Vol 6
Issue 23
In this Issue
DENR-8 cites role of PH eagle in forest protection Consuelo B. Alarcon
TACLOBAN CITY, Leyte, June 7 (PIA) --- The Department of Environment and Natural Resources WESTERN VISAYAS (DENR) in the region reminds people of the vital ecological services the national bird provides. DENR-8 issued the reminder as the country celebrates the 18th Philippine Eagle Week from June 4-10 this year. In a press conference held Monday, DENR regional director Leonardo R. Sibbaluca said the existence of the Philippine eagle in the forest upholds the ecological balance and regulates the population of smaller animals that may pose danger to humans and crops. OWWA 6 Director Ron Lionel Bartolome “However, the Philippine eagle is now on the verge of reads the message of Administrator Rebecca extinction,” Sibbaluca said. Calzado which highlighted the sacrifices and For the past years, our national bird has been hunted the contributions of OFWs in order to secure a better future for their families, for their communities and their country during the Regional Stakeholders Forum “Ulat sa Bayan” held at Casa Real de Iloilo, June 7, as part of the Migrant Workers Day. (PIA6-Iloilo)
More on Region 6, pages 2-3. Also CLICK Here…
CENTRAL VISAYAS
June 6 - 12, 2016
Published by: PIA 6, 7 & 8
by irresponsible hunters. If such act remains, no young eagles would replace the old ones which may lead to their extinction. Record showed that a Philippine eagle was retrieved by DENR personnel from a group of hunters in Brgy. Buluan, Calbiga Samar in 2011. The bird, weighing 42 kilos with a wing span of almost two meters and stands 90 cm. suffered loss of blood due to gunshot wound near its breast. The various sightings of the Philippine eagle in the forests of Samar led the declaration of the 3,720 hectares as Taft Forest Wildlife (Philippine eagle) sanctuary through a presidential proclamation no.155 by then President Joseph Estrada. (cba/PIA-8)
Increase in tourism activities means better services By Leonard T. Pineda I ILOILO CITY, June 9 (PIA6) -- The Department of Tourism (DOT)-6 urged tourism-related and tourism-oriented establishments in Western Visayas to upgrade and enhance their services and products amid the vibrant growth of the region’s tourism industry. DOT-6 Regional Director Atty. Helen Catalbas said that the region has already created a stir in the international market and we continue to grab every opportunity to further promote our tourism products and services. “There is more to come for the region’s tourism industry,” she said. DOT-6 also sponsored several activities to further promote the tourism industry of Western Visayas last month.
Cebu media interviewing DOH -7 RESU/HEMS Program Coordinator Dr. Shelby Blanco after DTI 7 launches the Kapihan sa PIA held June 8 at DOH -7 Narra Conference Room, Osmeña Boulevard, Ferliza C. Contratsta Cebu City. (vvv/PIA Cebu)
These include Fiestas in the City Year 14, Western Visayas Travel and Trade Fair, awarding of the Operation WaterF’All Heroes and familiarization tours for bloggers and members of the tri-media. The DOT-6 also welcomed Australian travel agents, media people from Taiwan and influencers from the United States. Western Visayas also joined the Seatrade Cruise Asia in Busan, Korea, 4th China Cruise Summit in Qingdao, China and Tourism Sales Missions in Malaysia and Singapore through the DOT-6 participation led by Catalbas. According DOT-6, Western Visayas’ presence in the numerous local and international tourism events will intensify the region’s promotional campaign “Experience Western Visayas First.” (JCM/LTP/PIA-Iloilo)
service caravan to boost MSMEs
CEBU CITY, June 9 (PIA) -- The Department of Trade and Industry launched the tree-day service caravan in Cebu to bring to full speed the Medium, Small and Micro enterprises. DTI Central Visayas Regional Director Asteria More on Region 7, pages 4-5. Caberte, in her welcome address in the launching of “Negosyo, Konsumer at Iba Pa”, said this event will gather Also CLICK Here… under one roof all the department services, bureaus and attached offices, and bringing it closer to MSMEs. DTI Secretary Adrian Cristobal said at the launching EASTERN VISAYAS that this is the first time they put together different bureaus essential to the MSMEs from idea to implementation. “Everything is here, from registering a business name, branding, to protecting a trademark all the way to those who have existing products already,” Cristobal said. He said these services made available to MSMEs will bring Region 7 to the forefront of Philippine economy. Central Visayas, according to him, is the fourth largest DOST-8 inaugurates the reconstructed DOST regional office 8 with DOST Sec. Mario G. region contributing to the entire Gross Domestic Product Montejo as guest.., May 30. (PIA-8) (GDP), posting a P406 billion GDP and a growth of 9% annually in the last six years. The Board of Investments recorded P29.5 billion investments. During the launching, seven SSF’s were awarded as best performing in the region. More on Region 8, pages 6-7. These include Tubigon Loomweavers Multi Purpose Cooperative Inc (TLMPCI); Bohol Island State University Also CLICK Here... (BISU); Southern Partners and Fair Trade Center
(SFPFTC), Responsive and United Bayawan Believers for Economic Recovery Cooperative (RUBBERCO). The Bagwis Awardees were Lee Super Laza Supermarket, Lee Super Plaza Department Store, Lee Super Plaza Hypermar from Negros Oriental, and the four branches of Save More and eight branches of Seven Eleven from Cebu. MSMEs from other provinces are participating in the service caravan for free. (rmn/fcc/PIA7-Cebu)
DTI Secretary Adrian Cristobal said during DTI’s service caravan in Cebu City that the services provided by their agency to MSMEs in Central Visayas are meant to bring the region to the forefront of the Philippine economy. (PIA-7)
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WESTERN VISAYAS
Future geologists get field orientation June 12—Philippine Independence Day
By Elsa S. Subong ILOILO CITY, June 7 (PIA6) — Future geologists need to have field experience to get proper technical orientation.
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ngr. Leo Van Juguan, regional director, Mines and Geosciences Bureau-6, said the bureau is currently employing field equipment that requires technical expertise in using and analysing data. On top of the intensive information dissemination campaigns the bureau undertakes in schools and communities, its geologists also conducts other field activities like sub-surface mapping, ground water resource assessment and coastal geohazard mapping. “These activities were recently conducted with some BS Geology students who are on-the job-training from Partido State University in Camarines Sur,” said Juguan.
MGB-6 geologists said that sub-surface mapping is the hazard assessment of potential sinkholes using the ground penetrating radar (GPR). Ground water resource assessment, on the other hand, uses resistivity meter to study potential ground water resources and their vulnerability to specific factors, such as salt water intrusion. Geohazards in coastal areas such as landslides and coastal erosion, are assessed through the coastal geohazard assessment and mapping. The team of geologists of the MGB-6 shared their knowledge and expertise to the students on how to conduct field activities and
use the equipment in their field work in Buenavista, Guimaras. The geologists, who worked with the seven OJTs were Mae Magarzo, chief of the Geosciences Division, Dr. Leilani Suerte, Supervising Geologist, Neil Anthony Rodriguez, and Ma. Lucille Fuentes, a chemist. Meanwhile, Dir. Juguan said that the bureau continues with its information dissemination activities in barangays all over the region, on how to use the geohazard maps. “These maps can really help the local government units in planning for disaster risk reduction and management programs. (JCM/ ESS/PIA-Iloilo)
San Jose PNP assures readiness for school opening By Vicente W. Villavert SAN JOSE, Antique, June 9 (PIA6) - - The San Jose Police Station Chief will ensure heightened police visibility along major routes leading to all learning institutions, school premises and other vital institutions during the opening of classes on Monday,
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As part of the safety measures, our policemen will also distribute crime prevention tips and flyers to parents and students, in order to secure them from other criminal elements,” said PSupt. Norby Escobar during the PIA interview. Escobar said that he will also deploy policemen to public schools with bigger population such as in the Delegate Angel Salazar Jr., Antique National School, and at the
elementary schools in Atabay, Marina and Maybato. “The PNP mobile patrol will be felt in other public schools,” Escobar said as he emphasized that other peace keeping force like the Tanods will also be tapped to help manage the smooth flow of the traffic. Prior to the opening of classes, various sectors in the community have likewise extended support to the DepEd’s Brigada Eskwela program. Brigada Eskwela is an annual program held by DepEd
every two weeks before the official start of classes. It brings together nationwide voluntary efforts such as maintenance and contributions to public schools. The DTI also assisted in helping parents ease out their financial burdens through the conduct of Balik Eskwela Diskwento promo where discounted prices of school supplies and other products were sold in various business establishments. (JCM/VWV-PIA Antique)
DENR: Aklan not an illegal logging hotspot By Venus G. Villanueva KALIBO, Aklan, June 10 (PIA6) -- The province of Aklan is not an illegal logging hotspot.
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his is based on the anti-illegal logging parameters and the actual incidents over the last 15 months, according to Merlene Aborka, Development Management Officer V/Chief Technical Services Division of the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) here, as recorded in the Aklan Provincial Anti-Illegal Logging Task Force Report (APAILTF). Aklan’s standing as of now is based on the actual situation from January to June 2015, July to December 2015 and January to March 2016. From January to June 2015, DENR-Aklan recorded a total of 9 apprehension incidents/ seizure of illegally-transported forest products (lumber coming fro alienable and disposable lands in 5 municipalities – Batan, 2 incidents involving 476.81 board feet from planted species for personal purposes; Kalibo, 1 incident involving 447.03 bd. Ft. from naturally grown trees; Altavas, 3, involving 1,461.29 bd. ft. from planted species for personal purposes; Lezo, 1, 189.00 bd. ft.; naturally grown species
and Numancia, 1, with 2,526.60 bd ft., naturally grown species. Nine (9) incidents of apprehension/seizure of illegally-transported forest products from alienable and disposable land were also recorded from July to December 2015 in 6 Aklan municipalities, with the biggest haul from Nabas with 2,467.99 board feet; Malay, 1,903 bd. ft.; Ibajay, 1,619.55 bd ft.; Buruanga, 309 bd. ft.; Makato, 306.40 bd. ft and Lezo, 79 bd. ft. The period from January-March 2016 recorded 9 minor incidents of apprehension-seizure of illegally transported forest products (lumber and charcoal coming from alienable and disposable lands in 7 municipalities, with Madalag involving 949.42 bd. ft.; Ibajay, 558 bd. ft.; Malinao, 232.70 bd. ft.; Makato, 100 bd. ft. and Numancia, Tangalan and Kalibo involving apprehensions of a total of 58 sacks of charcoal. Based on the parameters on illegal logging hotspot, a certain locality (municipality or province can be considered as illegal logging
hotspot when there is several to many incidence of confiscation in commercial quantity of illegally cut, gathered, transported including possession of forest products from the natural and residual forest, government reforestation projects including from private lands without permits. According to the DENR, commercial quantity of forest products can be qualified in terms of volume of which at least 1,000 board feet in case of lumber or an equivalent gross volume of 2.35 cubic meters for log. Illegally cut/gathered, possessed plantation species should have a minimum volume of 2,000 board feet and 9.00 cubic meters for plantation logs. Aborka bared the status of Aklan as a non-illegal logging hotspot during the PIA-Aklan hosted radio program over RMN-DYKR where she was invited as guest, to discuss activities and programs of DENR-Aklan in celebration of World Environment Day (WED) and Environment Month this June. (JCM/VGV PIA6 Aklan)
WESTERN VISAYAS
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Info officers bring gov't services to Olotayan Island June 12—Philippine Independence Day
By Jemin B. Guillermo
ROXAS CITY, Capiz, June 10 (PIA6) – Residents of Olotayan Island in Roxas City thanked government for bringing its various programs to their community.
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arangay Captain Manuel Aninang expressed his sincere appreciation particularly to the Philippine Information Agency for leading the Capiz Association of Government Public Information Officers in the conduct of a barangay forum in the area. “This is the first time that the representatives from the different national government agencies and front line offices visited our barangay to give us information and to also assess our needs and how they can help the people here,” he said. Aninang, in behalf of the Olotayan
Integrated School and the people in his area likewise extended his gratitude for the school supplies given by the group for all their 208 kindergarten up to Grade 10 pupils as well as the goods given to their residents. Other residents said that because of this forum dubbed as “Hinun-anon sa Barangay” of the PIA and CAGPIO, they were able to know the programs and services that could help them. “We now know the process on how to secure police clearance, update on when we will have electricity, membership with the PAGIBIG Fund, free pneumonia vaccine for our
senior citizens, free land titling of the DENR, activities of our inmates in the jail, disaster preparedness, E-library and scholarship of the DOST and DOLE livelihood programs,” they said. The conduct of Hinun-anon sa Barangay is part of the activities of the PIA and CAGPIO as part of grassroots communication to bring the government programs and services to the community. CAGPIO is composed of more that 40-members national government agencies, local government units and government-owned and controlled corporations’ information officers in Capiz, (JCM/JBG/PIA6)
15 NegOcc ARBOs get new dump trucks By Carlson B. Alelis NEGROS OCCIDENTAL, June 6 (PIA6) – The Department of Agrarian Reform (DAR) – Negros Island Region (NIR) turned over common service facilities, specifically new dump trucks, to fifteen Agrarian Reform Beneficiary Organizations (ARBOs) here, June 1.
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ight ARBOs from Neg. Occ. 1 received brand new 10-wheeler JAC dump trucks each, and likewise, seven ARBOs from Neg. Occ. 2 also got the same units. A total of 1,624 members of the 15 ARBOs will benefit from the dump trucks, which are priced at around P 90 million in total. The ARBOs from Neg. Occ. 1 that received dump trucks are Nieves Agro Agrarian Reform Cooperative; Hda. Anita AR Cooperative; Nabinay AR Cooperative; Hda. Bernardita AR Cooperative; Mirasol Dev’t Corp Agrarian Reform Cooperative; San Juan Torena AR Cooperative; Dalapayan AR Cooperative; and CASA Agrarian Reform Cooperative.
Neg. Occ. 2 ARBOs that received the same units are Gen. Malvar Agrarian Reform Cooperative; Casal-agan Agrarian Reform Cooperative; Viscaaya Agrarian Reform Cooperative; Minoro Isabel Agrarian Reform Cooperative; Occidental Negros Agrarian Reform Beneficiaries Planters Association; Minaba Agrarian Reform Cooperative; and Crossing Ibos Farmers Credit Cooperative. DAR – NIR Regional Director Stephen Leonidas said that NIR has benefited in P 200 million-worth of common service facilities (CSF), of which P 183 million has been allocated to Negros Occidental. The turnover of the CSF to ARBOs is under DAR’s Agrarian Reform Community Connectivity and Economic Support Services
(ARCESS) program. The CSF aims to increase farm productivity, improve the net income of the recipient-farmers and their organizations though the provision of support services. The turnover rites was held at the Pavilion Hotel in Bacolod City. Meanwhile, Leonidas said the agency’s recent activities showcase the success of ARBOs from different areas, despite the challenges it has faced. “Personally, I’m very proud to see successful areas, beneficiaries and organizations because this is a challenge for us, not only for DAR, but of course, a challenge on your ARBs and ARBOs because people have branded CARP as a failure,” Leonidas said. (JCM/CBA/PIA6-Negros Occidental
OWWA bares P30M social benefits payments, other accomplishments By Lilibeth A. French ILOILO CITY, June 8 (PIA6) - - The Overseas Workers Welfare Administration 6 (OWWA 6) bared its accomplishments for the past 15 months in a Regional Stakeholders Forum ―Ulat sa Bayan‖ held here on Tuesday.
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WWA 6 Director Ron Lionel Bartolome reported that the agency has released a total of P30,967,500.00 as payment claims under its social benefits that include disability and dismemberment benefits and death benefits from January 1, 2015 to March 30, 2016. He told representatives of Overseas Filipino Workers Family Circles and government agencies and media who attended the event that OWWA has paid 49 claims for disability and dismemberment benefits amounting to P1,107, 500 and 227 claims for death benefits reaching P29, 860,000 during the period. On their education and training assistance, Bartolome said a total of 2,853 seafarers in the region have availed of the Seafarer’s Upgrading
Program and they were able to pay P12,472,589.38 to the participating training institutions in the program. The agency had also listed a total of 624 scholars benefiting from its Education for Development Scholarship Program, Tuloy Aral Program, OFW Dependent Scholarship Program, Education and Livelihood Assistance Program (ELAP) and Skills for Employment Scholarship Program. Recipients for EDSP, OFWDSP are qualified dependents of OFWs while for ELAP survivors of deceased OFWs. Also, 97 beneficiaries received livelihood assistance amounting to P1,419,800 under ELAP and some 1,572 trainees have participated in the 109 sessions conducted under its Information Technology Program. For their Reintegration Program, OWWA
has conducted two trainings and released about P260,000 livelihood assistance under its Balik Pinas! Balik Hanapbuhay Program intended for displaced/distressed workers. Through its 2B OFW Reintegration Program, a total of 56 sessions was also conducted benefiting 286 participants who are members or legal dependents of OFWs. For the same period, Bartolome said some P1,300,000 were released to 130 beneficiaries of its Financial Relief Assistance Program. Beneficiaries were displaced due to the political conflict in Libya and affected by the mandatory repatriation. The Regional Stakeholders Forum “Ulat sa Bayan” was just one of the activities organized by OWWA 6 for this year’s Migrant Workers Day celebration in the region. (JCM/laf/PIA6-Iloilo)
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CENTRAL VISAYAS
Paje to grace inauguration of mechanized nursery
June 12—Philippine Independence Day
Roi Anthoni B. Lomotan NEGROS ORIENTAL, June 8 (PIA) – Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) Secretary Ramon Paje is expected to grace the blessing and inauguration of the country’s biggest mechanized forest nursery facility in Banban, Ayungon on June 15.
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ENR-Negros Oriental Information Officer Theresa Quijano said the Kapihan sa PIA forum that some 600 guests composed of local government officials in Negros Oriental and Negros Occidental, DENR undersecretaries and representatives from different people’s organizations are also invited to attend the inauguration of the said facility. The mechanized forest nursery in Ayungon
town covers 9.4 hectares of land in Barangay Banban and is expected to produce 25 million seedlings a year. Quijano said the facility can also provide seedlings for Regions 6 and 7 if its operations will be put on optimum. The DENR official cited one reason why Ayungon is chosen to be the site of the mechanized nursery is because it belongs to the
key biodiversity area. Aside from immediate job generation, another benefit of having the mechanized nursery is the long-term impact on the environment. The blessing and inauguration of the mechanized forest nursery is the highlight activity of the observance of Environment Month this June in Negros Oriental. (rmn/ral/PIA7-Negros Oriental)
Diabetes, hypertension top causes of renal failure By Ferliza C. Contratista CEBU CITY, June 8 (PIA) — Health officials here warned that diabetes and hypertension are the leading causes of renal failure.
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n yesterday's Kapihan sa PIA Cebu, Dr. Alexander Tan, president of the Philippine Society of Nephrology (PSN), said both diseases are the top causes of renal failure in the world, including Filipinos. Focusing on diabetes, Tan said authorities predicted that by 2025 there will be 400 million people who are inflicted with diabetes. In South East Asia, the Philippines ranks eighth or ninth in diabetes cases. Tan said this is attributed to unhealthy lifestyle which include low mobility and poor food intake. Other than that, the tap water available in Cebu is classified as hard water which has sediments that can create kidney stones.
He cited that fast foods and consumption of carbonated drinks also affect the renal system . “People no longer like to walk and they drink a lot of softdrinks,” Tan said. He said that endocrinologists in other countries presented an advocacy calling for the ban of carbonated drinks among schools in their countries. Dr. Shelbay Blanco. Regional Epidemiology Services Unit (RESU) of Department of Health (DOH-7) said a similar bill was also filed here in the Philippines but it did not prosper. The fact that there is an increasing number of dialysis centers is also an indication that the disease is also increasing. “There is a need for people to revert back
to simple lifestyle. People are becoming lazy,” Blanco said. ational Kidney Month is observed every month of June. PSN held a motorcade to launch the celebration last June 5. On June 17, PSN will be at Zapatera Elementary School for free urinalysis and screening for students. A quiz bowl will be held in the afternoon at Harolds Hotel for all resident doctors while an advance training for nurses is scheduled on the 19th at Perpetual Succor Hospital (PSH). On the 24th, there will be a lecture on updates on renal diseases among municipal health officers in the province. (rmn/ fcc/PIA7-Cebu)
Bohol launches Galing Purok Awards By Rey Anthony H. Chiu TAGBILARAN CITY, June 7 (PIA) -- Twenty-four minor and one major prize are up for grabs as Bohol holds the Galing Purok Awards and resets final submission of nominations until June 10.
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rovin ci al S oci al Wel f are and Development Officer Carmelita Tecson said the awards hope to accord government recognition to puroks that have distinguished themselves in the performance of their roles and responsibilities in the achievement of innovations and local government initiatives development. The awards can also encourage the puroks to document their best practices and programs to replication to LGUs intending to enhance their services, Tecson said. The Galing Pook Awards has 24 minor awards which make up the Best Purok Award, which is for those who attain the highest over-all ratings from categories applicable to puroks, according to Tecson. The same executive Order 1 dated January 25, 2016 which Govrenor Edgar Chatto signed also detail the scope and mechanics of the award covering Bohol puroks in its 1,109
barangays. Section 6 of said order detail the basic criteria for the consideration of the committee in picking up the nominees which have passed the barangay and municipal evaluation committees, Tecson said during the Kapihan sa PIA aired over DyTR. Best Purok and its category winners get P50,000 in cash and plaque. Runner ups for Outstanding Puroks for Environmental management, program for illgela drugs, information system, Faith Hope and Charity, Social Working Committee (SWC) for DRRM, Rabies Disease prevention and Control, Nutrition and best program for Vulnerable sector each gets P20,000, P15,000 and P10,000, respectively. Meanwhile, Best Purok Power Movement (PPM) Partner municipality, Partner Barangay and Agency get P15,000 and group awards like two
awardees for Best PPM Peace and development Team get P10,000 each, 6 awardees for PROTEAM get P30,000 each and two awardees for Public Safety Maneuver Team get P10,000 each. Individual category awardees like Model Purok Leader, Purok Secretary, Sectoral Working Commitee volunteer for education, Youth leadership, health, tourism and livelihood, community organizer, Peae and Development Team member and Pulis sa Barangay winners each gets P5,000. Those interested to nominate may secure the nomination forms at the Office of the Governor in Tagbilaran and its satellite offices in Carmen, Ubay, Talibon and Jagna, Office of the mayors, Office of the Provincial Social Welfare and Development, MLGOOS or can be downloaded from www.bohol.gov.ph. (rmn/rac/PIA-7/ Bohol)
CENTRAL VISAYAS
June 12—Philippine Independence Day
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CFO slates info campaign on migration, human trafficking Jennifer C. Tilos
NEGROS ORIENTAL, June 6 (PIA) – The Commission of Filipino Overseas (CFO) is scheduled to conduct a community education program on migration and human trafficking in the provinces of Negros Oriental and Siquijor on June 17 to 23.
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ec. Imelda Nicolas of CFO said this campaign seeks to assist prospective migrants in making informed decisions regarding settling abroad as well as generate community involvement on migrations concerns. This activity is designed to raise public awareness about various issues on migration, intermarriages and existing policies and programs directed against illegal recruitment, human trafficking among others. Nicolas said the information campaign has set to reach out to the residents of Guihulngan
City and Bais City on June 17 and 18, respectively, through the conduct of school symposia, public assemblies, radio interviews and interaction with community members. CFO is a government agency under the Office of the President which tasked to promote and uphold the interest of all overseas Filipinos. The 1343 action line, the CFO official said, is operating on a 24/7 basis and it has conducted national and regional information campaigns under its Community Education Program (CEP) in the provinces. The CFO’s government partners in this
project are the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA), Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD), Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE), Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG), Philippine Commission on Women (PCW), Presidential Communications Operations Office (PCOO), Philippine Information Agency(PIA), Philippine Overseas Employment Administration(POEA), Overseas Workers Welfare Administration (OWWA), Philippine National Police (PNP) and the Council for the Welfare of Children. (rmn/jct/ PIA7-Negros Oriental)
Bohol aims to vaccinate 70% of dog population By Rey Anthony H. Chiu TAGBILARAN CITY, June 6 (PIA) -- Bohol is working on getting at least 70% of its dog population vaccinated against rabies to peg an accomplishment that approximates world health standards.
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oing beyond that risks Bohol's reputation reached only 262 barangays, she said. as a safe tourist haven and a safe place At the recent Bohol Rabies Prevention and without real public health threat of fatal Elimination (BRPE) Council meeting May 27 at the rabies. Casa Rey Francis, Lapiz also said that Dimiao and At the moment, Bohol keeps a 51% Loay towns in Bohol have not made a mark in its partial dog vaccination accomplishment, anti-rabies efforts for dog vaccination due to the inoculating 59,612 dog heads of its 116, 342 dog absence of a vaccinator. population in Bohol's 47 towns, islands and islets Dr Lapiz, who sits as BRPE Program and a city, according to data from the Office of executive officer, shared that all over Bohol, the Provincial Veterinarian (OPV). only 16 towns have attained an acceptable Dr. Stella Marie Lapiz of OPV bared that dog-vaccination accomplishment based on their from January to April this year, Bohol still needs dog population and dog vaccination covered as to double-up on the general dog population and per vaccines withdrawn from the OPV. the dog vaccination coverage. The local government units of Alburquerque, Of Bohol's 1,109 barangays, the data means Sikatuna, Tubigon, Bien Unido, Clarin, Dagohoy, the provincial anti-rabies program implementers San Isidro, Trinidad, Ubay, Anda, Batuan, Garcia
Hernandez, Lila, Sevilla, Sierra Bullons, and Valencia have done their dog vaccinations. By "done vaccinations," however, it means of their dog population and the number of vaccines they withdrew from the government office for the vaccines, they have reached over 70% vaccine utilization to over 70% of their dog population. BRPEC has dispensed a total of 67,540 vaccines shots to towns and their vaccination teams, who now have reached a total of 59,612 dogs. This, according to Lapiz, is 81% of the vaccines utilized, even as vaccinations continue in several towns. (rmn/rac/PIA7-Bohol)
Siquijor agri authorities call for quick El Nino response Rizalie Anding Calibo SIQUIJOR, June 8 (PIA) – Agriculture authorities here led by the Office of the Provincial Veterinarian (OPV) and Department of Agriculture-Provincial Agricultural Technology Coordinating Office (DA-PATCO) are calling for a speedy resolution of the province’s declaration of a state of calamity due to the El Niño phenomenon.
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rovincial Veterinarian Bernardita Tabada and PATCO director Bernadith Bunado said they have presented to the Provincial Governor their assessment of the El Nino damage to crops and livestock as well as their Response Plan that would push him and the Sangguniang Panlalawigan to make a resolution for the declaration. Siquijor has been affected by El Nino that recently hit the country and that agriculture sector suffers the most, affecting the farmers’ livelihood and income and threatening the province’s food security. Immediate interventions should be made to restore food production and income generation, the agriculture authorities said in its comprehensive report to the governor. In the absence of timely, appropriate and adequate assistance, the already dire situation will
worsen in the communities as the availability of and access to food and their capacity to address their basic household needs are reduced. The same report added that if the response is insufficient or delayed, the recovery will remain difficult as it is expected that stronger typhoons will hit the province in the following months. Tabada said local government units (LGUs) should likewise do their part in addressing the problem and should always make a part of their governance the concern for farmers through proper allocation of budget and quick response programs to whoever affected constituents. As far as livestock is concerned, Tabada said the OPV for their part, has conducted ambulatory clinics to affected barangays while damage assessment was on-going. She said that following their one-week assessment of the El Nino
damage, she has called for the realignment of PVO budget for the emergency purchase of livestock and poultry vaccines, electrolytes, vitamins and minerals, and antibiotic as their immediate response to the situation. Request for funding from the national government through the Department of Agriculture was likewise made, she said. Meanwhile, Provincial Governor and Disaster Risk Reduction Management Council (PDRRMC) Chair Zaldy Villa has approved the El Nino Response Plan and recommended to the Sangguniang Panlalawigan the passing of a resolution for the declaration. But PDDRMC Coordinator Blezela Omictin said that as of press time, the council is wating for the confirmation of the minutes prior to the resolution and final declaration. (rmn/rac/PIA7 -Siquijor)
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EASTERN VISAYAS
PhilHealth-EVisayas aims to release P4B this year
June 12—Philippine Independence Day
MAASIN CITY, Southern Leyte, June 7 (PIA) -- The Philippine Health Insurance Corporation (PhilHealth) Vice President for Operations in Region 8 is hoping to release as much as P 4 Billion this year in payments to hospitals and individuals for health services rendered.
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We are the only health insurance in the world that is happy when we pay more,” Walter Bacariza, regional PhilHealth head, announced Thursday, June 2. Bacariza was in the city to grace the inauguration of a well-improved provincial PhilHealth office in the city, which was actually in the same location at barangay Mantahan, on the road leading to the old hospital, but this time PhilHealth occupied the entire two-storey building. Their main office is now on the ground floor, accessible to the elderly and persons
with disabilities, said Henry Madula, provincial PhilHealth manager. Bacariza recalled that in 2009 some P 200 million in PhilHealth claims were released in Eastern Visayas and six years later in 2015, this ballooned to P 3.3 Billion. “I hope to do P4 Billion release this year,” Bacariza declared. He said the new, expanded office underscored the agency’s commitment to serve the public, to be the beacon on matters of health and wellness, as well as the accompanying financing. The office of the Congressman was
represented by its staff, Jason Calva, while the provincial government was represented by Administrator Jessie Quilanting in the ceremonies. Calva cited PhilHealth for always coordinating with his office, while Quilantang mentioned the creation of a hospital enterprise board in which PhilHealth provided insights and suggestions. In the impromptu interaction with the local media, Bacariza enlisted their help in getting across the message that everybody can avail of Philhealth benefits. (PIA-8)
DSWD-8 tenders program for 161 grantee-graduates Aurora J. Casimpan TACLOBAN CITY, Leyte, June 8 (PIA) – The Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) in Eastern Visayas tendered a program for its 161 grantees who successfully graduated this school year from their chosen courses.
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SWD regional director Restituto Macuto honored the graduates last Monday, May 30, in Ormoc City, for their perseverance to finish their studies surmounting poverty. The grantees who came from poor families in the region availed of DSWD’s Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program Students Grants-in-Aid Program for Poverty Reduction Alleviation. Of the 161 graduates, 10 graduated as
cum laudes, where 6 studied at the Leyte Normal University; two from the University of Eastern Philippines; and one each from Southern Leyte State University in Maasin City and at the Visayas State University in Baybay City. Jeff Marino, who graduated cum laude from his development communications course, was emotional as he told of the hardships he encountered while finishing his studies.
Marino, 20 years old, from Brgy. McKinley, Catarman, Northern Samar, thanked the government and DSWD for the help in achieving his dream to finish his studies where he said “it will serve as my instrument to help my family have a better living condition.” A beneficiary of the scholarship program receives P 10,000 as tuition each semester; P 3,500 as stipend; and P 2,500 for book allowance. (AJC/PIA8)
26 new HIV-AIDS cases monitored in EVisayas Aurora J. Casimpan TACLOBAN CITY, Leyte, June 8 (PIA) – An official of the Department of Health (DOH) regional office has disclosed that there are 26 new cases of human immunodeficiency virus-acquired immune deficiency syndrome in Eastern Visayas.
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oyd Cerro, chief of the epidemiology and surveillance unit of the health department informed that five have already died due to the complications caused by HIV-AIDS, acquired mostly through sexual contacts. The health official also said that aside from the 26 new cases there are also cases of persons living with HIV-AIDS, a term of reference used by the
department, to persons afflicted with the ailment. DOH however, cannot officially divulge the cases pending the report from the HIV Registry of the office. Of the 26 new cases, 15 were from Leyte; 4 from Eastern Samar; three from Samar; and two each from Biliran and Southern Leyte while Northern Samar has no report of any case of HIV-AIDS.
According to Cerro, cause of the increasing number of HIV-AIDS cases is attributed to the “risky behaviour” of those afflicted with the disease referring to males having sex with males and injecting drug users. All of the individuals who acquired the disease was through sexual transmission. Of the afflicted cases, the youngest is age 15 years while the oldest is 35 years old, both are males. (AJC/PIA8)
EASTERN VISAYAS
June 12—Philippine Independence Day
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DILG braces for La Niña
TACLOBAN CITY, LEYTE, June 8 (PIA) – As majority of the climate models suggest the decaying stage of El Niño, plans are now being laid down by government line agencies to prepare the public for the coming long period of heavy rains.
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ILG-08 regional director Pedro Noval, Jr. led the meeting of some line agencies involved in disaster preparation, mitigation and response. Noval quoted a PAGASA report saying that El Niño is now on its tail-end but comes now La Niña that already has started to signal with heavy rains and thunderstorms in some areas. The DILG director is most concerned on the coastal areas of the region, Eastern and Northern Samar in particular, because according to him, areas along the coastlines
are most vulnerable to the sudden rise of the sea level. Noval believes that local folks living by the seashores must be informed of both the risk that they are prone to, and the steps that they should take before a calamity strike their place. He also urged the concerned agencies to disseminate the information and measures that are contained in the “La Niña Watch” advocacy, to communities that are near landslide-prone areas. He said that this information is important, in order to prevent the loss of
lives and properties as what happened to a community in Catbalogan city, Samar when typhoon Senyang struck, a few years back. The landslide buried alive a number of people with their shanties. For a holistic approach of disaster preparation and response, Director Noval requested every agency present to present next meeting, each of their agency’s Action Plan in response to emergencies and calamities, as in the upcoming La Niña. The long period of heavy rains is forecast to happen by second half of 2016. (PIA-08)
DOH acts on rise of diarrhea cases Ninfa B Quirante CATBALOGAN CITY, Samar, June 10 (PIA) — Contamination of food and water, poor hygiene and sanitation, lack of potable water, poor management of diarrhea and late referral of cases were among the causes of the rising number of diarrhea cases in Samar.
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his was reported by Dr. Antonio Tirazona, DOH Provincial Representative in a dialogue with local officials, health workers and DOH UnderSecretary Dr Vicente Belizario, Jr. today. While the number of cases has reached more than a thousand in 15 municipalities in Samar and death toll has gone up to 33, health authorities still need more validation to declare an outbreak, said Dr. Minerva Molon, DOH Regional Director. She promised to face the media to announce whether they will declare an
outbreak. Tirazona stressed that those affected and those who died were below 12 years old. Belizario assured the health workers that with their cooperation, DOH will be able to resolve the health issue. “We came to check, what is happening and what help is needed,” he told them. “DOH will help and support Samar,” he added. Presently, some 63 diarrhea patients are still being treated at the Samar Provincial
Hospital. Since the problem boils down to safe water supply, suggestions about reactivating the Water Quality Monitoring Team to ensure that safe water is used in communities. Others suggested to simply remind families the basic healthy practices of hand washing, boiling drinking water while chlorine tabs are still unavailable. But the DOH Under Secretary assured that both immediate and long term solutions will be crafted to address the health issue affecting Samar. (nbq/PIA8-Samar)
TESDA trains tech-voc trainers Ninfa B Quirante CATBALOGAN CITY, Samar, June 10 (PIA) — TESDA-Samar is training tech-Voc Trainers in Trainers Methodology.
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n the recent edition of Huruhimangraw ha PIA, PIA-Samar’s weekly radio kapihan, TESDA-Samar Chief Rolando Juanillo said that teachers who will teach in the tech-voc track need to undergo Trainers Methodology. The course, he added will help the teachers cope with the demands of teaching tech-voc in the Senior High. TESDA offers free slots but this
is “on first come first serve basis,” Juanillo added. So that a teacher who should teach in Senior High should posses certificates in the competency she teaches and the training methodology. The training methodology is a 33-day course that is offered in St Isidore de Labrador Training Institute n Paranas, Samar and at SOS Children’s Village in Calbayog
City. The training, said TESDA is pegged at Php 9, 400.00 where Php 1,400 will go to the assessment of his skills and competencies while the Php 8,000.00 goes to the training. Nationwide, TESDA estimated to train 10 thousand more trainers and assessors since Senior High starts this school year. (nbq/PIA8-Samar)
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. Baùares 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