One Visayas e-Newsletter Vol 3 Issue 41

Vol 3

Issue 41

In this Issue WESTERN VISAYAS

Keeping the people informed and inspired through the social media is one way to have the nation involved in nation building, according to PIA Director General Jose Mari Oquinena in his message at the recent Seminar on Social Networking in Cebu City, organized through a partnership of the Philippine Information Agency and Smart Communications, Inc. (PIA Visayas)

More on Region 6, pages 2-3.

Also CLICK Here…

CENTRAL VISAYAS

Lawyer Rose Versoza discusses the laws that affect the practice of digital media during the Seminar on Social Networking for PIA Visayas Information Officers held Oct. 10-11, 2013 in Cebu City. (PIA Visayas)

More on Region 7, pages 4-5.

Also CLICK Here…

EASTERN VISAYAS

NEDA 8 regional director Bonifacio Uy (l-r) assisted by BAS regional agricultural statistics officer Francisco Rostata, NSO regional director Raul Dones and NSCB regional head Evangeline Paran leads in the cutting of the ribbon during the opening of the statistical exhibits in connection with the 24th National Statistics Month celebration with the theme: “Statistics that Matter to Every Filipino” at Robinsons Place, Tacloban City, October 7.

Also in photo is DOLE assistant regional director Cyril Ticao. (Vino R. Cuayzon)

More on Region 8, pages 6-7.

Also CLICK Here...

Published by: PIA 6, 7 & 8

October 7 - 13, 2013

PIA head urges IOs to continue to inform, inspire people

By Vicente W. Villavert SAN JOSE, Antique, Oct. 14 (PIA6) - - Director General Jose Mari Oquinena of the Philippine Information Agency urged PIA Information Officers of the Visayas to continue to inform and to inspire people so “we will have the whole nation involved in building our country”.

DG Oquinena lauded the information officers from PIA Regions 6, 7 and 8 who completed the Seminar on Social Networking held in Cebu City recently.

“This is a smart way to move forward,” Oquinena said as he emphasized that social media is not only for the young generation but for everybody who still want to be relevant, and for those who still want to employ new things.

Oquinena said that with the help of the trainings conducted by Smart Communications, the PIA information officers will be able to disseminate relevant information through social media.

The resource persons included Cebu journalist Max Limpag for the topics on Print media vs online media and Use of online tools to present messages more effectively; Elvin Luciano on infographics; Ruben Licera on Maximizing use of Social Media for disseminating information; Nica Tejada on introduction to online journalism of Smart; and Kristine Magadia on Journ.ph lecture and workshop; and

Atty. Rose Versoza on Cyber laws and ethics.

For her part, Atty. Jane Paredes, senior manager, public affairs division of Smart Visayas-Mindanao, said that PIA information officers with trainings on social media can effectively help in disseminating relevant and timely information.

She said that immediate gathering of feedbacks can also be strengthened through social media.(JCM/VWV-PIA6 Antique)

PIA Director General Jose Mari Oquinena: “a smart way to move forward”. (EJB/PIA6)

CV’s economic growth at 9.3% in 2012 higher than national

By Minerva BC. Newman CENTRAL VISAYAS, Oct. 6 (PIA) – The economy of Central Visayas in 2012 grew at 9.3% in real terms, higher than that of the nationwide growth at 6.8 percent.

Monetary Board member Peter Favila bared this during the Awards Ceremony and Appreciation Lunch that the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP)-Cebu hosted for its partners and stakeholders in regions 7 and 8 on October 1 at the Banker’s hall, BSP building, Cebu City.

Favila in his keynote message also said that the economic growth prospects of Central and Eastern Visayas remain promising.

He said Central Visayas growth was supported by the expansion in the construction, trade and real estate sectors.

“However, Eastern Visayas’ economy posted a decline of 6.2% in 2012 as contraction in the manufacturing sector counterbalanced the growth in the construction, financial intermediation and trade sectors,” Favila noted.

He also enumerated other positive indicators that went in favor of Central Visayas and Eastern Visayas as well.

Favila said that because of the positive economic gains in the country, credit rating agencies such as Fitch and Standard & Poor’s lauded the PHL’s strong economic and fiscal gains by raising the country’s credit rating to investment grade.

“With this backdrop, major multilateral financial institutions have upgraded their outlook on the country’s economy,” Favila said.

He further said that these positive developments are the results of the effective partnership that the BSP and its various stakeholders have developed through the years.

The timely and comprehensive report submissions and survey responses have allowed BSP to respond more appropriately to monetary and financial risks that steer the country towards a higher growth path, Favila added. (mbcn /PIA7)

DTI to deploy P29.97-M SSFs for 3,857 SMEs in East Visayas

By Erlinda Olivia P. Tiu PALO, Leyte, Oct. 7 (PIA) – The Department of Trade and Industry is set to deploy in Eastern Visayas, at least P29.97 million worth of Shared Service Facilities in order to help some 3,857 micro, small and medium enterprises in the Region.

DTI Region 8 Director Cynthia Nierras said that as of October 4, six SSF projects have been launched in four provinces of Eastern Visayas.

Director Nierras identified the SSF projects as milkfish processing equipments in Babatngon, Leyte; coco coir twining and weaving machine in Caibiran, Biliran; sardines and seaweed bottling in Sta. Margarita, Samar; coco coir equipment for a decorticating plant in Lope de Vega, Northern Samar; and handloom and twining machines for geo-nets production in Javier, Leyte; and coco coir equipment for a decorticating plant in Baybay City.

DTI is eyeing to launch more SSF Projects within this month particularly in Abuyog and Dulag, both in the province of Leyte, and another in Santa Margarita, Samar.

It was learned that for 2013, the DTI in East Visayas has identified 90 SSF projects with 501 modern

equipments for launching, and which would benefit 3,857 SMEs. Of the P29 million worth of projects approved, only P15 million will be deployed until the end of 2013, pending the issuance of new mechanisms in the procurement of facilities and selection of reliable cooperators to ensure efficient use of the fund, Ms. Ma. Delia Corsiga, DTI-8 chief of the business development division, said.

Among the major projects that are up for launching this year is the P8 million retort packaging facility in the main campus of Eastern Visayas State University.

The Philippine International Trading Corporation is scheduled to deliver equipment within this month.

The Shared Service Facilities will be established in economically-depressed areas to help people augment their incomes and generate new jobs, Director Nierras said adding that the trade department is eyeing to generate 2,387 direct jobs through SSF. The use of the shared service facility is not for free, Director Nierras said. SMEs have to pay a very minimal amount to cooperators for the maintenance of the facilities, she added. (PIA 8)

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WESTERN VISAYAS

NegOcc home to renewable energy infra BY: EASTER ANNE D. DOZA

Singer from R6

Jose Mari Chan

NEGROS OCCIDENTAL, Oct. 11 (PIA6) - -This province will be home to three of the four Biomass power plants and will be the site of the first commercial solar farm.

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ssistant Secretary Daniel Ariosa Sr. said these plants are welcome developments in the energy sector since this will stabilize the energy requirement in the Visayas area since we are expecting a boom in industries and economic activities in areas like Bacolod, Iloilo and Cebu.

A group of 36 foreign investors from Zurich, London, Prague and Germany led

by Thomas Lloyd Group Chairman Michael Sieg came for the launchings of the North Negros Biomass Power Plant in San Carlos

City and the South Negros Biomass Power Plant in La Carlota City.

The San Carlos BioPower Incorporated is a 19.9-megawatt biomass fired power plant in the northeastern part of the province which will begin construction early 2013 and will be operational in early 2015, expected to deliver 140 million kilowatt-hours to the grid.

Aside from the biomass powered plant, San Carlos City is an ideal location for the solar farm of the San Carlos Solar Energy Incorporated with the right coordinates for

maximum solar radiation, less prone to cloud cover and enjoying more sunshine hours than the rest of the province.

Meanwhile, the South Negros BioPower Incorporated is a 4.7-billion peso investment that includes a thermal plant and a supply chain system expected to supply the grid with 175 million kilowatt-hours per year.

“This will give additional income to farmers since their agricultural wastes will be used and converted into energy through the biomass power plants,” Ariosa said.*(JCM/ EAD/PIA6 Negros Occidental)

CHED says PCARI Project will benefit HEIs ILOILO CITY, Oct. 11 (PIA6) -- The Philippine Government strongly supported the implementation of the Philippine-California Advanced Research Institutes (PCARI) Project to enhance the country’s academic and economic competitiveness, according to the Commission on Higher Education (CHED).

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HED said this in a press statement to shed light on issues questioning the integrity, necessity and relevance of the project.

CHED said the “unprecedented government initiative is a response to the disturbing reality that the Philippines is seriously lagging behind its neighbors in terms of having a sustainable university-based research infrastructure for technological innovation”.

A major public investment to help the country catch up, CHED said the PCARI Project aims to develop over a five-year period the capabilities for high-end research of Filipino scientists and researchers in leading public and private universities and colleges, thus laying the human infrastructure for the production of a critical volume of quality scientific research that will translate into innovations and cutting edge technologies.

The Project seeks to do so by linking Philippine higher education institutions (HEIs) with elite research universities that have successfully produced leading-edge technologies in potential niches of the country.

In response to queries about what the Philippine HEIs can gain from a partnership with the University of California (UC), CHED clarified that the UC is at the forefront of the science, technology and know-how in the two identified research priority

areas indicated in the 2013 General Appropriations Act (GAA) provision: information infrastructure development (IID) and health innovation and translational medicine (HITM).

CHED also pointed out that the procurement process that led to the selection of the UCB and UCSF in fact complies with the conditions expressly provided in the Special Provision No. 6 of the 2013 GAA, namely, the appropriate and premier California public institution of higher learning with specialization in the areas of translational medicine and information infrastructure development. It is also in accordance with the congressional deliberations during the 2013 Budget hearings of CHED. The government has earmarked a special P1.763 billion appropriation under Special Provision No. 6 “Allocation for the Research and Scholarship Project” of Republic Act No. 10352, otherwise known as the General Appropriations Act (GAA) for Fiscal Year (FY) 2013, for the project.

CHED pointed out that the Philippines continues to trail behind China, Indonesia, Malaysia, Singapore, Thailand and even Vietnam in some critical indicators such as the number of high-level researchers and quality of scientific output.

Moreover, it is also now in the second tier—with Singapore, Malaysia and Thailand in the first tier—behind Indonesia and Vietnam in terms of

research and scientific outputs.

The PCARI Project will specifically support joint research for capacity building between Philippine HEIs and leading universities in California, USA, initially, with the University of California San Francisco (UCSF) and the University of California Berkeley (UCB) to tap into their world-recognized expertise in translational medicine and in information infrastructure development, respectively.

The project is covered by the 2012 Agreement between the Government of the United States of America and the Government of the Republic of the Philippines on Scientific and Technological Cooperation.

The Philippine-based HEIs will be initially drawn from the member institutions of the Engineering Research and Development for Technology (ERDT) and the National Science Consortium (NSC), formal associations of top ranked Philippine HEIs in the fields of Engineering and Science. These HEIs have been recipients of government research grants not only from CHED but also from the Department of Science and Technology (DOST).

CHED also said that the agreements covering the PCARI Project will be between CHED and UCB or UCSF, and the Philippine HEIs, and not with the individual researchers themselves. (CHED/PIA6)

Public Attorney’s Office rates Excellent BY: JEMIN B. GUILLERMO ROXAS CITY, Capiz, Oct. 14 (PIA6) – The Roxas City Public Attorney’s Office (PAO) received an Excellent rating from the Civil Service Commission (CSC).

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apiz CSC Director lawyer Maria Lina Gonzaga said that during the frontline service check of the CSC through its Report Card Survey (RCS), the PAO here was rated Excellent.

She said that Roxas City PAO is the second agency in Capiz that got an excellent rating this year with the Roxas City Land Transportation Office (LTO) which was already recognized last month in Iloilo City.

Gonzaga said that based on the RSC, Roxas City PAO has complied with the provisions required in the implementation of Republic Act No. 9485 or the Anti-Red Tape Act (ARTA) of

2007 She explained that with the CSC as the lead implementer of the ARTA law, the agency, conducts a survey among government offices to gather feedback on the effectiveness of and compliance with the anti-red tape measures of government agencies.

“The RCS checks on the agency’s compliance with ARTA provisions, physical working conditions, frontline service provider, service quality and overall customer satisfaction,” Gonzaga said.

She revealed that most of the government agencies failed to comply with the ARTA

provisions to include the posting of the Citizen’s Charter in conspicuous areas, posting of anti-fixer signs, a manned public assistance desk, observance of no noon break policy, no hidden fees for frontline transactions, priority lanes for senior citizens, pregnant women and persons with disability, and the wearing of identification card (ID) of frontline personnel.

To ensure the strict implementation of the ARTA, Gonzaga said that the heads of offices and agencies must be responsible on this as stressed in Rule V of the Implementing Rules and Regulations of RA 9485.(JCM/JBG/PIA6 Capiz)

WESTERN VISAYAS

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Boracay - not only more fun, but rabies-free too Singer from R6

Kuh Ledesma

By: Venus G. Villanueva

KALIBO, Aklan, Oct. 7 (PIA6) -- He appeared very elated and pleased when the island of Boracay was declared a Rabies-Free Zone by the Department of Health (DOH) and other government and private entities recently, because this would be another welcome signal to tourists far and wide – that they could romp, play and enjoy all they can in the island’s powder-soft and sugar-white sand without fear of being bitten by a rabid dog.

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ehind the smile of Malay Mayor John Yap, however, is a remembered sadness for the loss of a loved one, an aunt, to rabies when he was yet a college boy in Manila.

“During her hospitalization in Manila, we had to cover all the windows of her hospital room as she could not stand the brightness. When we want to give her water, we have to moisten a piece of cotton with a little water and touch this to her parched lips, as she could not drink water,” Mayor Yap revealed in his acceptance speech after the island of Boracay was declared as a rabies-free zone recently, along with the island province of Guimaras.

As a rabies-free island, Mayor Yap said Aklanons will become more enthusiastic and inspired custodians of Boracay Island, who will work further to sustain the beauty and charm of the island now made even safer and fun-filled for tourists and visitors with the declaration.

It will also ensure that in the island, no life will be lost due to rabies.

Based on the data provided by the Office of the Provincial Veterinarian (OPVET), the prime mover in

having Boracay declared as a rabies-free zone, the island had a total dog population of 638 in 2011. All these dogs were registered at OPVET, and 547 of these were vaccinated against rabies – a high 85.70%, which is more than the target set by the government before a certain area gets declared as rabies-free.

In his message during the program held at Casa Pilar in Boracay, Department of Agriculture (DA) Undersecretary Davinio Catbagan told participants, composed of DOH officials from all over the country led by Assistance Secretary Enrique Tayag, and from the DA, Department of the Interior and Local Government, World Health Organization, Aklan provincial offices and Malay LGU and Guimaras provincial and municipal officials and the media that rabies cause 1 death every minute, and every 5 minutes, 100 persons throughout the world are exposed to rabies. He also revealed that presently, the DA, DOH, and the DILG are working together to implement the National Rabies Control Program (NRCP) so that by 2020, the entire Philippines will be declared rabies-free. For his part, Director Juvencio Ordona, who delivered the keynote address

representing DOH Secretary Enrique Ona, said that rabies is a neglected disease, as many still succumb from it. Ordona said rabies is 100% fatal, but it is also 100% preventable.

He also disclosed that besides Boracay Island and Guimaras, other areas had also been declared rabies free – Siquijor, Batanes, Biliran, Camiguin, Marinduque, Limasawa, Camotes, Apo Island, Olimpia in Bais City, Coron, and Culion in Palawan.

Congratulating municipal officials and stakeholders in Boracay for the declaration, Ordona said the campaign should not end here as he called for everybody to make the status of Boracay as rabies-free sustained and permanent – to which Mayor Yap had a ready answer – because of his sad experience from rabies and with the world-class tourism industry now the lifeblood of his municipality as well as of the province, he vowed that his ultimate goal, together with his constituents and the people who worked hard for the attainment of the declaration from now on is to keep Boracay Island rabies-free permanently. (JCM/VGV PIA6 Aklan)

COMELEC officers get refresher course on manual election BY: LEONARD T. PINEDA I ILOILO CITY, Oct. 8 (PIA) --- The Commission on Elections (Comelec) Iloilo provincial office conducted a refresher course on manual elections Monday to election officers for the October 28 barangay elections.

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loilo Assistant Election Officer Dennis Labagnao said that the 39 election officers in the province were reviewed on the processes in the conduct of the manual system of elections.

“There is a need to review the election officers on the manual system for the past two

elections including the May 2013 midterms polls which utilized the automated system”, said Labagnao.

The refresher course for teachers who will serve as board of election inspectors (BEIs) is also scheduled this week.

Iloilo province has 1,065,751 registered

voters in 1,901 barangays.

These registered voters will flock to 3,684 clustered precincts designated in the province.

The Comelec Iloilo Provincial Office is preparing for the filing of the certificates of candidacy slated from October 11-17. (JCM/ LTP-PIA6 Iloilo)

WV College publications gear up for COPRE and Awards 2013 BY: ELSA S. SUBONG ILOILO CITY, Oct. 8 (PIA) – This is the time when printing presses roll non-stop, college paper editors stay up almost 24 hours to get their publications out on time.

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ollege publications in Western Visayas are perked up for the College Press Conference and (COPRE) Awards this November, to be conducted by the Philippine Information Agency-6.

The COPRE mechanics for this year require that each publication is allowed to field entries in three categories only, one of which is the Wall News.

“The Wall News shows our particular bias for development communication,” PIA-6 Director Janet Mesa said.

While the school publications, like magazine, tabloid, newsletters and literary folio are primarily for the academic community, the wall news is the target community for particular advocacies that the school supports.

Mesa said the PIA has urged school publications to have special information and education campaigns that advance thrusts for the environment and climate change, economic development and livelihood, peace and gender issues.

“The wall news are posted in selected communities, readership among local folks encouraged which results to community dialogues,” Mesa said.

The publications will vie for awards as Best Magazine, Best Tabloid, Best Literary Folio, Best Newsletter and Best Wall News, on top of the awards for Best News Page, Best Sports Page, Best Feature Page, and Best Editorial Cartoon.

They will further vie for recognition as Best Multi-Lingual/Mother-Tongue Publication, in support to the K to 12 Program of the Department of Education.

Individual members of the editorial staff also prepare for the On-the-Spot Writing Contests in the same categories above, as their publication entries are being finalized.

“The PIA’s COPRE has always been a prestigious campus publication award-giving body in the region as far back as the Martial Law days,” said journalism Prof. Allen del Carmen of the University of St. La Salle, whose publication The Lead has been in the COPRE Hall of Fame, several times.

For another consistent award-winning school paper, the Augustinian Publications, Editor-in-Chief Ray Adrian Macalalag, said the yearly COPRE has challenged them to “the max” to produce quality school papers which never missed a major award.

Their Wall News, “Dingding ni

Gusting” (Gusting’s Wall), is already a Hall of Fame awardee for winning on top of all other wall news entries in the region, for three consecutive years.

The COPRE is never complete without the Mr. and Ms. COPRE Pageant where beauty and talents complement the brains, having served as stepping stones to becoming festival queens in their provinces, and even competing in national beauty tilts.

Adding to the spectrum of colors and features to the COPRE, is the Campus Blog Site Contest, in partnership with Smart Communications, now on its fourth year, where student publications go online for a wider reach.

“We support the PIA in Western Visayas in its social networking endeavors, because we have this successful campus online journ.ph project with them,” said Nora Navarro, of Smart’s Public Affairs based in Cebu City.

As the printing presses in Western Visayas continue to roll, the PIA-6 also explores more horizons to bring COPRE to greater heights for it to contribute further to nation building. (JCM/ESS/ PIA-Iloilo)

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CENTRAL VISAYAS

Central Visayas economy doing well, says BSP official Singer from R7 Pilita Corales

BY: RACHELLE M. NESSIA

CEBU, Oct. 6 (PIA) -- Economic growth prospects in Central Visayas remain promising.

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his was the assurance of Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) Monetary Board Member Peter Favila, as he disclosed that the region’s growth exceeded the nationwide growth in 2012.

Speaking during an awarding ceremony held Oct. 1 at the BSP regional office here, Favila said Central Visayas economy grew by 9.3% in real terms, compared to the nationwide growth of only 6.8% in the same year.

“This growth was supported by the expansion in the construction, trade, and real estate sectors,” he said.

Favila added that the regional inflation rate remains manageable, averaging 3.4% in Region 7.

He added that the national economic growth remains robust as latest natural income account numbers show that economic outlook in the country has increased rapidly by 7.6% in the first semester of 2013.

“This is on the back of solid performance of our services and industrial sectors,” he added.

However, despite the strong economic performance in Central Visayas, deposit generation in the region was slower compared to Eastern and Western Visayas, according to Fernando Silvoza, acting deputy director of BSP’s Department of Economic Statistics.

Silvoza, in an interview, said this is an indication that the savings generating from the economy is fueling growth in Central Visayas. “ I w o u l d ta k e th is mo r e o n the positive side. We have a very robust economy in Central Visayas yet you would see the deposit generation mobiliza tion slowing down, which means much of the income in the funds are not channeled into the banking system but recapitalized,” he said.

Silvoza also noted that unemployment is a

concern that needs to be addressed in the midst of the robust regional economy as they have noted that in 2012 unemployment and the broader definition of underemployment have gone up a little bit from 2011.

However, he stressed that “this is something that should not be taken from a negative perspective”.

“It’s not so much that the growth is not attendant with any job creation…but technology is catching up, and efficiency is moving up also, so much so that there is less reliance on manpower already,” the BSP official explained.

This, he said, is a good sign for a robust economy as there is now a pool of labor that can be rechanneled to other industries.

“It has the potential to re-channel labor elsewhere and develop new and infant industries because there is now an adequate labor supply,” he said. (RMN/PIA Cebu)

New rules make retirement easier for state workers CENTRAL VISAYAS, Oct. 9 (PIA) -- Retiring government employees need not secure clearances of no pending administrative case from his/her employer-agency, the Civil Service Commission (CSC) and the Office of the Ombudsman.

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he Civil Service Commission issued CSC Resolution #1302242 amending the Implementing Rules and Regulations (IRR) of Republic Act No.10154, otherwise known as An Act Requiring All Concerned Government Agencies to Ensure the Early Release of the Retirement Pay, Pensions, Gratuities, and other Benefits of Retiring Government Employees.

The original rules require retiring employees to secure a Clearance of Pendency/Non-Pendency

of Administrative Case/s from his/her employer-agency, the CSC, Office of the Ombudsman, and the Office of the President for presidential appointees.

This was found to be problematic according to CSC Chairman Francisco T. Duque III. “We are serving a thousand clients each day.

Retiring employees individually line up at the CSC to request for their clearances as part of the requirements for retirement.

“We want to resolve this given the physical

and financial limitations of the retiring employee, as well as manpower limitations of the CSC,” said Chairman Duque.

Figures from the Records Section of the CSC Office for Legal Affairs show that in September 2013 alone, CSC received 14,000 requests for clearance.

Duque said the CSC, as the human resource institution of the bureaucracy, is committed to a responsive, accessible, courteous, and effective public service. (PIA 7)

Brgy candidates warned vs using 4Ps BY: FERLIZA C. CONTRATISTA CEBU, Oct. 2 (PIA) --- The Department of Social Welfare and Development warned prospective candidates in the upcoming barangay elections and beneficiaries of Pantawid Pamilya not to use the program for “politicking”.

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ith the Barangay Elections this month just around the bend, DSWD officials are now on their toes to make sure that the Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program (4P’s) will not be used and abused by incumbent and would-be barangay officials.

In this week's Kapihan forum by the Philippine Information Agency Cebu, Janice Sumalinog, regional grievance officer of 4Ps, said they are warning conditional cash transfer beneficiaries, DSWD staff, and incumbent and running barangay candidates from using the program in their campaign.

The warning is contained in a campaign called “BAED” (Bawal ang Epal Dito) and is now launched nationwide following a joint memorandum circular of DSWD, Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG), and the Commission on Elections (Comelec).

“We don’t want 4P’s to be used for electioneering, so we call on everyone to please text 09189122813 for any information on anybody using this for the campaign,” according to Sumalinog.

It is Sumalinog’s office that will receive the texts and formal complaints against DSWD staff, a

beneficiary, or a candidate who had used the program to favor a candidate.

The Barangay Election is slated on October 28 which has also been declared as a Special Non-Working Holiday.

Aileen Lariba, 4Ps information officer, said DSWD Secretary Corazon “Dinky” Soliman has issued National Advisory Committee Resolution 15 entitled Procedural Guidelines on Handling Election Related Grievances.

“A beneficiary is not allowed to wear a shirt or bring a campaign material of a candidate during a 4P’s meeting and or wear his 4P’s shirt to a political rally,” Lariba said.

One can also file a complaint against a staff, a beneficiary or a candidate who imposes a candidate among members in exchange for the cash grants even if these are mere threats.

This also covers the giving of assurances that they may be included into the next list of beneficiaries if they will vote for an exchange candidate and the threat of being dropped from the list.

According to the NAC Resolution, one will first file a complaint at the Cluster Grievance Officer in their respective localities

who will validate it with the help of a Social Worker, after which a thorough investigation will be done.

First offense is a written warning from the Regional Grievance Committee if the suspect is an individual or the party is an incumbent official or an electoral candidate.

If committed twice, the case will be referred to the appropriate government agency such as Ombudsman, Comelec, or DILG. If the concerned individual is a beneficiary the first offense is a verbal warning from the Municipal Link.

The second offense will warrant a written warning from the Regional Director, while the third is the suspension of grants for one period.

Meanwhile, if the violator is a DSWD or Pantawid staff, he or she will be terminated if proven guilty after due process.

Currently, 4P’s has over 43,000 beneficiaries regionwide, of which 25,000 of them are set to graduate this year from the program and may be entitled to a level-up program called “Sustainable Livelihood." (rmn/ FCC/PIA-Cebu)

CENTRAL VISAYAS

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DILG7 challenges TOBOY, LTIA awardees for good governance Singer from R7 Yoyoy Villame

BY: ROI LOMOTAN

NEGROS ORIENTAL, Oct. 5 (PIA) – The Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) ) in Negros Oriental challenged barangay officials to be more dedicated in their jobs and embody the best qualities of a true public servant.

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his after the DILG and the Provincial Government of Negros Oriental honor and recognize several barangay officials who are recipients of The Outstanding Barangay Official of the Year (TOBOY) Award and Lupong Tagapamayapa Incentive Award (LTIA) for the 2013.

The awarding was held on September 27 at the Sidlakan Negros Village in Dumaguete City.

Awardees received trophy and ceremonial check worth P10,000 from the DILG and the provincial government.

“This goes to show that a good deed will never go unnoticed. The efficiency and effectivity of how you performed your responsibilities as barangay officials and lupong tagapamayapa have made a great impact in your respective barangays," said Provincial Administrator Arnel Francisco as he echoed the message of the governor to the awardees.

Meanwhile, Provincial Board Member and Federation President of the Provincial Liga ng mga Barangay Arnulfo Teves, congratulated the

awardees and was also grateful to the DILG for organizing the TOBOY and LTIA because it recognizes outstanding performers at the barangay level. Teves believes this award will propel barangay officials to perform better in their service to their constituents.

On the other hand, the recipients of the TOBOY Award for Component Cities Category are Teresita Peregrino of Brgy. Mabigo, Canlaon City for Outstanding Punong Barangay; Rona Pebida of Brgy. Maninihon, Bayawan City for Outstanding Barangay Kagawad; Marie Christine Llorente of Brgy. Banilad, Dumaguete City for Outstanding Barangay Treasurer; Janice Albina of Brgy. Bajumpandan, Dumaguete City and Editha Rivera of Brgy. Villareal, Bayawan City for Outstanding Barangay Secretaries; and Dianie C. Fuentes of Brgy. Bantayan, Dumaguete City for Outstanding Sangguniang Kabataan Chairperson.

The recipients of the TOBOY Awards for Municipal Entries Category are Gelyn Nuique (2nd Place) of Brgy. Obat, Sta. Catalina and Fructuoso A. Sindiong Jr. (1st Place) of Brgy.

Poblacion District 2 in Dauin for Outstanding Punong Barangays; Luz M. Bador of Brgy.

Obat, Sta. Catalina for Outstanding Barangay Kagawad; Evangeline Cepe of Brgy. Mampas, Valencia for Outstanding Barangay Treasurer; Alma L. Quipot (2nd Place) of Brgy. Siapao, San Jose and Ramonsito L. Torrino (1st Place) of Brgy. Amio, Sta. Catalina for Outstanding Barangay Secretaries; and Lucille Lynn Balsamo of Brgy. Libjo, Manjuyod for Outstanding Sangguniang Kabataan Chairperson.

The recipients of LTIA for the component cities category are the Lupong Tagapamayapa of Brgy. Batinguel, Dumaguete City(2nd place) and Lupong Tagapamayapa of Brgy. II in Bais City (1st Place); for 1st-3rd class municipalities category-- Lupong Tagapamayapa of Brgy. San Jose, La libertad (2nd Place) and Lupong Tagapamayapa of Brgy. Calayugan, Valencia (1st Place); and for the 4th-6th class municipalities category--Lupong Tagapamayapa of Brgy.

Janti-Anon, Amlan. (mbcn/RAL/PIA7-NEGOR)

DOE urges public cooperation vs oil abuses BY: FERLIZA C. CONTRATISTA CEBU CITY, Oct. 5 (PIA)--- Department of Energy (DOE) officials assure the public they are on their toes for reports on oil price manipulations in any level in the country.

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OE-Oil Management Bureau director Zenaida Monsada said the main role of DOE is only to monitor the prices of oil and not to regulate them since the industry is by law deregulated.

“There is a special task force composed of DOE and Department of Justice that deals with unreasonable pricing,” Monsada said.

Monsada, who spoke during the Multi-Sectoral Advocacy Campaign on the Downstream Oil Industry recently in Cebu said, instances of unreasonable pricing include cartelization, overpricing and predatory pricing.

Cartelization, Monsada said, is the control and manipulation of oil distribution by a certain group of players; overpricing is to

price way overboard than the rest of the gasoline stations while predatory pricing is to lower the price with the intention of killing the competitors.

Monsada said the DOE welcomes specific reports of gasoline stations in all areas and may forward directly their complaints to their office.

The Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) which has more local offices can also accept complaints and will forward these to DOE or to the Office of the Energy Regulatory Board (ERB).

Violators if proven will be charged P250,000 and more and will be imprisoned for six years.

The Local Government Units cooperation,

Monsada said will be a big help in preventing the occurrence of oil abuses.

DOE made two advocacy schedules in Central Visayas on October 4 to create awareness on the real mandate of DOE. In the morning of October 4, the participants include information officers of the municipalities and cities and members of the media.

In the afternoon, most of the participants were representatives of the different oil and other liquefied petroleum products and liquefied petroleum gases dealers and retailers.

They were informed on the necessity and updates of constant and correct calibration. (mbcn/FCC/PIA7-Cebu)

NegOr allots P3.2-M for 2013 Buglasan Festival BY: JENNIFER C. TILOS DUMAGUETE CITY, Oct. 8 (PIA) -- The provincial government here has alloted a total of P3.2 million for over 70 events scheduled during this year’s Buglasan Festival on October 11 to 20, 2013.

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rovincial Board Member and 2013 Co-Director Mariant Villegas said that Gov. Roel Degamo augmented the festival funds with another P2.7 million, in addition to the annual regular budget of P1.5 million.

This is to subsidize each local government unit (LGU) participating in the Booth and Festival competitions, said Provincial Tourism Council Chairperson and Buglasan Co-Director Dr. Nick Elman in a press conference held Oct. 7.

It was noted that more than 20 LGUs are participating in different activities lined up for the festival.

Dr. Elman said that to decongest the huge crowd turnout expected during the festival, the Buglasan main events will be spread out in three

venues, namely: Freedom Park, Sidlakang Negros Village, and Rizal Boulevard.

Set on October 18 are the highlights of the week with Festival of Festivals showdown, Street Dance, and King and Queen competitions.

As of this writing, Malacanang has yet to respond to the resolution from Negros Oriental Sangguniang Panlalawigan requesting Pres. Benigno Aquino III to declare October 18 as a special non-working holiday in the province.

The showdown and street dancing represent the local fiestas in municipalities and provide the public an opportunity to witness the colorful activities in one place at one time.

The street dancing will be routed along Dumaguete’s main thoroughfares while the

presentation per contingent will be held at the Lamberto Macial Sports and Cultural Center, this city, LGUs’ booths at the Freedom Park and Sidlakan Negros Village will be set up as a part of the celebration along with the corporate booths and an array of mini-restaurants.

This year’s Buglasan Festival annual celebration banners the theme “Sustaining Growth Through Unity Among Oriental Negrenses,” of which the organizers are optimistic that every sector in the province would be united and work doubly hard to make the province competitive and push the local tourism industry. (rmn/JCT/PIA-Negros Oriental)

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EASTERN VISAYAS

Borongan City grandpas, grandmas to get more social benefits

Singer from R8 Enrico Saboren

By: Alice Nicart BORONGAN CITY, Eastern Samar, Oct. 9 (PIA) – Sangguniang Panglunsod(SP) Estanislao Quelitano informed that some provisions of R.A. 9994 had been amended to provide more benefits for the senior citizens (SC) here.

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his, he said in order to give better recognition to their contribution to society as well as to encourage them to continue their participation in community development programs and projects.

City Ordinance No. 110, S. 2013 adds more benefits to individuals aging 60 and above who have registered with the Office of Senior Citizens Association( OSCA).

R.A 9994 provides for P1,000.00

death benefit for every SC but the City Ordinance makes it P2,000.00; also, a 5% discount can be availed of by SCs for not more than 100KWH of monthly electric consumption and for not more than 30 cu. m. of water consumption per month.

In addition, at the national level, a Social Amelioration Pension Fund is provided for every SC of more than 77 years old at P500.00 per month for medicines but the local or city version

lowers the age requirement to 70.

Quelitano however stressed that, to avail of these benefits, SCs must join in their barangay association of SCs, and they should likewise craft their own policies and measures.

The abovementioned senior citizens benefits are part of R.A.9994 which provides in length the Act Granting Additional Benefits and Privileges to Senior Citizens. (PIA8-Eastern Samar)

So. Leyte Agriculture office urges consumers to eat organic foods MAASIN CITY, Southern Leyte, Oct. 8 (PIA) -- The office of the provincial agriculture has called on consumers to start consuming farm products that used natural ways of production, such as the application of organic fertilizers and feeds.

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rovincial Agriculturist Marina Gador said that with the rising trend in lifestyle diseases now happening, people should consider eating alternative foods that are grown or raised the natural way, even as farmers have gradually started switching to use organic methods in farming.

“Our prime advocacy now is for farmers to apply natural ways in farming, and for consumers to appreciate and eat organic foods so farmers can be encouraged to produce such kinds more,” Gador said during the cable TV program Action Center Kapihan sa PIA held at the provincial capitol building.

She admitted that on the part of the farmers some were reluctant to plant and

raise animals the natural way for they have been used to traditional and inorganic methods, and those who actually did try organic farming had a hard time with competition, as their produce were priced a little higher.

But as health-conscious consumers with demanding tastes are now starting to gain ground, and with reduced costs in inputs using organic materials in the long run, Gador pressed the farmers to maintain using the natural method as the market will soon be in their favor.

Gador said a new law that promotes organic farming has mandated that by 2016, properly labeled organic foods should be sold in markets, and the

Department of Agriculture next year will lead the way by putting up Bagsakan centers that sell purely organically-grown foodstuffs and organically-raised livestock.

Also during the cable TV Kapihan program, Gov. Roger Mercado aired an impassioned appeal for people to engage in farming, saying there is money in agriculture if one is only persistent, industrious, and creative enough.

He called on those interested to have a decent living in agriculture to coordinate with the provincial agriculture’s office so they can be properly guided, adding that the provincial government is willing to extend inputs and other necessary materials. (PIA8-Southern Leyte)

EVisayas is country's ‘Best NSM Region’ By: Consuelo B. Alarcon TACLOBAN CITY, Leyte, Oct. 8 (PIA) – Eastern Visayas celebrates this year’s National Statistics Month with a very positive outlook. his is because it has achieved an expressed his gratitude to all partner government units (LGUs), academe and important milestone in the agencies and stakeholders for their private sector.

S t a t i s t i c a l H i s t o r y f o r contributions and participation during last “The bigger challenge now for being awarded as “Best NSM Region for year’s NSM celebration. She also asked agencies is to sustain a meaningful 2012” besting 15 other regions in the partner agencies to strive more in order celebration this year. However, with the country during the 12th National that this year’s celebration be a success joint efforts of partner agencies and stakeholders we can still achieve this year Convention of Statistics at the EDSA too.

Shangrila Hotel Mandaluyong City last Meanwhile, Regional Statistical to be a hall of fame,” Uy said.

Aside from the plaque of recognition, October 2, 2013.

Coordination Committee Chairman “This is the first time in eight years Lawyer Bonifacio Uy who is also the a cash prize of P20, 000 was also that region 8 was recognized for its Regional Director of National Economic awarded to the secretariat.

The Regional Statistical Coordination outstanding participation during the and Development Authority (NEDA) in National Statistics Month Celebration”, region 8 said, this is a product of Committee (RSCC) through the NSCB, as Ms. Evangeline M. Paran, Regional Head of hard work and team work exhibited by the secretariat, spearheads the National the National Statistical Coordinating the statistical agencies in the region Statistics Month (NSM) celebration this Board (NSCB) head said. supported by the technical support year with a theme “Statistics that Matter Inspired by the award, Paran provided by partner agencies, local to Every Filipino”. (PIA-8)

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EASTERN VISAYAS

Singer from

Regine Velasquez

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PopCom new management program gives emphases on responsible parenthood By: Ailene N. Diaz

CATARMAN, Northern Samar, Oct. 8 (PIA) – Population Commission OIC Regional Director Elnora Pulma presented to the media the Philippine Population Management Program: Policy Directions during the Press conference held in consonance with the 4-day Regional Population Management Conference, October 2-5, 2013 at Pink City Pension House, Catarman, Northern Samar.

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irector Pulma informed that the Philippine Population Policy thrust and features give emphases on Responsible Parenthood, natural methods and linkage to poverty parallel to the four pillars which covers responsible parenthood, respect for life, birth spacing and informed choice .

At present, Pulma said, the Population Commission is attached to the Department of Health (DOH) mandated to provide information and advocates population initiatives of the government and the delivery of services is now the responsibility of DOH. Responsible parenthood as one of the 4 pillars of population policy, focuses more on responsible parenting

classes, instilling into the couple that achieving the desired number, spacing and timing of their children is a shared responsibility between men and women, she said.

Abortion is unacceptable as Family Planning method in the 2nd Pillar.

Stressing that Family Planning aims to prevent abortion therefore saveS the lives of both women and men.

The goal of the 3rd Pillar is Birth Spacing.

Accordingly, proper spacing of births is ideally two to three years from the last pregnancy.

The 4rth Pillar centers on informed choice, that family planning provides timely, accurate and information to

couples to arrived at an informed choice; respects the couples desires and never imposes decisions on them.

Asked how they are partnering with the Church and the local government units in the family planning advocacy, Pulma said that it remains a challenge.

For Northern Samar, the LGU supports the Natural Family Planning Program and has already conducted series of classes for responsible parenting.

The successful partnership with LGU in Leyte and the Catholic Church through a program Sons and Daughters Encounter (SADE) is a manifestation that the there’s a future in the program as shared by Ms. Melchora Cawile of PopCom Leyte.

(PIA8-Northern Samar)

BFAR-8 to stock 60,000 tilapia fingerlings to bodies of water in Biliran By: Rodrigo S.Victoria NAVAL, Biliran, Oct. 8 (PIA) – The Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR) in Region 8 is set to conduct stocking of some 60,000 high breed tilapia fingerlings to identified bodies of water in Biliran province.

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s. Lailani Comadizo, supervising aquaculturist of the Office of the Provincial Agricultural Services (OPAS) said this in a telephone interview on Tuesday, October 8, 2013.

Comadizo said that the stocking of high breed tilapia fingerlings in the whole province of Biliran will be held in the early morning on October 16, 2013 in rivers and other identified bodies of water.

“This type of tilapia fingerling aside from being of high breed quality is also prolific or can reproduce fast and can

already be harvested within three to four months from the time it is stocked” she said further.

Meanwhile, the BFAR in coordination with the Maritime Industry Authority (Marina) and the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) here in Region 8 will conduct a mobile registration of commercial fishing banca in the province of Biliran at the 3rd floor of the Biliran provincial capitol building on October 17, 2013, Ms. Comadizo told the PIA. She advised all the fisherfolks to visit the municipal agriculture office

in the eight towns in Biliran province and look for the fishery official in-charge of the registration.

Comadizo said that the stocking of tilapia fingerlings and the mobile registration of commercial fishing bancas in Biliran province are part of the celebration of the 50th National Fish Conservation Week which runs from October 13-19, 2013 and anchored on the theme ”Pangisdaang Pinagyaman Ngayon, Henerasyon Sagana sa Panghabang Panahon”. (PIA-8 Biliran)

Catbalogan marks children’s month focusing on children with disabilities CATBALOGAN CITY, Samar, Oct. 9 (PIA) - Being close to her heart, Mayor Stephany Uy-Tan recently handed over educational assistance and distributed wheelchairs to children with special needs at the Special Education (SPED) Catbalogan Central I Elementary School.

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ccording to the lady mayor, the assistance was her way of helping children with disabilities in their education and to alleviate difficulty in going through their everyday life.

Some 51 children with disability received each a cash assistance of P 3,500.00.

“The smile of a child is a very

precious thing, a gift that we cannot exchange for anything especially so those children with disabilities,” Mayor Tan addressed the teachers and the parents.

The month of October of every year is National Children’s Month (NCM) pursuant to Presidential Proclamation 267, series of 1993 to emphasize the importance of the role of the child within

the Filipino family and in nation building.

For this year, the 21st National Children’s Month celebration “Kahirapan Wakasan, Karapatan ng Bata Ipaglaban”, the theme highlights that poverty reduction starts with children and that education is the most promising intervention that can make a difference in the life of every child. (PIA 8- Samar with Avha H. 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.

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