One Visayas e-Newsletter Vol 3 Issue 11

Vol 3

Issue 11

In this Issue WESTERN VISAYAS

Philippine Information Agency (PIA-VI) Regional Director Atty. Janet C. Mesa together with UP Professor Roman Sanares, Director, Chancellor’s Committee on Culture and the Arts, lead the ribbon-cutting ceremony of “Pinta, Porma, Atbp.”, (inset) an art exhibition showcasing the first works of the women lawyer members of the Women Law Advocates of the Philippines, Inc. (WLAP).

This month-long exhibit will run until April 12, 2013 at the University of the Philippines Visayas Art Gallery here. (LTP/PIA-Iloilo)

More on Region 6, pages 2-3.

Also CLICK Here…

CENTRAL VISAYAS

March 11 - 17, 2013

Published by: PIA 6, 7 & 8

P50-M worth of infra projects in Saint Bernard inaugurated

By Marcelo M. Pedalino SAINT BERNARD, Southern Leyte, Mar. 14 (PIA) -- The rains came non-stop alternating between soft drizzles and heavy downpours, but this did not deter the inauguration of five infrastructure projects.

Four of those five projects were implemented by the Department of Public Works and Highways -Southern Leyte Engineering District (DPWH-SLED), and one from the provincial engineering office.

In particular, two steep national road slippages got major facelift , one at Barangay Lepanto, and another in Barangay Hindag-an, with the installation of gabions as part of the slope stabilization and protection, as well as reconstruction of damaged pavement, and construction of line canal.

Project cost at the Lepanto portion was P7 million, while the one at Hindag-an side was P10 million as gleaned from the information in the billboard.

In the intervening years since the time of the Guinsaugon tragedy seven years ago, these sections of the highway had been posing a perennial danger to public vehicles and motorists as the cliff was regularly scoured during incessant rains, making the road only half-lane passable.

Another infra project that was blessed and inaugurated was the concreting of a road section along the junction at Barangay Panian, the road crossing leading to interior barangays Nueva Esperanza, to Magatas, and to the ill-fated Barangay Guinsaugon, costing P3.2 million.

In Barangay Tambis I, a river control project that was meant to protect the surrounding ricefields from further erosion by the rampaging Lawigan river was also inaugurated, costing P20 million.

All the four DPWH-led projects were blessed by Rev. Fr. Joy Catubig, parish priest of Saint Bernard, amid heavy rains, the occasion attended by Cong. Roger Mercado and the personnel of DPWH-SLED led by District Engineer Carlos Veloso, and a number of municipal and barangay officials.

Also blessed and inaugurated was a bridge connecting two barangays at the center of the town.

(PIA-Southern Leyte)

Cong. Roger Mercado (right) led in the groundbreaking of the construction of San-Rafael-Lunas-Paku Farm-to-Market road connecting Maasin City and Bontoc, Southern Leyte assisted by Maasin City Mayor Maloney Samaco (in blue polo shirt-left) and DE Carlos Vesolo . (PIA-Maasin)

Palm oil plantation, other agri-business investments mulled in WVisayas

By Leonard T. Pineda I Some of the Siquijodnons availing of the medical-surgical mission offered by the Philippine-American Medical Association of Georgia (Pamag) in coordination with the provincial government of Siquijor on February 25 to March 1, 2013 at the Siquijor Provincial Hospital. (PIA-Siquijor w/ photo by Pinky Diane Calunod/PIO)

More on Region 7, pages 4-5.

Also CLICK Here…

EASTERN VISAYAS

Th e Bu re au of F ire P rev ent ion Protection-Maasin City fire fighters (in blue uniform) conduct a fire drill at Maasin city hall building together with the city emergency response team (in orange) on March 8 in celebration of the Fire Prevention Month. (rgc/PIA8-SoLeyte)

More on Region 8, pages 6-7.

Also CLICK Here...

ILOILO CITY, March 11 (PIA) -- The Department of Agriculture is exploring opportunities that will further boost the agri-business industry in the Western Visayas region.

Talks are being done with investors regarding plans to establish the largest palm oil plantation in Central Panay, DA-6 Regional Director Larry Nacionales said in a PIA interview.

“We were able to meet with Malaysian investors who are willing to invest in palm oil in Panay,” said

Nacionales. “Companies from Luzon are also planning to put up businesses here that will utilize the region’s agricultural sector."

He also said that the strategic location, favorable climate conditions and the peace and order situation in Western Visayas are factors why investors are keen in putting up agri-businesses here.

He added that the local government units (LGUs) are also very helpful in this endeavor for investments in this industry need friendly and accommodating environments. (LTP/PIA-ILOILO)

Cebu, Bohol pilot for GIZ ‘green tourism’ project

By Minerva BC. Newman CEBU, March 11 (PIA) – The German Society for International Cooperation (GIZ) chose Cebu and Bohol as its pilot areas for Phase 2 of the ‘green tourism’ project.

Department of Trade and Industry (DTI-7) regional director Asteria Caberte said that it is probably because of the successful implementation of the Promotion for Green Economic Development (ProGED) strategies in Cebu and Bohol that made these provinces suited for the ‘green tourism’ project.

Recently Bohol’s champions of green economic development, tourism sector industry leaders and government policy makers gathered at the Mansion in Tagbilaran City to discuss the project.

ProGED project manager Volker Steigerwald said that the project aims to build on the gains and experiences of the government and private sector engagements in Small Medium Enterprise Development for Sustainable Employment Program (SMEDSEP).

Volker added that the ProGED Impact Model works around the four pillars of a ‘Green Economy’

that include mitigation on how to reduce green house gas emissions and adaptation of individuals and businesses to adjust to severe weather conditions.

ProGED also hopes to improve competitiveness through sustainable business strategies and ‘Green jobs’ that use growth opportunities, market potentials and new products and services, Volker explained.

According to Caberte the project will start from the value chain tourism in Cebu and Bohol.

The model starts from information and awareness among the local government units and small and medium businesses on the ‘Green Economy Development’ (GED).

“The Green Tourism project aids the LGUs and MSMEs to realize that being environmentally-friendly and climate smart make economic sense,” Caberte said.

Caberte noted that there are new markets in Europe that call for and prefer ‘green’ and or environmentally-friendly products and services. “We will begin with tourism and build on existing ‘green economic’ initiatives at the local levels.” (mbcn/PIA-7 & RAHC/PIA-Bohol)

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WESTERN VISAYAS

BIR: Voluntary payment of taxes constitute 98% of collections San Sebastian Cathedral, Bacolod City

By Elsa S. Subong ILOILO CITY, March 11 (PIA) -- About 98 percent of the taxes collected by the Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR) came from voluntary payment of taxpayers. eputy Commissioner Nelson While admitting that taxation may RDO 73 highest individual taxpayers Aspe, in his talk during the have harsh effects, BIR is trying to balance were Wilfredo Uy, Nestor Khu Yute, kick-off ceremony of the tax this by infusing technology-driven Quirico Pe, while from the corporation campaign in Iloilo, said that while taxation solutions. were the Antique electric Cooperative, is imposed by law, the agency would Part of the kick off ceremony was the Inc., AC Distributors, Inc. and MAS rather intensify its education campaign on demonstration on the use of the Mobile Muradito, Inc. tax collection.

Revenue Collection Offices (MRCOs) Individual awardees from RDO 72, “We want the payment of taxes to be which aids in the efficient and convenient Roxas City were Leodegario Labao, Jr., done voluntarily, as we see our payment of taxes any time.

Cornelio Miralles, and Edgar Sia, Jr. and information campaign make our taxes The tax campaign launch was for corporation, they were the Capiz collected get bigger and bigger,” Aspe highlighted by the awarding of top Electric Cooperative, Inc, Business People, said. Aspe said BIR generates around individual and corporate taxpayers from Inc. and the Amado Lim Enterprises.

70-75 percent of the needs of the national four revenue district offices in the region.

RDO 71 had for individual awardees government.

Top taxpayers in Iloilo, under RDO Federico Jarantilla, Wilfredo Gelito and The commissioner underscored the 74 were Theodore M. Valderrama, Romeo Lourdes Yap, and for corporation, the roles of various sectors in generating s. Go and Marcelino Florete, Jr., for awardees included Hennan Hotel internal revenue taxes with their individual tax payers.

Management Inc., BR Manpower Services, information on business permit issuances.

For corporate taxpayers, the Inc. and Aklan Electric Cooperative Inc. Likewise, he cited the important part awardees included the International The kick off which started March 8 the national government agencies which Builders Corp., Vic Imperial Appliance carried the theme “I love the Philippines, I efficiently yield withholding taxes.

Corp. and Iloilo I electric Cooperative.

Pay Taxes Correctly.” (ESS/PIA-Iloilo)

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Antique town expands health services

By Vicente W. Villavert SAN JOSE, Antique, March 13 (PIA) -- Residents of San Remigio, Antique can now expect efficient delivery of health services in step with the Aquino government’s Universal Health program.

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his with the recent inauguration of the P6 million Rural Health Unit (RHU) with no less than Health Secretary Enrique T. Ona gracing the event Ona said the establishment of the health structure in San Remigio is in step with President Aquino’s thrusts to improve government health facilities under the HFEP or the Health Facility Enhancement Program.

Antique Provincial Health Officer Dr. Ric Noel A. Naciongayo said in a PIA interview that the construction of the Rural Health Unit in San Remigio is a “classic example of partnership between

the national government, provincial government and the municipal government”.

“Health Secretary Ona, Antique Governor Exequiel B. Javier and San Remigio Mayor Glenn Cabigunda were happy to see the government’s health investments that would give healthcare services or quality medical treatment to those who need it most,” Dr. Naciongayo said.

Naciongayo said the newly inaugurated RHU will help boost healthcare services, with respect to obstetric and newborn health services.

The Municipality of San Remigio is a third class municipality. It is about 21.7 kilometers from the provincial capital – San Jose, Antique. Based on the 2010 census, San Remigio has a population of 30,446 people. It has 45 barangays. Of this figure, 33 barangays are located in upland areas and 12 at the lowland areas.

San Remigio Mayor Glenn Cabigunda said in local media interview that Secretary Ona has promised to give fund for various Barangay Health Stations “so we can better respond in an appropriate manner to our people at the barangay level”.(JCM/VWV/PIA 6-Antique)

Himamaylan irrigation project to boost food production

By Easter Anne D. Doza NEGROS OCCIDENTAL, March 12 (PIA) -- About 130 farmers in Barangay Buenavista in Himamaylan City got P6,053,694.44 for an irrigation project.

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he groundbreaking for the Su-ay-Buenavista Communal Irrigation Project was held recently and the construction is expected to end in seven months or 210 days.

Negros Occidental Governor Alfredo G. Marañon Jr. with Provincial Agriculturist Engr. Igmedio Tabianan led the groundbreaking of the project which will serve 96 hectares of farmland.

Marañon advised the farmers to make good use of the project given to them and to take care of the project in order to make it sustainable.

Buenavista Farmers’ Association President, Ramy Entierro, said that they are thankful to the provincial government and National Irrigation Administration for initiating the project as it will have a big impact in their rice production amidst the threat of climate change.

Meanwhile, NIA has earmarked P201 million for irrigation projects and repairs and almost half of these will be spent for the repair and rehabilitation of the Bago River Irrigation Systems (BRIS).

Some P20-million will be spent on the existing BRIS while another P80 million will be allocated to augment the water supply of the water system.*(JCM/EADPIA6, Negros Occidental)

WESTERN VISAYAS

Jaro Metropolitan Cathedral, Iloilo City

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Search for Best Barangay VAW Desk in Aklan on

By Venus G. Villanueva

KALIBO, Aklan, March 11 (PIA6) – Aklan’s observance of the International Women’s Day March 8 became more meaningful and significant with the launching of the Search for the Best Barangay Violence Against Women (VAW) Desk in the province.

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he search was conceptualized by the Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG) in coordination with the Provincial Government of Aklan through the Aklan Gender and Development Commission (AGADC).

The Search, explained by the DILG during the AGADC Meeting here with Governor Carlito S. Marquez March 8 at

the Provincial Guest House, will be held from June to December of this year among barangays of the province.

Rommel Tocol of DILG, who explained the mechanics of the search, said that one barangay each from Aklan’s 17 municipalities will be selected as representative in the Provincial Level Search.

The 17 respective barangays will then

be assessed and evaluated by a team whose composition will be created through an Executive Order signed by the governor.

Awarding of winners, according to the DILG will be on December in time for the end of the 18-Day Campaign against VAW, with the first placer to get P25,000 cash prize; 2nd, P15,000.00 and 3rd place, P10,000.00. (JCM/VGV PIA 6 Aklan)

Capiz IOs set for 3rd 'Dugtong Buhay' bloodletting

By Alex A. Lumaque ROXAS CITY, Capiz, March 13 (PIA) – A mass bloodletting activity dubbed “Dugtong Buhay” was held March 15 at the Philippine Red Cross (PRC) – Capiz Chapter in support of the local blood bank.

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he initiative, now on its third year, was spearheaded by the Philippine Information Agency through the support of the Capiz Association of Government Public Information Officers, Inc. (Cagpio) and Philippine Dental Association (PDA) – Capiz Chapter.

SPO1 Donna Asmod, CACPIO President said the blood donation activity targeted policemen, jail officers, coast guard personnel, PIOs, local government unit employees and students aside from “walk in” voluntary blood donors.

In September 2012, a similar activity was facilitated by PIA, Cagpio and PDA – Capiz

Chapter that generated 53 bags of blood for the PRC. The supply of blood collected during the 2nd Dugtong Buhay formed part of the estimated 2,000 bags of blood in a series of mass blood donation activities in 2012.

The life-saving activity is in response to the increasing number of dengue patients in the province and the PRC’s campaign for more voluntary blood donors this year.

The partnership of PIA, Cagpio and PDA – Capiz chapter dates back to October 2011 during the first Dugtong – Buhay activity which earned an award from PRC during the

Blood Donor’s Month culminating activity on Aug. 1, 2012.

The Philippine Information Agency and Capiz Association of Government Public Information Officers (CAGPIO) in partnership with the Capiz Dental Society and Philippine Red Cross were able to generate 54 bags of blood for the CAGPIO Dugtong-Buhay 3 bloodletting activity.

Although more than 100 offered to donate their blood, only 54 were cleared for donation.

This year’s donation exceeded the number of bags collected last year.(JCM/ AAL/PIA 6 Capiz)

Allow more participation of women in governance

By Lilibeth A. French ILOILO CITY, March 12 (PIA) -- National Economic and Development Authority 6 Assistant Regional Director Atty. Raul Anlocotan called on gender advocates in Western Visayas to continually work towards removing obstacles that allow women to participate effectively in governance or develop their chosen career, during the March 8 International Women’s Day celebration here in this city.

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nlocotan said that there are still reports of sexual harassment of women despite indications of their increasing participation in the political arena in the country and dominance in the government bureaucracy.

He cited the reports during the automated national and local elections in May 2010 that around 18.4 percent of the elected posts were won by women candidates, slightly higher than the 17 percent turnout in 2007.

Anlocotan added that women account for 58.7 percent of the total 1.3 million government personnel in the country based on the 2004 data of the Civil Service Commission.

In Western Visayas, the 2012 inventory of permanent government personnel reveals there are 8,372 women as against 4,444 men holding professional, technical and scientific positions involving supervisory or non

supervisory capacity. The same report shows that 40 women are holding supervising and managerial positions in the Career Executive Service as against 26 men in the region.

In the region, according to Anlocotan, efforts are being exerted to ensure that gender concerns are mainstreamed in policy making, development planning, investment programming, project proposal preparation, budgeting and even in project and program monitoring and evaluation.

In fact, priority activities that will contribute to the promotion of the welfare of women are outlined in the Regional Development Plan for 2011-2016.

There is also a special committee called the Regional Gender and Development Committee created by the Regional Development Council 6 that focuses on advocating for GAD and resolving prevailing gender issues through proposed policies or

enhancement of existing programs endorsed by the council.

Anlocotan likewise noted the parallel efforts being done by the local government units to enhance the role of women in development in their areas. He cited the Great Women Project of the province of Iloilo and the Women Crisis Center of Aklan. Aside in governance, Anlocotan said efforts are being made to engage women in peacemaking and post-conflict reconstruction where their communities, families and children are at stake. Anlocotan was the guest speaker during the opening program of the International Women’s Day celebration held at the University of the Philippines Visayas Auditorium attended by Ugsad Gender Resource Center in Western Visayas member agencies, schools, non government organizations and people's organization. (JCM/ LAF-PIA6)

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CENTRAL VISAYAS

Biggest GK Bayani Challenge includes Mabinay, Negros Oriental

By Jennifer C. Tilos

Cebu Metopolitan Cathedral, Cebu Sity

DUMAGUETE CITY, March 11 (PIA) -- This year’s Gawad Kalinga Bayani Challenge targets 39 provinces in the country including Mabinay, Negros Oriental to simultaneously build houses for the homeless on March 23 to 27. he gathering of thousands of following 39 municipalities: Agusan del Sur (Calbayog), and South Cotabato (General volunteers in different provinces (Veruela), Antique (San Remigio), Basilan Santos City) are also looking for volunteers. nationwide expects to build houses (Lantawan), Bohol (Antequera), Bohol In 2012, Bayani Challenge gathered and expected to finish the construction in five (Talibon), Bukidnon (Sumilao), Camarines volunteers in five provinces around the days.

Norte (Daet), Cavite (Trece Martires City), country. “Pilipinas, Ngayon Na!” challenged Anchored on the theme “Isang Bayan, Cebu (San Remigio), Compostela Valley more volunteers to change lives, bring hope to Isang Bayanihan” is the biggest volunteer event (Compostela), Compostela Valley (Monkayo), others, and build sustainable communities of the year with a test of courage, endurance Davao del Sur (Sta.Cruz), Davao Oriental especially in areas affected by Typhoon and love for country.

(Cateel), Ilocos Sur (Candon City), Iloilo (New Sendong. Some 10,000 volunteers in Masbate, Teams of 15 people go on an adventure Lucena), Isabela (Sto. Tomas), and Laguna (Sta. Mindoro, Negros Oriental, Cagayan de Oro to plant hope on ground by building Rosa). and Iligan brought impact to 2,000 families. communities and fostering friendships that are Including Lanao del Norte (Sapad), Leyte In Amlan, Negros Oriental the event critical to nation-building.

(Bato), Metro Manila, Mindoro Oriental gathered around 2,800 volunteers from all over The organizer invites more volunteers (Puerto Galera), Mindoro Oriental (Baco), the country and the world. The GK has from the locals and other areas overseas to Misamis Oriental (Cagayan de Oro), Negros allocated P13 million for the 120 houses for register with the program and participate in Occidental (Cadiz City), Negros Oriental Amlan with only sweat equity from a building sustainable communities.

(Mabinay), Nueva Ecija (Cabiao), Nueva Vizcaya family-beneficiary. (mbcn/JCT/PIA-Negros Volunteers may choose to go to the (Bambang), Pangasinan (Alaminos City), Samar Oriental)

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NIA 7 proposes almost P2-B budget for 2014

By Fayette C. Rinen CEBU CITY, March 13 (PIA) -- The National Irrigation Administration in Region 7(NIA-7) has proposed a budget of almost P2 billion for inclusion in the 2014 budget to fund its priority irrigation projects in Central Visayas.

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uring the recent first quarterly meeting of the Infrastructure Development Committee (IDC) of the Regional Development Council-7 (RDC-7), NIA-7 presented its proposed budget for 2014 funding allocation.

In its presentation, NIA-7 said they will be focusing in four priority project areas that need budget allocation: the rehabilitation and upgrading of existing national irrigation systems and communal irrigation systems; construction of new communal irrigation systems; feasibility study and detailed engineering; and irrigation management transfer support services.

The four priority project areas were identified based on consultations with local governments in the region, people’s organizations, and irrigators’ associations.

NIA-7’s presentation of its 2014 proposed budget in the IDC was to get the body’s approval for endorsement of said proposed budget to the RDC-7.

Of the P1.91 billion NIA 7 proposed budget for 2014, over 60 percent will be poured in Bohol with P1.3 billion for construction and improvement of various communal irrigation systems and projects as the province is considered the agricultural rice

basket in the region.

Negros Oriental came in second with P396 million worth of irrigation projects for funding in 2014 with Cebu at third with P190.3 million. Siquijor which has no vast potential for irrigation projects only had a budget allocation of P16.5 million for three communal irrigation projects in the towns of Maria and San Juan. IDC Chairman Emmanuel Rabacal, after long deliberation with over 30 members of the committee in attendance, approved the NIA-7 2014 proposed budget for endorsement to the RDC Full Council Meeting scheduled late this month. (PIA7)

Keep watch of bullying trends in the family, parents told

By Ferliza C. Contratista CEBU CITY, March 14 (PIA) -- Parents are told to be on watch for “bullying” trends among children.

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hether it is cyber or physical bullying, the Philippine Mental Health Association (PMHA) Cebu Chapter calls on parents to be on alert for signs of children being bullied or bullies themselves.

PMHA officials and the academe were the recent guests of this week’s Kapihan sa PIA Cebu discussing about “Cyber Bullying.”

Dr. Glenda Basubas, chairman of PMHA-Cebu, said that cases of bullying are piling up in their clinics and the numbers may be much higher since victims don’t usually share their problems.

The bullies on the other hand are expected not to open up to another person about this negative habit.

In the case of cyber bullying, it has now become rampant because of the easy access and wider usage of the internet and involvement in social networking sites.

Recently, Cebu was shaken by a student’s private affair that had gone viral on Facebook and eventually landed in newspapers and television.

“Both the one being bullied and the bully himself need help,” Basubas said.

Children are also exposed to other bullying

from classmates, teachers and even parents themselves.

She said PMHA is set to conduct a survey among schools to get the real picture of bullying among school children.

She said PMHA is also coordinating with the Department of Education (DepEd) and the Parents-Teachers Associations (PTA) for the conduct of anti-bullying lectures among schools in Cebu.

They are also formalizing their tie-up for the training of guidance counselors to deal with the bullies and the bullied.

Basubas shared that there are some guidance counselors who are not open-minded in dealing with the problem and instead blame the victim.

Two guidance counselors , Emmanuel Hernani of Cebu Normal University (CNU) and Elita Cui of University of Southern Philippines (USP) were present during the Kapihan and admitted having cases of bullying in their respective campuses this school year.

Cui said they are still working on their program.

Dr. Purificacion Onate, former president of

PMHA, said it all boils down to parenting which greatly affects the mental health of a child.

“In fact, I strongly suggest that parenting should be included also in the college curriculum and also in the Pre Cana seminar,” Onate said.

She said it is from the family that the child learn coping skills to problems such as bullying. The victim will feel anger, depression and withdrawn socially.

“For victims of cyber bullying, just a technique, ignore the bullies and share the problem,” Onate said.

According to “Stop Cyber Bullying Philippines,” there are more female in both bullies and victims.

The attacks are usually attacks against reputation, appearance, and against the opinion of the victim.

The top three nature of attacks include spreading of photoshopped image, private videos, and as poser or spreading lies.

Also present during the Kapihan was PMHA’s vice chairman social worker Cynthia Potencioso.

PMHA is a non government organization established in 1950s dedicated fin the promotion of mental health and prevention of mental illness. (mbcn/FCCPIA7)

CENTRAL VISAYAS

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DTI-7 launches ProGED Project in Cebu, Bohol St. Joseph the Worker Cathedral, Tagbilaran, Bohol

By Fayette C. Rinen

CEBU CITY, March 13 (PIA) -- Micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMES) are targeted to adopt green initiatives in order to be globally competitive as the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) 7 and the GIZ launched today the Promotion for Green Economic Development (ProGED) Project in Cebu and Bohol.

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he ProGED Projecton is aimed at promoting green economic development as a driver for competitiveness, innovation, new markets and jobs that will eventually contribute to inclusive growth and poverty reduction.

With a funding of €3 million from the Federal Government of Germany in partnership with the DTI, ProGED is being piloted in the tourism value chain of Cebu and Bohol that will run for three years until December of 2015.

Dr. Volker Steigerwald, GIZ project manager bared the worldwide trend today is towards green economic development and that there is a need to “shift the present economic systems or structures away from carbon polluting economic activities to more environment-friendly and climate smart initiatives.”

GIZ or the Seutsche Gesellschaft for

Internationale Zusammenarbeit, is the implementing development arm of the Federal Government of Germany which together with DTI 7 will be the frontliners in the project’s implementation.

DTI 7 Regional Director Asteria Caberte on the other hand, said the project is seen as an opportunity for MSMEs to be globally competitive amid the Philippines’ vulnerability to climate change.

“This is the first time that we are moving with MSMEs in terms of greening the economy. We have planted the seeds in past projects and now we zoom in on greening the tourism value chain of Cebu and Bohol,” said Caberte.

Among the MSMES identified for the project are resorts, hotels, health and wellness establishments, restaurants, gifts, toys and houseware sector and food sector.

ProGED will focus on three intervention lines

namely information and awareness on Green Economic Development, green service facilitation and match making and working towards green framework conditions.

Among the green initiatives promoted for adoption under the project include renewable energy and use of energy efficient devices. The Lapu-Lapu city government was the recipient of sets of hospital and educational facilities from the Aboitiz Foundation, Inc. Meanwhile, Lapu-Lapu received 17 hospital beds, 17 bassinets, and 13 ceiling fans which have been installed in the newly-refurbished Pedia and OB -Gyne wards.

The new wards were inaugurated Tuesday.

Aboitiz Foundation, Inc. financed the renovation of the two wards. (PIA 7 with report from Juju Manubag-Empuerto)

Pantawid Pamilya women beneficiaries to undergo capabililty, skills training

By Rizalie A. Calibo SIQUIJOR, March 11 (PIA) -- The provincial social welfare and development (PSWD) office in Siquijo will conduct in celebration of the Women’s Month a capability building and skills training to selected women beneficiaries of the Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program including the PSWD’s casual employees.

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SWD officer Tom Villarubia said that apart from the regular Family Development Session (FDS), appropriate capability and skills are needed to empower them to contribute for a better society.

This year's celebration theme underscores women’s leadership role and participation in governance to enhance gender perspective in upholding good governance.

It highlights the importance of strengthening the mechanisms and institutions that support women and to widen the arena for their participation.

It is also aligned with Section 11 (Participation and Representation) and Section 29 (Peace and Development) of the Magna Carta of Women (RA 9710).

The objectives of this year’s celebration also recognize women’s leadership roles, participation in-decision making, and participation in the political arena, peace-building and conflict resolution.

It also aims to strengthen partnership with

media in promoting women’s rights and in advocating to address gender issues.

All agencies are encouraged to undertake activities for the implementation of the National Women’s Month celebration, according to Villarubia.

The Philippine Commission on Women has set up various activities for the implementation of National Women’s Month celebration as follows that include Women’s Day Forum on March 8 in collaboration with the National Commission on Muslim Filipinos and the Metropolitan Manila Development Authority.

Other activities include the GREAT Women Product Brand Launch on March 19 to showcase the improved products of the Women Micro Entrepreneurs (WMEs) from the selected GREAT Women Project (GWP) Areas, PCW and ECHOsi Foundation.

It will also present the GREAT Women Brand at the Yuchengco Museum, RCBC Plaza.

On March 22, the Presidential Communications

Operations Office (PCOO), Chair of the Gender Equality Committee for Media (MGEC) will launch the Gender Equality Guides for Media.

Among the policy guides are Code of Ethics for Media, Gender Equality Guide, and Guidelines to Protect Women Against Discrimination in Media and Film.

On March 20-21 is the Young Women Leaders Forum, a conference to be participated by a select group of young women leaders in the country to capacitate them with opportunities to develop and exercise their technical, communication, leadership and networking skills.

Conference sessions will include discussions on crucial issues like democracy, participation, health, environment, gender and other issues.

The activity aims to create a network of empowered young women who would hopefully sustain the gains of the Philippines in addressing women’s/gender issues. (mbcn/RACalibo w/reports from PCW)

DOST offers training program on machine tool programming, operation

By Rizalie A. Calibo SIQUIJOR, March 11 (PIA) -- The Department of Science and Technology (DOST) in Siquijor announces its offering of a training program on Computer Numerically Controlled (CNC) Machine Tool Programming and Operation under its DOST-Grant-in-Aid.

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ssistant Provincial Science and Technology Director Roland Padayhag said the training course is one of the DOST’s human resource intervention for the “Sustainable Growth, Productivity and Competitiveness of the Metals & Engineering Sector."

He said, many of the CNC machinest have gone abroad resulting to “brain drain" that has negatively impacted on the metals and engineering industries.

The training course seeks to address this constraint to sustain the manpower for the country, he said.

He said target nationwide participants for this year is 800 trainers distributed in different training centers with available machines in different regions.

For Siqujor trainees, training center is in Cebu City.

Trainees must be either a VocTech graduate (mechanical technology or related course or college

level (at least send year level); and preferably must have basic knowledge and skills in conventional machining (turning or milling) and basic computer operation, and not more than 35 years old.

The project is a 52-day training program in three parts: Part I is Basic and Common Competencies, Part II, Core Competency, and Part III, Industry Immersion for 10 days.

Qualified trainees will enjoy a daily allowance of P300 for unemployed participants to defray their cost of living while undergoing training under the project.

The training is free for unemployed participants and a minimal fee of P10,000 for employed participants.

Requirements include duly accomplished Personal Information Sheet (Forms available at the PSTC-Siquijor and at the Siquijor State College); Transcript of Records; Diploma/Certification; Barangay Clearance; Community Tax Certificate,

Medical Certificate and recent passport size photo.

Deadline for submissin is on or before March 15, 2013. For more information please feel free to contact Engr. Roland Padayhag of the DOST-Siquijor at Tel. No. 480-9018 and 344-2008.

Meanwhile, around 60 practitioners of the Philippine-American Medical Association of Georgia (Pamag), in coordination with the provincial government of Siquijor, conducted a five-day medical -surgical mission from February 25 to March 1, 2013 at the Siquijor Provincial Hospital.

The team is composed of surgeons, opthalmologist, anesthesiologist, nurses and other medical practitioners.

The association has been in the mission for 22 years, according to Pamag chair Dr. Romulo Parungao, (RACalibo/PIA-Siquijor with reports from Pinky Diane Calunod/PIO)

6

EASTERN VISAYAS

DPWH-8 tops other regions in IEC programs implementation

Our Lady of Assumption Parish Parish--Cathedral, Maasin City

PALO, Leyte, March 12 (PIA) -- The Regional Office in Eastern Visayas of the Department of Public Works and Highways has been cited as best in implementation of information, education and communication program of the agency.

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PWH Director Rolando Asis said the regional office in Eastern Visayas was recognized for its efficient and consistent effort in support to the information, education and communication programs of the Department.

Asis added that five of the district offices in Region 8 were also recognized during the awarding rites held at the DPWH Head office sometime in February, 2013.

He identified the DPWH District Offices as the Northern Samar First Engineering District which was adjudged as First Place is the district office category; the Northern Samar Second Engineering

District Office which was cited as the second placer; the Fourth Leyte Engineering District Office which was adjudged as the third placer; the Samar First Engineering District Office which was cited as the fourth placer and the Second Leyte Engineering District Office which landed the fifth place.

Asis congratulated the District Engineers of the winning district offices in the Region namely, District Engineer Sandy Pua of the NSFDEO; District Engineer Ferdinand Briones of the NSSDEO; District Engineer Francisco C. Gonzales of the 4th LED; District Engineer Virgilio C. Eduarte of the

SFDEO; and District Engineer Ma. Margarita C. Junia of the 2nd LED. DPWH Undersecretary Romeo S. Momo awarded the certificates of recognition to the respective winners.

The DPWH Regional and District Offices were recognized for submitting the most number of reports among the 17 Regional offices and 182 District offices all over the country.

The reports were in the form of newsletters, news clippings, media monitoring, flyers, briefing materials, lobby board display, annual accomplishment reports, special reports and project inspection reports. (PIA-8)

PIA official underscores the role of women in nation building

By Teresita B. Cardenas CATARMAN, Northern Samar, March 13 (PIA) -- An official of the Philippine Information Agency underscored the role of women in nation building during the Northern Samar women leaders’ forum at Ibabao Hall, Provincial Capitol in Catarman, Friday.

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IA-8 Regional Director Erlinda Olivia P. Tiu said this year's theme for the National Women's Month celebration gives the Filipino women due recognition in helping the PNoy administration tread the path towards transparent, accountable and inclusive government.

Women leaders should develop their sense of worth, Tiu said. She said they should also exercise their right to make choices, assert access to equal

opportunities and resources, power to control their own lives both at work and at home and their ability to influence the direction of social and economic order.

She said that NSCB data reveal that in the 2010 elections, women made up only 21.4 percent of those elected.

Thus, she said, if the goal is 50 percent of public official should be women, so we are not able to achieve the Millennium Development Goal on gender equality, the target date of which is 2015.

There are still a wide gap between the sexes, half of our high government officials should be women, and half should be men, and yet the division between the sexes is highly disproportionate in favor of men, Tiu said.

Thus, she said, women should elect women to get the same number as men in senate, in congress and in our provincial and municipal political position in order to be heard, she added. (PIA-Northern Samar)

Australia Awards need scholars from Region-8

By Alicia E. Nicart BORONGAN CITY, Eastern Samar, March 12 (PIA) – The Australia Awards is looking for scholars from Leyte and Samar.

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his was announced by the team who was in town recently to encourage government employees who have at least rendered service for two years, to enroll in their one-year program in post graduate studies.

The following areas of study are open for application: Basic Education, Climate Change Adaptation, Disaster Risk Reduction and Management, Foreign Relations, Organizational Development/ Human Resource Management and Development, Pandemics (Preparedness

and Management), Public Financial Management, Social Protection/Welfare, Peace and Development, Trade, Governance and Mining and Mining-related fields.

The Australia Awards spends about P2 million in full tuition fees, aside from pre-departure support, visa expenses, roundtrip airfare, establishment allowance, cost of living expenses, overseas student health cover, tutorial assistance if required and fieldwork support for research students.

If the scholar wishes to, he or she can also invite his family after six months stay in Australia, it said. However, he has to submit a Re-Entry Action Plan which must be convincing to the head of the agency.

And he has to commit in returning to the Philippines for at least two years after completion of the scholarship and contribute to the development of the country.

The Australia Awards is a bilateral scholarship program of the Australian Government. (PIA-Eastern Samar)

EASTERN VISAYAS

Palo Metropolitan Cathedral, Palo, Leyte

7

BIR introduces integrated tax system (ITS) in Samar

By Ninfa Iluminda B. Quirante

CATBALOGAN CITY, Samar, March 11 (PIA) -- To increase revenue collection and to achieve the 2013 target, the Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR) District 87 introduced the Integrated Tax System or ITS during the awareness tax campaign on March 8, at Samar State University Gymnasium, Catbalogan City.

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TS is a set of related systems and processes, which runs and facilitates the Bureau's core business functions.

It provides maximum automation and minimum manual intervention in BIR operations.

ITS supports the Bureau in servicing taxpayers on different aspects of the tax collection and administration process.

BIR 8 Regional Director Atty.

Diosdado Mendoza congratulated district 87 for being top in revenue collection in the region.

Tax collecting is now easier with ITS as it enhances taxpayer compliance by timely issuance of reminder letters, prompt response to taxpayers’ inquiries with automatic identification and efficient monitoring of all receivable accounts, and standardized and systematic collection procedures, said Revenue Officer Rolando Espina.

With 14 application systems in place, ITS allows the Bureau to approach all of its information and major business functions in a consolidated manner. Said application systems can be classified as tax

systems for Revenue District Offices to support taxpayer transactions, tax collection accounting, tax compliance, and management and decision support.

Tax systems for the national office facilitates decision making and enhances the flow of vital information needed by management in tax planning, policy analysis and projections and tax system for authorized agents banks (i.e. Limited Bank Data Entry) to record and electronically transmit payment data from taxpayers.

(PIA-Samar)

6 writers represent R-8 in Taboan Nat'l Writers Festival CALBAYOG CITY, Samar, March 11 (PIA) -- The National Commission for Culture and the Arts (NCCA) admitted six writers coming from Eastern Visayas to represent Region 8 to the 2013 Taboan National Writers Festival last February 7-9 in Dumaguete City.

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mong the delegates from Leyte were Dr. Victor N. Sugbo, Prof.

Merlie M. Alunan (Professor Emeritus) and Prof. Joycie D. Alegre of UP Tacloban, while from Samar were Phil Harold L. Mercurio of NwSSU, Herminigildo Sanchez of Katig Writers Network Inc., and Nemesio Baldesco, Sr of CALAO Writers Inc. The said activity was part of the National Arts Month (NAM) celebration which became an annual event since 1991 when it was signed into law under President Corazon Aquino through Presidential Proclamation 683 declaring February as National Arts Month.

Meanwhile, two writers from Eastern Visayas were recipients of the prestigious Taboan Writers Award along with other writers from the Visayas. They were Fray

Paolo Casurao of the Pilgrim Brothers of St. Francis and Dr. Victor N. Sugbo of UP Tacloban. This award was given for their significant contribution to the growth and development of Waray literature and to Philippine literature in general.

As part of the highlights of the activity, Nemesio “Totoy” Baldesco Sr. presented a siday to a large audience in Negros Oriental State University (NORSU) while Herminigildo Sanchez sang the popular song “Basuni” of Pablo Rebadulla and “Handum” of Iluminado Lucente during the book launching of Prof.

Merlie Alunan’s latest publication from the Ateneo Press entitled “Pagdakop sa Bulalakaw.”

Dr. Resil B. Mojares, writer and scholar of Philippine arts and culture, was the keynote speaker. National Artist

Beinvinido Lumbera, writer and critic, Prof. Felipe M. De Leon Jr., NCCA Chairman, and Jane Camens, executive director of Asia-Pacific writers and translators, were also present in the event.

According to Dr. Christine Godinez-Ortega, festival director and vice head of NCLA-NCCA, the Dumaguete Taboan was unique of its kind because it showcased the elegance and grace of Visayan literature and, at the same time, punctuated the indispensable contribution of Dr. Edilberto Tiempo and Dr. Edith Tiempo, national artist for literature, in making Dumaguete as the bastion of creative writing in the country thru the Silliman National Writers Workshop.

(Harold Mercurio/Katig/PIA)

REAL’s congress focuses on women’s leadership towards the straight path GOVERNMENT CENTER, Palo, Leyte, March 13 (PIA) – The Region Eight Administrators League will hold its 1st Quarter General Assembly and Leadership Seminar on March 21 at Matapat Hall, PNP Headquarters at Camp Ruperto Kangleon, Campetic, Palo, Leyte.

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he activity coincides with this year’s Women’s Month Celebration and adopts its theme “Kababaihan: Gabay sa Pagtahak sa Tuwid na Daan” to give the Filipino women due respect and recognition in helping the P-Noy administration tread the path towards transparent, accountable and inclusive government. REAL has invited

former Congresswoman Cynthia Villar to be the guest of honor and keynote speaker.

The activity aims to enhance the participants' knowledge and insights to become better leaders and public servants.

They are also expected to share best practices with the other members and

contribute to group and roundtable discussions. The REAL member-attendees will also earn CESO training points.

For more information regarding the conduct of the activity, interested individuals may contact the REAL Secretariat Head, Ms. Aleli N. Hernandez at telephone numbers 523-1162/523-1523.

(PIA-8)

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

One Visayas e‐newsletter is part of the online news and information dissemination services of PIA and is powered by www.issuu.com. For inquiries and suggestions, call Tel. Nos. (033) 3378718/3377301 or e‐mail piaamo6@yahoo.com.

Ms. Minerva BC Newman Regional Director, PIA 7

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

Ms. Erlinda Olivia P. Tiu Regional Director, PIA8

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

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