One Visayas e-Newsletter Vol 3 Issue 19

Vol 3

Issue 19

In this Issue WESTERN VISAYAS

Erna Malinao, (left) acting division chief, Public Relations Division of COMELEC-Manila airs her observation about Antique province’s readiness for the conduct of the May 13 midterm elections over local radio station DYKA. With Malinao are (from left) Comelec Antique Provincial Election Supervisor Ian Lee M. Ananoria; PIA-Antique Infocen Manager Margie L. Gadian; Randy Londres of DYKA; Pio Evangelio of PPCRV-Antique and the program’s host Toy Montaño. (TVillavert/ PIA 6)

More on Region 6, pages 2-3.

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CENTRAL VISAYAS

May 6 - 12, 2013

Published by: PIA 6, 7 & 8

1,000 women complete entrepreneurship training

By Easter Anne D. Doza NEGROS OCCIDENTAL, May 9 (PIA) -- About 1,000 women sari-sari store entrepreneurs in the cities of Bacolod, Bago and Talisay, this province will be awarded their Certificates of Training on Gender-Responsive Entrepreneurship by top officials of Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (Tesda) and Coca-Cola Philippines.

TESDA Sec. Joel Villanueva and Atty. Adel A. Tamano will lead the awarding, today, May 9, at 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Bago City Coliseum.

The women-scholars underwent a 12-week training using the enhanced Entrepreneurship Training Curriculum specifically designed to be sensitive to the needs of women entrepreneurs, who are at the same time attending to household or family responsibilities.

Modules focused on Gender Sensitivity and Entrepreneurial Leadership Skills, Micro-business management and records keeping, Marketing, Merchandising and Accessing Resources.

Dubbed as the Sari-sari Store Training and Access to Resources or S3TAR Program of Tesda and Coca-Cola, Philippines, these women-scholars were fully assisted through the provision of individual workbooks, handbooks, calculators and other supplies with the half-day sessions conducted in community centers or halls nearest their residences.

The next stage of the program will focus on expanding the women’s access to resources from both public and private organizations.

Trainer Teams were provided by S3TAR Program partner organizations in the province namely: Negros

Economic Development Foundation, Negros Women for Tomorrow and Lasaltech-Bacolod.

The S3TAR trainers themselves underwent a series of training on Gender Responsiveness and Entrepreneurship developed by the Tesda Women’s Center–Manila, Coca-Cola Live Positively and International Labor Organization (ILO).

Tesda Provincial Director Lorena Yunque said, it is amazing to observe how the training program actually boosted the women-trainee’s confidence and motivate them to aspire for bigger dreams, starting with their sari-sari stores. (JCM/EAD-PIA6/TESDA Negros Occidental)

Atty. Adel A. Tamano, Vice President for Public Affairs and Communication, Coca Cola Philippines motions to the 1,000 women graduates of the Sari-sari Store Training and Access to Resources Program referring to them as “empowered women” while Technical Education and Skills Development Authority OIC-Regional Director Yolanda Porschwitz (left, seated) and other Coke executives look on.*(EAD-PIA6 photo)

DOE says true data on power projections to lure power investors

BEIs, poll watchers and PCOS machine technicians checking the official ballot (left photo) being fed to the PCOS machine. A total of 22 PCOS machines were delivered at the Lahug Elementary School for final testing and sealing. (VVV/PIA Cebu)

More on Region 7, pages 4-5.

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EASTERN VISAYAS

By Fayette C. Riñen CEBU CITY (PIA) -- Energy Sec. Carlos Jericho Petilla said an accurate demand forecast of power needs is important in making the right projections to attract power investors into the country.

Petilla said the energy department is trying to work on ensuring that right information on current power supply and power needs is available to be able to project a proper forecast of power demand in the following years.

“Like for example, for every one percent of GDP (Gross Domestic Product) growth, there is a .8 percent hike in power demand. This is based on the five years growth of electric demand,” said Petilla to over 100 power stakeholders in Regions 6, 7 and 8.

Petilla further said the country’s credit upgrade by Fitch and the positive assessment of Standards and Poor’s which could earn the Philippines another investment grade rating soon would boost the country’s image as an investment haven.

The energy chief urged electric cooperatives and power distribution utilities to coordinate closely with local chief executives and the different business chambers in

order to get the proper data on current power supply and projecting succeeding power demand.

Except for Mindanao, Luzon and Visayas next year will be operating on existing capacity while in 2018, the power needs is still on existing capacity but now with committed capacities meaning, there are already sure power projects in the pipeline, this is said.

Petilla cited the essence of proper forecasting in coal-fired power plants saying “no power investor would like to invest now (in Visayas and Luzon ) because there is still excess power supply until 2018.”

Coal fired power plants are the fastest and cheapest to build from two to four years time and if investors put up a plant now, then there would be no buyers in 2017, he added.

Petilla said one challenge for investments in power generation is the uncertainties in the demand forecast “which we are trying to address now”.

The Department of Energy website on the other hand, is continuously being updated to apprise the public on the latest information where transparency on related power issues and concerns are made available. (PIA7)

Tacloban fishport nears completion Job seekers look to a better future as they wait for their turn to be interviewed by their employers during the jobs fair in connection with the 111th Labor Day celebration held at the Tacloban City Convention Center, May 1.

(Vino R. Cuayzon)

More on Region 8, pages 6-7.

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TACLOBAN CITY, Leyte, May 7 (PIA) --The Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR) in Eastern Visayas hopes to finish this year the P44.3-million Tacloban Fishport Project here.

In a recent interview during the Suruswerte ha PIA, Regional Director Juan Albaladejo of the Bureau of Fisheries and Acquatic Resources (BFAR) said the construction of the multi-million-peso project is ongoing and is expected to be completed before the year ends.

The new fishport will serve as an area for unloading and marketing of marine products both for local and international markets, harbor operations which include maintenance and repair of fishing vessels, processing and refrigeration activities.

It was learned that the new fishport has a total land area of 9, 800 square meters located at the shoreline of Brgy. 37 Reclamation Area Tacloban City.

Albaladejo stressed that once the project is completed, it will attract more investors in the fish industry especially in canning operation, and in turn, will boost the economy not only in Tacloban City and the Province of Leyte but in the whole country as well.

It will be recalled that the construction of the fishport was deferred for almost two years when the Philippine Fishery Development Authority (PFDA) sought the court’s opinion attesting the legal ownership of the city on the affected site. (Consuelo B. Alarcon/PIA-8)

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WESTERN VISAYAS

WVisayas voters up by 2.9 percent Isla Naburot, Sinapsapan, Jordan, Guimaras

By Lilibeth A. French

ILOILO CITY, May 9 (PIA6) -- Western Visayas voters have increased by 2.9 percent, according to the data released by the National Statistical Coordination Board 6 recently.

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he NSCB 6 data based on the off-site verification conducted by the Election and Barangay Affairs Department of the Commission on Election indicated that voters in Western Visayas increased from 3,936, 639 in January 2010 to 4,049, 641 as of December 9, 2012, up by 113,002.

Among the six provinces of the region, Negros Occidental has the most registered voters with 1,574,784, next is Iloilo with 1,270,100, Capiz with 457,379,

Aklan with 328, 642, Antique with 318, 214, and Guimaras with 100, 521.

The same data showed that the rate of registered voters increased in all the six provinces in December 2012 with the province of Antique posting the highest rate of 10.4 percent.

Guimaras has also recorded a high increase rate with 7.2 percent, followed

by Capiz with 6.4 percent, and Aklan 4.0 percent. These three provinces and Antique have posted a faster rate higher

than the regional figure of 2.9 percent as shown by the NSCB data.

The provinces of Iloilo and Negros Occidental recorded a rate of increase of only 1.0 percent and 1.5 percent.

COMELEC Region 6 said that there are 3,488 voting centers and 6, 465 total number of clustered or group precincts this coming May 13 local and national elections in the region. (JCM/LAF/PIA6)

GSIS extends scholarship application deadline

By Jemin B. Guillermo ROXAS CITY, Capiz, May 8 (PIA) -- Members of the Government Service Insurance System has still a month more to apply for the agency’s scholarship program.

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his after GSIS President and General Manager Robert Vergara said in an online news that the deadline for filing of application for the scholarship program of the Government Service Insurance System (GSIS) is extended until May 31, 2013.

Capiz GSIS Manager Glorietta Dublas disclosed that Vergara has granted the extension of the deadline for the filing of application for the scholarship grant to give more time to qualified GSIS members to prepare the needed requirements for the program.

She said that 16 scholarship slots are available for Region 6 that will give the opportunity to children of qualified low-income GSIS members to pursue their college education.

Dublas revealed that nationwide, a total of 200 slots are available for academic year 2013-2014.

Last school year, four scholarship slots were availed by children of Capiceño GSIS members instead of the two slots allotted for Capiz, she said.

She explained that the GSIS College Scholarship Program (GSP) seeks to help

GSIS members, especially those with the lowest annual basic salary in the government pay scale, to send their children to colleges and universities that provide quality education.

Under the program, active and regular GSIS members with a salary grade of 24 or below, or its equivalent job level, are qualified to join the program if they have at least three (3) years of government service and have up-to-date premium payments for the last six (6) months. (JCM/JBG/PIA6-Capiz)

BIR reminds bets to issue receipts for donations received

By Venus G. Villanueva KALIBO, Aklan, May 9 (PIA6) -- Candidates running in the May 13, 2013 local and national elections are now required to issue official receipts for every donation they receive, according to the Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR) here.

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his requirement was shared by Atty. Vicente Tady, OIC Asst.

Revenue District Officer of BIR-Aklan, during the recent meeting of the Aklan Public Information Officers Association (APIOA) held at the DOST-Provincial Science Technology Center, Provincial Capitol, Kalibo, Aklan.

Atty. Tady said after filing their Certificates of Candidacies (COCs), candidates should register with the BIR, in keeping with Revenue Memorandum Circular No. 15-2013 that implements pertinent provisions of Resolution No. 9476 issued by the Commission on Elections (COMELEC) on June 2012.

Based on COMELEC resolution rules and regulations governing campaign finance and disclosure, besides issuing receipts, candidates are also required to

keep detailed, full and accurate records of all contributions received and expenditures incurred by him and by those acting under his authority, and be responsible for the preservation of the r e c o r d s o f c o n t r i b u t i o n s an d expenditures, together with all pertinent documents for at least 3 years after the holding of the elections.

“If the candidates have no printed official receipts, they could buy from our office BIR-printed Non-VAT official receipts for P100.00 per stub”, Atty. Tady said.

Atty. Tady also said that should donations be in kind, the candidates should estimate the cost and reflect this in the receipt to be issued to the donor. All unissued receipts after the elections

should then be surrendered or returned to the BIR, Atty. Tady said.

Besides Atty. Tady of BIR-Aklan, the COMELEC Provincial Office, through Roman SJ Sitjar, and the Civil Service Commission (CSC) Field Office through Ferdinand Macogue, Administrative Officer, also took turns in briefing the province’ information officers on the status of preparations for the May 13, 2013 local and national elections, revisiting the functions of the Precinct Count Optical Scanner (PCOS) machines; and in warning government officials and employees from engaging in partisan political activities which could cause their dismissal from government service and suffer other punishments. (JCM/VGV PIA6 Aklan)

WESTERN VISAYAS

Isla Higantes, Carles, Iloilo

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Ombudsman clearance for retirees out in 20 -30 days

By Jaime S. Cabag, Jr.

ILOILO CITY, May 7 (PIA) -- The Office of the Ombudsman in the Visayas – Region 6 has set a period of 20-30 days wherein a clearance requested by a retiring government employee would be released.

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his is to give the Ombudsman’s office ample time to process the increasing number of applications for clearance filed by government employees.

The increasing number of applications has been brought about by the new requirement under Circular No. 2013-001 of the Commission on Audit (COA) dated January 10, 2013.

The clearance is known as the “Certificate from Office of the Ombudsman" indicating whether or not the retiree has a pending criminal or administrative case”.

Ombudsman-Visayas 6 Public Information Officer, Graft Investigation Officer Evangeline Nunal said that since March 2013, their office has been receiving an unusual increase in the number of applications for clearance with pending applications at more than 9,500 as of April 19.

The Ombudsman Visayas 6 said they understand the urgency of the need of applicants and are exerting their best effort to cope with the condition.

They also advised government workers to file their application for Ombudsman clearance six months before

retirement date. Application forms can be downloaded at the Ombudsman website www.ombudsman.gov.ph.

COA Circular No. 2013-001 amended the Commission’s previous Circular No. 2012-001 by requiring government retirees to now secure and submit the clearance or certificate.

It will be recalled that due to the COA circular, the Government Service Insurance System (GSIS) is also requiring retiring government workers to submit a clearance certificate from the Office of the Ombudsman. (OMB/JCM/JSC-PIA6)

Antique PPCRV assures all set for May 13 elections

By Pilar S. Mabaquiao SAN JOSE, Antique, May 9 (PIA) -- The Parish Pastoral Council for Responsible Voting (PPCRV) of the Diocese of San Jose de Antique is all set for May 13, 2013 elections.

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io Evangelio, lay leader of PPCRV -Antique speaking on behalf of Fr. Joey Escote, Clergy coordinator said that PPCRV was organized in all parishes provincewide undertaking various activities for the upcoming election.

PPCRV committed to put up voters assistance desks in all parishes on election day which will be run by volunteers themselves.

There are volunteers that can assist persons with disabilities while others have been involved in voter’s education which have started some few months back, said Evangelio.

So far, most of the volunteers comprise of youth, the source stated.

However, Evangelio disclosed the need for more volunteers for poll watching.

"We are expecting to send poll watchers to about 80 percent of the 672 polling precincts," he said.

For those in remote islands and far flung areas, elections returns (ER) will be gathered at the parish level, he added.

On recruitment of volunteers as poll watchers, Evangelio said that PPCRV is strictly implementing the following guidelines, she/he must have no relative running for any elective position and not openly campaigning for a certain candidate to maintain neutrality and integrity of the process.

As to tabulation of election result, Susie Nermal, PPCRV secretariat said they have enough volunteers at the provincial level to consolidate election returns.

However, the 4th copy of the eight copies ER designated for PPCRV will be sent to PPCRV Central Office in Manila.

PPCRV again banked on the support of the Barangay Pastoral Council and other religious groups in this endeavor, just like what they did in the previous elections to attain a safe and free election, Nermal concluded.

Bishop Jose Romeo Lazo is this election’s PPCRV Chairman. (JCM/PSM/ PIA6Antique)

PNP: Polls in Iloilo secure with over 1,000 policemen

By Elsa S. Subong ILOILO, May 6 (PIA6) -- Over a thousand additional policemen will be deployed in the province of Iloilo to help keep the May 13 elections safe and peaceful, according to the Iloilo Provincial Police Office (IPPO).

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PPO Director Gil Lebin said during the Joint Peace Security Coordinating Center meeting that 150 will come from the Iloilo City Police Office, while the Philippine Army in the province will also provide assistance.

Lebin said that although all towns will be carefully watched, priority of deployment will be the election hot spots and the far flung areas.

“We have identified 13 hot spots in the province, which include the towns of Maasin, Alimodian, Miagao, Calinog, San Enrique, Lemery, San Dionisio, Estancia,

Sara and Concepcion, Tubungan, Leon, and Passi City,” Lebin said.

Police Regional Office-6 Director Chief Supt. Agrimero Cruz said the police will be in the forefront of protecting polling areas, serving as perimeter security.

Aside from protecting the Board of Election Inspectors the police will also be securing the Precinct Count Optical Scan Machines.

On the other hand, Director Lebin said the IPPO has already put in place some contingency measures to address

difficulty in mobility of voters to and from voting centers, should it occur.

As to vote buying, Lebin said, the police can make apprehensions only when evidence warrants and there are witnesses available which are very important in the case.

He added that the police is also ready for the possible activation of private armies and had asked the people to report immediately if they have information on its existence. (JCM/ESS/PIA-Iloilo)

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CENTRAL VISAYAS

RDC-7 accepts PSR nominations Bantayan Island, Cebu

By Jennifer C. Tilos

DUMAGUETE CITY, May 6 (PIA) -- The Regional Development Council (RDC) in Central Visayas, through the Provincial Planning and Development Office of the provinces of Cebu, Bohol, Negros Oriental and Siquijor, is now accepting applications for private sector organizations to qualify for the nominations as private sector representative to the RDC-7. eadline of submission of the PSO selected based on Internal Rules and participate in the selection of PSRs to the general information is on May 15.

Regulations of Executive Order 325 RDC, they must have legal personality meaning The RDC is the highest policy reorganizing RDCs, to represent private sector duly registered with the Securities and making body in Central Visayas . It serves as in the RDC. Exchange Commission and have conducted the counterpart of National NEDA Board.

PSOs, on the other hand, refer to socio-economic activities for at least three The PSRs comprise one-fourth of the organizations created or formed by private years from date of registration in the region. members of the fully-constituted RDC. persons for the purpose of socio-economic The PSO must be a Filipino organization.

Region 7 will have 14 PSRs selected from development, rendering service or providing For confirmed PSR, under section 14 EO the four provinces using the RDC approved assistance to the public which include among 325 the term of office of RDC chairman, formula of 50 percent for population, 20 others business organizations, non government co-chair and PSRs is at three years to coincide percent land area, and 30 percent for equal organizations, people’s organizations, industry with the regular term of elected officials. sharing with the following allocation: 2 for associations, religious organizations, cultural However, only PSRs undergo a selection Siquijor; 3 for Negros Oriental; Bohol, 3; and 6 associations, professional associations, civic process, as the rest of the RDC members are for Cebu. clubs and cooperatives. virtue of their positions, ex-officio members of PSRs refer to qualified natural persons, For PSOs to qualify and to be able to the RDC. (mbcn/JCT/PIA7-Negros Oriental)

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Bohol kicks off Ocean Month celebration

By Elvira C. Bongosia TAGBILARAN CITY, Bohol, May 6 (PIA) -- The Provincial Government of Bohol, in coordination with the member agencies of the Bohol Coastal Resource Management Task Force (BCRMTF), led the Boholano community in celebrating the month of May as Month of the Ocean. The celebration is pursuant to Presidential Proclamation No. 57 issued in 1999. he month-long celebration here candidates for city vice-mayors and city National Police-Bohol Provincial Police Office kicked off last May 2 with a councilors did not push through due to the (PNP-BPPO), Philippine Information Agency motorcade participated in by all absence of the invited guests.

(PIA), Philippine Coast Guard-Bohol member agencies of the BCRMTF to heighten Staff and employees of the BCRMTF (PCG-Bohol), 703rd Philippine Maritime awareness of the annual observance. member agencies also joined the coastal Group, Philippine Ports Authority (PPA) and The motorcade started at 1 p.m. at the clean-up at the Tagbilaran City Tourism Port Agricultural Training Institute (ATI).

Tagbilaran City Tourism Port passing by Area.

The Bohol Environment Management Gallares Street then to Plaza Rizal to CPG On May 29, a mangrove planting is Office (BEMO), Office of the Provincial North Avenue and ended at Bohol Cultural scheduled at 6:00 in the morning at Barangay Agriculturist (PAO) and the Provincial Health Center .

Guiwanon, Maribojoc.

Office (PHO) of the Provincial Government A grand opening program followed right This year’s celebration of Ocean Month are also members of the Task Force. after the motorcade where a conduct of an carries the theme “Ang Bahura ay Kagubatan sa While non-government organization information, education and communication Karagatan, Ating Pangalagaan” (The Coral members included the Bohol Alliance of (IEC) campaign on Solid Waste Management Reefs are the Forests in the Seas, Lets Protect Non-Government Organization (BANGON), was done by BCRMTF Chair and Provincial Them).

Environmental Legal Assistance Center Environment and Natural Resources Officer The national government member (ELAC-Bohol), Bohol Integrated Development OIC Nestor Canda. agencies of the Task Force included the Foundation (BIDEF), FCB Foundation, A scheduled “Talaktakan para sa Department of Environment and Natural PADAYON BMTMCI, Ecofish Project, Kalikasan” or a Candidates Forum that would Resources (DENR), Bureau of Fisheries and PADAYON BMTMCI, Path Foundation, tackle current environmental issues that Aquatic Resources (BFAR), Department of PROCESS-Bohol, MAKAMASA-Bohol, CCEF surfaced particularly in the City of Tagbilaran Education (DepEd), Department of Interior and MBEMO. (FCR/ECB/PIA7-Bohol) supposedly to be participated by all running and Local Government (DILG), Philippine

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Cebu rice farmers receive insurance from DA CEBU CITY , May 4 (PIA) -- More than 300 rice farmers in Cebu recently received insurance coverage from the Department of Agriculture (DA) 7.

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uring the launching of the International Year of Rice, 331 rice farmers from all over the province of Cebu received Certificates of Insurance Cover (CICs) and Accident Dismemberment Scheme Cards.

Angel Enriquez, DA Regional Field Unit (RFU-7) Officer-in-Charge said the insurance covers death and dismemberment of both the farmer and the insured animal or crops.

The farmer-beneficiaries were from the different towns in the south, mostly from the second district of Cebu where majority of the rice lands are located.

Carcar City from the First District has 121 farmer-recipients covering 65.85 hectares.

It has the most number of rice lands from

the seven other municipalities covered which are in the 2nd district.

In the town of Barili with 35.7 hectares of rice lands, 74 farmers received insurance coverage while 55 farmers benefited from Moalboal town with 29.8 hectares of rice lands;Dalaguete town has 22 farmer-recipients covering 13.2 hectares; Argao with 29 farmers covering 7.5 hectares; Dumanjug with 6.8 hectares has eight farmer-beneficiaries and Asturias with 19 farmer-recipients covering 2.3 hectares.

The town of Alcantara with .076 hectare has only three farmer-beneficiaries.

Enriquez expressed hopes that more farmers will be covered with insurance now that there is already an assurance of a strong

coordination between DA and the Province of Cebu .

Cebu Acting Governor Agnes Magpale assured DA they will work for a larger budget for the department.

Very recently, the Provincial Government got back as consultant, Dr. Romulo Davide, a Ramon Magsaysay Awardee for his farming innovations.

Davide started and institutionalized the Farmer Scientists Training Program (FSTP) which was halted in 2011 for alleged political reasons.

Cebu province is currently 2.65 rice sufficient, producing 3.21 metric tons per hectare for its close to four million population.

(FCR/FCC/PIA7)

CENTRAL VISAYAS

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Siquijor now ready for elections - Comelec, PNP Panglao Island, Bohol

By Rizalie A. Calibo

SIQUIJOR (PIA) -- With preparations now in place, Siquijor is ready for elections, according to local offices of the Commission on Elections (Comelec) and the Philippine National Police (PNP).

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n a Provincial Joint Security Control Center (PJSCR) command conference meeting Friday afternoon, election supervisor Atty. Eliseo R.Z. B. Labaria said preparations have already been set according to the election timeline with the security, logistics, and personnel in place.

Trainings for personnel involved in the election process have also been completed and "we are only waiting for the final day for the implementation of our plans," he said.

Security preparations and deployment before, during, and after elections are sufficient, said Police Senior Superintendent Primitivo Tabujara Jr. “We are ready for any activity that concerns about security of this province,” he said while presenting PNP's complete deployment plan with assigned personnel and contact numbers in each

polling center in the six municipalities.

The province has been placed under the Election Watchlist by the Regional Intelligence Division (RID) -7, a Philippine National Police (PNP) report said.

He said the office will be deploying two personnel per polling center following their request for augmentation from Police Regional Office 7 to meet the minimum requirements.

The office, according to its presentation, has an actual total strength of 195 personnel.

Fourteen of these are Police Commissioned Officers (PCOs).

Police Non-Commisioned Officers (PNCOs) total to 181, of which 139 are male and 42 females.

The current strength of PCOs is at 58% compliance while the PNCO is 94.7% compliance or

an over-all compliance of 84%, according to the PNP report in its presentation deployment plan briefing.

Tabujara assured the people of Siquijor that PNP is ready to address any untoward incidents.

Meanwhile, the province is now getting a stable power supply with three new generating machines and five more coming in mid-May. Province of Siquijor Electric Cooperative Inc. (PROSIELCO) General Manager Laureen Malolot assured there is enough power supply for the load requirement in Siquijor during elections. ”If all generating machines function normally, we have an excess of 300 kw for the island,” she said during the recent Provincial Joint Security Control Center (PJSCC) Command conference. (rmn/ RACalibo/PIA-Siquijor)

Dumaguete Labor Day Jobs Fair has 34 HOTS

By Jennifer C. Tilos DUMAGUETE CITY (PIA) – Thirty-four applicants in the Labor Day Jobs Fair held recently in this city were hired on the spot (HOTS) – 30 for local employment and 4 for work overseas.

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ore than 20 local and overseas companies participated in the Labor Day Jobs Fair that was led by the Tripartite Industrial Peace Council (TIPC) of Negros Oriental and attracted over 2,000 job seekers at the Robinson's Place - Dumaguete attracting over 2,000 job seekers.

Of the total number of job applicants, around 1,379 were registered with complete documents as other applicants lacked the needed credentials.

Anchored on the theme “Manggagawang Pilipino: Handa sa Hamon ng Makabangong Panahon”, the event was co-sponsored by Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE), local government and non-government sectors.

The local companies that participated in the jobs fair included Rush Cash Lending Corporation, Robinson’s Retail Group, Qualfon Dumaguete, SPI Global, Teletech, Copylandia, Alano & Son’s Credit Corporation, ASA Philippines, Pick and Carry, Sans Rival Food, Inc., Royhle Flight Training Academy, SYL Hermanos Trade, Inc., Lancera BPO Philippines, Inc., Philam Life, and Camella Homes.

While for agencies that were open for recruitment

abroad included Jenerick International Manpower, Inc., MIP International Manpower Services, FVJ Overseas Placement, Inc., East West Placement, Inc., Pisces International Placement, United Global Manpower Resources, Inc., YWA Human Resources Corporation, Camox Philippines, Inc., Lees United Corporation, Ruru Global Recruitment Services, Inc., and the ASC Glocal Recruitment.

Jobs open for recruitment abroad by overseas agencies were welders, factory workers, pipefitters, heavy equipment laborers, skilled helpers, waiters, waitresses, electricians, construction workers, foremen, cleaners, nurses, supervisors, mechanics, steel fabricators, laborers, grinders, riggers, drivers, crane operators, and steel fixers.

Similarly, local establishments looked for loan officers, branch managers, bookkeepers, collectors, customer service representatives, copy editors, waiters, waitresses, service crew, cold fusion developers, office staff, IT project managers, a company driver, technical support engineers, a restaurant supervisor, and a cashier.

Still in Dumaguete City, the Government Service Insurance System (GSIS)-Dumaguete branch launched its

service desk in Siquijor, Siquijor on April 26 as its highlight of its 39th anniversary celebration on April 29.

Mayor Richard Quezon, GSIS Sr. Vice President for Visayas and Mindanao Dionisio C. Ebdane Jr. and GSIS branch manager Mercedes Enriquez led the launching of GSIS service desk in Siquijor and was attended by various heads of local and national agencies and representatives from GOCCs, SUCs and DepEd in Siquijor.

The GSIS service desk is a replication of the agency’s front line service unit that aims to assist members in Siquijor to avail of its various services and products such as; release of checks covering proceeds of claims and refunds; release of UMID Cards; updates of previously received requests/ applications.

The GSIS service desk will also entertain walk/in membership concerns and accept various applications for retirement, life, over the counter loan applications and Members Request Forms (MRF). (mbcn/FCR/JCT/with reports from CAA & LPP/Pia7-Negros Oriental)

Bohol welcomes tourists at new Bohol Tourism Complex

By Rey Anthony H. Chiu TAGBILARAN CITY, Bohol (PIA) -- A fenced complex, neatly tucked along the city’s main thoroughfare, yet inconspicuous for its distance from the buzz of traffic, is now fast becoming a tourism centerpiece for city tours.

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he complex, topped by a 1920 structure which was later rebuilt to reflect the renewed political climate in 1965, also includes at least three more buildings that broadcast to tourists of Bohol ’s development priorities in the present administration.

The new Bohol Tourism Complex is a visible sign of Bohol’s eco-cultural tourism centerpiece for development program and puts tourists into a better understanding of Bohol development priorities in its effort to oust its people from poverty, explained Cristopher Boncales, Bohol employee at the Tourism Office and one of Bohol ’s respected tour guides.

Governor Edgar Chatto also urged tour guide members of Kahugpungan sa mga Bol-anong Tour Guides (KABOG) Inc. to include Bohol Tourism Complex in their tours, which has been retrofitted to bring back its grandeur as a residence of past governors.

Chatto inducted the new officers and members of the board of the KaBoG Tuesday at the main hall of the Mansion, the complex’s centerpiece heritage structure.

The complex features the Governors’ Mansion, the official city residence of the governor, which was built in the 1920’s as a dormitory for girls from out of the city and nearby towns as they attended Bohol Provincial High School .

During the incumbency of then Governor Carlos P. Garcia, who hails from Talibon town, the building was transformed into his unofficial city residence, which also marks the year when the building was embellished to suit into the stature of the residing official.

It was then called the Governor’s Mansion, in consideration of Garcia, a name which will stick until after

the EDSA Revolution.

During the war, officers of the Japanese Imperial Army used it as their billeting quarters, according to a printed profile of the Governor’s Mansion.

This could be the reason why some people affix a negative connotation on the building, making the succeeding governors distance themselves from the care and upkeep of the building, according to a neighbor who added that a certain derision against the Japanese army came out naturally from peace loving Boholanos then.

Years of neglect and cursory fixes later, the building underwent major face-lifting by a local architect in the administration of Governor Lino Chatto, recalls historian Marianito Luspo.

Architect Venerando Dumadag transformed the structure into the now stately mini-Malacanang of Bohol, complete with well manicured lawns and lit-up fountains.

In the late 1980’s, the Governor’s Mansion was renamed People’s Mansion, a name it retained until recently.

The ascent of Gov. Edgar Chatto to power also marked a new season for the People’s Mansion.

The administration saw the potential of the Mansion to be a showcase of Bohol ’s eco-cultural tourism destination and centerpiece programs of the administration.

Recently, the government refurbished the historic facility, which now can be claimed as reflective of the cultural heritage of Bohol, Boncales pointed out.

To complete the tourist allure, Bohol also housed within the complex the Telephone and Radio System Integrated Emergency Response 117 which links and coordinates local rescue and response units through its communications unit, emergency medical unit and rescue

and retrieval teams in the event of emergency and disaster.

Also inside the complex is the Bayanihan Coordinating Unit, which mainstreams the synergy, cooperation and collaboration and teamwork for the sustainable development of the Boholano.

Among the Bayanihan Coordinating Unit’s flagship programs is forging partnerships in education especially in classroom building construction, provision of teaching equipment and school supplies to raise the quality of education and private sector participation.

Among the complex’s features is a Bahay Kubo and vegetable garden showcase.

The garden is a demonstration farm which eloquently states the Bohol agricultural development and food sufficiency plan with its Food Always in the Home (FAITH), herbal and Organic Plants Enhancements (HOPE) and Chicken Always Raised in the Yard (CHARITY) slogans.

Another key service, the Bohol Tourism Office sits at a nook in the complex.

Now located inside a single stop, the place, called Bohol Tourism Complex poses itself as a veritable first stop for guests coming into the province especially that the Department of Tourism set up Bohol as a “Tourism learning center,” a brochure from the complex said.

On this, Governor Chatto said the complex will be open and will accommodate guests in the Tabilaran City Tour Package.

The complex will support functional linkages with other key stakeholders of the tourism industry for the promotion and tourism advancement in Bohol , Chatto told the tour guides. (rmn/RAHC/PIA Bohol )

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EASTERN VISAYAS

Biliran police ready for May 13 elections San Vicente, Northern Samar

By Rodrigo S. Victoria

NAVAL, Biliran, May 6 (PIA) – The top official of the Philippine National Police (PNP) in Biliran province is ready to assist the Commission on Elections (Comelec) in the conduct of the May 13, 2013 national and local elections.

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he assurance was publicly announced

by PSSupt. Felix Alberca Diloy during the conduct of the send-off parade and ceremony of election deputies on May 2, 2013 at the Naval bus terminal initiated by Atty. Sabino C. Mejarito, provincial election supervisor (PES) of Comelec-Biliran.

“The Biliran Police Provincial Office (BPPO) is committed to serve and protect the general public and ready to assist the Comelec in the conduct of secure and fair elections (SAFE)” Diloy emphasized.

He said that the security plan are in placed now from the delivery of the official ballots to the municipal treasurers; delivery of Precinct Count Optical Scan (PCOS) machines to the

different voting centers; deployment of PNP personnel to the 120 polling centers together with the barangay tanods; and the conduct of checkpoints, securing political rallies and retrieval of PCOS machines after the elections.

PSSupt. Diloy also revealed that they are ready with their reaction team to respond to emergency situations including their contingency plan.

He also stressed to his fellow law enforcers to enforce the law without fear or favor, to remain politically neutral, exercise impartiality and non-partisan whatever is their personal political affiliation. He also relayed an important message to the public and to the

candidates to be responsible voters, renounce violence, coercion and corruption as means for getting elected.

He told Comelec-Biliran to achieve a credible and reliable elections while he also sent a message to the religious sector to continue praying for them.

“Prayer is the best communication to God and without Him nothing is impossible” Diloy added.

The top official of BPPO likewise urged everybody present during the Comelec send-off activity to work together as a team to ensure a credible, honest and peaceful conduct of elections in Biliran province. (PIA-Biliran)

6th batch of scholars graduate from Isuzu-funded TESDA auto mechanic TACLOBAN CITY, Leyte, May 9 (PIA) -- Isuzu Motors Limited chairman Yoshinari Ida, his wife Mikiko and 17 other officers of the company are set to grace the graduation ceremony of the 6th batch of Isuzu scholars in the Isuzu funded TESDA Auto Mechanic Training Center in Tacloban City, Leyte, on May 9, 2013.

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ESDA Region 8 Director Cleta Omega informed that the graduating batch consists of 17 students who will be conferred industry-recognized auto technicians.

Scholar Charlie B. Balano, 22 years old, of Barangay Balud, Calbayog City, leads this year’s graduates as Valedictorian and 1st placer in the Isuzu Overall Test. He is a recipient of NC IV accreditation. He was also TESDA 1st placer and Isuzu Overall Topnotcher in his NC1, NCII and NCIII accreditation.

A son of a fisherman, Charlie’s ambition is to work abroad in a manufacturing company especially in Isuzu Company. Belano said before he went to the TESDA Auto Mechanic Training Center, he didn’t know anything about automotive. In his two years’ stay, however, he has gained a lot of knowledge and skills to be a competent and productive automotive technician.

The batch valedictorian expressed his gratitude to the three partners, Isuzu, TESDA and World Vision for the wonderful opportunity. “Now, here we are ready to face the outside world and to go on a beautiful journey of

competent and world class automotive technicians,” he said.

Meanwhile, also set to be honored is Michael T. Dalangin, 22 years old from Libagon, Southern Leyte as the batch Salutatorian and Gerard L. Surio, 20 years old from Barangay Balnasan, San Roque, Northern Samar as the batch Honorable Mention.

Isuzu-Juku Special Awards will be conferred to Gerald Surio and Juemar Maligro as Daily Test Awardees; Remie Doydoy, Jr. as the Most Improved Scholar Awardee; Charlie Belano, Gerald Surio and Michael Dalangin as overall Topnotchers in Written and Practical Overall.

Moreover, a Non-Academic Award will be conferred to Jeric Ray Beloy as the Journal Awardee.

Of the 17 graduates of Batch 6, there is only one female, Regine Recamara, 22 years old from Barangay Palale, Santa Margarita, Western Samar.

Beauty queen Miriam Quiambao who is the celebrity ambassadress of World Vision will deliver a message. It has been four years and a half since the inauguration of the Isuzu funded TESDA Auto Mechanic Training Center. With

training modules provided by TESDA, Isuzu Motors Limited spends about P300,000 for each student, taking care of their board and lodging as well as supplying them with toiletries, textbooks and uniforms.

All scholars are required to live in a dormitory inside TESDA campus for two years.

The TESDA Auto Mechanic Training Center is a joint project of Isuzu Motors Limited, World Vision and TESDA. The Project aims to contribute to the alleviation of the poorest communities from poverty in World Vision assisted municipalities of Region 8.

The objective is to produce quality automotive service technicians who meet the present labor market demands in the Automotive Industry. Graduates from the program are TESDA Certified Automotive Technicians in National Certificate (NC) I, II, III and IV and Driving NCII. Thematic subjects such as Personality Development, Good Housekeeping, Working with Others, Leadership Training and Computer Literacy Training are included in the curriculum, Director Omega said. (PIA-8)

115 Samarnon students benefit from Pantawid scholarship

By Ninfa Iluminda B. Quirante CATBALOGAN CITY, Samar, May 8 (PIA) — Some 115 children from the Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program beneficiaries of the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) in Samar are now enjoying scholarship in five schools in Leyte.

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amar Provincial Link Gina Omillo said that this is a part of the continuing support of the administration to uplift the lives of these disadvantaged sectors.

These children who are interested and qualified, were identified and validated by the DSWD, availed of college scholarship grants from the national government.

Omillo said that this is the second year of the implementation of Student’s Grants Aid (SGA) Program for Poverty Alleviation, a DSWD program aimed at providing scholarship grant to poor but deserving students.

According to Omillo, each town is given five slots, but three out of twenty six municipalities and cities have not yet availed of the program and these are towns of Almagro, Pagsanghan, and San Sebastian.

She added that each scholar will get Php 10, 000 per semester or Php 20, 000 each year for tuition fee, and Php 2, 500 per semester for book allowance, board and lodging, uniform and any expenses that may arise during the period.

The accredited schools for this scholarship in Eastern Visayas are Leyte

Normal University (LNU), Eastern Visayas State University (EVSU) in Tolosa, Alang-Alang and Visayas State University (VSU) in Baybay City, Leyte.

Omillo advised the Pantawid parents to support the education of their children.

Similarly, she challenged the scholars to put priority in their studies.

Scholars do not need to maintain high grades; they only need to pass their subjects to finish their course. (PIA 8- Samar with Avha Hilario)

EASTERN VISAYAS

Digyo Island, Inopacan, Leyte

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Over 1,000 underweight children benefit from milk feeding program in Southern Leyte

MAASIN CITY, Southern Leyte, May 6 (PIA) -- A total of 1,098 underweight children is beneficiaries of the province's

“

The milk feeding program is giving priority to those children with ages ranging from 3 – 6 years old especially those who are reported to have weighed below the normal weight of the children of their age levels,” Provincial Social Welfare and Development Senior staff Amelita Malazarte disclosed in an interview yesterday.

In close coordination with Provincial Social Welfare and Development Office (PSWDO), the Office of the Congressional District of the Lone District of Southern Leyte thru Representative Roger Mercado and the National Dairy Authority, the program aims to implement the milk feeding among the mentioned prioritized children in order to gain normal weight and active children in the province, she said.

Malazarte reported that under the said milk feeding program, 13 municipalities, namely

Macrohon, Padre Burgos, Malitbog, Sogod, St. Bernard, San Juan, Anahawan, San Francisco, San Ricardo, Pintuyan, Bontoc, Tomas Oppus, Libagon and the City of Maasin will feed their children within the 120- period while the rest of the municipalities of Lilo-an, Silago, Hinunangan, Hinundayan and Limasawa will implement the milk feeding within 85 days and the Maasin City Central School in the 16-days period only.

The number of days of milk feeding varies as it depends on the LGUs respective response to the program when it was offered at their end, she said.

A total of 105,794 pouches of milk were allocated for this feeding program activity, wherein the children will be feed from Monday up to Friday at their respective day care centers, she said.

Meanwhile, five (5) provincial jail boarders were among the beneficiaries of the Philippine Education for All (EFA) program of the Department of Education.

Last April 29, the Alternative Learning System (ALS) of the Department of Education- Maasin City Division facilitated for the graduation ceremony for all the 156 ALS passers in the entire city.

Southern Leyte Provincial Jail Warden Joselito Magallanes said, “ Five boarders of the Southern Leyte Provincial Jail (SLPJ) were able to pass the accreditation and equivalency test (A&E) taken last December 9, 2013.

Magallanes noted the following A&E passers from SLPJ, namely, Alexander Salipo, Sedrik Gloria, Dominador Olvina, Eleuterio Senoc and Vincent Vibar, all from Southern Leyte. PIA-SoLeyte)

Why copra price falls, what the gov’t is doing about it TACLOBAN CITY, Leyte, May 8 (PIA) -- The most common question people in this part of the country ask nowadays is why the decreasing prices of copra.

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anager Edilberto Nierva of the Philippine Coconut Authority in Eastern Visayas said that since the later part of 2011, the price of copra fell from a very high P62 per kilogram to a very low gate price of P6 as of April 28, 2013. In the barangays, buying price is much lower at P3 per kilogram.

Coconut is the dominant cash crop of the people, and any pinch on the industry translates into a solid punch on family incomes throughout the Region.

Eastern Visayas, the second-largest coconut-producing region in the country, produces from 375,000 metric tons to 545,000 metric tons of copra every year.

At least 1.2 million farmers in the region depend on the coconut industry.

Manager Nierva was quick to add that the decreasing copra prices is not happening only in Eastern Visayas but is being experienced all over the country.

The plummeting of copra prices is attributed to several reasons, one of which is the slack demand for vegetable oils including coconut oil on account of the weak economic condition of major trading partners like the United States and Europe, the PCA official said.

He added that 80% of the coconut oil exports go to these markets.

The market share of the Philippines vis-à-vis International Trade of vegetable oils has dropped from 6.3% to 3.1%.

Another reason is that the country has been overtaken by Vietnam as to volume of production.

The PCA regional report showed that value of coconut oil exports from Eastern Visayas was more than halved to $69.30 million in 2012 from the $160.82 million in 2011.

The Aquino Administration through the PCA and the Department of Agriculture has already planted 23.8125 million coconut trees from July 2010 to December 2012.

If it achieves its target of planting 17.5 million for this year, it shall establish a record of 41.3125 million seedlings planted by year end, surpassing the 2 million seedlings planted during the 7-year Arroyo Administration.

Moreover, Nierva said that PCA has also been implementing the planting and replanting program through participatory coconut planting program (PCPP), a cash- for- work program wherein each farmer-participant is paid P20 per seedling sown in his nursery and another P20

after it is planted and grown in the farm; Coconut Seedlings Dispersal Project (CSDP) and the Indigenous People Outreach Program (IPOP). The total replanted seedlings of 138.125 million in 2012 is also a record for coconut seedlings planted in a year.

PCA also targets to duplicate its 2012 record of fertilizing 20 million coconut trees, again another record for a year.

PCA has bought more than a billion pesos worth of salt fertilizer through a public bidding since 2008 and has been giving the same for free without any complaint on corruption.

The components of each of said program are replanting, intercropping, livestock raising, trainings, and it costs P1 million each.

Manager Nierva disclosed that the Philippine coconut remains the envy of most producers.

Its inherent sweetness and processing adaptability are advantages stemming from geographical location and unique weather patterns, Nierva said.

With the cooperation and support of all the stakeholders, the modernization and revitalization of the coconut industry will be realized making coconut truly the Philippines’ “Tree of Life.” (PIA 8)

5-more East Samar LGUs implement SPES

By Alicia E. Nicart BORONGAN CITY, Eastern Samar, May 6 (PIA) – Five more municipal governments here have availed themselves of the Special Program for Employment of Students (SPES). his, after the Commission on LGUs, namely: Maydolong, General McArthur, implement SPES, they can adopt the program if Elections (Comelec) lifted the ban to Balangiga, Borongan city and the provincial they so desire by coordinating with DOLE implement the program in time of LGU. province, she said. the election period.

They were able to beat Comelec’s SPES is a joint program with LGUs where About two weeks ago, Giporlos, deadline to submit application for exemption, counter-parting scheme is practiced.

Mercedes, Quinapondan, San Julian and Salcedo thus SPES continued in their end.

A SPES beneficiary could earn as much as LGUs started implementing the students Recently, however, Comelec lifted the P3,000, which truly is a big help for school assistance program, after learning that directive which was why five more LGUs expenses for the less fortunate studes.

Comelec has lifted the ban, Mylene Pagapos of adopted the educational assistance program.

(PIA-Eastern Samar) DOLE province informed. Early to start and Ms. Pagapos further informed that LGUs have recently completed the program were six need not file anymore an exemption to

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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