One visayas vol 3 issue 27

Vol 3

Issue 27

In this Issue WESTERN VISAYAS

Officer-in-Charge Alfredo Quiblat Jr. of PAGASA Cebu Weather Station lectures on Understanding Emerging Hydro-Meteorological Hazards to participants composed of RDRRMC members and other stakeholders in the province of Iloilo during the National Disaster Consciousness Month 2013 kick-off program dubbed "Converging towards Resilience" held July 2 in Dumangas town. (PIA 6/EJB)

More on Region 6, pages 2-3.

Also CLICK Here…

CENTRAL VISAYAS

Siquijor tourism stakeholders actively participate in the destination appraisal workshop, all hoping to address urgent issues that affect Siquijor tourism. (RACalibo/PIASiquijor).

More on Region 7, pages 4-5.

Also CLICK Here…

EASTERN VISAYAS

June 17 — 23, 2013

Published by: PIA 6, 7 & 8

Leyte onshore oil drilling to start late July

By Erlinda Olivia P. Tiu TACLOBAN CITY, Leyte, July 3 (PIA) -- The Department of Energy (DOE) in Manila and Cebu has confirmed that onshore drilling for oil in northwest Leyte will commence late this July.

This was first announced by Australian firm Otto Energy Ltd., saying that it has mobilized the rig that will drill the Duhat-2 prospect. In a statement, it said the prospect is expected to contain a mean prospective resource oil volume of 34-million barrels with a range of one to 88 million barrels.

The well is scheduled for drilling up to a depth of 1,050 meters by Desco Rig 30. Drilling is expected to take 31 days.

Otto Energy Ltd. said once the Duhat-2 drilling is successful, field development and production could commence as early as next year.

“Drilling of the Duhat-2 well demonstrates Otto Energy’s commitment to deliver value from our exploration portfolio which is focused on East Africa and the Philippines,” said Gregor McNab, Otto Energy Ltd. chief executive.

The Duhat-2 prospect is under oil and gas exploration and development Service Contract (SC) 51 awarded by the DOE to a joint venture composed of Otto Energy, Alcorn Gold Resources Corp, Trans-Asia Oil and Energy Development Corp. and PetroEnergy Resources Corp.

Otto Energy Ltd. is the operator of SC 51 with an 80 percent interest.

The oil potential of northwest Leyte Island has long been highlighted by the Balite bitumen and tar-sand deposit and the Tagharigue oil seep observed along a tributary of the Calubian River.

The Sangguniang Panlalawigan of Leyte in February 2013 granted NorAsian Energy Ltd., a subsidiary of Otto Energy Ltd., clearance to conduct drilling to find oil, mostly offshore, within an area of 332,000 hectares spanning 20 barangays mostly in San Isidro, including the towns of Palompon, Tabango and Calubian.

The presence of natural seeps and surface indications of petroleum are reportedly strong indicators of the prospect that a petroleum basin could just be under the sea. (PIA-8)

‘Project ReBUILD’ for Jalaur river basin to be launched July 8

By Jaime S. Cabag, Jr. ILOILO CITY, July 3 (PIA6) -- A project designed to increase the capacities of communities surrounding the Jalaur River Basin in Iloilo, to manage disaster risks from and adapt to the overall impacts of climate change towards resilience and sustainable development will be launched here next week.

Representatives from the Climate Change Commission (CCC), which is the implementing partner of the project, arrived in this city recently to coordinate with local partners and make preparations for the launch of Project ReBUILD, which coincides with the observance of the National Disaster Consciousness Month.

Project ReBUILD is the acronym for “Resilience Capacity Building for Cities & Municipalities to Reduce Disaster Risks from Climate Change & Natural Hazards, Phase 1”. The other site of the project in the country is the Cagayan River Basin in Luzon.

The project also seeks to improve the governance framework by putting in place the necessary enabling policy environment, mechanisms, systems and tools, as well as improving the competencies of concerned personnel to address disaster risks from natural hazards and climate change which set back development gains and increase

poverty incidence.

The three-year (October 2012 to June 2015) project is administered by the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) together with the CCC and is funded by the New Zealand Aid Programme (NZAP).

The project is expected to come up with an assessment of the climate change vulnerabilities of target areas in the Jalaur River Basin, priority climate change adaptation and disaster risk mitigation measures, mainstreaming of climate change/disaster risk management budget in planning and regulatory processes, development of resilience of poor and most vulnerable areas, and establishment of a local knowledge management system in said areas.

The CCC headed by Secretary Mary Ann Lucille L. Sering and the UNDP also chair the project board with 11 other Philippine government agencies, institutions and organizations as members.

Jalaur River Basin is one of the 18 major river systems in the country, which were considered for their importance apparently in relation to water demand for domestic requirements, agriculture, commerce and industry, according to the River Basin Control Office under the DENR. (JCM/JSC-PIA6)

Central Visayas construction sector upbeat

NEDA 8 regional director and vice chair of the Committee on Rehabilitation and Recovery Bonifacio Uy welcomes participants to the kick-off ceremony in observance of the National Disaster Consciousness Month with the theme: “Ligtas na Bayan, Maunlad na Pamayanan” held at Robinsons Place, Tacloban City, July 1. (Vino R. Cuayzon)

More on Region 8, pages 6-7.

Also CLICK Here...

By Rachelle M. Nessia CEBU CITY (PIA) -- The construction industry in Central Visayas remaied upbeat in 2012, with the booming industry that was once only enjoyed by Cebu City now expanding to other provinces in the region.

Compared to 2011 data, 2012 saw a larger number of new projects issued building permits, according to National Statistics Office (NSO).

Negros Oriental recorded the highest number of new construction projects in 2012; from 3,037 in 2011 it went up to 3,314 in 2012 or a net addition of 277.

NSO partly attributes this to several construction works being implemented in 2012 following the heavy damage wreaked on infrastructure by two major disasters in the province in the same year.

Cebu recorded the second largest net addition to new projects with 153. From 6,222 in 2011, there were 6,375 in 2012.

Of the new construction projects of the private sector in 2012, 87% were for residential use.

Data from the Board of Investments (BOI) show that 13 out of 24 construction projects registered with BOI in 2012 were into mass housing and hotel construction.

Commercial projects dominated the cost structure in the construction sector, accounting for 51% of the total value of new construction projects in 2012.

The projects included business process outsourcing (BPO)-ready buildings, malls, and hotels.

Among the bigger commercial projects that were completed and started operating in 2012 were the eBloc Tower 2 and the Aegis People Support Green Building at the Asiatown IT Park in Cebu City .

Also among the notable ones were the Gaisano Mall in Guadalupe, Cebu City , Go Hotel in Dumaguete City, and the Bellevue Resort in Panglao, Bohol . (RMN/PIA Cebu)

2

WESTERN VISAYAS

WV’ians asked to make region resilient Central Philippine University, Iloilo City

By Jaime S. Cabag, Jr.

ILOILO CITY, July 3 (PIA6) -- Regional Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (RDRRMC) chairperson Rosario Cabrera called on Western Visayans to work together to make the region safe, resilient and strong amidst disasters.

C

abrera, who is also the Office of Civil Defense (OCD) Regional Director, made the call during a program held July 2 at the Iloilo State College of Fisheries Dumangas Campus in Dumangas, Iloilo that signaled the formal opening of the observance of the 2013 National Disaster Consciousness Month in the region.

The RDRRMC pointed out that this is important and that “we really need to prepare for any eventuality that will come our way” because of the high vulnerability of the Philippines and the region for that matter to disasters of various kinds.

She cited international risk reports which ranked the Philippines 3rd among 173 countries in terms disasters risks and natural hazards and the United Nations (UN) Global Assessment Report of 2011 in particular which ranked the country 2nd to Japan in terms of disaster mortality.

“Disasters are increasing in complexity and number as well as intensity,” said the RDRRMC chairperson. “It is a must for all of us to join hands together to work toward a

safe, resilient and strong Western Visayas,” she stressed.

The opening program was hosted by the municipal government of Dumangas headed by Mayor Rolando B. Distura, which became an appropriate site for the event in view of the town’s pioneering initiatives towards disaster risk reduction and management and climate change adaptation (DRRM/CCA) through the town’s Climate Field School.

The Climate Field School is the first of its kind in the Philippines and 2nd in the whole of Asia. Distura shared the best practices of the project through an audio-visual presentation during the opening program that was participated in by RDRRMC member-agencies and other stakeholders.

The project is an innovative DRRM and CCA strategy for agriculture. It is equipped with an agro-meteorological station that forecasts weather conditions. Its seasonal climate forecasting helps farmers in field preparation, selection of the optimal rice seeds and the kind of cash crops that they can plant for a particular season. It is the first of its kind

in the country.

It is a collaboration among the Asian Disaster Preparedness Center (ADPC), PAGASA, Iloilo Provincial Agriculture Office with support from the Office of the Foreign Disaster Assistance of the United States Assistance for International Development (USAID), and municipal government of Dumangas. PAGASA Cebu Officer-in-Charge Alfredo Quiblat, Jr. briefed the members of the council and other participants on emerging hydro-meteorological hazards.

Prior to the program, RDRRMC members led by the Office of Civil Defense held a motorcade to the municipality passing through Jaro district and the towns of Leganes, Zarraga and Barotac Nuevo. The theme of the opening activity was “Converging towards Resilience”.

Cabrera said there are other activities lined up to highlight the NDCM observance in July which bears the theme “Ligtas na Bayan, Maunlad na Pamayanan”. (JCM/JSC-PIA6)

NegOcc hosts food confab

By Easter Anne D. Doza NEGROS OCCIDENTAL, July 3 (PIA6) -- Negros Occidental played host to the P4MP or the Pambansang Mananalon, Mag-uuma, Magbabaul, Magsasaka ng Pilipinas 14th National Convention.

S

ome 160 convention delegates from the different provinces gather at the Bacolod Pavillon Hotel, June 25, with the theme “One Organization, One Vision: For a Food Sufficient Philippines”.

Governor Alfredo G. Marañon Jr. welcomed the participants and urged them to engage in organic farming.

“There is a big market for organic products, and Negros Occidental alone

cannot supply the demand for organic produce that is growing by 23 percent annually,” Marañon, a staunch advocate of organic farming told farmer-participants from other provinces.

According to Marañon, he is privileged to host the said convention because the flagship program of the provincial government is focused on agriculture specifically on food security

and agricultural productivity.

“The province is now 96 percent rice sufficient and is one of the recipients of the Agri-PinoyRice Achievers’ Award in 2011,” Marañon added.

The convention was graced by Agriculture Assistant Secretary Edilberto de Luna and Agriculture Training Institute Director Dr. Asterio Saliot.*(EAD-PIA6 Negros Occidental)

DTI – Capiz set to destroy uncertified electrical items

by Alex A. Lumaque ROXAS CITY, Capiz, July 1 (PIA6) – The Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) – Capiz provincial office facilitated the destruction of various uncertified electrical products last July 3 along McKinley Street here.

T

he products which failed to conform to the safety regulatory standards were confiscated from five local commercial establishments in the last couple of years.

“Uncertified electrical produces pose danger to lives and properties,” said a DTI news release.

Among the items seized were starters, electrical tapes, assorted

Christmas lights, rectangular as well as square snap switches and lamp holders valued at about P158,700.00.

“The disposal action covered by Orders issued by the Office of the Adjudication Officer dated 5 October 2012 is final and executory,” the article further noted.

The destruction proceedings was witnessed by the Commission on Audit

(COA) as provided by law that that states that “seized products which adversely affect health and/or safety of the public shall be destroyed or condemned in the presence of representatives of the apprehending unit and COA.” Local tri-media practitioners also witnessed the event. (JCM/AAL/PIA 6 Capiz)

WESTERN VISAYAS

3

Kalibo's MDRRMC tops WV Gawad Kalasag University of San Agustin, Iloilo City

By Venus G. Villanueva

KALIBO, Aklan, July 3 (PIA6) -- The Regional Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (RDRRMC) recently informed Kalibo mayor William Lachica, MDRRMC chairman, that the municipality topped the Gawad Kalasag evaluation of the Regional Selection Committee and will be one of the regional awardees for Western Visayas this year.

K

alibo’s MDRRMC, which got a rating percentage of 92.44%, edged out last year’s 1st placer, Sibalom, Antique, which got 88.61 rating this year and came in second place in the search.

Kalibo also joined the Government Emergency Response Management (GEM) category in basic search and rescue contest, which won for its special operations unit second place with a rating percentage of 90.44%.

Presently, MDRRMC-Kalibo, under the helm of forcal person Terence T. Toriano is in the thick of preparations for this month’s observance of Disaster Preparedness, especially with the onset of the heavy rains. (JCM/VGV PIA 6 Aklan)

580 WV students benefit from CHED’s financial assistance program By: Lilibeth A. French ILOILO CITY, July 3 (PIA6) -- The government continues to provide opportunities to make education accessible to all especially to poor but deserving students.

T

his school year 2013-2014, a total of 580 college freshmen in Western Visayas pursued their dreams to finish their college education through the scholarships, grant and student loan offered by the Commission on Higher Education under its Student Financial Assistance Program (StuFAP).

CHED 6 Education Supervisor Efren Sucaldito reported during the recent meeting of the Regional Youth Advisory Council in Western Visayas that of the 580 student beneficiaries for this school year, 188 qualified for their Full-Merit scholarship and 247 for the Half-Merit scholarship.

The Full Merit scholarship is intended for graduating high school students whose general weighted average (GWA) is at least 90%. Scholars are to enroll either in public or private Higher Education Institutions (HEIs) with an allowance of

P30,000.00 per year.

On the other hand, the Half-Merit scholarship is for graduating high school students whose GWA is at least 85%.

The scholarship is also open to students who belong to the following: persons with disabilities (PWDs), solo parents and their dependents, members of cultural minority, members of the hill tribe and senior citizens, if qualified.

Beneficiaries are to enroll in degree programs in private HEIs with P15,000.00 allowance.

Some 95 incoming freshmen in the region whose GWA is at least 80 % have also qualified for the grant-in-aid program of the agency called Tulong-Dunong. The program can be availed of also by persons with disabilities (PWDs), solo parents and their dependents, members of cultural minority, members of the hill tribe and senior citizens.

There are 46 deserving students who availed of the educational loan under the Study Now Pay Later Plan program of the agency this year.

These student beneficiaries are enrolled in degree programs at any curriculum year level in private HEIs Meanwhile, four students are currently benefiting from the scholarships under the agency’s Gender and Development program.

As provided for in Article XIV, section 2(3) of the Philippine Constitution, the CHED is mandated “to establish and maintain a system of scholarship grants, student loan programs, subsidies, and other incentives which shall be available to deserving students in both public and private schools, especially to the underprivileged”. (JCM/LAF/PIA6)

APPO cites municipal stations for peace-keeping, community efforts

By Vicente W. Villavert SAN JOSE, Antique, July 3 (PIA6) -- Nine municipal police stations in the province of Antique were cited by the Antique Provincial Police Office (APPO) for their significant contributions to the strengthening of police-community partnership and development.

P

olice Senior Inspector Sherlock C. Gabana, chief of the Police Community Relations Branch of the APPO said that the nine police stations are the Barbaza, Culasi, Patnongon, Sibalom, San Remigio, San Jose, Libertad, Tobias Fornier, and Belison Municipal Police Stations.

“They were cited for their efforts in peace keeping operations that also included the capture of wanted criminals, and participation in the conduct of blood letting activity, unity walk, fun run and feeding programs,” said Gabana in a PIA interview.

The recognition ceremony was conducted in time with the kick-off program of the

18thPolice Community Relations (PCR) month with the theme “ Serbisyong Makatotohanan at Matatag na Ugnayan ng Pulisya at Mamamayan Tungo sa Tuwid na Daan."

Gabana pointed that police community relations is not only the work or obligation of the PNP personnel assigned at the Police Community Relations Office “but of every PNP personnel, and each should contribute to develop a smooth and harmonious relations with the community to gain their respect and confidence to the PNP." “We also awarded PO2 Janet Fabila of the Patnongon Municipal Office for being adjudged as the best Police Community Relations

Officer,” Gabana said.

APPO Of fi ce r-I n -Cha rg e Po l ic e Superintendent Marloe L. Marfil said that the month of July has been declared as Police Community Relations Month (PCR) in accordance with Presidential Proclamation No. 764.

Marfil said that the theme of this year’s observance of the PCR month reflects on the intensified drive of the PNP against all forms of criminality and lawlessness in cooperation with the community to identify and solve problems.

(JCM/G/VWV/PIA6-Antique)

4

CENTRAL VISAYAS

Nutri Month 2013 launch in CV calls for action vs hunger Southwestern University

By Juju Manubag-Empuerto

CEBU CITY (PIA) -- As the National Nutrition Council (NNC) kicks off the Nutrition Month celebration this month, nutrition officials are putting the spotlight on hunger and the measures that need to be undertaken to reduce its incidence in the country.

T

he Nutrition Month celebration this year aims to raise awareness on the need for more action in addressing hunger as part of the Philippine commitment to the United Nations Medium Development Goals (UN MDG) Goal 1 which calls for the eradication of extreme poverty and hunger.

One of the opening highlights of the celebration was a "Hunger Caravan” at Mambaling Sports Complex, Gochan, Mambaling.

Among the participants in the caravan were the local beneficiaries of Pantawid Pamilya, the national government's poverty reduction program.

During said activity, officials from the

Department of Health –National Nutrition Council (DOH-NNC), the Department of Agriculture (DA), the Department of Social Welfare Development (DSWD), and the Technical Educational and Skills Development Authority (TESDA) shared with Pantawid beneficiaries the measures taken by the government to address hunger and malnutrition.

This year's theme for the 39th year commemoration of Nutrition Month is “Gutom at malnutrisyon, sama-sama nating wakasan!”.

The month-long observance kicked off with a Holy Mass at the San Pedro Calungsod Chapel, South Road Properties (SRP), this City.

A ceremonial event to end hunger and malnutrition was also launched at The Terraces, Ayala Center , Cebu City to formally open the month-long observance.

Capping the opening activities today is the “Zumba dance, a stride for good health to end hunger and malnutrition” at 6:00pm.

NNC officials hope to increase public awareness on the issues of hunger and malnutrition and how the public can help mitigate these problems.

The council also hopes that the Nutrition Month activities will encourage stakeholders to contribute in addressing hunger issues and to advocate for stronger political action to end hunger. (rmn/JSME/PIA-Cebu/NNC7)

Do not crumple your money - BSP official

By Ferliza C. Contratista CEBU CITY (PIA) -- “Crumpling your money is not a test of its authenticity.”

T

his was the statement of Hazel Arante, Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas Bank Officer, in a recent Kapihan sa PIA forum.

Arante said it is the usual practice among Filipinos to crumple in their fist a banknote or bill when trying to test whether it is fake or not.

“Abtik kaayo ta nga mukumot dayon sa kuarta papel kay lageh og di mubukad fake (We are so quick in crumpling in our fist the paper money assuming that when it does not open back it is a fake),” Arante said.

Unfortunately, Arante said, this practice is not only futile but it is also making the banknote unfit.

She however assured that the New

Generation Currency (NGC) banknotes which are now being distributed massively since 2010, have been upgraded with various security measures to prove their authenticity.

“In fact, our NGC series has been awarded Best in Security Features from among other currencies worldwide,” Arante said.

She explained that there are seven security features in the new NGC series; embossed prints, serial number, security fiber, watermark, see-through mark, concealed value, and security thread.

BSP Regional Director Atty. Lux Berciles said their agency is conducting seminars to raise awareness on the security features of the NGC series and the campaign for Clean Note Policy.

“We conduct four level seminars on our newly released currency, first for the general public, then for cash handlers, then for BSP use and last for currency experts,” Berciles said.

She said the New Design Series (NDS), or what is commonly referred to as "old money," will only be of value in the next three to four years.

She also encouraged holders of NDS to have them exchanged for the NGC series at BSP office, including the unfit bills.

According to the BSP officials, they also welcome organizations and groups to invite them for a seminar on the NGC series and money security features. (rm/FCC/PIA7)

DENR announces greening program contest winners Cebu City (PIA) -- “One Sprout, a Big Change.”

T

en Cebu City schools participated in the contest. Seventeen entries were submitted.

Second place went to Abellana National High School, followed by University of the Philippines (UP) Cebu which landed the 3rd, 4th, and 5th prizes.

DENR conducted the On-the-Spot Poster and Slogan Making Contest to promote awareness and understanding among the youth on the importance of DENR programs, particularly the Provincial Anti-illegal Logging Task Force (PAILTF) and the National Greening Program (NGP).

High school students from first year to fourth year participated in the contest.

The contest was one of the activities lined up for the Environment Month celebration in June.

Before the contest started, the contestants were introduced to Executive Order No. 23 (Declaring a national moratorium on logging of natural & residual forests) and Executive Order No. 26

(Ordering and declaring the implementation of the National Greening Program).

Provincial Environment and Natural Resources Officer Richard Abella expressed his appreciation to the students and mentors who made themselves available in the environmental activity.

“You, young ladies and gentlemen are the voice of the future that will reap the benefits of a greener tomorrow,” Abella said in his welcome remarks.

He further encouraged the students to continue promoting anti-illegal logging and tree planting in their own little way.

The awarding rites will be on July 10 at DepED Ecotech, Lahug, this city.

Meanwhile, the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources-7 (BFAR) recently marked the agency's 66th anniversary on July 1 by honoring its past officials and retirees.

Ma. Alma Saavedra, BFAR’s regional information and management staff, told the Philippine Information Agency (PIA) that one of the highlights of their 66 years celebration was

the honoring of their past directors through a Memorabilia photo exhibit.

BFAR retirees Dioscoro Abenido and Gil Magdadaro Jr were also given recognition.

Abenido was an aquaculturist and officer in charge of the Regional Management, Regulatory and Law Enforcement section and had served BFAR for 34 years.

Magdadaro, on the other hand, was a farm worker at Central Visayas Multi Specie Nursery Demonstration and Training Center in Calape Bohol. He was in service for 33 years.

Aso recognized were 20 summer job staff at BFAR, including persons with disabilities.

Saavedra said the summer job personnel were distributed to the different offices of BFAR. To mark the anniversary celebration, there was also a whole day “Tabo sa BFAR” on July 1 displaying fish and fishery products from the entire region.(rmn/JSME/with Ferliza C. Contratista/PIA-Cebu/DENR7)

CENTRAL VISAYAS

5

NegOr potential as IT investments site in CV gains ground University of San Carlos, Cebu

By Rachelle M. Nessia

CEBU CITY (PIA) -- Negros Oriental, the other half of the third largest island in the Philippines, is fast gaining a foothold in the information technology/business process outsourcing (IT/BPO) industry in Central Visayas. lthough Cebu continues to in the Philippines after hosting numerous This number is seen to rise with the dominate the IT/BPO investments call centers and BPO companies. entry of new IT/BPO companies and the in the region, the year 2012 Meanwhile, IT and IT-enabled expansion of existing ones, according to showed that Negros Oriental is quickly services, including BPOs, continued to the Regional Development Council gaining a reputation as a potential site for expand in the region.

(RDC-7) in a report.

IT/BPO investments.

The Cebu Investment Promotion Companies located in economic By the end of last year, Negros Center (CIPC) reported that 17 new zones in Cebu and Negros Oriental alone Oriental hosted 12 IT/BPO companies, foreign BPO companies opened shop in generated over US$516 million in including Teletech and Qualfon.

Cebu last year. revenues in 2012.

Dumaguete City, the capital of The IT/BPO industry now employs This is 21.8% higher than the Negros Oriental, was earlier listed as one over 100,000 workers in the region. revenues generated in 2011. (RMN/PIA of the Top 10 Best Outsourcing locations Cebu)

A

Diplomacy averts 'what could have been Bohol 's tourism disaster'

By Rey Anthony H. Chiu TAGBILARAN CITY, July 3 (PIA) -- Diplomacy and back negotiations proved to be the winning combination to avert what could have been a tourism disaster for Bohol as the province prepares for the upcoming Tourism Philippines Congress this July.

B

ohol local officials and tourism stakeholders for the past weeks became frantic when OceanJet, the fast craft company that offers regular trips daily from Cebu to Bohol and vice versa, said it would suspend its service indefinitely.

In a consultative dialog with local officials and other tourism players recently, OceanJet Vice-president for operations, Gene Lastimado informed the body that the Cebu Port Authority (CPA) ordered the company to vacate Pier-1 within 72 hours and told them to transfer to Pier 4 which has a better passenger terminal.

Lastimado said a pull-out of OceanJet’s facility from Pier-1 will mess up the company’s electronic booking system and could ruin the company’s name and reputation.

“We have more than 300 satellite offices feeding bookings to our base in Pier 1,"

Lastimado explained in a dialogue with the governor and the Visayas Tourism Congress.

"Pulling the system out would mean time to reinstall it to a new location, which will mess-up with our services.

We would rather suspend the trips while fixing the new base than incur the ire of clients.”

Lastimado said the move would necessitate OceanJet to also pull out its online-systems and electronic data processing center from its present hub.

“This [suspension of trips] would be for a month, at least,” he added.

This would have compounded Bohol tourism woes due to reduction of airplane flights to Bohol from Manila.

Acting on the impending problem, governor Chatto started negotiating with other fast craft competitors to fill in the gap which

OceanJet would leave vacant if it really suspends its trips.

Chatto asked Maritime Industry Authority’s (MARINA) help to seek more avenues.

Further dialogue with MARINA and other concerned government agencies’ suggestions led to OceanJet’s transfer to Pier 3 instead of Pier 4.

MARINA noted that pulling out of the computer system from Pier 1 to Pier 3 would only take less than 3 days than to bring the system to Pier 4.

Now, Oceanjet continues its trips to Bohol from a new hub in Pier 3.

“All’s well that ends well!” Tourism stakeholder Lourdes Sultan said, a move that had the fast-craft company running its operations since Thursday (June 27). (mbcn/ rahc/PIA7-Bohol)

Siquijor's first lady congressman says she's ready for the job

By Rizalie A. Calibo SIQUIJOR 1 (PIA) -- The first woman to sit as congressional representative in the lone district of Siquijor has assured Siquijodnons that she is prepared to tackle head-on the challenges of her job.

“

Ako po ay handang-handa na (I am very ready)," assured Dr. Marie Anne Pernes, the new and the first lady Congressman of Siquijor in her inspirational message in yesterday’s oathtaking ceremonies at the Siquijor Capital Square, Siquijor, Siquijor.

Pernes expressed her gratitude to all the supporters and those who “voted for change”, calling hers and the Liberal Party's victory in the last elections as the victory also of the Siquijodnons.

“Kayo po ang tunay na nanalo at gumawa nga kasaysayan (You are the true winners and have made history)," she said.

“What you won and what we all won is the chance to shape for a better future for our province and our people,” Pernes added.

A dentist by profession, Doc Anne, as she

is fondly called, stepped up to take the place of her deceased husband, Dr. Jay Pernes who died a day before the elections.

Meanwhile, the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR) called for the public’s active participation in the conservation of marine biodiversity in the province.

BFAR-Siquijor head Warren Inao said seas and oceans are big sources of food so that everyone has to take responsibility in taking care of these.

People’s role in the conservation of marine life is vital because most of the factors that greatly contributed to their extinct are due to human activities, Inao said.

Among ways to help the ocean and the sea, he said, are: lessening water pollution by not throwing trash to the sea, and active

participation in activities that help increase the marine life like mangrove planting.

Inao also encouraged people to observe laws and prohibitions that foster marine health and conservation.

Still in Siquijor, at least 67,500 hybrid coconut seed nuts (dwarf seed nuts) from the national government are up for distribution in Siquijor province anytime this year, an officer of the Philippine Coconut Authority (PCA) said.

PCA provincial manager Medel Panzo said the program is in line with the implementation of the Coconut Seedling Dispersal Program (CSDP). (rmn/RACalibo/PIA-Siquijor & I.A. Abatayo)

6

EASTERN VISAYAS

Cash prizes await nominators of 2013 MOFYA national winners Naval State University, Naval, Biliran

By Erlinda Olivia P. Tiu

TACLOBAN CITY, Leyte, July 3 (PIA) -- The Overseas Workers Welfare Administration (OWWA) will be giving away cash prizes for the nominators of the winners in the 2013 search for Model Overseas Filipino Workers (OFW) Family of the Year Awards (MOFYA).

O

WWA Region 8 Director Norma del Rosario said OWWA will give P50,000 to the nominators of the MOFYA national winners in the land-based and sea-based categories.

MOFYA, now on its 9th year, recognizes the invaluable efforts and hard work of OFWs and their families in overcoming the challenges of migration.

The award-giving program unveils success stories of model OFW families who are able to nurture the culture of Filipinos: strong family ties and “bayanihan” through active community involvement and contribution despite great differences in time and distance.

Two regional winners, one for the land-based and one for the sea-based category, will be selected through a

screening committee, to represent Eastern Visayas at the national level.

The screening committee will be composed of representatives from the Department of Labor and Employment (acting as committee chair), OWWA (vice-chair) and non-government and church-based organizations, del Rosario said.

Nominations should be submitted on or before September 24, 2013.

The awarding of regional winners will be on October 1, 2013 while the awards night for the National Awardees is scheduled on November 15, 2013.

Nominations should be based on the following criteria: family is headed by an OFW (land-based or sea-based), either married or single and presently working abroad with valid proof of OWWA

membership; OFW does not have an immigrant status in the foreign country and must possess valid working permit or employment documents; he or she must have worked abroad for at least four years; the family must be known as a stable family in the community and the family should have established financial stability.

Nominations should be made by organizations or associations. Nomination forms and details about MOFYA are available and downloadable from OWWA’s website www.owwa.gov.ph.

Interested parties may also visit the OWWA-RWO 8 office at DOLE RO 8 Compound, Tacloban City or contact (053) 321-4376/523-0315/+639165945715 for more details. (PIA-8)

Northern Samar gov underscores new administration's major thrusts

By Ailene N. Diaz CATARMAN, Northern Samar, July 2 (PIA) -- The new administration of Northern Samar will focus on education, health-care, agriculture, tourism, and good governance.

“

The new administration has identified core values that will provide us with the drive and focus in the next three years: education, health-care, agriculture, tourism and good governance,” says new Governor Jose L. Ong Jr., in his inaugural address at the Capitol grounds last June 30.

Ong said the next three years will demand courage, persistence and sacrifice and will require government officials and public alike, to rise above partisan interest and collectively seek what is good for

Northern Samar. “We need to overcome the sharp divisions, the concrete walls, by reaching into our hearts and putting community welfare above and beyond partisan interests,” Ong said.

Northern Samar being one of the poorest provinces in the country provides us with an immense challenge, a monumental task ahead, he continued.

Ong said the new administration envisioned a new Northern Samar where the people are healthy, well-fed, self-sufficient, well educated and

empowered. Governor Jose Ong Jr., Vice Governor Gary Lavin, 1st District Congressman Harlin Cast. Abayon and 2nd District Congressman Emil L. Ong took their oath of office together with some newly elected Sangguniang Panlalawigan members and municipal officials of Northern Samar. Witnessing the event were party supporters from barangays to the municipal towns, invited national and provincial agency heads and representatives and employees of the provincial capitol. (PIA-Northern Samar)

DTI urges moms, local canteens to replace junk foods with local ones

By Alicia E. Nicart BORONGAN CITY, Eastern Samar, July 2 (PIA) -- The Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) has urged mothers and school canteen operators here to replace junk food with locally produced snack items.

TI Provincial Caretaker Eleanor chips, biribid, buko pie, calamansi juice and guaranteed clean and safe because of the Alido said this is one concentrate even the pineapple juice. technical assistance they give to the int er venti on t o a ddr e s s She said these products are sure to family-producers. malnutrition prevalence in the province. meet the food quality assurance, adding “The usual practice in processing of She said the DTI in the province takes that DTI instills in the minds of the dried fishes is usually exposed to dust, flies pride on some locally made products producers to be always mindful of the and other disease carrying insects, but which the office has extended assistance safety standards in food handling. ours, from these local producers are to in terms of processing, product costing “They are always told to use gloves guaranteed safe,” Alido said. Provincial and pricing and which can replace the over whenever they would touch the food Nutritionist Sally Jabinal said malnutrition -flavored junk foods sold in groceries and materials,” she pointed out. is not always caused by inadequate food in stores.

Alido said there are also locally but is also due to parasites resulting from She mentioned in particular the processed dried fish in Matarinao, Guiuan dirty surroundings and unsanitary handling pastillas de Borongan, cassava and taro and San Policarpo towns which are of foods. (PIA-Eastern Samar)

D

EASTERN VISAYAS

Eastern Visayas State University, Tacloban City

7

2 major roads in Southern Leyte inspected

By Marcelo M. Pedalino

MAASIN CITY, Southern Leyte, July 2 (PIA) -- The incoming governor of Southern Leyte together with personnel from the Provincial Engineer’s Office (PEO) inspected two cross-country provincial roads last June 25. ncoming Governor Roger Mercado coming from the Pacific, Panaon and Works and Highways (DPWH) using m ad e t he r o un d s o f t w o Sogod Bay area going to Maasin and vice funds from the congressional allocation of cross-country provincial roads with versa. then congressman Mercado and the engineer Nelson Tan, provincial Tan said the L u n a s , Department of Agriculture (DA) through engineer-designate.

Maasin-Mahayahay, Bontoc road has only the Farm-to-Market Roads Program.

The interior roads linking this city and 14 kilometers of gravel sand left, the other Mercado pointed out that the Bontoc via barangays Lunas-Mahayahay ten kilometers already concreted, for a development of the province is anchored and the Saint Bernard-Hinunangan section total of 24 kilometers. on tourism, environment protection and via barangays Mahayag-Libas were At the Saint Bernard-Hinunangan side, agriculture, thus infrastructure projects examined. the same length of gravel road remained are a vital component.

In a short briefing with the media unpaved for the total stretch of 19 Now as governor, he added before the trip, Mercado expressed his kilometers, Tan said. education among the three major thrusts, desire to focus his attention on these two In the past decade, the concreting of saying this can greatly help in “seeking major road links as these will drastically these two provincial roads was opportunities for people to be cut travel time for motorists and goods undertaken by the Department of Public productive”. (PIA-Southern Leyte)

I

Paranas LGU earmarks P6-M for scholarship program

By Ninfa Iluminda B. Quirante CATBALOGAN CITY, Samar, July 2 (PIA) -- The local government of Paranas has allocated P6 million for its scholarship program this year.

R

e-elected Mayor Felix Babalcon, in his inaugural message on Monday, vowed to strengthen the local government's scholarship program by allocating P3 million more for the program this year, adding 200 more scholars to the original 100.

The 300 scholars are enrolled at the Samar State University (SSU) Paranas

campus and at the SSU main campus in Catbalogan City.

Babalcon said the program has already produced graduates, four of which have passed the teacher’s board exam this year.

Meanwhile, Babalcon asked the parents to support and remind their children to study hard and not to waste the privilege given to them by the

government. Paranas Municipal Social Welfare and Development officials conducted the examinations and screening of scholars.

“We will not stop in helping more Paranasnon young people who are interested and willing to study to have a good future,” Babalcon said. (PIA-Samar and Avha Hilario)

Buyogan Festival: Grand champion of 2013 Leyte Kasadyaan Festivals

By Consuelo B. Alarcon TACLOBAN CITY, Leyte, July 1 (PIA) -- The Buyogan Festival of Abuyog Leyte has been declared as the grand champion in this year’s Pintados-Kasadyaan Festival of Festivals held recently at the Leyte Sports Development Center Tacloban City.

A

side from the major prize the Buyugan Festival bagged other special awards such as Best in Festival Music and Best in Festival Costume.

Lingganay Festival of Alang-Alang, Leyte did not make it this year. For two consecutive years, it was the grand champion of Pintados-Kasadyaan Festival of Festivals.

However, not too bad, because it became the first runner-up in the competition. Second runner-up was the Viajedores Festival of La Paz Leyte; 3rd runner-up was Indang Festival of the town of Hindang, 4th runner-up was Tolo-usa festival of Tolosa, Leyte and 5th runner-up was Pasaka Festival of Tanauan Leyte.

Buyogan Festival is considered a highly popular and attractive festival not only in Leyte but in the whole country. For many years, it has won in many festival competitions like the Sinulog Festival in Cebu and the Aliwan Fiesta Festival in Manila.

Many people develop a great deal of interest because it features colorful costumes and make-ups that closely resembles the appearance of bees.

Meanwhile, Tribu Bungkaras won as the grand champion for the Pintados-based category while the second place was Tribu Kasiruman of Brgy. San Jose Tacloban City and 3rd place was Tribu Manangguite.

The ritual presentation of the six (6) festivals in Leyte had push through despite of the continuous rains that poured on that day due to tropical storm Gorio.

Former Leyte Governor and former congresswoman and now Palo Mayor Remedios”Matin”Petilla, chairperson of Pintados Kasadyaan Festival of Festivals said in an interview, that the organizers have been thankful to Señor Sto. Niño for the successful and wonderful ritual presentation of the contingents of Pintados Kasadyaan Festival of

Festivals despite of the constraints due to a bad weather condition.

The organizers, according to Petilla, decided to cancel the street parade in the morning of June 29 to protect the participants from any risks/danger.

Pintados-Kasadyaan Festival is a very popular Leyte festival that regularly draws lots of attention from foreign and local tourists alike. Aside from honoring Sr. Sto. Niño, the patron saint of Tacloban and the Province of Leyte, this aims to commemorate folk beliefs, epics, as well as the colorful traditions of the native people in the province. In general, dance-drama presentations are major highlights of this festival, which feature people who cover their bodies with colorful paints and the eye-catching dance presentations.

The Pintados is now on its 27th year celebration while Kasadyaan festival is now on its 18th year. (PIA-8)

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

One Visayas e‐newsletter is part of the online news and information dissemination services of PIA and is powered by www.issuu.com. For inquiries and suggestions, call Tel. Nos. (033) 3378718/3377301 or e‐mail piaamo6@yahoo.com.

Ms. Minerva BC Newman Regional Director, PIA 7

Editorial Consultants Atty. Ma. Janet C. Mesa, Ph. D. Regional Director, PIA6

Ms. Erlinda Olivia P. Tiu Regional Director, PIA8

Managing Editor Jaime S. Cabag, Jr. Contributors All PIA Information Officers of Regions 6, 7 & 8 Production and Layout Edson J. Bañares Lynnor C. Regalado Regional Offices:

PIA 6, 2/F RC Building, Rizal St., Iloilo City, Iloilo 5000, Tel. Nos. (033) 337-8719/3377301/509-0993, Fax No. (033) 337-8719/509-0993, e-mail: r6_pia@yahoo.com/ piaamo6@yahoo.com PIA 7, Room 304, 3/F Machay Bldg., Garardo Avenue, Cebu City, Cebu 6000, Telefax No. (032) 232-4062/232-4126, e-mail: pia7_cebu@yahoo.com.ph/r7_pia@yahoo.com PIA 8, Children’s Park Compound, Sen. Enage St., Tacloban City, Leyte 6500, Tel. No. (053) 325-5124, Telefax No. (053) 321-2029, e-mail: pia_ev@yahoo.com/r8_pia@yahoo.com