One Visayas e-Newsletter Vol 3 Issue 12

Vol 3

Issue 12

In this Issue WESTERN VISAYAS

Police Regional Office-6 Director Chief Supt.

Agrimero Cruz (2nd, R) with Chief of Police community Relations Senior Officer Nenita Nebran (2nd, L) leads the releasing of balloons during the graduation ceremony of "Pulis Ko, Titser Ko" program at the A. Montes Elementary School in Duran St., Iloilo City. Police personnel from PRO-6 have been teaching values, civic mindedness and good citizenship in the public school. (PRO-6/ESS/ PIA-Iloilo)

More on Region 6, pages 2-3.

Also CLICK Here…

CENTRAL VISAYAS

Virgilio Oponda (center), one of the 20 rescued fishermen from Ubay, Bohol who were victims of illegal human trafficking, receives his P10,000 livelihood assistance from the provincial government of Bohol during the Provincial Peace and Order Council Meeting in Trinidad town on March 13. Bohol Gov. Edgar Chatto (left) and Trinidad Mayor Roberto Cajes (right) handed the cash to the victims.

(PIA7 Bohol/ECBongosia)

More on Region 7, pages 4-5.

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EASTERN VISAYAS

March 18 - 24, 2013

Published by: PIA 6, 7 & 8

Villaciga Hydropower plant expected to be operational August 2013 ILOILO CITY, March 21 (PIA) -- Panay Island's electricity needs will get a further boost with the planned completion of the 8 MW-Villaciga 1-Hydropower Plant in Igsoro, Bugasong, Antique, the first hydropower plant in the Island of Panay, this June 2013.

The commissioning of the hydropower plant will follow two months later when it can export power to the Panay Grid.

As of February 2013, the project was already 80% complete according to Sunwest Water and Electric company, Inc., (SUWECO) Project Manager Engineer Christian Biglain. With all the planned equipment in place, barring unfavorable weather conditions and transmission concerns of the National Grid Corporation of the Philippines (NGCP) the plant is expected to be operational

by August 2013.

The construction of the hydropower plant was started in 2010 by the Sunwest, which was endorsed by the Regional Development Council (RDC) VI way back in 2006.

The Villaciga-1 Hydropower Plant is one of the priority renewable energy projects of the region. It is consistent with the thrusts and priorities of the Regional Development Plan of Western Visayas for 2011-2016 and the Regional Development Agenda for 2010-2020.

Once operational, it is expected to answer not only the power needs of Antique but will also reduce the region’s dependency on imported fuel resulting to lower fuel costs.

This run-of-river hydropower project diverts water from Paliuan River into the weir, flows through the headrace, descends into the penstock line, runs the three turbines in the power house, and discharges back into the river.

The Villaciga-1 Hydropower Plant of SUWECO is the first of several power plants planned to be put up in Antique and signals the start of reliable and cheaper sources of energy. Already in the detailed engineering stage is the 9.6 MW-Villaciga-2 Hydropower Project, also in Bugasong, Antique.

Other future hydropower sites being eyed are Dalanas in Tibiao and San Agustin, Valderrama. (EBC/AOA/ NEDA/jcm-pia6)

Cebu Port authorities ready for Lenten passenger influx

By Ferliza C. Contratista CEBU CITY , March 20 (PIA) -- Cebu port authorities are ready for the volume of passengers expected this Lenten Season.

In Tuesday morning's Kapihan sa Pantalan, Cebu port authorities formally launched their security preparations dubbed “Oplan Ligtas Byahe: Kwaresma 2013".

Director Oscar Lopez, Port Safety and Environment Management Department Manager of the Cebu Port Authority (CPA), said they have already coordinated with other authorities involved in the operations and safety of the port areas all over Cebu for next week’s influx of passengers.

Lopez said help and public assistance desks are in place as early as this week for emergencies in the main ports in Cebu City , Pier 1, 2 and 3, as well as medical teams and ambulances on standby.

Passenger Liaison Officers are assigned in every port including those in the provinces.

He said Pier 1 is currently under renovation and passengers are advised to go to the port early next week since they might be diverting some trips to Pier 3.

Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) Commander Weniel Azcuna said they are implementing starting Tuesday their own Public Assistance Center in all 13 detachments in Cebu .

Azcuna said they had already started with the conduct of flag state inspection which involves thorough inspection of passenger vessels for their sea worthiness and are also augmenting their personnel especially within those that are identified as critical areas and where “bakasyonistas” are expected to flock like the northern wharfs in Hagnaya and Kawit.

Joy Tumulak of the City Traffic Operations and Management (CITOM) also said their own personnel will be in full force and on standby in the ports.

Tumulak said they will be on watch for illegally-parked vehicles and motorcycles in order to ensure a smooth traffic flow in these areas.

P/Inspector Percival Miasco of the Waterfront Police Station said passengers are advised not to be lured by the convenience offered by port vendors and dispatchers for the buying of their tickets.

“Otherwise, the passenger might end up with fake, expired, and more expensive tickets,” Miasco said.

Also present in the Kapihan sa Pantalan was Ryan Benjamin Yu of the City Transport Cooperative (CITRASCO) and P/Supt. Alvin Piad of the Maritime Police.

"Oplan Ligtas Byahe: Kwaresma 2013" is a directive issued by the Department of Transportation and Communications. (rmn/FCC/PIA Cebu )

DPWH-DOT team prioritizes P456-M tourism infra projects in Leyte

Around 300 participants to the Fun Walk to mark Women's Day in Catbalogan line up to get their certificates from organizers that include local government units, civil society, army, police and students. The Fun Walk started at 4:30 AM of March 16, 2013. (PIA8)

More on Region 8, pages 6-7.

Also CLICK Here...

CARIGARA, Leyte, March 17 (PIA) -- The joint team of the Department of Tourism (DOT) and the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) has approved the inclusion in the priority list of P456 million proposed road development projects leading to tourist destinations in the Second District of Leyte.

These projects within the 2nd LED are P336 million upgrading of Burauen-Mahagnao Road in Burauen, P48 million concreting of road from Barangay Pagalaum to Sition Canbahian Falls in Carigara, P48 million paving of road from La Paz to Calabato Hot Spring, and P24 million upgrading of road leading to surfing site in Barangay Sabang, Dulag. “If these projects will be realized, these destinations will draw a lot of visitors and attract news investments,” DPWH 2nd LED District Engineer Ma. Margarita Junia said.

The revised Tourism Road Infrastructure Project Prioritization Criteria has three stages namely prequalification, prioritization, and readiness.

Under prequalification, priority for funding are those projects with development map, location must be within 60 kilometers or less from a tourism gateway, a concept study and a record of consultation with at least one stakeholder group, endorsed by the Regional Development Council.

In the prioritization stage, highly considered are road projects with nearby accommodation facilities, pre-feasibility study, preliminary engineering design, and concept study. This phase will also look into tourist traffic in the area.

A proposed tourism road project is considered ready for implementation if it is supported by technical road readiness documents to be evaluated and scored by the DPWH regional director. It must also have undergone a series of consultations involving key stakeholders from the private and government sectors, DE Junia said. (PIA-8)

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WESTERN VISAYAS

Iloilo has 16 devcom awardees

San Sebastian Cathedral, Bacolod City

By Elsa S. Subong ILOILO CITY, March 20 (PIA6) -- Sixteen campus paper writers from Iloilo colleges and universities, including high schools, have qualified as recipients of the IWAG Award 2013 given by the Philippine Information Agency in the region.

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hese awardees are graduating editors of their respective publications who have written good developmental stories on top of other criteria which include communications training, involvement in community service and academic performance.

Awardees in the college level are: Mark Collin Solas of the JBLMU-Arevalo; Kimberly Rose Pillo, WVSU-College of Education; Raimar Caspillo, WVSU-Main publication; Henrex Paul Alemon, WVSU-College of Nursing, Rose Kareen Defensor, St. Paul University-Iloilo; and, Rafael C. Arroyo III SIPC -Miagao.

For the high school campus paper writers, the awardees are Daphne Divine Dy, Adrian Paolo Cordero, Ma. Patrice Gabito, Krizia Marie QueQue, Jezza Ann Regalado, and Abbie Gail Callueng, all of Ateneo-Iloilo; Glo Ann V.

Humilde, Colegio del Sagrado Corazon de Jesus, Christian Mark Fernandez, Lapaz National High School; Charles Arthel Rey, CPU-High School; Jolimee Jamero, WVSU-Laboratory School.

A lone awardee from Guimaras was also cited, in the person of Christian Kent P. Ceriola, of Guimaras State College-High School Department.

PIA-6 Director Ma. Janet Mesa said the IWAG Award is the highest recognition given by the PIA in Western Visayas to school paper writers in high school and college, who have excelled in publishing developmental articles in support of the various thrusts of government.

"We evaluate the articles as to their content and relevance, which also measure the grasp of the student writers of the programs of government,” Mesa said.

“Further, we also value the impact of the articles to the immediate environment, the academic community where the paper is published,” she added.

PIA-6 gave the award also to student writers in the provinces: Aklan – 2; Antique – 4; Capiz – 6; Negros Occidental – 16; Guimaras – 1.

PIA in Western Visayas has been recognizing devcom writers in schools since late seventies yet.

“This has become a tradition for us, as we continue to hold yearly basic journalism workshops for paper writers in the region,” Dir. Mesa said.

Each awardee is given a citation and a Presidential Medal, which are awarded to them during their Recognition Day or graduation ceremonies. (JSC/ESS-PIA6 Iloilo)

San Jose Emergency Medical Services open 24/7

By Pilar S. Mabaquiao SAN JOSE, Antique, March 20 (PIA6) -- The Emergency Medical Services (EMS) of the Municipal Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (MDRRMC) of San Jose de Buenavista is now open 24/7.

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e Salvani, of MDRRMC San Jose said that since the launching of the program on March 4 this year, it has already served 16 cases.

Of the total number of cases, five are vehicular accidents, hypertension, stabbing incidents, and mauling have two cases each and the rest of the cases responded to are heart disease, labor pain, lacerated wound, seizure and myocardial infraction, all needing urgent medical attention. The EMS is a specially organized system of the

MDRRMC which aims to provide emergency medical response, treatment and transport of patients to the nearest medical facility like hospitals and Rural Health Unit.

EMS hotlines are open 24/7 with the following numbers: Landline -5407153, Mobile phone-09267139413, 19192868863 & 09428026543. To minimize prank information, only calls will be entertained. The area of coverage of EMS is only within the jurisdiction of the

Municipal Government of San Jose under the management of Mayor Rony Molina as the Chairman of MDRRM Council.

According to Fe Corazon Malaya Tacogdoy, Information Officer of this town, San Jose de Buenvista was a National Gawad Kalasag Best Municipal DRRM Council, for first to third class municipality category, from 2010-2012 and is now a Gawad Kalasag Hall of Famer.

(JCM/PSM/PIA6Antique)

Aklan ready for investments

By Venus G. Villanueva KALIBO, Aklan, March 21 (PIA6) -- An Investment Conference (ICON) will be held in the province of Aklan on April 26 to send the signal that Aklan is now ready for investments.

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he activity, which will be spearheaded by the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI), is the first of its kind to be held in Aklan and in Region 6, according to Provincial Director Engr. Diosdado P. Cadena, Jr. Cadena added that the activity was strongly pushed by DTI Undersecretary Merly Cruz, who sees Boracay Island as a big potential market for Aklan’s locally-grown or produced products.

Expected to attend the ICON in Aklan, which will be held at Hernani’s Mix and Match, are DTI Secretary Gregory Domingo and Undersecretary Merly Cruz, who would respectively deliver the Keynote Address and the Concept Presentation.

Cruz, according to Cadena, is expected to present at the ICON the viability of raising pangasius fish in the province, with Boracay Island as the target market.

“The province should not be dependent on fish catch alone for its supply, especially with Boracay Island which needs a big supply, so there should be an alternative source”, Cadena said.

Pangasius is a freshwater fish which is a cross between bangus and catfish, and a good source of fillet.

To raise pangasius, one needs at least a pond measuring 1,000 to 1,200 square meters.

Raising pangasius, according to Cadena, is one way for Aklanons to be consistent

with the Aquino government’s thrust for “inclusive growth” and to take advantage of the market demand of Boracay.

More or less 200 participants are expected to attend the ICON, composed of potential investors from Aklan and other areas.

Regional Directors from all over the country of DTI, Department of Agriculture (DA), Fiber Industry and Development Authority (FIDA) will also be invited to the ICON, Cadena said.

Testimonials on the successful raising of pangasius by entrepreneurs will also be presented during the one-day activity. (JCM/ VGV PIA6 Aklan)

WESTERN VISAYAS

Jaro Metropolitan Cathedral, Iloilo City

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Bacolod City joins Earth Hour on March 23

By Lorenzo O. Lambatin Jr.

BACOLOD CITY, March 20 (PIA6) -- Bacolod City homes, establishments and other various organizations in the city will observe Earth Hour on on March 23. This will be highlighted by a ceremonial switching off of light for an hour at 8:30 p.m. at the SM City Bacolod.

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M Bacolod Public Relations Manager Floressa May Castro said city officials led

by Mayor Evelio Leonardia and Vice Mayor Jude Thaddeus Sayson have confirmed to grace the activity.

The annual environmental activity will also be attended by other groups with advocacies to save and preserve the environment, she added. On March 23, the Philippine Institute of Civil Engineers- Negros Occ. Chapter ushers

the activity for the day starting with a coastal clean-up in Brgy. Punta Taytay in the morning.

SM will feature environmental films in the mall starting at 6:30 pm while Institute of Integrated Electrical Engineers will give a talk on energy conservation.

Government, non-government organizations and SM officials will express their pledge of commitments during the program.

The Bacolod Earth Hour Committee, presided by Colegio San Agustin Dean of the College of Engineering Fely Altalaguire, appealed to Bacoleños and Negrenses to take part in the whole day activity and to switch off their lights and other non-essential appliances from 8:30pm to 9:30pm on March 23.

“We are once again calling for a concerted effort to Save our Planet Earth-I Will If You Will.” she said. (PIA6-LOL/JCM)

Capiz to host Panay world water day celebration

By Jemin B. Guillermo ROXAS CITY, Capiz, March 20 (PIA6) -- Capiz is now ready for the hosting of the 2013 World Water Day celebration in Western Visayas.

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nformation Officer Dante Arcangeles of the Metro Roxas Water District disclosed that their water utility here in cooperation with the Panay Water Districts General Managers’ Association (Panay-WDGMA) is all set to host this year’s National Water Caravan on March 22.

He said that the caravan is an activity which is being organized by the Local Water Utilities Administration (LWUA).

Arcangeles explained that the event will be simultaneously done in Luzon, Visayas and Mindanao.

For Western Visayas, the caravan, which will kick off on March 21 from Iloilo to Aklan

and will proceed to Capiz, will be participated in by the various water districts in Region VI, particularly from the provinces of Iloilo, Aklan, Antique, Guimaras and Capiz, he said.

He added that the last leg of the caravan will be off from Capiz to Antique on March 22, after a program to be held here in Roxas City.

The international event is anchored on the theme “Tubig para sa Lahat, Lahat…Lahat para sa Tubig.”

Arcangeles pointed out that public awareness on the importance of water, water preservation and conservation as well as environmental protection, particularly on watershed areas, is very vital in the holding of

the event here. He stressed that to show cooperation on said effort, the public are encouraged to join the employees and personnel of the different water districts here for the conduct of the seashore clean-up drive along Baybay beach here at 6:30 in the morning of March 22.

Expected to join the event are Western Visayas LWUA Area Manager Enrique Gita, Governor Victor Tanco, Vice Governor Esteban Evan Contreras, Roxas City Mayor Angel Alan Celino and City Vice Mayor Ronnie Dadivas, Panay-WDGMA President Angelo Hidrosollo and MRWD General Manager Gonzalo Glen Delgado. (JSC/.JBG-PIA6 Capiz)

More than 2,000 Ilonggo volunteers expected to join ‘Bayanihan Challenge’

By Lilibeth A. French ILOILO CITY, March 20 (PIA6) -- More than 2,000 volunteers have already signified their commitment to join the “Bayanihan Challenge 2013” in the municipality of New Lucena, Iloilo on Saturday, March 23.

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his was revealed by New Lucena Information Officer Analyn Constantino in an interview with Philippine Information Agency.

Constantino said it is now all systems go as far as the local government unit of New Lucena is concerned. They are now ready for the event as things are going along as planned.

She said she could not also hide her happiness that their town was chosen as the venue for the Iloilo leg of this year’s “Bayanihan Challenge”.

New Lucena, the country’s most child friendly municipality and orally fit community is one of the 37 sites of the 33 different provinces in the country for the simultaneous conduct of the five-day volunteerism event starting this Saturday.

“Bayanihan Challenge” aims to nurture volunteerism and unity among participants as this will be marked by various nation-building activities geared towards ensuring that no Filipino will be left behind in the country’s pursuit of sustainable growth. Constantino said volunteers will join in hometown activities such

as farm, house, and school build; storytelling; and other environmental activities that will be conducted separately in the five barangays of the towns during the five-day event.

Around 30 houses, according to Constantino, are targeted to be constructed in the Gawad Kalinga Village in Brgy. Cabugao.

Some benevolent individuals and groups provided the fund for the construction of the houses in the lot bought by the local government unit of New Lucena sometime in 2010 for the project site.

Constantino said poor families who have no homes and lots of their own will benefit from these new GK houses.

The family recipients will work together hand in hand with the volunteers in constructing their houses during the house build activity.

After the hometown activities participants will gather at the town’s auditorium every afternoon for the Laro ng Lahi competitions intended to further foster relationships between the volunteers and the empowered community.

Some of the traditional or indigenous games that will be featured are Palosebo, Lagsanay Manok, Carroza Race and Kadang.

The evenings will be capped by unity dances, songs, talks and other fellowship activities.

Launched in 2006, the “Bayani Challenge” is touted as the biggest volunteer movement in the country after successfully mobilizing 10, 400 volunteers last year to work together to build healthy, humane and nurturing communities in the spirit of “bayanihan”.

It is spearheaded by Pilipinas Natin, the flagship volunteer program of the Presidential Communication Operations Office with the vast network of private companies and other government agencies such as Gawad Kalinga, Philippine Information Agency, Department of Education, National Youth Commission, Armed Forces of the Philippines and many others.

This year, the event will be driven by the theme “Isang Bayan, Isang Bayanihan”. (JCM/ LAF/PIA6)

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CENTRAL VISAYAS

VocTech skills demand for employment seen Cebu Metopolitan Cathedral, Cebu Sity

By Amorganda A. Saludar

CEBU, March 18 (PIA) -- Technical and vocational courses still remain to be one of the vital tool for individuals that seek employment.

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echnical Coordinator for Basic Education Department of Don Bosco Technology Institute (DBTI), Stephen Ferrer noted that time alone can change the public's perspective on technical vocational education that this is in demand of big industries.

"Especially abroad, big industries need technically-skilled laborers," Ferrer said in a radio program, "Pagtuki" over DYLA. According to Ferrer, vocational technology and short-term courses that include training on welding, refrigeration, machining, electrical technology, dressmaking, cooking, carpentry, computer hardware servicing need the transmission of knowledge and acquisition of skills and these are learned and are offered in various schools now.

Don Bosco Student Affairs Office (SAO) for the College Department officer, Eugene Ynclino IV also noted that after training of vocational courses, students are expected to gain technical and specialized skills in their respective fields.

“The need of the industries today for workers who have specialized skills have prompted many of our workers, especially those

working abroad to enroll in these courses. As long as the industries demand for these workers, technical vocational education and training will last,” Ynclino added.

Ynclino said that at present, Don Bosco has more than 100 students taking up vocational-technical education.

Aside from employment opportunities, vocational technology courses also provide venue for business venture. It does not only provide jobs to others but also has a positive impact on the economy, Ynclino commented.

Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA-7) Regional Training Center head of Assessment Competency, Mateo Alin Jr. said there are more than 100 institutions offering technical vocational training or non-degree programs in Cebu .

Alin said there is a need for vocational institutions to be abreast to the industry trends and needs in order to upgrade their technical training.

In the agency, we have a scholarship program called Training to Work scholarship. We offer free training on technical and vocational

courses to students and this started in 2008,” Alin said.

“Through the qualification mapping of TESDA, they can project the industry needs and the direction of various vocational technology training in the future,” Alin added.

Alin noted that vocational courses give opportunity to everyone especially the marginalized sectors to gain technical training which are in high demand in the workplace.

The executive director of the Education Unit of the Ramon Aboitiz Foundation, Anton Dignadice, on the other hand posed the challenge to institutions as to how to successfully offer vocational technology education and training as one of the tracks of the Kto12 curriculum of the DepEd to senior high school students.

“We need to strengthen the public-private partnership in order to provide good training and knowledge to our students.

The government also plays a big role in encouraging big industries in the country to absorb our certified skilled workers for them not to fly abroad,” Dignadice pointed out. (mbcn/AYS/ PIA-7 with reports from RAFI)

DAR installs 487 ARBs in Montenegro Estate, Negros Oriental

By Jennifer C. Tilos DUMAGUETE CITY , March 17 (PIA) -- The Department of Agrarian Reform (DAR) in Negros Oriental installed 487 qualified agrarian reform farmer beneficiaries to the Montenegro Estate in barangay Lapay, Bayawan City , Negros Oriental recently.

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AR-provincial agrarian reform officer (PARO) Stephen Leonidas said the estate comprises of 1,089 hectares of land formerly owned by the Montenegro Estate Incorporated will be used for farming by the famer-beneficiaries.

Leonidas emphasized in his message that the installation will hasten the subdivision survey and issuance of individual Certificate of

Land Ownership Award (CLOA).

“Once the Agrarian Reform Beneficiaries (ARBs) will have their own CLOAs, they can start paying their taxes to the local government of Bayawan City ,” said Leonidas.

He added, “the installation of farmer- beneficiaries is not just beneficial to the farmers, but also to the local government units.”

The PARO encouraged the farmers to take care and develop the land.

Participated in the installation of ARBs include PARO Leonidas with other DAR officials namely; Lumel Chiu, Atty. Louie.

Naranjo; Chief of the Legal Assistance Division, OIC Sherwin Tubog and Municipal Agrarian Reform Officers Julmar Toralde and Mariano Sarvida, Jr. (mbcn/JCT/PIA7-Negros Oriental)

DTI-Siquijor gets Citizen Satisfaction Center Seal of Excellence Award

By Rizalie A. Calibo SIQUIJOR, March 16 (PIA) -- The Civil Service Commission (CSC) gave the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) – Siquijor Provincial Office the Seal of Service Excellence Award, Plaque of Recognition and a cash award of P75,000.

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SC chairman Francisco Duque III handed the award to DTI-provincial director Nimfa Virtucio at Parklane Hotel, Cebu City recently and said, "this is the first agency to receive the award in the Province of Siquijor ."

The Service Excellence Award is a program of the CSC that aims at providing due recognition and giving incentives to government agencies, GOCCs, LGUs with excellent public performance based on the result of the Report Card Survey (RCS) conducted by the CSC. DTI-Siquijor provincial Office got a rating of 91.68% for citizens satisfaction, the CSC said.

RCS is a survey tool used to rate front-line service delivery in terms of compliance with the requirements of Republic Act (RA) No. 9485 otherwise known as the

Anti-Red Tape Act (ARTA) of 2007.

Factors considered include the posting of the Agency’s Citizens Charter that lists front-line services, procedures, time needed to complete the transaction, amount of fees among others such as advisories.

CSC also checked the observance of the “No Noon Break Policy” and presence of public assistance desk.

Virtucio in receiving the award said, “we will treasure this award and will be an inspiration, at the same time a motivation not only to keep doing what we are doing now but to continue to improve and build upon them.”

Meanwhile, the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA) at Lazi National Agricultural School (LNAS) is now accepting applicants for the 2013 Training for work Scholarship Program (TWSP).

In a statement, TESDA-LNAS said there are 265 scholarship slots that are open for interested Siquijorians to avail and enroll in various qualifications/courses offered at LNAS, Lazi, Siquijor.

The program is offered to the youth, out of school youth, college drop outs, fresh high school graduates, OFW returnees, unemployed college graduates and everyone who wish to seek employment in the blue collar job level.

Interested parties may enroll in the following courses: Cookery NC II, Housekeeping NC II, Food and Beverage Services NC II, Bartending NC II, Bread & Pastry Production NC II, Horticulture NC II and Animal Production NC II. (mbcn/ RACalibo/PIA7-Siquijor w/ reports from EAApiag/TESDA-LNAS IO and Bborongan/DTI IO)

CENTRAL VISAYAS

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Bohol takes challenge to build houses in 5 days for homeless St. Joseph the Worker Cathedral, Tagbilaran, Bohol

By Rey Anthony H. Chiu

TAGBILARAN CITY , Bohol, March 19 (PIA) -- The challenge: to build a community of 20 duplex houses for homeless Boholanos in Antequera and Talibon, Bohol within five days. his is the dare of the eighth Bayani openness to make change happen and allow and love for country as they build, refurbish Challenge to all Boholanos as it room for the conviction of realizing a better homes, schools education sessions for children, attempts to raise 100,000 volunteers Philippines . tree-planting, clean-up drive, and health nationwide to manually build houses, repair According to a news statement, the missions. schools, community centers, farms, and other Bayani Challenge started in 2006. It was touted Driven by this year’s theme of "Isang livelihood support in 37 new housing sites in to be the biggest volunteer movement in the Bayan, Isang Bayanihan" volunteers can sign up 33 provinces in the country on March 23-27. country after successfully mobilizing 10,400 individually or in groups of 15 by visiting the In Bohol, Bayani Challenge identified the volunteers in 2012 in the spirit of the official Facebook page of Bayani communities of Bantolinao, Antequera, and quintessential Filipino trait of "bayanihan."

Challenge:www.facebook.com/bayanichallenge.

Magsaysay in Talibon. Organizers of the chalThis year, volunteers sign up in teams of (mbcn/RAHC-PIA7, Bohol ) lenge said it will depend on the Boholanos’ 15 for a five-day test of courage, endurance,

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Peace pact set for over 600 poll bets in NegOr

By Jennifer C. Tilos DUMAGUETE CITY, March 20 (PIA) -- More than 600 candidates seeking for provincial and local seats in the coming May elections are expected to sign the Peace Covenant on March 25 at 2p.m. at the Catherina Cittadini St. Louis gymnasium in Dumaguete City, Negros Oriental.

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he Diocesan Electoral Board (DEB) is leading this Monday’s peace covenant signing for all the candidates in Negros Oriental.

DEB convenor Msgr. Julius Heruela cited the event as a significant support to ensure the coming mid-term elections is truly reflective of the sentiments and will of the people.

The DEB together with the Commission on Elections (Comelec) is crafting a manifesto for all political candidates to sign during the Peace Covenant prior to the start of the local campaign period on March 29.

Acting Comelec Provincial Supervisor, Atty Juvenal Tuale said the activity aims to ensure the conduct of honest, orderly and peaceful elections (HOPE) by urging candidates to avoid the use of coercion, threat, intimidation, harassment, money and firearms to garner votes.

Local candidates and incumbents from gubernatorial, vice-gubernatorial, congressional representatives, board members, mayoral, vice-mayoral to city and municipal councilors are invited to participate in the peace pact signing for this year’s synchronized automated elections in the province.

Selected schoolchildren from different towns and cities in the province who joined and prepared wish lists or messages for the candidates and the conduct of elections in the Run for CHAMP (clean, honest, accountable, meaningful and peaceful elections) early this week, are asked to read their wish lists or messages during the covenant signing.

Regional and provincial officials expected to deliver some messages on that day include Philippine National Police (PNP) 7 Regional Director Marcelo Garbo Jr. and top officials of

Comelec, Department of Education (DepEd) and from the church.

Also expected to sign the covenant are other stakeholders and officials.

A pledge of commitment will also be declared publicly by the participants to safeguard the integrity of the electoral process and of the ballot, and to strengthen citizens’ participation in order to achieve free, honest, and meaningful elections, without fear or favor in a nonpartisan manner.

It may also be stated that all candidates will conduct themselves in a respectable manner in all their dealings with their fellow candidates and discuss legitimate political issues only with their platform of government through free and friendly manner. (FCR/JCT/ PIA7-Negros Oriental)

Bohol's revenues up by 27% in 2012

By Rey Anthony H. Chiu TAGBILARAN CITY , Bohol, March 20 (PIA) -- Bohol ’s locally generated revenues increased by 27% in 2012.

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ocal fiscal managers attribute this to streamlined collection, prudent use of resources, and implementing innovations in tax revenue generation.

This was disclosed by Provincial Treasurer Eustaquio A. Socorin at a gathering of employees and local government officials at the Capitol Acacia Garden for the weekly Flag Ceremony and Convocation Program.

Bohol’s collection of locally generated revenues in 2012 was at P143,713,995.

The collection in 2011 was at P112,520,834.

The 27% increase in revenues was generated through measures implemented by Bohol to increase its fiscal standing.

With robust cash assets apportioned for annual programmed disbursements, Capitol fund custodians smartly put funds which are not due for immediate disbursements into short term yet high earning time deposits.

This was done with the expressed legal authority granted by the Provincial administration and upon recommendations of the advisory Local Finance Committee, assured Provincial Treasurer Eustaquio Socorin.

Efficient expenditure programming and prudent use of bank’s high interest rates offer for short term time deposits has greatly contributed to Bohol’s posting of a liquid financial position, Socorin said.

He also explained that short-term time deposits earn much higher interest compared to ordinary savings and current deposits.

Because of this, keeping the money in vaults while the disbursing office awaits the authority to disburse it might be good, but getting it in banks appeared to be a wiser option, shared Socorin.

Bohol, according to him, has placed around P720 million of these cash assets in Bohol banks, and these has earned for Bohol around P7,442,388.

The earnings are now declared part of the locally generated income for 2012.

The interest earning however were a bit lower this year compared to the previous year, as he explained that the more stable economy posted in 2012 placed the bank interest rates lower.

Along with innovations in revenue generation and treasury management to help

Bohol build a more solid fiscal standing, Bohol has aggressively pushed for the implementation of the Electronic-Tax Revenue Assessment and Collection System.

The system is now implemented in 27 of Bohol ’s 47 towns and one city, he said.

Bohol has caused the publication and notice of sale and public auction for delinquent real property which triggered increased collection of real property taxes.

Bohol has also implemented automated-teller machine withdraw-able salaries for contractual, plantilla positions, job order casual employees, and Special Education Fund paid teachers.

The net increase helps Capitol fund more social service programs to improve the lives of Boholanos, said Governor Edgar Chatto.

Valencia town topped this year’s performers in real property (RP) tax collection in the province after it posted 162.50 percent efficiency rating, according to the office of the Provincial Treasurer. (rmn/RAHC/PIA7 Bohol )

6

EASTERN VISAYAS

Preps set for 492nd anniversary of 1st mass in the Philippines at Limasawa

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

MAASIN CITY, Southern Leyte, March 18 (PIA) -- Preparations are being set for the commemoration of the 492nd Anniversary of the First Mass in the Philippines in the island town of Limasawa, Southern Leyte on March 31, 2013.

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istory books have it that on a Saturday, March 16, 1521, the ship of Portuguese circumnavigator Ferdinand Magellan, reached Homonhon, Eastern Samar. “The natives seemed to be friendly. Unlike other people who were fearful of white men, the Visayans approached them on their own accord.”

“The natives took their leave and came back with provisions which the Spaniards purchased.”

“After the encounter, Magellan sailed to another island – Limasawa.

Through an interpreter, Magellan made known his intention. The Spaniards were welcomed by Rajah Awi, chief of the island. On the island of Limasawa, on March 31, 1521, the first mass was celebrated on Philippine soil.”

“After the mass, from Limasawa the Spaniards sailed to the harbor of Cebu. They were accompanied by Rajah Awi.” This same story is the storyline of the Sinugdan Festival in Limasawa, which will be presented as soon as the image of Santo Niño de Cebu arrives from Cebu.

The activity, which is a joint undertaking of Southern Leyte and the diocese of Maasin, falls on an Easter Sunday just like 492 years ago, thus, more guests and believers are expected to take part in the

celebration, Nedgar Garvez, province officer of Southern Leyte, said. Both Governor Damian Mercado and Bishop Precioso Cantilla chose to adopt the theme, “Duaw Sto. Niño sa Limasawa: Ang Sinugdan sa Kristiyanismo,” Garvez said.

“We are promoting the importance of the observance of the First Mass in Limasawa especially to the younger generation, the tourism officer said.

For the second year, the Santo Niño de Cebu will make its historic return to the island where Fr. Pedro Valderrama officiated the First Mass.

The Santo Niño de Cebu is said to be the same image given by Portuguese explorer Ferdinand Magellan to Queen Juana, the wife of King Humabon during his baptism on April 14, 1521 in Cebu City.

The Santo Niño de Cebu Augustinian Social Development Foundation Inc., under the leadership of Augustinian priest Fr.Tito Soquiño, the caretaker of the Holy Image kept in the parish convent of the Santo Niño Basilica, Cebu City.

The image will board the Philippine Navy ship in Cebu City and is expected to arrive at 7 a.m. of Easter Sunday in Barangay Triana, Limasawa.

Augustinian priests, and religious and civic groups from Cebu will join the journey.

Meanwhile, the faithful from Maasin diocese will join the fluvial procession going to Limasawa,

will depart Maasin port at 5 a.m. and will arrive Triana port at 7 a.m. From Triana, A foot procession will be conducted towards Barangay Magallanes, the site of the First Mass that marked the first Catholicism of the Philippines.

A festive welcome awaits the Santo Niño and guests. The Sinugdan Festival contingent will perform and a six-gun salute will signal the start of the holy mass to be celebrated by Bishop Precioso Cantillas of the diocese of Maasin.

The commemorative program will follow after the mass with Department of Energy Secretary Jericho “Icot” Petilla as guest speaker.

The Santo Niño de Cebu will be brought to Maasin at 1 p.m. The naval ship will be accompanied by the Maasin delegation in a fluvial parade, Nervez said.

In Maasin City, there will be a procession with the Santo Nino image as the main feature up to the Immaculate Concepcion Cathedral.

On April 1, a Holy Mass will be conducted in the different vicariates of the diocese of Maasin. At 5 p.m. a Pontifical Mass will be celebrated by Bishop Cantillas.

The image of the Santo Niño and the Cebu delegation will leave for Cebu at 9 p.m. (PIA-8)

Naval town opens Pasalubong center

By Rodrigo S. Victoria NAVAL, Biliran, March 20 (PIA) -- Foreign and local tourists will no longer find it hard to look for a place to buy souvenir items once they visit the capital town of Biliran province as the town formally opened the Pasalubong center, a place where they could buy items they could bring back home.

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he Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) here in Biliran province led by provincial director Celerina T. Bato, through the department’s Rural Micro Enterprise Promotion Program (RuMEPP), formally turned-over on Tuesday, March 19, to the municipality of Naval the Naval Pasalubong Center.

On the same occasion, DTI has also turned-over three food carts to the officers and members of the Naval Suman Makers Association (Nasuma).

Bato said that the turn-over is a

component activity under the refurbishment and launching of the Naval Pasalubong Center and provision of RuMEPP kiosks to micro enterprises (MEs).

She said that the turn-over of the Naval Pasalubong Center to LGU-Naval and the three food carts to Nasuma is a sub-component project under the approved technology upgrading and enhancement in increasing productivity and marketing assistance to micro enterprise in the province of Biliran.

The Naval Pasalubong Center, located at

the Naval public bus terminal, sells locally-made souvenir products like bags, lampshades, gift and home decors and native food products like the famous Naval suman and other delicacies.

For her part, Naval Mayor Susan V. Parilla, in her talk to the officers and members of Nasuma, hopes for the sustainability of the operation of the town’s Pasalubong center.

Parilla said that her administration is willing to give counterpart whatever activities that Nasuma may venture into for the sustainability of the center including that of their suman-making venture. (PIA-Biliran)

PAMANA project fulfills Maslog’s long time dream

By Samuel D. Candido BORONGAN CITY, Eastern Samar March 17 (PIA) -- The government's Payapa at Masaganang Pamayanan (PAMANA) program being implemented by the Office of the Presidential Adviser on the Peace Process may well fulfill Maslog’s town long time dream of being connected to a major road network.

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he absence of road network that will connect this remote town to the national highway has hindered the development of this town with vast potential for agriculture.

Maslog town, with 4,781 population ranks second on the list of the poorest towns in Region 8, with Silvino Lobos in Northern Samar leading the list.

Among the challenges the Maslog folks are facing are: low agricultural productivity; low household income; lack of efficient

infrastructure facilities and support services; frequent occurrence of destructive floods and low level of education.

During the information caravan by OPAPP on March 12, Masloganons learned that the grand road rehabilitation of a road leading to Maslog will soon be constructed.

Maslog Mayor Septemio C. Santiago in his message said the dreams of Masloganon to have a national road will be realized soon, as he welcomed the guests from OPAPP.

This project is 42 kilometers traversing the towns of Can-avid, Dolores and the final 18 kilometer stretch that belongs to this frontier town of Eastern Samar.

The project costs some P446 million where P10 M was the initial release of PAMANA. The PAMANA projects include road networks , water systems, and other infrastructure needs that would benefit conflict areas. (PIA-E. Samar)

EASTERN VISAYAS

Palo Metropolitan Cathedral, Palo, Leyte

7

628 Nortehanons to cash-for-training program

benefit

from

By Ailene N. Diaz

CATARMAN, Northern Samar, March 18 (PIA) -- Six hundred twenty-eight residents from northern Samar are availing of the cash-for-training program said Virginia Idan, DSWD-8 assistant regional director during the launching here.

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his was confirmed by Cleta Omega, Tesda-8 acting regional director as the major implementor of the Program.

The Program, according to PGNS Information Officer Arlyn Tepace, entitles each beneficiary a training voucher of P20,000 for the training, toolkit, assessment fee, and allowance.

The trainings available for beneficiaries include automotive servicing, beauty care services, commercial cooking, dressmaking, food processing, driving, among others.

All these will be conducted by the training providers accredited by the Technical Education Skills Development Authority (Tesda) in the locality.

Governor Paul Daza expressed his support for the program as this will give opportunity to the scholars to have a livelihood.

He encouraged scholar-beneficiaries to be serious in the training so that the program could help in their employment and livelihood later on.

This is another program of government hoping to assist disadvantaged

youth by giving them training, helping them find work, and provide a little cash.

Nationwide, there are now 65,730 beneficiaries since the Program started in December under the Program of Tesda and the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD).

The DSWD is in-charge of selecting and profiling the youth qualified as beneficiaries whereas Tesda, through its 126 administered partner institutions, will man the skills training and development of the beneficiaries. (PIA-Northern Samar)

Two former rebels to receive P50,000 each

By Ninfa Iluminda B. Quirante CATBALOGAN CITY, Samar, March 19 (PIA) -- Two former rebels will receive P50,000 each from the Office of the Presidential Adviser on the Peace Process (OPAPP) under the Comprehensive Local Integration Program (CLIP), according to Imelda Bonifacio of OPAPP.

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he two rebels named Edgar and Glenda (not their real names) will be receiving their checks as the Joint Validation and Authentication Committee (JVAC) convenes on Monday, March 25.

The JVAC is a special team of the Samar Provincial Peace and Order Council (PPOC) that assesses, validates and processes the identity and validity of the

former rebels. The two surrenderees spent years in the movement but realized the futility of their cause they were fighting and decided to return to mainstream society.

“It is difficult to be on the run,” said Glenda, who went into hiding in Manila after deserting the underground movement. Edgar meanwhile needs to

surface as his children need to be educated.

The duo surrendered last year but the processing for the release of their benefits took some time.

Edgar and Glenda bring to 11 the number of former rebels who have availed of the benefits coming from the OPAPP. (PIA-Samar)

274 Maasin youths get C4TP scholarship vouchers

By Marcelo M. Pedalino MAASIN CITY, Southern Leyte, March 17 (PIA) -- Two hundred seventy-four youths of this city received their scholarship vouchers for enrolment in short-term technical-vocational courses during the launch of the Cash for Training Program (C4TP) at Ampil Pensione here, Friday.

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4TP is funded by the national government through the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) in close linkage with the Technical Education Skills Development Authority (Tesda), and the five Tesda-accredited partner learning institutions in the city.

In her message shortly before the ceremonial distribution rites, Tesda director Omega told the recipients the government is investing money in each one of the beneficiaries coming from the 70 barangays of the city at P 20,000 per scholar.

She explained that the amount covered expenses for the training fee, competency assessment, and the rest for personal allowance and the provision for some toolkits once the trainee decide to be on his/her own business after the three or four-month training course.

“Tesda, DSWD the LGs, the institutions -- we are just here to facilitate the process,

much will depend on you,” Omega said.

“You can lose your scholarship if you don’t comply with the obligations, the attendance, the competencies,” she added.

City Mayor Maloney Samaco, in his words of welcome, said education has been the best livelihood given to his constituents, as he expressed sincerest thanks to President Benigno Aquino III for the opportunity extended to the city’s youths.

Tesda provincial director Rodrigo Lacaba challenged the students to focus on the training and to give it their best shot.

He said more C4TP launching in other municipalities in the province will be scheduled soon, for the 774 slots province-wide.

Board member Albert Esclamado, speaking for Gov. Mercado, also encouraged the students to make good use of the chance given them, saying this was a preparation for stiff competition in the

future. Esclamado handed out the certificates in behalf of Gov. Damian Mercado and the provincial government, assisted by Alice Severino of the DSWD8 and Cleta Omega, Tesda Acting Regional Director, and the heads of schools standing by as witnesses.

In an interview, Director Omega said throughout the region a total of 4,695 scholars are covered by the C4TP, and of this number, about 92% were already enrolled.

For the DSWD the agency budgeted P 93,900,000 for region 8, Ms. Severino said.

The technical-vocational courses the C4TP scholars will be trained included shielded metal arc welding, electrical installation and maintenance, commercial cooking, food and beverage services, bartending, computer hardware servicing, computer electronics servicing, and housekeeping. (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, PIA7

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