One Visayas e-Newsletter Vol 3 Issue 40

Vol 3

Issue 40

In this Issue WESTERN VISAYAS

Governor Alfredo G. Marañon Jr. talks to former rebels after lighting their candles, welcoming them into society during the culmination program of the Peace Consciousness Month at the Negros Occidental Multi-Purpose Activity Center.

(EAD-PIA6 photo)

More on Region 6, pages 2-3.

Also CLICK Here…

Published by: PIA 6, 7 & 8

Sept. 30 - Oct. 6, 2013

Victory of Balangiga, victory for the entire Filipino Nation BALANGIGA, Eastern Samar, October 3 (PIA) – The victory achieved by the Filipino revolutionists during the Balangiga Encounter is not only for the people of Balangiga or for the province of Eastern Samar, it was a victory of the entire Filipino nation.

Presidential Communications Operations Office (PCOO) Secretary Herminio “Sonny” Coloma said at the recent 112th Anniversary of the Balangiga Encounter Day held Sept. 28 that he had goose-bumps watching as he understood the experience of the Filipino revolutionists, particularly on how they fought for their liberty from the abusive American soldiers.

The Malacanang official, the guest of honor and speaker, said the victory of the local revolutionists, at the Balangiga Encounter, which was re-enacted by a group of young Balangiga students, was not an easy feat considering that they were only armed with bolos against the well-armed Americans. Yet, they won because of the unfamiliarity of the Americans to guerilla tactics.

Secretary Coloma said he will recommend to the National Commission for Culture and the Arts to give due recognition to the Balangiga Encounter Day including recognition for the people who offered their lives in the fight for liberty and freedom for their generation and the generations to come.

He also said that the Balangiga Encounter Monument must also be rehabilitated and improved and more people even students must be encouraged to visit the place.

He added that he will convince President Benigno S. Aquino III to attend the celebration of the Balangiga Encounter

Day before his term ends in 2016.

He will also request the President if it is possible that he attend an Independence Day celebration at Balangiga and to highlight Balanguiga Encounter, the worst defeat of the Americans in a single battle, in one of the Independence Day celebrations.

At the Balangiga Encounter, the people of Balangiga showed the highest form of fighting in order to defend their independence and their rights as Filipinos not only for Eastern Samar but for the entire country, Secretary Coloma underscored.

Secretary Coloma was invited by Congressman Ben Evardone, who he said has been his long time friend as they worked together at the Department of Transportation and Communications as Undersecretary and assistant secretary, respectively. (PIA 8)

Secretary Sonny Coloma of the Presidential Communications Operations Office (PCOO) delivers his message as guest of honor and speaker during the 112th Balangiga Encounter Day celebration in Balangiga, Eastern Samar, September 28. (Vino R. Cuayzon)

CENTRAL VISAYAS

Cebu student researchers who will represent Visayas in NICE bared

Arturo Valerio of CSI Global Services Corp. demonstrates to some municipal and city treasurers and business licensing officers how to calibrate oil pumps using a calibrating bucket in gasoline station in Brgy. Daro, Dumaguete City. The activity is part of DOE's Multi-Sectoral Campaign on Downstream Oil Industry in Dumaguete City last Oct. 2. (RAL/ PIA7-NEGOR)

More on Region 7, pages 4-5.

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EASTERN VISAYAS

Sec. Coloma receives a token from Balangiga town Mayor Viscuso S. de Lira (right) and Vice Governor Dindo Picardal (left), shortly after his talk as guest of honor and speaker during the 112th Balangiga Encounter Day, Sept. 28, 2013. (PIA8-Eastern Samar)

More on Region 8, pages 6-7.

Also CLICK Here...

By AMOR Y. SALUDAR CEBU (PIA) --- The groups of high school and university student researchers from Cebu will represent the Visayas in the National Invention Contest and Exhibits (NICE).

They were the winners in the recently-concluded 2013 Regional Invention Contest and Exhibits (RICE) by the Department of Science and Technology (DOST-7), Technology Application and Promotion and Institute (TAPI), and the Visayas Inventors Association (VIA).

With the theme “Inventions and Innovations for Smarter Philippines,” this years’s RICE is divided into four categories with a total of 30 official entries coming form the different parts of the Visayas region.

The research on “Postprandial Anti-Hyperglycemic Effect of an Alkaloid from Tinospora Rumphii” by the student researchers of Mingnilla National Science High School was declared winner and qualified under the National Invention Contest for SIBOL (Student Creative Research for High

School) with a P20,000 cash prize.

Another winner recipient of P20,000 cash prize and qualifier to the national competition for SIBOL was the research on “Extraction and Purification of Bromelain from Pineapple Peelings Using PEG-Phosphate Aqueous Two-Phase System" by researchers from Cebu Institute of Technology University.

LIKHA (Creative Research) category also named “Sustainable and Resilient Emerging Floating Structure” from the Kora Design and Architects as winner to receive P20, 000 and qualifier to the National Invention Contest and Exhibits.

Natu re ’ s L eg a cy with its in ven ti on o n Molded Coarse Particle Product with cast Paper-Based Reinforcement received P25, 000 as winner and qualifier to the National Invention Contest and Exhibits for the Invention category.

Runner-up winners in the various categories of the regional competition were also declared and recognized during the awarding ceremonies. (rmn/AYS/PIA-7/DOST-7)

GNP can also mean ‘Good News Philippines’ - Secretary Coloma BY: VENUS G.VILLANUEVA KALIBO, Aklan, Sept. 28 (PIA6) -GNP, which means Gross National Product, can also mean “Good News Philippines”, according to Presidential Communications Operations Office (PCOO) Secretary Herminio B. Coloma Jr. Secretary Coloma gave this insight to officers and members of the Public Relations Society of the Philippines (PRSP) attending the the 2013 National PR Congress held from September 27-28 at the Paradise Garden Resort in Boracay Island where he was the invited as Keynote Speaker.

Tackling GNP, Coloma started his talk before the public relations practitioners mostly coming from various firms in Manila by citing the power of information and communication, which saw the election of President Benigno S. Aquino III in 2010 under the “Daang Matuwid” slogan.

The Daang Matuwid, according to him, resulted to the surge of credit ratings for the country, which also raised the GNP. He illustrated the significance of GNP by citing two cycles – vicious and virtuous, explaining that under the vicious cycle which was experienced prior to President Aquino’s administration, corruption in government produced a weak economy which created a bad reputation for the country,

weak public institutions which are incompetent and prone to corruption.

“A virtuous cycle, on the other hand, produces a good government which results to good economics, stronger public institutions resulting to good governance,” Coloma said.

As GNP is the mirror image of the Philippines, Coloma said this should be sustained, and could be achieved with the help of public relations practitioners and the media institutions by providing the right information and appropriate programs especially in television, and by doing away with much games shows and “telenovelas”.

He also called on the PR practitioners to help create a paradigm shift through the resurgence of “Bayanihan” and join hand in hand to leap from creating propaganda to education and truth telling; from putting down to leveling up by the quality of news being delivered and programs shown on television, and from looking good to doing good and communicating well.

The 2013 National PR Congress in Boracay was attended by more than 200 delegates with the theme “From Ripples to Waves: PR as Agent of Sustainable Change".

It is the first-ever national congress held outside Manila, according to Charmaine Canillas, congress committee chairperson. (JSC/VGV-PIA6 Aklan)

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WESTERN VISAYAS

Negros PDC approves P 11.7-B AIP BY: EASTER ANNE D. DOZA

Singer from R6

Jose Mari Chan

NEGROS OCCIDENTAL, Oct. 2 (PIA6) - - The Provincial Development Council during their regular meeting approved the 2014 Annual Investment Program, the NEGROS FIRST Executive-Legislative Agenda for 2014-2016 and next year’s schedule of the Panaad Festival, among others.

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ccording to Provincial Planning and Development Coordinator Marlin Sanogal, the AIP amounts to P11.7 billion for projects on the wish list but these will not necessarily be implemented by 2014.

Sanogal also presented the State of Local Governance Report and State of Local

Development Report during the meeting attended by local chief executives, department heads of the provincial government and representatives from the non-government organizations.

The PDC also approved that the schedule of the 2014 Panaad sa Negros Festival will be on March 31 to April 6.

The PDC is chaired by Governor Alfredo G. Marañon Jr. with membership composed of the provincial government officials, congressmen of Negros Occidental, local chief executives and representatives from non-government organizations.*(EAD-PIA6 Negros Occidental)

SCs now have facebooks, emails too By: Leonard T. Pineda I ILOILO CITY, Oct. 1 (PIA6) --- A number of senior citizens (SCs) from Pavia town have learned how to use the Facebook and electronic mail (e-mail) to keep them abreast with modern technology.

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round 15 elderly took part in the mini-workshop organized by the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD)-6 as part of its “Happy Famealy Day” activity held recently in Pavia Covered Gym here.

DSWD-6 Regional Information Officer May Rago-Castillo said that they want to eliminate the growing trend that our elderly or the senior citizens are being left out when it comes to the use of modern technology.

Castillo said that they initiated this activity to encourage the elderly to take part and to let them know that they are still

being valued.

Marietta Caldera, 57, of Purok 4, Pavia, said that learning how to use Facebook encouraged her to communicate often with her children who are already based in Roxas City and Manila.

“Mas barato magamit sang Facebook kumpara sa cellphone ukon telepono kun magstorya ako sa akon mga bata sa malayo, (It is cheaper to use Facebook compared to cellphone or telephone when I would communicate with my children who live in far places.)”, said Caldera who was also the first among the participants to create a Facebook account.

On one hand, Monica Guyos, 75, of Purok 7, said that the activity is a big help for she wants to keep in touch as often as possible with her daughter who is already based in London, England.

Guyos said that it was usually her grandchild who operated the netbook for her. Now that she knows how to use the computer, she could talk to her daughter anytime she wants.

The “Happy Famealy Day” activity is in line with the observance of the National Family Week celebration with the theme “Unity Across Generations: A Strong Family, A Strong Society.” (JCM/LTP/PIA-Iloilo)

Accurate stats needed in planning pro-poor programs

By Vicente W. Villavert SAN JOSE, Antique, Oct. 2 (PIA6) - - The accuracy of statistics in determining the poverty level of individual households in the rural areas has enabled the government to identify, locate and craft programs and services for a direct delivery of development assistance to the poorest households.

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his was emphasized by Provincial Welfare and Development Officer Larry Petinglay during the recent opening of the month-long observance of the National Statistics Month.

The statistics that Petinglay was referring to was the NHTS or the National Household Targeting System for Poverty Reduction.

NHTS is an information management system that identifies who and where the poor are and are being used by the national government and shared to all local government, NGOs and other people’s organization as basis for programming and implementation of socio-economic development programs that aims to improve the quality of life of the identified poor households.

Since 2009, the province has covered 27,109 household-beneficiaries.

“Using our convergence strategy in terms of the Philippine Development Plan 2011-2016, together with other social sector strategies such as attaining Medium Development Goals, health care, mainstreaming climate change adaptation, and inclusion gender and development programs in all aspects of our development efforts, we see that our society will be elevated from survival to self-sufficiency level,” Petinglay said.

The National Statistics Month is observed in Antique with a statistical exhibit of government’s accomplishments at the lobby of the Antique Provincial Capitol in San Jose.

This year’s observance is focused on the theme “Statistics that Matter to Every Filipino.” As part of the month-long celebration, the activities include a caravan; Radio guesting with PIA Antique over

DYKA; Provincial Statistical Quiz for High School on October 15 at Barrio House; Provincial Statistical Quiz for the college level; and October 25-Regional Statistical Quiz Contest for High School at the National Economic and Development Authority, Regional Office, Iloilo City.

The National Statistics Month was first observed in 1990 pursuant to Presidential Proclamation No.647 signed by then President Corazon C. Aquino declaring the Month of October of every year as the National Statistics Month to promote, enhance and instill awareness and appreciation of the importance and value of statistics to the different sectors of society; and to elicit the cooperation and support of the general public in upgrading the quality and standards of statistics in the country.(JCM/VWV/PIA 6-Antique)

WESTERN VISAYAS Guimaras upbeat potentials Singer from R6

Kuh Ledesma

3

on

eco-agri

tourism

By: Elsa S. Subong

ILOILO CITY, Oct. 4 (PIA6) – Guimaras Governor Samuel Gumarin said his province is teeming with potentials for agri -tourism and hopes government agencies would help him develop these potentials.

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n his latest briefing with the members of the Regional Association of Government Executives facilitated by the Philippine Information Agency, Gumarin said Guimaras is blessed with diverse tourism spots, nature-based attractions and historical, religious heritage destinations.

It has pristine beaches, coves, caves, silets, rock formations and exciting uphill and downhill terrains which have attracted mountain bikers all over the Philippines.

On the side of agri-tourism, Gumarin said the province boasts of eco-adventures products in the form of mangrove-eco tours, nautical or marine sports tourism which includes island hopping, experiential or

rural-base tourism activities.

For small group participants, Guimaras offers MICE or Meetings, Incentives, Conventions and Exhibition that can also include rapelling, zipline and target shooting, spelunking and motocross at the Guimaras Adventure Park, Camp Alfredo, and Rifle Firing Range.

Gumarin said the Department of Tourism and other civil society organizations have become its key development partners in the initiatives of the province to boost these potentials.

Recently, Philippine Coconut Authority Dir. Jose Cruz has introduced a technology to encourage farmers to plant more

coconuts and make it a thriving industry, whereby coconut water can be served to tourists instead of other juices or soda.

Department of Agriculture said the agency is giving more training and fund support to perk up organic farming in the province. Gov. Gumarin said the agri-eco potentials of his province will most likely be highly developed with the collaboration of agencies and other sectors.

Gumarin, a doctor by profession, also said that with the resources coming in and the expected influx of tourists and visitors, the medical amenities and facilities of the province must also be enhanced. (JCM/ESS/ PIA-Iloilo)

NY group provides school with daily supplemental feeding BY: ALEX A. LUMAQUE ROXAS CITY, Capiz, Oct. 2 (PIA6) – Every school day is supplemental feeding day at Agdahon Elementary School (AES) in Cuartero town.

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his was disclosed by AES Principal Romy Bermudo as he was quick and proud to announce the school’s agreement with the New York City – based Advancement for Rural Kids, Inc. (ARK) to improve the nutrition status and over-all well-being of school children.

“Two big cooking pots of nutritious vegetable menu sourced out from the school garden and donations from parents are served to 324 pupils from Kindergarten to Grade 6 every class day,” stressed Bermudo.

The feeding program was launched at AES last June 19 after ARK has pitched in its financial counterpart for the cooking utensils and meal’s budgetary requirements.

Parents of the pupils are also required to pay P.50 centavos for every meal as their counterpart for the sustainability of the

program.

“Aside from the nutritional gains, the initiative has also strengthened the working relationship of the parents, teachers and barangay officials,” the school principal added.

The AES and ARK agreement was formalized after the school’s application was acknowledged and accepted by the ARK Board of Directors on Jan. 19.

ARK couple Ayesha Vera Yu and Gerry Popitzer, ARK founder and co-founder respectively, sealed the agreement with their personal presence at the school in March this year.

ARK is a non profit organization focused on collaborating with communities to develop programs that will improved the education and health of pupils/students living in rural communities.

In May, the organization thru its provincial coordinator Marilou Demo also distributed school supplies to the school’s student population.

Each package consisted of notebooks, writing papers, ballpen, pencil, eraser, crayon and water color.

A two-classroom building will also be constructed by ARK at AES in October, a first school building to be financed by the foreign funding organization among its assisted schools in Dumarao and Cuartero towns.

The low-cost school building was designed by ARK volunteers, engineers and architects from New York City and a perspective of it was sent via electronic mail for reference during construction phase.

(JCM/AAL/PIA 6 Capiz)

DFA 6 tranfers to a new location By: Lilibeth A. French ILOILO CITY, Oct. 3 (PIA6) - - The Department of Foreign Affairs Iloilo Regional Consular Office based here in Iloilo City has moved to a new location.

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FA Iloilo Officer-in-Charge Sheila Marie Tiu said they can now be found at the 3rd Level of Robinsons Place Iloilo in Ledesma-Mabini Streets.

The regional consular office is now among the government offices at the Lingkod Pinoy One Stop Shop Center of the mall which also houses the Philippine Overseas Employment Administration and Overseas Workers Wel-

fare Administration.

Other government agencies which also have offices at the mall’s center are the Philippine Health Insurance Corporation, Pag-ibig Fund and Philippine Postal Corporation.

Tiu said they started to open their new door to the public last Monday, September 30.

Due to the new location, they are now open from 10AM to 6 PM, Monday through

Friday.

However, their phone numbers remain unchanged and they can still be reached through the following phone numbers – (033) 336-1737, 337-8017 and fax number (033) 335-0221.

For further concerns and queries, DFA-Iloilo can also be reached at their email address atdfailo@skynet.net. (JCM/LAF/ PIA6)

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CENTRAL VISAYAS

DOT-7 conducts seminar on effective customer service to fast craft employees, crew BY: MINERVA BC. NEWMAN

Singer from R7 Pilita Corales

CEBU (PIA) -- The Department of Tourism (DOT-7) here conducted a two-day seminar workshop on 'Effective Customer Service' to fast craft employees and crew recently at the Cebu Grand hotel, Cebu City as one of the commitments to address issues on sanitation, passenger information, maintenance, comfort and accreditation of fast crafts.

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OT-7 regional director Rowena Montecillo said this in response to the comments and complaints from tourists and riding public that had reached the Economic Development Committee of the Regional Development Council (RDC-EDC).

Complaints included sanitation and orderly conditions at Pier-1 terminal and its renovation schedule; facilities for passenger information; transport, taxis, and walking distance; safety and security; facilities for check -in, waiting and luggage claim areas; maintenance and comfort of vessels as prescribed in the MARINA guidelines for fast crafts; delays in arrival and departure of vessels and DOT accreditation of fast crafts.

It can be recalled that on a May 23 EDC meeting, the committee formed a technical working group to look into the improvement of passenger services in the region's port terminals.

It also requested the Maritime Industry

Authority (MARINA) to monitor and strictly implement the quality standards for sea vessels especially fast sea crafts and submit monitoring reports to the EDC. Agreements to address those problems were immediately reached among the agencies concerned such as the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG), Land Transportation Office (LTO), and company representatives of fast crafts and other shipping companies.

The DOT is one of the major agencies that plays a vital role in setting tourism standards on customer handling. Montecillo said, the training included standards on public announcements and airing of tourism videos while awaiting boarding completion.

Shipping industry owners welcomed and received the matter well, Montecillo added.

There were 24 participants from 2Go, Weesam Express, OceanJet, Lite Shipping and Starcraft that completed the seminar-workshop.

Montecillo revealed that topics such as the overview and current tourism trends; effective communications, values formation and knowing basic welcoming techniques; gender and development; personality development and good grooming were discussed thoroughly by tourism professionals and experts on their respective fields.

"We also include topics on managing crisis situations and child-wise tourism," Montecillo added.

Lecturers came from the DOT, USJR, travels and tours operators, media, PCG, Children's Legal Bureau and Laban Bata and other non-government organisations.

Montecillo said the workshop was fruitful, everyone was happy about it, the participants were cooperative and the spirit of willingness to learn was there.

"DOT plans to continue training sea craft crew and personnel," she concluded. (mbcn/ PIA7)

Peace initiatives to develop hinterland areas in NegOr BY: ROI LOMOTAN DUMAGUETE CITY (PIA) – The Commander of the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) Central Command has vowed to bring progress and development to hinterland areas in Negros Oriental by clearing out insurgency through peaceful initiatives.

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Wherever we go, there is a clear yearning for peace and we would like to give it to the people of Negros Oriental before the end of the year,” said Lt. Gn. Roy Devaraturda, commander of the AFP Central Command.

AFP targets to clear all insurgency activities in the province by the end of 2013 to make all affected areas ready for development.

“If we can attain that (peace) then we will have continuous progress and this will trigger economic development,” Devaraturda added.

The AFP official urged insurgents to leave armed struggle and join peace initiatives in solving conflicts.

“Armed struggle is no longer fashionable, if you want change you can achieve it through a peaceful manner,” Devaraturda appealed to insurgents.

He also noted that the Philippines has a great democratic system and those who have complaints to the government can express them freely.

The AFP Commander was the event speaker of the recent culminating activity of a Peace Initiative Photo Exhibit organized by the non-government organization Oriental Negros Children’s Advocacy Network (ONCAN).

The exhibit, which ran from Sept.

16- 22, featured photos of peace movements initiated by the 302nd Infantry Brigade of the Philippine Army, Negros Oriental Provincial Police Office (NOPPO), Department of Interior of Local Government-Negros Oriental (DILG-NegOr) and other NGOs. Meanwhile, Gov. Roel Degamo who was also in the event said that the provincial

government’s move in these peace initiatives is by delivering proper services to those living in the hinterlands.

Degamo promised development to residents in far-flung areas by constructing roads and providing them access to water and electricity especially in remote barangays.

The Governor hopes that said development efforts will propel peaceful resolution to insurgency-related problems in the province.

On the other hand, the culmination of the Peace Initiatives Photo Exhibit is one of the highlights of the celebration of the Peace Month this September.

The celebration of the Peace Month is spearheaded by the Provincial Peace and Order Council. (rmn/RAL/PIANEGOR)

Downstream oil industry advocacy held in NegOr DUMAGUETE CITY (PIA) --- The Department of Energy (DOE) in cooperation with the Philippine Information Agency (PIA) gathered local officials, stakeholders, and the media for a multi-sectoral advocacy campaign on the Downstream Oil Industry (DOI) last October 2 at Bethel Guesthouse, this city. n attendance at the forum were officers DOE-Oil Management Bureau (OIMB) Said campaign intended to forge a n d r e p r e s e n t a t i v e s f r o m t h e Dir. Zenaida Monsada discussed the important partnership with the LGUs to effectively Treasurer’s and Business Licensing points of Downstream Oil Industry and the protect the interest and welfare of the Offices of all local government units (LGUs) Rules on Liquefied Petroleum Products/ constituents, promote safety, and ensure fair here, dealers and retailers of liquefied Liquefied Petroleum Gas (LPP/LPG). trade practices. petroleum products (LPP), and liquefied Other officials from DOE-Manila and The activity also ensured compliance both petroleum gas (LPG) including concerned Central Visayas Regional Office briefed the in quality and quantity standards as these also national government officials in the morning.

LGUs and LPP dealers on the existing rules and pave the way for stakeholders to air their After the forum, DOE representatives regulations in the business of retailing concerns and consider their recommendations also conducted an inspection on gasoline petroleum products and on the role of the to the problems they also encountered in the stations in the province for a demonstration in LGUs in the implementation and enforcement retailing business. (rmn/JCT/PIA7-Negros calibration and sealing of dispensing pumps. of these rules.

Oriental)

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CENTRAL VISAYAS

Singer from R7 Yoyoy Villame

Be public servant workers told

5 heroes,

Siquijor

gov't

SIQUIJOR (PIA) --- Civil Service Commision (CSC) Provincial Director Merlinda Flores-Quillano called on government employees here to live their lives as public servant heroes.

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oing ordinary things in extraordinary ways is one way for government workers to be heroes, said Quillano during the commemoration ceremony of the 113th Philippine Civil Service anniversary at the CSC Conference room in Larena, Siquijor.

Quillano's talk discussed the anniversary's theme this year which is "Tatak Lingkod Bayani, Isabuhay at Ipagbunyi."

She said that one way of being a public servant hero is prioritizing work and working beyond office hours to meet deadlines without any expectation of a higher salary or promotion.

She said it is high time that we should celebrate the ordinary things that we do for our agency or the office that we serve.

“When we, public servants, render service with promptness, honesty, courtesy and professionalism, we are already adding the number of heroes in our country,” she said.

Quillano stressed the importance of reciting the "Panunumpa ng Kawani ng Gobyerno" during flag ceremony so that state employees will be guided by the principle of service mentioned on the pledge.

She advised all public servants to deepen their realization and act out the meaning of the pledge.

To inspire more public servants to do good, Quillano shared the life story of Kulafo Ceballos, a laborer and a casual employee from Bayawan City , Negros Oriental.

Ceballos is the lone government worker

who made it to the semi-final level under the CSC Pagasa Award this year.

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.

Quillano said she hopes that Siquijor will not only be known as a mystical island but also as an island where national awardees hail from.

Activities that highlighted the anniversary here were: tree growing activity at Olang, Maria; jail visit; trainings; and fun run, among others. (rmn/RACalibo with reports from I.A.Abatayo/PIA Siquijor)

Talks on glamorization, prevalence of drug use held in Cebu BY: FERLIZA C. CONTRATISTA CEBU CITY (PIA) --- How are Filipino families dealing with the problem of illegal drugs? Is the media glamorizing the drug problem?

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hese were some of the questions that were addressed during a series of talks on “Glamorization of Drug Use and the Prevalence of Drug Problems: The Impact of Addiction on the Family" held September 28 in two venues here.

The activity was spearheaded by the Philippine Mental Health Association (PMHA) which is composed of private and government doctors in behavioral sciences.

Dr. Glenda Basubas, chairman of PMHA-Cebu Chapter, said the various talks are aimed at understanding the drug user, his

or her family, and how the society and the media are dealing with the problem.

Venues of the activity were University of Southern Philippines Foundation at with Basubas talking on the “The Physical and Psychological Effects of Addiction” followed

by Dr. Milan Ratunil on “The Truth About Drugs."

The activity was continued at J Center Mall in Mandaue City with Cebu Gov. Hilario Davide III as the invited inspirational speaker.

Davide earlier announced that his administration will go all-out in the campaign

against drug peddling in the province.

Dr. Benita Sta Ana Ponio talked about “Glamourizing Drug Abuse in the Media."

Ponio is the Executive Director of the Metro Psych Facility Roads and Bridges Facility, a private psychiatric hospital providing alternative care for individuals needing psychiatric treatment and rehabilitation.

It was earlier reported that there are still at least eight identified drug lords in Central Visayas according to the Regional Anti Illegal Drugs Office of the Police Regional Office 7. (rmn/FCC/PIA Cebu )

Heritage tour program helps studes discover 'old Cebu ' BY: APPLE TA-AS, RAFI CEBU CITY (PIA) -- A heritage tour program pioneered by the Ramon Aboitiz Foundation, Inc. (RAFI) helps students from various schools and universities in Cebu to connect and discover the 'old Cebu '.

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AFI's Culture and Heritage unit executive director, Dr. Jocelyn Gerra said, the HYPERLINK "http://rafi.org.ph/cultureheritage/kabataan-kultura-ug-kabilin/" (KKK) was organized by RAFI in partnership with the University of San Carlos (USC)-Department of Anthropology, Sociology and History, and the Cebu City Government.

The program aims to connect theoretical lectures on history, society, culture and heritage through visiting museums and heritage sites; demonstrate the value of museum and heritage sites or institutions as tools for education; encourage a dynamic dialogue between heritage groups, host communities and young people in the promotion and protection of the sites; and develop a sense of pride.

The KKK is significant because it gives the students the real perspectives to connect the theoretical learning in the classroom to the environment they are in via the heritage tour of the museums within the City.

Gerra said, other than learning theories they also need to know what are around them.

With the KKK, we bring students and connect them to the actual experience of heritage, culture and or issues of social development and making them

feel and imagine what they have learned in the classrooms.

The tour is not just a simple walking through the heritage sites as students have activity guides to answer.

The program generated interesting discussions among the student participants. Gerra shared how they would interact while boarding a bus going to their next destination.

“We were telling them that Cebu used to have a train, they were quiet amazed.

In fact they said that if the same station had been developed probably we don’t have problems of congestion,” Gerra said, adding that the train was taken away since it was destroyed in the war.

On its five successful years of being an avenue of history immersion for college students, more schools and students have showed interest in joining the KKK. “It was fun seeing how old the house is and how it reflects the way of life in the early times.” This was how Ronith Politud, a University of San Carlos (USC) management administration student described her experience strolling inside the Casa Gorordo Museum .

Politud was one of the hundred USC students

who took part on the third Saturday activities of HYPERLINK "http://rafi.org.ph/culture-heritage/ kabataan-kultura-ug-kabilin/" Kabataan, Kultura ug Kabilin (KKK) held September 21.

Other sites visited by the students included Museo Sugbo, Fort San Pedro, Sugbu Chinese Heritage Museum , Plaza Sugbo, Magallanes Street , Basilica del Santo Niño, and the Cathedral Museum of Cebu.

Politud said she was in awe on how different the social life of Cebuanos in the Spanish era from that of today.

“They have a different social life starting from the way they dressed, like wearing long skirts.

There is a specific place to entertain a suitor and a staircase only exclusive for a group of people,” she commented, referring to Casa Gorordo's suitor’s corner, which was well-lit to give emphasis to the tradition of propriety and chastity among single adults at that time.

Gerra recalled that when KKK started in 2009, it only had 150 student participants.

The program had expanded overtime. There were 1,650 students in attendance in the 2012 heritage tour. (mbcn/PIA-7 with reports from Apple Ta-as/RAFI)

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EASTERN VISAYAS

EVisayas Public Employment Service Offices bag 2 nat’l awards

Singer from R8 Enrico Saboren

By Erlinda Olivia P. Tiu PALO, Leyte, Oct. 2 (PIA) – Two Public Employment Service Offices in Eastern Visayas have recently been chosen as national winners in the Search for Best PESO by the Department of Labor and Employment.

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OLE Region 8 Director Exequiel Sarcauga said that the national winners for the Best PESO were given their respective awards during the recently-held 13th National PESO Congress at the Leyte Oriental Hotel.

The DOLE Regional Director told the Philippine Information Agency that proclaimed as the Best PESO in the 3rd Class Province category is Mr. Norman Ordiz, Provincial PESO Manager of the Province of Southern Leyte.

On the other hand, the national winner for the Best PESO in the 6th Class Municipality category is Vigeldes Conde, Municipal PESO of Maripipi, Biliran, Director Sarcauga said.

Ordiz and Conde each received a cash prize of P50,000 and a trophy, Director Sarcauga added.

Moreover, Director Sarcauga said that the Regional winner for the Highly Urbanized City category is Ms. Emilia Cruz, PESO of Tacloban City; the Regional Winner for the 1st to 2nd Class Municipality is Ms. Jennifer Francisco, PESO of Isabel, Leyte; while the Regional Winner for the 3rd to 4th Class Municipality is Bernardita Lacbayo, PESO of Dulag, Leyte.

For the State Universities and Colleges category, the Regional Winner is Dr. Victoria Tafalla, PESO of Samar State University.

The Search for the Best PESO aims to recognize the contribution of the PESO on employment facilitation programs and to reward its outstanding accomplishments.

The Search for Best PESO covers all existing and operational Public Employment Service Offices (PESOs) as confirmed by the

DOLE Regional Office, whether it is an LGU, NGO and School Based PESO. In order to qualify, the candidate PESO must be an operational PESO at the time of Candidacy as certified by the DOLE Regional Office. An operational PESO is with a designated PESO Manager, undertaking at least one of the PESO Core Services such as Referral and Placement; Employment Guidance and Counseling; and Labor Market Information.

PESOs undertaking SPES and Jobs Fair programs only are not classified as operational in as much as the SPES and Jobs Fair are seasonal in nature.

The PESO must be regularly submitting monthly accomplishment reports to the DOLE Regional Office through the Provincial Offices or DOLE field offices. (PIA 8)

WatSan facilities to benefit 30 public schools in NSamar 2nd district

By Ailene N. Diaz CATARMAN, Northern Samar, Oct. 3 (PIA) – The Department of Public Works and Highways-Northern Samar Second District Engineering Office (NSSDEO) will implement the 1st batch water and sanitation facilities projects in 30 public schools covering the second district of the province.

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his was learned from DPWH-NSSDEO OIC District Engineer Ferdinand Briones.

The project is a construction of water and sanitation facilities under DepEd’s Calendar Year 2013 Basic Education Facilities Fund (BEFF) amounting to P37, 319,998.00 for the 30 public schools in the second district of Northern Samar.

Briones disclosed that the 30 public schools beneficiaries are Catubig Valley National High Schools with an allocated fund amounting to P 1,868,000.00; Las Navas National High School – P 1,919,500.00; Laoang National Technical High School – P 1,702,800.00; Sumoroy Agro-Industrial School – P 1,545,194.00; Don Juan F. Avalon

National High School – P 1,406,000.00; Pambujan National High School – P 889,000.00; Laoang National High School – P 839,636.00; Rawis National High School – P 764,000.00; Lorenzo S. Menzon AIS – P 839,636.00; Silvino Lubos Vocational High School – P 878,600.00.

Also funded are Hibubullao National High School – P 565,400.00; Anito National High School – P 564,886.00; San Roque Central School –P 3,517,000.00; Palapag Central School – P 2,521,648.00; Las Navas I Central School – P 2,052,932.00; Pambujan I Central School – P 1,798,000.00; Silvino Lubos Central School – P 1,780,200.00; Bantayan Elementary School – P 1,067,000.00; Anito Elementary School –P

969,010.50; Laoang I Central School – P 977,011.00.

Included in the budget are Vigo Elementary School – P 977,011.00; Las Navas II Central School – P 977,011.00; Ginulgan Central School – P 977,011.00; Hibubullao Central School – P 916,566.00; Potong Elementary School – P 917,316.00; Cabatuan Elementary School – P 916,566.00 and Catubig Central School – P 711,000.00 According to Eng. Briones, the office is already done with the detailed engineering phase with 100 percent accomplishment awaiting for the bidding set on October 22 & 24, 2013. (PIA8-Northern Samar)

A century-old grandma attends senior citizens day

By Lanie Tupaz NAVAL, Biliran, Oct. 2 (PIA) – Despite being deprived of hearing, the century-old grandma attended the whole day affair for the senior citizens of Naval on September 30 at the Naval gymnasium.

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he activity was one of the highlights of the Naval Fiesta 2013 on October 4 and 5 recognizing the contributions and involvement of the senior citizens in the municipality of Naval and in the community where they belong.

The physically able Rita Merez-Rosales from Caneja St., Naval, Biliran, was born on February 13, 1913, in Caraycaray, Naval.

She married at the early age of 22 to Gregorio Rosales of Poblacion, Naval, with

whom she bore 10 children of two boys and eight girls.

Four of her daughters are now living in Australia and the United States of America where she also lived for 20 years before coming back home in 2012.

One of her daughters who is living in the States kept on monitoring the whole day affair at the Naval gymnasium via the internet.

Lola Rita was accompanied to attend

the senior citizens day activities yesterday at the Naval gymnasium by her eldest daughter Buena Rosales-Silvestre, 75 years old, and currently residing in Ormoc.

With her age and the size of her family today, Lola Rita could no longer count the number of her grandchildren.

All she knows is that she has four generations of grandchildren. (PIA 8 Biliran)

EASTERN VISAYAS

Singer from

Regine Velasquez

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NFA extends food fortification drive to school kids

CATBALOGAN CITY, Samar, Oct. 2 (PIA) — The National Food Authority (NFA) – Samar extended its fortification advocacy to schoolchildren of the New Mahayag Elementary School (Catbalogan, Samar) in the use of Iron fortified rice.

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he NFA team led by manager Frannie Mercado gave the school iron fortified rice which the teachers and parents prepared into arroz caldo with chicken and malunggay leaves.

The whole 340 studentry, teachers and the parents before eating the arroz caldo with gusto, listened to Mercado’s message on consuming fortified food.

“Daily intake of Iron rice will make you smarter and give you enough strength to last the day,” said Mercado.

Teresita Duena, 49, a mother of four

school children said her family consumes the Iron fortified NFA rice because one teacher told her about the benefits of eating the iron fortified rice.

“It is cheap yet contains iron which is good for the kids,” she said in her native Waray.

Another teacher, Grace Regulacion said that she teaches the kids to prod their parents to buy it.

“I teach them in Science that if we lack iron, we are easily tired and our memory is affected, students can be great advocates,

because they believe their teachers,” she shared.

In the country, iron deficiency anemia is a serious public health problem that NFA devised iron fortification to the staple rice.

“Everyday, people no matter how poor eat rice, so the presence of iron in rice ensures that,” said Alva Gadin, Samar Provincial Nutritionist.

As the school children eat arroz caldo, the NFA team and teachers joined them for the school children to learn that they walk their talk. (PIA 8-Samar)

PLAN, AUSAID train communities to mitigate effects of Climate Change BORONGAN CITY, Eastern Samar, Sept. 30 (PIA) – PLAN International Inc., a foreign funded organization in coordination with Australia Aid (AUSAID) under its Community-Based Climate Change Action Grants Program (CB-CCAGP) and in partnership with Local Government Unit of Salcedo and Hernani, Eastern Samar conducted a three-day Participatory Capacity and Vulnerability Assessment (PCVA) Facilitators’ Training on Sept. 24-26, 2013 at the Leyte Park Hotel, Tacloban City.

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ccording to Mr. Arnold D. Peca, Community Development Facilitator of Hernani, the purpose of the said training was to analyze the present situation in their respective community and how climate change affect the lives especially the children and youth.

“Children and youth are considered vulnerable sectors and will largely be affected by the impacts of climate change,” Peca said.

Peca added, that they already have identified earlier, the problems and issues of these communities, and that, they are encouraged to make project proposals for the financial support of AUSAID and PLAN Phil. Inc. He also said that by October and November he is expecting that the two LGUs can identify already the possible solutions which could address to the impacts of climate change in their locality.

He further said, that after this training the participants will be able to actualize the conduct of PCVA through practicum in their respective community.

Meanwhile, in the said training, an inspirational message was given by Ms. Pia

Priethel, Climate Change Adaptation Advisor from Australia.

In her message, she said that she is happy for the warm welcome and also for the LGUs response to the invitation which is also a sign that they are committed to learn and educate the Child-Centered Community Based Climate Change Adaptation (CC-CBCA) in the Philippines.

Priethel also said that the Australian government through PLAN International, Inc. is committed to support the initiative of this community in preparing the Climate Change Mitigation plan. She further said that this program is not only in the Philippines, but also in other ASIAN countries like Vietnam and Cambodia.

Another message was given by Vice Mayor Wilmar S. Candido of Hernani, who affirmed his commitment by signing the Memorandum of Agreement last Sept. 7, 2013.

Today therefore, is the right time to prepare and not tomorrow. So, let us be prepared today and involve ourselves ”, Candido said.

Present during this training were: Municipal Mayor, Hon. Edgar C. Boco, Vice

Mayor Wilmar S. Candido, Dr. Ezra Balido, Municipal Health Officer (MHO) and Sangguniang Bayan (SB) Members Reuben Collarga and Emelyn B. Montero of Hernani and for the Municipality of Salcedo are: Municipal Planning and Development Officer (MPDO), Ms. Isabel Abella, SB Member Rosario Palconite and Municipal Environment and Natural Resources Officer (MENRO), Danilo Duran.

Also in attendance were the representatives of Barangay Councils, children and youth.

This activity also formed part of the continued community campaign on Child Protection and Child Participation.

In Eastern Samar, there are only two municipalities and eight barangays that benefit this project.

The four barangays of Hernani are: Brgys. Nagaja, Carmen, Garawon and San Miguel and in Salcedo: Brgys. Alog, San Roque, Burak and Matarinao.

This project is being implemented by PLAN in coordination with Australian Aid (AUSAID), Climate Change Commission (CCC), Save the Children and Institute for Sustainable Futures. (SDC/PIA8-E. Samar)

Naval Fiesta Execom 2013 offers “Mga Huni nga Binisaya” concert to the elderly NAVAL, Biliran, Oct. 2 (PIA) – The 2013 Naval Town Fiesta Executive Committee chaired by Dr. Edita Sabonsolin-Genson, Naval State University president, offered a free concert for the senior citizens last night, September 30, at the Naval gymnasium.

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he concert dubbed as “Mga Huni nga Binisaya” (Visayan Songs) featured the famous Cebuano singers Max Surban and Hannah Villame, daughter of the late Yoyoy Villame, a comedian-singer.

The concert was offered free to all

senior citizens regardless of their locality provided they presented their senior citizens identification cards.

Senior citizens from other municipalities of the province and other provinces were able to avail of the free concert as long as they had with them their valid senior citizens

ID cards.

Non-members of the senior citizens organizations and other young viewers paid an entrance fee of P30.

Dr. Loreta Besoyo, Vice-President for Administration at the Naval State University facilitated the free concert. (PIA 8 Biliran)

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