Vol 6
In this Issue WESTERN VISAYAS
BEI Chairperson Mary Joy Cañoso (2nd from left) BEI member Hyacinth Menicable (3rd from left) and Poll Clerk Gemma Lyn Matta (rightmost) prepare the vote counting machine in front of poll watchers and other witnesses during the Final Testing and Sealing of the machine, held at A. Mabini Elementary School, May 6, 2016. (PIA 6/EJB)
More on Region 6, pages 2-3. Also CLICK Here…
CENTRAL VISAYAS
May 2 - 8, 2016
Published by: PIA 6, 7 & 8
Issue 18
PNoy: Poor can now access health care services By Elsa S. Subong ILOILO CITY, May 3 (PIA6)—It is during the Aquino administration that health care services, especially vaccinations that used to be afforded by the private sector only, are now accessed by the poor. President Benigno S. Aquino III minced no words when he told health workers and health stakeholders in Iloilo that in his ―daang matuwid‖ there were not just ―pwede na‖ (just okay) health services but more and better. The President was guest of honor and speaker during the National Launching of the Expanded Human Papilloma Virus (HPV) Vaccination Program in Iloilo City, May 3. ―It is in our administration that there is a 300 per cent increase in DOH budget,‖ Aquino said adding that it was for the health enhancement of services and facilities. He said that a budget of P682.54 million has helped established 94 Barangay Health Stations, 46 Barangay Health Units, and 12 hospitals in Iloilo. Further, Aquino said that vaccines which only the rich can afford before are now being given to the poor for free. DOH records said that the Philippines is the first country to implement dengue vaccination through school-based immunization approach. The DOH has procured one million doses of pneumonia to be administered free to senior citizens in the country. In 2015, 20 priority provinces nationwide were initially identified as recipients of HPV vaccine. This 2016, additional 27 provinces were included in the list of areas to receive this anti-cervical cancer vaccine.
At the ceremonial launching, Health Secretary Janette Garin administered the immunization to 9-year-old pupil Ruchil Carillo. Meanwhile in his speech, President Aquino reiterated that through the ―Daang Matuwid‖ his administration has gone far and he cited the Ilonggos‘ help to make him achieve the many programs of his administration. He also thanked Secretary Garin, the local officials, Iloilo Governor Arthur Defensor and Mayor Jed Mabilog for their unfailing support. ―Pinasasalamatan ko kayo dahil inyo akong sinamahan sa lahat ng ito...‖ Aquino said. (JCM/ESS/PIA-Iloilo)
President Benigno S. Aquino III delivers his speech before national, local, health officials and workers during the National Launching Ceremony of the Expanded Human Papilloma virus Vaccine in Iloilo City, May 3, where he said that his ―Daang Matuwid‖ administration has gone so far in bringing health care services to the poor. (PIA 6)
Free screening for cervical cancer at VSMMC this May Fayette C. Riñen Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) is reiterating their call for the public to keep the bank notes fit for circulation. In a presscon today at BSP Cebu, BSP Regional Director Atty. Leonides Sumbi said that crumpling, stapling, writing on or defacing Peso bills are punishable by law under Presidential Decree 247. Bank notes that are considered mutilated or unfit for circulation are shredded by BSP and it costs money to have new peso bills printed. (Rmn)
More on Region 7, pages 4-5. Also CLICK Here…
EASTERN VISAYAS
CEBU, May 5 (PIA) – Women are urged to avail of the free screening for cervical cancer at the Vicente Sotto Memorial Medical Center (VSMMC) this month as part of the government‘s services in celebration of May as Cervical Cancer Awareness Month. Dr. Anessa Patindol, medical officer III of Department of Health (DOH-7) during the recent AGIO-PIA7 forum that featured the celebration, said the free screening tests and pap smear or the Visual Inspection with Acetic Acid (VIA), are done for early detection of the disease. High risk groups identified are those with multiple sexual partners, early sexual intercourse, multiple pregnancies, HIV infection, and smoking as well as failure to undergo pap smear screening. Pap smear screening should be done three years after first physical contact and every year thereafter. Dr. Pherdes Galbo, coordinator of the Philippine Obstetrical and Gynecological Society (POGS) - Cebu Chapter, said cervical cancer is caused by an infection of the Human Papilloma Virus (HPV) and is transmitted through sexual contact. Galbo said cervical cancer is asymptomatic and usually symptoms surface five years after contracting the virus or during the advance stage of the disease. There is, however, no accurate data on the incidence of cervical cancer cases in the
country. But in 2008, data showed cervical cancer cases in the Philippines was at 4,544 with 5.3 percent mortality rate and 1,856 annual deaths, said Galbo. But Galbo believes the number of cases is rising as those afflicted are getting younger at 21 years of age. ―Before, those usually afflicted with cervical cancer have an age range between 40 to 60 years old. But now, the age range is getting younger between 21 to 35 years old,‖ he said. POGS-Cebu is pushing for the inclusion of cervical cancer education in the academe due to the rising incidence. Regular lectures are also being conducted by the Ramon Aboitiz Foundation, Inc. (RAFI) to municipal and barangay health workers about cervical cancer as part of their community health development. Patindol, meanwhile, invited the public to join the ‗Lantern Walk‘ on Saturday, May 7, which is an activity to raise awareness on cervical cancer. The walk is scheduled at 5:00 in the afternoon from Fuente Osmeña to Capitol Grounds. An allocation of P500,000 each to VSMMC and the Governor Celestino Gallares Memorial Hospital in Bohol is provided by DOH-7 for the VIA training of municipal health officers, said Patindol. (rmn/fcr/PIA7)
Farmers, fisherfolks hold field day with Sec. Alcala Ninfa B Quirante FINAL STRETCH OF PREPEEATIONS TO MAY 9 ELECTIONS: Leyte Prov'l Comelec Supervisor Atty. Ma. Corazon Montallana (in green) informs that local winners for the May 9 elections could be known the next day, as transmission of votes would be efficiently done via an exclusive virtual private network. Some 121 police personnel doing admin work at the PNP RO8 have already been deployed all over the region to deliver the Vote Counting Machines, says PSSUPT Eleazar Egloso
More on Region 8, pages 6-7. Also CLICK Here...
CATBALOGAN CITY, Samar, May 4 (PIA)—More than 2,000 farmers and fisher folks enjoyed the fruits of the recently held consultation with the agriculture department, this city. Sec. Proceso Alcala of the Department of Agriculture raffled off some farm implements like sacks of certified rice and corn, fiberglass boats complete with engines and fishing nets, and 12 heads of carabaos - the prized animal for most farmers, and other farm tools. Farmers and fisher folks came from Eastern Samar and Samar provinces to attend the field day for farmers and fisherfolks dubbed as ―Sapat at Akmang Agrikultura: Tugon sa Pagbagu-bagong Klima.‖ As one farmer talked about the very dry season in Samar, Alcala urged them to use the certified seeds he brought along as they are drought resistant. He added that farmers should try
other palay varieties which are drought resistant. He also endorsed the planting of corn as the crop does not need so much water like palay does. The Secretary has been rounding up agriculture rich areas for the needed consultation about climate change. Rene Jaba from Brgy Masagana, Jiabong, Bartolome Pacanan from Motiong and Ramil Jabon of Oyandic, Motiong, all of Samar went home richer with one unit each of a 20- footer fiberglass boat with engine and fishing nets. Others also went home with the raffled off sacks of palay and corn. Samar Governor Sharee Ann Tan thanked the secretary and the agriculture department that ushered some goodies for Samar farmers and fisherfolks. Regional Directors Leo Caneda of Agriculture and Juan Albaladejo of Fisheries, joined the secretary in his trip to meet the 2,000 farmers and fisherfolks in Samar. (NBQ/PIA8-Samar)
2
WESTERN VISAYAS
100 landless Capiceños now proud owners Flores De Mayo
By Jemin B. Guillermo ROXAS CITY, Capiz, May 2 (PIA6) – A total of 110 landless Capiceños are now landowners.
T
his, after the Department of province. Environment and Natural Provincial head Valentin Talabero Resources recently distributed free of the DENR Capiz disclosed that the patent land titles to the identified beneficiaries distribution of land titles to Capiceños is part here. of the government‘s ―Handog Titulo‖ program Agriculture Secretary Proceso Alcala and for the landless. Western Visayas DENR Regional Director Jim Talabero said that the primary thrust of Sampulna led the distribution of titles in the the program is to expedite the processing
and issuance of public land patents and deliver full ownership of land titles to the identified landless beneficiaries. In July last year, more than 700 hectares of public land were distributed to the 1,000 free patent beneficiaries in Capiz who came from the different towns here. (JCM/JBG/PIA6)
2016 Labor Day job fairs yield more HOTS By Lilibeth A. French ILOILO CITY, May 3 (PIA6) - - The Labor Day job fairs conducted in two separate venues here on Sunday showed an encouraging turnout of the hired on the spot (HOTS) which increased by eight percent as compared to last year’s HOTS.
D
ata obtained from the Department of Labor and Employment 6 (DOLE 6) indicated that 63 job seekers were hired on the spot in the Labor Day Job Fairs held simultaneously at SM City Iloilo and Amigo Plaza Mall. The figure represents 22 percent of the total qualified applicants numbering to 292 which is about 8 percent higher than the 2015 Labor Day Job Fair HOTS of 14 percent. Of the 63 HOTS, 61 were hired for local jobs and two for overseas. Data also showed that a total of 1,019 applicants registered in the two job fairs of which 842 sought local employment and 177 for overseas. DOLE 6 Director Ponciano Ligutom, in his message during the opening program, cited the support and assistance given by the Regional Coordinating Council and other government agencies, the city and provincial governments of Iloilo, partners, media, participating employers and job seekers in the employment facilitation program of the government intended to provide access to
quality and decent employment. Around 13,612 job openings were offered by 102 local and overseas recruitment agencies in this year‘s job fairs. Of this, 2,926 were local jobs and 10,689 overseas jobs. DOLE 6 Information Officer Amalia Judicpa said both the employer and the labor sector here have acknowledged the benefits of job fairs as an efficient way to look for qualified workers and employment in one place. Judicpa said the Philippine Statistics Authority statistics showed that from 2010 the employment rate in Region 6 has been on a steady increase except in 2013 because of the affectation of typhoon Yolanda. The region‘s employment rate was recorded at 92.9 percent in 2010, 93.3 percent in 2011, 93.4 percent in 2012, 93.1 percent in 2013 and 94.2 in 2014. Last year‘s employment rate in the region was recorded at 94.6, about .4 percent higher than in 2014. Judicpa said the statistics is a good indication that the economy in the region is
growing and ―it also jives, if we scan the environment in Panay Island, with the ongoing constructions, both vertical and horizontal, in Iloilo City, Boracay Island, Roxas City, and even Guimaras‖. Another feature of the Labor Day job fairs wss the One-Stop Shop where the Social Security System, PhilHealth and PagIBIG put up their respective desks for applicants who needed their services. Four local government units and organizations were given the opportunity to display their products during the job and livelihood fairs at the Amigo Plaza Mall. These groups have received financial assistance for their livelihood projects from DOLE. DOLE Undersecretary Ciriaco Lagunzad, Mayor Jed Patrick Mabilog and Philippine Chamber of Commerce and Industry-Iloilo Chapter President Donna Rose Ratilla were among those who attended the opening of this year‘s Labor Day Job Fairs here. (JCM/laf/ PIA6-Iloilo)
Iloilo gets P118.4-M for feeding program By Elsa S. Subong ILOILO CITY, May 3 (PIA6) — The province of Iloilo will get a share of P118.4 million from the P374.6 million funding for supplementary feeding program in Western Visayas.
T
he program is intended for children aged three to five years old who are enrolled in day care service. According to the Department of Social Welfare and Development, the feeding program provides food in addition to the regular meals to enrolled Day Care Center children, in the form of hot meals recommended by the Food and Nutrition Research Institute (FNRI). DSWD-6 Director Rebecca Geamala said the program is a response to the 2006 Family Income and Expenditure Survey which revealed
that 11 percent of Filipino Families had income that cannot buy the food needed by family members for nutritional well-being and health. ―These families are considered hungry and food poor,‖ Geamala said. ―Through the feeding program, we will be able to help curb hunger in the region, especially among children,‖ she added. DSWD Information Officer May Rago said the supplementary feeding program also aims to improve knowledge, attitude and practices
of children enrolled in day care centers, as well as parents and caregivers through intensified nutrition and health education. ―Through this, the nutritional status of children is improved and sustained, and their medical and nutrition-related problems will be referred to health units,‖ Rago said. Besides Iloilo, Antique will also get P41 million; Capiz, P34.9 million; Aklan, P26.4 million; and, Guimaras, P8.7 million. The Negros island region will also get P145.2 million. (JCM/ESS/PIA-Iloilo)
WESTERN VISAYAS
Bantay Bukid protection
members
3 train
on
forest
By Easter Anne D. Doza NEGROS OCCIDENTAL, May 3 (PIA6) - - Around 60 Bantay Bukid Brigade members of the different barangays in Cadiz City trained on Forest Law Enforcement and Fire Suppression April 25-27, a release from CENRO-Cadiz said.
O
rganized by the Department of Environment and Natural Resources – Community Environment and Natural Resources Office and the Cadiz City ENR Office, the participants were trained on Forest protection and law enforcement as an important part of the environmental framework that should be strengthened by the government in its effort to combat forest destruction. The three-day training aims to prevent further degradation of the forest through illegal forest activities from happening, CENRO chief Enforcement Section
Forester Remia Buaron said. CENR Officer Edgardo M. Rostata added that in order to strengthen the capacity of Local Government Units and to be effective in the protection and conservation of our environment, the enforcement officers like Bantay Bukid Brigade need to be equipped with the basic knowledge concerning forest laws and environmental regulations. Also, City ENR Engr. Florentino Caceres urges all personnel assigned in forest protection and law enforcement to be prepared and be well-informed in the
comprehensive areas of conserving and managing our forest resources. Meanwhile, the Bureau of Fire Protection, headed by Inspector Gregorio Otico III and Provincial Environment Management Office-Information Officer Olive H. Seruelo spoke on fire suppression and climate change topics respectively. The participating Bantay Bukid Brigade members also underwent a practical test on actual fire suppression and control under the supervision of the Bureau of Fire Protection.*(JCM/EAD-PIA6 Negros Occidental)
KALAHI volunteer is GAD national Champion By Pilar S. Mabaquiao SAN JOSE, Antique, May 5 (PIA6) - - Antique’s KALAHI volunteer Mary Ann Pionelo was awarded as the National Barangay Gender and Development (GAD) Volunteer Champion in a ceremony at Asian Institute of Management Makati City on May 3.
P
ionelo volunteered for Bids and Awards Committee for the project Construction of Sea Wall at Barangay Alegria, Semirara Island Caluya funded under the Kapit Bisig Laban sa Kahirapan (KALAHI) - Comprehensive Integrated Delivery of Social Services (CIDSS) program. What made her a GAD champion was her assertion to include women in the construction as provided under the policy of the project funded under the Millennium Challenge Corporation (MCC), said Belen Gebusion Deputy Regiona l Pro jec t Manager KALAHI-CIDSS MCC. The foreman in charge of the
project refused to allow women to be involved as he believed that they will just slow down the completion of the project which Pionelo insisted because she knew the policy that at least 10 percent of women should be part of the paid labor. Her insistence lead to the resignation of the foreman and her taking charge of the management of the project resulted in the inclusion of 60 percent of the women in paid labor. The 215 linear meters Sea Wall with handling for prevention of soil erosion was finished according to quality standards and within the
time required for its completion. The project paid 13 regular workers, nine of them are women. the total project cost was P1,397,100. Elizabeth Ferraris, Regional Community Development Specialist said the case of Pionelo was a classic example of women empowerment. Knowing the policy at the start of the project implementation has empowered them to claim for their rights. This affirmative policy of KALAHI-CIDSS is implemented in all projects be it funded under the MCC or National Community Driven Development Project NCDDP. (JCM/PSM/PIA6Antique)
Aklan contest winners get P363,000 in prizes By Venus G. Villanueva KALIBO, Aklan, May 5 (PIA6) -- The provincial government of Aklan shelled out a total of P363,000 in cash prizes to winning towns in the Float Parade Contest and Booth Exhibit, recent attractions of the province in celebration of its 60th anniversary.
T
he Float Parade and Booth Exhibits are yearly regular features of the celebration steered by the Office of the Provincial Agriculturist (OPA) here to showcase the best agricultural and aquaculture products, crafts, processed foods and other unique products of Aklan‘s various towns. Top three winners in the booth exhibited, participated in by Aklan‘s 17 municipalities included Numancia, first place, winning P50,000 cash; Batan, second, P35,000; and Kalibo, third, P25,000. Consolation prizes of P10,000.00 each
went to the towns of Altavas, Balete, Banga, Buruanga, Ibajay, Lezo, Madalag, Makato, Malay, Malinao, Tangalan, New Washington, Nabas and Libacao. On the other hand, top winners in the Float Parade Contest were Lezo, first place, with P45,000 as cash prize; Banga, second, P35,000.00; and Ibajay, third place, P25,000.00. A consolation prize of P8,000.00 went to the town of Malinao. Only four municipalities participated in the Float Parade Contest.
In time too for the conduct of the Booth Exhibit of various Aklan towns, was the conduct of a Regional Agri-Aqua Trade Fair held in the same venue – Goding Ramos Park, participated not only by other WV provinces like Antique, Capiz, Guimaras and Iloilo but by other regions – Regions 4B, 5, 7 and 11. According to Salome David, Assistant Provincial Agriculturist, the booth exhibits including those of other regions from April 21 to 26, 2016 earned a total of P1,564,896.00. (JCM/VGV PIA6 Aklan)
4
CENTRAL VISAYAS
Fire marshals told to inspect polling places Flores De Mayo
Ferliza Calizar-Contratista CEBU CITY, May 4 (PIA) – Local fire stations all over the province of Cebu were instructed to submit inspection reports prior to the holding of the elections. ureau of Fire Protection Acting Fire (CAOCAMPIO). there were only 145 fire incidents Marshal Chief Fire Inspector Ronaldo ―All voting centers and nearby buildings recorded compared to last year‘s 156 for the Orbeta said he had directed all city and are to be inspected by our local firemen,‖ same period. municipal fire stations to submit a detailed Orbeta said. Common causes of fire include report of the inspection conducted in all All fire trucks were made sure to be in unattended cooking stoves, cigarette butts, polling precincts within their respective proper condition and no staff is allowed on improper use of matches and lighters and the jurisdiction. leave a week before and after the elections. usage of butane canisters. Orbeta was the guest in the weekly Kapi Furthermore, Orbeta said there were However, in terms of cost of damage, it Storya of the Cebu Provincial Capitol held lesser fire incidents recorded in the first had increased from last year's reported P21.5 within the assembly of the Cebu Association of quarter of this year. million to P22.8 million in the first quarter of City and Municipal Public Information Officers From January to March this year, this year.(rmn/fcc/PIA7-Cebu)
B
Final testing, sealing of VCMs set May 6 Rey Anthony H. Chiu TAGBILARAN CITY, May 4 (PIA) – People who may still have issues with the machines and the automated election proceedings can check for themselves by observing the final testing and sealing of the Vote Counting Machines (VCM) on May 6. he testing and sealing will take place at of the Board of Election Inspectors (BEI) would office of the municipal treasurer in Bohol last registered precincts all over Bohol conduct the mock polls like it is the real one, week. beginning 9:00 a.m. onwards. Brilliantes said. From there, the VCMs would be either Provincial Commission on Elections The Bohol poll supervisor also said BEIs delivered earlier to far-flung barangays and (COMELEC) Supervisor Atty. Jerome would instruct on the proceedings and secure island voting precincts according to early Brilliantes said the Final Testing and Sealing the ballots after the print-out and checking of delivery requests or the normal delivery of VCMs initially take the form of the mock the voter if the printed receipts coincide with which would happen shortly before the elections. the ones chosen earlier. election voting opens, he explained. This is to test the accuracy, efficiency, and On this, COMELEC urged voters to go to As to the delivery of the VCMs and the usability of the VCM using 10 sample ballots, their precincts with enough information to be ballot boxes, the COMELEC has assigned he said. able to pick from the slates fast, and make the the task to a private cargo forwarder who Once proven that there is no problem average mark of a minute per voter as time will handle the delivery of the election with the VCMs, members of the Board of slot allotted for the voter. paraphernalia and equipment from their Election Inspectors (BEI) would start sealing If all else coincides, then the BEI stocking hub to the voting precincts. the equipment to prevent anyone from seals the VCM, ready for the election two days This may be carried on a privately-owned tampering the machines and produce a fake later. vehicle, but the delivery on the election day result, come election day. Brilliantes said COMELEC has already would be through government vehicles, At the final testing and sealing, members sent all the ballot boxes and the VCMs to the Brilliantes said. (rmn/rac/PIA-7/Bohol)
T
DSWD sets GAD assessments in Negros Oriental Jennifer C. Tilos NEGROS ORIENTAL, May 3 (PIA) -- The Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) here has set a series of gender and development (GAD) trainings and assessment recently to identify the significant changes in the lives of barangay volunteers.
T
he gender mainstreaming include barangay volunteers, social workers, and area coordinators from the towns of Basay, Bindoy, Dauin, Jimalalud, Mabinay, Manjuyod, Pamplona, Sta. Catalina, Vallehermoso, and Zamboanguita in Negros Oriental. ―The Kapit-Bisig-Laban sa Kahirapan -Comprehensive and Integrated Delivery of Social Service-National Community Driven Development Program‘s (KALAHI-CIDSS -NCDDP) gender mainstreaming is a process of inclusiveness and recognition that gender is integral to the project development,‖ said Social Marketing Officer Beb Barot of DSWD -NIR. The activity develops proposals to address
challenges along with gender mainstreaming initiatives and recognize the GAD barangay volunteers and the best municipal or local government unit. GAD volunteer Elizabeth Sol of Kapunongan ng Kababaihan sa Manalongon (KAKAMA) in Sta. Catalina won the best GAD champion. Sol received the award being a survivor of Violence against Women (VAW) who showed transformation of her personal life and promotes gender equality. For best Municipal Social Welfare and Development Officer (MSWDO), Helen Partosa of Zamboanguita received the award for having the most accomplished gender advocacy-based GAD plan of the
LGU. Barangay Olandao in Basay bagged the best LGU for promoting gender equality in all its projects in their barangay. Zamboanguita also won as the Best Municipal Local Government (MLGU) for exceling in gender mainstreaming. Mayor Kit Marc Adanza of Zamboanguita also won as the Best Local Chief Executive (BLCE) for ensuring the implementation of the GAD code in advancing women‘s empowerment and gender equality. The awardees will be participating and competing for the National Gender and Development award. (rmn/jct/PIA7-Negros Oriental)
CENTRAL VISAYAS
DOST introduces charcoal production
5 new
technology
on
Jennifer C. Tilos MABINAY, Negros Oriental, May 3 (PIA) – The Department of Science and Technology (DOST) recently trained 45 barangay residents on charcoal briquetting production here.
D
OST trainer Rommel Romagos said the training is designed to introduce the modern way of producing charcoal, a more efficient, effective, and effortless technique than the labor-intensive traditional method. Romagos said charcoal briquettes are highly sought after in international markets especially in Europe and Asia. Compacted charcoal fines from
agro-forest wastes mixed with a binder such as cassava starch make charcoal briquettes. ―These are deemed to be more cost-effective than ordinary charcoal because they are denser, easy to ingnite, and burn longer and more steadily,‖ said Romagos. The DOST officer said the charcoal produced may be ideal for bakery, restaurant and poultry farm use, and individual households as well. Charcoal briquettes are easy to
transport and almost smokeless when burning. The technology was originally promoted by the Forest Products Research and Development Institute of DOST. Romagos encouraged the participants to engage in charcoal briquetting production not just because of its high demand abroad, but due to the fact that it is inexpensive and environment-friendly. (rmn/jct/PIA7-Negros Oriental)
Travel exhibition to feature Dumaguete City Roi Anthoni Lomotan DUMAGUETE CITY, May 3 (PIA) – Dumaguete City and the province of Negros Oriental will be featured in Travel and Beyond, a three-day travel exhibition that will be held in Cebu City this month.
T
his was announced by Dumaguete City Tourism Officer Woodrow Maquiling Jr., Provincial Senior Tourism Operations Officer Myla Abellana, and Travel and Beyond Project Coordinator Jaybee Flores -Aquino. Travel and Beyond is slated on May 13 to 15 at Robinson‘s Galleria, Cebu City. According to Aquino, the travel exhibition only focuses in one destination per exhibit. ―Since Dumaguete City and Negros Oriental are very accessible to Cebu, we decided to have the pilot destination in Negros Oriental and Dumaguete,‖ said Aquino, who was formerly a tourism officer of Dumaguete. One of the highlights in the exhibit is the business to business exchange where travel agencies and tour operators in Cebu will have a chance to talk with travel agencies of Dumaguete. As of now, the travel agencies in Cebu
that confirmed their participation include Cebu Association of Tour Operators (CATO) and Cebu Travel and Tour Association (CTTA). On the other hand, Abellana disclosed that the Provincial Tourism Office (PTO) has invited its partners in the private sector, Negros Oriental Association of Tour and Travel Agencies (NOATTA) and Association of Tour and Travel Operators in Negros, as well as resort owners in Dauin town and hotel owners in Dumaguete to attend the event. PTO also invited Local Government Units (LGUs) to participate in the travel exhibition and promote their own tourist attractions. ―There will be 20 booths there. Each booth has a different occupant like LGUs, tour operators, resort owner, and dive operators,‖ Abellana said. Meanwhile, the Dumaguete City Tourism Office considers this a welcome development in promoting the local tourism industry.
―The concept for this particular activity is we are going to sell only Dumaguete and Negros Oriental in Cebu City. There‘s no other LGUs there. There‘s no other resorts coming from Bohol or Cebu. It will be about Dumaguete City,‖ Maquiling stressed. Dumaguete City, dubbed the ―City of Gentle People‖ is also named as ―The Gateway to the Wonders of Negros Oriental‖ because of its proximity to other tourist destinations in the province, such as beach resorts and Apo Island in Dauin town, dolphin watching in nearby Bais City, Balinsasayao Twin Lakes in Sibulan town, and many other natural attractions. ―We are encouraging Dumaguete City and Negros Oriental to give their best because it is the best opportunity for the province and the city to showcase what we have to offer to Cebuanos and to let them come over and visit the city and the province,‖ she said. (rmn/ral/ PIA7-Negros Oriental)
DTI deploys price monitoring teams By Rey Anthony H. Chiu TAGBILARAN CITY, May 2 (PIA) – Teams from the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) in Bohol will continue to be deployed and to monitor prices as part of their emergency monitoring activities to assure consumers no one can take advantage of the declaration of state of calamity.
T
his, too, as DTI in Bohol issues a price freeze order on April 21, 2016. Since then, DTI has deployed Emergency Price Monitoring teams throughout the province to check on compliance of Suggested Retail Prices (SRPs) and on the supply of basic and prime commodities here, said Maria Soledad Balistoy, DTI officer in charge. Aside from the emergency monitoring activity, DTI also conducts regular monitoring visits to retailers in the
municipalities and in Tagbilaran City to check on the prices of goods in groceries and supermarkets and on their compliance to SRP, Price Tag law, and other Fair Trade Laws. On these, the teams have noted that prices of basic goods and prime commodities in Bohol remain stable and without significant changes. Even then, Balistoy advised buyers to check on the published SRP of goods before buying the products.
She likewise encouraged the public to report violations by business establishments on any of the fair trade laws. The Price Freeze order was issued after Bohol Governor Edgar Chatto declared the province to be in a state of calamity following the ill-effects of El Niño phenomenon. DTI in Bohol sent copies of the Price Freeze order for announcement over the radio, newspapers, and in social media sites. (rmn/rac/PIA7-Bohol)
6
EASTERN VISAYAS
SOLECO says SoLeyte barangays fully energized
Flores De Mayo
Marcelo M. Pedalino MAASIN CITY, Southern Leyte, May 4 (PIA) -- A Hundred percent of the 500 barangays of this province have already been served the services of electricity by the Southern Leyte Electric Cooperative (SOLECO), according to two ranking personnel interviewed at the Action Center Kapihan sa PIA cable TV program Tuesday.
A
s to a barangay‘s territorial expansion, called a sitio or purok, this is a constantly changing development owing to the growing population, Benson Mindajao, member development officer (MDO) said, quoting a statement of then Energy Secretary Jericho Petilla. So, even if SOLECO had implemented the Sitio Electrification Program of the national government, more sitios crop up, requesting power connectivity, and there are at present 197 sitios programmed for distribution line extensions, Mindajao
reported. Chelito Ogdoc, in stitution al services development department head, said SOLECO really desires to have households in energized sitios lighted up, but they can only extend 30 meters of dropwire free from the post to a prospective consumer‘s house. The national government, through the National Electrification Administration (NEA), allocated some P 800,000 for the Sitio Electrification Program, and beyond this budget will be up to the local cooperative, Ogdoc said.
Meanwhile, for the synchronized national and local elections Monday, Ogdoc said ten teams of technical crews are fielded, each team covering two towns, to respond to calls on sudden interruptions. Barangay electricians will be likewise mobilized to act on concerns at the precinct level, Mindajao said. The two shared SOLECO‘s hotline number, 0917-712-0947, for citizens to call or text for whatever things that require immediate action. (mmp, PIA8 -Southern Leyte)
DepEd to construct RWCs, MRFs Samuel D. Candido BORONGAN CITY, Eastern Samar, May 2 (PIA) - The Department of Education (DepEd), Eastern Samar division will be implementing the construction of Rain Water Collections (RWCs) and Material Recovery Facilities (MRFs) in every public elementary school and public high school.
B
ased on a provision of the General Appropriations Act of 2016, public sch ools are man dat ed to construct these two facilities so as to push for an efficient use of rainwater, while the establishment of material recovery facilities constructed in a proper huge space within the school premises, is to promote environmental awareness and action.
Interviewed by Ms. Penelope Pomida, DYES-Radyo ng Bayan, DepEd clarified that the RCWs will be constructed following the prototypes prescribed by the Department of Public Works and Highways while that of the MRFs will be based on the guidelines under the Ecological Solid Waste Management Act of 2000.
Meanwhile, the DepEd is also mandated to oblige public schools that have an available lot to establish a vegetable garden. The vegetable products from the said project will be used for the school-based feeding program that will be implemented by the DepEd to combat undernutrition among students. (SDC/PIA -E. Samar)
Gun ban yields six firearms, 21 arrests in ESamar Samuel D. Candido BORONGAN CITY, Eastern Samar May 6 (PIA) - The Philippine National Police - Eastern Samar Provincial Police Office (PNP-ESPPO) conducted a series of police operations and checkpoints since the election gun ban started last January 10, 2016.
A
ccording to ESPPO Public Information Officer Police Supt. Lope M. Macauba, the ESPPO was able to seize 6 firearms, 14 bladed weapons, 2 units fragmentation grenade, and 20 rounds of assorted ammunitions as of press time. They were also able to arrest 21 persons in line with the election gun
ban.
Macauba added that all the cases of the 21 arrested persons have been filed in court. ―As the election day draws near, we have strengthened the implementation of the gun ban and it has been helping us a lot,‖ Macauba said. Under the Commission on Elections (COMELEC) Resolution No. 10015, it is
an election offense to bear, carry or transport firearms or other deadly weapons — whether licensed or not — in public places during the election period from January 10 to June 18, 2016. The offense is punishable with imprisonment of not less than one year but not more than six years. (SDC-PIA/E. Samar)
EASTERN VISAYAS
Journalists told to validate airing
7 reports before
Teresita B. Cardenas CATARMAN, Northern Samar, May 5 (PIA) - In a meeting at the Diocesan Catholic Center Wednesday, the Northern Samar Peace and Development Forum (NSPDF) 2016 Election Coordinating Council called on journalists to validate election related issues and concerns before airing in their respective radio stations to avoid confusion among constituents.
R
ev. Fr. Fred Placa, chair, NSPDF secretariat,, said the forum will set up an Operation Center for monitoring, reporting and gathering of accurate data on election coverage to be led by the Philippine Information Agency as chair of the Communication Committee at Hobayan Hall, DCC, Catarman.
He said NSPDF being a venue for partners to voice out issues and concerns can act upon the concerns collectively as advocates for a clean, honest, accurate, meaningful, and peaceful elections come May 9. He asked the opinions and suggestions of the local journalists in order to come up with a smooth communication plan and free
flow of information as well as ensure that information being disseminated is true and accurate. With NSPDF getting election results from the Parish Pastoral Council for Responsible Voting (PPCRV) of the 24 municipalities, journalists can stay around to produce their news stories at the Operation Center, he said. (PIA8-NSamar)
Catbalogan police station under heightened alert status Ninfa B. Quirante CATBALOGAN CITY, Samar, May 5 (PIA) — The Catbalogan City Police unit is placed under heightened alert status.
T
his is to ensure that each PNP element is ready for any eventuality that may arise under Comelec supervision, said a statement issued by PSupt Edwin Barbosa, the city police chief. ―We are again giving more life and power to the partnership with the army in securing the votes and the community for Secure and
Fair Elections (SAFE) 2016,‖ the police official said. The AFP-PNP has joint operational guidelines which includes, peace and order and security concerns, and the activation of the joint security control center, conduct internal security and counter terrorism operation, Barbosa said. The police is also tasked to
conduct regular checkpoints and to dismantle private armed groups. ―Once more, we will prove to the populace that their police and armed forces remain steadfast and highly vigilant against any form of lawlessness during this crucial time when our nation‘s history is at stake,‖ the statement concluded. (nbq/PIA8 -Samar with Catbalogan City PNP)
NGCP sets contingency plan for May 9 poll Rodrigo S. Victoria NAVAL, Biliran, May 4 (PIA) - A top official of the National Grid Corporation of the Philippines (NGCP) bared recently during a gathering of government information officers in Tacloban City its contingency plan for the synchronized national and local elections on May 9.
M
aria Rosette B. Martinez, regional corporate communications and public affairs officer of NGCP-Visayas, said the NGCP contingency plan is focused on its network facilities, and logistical and administrative support to ensure stable power supply in the entire country on May 8, 9, and 10, 2016. The NGCP contingency plan on network facilities include the readiness of command center, control centers and substations; readiness of transmissions, control and communication facilities; deployment of maintenance personnel in strategic areas; availability and prepositioning of spares, and commitment of generator on voltage regulator, Martinez said in her presentation. She added, its logistical and administrative support include the availability of aircraft (one fixed- wing airplane and four helicopters) and prepositioning of fuel; and other administrative support like vehicles, foods, warehouse, personnel, and military augmentation. NGCP also committed in its system operations on or before election day the suspension of preventive maintenance and testing of generating units one week before and one
week after election day; suspension of maintenance and testing work of substation facilities and transmission lines, two weeks before and one week after election day; availability of SIPS, test protection communication and SCADA facilities; completion of table top and blackout simulation drills; ensure the readiness of unit with backstart capability; and ensure the readiness of LD/MLD/ELD schedule likewise exempting identified election hotspot areas, she added in her presentation. The NGCP communication officer added that part of the commitment of NGCP in its operations and maintenance before election day include the completion of inspections and technical audit of lines and equipment. NGCP commits to complete assessment of fault clearance systems and SIPS and finalize deployment plan from the security department on the AFP/PNP augmentation force in high-risk transmission facilities. Deferment and suspension of project activities in substations, switchyards, and new existing transmission lines in line with SOs activity will be done as it ensures that no pending civil,
electrical works will affect the integrity of the substation transmission line operation. NGCP also disclosed the power outlook summary during election based on available capacity, system load, and gross reserve in Luzon, Visayas and Mindanao from May 8, 9 and 10, 2016. In Luzon, the available capacity on May 8 is 9,807megawatt (MW), May 9 - 9,807MW and May 10 - 10,565MW; Visayas on May 8 is 1,899 MW; May 9 is 1,899MW and May 10 2,121MW; and Mindanao in May 8 is 1,736MW; May 9 - 1,736MW and May 10 is 1,736MW. The systems load are as follows: Luzon, May 8- 7,985MW, May 9-7,564MW and May 10-9,537MW;Visayas,May 8-1,678MW, May 9-1,709MW and 1,876MW and Mindanao, May 8-1,353MW, May 9-1,363MW and May 10-1,482MW. The gross reserve are: Luzon, May 8-1,822MW,May 9-2,243MW and May 10-810MW; Visayas, May 8-221MW, May 9-190MW and May 10-245MW and Mindanao, May 8-383MW, May 9-373MW and MAY 10-254MW. (FJ/rvictoria/PIA 8 Biliran)
One Visayas e-newsletter is published weekly by the Visayas Regional Cluster of the Philippine Information Agency (PIA) comprising Region 6, 7 and 8. Its main editorial office is located at PIA Region 6, Iloilo City. One Visayas e-newsletter is part of the online news and information dissemination services of PIA and is powered by www.issuu.com. For inquiries and suggestions, call Tel. Nos. (033) 3378719/3377301 or e-mail piaamo6@yahoo.com.
Ms. Minerva BC Newman Regional Director, PIA 7
Editorial Consultants Atty. Ma. Janet C. Mesa, Ph. D. Regional Director, PIA6
Ms. Alicia E. Nicart Regional Director, PIA8
Managing Editor Jaime S. Cabag, Jr. Contributors All PIA Information Officers of Regions 6, 7 & 8 Production and Layout Edson J. BaĂąares Lynnor C. Regalado Regional Offices: PIA 6, 2/F RC Building, Rizal St., Iloilo City, Iloilo 5000, Tel. Nos. (033) 337-8719/3377301/509-0993, Fax No. (033) 337-8719/509-0993, e-mail: r6_pia@yahoo.com/ piaamo6@yahoo.com PIA 7, Room 304, 3/F Machay Bldg., Garardo Avenue, Cebu City, Cebu 6000, Telefax No. (032) 232-4062/232-4126, e-mail: pia7_cebu@yahoo.com.ph/r7_pia@yahoo.com PIA 8, Children‘s Park Compound, Sen. Enage St., Tacloban City, Leyte 6500, Tel. No. (053) 325-5124, Telefax No. (053) 321-2029, e-mail: pia_ev@yahoo.com/r8_pia@yahoo.com