Vol 6
Issue 27
In this Issue WESTERN VISAYAS
Lt. Col. Edwin Sadang, officer-in-charge of the NDRRMC Operations Division, presents the overview of the ICT Bayanihan during the Emergency Telecommunications Cluster Summit which kicked off July 7 at Seda Atria Hotel, Iloilo City. (PIA Iloilo)
More on Region 6, pages 2-3. Also CLICK Here…
CENTRAL VISAYAS
Kapihan sa PIA was held in observance of National Kidney Month this June with guest speakers Dr. Kenneth Coo, Nephrologist from Holy Child Hospital and Judith Vailoces, Renal Disease Control Program (ReDCoP) focal person of IPHO. Dr. Coo said that based on World statistics 70% of patients on hemodialysis is caused by diabetes and 30% due to hypertension. Most of patients affected with kidney disease are on the working age class.#malusognabatoyamanatbuhayko
More on Region 7, pages 4-5. Also CLICK Here…
EASTERN VISAYAS
ATM: Members of RDRRMC 8 meet during a P r e - Di sa ste r R i sk A sse ssm e n t to determine the respective agencies' and LGUs' preparedness measures relative to the possible effects of Typhoon Butchoy (international name: Nepartak) held at OCD 8, June 5, 2016. (PIA 8)
More on Region 8, pages 6-7. Also CLICK Here...
July 4 - 10, 2016
Published by: PIA 6, 7 & 8
MGB-7 cautions residents in mountain brygs vs landslides Fayette C. Riñen CEBU, July 4 (PIA) – Residents in mountain barangays must be vigilant against landslide with the onset of the rainy season and the threat of a La Niña that could bring heavy downpour of rains. Engr. Al Emil Berador, chief geologist of the Mines and Geosciences Bureau (MGB-7) of the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) in Central Visayas warned of severe landslides and flooding that could result due to the La Niña phenomenon. Berador said families living in disaster-risk areas like those prone to landslides and flooding must take precautionary measures to ensure the safety of their loved ones. There is already an 85 percent chance that La Niña will occur starting late quarter this year, earlier bared Engr. Oscar Tabada, chief of the PAGASA-Visayas citing the forecast of international weather forecasting centers. According to Tabada, La Niña will start by October until February of 2017 but its peak will be from October until December. ―We expect way above normal rainfall level by December and that our Christmas will be extremely rainy,‖ said Tabada. Berador likewise claimed that the Philippines is one of the top five countries vulnerable to hazards and this fact
should prompt us to take action for our safety. The MGB-7 chief geologist specifically warned residents in all the mountain barangays of Cebu City saying all city upland barangays are landslide-prone areas. Regional Director Olivia Luces of the Office of Civil Defense who is also the chairperson of the Regional Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (RDRRMC-7) said disaster preparedness should be family-based and that every household should immediately recognize the signs of danger and knows what to do in case of emergency. ―Residents must be mindful of three days continuous rains and if water in their area turns murky with small stones cascading from the mountains,‖ said Luces which could signal an impending landslide. Luces said they are checking on the updating of contingency plans of the local government units (LGUs) amid the threat of La Niña. Berador also said LGUs have been given a copy of the 1:10,000 scale geo-hazard map for their guidance for disaster preparedness measures. The month of July is annually observed as National Disaster Consciousness Month as the government‘s priority objective is zero fatality in times of disaster. (rmn/ fcr/PIA7)
OCD-08 leads disaster consciousness month celeb Sol Alarcon TACLOBAN CITY, LEYTE, JULY 6 (PIA) - The Office of Civil Defense thru the Regional Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (RDRRMC) led on July4, the month-long celebration of the National Disaster Consciousness Month this July. The kick off ceremony included a Eucharistic Celebration at Leyte Provincial Grounds followed by a motorcade around the city and parts of Palo town ending with a short program at Robinsons Mall, Tacloban City. OCD-8 regional director Edgar L. Posadas said, the month-long celebration is designed to promote disaster resiliency in the region.
He added that super typhoon ―Yolanda‖ brought great devastation to several places in the region, thus the need for the people to be equipped with knowledge and skills in order to mitigate dangers in the future. Other activities in the kick-off program included the recognition of some stakeholders who put their level best in the effort of bringing disaster awareness and mitigation to the public. In line for the entire month celebration is the regional rescue jamboree, 2-day communication summit, mangrove planting, among others.(Sol Alarcon)
Social media help save lives - MovePH Leonard T. Pineda I ILOILO CITY, July 8 (PIA) --- Government agencies, local government units, and even the private sector are encouraged to utilize social media platforms for disaster preparedness, response, and recovery. In the Emergency Telecommunications Summit led by the Office of Civil Defense (OCD)-6 and Smart Communications, Rupert Ambil, executive director of MovePH, said that social media has been instrumental in mobilizing different sectors of society and ordinary citizens during emergencies and disasters. ―Using mobile and web technologies and social media ensures the flow of critical and actionable information to those who need it before, during, and after disasters and connects those who need help directly with those who can truly help,‖ he said. He said that the emergence of social media tools has changed the landscape in information delivery that involved three processes namely news gathering, processing, and broadcasting. ―There are free applications on smart phones that can perform these major processes,‖ he said. He shared that social media provides opportunities for engaging citizens in times of disasters and emergencies by both disseminating information to the public and
accessing information from them. ―Ang kultura ng Pilipino ay likas na matulungin. They are just waiting for the opportunity to help,‖ he added. MovePH is the citizen journalism arm of the social news network Rappler. It aims to build, nurture and engage communities that want to bring about change, through intelligent conversations and stories that can move people to act. (JCM/LTP/PIA-Iloilo)
Rupert Ambil, MovePH executive director, explains the role of social media during disasters during the Emergency Telecommunications Cluster Summit which kicked off July 7 at Seda Atria Hotel here. (LTP/PIA-Iloilo)
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WESTERN VISAYAS
Guimaras pilots mass de-worming Typhoon “Ondoy”. Photo Photo by by skinnyjello.files.wordpress.com skinnyjello.files.wordpress.com
By: Elsa Subong ILOILO CITY, July 8(PIA)—The province of Guimaras is laying the ground work for the pilot implementation of the mass de-worming of the Department of Health.
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n initial step taken, according to the province‘s Information Officer Jaypee Entredicho, was the training on War on Worms of some 200 Early Childhood Care and Development workers in Guimaras, part of their annual capability building. Guimaras Governor Samuel Gumarin cited the interagency effort in the holding of the training as an initial move towards the pilot implementation of the program. ―Our province is going to be the pilot in this endeavour so we are very glad for this headstart,‖ Gumarin said.
The day care workers and supervised neighbourhood play workers were provided capability-building activities to enhance their skills in service delivery and prepared them for the Center-Based Drug Administration of the DOH Information Officer Entredicho said Guimaras aims to be role model in the implementation of the program. Asst. Provincial Social Welfare and Development Officer Shirly Gabutin said when the project succeed, it will truly be a role model in Western Visayas.
The program aims to enhance awareness on WOW program and make accessible its services to pre-school children, and address issues and concerns affecting these services. John Paul de los Trinos, Sr. Research Assistant, University of the Philippines, and one of the lecturers during the training, said the activity is an augmentation support to the frontliners in ECCD, as the social workers and day care workers are prepared for bigger roles in the community.(JCM/ESS/PIA-Iloilo)
2 rebels back to folds of the law Jemin Guillermo ROXAS CITY, Capiz, July 11 (PIA) - Two more rebels in Capiz have embraced the government for a better and peaceful life.
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wo rebels availed of the government‘s assistance after turning over themselves to the folds of the government and after going through the process that was facilitated by the Philippine Army. Public Affairs Office Chief Lt. Col. Ray Tiongson of the Philippine Army‘s 3rd Infantry Division disclosed that the two have turned to the folds of the government through the 61st Infantry Battalion. Tiongson said that a total of 18 members of the New People‘s Army, 15 of whom are from Panay Island and 3 in Negros, have already turned their backs from the armed
violence in the first semester of 2016. During the meeting of the Provincial Peace and Order Council meeting here last June, two former NPA members availed of their benefits under the Department of the Interior and Local Government‘s Comprehensive Local Integration Program of P65,000 each, while another former rebel who was already given the said assistance received P30,000 as a remuneration for the turned-over firearm. Aside from the DILG‘s CLIP assistance, the provincial government had also given them earlier a P10,000 each financial assistance.
For his part, 3ID Commander Brig. Gen. Harold Cabreros reiterated the call of all the stakeholders for NPA remnants to go back to the folds of law, take the opportunity of the government‘s integration program and be part in building a better community instead of fighting the government authorities. Cabreros said that NPA members who want to go down and live normally are welcome as he assured that the Armed Forces of the Philippines with the local government officials and other stakeholders are always willing to help and assist them for the better future of their families. (JCM/JBG/ PIA6-Capiz)
CENRO opens office in Belison Pilar S. Mabaquiao SAN JOSE, Antique (PIA) - - The Community Environment and Natural Resources in southern Antique has inaugurated its new office in Belison, now called CENRO Belison.
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rom its former location at San Jose, it is now located adjacent to the Municipal Building of Belison standing at a 432 square meter lot of the municipality under the Deed of Usufruct Agreement signed between the DENR and the LGU Belison. CENRO Louie Laud during the inauguration program thanked Mayor Darell dela Flor and the top officials of DENR for the new office that will make CENRO services more accessible to the 11 towns under their coverage. CENRO Belison covers the towns of
Laua-an, Bugasong, Valderrama, Patnongon, Belison, San Remegio, Sibalom, San Jose, Hamtic, Tobias Fornier, and Anini-y. Asst. Regional Director for Technical Concerns Jesse Vego said the selection of CENRO offices was based on the three considerations - jurisdiction, convenience, access of the public or the communities it covers. It is fitting that the CENRO office in the south was located in Belison to provide equal access to the clients of the covered towns, according to Vego. Likewise, he challenged the DENR
employees that with the inauguration of the new office, they are expected to give comprehensive services in terms of ―Ridge to Reef‖ approach in environmental conservation and protection. Vego also lauded the leadership of PENRO Ruel delos Reyes who have facilitated numerous projects in Antique. Antique has two CENROs, aside from the newly inaugurated office in Belison, the other one is in Culasi that covers the towns of Barbaza, Tibiao, Culasi, Sebaste, Pandan, Libertad and Island Municipality of Caluya. (JCM/PSM/PIA6Antique)
WESTERN VISAYAS
Typhoon “Yolanda” Photo Photo by by skinnyjello.files.wordpress.com skinnyjello.files.wordpress.com
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PAGASA warns of ‗tornado-like‘ clouds in WV Leonard T. Pineda I
ILOILO CITY, July 7 (PIA) --- The giant ‗tornado-like‘ cloud formation which was recently spotted over Tacloban City Airport, Leyte could also occur in Western Visayas.
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ngr. Oscar Tabada, OIC of PAGASA (Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration)-Visayas, said that the enormous cloud formation which signaled a severe thunderstorm may happen in areas near the ocean and other large bodies of water. ―Thunderstorms are getting stronger because of the warming of our country,‖ he said.
He said that warm surface is favorable and may strengthen thedevelopment of cumulonimbus clouds which are associated with thunderstorms and heavy precipitation. ―During the event in Tacloban, they accumulated rainfall of 60 millimeters during a period of about 45 minutes only,‖ he said. He said that the Iloilo Doppler Radar and Synoptic Station located in WESVIARC, Barangay Hamungaya, Jaro district here will be
helpful in the conduct of evaluation which cloud is a thunderstorm cloud. ―Through the radar operations, we will be able to determine which clouds are thunderstorm clouds or tornado clouds,‖ he said. The PAGASA put up the Iloilo station in May 2015 to provide more accurate weather data for the Visayas. (JCM/LTP/ PIA-Iloilo)
NegOcc gets dental health bus Carlson B. Alelis NEGROS OCCIDENTAL, July 8 (PIA6) – The Negros Occidental provincial government received a dental health bus from the Department of Health (DOH), recently.
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he bus is intended to augment the Provincial Health Office under its the dental outreach program in chief, Dr. Ernell Tumimbang, the press the province, a press release release added. from the Provincial Information Office Dr. Tumimbang said the bus will be said. sent to the various cities and The unit is air-conditioned, with two municipalities in the province, while the dental chairs and dental facilities and provincial government will provide the instruments. dentist and dental supplies. It will be under the management of
In attendance during the turnover were Gov. Alfredo Marañon, Jr., Sangguniang Panlalawigan Members Renato Malabor, Jr., Jose Maria Alonso, and Salvador Escalante, Jr., Executive Assistant to the Governor Angel Verdeflor, and Provincial Consultant Roy Balicas, among others. (JCM/CBA/PIA6/ Capitol-Negros Occidental)
Day Care kids to benefit from supplemental feeding By Venus G. Villanueva KALIBO, Aklan, 7 July (PIA6) -- Aklan‘s 14,716 Day Care kids with ages ranging from 3 to 4 years old and enrolled at various Day Care centers in the province will be benefiting from the government‘s Supplementary Feeding Program this year with a total fund allocation of P26,488,800.00 at P15.00 per child per day.
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he allocated funds include P19,425,120.00 for viand at P11.00 per child per day, and P7,063,680 for rice at P4.00 per child per day, as revealed by the Department of Social Welfare and D e v e l opm en t Re g i on a l F i e l d U n i t (DSWD-RFU)-6 during the recent conduct of a Media Forum here with the local media. The activity, dubbed Media Forum on Social Pension and Other Government Programs, was held at the Niños Ihaw-Ihaw in Kalibo and attended by more than 20 practitioners in the province from the print and broadcast media, and covered by Aklan‘s two cable television networks. This year‘s supplementary feeding program is in the 6th Cycle for Calendar Year 2016-2017. Of Aklan‘s 17 municipalities, Ibajay town has the biggest number of beneficiaries with
1,745 – followed by Kalibo, with 1,502; Libacao, with 1,159; Nabas, with 1,057, and Makato, with 954. Other towns and their respective beneficiaries are Madalag, with 898; New Washington, with 820; Malay, with 818; Banga, 807; Batan, 728; Balete, 700; Malinao, 666; Buruanga, 658; Tangalan, 633; Altavas,Numancia, 512, and Lezo, 462. Prov incia l S ocia l We lfa re and Development Officer (PSWDO) Evangelina Gallega said the Day Care children will undergo supplemental feeding for 120 days, consuming hot meals prepared by parents and volunteers following a weekly menu guide. Gallega said beneficiaries of the feeding program will be weighed before and after the feeding schedule to know the impact of the program to the children. Under the program, rice will be provided by the National Food
Authority (NFA) which will be paid by the DSWD and delivered to local government units (LGUs) to be received respectively by the Municipal Social Welfare and Development Officers (MSWDOs). Fund for viand, on the other hand, will be downloaded to the LGUs to be duly liquidated. Gallega said that in cooking the hot meals, parents are encouraged to utilize indigenous but nutritious vegetables found just in the vicinity of the centers like malunggay, alugbati and other leafy vegetables. Using indigenous vegetables for the feeding program, according to her, will help in familiarizing the palate of the children to the taste of the food, as well as to motivate parents to plant vegetables in their backyards for use in the feeding program and as component their household meals too. (JCM/ VGV PIA6 Aklan)
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CENTRAL VISAYAS
Candijay, Bohol posts largest number of drug surrenderees
Typhoon “Ondoy”. Photo Photo by by skinnyjello.files.wordpress.com skinnyjello.files.wordpress.com
Rey Anthony H. Chiu TAGBILARAN CITY, July 6 (PIA) – Candijay town has posted the largest number of drug personalities who surrendered to authorities and swore to permanently stop their illegal trade.
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his as 431 drug personalities, the biggest so far among Bohol towns, surrendered today and took their solemn oath befor Mayor Christopher Tutor, Rev. Fr. Paulito Amplayo, PInspector Geral Luna and local officials and representatives of the academe. Local police authorities ushered the surrenderees to the St. Joseph Parish Church, where church and state leaders received them, acording to netizen Jeryl Lacang-Fuentes. In an interview at his station, PInspector Luna on Tuesday said they were set to finish rounding up the 21 Candijay barangays by late afternoon, the day after he announced the police implementation of Oplan Tokhang. Of the total number of drug personalities who surrendered, six admitted to pushing while 425 said they are or were users and several have stopped years back. Owing to the seriousness of the police campaign initiated by the Chief of the Philippine National Police (PNP) Ronald dela Rosa himself,
Bohol police stepped up its operations and have neutralized top drug personalities.. Of the surrenderees, and based on their affidavits, 49 have stopped using drugs since 2012, 58 stopped since 2013, 79 since 2014 and 103 stopped using drugs since 2015. Among them were 136 active users who promised to stop using drugs, as attested by their signed affidavits. Among those who surrendered, Cogtong owns the biggest number of drug personalities with 76, followed by Poblacion at 53, Can-olin at 42 and Boyo -an at 39. Luna also revealed that in his town, there are still some barangays who are not drug affected, but they still await for more drug personalities coming out anytime soon. Other barangays with surrenderees include Lungsodaan 34, Panas 35, Tugas: 30, La Union: 25, Mahangin: 25, Tambongan 16, Abihilan 15, Anoling: 13, Canawa: 11, Tawid: 9, Tubod: 6 and Panadtaran 2.
Luna also reported that in the past year, Candijay Police implemented 38 buy-bust operations and hailed suspects to court with violations of anti-drug law, specifically section 5. He also considers his station lucky as the local chief executive himself is personally supporting the drive with cash incentives to police operatives. As the operations go on, Luna appeals to drug personalities who remain in hiding to surrender or be implemented with ―Oplan Double Barrel.‖ After Oplan Tokhang, we are to implement Double Barrel and would pursue operations against hard and soft targets, he said. At the swearing in rites inside the St Joseph Church, Mayor Tutor advised the surrenderees to seriously keep their promise. Even with the sworn statements and affidavits, police operatives bared that any indication of reverting to drugs would be a ground for intense police operations, which might end up not as desired. (rmn/rac/PIA-7/Bohol)
Cebu to hold 1st Founding Anniversary Run CEBU, July 4 (PIA) – In celebration of its 447th founding anniversary, the province of Cebu will be holding its first founding anniversary run on August 28.
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he race features three categories, namely: Open, Grassroots, and one for Capitol employees only. The event, organized by the Cebu Provincial Sports Commission (CPSC), highlights the participation of young athletes from several municipalities in the grassroots category as part of the commission‘s grassroots sports development program. CPSC Executive Director Ramil Abing said that
the run started last year but it was exclusive only to Capitol employees. ―We decided in this founding anniversary that we‘ll have an open category. We intend to do this annually,‖ Abing said. Winners of the race will receive cash prizes ranging from P500 to P10,000, and a commemorative medal for the Top 10 winners of all categories. Participants may register at the Cebu Provincial
Office or at the Cebu City Sports Center until August 26. The race will start at 5:00 A.M. at the Cebu Provincial Capitol Compound. Registration fee costs P300 for the 10K category and P500 for the 20K category. For more details, please contact CPSC at cebuprovince.cpsc@gmail.com (rmn/mjpap/ PIA7- Cebu)
PSA rolls out Annual Poverty Indicator Survey Rey Anthony H. Chiu TAGBILARAN CITY, July 4 (PIA) — Be honest in responding to the questionaires.
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his was the appeal of Philippine Statistics PSA is responsible for all national censuses and Authority (PSA) Bohol Statistician Jessamyne surveys, sectoral statistics, consolidation of selected Anne Alcazaren during the recent Kapihan administrative recording systems and compilation of sa PIA. national accounts. PSA will conduct between July 11 to August The APIS is a nationwide sample survey 2 the Labor Force Survey-Annual Poverty Indicator designed to provide information on the different Survey (LFS-APIS) with trained enumerators indicators related to poverty. extracting the data from heads of families or their ―APIS aims to provide inputs to the spouses as respondents. development of an integrated poverty indicator and ―No one in the household is more monitoring system which would enhance timely, knowledgeable in the family‘s spending patterns,‖ she accurate and consistent production of explained. poverty-related data that can be used at the national PSA is primarily responsible for the levels,‖ the website states. implementation of the provisions of R.A. 10625, APIS supplements identification of the poor especially in planning, developing, prescribing, families through the use of non-income indicators, disseminating and enforcing policies, rules and providing information on the socio-economic profile regulations and coordinate government-wide of families and other information relating to their programs governing the production of official living conditions. statistics, general-purpose statistics, and civil registraAccording to the PSA, the data from the survey tion services, according to the PSA website. are demographic and economic characteristics,
health status and education of the family members; awareness and use of family planning methods; housing, water and sanitation condition of the families; availment of credit to finance the family business or enterprise; and income and expenditures of the family. In survey enumerations like the APIS, PSA knows that many respondents find it inconvenient to respond to the questions thinking it entails income and expenditures. ―It is not for taxation purposes,‖ assured Alcazaren. The PSA chief assured that their enumerators would treat survey responses with a high degree of confidentiality. ―This treatment also puts enumerators in the risk of imprisonment should they be proven to have shared vital information,‖ Alcazaren said. ―These people are bound by law to maintain strict confidentiality,‖ she said. (rmn/rac/PIA-7/Bohol)
CENTRAL VISAYAS
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OCD-7: LGUs to make position of DRRMO permanent
Typhoon “Yolanda” Photo Photo by by skinnyjello.files.wordpress.com skinnyjello.files.wordpress.com
Fayette C. Riñen CEBU, July 5 (PIA) – Local government units (LGUs) should institutionalize the position of local disaster risk reduction and management officers (DRRMOs) as mandated under the law for the continuity of disaster preparedness measures and disaster risk reduction programs.
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egional Director Olivia Luces of the Office of Civil Defense (OCD-7) said under RA 10121 or the Philippine Disaster Reduction and Management Act, the position of local DRRMOs should be permanent and not co-terminus with the local chief executive. ―Making the DRRMO position permanent is to ensure continuity of disaster risk reduction and management programs of the LGU. Also, it is a waste of government money sending the DRRMO to various trainings to upgrade his or her technical skills and then he or she is just replaced after the term of the local chief executive ends,‖ said Luces. Luces said it is very important for the LGU to understand this and appoint somebody who has the expertise and experience to the permanent
post. Luces however, lauded the provinces of Cebu, Bohol and Negros Oriental which have appointed a permanent provincial DRRMO. But Luces who also chairs the Regional Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (RDRRMC-7) lamented that only a few LGUs have complied with the provision of the law. Disaster preparedness and similar programs should be given priority by the LGUs, said Luces which could make a huge difference if the DRRMO is given the responsibility to continually implement the programs and not be hindered by the end of the term of the city or municipal mayor. ―We want to achieve the goal of being a disaster-resilient region,‖ which is deterred by the
termination of the local DRRMO sans the permanence of the position, said Luces. Luces expressed hopes the local chief executives will take action on their end amid the identification of the Philippines as among the top five disaster-prone countries worldwide by the United Nations Office for Disaster Risk Reduction. The RDRRMC-7 chair further said LGUs should make their DRRM council functional down to the barangay level and undertake proactive measures amid the threat of La Niña. La Niña is said to occur at a probability of 85 percent according to PAGASA-Visayas citing international weather forecasting centers which could hit the country beginning October until February of next year. (rmn/fcr/PIA7)
Over 300 drug users surrender to authorities Ferliza C. Contratsta CEBU CITY, July 5 (PIA) – Over 300 drug affected individuals surrendered in four cities and four towns in Cebu the last two days.
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he numbers were reported by the public information officers (PIO) of the local goverment units the moment the drugaffected individuals approached the police, mayor, or barangay captain. Based on the Cebu Association of City and Mu n i ci pa l Pu b l i c I n f or ma ti o n O f f i ce rs (CAOCAMPIO) News Bits, a total of 313 were recorded to have surrendered from July 4 until July 3. These drug affected individuals include drug pushers and users. Highest was the City of Mandaue which had a total of 160 individuals surrendering in the police stations, according to Information Officer Jeany Eve Inot.
Second was the report of Information Officer Candice Acuna of Carcar City with 50 individuals last Monday. The town of Tabogon led by Mayor Zigfred Duterte had 35 drug personalities vowing to change their lives, according to Information Officer Mercedette Toling. Alma Mondigo, information office associate of Santa Fe town in Bantayan Island, reported 30 persons who surrendered from Barangays Pooc, Poblacion, and Talisay. In San Remigio town, Information Officer Nino Ybanez said there were 15 individuals including four minors who faced Mayor Mariano Martinez today. Mayor Kristine Chiong witnessed the signing of a covenant of 11 drug affected individuals in Naga
City, while seven surrendered in Danao City and five in Asturias town. All those who surrendered were made to sign a document or a covenant pledging not to use or sell drugs. Since the assumption of President Rodrigo Duterte and the appointment of new Philippine National Police (PNP) Chief Ronald dela Rosa, ―Oplan Tukhang‖ was implemented nationwide. This involves the police going to the homes of suspected drug personalities and asking them to stop all their drug-related activities. Under the plan, they are given time to pack up and stop their illegal trade, or have the option to leave the city and go somewhere else. (rmn/fcc/PIA7 -Cebu)
Bohol spreads Negosyo Expo for OFWS Rey Anthony H. Chiu TAGBILARAN CITY, July 4 (PIA) -- Efforts from the government to offer viable local alternatives for work and income for overseas Filipino workers (OFW) has extended to those eager to maximize their capital laying idle in their bank accounts.
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ow comes Bohol OFW Negosyo Expo, a two-day event in the middle of the Sandugo festivities and in anticipation of the homecoming season for Boholano OFWs and locals who have carved a name in business and other endeavors across the country. Set on July 5 to 6 at the Bohol Cultural Center, the OFW Expo will feature information on the latest innovation and trends presented in an interactive program via seminars, fora, product presentations, and other activities that provide growth and business opportunities, said Bohol Investment Promotion Center (BIPC) Chief Maria Fe Dominese Catering especially for OFWs and also for locals who are eager to invest their hard-earned savings but are still looking for viable ventures, the OFW Negosyo expo happens to be a local intervention to plug the leaking exodus of highly
qualified workforce. "The prospect of OFWs engaging into business will not only maximize the negative effects of disunited families but will definitely boost local investment and employment," Dominese said. Event organizers hope the OFW Negosyo Expo will change the pervading mindset that working abroad is a life-long endeavor and the only viable means to survive. Bohol, home for over 20,000 OFWs who have hugely contributed to the country's economic growth, keeps a widespread and largely accepted truth: the prospect of working abroad is the only sustainable and viable way for a comfortable life. That, however has been slowly worked up, with BIPC and in partnership with Department of Trade and Industry (DTI), as well as private partners opening up venues for business facilitation and advisory services in the three Negosyo Centers in
Bohol. Earlier, another venue opened with the triennial Tigum Bol-anon sa Tibuok Kalibutan (TBTK), where business options are presented at the institutionalized Investment Forum as part of the TBTK events. The move for the TBTK was among the options Bohol explored to generate sufficient capital pouring into the poverty-ravaged province then, shared then governor Rene Relampagos. After the TBTK, local businesses enjoyed a soaring boost, which resulted to a fast-tracked development highlighted by Bohol recording a reach into the billion peso investments years back. With the country as among the top exporters of skilled workers and brains churning out to move economies abroad, building opportunities by laying the local infrastructure support could be a worthy move, Bohol Chamber of Commerce and Industry head Albert Uy said. (rmn/rac/PIA7-Bohol)
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EASTERN VISAYAS
Nutrition Council's 42nd year focuses on baby's health Typhoon “Ondoy”. Photo Photo by by skinnyjello.files.wordpress.com skinnyjello.files.wordpress.com
Sol Alarcon
TACLOBAN CITY, LEYTE, July 6 (PIA) - The National Nutrition Council (NNC) Eastern Visayas spearheaded recently, the 42nd National Nutrition Month celebration this July with the theme ―First 1000 days ni baby pahalagahan para sa malusog na kinabukasan‖.
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he kick off activity started with a motorcade and a short program at Tacloban City Astrodome which was participated in by various government agencies and other stakeholders.
NNC regional nutrition coordinator Catalino P. Dotollo Jr. said this year‘s objective is to increase awareness on the importance of proper nutrition of the first 1000 days of life, the pregnant women and children less than 2 years old.
In Eastern Visayas, malnutrition is still prevalent. Hence, Dotollo is encouraging the local chief executives to give focus on health and nutrition programs in order to reduce malnutrition among children.(Sol Alarcon)
55 families in Ormoc City now have permanent homes Consuelo B. Alarcon ORMOC CITY, Leyte, July 4(PIA) – Within this month 55 Yolanda affected families in Ormoc City will move to their respective homes after the European Union (EU) and the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) formally hand over on Wednesday the resettlement housing units to the city government of Ormoc.
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U First Counsellor and Head Development Cooperat ion Achim Tillesen and UNDP Philippines Country Director Titon Mitra led the turnover ceremony in Brgy. Cabuhangin, Ormoc City. Tillesen said we are pleased to see the first batch of 55 families completing their houses which have been designed to be more disaster-resilient.
―We hope that EU‘ support through UNDP will help secure a better and safer future for the families,‖ Tillesen said. On the otherhand, Mitra assured the beneficiaries that the permanent houses can withstand a 300 kph winds or a Yolanda-like typhoon. The beneficiaries of the housing units will move to their new houses once the
water system and electric connection will be completed. The construction of the housing units is part of the package of the EU‘s assistance implemented through the Project Recovery of the UNDP to Yolanda affected families in the cities of Tacloban and Ormoc and some municipalities in the province of Eastern Samar.(ajc/cba/PIA-8)
SoLeyte honors outstanding citizens for 2016 Marcelo M. Pedalino MAASIN CITY, Southern Leyte, July 4 (PIA) -- Seven individuals mostly natives from 18 towns and one city of this province received the Rajah Kolambu Award as this year‘s harvest of Most Outstanding Southern Leyteños.
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hey were chosen by a select committee based on the impact their works, or even by being themselves, have on the community, inspiring others in their respective professions, careers, or vocations. The awarding ceremony was held at the Legislative building Thursday last week, with incoming Governor, Cong. Damian Mercado, handing the citations, the event part of the week-long activities that marked the 56th anniversary celebration of the province which is July 1. The awardees included the following: Bernardo Humangit Tocmo, for retails banking and management. A native of Hinunangan town, Tocmo, formerly an executive from Metrobank, now handles certain divisions of the Philippine National Bank, overseeing 630 branches with 4,800 employees. Dr. Rosette Gaditano Pagpaguitan, from Bontoc, was cited in the field of academics. She was a first placer in the
recent Dentistry Board. Dr. Mina Sirikit Claridad Tagra, from Liloan, was recognized for her humanitarian services, especially her dedication, initiative, and efforts in helping the victims of typhoon Yolanda in Tacloban City. Francisco Mapa Lim, in Arts, Painting, and Education. He admitted being born in Naval, Biliran, but since 1954 has lived and resided in Maasin City. Lim has produced renowned artists whose works won national awards. He taught painting on weekends with school children at the Plaza Anatalio Gaviola. Jay Yap Yuvallos, from Saint Bernard, excelled in business leadership, a known champion of Small and Medium Enterprises. He vows to mentor and support struggling micro, small, and medium enterprises in the province in coordination with the provincial government. Lourd Ernest Hanopol De Veyra,
whose father is from Hilongos, Leyte, but his mother is from Macrohon, made his name in journalism and literature. Mr. De Veyra is connected with TV 5 station. Among his many awarded works were pieces of literary crafts that won the Palanca Literary Prize. Milagros Laraga Gaviola Vda. De Castro, the ―dreamer‖, was cited for leadership in Social, Cultural, and Tourism Development. It was Mrs. De Castro‘s vision in the 1980s and 1990s that resulted in the construction of the now famous Mama Mary Shrine overlooking the city proper, up a short mountain in barangay Mantahan. Two other awardees were given plaque of recognition as Young Achievers -- Marieliz Abucayan Jayma, in the field of sports, being a gold medalist in the Palarong Pambansa, and Engr. Reih Mark Tatad Salomon, for passing the Electrical Engineering Board as second placer. (mmp, PIA8-Southern Leyte)
EASTERN VISAYAS
Typhoon “Yolanda” Photo Photo by by skinnyjello.files.wordpress.com skinnyjello.files.wordpress.com
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41 drug personalities of Catbalogan surrender
CATBALOGAN CITY, Samar, July 4 (PIA) – Some 41 drug personalities in Catbalogan voluntarily surrendered to the police in July 1, 2016.
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he Catbalogan City Police Station under PSupt Edwin Barbosa implemented the Project ―TOK/HANG‖ (Toktok and Hangyo) under the Project ―DOUBLE BARREL‖ in coordination with the Barangay Anti-Drug Abuse Council (BADACs) in the city. They did house-to-house visitation on all illegal drug personalities in the watch list. Barbosa with some police elements
together with the members of BADAC, Barangay Tanods, media, Catbalogan City local government and other civilian volunteers conducted Project ―TOK/ HANG‖ in the barangays of this City. This project aims to encourage the populace who are identified as pushers and users of illegal drugs to return to the fold of law. Those who surrendered filed affidavits of undertaking with conditions
that they will no longer engage in illegal drug activities. They will be monitored closely by the police if they conformed with the conditions as regards illegal drugs. As the police drew positive results from this project ―TOK/HANG‖ , it will continue implementation, likewise a massive illegal drug operation will be launched in this city. (with reports from Catbalogan police)
New Eastern Samar Officials sworn-in to office Samuel D. Candido BORONGAN CITY, Eastern Samar, July 4, 2016 (PIA) --- The Eastern Samar Provincial Legislative Department — through their newly re-elected provincial officials — took their oath of office in June 30, 2016 at the Eastern Samar Provincial Capitol Lobby, Eastern Samar Provincial Capitol Grounds, this city.
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he said officials took their oath of office in front of Regional Trial Court Branch 2 (RTC Branch 2) Judge Nathaniel E. Baldono. The provincial officials who were sworn in to office were: Hon. Vice-Governor Marcelo Ferdinand A. Picardal, First District Sangguniang Panlalawigan Members Hon. Celestino A. Cabato, Hon. Joji N. Montallana, Hon. Byron M. Suyot, Hon. Karen D. Alvarez, and Hon. Annabelle A. Capito. While for the Second District Sangguniang Panlalawigan Members, the following were sworn in to office: Hon. Jonas B. Abuda, Hon. Gorgonio B. Cabacaba, Hon. Nestorio O. Cablao, Hon. Maricar Sison Goteesan, and Hon. Jaime S. Ty. After their oath-taking, each SP Member was given a chance to say a word of thanks to their constituents in the first and second districts of Eastern Samar. In his inaugural message, Vice-Governor Picardal said that, ―I would like to assure you that our good plans —
which are supported by the people of Eastern Samar — will be fulfilled‖. The Vice-Governor outlined the plans as: the improvement of health services, agricultural sector, and tourism of Eastern Samar; and to have a region for Samar Island. Picardal also assured that he — together with the Sangguniang Panlalawigan Members — will start on the plans on their first day of office and that the plan had been discussed between him, Congressman Ben Evardone and Governor Nicart. ―When I assumed office on 2013, all of us provincial Vice Governors went to the Asian Institute of Management (AIM) to have a special course. In there, I only came to know that Eastern Samar is the 2nd poorest province in the country. I was asked incessantly — especially by my professor — on that. I told her that, ‗Ma‘am, our province has a great chance as the US Government‘s Millennium Challenge Corporation grants US $ 250 M.‘ I also told her that this could jumpstart the progress of the province.
Our Planning and Development Officer then told me much later that we are now on the 3rd place among the poorest provinces in Eastern Visayas. Afterwards, I also learned in our discussion that Northern Samar is already on top of that list. The plan will be a manifestation of the result of the unification done by Cong. Evardone and Gov. Nicart. With this, I‘ve told myself that we did the right thing and we‘ll continue the progress of Eastern Samar and unite‖, Picardal said. In the recent May 9 Elections, the Liberal Party of Eastern Samar dominated and won all three major elective provincial positions, namely: Congressman, Governor, and Vice-Governor. Majority of the elected Sangguniang Panlalawigan Members (SP Members) also came from LP slate — with five SP Members from the first district and four SP Members from the second district. Completing the set of SP Members is Hon. Nestorio O. Cablao from the opposition. (SDC/PIA-E. Samar)
Leyte SP sworn-in, holds inaugural session Sol Alarcon TACLOBAN CITY, LEYTE, JULY 6 (PIA) - Members of the Sangguniang Panlalawigan of Leyte took their oath of office today at the legislative building, Tacloban City before the conduct of their inaugural session.
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he oath taking was administered by Vice-Governor Carlo P. Loreto in the presence of Leyte Governor Leopoldo Dominico L. Petilla who also delivered his message and inaugural speech.
Petilla, in his speech, emphasized on cooperation and unity as most important factor to progress and in providing quality service that their constituents deserve. In the said occasion, nameplates were also distributed to the
new members namely Maria Corazon Remandaban of the 3th district of Leyte, Emmanuel Vicente Torres of the 4th district, Trinidad Apostol of the 2nd district and Noli C. Cana, the new ABC President.(Sol Alarcon)
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