One Visayas e-Newsletter Vol 3 Issue 1

Vol 3

Issue 1

In this Issue WESTERN VISAYAS

Department of Trade and Industry (DTI-6) Development and Trade Specialist Emily N. Hagad tells local government employees to imbibe and promote the ideals of Dr. Jose P. Rizal, especially in these trying times brought by the recent disaster. The town’s local government unit with local elementary and secondary public schools, held a program to commemorate Rizal’s heroism. (LTP/PIAILOILO)

More on Region 6, pages 2-3.

Also CLICK Here…

CENTRAL VISAYAS

Engr. Dario Cabarubias (with mic) of Department of Trade and Industry Region 7 explains to enforcers the features of standard helmets as prescribed by the Motorcycle Helmet Law which will be fully enforced on January 2013. (VVV/PIA-CEBU)

More on Region 7, pages 4-5.

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EASTERN VISAYAS

January 1— 6, 2013

Published by: PIA 6, 7 & 8

PRO-6 cites factors in lower crime rate in 2012

By Elsa S. Subong ILOILO CITY, Jan 3 (PIA6) -- The comparatively lower crime volume of 7,211 or 16.20 percent lower than the previous year’s 8,605 in Western Visayas is attributed to innovative strategies, according to the Police Regional Office - Region 6 (PRO-6).

In its yearend report, PRO-6 said this showed a no nonsense drive of the region’s police force against criminality, insurgency, and other threats to peace, order, and security.

As reported, the index crime (homicide, murder, etc.), posted a decrease of 781 cases or 12.83 percent from 6,089 in 2011 to only 5,308 in 2012.

For non-index crime (illegal drugs, illegal gambling, etc) the decrease was pegged at 618 incidents or 24.39 percent from 2,516 incidents in 2011.

PRO-6 Regional Director Chief Supt. Agrimero Cruz said the implementation of anti-criminality measures like the Motorized Anti-Street Crimes Operatives (Masco), the Police Integrated Patrol System (PIPS), Patrulya ng Pulis, and Oplan Katawhayan sa Dalan greatly improved the peace and order situation.

Cruz said that contributing also to the decrease in crime volume were the sustained police operations against illegal drugs where 385 persons were arrested;

illegal gambling with 809 persons arrested, illegal logging with 82 persons netted and robbery/hold-up with 218 persons arrested.

Further, Cruz said that to win public trust and confidence and boost morale of personnel, the ranks were cleansed of erring members, and trainings and programmed courses were conducted to enhance competencies. (PRO6/JCM/ESS-PIA6 Iloilo)

DTI to closely monitor helmet sellers, retailers

By Ferliza C. Contratista CEBU CITY, Jan. 3 (PIA) -- The Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) here will now focus on the monitoring of retailers and sellers of helmets to ensure the successful implementation of Republic Act 10054 or the Motorcycle Helmet Act. DTI-7 Regional Director Asteria Caberte said her office has done its part in informing the public about the full implementation of the law starting this month.

Apart from the information dissemination, there was also an inspection of helmets for the marking of the Import Commodity Clearance (ICC) or the Product Standard (PS) stickers.

The ICC stickers are for imported helmets while the PS stickers are for helmets manufactured in the Philippines.

Starting June last year, DTI conducted inspection and “stickering” in its branches nationwide for free to motorcycle helmet owners.

This time, Caberte said, they will constantly check on whether the helmet retailers and sellers are already selling brands of helmets that are already bearing the ICC and the PS stickers as mandated under RA 10054.

To this effect, those who will buy motorcycle helmets are assured that these are already of standard quality and form if bought from the inspected sellers and retailers.

Although apprehension is no longer DTI’s job, Caberte said that they will still be assisting if the authenticity of the stickers is to be addressed.

On the first day of the implementation, the Land Transportation Office reported apprehending 67 violators of the Motorcycle Helmet law in Cebu City. (rmn/FCC/PIA7)

Tourism industry in Eastern Visayas picking up - DOT

P/SSupt. Felix Alberca Diloy, provincial director of the Biliran Police Provincial Office (BPPO) (left), puts a tape on the muzzle of a Caliber 45 pistol of one of the chiefs of police of the BPPO. The taping of gun muzzle of the chiefs of police of the eight police stations in Biliran province including the members of the BPPO was held December 29 at 8 a.m. at the BPPO camp in Barangay Larrazabal, Naval, Biliran. (rvictoria/pia 8biliran)

More on Region 8, pages 6-7.

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TACLOBAN CITY, Leyte, Jan 3 (PIA) -- The tourism industry in Eastern Visayas is picking up and it is expected to pick up further with better infrastructure facilities making tourist destinations more accessible.

Department of Tourism Region 8 Director Karina Rosa Tiopes made the disclosure in a radio interview, saying that the tourism industry of the region is slowly gaining a steady foothold based on the improved number of tourists arrivals.

Tiopes said that based on the DOT monitoring as of October 2012, Eastern Visayas had 270,611 tourists, both local and foreign.

“But the figure was based on the submitted report of 80 establishments only. The region has over 400 establishments catering to tourists,” Tiopes said. Thus, she said, the actual figure on tourists arrivals could be higher.

Nevertheless, Tiopes said the figure is already close to the projected tourists arrivals for 2012 which is 393,072.

DOT records reveal that for the January to September period, 160,292 tourists visited the region’s capital city.

The actual number of tourists arrivals for Tacloban is higher compared to the projected 123,291 tourists arrivals for the entire 2012.

Local government units now appear to appreciate their local tourist assets by improving them and even going to the extent of coordinating or partnering with the private sector.

The business sector, in turn, should also be credited by investing in new hotels and restaurants that serve as a magnet for tourists to visit Eastern Visayas, Tiopes said.

The various fare promotions of airline companies are another factor to consider why there is now an increase of tourists arrivals in the region, she added.

(PIA-8)

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WESTERN VISAYAS

Jan. 13 marks election period, gun ban Iloilo City Hall

By Lilibeth A. French ILOILO CITY, Jan 4 (PIA6) -- The Commission on Elections (COMELEC) has set January 13 to June 12, 2013 as election period in the country in line with the holding of the synchronized local and national elections on May 13.

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he election period is one of the major activities listed in the Calendar of Activities and Periods of Certain Prohibited Acts contained in Resolution No. 9385 promulgated by the COMELEC on April 3 last year in connection with the May 13 elections.

The implementation of the election period on January 13 also marks the start of the nationwide ban on firearms and other deadly weapons which is part of the efforts of the government to ensure the peaceful and orderly holding of the midterm elections.

The rules and regulations on the ban on bearing, carrying or transporting of firearms or other deadly weapons is embodied in resolution No. 9561-A promulgated on December 4, 2012 by the Commission which provides that “No person shall bear, carry or transport firearms or other deadly weapons outside his residence or place of business, and in public places including any buildings, streets, parks, and private vehicles or public conveyances, even if licensed to possess or to carry the same”.

In the same resolution, the COMELEC identified those who are

allowed to bear, carry or transport firearms during the election period.

The COMELEC also prohibits the following during the election period: alteration of territory of a precinct or establishment of a new precinct; transfer or movement of officers and employees in the civil service; use of security personnel or bodyguards by candidates, unless authorized in writing by the Commission; organization or maintenance of reaction forces, strike forces or other similar forces; and suspension of elective officials.

(JCM/LAF/PIA6)

DOLE undertaking career and guidance matching ILOILO CITY, Jan 3 (PIA6) -- The Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) is now conducting an intensive career and guidance matching campaign.

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ccording to DOLE Secretary Rosalinda Baldoz in a radio interview, they have come up with career guides, which provide basic information on the occupations identified in the labor market.

As of now, Baldoz said they have 120 career guides, which contain information on what courses should be chosen which are in demand in the market. This would also lessen the number of students taking up courses which are not in demand or have no demand.

A career guide, according to the DOLE website features in-demand jobs/ career viable in the next five to 10 years.

It describes basic education requirements of a job, skills, competencies, attributes, and characteristics, salary/compensation, prospect for career advancement, employment opportunities, and cost of training and trainings. It seeks to aid and supplement students and job seekers alike, with urgent information on particular jobs to make informed decisions about their chosen careers.

From the career guides, Baldoz said the students and prospective workers will be able to get many information so that they can assess themselves, and determine what is their passion.

Baldoz said through this, they, and particularly the vulnerable sectors like women, and lowly-skilled workers, can avoid leaving the Philippines for foreign shores, which exacts a very high social cost.

One of the foremost exports of the Philippines is our highly skilled workers and the market in Asia is expanding, according to the DOLE secretary.

Baldoz said they have also come up with 46 road maps to global competitiveness and are preparing for the 2015 Asean Integrated market. (jcm-PIA 6)

DA to assist 'Quinta' affected farmers

By Elsa S. Subong ILOILO CITY, Jan 2 (PIA6) -- Farmers whose crops were affected by tropical depression “Quinta” will receive assistance from the Department of Agriculture here.

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n media interviews, DA-6 Executive Director Larry Nacionales said they are preparing appropriate interventions now after the agency has assessed the impact of “Quinta” on agriculture.

Nacionales said farmers whose rice crops were totally damaged will be given certified seeds from their stocks under the rice program.

He said about 30 percent of rice lands were damaged in the towns of Pototan,

Dingle, Dumangas, Mina, Barotac Nuevo and Zarraga in the province of Iloilo, while in Capiz, it includes the towns of Sigma, Cuartero, Sao, Mambusao, Dumalag and Panit-an.

For heavily silted areas, Nacionales said they will provide micro-nutrients to recover health of soil, while vegetable seeds from high-value crops will be given to those silted areas.

The DA has estimated losses in rice crops at P45 million, while for corn it is about P3.6 million.

DA records showed these were in the municipalities along river banks in the towns of Numancia, Libacao, Banga and Kalibo in Aklan, and in Mambusao Capiz.

The damage in vegetables was estimated at P17 million.

Nacionales said the total damages in agriculture was pegged at P67.53 million.

(DA6/JCM/ESS/PIA-Iloilo)

WESTERN VISAYAS

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Antique PNP installs new provincial director Iloilo City Hall

By Pilar S. Mabaquiao

SAN JOSE, Antique, Jan 3 (PIA6) - - The Antique Police Provincial Office (APP0) installed its new Provincial Director, PSSupt. Pedrito F. delos Reyes, January 2, 2013 during turn-over ceremony at the PNP Provincial Office, San Jose, Antique.

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elos Reyes vowed to serve and protect Antiquenos in his utmost capacity as the province’s top cop especially since election time is approaching and much is expected of police officers to maintain peace and order.

He is a member of Philippine National Police Academy Class 1988.

His major programs will be anchored in upholding the PNP’s Integrated

Transformation Program-Performance Governance System 2030, dubbed, "P.A.T.R.O.L. Plan 2030” which stands for Peace and Order Agenda for Transformation and Upholding of Rule of Law. During the program, Governor Exequiel B. Javier assured the PNP director of support of local officials as long as the PNP is doing what is in accordance

with the law in maintaining peace and order.

With the assumption of Delos Reyes, PSSupt Marloe Marfil relinquished his post as OIC provincial director after two months of dedicated and peaceful shepherding of the Antique command.

PSSupt Ruperto Floro was then the provincial director prior to his promotion to a higher post in November 5, 2012.

(JCM/PSM-PIA6, Antique)

SEAYLP- Philippines provides books to Ma-ao town HS

By Easter Anne D. Doza NEGROS OCCIDENTAL, Jan 4 (PIA6) -- The Southeast Asia Youth Leadership Program (SEAYLP) Team Aguila installed the first Aguila Reading Corner last December 20, at Ramon Torres Ma-ao Sugar Central National High school in Bago City. he project aims to provide of Assisi School in Silay City, La Castellana Soledad and Edcel Paul Tejare; headed by accessible education to far-flung National High School and Quirico G. their Adult Leader, Bien Nillos, MD. s c h o o l s a r o u n d N e g r o s Manzano Memorial National High School The same members of SEAYLP Team Occidental by donating newly bought and in Candoni.

Aguila together with other SEAYLP second-hand books from school donation The four other Aguila schools also Philippine groups from Ilocos Norte drives, University of St. La Salle’s Pre-Med implemented projects of different fields of (Team Ubing) and from Dumaguete City Society and from the United States focus that aims to promote change in their (Team Sidlakan), represented the Embassy of Manila. respective schools and community.

Philippines in the first United States This initiative of the SEAYLP Team The SEAYLP Team Aguila is a Bacolod ASEAN Young Leaders Summit Aguila looks forward to provide reading -based NGO composed of six college participated by 130 delegates from corners in every library starting with the students coming from different ASEAN countries held in Jakarta, Five Aguila Schools which are: Ma-ao universities: John Floyd Abrico, Jorge Indonesia from December 5 to 9. JCM/ Sugar Central High School in Bago City, Antonio Coscolluela, Nobelle Ann EAD-PIA6/SEAYLP Negros Occidental) Victorias National High School, St. Francis Escalona, Bea Charlyn Laiño, Alexandra

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LTO enforces motorcycle helmet law

By Jemin B. Guillermo ROXAS CITY, Capiz, Jan 3 (PIA6) -- The Land Transportation Office will enforce Republic Act 10054 otherwise known as the Motorcycle Helmet Act of 2009, Roxas City LTO Information Officer Isidro Alex de Vicente said. e Vicente added that they will wear the standard protective motorcycle Office (LTO) here, there are about 14,000 also closely coordinate with the helmet, he said. registered motorcycles in the province, Philippine National Police in the On the other hand, almost 95 percent including those being used for tricycle different police stations in the entire of helmets of registered motorcycles in operations. province for the enforcement of said law. Capiz had been verified and issued with Protective helmet is intended to Under the law, a penalty of P1,500 for stickers. primarily protect the wearer’s head the first offense, P3,000 for the second Capiz Trade and Industry Provincial against impact and is designed to reduce offense, P5,000 for the third offense, Director Ermelinda Pollentes said 8,233 the chances of serious head, brain, and P10,000 plus confiscation of driver’s helmets of registered motorcycles in facial injuries and death from motorcycle license for the fourth and succeeding Capiz were verified and issued with crashes but are not designed to prevent offenses will be meted for driving without stickers as of December 28, 2012 which injuries to other parts of the body. (JCM/ wearing any helmet or without the was the deadline for said verification.

JBG-PIA6, Capiz) standard protective motorcycle helmet She added that based on the 2011 and/or failing to require backrider/s to record from the Land Transportation

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CENTRAL VISAYAS

DENR-7 allocates P370-M for 2013 greening program

Cebu City Hall

By Hazel F. Gloria CEBU CITY (PIA) -- The Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR-7) allocated nearly P370 million for the National Greening Program (NGP) in 2013.

ENR 7 regional executive million or 36.80 percent for its 9,689 into vibrant new plantations of forest director Dr. Isabelo Montejo has. target while Bohol will receive trees or agroforestry (mix of fruit and said this amount is intended for P76.199 million or 20.60 percent to cover forest trees), Montejo added. the region to reforest around 24,461 5,058 has. and Siquijor, P4.532 million or Based on the 2001-2003 satellite hectares of identified forest land up by 1.23 percent for 185 has. of forest land. images, the total forest cover of the 230 percent of this year’s 10,623-hectare NGP is on its third year of Philippines was estimated at 7.168 million target. implementation consistent with the hectares or 24.27 percent of the country’s As indicated in the physical and Aquino administration's Philippine total land area of about 30 million financial plan (PFP) for 2013 released by Development Plan (PDP). has. the Planning Management Division (PMD), This way, the government hopes that It can be recalled that DENR-7 has Cebu province will get the biggest share of by the end of six years, the program distributed and planted 7,985,542 P152.196 million or 41.15 percent should have achieved its target of seedlings which covered 10,896.10 has. covering 9,429 has. “re-greening” or transforming some 1.5 surpassing 2012’s target by three percent.

Negros Oriental will get P136.103 million has. of the country’s denuded areas (mbcn/HFG-PIA 7/DENR-7)

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PhilHealth sets EPRS orientations

By Juju Manubag-Empuerto CEBU CITY, Dec. 30 (PIA) -- The Collection Section of PhilHealth Regional Office-7 enjoins employers who have not yet adopted the Electronic Premium Reporting System (EPRS) in submitting their monthly remittance reports (RF-1) to attend the orientations set in 2013.

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n a telephone interview with the Philippine Information Agency-Cebu, PhilHealth Collection Section staff Ronillie Vidad said the orientations on EPRS are set on January 11, 18, 25, 30; February 1, 8, 22, 28; March 8,15, and 22 at the PhilHealth Training Room, 7th floor of Golden Peak Hotel & Suites, Cebu City.

Vidad said this was emphasized in PhilHealth Circular Nos. 25-2012 and 45-2012, requiring all employers to submit monthly remittance reports (RF-1) using the Electronic Premium Reporting System (EPRS).

EPRS is a web-based application designed for a more convenient preparation and submission of the RF-1, which has been recently enhanced into EPRS Version 2.1 effective October this year.

In line with this, government agencies and business entities that have been enrolled in the EPRS from September to December 31, 2012, and have properly submitted their remittance reports on December 28 through EPRS during the promotion period are qualified to join the "Adopt EPRS and Win-a-Prize promo" event, Vidad said.

In a separate interview, Dina Cinchez, PhilHealth’s Public Relations Officer said that the “Adopt EPRS & Win-A Prize” promo is covered by Circular No. 52-2012.

It is an additional incentive given by PhilHealth to employers who actively implement the EPRS as the primary tool in reporting premium contributions, Cinchez stated.

Cinchez added the winners of this promo will get cash prizes of P50T for first prize, P30T for second and 20T for the third prize, subject to applicable tax regulations. (mbcn/JSME/PIA-Cebu & PhilHealth)

DTI warns sellers of sub-standard MC helmets anew

By Juju Manubag-Empuerto CEBU CITY, Dec. 30 (PIA) -- The Department of Trade and Industry (DTI-7) strictly enforces Republic Act 10054 or the Motorcyle Helmet Act and reiterates its warning to sellers of substandard motorcycle helmets.

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he DTI enjoins all sellers of motorcycle helmets to get their stocks or supply from manufacturers and importers that have been given the Philippine Standard (PS) license and/or Import Commodity Clearance (ICC) Certificate.

Effective January 2, 2013, motorcycle drivers caught driving without a protective helmet bearing the ICC seal will be issued citation tickets and penalized as stated in the Helmet Act of 2009.

Under Republic Act 10054 or Motorcycle Helmet Act, a new

motorcycle helmet which bears the Philippine Standard (PS) mark or Import Commodity Clearance (ICC) of the Bureau of Product Standards (BPS) and complies with the standards set by the BPS shall be made available by every seller and/or dealer every time a new motorcycle unit is purchased and which the purchaser may buy at his option.

Any person who uses, sells and distributes substandard motorcycle helmets or those which do not bear the PS mark or the ICC certificate shall be punished with a fine of not less than

P3,000 for the first offense and P5,000 for the second offense, without prejudice to other penalties imposed in Republic Act No. 7394 or the “Consumer Act of the Philippines.”

Tampering, alteration, forgery and imitation of the PS marks and the ICC certificates on the helmets shall be punished with a fine of not less than P10,000 but not more than P20,000, also without prejudice to other penalties imposed in Republic Act No. 7394. (mbcn/JSME/PIA-Cebu & DTI-7)

CENTRAL VISAYAS

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Less crimes in 2012, says Bohol top cop Cebu City Hall

By Rey Anthony H. Chiu

TAGBILARAN CITY, Bohol (PIA) -- November 2012 finds 77 less crimes in Bohol compared to the same period in 2011 reflecting the continuing down-slide of crimes this year. ohol police chief, Senior broad daylight slay of a city barangay chair "This is already high compared to the Superintendent Constantino in Bohol, all in the last three months.

39 percent efficiency rating in the same Barot in his presentation at the Of the crimes reported in November, period in 2011," Barot added.

Provincial Peace and Order Council theft still comprised the highest index Barot also explained that CCE is (PPOC) meeting at the Mansion recently crime committed at 37.39 percent. considered cleared as soon as a crime showed that crime statistics in last three Police records showed that robbery suspect has been identified, nabbed and months from September to November, follows at 26.27% of the crime pie for the appropriate case is filed, and or the victim drastically slid to lower levels with 178 in month. Physical injuries ranked third and suspect arrived at a settlement.

September, 172 in October and 145 in among the top crimes in Bohol occupying This is different from the formerly November.

16.17% of the pie in November 2012. used Crime Solution Efficiency when "Significant crimes are reported but if Over all, the police provincial director police get the credit after a suspect is we see the real big picture, we can see said the total crime clearance efficiency identified, apprehended and corresponding how really peaceful we are," Barot said as (CCE), a new system used by the police in cases have been filed in court. (mbcn/rahc/ he justified the reporting of notorious determining crime case disposition, is PIA-Bohol) crimes including a grenade lobbing and a pegged at 54 percent.

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DENR-7 grants over 20,000 free patents in CV

By Hazel F. Gloria CEBU CITY, Dec 29 (PIA) -- The Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR-7) granted some 20,486 free patents covering 9,443.1269 hectares of untitled public alienable and disposable (A and D) agricultural lands under the Comprehensive Agrarian Reform Program (CARP) Extension with Reforms program as of December 26 this year in Central Visayas.

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ENR 7 regional executive director Dr. Isabelo Montejo said, “this is the biggest accomplishment thus far in the region and even in the entire country when it comes to land titling efforts of the government.”

Of the total number of land titles distributed under CARP, Cebu province processed and issued 4,896 land titles covering 2,394.5184 hectares.

Bohol with 14,254 land titles or equivalent to 6,086.0633 hectares while Negros Oriental with 728 land titles or

641.6081 hectares and Siquijor province with 608 land titles or 320.9371 hectares.

Montejo said the country’s land services will redound to the overall productivity of idle lands in the country and will therefore ultimately boost economic prosperity.

In accordance to Republic Act No. 3844, otherwise known as the Agricultural Land Reform Code, the DENR is primary responsible for the distribution and land disposition through the issuance of free patents or homestead patents for public agricultural A and D lands.

Montejo said the DENR vowed to accelerate the issuance of titles in 2013 of close to 21,000 patents as it is supportive in spurring economic growth and land security in line with the Philippine Development Plan (PDP). To recall, Montejo instructed all provincial and community environment and natural resources officers to keep a close watch on land title fixing within their respective area of jurisdiction and to report immediately certain officials or individuals so that appropriate charges will be filed against them.(mbcn/HFG/PIA-7& DENR-7)

PhilHealth urges employers to use e-premium reporting system

By Hazel F. Gloria CEBU CITY (PIA) -- PhilHealth emphasizes that all employers are mandated to submit their monthly remittance reports (RF-1) using the Electronic Premium Reporting System (EPRS).

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hrough Circular No. 25-2012 and 45-2012, EPRS is a web-based application designed for a more convenient preparation and submission of the RF-1, which has been recently enhanced into EPRS Version 2.1 effective October 2012.

According to PhilHealth-7 the new version has added features such as the Preliminary Employees Premium Remittance List (PEPRL) which allows the employer to verify the correctness of the employee contributions list for the current month.

It also includes the Statement of Premium Account (SPA) generation where employers can make a statement of total premium payable to PhilHealth which may be used as basis for voucher and check

preparation.

And since the required PhilHealth Premium Payment Slip is already included in the SPA, employers need not fill in a separate payment form.

The enhanced EPRS can now accept posting of premium contribution remitted through PhilHealth-accredited collecting banks and agents, it is learned.

With this developments, government agencies and business entities that have been enrolled in the EPRS from September to December 31, 2012, and have properly submitted their remittance reports through EPRS during the promotion period are qualified to join the Adopt EPRS and Win-a-Prize promo.

This is an additional incentive given by

PhilHealth to employers who actively implement the EPRS as their primary tool in reporting their premium contributions.

Winners will get cash prizes subject to applicable tax regulations.

The Collection Section of PhilHealth Regional Office 7 enjoins employers who have not yet adopted the EPRS to attend the orientation set on January 11, 18, 25, 30; February 1, 8, 22, 28; March 8,15, and 22 to be held at the PhilHealth Training Room, 7th floor of Golden Peak Hotel & Suites, Cebu City.

For reservations on the orientation, employers may call the Collection Section at (032) 233-3284 or 518-6137 or email them through contri.pro7@philhealth.gov.ph. (mbcn/HFG/PIA-7 & Philhealth)

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EASTERN VISAYAS

DOLE cites North Samar for its ordinance vs child labor

Tacloban City Hall

TACLOBAN CITY, Leyte, Dec. 30 (PIA) -- The Department of Labor and Employment has cited the provincial government of Northern Samar for being the first provincial government unit in the country to enact an anti-child ordinance, complete with an initial P1 million funding to make the ordinance work.

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ecretary Baldoz urged local government units to emulate Northern Samar’s act of support to the campaign to rid the country of the menace of child labor, even as she noted that other provinces such as Albay and Quezon, have used the ordinances as basis for crafting their own anti-child labor legislative proposals.

The Sangguniang Panlalawigan, chaired

by Jose F. Layan as temporary presiding officer, unanimously approved Provincial Ordinance No. 11 Series of 2012, entitled “An Ordinance Defining and Penalizing the Use of Child Labor and Providing for a Program for the Prevention and Progressive Elimination of Child Labor in Northern Samar and for other Purposes.”

The ordinance was principally

introduced by Alberto C. Mendador, a member of the Sangguniang Panlalawigan.

The anti-child labor ordinance defines and penalizes the use of child labor and provides for a program on the prevention and elimination of child labor in Northern Samar. To enable the implementation of the program, the Sangguniang Panlalawigan approved an initial budget of P1 million.

The ordinance also mandates the creation of municipal child labor committees and child labor protection desks in all police stations in the province to be manned by police officers who will.

Northern Samar Child Labor Committee has already planned its activities for 2013 among which are the conduct of strategic planning and a search for the best functioning Barangay Child

Labor Protection Council to provide them incentives.

For next year, the committee will also start establishing vertical links among child labor focal persons who. A provincial child labor congress is also in the works.

Director Exequiel Sarcauga of DOLE said 14 Northern Samar barangays have already passed barangay ordinances for the prevention and elimination of child labor and resolutions organizing or reactivating their BCPCs after the DOLE regional office conducted workshops on how to craft the said policies.

The Labor Director explained that the child labor ordinances set the policies and guidelines at the provincial and barangay levels on how to curb child labor in their areas. (PIA-8)

Nat’l Maritime Polytechnic to replicate PESO for its graduates

By Jonnie H. Buenaventura TACLOBAN CITY, Leyte, Jan 3 (PIA) -- The National Maritime Polytechnic (NMP), a center for training and upgrading of seafarers based in Tacloban City, is set to replicate the Department of Labor and Employment’s Public Employment Service Office (PESO) program to ensure that present and future graduates will find jobs suitable for their acquired knowledge.

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MP OIC Executive Director Atty. Forter G. Puguon, Sr. said he has been given authority by the NMP Board of Trustees to enter into a Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) with the Bureau of Local Employment (BLE) to establish and implement the PESO program.

The PESO program will be implemented in the early part of 2013 with the purpose of ensuring that NMP graduates will land suitable jobs either in

the domestic or foreign fronts, particularly in the maritime industry, Atty. Puguon said.

Dir. Puguon added that the PESO is a non-fee charging multi-employment service facility or entity established or accredited pursuant to Republic Act No. 8759 otherwise known as PESO Act of 1999.

For this purpose the PESO shall be linked to the regional offices of the Department of Labor and Employment

(DOLE) for coordination and technical supervision, and to the DOLE central office, to constitute the national employment service network.

Dir. Atty. Puguon observed that the Public Employment Service Office (PESO) program of DOLE has been successful in its implementation and ensuring that applicants will not fall prey to any unscrupulous recruiter which program are sanctioned by the implementer and protector of labor rights. (PIA-8)

SoLeyte gets 10,000 seed nuts to augment local coco industry

By Erna S. Gorne MAASIN CITY, Southern Leyte, Jan 1 (PIA) -- The province of Southern Leyte received from the Philippine Coconut Authority (PCA) 10,000 seed nuts to augment local coconut industry early December of 2012.

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rovincial Agriculturist Services Office (PAgSO) Provincial Head Marina Gador said the 10,000 Katigan variety seednuts were taken from Cotabato in Mindanao.

The seednuts are presently set at the planting nursery of the provincial government established at Barangay Ichon

in Macrohon, Southern Leyte where these shall be grown further for three months then these will be ready for distribution, she said.

She said these coconut seedlings will be distributed to interested local farmers throughout the province. She added that the respective offices of the municipal

agriculturists in the province were advised to come up with a master list of interested farmers who are willing to plant the coconut seedlings for at least 100 pieces in every hectare.

“The dwarf Katigan coconut variety will bear fruit in three to four months from planting,” she said. (PIA-SoLeyte)

EASTERN VISAYAS

Tacloban City Hall

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PhilHealth partially defers implementation of increase in premium contribution until end of 2013

TACLOBAN CITY, Leyte, Jan 1 (PIA8) -- PhilHealth defers until the end of 2013, the implementation of the increase in premium contributions of the individually paying, Overseas Workers and Employed Sector membership in the National Health Insurance Program.

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hilHealth Eastern Visayas Vice President Walter Bacareza said that the PhilHealth Board through its Resolution No. 1677, series of 2012, authorized the deferment, in response to the public clamor for the reconsideration of the implementation of the premium contribution increase in various PhilHealth memberships.

Bacareza said this will mean that self-employed and voluntary members of the Philippine Health Insurance Corporation (PHIC) or PhilHealth won’t be paying the annual P2,400 premium scheduled for implementation on January 1, 2013. Instead, each member will only be contributing P1,800 premium for the entire year.

Bacareza added the partial deferment was mandated in PhilHealth Circular No. 57, series of 2012.

Self-employed members, according to Bacareza, may pay their contributions, either quarterly, semi-annually or annually at any PhilHealth office as well as through accredited collecting agents such as CIS Bayad Centers, MLhuillier, LBC Express Outlets, Philpost, banks.

Bacareza further explained that members under the Overseas Workers Program (OWP) will continue paying P 1,200 only per year through PhilHealth offices or via collecting banks abroad like Development Bank of the Philippines and Philippine Veterans Bank remittance centers or their subsidiary branches in Asia, Europe, and United Kingdom.

The premium contributions for the employed sector starting January to December 2013 only shall be in accordance with premium schedule using baselines such as the 2.5 percent premium rate of the basic salary; use of salary bracket; with the salary bracket floor starting at PP7,000 and the salary bracket ceiling is P35,000.

Thus, members receiving P7,999.99 and below salary will be paying P175 total monthly contribution, comprising of P87.50 personal share and P87.50 employer share.

On the other hand, those receiving salaries of P35,000 or more will be paying a total monthly contribution of P875.00 or P437.50 personal share and P437.50 employer share. (PIA-8)

PRO 8 notes fewer firecracker-related injuries in 2012

By Ninfa Iluminda B. Quirante CATBALOGAN CITY, Samar Jan 4 (PIA) -- The Police Regional Office 8 (PRO8) noted a significant decrease in firecracker-related injuries as revelers met the year 2013.

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olice Chief Superintendent Elmer Ragadio Soria, PRO8 Regional Director, said that 2012 recorded a lower rate of firecracker-related injuries as compared to 2011.

Citing data from the Aksyon: Paputok Injury Reduction Registry on Firecracker-related cases from the Eastern Visayas Regional Medical Center in Tacloban City, Soria disclosed that from December 16, 2012 to January 1, 2013, only three firecrackers-related incidents resulting to blast/ burn type injuries and one eye injury were recorded.

“This can be attributed to the government's public information and education campaign and the intensified crackdown on illegal firecrackers waged by our men in the field,” Soria added.

The three blast victims includes a 76-year old male, a 10-year old boy and 9-month old baby boy wounded due to “piccolo” firecracker, while an 11-year old boy sustained eye injury due to lantaka or homemade cannon. All were sent

home after receiving proper treatment. Soria further disclosed that his office has not monitored any indiscriminate firing incident and victims of stray bullets regionwide.

The above figure is lower as compared to the same period in 2011 which showed, based from PRO8 and DOH 8 records, a total of 23 firecrackers-related incidents and one injured due to stray bullet.

"This reduction to a very significant level of firecracker-related injuries and casualties is credited to the vigorous advocacy and close coordination among the police and other government agencies, non-governmental organizations, and the media to ensure the security and safety of the general public and attain a generally peaceful and violence-free Yuletide celebration,” Soria said. Days before the New Year and on New Year's Eve, PRO8 launched an intensified crackdown on illegal firecrackers with line units conducting seizure and confiscation of

dangerous and prohibited firecrackers, including the "Piccolo', a brand of firecracker that Department of Health has identified as the leading cause of firecracker-related injuries. Other seized firecrackers were Judas belts, rocket launchers, whistle bombs, super lolo, lolo thunder, pla-pla, Pacquiao, goodbye Philippines and great bawang.

Meanwhile, the Regional Special Operations Group 8 (RSOTG8), through the assistance of Samar Police Provincial Director Eusebio Mejos, confiscated assorted firecrackers/pyrotechnic devices in an operation conducted on December 31, 2012 in Catbalogan City.

According to Mejos, they conducted round-the-clock inspection in the hospitals and in other busy places before, during, and after the festivity.

Mejos told PIA that no reported or received related incident or victims of stray bullets and firecrackers in Samar during the New Year celebration. (EOPT/NIBQ/MRO PRO8/ PIA 8)

More CSR in 2013, housing developer in Maasin City assures

By Marcelo M. Pedalino MAASIN CITY, Southern Leyte, Dec 31 (PIA) -- Encouraged by the successful holding of its “4 in 1” activity this month, Jordan Hills subdivision definitely will have similar undertakings involving the community as part of its commitment for corporate social responsibility (CSR).

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his was disclosed by Jose Cabrales, Jr., Sales and Marketing Director of the housing firm, which has branches in other parts of the Visayas, in Bohol, Cebu, and Negros, under the Joshua Cruz Armamento Development, Inc. (JCAD) corporation.

The “4 in 1” activity on December 14 at Jordan Hills, barangay Combado this city was planned in just one week, with the cooperation of all stakeholders and full support of the city government of Maasin, Cabrales said during the

recent “Kapihan sa PIA” cable TV program Action Center.

It included a feeding program with about 200 indigent kids in the host barangay of Combado in tandem with the barangay council, a street party, a medical mission, and fireworks display by evening.

But Cabrales said the medical mission portion was waived in favor of typhoon “Pablo” victims at Cateel, Davao Oriental in coordination with Gawad Kalinga (GK).

He said parents and children greatly enjoyed the activity on that day even minus the medical mission as the areas devastated by Pablo definitely needed to be prioritized, “For 2013 we will be planning ahead with more activities related with our CSR,” Cabrales said, hinting a closer tie-up with the senior citizens association in the city for their medical mission, among other activities.

(PIA-Southern Leyte)

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

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Ms. Minerva BC Newman Regional Director, PIA 7

Editorial Consultants Atty. Ma. Janet C. Mesa, Ph. D. Regional Director, PIA6

Ms. Erlinda Olivia P. Tiu Regional Director, PIA8

Managing Editor Jaime S. Cabag, Jr. Contributors All PIA Information Officers of Regions 6, 7 & 8 Production and Layout Edson J. Bañares Lynnor C. Regalado Regional Offices:

PIA 6, 2/F RC Building, Rizal St., Iloilo City, Iloilo 5000, Tel. Nos. (033) 337-8719/3377301/509-0993, Fax No. (033) 337-8719/509-0993, e-mail: r6_pia@yahoo.com/ piaamo6@yahoo.com PIA 7, Room 304, 3/F Machay Bldg., Garardo Avenue, Cebu City, Cebu 6000, Telefax No. (032) 232-4062/232-4126, e-mail: pia7_cebu@yahoo.com.ph/r7_pia@yahoo.com PIA 8, Children’s Park Compound, Sen. Enage St., Tacloban City, Leyte 6500, Tel. No. (053) 325-5124, Telefax No. (053) 321-2029, e-mail: pia_ev@yahoo.com/r8_pia@yahoo.com