One visayas vol 3 issue 33

Vol 3

Issue 33

In this Issue WESTERN VISAYAS

Community Environment and Natural Resources Officer Edgardo Rostata gives a lecture on climate change and environmental concerns to about 800 freshmen students of the University of St. La Salle as part of their NSTP class. (EAD-PIA6/CENRO photo)

More on Region 6, pages 2-3.

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CENTRAL VISAYAS

August 12 - 18, 2013

Published by: PIA 6, 7 & 8

Coloma: PH poised to join ASEAN economic integration by 2015

By Fayette C. Riñen CEBU CITY (PIA) -- Secretary Sonny Coloma of the Presidential Communications Operations Office (PCOO) said the Philippines is prepared to join the ASEAN community’s regional economic integration by 2015.

Coloma spoke recently before more than 400 participants composed mostly of college students taking up business and finance course from different universities here during the Regional Conference on Asean Economic Integration in 2015 .

Citing figures of the Asia Pacific Economic Cooperation’s (APEC) Bogor Goals Dashboard as of August 2012, Coloma said that while the average percentage of the most-favored nation’s applied tariff (MFT -AT) by APEC-member countries is set at 5.8 percent, our country has set its MFN-AT at 6.3 while for logistics performance index, the lead time to export should be 14.8 days while the Philippines is at 15 days.

Coloma added that even the lead time to import has been set in the Philippines at 14 days while the lead time set by APEC is 15.2 days.

The costs to export and import are cheaper in the Philippines compared to the goals set by APEC, Coloma said.

The PCOO secretary however, admitted that the country needs to work on the zero-tariff products (ZTP) and zero tariff imports (ZTI) which is way below the APEC Bogor Goals.

APEC has set the goals for ZTP at 45.2 percent and the ZTI at 56.7 percent. The country has only

implemented a 2.4 percent ZTP and 31.2 percent ZTI which is way behind the APEC standard aim as the presentation showed.

Among the administration’s measures to ensure preparedness to the Asean economic integration two years from now is the development of micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs) by enhancing business environment by streamlining business regulatory requirements, increasing access to finance and access to markets and increasing productivity and efficiency.

The conference is sponsored by the Financial Executives Institute of Cebu , Inc. (Finex) and the Cebu Bankers Club.

After the conference, Coloma also graced the 20th founding anniversary and the 21st annual national conference of the Transport Science Society of the Philippines in Marco Polo Hotel, Cebu City . (PIA7)

PCOO Sec. Herminio “Sonny” Coloma. (PIA 6 File Photo)

P1-B tourism infra projects for WV underway DOH -7 Regional Director Dr. Asuncion M. Anden (upper-right) administers the vaccine during the Launching of School-Based Adolescent Immunization program of the Department of Health at the Abellana National High School Gymnasium, Cebu City.

A total of 45 selected high school students were given vaccine during the event. (VVV/PIA Cebu)

More on Region 7, pages 4-5.

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EASTERN VISAYAS

National Commission for Culture and the Arts (NCCA) commissioner Joycie Dorado-Alegre (left) calls on individuals, groups, artists and writers involved in culture and the arts in Eastern Visayas to submit project proposals for funding by NCCA during the Harampang ha PIA in Tacloban City, August 8. Also in photo are PIA 8 regional director Olive Tiu and NCCA project development officer III Carol Mizal.

(Vino R. Cuayzon)

More on Region 8, pages 6-7.

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By Leonard T. Pineda I ILOILO CITY, Aug 12 (PIA) -- The Department of Tourism-6 (DOT-6) said that Western Visayas has been allotted more than P1-billion share in infrastructure and road projects implemented by Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) to boost tourism.

Lawyer Helen Catalbas, DOT-6 Regional Director, said that this is part of the P12-billion national fund set aside by the Department of Budget and Management (DBM) for tourism infrastructures and road convergence projects.

She said that the role of DOT-6, in coordination with local government units (LGUs) and district representatives, is to identify the concerned tourism road projects leading to tourist destinations and to certify the tourism importance of these projects with the DPWH as the

implementing agency.

Catalbas said that aside from the DPWH, DOT-6 also forged “convergence partnerships” with other government agencies including the Department of the Interior and Local Government through consultations with local leaders and officials in the different cities and provinces in the region.

The partnership will also involve the Department of Environment and Natural Resources, Department of Social Welfare and Development, Department of Trade and Industry, Department of Agriculture, and Technical Education and Skills Development Authority.

Catalbas said that she also started discussing with Police Regional Office-6 Regional Director Agrimero Cruz, Jr. the curriculum for the training of police officers particularly those serving in tourist spots. (LTP/PIA-Iloilo)

DENR records 1st sighting of biggest pawikan nesting in EVisayas TACLOBAN CITY, Leyte, August 14 (PIA) -- For the first time, the Department of Environment and Natural Resources in Eastern Visayas has recorded the sighting of the biggest pawikan which laid eggs along the beaches of Dolores, Eastern Samar and was successfully released back to the sea unscathed.

DENR Regional Executive Director Manolito D. Ragub said that the nesting is the second biggest recorded in the country.

The pawikan or big leatherback sea turtle measured based on its carapace at 6.4 feet long and 3 feet wide.

"The sighting of the pawikan in the shoreline of Dolores indicates that the area still has a balanced ecology.

The residents of the municipality must cherish this and continue to protect the marine and coastal habitats for the generations to come," Ragub added.

Forester Leandro P. Ostrea, focal person of the DENR Protected Areas, Wildlife and Coastal Zone Management Service disclosed that the sighting and nesting of said pawikan has caught the interest of the

DENR Protected Areas and Wildlife Bureau Central Office.

Its personnel are scheduled to arrive in Dolores to closely monitor and observe the hatching of the eggs left by the mother pawikan inside its nest, Forester Ostrea said adding that the estimated hatching time is between 45 to 75 days.

The big pawikan was sighted at 7 p.m. of August 5 by Mr. Ricardo Amparo, a resident of Camp Picardo Beach in Dolores, CENRO Delia Abobo-Benitez said in a report to the DENR Regional Office.

“I knew that the pawikan was laying eggs,” Mr. Amparo said in his native dialect. He then reported the matter to Dolores Mayor Emiliana Villacarillo who in turn informed CENRO Benitez.

Forester Ostrea and several DENR personnel arrived at the area at 9 p.m. and immediately marked the hatching area for monitoring purposes. The pawikan was also tagged on its left flipper with Tag Number PH02891 and was released back to the sea, its natural abode, Ms. Purificacion Daloos, DENR8 Regional Public Affairs Officer, said. (PIA-8)

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WESTERN VISAYAS

Radio station joins Ombudsman’s fight vs. corruption Guapple

By Lorenzo O. Lambatin Jr.

NEGROS OCC., Aug. 13 (PIA6) -- The government’s anti-graft and corruption program has found a partner in Radio DYVS, a Christian mission radio outfit, which has opened its door to the campaign under a partnership that was sealed by a memorandum of agreement signed August 13 at the Royal Am Rei Hotel.

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ignatories included lawyer Sonnette Daquita and Evangeline Nuñal of Ombudsman Iloilo City; Dr. Belle Quijano, Dr. Victoria Nesa Chiu of Ombudsman Cebu City; Professor Joy Vingno, DYVS manager Ralp Belzunce, and a Philippine Information Agency representative.

They also led the anti-corruption forum held in the same venue and attended by volunteers and anti-corruption advocates from this province.

DYVS is the second radio station in the province that has partnered with the Ombudsman after Radio Kumando inked a

MOA with the agency last June 27. The station now airs Ombudsman program every week.

Belzunce, who is also chairman of the KBP-Negros Occ., expressed interest in joining the Ombudsman advocacy as it steps up efforts in ridding the government of illegal activities perpetrated by unscrupulous government employees in cahoots with private individuals.

The station will provide free air time to the Ombudsman to be hosted by a registered local Corruption Prevention Unit volunteer.

The activity is in line with Ombudsman Conchita Carpio Morales’ Eight Point Priorities

for 2011-2018 particularly item no. 6 that seeks to improve “anti-corruption policy and program coordination among sectors and anti corruption forum.”

Deputy Ombudsman Pelagio S. Apostol has also called for the support of the private sector, academe, media and civil society organizations in implementing the state’s obligations under the United Nations Convention against Corruption, UNCAC. “The surest way to victory against corruption is to have a united effort,” he said.

(JCM/LOL/PIA6)

AusAID grant helps build educational facilities in Iloilo

By Lilibeth A. French ILOILO CITY, Aug. 13 (PIA6) -- A grant amounting to P55,789,193. 37 will help build 16 day care centers and 39 school buildings that will enhance access and quality of education in poor and far-flung communities in the province of Iloilo.

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he grant comes from the Australian Agency for International Development (AusAID) and will be used to fund the construction of the educational facilities in the ten municipalities of the province through the Kapit-Bisig Laban sa Kahirapan Comprehensive and Integrated Delivery of Social Services (Kalahi-CIDSS), one of the government’s anti poverty programs being implemented by the Department of Social Welfare and Development.

DSWD 6 Kalahi-CIDSS Social Marketing Officer Maricar Calubiran identified the ten municipalities covered by the AusAID projects in Iloilo as Ajuy, Carles, Calinog, Concepcion, Janiuay, Lambunao, Lemery, Maasin, San Dionisio, and San Rafael.

The beneficiary communities have also put up a total of P12,415,675.93 as their local

counterpart contribution to the program which uses the community driven approach or strategy in the implementation of projects.

Calubiran said the construction of the facilities started in February and expected to be completed before the year ends.

“The construction of these educational facilities is a big boost in ensuring that household beneficiaries of the Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program will be able to meet the educational condition of the program,” said Calubiran.

Household beneficiaries with qualified children are given educational grants provided they comply with the condition of at least 85 percent school attendance under 4Ps which is the flagship poverty alleviation program of the government.

Calubiran said data showed that there is an increase enrollment among children of 4Ps beneficiaries in the country and the construction of these facilities will help address the shortage of day care centers and school buildings especially for communities which were not covered by the Makamasang Tugon and other modes of Kalahi-CIDSS implementation.

Recently, the DSWD 6 was cited for its best practice on safety and health during the construction of a 1 unit 3 classroom-building funded by AusAID for Velasco Elementary School in Brgy. Velasco, Lemery, Iloilo.

The giving of the recognition was part of the Project Review and Implementation of AusAID funded projects in the country amounting to some $10 million. (JCM/LAF/ PIA6)

Aklan hosts 1st reg'l consultative dev't conference

By Venus G. Villanueva KALIBO, Aklan, Aug 13 (PIA6) -- Twenty regional directors of several national government agencies in Western Visayas recently attended the first-ever Regional Consultative Development Conference hosted by Aklan.

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he consultative conference, held at Café Latte in Kalibo, was launched through the initiative of Aklan Congressman Teodorico T. Haresco Jr., saying the activity was in line with his intention to spur continued development of Aklan.

Haresco said he is focusing on four key things for the continued development of Aklan – health, infrastructure, job creation in tourism and education.

Prior to the briefing/conference, Haresco, together with newly-elected Governor Florencio T. Miraflores and Vice Governor Gabrielle V. Calizo-Quimpo, faced the local media and answered questions on various issues and concerns of local and national scope.

Among those who gave their inputs in the consultative conference were Department of Tourism Regional Director Helen Catalbas, Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) Regional Director Edilberto Tayao, Department of Agriculture (DA) Regional Director Larry Nacionales, Department of Trade and Industry (DTI)

RD Dominic Abad, PNP Regional Director Agrimero Cruz, and Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) RD Evelyn Trompeta.

Regional Directors as well as authorized representatives of the DENR, BFAR, DAR, NIA, DOST, PNP, DOLE, DOH, TESDA, NEDA, DBM, OCD, DOF, DepEd, and DSWD also came.

Tourism Director Helen Catalbas tackled the gains of the tourism industry in Aklan, including several proposed development projects to further enhance tourist arrivals in the Boracay Island and make travel time shorter and comfortable.

Catalbas revealed that for this year, the DOT and the DPWH are implementing tourism road projects.

For his part, DPWH Regional Director Edilberto Tayao reported that besides the agency’s regular projects, the DPWH is also undertaking infrastructure programs for tourism and the Department of Education in Aklan for school

buildings and water sanitation facilities with a total program amount of P665 million.

For 2014, the DPWH has allocated P668.07 million for eight projects in Aklan, which includes widening of Aklan West Road in Dumga, Makato, Construction of Makato Bypass Road; Construction of Kalibo Circumferential Road in Pook, Kalibo; Completion of Altavas-Jamindan Road in Tibiao, Altavas; Contruction of Pudiot Box Culvert in Pudiot, Tangalan; Kalibo Bridge along Aklan East Road, Construction of River Control Revetment Wall along Aklan River in Sta. Cruz Bigaa, Malinao and Concreting of Tangalan-Ibajay Road.

In between presentations, the Local Water Utilities Administration chairman, Rene Villa, handed a check for P10 million as first tranche for its assisted water system project for Tangalan, while the Philippine Crop Insurance Corporation, through its president, Jovy Bernabe, awarded P14 million fund for the 4,189 crop insurance beneficiaries of Agrarian Reform Beneficiaries of Aklan. (VGV/PIA 6, Aklan)

WESTERN VISAYAS

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KALAHI-CIDSS tops safety and health best practice Lanzones

By Elsa S. Subong

ILOILO CITY, Aug. 13 (PIA) -- The Kalahi-CIDSS in Western Visayas topped the category on safety and health practice implemented under the Australian Agency for International Projects in the region.

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he national recognition was given during the Project Review and Implementation of the AusAID-funded projects done in Quezon City.

Focal Person for DSWD’s Kalahi-CIDSS program Maricar Calubiran said the showcased practice done in an audio visual presentation was that of Bgy. Velasco Elementary School in Lemery, Iloilo.

Calubiran said Bgy. Velasco is one of the seven barangays in Lemery which availed of the AusAID grant for the construction of one unit-three classroom building for the elementary school.

The presentation showed the involvement of women in the construction work, leading at the same time an advocacy for safety and

health practices, like hand gloves, boots and hard hats.

The construction sites also depicted proper installation of signages which cautioned workers, children and passersby of the dangers posed by the work, resulting to zero casualties during the work on the P1.9 million school building.

“It was the Municipal Engr. Noel Sobremisana, who led in the strict enforcement of the health and safety practices,” Calubiran said. The project also received a certificate of recognition for showing how gender and development were mainstreamed into the activity because of the participation of women.

DSWD-6 records showed that AusAID had provided a grant amounting

to P75.3 million to fund the construction of 20 Day Care Centers and 34 school buildings in the provinces of Capiz, Iloilo and Negros Occidental.

“These projects are considered as the supply side of the Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program,” Calubiran said.

The 4Ps, according to DSWD, provides grants to the poorest of the poor, with one of the conditions which is to keep their school-age children in school.

All in all, the AusAID has given the Philippines a total of $10-million grant for the construction of Day Care Centers and school buildings nationwide.

(JCM/ESS/PIA-Iloilo).

COMELEC reports new registrants in Antique

By Vicente W. Villavert SAN JOSE, Antique, Aug. 13 (PIA 6) -- The Commission on Elections (COMELEC) in Antique reported some 9,414 new registrants for the barangay elections and 22,949 for Sangguniang Kabataan (SK) or a total of 32,363 during the recent registration in preparation for the conduct of the synchronized Barangay and SK Elections this October.

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ccordin g to COMELE C Acti ng Provincial Election Supervisor Roberto A. Salazar the July 22-31 registration was conducted smoothly for new voters, transferees and for those who were delisted who applied for reactivation of registration in the list of voters, and many other transactions.

Salazar who assumed office as COMELEC Antique head last July 1 noted that the sudden surge of registrants occured only during the last day of registration.

“The problem lies on the people’s discipline where during the last minute rush, people are trying to mess things up and start blaming the Comelec,” Salazar said as he pointed out that there are only two Comelec personnel per Municipality and “they have to

deal with hundreds of registrants." Per record of COMELEC Antique, the eight Municipalities in the province's South District registered 10,581 SK’s while 12,368 SKs were registered in the North District covering 10 municipalities.

The new registrants on the other hand totaled 4,717 in the South District while 4,697 for the North District.

Other transactions attended by the Comelec includes 2,297 applications for transfer from other Municipality; transfer of registration records/with reactivation- 1,203; transfer within with correction of entries- 74; correction of entries with reactivation- 92; correction of entries-217; and reactivation of registration records- 798.

When asked about the issue on the abolition of the SK, the new COMELEC Antique head said that the SK needs reform not abolition.

Salazar prior to his assignment to Antique served as the Provincial Election Supervisor of Guimaras , then designated as acting Election Officer of Iloilo City in May 2010, then back to his Guimaras post after the May 2010 elections, and as election officer of Aklan during the May 13, 2013 mid-term elections, and back again to Guimaras, and now “assigned as the Provincial Election Supervisor of Antique following the retirement of Provincial Election Supervisor Gil Barcenal.”

Salazar is a native of Barotac Nuevo,Iloilo.

(JCM/VWV/PIA 6-Antique)

NSO completes survey on extent of poverty incidence

By Jemin B. Guillermo ROXAS CITY, Capiz, Aug 14 (PIA) – The month-long enumeration on the Annual Poverty Indicators Survey (APIS) in Capiz has already been concluded.

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apiz National Statistics Office head Frankie Dordas disclosed that for this year’s APIS, a total of 100 households from the seven barangays in the entire province were chosen as sample respondents to the said survey.

Dordas said that survey was conducted in the sample barangays in Dao, Cuartero, Pontevedra, Sigma and Tapaz.

“This year’s APIS is the ninth in a series of poverty indicators surveys since 1998,” he said, pointing out that the enumeration aimed to gather data which will be used as one of the inputs in the generation of a national-level estimate of poverty incidence.

The same, he added, will likewise be used in the formulation of policies and programs of the national government that are geared to

improved the living condition of the poor. The survey is a rider to the July 2013 Labor Force Survey of the said agency, Dordas stressed.

Included in this year’s APIS are section on social protection which seeks to determine membership of family members in a any social or health insurance programs as well as benefits received from social assistance program of the government, he said.

He added that a module that gathers information on the extent of pervasiveness of corruption in the country was also included as a section in the survey.

Based on the same survey conducted in 2010, four in every 10 families or 41.3 percent nationwide had at least one member who purposely saw a government official or personnel or visited a government office to

secure permit or licenses, pay taxes, avail social services or seek assistance from police or court during the 12-month period prior to the survey, Dordas revealed.

He also pointed out that the results of the s2010 APIS showed that 75 percent of families with at least one member who gave money or gift or favour to facilitate securing or availing of a service from a government office voluntarily gave money or gift or favour, while the other 25 percent were asked to give the same.

On t h e ot h e r h a n d, D o rda s expressed appreciation to Capiceños for continuously supporting government efforts such as in giving accurate responses to surveys that are aimed to give the best programs and services to the Filipinos. (JCM/ JBG/PIA6-Capiz)

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CENTRAL VISAYAS

Public warned anew on text scam

By Jennifer C. Tilos

Banana

DUMAGUETE CITY (PIA) -- The Department of Social Welfare and Development-7 (DSWD) warned the public anew against circulating scam text messages particularly targeting the beneficiaries of Pantawid Pamilya program.

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SWD learned about the scam text messages after it circulated to some recipients of the Pantawid Pamilya program in the region.

Said text messages claim that the recipient won P950,000 from the "President Noy-Noy Aquino Foundation 4Ps Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program" as "second prize winner in the 'Handog Pangkabuhayan' raffle promo with

DTI P#9513 s’12.”

DSWD emphasized that it is not true that the Department holds raffle promos or draws.

Recipients are then asked to text their complete name, age, address, and work.

DSWD urged recipients of said messages to report it to the nearest DSWD office or text to 09173815555.

DSWD-7 stressed that Pantawid Pamilya

does not give away prizes but the program provides cash grants to poor households in exchange for complying with the program's conditions.

Pantawid Pamilya is a human development program that invests in the health and education of poor households primarily of children aged 0-14. (rmn/JCT/PIA7-Negros Oriental)

NCC offers Bohol use of its performance scorecard

By Rey Anthony H. Chiu BOHOL (PIA) -- Excited on Bohol's plan to establish a performance-based financial assistance system for its towns, the country’s top private sector representative at the National Competitiveness Council (NCC) of the Philippines offered a developed template for determining local government performances.

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ormer Makati Business Club president and current NCC private sector co-chairman Guillermo Luz offered to Governor Edgar Chatto its 30-indicator local government performance evaluation system which the NCC uses to rank the country’s cities and provinces against the best performance benchmarks in the world.

At the NCC Roadshow on July 26 at the Panglao Bluewater, the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) brought to Bohol the NCC to brief Boholano investors and local government units on the country’s competitive ratings as well as potential ratings for a spread of development initiatives the LGUs may venture into.

The activity was part of the week-long series of fora that briefed people of the need for competitiveness in tourism for inclusive growth.

Luz's offer also comes with a walk through of the system template so the rating system will be easy to use for Bohol.

Luz added the offer also goes for getting Bohol into the NCC database so that Boholanos can see how the province and its towns rate against the other benchmark areas in the world.

“We do not compare ourselves with other places in the Philippines , that way we remain intramural, we want to rank LGUs side by side with leading government units abroad, "according to Luz. Governor Chatto earlier shared to Boholanos the plan to use a scorecard in Bohol as basis for government assistance to local government units.

Aside from the known poverty database and the already set up seal of good housekeeping which the Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG) gives to performing LGUS, Chatto did not mention of any score card from which the government uses as a pattern for the aid to LGUS. Chatto hinted that the scorecard system will motivate towns into doing their best to be

able to access assistance from the provincial LGU. Meanwhile, anti-rabies advocates in Bohol urged more local government units to get serious in implementing anti-rabies program with the resurgence of the threat of canine rabies this year.

"The only way dogs can get rabid is when they are not properly cared for," Dr. Stella Marie Lapiz said at the Kapihan sa PIA recently.

Lapiz said, Bohol 's rabies program earned an award in innovation for drastically reducing cases from 10 in 2007, to zero in 2010.

Getting five positive cases in 2013 is a serious drawback, Lapiz added.

She said the province's anti-rabies program has empowered communities to report to the Bantay Rabies sa Barangay (BRB) presence of stray dogs which for want of vaccination almost always, spread rabies. (mbcn/rahc/PIA7-Bohol)

Over 500 students in NegOr get skills training certificates in PISTC

By Roi Lomotan DUMAGUETE CITY (PIA) -- Some 592 students of the Provincial Integrated Skills Training Center (PISTC) in Negros Oriental received skills training certificates during a graduation ceremony held yesterday at the Provincial Convention Center. he graduates took vocational courses PISTC is also accredited by the Technical Meanwhile, Department of Labor and in PISTC which include electrical Education and Skills Development Authority Employment (DOLE)-Negros Oriental Officer installation and management NC-II, (Tesda).

Kendrick Villaluz gave the closing remarks of machining NC-I, automotive servicing NC-I, Meanwhile, Provincial Administrator Arnel the ceremony and stressed to the graduates automotive servicing NC-II, shielded metal arc Francisco graced the event and delivered a that having a good character is essential in welding NC-I, shielded metal arc servicing message in behalf of Negros Oriental Gov. employment.

NC-II and driving NC-II. Roel Degamo to the graduates.

“Do not be concerned with your The PISTC is an institution supported by “My dear graduates, the skills you have reputation because that is what others think of the provincial government which provides can bring improvement to your lives. you, but be concerned with your character technical and vocational education to Use it in your journey towards because that is what you are,” Villaluz advised Negrenses to help them get a job. development. the graduates.

Engr. Edgar Calumpong, PISTC point Life is full of challenges, however, the He also added that there is a tight person said that the skills training center is also PISTC has equipped you with knowledge to competition waiting for the new graduates in coordinating with the Provincial Employment face life’s challenges,” Francisco echoed the the real world and the only advantage they got Service Office (PESO) to ensure that governor’s message. is a good character. their graduates can avail of employment Francisco congratulated the graduates in “I am not discouraging you but challenging opportunities after finishing their courses. behalf of Gov. Degamo. you to not only possess the knowledge but Calumpong disclosed that right now, He also lauded PISTC trainers who taught also the attitude of a Filipino worker,” Villaluz there is a demand for welders in the Middle technical knowledge to them. concluded. (FCR/RAL/PIANEGOR) East .

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CENTRAL VISAYAS

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Go Negosyo teams up with DSWD-7 for OSY program Coconut

By Juju Manubag-Empuerto

CEBU CITY (PIA) -- Go Negosyo has partnered with the Department of Social Welfare and Development in Central Visayas (DSWD) through its Sustainable Livelihood Program (SLP) for an out of school youths (OSYs) program that aims to screen, train, and transform OSYs.

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orne from this partnership is the "Negosyo mo, Buhay Ko Program" (NMBK) of Go Negosyo through which OSYs are given the chance to accomplish their goals and dreams in life, added Dela Fuente.

The youths are matched with a partner entrepreneur/business where they can work and the OSYs will commit 40% of their income to a trust fund that will be used to finance their education, said Kerwin Macopia, DSWD-7 Information Officer.

Macopia said the program is supported by various national government agencies led by DSWD, Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA), Department of Education (DepEd), and the Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG).

Go Negosyo Program Manager Manuel Dela Fuente said “This is not only about employment but it also changes their

lives and gives hope.

They are able to support their studies with their earnings.”

Participants were chosen from families benefitting from the Pantawid Pamilya Pilipino Program whose age ranges from 18-25 years old.

Of the 56 applicants, 47 passed the initial screening, Macopia said. Go Negosyo started the partnership with DSWD last year and catered to OSYs in Metro Manila.

Cebu is the first province outside Metro Manila to host the pilot testing of the program, Macopia said.

Macopia said that NMBK is Go Negosyo’s newest program, a project that gives opportunities linking the entrepreneurs with the OSY after they went through a value formation program.

Meanwhile, the Department of Environment and Natural Resources

(DENR) 7 recently held a two-day consultative meeting and dialogue to determine the extent of implementation of DENR's priority programs and projects in Negros Oriental and Siquijor provinces.

DENR 7 Regional Executive Director Dr. Isabelo R. Montejo cited the need to solicit issues and concerns in implementing its four flagship programs, namely: the national greening program (NGP), cadastral survey, patent issuance, and geohazards mapping and assessment.

Representatives from the Mines and Geosciences Bureau (MGB) 7, Environmental Management Bureau (EMB) 7, and support division chiefs of Planning and Management, Finance, and Administrative were also present, said DENR-7 Information Officer Dr. Eddie Llamedo. (rmn/ JSME/PIA-Cebu/DSWD7)

Cebu PDRRMC eyes P35-M digital early warning system

By Rachelle M. Nessia CEBU CITY (PIA) -- Cebu’s Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (PDRRMC) is eyeing a multi-million digital early warning system (EWS) to boost its resources and capabilities in disaster preparedness.

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n a recent region-wide disaster summit in Central Visayas held in Mandaue City , Cebu PDRRMC Chief Neil Angelo Sanchez announced that they are considering implementing a digital, Global Positioning System (GPS)-based EWS in the province.

The EWS will cost around P35 million.

“This is very ambitious but it is an investment that will benefit the entire province and eventually each LGU will be given this type of system if approved,” said Sanchez.

Said EWS will provide data important to disaster preparedness and response of local government units during emergencies.

It can be accessed 24/7 on any communication device such as cellphones, tablets, and radio transmission systems.

If the provincial board gives its nod to the proposed EWS this year, Sanchez said the system will be implemented in three phases starting either by last quarter of this year or first quarter of next year.

Eventually, the EWS will expand to cover barangays and towns in the province.

However, Sanchez said they will focus on implementing it first in Metro Cebu areas, particularly the hazard-prone zones.

“Hopefully the provincial board will approve this, because it will benefit the entire province, and eventually each LGU will be given this type of system,” he said.

(RMN/PIA Cebu )

DOLE gives livelihood packages to youth, workers in Siquijor SIQUIJOR (PIA) -- The youth and the informal workers are priority sectors of the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE), and for years, have been the recipients of livelihood packages through the DOLE Integrated Livelihood Programs (DILP), said its Siquijor provincial office.

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n this connection, DOLE-7 through the Siquijor Field Office handed raw materials, supplies, equipment and tools for livelihood projects to the Carmelite Youth Association (CYA) of Carmelite College and informal sector workers of Siquijor town last July 16 at the Carmelite College campus in Tinago, Siquijor, Siquijor.

The livelihood grant came from the DOLE’s Youth Entrepreneurship Support (YES) and Livelihood Starter Kits (LSK) Programs.

Ma. Teresa D. Tanquiamco of DOLE together with Vice Governor Fernando “Dingdong” Avanzado, Flores who represented Cong. Marie Anne Pernes, Lina Medel, provincial PESO manager, and the accredited co-partner represented by Sr. Mila Margaret V. Montegrejo, Carm. O. L. turned over the heat press swing, pigment printer, 4-in-1 combo heat press, horizontal mug press machine, Epson printer T13, heavy duty button pin machine, and raw materials to 35 members of Carmelite Youth Association (CYA). The livelihood packages that

include custom t-shirts, unique gifts and personalized products business enterprise amounted to P164,256.

Likewise, P179,319-worth of livelihood starter kITs (LSK) which included various tools, jigs, materials and other inputs were also distributed to the 38 beneficiaries comprised of massage therapists, cosmetologists, carpenters, seaweed and vegetable farmers, eatery and food processors, fishermen and tailors.

These kits will surely enable them to augment their respective livelihood undertakings, said Tanquiamco.

Avanzado lauded DOLE and its partners in implementing the project which showed their commitment and dedication in helping the youth and the marginalized sector by providing them livelihood projects.

“We are so happy and thankful for the concerted efforts of DOLE, Public Employment Service Office, and Carmelite College,” he said.

Speaking in behalf of the youth recipients, Jesiel Mae Ocso, president of CYA, made a

commitment to make the YES project grow and gain success.

Moreover, recipients were also given a two-day training on Values Orientation, Business Management, Good Manufacturing Practices, Product Development, Costing and Pricing, Organizational Management, Entrepreneurship, Financial Management and Preparation of Documentary Requirements for Liquidation (narrative reports, acknowledgement receipt).

The activity was facilitated by the Siquijor Field Office Staffs with the ACP and assisting PESO manager. Technical staff from the supplier of the YES project was also invited to orient and train the youth beneficiaries on the production processes of their livelihood.

Finally, to enhance their capacity to manage the economic risks as well as for their social protection and other contingencies that may occur, Tanquiamco encouraged LSK recipients to enroll in SSS, PhilHealth, and Pag-IBIG. (FCR/ PIA -Siquijor/Nole Torres, DOLE-Siquijor)

6

EASTERN VISAYAS

DTI encourages job applicants to start own business Jackfruit

By Ninfa Iluminda B. Quirante

CATBALOGAN CITY, Samar, August 12 (PIA) - Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) Samar provincial director Engineer Meilo Macabare encouraged job seekers here to start their own business as a livelihood alternative.

Not everybody will be hired, not all Education and Skills Development “This will be your avenue to have applicants have the chance to have Authority (TESDA) offer that will your own job, your own business,” she the job you are applying for,” help the job seekers to start a business. added.

Macabare said during the jobs fair activity DTI is giving trainings on how to During the event, the TESDA at Capitol covered court, Catbalogan City, make right food process and others.

Specialistas- a group of TESDA trained held August 7.

“Some of you may already service providers were given a chance to Macabare said that it does not need a know manicure, pedicure, massage offer their services. big capital to start a business. therapy, that you can enhance by Meanwhile, Governor Sharee Ann Skills are more important in starting a training,” she said.

Tan promised the Specialistas that she will business. “It takes only some training to The DTI provincial director help them in promoting their services enhance your skills.” refers to TESDA Specialistas that are by producing flyers and tarpaulins Macabare stressed that there are trained and are presently doing their advertising the services. trainings that DTI and Technical own business.

“

High school mentor bags Metrobank’s outstanding teacher award

By Aurora J. Casimpan TACLOBAN CITY, Leyte, Aug. 12 (PIA) -- Maria Lorna Garnace, a secondary school teacher at the Philippine Science High School (PSHS), Eastern Visayas Campus is one of the awardees of the 2013 Metrobank Foundation Search for Outstanding Teachers (SOT).

M

etrobank Foundation organizes the annual search for outstanding teachers as its corporate social responsibility arm of the Metrobank Group.

Garnace, currently a special science teacher III with English as field of specialization also does administrative duties as head of Humanities Division of PSHS. She is a dedicated teacher who has

a passion in moulding the youth. The national search, now on its 29th year, received nominations of 367 teachers from public and private educational institutions nationwide where 40 qualified as regional finalists.

After undergoing interviews and teaching demonstrations before members of the preliminary board of judges identified for each category, the forty

regional finalists were trimmed down to twenty national finalists where Garnace was included.

Garnace, along with nine other awardees will be conferred with gold medallion from President Benigno S. Aquino III on September 5 on the occasion of the 51st anniversary of Metrobank. Each awardee will also receive a plaque and ₱350,000 cash prize. (PIA-8)

21 North Samar schools avail Basic Educational Facilities Fund

By Ailene N. Diaz CATARMAN, Northern Samar, Aug 13 (PIA) -- The Department of Public Works and Highways identified 21 public elementary and high schools in Northern Samar as beneficiaries of water and sanitation facilities construction project under the Department of Education Calendar Year 2013 Basic Educational Facilities Fund (BEFF). his was learned from District Makiwalo Elementary School – P1,603,000; beneficiary schools for a meeting Engineer Sandy T. Pua during the B a y b a y Elementary S c h o o l to discuss the general requirements, area Media Forum at DPWH First – P1,548,000; Alegria Elementary type and the amount allocation.

They were also informed District Engineering Office.

School – P1,406,000; San Jose Central Pua disclosed that the 21 schools School – P1,406,000; Allen Central of the standard design of the beneficiaries are Allen National School – P1,228,000; Nenita Central facilities and were asked to submit High Schools with an allocated fund School – P1,315,197.50; Rosario the site development sketch.

Pua stressed the need for the amounting to P 2 , 4 8 9 , 0 0 0 . 0 0 ; Central School – P1,315,197.50.

Catarman National High School Included in the budget are schools to be vigilant, watchful in – P2,065,000.00; Basilio B. Chan Palanit Elementary School – P 1,281,000; monitoring the construction of Memorial Agricultural and Industrial Genroso R. Frigillana Mem. School, the projects as they were the School – P1,868,000.00; Capul Dalakit – P 1,031,000; Imelda end-users and beneficiaries themselves.

The school heads said they Agro-Industrial School – P1,752,940.00; Elementary School – P 1,065,197.50; Mondragon Agro Industrial High Lavezares Central School – P 923,197.50 are grateful for the project as this School – P1,548,000.00; Cawayan and San Antonio Central School is their primary concern being raised by the pupils and IS – P1,031,000.00.

– P 1,008,270.

Also funded are Bobon The project according to Pua has p a r e n t s e v e r y s t a r t o f t h e school year which remains unresolved.

Central School – P2,114,000; Mondragon a total amount of P31,980,000.

I Central School – P2,114,000; Catarman Engr. Pua with the Deped (PIA-Northern Samar) II Central School –P1,868,000; Engineer called the heads of the

T

EASTERN VISAYAS Mayor envisions urbanized city Pineapple

7

Maasin

City

as

highly

By Erna S. Gorne

MAASIN CITY, Southern Leyte Aug 13 (PIA) -- With the influx of people in Maasin City, the city government of Maasin is now beginning to envision itself as a highly urbanized city.

“

Although being a highly urbanized city is a futuristic view, preparations for the eventual growing into a highly urbanized Maasin City should start now,” Mayor Maloney Samaco said.

In a press conference held during the 13th Charter Day anniversary celebration last August 10, Samaco said the city government is now beginning to feel the problems of a highly urbanized city where traffic is getting heavy, there is need to

construct more drainage, rapidly increasing garbage,and mushrooming informal settlers who need to be relocated.

The theme for the Charter Day celebration this year is, “Agenda 13: Steering toward the vision of a highly urbanized Maasin City".

Samaco noted the city government should put into place safety nets to cope with the influx o people

before the end of his term as he mentioned additional procurement of traffic lights to smoothen the flow of traffic, continuing construction of drainage around the city, among others.

Samaco also said the city government will go into aggressive promotion of local products in Manila through partnership with mega store, Metro Gaisano. (PIA-SoLeyte)

Borongan City sets for 20th Padul-ong Festival

By Alice Nicart BORONGAN CITY, Eastern Samar, August 15(PIA) – City Mayor Ma. Fe Abunda is now hands-on in dealing with all the preparations for the 20th year of staging the local festival here, named “Padul-ong Festival”.

A

t a recent meeting of the Finance Committee, she impressed upon the members her full support to “Padul-ong” as she urged the body to do the same. According to her, the festival which started a humble beginning in August 29, 1993, “should be supported, as it showcase the peoples culture and tradition”.

It likewise depicts their veneration to the Patron Saint, Our Lady of Nativity, or Virgin Mary which the Catholic Church teaches, was chosen by God to be the Mother of Jesus.

The Padul-ong storyline includes the healing miracles of the Blessed Mary of Nativity, through a nearby spring (now, Hamorawon Spring), as the Image chose

to be installed in the mounds of what is now the heart of Borongan city, from its original site in barangay Punta Maria.

On top of all other tourists programs and projects, Padul-ong has since evolved as the city’s tourist attraction.

The LGU has also continued to beautify the boulevard, constructed drainages and flood controls not only to improve the living conditions of the people but also to entice tourists and generate revenues which can fund social services.

In its younger years, the Festival used to be staged on the first day of the Novena Prayer, but considering that more visitors are in the city during the Vesper Day, the Old Executive Committee

decided to move it to September 7.

Up to this writing, six group participants have signified participation in the, street dancing competition, and reports have it that some P20 thousand had been given by the LGU, to subsidize their expenses. These are: The Sta. Fe National High Schoo, Lalawigan National High Schoo, Eastern Samar National Comprehensive High School, Sulat National High School, San Policarpo National High School and MSH, Sulat.

In the 2012 Padul-ong, P150,000.00 was given to the 1st prize winner, P100,000.00 and P75,000.00 for the second and third prize respectively.

(PIA-Eastern Samar)

93 LGUs in EV compliant with BPLS

By Consuelo B. Alarcon TACLOBAN CITY, Leyte, Aug 14 (PIA) -- Ninety-three local government units (LGUs) in Eastern Visayas have fully complied with the implementation of the Business Permit and Licensing System (BPLS) in accordance with Republic Act 9485 or Anti-red tape act of 2007.

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his figure represents 65 percent of the 143 target areas in region 8, DILG 8 information officer Myles Colasito disclosed during the Suruswerte Program ha PIA on August 13.

Colasito said the DILG is determined to achieve a 100 percent compliance, hence, the office has initiated a two-day coaching/workshop for the 32 field personnel to enrich themselves about the law and share it to the locality where they are being assigned.

Business Permit and Licensing System refers to the procedures followed by cities and municipalities in processing business permits (more commonly known as Mayor’s Permit) which must be secured

by businessmen to operate legally in a locality, Colasito said.

BPLS streamlining is a joint undertaking between the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) and the Dept. of Trade and Industry (DTI) to help the LGUs improve revenue generation; reduce time and resources spent in processing; provide complete information based on business enterprise in localities; reduce graft and corruption and to create a good image in the area of good governance.

This means a reduction of signatories to a maximum of five in applying for business permits and other licenses; limiting the number of steps in filing the

application for business licenses as well as the reduction of processing time for new applications to 10 days and 5 days for renewal, Colasito added.

Aside from the anti-red tape act which mandates government agencies to simplify frontline services procedures, formulate service standards to be observed in every transaction and make known these to the public, the legal basis of BPLS is the Administrative Order No. 10-07 which provides the guidelines in implementing the nationwide up-scaling of reforms in processing business permits and licenses in all cities and municipalities in the Philippines, Colasito said. (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