Vol 6
Issue 15
In this Issue WESTERN VISAYAS
European Union Ambassador to the Philippines Franz Jessen shares that they are looking forward to participating in "Sikaran" as a pre-Earth Day advocacy initiative in the island-province of Guimaras during a press briefing held Friday, April 15, 2016 at the Iloilo Grand Hotel. Also in the photo are Romanian Charge d'Affaires Mihai Sion (right) and German deputy ambassador Michael Hasper. Hasper.
More on Region 6, pages 2-3. Also CLICK Here…
CENTRAL VISAYAS
A Kapihan sa PIA was held April 13 at the Plenary Hall, 6 Floor,RAFI Bldg., 35 Lopez Jaena St., Cebu City with guests from MCDCB and RAFI (l-r) Dr. Leonor Caneja, Evelyn Nacario and Carol Ballesteros to talk on the Mega Cebu Candidates’ Fora 2016 which will be held from April 13, 14, 15, 18 and 20 from 9:00 am - 1200 nn. The forum was aired-live from 10:00 am - 11:00 am at DYMR-Radyo ng Bayan 576 khz and delayed telecast at Sky Cable-Cebu Channel 61 at 5:00 pm. #MegaCebuCandidatesForum (vvv/PIA Cebu)
April 11 - 17, 2016
Published by: PIA 6, 7 & 8
Balikatan focuses on better preparedness of humanitarian crises Vicente W. Villavert SAN JOSE, Antique April 11 (PIA) – The US Exercises Director for the PH-US Balikatan Exercises 2016 said that it is very important for the joint rapid reaction force to continue to refine their capabilities in handling humanitarian crises. “A big portion of the exercise is really to help us refine some of our tactics, technologies and procedures to handle human crises, and to be able to move equipment over to the islands using air, water, using the maritime environment,” said Lt. Gen. John Toolan, Commander, Marine Forces Pacific and Exercises Director, during his briefing with the media in the the shorelines of San Jose where the PH-US Balikatan Exercise is being conducted. Toolan said that the joint rapid reaction force is showing that through this exercise “we can really build a coherent plan,” to enhance techniques as part of the iteroperability as well as readiness and cooperation of both countries. For his part, Vice Admiral Alexander Lopez, Commander of Western Command, Exercise Director for the Philippines, said that the Balikatan exercise will help develop Filipino soldiers to handle new technologies and new hardware to prepare them for any eventualities like calamities, humanitarian assistance, and many others. Lopez said that what was exhibited in the Balikatan exercise is a testament of the cooperation and camaraderie between the Philippines and the United States to maintain the security in this part of world.
For the first time in the history of the province, the Antiqueños witnessed the landing of three CH47 or Chinook at the Evelio B. Javier Airport demonstrating the transport of personnel and logistics, and the amphibious landing at Sitio Madrangka, Barangay Funda-Dalipe shoreline where it showed ship to shore movement illustrating capability in rapid response that will further increase the level of readiness and effectiveness in providing relief and assistance to the local communities in the event of natural disasters and other crises. The event in San Jose was covered by local, regional and national media. (JCM/VWV/PIA Antique)
US V-22 Osprey lands at the Evelio B. Javier Airport in San Jose, Antique during the PH-US Balikatan Exercises to demonstrate the PH-US soldiers capability in rapid response, readiness and effectiveness in providing relief assistance to the local communities in the event of natural disasters and other crises.(PIA6/T.Villavert) #pia6
Mega Cebu holds series of candidates' forums CEBU CITY, April 13 – Mega Cebu will once again hold a series of candidates’ fora for electoral candidates in Mega Cebu districts from April 13 to April 20. The fora will feature congressional and mayoral candidates in Mega Cebu areas who will discuss how they plan to ensure that the rapid economic progress in Cebu does not get derailed by unplanned growth. The fora will kick off today with candidates from District 1 or Carcar City, Naga City, Talisay City, Minglanilla, and San Fernando. As part of the kick-off ceremony, a Kapihan sa PIA will be held within today’s forum from 10:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. with guests from the organizing team of the candidates fora. The Kapihan is aired live over DYMR Radyo ng Bayan
and delayed telecast over Sky Cable Channel 61 in the afternoon of the same day. The next candidates fora is on April 15 for District 6 (Mandaue City, Consolacion, Cordova, Lapu-Lapu), followed by Cebu City North and South Districts on April 18 in the morning and Lapu-Lapu City lone district in the afternoon. Cebu province candidates for governor and vice-governor will be on April 20. The Mega Cebu Candidates’ Fora is held at the Plenary Hall of Ramon Aboitiz Foundation, Inc. (RAFI) in Cebu City. Philippine Information Agency (PIA) in Cebu is part of the organizing committee for this year’s candidates’ forums. (rmn/PIA7-Cebu)
PIA DG revisits 'Yolanda' stricken families of Hernani TACLOBAN CITY, Leyte, April 11 (PIA) – In what he refers to be called an advocacy and a personal mission, More on Region 7, pages 4-5. Philippine Information Agency (PIA) Director Genera l (DG) Jose Mari Oquiñena visited once again, the survivors of Also CLICK Here… barangay Carmen, Hernani, Eastern Samar, one of the worst-hit villages by killer typhoon “Yolanda." In 2013, DG Mari was one of the first responders EASTERN VISAYAS of “Yolanda” survivors in the province, who arrived with truckloads of relief goods, that he readily entrusted to Bishop Crispin Varquez of Borongan Diocese. Two years later, on April 8, he showed up again, no longer with relief goods but with concrete houses, just enough however for people with simple needs. Juliet Doños, 37, and resident of the newly created Gawad Kalinga communities, shared in a brief interview, her happiness, to be assured of one unit of the Row Houses, GK has built for the storm surge survivors. Situated in a hilly 4-hectare lot, the 240 loftable housing units of Hernani GK Village, some 300 meters from the highway, was facilitated by the local government Comelec holds vote counting machine road unit. Each compartment of the Row Houses measures 22 show presentation in Calbayog City. sq.meter. “But there will be more construction here, should GK management succeed in negotiating the adjacent land area of the village,” DG Mari said. Mr. Oquiñena mentioned that the very thing why the GK More on Region 8, pages 6-7. community was built in Hernani is because of the supportive municipal mayor and other local officials, who allows GK to Also CLICK Here... manage the programs and activities with their constituents, the
GK way and sans political colors. The PIA head who leads in the GK’s humanitarian activities dubbed Bayani Challenge” was in town recently, together with 300 other volunteers who came from all over the country. Most of them were students, others were professionals, businessmen, OFWs, educators and foreigners. Each came on their own travel fares, food provisions with foldable tents to shield them at night. They have smaller groups to work with like, Kusina ng Kalinga, Bayan Anihan, Paraisong Pambata, Barangay Walang Iwanan etc. “One important thing here, is the values formation that GK instills in each individual in the village,” DG Mari said. “ We tell them that despite the past catastrophe, they can still stand on their own, that they are not poor, that they are assured of the certificate of occupancy,” he added. It was learned further, that each unit costs P150,000.00, ready to be given and occupied by families who have completed the 1,500 hours of volunteer work. “Each unit measures so modestly because, GK is building communities and not housing villages”, DG Mari explained. “In a GK community, people stay less inside houses and instead, go out and talk each other as a community, sharing plans and solving problems together and planning things to improve each of their children’s future,” he added.` With a mission to end poverty, GK has so far built about 2,800 Villages all over the country, continually seeing the possibility in almost impossible to give,(PIA-08).
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WESTERN VISAYAS
Ilonggos’ access to ICT gets boost By Lilibeth A. French ILOILO CITY, April 13 (PIA6) - - The opportunity for Ilonggos to access the benefits and use of Information and Communications Technology has given further boost after an agreement was signed on Tuesday, April 12.
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overnor Arthur Defensor, Director Frederick Amores of the Department of Science and Technology - Information and Communications Technology Office (DOST-ICTO) Visayas Cluster I, and Mr. Ruben Libutaque representing the Department of Education – Iloilo Schools Division forged a partnership for the implementation of Technology for Economic Development (Tech4ED) in five school-based multi-purpose teen centers in the province. Tech4ED is a project component of the eFilipino program of the DOST-ICTO that aims to harness the information and communication technology to enable, empower and transform society towards creating an inclusive, integrated and equitable countryside.
As provided for in the agreement, ICTO will set up Tech4ED platforms in the five pilot teen centers in the following schools: Igbaras National High School, Pavia National High School, Cabatuan National High School, Duenas General Comprehensive High School and Sara National High School. These teen centers have already an internet connection which is one of the requirements in the implementation of the Tech4ED with contents such as eEduSkills that intends to deliver e-learning on demand including Alternative Learning System, Learning English Aplication for Pinoys, Skills Training and Values and Character Formation; eAssist to harness digital and financial literacy; and eGovServ to provide direct government services.
Amores said the implementation of Tech4Ed is not only limited to schools but local govern ment units , n on - govern ment organizations and other stakeholders are also tapped with the aim to bring the program to the grassroots. He said three local government units in Iloilo Province have already entered an agreement with ICTO for the establishment of their Tech4ED centers. These are Mina, Lambunao and Oton. ICTO data revealed that Mina Tech4Ed Center is currently ranked number three among the Tech4ED users nationwide. The top two Tech4ED center users are in Mindanao and next to Mina is the Bacolod Tech4ED Center. (JCM/laf/PIA6-Iloilo)
Forum highlights township development in WV By Lilibeth A. French ILOILO CITY, April 14 (PIA6) - - The focus of the two-day forum which opened here on Thursday, April 14 is to explore township development as a potential solution to the increasing demand for housing and as an economic driver to boost Western Visayas as a preferred investment area in the country.
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he “Forum on Opportunities and Challenges in Establishing Integrated Townships in Western Visayas” initiated by the Regional Competitiveness Committee of the Regional Development Council VI, gathered property developers, urban planners, representatives of regulatory government agencies and local government units and private stakeholders. RDC 6 Acting Chairperson and NEDA 6 Director Ro-Ann Bacal said the tremendous growth in the property development sector in the major urban centers of the region is slowly changing the landscape of the cities and urbanizing municipalities. “Since people go where employment and job opportunities abound, we are also witnessing increasing urban dwellers and a growing demand for reasonably priced homes, better public transformation systems,
realiability utility services, easy access to practical amenities and a secure and orderly living,” said Bacal. She said one of the goals under the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development is to make cities and human settlements inclusive, safe, resilient and sustainable which highlights the need for local government units to take a second look at the transformation happening around their jurisdiction. “We hope that, through this activity, we will have a better understanding of the concepts of integrated township, the economic opportunities and benefits that can be derived from it as a strategy in urban development, said Bacal in her welcome message during the opening at the RDC Conference Room, NEDA 6 Building. Competent resources persons were invited to share latest developments and
changes related to their assigned topics. For the first day, speakers include Housing and Land Use Regulatory Board VI Regional Officer Pilar Jamandre, Department of Agrarian Reform Officer VI Legal Officer Atty. Jeony Licera-Gregorio, Urban Planner Arturo Corpuz, TEZ AMAD-TIEZA Department Manager Hernando Enal, and Philippine Reclamation Authority Reclamation and Regulation Office PAED Department Manager Engr. Eduardo Destura. Resource persons on the second day are Emmanuel Cortero, representatives of Ayala Land Inc., and Megaworld Corporation. Representatives from the two giant property developers were tasked to discuss their projects and development plans in the region and how to enhance public-private partnership with local government units. (JCM/ laf/PIA6-Iloilo)
USDA lectures on swine raising Lorenzo Lambatin NEGROS OCC., April 15 (PIA6) -- The United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) held a Seminar on Swine Nutrition, Genetics, Cold Chain and Slaughter House Management april 15 at Grand Ballroom, Sugarland Hotel in Bacolod City.
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SDA is a known provider of leadership on food, agriculture, natural resources, rural development, nutrition, and related issues based on public policy, the best available science, and effective management.
The activity is co-sponsored by the National Swine Registry, USDA, Winrock International, Global Cold Chain Alliance, and US Grains Council, in collaboration with the National Federation of Hog Farmers, Inc. and Pork Producers Federation of the Philippines, Inc.
Among the speakers were Ralph Bean, Adrian Morales, Dr. Douglas Newcom, Dr. Stephen Neel, and Jim Oprecio. Negros Occ. Provincial Veterinarian, Dr. Renante Decena gave the opening remarks during the program. (JCM/Lljr-PIA6-Capitol)
WESTERN VISAYAS
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PHL, Germany strong partners against climate change Leonard T. Pineda I ILOILO CITY, April 15 (PIA) --- The Philippines and Germany have been strong partners in the fight against climate change.
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n a press briefing here, German Deputy Ambassador to the Philippines Michael Hasper said Germany has been partnering with the Philippines in implementing projects that ought to strengthen the country’s climate risk governance. “This is a partnership that has been going on for years and if we count all the projects that we have done bilaterally, these are projects which are funded with about 100 million euros,” he said.
He stressed the fight against climate change is important because the Philippines is extremely vulnerable to its destructive impacts. He said that they have partnered with the Climate Change Commission (CCC) in implementing programs that can help municipalities in disaster risk reduction and management. “We have agreed to support the c o n s t r u c t ion of t h e S ou t h - S ou t h Center which will be in Clark City, Pampanga,”
he said. South-South Center of Excellence on Climate Information and Services will be established in the next five years as part of a grant from the German government. “This is a center where vulnerable states can meet and exchange information in order to prepare for the challenges of climate change,” he added. (JCM/LTP/ PIA-Iloilo).
2,400 teachers to serve in Capiz polls Jemin Guillermo ROXAS CITY, Capiz, April 13 (PIA) – Over 2,400 Capiz public school teachers will serve in the May 9 national and local elections.
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rovincial Election Supervisor lawyer Elizabeth Doronila disclosed that a total of 2,463 public school teachers will be serving this upcoming polls as members of the Board of Election Inspectors (BEIs). “The BEIs will be serving the 821 clustered precincts in the province of Capiz,” she said. Doronila said that of the total clustered precincts, there are 419 in the first district
covering six towns including Roxas City and 402 in the 10 towns of the second district. Each clustered precinct will have three BEIs who will act as the chairperson, poll clerk and third member. Based on COMELEC record, Capiz has a total of 457,382 registered voters who are eligible to vote in the May 9 elections. Each BEI will receive P4,500 fee to cover the honorarium and transportation allowance
during the election and for the verification and sealing o Book of Voters and final testing and sealing of vote counting machines. The simultaneous final testing and sealing of vote counting machines here is scheduled on May 6, Doronila said. Earlier, the chairpersons and poll clerks of the BEIs have also been given P2,000 each training allowance to cover their transportation during the conduct of the training of the COMELEC. (JCM/JBG/PIA6)
Preps for Aklan Piña fest all set By Venus G. Villanueva KALIBO, Aklan, 13 April (PIA6) -- All is set for this year’s conduct of the Aklan Pina and Fiber Festival, a premier trade promotion event and one of the major highlights of Aklan’s 60th anniversary celebration.
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epartment of Trade and Industry (DTI) – Aklan OIC Provincial Director Ma. Carmen Iturralde said this year’s trade fair, to be mounted at the Provincial Trade Hall, Provincial Capitol Grounds, will feature naturally-dyed loom woven fabrics, pina wearables, and high fashion apparels. To be featured too are fashion accessories, gift items, furnishings, decorative crafts, agri-aqua products, bakery and confectionery products. The Aklan Pina and Fiber Festival is now on its 17th year and is a model of Public-Private Partnership (PPP) of the Provincial Government of Aklan, DTI, Hugod-Aklanon Producers Association, Inc., and other partners like the Philippine Fiber Industry Development Authority (PhilFIDA) and the Aklan Pina Indigenous Fiber Manufacturers and Traders Association, Inc. or PINAMANTRA.
The opening program will be on April 21 at 3:00 o’clock p.m. which will be followed by a “Buyer’s Show”. The “Buyer’s Show”, according to DTI-Aklan, will be in the form of a fashion show where local models will don pina wearables and accessories before invited buyers coming from Manila and other parts of the country. Confirmed buyers include Habi Foundation from Manila and Gillete International while other invited ones have yet to confirm. Other said they will be arriving within the celebration but not in time for the “Buyer’s Show”. Also invited to grace the opening program and to deliver messages, according to the DTI, were Regional Executive Director Engr. Roy Abayon of the Department of Agriculture 6 and DTI 6 OIC Regional Director Rebecca M. Rascon.
The Aklan Pina and Fiber Festival hatched 17 years ago during the stint of Ms. Rascon, who was then DTI-Aklan’s Prov inc ia l D ire ct or. I t was a lso during Rascon’s stint in Aklan that the Provincial Micro, Small and Medium Enterprise Development Council (PMSMEDC) was organized, composed of Aklan’s entrepreneurs and government partners. This year, the DTI said 75 exhibitors will be joining the trade fair who will display and sell to the public loom-woven pina cloth and wearables, gift items, housewares, processed food and bakery products, health and wellness products, accessories, agricultural and fish products and many more. The trade fair will run from April 21 to 26, 2016. (JCM/VGV PIA6 Aklan)
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CENTRAL VISAYAS
SU-IEMS deploys fish habitats in Apo Marine Sanctuary Roi Anthoni B. Lomotan DUMAGUETE CITY, April 8 (PIA) – Silliman University’s Institute of Environmental and Marines Sciences (EIMS) deployed fish recovery tools or fish habitats in Apo Marine Sanctuary recently.
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his is part of efforts to help coral reefs in the sanctuary achieve full recovery. According to Mark Garcia, director of the university information and publications office, the deployment of the fish habitats in the ocean increases the habitat complexity of fishes and enhances the fish recovery process. The fish habitats are dome-shaped and
made of limestone rocks gathered from the island’s shore and made by dive rangers and carpenters of Apo Island. A significant portion of the coral cover was damaged when typhoon Pablo hit the province in 2012 which led to the decline in fish abundance in the area. “For this project of fish habitat deployment, IEMS partnered with the
Foundation for the Philippine Environment, Apo Island Protected Landscape and Seascape-Department of Environment and Natural Resources, Coastal Conservation and Education Foundation, UNICO Conservation Foundation, and the local community and business sector," said Garcia. (ral/PIA7-Negros Oriental/with reports from Mark Garcia, Silliman University)
Fault museum eyed in Inabanga Elvira C. Bongosia TAGBILARAN CITY, April 7 (PIA) -- The Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology- Department of Science and Technology (Phivolcs-DOST) and the provincial government of Bohol are exploring and laying down the process for the establishment of a fault museum in Inabanga town. his after Gov . Edgar C hatto Chatto, while Phivolcs will also be turning over respond, and protect themselves during met with PHIVOLCS Director Renato two seismic stations in Talibon and Garcia earthquakes and tsunamis, Solidum said during Solidum and Philippine Atmospheric, Hernandez at P3.5 million each. PHIVOLCS is the press event announcing their activity. Geophysical and Astronomical Services currently conducting a three-day training on The training delves on basic Administration-7 (PAGASA-7) Regional Communicating Earthquake and Tsunami information about the science of volcano, Director Oscar Tabada recently. Hazards for 40 teachers of the Department of earthquake, tsunami and other hazards as well The fault museum will serve both Education (DepEd) Tagbilaran City Division. as how to re-echo these information to scientific and tourism purposes. The training intends to capacitate teachers communities so they can be prepared. (rmn/ Solidum turned over hazard maps to Gov. to help school children learn how to prepare, ecb/PIA7-Bohol)
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CSC, Comelec reminds civil servants on political neutrality Amor Saludar CENTRAL VISAYAS, April 7 (PIA) -- The Civil Service Commission (CSC) and the Commission on Elections (COMELEC) issued Joint Circular No. 001 series of 2016 to remind public servants of their sworn duty to uphold this constitutional provision.
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n a press release, CSC Chairperson Alicia dela Rosa-Bala noted that “no officer or employee in the civil service, as well as any member of the military, shall engage, directly or indirectly, in any electioneering or partisan political activity, except to vote,” as quoted in the 1987 Philippine Constitution. The circular also clarified that “social media functions such as liking, commenting, sharing, re-posting, or following a candidate’s or party’s account,” unless meant to solicit support for or against a candidate or party during the campaign period is allowed. The prohibition covers all members of the civil service in all branches, subdivisions, instrumentalities, and agencies of the Philippine Government, including government-owned or controlled corporations with original charters, and state universities and colleges. Uniform and active members of the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) and the Philippine National Police (PNP) are also covered by the prohibition. An official or employee on leave of absence is still covered by the prohibition on electioneering or partisan political activity. Meanwhile, officials or employees holding political offices such as the president, vice president, cabinet members, elective local officials
except barangay officials, the staff of the abovementioned officials, and members of the reserve corps of the AFP are excluded from the prohibition. Engaging in partisan political activity refers to an act designed to promote the election or defeat of a particular candidate or candidates to a public office. Existing laws and rules identified the following as partisan political activities: Forming organizations, associations, clubs, committees, or other groups of persons for the purpose of soliciting votes and/or undertaking any campaign for or against a candidate; Holding political caucuses, conferences, meetings, rallies, parades or other similar assemblies, for the purpose of soliciting votes and/or undertaking any campaign or propaganda for or against a candidate; Making speeches, announcements or commentaries, or holding interviews for or against the election of any candidate for public office; Publishing or distributing campaign literature or materials designed to support or oppose the election of any candidate; or Directly or indirectly soliciting votes, pledges, or support for or against a candidate. CSC Memorandum Circular No. 9, series of
1992 identifies the following as prohibited acts: Wearing of t-shirts, pins, caps, or any other similar election paraphernalia bearing the names of candidates and/or political parties; Being a watcher for a political party or candidate during the election; Consistent presence in political rallies, caucuses of, and continuous companionship with certain political candidates and/or political party, making one closely identified with such candidates or party; Giving, soliciting, or receiving financial or monetary contributions, supplies, equipment, and materials for the benefit of a candidate and/or political party; and Utilizing government resources such as personnel, including job order or contract of service hires, time, and properties for political purposes. Those who will be found guilty of engaging directly or indirectly in partisan political activities will be meted with the penalty of one month and one day suspension to six months for the first offense; and dismissal from the service for the second offense in accordance with the Revised Rules on Administrative Cases in the Civil Service (CSC Resolution No. 1101502 dated November 18, 2011).(rmn/ays/PIA7/Myra C. Fortuna, CSC7)
CENTRAL VISAYAS
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DOST allocates P51M for cloud seeding program Fayette C. Riñen CEBU, April 6 (PIA) -- A budget allocation of P51 million has been set aside by the Department of Science and Technology (DOST) this year for cloud seeding operations nationwide to respond to a hurting agricultural sector that continues to bore the brunt of the El Niño phenomenon.
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ngr. Oscar Tabada, chief of the Philippine Atmospheric G e o p h y s i c a l a n d Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA) - Visayas said the country will continue to experience abnormal rainfall levels with hotter and more humid climate as the El Niño is expected to peak by May. “Provinces across the country especially in Mindanao are already affected by the dry spell as next month, El Niño’s impact will cover more provinces,” said Tabada. The severe drought is largely affecting the farmers as harvest of rice and crops yield negative, said the PAGASA -Visayas chief. In order to help the agricultural sector, the government through the DOST has earmarked a budget for cloud seeding operations to induce rain for the irrigation systems vital for the starving rice fields and
crops. Tabada said their agency is helping in the cloud seeding operations on when would be the appropriate time based on weather projections to conduct the cloud seeding activity. According to Tabada, cloud seeding operations have been done in Mindanao and that Western Visayas and Cebu have scheduled cloud seeding activities sometime this month. Without clouds, it would be difficult to seed the atmosphere with chemicals to induce rain,” said Tabada adding that another problem is Cebu’s geographical shape characterized with narrow coastlines risking the induced rains to fall into the sea. The Department of Agriculture (DA-7) meanwhile, is also conducting separate cloud seeding operations in Bohol as water dams
have reached critical water levels. Marina Hermoso, regional technical director for operations of DA-7 said among the dams that have benefited from the cloud seeding activities are the Malinao Dam in Pilar town and Bayongan Dam in the municipality of San Miguel. Malinao Dam is an irrigation project covering 3,500 hectares of riceland areas serving five towns while Bayongan Dam covers 2,858 hectares augmenting existing water supply for farmlands of three municipalities, said Hermoso. Cloud seeding operations are costly with one procedure alone estimated to cost up to one million pesos due to the rental of a helicopter, said Hermoso. (rmn/fcr/PIA7)
Candidates’ forum billed as ―Your Voice, My Choice,‖ set on Friday Elvira C. Bongosia TAGBILARAN CITY, April 7 (PIA) -- The congressional as well as the gubernatorial candidates in the May 9 polls will inform Boholano electorates on their plans on the top issues prevailing in the province during a Candidates’ Forum here.
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illed as “Your Voice, My Choice,” the starting 9:00 am on Friday. gubernatorial and congressional Re-electionist Rep. Rene Relampagos, candidates’ forum is set on Friday, Joahna Initay, and Crescencio Alturas will be April 8 at Bohol Wisdom School gymnasium presented for the first congressional district here. with re-electionist Rep. Aris Aumentado and The gubernatorial and congressional Board Memeber Gerry Garcia for the second candidates will inform the people on their congressional district. stand on issues revolving in agriculture, For the third congressional district is tourism, technology, Overseas Filipino re-electionist Rep. Art Yap while there are Workers (OFWs) as well as important reports that congressional bet, former Mayor concerns on infrastructure development, peace Cheche Toribio delos Reyes, declined to and order and environment. attend the forum. Re-electionist Gov. Edgar Six congressional bets will be heard Chatto and gubernatorial bet, Loay Mayor May
Imboy, will be presented during the forum starting at 1:30 Friday afternoon. “This is a forum and not a debate,” clarified Engr. Al Uy, president of the Bohol Chamber of Commerce and Industry, Inc. (BCCI) producer and sponsor of the candidates forum. The gubernatorial candidates’ forum will be moderated by Peter Dejaresco while Mayet Gasatan will moderate the congressional bets’ forum. The candidates’ forum will be covered live over station dyRD-AM. (rmn/ecb/PIA7-Bohol)
CSC to hold HR symposium on managing transitions Amor Y. Saludar CENTRAL VISAYAS, April 7 (PIA) -- The Civil Service Commission (CSC), through its Civil Service Institute (CSI), in partnership with the Government of Australia through the Philippines-Australia Human Resource and Organizational Development Facility (PAHRODF) will hold a Human Resource Symposium on May 23 to 25 at the Waterfront Hotel, Lahug, Cebu City with the theme ―Managing Transitions through Human Resource and Organization Development.‖
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his year’s HR Symposium will showcase how transitions may be led by managers and human resource practitioners at different levels. The main objective of the symposium is to inspire participants to be involved by proactively managing transitions and enable people and organizations not only to cope with but to harness change towards dramatic improvements
in governance and service delivery. International and local experts in human resource and organizational development will share their best practices in the plenary and breakout sessions. In a press release, CSC-7 said the symposium aims to address the 2016 elections’ expectations to usher in a wave of
new leaders in the bureaucracy. Interested participants may now register online until May 5, 2016 at www.csc.gov.ph/hr For more information, contact Ms. Bobot Anatacio at telephone numbers (02) 931-4182, (02) 931-8095, or (02) 931-7935/39 local 301 to 305, or email 2016hrsymposium@gmail.com. (rmn/ays/PIA-7/with reports from CSC-7)
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EASTERN VISAYAS
Deped-8, partner agencies commit to senior high implementation Consuelo B. Alarcon TACLOBAN CITY, Leyte, April 9 (PIA) – The Department of Education (Deped) with its partner agencies and other stakeholders have renewed their seal of commitment as the government move forward in achieving a goal towards reforms of the Philippine educational system.
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he government agencies through its regional directors and representatives signed a pledge of commitment as Deped Eastern Visayas unveiled Tuesday at Robinsons activity area this city the 60-day countdown before Senior High School level officially opens on June 6, 2016. Deped regional director Luisa Bautista-Yu expressed optimism of the success of the nationwide implementation of the program due to the overwhelming support of the national government agencies such as the Department of Interior and Local Government, Department of Budget and Management Department of Labor and Employment,
Philippine Information Agency, Department of Environment and Natural Resources, Department of Trade Industry, Department of Agriculture, Department of Social Welfare and Development, Commission on Higher Education, among others. “The process of refining the program was crucial but with your commitment and strong partnership, we are now ready to welcome the Eastern Visayas learners for senior high school grade 11,” Yu said. Before the national implementation of the senior high school, Eastern Visayas has already produced less than a thousand senior high school graduates following of its pilot
implementation in selected schools in Leyte and Samar. In ord er t o fu lly im plement the program, the government through the Department of Education has already expanded its budget by providing financial assistance through the voucher system to private schools that will offer senior high schools. To date, a total of 68, 447 senior high schools in the region have signified to enrol for the school year 2016-2017 during the early registration and this figure is expected to increase before the classes start on June 6, 2016. (ajc/PIA-8)
Women group find new life meaning after Yolanda Ninfa B. Quirante CATBALOGAN CITY, Samar, April 13 (PIA) — A women’s group from San Antonio, Basey, Samar swept by the fury of Typhoon Yolanda found a new meaning in life as they survived its wrath.
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owena Cabunalda and Eufemia Culibar are just two from those who have survived the greatest storm of all time, but this time, through well meaning government agencies like BFAR, DTI and TESDA with the great help too of JICA, they have become entrepreneurs. PIA chanced upon these women selling their food products under the sweltering heat of the sun. But they don’t mind, “this is part of our new lease on life, that we should help our husbands earn income,” they replied. Rowena is a fisherman’s wife who was then a homebody, while Eufemia had a small store in Barangay San Antonio, Basey, Samar. After Yolanda, as help came through, JICA built them a production site for the bangus that the San Juanico strait nourish.
The duo belongs to the Tiklos Kabuhi-an han Kababayin-an San Antonio Food Processors, Basey, their president is one Jenet Jaway who is leading this group to being very productive women of their time. They produce tocino, longganisa, pickled ampalaya, embutido, softboned bangus, and rellenong bangus which are all vacuum packed fresh from the production site. They deliver these products from Monterey Catbalogan which orders volume weekly. “The rest, we peddle in offices and other business areas where most people are,” said Rowena. Rowena said she was so shy then, but through frequent engagement with their trainers, visitors and other people from other places, she has significantly improved her communication skills.
My new-found confidence helped me a lot in this job, she shared. They are looking forward to promoting their products this coming May 1, 2016, Labor Day through DOLE for a big food and trade fair. “Maybe by then we can penetrate a bigger market in Tacloban City,” said Eufemia. In some way, Rowena did not dream that from tending her young children and fisherman husband, she could be her own woman through the opportunity that JICA and other government agencies offered. She disclosed that she has acquired some sort of financial independence through the earnings she get. With their new found empowerment, these women, these enterprising “Juanas” may just get farther than they have ever dreamed of. (NBQ/ PIA 8-Samar)
Registered voters in So. Leyte surpass 250k mark Marcelo M. Pedalino MAASIN CITY, Southern Leyte, April 14 (PIA) -- The number of qualified voters in this province who are expected to troop to voting centers on May 9, 2016 to exercise their right of suffrage has reached 261,148 individuals.
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ecords obtained from the provincial office of the Commission on Elections (Comelec) also showed that there are 468 designated voting centers province-wide, equivalent to 612 clustered precincts in all of the 500 barangays. The total number of registered voters divided by the number of grouped precincts results to a little over 400 voters each precinct, arguably a manageable size compared with previous polls in which 1,000 voters crowded per precinct. There is no comparable data for 2013, especially in the number of registered voters, as the Comelec provincial office transferred in
January this year to its new location. It now holds office on the second floor, left wing of the capitol building. The computers are newly-installed, and the personnel are newly-assigned, for the mainstay staff were promoted and re-assigned in other areas so they have no past files, said a job order employee when PIA asked for comparative records. Comelec personnel regularly undergo re-shuffling of posts every election time, and in February, Atty. Felicisimo Embalsado from the regional office assumed as the provincial election supervisor replacing Atty. Antonio Gulay who is now in Northern Samar.
Maasin City topped the list on the highest number of registered voters for this year’s synchronized national and local elections, at 52,532, with 70 barangays, 68 voting centers, and 99 clustered precincts. The town of Sogod came in a far second at 29,918 voters; 39 voting centers and 63 clustered precincts in 45 barangays. Farther third is Hinunangan at 18,535 voters; 48 voting centers, 51 clustered precincts, 40 barangays. The island-town of Limasawa has the least number of voters at 4,071 registered voters; 6 barangays, 8 clustered precincts, 6 voting centers. Southern Leyte has 18 municipalities and one city. (mmp, PIA8-Southern Leyte)
EASTERN VISAYAS
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Social media functions not electioneering, partisan political act Rodrigo S. Victoria NAVAL, Biliran, April 13 (PIA) - The latest joint advisory issued by the two constitutional bodies which excluded the use of social media functions as an act of electioneering and partisan political activity has clarified the limits for its use among civil servants during campaign period.
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he Civil Service Commission (CSC) and the Commission on Elections (Comelec) issued Joint Circular No. 001, Series of 2016 on March 29, 2016, an advisory on electioneering and political activity. The CSC-Comelec joint circular specifically states in its purpose that it is issued to advise and remind all officers and employees of the Philippine Government, including any of its agencies, subdivisions, and instrumentalities, of the constitutional, statutory, and other regulatory prohibitions against engaging in any electioneering or partisan political activities. It is also aimed at “ensuring that members of the civil service and the armed forces shall remain focus on the efficient discharge of their duties and functions; to do away with the “spoils system” which is anathema to the principles of
meritocracy at the heart of the Philippine civil service system and military service; and to shield officers and employees of the civil service and the armed forces from the vagaries of politics”, it said. Pharida Q. Aurelia, Director II, Civil Service Commission-Biliran Field Office, clarified to the members and officers of the Provincial Council of Personnel Officers (PCPO) in Biliran province during its second regular quarterly meeting on April 11, 2016, that social media functions like liking, commenting, sharing, re-posting or following a candidate’s or party’s account is one of the six listed acts enumerated in the joint circular that are deemed excluded from the coverage of electioneering and partisan political activity. However, the lady chief of CSC-Biliran
categorically stated that liking, commenting, sharing, re-posting or following a candidate’s or party’s account are considered electioneering and partisan political activity when “used as means to solicit support for or against a candidate or party during campaign period.” “There is a thin line” Aurelia refers to the provision in the joint circular that separates what acts are considered electioneering or partisan political activity regarding the use of social media functions. She emphasized to personnel officers of the national government agencies, local government units and public utilities stationed in the province of Biliran to just follow the guidelines stipulated in the joint CSC-Comelec circular on electioneering and political activity to avoid facing election offenses. # (fj/rvictoria/PIA 8 Biliran)
NEDA-8, OCD-8 spearhead formulation of Typhoon Nona rehab for NSamar Ailene N. Diaz CATARMAN, Northern Samar, April 13, (PIA) – The province of Northern Samar pushes for the formulation of the Rehabilitation and Recovery Plan (RRP), a three-year program to restore the province from the effects of the devastation brought by Typhoon Nona early December of 2015.
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ith the completion of the final Comprehensive Damage Assessment and Needs Analysis (CDANA), the provincial government seeks the assistance of the National Economic and Development Authority (NEDA) Regional Office 8 and the Office of Civil Defense Region8 to conduct a rehabilitation and recovery planning workshop involving all sectors aimed at having one (1) comprehensive and inclusive plan for the province outlining corresponding priority fund allocations. Said RRP covers four identified
sectors: social, infrastructure, productive, and cross-sectoral, encompassing all aspects of recovery from physical structure to institutionalization of local disaster management system in the local government units. Based on the CDANA, damage across all sectors was estimated at around P 5.4 Billion, total losses in the economy was accounted to reach P 1.8-Billion with an overall recovery reconstruction needs of about P 14.4-Billion. Governor Jose Ong, Jr. reiterated that the
province is so fortunate to have many partners from external agencies and organizations who are willing and ready to work with the province in the formulation of rehabilitation and recovery plan. With the plan, he further expressed hope to instil volunteerism among partners/ stakeholders and create a disaster-resilient Northern Samar. By working hand-in-hand, he is positive that strategies will be effectively carried out in the months and years to come. (ADiaz/PIA-Northern Samar)
2-storey school building to rise in Limasawa Island in support to SHS implementation MAASIN CITY, Southern Leyte, Apr. 13 (PIA) – As part of the full implementation of Senior High School (SHS) Program for School Year 2016-2017, the Department of Public Works and Highways-Southern Leyte District Engineering Office (DPWH-SLDEO) constructed a two-storey school building in the municipality of Limasawa.
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n a press release, the provincial engineering office stated that the PHP8.77 million project, which started in February 18, will be the first of its kind in this historic island town. It is within the campus of Limasawa National High School (LNHS) in Barangay Triana. “We have to rush this project since this is badly needed for the first batch of Grade 11 students this coming school year,” DPWH District Engineer. Ma. Margarita C. Junia said. The project though will be completed in September instead of June since the first bidding failed as no contractor was interested to take the project due to non-inclusion of transhipment cost to the original contract amount. “The DPWH-SLDEO had to ask for
additional funding from central office to carry out the project,” Junia said further. The report stated that LNHS Principal Amor Abandol thanked the DPWH for the first two-storey school building project in this town. It will benefit about 107 Grade 11 students starting June 6, 2016 and is expected to double in the next academic year. With the eight classroom, up to 320 students can be accomodated in eight classes. LNHS has a population of 485 junior high school students in the previous school year, the source said. The students will use existing laboratory rooms for the first three months of SHS program implementation while waiting for the completion of new classrooms.
The DPWH fast tracks classroom construction works ahead of the full implementation of K to 12 (Kindergarten and 12 years of basic education) starting June 6, 2016. SHS covers the last two years of the K to 12 program. The program covers eight learning areas as part of its core curriculum, and adds specific tracks (similar to college courses) based on four disciplines. The national government has earmarked P213.15 million for the construction of 202 classrooms for public secondary schools throughout Southern Leyte province to support the SHS program. All these projects are being implemented by DPWH-SLDEO, the source said. (w/reports from DPWH/PIA8-SoLeyte)
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