One Visayas e-Newsletter Vol 3 Issue 50

Vol 3

Issue 50

In this Issue WESTERN VISAYAS

Hinigaran town Association of Barangay Captains President Oscar Yulo represents the town mayor during the signing of the tripartite memorandum of agreement with the Department of Agrarian Reform represented

by Provincial Agrarian Reform Officer II Lucrecia Taberna and the Baga-as Agrarian Reform Beneficiary Association Chair and Baga -as Barangay Captain Lemuel Erecilla on the Community-managed Potable Water Supply, Sanitation and Hygiene project in the barangay. *(EAD-PIA6 photo)

More on Region 6, pages 2-3.

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CENTRAL VISAYAS

Dec. 9 - 15, 2013

Published by: PIA 6, 7 & 8

Myanmar’s Pres. Sein caps state visit to PH in Cebu BY: FAYETTE C. RIÑEN CEBU, Dec. 8 (PIA) – Capping his third and final day of his state visit to the Philippines, President U Thein Sein of the Republic of the Union of Myanmar visited Bantayan Island in Cebu, the most battered in the province by super storm Yolanda.

Pres. Sein, accompanied by Cebu Gov. Hilario “Junjun” Davide III and Agriculture Sec. Proceso Alcala, was received Dec. 6 by 4th Dist. Cebu Rep. Benhur Salimbangon and the three town mayors of the island comprised of Sta. Fe, Madridejos and Bantayan Proper.

It was the first time in history that a President has visited the island as the three municipal mayors took turns in thanking Sein for his personal visit but also took the opportunity to seek for help in their plight.

Sta. Fe Mayor Jose Esgana, Bantayan Mayor Christopher Escario and Madridejos Mayor Salvador dela Fuente also told Pres. Sein about the devastating effects of the typhoon in their respective municipalities.

In the 4th District of Cebu composed of eight towns which included the three towns of Bantayan Island and Bogo City, “there were 71 recorded deaths and 15 missing,” declared Rep. Salimbangon.

“We were lucky because when the storm hit Bantayan Island and Daan Bantayan, it was low tide,” said Salimbangon or else more casualties might have been recorded like in Tacloban City due to the storm surge which happened during high tide.

In response, Pres. Sein told over 60 local officials and some guests during the short program under a makeshift big tent within the Sta. Fe airstrip that he was seriously considering postponing his visit after the Yolanda tragedy. “ Pres. Aquino extended his invitation for me to visit the Philippines before the typhoon,” said Sein who has thought of postponing his visit. “But because I wanted to take time to personally show our solidarity when people of this island is going through a difficult time,” this prompted him to go through with his state visit.

The Myanmar President said a medical team including government and civilian doctors would be deployed to

Bantayan Island to provide necessary medical assistance while relief goods are also ready for transport to be given to typhoon victims of the island.

As reported, Myanmar donated a total of two tons of relief goods, medicines and medical equipment with an estimated worth of P624,000 for typhoon victims in northern Cebu.

“I firmly believe the resilience and spirit of the Filipino people would be able to make you stand back on your feet in such a short period of time,” added Sein.

President Sein also expressed appreciation to the Philippine Government for making the necessary arrangements in making it possible for him to visit Bantayan Island.

From Bantayan Island, Pres. Sein and party flew back to the Mactan International Airport where he took a special flight back to Myanmar along with his official delegation. (mbcn/PIA 7)

Myanmar Pres. U Thein Sein (right w/ cap) was the first foreign head of state to set foot in Bantayan Island. He made history on Dec. 6 when he capped his state visit in the Philippines by visiting the storm -ravaged island off the coast of northern Cebu. The special charter flight of Thein Sein that landed at Mactan Cebu International Airport Friday carried two tons of relief goods, 143 assorted medicines, and medical equipment worth 14 million Kyats or P624,000. (vvv/PIA Cebu)

UN agencies, int’l partners hail post-Yolanda improvement in Leyte DepEd together with the Saceda Youth Lead (SYL) recently bestowed the 2013 Most Inspiring Teachers in the Philippines award to teachers who became a source of inspiration and motivation to their students in becoming better citizens of the country. The awarding ceremony was held Dec. 6, at the SYL Center at Brgy. Candau-ay, Dumaguete City. (RAL/ PIA7-NEGOR)

More on Region 7, pages 4-5.

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EASTERN VISAYAS

Australian Minister for Foreign Affairs Julie Bishop (right) said that an additional $10 million was provided to the Australia’ humanitarian response in the Philippines which brings Australia’s total contribution to $40-M during her speech at the Australian Aid medical clinic at San Jose, Tacloban City, Dec. 8. One of the purposes of Bishop's visit in the Philippines was to assess the damage caused

by Typhoon Yolanda. (Raul S. Tiozon/PIA8)

More on Region 8, pages 6-7.

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BY: ERLINDA OLIVIA P. TIU TACLOBAN CITY, Leyte, Dec. 10 (PIA) – United Nations (UN) agencies and their international humanitarian partners hailed the great improvement in Leyte a month after typhoon “Yolanda” struck and hitting hardest this capital city.

A press conference dubbed as “1 Month on from Typhoon Haiyan” conducted on December 6 at the United Nations Operations Center at the Leyte Sports Center and spearheaded by the United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs featured the senior representatives from UN agencies and international humanitarian partners who gave updates on humanitarian

response in the aftermath of typhoon Yolanda.

Specifically, the press conference presented to the media the progress so far, the priorities for the weeks and months ahead.

The representatives of the foreign humanitarian agencies and international organization numbering 300 from 23 countries of the world, cited the resilience of the people in the Yolanda-devastated areas in the Region.

The mission of the UN OCHA is to mobilize and coordinate effective and principled humanitarian action in partnership with national and international actors. (PIA 8)

WVisayas needs P12.7-billion for rehab By: Leonard T. Pineda I ILOILO CITY, Dec. 10 (PIA6) --- The National Economic Development Authority (NEDA)-6 has proposed a P12.7-billion rehabilitation and recovery plan for the typhoon Yolanda affected areas in Western Visayas.

NEDA-6 Regional Director Ro-Ann A. Bacal said the proposed rehabilitation plan has already been submitted to the NEDA Central Office and to the NDRRMC (National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council) that will help push for the realization of the programs and projects.

Bacal, however, said they recently received information that the NDRRMC is going to conduct the firming up of Damage and Loss Assessment (DALA) which will become the basis of the post-disaster risk assessment.

“While the generated projects and programs in the rehabilitation plan were taken from the regional line agencies, what the NDRRMC will do is to again go to the evacuation centers and really validate if these interventions are needed,” she said.

She said that this process will be done to ensure that the estimation of the losses that have occurred as a result of typhoon Yolanda is more accurate, the interventions are appropriate, and make certain that there are no exaggerations.

The estimated cost of damage in infrastructure, agriculture, and fisheries in Western Visayas already amounted to more than P9.7-billion, as per the December 8, 2013 report of the Regional Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (RDRRMC).

The NEDA official said the reason the initial draft of the rehab plan was submitted was mainly to give the national government an indicative figure of how much it will need because they are already setting aside some supplemental fund.

The cash-for-work is one priority program in the rehab plan in order to give money to affected families and involved them in the rehabilitation process as part of their healing.

Other priority programs and projects include provision of materials for core shelter; restoration of livelihood opportunities and economic and business activities; rehabilitation of critical infrastructures such as school buildings and health facilities; and restoration and protection of critical environmental resources.

NEDA said that some 37 government agencies will be involved in the implementation of the rehabilitation plan. (JCM/ LTP/PIA-Iloilo)

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WESTERN VISAYAS

Canadian gov’t. helps children cope with Yolanda trauma

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

By Jemin B. Guillermo ROXAS CITY, Capiz, Dec. 10 (PIA6) – Children will be among those that will be given immediate attention by international and local organizations.

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enior Public Affairs Officer Maj. Yves Desbiens of the Canadian Armed Forces Disaster Assistance Response Team (CAF-DART) disclosed that the Canadian Embassy in Manila is finalizing a project that will help children to cope with the trauma brought by supertyphoon Yolanda.

Desbiens said that their government is intending to pursue a project that aims to provide mental health and psychological support to more than 1,000 children.

He said that the psychological first-aid to about 1,250 children beneficiaries will include those from the hardest hit areas by typhoon Yolanda (Haiyan), particularly from the

coastline barangays in Roxas City, namely Barangays Baybay, Cogon, Culasi, Dumolog and Punta Cogon.

Emergency meals or snacks will be given to the children during the psycho-social intervention, Desbiens said, adding that food packs or relief goods will likewise be distributed to the families of the said children.

The child-friendly session area as well as the community kitchen to be utilized for the emergency feeding will be identified by the community themselves, he said.

Desbiens pointed out that the Tabang Capiz and Kilusang Damayan ng Mahihirap (KADAMAY) people’s organizations that have

been traditionally helping the poor and marginalized sectors of women and the urban poor, respectively, were consulted about the project.

According to him, the intended immediate results for the said project include the rapid assessment of child welfare and protection situation in the area concerned, strengthen the healthy coping mechanisms and resilience of children, identify and implement an appropriate psychosocial program for children, and identify the direction for further psychosocial development work for children. (JCM/JBG/PIA6 -Capiz)

NNC reminds health, nutrition workers of after effects of calamity on nutrition By: Elsa S. Subong ILOILO CITY, Dec. 10 (PIA6) – Signs of life returning to normal may be observed in many typhoon-hit areas at this time, but the National Nutrition Council (NNC) here said health and nutrition workers should be on alert.

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he nutrition situation of typhoon victims may have been well because of the relief goods provided them at the evacuation centers or delivered to them in their barangays.

“The problem starts when they return to their homes and find that food, nutritious food, an be scarce.” NNC Regional Coordinator Nona Tad-y said.

She said that at this time, especially in hard-hit areas, food may not be readily available, as those that are supposed to be found in the backyards of people may have

been destroyed.

“Health and nutrition workers should be around to remind parents of what food to choose and prepare so that the nutrients their bodies and that of their families may have lost during the evacuation period can be replenished,” Tad-y said.

Added to this the NNC is also advocating for exclusive breastfeeding in these areas and in mobilizing support groups so that lactating mothers should not give up.

Food handling and preparation should

also be considered as water and sanitation can be the common problems, the NNC chief said.

Tad-y further said that in the event of continuing provision of relief goods, those donating should choose noodles and canned goods withSangkap Pinoy Seal, and may as well include vitamins and minerals supplementation.

“We believe that a healthy and nutritious diet can help in the fast recovery of victims and ensure good health,” Tad-y added. (JSC/ESS-PIA6 Iloilo)

Iloilo City needs more investments to maintain competitiveness By: Leonard T. Pineda I ILOILO CITY, Dec. 10 (PIA6) --- The National Competitiveness Council (NCC) said that Iloilo City needs to attract more businesses and investments in order to maintain local competitiveness.

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n the NCC roadshow held at the Amigo Terrace Hotel recently, NCC private sector co-chairman Guillermo Luz said that generating more investments is important for key cities in the country including Iloilo to achieve sustainability and maintain its competitiveness.

“The effect of attracting more businesses is that the city can create more jobs and it is one way to make the poor rich,” he said.

He said we have to concentrate on creating more jobs because not everyone can become entrepreneurs. Some become workers and some become entrepreneurs.

He also said that better urban planning and risk assessments from national to regional, local, and even household levels have become important factors for maintaining local competitiveness.

“This call for close collaboration between the public and private sectors,” he also said.

He further said that the NCC created the Regional Competitiveness Committees (RCCs) for these serve as efficient venue for knowledge-sharing and capacity building between these sectors.

As per NCC data, Iloilo City is ranked second in over-all competitiveness out of 122 cities in the country.

The city ranked first in government efficiency, eighth in economic dynamism and tenth in infrastructure.

On one hand, a study conducted by the World Wide Fund for Nature (WWF) revealed that Iloilo City generated over P22-billion investments in 2010.

The WWF advised the city to better manage land use, infrastructure, land and sea

access, as well as flooding to attain sustainability and maintain its competitiveness.

Meanwhile, various government agencies and the private sector showed their unity towards the fight against corruption in the celebration of the International Anti-Corruption Day held Monday at the Iloilo Sports Complex here.

Iloilo City Mayor Jed Patrick Mabilog said that strong stakeholders’ participation is always in the frontline of government service in Iloilo City as the culture of excellence is continuously cultivated in public service.

“As public service providers, we strive and practice the true essence of good governance which needs transparency, accountability and rule of law,” he said.

(JCM/LTP/PIA-Iloilo)

WESTERN VISAYAS

Roxas City, Capiz (Photo by PIA Capiz)

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Public-private organizations unite to fight child labor in sugar farms BY: EASTER ANNE D. DOZA

NEGROS OCCIDENTAL, Dec. 11 (PIA6) - - Public and private organizations and agencies take up the fight to reduce child labor in sugarcane farms particularly in this province.

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rivate organizations like World Vision and Sugarcane Industry Foundation Incorporated are working together with government agencies like the Department of Labor and Employment, Department of Education, Department of the Interior and Local Government, Department of Social Welfare and Development and the Province of Negros Occidental for the ABK3 LEAP project.

The Voluntary Code of Conduct for the elimination of child labor in sugarcane areas in Negros Occidental was formally launched at Nature’s Village Resort in Talisay City, which is a major milestone for the sugar industry in the province.

“We are very happy to see the major federations of planters working together with the communities to strengthen the protection of children. It is our hope that, together, we

can implement it in accordance with the spirit of the Code,” ABK3 LEAP Project Director Daphne Culanag said.

Culanag added that the Code of Conduct, while it is voluntary, is significant as it serves as a policy guideline and an advocacy framework for sugar industry stakeholders, government institutions, and communities as a whole to safeguard children’s rights and protect them from child labor.

It outlines the allowable and unallowable work for children 15 to below 18 years old in sugarcane farms, the commitments of stakeholders, as well as the strategies for its implementation.

Themed “Paghili-usa, Pagsa-ulog kag Pagpasidungog Para sa Kabataan”, the event also highlights the Annual Gathering of about 300 trained Child Rights Advocates (CRAs) of SIFI

from 27 barangays in eight ABK3 partner cities/ municipalities in Negros Occidental.

CRAs, composed of committed community volunteers including teachers, barangay workers, parents and youth leaders, are ABK3’s deliverers of its advocacy messages on child rights and child protection through awareness raising activities such as community tipon-tipons or dialogues with parents of ABK3 assisted children in their respective areas.

In recognition of their valuable and strategic role in the community, a poster and slogan making contest was initiated to enjoin the 27 CRA groups in the development of appropriate key messages on child protection.

The entries presented during the event and the winning pieces will be used in ABK3’s awareness raising materials.*(JSC/EAD-PIA6/ ABK Negros Occidental)

DSWD has P5.2-M Cash for Work program for hardest-hit WV towns

By Venus G. Villanueva KALIBO, Aklan, Dec. 11 (PIA6) -- The Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) is setting in place a P5.2 million Cash for Work program for implementation in 50 Typhoon Yolanda-hardest hit municipalities in the region’s 5 provinces – Aklan, Antique, Iloilo, Capiz and Negros Occidental.

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he Cash for Work Program is one of the rehabilitation strategies of the DSWD to assist victims of Typhoon Yolanda who lost their houses or livelihood due to the onslaught of the super typhoon last November 8.

A total of 2,500 beneficiaries will be hired by the DSWD for the program who will be paid P208.00 per day for 10 days.

Each local government unit will have 50 beneficiaries, according to the DSWD. As per list provided by DSWD 6 – Aklan has 6 LGU-beneficiaries, Antique, 9; Iloilo, 14; Capiz, 17 and Negros Occidental,

4, or a total of 50 municipalities.

For Aklan, LGU beneficiaries include Balete, Libacao, Altavas, Banga, Batan and Kalibo.

During her visit to Aklan together with DILG Secretary Mar Roxas and DND Secretary Voltaire Gazmin, DSWD Secretary Dinky Soliman told Aklan officials especially municipal mayors present that beneficiaries for the Cash For Work Program could be tasked to clear agricultural lands for planting of fast-growing crops, or could be applicable depending on the need, like repairing of bancas so

fishermen whose bancas were destroyed during the typhoon could go back to fishing.

In Aklan, the Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (PDRRMC) final report revealed that the damage cost incurred by the agriculture sector from Typhoon Yolanda reached P1,010,980,016.57.

Total cost of damage to agriculture, infrastructure, lifelines and public utilities reached P2,672,085,913.57.

On the other hand, the number of Aklanons who perished due to the typhoon reached 14. (JSC/VGV-PIA6 Aklan)

Antique is bird flu-free

By Vicente W. Villavert SAN JOSE, Antique, Dec. 11 (PIA6) - - The provincial veterinarian, Dr. Romeo Magdato said that the province as well our country is bird flu-free.

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We heard and learned the news from the print and broadcast media on the resurgence of bird flu cases in Hong Kong, and we at the agriculture office are also monitoring the situation.,” Dr. Magdato said.

Magdato said that migratory birds are known source of bird flu, but the province does not have swampy areas where they could stay to escape the cold weather from their home countries.

Magdato said that the government especially the health authorities are on heightened alert situation to monitor

travelers from other countries entering our airport or sea ports in order to prevent the spread of the disease in our country.

For the public’s guidance the DOH advisory dated December 4, 2013 says: Hongkong reported its first case of deadly bird flu H7N9; the Philippine is still bird flu free. Airports screen inbound travellers for fever so that early isolation can be done early.

Symptoms of bird flu H7N9 include fever, sore throat or cough and progressive difficulty of breathing. To date there are 141 Cases and 47 deaths worldwide. Deaths

were due to severe pneumonia with multi-organ failure. So far, two-thirds of bird flu H7N9 cases were males and two- thirds were more than 50 years old.

At present, WHO and DOH do not recommend travel ban to Hongkong or China. The Philippines still maintains ban on poultry imports from China as precautionary measure against bird flu.

The DOH advises: frequent hand washing, covering your nose and mouth if you cough or sneeze, wear face masks if needed, keep updated on the latest DOH news. (JCM/VWV/PIA 6-Antique)

CENTRAL VISAYAS

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USAID dignitary visits quake-ravaged Bohol

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

BY: REY ANTHONY CHIU TAGBILARAN CITY, Bohol, Dec. 9 (PIA) – An official from Washington, United States visited Bohol in light of tightened relations between the US government and the province of Bohol.

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S Agency of International Development (USAID) Washington Official Greg Beck is Washington's Deputy Assistant Administrator for Asia Bureau of USAID. According to Andrea Trinidad Echavez, USAIDs Communications specialist, the visit is in connection with USAID's assistance to the Philippine government's recovery efforts.

Beck’s Decd. 9 itinerary includes a project briefing on COMPETE, a dialogue with Bohol Governor Edgar Chatto in Panglao, an Environment Briefing in Tubigon town and a PRISM event tomorrow.

The US government, through its donor

agency USAID, is implementing in Bohol a project called COMPETE, short for Advancing Philippine Competitiveness (COMPETE) Project.

Under the Partnership for Growth (PFG) Agreement between the Philippine and US governments, USAID implements the COMPETE project, which aims to support government’s effort in paving the way to industrial competitiveness and helping attain inclusive growth through. better infrastructure.

The USAid COMPETE is a five-year project that seeks to increase the levels of domestic and foreign investments in Bohol,

create increased employment opportunities and enhance domestic incomes through quality infrastructure, more competitive industries, and credit facilitation.

Earlier, Bohol and the United States through USAid partnered on a major water and sanitation venture of lasting impact on the economy and lives of the Boholanos.

The tie-up will help concretize the way for the development of resources for a more sustainable bulk water supply and address widespread sanitation concerns, thereby also reducing many health risks in Bohol. (rmn/ RAC/PIA Bohol)

PHL's 1st Digital Science Library now in Siquijor BY: RIZALIE ANDING CALIBO SIQUIJOR, Dec. 4 (PIA) — The Philippine’s First Digital Science Library is now in Siquijor, says the Department of Science and Technology (DOST) here.

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Science and Technology Academic and Research-Based Openly Operated Kiosk Station known as “STARBOOKS” is now installed at the DOST-LGU Siquijor public library of the municipality of Siquijor, the first LGU recipient of the software.

STARBOOKs is a stand alone, onsite research kiosk that provides free access on S&T information for academic and livelihood use.

It contains hundreds of thousands of digitized science and technology resources in various formats (text and audio/video) placed in specialty design “pods” set in a user-friendly interface.

With the recently developed Philippine’s first digital science library by the Science and Technology Information Institute of the Department of Science and Technology (DOST-STII), Siquijodnons can now get easy access to a compendium of Science and Technology (S&T) information gathered from all over the world, says DOST-Siquijor provincial director Engr. Mario de la Pena.

STARBOOKS, he said, aims to create interest in the field of science and technology which may

increase the number ofFilipinos enrolling in S&T courses.

It encourages great and curious minds to develop newideas-inventions and innovations and inspire one’s capacity for entrepreneurship and research, he added.

The new academic and livelihood resource differs from other library portals as it does not require Internet connectivity to deliver information to its users.

The kiosk has a built-in server that provides instant access to S&T information, he also explained.

De la Pena hoped that every municipality in the province will adopt STARBOOKS kiosk to make S& T information available to every Siquijodnon.

The Department also encourages public and private libraries/information centers to adopt STARBOOKS. DOST-STII is very willing to provide STARBOOKS content free-of-charge for educational and research purposes, he announced.

The software was installed by DOST-7 IT Personnel Venus Retuya on November 28,2013 at the

DOST-LGU Siquijor S&T Public Library located at the ground floor of the Siquijor Municipal Hall adjacent to the Municipal Agriculturist Office (MAO).

D O S T 7 L i b r a r ia n Ma .

Arlene T. Arñejo, conducted a lecture and briefing to Library Incharge, LGU Staff, teachers, students and visitors who viewed the kiosk on November 29.

Siquijor LGU is the first LGU recipient that accomplished all the requirements and submitted it to DOST for approval prior to the installation of the software.

Students and researchers who wish to try this new technology may visit the DOST-LGU Siquijor Public Library located at the ground floor of the LGU Siquijor Municipal Hall or may contact the OIC Librarian/Municipal Agriculturist Chita Maglinte at Tel.Nos. (035) 344-2174 or Engr. Mario E. de la Peña of DOST at Tel. No (035) 480-9018. (mbcn/RAC/PIA7-Siquijor/ DOST-MDP)

DOH-7 strengthens mass immunization BY: FERLIZA CALIZAR-CONTRATISTA LAPULAPU CITY, Cebu, Dec. 10 (PIA) --- The Department of Health (DOH) Central Visayas is speeding up mass immunization in typhoon Yolanda (international name: Haiyan) affected areas to prevent the spread of diseases.

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uring a press briefing Dec. 10 at the MIP Lounge at Mactan Cebu International Airport, DOH-7 Assistant Regional Director Dr. Lakshmi Legazpi said they are now concentrating on mass immunization for both children and adults in areas ravaged by typhoon Yolanda.

Legazpi admitted that although they had already accomplished 70 percent of their target, there are still barangays, particularly in the northern part of Cebu, which they were unable to reach.

“We have accomplished already 70 percent, however, we need to cover the remaining areas because we fear there will be an outbreak of measles among children,” Legazpi

said.

Records from DOH 7 showed that since a few days after the typhoon, they were already able to mass immunize 16,000 adults and children both for measles and polio.

Other than the mass immunization, DOH-7 also undertook micro-nutrient supplementation and feeding.

There were also 16,000 beneficiaries of vitamin A. Other activities conducted by DOH7 were deworming, water sanitation, and distribution of hygiene kits.

Legazpi said there is no shortage of needed medicines in the region.

“In fact we were still able to give a P5.4

million assistance to Region 8 in terms of medicines, gasoline supply, and other needed logistics,” Legazpi said.

Also, DOH treated more than 400 patients with typhoon-related diseases, of whom 294 were Tacloban evacuees and the rest Cebuanos.

Other guests in today’s press briefing were Major General Romeo Poquiz of the Philippine Air Force and Commodore William Melad of the Philippine Coast Guard.

The Press Briefing at MIP Lounge at Mactan Cebu International Airport is an initiative of the Philippine Information Agency to gather public and private agencies involved in the post-disaster operations of typhoon Yolanda. (rmn/FCC/ PIA-Cebu)

CENTRAL VISAYAS

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

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DepEd, SYL name ten Most Inspiring Teachers for 2013 BY: ROI LOMOTAN

DUMAGUETE CITY, Dec. 9 (PIA) – Department of Education (DepEd), in partnership with non-government organization Saceda Youth Lead (SYL), has announced the Ten Most Inspiring Teachers for 2013.

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eachers who were given recognition by DepEd and the SYL are, namely: Hedelisa B. Decolongon of Davao City National High School, Elfa C. Carona of Bingawan Central School, Iloilo, Ester A. Futalan of DepEd Siaton, Negros Oriental, Ma. Sarah Fatima P. Valencia of Negros Oriental State University (NORSU) Bais City Campus, Negros Oriental, Libertine C. De Guzman of NORSU main campus, Dumaguete City, Expedita O. Duran of Siquijor State College, Siquijor, Chona B. Reyes of Sorsogon City National High School, Sorsogon, Immaculada C. Serenio, Sogod Elementary School, Southern Leyte, Raymund P. Banaticla of University of St. La Salle-Bacolod High School Department and Rosanna S. Gaspay of University of St. La Salle Bacolod Grade School in Bacolod City, Negros Occidental.

The recognition and awarding ceremony was held on Dec. 6 at the SYL Center in Brgy. Candau-ay, this city.

Each of the awardees received a trophy, a certificate, a gold medal, P100,000 insurance, and a

free trip to Brunei on March 2014.

The award aims to give recognition to teachers who have been with the DepEd or any academic institution for the past 5-10 years and is also effective and creative in managing the craft of teaching and student development, most especially a source of inspiration and motivation for students and co-teachers in becoming better and responsible citizens of the country.

More importantly, the teacher must have had an impact on the lives of their children.

“Teachers are like little children, as well, they like to be given incentives in what they do may it be internal or external.

Teachers, as well, like to be recognized,” said Jovie Despojo of DepEd Regional Office 7.

She added that because of the recognition, teachers are no longer considered as unsung heroes of the country.

Another basis for the award is that the teacher must have participated in at least one SYL Program and has helped in the conduct of SYL

programs and initiatives at the school, district or division levels.

SYL Founder Dave Saceda congratulated the winners and lauded them for their passion and dedication to their work and for continuously inspiring their students.

Meanwhile, Dr. Henry Sojor, the event keynote speaker and former Negros Oriental State University president, told teachers not to lose their passion for teaching.

He reminded them of the vital role of teachers in society that every time they are standing in front of the class they contribute to building the future of their pupils.

He also left a challenge for the awardees to help them inspire their students more.

“In teaching we must also perform our miracles that we are going to convert water into wine. The lessons in our books are water, it depends on the teacher to convert that into wine,” Sojor said. (rmn/RAL/ PIA7-NEGOR)

GSIS urges members to avail edc’l loan until Dec 27 BY: JENNIFER C. TILOS DUMAGUETE CITY, Dec. 9 (PIA) --- The Government Service Insurance System (GSIS) Dumaguete Branch has called on its active members to avail of the one-time educational assistance loan (EAL) until December 27.

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SIS Dumaguete branch manager Mercedes Labor Day speech of President Benigno Aquino Enriquez said those who have not yet III, instructing both the GSIS and Social Security availed of the loan of P4,000 may apply System to generate an educational assistance fund now. for their stakeholders.

All active members, regardless of salary GSIS President and General Manager Robert grade, length of service, and status of agency and Vergara said that through the EAP, GSIS has been member accounts are entitled to avail of the EAL. helping members defray their children's education Eligible members may file their application expenses. for EAL over the counter or through their He said over P2.49 billion has been released agency’s liaison officer. under the program.

Certification from their agency authorized The application form for the EAL may be officer or endorsement from their respective obtained from any GSIS offices or downloaded agencies is not required. from the GSIS website,www.gsis.gov.ph.

Meanwhile, hundreds of Valencianons Enriquez said newly-hired government workers may apply over the counter, provided witnessed the lighting up of the 11.5-meter high giant Christmas tree and unveiling of Belen they have an e-card or temporary card.

The loan is payable in five years, with 6% yesterday in Valencia, Negros Oriental at the town park. interest per annum.

Geothermal leader Energy Development The amortization for 59 months is Php 20.00 per month or Php 240.00 per year, with the first Corporation (EDC) in cooperation with the local monthly amortization to start three months from government of Valencia put up the Nativity scene and a giant Christmas tree as part of thanksgiving the grant of the assistance.

EAP was launched in 2012 following the gesture this Christmas season for the town

being spared from the deadly typhoon Yolanda (international name: Haiyan).

EDC’s Negros Island Vice President Engr.

Dwight Maxino said that in its original plan of putting up a 20-meter Christmas tree, EDC decided to scale it down to simplify the Belen so that savings may be used in the relief operations for Yolanda victims in Ormoc and Leyte.

EDC’s 701MW geothermal steam field in Leyte, which is the world’s largest, was not spared by the super typhoon that hit the country on November 8 but repair works on it are going on, including the 112.5MW Tongonan Geothermal Power Plant which incidentally celebrated its 30th year anniversary this year together with EDC’s 112.5MW Palinpinon-1 in Valencia.

Valencia Mayor Edgar Teves said through this joint Christmas project, EDC and the people of Valencia bring hope and love not only to their town but to the typhoon victims in Leyte. (rmn/ JCT/PIA7-Negros Oriental)

NFA-7 to import Vietnam rice, assures rice sufficiency in CV Central Visayas, December 6 (PIA) --- The National Food Authority (NFA) 7 assured the public of its capability to meet the food requirement of the region. n a press release NFA-7 regional month.

Sabong added that NFA rice distribution director Atty. Efren Sabong adviced the Sabong said that this imported rice from to accredited retailers will go full blast as public not to worry since NFA Central Vietnam will be shipped to Cebu City on Holiday season is very near and increase in the Visayas still has enough and comfortable level staggered basis. demand for rice is expected. of rice inventory stored in its warehouses.

The initial rice shipment is expected to Sabong said that NFA had not increased In addition to this the agency still finds arrive next week and with this the NFA local the price of NFA rice, it remains at P27.00 per ways to augment its existing rice inventory office is ready with the necessary logistical kilo. through receiving imported rice from Vietnam. requirement for the incoming stocks.

The NFA regularly fields NFA-7 then will be receiving This rice importation from Vietnam is part its price monitoring teams to ensure the from Vietnam its initial allocation of the 500,000MT that government will import visibility and availability of NFA rice in the of imported rice of 19, 400 metric under a government to government markets. (mbcn/AYS/PIA7 with reports from tons (MT) or equivalent to 388,000 bags this agreement.

NFA7)

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EASTERN VISAYAS

DPWH to turn over 159 bunker houses for displaced families before Christmas

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

TACLOBAN CITY, Leyte, Dec. 11 (PIA) – The Department of Public Works and Highways Region 8 is set to turn over some 159 bunker houses in the provinces of Leyte and Eastern Samar before Christmas.

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PWH Assistant Regional Director Edgar Tabacon, during the December 11 of the RDRRMC said that said bunker houses will be turned over to DSWD to be used as the temporary shelter of the families displaced by Yolanda super typhoon.

Of the total, 96 are in Leyte side and 63 are in Samar side. Each bunker house will house 24 families, ARD Abacon said.

In the province of Leyte of the total 146 bunker houses to be built, 118 are now ongoing; 20 will be completed on December 15 while 76 will be completed on or before December 22.

Meanwhile at the Samar side, of the 82 bunker houses set to be built, 77 are already ongoing; 18 will be completed on or before December 15 while 45 will be completed on or before December 22.

In Tacloban City, bunker houses are being built in three sites. Of the 7 bunker houses planned to be

built at Barangay Abucay, five (5) are already ongoing.

At the Motocross Racetrack at Caibaan, 26 out of the planned 26 bunkerhouses are now ongoing.

The third site in Tacloban is at NHA at Barangay Sagkahan where the construction of all the 17 planned are now ongoing.

At the municipality of Palo in the province of Leyte, 50 bunker houses are planned to be built, 18 at the Government Center and 32 at Barangay Takuranga. Now ongoing is the construction of 13 bunker houses at the Government Center and 15 bunker houses at Barangay Takuranga.

Still in the province of Leyte, 46 bunker houses are planned to be built at Ormoc City, 24 at Barangay Can-untog and 22 at Barangay Conception.

Now ongoing is the construction of 22 bunker houses at Barangay Can-untog and 33 at Barangay Conception.

Meanwhile, at Samar province, 18 are now

being constructed in Can-Manila, Basey while at Marabut, of the total 13 planned, 8 bunker houses are now ongoing construction.

In Eastern Samar, the construction of 51 bunker houses in 11 municipalities is now ongoing. These municipalities include Balangiga with 2; Balangkayan with 4; Borongan with 2; Giporlos with 5; Guiuan with 16; Hernani with 11; Lawaan with 2; Maydolong with 1; Mercedes with 1; Quinapondan with 4; and Salcedo with 3.

ARD Tabacon underscored that the bunk houses are meant to be the temporary shelter for several months only of the displaced families, only after their permanent relocation sites have been identified and constructed, he added.

So far, only the municipality of Tanauan in Leyte has already identified permanent relocation site. (PIA 8)

Bayani Challenge 2014 – an ultimate summer adventure starts recruiting volunteers BY: REBECCA CADAVOS MAASIN CITY, Southern Leyte, Dec. 10 (PIA) -- An ultimate summer adventure like no other – Bayani Challenge 2014 is now accepting individuals/groups as volunteers to build hope in the Visayas and Zamboanga.

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pearheaded by Gawad Kalinga, through GK-Southern Leyte Head Dr. Jerome Paler, the Bayani Challenge 2014 will start from April 12 to June 12, 2014 in the Visayas Region to include the provinces of Samar, Eastern Samar, Leyte, Negros Occidental, Capiz, Bohol, Cebu and Aklan and Zamboanga in Mindanao.

GK Bayani Challenge 2014 is targeting 20,000 houses in the mentioned calamity-hit areas.

Though, “we have substantial fund for

1,000 houses @ Php110,000/unit,” Paler disclosed adding that GK is looking for volunteers for the manpower at about 10-15 volunteers/group for each house.

“Form a team of 10-15 people, pack up a provision for the team and choose a place and date to spend 5 days of your summer and join the 1 Million Global Volunteers,” he noted.

GK is inviting volunteers to build houses, schools, including tree and mangroves planting, coastal clean-up, building paraisong pambata, health/

medical mission, among other activities, according to Facebook Account of GK Head Paler.

“This is not only about house build but this is also about solidarity with our fellow Bisaya Brethren,” Paler noted in his account inviting participants.

Earlier, Dr. Jerome Paler was cited with Exemplary Award for Volunteerism by the Annual Bulong Pulungan in Manila for his quick Yolanda response and leading the emergency and rehabilitation in Eastern Visayas. (PIA8-SoLeyte)

BI creates TF Yolanda in 3 stations in EVisayas TACLOBAN CITY, Leyte, Dec. 11 (PIA) - The Bureau of Immigration constituted the Task Force Yolanda with three teams assigned in three stations in Eastern Visayas namely the Tacloban City station, the Guiuan station and Ormoc City station.

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tty. Marian Hazel Badillo, Alien Control Officer of the Regional Bureau of Immigration said that for immigration concerns, the public may visit the Bureau of Immigration Regional Office at Kanhuraw Hill, the Tacloban City station at Leyte Sports Development Center and at the Tacloban City Airport; the Guiuan Station at Guiuan, Eastern Samar; and the Ormoc Station at Ormoc City, Leyte.

Atty. Badillo said the composition of the three stations is coming from the Manila Office of the Bureau.

The members of the Task Force Yolanda from the Bureau of Immigration will act as focal unit on the implementation of Operations Order No. SMB-2013- 027; conduct immigration formalities on foreign volunteers who will arrive; assist foreign volunteers in calamity stricken areas

particularly on immigration matters.

The Task Force will coordinate with other government agencies, foreign embassies and other stakeholders present in the area to effectively implement immigration policies; and account and monitor foreign nationals (immigrants, non immigrants/survivors/casualties) in the affected areas.

The Task Force will grant extension of Temporary Visitor’s Visa – Gratis; grant visa upon arrival to volunteers who are nationals of a visa required country whose entry to the country is directly to calamity stricken areas – Gratis.

Furthermore, the Task Force may grant special work permit if necessary, Gratis; issue border control registration papers as temporary identification for foreign nationals who lost their passports or travel documents; account

foreign nationals who lost their valid ACRI-cards for reissuance – Gratis and perform other functions as directed by the OIC Siegred B. Mison.

The Tacloban City Station is composed of Mr. Clodualdo C. Penera, Immigration Officer II as station head; Rene U. Geonzon, Administrative Aide III, Jenebert Fillar, Confidential Agent, Cesario Dennis B. Mateo, Administrative Aide III; and Perpetuo F. Macasa, confidential agent.

The Guiuan station will be manned by Paul Erik Borja, Immigration Officer 1 as station head; Juan Carlo Gomez, fingerprint Examiner 1 and Dante Majadas, confidential agent.

Moreover, the Ormoc Station will be manned by Dennis Mengote, Immigration Officer II as station head; Dennis Villamiel, Fingerprint Examiner 1; Gilbert Frank Zarate, confidential agent. (PIA 8)

EASTERN VISAYAS

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DSWD’s relief efforts in EV to continue after Dec. 30 Tacloban City, Eastern Visayas (Photo by PIA 8)

BY: CONSUELO B. ALARCON TACLOBAN CITY, Leyte, Dec. 10 (PIA) –- The Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) in the region belied reports that the relief operation of the government will end on December 30, 2013.

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n an interview with DSWD 8 OIC Director Nestor Ramos over PIA’s Power FM, he clarified that the relief distribution will continue as needed by vulnerable individuals even after the year ends.

However, Ramos said they will conduct assessment on areas devastated

by typhoon Yolanda.

As of December 8, 2013, DSWD has already distributed a total of 2, 809,162 family food packs in Eastern Visayas with an estimated cost of P533,698,756.00.

This includes 552,006 family food packs in Tacloban City; 1,590,031 in 40 municipalities in Leyte; 45,677 in Ormoc

City; 89,610 in Baybay City; 419, 724 in 14 tows in Eastern Samar; 76,666 in Samar and 35,449 in the Province of Biliran.

“The latest relief distribution of the agency is now on its 8th cycle”, Ramos said. (PIA-8)

DENR 8 completes installation of no build zones markers BY: ERLINDA OLIVIA P. TIU TACLOBAN CITY, Leyte, Dec. 10 (PIA) – The Department of Environment and Natural Resources said that it has already completed the delineation survey of easement of coastline from San Joaquin in Palo, Leyte up to San Juanico Bridge in Tacloban City.

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he Land Management Service (LMS) has completed the installation of temporary markers indicating the 40 meters from the shoreline no build zones at the coastlines of Palo up to Tacloban City, Regional Technical Director Ramon S. Unay told the Philippine Information Agency.

This covers the 35.88 kilometer length of shoreline from San Joaquin village in Palo to San Juanico Bridge in Tacloban City. About 144 hectares of land are covered by the 40 meters easement from the coastline.

Unay said the DENR 8 has already made a report to Secretary Paje who will discuss the same in the forthcoming Cabinet meeting.

He added that DENR provided digital maps and pictures to the Secretary.

The concern of the DENR is just to delineate the 40 meters from the shoreline.

The Department of Public Works and Highways will install the permanent marker, RTD Unay said.

Four teams worked together to immediately complete the markings covering San Joaquin to McArthur Shrine in Palo, from McArthur Shrine to Fisherman’s Village, Fisherman’s Village to Anibong, and Anibong to San Juanico, all in Tacloban City, RTD Unal added..

Unay said the delineation of the easement will not only cover Palo to Tacloban but will be in effect for the entire

Eastern Visayas.

Unay said the law is clear that “we cannot allow people to build houses in areas for mangroves and beach forest” RTD Unay said referring to Presidential Decree No. 1067, also known as the Philippine Water Code.

Article 51 of said water code states that “banks of rivers and streams and the shores of the seas and lakes throughout their entire length and within a zone of three meters in urban areas, 20 meters in agricultural areas and 40 meters in forest areas, along their margins are subject to the easement of public use in the interest of recreation, navigation, floatage, fishing and salvage.” (PIA 8)

So. Leyte sets tree planting every 8th of month in 2014 SOUTHERN LEYTE, Dec. 12 (PIA) -- The provincial government here intends to intensify its tree-planting activity next year by holding it on a monthly basis, and the date in which this campaign is done will be fixed at every 8th of the month.

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he monthly activity will be spearheaded by the Provincial Environment and Natural Resources Management Office (PENRMO) according to its head, Eva Abad, during the cable TV program Action Center Kapihan sa PIA held at the provincial capitol Wednesday.

“Gov. Roger Mercado has signed an executive order designating November 8 as Arbor Day in the province.

The PENRMO will make every 8th of the month next year, not just November 8, as the date for a massive tree planting involving the community,” Abad said.

Every month starting in January, the PENRMO will coordinate with a certain town or city to discuss which particular

barangay will be the planting site, the area to be planted, and other details, including coordination with national government agencies, schools, and the private sector, explained Abad.

Seedlings or planting materials mostly of native tree species are not a problem, as these are already being taken care of in nurseries of the provincial government and some people’s organizations, she added.

She said that the 16 municipalities and the city of Maasin where there are existing mangrove forests will be planted still with more mangroves or bakhaw to act as natural shield against giant waves.

In the two towns of Pintuyan and San Ricardo in Panaon Island, which have

no mangrove areas, their shorelines will be planted with beach-suited tree species such as talisay, bitaog, malibago, and pagatpat.

Abad assured that the planned monthly tree planting next year will not be duplicating the National Greening Program (NGP) of the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) as she will be closely working with the DENR to synchronize the activities, Last November 8, the killer storm Yolanda slashed its strong winds across the Visayas, flattening towns and cities with its fury, hence it was selected as the date for planting trees in the province, Abad further said. (PIA8-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