One Visayas e-Newsletter Vol 3 Issue 4

Vol 3

Issue 4

In this Issue WESTERN VISAYAS

Tribu Atub-Atub performs a ceremonial dance after the re-enactment of the first Christian wedding in Asia. The ceremonial re-enactment held at San Jose Church, Iloilo City on January 23 was one of the sidelights of the celebration of Dinagyang Festival 2013.

(LTP/PIA-ILOILO)

More on Region 6, pages 2-3.

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CENTRAL VISAYAS

Published by: PIA 6, 7 & 8

January 21— 27, 2013

'National Year of Rice' targets 2.3-M M.T. for WVisayas

By Elsa S. Subong ILOILO CITY, Jan 22 (PIA6) -- The Department of Agriculture in Western Visayas targets to produce 2.3 million metric tons (MT) of rice for 2013, as the country observes “National Year of Rice.”

DA-6 Executive Director Larry Nacionales said in a radio interview that there is higher expectation for Region 6 this year.

“The target of 2.3 million MT is higher than 2012’s 2.2 million production,” Nacionales said.

He said the national government demands at least 14 percent share from the region to the total rice production in the country for 2013 from 12 percent in 2012.

“This is because the government wants the country to be rice-sufficient by the end of this year 2013,” Nacionales said.

He said Iloilo is still top in production among the provinces in the region, making Western Visayas contribute at least 50 percent to the total rice production in the country in 2012.

Nacionales attributed the increased palay production to the use of varieties and certified seeds, the communal irrigation, and the intensive extension programs aimed at dissemination of technology, and farm mechanization, among others.

Meanwhile, DA Secretary Proceso J. Alcala, in a release through the DA website, disclosed that the agency is crafting a disaster preparedness, response and rehabilitation program to cushion off the adverse and destructive impacts of natural disasters, particularly

typhoons and floods to the country’s agriculture and fishery sector.

He said the entire DA family should be prepared to surmount these effects and protect the gains and livelihood of farmers, including investments in irrigation systems, post harvest facilities and farm-to market roads.

DA continued to report that despite the adverse effects of typhoons that hit the country in 2012, palay harvest was at 18.03 million MT t, higher than the 16.68 million MT in 2011. (JCM/ESS-PIA6, Iloilo)

Mactan forms reclamation project monitoring team

Amidst heavy rains in San Juan, Siquijor last week, district supervisors, principals and head teachers of the town's 11 primary and elementary schools can't stop opening, segregating and sharing the boxes of books, instructional materials and some school supplies they received from Robert and Theresa Ruch of North Fork, California. At least seven big balikbayan boxes of those items arrived at San Juan district office early last month. (rmn/ RACalibo-PIA-Siquijor)

More on Region 7, pages 4-5.

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EASTERN VISAYAS

By Hazel F. Gloria CEBU CITY, Jan 18 (PIA) -- The Department of Environment and Natural Resources in Region 7 (DENR-7) and the Lapulapu City government have formed a multipartite monitoring team (MMT) for the Mactan North Reclamation Development Project (MNRDP) in Lapulapu City.

Dr. Isabelo R. Montejo, DENR 7 regional executive director, said the MMT should primarily oversee the compliance of the proponent (Lapulapu City government) with the environmental management and monitoring plan (EMMP), other commitments and mitigation measures as indicated in the project environmental impact study (EIS) documents and the environmental compliance conditions (ECC).

Based on the EIS online system of the Environmental Management Bureau (EMB), an ECC was issued last April 22, 2009 to MNRDP to cover the reclamation and development of 400 hectares located within the Magellan Bay in Barangays Ibo, Buaya, Mactan and Punta Engaño. It was approved by then DENR Secretary Jose L. Atienza Jr. The issuance of the said ECC provides that before reclamation starts all necessary clearances and permits from the concerned agencies shall be secured first. In this

case, the proponent shall follow step by step the process on how to get clearance from DENR before they could start the activities.

In a January 9 meeting attended by some officials of Lapulapu City, DENR 7, EMB 7 and other stakeholders, members of the MMT were initially identified.

Also discussed were the draft memorandum of agreement (MOA) and work and financial plan (WFP) of the group.

The said team will be in-charge of monitoring the construction and development of the project in all phases.

It will be composed of different stakeholders including government agencies, non-government organizations, people’s organizations, and others that will be affected by the construction of the project.

Mr. William P. Cuñado, Chief Environmental Impact Assessment Management Division of EMB 7 stressed the importance of creating an MMT whose membership is cooperative enough to conduct the monitoring.

The Mactan reclamation project was conceived to become a new development frontier for commerce, industries and tourism, among others. (PIA-7/HFG/DENR7)

Nine airports in EVisayas receive funding for upgrading

PRO8 Regional Director CSupt Elmer Soria (center) signs the Pledge of Commitment during the unity walk and prayer rally for a “Secure and Fair Elections” held at Balyuan Amphitheater, Tacloban City, January 20.

(Vino R. Cuayzon)

More on Region 8, pages 6-7.

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By Aurora J. Casimpan TACLOBAN CITY, Leyte, Jan. 20 (PIA) -- Nine airports in the region are set for upgrading.

This was disclosed by an official of the Civil Aviation Authority of the Philippines (CAAP) in Eastern Visayas who said that a budget of P167.35 million was earmarked for the upgrading of these airports.

Antonio Alfonso, CAAP area manager, said the project for the upgrading of the nine airports which includes 7 without passenger aircraft operations is part of the five-year development plan for implementation this year.

Alfonso said that the facilities of the airports need to be rehabilitated for safety purposes and to prevent encroachments even if the airports are not really earning.

He said the nine airports which were allotted budgets are the Ormoc Airport in Western Leyte with a P33 million funding for the completion of improvement of passenger terminal building, continuation of perimeter and security fence and improvement of fire station building.

Borongan Airport in Eastern Samar was alloted P27 million; Catarman Airport in Northern Samar with some P 23.15 million; Catbalogan Airport in Catbalogan Samar with P 22 million; Guian Airport in Guiuan Eastern Samar with P 19.5 Million; Hilongos Airport in Leyte with P 17 million; the community airport in Naval, Biliran with the funding of P 11.2 million; Maasin Airport in Southern Leyte with P 9.5 million funding and Calbayog Airport in Samar with the needed funding of P 5 million. (PIA-8)

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WESTERN VISAYAS

Iloilo has right ingredients for investments – DOT

By Elsa S. Subong

Iloilo City Hall

ILOILO CITY, Jan 21 (PIA6) - - Just the right ingredients are what it takes for Iloilo to be recipient of upbeat, increasing investments.

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epartment of Tourism Regional Director Helen Catalbas said there are a number of factors that make Iloilo now the city to watch.

She said Iloilo has been observed to get more than enough number of people flocking to the city and province, next to Boracay in Aklan.

“Tourists and visitors go to Boracay but they usually drop by Iloilo where they spend time and money,” Catalbas said in a media interview.

She said that investors take note that when the purchasing power of a place is high, business can be brisk.

“Investors do not invest just for locals but for tourists and visitors as well,” she added.

Catalbas also said that even if

production costs can be relatively high, including cost of power and water, influx of people in a place can offset the costs.

“With more people coming to Iloilo from all points of the region, there would be need for more food, accommodation, amenities, and services,” Catalbas added.

Catalbas further said that the local government’s capability to help investors facilitate requirements to put up investments is very important.

Likewise, she said, the business climate is also dictated by the performance of the local government units and the National government agencies in their ability to deliver their mandates.

Meanwhile, Iloilo City Mayor Jed Patrick Mabilog said that the launching and unveiling of major infrastructure and

businesses here is a message of confidence of investors in Iloilo City’s positive business climate.

Recently, the Ayala Group, the Megaworld, and the Gaisano have started business ventures that can rake in income and generate employment for the city.

Very recently, through public private partnerships, the Iloilo Fast Craft and Roro Terminal had its groundbreaking at the Iloilo River.

“This is a continuing confidence in Iloilo City’s economic future,” Mabilog said.

Catalbas said Iloilo City is being watched by other cities for its energy and excitement and unprecedented surge in investments coming in every now and then. (JCM/ESS-PIA- 6, loilo)

More businesses register in Antique

By Pilar S. Mabaquiao SAN JOSE, Antique, Jan 23 (PIA) -- Trade officials have observed an increase in the number of business registrants in Antique at the beginning of the year.

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ocelyn Perez, Officer in Charge of the Department of Trade and Industry-Antique said that for the first three weeks of January, the DTI has registered a total of 190 new businesses a much higher figure of approved business names (BNs) compared to the same period last year with only 191 for the whole month.

Most number of registrants come from the municipalities of San Jose, Sibalom, and Hamtic.

In 2012, DTI has registered a total of 1,144 BNs for the whole year, of which 1,020 are new registrants and 124 are renewals.

DTI enjoins local government units to campaign for registration of businesses so that their operation could be legitimate like sari-sari stores, public transport operators, boarding houses among others.

Engr. Lynna Joy Cardinal, Trade and Industry Development Specialist explained that BN registration is in accordance with Department Administrative Order No. 10-08 series of 2010 further amending Republic Act 3883 or the Business Name Law. It provides protection to the public dealing with business establishment through the disclosure of owner’s identity and prevents establishment from using a name which is identical or confusingly similar to a name already registered.

The BN registration with DTI is on-going year round with corresponding fees: P200 for business operating in a barangay, P500 for municipal in scope and P1,000 for those with regional coverage and P2,000 for national level.

BN registration is also required to secure

Municipal Permit to operate a business, Cardinal said. In other developments from Antique, the National Food Authority (NFA) in the province of Antique has surpassed its palay procurement target for 2012 by about 106 percent with a total of 185,643 bags purchased as against 175,000 bags annual target. This is also 85 percent higher than the 2011 figures.

The National Grid Corporation of the Philippines (NGCP) advised the public in the province to refrain from putting obstructions within their right-of-way areas such as planting trees, squatting and putting up of houses near or under transmission lines as these can hamper maintenance operations or pose hazards. (JCM//PSM/PIA6 Antique) (JCM/PSM/ PIA6 Antique)

Shipping companies urged to improve facilities and services

By Carolina A. Dionela BACOLOD CITY, Jan 22 (PIA) - - Bacolod City Administrator John Orola said they are urging shipping companies in Bacolod and Iloilo to improve their facilities and services to attract more foreign and domestic tourists, a press release from the city said.

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rola, chairperson of the Western Visayas Tourism Council, said the comfort rooms of some shipping companies, both in their terminals and in the boats are unsanitary.

Ship owners and managers of the ferry companies must improve their services for the safety, comfort and

convenience of commuters abroad their shipping vessels, Orola added.

He said the request is not only in preparation for the BacoLadiat Festival, but also for the various festivities in Negros Occidental.

Bacolod City will celebrate the Chinese New Year with the staging of the

8th BacoLaodiat Festival on February 7-10, 2013.

The festival is held annually to recognize the contribution of the Chinese community in the economic growth of Bacolod.*(PIO/CD/JCM/PIA6)

WESTERN VISAYAS

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DTI Capiz bags CSC excellence award Iloilo City Hall

By Jemin B. Guillermo

ROXAS CITY, Capiz, Jan 22 (PIA6) -- The Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) in Capiz is one of the frontline agencies that was conferred the 2012 CSC Seal of Excellence Award in Western Visayas by the Civil Service Commission (CSC).

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apiz CSC Director lawyer Maria Lina Gonzaga disclosed that based on the ARTA Report Card Survey conducted by the CSC, DTI Capiz was rated excellent based on the different criteria set therefore.

She said that said office has been conferred the Citizen’s Satisfaction Center Seal of Excellence Award after the conduct of surveys and first and second phase validation by the Commission.

Gonzaga said that after the conduct of the three-day survey in August last year, DTI Capiz was able to obtain a final rating of 92.55 percent which is equivalent to an excellent rating that entitles said office here to the Seal and P75,000 cash reward.

She explained that the cash reward will be used for the purchase of equipment or materials and services that will further improve the delivery of frontline services of the recipient agency.

The granting of the Seal of Excellence Award to DTI Capiz was also supported by a CSC Resolution promulgated in December last year, which emphasizes the conduct of a survey to obtain feedback on existence and effectiveness of, as well as compliance with the Citizen’s Charter, and how the office is performing in so far as frontline services are concerned.

“This is likewise based on Republic Act No. 9485, otherwise known as An Act to Improve Efficiency in the Delivery of Government Service to the Public by Reducing Bureaucratic Red Tape, Preventing Graft and Corruption, and Providing Penalties Thereof or the Anti-Red Tape Act of 2007,” Gonzaga said.

According to her, the validation conducted by the trained personnel of their central office aims to confirm and strengthen the evidence of excellent service provided by the DTI-Capiz to its clients during the survey earlier conducted.

Gonzaga revealed that aside from DTI-Capiz, the provincial offices of said agency in Iloilo and Negros Occidental were likewise recipients of the same seal after these obtained excellent ratings.

On the other hand, the CSC Capiz Field Office, in partnership with the media and the Philippine Information Agency, continues to conduct on-the-spot noon-time inspections in offices, particularly delivering frontline services to the public.

The activity aims to ensure compliance on the effective and efficient delivery of services, strictly noting among others, the observance of no noon-break policy, posting of Citizen’s Charter, Anti-Fixing campaign, provision of priority lane for the elderly, pregnant women and persons with disability, establishment of complaint or assistance desk and suggestion or recommendation box, and wearing of ARTA Identification Card. (JCM/JBG-PIA6, Capiz)

8,985 helmets in Aklan with ICC stickers

By Venus G. Villanueva KALIBO, Aklan, Jan 21 (PIA6) -- The Department of Trade (DTI) here reported that a total of 8,985 helmets have valid Import Commodity Clearance (ICC) stickers. f this number, 7,860 were Earlier in the campaign, DTI explained from authorized establishments here personally brought to DTI-Aklan that some helmets could inspection if which has stickers already. for inspection and were attached source of the helmets were not Per DTI-Aklan monitoring, 26 with ICC stickers, while 1,125 were authorized manufacturers, or labels are establishments in Aklan are now selling simply submitted for inspection to the DTI a l r e a d y f a d e d , u n r e a d a b l e o r helmets with attached ICC stickers with stickers already to determine if the indistinguishable. already. helmets were produced by Bureau of As inspection of helmets ended The inspection of motorcycle Product Standards (BPS) – approved already on December 31, 2012, DTI-Aklan helmets, which started July last year, is in manufacturers. said the rest of unused stickers were compliance with the strict implementation DTI-Aklan also reported that 549 helmets already returned to the Central Office, of RA 10054 or the Motorcycle Helmet submitted for inspection failed. and advised Aklanons to buy their helmets Act. (JCM/VGV PIA 6 Aklan)

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Phl to have its own disaster damage and loss database

By Jaime S. Cabag Jr. ILOILO CITY, Jan 25 (PIA6) -- A database on disaster risk reduction and management highlighting the record of natural disaster and the extent of damages and losses incurred from these catastrophes will serve well for the Philippines, according to a Filipino official working for the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (Asean).

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sean Technical Advisor for Disaster Risk Reduction Dr. Marqueza L. Reyes told members of the Regional Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council of Region 6 recently, that the government has realized its value and initial steps have been taken to come up with the database which some other Asean member-countries already have.

Put side by side by side with the PDNA-DALA, the database would be helpful in keeping tab of disasters and the damages and losses they have inflicted and determining what DRRM actions to take especially in the long term to make communities safe and resilient. Reyes cited

the case of Indonesia which has a 100-year database.

Other countries, she said, have databases prepared using the Geographic Information System (GIS) technology.

Vietnam is starting to do that also, she added. It was also learned that Myanmar has also started to work on its own.

She admitted that the Philippines is just starting to do the database but hopes that it would be realized as soon as possible. Although the data would be in the hands of individual agencies, it would still be useful for starter, said Reyes.

Besides being useful to individual member-countries, the database would also enable Asean to make collective actions to help affected members in the

event of emergencies from disasters in consonance with the Asean Agreement on Disaster Management and Emergency Response (AADMER) of which the Philippines is a very staunch supporter, said Reyes.

The orientation was organized by the RDRRMC to apprise council members on the DRRM methodology which is recognized worldwide for its value.

Western Visayas is the first RDRRMC in the country to conduct the PDNA-DALA orientation activity.

Dr. Ronald I. Flores, former OCD Civil Defense executive officer, discussed issues and concerns related to DRRM and the adoption of the PDNA-DALA system.

(JCM/JSC-PIA6)

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CENTRAL VISAYAS

Sinulog 2013 grand parade top winners bared Cebu City Hall

By Juju Manubag-Empuerto

CEBU CITY, Jan 21 (PIA) -- Out-of-towners bagged the top prize in the recently-concluded Sinulog Grand Parade 2013.

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he Sinanduloy Cultural Troupe from Tangub City of Misamis Occidental were declared champions for the Sinulog-Based category, and also in Best in Costume, Best Musicality, and Best in Streetdancing, according to the The Sinulog Foundation Inc (SFI).

The Tribu Lingganay of Alang-Alang Leyte bagged the first prize award of the Free Interpretation Category.

Both groups received P1 million each as cash prize.

Other out-of-towner winners were Culturanong Placereno of Placer, Masbate (3rd Place for Sinulog-Based Category), Tribu Himag-Ulaw of Placer, Masbate (3rd Place of Free-Interpretation Category), Sarimanok- Land of Beauty & Bounty of Lanao del Norte (5th Place of Free-Interpretation Category).

Other winners are: Sinulog-Based Category:

5th Place: Apas National High School, Cebu City (Sinulog sa Kabataan sa Dakbayan 2013, Secondary Division Champion) 4th Place: Talisay City Central School, T a l i s a y C i t y , C e b u 3rd Place: Culturanong Placereno, Placer, Masbate (CHAMPION in the Sinulog-Based C a t e g o r y l a s t y e a r ) 2nd Place: Carcar City Division (3rd Place in the Sinulog-Based Category last year; Sinulog sa Kabataan sa Lalawigan 2013, Secondary D i v i s i o n C h a m p i o n ) CHAMPION: Sinanduloy Cultural Troupe, Tangub City (2nd Place in the Sinulog-Based C a t e g o r y l a s t y e a r ) Best in Costume: Sinanduloy Cultural Troupe, Tangub City, Misamis Occidental Best in Musicality: Sinanduloy Cultural Troupe, Tangub City, Misamis Occidental Best in Street-Dancing: Sinanduloy Cultural Troupe, Tangub City, Misamis Occidental Free Interpretation Category:

5th Place: Tribu Sarimanok, Land of Beauty and Bounty, Lanao del Norte 4th Place: Talamban National High School, Cebu City (5th Place in Sinulog sa Kabataan sa Dakbayan 2013, Secondary Division) 3rd Place: Tribu Himag-Ulaw, Placer, Masbate (2nd Place in the Free Interpretation Category last year) 2nd Place: Lumad Basakanon, Brgy. Basak San Nicolas, Cebu City (4th Place in the Free Interpretation Category last year) CHAMPION: Tribu Lingganay, Alang-Alang, Leyte (DEFENDING WINNER, Free Interpretation Category 2012) Best in Musicality: Lumad Basakanon, Brgy.

Basak San Nicolas, Cebu City Best in Costume: Lumad Basakanon, Brgy.

Basak San Nicolas, Cebu City (rmn/JSME/ PIA Cebu)

Consumers of electric Co-op get lower rates in January

By Jennifer C. Tilos DUMAGUETE CITY, Jan 18 (PIA) -- Customers under the coverage of Negros Oriental II Electric Cooperative (Noreco2) will now benefit from lower rates in their monthly billing this January.

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oreco 2 General Manager Eunora Sameon said the member-customer-owners (MCOs) of Noreco2 will enjoy a decrease in the generation charge of P0.0737 per kilowatt hour.

Sameon said that instead of P5.9661 per-kilowatt-hour rate, the cooperative is passing on a generation charge of P5.8924 per kilowatt hour that would be reflected in this month’s billing.

She said the discounted amount is due to the availment by the electric coop of the 3.2 percent prompt payment from Green Core Geothermal, Inc. (GCGI).

The discount, amounting to P2,859,012, were deducted from the bills of customers on January 4 this year, said Sameon.

For the second time, the cooperative has availed of the discount from the Green Core, she added.

It may be recalled that Noreco2 was granted by GCGI with a discount of over P3 million when it was able to pay the November power bill within five days from receipt of the bill.

This was passed on to the consumers with the equivalent to P0.067 per kilowatt hour in the generation charge for the

billing month of December, the Noreco2 manager said.

Sam e o n e n c o u r age d member-customers to continue paying their electric bills on time so that a lower rate in the generation charge can be enjoyed every time the cooperative is granted a prompt payment discount by GCGI. Electric consumers who pay on time can also participate in the instant prize draw of the cooperative. (FCR/JCT-PIA 7, Negros Oriental)

Search for outstanding journalists of the year extended DUMAGUETE CITY, January 25 (PIA) -- The deadline for the nomination of the annual search for outstanding journalists in the country was extended until February. he Metrobank Foundation Inc The winning three Journalists of the uploaded video for television as well as (MFI) has announced the Year will all receive a cash prize of CD/DVD of actual recording and link to extension of the deadline for the P300,000 each. online or uploaded recording for radio; submission of Journalist of the Year (Joy) But most importantly, these three and printed copy of screen capture and from January 30 to February 28. awardees will become the resource link to material or MS word document for The search, which started in October speakers of the Metrobank Foundation Online contestant. last year, is extended for one month to Fellow in Journalism who will go around Nomination forms can be give ample time for those who still wanted the country. d o w n l o a d e d f r o m to submit nominations.

The contestants must show evidence www.mbfoundation.org.ph.

The contest will pick as winners, of their accomplishments in the span of 10 The awardees of Joy in the past years three practicing journalists from all years or in five-story submissions in hard were Sheila Coronel, Jessica Soho, and television, radio and print broadcast copy such as clippings or photocopied Armando Malay. outlets and even online media, whose articles and soft copy in MS word The award is partnered with another work performance had contributed to the document for Print media. For online foundation, Probe Media Foundation Inc. development of the nation. media a DVD of video and ink to online or (rmn/FCC/PIA7)

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CENTRAL VISAYAS

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BJMP NegOr gets P.5M for TB treatment center Cebu City Hall

By Jennifer C. Tilos

DUMAUETE CITY, Jan 20 (PIA) -- The Bureau of Jail Management and Penology (BJMP) in Negros Oriental has secured P.5 million for the construction of infirmary jail facilities in the province. ue to the increase of Malahay said the rise of TB patients in for drug dependents clients making each tuberculosis cases in district jails is expected also to infect and create one of them while in confinement become jails, Jail Chief Inspector Rosalina greater health risk for the inmates’ visitors part of the treatment therapy hopefully Malahay, provincial jail administrator of -families especially their children. helping them negate their criminal BJMP, said her agency was able to secure The construction of the infirmary behavior and making them a transformed funding assistance from the Department of facilities will be administered by the BJMP citizen when they go back to the Health (DOH) to put up TB jail facilities. which Malahay plans to start this month. community,” said Malahay.

Of the P500,000 for construction of Inmates affected with TB will have She also reported during a peace and infirmary jail facilities, Dumaguete City and access to proper treatment and order council meeting that for 2012, no Bais City will have an equal share of monitoring of their health conditions with jailbreak or any untoward incidents P200,000 each and the remaining this facility. occurred within the jails in the province.

P100,000 allotted for Guihulngan City.

Meanwhile, Malahay said as a way of Malahay noted that her agency’s With the support of the DOH, reforming the detainees, the BJMP has significant accomplishment is the Malahay said the overcrowded detention introduced a therapeutic community turn-over of the new Tanjay district jail facilities being an effective breeding modality program provincewide which facility funded by the Tanjay City ground for the spread of TB, will be treat behavioral approach. “This is a government. (FCR/JCT-PIA 7, Negros controlled with separate treatment room. behavioral treatment approach designed Oriental)

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Biggest surgical mission set in Bohol

By Elvira C. Bongosia TAGBILARAN CITY, Bohol, Jan 23 (PIA) -- The 7th biggest surgical mission from the 30-man surgical team of the Association of Filipino Physicians of Southern Illinois (AFPSI) is set on February 17-23, 2013.

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his is the biggest surgical mission in the province all through these years led by Dr. Renato Rivera who is set to arrive on February 16 for this event.

A Philippine team will also join the mission.

Its members are expert American surgeons and experienced nurses from Southern Illinois and some physicians from West Virginia, Arizona, Philadelphia, New Jersey, Florida and California led by Dr. Antonio Daquipa.

The week-long mission will be done at the Borja Family Hospital thru medical director Dr. Melinda Borja and chief of clinic Dr. Kazan Baluyot.

The surgical cases include thyroidectomy, hysterectomy, oophorectomy, breast tumor, hernia, gallbladder and cleft lip/palate, among other major operations.

Patients will come from the 47 towns of Bohol and from Tagbilaran City.

Listing and pre-screening of patients is still on-going and the public is advised to

visit the office of Dr. Fancy Baluyot at the back ground floor of the Provincial Capitol Complex or contact tel. number (038) 501-9196 for more details and inquiries.

According to the organizers, patients are encouraged to first visit their respective municipal health officers for proper referral from the LGUs. (mbcn/ ecb/PIA-Bohol)

CHR reminds police to uphold human rights in checkpoints

By Jennifer C. Tilos DUMAGUETE CITY, Jan 20 (PIA) -- The Commission on Human Rights (CHR) has reminded the police force to uphold human rights in the conduct of checkpoint operations during the election period.

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HR special investigator Jesus Canete said policemen manning the checkpoints should take extra careful on the proper conduct and behavior in checking motorists.

Canete said the checkpoints is legitimate and necessary to maintain peace and order and to ensure public safety in line with the midterm elections, but that basic protocols should also be observed.

He added the operations should be covered by appropriate official order from higher authorities.

Frisking or body search on motorists is a violation unless there is something suspicious on the person, said Canete.

He asked the policemen manning the checkpoints to respect the basic rights of the citizens.

The CHR also reminded the general public regarding the advisory on the 10 basic rules during conduct of checkpoints by police as follows: 1. Checkpoint must be well-lit, properly identified and manned by uniformed personnel.

2. Upon approach, slow down, dim headlights and turn on cabin lights. Never step out of the vehicle.

3. Lock all doors. Only visual search is allowed.

4. Do not submit to a physical or body search.

5. You are not obliged to open the glove compartment, the trunk or bags.

6. Ordinary/routine questions may be asked. Be courteous but firm with answers.

7. Assert your rights, have presence of mind and do not panic.

8. Keep your driver's license and car registration handy and within reach.

9. Be ready to use your cell phone at any time. Save an emergency number on your speed dial.

10. Report violations immediately.

Your actions may save others.

This advisory guide serves as warning to both the motorists and authorities at checkpoints to avoid violation of human rights. (FCR/JCT-PIA 7, Negros Oriental)

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EASTERN VISAYAS

BIR East Visayas surpasses 2012 collection target

Tacloban City Hall

PALO, Leyte, Jan 24 (PIA) -- The Bureau of Internal Revenue in Eastern Visayas known as Revenue Region No. 14 has exceeded its 2012 collection target.

IR Director Diosdado R. Mendoza the Eastern Visayas Region for their trust implemented throughout the Region to said that the Region has collected and continued support to the initiatives of augment revenue collections, he said. a t o t a l r e v e n u e o f P the Bureau in the pursuit of its Among the six (6) Revenue District 4,749,461,891.44 in 2012 posting a avowed mission of improving tax Offices (RDO) under the Region, RDO cumulative surplus of P212,108,891.44 or administration.

No. 85 in Catarman, Northern Samar 4.67% over its P 4,537,353,000.00 The increase in collection is headed by RDO Eduardo T. Obero collection target for CY 2012. attributed to the increase in the posted the highest surplus or excess of Director Mendoza added that the remittances of withholding tax on wages 19.05% over its assigned goal and a 39.17% total revenue collection in 2012 posted a and compensation due to the increase compared to its prior year’s higher collection compared to the implementation of the new Salary collection. p r e v i o u s y e a r ’ s c o l l e c t i o n b y Standardization/Reclassification under RA RDO No. 88 in Tacloban City posted P 877,083,436.77 or 22.65%.

6758 for DepEd, Local Government Units an excess of 5.97%; RDO No. 86 in RD Mendoza made t h e (LGUs) and other agencies.

Borongan City, Eastern Samar posted a announcement as he commended the The BIR Director added that there surplus of 5.73%; RDO No. 87 in hardworking men and women of RR No. was also an increase in Withholding Tax Catbalogan City, Samar had an excess of 14, particularly the different Revenue Remittances on VAT and higher 2.42%; and RDO No. 89 in Ormoc City District Offices, having achieved their compliance on Income, VAT and Excise posted an excess of 0.79%. target for year 2012 as early as December Taxes.

RDO No. 90 in Maasin City, Southern 7, 2012.

Tax mapping and surveillance Leyte missed its target by P16,197,619.24 He also extended his gratitude to all operations were likewise continuously or 4.06%. (PIA-8) the taxpayers and other stakeholders of

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Comelec 8 deputizes government agencies for 2013 elections

By Jonnie H. Buenaventura TACLOBAN CITY, Leyte, Jan 20 (PIA) -- The Commission on Election (Comelec) regional office 8, Tacloban City led in deputizing government agencies to augment their forces and to ensure the conduct of a Secure And Fair Election (SAFE) in the May 13, 2013 synchronized national, local, and Autonomous Region of Muslim Mindanao (ARMM) elections.

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ccording to Atty. Jose Nick A. Mendros, Comelec regional director, the deputizing is expected considering the agency does not only lack manpower, but also resources and it needs to tap the expertise and resources of other government agencies in ensuring the success of the elections.

Mendros swore in identified national government agencies who pledged their commitment of support and acceptance during the General Conference and

Election Briefing held recently which included the Philippine National Police, Armed Forces of the Philippines, Department of Transportation and Communication, Department of Education, Philippine Airlines, Civil Service Commission, Department of Budget and Management, Commission on Audit, Department of Public Works and Highways, Philippine Information Agency, and government-owned and -controlled corporation (GOCC).

At the same time, Mendros welcomed the support and efforts of the Parish Pastoral Council for Resposible Voting (PPCRV) for being watchful of the electoral exercise to be honest, orderly, clean, and peaceful election.

Mendros encouraged all voters to go out and vote during election day and only vote those who deserve their votes. (PIA8)

Lingganay Festival retains championship crown ALANGALANG, Leyte, Jan 21 (PIA) -- The Lingganay Festival of Alangalang triumphantly defended its crown as Sinulog Festival champion besting 21 other contingents from various provinces in the country, via a breathtaking presentation in the free interpretation category in the January 20 Sinulog grand parade.

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very much elated Mayor Loreto Yu of Alangalang, Leyte said he will receive the P1million cash prize Monday afternoon from festival organizers during the awarding ceremonies.

The Lingganay, along with other winners, will again perform during the awarding rites, Yu said.

The mayor said he along with the children participants, are very happy Lingganay Festival won the championship for the second time.

“Aside from winning the cash prize, we are happy we are able to give honor

for our town and for the province of Leyte,” Yu added.

He said Lingganay Festival is also the reigning grand champion of Leyte's Pintados-Kasadyaan Festival of Festivals last year.

Nearly 400 performers that included dancers, props men, musicians, and support staff of the participating contingent fueled the grand performance of Lingganay festival, Yu said.

Lingganay, which in the local dialect means "bell," was conceptualized in 1995 based on the legend of the town’s lost

golden bell. The legend goes that when the Moro pirates staged a surprise attack in the town, they tried to flee away with the bell.

Coming in as second placer in this year’s Sinulog Festival free interpretation category was the Lumad Basakanon of Barangay Basak San Nicolas, Cebu City.

Third place was bagged by Tribu Himag-Ulaw of Placer, Masbate.

Coming in fifth placer was Tribu Sarimanok, Land of Beauty and Bounty, Lanao del Norte. (PIA-8)

EASTERN VISAYAS

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UEP researchers shine in 1st International Freshwater Prawn Congress Tacloban City Hall

By Marcelo M. Pedalino

SOUTHERN LEYTE STATE UNIVERSITY-Bontoc Campus, Jan 16 (PIA) -- Researchers from the University of Eastern Philippines (UEP) in Northern Samar bested five other technical studies on freshwater prawn during the first International Freshwater Ulang Congress paper presentation held here recently.

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They were cited for their study on so many varieties of freshwater prawn found in a river in Northern Samar,” said Mabel Calva, SLSU-Bontoc Campus administrator.

Calva gave Philippine Information Agency (PIA) an advance copy of the official results hours before the official announcement in the awarding ceremony Friday afternoon.

Incidentally, UEP’s paper was the last entry submitted, and last in the order of presentation.

Their effort, listed as paper number 6, carried the title, “Distribution of the Freshwater Prawn (Macrobrachium bate, 1868) in Catubig River, Northern Samar, Philippines,” written by four authors whose first names were limited to initials: S.F. Gabona, R.C. Salvador, A.A. Salvador, and A.O. Calumpiano.

The UEP researchers pointed out that fishermen in Catubig river have been catching fishes and invertebrates for decades using both traditional and non-traditional fishing gears.

"A fishery dependent and non-fishery dependent study was conducted on the distribution and species composition of freshwater prawn along the Catubig river system as part of the database and to provide administrative authorities with adequate tools for monitoring and conserving indigenous populations. The study was conducted from October 2010 to February 2012," the researchers wrote in the abstract of their paper.

In an earlier interview last week, Grace Mary Reyes, SLSU-Bontoc Director for Research, said the UEP work was a collaborative undertaking of their Fisheries Department, College of Agriculture, and the College of Natural Resources.

Reyes declined to categorically state if winners receive cash prizes, saying only the cash prize, if there was, was only minimal but what matters most are the certificates of recognition.

Second slot winner was paper number 3, titled “Socio-economic and Marketing Aspects of Freshwater Prawin Industry in Northern Mindanao – the case of Misamis Occidental, Philippines,” by Celso C. Tautho, Gemma M. Guigue and Yolanda Tautho.

Third placer was paper number 5, “Productivity and Cost Analysis of Tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus) and Freshwater Prawn (Macrobrachium rosenbergi) Stocked in a Polyculture System in Bontoc, Southern Leyte,”

by Grace Mary Reyes, Oligario C Adesna, Mabel R. Calva, and Adriano A. Idjao.

For the scientific poster, the work of Vietnamese researchers Son, L.P., Huan, H.K., To T.T.H., Huong, D.T. and Hai T.N. that dwelt on the subject “The effect of Salinity on Growth, Survival, and Fecundity of Giant Freshwater Prawn” emerged as the winner. (PIA8-Southern Leyte)

DOH calls on local dads to assist RN-Heals program

By Alicia E. Nicart BORONGAN CITY, Eastern Samar, Jan 18 (PIA) -- The Department of Health (DOH) here is urging all local chief executives to assist and support the RN-Heals Program.

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r. Jean Egargo, DOH representative, echoed this call on the second day of the three-day orientation of the nurses and midwives who will soon be deployed to hard-to-reach barangays.

The medical personnel will be deployed to help government achieve the universal health program of the Aquino Administration, specifically in improving maternal health including reducing maternal deaths.

Egargo said these health workers will be given P8,000 monthly by DOH for a year of rural health work.

“The amount would not be sufficient for our trained RN-Health workers, that is why we seek

the support of our mayors throughout the province”, the doctor said.

Mayor Henry Afable (Maydolong) and Mayor Ma. Fe Abunda (Borongan) have maintained their counterpart of P2,000 for each RH-Heals health worker, she said. Other mayors, meanwhile, shoulder the board and lodging and travel expenses but some do not give any, she said.

The DOH program is paramount to the country’s commitment in achieving one of the Millennium Development Goals (MDG) of the United Nations in improving mothers health.

Report shows that “Up to 358,000 women in the world die each year in pregnancy and

childbirth and most of them die because they had no access to skilled routine and emergency care.”

In the province, four batches of nurses and midwives have already been trained to augment the health manpower needs of local government units and curb if not eliminate deaths among pregnant mothers.

On record, there are 183 deaths per 100,000 (2011 survey) deliveries alarming health workers here, thus the DOH rigid follow-ups and monitoring. They are also banking the support of all local chief executives and other stakeholders for the total success of such a health endeavor.

(PIA 8-Eastern Samar)

Public warned vs. Chikungunya virus CATBALOGAN CITY, Samar, Jan 23 (PIA) -- The Department of Health-Samar warns the public against cases of Chikungunya virus infection.

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he warning was issued in the province of Samar after 28 cases of fever with rashes and joint pains from Barangay Guintarcan were reported by the Municipal Health Officer of Rural Health Unit (RHU) Villareal, Samar on December 10-27, 2012. Ten cases or 36% were confirmed to have Chikungunya infection through IgM ELISA testing by the Research Institute of Tropical Medicine (RITM).

No death was reported, however.

Another 235 cases with similar symptoms were reported in Barangay Banquil of the same town which will be investigated further by the local health authorities.

Chikungunya fever is a viral disease transmitted to humans by the bite of infected mosquitoes (Aedes Aegypti). Symptoms appear on average three to seven days after being bitten by an infected mosquito. The virus causes high fever and severe joint pain. It can also cause headache, muscle pain and rashes.

Acute Chikungunya fever typically lasts a few days to a few weeks; some patients have prolonged fatigue lasting several weeks.

Chikungunya virus infection (whether clinically apparent or silent) is thought to confer life-long immunity.

According to Dr. Antonio Tirazona, Chikungunya is usually not fatal.

Co-circulation of dengue fever in many areas may mean that Chikungunya fever cases are sometimes clinically misdiagnosed as dengue infections, therefore the incidence of Chikungunya fever could be much higher than what has been previously reported, Tirazona added. There is no vaccine or specific antiviral treatment currently available for Chikungunya fever. Treatment is symptomatic and can include rest, fluids, and medicines to relieve symptoms of fever and aching such as ibuprofen, naproxen, acetaminophen, or paracetamol.

Aspirin should be avoided.

The doctor said that infected persons should be protected from further mosquito exposure during the first few days of illness so they can not contribute to the transmission cycle.

Tirazona suggested that infected persons must stay indoors in areas with screens or under a mosquito net.

Same as in dengue control measures, the public is advised to practice the 4-S campaign, which includes searching and destroying possible breeding grounds of the mosquito vector; self-protection by wearing long sleeve shirts and pants to prevent mosquito bites; seeking health professionals for a fever that lasts two days or more, and saying no to indiscriminate fogging.

DOH is encouraging the Local Government Officials to lead the conduct of search and destroy of mosquito breeding places. (PIA-Samar Avha Ebalde)

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

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Ms. Minerva BC Newman Regional Director, PIA 7

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

Ms. Erlinda Olivia P. Tiu Regional Director, PIA8

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

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