One Visayas e-Newsletter Vol 3 Issue 48

Vol 3

Issue 48

In this Issue

Published by: PIA 6, 7 & 8

Nov. 25 - Dec. 1, 2013

PNoy lauds Boholanos’ Bayanihan spirit, cites disaster response

BOHOL, Nov. 30 (PIA) -- On his third visit in Bohol since the October15 7.2 magnitude earthquake, President Benigno “Noynoy” Aquino admired how Bohol has become lively in a month’s time.

The President said while the aftermath of Typhoon Yolanda is WESTERN VISAYAS a bigger problem, Bohol shows what can happen when people are working together.

At the briefing on the rehabilitation efforts of Bohol held at the Bohol Tropics hotel, Nov. 28, Aquino lauded the Boholanos’ Bayanihan spirit, adding that Bohol sets a fine example of recovery for those affected by Super Typhoon Yolanda, “with the quality and effectiveness of Bohol leadership and cooperation of its people”.

PNoy practically brought with him members of his cabinet who rendered briefings on the status of relief assistance and rehabilitation works being undertaken especially on power, shelter, employment and livelihood.

Bohol governor Edgar Chatto welcomed the President and his cabinet with a profusion of gratitude for delivering on DENR Service. A DENR employee attends to commitments, highlighting the return of power supply to the the query of a resident in Dian-ay, Escalante province and accessibility of critical bridges.

Gov. Chatto led the launching of the STEER program (Skills City during the 12th Caravan of Govt. Services Training for Emergency Employment towards Recovery) in held at Dian-ay covered court. (PIA6-LOL) Antequera a day before the president’s visit with TESDA provincial director Dr. Francisca Opog, DOLE provincial manager Wilson Cenas, and Antequera Vice Mayor Leo Jadulco.

The President and his cabinet members along with the More on Region 6, pages 2-3. provincial leaders also visited Tagbuane Bridge in Alburquerque Also CLICK Here… town.

The President reassured his commitment for the New Bohol Airport Project, which he said will boost tourism, business, and create job opportunities for the Boholanos.

CENTRAL VISAYAS Furthermore, PNoy assured the Boholanos that the national government through the National Museum, National Commission

for Culture and the Arts, and the National Historical Commission of the Philippines, will be working with the private sector in the rehabilitation of churches which have been declared as national cultural treasures.

During this visit, the Aquino reaffirmed the national government support for Bohol, setting aside funds for its rehabilitation plan.

This is the 5th time the President has visited the province since he assumed leadership of the country, and his third time after the earthquake, coming over a day after the quake, and a week after, where he spent the night in a tent in the severely-affected municipality of Loon. (mbcn/PIA7 & with reports from Leah/Provl EDCOM)

President Benigno S. Aquino III listens to Public Works and Highways Secretary Rogelio Singson's briefing on the newly repaired Abatan Bridge in Barangay Lingkod in the Municipality of Maribojoc in Bohol on Thursday (November 28). The Abatan Bridge links the northern towns of the province to the capital city of Tagbilaran. It was reopened to traffic after 18 days of infrastructure works. Bohol was rocked by a 7.2 tremor that killed over 220 and toppled over 2,000 homes and buildings on October 15. (Photo by Benhur Arcayan / Malacañang Photo Bureau)

Coloma urges student journalists to write stories that lift the human spirit

President Benigno "Noynoy" Aquino III is ushered to the welcome wharf along with Rep. Rene Relampagos, Gov. Edgar Chatto and DPWH Sec. Singson where they observe the flow of traffic at the newly reopened bridge.

The President visited Bohol for the third time on Nov. 28 to check on the status of the earthquake rehabilitation program in Bohol. (mbcn/PIA-Bohol/ECB)

More on Region 7, pages 4-5.

Also CLICK Here…

EASTERN VISAYAS

People line up to buy galvanized iron sheets imported from Mandaue City, Cebu during the Diskwento Caravan in Tacloban City. The caravan sells construction materials such as galvanized irons to help rebuild houses and establishments destroyed by the typhoon. It was set to go to Borongan City, Dec. 3 and Biliran, Dec. 5. (Media ng Bayan)

More on Region 8, pages 6-7.

Also CLICK Here...

BY: LEONARD T. PINEDA I ILOILO CITY, Nov. 28 (PIA) -- Presidential Communications Operations Office (PCOO) Secretary Herminio Coloma Jr. urged some 360 student writers who took part in the 2013 College Press Conference (COPRE) to use their writing prowess to be able to serve others and to promote the causes that lift the human spirit.

In his video message during the COPRE held Thursday at the Iloilo Grand Hotel here, Coloma said that students should develop their skills in writing and use these skills not just to express themselves creatively but to serve communities and the country.

Coloma said that great leaders and heroes of nations are known for what they wrote because they moved many people into believing in a worthy cause.

“They have inspired others to transcend their self-interest and they chose to serve others,” he said.

Coloma also shared three important ideas to student writers: to write is already to choose, the pen is mightier than the sword, and to be a person for others.

“To write is already to choose, and what you write is what you believe and what you believe is what you will do,” he said.

He said that what you will do will affect not just yourself but

others and the effect will either be good and beneficial, or bad and detrimental.

On his second important idea being ‘the pen is mightier than the sword’, he said that a sword can kill and take away life but words and ideas flowing from a pen can inspire and transform people’s lives.

“The sword can crush an enemy but the pen can enlighten and even change an adversary’s mindset and viewpoint; thus, the pen can change an enemy to become a friend,” he also said.

Coloma said that in the aftermath of the series of natural disasters and man-made calamities in our country, this is opportune for writers to be a person for others.

He shared a heartwarming news about some 885 inmates at the Pampanga provincial jail who decided to join a cause with those who suffered much pain and sorrow from typhoon Yolanda by giving up their breakfast allowance for three consecutive days and raising more than P50,000 in cash.

He said that writers can write and share such stories with friends and members of their social network and multiply the possibilities that many will be encouraged to pitch in their own modest measure of assistance. (JCM/LTP/PIA-Iloilo)

Gov’t to spend P40.9-B to rehabilitate hard-hit areas in Visayas MANILA, Dec 1 -- President Benigno S. Aquino III and his Cabinet ironed out government programs aimed at immediately rehabilitating typhoon-affected areas in Eastern Visayas, a Palace official said on Saturday. n a statement Saturday, Presidential Communications Operations Office Secretary Herminio Coloma Jr. said the government priority areas are the localities within the 50-kilometer zone from the eye of Typhoon Yolanda that struck Eastern Visayas and nearby regions.

Included in this first-priority zone are 171 municipalities in 14 provinces and six regions, Coloma said over DZRB Radyo ng Bayan.

These municipalities cover 4,971 barangays in an area of 25,000 square kilometers with an estimated total population 6.6 million as of 2010, he said. He added that the DOST is conducting continuing analysis of satellite images to guide on-ground assessment of actual needs.

The Cabinet discussion also focused on providing livelihood to families affected by the typhoon that needs to be done immediately, he said.

Within the priority areas, the major aspects of rehabilitation and reconstruction included housing and resettlement, reconstruction of economic and social infrastructure; restoring government and public services as well as focusing on agriculture and fisheries.

The government thrust is also geared towards re-energizing local economic development through livelihood and employment,

he reported.

The government also assessed the budgetary needs of the rehabilitation process, Coloma said.

The President emphasized the importance of fine-tuning budget estimates to ensure that every peso is spent wisely, considering the magnitude of government expenditures not just for post-Yolanda rehabilitation and for other calamities (including Zamboanga, Bohol and Central Luzon, post-Santi).

The Cabinet revised its initial estimate of P38.8 billion to P40.9 billion rehabilitation budget after factoring in the requirements for local government buildings and facilities, police and fire stations, and public markets.

The sectoral allocations are as follows: shelter and public infrastructure (including roads, bridges, airport, port and other facilities), 67 percent; livelihood and employment (including support to agriculture and fisheries) 12 percent; local facilities, 11 per cent; social services, including health services, education and training, 9 percent.

These budget estimates will be subjected to further fine-tuning through on-ground validation of initial rapid assessment findings.

The President emphasized the need to ensure that basic needs of food and shelter are addressed adequately and in a timely manner, Coloma said.

The President wants forward-planning to focus on strengthening the capabilities of the people, institutions, and structures to deal with the challenge of disasters as a result of

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WESTERN VISAYAS

Napocor takes full responsibility for oil spill clean-up ops

Oil Spill in Estanci, Iloilo (Photo by Leo Solinap)

BY: LEONARD T. PINEDA I ILOILO CITY, Nov. 27 (PIA6) --- The National Power Corporation (Napocor) is taking full responsibility of the oil spill clean-up operations in Brgy. Botongon, Estancia town here and assured that they will address the needs of the affected residents.

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apocor President Ma. Gladys Cruz Sta. Rita turned over a check worth P1.5 million to Gov. Arthur Defensor Sr. Tuesday afternoon as financial assistance for the oil spill victims in Estancia.

Sta. Rita said the P1.5 million check came from the Power Sector Assets and Liability Management (PSALM), owner of the Power Barge 103 that lost its moorings during the onslaught of typhoon Yolanda causing the barge to be drifted to the rocky shoreline of Brgy. Botongan and had its bottom hull damaged, leading to the spill.

She said the amount is intended to help the provincial government in

addressing the needs of over a thousand family members who were forcibly evacuated by the governor from the oil spill site citing health risks.

The Napocor official also gave P200,000 worth of assorted goods that were donations from friends of Napocor.

An additional P500,000 financial assistance was given to the municipal government of Estancia to help in its expenses for the evacuees.

Sta. Rita said that they came to Iloilo to assure the affected residents of assistance and to hasten the clean-up operations. She said that busted communication lines was one of the reasons the corporation was not able to

respond immediately and that they are set to review all of their oil spill contingency plans because of the incident.

On one hand, Governor Defensor said that as of Nov. 26, there are already 348 families with 1,447 family members who evacuated from the oil spill site and are temporarily staying at the Northern Iloilo Polytechnic State College (NIPSC) Estancia Campus.

Defensor said that the provincial government will take care of the provisions of the evacuees including food, water and shelter and they will be staying there until the Department of Health recommends that they can already move.

(JCM/LTP/PIA-Iloilo)

Molocaboc Island residents now have 'Liter of Light' BY: EASTER ANNE D. DOZA NEGROS OCCIDENTAL, Nov. 25 (PIA6) - - Typhoon-affected islanders of Molocaboc Island, Sagay City, this province, will no longer stay in the dark as the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA) gives out ‘Liter of Light’ to the island residents.

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he technology is called the Liter of Light as it uses 1-litre-recycled bottles developed by the MyShelter Foundation led by Executive Director Ilac Diaz and the engineering students of the University of Sto. Tomas.

The light uses solar energy to power the lamp that will illuminate the bottle at night.

Fifty kits of solar night lights or ‘Liter of Light’ were sent by TESDA Secretary Joel Villanueva intended to be turned over November 26 to the residents by Governor

Alfredo G. Marañon, TESDA Provincial Director Lorena Yungque and TESDA Regional Training Center (RTC)-Talisay Administrator Joel Villagracia.

RTC-Talisay trainers and students shall assist and train the women members of the recipient households in the assembly and maintenance of the solar night lights.

Villanueva said this will help the residents of the typhoon stricken island to have safe lighting system especially at night. The same technology is also being taught now to students

in TESDA training institutions with the hope of lighting up more households in the 4th, 5th, and 6th class municipalities and typhoon affected areas.

Villanueva himself encourages the wide spread teaching of the technology and invites sponsors to co-produce with TESDA for additional kits to be brought to Yolanda devastated areas, particularly the barangays which until now, have no power or electricity.*(JCM/EAD-PIA6 Negros Occidental)

Community responsibility can help end VAW BY: Lilibeth A. French ILOILO CITY, Nov. 27 (PIA6) - - Women’s right advocate, Atty. Evalyn Ursua on Monday stressed the importance of the promotion of community responsibility in efforts to end violence against women.

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hen a community believes that abuse on women is not right and made action on this we could reduce violence against women, said Ursua during a public forum attended by more than 200 students and representatives from local g o v e r n m e n t u n i t s , n on - g o v e r n m e n t organizations, women organizations and government agencies in Western Visayas.

She further told participants that “it is very important that we go back to our communities, that we participate in community efforts to address VAW, and not to rely on the government but rather help promote community responsibility".

The public forum was organized by the Ugsad Western Visayas Regional Gender Resource Center in line with the 18-Day

Campaign to Eliminate Violence Against Women and their Children from November 25 to December 12.

Since 2002, the Philippine government has been actively joining the 16 days of activitism against genderbased violence that is being observed globally from November 25.

Then in 2006, the Philippine campaign was extended to 18 days to include December 12 which is known as the Anti-Trafficking in Persons Day through Presidential Proclamation 1172.

President Benigno Aquino further strengthened the country’s commitment to the observance when he declared November 25 of every year as the "National Consciousness Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women and Children via Republic Act 10398 which he

signed on March 19, this year.

In her lecture, Ursua said raising public awareness through activities such as the conduct of related forum is another important factor in efforts to reduce violence against women. She said increasing public awareness can bring change to a life of an individual that could stir action which is rewarding enough.

Through this women could also learn to assert their rights.

According to the 2008 National Demographic and Health Survey, one in five women aged 15-49 has experienced physical violence since age 15 and four percent of women who have ever been pregnant have experienced physical violence during pregnancy. (JCM/LAF/PIA6)

WESTERN VISAYAS

Roxas City, Capiz (Photo by PIA Capiz)

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Wanted: Voluntourists for Capiz BY: ALEX A. LUMAQUE

ROXAS CITY, Capiz, Nov. 27 (PIA6) – The provincial government thru its Provincial Tourism and Cultural Affairs Office (PTCAO) has launched “Tindog Capiz” which encourages tourists to help rebuild the lives of Capiceños affected by supertyphoon Yolanda early this November.

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Tindog Capiz", which means Stand Up Capiz, is simply a vacation option for all tourists who would like to come to Capiz and be one with the Capiceños in their effort to rehabilitate the province.

PTCAO head Alphonsus Tesoro said that rebuilding the lives of the residents needs help from all those who are willing to become a “voluntourist” in the province.

Apparently, voluntourist refers to a volunteer tourist.

“Experience Capiz First! Your voluntourism destination!” stressed Tesoro.

Voluntourists must register and be accredited by PTCAO to participate in the various activities at identified voluntourism sites provincewide.

Upon registration, PTCAO will refer the voluntourists to specific sites depending on their preferred or chosen activity.

A registered voluntourist may choose from among the activities like tree/mangrove tree planting, arts therapy/arts for healing, coastal clean up, building houses or schools, clearing operations, cultural caregiving, feeding and scholarship programs, livelihood training and other life-enriching activities.

Qualified to participate in Tindog Capiz are international and domestic tourists, private companies, international socio-civic organizations, religious organizations, government agencies and academic institutions, among others.

The various sites for the activities were identified at community-based rural tourism, indigenous people’s communities and other tourism attraction destinations such as heritage, pilgrim and ecological sites.

PTCAO noted in its concept paper about the initiative that participants on

Tindog Capiz will enjoy discounted rates among participating accommodation establishments and restaurants, get local tour guide assistance and receive a certificate of voluntourism.

The tourism initiative is also expected to pave way for a participant’s significant and meaningful vacation while exploring the unique and captivating beauty of the province, gaining new friendships and lifetime memories, experiencing harmony with the environment, interacting with IPs and learning the richness of their culture and making a deep impact on the lives in the communities.

Other collaborators of the tourism initiative are Department of Tourism, concerned national government agencies, local government units and various tourism stakeholders. (JCM/AAL/PIA 6 Capiz)

Landbank extends P1.7 M calamity assistance to Aklan LGUs BY: VENUS G. VILLANUEVA KALIBO, Aklan, Nov. 27 (PIA6) -- A total of P1.7 million cash relief assistance from the Land Bank of the Philippines (LBP) Kalibo Branch was extended recently to Aklan’s 15 municipalities and the Provincial Government which were severely affected by Typhoon Yolanda.

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he cash relief distribution, which was led by Landbank-Aklan Manager Nina Ituriaga, was held at the Conference Hall of the Provincial Guest House, Provincial Capitol compound.

Recipient municipalities included Altavas, Banga, Batan, Buruanga, Ibajay, Kalibo, Lezo, Libacao, Madalag, Makato, Malay, Malinao, Nabas, New Washington and Tangalan.

These towns each received P100,000.00 while the Provincial Government of Aklan was granted P200,000.00.

Mayors or their respective representatives were at hand to receive the cash relief assistance. The amount extended, according to Manager Ituriaga, is part of the

P20 million fund donation of the bank to victims of Typhoon Yolanda in the Visayas, and the bank’s response to the call of corporate social responsibility (CSR).

Meanwhile, as part of the LBP’s information campaign, the attending mayors or their representatives, after the cash distribution, were briefed by Land Bank’s Senior Account Management Specialist (SAMS) Engr. Bernardo Moises, Team Leader of Iloilo Lending Center – Aklan Satellite Office on the LANDBANK CARES Program, which aims to further assist local government units in their rehabilitation programs and to continuously serve their constituents presently needing assistance.

The LBP, according to recipient LGUs, was the first in the province to extend this kind of support to them after Typhoon Yolanda, said to be the strongest typhoon in the world for 2013, hit Aklan and the rest of Visayan provinces on November 8.

As of latest count, the damage assessment report from the Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction Management Council (PDRRMC) recorded a total of P2,678,759,988.57 in damages to Aklan’s agriculture, infrastructure, lifelines and public utilities.

The report also recorded a total of 13 dead, 526 injured, 52,278 partially destroyed houses and 33,626 totally destroyed houses. (JCM/VGV PIA6 Aklan)

'I SERVE SACADAS' project up in Belison town BY: PILAR S. MABAQUIAO SAN JOSE, Antique (PIA6) - - Sugar migrant workers in the town of Belison availed of livelihood projects from the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) under the I SERVE SACADAS project or Integrated Services for Sugar Migrant Workers.

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rovincial Director Rene S. Santamena of DOLE here said the project cost P375,000 in which P300,000 is from DOLE sourced out from the Livelihood Formation program while the remaining P75,000 is a counterpart from the local government of Belison.

This will be released within the week to Mayor Darell dela Flor of Belison as an accredited co-partner who will then

distribute it to the beneficiaries The said fund is a grant from the government that will serve as a seed capital for livestock production particularly swine and goat raising of 50 sugar migrant workers, their families and dependents.

“By providing them livelihood activities, these families will have alternative source of income especially during lean months or when they opt not to go back to the sugar

lands of Negros," said Santamena.

The province of Antique has been a supplier of workers in Negros Occidental and Oriental during sugar planting and milling season.

For this year, DOLE Antique has so far granted a permit to 92 milling supervisors in the province, authorized by sugar planters to hire workers, said Santamena. (JCM/PSM/ PIA6Antique)

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CENTRAL VISAYAS

DOE fast-tracks line restoration in typhoon-hit Visayas

Bantayan Island, Cebu (Image credit: Bibi delos Reyes/www.rappler.com)

BY: AMOR Y. SALUDAR Central Visayas, Nov. 25 (PIA) -- Department of Energy (DOE) -Visayas and Mindanao join efforts to fast-track restoration of power supply in typhoon and earthquake hit areas in the Visayas region.

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n today's press briefing at MIP Lounge of Mactan Cebu International Airport (MCIA) DOE-Visayas regional director Engr.

Antonio Labios said agencies involved such as DOE, National Grid Power Corporation (NGCP) and electric power corporations are all combining massive efforts for the speedy restoration of power supply in the Visayas region.

“We assure that NGCP, the DOE and electric power corporation had render massive efforts to restore power supply in these affected areas,” Labios said.

DOE has created a task force whose main focus is to restore 100% power in the Visayas before Christmas as DOE secretary Jericho Petilla promised in his earlier media interview.

Presently, there are about 1,381

personnel from the equipment and test unit, line gangs and contractors from Visayas team, North and South Luzon team and Mindanao team that work 24/7 to restore the Visayas power supply that was badly damaged by Yolanda.

“There is a possibility to get power from Luzon , as transmission lines in the Visayas are repaired,” Labios said. (mbcn/ AYS/PIA7)

Israeli field hospital in Bogo turned over to Austrian, German NGOs BY: RACHELLE M. NESSIA CEBU CITY, Nov. 26 (PIA) -- After two weeks of extending medical relief to nearly 2,000 residents in typhoon-hit Bogo City and nearby areas in north Cebu, the Israeli medical team yesterday turned over its field hospital to two foreign non-government organizations.

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n a turnover ceremony held in Bogo City , the Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) and the Israeli Ministry of Foreign Affairs turned over the mobile hospital to German NGO LandsAid, and Workers' Samaritan Federation Austria (ASBÖ), an Austrian NGO. Lands Aid and ASBÖ will assume and take over the medical assistance that was extended by the Israeli medical crew.

According to the Lands Aid website, the two organizations will provide a combined team of 20 medical professionals, coordinators, and logisticians in the coming weeks.

"The cooperation between LandsAid and ASBÖ has been agreed in consultation with the local authorities and the hospital to make sure the resulting gap in health care in the next few weeks," said LandsAid CEO Hans Musswessels in their website.

Israeli Deputy Ambassador Adam Levene

in a text message said the decision to turn over the hospital services to Landaid was “taken by local authorities together with our international crises expert.”

“They are most suited for next stage and their capabilities are suited for the needs here now,” Levene said.

The turnover of the mobile hospital was witnessed by Ambassador of Israel to the Philippines Menashe Bar On, Bogo City Mayor Celestino Martinez Jr., and IDF Col. Yoram Laredo.

On the same day, a friendly basketball exhibition took place pitting ball players from local schools against the Israeli soldiers, according to a press statement from the Israeli Embassy.

A special program at Bogo Central School 1 wrapped up the day’s activities.

The school is one of the four

storm-wrecked schools in the area that IDF troopers quickly repaired.

Cebuanos in the typhoon-ravaged north Cebu have greatly benefited from the humanitarian mission undertaken by the Israeli delegation after more than 100 Israelis arrived in Bogo days after Typhoon Yolanda (international name: Haiyan) pounded across central Visayas on Nov. 8.

Aside from the medical operations, IDF soldiers also helped rehabilitate damaged school buildings and set up water tanks to provide safe, potable water for storm-affected residents.

As of yesterday, the Israeli medical personnel treated 2,452 patients, including 787 children from storm-affected areas in north Cebu , and conducted 52 operations. (RMN/ PIA Cebu )

PH Navy, PAF bring over 13M tons of relief goods to typhoon-hit areas BY: FAYETTE C. RIÑEN CEBU, Nov. 25 (PIA) -- Over 13 million tons of relief goods have been transported by the Philippine military from Mactan, Cebu to typhoon-ravaged areas particularly in Leyte province.

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rmed Forces of the Philippines – Central Command (AFPCentCom) spokesperson Lt. Jim Alagao told media reporters over the weekend that relief goods shipped via the Philippine Navy amounted to 10.16 million tons while the Philippine Air Force via the C-130 cargo planes flew a total of 3.57 million tons of relief goods.

The AFP used pounds for standard weight measurement.

“These are just relief goods the Philippine Navy and Philippine Air Force transported to typhoon-hit areas in the Visayas since the beginning.

This does not include the Navy ships from five to six other countries that brought relief goods as well,” said Alagao.

Alagao said relief goods continue to

be flown and shipped to affected areas even as government now is slowly shifting to the rehabilitation phase.

“Relief operations would continue and overlap the transition to the rehabilitation phase,” said Alagao.

The CentCom spokesperson said there are 30 countries that have participated and assisted typhoon-ravaged communities from food aid to medical services on top of cash and in kind donations.

Recently, AFP Chief of Staff Lt. Gen. Emmanuel Bautista flew to Tacloban City from Mactan, Cebu to personally assess and check the groundwork operations of military personnel involved in relief, clearing and recovery operations.

Bautista also held a meeting with top officials of CentCom headed by Lt. Gen.

Roy Deveraturda who is set to be assigned to the Western Command by early December.

On the same day, Cabinet Minister Justine Greening of the United Kingdom also flew in to Mactan Air Base just to transfer to a helicopter en route to Roxas City to visit the HMAS Daring, a British ship destroyer that contained also relief goods. Greening is the UK cabinet minister responsible for international aid and disaster response.

According to Alagao, the Japanese Government also deployed three ships that carried its hundreds of military contingent to help in relief, clearing and emergency operations on top of the relief goods it sent for the thousands of typhoon victims. (mbcn/FCR/PIA7)

CENTRAL VISAYAS

Malapascua Island, Cebu (Image credit: www.facebook.com/helpmalapascua)

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Bohol launches ‘Balik Bohol’ program

BOHOL, Nov. 26 (PIA) -- As a gesture of concern to Boholanos in Leyte affected by supertyphoon Yolanda, the Bohol Provincial Government in collaboration with One Bohol and the Armed Forces of the Philippines launched recently the “Balik Bohol” Program for Boholano survivors of Yolanda.

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ohol governor Edgar Chatto said, “We are offering this program for our Boholanos to be given time to heal from the devastating experience brought by Yolanda and an early Christmas gift to share with their families in Bohol .”

The program aims to bring home our fellow Boholanos living in Leyte, Eastern Samar and West Samar or any area in Region 8 affected by Typhoon Yolanda who wish to return to Bohol and be reunited with their relatives here, Chatto added.

Chatto said, the Balik Bohol Reintegration Program (BBRP) Operation Center is set up at the RDRRMC Command Center at the grounds of the Bohol Tourism Complex where Boholanos may also ask for

assistance to locate their relatives in Leyte and Samar . The provincial government will dispatch searchers in the evacuation centers in Leyte and Samar for Boholanos who want to come home to Bohol .

Once validated and confirmed, the Operation Center will call the prospective evacuee/s for confirmation and instruction as to date of departure and location of the boat.

Aside from relatives, host families who also wish to host prospective evacuees in Bohol will also be validated to ensure that they (prospective host) will accept the prospective evacuee/s. Information as to the number of days, weeks, months that the evacuees wish to stay with their hosts and

the willingness of the families to host them will be determined prior to the approval of the evacuees to board the ship.

The Head of the host family will sign a manifestation form accepting the request and a waiver that shall release the Provincial Government and its partners in the project of any liability arising out of hosting their family members from Leyte and Samar .

More Information and details of the project will be at the Operation Center and those who wish to communicate with their relatives in Leyte may call the following TARSIER 117 contact numbers: SMART 09497955530; GLOBE- 09175101490; and SUN -09258300117. (mbcn/PIA7 with reports from Bohol EDCOM)

Visayans, youth join PHL climate talks delegation in fasting Cebu City, November 26 (PIA) – Visayans and young people join the PHL delegation to the 19th Conference of Parties (COP) of the United Nations Framework on Climate Change in fasting led by Climate Change Commissioner Saderev “Yeb” Sano.

S

ano, the lead negotiator of the delegation broke into tears while he delivered his speech to the COP in Warsaw Poland .

Sano urged developed countries to take immediate action on climate change and pursue meaningful agreements.

Aside from being given a standing ovation, other government representatives and activists support for the causes and demands of the Philippine delegation. He is on fasting until a meaningful breakthrough in the climate talks is achieved.

“The world is watching and is anxiously awaiting the outcome of these talks. It is obvious that more and more people, more and more nations are bearing the brunt of climate change,” Sano said.

National Youth Commission (NYC) chairman, USEC Leon Flores III in a statement to media said, as the recent victim of these extreme weather conditions caused by climate change, it is but proper for the Philippines , especially its young people, to support our Philippine delegation.

“We join them as we collectively fast and donate our foregone meals to reinforce our call for swift climate action and to commiserate with the victims of the recent super typhoon,” Flores added.

Flores also encouraged young people to be in

solidarity with the PHL delegation and to support their call. “If our current actions and inactions continue, we shall pass unto succeeding generations a future dominated by fear of super typhoons and calamities, tragedies and displacements.”

Flores said, the NYC supports the delegation’s call for increased funding for adaptation projects, mobilization of a Green Climate Fund and the setting up of a “damage and loss” compensation mechanism.

A survivor of typhoon Yolanda Villardo “Billy” Abueme of Guiuan of Eastern Samar also stressed the importance of increasing awareness about climate change and mainstreaming the issue.

Abueme, who assisted his neighbors in the evacuation, stressed the need to simplify terms in disaster preparedness.

“Marami sa amin ang hindi naintindihan ang storm surge, eh kung sinabi ba naman na may kasamang tidal wave o tubig ito eh di mas madali sanang magpaintindi sa ating mga kababayan. (Several of us do not understand what a storm surge is. Had we been told that it came with water and a ‘tidal wave’, it would have been easier to make people understand) NYC also calls on the need for individuals, household and businesses to pursue sustainable

means and practices.

“There is a need to educate and take action to mitigate the effects of climate change and everyone, without exception, has to do our part. There are so many things that one can do, whether to change one’s lifestyle to lessen his/her carbon footprint, take public transport or bike to work, eat organic, go urban farming, and so many more,” Edna Lee from the Psychology Volunteers on Bikes said.

Joel Lee, the founder of Permaculture Cebu, ended the gathering with a clear plea “It took nature billions of years to put away carbon dioxide from the atmosphere, making our planet more favorable to life. But mankind has put it back in mere decades.”

Unless we take drastic action, there is no way to reverse the madness that we have unleashed. Climate change is now set to deliver more calamities to our doorstep. Either we boldly act together or perish, Lee said.

The NYC statement likewise ends with a call for developed nations and carbon emitters to take immediate action on the issue of climate change.

“The cost of inaction is far more staggering, its impact to development, colossal. Let us stop this madness,“ NYC chairman Flores said. (mbcn/PIA7 with reports from NYC-Visayas)

DOST, DA conduct organic input processing BY: RIZALIE ANDING CALIBO SIQUIJOR, Nov. 20 (PIA)--The Department of Science and Technology (DOST) and the Department of Agriculture (DA) in Siquijor province conducted a two-day training on Organic Farm Inputs Processing at DA-Siquijor Research and Development Center (SRDC) in Caipilan, Siquijor recently.

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ome 65 participants from the agriculture sector in the province which comprises of farmers, farmer scientists, processors and DA technicians attended the training activity.

The training encourages the provincial folks in agricultural sector to adopt technologies on processing local organic produce, to promote and enhance the creation of economic trade in the

province, says DOST-Siquijor provincial director Engr. Mario de la Pena.

Resource person from DOST- Region VII Josie Elli introduced and demonstrated the input processing product such as coco m a c a r on s, m a l u n g g ay c r u n ch es , squash- corn crunches and mongo-rice crunches and a crop rotation that traditional and improvement of science and technology merge to benefit good

organic agriculture produce.

“Our aim here is to process farmers produce crops and vegetables into food products. It gives attractions especially for both local and foreign tourists,” de la Pena said adding that the focus of the training is to come up with more nutritious food in the organic processing. (mbcn/RAC/ PIA7-Siquijor/with reports from DOST/ PCL, MDP)

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EASTERN VISAYAS

Typhoon damage to EV’s agri-fishery sector rises to P3.1-B BY: ERLINDA OLIVIA P. TIU

Guiuan, Eastern Samar (Image Credit; www.facebook.com/ GuiuanEasternSamar)

TACLOBAN CITY, Leyte, Nov. 30 (PIA) -- From the initial figure of 2.1 Billion, Yolanda-inflicted damage to Eastern Visayas Agri-Fishery sector has risen to P3.1 Billion as of the last week of November.

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ince it is the only financial institution where people can draw money after the typhoon, its manager, Gaudioso Ypanto, personally assisted in the control of entry in their bank to maintain order in their operation.

PNB-Naval only accepts deposits and

withdrawals for passbook transactions.

I t al so e n t e r t ai n s over-the- counter transactions for ATM accounts opened with their branch.

The bank limits its transaction in the morning only to give time for the transport of all their transactions for

update in Ormoc City where internet signal is available and their branch provides normal operation.

Regular bank transactions will be back to normal once internet signal becomes available. Power supply is provided by their standby generator. # (PIA 8 Biliran)

9,000 children avail UNICEF, WHO-supported vaccination BY: VENUS L. GARCIA TACLOBAN CITY, Nov. 30 (PIA) – The United Nations Children’s Emergency Fund (UNICEF) and World Health Organization (WHO) have started their measles and polio vaccination to some 9,000 children under five years of age in Visayas region.

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ngela Kearney, UNICEF Coordinator for the Emergency Response in Tacloban, said they are pushing on preventive measures and doing everything they can to remind the community of its importance.

“Measles is the most deadly childhood rash/fever illnesses and spreads very easily. I can say that we are using the

highly effective measles and polio vaccines,” said Dr. Julie Hall, WHO Representative in the Philippines.

They were also putting into consideration the polio vaccination to combat poliomyelitis, a serious disease caused by a virus.

Vitamin A drops are also given to help boost their immune system to

defend against disease-causing microorganisms.

The mobile health teams have also served in communities other than in evacuation centers.

The massive campaign aimed to strengthen the health of young children in typhoon-affected areas. (VLG/PIACaraga)

DSWD sets up special place for women at evacuation camps TACLOBAN CITY, Leyte, Dec. 1 (PIA) -- Aware of the special needs of women who are presently staying in evacuation centers, the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) has set-up Women Friendly Spaces (WFS) in its evacuation centers.

FS is a special place for women in non-food needs. of a nearby house.” evacuation centers where they can Beneficiaries of the WFS will become part Another woman who resides at Pampango breastfeed their children, learn of the local government unit referral system District recounted that she and her child were about health and well-being, and receive where they will be accessed to different washed away, about ten meters from their counseling, among others. agencies for livelihood opportunities. home.

The establishment of the WFS is also Just this week, the UNFPA had a A banana trunk aided them to safety. She, integrated in evacuation camp management Reproductive Health Medical Mission at the however, said that it was such an ordeal which aims to respond to the effects of convention center. expressing her fear that she won’t be able to displacement and vulnerability of women and Stories of courage see her other son again. children in natural and man-made crisis The WFS has been a place where women “I was trembling with fear and situations, such as disasters and incidents of can interact and share their stories as part of uncertainty. It was all too sudden. I never armed conflict. their coping to overcome their trauma. They thought the situation will end up this way Initially, five WFS are installed at the are are guided by social workers who are because I don’t know what “storm surge” is. I Redemptorist Church, San Fernando trained on stress debriefing. could also be blamed. My family was advised Community School, San Jose Elementary In the WFS at Rizal Central School, social to evacuate but we didn’t. Thank God, we School, Rizal Central School, and the Tacloban workers gathered the women to tell their were reunited later with my older son. He Convention Center. stories. was rescued by my uncle,” she tearfully Alona Bermejo, the focal person of the A lady in her early 30’s, shared her related. “Paano kami babangon? Pinag-ipunan WFS strategy, said that the project is touching experience with the super namin ang mga gamit ng mahabang co-funded by the United Nations Population typhoon. She appeared to be a strong person panahon. Kailangan namin ng hanapbuhay.

Fund (UNFPA). yet she cannot hide the tremble in her voice.

(How will we rise again? It took us quite some She further explains that a WFS can be Not wanting to be named, she shared in time to save for our belongings. We need to installed in a classroom, in an office space local dialect, “I was able to get hold of a cable have livelihood),” another woman-survivor said facility, or in a tent. wire while carrying my baby. expressing her grief over her lost possessions.

The WFS concept operates by tapping The determination of my husband pushed “Masakit, marami akong service providers, not only in providing me to carry on despite the threat that any pinaghihinayangan. Ang ganda pa naman ng psycho-social support for the internally minute me and my baby would die.

Tacloban. (It’s heartbreaking, Tacloban is such displaced women but also medical, The water was chest-high. Finally, we a wonderful place),” another evacuee shared. reproductive health services and basic food and were able to find shelter in the second storey (DSWD)

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EASTERN VISAYAS

Tacloban City, Eastern Visayas (Photo by PIA 8)

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Diskwento Caravan a big success in Tacloban, rolls out to Borongan and Biliran BY: ERLINDA OLIVIA P. TIU

TACLOBAN CITY, Leyte, Nov. 29 (PIA) – The Diskwento Caravan held on November 27 at the RTR Plaza in Tacloban City was a big success with the total sales placed at P1,892,888.78.

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epartment of Trade and Industry Leyte OIC Director Stan Tabiada informed the Philippine Information Agency that the total sales come from 4,059 transactions.

The Diskwento Caravan, Director Tabiada said, was aimed at giving the Yolanda-affected consumers access to basic necessities and prime commodities, and the most-sought at discounted prices from 10% to 50%.

Tabiada explained that the DTI is not

the one selling the goods as alleged by some detractors.

He said that DTI invites companies that will join the Caravan. These companies themselves are the ones selling.

This is in fact, a Public-Private Partnership undertaking, Tabiada said.

In the case of the Wednesday Diskwento Caravan, the participating companies include Gardenia, Century, Firefly, Dranex, Zhanglin Mktg, Puyat Steel, Nestle, Purefoods.

The products ranged from grocery items, bread and construction materials.

Director Tabiada intimated that DTI is planning for a longer Diskwento Caravan in Tacloban.

Moreover, Director Tabiada said the next Diskwento Caravan is on December 3 in Borongan City, Eastern Samar.

Furthermore, the Diskwento Caravan will roll out to Biliran on December 5.

(PIA 8)

DOH extends free health services to people in EV BY: CONSUELO B. ALARCON TACLOBAN CITY, Leyte, Nov. 28 (PIA) - The Department of Health is exerting all efforts to render the needed health services of the residents in Eastern Visayas who were affected by typhoon Yolanda.

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uring Wednesday’s meeting of the Regional Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (RDRRMC), Assistant Secretary Paulyn Rosell-Ubial of the Department of Health (DOH) urged residents to avail of the free services offered by the government in all government hospitals and rural health units in the whole region.

Aside from free check-up that is being conducted at the evacuation centers particularly to those who incur injuries

and those who were exposed to floods, there is also a mass vaccination for oral polio and measles to children aged below five (5) years old.

Ubial emphasized the importance of having check-up after the typhoon especially those who were exposed to floods to prevent the complications of leptospirosis and tetanus.

“Persons who were injured are prone to tetanus, hence they have to be treated as early as possible,” Ubial said.

As of this writing, DOH confirmed

thirteen (13) suspected cases of leptospirosis and one died while for tetanus cases, 10 cases were reported with one death.

Meanwhile, DOH is also on watch on the possibility of increasing the number of dengue cases in Tacloban after typhoon Yolanda struck the city where thousands of people died.

Based on the record of the DOH, from January to August this year, there has already been more than 3, 000 dengue cases in the region. (PIA-8)

Climate change adaptation should be integrated in curriculum -- So. Leyte PDRRMC BY: MARCELINO PEDALINO MAASIN CITY, Southern Leyte, Nov. 28 (PIA) -- Teachers and students must be taught measures to adapt to, no longer mitigate, the effects of climate change.

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nd at the level of the Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction Management Council (PDDRMC), this body will make sure that its counterparts at the municipal and city disaster councils will likewise move to download such kind of information to schools in their level.

This will be the added task the PDRRMC will undertake according to its head, Danilo Atienza, the Provincial Consultant on Disaster Management.

“We will educate the teachers and

the children, so they will in turn educate their parents, their family,” Atienza said during the cable TV program Action Center Kapihan sa PIA Wednesday at the Capitol.

Climate change may be a broad subject, hard to understand, but if explanations are simplified to the ordinary everyday happenings, then people can readily understand, Atienza said.

How to adapt to climate change can be made even simpler, using common examples, like not burning plastics in

houses and schools as plastic fumes can emit carbon dioxide into the air, which can absorb heat.

The standard manner in coping with the world’s changing climate has been the tested and proven tree-planting activity as trees are known to take in carbon dioxide while giving off oxygen, a necessary element to cool hot air, he added.

Another adaptation measure is the planting of mangroves to serve as natural wind and wave breaker along coastlines and coastal areas, Atienza also said. (PIA-Southern Leyte)

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