One Visayas e-Newsletter Vol 3 Issue 2

Vol 3

Issue 2

In this Issue WESTERN VISAYAS

Civil Service Commission-6 Chief Personnel Specialist Vizur-Ty Gaitano briefs the staff of the Philippine Information Agency in Western Visayas on the new Strategic Performance Management System (SPMS) adopted by the government which serves as one of the bases for measuring the performance of civil servants which links individual performance to organizational performance during the PIA-6 regional conference held January 4 in Iloilo City. In the foreground is PIA-6 Regional Director Ma. Janet C. Mesa. (EJB-PIA6)

More on Region 6, pages 2-3.

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DSWD-7 urges more civil society role in poverty

By Ferliza C. Contratista CEBU CITY, Jan 8 (PIA) -- The Department of Social Welfare and Development in CV (DSWD-7) reiterated its call for civil society organizations (CSOs) to participate in the government's poverty reduction programs.

DSWD-7 assistant regional director Nemia Antipala said during a program briefing for CSO members that we want to reduce hunger and poverty but DSWD cannot do it alone but needs more groups who will help in the implementation of the programs including the modified version of the conditional cash transfer (MCCT) popularly known as the 4 P’s and together we can make a difference.

DSWD-7 4Ps focal person Aileen Lariba said there is a need for more private participating groups because the needs of the household beneficiaries under MCCT are more complex than those of the original conditional cash transfer beneficiaries.

MCCT covers families whose children were victims of child trafficking and violence; and children with disabilities and street children who have special needs.

Private organizations who are interested must submit Updated Work and Financial Plan, Monthly Monitoring Report, Quarterly Accomplishment Report, Financial Reports as prescribed in Commission On Audit Circular 2007-001 or based on the requirements of external funding organizations, Project Documentation Report at the end of the project period.

TACLOBAN CITY, Leyte, Jan 5 (PIA) -- The Department of Environment and Natural Resources has inked recently a memorandum of agreement (MOA) with the Visayas State University to improve watershed rehabilitation efforts in the country.

Under the agreement, the DENR will assist in carrying out the four major objectives of the project which will be implemented within the Community Based Forest Management Agreement area in Caibiran, Biliran in line with the National Greening Program.

For 2013, the DENR commits to characterize the Caibiran watersheds in Biliran province that will be the Cebu local officials from across the province research sites of the Project. The DENR likewise commits to facilitate the approval of timber utilization permits needed for with their constituents join hands in praying harvesting trees from the reforestation projects within the "Our Father" during the mass for a Day of CBFM area.

Prayer for the Rule of Law at the Capitol For its part, the Visayas State University shall lead in the Parish Church, Escario St., Cebu City held Jan. overall conduct of biophysical and socio-economic research 9, 2013. (VVV/PIA-CEBU) activities. Technical assistance through training workshops and demonstrations on nursery establishment, silviculture practices and other reforestation activities related to the National Greening Program shall be provided by the VSU. Said project More on Region 7, pages 4-5. aims to improve the rehabilitation of critical watersheds in the Also CLICK Here…

Philippines as well as help remedy biodiversity losses.

DSWD 8 outgoing regional director Leticia Diokno (right) turns over the key of responsibility to incoming regional director Remia Tapispisan (center) as AsSec Camilo Gudmain (left) witnesses the ceremony held at Leyte Park Hotel, Tacloban City, January 10. (Vino R. Cuayzon)

More on Region 8, pages 6-7.

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alleviation .

They also need to be registered with government agencies such as the Securities and Exchange Commission, Cooperative Development Authority and others.

Antipala said there are 17 CSOs that have shown interest in DSWD’s call for public-private partnership specifically in strengthening the promotion of family life among household beneficiaries of the Pantawid Pamilya program.

The Conditional Cash Transfer program started in 2009 with 10 identified barangays in Cebu City and some municipalities in Negros Oriental. (mbcn/FCC/PIA-Cebu)

ARD Nemia Antipala with various NGOs and CSOs in attendance.

DENR partners with academe to improve watershed rehab efforts in PHL

CENTRAL VISAYAS

EASTERN VISAYAS

January 7— 13, 2013

Published by: PIA 6, 7 & 8

The substantial deforestation that has occurred in many critical watersheds in the Philippines has led to severe environmental, social and economic problems within and outside the watersheds.

The problem has become so great that the total cost of rehabilitating all critically degraded catchment is estimated by the funding institution, Australian Centre for International Agricultural Research (ACIAR) to be Australian $3.7 billion.

Although there have been efforts in the past in watershed rehabilitation in the Philippines, the success has been limited largely due to the failure to of programs to adequately address key socio-economic and institutional issues.

The other collaborating institutions are the Southern Cross University, Harvard University, John Cook University and Queensland University of Technology, all in Australia.

“We are optimistic that in forging this partnership with VSU, present and future watershed rehabilitation efforts will become remarkably sustainable and successful,” DENR Regional Executive Director Manolito D. Ragub who signed the MOA for the DENR, said. (PIA-8)

DTI: More MSMEs going into business ILOILO CITY, Jan 9 (PIA6) -- The economic growth currently being experienced by the country should be felt by all.

This, according to Trade Secretary Gregory Domingo in a radio interview, is the often repeated message of President Aquino. Domingo said that the inclusive growth should be felt by all, including the poorest of the poor. What is important is not the figures, but that the poor can feel it.

Although right now, Domingo said, it is starting to be felt because the number of families who had been hungry had reduced according to an SWS survey, and figures of unemployment went down to 6.8 percent last October.

Assistant Secretary Zenaida Maglaya, who was also interviewed said another proof that the economy was growing is that many micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs) are encouraged to invest in business. Unofficial figures peg the growth in retail trade at about 10 percent.

The DTI has been giving support to MSMEs by teaching them how to export, how to do business in free trade areas, and how to avail of free-trade agreements among others.

The DTI secretary also pointed out that last year, the department has conducted over 100 seminars nationwide, where businessmen flocked to these seminars.

Domingo said that the top two sectors that are currently being focused on are on tourism and agriculture because through these two sectors, the benefits can be spread to all.

This year, Domingo said they will be launching the Shared Service Facility (SSF) project where they intend to put up 1, 000 clusters nationwide.

The SSF is described as a strategic complementary project that intends to balance off existing efforts/programs such as the National Industry Cluster Capacity Enhancement Project (NICCEP) to achieve inclusive growth as envisioned by the current administration.

It entails the setting up of common service facilities or production centers for certain processes to give MSMEs access to better technology and more sophisticated equipment to accelerate their bid for competitiveness and help them graduate to a next level where they could tap a better and wider market and be integrated in the global supply chain.

The DTI Secretary says this will be a big help to small businesses as they will be able to upgrade their facilities and have good packaging, even, internationalized packaging to attract more buyers and cited the examples of the mango chocolate in Cebu and the pili nut in Bicol.(jcm-pia6)

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WESTERN VISAYAS

DOT sees brighter prospects for WVisayas tourism in 2013

Iloilo City Hall

By Leonard T. Pineda I ILOILO CITY, Jan 7 (PIA6) -- Prospects for the tourism industry in Western Visayas look bright in 2013.

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n a radio interview, Department of Tourism 6 (DOT-6) Regional Director Atty. Helen Catalbas said recent developments will further boost tourism in the region.

“It is favorable that the Chinese government has allowed the resumption of tourists’ arrival from China with Region VI as one of their major destinations,” said Catalbas.

With the Iloilo airport having opened its first international flights to and from Hong Kong and Singapore, the DOT official shared that statistics and data were very encouraging for these revealed that visitors who have come here were not

only from these countries but also from other places in Asia and Europe.

“We are also pushing for the standard chartered flights in Bacolod-Silay Airport to resume by January or February so we are ironing out the customs, immigration, quarantine and other requirements,” said Catalbas.

She further said that DOT is also exploring the possibility of opening flights to other international destinations such as Incheon and Busan in South Korea.

Meanwhile, the report from DOT-6 indicated that as of November 2012, Boracay already breached the 1 million target tourist arrivals.

“Last year, if the target for tourist arrivals for Boracay was 1 million; for 2013, the target is set at 1.2 million,” said Catalbas.

Catalbas also said that in Iloilo, cultural tour packages comprising of visits to historic churches and ancestral houses are already being offered, where tourists learn their history and appreciate the interior of these edifices up-close.

“Soon, DOT-6 will organize cultural product development in the central business district of Iloilo City and a walking tour of the downtown,” added Catalbas. (JCM/LTP/PIA6 ILOILO)

Antique undertakes bottoms-up planning for poverty reduction

By Pilar S. Mabaquiao SAN JOSE, Antique, Jan 8 (PIA6) -- Bottoms-up planning for poverty reduction in the 17 municipalities in the province of Antique is underway, an official of the Department of Interior and Local Government Antique said.

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aymund Palanog, cluster head, DILG- Antique in an interview said bottoms-up planning is a nationwide undertaking among provinces and municipalities with high poverty incidence to ensure real needs of the people and communities are included in the thrust of the national government.

In the coming weeks, the DILG will be spearheading municipal assemblies involving civil society organizations (people’s organizations, non-government organizations and civic groups) for them to select their representatives to the Local Poverty Reduction Action Team (LPRAT), Palanog disclosed.

LPRAT is a group at the municipal level composed of local officials and CSOs who are tasked to identify programs and projects aimed at eradicating poverty.

Projects will cover social services, infrastructure support, economic development and programs promoting social participation.

For projects identified, corresponding counterpart is expected from each local government unit depending on the economic status of the municipality. For 1st to 3rd class towns 15 percent counterpart is required while 4th to 6th class should provide 5 percent counterpart.

Palanog emphasized that projects and counterpart funds should be included in the 2014 annual investment program of the corresponding LGUs before the approval of their proposal and funding appropriations of the remaining 85 or 95 percent share of the national government.

Of the 18 towns in the province, only the town of Belison is not included in this undertaking because of its low poverty incidence.

The implementation of approved projects will start on January 2014. (JCM/ PSM/PIA6 Antique)

Single mom among 30 graduates of welding course

By Carolina A. Dionela BINALBAGAN, Negros Occidental, Jan 11 (PIA6) - - Some thirty persons including a single mom graduated from welding course which lasted for 34 days, part of the joint scholarship program of the Binalbagan-Isabela Planters Association (BIPA) and the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA), a press release from BIPA said.

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haribee Saldua, a 27 year old single mom of Barangay Biao, Binalbagan, Negros Occ., said being a woman is not a hindrance in hurdling a skills training course dominated by men.

Saldua, who has a ten-year old child to raise, aside from four siblings to feed, said she was challenged and is gratified that she finished the course together with

her men-peers.

She admitted it was quite difficult for her but she has proven that, what men can do, women like her are also capable of doing.

The graduation program was held recently at the BIPA Technical Institute with BIPA president Enrique “Quito” Montilla III as guest speaker.

Montilla said the thirty graduates

comprise the 11th batch of scholars who underwent skills training at the BIPATECH with the total scholars numbering to almost 400 since the program started in 2009.

He said the best way to address poverty is to have an educated society.* (BIPA/CD/JCM/PIA6)

WESTERN VISAYAS

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OFWs avail LandBank livelihood loans Iloilo City Hall

By Venus G. Villanueva

KALIBO, Aklan, Jan 9 (PIA6) -- Thirteen Aklanon Overseas Filipino Workers (OFWs) availed recently of a total of P14.150-million loan from the Land Bank of the Philippines (LBP) Kalibo Branch through its Iloilo Lending Center.

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pproval of the loans for Aklan’s OFWs, according to LandBank-Kalibo, is a result of a partnership forged by LBP and the Overseas Workers Welfare Administration (OWWA) to provide sustainable livelihood opportunities for affected and returning OFWs whose working status abroad, especially in the Middle East became uncertain with the political unrest ensuing in the troubled countries.

LandBank-Kalibo revealed that approved loans for these 13 OFWs are for working capital and expenditures for general merchandising, rice trading,

agri-inputs and supplies, fabrication of travelling rice mill, acquisition of rice harvester, computer equipment, construction of commercial building and other facilities for hog fattening.

The livelihood ventures of these 13 OFWs who hail from Kalibo, Altavas, Banga, Tangalan, New Washington, and Boracay Island are seen to generate at least 65 new jobs.

These borrowers were earlier identified by OWWA and have completed capacity building programs/training initiated by the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) and OWWA.

Under the program, borrowers can avail of a minimum loan of P300,000 to as much as P2 million at 7.5% per annum fixed interest rate for the duration of the loan.

“Depending on the proposed project, the loan is payable within 1 year or a maximum of 7 years,” LandBank-Kalibo added.

LandBank also emphasized that eligible projects must be viable, preferably those with confirmed market or Purchase Order, and will generate a net income of at least P10,000 per month. (JCM/VGVPIA 6 Aklan)

PNP says firearm verification now available thru SMS

By Elsa S. Subong ILOILO CITY, Jan 8 (PIA6) -- Firearm data and verification can now be done via text messaging, said Police Regional Office-6 Director Agrimero Cruz, Jr.

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he PRO-6 recently launched the program through Memorandum Circular No. 03-12 for the guidelines and implementation of SMS firearm verification.

Cruz said the use of SMS or text messaging can hasten the verification of the data of firearms, especially those recovered from the crime scene.

The PNP said records of firearms recovered or confiscated in police operations should be verified to serve as basis in the filing of appropriate cases

against the suspects. Responsible for the implementation of the project, according to the circular, designated as Officers Personally Responsible (OPRs) are the commanders, Chief Operations Officer, and the Chief Investigation Officers of every PNP Unit.

The OPS, using their registered cellphone numbers, may send queries of firearm data to the Civil Security Group-Firearms and Explosives Office through the following modes: a) by serial number of the firearm; b) by serial

number and make of the firearm; c) by serial number and calibre.

In turn, the CSG-FEO system will send the following data of the firearm to the inquiring OPR: Admin Control number, kind, calibre, make, expiration date and name of licensee.

Cruz said that with the use of this modern communication technology, timely and accurate access to firearms data for effective law enforcement, crime prevention and crime solution, can be guaranteed. (PRO6/JCM/ESS/PIA-Iloilo)

343,000 seedlings planted in Capiz

By Alex A. Lumaque ROXAS CITY, Capiz, Jan 10 (PIA6) -- A total of 343,570 seedlings was planted in the province in view of the National Greening Program (NGP) implementation last year.

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ased on the records of the Provincial Environment and N a t u r a l R e s o u r c e s Of f i c e (PENRO), upland areas got the bulk of seedlings with about 304,720 young trees planted while lowland areas which cover mostly school grounds provincewide were planted with 38,850 seedlings.

The figure on planted seedlings at upland areas also included 79,000 which were provided by the Department of Agriculture (DA).

NGP – Capiz coordinator Edwin Borja said that the actual areas planted in the province in view of the NGP implementation reached 706.56 hectares.

The province had an NGP target of 703 hectares last year.

In 2011, the national government’s reforestation program planted seedlings to about 354.380 hectares of timberland out of 353 hectares target.

Recently, Environment Secretary Ramon Paje has urged the public to develop the habit of planting trees as he

announced the plan to intensify NGP implementation this year.

NGP was launched in the province in June 2011 with a program and ceremonial tree planting at the Villareal Stadium here in support of President Aquino's Executive Order No. 26.

The program is geared towards poverty reduction, resource conservation and protection, productivity enhancement, and climate change mitigation and adaptation. (JCM/AAL-PIA 6, Capiz)

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CENTRAL VISAYAS

Cebu City mayor pledges support for PhilHealth MOVES

Cebu City Hall

By Rachelle M. Nessia CEBU CITY, Jan 8 (PIA) -- Mayor Michael Rama has pledged his support for the new enrolment scheme launched by the Philippine Health Insurance Corp. (PhilHealth). hilHealth, in November 2012, According to Jenet Ann Advincula, by beneficiaries from Brgy. Lahug (265) launched PhilHealth MOVES or Chief for Field Operations Division of the and Brgy. Sawang Calero (263).

Mobile Orientation, Validation, PhilHealth regional office here, yellow The distribution will resume in more and Enrolment Scheme, a project that is Member Data Record (MDR) cards were barangays between Jan. 8 to Jan. 11, 2013. seen to revolutionize the delivery of key issued for beneficiaries to temporarily use One of the beneficiaries, Rebeca messages on the government insurance in their PhilHealth-related transactions Urdaneta, 48, from Brangay Tinago, said member rights and privileges. while waiting for their official cards to be the program will greatly help her family.

Mayor Rama, in a statement, said he is issued.

"Dako kaayo ni ug ikatabang namong supporting the program as it will help Beneficiaries from three barangays mga kabus kay mao ni among kaabag kung thousands of Cebuanos. participated in the first batch of the mga sakit mi ug kung ilabina simbako More than 30,000 Cebuanos in Cebu PhilHealth ID distribution held on Nov. 22 maospital (This program is a big help for City have already benefitted from the and 23, 2012. the underprivileged like me especially Family Insurance program of the Philippine Said beneficiaries are from Brgy. T. during the time when we get sick or have Health Insurance Corp. (PhilHealth), said Padilla (139), Tejero (265), Tinago (26), to be admitted to the hospital," Urdaneta Rama. PhilHealth MOVES will cover more and Brgy. Mambaling (1,299). said. (RMN/PIA-7 Cebu/with reports from than 8,000 beneficiaries from the 80 total The second batch of PhilHealth ID Greggy Jiggs P. Senados) barangays in Cebu City. distribution held Jan. 7, 2013 was attended

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DENR-7 sets roadmap for 2013

By Hazel F. Gloria CEBU CITY, Jan 10 (PIA) -- The Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) 7 has come up with a regional vision and mission after a two-day management conference held in December last year.

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he roadmap will be used to mining, and clean environment." “Our pursue various environmental vision and mission is anchored and programs and projects in the consistent with and conform to the region. national vision and mission as we would The vision reads: “A region that want to hinge them in obtaining our plans ensures sustainable development of the and targets,” Montejo said. environment and natural resources He also added that the formulation through good governance in partnership was done in close consultation and with empowered communities. coordination with the various officials With excellence, we lead in a ft e r a th or ou gh de lib er ati on collaborative biodiversity conservation, and discussion including breakout community-based forest management, workshops. equitable land management, responsible

There were many revisions taking into consideration the different inputs.

“We want to steer a strong sense of inspiration among our personnel to aspire for excellence and competence as they perform their respective tasks, functions, and responsibilities guided with this new minted vision and mission,” he added.

To be adopted in all field offices in Central Visayas, the vision and mission will be placed in a tarpaulin to be posted conspicuously. (rmn/PIA-7/HFG/DENR-7)

Bohol holds 13th Ubi Festival

By Elvira C. Bongosia TAGBILARAN CITY, Bohol, Jan 4 (PIA) -- The Boholanos' love for ubi will once again be demonstrated through its 13th Annual Ubi Festival set on January 23-25, 2013 at the Plaza Rizal and Acacia Garden, Provincial Capitol Grounds in Tagbilaran City with the theme, “Ubi: Gasa sa Kinaiyahan, Latas sa Katuigan sa Katawhang Bol-anon Gi-ugmad ug Gi-ampingan.”

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he “Ubifest” is an annual festival celebrating the rootcrop that has become a permanent part of Boholano heritage, in time to meet the year’s first ubi harvest.

In a Kapihan sa PIA recently, Eleno Evangelista, head of the Promotion Section of the Office of the Provincial Agriculturist (OPA) said the festival activities will

feature fair and product exhibits, market matching, literary and musical competitions, Ubi eating contest, quiz bee, Search for Miss Ubi 2013, and product development contest.

The product display will also feature the different kinds of ubi harvested by the farmers of the participating ubi-growing municipalities and the products of ubi

processors. The Ubifest has become an annual celebration of the province since 2001.

It is a socio-cultural affair that promotes Ubi, stirs interest in production and sales of Ubi tubers, and paints a cultural linkage between Ubi and the culture of Boholanos. (mbcn/ECBongosia/ PIA-Bohol)

CENTRAL VISAYAS

Cebu City Hall

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‘Carnapping’ of motorcycles in NegOr increases

By Jennifer C. Tilos

DUMAGUETE CITY, Jan 8 (PIA) -- The Highway Patrol Group (HPG) in Negros Oriental said 26 motorcycles were reported missing in the province from April to November of 2012. uring a peace and order council To tighten security measures in the agencies, authorizing them to enforce and meeting, National Bureau of highway, an HPG Force multiplier is newly apprehend within Dumaguete City using Investigation (NBI) agent organized and dubbed “Seize Trooper,” the citation ticket; to operate at Bais City Dominador Cimafranca expressed his HPG Negros Orinetal Provincial Chief using traffic operators permit (TOP) concern over the increased number of Police Superintendent Gregorio Galsim approved by Land Transportation Office lost motorcycles in Dumaguete City. said.

Regional Director Raul Aguilos III; and to Cimafranca reported that eight Galsim also reported that two motor conduct inspection inside the port with motorcycles were already missing in the vehicles, one white vanette and Hyundai approval of the port manager Annie Lee middle of December last year.

Grace van were impounded due to Manese, said Galsim.

Cimafranca said both the HPG and tampered chassis or engine during its The patrol group also assisted NBI have to coordinate closely and operations. motorists on traffic accidents on highways. relentlessly conduct the campaign against To address the growing problem on (FCR/JCT/PIA- Negros Oriental) carnapping to ensure that criminal carnapping cases in the province, the elements involved will have no patrol group closely coordinated with opportunity to operate in the province. some local government units and national

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LGU Ayungon receives KALAHI-CIDSS projects

By Jennifer C. Tilos DUMAGUETE CITY, Jan 8 (PIA) -- Two hinterland barangays in the municipality of Ayungon in Negros Oriental with about 600 households particularly farmers will soon be granted farm-to-market road (FMR) projects.

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arangays Amdos and Manogtong in Ayungon are recipients of the r o a d p r o jec t s un d e r t h e government’s Kapit Bisig Laban sa Kahirapan-Comprehensive and Integrated Development Social Services or KALAHI-CIDSS program.

The community of Amdos has received assistance of about P3.2 million from the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) Kalahi-CIDSS for the construction and improvement of 1.8 kilometer farm-to-market road.

Barangay Manogtong on the other hand, got more than P1.9 million for

concreting the 1.1 kilometer barangay road to be used by over 279 residents in the area Community facilitator Emeterio Catipay said the farm-to-market roads will give the farmers a shorter route to transport their products such as bananas, corn, mangoes, coconut, sugarcane, and vegetables, to the market thus enabling them to save time, money and effort.

Catipay said other projects to be implemented in Ayungon town include construction of 30 linear meter of foot-bridge for elementary and high schools students in cluster barangays of Tampocon and Gumentoc; water systems

for the more than 265 households and adjacent two elementary schools in barangays Atabay and Kilaban.

The Kalahi-Cidss projects also provide the construction of flood control in Ilaya River worth P2.7 million for the 417 households in Poblacion.

KALAHI-CIDSS is a flagship anti-poverty program of the government.

It is a community-driven development project implemented by the DSWD, with financial support from the World Bank (WB). (FCR/JCT/PIA- Negros Oriental)

DOST Siquijor conducts training on energy management

By Rizalie A. Calibo SIQUIJOR, Jan 8 (PIA) -- The Department of Science and Technology (DOST) in Siquijor conducted a two-day training on “Sustainable Energy Management and Assessment /Identification of Energy Conservation Measures (ECMs) or Energy Management Opportunities (EMOs)” recently.

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he training, according to provincial director Mario E. de la Pena, is aimed at providing basic concepts, effective tools for evaluation and to understand the methodologies of energy management system.

Participants are also expected to learn the actual assessment as well as to know the presentation and preparation of energy management opportunities/energy management conservation measures.

Topics discussed are concepts of sustainable energy management; energy management opportunities/energy conservation measures on lighting system and air conditioning systems and electric motor fundamentals.

Hands-on assessment of energy management opportunities/energy conservation measures and actual presentation of sustainable energy management program were also done.

Participants are representatives of the six local government units, different e s t a b l i s h m en t s a n d i n s t i tu t i o n s provincewide.

Speakers are members from the regional Energy Audit Team headed by the assistant regional director, Engr. Edilberto L. Paradela with Engr. Roberto B. Edna, Engr. Juan Edgar Osorio and Vivien Cabando. (mbcn/RACalibo/PIA-Siquijor)

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EASTERN VISAYAS

Sin Tax Reform Law will not affect price of tuba, other native wines

Tacloban City Hall

TACLOBAN CITY, Leyte, Jan 7 (PIA) -- Good news for "tuba" aficionados. The sin tax law will not affect the price of their favorite alcoholic beverage.

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he price of tuba or coconut toddy, which is the native wine in Eastern Visayas or in the Visayas, will not be affected by the Sin Tax Reform Law of 2012 which took effect on January 1, 2013.

Bureau of Internal Revenue Tacloban Assistant District Revenue Officer Susan Cabello said this is explicitly stated in the Implementing Rules and Regulations (IRR) of the law, or Republic Act 10351 (An Act Restructuring the Excise Tax on Alcohol and Tobacco) issued on December 21.

The IRR amended Section 143 of the National Internal Revenue Code of 1997, thus, “There shall be levied, assessed and collected an excise tax on beer, lager beer, ale, porter and other fermented liquors except tuba, basi, tapuy and similar fermented liquors…”

Tuba was not included in the National Internal Revenue Code of 1977 as it did not yet qualify as a big industry, but a small business, the BIR Tacloban District Revenue official added.

Basi is the native wine of the Ilocanos, while tapuy is the native rice wine of the people in the Mountain Province.

Tuba is made through a process of extracting the sap of an unopened coconut

bud. It has a stinging sweet and bittersweet taste. The tip of the bud is lopped and the pale juice allowed totrickle into bamboo containers.

A sturdy tree yields about a gallon of liquid daily.

From coconut water, comes a syrup concentrate for tuba. Tuba is a sweet, fresh or mildly fermented sap taken from tapping the young expanded flowers of the coconut. Tuba is clean because it really has natural contents. It is a natural juice from the coconut, so it has nutrients and vitamins that are also found in the coconut tree itself. And the barok (powdered mangrove bark) which gives the orange-red color to the tuba, is also a natural product.

There are known health benefits of tuba, thus, it became more popular among those living in rural areas because it is where big coconut plantations are found. Tuba is cheaper than other artificial medicines used to cure the ailments or other health problems. This kind of vinegar acts as heat trapper, thus people with fever wipe tuba vinegar all over their body.

Other people use the vinegar as disinfectant for dog bites and wounds.

BIR Revenue Regulation 17-2012 dated Dec. 21, 2012, prescribes higher tax rates on

tobacco and alcohol products. For distilled spirits, the excise tax rate, based on the net retail price per proof, is 15 percent from January 1, 2013 until Jan. 1, 2014. The rate will increase to 20 percent effective January 2015 onwards.

The excise tax on fermented liquor including beer is P15 per liter for products whose net retail price per liter of volume capacity is P50.60 or less effective Jan. 1, 2013.

This will go up to P17 per liter in 2014; P19 per liter in 2015; P21 per liter in 2016 and P23.50 per liter in 2017.

For cigarettes packed by machine and with a net retail price per pack of P11.50 and below, the excise tax rate is P12 per pack effective Jan. 1, 2013.

The rate will increase to P17 per pack in 2014, P21 per pack in 2015, P25 per pack in 2016 and P30 per pack in 2017.

Spot check at several retails outlets in Tacloban showed an increase of P5 in one bottle of Beer Grande and Red Horse, from P60/bottle to P65/bottle.

A stick of cigarette now costs P1 higher while the price of one pack of cigarette is higher by at least P15. (PIA-8)

Operation Smile does cleft lips, cleft palates in North Samar

By Ailene N. Diaz CATARMAN, Northern Samar, Jan 9 (PIA) -- The Operation Smile Philippines Foundation, Inc. and the province of Northern Samar are set to conduct a three-day cleft lip and cleft palate surgical mission at Northern Samar Provincial Hospital, February 20-22.

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uring the initial planning meeting, it was learned that about a 100 to 150 patients will be treated, with children of school age to be given priority.

It was suggested during the meeting that screening for those who wish to avail of the surgical mission will be done by the respective rural health unit by municipal health officers and staff.

The Operation Smile is an international volunteer medical services organization based in Norfolk, Virginia, USA, which provides constructive surgery and related healthcare to indigent Filipino children and young adults with cleft lip, cleft palate, and other facial deformities.

The provincial government, through the offices of the governor and vice governor, will sponsor the surgical mission

in partnership with the Operation Smile Philippines.

Final details will be presented after the hospital tour inspection and MOA signing with the Governor Paul R. Daza, Vice Governor Ramp Nielsen Uy, and Operation Smile Philippines Foundation, Inc., President and Executive Director Mr. Robert J. Manzano. (PIA-Northern Samar)

Army’s 8th ID opens applications for new soldiers

By Ninfa Iluminda B. Quirante CATBALOGAN CITY, Samar, Jan 9 (PIA) -- The 8th Infantry (Stormtroopers) Division of the Philippine Army based in Catbalogan City is now accepting applicants who want to join the army. he 8th ID will start receiving needed documents for processing.

College if graduated); one (1) piece 2x2 ID applicants for candidate soldiers “If you possess the above picture with name tag and valid on January 14 – 19, 2013 at its qualifications, you are all welcome to apply identification card.

Headquarters in Camp Vicente Lukban, for the candidate soldier course and join For further clarification and inquiries, Catbalogan City, Samar. the Philippine Army,” said Ltc Leo applicants may contact Cpt Emerson A Candidates must be 18-26 years of Lorenzo A Madroñal, Assistant Chief of Borja, 8th ID Recruitment Officer at age, single, physically and mentally fit, at Staff for Personnel, G1 of the 8th ID. telephone number 256 – 2199, local 3611, least 5 feet in height (male and female), Applicants must also bring along the or visit 8th ID recruitment at Facebook. with no pending cases in court, have following original documents for (PIA-Samar with Capt Gene Orense passed the AFP aptitude test and battery processing, NSO Birth Certificate; Form DPAO) (AFPTAB) examination and have all the 137/Transcript of record; Diploma (HS/

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EASTERN VISAYAS

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BIR-Eastern Samar overshoots collection target Tacloban City Hall

By Samuel D. Candido

BORONGAN CITY, Eastern Samar, Jan 9 (PIA) -- The Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR), Revenue District Office No. 86 (RDO-86), Borongan City, Eastern Samar has surpassed its target by collecting the current running total of P384,441,646.77 from January to December, 2012 against their goal for 2012 which was P363,617,000.00.

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r. Eddie A. Castillo, Revenue District Officer said based on their collection report against their goal, there is an excess of P 20,824,646.77 or an increase of 5.73%.

Mr. Castillo further said, comparing the collection of 2011 against the collection last year of 2012, there is an increase because in 2011 the collection was only 318,745,425.40 against last year 2012 which is P384,441,646.77 an excess of P65,696,221.37 or an increase of 20.61%.

Based also in their collection report regarding the collection by type against

goal for this year, Mr. Castillo emphasized the importance of excise tax wherein for this year’s collection excise tax got the highest percentage. Their goal was only P1,161,000 but their excise tax collection was 4,494,136.94, an excess of P3,333,136.94 or an increase of 287.09%.

What is important is the strict monitoring of local government units (LGUs), national government agencies (NGAs), government owned and controlled corporations (GOCCs) for their withholding tax, Castillo told the Philippine Information Agency. For this year’s collection, Value Added Tax (VAT)

is also important. In fact, whenever he signs the certificate of business registration, Castillo said he would always remind and encourage the taxpayers to ask for official receipts or sales invoice for every purchase of goods and services they buy in different business establishment except in the market. But still, even though they surpassed their target, Mr. Castillo will call a staff conference this Friday January 11, 2013 to evaluate and discuss on how to improve more their collection and what are the new strategies in order to surpass another goal for the year 2013. (PIA-Eastern Samar)

Local tourism office preps up for dance festival

By Rebecca S. Cadavos MAASIN CITY, So Leyte, Jan 8 (PIA) -- Maasin City Tourism Office is now preparing for the Sakay-Sakay Festival in honor of Senior Sto. Niṅo on Sunday, January 20.

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he Sakay-Sakay Festival will have competitions on different categories such as the Icon decoration category, Higante category, the Bangka category, Pumpboat category and Street Dancing category according to City Mayor Maloney Samaco over DyDM this morning.

The street dancing will be conducted along the city proper streets. It will commence after the pumpboat and Bangka tour which will start from Maasin pier to Barangays Pasay and to Combado then back to the pier. Prizes awaits for the winners of the different

categories. Icon Decoration has P10,000, P7,000 and P5,000 for the 1st, 2nd and 3rd winners, respectively and a consolation prize of P1,000 for the first 10 non-winners; Street Dancing – P25,000, 20,000 and P10,000 for the 1st, 2nd and 3rd winners, respectively, while P5000 consolation prizes will be given to the first 4 non-winners.

On the other hand, the Higante category, the 1st, 2nd and 3rd winners will get P10,000, P7,000 and P5,000, respectively and a P2,000 each as consolation prizes; Bangka category – is P25,000 for the 1st; P20,000 for the 2nd

winner and P10,000 for the 3rd prize winner and a consolation prizeof P5,000 each for the first 4 non-winners; while the Pumpboat category has P10,000, P7,000, and P5,000 for the 1st, 2nd and 3rd prizes, respectively and a consolation prize of P1,000 for the 60 participating non-winners.

The Sakay-Sakay Festival is a yearly activity in honor of the Child Jesus. It is celebrated on January of every year. The festival is headed by the City Tourism Office through City Tourism Officer Royeno Segovia. (PIA-So. Leyte)

Biliran circumferential road to be completed in 2013

By Rodrigo S. Victoria NAVAL, Biliran, Jan 7 (PIA) -- The Department of Public Works and Highways - Biliran District Engineering Office (DPWH-BDEO) disclosed that the concrete paving of the Biliran Circumferential Road will be completed in 2013.

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ngr. Rosario B. Rosete, Engineer II of the Planning and Design Section of DPWH-BDEO and information officer-designate of DPWH-BDEO, revealed in a telephone interview that the more than three kilometers of unpaved road portion remaining in the 152.116 Biliran Circumferential Road is part of the 12 regular infrastructure projects that will be implemented by DPWH-BDEO for 2013.

“There are three concrete paving projects included among the 12 regular infrastructure projects for 2013” Rosete said.

These concrete paving projects in the Biliran Circumferential Road are located in the following road sections with the corresponding project amount: Acaban-Bool section in Culaba, Biliran - P17.5M; Pinamihagan-Tanghas section also in Culaba, Biliran - PP21M and San Agustin-Pawikan section in Cabucgayan, Biliran

- P47.45M. Other infrastructure projects which are part of the 12 regular infrastructure projects to be implemented by DPWH-BDEO for 2013 include the following with the corresponding amount: Asphalt overlay along Naval-Caibiran Cross Country Road (Naval proper-Calumpang section)-P7.88M; Rehab/ Co n s t . o f D am age d Pav e d Ro ad (Bato-Mukalbukal section) –PP37.863M; Rehab/ Co n s t . o f D am age d Pav e d Ro ad (Bunga-Magbangon section)-P39.720M; Continuation of Rehabilitation of Bagongbong Bridge, Almeria, Biliran –P7M; Rehab/Const. of Drainage along Naval-Caibiran Cross Country Road (Calumpang – Canceso section) –P10M; Rehab/Const. of Drainage along Naval-Caibiran Cross Country Road (Canceso-Cabibihan section) – P10M; Rehab/Const of Drainage along Biliran Circumferential Road (Balite-Bilwang section) – P10M; Rehab/Const.

of Drainage along Biliran Circumferential Road (Baganito-Bool section) – P10M and the Rehab/ Const. of Drainage along Biliran Circumferential Road (Marvel-Pinamihagan section) –P10M. The total cost of the 12 regular infrastructure projects to be implemented by DPWH-BDEO for 2013 amounts to P229.413M. Meanwhile, Rosete further disclosed that an amount of P20M of Various Infrastructure Locally Funded Projects (VILP) for the 1st trance of 2013 taken from the Priority Development Assistance Fund (PDAF) of Biliran Congressman Rogelio J. Espina will also be implemented.

VILP projects include construction of several infrastructure projects in several barangays in the province. (PIA-Biliran)

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