Vol 6
Issue 21
In this Issue WESTERN VISAYAS
BSP Monetary Board Member Dr. Felipe Medalla hopes that the BSP Conference on Gearing Up for External Competitiveness held in Iloilo City on May 24 will further propel the competitiveness momentum and support the local business community in pushing Iloilo and the region forward. The event was attended by representatives from business process outsourcing entities, exporters, chambers and other organizations, academe, government agencies and media. (laf/PIA-6)
More on Region 6, pages 2-3. Also CLICK Here…
CENTRAL VISAYAS
―An August Rush‖ Ultramarathon and Fun Run Organizers (L-R) Bernabe Bustillo, Atty. Grace Sumalpong, Paultom Paras and Maripol Rotea-Tecson during the August Rush Press Launch held May 26 at #SillimanUniversity Portal West Grounds. The event is a series of environmental activities to be held in August in celebration of the 100 years of Silliman University High School. Some highlight activities include the centennial fun run on Aug. 13 and an Ultramarathon and Fellowship Run on Aug. 20. (PIA7)
More on Region 8, pages 6-7.
May 23 - 29, 2016
Published by: PIA 6, 7 & 8
Water expert calls for flood resilient infra
By Elsa S. Subong ILOILO CITY, May 27 (PIA6)—The good about La Niña is that there is more than enough water but the public should be also alert that their infrastructures are flood resilient. In a forum on El Niño and La Niña Watch, Water Technical Specialist Engr. Demosthenes Reboble said that La Niña has positive effects in the aftermath of the El Niño but it could have ill effects on water resources and infrastructures. ―Water utilities will benefit from excessive rain water as ground water supply will increase because of the recharging of aquifers,‖ Reboble said. ―Also, if rainwater harvesting facilities are in place there will huge savings on water bills,‖ he added. La Niña’s negative effects on infrastructures are
possible contaminations of treated water, water service interruptions, loss of water quality testing due to flooding. La Niña can cause flooding in rivers and reservoirs, and increase volume of solids in raw water. The forum was facilitated by the United States Agency for International Development through its Be Secure Project held at the Casa Real, Provincial Capitol. Ms. Elizea Gozun,Climate Resiliency Team Leader of the USAID-Be Secure Project Team Leader, said the forum, among others, aimed at making the public, especially water providers and utilities, of the impacts of La Niña on water infrastructures. (JCM/ESS/PIA-Iloilo)
CSC: Service delivery, governance continue amid transition Fayette C. Riñen CEBU, May 24 (PIA) – Chairperson Alicia Dela Rosa-Bala of the Civil Service Commission (CSC) said human resource (HR) practitioners play a major role along with other civil servants to ensure a healthy balance between continuity and change amid the transition of a new leadership starting July 1. Dela Rosa-Bala, in a recent press conference, said there will be a lot of challenges in a new bureaucracy but stressed that governance and service delivery must not be compromised during transitions. The CSC Chairperson was here to grace the ongoing three-day 2016 Public Sector HR Symposium May 23 to 25 attended by 1,900 delegates throughout the country. ―The critical point of transition is (for public officials) never to forget their sworn duties and the public’s trust and to serve the latter with utmost professionalism and integrity,‖ she said, adding that ―we need to unite and work together for the good welfare of the citizenry.‖ For the part of CSC, Dela Rosa-Bala said its policy remains the same and that all appointments should merit fitness and competence. Minimum qualification standards must be met relative to education, training and experience, she added.
Dela Rosa-Bala reminded public officials that nepotism is a grave offense and that in national government agencies, relatives up to the 3rd degree of consanguinity is prohibited to enter the same agency while the prohibition applies up to the 4th degree of affinity to local government units. According to the CSC Chairperson, no government official or employee should be suspended or removed except by cause provided under the 1987 Constitution. Any employee who feels unjustly treated can seek legal remedy from their office, said Dela Rosa-Bala. (rmn/fcr/PIA7)
Civil Service Commission Chairperson Alicia dela Rosa-Bala (2nd from left) with Commissioner Robert S. Martinez and Commissioner Nieves L. Osorio talks on the state of government frontline service delivery in Region 7 during a press briefing on Human Resource (HR) Symposium held at the Cebu Waterfront Hotel, Lahug, Cebu City, May 24. (vvv/PIA Cebu)
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MCC closes SNRDP in Eastern Samar EASTERN VISAYAS
Dydm Kapihan sa PIA live: Lydia Montabon and Servando Acedo of DENR-CENRO and PENRO, respectively, discuss their agency's activities for May as Month of Ocean, as well as the upcoming banner program on coastal development. (mmp)
More on Region 8, pages 6-7. Also CLICK Here...
Samuel D. Candido BORONGAN CITY, Eastern Samar, May 27 (PIA) --- The Millennium Challenge Corporation (MCC) of the United States of America (USA) through — Millennium Challenge Account-Philippines (MCA-P) — conducted a ―Ceremonial Closing Event‖ of the Secondary National Roads Development Project (SNRDP) on May 20, 2016 at the Eastern Samar Provincial Capitol Gymnasium, Capitol, this City. US Ambassador to the Philippines Philip Goldberg, who graced the event, praised the MCA-P for the successful implementation of the road rehabilitation — through the compact’s Secondary National Roads Development Project (SNRDP) of the American Government in the Philippines. Goldberg disclosed that the primary objective of the project is to help improve the living condition of the people of Samar and Eastern Samar. Among the MCC Compact-funded project are the US $ 222.49-M widening, rehabilitation, and improvement of the
222.23-kilometer Paranas-Taft-Borongan-Guiuan Road; the construction or rehabilitation of 61 bridges; and slope protection, drainage, and road safety projects in Samar Island. Goldberg further said the second batch of MCC compact projects. As of now, they are still studying as to what particular project it is and where it will be implemented. Meanwhile, with the incoming President, Goldberg said that the USA and the Philippines will continue to have bilateral ties as well as gave the assurance that the USA will support in solving the problem on the West Philippine Sea. In his message read by Dr. Joselito Mutya, Governor Conrado Nicart Jr, wholeheartedly thanked the USA government for this project which gave a big impact to the economic growth in the province. (SDC/PIA-E. Samar)
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WESTERN VISAYAS
Ms. Earth England 2015 to grace Bike Race
Flores de Mayo
By Vicente W. Villavert SAN JOSE, Antique, May 25 (PIA6) - - - Miss Earth England 2015 Katrina Kendall will visit Antique to grace the 3rd Autajay Aningalan Ascent Mountain Bike Race on June 5 in Barangay Aningalan, San Remigio, Antique.
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s. Ruth Martinez, Senior Adviser of the Forest and Climate Protection Project Panay, said Miss Kendall will arrive on June 2 and will pay a courtesy call on Regional Director Jim O. Sampulna of the of Department of Environment and Natural Resources, Region 6, Iloilo City then proceed to San Jose, Antique where she will likewise pay a courtesy call on the Provincial Government. Kendall’s itinerary on June 3 are the following: courtesy call to Sibalom Mayor Joel Occeña; visit to Sibalom Natural Park, CENRO Belison/PENRO Antique; and bike caravan in downtown San Jose; and on June 4 she is expected to visit San Remigio Mayor Glenn Cabigunda; Barangay Aningalan; Igbaclag Cave
and the Rafflesia site. The Bike Race on June 5 which will cover 61 kilometers will start from Guinsang -an, Hamtic up to Barangay Aningalan, San Remigio aims to raise funds for the establishment of a biodiversity corridor between the Sibalom Natural Park and the Central Panay Mountain Range. Then, Katrina Kendall will award the winners during a program in Barangay Aningalan on June 5. The event will be supported by the Department of Environment and Natural Resources and the German development cooperation company Deutsche Gesellschaft fur Internationale Zumammenarbeit (GIZ) GmbH,
through its Forest and Climate Protection in Panay project funded by the German Federal Ministry for the Environment, Nature Conservation, Building and Nuclear Safety. Martinez said the GIZ Forest and Climate Protection in Panay Project aims to conserve the remaining larger block of natural forest with globally important biodiversity on the Central Panay Mountain Range in Panay Island. It also supports the sustainable use of natural resources by local communities in the buffer zones for biodiversity conservation, climate change mitigation and adaptation, and poverty alleviation. (JCM/VWV/ PIA Antique)
TOs, LGUs instrumental in successful tourism promotion By Lilibeth A. French ILOILO CITY, May 25 (PIA6) - - Tourism officers and local government units are instrumental in the successful promotion of Western Visayas as a tourist destination, according to Director Helen Catalbas of the Department of Tourism 6 (DOT 6).
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n her recorded message during the opening program of the Fiestas in the City 2016 at SM City Iloilo on Monday, Catalbas congratulated tourism officers and local government units for being instrumental in the successful promotion of the region through their unrelenting support and dedication. The DOT 6 chief is on official travel in Malaysia for a business mission. Catalbas said Western Visayas continues to be one of the top favorite places visited by tourists from different parts of the world. Last year, more than 4.6 million tourists chose to stay in the region. She attributed this to the region’s increased connectivity to other regions, newly developed tourism products and new and upgraded facilities and services. For the past 14 years, the Fiestas in the City co-presented by DOT 6 and SM City Iloilo has become a venue for the different provinces and highly urbanized cities in the region to
showcase their newest tourism products and destinations to provide residents and tourists ideas on what to experience when they visit the region. Cristine Mansinares, Provincial Tourism Officer of Negros Occidental said the week-long event provides them an avenue to update possible tourists in Panay Island and Guimaras with their new attractions including their Mambukal Resort, a favorite destination especially during summer. She noted that the event has now earned the support and participation of the other local government units in Negros Occidental. Tourism Officers of Manapla, Silay, Bago and Bacolod City attended the opening ceremony and more tourism officers committed to join the other activities in the succeeding days. Aklan Provincial Tourism Officer Roselle Ruiz said this is one event that they look forward to each year. They really prepare for their participation in the various activities lined
up for the event and for the booth display and promotion of their products and attractions. Aside from the province’s banner attraction which is the island of Boracay, this year, according to Ruiz they are promoting their other destinations located in the mainland. These are the Bakhawan Eco Park in Kalibo, Jawili Falls in Tangalan, Basura Garden in Balete and others. Fiestas in the City 2016 also features how the local government units celebrate their fiesta in their own distinct way. With its theme ―Lagaw Ta Western Visayas!‖, this year’s festivities is marked by the following activities: Travel and Trade Fair until May 29; Sandiyahan sa Oton, May 25; Awarding of Operation WaterF’All Heroes and Cooking Demo by Ilonggo Chefs, May 26; Western Visayas Map Food Display, May 27; Grand Festival Parade, May 28: and Sagala of Festival Queens, May 29. (JCM/laf/PIA6-Iloilo)
Capiz stations pass evaluation; 8 bag Silver Eagle award By Jemin B. Guillermo ROXAS CITY, Capiz, May 25 (PIA6) – All the 17 police stations in Capiz passed the compliance stage evaluation process.
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apiz Police Provincial Director Robert Rodriguez led the group to the conferment of compliant status at the Police Regional Office 6 in Iloilo City, May 23. Aside from the police stations, the Police Provincial Office including the Provincial Public Safety Company likewise passed the evaluation process for the said stage. Of the 19 police stations and groups evaluated here, eight were conferred Silver Eagle Award after garnering a rating of 90-percent and above during the recent compliance evaluation
process. The Silver Eagle Awardees include the Capiz Police Provincial Office, Provincial Public Safety Company, President Roxas Municipal Police Station as well as the police stations of Dao, Panitan, Roxas City, Ivisan and Pilar. Police Chief Supt. Noel Baraceros who is the director of the Central Police Strategy Management Unit, together with PNP 6 Regional Director Bernardo Diaz and Regional Advisory Council chair John Tarrosa. During the initiation stage in 2014, the
Sapian Municipal Police Station and the Provincial Public Safety Company were also conferred Silver Eagle Award by the Western Visayas PNP. After passing the first two stages, the police here are now working on the last two stages, namely the Proficiency and Institutionalization. Peac e and Or der Ag en d a fo r Transformation and upholding of the Rule-Of-Law (PATROL) Plan 2030 is the PNP's change agenda which is anchored on the principle of systems and procedures. (JCM/JBG/PIA6)
WESTERN VISAYAS
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Organic veggie production gets boost with training Flores de Mayo NEGROS OCCIDENTAL, May 26 (PIA6) - - Farmer-trainees from the cities of Sagay, Cadiz, Escalante and the town of Manapla, all 193 of them, completed the Organic Vegetable Production training with its closing ceremonies in Balay Kauswagan, Sagay City. he training of the farmers which lives, adding that Negrense farmers are lucky Manapla town farmer Ma. Renita belonged to Class 01-16 that started in because the province is blessed with rich soil. Aujero said it was through the training January conducted by the Provincial Meanwhile, Governor Alfredo G. Marañon, she learned that organic vegetables Government of Negros Occidental through the Jr. lauded the farmers for accepting the challenge are good for the health because they Provincial Peace Integration and Development of shifting to organic farming which is healthier are free from pesticides and other harmful Unit (Pro-PIDU), 303rd Infantry Brigade and and environment-friendly. chemicals. 62nd Infantry Brigade. ―This day marks the change of system in The farmers were also given seeds, while The participants are marginal farmers, our farming,‖ the governor said. some had livestock animals such as ducks and agrarian reform beneficiaries, and former rebels The farmers said they were particularly pigs acquired through a raffle; all the graduates from the local government units and were taught challenged by the effects of El Niño phenomenon were also enrolled in the Negros Occ. about organic vegetable production and making but managed to go on with the training which in Comprehensive Health Program (NOCHP). organic fertilizers using backyard materials. the long run will help alleviate poverty, advocate Pro-PIDU Action Officer and Provincial Aside from the training, the farmers had organic farming, and promote lasting peace Planning and Development Coordinator, exposure trips and farm tours to Fresh Start particularly in far-flung areas of Negros Dr. Ma Lina Sanogal, Provincial Veterinarian Dr. Organic Farm in Silay City, Army Wellness Farm Occidental. Renante Decena, and Col. Leopoldo Galon, Jr., at the 303rd IB Compound in Murcia, and in Celia Mendoza of Sagay City said she is Deputy Commander of the 303rd IB were also Mambukal Resort. thankful to the Governor for the training provid- present during the graduation ceremonies of the Sagay City Mayor Alfredo Marañon III said ed to them which helped her realize that farmers. (JCM/EAD-PIA6 Negros Occidental/ that the goal of the training is to increase the through hard work and sheer determination, Capitol News) farmers’ income and improve the quality of their organic farming will give her a promising income.
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Forest workers train on fire management By Elsa S. Subong ILOILO CITY, May 24 (PIA6) — Forest fires may not be prevented but they can be managed by trained forest rangers and technicians.
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The region has still good forest cover, especially the National Greening Program sites, ane we need to protect this,‖ Director Jim Sampulna of the Department of Environment and Natural Resources said. He added that forest fires which occurred as the El Niño hit project sites and protected areas in the region, can be well-managed. ―If possible, we must contain grass fires within the alienable and disposable land areas so it would not spread to forested areas,‖ Sampulna said. The forest rangers and forest technicians from DENR’s community and provincial offices, underwent a three-day Trainors’ Training on Forest Fire Management to develop skills in the
task. Livino Duran, assistant regional director for Management Services, said that before, forest rangers were only trained on fire prevention, suppression and control. ―Now we have to learn added skills to manage forest fires,‖ Duran said. The participants were taught classification of fire and fire safety, first aid and demonstration, forest fire behavior and prevention, forest fire detection and suppression, organizing fire-fighting team and fire -fighting tools, fire damage documentation and incidence reporting. Meanwhile, in March this year, a grass fire incident in Madalag, Aklan damaged around 11.53
hectares in an alienable and disposable land. Capiz reported two forest fires incidents, damaging 8.50 hectares of NGP plantation and cited kaingin-making as the culprit. Iloilo City had four forest fires incidents which affected 56.50 hectares and identified incendiarism as the cause. Antique had the most at 13, affecting a total of 620.26 hectares of NGP sites located in the towns of Belison and Culasi, caused by cigarette butts and incendiarism. The province of Guimaras had none so far. ―We will see if it would be possible to put up look-out towers in project sites and establish fire lines where fres should be contained,‖ Sampulna said. (JCM/ESS/PIA-Iloilo)
‘Diskwento’ items have no toxic components – DTI By Venus G. Villanueva KALIBO, Aklan, 26 May (PIA6) -- The Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) here assured the public that school supplies for sale during the scheduled Balik Eskwela Caravan 2016 in various selected towns are not counterfeit or imported as these are not allowed by the department.
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t a recent press conference here called by DTI-Aklan, Provincial Director Ma. Carmen Iturralde also told the media that the supplies for sale have no toxic components. The yearly conduct of the Balik Eskwela Diskwento Caravan aims to facilitate and make available to the public competitively-priced products while generating additional sales to participating Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs), distributors and wholesalers.
The caravan also aims to make available to consumers basic/prime goods and school supplies at affordable prices, while instilling in the minds of the manufacturers and local dealers their corporate social responsibility. In Aklan, the DTI scheduled the caravans in the towns of Kalibo, Malinao and Libacao. In Kalibo, which was already held from May 16-17 at the Provincial Trade Hall, the caravan not only offered school supplies and uniforms at minimum discounted prices of 10%,
as sold also during the marketing activity were canned goods, detergents, computers, shoes, sandals, ready to wear garments and wellness products. Fruits and vegetables, ornamental plants, and other agri-aqua products were also sold during the two-day caravan, providing opportunity to farmers and fisherfolk to sell their harvest directly to the public while buying school supplies for their children. (JCM/ VGV PIA6 Aklan)
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CENTRAL VISAYAS
DOH-7 campaigns for healthy pregnancy in Siquijor Flores de Mayo
Rizalie Anding Calibo
SIQUIJOR, May 24 (PIA) -- More than 100 pregnant women province-wide attended the Buntis Wellness Congress of Department of Health (DOH) regional office held recently at the Gender and Development (GAD) building, Poblacion, Siquijor, Siquijor.
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he event is one of the many measures of DOH to address the results of a recent study which shows that in every 100,000 live births, there are 209 mothers who die due to pregnancy complications. According to Janet Cortes, medical practitioner of DOH-regional office, the congress is seen to help DOH’s goals for the reduction of deaths.
Sharing the importance and the po sitiv e effects of early pr enatal, Cortes said prenatal care should be done the soonest time one suspects that she is pregnant. She said it should be done to monitor the mother’s pregnancy and the health complications of both the baby and the mother. The congress also included the importance
of oral hygiene during pregnancy, how to prevent HIV and its mode of transmission. Free HIV testing and counseling to all attendees were also done. DOH also distributed neonatal gift kits for the pregnant mothers who attended the congress. The event’s theme is: ―Healthy si Mommy, Happy si Baby.‖ (rmn/rac/PIA7-Siquijor with reports from I. Acabo-Abatayo)
DOLE chief sees Siquijor as high-end tourist destination Rizalie Anding Calibo SIQUIJOR, May 24 (PIA) -- Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) Secretary Rosalinda Baldoz sees Siquijor Island as a high-end tourist destination during her visit here recently. aldoz graced DOLE's Service Quality economic driver is tourism industry where Philippines become a top tourist destination training held at the Coco Grove Beach Siquijor is one of the top contributors. worldwide. Resort, Tubod, San Juan, Siquijor that DOLE’s new program is advocating Baldoz hoped that all the establishments aimed to equip the 110 resorts and restaurants the error-free kind of service that should in the province are Labor Law Compliant and other business establishments’ owners and prevail in all kind of businesses having been assessed and monitored personnel on what quality service is all about nationwide, she said, as part of the b y DOLE-Siquijor. (rmn/rac/ and how to provide it the best way. government's thrust to make Siquijor P I A 7 - S i q u i j o r / w i t h reports from She said the country’s number one along with the many island provinces in the I.Acabo-Abatayo)
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Indigent senior citizens get quarterly pensions Rey Anthony H. Chiu TAGBILARAN CITY, May 24 (PIA) -- Senior citizens (60 year-old and above) who receive no pension at all, do not get regular help from children and are not earning, may qualify for the government’s social pension program.
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he pension, which comes via Article 20 of Republic Act 994, provides for the monthly stipend amounting to P500 for indigent senior citizens, to augment daily subsistence and other medical needs of senior citizens, according to Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD-7) Information Officer Leah Quintana. Speaking at the weekly Kapihan sa PIA aired over DyTR AM, Quintana explained the nuances of the Expanded Senior Citizen’s Act of 2010, which puts the provision on social pension payable to qualified senior citizens at the beginning of every quarter. The social pension forms part of the additional benefits for senior citizens lumped in the expanded senior citizens act, which also includes mandatory PhilHealth coverage to indigent senior citizens, with the local government units ensuring their enrolment and lifetime coverage. Once already a member, and certified indigent, the person can get social safety assistance to cushion the effects of economic shocks; disasters and calamities which include food, medicines, financial assistance for domicile repair, it shall be the duty of LGUs to
source out the help from their disaster/ calamity funds. More than that, the additional government assistance also entitles the indigent death benefit assistance to a minimum of P2,000 to the nearest surviving relative who took care of the deceased senior citizens subject to guidelines issued by the DSWD and DILG, adds Quintana at the live radio forum. Said privileges are over and above the mandatory 20% discount and value added tax exemption on medicine and drug purchases, purchase of eyeglasses, hearing aids, and other expenses. The grant also includes medical and dental services, diagnostic and laboratory tests: X-Rays, computerized tomography scans, and blood tests requested by a physician for the diagnosis and treatment of an illness, professional services in all private hospitals, medical facilities, outpatient clinics and home health care facilities. Senior citizens, whether indigents or not can also avail of the grant of 20% discount for domestic transportation for air, sea and public land transportation, hotels and room accommodations including its services as hotel-based parlors
and barbershops, restaurants, massage parlor, spa, sauna bath, aromatherapy rooms, workout gyms, swimming pools, Jacuzzis, ktv bars, internet facilities, food, drinks and other services offered. As to those needing to add more knowledge, an educational assistance for senior citizens needing to complete post high, post tertiary, as well as vocational or technical education in both public and private schools through scholarships, grants, are entitled to financial aid, subsidies and other incentives including support for books, learning materials, and uniform allowances. All of these as the government recognizes the rights of senior citizens to take their proper place in society and make them a concern of the family, community, and government, support to the improvement of their total well-being of the elderly and their full participation as an integral part of Philippine society encouraging them to contribute to nation building and their families and the communities to reaffirm and apply the valued Filipino traditions of caring for the senior citizens, the law said. (rmn/rac/PIA-7)
CENTRAL VISAYAS
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Demand for teachers in Cebu’s private schools high Flores de Mayo
Rachelle M. Nessia
CEBU CITY, May 20 (PIA) -- There is a high demand for teachers in private educational institutions in Cebu, particularly for English as Second Language (ESL) teachers.
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ccording to Wesley Chiongbian, president of job website Mynimo.com, statistics from their website show that demand for teachers in Cebu doubled this year compared to last year. ―Not just for colleges, universities, and high schools but we are also seeing a higher growth in demand for ESL teachers,‖ said Chiongbian in a press conference. Although the demand for teachers in the private sector doubled, Chiongbian noted a
decrease this year in the number of people who want to work and become teachers. Teachers top the list of labor challenges in Cebu based on data collected from Mynimo.com, a job posting website with more than 8,000 jobs listed nationwide every month. Other industries with a higher growth in demand for workers this year are in business process outsourcing (BPO), human resources, technical support, and corporate sales.
The number of job vacancies posted at Mynimo.com increased by 130 percent from January to end of April this year compared to the same period last year, said Chiongbian. Mynimo is set to hold its 3rd Happy Jobs Fair on May 28, 2016 at SM City Cebu Trade Hall starting at 9:00 a.m. More than 6,000 job vacancies from 77 participating companies (local and overseas) will be offered during the jobs fair. (rmn/ PIA7-Cebu)
Bayawan City LGU hosts beach volley Jennifer C. Tilos BAYAWAN CITY, Negros Oriental, May 23 (PIA) -- The Beach Volleyball Republic (BVR) staged its 7th leg tournament on May 2021 as part of Bayawan City’s summer sports activity.
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he two-day game was participated in by most teams from University Athletic Association of the Philippines (UAAP) held here in coordination with Roger Banzuela, coordinator of Visayas and Mindanao teams. According to Atty. Rene Gaudiel, chairman of the event, the beach volleyball aimed to promote the beaches in Bayawan City for sports tourism and to encourage the people to play volleyball. Bayawan City first hosted a leg of Beach
Volleyball with 16 players, eight pairs and two teams. Ateneo team players include Charo Soriano, Michelle Morente, Jessa Aranda, Dzi Gervacio and Bea Tan; from St. La Salle graduates Sherry Lynne Nicole Gison, Myra Rebelista, and Alexa Micek. Other team players from University of Negros Occidental-Recoletos include Jennifer Cosas, Erjane Magdato, Jenny Mar Señares, Babet Laborte, Ruby Casiple; St. John Academy, Bacolod, Rosel Sy; Bayawan National
High School, Jaslyn Geconcillo; and Foundation University, Hannah Ollina. On the second day, the Beach Volleyball Republic organizer awarded the champions Charo Soriano and Alexa Micek. Other winners were Erjane Magdato and Jenny Mar Señares for the first place while second place went to Dzi Gervacio and Bea Tan. (rmn/jct/ PIA7-Negros Oriental/ with reports from Cindy Botones and Dezairie Oriendo, interns NORSU Bayawan)
Silliman hosts mass training for public school teachers Roi Anthoni B. Lomotan DUMAGUETE CITY, May 23 (PIA) – Close to 1,800 public school teachers in Negros Island Region (NIR) are participating in the mass training for Senior High School (SHS) teachers held at Silliman University (SU) starting May 20 to June 4.
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U Office of Information and Publication Director Mark Garcia said the training is a project of Department of Education (DepEd) in partnership with the university that aims to capacitate public school teachers in the administration and management of different SHS subjects particularly in Grade 11 subjects. Some members of the university faculty handled the training on the three of four strands under the academic track which are Accountancy and Business Management (ABM), Humanities and Social Sciences (HUMSS), and General Academic Stand (GAS).
Aside from this, SU also hosts the regional training for all teachers on common topics and the training for those teachers who are assigned to the technical-vocational-livelihood track. Garcia said this is the third time the university hosted a mass training for public school teachers. Silliman University has been a partner of DepEd in previous years in handling capacity-building trainings for public school teachers assigned to teach Grade 9 and Grade 10 students. Last month, the university led the national training for public and private senior high
teachers under the Arts and Design Track Program, dubbed ――Sining sa Eskwela.‖ This was organized in partnership with the Arts Education Department of the Cultural Center of the Philippines. Meanwhile, Dr. Salustiano Jimenez, OIC/Assistant Regional Director (ARD) of DepEd-NIR, announced that the Brigada Eskwela for this year will start on May 30 until June 4 but there will be a regional launching on May 27 in Kabankalan, Negros Occidental while the opening of classes is on June 13, 2016. (rmn/ral/PIA7-Negros Oriental/with reports from SU-OIP)
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EASTERN VISAYAS
DPWH installs rainwater collection systems in SoLeyte Flores de Mayo MAASIN CITY, Southern Leyte, May 23 (PIA) – Schools, public markets and other government facilities throughout the province will get rainwater collection system from the Department of Public works and Highways (DPWH) to address water shortage concerns.
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he installation is now on going in 23 sites with a combined budget of P3.28 million, DPWH-Southern Leyte District Engineering Office Chief Ma. Margarita C. Junia informed. ―This is a big increase in terms of budget for rainwater collection. Our allocation before was only P500,000 every year, but now its more than P3 million,‖ Junia in a press release stated. She said that each facility costing P70,000, can store up to 1,200 liters of rainwater. Recipient schools include Cambooc, Hantag, Malapoc, Bagtican, Bogo, Lonoy,
Canyuom, and Combado in Maasin City; Rizal and Ichon in the municipality of Macrohon; Bunga, Sto. Rosario and San Juan in Padre Burgos; Libagon National High School and Libagon Elementary School in the town of Libagon. Other sites mentioned are Padre Burgos public market, Pintuyan public market, Saint Bernard slaughter house, San Juan Municipal Jail, Hinunangan public market, Silago public market and Silago public terminal. Junia reported that the project is part of the Aquino administration’s climate change
adaptation program. The rainwater collector system harvests, collects, and stores rainwater from the root or from the groundwater catchment or multi-purpose pavement for use during dry season, she added. It was learned that the types of rainwater collection systems constructed are reinforced concrete ground storage tank, reinforced steel ground storage tank, plastic container tank, and concrete storage tank. (w/ reports from DPWH/PIA8SoLeyte)
RDRRMC member-agencies ready for La Niña Aurora J. Casimpan TACLOBAN CITY, Leyte, May 23 (PIA) – In anticipation of the La Niña phenomenon, member agencies of the Regional Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (RDRRMC) converged recently to share their respective preparedness measures.
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he Office of the Civil Defense being the operating arm of the RDRRMC enjoined the member-agencies to attend the Pre-Disaster Risk Assessment (PDRA) meeting in May 20, OCD Conference room, this city, to discuss among other matters, updates on the effects of El Niño and the possibility of La Niña. Each member-agency presented the preparedness measure undertaken by the office relative to the possibility of a La Niña event. Communication volunteers Access and Kabalikat discussed on the readiness of
communication lines, suggest for the acquisition of an FM frequency band. The Department of Health, to include the Eastern Visayas Regional Medical Center and support health facilities reported on the readiness and preparedness of facilities and health personnel to attend to the needs of those who will be adversely affected by La Niña. Other agencies who reported on their preparedness measures include Department of Industry, Philippine Navy, Coast Guard, PNP, Civil Aviation of the Philippines, and the Department of Interior and Local Government.
Pag-Asa also warns about the coming of La Nina when the last warm air of EL Nino dissipates. In an interview, Pag-Asa-Samar Bureau Chief Ed dela Cruz said that as communities are at a head start, they should start making preparations to brace their homes for stronger and fiercer tropical cyclones. Dela Cruz said that in Samar, La Nina is most likely to occur from September 2016 to June 2017 yet. ―But this is only a forecast,‖ the veteran weatherman emphasized. (AJC/PIA8 with NB Quirante/Samar report)
Biliran population up in 2015 POPCEN Rodrigo S. Victoria NAVAL, Biliran, May 25 (PIA) – The latest census of population in Biliran province showed an increase of almost 10,000 based on the 2015 Census of Population (POPCEN).
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he total population in the province of Biliran based on a news report from the office of the Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA), Biliran Provincial Office, now stands at 171, 612 as of August 1, 2015, higher by 9,852 compared to the population in 2010 of 181, 760, and by 31, 338 compared with the population of 140, 274 in 2000. ―The provincial population increased at the rate of 1.13 percent annually‖, Francisco D. Rostata, interim provincial statistical officer of PSA-Biliran said in the news report. The increase represents the average annual increase during the period 2010 to 2015. Comparably, an increase of 1.43 percent
in population was reported during the period 2000 to 2010 based on the PSA-Biliran report. Rostata interpreted that there were about six persons added per year for every 500 persons in the population based on the latest population data of Biliran province as reflected in the 2015 POPCEN. The data also showed that the province of Biliran posted the lowest population among the six provinces in Eastern Visayas. In Eastern Visayas with a total population of 4, 440, 150 based on the 2015 POPCEN, Leyte province posted the highest with 1, 724, 679 followed by Samar province with 780, 481; Northern Samar-632, 379; Eastern Samar-467, 160 and Southern Leyte-421, 750.
Based on the same 2015 POPCEN data, in Biliran province, Naval town posted the highest population with 54, 692; Caibiran-22, 524; Cabucgayan-20,788; Kawayan-20, 291; Almeria-16, 951; Biliran-16, 882; and Maripipi-7, 159. The 2015 POPCEN was undertaken by the PSA in August 2015 pursuant to Republic Act No.10625 or the Philippine Statistical Act of 2013 and Executive Order No. 352. The population counts based on the 2015 POPCEN was declared as official for all purposes on May 18, 2016 by President Benigno S. Aquino III under Proclamation No. 1269. #(fj/PIA 8 Biliran with reports from PSA-Biliran)
EASTERN VISAYAS
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OCD-8 enhances media’s understanding on DRRM Flores de Mayo
Consuelo B. Alarcon
TACLOBAN CITY, Leyte, May 26(PIA) – The Regional Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (RDRRMC) through the Office of Civil Defense in the region brought together in a common forum the local media practitioners in Eastern Visayas.
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his is by conducting a two-day Basic Disaster Risk Reduction and Management (DRRM) Training from May 24-25, 2016 at Hotel Rodolfo, this city where the participants’ understanding on the fundamentals of DRRM is being enhanced. OCD 8 regional director Edgar L. Posadas lauded the local media as he considers them as an integral part of the whole spectrum of Disaster Risk Reduction and Management (DRRM). ―We truly appreciate your effort in ensuring that better information, communica-
tion and awareness is conveyed to our stakeholders,‖ Posadas said. As the implementing arm and secretariat of the RDRRMC, the Office of Civil Defense in Eastern Visayas ensures that the public is provided with accurate, timely and relevant information on hazards and disaster risks and the protective actions that they can take. The OCD official also considers the role of media practitioners as critical, especially in raising public awareness and preparedness through information dissemination on looming
disasters, warning of hazards, gathering and transmitting of information and even in facilitating discussions about disaster preparedness and response. Said activity is part of the agency’s goal to equip the communicators with adequate knowledge as people would always seek up-to-date and reliable information. Facilitators from four disaster committees namely prevention and mitigation, preparedness, response, rehabilitation and recovery discussed the different stages of disaster management.
DPWH-SoLeyte eyes standard school bldg. projects Rebecca Cadavos MAASIN CITY, Southern Leyte, May 26 (PIA) -- The Department of Public Works and Highways – Southern Leyte District Engineering Office (DPWH-SLDEO) is eyeing for quality standard school building construction in time for the opening of academic year 2016-2017 on June 13.
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PWH-SLDEO Chief Ma. Margarita C. Junia informed that out of the 53 school building projects in different sites in the province, there are 13 that have been completed and 37 are still on going as of this week. She said that four projects were suspended due to redesigning of foundation which is up for review by the Bureau of Design. ―The reason of the failure was based on the soil bearing capacity test which was conducted,‖ Junia revealed. The 53 mentioned school building projects with varied designs have 173 classrooms that are meant to house the first batch of senior high school students in the 18 municipalities and 1 city in the province of Southern Leyte.
Junia said that there are some projects that encountered delays due to cost adjustments to include the transshipment of materials to far flung project locations. Bidders filed a motion for reconsideration but failed to pass the sub soil test. ―With the regular coordination with the Department of Education and measures undertaken to address bottlenecks, we are optimistic to attain remarkable accomplishments in our school building projects for the opening of classes,‖ Junia quoted. The DPWH-SLDEO expects to complete all classrooms before the fourth quarter of this year. The said projects are expected to boost the preparation of the province for the next year’s full implementation of the SHS program
under the Kindergaten and 12 years of basic education (K to 12) program of the government. Junia disclosed that one of the recipients of school building projects is Ichon Integrated Senior High School in Barangay Ichon, Macrohon, this province with more than 700 secondary students. It will cater students from 17 villages of Macrohon and nearby barangays from Maasin City. The Ichon Integrated SHS is just one of the 56 public schools in the province that will offer the SHS program this school year 2016-2017. Data from DepEd showed that Maasin City and Southern Leyte towns need at least 242 classrooms this year for the projected 8,655 SHS enrollees, DPWH-SLDEO reported. (rgc/PIA8SoLeyte)
DepEd-Borongan City holds OBE convergence meeting Samuel D. Candido BORONGAN CITY, Eastern Samar, May 26 (PIA) -- - The Department of Education- Borongan City Division conducted a Convergence Meeting on Oplan Balik Eskwela (OBE) on May 24, 2016 at the Eastern Samar Educational and Cultural Center (ESECC), this city.
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he Operation Balik Eskwela (OBE) is set on May 25 to June 06, 2016. According to Dr. Jun-Nilou D. Dulfo, Chief Education Supervisor on School Governance and Operation Division (SGOD) and focal person of the OBE, the purpose of this program is to ensure the smooth opening of classes for the school year 2016-2017. Dr. Dulfo disclosed that the OBE seeks to address common problems that usually arise during school opening. It also aims to ensure students are properly enrolled and able to attend school during the opening of classes. One of the components of the OBE is the convergence of government agencies so that all
concerns associated with school opening are taken into account. The Oplan Balik-Eskwela Inter Agency Task Force is participated in by the DepEd as the lead agency; DTI for the price stability of school supplies; the DILG for the involvement of Local Government Units and barangays in school opening preparations; and the DPWH for the completion of classrooms being constructed and clearing of road obstruction, as well as other agencies including the PIA for information dissemination. Hon. Maria Fe R. Abunda, City Mayor of Borongan, also supports OBE program through the Special Education Fund (SEF) that will be
allocated to different schools in the City Division. Meanwhile, DepEd – Maasin City Division was also set to conduct its own convergence meeting with partner-agencies in preparation for Brigada Eskwela 2016 on May 27, 2016 at the Deped Division Learning Center here. Maasin City Schools Division Superintendent Dr. Mariza S. Magan informed that the meeting is part of DepEd’s efforts to strengthen Adopt-A-School Program and Brigada Eskwela in order to prepare the schools especially the Senior High Schools in the opening of School Year 2016-2017. (SDC/PIA-E. Samar with RG Cadavos report/SoLeyte)
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Ms. Minerva BC Newman Regional Director, PIA 7
Editorial Consultants Atty. Ma. Janet C. Mesa, Ph. D. Regional Director, PIA6
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Managing Editor Jaime S. Cabag, Jr. Contributors All PIA Information Officers of Regions 6, 7 & 8 Production and Layout Edson J. Bañares Lynnor C. Regalado Regional Offices: PIA 6, 2/F RC Building, Rizal St., Iloilo City, Iloilo 5000, Tel. Nos. (033) 337-8719/3377301/509-0993, Fax No. (033) 337-8719/509-0993, e-mail: r6_pia@yahoo.com/ piaamo6@yahoo.com PIA 7, Room 304, 3/F Machay Bldg., Garardo Avenue, Cebu City, Cebu 6000, Telefax No. (032) 232-4062/232-4126, e-mail: pia7_cebu@yahoo.com.ph/r7_pia@yahoo.com PIA 8, Children’s Park Compound, Sen. Enage St., Tacloban City, Leyte 6500, Tel. No. (053) 325-5124, Telefax No. (053) 321-2029, e-mail: pia_ev@yahoo.com/r8_pia@yahoo.com