One Visayas e-Newsletter Vol 3 Issue 44

Vol 3

Issue 44

In this Issue WESTERN VISAYAS

24th NSM Best Agency. PhilHealth 6 employees led by Vice-President Dennis Mas receive their cash prize and certificate of recognition as Best NSM Agency for this year’s National Statistics Month celebration in Western Visayas at the closing and awarding ceremonies held in Iloilo City, October 29.

Also in photo are BSP Iloilo Branch Acting Deputy Director Mario Macam and NSO 6 Director Norman Julag-ay who handed the cash prize and certificate. (LAF/PIA6)

More on Region 6, pages 2-3.

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CENTRAL VISAYAS

Oct. 28 - Nov. 3, 2013

Published by: PIA 6, 7 & 8

BFAR: 70 Payaos in Samar Seas to benefit marginal fisherfolks By: Erlinda Olivia P. Tiu SANTO NINO, SAMAR, Oct. 27 (PIA) – Onboard M/V DA-BFAR, BFAR National Director Atty. Asis G. Perez and DAR 8 Regional Director Juan Albaladejo, on October 26, 2013, led the installation of a payao off the coast of Santo Nino island town in Samar to complete the 70 payaos installed in seven coastal municipalities and one city off Samar Seas.

The targets of the National Payao Program are the marginal fisherfolks of the municipalities comprising the CASTSDM Alliance: Calbayog, Almagro, Santo Nino, Tagapul-an, Santa Margarita and Damar in the province of Western Samar and Maripipi in the province of Biliran.

BFAR National Director Atty. Asis Perez said the National Payao Program will provide marginal fishermen a specific area wherein to catch fish.

A payao is a fish aggregating device (FAD) where small fish gather and attract bigger fish, Director Perez disclosed.

Payaos were installed primarily within the 15-kilometer municipal water boundaries of coastal municipalities.

Payao enhances small fisherman’s catch at sea and reduces their fishing venture expenses as well. Previously, a fisherman has to scour the fishing ground for long hours and going farther away from the shore before they can catch anything.

“This fishing area is only for the fisherfolks of the LGU-beneficiaries,” Director Asis said. The commercial fishers are off limits from these fishing areas, he added.

The installation of payao in some coastal areas in the Philippines is not only a livelihood assistance being distributed but is also one of the measures implemented by the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR) to mitigate the ill effects of El Niño.

Basically, payao has three functional parts, the floating platform, the anchorage part of it and the attractant section or habong in the local dialect.

The attractant is usually composed of coconut fronds

that hang from a rope connected to the floater. The floater or the floating platform itself is usually made up of a hollow metal or plastic drums or a bamboo raft.

This is secured by a cable line attached to an anchor weight made of concrete. Payaos can be set both in shallow water and deep sea areas.

Aside from the payao, BFAR is also giving the LGU-beneficiaries from P500,000 to P1 million for the fishing gears and equipment.

The event also saw the official signing of the Memorandum of Agreement among BFAR and the local chief executives: Calbayog City Mayor Ronaldo B. Aquino; Almagro Mayor Kathleen S. Prudenciado; Sto. Nino Mayor Lilia A. Conejos; Tagapul-an Mayor among the fisherfolks from the Local Government Units of Calbayog, Almagro, Santo Nino, Tagapul-an Mayor Vicente F. Limpiado; Santa Margarita Mayor Gemma P. Zosa; and Daram Mayor Lucia L. Astorga. (PIA 8)

DA-BFAR employees prepare one of the payaos for deployment near the town of Sto. Niño, Samar as one of the recipients of the national payao program aboard MV DA-BFAR on October 26. (Vino R. Cuayzon)

DILG: LGUs should maximize use of social media BY: LEONARD T. PINEDA I ILOILO CITY, Oct. 29 (PIA) --- The local government units (LGUs) here should consider the tremendous opportunities social media can offer in providing timely flow of information.

Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG) Undersecretary Austere Panadero said that social media Relief goods are collected at the Capitol technology is already the name of the game at present when it grounds for quake victims in Bohol, the comes to knowledge and information and for LGUs to be on hardest hit of the 7.2 magnitude earthquake the cutting edge in local governance.

Panadero said that LGUs should maximize the use of last Oct. 15. technology, invest on it in order to take advantage of the flow of information it allows and for them to make timely and sound decisions.

“Making sound decisions allow LGUs to be competitive and to serve better,” he also said.

More on Region 7, pages 4-5.

He added that this is the direction we need to take so

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EASTERN VISAYAS

Persons With Disabilities (PWDs) and senior citizens also exercise their right to vote in the 2013 Barangay Elections, October 28. (Raul S. Tiozon/PIA-8)

More on Region 8, pages 6-7.

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we can achieve progress and therefore attain inclusive growth.

He also lauded the efforts of the Western Visayas Local Governance Resource Council (WVLGRC) for having its own website (http://wvlgrc.org) that was formally launched during the celebration of the 22nd Local Government Code Anniversary held recently at Hotel Del Rio here.

W V LG RC i s a c re at i on o f the Loc a l Governance Regional Resource Center VI (LGRRC VI) that aims to strengthen capacities of national and local government agencies for environment and sustainable rural development.

As a consortium, the local governance resource council is a conception of Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit (GIZ) and DILG that provides continuity in the delivery of training and other capacity development programs for LGUs. (JCM/LTP/PIA-Iloilo)

Bohol officials face challenge of convincing evacuees to return home BY: FAYETTE C. RIÑEN BOHOL, Oct. 27 (PIA 7) -- Bohol local officials are faced with the challenge of persuading evacuees to return to their homes as the province is now out of danger from a devastating earthquake that struck the island on October 15.

President Benigno S. Aquino III in a visit to Bohol recently challenged local officials led by Gov. Edgar Chatto that “getting back the people to their homes is the urgent priority.”

Aquino said Phivolcs and the Mines and Geosciences Bureau of the Department of Environment and Natural Resources have given assurance that Bohol is no longer in great danger.

The President said evacuees are at risk of developing illnesses such as respiratory tract infections if they persist in staying in congested evacuation centers especially amid the rainy season.

“Changing the mindset of the people” should be an utmost priority of local officials, said Aquino during the briefing of the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (NDRRMC) in Loon, Bohol last October 23.

The President declared he does not want a health epidemic to surface in crowded evacuation centers because that would be an additional problem for the local government units.

Provincial Health Officer Dr. Reymoses Cabagnot previously disclosed the most common illnesses recorded in evacuation centers were diarrhea, fever, cough and colds.

The call of the President, however, is only for people in evacuation centers whose houses were not that badly damaged and still fit to live in. Evacuees going back to their homes would also contribute in bringing the situation back to normal.

Aquino further said government efforts would then be focused on people with no houses as shelter boxes for homeless quake victims would be provided.

Pres. Aquino, meanwhile, assured local officials the National Government still has P20 billion calamity funds available and that the Senate has passed a resolution to augment the current contingency fund with an additional P7 billion. (FCY-PIA7)

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WESTERN VISAYAS

‘Lakbay Alalay’ to assist motorists BY: ELSA S. SUBONG

Bugtong Bato falls in Tibiao, Antique

ILOILO CITY, Oct. 29 (PIA6) -- The Department of Public Works and Highways will again be on the road to assist motorists as they observe All Saints’ and All Souls’ Days.

PWH-6 Information Officer team, including an anchorman. maintain national highways and see to it Vivian Tan said the agency here “These teams are deployed in that they are in good condition for easier is reactivating the “Lakbay strategic locations within a DEO to help and safer travel.

Alalay” Program to ensure smooth travel the motorists,” Tan said.

“This is also to ensure that there is an for motorists including visitors and Considering the big volume of uninterrupted flow of traffic in the area,” tourists, from October 30 at 5:00 p.m. motorists and the riding public, these Tan said. until November 4, 12 noon.

DEOs are required to submit situationers Moreover, Tan said, DPWH is urging Tan said DPWH Regional Director every six hours for effective monitoring, the DEOs yo vigorously undertake, traffic Edilberto Tayao has directed all District Tan added. service maintenance, provision of Engineering Offices (DEO), through a Further, the agency has instructed informative or regulatory warning signs memorandum, to activate a composite that the DEOs should also thoroughly and traffic advisories. (JCM/ESS/PIA-Iloilo)

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Beware of plumped-up chicken, ‘botcha’ - FNRI-DOST BY: VENUS G. VILLANUEVA KALIBO, Aklan, Oct. 28 (PIA6) -- Ever wondered why the 1 kilogram-dressed chicken you bought from the market shrunk upon going home and shed water?

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hances are, according to a lecture of the Food and Nutrition Research Institute – Department of Science and Technology (FNRI-DOST) here during the NUTRICOMNET monitoring meeting and media forum held October 24 at the DOST-Aklan Provincial Science and Technology Center, Provincial Capitol Compound, Kalibo, the chicken might have been plumped, by injecting it with water to add weight to the meat.

This and other current issues on Food Safety, like nitrates and nitrites and “botcha”, were presented by Victor Alfonso, who lectured on Food Fortification and Food Safety.

Alfonso said that in the United States, plumping is a process by which some chicken companies inject raw chicken meat with salt water, chicken stock and seaweed extract supposedly to make the meat tastier and juicier. In the Philippines however, Alfonso said the practice is done by unscrupulous

businessmen in order to earn more, at the expense of the consumers.

Plumping chickens is very disadvantageous too, as it will be more expensive for consumers because of additional 15-39% additional weight; unhealthy because the chicken contains 200-500 mg sodium per serving versus 45-70 mg in unplumped chicken, increases risk of hypertension and heart attack; and may be unsafe, because in the Philippines, where plumping is unregulated, the safety of the solution used in plumping is unsure.

As for nitrates, its use could form carcinogenic nitrosoamines in meat when exposed to high temperature, but this could be countered with the addition of Vitamin C and E as these antioxidants may inhibit the formation of nitrosoamines.

“Botcha”, on the other hand, or meat taken from an animal that has died of disease, must not be consumed, instead, the dead animal should be properly disposed by burning

or burying the diseased animal carcass, Alfonso said.

He also cited Department of Health (DOH) Assistant Secretary Eric Tayag who said that people who eat meat of diseased pigs can contract all sorts of illnesses which can lead to death.

There are also no assurances that after cooking botcha, the meat is already safe to eat, or all the bacteria are gone.

Also with Alfonso at the NUTRICOMNET monitoring-meeting and media forum was Marilou Galang, Sr. Science Research Specialist, who talked on the country’s Nutrition Situation and Consequences of Malnutrition.

The activity, which was facilitated

by DOST-Aklan headed by Provincial Science and Technology Director Jairus Lachica, was attended by Aklan’s local media, government information officers and representatives from the academe. (VGV-PIA6 Aklan)

CFM team holds child’s rights forum BY: PILAR S. MABAQUIAO SAN JOSE, Antique, Oct. 28 (PIA6) - - After a successful launching program of the Children’s Month at the Antique National School in San Jose, the Provincial Child Friendly Movement Team (CFM) on Friday facilitated a forum on child’s rights at the Gen. Leandro Fullon National School, Fabrica, Hamtic, Antique.

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bout 500 high school students attended the forum wherein various agencies discussed programs and services for children.

Among the services for children discussed in the forum are the immunization and supplementation program for children below 5 years old in response to the survival rights of children presented by the Provincial Health Office.

The Provincial Population Office mentioned the establishment of Teen Center in schools where students can go

to when they have issues to resolve such as teenage problems, related to reproductive health, drug abuse among others. Peer facilitators are trained to manage the center with their guidance counselor.

The students also asked about Anti-Bullying Act and other child protection services.

These were addressed by the Provinci al Soci al Welfare and Development Office, Women’s and Children’s Desk of the Philippine National

Police.

Issues about child labor, children of sugar migrant workers and other income generating activities forcing children to render hazardous labor was explained by the Department of Labor.

Other agencies present during the forum were Provincial Planning and Development Office, Pagsapupo Center- half way home for children and women and Philippine Information Agency.

(MLG/PSM/JSC-PIA6 Antique)

WESTERN VISAYAS

Mag Mag--aso falls in Kabankalan, Neg. Occidental

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PNP ready to ensure public safety, security BY: JEMIN B. GUILLERMO

ROXAS CITY, Capiz, Oct. 30 (PIA6) -- Public safety and road security are the main concerns of the Philippine National Police during the observance of the All Saint and Souls Days.

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oxas City Police Chief Julio Gustilo Jr. disclosed that they are now readying for the implementation of Oplan Kaluluwa here.

Gustilo said that they are more concerned with public safety, road security and traffic safety especially of those who are visiting the various cemeteries in Roxas City.

He added that they will be establishing PNP assistance desk in the cemeteries, transport terminals and other convergence areas to assist the public as well as ensure public safety and security.

He said that they are now coordinating with the City’s Traffic

Management Unit for a scheme to be employed to address traffic problem during the two-day events.

Gustilo likewise said that their alert status since the election period will continue for the upcoming celebration.

Capiz Police Information Officer Donna Asmod also said that all police stations have been directed to ensure security and safety of the public and implement their Oplan Kaluluwa plan in their respective areas.

She said that police officers will be deployed by their respective stations in cemeteries, churches, transport terminals and other places of convergence.

Asmod added that the police will also lead in the implementation of traffic management scheme along routes leading to cemeteries and other convergence areas.

On the other hand, the Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office through its Capiz Emergency Response Team (CERT) will also be deploying two First Aid Teams in the two major cemeteries in Roxas City, namely at Banica and Cagay cemeteries.

Capiz PDRRMO head Esperedion Pelaez said that the First Aid teams will be offering free blood pressure check up.

(JCM/JBG/PIA6-Capiz)

DENR-6 files case against violators of forestry laws BY: EASTER ANNE D. DOZA NEGROS OCCIDENTAL, Oct. 30 (PIA6) - - Eight violators of forestry laws and policies are now facing a criminal case filed against them before the Provincial Prosecutor’s Office.

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he criminal cases were filed by the joint team of the Community Environment and Natural Resources Office-Bacolod, the Provincial Environment and Management Office and Task Force Ilahas in violation of Section 77 of Presidential Decree 705 as amended by Executive Order 277 and Republic Act 7161.

The violators came from Sitio Igkalayo, Barangay Sta. Cruz, Murcia town who were caught in the act of cutting, gathering and possessing timber/lumber and charcoal from various natural grown

and endemic species over the portion of North Negros Natural Park.

In the spot report of POI Jennifer Gaspar, elements of Task Force Ilahas together with the technical support platoon, PEMO personnel and NFEFI representative apprehended the eight violators in Sition Managaksak still of Barangay Sta. Cruz, Murcia.

Recovered from the violators were three spades, five bolos of different sizes and eight sacks of charcoal.

Among the eight violators, three are minors who were turned over

to the Municipal Women and Children Protection Desk for proper disposition.

CENRO Bacolod immediately made an inspection on the specified area and certified that no application and/or pending application nor permit was issued to specified persons.

There were also 18 charcoal pits discovered in the area with an estimated equivalent volume of 37 cubic meters from various endemic and natural grown species.*(JSC/EAD-PIA6 Negros Occidental)

TUP Visayas studes top Stats Anaylsis Contest BY: LILIBETH A. FRENCH ILOILO CITY, Oct. 29 (PIA6) - - Three students of the of Technological University of the Philippines – Visayas (TUP-Visayas) topped the 10th Statistical Analysis Contest held in line with the National Statistics Month celebration this October in the region.

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he TUP-Visayas team composed of Denmark Juance, Terri Alphon Yee and Judith Basanta, all BS Electronics and Communications Engineering students, ranked 1 among 11 public and private colleges and universities in the region that participated in the contest conducted by the Commission on Higher Education 6. The team’s adviser/ coach is Engr. Gregorio L. Crisostomo.

CHED 6 Chief Education Program Specialist Dr. Rex Casiple said the main purpose of the contest is to create awareness among college students on the

importance and relevance of statistics in national development.

The competition also intends to determine possible areas for improvement to make statistics more interesting and attractive to college entrants and to encourage them to enroll in statistical courses.

Other winning teams are from the following schools: West Visayas State University, Lapaz Iloilo City, 2nd; Western Visayas College of Science and Technology, Lapaz, Iloilo City, 3rd; University of San Agustin-Iloilo City, 4th;

and Colegio San Agustin-Bacolod, fifth.

Central Philippine University, Northern Iloilo Polytechnic State College, University of Antique, University of Iloilo-Phinma, Colegio de la Purisima Concepcion and Filamer Christian University also competed this year.

Aside from the certificates of recognition from CHED, the top three winners will be awarded with cash prizes, trophies and certificates of participation during the closing ceremony of the NSM celebration in the region on October 29 at the Iloilo Grand Hotel. (JCM/LAF/PIA6)

CENTRAL VISAYAS

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PRO7, BFAR7 bank on ‘fund raisers’ for quake affected members BY: FERLIZA CALIZAR-CONTRATISTA

Kawasan Falls in Badian, Cebu

CEBU CITY, Oct. 30 (PIA)--Police to spearhead two shoot fests to raise funds for members affected by the earthquake.

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olice Regional Office 7 deputy regional director for administration, PCSupt Generoso Cerbo Jr, said they have lined up activities to raise funds for the policemen that were affected by the 7.2 magnitude quake two weeks ago.

Cerbo admitted in Talakayan Sa Isyung Pulis (TSIP) Forum that they have about 100 policemen who were directly affected by the quake and most of them are in Bohol .

PRO-7 regional information officer PSupt Renato Dugan said initially they were able to raise P200,000 a few days after the earthquake from fellow policemen and some stake holders.

Dugan added the Office of Cebu Provincial Police Director PSSupt Noel Gillamac will hold a Provincial Shooters Cup

for his men in Cebu on November 14-17.

Directorate for Integrated Police Operations (DIPO) on the other hand will also hold another shoot fest on November 22, 32 and 24 at the CPRA in Pusok Lapulapu City .

“Funds raised from the registration fees of both contests will go to the policemen affected by the earthquake in region 7,” Dugan said.

For its part, the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources employees held a sports fest as debriefing and help for earthquake affected employees.

BFAR7 information officer Alma Saavedra said, they decided to push thru with the sports fest as part of the 50th year Fish Conservation Week held last October 22 and 23.

Saavedra said, its regional director Andres Bojos pushed thru with the activity in an effort

to debrief / de-stress the employees in Cebu, Siquijor and Bohol who were shaken by the 7.2 magnitude earthquake last October 15.

In a list given by Saavedra, they have 26 employees with totally damaged houses and 50 with partially damaged houses. Most of these employees are in Bohol .

Other government agencies also did their part in helping colleagues who were or their family members injured during the earthquake. Some of their houses were totally or partially damaged.

Philippine Information Agency 7 personnel also “passed the hat” while employees of the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR-7) held a sports fest which proceeds were also donated to their affected colleagues. (mbcn/FCC/PIA-Cebu)

Siquijor ranks 23rd as tourism destination BY: RIZALIE ANDING CALIBO SIQUIJOR, Oct. 29 (PIA)-- Siquijor island ranks 23rd of the 175 emerging tourist destinations in the Philippines

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he ranking is based on the votes garnered by the employees of the consultancy firm Isla Lipana and Co.'s and on the votes of online travel bloggers.

In line with this, provincial tourism officer Jossette Armirola has appealed to Siquijodnons to cast their votes for Siquijor to put the island as one of the country's top ten emerging tourist destinations.

Among the top lists of the Philippine hotspots for tourist destinations are the Apo Island and the Apo Reef Natural Park of

Negros Oriental, Batanes Islands , Biri Island Rock Formation of San Bernardino Strait along the Pacific Ocean .

Also included in the list are Bucas Grande Island of Siargao, Cagayan de Oro City, Calaguas Island of Camarines Norte, Busuanga and Coron of Palawan, Camiguin Islan, Camotes Island , Caramoan Island of Camarines Sur. Danjugan - Islands of Negros Occidental, Donsol Island , Kapurpurawan rock formation of Burgos , Ilocos Norte, Lake Sebu of

Cotabato, Mt. Kanlaon of Negros Occidental, Mt. Pinatubo , Mt. Pulag , Pagudpud Beach of Ilocos Norte, Panglao Island of Bohol, Sagada, Siargao Island , Taytay of Palawan, and Tubbataha Reefs Natural Park are also in the list of top tourists' spots.

The provincial government through its tourism ambassador and vice-governor Fernando V. Avanzado has also made initiatives to promote Siquijor as the healing paradise of Asia. (mbcn/RACalibo/PIA7-Siquijor with reports from IAAbatayo)

No major event disrupts peaceful barangay polls in Dumaguete City BY: ROI LOMOTAN DUMAGUETE CITY , Oct. 29 (PIA) -- No major events disrupted the peaceful conduct of barangay elections in Dumaguete City on October 28.

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ike in the previous elections, the only noted problem here was the complaints of registered voters who can’t find their names on the voter’s list.

A common sight in some polling centers in the city like the Negros Oriental State University (NORSU), Negros Oriental High School (NOHS), West City Elementary School and City Central Elementary School where voters lined up before the lists are posted outside voting precincts.

Most of the voters got frustrated after going in to different masterlists and still couldn’t find their names on their designated polling center.

On the other hand, families who belonged to the same polling precinct last May elections also complained after they found out that some of their members were transferred to different precinct numbers.

Others complained on the lack of information booths that could guide them in locating their precincts.

In response to these complaints, Atty. Gildu A g o n c i l l o , el e c t i o n o f f i c e r o f t h e Dumaguete City Commission on Elections

(COMELEC) explained in a press conference yesterday afternoon that the clustering of precincts in the barangay election is different from the clustering from the previous polls.

Agoncillo said that they were able to cluster many precincts in the May polls because of the Precinct Count Optical Scanner (PCOS) machines that can accommodate many precincts especially on the counting of ballots.

The COMELEC decided to split precinct numbers who belonged to the same cluster this time since barangay elections reverted to manual counting of votes.

“Secondly, the one who assists us with regard to this is the Parish Pastoral Council for Responsible Voting (PPCRV) but they also had difficulties in gathering volunteers considering this is barangay elections and they are also supporting their candidate,” Agoncillo added.

The COMELEC Officer also admitted that the office has limited manpower that’s why they can’t provide assistance in every polling center.

The only advice he gave to voters was to go to their office before casting their votes so that they can be directed to their proper polling

precincts.

However, Atty. Eddie Abba, Provincial COMELEC Supervisor in Negros Oriental assured the public that this is a learning process for the poll body and they will look for solutions that would resolve this problem in next elections to come.

Meanwhile, Abba countered the observation of the Diocesan Electoral Board (DEB) in Dumaguete City that there is a low turnout of voters this barangay polls.

Msgr. Julius Heruela of the DEB said that during their visit to different schools on Election Day they have noted almost 50 percent of voters had participated in this election.

The DEB went to City Central Elementary School, Mangnao Elementary School, NORSU and NOHS to monitor the situation of elections there.

Abba said the tendency of the voters is to rush to polling precincts in the afternoon. Aside from these, there is also a substantial increase of the voting population in the whole province climbing up to 799, 725 voters. (mbcn/RAL/ PIA7-NEGOR)

CENTRAL VISAYAS

Casaroro Falls in Valencia, Negros Oriental

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SSS launches Alkansya program in Siquijor BY: RIZALIE A. CALIBO

SIQUIJOR, Oct. 29 (PIA) --The Social Security System (SSS) launched its Alkansya program in Siquijor recently where some 48 members of the Province of Siquijor Tourist Accredited Drivers (POSTADA) joined.

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he program aims to provide Filipinos especially those in the informal sectors the needed protection, says Las Pinas SSS branch Manager and Alkansya Program director Amalia Tolentino during the launching.

Through the program we hope to extend and bring out our services closer to the informal sectors, she said.

The program, she said, is an easier way of saving up for the P312-monthly SSS membership contribution where an individual or tricycle driver is encouraged to save a minimum of P11 a day that would add up to a total pf P312 in a month.

While relating to the POSTADA members the lifetime benefits each SSS member would enjoy, Tolentino said that by paying at least three

months of contribution, he or she is already entitled to avail of a sickness or maternity claim, and a funeral claim of P20,000 for a deceased member.

If a member has paid at least 36 months of contributions, he or she could claim for disability pension, or if the member dies, a pension will be given to the wife or children up to 21 years old.

They can also apply for salary, housing and educational loans, she said.

Also during the launching, SSS AVP for Western Visayas Manolito Tagalog encouraged POSTADA members not to limit their savings to P312 a month.

“The more savings you will have, the more benefits you can have,” he said as he solicited the support of the local officials in coming up measures

that will encourage members to seriously save for their contribution.

Municipal Mayor Meiling Quezon, in her response to the SSS assured a 100% support and commitment for the sustainability of the program.

She also advised the POSTADA members to cultivate and teach their children the habit and saving as an effective way to secure their families’ future.

POSTADA president Neolito Samson thanked the SSS for the opportunity and committed to encourage and monitor his members’ daily remittance.

POSTADA is the 373rd member of the SSS Alkansya program that has at least 35, 000 members as of press time, the SSS said. (mbcn/RACalibo/ PIA7-Siquijor with reports from I.A. Abatayo)

DA-PATCO introduces organic agri to parole and probation clients BY: RIZALIE A. CALIBO SIQUIJOR, Oct. 31 (PIA)—The Department of Agriculure (DA) provincial agriculture technology coordinating office (PATCO) recently conducted a three-day training on organic farming to the Volunteer probation Aides (VPA) and clients of the Parole and Probation office (PPO) in Siquijor.

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he training includes briefing and orientation on RA 10068 or the Philippine organic law.

DA-PATCO focal person Bernadith Bunado stressed the importance of organic farming to both environment and human health specifically in combating climate change.

Study has shown and proven that technology with the conveniences it provided

is also one of the greatest contributors of the most feared and deadly diseases like cancer citing the people’s patronage on instant food and non-organic products, she explained.

“We need to go back to the basic, that is organic farming, she said and urged the participants to practice what they have learned and share the skills to support the

implementation of the law.

Resource persons are farmer scientists and young farmer national awardee Elnard Ympal with King Harris Omandam.

Actual demonstration on organic fertilizers and hands-on farming techniques were done at the DA research center in Caipilan, Siquijor, Siquijor (mbcn/RAC/ PIA7-Siquijor w/ reports from IAAbatayo)

Boholanos learn to cope with fear amid continuing aftershocks BY: FAYETTE C. RIÑEN BOHOL, Oct. 27 (PIA) – Fear has not totally subsided for quake victims in Bohol as aftershocks continue to grip the province even more than a week after a devastating 7.2 magnitude earthquake hit the island and neighboring provinces in the morning of October 15.

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ut despite the trepidation every time a tremor occurs, little by little Boholanos are learning to cope and manage their fear so they could get on with their lives as normal as possible.

“Dili nako malikayan. Ma phobia jud ko kung mo-uyog na sab” (I cannot prevent it. I have phobia every time another ground shaking occurs), widowed Gamaliela Dagondan said.

Dagondan said she just turned to prayer to ease her fears “Mangadji na lang ko kung mokalit na sab og uyog,” (I just pray when shaking abruptly starts) and silently tells the Lord “ikaw na bahala,” she added.

In her late 50s, Dagondan lives in Tagbilaran City where damage is not as vast compared to some towns in the northwestern part that includes Loon, Tubigon, Maribojoc and Sagbayan.

But for Dagondan, the horror of the catastrophe would never be forgotten.

“Nagluto ko ato og nikalit lang og uyog.

Sunod nakong nahibaw-an, nagdinaganay na ang akong mga anak sa gawas, naninggit of nang hilak,” (I was cooking that time when suddenly there was strong shaking. Next thing I knew, my children were rushing outside, screaming and crying at the same time) bared the mother of five children.

She further narrated how she witnessed the seawaters in the frontal area of the pier vanished.

The apartment she rented was near the pier.

Though no significant damage was seen in her apartment except clustered things strewn everywhere, Dagondan was just grateful that her children were not hurt and this she always thanked the Lord.

Neneng Tista shared Dagondan’s sentiment.

Except for the trauma greatly suffered by her eldest daughter, she still expressed thanks to God that her family was not hurt.

“Nagpasalamat ra ko nga luwas mi tanan,” (I am just grateful that we are safe) bared Tista despite a large portion of her house crumbled to the ground rendering it unfit to live in.

Tista lives in upland barangay Pig-ot in Loon town, the hardest hit of the quake where 90 percent of infra and houses suffered tremendous damage. Tista and four other families shared a makeshift tent near their house fighting the cold weather with blankets and jackets.

When tremors occur which is quite often, Tista said she merely pray.

Even Loon Mayor Lloyd Peter Lopez was not spared from the quake’s wrath as he admitted that he sleeps in a tent in front of the municipal hall.

The same is true with Nang Aling, a Loon resident whose house was destroyed by the quake and now stays in an evacuation center near the town church, one of four evacuation centers

established by the municipal government.

“Mag sige pa man og linog. Makuyawan jud ta pero unsaon ta man wala man tay mahimo kun di mangadji,” (Tremors are frequent. I get scared but what can we do? We cannot do anything but just pray) Nang Aling stated.

Since October 22, the Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (Phivolcs) has recorded 2,384 aftershocks of which 57 were visibly felt as the recent earthquake was dubbed as the deadliest in the country in 23 years.

Despite assurances from officials of Phivolcs to Boholanos not to fear a similar intensity of 7.2 magnitude to happen again, not in the next 100 years anyway, the island residents could not help but remain fearful as turning to God seems to be the only remedy that could ease their fright.

Phivolcs Director Renato Solidum previously stated the aftershocks would continue for another two to three weeks at the most. But tremors would be diminishing in number and intensity.

Boholanos are known to be religious people.

Their faith may be tested by the earth-shattering earthquake that left scores of people dead and over 600 injured as well as a few persons that were missing, but the same unwavering faith in God have made them learn to cope with their fear. (mbcn/ FCR/PIA7)

6

EASTERN VISAYAS

SoLeyte appropriates P1-M for Mt. Nacolod preservation Ban Ban--awan falls in Lawaan, E. Samar

By: Erna Gorne

MAASIN CITY, Southern Leyte Oct. 30 (PIA) -- The provincial government of Southern Leyte has appropriated P1 Million for the preservation efforts for Mt. Nacolod, a key biodiversity area, sitting at five municipalities in the province.

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rovincial Environment and Natural Resources Management Officer Eva Abad reported, “the provincial government of Southern Leyte was able to insert in the approved Annual Investment Plan (AIP)in the amount of P1 Million for the preservation efforts of Mt.Nacolod, a key biodiversity area,” during the finalization of the draft Conservation Management Framework (CMF3) for the Mt.Nacolod Lanscape at Syshore Beachfront, October 24-25.

She further reported that said funding

will be available by 2014 yet.

Abad further noted that mentioned funds shall be utilized in response to the needs that might arise particularly within the conservation management framework that the requires the provincial government intervention.

The Mt.Nacolod landscape crossed over seven local government units,namely, Sogod, Libagon, St. Bernard, Hinunangan,Abuyog and Mahaplag and two provincial governments of Leyte and Southern Leyte provinces, it was

learned. “ Southern Leyte is very rich in biodiversity,” as Fauna and Flora International (FFI) project officer Mime Ledesma reported after two surveys were conducted in 2011 and 2013 at Mt. Nacolod. In 2011, FFI has discovered for two species of genus platymantis thumb-size frogs and the Cimmamunon A wild plant on 2013, both species are endemic to Southern Leyte throughout the Philippines, she said. (PIA8 SoLeyte)

IFAD mission to observe RuMEPP assisted projects in Biliran By: Rodrigo Victoria NAVAL, Biliran, Oct. 28 (PIA) -- The provincial officer of the Rural Micro Enterprise Promotion Program (RuMEPP) here in Biliran province revealed that the International Fund for Agriculture and Development (IFAD) mission will visit identified Rural Micro Enterprise Promotion Program (RuMEPP) assisted projects in the province next week.

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onelo G. Jamin, RuMEPP provinci al office r of the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI)in Biliran province, informed that the IFAD supervision and implementation support mission for RuMEPP will visit two RuMEPP assisted projects in Biliran province.

Jamin said that the two RuMEPP assisted projects in Biliran province that will be visited by the IFAD mission are the Naval Suman Makers Association (NASUMA) in Naval town and the Samahang Pangkabuhayan sa River Side Multi-Purpose Cooperative (SAPARI MPC) in Almeria town.

“The IFAD mission will look into the

developments of the program implementation” Jamin informed, saying they will also include assessment of the status of compliance to last year’s agreed actions.

Part of the visit will be a meeting and in-depth consultations with the officers and members of NASUMA and SAPARI MPC, business development providers and other stakeholders, he said Jamin added that the IFAD mission will also look into the updated financial and liquidation reports for the current year, updated physical and financial database, updated profiles of beneficiaries and the current accomplishment report on physical targets and time frame

indicators.

The RuMEPP provincial officer said that the IFAD mission encouraged them to showcase implementation milestones; effective strategies on how operational issues were addressed; and model micro-enterprise beneficiaries who have developed their enterprise through RuMEPP interventions.

He also said that proposed measures on how to ensure the sustainability of the gains achieved by the program will also be shared during the discussions since RuMEPP will be completed by December this year and will be officially closed on June 2014. (PIA-8 Biliran)

Catbalogan partners with private drug company for health interventions By: Ninfa Iluminda B. Quirante CATBALOGAN CITY, Samar, Oct. 26 (PIA) -- Catbalogan City Mayor Stephany Uy-Tan partnered with Zuellig Family Foundation to bring about significant health reforms in the city. n October 17, Tan presented health system. goals eventually,” she added. the thrust and advocacies of her “One of my top priorities is health, In Samar, many towns like administration relative to public this project will support our commitment, D a r a m, P in ab a c d a o, Ma t u gin ao , health which received rave reviews from the city needs all the help and health Zumarraga, Talalora, San Sebastian, the sponsoring agency according to the interventions it can get,” Tan informed Calbiga and Motiong have worked with the Zuellig Family Foundations news posted on the Catbalogan website.

PIA-Samar in a text message.

Under the Health Leadership and “The project, I believe can usher for the same health interventions.

The joint undertaking between the Governance Program, the chief executive, better health services and thus bring about the city health officer and the better health outcomes for Catbalogan LGU and Zuellig Family Foundation aims DOH representative constitute the folks,” Dr Gerarda Tizon, City health to achieve health-related MDG targets and develop empowered leaders. (PIA “Healthy Trinity” that can mobilize Officer said. stakeholders for a more responsive local “This can also help us reach our MDG 8-Samar)

O

EASTERN VISAYAS

7

Barangay polls in EVisayas generally peaceful Singer from R8 Bangon Falls in Calbayog City, Samar

By: Erlinda Olivia P. Tiu

TACLOBAN CITY, Leyte, Oct. 29 (PIA) -- The Commission on Elections and the Philippine National Police declared the barangay elections in Eastern Visayas generally peaceful despite several reported incidents of vote-buying and isolated cases of election violence.

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retired military man and husband of an incumbent barangay chairman died after being shot by the husband of another barangay chairman candidate at Barangay Anibongon, Jaro, Leyte at 7:30 in the morning of October 28, a report reaching the Police Regional Office revealed.

PNP 8 identified the victim as Paul Volcan, husband of Anibongon Chairman Rosalina Volcan.

The victim was on his way to the polling precinct in a motorcycle when a certain Claudio Momo whose wife Editha is running against the victim’s wife, shot him.

Meanwhile, in Barangay San Antonio of Catubig, Northern Samar, voting started late

at noontime of October 28 after unidentified suspects snatched a ballot box intended for the village around 11:30 in the evening of Sunday.

Commission on Elections Regional Director Jose Nick A. Mendros, said voting was delayed in that village since elections officials had to bring an improvised ballot box by boat on the river.

Initial investigations conducted by the Catubig Police Station disclosed that the board of election tellers were resting inside the classroom when the bonnet-wearing men with firearms broke the door, took the ballot box at gunpoint and fled.

Moreover, on October 26, chairman Santiago Limpiado of Bantayan in San Roque,

Northern Samar was shot by Gil Siervo, another candidate for chairman.

Limpiado, who is seeking for second term as village chief was shot 6:20 in the evening of October 27 and expired at the Catarman Provincial Hospital four hours later.

“Despite incidents like this, all barangays have conducted election and we expect that counting will be done by 7:00 o’clock in the evening,” Director Mendros said.

The Comelec projected that at least 85% of the Region’s 2.66 million registered voters will flock to the polling precincts to cast their votes on Barangay Election Day. (PIA 8)

WASH in ECCD launched in 2 towns in Northern Samar By: Ailene N. Diaz CATARMAN, Northern Samar, Oct. 26 (PIA) -- Two municipalities in Northern Samar, Bobon with 7 Day Care Centers and Mapanas with 8 Day Care Centers are the initial recipient and beneficiaries of Water Sanitation and Hygiene (WASH) in Early Childhood Care and Development (ECCD).

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ASH in ECCD, according to Ms. Aloha Belas, Fit for School Provincial Project Officer, creates a routine to help kindergarten and day care pupils build lasting hygiene habits through daily hand washing and tooth brushing activities.

The program encompasses orientation, introduction and institutionalizing the habit of hand washing

with soap and tooth brushing with fluoride in day care centers and integrating water, sanitation and hygiene in the day care service.

The launching of WASH in ECCD was held recently in Bobon and Mapanas towns with the signing of Memorandum of Agreement among partners, ceremonial turn-over of hygiene packages as well as observance of the Global Handwashing Day 2013 celebration.

The project, Belas said, is a joint effort of the Department of Education, Department of Social Welfare and Development, Early Childhood Care and Development Council, Australian AID, UNICEF and Fit for School.

In attendance at the activity were the local government, DepEd, DSWD, partner agencies, day care workers, parents and children. (PIA8-Northern Samar)

ESAMELCO eyes insulated wires to avoid brownouts By: Alicia E. Nicart BORONGAN CITY, Eastern Samar, Oct. 26(PIA) -- Attorney Jose Michael Edwin S. Amancio, General Manager(GM), Eastern Samar Electric Cooperative(ESAMELCO) said that brownouts in the province will be minimized if not eliminated once all of the cables and electric wires are replaced with insulated ones.

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tty. Amancio together with two of his staff said over Radyo ng Bayan DYES that the insulation will protect the electric wires from falling objects which oftentimes cause the tripping off of the electric current and brownouts.

Because of the recurrent tripping-off of electric power, several complains before had been heard of damaged appliances including office equipment which have gone to the trash, and all blames pointed to alleged ESAMELCO inefficiency.

Understandably however, the electric facility had been constructed several decades ago, and no major repairs had been put in place, until recently, not to mention the increasing public consumption demand for

electricity.

Today, however, the electric cooperative officials have assured the consuming public that a big transformation of their service is coming up until 2014.

This is because of the Rehabilitation System that is currently being implemented under the Millennium Challenge Corporation’s (MCC) Secondary National Road Development Project(SNRDP).

GM Amancio informed that some P66 million funds had been committed by MCC Contractors for ESAMELCO, to finance the relocation of electric posts, procurement of new equipment and materials, steel posts, conductors etc.

It was learned that from their present

positions, hundreds of electric posts are set to be transferred some six meters away from the center line of the road.

They also intend to put up two separate circuits for Cabong - Borongan lines and Borongan-San Julian lines, so that either of them will not be affected when the disruption strikes on either side.

Nestor Promida, Chief, Planning & Construction Division, appealed to the public for their cooperation in the ongoing rehabilitation/relocation activity.

Promida referred to the road-right-of way that may be required by the project from affected households which they should readily grant to speed up the project.(PIA-Eastern Samar)

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

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