One Visayas e-Newsletter Vol 3 Issue 18

Vol 3

Issue 18

In this Issue WESTERN VISAYAS

Jobseekers check the listings of job vacancies for local and overseas employment in the May 1 Labor Day Job Fair conducted by the Department of Labor and Employment 6 (DOLE-6) at SM City Iloilo. (LTP/PIA-Iloilo)

More on Region 6, pages 2-3.

Also CLICK Here…

CENTRAL VISAYAS

Acting Cebu Governor Agnes Magpale (left) leads the "Panunumpa sa Pagdaginot sa Humay" or Rice Pledge with officials from Cebu local government units and national government agencies during the launching of the National Year of Rice 2013 at the Capitol Social Hall, Cebu City on April 30, 2013.

(VVV/PIA Cebu)

More on Region 7, pages 4-5.

Also CLICK Here…

EASTERN VISAYAS

Published by: PIA 6, 7 & 8

April 29 - May 5, 2013

Maguino-o Port heralds better economy for Samar, says PNoy

By Erlinda Olivia P. Tiu MAGUINO-O, Calbayog City, April 27 (PIA) -President Benigno Aquino III said the Maguino-Port is the product of cooperative efforts, a symbol of good governance that heralds better economy for Samar and the neighboring towns and provinces.

The President thanked the people for their cooperation and support to the changes and reforms that are being implemented, which made possible the implementation and inauguration of many infrastructure projects like the Maguino-o Port.

This infrastructure is a monumental proof of reforms which the people themselves made and continue to make, reforms that bring prosperity to majority of the citizenry, the President added.

“Ang lahat ng ito, resulta ng ating sama-samang pagtalikod sa kultura ng wangwang; bunga ito ng pagpili nating iangat ang ating kapwa at isulong ang integridad at mabuting pamamahala,” Aquino underscored.

The Maguino-o Port Passenger Terminal Building and the pier expansion project cost P38.5 million. He said that more improvements are forthcoming to the Port which will redound to better economy to the area.

The President disclosed that for 2013, the government has allotted P10 million for the installation of port lights, fences and water supply system.

The benefits that come with the modernization of Maguino-o Port are clear, President Aquino said. More ships will dock bringing in various products to the province while local products like the local tinapa will be traded to other places.

Because of the efficient and guaranteed service, more tourists will be encouraged to visit Calbayog to visit the

beautiful Bangon Falls, Guinogo-an Cave and Malajog Beach, the President said.

This will open many doors of opportunities not only for Calbayog but for the entire Region, the President continued.

President Aquino arrived at the Maguino-o Port at 11 a.m. of April 26, right after his meeting with the local leaders and the community in Catarman, Northern Samar.

Upon his arrival, the President was welcomed by PPA District Manager Fernando Claveria and PPA Tacloban Manager Dominador Licayan. The President together with DILG Secretary Mar Roxas, DOTC USec Joseph Bocayan, Senator Franklin Drilon, unveiled the marker before proceeding to the Departure Area where the short program was held.

Manager Dominador Licayan, in his briefing, informed that the government has allocated another P10-M for the improvement of the Port and that implementation is set for August of this year. (PIA-8)

Energy chief assures stable power supply in May polls

By Fayette C. Rinen CEBU CITY, April 27(PIA) -- Energy Secretary Carlos Jericho Petilla said there will be stable power supply during the May 13 elections.

Petilla, who was in Cebu yesterday for the Visayas Power Summit, told reporters that there will be no power outages except “when there is the usual power trippings” of power plants.

The energy chief assured that there is enough power reserves to rule out outages.

Petilla said the year 2016 will be a critical period for the Visayas Region if no additional power plants are installed to augment the increasing power demand.

“Power is a long-term problem that requires a long-term solution,” said Petilla.

During his presentation of the Electric Power Supply-Demand Outlook for 2012-2030, Petilla showed the list of seven committed projects in the Visayas for construction between 2013 to 2017 with total additional

power capacity of 310MW. A list of indicative power projects for the Visayas Region was also presented.

Slightly over 50 percent of the power source from the Visayas Region comes from geothermal while most projects being lined-up are coal-fired power plants He credited Cebu City Mayor Michael Rama, the current Regional Development Council 7 head, for to bringing him the idea of a convergence with all the stakeholders to discuss power or electricity issues and concerns.

The event ended with a covenant signing by all stakeholders from the three regions towards a competitive power in the Visayas.

Over 100 power stakeholders from the Visayas Region attended the Visayas Power Summit in Cebu City undertaken by RDC7 and the DOE in cooperation with the RDCs of Region 6 and 8. (With report from Ferliza C. Contratista-PIA7)

Higher underemployment figures in WV due to agri, fishery sectors

Eastern Visayas Occupational Safety and Health Network President Angelita Dimzon (left) of Energy Development Corporation delivers her keynote speech during the 111th Labor Day commemorative program held at the Tacloban City Convention Center, May 1.

(Vino R. Cuayzon)

More on Region 8, pages 6-7.

Also CLICK Here...

By Elsa S. Subong ILOILO CITY, May 2 (PIA6) -- Incidence of underemployment in the region may be relatively higher because majority of its workforce are found either in the agriculture or fishery sector.

Department of Labor and Employment-6 Dir. Ponciano Ligutom said this is the sector which is not stable, where income can be different in various aspects.

“Farmers and fishermen are dependent on the climate, and the onslaught of natural disasters can gravely affect their produce or catch,” Ligutom said in media interviews.

He added that as consequence, the incomes they get are reduced and may not be enough for the needs of the family, on top of the fact that jobs in this sector are seasonal.

As of the January 2013 data of the National Statistics Office, some 724,000 of the 3.31 million workers in the

region considered themselves underemployed.

Underemployed people, according to the DOLE, are those having jobs but are not earning enough for their needs, so they are still looking for extra sources of income.

On the whole, NSO 2012 data showed that unemployment rate dropped from 6.3 percent to 6.0 percent.

DOLE-6 Asst. Regional Dir. Salome Siaton said in her message at the opening of the Job Fair at SM City-Iloilo, the rate is encouraging and motivating the agency and its partners to work some more and lessen unemployment and underemployment in the region.

Marking Labor Day, May 1, in Iloilo City and province, some 43,000 jobs were made available in Job Fairs at Mary Mart Mall and SM City-Mandurriao, simultaneous with Livelihood Fairs and Skills Demonstrations with TESDA and businesses in Iloilo. (JCM/ESS-PIA6 Iloilo).

2

WESTERN VISAYAS

I-CON to jump-start investment opportunities in Aklan Isla Naburot, Sinapsapan, Jordan, Guimaras

By Venus G. Villanueva

KALIBO, Aklan, May 2 (PIA6) -- Aklan hosted the first-ever Investment Conference or I-CON at the Gov. Corazon L. Cabagnot Tourism and Training Center in Old Buswang, Kalibo, Aklan.

W

ith the theme “Building Alliances for Competitive Industries”, the I-CON, according to Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) 6 Regional Director Dominic P. Abad, aims to jump-start local investment opportunities and projects that can spur more vibrant economic activities in Aklan.

Abad, who took charge in inviting other regional directors of various government agencies and other entities to the I-CON that was held recently, added that the activity was conceived to serve as venue for prospective project proponents, potential investors and enablers from both government and private sectors to meet and establish business partnerships and alliances.

“Given the province’s jewel in tourism – Boracay Island, which is one of the world’s choice destinations, demand for food services and other products that

cater to the needs of tourists and guests in the resort island is a big window of opportunity for business and investment”, Abad said in his letter. Abad also said that organizers, in consultation with key stakeholders and with the support of the Provincial Government of Aklan, have identified investment areas or sectors, such as abaca plantation and fiber processing, coco coir, processed food and agri-aqua products particularly fish (pangasius), fruits and vegetables, and meat and poultry. Topics tackled at the I-CON proper included Market Profile (Survey Results from major hotels/resorts in Boracay) by Carlo Abucayan of Shangrila Boracay Resort and Spa and Eroll Ledesma of Boraca y Regency; Transport/Logistics/Infrastructure by Engr.

Roger M. Esto, Provincial Planning and Development Coordinator; Financing and Incentives, by Ma. Nina Q. Iturriaga, Department Manager, LBP-Kalibo; Cristina

Rivera, Manager, DBP-Kalibo and Asec.

Felicitas Agoncillo-Reyes, Investment Promotion Group, Board of Investments.

Presented too were Abaca Investment Opportunities, by Victor Parillas, Special Pulp Manufacturing Inc. (Tentative); Coco Coir Investment Opportunities, by Engr. Ramon R. Barbosa, PCA Agusan Del Norte; Pangasius Investment Opportunities, by Romualdo Pol, Senior Aquaculturist and Study Leader on Pangasius, and Glenn Baticados, Baycove International Phils., Inc.; Fruits and Vegetables Investment Opportunities, by Victoria Pacificador of DA 6; and Livestock/Poultry Investment Opportunities by Julian Montemayor, Saranggani Agricultural Company. The I-CON in Aklan is one of the major highlights of Aklan’s activities in celebration of its anniversary as a province, observed every April 25. (VGVPIA6 Aklan)

90 hired on the spot in Bacolod Labor Day jobs fair

By Lorenzo O. Lambatin Jr. NEGROS OCCIDENTAL, May 2 (PIA6) -- Ninety job applicants in the Labor Day (May 1) jobs fair at SM City Bacolod were hired on the spot.

D

OLE Field Office Head Maria Victoria Mondragon said in an interview that the newly-hired were chosen out of 2,049 qualified applicants based on the demands of the industry.

They will soon be working locally as layout artists, cashiers, waiters, baggers, cooks and marketing officers.

Some 2,505 applicants registered prior to the fair, which is one of DOLE’s major job hiring activities scheduled this year.

Meanwhile, 1,402 jobseekers are scheduled for interviews at 48 local companies and 12 overseas companies.

Labor Enforcement Officer Ronnie Pineda said they referred 457 applicants to

the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA) for training while three were referred to the DOLE Integrated Livelihood Program to qualify for a livelihood kit and start a living. DOLE is lining-up two more big fairs this year, one on Independence Day on June 12 and one during its 80th anniversary on December 8. (PIA6-LOL)

3ID offers 'Guns for Peace' program to rebels

By Alex A. Lumaque ROXAS CITY, Capiz, April 30 (PIA6) -- The 3rd Infantry Division (3ID) of the Philippine Army based at Camp Macario Peralta, Jr. in Jamindan town is banking on the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) program to register more rebel returnees in its coverage area.

T

he AFP’s Guns For Peace Program (GFPP) offers cash incentive to NPA members who will surrender with their firearms to the government.

“This offers a big opportunity for our long lost brothers and sisters to start a new life with a bright future ahead for their families.

Pursue the right path and be part in building a better community instead of fighting the government authorities,” said 3ID commander Major Gen. Jose Z. Mabanta, Jr. He added that the AFP together with the local government officials are willing to assist would-be rebel returnees for their safety in laying down their respective firearms.

GFPP is a transition mechanism and avenue that will facilitate NPA rebels and other

armed threat groups who wish to lay down their arms and surrender.

The firearms remuneration package will be as high as P200,000 for light machine guns, P50,000 for COLT M16 rifle, P60,000 for M14 rifle and P40,000 for M203 Grenade Launchers.

Surrenderees will also benefit from other government programs like skills and livelihood programs of the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA) that features an immediate cash assistance from P5,000.00 to P15,000.00.

“Some of your comrades are already with us and starting to live away from the dangers of the armed conflict,” Mabanta noted. The CPP-NPA in Western Visayas continues to

diminish due to a series of surrender among their members.

A total of 36 NPA rebels in Western Visayas have chosen to live a life in peace since January this year.

Twenty-two of them surrendered in 1st quarter alone.

More rebels are expected to surrender and live a normal life as disclosed by those who surrendered recently, said a 3ID news release, adding that the rebel returnees admitted that they were deceived by their leaders aside from being tired of the futile armed struggle and horrible lifestyle in the mountains.

“Our communication lines with the families of the NPA rebels are open,” the 3ID top official stressed. (JCM/AAL-PIA 6 Capiz)

WESTERN VISAYAS

Isla Higantes, Carles, Iloilo

Antique town Police Station

3

inaugurates

multi-million

By Vicente W. Villavert

SAN JOSE, Antique, April 30 (PIA6) -- The P16-million San Juan Municipal Police Station here was inaugurated recently.

“

San Jose being the Capital Town of the Province of Antique truly deserves this multi-million police station,” said PNP Chief Director General Alan Purisima in a message read by Police Regional Office 6 Director Agrimero A. Cruz, Jr. during the blessing and inauguration program.

Purisima said that the new San Jose Municipal Police Office is one of the many projects of the PNP to construct stronger edifices to house the PNP members and to provide good services to the public.

“Kaakibat ng magandang structure na ito ang serbisyong may ngiti, makatotohanan at dekalidad na paglilingkod ng ating mga kapulisan,”

Purisima said as he noted that he was happy to learn the support and confidence of the Antiqueños and the residents of Western Visayas Region for the PNP. San Jose Mayor Rony Molina said that when he assumed office in 2007, “during that time the town’s police station was chosen as one of the best municipal stations in Western Visayas” and represented Region 6 in the PNP’s annual search activity.

Purisima also urged the community and the police to “take part in our campaign for a Secure and Fair Elections 2013 (SAFE 2013), let us not allow any crime groups and individuals to spoil our democratic process.”

Molina hoped that with the good peace and order situation here, more investments will be coming to San Jose.

Governor Exequiel B. Javier emphasized that the new PNP facility will “stand as a testimony to our concern for the peace and security of our province because without peace and security there can be no development.

Javier noted that the improved peace and security condition in the province of Antique paved the declaration of the whole Province as a manageable conflict-affected and development/ investment-ready province. (JCM//VWV/ PIA 6-Antique)

IPs to get skills training for Jalaur Project

By Elsa S. Subong ILOILO CITY, April 29 (PIA6) -- Some 150 members of the indigenous communities affected by the Jalaur River Multipurpose Project (JRMP II) will be given skills training starting May.

T

he IPs come mostly from Calinog, Iloilo, the seat of the project, according to the Iloilo Provincial Government.

Provincial Administrator Raul Banias said in a media interview that these IPs are part of the 2,000 prioritized for training to be conducted by the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA). “This is in preparation for the construction of the Jalaur River project,” Banias said.

The training will be at the National Irrigation Administration in Tacas, Jaro.

In addition, some 79 irrigators associations will also undergo training in carpentry, masonry, welding, and other skills, needed for heavy equipment, for employment opportunities when the construction comes.

“They will be hired for the construction so that they can earn a livelihood,” Banias added.

NIA said the P11.2-billion JRMP II is the biggest dam outside of Luzon, seen to benefit about 783,00 farm workers and improve farm yield from 3.25 to 5.20 metric tons per hectare.

Further, NIA said it will also provide water to some existing irrigation systems in the province, which are now lying un-rehabilitated because of inadequate resources. (JCM/ESS-PIA6 Iloilo)

GSIS Bacolod pilots 24/7 Contact Center in Visayas

By Easter Anne D. Doza NEGROS OCCIDENTAL, April 26 (PIA6) -- The close to 1.5 million members of the Government Service Insurance System (GSIS) nationwide may now be able to raise their concerns at the tip of their fingertips with the agency’s 24/7 Contact Center.

G

SIS-Bacolod is the pilot site for the Visayas with General Santos in Mindanao, Legsapi in Southern Luzon and Cabanatuan for Northern Luzon as other pilot areas in the provinces outside of Metro Manila.

The 24/7 Contact Center has 50 seats with about 60 agents manning the center that addresses queries of members from general information as to locations, records, status of loans and maturity claim files.

For Globe subscribers, the number to dial is 1-800-8-8474747, toll free. While for PLDT landline and SMART subscribers, 1-800-10-8474747, although accessible by SMART subscribers, an P8 flat rate for access free regardless of length of calls will be charged. Salvacion Mate, Vice President-Visayas Operations Group explained that with the

Contact Center, GSIS can now provide access to the members anytime, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

“Agents are trained to access the system and they can see the database so they can provide first call resolution for basic questions and if not, these concerns are escalated to the officers concerned for intervention so that members need not go out of their houses and go to the GSIS office,” Mate said.

Meanwhile, Jean Rusela Bengo, Vice President – Applications Management said that the contact center can give members the status of their loans and provide explanations in case of uneventful delays since they can access the Transactions Monitoring System.

Members are advised to be ready with their Unified Multi-Purpose Identification (UMID) Card or E-Card before calling the

Contact Center since they will be asked questions to verify the identity of the members.

Bengo said that the contact center can also monitor the turn-around time of claims and loans if these are beyond the allotted time, the issue will be escalated to the Vice Presidents and President and General Manager Robert Vergara will be furnished with the copy.

“In emergency cases, with the contact center, we will be able to prioritize those transactions that need special handling after going through the verification process,” Bengo said.

Bengo added that the contact Center is one way of bringing GSIS closer to its members and pensioners.*(JCM/EAD-PIA6 Negros Occidental)

CENTRAL VISAYAS

4

Cebu one of next wave cities in PH for BPO expansion Bantayan Island, Cebu

By Fayette C. Rinen

CEBU CITY, April 26 (PIA) -- Cebu is one of the next wave cities in the country outside of Metro Manila that is being promoted for expansion of business process outsourcing (BPO) firms.

R

osemarie G. Edillon, assistant director general of the National Economic and Development Authority (NEDA), said the country is experiencing rapid growth at the moment due to macroeconomic stability.

Edillon cited the 6.6 gross domestic product (GDP) growth of 2012 which has surpassed the 6.5 GDP growth forecast last year, the positive performance of the Philippine stock market and the recent credit upgrade of the Philippines by International Fitch Ratings as cases in point.

The NEDA official also attributed the country’s strong economic performance to the administration’s good governance policies on transparency and accountability and curbing

corruption.

“Most BPOs are concentrated in Metro Manila and only about 25 percent are spread outside Metro Manila,” said Edillon during the Regional Consultation on the Philippine Development Plan (PDP) Midterm Update in Cebu City .

Early this year, a study of research firm Tholons showed that Metro Manila is third in the list of the world’s top outsourcing hubs.

Top spot went to India ’s Bangalore and Mumbai came in second place.

Cebu, meanwhile, ranked eighth best BPO destination while other Philippine cities included in the list were Davao , Sta Rosa, Iloilo, Bacolod and Baguio .

Army declares area development ready’

in

Negros

Edillon said the wave cities like Cebu for BPO expansion were identified due to the workforce already present in the area.

Edillon said only through jobs can social inclusive growth be visibly felt down to the grassroots level which has direct impact on quality of life.

“Rapid economic growth is different from social inclusive growth,” clarified Edillon as the latter seeks to provide growth opportunities for all particularly those households in the poverty threshold level.

BPO is one of the high growth potentials for Central Visayas including Cebu, along with agribusiness, tourism, infrastructure and food processing, Edillon said . (PIA7)

Oriental

‘insurgent-free,

By Jennifer C. Tilos DUMAGUETE CITY, April 27 (PIA) -- The Philippine Army’s 302nd Brigade in Negros Oriental has recently declared some of the barangays of Zamboanguita, Siaton and Canlaon City as “insurgent-free and development-ready” after the signing of the area clearing evaluation report of the local government units (LGUs), Philippine National Police (PNP) and Philippine Army.

C

apt. Cresencio Gargar, information officer of the 302nd brigade said barangays Bayog and Lumapao of Canlaon City; Mayabon and Calango of Zamboanguita town and Tayak in Siaton town are now “insurgent-free”.

“This is contrary to the NPAs claims that they’re gaining influence, especially in the hinterlands of Negros Island,” said Capt. Gargar.

The army identified those barangays as previously victims of extortion and liquidation activities of the Communist Party of the Philippines/New People’s Army (CPP/NPA).

Gargar said this group has been consistently taking up measures to hinder government’s development efforts. But

the active support of the LGUs towards the Bayanihan Teams deployed in these barangays brings a positive impact to the community, added Gargar.

He further said that more barangays in Negros Oriental will be declared insurgent-free as the military continues its operations in the hinterlands of the province.

“We are optimistic that the province would eventually be free from insurgency later this year and thus will attract more investors and businesses,” the army official said.

It is noted that the army’s 302nd Brigade has zero human rights violation.

During the recent visit of Maj. Gen. Roy Deveraturda, Commander of the

AFP’s Central Command, he lauded the successful Internal Peace and Security Operations (IPSO) and the zero human rights violation of the Brigade in its area of responsibility.

“We will continue to perform our mandate in protecting the Filipino people with utmost respect to Human Rights and strict adherence to the rule of Law,” said Deveraturda.

Meanwhile, Col. Francisco M. Patrimonio, Brigade Commander said that the unit will perform its best to maintain what the brigade has achieved and will maintain the tradition of excellence and discipline. (FCR/JCT/PIA7-Negros Oriental)

MGB-7 intensifies geo hazard assessment and mapping in Cebu CEBU CITY, April 27 (PIA) -- The Mines and Geosciences Bureau (MGB) of the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) 7 has heightened its geohazard assessment and mapping covering 221 barangays in four cities and five municipalities in Cebu.

GB-7 Regional Director Loreto will be mapped including 42 and 27 maps to the 3,003 barangays in Central Alburo said this activity is barangays in Danao and Mandaue cities, Visayas with a scale of 1:50,000 to help anchored on the Philippine respectively.

LGUs mitigate the effects of flashfloods Development Plan (PDP) of the Aquino The list also includes Compostela and landslides. administration to mitigate the negative with 17 barangays; Liloan, 14; So far, MGB has made available impacts of climate change as it gives a Consolacion, 21; Cordova, 13; Barili, 42; color-coded maps in four websites in detailed mapping and study particularly and Carcar City with 15 barangays. denr.gov.ph, mgb.gov.ph, pia.gov.ph, and those areas which have been highly Alburo said to the senior geologists essc.org.ph to allow free and quick access susceptible to landslides and flooding. team that they will also identify and locate as to the level of vulnerabilities.

This is a detailed geohazards mapping possible relocation sites in each barangay, The geohazard maps prepared by the using a 1:50,000-scale which gets city or municipality so that communities MGB would pinpoint which sitios are information or data at the sitio or “purok” could be moved to safer grounds. critically prone to landslides and flooding. level in a barangay, said Alburo.

Meanwhile, DENR-7 has already (FCR/HFG/PIA-7/DENR-7) About 30 barangays in Lapulapu city distributed 3,003 copies of geohazard

M

CENTRAL VISAYAS

5

Siquijor prov’l JSCC to meet for smooth, peaceful elections Panglao Island, Bohol

By Rizalie A. Calibo

SIQUIJOR, April 26 (PIA) -- In preparation for the upcoming May 13 elections, the Provincial Joint Security Control Center (PJSCC) held a command conference here recently to discuss the final preparation plan and other concerns with the different agencies involved to have a smooth and peaceful elections in the province.

O

verall preparations for the upcoming midterm elections have been very smooth so far, said lawyer Eliseo R.Z. B. Labaria, Provincial Election Supervisor III and PJSCC chair, in an earlier report.

The report said the office is implementing various measures to ensure a peaceful and successful elections.

The Comelec and the Philippine National Police (PNP) are conducting regular conferences and monitoring even though there are no election hotspots in

the province, previous provincial election supervisor Atty. Leondro Magusara earlier said.

The Comelec said teachers from the Department of Education (DepEd) with the provincial and municipal board of canvassers (PBOCs and MBOCs), election assistants and technicians are already in place with trainings being given.

PCOS machines are expected to arrive in Siquijor in the first week of May, also reported Police Supt. Teofilo Siclot Jr., Deputy Provincial Director for

Administration, during the Small and Medium Enterprise Development Council (SMEDC) Planning today April 25 in Siquijor.

He said the PNP is ready to dispatch personnel to secure the PCOS machines in 142 cluster precinct province-wide.

Siquijor province has a total of 64,804 voters. It has 142 clustered and 408 established precincts. (FCR/RACalibo/PIASiquijor w/ reports from I. Abatayo)

PHIC registered employers can now remit premiums online CEBU CITY, April 27 (PIA) -- The Philippine Health Insurance Corporation's (PhilHealth) registered employers can now remit their premiums online through the Bank of the Philippine Islands (BPI). ccording to PhilHealth, BPI offers Other establishments can remit Payers are advised to indicate the internet financial services to its employee premiums over-the-counter at complete name of the member or existing corporate clientele any PhilHealth office or at other business, the PhilHealth Identification through ExpressLink. accredited collecting banks.

Number (PIN) or PhilHealth Employer BPI is an accredited collecting agent of LBC branches, except those inside SM Number (PEN), the applicable payment PhilHealth so it accepts PhilHealth malls, and the Business Center of SM City period and the corresponding amount. premiums of employees through the Cebu also collect employer remittances For a complete list of accredited online facility. and the PhilHealth contribution of c o l l e c t i n g agents, visit However, members are advised that individually paying members for a minimal www.philhealth.gov.ph.# . (FCR/JSME/PIABPI only accepts PhilHealth premiums via service fee, whereas Bayad Centers accept Cebu/Philhealth) its ExpressLink and at present, only for premium payments from individually the remittances of employers. paying members only.

A

Tesda finds jobs for tech-voc grads in Negros Oriental

By Jennifer C. Tilos DUMAGUETE CITY, April 26 (PIA) -- Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (Tesda) director general Joel Villanueva said twenty-eight local and overseas companies participated in Wednesday’s jobs bridging program or jobs fair in Dumaguete City. esda’s jobs fair is a pre-Labor Day government units have already registered taking and computer trouble shooting had c e l e b r a t i o n t o p r o v i d e as mobile training classrooms where a been offered during the day. employment of n e w tech-voc course is conducted inside a bus.

Meanwhile, in support of the April 22 technical-vocational graduates in Negros The bus serves as the state-of the art International Earth Day celebration, Oriental. classroom with multi-media equipment, Dumaguete City held a coastal and Villanueva said Tesda helps graduates computers, chairs, and materials. waterways clean-up drive last April 27 find the right job after having a national The mobile learning center reaches along the city's coastal line. certificate on the tech-voc programs so out to youths who want to avail of free Dumaguete City Mayor Manuel that they will be productive and improve training so they can later get a job.

Sagarbarria had all city government offices their quality of life.

Tesda assists trainees find jobs or and employees as well as non-government Villanueva said with hundreds of become self-employed under the Tesda organizations and clubs join and support applicants looking for Tesda jobs bridging Specialista Technopreneurship Program the coastal clean-up to unclog water waste program, 86 applicants have already been after they graduate and have been materials and at the along seashores. hired-on-the-spot at Robinsons Place, assessed.

Environment and Natural Resources Dumaguete City .

During the jobs fair, PhilHealth, SSS, Officer-incharge Roy Lumjod said, the In the same occasion, Tesda NSO, and Pag-IBIG had also participated clean-up drive activity also covered the showcased its Mobile Training Classroom in to provide information on river banks. plus Park and Train program for public documentation services to the job The clean-up covered internal awareness of an alternative modality of applicants. waterways, rivers, creeks and streams and delivering quality-assured tech-voc A skills demonstration in cooking, the departments were clustered into programs to reach out far-flung bartending, computer hardware servicing, groups and assigned to a specific area. communities. garments and welding and free services in (mbcn/JCT-PIA 7, Negros Oriental) In Negros Oriental, 15 local massage, haircut, nail care, blood pressure

T

6

EASTERN VISAYAS

President Aquino bares construction of Maasin airport terminal building

By Marcelo M. Pedalino

San Vicente, Northern Samar

MAASIN CITY, Southern Leyte, April 27 (PIA) -- President Benigno S. Aquino III announced that this city’s airport located at barangay Panan-awan will soon have a terminal building, a project slated to start this coming June.

“

Pagdating po sa Hunyo sisimulan na ang pagtatayo ng passenger terminal building at pagpapaunlad sa ating Maasin airport,” President Aquino said at the Plaza Anatalio Gaviola here to the wild cheers of an admiring audience organizers estimated at around 10,000 people.

By the last quarter of last year, several national dailies had published bidding for the continuing development of Panan-awan airport for an extension of its runway and office building.

The project is under the Department of Transportation and Communications (DOTC), and has been eyed as a great boost to spur tourism in the province.

The President, accompanied by Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) Secretary Mar Roxas,

was in the city for a meeting with local leaders and the community where he received a very warm welcome upon arrival past 4 pm.

He was met by his party mates at the local level led by former Governor Rosette Lerias.

In his 30-minute speech, interrupted a dozen times by spontaneous cheers and applause, the President underscored the importance of tourism in generating income for the Filipino, saying one tourist arrival means job opportunity for the people.

Alongside the government’s thrust for tourism was the need for infrastructure development, which President Aquino acknowledged as already being done in the province.

“Kaliwa’t kanan natapos na rin natin ang kalsada,” the President stressed, citing in particular the newly-finished San Miguel-Buac bridge crossing the mighty Subangdaku river in Sogod, and the San Ricardo-Bil-atan circumferential road in Panaon island.

He also mentioned three ongoing tourism-related projects involving construction of roads leading to tourist sites.

These include the road to Danao Forest Park going to Maasin Zoo, the Cambaro road in Macrohon for a natural cave, and the Limasawa circumferential road. (PIA-Southern Leyte)

DOT, DPWH to open roads to tourist destinations in ESamar

By Samuel D. Candido BORONGAN CITY, Eastern Samar, April 26 (PIA) -- OIC-district engineer Ricardo D. Odita said that national agencies like the Department of Tourism (DOT) is tying up with the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) to come up with infrastructure projects beneficial to urban areas in terms of tourism and employment.

T

his is a dream of every local P100 million being implemented by the DPWH community that does not have the -8. capacity to finance such projects, said Meanwhile, during the meeting proper, Odita.

Karina Rosa S. Tiopes, regional director of DOT and the DPWH) Eastern Samar DOT-8 presented the revised Tourism Road District Engineering Office (DEO) held a Infrastructure Priority Project Criteria meeting recently in this city regarding this (TRIPPC). matter as well to find ways to alleviate poverty In her presentation, she emphasized the through infrastructure, tourism and importance of 5As which means: Access, employment projects.

Accommodation, Attraction, Activity, and Odita added that some of these projects Amenities. She also presented the list of had already started like the upgrading of access projects evaluated by the Regional Technical road in Brgy. Lalawigan, the jump-off point to Working Group (RTWG) using the TRIPPC. Brgy. Divinubo island with a total cost of P16 For Eastern Samar, there are four million. projects, namely, 1) the rehabilitation/improved Another is the upgrading of access road of 0.6 kilometers (km) access road leading to leading to the municipality of Maydolong's jump-off point of Ando Island (Brgy. Punta Closed Canopy Forest Area costing P50 Maria), including the access roads leading to million. travel destinations within the island and There is also the upgrading of Brgy. Installation of safety devices, signage and Sulangan-Guiuan road with an appropriation of lighting, Borongan City; 2) upgrading of access

road (gravel to paved) from National Highway to Minasangay Ecological Park, including box culvert and signage, Brgy. 1, Balangkayan, E. Samar; 3) upgrading of access road (gravel to paved) from National Highway to Amandaraga Falls, Brgy. Ginob-an, Lalawigan, E. Samar; and 4) installation of directional and cautionary signage leading to Balangiga Encounter Monument, Poblacion, Balangiga, E. Samar.

Tiopes further said that these projects will be endorsed by Working Group to the National Technical Working Group (DOT-DPWH) for review and final approval.

Twenty-four participants attended the said activity composed mostly of municipal planning & development officers, municipal engineers, Tito Codoy, mayor of Llorente, and Jaime Ty, mayor of Gen. Mac-Arthur, E. Samar.

These projects are in line with the social contract of the President with the people. (PIA -E. Samar)

Biliran to sell rice to other provinces

By Rodrigo S. Victoria NAVAL, Biliran, April 26 (PIA) -- A provincial agriculturist here said Biliran province will sell surplus rice to the provinces of Samar, Cebu and Masbate.

J

aime Casas said this during launching of the National Year of the Rice (NYR) in Biliran.

Casas said the province has sufficient rice supply in terms of consumption requirement of the Biliranons.

Data from the Department of Agriculture (DA) revealed that the province of Biliran attained more than 200 % rice sufficiency index

in 2011 and 147% rice sufficiency index in 2012.

He said the NYR will promote training of farmers on new practices and methods of rice production.

NYR will also help the Filipino consumers to become aware of responsible rice consumption to avoid wastage, Casas added.

Biliran province was one of the ten provinces in the country given by the Department of Agriculture the Rice Achievers Award in 2012 with cash incentive of P4 million which was used by the agriculture department of the province in the procurement of different farm implements to be used by Biliran farmers.

(PIA-Biliran)

EASTERN VISAYAS

Digyo Island, Inopacan, Leyte

7

MCC spokesperson exhorts communities to protect road

By Alicia E. Nicart

BORONGAN CITY, EASTERN SAMAR, April 28 (PIA) -- A Millennium Challenge Corporation (MCC) official urged Samar folks to protect the gift given them by the American people which involves billions of pesos in funds -- the 222-km. road and 62 bridges.

In the long term, we want “Bigay po ito ng Amerika, kaya Yet Guiuan town is frequented by communities to maintain and protect tulong-tulong tayong alagaan ang kalsada both local and frequented tourists because the road,” Ms. Ma. Victoria ninyo. of the several tourists spots found in the Anonuevo, MMC spokesperson, said Kung my pagkakamali naman po kami area added to their abundant marine during the Project Implementation sa pagpapatupad ng proyektong ito, products.

Review (PIR) held with the project pag-usapan po natin, at ating tingnan kung Further, with the MCC road project, stakeholders. papaano ito mareresolba, but we assure there will also be an improved profitability Eastern Samarenos have long been in you that we will finish the project in time, and marketability of goods, improved wanting for more convenient land trips to according to its vision, mission and core access to social services, improve road and from the province, through an values”, she stressed. safety and enhanced preservation activities asphalted or concreted road and the MCC It is believed that once finished, the of the Samar Island Natural Park, which is road project, is certainly a realization of 222-km. asphalted and concreted road a protected forest reserve of the what previously seemed to be a from Buray (Western Samar) to Guiuan, province. far-fetched dream.

Eastern Samar will surely improve the Ms. Anonuevo hinted that MCC Anonuevo said the MMC remains quality of life of the people in this coastal adopts gender equality, hiring both sexes committed to finishing the project but province. for employment that is, but at the same they need the public to help.

Primarily, it will save time and lower time, she also stressed that they have zero That is why, she said, DPWH is hiring transportation cost. tolerance against trafficking in persons. in the near future, some members of At present, the Buray to Guiuan land She informed, that should there be communities who will be referred to as trip could take some six to seven hours observations of human trafficking within “Bantay Lansangan”. bumpy ride due to several rough portions the project, same must be told them They will watch over the road and potholes. immediately. (PIA-Eastern Samar) maintenance, she added.

“

No wage adjustment yet in Eastern Visayas, RTWPB says TACLOBAN CITY, Leyte, May 1 (PIA) -- The salaries of the employees in the private sector in Eastern Visayas remain as is.

M

r. Florencio Aguilos, Board Secretary of Regional Tripartite Wages and Productivity Board or RTWPB in the region said that this is because no petitions yet have been filed until today for any wage adjustment in the region.

Aside from this, according to him, the latest wage order is only six months old which

took effect last October 16, 2012.

Aguilos said that under the law any new wage adjustment can only be effected after a year from the time the last wage order was implemented.

However, he said, if there is a sudden phenomenon for a period of three months that warrants any wage adjustment like increase of

prices of prime commodities and others, the RTWPB in the region is willing to study and open for any possibilities.

Presently, the employees in the private sector in the region is receiving at least P260 a day minimum wage. (Consuelo B. Alarcon/PIA8)

East Visayas examinee ranks top 6 in the OWWA-EDSP exams TACLOBAN CITY, Leyte, April 29 (PIA) -- A young Eastern Visayas lass ranked top 6 in the latest Overseas Workers Welfare Administration (OWWA) Education for Development Scholarship Program.

O

WWA Region 8 Director Norma del Rosario identified the successful examinee as Rannikka Ann S. Mondoñedo, a daughter of a seafarer OFW and a student of the Philippine Science High School – Eastern Visayas Campus.

Director del Rosario disclosed that aside from Mondonedo¸ a lad who is also from Tacloban City also successfully passed the qualifying exam. He is Earl Antonell P. Doctolero, a brother of an OFW working in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and a student of the Eastern Visayas State University High School.

Mondoñedo will pursue a bachelor’s degree in Clothing Technology in UP Diliman, while Doctolero chose to take up Bachelor of Science in Tourism, Hotel and Restaurant Management at the Leyte Normal University.

Both scholars will be signing a

memorandum of agreement with the OWWA later this month, Director del Rosario said.

As EDSP scholars, the two young Taclobanons will receive from OWWA a P60,000 financial assistance per school year for a four or five-year baccalaureate degree course in any college or university of his/her choice.

The tuition fee of the scholar is directly paid by the OWWA to the college or university while the remaining amount is given to the scholar upon submission of grades at the end of each semester.

As announced by OWWA Administrator Carmelita S. Dimzon, for School Year 2013-2014, no less than 105 Top Examinees out of the 4,506 qualified dependents of OWWA members who took the exam, were selected.

Administrator Dimzon said that the program is a way to empower the youth.

OWWA believes that education is the leverage between the rich and the poor.

These scholars should serve as an inspiration to other OFW children whose ultimate goal is not only to help their parents, but make them proud of their achievements, the OWWA Administrator said.

Every year, the DOST-SEI simultaneously conducts the EDSP qualifying exam in Manila, Batangas, Pangasinan, Cavite, Davao City, Laguna, NCR, Iligan City, Tagbiliran City, Naga City, Iligan City, Negros Occidental, Butuan City, Bataan. The same examination is also administered in Riyadh and Jeddah, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, and the State of Bahrain.

Qualified applicants for the EDSP are sons and daughters of active OWWA members.

Siblings not older than 21 years old of unmarried OWWA members may also apply for the said scholarship. (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