Vol 6
Published by: PIA 6, 7 & 8
Issue 36
In this Issue WESTERN VISAYAS
The 18 Municipal Police Stations of Antique got their respective motorcycles from Gov. Rhodora J. Cadiao during the turn-over ceremony held recently at the EBJ Freedom Park, San Jose, Antique. With Gov. Cadiao is PNP Antique Director PSSupt. Louis P. Garong.(PIA6/T.Villavert)
September 5 - 11, 2016
PRO7 tops in war against illegal drugs Fayette C. Riñen CEBU, Sept. 5 (PIA) – The almost 50,000 houses visited in just two months resulting to 72,297 surrenderees in Central Visayas catapulted the Police Regional Office (PRO-7) to being the top performer in the continuing war against illegal drugs among regional police offices nationwide. PRO-7 Regional Director C/Supt. Noli Taliño attributed the outstanding performance to the policemen especially in the police stations that are continually implementing the anti-drug program. ―We need to double time or even triple time our efforts against illegal drugs in order to beat the target deadline of six months made by our President. We cannot afford to relax as our campaign is continuing‖ said Taliño during the recent forum of the ―Talakayan sa Isyung Pulis‖ (TSIP) attended by tri-media. Of the 72,297 drug personalities that voluntarily appeared in the different police stations regionwide, 67,312 were users and 4,985 were pushers. Of the total number, 92 percent were male and 1.96 percent was accounted for females while 5.73 percent were minors.
As for gender classification for users, majority were males at 86.6 percent while females were around 10 percent and 3.28 percent were minors. For the Project Double Barrel or the accomplishments on anti-illegal drugs, there were 998 operations conducted from the period July 1 to August 31 that resulted to the arres of 1,475 persons. Volume of shabu confiscated was 3,539.31 grams with estimated value at P41,763,858 while cases filed reached 1,636. From August 1 to September 2, 89 persons have been killed during legitimate operations in the continuing war against illegal drugs while 99 persons involved in drug trade were killed by unknown assailants. Taliño said those people behind the illegal drugs trade are now killing each other in response to the 99 persons who were killed by unidentified gunmen. The PRO-7 director stressed that the police do not tolerate summary executions and that investigations are underway for such cases amid public concern over summary killings. (rmn/fcr/PIA7)
More on Region 6, pages 2-3. Also CLICK Here…
CENTRAL VISAYAS
There will be more air quality "real time" monitoring facilities to be installed in Cebu City. Air Boards (like billboards) flashing the air quality monitoring results will also be put up in a strategic area in Cebu City soon. This was announced by our panelists from DENR-EMB 7 during our Kapihan forum earlier at the DENR-7 regional office. The Asian Development Bank (ADB) earlier granted two real time air quality monitoring facilities to the City of Naga. (rmn) #GoodNews#PartnerForChange
More on Region 7, pages 4-5. Also CLICK Here…
EASTERN VISAYAS
USAID Office of Education Deputy Chief Erica Rounsefell led Wednesday the turnover of 24 classrooms constructed by USAID in four schools in Leyte: Dagami South Central School, San Joaquin National High School, Alegria National High School and Salvador Elementary School. Said classrooms are part of the $143M assistance extended by the US government to help Yolanda survivors build back better. (Photos by Sol Alarcon/PIA-8 & John Briones/USAID Rebuild)
More on Region 8, pages 6-7. Also CLICK Here...
North Samar launches 2016 Peace Month Ailene N. Diaz CATARMAN, Northern Samar, 6 Sept. (PIA) – The Northern Samar Provincial Government in partnership with OPAPP and supported by Provincial PAMANA Management Team, spearheaded the successful launching of the 2016 Peace Month on Sept. 3 at Sacred Heart Plaza here, participated in by various national and local agencies, NGOs and the church. Hundreds of participants gathered as early as 4:00 early morning all set for the Run and Walk for Peace in 3, 5 and 7 kilometers. While waiting for the arrival of runners, a Zumba for Peace took place and a short program followed afterwards. Speaking before the participants, Ms. Maricel Bantilo, Area Coordinator of the Office of the Presidential Advise on the Peace Process (OPAPP) presented the overview of the Peace Month Activity. She said the event is based on Proclamation No.675 issued in 2004, declaring September of every year as National Peace Consciousness Month to instill consciousness among Filipinos on the comprehensive peace process, and promote the culture of peace based on non violence, respect for fundamental rights and freedoms, tolerance, understanding and solidarity. A run-down of the activities for the whole month include radio guesting thru PIA, simultaneous flag raising and recitation of the pledge for peace, bike for peace, the conduct of orientation on mainstreaming peace promotion and conflict prevention and other sectoral concerns to community driven project formulation by DILG, conduct of bridges for peace, stakeholder‘s dialogue/consultation, peace caravan, inauguration/turnover of PAMANA Lapinig-Jipapad farm to market road, highlighted with the scheduled visit of the highest official of OPAPP, and the culmination activity with the release of peace lanterns, candle lighting and peace concert. Vice Governor Gary Lavin representing Governor Jun Ong expressed great appreciation to everyone who woke up early and exerted effort to support the provincial government‘s campaign and efforts to achieve real long lasting peace. As he uttered appreciation, 803rd Brigade Commander Col.
Mario Lacurom made a strong appeal to the people for support on AFP's drive to secure the constituents and the nation as a whole from terror attacks. The Philippine Army he said, is doing everything, sacrificing their lives just to make sure peace reign in every corner of the nation. PNP Deputy Provincial Director Jesus Miranda, likewise, sought for everyone‘s support on the PNP's campaign and war against illegal drugs and criminality. Campaign for peace is a continuous effort, he said, not only for the month of September but throughout the year. In closing, Senior Board Member Florencio Batula spoke of the quest for peace, saying "it is a universal concern that transcends any racial, cultural, religious or political convictions, but alongside its importance to humanity, it has increasingly become a lonely crusade, but we are not losing hope because all people even those who care less will surely be enjoying the fruits it may bear." (A. Diaz/PIA-Northern Samar)
Representatives from OPAPP, PIA, Provincial Government of Northern Samar and AFP join the launching of Peace Month Celebration at Sacred Heart Plaza, Catarman, Sept. 3. (AND/PIA8-NSamar)
DTI: Entrepreneurship is for everyone By Elsa S. Subong ILOILO CITY, Sept. 7 (PIA6)—Entrepreneurship is for everybody, at any age and profession, hence, the Department of Trade and Industry-Iloilo has stepped up its advocacies to lure both students and retirees. Recently, DTI-Iloilo partnered with the Northern Iloilo Polytechnic State College in Estancia, for the conduct of an Entrepreneurship Fair where 120 students attended. The event, according to DTI-6 Information Officer David Sinay, highlighted a display of goods and products produced by entrepreneurship students, which are ready to be marketed. ―There were also lectures on entrepreneurship, business planning and franchising,‖ Sinay added. The activity was part of the Youth Entrepreneurship Program of DTI-Iloilo. Meanwhile, some 25 retiring officers of the Philippine National Police from the Police Regional Office-6, attended a
one-day seminar on entrepreneurship, intended to encourage and inspire them to be productive after they have left the police service. Mutya Eusores of the Industry Development Division, DTI-Iloilo, said that entrepreneurship may work differently among young entrepreneurs and those launching a business at an age where time and energy may be limited. The PNP would-be retirees were given pointers on how to identify business ideas and what factors are to be considered before opening a business. ―Careful assessment of the business ideas is needed along with the preparation of a business plan to determine the risks and the gains,‖ Eusores said. The PRO-6 said it is hoping that the seminar would motivate the participants to continue maximizing their skills and knowledge. (JCM/ESS/PIA-Iloilo)
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WESTERN VISAYAS
BCC serves as inspiration to other LGUs By Easter Anne D. Doza BACOLOD CITY, Sept. 8 (PIA6) - - The Bacolod City College hoped to be the inspiration to other local government units to establish their own city college when it first opened its doors to students.
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CC was created during the first term of then first time mayor Evelio Leonardia has now grown to have 3,725 students, from its initial 135, a release from the Public Information Office said. Aside from population growth, the BCC is now located in three campuses namely – Taculing, Sum-ag and Fortune Towne. Leonardia considers the creation of the Bacolod City College (BCC) as his most valuable accomplishment, and that its success has inspired
other local government units to put up their own city colleges. This, according to First Lady Elsa Leonardia, who represented the mayor at the opening ceremonies of BCC's 19th Foundation Week at the BAYS Center. ―BCC is Leonardia's brainchild,‖ the first lady said. In addressing the students and faculty members at the opening rites, Mrs. Leonardia said that "because of the good quality of its graduates, she expects BCC to be a model city college in the
country." She said the mayor has high hopes for BCC and its students. This year's Foundation theme is, "Changing Lives, Sustaining Excellence." The city college also broke ground for its Bachelor of Science in Information and Technology Workshop Building at the Sum-ag Campus and set to unveil the New Library Development Plan at Taculing Campus. *(JCM/ EAD-PIA6 Negros Occidental)
CHR : Antique PNP has no record of HR violations By Vicente W. Villavert SAN JOSE, Antique, Sept. 5 (PIA6) - - Governor Rhodora J. Cadiao lauded the Antique Police Provincial Office for respecting human rights in their campaign against all form of criminalities in the province.
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In our recent meeting with the Regional Director of the Commission on Human Rights, Atty. David Bermudo, our record is clean and with no violations of human rigths during the Police‘s relentless campaign against illegal drugs,‖ said Governor Cadiao during the Flag Raising program held September 5 at the Evelio B. Javier, San Jose, Antique. The Governor during the program inducted into office the officers and members of the Antique Police Provincial Advisory Council (PAC) chaired by DILG Antique Provincial Director
Victorio Pagapulan, and also distributed 18 motorcycles to the 18 Municipal Police Stations. PSSupt. Louis P. Garong of the Antique Provincial Police Office (APPO) said in a PIA interview that ―we have not violated human rights because we always go for the rule of law, and when we implement or enforce the law, we have to make sure that every rights of the individual is observed, whether he is a criminal or suspected criminal. ―During the CHR investigation here, they found out no violations, and also no complaints or reports filed at the CHR‘s office,‖
Garong said. The APPO‘s relentless drive against illegal drugs resulted to more than 1,500 surrenderees. Garong said that in his conference with Governor Cadiao and the Provincial Health Officer Dr. Ric Noel Naciongayo, the Valderrama Hospital in the Munciipality of Valderrama was identified to be converted into a rehabilitation center for the illegal drugs victims. The Provincial Government and the APPO recently signed a Memorandum of Agreement to further strengthen the campaign against illegal drugs. (JCM/VWV/PIA Antique)
Drug-clearing of Aklan barangays set By Venus G. Villanueva
KALIBO, Aklan, Sept. 8 (PIA6) -- Barangays in Aklan which are drug-affected as assessed by the Aklan Police Provincial Office (APPO) based on its ―Oplan Tokhang‖ implementation in the province will undergo drug-clearing operations.
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he drug-clearing operations kicked-off through the conduct of an Inter-Agencies Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) Signing on Oplan 2016-17 Synchronized Barangay Drug-Clearing Operations held recently at the APPO Multi-Purpose Hall at the Camp Pastor Martelino in New Buswang, Kalibo, Aklan. The conduct of the drug-clearing operations in Aklan, according to APPO Acting Police Director PSSupt. John Mitchell Jamili, intends to integrate all efforts in the fight against illegal drugs to hasten the process of totally eliminating the menace with the adoption of the ―Whole of the Government Approach.‖ Based on the MOA, the operations will have three phases – the pre-operations from September 1-20, 2016 which involves municipal and barangay launchings; operations which will be from September 21 to November 20; and post -operations from November 21 to December 10, 2016. Also included in the timeline of the operations is the period December 11-15, which
will be the turn-over of cleared barangays to the Barangay Anti-Drug Abuse Councils (BADAC) and Barangay Chairmen, and to the respective mayors. The APPO revealed, through a brief orientation on the data on drug affectation in Aklan given by Police Chief Inspector Bernard Ufano of the Provincial Intelligence Branch Office that out of the 327 barangays of Aklan, 209 are drug-affected, or 64%. The data revealed too that all municipalities have drug-affected barangays, with Malay town having 100% of its barangays affected followed by Kalibo and Numancia which both had 94%; New Washington which had 88%; Nabas with 85%; and Altavas with 79%. The rest of the Aklan municipalities had from 75% and below drug affectation, with the municipality of Libacao, a hinterland town having the lowest with 4%. The APPO clarified that only the 209 drug-affected barangays will undergo drug-clearing operations. Among the signatories of the MOA
was Aklan governor Florencio T. Miraflores, who, in his message, congratulated the APPO for coming up with the MOA-Signing and the drug-clearing that will follow which he said are a manifestation of the serious effort of the government to eliminate drug addiction which has become a very serious problem. He also committed to increase the financial support of the province for the drug operations of the PNP to sustain its activities. ―Buy-bust means operational funds. We will be there to fully support you in this undertaking to get the ―big ones‖. We will make sure funds are there to catch not only the small ones but also the big ones,‖ the governor said. APPO Acting Provincial Director Jamili, for his part, thanked the governor for his support, saying crime should not be out of control. ―We should not allow the criminals to dictate our society on how to live our lives but rather let us unite for one common good and that is to eradicate illegal drugs in our community,‖ he said. (VGV PIA6 Aklan)
WESTERN VISAYAS
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PNP, AFP assure security against threats By Jaime S. Cabag, Jr. ILOILO CITY, Sept. 6 (PIA6) – The Philippine National Police (PNP) Police Regional Office 6 here has put in place preemptive security measures to avert any spillover or planned terrorist attack in Western Visayas in the wake of the Davao bombing incident.
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n view of the declaration by President Rodrigo Duterte of a state of lawless violence (followed later by declaration of a state of national emergency on account of lawless violence), the PNP PRO6 has been coordinating with the Armed Forces of the Philippines (APF) units in the region to enhance security operations against any threat to peace and order. In a briefing during the special meeting of the Regional Peace and Order Council (RPOC) held at the PNP PRO-6 headquarters at Camp Martin Delgado here today, the PNP regional office said the joint operational units are on full alert status with security personnel deployed for enhanced security personnel visibility in so-called places of convergence and random checkpoints put up in strategic places especially in this city which is the regional center. The PNP is also stepping up its anti-criminality operations to secure the public in their day-to-day activities. The joint PNP-AFP operations are also focused on securing transport hubs including airports, seaports and land transport terminals, as
well as vital installations. Briefings on similar security and peace and order concerns were also rendered by the Philippine Army for the AFP and by the National Intelligence Coordinating Agency (NICA). Regional Prosecutor Domingo Laurea, Jr. of the Department of Justice explained that the declaration of a state of lawlessness made by President Duterte to enable, among others, the Chief Executive to call the PNP and AFP together for enhanced security operations to ensure the safety of the public. Upon the request of some local chief executives present, Laurea said he will issue a memorandum to their offices to conduct briefings in order to enlighten the public on the presidential declaration and accompanying issues and concerns. PNP PRO-6 Regional Director PCSUPT. Jose Gentiles, who presided over the special meeting, said the region‘s crime rate especially as to index crimes has gone down, mainly as a result of the relentless ―Campaign Plan Double Barrel‖ pursued by their organization.
He noted that index crimes such as murder, homicide, and rape are predicate crimes of illegal drugs. It was mentioned in the PNP PRO-6 briefing that despite the challenges still facing their campaign against illegal drugs, the ongoing Campaign Plan Double Barrel is very effective. Among those in attendance during the RPOC special meeting were top local chief executives of the region including governors Arthur Defensor, Sr. of Iloilo and Samuel Gumarin of Guimaras, and Roxas City Mayor Angel Alan Celino, Mayor Genevieve Lim-Reyes of Caluya, Antique, who is the president of her province‘s League of Municipalities of the Philippines chapter, and Cuartero, Capiz mayor Tito Mayo, also LMP president. The special meeting was called to discuss issues on peace and order security concerns in connection with the recent presidential declaration. The Department of the Interior and Local Government is the Secretariat of the council. (JCM/JSC/PIA6)
Army vows to act within bounds of law By Jemin B. Guillermo ROXAS CITY, Capiz, Sept. 5 (PIA6) – The Philippine Army has assured the public that they will act within the bounds of the law.
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rmy‘s 3rd Infantry Division Commander General Harold Cabreros pointed out that there is nothing for the public to worry about following President Rodrigo Duterte‘s declaration of a State of Lawless Violence after the bombing incident in Davao, Sept. 2. The President as the Commander-In-Chief has called on the Armed Forces of the Philippines to do law enforcement operations to complement and supplement the capability of the PNP to suppress lawless
elements. Cabreros has directed the soldiers covering the Panay and Negros Islands to tighten and maximize security within the area through increased security patrols in the known entry and exit points of the islands, vital installations, public places and occasional conduct of checkpoints with the joint effort with PNP counterparts to ensure safety of the people, 3ID Spokesperson Captain Gizelle Lim said. The tight security measures effected by the
authorities aimed for the security and protection of the Filipinos. Lim, in a radio interview, has called on the public to be vigilant against the presence of lawless elements, urging them to also cooperate and help the security forces especially in the implementation of security measures such as during checkpoints. She also reminded the public that security is not only the sole responsibility of the military and the police but of every citizen. (JSC/ JBG/PIA6 Capiz)
Proposal to hike gov't workers' burial benefit up By Lilibeth A. French ILOILO CITY, Sept. 7 (PIA6) - - The Employees‘ Compensation Commission (ECC) approved a resolution implementing an increase in the funeral benefit of workers in the government under the Employees‘ Compensation Program (ECP).
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tephen Barredo, Regional Officer-In Charge, Information and Public Assistance Division of ECC 6, said the resolution is now at the Office of the President for his approval. The ECC resolution allowed an increase of P10,000 in the funeral benefit for the public sector making it P30,000 from P20,000. It will be recalled that in 2014 the funeral
benefit was also increased to 20,000 for both the public and private sectors under the ECP after successfully equalizing them at P10,000 in 2013. For workers in the private sector, Barredo said, the ECC has already approved the increase in their EC funeral benefit last June 2016 and also pending approval of the President. The said hike will not result to increase in
the EC contributions paid by the employers for their employees. Barredo said the benefit enhancement is part of the commitment of the ECC to continually equalize EC benefits to make it sufficient and relevant to workers. The burial benefit is just one of the packages of benefits provided under ECP to workers in the event of work-related sickness, injury or death. (JCM/laf/PIA6-Iloilo)
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CENTRAL VISAYAS
No Zika virus cases in CV - DOH7 Hazel F. Gloria CEBU CITY, Sept. 7 (PIA) – Central Visayas continues to be free from Zika virus.
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r. Van Philip Baton, Medical Officer of Department of Health (DOH-7) said during the Association of Government Information Officers (AGIO) – Philippine Information Agency (PIA) 7, said that as of now, there is no record of suspected cases with zika virus here in the region. ―Zika virus is a virus related to dengue, chikungunya and other viruses in which the source is from a mosquito bite. These mosquitoes are aggressive daytime biters and they can also bite at night,‖ said Baton.
The most common symptoms of Zika virus disease are fever, skin rashes, joint pain, and red eyes. ―There is no vaccine or medicine for Zika but it is not deadly,‖ he said. Baton also explained that Zika is diagnosed based on a person‘s recent travel history, symptoms, and test results. A blood or urine test can confirm a Zika infection. Dr. Baton also said that Zika can be passed from a pregnant woman to her fetus. Zika virus have a high chance of fetal infection
that may lead to microcephaly that can cause certain birth defects. DOH-7 urged the public to continuously focus on the ―4S Strategy on Dengue Awareness and Prevention‖ such as the following: Search and destroy in keeping the environment clean; Self-protection measures include wearing long sleeves or long pants; Seek early consultation because dengue is crucial and see a doctor immediately if you show early signs and symptoms of dengue; and Say no to indiscriminate fogging. (rmn/hfg/AGIO-PIA7 Forum)
45th Araw ng Siquijor focuses on change Rizalie Anding Calibo SIQUIJOR, Sept. 5 (PIA) – The 45th Araw ng Siquijor celebration on September 13 to 17 is heading towards change for progress with its theme ―Ang Pagbag-o, Alang sa Kalamboan (Change For the Sake of Progress)."
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uring its planning stage last month, Siquijor Vice-Governor Mei Ling Quezon pushed for the theme that goes with the President‘s tough call for change. ―Indeed, change is upon us,‖ said Representative Ramon Vicente Antonio ―Rav‖ Rocamora of the lone district of Siquijor in his message during the Opening of Sports Tournament this week. ―We have a new President, many newly elected officials in both national and local government," he said citing that as a neophyte lawmaker, he feels the sense of change and hope. ―I also hope that this feeling of change is shared by all Siquijodnons,‖ the congressman said. Rocamora declared his confidence that with the leadership of Governor Zaldy S. Villa, Vice Governor and all local officials ―even those who were on the other side of the political fence," they will bring genuine progress for Siquijor. ―When it comes to Siquijor, there should be no partisan divide. Siquijor is our party,‖ he also said. ―That is the change that we achieve every single
day: to have provincial and local government work hand in hand with our people. Of course, that cannot be achieved overnight. Trust in government is hard to build but it is built with openness and citizen‘s engagement.‖ Strongly backed by Governor Villa himself, activities for the celebration this year are all geared for change to uplift Siquijodnons. September 13 is the opening of the five--day Agri-Trade and Food Fair highlighted with a Beef Cattle Summit to be attended by Agriculture Secretary Emannuel ―Manny‖ Piñol. During the fair are the conduct of Sales Promotion with the Department of Trade and Industry, Agri Machineries Exhibitions and Demonstration, Hand Weaving, and Wine Bottle Upcycling. Halad sa Katawhan starts on September 14 and will end on September 16 to include services such as Medical Mission like Bloodletting, Blood Typing, Blood Donation; Dental Services, Dental Extractions; Body Scan/Harada Machine, Wart Removal; GSIS - Service Desk; PRC registration and Renewal of Profession; and Free Legal Services.
There will also be Skills Demonstration by Technical Educations and Skills Development Authority (TESDA) like Bartending, Table Boxing, Cold Meals Cooking, Motors and Controlling; and local jobs fair by the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE); Writeshop and Livelihood Starter Kit. The Philippine Statistics Agency (PSA) will also conduct Issuance of Birth Certificate in Security Paper (SECPA). Talent Night for Miss Siquijor Tourism is on September 16 at the Provncial Capitol Mini Park and the Miss Siquijor Tourism Pageant and Handulantaw to be participated by the different local and national agencies will be in the evening of September 17 at the Capital Square. Awarding ceremony, Launching of Siquijor Logo, and Renewal of Vow will also be the Siquijor Day itself (September 17) that will be started with a Holy Mass celebration and Parade. For more details, please contact the Provincial Government of Siquijor through the Provincial Governor‘s Office and the Provincial Tourism Office. (rmn/rac/PIA7-Siquijor)
New NGCP facility to benefit Cebu, Bohol PIA7/NGCP CEBU, Sept. 6 (PIA) -- The newest facility constructed by the National Grid Corporation of the Philippines (NGCP) is seen to benefit the power consumers of Cebu and Bohol provinces.
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GCP‘s newest facility, the Calong-calong –Toledo–Colon 138-kiloVolt transmission project, energized on August 22, will directly benefit the power users in the two islands, according to a press statement from NGCP. A 52-circuit kilometer transmission line, the upgrade of the substation in Toledo, and the expansion of substations in Calong-calong and Colon are among the components of this project designed to boost the Visayas grid‘s capability and accommodate the 246-megaWatt (MW) power plants of Cebu Energy Development Corporation (CEDC) and the 82-MW coal-fired plant of Toledo Power Company. ―The completion of this project fulfilled the N-1 requirement of the transmission corridor in the Western Cebu area. This means a wider, more reliable highway for power suppliers to transmit supply to customers, particularly those served by the
plants such as VECO and other distribution utilities in Cebu and Bohol. With this enhanced reliability, supply from Cebu power plants can potentially reach as far as Luzon," stated NGCP. The additional capacity from these facilities enables NGCP to comply with the N-1 provision of the Philippine Grid Code. Under the Philippine Grid Code, N-1 requires back up equipment to prevent outage when other facilities are not available or on scheduled shutdown. "This development is the result of a nationwide program of facility upgrades to ensure that our lines and substations operate at an optimal level and at the same time, ready to accommodate future demand or supply. NGCP is confident we can replicate this achievement throughout the rest of our facilities in Visayas,‖ stated NGCP. Other components of the newly completed
facility are a new relay building to house associated substation equipment, sentry towers to ensure perimeter security, and slope protection for the substation and transmission towers to ensure structural stability. NGCP is a privately owned corporation in charge of operating, maintaining, and developing the country‘s power grid. It transmits high-voltage electricity through ―power superhighways‖ that include the interconnected system of transmission lines, towers, substations, and related assets. The consortium, which holds the 25-year concession contract to operate the country's power transmission network, is comprised of Monte Oro Grid Resources Corp. led by Henry Sy, Jr., Calaca High Power Corporation led by Robert Coyiuto, Jr., and the State Grid Corporation of China (SGCC) as technical partner. (rmn/PIA7-Cebu/NGCP)
CENTRAL VISAYAS
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Facility to diversify romblon in B-Unido, triple incomes Rey Anthony H. Chiu TAGBILARAN CITY, Sept. 7 (PIA) — The Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) granted to Bien Unido weavers a package of equipment that would enhance their productivity and open up options for more diverse romblon (pandanus) woven products.
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he package includes a mechanical drier worth P470,000, three heavy duty sewing machines worth 127,800, and a digital weighing scale for accurately measuring dye in coloring the romblon strips prior to weaving. The package is in a DTI Shared Service Facility housed in buildings at the back of the Bien Unido Municipal Gymnasium. Handed to Bien Unido Weavers Association (BUWAS) as managers, the facility could also be used not just by the 37 members but for all romblon weavers within the vicinity, said DTI Regional Director Asteria Caberte during the handover ceremonies, September 2. BUWAS has been a DTI partner in the Bayong Development Program, Caberte said. Already imbued with the romblon weaving tradition, Bien Unido residents received the needed government boost when from their traditional mat weaving, the move to reinvent the bayong (bawjot) had people interested in the mainstreamed fashionable romblon mat bags. But hounded by production inadequacies especially during rainy seasons, the bayong
development slackens as weavers rely on the heat of the sun for drying the fibers before they can be dyed and woven. And lacking in equipment to adequately deliver the exact amount of dye and the facility to fully immerse the fibers in the specified colors, BUWAS saw a concern in the quality of their dyed fiber. In response to the production gap, DTI in Bohol under Officer in Charge Maria Soledad Balistoy pushed for the SSF to make local weavers more efficient to ultimately enhance product competitiveness which would result to expanded capabilities and better income. BUWAS, according to chairman Marina Boniel, has a current production volume of 200 bayongs a month. With the new facility which totals P610,600, they are looking at 150 percent increase in production volume, which could help them produce no just for local markets and Cebu exporters but Manila and foreign markets as well, Caberte told media. This should also increase the incomes of
members, DTI Bohol Project Development Officer Engr. Jerome Gabin added. He said at the current income of P7,000 a month, the facility would exponentially increase their incomes of up to P30,000 a month. More to the new facility that would leapfrog BUWAS to a forward position in the local weaving market, Caberte also committed to the SSF managing group more product development programs. "We have witnessed how slow, productive weaving is, that even the value of the material and the labor component are not included in the pricing," she noted. Caberte hinted to local weavers the need to diversify over the limited aspects of weaving. "Today, I commit for intensive product development for Bien Unido weavers. We need to elevate this into a social enterprise," she declared. With the regional commitment, Balistoy also committed for values and entrepreneurial skills trainings for the weavers who have struggled to keep a tradition of weaving alive in the second district of Bohol also assured inclusive growth to poor weavers. (rmn/rac/PIA-7/Bohol)
PIA brings trainings to BISU Clarin, UB-VDTALC Rey Anthony H. Chiu TAGBILARAN CITY, Sept. 7 (PIA) — Within a span of 15 days, the Philippine Information Agency in Bohol responded to requests for technical assistance for student writers and leaders.
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ast July 30, PIA responded to a call for technical assistance on student leadership capability building at the Bohol Island State University in Clarin Campus. On August 13, school papers of the University of Bohol‘s Victoriano D Tirol Advanced Learning Center (UB-VDTALC) tapped the PIA Bohol for their annual writing workshops for its school publications. Trained were pupil writers of the VDT-ALC elementary publication The Seedling and its secondary publication called The Achiever. Other than the PIA, the school also tapped prime Boholana feature writer Sonieta Labasan to a
workshop on feature writing, editorial writing and cartooning. For the PIA, the assigned workshop topics were on News writing, Sports Writing, Science and Technology Writing as well as photo journalism and photo captioning. The school organized Seminar-workshop on Campus Journalism and Photo journalism is in preparation of the up-coming Division Schools Press Conference in 2016, said School Paper Adviser for The Achievers, Darelle Ainee Sansan. The invitation for the seminar workshop is the second time that the PIA got from the UB VDTALC.
The UB-VDTALC training is the second that PIA rendered within the last 15 days. Earlier, PIA was at the Bohol Island State University in Clarin for the Student Leadership Training Seminars. PIA had the topics on social media and its legal implications, while it also teamed up with journalist and legislative researcher Ric Obedencio for its Parliamentary Procedures training. With the popularity of the social media and its open platforms for journalism, BISU feels the need for a more responsible social media use. (rmn/rac/ PIA7-Bohol)
RPOC: ‗Do not pass unverified text on terror attacks‘ Fayette C. Riñen CEBU, Sept. 6 (PIA) -- Bohol Governor Erico Aumentado urged the public not to pass text messages warning the community to refrain from visiting commercial malls due to possible suicide bombings in the wake of the Davao blast.
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We appeal to the public to help government counteract the disinformation by not passing the same text creating undue panic and chaos,‖ said Aumentado who presided the recent emergency meeting of the Regional Peace and Order Council (RPOC-7). The meeting was called to discuss the current peace and order situation in the region following the Davao explosion at the Roxas Night Market last Friday night that killed at least 14 people and left over 60 injured. Aumentado said we must heed the advisories
of the authorities rather than believe in the text that is being circulated around. The issue cropped up after Asteria Caberte, director of the Department of Trade and Industry -7 said that she received a text message about an intelligence report on four women from Basilan plotting to do suicide bombings in Cebu malls and to pass on the message. Chief Supt. Noli Taliño, regional director of the Police Regional Office (PRO-7), however, said there is no intelligence report about it and that the message needs to be verified. ―We should not
immediately believe the information although all text warnings on terror threats would be verified,‖ said Taliño adding that however, the public should be extra cautious after the Davao tragedy. Aumentado also requested the local government units to take part in normalizing the situation by asking the community to keep watch but not to spread fear and cause panic. ―We need to stay vigilant, keep clam and report immediately to the proper authorities on suspicious activities or people within our area,‖ said Aumentado. (rmn/fcr/PIA7)
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EASTERN VISAYAS
Solon leads tree planting on natal day Erna S. Gorne MAASIN CITY, Southern Leyte, Sept. 5 (PIA) - A tree planting during the natal day of Congressman Roger Mercado of the lone district of Southern Leyte was the first activity on the day.
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ome 2,000 people started to trod a highly elevated mount ain in Barangay Laboon in Maasin City as early as 5:00 o clock in the morning to participate in the planting of 10,000 trees seedlings this year. Barangay Laboon is the birth place of President Rodrigo Roa Duterte. ―You will be the living heroes today,‖ Congressman Roger Mercado told them as it was noted that August 29 is also the nationwide observation of the National Heroes Day, supposedly a holiday. Together with the usual participation of
the city, provincial and national line agency‘s employees, provincial, municipal and barangay officials and employees, students, among others, have another opportunity to plant trees again around the province as they joined the said tree planting this time. Every year, as the representative celebrates his natal day, also marks the planting of thousands of trees in the province. The solon has claimed to have planted some 6 Million trees for the last two decades and he is still counting, it was learned.
During his stint as the provincial governor for the last three years, the provincial government thru its local environment arm, the Provincial Environment and Natural Resources Management Office (PENRMO) has a monthly planting activity along the roadsides, river banks, mangrove areas, beach areas and in the mountains. On September 9, the provincial government employees were set to plant more trees in Barangay Laboon as the nation marks the Civil Service Month celebration this year. (esg/PIA 8 SoLeyte)
GAD programs should be realized at local level Teresita B. Cardenas CATARMAN, Northern Samar, Sept. 2 (PIA) – GAD North Samar Chair Dr. Venus J. Cardenas said gender and development policies, plans, and programs should be realized at the local level, since not all local government units and national government agencies take appropriate steps to ensure their full implementation during the recently conducted gender-fair media seminar in Catarman.
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he said Executive Order no. 273 mandates all government agencies and local government units to incorporate and reflect GAD concerns in their annual budget proposal and work and financial plan, however, not all LGUs do their share. LGUs not reflecting the concerns in their budget will not be approved and their annual investment plan will be returned to them by the Sangguniang Panlalawigan, she said.
Cardenas informed that GAD is an approach to development focusing on socio-political and cultural forces that determine how differently women & men participate in, benefit from, and control resources and activities. Cardenas revealed that it is a perspective of development that is not concerned with women per se however with the assignment of gender roles, responsibilities, and expectations. She continued saying that it is a continual
search for new and innovative means of transforming unequal relations between women and men so they could become equal partners in their pursuit of a full and satisfying life. Gender sensitivity means seeing what men and women can actually do rather than relying on assumptions, and hearing both of their priorities and perspective as well as counting the values of women‘s work, she added. (tbc-pia8northernsamar)
Pantawid Pamilya beneficiaries start living self-sufficient lives Marcelo M. Pedalino MAASIN CITY, Southern Leyte, Sept. 6 (PIA) -- Slowly but surely, beneficiaries of the government‘s conditional cash transfer program in this city have begun to lead productive, economically improved lives.
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ut of the 2,616 households listed as active beneficiaries of the Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program here in the city, some 178 of them have been rated self-sufficient for this year 2016, according to Jean Paul Retana and Desiree Roman, Pantawid City Links. The vast majority, or 2,292 households, are still rated under subsistence mode, but the lowest of the rankings, survival, also showed marked improvement. From 50 households in 2013-2014 under the survival category, this is now reduced to 34 households for the current year, the City Links said in a recent PIA kapihan interview over radio station dydm.
Other guests in the dydm kapihan program were Ginalyn Cagorol and Estrella Odias, all City Link Pantawid personnel in the city. The DSWD program which started in this city in the year 2012 used to be called 4Ps, but confusion on pronunciation (for fish, por peace, for face, etc.) led to the shortcut call of Pantawid Pamilya, it was learned. Pantawid families that were considered in the highest rank of self-sufficient generally made good on the Sustainable Livelihood Program (SLP) such as livestock raising, in which 15 families in a group managed a swine fattening project that is now ongoing in seven barangays. Two other barangays operate a
mini-grocery, while most Pantawid members initiated the idea of a pooled bigasan scheme in their respective barangays. Maasin City has 70 barangays. ―The Pantawid families, most of them women-led, have become empowered,‖ Retana said. In addition, there have been ongoing short-courses offerings in coordination with Technical Education Skills Development Authority (TESDA), on cookery, caregiver, and shielded metal arc wielding (SMAW). Last month, Pantawid spearheaded the training and licensing of Security and Lady Guards, wherein 42 have passed and are now waiting for their placement calls. (mmp/PIA8 -Southern Leyte)
EASTERN VISAYAS
DILG8, KBP spearheads Broadcastreeing in Leyte
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2016
Oplan
Consuelo B. Alarcon TACLOBAN CITY, Leyte, Sept. 6(PIA) – Around one thousand talisay seedlings were planted by some 600 participants who joined the 2016 Oplan Broadcastreeing held Saturday at Barangay Tanghas, Tolosa Leyte.
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he activity was spearheaded by the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) and the Kapisanan ng mga Brodkaster ng Pilipinas (KBP) Eastern Visayas chapter. DILG assistant regional director Artemio Caneja, who led the tree planting activity, expressed hope that the seedlings would thrive in the coming years with the support of the local government unit and the residents in said barangay. ―This is the second year that the tree planting activity was held in the same venue per recommendation of the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) after noting that some plants had died after being eaten by grazing animals,‖ Myles Joseph Colasito of the DILG
said. Various national government agencies, schools, local officials, civic organizations, business groups, volunteers and local broadcast -journalists joined the activity. Since the Oplan Broadcastreeing was conducted in 2011, a total of 27, 300 seedlings was planted from 2011 to 2015. The Oplan Broadcastreeing was held in line with the memorandum of agreement between DILG and the KBP in 2011 in support of the National Greening Program of the government. Meanwhile, some 30 ‗tokhang‘ hunks joined KBPs‘ broadcastreeing event done in the mangroves of Barangay Pupua, Catbalogan on Saturday. KBP organizer of Aksyon Radyo DYMS
Rommel Rutor said that Chief of Police Edwin Barbosa offered to haul in the group to join supporters which included the police, NSTP and NROTC students, DILG, SAMICO, PIA, and other media groups. The ‗tokhang‘ hunks have surrendered to police authorities as persons who are directly or indirectly involved in drugs. They are ‗outmates‘ though they regularly report to the police. They are usual participants in community service, zumba classes and other related programs. The KBP Broadcastreeing this time was done at the mangrove area in Barangay Pupua where ‗broasdcastreers‘ planted api-api species (local name: miyape). (ajc/DILG-8/ PIA-8)
Slain cop-hero of Catbalogan laid to rest Ninfa B Quirante CATBALOGAN CITY, Samar, Sept 5 (PIA) – Slain cop, PO1 Gary Cabaguing, was laid to rest on Saturday, Sept. 3.
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o less than President Rodrigo Duterte called the cop a hero as he paid his tribute on a visit on August 29, 2016, National Heroes Day. Widow, Abigail, a teacher at the Samar State University said her family is overwhelmed by the country‘s show of love and prayers. In the necrological service, Abigail hailed her husband as a good son, a loving husand a dedicated public servant. She recalled being married to him for 13 years where they have two children aged 9 and 2. She recalled that when Gary was sworn into office, one official said that ―police officers
are already government property.‖ She said she remembers that every time and does not question her husband cop when even during important days, he would leave their house and go on a mission. The date Gary was killed was the feast day of St Bartolome, patron saint of Catbalogan where Gary and Abigail live. ―Your children will always be proud of you… maybe heaven needs you more as you have accomplished your mission on earth,‖ the widow shared in between sobs. ―Now you are God‘s property, we love you but I know God loves you more.‖ ―Please do not worry about us,‖ she said adding that many have shown their love and
care. To Gary, she promised, ‖In God‘s time, we will be together again.‖ To the people who sympathized with her plight, she urged them: Please keep me and my children in your prayers. Some 200 Catbaloganons came to join the procession that led Gary to his resting place. Gary was killed as his team was about to apprehend a wanted person for his involvement in illegal drugs in Barangay Logero, Marabut, some 130 kilometers southeast of Catbalogan. Gary died while another cop Nestor Villanueva was wounded. (NBQ/PIA8-Samar)
Leyteña to follow footsteps of Olympic Medalist Hidilyn Diaz Consuelo B. Alarcon TACLOBAN CITY, Leyte, Sept 6 (PIA) --- A Leyteña is expected to follow in the footsteps of Olympic medalist Hidilyn Diaz.
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his, after Andrea Rowella Abrea, an athlete-scholar from Leyte Sports Academy, finished two medals in her weight category of 47 kgs at the 2016 Sub-Junior and Junior World Powerlifting Championships in Szczyrk Warsaw, Poland last August 29, 2016. Abrea, a native of Matag-ob Leyte brought home one silver medal in the Deadlift Category and one bronze medal in the
Bench Press Category. The competition was participated by 30 countries. Her weight category at 47 kgs. was participated by five countries namely, USA, Russia, Japan, Ukraine and the Philippines. USA won gold medal while Russia grabbed bronze medal in the Deadlift Category while in the Bench Press, Japan grabbed
the gold medal, silver went to Russia and the Philippines won bronze. In recognition of her achievement, Leyte governor Leopoldo Dominico L. Petilla gave an iPod to Abrea as reward of her success. Prior to the said sports competition, Abrea grabbed four gold medals in the Asian Powerlifting Championships held in India last July. (PIA-8)
One Visayas e-newsletter is published weekly by the Visayas Regional Cluster of the Philippine Information Agency (PIA) comprising Region 6, 7 and 8. Its main editorial office is located at PIA Region 6, Iloilo City. One Visayas e-newsletter is part of the online news and information dissemination services of PIA and is powered by www.issuu.com. For inquiries and suggestions, call Tel. Nos. (033) 3378719/3377301 or e-mail piaamo6@yahoo.com.
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Managing Editor Jaime S. Cabag, Jr. Contributors All PIA Information Officers of Regions 6, 7 & 8 Production and Layout Edson J. 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