One visayas vol 3 issue 29

Vol 3

Issue 29

In this Issue

Published by: PIA 6, 7 & 8

July 15 - 21, 2013

DENR-7 achieves 99% of seedling production target under NGP

By Juju Manubag-Empuerto CEBU CITY, July 18 (PIA) -- The Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR-7) has achieved 99% of its target seedling production in the region WESTERN VISAYAS under the National Greening Program (NGP).

Of the 13,009,433 seedlings targeted for this year in Central Visayas , DENR-7 reported that 12,844,993 seedlings have been produced under NGP as of July 12, 2013.

DENR-7 Information Officer Dr. Eddie Llamedo said the agency is set to fully complete the remaining balance of 160,000 seedlings by the end of this month to adequately address the planting of good quality seedlings.

As of July 12, data released by the Forest Negros Occ. Information Center Manager Management Services (FMS) showed that Cebu province Lorenzo Lambatin Jr. urges barangay officials has already produced 4,215,020 seedlings and Bohol with in the Municipality of Ilog to enjoin community 3,253,619 seedlings. members in coming up with their disaster Seedling production in Negros Oriental for the same plan. (PIA6-Negros Occ.) period is at 5,638,142 while Siquijor has 37,000 seedlings.

“This is a very big accomplishment for Region 7,” DENR-7 Regional Executive Dir. Isabelo Montejo said.

More on Region 6, pages 2-3.

Montejo added that as of July 12 also, plantation Also CLICK Here… accomplishments have reached around 3,837.86 hectares or 16% of the total target which is 24,361 hectares for 2013.

CENTRAL VISAYAS Average survival rate of said plantation is pegged at

80 percent.

To accomplish this, Montejo said they will augment their personnel in the field.

In an expanded executive committee meeting last July 15 attended by the four provincial environment and natural resources officers (PENROs) in the region, Montejo issued instructions to fast track the plantation activities in selected forest land areas.

Montejo added that the government is at its full gear to undertake a massive greening program towards reducing or alleviating poverty while ensuring food security, biodiversity conservation, and address climate change.

NGP aims is to plant 1.5 billion trees in some 1.5 million hectares from 2011 to 2016.

This is more than twice the government’s accomplishment of 730,000 hectares for the past 25 years.

It can be recalled that the Central Visayas region has planted around 8,070,042 seedlings covering 11,018.40 hectares in 2012.

Among the areas targeted for planting under the program are forestlands, mangrove and protected areas, ancestral domains, civil and military reservations, urban area under the greening plan of local government units, inactive and abandoned mines and other suitable lands. (rmn/JSME/PIA-Cebu/DENR-7)

DILG-8 introduces NEO-Webinar program to local officials

(L-R) Atty. Clarence Paul Oaminal, DOH Region-7 Director Asuncion Anden, University of San Carlos Prof. Ricky Poca, PNP Region-7 P/CSUPT Dir. Generoso R. Cerbo Jr., ABCCI President Alec Bucao and MCCI President Philip Tan during the 888 News Forum at Marco Polo Plaza Cebu. Discussed during the forum was the Grand Bloodletting to be held in Cebu City Sports Complex and University of Cebu - Lapulapu and Mandaue Campus on July 27, 2013 at 8 am -5 pm. (VVV/PIA Cebu)

More on Region 7, pages 4-5.

Also CLICK Here…

EASTERN VISAYAS

Gov. Conrado B. Nicart Jr. presides over the 1st Provincial Peace and Order Council Meeting (New Term) held on July 11, 2013 at the PGO Conference Hall, Provincial Capitol, Borongan City. The council is set to formulate a 3-year Provincial Integrated Area/ Community Public Safety Plan (IA/CPSP) for CY 2013-2016. Also in photo is DILG Provincial Director Jesus P. Naquila.

(PIA8-Eastern Samar)

More on Region 8, pages 6-7.

Also CLICK Here...

TACLOBAN CITY, Leyte, July 17 (PIA) -- The Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) in Region 8 has crafted a new program to prepare the newly-elected local government executives in the region on their governance roles in their respective areas.

Region 8 Director Pedro Noval of the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) said the objective of Newly-Elected Officials (NEO) Webinar Program is to let the new LGE’s familiarize themselves with the major mandates of DILG to guide them in the implementation of programs and projects.

Noval said NEO Webinar Program is an internet-based program designed to enrich the knowledge and skills of neophytes and re-elected local officials in order for them to study and adapt to the modifications in governance through web or internet.

The local officials should have an email account so they could register to the program, Noval said.

One of the modules being featured in the NEO Webinar is teaching the local government officials how to craft their respective agenda and activities for the first 100 days of their service in conjunction with the programs of the administration geared towards the realization of national development goals envisioned by the President.

However, Noval said, if internet is not available in one place, then, the DILG has formulated the Off Webinar strategy where the LGE’s may use VCDs. Noval added that LGEs can also learn via the Neo On air Program, a radio talk show where invited resources speakers discuss topics relating to good governance.

With these strategies, DILG hopes to successfully educate the newly-minted officials as well as the re-elected ones of all information relating to transparency, accountability, responsiveness in addressing the issues besetting the local government units. (Consuelo B. Alarcon/PIA-8)

Bacolod City among top destinations for ICT-BPO locators NEGROS OCCIDENTAL, July 15 (PIA6) -- Bacolod City has been cited as among the top 3 destinations for ICT-BPO locators in central Philippines.

A press report from the Provincial Capitol said the citation was made by the British Broadcasting Corp. and the US-based Cable News Network in a series of features shown recently.

The feature noted the 30 to 35 percent growth of the country's Information and Communications Technology (ICT)-BPO sector, while that of India, that used to be known as the call center capital, shrank to an all-time low of only between 10 to 15 percent.

Negros Occ. Governor Alfredo Marañon, Jr. expressed elation over these reports from international news networks that the country is now the “call center capital of the world”. Marañon said all the more that the local government, like Negros Occidental, must provide a conducive business environment that will not only encourage the private sector to invest, but also respond to the call of the national government to promote PPPs or, the public-private sector partnerships.

Marañon had initiated the establishment of the Negros First CyberCentre, a modern IT facility that is intended to eventually transform the historic Paglaum Sports Complex into a mini “Silicon Valley”.

The establishment of the Cyber Centre is expected to generate 20,000 indirect employment opportunities to Negrenses and 6,000 more direct jobs for call center agents with combined incomes of close to P1billion.

Marañon said the target for completion of the CyberCentre is December 2013 at the earliest, although the Sanggunian is yet to approve the P180 million additional loan for its phase two.*(Capitol News/CD/JCM/PIA6)

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WESTERN VISAYAS

RDRRMC slates summit for local executives of WVisayas Central Philippine University, Iloilo City

By Jaime S. Cabag, Jr.

ILOILO CITY, July 17 (PIA) -- Local chief executives of Western Visayas will converge here, July 24-26 for the first-ever Regional Summit on Disaster Risk Reduction and Management (DRRM) aimed at strengthening the state of disaster preparedness in the region.

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he forthcoming event is a cascaded version of the national summit organized in Metro Manila last March by the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (NDRRMC) and attended by representatives of local government officials to discuss DRRM actions and tools and draw up commitments to prevent any devastating effects of natural disasters especially typhoons.

Aside from following up on the national summit, the regional gathering was also designed to help prepare local officials especially new ones for their roles not only as LCEs but also as DRRM managers in their respective communities.

The event is spearheaded by the Regional Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (RDRRMC). Among the highlights of the regional summit will be the presentation on the Salient

Features of RA 10121 and the State of Disaster Risk Reduction and Management in the Region, Building Resilience through Public-Private Partnership, DRRM tools, sharing of DRRM experiences and best practices, workshops, Allocation and Utilization of the Local Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Fund, Signing of Commitment, and Launching of RDRRMP and Book on DRRM Best Practices.

Senator Franklin Drilon, Interior and Local Government Secretary Mar Roxas and Defense Secretary Voltaire Gazmin will grace the event.

RDRRMC chairperson and Office of Civil Defense (OCD) Regional Director Rosario T. Cabrera said they have finalized the preparations for the summit together with her vice chairpersons in the regional council from the Department of Science and Technology, Department of the Interior and Local Government, Department of Social Welfare

and Development and National Economic and Development Authority along with the Philippine Information Agency.

Cabrera stressed that local chief executives play key roles in the operationalization of the Philippine Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Systems (PDRRMS) mandated by Republic Act No. 10121, the disaster risk reduction and management law of the country.

By law, LCEs are designated as chairpersons of their respective Local Risk Reduction and Management Councils and thus must take the lead in ensuring the integration of DRRM and climate change adaptation (CCA) in local development plans, programs and budgets as a strategy in sustainable development and poverty reduction, among other functions. (JCM/JSC-PIA6)

OWWA opens application for EDSP grant

By Venus G. Villanueva KALIBO, Aklan, July 18 (PIA6) -- The Overseas Workers Welfare Administration (OWWA) is now accepting Aklanon applicants for its Educational Development Scholarship Program (EDSP).

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his scholarship program, according to Provincial Public Employment Service Office (PESO) Manager Vivian Ruiz-Solano, who assisting in the search for applicants, could only be availed by children or brothers and sisters of Overseas Filipino Workers (OFWs) currently employed.

Solano said interested scholarship applicants could be male or female high school graduating sons or daughters or brothers and sisters of OFWs graduating this year and belonging to the upper 20% of his/her school; not more than 21 years old and in good health; not applying for any other scholarship and has no pending application as an immigrant in

other countries; and must pass the qualifying examination given by the Department of Science and Technology (DOST) and other entrance examinations of schools where the applicant intends to enroll.

Those who would qualify for the scholarship will get P30,000 financial assistance per semester or a total of P60,000 per year from OWWA. “Scholars/beneficiaries can also choose the schools where they want to enroll and take any 4 to 5 year courses as long as these are accredited by the Commission on Higher Education.

The scholarship will continue until they graduate provided they have maintaining grades not

lower than 2.5,” Solano said. Those applying for the scholarship need to submit/accomplish one set of application form from their school principal or from the Provincial PESO, 3 copies of 2x2 ID pictures; Birth Certificate of applicant from the National Statistics Office, Birth Certificate of the sibling and Certificate of No Marriage (CENOMAR) from the NSO, Form 137 and OWWA membership receipt or OFW Verification Sheet issued from the OWWA Membership Processing Center (MPC). Deadline for submission of requirements is on July 26, 2013 at the Provincial PESO while the qualifying exam is on September 22, 2013 to be given in the province, according to Solano. (JCM/VGV PIA6 Aklan)

Unschooled inmate learns through ALS

By Elsa S. Subong ILOILO CITY, July 17 (PIA6) -- Outside, he never had the chance to go to school in his 42 years. It would take imprisonment to make him learn his ABC.

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Wala gid ako makatapak sa Grade I, pero diri sa prisohan nakatapus ako sang elementary kag high school na ako subong,” I haven’t been in Grade I, but here in jail, I finished my elementary and I’m in high school now), Eleuterio Bayot said.

“Wala na ako mahuya nga mag-atubang sa tao kay makahibalo na ako magbasa kag magsulat,” (I’m not ashamed to face people anymore because I already know how to read and write), he added.

Bayot’s story stands out among the 91 inmate-learners enrolled in the Alternative Learning System (ALS) implemented by the Department of Education with the Bacolod City District Jail-Male Dormitory. Bgy. Taculing, Bacolod City.

Jail Warden Chief Inspector Gilbert Peremne said of the 91 learners, 24 are in the elementary, 47 are in the secondary and 14 are undergoing the Basic Literacy Program for those who cannot really read and write.

“In my capacity as warden, I see to it that ALS will be very interesting for the learners by augmenting this with technology and an improvised classroom,” Peremne said.

He said he was able to get a computer set from ABS-CBN Bacolod where computer-based instruction can be accessed, and had donation of desks from the University of St. La Salle, Bacolod.

“Like in ordinary school, we also had a registration and enrolment and an orientation before the start of

regular classroom instructions which lasted for 10 months,” Peremne added.

After the 10 months regular course, the learners are to take the Accreditation and Equivalency Test (A&E) and if they pass, they will be given a diploma signed by DepEd Secretary Armin Luistro, during their graduation.

BJMP-6 Director Sr. Supt. Ignacio S. Panti said that as of this year, all the 35 jails in Western Visayas are gradually and successfully implementing the ALS with the DepEd and the Bureau of Alternative Learning System.

“Two years ago there was none of this in our jails, but now we have 1,213 enrolees in the region, 606 have taken the A&E, with 157 passers,” Panti said.

Panti said that BJMP focuses on ALS to enable the inmates prepare for employment and a productive life after they have served their terms in jails.

“We join President Aquino in his thrust to invest in people by reducing povertyand building national competitiveness. Our mandate is Education for All (EFA) in jails,” he added.

Peremne, on the other hand, said that even call centers are supporting their efforts to rehabilitate the inmates through technology and training.

“We have one, who trained for 21 days with Transcom, and after he was released just recently, landed a job at the call center,” Peremne beamed with the story.

Peremne also said that the ALS is among the government programs which answers the BJMP’s need everywhere in the country, because majority of the inmates lack necessary education.

In his post graduate dissertation titled “Motivation for Crimes of Incarcerated Adults in Bacolod City,” Peremne said that the results showed “high level” of motivation in the commission of crime for those with no formal education, crime being caused by low educational attainment and by having difficulty in achieving wealth and status through well-paid employment.

Meanwhile, Eleuterio Bayot said ALS forced them to study wherein in the process, they learned of values and developed maturity and understanding of right and wrong.

“My fellow inmates and I were able to counter our boredom and idleness as we devote our time to studying.” Bator said in the dialect.

His story inspired more inmates as he served as speaker during the graduation of 600 ALS learners in Bacolod City, where he expressed his gratitude to the government for the chance to get an education.

“When I will have the chance to be released from here and return to normal society, I will pursue a vocational course and live honourably,” Bayot said in the dialect, with that serious look in his eyes. (JCM/ESS/PIAIloilo)

WESTERN VISAYAS

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Comprehensive steps to address climate change effects urged University of San Agustin, Iloilo City

By Jaime S. Cabag, Jr.

ILOILO CITY, July 16 (PIA) – Climate Change Commission (CCC) Vice Chair and Secretary Mary Ann Lucille L. Sering advised local government units (LGUs) here to consider investing funds for projects to address varied risk areas to further enhance their capacity to adapt to the effects of climate change.

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ering said this in the wake of findings of a review conducted by the Commission and the World Bank (WB) of national government budgetary expenditures during the period from 2008 to 2012, which showed that appropriations for climate change related programs have been increasing by an average of 26 percent during the last 5 years.

This, as LGUs sustain their efforts on climate change adaptation (CCA) and along with it, disaster risk reduction and management (DRRM).

It was found out that the bulk of the CCA funds went to projects on flood control or management, which Sering described as “reactionary”.

She cited the case of Iloilo where 5 big bridges that were damaged by rampaging floodwaters during the onslaught of typhoon “Frank” in 2008 had to be rehabilitated or replaced at the cost of almost P120 million each.

While she acknowledged the urgent need to have flood control projects in place, Sering said there are other things that should also be

considered investing on to address the other effects of climate change including those on agriculture, livelihood and health.

We’re just focusing on flood control right now, but there are other things that we should also consider investing on in order to address the other impacts of climate change, said Sering.

She assured LGU officials that the Commission is ready to help them enhance their plans towards climate change adaptation on a sustained level.

As reported earlier by PIA-6, Sering said the government has a P1-billion People’s Survival Fund designed to help LGUs come up with programs that would enable their communities to adjust to changes in climate.

The fund is different from the funds that are available to LGUs for disaster risk reduction and management.

It will be recalled that a World Disaster Reporter of 2012 ranked the Philippines as the third most disaster-prone country in the world because of its high exposure to natural calamities.

The report is a collaborative output of the United Nations University’s Institute for Environment and Human Security (UNU-EHS), the German Alliance for Development Works (Alliance) and the US-based environment group The Nature Conservancy.

In view of high vulnerability of the country to disasters, the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (NDRRMC) has launched a sustained effort to enhance disaster risk reduction and management to make communities safe and resilient towards sustainable development.

Secretary Sering was in Iloilo City recently for the launching of Project ReBUILD for the Jalaur River Basin in Iloilo, which was highlighted by the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding for project implementation with Iloilo Governor Arthur Defensor, New Zealand Ambassador Reuben Levermore, and United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) Country Director Toshihiro Tanaka. (JCM/JSCPIA6)

PhilHealth pays P124-M for Antique hospital claims

By Pilar S. Mabaquiao SAN JOSE, Antique, July 17 (PIA) -- The Philippine Health Insurance Corporation (PhilHealth) has paid a total of P124, 825, 259.82 in hospital benefit claims for the Province of Antique in 2012.

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unie Sabusap, chief social insurance officer, PhilHealth Antique in an interview said that their office is bent on empowering hospitals to provide quality services to its patients by paying the benefit claim due them as long as the requirements or documents needed in the claim are complied with.

He echoed the campaign of the Aquino administration for universal health coverage among Filipinos as the government embark on its flagship program ‘Kalusugan pang Kalahatan’ also dubbed Aquino Health Agenda.

“Accreditation of health facilities, such as birthing clinics, Rural Health Units and Hospital in Antique are increasing for the past two years,” reported Sabusap.

Last year, there were nine hospitals (district and community hospitals included) accredited

with Philhealth, while this year there are 12 hospitals.

The latest addition are the private hospitals in Semirara, Caluya, Poblacion, Pandan and Antique Medical Center in San Jose.

He added that almost alla Rural Health Units (RHUs) in municipalities, are Philhealth accredited in terms of Primary Care Benefit and TB DOTS (Tuberculosis Consultation). Indigent patients and DepEd Personnel with PhilHealth Cards can visit the RHUs for consultation and be covered by PhilHealth, he said.

RHUs are also accredited for Maternal Care Package although there are some that are still processing their registration, three Barangay Health Stations in Sebaste are also accredited including one private birthing clinic in San Jose, he said.

Antique has so far 137,799 members, as of December 2012 majority covered under Sponsorship Program with a total of 73,495.

They are either covered by the Local Government Unit or the National Government identified through the National Household Targeting System (NHTS).

Sabusap banked on the support of local government units and other sectors not only in membership campaign but also the upgrading of services and facilities of accredited hospitals, birthing clinics and other health facilities.

Members can fully enjoy the benefits they deserve as PhilHealth member especially that Case Rate Payment are in effect when health facilities and services are complete, Sabusap said.

(JCM/PSM/PIA6Antique.

Watsan facilities up for 134 Capiz schools

By Alex A. Lumaque ROXAS CITY, Capiz, July 15 (PIA) – Water and sanitation (Watsan) facilities worth P43 million are up for construction in some public elementary and secondary schools in the province to promote cleanliness and hygiene among students.

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There are about 65 school sites that will benefit from the project in the province’s first congressional district alone,” said Department of Public Works and High Ways (DPWH) – Capiz 1st Engineering District Public Information Officer Engr.

Julius Abela.

However, he added that about P21-million worth of Watsan projects for 69 school sites have also been allocated for schools in the second district towns. The project will be funded by the Department of Education

(DepEd) fund for Basic Educational Facilities for this year.

“We expect to complete the construction of sanitary toilets and hand washing counters before the year ends,” Abela stressed, noting that the toilets will be constructed outside the classroom as it is common facility for all students in the school.

It will be designed for both sexes and accessible to Persons With Disabilities (PWDs). The project is seen to cut the incidence of infectious diseases among

pre-school and school-aged students by improving their health and well-being to improve their performance in schools.

DepEd has been promoting the importance and habit of proper hand-washing at critical moments – before eating, after using the toilet, after playing and before handling food to avoid diseases and common ailments related to unsanitary practices which may caused children to miss school days. (JCM/ AAL/PIA6 Capiz)

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CENTRAL VISAYAS

DRR Summit for new VC officials set Southwestern University

By Fayette C. Rinen

CEBU CITY , July 18 (PIA) -- Newly-elected officials in Central Visayas are expected to participate in the three-day Disaster Risk Reduction (DRR) Summit on July 31 to August 2 at the Cebu International Convention Center (CICC) in Mandaue City.

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he DRR Summit, organized by the Office of Civil Defense (OCD) 7, aims to guide newly-elected officials in crafting or improving their respective disaster risk reduction and mitigation program.

OCD 7 Regional Director Minda Morante, who also sits as chairperson of the Regional Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (RDRRMC) in Central Visayas, said it is imperative for first-time local chief executives to participate in the summit so they will know what to do amid frequent occurrences of increment weather.

Apart from mayors, also invited to the summit are local planning officers, local disaster focal persons and representatives of the Department of Local and Interior Government (DILG).

“Over 500 participants have been invited to attend the summit,” bared Morante adding that

the summit is necessary especially after elections with new sitting mayors and that re-orientation on the importance of DRR is critical amid frequent weather disturbances during this rainy season.

Danao City in northern Cebu yesterday experienced waist-level flooding after a waterspout hit them the other night as Morante said they are still waiting for reports to reach their office on any casualties or number of injured.

“A waterspout usually happens after heavy thunderstorms. And we have been experiencing heavy thunderstorms since last week,” disclosed the OCD7 chief.

The OCD7 director said the city government of Danao has its own local disaster risk reduction and management council (DRRMC) which is tasked to act on the situation and report it to the provincial DRRMC. “That is why it is

very important for LGUs to have an active local DRRMC as we will wait for their report” and also check on what assistance can be given to them ( Danao City ), said Morante.

According to an online dictionary, a waterspout is similar to a tornado but in a lesser degree or a lesser whirlwind occurring over water and resulting in a funnel-shaped whirling column of air and spray.

Morante said Danao City is a coastal area and that flooding is a risk in case of a waterspout.

The RDRRMC 7 again emphasized on the attendance of local chief executives to the DRR Summit that will reflect their commitment on mitigating the risks of natural disasters especially in these times of climate change threat.

Morante was one of the key panelists in the recent AGIO7 Forum held at the PIA7 Office that featured the annual observance of July as National Disaster Consciousness Month. (PIA7)

DOST, DepEd alert public on mosquito surge

By Rizalie A. Calibo SIQUIJOR, July 12 (PIA) — The Department of Science and Technology (DOST) and the Department of Education (DepEd) have issued a warning against possible surge of dengue cases amid rainy season, especially in areas with stagnant water.

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s part of the extended DOST-DepEd Dengue Ovicidal-Larvicidal (OL) Trap Program, a Dengue Vector Surveillance Refresher’s Training and Website Aprreciation Seminar will be held on July 17.

This is in preparation for another OL trap kits to be distributed right after the training which will already cover all public and private schools in the Siquijor.

The DOST has distributed mid last year 1,364 ovicidal-larvicidal trap (OL trap) kits to 534 elementary schools and 148 secondary schools or 682 schools province-wide to help fight dengue upsurge in the province.

Additional OL trap kits, DOST-Provincial Director Mario de la Pena said, will be deployed

to all schools via a courier for installation right after the training.

The seminar, he said is intended to disseminate information to the school coordinators and train them in the use of the website for monitoring.

Participants also include district Supervisors, division Heads and health personnel.

OL Trap System prevent the next generation of the mosquitoes carrying dengue virus.

This simple technology, de la Pena said has only three components: a black container, a small strip of lawanit and OL Pellet Solution which is made of organic materials that dissolved in clean water. The scent of the solution attracts the female Aedes Aegypti to the lawanit and lays their

eggs on the stick. When they get exposed to the solution, the eggs and larvae dies before transforming into adults. The process is simple, very safe and non-toxic, he said.

DOST’s OL Trap also serves as a surveillance whether that area is now free from dengue transmission. Presence of eggs in the stick means the use of OL Trap should be continued, he said.

Meanwhile, the DOST director is calling school coordinators to be serious in giving updates and reports of the OL trap system in their areas. Data gathered weekly should be reported to the DOST and DepEd office and will be posted at the website, he said. (mbcn/rac/PIA7Siquijor & PCL/MDP-DOST)

Bohol’s Sandugo Trade Expo highlights greens

By Juju Manubag-Empuerto CEBU CITY , July 12 (PIA) --- The Sandugo Regional Trade Expo at the Island City Mall, Tagbilaran City on July 24-28 has more than 90 exhibitors from the Visayas and Mindanao regions that will join the expo with the theme, “Go green. Buy local”.

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his year’s trade event features environment friendly products and prototypes for handicrafts, processed foods, fashion accessories, gifts, decors and housewares in support of Philippine tourism and the Promotion of Green Economic Development (ProGED), a joint project of the DTI and the Deutsche Gesellschaft Fur Internationale Zusammenarbeit (GIZ) , a German Technical Agency.

A Green Forum on July 25, a SME Roving Academy and a National Competitiveness Council Roadshow on July 26 are among the activities during the trade fair.

National and international buyers are also expected to be present during the fair, including exporters, buying agents, wholesalers, retailers, manufacturers and subcontractors.

Booths will be set up at the Island City Mall to display green initiatives and the wealth of

natural wonders in the country that are available for tourists and visitors.

ProGED is a project that addresses climate change and environmental threats from the perspective of micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs) in the Philippines .

The Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) recognizes the strong link between the green development path and enhancing the competitiveness of enterprises.

The Philippine government is currently encouraging MSMEs to adopt energy saving and recycling measures that will contribute to a sustainable environment and reduce waste.

According to DTI, research shows that there is a growing trend for visitors to seek out tourism businesses that take an ethical approach to the environment, and many of these visitors are prepared to pay more for ‘greener’ products and services.

Still from Bohol, due to the increase in crime volume in Tagbilaran City , the Philippine National Police (PNP) in the city created different teams to address the problem.

In the City Peace and Order Council (CPOC) meeting held recently, City Police Chief PSupt. Romeo Perigo said that three teams were created to address street crimes in the city.

These teams are: Loose Firearms Tracker Team headed by PInsp. Antonio Samante with 3 members; Robbery/Snatching Tracker Team headed by SPO4 Edgardo Chan with 3 members; and Illegal Gambling/Drugs Tracker Team headed

by PSInsp. Adriano Bacus with 4 members.

This as crime volume in the City of Tagbilaran increased from January to June this year reaching 638 as compared to only 558 in the same period last year. (mbcn/JSME/PIA7-Cebu & DTI-7 with ECB report)

CENTRAL VISAYAS

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DOST releases over P1.8-M aid to 6 SMEs in Siquijor University of San Carlos, Cebu

By Rizalie A. Calibo

SIQUIJOR, July 12 (PIA) -- In response to the government’s effort to strengthen the country’s entrepreneurs, the Department of Science and Technology (DOST) here has released over P1.8 million to six small and medium enterprises (SMEs) in Siquijor province as technology assistance and innovation support under its Small Enterprise Technology Upgrading Program (SETUP).

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eleto Cuevas of Candanay Norte, owned by Domingo Sacabin of Poblacion, Maria, Siquijor has received P350,000 for the Siquijor got P450,300. machinery and equipment ugrading of Provincial Science and Technology (PSTC) Dodge Welding Shop in Candanay Norte, Director Engr. Mario de la Pena, in an interview Siquijor. with PIA said, the assistance is the DOST’s In the Furniture Sector, Feliciano Cabiara of continuing support to SMEs through Tubod San Juan has received 600,000 for the DOST-SETUP to make sure that the department's upgrading production equipment of Naning’s priority sectors are assisted.

Furniture Shop, Charito Jumadla of Lambojon, SET-UP, he said, is a nationwide strategy that Siquijor got P115,200 for the upgrading of his encourages and assists micro, small, and medium furniture processing facility, and Douglas Balwit scale enterprises to adopt technological got P127,700 for his DMB Wood Pecker Shop in innovations that improve their operations and Napo, San Juan, Siquijor. boost their productivity and competitiveness.

In the food processing sector, Porferia Meanwhile, Siquijor’s newly-elected lady Tangcay of the Peryang’s Food Products in legislator is open to the proposal of constructing Barangay Tongo, Siquijor, Siquijor has received a Hotel and Restaurant Services Technology P179,000 to improve its "peanut turon" (HRST) building inside the Technical Education processing technology and Honeybeh Meatshop

and Skills Development Authority-Lazi National Agricultural School (TESDA-LNAS) in Lazi.

Congresswoman Marie Anne S. Pernes visited the TESDA-LNAS school recently and interacted with the faculty, staff, employees and students of both the TESDA Provincial Office and the school.

TESDA-LNAS officials said a blueprint for the building worth P3 million was submitted several years ago but has remained in hiatus since then.

With the new dispensation, it is hoped that the plan would prosper in light of new curricular developments lined up in the academe, TESDA-LNAS officials said. (mbcn/RACalibo/PIA7 -Siquijor & MEP/DOST)

The Barili Story: Cebu town's experience in streamlining biz permits, licensing system

By Rachelle M. Nessia Barili town in Cebu province is a predominantly agricultural community 62 kilometers from Cebu City . It has a population of more than 70,000, and 42 barangays, 10 of which are coastal. The town is touted as an eco-tourism destination. arili was chosen as the pilot town for By the end of 2008, Barili reported Revenues and licensing. But it’s not ony Barili that is reaping National Streamlining of Business Permits from business taxes climbed steadily since 2007; the benefits of NSBPLS. According to Korina and Licensing System (NSBPLS) program in from P511,000 in 2007 to P1.214 million in 2009. By Balansag, in-charge of NSBPLS at DILG Cebu, they Cebu province in 2007. Since then, the business 2012, business taxes collected was pegged at P1.5 have seen a vast improvement in Cebu LGUs due permit processing system it adopted has resulted in million. Other own-source revenues in the town to the system. more business investments in this second-class also increased, among them community taxes “Aside from there now being a focal person at municipality.

(47%), permit fees (20%), fees for weights and the LGU level for the NSBPLS implementation, the Back then the program was introduced and measures (27%), garbage fees (39%), and sanitation system helps the LGUs in the DILG Seal awards,” administered by Deutsche Gesellschaft für fees (38%). she said.

Internationale Zusammenarbeit (GIZ) before it Getting one’s business permit renewed in One criteria for DILG seal awards like the turned over the reins to the Department of the Barili now takes not only 2 days and 50 minutes, Seal of Good Housekeeping is business Interior and Local Government (DILG). but only 30 minutes while securing a new permit competitiveness, and Balansag said the streamlining NSBPLS was instrumental in boosting Barili’s takes 4 days. programs helps the towns and cities in this area. revenue generation.

Processing steps were reduced from 8 to 5, DILG for now continues to conduct coaching “There are now more business permit and renewals from 5 to 4. sessions on streamlining with other Cebu LGUs to renewals in our town and the number of To speed up procedures, Barili created a joint expand the success enjoyed by Barili under the applications for business permits have also inspectorate team using one inspection report form program. Their sessions, said Balansag, are based on increased because of NSBPLS. instead of separate forms.

DILG’s Joint Memorandum Circular No. 1 Series More taxes are being paid now,” said Jinky Because of Barili’s successful implementation 2010. (RMN/PIA Cebu) Panares, permits officer of Barili local government in NSBPLS, the town is now touted as the model unit.

LGU when it comes to streamlined business permit

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Army serves 400 residents in medical services

By Jennifer C. Tilos DUMAGUETE CITY, July 18 (PIA) --About 400 indigent-residents in barangays Calango and Tampi in the municipalities of Zamboanguita and Amlan, respectively, have availed of the free medical and dental civic action program (MEDCAP) conducted by the army's 302nd Brigade recently as part of the army's continuing efforts in delivering basic health services to the less privileged residents especially in the conflict affected areas in the Brigade’s area of responsibility. he Department of Health (DOH) led the Maayo Shipping Inc., Philippine Dental Association ecosystem may be severely affected by climate medical services-mission in cooperation with (PDA) Negros Oriental Chapter, Rotary Club of change.

Media assistant Aileen Dimatatac of the army group and local government unit of Dumaguete East (RCDE) and Philippine Councilors Greenpeace Southeast Asia, whose ship Esperanza League Inc. Dumaguete City (PCLI).

Zamboanguita.

302nd Brigade Commander, BGen Francisco docked in Dumaguete City, said the province's The health team served more than 150 residents including the adjacent barangays in Patrimonio said that the involvement of various community-managed marine reserve and some of Zamboanguita with medical consultation and dental stakeholders is consistent with the spirit of Apo Island’s reefs have borne the brunt of two “Bayanihan” to address the health concerns of the strong typhoons. services.

“Climate change and the use of fossil fuels are The Department of Agriculture (DA) also Negrenses.

“This collaborative effort was indeed very the ocean’s silent killers,” according to Mark Dia, conducted free livestock artificial insemination, vaccination, and distribution of vegetable seeds to successful and supports the AFP Internal Peace and Regional Oceans Campaigner for Greenpeace Southeast Asia.

Security Plan Bayanihan,” said Patrimonio. the barangay residents.

Since the Philippines relies so heavily on the Meanwhile, environmentalist group Greenpeace Zamboanguita LGU also offered feeding program to at least 100 children-beneficiaries at and scientists from Silliman University-Institute of oceans, it only makes sense to put resources that can Calango Elementary School in line with the Environmental and Marine Sciences (SU-IEMS) and increase the resiliency of the marine environment. celebration of Nutrition Month's theme “Gutom at Coastal Conservation and Education Foundation "Our lives depend on it,” Dia went on. (mbcn/JCT/ (CCEF) have warned that Philippine’s rich marine PIA7-Negros Oriental) Malnutrisyon, Sama-sama Nating Wakasan.”

The MEDCAP in Amlan was sponsored by

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EASTERN VISAYAS

6 Panel picks Eastern Pantawid Pamilya 2013

Visayas

Huwarang Naval State University, Naval, Biliran

TACLOBAN CITY, Leyte, July 16 (PIA) -- The family of Rico Villacino from Barangay Santa Cruz, Javier, Leyte was chosen as the Eastern Visayas Huwarang Pamilya of the Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program (4Ps).

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he Villacino family, who represented the province of Leyte in the Search, was chosen for being the best model family demonstrating Filipino values and strong family ties. They were deemed able to help advocate the 4Ps as family ambassadors.

The other provincial winners were the families of Wilma Manuel of Barangay Calbani, Maripipi, Biliran; Erlinda Jabelo of Barangay Danao I, Calbayog City in Samar province; Nelida Damiar of Barangay Tarnate, San Vicente, Northern Samar; Rene Buenafe of Barangay Can-ato, Llorente, Eastern Samar and Susith Gaviola of Barangay Dakit, San Francisco, Southern Leyte.

The Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) Region 8 convened a panel of judges on July 12, to select who

among the winners from the six provinces of the Region will best represent Eastern Visayas in the national search, Ms. Michelle Calzado, the information officer of the program said.

The Search aims to recognize family-beneficiaries who really complied with the conditionalities of the program and has shown remarkable improvement in their way of life, Ms. Calzado added.

In choosing the regional winner, the panel of judges composed of Regional Director Olive P. Tiu of the Philippine Information Agency, DSWD Assistant Regional Director Virgie Edano, Ms. Lolit Dapdap who is the DSWD focal person for family welfare program, and Ms. Betty Garrido who represented the civil society organizations, took into consideration several criteria.

The family must have 100% compliance in all conditionalities. The conditionalities include 85% attendance rate of the children in school, visit of the family in a health center, and attendance to a monthly family development session.

The family must practice and promote healthy living, have backyard garden, has a clean home, knowledgeable about good, healthy practices and involved in promoting good health habits.

Moreover, the family must be actively involved in community and environmental endeavors; demonstrates love and respect for the community including the environment; and manages and utilizes cash grants properly.

The national winners will be announced and awarded in Manila as part of the Family Week celebration in September. (PIA-8)

95 Sitios in Southern Leyte slated for power connections

By Marcelo M. Pedalino MAASIN CITY, Southern Leyte, July 18 (PIA) -- Some 95 remote places in the province, locally called sitios or puroks, can expect to get electricity within the year, through the Sitio Electrification Program of President Benigno S. Aquino III coursed through the National Electrification Administration (NEA).

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he number represented the second batch programmed for 2012 covering 44 sitios, and 51 more for the first batch this year, 2013, said Cleofe Fernandez, Officer-in –Charge of the Southern Leyte Electric Cooperative (SOLECO).

The first batch for 2012, involving 31 sitios, were already done, while the second batch of 44 far-flung locations already neared completion, if not for the common problem of right-of-way hampering the extension of SOLECO service connections for a number of interior areas, Fernadez said.

“As to the first batch this year, 2013, for 51 sitios, we already received the initial release of P 7 Million, or 50% of the allotted funds, so we will be starting on this one sooner,” Fernandez added.

Last July 1, during the 53rd founding anniversary celebration of the province, former Leyte province Governor and now Department of Energy (DOE) Secretary Jericho Petilla, the guest speaker, mentioned about his agency’s move to fastrack sitio energization all over the the country.

He said only those unlit places that were inventoried for the last two years will

be prioritized, making Southern Leyte fit very well in this criterion, SOLECO being updated in their listing of sitios still to be reached out as revealed by Fernandez.

Meanwhile, Fernandez said SOLECO has always been updating its obligations to outside power generators, the sources of its electricity, hence it is not disturbed by reports that other electric cooperatives in the country will soon be served notice by the DOE for disconnection due to non-payment of their debts. (PIA-Southern Leyte)

Mussel, oyster farmers in Tarangnan to get assistance from Samar LGU

By Ninfa Iluminda B. Quirante CATBALOGAN CITY, Samar, July 18 (PIA) -- Some 99 mussel and seven oyster farmers in Tarangnan, Samar will receive assistance coming from the Samar Provincial Agriculture for the alternative livelihood as red tide plagues the mussel industry in Cambatutay and Irong-irong Bays.

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his was confirmed after the meeting of Samar Provincial Agriculturist Anita Taran with Tarangnan Mayor Danilo Tan held recently.

Taran and Tan were thinking of alternative livelihood for mussel farmers in the bays affected by red tide toxins.

Mayor Tan said that the these 106 mussel and oyster farmers are willing to divert their livelihood into land farming.

“Our town here has a big potential also in agricultural farming, we have a good soil fit for vegetables,” Tan said.

Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR) Red Tide Sampler Arlene Reyes gave the validated names of mussel and oyster farmers affected in the area.

Reyes monitors the presence of red tide causing organism in the Cambatutay bay and the affected barangays.

She said that according to her observation, the effect of this red tide will last from five months to one year.

It will be recalled that three members of Malabosa family in Barangay Gallego died

after eating mussels due to red tide toxins, some 25 others were hospitalized.

Taran gave the assurance that DA Samar will support the affected farmers.

“We want to make sure that the list of these farmers is validated so that we will be able to give the assistance to the right beneficiaries,” Taran said.

Taran together with the Tarangnan Municipal agriculture staff and members of the media visited Cambatutay bay.

(PIA-Samar Avha Ebalde)

EASTERN VISAYAS

Eastern Visayas State University, Tacloban City

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DAR-ESamar implements P187-M worth of FMRs

By Alicia E. Nicart

BORONGAN CITY, Eastern Samar, July 18 (PIA) -- The Department of Agrarian Reform (DAR) provincial office here said that construction of some 13 farm-to-market roads and bridges is on-going in Eastern Samar.

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r. Renato Badillo, DAR Assistant Provincial Director, said these construction projects with a total cost of P187,548,392.37, aim to increase farmers income through reduced production and marketing cost, considering that hundreds of farmers live in farm flung barangays and need to travel to the town markets to trade their products.

This way he said, the farmers’ travel time to the market will be shortened

thereby giving more time for their planting and other activities in their farm or in their homes.

In addition, these FMRs, once completed, will also give improved accessibility to education as well as the delivery of health care services.

As Mrs. Tessie Dala put it, delayed referral of pregnant mothers from hard-to-reach barangays is one major cause of maternal deaths in the province.

Thus, the construction of these FMRS is very much a welcome community development program, Maternal and Child Care Coordinator Dala said.

The following are the on-going DAR projects in the province: In Lawaan, two FMRs are being constructed, in Balanggiga (2); Salcedo(1), Balangkayan (2), San Julian (2), Taft(1), San Policarpo(1), Quinapondan (1), Llorente (1). (PIA-Eastern Samar)

LGU-Naval to use DOH monetary incentive for smoke cessation counseling

By Rodrigo S. Victoria NAVAL, Biliran, July 18 (PIA) -- The local government unit (LGU) of Naval will be using the monetary incentive it received as a Department of Health (DOH) Red Orchid Awardee Hall of Famer to strengthen its anti-smoking campaign.

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r. Fernando B. Montejo, Naval municipal health officer and the head of the town’s anti-smoking task force, said they will prioritize the smoke cessation counselling program that would eventually complement other programs being implemented, projects and activities on anti-smoking campaign.

“I can see that this is a big help in the anti-smoking campaign of the municipality,” Montejo said referring to the plan to implement a smoke cessation counselling

program intended for smokers to gradually quit smoking.

He said that part of the amount will be used to purchase audio-visual equipment like television set and portable sound system that will be used in the conduct of counselling for smokers.

Montejo also said that his office has already conducted an informal smoke cessation counseling to at least two clients who wanted to quit smoking. “I hope this plan on smoke cessation counseling program

would effectively complement the implementation of the local ordinance prohibiting smoking in public places” he added.

Montejo also urged smokers, especially the heavy ones in Naval town who plan to quit smoking to just visit the municipal health office where the smoke cessation counseling program will be conducted so that they will be assisted to gradually stop smoking. (PIA-Biliran)

BFAR’s FishR , entry point of blessings from government to fisherfolk TACLOBAN CITY, Leyte, July 18 (PIA) -- The Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources is set to launch in Eastern Visayas the National Program for Municipal Fisherfolk Registration or FishR which is envisioned as the entry point of blessings from government to fisherfolk.

FAR Region 8 Director Juan D. which admittedly is long-overdue, in close Director Albaladejo further said. “All Albaladejo said that Agriculture partnership with all coastal cities and municipalities which completed the registration Secretary Proceso Alcala, Interior and municipalities. will qualify for at least 2 million worth of Local Government Secretary Mar Roxas and The municipal fisheries sector provides 27 fishery projects by 2014,” Director Albaladejo BFAR Director Asis G. Perez are expected to percent of the country’s close to five million said. The bureau has earmarked some P30 attend the launching on July 25, at 9:30 a.m. at metric tons total volume of fish produce. million to ensure the complete fisherfolk the Tacloban Astrodome.

This is higher than the contribution of the registration all over the country.

The FishR System is a registry of municipal commercial fishing sector at 21 percent.

This budget will be distributed among 899 fisherfolk that incorporates the data from the It is however lamentable that this sector coastal cities and municipalities in the form of National Statistics Office’s Registry System for composed of more than one million fishermen incentives.

Basic Sector in Agriculture and from the remains to be the poorest of the poor," the Through this, fisheries technician officers existing Fisherfolk Registration System of BFAR Director said. from the local government units in all coastal BFAR. Through FishR, BFAR would be able to cities and municipalities, who will facilitate in The FishR is envisioned to guide the know how to serve the fishermen better with the fisherfolk registration, will receive an national government on what kind of assistance the intent of recognizing them as the Bureau’s incentive of P15.00 per fisherfolk registered. should be given to improve the livelihood and real beneficiaries.

The BFAR director further stressed that quality of life of fisherfolk as well as the The bureau also seeks to deliver its FishR is a tool and not just a promise that will appropriate assistance for the city or service right at every fisherman’s doorstep, serve as an entry point of blessings from our municipality, Director Albaladejo told the local efficiently and effectively. government to the fisherfolk. media practitioners at the Harampang Ha PIA Knowing the everyday risks encountered The launching of the program marks the on July 16. by the fishermen, BFAR, through the said beginning of the registration which will be Director Albaladejo added that FishR is program, is bent on providing fisherfolk with conducted in all coastal and municipal governdesigned to assist local government units to medical and health insurance proposed to be ment units nationwide. comply with the provision of RA 8550 or the allotted with P200 million funding.

FishR is open to all workers in the Fisheries Code of 1998 which provides for the “We are eyeing for a hundred percent fisheries sector to include municipal fishermen, registration of municipal fisherfolk. registered fisherfolk nationwide. And by being fish vendors, fish farmers, and all other The Bureau has devised mechanisms to a responsible partner to our fishermen, we workers in allied industries, Director ensure the full implementation of this program, plan to be successful on this endeavor,” Albaladejo said. (PIA-8)

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

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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