One Visayas e-Newsletter Vol 3 Issue 22

Vol 3

Issue 22

In this Issue WESTERN VISAYAS

Scenes during the Brigada Eskwela 2013 at the Andres Bonifacio Elementary School I where teachers, parents and various volunteers prepare the classrooms and school premises for the June 3 opening of classes. (EAD-PIA6 photo)

More on Region 6, pages 2-3.

Also CLICK Here…

May 27 - 31, 2013

Published by: PIA 6, 7 & 8

P135-M Iloilo ferry terminal project to push through

By Elsa S. Subong ILOILO CITY, May 27 (PIA6) -- The Parola area in Iloilo City serving sea vessels plying the route of Guimaras and Iloilo will soon have a modern wharf to ease the discomfort of passengers.

Iloilo City Mayor Jed Mabilog said the P135-million project aims to serve the needs of sea commuters in the area.

Mabilog said that the project under the public-private partnership scheme, is undertaken with the Double Dragon Properties, Inc. The mayor said the project will be constructed at no cost to the city government and will consist of modern terminal building, shopping complex and a park.

The contract between the city and the corporation is based on the legal provisions in the internal rules and regulations of Article 66 of the local government code that allow joint ventures with the private sector.

The Iloilo City Council enacted last year’s Ordinance 2011-213 to support the project, and which was subjected to strict assessment and validation of the Manila-based Public Private Partnership Center of the Philippines.

Meanwhile, Mabilog said the Department of Transportation and Communications (DOTC) will be complementing the overall project which has a total project cost of P260, with a P125 million counterpart.

With this, the wharf, when completed will consist of slope protection embankment and other site development for vessels plying the Iloilo-Guimaras strait.

Mabilog said these developments point to a realization of this dream for Iloilo after several hitches and legal impediments which were effectively addressed. (JSC/ ESS-PIA6 Iloilo)

CENTRAL VISAYAS

More classrooms, teachers for Central Visayas

Signing of the Memorandum of Agreement between DOST represented by Provincial Science and Technology Director Engr. Mario de la Pena (left) and Porferia Tangcay (signing), owner/manager of Peryang’s Food Products, for the P179,000 funding assistance from the department under its Small Enterprise Technology Upgrading Program (SET-UP).

(RACalibo/PIA-Siquijor)

More on Region 7, pages 4-5.

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EASTERN VISAYAS

Rev. Fr. Edwin Perito blesses a stake truck and other farm equipment during the opening ceremony of the 2013 Regional Farmers’ & Fisherfolks’ Month celebration held at the DA Grounds, Tacloban City, May 27. (Vino R. Cuayzon)

More on Region 8, pages 6-7.

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By Rachelle M. Nessia CEBU CITY (PIA) -- The public school system in Region 7 is set to get a boost after the Department of Education (DepEd) announced the construction of additional classrooms and opening of new teacher items in the region.

DepEd-7 Regional Director Dr. Carmelita Dulangon in a recent Kapihan forum disclosed that new classrooms are now being built in several public schools region-wide.

Target accomplishment for 2013 is 602 total classrooms in Central Visayas .

Of the total, Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) has reportedly completed construction of 80 classrooms for the first batch as of March 31, 2013.

In 2012, the classrooms implemented in Central Visayas reached 811.

Cebu province, being the biggest school division in the region, had 190 classrooms. Bohol came next with 135, followed by Cebu City , 131.

Meanwhile, DepEd reported that 5,653 new teacher items are now open for 2013-2014 school year for kindergarten to secondary levels.

The additional teachers will help DepEd attain their standard teacher-student ratio of 1:45.

“We are trying to reach the ratio of one teacher for 45 students, which is the ideal. So these new teacher items, we will spread them out to reach the ideal ratio,” said Dr. Dulangon during the forum.

Currently there are 44,234 public school teachers handling kindergarten to fourth year high school classes in the region.

Of the total, 39,601 are paid by the national government while 4,633 are locally paid. (RMN-PIA7)

Tacloban City to celebrate Festivals Day on June 29 TACLOBAN CITY, Leyte, May 27 (PIA) -- The Pintados-Kasadyaan Festival is set to happen on June 29, Festivals Day in Tacloban City.

It will be conducted in the morning while the Festival of Lights will be held in the evening.

This was the agreement made during the meeting held Friday by the representatives of the city government through City Administrator Tecson John Lim and the Pintados-Kasadyaan represented by Alangalang Mayor Loreto Yu. Yu said the Pintados-Kasadyaan will be allowed to conduct a street dancing parade in the parade route requested by the group. However, since the original request of the Pintados-Kasadyaan is for a June 27 activity, Yu said the organization will have to write the city again for permit to hold a festival parade on June 29.

The request of the Pintados-Festival organizers to have nightly activities at the RTR Plaza was also approved, Yu added.

For his part, Tecson said as seen in his Facebook account: “So happy with the results of the meeting as it

would seem that Pintados-Kasadyaan would be amenable to having a "Day of Festivals" where Pintados-Kasadyaan will hold their parade in the morning and the Sangyaw staging their Parade of Lights in the evening.”

The Pintados Festival is now on its 27th year, the Kasadyaan Festival is on its 18th year while the Sangyaw Festival of Lights was introduced last year by the city government.

The Pintados Festival is a religious festival that pays homage to Señor Santo Niño, the Patron of Leyte, through merry-making, displaying the rich cultural heritage of Leyte and Samar in a unique and colorful way, showcasing the art of body tattooing which Visayans were known for in the past.

The Kasadyaan Festival of Festivals showcases the unique cultural and colorful history of the Province of Leyte. (PIA-8)

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WESTERN VISAYAS

PHL sets new Guinness world record for sky lanterns

By Leonard T. Pineda I

Isla Naburot, Sinapsapan, Jordan, Guimaras

ILOILO CITY, May 26 (PIA) -- A total of 15,185 paper lanterns lit up the night sky in Miagao town here setting a new Guinness World Record for most number of sky lanterns flown simultaneously. eyda Subasi-Gemici, adjudicator and of Peace Event in the Philippines” was promote world peace through inner official representative of Guinness organized by MMI-Philippines. peace.

World Records, said that the feat Local partners initially campaigned for Mayor Julieta Flores of the done in 10 minutes bested the previous attainment of world peace through inner municipality of Miagao said that the town record held by Romania in June 2012 peace. is thankful for the presence of the when it launched 12,740 lanterns for a The MMI said that prior to the record thousands of participants in the event shopping mall opening.

-breaking event they have conducted a leading to the convergence of people from There were an estimated 15,000 series of Inner Peace Previews to teach all walks of life towards the goal of world participants who mostly came from the participants the basics of meditation peace.

Leaders from various religions also Miag-ao and other provinces in Panay and how to release the sky lanterns took part in the activity, including Jaro Island. properly to ensure safety.

They were joined by Middle Way Ver Vajirajjivo, a Buddhist monk, said Archbishop Angel Lagdameo who said in Meditation Institute (MMI) partners and that they are glad that the Philippines his prayer that “world peace would come some volunteers from Thailand. The had put its name in the world map from within our hearts, within our own historic event dubbed “The Inaugural Light through the event, and at the same time persons”. (JCM/LTP-PIA6 Iloilo)

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DOST-Project NOAH to install instruments, gadgets in 6 Capiz towns

By Alex A. Lumaque ROXAS CITY, Capiz, May 28 (PIA6) -- The Department of Science and Technology (DOST) will install water level sensors and automatic rain gauges in six Capiz towns before the month ends. The project is under the agency's Project NOAH (Nationwide Operational Assessment of Hazards).

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OST – Capiz director Gerbe A. Dellava said that the sites for the weather monitoring gadgets will be at the town proper bridges of Maayon, Sigma, Jamindan, Tapaz, Panit-an and Dao. He added that a rain gauge only will be installed in Brgy. Tuburan in Maayon town.

“A total of 24 sites in the province will be installed with the water level sensors and automatic rain gauges to get accurate data on rainfall and flooding during typhoons and other bad weather conditions,” he stressed.

The identified sites for the project will also be installed in the future with equipments that will provide real time wind velocity, humidity and temperature, among

others, to the Project NOAH Processing Center at DOST – Central Office in Manila.

Dellava explained that the solar-powered weather devices will transmit short-messaging service (SMS) data based on the situation in the localities.

These devices, designed and developed by the DOST – Advance Science and Technology Research Institute, will be secured with perimeter fence which will be funded as counterpart by the concerned local government units.

The sites for the weather devices have been identified and validated by a team composed of some staff from DOST – Capiz and Philippine Atmospheric Geophysical and

A s t r o n o m i c a l S e r v i c e s Administration – Manila who conducted an ocular inspection province-wide last April.

The activity was in collaboration and with the support of the Provincial Risk Reduction and Management Council (PDRRMC).

Most of Capiz towns are highly susceptible to floodwaters particularly during heavy downpour which lasts for a couple of hours based on a flood susceptibility map of the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) and Philippine Information Agency.

The geohazard map can be accessed thru www.pia.gov.ph. (JCM/AAL/PIA6 Capiz)

Army rallies youth to promote Peace, Unity and Development

By Margie L. Gadian SAN JOSE, Antique, May 29 (PIA6) -- The 82nd Infantry Battalion, 3rd Infantry Division of the Philippine Army based in Camp Monteclaro, Brgy. Igtuba, Miag-ao, Iloilo, initiated a 3-day Youth Leadership Summit for 110 out-of-school youths from Antique and Iloilo last May 24-26,2013 in a bid to promote peace, unity and development in their area of responsibility especially in far-flung barangays.

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he summit with a theme, "Youth: Building a Nation Through Unity" aims to empower the youth sector and develop their leadership and social responsibility as advocates of peace and development within their respective community.

Various activities were undertaken to empower the youth like team building activities and lectures that included; Community and Personal Development with Ms. Teresa Hortillo, Guidance Service Specialist, OSA, UPV; Human Rights and the Youth by Mr. Christopher Montaño of

Commission on Human Rights; and Peace Process by Pastor Dexter Robite, head City Light Church, Iloilo.

The youth participants took part also in the just concluded Sky Lantern Flying for Peace of the Midway Meditation Institute International which broke the Guinness Book of World Records at UP Visayas campus on May 24, 2013.

In his message during the opening program, LTC. Aldwine I Almase, Battalion Commander, 82nd IB, emphasized the relevance of the youth in nation building. He added that his unit's framework in attaining

peace and helping in community puts premium in empowering the youth sector and helping them to become socially responsible community leaders.

The activity which was undertaken in partnership with Youth for Peace and Development (YPD), NGA's, LGUs and various organizations in Antique province and Southern Panay is a priority program of the 82nd IB troopers of the Philippine Army.

It contributed much in the individual formation and development of each participant. (82nd IB/MLG PIA6- Antique)

WESTERN VISAYAS

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1.4-M WV students expected in schools Isla Higantes, Carles, Iloilo

By Lilibeth A. French

ILOILO CITY, May 29 (PIA6) -- A total of 1,492,287 pupils and students in public elementary and secondary schools in Western Visayas are expected to be back in school on June 3.

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ata obtained from Department of Education 6 said that of the number, 1,027,019 are elementary pupils and 465,268 are high school students.

Based on DepEd Order No. 10 series of 2013 issued on February 20, this year, the opening of classes in public schools for this school year 2013-2014 is on June 3, 2013 while the last day will be on March 31, 2014.

This brings to 201 the total number of school days this school year. DepEd 6 Director Mildred Garay in an interview

with the Philippine Information Agency has already assured the readiness of the public schools and teachers in the region when the new school year opens on June 3.

She said public elementary and secondary schools in the region are now organized and clean as a result of the week-long school clean-up and maintenance drive known as “Brigada Eskwela” which started May 20 this year.

Also, as part of the preparation for the opening of classes, Garay said training for teachers is ongoing as well as preparation of instruction materials. The

new items for teachers allotted for the region, more or less 4,000 were already filled up, said Garay.

She added that Superintendents have already started to issue the teachers’ appointments as their first day of service started last May 15.

The new teacher items are part of the 61,510 new items approved by the Department of Budget and Management for fiscal year 2013 as part of the efforts to close the gaps in teacher shortages.

(JCM/LAF-PIA6)

First Natural Fibers Center opens in Aklan

By Venus G. Villanueva KALIBO, Aklan, May 28 (PIA6) -- Aklan's natural fibers have a great potential.

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ith this belief, the province of Aklan recently held a “soft” opening of the Natural Fibers Technology Resource Center (NFTRC) at the Aklan State University (ASU) Banga Campus.

NFTRC at ASU-Banga, according to DOST-Aklan Provincial Science and Technology Director Jairus Lachica, is the first-ever center of its kind in Western Visayas.

With the NFTRC in place, ASU will serve as a training center for government and non-government agencies, according to Lachica.

Prior to its recent opening, Lachica said the DOST has already provided the center needed equipment worth P630,000 – some of which include looms, and computer and projector for trainings.

Besides serving as a repository of baseline data/information on natural fibers

technology, the center, through its proponent-researchers, will also do studies on natural dye applications for pina and abaca cloth, raffia, bariw and other fibers.

After the center’s soft opening, it is projected that in 15 months’ time, a permanent building will be in place already, as the DA, according to Lachica, has earmarked a budget of P3.550 million for its building to be constructed inside the ASU-Banga Campus.

To sustain the project, proponents are keen on inviting fiber processors/ entrepreneurs in Aklan to be accredited members and help establish the One-Stop Information Center, with the assistance of other government agencies like the DOST, the Fiber Industry Development Authority (FIDA) and Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) to help develop new fiber p r od u ct s i n or d e r t o b e co m e globally-competitive. With its own building

yet to be constructed, displays of various products made of natural fibers are now at the Natural Fibers Technology Resource Center at ASU-Banga Campus.

The DOST is also open to extend another assistance to complete or complement the facilities of the center, according to Lachica.

The natural fibers resource center opening was made possible through the collaboration of ASU, DOST, the Department of Agriculture (DA) and the different natural fibers – producing local government units in the province – Kalibo and Balete (pina fiber); Libacao, Banga, Malinao and Altavas (abaca); and Nabas (bariw); and is projected as a One-Stop Information Shop on natural fibers for Aklanon entrepreneurs and stakeholders and from nearby provinces.(VGV PIA 6 Aklan)

LBP signs pact for Phase II of Adopt-A-Watershed Program II

By Easter Anne D. Doza NEGROS OCCIDENTAL, May 29 (PIA6) -- The Land Bank of the Philippines signed a tripartite agreement with the Department of Environment and Natural Resources and the Don Salvador Benedicto Agro-Forest Farmers Association, Inc. for the Phase II of its Adopt-A-Watershed Program.

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nder the Phase I of the program, the Bank nurtured the flora surrounding the six identified critical watersheds in the country by planting and nursing tree seedlings in them while Phase II aims for environmental rehabilitation of 40 hectares nationwide of open and degraded areas through planting forest and fruit bearing trees.

In Negros Occidental, the identified site is a 5-hectare area in Brgy. Kumaliskis, Don Salvador Benedicto town which is

part of the Northern Negros Natural Park where 2,500 seedlings are expected to be planted for the three-year agreement.

Initially, 300 jackfruit seedlings are turned over for planting to the DSBAFFA Inc. ready for planting of its 30 members who will be compensated for their labor and maintenance of the trees.

Roger Rebatado, president of the farmers association, assured they will work on the planting and maintenance of the trees.

Arnold Aldaba, Information Officer of the Corporate Affairs Department of Land Bank, said that the program is part of the Corporate Social Responsibilty of the Bank.

The LBP will sponsor the cost of the Phase II of the program’s implementation which is estimated to cost P800,000 for the six areas nationwide with P165,000 for Don Salvador Benedicto.* (JCM/EAD-PIA6 Negros Occidental)

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CENTRAL VISAYAS

Cebu City Hall marks National Flag Day

Bantayan Island, Cebu

CEBU CITY (PIA) - - The Philippine flag is a symbol of the nation’s independence and sovereignty. his was the message given by Officer-in-Charge and City Administrator rehabilitation of the Mahiga River system, Cultural and Historical Affairs Jose Marie Poblete gave a speech in behalf one of the five river systems in Cebu Commissioner Arsenio Pacana of Cebu City Mayor Michael Rama who is being rehabilitated by the local during his speech at the Cebu City Hall ’s currently on leave. government by improving its water quality. commemoration of the 115th National The commemoration of National Flag The run aims to raise awareness on Flag Day, May 28.

Day is pursuant to RA8491 or ''An Act the importance of integrated water The activity was led by the Cebu City prescribing the code of the National Flag, resources and solid waste management government and attended by Cebu City Anthem, Motto, Coat-of-Arms and other and boost the collaboration and Hall workers, guests, and visitors at Plaza Heraldic items and devices of the coordination towards a sustainable river systems management.

Sugbu.

Philippines”.

It also hopes to raise funds to serve Pacana reminded the city government Display of the Philippine flag is workers of the flag’s importance as it encouraged especially in government as seed fund to improve water quality of symbolized the nation’s independence and offices and buildings, business the river systems through private-public sovereignty. establishments, and schools as a show of partnership.

Organized by the Cebu Chamber of "We should defend our country support for the celebration. despite external and internal forces that Meanwhile, around 3,800 runners in Commerce and Industry (CCCI), the run try to wreck havoc our country's Cebu are expected to join the first Cebu also highlights the Cebu Business Month 2013 celebration. (RMN/PIA Cebu with independence," he said.

Run for the Rivers Marathon on June 2.

During the program, Cebu City The marathon will highlight the reports from Gessa Gunhuran and CCCI)

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4 Bohol schools earn citations as best Brigada implementers

By Rey Anthony H. Chiu CORTES, Bohol (PIA) – Four Bohol elementary and secondary schools got citations for their best implementation of the government’s annual school repair and maintenance activities dubbed as "Brigada Eskwela."

The cited schools include La Victoria Elementary School of Valencia for small elementary category and Estaca Elementary School of Pilar for big elementary school category.

For high schools, Department of Education’s (DepED) Resource

Generation and Mobilization Unit Chief Desiderio Deligero said winners for last year’s Best Brigada Eskwela implementer include Garcia-Hernandez High School for small high school category and Sandingan High School in Calape for the big category.

Sandingan High School is Bohol’s three-consecutive year winner for the government program aimed at enjoining communities to help and participate in one of the activities for DepEd’s Oplan Balik Eskwela.

COMELEC reminds candidates to submit poll expense reports

By Rey Anthony H. Chiu TAGBILARAN CITY , Bohol (PIA) -- The Commission on Elections (COMELEC) reminds all candidates who may have won, lost or withdrawn in the last elections need to submit their statement of expenditures and contributions. ailure to do so means a ban from voter registered in his constituency, while a movie entry in the prestigious Master taking a post, if elected, or for a those running as independent can spend as Director’s Edition of the 2013 Sineng non-winner to lose his other much as P5.00.

Pambansa. chance of running in any position in the According to the DILG, winning Movie director and Boholano artist future, the Comelec warns through Atty. candidates can only take their oaths of Maryo J. delos Reyes said he brings to Jonas Biliran. office after they can show their Comelec Bohol the production staff and crew to do Rule 8, Section 2 of COMELEC Res. issued Certificate of Compliance to the a movie “The Bamboo Flowers.”

No. 9476 dated June 22, 2012 is the SECE. Delos Reyes is among the 12 Comelec’s Campaign Finance and Failure to file the SECE could mean television and film directors who have Disclosure Policy. facing suspension on administrative been funded to provide an entry into the The candidates must file the Comelec offense, and a possible fine of from film festival in September, according to -provided SECEs to the Comelec offices P10,000 to P20,000. award-winning musical scorer Lutgardo where they filed their certificates of COMELEC said offenders can also Labad, who is also a Boholano . candidacies, not later than 30 days after face a case for perpetual disqualification Delos Reyes said the project is a elections, or until June 12. from future elections and can be penalized grant from the Film Development Council Comelec then issues a certificate of a maximum of six years in jail and perpet- of the Philippines as a tribute to those compliance to a candidate so he could ual disqualification from public office. who helped carve Philippine movies. take his oath.

Meanwhile, a movie crew is currently Delos Reyes explained that “Bamboo Fair Elections Act provides that on location shoot at the beautiful loca- Flowers” is a collection of stories that candidates other than for the Presidential tions in Anda, Alicia, and Abatan River in narrate the lives of various characters in post, are allowed to spend P3.00 for every Cortes and Maribojoc towns in Bohol for the province of Bohol. (mbcn/rahc/PIA7)

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CENTRAL VISAYAS

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Dumaguete gets award for BPO ‘next wave city’ Panglao Island, Bohol

By Jennifer C. Tilos

DUMAGUETE CITY (PIA) -- Dumaguete City received an award as one outsourcing locations in the Philippines.

In particular, cities are scored for the he recognition was given by The Information and Communications presence of providers of fiber optic Technology Office and the networks, cost of labor and office space, Information Technology and Business quality of their roads, access to Process Association of the Philippines for international and domestic flights, achieving as one of the country’s top ten reliability of power supply, availability of property sites, vulnerability to natural disoutsourcing locations in 2012.

The city’s current administration to turbances, peace and order situation, make Dumaguete an attractive investment among others.

Dumaguete City Mayor Manuel place for potential Business Process Outsourcing (BPO) industries has attained Sagarbarria accepted the plaque of its 10th rank in last year’s percentage on recognition during the awarding ceremony recently at Dusit Thani Hotel, Makati City, the next wave cities scorecard.

It is noted that in 2010, Dumaguete Philippines .

Louis Napoleon Casambre, Executive City got the same award for picking up higher scores on the labor pool of human Director DOST-ICTO and Jose Mari resources and environment categories Mercado, President IBPAP signed the because of the presence of universities and plaque of recognition. The recognition is a testament to the h ard work, ICT council here.

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of the Top 10 New Wave Cities for determination, and spirit of cooperation among its stewards and leaders to develop their jurisdiction as an environment conducive to well-managed business growth and ICT development in Dumaguete City .

The top 10 cities are Baguio, Davao, Dumaguete, Iloilo, Lipa, Metro Bulacan (composed of Baliuag, Calumpit, Malolos, Marilao and Meycauayan), Metro Cavite (Bacoor, Dasmarinas, Cavite, Imus) Metro Laguna (Cabuyao, Calamba, Los Banos, Sta. Rosa, San Pablo) Metro Naga (Naga City and Pili) and Metro Rizal (Antipolo, Binangonan, Cainta, Taytay). The Top 10 next wave cities are announced yearly to highlight areas which can host new business process outsourcing investors. (mbcn/JCT/ PIA7-Negros Oriental)

DSWD trains development workers in NegOr

By Juju Manubag-Empuerto CEBU CITY (PIA) -- Over 85 development workers from Negros Oriental towns attended the gender and development (GAD) sensitivity training of the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD)-7 at Hotel Essencia in Dumaguete City recently.

Sullano encouraged the inclusion of percent annual budget allocation of their mong the participants were community facilitators, social women during the construction of the communities to be utilized for GAD engineers and area coordinators projects and for them to have the same activities to make local governance more gender-responsive and participatory as per who have direct stake in the management salary as the men would have.

DSWD-7 records show there are Executive Order No. 273. of the on-going construction of various Millennium Challenge Corporation community projects of the Kapit-Bisig 7,849 female community volunteers Laban sa Kahirapan – Comprehensive and compared to the 7,670 male community (MCC), a funding agency created by the US Integrated Delivery of Social Services volunteers in Kalahi-CIDSS municipalities in congress for development pursuits, funded the training. "Believing in gender equality is Negros Oriental.

(Kalahi-CIDSS).

Compared to Iloilo and Samar recognizing the fact that the fullness of our “Mainstreaming GAD in Kalahi-CIDSS is important to minimize gender bias and provinces, the areas in Central Visayas have being is realized with and through our essentially recognizing women’s point of the highest percentage of female opposites" said Rogelie Borbon from MCAPhilippines. (rmn/JSME/PIA-Cebu/DSWD-7) view in the implementation of community volunteers.

During the training, the development projects,” said Pamela Sullano, Deputy workers approved the recall of their five Regional Project Manager.

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DOST inks MOA with 3 Siquijor SMEs

By Rizalie A. Calibo SIQUIJOR (PIA) -- The Department of Science and Technology (DOST) through its Small Enterprise Technology Upgrading Program (SETUP) recently signed a memorandum of agreement with three small and medium enterprises (SMEs) in Siquijor.

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aid SMEs are Naning’s Furniture Shop of Tubod San Juan; Charito Furniture Shop of Lambojon, Siquijor; and Honeybeh Meat Shop of Poblacion, Maria, Siquijor.

The P1.3-million funding assistance will be used to upgrade the production and/or processing equipment of the three firms.

Provincial Science and Technology (PSTC) Director Engr. Mario de la Pena said the move is DOST’s continuing support to SMEs through DOST-SETUP to make sure that the department's priority

sectors are assisted.

This is in response to the government’s effort to strengthen the country’s entrepreneurs as the engine for job creation and wealth distribution, said de la Pena.

As of this writing, the program has already released a total of P1.8 million to five SMEs. The first two was done in April and three others this month.

SET-UP is a nationwide strategy that encourages and assists micro, small, and

medium scale enterprises to adopt technological innovations that improve their operations and boost their productivity and competitiveness.

The program enables firms to address their technical problems through technology transfer and technological interventions to improve productivity through better product quality, human resources development, cost minimization and waste management, and other operation related activities. (rmn/MEP/ DOST/RACalibo/PIA-Siquijor)

EASTERN VISAYAS

6 Pag-IBIG transactions numbers starting July 1

to

require

MID

San Vicente, Northern Samar

TACLOBAN CITY, Leyte, May 27 (PIA) -- The Home Development Mutual Fund (Pag-IBIG) will require membership identification (MID) numbers for all transactions starting July 1.

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anager Paulino Talacay said the move is part of Pag-IBIG’s transition to an enhanced system for faster services.

In line with this move, all employers and their employees are required to register online through the e-services facility at www.pagibigfund.gov.ph.

For employers, click Employer Registration and Register as Main/Branch while for employees, click Membership Registration and Register as New.

Only remittances of employers and members who have MID numbers can be accepted for posting by the new system, Talacay said.

Remittances without MID numbers can be accepted over the counter or through collecting banks but will not be posted until such ID numbers are complied with, he added.

Talacay said employers must indicate the employees’ names and their MID numbers on the following Pag-Ibig Fund forms - Members Contribution

Remittance Form; Short Term Loan/Multi-Purpose Loan Application and Monthly Remittance Schedule for Multi-Purpose Loans.

He said there may be delays in the employers’ and members’ transactions if the MID number is not indicated.

For assistance and clarification, interested parties are requested to visit or call the Marketing and Enforcement Division at telephone number (053) 325-9092. (PIA-8)

First public high school in Padre Burgos opens

By Marcelo M. Pedalino MACROHON, Southern Leyte, May 24 (PIA) -- The Villa Jacinta Technical-Vocational High School-Sto. Rosario, Padre Burgos Annex was inaugurated yesterday at Barangay Sto. Rosario.

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ongressman Roger Mercado, Padre Burgos Mayor Ricardo Borces, Provincial Schools Division Superintendent Violeta Alocilja, Department of Public Works and Highways District Engineer Carlos Veloso and barangay officials attended the ribbon-cutting ceremony yesterday.

The annexed school formed is an integral part of the Sto. Rosario Elementary School. It's a three-classroom building designed to handle one section for Grade 7 and a planned laboratory workshop preparatory for the full implementation of the K to 12 program in 2016.

It will be administered for now by an instructor from its mother unit in Villa Jacinta, Macrohon, but has the distinction

as the first public secondary school in the tourism-driven municipality of Padre Burgos, known for its posh hotels and dive shops, a 25-kilomter land distance from Maasin City.

In her message, Alocilja thanked all stakeholders for the realization of a long-felt desire to have a state-run educational institution put up which can address the need for learning, so students in the “radiation area” serviced by the school would not go elsewhere after graduating Grade 6.

She also challenged the local government to accommodate the expected upsurge in enrolment, as it was determined to limit the initial batch to 50 students comprising one section, yet the trend appeared to exceed that mark.

In the press conference that followed after the short program, Borces accepted the challenge, saying the local government would do its best to support the newly-organized secondary school.

Mercado also pledged to provide the equipment required for a working laboratory workshop which can be used by students in their practical application of lessons learned.

Aside from launching the annexed Villa Jacinta Tech-Voc school, the occasion also served as a forum to kick off Brigada Eskwela 2013 and the establishment of a Public Assistance Center in schools preparatory for the opening of classes on June 3. (PIA-Southern Leyte)

9th Farmers' Congress in Calbayog cites outstanding farmers

By Ninfa Iluminda B. Quirante CATBALOGAN CITY, Samar, May 29 (PIA) -- An award-winning farmer shared his best practice - the use of organic fertilizer, in the 9th Farmers Congress held May 30 at the Calbayog City Convention Center.

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rturo Pasacas shared how his five-hectare rice farm yielded 25 tons with the use of organic fertilizer to 200 farmers and fishermen who are expected to attend the congress.

Compared to the 50-bag average yield per hectare, Pasacas’ farm saw a 100 percent increase in produce with a P7,000 capital.

Pasacas was one of the three speakers in the 9th Farmers Congress.

Through it, the city agriculture office hopes to educate farmers on the recent discoveries and methods in farming and eventually boost production not only for rice but also for other high-value crops.

Emma Paulino and Virgie Garalza, both agricultural technicians, helped Pasacas in his farm where he used chicken dung and vermicast instead of the usual commercial fertilizer.

“Pasacas is a Gawad Saka achiever and has been recognized by the regional office,” Ocenar said.

Pasacas was also elected city councilor during the recently concluded midterm elections and heads the committee on agriculture and fishery. (PIA -Samar)

EASTERN VISAYAS

7

PLAN Int'l strengthens campaign on girls' rights Digyo Island, Inopacan, Leyte

By Alicia E. Nicart

BORONGAN CITY, Eastern Samar, May 29 (PIA) -- Plan International, a children's development organization, recently conducted a forum to increase girls’ awareness and understanding of their rights, particularly the right to protection against abuse and exploitation.

T

he forum entitled Girls’ Camp, which was held at the gym of the Eastern Samar National Comprehensive High School (ESNCHS), was attended in by some 100 young girls and boys who came from the Plan areas of the province: Salcedo, Hernani, Llorente, Balangkayan, Oras and a few from the host city of Borongan.

The forum indicated some child rights violations in the Plan areas of the province, including gender inequalities, which Plan intends to address.

Lea Payod of provincial-based Plan International said in reality, there are programs and services of the government which cater to the needs of children and women but not all of them are gender sensitive.

This often results to discrimination of women, she said. She added that many stakeholders and duty bearers are not

gender sensitive in responding to some issues of women.

As a child’s right advocate, Plan recognizes that gender is one of the big dividing lines in societies, that in many cases, men and women are not treated equally and justly in terms of resources, expectation and affection.

She also said that boys/men are valued more than girls/women and are given more opportunities and privileges.

For instance she said, on education, girls are given less opportunities to finish their education because they are expected to become housewives eventually, hence would assume lesser responsibility in the home as compared to their husbands. This should be corrected, she added.

A girl-participant from the town of Llorente expressed her thanks to the program which according to her, was the first that she attended.

She said she already heard of the rights of the child and their mothers in other media outlets, but the discussion she heard from Girls Camp was comprehensive and very informative.

With Girls Camp, the participants were expected to have increased their awareness on the concepts of gender and deeper understanding on issues affecting them. They also produced campaign materials for girls rights advocacy.

The forum specifically discussed the following concepts: The difference of sex and gender and how it affects daily lives; how to recognize and reduce gender-based discrimination and stereotyping among women; gender-based violence and how to reduce it and taking action to reduce gender inequalities, stereotyping, discrimination and violence.

(PIA-Eastern Samart)

DA 8 optimistic for Leyte to become Banana and Jackfruit capital in EVisayas TACLOBAN CITY, Leyte, May 29 (PIA) -- A professor from the Visayas State University in Baybay City, Leyte formally turned over to the Department of Agriculture (DA) in Eastern Visayas the project documents on the Value Chain Analysis of Banana and Jackfruit Industry in Leyte.

D

r. Antonio P. Abamo, professor and department head at VSU in Baybay City personally handed over to Antonio Gerundio, regional executive director of the Department of Agriculture (DA) in the region the documents which contain the results of the study he conducted regarding the status of the banana and jackfruit industry in the region, particularly in the Province of Leyte.

In his presentation of the proposed value chain project at Leyte Park Hotel Tuesday, Abamo revealed that from year

2000 to 2009, the production of Banana in Leyte continued to increase but it slightly declined in 2010 onwards due to high incidence of pests and diseases.

The same is true with the jackfruit industry which is considered a top priority commodity in the region.

To address the low production of banana and jackfruit, Abamo laid out some strategies and proposals such as the improvement and repair of farm-to-market roads to provide access to farmers, provide training and seminars, establishment of consolidation centers and

introducing new or high value adding banana products.

With these, Abamo said in 2018, it is expected that Leyte would become the leading producer and exporter of high quality “Cardaba” banana products.

He is also very optimistic that the province would become “the Jackfruit Capital of the Philippines” where the possibility of capturing the domestic and international market in the year 2018 is not far from happening. (Consuelo B. Alarcon/PIA-8)

NSSDEO endorses local government DRRM project

By Ailene N. Diaz CATARMAN, Northern Samar, 28 May (PIA) -- The Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) Northern Samar Second District Engineering Office has endorsed a proposed disaster risk management infrastructure project of the local government of Lapinig, Northern Samar.

D

istrict Engineer Ferdinand A. Briones identified the project as the construction of Multi-Purpose Evacuation Center for the municipality.

Lapinig Mayor Romualdo Menzon, in a letter to Secretary Voltaire Gazmin of the Department of National Defense, said Lapinig is geographically located along the

country’s eastern seaboard fronting the Pacific Ocean, thus, prone and vulnerable to natural calamities such as typhoons, storm surges and tsunamis.

Menzon said the municipal government has already appropriated P5 million for the proposed project from the Municipal Disaster Risk Reduction Management Fund.

However, because of fund limitations, they are seeking the assistance of the national government through the defense department.

Briones said he strongly endorses the project for immediate funding and the district office will readily assist the LGU on its implementation. (PIA-Northern Samar)

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