Vol 6
In this Issue WESTERN VISAYAS
President Rodrigo Roa Duterte with the officers and men of the Philippine Army’s 3rd Infantry Division at Camp Macario Peralta, Jamindan, Capiz during his ―Talk to Troops‖ visit to one the country’s biggest Army camps, Aug. 5. (PIA6)
More on Region 6, pages 2-3. Also CLICK Here…
CENTRAL VISAYAS
August 1 - 7, 2016
Published by: PIA 6, 7 & 8
Issue 31
DOH adopts ASAP strategy vs. HIV-AIDS Rodrigo S. Victoria ORMOC CITY, Leyte, July 27 (PIA) – The health department in Eastern Visayas adopted a quick strategy in combating an increasing communicable disease through an acronym ASAP. Boyd Roderick S. Cerro, Sexually Transmitted Infection (STI)/Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV)/Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome (AIDS) program manager, Department of Health (DOH) in Eastern Visayas, presented the acronym which he believed is important in addressing the growing cases of HIV-AIDS in Region 8 in a forum on neglected tropical diseases held recently in Sabin Resort and Hotel in Ormoc City. Based on latest report from DOH 8, there are 253 HIV/AIDS cases in Region 8 from January, 1984 to July, 2015; 56 HIV/AIDS are confirmed cases seen as of July, 2015; and 20 deaths recorded. Out of the 56 confirmed cases, 52 or 53% are males; majority are males having sex with males and five have died, based on DOH 8 report. ASAP stands for A-awareness and advocacy; S-surveillance and strategic information; A-access to basic and comprehensive prevention services, testing, and treatment; and P-partnership in policies, programs, and projects. Cerro said that part of the ASAP strategy is to conduct massive awareness and advocacy campaign and create climate of awareness and compassion by informing and educating specific target groups and the whole population for behavior change; and to establish information systems and consultation and feedback
mechanisms. ―We have to reach out to the populace what’s hidden about the disease,‖ Cerro said adding that part of the ASAP strategy as a minimum response in risk areas is to establish local AIDS council in local government units, social hygiene clinics, conduct of preventive activities like advocacy and surveillance, and localized policies. Leadership in LGUs is also vital for the successful implementation of plans, programs, and projects geared toward addressing the problem on HIV/AIDS, Cerro said. He added that it is also important to establish an HIV/AIDS treatment hub in the region, organize a HIV/AIDS core teams in government hospitals, to have an empowered positive community and their networks, palliative community based and home based care mostly run by non-government organizations, and introduction of antiretroviral drugs. To increase the reach on males having sex with males, one of the most-at-risk and key affected population, is part of the fast action to do including taking the test and get the results; to increase condom use from 35% to 60%; and decrease self-medication of sexually transmitted infections, he further said. ―If we do nothing, HIV is a problem that will not go away. We have to do something, everyone can do something,‖ the STI/HIV/AIDS regional program manager shared to the participants of the two-day activity initiated by DOH. (rvictoria/PIA Biliran)
PRRD assures education of soldiers' kids Jemin B. Guillermo
Presidential Assistant for the Visayas Michael Lloyd Diño answering questions during press conference held August 5 at the Adjutant Room, Centcom, Camp Lapu-lapu, Lahug, Cebu City before the arrival of President Rodrigo Roa Duterte. (vvv/PIA Cebu)
More on Region 7, pages 4-5. Also CLICK Here…
EASTERN VISAYAS
ROXAS CITY, Capiz, Aug. 6 (PIA6) - Soldiers' family welfare is one priority thrust of President Rodrigo Roa Duterte. During his visit to the 3rd Infantry Division, Philippine Army, Camp Macario Peralta in Jamindan, Capiz, August 5, President Duterte assured the soldiers that he is working for the education of their children. He said that free education from kinder to high school will be afforded to the children of the government Army troops and college scholarship will be granted to deserving students. ―The nearest schools will be built to your nearest residence for your children,‖ the President said. President Duterte is also planning for the employment and productivity of those who suffered permanent disability while in the performance of their duties. He also assured the government troops of his full support if ever they are in the performance all the orders directed upon them by their commanders. ―I will see to it that no one is put in prison for just doing your duty,‖ he said, emphasizing that he will defend them. He also ordered that a space be provided inside the camp for the rehabilitation of drug addicts. The President vowed that there will be no let-up until all the drug apparatus are destroyed in order that the people will be free and comfortable. Officers and ordinary soldiers of the 3rd Infantry Division, Philippine Army are grateful to President Rodrigo Roa Duterte for his visit to Camp Macario Peralta in Jamindan, Capiz, August 5. According to Col. Leonardo Peña, the visit of Pres. Duterte to the government troop here was a big moral boost to them. He said that the President’s assurance of his full support to
the soldiers is a manifestation that he is really a father who cared for his children. President Duterte is the first president of the Philippines to visit the 3ID Camp here which is the 3rd largest Army camp in the country. Before the President addressed the troops, there was a situation briefing to him by top Army officials led by 3ID Commander Maj. General Harold Cabreros and Western Visayas Police Regional Director Jose Ginteles. Capiz officials led by Governor Antonio Del Rosario, Vice Governor Esteban Contreras and Roxas City Mayor Angel Alan Celino welcomed the President upon his arrival at the Roxas City airport. (JCM/JBG/PIA6)
President Rodrigo Roa Duterte addresses the troops at Camp Macario Peralta in Jamindan, Capiz during his visit to the headquarters of the 3rd Infantry Division of the Philippine Army, Aug. 5. It was the first visit by a President of the Philippine Republic to the camp. (PIA6)
CV police on ‘high morale’ in illegal drugs war Fayette C. Riñen
Press conference at Police Regional Office 8 CEBU, Aug. 4 (PIA) – With a marching order to go head-on with PCSupt Elmer Cruz Beltajar re police encounter with the Espinosa drug group in in the battle against illegal drugs, policemen in Central Visayas possess ―high morale‖ with the support of no less than President Albuera, Leyte, August 4. (PIA 8) Duterte and the chief of the Philippine National Police. Chief Supt. Noli Taliño, regional director of the Police Regional Office (PRO-7), said policemen are more motivated now to take action against drug personalities knowing that the war against illegal drugs is a top priority of the commander-in-chief. Taliño said this is unlike before when policemen were a bit hesitant in an all-out war amid the risk of being sued. The PRO-7 chief also lauded the support of some businessmen and private individuals in Cebu who are willing to provide assistance including giving reward system to the police who can nab high-profile drug personalities. More on Region 8, pages 6-7. ―We have inked a MOA (Memorandum of Agreement) with some retired judges and fiscals who have volunteered to provide Also CLICK Here... legal aid to police personnel who might be sued in the war against
illegal drugs,‖ said Taliño. But Taliño said that even without a reward system, the police would continue to do their job adding that the fight against illegal drugs need the total support of the local government units. According to Taliño, part of the priority actions taken by the PRO-7 is the internal cleansing within the institution. ―We already have a list of personnel who are perceived to be drug protectors and we are now validating them,‖ claimed the PRO -7 director. Meanwhile, Taliño welcomed the support of the Cebu Archdiocese which committed to open their church to those who surrendered and help them reform. He also extolled the support of the Technical Education and Skills Authority (TESDA-7) by promising to provide skills training to those who surrendered for them to be ―employable.‖ (rmn/fcr/ PIA7)
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WESTERN VISAYAS
Campus writers briefed on FOI Leonard T. Pineda I ILOILO CITY, Aug. 3 (PIA6) --- Over 235 campus writers and editors were briefed on the executive order mandating Freedom of Information (FOI) in the executive branch signed recently by President Rodrigo Roa Duterte.
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n the Panay-Guimaras leg of the Campus Journalism Seminar-Workshop that kicked off August 3, as spearheaded by the Philippine Information Agency (PIA)-6, Atty. Ma. Janet Mesa, PIA-6 regional director, said that EO No.2 on FOI is a landmark order that would require all government offices under the executive branch to disclose details of their transactions. ―Public records shall include information required by laws, executive orders, rules, or regulations to be entered, kept, and made publicly available by a government office,‖ she said. The FOI is founded on the basis of Article 3, Section 7 of the Constitution which guarantees the right of the people to information on matters of public concern. Mesa said that the executive branch
recognized the urgent need to operationalize these Constitutional provisions. The EO will cover all government offices under the executive branch including departments, bureaus and instrumentalities. It will also be implemented in state-run firms, universities and colleges. The order will not cover Congress and the judiciary because of the doctrine of the separation of powers. She clarified, however, that access to information shall be denied when the information falls under any of the exception enshrined in the Constitution, existing law or jurisprudence. ―The DOJ (Department of Justice) and the OSG (Office of the Solicitor-General) were directed to prepare an inventory of such exception,‖ she said.
According to the EO, any person who requests access to information shall submit a written request to the government office concerned. The request shall state the name and contact information of the requesting party, provide valid proof of his identification or authorization, reasonably describe the information requested, and the reason for, or purpose of, the request of information. Government officials receiving the request are required to provide free ―reasonable assistance‖ to all requesting parties and shall respond to all requests that complied with all requirements within 15 working days. Based on the EO, officials who refuse to release information that do not fall within the exceptions may face administrative charges. (JCM/LTP/PIA-Iloilo)
DOE: Visayas grid stable in 3rd quarter Lorenzo O. Lambatin Jr. NEGROS OCC., Aug. 3 (PIA6) -- Power supply in the Visayas grid is expected to stabilize this third quarter of the year, Engr. Rey Maleza of the Department of Energy said.
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t the moment there is sufficient supply during daytime with additional power coming from solar plants but gets short during night time, he told PIA. Current supply demand peaks at 1,780 MW while power capacity reaches a maximum of 1,800MW. He said Visayas grid can stand on its own plants without additional power coming from
Luzon except during times when the need is big, usually in the evening. Power interruption that happens occasionally is either the result of repair of power plants or line faults due to, among others, dust and short from lines getting wet or lines misaligned by branches of trees. To address this, clearing operation to rid power lines of disturbances is a continuing activity.
He admits DOE encounters problems from people who do not allow their men to enter private properties to cut excess length of trees as the department continues to appeal for understanding. With the additional source of power from the testing commissioning of Palm Concepcion coal-fired power in Iloilo, he expects the Visayan grid capacity will further increase. (JCM/Lljr- PIA6)
CHED invites HEIs to avail of PCARI scholarships Leonard T. Pineda I ILOILO CITY, Aug. 5 (PIA6) --- The Commission on Higher Education (CHED)-6 is inviting faculty members of higher education institutions (HEIs) in Western Visayas to apply for scholarship grants under the Philippine-California Advanced Research Institutes (PCARI).
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n the scholarship forum spearheaded by CHED and PCARI held August 5 at the Iloilo Grand Hotel here, Dr. Rex Casiple, CHED-6 chief education program specialist, said that 200 slots are available nationwide for eligible applicants. ―The PCARI Project is a new approach specifically funded by the general appropriations act through CHED, to enhance the skills and expertise of faculty, students and staff of Philippine universities and colleges,‖ he said. This is through scholarships, training and research partnerships with top-notch research universities in California, USA, initially with the
University of California, San Francisco (UCSF) and the University of California, Berkeley (UCB) in the areas of health innovation and translational medicine (HITM) and in information infrastructure and development (IID). The PCARI is a government-funded 5-year project under CHED that taps into the expertise of foreign universities – UC Berkeley and UC San Francisco – to develop high-end research capabilities of Filipino scientists and researchers. Through the program’s Research Funding Agreement (RFA), eight projects will be funded and implemented by the
government. Scholars under this project will have an opportunity to interact with the world’s elite research universities. General qualifications are: Filipino citizen, not over 45 years of age, degree in relevant disciplines and research proposal aligned with PCARI priority areas. PCARI’s scholarship grants include degree programs (local/foreign) for master’s degree with thesis or project, full Ph.D. Program, sandwich programs for master’s and doctoral degrees, non-degree programs (local/foreign), and postdoctoral study award. (JSC/LTP/PIA6 Iloilo)
WESTERN VISAYAS
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Agencies take up 2020 cacao challenge By Elsa S. Subong ILOILO CITY, Aug. 3 (PIA6) — Western visayas is taking up the challenge to be a region to reckon with in the cacao industry and jey players are supporting this.
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he Department of Agriculture as lead agency said the region will increase its contribution to the national cacao output within the next five years. DA-6 Regional Executive Director Remelyn Recoter said the region contributes only one percent while Davao region shares 82 percent in the national output. ―By 2020, Region-6 can produce 2,000 metric tons of fermented beans,‖ Recoter said as she urged the local farmers to go into cacao production. Recoter said DA will strengthen the market linkages and promotion, increase access to quality planting materials, improve farm productivity, enhance value added products, continue research and development
activities, and resource mobilization. The Bureau of Plant Industry is tasked to spearhead accreditation of plant nurseries of cacao to guarantee distribution of quality planting materials of recommended crop species. ―The use of quality planting materials will ensure high production of farmers,‖ Recoter said. In support of meeting the challenge, the Land bank of the Philippines offers financial and credit services to farmers, cooperatives, associations and agribusiness entities that intend to put up cacao nursery, plantation, cacao beans processing and manufacturing and other related projects. Meanwhile, the Philippine Crop Insurance
Corporation is also providing insurance to farmers and their plantations. In a recent consultation attended by more than 300 farmers in Iloilo City, DTI Region 11 Assistant Regional Director Edwin Banguerigo, said that on the National Industry Roadmap for Cacao, the DA High Value Crop Development Program will distribute 500,310 pieces of cacao seedlings. ―The DA targets 1,001 hectares of cacao plantation in Region 6 in 2017,‖ Banguerigo said. He also said that each region in the country should grow cacao as this industry will help the small farmers, create more jobs and alleviate poverty incidence. (DA/JSC/ ESS/PIA6 Iloilo)
ATI launches soybeans production in Antique By Vicente W. Villavert SAN JOSE, Antique, Aug. 6 (PIA6) - - The Agricultural Training Institute (ATI) launched recently the production of soybeans in Antique to promote soybeans as a source of protein for body well-being.
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The soybeans production and its benefits will be introduced to the Antiqueños through the conduct of School-on-the-Air program,‖ said School on the Air Regional Coordinator Nicolasita G. Gallego. The School-on-the-Air program is a distance learning program of the Agricultural Training Institute where it imparts knowledge on the importance of soybeans, and not only farmers but the
school children, teachers and parents will benefit from this program. The school on the air students will acquire knowledge from production, processing, utilization and value adding to marketing. The activity will likewise promote livelihood opportunities. Soybeans is the only vegetable that contains 30-40 percent protein, which is higher compared to many animal products such
as meat, milk and eggs. It is also rich in oil and a good source of energy. Gallego said that soybeans can also help minimize malnutrition problem among children in the province. Dr. Albert Jo, Health and Wellness Expert from Negros Island for Sustainable Agriculture and Rural Development, graced the launching program with the discussion on Soybeans Nutrition and Health and Wellness. (JSC/VWV/PIA6 Antique)
26,000 Aklanons register for SK, barangay elections By Venus G. Villanueva KALIBO, Aklan, Aug. 5 (PIA6) – A total of 26,068 Aklanons were able to have themselves registered at various municipal offices of the Commission on Elections (COMELEC) in the province to be able to vote in the forthcoming Sangguniang Kabataan (SK) and Barangay elections.
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ased on the list from COMELEC-Aklan, registrants who belong to the 15-17 age brackets had the biggest number with 16,361, followed by those 18 and above, with 7,131, and applicants for reactivation with 1,677. Other registrants included those who applied for change of name, with 161; correction of entries, 260; reinstatement in the list of voters, 1; reactivation and change/ correction, 457, and transfer of registration records of OFWs, 20. The list showed that registrants were highest during weekends, with July 30, a
Saturday and last day of registration listing 6,738 while July 23, also a Saturday, netted 2,842 registrants. Registration on Friday, July 29 was also high with 2,563, and July 24, Sunday, 2,559. Meanwhile, the COMELEC here, through Information Officer Chrispin Raymund Gerardo, during various radio interviews said that for the SK elections, those who will be voting will be from 15 to 30 years old, but only those with ages 18 to 24 are qualified to run for positions (1 SK chairman and 7 kagawads per barangay). He also said that names of those who turned 18 years old and were able to vote
already in the May 9, 2016 national and local elections will be extracted from the earlier voter’s list and included in the list of voters for SK. This way, Gerardo said they will be able to vote both for SK and for barangay elections on October 31, 2016, the slated date of the exercise. Last month’s registered voters will be added to the existing number of Aklan voters. In the recent national and local elections, Aklan had a total number of 345,359 registered voters. (JCM/VGV PIA6 Aklan)
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CENTRAL VISAYAS
MGB urges LGUs to use geohazard maps Ferliza Calizar-Contratista CEBU CITY, Aug. 4 (PIA) -- The Mines and Geosciences Bureau (MGB-7) called on all local chief executives to make use of the more detailed geo-hazard maps in disaster preparedness.
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n the recently held Kapihan sa PIA Cebu, MGB-7 officials said they were done with the geo-hazard mapping of all local government units in Region 7. ―We already provided the concerned LGUs with the maps which are now 1:10,000 scale, more detailed,‖ according to Al Emil Berador, MGB-7 Geosciences Division chief. Earlier this year, they launched the distribution in the province of Siquijor alongside an information education and communication activity. The maps include flood and landslide prone areas and are readily accessible and printable from
the MGB website. Berador said these maps are already more detailed compared to the previous maps they produced which were only on a 1:50,000 scale. Supervising Geoloogist Ma. Elena Lupo said the barangay captains or disaster heads can request for a complete list of flood and landslide prone places. ―There is already a directive integrating the maps into the Comprehensive Land Use Planning of the locality,‖ Lupo said. Unfortunately, Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) does not have the power to sanction the barangay captains, mayors and governors who are not making use of the
available maps. MGB officials added that two other mappings are ongoing. These include the Subsidence Hazard Mapping and the Coastal Area Geo Hazard Mapping. The Geohazard Mapping and Assessment Program began during the administration of President Gloria Macapagal -Arroyo. Its main objective is to identify areas in the country which are susceptible or vulnerable to various geologic hazards, or geohazards. The program also seeks to provide information to various stakeholders to lessen or mitigate the impact of these events. (rmn/fcc/ PIA-Cebu)
Mothers urged to practice exclusive breastfeeding of infants Hazel F. Gloria CEBU CITY, Aug. 3 (PIA) – The Department of Health (DOH-7) is urging mothers to exclusive breastfeed their newborns for the first 6 months.
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n the recent Association of Government Information Officers (AGIO) – Philippine Information Agency (PIA) 7 Forum, DOH-7 Medical Officer IV Dr. Hayce Famor said that exclusive breastfeeding is the most cost-effective way for reducing childhood morbidity and mortality. ―For the exclusive breastfeeding, infants should not take water, other milk, vitamins, and food to prevent them from any sicknesses such as diarrhea and pneumonia,‖ continued Famor. She also said that when you feed your baby with colostrums or the first milk from the breast (which may appear as clear fluid or a deep golden color) it is as though you're giving the child his
first vaccination. "It's full of antibodies and immunoglobulins that help protect the newborns," she explained. Famor also clarified that it is not necessary for mothers to stop breastfeeding when the child reaches six months to 2 years old as the time will come for the child to voluntarily stop. ―Working mothers can store their milk for two days in the refrigerator, 24 hours only in the ice box and six hours in the temperature room,‖ she said. ―Breastfeeding is not only good for the child, it also lessens the chances of ovarian and breast cancer, hypertension, heart problems and diabetes for the mothers,‖ she continued.
Dr. Parolita Mission, Regional Coordinator of the National Nutrition Council (NNC-7) said that breastfeeding is the intervention nutrition for the infants. She also encouraged the mothers to make breastfeeding a habit because it has good nutrients for the infants. Mission also said that after the breastfeeding, appropriate complementary feeding should follow for the child to grow healthy and to be more active in the community. The month of August marks the observance of National Breastfeeding Month with the theme, ―Breastfeeding and Family Planning: Keys to Sustainable Development." (rmn/hfg/AGIO-PIA 7 Forum)
DOLE-7 gives P1M livelihood assistance to multicab ddrivers Juju M. Empuerto CEBU CITY, Aug. 3 (PIA) -- The Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE-7) turned-over to COREDASS Association, Inc. a livelihood grant worth around P1-M for its vulcanizing and welding shop.
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ccording to DOLE-7 Regional Director Exequiel Sarcauga, DOLE provided all materials, jigs, and equipment needed for the group’s undertaking for full operations. Tires, pistons, crank shafts, bearings, cylinder head gaskets, belts, automotive wires, batteries, brake fluids, wiper blades, signal lights, fuel filters, and many more were among the products displayed and made available for sale at the group’s store located in Babag II, Lapu-Lapu City. Sarcauga said that the association shelled out P252,522 as counterpart since the total project cost reached P1,262,610. ―We hope that the 75 members of COREDASS headed by their president, Vicencio V. Remulta, will be able to take care of and sustain their project. It is also our dream at the DOLE, that those we have provided assistance are able to improve their lives and of those around them eventually,‖ he said. Joel Susas, 45, of Babag II, Lapu-Lapu
City, used to think that he would remain driving for a living for the rest of his life. But he now serves as the store-in-charge of COREDASS. Susas has been a multicab driver for many years. Driving was his main source of living, the only one he relied on in order to support his family and send his children to school. His life had been spent on the streets for more than 20 years ferrying commuters from Cordova up to the Mactan Export Processing Zone (MEPZ) in Lapu-Lapu City and vice versa. Susas never thought of doing something else aside from driving. But things changed not only for him but also for the rest of the members of COREDASS where it sells auto or spare parts and offers vulcanizing services not only to its 75 members of the association but also to other drivers nearby. ―Daku kaayo ang among kalipay. Wala namu damha nga magrasyahan mi ug ingon ani sa Ginoo. Salamat kaayo sa DOLE sa paghatag ug pagtagad sa among panginahanglan (We're so happy. We
never thought that we will be blessed by God with so much. Thank you very much DOLE for giving us what we needed),‖ said Joel. When asked how much he is receiving from the association for taking charge of their store, Joel said that he is, for the moment, rendering his services for free. Letting go of the income he could possibly earn for a whole day driving and concentrating instead on taking care of the operations of their store, he added, is a concrete way that he is serious in helping their business go a long way. ―Ako man ang gitahasan sa grupo nga maoy magbantay sa among tindahan, ako pud nga gidawat ang maong responsibilidad. Gamay ra kaayo ni nga sakripisyo sa akong bahin. Maayo gani kay nay DOLE nga nitabang namu. (I was given the task by the group to watch the store and I accepted the responsibility. This is a little sacrifice for myself. Good that DOLE helped us),‖ he said. (rmn/jsme/PIA7-Cebu with DOLE7 report)
CENTRAL VISAYAS
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PAGASA eyes use of coastal radar Amor Y. Saludar CEBU, Aug. 4 (PIA) – The Philippine Atmospheric Geophysical Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA) Visayas is eyeing a possible solution to address the problem of stranded passengers in ports at the height of a weather disturbance.
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n a press conference held in line with the observance of National Disaster Consciousness Month on July, PAGASA Visayas Chief Engr. Oscar Tabada said that a coastal radar that can gather data on the state of the sea up to 300 km range would be the best solution for stranded passengers. ―What we want to emphasize here, even if there is a storm signal expected for the next 36
hours and then sea vessels are not allowed to sail, the coastal radar will examine and look at the condition of the sea. If the sea water is calm, then vessels are allowed to navigate.‖ Currently, when a public storm signal is raised by the state weather bureau, all sea vessels are not allowed to navigate regardless of its weight. Tabada also clarified that the travel time of
the vessels will be strictly examined so as not to allow those travelling more than six hours to avoid risk of the possibility of being caught by the storm while in the middle of the sea. He said they are currently looking for an area where to install the coastal radar, such as in the southern part of Cebu across the sea to Negros Oriental that will only take about 45 minutes to one hour of travel. (rmn/ays/PIA7)
PMA exam set Aug. 21 Fayette C. Riñen CEBU, Aug. 3 (PIA) - The Philippine Military Academy (PMA) will be conducting the PMA Entrance Examination on August 21 in 37 examination centers nationwide including Central Visayas.
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n Cebu, the test centers are Cebu Eastern College and Southwestern University in Cebu City and Holy Name University in Bohol while in Negros Oriental, the venue is Negros Oriental State University. The PMA Entrance Exam is the first stage in the selection process for cadetship in the premier leadership training school in the country. Those who pass the exam will enjoy a full government scholarship and will not pay any single centavo during the entire duration of their training in the Academy where they will earn a Bachelor of Science Degree. Furthermore, the PMA cadets will also enjoy a monthly salary, initial clothing allowance, and the support for the services in connection with their stay in the Academy. They are also commissioned as 2LTs and Ensigns in the Armed Forces of the Philippines
upon their graduation. The PMA is at the forefront of the AFP modernization program because its graduates are the ones to lead the Armed Forces in the years to come. As such, cadets are at the receiving end of the state-of-the-art training facilities and equipment such as mode classrooms, new cadet barracks (student dorms), computer rooms, simulation rooms and fitness center. The PMA Hospital Requirements for admission in the PMA are the following: Natural-born Filipino citizen Minimum 5 feet for both male and female Physically fit and of good moral character Single and has never been married High school graduate Grade 12 senior high (K12) may take the exam provided that they will graduate before
April 1, 2017 with no administrative or criminal case, must pass the PMAEE, and should have been born from April 1, 1995 to April 1, 2000. Successful applicants will compose the PMA Class 2021 who will be officially be received in the Academy in an Oath-Taking Ceremony and Reception Rites on April 1, 2017. Those who are interested may download the Application Forms from www.pma.ph. Applicants can also apply online in the said website. For more information, call (074) 447-3686, (074) 447- 2632 local 6751, 6752, Smart – 0928-559-7651, Sun Cellular- 0943-705 6890, Globe – 0917-896-4299, or write the Office of Cadet Admission, Philippine Military Academy, Fort General Gregorio H del Pilar, 2602, Baguio City. (rmn/fcr/PMA)
Bohol crimes down by 26% Rey Anthony H. Chiu TAGBILARAN CITY, Aug. 2 (PIA) –- Crimes in Bohol went down to 26% or 183 cases as against last month’s total crime volume.
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ewly-installed Bohol Police Chief PSSupt. Felipe Natividad bared this at the Provincial Peace and Order Council (PPOC) meeting at the Governor’s Mansion on July 29. In his first official appearance and report at the PPOC, Natividad in interviews admitted he has still to learn the crime trends and refuses to grab the credit for the accomplishment. But, in his report, Natividad showed in a comparative graph that both index and non-index crimes in Bohol in July enjoyed over 20% declines as compared to June. Index crimes in Bohol in July went down from 250 in June to 182, which figures 68 cases less or a 27 percent decrease. For index crimes in July, except for carnapping or stealing motorcycles, it reached 12 cases or two more cases while all other index crimes slouched. Still topping the list of index crimes is theft, which hit 73 cases. The number, however, is 25 cases less or 23 percent as against the previous month, which had 108.
Following theft, physical injuries are the second most committed crime at 62 as against June’s 71 cases. Physical injuries overtake robbery, now at 26 cases from 43 in June. Robbery usually is on second spot in the monthly crime trends. Meanwhile, in the non-index crimes which registered 458 in June, it slipped 115 cases or 25 percent when it totaled only 343 in July. In the non-index crime category, Camp Dagohoy showed that traffic-related incidents reached 136 cases, well over the crimes against special laws, which only had 107 and other non-index crimes at 100. Over all, other non-index crimes enjoyed 17 cases in July or some 15 percent decrease; special laws packed 41 cases less in July with a 28 percent down trend and traffic-related incidents recording 57 cases less or a 30 percent dive. Of the 136 cases of traffic-related crime incidents, physical injuries listed 77 cases, damage to property 51 cases and homicide, 8 cases. In the over-all average monthly crime rate, Camp Dagohoy Bohol police headquarters
showed that in June, Bohol enjoyed 13.43 percent less crimes form 51.95 to 38.52 while in July, from 18.34 percent, average crimes sagged to 13.35 or 4.99 percent less. In Bohol, while human rights activists openly criticized the wanton killings involving petty criminals and drug personalities, peace and order council members wanted to know the correlation between the deaths which apparently targets criminals, and the lessened petty criminalities. This, too, as from July 1 to 29, Bohol police have accounted for a total of 30,287 drug personalities: 29,108 of them voluntarily admitted they use or used drugs and another 1,179 who admitted they push or at one time pushed for drugs. Police all over Bohol have visited and knocked at 17,298 houses of known personalities and for them to stop and surrender to authorities. The Barangay Anti Drug Abuse Council and Municipal Anti-Drug Abuse Councils generated the list of drug personalities and submitted them to the local police that organized the Oplan Toktok-Hangyo. (rmn/rac/PIA7-Bohol)
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EASTERN VISAYAS
Samar Day celeb collects 30 bags of blood Ninfa B. Quirante CATBALOGAN CITY, Samar, Aug. 2 (PIA) — Samar Day celebration collected some 13,500 cc of safe blood during the blood-letting today at the Samar Provincial Hospital (SPH).
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ris Dacaynos, coordinator said that some 20 policemen were sent by Chief Edwin Barbosa to join the blood donors, some came from the DPWH and PIA. SPH is considered a blood collecting unit and it stocks blood which can be used by Rural Health Units (RHUs), once the need comes in. ―We need blood donors, to save lives,‖ added Dacaynos.
Jake Ribay from Jiabong town, and Jacob Abaigar from San Sebastian town, were two of the first responders to the blood-letting, they are members of the Catbalogan police. Ribay said he has donated blood many times and would not hesitate to do so if his help is needed. Abaigar also said he has donated four times. Local government units have started to realize the need to donate blood, this time, the
island town of Sto. Nino and towns like San Jose de Buan and Gandara have started to hold their own blood-letting campaign. These are stored at the Samar Provincial Hospital. The most recent blood-letting event was held in Calbiga town in June 28, 2016 where again men in uniform like the police and the army led the blood donation event. (ajc/nbq/ PIA8-Samar)
Youths urged to join Volunteerism Story Contest Consuelo B. Alarcon TACLOBAN CITY, Leyte, Aug. 2 (PIA) – The Philippine National Volunteer Service Coordinating Agency (PNVSA) and the Commission on Higher Education (CHED) urged youths to join the Volunteerism Story Contest which is open to undergraduate college students who have completed or are currently taking the National Service Training Program(NSTP).
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NVSCA Executive Director Joselito C. De Vera said students have been exposed to volunteerism through participation in NSTP and other extension activities where they can showcase their diverse experiences and accomplishments as volunteers whose services are geared towards community development and empowerment. Each participant must choose one sustainable development goal (SDG) in writing a feature article on an individual or group/
organization whose volunteer work is aligned with the achievement of the chosen SDG. One winner will be selected in each region to help showcase the volunteering stories in different areas of the country. The story which is anchored on the theme ―Volunteerism for Sustainable Development‖ serves as a timely platform to promote volunteerism as a strategy in the achievement of the United Nation’s Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
To those interested, entries can be submitted to PNVSCA not later than August 31, 2016. Regional winners will be announced through the agency’s website in the month of November and will receive a cash prize of P3, 000 each. Information on the contest mechanics and entry forms maybe downloaded at www.pnvsca.gov.ph and www.facebook.com/ innovatecooperateinspire or may contact PNVSCA at info@pnvsca.gov.ph or (02)277 7389. (ajc/NEDA8)
Forum tackles Disaster Preparedness Samuel D. Candido BORONGAN CITY, Eastern Samar, July 27 (PIA) --- The Department of Interior and Local Government- Eastern Samar (DILG-Eastern Samar), in partnership with Save the Children, an international non-government organization (INGO); and the Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction Management Council (PDRRMC) — spearheaded the Provincial Stakeholders’ Forum on Disaster Risk Reduction and Management in July 25, this year, at the Eastern Samar Provincial Capitol Gymnasium, Capitol Compound, this city.
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n an interview with PIA, OIC-Provincial Director Mr. Jude Allan S. Villero said that they will implement the Operation Listo 2, or Listong Pamayanan and Listong Pamilyang Pilipino components. Villero disclosed that one of the major programs under Listo 2 is the Alert and Ready Communities which aims to strengthen the Community-Based Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Capacities of LGUs and local communities, thereby reducing the risks and enhancing resilience during occurrence of disasters. During this forum, Dr. Joselito B. Mutia of the Office of the Governor read and delivered a special message in behalf of Eastern Samar Provincial Governor Hon. Conrado B. Nicart, Jr. In his message, Gov. Nicart emphasized the importance of safety. ―Safety is everybody’s concern and being resilient is a continuous learning,‖ Nicart said. The Governor disclosed that " it is indeed irrefutable that we should all do our share in upgrading our knowledge in effecting measures to ensure our own safety, our family, and our community." ―Let us be partners working hand-in-hand, making ourselves proud being a part of our venture for rebuilding resilient societies as we are moving forward making the Province of Eastern Samar a better place for us to live today, and for the future generation,‖ Gov. Nicart quipped. After the message, an overview of Project Listo was given and discussed comprehensively by Mr. Adrian Colasito, LGOO-VI, DILG-8 through a Power Point
presentation. Colasito disclosed that this Listong project is Building heroes who are Alive, Prepared, and Resilient. In his discussion, he said that there are three components of the Listong Project, namely: Listong Pamahalaang Local – establishing local protocols for early preparations, response actions and monitoring, Listong Pamayanan – Community- Based DRRM and lastly, the Listong Pamilya Pilipino – making families and household resilient. Afterwhich, the Alert and Ready Communities (ARC) Project followed which was discussed thoroughly through the Power Point presentation by Mr. Dante Eleuterio, Project Manager of Save the Children. ARC is a quality driven capacity-building project on CHILD-Centered Community Based Disaster Risk Reduction Management (CCCBDRRM) for Local Government Units (LGUs) and support communities to build more disaster resilient systems, promote better governance and planning, improve livelihoods, enhance quality of life, and ultimately aims to support the reduction of casualty rates from the impact of disasters. Mr. Eleuterio emphasized that disaster is not only the concern of the government, civil society organizations, non-government organizations, Local Government Units, and the academe — it is the concern of everybody. ―That is why we are helping the government to have Resilient Community that will have: Ang bawat pamilyang Pilipino ay dapat maging Listo,‖ Eleuterio said.
The Project Manager further said that this ARC project shall collaborate with local stakeholders. Also presented was the inter-LGU arrangements of the PDRRMC- Multi Hazard Contingency Plans by Engr. Levi Nicart, Asst. PDRRMO. Engr. Nicart urged the 22 town mayors and one city mayor to have a functional Municipal/City Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office/Officer. These M/CDRRMO play a vital role during a disaster. He also encouraged that each municipality should have Municipal Disaster Risk Reduction Management Council (MDRRMC) and Barangay Disaster Risk Reduction Management Council–Multi-Contingency Plans so that there would be no casualties in the a disaster occur again. Nicart further said that their office will strengthen the Disaster Preparedness in Eastern Samar. As of now, there are 48 members of the Search and Rescue Team in Eastern Samar. Meanwhile, as its LGU commitment to Project Listo and ARC Project, Hon. Rafael Asebias, Municipal Mayor of Quinapondan, committed that they will allocate 10% of their total Internal Revenue Allotment (IRA) for disaster projects and he assured that his administration supports these projects 200 %. In his closing message, Dr. Edmundo Campoto, President – ESSU said that in behalf of the 800 faculties and staff, he is committed to support in helping the LGUs and the Province in particular to response to Disaster Preparedness. (SDC/PIA-E. Samar)
EASTERN VISAYAS
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CNC acts to reduce malnutrition in Maasin City By: PIA - 8 MAASIN CITY, Southern Leyte, July 29 (PIA) - The city nutrition committee (CNC) has identified Barangay Bactul II foremost needing technical assistance in order to reduce further malnutrition in the city.
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he said barangay was identified as among the nutritionally depressed barangay and schools as indicators of malnutrition incidence were present both in the pre-school and schoolchildren. Vice Mayor Maloney Samaco reported during the nutrition culmination program held at Brgy Bactul II July 27 that Mayor Nacional Nikko Mercado aims to reduce further the incidence of malnutrition in the city from 3% downwards. He said best efforts were given to ensure excellent nutritional status among the pre school and school children reason
why the city garnered the highest nutrition honor award that the National Nutrition Council (NNC) could bestow in the country. Parents of malnourished children became the priority recipients in most of the activities lined up during the culmination yesterday. The activities were as followed: nutrition quiz of the mothers of malnourished children, slogan contest among the selected DepEd schoolchildren, cooking contest participated by parent leader of 4P’s coming from barangays Libhu, Tomoy-tomoy and Bactul I,I and a
well baby contest. Meanwhile, the city government distributed 33 guyabano seedlings and chickens for families with malnourished children and gift giving to 15 severely wasted and malnourished children through the voluntary contributions of the members of the CNC. Vice Mayor Samaco also awarded (1) piglet for the pig dispersal to one malnourished family in Barangay Bactul II under the MASAM livelihood program, a personal commitment he started years ago to help in the reduction of malnutrition incidence. (esg/PIA8 SoLeyte)
Telecom Cluster Summit ends NDCM celebration Consuelo B. Alarcon TACLOBAN CITY, Leyte, Aug. 1 (PIA) – The National Disaster Consciousness Month celebration in Eastern Visayas ended with a two-day Emergency Telecommunications Cluster Summit with various communicators involved in disaster risk reduction and management in the region dubbed as Emergency Telecommunications Cluster Summit Information Communications Technology (ICT) Bayanihan.
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ne of the highlights of the two-day activity was the establishment of the Rapid Emergency Telecommunications Team (RETT) to enhance disaster preparedness and response capabilities. Edgar L. Posadas, regional director of the Office of Civil Defense thanked the 121 participants who gave importance of the value of the two-day summit with a hope to work closely with the Regional Disaster Risk Reduction and Management
Council (RDRRMC). The RETT will serve as a rapid deployment team equipped with Information Communication Technology (ICT) resources: both human and equipment organized to address the communications, electronics and information needs of the Emergency Operations Center(EOC) and/or Incident Command Posts in a disaster area. RETT is composed of 9-man team including an electronic specialist, IT specialist, special equipment specialist,
VSAT/satellite operator, system support specialist, frequency manager, public information and radio operator. In said occasion, participants also took part and signed the Declaration of Commitment to affirm their commitment to strengthen, consolidate and expand multi-sectoral support to the effective implementation of the operational guidelines in the conduct of the Joint Rapid Emergency Telecommunications Team.(RETT). (ajc/cba/PIA-8)
Strategic plan to curb spread of TB up Teresita B. Cardenas CATARMAN, Northern Samar, Aug. 1 (PIA) – In its effort to prevent the spread of tuberculosis, the Northern Samar Provincial Multi Sectoral Alliance (NSPMSA) for Tuberculosis has developed a strategic plan for calendar year 2017-2019.
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h e p lan p u sh e d for t h e localized implementation of tuberculosis control and engage both public and private health care provider to scale up and sustain coverage of directly observed treatment short course to ensure a case detection rate of at least 90%, treatment success rate of 90%, as well as notification rate of MDR TB to 62%.
It was learned that in Northern Samar, tuberculosis ranked third in 2011 and eighth in 2012 for mortality. There was an increased number of sickness from 2011 (424 cases), 2013 (972 cases) and a 3-10 fold increase of deaths from 2011 to 204. According to Provincial Health Office tuberculosis was not included among the top 10 leading causes of
morbidity in 2011 and 2015, however, TB mortality ranked 8th in 2012, 10th in 2013, 9th in 2014, and 6th in 2015 in the province. NSPMSA was created under Executive Order No. 003-07 on July 7, 2014 to effectively implement the TB program and as a coordinating body for TB control in the province. (ajc/ tbc-pia8northernsamar)
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.
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Managing Editor Jaime S. Cabag, Jr. Contributors All PIA Information Officers of Regions 6, 7 & 8 Production and Layout Edson J. 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