One Visayas e-Newsletter Vol 3 Issue 45

Vol 3

Issue 45

In this Issue WESTERN VISAYAS

Volunteers help repack relief goods for typhoon "Yolanda" victims at the DSWD 6 Relief Operation Center in Molo, Iloilo City.

Published by: PIA 6, 7 & 8

Nov. 4 - 10, 2013

Gov’t has enough resources to rebuild Leyte, says Palace

MANILA, Nov. 10 (PIA) -- Malacanang made an assurance on Saturday that the government has enough resources to rehabilitate damaged infrastructures in Leyte and other areas following the devastation of Typhoon Yolanda this week.

Typhoon Yolanda, considered by experts as a super typhoon, has damaged many infrastructures in Leyte including its airport.

In a radio interview Saturday over dzRB Radyo ng Bayan, Deputy presidential spokesperson Abigail Valte said the government has enough resources to help rebuild the province. “Handa naman tayo.

Clearing operations ngayon sa Tacloban; sa Tacloban airport mismo ay ongoing,” Valte said.

“At handa naman din tayong magpaluwal ng pondo kung ano iyong kakailanganin for rehabilitation.”

Defense Secretary Voltaire Gazmin and Interior and Local Government Secretary Manuel Roxas have reported to President Aquino the heavy property damage in Leyte not only its airport but also other infrastructure.

The government is also ready to respond to typhoon victims in Iloilo, she said.

The Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) will provide the assistance such as food and temporary shelters to affected families.

“Meron tayong programa ‘yung tinatawag nating ‘Core Shelter Assistance’ para naman doon sa mga nasalanta ng bagyo na talagang either partially damaged iyong mga bahay or totally damaged,” she said.(www.reposted/ PND/as)

Pres. Aquino orders immediate restoration of power in Capiz More on Region 6, pages 2-3.

Also CLICK Here…

CENTRAL VISAYAS

The provincial government during the regular meeting of all department heads and provincial board members will give P4-million financial assistance to all provinces hit by Super Typhoon Yolanda. The amount will be taken from the Quick Response Fund (QRF) of the province. — with Pia Central Visayas and PDRRMC NegOr.

More on Region 7, pages 4-5.

Also CLICK Here…

EASTERN VISAYAS

BY: JEMIN B. GUILLERMO Roxas City, Capiz (PIA6) – President Benigno S. Aquino III issued a marching order to the Capiz Electric Cooperative to expedite the restoration of power in Capiz.

During his visit to Capiz, Nov. 10, President Aquino said that the three-month time frame of CAPELCO to restore the power supply in the province is not acceptable.

He said that the main issue is power supply, where all other needs are connected, such as the power to run the water and communication systems.

The President said that the electric cooperative must identify the needs to be done in order to address the other needs simultaneously.

He assured that all necessary financial requirements sa long as the release is allowed by law will be given to ensure that the basic needs such as power, communication and water system are restored immediately.

President Aquino said that the urgent thing to be done is to help the department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) and CAPELCO in the clearing operations to maximize the use the roads and rid it of danger.

“We are here to serve our people, therefore we need to know how we could be of service to them,” he pointed out.

He said that we must know what the problem is, then know what we have to do to solve the problem,

and know what the people need to complete the solution, citing the third as the most important aspect to fully meet the government’s obligation to the community.

The President said “we must remember that our shortcomings will translate to the suffering of our people.”

In his visit to Capiz, the Chief Executive, who was accompanied by Department of the Interior and Local Government Secretary Mar Roxas, DPWH Sec. Rogelio Singson, National Defense Sec. Voltaire Gazmin, Secretary to the Cabinet Rene Almendras among others, likewise distributed relief goods to affected families in Culasi, Roxas City. (JCM/JBG/PIA6-Capiz)

President Benigno S. Aquino III helps distribute relief goods to the families displaced by Super Typhoon Yolanda (Haiyan) in Brgy Culasa, Roxas City during his visit to the province to assess the extent of damage in the area on Sunday (November 10, 2013).

Typhoon Yolanda, the world's most powerful typhoon in 2013 made its landfall in Central Visayas Friday morning. (RTVM)

Bohol now on early recovery phase

President Benigno S. Aquino III personally gives water to the families displaced by Super Typhoon Yolanda (Haiyan) at the evacuation center during his visit to the province of Leyte to assess the extent of damage in the area on Sunday (November 10, 2013). Typhoon Yolanda, the world's most powerful typhoon in 2013, packed more than 300kph when it made landfall in Central Visayas Friday morning. (Photo by: Ryan Lim / Malacanang Photo Bureau)

More on Region 8, pages 6-7.

Also CLICK Here...

BY: MINERVA BC. NEWMAN CEBU CITY, Nov. 5 (PIA) – Bohol is now on her 'early recovery' phase from the trauma and effects of the 7.2 magnitude earthquake that shook the province on October 15.

“We are in the process of consolidating the reports from all local government units in Bohol for validation,” explained Minda Morante, Office of Civil Defense (OCD-7) regional director who is also the chairperson of the Regional Disaster Risk Reduction Management Council (RDRRMC-7) in Central Visayas .

Morante said not even half of the 48 towns/city in Bohol have submitted their damage report to the Provincial DRRMC. There are still many things to reconcile; tracking resources to identify the gaps; reconcile materials given and their whereabouts and the complete assessment report of all quake-damaged government offices/structures, among others.

In a meeting with the members of the RDRRMC7, Morante said Bohol governor Edgar Chatto wants to start

early recovery phase to fast track rehabilitation and full recovery of the province. According to Morante, some select members of the RDDRMC7 will meet soon for a 3-4 day 'Post Damage and Needs Assessment' (PDNA) training to finalize the report which will be submitted to the National DRRMC as basis for rehabilitation funding.

Morante said, search and rescue have stopped, relief operations are still ongoing but the focus now is shelter assistance and rehabilitation of roads/ bridges especially because Central Visayas is expecting about 3-4 more typhoons towards the yearend per PAGASA reports.

To date, Abatan Bridge in Maribojoc; Moalong Bridge in Loon and Tagbuane Bridge in Alburquerque are still not passable although DPWH says it will provided bridging equipment intended for the temporary steel bridge including technical assistance on the installation of superstructure materials, Morante said.

Power is back in all towns with almost 100% barangays energized except for Calape town that has registered an 87.88% rate of energization. (mbcn/PIA7)

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WESTERN VISAYAS

WV schools among the country’s sustainable and eco-friendly schools

most Bugtong Bato falls in Tibiao, Antique

BY: LEONARD T. PINEDA I

ILOILO CITY, Nov. 5 (PIA6) -- Three schools from Western Visayas are among the finalists in the 2013 National Search for Sustainable and Eco-Friendly Schools.

Ara-al Elementary School of La Carlota City, Negros Occidental, Tubungan National High School of Tubungan, Iloilo, and Aklan State University of Banga, Aklan made it as among the country’s most sustainable and eco-friendly schools.

The nationwide contest for the most sustainable and eco-friendly schools is a direct response to Republic Act No. 9512 also known as the Environmental Awareness and Education Act of 2008.

The contest was organized to highlight achievement of schools that are committed in implementing various environmental programs and to encourage other schools and academic institutions to become more actively involved in environmental issues at a practical and local level.

The sustainable and eco-friendly schools program that was launched in 2009 and 2011

generated positive responses from the schools paving the way for a bigger competition this 2013.

The DENR said that a Facebook application (http://apps.facebook.com/ sustainable-schools) has been created to increase awareness for this initiative.

Through the Facebook app, students and their friends from their social networks will be able to vote for their favorite schools and a badge will then be generated after the vote is cast.

Winners of the nationwide search are automatically sent as entries to the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) for the ASEAN Eco-Schools Program that aims to create a school culture geared toward environmental protection and preservation.

In 2011, Iliranan Elementary School of

Negros Occidental was a recipient of the ASEAN Eco-Friendly Schools Award for its initiatives in integrating environmental protection and preservation in its curriculum, greening activities and overall school management.

The nationwide search is a joint activity of the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) through the Environmental Management Bureau (EMB), the Department of Education (DepEd), Commission on Higher Education (CHED) with the support of the corporate sector, including wireless leader Smart Communications, Inc. (Smart), One Meralco, Nestle Philippines, Petron Corp. and Unilever Philippines.

To know more about this nationwide search, visit www.sustainableschools.ph.(JCM/ LTP/PIA-Iloilo)

Faster expansion of health care coverage for informal sector needed MANILA, Nov. 4 (PIA6) -- Health care coverage for the informal sector is still slow, according to a research of the UPecon Foundation – Health Equity and financial Protection in Asia Project (UPecon-HEFPA). ccording to the Philippine Institute for (3P) study of the UPecon-HEFPA team, it was performance that reflects the enrollment D e v e l o p m e n t S t u d i e s ( P I D S ) found that premium subsidies bundled with of the target population (coverage rate), its under the National Health Insurance information drives (information kit and SMS accessibility to beneficiaries (claim rate), and Program, the formal sector is mandatorily messages) could help increase the enrollment the magnitude of social health insurance enrolled in the social health insurance program, in social health insurance (SHI). benefits relative to medical expenditures while those in the informal sector, mostly However, financial burdens placed on (reimbursement rate). self-employed and the near poor, have to families by the enrollment process must be Quimbo also proposed that to improve enroll voluntarily. addressed. The identified Individually Paying the BDR of the informal sector, efforts should In a press release, PIDS cited Associate Program (IPP) members of the 3P study were be directed toward expanding the coverage Professor Joseph Capuno University of the given 3P certificates worth six hundred pesos rate (50%) and the reimbursement rate Philippines School of Economics (UPSE) who each, which they can use to enroll in (currently at 37.34%). said that insurance subsidies in the form of PhilHealth. They were all also given Another UPSE Associate Professor Aleli premium vouchers, information kits, and information packets about the IP program, its Kraft said improving financial protection assistance to complete and submit enrollment requirements and procedures. Very few 3P through health insurance will help poor forms can increase insurance uptake by the certificate recipients enrolled, however, and it households avoid cut down their basic food informal sector. was found out that this was due to the lack of and nonfood expenditures, especially those for Capuno stressed this in a symposium on funds to cover the transaction costs of their medical care and education.

“Towards Universal SHI Coverage in the enrollment (like transportation fares).

PhilHealth coverage as of 2011 is 82 Philippines: Setting the Subsidies Right for the Moreover, the PhilHealth benefit delivery percent of the population or about 74 million.

Informal Sector”, held at the UPSE. The forum rate (BDR) for inpatient care for the informal Nevertheless, huge challenges remain on how was cosponsored by the Philippine Institute for sector in 2010 was only 10.51 percent, to effectively and rationally utilize insurance Development Studies (PIDS) in observance of according to UPSE Associate Professor benefits for beneficiaries and how to keep the 11th Development Policy Research Month. Stella Luz Quimbo. The BDR is a beneficiaries enrolled, particularly those in the Through the PhilHealth Prepaid Premium summary measure of social health insurance informal sector.(PIDS/PIA6)

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Dengue and Chikungunya ordinance passed by Antique dads by: Margie L. Gadian SAN JOSE, Antique, Nov. 7 (PIA6) --The Sangguniang Panlalawigan of Antique passed "The 2013 Dengue and Chikungunya Control Ordinance of the Province of Antique" during its 16th regular session recently.

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he ordinance, authored by SP Member Egidio P. Elio, M.D., is also the first ordinance to be passed by the current batch of provincial board members.

The ordinance creates a multi-sectoral provincial council to be headed by the governor and tasked with overseeing the implementation of the dengue and chikungunya control program.

The council will be assisted at various levels by the municipal dengue and

chikungunya control coordinating committee, barangay dengue and chikungunya task force and school dengue and chikungunya brigade.

The main thrusts of the dengue and chikungunya control program are constant educational and information campaign, environmental cleanliness and proper hygiene particularly the elimination of breeding places of mosquitoes, and early detection of

cases and isolation of suspected and confirmed cases of dengue and chikungunya.

The ordinance penalizes any person who allows stagnant water or water in uncovered container and unclean lots to become breeding places for mosquitoes, obstructs any member of the dengue and chikungunya task force or brigade, destroys notices or signages used in the enforcement of the ordinance and indiscriminate fogging. (JSC/ MLG-PIA6 Antique)

WESTERN VISAYAS

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Aklan restos willing to serve half cup rice orders Mag Mag--aso falls in Kabankalan, Neg. Occidental

BY: VENUS G. VILLANUEVA

KALIBO, Aklan, Nov. 5 (PIA6) -- Most of Aklan’s food industry here from fast food to restaurants welcome the ordinance proposed by the Aklan Sangguniang Panlalawigan (SP) requiring the food service industry within the province to include one-half cup of cooked rice in their menu.

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he food industry sector, through respective representatives, indicated their support for the ordinance at the public hearing held November 5 at the Sangguniang Panlalawigan Session Hall.

The ordinance is sponsored by SP Member Soviet Russia A. Dela Cruz which aims to support the rice self-sufficiency program of the national government and to prevent rice wastage in fast foods, restaurants, catering services and other occasions.

To emphasize the necessity of the passing of the ordinance, Dela Cruz cited empirical evidences that availability of half cup rice servings would minimize wastage especially in the food service industry. He also cited the study of the Food and Nutrition Research Institute

(FNRI) that every Filipino wastes about 2 tablespoons of cooked rice every meal.

De la Cruz’ draft ordinance also stated that in 2010, the Philippines’ wasted rice was equivalent to 13% of the total rice imports of the same year amounting to P6.2 B, or the consumption of nearly P2.6 million Filipinos in a year.

Besides representatives of Aklan’s food industry who indicated their support to the ordinance by including the half-cup rice in their menu, others who gave their position statements for the ordinance were the Sangguniang Bayan Committee Chairs on Food and Agriculture from Aklan’s 17 towns, municipal agricultural officers, Philippine National Police (PNP) ordinance officers of different municipalities and the media.

Covered by the ordinance are all businesses, institutions, and companies responsible for any meal prepared outside the home which includes, but are not limited to, restaurants, school, office, and hospital cafeterias, catering operations, and fast-food chains operating within the territorial jurisdiction of the municipality.

These establishments will be required to include one-half cup cooked rice in their regular menu with price set exactly half of one cup; and to make half cup rice the default serving especially in caterings.

Once approved, any food service provider found violating the ordinance shall be penalized with a fine of P1,000.00 for first offense; P3,000.00 and 1 month suspension of license to operated for second offense; and fine of P5,000.00 and permanent cancellation of license or permit to operate for 3rd offense. (JCM/VGV PIA6 Aklan)

Be a lifeline, donate an organ BY: LORENZO O. LAMBATIN JR. NEGROS OCC. Nov. 6 (PIA6) — People’s misconception about organ donation is a challenge to the Philippine Organ Donation and Transplantation Program (PODTP).

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ODTP Program Head, Dr. Antonio Paraiso said we have a thinking about organ donation that Westerners do not have. Citing Spain, he said that organ donation is 34 percent per 100 million populations while the Philippines has only .3 percent.

He said organ donation is good for the donor, his or her friends and relatives who may have future need of the organ and stressed that donating one’s organ is an acceptable act.

To promote organ donation in the country, PODTP is supporting the Philippine

Network for Organ Sharing that facilitates and outlines policies for efficient organ donation process. They have also adopted the tagline, I am a lifeline.

In the Visayas, the Vicente Sotto Medical Center in Cebu city was chosen as the organ center because of its medical capability while Dr. Pablo Torre memorial Hospital or Riverside Medical Center acts as one of its links in Negros Occ. Vigorous campaign is now being pushed for kidney donation in the country to go up as 170 people for every 100 million Filipino population have kidney failure and are

undergoing dialysis. Soon, they will need to undergo kidney transplant, he added.

NSO records also show kidney failure is the 8th most common cause of death in the country as Philhealth reports biggest medical claim come from this disease.

Paraiso said the government has big dreams for the health sector as they are also planning to go into lung, heart and liver transplants.

Under his supervision, the PODTP currently do bone marrow, skin and eyes transplant. (JCM/LOL/PIA6)

Work Camp to benefit school ILOILO CITY, Nov. -- The Uygongco Foundation Inc. (UFI), in coordination with Cargill, Inc. will conduct a Work Camp for the benefit of Hibao-an Elementary School in Hibao-an, Mandurriao on November 16 & 17, 2013.

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ccording to UFI, in this Work Camp, the Cargill Asia Team, which is composed of different individuals from around the world, has willingly volunteered to provide Hibao-an Elementary School a non-flood vegetable garden and a furnished feeding room for the Uygongco scholars.

The setting up of these school facilities will be done in coordination with the parents and school administration.

The following day, November 18, the

facilities will be turned over to the school with Mayor Jed Mabilog and barangay officials leading the guests who have been invited to attend the event.

The Uygongco Foundation Inc. is a non stock, non profit, non political organization, and accredited with the DSWD and Philippine Council for NGO Certification.

It is also a member of the Association of Foundations and partner of the Department of Education in their Adopt A

School Program. To date, the foundation has already adopted 14 public schools spread around Iloilo City, Guimaras and Capiz which now includes Hibao-an Elementary School.

Cargill, Inc.on the other hand is an American-based corporation and is one of the largest, privately-owned businesses in the world, providing food, agricultural, risk management, financial, and industrial products and services around the globe. (UFI/jcm/pia6)

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CENTRAL VISAYAS

DENR7 warns quake-hit areas on landslide amid heavy rains, typhoons BY: AMOR Y. SALUDAR

Kawasan Falls in Badian, Cebu

CENTRAL VISAYAS, Nov. 5 (PIA) --- The Department of Environment and Natural Resources - Mines and Geosciences Bureau (DENR-MGB) here warns people of quake-affected areas to be vigilant on possible landslide and sinkhole surfacing amid heavy rains and typhoons.

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ENR-MGB 7 Chief Geologist Engr. Al Emil Berador clarified that these areas are very vulnerable to land slide especially during heavy rains and typhoons.

“Many areas affected by the recent earthquake are delicate for landslide with the upcoming heavy rains and typhoons,” Berador said.

Birador urged people living in these areas with fractures and tension cracks and in hilly barangays not to return home especially during heavy rains and typhoons due to possible land slides.

Berador added that DENR already issued

advisory to quake-hit LGUs on the vulnerability to landslides especially during heavy or steady rains.

Meanwhile in the aftermath of the 7.2 earthquake in Bohol province many sinkholes surfaced, alarming community residents in those areas.

Sinkhole was also found in Canjulao, Lapulapu City in Cebu , Birador bared.

Birador explained that sinkholes mostly develop in limestone areas, and in Central Visayas Bohol, Cebu and Siquijor have 70-80% limestone land composition making them prone to sinkholes. Negros Oriental has the

least vulnerability to sinkhole.

He clarified that indicative assessment were already initiated and expert were sent in identified areas to examine and inspect the status of these found sinkholes.

At present, Bohol is categorized under high and very high to sinkhole surface and these areas under very high condition, residents are advised to evacuate the place.

Birador revealed that MGB is making sure to regularly issue geohazard advisory in areas found to be vulnerable for landslide and sinkhole occurrence. (mbcn/AYS/PIA7)

DOLE orients foreign bizmen, PESO managers in Siquijor BY: RIZALIE ANDING CALIBO SIQUIJOR, Nov 4 (PIA) -- The Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE-7) in Central Visayas through the Siquijor Field Office conducted recently an orientation on the new guidelines and issuances of Alien Employment Permit (AEP), Labor Relation Standards and RA 10361, otherwise known as Domestic Workers Act to foreign nationals and Public Employment Service Office(PESO) Managers at Coco Grove Beach Resort, San Juan, Siquijor.

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he activity aims to provide the participants with the necessary information about business operations and work authorization requirements and processes for foreign workers and businessmen in the Philippines , says Nole Torres of DOLE-Siquijor.

DOLE-7 regional director Chona Mantilla thanked the participants for responding and encouraged them to actively participate as it is the best venue to air-out their concerns regarding the substantive and procedural aspects of receiving, renewing, and revoking an Alien Employment Permit (AEP), labor laws compliance and the implementing rules and regulations of RA 10361.”

The orientation on Laws and

Guidelines on Employment of Foreign Nationals as well as Labor Relations and Standards was facilitated by the Technical Support and Services Division (TSSD) Labor Relations and Standards (TSSD-LRS) Head Rogen Cumba.

Occupational Health and Safety was conducted by Anita Melicor of DOLE Negros Oriental Field Offfice (DOLE NOFO).

DOLE Siqujor Field Office (DOLE SFO) head Ma. Teresa D. Tanquiamco, expounded the topics on Barangay Micro Business Enterprise (BMBE) and Other Related Labor Laws and Issuances (ORLLI).

Meanwhile, DOLE-7 also has released P1.47 million in livelihood assistance to the municipality of Lazi , Siquijor under

the government’s Bottom-up Budgeting (BUB) approach.

The assistance will benefit eight associations with 337 individuals, says DOLE-Siquijor's Nole Torres in his press release to PIA. DOLE-7 regional director Chona Mantilla turned over the two checks amounting to P835,721.00 and P634,279.00 to Lazi Bay Worker’s Association (LBWA) and Santa Barbara Katilingbanong Credit Cooperative (SBKCC) respectively in a simple ceremony recently held at Lazi Social Center . Both are the Accredited Co-Partners of DOLE in the implementation of livelihood projects. (mbcn/RAC/PIA7-Siquijor w/ reports from Nole R. Torres/DOLE-Siquijor)

NegOr PDRRMC extends P1-M to Sta. Catalina town BY: BY JENNIFER C. TILOS NEGROS ORIENTAL, Nov. 5 (PIA)--Negros Oriental Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction Management Council (PDRRMC) allocated another P1M as financial assistance for the municipality of Sta. Catalina that was affected by the October 6-7 heavy flooding.

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he PDRRMC passed the resolution Monday extending funding aid to Sta. Catalina during an emergency meeting in preparation for the supposed entry of tropical depression Wilma.

The town of Sta. Catalina was one of the local government units in southern part of Negros Oriental that suffered heavy flooding brought on by flashfloods triggered by the inter-tropical convergence zone (ITCZ)

and habagat with heavy downpour.

Provincial Social Welfare and Development Office (PSWDO) record showed that there were 767 families affected with 18 totally damaged and 12 partially damaged houses.

Damaged to roads, bridges, and infrastructure in Sta. Catalina was pegged at over P7.5M with about half a million worth of livestock and poultry affected.

It may be recalled that after the

recent calamities, the PDRRMC initially released P6M as aid for calamity-hit LGUs in Central Visayas which included Bayawan City , Basay town, Zamboanga City, and Cebu and Bohol provinces.

The governor reiterated his call to all local disaster risk reduction management councils to continue to be proactive. (mbcn/JCT/PIA7-Negros Oriental)

CENTRAL VISAYAS

Casaroro Falls in Valencia, Negros Oriental

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CSC grants 5-day special emergency leave to public servants affected by calamities BY: AMOR Y. SALUDAR

CENTRAL VISAYAS, Nov. 5 (PIA) --- The Civil Service Commission (CSC) grants a 5-day special emergency leave to public servants who are affected by natural disasters and calamities based on CSC Resolution No. 1200289 promulgated on February 8, 2012.

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ame resolution says that the special emergency leave can be applied for five straight working days or on staggered basis and will not be deducted from the employee’s regular leave credits.

The special emergency leave can be used for urgent repair and clean–up of damaged house; being stranded in the affected areas; disease or illness of employees brought by natural calamities and disasters and caring of immediate family members affected by natural calamities and disasters.

This special leave can be availed by the affected government employees within thirty (30) days from the first day of the calamity

declaration by proper government agencies or authorities.

Commonly declared natural calamities/ disasters may include, but not limited to earthquakes, flooding, volcanic eruption, and landslide that have profound environmental effect and/or human loss and frequently cause financial loss. The same resolution mandated the head of office to take full responsibility for the grant of special emergency leave and verification of the employee’s eligibility to be granted thereof. Mentioned verification then include: validation of place of residence based on the latest available records of the affected employee; verification that the place of

residence is covered in the declaration of calamity area by the proper government agency; and such other proofs as may be necessary.

In Central Visayas, Bohol and Cebu are the only provinces declared under State of Calamity because of the 7.2 earthquake on October 15 that shook Central Visayas but wrecked more damaged in Bohol and Cebu .

It is specified in the resolution that emergency leave is not to be deducted in the present leave credits of the employees availing it. The same resolution was used in the previous calamities like typhoon Ondoy. (mbcn/AYS/PIA7)

Tubigon and Toledo City to receive nutrition awards By: Ferliza Calizar-Contratista CEBU CITY , Nov. 4 (PIA)---Two local government units in Central Visayas to receive awards for their thrusts in improving children’s nutrition.

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ational Nutrition Council regional director, Parolita Mission said the municipality of Tubigon in Bohol and City of Toledo in Cebu will receive separate awards for their efforts in improving the children's nutrition in their localities.

The municipality of Tubigon in Bohol will receive the Nutrition Honor Award, the highest citation given to any local government unit when it comes to nutrition.

On the other hand, the southwestern City of Toledo , Cebu will be conferred 1st year Consistent Regional Outstanding Winner in Nutrition (CROWN) Maintenance Award.

Tubigon has consistently shown outstanding performance for nutrition improvement, according to the evaluation made by the National Evaluation Team held just last month.

The Nutrition Honor Award is given to a locality which has been consistently awarded as

Regional CROWN. Last July, a team led by NNC’s Executive Director and Assistant Secretary of the Department of Health Maria Bernnardita Flores visited the municipality and evaluated its nutrition program The barangays visited include Cawayanan, Tanawan, Ginonokan, Bagong Banwa and Potoha, all in Tubigon.

The team did validation through weighing of selected children, interviewing Barangay Nutrition Council members and also reviewing nutrition systems of the barangays.

Other member’s of the Tubigon team include Ellen Ruth F. Abella, also of NNC, Ma. Anna Rita. M. Ramirez, Senior Research Specialist of Food and Nutrition Research Institute of the Department of Science and Technology, Clark Niel E. Apuntar, Planning Officer of Council for the Welfare of Children.

Toledo City on the other hand, has been awarded with the Green Banner for the past three years and the CROWN awards last year.

“They were able to maintain its outstanding performance in terms of nutrition that’s why they were conferred with the CROWN Maintenance Award,” according to the NET team.

Toledo City NET team was led by Jasmine Anne Tandingan of NNC and with members Azucena Banga from Caritas Manila and Benjamin Jose Bautista from the National Economic and Development Authority.

They went to Toledo City in March this year and evaluated barangays Don Andres Soriano, Biga, Bunga, Carmen and Dumlog.

The awarding ceremony of both local government units will be during the National Nutrition Awarding Ceremony November 5 in Pasay City.(mbcn/ FCC/PIA-Cebu)

Sagbayan Peak worker saves Asian tourist from quake fall BY: REY ANTHONY H. CHIU TAGBILARAN CITY , Oct. 26 (PIA) – Quick thinking and even quicker feet proved beneficial for a tourist who narrowly missed death during the fatal 7.2 magnitude earthquake that hit Bohol October 15.

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he day started like any ordinary day for Armando Labus Jr., a caretaker in the butterfly sanctuary of the Sagbayan Peak . While he was in the butterfly enslosure at the tourist facility, the place rocked and he run as he heard frantic cries a few seconds after the quake.

Looking up at the Sagbayan Peak view deck some 200 meters away, he saw a tourist, a woman who was precariously hanging on to a tree stump, after the cracked pavement she was standing on slid into the cliff.

Without losing precious seconds, Labus, 50 sprinted towards the distressed tourist who was clinging on to dear life, even as he has to keep his balance amidst the gyrating fences swaying with the megaquake that would later claim more than 200 Boholano lives.

As he arrived at the deck, the flooring cracked and disintegrated like crackers in a dizzying

pattern, dust and groans filling his ears as the earth shifted under his feet.

On her knees and barely able to stand, the female tourist from Singapore could only shout for help, her distress call muffled by the snapping pavement and roaring tremor.

Without reconsidering for his safety, Labus descended the cracked pavement now starting to slide downhill to reach the Asian tourist who could not move, paralyzed with fear.

“She was kneeling and holding tightly on to a tree stump,” Labus said.

Nimble as a butterfly, the caretaker scooped the overly thankful tourist off her feet, past the unstable cracked pavement to safety.

"Had the girl let go of the stump, and had Jun not been as quick, death would have been certain at a rolling drop not less than 50 feet

from the top deck," said resort owner Allan Torrefranca, who leaked the information to media.

She has scrapes all over her elbows and knees, and her knees shivered, she can barely stand, Labus told PIA, meaning the female tourist.

He immediately carried the tourist and reunited her with the family at the main hall.

"She was profusely thanking me, I even forgot to ask her name," Labus said.

Had Labus hesitated in helping the girl, an accident like that could have been Sagbayan Peak ’s stigma, its investment could have been doomed.

As a way of thanking the workers at the facility for their presence of mind during the disaster, resort owners said they would reopen on November 1, and keep the people back to work. (RAC-PIA7)

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EASTERN VISAYAS

Pres. Aquino orders gov't agencies to prioritize typhoon victims, communications

Ban Ban--awan falls in Lawaan, E. Samar

MANILA, Nov 10 (PNA) -- Government agencies are working overtime and have their hands full in pouring aid to areas most affected by supertyphoon Yolanda, as Pres. Benigno Aquino III has ordered these functionaries to prioritize the basic needs of the victims, including restoration of communication lines.

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Maraming areas na walang power... merong towers na affected. Ang priority natin ay restoration ng power at communications," Pres. Benigno Aquino IIII said in a press briefing at the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council.

Aquino also said he will fly to Tacloban City, Leyte Sunday to check the welfare of residents there and to monitor the government's disaster operations.

Aside from clearing roads from various

debris, the Department of Public Works and Highways will also construct temporary shelters in the form of bunkhouses for residents whose houses made of light materials were totally destroyed during the supertyphoon's onslaught.

Aside from the quick response funds by various agencies, Aquino said the government coffers has standby funds that it can use for the relief operations.

"Yung calamity and contingency funds has roughly about a billion pesos. Yung

binabanatan na President's Social Fund pwede rin kunin 'yun and it has roughly about P6 billion," he said as he assured that there is enough savings to spend for the rehabilitation of areas that were struck by both man-made and natural calamities.

"Gusto natin i-assure lahat na may kapasidad at kakayahan ang gobyerno tugunan ang pangangailangan ngayon at pagkatapos nito," he said. (reposted from www.pna.gov.ph/Janice M. Cave/PNA/CTB/ JMC)

Palace exec: Tacloban City now accessible by land ROXAS CITY (PIA) -- After being hit hard by Super Typhoon 'Yolanda' (Haiyan), Tacloban City is now accessible by land, according to Secretary to the Cabinet Jose Rene Almendras.

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lmendras said at a media briefing in Also, he expressed optimism the Roxas City in Capiz, Nov. 10 that telecommunications situation in Tacloban Tacloban City can now be reached City will “continue to improve,” now that via the San Juanico Bridge through southern telecommunications equipment are being Luzon. brought in.

“I hope all of you, please let the rest of Tacloban City was one of the areas hit the country know that Tacloban is now hard by 'Yolanda,' which lashed parts of accessible through the road from southern Visayas and Luzon last Friday before exiting Luzon,” Almendras told media the Philippine area of responsibility. representatives at the briefing.

Meanwhile, Almendras said the Transportation Secretary Joseph Emilio northern part of Samar was not Abaya was set to talk to representatives of adversely affected by the typhoon, bus companies to schedule trips to Tacloban adding it was the southeast part that was City. affected.

Almendras and Abaya were among the "The problem of Samar is going to Cabinet members who accompanied be on the southeast portion. But President Benigno Aquino III to 'Yolanda'-hit Borongan is okay also, so it is between areas to inspect the extent of the damage.

Borongan all the way down to Guiuan On the other hand, Almendras said where we are presently trying to operate," there is a need to step up the repacking of he said. relief goods from Cebu, which he said is the Also, Almendras said the government closest logistics center to support the needs learned much from the experience with of Tacloban.

Tropical Cyclone Pablo, particularly the

need to have forward command centers for rescue, relief and eventual rehabilitation.

He said Roxas City was selected as the forward command center for Western Visayas. From that command center, he said the police, military and other government agencies will be working out of Roxas City.

"From here, we want to reach to all the other areas that are affected," he said.

He added Iloilo City has been designated as a logistics center from where goods and resources may be sent to Roxas City. For now, he said they are rushing the repacking of relief goods.

Almendras also said the government’s immediate concern is still on those who survived the storm surges.

He said that while there are still many who are missing, there is still hope since some had survived the waves when the water hit the airport in Tacloban City. PND (jl)

OFWs may avail of flexible payment options, says PhilHealth By: Erlinda Olivia P. Tiu TACLOBAN CITY, Leyte, Nov. 6 (PIA) – The Philippine Health Insurance Corporation (PhilHealth) has offered payment options using the prevailing rate of P1,200 in order to help migrant workers adjust to the new contribution rate which takes effect on January 1, 2014. arlier, PhilHealth announced the within six months prior to expiry of initial steadily increasing and expanding in recent adjustment in contribution rates for coverage in order to continue their years without any premium increase.

OFWs starting January of next year to uninterrupted health insurance coverage.

OFWs and their qualified dependents are rationalize its contribution structure and PhilHealth will also allow advance even entitled to primary care package which sustain the level of financial protection it payments of up to two years or equivalent to include consultations, diagnostics, and provides its OFW members and their qualified the length of their contract but should not preventive and promotive services without dependents. exceed five years, also at a rate of P1,200, additional premiums.

Ms. Miramar Palacio, Information Officer provided that payments are made until As of 2013, benefit availments by OFWs of PhilHealth Tacloban said that through December 31, 2013 only. Starting January 1, and their dependents already reached 130 Circular 25, s-2013, PhilHealth is giving OFWs 2014, premiums shall be at P2,400. percent over their actual contributions, to pay P1,200 good for six months coverage These options can only be availed of at indicating the usefulness of PhilHealth to the only, computed from the date of initial any PhilHealth office or accredited collecting migrant sector. For more information, OFW membership. agents and tie-ups here and abroad. members are advised to call PhilHealth at (02) The balance of P1,200 should be paid PhilHealth benefit coverage has been 441-7442 or (053) 325-6623. (PIA 8)

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EASTERN VISAYAS

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DTI: price freeze in calamity hit areas Singer from R8 Bangon Falls in Calbayog City, Samar

By: Erlinda Olivia P. Tiu

QUEZON CITY -- The Department of Trade and Industry declared price freeze in provinces and towns hit by typhoon Yolanda.

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he areas declared under price freeze are: Provinces of Iloilo, Antique, Capiz, Negros Oriental, and municipalities of Coron in Palawan; Baco, Naujan, and Calapan in Oriental Mindoro; and City of Ormoc, Leyte. The provinces of Bohol and Cebu, which were hit by magnitude 7.2 earthquake last month, remain under price freeze.

Secretary Domingo reported that the supply of goods in most areas remain stable, except for some places which are difficult to access due to damaged roads, such as Roxas City, in which supplies come from Iloilo City.

The DTI is monitoring the condition of roads going to Tacloban and Ormoc, Leyte to see if supplies from Manila and Cebu can be delivered in the said cities.

On assisting affected micro small and medium enterprises, Secretary Domingo said he will talk with government financial institutions such as Small Business Corp, Development Bank of the Philippines (DBP), and Land Bank of the Philippines, to see if they could provide special programs for the affected businesses.

Meanwhile, Edith de Leon, president of Philippine Chamber of Food Manufacturers

announced that their members and distributors prepositioned their supplies in anticipation of typhoon Yolanda. She said that several small retailers have started to clean up their stores right after the typhoon to resume their operations.

DTI will conduct a series of Diskwento Caravan in affected areas to help the typhoon victims. Secretary Domingo said the Diskwento Caravan is targeted to be conducted as early as Thursday, depending on the accessibility of roads and availability of location. The food manufacturers have committed to join the Diskwento Caravan. (DTI)

Include forest land use plan in CLUPs, DENR bids LGUs TACLOBAN CITY, Leyte, Nov. 6 (PIA) - The Department of Environment and Natural Resources called on the Local Government Units to craft their respective Forest Land Use Plans for incorporation in their Comprehensive Land Use Plans.

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ENR Regional Executive Director Manolito D. Ragub said that “One government strategy seen to save our people from the ill effects of climate change and help in food sufficiency, is planning for the sustainable use of our forests and its resources.”

“Our forests should be protected, developed and secured not only for the present but also for the future generations,” RED Ragub added as he stressed the importance of Forest Land Use Planning in managing the forests in Eastern Visayas.

RED Ragub said that the DENR through its Forest Land Use Team headed by Forester Allen Cebuano, has been mobilized to assist all LGUs in Region 8 in the preparation of the latter’s Forest Land Use Plans (FLUPs) which are to be incorporated in the LGUs Comprehensive Land Use Plans.

Regional Technical Director Marciano T. Talavera of the DENR’s Forest Management Service, in a report said that the FLUP Team closely works with the technical working groups of the LGUs for the drafting of the

FLUPs. The draft FLUPs are presented to the Sangguniang Bayan of every municipality for adoption and ultimately incorporation in the town’s CLUPs. During the process, the DENR assists the LGUs in generating thematic maps and watershed delineation using the Geographical Information System (GIS).

FLUP serves as guide in managing the forest resources and the watersheds of every municipality.

This ensures biodiversity conservation, food and livelihood security and climate change mitigation.

This is also consistent with the DENR’s ridge to reef management approach wherein protection, conservation and development programs from the uplands to the lowlands or from the mountains to the seas are harmonized considering the interrelationships and interdependence of all the ecosystems in the environment. State of the uplands will certainly affect the state of the lowland areas.

Forester Allen Cebuano observed that

“Through the FLUPs that the municipalities are preparing, the town folks see the forest for the trees. They learn to appreciate the full impact of their rehabilitation activities.

They are able to envision lush greeneries, abundant supply of water and forest goods that could sustain the needs of their communities.”

Forester Cebuano said that the seven man FLUP team has posted the highest accomplishment nationwide having assisted 14 municipalities in their legitimization process and 24 municipalities in their drafting phase, this year.

The preparation of FLUPs is mandated through Executive Order No 318 signed on June 9, 2004, entitled “Promoting Sustainable Forest Management Act in the Philippines,” Ms. Purificacion Daloos of the DENR Public Affairs Office said.

Said EO states that Forest land use plans shall be incorporated by LGUS in their CLUPs and that National Government Agencies shall assist LGUs in this endeavour, she added. (PIA 8)

Leyte’s rice program, a priority under PRDP By: CONSUELO B. ALARCON TACLOBAN CITY, Leyte, Nov. 6 (PIA) – In order to further increase rice production output and make it more sustainable through all these years, the Province of Leyte has identified its rice program as a top priority project under the Philippine Rural Development Program (PRDP) of the national government through the Department of Agriculture. eyte Governor Leopoldo Dominico L. PRDP and for being a pilot province, Governor Development Council during its recent Petilla, in an interview said, as rice Petilla has already issued executive order no. meeting. consumers are increasing not only in the 006, series of 2013 “Operating the Provincial The Philippine Rural Development Procountry but also abroad it is but proper to put Program Management and Implementing Unit gram is a six-year national government platmore emphasis on it to make it more (PPMU) and its Provincial Core Planning Team form through the Department of Agriculture sustainable and to gain more production.

(PCPT) which instutionalize bodies that are for inclusive growth through based rural agroWith these strategy, Petilla hopes the being called for. industrial development. benefits will go directly to the farmers as it Recently, the Department of Agriculture An initial PRDP counterpart fund of P10 aims to increase farm productivity in the million was also included in the Annual has acknowledged Leyte’s performance of province of Leyte.

Investment Program for Calendar year 2014 being one of the top producing provinces for In anticipation of the implementation of that was approved by the Provincial the prime commodity. (PIA-8)

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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