Vol 6
In this Issue WESTERN VISAYAS
PIA Director-General Harold Clavite with PIA -6 staff led by Atty. Ma. Janet Mesa during his working visit to the region in time for its monthly regional management conference, Sept. 2. (PIA6)
More on Region 6, pages 2-3. Also CLICK Here…
CENTRAL VISAYAS
Aug.29 - Sept. 4, 2016
Published by: PIA 6, 7 & 8
Issue 35
WVisayas‘ 2015 economic growth highest in years By Leonard T. Pineda I ILOILO CITY, Sept. 1 (PIA6) -- - Western Visayas posted an impressive 8.3 percent growth rate in its gross regional domestic product (GRDP) in 2015, according to the National Economic Development Authority (NEDA)-6. NEDA-6 Regional Director Ro-Ann Bacal said that the GRDP growth rate can be attributed to the strong partnership among national and regional government agencies, local government units, and the private sector which pushed development in Region 6. ―This is the highest growth rate in the longest time,‖ she said. She said that Western Visayas is the fifth largest economy in the country so it is important that this development be sustained. ―Our development in the previous year was propelled by the impressive increase in the growth of the industry sector – from 13.5 percent in 2014 to 22 percent in 2015,‖ she said. The NEDA official said that the industry sector‘s growth was driven by the construction subsector which grew from 14.4 percent in 2014 to 46.9 percent in 2015. ―Construction accounted for the bulk of the industry sector‘s share contributing 11.8 percent total GRDP,‖ she
explained. She also said that the services sector also propelled Region 6 with its 6.9 percent growth in 2015. ―The growth was attributed to the good performances of trade, real estate renting, and business activities,‖ she said. The presence of 46 outsourcing companies employing more than 20,000 workers and agents also contributed to the growth, according to NEDA-6. ―Added to this is the P100.2 billion contribution of the tourism industry in the region‘s economy,‖ Bacal said.
NEDA 6 Director Ro-Ann Bacal said that construction accounted for the bulk of the industry sector‘s share contributing to 11.8 percent of the total GRDP. (PIA 6)
Malacañang sa Sugbo to serve as ‗People‘s Palace‘ Fayette C. Riñen
A Kapihan sa PIA was held August 31 at the Plenary Hall of Ramon Abotiz Foundation, Inc. (RAFI) Bldg., 35 Lopez Jaena St., Cebu City with guests from DepEd Cebu province and Coalition for Better Education (l-r) Senior High School Coordinator Isaiah Wagas, Education Program Specialist II Dr. Jose Garry Napoles, EPS Mapeh and Sports Coordinator Nenita Jaralve and CBE Executive Director Marilou Flores to talk on the updates of DepEd Cebu province on Senior High School, Social Mobilization and Networking. #PartnerForChange (vvv/PIA Cebu)
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EASTERN VISAYAS
CEBU, Aug. 31 (PIA) – Presidential Assistant for the Visayas Secretary Michael Lloyd Dino said the re-establishment of the Malacañang sa Sugbo is significant as this will serve as the ‗People‘s Palace‘ in the Visayas Region. ―The Malacañang sa Sugbo is a place accessible not only to government officials and local government units but most especially to the ordinary masses that want to elevate concerns to our office,‖ said Dino during the recent forum of the Association of Government Information Officers - Philippine Information Agency (AGIO-PIA7). Dino also told reporters he plans to establish a Presidential Action Center once the Malacañang sa Sugbo officially opens in late October. President Rodrigo Roa Duterte‘s representative in the Visayas stressed he does not want to duplicate the functions of the regional line agencies but he merely wants to complement the services of government and let the people feel ―connected‖ to Malacañang. ―When we talk about Malacañang, it seems a place that is very inaccessible and out of reach especially to the people in the Visayas. And through our office, we hope to change that by bringing Malacañang closer to the people,‖ said Dino. Dino further said he also plans to place coordinators in the different regions in the Visayas so that people in
these regions could immediately get access to his o f f i c e through the coordinators in the said areas. Regions that comprised the Visayas are Region 6,7,8 and the Negros Island Region. With coordinators in place, concerns can immediately be brought to his attention and swift actions can then be taken to resolve urgent problems, said Dino. According to Dino, he has visited Samar, Tacloban and Bohol and said much needs to be done in these areas with high poverty incidence. He has noted the problems seen in these areas and said he would see how he can help but added that sometimes politicking gets in the way in the delivery of basic services. But the common problems faced by the present administration in the Visayas are still illegal drugs followed by corruption, which are the priority thrusts of President Duterte, bared Dino. Dino said he would try to do all he can to make a difference in the lives of the people especially the marginalized sectors as he urged government agencies to do their job and deliver their services with ―malasakit‖ (compassion). The presidential assistant also said he is open and accessible to everyone who wants to seek his help regardless of political color. (fcr/PIA7)
PRRD assures 101 support to police in anti-drug fight Consuelo B. Alarcon
P I A E a ste r n V i sa ya s j o i n e d th e nationwide#OplanBroadcastreeing led by the Kapisanan ng mga Brodkaster ng Pilipinas, DILG and DENR. Some 1000 seedlings were planted at the beach forest areas in Brgy. Tanghas, Tolosa, Leyte. PIA-Samar also joined the same activity in Brgy. Pupua, mangrove area, Catbalogan City. (gmtt/rst//nbq/ldl) #PartnerForChange
More on Region 8, pages 6-7. Also CLICK Here...
TACLOBAN CITY, Leyte, Aug. 29 (PIA) --- President Rodrigo Roa Duterte assured a 101 support to the police and other law enforcers who are performing their duties in the drive against illegal drugs. The President said this when he spoke today with the local media at Divine Word Hospital after visiting a confined policeman injured in a firefight while serving a Warrant of Arrest to a suspected drug lord in Marabut, Samar. ―Nandito ako kasi gusto ko suportahan at ipakita ko sa mga pulis that they have my support at tutulong ako sa kanila whatever it takes,‖ the President said. Before he visited PO1 Nestor Villanueva, he went to Catbalogan City to visit the slain policeman in the same drug operation a week ago. The President likewise said that he won‘t allow a
police officer or a military to be imprisoned in the performance of their duties. He disclosed how widespread addiction is to the illegal drug of more than three million people in the country. Despite the many criticisms hurled against the President, he said he is determined to stop the proliferation of illegal drugs as he had promised during his campaign. He said he does not want the future generation to be compromised. He described the drug problem as a crisis that faces the government. Hence, he wants the drug industry to be stopped. He even said he can put at stake his own honor, even his own life. (PIA-8)
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WESTERN VISAYAS
PNP Chief: Join the fight vs drugs By Jemin B. Guillermo ROXAS CITY, Capiz, Aug. 31 (PIA6) – Police Director General Ronald Dela Rosa urged the public to join the government‘s campaign against illegal drugs.
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n his visit to Iloilo City to grace the recent Western Visayas Leaders Convergence Summit with the Philippine National Police local advisory councils, Dela Rosa said that President Rodrigo Duterte‘s becoming the President was God‘s purpose. He said that God wanted Mayor Duterte to become the President of the Philippines so that he could focus and intensify the campaign against illegal drugs. ―With the President, we were able to see the true picture of the drug situation in the country,‖ he said. He added that drug lords have enormous resources that
they can afford to bribe police, fiscals, judges and media, the reason behind the proliferation and expansion of the drug trade in the country. ―There are also mayors who admitted that they are using drug money for their electoral campaign,‖ Dela Rosa stressed. According to him, about 3.7 million Filipinos are already into drugs and the situation is even worsening. Dela Rosa added that there were already 670,000 surrenderees under the PNP‘s Project Double Barrel and there are still drug personalities who have not surrendered. Since the implementation of the
Double Barrel project, many drug personalities were arrested, others have died, he said. He called on the public not to allow these drug personalities to rule our country and the world by joining forces together to put an end to this dangerous and illegal activities. More than 250 members of the PNP regional, provincial, city and municipal advisory councils from Capiz, Iloilo, Aklan, Antique and Guimaras provinces participated in the Leaders Convergence Summit that is aimed towards the proficiency stage of the PNP‘s PATROL Plan 2030. (JCM/JBG/PIA6-Capiz)
Revitalization of Antique drug abuse councils pushed By Vicente W. Villavert SAN JOSE, Antique, Aug. 31 (PIA6) - - The 18 municipalities and the 590 barangays are expected to revitalize their respective anti-drug abuse councils in support to the present administration‘s relentless war against criminality and illegal drugs.
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I filed a resolution urging the Municipal Anti-Drug Abuse Councils (MADACs) and the Barangay Anti-Drug Abuse Councils (BADACs) in the province to revitalize their role in drug clearing operation,‖ said Sangguniang Panlalawigan Committee on Peace and Order and Public Safety Chair Pio Jessielito C. Sumande in a PIA interview. SP Sumande said that the move is in support to the Memo Circular of the Department of the Interior and Local Government, and also in support of President Rodrigo Duterte‘s all-out campaign against illegal drugs. ―We have allocated P2 million in the supplemental
budget to intensify the campaign against illegal drugs in the province,‖ Sumande said. The salient provision of the DILG Circular No. 2015-65 emphasized that local authorities, especially barangay officials, their responsibilities in support of overall government efforts to address peace and order, particularly to curb illegal drugs and other substances. The BADAC is chaired by the Punong Barangay, co-chaired by the kagawad heading the peace and order committee. The members include SK Chair, Public School Principal, Chief Tanod, representatives from the NGO and
inter-faith organization. The chief of Police serves as Adviser. The BADACs are mandated to gather and update data on all drug- related incidents and its effects on the peace and order situation in the barangay, including the listing of suspected drug users and pushers; and submit monthly report to the MADAC copy furnished the DILG Municipal field office. Barangay leaders who fail to do their task in the BADAC face administrative case for dereliction of duty under RA 9165 or the Comprehensive Dangerous Act, the DILG Memo Circular provides. (JCM/VWV/PIA Antique)
21 scholars learn Japanese language By Easter Anne Doza NEGROS OCCIDENTAL, Sept. 1 (PIA6) - - Twenty one scholars will undergo Japanese Language Proficiency ―Study Now-Pay Later Program‖ for possible employment in Japan.
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he Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) with Gov. Alfredo Marañon, Jr. and OISCA Bago Training Center was signed recently in the presence of the scholars, a release from the Capitol said. The recipients are qualified caregivers and other skilled workers who will learn Japanese Language and Culture under the supervision of OISCA or the Organization for Industrial, Spiritual and Cultural
Advancement. The provincial government will pay for the three-month training course that costs P20,000 per month per student; it will also pay the examination fee of P5,000 of every scholar upon finishing the course. OISCA Bago Training Center was represented by its director, Shigemi Watanabe. ―This is a golden opportunity for you so be diligent in your training,‖ Marañon
said.
Marañon added that if the pilot batch becomes successful, it will pave the way to a more improved training, which will be continued for years to come. Negros Occ. Scholarship Head, Karen Dinsay, Thelma Watanabe of OISCA-Bago and Japanese teachers, Fukiko Toriyabe and Yoshiaki Kato also witnessed the signing of the MOA. *(JCM/EAD-PIA6 Negros Occidental)
WESTERN VISAYAS
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Experts cite potentials for federalism By Elsa S. Subong ILOILO CITY, Sept. 1 (PIA6) — Western Visayas, which enjoys a booming economy, will be able to adjust to federalism, according to business and development experts.
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loilo Business Club Executive Director Lea Victoria Lara said Western Visayas can continue to create more sources of revenues. ―The region should not just depend on tourism and business process outsourcing but also try to diversify,‖ Lara said. ―We also have fisheries, livestock and high value crops which should be harnessed,‖ she added. Lara further said that by diversifying, the region would find it easier to adjust to federalism. Francis Gentoral, Regional Project Director for Asia of the Canadian Urban Institute, said that with the right governance, corrupt-free leadership, efficient system and stable investments,
Western Visayas, particularly Iloilo, will continue to grow. Both Lara and Gentoral were guests in a radio program anchored by The Daily Guardian-Iloilo over Aksyon Radyo during the weekend. Western Visayas is among the regions proposed as federal state by former senator Nene Pimentel, a staunch advocate of federalism. Gentoral said that federalism can succeed with an equalization fund to support the poor regions. ―This can be in the form of a loan which can help poorer regions develop their economy,‖ Gentoral said, adding that once these economies are developed, the loan can be returned. He also said that the success of a federal state depends on
the region‘s capacity to manage its resources. Gentoral said that there is a need to empower the LGUs first so they can maximize the use of their resources. ―There are so many programs and projects given to the LGUs, but the problem is on the absorptive capacity of these LGUs to implement the projects,‖ Gentoral said. The slow and inefficient implementation of many programs result to overlapping of budgets, according to the CIDA director. Both Gentoral and Lara believe that the concerns on resources management can be addressed by federalism. (JCM/ESS/ PIA-Iloilo)
Guimaras cattle production increasing By Lilibeth A. French ILOILO CITY, Aug. 31 (PIA6) - - Cattle production in the province of Guimaras consistently increased for the past three years.
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he Commercial/Backyard Livestock and Poultry Survey (C/ BLPS) of the Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA) - Guimaras Office indicated that the annual average increase of the cattle production in Guimaras from 2013 to 2015 was 4.2 percent. PSA data also showed that five percent of the cattle production in Western Visayas came from Guimaras. The region contributed almost nine
percent of the country‘s cattle production. Moreover, Guimaras accounted for an average of two percent of the region‘s total carabao production. Some 15 percent of country‘s production came from Western Visayas. The C/BLPS generates primary data on supply and disposition of animals from commercial and backyard farms. The survey aims to determine the performance of the livestock and poultry
industry in the provinces, regions and in the country as a whole. Livestock includes carabao, cattle, hog and goat. As shown in the C/BLPS, hog or swine comprised the bulk of the total livestock production in Guimaras with 68.4 percent share. Following with a large gap were cattle with 20.2 percent, carabao and goat with 6.1 percent and 5.4 percent, respectively. (JCM/laf/PIA6-Iloilo)
PHO gives ABCs on AIDS avoidance By Venus G. Villanueva KALIBO, Aklan, Sept. 1 (PIA6) -- Abstinence, being faithful to one‘s partner, condom-use, not taking Drugs – these are the ABCs that a person should observe and practice to avoid being infected by Human-Immuno Virus- Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome (HIV-AIDS), according to the Provincial Health Office (PHO) here.
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rom July 1999 to July 2016, Dr. Cornelio Cuachon, Provincial Health Officer I of the PHO here said Aklan has listed a total of 81 persons infected with HIV-AIDS, and being careful with one‘s sexual activities by observing the said ABCs can help prevent or minimize the number of Persons Living With HIV-AIDS (PLWHAs) in the province.
Dr. Cuachon said the individual‘s risky sexual behavior is one contributory factor why up to this time, despite massive information dissemination on the dangers of HIV-AIDS, the number of infected persons keep rising. In Aklan since the province started listing infected persons in 1999, 8 have died already from AIDS, according to Dr. Cuachon.
―Throughout the country, HIV-AIDs cases are increasing yearly by 20%‖, he said. The number of males infected with the virus is also increasing, particularly men having sex with men (MSM). HIV-AIDS can be transmitted from person to person through sexual contact, transfusion of blood and blood products, and from mother to child. (JCM/VGV PIA6Aklan)
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CENTRAL VISAYAS
Civil Service anniversary activities hit 3-in-1 targets Ferliza Calizar-Contratista CEBU CITY, Aug. 31 (PIA) – The celebration of the 116th Philippine Civil Service Anniversary hits three in one causes this September.
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ivil Service Commission Regional Director Editha Luzano said in a press briefing that CSC has lined up several activities that hit three targets based on its theme: ―Sigaw ng Lingkod Bayani: Malasakit Para sa Taumbayan, Kapwa Kawani at Kalikasan." ―This means the activity will be showing our value to the community, our fellow civil servants and the environment," Luzano said. For the honoring of civil servants, CSC requires all government agencies to display 100 percent the anniversary banner in their respective office façade the whole month of September. There is also a fun run, the annual RACE To
Serve on September 3 at Camp Lapulapu, Lahug, Cebu City. Its proceeds will go to the families of those who died in the line of duty. This will be followed by the Breakfast Meeting for Regional Executives that same day. On September 8 at 1:00 pm will be the Honor Awards Program of all nominees for the 2016 Presidential Lingkod Bayan, Dangal ng Bayan, and CSC Pagasa Awardees at the Cebu Provincial Capitol Social Hall. For the environment, there is mangrove planting in Danao City on September 24 and Coastal Clean Up on September 17 at the South
Road Properties in front of Lantaw Restaurant. For the community are activities BAPA or the Bilis Action Partner Association Training and the Blood Letting Activity- Lingap sa Barangay on September 29 at the Cebu Port Authority. Luzano said all government employees as well as private non-government organizations are encouraged to participate in any if not all of the activities. Those who want to know details of the mechanics may visit www.csc.gov.ph or call the regional office at 032 4147676 or email at ro07@csc.gov.ph. (rmn/fcc/PIA7-Cebu)
DSWD-7 campaigns for ‗One Million Lapis‘ Juju M. Empuerto CEBU CITY, Aug. 30 (PIA) --- The Regional Council for the Welfare of Children (RCWC) continues to accept pencil donation in line with the One Million Lapis campaign of the Council for the Welfare of Children (CWC).
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ccording to Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD-7) Information Officer Leah Quitana, the campaign started in April this year and aims to collect one million pencils to be given to underprivileged students in elementary schools of the fourth to sixth class municipalities and set a record in the Guinness Book of World Records. The campaign part of the celebration of the 2016 National Children‘s Month celebration in November, Quintana added.
―Individuals, groups, companies and institutions willing to share their pencils are welcome to join the campaign," said DSWD -7 Regional Director Ma. Evelyn Macapobre. She added that these organizations or institutions can drop their pencils at the drop boxes located in National Government Agencies and its Regional Offices and all SM Supermalls. DSWD-7 also accepts pencil donations from the public and its staff. As of now, DSWD has collected 18,515
pencils donated by the staff and other agencies like Children‘s Legal Bureau (CLB), Department of Health (DOH), Philippine National Police (PNP), National Economic Development Authority (NEDA), National Nutrition Council (NNC) and Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG). The final counting and official declaration of Lapis generated will be on November 5, 2016 as a kick-off activity of the 2016 National Children‘s Month celebration. (rmn/jsme/PIA7 -Cebu/DSWD7)
Crimes decrease as anti-drug drive ups Rey Anthony H. Chiu TAGBILARAN CITY, Aug. 30 (PIA) -- For the second consecutive month after police stepped up its drive against illegal drugs, Bohol enjoys a decreased crime rate, this time at 44%.
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he records, however, is only for August 1 to 22, clarified Police Superintendent Lorenzo Batuan during the Provincial Peace and Order Council. According to Superintendent Batuan, the decrease in total crime volume can also be seen in the state or index and non-index crimes for the month, which both enjoyed 81 and 89% accordingly. Index crimes in August reached 136 while non-index crimes reached 270 or a monthly crime rate of 406. The figure becomes even more pronounced when the Camp Dagohoy Planning and Operations chief Batuan presented a chart on the comparative crime rates in the last two months. In July, average monthly crime rates for index crimes reached 52.14 and its non-index crimes reached 18.93. By August, however, Camp Dagohoy crime statisticians noted only 29.44 index and 13.95 non -index crimes. On this, Batuan announced a 22.7 % less in
index crimes and some 5.58% reduction rate in non-index crimes. And as if to validate the claims that the suppression in drug activities would make a dent on crimes, Bohol police efforts appear to have caused the most immediate change in crimes especially in the three crimes which always top the crime types. From 106 cases in July, theft cases nosedived to just 63 cases in August, as statisticians noted a 23% slash in the monthly average. For physical injuries, from 82 cases in July, Camp Dagohoy noted only 39 cases which is a neat 52% slump, Batuan added. And for robbery, which ranks among top crimes in Bohol then, the figures are heartening with 43 cases in July now down to 10 cases, registering 77% decrease. And of the non-index crimes, traffic related incidents still top the list with 87 cases, which is already a good 60% less than the 215 cases recorded in July. August also saw about 20 cases less in other
special laws under non–index crimes, when July had 140 cases. From 103 cases of other non-index crimes, the figure went down to 69 in August. This, again, is 39% decrease. As his report progressed, Batuan noted: ―Clearly noticeable is the significant drop in crime incidents throughout the province amidst the tough implementation of PNP‘s Anti-illegal Drug Campaign ―Project Double Barrel‖. Records show that Bohol Police Provincial Office operations against illegal drugs has more than doubled reflecting among others the seriousness and determination of our law enforcers to carry out their utmost duty to serve and protect, Batuan pointed out. He also added that "we shall be achieving the ultimate goal of our President and Chief PNP in obtaining peace and order not just in our beloved Province of Bohol, but throughout the entire country as well." (rmn/rac/ PIA-7/Bohol)
CENTRAL VISAYAS
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DOLE embarks on massive info campaign against ENDO Juju M. Empuerto CEBU CITY, Aug. 30 (PIA) -- The Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE-7) is now mounting a massive information drive against ENDO, or the abusive and prohibited practices of contractualization, said DOLE-7 Communication Officer Luchel Taniza.
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ccording to Taniza, this was the message of DOLE-7 Regional Director Exequiel Sarcauga during the conduct of the Monday Program as he reiterated everyone‘s big role in responding to the marching orders of Labor and Employment Secretary Silvestre Bello III. Bello, in his commitment to President Duterte, mandated all regional directors to do all things possible in order to achieve their target of reducing the number of contractual workers by 50% before the end of December 2016 and achieving a 100% regularization of contractual workers before the end of December 2017. ―We will do our best to promote for the protection and respect of the rights of the workers at work. ENDO, 555, 333, or any forms of abusive practices must be put to an end,‖ said Sarcauga, adding that DOLE is now crafting and putting in place its plans and strategies on how to
go about it. DOLE will make sure to conduct consultations and dialogues among its partners especially with sectors involved, where ENDO is most prevalent, Sarcauga added. There is a need to clarify and clearly define the concept of labor only-contacting engagements, status of employment, and the instances which might lead to the circumvention of the law, among others, he said. Sarcauga added that even in bilateral arrangements or when a company directly hires workers, some would still find a way around in order not to regularize their workers. ―We already have identified priority industries in Region 7 to be covered by the orientation on ENDO. In fact, we have started it on 10 August 2016 among the locators of the three big economic zones in Lapu-Lapu City,‖ he added. On August 15, DOLE-7 together with
some key officials from DOLE central office conducted an ENDO Orientation among the contractors and subcontractors in Cebu. DOLE conducted another orientation on August 18 among the owners and management representatives of the big and leading malls in Cebu City, followed by an orientation with those engaged in hotels, restaurants, resorts, and other tourism related businesses on August 19. Sarcauga bared that DOLE‘s information campaign against ENDO will run for at least a month in response to the memorandum issued by Secretary Bello. The conduct of orientations, he said, would be able to clarify and address issues raised and conveyed by various business and employers‘ associations and other stakeholders insofar as the implementation of ending ENDO is concerned. (rmn/jsme/PIA7-Cebu with DOLE-7 report)
DA invites Negrenses to participate in #Brown4good Challenge Roi Lomotan DUMAGUETE CITY, Aug. 31 (PIA) – The Department of Agriculture (DA) is encouraging Oriental Negrenses to participate in the #Brown4good Challenge which aims to encourage more Filipinos to eat brown rice.
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he challenge is part of DA's Brown Rice Campaign launched in Dumaguete City yesterday. Its main goal is to inform the public on the health benefits of brown rice. The #Brown4good challenge invites consumers to order brown rice in their favorite restaurants or cook it at home. Afterwards, they should take a photo of themselves eating brown rice and upload it at their personal social media accounts and use the hashtags #Brown4good and #region (number of region) in their posts. Individuals must also tag their friends and invite them to do the same. DA-Negros Island Region Agribusiness and
Marketing Assistance Division Officer Bernard Limbaga disclosed that every post is equivalent to one cup of rice donated to charities. In a briefing with members of Dumaguete Press, DA-Negros Oriental Provincial Crop Division Head Alvin Blasa shared that the department has been promoting the consumption of brown rice in the past but because of the recent studies showing high prevalence of malnutrition among young people in the barrios, DA decided to intensify its campaign. Brown rice contains lower calories and more nutrients like protein, fiber, zince, iron, other vitamins and minerals compared to the white rice.
However, Blasa noted that the problem is young people don‘t like the taste of brown rice. One suggestion to resolve this is to mix it with regular rice so the children can still absorb the nutrients from brown rice. However, Blasa still underscored the importance of educating young people on the health benefits of eating brown rice. ―Hopefully our youths will know what‘s inside the (brown) rice so that they will not only focus on the taste but on the contents of the food they eat,‖ he said. Limbaga also said that buying brown rice is a way of patronizing organic farmers in the province. (rmn/ral/PIA7-Negros Oriental)
Negros Island, Cebu leaders to ink agreement for Tañon Strait Jennifer C. Tilos NEGROS ORIENTAL, Aug. 28 (PIA) – Negros Island and Cebu leaders were set to sign a memorandum of agreement (MOA) with Rare Philippines on the sustainable development of protected areas along Tañon Strait.
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he MOA signing between 17 coastal cities and municipalities from three provinces of Negros Oriental, Negros Occidental and Cebu along the Tañon Strait Protected Seascape (TSPS) with Rare, a global conservation organization is part of the DENR-GEF-UNDP Marine Key Biodiversity Areas (MKBA) Project. The contract with Tañon local government units (LGUs) and Rare Philippines provides technical assistance and capacity building to achieve effective and sustainable protected area and fisheries management in Tañon Strait.
According to Rare Philippines communications manager Arvin Yana the 17 LGUs represented by their mayors including Alegria, Aloguinsan, Badian, Bantayan, Ginatilan, Moalboal, Samboan, Santa Fe, San Remigio, and Santander in the Province of Cebu; Amlan, Bais City, Guihulngan City, La Libertad, and San Jose in Negros Oriental; and Calatrava and Toboso in Negros Occidental were to sign the MOAs. Tañon Strait was declared as a protected seascape in 1998 because of its extraordinary abundance and diverse assemblage of dolphins, whales and other marine species.
Despite being the country‘s biggest marine protected area, Yana said, it has been threatened by decades of overfishing, pollution, and burgeoning human population. The Tañon Strait is about 161 kilometers long. It connects the Visayan Sea in the north to the Bohol Sea in the south. Its width is from 5 km to 27 km. It is a well-known feeding ground, playground and breeding ground of many marine wildlife, including the once believed to be extinct sea cows, making it a key biodiversity area and priority conservation site in the Philippines. (jct/ PIA7-Negros Oriental)
EASTERN VISAYAS
6 TESDA schools
opens
scholarship
program
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Samuel D. Candido BORONGAN CITY, Eastern Samar, Aug. 31 (PIA) - Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA)-Eastern Samar Provincial Director Enrico Banario is happy to announce that the fund for the second semester of Training for Work Scholarship Program (TWSP) — amounting to not less than ₱ 2 M for TESDA-accredited schools in Eastern Samar such as the Samar National School of Arts and Trades (SNSAT) in Taft, Balangiga National Agricultural School (BNAS) in Balangiga, and Arteche National Agricultural School (ANAS) in Arteche — has already been approved.
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owever, Banario says, the slots for other technical courses is almost full due to the number of students waiting for the program. Meanwhile, the SNSAT, he further discloses, has a vacancy for Trainers Methodology Training for Teachers; Bread and Pastry Making in Arteche; and Horticulture NCII in Balangiga. On the other hand, the Private Education Scholarship and Financial Assistance (PESFA) — worth ₱ 2.9 M — is nearing approval as well, he further said. This scholarship is for TESDA-accredited private schools in Eastern Samar like the Don Bosco Youth Center, Eastern Visayas Institute of
Arts and Sciences (EVIAS), and Visayas Center for Arts and Technology (VICAT) in Borongan City and some private schools in Guiuan. The said scholarship has 200 slots for a free study in private schools and with a ₱ 50 daily allowance until they finish any vocational course. Banario is encouraging interested Estehanons to go to the aforementioned schools and inquire which slots are still available. He adds that the Certification for drivers is free with 200 slots available. Due to the high need of skilled workers in Hanjen — located in Subic, Zambales— TESDA -Eastern Samar now gives a free training to 30
Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program beneficiaries in Borongan City; 30 in Arteche; 30 in Balangiga and Taft. Banario also disclosed that TESDA-Eastern Samar fully supports as well the Philippine National Police‘s Drug Rehabilitation Program which gives free training to drug surrenderees. In Borongan City, a training on Bread and Pastry Making started in August 15, with 25 slots for drug surrenderees. Up next is the training on Haircutting and Massage for other drug surrenderees who‘ll be interested as well as other technical courses. This drug rehab program is also open in other towns of the province. (SDC/PIA-E. Samar).
First Human Milk Bank in Visayas underway Consuelo B. Alarcon TACLOBAN CITY, Leyte, Aug. 30 (PIA) – Babies in Eastern Visayas who are deprived of breast milk may soon avail of it at the Eastern Visayas Regional Medical Center.
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his will happen soon once the Human Milk Bank, the first milk bank in the V isaya s wi ll be completed. DOH 8 regional director Minerva Molon said the milk bank will provide milk to mothers who do not have enough milk and to
provide milk for babies in times of disaster and emergencies. Lactating mothers are being encouraged to share their extra milk once the milk letting activity will be done in said hospital. Molon assured the public that the
milk collected from mothers who have enough milk will be screened, processed at the pasteurizing machine and stored before distribution. To date, the human milk bank is on the process of installation in said hospital. (CBA/ PIA-8)
DOH official calls for community support against dengue Rodrigo S. Victoria TACLOBAN CITY, Aug. 31 (PIA) - An official of the health department in Eastern Visayas region strongly called on all stakeholders in the community to help address the increasing cases of dengue in the region in a dengue summit held this city.
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r. Carmen P. Garado, head of the local health services division of the Dep artm en t of H ealt h (DOH ), emphasized in her opening message the importance of working together, to the first batch of participants, comprising of local government unit (LGU) health officers, sanitary inspectors, dengue brigade, and representatives from some concerned national government agencies coming from the provinces of Biliran, Leyte and Southern Leyte of the Dengue Summit in August 30-31, 2016. The second batch of participants to the Dengue Summit that will be held on September 1-2, 2016 will come from the provinces of Samar, Eastern Samar and Northern Samar. ―All of us have to really appreciate the problem,‖ Garado stressed as she presented the increasing statistics of incidence of dengue cases in Region 8 for the period, January 1 to August 26, 2016. There are 3,520 reported dengue cases or an increase of 272 percent compared to the same
period last year and 18 deaths or an increase of 350 percent compared to the same period last year due to dengue in Eastern Visayas, Garado reported. Garado stressed to the participants to actually realize how important is team intervention because she believes, the current status of dengue cases in the region is ―not just a problem of DOH alone but everyone‘s concern.‖ She encouraged LGUs and other concerned national government agencies like the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD), Department of Education (DepEd), Philippine Information Agency (PIA) to work together to be able to do more in addressing the rising incidence of dengue cases in the region for this year. For his part, Dr. Leonido P. Olobia, DOH 8 program manager for vector-borne disease control program, informed the participants of the two-day summit that "though there is an increasing incidence of dengue cases from January 1 to August 26, 2016, yet Region 8 is one
of the two regions in the country that has the lowest recorded dengue cases from 2010 to 2015 based on the latest report from a national daily." Olobia also presented to the participants five recommendations for long-term solutions to help address the dengue problem in the region. Top most of his recommendations is a strong political support for dengue program and other sanitation-related diseases where the active involvement and participation of LGUs are encouraged. He added that enhanced governance through passage of local ordinance in support to dengue integrated with other sanitation-related diseases is also important. Olobia also suggested as part of his recommendations, to institutionalize vector surveillance and not simply single surveys; to always advocate the 4S; and to enhance coordination with DILG, DepEd, DSWD, PIA and other stakeholders. (FJ/rvictoria/PIA Biliran)
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PRRD wows Taclobanons Samuel D. Candido TACLOBAN CITY, LEYTE, Aug. 30 (PIA) – In an apparent admiration for his tough and hard-hitting approaches to solve the number one problem of the country, President Rodrigo Duterte received an almost wild display of appreciation and high degree of respect from Tacloban people as they chanted ―Du-ter-te!, Du-ter-te! ―We-love-you!‖
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his was during his recent visit to the city, particularly Divine Word Hospital, where he visited POI Nestor Villanueva, the policeman who was shot in the chest while serving an Arrest Warrant to a suspected drug lord in Marabut, Samar. On the news that the President was arriving at the hospital premises moved several people to get out of their rooms and queue in just any vacant alley where the President could possibly pass through. At the fourth floor of the hospital where the policeman‘s room was found and as the subject of the President‘s visit, nurses, attendants, hospital staff and caregivers nearly violated protocols in their levelled interest to get near the President. When President Duterte appeared from an exclusive entrance, people began to turn ―unruly‖, so to speak, not perhaps for a
movie-star-like veneration, but for his strong-will and determination to end up the drug menace in the country so with other issues needing one strong man, only this one guy from Davao can seemingly solve, ever. This is said so, as he was flooded with inspiring chants and responses, in between his impromptu talk, outside the hospital room of the wounded cop: ―Toto-o yan!‖, ―Tumpak‖, ―Mr. President, Mabuhay ka!‖ ―Mahal ka namin‖, ―We are proud of you‖, ―Hulog ka sa amin ng langit‖. He was humble though to silence the crowd himself, as he raised both hands to cool-off the noise. And he started saying his impromptu speech which focused on his fight against the drug menace. According to the President, had it not been for his Presidency, the country would have not been aware of the widespread, seriousness and magnitude of drug addicts.
Thankful parents, mothers in the audience kept on responding affirmation of his war against drug pushers and drug lords. And after his brief talk, he proceeded to the hospital‘s ground floor where the media awaited for interaction. However, the nursing staff of the nearest ward who had their improvised tarpaulin of ―Welcome, We love you, Mayor‖, was unable to get closer and display their humble greetings due to the disruptive and advancing crowd that heavily hampered their scripted greetings for the President. After saying his thanks for his victory in Tacloban in the latest presidential race, Pres. Duterte responded the wailing crowd with his continued waving, coupled with a subtle smile which could just be one more mysterious charisma of this Davaoeño, who was born and partly schooled of his primary level of education in Southern Leyte, Region 8. (PIA-08)
Palo Agri-Aqua Trade Fair sales hit P295K DTI Lyete/PIA8 TACLOBAN CITY, Leyte, Aug. 31(PIA) - The Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) Leyte Provincial Office supported the participation of 18 micro enterprises in the recently held Agri-Aqua Trade Fair.
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one at the Palo Cathedral Plaza, on August 2-5, 2016, the exhibitors generated about Php295,000.00 total sales or 194% of its target of Php100,000.00 from the four-day activity which showcased local products like the famous moron, binagol, suman latik, Javier instant salabat and many others. All from Leyte Treats of Ethnic Foods and Crafts Association (LEYTEFCA), Javier Instant Salabat Producer‘s Association, Barugo Roscas Producers Association, Maricel‘s Tablea and Todoc‘s Special Native. LEYTEFCA members grossed Php
258,640.00, Barugo Roscas Producers Association earned Php21,350.00, Maricel‘s Tablea with Php13,475.00 and Javier Instant Salabat profited Php1,303.00. ―We are thankful to DTI Leyte for inviting us in this trade event. Trade fairs are good marketing avenues to promote our products to both local and foreign markets.‖ says Mr. Efren Cabarce, Vice President of LEYTEFCA during an interview. Palo Municipal Mayor Remedios L. Petilla led the ribbon-cutting during the Opening Ceremonies together with Board Members Gina E. Merilo and Bob Abellanosa, Leyte Provincial
Agriculturist Loreto T. Yu and other local officials. Under its marketing program, DTI encourages and supports LGUs in their municipal trade fairs with the expectation that successful producers will move on to higher promotional events such as the Leyte Pintados Kasadyaan Trade Fair, Bahandi Regional Trade Fair conducted annually at SM Megamall, national trade fairs and subsequent international marketing exhibits. The event was initiated by the local government unit of Palo, for their 186th Palo Day celebration.(DTI Leyte/PIA8)
Your husband died a hero! Ninfa B Quirante CATBALOGAN CITY, Samar, Aug. 30 (PIA) -- In time for the celebration of National Heroes Day, President Duterte visited the wake of PO1 Gary Cabaguing in Catbalogan city, whom he called a hero.
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s he ranted on his disgust over those involved in illegal drugs, he told Cabaguing‘s wife-Abigail, ―Not every Filipino is given the chance to die for his country, your husband died a hero, hero yan siya!‖ This statement brought a stream of tears for the widow Abigail, tears, she was desperately trying to hold since the President arrived. The President arrived exactly at 12:00 noon as he still had to attend some ceremonies at the Libingan ng mga Bayani in Taguig early in the morning.
This was the second time that Catbaloganons waited, since his first scheduled trip on August 25 was cancelled. But those who patiently waited were happy to see and hear him talk about his passionate campaign against illegal drugs. It will be recalled that PO1 Gary Cabaguing with the special forces of the Public Safety Battalion was about to serve a warrant of arrest to a certain suspected drug trader named Ernesto Gonzales Decorina in Barangay Logero, Marabut, Samar in the dawn of August 24, 2016.
But the suspect turned out well equipped and managed to pin down two of the team before he escaped to an unknown direction. The leader of the assault team said it was after all those gunfire when they learned that Cabaguing was hit. Another member PO1 Nestor Villanueva was also injured in the process. Cabaguing‘s family and Villanueva will be receiving benefits due to those who have risked their lives in service. (PIA8-Samar)
One Visayas e-newsletter is published weekly by the Visayas Regional Cluster of the Philippine Information Agency (PIA) comprising Region 6, 7 and 8. Its main editorial office is located at PIA Region 6, Iloilo City. One Visayas e-newsletter is part of the online news and information dissemination services of PIA and is powered by www.issuu.com. For inquiries and suggestions, call Tel. Nos. (033) 3378719/3377301 or e-mail piaamo6@yahoo.com.
Ms. Minerva BC Newman Regional Director, PIA 7
Editorial Consultants Atty. Ma. Janet C. Mesa, Ph. D. Regional Director, PIA6
Ms. Alicia E. Nicart Regional Director, PIA8
Managing Editor Jaime S. Cabag, Jr. Contributors All PIA Information Officers of Regions 6, 7 & 8 Production and Layout Edson J. BaĂąares Lynnor C. Regalado Regional Offices: PIA 6, 2/F RC Building, Rizal St., Iloilo City, Iloilo 5000, Tel. Nos. (033) 337-8719/3377301/509-0993, Fax No. (033) 337-8719/509-0993, e-mail: r6_pia@yahoo.com/ piaamo6@yahoo.com PIA 7, Room 304, 3/F Machay Bldg., Garardo Avenue, Cebu City, Cebu 6000, Telefax No. (032) 232-4062/232-4126, e-mail: pia7_cebu@yahoo.com.ph/r7_pia@yahoo.com PIA 8, Children‘s Park Compound, Sen. Enage St., Tacloban City, Leyte 6500, Tel. No. (053) 325-5124, Telefax No. (053) 321-2029, e-mail: pia_ev@yahoo.com/r8_pia@yahoo.com