One Visayas e-Newsletter Vol 3 Issue 8

Vol 3

Issue 8

In this Issue WESTERN VISAYAS

PRESIDENT BENIGNO AQUINO III tells Ilonggos of the benefits that the P11.21 billion Jalaur River Multi-Purpose Project will bring to the province during the ceremonial groundbreaking and lowering of capsule at the Iloilo Provincial Capitol, February 21. Listening are Senator Franklin Drilon, Governor Arthur Defensor and DA Secretary Proceso Alcala.

(LAF/PIA6)

More on Region 6, pages 2-3.

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CENTRAL VISAYAS

A colorfully-clad dance troop performs outside The Mactan Newtown showroom where Pres. Benigno S. Aquino III arrived to grace the launching of the township development on Feb. 20, 2013. (VVV/PIA Cebu)

More on Region 7, pages 4-5.

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EASTERN VISAYAS

February 18 - 24, 2013

Published by: PIA 6, 7 & 8

DPWH-8 tops with 99.72% detailed eng'g stage completed PAWING, PALO, Leyte, Feb 19 (PIA) -- The Department of Public Works and Highways in Region 8 (DPWH-8) under the leadership of Regional Director Rolando M. Asis topped the other 15 regional offices of the Department, posting a 99.72 percent rating with 180 of the 181 projects under detailed engineering stage already completed.

The DPWH in Eastern Visayas also posted 89 percent completion in pre-construction activities that cover project advertisement, bidding, contract approval, and issuance of notice to proceed for winning contractors.

This was disclosed by DPWH Secretary Rogelio L. Singson as he underscored that DPWH is on track in 2013 infra projects implementation.

Singson said that the implementation of government infrastructure projects started the year on good track with about 90 percent of the detailed engineering works for

projects under CY 2013 infrastructure program included in the General Appropriations Act already completed.

Based on project monitoring report of the DPWH, detailed engineering works for 2,418 projects out of the 2,698 total projects were completed.

Detailed engineering involves the preparation of various technical surveys and investigations such as topographic surveys, soil borings, hydrologic surveys, and design operations needed to define the physical characteristics of the project according to accepted engineering standards.

Moreover, the DPWH has already bid out 2,260 projects or 84 percent of the 2013 regular local projects and 868 projects with contractors given notices to proceed (NTP) as of January 31, 2013.

It may be recalled that the imposition of the ban in construction works due to the May mid-term election will take effect on March 29, 2013 until May 13, 2013. (PIA-8)

PNoy: Jalaur river project will improve people’s lives

By Lilibeth A. French ILOILO CITY (PIA6) - - President Benigno Aquino III led the ceremonial groundbreaking of an irrigation project that aims to help sustain rice self-sufficiency in Western Visayas.

He said that the P11.212-billion Jalaur River Multi Purpose Project Stage II reflects government’s vision of providing a comfortable life for the people.

The project also aims to supplement power supply and augment supply of potable water, among others.

The multi-purpose river project will involve the construction of three dams that include Jalaur Reservoir, Afterbay and Alibunan Catch Dam; a powerplant; and 81 kilometer high line canal. It will serve some 25 municipalities in the province including the cities of Iloilo and Passi.

In his briefing, Department of Agriculture Proceso Alcala said the JRMP II is expected to provide year-round irrigation for increased agricultural production to the 22, 340 hectares of the five existing irrigation systems and the 9, 500 hectares currently rainfed areas.

It will further build a 6.6-megawatt hydro-electric power plant to supplement the power supply in Iloilo, augment supply of good quality and potable water for domestic and industrial consumption in the nearby municipalities including Iloilo City, and realize other intangible benefits such as flooding mitigation and promotion of eco-tourism in selected dam/reservoir areas.

In his welcome message, Governor Arthur Defensor said the construction of the JRMP II is a realization of a long time dream for Ilonggos as the project was envisioned as early as 1960s when a law was passed in Congress for

the construction of a hydro power plant in the municipality of Calinog and years passed nothing happened.

President Aquino said the construction of the JRMP II will also generate employment for 17,000 workers and once fully operationalize ‘tinatayang at least 32,000 Pilipino - mga magsasaka, mangingisda, vendors, at iba pang manggagawang Ilonggo may trabaho na makiki-ambag sa pagpapalago sa ating ekonomiya.”

The project is expected to be completed before the term of the President ends in 2016. (JSC/LAF-PIA6)

PNoy hails BPO facility’s economic contribution

Photo shows members of the Eastern Visayas Regional Child Labor Committee convened at the Department of Labor and Employment Training Center, Tacloban City for updates on child labor related matters. The group will hold a two-day strategic planning workshop for the elimination of child labor next month.

(Raul S. Tiozon/PIA-8)

More on Region 8, pages 6-7.

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By Jennifer C. Tilos DUMAGUETE CITY, Feb 19 (PIA) -- President Benigno Aquino III lauded Qualfon for contributing towards sustaining the economic progress of Negros Oriental and its capital Dumaguete City through its new BPO facility in this city.

This was the gist of the President’s speech delivered for him by Senator Franklin M. Drilon after the trip of the Chief Executive to the progressive southern Negros urban center was cancelled due to inclement weather triggered by typhoon “Crising”.

In his speech, the President said that Qualfon’s new facility “represents positive and meaningful change that is translating into tangible realities for our people”.

Aquino was supposed to inaugurate the 2nd Qualfon Building that houses more than 800 call center agents in 256 workstations at the Link Sy IT Park, Dumaguete City.

Drilon with first district representative Josy Limkaichong unveiled the commemorative marker of Qualfon witnessed by some 100 ICT groups and business sectors, government officials, and other invited guests.

The IT Park facility is located in a 11,164 square meter lot with a total floor area of 14,666 sq.m.

Qualfon site director Scott Warner said the location in Link Sy Park when fully completed, will house about 1,400 workstations and is capable of creating over 4,000 additional jobs.

Qualfon is currently courting tier 1 based in the US which would include businesses in the banking and financial services, technology, e-commerce, wireless telephone and other businesses, said Warner. (mbcn/JCT/PIA-Negros

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WESTERN VISAYAS

Western Visayas LGUs university consortium

to

benefit

from WV RDC Chair and Capiz Gov. Victor A. Tanco

By Leonard T. Pineda I ILOILO CITY, Feb. 20 (PIA) -- Local government units in Western Visayas are expected to benefit from a consortium of the region’s state universities and colleges.

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he Western Visayas Local Governance Resource Consortium (WVLGRC) is composed of four learning institutions which include the Central Philippine University (CPU), University of the Philippines Visayas (UPV), University of San Agustin (USA) and Western Visayas College of Science and Technology (WVCST).

Prof. Jigger Latoza, director of the Center for Research and Publication of the University of San Agustin, the consortium will provide three facilities to include capacity development, knowledge management and public information and advocacy to local government officials and employees. Latoza said each member institution will identify and lead an aspect

of governance within their competency. “As part of the capacity development facility, a virtual classroom will be created through a website where experts can upload learning materials and target students to download these materials,” said Latoza.

Latoza also said that the consortium is planning to come up with a ladderized program that would enable students to earn a certificate, diploma or master's degree.

“A pool of experts from among faculty and practitioners will also be established. Regular trainings and seminars will be offered to enhance the capacity of target project recipients,” Latoza added.

Latoza said the promotion of citizenship education and engaging the

citizens to become part of the governance process will be done through public information and advocacy.

The Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) here initiated WVLGRC to sustain the operationalization of the Local Governance Regional Resource Center (LGRRC) by tapping the support of academic institutions through their research and extension services and human resources.

The project is supported by the German Development Cooperation (GIZ) which has committed to support the consortium through equipment, technical and financial assistance.

(JCM/LTP/PIA-ILOILO)

PhilHealth assures faster, quality service

By Lorenzo O. Lambatin Jr. BACOLOD CITY, Feb 18 (PIA) -- PhilHealth Bacolod City vowed to give quality and fast service to its nine 900,000 members in Negros Occidental.

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he agency targets to process claims in six to seven days upon receipt of a complete document claim, said PhilHealth Chief Vicel Bracamonte in a press conference. In the past, it took the agency about 60 to 90 days to process claims.

The recent opening of a satellite office in Robinson’s Place Bacolod has also made the agency accessible to members from Monday to Saturday from 10 am to 8:30

pm.

Bracamonte said Philhealth averages 1,000 clients a day in their main office at Galo St., Bacolod City so that employees normally render overtime work, he said.

Membership clients alone, he said, can go as high as 600 in addition to those who file for claims and pay their premiums.

The efficiency of Bacolod PhilHealth office was confirmed recently when a team of Civil Service Commission

evaluated the office finding it qualified to receive a citation for excellent delivery of customer service along with PhilHealth Kabankalan and PhilHealth Passi, Iloilo.

He said sponsored PhilHealth members now reached 258, 000. About 55, 000 of which belongs to the province of Negros Occidental, 15, 000 from Bacolod City and 96, 000 from the different LGUs. (LOL/JCM/ PIA6)

ARISE expands assisted businesses

By Margie L. Gadian SAN JOSE, Antique, Feb. 20 (PIA) -- The Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) is bringing back A Responsive and Innovative Strategy for Entrepreneurship (ARISE) seminars to expand the base of its assisted businesses.

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he module will cover the qualities of an entrepreneur and an overview on how to prepare a simple business plan.

The half-day training is scheduled every Thursday of the week at 1 p.m.- 4 p.m. at the DTI Antique Conference Room at the 2nd Floor D123C Bldg.,

corner T. Fornier St., San Jose, Antique. It is is free of charge.

The first run of the entrepreneurship seminar will start tomorrow. In-house micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs) counselors and trainers of DTI Antique will conduct the seminar.

All existing and would be micro-small entrepreneurs are invited to attend.

Please confirm your attendance at this number: 540-8725 or mobile number 09176263410.

The seminar is also part of services offered to investors by the National Economic Research and Business Assistance Center of DTI Antique. (JCM/ MLG/PIA6-Antique)

WESTERN VISAYAS

WV RDC Chair and Capiz Gov. Victor A. Tanco

Investment, Aklan rising

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livelihood

opportunities

in

By Venus G. Villanueva KALIBO, Aklan, Feb 19 (PIA) -- The investment climate in Aklan is alive and vibrant, perfect for more opportunities and livelihood.

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klan Governor Carlito Marquez said one proof of Aklan’s economic gains is the 2012 collections of the Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR) here, which reached P1.14 billion.

“Compared to 2011, collections rose

by P369 million,” Marquez said during his recent State of the Province Address

(SOPA) at the Sangguniang Panlalawigan session hall.

Marquez added that they were able to provide livelihood to 5,700 and generate over P452 million new investments.

He also cited the role of the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) in the province’s economy, saying its assistance programs last year realized $2.4

million export sales and P195 million domestic sales.

Aklan mayors, vice mayors, provincial officials, heads and representatives of national government agencies and provincial offices, Sangguniang Panlalawigan members and the media attended the SOPA. (JCM/VGV PIA6 Aklan)

Agri assistance continue to pour into Capiz

By Alex A. Lumaque ROXAS CITY, Capiz, Feb 19 (PIA) -- The Department of Agriculture (DA) has released 25 pump and engine sets to several farmers’ associations and cooperatives in Capiz last month.

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he farm equipment was part of the multi-million peso assistance of government to Capiz farmers to ensure food security and rice self-sufficiency in the province.

The project will complement the irrigation projects by the National Irrigation Administration (NIA) for the province’s farmlands.

Records from the Office of the Provincial Agriculturist (OPA) reveal that 6,543 laminated sacks and 194 collapsible dryer cases under the DA's Agri-Pinoy Rice Program were released to farmers for this year.

In 2011, the DA through OPA released 42 hand tractors, 14 rice

threshers, two 4-wheel drive tractors, three rice combine harvester, two rice transplanters, and a ricemill to farmer beneficiaries.

The equipment were in line with DA’s Farm Mechanization Program and released a few months after President Aquino pledged the assistance in time for his first presidential visit to Capiz in July 2011.

It also complements the Adequate Infrastructure Support System of the provincial government which includes providing production and post-harvest facilities, rehabilitation of Panay and Mambusao River irrigation systems, road development and construction and improvement of transport facilities, among

others. The national government’s aid to farmers also included the construction of flatbed dryers and multipurpose drying pavements.

In support to the Rice Self Sufficiency Program, several varieties of registered and upland rice seeds as well as fertilizers were given to farmers identified by OPA in coordination with municipal agriculturists.

“A lot of farm machinery will be given to Capiz farmers this year,” said provincial agriculturist Sylvia dela Cruz.

The provincial government provided a counterpart on the agriculture-related projects. (AAL/JSCJ-PIA-6, Capiz)

3,000 Western Visayas bets running in 2013 polls

By Jaime S. Cabag, Jr. ILOILO CITY, Feb 18 (PIA) -- More than 3,000 candidates, including reelectionists and new aspirants, will be vying for various congressional, provincial, city and municipal positions in Western Visayas in the coming May 2013 elections.

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his figure comprises 48 candidates running for congress, 14 for governor, 14 for vice governor, 139 for Sangguniang Panlalawigan member, 32 for city mayor, 28 for city vice mayor, 328 for municipal mayor, 295 for municipal vice mayor, and the rest for city and municipal councilor, Commission on Elections records show.

They will be vying for respective seats numbering about 1,400 in the provinces, cities and municipalities. The region has 6 provinces, 14 cities including two

highly-urbanized ones, and 117 municipalities.

The region has 4,049,640 registered voters for the May 13 elections. Negros Occidental has the highest number of voters with 1,574,784, followed by Iloilo with 1,270,100, Capiz with 457,379, Aklan with 328,642, Antique with 318,214, and Guimaras with 100, 521.

As part of activities related to the forthcoming elections, local candidates in Iloilo City signed a covenant last Feb. 15 to demonstrate their commitment to help ensure credible, honest and peaceful

elections here. The activity was part of the initiatives of the Regional Joint Peace and Security Coordinating Council and was spearheaded by the Iloilo City Police Office and the city Comelec.

In Antique, representatives from the police, military, government agencies, schools, religious groups and civil society organizations conducted a Unity Walk and Prayer Rally for Secure and Fair Elections or SAFE 2013 organized by the Antique Provincial Police Office. (JCM/JSC -PIA6)

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CENTRAL VISAYAS

PIA chief invites Cebuanos to join 2013 Bayani Challenge

Central Visayas RDC Chair and Cebu City Mayor Michael Rama

By Rachelle M. Nessia CEBU CITY, Feb 18 (PIA) -- As the biggest volunteer event in the country draws near, Cebuanos are encouraged to respond to the annual call for nation-building by the Gawad Kalinga (GK). ew Philippine Information Bayani Challenge 2013 aims to Oquiñena served as the guest speaker Agency Director and General mobilize 70,000 volunteers to build at during the Visayas Bayani Challenge GK Executive Director Jose least 30 houses in 34 host provinces. training held Feb. 15, at the Department Mari Oquiñena invited his fellow Volunteers will also refurbish schools, of Health (DOH) Training Center in Cebu Cebuanos to join the Bayani Challenge plant trees, and hold activities for City. from March 23 to 27. children.

Interested volunteers can fill out the “I encourage everybody to take part In Visayas, the challenge will be held online registration form at http:// in the challenge to discover the hero in us in the following areas: San Remigio, Cebu; bayanichallenge2013.blogspot.com. and to connect with other heroes. For five Bato, Leyte; Cadiz City, Negros Bayani Challenge is an annual days we can start to build a community of Occidental; Mabinay, Negros Oriental; volunteer event mobilized by GK together like-minded people,” said Oquiñena.

Calbayog, Samar; Maasin, South Leyte; and with the Office of the President through The five-day event this year will be Antiquera and Talibon, Bohol. the Presidential Communication done in 34 provinces across the country.

Oquiñena also invited government Operations Office (PCOO). (RMN/PIA The theme for this year is: “Bayani employees to volunteer during the event CEBU) Challenge 2013: Isang Bayan, Isang “to connect with the people that we are Bayanihan.” serving.”

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Stable power for May elections in Visayas assured

By Rachelle M. Nessia CEBU CITY, Feb 14 (PIA) -- The Department of Energy (DOE) said the Visayas region will have stable power supply during the second automated elections in the country.

OE Visayas Regional Director transmitting the results do not require for the completion of the counting of Antonio Labios said the current much power. ballots. power reserve in Visayas is A directive was earlier issued to Comelec, in its Resolution No. 9598 between 300 MW to 400 MW. power generators and the National Grid issued January 21 this year, deputized "Mapun-an pa ni siya during elections Corporation of the Philippines (NGCP) to DOE and electric cooperatives to provide kay dili kaayo dako ang demand sa refrain from conducting preventive uninterrupted power supply on the day electricity basta holiday (This will be maintenance work a week before, and a before, on Election Day, and until the augmented during elections because the week after the Election Day. conclusion of the canvassing of election demand for electricity during holidays is Preventive maintenance work can be returns and proclamation of elected not that high)," said Labios during Kapihan undertaken after said period. officials. forum held by the Philippine Information Labios said they have proven during In return, DOE created Task Force Agency in Cebu. the 2010 election, which was the first Election 2013 to implement mitigating Labios is also confident that the automated polls in the country, that one measures to address situations that may Precinct Count Optical Scan (PCOS) week after Election Day is enough time adversely affect the power supply during machines used in casting the votes and the polls. (RMN/PIA-7 CEBU)

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NGO campaigns for electoral participation of PWDs

By Rey Anthony H. Chiu BOHOL, Feb 14 (PIA) -- A non-governmental organization (NGO) in this province is currently undertaking a project to urge persons with disabilities (PWDs) to exercise their right of suffrage.

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he project, billed as “K Factor: Lahat Tayo May K”, is a talent competition being launched by Upholding Life and Nature (ULAN) in Bohol with the ultimate goal of engaging the PWDs into participating in the 2013 mid-term elections.

According to ULAN Executive Director Ronald Gutierrez, the PWDs have been deprived of their political right to vote because they are embarrassed of their situation and they hide themselves from the public. Gutierrez said that the talent competition will encourage the PWDs to come out of their closets.

Auditions for the talent competition will be held on the following dates: February 26 at the Ubay municipal gymnasium; February 27 at the Mabini Annex Building in Mabini town; February 28 at the Antequera covered court; and March 1 (tentative) for Tagbilaran City.

Grand finals will be held in April 2013.

In addition to the talent competition, Gutierrez said that ULAN has also conducted series of workshops and consultations in Bohol to pinpoint the problems experienced by PWDs especially during the electoral process to facilitate their participation.

These consultative workshops have generated recommendations from the PWDs themselves that will improve their electoral participation.

The talent competition and consultative workshops are part of the Fully Abled Nation campaign of the Disability Inclusive Elections program of The Asia Foundation with the support of the Australian Agency for International Development, which seeks to address the decline of PWDs participation in the elections. (mbcn/rahc/PIA-Bohol)#

CENTRAL VISAYAS

Central Visayas RDC Chair and Cebu City Mayor Michael Rama

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Army ‘wants’ young Siquijor residents

By Rizalie A. Calibo

LARENA, Siquijor, Feb 17 (PIA) -- The Philippine Army (PA) calls on young Siquijor residents to join the army and register for the examinations on March 2 at 8 a.m. at the Siquijor Capital Square, Siquijor, Siquijor. rmy Recruitment Office-Visayas, high school graduate (male only), must and mentally fit, also with no pending case Sgt. Wenceslao Cainglet, said this is possess skills needed in the military in any court. the first time that the PA comes to service, single without a child, 18 to 26 Requirements during examination are Siquijor to offer the exam. years old at start of training, at least 5 feet College Diploma or Transcript of Record For Officer Candidate Course in height both male and female, physically for college graduate or high school (OCC), qualifications are: Baccalaureate and mentally fit, and with no pending case diploma and Form 137/138 for high school Degree, Single without child, 21—24 years in any court. graduate (male only), NSO birth old at start of training, at least 5 feet in Officer Preparatory Course (OPC) certificate, valid identification card, pencil height both male and female, physically are for commissioned in the Reserve number 2 and should be in white T-shirt and mentally fit, and with no pending case Force as 2nd Lieutenant, single without a and pants. in any court. child, Not more than 31 years old on date For more details, please call Sgt. For Candidate Soldier Course (CSC), of Call-to-Active Duty, at least 5 feet in Cainglet at 09056159162. (mbcn/RAC-PIA he/she must have 72 units in college, if height both male and female, physically 7, Siquijor)

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Siquijor ‘Pablo’ victims receive more aid

By Rizalie A. Calibo SIQUIJOR, Feb 17 (PIA) -- Assistance from the private and public sector continue to pour for the victims of typhoon Pablo that hit Siquijor island last December 2012.

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he Mercury Drug Foundation, Inc. donated 100 bags of 10kg. rice per bag for the Siquijor resident.

“We have been monitoring the situation in areas affected by the recent typhoon and have decided to make donations of rice to the provinces declared under a state of calamity by the National Disaster Risk Reduction Management Council (NDRRMC), says Mercury Drug Foundation executive director Annie Fuentes in her letter to Governor Orlando Fua Jr. Fuentes hopes that the humble donation may contribute to the Siquijor's drive to alleviate the condition of those hit by typhoon Pablo.

According to a PDRRMC report, the donations were already distributed to the six municipalities.

Earlier, the Philippine Red Cross-Siquijor chapter also distributed

canned goods, rice, noodles and personal care products and toiletries to at least 500 families who are also victims of the calamity.

The distribution was attended by a Japanese national, Hajime Matsunaga, of the International Federation of Red Cross to also re-validate the reported damaged houses for possible assistance it can offer.

Land Bank of the Philippines on one hand distributed 350 bags of rice and relief goods to all six towns getting 50 bags each.

The donation was personally turned over by LBP-Siquijor branch manager Joferdine Cui. A rehabilitation program for Cavendish banana growers gravely affected by the typhoon is also made available at Land Bank.

Earlier, LBP has partnered with the Habitat for Humanity for a project geared

towards providing livelihood opportunities for victims of last year’s typhoon Sendong.

LandBank also hopes to widen the program's coverage and possibly echo this to the typhoon victims to give them with skills and opportunities to start rebuilding their lives.

The provincial government of Siquijor also reported that over P4M of the P15M balance from its 2011 and 2012 disaster funds were used as cash assistance to typhoon Pablo-hit families and more than P10M for the rehabilitation and reconstruction of infrastructure projects and facilities that were also typhoon-damaged.

The PDRRMC-Siquijor report said that total cost of damages for the Siquijor province reached P52,731,130. (mbcn/ RACalibo/PIA-Siquijor)

Bohol cited as best CDD implementer in Philippines

By Juju Manubag-Empuerto CEBU CITY, Feb 14 (PIA) -- The province of Bohol has been identified as one of the best local government units implementing the community-drive development (CDD) in the country.

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statement from the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) said Bohol recently received a national citation from DSWD for being the best LGU in the social welfare delivery.

This is the reason why out of the many Kalahi-CIDSS areas in the Philippines, the Asian delegates chose the Bohol province as the destination of their recent cross-learning visit for the Kalahi-CIDSS learning visit.

The Developing Member Countries (DMC) participants, together with

selected DSWD and Asian Development Bank (ADB) staff, visited Carmen and San Miguel municipalities of Bohol.

The participants were given the opportunity to talk with the beneficiaries of the program to learn the program’s effects to the communities.

During the first day of the cross-learning visit in Bohol, DSWD-7 Assistant Regional Director Nemia Antipala said that CDD was implemented across three different island provinces in Central Visayas for almost ten years now.

Antipala said she hopes that the earned and the varied experiences of the beneficiary communities and the regional and municipal teams will contribute to the CDD implementation in their respective countries.

CDD is a poverty alleviation strategy that puts power back in the hands of the people by giving them the opportunity to have active control in deciding which sub-projects are to be implemented in their communities. (rmn/JSME/PIA-Cebu/ DSWD)

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EASTERN VISAYAS

EVisayas barangay nat’l awardee in Lupon Tagapamayapa Incentive Award

Eastern Visayas RDC Chair and DOE Secretary Carlos Jericho Petilla

TACLOBAN CITY, Leyte, Feb 17 (PIA) -- Barangay Hingatungan, Silago, Southern Leyte in Eastern Visayas has been adjudged as the national champion for 4th to 6th class municipality Barangay category in the Lupong Tagapamayapa Incentive Award.

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irector Pedro Noval of the Department of Interior and Local Government credited Brgy. Hingatungan for being a consistent regional LTIA champion and having won the national award in 2003 and 2007 and figuring in the top 3 in other times.

The Hingatungan Lupong Tagapamayapa (HILUTA) is composed of senior citizens noted for their innovative and creative activities and deep sense of volunteerism, thereby giving value and significance to the Katarungang

Pambarangay, Dir. Noval said.

For the barangays in the 1st to 3rd class municipalities, the Regional Champion is Barangay Biasong in Hinunangan, Southern Leyte which won over Barangay Calachuchi in Catarman, Northern Samar; and Barangay Amandayehan in Basey, Samar.

Barangay 69 Rawis, Anibong, topped the evaluation of top performing Lupong Tagapamayapa in the region's only Highly Urbanized City (HUC), Tacloban City.

Barangay Cogon in Ormoc City

bested Barangays Rawis in Calbayog City; Tagnipa in Maasin City and Bato in Borongan City for the category of Independent Component/Component Cities in the region.

The LTIA aims to provide recognition to performing Lupons, which are barangay conflict-resolution bodies under the Katarungang Pambarangay Law in 1978 and strengthened by the Local Government Code of 1991. (PIA-8)

782 Samar poor to benefit from P15-M training for work scholarship program

By Ninfa Iluminda B. Quirante CATBALOGAN CITY, Samar, Feb 18 (PIA) -- Some 782 children of Samar’s poor get to benefit from the Technical Education Skills Development Authority (TESDA) -Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) team training for work scholarship program.

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ccording to TESDA Provincial D ir ect or Ro lan do Ju anill o, although the program is still in the paper works as regards names, endorsements and verification, the project will be implemented this year.

The Php 20 thousand allotment for each beneficiary will cover training cost, allowance, starter kits and other expenses

relative to the training, according to Primo Regis of TESDA-Samar.

For starters, two Sto Nino, Gandara scholars will be given the certificates tomorrow as the Samar Peace and development Caravan rolls off to Gandara town. To follow soon is the awarding of some 19 TESDA-DSWD scholars from the poor town of Matuginao, Samar.

The technical and vocational schools where they will enroll are found in the cities of Calbayog and Catbalogan and in Basey.

If the trained scholar is not absorbed by companies, he can always practice the trade as self-employed and gain income to live a better life. (PIA-Samar)

Bahay pag-asa treatment facility soon to be completed

By Flordelis E. Jackson NAVAL, Biliran, Feb 18 (PIA) -- The Biliran Provincial Social Welfare and Development Office headed by Flordeliza Trani, provincial social welfare and development officer (PSWDO), is in the process of completing the furnishings of the Bahay Pag-asa, a residential treatment facility and a transition and rehabilitation home in Brgy. Larrazabal, for the disadvantaged youth and children at risk.

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he said they are almost done in providing furniture, kitchen utensils, beds and linens, and other items to furnish the bedroom and other things that will make the occupants of Bahay Pag-asa feel it is a real home.

Bahay Pag-asa houses children and youth in need of care, protection, rehabilitation so that they will be transformed and become productive members of the community where they live.

The construction of Bahay Pag-asa, Trani said, is a symbol of unity, cooperation and convergence of resources of the Biliran Peer Counselors Organization (BiPCO, the members of the Responsible Youth and Family (RYF), Provincial Technical Working Group (PTWG), and the Inter-local RYF Network with the ultimate aim of helping the disadvantaged children and youth go back to normal life.

It was learned that the construction of Bahay Pag-asa was made possible through the joint efforts of Biliran Governor Gerardo Espina Jr, chairman of the Inter-local RYF with the financial support of Senator Francis Pangilinan and Congressman Rogelio Espina of the lone district of Biliran including the LGUs and the Sk Federation of Biliran Province. (PIA -Biliran)

EASTERN VISAYAS

Eastern Visayas RDC Chair and DOE Secretary Carlos Jericho Petilla

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Whale-watching in Pintuyan LGU gains local employment

By Erna S. Gorne

PINTUYAN, Southern Leyte, Feb 18 (PIA) -- As the whale watching tourism industry in Pintuyan is picking up, more town folks have found jobs.

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In 2012 alone, about 1,089 tourists flocked at Pintuyan seawaters for our whale watching tourist attraction,” Municipal Tourism Officer Moncher Bardus disclosed in an interview.

Pintuyan has been an abode of whale sharks for several years since it was first spotted in the municipal seawaters of Pintuyan, Limasawa Island and at times in Padre Burgos, where at least 3 to 5 whale sharks simultaneously surfaced above the Pintuyan seawaters to the delight of the tourists, he said.

Hence, some of the local townfolks here went into tourist guiding as they have become spotters for the tourists; those who own bancas could also earn by renting out their bancas.

While those home owners whose houses were accredited by the local government as homestay for the tourists were also making livelihood, he said.

Aside from the whale watching, the municipality also has established their dive sites and fish sanctuaries which are also

potential for tourist destinations, he added.

He also disclosed that the tourism program of the municipal government is now being managed by the local people’s organization, the Son-ok People’s Organization, in a memorandum of agreement entered into between the two groups, he said.(PIA-SoLeyte)

Lady farmer 2nd most outstanding farmer of PHL in 2012 PALO, Leyte, Feb 19 (PIA) -- The Food and Agricultural Organization of the United Nations say that “If women farmers have same access to tools and opportunities as men, they will produce more food for their families, and the world.”

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his was proven true by Lady Farmer Ditas dela Peña of Barangay Anahaway, Palo, Leyte who was recently awarded the second Outstanding Farmer of the Philippines (TOFARM) in 2012 besting 111 other farmers from different parts of the country.

All these years, Ditas, 52, who is also a village chief, had fused hard work and innovative ideas to respond to her family circumstances and shifts in consumer demand and market conditions.

She received a silver plaque and P25,000 for her achievement last January 24 at the Raffles Hotel in Makati City from the TOFARM, a search undertaken by the

Junior Chamber International Philippines (JCIP) in cooperation with Universal Harvester, Inc. to recognize the resilience, ingenuity, and strength of the Filipino farmers as backbones of the society.

Ditas was recognized for her efforts in preserving the bio-diversity through recycling farm and animal wastes into usable organic fertilizers, adoption of integrated farming system which provides good income and opportunities for expansion and replication, quality and market-driven farm products, benefit to community where neighbors earn their keep by working in her farm and impact to the agriculture sector which has inspired other farmers to join the farming

industry. For Ditas, farming activities starting at 3 a.m. till night time occupy much of her time 24/7.

Her latest achievement included being the Valedictorian of the University on the Air High Value Crops Production, 2012 UGMAD award as Outstanding Fa r m e r-E nt re p ren eu r a n d Mo st Outstanding Irrigators Association since she is president of the Irrigators Association in her town.

Ditas is among the women farmers who are half of all farmers in the developing world; women farmers who can grow 30 percent more food if they have access to the same resources as men. (PIA-8)

Azkals add glitter to Tacloban PhilHealth run

By Marcelo M. Pedalino TACLOBAN CITY, Feb. 18 (PIA) -- The supposed another fun run was spiced up with the presence of celebrities. The crowd of nearly 6,000 runners that assembled for the warm-up exercises at Balyuan amphitheater here before daylight yesterday shrieked and cheered as four members of the Philippine Azkals football team showed up onstage.

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he four, namely, Misa Baladoran, Carlos de Morga, Patrick Bright, and Paolo Pascual did stretching onstage and later joined the early morning run in the 3-kilometer category.

Organizers were obviously overwhelmed by the huge turnout, the emcees repeatedly saying they had expected only about 3,000 runners but

those who actually registered numbered 5,800 participants from the region, the farthest coming from Matuiginao in Samar.

The run, which was conducted simultaneously in 18 key cities nationwide in close coordination with the Department of Health (DOH), was held in observance of the 18th anniversary of the

Philippine Health Insurance Corporation (PhilHealth), It was learned that at the national level proceeds of the run will go into the care of cancer patients, while at the local level the accumulated funds will go to the child protection program of the Department of Social Welfare and Development. (PIA-Southern Leyte)

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

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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