One Visayas e-Newsletter Vol 3 Issue 34

Vol 3

Issue 34

In this Issue WESTERN VISAYAS

Campus journalists from various secondary schools in Iloilo and Antique show their certificates of recognition for being hailed as most promising writers in different writing categories during the Campus Journalism Seminar-Workshop conducted by the Philippine Information Agency-Region VI at the Iloilo Grand Hotel from Aug. 14-16, 2013.

These students were part of the fourth batch who participated in the annual workshop. (LTP/PIA6 Iloilo)

More on Region 6, pages 2-3.

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CENTRAL VISAYAS

Published by: PIA 6, 7 & 8

August 19 - 25, 2013

Canadian bioregion initiative leaves valuable outputs, lessons By: Lilibeth A. French ILOILO CITY, Aug. 21 (PIA6) - - The Canadian Urban Institute (CUI) supported project “Metro Iloilo Guimaras Bioregion Initiative” formally ends this month, leaving behind tangible results that will help others to learn lessons especially in watershed management and disaster risk reduction and management and climate change adaptation.

CUI turned over valuable outputs to its key partners in the city and province of Iloilo and Guimaras that marked its successful partnership with them and highlighted the project’s exit conference held Aug. 20 here.

The valuable outputs consist of three knowledge products namely The State of Tigum-Aganan Watershed Report, Handbook in Preparing SOWR in the Philippines, and the Water-Based Disaster Risk Reduction and Climate Change Adaptation: A Training Manual.

The three-year bioregion initiative project between CUI and partners such as Metro Iloilo Guimaras Economic Development Council, Tigum-Aganan Watershed Management Board, Iloilo provincial government, Department of Interior and Local Government, and Department of Environment and Natural Resources started in March 2010, two years after typhoon “Frank” hit hard Panay Island especially the city and province of Iloilo including Guimaras.

The project addressed environmental and disaster management challenges facing the region. Also, the initiative has made efforts to work with communities in the upper reaches of the watershed to develop alternative, more sustainable forms of economic growth.

CUI Program Manager Lisa Cavicchia thanked partners for their support to the project during the exit conference. Likewise, she thanked the government of

International Partnership Program Manager Lisa Cavicchia of the Canadian Urban Institute (CUI) thanks all partners for their support that made the Metro Iloilo Guimaras Sustainable Bioregion Initiative (MIGSBI) a success. (PIA 6/EJB)

Canada for their financial support.

Cavicchia said that they will continue their work as they have other projects in different municipalities across the country including MIGEDC. “We are continuing our work on climate change and disaster risk reduction in the region and we hope we could find funding,” said Cavicchia.

Susan Calaor, CUI-Iloilo Project Officer said that aside from the knowledge products that were produced, positive changes in local planning and decision practices on watershed management, disaster risk management and local economic development initiatives among TAWMB partners as well as economic development demonstration projects were noted under the initiative.

The conference was attended by Gov. Arthur Defensor and local chief executives of the LGUs that comprised the MIGEDC chaired by Iloilo City Mayor Jed Patrick Mabilog.

DILG 6 Director Evelyn Trompeta, DENR 6 RTD for Research and Development Alice Lustica and TAWMB Chair former Alimodian Mayor Juanito Alipao were present during the event and gave messages. (JCM/LAF/PIA6)

DA turns over P14.4-M agri projects to Cebu farmers

NGCP Visayas System Planning Division Principal Engr. Hannel Tamayo presenting the 2012 Transmission Development Plan during the Power Orientation 102 for Cebu Media at Radisson Blu Hotel, Cebu on August 16, 2013.

(VVV/PIA Cebu)

More on Region 7, pages 4-5.

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EASTERN VISAYAS

BY: JOY MANUBAG-EMPUERTO CEBU CITY (PIA) --- The Department of Agriculture (DA) recently turned over P14.4 million in agriculture projects to farmer organizations in Cebu.

Agriculture Secretary Proceso Alcala led the turnover of the projects to representatives of identified farmer organizations here during his brief stop at DA regional office in Mandaue City recently.

He said the projects aim to boost corn production in Cebu and other areas where the crop is suitable to help ensure enough food stock during the lean months.

The Secretary stressed that the country is almost sufficient in food staples now and credited this to Filipino farmers.

Alcala said, "After for about 40 years now, the country is already selling fancy and organic rice to the United Arab Emirates (UAE) and is receiving repeat orders of the rice." He added that DA will continue its endeavor

of matching the farmers produce with possible markets.

Among the recipients of the P14.4-M agriculture projects were, Asturias Balamban Communal Irrigators Association; Arpile-Buanoy Irrigators Service Association of Balamban, Cebu who received a hand tractor valued at P128,500 each; Bulak (Dalaguete) Irrigators Association floating tiller worth P87,900; Barili Rice Farmers Irrigators Association, a rice thresher worthP106,700; municipalities of Asturias, Poro, Pilar, San Francisco and Tudela who each received one unit of four-wheel drive tractor worth P2.4 million.

Other recipients of said projects were Cebu City which received plastic drums and knapsack sprayers worth P1.6 million; Argao with two concrete small farm reservoirs that cost P150T; Dalaguete with a cultivator/ tiller valued at P250T; and CAMPINSA MANIPES Multipurpose Cooperative with five heads working animals with plow worth P175T.(rmn/JSME/PIA-Cebu/DA7)

DOE chief orders consultation on B5 blend implementation

Department of Energy-Oil Industry Management Bureau (DOE-OIMB) Director Zenaida Monsada (center) explains to the local media the benefits and the advantages of the biodiesel blend increase from 2% to 5% during the media interview at the Oriental Hotel Palo, Leyte, August 15. (Raul S. Tiozon/ PIA8)

More on Region 8, pages 6-7.

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TACLOBAN CITY, Leyte, Aug. 18 (PIA) -Department of Energy Secretary Carlos Jericho L. Petilla has directed the conduct of consultation with stakeholders before implementing the proposed hike of 5% biodiesel blend.

DOE Assistant Secretary Daniel Ariaso, Sr., who is the permanent alternate of the Petilla as chair of the National Biofuels Board (NBB), said during the recent Visayas Public Consultations on the proposed increase in biodiesel blend from 2% (B2) to 5% (B5) at the Leyte Oriental Hotel in Palo, Leyte that the Secretary believes it would be unfair if it would only benefit one industry but would be detrimental to others.”

The public consultations on the technical, economic and financial viability of raising the minimum biodiesel blend to five percent from two percent is part of the country’s efforts to promote alternative fuel sources.

One of the main objectives of the proposal is to substitute imported diesel with local products, specifically the Coconut Methyl Ester (CME) or coco-biodiesel.

Coconut oil is the most popular feedstock for biodiesel in the Philippines which is sold in the market in the form of CME (coco-methyl ester).

The department believes that adding CME to standard diesel fuel results to better combustion, less pollution and more engine power. Engines using biodiesel run smoothly and have longer maintenance intervals.

Petilla, a firm advocate of participatory governance called on the NBB to conduct public consultations to get inputs from stakeholders in order to be able to implement a policy which will truly reflect the desire and aspirations of all the stakeholders.

ASec Ariaso said the public consultation held in Palo, Leyte was the second of the three public consultations NBB is conducting in the three major islands of the country.

The first consultation was conducted on August 5 in Davao City for the stakeholders in Mindanao while the third will be conducted in Manila before the end of August.

(PIA-8)

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WESTERN VISAYAS

PIA-6 trains new batch of campus paper writers in Panay

By Elsa S. Subong

Guapple

ILOILO CITY, Aug. 23 (PIA) – The Philippine Information Agency-6 has trained about 1,096 campus paper writers from the provinces of Iloilo, Guimaras, Capiz, Aklan and Antique, in the Panay leg of the yearly Journalism Workshops.

IA-6 Director Janet Mesa said the journalism trainings to the concept of online journalism. participants have been increasing year convergence journalism, in response to the Smart has provided school publications after year, which showed the interest interplay of print, broadcast, photography and with access to accounts which allow them to of the schools in keeping campus journalism internet or social media. have their publications published on line, and alive.

Mesa said the interplay of various forms provided incentives to best bloggers/writers/ Mesa said that PIA has taken the becomes more appealing to readers, besides photojournalists. responsibility of training young writers, and the fact that young people, including student Participants said in their evaluation, that their paper advisers, especially in development writers, have become attuned to the use of they prefer PIA-6 trainings because it offers communication, to engage them in nation these media in communicating. an array of modules very useful for paper building through their publications.

“This is high time we attune our trainings writers.

In fact, she added, school publications also to convergence journalism, for our campus A student writer from the Jalandoni reach out to communities through a Wall writers to be more competent and effective,” National High School in Iloilo City said she News which they are encouraged to produce she said. wanted to be trained on journalism properly, once a year.

For the first time, PIA has included Radio so she attended the training.

“This wall news is posted in barangays of Broadcasting in the training modules.

Meanwhile, the last leg of the training will their choice, which their editorial boards PIA has partnered with Smart be with the campus writers in Bacolod City consider to be information-poor,” Mesa said.

Communications, now on it fourth year, to and Negros Occidental, on August 29-31.

She added that PIA has re-aligned its provide the campus writers with access on (JCM/ESS/PIA6)

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NFA supplies 2,625 bags of rice for supplemental feeding By: Pilar S. Mabaquiao SAN JOSE, Antique, August 19 (PIA) - - The National Food Authority has delivered a total of 2,625 bags of rice to different daycare centers provincewide for their supplemental feeding program.

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edy Jardeleza, Manager of NFA Antique in an interview disclosed that they have already completed the delivery of the first batch of rice allocation for supplemental feeding of daycare pupils intended to last for 60 days.

The allocation of each town depends on the number of daycare pupils.

Thus, the town of San Jose got the biggest supply of 248 bags, then Culasi with 245 and San Remigio 223.

“This is our partnership with the

Department of Social Welfare and Development and local government units to help reduce the incidence of malnutrition among pre-scholers," said Jardeleza.

It can be recalled that in 2012 data from the Provincial Health Office revealed a 9.49 percent prevalence of malnutrition among pre-scholers.

Geraldine Encarnacion of the Provincial Social Welfare and Development Office likewise confirmed that the daycare classes have already started their feeding program.

Antique has 633 day care centers taking care of more than 20,000 pre-school kids.

Aside from its main objective of reducing malnutrition, the supplemental feeding also has a significant effect on the attendance and participation of daycare pupils, said Encarnacion.

During their monitoring, Encarnacion shared that pupils are seldom absent the fact that from school and their parents are the ones cooking their food on their designated schedule.(JCM/ PSM/PIA6 Antique)

Church, gov’t agencies bring health services to barangays

by Jemin B. Guillermo ROXAS CITY, Capiz, Aug. 20 (PIA6) – The church and different national and local government agencies are partnering to bring health services to the community, particularly to the far-flung areas in Capiz.

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ocial Action Center Director Rev. Fr. Mark Granflor of the Archdiocese of Capiz disclosed that a total of 472 individuals availed of the medical, dental and surgical services during the recent activity spearheaded by the Center.

Granflor said that the Medical-Dental-Circumcision Mission and bloodletting activity held in Maindang, Cuartero town, was realized in partnership with the Philippine Army, particularly the 61stInfantry Battalion led by Lt. Commander Christopher Sab-it, Rural Health Unit of the said town, Philippine Red Cross, volunteer groups and individuals as well other private companies.

The beneficiaries of the activity, he said, came from the St. Damien of Molokai

Mission Station, with Rev. Fr. Federico Lim, Jr. as the mission station priest, covering the barangays of Agdahon, Mainit, Maindang, Balingasag, Sinabsaban and Lunayan.

Of the total patients served, 162 adults and 97 are children availed of medical check-up, 120 were given dental services, and 93 young boys availed of the free circumcision.

On the other hand, Capiz Archbishop Most Rev. Jose F. Advincula expressed appreciation and commendation to the various sector that pooled their resources and services together to cater to the needs of the people in the community.

He thanked, in particular, the volunteers, NGAs and all others, including the drugstores and drug companies including

the private individuals for their support to realize the noble mission.

The same mission was also conducted in barangay Cristina, Tapaz town that benefited 183 residents, Granflor said, adding that they are also scheduling in September another medical, dental and free circumcision mission in Tabun-acan, Pilar, Capiz.

Similar activities on health, education, environment, social justice, relief and rehabilitation, and sustainable organic agriculture are also being lined up by the Social Action Center in tandem with other line government agencies as part of the Private Public Partnership efforts for the welfare of the people. (JBG/PIA6-Capiz)

WESTERN VISAYAS

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2 Ilonggo mentors win 2013 Metrobank Foundation Search award Lanzones

By Jaime S. Cabag

ILOILO CITY, Aug. 16 (PIA6) -- Iloilo now has 13 recipients of the prestigiousMetrobank Foundation Search for Outstanding Teachers award after two more teachers from schools based here were named by the Foundation as among the search awardees this year.

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he newest Ilonggo awardees are Fely A. Batiloy, Master Teacher I of the Special Education-Integrated School for Exceptional Children (SPED-ISEC) and Dominique J. Maquiran, Assistant Professor VII of the University of the Philippines High School, both based here.

Batiloy handles Music at SPED-ISEC while Maquiran teaches Social Studies to the state university’s high school students.

Foundation president Aniceto M. Sobrepena congratulated the Ilonggos in a message for producing two winners in this year’s edition of the search. Batiloy and Maquiran join the elite group of 326 outstanding teachers of the Philippines honored by Metrobank Foundation since

1985, said Sobrepena.

Batiloy and Maquiran also brought to 46 the number of awardees to date coming from Region VI or Western Visayas, representing 14.5% of the total recipients.

Iloilo also produced two winners in the 2012 edition of the Search.

They are Nueva P. Mangaoangan of Man-it Integrated School of Passi City in the elementary category and Dr. Hilda C. Montano of West Visayas State University for the higher education category.

Sobreprena said the Search has continued to give recognition to the best teachers of the land who have served as models of excellence and personal integrity to the community and the country.

These teachers have been shining examples of dedication and commitment to the teaching profession, and as such, the prides of their respective communities.

He also exhorted the local community to continue providing a nurturing environment among teachers for them to pursue excellence in sharing knowledge and inspiring change Batiloy and Maquiran and the other winners of this year’s Search will be presented to the leaders of the business community, top-level government officials, and academe in an awarding ceremony on September 5, 2013 at 5:00 P.M. at the Metrobank Plaza Auditorium, Makati City. (Metrobank Foundation/JCM/JSC-PIA6)

Maranon calls on Capitol officials, employees to work harder

By Carolina A. Dionela NEGROS OCCIDENTAL, Aug. 19 (PIA6) -- NegOcc. Gov. Alfredo Marañon, Jr. called on provincial government department heads and division chiefs to work harder and allocate more resources for programs that will redound to alleviate the plight of poor Negrenses, a press release from the Capitol said.

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arañon said that the biggest problem is how to solve poverty.

The widening gap between the rich and the poor has become apparent, he said in his address during the recent Utilization Conference on the 1012 State of Local Governance Report organized by the Provincial Planning and Development Office and the provincial unit of the Department of Interior and Local Governments.

“Let us crack our heads and allocate

more resources to solve poverty.

Let us prioritize on programs that create opportunities for employment and livelihood for our people., ”Marañon told Capitol office executives, as he expressed confidence that the provincial administration will make headways to address this pressing concern because Negros Occidental is gifted with natural resources.

He cited, among others, his recent visits

to six villages in northern Negros during the Philippine Army’s Marching for Peace campaign, where he entered the nipa or makeshift houses of residents to find out that they do not even have rice to cook for lunch or any food to give their families.

There is a huge potential in Negros Occidental, yet we have so much poverty around us. So, what we do now? Marañon asked.*(Capitol News/CD/JCM/PIA6)

Aklan cites 7 moms as breasfeeding champs

By Venus G. Villanueva KALIBO, Aklan, August 21 (PIA6) -- Seven Aklanon mothers, hailed as “breastfeeding champions”, were honored by the Provincial Health Office (PHO) here for exclusively breastfeeding their babies since birth, at a program held Aug. 20 in celebration of the 2013 Breastfeeding Month.

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s the PHO’s breastfeeding advocates in the barangays, the province’s 17 Municipal Federation Presidents of Barangay Health Workers (BHWs) were also honored during the celebration, held at Nenette’s Garden in Kalibo, witnessed by Provincial Health Officers, health workers and the media.

As “breastfeeding champions”, Aklan governor Florencio T. Miraflores, whose message was read for him by Dr. Victor Santamaria, Provincial Health Officer II, congratulated and thanked the 7 mothers for choosing to breastfeed their babies, as according to him, this is the cheapest and most effective life-saver in history, and a baby’s “first immunization”.

“Thank you for backing us up in facing

bigger challenges by setting up as examples and by bringing the message far and wide in your respective communities,” Governor Miraflores said in his message.

He also expressed his hope that these mothers continue to embrace breastfeeding not only for as long as possible but as early as possible, and to continue to impart the benefits of breastfeeding to improve the lives of thousands more.

For her part, Celia D. Ledford, PHO-Aklan Breastfeeding Promotion Program Coordinator, emphasized that every woman can breastfeed.

Ledford said that every woman has breastmilk, it could just be that the breastfeeding position is wrong or there is ‘poor attachment’.

“Big or small, there is milk in every woman’s breast and she can breastfeed successfully,” Ledford said.

Messages for the celebration were also given by Vice Governor Gabrielle Calizo-Quimpo (represented by SP Member Soviet Russia de la Cruz), Dr. Leslie Ann Luces and Dr. Cornelio Cuachon of PHO-Aklan.

Awarded as this year’s Breastfeeding Champions were Mary Jane Ybanez of Banga, Aklan; Gineven Victoriano of Batan; Lyn M. Pabol of Buruanga, Darlyn Nam-ay of Kalibo, Liza Naculangga of New Washington, Glaiza Diego of Numancia and Imelda Mejia of Tangalan.

This year’s Breastfeeding Month celebration theme is “Breastfeeding Support: Close to Mothers”. (JCM/VGV PIA 6 Aklan)

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CENTRAL VISAYAS

DENR-7 attains more than half of NGP target to date

By Juju Manubag-Empuerto

Banana

CEBU CITY (PIA) -- More than 50 percent of Central Visayas' target coverage under the National Greening Program (NGP) plantation establishment have already been met to date, according to Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR)-7 Information Officer Dr. Eddie Llamedo. lamedo said 12,413.73 hectares were Based on records from forest confident that we will be able to meet our covered with various native and management services (FMS), as of August 15, target for NGP for 2013." agroforestry tree species. the partial accomplishments of the region NGP also seeks to improve water This is more than half of the total 24,361 are, namely: Cebu with 4,797 hectares quality in rivers and irrigation of farmlands, hectares of plantation establishment targeted planted with 2,694,106 seedlings; Bohol reduce the potential for flooding, soak up

by DENR-7 in Central Visayas under NGP. with 2,630.00 hectares planted with 2,385,795 carbon dioxide out of the atmosphere, and lay DENR-7 Regional Executive Director Dr. seedlings; Negros Oriental with 4,921 the foundation for an expanded Isabelo R. Montejo has earlier pushed to speed hectares and 2,707,222 seedlings; and Siquijor wood-products economy. up the plantation activities in various selected with 66.5 hectares planted with 13,303 President Aquino has issued Executive forest land areas in the region to meet at least seedlings.

Order No. 26 last February 24, 2011 half of the target on or before August 15.

Montejo added that NGP’s intention is to establishing the NGP. Montejo said that aside from conducting put back trees on hundreds of thousands of NGP need not only reforest 1.5 million massive tree planting or growing activities, "it is hectares of land where they once stood. hectares of land but also to promote a our responsibility also to ensure that these He said: “Our goal is to meet the sustained environmental awareness campaign in planted seedlings would result to a high plantation establishment requirement of 24,361 the face of the damaging effects of climate survival rate through the conduct of regular hectares before November 30 this year and change, said Llamedo. (rmn/JSME/PIA-Cebu/ monitoring and validation." with this 50 percent mark already, we are DENR7)

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Over 80 CSOs in Visayas attend DSWD workshop By: Juju Manubag-Empuerto CEBU CITY (PIA) -- Over 80 representatives of civil society organizations (CSO) attended the Visayas Cluster CSO Consultation and Workshop held by Department and Social Welfare and Development (DSWD)-7 in Cebu recently.

SO who attended the consultation administration's platform of Good Governance Partnering with the civil society will included non-government organizations and Poverty Reduction," Soliman said. provide a system of cooperation to and foundations, business groups, In line with the President’s mandate, ensure faster, better and smarter sectoral and faith-based organizations and the DSWD continues to build and sustain delivery of social services of the academe coming from all over the Visayas, said partnerships with different CSOs which have core poverty reduction programs of DSWD. Simeon Remata III, DSWD-7 Regional Social the capacity to provide resources and could The partnership is also aimed Marketing Officer. support the DSWD in the implementation of a t i n s t i t u t i o n a l i z i n g t r a n s p a r e n c y DSWD Secretary Dinky Soliman, during its three core poverty reduction programs and accountability mechanisms so that the gathering, underscored what President namely Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program, objectives of this mutual cooperation Benigno Aquino mentioned in his State of the Sustainable Livelihood Program (SLP) and is realized for the best interest of the poor.

Nation Address (SONA) that the Philippine especially the Kapit-Bisig Laban sa Kahirapan By the end of the consultation, the Government recognizes the essential role of Comprehensive and Integrated and Delivery of CSO representatives were able to the civil society as the main engine for national Social Services (Kalahi-CIDSS) which has been share their good practices and also determined growth and development. recently scaled-up into a national program potential challenges to strengthen the whole "Public-Private Partnership is now seen as c al l e d Na t i o na l C o m m u n i t y -D r i v e n engagement process. (rmn/JSME/PIA-Cebu/ of great importance in the fulfillment of the Development Program (NCDDP).

DSWD7)

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Cebu says NO to Child Sex Tourism

By Ferliza Calizar-Contratista CEBU CITY (PIA) -- Cebu made a resounding commitment for a Child Wise Tourism in the province.

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his after thousands of Cebuanos from different parts of the province joined a caravan on Aug. 17 covering one municipality and three cities bringing with them banners, leaflets, balloons, shirts, and caps bearing one strong message which is "NO to Child Sex Tourism."

The caravan passed by the the municipality of Cordova and Lapulapu City in the island of Mactan and the cities of Mandue and Cebu.

Cordova, a fishing municipality, made headlines recently after the clandestine industry on internet pornography involving children was exposed to be operating in the town.

On the other hand, Lapulapu City has over 60 resorts and hotels and an average of 3,000 tourists quarterly.

Mandaue and Cebu cities have facilities and services catering to the tourism industry.

Maria Rica Bueno, director of Office of Tourism Standards and Regulations of the Department of Tourism (DOT) said Cebu is becoming a prime tourist destination in Asia and in the whole world.

The Philippines, as a whole, has a rising market economy because of tourism accomplishments.

“But despite the good news, much more is to be done to sustain and most specially in containing the downside of tourism, to protect our national treasure, our children,” Bueno said.

She said there is a need to get the support of local government units to continue the advocacy since they are the ones who can monitor closely the front liners of the tourism industry.

She said street children are at a high risk of being lured into the sex trade.

Josephine Alforque, advocacy officer of End Child Prostitution, Child Pornography and Trafficking of Children for Sexual Purposes (ECPAT), said that sex tourism is a lucrative industry whose growth is driven by the demand for children in tourist destination.

Grace Paulino, Cebu Provincial Tourism Officer, said Cebu already has a Women and Children’s Code that covers children’s protection and development.

Lapulapu City Tourism Officer Hembler

Mendoza said they also have a local ordinance for women and children and they constantly meet with hotel and resort owners for security reasons and share reports of suspicious looking tourists.

Cordova Vice Mayor Mary Therese Sitoy-Cho, for her part, said the CWT is a welcome initiative since her town needs all the help from the local, national, and international levels to stop the child sex industry from proliferating.

Cebu City Mayor Michael Rama reiterated the call to value the children by singing the song “Greatest Love of All” in his welcome remarks.

A press conference was then conducted at RADISSON Blue Hotel with its General Manager Lyle Lewis giving the assurance that their chain of hotels is a supporter of CWT. CWT Program was established in 2001 encouraging tourists and the public not to turn a blind eye to situations wherein children are placed at risk.

The public can report suspicious incidents that might lead to child sex prostitution to a 24 hour-hotline: 0919-777-7377. (rmn/FCC/PIA-Cebu)

CENTRAL VISAYAS

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Search, rescue for missing passengers in Cebu sea mishap continue Coconut

By Rachelle M. Nessia

CEBU CITY (PIA) -- Search and rescue operations are still going on for the missing passengers M/V St. Thomas Aquinas which sank off the waters of Talisay City following its collision with M/V Sulcon Express 7 on Friday night. he search and rescue vessel dispatched Aquinas 1 is owned by 2GO Shipping. investigation to determine the extent of by the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) There were 118 crew and 752 passengers damage caused by the oil spill and collect water Central Visayas was combing the Lawis onboard M/V St. Thomas Aquinas 1 bound for samples for further laboratory tests, according Ledge area off the coast of Talisay City where Butuan City from Cebu City. M/V Sulpicio to DENR-7 Information Officer Dr. Eddie the sea collision took place.

Express 7, bound for Davao City, was bringing Llamedo.

Composite teams from PCG, Philippine a crew of 38.

EMB-7 Regional Director William Navy, Bureau of Fire Protection Talisay City, The Cebu City government led by Mayor P. Cuado said their team will assist the Armed Forces of the Philippines, Brgy. Pardo Michael Rama also continued to be closely investigation led by the Philippine Coast Guard Emergency Response, Cebu City government, involved in the rescue operations and helping (PCG).

Federation of Visayas Radio Clubs, Department the sea collision victims.

The oil spill has reportedly spread to of Health, All Terrain Medical and Relief In an official statement, 2GO said that it is affect a number of barangays in the town of Organization, and disaster volunteers from extending all possible assistance to the affected Cordova, which is around six kilometers away other LGU are conducting the operations. passengers and crew. from Talisay City.

The National Disaster Risk Reduction and Meanwhile, the Department of Passenger ship M/V Saint Thomas Aquinas Management Council (NDRRMC) reported Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) was reportedly carrying around 120,000 liters that M/V Sulpicio Express 7, a cargo vessel, here has created a four-member team to look of bunker oil and 20,000 liters of diesel oil collided with passenger ship M/V St. Thomas into the reported oil spill resulting from when it collided with cargo ship M/V Sulpicio Aquinas 1 at about 9:30 p.m. on August 16,. the sea vessel collision off the coast of Talisay Express 7 in the evening of August 16.

M/V Sulpicio Express 7 is owned by Philippine City.

Chemical dispersal of the oil spill to Span Asia Carrier Corporation (PSACC), DENR-7 through its Environmental contain its spread started yesterday. (RMN/PIA formerly Sulpicio Lines while M/V St. Thomas Management Bureau (EMB) will conduct a field Cebu with JME report)

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Tourist arrivals in Dumaguete City up

By Jennifer Catan-Tilos DUMAGUETE CITY (PIA) -- International tourist arrivals in the city reached 214, 045 during the first semester of the year.This is higher than last year's 202,046 arrivals.

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ccording to City Tourism Officer Woodrow Maquiling Jr., the top ten foreign tourist visitors recorded were Americans, Germans, Canadians, Britons, Australians, French, Chinese, Koreans, and Swiss nationals.

Maquiling said the month of March experienced the highest number of foreign arrivals with 5,612.

The month of April saw the most number of Philippine residents’ arrivals with 41,246 which can be attributed to the Palarong Pambansa event.

International tourist arrivals this year reached to 107 percent or 28,531 compared to the whole year of 2012 with only 26,504 foreign guests, Maquiling revealed.

Local tourists reached nearly 200 percent increase, totaling to 172,929 compared to to only 87,047 for the same period of last year, Maquiling

said.

“Not only the Negros tourism destination more than likely to exceed the number of tourists visiting from abroad and meet the goal revenues, but the prospects for the next months are already pointing further growth,” he added.

Maquiling explained that this dramatic development can be attributed to a lot of factors, topmost of which are the recent awards such as the ‘Galing Pook Award for Environment’ for its best practices in innovating and implementing the city-wide septage management program in the country and one of the “Top 10 New Wave Cities” for outsourcing locations in the country by the information and communications technology (ICT) office and the Information Technology and Business Process Association in the Philippines.

Maquiling also mentioned that the efforts of City Mayor Manuel “Chiquiting” Sagarbarria

and government officials contributed to this achievement in making Dumaguete City a “better place”.

Maquiling added that the city’s initiative to make Dumaguete a smoke-free city and the passage of the City Ordinance 231 with its implementing rules and regulations to reduce the use of plastic bags and styrofoam in the city also attracted visitors to choose Dumaguete.

Several national events where Dumaguete has actively participated in, such as “Showtime” in ABS-CBN wherein Dumaguete's Prime Machine Dance Group represented the city, and other national and regional shows where local talents contributed fame to Dumaguete, said Maquiling.

He also, expected that local tourist arrivals will pick up on the last week of August for the 112th Founder’s Day celebration of Silliman University.(rmn/JCT/PIA7-Negros Oriental)

Keep your family safe: Don't refill butane canisters with LPG

By Rachelle M. Nessia CEBU CITY (PIA) – Portable gas stoves are becoming more and more popular in households across Visayas. This is particularly true for butane camping stoves which are designed for use during outdoor activities like camping. Due to its portability, these camping stoves are now becoming a fixture in many kitchens in the region.

On the other hand, LPG - which is a ccording to the Department of Energy gas (LPG) and sold in the market. The cheaper (DOE), butane camping stoves use price of LPG-refilled canisters compared to combination of butane and propane – has a butane gas as fuel that is sold in buying a new one is attracting many butane gas higher pressure than that of butane, needing a much stronger type of material to contain it.

250-gram net capacity. The gas is sold in stove users for economic reasons.

But DOE-7 Regional Dir. Antonio Labios DOE has also received reports of individuals canisters made of tin metal sheet with no welded joints. Pure butane gas is similar to the explained that butane canisters refilled with resorting to backyard refilling facilities which gas content that you can find in disposable LPG are in danger of causing an explosion are now mushrooming around Cebu province.

He warned that these activities do not because LPG does not have the same lighters. have business permits from the government Using the butane camping stove pose no characteristics with that of butane.

Butane canisters are not designed and nor do they have fire safety certificates from threat to one’s safety. However, using butane canisters that are refilled with LPG make it suited to the gas pressures of LPG. In closed the Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP).

To keep your homes safe from fire containers, butane gas produces pressures dangerous.

The Department of Energy (DOE) here that are lower than that of LPG, thus the accidents, do not forsake your family’s safety in has received reports that used butane canisters canisters are manufactured to withstand this exchange for saving a few pesos. It’s always better to be safe than sorry. are now being refilled with liquefied petroleum minimum pressure.

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Guv OKs SoLeyte’s P62-M 2013 supplemental budget

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By Ma. Rebecca Cadavos SOUTHERN LEYTE, Aug. 18 (PIA) -- Governor Roger G. Mercado approved the 2013 supplemental or Annual Investment Plan budget of P62.695 million for 2013, in a meeting with the Provincial Development Council members, Aug. 14 at the RKK Function Hall here. rovincial Planning Consultant Ida and Libas-Patong-Badiangon Roads in movement of goods and services Sy Monzon who presented the Hinunangan worth P10M; improvement/ throughout the province.

2013 AIP said that the programs concreting of Sangahon-Maningning He said that with the concreting of appropriated in the supplemental budget Farm-to-market road in Malitbog town roads throughout the province, a include concreting/rehabilitation/ P500,000; completion of Multi-purpose 3-4 hours travel from the city of improvements of roads, including Livelihood, Training Center and Maasin to Silago town will lessen to 1-2 farm-to-market roads, completion of Evacuation Center in Asuncion elementary hour travel.

The PDC meeting presided by evacuation center, among other services. School in Maasin City P1.390M. The amount is distributed as follows: The plan also allocated other services Governor Mercado was participated by municipal/city mayors, provincial heads of concreting of Liloan-San Ricardo such as payments for consultants. circumferential road P50M; concreting of Gov. Mercado AIP will entail offices, national line agencies, among Mahayahay-Mahayag road in St. Bernard economic programs, safe travel and better others concerned. (PIA-SoLeyte)

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DBM explains DRRM fund use to LCEs in Region 8

By Ailene N. Diaz TACLOBAN CITY, August 21 (PIA) – The second day of the Regional Summit on Disaster Risk Reduction and Management for Local Chief Executives of Region 8 ran on with the Department of Budget and Management explaining to Local Chief Executives of Region 8 the allocation and utilization of LDRRM Fund under the DBM-DILG Joint Memorandum Circular No. 2013-1 dated March 25, 2013.

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egional Director Imelda Laceras, of the Department of Budget and Management (DBM) RO8 openly stressed that the basis in the allocation of Local Risk Reduction and Management Fund shall be the LDRRM Plan and the local government units have to formulate and implement a comprehensive and integrated plan in accordance with the national, regional and provincial framework and policies on disaster risk reduction in coordination with the local development councils.

The plan, according to Laceras, should cover the four thematic areas of disaster risk reduction and management which are disaster prevention and mitigation,

disaster preparedness, disaster response and disaster rehabilitation and recovery.

Laceras further explained that an allocation of not less than 5% shall be set aside to support disaster risk management activity such as but not limited to the pre-disaster preparedness programs including training, purchase of disaster response and rescue equipment, supplies and medicines, for post-disaster activities and payment of premiums on calamity insurance.

Of the 5%, 30% of which will be allocated for Quick Response Fund and 70% will be allocated for disaster prevention and mitigation, preparedness,

response, rehabilitation and recovery, Lasceras added.

Laceras however emphasized that the release and utilization of 30% Quick Response Fund shall be supported by a resolution of the Local Sanggunian declaring the LGU under the state of calamity or a Presidential Declaration of state of calamity upon recommendation of NDRRMC. Moreover, Laceras underscored that the unexpected fund balances of LDRRM shall accrue to a Special Trust Fund exclusively for the purpose of supporting disaster risk reduction and management activities of the LDRRMC within the next five years. (PIA-Northern Samar)

NSO celebrates 73 years of service TACLOBAN CITY, Leyte, August 19 (PIA) – The National Statistics Office (NSO) in Eastern Visayas has lined up several activities in connection with the 3rd founding anniversary of the office.

SO Regional Director Raul Dones employees in the region converged provided for in Commonwealth Act 591, said that the month-long at Visayas State University in an act creating a bureau of the census and celebration will revolve around Visca, Baybay City, Leyte for statistics to consolidate statistical activities the theme “73 Taong Taos Pusong the conduct of Seminar on Fundamental of the government.

Serbisyo sa Mundo.” of Official Statistics and Civil The Statistics Office Director added NSO employees have lined up various Registration Updates and for the Sports that NSO was founded as the Bureau of activities such as Sports Fest, Livelihood Fest for employees, Director Dones Census and Statistics on August 19, 1940 Trainings, Hanging of Streamer, Cultural disclosed. by virtue of the enactment of Visits, Physical and Wellness programs, Director Dones said that NSO is the Commonwealth Act 591.

Corporate Social Responsibility government’s major statistical agency It became the National Census and undertakings, among others, Director responsible for collecting, compiling, Statistics Office in 1974 and was renamed Dones said. classifying, producing, publishing and National Statistics Office in 1987, Director On August 19-20, 2013, all of NSO disseminating general-purpose statistics as Dones said. (PIA-8)

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Solar power to light Quinpondan's remote barangays

BORONGAN CITY, Eastern Samar, Aug.16 (PIA) -- Vice Mayor Rosula S. Mambulao of Quinapondan, also acting currently as town mayor, reported that several remote barangays of her town will soon benefit from the solar power project of the Department of Energy (DOE).

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ubbed “Photo Voltaic-Solar Home System”, the solar electrification will be installed in some households of barangay 6 and Anislag for a start, but she expects that more and more households will signify their interest later.

“They will just have to organize an organization as one requirement of DOE prior to the installation," Vice Mayor Mambulao said.

She added that an installation fee of P1,00 and P200 monthly dues will be charged for each member-household, which is a lot cheaper than buying every day a bottle of Kerosene to light a

flickering lamp. She further said that a Solar Power will likewise boost the morale of families adding that children will be able to do their homework with much ease and comfort.

A number of remote barangays in this town have not yet been reached by the local electric cooperative, Eastern Samar Electric Cooperative (ESAMELCO) due to far distance and difficult terrains.

But with this DOE Solar power system, a major impact in the lives of people here could be expected.

DOE Assistant Secretary Daniel Ariaso, was in town recently to hold the

orientation and consultation to Quinapondan local government unit (LGU).

He said his team was here for the same purpose in the towns of Oras and Jipapad, another two upstream municipalities of Eastern Samar.

DOE reports that Solar energy has many benefits including: economic, and environmental. It does not add pollution into the environment, and it is renewable, meaning, there is no danger of depletion, as in the case for fossil fuels.

Solar energy does not emit greenhouse gases. (PIA-Eastern Samar)

Disaster risk reduction and management is teamwork, says DILG RD

By Aurora J. Casimpan TACLOBAN CITY, Leyte, August 20 (PIA) -- The top official of the regional Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) said that disaster risk reduction and management needs the pooling of resources among all stakeholders in the preservation of lives during disasters.

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r. Pedro A. Noval Jr., DILG regional director said in his welcome remarks during the “Regional Summit on Disaster Risk Reduction and Management for Local Chief Executives of Region 8” held at the DPWH Multipurpose Hall in Palo, Leyte, that survival in times of disaster needs the concerted effort of all stakeholders and that the proactive stance in disaster management is synergy needed in preserving lives.

The regional summit held from August 20-22 for all local chief executives

(LCEs) in the region, aimed to address issues related to disaster management to determine survival of generations to come not just in the country but the region as well.

It was learned that there exists LCEs in the region who lack the initiatives in climate change adaptation planning and who encounter difficulty in the implementation of the plan.

Noval admitted the need to consider resistance to change because of the reluctance of informal settlers relative to

relocation.

Director Noval stressed that it is “never too late to act mitigating disaster as natural calamities may leave irreversible damage.”

The gathering is a matter of necessity towards strengthening of partnership among local chief executives and work together as a team in disaster risk reduction management, he added.

He also pointed out the necessity to equip LCEs and invest in bringing home directions in disaster preparedness. (PIA-8)

High School students train on youth leadership CATBALOGAN CITY, Samar, August 16 (PIA) -- To increase awareness of government programs for young people and to assert their role as catalysts of change, the Department of Education (DepEd) and the 43rd Infantry Battalion, Philippine Army conducted a Youth Leadership Summit recently.

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t was a three-day training for one hundred nineteen students at Buenavista National High school, San Jorge, Samar.

These students were given career guidance, drug abuse prevention, environment preservation and protection from the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR).

Emy Bonifacio of the Office of the Presidential Adviser on Peace Process (OPAPP) lectured and facilitated

a peace building activity.

She also informed them that San Jorge, Samar is under the Payapa at Masaganang Pamayanan (PAMANA) project.

She explained further that PAMANA will bring projects to the community aiming to reduce poverty, improve governance, and build capacities in conflict areas.

As their final activity, the students recited a pledge of commitment to support peace and development

initiatives in their area.

The parents and teachers association and the barangay officials supported the leadership summit.

Meanwhile, Buenavista National High School received two school buildings from the ABS-CBN TV station, construction of which will start in September 2013.

The 43rd IB plans to hold a youth congress in September because of the fruitful activity. (PIA-Samar and Avha H. Ebalde)

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

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Ms. Minerva BC Newman Regional Director, PIA 7

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

Ms. Erlinda Olivia P. Tiu Regional Director, PIA8

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

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