Vol 6
In this Issue WESTERN VISAYAS
PNP Chief General Ronald ―Bato‖ dela Rosa tells the men and women of PNP to be a good example to all Filipinos during his visit at Camp Delgado, Iloilo City. (PIA 6/EJB)
More on Region 6, pages 2-3. Also CLICK Here…
CENTRAL VISAYAS
August 22 - 28, 2016
Published by: PIA 6, 7 & 8
Issue 34
Duterte presidency pushes for aggressive agri program PIA08 TACLOBAN CITY, LEYTE, AUGUST 22 (PIA) - Under this new administration, the Duterte Presidency, I am serious in helping lift our farmers and fisher folks, out of poverty. So said the new DA Secretary Emmanuel F. Pinol, during his visit to the region on July 13-14, 2016. Sec Piñol visited Samar province to disseminate policy directives of the new administration and to inform them of his grandiose plan to transform the entire Samar Island into a major food producer in the country. ―Samar Island is practically abundant in natural resources which are not being utilized well because of the twisted mind sets of the local officials. We should be able to harness the richness of these resources in order to transform these idle provinces into a food-basket hub in the country,‖ Piñol quipped. The secretary introduced the Special Area for Agriculture Development (SAAD) which shall be his strategy in attaining agricultural development and poverty alleviation. The three provinces in Samar Island will be prioritized due to their inclusion in the top ten provinces with high poverty incidence in the country. However, the rest of the provinces could also avail of the necessary agri-fishery interventions through DA’s regular programs. He also guaranteed the stakeholders an aggressive agriculture program over the next six years in order to attain agriculture development and alleviate poverty among farmers and fisher folks. The activity was capped with the distribution of 20 motorized fiber glass boats and 30 paddle boats with PCIC insurance coverage. Sec. Piñol led the distribution together with Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR) Region 8 Director Juan D. Albaladejo, DA-RFO 8 OIC Regional Executive Director Wilson A. Cerbito, DA-RFO 8 Assistant Regional
Director Elvira C. Torres, and Governor Sharee Ann Tan-de los Santos of Samar province, to the 60 fisherfolk of Catbalogan City and Zumarraga, Samar. On July 14, 2016, the second day of his visit, Sec. Piñol and the team travelled to the south to attend the Abaca Farmers’ Forum in Sogod, Southern Leyte. The activity was participated in by abaca farmers and private company buyers of abaca. The DA highest official discussed his policy directives with regards to the abaca production in the region. He mentioned the conduct of trainings for planting Abaca. He said he will be allocating 100 million for the rehabilitation/enhancement of abaca farming industry in the whole region to the delight of his audience. ―The plan is not to only provide you with seedlings, but also fertilizers. I will download enough fund for the procurement of fertilizers and other abaca planting materials,‖ he said. The secretary reminded the abaca farmers about President Duterte’s advocacy to provide an accessible and affordable food to every Filipino. He underscored that to be able to realize this, everyone must cooperate for the implementation of aggressive agriculture program during President Duterte’s administration. Sec. Piñol has given commitments to the abaca farmers especially on the problem with the diseases infestation on abaca plantations in the municipalities of Southern Leyte. He then vowed to provide interventions such as planting materials, fertilizers, trainings, farmer insurance, and establishment of abaca integrated laboratory. ―We are here to help, so we will give all that we could give. After all, this is for the development of the agriculture sector in the region,‖ the Secretary stressed. Sec. Piñol also met with members of the local media for the Press Conference. (PIA08/DA08)
Pan de Azucar Island eyes rabies-free tag A Kapihan sa PIA was held August 10 at DOH -7 Narra Conference Room, Osmeña Blvd., Cebu City with guests from DOH -7 (l-r) Senior Health Program Officer Aeshtriedley Cabinatan, Medical Officer III Dr. Emmelie P. Silao, Medical Officer IV Dr. Sharon Laurel and Medical Officer III Dr. Shelby Blanco to talk on the observation of National TB Awareness and Adolescent Immunization Month.
Leonard T. Pineda I ILOILO CITY, August 24 (PIA) --- The famous tourist destination Pan de Azucar Island in Concepcion, Iloilo is aiming for a declaration as a rabies-free zone in time for the celebration of World Rabies Day on September 28. According to the Regional Technical Working Group (RTWG) on Rabies Prevention and Control Program in Western Visayas, the island was evaluated by the Department of Agriculture-Bureau of Animal Industry (DA-BAI) last August 14 to 16. The island has three barangays which were evaluated – Taloto-an, Macatunao and Tambaliza – and it consists almost 19 percent of the town’s land area. The RWTG said that Butlog Dako Island, which is also in
Concepcion, was also visited by the national evaluators from DA-BAI. Another evaluation slated on the first week of September will be conducted in Pan de Azucar Island by the Department of Health (DOH). Meanwhile, the DOH said that for an area to be declared rabies-free, there should be no case of animal rabies and human rabies for two consecutive years. Likewise, the DOH requires that there should be a local ordinance on the prevention and control of rabies and a localized comprehensive rabies prevention, control and elimination program.(JCM/LTP/ PIA-Iloilo)
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EASTERN VISAYAS
PAF 560th marks 48th founding anniversary Hazel F. Gloria
DOH-8 Regional Director Minerva Molon urged mothers to always breastfeed their babies from birth to 6 months old. Molon said, babies who are exclusively breastfeed for 6 months or more develop a strong immune system, are less likely to develop infections, diarrhea, respiratory illnesses & childhood obesity. (cba)
More on Region 8, pages 6-7. Also CLICK Here...
CEBU CITY, August 23 (PIA) – The Philippine Air Force (PAF) 560th Air Base Wing stationed at the Brigadier General Ebuen Air Base in Lapulapu City, Cebu will celebrate its 48th Founding Anniversary on September 1, 2016. During the Association of Government Information Officers (AGIO) and Philippine Information Agency (PIA) 7 Forum, PAF 560th Information Officer Maj. Vivien Valerio said that to mark the celebration, the unit held a series of activities such as the Bayanihan Activity together with Korean nationals from Cebu Sarang and Nanum Church on July 29. ―One hundred eighty two military personnel together with their dependents were able to avail of the services offered like acupuncture, internal medicine, ultrasound for thyroid limb and breast, minor surgery and pediatric,‖ said Valerio. A tree planting activity was held on August 5 with a total of 241 assorted seedlings planted inside the air base. A school outreach program or Brigada Eskwela was also held at the Calawisan Elementary School in the repainting of classrooms, cleaning of surroundings, construction of compost fit and Donation of Drums for Fire Hydrants use and Optical Mission in cooperation with the Cebu Optometric Society on August 13. Valerio also said that in response to AFP’s Anti-Illegal Drug Campaign in support to Philippine Drug Enforcement
Agency (PDEA), Philippine National Police (PNP) and other law enforcement agencies, they conducted periodic and random drug testing to ensure that its personnel are drug-free and capable to perform their duties and responsibilities within the areas of Lapu-Lapu and Cebu City on August 20. PAF has zero tolerance on any personnel involved in illegal drug-related activities, added Valerio. The theme of the celebration is ―560ABW @ 48: Committed to Provide Excellent Base Support Services and Security for a Jointly Engaged Transforming Force in the Visayas.‖ (rmn/hfg/AGIO-PIA 7 Forum)
AGIO 7 - PIA 7 Forum with officials of Philippine Air Force 560th AirBase Wing to discuss their 48th Founding Anniversary, anti-illegal drugs campaign and the Fight Plan 2028 held at the PIA 7 Regional Office, CebuCity. #PartnerForChange
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WESTERN VISAYAS
Farmers told to use alternative animal feed Venus G. Villanueva KALIBO, Aklan, 24 August (PIA6) -- A feed supplement that can provide animals with heat, energy,minerals and protein which can increase milk production and at the same time prevent hunger in animals in times of calamities had been introduced to Kalibo farmers during a recent orientation conducted by the Municipal Agricultural Services Division. he feed supplement is called Urea supplements served to animals in block form Meanwhile, the Philippine Red Cross Molasses-Mineral Block or UMMB, a which could be consumed by licking. (PRC) recently turned over to the Kalibo feed supplement for cows, carabaos This could be placed in the animals’ eating Livestock and Poultry Raisers Association and goats which is easy to prepare and low area. (KLPRA) the Multi-Purpose Function Hall in cost. Farmers should also take extra care in Barangay Mobo, Kalibo that it constructed. The orientation was held for farmers of keeping the UMMB from getting wet to The turnover ceremony was held in Mobo, Kalibo and those from nearby barangays prevent the animals from overeating. time for the KLPRA’s 5th anniversary and the of the municipality by the agricultural services The UMMB must not be fed to animals Simultaneous Field Day on Organic Glutinous division with the assistance of the Philippine which are under three months old, or Corn. Red Cross and the Spanish Red Cross. those which are on the last three months of The project was jointly assisted by According to Dr. Janna Rose Menez, pregnancy. the PRC and the Spanish Red Cross which Municipal Veterinarian of Kalibo, the UMMB’s The food supplement must not also be was part of their Integrated Early Recovery ingredients include molasses, rice bran, urea, given to extremely hungry animals, nor be Project for Typhoon Haiyan. (JCMVGV PIA6 calcium phosphate, salt, vitamins and mineral served if there is no water available. Aklan)
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DRRM Office now called ‗Aksyon Tabang‘ Alex A. Lumaque ROXAS CITY, Capiz, Aug. 26 (PIA6) – Gov. Antonio Del Rosario said that the renaming of Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office into ―Aksyon Tabang‖ will give Capiceños easy reference and recall on where to go during emergencies.
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Aksyon Tabang,‖ a local dialect for help center, will also be established at Barangay Bailan in Pontevedra town as well as in Sigma town which will be led by technical advisers on disaster preparedness former Panit-an town councilor Ernesto Bitoon and former Capiz 2nd District Board Member Baden Cantiller, respectively. Provincial DRRM officer Esperedion Pelaez will supervise the two new upcoming DRRM extension offices. ―People can expect fast response from
our emergency responders during floods, typhoons, fires and other disasters,‖ Del Rosario stressed during a recent media interaction at the Provincial Capitol here. The provincial executive added that speedboats, chainsaws and other emergency equipment will be purchased for utilization of the ―disaster‖ offices. Del Rosario added that the soon to be operational Aksyon Tabang in Bailan and Sigma will have ambulance units. The disaster response of the provincial
g ov ern men t b oa st s of it s C ap iz Emergency Response Team (CERT) which operates on a 24/7 daily basis to accommodate medical emergency concerns and respond to road accidents and other calamities that need immediate and appropriate actions. CERT has been a National Gawad Kalasag 2015 awardee for Best Government Emergency Manage Service (GEMS) Basic Search and Rescue Category. (JCM/AAL/PIA6 Capiz)
SMED Antique goes green By Vicente W. Villavert SAN JOSE, Antique August 26 (PIA) - - The Antique Provincial Micro, Small and Medium Enterprise Development (SMED) Council recognized the importance of implementing initiatives that supports the promotion of green economic development.
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nvironment has become an important concern that the Antique SMED Council will pass a resolution for submission to the Provincial Development Council for the adoption of the sustainable practices that are environment friendly. The SMED’s move was the result of the sensitization sessions and briefing on how to implement green initiatives to help address climate change held recently in San Jose, Antique with the invited resource person from the Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit or GIZ. ―This is the first step where the officers and members of the SMED were oriented on green economic development and on what we can do to support in addressing the increasing negative impact of environmental
degradation,‖ said GIZ Regional Coordinator of the Promotion of Green Economic Development Miriam Bacalzo in an interview with PIA. The GIZ partners with the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) to conduct climate smart related awareness campaigns for MSMEs and the local authorities environment-friendly activities to ensure that all processes, products, and manufacturing activities adequately address current environmental concerns DTI Antique Director Mercedes Young acc om panied Ms Bacalso met with the Sangguniang Bayan of San Jose and the Sangguniang Panlalawigan. ―Our approach is also in terms of analysing and looking at what strategy the sectors can have, so that they will also be
greening their own sector and as we do this, the local government units, national government agencies are also involved, and this is how we interact with them,‖ Bacalso said. According to Bacalso the promotion of Green Economic Development (ProGED) was started in 2013 and the first provinces to enrol in green economic development project are Negros Occidental and Capiz. The Promotion of Green Economic Development (ProGED) Programme supports the Philippines in mastering the challenge towards sustainable and inclusive growth. ProGED targets micro, small and medium-sized enterprises which are the backbone of the country’s economy. (JCM/ VWV/PIA Antique)
WESTERN VISAYAS
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Bacolod seeks DFA‘s help to promote ASEAN Integration Carlson B. Alelis BACOLOD CITY, Aug. 23 (PIA6) – Bacolod City Mayor Evelio Leonardia is seeking the assistance of the Department of Foreign Affairs in promoting the ASEAN (Association of Southeast Asian Nations) Community 2015 integration in the country. eonardia said Bacolod must be aware have asked assistance from the DFA with be able to sell its natural and human resources of the impact of the integration among regard the matter. to the ASEAN market. local business, trade and industry, a ―We can no longer think of ourselves as Meanwhile, Leonardia is asking the DFA release from the City Information Office said. simply a Philippine city, we must now think of to conduct fora with other national "Bacolod City must align its development Bacolod as a city of Southeast Asia, or even government agencies to fully explain in detail plans and goals with the opportunities and Asia, and align our goals with this," Leonardia the ASEAN integration. challenges that come with the ASEAN said. Leonardia and City Administrator lawyer ASEAN Community 2015 is composed of (Association of Southeast Asian Nations) John Orola had a meeting with Hellen de la the economies of the ASEAN member-states Community 2015, or the integration of the Vega last Friday, the Philippine director-general Indonesia, Malaysia, Philippines, Singapore, economies of Southeast Asia," said Leonardia. for ASEAN, at the Foreign Affairs headquarters Thailand, Brunei Darussalam, Vietnam, Leonardia added that Bacolod is the first in Manila. Cambodia, Lao PDR and Myanmar. (JCM/CBA/ local government unit (LGU) in the country to Likewise, Leonardia said Bacolod would PIA6-Negros Occidental)
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A former corn vendor now inspires others By Lilibeth A. French Laarni Sotela of Tabuc Suba, Lapaz, Iloilo City used to sell corn on the cob to help augment the income of her husband driver and the cash grant they receive from the government‘s Pantawid Pamilya Program to raise their five children.
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otela, a Pantawid Pamilya Parent Leader, said the income sources are still not enough to provide the needs of her family. So, when she was told by their Pantawid Pamilya city link to inform her members of the short courses being offered by the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority she did not pass the opportunity. The short course is part of the Skills Training modality of the Sustainable Livelihood Program (SLP) being implemented by the Department of Social Welfare and Development to enhance the skills of Pantawid Pamilya beneficiaries and identified indigents for higher productivity and/or profitability which would lead them to being income sufficient. Sotela enrolled in the Food and Beverage Service Training course and completed it on June 2015. She was assessed and received her NTC II Certificate in August of the same year.
Despite her worries about her age, Sotela went out to look for job and her determination was rewarded as she did not go too far. After her interview with the first employer she handed in her application, she was told to come the next day to start training. She was a shy person before - she do not know how to talk in front of people - but with the personality development trainings provided by the DSWD for Parent Leaders she gained confidence in speaking to people. Sotela works in the housekeeping section of one of the hotels in the city. ―With my fixed income and my husband’s earnings I can now make a budget in order to make both ends meet,‖ said Sotela. It was through the Alternative Learning System of the Department of Education that Laarni completed her secondary education in 2012.
She said their efforts are now lauded by the people in their community. DSWD also invites her to become a resource person in some of their activities including the recent media forum on SLP. In all of these changes happening in her life, Sotelo did not forget to express her gratitude to the programs of the government which were made accessible to her ―dako gid ang akon pasalamat sa projects sang DSWD, at least bisan pareho sa akon nga may edad na, nahatagan opportunity nga maka-obra kag makabulig sa amon pamilya, makadugang sa income, kag mahatag ang kinahanglanon sang amon kabataan‖. She is hoping that these programs will be expanded and enhanced so that more Filipinos could benefit from them and experience the change she is experiencing which is also the direction of the present administration. (JCM/laf/ PIA6-Iloilo)
DPWH promotes initiative for clean water Elsa S. Subong ILOILO CITY, 24 Aug (PIA) — A program on sewerage and septage management is being pushed to keep water bodies clean from land-based waste sources.
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PWH-6 Information Officer Vivian According to DPWH-6 Director Tan said the nationwide program Wenceslao Leano the program further aims to is in answer to Republic Act contribute to the improvement of water 9275 of the Philippine Clean Water Act of quality and public health in the country by 2004. enhancing the ability of the implementers to Tan added that the National Sewerage build and operate waste water treatment and Septage Management Program is part of systems. the integrated framework for water quality Meanwhile, in a promotion campaign and management. coordination meeting held recently, some The program is meant for local institutions offered support for the program. implementers like the local government The Department of Finance, through Ms. units water districts and private service May Rose Faner, provided insights on its providers for them to develop the on-the funding agreement on sanitation, while the ground projects and programs on sewerage Development Bank of the Philippines in Iloilo and septage project of the implementors. presented its Green Financing Program, which The program seeks to address various can assist LGUs in establishing structures. national issues on sanitation and treatment as Data showed that more than 20 million well as disposal of waste water. Filipinos do not have access to proper
sanitation and about seven million practice open defecation. According to the Water and Sanitation Program Sustainable Sanitation for East Asia Study in 2008 the design of most septic tanks do not conform to the standards prescribed by the Department of Health. The same report said that most toilets do not have septic tanks, have open bottom chambers, not regularly dislodged and the septage removed is not treated or removed properly. The study further revealed that the effects of this included economic losses exceeding P78 billion per year and fifty-five deaths per day as well as damage to ecosystems and biodiversity. (JCM/ESS/ PIA-Iloilo)
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CENTRAL VISAYAS
Pamplona has lowest malnutrition rate in Region 7 Leandria P. Pagunsan NEGROS ORIENTAL, August 22 (PIA) - - The municipality of Pamplona was recognized as best performing municipality and recipient of the Green Banner Award in Region 7 for having the lowest and consistently decreasing malnutrition rate for three successive years.
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amplona registered a malnutrition rate of 2 percent in 2013, 1.5 percent in 2014, and 1 percent in 2015. This was disclosed by Gilda Torres, nutritionist dietician of Provincial Health Office here during the convergence forum of city and municipal nutrition action officers (C/MNAOs) held in Bayawan City recently. With this achievement, Pamplona will vie for the national level contest in this year's evaluation Beth Nemiajoy Catacutan, municipal nutrition action pfficer of Pamplona, said they have stepped up their fight against malnutrition with the local government unit's effort in creating innovative
projects. These projects include the MORIPACK production and distribution, duck raising and egg production, solicitation for supplemental feeding for malnourished children, hanging vegetable gardens, profiling of families with malnourished children, purchase and distribution of multivitamins, and giving of ferrous sulphate with folic acid for all pregnant women. Through the Department of Agriculture, the municipality was able to implement Tilapia production, organic farming, rice and corn production, establishment of fishponds, fish tanks and fish processing centers and nurseries for fruit and
vegetable gardens as livelihood projects. Moreover, Catacutan said regardless of political color, the municipal government of Pamplona will continue to reach out to all malnourished children and implement with optimism their fight against hunger and malnutrition by sustaining their innovative projects and best practices. The nutrition committee with the support of the LGU will uphold the standard and tradition they have set towards the vision that hunger and malnutrition will only be part of the past, Catacutan said. (rmn/lpp/PIA-7/Negros Oriental)
DSWD: LGUs should be first responders to street dwellers Juju M. Empuerto CEBU CITY, August 23 (PIA) -- The Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) in Region 7 clarified the role of DSWD, Local Government Units (LGUs), and other stakeholders in reaching out to street children.
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ccording to Kerwin Macopia, Information Officer for DSWD-7 Listahanan, the LGUs have the primary responsibility in the delivery of health and welfare services and the implementation of programs and projects for children, primary health care, maternal and child care, etc., based on Republic Act 7160 or the Local Government Code of 1991. Moreover, the role of the LGUs, through their City or Municipal Social Welfare and Development Office (C/MSWDO) is to be the first responders by reaching out and profiling street dwellers based on the Protocol to Reach Out to Street Children published by the Council for the Welfare of Children (CWC), added Macopia. DSWD-7 Regional Director Ma. Evelyn Macapobre said they have been receiving reports from the media and in their official social media accounts regarding street children. "We constantly forward these concerns to the concerned LGU. The LGU is the frontline service provider of social welfare and development services and are in the best position to know and address the
needs of their people,‖ said Macapobre. Aside from the City/Municipal Social Welfare & Development Officer (C/MSWDO), other key offices are the Philippine National Police (PNP), City and Municipal Health Office, Barangay Council for the Protection of Children as well as Non-Government Organizations or faith-based groups. ―The role of DSWD is to provide further technical assistance and capacity building to LGUs and other stakeholders in implementing programs and services for street children," she added. Last year, DSWD-7 replicated the Comprehensive Program for Street Children, Street Families and Indigenous Peoples, especially to Sama-Bajaus in Cebu City in partnership with the Cebu City Government through the Department of Social Welfare and Services (DSWS) which was first implemented in the National Capital Region (NCR) in 2011. The program aims to develop income-generating opportunities and skills training for children and their families to prevent them from
working on the streets, creates activity centers where they could have life skills trainings and literacy activities, and provides shelter assistance for them to permanently leave the streets and to eventually gain access to basic social services. This is an on-going project and is also being replicated in other highly urbanized cities where there is high prevalence of street children and street families. Aside from Region 7, other identified regions to implement the program are Regions 3, 4-A, 5, 6 and 11. ―We are appealing to all sectors in society, including the media and the general public, to contribute in addressing the problem of street dwellers,‖ Macapobre said. ―Along with the rest of the national government agencies in Region 7, we, in DSWD recognize the urgency of responding to the situation of street children and street families affecting the urban areas here in the region,‖ added Macapobre. (rmn/jsme/PIA7-Cebu with DSWD7 report)
Bohol police reaps regional awards Elvira C. Bongosia TAGBILARAN CITY, August 24 (PIA) -- The Bohol Police recently received numerous awards during the 115th Police Service Anniversary held at the Police Regional Office 7 with the theme: ―Hamon Ng Pagbabago, Pinagibayong Serbisyo.‖
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ne of the highlights of its 115th year was the giving of awards and recognition to deserving Philippine National Police (PNP) units and personnel in a ceremony held on August 22, 2016 at Camp Sergio Osmeña, Cebu City. For the unit awards, the Bohol Police Provincial Office (BPPO) was adjudged as Best Police Provincial Office; Tagbilaran City Police Station, got the Best Component City Police Station; and Panglao Police Station received the Best Municipal Police Station. BPPO’s PSupt Nicomedes Olaivar was adjudged as the Best Police Commissioned Officer for Operations while SPO4 Yolando Bagotchay Jr. got
the Best Senior Police Non-Commissioned Officer for the individual awards. For the Project Double Barrel top performers, BPPO got first place as Best in Project Tokhang (Provincial Police Office Category) followed by Cebu Provincial Police Office (CPPO) and Siquijor Police Provincial Office (SPPO). In the Best in House Visitation (Municipal Police Station Category), Batuan Police Station got the 1st place, Dimiao Police Station is 2nd and Sikatuna Police Station got 3rd place. The Best in Project Tokhang (Municipal Police Station Category) was given to Sikatuna Police Station as 2nd place while Dimiao Police Station got
the 3rd place. The annual celebration is aimed to promote community awareness and participation to give tribute to fellow comrades for the bravery, dedication and sacrifice in the performance of duties and to commemorate the birth of the police service in the country. Presidential Assistant for the Visayas Michael Lloyd Dino was the honored guest of the celebration. In his message, he thanked PRO7 for the relentless efforts in the fight against all forms of criminalities in Central Visayas especially in the fight against illegal drugs. (ecb/PIA7-Bohol)
CENTRAL VISAYAS
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Larena town launches Negosyo Center Rizalie Anding Calibo SIQUIJOR, August 22 (PIA) -- True to its thrust of keeping Larena as the economic growth center of Siquijor province, the local government unit (LGU) has launched the ―Go Negosyo‖ Center that is responsible for promoting ease of doing business and facilitating access to services for micro small and medium enterprises (MSMEs).
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arena is the first LGU in Siquijor province to establish the Negosyo Center following the launching of the provincial center at the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) office in Siquijor town in July last year. The center is located at the LGUs of Larena. ―We look forward to the best partnership with the Department of the Department of Trade and Industry and other national government agencies and stakeholders as we commit full support to all the national programs of the government,‖ Municipal Mayor Dean Villa said. "I hope people will also support,‖ he said, citing that the Negosyo Center will benefit not only those in the business sectors but the whole community as it also caters to projects and programs for the expansion of the town’s economic activity. He assured that in the next month, people will see Larena as the center for economic development.
"We wanted to make the lead for other towns to follow and eventually make a progressive Siquijor," he said. Vice-Mayor Cyrus Calibo, on the other hand, sees the establishment of the Negosyo Center as an opportunity where locals and aspiring entrepreneurs will have the chance to venture into business. ―Like me, daghan nato nag-dream magnegosyo, pero dili lang ta kabalo unsaon (many of us have dreamt of going into business, but we simply do not know how to go about it). Now is the chance. Thank you from the bottom of my heart for helping us put up the center,‖ the vice mayor said. Aside from facilitating business registration, the center shall also provide assistance to MSMEs in the availment of technology transfer, production and management training programs and marketing assistance of the DTI, Department of Science and
Techology (DOST), Cooperative Development Authority (CDA), Technical Education and Skill Development Authority (TESDA) and other agencies. Negosyo Center is materialized through Republic Act 10644 otherwise known as the ―Go Negosyo Act,‖ an Act Promoting Job Generation and Inclusive Growth through the Development of MSMEs. With the Go Negosyo Act, the DTI, with the support of the LGUs and other government agencies, expects to further boost government’s assistance to MSMEs for them to grow and flourish. The essence of the Negosyo Center is ―synergy,‖ according to DTI Assistant Regional Director Nelia Navarro as she called on all the government agencies, even the private sectors, to come together and bring the services that promote job and economic growth. (rac/PIA7-Siquijor)
Teachers, nurses, BHW train for sight issues Rey Anthony H. Chiu TAGBILARAN CITY, August 22 (PIA) - - When a child has to get close to the blackboard when reading or angles his face away from the reading material, teachers and parents must know these are signs and indicative of a child's eyesight problems.
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uch are among the symptoms shared by Dr. Jose Oliver Yu, key officer of the Provincial Eyesight Board when he was guest at the Kapihan sa PIA recently commemorating August as Sight Saving Month. Dr Yu added that Bohol Eyesight Board is sending a team of doctors to training school nurses, teachers, barangay health workers and even parents to get them proper skills to facilitate an early sight problem detection among kids. The Bohol Eyesight Board implements the Bohol Eyesight Program, which started since 2011. "Parents may not have the time to notice because when the kids come home, there is only little time for the parents to notice the aberrations, but the school teachers have the kids over 8 hours every day," Yu pointed out. Other than the two mentioned signs, eyes that have excessive sticky secretions are but signs of
these problems that need to be corrected to allow crisp visions. Calling these signs indications of "errors of refraction," these are imperfections that prevent the eye from properly focusing light, causing blurry vision, Dr. Yu explained When these happens, either a child gets near sighted and so needs to get close to the board, or far sighted that they would extend their books away just to be able to read. Errors of refraction can also come in the form of astigmatism, when one sees a distorted image both near or far. Sight problems like these can be corrected by seeing a trained professional, Yu, who along with Dr. Dumalu-an and Dr. Cabigting, eyes, ears, nose and tongue specialists are rounding Bohol to spread and dispense free advice. A trained professional would come out with the proper advice, when an eyeglass is needed, a
surgery to scrape off the obstruction or medication, he volunteered the information. Their sorties, part of the Bohol Eyesight Program, brings these men to rural health units to train teachers, nurses and even barangay health workers. Meanwhile, nurse Angelina Maleriado said they also run a program on eating the right food for the eyes, could largely help. She said vitamin A rich foods like green and leafy vegetables and those with beta carotene and taurine rich foods help keep the eyes in perfect condition. On the other hand, nurse Milagros Israel said it also pays to get the right protection for the eyes. Wearing of sunglasses to screen off excessive light, protecting the eyes from injury caused by flying objects, as well as using proper protective equipment to keep the eyes away from the injures are among the moves one must adopt, Israel stressed. (mbcn/ rac/PIA-7/Bohol)
Faster wifi service now at Dumaguete Airport Roi Lomotan SIBULAN, Negros Oriental, Aug. 24 (PIA) – Passengers at the Dumaguete-Sibulan Airport can now expect a faster and stronger internet connectivity at the airport after telecommunication companies launched its free wi-fi service yesterday.
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elecommunication firms Smart Communications and PLDT installed the ―Smart Free Wifi‖ service which aims to provide faster, free and unlimited internet surfing to all passengers. PLDT Assistant Vice President and Head of Enterprise Service Fulfillment Management Harold Kim Orbase disclosed that this endeavor is in made in partnership with the Department of Transportation (DOT). ―This is related to the 100 Days commitment
of the DOT to the public especially in major transport hubs in the country nationwide. The main goal of the relationship to provide faster internet, with global standards, super speed, and no buffering internet access is to ensure and enable our travelers to be more productive,‖ Orbase said. The ―Smart Free Wifi‖ service assures passengers of speedy and uninterrupted video streaming and internet surfing even if many devices connect to the wifi. So far, Smart and PLDT has installed this free
wifi service in eight airports across the country. These include airports in Iloilo, Bacolod, and Roxas City for the Visayas area, and Davao, Cagayan De Oro and Zamboanga for Mindanao and Clark International Airport in Pampanga for Luzon. Orbase said this is the fourth time they have installed this service in the Visayas. Aside from airports and seaports, Orbase revealed there are also plans to install this wi-fi service in schools and universities, and some local government units. (rmn/ral/PIA7-Negros Oriental)
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EASTERN VISAYAS
Samar needs P 4.7 B for isolated community connectivity Ninfa B Quirante CATBALOGAN CITY, Samar, August 23 (PIA) — Samar province needs some P4.7 B to fund proposed road projects for isolated community connectivity for peace and development.
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n yesterday’s provincial peace and order council meeting, resolutions to connect Samar’s isolated and impoverished communities were drawn. With Samar’s poverty incidence at 49.50044, the council believes that the national government would want to connect these areas and allow Samarnons to be on their way to peace and development. The army presented by a brigade and two battalions confirmed that where the road ends,
insurgency begins, thus the effort of the council to press the national government for the funding. These communities are found in the hinterlands of Paranas, San Jose de Buan, Jiabong, Motiong, and Talalora. Provincial Agriculturist Anita Taran said that the access of roads will inspire farmers to produce as access to and from the market will be assured and eventually reduce the poverty incidence which grips almost half of
the Samarnons. In the recent visit of Agriculture Secretary Manny Pinol, he promised a project management team to study how to alleviate poverty in the area. Imelda Bonifacio, OPAPP and Pamana manager in the region hopes that with the peace and development agenda of the Duterte administration, all efforts will lead to free Samar from being poor. (NBQ/PIA 8-Samar)
Fresh fish, storage up in Tarangnan landing center Ninfa B Quirante CATBALOGAN CITY, Samar, August 23 (PIA) — Tarangnan fishermen are out to experience a change in their lives with the newly turned over community fish landing center (CFLC) in Barangay Imelda.
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n August 19, 2016 the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR) Regional Director Juan Albaladejo with Provincial BFAR Officer Rolando Ay-ay met with some 50 fisherfolks at the brand new center equipped with freezers, stainless steel stalls and sanitation gadgets for the official turn-over. Albaladejo said that Tarangnan fisherfolks can use the facility to bring their catch and meet buyers. The center will assure fresh and clean catch.
Aside from the post-harvest facility, they will also learn to culture mussels and oysters the Matsushima (Japanese) way to ensure less mortality and increased production. ―Bibisitahin ng turista ang isdang nakalagak sa malinis-gusto mismo ito ng mamimili,‖ he told them. He added that oysters and mussels are priced dearly that with the government intervention, the fisherfolks are assured of increased income. Mayor Danilo Tan, in his message said that
the national government’s intervention is a welcome relief from red tide toxins and habagat plaguing his fisherfolks. Francisco Apes, leader of Tarangnan fisherfolks welcomed the project and hoped it would be able to solve illegal fishing in the area. BFAR also promised a 30-footer, seacraft with double engine to be used as Bantay – Dagat vessel. The P2.8 M project is found near Cambatutay Bay that produces tons of marine products sold in and out of Samar. (NBQ/PIA 8-Samar)
PRO8 nets 18,690 surrenderers on illegal drugs PIA08/PNP8 TACLOBAN CITY, LEYTE, August 22(PIA) – For barely two months of implementing the ―Anti-Illegal Drug Campaign Plan‖ (PROJECT DOUBLE BARREL) program, Philippine National Police, Regional Office08 (PRO8) has documented 16,583 illegal drug users and 2,107 pushers or a total of 18,690 who have surrendered as of August 18, 2016.
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ecord shows of the following who surrendered to the different Provincial Offices: Leyte PPO- 5,609; Southern Leyte PPO – 4,449; Biliran PPO – 547; Samar PPO – 1,121; Eastern Samar PPO – 2,685; Northern Samar PPO – 1,205; Ormoc CPO – 2,089 and Tacloban CPO – 985. PCSUPT Elmer C Beltejar, Acting Regional Director said, he is expecting more drug personalities to surrender as the lower barrel of the said PNP Project (PROJECT TOKHANG) is being implemented vigorously region wide. Project Double Barrel ―Oplan Tokhang‖ is a massive campaign against persons involved in illegal drugs and convincing them to surrender for reform/ rehabilitation. Its first phase kicked off last July 1, 2016 nationwide. Since then, thousands of drug personalities have surrendered nationwide. The large number of drug personalities who surrendered is a tangible proof that the use of illegal drugs is already widespread in the region and has reached all strata of the society, the report quoted Dir. Beltejar.
In line with this program, Beltejar is determined to sustain activities and programs to further educate and rehabilitate illegal drug personalities who surrendered in every police station in collaboration with stakeholders and other government agencies. The Rehabilitation Program of the PNP has two phases: the first (1st) phase is the EDUCATION/ AWARENESS PHASE: Drug Abuse Resistance Education (DARE) in the different Elementary and Secondary Schools to edify them the ill effects of Drugs and learn how to say ―NO TO DRUGS‖; Information Operations (IO) which aims to increase the level of awareness of the public using TRIMP (TELEVISION, RADIO, INTERNET, MESSAGES and PRINT). The second (2nd) phase is the REHABILITATION PHASE. This will be implemented in a six-month period. The first three (3) months will focus on character development to help illegal-drug surrenderees recover a drug-free mindset. They will be attending psychological and psychotherapeutic processing sessions or any available
treatment that concerned agencies may have to offer. And the next three (3) months will focus more on skills trainings and livelihood development in coordination with the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA) and other stakeholders. The PNP08 Director reiterates, that PRO8 will continue the conduct of anti-illegal drugs operations and will have no let-up in eradicating both the use and trade of illegal drugs in the region. Likewise, PRO8 asks the public to fully support and trust the PNP while it continue to get rid of the scalawags in the police service. It also encourages the general public to support the PNP in the campaign against illegal drugs and provide relevant information immediately to the nearest police stations or through social media (Twitter - @Pro8Pcrd or Facebook page – Pulis ha Rehiyon Otso) or through the following: Dial 117 or text 2920; RTOC 09173114794 / 09478907155 and Isumbong Mo kay tsip 09178475757.(PIA08/PNP08)
EASTERN VISAYAS
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ESamar nominee joins search for outstanding officials and employees Samuel D. Candido BORONGAN CITY, Eastern Samar, August 22, 2016 (PIA) ---- Civil Service Commission- Eastern Samar Provincial Director Lysander Navales is happy to announce that Dr. Danilo Azura of the Eastern Samar State University (ESSU)-Borongan Main Campus has been chosen to represent the Region in the CSC‘s 2016 search for Outstanding Public Officials and Employees —
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ccording to Navales, Region 8 has been able to select 10 nominees for the national level screening and the awarding ceremony will be held on September in line with the CSC’s 116th Anniversary. Navales disclosed that Dr. Azura was selected as nominee with his outstanding performance and contribution in line with his research entitled, ―Extension Project on ―no wash‖, odorless hog fattening technology‖. His research was chosen for the 3rd prize in the category Best Completed Research in the recent 3rd Visayas Consortium Agricultural Resources Program (VICARP) Convention. Navales has high hopes that this year, a
resident from Region 8 or Eastern Samar will be recognized and chosen in the national level. This is not something new for ESSU Borongan to represent in the national and regional search since in 2010, Mr. Virgilio Arias — who served as a janitor first before he became an Administrative Aide III of the ESSU Borongan — were given with the highest or outstanding Award as Pag-asa awardee of the CSC as he was able to launch the Zero Garbage and Litter Program. Based on the report, he was able to successfully maintain the cleanliness of the ESSU Campus.
Not so long after receiving the award, he died of an undisclosed illness. From 1992-2010, Region 8 has been able to receive 12 individual awards and one team award. In line with this, the Province of Eastern Samar is proud that in 1997, former Provincial Governor Lutgardo B Barbo has also received a Lingkod Bayan Award on the national level due to his program entitled, ―Uli na. Bugto‖ (Come home, Brother) which encourages rebels to come back to the side of the government for the development of their families which paved the way for peace and progress of the Province of eastern Samar. (SDC/PIA-E. Samar).
Taekwondo instructor grabs first place in SKorea competition Samuel D. Candido BORONGAN CITY, Eastern Samar, August 22, 2016 (PIA) ---- Famous Boronganon sports aficionado Mr. Joseph Sherwin Ambida is happy and proud of another achievement — among a roomful of medals and certificates that would prove it — as he was able to clinch the first place in the latest taekwondo competition that he joined in. The said competition was held in South Korea.
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e is one of the few taekwondo instructors in the Philippines invited by the Republic of South Korea — the origin of the said sport — to attend a seminar in relation to the sport when coincidentally, the 2016 Chumo University Presidential International Pomsae Taekwondo Championship was also being held in Gwangju, South Korea.
Ambida and company then grabbed the opportunity to join the said competition where he was able to clinch the first place. Through taekwondo, Ambida became a partner of the Borongan City Government and the Department of Education in keeping school children away from vices — like the use of illegal drugs — through holding trainings in taekwondo.
He also is a veteran of various sports competitions in the Philippines and abroad. Ambida first started as a player of the Eastern Visayas Regional Athletic Association (EVRAA) Meet until he became a trusted instructor of the Philippine Sports Commission. (SDC/PIA-E. Samar)
A life without illegal drugs By Marcelo M. Pedalino, PIA 8 SoLeyte Ryan Fernandez, 36, admitted that his primary means of earning money to feed his family, his wife and two children, was the proceeds from selling Shabu.
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e was not only into pushing, or selling, but he also, every now and then, indulged in sniffing hypethalimine hydrochloride, the chemical tag of the so-called illegal drug. It was an integral part and parcel of the deal, the tricks of the trade, or so it seems -for over time it has become addicted to this viral, vicious vice. But that was before. Over time he had long wanted to change his ways. For good. Yet it would seem he had no choice. ―The anti-illegal drug campaign of President Rodrigo Roa Duterte has greatly contributed to the realization of my long desire to lead a drug-free life,‖ Fernandez confessed during an exclusive interview with ICM Erna Sy
Gorne at the PIA office here. He noted that President Duterte’s aggressive, no nonsense anti-illegal drugs campaign has reduced the supply of Shabu and Marijuana in barangay Abgao, the community where he lived. Fernandez was among the more than a thousand drug personalities in the city who openly surrendered to police authorities in response to Operation Tokhang and Double Barrel. ―As a voluntary surrenderee, I no longer fear for my life and I feel that I am a clean person now,‖ he added. The same sentiment was shared by two of his colleagues -April Acebedo, 28, separated, and Marsially Lopez, 35, single. The three -- and three more of their
kind -- are now gainfully employed as waiters in a catering service owned by Dr. Jerome Paler, the provincial GK head who spearheaded a community-based program for drug surrendeerees in the city, in close cooperation with the Church, the government, and the private sector. When not serving as waiter, Fernandez is selling dishwashing liquid and toilet bowl cleaners, obviously to augment his income -a completely different scenario from the illegal business he had then. As he reminisced on his life, he said, he could not help but wonder that all these would have not happened, had not Duterte -incidentally a Maasinhon by birth -- become President of the country. (PIA)
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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