One Visayas e-Newsletter Vol 3 issue 32

Vol 3

Issue 32

In this Issue WESTERN VISAYAS

San Jose, Antique Mayor Rony L. Molina (center); Dr. Edgar Posadas, managing director of the Pharmaceutical and Health Care Association of the Philippines (left); and Director Rose Cabrera (extreme right) of the Office of Civil Defense 6, and chair of the Regional Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council, sign the Memorandum of Agreement during the launching "Pagpakigbuylog sa Pagpangaman" or Partnership for Disaster Risk Reduction project at the Evelio B. Javier Gymn, San Jose, Antiuqe, recently. (T.Villavert/PIA 6)

More on Region 6, pages 2-3.

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CENTRAL VISAYAS

Published by: PIA 6, 7 & 8

August 5 - 11, 2013

DTI-7 launches MSME Roving Academy in Bohol

By Rey Anthony H. Chiu

BOHOL, Aug. 1 (PIA) -- The Department of Trade and Industry (DTI-7) launched in Bohol recently an intervention that promises a series of follow-through assistance in continuous learning program modules for the country’s micro, small and medium enterprises in efforts to make inclusive growth happen.

During the opening ceremonies of the recent annual Sandugo Regional Products Expo which showcases products from micro, small and medium enterprises in the entire region, Bureau of Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises Development (BMSMED) chief at the DTI, Jerry Clavisellas said the program aims to promote continuity of interventions which the government through various partners give, to ultimately get the country’s MSMEs into becoming exporters themselves.

Clavisellas was among the honored guests during the opening ceremonies of the annual Sandugo crafts and trade fair held at the Island City Mall here in Tagbilaran City.

The MSMED Roving Academy uses integration strategy, and unifies all the help which sectors give to small entrepreneurs and then helps them keep track of their business development progress so they can continue the growth momentum, Clavisillas explained.

Implemented in partnership with local government units, chambers of commerce and industries, academe, financial institutions and trade and industry groups, non-government and people’s organizations, the

MSMED Roving Academy according to DTI hoped to inspire more entrepreneurs to sustain their business growths with the assurance that somebody is helping them nurture their investments.

In his message, Bohol Governor Edgar Chatto cited the country’s economic performance in the first quarter of the year, which has not been short of being stellar.

But he said for this growth to be truly experienced

by Boholanos, it has to be felt by all, and the government's focus on helping SMED is a step in the right direction.

The challenge however, the governor pointed out, is how to make these MSME produce products that are globally competitive, attain good design and quality, apart from going for environment friendly or green products. (mbcn/rahc/PIA7-Bohol)

Innovative DTI's Roving Academy, which was launched in Bohol is promised to track progress reports of small investors and mentor them to achieve even more as the country attempts to perk up local economies by looking into small engines of development.

(PIABohol)

Comelec registers 343,736 EV voters for barangay and SK elections

Head teacher and Training Instruction Supervisor Chiquito Mahinay (above left) and Instructor Elsa A. Apiag (right above), both of the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority – Lazi National Agricultual School, give lectures on “Entrepreneurship and Gender and Development Mainstreaming in TVET” and “High School Students and Their Career Path” to high school graduating students of DepEd-LNAS and Cang-alwang National High School. (RACalibo/PIA-Siquijor)

More on Region 7, pages 4-5.

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EASTERN VISAYAS

A group pose from the 2013 Best Performing City Nutrition Committee throughout Eastern Visayas headed by City Mayor Maloney L. Samaco (in Barong, holding the plaque) together with the city health team during the awarding ceremony at Camp Ruperto Kangleon, Palo, Leyte, July 30. In addition, Barangay Council of Abgao, Maasin City headed by Barangay Chairman Nikko Mercado (in lavender long sleeves) received the Best Performing Barangay Nutrition Committee. (rgc/PIA8-SoLeyte)

More on Region 8, pages 6-7.

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TACLOBAN CITY, Leyte, August 5 (PIA) -- The Commission on Elections registered 343,736 voters in Eastern Visayas during the ten-day registration held on July 22 to July 31, in connection with the forthcoming Synchronized Barangay and SK elections.

Comelec Region 8 Assistant Regional Director Felicisimo Embalsado told the Philippine Information Agency that of the total number of registered voters, 116,140 registered for the Barangay elections while 227,596 registered for the Sangguniang Kabataan elections.

The new registered voters were added to the 2,576,250 registered voters in 3,773 voting centers in the 136 municipalities and seven cities in Eastern Visayas, Embalsado said.

Embalsado said the election period will start on September 28, 2013 until November 12 2013.

During the election period, the issuance of appointments, promotions, creation of new positions or

giving of salary increases in government offices, agencies or instrumentalities are prohibited, he added.

Also prohibited are the alteration of territory of a precinct or establishment of a new precinct; illegal release of prisoners; raising of funds thru dances, lotteries, and cockfights.

Moreover, during the election period, the Comelec prohibits the carrying of firearms/deadly weapons, including wearing of uniforms, insignias; organizing or maintaining reaction or strike forcers or similar forces; transfer and detail of officers and employees in the civil service including public school teachers; and suspension of any elective provincial, city, municipal or barangay officer.

Embalsado further said that the use of security personnel or bodyguards by candidates whether or not such bodyguards are regular members of officers of the Philippine National Police (PNP) or the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) or other government law enforcement agency, is also banned. (PIA-8)

DSWD-6 urges civil society to put programs together for the poor

By Elsa S. Subong ILOILO CITY (PIA6) -- Government agencies, civil society and microfinance institutions should put together their programs to help the poor, according to the Department of Social Welfare and Development here.

DSWD-6 recently gathered together in a forum, representatives from aforementioned entities to get their commitments to provide sustainable employment for about 300,000 poor households.

These households are covered by the Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program of DSWD in Western Visayas.

Asst. Regional Director Joel Galicia said improving the lives of poor families should not solely be done by DSWD but through partnerships with various sectors.

“The problem is not just poverty today, but inter-generational cycle of poverty that is hard to break,” Galicia said.

“It is just like a disease being transferred from one generation to the other. So we need to break the bondage at the roots, by working together,” Galicia added.

DSWD-6 Information Officer May Castillo said, this year, around 11,000 households will end the five-year 4Ps stint which started in 2009, many of whom come from Antique and Iloilo City.

In 2014, those who started in 2010 will also end their five-year engagement with 4Ps. Castillo said the department has designed the convergence strategy by putting together its three core programs, namely, 4Ps, Sustainable Livelihood (SEA-K), and the Kalahi-CIDSS. Galicia said convergence means that beneficiaries of 4Ps are also covered by Kalahi, which trains them on good governance.

DSWD records show that of the 11,000 who will graduate from Pantawid this year, about 9,000 have either been provided with seed capital, given access to microfinancing, or given jobs.

The forum was attended by nine government agencies, seven civil society organizations, four academic institutions, and five microfinance institutions, all working partners of DSWD-6. (JSC/ESS/PIA6, Iloilo)

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WESTERN VISAYAS

DTI to introduce new trade concepts in Negros

By Easter Anne D. Doza

Guapple

NEGROS OCCIDENTAL, Aug. 8 (PIA6) -- The Department of Trade and Industry will introduce new concepts and techniques in retail and visual merchandising at a seminar on Retail and Visual Merchandising that will be conducted on August 13-14, at the Governor’s Conference Hall at the Provincial Capitol Building from 8 a.m to 5 p.m. here.

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he seminar also seeks to enhance the appreciation of participants for the appeal and power of attractive designs and displays.

DTI Negros Occidental said in a press statement that the activity will aid Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) and even successful enterprises to survive the stiff competition and more discerning consumers, take advantage of new and better technology, develop innovative marketing strategies, among others. Acting Division Chief of Business Development Division Engr. Engiemar Tupas in a

statement said that proper visual presentation of an SME’s products produces better results.

A Manila-based industrial designer will be the resource speaker for the two-day activity.

Those who are interested to attend can confirm their participation to Engr. Engiemar B. Tupas of DTI-Negros Occidental at telephone numbers 4330250, 4347920 or 7042203.

Meanwhile, the Negros Museum in Bacolod City will launch Aug. 15 its new tours with exhilarating routes to Negrense’s

history, heritage and culture in a new stimulating tour is dubbed “Panakayon sa Negros Museum” , its press release said.

It is a project under the Tuklas (Tulong Kaalaman Senter) of the Negros Museum and which is supported by the NCCA.Other upcoming museum activities include the Philippine Arts Awards 2013 Competition whose deadline of submission of entries will be on August 16. (Negros Museum/ CD-JSC-PIA6)

Gains from tourism to support agri, health programs

By Venus G. Villanueva KALIBO, Aklan, Aug. 7 (PIA6) -- Earnings generated by Aklan’s booming tourism industry through jetty port collections and tourism receipts will have great implications on the province’ programs for agriculture and health, according to Aklan governor Florencio T. Miraflores.

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elivering for the first time his “Governor’s Report to the People” aired over GMA-DYRU here August 3, Miraflores said collections generated by the province’s jetty ports – Caticlan in Malay and Cagban in Boracay Island, respectively, for arriving and departing tourists from January to July of this year which reached P209,807,373.00 can well support Aklan’s programs on agriculture and health.

Governor Miraflores said the period’s collections this year is higher by 92% compared with last year’s collection for t h e s am e p e r i o d w h i c h w a s P116,879,306.00.

The increase in jetty port collections, according to Miraflores, is attributed to

the increase in imposed terminal fees as well as on the continuous increase of tourist arrivals in the province particularly Boracay Island.

Miraflores said Aklan has currently some 20,000 PhilHealth members whose premiums are paid by the Provincial Government and the preceding premiums, which will double in 2014 and is seen to reach P48 million.

“We plan to have more PhilHealth beneficiaries because many still need to be included in the program,” Miraflores said in his report.

He also said tourism gains could also aid the province’s agricultural programs through the increase of farmers’s subsidy

in the purchase of hybrid and certified rice seeds and farm mechanization.

Expressing optimism in the attainment of 1.5 million tourists this year, the governor said his leadership will continue the reclamation project started in Caticlan to answer the need for additional facilities for tourists.

He also expressed the hope that with the assistance to be rendered to the province’s agriculture sector as an offshoot of the increased earnings through tourism, the supply chain in terms of food needs for tourists in the island could also be taken care of.

“It must be Aklan which should produce the tourists’ needs,” he said.

(JSC/VGV-PIA6 Aklan)

DILG accepts application for grants

By Leonard T. Pineda I ILOILO CITY, Aug 7 (PIA) -- The Department of the Interior and Local Government-6 (DILG-6) is now accepting applications from micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs) in Metro Iloilo and Guimaras (MIG) to avail of the P3-million Tourism Innovation Challenge Fund.

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he grant from the Canadian government aims to help MSMEs improve, upgrade and enhance their tourism products and services in the MIG Culture-Arts-Heritage and Eco-Agri-Adventure Circuits and its immediate environs said DILG-6 Regional Director Evelyn Trompeta.

Trompeta said non-government organizations (NGOs), people’s organizations, duly registered private entities and cooperatives in MIG Economic Development Council (MIGEDC)-member local government units can avail of the grant.

She said the grant will be supporting Tourism Product Packaging and Enhancement and Visitor activities.

The first category includes expansion of variety of designs for existing products; branding for marketing purposes; enhanced packaging; and marketing and promotions, while the second category includes website development; local tours; site improvement; and site-based offerings like rentals of equipment.

The DILG official said applicants must submit a letter of intent and project proposal on or before Aug. 15.

Applicants will be screened and shortlisted for the proposal presentation on Aug. 28.

Trompeta said that a maximum amount of P300,000.00 will be provided for each project.

MIGEDC-member local governments are Iloilo City, Iloilo towns including Leganes, Oton, Pavia, Sta. Barbara, and San Miguel, and Guimaras towns namely Buenavista, Jordan, Nueva Valencia, Sibunag and San Lorenzo. (JSC/LTP-PIA6, Iloilo)

WESTERN VISAYAS

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DOLE-6 releases over P4-M for livelihood projects in Iloilo Lanzones

By Lilibeth A. French

ILOILO CITY, Aug 7 (PIA6) -- The Department of Labor and Employment in Region 6 (DOLE-6) has released P4,624,032 during the first half of the year to fund various livelihood projects to boost employment and productivity of disadvantaged workers and marginalized communities in the province of Iloilo.

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even hundred twenty one returning overseas Filipino workers (OFWs), unemployed workers, and out-of school youth in the municipalities of Oton, Tubungan, and Guimbal in the first district of the province and fishers and women from the five fishing associations of Carles Multi-Purpose Cooperative in Carles will benefit from the projects, according to a DOLE 6 press report.

The approved projects include motorcycle spare parts, rice retailing, meat processing, furniture shop, carinderia, loading station, fish training, poultry, piggery, sari-sari store, chicken/egg trading, electronics & service center, rice trading, frozen food trading,

tricycle repair shop, fish & vegetable trading, burger stand, service room rental, maternity clinic, and fishing and dried fish production.

DOLE-6 has allotted P22.568 million for the formation or enhancement of the existing livelihood projects of target beneficiaries in the region that include unemployed and IS workers, out-of-school youth and marginalized fishers and farmers, among others, and community employment programs of various local government units for 2013.

DOLE-6 Director Ponciano M. Ligutom said in the agency’s report that his office has already approved and funded 37 projects at a cost of P17,550,896 for the first half of 2013.

Of the 37 projects, 23 went to the province of Negros Occidental, eight in Iloilo, two in Capiz, three in Aklan, and one in Antique.

“The number decreased by 9.5 per cent as compared to the first half of 2012, but the amount of assistance and the number of beneficiaries significantly increased by 23 percent,” said Ligutom.

The livelihood interventions are part of the efforts of DOLE to provide wider opportunities to target beneficiaries for sustained employment and job creation to make growth more inclusive in the country.

(JSC/LAF-PIA6)

Health officials urge everyone to do share in drive vs. dengue

By Jemin B. Guillermo ROXAS CITY, Capiz, Aug 6 (PIA6) -- Everyone must do his or her share to free the public from the deadly dengue disease, said Capiz health officials.

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rovincial Health Information Officer Joeffry Espiritu disclosed that with the increasing number of dengue cases in Capiz, everybody must help in stopping the disease.

“At the provincial level, we have been intensifying our advocacy for environmental cleanliness and the observance of the 4 o’clock habit in the conduct of clean-up activities," Espiritu said, adding the people in the community level must actively participate.

He said a team from the PHO is conducting a daily visitation and monitoring in every town in the entire province to ensure that rural health units are doing their part to address the current problem.

Espiritu likewise said the Philippine National Police in a number of

municipalities are even heading and mobilizing the community in anti-dengue activities such as clean-up drives.

“We are also happy to note that many stakeholders, such as the members of the Bureau of Fire Protection, media, civic and private organizations and other government agencies are helping in said campaign,” he said.

The Capiz Epidemiological Surveillance and Response Unit (CESRU) of the PHO recorded 1,497 dengue cases from January to July 27, of which 1,420 were from Capiz and the remaining 77 were patients from other provinces.

Espiritu said there was a 411 percent increase over the number of dengue cases during the same period last year of 293.

On the other hand, he said the CESRU has likewise recorded three

suspected cases of chikungunya, of which two were from Roxas City and the other one, from Dao town.

The first suspected case, he said, involves a 19-year-old male from Cabugao, Roxas City who was admitted in a hospital here for fever, joint pains, arthritis in the ankle, feet and hand and had a history of travel to Dao, Capiz.

He added that the second case is a 27-year-old female from Manhoy, Dao town who complained of fever, joint pains, arthritis in the feet and ankle and had a travel history in Manila.

Espiritu also said that the last case was a 19-year-old male from Arcabalo, Roxas City who was admitted for fever and joint pains. (JSC/JBG-PIA6, Capiz)

DSWD eyes 19T day care tots for supplemental feeding in Antique

By Vicente W. Villavert SAN JOSE, Antique, Aug 6 (PIA6) -- A total of 19,848 day-care tots and children in Antique are targeted by the Department of Social Welfare and Development Region 6 as recipients of the supplementary feeding program.

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ccording to regional nutritionist and dietitian Sally Gayoma of DSWD 6, the beneficiaries will come from 633 day -care centers of the province.

Gayoma said the 2013 supplementary program in Antique has a budget allocation of P30,962,880 for rice and viand.

The supplementary feeding program is the provision of food, in addition to the regular meals, to currently enrolled day-care center children. The food as recommended by the Food and Nutrition Research Council is served during break time to beneficiaries aged three to five years old.

Aside from the provision of hot meals, the program also aims to improve knowledge, attitude and practices of children enrolled in day care centers, and to parents and care givers through intensified nutrition and health education.

Gayoma said the program was able to improve the nutritional status of the children.

“Almost 80 percent of the underweight children have improved their nutritional status,” Gayoma said as she explained that after the 120-day feeding, the children’s weights were monitored and “there was really improvement with their nutritional status.”

The DSWD regional dietician and nutritionist said that the first cycle of the supplementary feeding program in Antique started in 2011 in 630 day-care centers benefiting 20,193 children.

Last year the program was implemented in 633 day-care centers with 20,448 as beneficiaries.

“The supplementary feeding program also seeks to achieve Millennium Development Goal number 1, which is eradicating extreme poverty and hunger,” Gayoma concluded.(JSC/ MLG/VWV/PIA6, Antique)

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CENTRAL VISAYAS

New PRO7 head pushes reward-punishment system, God-fearing force Banana

By Ferliza C. Contratista

CEBU CITY, Aug. 1 (PIA) -- Newly installed Police Regional Office 7 director PCSupt Danilo Constantino vowed to impose an effective reward-punishment system and establish a God-fearing police force.

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onstantino said during his formal installation recently that he will ensure that there will be a disciplined and competent police force.

“We will remain stern against policemen who are remiss in their jobs and fast in giving due recognition and awards to those who give their best and even their lives to public service,” Constantino said.

He said he will not allow his men to be stagnant, competencies and individual skills will be developed, hand in hand with the strengthening of the reward and disciplinary system.

“I will assure you that no hard work will be left unnoticed thus the periodic performance audit will be strictly implemented to determine who is at par with the job,” Constantino said.

He further emphasized the implementation of a newly developed Performance Governance Scorecard to be adapted in all police levels.

Constantino vowed to keep the momentum of anti-criminality campaign of his predecessor, PCSupt Marcelo Garbo in intensifying the Police Integrated Patrol System or PIPS which they jointly crafted while both of them were still in the Directorate For Operations in Camp Crame.

He believed that one of the best way of ensuring public safety is in strongly pursuing fight against loose firearms.

“We deny the lawless elements of the opportunities to execute their criminal intents,” he said.

On the other hand, the new regional director said, he will adapt here in the region a Geographical Information System-Based Crime Analysis, a best practice of Cordillera police.

Police Deputy Director General Ager Ontog, who was the guest of honor said, he also advised Constantino to propagate his strong beliefs in the Almighty, a trait for which the latter

was most noticeable among his colleagues.

“Danny is a God fearing man, it is also important for our police force to be God fearing in their service, they will be sincere in protecting human rights,” Ontog said.

Ontog called on the local chief executives, the businesses and other sectors to support Constantino.

Cebu Governor Hilario Davide III who was at the ceremony said he personally welcomed the new regional director and has high hopes that he can live up to one of his major objectives in Cebu, and that is to eradicate illegal drugs.

Other than Davide, Negros Oriental Governor Roel Degamo was also present yesterday.

Constantino was assigned as head of the Comptroller Division in Camp Crame and belonged to class 82 of the Philippine Military Academy. (mbcn/FCC/PIA7-Cebu)

Illegally traded birds, other wildlife species seized

By Juju Manubag-Empuerto CEBU CITY, Aug. 2 (PIA) -- The Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) 7 through the Protected Area Wildlife and Coastal Zone Management Services (PAWCZMS) recovered a total 143 illegally traded birds of assorted species abandoned along Magallanes St. Cebu City last July 27.

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his after a raid was conducted by DENR-7 led by chief of the Biodiversity and Wildlife Management Section, Ariel C. Rica, together with personnel from the Philippine National Police (PNP) Cebu City.

The raid came after a tip from informants who provided the necessary information and acted as “spotter” during the conduct of the operation.

The seized birds included 101 African Lovebirds (Agapornis species), 30 Hanging Parakeets (Loriculus philippensis), 5 Coleto (Cercops calvos), two Rufous hornbills (Buceros

hydrocorax), two Large-billed Crow (Corvus macrorhynchos), two lack-capped Lory (Lorius lorry), and one Tarictic Hornbill (Penelopides Panini).

The seized species were immediately identified and recorded and was then brought to DENR-7 wildlife rescue facility in Camp 7, Minglanilla, Cebu City under the custody of Mr. Sony de Erio, the DENR 7 rescue center caretaker.

DENR 7 Regional Executive Director Dr. Isabelo R. Montejo said the illegal trading of wildlife is a violation of Sec.27 of Republic Act

9147 otherwise known as the Wildlife Resources Conservation and Protection Act. PAWCXZMS vowed to continue the wildlife enforcement in the region.

“We will not hesitate to implement the full force of the law against those who engage in illegal trading, collection and possession of wildlife species,” Montejo added.

Montejo said that there is a continuous monitoring on the movement of wildlife species to ensure that these are within the bounds of the law. (JSME/PIA-Cebu/DENR7)

DSWD-7 intensifies fight against human trafficking

By Juju Manubag-Empuerto CEBU CITY, Aug. 2 (PIA) -- The amendment of Republic Act 9208 on Human Trafficking to Republic Act 10364 popularly known as Expanded Anti-Trafficking in Persons Act paves the way to intensify protection of the victims.

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The new law gives victim-survivors more strength to stand on their rights and make the government’s fight against human trafficking more effective," said Rosemarie Salazar, DSWD’s Focal Person on Women and Family.

Under RA 10364, names of the accused and suspects in human trafficking cases are allowed to be reported and published in newspapers.

The new law also defines attempted trafficking as a crime with a penalty of 15 years imprisonment and a fine not less than P500,000 but not more than P1 million.

Also included in the new amendment law are the liabilities of accessories and accomplices of human trafficking activities.

Accomplices are those who knowingly aid, abet, and cooperate in the execution of the crime.

Accessories, on the other hand, are those who have knowledge of the crime with no active participation.

On the expanded version the law, any person who buys or engages the services of a trafficked person for prostitution shall be penalized from six years to 12 years of imprisonment and a fine not less than P50,000 but not more than P100,000.

Salazar further added that majority of the victims come in a form of human trade where 70 percent are women who lack education, are unemployed, involved in armed conflict as well as natural disasters.

For this, DSWD provides P10,000 for livelihood assistance, employment opportunities, and skills training for the victim-survivors under the Recovery and Reintegration Program for Trafficked Persons (RRPTP).

The "Balik Probinsya" financial assistance is also allocated for victims who are residing outside Cebu City or even outside the region.

The agency has also stepped up its anti-trafficking efforts through hotline number (032) 406-5832 or at 0917-7030967 who receive calls and act on the reported cases 24/7. (rmn/JSME/PIA-Cebu/DSWD7)

CENTRAL VISAYAS

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DSWD funds over P3.5-M supplemental feeding for Siquijor Coconut

By Rizalie A. Calibo

SIQUIJOR, Aug. 2 (PIA) -- Department of Socal Welfare and Development (DSWD) will fund over P3.5 million supplemental feeding program (SFP) of all six municipalities in Siquijor province in line with the government’s millenium development goal (MDG) of eradicating extreme poverty and hunger.

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rovincial social welfare and development officer Tom Villarubia said out of the P3,576,000 cycle 3, SFP allocation for this year of P424,800 was released to the town of Larena; P531,600 to Lazi and P756,000 to Siquijor town.

The three municipalities have fully liquidated the first and second cycle of the program, says Villarubia in a talk with the PIA-Siquijor.

He said once the other three are done with their liquidations, fund allocation will also be released immediately.

Supplemental Feeding Program is the provision of food in addition to the regular meals, to currently enrolled day care children as part of the DSWD’s contribution to the Early Childhood Care and

development (ECCD) program of the government, Villarubia explained.

Food supplementation was in a form of hot meals served during break/snack time in the morning session or in the afternoon session to children in day care centers five days a week.

The parents managed the feeding program based on a prepared meal cycle using available indigenous food materials.

The children were weighted at the start of the feeding and a monthly weighing was done to determine improvement and sustenance in their nutritional status.

Cycle 1 in 2011 total fund released was P3,872,550 for the six towns of Siquijor that served some 2,218 day care children in 150 day care centers province-wide.

Cycle 2 in the following year has a fund release of P3,594,240 which has served some 2,252 day care children in the same number of day care centers.

This year, supplemental feeding will be done to 146 day care centers with 2,384 day care children.

Villarubia said, the program aims to provide augmentation support to the local government units to help improve knowledge, attitude and practices of children enrolled in day care centers, parents and caregivers through intensified nutrition and health education.

It also seeks to improve and sustain the nutritional status of all target children and ensure that children accessed to any appropriate health unit regarding their nutritional problems including overweight and at-risk of malnutrition conditions. (mbcn/RACalibo/PIA7-Siquijor)

NegOr opens breastfeeding station in mall

By Jennifer C. Tilos DUMAGUETE CITY, Aug 1 (PIA) -- The Negros Oriental Provincial Health Office (NOPHO) has launched recently the first Breastfeeding Station in a mall for its continued support to the private-public partnership program of the government.

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rovincial health officer Dr. Dante Domingo said the proprietor of Cang’s Shopping Complex and the IMAP Lying-in Clinics in Dumaguete City in cooperation with the provincial government forged a collaboration for the promotion of the existing maternal and child health in the province.

Dr. Domingo said this is a commitment of the province to achieve the Millennium Development Goals, as the Department of Health generates initiatives for the promotion of maternal, newborn, and child health and nutrition (MNCHN) strategy.

This strategy intends to guide local government units in delivering effective MNCHN services through its mandate on the promotion of exclusive breastfeeding from birth up to six months with sustained breastfeeding up to 24 months, explained Dr. Domingo.

Meanwhile, more than 100 mothers with their babies, children, husbands, families and support system to gather on August 3 to build a breastfeeding nation in “Hakab Na!: A Breastfeeding Mob” to be held at Rajah Sulayman Park in Malate,

with simultaneous gatherings in Davao, Cagayan de Oro and Bacolod. The event is the first of its kind in the Philippines .

Spearheaded by the Facebook Group called Breastfeeding Pinays, the activity seeks to promote women’s right to breastfeed and the importance of providing proper support to breastfeeding mothers.

This is consistent with the theme for this year’s World Breastfeeding Week 2013, “Breastfeeding Support: Close to Mothers.”

The campaign is one of the key events in the celebration of August as Breastfeeding Awareness Month.

According to Velvet Escario-Roxas, a breastfeeding guru and one of the administrators of the group, the Philippines still lacks the necessary support and benefits for breastfeeding mothers despite the Expanded Breastfeeding Promotion Act of 2009, including implementation of paid lactation breaks, lactation rooms and policies.

“Breastfeeding in this country is a national health crisis,” said Escario-Roxas. “Although breastfeeding rates have steadily gone up over the

years through efforts by different government, non-government organizations and medical communities, there is still so much to be done.Forming this online support group of mothers and gathering together is one of our contributions to the cause.”

The activity also aims to remove the stigma of nursing in public. “We want to create a harmonious culture of breastfeeding in the Philippines . We want to encourage mothers to become more confident while breastfeeding in public,” said Benz Co-Rana, founder of Newlyweds@Work, also an online community of parents that promotes breastfeeding.

Breastfeeding Pinays partnered with Kaya Women Empowerment and Support Group, LATCH (Lactation, Attachment, Training, Counseling, Help), Arugaan, Newlyweds@Work, Tickled Moms, Davao 's Mommy Sense, Cagayan De Oro's Mommy Bright Side, the Bacolod Mom and Baby Club, and bloggers Jenny Ong (Chronicles of a Nursing Mom) and Eliza Ypon (The Painter's Wife) in organizing this activity. (mbcn/JCT/PIA7-Negros Oriental)

TESDA-LNAS bares nominee for model employee

By Rizalie A. Calibo SIQUIJOR, Aug 2 (PIA) -- The Technical Education and Skills Development Authority-Lazi National Agricultural School (TESDA-LNAS) bared this year's nominee to the Search for the TESDA Model Employee of the Year Award (TMEOYA).

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renda C. Bation, an Instructor I, TESDA-Siquijor’s representative for Miss TESDA Region 7 in 2009 is TMEOYA nominee for this year. She is a trainer for Bartending NC II as well as Food Processing NC II. Aside from handling the two Programs, Brenda is also an Accredited Competency Assessor in Housekeeping NC II and Bartending NC II. “She lends herself readily when deployed anywhere in the country to conduct training and assessment in her designated qualifications at the shortest of notice,” said a TESDA-LNAS official.

Brenda is also into Community-Based Training Program especially in food processing that calls for close coordination with local government units (LGUs), barangay officials and farmer-leaders in order to organize and facilitate training and competency assessment in the barangays.

An academician, TVET trainer, extension worker and scientist, Brenda readily volunteers to do other related jobs as evidenced by her designations

to the various Administrative Services Committees such as the Pre-Qualification, Bidding and Awards Committee (PBAC), the Inspection Committee and others.

She is also active in the various Academic Committees where she is assigned. She also facilitates procurement work in Bartending.

Brenda was born in Tagbilaran City on May 28, 1963. She graduated Elementary at the City East Elementary School in 1975, High School at the Divine Word College (now Holy Name University ) in 1980 and Bachelor of Science in Agricultural Education major in Agricultural Engineering at the Bohol Agricultural College (now Bohol Island State University ) in 1984.

In that same year, Brenda proceeded to take up Practice Teaching at the Visayas State College of Agriculture (VISCA) Experimental Rural High School (ERHS) in Baybay, Leyte where she was appointed Manager for the Girl’s Dormitory. During that period, Brenda was admitted to the Graduate School

of the College where she completed the Academic Requirements of Master of Science in Agricultural Development Education (MAgDev). Shortly thereafter, Brenda was hired as Extramural Program Coordinator of the College.

In 1988, Brenda joined the teaching force of Lazi National Agricultural School in Lazi, Siquijor which was then under the Department of Education, Culture and Sports-Bureau of Technical-Vocational Education (BTVE). She taught subjects in Agriculture and related arts.

She is a mother of three and teaches Bartending and Food Processing. She is married to the Julian C. Bation of Poo, Lazi, Siquijor.

The couple is blessed with two boys, Hanz Liander, a Licensed Civil Engineer, Hary Louije, an Accountancy student at the Bohol Island State University (BISU), and a girl, Hygea Lueli, a grade 8 student at Dep-Ed Lazi National Agricultural School. (mbcn/rac/PIA7-Siquijor with reports from JCM/ TESDA-LNAS)

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EASTERN VISAYAS

DepEd deploys 3,535 new teachers in East Visayas

Jackfruit

GOVERNMENT CENTER, Palo, Leyte, Aug. 5 (PIA) -- Department of Education has already deployed 3,535 newly-hired teachers in the 13 DepEd divisions in Eastern Visayas.

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epEd 8 Regional Director Luisa Bautista-Yu said that to date, this is DepEd’s response to the growing need for more teachers for school year 2013-2014.

The number of deployed new teachers represents 94.03% of the total items allocated to the region, Director Yu disclosed saying that DepEd has approved the creation of 3,760 new teacher items for this school year.

Of these teacher allocations, 513 is for Kindergarten; 1,200 for elementary; and 2,047 for the secondary schools, Director Yu said. “The number is higher for the secondary level because of field specializations,” Director Yu said.

Director Yu said she has already directed all the Schools Division Superintendents concerned to fill up the positions the soonest possible time, otherwise, the unused items will be forfeited in favor of other Divisions who may still need more items.

Records from the Policy, Planning and Research Division of DepEd show that four of the 13 Schools Division in the Region, have not fully used the teacher allocations.

Director Yu identified the divisions as Leyte Division, Eastern Samar Division, Biliran Division and Northern Samar Division. Meanwhile, the concerned Division Superintendents have given

assurance that they would comply as directed.

The enrollment for elementary and high school levels in Eastern Visayas for 2013-204 was estimated at 2.1 million.

The increased enrollment is due to the department’s target of reaching out to marginalized groups, including out-of-school children, street children, and children in conflict with law, Director Yu said.

As for the teacher-student ratio, Director Yu said the national ratio is 1:35, but the ratio changes when it comes to specific regions, cities and municipalities.

(PIA-8)

Gov’t allocates P165-M for 110,000 day care children in East Visayas TACLOBAN CITY, Leyte, Aug. 4 (PIA) -- The government has allotted P165 million for the Supplemental Feeding Program that will benefit 110,000 day care children in Eastern Visayas.

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epartment of Social Welfare and Development Region 8 Director Remia Tapispisan said the agency is currently releasing the checks to the local government units for the 3rd cycle of the supplemental feeding program.

The local chief executives signed a memorandum of agreement with the DSWD before the money is released, Tapispisan said.

She added that several checks have already been obligated to LGUs pending submission of required documents while

last last week, the LGUs of Bobon, Catarman, Lavezares, and Mapanas, all in Northern Samar have started their respective implementation of the 3rd SFP. The SFP, a flagship program of the national government which is being implemented by the DSWD, seeks to achieve Millinieum Development Goal No. 1 to eradicate extreme poverty and hunger by 2015.

The SFP aims to provide augmentation support through feeding program in day-care centers, Tapispisan said.

The program beneficiaries are children 3-4 years old pupils who are enrolled in day-care centers but are not catered by the Department of Education (DepEd) pre-school children.

The program is an immediate intervention of the social welfare department to address hunger among poor families.

Tapispisan said that while the feeding program does not seek to replace the meals that parents prepare for their children, it is a supplement to intensify nutrition and health education. (PIA-8)

8th ID Storms trooper cites Samar combat heroes

By Ninfa Iluminda B. Quirante CATBALOGAN CITY, Samar, August 3 (PIA) -- The 8th Infantry Division (ID) Philippine Army (PA) cited the Samar combat heroes during the 8th ID 25th Founding Anniversary held at Camp Lucban, Catbalogan City, August 2, Friday.

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he activity was highlighted by the awarding of plaques and medals to military enlisted men, officers, companies, battalion and brigades who have initiated, contributed and successfully done their combat duties.

The awardees included the 87th Infantry Battalion represented by Col. Cerilo Balaoro as the Most Combat Efficient Infantry Battalion with 1,992 various combat operations and 20 Bayanihan Team activities from July 2012 to July 2013.

The 87th IB recovered 10 high-powered and six low firearms from the enemy with 33 enemy encampments discovered.

The Infantry Brigade apprehended 18 insurgents and neutralized six insurgents. Meanwhile, the 803rd Infantry

Brigade received the Most Combat Efficient Infantry Brigade of the 8th ID with 4,327 combat operations, 52 Bayanihan Team activities which resulted to the clearing of 18 insurgent affected barangays.

The Brigade also have apprehended 43 insurgents.

“They (the awardees) have exemplified the spirit of Bayanihan and the core purpose of serving the people and securing the land.

The enduring partnership that they have established with the stakeholders in Eastern Visayas has helped sustain the local government’s peace and development efforts in the region,” said Lt. General Noel Coballes Philippine Army Commander.

The army commander added that all these gains are articulated in 8th ID

anniversary theme, "25 Taon na Paglilingkod sa Mamamayan ng Silangang Visayas Tungo sa Kapayapaan at Kaunlaran."

The awards were presented by Lt. General Coballes who was the guest of honor and speaker, Major General Gerardo Layug Commanding General of 8th ID and Brigadier General Virgilio Espineli Assistant Division Commander 8th ID. Government officials who were present in the celebration were Police Regional Office 8 Director PChief Superintendent Elmer Soria, Office of the Civil Defense Director 8 Rey Gozon, Samar Governor Sharee Ann Tan, Northern Samar Representative Emil Ong, and Catbalogan City Mayor Stephanie Uy-Tan. (PIA-Samar with Avha Hilario)

EASTERN VISAYAS

Pineapple

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Southern Leyte to receive P7.5-M road fund

By Rebecca S. Cadavos

MAASIN CITY, Southern Leyte, Aug 2 (PIA) -- Southern Leyte is a recipient of the 2013 Special Local Road Fund (SLRF) amounting to P7,595,639 which will be used for improving roads, drainage systems, and traffic management.

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In a recent letter to Governor Roger G. Mercado, Local Government Secretary Mar Roxas disclosed that the province is among the priority LGUs as a result of its adherence to the principles of good governance and being a recipient of the Seal of Good Housekeeping (SGH),” said Loren Abrau-Aniciete of the Department of

Interior and Local Government in a press statement.

She disclosed the said allocation will be programmed for the maintenance or improvement of provincial and city roads of strategic importance, particularly those leading to tourism sites, agricultural production areas, and trade centers.

Aniciete, the Public Information

Officer-designate, said that to facilitate the release of funds, the province is required to submit to the DILG the Annual Work Program and Individual Program of Works before August 15, 2013.

The SLRF, which is a program of the DILG, is the local government unit’s share of the road users’ tax earned by the national government. (PIA- SoLeyte)

Diocese encourages ‘flock’ to bring back Angelus Habit

By Alicia E. Nicart BORONGAN CITY, Eastern Samar, Aug 2 (PIA) – Reverend Father Leroy Geli is enjoining the Borongan parishioners to bring back the Angelus Habit, the prayer that is said every six o’clock in the afternoon.

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r. Leroy said that, in truth, the prayer was a usual practice some years ago when, at the strike of the Cathedral Bell, tricycles and other vehicles stepped on their foot breaks to halt for the prayer and everybody stopped as well from anything they do to vow their heads in prayer.

Today, the Church encourages the parishioners to bring back this practice.

According to Fr. Leroy, the Diocese have kept notice that people turned to neglect the hour, as one significant time to pray, and make holy of the things they performed for the day.

He said, that it is taking the people some two to three minutes to offer the Lord all their works, joys and sufferings for the past few hours.

“Christian values seemed to have eroded, and most of our people give more value to earthly things, instead of the universal truth, that there is one Divine Source for all the good and perfect things that man receives”, Fr. Leroy said.

“Many of our people have neglected the sense of God and have given much more time and importance instead to anything they want, thinking that money is all the answer to every problem that come their way,”, he added.

Tomorrow, August 3, at six o’clock in the afternoon, the The Angelus Habit will be launched in coordination with the city LGU, who will be providing the traffic enforcers for the orderly flow of vehicles and street walkers. The Angelus is a short prayer: P: The Angel of the Lord declared

unto Mary. A: And she conceived by the Holy Spirit. (Hail Mary…Holy Mary). P: Behold the Handmaid of the Lord. A: Be it done unto me according to thy Word.

(Hail Mary…Holy Mary). P: And the Word was made flesh. A: And dwelt among us.

(Hail Mary…Holy Mary). P: Pray for us oh, Holy Mother of God. A: That we may be made worthy of the promises of Christ.

(Hail Mary…Holy Mary). Let us pray: Pour forth we beseech You O, Lord, Thy Grace into Your hearts, that we to whom the incarnation of Christ Your Son, was made known by the message of an Angel, may

by His Passion and Cross be brought to the Glory of His resurrection, through the same Christ our Lord, Amen.(PIA-Eastern Samar)

Holcim calls on EV masons to join reg’l skills search

By Leonilo D. Lopido TACLOBAN CITY, Leyte, Aug. 7 (PIA) -- In recognition of the hard work and contribution of masons in nation building, Holcim Philippines, and the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA), is calling on Eastern Visayan masons to join this year’s Holcim Galing Mason Award.

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uring the Suruswerte ha PIA radio interview, Holcim Philippines Corporate Social Responsibility Officer Nicki Viriña said that Holcim and TESDA Central officers were in Tacloban City as part of their promotion and advocacy campaign as they make rounds in the regions in their search to look for this year’s Philippines’ best mason.

According to Viriña, this year’s search is made simpler as the candidates may now be nominated by any reputable individual aside from legitimate organizations as in the previous Awards.

The search, she said, is open to all Filipino masons who are 25-55 years old, male or female, holder of a valid TESDA

National Certificate on Masonry and with good moral character.

The CSR officer said that the top three outstanding masons who will be selected in the regional search will vie in a skills competition which will be conducted in Manila and the best of the three who will represent the region will proceed to the national screening.

A cash prize of P25,000.00 awaits the regional winner and consolation prizes for the non-winners plus cement gift certificates while the National Grand Champion will receive P150,000.00 plus cement gift certificate.

Since the Award was conducted in 2006, it already produced four Holcim Galing Mason Award grand champions

wherein the two past winners came from the Visayas – one from Cebu and one from Capiz.

Viriña is encouraging the public to nominate and give recognition to our masons and be part in instilling pride in their profession.

Nomination forms are available in all TESDA regional and provincial offices, Office of the Philippine Contractors Association, and Association of Construction and Informal Workers.

Deadline for submission of entries is August 16 and the Awards Night is October 25, 2013 in Manila. (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