One visayas vol 3 issue 36

Vol 3

Issue 36

In this Issue WESTERN VISAYAS

Members of the Regional Association of National Government Executives in Region 6 on board a pumpboat on their way to Guimaras for an Executive Briefing with the officials of the provincial government of the island province held Sept. 3 at the Guimaras Trade and Information Center. (LTP-PIA6 )

More on Region 6, pages 2-3.

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CENTRAL VISAYAS

Officials of the Department of Health Region-7 were the guests during the Kapihan sa PIA forum at the Narra Conference Hall, DOH-7 to discuss Generics Awareness Month and the Botika ng Bayan. Photo shows (clockwise) Health Facilities Development Section Chief Dr. Thelma Fernandez, DOH-7 Regional Director Dr. Jaime S. Bernadas, Licensing Regulation and Enforcement Division Chief Elizabeth Tabasa, and Food and Drug Regulation Officer II Sarah Oriol. The forum was aired-live thru DYMR-Radyo ng Bayan for 10:00am-11:00am, September 4, 2013.

PIA-Cebu Information Center Manager Rachelle M. Nessia and Wen Celen of RaBayan moderated the forum. (vvv/PIA Cebu)

More on Region 7, pages 4-5.

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EASTERN VISAYAS

Thousands join the procession led by ATOM 7.6 (August Thirty One Miracle) organizers and the church to commemorate the anniversary of the 7.6 earthquake that hit Eastern Visayas a year ago which wrought damages to life and properties, although minimal only. (Vino R. Cuayzon)

More on Region 8, pages 6-7.

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Published by: PIA 6, 7 & 8

September 2 - 8, 2013

Leyte mentor one of 2013 Search for Outstanding Teachers awardees

By Erlinda Olivia Pecson Tiu PAWING, Palo, Leyte, August 30 (PIA) -- Maria Lorna Lumanta Garnace, a Special Science Teacher III with English as field of specialization of the Philippine Science High School­ Eastern Visayas Campus has been named by the Metrobank Foundation, Inc. as one of the ten awardees in this year’s Search for Outstanding Teachers of the country.

She is the 4th recipient of the prestigious award for teachers from the province of Leyte, the 3rd from the Philippine Science High School-Eastern Visayas Campus and the 8th for the entire Eastern Visayas Region, Metrobank Foundation President Aniceto Sobrepena, said in a communication sent to the Philippine Information Agency in the Region.

Ms. Garnace who hails from Tanauan, Leyte has been teaching for 21 years already; four years at the Assumption Academy, her Alma Mater, for four years and 17 years at the PSHI-Eastern Visayas Campus.

Ms. Garnace is also active in conducting research, one of which examines factors that affect English proficiency among students. The data she collected from the series of research tools she conducted has enabled the school to evaluate and understand students’ poor performance in the subject.

Whether as adviser of school clubs and publications, or as officer of associations and various church and community activities, Ms. Garnace has taken all her roles seriously and exerted all efforts to contribute meaningfully, in her capacity as a teacher, whose job extends beyond the walls of the classroom. For her, this is what teaching as a vocation signifies, doing what it takes to propel others to reach their full potentials.

Aside from being an outstanding teacher, Ms. Garnace is the mother of four intelligent children and wife to Dr. Rey

Garnace, the Director of the Philippine Science High School Eastern Visayas Campus.

Just recently, Ms. Garnace was presented to the Tacloban media and was conferred a plaque of commendation by the Philippine Information Agency and the Department of Science and Technology in Eastern Visayas, for the honor and inspiration she has given to the people of Eastern Visayas as a result of her winning the coveted award.

Ms. Garnace were presented together with nine other winners to business leaders, top-level government officials and academe at September 5 awarding ceremony at the Metrobank Plaza Auditorium, Makati City. (PIA-8)

One of the 2013 Metrobank Foundation Outstanding Teacher Awardees Maria Lorna Garnace (2nd from left) of the Philippine Science High School-EV campus receives a plaque of recognition from DOST 8 Regional Director Edgardo Esperancilla and PIA Regional Director Olive Tiu during the Harampang ha PIA in Tacloban City, August 29. At right is PSHS-EVC Director Reynaldo Garnace. (Vino R. Cuayzon)

Guimaras prov’l government briefs Regional Executives

By Leonard T. Pineda I ILOILO CITY, September 4 (PIA6) -- Regional executives of national government agencies in Western Visayas gathered Tuesday in the province of Guimaras for the conduct of the Executive Briefing by Governor Samuel Gumarin.

There were 35 Regional Directors (RD), 10 Assistant RDs, and 15 representatives who attended the Executive Briefing held at the Guimaras Trade and Information Center.

Initiated by the Regional Association of National Government Executives (RANGE), the Philippine Information Agency 6, and the Provincial Government of Guimaras, the activity enabled the provincial government and the national government agencies to identify areas of mutual concern and how best they can converge and work together to achieve their respective objectives of promoting development.

Atty. Rodolfo Encajonado, Civil Service Commission-6

Regional Director and RANGE President, said that the briefing gave the opportunity for the heads of offices and agencies to know where they can support and assist the provincial government of Guimaras through their agencies’ programs and projects and integrate this in their budget proposals for 2014.

Encajonado said that the activity also gave the chance for the new Guimaras Provincial Governor, Dr. Samuel Gumarin and the local government officials to meet with the different regional directors and heads of office.

One of the features of the briefing was the presentation of the development plan and executive agenda of the provincial government of Guimaras delivered by Governor Gumarin.

The conduct of executive briefings has been a partnership project of RANGE, PIA, and the local government unit concerned for the past 15 years. (JCM/LTP/PIA-Iloilo)

C. Visayas remains peaceful despite hike in crime volume

By Fayette C. Rinen CEBU CITY (PIA) -- Police officials in Central Visayas maintained the region still enjoys a favorable peace and order atmosphere despite an increase in crime volume for the past seven months this year compared to the same period of last year.

From January to July 2013, crime volume recorded was 26,221 cases for both index and non-index crimes compared to only 12, 532 cases of the same period in 2012, a presentation by the Police Regional Office (PRO) 7 on comparative crime statistics showed.

"There was an increase of 13,689 crime cases this year or equivalent to 109 percent," reported S/Supt. Armando Radoc, chief of the Regional Investigation and Detective Management Division of the Police Regional Office (PRO) 7 during the recent Talakayan sa Isyung Pulis (TSIP) Forum.

"The tremendous increase in crime volume is largely due to the new system in reporting where cases in the barangay level are now included in the record," bared Radoc adding "the situation in Central Visayas is the same as before, which is still relatively peaceful and safe."

S/Supt. Edward Carranza, regional chief directorial staff

of PRO 7 likewise said the new system of reporting is now being mandated by PNP Chief Alan Purisima.

"The Chief PNP wants a comprehensive report on crime volume even down to the barangays because he wants to see the situation as it is," disclosed Carranza.

Carranza said the public should not be alarmed by the drastic hike in crime volume because the situation in the region is still relatively peaceful.

"The concrete evidence that Central Visayas remains safe and peaceful is the influx of tourists coming to Cebu and Bohol and in the other provinces in the region. Central Visayas is a tourist destination which in itself indicates that peace and order prevails here," stressed S/Supt. Audie Villacin, chief of the Regional Police Community Relations Division.

Mandaue City Police Director Petronelli Baldebrin on the other hand, also said "there is no abnormal rise in crimes, what has just changed is the system of reporting,"which resulted to the increased crime volume.

"Crime prevention is a shared responsibility. The police cannot do it alone but needs the public’s cooperation and support," said Carranza as the country observes National Crime Prevention Week from September 1 to 7. (PIA 7)

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WESTERN VISAYAS

TERESA MAGBANUA - The sole Filipino woman ev er do cu ment e d in Philippine history to have led soldiers in the Visayas .

Caravan brings gov’t services to northern Iloilo

By Jaime S. Cabag, Jr. ILOILO CITY, Sept. 3 (PIA6) -- The Caravan of Government Services spearheaded by the Office of the Ombudsman in the Visayas - Region 6 last Aug. 29 brought a package of varied services to the people of Carles and several other towns in northern Iloilo.

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hese included cash grants under the Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program and social pension for the elderly, farm equipment, vegetable seeds and tree seedlings, inputs assistance for seaweeds farming projects, school supplies for elementary schoolchildren, Ovicidal/Larvicidal Traps, and scholarship grants in science and technology.

The caravan also brought in a medical and dental mission courtesy of the provincial government of Iloilo and national government agencies. The Philippine Army 301stBrigade provided Libreng Gunting and Libreng Masahe.

Iloilo Gov. Arthur Defensor, Sr. came to the caravan to assure the organizers of the support of the provincial government to the activity that benefits Ilonggos especially those who have less in life.

Defensor and other local government chief executives also interfaced with the heads of national government agencies during the Executives’ Forum on Partnership and Good Governance held in the afternoon.

The P4-million peso assistance that was turned over by DSWD6 consisted of more than P2.8 million in conditional cash grants for May and June 2013 for some 1,831 beneficiaries of the Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program (4Ps) and P1.16 million in checks for the social pension

program for indigent senior citizens aged 77 years old and above.

Two hand tractors, 2 threshers, 1 collapsible dryer and vegetable seeds were turned over by the Department of Agriculture to farmers of Carles, Balasan, Batad and Estancia. The Department of Environment and Natural Resources distributed tree seedlings.

The inputs assistance for seaweeds farming projects from the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR) went to fishers associations in Estancia, Carles and Batad.

The school supplies for school children were provided by the Department of the Interior and Local Government 6 Employees Association.

The Ovicidal/Larvicidal Traps (O-L Traps) from the Department of Science and Technology (DOST) were intended for the municipality of Carles. In addition, four scholarship grants for science and technology courses from DOST went to grantees from Carles, Balasan and Estancia.

There was also a free legal assistance desk for needy individuals.

Deputy Ombudsman for the Visayas Pelagio S. Apostol said the caravan has been spearheaded by their office since 2008 to bring government services closer to the people based on the principle of commitment to public service.

Nearly 40,000 persons in Western Visayas

benefited from the series of Caravans of Government Services initiated by the Office of the Ombudsman-Visayas Region 6 until the recent activity. The recent activity had some 5,000 beneficiaries, according to Ombudsman-Visayas Region 6 Graft Investigation Officer and Public Information Officer Evangeline G. Nunal.

Carles mayor Arnold Betita thanked the Office of the Ombudsman for bringing the caravan to his hometown which at 140 kilometers is the farthest town from this city. Other beneficiaries came from San Dionisio, Ajuy and Concepcion.

The caravan was participated in by various government agencies, government owned and controlled corporations, government financial institutions, local government units and partner-non government organizations under the one-stop-shop concept.

The national government institutions were led by Civil Service Commission (CSC) Regional Director Rodolfo Encajonado, president of the Regional Association of National Government Executives (RANGE).

The executives’ forum provided a venue wherein concerned national government agencies were apprised of the other needs and concerns of Carles and the other municipalities in the northern end of the province. (JSC-PIA6)

AKECO slates energization of 38 sitios

By Venus G. Villanueva KALIBO,Aklan, Sept. 3 (PIA6) -- Thirty-eight (38) remote sitios mostly in Aklan’s hinterland municipalities are set to be energized this year by the Aklan Electric Cooperative Incorporated (AKELCO) under the Sitio Electrification Program (SEP).

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EP, according to AKELCO, Aklan’s power distributor and project implementor, is recognized by President Benigno S. Aquino III as one of his banner programs in realizing the socio-economic development of the country by bringing electricity to every Filipino household.

The program’s implementation in Aklan is also in response to Aquino’s commitment of providing electricity to the poorest segment of the country as the country’s prime development measures.

The energization of 38 far-flung sitios in the province in 2013 followed the 2012

energization of 56 sitios under the program for 2012. Before this, 15 sitios with 551 households were earlier energized in the sitios of Ibajay, New Washington, Altavas, Makato and Nabas. Most of the sitios to be energized this year are in Libacao, Aklan which were already assessed by the institutional team of AKELCO. In the same instance, residents excited to have their houses lighted by electricity lined up to fill up membership forms with the help of the AKELCO staff. These sitios in Libacao could only be reached by several bamboo-raft rides across the headwaters of the Aklan River,

then riding on single motorcycles, sometimes by foot along treacherous mountain trails, according to the AKELCO personnel.

Besides the sites assessments, the AKELCO people also took the opportunity to conduct Pre-Membership Orientation Seminar (PMOS) to household representatives, one of the requirements before their houses could be provided with electricity. Under the program, the households’ house wiring installations including the wires (PDX) #12, #14,#16 to be used, 2 CFL lights, 2 switches, 1 outlet, 1 junction box and a circuit breaker are free.

(AKELCO/JCM/VGV PIA6 Aklan)

PHO to sustain campaign against dengue, chikungunya By: Pilar s. Mabaquiao SAN JOSE, Antique Sept. 3 (PIA6) – The Antique Provincial Health Office reported the latest 875 count of dengue cases and 1,102 cases of chikungunya.

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rene Duldulco, Information Officer of PHO urged Antiquenos to sustain the cleanup drive and advocacy campaign against dengue and chikungunya.

“Deadly mosquitoes carrying dengue and chikungunya virus can spread anytime. Weather condition can cause them to thrive in our homes and surroundings,” explained dulduco.

Intermittent rains and sunny weather is conducive for Aedes aegypti and Aedes albopictus (dengue mosquitoes) to multiply.

Cleaning up indoors and in community places should be in regular basis, she said.

PHO report revealed that cases were high for both dengue and chinkungunya in the last week of May to July with more than 900 persons affected with chikungunya and more

than 500 persons hit by dengue virus.

It is also sad to note that dengue claimed the lives of five persons, said Dulduco.

Children with ages 1-15 years old are among the most vulnerable group with 581 are affected with dengue, the report stated.

Dulduco said they expect that clean-up drive in schools will also be intensified. (JCM/ PSM/PIA6 Antique)

TERESA MAGBANUA - The sole Filipino woman ever documented in Philippine history to have led soldiers in the Visayas .

WESTERN VISAYAS

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PQA to usher performance excellence in the workplace

By Lorenzo O. Lambatin BACOLOD CITY, Sept. 6 (PIA6) -- The Philippine Quality Award, a global competitiveness template that aims to encourage and engage public and private organizations to attain performance excellence, will pave the way for a stronger economy, DTI Provincial Director Rebecca Rascon said.

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uring a recent PQA orientation here, Rascon said with a strong private sector performance and with the country’s high rating in the service sector-hotel, health, BPO and others, will create a favorable business climate that will attract local and foreign investors.

LGUs that will take part in this program will also enhance its business competitiveness as good business enabling environment policies come from local laws and regulations, she added.

DTI Center for Industrial Competitiveness Phillip Jason Roque said PQA aims to promote standards on organizational performance comparable to

those of leading business organizations in other countries.

It aims to establish national system for assessing quality and productivity performance in both private and public organizations and recognize organizations which have achieved exemplary levels of quality and business excellence.

Among the advantages of applying for the PQA is greater involvement of employees and encourages discipline in a fast changing business and customer environments.

The program also encourages results-orientation across processes that push growth and profits.

PQA recognized organizations earn

prestige in the corporate world and serve as role models for others.

John B. Lacson College Foundation, Inc., a school based in Region VI, was recognized for commitment to quality management in 2009 while john B. Lacson College Foundation-Arevalo, Inc. received the same recognition in 2005.

Among LGUs, the City Government of Marikina was recognized for proficiency in quality management in 1999.

Director Rascon said there are good indications LGUs and Small and Medium Enterprise in Negros Occ. can fare well if they apply in the program having received citations and awards from respectable institutions here. (PIA6/JCM/LOL)

Dengue vaccine available by 2014

by Alex A. Lumaque ROXAS CITY, Capiz, Sept. 5 (PIA6) -- Assistant Sec. Paulyn Jean Ubial said that a dengue vaccine will be available in the country next yearduring a press conference in view of the Lakbay Buhay Kalusugan health caravan on wheels last Sept. 4 in Dumarao town.

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We will be coming out with our recommendation for the dengue vaccine,” she said, adding that it is not necessary to vaccinate the entire population.

The DOH will study and pilot the dengue vaccination.

However, the DOH official stressed that cleanliness as a preemptive action is the best solution against dengue which has already registered two deaths from among

the 1,889 suspected cases as of Aug. 24 in the province. The figure includes 96 patients outside Capiz but were treated at the health facilities in the province.

During the media interaction, Provincial Health Officer Dr. Samuel Delfin said that dengue cases per week is now on a downtrend after the Provincial Dengue Summit last July.

The summit paves the way for an

intensified information campaign by the local government units at the grassroots level to make the people aware on dengue carrying mosquitos' threat to life.

The interaction was also graced by Capiz Gov. Victor A. Tanco, Sr., Dumarao mayor Leslie Warren A. Benjamin and Sangguniang Panlalawigan Committee on Health head Karen Palomar, among others.

(JCM/AAL/PIA 6 Capiz)

107 competing entries up in Reg'l Invention contest

By Lilibeth A. French ILOILO CITY, Sept. 4 (PIA6) - - A total of 107 entries from researchers, inventors and students in Western Visayas is showcased in the ongoing 2013 Regional Invention Contests and Exhibits (RICE) which will run until September 5, 2013.

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he 107 locally-developed inventions and scientific researches that are featured at Robinson’s Place Iloilo City compete for awards and cash prizes in the six contest categories as follows: 8 entries for the Utility Model category; 22 inventions for Creative Research Category (Likha Award) ; 1 invention each for the Industrial Design and Invention (Tuklas Award) categories; and 54 researches for the Student Creative Research (SIBOL) award for high school level and 21 researches for the college level.

Department of Science and Technology (DOST) Undersecretary for Scientific and Technological Services Prof. Fortunato De La Pena said the contest is an opportunity for local researchers and inventors to show what they have developed out of their creativity and inventiveness.

“Hopefully they can get some feedbacks from people who go around and see the exhibits that can give them an idea how to proceed like comments and questions that will tell them areas for improvement or things that need to be explored more,” said De La Pena who was the guest speaker of the event’s opening ceremonies.

De La Pena said that through the activity there is also a possibility that inventors and researchers can be assisted and promoted by government agencies, whether at the national or local level.

“The other benefit is that when they are selected here they will compete nationally, and definitely, is a big honor and opens up a lot of opportunities,” said De La Pena.

Awarding of winners was set to highlight the closing program in the afternoon of

September 5.

Aside from the cash prizes, top winners in the different categories will represent the region in the National Invention Contests and Exhibits in 2014.

Just like RICE, the National Invention Contests and Exhibits is held every two years to provide a venue to stimulate and encourage inventiveness and ingenuity of Filipinos.

It also provides support to Filipino inventors by bringing their invention and innovations to the public’s appreciation and possible commercialization.

These invention contests are conducted in partnership with DOST-Technology Application and Promotion Institute as mandated by Republic Act 7549 known as the Investors and Invention Incentives Act of the Philippines. (JCM/LAF/PIA6)

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CENTRAL VISAYAS

DENR-7 urges LCEs to construct water catchments

By Juju Manubag-Empuerto

Hen. Arcadio Maxilom y Molero - is best remembered for stubbornly refusing to surrender to the American occupying forces even as his fellow rev o lu t ionaries in Manila and Cebu were starting to capitulate or collaborate with the new colonial power.

CEBU CITY (PIA) -- Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) 7 Regional Executive Director Dr. Isabelo R. Montejo urged local chief executives (LCE) to construct water catchments in upstreams and or uplands within their area of responsibility (AOR).

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ontejo made this call amidst the devastating impacts of flooding in order to serve as one of the solution to contain and catch the rainwater moving downwards.

“The establishment of additional catchments or small water impounding dams or SWIDs is part of the physical development plan which the Cabinet cluster on climate change is proposing, not only to guide physical expansions but also to help improve the country’s resilience to global warming and climate-related disasters,” added Montejo.

He said the mountain tops have gone bald due to indiscriminate cutting of trees so water rushes faster down the mountain slopes carrying mountain soil that chokes

the rivers and streams with silt, while causing flashfloods in the plains.

"Rainwater harvesting facilities like SWIDs are effective for managing rainwater, which can be used as a supplemental source of water for irrigation," said Montejo.

“Trees moderate water flows by absorbing large amounts of water during heavy rainfall and releasing it gradually during dry season,” he added.

He explained that trees provide a lasting solution to climate change as trees not only store carbon in their trunks and branches, but gives out oxygen from its leaves to sustain life on earth during the process of photosynthesis.

The DENR-7 official stressed that “this

is actually the objective why the Aquino administration is embarking on a massive reforestation through the national greening program not just to address the poverty situation but at the same time mitigate the impacts of climate change.”

At the same time, Montejo urged the public to help in protecting the region’s water bodies, as well as in planting trees which play an important role in sustaining the flow of our rivers and creeks.

Montejo also urged the public to continue tree planting, saying that trees are important in cleaning the atmosphere, replenishing our water bodies, and in mitigating global warming. (rmn/JSME/ PIA-Cebu/DENR7)

PCA rewards coco farmers in participatory planting program

By Rey Anthony H. Chiu TAGBILARAN CITY (PIA) -- At the onset of misbehaving copra prices in the world market, the Philippine Coconut Authority (PCA) offers reward to coco farmers who want to joint its Participatory Coconut Planting (PCP) program.

CA-Bohol manager Timoteo Lago, Jr. adopts a participatory and reward system is now worth P10.8 million all over Bohol . said PCA is releasing P10.8 million approach in replanting or planting new areas This is a hassle-free rare offer by the incentive as its first batch of rewards with the native, hybrid or the dwarf coconut government, emphasizes Carmelo Tandugon, to farmers who successfully picked the varieties.

PCA Bohol senior agriculturist, who added that seedlings, prepare them in nurseries and According to Lago, farmers who after getting the incentive, the coconut farmers plant them in their coco farms. participate in the program are allowed to do not have to return any amount to the In a Kapihan sa PIA recently, Lago said, handpick the variety they like to raise, government. another set of incentive is due when these prepare the areas to be planted and then Over and above all these, PCA is also into farmers show proof that the seedlings planted transplant and stabilize seedlings on the its salt fertilization program where it gives free are stabilized and are surviving. ground, for monetary incentive amounting to agricultural grade salt to interested farmers This is despite the ongoing government's P18.00 per plant. Six to eight months later, who have a maximum of five hectares of attempts to stabilize the price of copra by when the transplanted seedlings have stabilized coco-plantations. bringing local production processes here, in the half a cubic meter hole within the 9 PCA information officer, Allan Cajilog instead of relying on the export of such copra meters by 9 meters or ten by ten meters also told the information officers of AUDIO for oil. spacing, farmers are again entitled to another about PCA’s receipt of some 23,957 bags of While stressing that copra price trends monetary incentive equivalent to P22.00 per salt fertilizer programmed to 528,925 coconut tend to be erratic, Lago hinted that the key live plant, he added. trees covering some 5,000 to 6,000 hectares intervention is to be able to produce and take Lago also said in 2013, Bohol PCA targets for Bohol province. on the most as copra prices do not stay low all 2700 hectares to be covered by the Interested farmers who want to avail of the time. project. Once the first verification and the offered services can contact 501-7716 or He then urged coco-farmers who still inspection sorties are completed, the first visit the PCA near the LTO compound in have idle lots to spare to join the PCP, which batch of incentives will be released which Tagbilaran City . (mbcn/rahc/PIA7-Bohol)

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DOJ to hold outreach program in Alegria, Cebu BY: RACHELLE M. NESSIA CEBU CITY (PIA) -- The Office of the Provincial Prosecutor (OPP) in Cebu will hold a two-day outreach activity in Alegria town to mark the 116th anniversary of the Department of Justice (DOJ).

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he outreach will be held at the Batong Malunhaw Municipal Resort, Alegria on Sept. 27 from 1:30 to 5:30 in the afternoon, and on Sept. 28 from 9:00 in the morning to 4:00 in the afternoon.

The activity is also held in line with OPP Cebu’s “Access to Justice” project.

It is undertaken by OPP in coordination with the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI), Bureau of Immigration and Deportation (BID), Integrated Bar of the Philippines – Cebu Chapter (IBP),

Department of Health (DOH), and the Philippine Health Insurance Corp.

(Philhealth). OPP Cebu, during the outreach program, will be offering free notarial services for live births and affidavits, issuance of free Prosecutor’s Clearance, and follow-up on status of cases filed.

NBI will process and issue NBI clearances (NBI fees apply).

Philhealth, on the other hand, will cater to the following services: membership status inquiry; printing of Member’s Data Record;

Printing of Philhealth ID Card; Member registration; and updating/amendment of member’s records.

BID will attend to visa extension for aliens, while DOH will extend healthy lifestyle lectures, Botika ng Barangay, and distribute information, education, and communication materials.

Residents and foreigners from Alcantara, Moalboal Badian, Alegria, Malabuyoc, and Ginatilan are enjoined to avail of said services. (RMN/PIA Cebu )

Hen. Arcadio Maxilom y Molero - is best remembered for stubbornly refusing to surrender to the American occupying forces even as his fellow rev o lu t ionaries in Manila and Cebu were starting to capitulate or collaborate with the new colonial power.

CENTRAL VISAYAS

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Red Cross commends SMART for initiatives in Cebu

BY: FERLIZA C. CONTRATISTA CEBU CITY (PIA) -- For the support it has shown to the various initiatives of Philippine National Red Cross (PNRC) in Cebu, Smart Communications, Inc. (SMART) received a Diploma of Service from PNRC.

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n a press release sent to Philippine Information Agenccy-Cebu, PNRC commended SMART for supporting the different initiatives of PNRC in Cebu City and the Eastern Visayas Regional Blood Center Cebu chapter.

The Diploma of Service was given to the telecommunications company recently in recognition of its assistance that helped ensure the success of PRC’s various projects.

The certificate in its citation said: “Diploma of Service presented to Smart Communications ( Cebu ) by the Philippine Red Cross for meritorious services rendered in furtherance of Red Cross ideals and purposes."

The diploma was signed by PRC Chairman and CEO Richard J. Gordon.

For the past 10 years, Smart has been regularly conducting blood donation drives in Cebu with external partners, including the University of the Visayas (UV).

Activities were also done outside Cebu as Smart organized early this year a

blood-letting activity in Dumaguete City in partnership with the city’s Redemptorist Parish. A similar activity was also done in Bacolod City with the VMA Global College.

According to Smart, they hold blood-letting activities thrice a year in Dumaguete, and twice a year in Bacolod . Smart employees have been constantly participating in PRC activities as the company promotes the culture of volunteerism.

As part of its support to PRC, Smart has also been providing communications support to the various chapters especially during times of disasters. Last month, the company donated mobile handsets to PRC Cebu and Iloilo chapters.

It also offers free phone and calling services to those affected by recent calamities. Smart and PRC have been working together for many years now in disaster response efforts, combining their resources to reach out and extend help to affected communities all over the country.

Meanwhile, “In times of calamities, media should be anchors of stability,” a

speaker said in a 3-day seminar workshop on weather patterns, climate change, weather forecasting, disaster risk reduction management and other programs and services of the Philippine Atmospheric Geophysical Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA-7) at the Sarrosa International Hotel, Cebu City recently.

PAGASA information office chief, Venus Valdemoro said, the seminar-workshop is one of the key programs of the weather bureau in information dissemination of their services to the public and to strengthen ties with the local media.

Some 25 Media practitioners in Central Visayas attended the workshop.

“We recognize the partnership we have with the media because they are our link to the public,” Valdemoro added.

She noted that it is important to inform the members of the media on the developments on their products and services so that they can also share these to the public. (rmn/FCC/PIACEBU with RAL report)

Guv vows to boost Siquijor tourism BY: RIZALIE A. CALIBO SIQUIJOR (PIA) — Siquijor provincial governor Zaldy Villa vowed to support tourism programs in Siquijor province.

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e said the new administration have already identified the roads that lead to the tourist spots and other provincial roads that have to be improved for the convenience of the travelers.

Among his priorities are the repair and improvement of Cang-alwang airport and building a decent airport terminal to provide an alternative mode of transportation to

tourists coming to the island especially those who are afraid to travel by sea.

The provincial government is also bent on improving Siquijor port by widening the pre-departure area, maintaining clean toilets and widening the parking areas, Villa said.

Other things that he said should be prioritized are building reliable water systems, reducing cost of electricity, and

improving the capability and capacity of the provincial hospital so that everybody including the tourists will be assured of excellent medical care.

As part of good governance of Siquijor, Governor Villa stressed that one of his major thrusts is to increase employment opportunities in order to improve the living standard of the Siquijodnons. (mbcn/ RACalibo/PIA7-Siquijor)

DENR allots over P79-M for mechanized nursery in NegOr BY: JENNIFER C. TILOS DUMAGUETE CITY (PIA) -- The Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) has allocated P79,323,000 for the construction of mechanized nursery facility for seedlings in Negros Oriental to boost the National Greening Program (NGP).

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rovincial Environment and Natural Resources Officer (PENRO) Oscar Magallones said the mechanized nursery intends to target 40 million seedling capacity in a 10-hectare lot at Barangay Banban in Ayungon town.

Magallones said only five pilot areas in the country have this kind of nursery which include National Capital Region, Region 5, Region 13, DENR-Central Office, and Negros Oriental in Region 7.

Of the areas identified, Negros Oriental has the biggest seedling capacity area.

CENRO in Ayungon was cited as a model site of NGP as its people’s

organizations also earn its livelihood under the NGP, said Magallones.

The environmental department has targeted to complete the construction of the nursery including the greenhouse, road improvements, among others, for seedling production this year.

Magallanes said the mechanized nursery will produce high quality forest tree seedlings which include indigenous tree species, fruit bearing trees such as coffee and cacao for planting materials.

According to the Magallones, the nursery can supply seedlings to other neighboring regions and its provinces by

2014.

By virtue of Executive Order No. 26, signed by His Excellency Benigno Aquino III, a massive forest rehabilitation program for the country has been implemented under the NGP. NGP aims to reforest 1.5 million hectares of denuded land in the country by planting 1.5 billion trees from 2011 to 2016.

Overall objectives of the National Greening Program are poverty reduction, food security, biodiversity conservation, and environment mitigation. (rmn/JCT/ PIA7-Negros Oriental)

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EASTERN VISAYAS

5-member committee evaluates NSU top official

EUGENIO DAZA Y SALAZAR ‐ He joined the revolutionary forces in Samar during the second phase of the Revolution.

He was assigned by Vicente Lukban to lead the Balangiga attack on September 28, 1901.

By: Rodrigo S. Victoria NAVAL, Biliran, Sept. 4 (PIA) -- A committee composed of five members has evaluated on Monday, September 2, the performance of the top official of the Naval State University (NSU) here in Biliran province.

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he evaluation committee for the NSU President is composed of Dr. Emerlinda R. Roman, former president of the University of the Philippines (UP) as chairman with Dr. Libertad P. Garcia, regional director of the Commission on Higher Education (CHED) in Region 8, Dr. Jose L. Bacusmo, president of the Visayas State University (VSU) representing the Philippine Association of State Universities and Colleges (PASUC) in Region 8, Engr. Arthur Calomadre representing the NSU academe and Engr.

Marianita A. Carloman representing the private sector as members.

Dr. Matias A. Bentor Jr., board secretary of the NSU Board of Regents (BOR) and Noli R. Reynaldo, executive assistant of CHED

chairman Ruperto Sangalang were also present during the evaluation held at the NSU president’s office.

The evaluation committee asked questions from the representatives from the NSU officials and employees, alumni, students and the private sector.

They also asked several questions regarding the performance of Dr. Edita S. Genson in her four-year stint as president of NSU since November 9, 2009.

Meanwhile, Bentor, NSU board secretary, in a mobile phone interview revealed that the results of the evaluation will be given to the NSU board of regents.

He said that if the results of the evaluation committee is double outstanding (i.e.

outstanding in rating and unanimous in the evaluation committee), Genson will be reappointed for another four year term as president of NSU. The NSU board will create a search committee if Genson fails to get the double outstanding rating, he added.

However, he informed that it is still the unanimous vote of the NSU board that will determine if Genson will be reappointed or not.

He opined that maybe the NSU board will just put an officer-in-charge of NSU due to time constraint since the term of Genson as president of NSU will expire on November 9, 2013. (PIA -Biliran)

One-Step tourism convergence project to benefit 3 North Samar LGUs TACLOBAN CITY, Leyte, Sept. 4 (PIA) -- The One-Step convergence project of the Department of Tourism, the Department of Social Welfare and Development and the United States Agency for International Development, will be implemented in three municipalities of Northern Samar.

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OT 8 One-Step Focal Person Ms. Trina Dacuycuy told the Philippine Information Agency that included in the One-Step Map in Eastern Visayas are three municipalities of Northern Samar namely, Silvino Lobos, Las Navas and Catubig.

Ms. Dacuycuy said this cluster of municipalities have eco-tourism potentials. Las Navas is bounded on the north by the town of Catubig and on the west by the town of Silvino Lobos.

Las Navas, Ms. Dacuycuy said, has three tourism destination sites. The Pinipisakan Falls being called as one of the best kept secrets of Northern Samar, a series of star-like waterfalls, a multi-layered cascading attraction about 15 kilometers away from the from the poblacion area upstream Las Navas River (Catubig River).

The town also has the beautiful Las Navasnon Cave or Kilometer 3 Cave known as such because it is located near 3 km hanging bridge.

Another tourism activity in Las Navas is

the Santo Nino Fluvial Parade which features colorful fluvial parade and street dancing.

Meanwhile, Silvino Lobos has been known as the summer capital of Northern Samar because of its cool weather comparable to Baguio.

On the other hand, the town of Catubig is known as the scene of a battle between the Samarnons and the Americans known as the Siege of Catubig during the Philippine-American War. The Siege of Catubig was fought on April 15, 1901 and lasted four days. It also takes pride of its century old Catubig Church, the Embahada Festival, Catubig River and the Viena Marina Falls.

The first activity for the One-Step Project will entail site assessment and validation of tourism sites. The second activity is the preparation of site development plan, product development plan, human resource development plan and the site and market development. The third activity is the preparation of Framework Plan for

identification of priority development sites, Ms.Dacuycuy said.

The target is to include the poor at the start of the development process rather than to target them as a recipient of trickle-down effects of thinly spread public and private investments. The project also calls for the coordination with the LGUs from select communities for project conceptualization, sustainable implementation, monitoring and impact evaluation, Ms. Dacuycuy added.

It would also call for the conduct of assessment studies on supply chain requirements such as products and services by tourism enterprises that will serve as inputs to the skills training and livelihood programs; and conduct of joint advocacy programs for the protection of women and children through the Child Wise and Gender Development Programs and for the provision of accessible tourist facilities and services to the physically challenged visitors and community members. (PIA-8)

Thousands join ATOM mass, procession in Tacloban TACLOBAN CITY, Leyte, Sept. 3 (PIA) -- Thousands of Catholics joined the August Thirty One Miracle (ATOM) procession in the city on August 31 as a manifestation of their gratitude to the Lord for keeping safe the residents of Tacloban and the whole of Region 8 when a 7.6 magnitude earthquake struck on August 31 a year ago. he procession passed through the him in thanking the Lord for saving the people away by giant waves were it not for God’s main streets of the City at 3:30 in the from a terrible earthquake. intervention”, Archbishop Du said. afternoon and culminated He said, ’We could have been wiped out Moreover, he called on the people to be at the Sto. Nino Church where a Thanksgiving and we could not have been here today now always humble before God because according Mass was held with HIs Excellency Archbishop but because of God’s mercy and love we are to the word of God” the more we humble of Palo John F. Du as the main here today, so it is but proper to praise and ourselves the more we become favorable to celebrant, and with a number of priest glorify Him.” God.” concelebrating.

The August 31, 2012 earthquake has been Meanwhile, fun run enthusiasts converged Although the procession ended up at considered a miracle because no one was hurt early morning of Saturday for the fun run around 4:30 in the afternoon, the believers did and no buildings collapsed when the strong intended to commemorate the ATOM. not go home, instead they patiently waited for quake jolted the city and many parts of Eastern The August Thirty One Miracle (ATOM) the mass at 5:30 in the afternoon.

Visayas. was organized and managed by the various In his homily, Archbishop Du expressed “Thousand of lives would have been lost local media in partnership with the Santo Nino his gratitude to the faithful for joining and towns or barangays could have been swept Parish Church. (PIA-8)

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EUGENIO DAZA Y SALAZAR ‐ He joined the revolutionary forces in Samar during the second phase of the Revolution.

He was assigned by Vicente Lukban to lead the Balangiga attack on September 28, 1901.

EASTERN VISAYAS

7

So. Leyte government adopts three Maasin

MAASIN CITY, Southern Leyte, Sept. 2 (PIA) -- Governor Roger Mercado on Wednesday announced that the barangay of Combado, as well as Bilibol and Asuncion, all three from this city, are adopted by the province, and as such will be given extra care and attention on top of existing government programs.

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I declare starting today that barangay Combado will be one of three barangays adopted by the province, the other two being Bilibol and Asuncion," Mercado announced during the opening ceremony of a socio-civic gathering he organized at the Maasin City National High School Campus located in barangay Combado.

The event, an outreach program that included free medical-dental mission for senior citizens, feeding of children of 4Ps beneficiaries, food-for-work, and distribution of bundles of joy, was aptly called "Gasa Para sa Barangay Combado" and was intended as part of a series

of activities which highlighted the 62nd birthday celebration on August 29 of the lawmaker turned Governor.

The provincial and city offices of the Social Welfare department, including health workers, assisted more than three hundred poor folks in extending the needed services.

Asked in the presscon after the brief program to elaborate on the "adoption", Mercado said the three barangay needed special concern for social services due to high incidence of poverty.

Barangay Combado, the biggest barangay in the city and province in terms of area and

population, had a dengue fever fatality about three weeks ago owing to its crowded community hence the need to focus on sanitation, among other areas of concern, Mercado said.

In barangay Bilibol, Mercado said he led a tree-planting activity in the vicinity of its school, while in barangay Asuncion he had set aside a P 1.5 Million fund for the construction of a school building for the integrated school in the barangay, whose elementary school campus also accommodated the Asuncion National High School which opened its grade 7 starting this school year. (PIA-Southern Leyte)

Region 8 nominee wins national search for Idol ng TESDA, self-employed By: Erlinda Olivia Pecson Tiu TACLOBAN CITY, Leyte, Sept. 1 (PIA) -- The representative of Eastern Visayas in the national search for Idol ng TESDA, self-employed category bested four other finalists from other regions of the country and was proclaimed National Winner.

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irector Cleta Omega of the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority Regional Office 8 said that Dr. Jacqueline S. De Paz, administrator of St. Clare Polytechnic School of Burauen, Inc., 38 years old, married and mother of one boy, by winning the title, has brought honor and pride to Eastern Visayas Region.

Dr. De Paz received a trophy and cash award of P25,000 from a fellow Waraynon Mr. Boy Abunda, who was the keynote speaker during the awarding rites.

Mr. Abunda was assisted by TESDA Secretary Joel Villanueva during the Awarding Ceremonies on August 23, 2013 at the Tandang Sora Hall, TESDA Women’s Center, Taguig City.

Dr. De Paz also received a plaque of recognition and cash prize of P5,000 for being this year’s Regional Awardee.

Dr. De Paz is a medical doctor but she made a career change, she trained and became

actively involved in technical education and skills development because she wanted to help the families in her hometown, Burauen, especially those who cannot afford to send their children to school to pursue their dream of gaining access to education and acquire productive skills.

Dr. Jackie as she is fondly called by her town mates finds complete joy and fulfillment.

In seeing that her kababayans find employment to augment their family income after completing training in her institution which offers training on Food & Beverage Services National Certificate (NC) II, Housekeeping NC II, Bartending NC II, Front Office NC II and Household Services NC II. Dr. Jackie also sees to it that the graduates find ready employment by hiring them as on-call waiters and food server attendants in the catering business she had also set up in May of 2012.

The search for TESDA Idols is being

conducted annually by TESDA to give due recognition to graduates of technical education and skills development (TESD) programs who have attained skills excellence and success in their chosen occupation and contributed to the economic growth in their communities, Ms. Elizabeth Canales, TESDA Information Officer said.

The Search has two (2) categories, the self-employed category and the wage-employed category.

The Self-employed Category is open to both male and female TVET graduates who operate a business as a sole proprietor, partner in a partnership, independent contractor or consultant for at least 3 years.

On the other hand, the Wage-employed Category is open to male and female TVET graduates who work at an employer’s facility, use the employer’s equipment and receive a paycheck whether their work is completed or not, for at least the last three years, Ms. Canales said. (PIA-8)

SSS urges more trike drivers to join Alkansya Program

By Alice Nicart BORONGAN CITY, Eastern Samar, Sept. 4 (PIA) -- More tricycle drivers are encouraged to join in the Alkansya Program of the Social Security Council (SSS) here.

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SS Provincial Manager, Atty. Oliver Menda said that at present, the office has recorded some 120 tricycle drivers as members of the SSS Alkansya Program which was launched in June this year, but as of press time, only about 65 had been issued of their SSS Cards.

In the June Program Launching, SSS encouraged the drivers to put-in a few cents to the Alkansya which was posted at the Borongan City Hall.

These tricycle drivers are members of the

organization plying the route to and from the Eastern Samar State University (ESSU) campus, some 10mins. drive from the city.

However, of the 65 who were issued SSS cards, only 19 are religiously paying their monthly dues of P312.00.

Menda then, called on the drivers concerned to update their contributions in order to fully avail of the SSS benefits just like regular members.

Furthermore, Menda said that the Alkansya Program is not limited to drivers,

other informal sectors can join he said, market and fish vendors for instance, he added.

Meanwhile, asked on the local compliance of Kasambahay Law, Menda informed that some 15 local employers have registered their househelps.

This is quite low, he said, but this is good enough for a start, admitting further that a massive information campaign with media, has to be conducted by SSS to achieve their desired target percentage of compliance.

(PIA-Eastern Samar)

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