One Visayas Vol 3 Issue 5

Vol 3

Issue 5

In this Issue WESTERN VISAYAS

Tribu Panayanon of Iloilo City National High School performs one of the highlights of their overall presentation that won for them the championship over 9 other contingents during the Ati Tribes Competition of Iloilo’s Dinagyang Festival 2013 held Jan. 27 in Iloilo City in honor of the Sr. Sto. Nino.

(LAF-PIA6)

More on Region 6, pages 2-3.

Also CLICK Here…

CENTRAL VISAYAS

Provincial Board Member Arleigh Sitoy (at the rostrum) talks about the rationalization of the Public Information Office of Cebu which he said will serve as the spokesperson for all and not just one. (rmn/VVV/PIA CEBU)

More on Region 7, pages 4-5.

Also CLICK Here…

EASTERN VISAYAS

Football, volleyball, sepak takraw and swimming among other sports dominated the first day of the Eastern Visayas Regional Athletic Association (EVRAA) Meet at the Leyte Sports Development Center, Tacloban City, January 28. (Vino R. Cuayzon)

More on Region 8, pages 6-7.

Also CLICK Here...

Published by: PIA 6, 7 & 8

Jan. 28 - Feb. 3, 2013

3 CV LGUs receive Presidential child-friendly awards

By Hazel F. Gloria CEBU CITY, Jan 29 (PIA) -- The city of Talisay in Cebu and the towns of Tubigon in Bohol and Pilar in Cebu have received the Presidential Awards as Child-Friendly City and Municipalities in Central Visayas for 2012.

This award is conferred in recognition to the vital role of the Local Government Units (LGUs) in the promotion, protection and participation as well as child friendly governance.

Its objective is to institutionalize a child friendly environment in the country.

This Presidential Award for Child-Friendly Municipality and City which was launched in November l999 is a support activity of the Child Friendly Movement initiated by the Council for the Welfare of Children (CWC), the government’s focal agency on children’s concern.

With the awards received, the Council hopes to have more LGUs learn to prioritize and address issues and concerns affecting the full realization of the rights of children and monitor and evaluate the implementation of the programs and services for children.

Awardees were screened by the evaluation committee composed of regional representatives from Department of Interior and Local Government( DILG), Department of Education ( DepEd), Department of Health (DOH) and the National Economic, Development Authority ( NEDA) and the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD)

chaired by regional director Ma. Evelyn Macapobre of the DSWD. The awardees received P50 thousand cash each and a Child-friendly Seal from the Council for the Welfare of Children (CWC).

The tool for the selection includes the following indicators: Planning and Policy Formulation (15%); Resource allocation (15%); Service delivery (40% comprising of health and nutrition 20%, education 10%, social protection 10%); Institution Building 10%; Child Participation 10% ; and community participation 10%.

These regional winners will soon compete in the national search to be held in Manila this year. (PIA-7/HFG/DSWD-7)

DENR searches for heroes of environment, people’s rights TACLOBAN CITY, Leyte, Jan 30 (PIA) -- The Department of Environment and Natural Resources, in cooperation with the Center for Environmental Concerns and other non-government organizations, has launched the search for Gawad Bayani ng Kalikasan (GBK).

The Gawad Bayani ng Kalikasan (GBK), now on its 3rd year, is an awards event and lecture series honoring Filipino heroes who have defended the environment and people's rights, DENR Region 8 Information Officer Purificacion Daloos said.

It has three categories, namely, Gawad sa Indibidwal (3 winners), Gawad sa Organisasyon (3 winners) and a recipient of Natatanging Gawad (Most Distinguished Award).

Daloos said that each prospective awardee must be nominated by at least two (2) individuals, organizations, committees or institutions. Individuals or organizations cannot nominate themselves for the award.

Nomination forms may be secured from the Regional Public Affairs Office, DENR Region 8, Tacloban City or from the GBK Secretariat through their website at www.cecphils.org. The deadline for submission of nominations was January 30, 2013.

The Board of Judges will choose from a shortlist of ten awardees, one (1) recipient of the Natatanging Gawad (Most

Distinguished Award), in recognition his/her/their being an inspiration and example to the Filipino people for offering time and talents for the defense of the environment and advancement of the people's welfare.

The Gawad sa Indibidwal (Individual Award) will be awarded to individuals who have demonstrated extraordinary ability and effort to uphold the environment and people's welfare, whether in the form of advocacy, campaigns, education, research, technology development, community services, mass media, or cultural work.

On the other hand, the Gawad sa Organisasyon (Award for Organizations) will be awarded to people’s and community organizations and institutions that have demonstrated unity in upholding the welfare of the people and of the environment by exemplary actions and advocacy, campaigns, education, research, technology development, community services, mass media, or cultural work.

In giving the award, the DENR acknowledges the fact that amid the worsening environmental and socio-economic impacts, many among the Filipino people have offered their talents, efforts, time, and even their lives to defend the rights of the people and the country's national patrimony. These heroes and heroines serve as an inspiration for the generations to come, the award body said. (PIA 8)

NEDA bares Iloilo's potentials

By Jaime S. Cabag, Jr. ILOILO CITY, Jan 30 (PIA6) -- The recent statement of the National Economic and Development Authority (NEDA) Region 6 that Iloilo needs to have more industries has turned the focus once again on the Regional Development Plan 2011-2016 which describes the industry sector as the “region’s (Western Visayas) engine of economic growth.”

Although Iloilo thrives in the service sector, NEDA 6 said in recent media reports that the place needs to have more industries.

And while Iloilo already has a number of thriving industries, NEDA 6 Assistant Regional Director lawyer Raul Anlocutan said that it needs to have more industries that would be at par with other capital areas in the country like Manila and Cebu.

Based on the RDP 2011-2016, Iloilo has identified agriculture, livestock, fishery, tourism, business process outsourcing, mining, and agribusiness as its priority investment areas towards a competitive industry sector. Anlocutan said agriculture and tourism are key growth industries.

Talking of mining, Iloilo possesses potential deposits of at least 8 valuable mineralas.Its bamboo industry has strong export potentials with existing markets in North America, Europe, Mddle East and Asia. It has target markets in the European countries, Mexico, and Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.

Along with the challenge from NEDA 6 are the development strategies it helped put in the RDP as prerequisites to identify and develop the industrial growth areas.

These include attracting and managing foreign direct investments (FDIs), strengthening government programs that focus on the development of micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs), financing, improving port operations, encouraging and supporting the exploration of mineral resources and promoting environmentally sound mining practices, promoting industries with export potentials, and instituting an enabling environment that will mainstream disaster risk reduction and climate change adaptation measures in the industry sector.

It was pointed out in the regional plan that while local investors have been encouraged to take advantage of the region’s resources and potentials, the region including Iloilo is now ready to accept the fact that FDIs can very quickly help boost the local economy with the infusion of foreign capital.

And for these industries to be beneficial to communities, it was also stressed that these should lead to more employment and help improve the living conditions of the people, which is the ultimate goal of the government’s development agenda anchored on inclusive growth. (JCM/JSCPIA6)

2

WESTERN VISAYAS

PNP taps trike drivers in tourism drive

By Venus G. Villanueva

WV RDC Chair and Capiz Gov. Victor A. Tanco

KALIBO, Aklan, Jan 30 (PIA6) -- Tricycle drivers in Kalibo are being urged to be effective partners in the town’s drive to push its local tourism industry.

T

he appeal to be partners for Kalibo’s progressive tourism industry was issued here by Benny Jones Mendoza, Traffic PNCO of Kalibo Police Station during the several batches of orientation/seminar for tricycle drivers who are applying or renewing their Motorized Tricycle Operators Permit (MTOPs) conducted this month at the municipal hall.

Mendoza explained that tricycles are a unique mode of transportation, unlike in other places where taxis are used.

Because of this, tourists are interested to ride tricycles, so he appealed to drivers not to overcharge their fares.

Mendoza said not overcharging is one way of helping the local government unit to have more visitors, both foreign and domestic.

He also urged tricycle drivers to inform tourists of Kalibo’s various tourism spots and points of interest like the Museo it Aklan, Bakhawan Eco Park, Tigayon Hill, Aklan Freedom Shrine, Kalibo Cathedral, hotel accommodations, and others.

Mendoza also urged the drivers to have their tricycles painted and to change their blazers when already old or worn out in order to be both presentable to passengers.

Just a week ago, residents of Kalibo celebrated their world-famous Kalibo Sto. Niño Ati-atihan Festival attended by thousands of devotees, revelers, foreign and domestic visitors, which is dubbed as the “Mother of All Philippine Festivals”. (JCM/VGV-PIA6 Aklan)

Reproductive health package for female soldiers, employees up

By Margie L. Gadian SAN JOSE, Antique, Jan 30 (PIA6) -- In order to ensure a free exercise of maternal rights and the protection of women and their well being without prejudice to their career development program, the Philippine Army provided a reproductive health program for its personnel consisting of comprehensive health information, education, examination, and prevention.

S

ixty-two lady soldiers and 30 civilian employees of the 3rd Infantry Division from Western Visayas will benefit from the Comprehensive Reproductive Health Program that includes: 1) Maternal Care to include pre- and post-natal services, 2) prevention and management of reproductive tract infections, 3) responsible, ethical, legal, safe and effective methods of family planning, 4) education and counseling on sexuality and sexual and reproductive health, 5) prevention and management of reproductive tract cancers and other gynecological conditions and

disorders, 6) promotion of healthy lifestyle activities as one of the strategies to prevent related diseases.

As part of this program, the 3rd ID through the Camp Peralta Station Hospital launched, "Human Papiloma Virus (HPV) Awareness and Screening Program" recently.

Other programs such as Pap smear test, anti-cervical cancer vaccination, breast cancer awareness, and screening were initiated last year.

In his message, MGen Jose Z. Mabanta Jr., commanding general of the 3rd ID, recognized

the role of all female soldiers and civilian employees in the implementation of its peace campaign in the region. "They have worked hard and gave their best foot forward, thus it is just proper to give due attention to their health."

Mabanta further said, "Under those Army uniforms, a lady soldier will always be a lady, a sister, and a mother to her family. In order for her to help other people, she must first be able to say that her and her family's health is okay”.

(DPAO-PIA6, Antique)

DepEd 6 early registration targets OSYs, IPs, street children

By Leonard T. Pineda I ILOILO CITY, Jan 29 (PIA) -- The Department of Education (DepEd 6) Regional Office is targeting out-of-school youths (OSYs), members of indigenous groups and street children to enlist in the ongoing early registration of learners which started January 26.

I

n a radio interview, Dep-Ed 6 Regional Director Dr. Mildred Garay said that the target program beneficiaries will be provided with their preferred education delivery system.

This is part of the initiative to boost universal participation and completion of basic education in line with the achievement of the Millennium Development Goals (MDG) and the objective of Education for All (EFA).

“This year, we have expanded our coverage for early registration to include the out-of-school children, out-of-school youths, indigenous peoples and street children for them to be enrolled, either through the alternative delivery mode (ADM), or the alternative learning system (ALS),” said Garay.

Garay said that mobile teachers in the ALS program are actively finding these

school-age children in the different communities in order to bring them back to the classroom.

She also asked the support of the media to help disseminate this advocacy.

Meanwhile, Regional ALS Focal Person Ms. Gemma Mondragon said that ALS, as a free education program, benefits those who cannot afford formal schooling and follows whatever is their available schedule.

“The program is a module-based learning system so it provides a viable alternative to the existing formal education instruction,” said Mondragon.

Mondragon said that learners in the ALS program who have acquired the necessary competencies can take the accreditation and equivalency (A & E) test. This is a certification of learning for OSYs and adults aged 11 years

old and above for elementary and 15 years old and above in secondary who are unable to go to or have dropped out of the formal school.

She added that the Accreditation and Equivalency program has inspired adult learners to go back to school.

“The beauty of A & E is that the certificate given to these learners is signed by the Secretary of the Department of Education as compared to the regular school diploma which is only signed by the respective school administrators,” Mondragon added.

DepEd 6 is implementing the ALS Program in coordination with the division offices, local government units (LGUs), local school administrators, and the barangay officials. (JCM/LTP-PIA6 ILOILO)

WESTERN VISAYAS

3

BIR Capiz posts 18.53% hike in 2012 collections WV RDC Chair and Capiz Gov. Victor A. Tanco

By Jemin B. Guillermo

ROXAS CITY, Capiz, Jan 29 (PIA6) -- The economic activity in Capiz has been growing, says the Bureau of Internal Revenue.

T

his after the Revenue District Office No. 72 in Capiz was able to surpass its collection goal last year and had an 18.53 percent increase in its revenue collection in 2012 compared to its collection in 2011, BIR head Gil Tabanda explained.

He said that as of December last year, BIR Capiz collection reached more than P701.5 million which is higher by more than P109.6 million based on the collection in 2011 which was only recorded at P591.8 million.

Tabanda said that the 18.53 percent collection increase signifies the positive economic growth of the province.

He also stressed that their collection goal last year was set at P698.3 million, however, a P3.1-million (or 0.46 percent) collection hike was noted.

“The positive revenue collection was due to the vibrant economic activity plus the cooperation of the taxpayers in the province as well as the intensified tax efforts of the BIR employees here,” Tabanda said.

He said that this year is again a challenging one for them to reach their revenue collection goal which is 18 percent higher than its goal last year or about P828-million.

Included in its programs and measures to attain said target and sustain the collection growth are the conduct of monitoring of top 20,000 private corporations and 5,000 individual taxpayers, initiate exclusions or inclusions for top taxpayers as well as adoption of a taxpayer approach such as the conduct of dialogues and intensified tax information and education campaign.

Tabanda said that other priority programs of their office are the Oplan Kandado, delinquent account management and Run After Tax Evaders (RATE) program.

In addition, they will also focus on improving the integrity, professionalism, competency and satisfaction of its human resources through various programs, namely On Time: BIR Time, employee learning development program, people wellness program and recognition and awards system, he said.

“All these programs are geared towards reaching and even surpassing our collection as well as improving the delivery of our services for public or clients’ satisfaction,” Tabanda stressed. (JCM/JBG/PIA6-Capiz)

Tribu Panayanon, Salakayan emerge Dinagyang 2013 champs

By Lilibeth A. French ILOILO CITY, Jan 28 (PIA6) - - Tribu Panayanon of Iloilo City National High School and Tribu Salakayan of the municipality of Miag-ao emerged as champions in the Ati-Competition and the Kasadyahan Regional Cultural Competition of the recently concluded Dinagyang Festival 2013.

P

anayanon whose performance was highlighted by a big “bakunawa” or a dragon prop, was one of the three tribes which earned an enthusiastic applause from the crowd of foreign dignitaries and guests, local officials, balikbayans, and Ilonggos during the competition at the Freedom Grandstand judging area on Sunday, January 27.

Ten tribes from the different schools and barangays in this city participated in this year's Dinagyang Festival Ati-competition.

Tribu Panayanon also got the following special and minor awards: best in discipline, best in over-all performance, best in headdress, best in choreographer, best in choreography and best in performance.

Next to Panayanon, are Tribu Ilonganon of Jalandoni Memorial National High School, 1st runner up; Tribu Salognon of Jaro

National High School, 2nd runner-up; Tribu Milagrosa of Zarraga National High School 3rd runner-up; and Tribu Atub-Atub, 4th runner-up.

Ilonganon and Salognon’s performances were likewise well applauded by the audience.

On the other hand, Tribu Salakayan of the municipality of Miag-ao successfully defended its championship crown after besting 11 other participating schools and local government units in the region during the Kasadyahan Regional Cultural Competition on Saturday, June 26.

It also won minor awards such as best choreographer, best in choreography, and best in performance.

Tribu Kaing of the municipality of Leon, Iloilo placed first runner-up; Tribu Bayluhay of San Joaquin, Iloilo, second runner-up;

Tribu Padagyaw of Dumarao, Capiz, third runner-up; and Tribu Mandaragat of San Jose, Antique, fourth runner-up.

As champions, Tribu Panayanon won a P175,000 cash and trophy while Tribu Salakayan took home P150,000.

However, Panayanon went home an additional P50,000 from Puerto Princesa Mayor Edward Hagedorn and P20, 000 from Las Pinas Congresswoman Cynthia Villar.

Both tribes will represent Iloilo in the Aliwan Festival this April in Manila.

Dinagyang Festival is now included in the list of Aliwan grandslam winners after it won the competition in 2010, 2011 and 2012.

The Ati competition showcased the culture and talents of Ilonggos rooted from their devotion to Sr. Sto. Nino, the center of the annual festivities. (JCM/LAF/PIA6)

Woman bags Most Outstanding Farmer award

By Carolina A. Dionela SILAY CITY, Negros Occidental, Jan 30 (PIA6) -- A woman is the best farmer in Region 6. Rosario Villarenia, a mother of six from Brgy. Patag, Silay City, recently received a plaque of recognition as the Most Outstanding High-Value Commercial Crops Farmer in Region 6, a press statement from Silay City said.

V

illarenia received the plaque at the Gawad Saka Awarding Ceremony and DA-RFU 6 Year End Assessment at Sarabia Manor Hotel and Convention Center in Iloilo City from Larry Nacionales, Agriculture executive director in Region 6. She was considered a model to her children and other farmers

because of her hard work and initiative in using the 2.60-hectare lot awarded to her through the Kilusang Kabuhayan at Kaunlaran project in 1990 and practicing the Integrated Farming Technology and adopting the organic farming system.

Four of her children have completed college.

She also received a trophy and a plaque of recognition for High Value-Crop Farming during the Panaad sa Negros 2012.

Silay City Assistant Agriculturist Jason Benedicto and the Silay DA staff accompanied Villarenia to Iloilo.*(Silay City/CD/JCM-PIA6)

4

CENTRAL VISAYAS

Bohol guv pushes Loon as cruise ship port

Central Visayas RDC Chair and Cebu City Mayor Michael Rama

By Rey Anthony H. Chiu

TAGBILARAN CITY, Bohol, Jan 29 (PIA) -- Bohol Governor Edgar Chatto pushed anew the implementation of the phase II of the Catagbacan Cruise Ship Port in Loon town in order to further preposition Bohol in the international tourism map.

I

n the weekly media interaction at the Capitol dubbed ‘Kita ug ang Gobernador,’ Chatto said there is a need to complete the Catagbacan Port as the Tagbilaran City Port is too congested preventing international cruise ships fro staying in Bohol for long.

The governor cited the international cruise ship MV Minerva from Swan Hellenic Cruises which docked at the Tagbilaran City Port but only for less than a day due to port congestion.

MV Minerva docked in Bohol for the company’s 21-stop destinations which embarked from Singapore January 3 and returns to Singapore, February 12.

The cruise ship also docked in Cirebon, Semarang, Bali, Lombok, Komodo Island, Ujung-Andang, Pare-Pare, Sandakan, Sabah Indonesia before stopping in Bohol.

But owing to the problem of a severely congested port in Tagbilaran City, the cruise ship had to pull anchors in less than a day visit here and proceeded to Manila.

Because of this, the governor pointed out the need to push for and re-start for the completion and full operation of the Bohol Cruise Ship Port in Catagbacan, Loon.

Chatto said that during his time as congressman, he prioritized the development of the Catagbacan Port in Loon as a cruise ship port owing to its natural harbors, sheltered by islets and its potential to billow the sail of tourism in Northern Bohol and the province in general.

Chatto used the Districts Priority Development Assistance Fund to fund the phase 1 of the implementation of the cruise ship port.

For his part, succeeding congressman Rene Relampagos also put in PDAF funds for the improvement of the port access to the highway.

Chatto said the implementation of the project’s phase 2 is now in the hands of the Philippine Ports Authority (PPA).

Meanwhile, PPA information officer and architect Epelito Ararao, in a phone interview explained that the PPA Central Office is currently

studying the move to implement the second phase of the project.

Ararao said the second phase of the project involves a berthing space extension of 50 to 100 meters, adding that most cruise ships are much longer than the currently available 80 meters.

He also said that while the harbor pilots have determined that the Catagbacan harbors are deep, the channels leading to it and the areas necessary for the cruise ships to maneuver need dredging operations, which also comprises the phase 2 of the project To date, the PPA, which allocates corporate funds for the project have not informed them of any development but PPA hinted that political pressure as well as possible leverage funds from local congressional sources may facilitate the quick implementation of the project. (FCR/RAHC -PIA 7, Bohol)

DENR-7 allots P136-M for NGP seedlings

By Hazel F. Gloria CEBU CITY, Jan 29 (PIA) -- The Department of Environment and Natural Resources - Region 7 (DENR-7) has put aside P136.566 million for the production of 12.9 million seedlings of various native and endemic species this year for the national greening program (NGP) in Central Visayas.

D

r. Isabelo Montejo, DENR-7 regional executive director, said this is to meet DENR 7’s target of reforesting 24,461 hectares of identified forest land and NGP sites in the four provinces here in the region.

As indicated in the approved physical and financial plan (PFP) for 2013 released by the Planning Management Division (PMD), Cebu province will have to turn out of approximately 5.005 million seedlings to reforest 9,642 hectares; Bohol to produce 3.302 million seedlings for 5,142 hectares; Negros Oriental to generate 4.566 million seedlings to cover 9,142 hectares; and Siquijor with 37,000 seedlings for 185 hectares of forest lands.

Montejo expressed confidence that it would be able to muster the needed social mobilization efforts to surpass its record in 2012 with a target higher by 230 percent than last year.

“With around 111 functional and efficient nurseries established and operating in the region, we are positive that we would be able to accomplish with the cooperation and assistance by our well-meaning partners and other stakeholders,” Montejo added.

Consistent with President Aquino’s Philippine Development Plan (PDP) to guarantee environmental protection and conservation, Montejo directed all provincial and community environment and natural resources officers to generation seedlings as

early as January this year so that planting and growing could begin during rainy season.

Montejo was assured that DENR 7 has the facilities and technical capabilities to ensure the production of high quality native seedlings as the country has 3,600 species of trees.

To be planted and cared for are endemic and native species in the Philippines like, guijo or Shorea guiso, kamagong or Diospyrus discolor, red lauan or Shorea negrosensis, and white lauan or Shorea contorta, tindalo or Afzelia rhomboidea, yakal or Shorea astylosa, molave or Vitex parviflora, among others. (rmn/HFG-PIA7/ DENR7)

Siquijor has over P16-M disaster fund for 2013

By Rizalie A. Calibo SIQUIJOR, Jan 30 (PIA) -- Over P16 million in disaster fund is allocated this year for the province of Siquijor. n a Provincial Disaster Risk debriefing seminar, firefighting, and mass families and P10,782,926.30 for the Reduction Council (PDRRMC) casualty/incident training. rehabilitation and reconstruction projects meeting recently, executive officer Also included in the 70 percent of infrastructure and facilities that were Arturo Pacatang said 30 percent or budget is the operation and maintenance also damaged by the typhoon.

P4,809,340.35 of total is for quick of disaster management center and rescue “I hope everybody is satisfied with response activities while the 70 percent or boats and procurement of supplies and what we are doing,” Pacatang said to all P11,221,794.15 is for disaster other facilities.

PDRRMC members as he asked for preparedness mitigation.

Pacatang also reported a balance of continued support in all the provincial These include trainings on Water P15,404,180.43 from the 2011 and 2012 government’s endeavors (mbcn/RAC-PIA Search and Rescue (WaSAR), mountain budget, P4,621,254.13 of which were used 7, Siquijor) search and rescue (MoSAR), stress for cash assistance to typhoon Pablo-hit

I

CENTRAL VISAYAS

Central Visayas RDC Chair and Cebu City Mayor Michael Rama

5

Bohol peace council to implement system to account for loose guns

By Rey Anthony H. Chiu

DUMAGUETE CITY, Jan 29 (PIA) -- Bohol Peace Council is set to explore ways to implement a localized system of accounting for loose guns. he aim is to curb criminality and people to finally turn over loose firearms, Owing to the danger of keeping these keep residents safe. many of which are reportedly end up in firearms, PPOC members sought ways to In an out-of-town meeting in the streets and in the hands of criminals. make surrendering these firearms more Clarin town on January 21, the Provincial The issue surfaced as council enticing. Members of the PPOC said that Peace and Order Council (PPOC) members sought ways to account for in the absence of a national allocation set approved a resolution tasking a special firearms that are now in the hands of for surrendered firearms, the local committee to study ways of implementing people who want to surrender the government could put up a local allocation a localized “Balik Baril” program. weapons to the government. to support the cash rewards.

The motion came just as the PPOC Police authorities said that guns in the But this has to be studied in relation agreed that a localized program for hands of these people could be to the national government’s firearms firearms not covered by the National incriminating evidence and could be used amnesty program, members said. (RAHCIntegration Program could help motivate in illegal possession charges against them. PIA 7, Bohol)

T

Visayan Forum welcomes new Kasambahay Law

By Jennifer C. Tilos DUMAGUETE CITY, Jan 26 (PIA) -- The signing into law of the Kasambahay Bill by President Benigno S. Aquino III last week was hailed by the Visayan Forum Foundation Incorporated (VFFI) in Negros Oriental.

A

s part of the measures to achieve inclusive growth in the country, VFI Visayas Coordinato r Romualdo Seneres II said this landmark legislation dubbed Domestic Workers’ Act or Republic Act 10361 will protect the rights and welfare of the domestic helpers.

Batas Kasambahay requires both employer and the domestic worker to execute a contract of employment, thereby effectively protecting both parties. It not only sets the minimum wage of a domestic worker, it also ensures that they are duly registered by their employers in social benefit systems such as SSS, Pag-Ibig, and PhilHealth.

Seneres said the law also protects the right of a domestic worker to access educational opportunities.

Further, the law enjoins the Regional Tripartite Wages and Productivity Boards to

adjust the minimum wage rates accordingly, after the Law’s first year of effectivity.

Visayan Forum is known for its more than 20 years of innovative work to end modern – day slavery.

Despite the crisis that the organization is embroiled in, the organization has not abandoned its commitment to policies that promote decent rights for domestic workers, and anti-human trafficking.

“We are elated at the news and excited at what this can translate into for the millions of Domestic Workers in the country” said Ma. Cecilia Flores-Oebanda, President of VFFI. The Foundation is the leading organization that pioneered campaigns in the country for the rights of domestic workers, hand in hand with the Samahan at Ugnayan ng mga Manggagawang Pantahanan sa Pilipinas (SUMAPI) and other partners, said Oebanda.

“This is a victory for all domestic workers, and we congratulate them as much as we encourage them to know the law because only then can the law serve its purpose – to protect and promote the welfare of domestic workers," she added.

Apart from debt bondage, the law also declares some acts as unlawful especially those that take advantage of a domestic workers’ vulnerability, promote harsh conditions of work, and interferes with the worker’s right to his or her wage.

“We thank the President for signing Batas Kasambahay, the Vice-President for his staunch support, the Senators Jingoy Estrada and Loren Legarda, and Congressmen Jack Enrile and Emil Ong, who have joined our cause and passed this law, and all of the organizations and individuals who have contributed to this victory," said Oebanda. (FCR/JCT/PIA-Negros

PIA-7 orients workers on excellence awards

By Rey Anthony H. Chiu DUMAGUETE CITY, Jan 29 (PIA) – Philippine Information Agency (PIA) Regional Director in Central Visayas Minerva Newman recently oriented PIA 7 employees and staff about the government’s incentive program for well-performing workers. The orientation was done during the PIA 7 Management and Staff Conference Work and Financial Plan Workshop at the Plaza Maria Luisa in Dumaguete City, Negros Oriental.

N

ewman said she hopes the PIA in the region can submit and nominate exemplary performance among its information centers as a way of further showcasing the best practices and innovations in good governance as a team and as individuals.

Presenting the Program on Awards and Incentives for Service Excellence (PRAISE) of the Civil Service Commission (CSC) as well as the PIA Incentive Programs to the PIA rank and file, Newman pointed out that numerous PIA programs in the region could be nominated owing to their program implementation innovations.

The CSC PRAISE and Honor awards program, which includes an award for outstanding work performance and award for exemplary conduct and ethical behavior is the premier government award for excellent work and performance.

Meanwhile, PIA has also its version of an in-agency award set up for the same purpose, Newman explained.

She pointed out that PIA 7 provincial offices each have their possible programs up for nomination, even as she assured the regional office would immediately endorse such nominations if the provincial offices submit these for evaluation.

Among the programs she cited are the Bohol Information Center’s Cultural Empowerment through Community Theater Development and its Leadership Enhancement Training Seminar (LETS) Workshops, Negros Oriental’s Voter’s Education and Cebu Information Center’s I-Cebu electronic magazine.

The CSC awards carry with it prestigious workers citations and cash award, while the PIA hands out similar packages to further motivate its employees to do government a better service. (FCR/RAHC/PIA Bohol)

6

EASTERN VISAYAS

DPWH NSSDEO completes 221 projects in 2012 Eastern Visayas RDC Chair and DOE Secretary Carlos Jericho Petilla

By Ailene N. Diaz

CATARMAN, Northern Samar, Jan 29 (PIA) -- The Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) Northern Samar Second District Engineering Office (NSSDEO) reported that it has completed 221 infrastructure projects by the end of 2012. ngineer Ferdinand Briones, OIC control in Lao-ang Northern Samar; repair arterial roads by the end of 2016, the district engineer, said data from and upgrading of farm-to-market road at DPWH NSSDEO prioritized the the monitoring unit revealed that Brgy. Paysud-Cabariwan-Sangay section, concreting of the Palapag-Mapanas-Gamay as of December 31, 2012, NSSDEO Palapag, Northern Samar; repair and -Lapinig-San Policarpo, Arteche Boundary carried out 223 infrastructure projects in resurfacing of farm-to-market road in road otherwise known as the Northern several categories, completed 221 with Brgy. Bag-ot-Cabarasan section (with Samar Circumferential Highway. one already 99.33 percent complete. exception), Gamay, Northern Samar; This road section links the four pacific Some of the major public works repair/restoration of Dale River Control, towns of Palapag, Mapanas, Gamay and completed in 2012 were the following: San Roque and rehabilitation and Lapinig to the mainland province via the Construction of double barrel box culvert concreting of unpaved portion of Palapag-Simora road and connects along Catarman (Boundary) Rawis road, Catubig-Las Navas road section, Las Northern Samar to the neighboring Bantayan-San Roque section in San Roque, Navas, Northern Samar. province of Eastern Samar. (PIA-Northern Northern Samar; construction and In line with the goal of the Samar) rehabilitation of Brgy. La Perla river department to concrete-pave all national

E

St. Bernard shares DRR best practices at int’l forum

By Rebecca S. Cadavos SOUTHERN LEYTE, Jan 28 (PIA) -- Approximately 100 delegates including the International Recovery Platform (IRP) community of practitioners, experts, professionals, national and local government officials, and the academe attended the International Recovery Forum held in Kobe, Japan, January 20-23.

S

t. Bernard Mayor Rico Rentuza of Southern Leyte was one of the panelists and speakers and shared his local government’s best practices on disaster risk reduction and recovery.

The annual event served as a venue to explore specific measures to address gaps in the recovery practices and identify resources to the said problem, St. Bernard Municipal Disaster Risk Reduction Management Council Public Information Officer Rosalinda Jane Araneta said in a press statement.

Araneta disclosed that, “Mayor Rentuza presented the inputs which focused on the major role of government especially as policy-maker in risk reduction and recovery.” During the session, significant policies and tools were dealt

with effectively as there is a continuing intensification of patterns of risk in both urban and rural environments, she said.

The local governments are the closest institutional level to the citizens and to their communities, which play the first role in responding to crises and in attending to the needs of their constituents, more importantly on the planning and implementing the disaster risk reduction management and recovery projects down to the grassroots, the source added.

Araneta said that along St. Bernard’s inputs on its experience from the tragedy, the Japan forum also drew on recent experiences of the local governments, including the Great East Japan Earthquake.

The said forum also aimed at guiding other local governments on integrating DRR into pre-and- post-disaster recovery planning as well as rural and urban planning.

Araneta reported that the output-document will be shared globally through IRP partners on DRR in Geneva on May 2013 for the 2015 Global Framework.

The Japan forum was jointly organized and sponsored by the International Recovery Platform, the Cabinet Office of Japan, Asian Disaster Reduction Center, United Nations International Strategy for Disaster Reduction and JICA, among others, Araneta said. (PIA-Southern Leyte)

Farmers to get cash incentive for planting coco CATBALOGAN CITY, Samar, Jan 30 (PIA)--The Philippine Coconut Authority (PCA) Samar encouraged the coconut farmers for a massive replanting program to revive the coconut industry in the province by giving incentives to them for supporting the Republic Act 8048 or Coconut Preservation Act.

D

uring the first Paranas Municipal Peace and Order Council (MPOC) meeting, Paranas Coconut Development officer Nita Babalcon announced the available seed nuts and incentives for the coconut farmers who are willing to plant. According to Babalcon, PCA will

give 40 pesos incentives for every seed nut planted.

“To increase areas devoted to coconut farming, PCA allocated 180 hectares for Paranas and Hinabangan, for Participatory Coconut Planting Program (PCPP), ” Babalcon said.

“This aims to boost coconut harvest up to the level of its potential,” Babalcon

added. The planting project reduces the tedious process of nursery operation, and the transport of seedlings to the planting site, among others, thereby reducing costs.

Coconut development officers are tasked to extend technical assistance to farmers. (PIA-Samar with Avha H. Ebalde)

EASTERN VISAYAS

Eastern Visayas RDC Chair and DOE Secretary Carlos Jericho Petilla

7

Paralympics cum skills competition for EV PWDs slated Feb 6-9

By Leonilo D. Lopido

TACLOBAN CITY, Leyte, Jan 26 (PIA) -- More than a hundred persons with disabilities (PDWs) region-wide will join the Regional Paralympics in Eastern Visayas on February 6-9, in Maasin City, the host of the event.

T

his was disclosed by Mr. Ben Calzado, focal person for PWDs of the Department of Social Welfare and Development during the Suruswerte ha PIA last Jan. 25.

Mr. Calzado said among the sports and skills that these PWDs will be competing in include athletics, water sports, indoor games, painting, billboard making, and jewelry making.

Calzado said that all the six provinces and seven cities were invited to participate in the competition to give the PWDs, who are skilled and sports enthusiasts, the opportunities to show

their abilities where they excel even more than the abled person.

This event was scheduled last year but due to bad weather conditions during the last quarter, it was rescheduled.

The Regional Paralympic games is in preparation for the national competition on February 26-29, which will be held in Tagaytay, he said.

“Gold medalists in both the regional and national competitions will be participating in the International Paralympic Games in Myanmar on March 23-29,” Calzado further said. Meanwhile, Calzado emphasized that the public should

be aware that PWDs are not merely beneficiaries of the programs of the government but are partners in development.

Calzado thanked the cities, provinces and those LGUs who supported these endeavors as he noted that most of the local social welfare offices in Eastern Visayas gave time to PWDs. He also said that every government agency engaged in social development including LGUs should set aside one percent of their total budget for PWDs and senior citizens as mandated in the Government Appropriations Act. (PIA-8)

DOH rewards ESamar P1-M for successful campaign vs. filariasis

By Alicia E. Nicart BORONGAN CITY, Eastern Samar, Jan 26 (PIA) -- The Department of Health released P1 million to the Provincial Health Office (PHO) here in appreciation of a job well-done in eliminating Filariasis in the province.

T

he awarding was held January 24 at the Provincial Gym during the declaration of Eastern Samar as a Filaria-free province.

Dr. Irma Labro Asuncion, Director of Center for Disease Prevention and Control, handed the check to Provincial Health Officer, Dr. Marian Isiderio and Mr. Berlindo Morallos, the Executive Assistant of Governor Conrado B. Nicart, Jr. Asuncion congratulated the health workers and local government officials of

Eastern Samar for working together that resulted in the successful campaign for “Waray Tukob” strategy. Such campaign is attributed to the elimination of the Filaria.

According to her, DOH is pleased that the province is doing its share in the government’s move to achieve the health objective of the Millennium Development Goals (MDG) for a disease free nation, the country’s commitment to reach by end of 2015.

She stressed that Filariasis is transmitted through mosquito bites, such

that she urged the health workers and local folks to sustain the campaign, by always reminding people to avoid mosquito bites.

Eastern Samar is the 12th province in the country to have been declared Filaria-free and the 3rd in the region. The first was Southern Leyte in 2008 and then Biliran in 2010.

Eastern Samar was declared filaria-free after the Regional DOH held a validation test in May of 2012.

(PIA-Eastern Samar)

Pre-construction conference ushers Lokilokon-San Jose de Buan road rehab

By Ninfa Iluminda B. Quirante CATBALOGAN CITY, Samar, Jan 29 (PIA) -- Some members of the Samar Provincial Peace and Order Council (PPOC) met with the contractors of the 31- kilometer stretch of Lokilokon-San Jose de Buan road network to ensure that the road project will continue unhampered.

T

he project worth P100 million will be undertaken by the Samar provincial government through its provincial engineering department.

The poor state of the road has reached the ears of the Office of the Presidential Adviser on the Peace Process (OPAPP) and has been funded through the Payapa at Masaganang Pamayanan (PAMANA) proram.

The road leads to the barangays of Samar towns Paranas, Motiong and San Jose de Buan.

“These are very productive barangays that give Samarnons rice, corn, rootcrops and abaca, the road will lighten their load in transporting these crops to the market,” Emy Bonifacio of Pamana said.

An army officer said the dirt road suffering from poor maintenance is

sometimes not passable during heavy rains.

The proposed rehabilitation will make the road tougher and discourage insurgents, said an army officer.

The PPOC members were set to conduct a site inspection and validation of the project. (PIA-Samar)

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

One Visayas e‐newsletter is part of the online news and information dissemination services of PIA and is powered by www.issuu.com. For inquiries and suggestions, call Tel. Nos. (033) 3378718/3377301 or e‐mail piaamo6@yahoo.com.

Ms. Minerva BC Newman Regional Director, PIA 7

Editorial Consultants Atty. Ma. Janet C. Mesa, Ph. D. Regional Director, PIA6

Ms. Erlinda Olivia P. Tiu Regional Director, PIA8

Managing Editor Jaime S. Cabag, Jr. Contributors All PIA Information Officers of Regions 6, 7 & 8 Production and Layout Edson J. Bañares Lynnor C. Regalado Regional Offices:

PIA 6, 2/F RC Building, Rizal St., Iloilo City, Iloilo 5000, Tel. Nos. (033) 337-8719/3377301/509-0993, Fax No. (033) 337-8719/509-0993, e-mail: r6_pia@yahoo.com/ piaamo6@yahoo.com PIA 7, Room 304, 3/F Machay Bldg., Garardo Avenue, Cebu City, Cebu 6000, Telefax No. (032) 232-4062/232-4126, e-mail: pia7_cebu@yahoo.com.ph/r7_pia@yahoo.com PIA 8, Children’s Park Compound, Sen. Enage St., Tacloban City, Leyte 6500, Tel. No. (053) 325-5124, Telefax No. (053) 321-2029, e-mail: pia_ev@yahoo.com/r8_pia@yahoo.com