One Visayas e-Newsletter Vol 3 Issue 13

Vol 3

Issue 13

In this Issue

Mabinay, NegOr Bayani Challenge gathers over 7,000

By Minerva BC . Newman NEGROS ORIENTAL (PIA) – The “Bayani Challenge” event in Mabinay, Negros Oriental with an estimated 7,000 volunteers involved is believed to have the biggest turnout WESTERN VISAYAS of volunteers for a single bayanihan event in the country.

Volunteers from all walks of life, from business sector, ordinary folks, companies, 4Ps beneficiaries, other LGUs, NGOs, families, students, government workers, the military and police personnel, CAFGUs, foreign volunteers and even children as young as 7 and 9 joined this year's Bayani Challenge in Barangay Poblacion of the Negros Oriental town during the event held March 23-27.

Bayani Challenge NegOr project coordinator Joseph Ceriales said, "the Mabinay challenge could just be the volunteers' life's greatest adventure."

Ceriales added that aside from building work activities, the volunteers were also offered opportunities Volunteers from various walks of life and ages to explore the beauty of the place. Mabinay has 400 caves, converged at New Lucena, Iloilo, March 23-27 cold springs, exotic flora and fauna and other natural gems to take the challenge of buildings homes and to explore. farms, refurbishing schools and other activities Mabinay Mayor Ernie Jango Uy led his constituents to as part of what is now acknowledged as the join the Bayani Challenge event not only to empower the biggest volunteerism event in the country recipients but to help build communities and provide other dubbed “Bayani Challenge” spearheaded by free services in the spirit of volunteerism and love of the Presidential Communications Operations Office (JFE-PIA6)

More on Region 6, pages 2-3.

Also CLICK Here…

CENTRAL VISAYAS

Foreigners join the locals in volunteering for the Bayani Challenge event in San Remigio, Cebu where 30 houses are being built for farmers in Brgy. San Miguel. Thousands of local and international volunteers are participating in the 5-day event in San Remigio. (VVV/PIA CEBU)

More on Region 7, pages 4-5.

Also CLICK Here…

EASTERN VISAYAS

Youth volunteers in Maasin City showcase their talents through mural at Maasin City Central School's walls focusing on the GK Bayani challenge theme dubbed as "Isang Bayan, Isang Bayanihan." (PIA 8 Southern Leyte)

More on Region 8, pages 6-7.

Also CLICK Here...

March 25 - 31, 2013

Published by: PIA 6, 7 & 8

country.

"I believe Bayani Challenge is a volunteerism event that intends to create friendships despite political party differences, all of us working for a common good," Uy said after he and Negros Oriental governor Roel Degamo had a GK-unity danced during the first night of the opening event.

According to Uy, the LGU of Mabinay has donated the 6-hectares lot for the Gawad Kalinga site where 35 two-storey-row houses were to be constructed for the homeless victims of typhoon Pablo in December 2012.

The LGU also alloted some P800,000 for the initial preparations of the land.

Driven by this year's theme "Isang Bayani, Isang Bayanihan," and despite overpowering heat from the sun, the volunteers were inspired to do all kinds of tasks and engaged in varied-nation building activities.

Volunteers, some in human chain labor helped build homes; repairs/rehab roads, schools; farm build; be heroes for the environment through tree planting and clean-up drives; story-tellers and carers of children in Paraisong Pambata; health missions and do all of sorts of tasks for 5 days from March 23-27. (mbcn/PIA7)

Be relevant, GK Director tells Southern Leytenos

By Marcelo M. Pedalino MAASIN CITY, Southern Leyte, March 26 (PIA) -The National Executive Director of Gawad Kalinga urged on Sunday night participants to the Bayani Challenge here to be consistently part of a nationwide effort to wipe out poverty in the country.

Speaking at the public plaza here before enthusiastic volunteers who braved the searing heat of the sun so aggregates can be transported from the highway up to Josefina II GK village a kilometer away, GK Executive Director Luis Oquenina reminded them that the moment to become real life heroes was at hand.

“Let us all be relevant for the sake of our country, that’s the essence of heroism. Heroes, if they were alive now, may have said facing death was the easiest part, but facing the daily grind required much more sacrifice from each one of us,” Oqueniana said.

He noted that the first Bayani Challenge was held in Southern Leyte province, at Saint Bernard in 2006, as an aftermath of the Guinsaugon tragedy, and since then it has

snowballed from a hundred volunteers into thousands of hands simultaneously working in 37 sites across the nation this year, each pair of hands trying to help in many ways just so poverty can be overcome.

In the crowd was Saint Bernard Mayor Rico Rentuza and New Guinsaugon Punong Barangay Beauty Cabacungan, who shared her experience and gratefulness for being at the receiving end of countless assistance, and have now formed a team for the Josefina II Build, their way of paying back.

In his speech, the GK Director disclosed a vision that by the year 2024, some five million poor Filipinos will be uprooted from poverty, wherein every GK volunteer shall have contributed his/her share to have let this happen by that time.

After his brief talk, Oquenina boarded the ship to Cebu. The Maasinhon Trio took center stage and entertained the crowd with songs and laughter for the rest of the night. (PIA-Southern Leyte)

Bayani Challenge 2013 promotes culture of love and care

By Leonard T. Pineda I ILOILO CITY, March 27 (PIA) -- Aside from the goal of building homes for the less fortunate, the Bayani Challenge 2013 also aims to promote the culture of love and care among its volunteers and beneficiaries.

Joane Christine Rabulan, head of the Bayani Challenge 2013 in New Lucena, Iloilo, said that they hope they were able to inculcate positive values to everyone participating in this five-day volunteering event.

“Through this event, we could come together, to continue to show our love and care especially to our less fortunate brothers and sisters,” said Rabulan.

Rabulan said that the turn-out of participants for the Bayani Challenge 2013 which kicked off in New Lucena, Iloilo last March 23, was overwhelming.

“Normally in one-province Bayani Challenge event, it would encourage around 2,000 volunteers, but for this year, there are more than 3,000 registered participants coming from corporations, banks, armed forces, navy, local government units (LGUs), agencies, students, and other areas partnering with Gawad Kalinga,” said Rabulan.

Rabulan further said that in terms of community involvement, people around Gawad Kalinga villages have become conscientious.

She shared that in Iloilo City, there are six active Gawad Kalinga (GK) villages and people around these communities are already imbibing the spirit of volunteerism, of loving, sharing and giving.

“It is like a domino effect; if we could just plant one seed of goodness in one’s heart and set a good example, this tradition will carry on,” she added.

On one hand, Rabulan also said that beneficiaries of the Bayani Challenge, particularly the GK homes are required to undergo values formation every Sunday for the next three months where topics on character building such as love of God, love for country, loyalty, respect, and other values are covered.

“We have the mission for each GK village to be safe and peaceful, so we teach them to respect each other, help each other and other goodness of character,” added Rabulan. (JCM/LTP/PIA-ILOILO)

A kid volunteer from Assumption Iloilo paints an old school chair from one of the classrooms of Wari-Wari Elementary School, New Lucena, Iloilo. The School-Build Activity is one of the hometown activities of the 2013 Bayani Challenge. (LTP/PIA-Iloilo)

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WESTERN VISAYAS

Bayani Challenge – Building homes, building a nation

By Jaime S. Cabag, Jr.

San Sebastian Cathedral, Bacolod City

ILOILO CITY, March 26 (PIA6) -- The five-day Bayani Challenge event in New Lucena, Iloilo which culminated on March 27 demonstrates what the bayanihan spirit can do.

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n this case, it’s creating a new community, building homes for its homeless or indigent residents, and helping them find their place under the sun. The site of the new community is the 2.2-hectare lot in Barangay Cabugao, located about 7 kilometers from the poblacion.

Mary Rose Cacho, the head for Iloilo of Gawad Kalinga (GK), the organization overseeing the event here under the umbrella of Pilipinas Natin, said the lot provided by the municipal government headed by Mayor Liecel Mondejar-Seville can accommodate up to 90 houses but 25 units would initially be made available to the beneficiaries who were picked by the municipal government from the ranks of the town’s poorest of the poor.

But even before the lucky first batch of beneficiaries could occupy their new homes, they would have to undergo a series of value formation seminars to help prepare them for a new phase in their lives and the responsibilities as well as opportunities and challenges that they will face.

Gawad Kalinga would also help make their community become sustainable, complemented by various programs including projects in organic food

production, education, health, social services and livelihood.

Thus, while the house building activity went on, other volunteers worked their way through hillsides to make garden plots where the There were more than 3,000 volunteers who signed up for the Bayani Challenge in the said municipality, a heart-warming show of volunteerism, said Cacho.

They, together with skilled workers called in by project organizers, worked for five days to put the community into shape. The community is called Gawad Kalinga Golfers Village since the funds used to build the houses came from the proceeds of the golf tournaments.

Bayanihan is the moving spirit behind Bayani Challenge, the GK provincial said in an interview with the Philippine Information Agency-6, adding that it is the spirit of caring and sharing to bring about a community designed to help poor families have a better future.

Cacho said that what transpired in New Lucena also showed that if each of us did his or her part and worked with others, together we cannot only build

homes for a community but build the Philippines into a stronger nation through bayanihan.

The Bayanihan Challenge event in Iloilo is part of the annual event that gathers volunteers throughout the country to build homes, cultivate farm lands, refurbish public elementary schools, be with children, and protect the environment.

It is spearheaded by Pilipinas Natin, a flagship program of the Presidential Communications Operations Office in partnership with Gawad Kalinga, private and business sectors, government agencies, local government units, and others.

This year, on its 8th edition, the project has 37 sites in 33 provinces with Iloilo particularly New Lucena, located 25 kms from this city, as one of them and so chosen because the town already has the needed lot site for the GK and funds enough to put up the initial number of houses.

Bayanihan Challenge is considered the biggest volunteer movement in the country after it succeeded in mobilizing more than 10,000 volunteers in last year’s event. (JCM/JSC-PIA6)

OPlan Red Plate nets 7 gov't vehicles in Antique

By Vicente W. Villavert SAN JOSE, Antique, March 25 (PIA6) -- Seven government vehicles were apprehended during an Oplan Red Plate operation last March 23 in the municipalities of San Jose, Sibalom and Hamtic, this province.

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he Oplan Red Plate taskforce operation is spearheaded by the Ombudsman Visayas, Region 6 to intensify the campaign against improper use of government vehicles especially on weekends or holidays. This is mandated by RA 3019 or Anti-Graft and Corrupt Practices Act. The partner agencies include the Commission on Audit, Land Transportation Office, Civil Service Commission, Philippine National Police and the Philippine Information Agency.

From 7:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., only nine (9) red plates-bearing government vehicles were spotted along the highways, and at the shopping/business centers. Of the said

number only 7 vehicles were found to have some violations – no trip tickets, no office logo; no “For Official Use Only” signs; unlicensed driver; expired driver’s license; passengers were family members; and trip ticket does not indicate or has excess number of passengers.

Ms. Evangeline G. Nunal of the Office of the Ombudsman, Region 6, who acts as the team leader said that an an investigation will still be conducted prior to the filing of appropriate charges against those apprehended during the Inter-Agency Task Force OPlan Red Plate operation last Saturday. Nunal likewise said that the public can also report to the Office of the Ombudsman any sightings of government

vehicles which are used for personal purposes. She said that their Office will issue this week an advisory or a press release to remind the public to be watchful of government officials and employees who use their service vehicles in their out-of-town family vacations for the Holy Week.

“To report, please send the plate number; color and type of the vehicle; place and time where the vehicle is spotted to the Office of Ombudsman hotline number 09178898662 or email address-ombudsmanro6@yahoo.com”, Nunal said as she emphasized that the caller’s number will be treated confidentially. (JCM/VWV/PIA 6-Antique)

Capiz cops on heightened alert this Holy Week

By Jemin B. Guillermo ROXAS CITY, Capiz, March 25 (PIA6) -- The Philippine National Police in Capiz is on heightened alert for the observance of the Holy Week.

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apiz Police Provincial Director Domingo Cabillan said they have already drawn up plans to ensure peaceful and orderly celebration of the Holy Week in the province.

He said that he had called for a command conference last week with all the chiefs of police of the different police stations in the entire province to finalize preparation for the celebration.

Cabillan said that starting March 24 or Palm Sunday until March 31 or Easter Sunday, Capiz cops are on heightened alert. Aside from members of the PNP, the Barangay

Peacekeeping Action Teams (BPATs) and other force multipliers such as civilian volunteer organizations will be utilized to assist in crowd and traffic control.

Areas that will be given priority attention by the police are areas of public convergence such as shrines, churches, transport terminals, public plazas and streets.

Cabillan stressed that each police station will establish a Police Assistance Hub to be manned by a police personnel to provide assistance to the elderly and local and foreign tourists. He added that police mobile and foot

patrol system will be done to increase police visibility.

To ensure the strict implementation of the plan for the Oplan Holy Week, Capiz Police Operations Officer Niño Leonard Amar with the Directorate for Integrated Police Operations-Visayas will be conducting an inspection.

On the other hand, Capiz PPO Information Officer Donna Asmod reminds the public to take extra precaution against snatchers and other bad elements while attending holy week activities such as the processions. (JCM/JBG/PIA6-Capiz)

WESTERN VISAYAS

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GSIS : No move to reduce basic monthly pension Jaro Metropolitan Cathedral, Iloilo City

By Ma. Janet C. Mesa

ILOILO CITY, March 22 (PIA) -- There is no truth to the rumor that there are moves to amend the provision of Government Service Insurance System (GSIS) Act of 1997, that the GSIS will change the computation of the Basic Monthly Pension (BMP) to be received by an employee separated from service/retired/disabled or died, according to a GSIS official.

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SIS Vice President Salvacion Mate, in a briefing before members of the Development Administration Committee (DAC) of the Regional Development Council of Region 6, said they have been saying over and over that this is not true and is without basis.

Under the implementing rules and regulations (IRR) of Republic Act 8291 or the GSIS Act of 1997, the BMP is computed on the basis of the following factors: total no. of years in service (YOS), average monthly compensation, and re-valued average monthly compensation.

It is thus computed by getting the average monthly compensation (AMC) based on the total compensation received

during the latest 36 months preceding the separation/retirement/disability/death.

According to Mate, there is no move to amend this provision of RA 8291 and change the basis to compensation received during the last 60 months. She said that reducing the benefits of employees would be depriving the members of the due amount of pension that they deserve.

Mate also emphasized that the giving of pension is not a privilege but a right that has been earned by the GSIS member.

The GSIS official made the clarification in view of the talks that abound and the number of queries regarding this matter.

Mate allayed the fears of the members and said that, in fact, GSIS is still proposing several measures which will further provide more benefits and services to the members rather than reducing the benefits and privileges enjoyed by the members.

The GSIS official also clarified that in line with the directive of the Ombudsman (OMB) effective March 15, they will now require the submission of a Certificate of Clearance from the Ombudsman stating whether the official who will be separated from service, retire, avail of disability retirement or who died has a pending case before the OMB. (gsis/jcm-pia6)

Agrarian beneficiaries undergo pre-release, loan counseling seminar

By Lorenzo O. Lambatin, Jr. ESCALANTE CITY, Negros Occ., March 26 (PIA6) -- The Department of Agrarian Reform (DAR)-North Provincial Office, Land Bank of the Philippines, and Civil Military Operations Unit of the 62nd Infantry Battalion, Philippine Army recently conducted a pre-release orientation and loan counseling to two agrarian reform beneficiaries associations in a hotspot Comprehensive Agrarian Reform Program Extension with Reforms, CARPER, landholding at Brgy. Jonob-jonob, this city.

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he loan counseling is in connection with the request of the two Agrarian Reform Beneficiaries Associations for release of Department of Agriculture-DAR-Land Bank of the Philippine’s Agrarian Production Credit Program (APCP).

The associations are Don Esteban ARB Association (DEARBA) and Hda. Bongco Farmers Association (HABFA).

DEARBA’s credit line under APCP is Php 2.4 million which was approved on February 25, 2013. The amount will be used to finance the associations’ sugarcane production project of 48 hectares awarded to 25 new ARBs.

On the other hand, Hda. Bongco Farmers Association’s credit line of Php 1.09-M is being processed for their 21.83 hectares land to be distributed to19 new ARBs. The counseling was held to discuss terms and conditions on APCP Loan so the members of the organizations should be aware of their responsibilities especially regarding the schedule of payments and its corresponding interest rates, among others.

DAR North OIC-PARO II Enrique C. Paderes urged farmer-beneficiaries to responsibly and wisely cultivate their land so they gain maximum profit and shun the practice of others who lease their land to other farmers.

Land Bank representative Pedrito Cabuguason assured recipients of bank’s continued release of financial assistance support provided they comply with the agreed conditions.

DAR-North Negros Occ. has a total of 29 Agrarian Reform Beneficiary Organizations tilling their lands on either collective or individual scheme. It has about 1,320 Agrarian Beneficiaries.

As of March this year, a total of P5.6-M has already been released to four ARBOs as more loans are processed to finance farming projects. (DAR-North/PIA6-LOL/JCM)

Center for CICLs to rise in Aklan

By Venus G. Villanueva

KALIBO, Aklan, March 25 (PIA6) -- A ground-breaking ceremony for the construction of the Aklan Youth Center was held here recently at Barangay Nalook, Kalibo, Aklan.

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he putting up of the center is in line with Aklan’s continuing implementation of programs for the welfare of Aklanon children and in compliance with Republic Act 9344 or the Juvenile Justice Welfare Act, according to Aklan Governor Carlito S. Marquez.

At the ground-breaking ceremony, the governor revealed that the youth center will be the first of its kind in Region 6 to house Aklan’s Children In Conflict with the Law (CICL).

The province conceptualized the building in cooperation with the Provincial Council for the Protection of Children (PCPC).

The two-storey building, which will house at least 20 CICLs at a time, will be constructed on a 200-square meter lot in the vicinity of the Provincial Agriculture nurseries, freshwater fishponds and demo rice farms nurtured by the Department of Agriculture (DA) and the Department of Agrarian Reform (DAR) in coordination with the provincial government.

Provinc ial S ocial We lfare and Development Officer Elma Malbas said the center will only be housing boys with ages ranging from 18 to 15 years and a day old.

At the center, the needs of the would-be clients would be provided for by the provincial government through the PSWDO.

The clients would also be taught basic household chores, proper hygiene, and livelihood trainings, the PSWDO said.

The budget for the construction of the center is provided by the PSWDO for the PCPC with P4,614,227.30 allocated in 2012 and P1,400,000.00 for this year.

It has also earmarked P275,000.00 for the needs and maintenance of the center.

The Aklan Youth Center is also in the vicinity of the Aklan Rehabilitation Center (ARC) and the Bureau of Jail Management and Penology (BJMP). (JCM/VGV PIA 6 Aklan)

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CENTRAL VISAYAS

Integrated drainage masterplan for Metro Cebu Metopolitan Cathedral, Cebu Sity

By Minerva BC . Newman

CENTRAL VISAYAS,(PIA) -- The Metro Cebu Development and Coordinating Board (MCDCB) in its 1st quarter meeting on March 20 approved for endorsement to the Regional Development Council (RDC-7) an Integrated Metro-wide Storm water and Drainage Master Plan for the 13 cities and towns that compose Metropolitan Cebu.

C D C B s u b - c o m m i t t e e o n implementation of the projects by the LGUs, allocate resources for the Metro Cebu infrastructure and utilities chair, Sanchez added.

Integrated Drainage Master Plan.

Engr. Fortunato Sanchez said that To date, nine out of 13 LGUs have already In that same meeting, Secretary Singson based on the Board's studies and discussions, submitted their respective drainage plans to also told the MCDCB to have all the plans, the drainage problem is increasingly a huge the MCDCB-Research, Program and versions of the TOR from MCDCB-RPOD, common infrastructure financial challenge of Organizational Development (RPOD) the NEDA and DPWH be consolidated. these cities and towns. project management office (PMO) reported.

Singson said that the DPWH-Central Sanchez noted that just one drainage Discussions and resolutions among Office is already consolidating and finalizing the master plan of an LGU may cost about P10 to various institutions and committees such as the TORs for the integrated drainage master plan P15 million. He cited the case of Cebu City 's MCDCB, DPWH-7, RDC-infrastructure study and expanding the parameters and scope drainage plan that was prepared in 2004 which committee were collated to come up with the to include integrated water resources cost about P15M. terms of reference (TOR) and final management.

"Using that figure to estimate the recommendations for program funding.

Singson then enjoined the MCDCB that a probable cost of the proposed Integrated In a meeting between MCDCB co-chair list of proposed infrastructure projects that Drainage Masterplan for Metro Cebu would Roberto Aboitiz and DPWH secretary Rogelio may be considered or included in the 2014 cost about P120M-150M," Sanchez noted.

Singson on February 7, the latter gave his DPWH budget must be submitted to his office This is inclusive of the detailed engineering confirmation on the DPWH's willingness to by March 2013. (mbcn/PIA-7) design to facilitate the immediate

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Gov't agencies train on natural, organic farming

By Rizalie A. Calibo SIQUIJOR (PIA) -- Through the spirit of collaboration and partnership, the Department of Agrarian Reform (DAR), Department of Agriculture (DA), Department of Science and Technology (DOST), and the provincial government of Siquijor recently hosted a training on organic farming.

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he Training-Workshop on Natural and Organic Farming System held at the DAR provincial office in Caipilan, Siquijor, Siquijor was conducted under the Farmers Information and Technology Services (FITS) consortium.

The activity aims to educate participants on the essence of Natural and Organic Farming System and its effects on the environment.

Resource persons were Narciso Omandam of the Provincial Agriculture Office, organic farming practitioner, and a Gawad Pitak Awardee Elnard Ympal, and Crisanto Patay also an organic farming practitioner.

Topics on vermi composting, importance of NFTS, ecological pests and diseases, organic pesticide, and bio-dynamic farming were discussed.

This was followed by a hands-on training on natural farming inputs, where participants practice to prepare different natural inputs.

Closing ceremony was attended by Alexander L. Juane of DAR, Mario de la Pena of DOST, and Dr. Bernardita S. Tabada of the Provincial Veterinary Office. (rmn/with reports from jbv/DAR-Siquijor IO)

Boholano farmers put up organic rice seed bank

By Rey Anthony H. Chiu TAGBILARAN CITY, Bohol (PIA) -- To adapt to climate change, Bohol farmers have sought the climate-smart organic rice variety that will deliver the best harvest for specific types of climate.

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r. Marina Labonite, research for development director at the Bohol Island State University (BISU), said since 1998, farmers and non-government organizations here have bred more than 200 organic rice “accessions” in the search for the most suitable breed fitting the challenges of adaptation.

Here, climate change-resistant local upland rice were interbred with other breeds to produce organic rice that will stand the heat and brave the floods without using inorganic fertilizers, she said.

She recalled that a few years ago, farmers noted that commercial rice breeds produce bountiful harvests but the costly inorganic fertilizers needed to grow them have drained farmers of their profits.

Farmers also noted the onset of new pests and rice infestations which quickly affects commercial varieties, so that the option to go back to the native varieties just came naturally.

To this, Dr. Labonite confessed in an interview that the demands for adaptive rice varieties and the withdrawal of inorganic fertilizers soared high.

Some commercial rice varieties grow lush from the start, but sudden rains affect their productivity, taking swipes at the unpredictable abrupt changes in climate, despite the town’s regular hydrology patterns.

“The production of these organic rice seeds is based on the demand,” she admitted.

In 1998, together with Searice, an NGO into preserving the rice heritage of the region, and the Central Visayas State College of Agriculture, Forestry and Technology (CVSCAFT) now known as BISU, With the help of Searice, farmers started foraging back into their seed banks for the local varieties that have proven to survive intense climate changes.

Since 1998, these seeds have not tasted any commercial fertilizer, she said.

These are stockpiled for easy access to farmers and for those who would want to grow the same, but they have to produce their own seeds from these seeds.

The seed bank also provides enough knowledge to farmers who were initially advised by technicians to vary the rice variety for every

cropping season to break their susceptibility to diseases and pests.

First stockpiled by farmer organizations in nearby Campagao and Cansumbol, the rice seed bank became so useful that neighboring communities themselves were encouraged to put them up, she noted.

Because it was too burdensome to keep up with the demands to curate the community seed banks, the decision to transfer it to BISU was logical, according to Dr. Labonite.

The stockpile of rice accessions are now kept in air-dried panicles, in threshed forms and in cold storage.

The school also maintains small patches of fields for annual test planting of these 200 accessions to make sure they are fresh and can germinate when farmers get them, she said.

In Bohol where an anti-genetically modified organism ordinance is in effect, the farmers have started to feel the effects of climate change.

Going back to the basics may mean sustainable agriculture for future generations, Labonite said. (rmn/RAHC-PIA 7, Bohol )

CENTRAL VISAYAS

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DENR-7 urges public to conserve water this summer St. Joseph the Worker Cathedral, Tagbilaran, Bohol

By Hazel F. Gloria

CEBU CITY (PIA) -- The Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR-7) has urged the public to conserve water and at the same time, protect the rivers and lakes which are the sources of potable water amid fears of a threatening water shortage due to the summer months.

On March 23, from 6:30 to 11:00 a.m. a ENR-7 regional executive director our rivers and creeks. About 53 percent of Dr. Isabelo Montejo said water pollution load of rivers come from domestic simultaneous river, creek and coastal water cleanup will be conducted for the following becomes even more essential and wastes, Montejo said.

Aside from pollution, Montejo cited adopted water bodies in Butuanon River, very precious during the hot summer months as the human body is 70 percent water and other reasons for the looming water Hipodromo Creek, Jagobiao Creek, Tipolo include over-extraction of Creek, Sabang River/Lugot River, we should replenish the water we lose when shortage that groundwater, dwindling supply of surface Guindarohan River, Pilipog-Gabi River, we perspire by drinking even more.

Sapangdaku River, watersheds and Luknay Creek, Like air, water is also essential to sustain water due to neglect of Cantabaco Bay, Buanoy River and the over-exploitation of forest resources. life, Montejo added.

He also cited climate change as a big adopted coastal waters.

“Man can survive without food for 40 Every drop of water we save can spell a days but cannot survive without water for threat to the world’s water resources.

Meanwhile, DENR-7 and the Metro life to some of our countrymen in far-flung four days.

All our cells and organs that make up Cebu Water District (MCWD) put up a areas in need of water to drink and to keep Water Expo with the theme them away from sickness, Montejo added. our anatomy depend on water for three-day Montejo finally urged the public to proper and healthy functioning,” he “Water for all, all for water.” Walking for Water was also organized on March 22 in continue tree planting, saying that trees are continued.

Montejo appealed to the public to celebration of the World Water Day important in cleaning the atmosphere, protect the country’s water bodies, as well (WWD) from 6:00 to 9:00 am.m starting replenishing our water bodies, and in as to plant and grow trees because they play from the Provincial Capitol Grounds to Ayala mitigating global warming. (mbcn/HFG/PIA-7 & DENR-7) an important role in sustaining the flow of Terraces.

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Dumaguete City has 160 slots for SPES program

By Jennifer C. Tilos DUMAGUETE CITY (PIA) -- Dumaguete City is now accepting 160 student-applicants to avail of the Special Program for the Employment of Students (SPES) this year.

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ublic Employment Service Office (PESO) Manager Socorro Mira said the program aims to help poor but deserving students continue their education by employing them during summer vacation.

The students will be working with the city government of Dumaguete for a period of 20 days from April 15 to May 14, said Mira.

She said the daily wages of the SPES recipients come from a sharing scheme between the city government and the

Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE).

DOLE shoulders 40 percent while the city government covers 60 percent of their wages.

SPES recipients earns P200 per day.

Mira said requirements and availment of the SPES is posted at the bulletin board of the PESO office located at the 2nd floor Dumaguete City Public market complex.

Students will be tasked to help in the Clean and Green Program of the city as well as training them on some livelihood

skills that they can learn to help them get extra income when they go back to school. The work assignments and training of the students is being coordinated by the General Services office, Environmental and Natural Resources office, and City Livelihood Industries Training center of the city, said Mira.

The student- applicants will be trained in the following six areas: beauty care, cellphone repair, automotive, plumbing ,handicraft making and bag making. (rmn/JCT/PIA7-NegOr)

Cebu launches 'Mega Cebu Vision 2050'

By Minerva BC . Newman CEBU (PIA) -- The Metro Cebu Development and Coordinating Board (MCDCB) launched recently the "Mega Cebu Vision 2050" with the catch phrase "Mega Cebu: Making W.A.V.E.S." (Wholesome, Advanced, Vibrant, Equitable, and Sustainable) during its first quarter meeting at the provincial capitol social hall.

Cebu acting governor Agnes Magpale, in her opening statement, called on various stakeholders and local government units in Metro Cebu to join the bandwagon of the Mega vision for Cebu.

MCDCB co-chair Roberto Aboitiz also reiterated the need for a collective vision for Mega Cebu.

"Metropolitan Cebu is experiencing remarkable socio-economic growth with equal challenges that need to be addressed as early as yesterday," Aboitiz said.

Magpale thanked the officials of the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) and the city of Yokohama for their technical support to this vision.

According to Aboitiz, Mega Cebu Vision 2050 is an urban development vision and cooperation among the seven cities and six towns that comprise the Metropolitan Cebu that show heavy concentration of development, urbanization and economic growth.

The cities of Cebu, Carcar, Danao, Lapulapu, Mandaue, Naga, Talisay and the towns of Compostela, Cordova, Liloan, Minglanilla and San Fernando have issues, concerns and challenges that are 'trans-boundary' in nature.

Aboitiz said this extends beyond the geo-political boundaries of a single or specific local government unit.

To promote the grand design of Metro Cebu Vision 2050 the Board also coined a catch phrase--Mega Cebu: Making W.A.V.E.S. that serves as its advocacy, awareness, and recall pitch campaign for the next two years.

All these are anchored in the Mega Cebu 2050 vision statement -- a vibrant, equitable, sustainable and competitive environment that embraces Cebu's creativity and its cultural, historical and natural resources with strong citizen participation and responsive governance, Aboitiz concluded. (mbcn-PIA 7)

EASTERN VISAYAS

6 Media and Gender launches 3 documents

Equality

Committee

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

MANILA, March 22 (PIA) -- The Media and Gender Equality Committee (MGEC), chaired by the Presidential Communications Operations Office (PCOO) launched on March 22 three document-outputs on gender and media.

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he three documents are: the Gender Equality Guidelines, Guidelines to Protect Women against Discrimination in Media and Film, and Code of Ethics for Media formulated by the MGEC to achieve gender-fair and sensitive portrayal in mass media and art productions.

This was gathered during the local validation of the Women’s Economic, Development, and Gender Equality Plan or Women’s EDGE Plan for 2013-2016 led by the Philippine Commission on Women.

The Gender Equality Guidelines is also applicable to schools of journalism, communication and information to help prepare students become gender sensitive.

On the issue of media’s self-regulation, the Code of Ethics for Media is offered as a “guide” which media organizations can use in reviewing existing policies and Code of Ethics.

The Guidelines to Protect Women against Discrimination in Media and Film contains

provisions that promote the dignity of women and their roles and contributions in the family, community and society.

Representatives of the PCOO, its attached agencies, Philippine Commission on Women, National Telecommunications Commission, Kapisanan ng mga Brodkaster ng Pilipinas, Women Feature Service, Optical Media Board, Movie and Television Review and Classification Board, Film Development Council of the Philippines, Film Academy of the Philippines, and National Commission for Culture and the Arts attended the launching event held at the NTC. The Magna Carta of Women requires the state to formulate policies and programs for the advancement of women in collaboration with the government and non-government media-related organizations. The law also requires government to raise the consciousness of the general public in recognizing the dignity of women in the family,

community, and the society through the strategic use of mass media.

Moreover, the Magna Carta of Women encourages government to ensure allocation of space, airtime, and resources, strengthen programming, production and image-making that appropriately presents women needs, issues, and concerns in all forms of media, communication, information dissemination, and advertising.

The law also requires all media organizations and corporations to integrate into their human resource development components regular on gender equality and gender-based discrimination; create and use gender equality guidelines in all aspects of management, training, production, information, dissemination, communication and programming; and convene a gender equality committee. (PIA 8)

Brgy. Hingatunggan Lupon gets P300,000 cash award

By Erna S. Gorne MAASIN CITY, Southern Leyte, March 22 (PIA) -- The national awardee Lupong Tagapamayapa, Barangay Hingatunggan of Silago got the fruits of their labor in the form of national recognition and cash award.

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Barangay Hingatunggan has laid down plans for the improvement of their Lupon building and upgrading of their skills to operationalize the barangay justice system out of the cash incentives they got from being acclaimed as a national awardee at the Lupong Tagapamayapa Incentives Awards (LTIA) in 2012,” according to Jhonel Aṅavesa, OIC Municipal Local Government Operations officer.

Aṅavesa said Barangay Hangatunggan Lupon Tagapamayapa received the P300,000 cash award for winning the LTIA on Monday,

March 18 at LandBank Plaza in Malate, Manila and graced by Local Government (DILG) Secretary Mar Roxas.

He noted that the winning lupon will like to implement their Lupong Tagapamayapa Development Plan such as the improvement of their Bulwagan ng Katarungan Barangay and upgrading of their operational administration.

That the said lupon will appropriate P200,000 for the tiling works of their two-storey building, complete the painting of the whole building, additional construction of

cabinets for filing and cabinets for all awards, plaques for all their awards gathered.

While, the remaining amount will be utilized for the upgrading of their skills in mediation to include advocacy trainings on agrarian reforms, trial court visits in order to learn the proper hearing process are conducted at a Regional Trial Court (RTC) in San Juan, the neighboring municipality, he said.

The same lupon would like to extend assistance to indigents in their locality to avail free filing of complaints within this year only, he added. (PIA-SoLeyte)

PLAN International holds Climate Change Sensitization orientation

By Samuel D. Candido BORONGAN CITY, Eastern Samar, March 25 (PIA) -- PLAN International Inc., Hernani Chapter conducted the Climate Change Sensitization for barangay officials last March 21 at Panay Beach Resort in Barangay Garawon, Hernani, Eastern Samar.

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ome 40 barangay officials who are members of Barangay Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (BDRRMC) attended the said activity.

The purpose of this activity was to increase awareness of the Local Government Unit (LGU) of Climate Change and its link to disaster, identify possible courses of action in order to prepare the community on the effects and impacts of Climate Change and introduce the Child-Centered Community Based Climate Change Adaptation in the Philippines (CCCBCCAP), said Leah A. Payud, Area Supervisor (Hernani-Salcedo).

Topics discussed during the activity were the ff: Defining Climate Change, Challenges in

Communicating Climate Change Adaptation such as: the National Climate Change Adaptation Plan in 7 strategic priorities and the Role of the LGU as a stakeholders in Climate Change Adaptation, Commitment setting and Overview of CCCBCCAP by Mr. Arnold D. Peca, Community Development Facilitator of PLAN International, Inc. Ms. Ma. Lenny A. Medina, Municipal Local government Operations Officer (MLGOO) of Hernani discussed the BDRRMC, the roles and responsibilities of barangay officials and inclusion of Climate Change Adaptation activity in the barangay budget. The theme for this year's activity is "Peligro han Kalamidad Ina-abat na, Climate Change Kilal-on Ta".

Same activity was also conducted by PLAN International, Inc. last March 22 in Salcedo, Eastern Samar.

In Eastern Samar, there are only two municipalities and eight barangays that benefit this project. The four barangays in Hernani are: Nagaja, Carmen, Garawon and San Miguel while in Salcedo are Brgys. Alog, San Roque, Burak and Matarinao.

This project is being implemented by PLAN in coordination with Australian Aid, Climate Change Commission (CCC), Save the Children, Institute for Sustainable Futures, NDRRMC, DepEd, DOST, DENR and DILG. (PIA-E. Samar)

EASTERN VISAYAS

Palo Metropolitan Cathedral, Palo, Leyte

7

East Visayas PNP cites policewomen’s role in governance, peacekeeping

CAMP KANGLEON, Palo, Leyte, March 26 (PIA) -- Eastern Visayas Police Chief Superintendent Elmer Soria cited the female members of the Philippine National Police in the region for being at the forefront of eliminating discrimination in the workplace through recognition, protection, fulfillment and promotion of women’s rights within its ranks.

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irector Soria made the declaration during the Women’s Month Forum and GAD Planning and Budgeting Workshop held at the PNP 8 Matapat Hall on March 25, 2013.

“We deeply acknowledge the importance of strengthening the policewomen’s role and participation in the performance of our duties as law enforcers. We assure you that we will be partners in building upon the gains achieved under existing mechanisms and institutions that support policewomen and female Non-Uniformed Personnel in gender-responsive governance, promoting your rights and in addressing gender-sensitive issues,” Director Soria told the 120 policewomen participants.

The forum gathered policewomen assigned in different line units of PRO8 and invited women leaders from different government agencies who

imparted their knowledge on women and GAD issues.

The Regional Director added that the forum and discussion on Gender and Development (GAD) issues and concerns is just one of the steps his office is taking to ensure that policewomen, especially those assigned in police stations, are given preferential attention.

The PNP in the Region fully supported the celebration of the National Women’s Month pursuant to Presidential Proclamation Numbers 224 and 227 series of 1988 and Republic Act 6949 series of 1990 with this year’s theme, “Kababaihan: GabaysaPagtahaksaTuwidnaDaan” in consonance with President Benigno Aquino’s pursuit and vision of straight path or “tuwid na daan” and underscores women’s leadership role and participation to enhance gender perspective in upholding good

governance. The theme also highlighted the importance of strengthening the mechanisms and institutions that support women and to widen the arena for their participation and is aligned with Section 11 (Participation and Representation) and Section 29 (Peace and Development) of the Magna Carta of Women or Republic Act 9710.

The resource speakers include Leyte Assistant Provincial Prosecutor Ma. Arlene Cordoves; Ms. Yvonne Abonales from the DSWD; NEDA Assistant Regional Director Emma Sanopo; PSupt.Rea Villavicencio of the PNP Regional Crime Laboratory Office and PInsp.Yasmin Vilches of the Regional Women and Children Protection Desk.

There are 696 policewomen and 96 female Non-uniformed personnel assigned at the regional headquarters and in different police line units throughout the region. (PIA-8)

Gawad Kalinga Bayani Challenge 2013 draws more volunteers

By Ninfa Iluminda B. Quirante CATBALOGAN CITY, Samar, March 26 (PIA)—The ongoing Gawad Kalinga Bayani Challenge 2013 is drawing more volunteers, even as a fiesta-like atmosphere can be felt in host site Barangay Dinagan, a farming community in Calbayog.

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he organizers said initially there were only 200 people who signed up for the event. Within days, more and more volunteers showed up not only from Samar but even from the neighboring province of Leyte.

Rosalia Canaman one of the Barangay Kagawad said she is happy with the many visitors and activities going on in the barangay.

“Nalilipay man ngani kami nga ginkanhi kami han mga volunteers (We are happy, that they are here)," she said. Dinagan is 17 Kilometers from the city with a population of

559 and does not receive many visitors except during their annual fiesta.

Tents from the volunteers who came with food and personal provisions have been put up.

The volunteers are building two homes at the moment although the organizers see some 56 more houses to be erected the GK way.

Calbayog City Mayor Ronaldo Aquino donated some Php 100 K for the homes that will be built.

The GK Bayani Challenge for Calbayog City started March 23, Saturday and Bryan

Gapasin event organizer in Calbayog said that not only are the barangay folks enjoying the event but volunteers too.

Other volunteers are spread out to Barangays Amampacang, Rizal Dos, Lungsop and Mabini as their mission on Community health, and environment protection will be laid out through interaction and engagement with the locals.

The GK Bayani Challenge is being held in 37 locations in 33 provinces, and according to the organizers is the biggest volunteer event of the year. (PIA-Samar)

NFA-EV surpasses rice procurement target in Q-1 by 133%

By Erlinda Olivia P. Tiu PAWING, Palo, Leyte, March 22 (PIA) -- The National Food Authority in Eastern Visayas continues its aggressive palay procurement in order to augment domestic inventory of the basic staple.

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FA Regional Manager Vilma H. Zarraga said that for the first quarter of this year, the agency had a total procurement of 13, 979 bags regionwide.

“This is a 133 percent accomplishment since the Agency targeted 6,000 bags only for the first quarter," she said.

Director Zarraga further said that as of press time, the NFA has already disbursed a total of P8.1 million from its Cereal Procurement Fund (CPF), the financial source of NFA’s palay buying operations.

“Even if we have surpassed our targets in the first quarter, we are still aiming to procure more palay in the succeeding days and months,” Director Zarraga underscored.

Under NFA’s palay procurement program, the Agency buys palay at the current government support price of Seventeen Pesos (P17.00) per kilogram, clean and dry or those with 14 percent content and “Purity A” level.

Palay deliveries falling below this specification can also be accommodated subject

to buying price adjustments computed in accordance with the current NFA Equivalent Net Weight (ENW) table, Manager Zarraga said.

On top of the basic support price, additional incentives are given to the palay farmers. For every kilogram of palay sold to the Agency, there is an additional twenty centavos (P.20) called drying incentive and a delivery incentive fee of Twenty Centavos (P.20) or P10 per kilogram based on the distance from the farm to the NFA buying station within zero (0) to 10 kilometers.

This delivery incentive escalates as the distance of the farm to NFA buying station also increases.

Moreover, farmer groups or cooperatives gain an add-on of Thirty Centavos (P.30) per kilogram of palay sold to the Agency as their Cooperative Development Incentive Fee (CDIF).

The accumulated CDIF can be used by the concerned farmer cooperative to acquire post-harvest facilities.

Zarraga is encouraging all palay farmers and farmer cooperatives to sell their produce to the

Agency. She said that the Agency has simplified its requirements for its palay procurement program.

The farmers’ passbooks is now free of charge with photo provided by NFA. Moreover, walk-in farmers now deliver a maximum of Two Hundred (200) bags.

“One of the factors that contributed to the increase in NFA’s procurement accomplishment is the simplification of requirement,” Zarraga added.

“We also conducted Ugnayan or advocacy prior to harvest and closely coordinated with the Local Government Units (LGU), Department of Agriculture (DA), Department of Agrarian Reform (DAR), National Irrigation Administration (NIA), farmers groups and barangay officials.

Moreover, the Agency undertook close monitoring of palay harvests, timely positioned the necessary logistics and opened buying stations in strategic production areas.

“This way, we are able to motivate and encourage the palay farmers to sell their produce to us,” Zarraga said. (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