Vol 6
Issue 28
In this Issue WESTERN VISAYAS
Emiljohn C. Santillas of DepEd Policy Research and Development Division- Planning Service briefs participants regarding the Basic Education Research Agenda during the Research Caravan held July 15 at Centennial Resort Hotel, Iloilo City. #DepEdResearchAgenda #DepEdResearchCaravan #pia6
July 11 - 17, 2016
Published by: PIA 6, 7 & 8
JICA gives SMACHS-EV project to DOH, LGUs Consuelo B. Alarcon PALO, Leyte, July 13 (PIA)—With the project for Strengthening Maternal and Child Health Services in Eastern Visayas known as the SMACHS-EV set to end this July, the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) did a formal handover of the project to the Department of Health and various local government units in Leyte. This, after six years of providing technical assistance to 44 rural health units and 2 community hospitals in Leyte and 6 district health centers in the City of Ormoc. DOH regional director Minerva P. Molon is optimistic about the sustainability of the project. ―A different health statistics, especially those related to maternal and child health have improved a lot given the logistics support and capacity building provided by the project to transform the service delivery at the different levels of health facilities into a more enhanced quality
services within the reach of everyone in the community,‖ Molon said. At the end of its term, the project has somehow achieved its overall target to reduce the incidence of maternal and child mortality in the region. Data showed that from 2011, the neonatal mortality rate decreseased from 5.44 to 4.15 percent, a decreased rate of 23.71 percent while infant mortality rate decreased from 9.93 to 6.85 percent with 31.01 percent reduction. Meanwhile, children under five years old has decreased the mortality age from 13.48 percent to 9.53 percent. A slow decline was also noted relative to maternal mortality rate for the past three years from 2013-2015 with an average of 95 maternal deaths per 100, 000 live births in the region. (ajc/PIA-8)
San Carlos is 4th Most Lovable City More on Region 6, pages 2-3. Also CLICK Here…
CENTRAL VISAYAS
Coming in full force, PSA information officer Emmanuel Galab, statisticial specialist Coleta Montoya, PSA Bohol chief statistician Jessamyne Anne Alcazaren and Leopoldo Alfanta Jr., announced the upcoming census on APIS at Kapihan sa PIA. (PIABohol)
More on Region 7, pages 4-5. Also CLICK Here…
EASTERN VISAYAS
Agriculture Secretary Manny Piñol spent the whole day of July 13, 2016 with Samar farmers, fisher folks, leaders and the media and vowed visible results in the anti-poverty program of Pres Duterte, which aims to reduce poverty in Samar by 25% in two years. (PIA8)
More on Region 8, pages 6-7. Also CLICK Here...
By Easter Anne D. Doza NEGROS OCCIDENTAL, July 14 (PIA6) - - The World Wildlife Fund for Nature (WWF) named San Carlos City here as the 4th Most Lovable City in the World as a result of its online We Love Cities campaign. The We Love Cities campaign is an online initiative to raise awareness of the entries as well as give the public a chance to celebrate, vote for and suggest improvements for their home cities done from May 13 to June 26 this year. San Carlos City once again made this laudable triumph landing in the 4th spot among 47 competing cities in 20 countries all over the world, a release from San Carlos City Information Office said. Engr. Loreto Sanchez, Supervising Environmental Specialist and head of City Environment Management Office said that it was a big honor for San Carlos City to be included in the top 5 considering it was a global competition. ―San Carlos City must continue and sustain its good environmental practices so the next time it is invited to join, it will have a better chance at winning since said campaign is already a yearly competition,‖ Sanchez added. Engr. Arthur Batomalaque, Environmental Management Specialist II of CEMO also said the city is a first-timer at said contest while Indonesia which
bagged the first three major places was already an old contender. According to WWF-Philippines, the country’s representatives put up a good fight since the other two representatives Santa Rosa in Laguna also got the 5th place while Makati City at 19th among the 47 cities all over the world. Major winners as Most Lovable Cities in the World include Bogor City of Indonesia which won by a landslide, followed by its two other representatives Balikpapan City being 2nd, and Jakarta City as third. Five years ago, San Carlos City was also hailed 2nd Most Livable City in the World at Songpa, South Korea during the 2011 International Awards for Livable Communities. *(JCM/EAD-PIA6 Negros Occidental)
PPA-7 strengthens rehab programs for criminal offenders Hazel F. Gloria CEBU CITY, 13 July (PIA) – The Parole and Probation Administration (PPA-7) under the Department of Justice (DOJ) is strengthening their rehabilitation programs for criminal offenders. DOJ PPA-7 Assistant Regional Director Rosana Solite said during the Association of Government Information Officers – Philippine Information Agency (AGIO-PIA) said they are fortifying their programs on therapeutic community, restorative justice, and volunteerism. There are currently 4,000 clients who seek PPA’s assistance here for probationary action. ―PPA is the least known agency in our country because we are dealing with criminal offenders. Our agency is more on the restorative justice not in the retributive justice,‖ said Solite. Therapeutic Community is a treatment environment where members interact with each other within the context of the norms that require for each to play the dual role of client-therapist. On the other hand, restorative justice restores
relations after the crime has been committed between the offender and the victims through dialogue, encounters, and conferences. Volunteerism is a program aimed at generating maximum, effective and efficient citizen participation and community involvement in the process of client rehabilitation, prevention of crime and the overall administration of criminal justice. Solite said volunteerism is to mobilize the community thru the volunteer assistance to help in the reformation and rehabilitation of the offenders. Believing that criminal offenders should be given a second chance, PPA is mandated to help rehabilitate offenders. ―We believe that a person has a dignity, has a divine destiny and the offenders should be treated positively,‖ she explained. Mostly of the PPA officials are undertaking missionary work in order to uplift the lives of criminal offenders and become more productive members of the society. (rmn/ hfg/PIA-7/AGIO-7 Forum)
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WESTERN VISAYAS
WV tourism should meet ASEAN standards Typhoon “Ondoy”. Photo Photo by by skinnyjello.files.wordpress.com skinnyjello.files.wordpress.com
By Leonard T. Pineda I
ILOILO CITY, July 14 (PIA6) --- The Department of Tourism (DOT)-6 said that tourism destinations and stakeholders in Western Visayas must project ASEAN-standard services and products to be at par with the international market.
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elen Catalbas, DOT-6 regional director, said the tourism regional office here is doing its best to create tourism awareness and participation at the grassroots level and adapt and integrate new ideas and trends through trainings and seminars. ―In Western Visayas, we ensure that tourism stakeholders and destinations meet the standard that makes our region in the local, domestic and international tourist markets,‖ she said. She said the agency will focus on local grassroots level tourism and exert more efforts to upgrade services and products in developing tourism destinations. DOT-6 also rolled out programs, projects
and activities (PPAs) the agency will be initiating, conducting, assisting and implementing from July to September 2016. ―We are full for the first 100 days of the Duterte administration‖, she said. The events for the first three months include financial assistance to tourism-related activities and assistance to multiple familiarization tours of international and local groups in Boracay Island and Negros Occidental. Activities will also include cruise ship arrivals, training and seminars for eco-guides, port authorities, local tour operators, tourism officers, police and community-based groups, participation in various international business missions, national travel fairs and exhibits and
ongoing accreditation/survey campaigns. ―All tourism programs, projects and activities are meant to promote tourism as a medium for a strong regional economy and raise the quality of life of the people in the Western Visayas countryside community‖ Catalbas stressed. She emphasized that DOT-6 ensures that Aklan, Antique, Capiz, Guimaras, Iloilo and Negros Occidental be equitably promoted on the basis of attractions, facilities and services available. She added that each province is unique and urged local government tourism offices to highlight these assets when promoting their respective areas. (JCM/LTP/ PIA-Iloilo)
Change needed to make communities resilient By Jaime S. Cabag, Jr. ILOILO CITY, July 13 (PIA6) -- Office of Civil Defense Director Rosario T. Cabrera rallied the people of Concepcion to join hands with the government to work toward safe, adaptive and resilient communities anchored on a change in perspective and consciousness in coping with disasters.
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his change was already started with the implementation of Republic Act No. 10121 or the Philippine Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Act of 2010, according to Cabrera in her message at the Disaster Preparedness and Response Information, Education and Communication (IEC) Caravan held July 12 in Concepcion, Iloilo. The new law veers has shifted efforts from disaster response and relief to disaster risk reduction and management and from a reactive posture to a proactive one, said Cabrera. She also enjoined Local Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Councils and Municipal DRRM Officers to look back and devise strategies and plans in order to craft a better chemistry of resiliency among communities. Likewise, the OCD official Disaster
reiterated that preparedness is everybody’s responsibility – my responsibility, your responsibility, our responsibility. The caravan kicked off a series of advocacy activities which will be organized in the region by the Department of the Interior and Local Government in its capacity as head of the Disaster Preparedness Committee of the Regional Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (RDRRMC). The council is chaired by OCD Director Cabrera. DILG Iloilo Provincial Director Teodora Sumagaysay said the IEC caravan was conceived to spread the key messages of disaster preparedness and response in the light of the potential hazards resulting from the La Nina phenomenon. According to PAGASA, the country’s weather bureau, La Nina is expected in the second half of this year, as suggested by climate
models the agency has mentioned in earlier reports. Sumagaysay also thanked the local government unit of Concepcion for hosting the initial IEC caravan, which also served as one of the highlights of this year’s National Disaster Consciousness Month in the region. The caravan focused on the potential hazards in a La Nina episode and the preparations that should be made by communities as presented by the member-agencies of the RDRRMC disaster preparedness committee. On hand to welcome the IEC caravan team was Concepcion Vice Mayor Rainier N. Balida in behalf of Mayor Milliard Villanueva. The caravan was attended by other local officials, barangay chairmen, local government employees, students, and other sectoral representatives. (JCM/JSC/PIA6)
COMELEC-Aklan braces for barangay, SK polls By Venus G. Villanueva KALIBO, Aklan, July 14 (PIA6) – The Commission on Elections (COMELEC) here confirmed the conduct of the Barangay and Sangguniang Kabataan (SK) elections October 31 of this year and that voters registration for those interested to participate in this electoral activity has been set from July 15 to 31 at various municipal and election offices in the province.
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n a recent interview over a local radio station here, COMELEC-Aklan Information Officer Chrispin Raymund Gerardo said the Barangay and SK elections will be held October 31, 2016, which falls on the last Monday of October, as stipulated by law. Qualified to register for the SK elections are individuals with ages ranging from 15 to 30
years old, according to Gerardo, but only those with ages from 18 to 24 can run for SK chairman and 7 Kagawads. This, according to Gerardo, is based on Republic Act 10742. Those with ages from 15 to 17 are not qualified to run. Gerardo advised those planning to register to bring their birth certificates in
order to have accurate references regarding spelling of their names and other needed information. He assured the public that COMELEC-Aklan is ready for the scheduled voters’ registration. The scheduled Barangay and SK elections, according to him, will be conducted manually. (JCM/VGV PIA6 Aklan)
WESTERN VISAYAS
Typhoon “Yolanda” Photo Photo by by skinnyjello.files.wordpress.com skinnyjello.files.wordpress.com
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Illegal wildlife trade in WV not rampant By Elsa S. Subong
ILOILO CITY, July 13 (PIA6) — There is very low incidence of illegal wildlife trading in Western Visayas, according to the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR).
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he Conservation and Development Division of the DENR-6 said that there were 23 animals on record, released back to their wild habitats, three were turned over for custody to Racso’s Wildlife Farm in Guimbal while one is still with PENRO -Guimaras. Racso’s is a DENR-accredited animal rescue center. The 27 animals represented 11 species, namely, Asian box turtle, Reticulated python, Palm civit, Philippine sailfin lizard, Bhraminy kite, Red-footed booby, Brown-footed booby, King cobra, Malay monitor lizard, Grass owl and Common flying lizard. DENR Regional Director Jim Sampulna said the low record of releases showed that
people, especially in the uplands have become highly aware of the prohibition. ―This is so because of the massive information, education and communication campaigns we have conducted in areas where illegal wildlife trading is rampant,‖ sampulna said. ―Western Visayas shares the country’s rich natural resources and we all must be protective of these,‖ Sampulna also said. He added that in Central Panay mountains alone, wild flora and fauna are still flourishing despite being already fragmented. Sampulna further said that the forest rangers, forest protection and extension officers, deputized wildlife enforcement officers, Bantay Dagat and Bantay Gubat patrol teams and the LGUs forged a collective action
in monitoring and enforcing environmental laws. ―This gave a strong warning to violators and somehow deterred them from engaging in illegal wildlife trading,‖ Sampulna said. Sampulna, likewise, said that there is a strong link between protecting and conserving wildlife and combating the effects of climate change. Meanwhile, Dr. Emelyn Peñaranda of the DENR-Conservation and Development Division, said the Philippine is the most diverse among the mega-diverse countries in the world. ―But we are also the hottest among the hotspot countries and there lies the need to be really vigilant about illegal wildlife trade,‖ Peñaranda said. (JCM/ESS/PIA-Iloilo)
Antique to launch filariasis campaign By Vicente W. Villavert SAN JOSE, Antique, July 14 (PIA6) - - The filariasis prevention program of the Department of Health is gaining ground for the mass drug administration activity in the province set to be conducted on July 18, 2016.
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Four schools in the province will serve as launching sites for the mass drug administration on in San Jose,‖ said Provincial Health Office Information Officer Irene Dulduco during the PIA Radio program. These schools are Delegate Angel Salazar Jr. Memorial School, Atabay Elementary School, San Pedro Barangay High School on July 18 and Antique National School on July 19. Dulduco said that government employees will also join in the mass drug administration after the flag raising program at the EBJ Freedom Park in San Jose.
Filariasis is a parasitic disease caused by a thread-like round worms and is transmitted from host to host by mosquitoes. The disease is also known as elephantiasis, a painful and disfiguring disease causing disability or irreversible deformities in humans. ―The disease can cause severe swelling in arms, legs and genitals,‖ Dulduco said as she emphasized that anyone should not wait these deformities to happen, but seek early prevention. The drug to be administered during the synchronized mass drug administration all
throughout the province, is Albendazole and Diethylcarbamazine citrate or DEC. Dulduco said that six years ago, nine towns in the province were affected by Filariasis. These towns are: Laua-an, Bugasong, Culasi, Sibalom, San Remegio, Valderrama, Belison, and Patnongon. Some 17 cases of genital swelling were recorded from the municipalities of San Remegio, Patnongon and Valderrama; while 10 cases for elephantiasis were from Laua-an, Bugasong, Culasi, Sibalom, and Belison. The health department is giving free medicines to stop the spread of the disease. (JCM/VWV/PIA Antique)
Roxas City mulls 24/7 Action Center By Alex A. Lumaque ROXAS CITY, Capiz, July 14 (PIA6) – A round-the-clock operation Action Center will be established by the Roxas City government at the City Hall here to accommodate public and emergency concerns that need immediate and appropriate actions.
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his was disclosed by Roxas City Mayor Angel Alan Celino during a Peace and Order Council meeting July 11 as he stressed that the center will be equipped with a three to four digit hotline number that is accessible to the public to facilitate faster response time for authorities like policemen, firemen and volunteer groups to respond during emergency situations. ―It will also accommodate complaints against the administration,‖ he noted, adding that he will read all the complaints everyday for reference and proper action of the local
government unit and other concerned national government agencies The chief city executive has coordinated with Roxas City Council Committee on Police, Fire and Peace and Order chairperson lawyer Powell Del Rosario regarding the assignment of personnel to man the center in accepting telephone as well as radio communication calls and in assisting walk-in clients. The center, located at the ground floor near the stairway of the City Hall, will closely work with the Roxas City Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office which boasts of its newly organized volunteers
dubbed Roxas City Emergency Response Team (RCERT). Celino also said that the center will make use of the members of the city’s tricycle operators and drivers association as informants and network of information aside from the Traffic Management Unit and the law enforcement auxiliary group Bantay Bayan, among others. The initiative, generally aimed to improve government services delivery, will be patterned on the 911 emergency response system of Davao City and other cities in the country. (JCM/AAL/PIA6 Capiz)
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CENTRAL VISAYAS
BSP advises OFWs to register old banknotes online Typhoon “Ondoy”. Photo Photo by by skinnyjello.files.wordpress.com skinnyjello.files.wordpress.com
By Jennifer C. Tilos
NEGROS ORIENTAL, July 10 (PIA) -- Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) Dumaguete Branch has called on the public with relatives abroad or overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) who failed to exchange their old banknotes that they are given an extension to register at BSP website starting October 1 this year.
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conomic and financial learning center manager Dr. Greg Baccay of BSP issued the reiteration during the stakeholders’ recognition on its 23rd anniversary celebration Thursday, saying that they have given OFWs more time to change their demonetized old bills with new banknotes. The registered new design series (NDS) banknotes at www.bsp.gov.ph shall be submitted for exchange with new generation currency (NGC) bills within one year from date of registration at any BSP Office, said Baccay. Under BSP Circular 910, OFWs who are
currently living abroad and cannot come home soon may register their old bills on the BSP website. It is said from January 1, 2016 until December 31, 2016, the NDS banknotes can no longer be used in day-to-day transactions to pay for goods and services. However, Baccay said the public can still exchange the old bills to NGC through any banks including BSP as they are still required to accept until the end of this year. By January 1, 2017, old banknotes shall cease to be a liability of the BSP and will no longer bear any monetary value.
Meanwhile, Baccay said the local BSP held the stakeholders recognition to give appreciation or acknowledge partner agencies which help BSP’s mandated programs, advocacies, and projects. BSP also coordinated with DSWD for the conduct of financial literacy forum during the family development sessions (FDS) with Pantawid Pamilya beneficiaries in the hinterland barangays. DSWD-NIR OIC Director Shalaine Lucero said the Pantawid recipients learned the value of money as a result of BSP’s advocacy that created also awareness on how to budget and save. (rmn/jct/PIA7 -Negros Oriental)
Over 3T drug pushers, users in NegOr surrender Jennifer C. Tilos NEGROS ORIENTAL, July 10 (PIA) – A total of 3,331 drug pushers and users as of July 8 have voluntarily surrendered to police authorities in different municipalities and cities in the province.
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ccording Police Senior Supt. Harris Fama of Negros Oriental Provincial Police Office (NORPPO), the campaign is part of intensified government crackdown against illegal drug problem in the country dubbed Project TokHang (Toktok-Hangyo). TokHang is part of Oplan Double Barrel aligned with the objective of President Rodrigo Duterte on anti-drug campaign aimed at drug pushers, users, and protectors of illegal drugs to curb and stop their illicit activities, said Col. Fama. ―However, the first approach is to have the list and validation of the suspects and reach out to them by communicating and explain for them to voluntarily surrender,‖ Fama explained. Under TokHang (knock and talk or negotiate),
law enforcers also convince drug personalities to never be involved again in the illegal drug trade. Fama said the next line of attack is the police operation where a search warrant will be served and a buy-bust operation will be done. However, the police director issued a warning against vigilante groups claiming that they help law enforcers on the anti-illegal drugs operation. ―We will not allow the vigilantes groups to have their own operation, the possibility that they may just shoot the pusher, the public should be alarmed on this and report to the authorities for we have to arrest them,‖ warned Fama. ―This already happening in one of the cities
here, we arrested four persons in the check point bringing weapons and their mission to shoot the drug pushers and and I am very confident that vigilante group is existing," said Fama. Of over 3,000 drug pushers and users voluntarily surrendered in the province, these include the following cities and municipalities: Canlaon City, 22; Vallehermoso, 75; Guihulngan City, 576; La Libertad, 57; Jimalalud, 70; Tayasan, 96; Ayungon, 64; Bindoy, 39; Manjuyod, 26; Mabinay, 70; Bais City, 171; Tanjay City, 376; Pamplona, 20; Amlan, 203; San Jose, 237; Sibulan, 576; Dumaguete City, 56; Valencia, 23; Bacong, 12; Dauin, 154; Zamboanguita, 64; Siaton, 66; Sta. Catalina, 73; Bayawan City, 140; and Basay, 58. (rmn/jct/ PIA7-NegrosOriental)
DOST Junior Level Science Scholarship now available Rizalie Anding Calibo SIQUIJOR, July 12 (PIA) -- The Department of Science and Technology (DOST) here announced the availability of scholarship slots for regular third year college students who are enrolled in priority science and technology (S&T) courses and who are willing to teach in the secondary schools in the country thru the DOST Junior Level Science Scholarships (JLSS).
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o qualify, one must be Filipino citizen, a regular third year college students who are enrolled in identified priority S&T courses in any state college or private college, has a general weighted average of at least 83% (or its equivalent) in his/her first and second years in college, qualify in the JLSS written examination, and agrees to teach in the secondary level of basic education in public or private high school as their return of service (ROS), among other requirements. Applicants should be enrolled in CHED-compliant science and technology priority courses, the list of which can be obtained from DOST. Required documents to submit are accomplished JLSS information sheet (Form A), accomplished certification regarding course and year level (Form B), accomplished Return of Service (ROS) Conditions (Form C), Birth Certificate and Official Transcript of Records or Certified True Copy Grades (of first year and second year).
The application form can be obtained at the DOST Siquijor Provincial Science and Technology Center (DOST Siquijor PSTC) and can be downloaded at this website: www.science-scholarships.ph. Accomplished application forms and the required documents should be submitted also in DOST Siquijor PSTC on or before September 9, 2016. Date of examination is on October 16, 2016. Privileges of a DOST JLSS qualifier include: tuition and other school fees not to exceed P10,00/ semester or P8,000/trimester/term; P5,000 book allowance/semester; monthly allowance of P5,000 (P5,000 for those who take BS-Physics, Applied Physics, Physics Teaching, Geology, Mining Engineering, Agriculture, and Fisheries); and group insurance coverage of P200,000. After graduation, when the DOST scholar-graduate has been hired by the Department of Education (DEPED) or private school, he/she will be employed with a position equivalent to Special Science Teacher I in the Philippine Science High
School. He/she will be given priority for job placement in high school in the country and will also receive a one-time relocation allowance should he/she be assigned in a place other than his/her permanent residence. He/she will be provided scholarship in identified teacher education institutes for Science and education Courses and be allowed to teach even without Licensure Examination for Teachers (LET) eligibility but to pass the LET within five years from date of hiring. The JLSS is governed by Republic Act 10612, dubbed as ―Fast-Tracked Science and Technology Scholarship Act of 2013‖ which aims to strengthen the country’s science and technology education by fast-tracking graduates in Sciences, Mathematics and Engineering who shall teach science and mathematics in secondary schools throughout country. (rmn/rac/PIA7 -Siquijor/Engr. Reinhold Jek Y. Abing, DOST-Siquijor)
CENTRAL VISAYAS
Typhoon “Yolanda” Photo Photo by by skinnyjello.files.wordpress.com skinnyjello.files.wordpress.com
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Siquijor officials push ICT use to improve services Rizalie Anding Calibo
SIQUIJOR, July 12 (PIA) - - Local officials here are pushing for the use of Information Communications Technology (ICT) in the barangay levels for fast and efficient delivery of services to their constituents.
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his was raised during the training on Barangay e-Systems and Tools (BeST) conducted by the Department of Science and Technology (DOST) and the Central Visayas Information Systems and Network (CVISNET) for officials and staff of selected barangays in the municipality of Siquijor. In each message, former Siquijor mayor and newly elected Vice-Governor Mei Ling Quezon and Provincial Administrator Pedro Samson urged the participants to embrace change and adopt to technological advances, specifically by utilizing ICT to fast track and efficiently conduct or perform services in the barangay level. Quezon said that BeST could be used as starting point in the implementation of ICT in the
governance. Punong barangay of Poblacion, Siquijor Dr. Peck Cortes also gave positive insights and feedback on the use of the Barangay e-Systems and Tools. He said that BeST has been instrumental in the crafting and implementation of certain projects in the barangay. Barangay Poblacion of Siquijor became a recipient of the Grant-in-Aid Program from DOST for the project "Harnessing the ICT Capability of Barangay Poblacion, Siquijor, Siquijor for Empowerment and Transformation". One of the components of the GIA Project is the promotion BeST and training personnel from other barangays on the operation of BeST. Provincial Science and Technology Director
Engr. Mario de la Peña urged the participants to adopt the system in their respective barangays and use Barangay Poblacion as reference. BeST is a project initiated by the Central Visayas Information Sharing Network Foundation Inc., (CVISNET) to provide the community with solutions for planning, monitoring and document generation for the barangay. This includes a computerized record keeping system that manages the residents' information, judicial information and permit generation in the barangay. BeST also allows integration of the barangays data accessible at the municipal level. (rmn/rac/ PIA7-Siquijor/Engr. Reinhold Jek Y. Abing, DOST -Siquijor)
DOST gives P1.4M to SETUP, GIA beneficiaries Rizalie Anding Calibo SIQUIJOR, July 12 (PIA) - - A total of PhP1, 401,511 was turned over recently by the Department of Science and Technology (DOST) Siquijor to various Small Enterprise Technology Upgrading Program (SETUP) and Grant-in-Aid beneficiaries.
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he turn over ceremony held at the DOST Siquijor Provincial Science and Technology Center was spearheaded by Provincial Science and Technology Director Engr. Mario de la Peña and witnessed by DOST Siquijor staff. Elena's Bakery and Pasalubong Center of Enrique Villanueva, Siquijor through its proprietor Elena Ibera received the check worth P300,000 while Manager of Larena Triad Coffee Shop Mariecar Masayon received P600,000 and proprietor Ernesto Balababa II of Dongon N Balababa Enterprises, P156,628. With the aim of he lping these beneficiaries become more competitive, DOST Siquijor conducted technology needs assessment.
Technology upgrading in terms of processing equipment was recommended. With the turned over amount, the beneficiaries can now purchase the recommended processing equipment stipulated on the notarized MOAs. For 36 months, the SETUP beneficiaries will pay the financial assistance without interest. On another development, Brgy Poblacion of Siquijor, Siquijor and San Antonio Women's Association for Better Environment (SWABE) received PhP 258, 000 and P86,883, respectively. The beneficiaries were reminded to spend the money based on the approved Line Item Budgets of the respective MOAs. Prior to the turnover of checks, DOST
Siquijor and the beneficiaries signed a Memorandum of Agreement for the corresponding SETUP and GIA projects in March 2016. In an interview, Provincial S&T Dir. Engr. Mario de la Peña is optimistic that these SETUP projects could bring additional employment and/or revenue while the GIA projects result positive development to beneficiaries. The Small Enterprise Technology Upgrading Program (SETUP) is one of the core programs of DOST which aims to capacitate the MSMEs to be more competitive and productive while the Grant-in-Aid Program provides grants for the implementation of programs/projects identified in the current S&T priorities. (rmn/rac/PIA7-Siquijor/Engr. Reinhold Jek Y. Abing, DOST-Siquijor)
Dumaguete City council sets activities for nutri month Roi Anthoni B. Lomotan DUMAGUETE CITY, July 12 (PIA) – The City Nutrition Council here has lined up a series of activities in observance of Nutrition Month this July.
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his year, the celebration of Nutrition Month aims to create more awareness on the importance of proper infant and young child feeding practices, particularly exclusive breastfeeding for the first 6 months and giving appropriate complementary food after six months while continuing breastfeeding through its theme ―First 1000 Days ni baby pahalagahan para sa malusog na kinabukasan.‖ To further promote this advocacy in the city, City Nutrition Officer Lourdes Taburaza said part of their programs for the celebration of Nutrition Month is the conduct of three nutrition caravans in selected elementary schools in the city. The first caravan was held on July 7 at the West City Elementary School while the two other caravans will be held today and on July 14 at West City Elementary School and Calindagan Elementary
School, respectively. ―We invite our mothers, would be mothers, breastfeeding females and pregnant women to attend so they will be taught on the importance of first 1,000 days of the baby,‖ she said. On July 18, there will be a Nutrition Quiz bowl which will held at Silliman University-Nutrition and Dietetics Department. Taburaza disclosed that participants of this contest are the mothers who joined the caravan. She explained that two mothers will be selected in each caravan and they will participate in the quiz bowl. On July 28, the City Nutrition Council will organize a food fair, inter-barangay complementary food cooking contest, inter-barangay booth contest and Buntis Pageant, and a nutrition clinic.
Aside from this, the council will also spearhead different contests this July which include ―Well Baby Contest‖ also sponsored by the City Health Office on July 22 at Robinson’s Place Dumaguete and other contests such as Day Care Nutrition Corner contest, Day Care School Garden Contest, Barangay Nutrition Scholar and Cooperator Home Gardening Contest and Sustainability Garden Contest. Moreover, Taburaza also announced that they will conduct a forum arthritis prevention, control and nutritional management for City Hall employees. With this, Taburaza appealed to the public to be nutrition advocates. ―Let’s be advocates on nutrition not only in our families but also to our co-workers and to our community,‖ she added. (rmn/ral/PIA7-Negros Oriental)
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EASTERN VISAYAS
Language assessment for grades 3 and 7 up Typhoon “Ondoy”. Photo Photo by by skinnyjello.files.wordpress.com skinnyjello.files.wordpress.com
Teresita B. Cardenas
CATARMAN, Northern Samar, July 12 (PIA) - The Department of Education (DepEd) Northern Samar Division will administer Language Assessment for Primary Grades (LAPG) and National Achievement Test (NAT)in all public and private schools for grade 3 on July 13 and for grade 7 on July 15, respectively.
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ccording to Mr. Julito Lagrimas, education program supervisor, the activity aims to evaluate the effectiveness of the mother tongue-based multilingual education instruction across 19 languages and establish mother-tongue language development across Philippines languages in the context of the MTB-LME
program implementation. The assessment will also compare the performance of grade three learners on English and Filipino essential skills and correlate language development across early grades reading assessment (EGRA), early grades mathematics assessment (EGMA) and language literacy, he said. The essential skills coverage includes book
and print knowledge, alphabet knowledge, vocabulary, phonics and word reading, spelling, grammar, reading comprehension, study skills, listening comprehension, computation (math), attitude towards reading, phonological awareness, fluency, oral language, hand writing, and composing, he concluded. (ajc/tcardenas/ PIA-Catarman)
3-Child Policy seen to boost FP programs Samuel D. Candido TACLOBAN CITY, LEYTE, July 11(PIA) – ―We will certainly support President Rodrigo Duterte’s program on family planning particularly his ―three child policy‖ if indeed it will be mandated.‖
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o said POPCOM Deputy Executive Director, Rosalinda Marcelino during the open forum today, on the launching of the Sixth State of the Philippine Population Report (SPPR6), Leyte Provincial Capitol. Marcelino flew to the city to deliver the keynote address and meet the population program stakeholders in the region. Foremost she shared information on the status of maternal health in the country and the world. According to her, 800 women around the world die everyday from pregnancy and childbirth-related complications, and, across the country, latest WHO data (2013) reveal of 120 maternal deaths per 100,000 live birth, while DOH-facility based data tell of 67 maternal deaths per 100,000 live births. To her, such statistical data is challenging
that needs further and more in depth research. She added that maternal deaths is an indication of the health system in a country particularly the developing ones. Among others, direct causes of mothers dying from childbirth account from haemorrhage, hypertension, infections, vascular accident and pre-eclampsia. This can be prevented with the establishments of health-facilities in areas that are accessible to people from far-flung barangays. It is also considerable that some mothers decide late in seeking quality health care, specially when there are other children to care in the home in her absence in addition to the financial constraint that they have to deal with. ―Thus, this poses a challenge to local
government units whose constituents’ health largely depend upon‖, she pointed out. With the new administration, POPCOM is hopeful that their programs gearing toward healthy family living with healthy mothers will be realized. Mrs. Marcelino who is retiring from government service on July 15, stressed that, mothers health should be a concern of all, because it is bad for a baby to loss her mother, and greatly, a problem to a father whose sole responsibility of child-rearing may rest in him. Better yet, she said, the three-child policy could better spell mothers' health, improved living condition and better economy. In closing, she quoted UN Secretary General Ban Ki-Moon’s quote that ―No woman should die while giving life‖.(PIA-08)
Ignore text scams, NTC tells public Marcelo M. Pedalino MAASIN CITY, Southern Leyte, July 12 (PIA) -- To avoid being fooled and victimized by messages texted from unfamiliar numbers, the National Telecommunications Commission (NTC) advised to just let it pass.
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Do not reply,‖ Teresita Seno, the NTC officer in the province, emphasized during the dydm Kapihan sa PIA live Friday. Seno explained that text scams usually come from the normal 11-digit cellphone numbers telling the receiver any of the three scenarios: winning a huge sum or an expensive item in an electronic raffle draw, requesting for a load supposedly mis-sent to be sent back, or an emergency life and death situation of a relative in a disaster area or accident. She shared that she almost became a victim in the first instance, when she tried to engage the texter out of sheer curiosity, in which she was informed of winning an
Avanza vehicle in Mandaue, Cebu. Luckily for her, her husband was in Cebu, and the two worked together purportedly in the process to claim the ―prize‖ -- only to realize after so many careful background check that the ―company‖ was non -existent. The caller/texter was not heard again, probably sensing he was set up. Had she ignored it offhand, the ―deal‖ will not reach the almost finish stage, although she acted more of a willing victim than an innocent one, Seno qualified. The second scenario on share or pass a load would have the sender ask the receiver to follow some instructions and if followed, one’s
electronic load would be slashed, probably without one knowing it. The third scenario on emergencies may cause the receiver to panic and do what was instructed at once, but Seno cautioned this must be carefully validated first for credibility and accuracy. She cited an actual case of a neighbor who was informed her daughter met an accident and money was needed immediately for blood transfusion. The concerned mother, near tears, borrowed money from her, but skeptic on the story she tried to verify, and found out that her daughter was, in fact, in the office at that very moment. (mmp, PIA8-Southern Leyte)
EASTERN VISAYAS
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Samar population reaches 780,000 in 2015 Ninfa B Quirante
CATBALOGAN CITY, Samar, July 5 (PIA) — Samar population has now reached 780, 481 in August 1, 2015. This is higher by 47,104 or 6.4 percent higher than the census count in May 2010 when Samarnons numbered 733, 377.
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his is according to the Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA) based on the 2015 Census of Population (Popcen 2015), this was declared official by then President Bengino Aquino lll under Proclamation Number 1269 dated 18 May 2016. The report added that population growth slowed down as the annual population growth posted 1.19 percent during the period 2010 to 2015. In 2000-2010 the population growth was
1.35. Of the 24 municipalities and two cities, Calbayog City registered the biggest population at 183,851 or 23 percent of the total population. Matuginao registered the smallest increase at 0.9 percent or 7, 288 population. Aside from Calbayog, the top five most populous city/municipality are: Catbalogan with 103,879; Basey with 55, 480; Daram with 42, 879 and Sta Rita with
41, 591. The least populous municipalities are: Matuginao with 7, 288; San Jose de Buan with 7, 769; Pagsanghan 7, 945, Talalora with 8,057 and San Sebastian with 8, 057. Samar province accounted for about 17.6 percent of the 4.4 M total population. The province ranked second among the six provinces with high population count. (PIA8 -Samar with PSA report)
Employee in buy-bust not neglected -- DPWH TACLOBAN CITY, LEYTE, July 11 (PIA) – He was not left alone, in fact we extended help, but despite it, he still opted to proceed with his illicit practice.
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hus said DPWH Southern Leyte District Engineer, Ma. Margarita C. Junia in a report received by PIA. DPWH-SLDEO referred to the recent arrest of one Roel Adobas, 45, a permanent employee as heavy equipment operator who was recently nabbed in a buy-bust operation. DPWH-SLDEO did its best to help an employee prior to the recent arrest for illegal drugs trade, but the suspect opted not to abandon the illicit practice. Roel Adobas, 45, heavy equipment operator accepted the offer to submit himself to treatment and rehabilitation, but he only joined four weekly sessions for a period of seven months, the report added. ―In fact, Adobas was not one of the 23 employees who tested positive during our surprise drug test in August 2015. He did not show up in our general assembly, sensing that a drug test was to be conducted,‖ recalled District Engineer Ma. Margarita C. Junia. In a letter, the suspect confessed that he’s a drug dependent, prompting the DPWH field office to include him in the outpatient program of the Department of Health Treatment and
Rehabilitation Center (DOH-TRC) in Dulag, Leyte. ―Despite efforts to help him abandon illegal drugs, he always tested positive of drugs use in every random test that followed and he resorted to absenteeism, the report added. In a May 2016 progress report, the DOH-TRC categorized Adobas’ addiction as ―severe‖ and he’s not anymore fit to undergo the outpatient program. On July 6, operatives of the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA) and the Maasin City Police arrested Adobas in a buy-bust operation in Combado village, this city. A PDEA agent, who acted as pusher-buyer, purchased from the suspect two pieces of plastic sachet containing shabu, ending his comfort trade from then on. At present, Adobas is temporarily detained at the Maasin City police station jail, while, facing a case for violation of Republic Act 9165 of the Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act of 2002. Junia lauded President Rodrigo Duterte for ordering a crackdown of illegal drug
activities in the country. The district office has been pushing for a drug-free workplace. On August 17, 2015, 23 employees were found positive of illegal drugs use – 17 were on job order contracts and six were permanent employees. It was then, the first drug test initiated by a DPWH field office in the country. Junia initiated assistance in the recovery process of the workers who were found positive of the illegal drug, and gave them ―chances to change‖. However, only 16 of them opted to join the weekly outpatient service program (OPS) sessions which was done by DOH-TRC. Today, the district office requires all permanent employees to undergo a mandatory rehabilitation program while dismissed job order workers are given the option to go through the recovery process. The SLDEO provided a space at the SLDEO Area Equipment Service compound for the conduct of weekly session for drug users. The session, which started on October 2015, will conclude on August 2016, according to DOH-TRC.(PIA08/DPWH08)
481 drug users, pushers surrender to PNP Consuelo B. Alarcon CAMPETIC, Palo, Leyte, July 8(PIA) — The anti-drug campaign of the Philippine National Police in the region has encouraged more than 400 people allegedly involved in illegal drugs to voluntarily surrender to police authorities.
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his, as the Philippine National Police in Eastern Visayas intensifies its fight against illegal drugs through project ―Tokhang‖ and project ―High Value Target‖ (HVT). A copy of a press release from Police Regional Command 8 stated that the reported 271 users and 210 pushers have voluntarily surrendered to police from June 29 to July 3, 2016.
Newly assumed acting regional director police chief superintendent Elmer Cruz Beltejar said they will continue their operations against drug personalities as they joined hands with the barangay officials in carrying out a tough anti-drug program initiated by President Rodrigo Duterte. ―The PNP anti-drug campaign operations have no timeline and it will never stop until
said menace is totally eradicated in Region 8,‖ Beltejar said. Relative to this, police authorities urged the public to support the PNP in the campaign against illegal drugs and report immediately to the nearest police stations or through social media Facebook Page-Pulis ha RehiyonOtso or text 09173114794 or 09478907155. (ajc/PRO8)
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