Vol 6
In this Issue WESTERN VISAYAS
ICPO OIC Director PSSUPT Remus Zacharias Canieso encourages everyone to do his or her part to help end the illegal drug problem in the city at the Anti-Drug Summit organized by the Iloilo City government at Jaro Gym, June 15.
More on Region 6, pages 2-3. Also CLICK Here…
CENTRAL VISAYAS
June 13 - 19, 2016
Published by: PIA 6, 7 & 8
Issue 24
USAID cites positive impact of La Niña By Elsa S. Subong ILOILO CITY, June 15 (PIA6)—The United States Agency for International Development (USAID) said that while there are negative effects of La Nina, there are also positive impacts which the public should take advantage of. In a recent forum on Rainwater Harvesting and Storage, Engr. Demosthenes Reboble, USAID Be Secure Project Water Technical Specialist, said it can impact on water resources and infrastructures. Reboble said for water utilities with water supply, there is abundance of water from rivers to draw from. He said that waters from heavy rains will flow in abundance in the rivers. ―For those with ground water supply, the aquifer recharge will increase ground water level,‖ he added. The recharge will give relief to aquifers that were heavily drawn from during the El Niño, the water specialist further said. USAID Be Secure Project Climate Resiliency Team Leader Elizea Gozun said on top of the positive impacts, are huge savings from water bills if water harvesting facilities are in place. Gozun and her team has been doing information campaign, especially among local government units, to make water harvesting part of its development plan. ―They can make this part of their initiatives to make their communities flood-resilient,‖ she said.
In that same forum, experts from the Department of Public Works and Highways and the Department of Environment and Natural Resources presented various technologies for rainwater harvesting and storage, which water utilities and LGUs can adopt. Meanwhile, in the event of La Niña water resources can also be affected, like contamination and loss of water quality due to flooding. USAID water experts has advised that the public should heed health advisories on how to keep water safe for human consumption, like boiling and water treatment. (JCM/ESS/PIA-Iloilo)
USAID Be Secure Project‘s Elizea Gozun bats for water harvesting as a way to take advantage of the ―positive impact‖ of the La Niña phenomenon. (PI6 file photo)
PhilHealth portal installed in accredited CV hospitals Incoming Department of Education Secretary Leonor Briones talks about education reforms and its importance in attaining social and economic independence during the Independence Day celebration in Quezon Park, Dumaguete City. On the other hand, Dumaguete City Mayor Manuel Sagarbarria led other city officials in offering flowers at the foot of the Rizal Monument in Quezon Park. (PIA7-NegOr)
More on Region 7, pages 4-5. Also CLICK Here…
EASTERN VISAYAS
Hazel F. Gloria CEBU CITY, June 13 (PIA) – Philippine Health Insurance Corporation (PhilHealth) installed the Health Care Institution (HCI) portal in accredited hospitals and facilities in Central Visayas. As of April this year, 93 percent of accredited hospitals already have access to the HCI portal to provide members with an easy, fast, and hassle-free way of having their health insurance applied to their hospital bill. The portal allows facilities to quickly verify upon admission if a patient is entitled to PhilHealth coverage. The portal generates a PhilHealth Benefit Eligibility Form (PBEF) which provides information as to whether a patient is covered based on th e Corporatio n‘s policie s on membership and dependency, qualifying contribution, and compliance to the 45-day coverage limit per year.
With this, members don‘t need to bring a copy of their Member Data Record (MDR) and/or proof of contribution. Upon portal verification, the facility will automatically deduct from the member‘s hospital bill his/her health insurance coverage. A case rate predetermined per medical condition or procedure. Only when the member‘s records are not updated or when there are discrepancies in the information provided that supporting document(s) will be required in order for the health insurance coverage to be applied. PhilHealth enjoins all accredited hospitals and other health care facilities to make use of the portal. Members are also encouraged to avail themselves of the ease afforded by this system. (rmn/hfg/PIA-7/ Philhealth-7)
5,000 jobs up for jobseekers at Catbalogan’s jobs fair
Maj. Gen. Jet B Velarmino, Commander 8ID, Philippine Army, Hon. Sharee Ann Tan Delos Santos, Governor, Samar Province together with other local government units join the Flag Raising Ceremony during the celebration of 118th Philippine Independence Day held at Samar Provincial Capitol ground on June 12, 2016.
More on Region 8, pages 6-7. Also CLICK Here...
TACLOBAN CITY, Leyte, June 15(PIA) -- More than five thousand job vacancies both local and overseas employment were made available for jobseekers in the Kalayaan jobs fair at Catbalogan Plaza, Catbalogan City. According to a press release of the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) regional office 8, regional director Elias D. Cayanong said, at least 1, 300 local jobs from 20 local employers and 4, 000 job orders from eight overseas recruitment agencies are being offered to all jobless and those seeking for jobs. ―We are grateful to the city government of Catbalogan through the leadership of Mayor Stephanie Uy for partnering with us as we are very optimistic that this will give the unemployed, displaced workers and the newly graduates the opportunity to find a job,‖ Cayanong said.
Local employers participating in the jobs fair were Catbalogan Water District, Samar Multi-Purpose Cooperative Mart, SAMICO Kabuhayan Program, Rose Pharmacy, Jolibee Catbalogan branch, Generika Pharmacy, Leyte Communications Training Center, Inc., Dranix Distributorship Inc., Super Metro Calbayog, Paramount Human Resources Multi-Purpose Cooperative, Radiowealth Finance, MSS Cycle Trading, LBC express Inc., Gaisano Central Store, Mang Inasal Sutheresteve Foods Inc., Sinai Manpower Agency, Once Central Mall, Eperformax Contract Centers and BPO. Two national government agencies like the Philippine National Police (PNP) and Technical Educational Skills Development Authority (TESDA) also participated in the jobs fair. The Kalayaan jobs fair was one of the highlights of the 118th Philippine Independence Day celebration. (ajc/cba/ DOLE-8/PIA-8)
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WESTERN VISAYAS
Kalayaan jobs fair has 95 HOTS
June 12—Philippine Independence Day
By Lilibeth A. French ILOILO CITY, June 15 (PIA6) - - A total of 95 job seekers found local employment on Sunday, June 12, after they were hired on the spot (HOTS) at the Kalayaan 2016 Job Fair.
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eld in commemoration of the country‘s 118th Independence Day, the Kalayaan Job Fair is one of the three job fairs being initiated by the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) every year. The other two are the Labor Day Job Fair on May 1 and the DOLE Anniversary Job Fair on December 8. Based on the data from DOLE 6, as of 5 PM on June 12, some 3,405 applicants registered for the Kalayaan 2016 job fair, 411 qualified for further interview and 95 hired on the spot, all for local employment. The figure is higher as compared to last year where 81 jobseekers who registered in the Kalayaan 2015 job fair conducted here in this city got hired on the spot. This year, 12,356 job openings were available at the job fair, mostly or about 8,768 for overseas employment. The rest are local
employment. DOLE 6 OIC Assistant Regional Director Salome Siaton in her message lauded the efforts and support given by partners, DOLE family of agencies and participating employers to the job fair whose primary intention is to generate employment not only in the region but in the country as this was conducted simultaneously nationwide on Sunday. ―This activity will never be realized if not for the support of our partners. We can never be successful in facilitating employment to jobseekers and employers who are looking for skills without the cooperation of our partners,‖ said Siaton. The job fair was participated in by thirty-three local companies, ten BPO entities and eleven overseas recruitment agencies. Siaton appealed to employers to
immediately hire on the spot qualified applicants ―so that at the end of the day, we can say that the efforts we all put together have value because we were able to transform the life of an unemployed individual‖. She noted a recent news report that there is a decrease in the unemployment situation in Region 6 in April this year and credited this to the cooperation shown by everyone in the region particularly the local government units such as the city and provincial governments of Iloilo which push for the increasing number of employed persons in the region. Last June 3, the Iloilo provincial government Public Employment Service Office also conducted a job fair with 392 HOTS and on June 10, the Iloilo City PESO with 21 HOTS. (JCM/laf/PIA6)
DENR to collect fees for NNNP By Easter Anne D. Doza NEGROS OCCIDENTAL, June 15 (PIA6) - - The Department of Environment and Natural Resources – Negros Island Region is developing the Payment of Ecosystems Services (PES) for the Northern Negros Natural Park.
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ith less than P5-million DENR allocation for the protection and conservation of the NNNP, the DENR-NIR intends to collect fees within from owners of structures within the government protected area under the National Integrated Protected Areas System (NIPAS). DENR-NIR regional director Al Orolfo said these owners or entities with entrance fees, use of other facilities for eco-tourism where they earn have to pay the PES system but the amount is still subject for deliberation and approval of a committee. ―Whatever is earned in the PES, 75 percent will be retained for the NNNP development and protection
while only 25 percent goes back to the National Treasury. Examples are the telecommunication towers at Mt. Kalandog and with those, the NNNP will already earn millions,‖ Orolfo explained. Orolfo hopes they will finish the blue print or the general management for the NNNP before the year ends for its conservation and development to make the activities in NNNP more sustainable through eco-tourism planning, eco-tourism investment and eco-tourism enterprise development. This month, DENR deployed enumerators at NNNP to survey protected areas occupants and tag if structures are within the restricted
zone or multiple use zone and if the claimants are tenured or non-tenured. ―Even those in the multi-use zone, economic activities will be allowed in a sustainable manner, the board will deliberate if their structures will be retained or not,‖ Orolfo adding that those in the restricted areas will be a no build zone and owners have to demolish their own structures in the area. DENR-NIR will meet with the more than 90 structure owners issued a Cease-and-Desist Order (CDO) this June to present to them their violations inorder for them to craft their rehabilitation efforts.*(jcm/EAD-PIA6 Negros Occidental)
Protect, preserve hard-fought independence – Gov By Alex A. Lumaque ROXAS CITY, Capiz, June 13 (PIA6) – Gov. Victor A. Tanco called on the present generation of Filipinos to protect and preserve the hard-fought independence during a simple program to mark the 118th Independence Day celebration last June 12 at the Provincial Capitol Grounds here.
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There is a hero within us waiting to be awakened. A hero that does not need a baptism of death to be recognized as such,‖ Tanco stressed, adding that collective actions from every member of the community can bring change for development. The provincial chief executive was joined during the celebration by 3rd Infantry Division (3ID) commander Brig. Gen. Harold Cabreros, Capiz 1st District Cong. and governor – elect
Antonio Del Rosario‘s senior staff officer Melanie Arancillo, among others. The hour-long celebration, that also included cultural performances by the Silak Dance Company of Filamer Christian University, Capiz State University – Roxas City main campus chorale and a private dance academy, capped with the release of 118 doves which symbolizes liberation and freedom from influence and
captivity. A flag-raising and wreathlaying at Dr. Jose Rizal Monument kicked off the celebration that has the theme ―Pagkakaisa, Pag-aambagan, Pagsulong.‖ The celebration serves as a reminder to every Filipino of the heroes‘ gallantry that lead to the d ec lar at ion of Philipp ine Independence 118 years ago, Tanco noted. (JCM/AAL/PIA 6 Capiz)
WESTERN VISAYAS
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MGB discovers 88 sinkholes in Guimaras June 12—Philippine Independence Day
Leonard T. Pineda I
ILOILO CITY, June 15 (PIA6) --- The Mines and Geosciences Bureau (MGB)-6 has found over 88 sinkholes in the municipality of Buenavista, Guimaras.
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n a press briefing held Wednesday at the MGB-6 office here, MGB Regional Director Leo Van Juguan said the preliminary report of the detailed Karst subsidence assessment that was conducted from September 2 to October 7, 2015, found 88 sinkholes and 85 caves in 17 barangays in the town of Buenavista. Sinkholes are ground depressions or openings formed when the underlying soluble rocks are dissolved, resulting in voids underground which can weaken the support for the overlying surface. According to MGB-6, the karst subsistence assessment found the presence of
sinkholes in the following barangays: Agsanayan, Dagsaan, Daragan, Getulio, Mabini, Montpiller, Navalas, New Poblacion, Salvacion, San Isidro, San Miguel, San Pedro, San Roque, Tacay, Taminla, Tastasan, and Zaldivar. Subsidence due to sinkhole collapse is one of the most dangerous geohazard because of its extreme unpredictability. This information can be used by local government planners and individual landowners to make decisions on where to build dwellings and other structures. In the Philippines, subsidence hazard in karst terrain have not been given much attention in the past until the strong
earthquakes in Negros Oriental in 2012 and Bohol in 2013 exposed the numerous sinkholes in these areas. These phenomena were proven destructive and have affected built-up communities, roads, schools, administrative buildings, and agricultural farmlands. The recognition of the devastating damage that can result from this hazard and the presence of extensive karst areas in the country prompted MGB of the Department of Environment and Natural Resources to include karst subsidence assessment in the National Geohazards Mapping and Assessment Program. (JCM/LTP/PIA-Iloilo)
Aklan is prepared for disaster - PDRRMC By Sheila Q. Patoza KALIBO, Aklan (PIA6) – The province of Aklan is prepared and ready to disaster management and operations this rainy season, the Aklan Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction Management Council (PDRRMC) said.
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ccording to PDRRMC Officer Galo Ibardolaza their office has 24-hour on duty personnel monitoring the weather situation, and ready to respond to any kind of emergency or disaster. ―It is a Standard Operating Procedure of the PDRRMC and all of the Municipal DRRMC here in the province to monitor everyday the weather especially during this rainy season or the southwest monsoon wherein occurrence of typhoons are probable,‖ Ibardolaza said. Water level sensor in bridges of Madalag and Mobo is also monitored 24/7 to supervise the critical level of water in Aklan River. The monitoring enables the DRRMOs give early warnings to their respective areas of responsibilities, which allow the community to prepare, he added. ―The province is investing
more on giving early warnings to the people because if the typhoon or the disaster strikes, you could not stop it anymore, what is needed is to lessen the impact of the disaster for being prepared, like loss of lives,‖ the PDRRMC chief said. Response capability of each municipality is also strengthened; the responders are equipped with necessary skills and equipment for efficient and effective rescue operations. The coordination of every MDRRMC, according to Ibardolaza contributes to the preparedness of the province. On May 30, the first coordination meeting of all MDRRMC in Aklan was conducted wherein the housing of Aklan Disaster Managers Association (ADMA) was established together with its constitution and by-laws. ―The meeting was also a venue of
exchanging good practices, ideas, suggestions and offering hands to municipalities that need help; and with the established association in the province, disasters management is also strengthened,‖ Ibardolaza added. The conducted Rescuelympics in Aklan according to PDRRMC Chief revealed the readiness of the province for disaster and calamity rescue operations in terms of equipment and responders‘ capabilities and abilities. Meanwhile, the PDRRMC reminds the public not to take for granted the onset of rainy season as based on the weather forecast of authorized agencies here or even of other countries; the impact, strength and duration of El Nino will also be the same to that of La Nina phenomena, which is expected to hit the Philippines. (JSC/SQP-PIA6 Aklan)
4Ps supports 3,629 scholars By Pilar S. Mabaquiao SAN JOSE, Antique, June 16 (PIA6) - - Pantawid Pamilya Pilipino Program of the Department of Social Welfare and Development is supporting 3,629 college students through the Students Grants-in-Aid Program for Poverty Alleviation (SGPPA) in Region 6 and Negros Occidental.
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f the total number 207 have graduated this year coming from the first batch of scholars while the 3,422 are still studying and enrolled in different schools in the Region said Corina Rene A. Magbanua, Institutional Partnership and Development Officer in-charge of SGPPA and Civil Society organizations. For Antique, 53 have graduated and the 349 are still enrolled in different schools. Aside, from University of Antique, others are enrolled at Capiz State University, Aklan State University, Guimaras State College, Iloilo Science and Technology University and West Visayas State College University.
Jomalyn Lucena from the island municipality of Caluya, Antique is one among the graduates who finished BS Agriculture at West Visayas State University as Magna Cum Laude. Magbanua said, this is one of a kind opportunity for students from poor families to finish their college education with support from government in the amount of P30,000 per semester to cover their tuition fees, cost of living allowance, books uniforms and other school needs. Apart from education, they are also covered with PhilHealth in case of health emergencies. The university where they are
enrolled has designated focal persons or counselors who are monitoring the students. Parents of these scholars need not worry of the sustainability of the program since the budget for the completion of their courses is assured under Republic Act No. 10687 or the ―Unified Student Financial Assistance System for Tertiary Education (UniFAST) Act‖. On part of the students, they are encouraged to do well in their studies, making the most of their scholarship and serve as model to others who strive to rise above the challenges of poverty, said Magbanua. (JCM/PSM/ PIA6Antique)
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CENTRAL VISAYAS
Incoming DepEd chief Dgte Independence Day celeb
key n o t e s June 12—Philippine Independence Day
Roi Anthoni B. Lomotan
DUMAGUETE CITY, June 14 (PIA) – Incoming Department of Education Secretary Leonor Briones has underscored the importance of having reforms in the country’s education system to achieve social and economic independence in her speech during the 118th Independence Day celebration in the city yesterday.
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riones was the keynote speaker of the Independence Day celebration held at Quezon Park, In her speech, she asked the audience composed of city officials and representatives of various sectors if they experience social and economic independence. Briones pointed out that Negros Oriental belongs to the list 16 poorest provinces in the Philippines. ―If you look at Dumaguete City, you cannot see a strong indicator that there are many poor people but if you go to the hinterlands and coastal towns, you will see the poor,‖ she said. Briones stressed there is a big connection between employment and poverty and this is where the role of education comes in. She cited that reforms in the country‘s education system are necessary because it can lead to employment of more people. Briones acknowledged there is an ongoing debate on the implementation of Senior High School (SHS).
―Whether you have SHS or not, every year, on an average of 1. 2 million kids who graduate from high school, only 50 percent proceed to college. There is a big fall out,‖ she said. She said some of the reasons why some school children do not proceed to college is because they could no longer afford the tuition or because some parents require their children to work in their fields. The incoming education secretary noted that with the SHS, young people have many options on what educational track to take, namely: academic track, technical-vocational -livelihood track which include agriculture, and sports track. Briones emphasized that SHS is a precursor to college and the teaching methods applied in this program are similar to college level. Moreover, she also noted that the reform in the country‘s education system will also bring benefit to young people seeking employment. Briones explained that the number of years
spent in basic education is a one of the factors employers consider in hiring an applicant. ―Whether you are nurse, a doctor, or a physicist, they will still count the number of years in basic education,‖ she pointed out. With the ASEAN integration happening, Briones also said foreigners who are from other ASEAN countries get more chance of getting hired in multi-national companies because they have more years in basic education. With this, Briones declared that reforms in the country‘s educational system are long overdue. ―These reforms are long overdue because we really need to catch up,‖ she said. Meanwhile, Briones also added the government must intensify its efforts to push for ―Education for All‖ or giving quality education opportunities to many especially indigenous people through alternative learning systems. She concluded her speech by pointing out that education is one of the powerful tools in raising public‘s consciousness on all aspects independence. (rmn/ral/PIA7-Negros Oriental)
Updated Listahanan to be released June 27 By Ferliza C. Contratista CEBU CITY, June 16 (PIA) – Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) is set to release the new Listahanan database on June 27.
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uben Boybanting of DSWD-7, in the recent Kapihan sa PIA Cebu, said that on June 27 at the Cebu Parklane Hotel, the results of the updated database of the country‘s poorest of the poor known as Listahanan will be launched. Listahanan is the new term coined for the National Household Targeting System for Poverty Reduction (NSTPR). He said Listahanan is a survey that is done every four years. It made use of indicators that will identify and locate the country‘s poor. ―One of the bases is the family income which is
about 18,000 for the entire year or lesser, there are also other indicators like size of the house, materials used, etc,‖ Boybanting said. He said this will also show how many of those identified as poor in the first survey are no longer within the category due to the interventions done by the government. Listahanan is a good tool for government agencies and non-government organizations for the targeting of social assistance programs. ―This will identify who and where are these poor located so it is easy for them to locate,‖ Boybanting said.
The survey ran for a year beginning second quarter last year with four phases, namely: Preparatory Phase, Data Collection and Analysis Phase, Validation and Finalization phase, and the Report Generation Phase. Other than the targeting of Social Assistance Programs, results of Listahanan are vital tools for planning and research. Listahanan is pursuant to Executive Order 867 which adopts the system as the mechanism identifying the poor households who shall be recipients f social protection programs nationwide. (rmn/fcc/PIA7-Cebu)
La Niña to hit Oct 2016 till Feb 2017 Fayette C. Riñen CEBU, June 16 (PIA) – PAGASA-Visayas Director Oscar Tabada urged the public to prepare for the onslaught of La Niña which is expected to occur starting October this year and will extend until February of 2017.
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There is 75 percent chance of La Niña to happen and that most often, it happens after a strong El Niño,‖ said Tabada during a presentation on ‗El Niño/La Niña Watch and Weather Outlook‘ to some officials and representatives of regional line agencies. La Niña is characterized by unusually cold surface temperatures of the ocean and is associated with abnormal heavy rainfall, temperature and tropical cyclones. Tabada said La Niña‘s strength can be visibly felt by November, December and January as the country expects 14 to15 tropical cyclones before the year ends.
With La Niña, there will be more cyclones, stronger typhoons and severe flooding, said the PAGASA-Visayas chief adding that its effects are more disastrous than El Niño. ―Visayas and Mindanao will be more affected by La Niña compared to Luzon,‖ bared Tabada due to the prevalence of ‗habagat‘ or south west monsoon which brings frequent heavy rainfall. Tabada specifically warned Cebuanos to be vigilant as Cebu is the target of typhoons during the last quarter of the year based on past trend. In his presentation, the prediction is that the Philippines will continue to experience El Niño and
La Niña even up to 2080 while Central Visayas is at high risk. Currently, there are 13 Doppler radars including the one in Mactan, Cebu to help provide accurate weather forecast while the radars are also capable of measuring rainfall including the possibility of flooding, said Tabada. Tabada said two radars are now being set up and additional four new ones have been purchased of which Bohol is one recipient. The public is advised to check the daily weather forecast at pagasa.dost.gov.ph and click regional forecast and again click Visayas to find out the details of the current weather situation. (fcr/PIA7)
CENTRAL VISAYAS
June 12—Philippine Independence Day
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Acting mayor tells Cebuanos: Be caretakers of freedom Amor Y. Saludar
CEBU, 13 June (PIA) --- Acting Cebu City Mayor Margarita ―Margot‖ Osmeña reminded Cebuanos of their responsibility as caretakers of the heroism of the country’s forefathers while at same time promoting equality for the good of everyone.
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smeña said this during the Cebu City government‘s flag raising ceremony at the Cebu Hall‘s Plaza Sugbo in commemoration of the 118th Philippine Independence Day. In her message, Osmeña reminded Cebuanos that as members of the sovereign nation, everyone has the responsibility as caretakers of the country‘s liberty, justice, peace and pursuit of happiness. ―We must do our share they have done theirs, we must continue to honor and respect what they already have done for us, we must challenge ourselves to work towards equality among all sectors of society,‖ she added. Osmeña stressed that each one has a role
to play in the society and that each one deserves assurance of good treatment as Filipinos. ―We must recognize that every single member of our community has a role to play and assured them of their humanity,‖ she noted. Osmeña added that the quest for security and the fight against fear, ignorance, and poverty requires combined efforts in order to achieve true freedom. ―We work together, so that our people are protected not only from external enemies but from fear, ignorance and poverty, until then we can never call ourselves truly free,‖ the acting mayor stressed. ―No one will be left behind, and with your
support and always with God‘s grace we will be able to be called a truly free people,‖ Osmeña said. Cebu City held the celebration of the 118th Philippine Independence themed with ―Kalayaan 2016 Pagkakaisa, Pag-aambagan, Pagsulong‖ at Plaza Sugbo and was attended by officials and representatives from Philippine Regional Office (PRO -7), Armed Forces of the Philippine-Central Command (AFP-CentCom), Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP-7), and Philippine Coast Guard (PCG-Central Visayas), Boy Scout of the Philippine and Girl Scout of the Philippines, national government agencies, civil societies, veterans of war, and from the Consul of Japan and United States of America. (rmn/ays/PIA7)
Bohol project among region’s sustainable business models By Rey Anthony H. Chiu TAGBILARAN CITY, June 13 (PIA) – It is almost like hitting two birds with one stone, but more appropriately it is netting as much in a single haul.
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business venture fed by communities picking up discarded fishing nets from the seas and coastlines of Talibon and Bien Unido in Bohol attained as many in a haul: cleaner seas, healthier ecosystems, and communities earning extra income and technology. One of the region‘s sustainable business models showcased at the Negosyo, Konsumer At Iba Pa (NKATBP) at the Hotel Marco Polo in Cebu is Net Works Philippines which shared the limelight with the region‘s most sustainable business models during the three-day One Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) Services. Net Works Philippines Project Manager Amado Blanco explained that the company envisioned a business that would help conserve and maintain a healthy marine and freshwater ecosystem in the country‘s most environmentally critical area: the Danajon Double Barrie Reef areas. Often referred by conservationists as the center of the center of biodiversity, Danajon also feeds fishing communities who still need to internalize resource conservation and environment protection.
Populated by large fishing communities who mostly use fishing nets in their fish gathering activities, Net Works also saw how discarded or abandoned torn nylon nets continue to damage reefs, even killing fish that still get entangled in them, Blanco shared. We have allocated a day for coastal clean up in September but we discard plastics to the seas 364 days, he noted. ―Plastic debris in our oceans are damaging the ecosystem and nylon fishing nets represent a large portions of plastics in our oceans,‖ he said. Seeking out a new and better way of doing sustainable business and pitching in the goal of eliminating or cutting dependence on fossil fuel by switching to bio-based materials, Blanco said they put up their inclusive multi-sectoral social entrepreneurship in Net Works. The idea is simple as it is novel: create a family-traded supply chain for nylon fishing nets which uses an inclusive business model to benefit the poor communities and the environment. The system is simple: ask the community to gather discarded fishing nets, bring them to buying
centers in their villages, and in turn they get paid. To sustain the buying operations, together with ZSL Philippines, Net Works set up community banks and credit associations to respond to the biggest challenge: incentivize the collection and generate buy -ins. The collected nets are then baled, sent to a regional buying station which then ships it to Slovenia where a recycling happens making the nets into yarns. The yarns are then used as raw material for carpet tiles. To Blanco, among the biggest gains of the project are the benefits it accrues to the community: cleaner coastlines, better ecosystems, alternative livelihood and setting up of a social infrastructure that is inclusive and enriching as they can get no-nonsense business advice from partners. With Net Works, DTI believes the business model can be used for other partners, where a crucial industry partner must bankroll some funds, strengthen memberships and social infrastructures, while designing more and more socially inclusive business systems. (rmn/rac/PIA-7/Bohol)
Fund drive for children of fallen soldiers up Fayette C. Riñen CEBU, June 13 (PIA) – A fund drive for a cause opened yesterday to seek the public’s generosity to help send children of fallen soldiers to school during the ―Bayan, Bayani‖ activity in commemoration of 118 years of freedom.
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rig. Gen. Roberto Domines Jr., deputy commander of the Central Command (Centcom)-Armed Forces of the Philippines in his speech said ―soldiers are modern-day heroes too as they leave their families behind and prepare to sacrifice their lives to defend our country.‖ Domines said it is the supreme duty of the soldiers to protect the Filipino people and defend the sovereignty of the State which is why people can sleep well at night. One of the featured activities of the ―Bayan, Bayani‖ undertaking is the fund drive where well-meaning citizens are urged to donate any
amount to fund the education of children of soldiers who died in the line of duty. The fund drive dubbed ‗Be a Hero to our Heroes‘ children‘ is done in cooperation with the Hero Foundation, a group that supports families of fallen soldiers and Ayala Center Cebu. Donation boxes are located at the mall entrances for the whole month of June. On June 25, a love concert for a cause at 6:00 p.m. is set at the Ayala Terraces, also for the benefit of soldiers. Part of the Independence Day celebration is a five-day exhibit of military interactive gears and
equipment and a miniature military camp called ‗Kampo Sugbo‘ at the same mall. The exhibit which opened yesterday will run until Friday to give civilians a glimpse of military life including camp operations and military hardware. During yesterday‘s program, the Centcom band wowed shoppers, spectators and guests to a series of standard music clapping their hands from various floor levels to show their appreciation. Some civilians took time out to check the exhibit while some cannot resist having their photos taken beside military gears. (rmn/fcr/PIA7)
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EASTERN VISAYAS
DTI helps local business groups, buyers June 12—Philippine Independence Day
TACLOBAN CITY, LEYTE, June 13 (PIA) – The regional office of the Department of Trade and Industry here is in the thick of activities aimed to support local Micro Small and Medium Enterprises (MSME).
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he 3-day program on June 21-23, is referred as a breakthrough initiative to drive at full speed the growth and development in the countryside. It was learned that a series of focused and integrated menu of seminars, consultations, action planning and documentation of business and consumer concerns and solutions will be given to the MSMEs. Some experts and enablers from other regions are expected to come to Tacloban for the big event. DTI director Cynthia Nierras informed that they are pushing for the competitiveness of region 8‖s SMEs. Foremost, DTI is focussed to provide
the leading major industries in the region with assistance. These industries are dominated by processed food products: Coco-based products, Banana based products, marine products, natural health care products, e.g. Tulmeric powders and virgin coconut oil. Nierras also said, that region 8 is rich with coco choir products which is of great demand abroad, e.g. doormats. Copper products are found in Leyte which is an upcoming Copper Hub in the region. She shared that in Leyte, there is a booming Cacao plantation which can boost the supply of the raw product in the region instead of importing it from Mindanao.
DTI likewise reported of an ―SSF Food Retort Packaging Project of Eastern Visayas State University which was granted of a P5M worth equipment which can process favourite foods delicacies. It is said that the machine can extend the shelf-life of a delicacy, like the famous chocolate Moron of Tacloban. ― A six-day shelf-life of the Moron can last up to six month with the Retort machine‖, Dir. Nierras shared, ―and, other food products can also be subjected to the equipment‖, she added. The grand opening program of DTI‘s Negosyo Konsumer at iba pa program will witness the presence of DTI Secretary, Adrian S. Cristobal at the Alejandro Hotel come June 21.(PIA-8)
School year opens smoothly in EVisayas Aurora J. Casimpan TACLOBAN CITY, Leyte, June 13 (PIA) – The Department of Education (DepEd-8) in Eastern Visayas opened the school year expecting no major hitches for the more than a million students trooping to the different schools in the region.
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he said number of students which includes those attending the senior high school will start the expected 200 days in school, Monday, June 13. Jasmin Calzita, DepEd-8 information officer said the number of students is expected to rise because of the full implementation of the K to 12 program of the government. Per DepEd‘s record, as of November 29, 2015, about 68,447 students have enrolled for the senior high though the
department informed that the number will probably increase pending information from the different schools divisions across the region. Calzita also said that classes this school year will start formally this Monday as the classrooms are ready for the students. ―Brigada Eskwela‖ conducted before the formal start of classes usually in May, made sure to repair or fix damaged school facilities and clean the school surroundings so students need not
spend the first day of classes cleaning their classrooms. The education official further said that there is enough classrooms for every school in the region because of the contingency plan made by the department to use classrooms of adjacent schools which still have unused classrooms. The regional DepEd is strictly enforcing the no collection policy while also informing that one teacher can now handle 40 to 45 students. (AJC/PIA8
Leyte province marks 118th PH Independence Day Consuelo B. Alarcon TACLOBAN CITY, Leyte, June 12 (PIA) — The Provincial Government of Leyte joins the nation in the commemoration of the 118th Philippine Independence Day today June 12, 2016 through a simple ceremony at the capitol grounds.
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efore the program, a mass was held followed by the flag raising ceremony, wreath laying and releasing of ballons attended by the Philippine National Police led by Leyte Provincial Sr. Supt. Franco Simborio, Leyte‘s board member Ma. Mimietta Bagulaya, jail officers, some department heads and employees of the provincial government of Leyte. In his short message read by Leyte‘s board member Ma. Mimietta S. Bagulaya,
Governor Leopoldo Dominico L. Petilla emphasized the importance of remembering the sacrifices of our heroes and their exceptional traits that are worth imitating in present days. ―Today, we have the opportunity of remembering their scarifices, we can also learn from their enthusiasm and self-confidence-a number of traits which will be useful in facing today‘s challenges as well,‖the governor said. The governor believes that to fulfill
what was fought for 118 years ago it is but necessary for the government to take important decisions that will contribute to the nation‘s progress. Inspired by the bravery and commitment of the Filipino soldiers who fought for our freedom and with the consistent high economic growth rate in the past years, Petilla is confident that is possible to fight and eradicate poverty, ignorance, hunger and disease not only in Leyte but in the whole country as well. (PIA-8)
EASTERN VISAYAS
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Lab results of Samar diarrhea outbreak out soon June 12—Philippine Independence Day
Consuelo B. Alarcon
TACLOBAN CITY, Leyte, June 15 (PIA) — The results of the laboratory test conducted by health experts on the bacteria or virus that caused the diarrhea outbreak in three Samar areas was set to be released to the public.
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t is expected that it will be announced by Dr. Minerva Molon, regional director of the Department of Health (DOH) in Eastern Visayas during a one hour press conference to be held at DOH regional office 8. During the Water & Hygiene (WASH) Cluster Meeting last Friday at DOH regional office, the inadequate amount of water in identified water sources during El Nino, the limitations of local water system distribution, lack of manpower to monitor water quality and households‘
failure to clean their water storage containers were some issues that were discussed. These were the ones suspected to have caused earlier, the deaths of more than 20 and thousands of affected persons due to Diarrhea. Hence, long term and short term solutions were tackled by the ―Oplan Talwas Diarrhea‖ which involves strengthening the implementation of SALINTUBIG program of the government, the support from Ph ilh ealth p lu s th e immedi ate
response like the provision of water treatment tablets, patient‘s hospitalization, household water distribution and plastic water containers as well as massive IEC campaign in schools. To date, a total of 3, 496 cases with 44 deaths were reported. The municipality of Sta. Rita has 327 afflicted persons, the most number of cases followed by Calbiga with 260 cases and 2 deaths and the City of Catbalogan with 215 cases and 8 deaths. Tacloban City has 38 cases with one fatality. (cba/ PIA-8)
DOH forms Incident Command for diarrhea cases Ninfa B Quirante CATBALOGAN CITY, Samar, June 14 (PIA) — The Department of Health (DOH) –Samar formed an Incident Command (IC) housed at DOH-Samar for diarrhea cases.
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r Antonio Tirazona, DOH provincial representative said that the IC collects statistical data, sorts out the data and relays to the regional office; it also serves as the logistical hub of supplies and medicines. In the ‗command‘ there are four teams assigned to target municipalities where cases have been reported. They deliver supplies, test the quality of water and advocate support from the local government units. While the national media reported about the ‗diarrhea outbreak‘, DOH disproved this, saying the two towns of Calbiga and Sta Rita and the city of Catbalogan are the only ones declared with the diarrhea outbreak and not
necessarily the whole province of Samar as earlier reported. On Thursday, Undersecretary Vincent Belizario, Jr and DOH Regional Director Minerva Molon were in Samar to check on the situation. In the meeting with some local and health officials, Molon said they were still validating the facts before declaring any outbreak. Presently though, the cases have increased from 1, 189 and 23 deaths on Thursday, it is now 1, 824 cases and 32 deaths. The health issue has raised the concern of international non-government organizations that pledged to help. Oxfam, said DOH will help Calbiga by donating jerrycons (water containers) and
Chlorines; Plan International offered to help Sta Rita while the Philippine Red Cross will establish a water treatment facility in Hinabangan which can benefit nearby municipalities including Catbalogan City. The DOH official added that the provincial disaster risk reduction management office has also helped provide drivers, vehicles and fuel for the teams delivering meds and supplies to affected areas. He also shared that Gov. Tan has hired a consultant, a sanitary engineer to study the water facilities in Samar. The Incident Command formed last week will be operational until the cases wane. (nbq/PIA8-Samar)
Weak sea turtle rescued in Calbayog waters Consuelo B. Alarcon TACLOBAN CITY, Leyte, June 14 (PIA) – A sea turtle was rescued Thursday in Calbayog waters by maritime authorities led by Police Sr. Inspector Glenn Michael B. Amoyen of the 802nd Maritime Police Station based in Calbayog City.
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copy of a press release disclosed that the team was conducting seaborne patrol when they saw a weak turtle floating in the sea waters of Barangay Mato-bato, Calbayog City, Samar and immediately rescued it. In order to assess the physical and
health condition of the sea turtle measuring 87 centimers long, 62 centimeters width and weighing 25 kilos, the team immediately coordinated with the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) who, in turn, sent their personnel from CENRO based in the city of Calbayog.
After assessing that the sea turtle was in good physical condition, it was released back to Samar sea. The presence of the sea turtle in Samar sea only shows that sea waters in the city is protected and maintained by maritime authorities. (PIA-8)
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