One Visayas e-Newsletter Vol 3 Issue 16

Vol 3

Issue 16

In this Issue WESTERN VISAYAS

PIA 6 Director Janet C. Mesa (right) urges the electorate in Antique to exercise their right of suffrage by participating intelligently in the mid -term elections on May 13, over DYKA during PIA-Antique Infocen’s PIA News Service Weekly Radio Program hosted by Infocen Manager Margie L. Gadian. Director Mesa also urged public’s support for the conduct of orderly and peaceful elections. (T.Villavert/PIA 6)

More on Region 6, pages 2-3.

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CENTRAL VISAYAS

Published by: PIA 6, 7 & 8

April 15 - 21, 2013

Gov't, business launch drive vs petition banning carrageenan

By Ferliza C. Contratista CEBU CITY, April 18 (PIA) -- The government and business sectors are now spearheading a campaign to rebut a pending petition made by a foreign researcher alleging carrageenan as carcinogenic.

Carrageenan is an end product of seaweeds, an industry that supports over 200,000 families excluding those directly involved in the processing.

Maximo Ricohermoso, chairman of the Seaweeds Industry Association of the Philippines (SIAP), said that there is an impending threat to the seaweeds, the great ocean floor regenerator and also a global warming mitigator, and its industry.

SIAP along with the Department of Science and Technology (DOST), Bureau of Fish and Aquatic Resources (BFAR), and other government agencies recently started their media campaign in Cebu to counter a serious allegation made by an Illinois researcher, Dr. Joan K. Tobacman.

Engr. Marcial Solante, SIAP Board Secretary, explained that Dr. Tobacman had a study that declared carrageenan as a carcinogenic substance and is unfit for human consumption.

Solante said Tobacman initially made a petition in 2008 to the United States Food and Drug Administration

(USFDA) to delist carrageenan as a safe food additive, which was denied. Currently a similar petition is filed at the National Organic Standards Board-USA. The petition seeks to delist carrageenan as a natural and organic food additive and may be resolved this year.

According to the Position Paper of SIAP, the carrageenan produced in the Philippines has undergone the required scientific researches and tests by a legitimate agency in United Kingdom and also in the University of the Philippines Food Science in order to qualify as a GRAS or generally regarded as safe for human consumption in accordance with the USFDA and International Food Codex Alimentarius.

Filipino scientist and AGHAM partylist representative Angelo Palmones said they will conduct an all-out campaign against Tobacman’s petition since the country’s seaweed industry is a dollar earner and promising.

They suspected that Tobacman is being financed by other key players in the food hydrocolloid industry where carrageenan comprises 18 percent of the $234B industry.

The Philippines is the second seaweed producing country but is the first in terms of carrageenan production. (rmn/FCC/PIA)

Youngest army battalion in Samar cited for exemplary deeds

By Ninfa Iluminda B. Quirante CATBALOGAN CITY, Samar, April 17 (PIA) -Barely three years after being organized as a battalion, the 87th Infantry (Hinirang) Battalion led by Lt. Col. Cerilo Balaoro Jr received two citations as it celebrated its 3rd anniversary on April 15 in remote San Jose de Buan town.

The 8th ID Commanding General Gerardo Layug awarded the 87th IB under Balaoro Jr as Most Combat Efficient and CENCOM Best Infantry Battalion.

The 87th IB was instrumental in the discovery of the biggest NPA bomb factory in Samar in 2012. The battalion also neutralized one Ka Beloy a member of the Section Committee Isabela in March 2013.

Aside from the award the battalion got, five state soldiers were also given Military Merit Medal with Bronze Spearhead Device.

1Lt John Rey Acasio, Cpl Elmer Gorada, Pfc Bernard Adia, Cafgu Active Auxillary Norlie Rotamola were cited for the encounter and the death of one high ranking NPA. Meanwhile, two other state soldiers Cpl Abey Arguilles and Pfc Jonathan Acosta were also awarded the Military Merit Medal with Bronze Spearhead Device for the seizure of an NPA encampment in Barangay Hagbay, San Jose de Buan in February this year.

Layug praised the men of the 87th IB for a job well done.

To commemorate their 3rd anniversary, the battalion held a fun run, tree planting and medical and dental services for San Jose de Buan folks.

Layug with 801st Brigade head Maj. Gen. Romeo Labador and San Jose de Buan mayor Ananias Rebato graced the battalion’s simple celebration. (PIA-Samar)

PIA head says Iloilo golfers can help ‘drive’ away poverty A first-time voter gets a briefing and a real feel of voting using a PCOS machine at SM City Cebu. The demonstration runs for one month and is open to the public. (FCC/PIA CEBU)

More on Region 7, pages 4-5.

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EASTERN VISAYAS

Tacloban City Comelec together with the Department of Public Work and Highways and the PNP conducts Operation Baklas Wednesday, April 17, to remove illegal and offensive campaign materials. (Raul S. Tiozon/ PIA-8)

More on Region 8, pages 6-7.

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By Jaime S. Cabag, Jr. ILOILO CITY, April 16 (PIA) -- Philippine Information Agency (PIA) Director General Jose Mari Oquinena, who is also a stalwart of Gawad Kalinga, thanked the officers and members of the Iloilo Golf and Country Club for accepting the challenge to help build homes for the poorest of the poor in Iloilo.

Oquinena also underscored the role of golfers in the government’s development agenda, saying that by helping giving homes to the homeless they are in effect helping end poverty.

The golfers played in the Gawad Kalinga Iloilo Golf Cup held April 13 at the country’s oldest golf course in Sta. Barbara town to help raise funds for the GK Golfers Village that has started to take shape at Barangay Cabugao in neighboring New Lucena town.

Oquinena, the guest of honor at the fund-raising tournament, told golfers, “As you drive the ball in the golf course, know that you are actually also hitting poverty away from the lives of the people whom you will be helping.” “Poverty can be eliminated and not only alleviated, it is possible,” said the PIA director general.

Government is working towards this and Oquinena shared with the golfers that another means is education, wherein government will be hiring 61,000 new teachers and building 45,000 more classrooms especially in view of the K to 12 Basic Education Program.

This will address the backlog in teachers and classrooms being experienced in the country’s public education sector.

The Gawad Kalinga Golfers Village in New Lucena town was the focus of the 2013 Bayani Challenge held in the province last March as part of the a five-day simultaneous nationwide event.

Organizers tapped the support of various sectors including local government units, private and business sectors, academe, and other civil society groups for the local event.

Initially, 25 housing units will be constructed in the two-hectare lot provided by the municipal government headed by Mayor Liecel Mondejar-Seville. Proceeds of local golf tournaments will help build some of the houses in the housing village benefiting the homeless or poorest of the poor. (JCM/JSC-PIA6)

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WESTERN VISAYAS

First CAAP certified aviation school in WV breaks ground Cabin Reef Marine Sanctuary, Sagay City

By Lilibeth A. French

ILOILO CITY, April 18 (PIA6) -- A groundbreaking ceremony was held for the only aeronautical and aviation school in Western Visayas certified by the Civil Aviation Authority of the Philippines (CAAP) on April 17.

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arlier, the province of Guimaras, Philippine State College of Aeronautics (PhilSCA) and Guimaras State College (GSC) signed a tripartite memorandum of agreement for the establishment of a flying school and other aeronautical and aviation related courses as part of the preparation for the manpower requirements of Guimaras Airport last February 22 this year.

Governor Felipe Hilan Nava led the groundbreaking and capsule laying ceremonies of the Guimaras runway and flying school held at Brgy. Mclain, Buenavista, Guimaras.

The event was also attended by PhilSCA President Dr. Bernard Ramirez, CAAP’s Colonel Leo Husada who represented Director General Major General William Hotchkiss who was in Brussels, Belgium, and other officials of the province.

Nava said among the counterparts of the province in the flying school project

implementation are the development of the infrastructure of the Guimaras Airport runway and complex and scholarships.

As stipulated in the MOA, the province will also exert all efforts for the allocation of parcel of land for the PhilSCA flying school.

Nava spoke on the importance of the project in aviation education and in tourism not only in the province but also in Western Visayas.

He cited that the PhilSCA flying school in Guimaras is the only aviation education institution certified by CAAP in Western Visayas and second in Visayas after Cebu.

Nava said the flying school will also attract students not only from the province and other areas of the country but from abroad.

“The flying school is open to all students, local, domestic and foreign,” said Nava.

He added that PhilSCA is expecting an influx of foreign students and said another

country has expressed interest to send their students to the Philippines.

For now, according to Nava, the 2.8-kilometer Guimaras runway will be used by the flying school then eventually will be opened for chartered flights and cargoes as they are now coordinating with concerned agencies such as CAAP, Department of Transportation and Communications and Department of Tourism to make it commercially viable.

As part of the agreement, PhilSCA will train the faculty of the Guimaras State College for the start of some basic aeronautics and aviation related courses such as aviation mechanics and aircraft maintenance which will be offered starting this coming school year.

The Research Publication of Boeing revealed that in the next 5 years, Asia will need 5,000 pilots and almost 25,000 aircraft mechanics and crew. (JCM/LAF-PIA6)

Negros Occ. risk reduction council relies on volunteers

By Lorenzo O. Lambatin Jr. TALISAY CITY, Negros Occ., April 18 (PIA6) — With more than 3,000 rescue volunteers coming from 40 organizations under the Negros Rescue Federation, the province of Negros Occ. faces its natural and man-made hazards and disasters with confidence.

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ead of Provincial Disaster Management Team and Executive Officer of the Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council, PDRRMC, Eric Villaluna said volunteers are either NGO or LGU based groups that have under gone medical, fire fighting, water search and high angle rescue trainings.

Because they are volunteers, he said, the provincial government is spared from paying salaries and benefits of employees.

Instead, it spends only for the volunteers’ training. The PDRRMC and the NRF are recipients of awards from the Office of the Civil Defense, National Disaster Risk reduction and of the Galing Pook Award.

In a three-day orientation on strategic plan enhancement and alignment workshop, Negros Occ. PDRRMC sought to align all of its disaster risk reduction plans with the new Disaster Risk Reduction Management framework. It will also update its hazard profile, assess its

current vulnerabilities in preventing, mitigating and managing possible effects of disasters during the activity that runs from April 16 to 19 at Nature’s Resort, Hotel and Restaurant.

More than 50 participants are in attendance. Dr. Mary Ann Sta. Lucia of the DOH said aside from flooding and typhoon, the province is vulnerable to volcanic eruption with the presence of an active volcano- Mt. Canlaon. (PIA6-LOL/ jcm)

Farmers given tips to increase profit

By Alex A. Lumaque ROXAS CITY, Capiz, April 16 (PIA6) – A workshop on Grains Classification was conducted by the National Food Authority (NFA) – Capiz last April 11 at the Capiz State University (CapSU) campus here to educate farmers on how they could profit more from their produce by keenly observing the Philippine Grains Standardization Program (PGSP).

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he PGSP implementation, which is solely entrusted to NFA since 1972, aims to standardize primary quality of rice both valid for export and domestic consumption.

Resource persons included NFA – Capiz Quality Assurance Section head Aurelio V. Villasis and Provincial Industry Services Officer Jose T. Davila, Jr. who talked on how palay grains are being analyzed and classified before about 250 farmer – participants.

This was to address previous conflicts on grains classification between farmers and quality assurance officers most especially on “no rejection” issue.

The No rejection would hold for as long as within NFA specification standards,” clarified NFA – Capiz Officer – In – Charge Erna Y. Abello.

She noted that the Agency accepts grains whose maximum moisture content is 30 percent, minimum purity is 90 percent and maximum discolored and

damaged kernel is 13 percent. NFA and the Provincial Farmers Action Council (PFAC) – Capiz Chapter headed by Dr. Aladino L. Leccio deemed that the conduct of the workshop timely for the celebration of this year 2013 of National Year of Rice by the agriculture sector.

The activity was also graced by NFA – 6 director Engr. Javier P. Lozada.

(JCM/AAL/PIA 6 Capiz/NFA)

WESTERN VISAYAS

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DENR, ZONTA-Iloilo slate Earth Day 2013 activities Boracay Island, Malay, Aklan

By Elsa S. Subong

ILOILO CITY, April 17 (PIA6) -- The Department of Environment and Natural Resources-6 and the ZONTA International Club of Iloilo City will hold events for the celebration of 2013 Earth Day on April 22. The activities are aimed at creating “Earth Friendly” awareness among the Iloilo folks. rtemio Colacion, DENR-Regional theme: “The Face of Climate Change. celebrate Earth Day by watching the Public Affairs Officer, said the Earth Day Every Day, Everywhere, for movie. ZONTA International Club-Iloilo office will mount an exhibit at the Everyone”.

President Yolanda Galvez said the movie Gaisano City from April 22-30.

Meanwhile, the ZONTA International will be shown for free, and the entity The exhibits will feature the Club of Iloilo City, will be showing the invited will just have to hang tarps or L i n i s - E s t e r o a c t i v i t i e s o f t h e movie “HOME” on April 22, at 4:00 p.m. streamers in front of their buildings or DENR-Environment Management Bureau, at the UPV Cinematheque. offices announcing that it is Earth Day and highlighting partnerships in cleaning the Jessica Salas, Chair of the ZONTA encourage everyone to be “Earth environment, particularly management of Environmental Committee, said “HOME” Friendly”. solid waste. is a film about the planet Earth that seeks “The stakes are high for us and our Further, the exhibits will also feature to mobilize human beings to “change the children. Everyone should take part in the the status of the National Greening way they live, avert the depletion of effort,” Galvez said.

Program, the implementation of the law natural resources and the catastrophic On the other hand, DENR is also on issuance of residential patents and the evolution of the Earth’s climate”. asking the public to view the exhibits and geohazard areas in Western Visayas. The Salas said ZONTA has invited know how government deals with climate Earth Day events are governed by the business and community leaders to change. (JSC/ESS-PIA6 Iloilo)

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PHO cites banes of summer

By Venus G. Villanueva KALIBO, Aklan, April 16 (PIA6) -- Health officials here said residents should be wary of six common diseases and drowning incidents this summer. sing the letter S to help in the avoid drowning incidents.

Also, if people have important recall of these diseases, the “Parents should closely watch their activities, they should do these early in the Provincial Health Office said children while swimming,” Dr. Cuachon morning or late in the afternoon to avoid these summer diseases include: sore eyes, said in an interview over a local radio sun exposure, which is its intense period sunburn, “sipon at ubo”, vomiting and station here recently. from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. diarrhea (“suka” in the Aklanon dialect), Other health risks that people should “Personal hygiene should also be skin diseases and “sakmal ng aso” (dog avoid are heat strokes and high blood, observed by taking a bath daily, for those bites).

Cuachon added. in crowded areas like prisons,” Cuachon Besides these 6 common summer Drinking plenty of water from 8 to 12 said. diseases, Dr. Cornelio Cuachon, Chief of glasses and avoiding heat exposure are Prisoners,according to him, are most the Dr. Rafael S. Tumbokon Memorial some of the measures that people should vulnerable to skin diseases in summer due Hospital (DRSTMH) and former PHO I of to avoid these summer diseases. to crowded cells that make the spread of the province, said people should also be People should not also swim in dirty infection faster. (JCM/VGV PIA 6 Aklan) extra careful when going to beaches to waters to avoid skin infection.

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Anini-y town garners Best GAD implementing LGU award

By Vicente W. Villavert SAN JOSE, Antique, April 17 (PIA6) -- The municipality of Anini-y has emerged as the model for women empowerment and gender equality programs in the province. Antique comprises 18 municipalities.

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nini-y is some 35 kilometers from provincial capital town- San Jose, Antique, with a population of 20,349 based on the 2010 census.

Provincial Director Victorio Pagapulan of the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) in Antique said that the Gender And Development (GAD) Inter-Agency Committee conducted a search for Best GAD implementing Local Government Unit (LGU) during the month-long observance of the Women’s Month.

Pagapulan said that the objective of the search is to generate and increase awareness and LGU support to GAD-related programs, projects and activities, and to give honor and recognition to the best GAD LGU implementors. “The activity also aims to document LGU best practices which serve as

models for other LGUs in the province,” Pagapulan added.

The provincial search committee based their decision on the following criteria: presence of LGU women’s desk, GAD focal person, GAD Code, plans and programs for women integrated in LGU development and investment plans.

Also evaluated were the Resolutions and ordinances passed by the LGUs, presence of sufficient, equipped facilities for the victims of violence against women and children, and documented best practices, citations and awards received from the municipal/provincial level.

The municipality of Anini-y received a cash prize of P100,000.00 for garnering the best GAD implementing LGU slot; followed by the Municipality of San Jose, receiving P75,000.00;

and third- Municipality of Culasi with a cash prize of P50,000. The amount received will be used to finance their respective GAD-related programs, projects and activities.

The Women’s Month culminating activity was capped by the awarding of a special certificate to Ms. Mary Cris Davo, a first batch nursing graduate of the Saint Anthony’s College in San Jose who made it to the top 8 in the recent Nursing Board exam. The award was received by her mother Mrs. Tomasa Davo.

For her part, Ms. Mila Bankers, chairperson of the Antique Federation of Non-Government Organizations, urged the various stakeholders to strengthen the GAD advocacy to further inflame people’s awareness of the protection, equality, preservation, and promotion of women’s rights, welfare and development. (JSC/MLG/VWV-PIA6 Antique)

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CENTRAL VISAYAS

China’s high-level biz delegation eyes Cebu Mactan Island Beach Resort

By Juju Manubag-Empuerto CEBU CITY, April 17 (PIA) -- A high-level Chinese business delegation was sent by the China Council for the Promotion of International Trade (CCPIT) to the Philippines to explore stronger bilateral business ties with their Filipino counterparts including Cebu where the group was expected April 18 and 19. he 50-man visiting delegation is Business Forum and Business Matching who are keen on exploring business headed by CCPIT National Vice session with local businessmen on April opportunities with the delegates are Chairman Yu Ping of the People’s 18, at 9 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. at Santa Maria encouraged to attend the event which is in Republic of China.

Room, Radisson Blu Hotel, Cebu City . line with CCCI’s advocacy on trade The delegation is composed of The session and forum are held in promotion and economic development. businessmen engaged in the following cooperation with Cebu Chamber of Participation at the business matching businesses: Water/ Hydro Conservation & Commerce and Industry (CCCI) and the session is open to the public and free of Processing; Sanitary Wares; Building local government units of Cebu City and charge but will be on a reservation basis Administration and Construction; Cebu Province. only in view of the limited time and slots Agriculture and related industries; Trading In the forum, the group will be given available. Those who are interested to & Investments; Plastics Manufacturing and an overview of Cebu ’s programs and attend may call CCCI at 2321421 to 24, packaging; Vehicles and Automobiles; and investment opportunities in the city 2323938, 4129461 and look for Gary or Consulting Services, among others. through the business matching with their Maribel for seat reservations. (JSME/PIAThe delegation will participate in a local counterparts. Local businessmen Cebu/CCCI)

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PhilHealth Express now in mall

By Juju Manubag-Empuerto CEBU CITY (PIA) -- The Philippine Health Insurance Corporation (PhilHealth) has opened a PhilHealth Express in Ayala Center Cebu.

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he PhilHealth Express-Ayala is located on the fourth level of Ayala mall at the Services area and is open five times a week, Mondays through Fridays from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m.

The PhilHealth Express-Ayala can process applications for registration of individuals and establishments, correction or amendment of member data and requests for issuance of Member Data Record (MDR) and PhilHealth ID. It will also receive premium payments two days a week, every Thursdays and Fridays, from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.

On other days, members can pay premium at PhilHealth-accredited collecting agents and to LBC and Bayad Center branches located at the same area of the mall.

They will also receive premium payments from individually-paying members for a minimal transaction fee.

PhilHealth Express is also at SM City Cebu from Mondays through Fridays, 10 a.m. to 7:00 pm.

Cashiering services at PhilHealth Express-SM is on Tuesdays and Wednesdays up to 3:00 pm.

The PhilHealth Express-J Center Mall in Mandaue City is open on Tuesdays to Saturdays, 10:00 am to 7:00 pm, while the PhilHealth Express-Pacific Mall, also in Mandaue City, is open Mondays to Saturdays, 9:00 am to 6:00 pm.

PhilHealth Express is an innovative approach of bringing services closer to the people as it provides basic frontline services, particularly in vital traffic hubs such as malls or shopping centers. (rmn/ JSME/PIA-Cebu/Philhealth)

DENR7 cites chemists’ role in environmental management

By Jennifer C. Tilos DUMAGUETE CITY (PIA) -- Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR7) regional director, Dr. Isabelo Montejo challenged about 500 chemistry teachers, researchers, industry practitioners and students from all over the Philippines to create better and effective measures in minimizing pollutants that are present in the environment. n its 28th Philippine Chemistry "In the scouting and screening for efficiency and conservation; studies in Congress hosted by Silliman strategies and methodologies for gain-loss of carbon sequestration vis-a-vis University , Dir. Montejo in his sequestering Green House Gases, reforestation efforts undertaken by message, placed the task to the chemists would be the partners that DENR; and studies on carbon sequestration of particular plant species, participants in formulating simple yet biologists cannot do without," he said. efficient ways for local communities to Montejo cited the indispensible role Montejo added.

With the theme “Chemistry in 3D: mitigate the harmful effects of worsening of chemists in monitoring and goal environmental degradation. attaining activities in the flagship project of Discovering, Defining, Developing”, the "The intent is to have people in place DENR which is the National Greening 28th Philippine Chemistry Congress aims to provide answers through the use of that can address the chemistry of air, Program. water, soil, sediments, space and biota of He mentioned several studies which scientific process in chemistry to solve the environment so that we can effectively the DENR and chemists can support each the underlying problems present in the carry out the mandate of managing and other, namely: "analytical methods of physical environment which include protecting our environment and natural assessment to monitor water and air issues on energy, environment, industry, resources," said Montejo. quality; studies on household cleaning agriculture, food sustainability, health and nutrition. (mbcn/JCT/PIA7-Negros He emphasized the importance of materials that will not be harmful. having a strong partnership between Studies on materials that can best Oriental) DENR and chemists. insulate homes and spaces for Energy

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CENTRAL VISAYAS

Panglao, Bohol Resorts

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LGU Manjuyod , Hedcor ink MOA for hydro project

By Jennifer C. Tilos

DUMAGUETE CITY (PIA) -- The municipality of Manjuyod, Negros Oriental signed recently a memorandum of agreement with AboitizPower’s wholly-owned subsidiary, Hedcor, to build a hydropower plant. orporate communications officer roads, education and employment Jabonillo added “We will also bring Karen Padawag of Hedcor Inc. opportunities, health services, and inclusive growth to the community of said the Mabinay-Manjuyod generation shares on top.

Negrenses. This means we will provide Hydropower project is expected to have a Padawag said the generation shares sustainability programs for the generating capacity of 21.9 megawatt of will be given once the plant is operational, community’s progress.” clean and renewable energy. over and above the minimum found in the The hydropower project, the first Barangay officials of Kauswagan, Energy Regulation 1-94. project of Hedcor in Visayas will tap the Manjuyod led by barangay chairman “Aside from focusing on education, Ilog River in Manjuyod which will generate Aanthony Guillen, and Jesus Daguman of health, livelihood and infrastructure, we 84 million kilowatt hours annually.

New Namangka, Mabinay also signed the are also committed to lead the way in Padawag said the project will be an MOA. reforestation activities and watershed addition to the 19 plants in Ilocos Sur, The agreement contains the benefits management programs,” Vice president Davao and Benguet provinces that Hedcor the host communities would receive from for business development Boy Jabonillo currently operates. (mbcn/JCT/PIA7the project. These include farm-to-market said.

Negors Oriental)

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DOST to award STARBOOKS to LGUs in Negros Oriental

By Jennifer C. Tilos DUMAGUETE CITY (PIA) -- The local Department of Science and Technology (DOST) will launch the first online science and technology library which will be turned over to the three local government units in Negros Oriental on April 17 at DOST’s Office, Dumaguete City.

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ubbed “STARBOOKS” or the Science and Technology Academic and Research-Based Openly-Operated Kiosk Stations, will be awarded to public libraries of Dumaguete City , Mabinay town, and Bayawan City for their eLibrary on science education and technology.

Provincial S&T director, Atty. Gilbert Arbon of DOST said STARBOOKS is a stand-alone library portal that is intended to provide the public with free access to

digital science and technology information materials for academic and livelihood uses.

It is a new academic resource for students and researchers equip with key access portals in strategic areas in the Philippines , said Atty. Arbon.

Users can have access to the latest data and information contained at DOST (SciNeT), Philippine eLib project sources, freely-available online resources, and subscribed databases.

This consist of a pod, computer

server, printer, and a UPS or uninterruptible power supply, however, this does not require internet connectivity but has to be maintained by and IT specialists.

This project is an initiative of DOST’s Science and Technology Information Institute (STII) of which the technology is available for transfer to interested LGUs. (mbcn/JCT/PIA7-Negros Oriental)

17 CV student-finalists to compete in TOSP search

By Jennifer C. Tilos DUMAGUETE CITY (PIA) -- The Ten Outstanding Students of the Philippines (TOSP) - Central Visayas has released the names of the 17 finalists from various universities and colleges in Region 7 who will vie for this year’s TOSP awardees. he finalists will represent their Bachelor of Science in Architecture and Arts in Political Science Major in Law and respective schools to the TOSP Robbie Austen Vailoces, Bachelor of Policy Studies, University of San Carlos; search during its Formation Week Science in Information Technology both Elinore Jean Malagar, Bachelor of Arts in on May 15 to 19 in Tagbilaran City , from Foundation University.

Liberal Arts and Commerce Majors in Bohol .

Jerald Ambe, Bachelor of Science in Communication and Marketing, University The formation week will consist of a Accountancy, University of San of San Jose-Recoletos; and Sean Timothy series of interviews and activities as part Jose-Recoletos; Maximo Limbaga Jr., Salvador, Bachelor of Arts in Mass of the evaluation of the deserving Bachelor of Science in Accountancy, Communication from the University of students.

University of Bohol; Raymart Aurora, the Philippines-Cebu College.

TOSP finalists include Cherry Mae Bachelor of Science in Electronics The TOSP is an annual search which Gumapac of Silliman University taking up Engineering of the University of San recognizes the best and the brightest Bachelor of Science in Public Affairs; Carlos; Stephen Bryan Bongcaras taking students in the provinces of Region VII Eduard Joseph Narciso with Bachelor of up Bachelor of Science in Nursing from who have excelled in academics, Business Administration Major in Holy Name University. leadership, and social responsibility.

Management Marketing from St. Paul Completing the 17 students include The top 17 regional finalists were University - Dumaguete; Jenith Brene Jhanika Rafelle Almazan, Bachelor of Arts chosen by a pool of screeners coming Corpis, Bachelor of Science in in Mass Communication Major in Media from various fields of specialization. (FCR/ Criminology, Negros Oriental State Communication of Saint Theresa’s JCT/PIA7-Negros Oriental) University Main Campus; Von Jovi, College; Sonny Boquecosa, Bachelor of

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EASTERN VISAYAS

DSWD inks MOA with UPFI to implement modified conditional cash transfer in 5 LGUs

Leyte Park Resort

By Erna S. Gorne MAASIN CITY, Southern Leyte, April 18 (PIA) -- The Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) Central Office inked a partnership with a non-government organization, United People of FOBI, Inc (UPFI) for the implementation of the Modified Conditional Cash Transfer (MCCT) program in four municipalities and the City of Maasin.

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PFI Program Coordinator Sofie Pono said “as an accredited non-government organization with the DSWD based in Maasin City, we will implement the MCCT program as stipulated in the memorandum of agreement (MOA) with DSWD Central Office last March 22, 2013.”

She said, UPFI will cater to 1,000 indigent families in their covered areas of responsibility, namely in the municipalities in Macrohon, Padre Burgos in Southern Leyte and Matalom and Bato municipalities which are based in Leyte province.

CSWDO staff Fe Nida Sy disclosed that under the MCCT program, UPFI will cater to indigent families giving priority to those with

0- 4 years old and those children with disabilities.

Also to those indigent families who were not included with the identification by the National Household Targeting System (NHTS) in said municipalities.

The Modified CCT aims to bring back children from the streets to more suitable, decent and permanent homes and reunite with their families; bring back children to schools and facilitate their regular attendance including access to Alternative Delivery Mode and other special learning modes; facilitate availment of health and nutrition services through regular visit to the health center; enhance parenting roles through attendance to Family Development Sessions (FDS); and to

mainstream families with children in need of special protection for normal psycho-social functioning through Pantawid Pamilya Program.

CSO-run modified CCT is one of the types of partnership where in the operational implementing cost will be transferred to CSO and shall undertake the whole process of identification of beneficiaries to enrollment and delivery of support intervention.

Formerly the Federation of Omega Beneficiaries, Inc (FOBI), the newly renamed NGO is still in the process of some requirements with the Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR) for their new status, afterwhich, the full implementation will immediately follow, Pono said. (PIA8 SoLeyte)

Aussie NGO partners with military for medical mission in Ormoc City ORMOC CITY, LEYTE, April 16 (PIA) -- The Philippine Army’s 19th Infantry (Commando) Battalion led by 1LT Rod Vincent F. Babera has partnered with a Bisayan Community Club based in Victoria, Australia in the conduct of a medical mission to poor families of Ormoc City on April 14.

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he medical mission was conducted at the Claretian Mission Centre at Barangay Milagro, Ormoc City by army soldiers and the members of Share-Me-A-Dream, a Bisayan Community Club in Victoria, Australia.

The whole day medical mission which started at 8 a.m. until 5 p.m. of Sunday was participated in by doctors and dentists from Ormoc City who rendered free services such as operation tuli (circumcision) and dental and medical consultations. Other services provided were transportation and free haircut.

1Lt. Babera said there were at least 350 beneficiaries who came from several

barangays, namely Liberty, Cabingtan, Gaas, and Lake Danao, formerly guerilla bases influenced by the communist terrorists.

Meanwhile, Commanding Officer of 19IB, Lt Col Joel Alejandro S. Nacnac said he immediately accepted upon receipt of the invitation for this medical mission because he believes in serving his country folks in whatever form it may be.

He expressed gratitude to the “kind-hearted Filipinos from other countries who extended a helping hand.”

He is hopeful that this activity will send the message on how successful the cooperation between the government and NGOs and the people can be in facilitating

delivery of basic services and in maintaining the peace and order in the Province of Leyte.

Ms Maria Theresa Symes, the Club President, on one hand said the Share-Me-A-Dream is responding to the growing need for medical assistance of the less fortunate people from poorer communities who could not afford appropriate healthcare due to geographical and economic challenges.

The Share-Me-A-Dream, a Bisayan community club based in Victoria, Australia was founded on June 23, 2011 and since then has been actively helping the less fortunate. (PIA 8)

Total number of SPES beneficiaries bared BORONGAN CITY, Eastern Samar, April 16 (PIA) -- A total of 792 students is benefited by the Special Program for Employment of Students (SPES) in the province of Eastern Samar.

M

ost students are deployed in the community for employed as street cleaners through the “Clean and Green Program” of the government, according to Mylene C. Paganos, Labor and Employment Officer of Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE).

Under the SPES, any qualified student aged 15-25 can apply in any government office or agency in the province that offer job opportunities this summer, Paganos said.

She added that to qualify, the applicant needs to submit the following requirements : birth certificate from the

National Statistics Office (NSO); grades for the second semester or any document as proof of enrollment; certification from the Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR) that one comes from an indigent family and school identification card.

DOLE will shoulder 40 percent of the total allowance to be received by the student and the remaining 60 percent will be shouldered by the employing LGU, she added.

She revealed that as of now, the following local government units in the province of E. Samar have offered jobs under the SPES: provincial government of E. Samar- 152 slots; Borongan City-190;

Gen. Mac-Arthur-54; Mercedes-30; Balangiga-88; Giporlos-40; Llorente-60; Maydolong-40; Quinapondan-33; San-Julian -55; and Salcedo-50.

For Eastern Samar, the DOLE allotted some P965,000 for this program.

SPES is a special program of the government under the labor department to help continuing students pay their school fees and for the Out of School Youth (OSY) to continue school.

This is also a component of the President Kabataan 2000 Program along with the Work Appreciation Program (WAP) of DOLE. (SDC/PIA-E. Samar)

EASTERN VISAYAS

Caluwayan Beach Resort, Marabut, Samar

7

AlkanSSSya program to be implemented in Leyte

By Aurora J. Casimpan

TACLOBAN CITY, Leyte, April 17 (PIA) -- The Social Security System will launch its AlkanSSSya program in Carigara town, Leyte province, to entice informal workers, private company employees and self-employed individuals to enroll in the government –owned insurance system.

P

edicab drivers who are members of a drivers association in the town are the target workers for enrollment in the project.

Emilio De Quiros, Jr., SSS president and CEO, during his recent visit to Tacloban City, explained that the AlkanSSSya program is a micro savings program targeting informal sectors seeking access to social protection.

Accordingly, the program makes use of cabinet-like “piggy banks” aimed to help enrolees save up on premiums and come up with the required ₱312 monthly due.

The savings of ten pesos or ₱15 a day will add up the exact amount needed for a member’s monthly due.

Other benefits available to members of the AlkanSSSya program are the agency’s salary and housing loans as well

as funeral, maternity, disability, death and retirement benefits.

The members will also be issued a Unified Member Identification (UMID) card for use when transacting with private and public institutions.

De Quiros also said that inmates who are earning by working through handicraft making are also qualified to be members of the program. (PIA-8)

Some 150 Maasin City youths to avail of SPES program

By Rebecca S. Cadavos MAASIN CITY, Southern Leyte, April 16 (PIA) -- At least 150 youths will avail themselves of the Special Program for the Education of Students (SPES).

T

he SPEC is an education assistance program of the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) in coordination with the local government unit of Maasin.

Vice Mayor Ma. Effie Abiera-Sabandal, the Public Employment Service Officer (PESO) of Maasin City, called on qualified applicants who haven’t submitted yet the requirements to comply and submit it to the PESO manager.

Sabandal made the call over radio station DyDM last Saturday. “The student-applicants will start their summer job on May 2 and will be working for 20 days.”

She said the summer youth job will be barangay-based.

“They will be working at the barangay where they are residing, hence they will be

supervised by their barangay officials,” Sabandal said.

Vice Mayor Sabandal revealed further that the student-workers will receive 60% of the P180 daily wage. 40% of it will be shouldered by DOLE, she said.

Based on Republic Act No. 9537, or known as an act to help poor but deserving students pursue their education through employment during summer and/or Christmas vacation, the 60% of their salary will be paid by the committing LGU while the 40% will be paid by the government through DOLE in a form of Education Vouchers.

SPES’ goal is to develop the intellectual capacities of children of poor families and harness their potentials for the country's well being and specifically aims to help poor but deserving students pursue their

education by providing income or augment their income through encouraging their employment during summer and/or Christmas vacations.

It is open to all qualified high school, college or vocational students or drop-outs and interested employers.

Among the requirements to qualify the education program are the following: enrolled during the present school year/term or during the school year/term immediately preceeding the summer vacation; dropout who intend to continue his education; parents' combined net income after tax, including his own, if any, does not exceed P36,000 per annum; garnered a passing grade during the school year/term referred above or in case of dropout, the last year/term attended; and must be 15-25 years old. (PIA-Southern Leyte)

Aquasilviculture to mitigate ill effects of climate change in Palompon PALOMPON, Leyte, April 14 (PIA) -- The establishment and development of Aquasilviculture at the town of Palompon, Leyte is envisioned to mitigate the ill effects of climate change.

W

ith this as the goal and in support of the National Greening Program of the government, the Department of Environment and Natural Resources has partnered with the Aqua Peace Farm for the development of an Aquasilviculture project in Barangay Mazawalo, Palompon, Leyte.

DENR Regional Executive Director Manolito Ragub informed that Aquasilviculture which involves the growing of fish and other aquatic organisms within a mangrove area without cutting down a single tree is seen as an environment-friendly approach to enhance fisheries production in the wild, while at the same time rehabilitating the mangrove habitat which currently represents less than a quarter of what used to be a 550,000-hectare mangrove cover in the 1950s.

In the said partnership, DENR through its community environment and natural resources office in Albuera, Leyte will identify available areas for development and coordinate with the APF for the conduct of survey and mapping activities for the areas to be subjected to plantation and rehabilitation.

DENR will also provide technical assistance to the APF and the community in establishment and maintenance of the mangrove plantation as well as the sustainable management of the coastal and marine resources in the locality, RED Ragub added.

The establishment of the Aquasilviculture project will be jointly undertaken with the Bureau of Aquatic Resources in order to ensure the efficiency of aquaculture production, Ragub said. It will also ensure that no existing mangrove including its root system will be cut or disturbed in the implementation of the project.

Under the project, the APF represented by its proprietor Warblitz M. Martinez is given the right to develop 5.45 hectares of alienable and disposable area into mangrove rehabilitation and reforestation area. It was also given the right to develop 10.5 hectares into Aquasilviculture area.

Ms. Purificacion Daloos, chief of DENR Regional Public Affairs Office, informed that the AFP shall implement a family-based approach in mangrove reforestation and tap women and youth in the Barangay to do some development activities

in order to provide livelihood to the local community.

Structures such as bamboo boardwalk, view decks, covered rest areas and other tourism facilities shall be constructed with care so as not to destroy mangrove, in order to showcase the project for the town’s tourism initiatives, Ms. Daloos said.

Under the partnership, the Aquaculture and Mangrove Rehabilitation/Reforestation Project should be integrated in the Coastal Resources Management Plan or the Integrated Coastal Management Plan of the municipality of Palompon.

The APF is also required to enroll in the municipal Fisherfolk Registration System of the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources.

APF, a former CASUA holder, is a non-government organization which is operating in Palompon¸Leyte. It is duly registered with the Department of Trade and Industry and the Bureau of Internal Revenue. It is also a holder of a certificate of non-coverage issued by the DENR Environmental Management Bureau on September 21, 2010, Ms. Daloos added. (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