One visayas vol 3 issue 25

Vol 3

Issue 25

In this Issue WESTERN VISAYAS

Members of the 61st Infantry Battalion of the Philippine Army based in Calinog, Iloilo offer free haircut to residents of the Calinog here as part of the project launching of the "Pagpakigbuylog sa Pagpangaman" held June 17. The project is spearheaded by the Regional Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council-6, local government unit of Calinog and PHAPCares Foundation, Inc. (LTP/PIA-Iloilo)

June 17 — 23, 2013

Published by: PIA 6, 7 & 8

DOH warns against 'WILD' diseases

By Leonard T. Pineda I ILOILO CITY, June 20 (PIA) -- The Department of Health-6 (DOH-6) Center for Health Development warned the public to take precautionary measures to protect themselves against the “WILD” diseases which stand for water-borne diseases, influenza, leptospirosis and dengue.

Dr. Marie Jocelyn Te of DOH-6 said that the WILD diseases are rampant during the rainy season but these can be prevented if one takes extra precaution to avoid these diseases.

Te said that observing proper food preparation and consumption and water sanitation can prevent many water borne diseases including cholera, diarrhea, hepatitis A and typhoid fever.

According to the World Health Organization (WHO), the five keys to safer food are: keep clean, separate raw and cooked food, cook food thoroughly, keep food at safe temperatures and use safe water and raw materials.

Te said that influenza can be prevented through flu vaccinations and advised the public to stay away from crowded places to avoid contracting the disease.

She also advised those suffering from influenza to cover their mouth and nose when sneezing or coughing to avoid transmitting the virus to other people.

The DOH official said that those in flooded areas should use proper protection like boots and gloves to avoid getting leptospirosis, a disease from infected rat urine transmitted to humans through breaks in the skin.

Te also warned the public against dengue hemorrhagic fever caused by dengue-carrying mosquitoes.

She added the DOH already stepped up its campaign by reviving the 4 o’clock habit, a bid to curve the continuing increase of dengue cases in the region.

The DOH said that the revival of the campaign strategy is part of the commemorative activity the DOH will be doing for dengue awareness month this June. (LTP/ PIA6 Iloilo)

Green business strategy to be launched in Cebu

By Rachelle M. Nessia CEBU CITY (PIA) -- Business groups in Cebu are spearheading a campaign pushing for green initiatives as More on Region 6, pages 2-3. business strategy.

Also CLICK Here…

The Cebu Chamber of Commerce and Industry (CCCI), with the European Chamber of Commerce of the CENTRAL VISAYAS Philippines (ECCP), partnered with the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) in launching “EKO Fest” here last June 15, which advocates for the business sector to go green in their business dealings.

While promoting environmental sustainability as a business blueprint, EKO Fest also aims to establish Cebu as a hub of sustainable lifestyle in the Philippines.

CCCI, in a statement, said EKO Fest promotes going green as a strategy for businessmen “for taking care of people, protecting the environment and becoming more profitable or achieving what is called the triple bottom line Bohol assistant agriculturist Larry Pamugas of ‘people, planet, profit’.”

The festival ran from June 15 to 19 featuring successful cooperators of ECCP’s SMART Cebu project at SM Northwing.

SMART stands for SMEs for Environmental Accountability, Responsibility, and Transparency.

The festival was capped by an EKO conference showing green initiatives and success stories of various sustainability champions in the country at Radisson Blue Hotel.

With the theme “Promoting Green Economic Development,” the conference was highlighted by talks from various environment and business experts such as Philippine Business for Environment Executive Director Bonar A. Laureto, GIZ ProGED Project Manager Dr. Volker Steigerwald, Ramon Aboitiz Foundation Inc. Chief Operating Officer Dominica B. Chua, etc. (RMN/PIA Cebu)

country which everyone will be proud to call “Pilipinas nating lahat”.

“As you help us reflect on what is really happening in the country, even the not-so-nice-things about the country, help us also reflect on the beauty the Philippines has,” Usec Oquiñena said.

The PIA chief made the call during the Media Night on June 17 held for the first time at the Ampitheater of the Pintados-Kasadyaan Festival Park as part of the fiesta celebration in honor of Senor Santo Niño, the Patron of Tacloban and the province of Leyte.

Usec Oquiñena also exhorted the media to always remember the children, the next generation before writing, saying and showing something.

“As we cover the journey of our nation, now under the leadership of President Benigno S. Aquino III, as we cover the different news and happenings in our nation, we may differ in views and opinions, we may see different angles of the story, but please, every time we write a something, say something, show something, please remember the children that we are trying to reach, the next generation that we are trying to reach.”

Moreover, he called on the 230 media people both from the private and government media entities who were present, to join in the country’s journey of raising a generation proud of being a Filipino.

“Join me in this journey of raising a generation that will say I am proud as a Filipino, I am blessed I was born as

Night on June 17 as they presented a variety show anchored on the theme “Rayhak Media, Halad Kan Senor Santo Niño.”

Spectators fully packed the Festival Park despite intermittent light rains just to see in the members of the local media and see the presentation which started with a bang with the media outlets doing the Gentleman repertoire as they each were introduced. (PIA-8)

speaks behind a visual prop of a cloud-seeding plane to highlight Bohol’s gains in average rice production despite a crippling drought that destroyed most of the region’s farms. Bohol PIA chief exhorts media to help build ‘Pilipinas Natin’ still posted a production rate of 3.08 MT of By Erlinda Olivia P. Tiu a Filipino because there were media people who made me palay per hectare after successful cloud TACLOBAN CITY, Leyte, June 19 (PIA) -- Philippine feel that way,” the young PIA Director General said. seeding operations in July of 2012. (PIA7 Information Agency Director General Jose Mari Oquiñena The stars from the print, radio and television sector Bohol) called on meda practitioners to be partners in building a in Tacloban lighted up the RTR Plaza during the Media

More on Region 7, pages 4-5.

Also CLICK Here…

EASTERN VISAYAS

Different Philippine National Costumes and Festival Costumes in Region 8 were showcased at the Robinsons activity area, Tacloban City in commemoration of the 115th Independence Day. (Raul S. Tiozon/ PIA8)

More on Region 8, pages 6-7.

Also CLICK Here...

Philippine Information Agency Director-General Jose Mari Oquiñena gives his message to media practitioners in Eastern Visayas during the Media Night 2013 at the RTR Festival Park, Tacloban City, June 17. Behind DG Oquiñena are the candidates of the search for Miss Teen and Pintados in connection with the celebration of the feast of Sr. Sto. Niño in Tacloban on June 30.

(Vino R. Cuayzon)

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WESTERN VISAYAS

POEA accepts applications for nursing jobs in Germany

Graciano Lopez Lopez--Jaena (1856 (1856--1896)

By Lilibeth A. French ILOILO CITY, June 19 (PIA6) -- The Philippine Overseas Employment Administration (POEA) has started accepting applications from nurses who would like to work in Germany.

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he submission of application is until June 30, 2013.

POEA 6 Officer-in Charge Rhea Glynda Calantas said the Federal Republic of Germany will hire a total of 500 Filipino nurses until the end of year 2014.

“This is a government to government hiring,” said Calantas. The recruitment is in accordance with the Agreement on Triple Win Migration between the POEA and the German Federal Employment Agency on the placement of Filipino Health Professionals for Employment in Germany.

To qualify, an applicant must be a Filipino citizen; Bachelor of Science in

Nursing graduate; has an active Philippine Nursing License; at least two years of professional experience as nurse in hospitals, rehabilitation centers and care institutions; has knowledge of German language; minimum Level B1 in accordance with the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages or willing to undergo German language training in the Philippines for up to six months to be paid by the employer.

Interested may prepare the following: Cover letter and curriculum vitae with colored passport size picture (in English and in German, if possible); High School Diploma (notarized copy); Diploma of

nursing (notarized copy); Board Certificate from the Professional Regulation Commission; Certificate/s of employment from former employers (notarized copy); Certificate of German language skills, if available; Copy of valid NBI clearance; Copy of valid passport.

Applications can be submitted at the Counter Triple Win, Employment Branch, Manpower Registry Division, Ground Floor, POEA, Blas F. Ople Building, Ortigas Avenue corner EDSA, Mandaluyong City.

For complete details visit www.poea.gov.ph. (JCM/LAF/PIA6)

ALS enrolment in NegOcc increases

By Lorenzo O. Lambatin Jr. NEGROS, OCC., June 19 (PIA6) — Enrolment in the Alternative Learning system of the DepEd is expected to swell from 3,000 last year to about 5,000 this year.

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LS provincial Supervisor Julito Feliciano said the convenience of mobile teachers going into the communities with the desire of many Negrenses who wish to finish their elementary or high school will spur interest in the program.

He said ALS employs flexible methods of teaching such as face to face, modular, Focus Group Discussion, study groups, print and audio-based learning, self and interactive learning, tutorial, mentoring, and home visits.

Medium of instruction are in local dialects, Filipino and English depending on the programs and level of capacity of students.

Felicano said the goal of ALS is to prepare students to the next level of education.

Those who enroll and pass the Accreditation and Equivalency tests, A and E, can graduate in the elementary level and take the high school.

Those who can meet the standards and are ready for tertiary education may proceed to college while those who want to gain skills may enroll in TESDA. There are 30 ALS teachers today in Negros Occ.- Division I covering Hinobaan in the south to Calatrava in the north. He said the ideal would be having one ALS teacher per

barangay.

LGUs help implement ALS by providing para-teachers or volunteers in the Community Learning Centers- a place where teaching is held that could be in the barangay hall, sports center, house of a student or playgrounds making it accessible to the students.

According to the DepEd, the target students of ALS are the non-literates, functional literates, out-of-school youth, adults, elementary and high school dropouts, passers of Philippine Educational Placement Test, PEPT and just anyone who would like to go further in their schooling. (PIA6-JCM/LOL)

Antique's poor families get P691-M cash grant

By Pilar S. Mabaquiao SAN JOSE, Antique, June 17 (PIA6) -- The Department of Social Welfare and Development has released the amount of P691,570,100 million cash grant to poor families in Antique through Pantawid Pamilya since the program started in 2008 until first quarter of 2013.

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ata obtained from the Pantawid Pamilya Provincial Operations Office here showed that it was in 2012 when the government has released the huge amount of P272,728,900 covering about 26,000 families from the 18 towns in the province.

The increase was due to the province wide coverage of the program where it used to cover only five municipalities when it started in 2008, said Roselle S. Freires, Provincial Monitoring and Evaluation Officer of Pantawid Pamilya program in Antique.

In 2011, DSWD granted P145,474,600 to 12 municipalities while in 2010 the government shelled out P86,740,800; in 2009 – P107,124,000 and 2008 – P24,415,000 meant only for five pilot municipalities.

For the first quarter of 2013, DSWD has paid out 25, 339 families in the amount of P55,086,800 for their diligent compliance to the conditions of the program particularly for the health, nutrition and education of their children.

Most of the household grantees are women which comprise 89 percent and 11 percent where men. Actual number of grantees said Freires vary every quarter depending on the compliance of the families per result of monitoring and evaluation of the Pantawid Pamilya team.

Household with solo parents summed up to 1,373, while 627 families with differently abled members, 324 households with sugar migrant workers and 607 households are

indigenous people (based data as of March 2013 monitoring).

A total of 175 families are included for Cash for Training Program in partnership with Technical Education Skills Development Authority and DSWD, disclosed the source.

Release of of Cash Grants for the 2nd quarter of current year is ongoing as well as monitoring and validation of beneficiaries particularly in indigenous people’s communities.

Monitoring showed that almost all parentgrantees are compliant to the conditions of the program except for some who failed to comply for some reasons but generally beneficiaries are appreciative of government assistance, Freires concluded. (JCM/PSM/PIAAntique)

WESTERN VISAYAS

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Guimaras students top DepEd’s NAT in Western Visayas Founder and First Editor of La Solidaridad

By Elsa S. Subong

ILOILO CITY, June 17 (PIA6) -- Students from the Guimaras province topped the 2011-2012 National Achievement Test, with a rating of 79.9 percent for Grade VI pupils and 53.1 percent for fourth year high school students.

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ational Statistical Coordination Board (NSCB) data revealed that four of the six provinces in Western Visayas, namely Guimaras, Capiz, Iloilo and Antique retained their ranks, from first to fourth.

Guimaras topped with the highest Mean Percentage Scores (MPS), followed

by Capiz (79.4% and 52.5%); Iloilo (70. 3% and 52.5%); and Antique (68.7% and 52.2%).

Meanwhile, Negros Occidental ranked 5th (67.6%) in Grade VI NAT while Aklan was 5th (51.3%) for 4th year NAT. Both had the lowest MPS for Grade VI and fourth year, with 63.0 percent and 45.6 percent respectively.

The DepEd said the NAT is a standard measure of learners’ achievements for Grade VI and Fourth Year students which focuses on the quality of learning of the pupils according to learning areas, like Math, English, Science, Filipino, Hekasi/Social Studies and Critical thinking.

As measured by the NAT, Grade VI and Fourth Year students in the region, for school year 2011-2012 have shown remarkable improvements in Science and Mathematics subjects, posting an increment of 15.5 and 61.9 percentage points respectively over their performance in the previous years.

The same results, however, showed that both Grade VI and Fourth Year students had the lowest achievement rate in English subjects having an MPS of 65.6 percent and 39.9 percent, respectively.

On the other hand NAT also showed that fourth year students failed to perform better in three subjects that resulted to decreased MPS: 14.5 percentage points dropped in English, 10.9 in Filipino, and 2.9 in Hekasi/Social Studies.

Likewise, according to the NAT results, Grade VI pupils recorded a decreased MPS of 10.0 and 5.3 percentage points in Filipino and Hekasi/Social Studies respectively. (NSCB/JCM/ESS/PIA-Iloilo)

NFA assures no shortages of rice supply

By Jemin B. Guillermo ROXAS CITY, Capiz, June 21 (PIA6) — Capiz will still survive the lean months, the National Food Authority assured.

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apiz NFA Information Officer Rose Andalecio assured Capiceños of sufficient supply of rice during the lean months based on the 5,500 daily rice requirements of the province.

Andalecio said that 57 percent of the agency’s rice stock is stored at the Dumalag Warehouse, 22 percent is at Sigma warehouse and 21 percent rice stock is placed at the Bolo, Roxas City warehouse.

She likewise pointed out that in instances of calamities here, the food agency is also ready to serve the rice

requirement of the people.

She also emphasized that part of the disaster preparedness activity of every local government unit should be the signing of a memorandum of agreement (MOA) with their office for an immediate response of releasing rice stocks to the concerned LGU. Andalecio revealed that as of June 13, the province holds a total of 300,400 bags of rice which include those from commercial, household and government stocks, which are expected to last for 55 days. She also said that Capiz NFA

continues its milling and fortification of rice as well as rice dispersal to Negros Occidental.

On the other hand, Andalecio urges the farmers to continue to sell their palay produce to the government especially during harvest season to have a more affordable price of rice even during lean months.

She also said that NFA still maintains its palay buying price at almost P18.00 per kilogram and its rice selling price from P23.00 to P25.00 per kilogram. (JCM/JBG/ PIA6-Capiz)

DOST search for undergrad scholarship applicants on

By Venus G. Villanueva KALIBO, Aklan, June 21 (PIA6) -- The Department of Science and Technology – Science and Technology Institute (DOST-SEI) is now accepting applicants for 2014 Science and Technology Undergraduate Scholarship.

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OST-Aklan Provincial Science and Technology Director Jairus Lachica said the scholarship is open to all high school graduating students who intend to pursue priority fields of study in science, mathematics and engineering.

Applicants, Lachica said, must be natural-born Filipino citizens who belong to upper five percent (5%) of the regular high school graduating class of a DOSE-SEI identified or Department of Education (DepEd)-recognized science high school; a resident of the municipality for the last 4

years as attested by the barangay; and of good moral character and in good health.

The scholarship also intends to help poor, talented and deserving students who belong to a family whose socio-economic status does not exceed the set values of certain indicators.

Application forms can now be obtained from DOST-Aklan, or can be d o w n l o a d e d a t t h e website www.sei.dost.gov.ph.

Deadline for submission of applications is August 23, 2013 while date of examination is September 22, 2013.

Scholarship privileges for those who will pass the examination include P8,000.00 for tuition and other school fees per semester; P5,000.00 book allowance per year; P500.00 for PE uniform for First Year only; transportation allowance for those studying outside of home province and monthly living allowance of P5,000.00 for those taking BS Physics/Physics Teaching/Geology/Mining Engineer and P4,000.00 for those taking other DOST-SEI Priority courses. (VGV PIA 6 Aklan)

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CENTRAL VISAYAS

DSWD7 needs more staff for poverty reduction Lapu Lapu--Lapu (1491 (1491--1592)

By Juju Manubag-Empuerto

CEBU CITY, June 13 (PIA) -- The Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD-7) needs 103 more staff on board by 1st week of October 2013 for its community-driven poverty reduction program known as the Kapit-Bisig Laban sa Kahirapan – Integrated and Delivery of Social Services (Kalahi-CIDSS).

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alahi-CIDSS has recently been scaled up this year and made into a national program coined as the National Community Driven-Development Program (NCDDP) that covers over 900 poor municipalities and cater roughly to 5.9 million households across the country.

In Region VII alone, there will be 104 additional municipalities scattered in the island provinces of Bohol, Negros Oriental, Siquijor and the province of Cebu .

“Kalahi-CIDSS has scaled up and is not just a project of DSWD anymore; we are now a national program implemented by different national government agencies covering over a 100 municipalities in the region starting this year 2013 to 2019 - which is why we need

more manpower to implement this huge scale,” said Simeon Remata III, Regional Social Marketing Officer for Kalahi-CIDSS. Beginning this month until August this year, DSWD-7 will be accepting applicants for the following positions under the National Community-Driven Development Program (NCDDP)’s contract of services: (1) Deputy Regional Project Manager, (1) Regional Community Development Specialist, (70) Area Coordinators, (1) Regional Community Infrastructure Specialist, (3) Monitoring and Evaluation Officer III, (1) Monitoring and Evaluation Officer II, (1) Regional Financial Analyst, and (2) Regional Infrastructure Officer.

More positions will open in the coming days.

For interested applicants, please bring the following: comprehensive resume, application letter addressed to the DSWD Regional Director, transcript of records, certificates and other credentials.

Graduates of Social Development courses or have relevant experience working in community organizing and development work are highly encouraged to apply.

For a complete list of vacancies and other inquiries, please visit DSWD Field Office VII, Human Resource Development Section at Corner M.J. Cuenco and Gen. Maxilom Ave. , Cebu City . You may also call (032) 232 9505 and look for Miss Daisy Lor, Regional Project Coordinator. (mbcn/JSME/PIA7-Cebu/ DSWD7)

Education key to end child labor in NegOr

By Roi Lomotan DUMAGUETE CITY, June 13 (PIA) -- Education is still the best way to combat child labor.

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his was emphasized during the celebration of 2013 World Day Against Child Labor, held June 12 at the Robinson’s Dumaguete.

Education Specialist Nick Arcilla disclosed that most children don’t go to school because they chose to work to meet their families’ needs.

“Our advocacy is to increase the enrollment and lessen the absences and dropping outs of children,” Arcilla said in Filipino.

Arcilla was the keynote speaker of the event.

In response, the Department of Education (DepEd) Negros Oriental said it has programs aimed to address the issue such as Alternative Learning System (ALS) that is common to all and the Alternative Delivery System (ADS) which sought to provide more inclusive

approaches and wider strategies for better access to education.

The International Labor Organization declared June 12 as the World Day Against Child Labor to give importance to the efforts of eradicating child labor.

The event was headed by the DOLE and was attended by other stakeholders including DepEd, Philippine National Police (PNP) Negros Oriental, various schools, Non-Government Organizations (NGO) and child delegates from Mabinay, Bayawan, Sta. Catalina, Tanjay, Manjuyod and Siaton towns in the province.

Childfund Philippines, a NGO against child labor shared their programs that aimed at reducing working children in the sugarcane industry through education interventions and by engaging families into livelihood and skills training programs.

The event also highlighted a ceremonial turnover of books from stakeholders to a child representative of Childfund Philippines.

The turn-over marked the launching of “Libro mo, Edukasyon campaign” which aims to strengthen the access of educational materials for children to be more encouraged to go to school rather than go to work.

Participating stakeholders of the campaign were the DepEd, PNP Negros Oriental and some schools in Dumaguete including Silliman University , Negros Oriental State University, Asian College of Science and Technology, St. Paul ’s University and the Colegio De Sta. Catalina De Alejandria.

Each of them was given book drive boxes to encourage more people to donate books. (mbcn/RAL/PIA7-NEGOR)

200 participants join nationwide tree planting in Cebu

By Hazel F. Gloria CEBU CITY , June 13 (PIA) -- About 200 participants from the local government units (LGUs) and people’s organizations (PO) attended a simultaneous nationwide tree planting in celebration of the 115th Philippine Independence in Barangay Magsaysay, Balamban, Cebu .

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he activity aims to inculcate the value of trees as they greatly contribute in improving air quality, providing oxygen, conserving water, preserving soil, and supporting wildlife.

Estimated of 1.5 hectares within the Central Cebu Protected Landscape (CCPL) was planted with 1,500 ulayan (Quercus apoensis) and 240 kamagong (Diospyros blancoi) seedlings.

DENR-7 regional executive director Dr. Isabelo Montejo said, “these ulayan (Quercus apoensis) and kamagong (Diospyros blancoi) which are indigenous tree species in the country will be utilized as these are very important in addressing the reforestation

objectives and help improve or conserve the country’s biodiversity.”

Montejo said this is supportive to the national greening program (NGP) which seeks to improve water quality in rivers and irrigation for farm lands, lessen the potential for flooding, and absorb carbon dioxide out of the atmosphere.

Considering that rainy season is already here, DENR encourages communities to join in reforestation efforts by coordinating with the community environment and natural resources offices in the four provinces in Central Visayas and they will gladly assist everyone in finding suitable sites and tree species to be planted, Montejo said.

President Aquino issued Executive Order (EO) 26 on February 24, 2011 establishing the NGP not only to reforest 1.5 million hectares of land but also to promote a sustained environmental awareness campaign in the face of the deleterious effects of climate change.

To recall, DENR 7 has produced about 8M seedlings throughout the region under the Aquino administration’s NGP mostly indigenous and agro-forestry tree species.

For this year, the DENR intends to plant a total of 170M seedlings on 300,000 hectares nationwide. (mbcn/HFG/PIA-7/DENR-7)

CENTRAL VISAYAS

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Chatto: Eat rice responsibly, help attain rice sufficiency Led the first successful Filipino armed resistance against Spanish aggression

By Rey Anthony H. Chiu

TAGBILARAN CITY, Bohol, June 14 (PIA) -- Bohol Gov. Edgar Chatto rallied Boholanos to act on a national advocacy campaign to promote responsible rice consumption as the country celebrates the National Year of the Rice this year.

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uring a Convocation Activity sponsored by the Office of the Provincial Agriculture (OPA) sponsored at the Capitol on June 10, Chatto led Boholanos in a pledge to lessen rice wastage and for responsible rice consumption.

It may be recalled that Pres. Benigno Aquino III signed Proclamation 494 declaring 2013 as National Year of the Rice and enjoining Filipinos to help attain the country’s rice sufficiency by 2013.

The declaration of the National year of the Rice also spurred various campaign activities geared towards national rice sufficiency, which includes a nationwide “Panatang Makapalay” pledge.

“Maglung-ag ako sa igo lamang mahurot, ug tinuon nga sakto ang pagkaluto niini (I will cook enough rice only to what I can consume, and ensure that it is cooked properly),” Chatto read from the translated oath, which Boholanos also recited.

With this, local agriculture officials have high hopes of another golden harvest as Bohol has consistently increased its palay production volume since 2009.

According to Assistant provincial Agriculturist Larry Pamugas, Bohol has breached the 3 metric tons per hectare of palay produce in 2012, a feat it attained despite a crippling drought that affected most farms in the region.

Pamugas reported that since 2009, when Bohol pegged a 2.52 metric tons of palay in a hectare, the average yield has shown promising increases.

During the monthly activity at the Capitol, where agriculture officials bared OPA accomplishments, Pamugas showed that the average 2.52 metric tons of harvest in 2009 even increased to 2.55 in 2010. By 2011, the 2.52 metric tons per hectare average in 2009 has jumped to 2.97 metric tons two years later.

Pamugas showed that in 2011, Bohol rice fields yielded an average of 2,970 kilos of palay,

which translates to a 450 kilos more palay, enough for a hefty savings for the farmers family.

Agriculture authorities, however, shared their worries by the middle of 2012, because a drought severely threatened large parts of the vast rice fields of central and northeastern Bohol .

With the help of the Bureau of Soils and Water Management which funded the P2.5-M cloud seeding operations to induce rain, farms started to rejuvenate by August, enough to salvage what was left of the midyear cropping, Pamugas said.

Other than an estimated impact of agriculture in P4,043,212 for the palay, excluding livestock, fisheries and high value commercial crops, Pamugas also noted that the operation was instrumental in the 3.08 metric tons of palay harvest per hectare average Bohol attained by the end of the year. (rmn/RAHC/PIA Bohol)

DOLE-7 releases livelihood grant to Siquijor beneficiaries

By Rizalie A. Calibo

SIQUIJOR, June 14 (PIA) --The Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE -7) released P343,575 to fund the livelihood projects of Carmelite Youth Association (CYA) of Carmelite College and informal sector workers of Siquijor town.

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he grant is under the DOLE’s Youth Entrepreneurship Support (YES) and Livelihood Starter Kits (LSK) Programs.

In a simple ceremonial turn-over held recently at Carmelite College of Siquijor, DOLE-7 regional director Chona Mantilla with DOLE Siquijor field office head Ma. Teresa D. Tanquiamco handed the check to Sr. Mila Margaret V. Montregrejo, Carmelite O.L, who represented the Carmelite College of Siquijor, the Accredited Co-Partner.

The grant assistance of P164,256 will be used to purchase heat press swing, pigment printer, 4 in 1 combo heat press, horizontal mug press machine, Epson printer T13, heavy duty button pin machine and raw materials to start-up custom T-shirts, unique gifts and personalized products business enterprise of Carmelite Youth Association. Another P179,319 will be used to

purchase raw materials, supplies, jigs, equipment and tools for beneficiaries of cosmetology, eight beneficiaries of carpentry, three beneficiaries of vegetables production, one beneficiary of auto repair services, one of tailoring services, 16 of eatery and food processing, two of fishing, two of spa and massage services and one beneficiary of seaweeds production.

During the turn-over, director Mantilla encouraged the beneficiaries to sustain their livelihood enterprises and urged them to practice a culture of saving.

Mantilla also encouraged them to spend less than their income and save the maximum possible amount so that they can invest more for growth and expansion of their business.

Sr. Mila Margaret Montregrejo, Carm. O.L, school president of Carmelite College , assured the donor they will always lend a helping hand to

the beneficiaries especially in ensuring their livelihood sustainability.

“The Carmelite sisters are very happy and grateful to DOLE for choosing us as partner to help those who are in the unfortunate economic conditions. To help end the plight of the poor is always in our heart and mind,” she underscored.

Moreover, to guarantee a proper liquidation of financial obligations, Janet Toroy, DOLE-7 accountant, explained the Rules and Regulations in the Grant, Utilization and Liquidation based on Commission on Audit (COA) circular.

Finally, DOLE SFO Head Ma. Teresa Tanquiamco facilitated the identification Project Management Team among the participants to help the coordination, implementation and monitoring of the project. (mbcn/rac/PIA7-Siquijor & Nole Torres/DOST-Siquijor)

DOLE holds TAV validation, orientation on Batas Kasambahay, Wage Order

By Rizalie A. Calibo SIQUIJOR, June 14 (PIA) -- As an offshoot to the Technical Advisory Visit (TAV) orientation for small and micro enterprises (SMiEs) in the province of Siquijor conducted last year, the Department of Labor and Employment Siquijor Field Office (DOLE-SFO) held a TAV Validation recently at Larena Triad Coffee Shop, Larena, Siquijor.

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OLE-SFO head Ma. Teresa Tanquiamco said the activity aims to monitor and document the status of improvements made by the enterprises as their commitment to voluntary compliance with General Labor Standards (GLS) including Occupational Safety and Health Standards.

Tanquiamco added it will also conduct orientation on Wage Order No.17 and the salient features of R.A. 10361, “Act Instituting Policies for the Protection and Welfare of Domestic Workers otherwise known as 'Domestic Workers Act” or 'Batas Kasambahay'.

The validation will thresh out issues and concerns encountered in the process of complying with the GLS and addressed them one

by one. DOLE-7 regional director Chona Mantilla thanked business owners and managers who took time out of their busy day to participate in TAV validation activity, orientation on the salient features of the new minimum wage rate in Central Visayas and the Implementing Rules and Regulation of “Batas Kasambahay”.

Salient feature on Implementing Rules and Regulations of R.A. 10361 was discussed by Ma. Teresa Tanquiamco and Wage Order No. VII-17 was expounded by Nole Torres.

“Siquijor Chamber, whose goal is to further the interests of the businesses, advocates on coordinating and supporting National Agencies for training and seminars to MSMEs about government regulations and programs,” SMEDC

Chairman and Siquijor Chamber of Commerce and Industry Inc. (SCCII) Vice President Engr.

Deleto Cuevas said.

He said business sector plays a pivotal role in shaping the labor legislation in our country.

“Therefore, it is imperative that we should always be in constant dialog with government agencies and other stakeholders to ensure growth and sustainability of our enterprises,” Cuevas urged.

A total of 90 owners/managers of establishments attended the activity, which was done in coordination with the SCCII. (mbcn/RAC/ PIA7-Siuqijor & Nole Torres/DOLE-Siquijor)

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EASTERN VISAYAS

Access to health services priority of new provincial hospital Agustin Sumuroy ( - 1650)

By Marcelo M. Pedalino

MAASIN CITY, Southern Leyte, June 18 (PIA) -- A modern, state-of-the-art health facility is set to open in Barangay Dongon next year.

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r. Joselito Trumata said in an interview at the cable TV Action Center Kapihan sa PIA Wednesday that the new provincial hospital located some five kilometres from the city proper in an interior road will be able to house 450 beds, majority of which are for poor patients, as only 50 beds are for private rooms.

The number is a drastic increase compared with the existing capacity in the present hospital located at Barangay Mantahan within the city proper which has only 100 beds, Trumata said.

At the new hospital, the management would see to it that all kinds of medicines needed by the patients will be available right in its pharmacy.

“From what I heard, the provincial government will be passing an ordinance

restricting private drugstores to put up shops within a distance of one kilometer,” Trumata said.

He was optimistic all poor patients admitted there will already have their own Philippine Health Insurance Corp.

(PhilHealth) cards, so any prescribed drugs by the attending physician will just be taken out from the in-house pharmacy.

“In fact, for quite some time now, any admission at the hospital of a poor patient who has no PhilHealth ID yet, the provincial government would automatically enrol him/her, until the allocation of 40,000 individuals of Gov. Damian Mercado were all filled up,” Trumata added.

Among the technology-driven features of the new hospital will be a built-in oxygen system in the walls so

those needing the breathing apparatus can have it handy just by inserting the plug, computerized tomography (CT) scan operations using the internet with an online physician who will read and send the results immediately and a water treatment facility as required by the Department of Health (DOH).

Trumata said the existing hospital will act as a satellite health center as stipulated

by DOH when it extended a financial assistance of P50 million for the construction of the Dongon hospital in a three-hectare area.

Project Engineer Pastor Maitem said the DOH grant formed part of the P260 million overall project cost of the new hospital which is now in its Phase 3 of construction since April this year until April of next year. (PIA-Southern Leyte)

DepEd SoLeyte receives thousands of oral care kits for school kids

By Erna S. Gorne MAASIN CITY, Southern Leyte, June 15 (PIA) -- The Department of Education (DepEd) Southern Leyte Schools Division received thousands of dental kits from a leading consumer product company for the Bright Smile, Bright Future (BSBF) program for the Grade 1 school children.

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epEd SoLeyte Schools Division Dental Aide Dr. Fe Ligtas said the schools division received some 5,612 pairs of toothbrushes and toothpastes from Colgate Palmolive Philippines.

She said, only the Grade 1 school children are the beneficiaries of the oral

care kits in 295 public elementary schools in Southern Leyte schools division.

However, there are about 9,000 Grade 1 pupils, who are now presently enrolled at the division this school year, 2013-2014 hence the schools division teacher-officers will find ways in order to

be able to provide for all the Grade 1 school children.

The BSBF program is one of the programs under the Adopt-A-School project, launched by DepEd in 2006 to enlist the aid of the private sector in the development of the public school system. (PIA- SoLeyte)

DPWH-NSFDEO turns over armchairs to selected public schools Ailene N. Diaz CATARMAN, Northern Samar, June 20 (PIA) -- The DPWH-Northern Samar First District Engineering Office turns over armchairs to selected public schools under the NSFDEO’s “Arm Chair Project.”This was learned from Ms. Annabelle Bautisa, DPWH-NSFDEO PIO Unit. he first beneficiaries were Section, those cut trees causes armchairs to the schools. the Laonardo M. Amigo obstructions and hazardous to motorists On the other hand, DepEd Northern National High School and and commuting public.

Samar Division, OIC Schools Division Makiwalo Elementary School who For the materials to be more Superintendent Cristito Eco received with received a total of 80 arm-chairs. beneficial, DE decided to make use of the much appreciation the arm chairs given by “Arm Chair Project” is an initiative of cut trees as armchairs and distribute it to District Engineer Sandy Pua and OIC District Engineer Sandy T. Pua as part the Department of Education-Northern thanked him for choosing DepEd as its of his strong environmental advocacy.

Samar Division. beneficiary.

Major materials used were of DE Pua was very grateful to the According to DPWH-NSFDEO, the Gemilina trees cut along the national kamineros or laborers of the Maintenance distributions of armchairs for donation will highway 15 meters road-right-of-way limit. Section who do the extra mile of cutting continue in the next few weeks. (PIAAccording to NSFDEO Maintenance the trees, producing and distributing Northern Samar)

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EASTERN VISAYAS

Led the very first organized armed resistance against the Spanish colonizers

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DTI Samar to hold first Catbalogan food festival

By Ninfa Iluminda B. Quirante

CATBALOGAN CITY, Samar, June 19 (PIA) -- Twenty-four food producers from Samar are set to join the first Catbalogan Festival of Food here from August 19-21.

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he event, organized by the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI), intends to showcase the best in Catbalogan dishes, including the usual lunch and dinner fare, snack items (merienda) and even salted seafood delicacies like sisi and ginamos.

During the festival, DTI will also conduct the first Catbalogan cooking contest, dubbed “Parsahay Pagluto para Pagdayeg ug Pasalamat kan San Bartolome,” a pioneering concept of the Hermano Mayor 2013, Justice Eduardo Nachura and family.

DTI Samar Provincial Director Meilo Macabare said the contest was made to coincide with the celebration of the Catbalogan City Fiesta.

The contest, to be participated in by high school and college students in Catbalogan, will have the final competition on August 20 at the Covered Court Provincial Capitol grounds in Catbalogan City after preliminaries are held in participating schools.

DTI Samar encourages all the schools in Catbalogan to join the event.

The school only needs to write a

formal letter to DTI signifying their interest to join the contest indicating the names of the contestants and the category in which they will be participating (secondary or tertiary).

Macabare added that this would be an impetus for the youth to manifest their cooking skills and creativity to the genre of food which the Catbaloganons love to eat.

A cash prize, trophy and certificate of merit will be awarded to the contestants and winners of the competition. (PIASamar Avha Hilario)

Borongan cites economic growth at 115th Independence Day

By Alicia E. Nicart BORONGAN CITY, Eastern Samar, June 13 (PIA) -- The city local government unit (LGU) celebrated yesterday the 115th Independence Day in a simple ceremony.

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s acting officer-in-charge (OIC) of Vice Mayor Fidel Anacta Jr. who is also the acting OIC mayor, Sangguniang Panglunsod member Aurora Anasarias cited the LGU’s contribution to the economic growth of the country which she said had recently been reported to have increased by 7.8 percent.

“Since we became a city, our progress had been in leaps and bounds,” Anasarias said.

She mentioned several infrastructure projects which have been implemented along with the national highways.

Aside from that, she cited several cemented barangay roads, school

buildings, drainages and flood control fixtures that are now in place.

“Aside from our Internal Revenue Allotment (IRA), we are thankful to our local tax collecting offices which have fully supported our infrastructure projects for our people,” Anasarias said.

“Because of them, we were able to generate some P27 million last year and this has become a big boost to our new plans and projects as a city LGU,” Anasarias added.

She also made a special mention to the cleanliness and beautification drive of the city, dubbed “Baysay Borongan” which

she said has already attracted the attention of the national leadership.

Because of this noble intention she said, the tourism office is up to finance more road projects linking the city proper to most of the local tourist attractions.

Borongan is rich with waterfalls, caves and rivers, which are potential tourists come-ons.

Isolated morning rain showers did not deter the 115th Independence Day celebration.

The participants were mostly teachers and city hall employees. (PIAEastern Samar)

REDCOP, PCP strengthen advocacy on kidney disease prevention TACLOBAN CITY, Leyte, June 14 (PIA) -- The Department of Health (DOH) through the Renal Disease Control Program (REDCOP) and the Philippine College of Physicians (PCP) has strengthened its advocacy on the prevention of kidney diseases in the region in line with the celebration of kidney month this June.

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r. Joyce Matuza-Serna, a nephrologist and president of PCP, said during the Harampang ha PIA program that part of the activities lined up for this month were media forums aimed at increasing awareness of the disease which is sometimes asymptomatic or does not manifests sysmptoms at an early stage.

Serna said they also conducted free urinalysis, uric acid examination and creatinine determination in selected

government hospitals in the region, particularly to people considered at high risk of the disease.

REDCOP’s record shows that in 2011, out of the 10,491 dialysis patients, 166 or 1.58 percent are from Eastern Visayas, 104 were males and 62 were females.

Of the six provinces in the region, Leyte has the most number of dialysis patients with 101 cases.

Four kidney patients underwent a kidney transplant in 2012.

Matuza warns the public to be cautious especially if one is suffering from diabetes, hypertension, heart ailment, obesity and has a family history of kidney disease because they are more prone to this disease and it can occur at any age.

Kidney disease remains to be the 10th leading cause of mortality in the Philippines. (Consuelo B. Alarcon/PIA-8)

One Visayas e‐newsletter is published weekly by the Visayas Regional Cluster of the Philippine Information Agency (PIA) comprising Region 6, 7 and 8. Its main editorial office is located at PIA Region 6, Iloilo City.

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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