One Visayas e-Newsletter Vol 3 Issue 37

Vol 3

Issue 37

In this Issue WESTERN VISAYAS

WINNER. Aviation electronics technician Elmer Vincent Abella of Arevalo, Iloilo City and his entry "Side Car Body for Tricycle", which was adjudged as the regional winner in the Industrial Design Category of the recent 2013 Regional Invention Contests and Exhibits for Western Visayas of DOST. (LAF/PIA6)

More on Region 6, pages 2-3.

Also CLICK Here…

CENTRAL VISAYAS

September 9 - 15, 2013

Published by: PIA 6, 7 & 8

5 WV agencies bag CSC seal of excellence By: Leonard T. Pineda I ILOILO CITY, September 13 (PIA) --- Western Visayas has the most number of government service agencies accorded with the Citizen’s Satisfaction Center Seal of Excellence Award by the Civil Service Commission (CSC) for 2013.

In his keynote speech during the award ceremony held Friday at the Days Hotel here, CSC Chairman Francisco Duque III said that five out of 19 government agencies conferred with the seal of excellence throughout the country come from Region VI. The Citizen’s Satisfaction Center Seal of Excellence Award is aligned with the implementation of Republic Act No. 9485 or the Anti-Red Tape Act (ARTA) of 2007.

The award is conferred annually to government agencies which were subjected to the ARTA Report Card Survey (RCS) and have demonstrated excellence in public service performance as selected by the Commission and have passed all the areas of the RCS with an overall score of 90 – 100 points or a descriptive rating of “Excellent”.

The following agencies in Western Visayas received the CSC Seal of Excellence award: Department of Tourism (DOT) Boracay Field Office which obtained a rating of 93.64 percent; Development Bank of the Philippines (DBP) Bacolod City Branch with 92.54 percent; National Statistics Office (NSO) Aklan Provincial Office with 92.43 percent; Government Service Insurance System (GSIS) Bacolod City Branch with 91.57 percent; and Land Transportation Office (LTO) Roxas

City District Office with a rating of 90.38 percent.

The CSC chief said that initiatives implemented by these government agencies are corollary to the CSC’s goal of establishing a responsive, accessible, courteous, and effective system of delivery to the Filipino people.

He also said that Region VI has become a cradle of good governance as shown by the number of agencies awarded with the seal of excellence.

He added that the region has been consistent for it also had the most number of agencies awarded with eight out of 31 for the year 2012. (JCM/LTP/PIA-Iloilo)

Civil Service Commission Chairman Francisco Duque III (5th from left) poses with the awardees of the 2013 CSC Citizen’s Satisfaction Center Seal of Excellence Award. At extreme right is CSC6 Regional Director lawyer Rodolfo Encajonado. (LTP/PIA6 Iloilo)

US envoy reads to Bohol kids to promote marine conservation

PIA-Bohol Infocen Manager Rey Anthony Chiu (standing) handles the News Writing Workshop to 120 students of Ubay National Science High and Union High School as PIA's contribution to the Education component of the HEAT IT caravan in Ubay, Bohol on Sept.

4. (ecb/PIA-Bohol)

More on Region 7, pages 4-5.

Also CLICK Here…

BY: JENNIFER C. TILOS DUMAGUETE CITY (PIA) --U.S. Ambassador Harry K. Thomas led recently a reading session to more than 30 public school children in Barangay Taloto, Tagbilaran City to promote marine conservation.

Thomas read a story about fish in Mabaw Reef, a marine protected area where children’s parents have been fishing as their main livelihood.

Thomas said “The best way to ensure the success of our initiatives is to educate the younger generation about their responsibility to the environment as they will soon be the caretakers of the country’s rich resources.”

The school children were also treated to play with three mascots that represent the flagship fish species of different Bohol municipalities.

in the species and habitats that make their communities unique.

Pride includes a holistic combination of capacity building in management, enforcement and governance, underpinned by a strong community mobilization and behavior change campaign using social marketing.

To date, RARE which is supported by USAID has partnered with 25 of the Philippines’ 850 coastal municipalities, focusing primarily on building community support and infrastructure for fishery “no-take zones” and local enforcement.

This four-year program seeks to improve municipal MPA networks, covering 25 focal MPAs that total over 1,500 hectares of MPA. USAID mission director Gloria Steele was with Thomas during the visit was also welcomed by local officials of the province.

Country Senior Director Rocky Tirona appreciated the The mascots also represented the 'Pride Campaign' Bohol provincial government as the site of past which is the signature program of Resource Assistance for USAID-supported coastal and marine management programs.

Rural Environment (RARE) aims to inspire people to take pride (mbcn/JCT/PIA7-Negros Oriental)

EASTERN VISAYAS

Tacloban hosts Next Wave Cities ICT Roadshow 2nd edition GOVERNMENT CENTER, Palo, Leyte, Sept. 12 (PIA) — Tacloban City is hosting a provincial leg of the Next Wave Cities ICT Roadshow 2nd edition, Sept. 12-13, with the theme Bringing ICT Opportunities to Countryside Filipino Talents at the Tacloban City Convention Center.

DOST Region 8 Director Edgardo Esperancilla said that the activity is part of the series of ICT roadshows of the next wave cities second edition conducted by the Department of Regional director Olive P. Tiu of the Science and Technology Information and Communications Philippine Information Agency 8 plants Technology Office (DOST-ICTO) outside of Metro Manila m a n g ro v e p ropa g u l e s du rin g t h e together with its key partners, the Information Technology and KBP-DILG-led Oplan Broadcastreeing, Business Process Association of the Philippines and the September 7 in Brgy. Malibago, Babatngon, National ICT Confederation of the Philippines.

Leyte, a mangrove area, which is identified as In 2012, the ICT roadshows were conducted in 9 next one of the DENR National Greening Program wave cities. This year, the ICT roadshow were set in 10 next sites. (PIA-8) wave cities namely, Naga City on August 8-9; Cagayan de Oro City on August 22-23; Laoag City on September 5-6; and in Tacloban City on September 12-13.

After Tacloban City, ICT Roadshows will also be conducted in Butuan City, Puerto Princesa City, Baguio City, More on Region 8, pages 6-7.

Tarlac City, Iloilo City and Rizal province.

The roadshow aims to provide a proper venue for the Also CLICK Here... government, the industry players, the academe and the

stakeholders to present and discuss the prospects of the Information Technology Business Process Management industry in providing job opportunities and economic development in the countryside.

Director Esperancilla said the roadshow has several components aside from the IT-BPM career talks. There are also ITpreneurship talks, possible job fairs and mini-workshops or seminars on specific sectors.

The Opening Ceremonies was graced by City Mayor Alfred Romualdez and Leyte Governor Dominic L. Petilla.

It was followed by the rationale by the DOST-ICTO, the presentation on ICT Industry and the Next New Wave Cities government perspective and the private sector perspective.

Other presentations included Leyte-Tacloban City as Next New Wave City by the ICT Head, and a short presentation on ROI of Investing in Eastern Visayas.

There were testimonials by local speakers composed of call center agent/supervisor, Healthcare BPM professional, Animator/Game developer, BPO company owner/ITpreneur, and parent of a successful BPO worker, industry presentations with the speakers discussing briefly each sector, its achievements and potentials, a talk on preparing to land a job in the IT-BPM industry, and other highlights. (PIA 8)

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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 .

PPA reviews LGUs’ capacity to manage ports By: Elsa S. Subong ILOILO CITY, Sept. 10 (PIA6) – The Philippine Ports Authority here has been evaluating the capacity and profiles of the local government units, in the latter’s bid to manage their local ports.

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o far, according to PPA Manager Engr.

Manuel Buholano, the towns of Guimbal, Estancia and Dumangas have expressed their desire to manage their ports.

Buholano said the town of Guimbal is in the process of complying with the documentary requirements for port and business operations and the training of its personnel.

The towns of Dumangas and Estancia are still getting into consultations with them on how to take over operations of their ports.

The town of Buenavista in Guimaras, on the other hand, is now in the process of renewing their permit as the three-year Memo of Agreement has recently expired.

“Upon expiration of the MOA, the PPA automatically takes over the operation until a new agreement is signed,” Buholano said.

Presidential Decree 857 on operational requirement for port operations provides that the LGU should maintain the standard capitalization of P250,000 to P500,000 and a working capital of P50,000 to P100,000.

Further, the law requires that those supervising the ports should have relevant technical and management experience in cargo handling business and port operations.

Buholano added that the functions of the LGU include operating cargo handling and other related services within the port, as well as any port-related economic activity.

Moreover, he said, the LGU is allowed to collect domestic port charges,

cargo-handling fees, and other charges authorized by the PPA. In return, the LGU should pay the PPA a quarterly supervision fee equivalent to 10 percent of the total revenue from all domestic port charges, while the remaining amount shall be considered as income of the local government concerned.

To guarantee payment of the quarterly supervision fee, the LGU should post the required performance security from the Government Service Insurance System or any reputable insurance company, in the amount of P100,000 in favour of PPA. “When the LGUs meet these requirements, then it can be said that they are able and qualified to manage their ports,” Buholano said. (JCM/ESS/PIA-Iloilo)

Kalibo businessmen open to CCTV installations

By Venus G. Villanueva KALIBO, Aklan, September 12 (PIA6) -- Kalibo’s businessmen have chosen to be safe and secured while conducting their daily business with their warm acceptance of a Kalibo Sangguniang Bayan draft ordinance for the installation of Close Circuit Television (CCTV) cameras in their respective establishments.

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he businessmen expressed their willingness to install CCTVs in their establishments at the recent public hearing held by the SB Committee on Public Utilities, Transportation, Communication, Energy and Facilities on the “Draft Ordinance Requiring all Commercial, Industrial and Educational Establishments To Adopt and Install Closed Circuit Television Security System Within Their Respective Facilities and Providing Penalties for Violation Thereof”.

At the public hearing, SB Member Augusto Tolentino, Committee Chairperson, explained to business owners

the urgent need for the installation of CCTVs as this is effective in information gathering, securing of properties and eliminates danger in the life of security guards tasks to protect establishments especially at night.

Tolentino added CCTVs could help prevent violent crimes, deter those planning to steal or commit crimes or destruct properties.

CCTVs also promote safe and peaceful living as businessmen, as well as the community will feel secure with the presence of these electronic gadgets in their establishments. For his part, PSupt. John

Lemuel Villafranca, Kalibo Chief of Police, said the installation of CCTVs will be a big help to the PNP as this will enable them to identify and apprehend suspects, contributing to the fast resolution of crimes.

Villafranca added CCTV digital records will also aid government prosecutors in issuing decisions as these could be used as evidences. Implementation of the draft ordinance, according to members of the Kalibo Sangguniang Bayan, will be next year, in time with the renewal of business permits of the municipality’s business community. (LGU-Kalibo/VGV/JCM-PIA6 Aklan)

CSC urges civil servants to be servant heroes By: Jemin B. Guillermo ROXAS CITY, Capiz, Sept. 12 (PIA6) – The Civil Service Commission urges public servants to become servant-heroes.

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apiz CSC Director lawyer Maria Lina Gonzaga said that the 113th Philippine Civil Service anniversary this September emphasizes civil service as the backbone of government.

She said that the celebration encourages public servants to cross the line between being ordinary civil servants to being servant heroes or “lingkod bayani.” She stressed that a servant hero is one who is responsive, accessible, courteous and effective public servant who works with integrity, loyalty and efficiency.

Gonzaga said that to promote, showcase and celebrate the heroism in public service, public officials and employees should take part of the activities which highlight the stories of triumph and sacrifice of civil servants.

She said that several activities have been lined up for the celebration which will be

participated in by different government offices and agencies, local government units, government-owned and controlled corporations and state universities and colleges. Included in said activities is the RACE to Serve II Fun Run and Environment-Awareness Walkathon, one-stop shop and photo exhibit of Citizen’s Charter and Human Resource Plans and banner programs and projects and photos of best practices, as well as the conduct of outreach program. Gonzaga said that the fun run and walkathon will be at 5 o’clock in the morning of September 25 which is in coordination with the Capiz Provincial and City Sangguniang Kabataan Federations and the Capiz provincial government and is open for all government employees, members of their family, students and other private individuals who are Filipino

citizens.

The one-stop shop and photo exhibit, which will be from September 26 to 28 at the Villareal Stadium, will be spearheaded by the Capiz Council of Human Resource Management Practitioners (CCHRMPs) in coordination with the Provincial Tourism and Cultural Office, she said. The outreach program, she said, will also be led by the CCHRMPs to be done on September 28 for the orphans of St. Joseph Orphanage.

Gonzaga revealed that government employees could also avail of special treats such as free MRT/LRT rides subject to the guidelines of the CSC and special discounts for civil servants as part of the SM Philippine Civil Service Anniversary Sale Nationwide on September 17 to 19, among others. (JCM/JBG/ PIA6)

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

WESTERN VISAYAS

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TESDA Antique starts assessment of workers

competency

By: Vicente W. Villavert SAN JOSE, Antique, Sept. 10 (PIA6) - - Workers who would want to be certified in their respective fields of expertise are currently being assessed by the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA).

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ESDA Antique Provincial Director Rick M. Abraham said that the assessment process seeks to determine whether the workers can perform to the standards expected in the workplace based on the defined competency standards.

“This ensures the productivity, quality and global competitiveness of our workers,” Abraham said in a PIA interview.

Some 231 workers will undergo the assessment process starting September 11

until December 2013 at the TESDA Training Center, Advance Central College, and TESDA San Jose.

The activity will be conducted free for the following sectors: construction which include qualifications in carpentry, masonry, plumbing, heavy equipment operation; Land and Transport- driving- heavy equipment; Information and Communication Technology - computer hardware; Tourism- hotel and restaurant, bread and pastry; Automotive- motorcycle and small engine

servicing; Metals and Engineering-welding.

“For four months our assigned assessors will be making judgments on whether the competency level of our workers have been achieved as far as their individual’s skills, knowledge, attitude and work values are concerned,” Abraham said.

The TESDA provincial head said that foreign industry recognizes our national certification program which further ensures the quality and global competitiveness of our workers. (JCM/VWV/PIA 6-Antique)

DFA opens world class, accessible mall office

By Easter Anne D. Doza NEGROS OCCIDENTAL, Sept. 13 (PIA6) - - The Department of Foreign Affairs Consular Office here transferred to a world class, accessible and convenient office inside Robinsons Place Bacolod.

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ormer DFA Secretary and newly appointed Philippine Ambassador to the Netherlands Jaime Victor Ledda together with the local officials led by Bacolod City Mayor Monico Puentevella and executives from Robinsons Land Corporation graced the opening of the new office.

DFA and RLC officials in a public-private partnership signed an agreement under the latter’s Lingkod Pinoy Center, an innovative public service program that started in 2012 which brings together under one roof satellite offices of the government that deals heavily with the public.

Under the MOA, Ledda said there are

14 DFA projects with RLC and DFA’s relationship with RLC is moving very well.

“The opening of DFA Consular Office in Robinsons Place Bacolod is a milestone because RLC and DFA opened its first mall based operation in the Visayas,” Ledda said.

Meanwhile, Robinsons Malls' regional operations director Joseph Sian in his message said that Robinson’s hosting of the DFA Consular Office is the centerpiece of Robinsons Malls Lingkod Pinoy Center here.

Robinsons, Sian said looks forward to a long and fruitful partnership with DFA in delivering excellent service to the Filipino people.

Other DFA Consular Offices in the country can be found in Robinsons Galleria, as well as other Robinsons malls in Lipa, General Santos City and San Fernando Pampanga.

In the Visayas, DFA office will soon be available in Robinsons malls in Dumaguete and Iolio.

“We hope we will continue to improve and expand our consular services so we make it closer, more accessible, more convenient to our public through our bigger, better and world class office,” Ledda added.

RLC offers free rental to DFA for about 10 years under the agreement.*(JCM/ EAD-PIA6 Negros Occidental)

NSO taps 580 WV establishments as respondents By: Lilibeth A. French ILOILO CITY, Sept. 14 (PIA6) - - The National Statistics Office has identified about 580 establishments in Western Visayas out of the 15,000 nationwide as respondents of the 2012 Input-Output Survey of Philippine Business and Industry.

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he said establishments are engaged in economic activities such as agriculture, forestry, and fishing; mining and quarrying; manufacturing; electricity, gas, steam, and air conditioning supply; water supply, sewerage, waste management and remediation activities; construction; wholesale and retail trade; transport and storage; and accommodation and food service activities.

Some of these establishments are also involved in information and communication; financial and insurance activities; real estate activities; professional, scientific and technical activities; administrative and support service; education; human health and social work activities; arts, entertainment, and recreation; and other service activities as defined in the 2009

Philippine Standard Industrial Classification.

Around 60 Field Personnel of NSO Regional Office in Western Visayas will deliver the questionnaires to the sample establishments starting September 19, 2013.

NSO 6 Statistician Res Villavicencio said the collection of the questionnaires will start ten days after the distribution. Sample establishments are encouraged to respond online at the NSO secured website https:// secure.census.gov.ph/itsd.

The website has SSL certificate from Norton Secured powered by VeriSign.

Villavicencio assured respondents that all information they will provide in the survey will be kept strictly confidential and will not be used as evidence in court for purposes of taxation, investigation or regulation pursuant to Section 4 of

Commonwealth Act 591.

The 2012 IOSPBI which is the 7th of its kind since 1979 aims to provide a comprehensive set of statistical information required to build an input structure and to construct a distribution of output of business and industries in the country.

Data that will be generated will be complied to produce the 2012 Input-Output Table of the Philippines that is useful in analyzing quantitatively the structure and interdependencies of producing and consuming sectors of the economy.

Detailed data items on selected revenue, cost and inventory of business and industries belonging to the formal sector of the economy in the year 2012 will be collected in the 2012 IOSPBI. (JCM/LAF/ PIA6)

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CENTRAL VISAYAS

63rd Carlos Palanca Memorial Awards fetes winners BY: JENNIFER C. TILOS

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.

DUMAGUETE CITY (PIA) -- The Carlos Palanca Memorial Awards for Literature (Palanca Awards) has honored the authors of winning entries in this year’s competition in its annual ceremony held recently in Makati City. According to media relations officer Marist Nagera of CID, Inc the event is a continuing tradition of promoting the Filipino cultural heritage through literary excellence.

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elebrating its 63rd year, the most prestigious and longest-running literary competition in the country received for its various categories over 1,100 literary entries that were evaluated by their respective board of judges, said Nagera. Of the total number of entries received this year, the judges selected 58 winning entries.

The Palanca Awards is yearly organized and hosted by the Carlos Palanca Foundation (Palanca Foundation) as part of

its commitment to develop Philippine literature by providing incentives for writers to craft their most outstanding literary works as well as being a treasury of Philippine literary gems from our gifted writers.

Nagera said the Palanca Foundation also conferred to Dr.Cirilo F. Bautista, this year’s guest of honor, the GawadDangalngLahi award. Dr. Bautista, a versatile writer whose literary works have been published locally and internationally, earning him a multitude

of awards. Dr. Bautista is also a Palanca Awards Hall of Famer and this year’s recipient of the Cultural Center of the Philippines ’ Gawad CCP Para saSining and an Achievement Award from the National Commission for Culture and the Arts.

The winning works will be accessible to other writers, students, and fellow literature enthusiasts through the Palanca Awards official website, www.palancaawards.com.ph and the Palanca Awards Research Facility. (mbcn/JCT/PIA7-Negros Oriental)

Army leads educ tour for brgy schoolchildren BY: JENNIFER C. TILOS NEGROS ORIENTAL (PIA) -- Some 39 pupils of Bonbon Elementary School in a hinterland village of Hinakpan, Guihulngan City , participated in an educational tour to the urban-city of Dumagueteorganized by the Philippine Army over the weekend.The 11th Infantry (Lapu-Lapu) Battalion brought the children with their teachers, parents and barangay officials to Dumaguete City over the weekend to show them the city life as a tool towards a new horizon apart from their life in the hinterlands. he activity was in collaboration with to the participants, after which the group recipient of two sets of Encyclopedia.

The tour culminated with the traditional O r i e n t a l N e g r o s C h i l d r e n ’ s proceeded to Quezon Park , Cathedral, Advocacy Network (ONCAN), Bellfry Tower , Rizal Boulevard , Siliman boodle fight at the 11th IB’s home in BrgyMckinley, GuihulnganCity .

Department of Education (DepEd), Negros University and Provincial Capitol.

Coleen Teves of ONCAN stressed that At the Sports Complex and Convention Oriental Provincial Police Office (NOPPO) and the Local Government Unit of Center, two basketballs and volley balls were the organization will continue with the Guihulngan City, launched this educational handed over to the school teacher-in-charge. advocacy to help children especially those 1Lt Gomez said “The excitement did not from hinterland Barangays. tour dubbed “BayanihanparasaKabataan, Teacher-in-charge Renaldo Campasas of Lakbay Aral parasaKarunungan” for the stop here for the children visited Eco elementary students to have a learning KalanFelipa Beach resort at BrgyMangnao, Bonbon Elementary School expressed his experience in the city, said civil military where they were treated to lunch followed heartfelt gratitude for all the gifts given to the by the demonstration in using the Eco Kalan.” schoolchildren. officer, 1Lt Von Ryan Gomez of 11th IB. For 11IB Commander, Lt Col. Wilfredo Their amazement continued as they The first stop of the tour was at the Domestic Airport where the kids had a toured at Robinsons Mall , Played Electronic V Isaac expressed the soldiers’ commitment glimpse of real airplanes which they only see Games at the World of Fun, snacked at to secure the youth from negative influences Jollibee and danced with the mascot, 1Lt and guide them to a brighter future. on books and drawings.

Isaac added that the launching of Lakbay For the next destination the kids had Gomez said.

Before the children returned home, they Aral continues to promote education among breakfast and played with the Mascot Ronald McDonald at Mc Donald, Dumaguete Branch. received assorted schools supplies, umbrellas, the youth as the key in attaining true peace, On its trip, the Visayan Forum slippers, toothbrush, toothpaste, nutri packs security and development in the community, Foundation provided a lecture on child labor and a book of hope from ONCAN sponsors. which will greatly lessen the insurgency in the Moreover, the school also was the area. (mbcn/JCT/PIA7-Negros Oriental) and recruitment and Anti Human Trafficking

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GK to hold Pinoy Youth Summit in NegOr BY: ROI LOMOTAN DUMAGUETE CITY (PIA) – The GawadKalinga Community Development Foundation Inc. (GKCDFI) is set to hold another Pinoy Youth Summit in Negros Oriental this year following the success of its "LayatKo ‘To" Pinoy Summit in Mabinay in 2012.

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his year, the youth gathering dubbed as "Tatak #SelfiePinoy Youth Summit 2013" will take place on Sept. 21-22 in BaisCity .

With the theme “I believe I can..." the two-day event aims to boost youth participation in nation-building by enhancing their self-confidence and developing it as a tool to help others. Event organizers have lined up several lectures and group activities geared to raise each participant’s self esteem and to teach them how it can propel them to become active nation-builders.

A press statement from the GKCDFI explained that once the youths have a deeper understanding and appreciation of one’s self, he/she will become more confident to use his/her skills and strengths for the betterment of the community or to give care to the needy. Meanwhile, #Selfie is a popular internet hash tag or a common term in social media pertaining to self portraits/pictures captured through hand-held phones. The event organizers thought of using the term to teach young people to become more selfless. Around

2,500 youths from all over the province are expected to attend the Pinoy Youth Summit this year. Also included in the activities of the two-day Summit are community development activities such as house build in a GK site and environment clean-up activities. Aside from the GKCDFI, the event is also organized by Newground Events and Gaba-an Youth Lead in coordination with the Local Government Unit of Bais City, Negros Oriental State University-Bais Campus, and the Department of Education.

(RLomotan/PIANEGOR)

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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DTI-7 gives P3-M to Bohol's calamay, banana food processors BY: JUJU M. EMPUERTO

CEBU CITY (PIA) --- The Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) turned over P3M worth of food processing equipment to Albuquerque and Jagna’sCalamay processors and Sevilla, Anda, Balilihan and Maribojoc’s banana processors recently to address the lack of modern tools in the food processing industry in Bohol.

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eeding the call of President Aquino for all sectors of the economy to be part of the country’s inclusive growth, DTI saw the need to address the market’s stringent requirements for food safety & quality and increase the competitiveness of MSMEs in Central Visayas through the program- Shared Service Facility (SSF). SSF aims to provide local MSME’s common

service facilities, modern equipment and access to the latest technology.

With MSMEs constituting around 99% of the total business enterprises in the region most of which lack the needed facilities, DTI saw that shared services facilities can play a vital role in MSMEs complying with the product quality that the market demands.

The government had allocated some P29.584M funds this year for the establishment of Shared Service Facilities meant to benefit entrepreneurs and to generate jobs in Central Visayas .

The DTI’s SSF projects are expected to directly generate jobs, help the country achieve inclusive economic growth and alleviate poverty in the region.(mbcn/JSME/ PIA7-Cebu & DTI-7)

Agro, trade and food Fair opens 'Araw ng Siquijor' BY: RIZALIE A. CALIBO SIQUIJOR, Sept 7(PIA)--The Provincial Government of Siquijor and the Provincial Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) invite everybody to visit the 5-day ArawngSiquijor with Agro, Trade & Food Fair at the St. Francis of Assisi Church Grounds, Siquijor, Siquijor on September 13-17, 2013.

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he opening ceremonies will be on September 13, at 3:00 PM where furniture & other woodcraft items, bayong bags, processed food, paintings, handicraft items, t-shirts, fashion accessories, ornamental plants and agricultural products are for sale.

The Food Fair area will serve food and drinks daily. There will also be live bands every night from 8:00PM to 12:00 Midnight.

The activity is spearheaded by the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI), Office of the Provincial Agriculturist (OPA) & the Siquijor Hotels, Resorts, Restaurants & Travel Agencies Society (SHORRETAS).

Meanwhile, over 250 students, teachers, private and government employees joined the Solidarity Run spearheaded by the

Philippine National Police (PNP)-Siquijor recently.

Also a fund raising activity, the Solidarity Run was made to support the advocacy efforts of the PNP and the Philippine Red Cross on the International Humanitarian Law (IHL).

Police Senior Superintendent PrimitivoTabujaraJr, in a briefing said, the activity hopes to raise the people’s consciousness and promote greater awareness on the principles of the IHL as stated in the executive Order No. 134.

Executive Order No. 134 declares the month of August as International Humanitarian Law (IHL) Month. It principally provides that “The Philippines adheres to the principles of human rights and

humanitarian laws enshrined in international human rights treaties and instruments to which it is a State Party.

This years “International Humanitarian Law Month” is themed “Pagsunodsa IHL, Susi saKaunlaran at Katahimikan” which aims to increase awareness on the basic principles of IHL and promote its observance in times of armed conflict. International humanitarian law, also known as the law of war or the law of armed conflict, is a set of rules which seek, for humanitarian reasons, to limit the effects of armed conflict.

It protects persons who are not or are no longer participating in the hostilities and restricts the means and methods of warfare. (mbcn/RACalibo/PIA7-Siquijor)(mbcn/rac/ PIA7-Siquijor& DTI)

Provincial Tourism Council strengthened to boost tourism in Siquijor BY: RIZALIE A. CALIBO SIQUIJOR (PIA) -- In its effort to boost tourism in Siquijor province, the provincial government strengthens the Provincial Tourism Council (PTC) with a new set of officers elected recently.

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he PTC is said to contribute to tourism development and network with the provincial government for infrastructure and support to tourism oriented projects in this Island Province .

The Council is a multi-sectoral body which is seen as the policy-making, advisory and recommendatory body to the local government in matters relating to the development, regulation and promotion of tourism in the province.

Based on the recommendation of the Department of Tourism (DOT), the council is composed of 60% from the private sector and 40% from the government sector.

The new chairman is Ma. Arlene Mack, also the president of the Siquijor Hotel, Restaurant and Travel Agencies Association (SHORRETAS).

She is co-chaired by the Provincial Planning and Development Coordinator, Gladys Estrellada.

The treasurer is Joy “Bambi” Uy Chan from AFOS Foundation and the secretary is Senior Tourism Officer JosetteAlmirola.

The Board of Directors (BODs) from the government sector are Earl Aljas of the local

government unit of Lazi, NimfaVirtucio of the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI), and Mario de la Pena of the Department of Science and Technology (DOST).

Another BOD members from the private sector are LydioLigutom, Gisella Butler-Colot and Billy Hanson Municipal Tourism Council Coordinators are LaureenMalolot for Larena, AureaLuginbuhl for Siquijor, Helen Gerdin for San Juan , Gladys Octal for Lazi, Francis Helogo for Maria, and Elgin Atay for Enrique Villanueva.

Different committees under the council were also formed. These are the Tourism Marketing, Promotion and Information Committee, Human Resource Development Committee, Tourism Planning and Product Development Committee, Tourism Services Committee, Environment and Culture Preservation Committee, and Tourism Council Organization.

These committees are chaired by the Board members with the rest of the council and those not elected as members.

Each group will focus on building tourism activities and programs designed to encourage tourism in the province.

Meanwhile, the Environment and Culture Preservation Committee has formulated plans and programs for presentation to the Council.

Chaired by Mario de la Pena and co-chaired

by LaureenMalolot, its members are Siquijor State College instructors CatalinoMacaron, Cyd Sarmiento and Grace Lubguban, RizalieCalibo of the Philippine Information agency, Provincial Health Officer Dr.Redempta Cortes, and Dr. Peck Cortes of the Mar & Peck Souvenir Shoppe.

Among other functions, the committee will formulate programs for the sustainable conservation and management of environmental resources and promote and preserve Siquijor’s culture, arts, festivals and traditions.

It shall also assist in the formulation, adoption and implementation of Siquijor provincial Environment Code, including the establishment of an environment and cultural pres erva tion of f ice. (m bcn/RA Ca libo/ PIA7-Siquijor)

6

EASTERN VISAYAS

NSAC approves 19 ARCP projects nationwide

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.

TACLOBAN CITY, Leyte, Sept. 12 (PIA) – The Agrarian Reform Communities Project’s (ARCP’s) National Sub-Project Approval Committee (NSAC) approved some 19 proposed irrigation and farm-to-market road projects during a recent deliberation held in this City.

T

hese projects, according to Regional Director Eliasem Castillo of the Department of Agrarian Reform (DAR), are for implementation in selected agrarian reform communities (ARCs) in Regions 4-B, 5, 8 and 9 under the second phase of the ARCP (ARCP-2).

Castillo, who hosted the event, said that this was the first time the NSAC held the deliberation of projects to be funded by the Asian Development Bank (ADB) outside Metro Manila.

Castillo disclosed that of the 20 proposed projects deliberated, Region-8 has the most number with seven, and all were approved by the body.

Region-9 got six approved projects, five for Region-4B, while only one was approved for Region-5.

An aggregate total amount of P411.1 million is needed to finance all the 19 approved proposed projects, Director Castillo said.

Eleven of these are irrigation projects while eight are farm-to-market roads.

One proposed warehouse failed to meet

the design standard leading to the NSAC’s disapproval of it.

The approved irrigation projects for implementation in Region-8 include: construction of Bunacan Communal Irrigation Project in San Isidro, Leyte; Construction of Cagnocot Communal Irrigation Project in Villaba,Leyte; and the rehabilitation of Tabunok and theTagbawto Communal Irrigation Systems both in Hilongos, Leyte with a combined total cost of P135.2-million.

Meanwhile, three farm-to-market road projects are for implementation in two Leyte towns and one in Eastern Samar with a total cost of P49.7-million.

San Isidro town got two projects in this deliberation, an irrigation project and the rehabilitation of the 1.74-kilometer Bawod-Paril farm-to-market road.

Director Castillo said that the body realized how these projects are badly needed by the farmers in rural areas to improve their quality of life when they visited one of the recipient ARCs, the San Isidro ARC, with 2,190 ARBs and where rice fields are just dependent on

rain and the road leading to the area is hardly passable by vehicles particularly on rainy days.

The two other approved farm-to-market road projects are the construction of the 2.8-kilometer Capirawan-Gacao -Canhidoc-Arado road in Palo, Leyte and the Concreting of the 4.4-kilometer Cagaut -Cantomoja-Camanga-Carapdapan road in Salcedo, Eastern Samar.

During the deliberation, the body, chaired

by DAR Assistant Secretary Dennis Barrantes, gave emphasis on the economic value of these projects towards the farmers particularly the agrarian reform beneficiaries in the ARCs. Other members of the body include DAR Assistant Secretary Hermenia Fe San Juan and representatives from the Departments of Agriculture, Public Works and Highways, Environment and Natural Resources, Budget and Management, Finance, National Irrigation Administration, National Commission on Indigenous People, Municipal Development Fund Office and the National Economic Development Authority. (PIA 8)

There is enough rice supply in Eastern Visayas, says DA director TACLOBAN CITY, Leyte, Sept. 12 (PIA) – Department of Agriculture Region 8 Executive Director Antonio Gerundio said that there is no rice shortage in the region.

"

Based on field reports, Leyte Island has more than enough supply of rice and we are making sure that every market in the region has sufficient rice stocks," RED Gerundio said.

Although supply manipulation and hoarding were allegedly identified as the root causes of rice shortage and continuing price increase in the country, but according to RED Gerundio, it is not a

problem in Eastern Visayas because of the transparent transactions between the agencies and private sectors and the responsible rice distribution by dealers.

Rice consumers are undeniably threatened by the continuous price increase since August 10, Director Gerundio said, but he was quick to add that the price of rice is expected to drop in the last week of September.

RED Gerundio assured the public that there is enough supply of rice in the Region. He appealed to the public not to entertain the notion about an impending lack of rice supply in the next few days.

He also called the attention of dealers to immediately mill and to dispense delivered tons of rice so that traders can post a fair price to consumers. (PIA 8)

Borongan’s Padul-ong festival draws more balikbayans, tourists BORONGAN CITY, Eastern Samar, Sept. 10 (PIA) – Borongan’s Padul-ong Festival drew more balikbayans on its 21st staging last September 7.

T

he Local Tourism Office here informed that an estimated 300 balikbayans, and foreign and local tourists watched the local street dancing which was simultaneously held with the civilian parade.

Local tourists from nearby Tagbilaran city, Bohol topped the list of the Borongan town fiesta visitors, about 40 of them, and one on-looker, a medical doctor, who requested anonymity and said that, while it cannot yet beat their “Sandugo Festival” in terms of preparations, he was glad to understand the story behind Padul-ong through the dance exhibition.

The story, which has some aspects of spiritual and religious beliefs commemorates the transfer of the Borongan Patroness, Nuestra Seйora de la Natividad from barangay Punta Maria to the pueblo of Borongan.

Some foreigners from London, Los Angeles and California, New Jersey, were also spotted with their families.

While a balikbayan from Manila promised to help in the promotion of Padul-ong. Actor Carlos Agassi was also in the city.

Meanwhile, the contingent of the Eastern Samar National Comprehensive High School (ESNCHS), after several times of participation,

has now grabbed the 1st prize award, bringing along the P100,000.00 cash prize, from Congressman Ben Evardone, while Calingatngan National High School ranked 2nd, with P75,000.00 from Governor Conrado Nicart, Jr., and the Arteche Barangay High School, on their first attempt, got P50,000.00 from the Executive Committee and Ms. Kris Aquino, as third prize winner.

Consolation prizes of P10,000.00 were given to the less fortunate Padul-ong contingents, on top of the subsidy given to all the entries during their preparation stage.(PIA -Eastern Samar)

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

East Visayas model family to compete in national search finals By: Aurora J. Casimpan

TACLOBAN CITY, Leyte, Sept. 12 (PIA) – The regional winner in the search for model family or Huwarang Pantawid Pamilya will represent Eastern Visayas in the national competition of the same program of the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD).

M

ichelle J. Calzado, DSWD Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program (4Ps) information officer disclosed that the family of Rico P. Villocino will be competing with winners of Huwarang Pantawid Pamilya from Region IV-A, V, VII and X this last week of September.

The Villocino family who hails from Javier, Leyte, won the title of model family as they demonstrated the best traits of Filipino values of strong family ties.

Calzado said the selection of model families is at the provincial level and official nominees are sent to the regional search committee.

She added that the competition is aimed at recognizing families who religiously comply with the conditions set by the 4Ps. The top three winners in the national search will receive ₱15,000, ₱10,000 and ₱5,000 during the announcement and awarding in Manila. (PIA-8)

P20-M Southern Leyte LGU savings to fund prov’l road concreting by: Erna Gorne MAASIN CITY, Southern Leyte, Sept. 12 - - The provincial government of Southern Leyte will finance the 3.2-kilometer pavement concreting along Brgy. Acasia – Brgy. Lunas, all of Maasin City which amounts to P20 million from the provincial government savings.

A

ccording to the Provincial Governor's Office (PGO) Media Officer Diego Credo, the 3.2-kilometer road concreting project during the bidding conducted last August 29, 2013 has been awarded to Cepada Construction , who will undertake the pavement concreting from Barangay Acasia down to Brgy. Lunas, a portion of the gravel road St. Nino,Maasin City – Pacu, Bontoc provincial cross

country road.

Provincial Engineer Nelson Tan diclosed that the said cross country provincial road length from Sto. Nino, Maasin City down to Pacu, Bontoc is 24- kilometers long.

“With the completion of the proposed pavement concreting, the gravel road along the provincial cross country road that remains to be concreted is about 11 kilometers,” Engr. Nelson Tan

disclosed. Governor Mercado earlier noted that once the mentioned cross country provincial road is completely concreted, it will cut the travel time from Bontoc to Maasin City down to possibly 35 minutes to include the reduction of transportation costs, as well.

Engr. Tan confirmed that with the completed concreting of the 24-kilometer provincial road will shorten the travel time by 20 minutes.(PIA 8 SoLeyte)

27th NSPDF assembly tackles issues on welfare of Northern Samar kids Ailene N. Diaz CATARMAN, Northern Samar, Sept. 12 (PIA) – Child labor, street children, health, malnutrition, and education of children are the issues highlighting the 27th Northern Samar Peace and Development Forum held at UEP Kapihan, September 10, 2013.

G

overnor Jose L. Ong Jr, who graced the event, informed the body that the forum is timely as the province will be preparing the Annual Investment Plan of the province for the calendar year 2014.

On child labor, the governor disclosed that the province is in partnership with the International Labor Organization which is institutionalizing the program initially to a four pilot municipalities out of 24 towns of Northern Samar.

But aside from the said assistance, the province also is implementing program against child labor.

It was noted, according to Mrs. Pat Bigcas of DOLE, that while the ILO project is on-going it is now reaping gains as per report presented to ILO wherein a significant number of children withdrawn as child laborer and now going back to school, but as to the number they have no exact data

presented as yet.

The most alarming issue which took time in deliberation is the growing number of street children, which according to PSWDO Mejia, although the main responsibility of the parents, it is mostly concern of the local government units.

Aimed at reducing the number of street children, the support of the local government unit especially in funding the cause of action is seen as necessary to facilitate and address this concern.

Bishop Emmanuel C. Trance, the convenor of the NSPDF stressed the need for an immediate resolution of this problem, and asked the body as to what extent the assembly could act on to get those children from the streets.

The bishop pointed out that we should not consider the children as burden but an opportunity for

us to work together in looking into their welfare.

The real concern is beyond being street children as it redounds to poverty which is a more complicated issue.

The DSWD, PNP, the church and other agencies are doing something on this area even picking up these children from the streets and keeping them in the institution (Lingap Center) but after awhile they go back to begging in the streets, PSWDO Mejia said.

PSWDO Mejia informed that, when they were having interviews with the street children, they found out that the parents themselves were the ones pushing them to beg for their food on the table.

Considering the gargantuan and immediacy of the concern, the assembly agreed to facilitate and make resolutions to address the issue involving all the task forces for the protection of children.

(ADiaz/PIA8-Northern 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.

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

Ms. Erlinda Olivia P. Tiu Regional Director, PIA8

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

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