the successful launching in Western Visayas of the tax campaign, “I love Philippines, I Pay Taxes”.

Director Aguila disclosed in a PIA interview that he expected to meet the target “because that is only around 18.89 percent higher than the tax generatedlast year”.

In the launching ceremony of the 2012 Tax Campaign held at the SM City Iloilo, Aguila appealed to all the local government units, business, entrepreneurs, professionals and the all the tax payers in the region to work closely with the BIR. He emphasized that that collected taxes will trickle down to our LGUs and taxpayers in the Regional Director PCSupt. Marcelo P. Garbo, Jr. and bikers upon arrival at the countryside in the form of internal revenue Siquijor Police Provincial Office in allotments, congressional development funds and Caipilan, Siquijor. (PNP/PIA-Siquijor) other allocations and projects initiated by the national government.

More on Region 7, pages 4-5.

Aguila said that “our business and professionals Also CLICK Here… will be assured of their business opportunities, once all the infrastructure services are in place, there will EASTERN VISAYAS be more business activities which make better life and security for the people”.

He issued a stern warning that the BIR really means business in its tax campaign. The launching of

2012 tax campaign in Western Visayas was highlighted with the recognition of top individual and corporate taxpayers in the region.

The event was graced by BIR Deputy Commisioner Nelson M. Aspe, Deputy Commissioner Celia C. King, Assistant Commissioner Lucita G. Rodriguez, and ACIR Margaret Mary C. Lauron.(JCM/ VWV/PIA6-Iloilo)

Director Romulo L. Aguila, Jr. of the Bureau of Internal Revenue Region No. 11, Iloilo City appeals to the various sectors of taxpayers in Western Visayas to work closely with the BIR, as he emphasized that collected taxes will trickle down to our LGUs and taxpayers in the countryside in the form of internal revenue allotments, congressional development funds and other allocations and projects initiated by the national government. The 2012 tax campaign in Western Visayas was launched at SM City Iloilo recently. (TVillavert/PIA 6)

DOH-7 sends psychosocial, sanitation teams to assist quake victims in NegOr Completed school building at the Leyte National High School through the Department of Public Works and Highways – Tacloban City District Engineering Office led by its project Engineer Eduardo B. Pelias with the JELM Construction. The said school building, with funding sourced from the Upper House Project, has an area of 126 square meters and is now functional for the secondary students. (DPWHTCDEO/PIA-8)

More on Region 8, pages 6-7.

Also CLICK Here...

By Hazel F. Gloria CEBU CITY, Feb. 20 (PIA) --- The Department of Health (DOH) is sending teams of professionals to help survivors of the 6.9 magnitude earthquake in the northern part of Negros Oriental.

In a forum with information officers, DOH-7 regional director Susana Madarieta explained that two types of teams will be sent to affected communities: 1) the Water and Sanitation Team, which will assist the victims on sanitary measures to prevent diseases; and 2) the Psychosocial Team, which will help in debriefing family victims for them to recover from the traumatic experience they had.

The Water and Sanitation team is composed of doctors and nurses from DOH-7 and Vicente Sotto

Memorial Medical Center (VSMMC), Madarieta added.

To date, the medical team is still stationed in the areas to conduct consultations and provide medicines to those who are still in need.

The common illnesses that affect the patients in the area are coughs and colds, fever, hypertension and headaches.

Madarieta also advised the people to boil or purify the water before drinking. They also distribute hydrosol solution to help purify drinking water in the evacuation centers and in the quake-hit areas.

On the other hand, the Cebu provincial health team will leave for NegOr anytime this week to give support to the earthquake victims. (mbcn/hfg/PIA-7)

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WESTERN VISAYAS

DOLE hands out livelihood starter kits to migrant sugar workers

By Pilar S. Mabaquiao

ILOILO AIRPORT

SAN JOSE, Antique, Feb. 21 (PIA) -- The Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) will distribute livelihood starter kits to migrant sugar workers in the three towns of Antique.

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ccording to DOLE Provincial Director Laura Villarico, a total of 145 sugar migrant workers or popularly known as ‘sakadas’ in the towns of Laua-an, Bugasong and Culasi will receive livelihood starter kits under the Integrated Services for Sugar Migrant Workers (I-serve sakada) project of DOLE. The town of Culasi DOLE reported has already received its livelihood starter kit in total amount of P268,000 while the town of Laua-an is set to get their kit in the amount of P175,148 and an additional P226, 160 also for sakadas under the Tulong Panghanapbuhay sa Ating Disadvantage workers or TUPAD also of DOLE. DOLE reported that Culasi town received livelihood starter kits, amounting to P268,000. The town of Laua-an is set to

get their P175,148 worth of kits, together with an additional P226,160 for sakadas under the ‘Tulong Panghanapbuhay sa Ating Disadvantaged Workers (TUPAD)’ from DOLE. Sugar migrant workers from the town of Bugasong also has P286,700 livelihood starter kits from the I-serve sakada project.

Villarico emphasized that with this assistance, the sugar migrant workers will have the option to stay in their barangays to start a livelihood activity to earn income instead of going to the sugar fields of Negros.

“It is a way of empowering sakadas and providing opportunities to earn,” Villarico said.

Eventually, the project, I-serve sakada hopes to make sugar migrant workers self-reliant and going to the sugar fields of

Negros will then only be an option for them, she added.

It can be recalled that DOLE Antique has employed intervention with these sakadas towards their empowerment.

One of which is the pre-departure order or PDOS conducted to all sakadas as a matter of requirement for a contractor to be allowed to ship them to Negros.

PDOS has helped sugar migrant workers be aware of their rights and their responsibilities including the content of the contract they have signed in.

“Antique has sent numerous sakadas in the past years but with the continuing support to them especially in terms of livelihood projects we hope to reduce the number of sakadas going out of the province,” Villarico concluded. (JCM/PSM/ PIA6 Antique)

More than 13,000 indigent Capiceños benefit from 4Ps

By Jemin B. Guillermo

ROXAS CITY, Capiz, Feb. 20 (PIA6) – The government’s poverty reduction program has already benefitted more than 13,000 indigent Capiceños.

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nformation 0fficer Eliseo Abucay of the Department of Social Welfare and Development-Capiz Field Office disclosed that as of February 17 this year, a total of 13,049 beneficiaries of the Conditional Cash Transfer known as Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program (4Ps) were already given their cash assistance for the months of November to December last year.

The beneficiaries come from eight towns, namely, Dumalag, Cuartero, Panitan, Dao, Dumarao, Ivisan, Mambusao and Jamindan, he said, adding that the distribution for the remaining towns have already been scheduled this week until March 7.

He added that Roxas City’s 4,901 program beneficiaries will receive the government’s assistance today, February 20.

“The assistance for the months of January and February will be distributed by March,” he said.

Abucay revealed that after the pre-validation and delisting of disqualified program beneficiaries, Capiz has now a total of 37,487 extremely poor households who will benefit from the 4Ps program.

The 4Ps is a poverty reduction and social development strategy of the national government through the DSWD that provides cash grants to extremely

poor households to improve their health, nutrition and education particularly of children aged 0-14.

It provides conditional cash grants to beneficiaries P6, 000 a year or P500 per month per household for health and nutrition expenses and P3,000 for one school year or 10months or P300 per month per child for educational expenses.

A maximum of three children per household is allowed.

A household with three qualified children receives a subsidy of P1,400 per month during the school year or P15,000 annually as long as they comply with the conditions. (JCM/JBG/PIA6-Capiz)

Two Aklan towns are Agri-Pinoy Rice Achievers awardees

By Venus G. Villanueva KALIBO, Aklan, Feb. 20 (PIA6) -- Two municipalities in Aklan had recently been adjudged winners in the Top 50 Municipalities/Cities category of the Agri-Pinoy Rice Achievers Awards Program of the Department of Agriculture (DA).

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hese towns are Banga and Numancia – the former located in the eastern side of Aklan and the latter, just across the Kalibo Bridge, both meandering along the Aklan River.

The awarding, held at the Philippine International Convention Center (PICC) February 10, was led by DA Secretary Proceso Alcala, other DA officials and

guests, according to Frank Iturriaga of the Office of the Municipal Mayor of Numancia.

As awardees, both towns will each be given P1,000,000 worth of projects related to agricultural activities.

For Banga, the award was received by Gelly Maypa, Municipal Agricultural Officer, Nineveh Ron (who was also an Agricultural Extension Awardee) and Hon.

Joselito Fernandez, Banga SB Member, while for Numancia, the award was received by Brenda G. Marte, Municipal Agriculturist, and Jaimma V. Maribojo, Municipal Budget Officer in representation of Mayor Adolfo Maypa.

Numancia’s Agri-Pinoy trophy is now proudly displayed at the office of Mayor Adolfo M. Iligan. (JCM/VGV PIA 6 Aklan)

WESTERN VISAYAS

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Sight-saving surgeries start in Iloilo NEW BACOLOD-SILAY AIRPORT

By Vicente W. Villavert

ILOILO CITY, Feb. 23 (PIA 6) -- Residents of Western Visayas who are visually impaired will directly benefit from sight-saving surgeries conducted by the FedEx and ORBIS International at the Flying Eye Hospital at the Iloilo Airport as part of a global initiative to combat preventable and treatable blindness.

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t the opening program held February 21 at the Iloilo Airport, Governor Arthur Defensor welcomed the medical program as “this will give the poor the opportunity to avail of the generosity to save and restore their sight, and your work will be long remembered and treasured in the hearts of the grateful people.”

Dr. Jose Mari C. Fermin, Medical Center Chief of the Western Visayas Medical Center said that about 10 persons are undergoing eye operation at their hospital every day but lamented that “we cannot sustain it alone with our minimal budget.”

Fermin said that about 3 to 5 persons for every 50 people in Western Visayas are bilaterally blind.

“The coming of the Orbis is a very big help to us because of your state of the art facilities and the trainings that will be conducted with our local eye care providers,”Fermin said.

Flying Eye Hospital Medical Director Dr. Carlos Solarte said that the eye care program has been carried out in 89 countries and provided treatment to more than 15 million blind and visually impaired persons, through the Flying Eye Hospital- a converted DC-10 aircraft and the world’s only ophthalmic surgical and training hospital with wings.

“Orbis is an organization that promote the improve and sutainable eye care in the place where we go by training and teaching all those involve in the eye care community like the ophthalmologists,

nursies, anaesthesiologists, biomedical engineers and every single position that play proper eye care and the promotion of eye health,” Solarte said.

Dr. Josefina Salazar-Yap, President of the Philippine Academy of Ophthalmology -Western Visayas Chapter noted that the “technical expertise that we will imbibe out of this rare opportunity will directly benefit the eye patients of Western Visayas”.

For two weeks in Iloilo, in partnership with the Western Visayas Medical Center, the ORBIS medical team will conduct an intensive skills exchange program for eye care professionals and deliver sight-saving surgeries to pre-screened patients suffering from visual impairment.(JCM/ VWV/PIA 6-Iloilo)

GSIS puts up more G-W@PS kiosks in WV

By Jaime S. Cabag, Jr. ILOILO CITY, Feb. 22 (PIA6) -- The Government Service Insurance System (GSIS) has put up more G-W@PS kiosks in Western Visayas--61 as of date from only 30 kiosks in 2010, to make its services accessible and convenient to as many members and pensioners as possible.

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he establishment of additional G-W@PS kiosks is one of the measures and innovations made

by GSIS to enhance its programs and services, said GSIS branch manager Eleanor D. Gregorio during the 1st quarter meeting.

They have installed kiosks aside from those located within their branch office in the Division offices of the Department of Education, city halls, and selected municipalities and government agencies throughout the region, said Gregorio.

The GSIS has also implemented the cancellation of the Annual Renewal of

Active Status (ARAS) for pensioners except for those who are on suspended status and those living abroad.

Also, GSIS has expedited the release of retirement benefits provided requirements are submitted at least 90 days prior to date of retirement. It has also a housing loan program implemented jointly with the Home Development Mutual Fund or Pag-IBIG, scholarship program for qualified dependents, relatives or any other scholar of choice of the members, and discounts on selected medicine purchases under a public-private partnership scheme.

The Development Administration Committee, which is chaired by DILG 6 Regional Director Evelyn A. Trompeta and one of the sectoral committees of RDC, convened for its first quarterly meeting for the year to tackle various sectoral concerns including the proposal to revert to a 3-year budgeting process, disaster risk management initiatives in the region, inter-local government unit cooperation on disaster response protocol, and the accomplishments of members-agencies for calendar year 2011 on the Philippine Development Plan and Regional Development Plan. (JCM/JSC/PIA6)

TESDA launches Samahang Spesyalista in Bacolod City

By Carolina A. Dionela BACOLOD CITY, Feb. 22 (PIA6) -- The Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA) in Negros Occidental. in collaboration with Brgy. Villamonte, launched the Samahang Spesyalista for beauty and wellness services. The group is composed of massage therapists, hairdressers and nail art technicians who are holders of TESDA National Competency (NC) II, a press release from TESDA said.

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launching ceremony and turnover of tools and materials to TESDA Spesyalista was attended

by TESDA staff, ABI-eTech school administrators, Victory Business College faculty and staff, which are partner schools of TESDA, and a barangay official and employees of Brgy.Villamonte, the largest barangay in the city of Bacolod.

A memorandum of agreement was

also signed between TESDA and Brgy.

Villamonte represented by TESDA Director Lorena Yunge and Friday Solinap who is the program coordinator for TESDA Spesyalista Technoprenuership Program in Brgy. Villamonte.

The TESDA Spesyalista will render their services in Brgy. Villamonte for six months until the trainees become more independent and competitive in

entrepreneurial skills and competencies.

Rolan Anthony Halili, blind massage theraphists, and one of the members of spesyalista said that he is so much blessed for the opportunity given to him by TESDA and Brgy. Villamonte because he can use his skills through the materials and consumnables provided by TESDA.* (TESDA/CD/JCM/PIA6)

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CENTRAL VISAYAS

DA 7 pushes use of certified seeds to hike rice production amid La Niña threat

By Fayette C. Riñen

CEBU AIRPORT

CEBU CITY, Feb. 22 (PIA) -- Agriculture officials in the region are now promoting the use of certified seeds to farmers in order to yield quality harvest amid the threats of La Niña and climate change.

Angel Enriquez, regional technical time increase their income,” Enriquez said. in 2011 to 392,806 metric tons by 2016 director of the Department of Agriculture Enriquez led the pack of DA 7 through the use of certified seeds.

(DA) 7 said the quality seeds are more officials as main panelists during the PIA In order to achieve its increased rice flood-tolerant so farmers need not worry Kapihan this morning that tackled on the target production, the DA 7 is much about extreme bad weather agency’s Agricultural Roadmap in implementing the community-based-seedconditions brought about by climate Response to Increasing Demand and banking scheme. The scheme sees the change. More so now that frequent rains Climate Change. distribution of quality or certified seeds to are being experienced due to La Niña, she Under the DA’s blueprint or farmers’ associations and irrigators added. agricultural roadmap from 2011-2016, associations, this is said.

“The use of quality seeds really four major components are given due Since the scheme was implemented makes a difference in terms of high priority namely rice, corn, livestock and last year, the DA7 was able to distribute production output. This is why we are high value crops. around 861 bags in Central Visayas of now promoting the use of these certified The rice program of the roadmap which 234 bags were given to Cebu. (PIAseeds in order to help our farmers aims to increase the rice production in Cebu) increase their rice harvest and at the same Central Visayas from 270,499 metric tons

Bohol formulates core messages to boost tourism

By Rey Anthony H. Chiu TAGBILARAN CITY, Bohol, Feb. 18 (PIA) --- “Bohol: Heart of the Islands,” and “Bohol has it all, and it’s all in Bohol.” ohol governor Edgar Chatto magnet for tourists.

– the heart of the Philippine Islands – both unrolled the new tourism banner Hailed as the place where the geographically and culturally. marketing for Bohol. friendliness is so eloquently shown by the The governor wants the world to “These are the core messages that Sandugo: first recorded international understand that much more than the we are sending out to the world through a treaty of friendship and consequently the ‘trifecta’ of Loboc, Chocolate Hills and the strong, sustained tourism promotion and place where the seed of the United Tarsier, we have the five pillars of tourism marketing program,” Chatto said during Nations was sowed, Bohol’s hospitable and we want Bohol to be discovered and his State of the Province Address people makes the island a destination rediscovered annually by tourists, delivered before the Sangguniang because of its people. eventually becoming a perennial Panlalawigan (SP) on February 17.

“We want tourists and visitors to destination.

When he was vice governor, Chatto realize that Bohol is “Authentically Chatto explained the marketing orchestrated the crafting of a Philippines,” and with our pristine program is an outcome of the Tourism province-wide vision and mission and environment and emphasis on local arts Summits conducted through the Bohol identified eco-cultural tourism as among and culture, through our Center for Tourism Office (BTO) that aimed to economic engines for Bohol’s holistic Culture and Arts Development, they will ensure sustainable growth in the tourism development. see what is “authentically Filipino,” Chatto industry and unify the tourism marketing Chatto then cited that Bohol’s rich said. of [our] municipalities with one voice. natural resources, high biodiversity and Chatto added, Bohol Tourism thrust (mbcn/rahc/PIA-Bohol) gentle friendly people make it an ideal is all about recognizing what Bohol truly is

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Automatic weather station now in Siquijor

By Rizalie A. Calibo SIQUIJOR, Feb. 20 (PIA) — An automated weather station (AWS) is now in place in Siquijor, Siquijor and has been part of a major television network's weather report since December 2011. epartment of Science and Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction allocated some P300 thousand for the Technology (DOST)-Siquijor Management Council (PDRRMC) that was perimeter fence to secure the site.

Provincial Director Mario de la approved by the DOST-Philippine Started on November 5 and was Pena said that the AWS provides reliable At mosp h eri c al Geop h y sic al an d completed on November 11, 2011, the information on weather or climate Astronomical Services Administration AWS now stands at the Department of occurrences by measuring wind velocity, (PAGASA) sometime in September 2011, Education Athletics Compound in wind direction, atmospheric pressure, said de la Pena.

Pulangyuta, Siquijor will be maintained by atmospheric temperature, and amount of He added that PAGASA has allocated the provincial government. rainfall with gadget attached to measure some P1 million for the foundation of the A memorandum of agreement (MOA) solar radiation.

10-meter tower, raingauge, solar panel w a s executed between the De la Pena said that Kuya Kim of TV and three anchorages for the guy wires, DOST-PAGASA and the province of network ABS-CBN has used the AWS in with other accessories such as Sensor Siquijor for the province to serve as the his primetime weather forecast since (Temperature, Pressure, and Humidity), caretaker with its assigned provincial December last year.

Solar Radiation Sensor, Wind Instrument engineers to ensure, among others, The installation of AWS in the and Lighting Arrester. maintenance and protection of the province is based on the request of the The Provincial Government has also equipment. (mbcn/rac/PIA-Siquijor)

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CENTRAL VISAYAS

TAGBILARAN AIRPORT

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LGUs given until March 23 for LGPMS data entries, updates

By Rizalie A. Calibo

SIQUIJOR, Feb. 20 (PIA) -- Local government units only have until March 23, 2012 to enter and update data in the local governance performance management system (LGPMS) web database. epartment of the Interior and environmental governance. It also included of local governance performance, state of Local G o v e r n m e n t assessment on the fundamentals of local development, and financial (DILG)-Siquijor officer-in-charge governance which include transparency, performance.

Kenneth Kilat said a DILG memorandum participation and financial accountability, To ensure the completion and advised LGUs that the LGPMS online data Kilat said. validation of data entries within the capture form (DCF) for 2011 is now LGUs that fail to enter data to the prescribed timeline, the DILG has advised available, so that LGPMS LGU-data said database will not be able to generate the local government operation officers or encoders can now enter data or an LGPMS electronic report, the Memo LGPMS focal persons to provide information into the system. also said. assistance to the LGUs within their The LGPMS is an online tool that Kilat said that the LGPMS can help in jurisdiction. (mbcn/rac/PIA-Siquijor) assesses LGU performance in the areas of preparation of annual reports by administrative, social, economic and automatically generating data such as state

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PHIC 7 urges public to avail low premium rate until June

By Juju Manubag-Empuerto CEBU CITY, Feb. 21 (PIA) -- The Philippine Health Insurance Corp (PHIC) 7 has called on PhilHealth non-members to avail of the low premium contribution payment before the implementation of the new increased rate on July this year.

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hilHealth 7 Information Officer Atty. Karina Agraviador said that starting July 1, all PhilHealth premium contributions will increase by 100 percent. The increase is based under PhilHealth Circular No. 22 signed by Philhealth President Eduardo Banzon.

Instead of paying P1,200 per year, the premium contributions will now be raised to P2,400 per year beginning July, Agraviador said.

Agraviador advised all who want to become PhilHealth members and who are under the categories of Individual Paying Members and Self-Employed to advance their premium contribution payment

before July so they can still avail of the P1,200 per annum rate.

“Members under said categories are given until June 30 to pay the annual contributions to avail of the incentives,” Agraviador said.

Annual premium contribution for overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) on the other hand, will likewise be increased from P900/annum to P2,400 per year beginning July 1, this year.

Agraviador also bared that Philhealth is working for the inclusion of the out-patient and regular maintenance medicines for hypertension and diabetes to be included in the health insurance coverage.

This is in line with President Benigno S. Aquino III’s health agenda of Universal Health Care that primarily aims to provide access to quality health care services to all Filipino families.

As of December 31 last year, Agraviador stated that Central Visayas already has 1.98 million members. Cebu Province has the largest volume of membership at 1.3 million or about 66 percent, Agraviador added.

Agraviador stressed their agency’s ultimate objective is for 100 percent coverage among Filipinos to become members of Philhealth.

(FCR/JSME/PIA-Cebu)

BFAR-7 conducts experimental test blast fishing

By Amorganda A. Saludar CEBU CITY Feb. 24 (PIA) -- The Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR-7) is set to conduct an experimental test blast fishing, February 24 at BFAR-7 Regional Fisheries and Development Center in Calape, Bohol.

FAR-7 assistant regional director define the illegality of blast fishing,” which BFAR-7 is the chosen host, all Allan Poquita revealed that the Poquita said. regional directors from the various region main objective of this experiment Experimental test blast fishing is set to in the country were expected to witness is to determine the impact of blast fishing be conducted in a controlled area-a 2 the experimentation. at the different development stages of hectare fishpond inside Fisheries and BFAR 7, ARD Poquita that the fishes as well as the various damages Development Center in Calape with fishes experimentation only takes a short time caused by blast fishing. of various stages form eggs to larvae, fry, but they will have to analyze the fishes Poquita further disclosed that BFAR-7 and fingerlings, juvenile and adult up to used in the experimentation. that the blast fishing experimentation aims marketable sizes, Poquita explained.

Poquita said that these fishes will be to achieve stricter measures and policies “Fishes will be placed in” hapa” nets dissected for internal and external on the prohibition of fishing with the use inside the pond and lined up at various manifestation in order to determine the of explosives. distances from the blast site,” he added. extent of damages brought by blast fishing.

“Kay sa pagka karon gud ang Republic This is an undertaking with the Safe and security is also observed in Act 8530 ‘Fishing with the use of presence of BFAR National Director Atty. the test blasting since this is properly Explosives’ kay medyo gamay ra ang Asis Perez and representatives coordinated with the Firearms and penalty so we are hoping to come up with from StateUniversities and Colleges, LGU, Explosives Division of the Regional PNP as policies and measures and more PNP and fisher folk leaders. well as LGU in Bohol. administrative memorandum that will Since this a BFAR national project in (mbcn/AS/PIA-CEBU)

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EASTERN VISAYAS

‘Kalanggaman’, Leyte’s emerging destination, beacons

ORMOC AIRPORT

With the lingering need to get away from it all, there is a place in the province of Leyte where Juan and his family can commune with nature.

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uch place is “Kalanggaman,” an island jeweled with ivory white sands, crystal clear waters with mixed aqua marine and blue colors that blend well with the palm trees in the place.

Kalanggaman is approximately 12 kilometers from the town proper of Palompon, Leyte and located close to the province of Cebu.

With an estimated less than 10 hectares in size, this strip of land is traditionally a fishing ground and favorite site for recreation and social gatherings of the residents of Palompon.

Kalanggaman’s root word, “langgam” is Tagalog for ant. Before Juan could think that this is an ants' world, it means actually means bird in the Visayan dialect, thus it is oftentimes called Birds Island.

For what it is, Kalanggaman Island is emerging as a beach holiday getaway in Leyte.

Foreign tourists hop on the Island from nearby Malapascua Island of Cebu.

On weekends, it is full of local tourists families, employees, yuppies, marine sports

buffs, and nature lovers. Always, on various occasions, Kalanggaman offers varied experiences and lasting impressions.

Kalanggaman is striking an equipose as it strikes a sensitive balance between tourism and preservation of its natural charm.

As Juan enjoys swimming in its clear aquamarine waters and frolicking in its white sandy beaches, one would always hope that its picturesque shorelines, mangrove, and marine life would remain intact for succeeding generations.

The romanticism of pristine nature would seem to be the trade-offs for the little physical discomfort of guests. In lieu of the big hotels that could be found in any place of the world, Kalanggaman is equipped only with the basic tourist facilities, accommodations with basic facilities like restrooms, kiosks, canteen and battery - powered electricity. It may or may not need appropriate and minimal development interventions.

Kalanggaman is friendly to children and non-swimmers. The waves are not intimidating.

Its special attraction is a white sand bar that appears and disappears along the western part of the islet depending on the direction of the waves.

A briefing is given on activities and areas suited to scuba diving, swimming, bird watching, snorkeling, boating, etc.

What is a day and night like in Kalanggaman? Camping is fun. Juan is safe and can get a sound sleep on the beach. Have a mosquito repellant, just in case. More travel tips: sun block to protect your skin, sunglass, hat, flashlight, sleeping gear, mineral water, ice cubes and foodstuffs.

Different strokes for different folks, however. Local picnic treats are typically Filipino - food galore from crispy lechon, adobo to rootcrops.

Travel ways: Take the two-hour ride to Palompon from Tacloban Bus Terminal; Kalanggaman is 45-minutes approximately from the town wharf. (PIA-8)

DOST eyes the operationalization of muscovado plant in Ormoc TACLOBAN CITY, Leyte, Feb. 23 (PIA) -- The "poor man's sugar" may soon become the "rich man's sweet pot." The Department of Science and Technology (DOST) in Eastern Visayas is eyeing muscovado production in Ormoc City, noting that consumer interest in healthy and organic foods has revived the interest in muscovado sugar.

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ecently, the DOST Region 8 led by Director Edgardo Esperancilla conducted a training needs assessment in Ormoc City at the sugarcane farm of 4th District of Leyte Congresswoman Lucy Torres-Gomez.

Paul Quinones, information officer of DOST-8 said that the Torres-Gomez requested the DOST to help in the operationalization of the family’s old muscovado plant in order to convert it into a livelihood opportunity for her constituents.

Ormoc is a known sugarcane growing

area in the province with an industry dating back to the 20th century.

“Muscovado,” locally known as “panocha”, “calamay,” or “sangkaka” is a type of unrefined, pure, and non-centrifugal cane sugar in a semi-spherical block wrapped in dried banana leaves. Other product lines include muscovado syrup and sugar.

Having realized this great value and potential of muscovado, Congresswoman Torres-Gomez thought that venturing in the production of quality muscovado and other related food items would give livelihood

opportunities to her constituents.

Aside from this product advantage, there are other quality and affordable muscovado products. A pair of muscovado block is sold at P 30/kg. The muscovado sugar and syrup are sold at P 35/kg and P90/gallon, respectively.

The DOST is currently completing the assessment after which, help will be given through the DOST-Small Enterprise Technology Upgrading Program's (SETUP) assistance for the project “Muscovado Plant in Ormoc.” (PIA-8)

Padre Burgos LGU leads drive vs. crown-of-thorns starfish PADRE BURGOS, Southern Leyte, Feb. 23 (PIA) -- The local government is leading a campaign to rid the coastal areas here of a deadly specie of starfish that poses a threat to the town’s tourism industry and also to the livelihood of marginal fisher folk, Agriculturist Juliet Crisostomo said.

T

he crown-of-thorns starfish (COTS), a coral-eating underwater creature, has been blamed for destroying a partial stretch of coral reef in this dive destination. If the destruction is left unchecked, the number of divers who frequent the site is likely to diminish, affecting local tourism, he said.

Fishermen living along the coasts who depended on fishing as their main livelihood have already complained that fishes have migrated to other places as a result of the loss of coral material in the area, Crisostomo said.

The campaign has resulted in more than

3,000 COTS averaging 12 inches in diameter being collected before noon Wednesday and later buried across the street. Called “Dap-ag Lanay” locally, COTS are differentiated from normal starfishes, which are star-shaped, in that the former have thorny projections resembling a crown.

Their proliferation is reported to have resulted from the absence of natural predators such as oysters and some species of fish that feed on them. Overfishing and climate change have played in part in the imbalance, by reducing the population of the COTS natural enemies.

Divers from private dive businesses, fisher folk from the neighboring barangays, and several personnel from the Coral Cay Conservation (CCC), a non-government organization from Britain stationed at Barangay Napantao, San Francisco, helped in collecting the COTS from the sea floor, Crisostomo said.

Over the past month, seven out of 10 coastal barangays of Padre Burgos have already collected more than 50,000 pieces of COTS. Three other barangays have separate schedules of COTS collection in March, he added. (PIASouthern Leyte)

EASTERN VISAYAS

7

CENRO tells studes to help protect ecosystem DANIEL Z. ROMUALDEZ AIRPORT

By Alice Nicart

BORONGAN CITY, Eastern Samar, Feb. 23 (PIA) – Forester Sadiri Pastores, Forester of the Department of Environment and Natural Resources-Community Environment and Natural Resources Office (DENR-CENRO) here, sought students support in the Department’s effort to lead in the protection of the balance of ecosystem.

S

adiri’s appeal was made during the orientation program for the “National Green Project” (NGP) of the Aquino government, where he spoke before an audience of high school students and college seminarians.

He even cited Section 16 of the 1986 Constitution which provides that “the country shall protect and advance the right of the people to a balance and healthful ecology in accord with the rhythm and harmony of nature”.

According to him however, this can only be done with the participation and cooperation of all government agencies, local government units, academe, people’s organization and civil society who are likewise mandated to protect the environment.

He stressed to the students, the

concept of sustainable development, that, while the present generation enjoy the forest resources and all other treasures of Mother Earth, they should also ensure that the future generation will not be deprived to enjoy the same. Hence, while they live in the present, utilization of all of the earth’s resources, the trees included should be done with utmost care, protection and considerations for the next generation.

“We should protect our forest ecosystem because of the benefits that follow,” he said. “Trees produce oxygen for daily lives, they serve as the habitat of our wild life, they serve as the wilderness area, where we can best unwind our stresses and be reinvigorated again, trees are sources of foods and medicines, they provide construction materials, they give

water to our dams, they serve as windbreaks against strong winds and surf,” Sadiri enumerated.”

An increase in the occurrence of erosion and landslides could also happen and wood materials for construction and hence would be inadequate and worse , Global Warming is possible.

That is why, it was in this premise that the Aquino administration issued the Executive Order for the country’s sectors to plant trees.

It is believed that Global Warming could not be prevented anymore, but its effect to mankind can be slowed down by planting more trees in order to save and reinvigorate the forests which is one of the major protection of man against natural calamities. (PIA-Eastern Samar)

NGP gains support from ROTC cadets, reservists CATBALOGAN CITY, Samar, Feb. 20 (PIA) - School cadets and reservists have started a massive tree-planting and beach clean-up in response to President Benigno S. Aquino’s National Greening Program (NGP), a student cadet officer said Monday.

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ssistant Commandant Malik Rafon of the Samar State University’s Reserved Officers Training Corps (ROTC) said his school would begin a massive start tree-planting program in March this year.

In Catbalogan, some 1400 Naval ROTC reservists and Naval ROTC cadets

from the 535th ROTC Command at the Samar State University (SSU) have signed up to plant two or three seedlings to support the program, with a pledge to plant 10 trees each yearly until 2016, Rafon added.

The cadets and reservists have also started a coastal clean-up, collecting more

than 50 sacks of non-biodegradable garbage from the island’s littered beaches, he said.

President Aquino’s NGP targets the planting of 1.5 billion trees all over the country in the next four years. (PIASamar)

Community awareness and acceptance committee initiates LSIP info caravan

and

networking

By Ailene N. Diaz CATARMAN, Northern Samar - The Northern Samar Community Awareness and Acceptance and Networking Committee (CAANC) sets off information caravan to targeted municipalities on Local Social Integration Program tagged as “Balik na Sangkay.”

B

alik na Sangkay is a locally initiated program reintegrating former rebels and former militias to the mainstream of society. The program covers monetary incentives to facilitators of voluntary surrender of any member of the communist rebel group operating in the Province of Northern Samar.

The program seeks to achieve a just, comprehensive and enduring peace in Northern Samar particularly shaping up environment conducive for healing and reconciliation and development in conflict affected areas, reconcile former rebels with their respective families and

communities and create opportunities for change as productive citizens, among others.

Tasked to ensure that this peace initiative is effectively communicated to target audience, the CAANC recently held information caravan to the municipalities of Catarman, Catubig, Las Navas and Pambujan. Local Government Units Liga ng mga Barangay were the first target audience tapped as strategic partners in generating community awareness and acceptance in the grassroots level.

The LIGA signify support to the

program believing this is one positive approach for the rebels to find opportunities to change and be a productive citizen and to achieve lasting peace and development as a whole.

CAANC membership include, Provincial Information Office (PIO) as chairman, Philippine Information Agency (PIA) as Vice-Chair, 803rd Brigade, DILG, PNP, Diocesan Pastoral Director, DSWD, IBP, ABC Federation President, PCL and Department of Agriculture as members. (PIA-Northern Samar)

One Visayas e-newsletter is published weekly by the Visayas Regional Cluster of the Philippine Information Agency (PIA) comprising Region 6, 7 and 8. Its main editorial office is located at PIA Region 6, Iloilo City.

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. BaĂąares 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