One Visayas e-Newsletter Vol 3 Issue 38

Vol 3

Issue 38

In this Issue WESTERN VISAYAS

AGRICULTURE SECRETARY Proceso Alcala tries the Rice Combine Harvester and Reaper during a field demonstration at the ricefields at Brgy. Tigum, Pavia, Iloilo, September 16.

The Field Demonstration was part of the Rice Harvest Festival organized by the National Irrigation Administration 6 and Department of Agriculture 6. (LAF/PIA6)

More on Region 6, pages 2-3.

Also CLICK Here…

CENTRAL VISAYAS

DSWD-7 Regional Director Mercedita Jabagat, University of South Philippines President Dr. Alicia P. Cabatingan, Southwestern University President Dr. Elsa A. Suralta and St. Theresa's College Department of Social Work Head Merriam Estradasign (l-r) sign the MOA for the National Community - Driven Development Program. The event held Sept.

13 at Crown Regency Hotel, Cebu City was witnessed by other DSWD and school officials. (vvv/PIA Cebu)

More on Region 7, pages 4-5.

Also CLICK Here…

EASTERN VISAYAS

Published by: PIA 6, 7 & 8

September 16 - 22, 2013

First PHL underground cable project starts in Cebu BY: RACHELLE M. NESSIA CEBU CITY (PIA) --- An electric utility in Cebu is now working on moving power cables underground in selected areas in Cebu .

The project, which is undertaken by Visayan Electric Company (VECO), the second largest electric utility in the country, is touted to be the first underground cabling system project undertaken by a power distribution utility in the Philippines .

VECO has started implementing the first phase of laying all cables underground along a one-kilometer portion between Capitol to Fuente Osmena in Cebu City .

VECO invested P60 million for the first phase of said project, according to Sebastian Lacson, VECO vice president for administration and customer services.

The underground cabling system will do away with the unsightly “spaghetti wires” of overhead electric poles.

“We’ll allow trees a little breathing room and allow vegetation to grow and make the city a little more in touch with what modern cities should look like,” he said during the power forum held by the Metro Cebu Development Coordinating Board (MCDCB) and VECO yesterday.

“You can take pictures of Osmena Boulevard today and compare it to what it will be in the future,” Lacson told Mega Cebu members during the power forum.

Lacson said the first phase is expected to be completed between nine to 10 months.

Work on the underground cabling is done during nighttime to avoid disrupting daytime traffic.

The project will be implemented only in selected key areas in Cebu City, particularly those that are within the Sinulog route. (rmn/PIA Cebu )

Sebastian Lacson of VECO Cebu, the second largest electric distribution utility in the Philippines, announcing the start of the underground cable project in Cebu City which is the first of its kind in the country. Lacson was speaking during a power forum held by Mega Cebu Power Forum on Sept. 16 at RAFI office in Cebu City.

(PIA Cebu)

Sustainable coral reef program in N. Samar ongoing BIRI, Northern Samar, Sept. 16 (PIA) – The implementation of the Sustainable Coral Reef Ecosystem Management Program (SCREMP) is currently ongoing in Biri, Northern Samar.

This, after the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) through its Coastal and Marine Management Division (CMMD) launched the project sometime in August of 2013.

DENR Executive Director Manolito Ragub said that SCREMP is a national program of the DENR (2012-2020) that will conduct a strategic, sustainable, and ecosystem-based approach in protecting and rehabilitating the coral reef ecosystem.

In Region 8, SCREMP shall be implemented in three (3) proclaimed Marine Protected Areas (MPAs) namely: Biri LAROSA Protected Landscape and Seascape (BLPLS) in Northern Samar; Guiuan Marine Reserve Protected Landscape and Seascape in Guiuan, Eastern Samar; and Cuatro Islas Protected Landscape and Seascape in Hindang and Inopacan, Leyte, RED Ragub said.

The components of SCREMP program include habitat and vulnerability assessments, coral reef rehabilitation and protection, social mobilization and development, MPA strengthening and networking and sustainable livelihood interventions.

RED Ragub said that in the implementation of the SCREMP, the DENR shall coordinate with the Bureau of

Fisheries and Aquatic Resources of the Department of Agriculture, other concerned national government agencies, local government units, research and academic institutions, duly organized non-government organizations and the private sectors.

The Biri LAROSA Protected Landscape and Seascape (BLPLS) in Northern Samar is a priority site for the implementation of SCREMP in Region 8 for 2013.

It is a proclaimed protected area under the National Integrated Protected Area System (NIPAS) Act of 1992 by virtue of Presidential Proclamation No. 291 dated April 23, 2000. As a protected area, BLPLS is famous for its geological wonders known as “Biri Rock Formation”, tropical mangrove forests both natural and manmade and diverse marine life forms.

The BLPLS spans over 5,281 hectares terrestrial and 29,718 marine waters within the municipalities of Biri, Lavesarez, Rosario and San Jose, hence its acronym Biri-LAROSA. Like the other programs of the DENR, the implementation of SCREMP in the region and the country as well is hoped to contribute to food security and improve human wellbeing of the coastal communities, implement sustainable management of coastal and marine resources through resource and habitat conservation, protection and rehabilitation among other objectives, RED Ragub said. (PIA-8)

Farmers see better productivity with P7-M agri support

BY: LILIBETH A. FRENCH ILOILO CITY, Sept. 19 (PIA6) - - Farmer members of the PALACATI-AN Irrigator’s Association in the province of Iloilo are looking forward to an improved productivity and quality of life with the P7 million worth of support facilities and equipment from the Department of Agriculture.

Agriculture Secretary Proceso Alcala personally handed the certificates of turn-over of the P6,000,000.00 Rice Processing Complex I and P1,000,000.00 worth four-wheel tractor to Eduardo Alcasaren, President of the said irrigator’s DOST-ICTO deputy executive director association in a ceremony held at Brgy. Tigum, Pavia, Iloilo, Monchito Ibrahim (4th from left), together September 17. with IT executives from the different ICTs “We are very grateful for these support - the Rice industry, faced the media during the press Complex and the tractor because we see that these will add or conference held at the Palo Municipal Hall, improve our productivity as well as the quality of our life Palo, Leyte, September 11, 2013. (Vino R. especially of our children,” said Alcasaren whose association Cuayzon) continues to receive incentives from the National Irrigation Administration (NIA) for its good performance in Irrigation Service Fee Collection.

PALACATI-AN Irrigator’s Association is composed of More on Region 8, pages 6-7.

452 registered members from the Barangays of Pagsanga-an, Cabugao Norte, Tigum and Anilao in Pavia town and Lapayon Also CLICK Here...

in Leganes. The organization has a total service area of 810 hectares and has 100 percent cropping intensity.

In his message during the event that was also attended by USEC Dante Delima, Congressman Arcadio Gorriceta, Governor Arthur Defensor, Mayor Michael Gorriceta and local officials, Alcala told farmer beneficiaries that with their good performance they were able to get the attention of the government and receive this kind of assistance.

He said the support provided to farmers is just one of the first steps in the attainment of the thrust of the present administration towards inclusive growth.

Alcala after the turn-over ceremony rode on the Rice Combine Harvester and Reaper which was introduced to farmers in line with the rice mechanization program of the Department of Agriculture during a Field Demonstration.

Alcala also interacted with more than 800 farmers from the different Irrigator’s Associations in the province during a Farmers’ Forum held at Western Visayas Agriculture Research Center at Brgy. Hamungaya, Jaro.

The turn-over ceremony, Field Day,Farmers’ Forum were part of the Rice Harvest Festival were organized by the NIA and DA. (JCM/LAF/PIA6)

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WESTERN VISAYAS

Farm workers urged to become professional service providers

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

By: Elsa S. Subong ILOILO CITY, Sept. 19 (PIA6) -- Farm workers have the chance to become professional service providers as the farm mechanization program of the government steps up.

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his they can be if they organize themselves into cooperatives and get professional training, according to Department of Agriculture-6 Director Larry Nacionales.

As a cooperative, Nacionales said, these farm workers can create a united front as professional service providers in the farming industry under the mechanization program.

Nacionales said this to allay the fears of

contractual farm workers for possible layoffs and joblessness in the wake of massive mechanization in agriculture.

He added the agency is conducting trainings for farmers and equipment handlers of heavy farm tractors.

“Agriculture is actually mostly manual labor, so farm service workers would still be needed despite mechanization,” Nacionales said.

“Most of them can go to municipal fishing,

hog and poultry raising, and vegetable and food production,” he added.

DA said farm mechanization program assures almost triple harvest of palay, thereby ensuring stable profit for the landowner farmers, with investments on heavy farm equipment.

DA assured that organized farm workers will always have work in a rice-producing province like Iloilo. (JSC/ ESS-PIA6 Iloilo)

PEMO launches Seal of Good Environmental Governance BY: EASTER ANNE D. DOZA NEGROS OCCIDENTAL, Sept. 19 (PIA6) - - The Provincial Environment Management Office is launching the Seal of Good Environmental Governance recognizing both private and public organizations with exemplary environmental performance.

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inners of the Seal of Good Environmental Governance will be given a Bronze Seal for 2014 and if sustained in the succeeding years, the winners will receive Silver, Gold and Sustainability seals.

Local government units, national government agencies, public and private schools, business and private sectors and non-government organizations are encouraged to join in the search in their respective categories as follows: LGU, School, Industry, NGO, NGA and other sector, and Business Establishment.

The Search is open to all categories.

However each LGU shall only have three entries to be endorsed by the Mayor or Environment and Natural Resources Office while those in Bacolod City, will be invited and evaluated if they are interested to participate.

For the LGUs, Schools and other sectors outside Bacolod City, the (PEMO staff) Area Coordinators and CDAs will conduct initial inspection/evaluation and come up with a shortlist as finalists and submit to the evaluating team.

The shortlist will include 15 LGUs, 15 Schools, 10 Business Establishments (Malls, Groceries, Restaurants), 10 Industries. And 10

NGOs, NGAs and other sectors.

The evaluation team, composed of PEMO, DENR & DILG will conduct the final inspection/evaluation on all LGUs and other agencies including Bacolod City entries.

Winners will be awarded on June 2014, during the Provincial Environment Week celebration.

For more information and entry forms, one may reach the Provincial Environment Management Office at the Montelibano Hall of the Negros Occidental Barangay Center (NOBC) corner Gatuslao & North Capitol Road Bacolod City through telephone number 435-7417 or 432-2922

Antique DOH beefs up filariasis elimination program BY: VICENTE W. VILLAVERT SAN JOSE, Antique, Sept.18 (PIA6) - - The Department of Health (DOH) is strengthening its program to eliminate the prevalence of filariasis in the province of Antique. egional Coordinator Ana Luz nocturnal blood samples were also collected and 373,435 or 72 percent of the Hibionada of DOH 6 Lymphatic from the Municipality of Valderrama in year targeted 526,775 persons were covered in year Filariasis Elimination Program said that 2009 with a repeat survey in 2012 in said 2012. a consultative planning and updates on municipality, this time including the Filariasis is a parasitic infection which lymphatic filariasis elimination program was municipality of Laua-an. continues to be a public health problem in the conducted recently to some 35 health The survey revealed smear positive for country. personnel and representatives from national micro filarial.

Manifestations of the disease includes government agencies in order to intensify the The survey was conducted in areas where elephantiasis – the severest form which government's health program. there were reported swollen limbs of affected is a crippling condition in which limbs Hibionada said that Antique has 4.3 persons, and in areas with banana and abaca or other parts of the body are swollen or percent filarial rate. plantations. enlarged.

Hibionada said that by World Health The province of Antique was included for The program to eliminate Filariasis Organization (WHO) criteria a province can the mass annual drug administration last 2009 include a mass drug administration of be declared endemic for filariasis if one but “the activity got little coverage considering albendazole and diethylcarbamazine to percent or five persons turn out positive that the people were not yet aware of the persons aging two years and above with the from the 500 blood samples collected and impact of filariasis to human wellbeing,” exemptions of pregnant and seriously ill examined.

Hibionada said. persons.

She said that the nocturnal blood samples In the year 2010, out of the targeted For his part, provincial filariasis elimination collected from 500 persons in the municipality 504,334 persons only 304,416 or 60 percent program coordinator Aben Cardenal of the of Bugasong alone showed 4.3 percent or 20 were reached for the mass drug Provincial Health Office said that the mass drug or more persons were positive of filariasis in administration. administration in the province will start in year 2010.

Of the 520,695 target in year 2011, some October up to November this year.(JCM/ In a PIA interview, Hibionada said that 330,228 or 63 percent were reported covered; VWV/PIA 6-Antique)

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

WESTERN VISAYAS

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DOLE funds 'Kurambos' enhanced abaca production

project

for

BY: ALEX A. LUMAQUE ROXAS CITY, Capiz, Sept. 18 (PIA6) – Three cheques worth P950,000.00 were turned over by Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) – 6 director Ponciano M. Ligutom to Tapaz, town mayor Rose Gardose for the convergence project on abaca production last Sept. 13 in Iloilo City.

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he project dubbed “Kurambos” will benefit 321 indigenous people (IP) beneficiaries of Barangays Maliao and Hilwan in the municipality.

“Kurambos” is a Tapaznon local term for convergence.

“The amount will be used to buy seven abaca mechanized stripping machines and 200 pieces of standardized stripping machines” said DOLE – Capiz Public Information Officer William P. Dungog, adding that part of the assistance will be used

to establish abaca farm.

The turnover ceremony was in time with the Executive Legislative Agenda (ELA) formulation of Tapaz town.

Other collaborators like the Philippine Army, Philippine Fiber Industry Development Authority (FIDA), National Commission on Indigenous People (NCIP), Department of Agriculture (DA), Department Social Welfare and Development (DSWD), Department of Science and Technology (DOST), Department of Health (DOH),

Capiz State University (CapSU) and Tapaz municipal government will also pitch in for the realization of the P1.8-million project.

In April, DOLE also gave P383,000.00 for the 15 looms among women beneficiaries of the IP group Panay Bukidnon in Jamindan town for another convergence project on abaca loom weaving.

The projects are envisioned to improve the IP’s economic activities of the two municipalities. (JCM/AAL/PIA 6 Capiz)

PIA-6 launches award for Best Performing Information Office BY: ELSA S. SUBONG ILOILO CITY, Sept. 18 (PIA) – Information offices in the local government units and national government agencies that are performing well deserve recognition.

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his is why the Philippine Information Agency in Western Visayas is launching for the first time the Search for Best Performing Information Office.

PIA-6 Dir. Janet Mesa said effective information offices bring government closer to the masses through information and education activities they conduct.

“It is also seen that these information offices are supported by their agencies or LGUs, hence, they are able to perform well,” Mesa said.

She added that the search is not just to give awards, but to recognize the important role of these offices as conduits and net-

works of information in various levels of governance.

In Western Visayas, according to PIA-6, many agencies and LGUs have recognized the importance of having an information arm which supports their campaigns for transparency and good governance.

Qualified to join, according to the mechanics of the search, are those units or offices in the local government units and national government agencies, with structures and resources, duly recognized as such and implementing IEC programs.

The entries should be supported by an endorsement from the local chief executive/ regional director, or even by private sectors or

individuals, and should submit among others, highlights of accomplishments with intended impacts and testimonials from beneficiaries.

Likewise, entries should also be able to describe highlights of collaborative efforts with other partners and networks.

The criteria applied to the search include existence of an office and resources (15%); IEC activities and programs implemented (35%); collaboration (15%); impact of accomplishments (20%); and, certificates of recognition and awards (15%).

Dir. Mesa said recognizing the Best Performing Information Office is a way of strengthening government information networks in the region. (JCM/ESS/PIA-Iloilo)

Aklan hospital measles ward up to prevent disease spread BY: VENUS G. VILLANUEVA KALIBO, Aklan, Sept. 17 (PIA6) -- A measles ward had been established at the Dr. Rafael S. Tumbokon Memorial Hospital (DRSTMH) in the wake of a high number of cases affecting Aklanons, especially children, since January of this year.

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he establishment of the measles ward at the DRSTMH is one of the measures being employed by the provincial government in order to halt measles virus transmission, according to Dr. Cornelio Cuachon of the Provincial Health Office (PHO) who shared this information during the Monday flag-raising ceremonies at the Provincial Capitol here.

Presently, Cuachon said that out of 140 suspected cases of measles in Aklan from January to September 11 of this year, 51 cases are already laboratory confirmed.

Two from Barangay Manika, Libacao, on the other hand, have died from the disease due to complications from pneumonia.

Besides pneumonia complications, Cuachon also warned against ear infection,

blindness and loose-bowel movements resulting from measles.

Presently, provincial health officials are strictly implementing preventive and control measures for measles in the province of Aklan to cut short measles transmission as suggested by DOH-CHD, like managing cases and contacts to limit spread through monitoring and follow-up of all reported suspect cases, limited exposures to measles cases in the health centers and out-patient departments through the creation of “fast lane” for patients with fever and rash, admission of measles cases in measles ward and isolation rooms; and Vitamin A supplementation to all measles cases as per recommendation.

Municipalities like Kalibo, Malay and other areas with clustering of measles cases are

conducting the following: immunization of their 6 to 8 months old infants; timely routine immunization as anti-measles vaccines (AMV0 in all areas; Community Catch Up Immunization of 1-5 years old; and school-based immunization only for selected areas, with high school as the first priority, elementary school, second priority and Day Care Centers as third priority in Kalibo, Malay, Balete, Altavas, Numancia, Lezo and other areas with clustering of measles cases.

Of Aklan’s 17 municipalities, 12 have confirmed cases while the 5 – Buruanga, Batan, Madalag, Ibajay and Nabas have suspected cases but no laboratory-confirmed cases. (JCM/VGV PIA 6 Aklan)

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CENTRAL VISAYAS

CSC-7 awards gov't employees, groups in CV 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) -- The Civil Service Commission (CSC-7) regional office recently awarded three government employees and three groups of government employees in the region as semi-finalists to the nationwide search for Outstanding Public Officials and Employees of the Honor Awards Program (HAP).

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he Regional Awarding Ceremony held Sept. 10 at the Cebu Provincial Capitol aimed to recognize and promote the outstanding achievement of public servants in Region 7.

The awarding was also in line with the 13th Philippine Civil Service Anniversary this September with the theme “Tatak Lingkod Bayani: Isabuhay, Ipagmalaki at Ipagbunyi".

The Dangal ng Bayan Awards went to Engr.

Expedizitas S. Lenares, head of the Municipal Agricultural and Natural Resources Office of Dalaguete local government unit (LGU), and Marietta T. Orion, principal of San Isidto Elementary School in Calape, Bohol and of the District Alternative Learning System Center of the Department of Education, Bohol Division.

The Dangal ng Bayan Award is conferred to any government official or employee who has exemplified the eight norms of conduct of public servants as mandated by Republic Act No. 6713 or the Code of Conduct and Ethical Standards for Public Officials and Employees.

On the other hand, CSC Pagasa Awardees

were: Kulafu Seballos, Administrative Aide of Bayawan City, Negros Oriental; Pag-ibig Fund Cebu South Branch corporate social responsibility team members Rio Teves, Gloria Llenos, Anthony Maglunsod, Maria Carla De Pio and Catherine Damole; and Alternative Learning System (ALS) implementors of Danao City Division with Teodulo Alvaro as team leaders and members Darwin Almagros, Gaudencia Capute, Roselyn Traigo, Emalinda Gonzalwa, Teresita Cola, Catherine Enriquez, and Marilou Casas.

CSC Pagasa Awards is given to an individual or group of individuals for outstanding contributions that directly benefit more than one department of the government.

The Bayawan Integrated Waste Management team of Bayawan City , Negros Oriental led by Antonio Aguilar Jr. with members Marchita Tuale, Corazon Lizaran, Alma Crisostomo, Eric Torres, Ion Joseph Bollos, Joemar Crisostomo, Wilfredo Tuale, and Vitaliano Cosep were awarded the Lingkod Bayan Award.

The Presidential Lingkod Bayan Award is conferred to an individual or group for

exceptional or extraordinary contributions that had a nationwide impact.

Other awardees were: Portia Bacalso, Chief of the Division Marketing and Enforcement Division of the Pagibig Fund South Branch for the Best Bilis Aksyon Partner; Cebu Normal University for the Brigada Ahensiya Partner category B; and Bayawan City, Negros Oriental for the Brigada Ahensiya Partner, category D. Two government agencies were awarded the CSC Seal of Excellence, namely: Philippine Health Insurance Corporation (PHIC) Dumaguete City Branch and the Pagibig Fund Cebu South Branch. CSC Commissioner Nieves Osorio, who was the honored guest during the awarding ceremony, said that she has already attended two awards rites of HAP but it is here in Cebu that she was happy because it was her first time to be an honored guest. Osorio is a Cebuana who hails from Dalaguete town in Cebu. She told government employees to "continue to be our partners and allies in upholding honesty, integrity and excellence”. (rmn/JSME/PIA-Cebu)

DOST to host workshop on green schools, eco-efficient water infra BY: AMOR Y. SALUDAR WITH REPORTS FROM DOST-7 Cebu City (PIA) -- The Department of Science and Technology (DOST) linked with the United Nations Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific (UNESCAP) for a free advocacy workshop on the Development of Green Schools and Eco-Efficient Water Infrastructure in the Philippines last September 17 at the DOST VII Conference Room-Elena O. Diola Memorial Hall, Sudlon Lahug, Cebu City .

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he workshop discussed concepts, models, and issues related to green schools and eco-efficient water infrastructure as well as strengthened the capabilities of government officials and key stakeholders on green schools and eco-efficient infrastructure.

This also aimed to promote green schools and eco-efficient water infrastructure in the Philippines .

The topics for discussion were divided into three sessions and administered by Korean

experts to include: Eco-efficient Water Infrastructure Development and Green Growth; Green School for Eco-efficient Water Infrastructure; and Best Practices on Eco-efficient Water Infrastructure for Green Economy.

Part of the workshop was a tour to DOST7 Integrated Storm Water Management System (ISWM) facility that serves as the demo-facility of ISWM in the Philippines using the Korean technology.

With this system, rainwater and storm water are collected for treatment and are used

for washing, toilet flushing, gardening purposes.

Currently, DOST-UNESCAP project promotes Green Schools that uses the ISWM facility, in which its proposed architectural designs will be presented in workshop.

Attendees of the workshop included key stakeholders, LGU officials, national government agencies, DOST related agencies, construction industry and developers, business, academe, water districts, university officials and NGOs from relevant areas. (mbcn/AYS/PIA7/ with reports from DOST7)

Officials urge barangays to join upcoming ICC Sept. 21 BY: Rey Anthony Chiu TAGBILARAN CITY, Sept. 9 (PIA) - - Interior and local government officials in Bohol as well as environment advocates encourage municipal and barangay officials to mobilize their communities for the International Coastal Clean Up (ICC) on September 21.

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his, as the connection to the threat of global warming and climate change could not be dissociated from environmental abuse, many of which is caused by improper solid waste disposal.

At the weekly Kapihan sa PIA following a coordination meeting of the Bohol Coastal Resource Management Task Force a few days earlier, local government operations officer Mylove Cardinoza said the Department of the Interior and Local Government has been encouraging local officials and constituents to participate in the global action for the environment.

She however bemoaned the fact that Clean-up Volunteers have been laughed at when doing community volunteer work for the ICC. Set by law in 2003 when the Philippines declared every 3rd Saturday of September as Global

Coastal clean-up Celebration, clean-up activities in the country mainstreamed with volunteers coming from all walks of life picking every trash that has the potential to be drifted off to sea.

Earlier, during a BCRMTF meeting at the Jjs Dimsum, Task Force secretariat showed Bohol clean-up data in 2012 which edged down from the consistent increase it pegged in the last two years.

All over the world, around 561,633 volunteers came down to the shores and waterways including inland waters to pick up and gather about 10 million pounds of trash covering 17,710 miles of coastlines, according to Ocean Conservancy, ICC event organizer.

In Bohol however, after grabbing the country’s record for most number of volunteers in the late 1990, records show that the volunteers are

dwindling and so are the trash collected.

While the dwindling number of trash gathered could tell that people are slowly becoming aware of the ill effects of irresponsible garbage disposal, BCRMTF members also assumed that there is a problem with the data cards collection system.

While ICC activities pick up trash from the shores and inland waters, volunteers also record the kinds of trash gathered and the number of volunteers to get scientific ideas of how this could help law makers in determining proper policies for better community response.

All these data are place in data cards which are later collected and consolidated to form a huge picture of the garbage situation threat, according to Jovencio Taer, presiding officer during the BCRMTF meeting.

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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DSWD approves P17-M for job assistance to oil spill victims BY: FERLIZA C. CONTRATISTA

CEBU CITY (PIA) -- A P17-million fund for oil spill affected areas here was recently approved by the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD).

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n a press release by DSWD Regional Field Unit 7, DSWD Secretary Dinky Soliman approved the P17 million fund requested by the office to assist those affected by the oil spill brought about by the sunken M/V St. Thomas Aquinas.

The fund will be used as a cash-for-work program for those affected under the 13 identified costal barangays whose main livelihood is fishing.

According to DSWD, a total of 2,996 affected families in Cordova will be employed to

clean oil-spill affected coastal areas and will be given P245 per day for a period of ten days.

“They will be involved in the rehabilitation activities wherein one of its family members will help in the cleaning of the shoreline including dredging of the barangay canals and other greening activities” according to the press release.

Jenifer Abastillas, focal person of Disaster and Risk Reduction Management Unit (DRRMU) of DSWD-7, said the town of Cordova and

Talisay City already submitted the official list of affected families.

There were also another 1,600 families in the affected coastal area of Talisay City.

Aside from this project, DSWD-7 had also distributed family food packs consisting of canned goods and rice during the first and second weeks of the sea tragedy.

Cordova received 9,561 food packs while Talisay City received 1,700. (rmn/FCC/PIACEBU)

Army offers free health services in Siquijor BY: JENNIFER C. TILOS DUMAGUETE CITY (PIA) -- Some 1,400 residents of Siquijor province availed of the free Medical and Dental Civic Action Program (MEDCAP) today served by army’s 302nd Brigade and 79th Infantry Battalion with the reservists from 703rd and 704th Community Defense Centers.

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n coordination with local government of Siquijor, the health services offered in celebration of its 41st Araw Ng Bayan 2013 with the theme “Siquijor Atong Lungsod, Atong Panggaon” at the provincial gymnasium.

The medical services include consultation and dental services, circumcision, eye examination, blood examination and blood pressure examination.

According to information officer of the army Capt. Cresencio Gargar the military reservists also offered free haircut and massage to the patients while waiting for their turn.

For BGen. Francisco Patrimonio, 302nd Brigade Commander said that the involvement of different stakeholders consistent with the spirit of “Bayanihan” to address the health concerns of the Siquijodnons was a manifestation of commitment and dedication by peace loving citizens in order to

serve the needy Filipino people.

“The military’s participation in the MEDCAP in partnership with various stakeholders was part of our continuing efforts in delivering basic health services to the less privileged residents in the Brigade’s area of responsibility” said Patrimonio.

The brigade contingents and civilian volunteers were ferried from Tandayag Port, Amlan to Siquijor and vice versa via Philippine Navy vessel, Gargar said.

Other organizations involved in the MEDCAP include Siquijor Municipal Health Unit, civil society organization and civilian volunteers in the province.

Meanwhile, the Negros Oriental Provincial Pea ce a nd Order C ouncil (PPOC ) invited Negrenses to participate in their month-long activities in celebration of Peace

Month this September.

PPOC activities for Peace Month started on Sept. 16 with non-government organization Oriental Negros Advocacy Network (ONCAN) holding a Peace Exhibit at Robinson’s Place.

The exhibit features photos of peace initiatives from law enforcement agencies like the Negros Oriental Provincial Police Office (NOPPO) and the Philippine Army brigade based in the province.

National government agencies like the Department of Agrarian Reform (DAR) and the Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG) are also participating in the exhibit together with other NGOs in Negros Oriental.

The Peace Exhibit will run until Sept. 22, 2013. Other activities lined up are tree planting, “Bike for Peace” and “Run for Peace”. (mbcn/ JCT/PIA7-Negros Oriental with RAL report)

Lady solon asks for leaders' support to uplift Siquijodnons' lives BY: RIZALIE A. CALIBO SIQUIJOR (PIA) — Siquijor lone district representative Dr. Marie Anne Pernes made an appeal to all local leaders and all working in the government to work together and do what they can, positively, to uplift the lives of the people of Siquijor.

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peaking at the Araw ng Siquijor Agro, Trade and Food Fair Friday (September 13), Pernes said government should strive to make sure that there is an enabling environment where entrepreneurs, regardless of size, can thrive.

The congresswoman said government support is needed to ensure that healthy competition exists, public safety is assured and that technology and financial resources are made available.

This she also said amidst personal observation on the seemingly lack of support from some political leaders in the island.

She said that in the series of consultative meetings she and her staff made throughout the island, she found out that employment is one of the top needs aside from water and electricity.

“Ngunit ako po ay talagang disappointed at dismayado sa ibang mga tinatawag nating mga political leaders,” says Pernes.

Instead of focusing all their efforts and energy in finding ways to help their fellow

Siquijodnons, political and personal interest still prevailed, she said.

“Hindi po nakakatulong sa Siquijor kung pagbabawalan o gigipitin ang kahit sino na lumapit sa kahit sinong puwedeng makatulong at makapagbigay ng kahit kunting proyekto. Hindi po nakakatulong sa Siquijor na patuloy ang pagkakalat ng tsismis at intriga sa halip na magtrabaho sa ikauunlad ng isa’t-isa. Hindi po nakakatulong na pagsabihan ang mga community leaders na hindi i-entertain ang pupunta sa lugar kahit na ang pakay lamang ay tumulong at mag-identify ng proyekto.

At lalong hindi nakakatulong ang pagiging inggit sa pinag-gagawa ng iba. Inggit po ang nakasisira sa pagsasama ng isang samahan,” she said.

Instead of competing , let us all try to complement….instead of dividing, let us strive to cooperate, the Congresswoman said.

After expressing this, Pernes also urged entrepreneurs to avolid one of the deadly social sins that Mahatma Gandhi referred to: “Business of commerce without morality of ethics” as she urged entrepreneurs to earn profit in clean, just

and legal ways by giving quality products with fair prices, and paying exact taxes.

At the end of the day hindi naman tayo huhusgahan kung magkano ang pera nating naipon kung hindi paano natin ito kinita at paano ginamit ang ating kinikita, she said.

As member of the Small Business and Entrepreneurship Development committee in the Congress, Pernes said Siquijor can expect programs towards business and industry development.

She also assured Siquijodnons that she will find ways to answer the needs of the province, as also a member of the Committee on Appropriation.

She said she also worked with the office of Senator Bam Aquino to bring to Siquijor the “Hapinoy” program that gives training to those who would want to engage into business. ”We have so many plans and programs to help you, entrepreneurs. Let us help work together for you to prosper in your respective businesses,” she said. (mbcn/RACalibo/ PIA7-Siquijor)

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EASTERN VISAYAS

EVisayas nominee one of 2013 national Dangal ng Bayan awardees

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. 16 (PIA) -- Eastern Visayas nominee, Mr. Pablo U. Amascual III, admin chief of the Leyte Normal University, has been chosen as one of this year’s national awardees for the Dangal ng Bayan Award.

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SC Region 8 Director Rowin Riños said that Mr. Amascual, who is physically challenged, will join other national awardees in the awarding ceremonies to be led by President Benigno S. Aquino III in Malacañang sometime this month of September.

Despite losing his eyesight in 2006, Amascual has continued to serve the entire Leyte Normal University (LNU) community where he works as the chief administrative officer, professor, resident ombudsman and a resident historian for 30 years to date.

Amascual, who is a father of three children, believes that being differently-abled has nothing to do with the positive service he has started to render to the community that includes producing several publications in a national journal in history, proposing to the City Council of Tacloban the name for the street along the way to the New Bus Terminal as “Pres. Sergio Osmeña Avenue,”

working on the official lot donation of more than seven hectares to LNU from the provincial government of Leyte and some others responsive to community development needs.

Mr. Amascual believes that “I don’t have to change because of my physical disability. I just have to continue what I’ve been doing and that is quality service. It takes more than just determination and courage to serve.

If I can do it, they also can. If I can serve even without the full use of my senses, then how much more those who are more blessed with physical capabilities.”

The Outstanding Public Officials and Employees Award or the Dangal ng Bayan Award recognizes the government officials and employees who have shown extraordinary act of public service and consistent demonstration of exemplary ethical behavior.

Dangal ng Bayan is just one of the three

grants under the Honor Awards Program (HAP) of the Civil Service Commission.

The other two are the Presidential Lingkod Bayan Award and the Civil Service Commission Pagasa Award.

The HAP is an annual undertaking which aims to motivate or inspire government employees to improve the quality of their performance and in still deeper involvement in public service.

Dangal ng Bayan Awardees will receive a cash prize of PHP200,000 and a trophy designed

by National Artist for Sculpture Napoleon Abueva.

They are also entitled to incentives such as b o nus e s , c i ta ti o ns , d i rec t o rs h ips i n government-owned or controlled corporations, local and foreign scholarship grants, paid vacations, and automatic promotion to the next higher position with commensurate salary suitable to their qualifications. (PIA 8)

Army’s best division served by best commanders CATBALOGAN CITY, Samar, Sept. 17 (PIA) -- Indeed, the country’s best division is served by the best commanders, as another top officer of the Armed forces assumed as Division Commander of the 8th Infantry Division (ID), Camp Lukban, Catbalogan City on September 12.

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ormer deputy commander of the elite Special Operations, Brigadier General Jet Joel Velarmino took over the post as 8th ID Commander as Major Gen. Gerardo Layug retired September 12 from the military service after serving the Armed Forces of the Philippines for 37 years.

Velarmino is an army general who used to be assigned in Negros provinces, and has been designated as chief of staff of the Philippine Army.

The new 8th ID commander praised the outgoing Commander Major General Layug for his competent leadership and commendable performance.

Guest of honor and Presiding Officer Major General Samuel Narbuada said that the 8ID is very fortunate of having the best commanders to make it as the best division.

The 8th ID was recently ranked as the best division in the entire country, Narbuada added.

Meanwhile, in his farewell speech, Layug

acknowledged the professionalism and commitment of the soldiers of the 8th Infantry Division and the support and cooperation of the public and the private sector partners who worked with him to make Region 8 a better place to live in and made 8th ID as the best Infantry Division of the Philippine Army for 2012.

“We got this remarkable accomplishment because of the continuous support of the civilian, local government units, and all the stakeholders.

To our men and women in uniform, I hope that you will keep on serving well our people,” Layug said.

With all these successes, the new chief vowed to the people of Samar and other areas under his command that he and his men will continue to persevere and ensure reduced insurgency-related issues to realize the government’s economic programs.

“I envision that under my charge, the soldiers of 8th ID will keep the genuine spirit of

“Bayanihan” alive.

I will definitely work by defining the framework of the AFP Internal Peace and Security Plan (IPSP) Bayanihan and the Army Transformation Roadmap (ATR).”

The new 8th ID commander is a member of the Philippine Military Academy Class 1982.

He also headed the army’s elite troopers who captured the kidnappers of Giuseppe Pierantoni in Zamboanga Del Sur in April 2002.

Governor Jose Ong of Northern Samar, Gov Conrado B Nicart Jr, of Eastern Samar, Congressman Emil Ong, Representative 2nd District of Northern Samar, Representative Harlin Abayon of the 1st District Northern Samar, Bishops Isabelo C Abarquez of the Diocese of Calbayog and Emmanuel Trance, Bishop of the Diocese of Catarman and other VIPs witnessed the turn-over of command.

(PIA-Samar with Avha Hilario)

NFA-Biliran starts selling regular milled local rice

By Rodrigo Victoria NAVAL, Biliran, Sept. 16 (PIA) -- An official of the National Food Authority (NFA) in Biliran province on Monday, Sept.

16, disclosed that the agency started to sell regular milled local rice to its accredited retail outlets effective Monday, September 16, 2013.

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ilagros O. Caneja, provincial economist of NFA-Biliran, informed that the authority to sell regular milled local rice was granted by the NFA regional office in Eastern Visayas this week based on earlier request of NFA-Biliran for an authority to sell regular milled local rice.

Caneja said that the NFA regional office only allowed the 60:40 disposal ratio based on the authority granted.

Each NFA accredited retail outlet is given daily allocation of four bags of regular milled

local rice and two bags iron fortified rice, Caneja said.

However, she clarified that the daily allocation of regular milled local rice to the NFA accredited retail outlet will be made available depending on the supply of the local palay stocks for milling in NFA-Biliran.

It was learned that NFA-Biliran has stocks inventory of 2,219 bags of local rice and 21,301 bags of palay for milling as of September 13, 2013. She added that the regular milled local rice now sold by NFA accredited retail outlets in

the market and in the barangays has the same retail price at P27 per kilo.

She also advised the consumers to look at the price label on the NFA regular milled local rice now sold by NFA accredited retail outlet in the market to avoid buying this type of rice at a price the same with that of commercial rice.

NFA accredited retail outlet caught overpricing NFA regular milled local rice will face sanctions in accordance with the guidelines set by the agency for its accredited retail outlets.

(PIA 8 Biliran)

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

OP-PMS Usec bares government’s good governance and anti-corruption cluster framework By: Ailene N. Diaz

CATARMAN, Northern Samar, Sept. 19 (PIA) -- Presidential Management Staff Undersecretary Ferdinand Cui, Jr. recently presented the good governance and anti-corruption cluster framework of the government to the SIPPAD Assembly at St. Mary’s College of Catbalogan (SMCC), Catbalogan City.

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ui emphasized that the long term vision of this administration is a decent and humane living condition for all Filipino and the short term goal is inclusive growth and poverty reduction.

Cui said convergence effort in the delivery of frontline services of the national and local government units should zero in and should all contribute towards this outcome.

Convergence however, stressed Cui, is the integration of beneficiaries, space, time and resources, of who the beneficiaries are, what? the

program, where? the place where? it is intended, and when? the time element.

In the absence of this, it is just a coordination and not convergence.

The good governance and anti-corruption cluster activities and accomplishments include improved public service delivery, end to corruption and enhanced business environment, said Cui The longest goal has the following outcome: i mp r o v e d t r a n s p a r e n c y a n d c it iz e n s ’ empowerment, improved public sector

performance, improved anti-corruption measures and improved policy for good governance.

SIPPAD or the Island Partnership for Peace and Development (SIPPAD), is a partnership of the Church, Government, and Civil Society (NGO, Academe, Youth, etc.), in the three Provinces of Samar Island with its main conveners, the Bishops of the Diocese of Catarman, Most Rev. Emmanuel C. Trance, D.D., the Diocese of Calbayog, Most Rev. Isabelo C. Abarquez, D.D., and the Diocese of Borongan, Most Rev. Crispin B. Varquez, D.D. (ADiaz/PIA-Northern Samar)

4th Chito S. Roño Literary Awards accepts entries from Waray, Inabaknon writers TACLOBAN CITY, Leyte, September 18 (PIA) – Now on its 4th year, the Chito S. Roño Literary Awards (CSRLA) run by the Northwest Samar State University, Calbayog City is now accepting entries for this year’s contest in poetry, short story and play from writers in Waray and Inabaknon.

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his was learned from Mr. Harold L. Mercurio, CSRLA coordinator who said the contest is open to all Eastern Visayas writers – those currently residing within a specified geographical area or those born in Region VIII but have migrated to another place or country.

For poetry (siday), an entry must consist of five poems of any topic, theme, length and form.

For short story, an entry may vary in length depending on the writer’s choice whether it is a full blown fiction or a flash fiction with no restriction on the number of pages.

For play, an entry’s length must range from thirty-five minutes (35 minutes) to one and a half hour (90 minutes) once staged, with an open and free theme.

Inabaknon entries must be provided with a translation either in Waray, Filipino or English.

Entries in short stories and plays must be accompanied by a one-page summary.

All entries must be originally written in Waray or Inabaknon and not a translation from

other languages and should not have been published nor has won in any contest. Entries must be submitted in four copies (one original and three photocopies), double spaced on an 8 1/2 x 11 inches letter size bond paper with one inch margin on both sides. Pages should be numbered consecutively (e.g. 1 of 30, 2 of 30 and so on) at the bottom right corner of each page.

Font type must be Arial and its font size must be 12 pts. Entries must bear the pseudonym of the writer. The author's name and the pseudonym (written on the entry) must be submitted in a separate sealed envelope along with the official application form and the contact information of the contestant. A barangay captain or notary public must attest to the originality and authenticity of the entry and for archival purposes, a writer is required to email a copy of the entry to chitoronoawards@yahoo.com or send a softcopy in DVD format together with other requirements to Chito S. Roño Literary Awards, Arts, Social and Cultural Affairs Office c/o Mr. Harold L. Mercurio, Northwest Samar

State University, Rueda St., Brgy. Balud, Calbayog City.

Winners in the three categories will receive the following prizes: Poetry First Prize: P5,000.00 plus Certificate Second Prize P3,000.00 plus Certificate Third Prize: P1,000.00 plus Certificate Short Story First Prize: P5,000.00 plus Certificate Play First Prize: P12,000.00 plus Certificate Deadline for submission of entries is October 20, 2013. Winners will be announced in selected radio stations, published in the local dailies and will be posted at the NCCA website and at Panitikan.com. Awarding of winners will be done during the culmination of activities of the annual Lamiraw Creative Writing Workshop on November 6-8, 2013 at Naval State University, Naval, Biliran. For inquiries, contact Mr. Harold L. Mercurio at 09158866805 or email at chitoronoawards@yahoo.com. (PIA-8)

Southern Leyte to implement ‘Sustansya Kini’ program

By Ma. Rebecca G. Cadavos MAASIN CITY, Southern Leyte, Sep. 18 (PIA) -- The province of Southern Leyte will be implementing the "Sustansya Kini" program to help address the food needs, provide alternative sources of food and improve nutrition of Southern Leyteṅos living within and below the poverty line.

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ased on the presentation of Provincial Planning and Development Office staff Catalina Samaco, “Sustansya Kini” program needs wide information at the barangay level with the target beneficiaries, advocating the proper waste disposal and segregating the biodegradable from non-biodegradable wastes, and making compost pit out of the segregated wastes which eventually produces organic fertilizer.

"This can benefit the fruit/vegebale garden not only of the target households but thorughout the barangay/locality.”

“Every household is mandated to plant vegetables within their area, while fruit and vegetable seedlings will be distributed by the host LGU through the Office of Agricultural Services, to be placed in a nursery and seed banks,” she disclosed.

The said program will focus on the Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program (4Ps), wasted children , among other families, as beneficiaries, to uplift their

livelihood income and improve nutritional status, among others.

"The targeting system for the program's beneficiaries was also based on the Community-based Management System (CBMS) survey at the barangay level," Samaco added during the meeting held with the Provincial Nutrition Action Team, Thursday at Supercha Restaurant composed of different government agencies in the locality.

"The Implementation of the project will be LGU-based," she added. It will be implemented at the barangay level assisted by their local government units, while the LGUs will be mandating all barangays with target households to adopt the solid waste segregation, establish and maintain compost pits and seed banks and communicate the “sustansya kini” project to all families with target beneficiaries and ensure program compliance of target households, Samaco said.

The provincial government through the

concerned agencies in the locality will provide technical assistance through training and inputs assistance and monitoring, awareness building on monitoring and evaluation, among other assistance relative to the project.

It is expected that the impact of the “sustansya kini” program will have a wide reach, better health and nutrition and environmental protection based on the program design.

While the effect of the program at the household level will be food security, more savings and an additional income for the target families, Samaco added.

The whole day activity hosted by the Provincial Health Services Office also discussed the 2011 Upgrading of Nutritional Status of Filipino Children and other Population Group, the 8th National Nutrition Survey 2013, Feedback on the 3rd Quarter Provincial and City Action Officers’ meeting and presentation of the Provincial Nutrition Council Annual Investment Plan 2014. (PIA-SoLeyte)

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