Vol 6
Issue 11
In this Issue WESTERN VISAYAS
British Ambassador to the Philippines Asif Ahmad provides updates on programs and projects undertaken by the British government in the country during a press conference held held at Sarabia Manor Hotel and Convention, Mar. 11, 2016. Also in the photo is PIA-6 Regional Director Atty. Ma. Janet Mesa who served as moderator for the interaction. (LTP/ PIA-Iloilo)
Yu meanwhile said the Philippines will officially host the 2017 ASEAN Leaders Summit of which Cebu is also being eyed
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CENTRAL VISAYAS
March 14-20, 2016
Published by: PIA 6, 7 & 8
ASEAN senior information officials in Cebu for confab Fayette C. Riñen CEBU (PIA) – The 14th Senior Officials Responsible for Information (SOMRI) Meeting Lapulapu City leading to the 13th Conference on ASEAN Ministers Responsible for Information (AMRI) chaired by Secretary Sonny Coloma Jr. of the Presidential Communications Operations Office (PCOO) is going on as of presstime here. PCOO Usec. Jess Anthony YU, chairman of the pre-AMRI Conference of the 14th SOMRI Meeting, said the event from March 14 to March 18 is attended by information senior officials or undersecretary level for the SOMRI and information ministers or secretary level for the AMRI conference from the 10 ASEAN-member nations and three dialogue-partners which are Japan, Korea and China. “Holding the event in Cebu is good for the local tourism here as the delegates are information ministers and officials that can promote Cebu and spread and disseminate information about Cebu and Lapulapu City, in particular,” said Yu. The event is being held in Shangrila Mactan Resort in Lapulapu City and part of the itinerary is a tour around the island provided by the Lapulapu City Government. Holding the event in Lapulapu City also cements the city as an international events destination, said Lapulapu City Mayor Paz Radaza in the same press conference. “Lapulapu City is known as an international events destination and this is already proven as we have hosted a number of international events like the APEC, IEC and sports (Ironman),” said Radaza. Usec. Yu on the other hand, said Cebu was not the original venue as the meeting was supposed to take place in the capital. “But the delegates requested that it be held outside Manila and preferably, near the beach area. Since Cebu is second to Manila with access to an
international airport, the venue was decided to take place here,” bared Yu. The SOMRI chair said part of the agenda is the discussion on digital television and media information and communication exchanges among ASEAN-member countries. “Official sessions are closed for media coverage while only open are the opening ceremonies of both the SOMRI and the AMRI,” said Yu adding that the substantives that would transpire would be disclosed only after the conclusion of the one-day AMRI Conference on Thursday in a press conference by the AMRI Chair Sec. Coloma late afternoon.
"Welcome To Cebu" dance and song number greet the ministers and senior officials at the opening of the 13th ASEAN Ministers Responsible for Information at Shangrila Mactan. Lapulapu City (right) Mayor Paz Radaza delivered the welcome message for the delegates from the 10-ASEAN member nations (left). (PIA7)
NHA to complete Yolanda housing units before Aquino‘s term ends
A formal turn-over of chairmanship of 14th Senior Officials Meeting (SOMRI) from Myanmar to Philippines was held March 15 at Consuelo B. Alarcon the Shangri-La Mactan, Lapulapu City. The TACLOBAN CITY, Leyte, March 15 (PIA) – The To date, 8, 862 housing units were completed-4, 215 of formal turn-over is in line with the 14th SOMRI Meeting and Related Meetings to be National Housing Authority (NHA) in Eastern Visayas has which were physically completed and 4, 647 were partially held from March 14 - 18, 2016. (vvv/PIA Cebu) doubled efforts to complete the construction of Yolanda completed in the city.
as one of the venues. (rmn/fcr/PIA7)
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EASTERN VISAYAS
housing units in the city prior to the end of the term of the Aquino administration. During the Panginsayod ha PIA recently, Ms. Marilyn Lauzon, NHA project manager said that they are trying their best in order to meet the target date of completion which is June 2016. But, Lauzon admitted that due to various challenges such as weather condition and other unavoidable circumstances, the possibility of delay cannot be avoided. She pointed out the processes required in land acquisition which took time considering that not all properties in many areas are titled. In Eastern Visayas, 56, 140 housing units are needed. Out of the said figure, 14, 433 housing units are for Tacloban alone.
Lauzon informed that a total of 747 permanent houses were already occupied by the beneficiaries-347 houses are located at Kawayanville 1 and 2; 47 permanent houses in Kawayanville 3; 212 houses in Ridgeview Park and 103 in Villa Diana. Meanwhile, four areas were already energized namely Ridgeview Park 1 located in Brgy. Cabalawan this city, Villa Diana in brgy. Tagpuro and Tacloban North Villages located in Kawayanvilles 1, 2 and 3 and Villa Sofia. Other beneficiaries would follow once the permit of occupancy will be issued by the city government of Tacloban to more than one thousand occupants. It is estimated that each housing unit cost 290 thousand pesos. (ajc/PIA-8)
UK grants zero-tariff for PHL products Fire Prevention Month for Action Center Kapihan sa PIA in Maasin City, March 15, 2016 with City Fire Marshall Kenith Casas, Fire Officer II & IO-designate Raul Inocando Jr. and Fire Officer I Earnswell Tan, hosted by ICM Erna Gorne & Bong Pedalino. (PIA-8)
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Leonard T. Pineda I ILOILO CITY, March 14 (PIA6) --- There is good news for all Ilonggo traders and businessmen who want to export their products to the United Kingdom (UK). British Ambassador to the Philippines Asif Ahmad said that businesses and enterprises here can avail of the tariff-free access of their products to the UK market. “The biggest opportunity for any business in the Philippines particularly over here is to take advantage of the special offer the United Kingdom and the European Union have made,” he said. He said the zero-tariff for Philippine products is in advance of the free trade agreement which was signed between the European Union and the Philippines.
“It means that your mangoes, your vegetables, your garments, and whatever you think will sell in Europe can be sold without a tariff,” he said. He said that businessmen now have many options on how to ship their goods from here to direct flights in Manila to UK. “This is something that business people should consider more seriously,” he said. He added that their advocacy is more on investments in infrastructure for airports, ports, and other facilities which will make trade and tourism conducive. (JCM/ LTP/PIA-Iloilo)
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WESTERN VISAYAS
Women urged to fight for their rights, interest By Venus G. Villanueva KALIBO, Aklan, March 16 (PIA6) -- It is high time for women to put themselves at the forefront and participate in decision making and be leaders in their own right.
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his, in essence, was the main message of Aklan Vice Governor Gabrielle Calizo-Quimpo in her talk during Aklan‟s Opening Salvo of the Women‟s Month celebration here on March 8 held at the lobby of the Provincial Capitol Building. Calizo-Quimpo emphasized in her talk that it is important for women to be at the forefront of decision-making to push the interests of women in the agenda. The lady vice governor said Aklanon women can do this by starting at the smallest political unit – the barangay, and eventually, if qualified, at the municipal and provincial level, and be advocates of the rights of women. She cited as examples the various aspects and situations where a woman‟s role as a decision maker is vital – in Disaster Risks Reduction (DRR) programs and in the Peace Process, where there is a need to promote gender equality and to ensure gender-responsive recovery through lectures and seminars and the sharing of knowledge down to the grassroots.
“The only way to achieve fulfillment of programs of women at the lowest level is when they become liberated, empowered and respected in the community,” the vice governor said, who, years earlier, also served as a Sangguniang Panlalawigan member and the first-ever female representative of the province of Aklan. Other provincial officials who gave messages in the program were Aklan governor Florencio T. Miraflores who was represented by SP Member Soviet Russia de la Cruz, and Hon. Lillian Q, Tirol, Committee Chair on Women, Children and Family. Meanwhile, apart from the messages exhorting the important roles of women in the society and citing achievements of the province in championing Aklanon women‟s welfare and protection, the opening salvo was also also an opportunity for the province to make the women pampered and loved by providing them free health services, Make Over, and information from other government agencies.
These came in the form of Blood Pressure check up, pneumonia vaccines, blood typing and dental examination through the Provincial Health Office, Department of Health, Social Hygiene Clinic, Philippine Association of Medical Technologists and Philippine Red Cross; while the Makeover for Women came in the form hair-cutting, manicure/pedicure and massage through the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA). Information Desks where also provided where representatives from Philhealth, GSIS, Public Attornye‟s Office, Public Employment Service Office, Provincial Social Welfare and Development Office, and PNP Women‟s Desk were on hand to provide answers to queries from the public, especially women. The Women‟s Month opening salvo was spearheaded by the provincial government through the Provincial Planning and Development Office (PPDO) whose head, Engr. Roger M. Esto, is the Co-Chair of the Aklan Gender and Development Commission (AGADC).
DTI brings services to Caluya Island Pilar S. Mabaquiao SAN JOSE, Antique, March 15 (PIA6) - - The Department of Trade and Industry recently went to the Island town of Caluya bringing with them their services and programs.
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rovincial Director Mercedes Young, on March 11, 2016 visited the island Municipality of Caluya to conduct various activities to reach out to the community residents. Young went to see the BS Entrepreneurship Students of University of Antique- Caluya Campus where she was the Resource Speaker on Entrepreneurship Seminar. Young encouraged the students to open their entrepreneurial mindset while learning new strategies. She discussed the topics on risks and rewards of entrepreneurship and some tips on
how to be successful in business. Wilson Alian, Trade and Industry Development Specialist of DTI checked on the products of Imba Fisherfolks and Seaweeds Farmers Association. The association produces variety of seaweed-based products such as chips, canton, kropeck and pickles. DTI will extend further assistance to them through consultancy on packaging and labeling to improve the products marketability. Caluya is also one of the beneficiaries of Timbangan ng Bayan project of DTI. During the visit Municipal Treasurer Efren Decena also
showed DTI the way this heavy duty weighing scales served the consumers of Caluya Public market. The other unit was brought to the Public Market of Semirara. As to regulations of business establishments, DTI Information Officer Engr. Lynna Joy Cardinal likewise conducted market monitoring and check on the compliance of stores to fair trade laws. She conducted an inspection of their compliance to Business Name Registration, Price Tag Law and Product Standards Law. Cardinal also conducted registration of business name. (JCM/PSM/PIA6Antique)
DOH turns over TSeKaP equipment to Capiz LGUs Alex Lumaque ROXAS CITY, Capiz, March 16 (PIA6) – Three hundred twenty – eight Tamang Serbisyo Para sa Kalusugan ng Pamilya (TSeKaP) packages were turned over by Sec. Janette L. Garin of the Department of Health (DOH) to local government units (LGU) in the province last March 10 at the Capiz Gym here.
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ach of the health equipment package is composed of thermometer, stethoscope, blood pressure apparatus, dressing kits glucometer and nebulizers. “These packages endorsed to the LGUs will be turned over by the Rural Health Units to identified Barangay Health Stations (BHS) in their locality,” said Capiz DOH head Dr. Elmer Bucayan. During the program, Sec. Garin has thanked the LGUs and health workers in the
province for the voluntary help, commitment and compassion in the health service delivery activities. “Those are the perfect ingredients that allowed the DOH to achieve our strategies, objectives and goals,” she stressed, adding that the TSeKaP package is the effect of Daang Matuwid governance by Pres. Benigno S. Aquino III administration. The DOH program makes primary health care like preventive and promotive services
accessible to the population to keep them healthy as well as well-informed on their health condition. The activity was graced by local officials led by Capiz Gov. Victor A. Tanco, Sr., congressmen Antonio Del Rosario and Fredenil Castro, PhilHealth Board of Director Ronnie Dadivas, DOH 6 director Marlyn Convocar and provincial health officials, among others. (JCM/AAL/PIA6 Capiz)
WESTERN VISAYAS
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DAR awards ‗good‘ APCP borrowers Carlson B. Alelis NEGROS OCCIDENTAL, March 14 (PIA6) – A total of 30 Agrarian Reform Beneficiary Organizations (ARBOs) from Negros Occidental were recognized for being ―good‖ borrowers of the Department of Agrarian Reform‘s Agrarian Production Credit Program (APCP).
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he ARBOs from the province were recognized during the 2nd Agri-Fisheries Credit Program Assessment and Planning Workshop for Visayas-Mindanao on March 10 at the Mallberry Business Suite in Cagayan de Oro. They were awarded for paying on time, since the inception in 2013 of the APCP, a five-year credit and capacity development program designed to respond to the credit needs of ARBs on various economic projects such as agricultural crop production, agri-enterprise and livelihood projects. These borrowers also followed the rules, regulations and criteria set by DAR in order to avail of the APCP. Agriculture Secretary Proceso Alcala gave the award, a plaque of recognition, to 19 ARBOs
from southern Negros and 11 ARBOs from the north. The 19 ARBOs from southern Negros are Hacienda Pangulayan ARBF Association of Bago City; Dama Farmworkers ARB Association of La Castellana; Candumarao Cluster Association of Hinigaran; Estela Agrarian Reform Cooperative of La Carlota City; Hacienderos Agrarian Reform Cooperative of Bago City; Hacienda Agueda ARB Association of La Castellana; Hacienda Cahilamunan ARB Association of La Castellana; Hacienda Esperanza ARB Association of La Carlota City; Hacienda Malaga-Cuenca ARC of La Castellana; Hacienda Siga-siga ARB MPC of La Castellana; Hacienda Trinidad MPC of La Castellana; Minoro-Isabel ARB Association of La Castellana; Occidental Negros ARB Planters‟
Association (ONARBPA) of Kabankalan City; Victor U. Lopez Agrarian Reform Cooperative of Pontevedra; Viscaya Agrarian Reform Cooperative of Pontevedra; San Enrique Multi-Purpose Cooperative of San Enrique; Kasuco Workers Agricultural Cooperative of Kabankalan City; Bajay-Patol Agrarian Reform Cooperative of Cauayan and Mataba Women‟s Association of Kabankalan City. Meanwhile, the ARBOs from the northern portion of the province that were also recognized were Dalayapan ARB Association; Don Esteban ARB Association; Hacienda Anita Farmworkers Association; PFFC Workers and ARB MPC; Hacienda Bernadita ARB MPC; Bulilis MPC; Cambaol FMPC; Libertad MPC; CALIDAFA; CARP UBMPC and San Jose ARB MPC. (JCM/ CBA/PIA6-Negros Occidental)
World Water Day focuses on ‗Water and Jobs‘ Elsa Subong ILOILO CITY, March 16 (PIA6) — This year‘s World Water Day Celebration on March 22 revolves on the theme ―Water and Jobs‖, according to the Department of Environment and Natural Resources-6.
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he Environmental Management Bureau of the DENR is leading the activities for the celebration. Atty. Jonathan Bulos, EMB regional director, said the theme underscores the importance of water and jobs in transforming people‟s lives. “Businesses use water in their daily operations, and the water industry and water –related services are instrumental in improving people‟s lives by giving them jobs,” Bulos said. The UN World Water Development Report of 2015 stated that there are about 1.5 billion people who work in water-related sectors and millions of them are unrecognized and unprotected. The EMB will spearhead the
clean-up of identified esteros in Iloilo City, together with the city government and the “adopt -an-estero” partners, on March 19. “Cleaning the estero may be a small thing, including picking up garbage, but this collective effort help our communities have clean esteros for water to flow,” Ninfa Adolfo, chief of Special Projects Section of the EMB. Meanwhile, DENR-6 Regional Director Jim Sampulna said that managing water resource is important as it impacts on the economy and the environment. “There are still so many things to learn about water-related issues,” Sampulna said, adding that these issues transcends the other issues the society faces today. On the other hand, Environment Secretary Ramon Paje said the local
government units has an important role in ensuring that the water bodies in their respective areas are safe for its intended use. “LGUs must take an active role in rehabilitating the dying rivers, lakes and other water bodies to benefit the people,” Paje added. The celebration of World Water Day started in 1992 when the UN Conference on Environment and Development recommended for an observance on water. The United Nations General Assem b l y resp on ded b y desi gn at i n g March 22, 1993 as the first World Water Day, and has since then been celebrated annually. (JCM/ESS/PIA-Iloilo)
LGUs urged to follow Anti-Rabies Act Leonard T. Pineda I ILOILO CITY, March 15 (PIA6) --- The Department of Health (DOH)-6 called on the local government units in (LGUs) Region 6 for the strict implementation of Republic Act No. 9482 or the Anti-Rabies Act of 2007.
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r. Elvie Villalobos, DOH-6 Head for Infectious Disease and Environmental and Occupational Health Cluster, said that LGUs play a huge role in rabies control. “The implementation of the Anti-Rabies Act depends on the LGUs so there should be strict enforcement on their part,” he said. According to the Anti-Rabies Act of 2007, the LGUs in their respective localities are tasked to ensure that all dogs are properly immunized, registered and issued a corresponding dog tag for every immunized and registered dog. The LGUs should also strictly enforce dog
impounding activities and field control to eliminate stray dogs and ensure that dogs are leashed or confined within the premises of the owner‟s house or owner‟s fenced surroundings. Likewise, the LGUs should also allocate funds to augment the implementation of the National Rabies Prevention and Control Program, particularly on the financing of supplies and human and dog vaccines needed for immunization. The DOH also cited the responsibility of the pet owners, as per the Anti-Rabies Act of 2007.
The main responsibility of pet owners is to vaccinate and register their dogs. Pet owners who refuse to have their dog vaccinated against rabies shall be liable to pay for the vaccination of both the dog and the individuals bitten by their dog. There are penalties for pet owners who violate the law. These sanctions include a P2,000 fine for owners who refuse to immunize or register their dogs, and a P25,000 fine for owners who refuse to pay for the medical expense of a victim bitten by their dog. (JCM/LTP/PIA-Iloilo).
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CENTRAL VISAYAS
Renewable energy to expand geothermal output in NegOr Roi Anthoni B. Lomotan VALENCIA, Negros Oriental, Mar. 14 (PIA) – Renewable energy firm Energy Development Corporation (EDC) seeks to expand its geothermal output in Negros Oriental.
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he company seeks to expand its output from 222.5 megawatts (MW) to 282.5MW in which additional 20MW will be allocated for its Nasuji Power Plant and the remaining 40MW will be reserved for its future developments. The company is applying for an Environment Compliance Certificate (ECCC) from the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) in line with its proposed expansion. As a requirement in securing an ECC, a public was held to solicit opinions from different sectors on the proposed EDC expansion. EDC representatives were present in a public hearing held recently at Yeva Gymnasium in Valencia town along with hundreds of representatives coming from the religious sector, business, grassroots, and environmental groups.
Engr. Vicente Omandam, EDC project management senior manager of its Negros Island Geothermal Business Unit (NIGBU), clarified that the expansion will cover 30 hectares inside EDC‟s 5,000 hectares development area. Aside from this, he also noted that the company is taking necessary steps and considering all possible measures including engineering designs to minimize the number of trees that will be affected by the expansion. He also stated the company‟s commitment in planting 100 trees to replace those that were cut down. He also clarified that no new power plants will be built in the expansion but will install equipment that will harness the steam beneath the earth. As part of the requirements in securing an
ECC, EDC tapped consultancy firm GHD to make an Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) of its existing geothermal facility in this town. Dr. Felixberto Roquia was among the experts who conducted the EIA presented some notable findings of the EIA during the public hearing. Meanwhile, Robert Dy, a representative of the Negros Oriental Chamber of Commerce and Industry (NOCCI), considers the expansion as a welcome development since it can create employment for Valencianons and produce additional income in the municipality. He acknowledges that there is a tradeoff when development projects like this happens, but noted that geothermal energy is cheaper than solar energy. (rmn/ral/PIA7-Negros Oriental)
451st Blood Compact anniversary marked with triple celebration Elvira C. Bongosia TAGBILARAN CITY, Mar. 16 (PIA) -- Coinciding with the 451st anniversary of the Blood Compact, the City Government of Tagbilaran commemorated it with a triple celebration which showcases Tagbilaran, as the City of Friendship.
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arly today, Mayor John Geesnell „Baba‟ Yap II led the time capsule laying for the P54-million Bohol Friendship Park in Barangay Bool. Today‟s occasion also witnessed the grand launching of the Saulog Tagbilaran 2016 festivities and Mutya sa Tagbilaran 2016 where the 15 lovely candidates graced the event to represent their respective barangays. The Vanguardians Dance Company portrayed the much-celebrated first International Treaty of Friendship between Boholano chieftain Datu Sikatuna and Spanish conquistador Miguel Lopez de Legazpi during the commemorative program this morning held at the soon-to-be Bohol Friendship
Park in Bool. Gov. Edgar Chatto, Cong. Rene Relampagos, Vice Gov. Concepcion Lim, Bohol Friendship Park Committee Head Peter Dejaresco, Bohol First Lady Pureza Veloso-Chatto, Tagbilaran City First Lady Jane Cajes-Yap, City Sangguniang Bayan members led by Vice Mayor Toto Veloso graced the triple celebration. Chatto congratulated the City Government on the triple celebration which he said showcases Tagbilaran as the City of Friendship and its tourism, culture, and history as a microcosm of Bohol as a province and the life of its people. The governor turned over today to Mayor Yap and Vice Mayor Veloso the last tranche of funding for
the Bohol Earthquake Assistance sub projects in Tagbilaran City, including the City Hall. Also turned over today was emergency shelter assistance fund and cash for work fund for some 1,200 earthquake affected families in the city. Mayor Yap, for his part, said the activities are a contribution to the promotion of unique heritage and the presentation of its history as a living experience. He said the activities depict the universal message of friendship and unity and also showcases Tagbilaran City as a tourism destination itself and not just a gateway to the paradise that is Bohol. (ecb/ PIA7-Bohol)
Violence against women cases up in Cebu City Rachelle M. Nessia CEBU CITY, March 17 (PIA) -- Cases of violence against women (VAW) are on the rise in Cebu City and Cebu province.
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n 2014, there were 568 physical injuries and 47 psychological abuse cases recorded in the city, according to records from the Women and Children Protection Center (WCPC) at Cebu City Police Office. However, at the end of 2015, the number of cases rose to 846 for physical injuries and 125 for psychological abuse. Although the official count has yet to be collated for the first two months this year, WCPC officials already noted an increase. “Our reports are done quarterly, but for January and February this year, we already see an increase in the cases,” said PO3 Geneve Undalok of Cebu City WCPC during the Kapihan sa PIA held at the plenary hall of Ramon Aboitiz Foundation, Inc. (RAFI) yesterday. In Cebu province, VAW cases have also increased according to P/Sr. Insp. Marginette Yosores who heads the WCPC at Cebu Provincial
Police Office. Yosores said majority of the VAW cases recorded in her office are from Talisay City followed by Bogo City. Both WCPC officers attribute the increase to higher awareness among women victims of domestic abuse on where to go and what they need to do to avail of the assistance from WCPC. “The cases are strictly confidential. In fact, we have what we call as the pink blotter to log VAW cases. They are not recorded in the regular police blotter,” explained Yosores. However, authorities note that VAW victims need to be more empowered as only a small percentage of abused women who seek the help of WCPC actually end up filing cases against their abusive partners. Of the total cases handled by Cebu City‟s WCPC, only around 16% of them file cases, said Undalok.
One reason for this is due to the women‟s lack of financial independence, said Atty. Virginia Palanca-Santiago, president of the Legal Alternatives for Women (LAW), Inc. “Most of them are economically dependent on their husbands, and this forces them to stay in the abusive relationship for years. We have had clients who endure the abuse for as long as 40 years,” said Santiago. She urged women who are victims of abuse to be empowered and stand up for their rights. LAW Inc. is a non-government organization that offers free legal aid to women victims of abuse and violence. The forum held by Philippine Information Agency-Cebu is in line with this year‟s Women‟s Month celebration in March with the theme: “Kapakanan ni Juana, Isama sa Agenda.” (rmn/PIA7 -Cebu)
CENTRAL VISAYAS
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Decentralized hiring of local firemen lauded Rey Anthony H. Chiu TAGBILARAN CITY, March 14, (PIA) — A key officer of the Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP) in Bohol lauded the government's move to decentralize the agency‘s recruitment to afford the sourcing for more personnel who are familiar with their areas of responsibility.
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ire Chief Inspector Antonio Ortiz, Bohol acting provincial fire marshal, called the proposed BFP plan to bring recruitment to the towns a positive step that allows them to position the right men for the task at hand. Speaking at the Kapihan sa PIA tackling Fire Prevention, Ortiz said that the bureau practice of a centralized hiring of firemen allows displacement of men and separation from their families for periods of time on duty. Moreover, with firemen‟s assignments, the need to familiarize with the territory can bear the difference between a quicker fire response and
rescue. Many believe that a decentralized hiring of firemen can motivate local government units to donate lots as an investment. Towns without fire stations can have their own fire stations funded by the BFP with a fire truck and manpower complement. This, however, is possible if the town positively responds to the necessary land donation for the fire station to sit on. The move to decentralize the hiring is an added bet for the towns to respond, considering that the fire bureau puts up a P2.3 million building, another
P2 million fire truck and manpower complement, which can be from their town. For towns without fire stations now, responding to fire alarms can take a considerably longer time as the response would have to come from the neighboring towns where they are clustered. In fire alarms, after a fire break-out, crucial minutes of response is necessary to put the fire in control, one which can hardly be attained with a fire station many minutes away. (rmn/rac/PIA-7/ Bohol)
Bohol red tide alert on shellfish ban continues Rey Anthony H. Chiu TAGBILARAN CITY, March 15 (PIA) — Shell fish ban in the waters off Dauis town remains in place after ten months, along with five more bays and coastal waters across the Visayas which have been tested positive for paralytic shellfish poison beyond the regulatory limits, said Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR) Director Atty. Asis Perez.
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FAR has warned people against harvesting, selling, buying and eating shellfish and other bottom feeders from these areas. Other than Dauis in Bohol, also with continuing threat of paralytic shellfish poison commonly associated with red tide are the coastal waters of Daram Island in Daram, Western Samar, Cambatutay Bay also in Western Samar, coastal waters of Pilar in Capiz, Coastal waters of Naval, in Biliran Island province as well as in the coastal bays of Leyte town in Leyte. Atty. Perez said that through Shellfish Bulletin No. 8, series of 2016 dated March 8, 2016, based on the latest laboratory results done by BFAR and the Local Government Units, all shellfish and acetes sp
or alamang gathered from the areas listed above are not safe for human consumption. On the other hand, fish, squids, shrimps and crabs form there may be safe for human consumption provided they are fresh and washed thoroughly with the internal organs such as gills and intestines removed before cooking, BFAR advised. It may be recalled that in June of last year, around 12 people in Tagbilaran and Dauis areas were rushed to local hospitals after eating shellfish gathered from specific locations mentioned. This also prompted BFAR to conduct a study and eventual issuance of an advisory for algal bloom, which is commonly known as red tide. Any shellfish or shrimps, bottom feeders that
happen to feed on the algal bloom would tend to ingest the poison, which when eaten by man, causes paralysis, upset stomach, vomiting, nausea and disorientation, according to health authorities. Local fishery authorities continue to urge people to keep off from said areas, and especially refraining from transporting what they could gather to other areas to sell. Dauis authorities as well as BFAR Bohol Leo Bongalos, who incidentally comes from the town, have been reportedly monitoring the implementation of the BFAR shellfish ban, even as the one-month red tide scare has rendered many shell fish gathering and trading families helpless. (rac/ PIA-7/Bohol)
Youths urged to look at peace process in wider perspective Roi Anthoni B. Lomotan DUMAGUETE CITY, Mar. 14 (PIA) – Broadcast journalist and 2015 Marshall McLuhan awardee Joseph Morong encourages young people to see the issue of the Mindanao peace process in a wider perspective.
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orong, who is a senior reporter of GMA-7, was in Silliman University recently to give a talk on “Communicating the Message of the Bangsamoro” as part of the Marshall McLuhan Forum Series on Responsible Media which was sponsored by the Canadian Embassy. Students from Silliman University and Negros Oriental State University, most of them enrolled in mass communication, attended the forum. In his talk, Morong told students to view the issue of the peace process and the Bangsamoro not only through the lens of the Mamasapano debacle but also through its historical context and other related issues. He pointed out that there is a tendency to get emotional and become biased on the issue if they will only see it from the aspect of the Mamasapano tragedy without having prior knowledge on the peace process and the Bangsamoro Basic Law (BBL).
He showed his audience the result of a survey conducted by the Social Weather Station (SWS) in June 2015 which reveal that 44% of the respondents have little knowledge on the BBL while 37% say they have no knowledge on the BBL, 16% have partial but sufficient knowledge on the topic, and only 3% have extensive knowledge on the issue. The problem goes back to the colonial period when the Treaty of Paris was signed and the Philippines was turned over by Spain to America. Prior to this, early Muslims in Mindanao had already established a political and military system in island which became the reason why Spanish colonizers failed to conquer the island, therefore Mindanao at that time was not subjugated to Spanish political existence and was not added to the Spanish colonies in the country. However, with the signing of the Treaty in 1898, Mindanao became part of the Philippine
territory that was sold by the Spaniards to the Americans. The broadcast journalist acknowledged that there was a lack of focus in the media in presenting the historical context of the Bangsamoro in the news and there was overemphasis given on the Mamasapano tragedy. This was also reflected in the study conducted by the Center for Media Freedom and Responsibility (CMFR) on the Coverage of the BBL, which he also presented in the forum. Morong believes the way to solve Mindanao‟s problems is to set aside prejudices on Muslims. He emphasized to his audience that they should always remember that they are the same with the young people in the Bangsamoro states – they have dreams and they are also Filipinos. (rmn/ral/ PIA7-Negros Oriental)
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EASTERN VISAYAS
Biliran candidates ink covenant for 2016 polls Rodrigo S. Victoria NAVAL, Biliran, March 16 (PIA) - Candidates in Biliran province for the synchronized local and national elections on May 9, 2016 recently signed a covenant for the conduct of an honest, authentic, peaceful, clean and credible elections.
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A covenant is a sacred vow that each candidate must obey and follow,” Cajipo said in her message to the local candidates present during the covenant signing of elective position of member of the House of Representatives, Governor, Vice-Governor and Sangguniang Panlalawigan members held recently at the Naval Gymnasium. In the covenant, candidates are refrain from using force, violence or organized armed groups to threaten, terrorize and intimidate the voters to disrupt the holding of free, honest, orderly, peaceful and credible elections. PSSupt.Lito T. Bigoy, provincial director, Biliran Police Provincial Office (BPPO), who was present in the covenant signing advised the candidates not to engage in any violent act in order to preserve the peaceful situation of the entire province. He shared his experience when he was still a city director in a city in Western Samar where some politicians engaged private armed
groups to terrorize voters and ensure their victory during elections. He expressed hopes for the same not to happen in Biliran this time under his watch. Earlier, the provincial office of the Commission on Elections (Comelec) here, headed by Atty. Karen C. Cajipo, provincial election supervisor, in coordination with the municipal election officers of the eight towns in the province, conducted a series of lectures on the Fair Elections Act and initiated the signing of a covenant among the local candidates in the province. Vote buying, giving and offering or promise of money, gifts or anything of value were the things also emphasized among the candidates which they must renounce and refrain from doing. Candidates and their supporters are prohibited from posting all propaganda materials in areas not designated by COMELEC as common poster and they are also obliged
to remove all campaign materials posted outside the CPA at their own expense within three days from notice. Comelec assigned CPAs in every town in the province of Biliran where candidates can post their campaign materials. It also reminded the candidates during the covenant to follow the rules and regulations promulgated by Comelec in bearing, carrying and transporting of firearms or other deadly weapons and not engage themselves in any illegal activity and or employ security personnel or bodyguards for violent purposes. Candidates were also warned not to tamper the election returns and certificate of canvass to avoid penalty for criminal acts. They were also told to abide and follow all election laws, rules and regulations promulgated for the conduct of elections and promote respect and professionalism to fellow candidates. (FJ/rvictoria/PIA 8 Biliran)
CSC-8 still accepts nominations for HAP search Consuelo B. Alarcon TACLOBAN CITY, Leyte, March 15 (PIA) --- The Civil Service Commission (CSC) regional office 8 announced that nominations for 2016 Search for Outstanding Public Officials and Employees will be accepted until March 31, 2016.
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his is part of the Commission‟s advocacy of promoting excellence and recognizing as well as rewarding civil servants for outstanding performance, contribution and achievements and or consistent manifestation of exemplary ethical behavior. In pursuance to Republic Act 6713 otherwise known as the “Administrative Code of Ethical Standards for Public Officials and
Employees”, the CSC established the Honor Awards Program (HAP) consisting of the Presidential or Lingkod Bayan Award, the Outstanding Public Officials and Employees Award or Dangal ng Bayan Award and the Civil Service Commission Pagasa Award. Heads of agencies and government workers are encouraged to submit nominations to this prestigious search. Nomination forms and guidelines maybe
secured from CSC regional and field offices in the region or maybe downloaded at the CSC website www.csc.gov.ph. For more inquiries, the HAP secretariat may also be reached through telephone numbers (02) 931-7993 and 9320382 or email address es: paio.paspd@csc.gov.ph and hapsecretariat @yahoo.com. (ajc/PIA-8)
OSCA seeks payout for 860 senior citizens‘ social pension Erna S. Gorne MAASIN CITY, Southern Leyte, March 14 (PIA) - The Office of the Senior Citizens Affairs (OSCA) in Maasin City seeks to complete the requirements for the hundreds of indigent senior citizens needed to payout for their social pension in the city soonest.
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ccording to Felisa Diola, OSCA president in Maasin City, some 860 indigent senior citizens need to catch up in the preparations of the required documents to be completed before the onset of the local campaign period otherwise payout of their social pension shall be postponed after the election period. Diola said some 800 indigent senior citizens will be receiving P1,500.00 each for the period April-June, 2015 for its social pension receivables while other 60 newly registered
beneficiaries are set to receive at P6,000.00 each for the period from January- December 2016. The social pension vouchers for the newly registered beneficiaries in the city are prepared separately hence the difference in the amount to be received from the first batch of indigent senior citizens, she said. She is urging the beneficiaries of the social pension on the completion of the requirements or seek the assistance from their younger relatives to fast track in the preparations of
documents needed. Meanwhile, the city government initiated- social pension for selected senior citizens at P500 per month is definitely suspended making way for the bulky preparations of social pensions paid by the national government thru the DSWD, Diola added. The city-initiated social pension shall be paid out after the election period, she said. (esg/PIA8 SoLeyte)
EASTERN VISAYAS
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Biliran local execs support women‘s welfare Mary Lailani Pitao-Tupaz NAVAL, Biliran, March 14 (PIA) – Top male local executives in Biliran province strongly support women‘s welfare as shown in their presence during the 21st Women‘s Congress held at the Naval State University (NSU) gymnasium on March 8, also celebrated as International Women‘s Day.
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aripipi Mayor Uldarico Macorol sympathized with his women constituents as he joined in the parade around the town proper of Naval where some 2,655 women from the 132 barangays and 45 organized sitios joined in the daylong activity. The Women‟s Congress was graced by Congressman Rogelio Espina of the lone district of Biliran, Governor Gerardo Espina, Jr., Vice-Governor Eriberto Tubis, Sangguniang Panlalawigan Member Gerard Espina, Caibiran Mayor Eulalio Maderazo, and Mayor Dominador Agajan of the municipality of Almeria. In its effort to empower Biliran women, the Provincial Council for Women‟s Welfare, Inc. (PCWWI) headed by PCWWI President, Dr. Cecil Espina, set a
plenary session where topics on gender sensitivity, Magna Carta of Women or Repulic act 9710, parents‟ role in drug prevention, breast cancer awareness and prevention, and women‟s role during disasters were discussed. To enrich Biliran women‟s personality in the lighter side of the congress, they competed in folk dancing, slogan making with deliberation, and aerobics contest. The municipality of Almeria championed in the folk dance competiton, followed by Naval and Caibiran. For the slogan contest, Culaba won the 1st place, Maripipi – 2nd place, and Kawayan – 3rd place. The best in hataw and aerobics contest was grabbed by Caibiran, 2nd place went to Naval, and 3rd place - Almeria.
The best in parade was awarded to the municipality of Almeria, 2nd place to Naval, and 3rd place to Maripipi. At the end of the day-long activity, the women participants expressed contentment of the activities prepared for them and requested the organizers to sustain the programs for women in the coming years. PCWWI, Women‟s Organization for Rural Development-Kalipunan ng Lahing Pilipina (WORD-KALIPI), and women employees from both government and private offices in coordination with the provincial government of Biliran opened the Women‟s Month Celebration on March 1 with a motorcade around the province of Biliran carrying the theme “Kapakanan ni Juana, Isama sa Agenda!” (FJ/mlt/PIA8 Biliran)
SoLeyte hospitals include elderly, PWDs in health care Marcelo Pedalino MAASIN CITY, Southern Leyte, March 14 (PIA) -- The provincial government here takes care of hospitalization costs in case resident Senior Citizens and persons with disabilities (PWDs) would be admitted in any of the public hospitals managed by the province.
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his was made possible through an ordinance passed by the Sangguniang Panlalawigan in its regular session on October 12, 2015, and approved for implementation by Gov. Roger Mercado on October 29, 2015. Ordinance Number 2015-77 provides a unified hospital rates in all the provincial hospitals and classified patients according to their paying capacity, in which those unable to pay will be absorbed using the indigency fund set aside for this purpose from the provincial coffers.
Another source of the indigency fund that can be utilized was from the Department of Health (DOH) under the name Medical Health Care Assistance Program (MHCAP). The ordinance specified that admission costs of senior citizens and PWDs, in excess of Philhealth claims, is charged 100% to either or both the DOH-granted MHCAP and the indigency fund initiative of the provincial government. Aside from old people and the differently-abled ones, admitted patients who are employees of the provincial government
are also covered by this privilege, according to Section 3, No. 2 of the said Ordinance, a copy of which was obtained by PIA. The public hospitals in other places of the province under the provincial government, in addition to the Salvacion Oppus Yniguez Memorial Provincial Hospital (SOYMPH) in barangay Dongon, this city, are Padre Burgos Community Hospital, Sogod District Hospital, Pintuyan District Hospital, Anahawan District Hospital, and Hinunangan District Hospital. (mmp, PIA8-Southern Leyte)
Gov‘t allocates P1.28B for North Samar 2nd District infras Ailene Diaz CATARMAN, Northern Samar, 14 March (PIA) – The national government through the Department of Public Works and Highways allocates around P1.28 billion for infrastructure projects to be implemented in the second district of the province of Northern Samar, this was learned from DPWH, NSSDEO PIO Unit.
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unded based on General Appropriation Act (GAA) of the Department‟s 2016 Infrastructure Program, the project specifically includes Asset Preservation of National Roads covering preventive maintenance/highway development and management, rehabilitation reconstruction and upgrading of damaged paved national roads and rehab, reconstruction of national roads with slips, slope collapse and landslides, among others.
Another major projects funded for 2016 is Network Development, under this category is the construction of missing gaps connecting national roads and off-carriageway improvement including drainage. Part of the budget is also allocated to the construction and maintenance of bridges along national roads, speicifically retrofitting and strengthening of permanent bridges. In a meeting with technical personnel and contractors early this year which was called by
DPWH-Northern Samar Second District Engineering Office (NSSDEO), District Engineer Ferdinand Briones advised contractors to strictly adhere to the project schedules and avoid incurring negative slippages in the implementation of the project. Dependent on the budget apportionment of each project, the implementation will be undertaken by either DPWH Central Office, Regional Office or DPWH Northern Samar 2nd District Engineering Office. (ADiaz)
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