Vol 6
Issue 38
In this Issue WESTERN VISAYAS
Dr. Eric Tayag (middle), Director IV of the Bureau of Local Health Systems Development of DOH, provides updates to the local media on the cases of Zika in Iloilo City, in a press conference held Wednesday, September 21, 2016 at Sarabia Manor Hotel here. Also in the photo are DOH-6 Regional Director Dr. Marlyn Convocar and City Health Office chief Dr. Bernard Caspe.
More on Region 6, pages 2-3. Also CLICK Here…
CENTRAL VISAYAS
Top officials from Philippine Information Agency paid a courtesy call on Cebu Gov. Hilario ―Junjun‖ P. Davide III at the Gove rno r's Office, Ceb u Capi tol. L-R: Philippine Information Agency Central Visayas Regional Director Minerva BC Newman, Josephine Ong Cayabyab of the Office of the PIA Director General, PIA Deputy Director General Angelo Villar, Gov. Davide, PIA Director General Harold Clavite, PIA Program Management Division Staff Director Emelyn Libunao, and PIA-7 Assistant Regional Director Fayette Riñen. (PIA-7)
More on Region 7, pages 4-5. Also CLICK Here…
EASTERN VISAYAS
PIA Deputy Director General Angelo Villar on Friday paid a courtesy call on Leyte Governor Leopoldo Dominico Petilla where the latter discussed the province‘s proposed government hub in Palo where national government agencies and their provincial counterparts will be housed. With DDG are: PIA8-OIC Alice Nicart, Ms. Au Casimpan and Ms. Jomai Apostol. (RST photos)
More on Region 8, pages 6-7. Also CLICK Here...
September 19 - 25, 2016
Published by: PIA 6, 7 & 8
Hotline 8888 receives good feedback – CSC By Leonard T. Pineda I ILOILO CITY, Sept. 20 (PIA6) --- The Civil Service Commission (CSC) said that hotline 8888 established by President Rodrigo Roa Duterte has been receiving positive feedback from citizens in the country. CSC Chairperson Alicia dela Rosa-Bala, during the CSC-6 Honor Awards Program ceremony held recently, said that 8888 is a 24-hour hotline for citizen complaints implemented by the Duterte administration as a measure to fight corruption in government agencies. ―Ang hotline 8888 ng ating Pangulong Rodrigo Roa Duterte ay pinamamahalaan ng CSC. Ang aming mga natatanggap na feedback ay magaganda,‖ she said. She said that CSC is making sure that calls, complaints or praises received by their call center agents are referred to the appropriate government agency and concerns are properly addressed.
―Dahil gusto namin na hindi lang ni-refer, dapat bumalik sila sa amin na natugunan ang hinaing ng taong bayan,‖ she said. She said that callers have expressed their gratitude to the President for putting up the hotline which served as platform to where they could convey their concerns to government agencies. ―Ang ating mga ahensya ng pamahalaan ay lalong nagsusumikap para mabilis ang serbisyo sa taong bayan,‖ she said. She also said that callers not only convey complaints but they also provided suggestions on how services could be improved. ―Higit sa lahat, nagkakaroon sila ng pagkakataon na masabi ang kanilang saloobin,‖ she added. (JCM/LTP/ PIA-Iloilo)
US reiterates US-RP cooperation By Rey Anthony H. Chiu MANILA, Sept. 16 (PIA)—The United States of America remains steadfast in its relationship with the Philippines. US Press Attache Molly Koscina told a group of regional media gathered at the US Embassy recently that the Philippine Government has not officially contacted the US government to formalize its intent of pulling out its troops in the islands. "As to the official statements of the Philippine President, let me refer you to the Office of the President," Koscina said. As she admits their office has seen reports regarding statements of President Duterte, she added that there has not been anything more from it. "We have not officially been contacted by Philippine authorities regarding President Duterte‘s statements," Koscina added. Koscina together with Deputy Press Attache Emma Nagy entertained Philippine regional press at the end of a two-day training on disaster reporting and communications. And as the State Department awaits for any communication from Malacanang, Koscina reiterates
continued mutual cooperation between the two independent states. ―We continue to focus on our broad relationships with the Philippines,‖ she said. Over speculations of soured relationships between the two countries, the press attache reiterates ―We will continue to work together in the many areas of mutual interests.‖ She said both countries continue to work together on disaster preparedness, counter terrorism, improvement of lives of the Filipino people, them being the US commitments. ―We need to uphold our shared democratic values,‖ Koscina stressed, pointing out how the broad Philippines US relationship remains robust. "Our relationship is really broad and our alliance is one of the most enduring and important relationships in the Asia Pacific," she stressed. She describes the relationship as the cornerstone of stability for over the last 70 years, as it is built on shared sacrifices for democracy and human rights. (rmn/rac/ PIA7-Bohol)
DDG Gelo shares PIA’s new directions with PIA-08 PIA 8 TACLOBAN CITY, LEYTE, Sept. 19 (PIA) – Philippine Information Agency (PIA) Deputy Director General Angelo Villar visited PIA-Regional Office 08 recently and shared to the staff the Agency‘s new directions. He said that, as the government‘s information arm, it is important that PIA should be felt in almost all provinces and regions of the country. Thus, the need to set up a government radio station with PTV in all provinces as this is imperative in good governance, he stressed. ―But, here, we do not provide news, instead it is information that we give our people,‖ DDG Villar said. ―For instance, we need to communicate federalism and ASEAN on the ground, as we need to be active in social media and maintain a closer ties with media.‖ he added. The young DDG also reminded his listeners, to infuse a fresh and dynamic culture at PIA. With the Duterte Administration and its mantra of ―mabilis na aksyon, matapang na solusyon‖, DDG Villar pointed out that PIA will resolve issues with careful steps, which shall be paralleled as well, with long term solutions. ―We foresee additional Information Centers created in some regions and provinces, in order to strengthen provincial presence. We want to make your lives easier,‖
he concluded. Before his brief conference with PIA-08, DDG Gelo paid a courtesy call on Tacloban City Mayor, Cristina Romualdez and Leyte Governor Dominic Petilla. He discussed with the two local chief executives how PIA can better support each of their advocacy and information programs and vice-versa. Mayor Romualdez cited her support to PIA trainings and workshops while Governor Petilla is likely to support some other concerns on office space.(PIA-08)
PIA Deputy Director General Angelo Villar (L) on Friday paid a courtesy call on Leyte Governor Leopoldo Dominico Petilla where the latter discussed its proposed government hub (in Palo) where national government agencies and its provincial counterparts will be housed.
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WESTERN VISAYAS
CATV program on disaster preparedness takes off By Elsa Subong ILOILO CITY, Sept. 22 (PIA6) — Disaster preparedness initiatives and programs should be supported by media, an official of the Office of Civil Defense-6 said.
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CD Director Rosario Cabrera said during the launching of the cable TV p rogr am du b b ed: ―Bu yl o g sa Pagpangaman,‖ with its maiden telecast Sept. 22, 7:30 in the evening, Channel 31 of Sky cable. The regular show is scheduled on Thursdays, while the replays are on Mondays, at 3:30 in the afternoon. The program is part of the Information, Education, Communication activities on disaster risk reduction and management, originally by the OCD and Central Philippine University. The Philippine Information Agency-6 became part of these initiatives with the implementation of the CATV program. ―The TV program can further widen our reach so as to fully inform the students,
communities and the general public on disaster risk reduction and management,‖ Mesa said. Sealing the partnership was the signing of the Memorandum of Understanding with the partners, on September 19, at the Knowledge for Development Center, Henry Luce Library, Central Philippine University. CPU President Dr.Teodoro Robles, said the program will be a good venue to reach people and strengthen the school‘s advocacy on disaster risk management and climate change. The program‘s editions will carry news, advisories, success stories on disaster preparedness, prevention and mitigation, as well as discuss issues and rally community participation in DRRM. ―Buylog sa Pagpangaman‖ is telecast over the CPU channel while the taping of
the editions are held at the Education Media Center. The MOU states the responsibilities of each party in connection with the program. PIA shall help conceptualize the program, prepare scripts, serve as co-anchor and review programs for quality control. The OCD shall provide anchor and guests, content, and provide logistics as needed. CPU, on the other hand shall provide its facilities for the production and airing of the program, provide resource persons and other manpower needed. Program anchors are Elsa Subong of PIA and Cherry Naranjo of the OCD. The MOU covers a period of two years. (JCM/ESS/ PIA-Iloilo)
NFA cites support of grains retailers, farmers By Pilar S. Mabaquiao SAN JOSE, Antique, Sept. 20 (PIA6) - - National Food Authority 6 Director Rex Estoperez expressed appreciation to grains retailers and farmers for their valuable support to the programs and services of NFA during his visit in Antique on Friday.
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stoperez , the newly installed director of NFA 6 and a native of Pandan, Antique thanked all the stakeholders including farmers association, cooperatives and grains retailers who attended the ―Ugnayan‖, a forum at NFA at the same time turnover ceremony of the leadership of NFA Antique from the outgoing Manager Oliver L. Cambas to Fresco B. Canoy Cambas who served Antique for nine months since January will be transferring to Capiz while Canoy came from Sultan Kuldarat. The turnover ceremony was also attended by managers from different NFA provincial offices in Region 6 and Assistant Regional Director Engr. Bobot Alojado, also traces his roots from Culasi, Antique. Cambas cited the important contribution of farmers in the food security program likewise
the Grains Retailers Confederation (GRECON) headed by their Presidents Gil Casiano and Edilberto Jabili respectively. Canoy on his part vowed to do his best to carry on what has been started by his predecessor who has established a good working relationship both with the employees of NFA Antique and the stakeholders. ―I am open to discuss with you issues and concerns (he is referring to farmers and rice traders) to keep our partnership so we could maintain our status having a sufficient rice buffer stock for the province,‖ said Canoy He plans to have a constant dialogue with the farmers on how to enhance the rice procurement program as well as rice traders and millers in terms of supply and prices of rice in the market.
Palay procurement program is ongoing. For farmers to avail of the mechanical driers at NFA, they need to coordinate with the office so that the transport of palay will be set considering its capacity and the schedule of other farmers. ―We could not accommodate all requests especially that its harvest season, but we could device mechanisms favorable to all,‖ he said. Other hand, GRECON President Jabili cited the good preparation of NFA Antique during El Nino months. ―The prices and supply of rice was stable,‖ he said. NFA assured that rice sold at accredited outlets are of good quality including those delivered in different schools and day care centers for the feeding program. (JCM/PSM/ PIA6Antique)
Agrarian reform beneficiaries go techie By Easter Anne D. Doza NEGROS OCCIDENTAL, Sept. 21 (PIA6) - - Agrarian Reform Beneficiaries of the Department of Agrarian Reform-Northern Negros go techie as they trained on using Excel-Based Accounting System.
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welve agrarian reform beneficiary organizations (ARBOs) got to train on how to modernize their ledgers, book of accounts and other records for easy management and better tracking of cash flows through the Excel-Based Accounting System. The Program Beneficiaries Development Division (PBDD) initiated the seminar that gathered about 30 farmers under the direct supervision of Provincial Agrarian Reform Program Officer I (PARPO I), Milagros C. Flores.
Plantation-based ARBOs, or those organizations whose farm management is collectively administered by all of the members, are trained to operate the system together with their Rural Development Facilitators (RDFs). ARBOs are represented by their treasurers, bookkeepers and cooperative chairpersons in the said training, a release from DAR-North said. ARBOs represented were from San Juan
Torena Agrarian Reform Cooperative; Hacienda Bernardita ARC; Dalayapan ARC of Cadiz City; Don Esteban AR Beneficiaries Association; Hacienda Anita ARC; and Hacienda Bongco FA of Escalante City; Dapdap ARB and Farmworkers Association; and Candelaria ARC of Manapla; Mirasol Development Corporation ARC of Sagay City; Angelina 2 FA of Victorias City; PASTO ARC of Toboso and Nieves Agro ARC of Salvador Benedicto.*(JCM/EAD-PIA6 Negros Occidental)
WESTERN VISAYAS
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WV’s 1st solar power plant inaugurated NEDA/DRD ILOILO CITY, Sept. 20 (PIA6) – Governor Arthur D. Defensor, Sr. of the Province of Iloilo and other national and local government officials led the inauguration ceremony of the 5.67 MW-Iloilo Solar Power Plant in Barangay Narat-an, Miag-ao, Iloilo last September 8, 2016.
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ther officials present were Mayor Macario Napulan of Miag-ao, Punong Barangay Antonio Sariego of Narat-an, and the representatives of NEDA-VI, Representative Richard Garin of the First District of Iloilo and Governor Rhodora J. Cadiao of Antique. All were very appreciative of the project, acknowledging it as the first solar power plant in the province of Iloilo. Representing the Regional Director of NEDA-VI, Ms. Erlinda Chiu, Chief of the Project Monitoring and Evaluation Division and Regional Technical Coordinator of the RDC Infrastructure Development Committee, congratulated Cosmo Solar Energy, Inc. for having realized the project, emphasizing that it is not only the first solar power project in Iloilo, but also in Panay and Guimaras Islands as well.
The SACASOL Solar Power Plant in San Carlos City was then dubbed as the first solar power plant in the country, and in Western Visayas, when Negros Occidental was still part of Region VI. With Negros Occidental already part of the Negros Island Region, the Iloilo Solar Power Plant may be considered as the first in Region VI. Chiu also informed the group of the Renewable Energy Summit conducted by the RDC VI eight years ago which gathered private companies and encouraged them to invest in RE projects in the region. This was after the RE Act was issued in 2008. Bringing the region in the forefront of RE development then became one of the main thrusts of Western Visayas. Eight years later, RE projects have been steadily increasing in Region
VI, the most recent of which include the Villaciga Hydropower Project in Antique, the San Lorenzo Wind Farm in Guimaras and the Nabas Wind Farm in Aklan. President and CEO Rudy Golez, Jr. of Cosmo Solar Energy, Inc. shared that the firm was awarded a 25-year Solar Energy Contract by the Department of Energy for the development of a renewable energy facility. The company invested PHP745 million for the project which sits on a 15-hectare property in Narit-an, the last barangay of Miag-ao. The company is also planning to put up another solar power plant in an adjacent property in Barangay Tapican, which is already part of the neighboring town of San Joaquin. The second phase will provide an additional 6.5 MW of solar power into the national grid. (DRD/jPIA6)
LTO-Roxas enforcement men undergo training on SOPs By Jemin B. Guillermo ROXAS CITY, Capiz, Sept. 21 (PIA6) – The Traffic Law Enforcement team of the Roxas City Land Transportation Office is now ―ready for work.‖
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cting Roxas City LTO Chief Gifford Selloriquez disclosed that the members of the team have already undergone the orientation and briefing on the standard operating procedures as well as the rules and functions of the team. Selloriquez said that he will lead the 6-man law enforcement team here. He said that the creation and operation of the traffic law enforcement team here came after the LTO regional office approved his proposal.
He also said that the team will cover the entire province of Capiz, but will initially focus in Roxas City and the first district. ―We will be coordinating with the different local government units here so that they will also augment us with their traffic auxiliaries during our operation,‖ he said. Selloriquez said that the LTO‘s functions include registration, licensing and traffic law enforcement but for a longer time it is the LTO
Regional Team that conducts the law enforcement function. ―Since we have also limited number of personnel doing the three functions, we will have our law enforcement operations before and after office hours,‖ he said. Meantime, the LTO team is increasing their visibility in the highways for the public to be aware of their presence and as part of their information campaign. (JCM/JBG/PIA6-Capiz)
NGCP gives safety reminders to public By Sheila Q. Patoza KALIBO, Aklan, Sept. 19 (PIA6) – Is your community located near the transmission lines? The National Grid Corporation of the Philippines issued safety reminders to the public to avoid electrocution, accidents and power interruptions.
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n a recently held Power Forum with Presentation of Priority Projects conducted by the NGCP at Premier Business Hotel here, Engineer Reynaldo Bontogon discussed on transmission lines safety reminders. According to Bontogon, planting of trees, which could grow at least 4 meters high like bamboo, underneath the transmission lines, tower or within the Right-of-Way must be avoided because it could affect the flow of electricity and can cause power interruptions. ―If in case that there are already existing trees and nearly touch the transmission lines, never cut the trees on your own, instead inform linesmen of NGCP or AKELCO and let them do the dangerous job as they are trained to do so,‖ Bontogon stressed. Building houses or any structures under the transmission lines are strictly prohibited by the NGCP. NGCP urged children not to play near the
power lines such as: flying kites, playing slingshots or worst climbing transmission towers. ―Playing slingshots and hitting insulators by stones could create continuous sparks, which is very dangerous that could even kill our children,‖ Engineer Bontogon warned. Same as in flying kite that could tangle on power lines, drying clothes and putting flaglets near at the transmission structures should be prevented. Passing through transmission lines is a very common sighting in rural areas, NGCP reminded the public that when doing so, do not carry long sticks or any object like bamboo, which might get contact with the power lines. ―Since the NGCP power lines carry high voltage power, which in the case here in Aklan – 69KV to 138 KV, without touching or with just a distance of one meter, the electricity could leap and everything could be an electricity conductor, whether a wood or metal,‖ explained Bontogon,
adding that never underestimate the clearance. Moreover, tying animals such as carabao or cow at the NGCP tower and putting poultry near to it, must be avoided. Burning under transmission structures is also prohibited as the smoke could ionize the transmission facilities, and could compromise the integrity of the structures. The common mistake of everybody is putting antenna near or under the transmission lines. ―This should be avoided because the risk of being electrocuted is very high,‖ said Bontogon. Bontogon also advised to never park vehicles or heavy equipment of the constructions company near or under the transmission lines. NGCP appealed to the public that the aforesaid safety regulations and reminders must be observed so that event of power interruptions, accidents and most of all loss of lives will be prevented. (SQP/PIA6 Aklan)
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CENTRAL VISAYAS
'Only PAGASA is authorized to issue weather forecasts' By Rey Anthony H. Chiu MANILA, Sept. 22 (PIA) — There is only one authorized government agency to issue weather forecasts, reiterated weather bureau authorities amidst the call to provide information dissemination protocols during disasters.
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peaking at the 7th Regional Media Seminar Series on the Role of the Media in Disaster Communications coordinated by the United States Embassy in Manila, the Department of Science and Technology (DOST) stressed this as the Filipinos attempt to bolster its disaster preparedness and mitigations protocols in the light of stronger storms, more rain volume, and stronger gales. While it may be allowable for people to use other forecasting agencies when an extreme weather disturbance is still outside Philippine Area of Responsibility (PAR), it is the government weather bureau that will be the sole forecasting agency when the disturbance has entered the Philippine Area of Responsibility (PAR). No less than the Project Director for Project
National Operational Assessment of Hazards (NOAH) of DOST Oscar Victor Lizardo who said this amid reports that communities have accessed information from unauthorized sources that end up different from forecasts issued by PAGASA. Forecasts as they are may not be as accurate, but when the disturbance enters the PAR, DOST maintains a string of overlapping Doppler radars coverage so that a better and more accurate track guess is now a huge probability, Lizardo explained. The PAR is roughly an arbitrary straight line measured about a thousand kilometers from the country‘s southeastern-most and northeastern most points, or similar measurements on the southwest and north western Philippine island
extremities. Beyond the PAR, other countries nearer to the forming disturbance may have radars and observatories in the proximity, so they can have a better and more accurate watch. PAG-ASA has undergone major equipping in the last couple of years and has largely improved its capabilities in weather forecasting and disaster risk and reduction management, Lizardo told members of the regional media at the training seminar. A possible usurpation of authority could be slapped to anyone who would misrepresent the country‘s forecasting bureau while possible sanctions await a media outfit found to have caused panic and confusion over such an unauthorized act. (rmn/rac/ PIA-7/Bohol)
NegOr students qualify for VMC’s art contest By Jennifer C. Tilos NEGROS ORIENTAL, Sept 16 (PIA) -- Over 100 students across Negros Island qualified for the 2016 Interschool Art Contest of Victorias Milling Company (VMC) with 40 of them coming from Negros Oriental.
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total of 108 students were pre-selected from hundreds of entrants that registered online for the competition which is now on its fourth year. Award-winning Negrense artists Rafael Paderna, Dennis Ascalon, Raymond Legaspi, Barry Cervantes and Moreen Austria were the board of judges during the pre-judging competition at the Planta Hotel recently. Qualifiers were pre-selected based on uploaded photos of previous artworks submitted online. Qualifiers from Negros Oriental have been sent official invitations to the on-the-spot competition divided into three categories, namely: Negros Island Region (NIR) Elementary Category, NIR High School Category and NIR Tertiary Category. This is scheduled on October 1 from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. at Bethel Guest House in Dumaguete
City. For the elementary category, four entrants from Bais City Pilot School, Colegio de Santa Catalina de Alejandria (COSCA), Foundation University – Foundation Preparatory Academy and St. Paul‘s University qualified. Sixteen students were pre-selected to compete in the high school category representing Foundation Preparatory Academy, Silliman University, Ayungon Science High School, Guihulngan National High School, St. Paul University and Dumaguete National High School. For the tertiary category, 20 qualifiers came from Foundation University, St. Paul‘s University and Silliman University. The on-the-spot competition for Negros Occidental qualifiers is scheduled ahead on September 24 at the Orange Gallery.
Five finalists for each category will be chosen from Negros Oriental with the same number from the Occidental side. All artworks will be exhibited at the SMX Convention Center where the Final Judging and Awards Night scheduled on October 8. The contest which was initiated in 2013 has expanded since last year to an island-wide search for talented visual artists. Cash prizes and computer packages for schools of winning artists are at stake including continuing mentoring for the winners through workshops with experts in the field of visual arts and a company-sponsored exhibition for tertiary level winners. In re-inventing this competition, VMC is collaborating with Negrense artists Rafael ―Paeng‖ Paderna, Rodney Martinez and Charlie Co. (rmn/jct/ PIA7-Negros Oriental)
Tagbilaran city crimes dive 69% in August By Rey Anthony H. Chiu TAGBILARAN CITY, Sept. 16 (PIA) — Crimes in Tagbilaran City dipped by 69% in August compared to July, a report from the City Police Office (CPO) bared.
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s police intensified their drive against drugs and criminality through its multi-pronged approach in Oplan Double Barrel which seeks to get to high value targets and low value targets, the marked decrease continues for the second month. Acting City Police Chief Nicomedes Olaivar Jr., reporting at the City Peace and Order Council Meeting (CPOC) on September 7 at the JJs Seafoods Village said crimes in July reached 152 compared to 106 in August. As to crime solution efficiency (CSE), Olaivar said there was a similar slight improvement in its accomplishment with 60.37% as against July‘s 59 percent. Of the crime trends recorded by CPO, law
enforcers solved 90 cases of the 152 crimes in July or a 59 percent, while in the following month, the enforcers solved 60 of the 106 cases. This is 60.3 percent or a 1.3 percent better batting performance for the city police. Of crime types, the city police chief said they noted 30 cases lesser for index crimes in August from 97 in July. For the non-index crimes, CPO statisticians noted August as enjoying still some 9 cases less in non-index crimes as against the previous month. The police chief also pointed out the top index crimes as theft, physical injuries and robbery as among the top crimes. Theft figured 63 percent in the crime pie,
physical injury with 28 percent while robbery is at 5 percent. Theft, which had 54 cases in July went down to 42 cases in August, a notable 33 percent decrease. On the other hand, physical injuries in Tagbilaran City in August went as high as 29 cases. Meanwhile, there were 10 cases of robbery here in the city in July, a figure trimmed to 3 in August, Olaivar said. Cogon District, Poblacion 3 and Mansasa topped the index crimes in August with Cogon having 13, Poblacion 3 getting 8 and Mansasa getting 5. The previous month, it was a different picture with Cogon still on the top with 18, Poblacion 2 with 13 and Dao with 9 cases. (rmn/rac/PIA7-Bohol)
CENTRAL VISAYAS
Buglasan Sept. 23
Festival
5 website
launched
By Roi Lomotan NEGROS ORIENTAL, Sept. 19 (PIA) – To raise the anticipation for the Buglasan Festival this year, the festival’s promotions committee is set to launch the Buglasan Festival website on September 23.
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he launching is part of the 7th Tourism Educators Congress at the Negros Oriental Convention Center in Dumaguete City. Buglasan Festival 2016 Promotions Committee Chair Rafael Duhaylungsod said the website, which is www.buglasanfestival.com, will provide an avenue to Oriental Negrenses here and abroad to be informed on the updates during the festival slated October 14 to 23. This will also entice tourists to come to province participate in the 10-day festivity. He said the website will feature the photos of the activities as well as the profiles of the candidates vying for this year‘s Ms. Negros Oriental title and the
eight festivals participating in the Buglasan Festival of Festival competition. The website will also post updates on the winners of various competitions of the Buglasan Festival. Apart from this, the team is also planning to incorporate a live feature in the website which is similar to ―Facebook Live‖ button. Duhaylungsod believes that through this initiative they "will be allowing our viewers, our friends abroad and in the province, those who cannot attend the festival, to be involved and to be part of this activity.‖ He also added that it is apt and proper
to set up a website like this because other local government units have set up websites for their festivals. He cited Sinulog Festival in Cebu and Dinagyang Festival in Iloilo as examples. The festival official said the committee has commissioned a web developer to create the website and after this, the management of the site will be turned over to the Provincial Tourism Office. Apart from the website, the committee will also strengthen their presence in social media since it is a powerful tool for event promotions. (rmn/ral/ PIA7-Negros Oriental)
PSO-PRDP readies funds for agri dev't projects in Siquijor By Rizalie Anding Calibo SIQUIJOR, Sept. 14 (PIA) – The Department of Agriculture (DA-7) and the Project Support Office of the Philippine Rural Development Project (PSO-PRDP) challenged the provincial government of Siquijor to strategize directions and efforts for PRDP interventions for agricultural development projects in the province.
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fficials from DA-7 and PSO-PRDP announced this at the 1st Siquijor Beef Cattle Summit as they assured the province of funding aid for the projects. DA7 Regional Director Angel Enriquez said Agriculture Secretary Emmanuel ―Manny‖ Piñol and their whole department is encouraged to support the province despite its limited production area after learning about Siquijor beef cattle whose genetic composition is the only kind in the world. ―There is something mystifying in Siquijor,‖ Enriquez said of the Siquijor Beef Cattle that is found out to be capable of producing very healthy kind of milk and meat no other country
has. "We have seen how great is God‘s endowment to Siquijor, you have to take care of it and make full of its potential," she said while assuring the provincial government of its full support. "We have prepared funds for Siquijor but we can only give what you ask for," also said PRDP-PSO Visayas Planning Specialist Franco Villaruel, adding that PRDP funding has "no ceiling." "Bisan pila inyong gikinahanglan, depende ug pila inyong i submit. (You can ask for any amount based on your proposal)," he said. He added that their draft Provincial Commodity Investment Plan (PCIP) has P500 million for Siquijor.
"Kung kaya ninyo P500 million ang gastohon even for water development alone, pasture irrigation or potable water system, we will go for it,‖ Villaruel said. As soon as the World Bank issues the ‗no objection letter‘, Villaruel said they will finalize the PCIP hopefully before this month ends. ―Let‘s join hands because there is so many things coming for Siquijor, he said and urges the provincial government to ―clinch‖ the interventions from PRDP. The Siquijor Beef Cattle Summit highlights the province's opening of Agro-Trade Fair for the 45th Araw ng Siquijor Celebration. (rmn/rac/ PIA7-Siquijor)
NIR to be featured in AgriLink 2016 By Roi Lomotan NEGROS ORIENTAL, Sept. 19 (PIA) – The Department of Agriculture – Negros Island Region (DA-NIR) announced that the newly created region will be highlighted in this year’s AgriLink trade fair on October 6 to 8 at the World Trade Center in Pasay City.
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A-NIR Agribusiness and Marketing Assistance Division Officer Bernard Limbaga said that this is the biggest trade exhibit of agriculture products in the entire country. In a press briefing recently, Limbaga disclosed that the AgriLink annually gives focus to a specific region and for this year, they are highlighting NIR with the theme ―Negros Island: A model of Agribusiness Resiliency.‖ The DA official explained that the organizers chose to give special importance to NIR because of its potential as an agribusiness hub, abundance of natural resources, climate conducive for agricultural production, entrepreneurial flair of Negrenses, involvement of farmers in value adding activities and growing agri-tourism industry. Negros Island is also the fourth largest island in the country.
Limbaga presented to the members of the press the design of the NIR booth for the trade exhibition. The NIR booth has a total of 24 square meters of space which will be shared equally by the two Negros provinces occupying 12 square meters respectively. Each booth will have a space where the two provinces can display their agricultural products and another space for small business matching meetings. A view of the sugarcane plantation can be seen as the backdrop of the Negros Occidental booth while the picturesque scenery of Mt. Kanlaon and Apo Island will be hoisted as backdrop at booth of Negros Oriental. Limbaga shared that this is a welcome development in the region‘s agriculture industry. ―This is a big help to our farmers and livestock
farmers in endorsing their products to the rest of the world. We will bring the best product of Negros Oriental,‖ Limbaga said. Meanwhile, Limbaga also reported that for 2017, the DA-NIR has been given a budget of P428.419 million for its different programs and projects. For their programs on rice development, DA-NIR has set aside P98.89 million with P47.24 million for its programs on corn, P46.638 million for their programs on High Value Crops, P16.862 million for livestock programs, P7 million for their organic agriculture program, P3.9 million for their Agri-Marketing Assistance program, P9 million for their regulatory programs and P211.333 million for its integrated laboratory programs. Limbaga said the amount is cascaded to DA Region 7 and Region 6 offices. (rmn/ral/PIA7-Negros Oriental)
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EASTERN VISAYAS
Region 8’s Model Pantawid Family 2016 is from Hinundayan Marcelo M. Pedalino MAASIN CITY, Southern Leyte, Sept. 19 (PIA) -- Nelson Gana, 38, was consumed by gambling most of the time, but his wife, Rosaly, 41, never lost faith that one day his husband will change for the better, and for good.
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he opportunity came when they became Pantawid Pamilya beneficiaries in 2011, wherein one of the strict requirements was attendance to the monthly Family Development Sessions (FDS). Rosaly convinced Nelson to join her during FDS sessions and -- when she had succeeded over consistent prodding -- that has made all the difference. The couple, residents of barangay Cat-iwing, Hinundayan, became stand alone FDS participants for they attended more like a team, a husband and wife tandem, while others were mostly represented by the wives. ―More than the cash grants we received
from Pantawid every month that helped our family a lot, I was grateful for the FDS, for in my constant attendance my outlook in life was changed. I eventually gave up my vice,‖ Nelson said during the Provincial Inter-Agency Committee (PIAC) meeting held at the Provincial Social Welfare and Development Office (PSWDO) Thursday last week. With six children (eldest is 16, youngest 4) to support, Nelson said he doubled his efforts and not just rely on the monthly allowance of P 1,400.00. He is a tuba-gatherer, fisherman, kalan-maker, massage therapist, and still have time as member of Lupong Tagapamayapa in the
barangay. The Gana family will represent the region for this year‘s nationwide search of Pantawid Huwarang Pamilya to be conducted anytime this month, said Abelardo Bibat, a Pantawid personnel. This was the first time a family from Southern Leyte was recognized as a Huwarang Pantawid winner for Region 8, besting 18,906 other household beneficiaries all over the province, Bibat said. And with sheer luck, or perhaps inevitable destiny, the Gana family may turn out besting millions of other Pantawid members all over the country. (mmp/PIA8-Southern Leyte)
NMP prides with thousands of trained, productive seafarers PIA 8 TACLOBAN CITY, LEYTE, Sept. 21(PIA) – More or less 12,000 seafarers in Region 08 have gone through the training hands of the officers and faculty members of the National Maritime Polytechnic (NMP) here.
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his was based on the NMP 2015 data. ―All these number have boarded foreign and domestic vessels and are now leading productive lives‖, so informed Atty. Ruben Maceda, NMP Officer-in-Charge in a presscon today at the agency‘s conference room. ―Filipino seafarers have continually been serving the world over,‘ he said, ― be it in luxury, passengers or cargo vessels. ―About 90% of our needed goods, foods, textiles and what have you, are transported by ships,‖ he added and this brings to the celebration‘s theme, ―Shipping is indispensable to the world,‖ he pointed out Celebrating the Maritime Week, NMP that is located near the famous San Juanico Bridge, laid to media today, all their plans to develop and equip more, each learning seaman,
with the most important skills and competence, so they could be at par with their foreign counterparts. Captain Jesus Laguitan, NMP‘s head training officer shared that, Region 08 is lucky to had been identified by Japan‘s International Marine Management Association of Japan(IMMAJ) to be the training venue for seafarers‘ instructors, who will in turn conduct trainings and competences to the students of NMP. This means, that ―all needed support and equipment for the entire duration of the forum will be delivered free by IMMAJ. ―This is an added blessing to NMP,‖ Capt. Laquitan said, ―because we need this, we need to identify our needed trainings so we can give it back to our future seafarers‖. With IMMAJ, some 40 trainers will be
trained on 6.10 course or the so-called ship simulator, which is existing in one of the buildings of NMP. At one time, some media practitioners took the chance to be invited inside the simulator which looks and feels like a moving big vessel, moving towards and awaiting anchor signal in one of the ports of Japan. Asked why Japan chose NMP for the high-end training, Capt. Laguitan said, Japan is sold to the values and character of every Filipino seaman. ―A Filipino seafarer is reliable‖, Laguitan quoted a Japanese ship owner. For the region, NMP has so far trained 7,360 seafarers from Leyte; 1,917 from So. Leyte, 1,002 from Biliran; 645 from Western Samar; 590 from Eastern Samar and 547 from Northern Samar. (PIA-08)
ESSU professor gets CSC Pag-asa Award by: Samuel D. Candido BORONGAN CITY, EASTERN SAMAR, Sept. 20 (PIA) ---- Civil Service Commission- Eastern Samar Provincial Director Lysander Navales happily announced that Dr. Danilo Azura of the Eastern Samar State University (ESSU)-Borongan Main Campus was chosen recently for the Civil Service Commission Pag-asa Award.
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his is for the CSC‘s 2016 search for Outstanding Public Officials and Employees, CSC, Regional Office – 8, Tacloban City. According to Navales, in the whole Region 8, three individuals were given Pag-asa Awards namely: Danilo Alura, University Professor of ESSU , Borongan City, Eva Abad, Provincial Government Department Head, Provincial Environment and Natural Resources and Management Office (PENRMO), Maasin City and Ernani Fernandez Jr., Secondary School Teacher III, DepEd, Leyte Division, Palo
Leyte. Alura was also accorded an international award as author of a study ―Mangrove Forest and Seagrass Bed of Balangkayan, Eastern Samar: Extent of Damage by Typhoon Yolanda‖ which identified resilient varieties of mangroves created to produce ten hectares rehabilitated coastline of Balangkayan, Eastern Samar. He is also involved in hog raising , livestock, sea weed processing and coconut production, and an active livelihood trainer. This is not something new for ESSU Borongan to represent in the national and
regional search since in 2010, Mr. Virgilio Arias — who served as a janitor first before he became an Administrative Aide III of the ESSU Borongan — was given the highest or outstanding Award as Pag-asa awardee of the CSC as he was able to launch the Zero Garbage and Litter Program. Report revealed that, he is able to successfully maintain the cleanliness of the ESSU Campus to date. Navales has high hopes that this year, a resident from Region 8 or Eastern Samar will be recognized and chosen in the national level. (SDC/PIA-E. Samar)
EASTERN VISAYAS
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Sec Piñol commits support facilities to E Samar fishers By: Samuel D. Candido BORORNGAN CTIY, EASTERN SAMAR, Sept. 20 (PIA) ---- ―A new morning has come to Samar!‖
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his has been the opening statement of Department of Agriculture (DA) Secretary Emmanuel Piñol during his visit to Eastern Samar on September 16, 2016. To prove this statement, he vowed to give three ice factories, a cold-storage facility, and 200 more fiberglass fishing boats to boost the fishing industry in the province. This is aside from the more than 20 fishing boats, fertilizers, and other farming equipment that he turned over during his visit. In Piñol‘s participation at the 34th Samar Island Partnership for Peace and Development Assembly (SIPPAD), he challenged the assembly to be a partner of the government in guiding the farmers towards modern farming and leave instead the ―payatak‖ system — the old traditional way, that is still being practiced by farmers in the whole Samar Island. SIPPAD was held in one of the college auditorium of the city, in time for the Secretary's visit
According to him, it is the goal of the Duterte administration to reduce the poverty incidence in Samar Island by 25% percent within two years and that, DA is determined to collaborate with SIPPAD for this goal. Piñol‘s plan of putting up three ice plants and a cold-storage facility mainly aims to improve the livelihood of fisherfolks and have a stable, adequate, and affordable supply of fish in the province. The Bantay Laot program will be implemented as well. As for the campaign against illegal fishing, Piñol said that a three-month ―no fishing‖ policy will be implemented in order for the fish and other marine life to be able to lay eggs and reproduce. A nationwide contest will also be held for Local Government Units which have: garbage-free seas and rivers, sea shores with a thick growth of mangroves, and zero illegal fishing. A cash prize of ₱ 20 M awaits the winning LGU. Meanwhile, a program called Bigasan Ng
Masa will be implemented as well in remote barangays. Secretary Piñol has called this as an LGU-corporate farming strategy wherein the DA and LGUs will finance the poorest farmers. This is in order to sustain the supply of rice even in times of typhoons and other calamities and in order for the youth to have the love for farming. DA and the Department of Education will also launch a contest on the search for the most beautiful school gardens. Piñol said that he is a proud farmer. He was proud to reveal that he has planted since his youth and he knows the fragrant smell of the tomato flower well, he likes the smell of freshly-uprooted weeds, and he also likes — although it is gross to some — the smell of cow manure. He further said that the youth need to love and like agriculture and know the importance of planting — though we strive to be number one — in order to eliminate poverty and hunger. (SDC/PIA-E. Samar)
Army: Let us walk the extra mile for peace Ninfa B Quirante CATBALOGAN CITY, Samar, Sept 21 (PIA) — The army based in Camp Lukban Catbalogan City urged the public, ―Let us walk the extra mile for peace!‖
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olonel Divino Rey C Pabayo Jr, Chief of Staff, 8ID read this message as the 8th Infantry (STORMTROOPERS) Division, Philippine Army, marked National Peace Consciousness Month on September 19, 2016. Proclamation No. 675 declares the month of September of each year as National Peace Consciousness Month. This year‘s theme, ―Tayo ang Pagbabago, Tayo ang Kapayapaan! ‖ centers on ―us‖- or tayo trying to speak as first person and realizing our roles in pushing for change and peace. Officers, Enlisted Personnel and Civilian Employees of the Command attended the early morning activity.
During the ceremony, Colonel Pabayo read the message from the Office of the Presidential Adviser on the Peace Process (OPAPP). ―The administration of President Duterte has already walked the extra mile to achieve peace. His intention to permanently end the armed conflicts requires the support and participation of the stakeholders. "Now is our time to own the process, our ownership of the peace process to attain durable peace agreements. Working for peace is always a joint effort between our government and our people. Our peace and development roadmap directs us to a shared peace and prosperity.‖ ―As we celebrate National Peace
Consciousness Month, we call on every Filipino to support and participate in building a peaceful and progressive country. May we always allow unity to triumph over diversity; understanding and respect despite disagreements; and justice for all those who have been wronged. We invite you to walk the extra mile with us for peace". ―May we always be instruments of peace and agents for positive change wherever we are and in whatever we do, not only for this month, but also for the days and years ahead.‖ "This year‘s celebration is a hopeful reminder that lasting peace is possible, especially if we all contribute towards its attainment,‖ Pabayo added. (PIA8-Samar with 8th ID DPAO)
Housing project in Culaba town starts Mary Lailani P. Tupaz NAVAL, Biliran, Sept. 21 (PIA) – The National Housing Authority (NHA) initiated in June this year a 754-unit housing project in barangay Guindaponan, Culaba this province.
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ngineer Emmanuel Alisbo, project engineer of Phintecstar Construction, Inc., a Manila-based contractor, said the first 522 units of the 754-unit row houses are to be completed in 285 days for Phase 1 of the project, while the remaining 232 units for Phase 2 are set to be completed in the next 195 days. As of press time, 11 units at 26.5 sq. m. floor area are under construction in a 40 sq. m. lot. Construction of the units has been on-going for two weeks. Works were concentrated on land preparation said Engr. Alisbo. Lotis Fernandez, bookkeeper of LGU-Culaba
informed that the entire housing project covers 48,080 sq. m. of land in Barangay, Guindaponan. The beneficiaries of the housing project are at present living in coastal areas of the town, one of the identified disaster prone areas of Culaba. The beneficiaries will pay the houses awarded them after the fifth year of occupancy in the amount of P200.00 per month for 30 years or they may opt to pay it in cash , Fernandez added. Another housing project is set for implementation in Barangay Binongtoan, Culaba under the Department of Social Welfare
and Development (DSWD), according to Ray-Jay Emboltorio, information officer-designate of the local government unit of Culaba. The DSWD-initiated housing project covers 5,000 sq. m. for 35 houses. Each unit is awarded to the beneficiaries for free since LGU-Culaba will shoulder the needed counterpart for the project. Beneficiaries of said housing project live in disaster prone areas of the municipality, said Emboltorio. Culaba is a fifth class municipality in Biliran province with a population of 12,325 as of August 2015. # (FJ/mlt/PIA8 Biliran)
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
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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