Vol 6
In this Issue WESTERN VISAYAS
Panelists from the Department of Energy and the Central Negros Electric Cooperative answer queries from students, teachers, information officers and other stakeholders during the DOE Power Patrol Seminar on Energy Efficiency and Conservation at Sugarland Hotel in Bacolod City. *(EAD-PIA6 photo)
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CENTRAL VISAYAS
Nov. 7 - 13, 2016
Published by: PIA 6, 7 & 8
Issue 45
DICT eyes free WiFi in 15 LGUs this year By Ferliza Calizar-Contratista CEBU CITY, Nov. 4 (PIA) – The Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT) targets 15 local government units (LGUs) in Cebu to have access to free and fast wifi services. Engr. Royden Rusiana, DICT assistant regional director, said that since the agency was founded earlier this year, they already set a target of wiring up 15 LGUs in the province. Rusiana recently gave a briefing on government‟s information technology efforts to members of the Cebu Association of City and Municipal Public Information Officers (CAOCAMPIO) during their monthly meeting. “It is the aim of President Rodrigo Duterte for every Filipino to have access to a faster and costless internet connection straight to the grassroots,” Rusiana said. Of the 15 LGU‟s, five are component cities. There will be 26 sites in Naga City; Toledo City, 14 sites; Bogo City, 17; and Carcar City, 14. The towns include San Francisco, Samboan, Alegria , Tabuelan , Alcoy, Lilo-an , Cordova, San Fernando, Carmen and Dumanjug. Rusiana said the whole province of Cebu has an
allocation of one gigabyte in the nationwide “Juan Konek” project. The LGU just needs a space for the infrastructure and then it will be up to the LGU to identify the prioritized areas. Other than that, there has to be an authority given by the Sangguniang Bayan and a Memorandum of Agreement (MOA), he said. Rusiana explained that the new technology will make use of the TV white space. “It is the technology of the TV used in internet, this can penetrate thru mountains and penetrate in walls and trees. It is the future of communication,” Rusiana said. The public information officers invited DICT to equip their LGUs in the implementation of the Freedom of Information (FOI) directive of President Duterte. During his first State of the Nation Address (SONA), President Duterte directed the newly-created DICT to develop a national broadband plan to accelerate the deployment of fiber optics cables and wireless technologies to improve Internet speed. (rmn/fcc/PIA7-Cebu)
PRRD bares P10K aid for Yolanda victims Rodrigo S. Victoria
Central Visayas Consortium for #Health #Research and Development met with representatives from key sectors at University of San Carlos (USC) to discuss the creation of Health Research Communicators Network. The goal is to simplify, communicate, and popularize health research messages and advocacies in the region. #healthresearchph
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EASTERN VISAYAS
BASPER, Tacloban City, Leyte, Nov. 8 (PIA) – It‟s an early Christmas gift from no less than the President of the Republic as he announced the provision of P10, 000 coming from two government departments. President Rodrigo Roa Duterte was the guest during the 3rd year commemoration of Yolanda victims in a pubic cemetery this city. The President in his speech publicly announced the provision of financial assistance in the amount of P5, 000 from the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD). The announcement on the provision of P5, 000 to Yolanda victims was relayed to him by DSWD Secretary Judy Taguiwalo. The announcement to the gathered public composed mostly of kin of Yolanda victims who purposely attended the event at the Holy Cross Cemetery in Barangay Basper this city just to glimpse and wait for any positive announcement from PRRD. Another additional positive announcement for the Yolanda victims after the announcement of the P5, 000 DSWD financial assistance was the provision of another P5, 000 from the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI). The P5, 000 from DTI as relayed to him by DTI Secretary Ramon Lopez is intended as livelihood assistance for the Yolanda victims. The President also ordered the National Housing
Authority (NHA), Local Water Utilities Administration (LWUA), and the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) to fast track the implementation of projects intended for the victims of Yolanda which until now since three years had passed have not been delivered to the victims. The President‟s stern warning to the three national government agencies involved in the implementation of infrastructure projects intended for the Yolanda victims elicited cheers uproar and jubilation among the public. (ajc/ rvictoria/PIA Biliran)
#YOLANDA COMMEMORATION: President Rodrigo Roa Duterte issues a stern warning to National Housing Authority, Local Water Utilities Administration, and the Department of Public Works and Highways to fast track the implementation of projects for Yolanda victims. (Holy Cross Cemetery, Tacloban City, November 8, 2016).(rvictoria/PIA Biliran) #PartnerForChange
PIA to strengthen DEVCOM, grassroots communication PIA Deputy Director-General Gregorio Angelo Villar speaks before Eastern Samarenos about the Agency’s mandate of making sure that critical information is shared to the grassroots, so that gov’t services can be accessed by those who need it most. DDG Villar graces the 51st Founding Anniversary of Eastern Samar Province, November 9, 2016. (rst)
More on Region 8, pages 6-7. Also CLICK Here...
By Leonard T. Pineda I ILOILO CITY, Nov. 7 (PIA6) --- The new Philippine Information Agency (PIA) will strengthen its regional presence all over the country to effectively communicate government programs and projects. In the PIA-6 regional management meeting, PIA Deputy Director General Gregorio Angelo Villar revealed plans to intensify regional and provincial presence of PIA to communicate government policies, programs and services to the grassroots. “Due to the change of administration and the evolution of information, there is a need to re-focus on what we do and our guiding principles here are development communication, grassroots communication, and as advertising arm of the government,” he said.
He said that one of PIA‟s main thrusts is to fortify its role as the advertising arm of the government. “The niche of PIA that others don‟t have are the regional offices and the provincial networks,” he said. PIA currently has 16 regional offices and 72 provincial information centers in the entire country. Villar said that PIA has been relevant for so many years but there is a need to focus on development communication as an imperative for good governance. He added that agency plans to strengthen development communication networks to assist national government agencies in preparing and conducting their communication plans and activities. (JCM/LTP/PIA-Iloilo)
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WESTERN VISAYAS
Information officers urged to be partners for change By Lorenzo Lambatin Jr. NEGROS OCC., Nov. 6 (PIA6) -- Philippine Information Agency 6 Regional Director and Lawyer Janet Mesa urged government information officers in the province to embrace the partnership for change of President Rodrigo Roa Duterte.
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uring the induction of officers of the National Association of Government Information and Liaisons, Mesa said it is the goal of the present administration to implement changes in many fronts of governance to improve the lives of Filipinos. She told the Information Officers that the Philippine Information Agency is one with many government and private institutions pushing for the implementation of the Freedom of Information bill. She said the Office of the Solicitor's General with the Office of the
Executive Secretary, Department of Justice, among others, are working on some provisions that have bearing on national security. She also urged information officers to help the government in fighting illegal drug use and trade in the country and for users to live a productive life. The current administration is working on a shift to federal form of government that will move local governance responsibilities from the central Manila to the regional federal centers, she said.
The national leaders and lawmakers believe many problems of the country can be solved if it turns to the federal system. “Changes will come from above but the real change will have to come from within us,” she said. She also announced the plan to revive the Visayas Communication Network and plans to meet sometime February or March next year either in Cebu or in Tacloban. “We hope you rise up to the task, many tasks and roles of being Information Officers,” (JCM/Lljr-PIA6)
Kalibo gets P11M Yolanda rehab assistance By Venus G. Villanueva KALIBO, Aklan, Nov. 6 (PIA6) -- The municipality of Kalibo recently received from the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) a total of P11 million under the Rehabilitation Assistance for Yolanda (RAY) program, just days before the anniversary of Typhoon Yolanda on November 8 which wreaked much destruction to the province of Aklan and killed a number of Aklanons too.
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alibo mayor William Lachica, who shared this good news to his constituents during the recent Monday Flag-Raising ceremony, said the fund will be used to repair or rehabilitate barangays halls of Bakhaw Sur, Linabuan Norte, Mobo, Nalook, New Buswang, Pook and Tigayon which were destroyed by Typhoon Yolanda. The respective barangays will be given
P300,000 each, while P2,900,000.00 will be allocated for the rehabilitation to repair and rehabilitate the comfort room and rooftop of the Kalibo Pastrana Park stage. Lachica thanked Secretary Ismael Sueno for releasing the fund. In the same opportunity, Lachica revealed that the municipality is about to start development of a portion of the Magsaysay Park Building, which has an appropriated fund
of P10 million. He also told the group, composed of municipal government officials and employees, that the DILG recently congratulated the people of Kalibo for bagging the 2016 Seal of Good Local Governance. The award was garnered by Kalibo, together with 6 other towns in Aklan – Banga, Batan, Buruanga, Ibajay, Malay and Tangalan, and the province of Aklan. (JSC/VGV/PIA6 Aklan)
4Ps families to grow veggies By Pilar S. Mabaquiao SAN JOSE, Antique, Nov. 10 (PIA6) - - Vegetable garden will soon be a must for all Pantawid Pamilya beneficiaries following the inclusion of Food and Nutrition topics in their Family Development Session next year (FDS).
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ocial Welfare Officer III Christian Baldonasa said while the government through DSWD plan to provide for the rice subsidy for these families to become independent and self-reliant, they should also take their role to have a communal or backyard garden as additional source of food for proper health and nutrition. To capacitate these families, the Municipal Link (ML) from different municipalities in the province underwent an orientation on the importance of vegetable gardening at Antique Youth and
Migrant Center on November 10. Baldonasa who also served as a resource speaker during the session emphasized that a community garden could be their sustainable source of nutritious food that will eventually help them realize their goal to have healthy children, increased savings and additional source of income. “We commend some families who are into vegetable gardening already. This will be done by all 4Ps beneficiaries next year,” he said. During the session, the story of Daisy Duran of Bulacan, a former garbage
collector turned millionaire through backyard gardening was featured to give the MLs the idea on how the project could work well for 4Ps beneficiaries. To provide more skills and knowledge to these families, Pantawid pamilya hopes to engage the services of the local agriculturist in their respective municipalities during FDS. They will further collaborate with LGUs for possible provision of seeds, tools and technical expertise in maintaining a communal or backyard garden year round. (JCM/PSM/ PIA6Antique)
WESTERN VISAYAS
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LTO: 5-year driver license now available By Alex A. Lumaque ROXAS CITY, Capiz, Nov. 8 (PIA6) – The Land Transportation Office (LTO) – Roxas City District Office has started the issuance of a 5-year driver’s license last Nov. 7 here.
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System adjustments and migration to the new scheme has been completed and we are now ready for the extended validity period of driver‟s licenses,” said LTO Roxas City Acting Chief Gifford Selloriquez in a radio interview. Under the new scheme, an increase of about P235.00 in the renewal and
new license applications is added on the current three-year license validity fee. Silloriquez explained that payment for the renewal of driver‟s license will now be P652.63 from P417.63 while new license application fee will be P820.26 from P585.06. Requirements are still the same
according to Silloriquez. The initiative was conveyed by Pres. Rodrigo R. Duterte during his first State of the Nation Address (SONA) last July in his desire to reduce processing time for issuing business permits and licenses in view of the government‟s cracked down on red tape. (JCM/AAL/ PIA6 Capiz)
DA cites organic food growers By Elsa S. Subong ILOILO CITY, Nov. 10 (PIA6) — Agricultural service workers in organic farming had their moments to shine during the 4th Regional Organic Agriculture Congress here.
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he Department of Agriculture cited their contributions in promoting organic agriculture in their respective municipalities which earned for them regional and national recognitions. Ma. Asuncion Tabucuran, municipal agriculturist of Tubungan vied for the Outstanding Municipal Organic Agriculture Focal Person Award. She was appointed as Municipal Agricultural Officer in 2000 and was promoted as Municipal Agriculturist in 2005 to date. Another one cited was Marjorie Tacardon, who was shortlisted for the Outstanding Agricultural Extension Worker Category. Tacardon has been working as Agricultural Technician I since 2001 and became a member of the Municipal Local Technical Committee on Organic Agriculture and has significantly helped in the drafting of the Organic Agriculture Roadmap of the municipality. The DA said
that both of them had served as key drivers in the successful implementation of Organic Agriculture in Tubungan. They received funding from the DA for the establishment of the first wood vinegar facility in the region, organic vegetable production and demonstration area at the Eco-Park in Barangay Bacan, a Farmers‟ Learning Center, Organic Food Depot, and a Bio-Control Laboratory. They also championed the town‟s organic black rice and vegetable production. “I am grateful for the hard work and dedication of the Municipal Agriculture Office in bringing a lot of organic agriculture projects to our town,” Tubungan Mayor Vicente Gargaritano said. He added that he also attributed the national award of Tubungan as Outstanding organic Agriculture Municipality in 2015 to the efforts of Tubucaran and Tacardon and the rest of the extension workers. In the recent Organic Agriculture Congress, Tubucaran received P20,000 cash
prize and a plaque of recognition, while Tacardon received P15,000 cash award. Both will be further awarded during the 13th National Organic Agriculture Congress in Laoag, Ilocos Norte on November 23-25. Meanwhile, Asst. Provincial Agriculturist Elias Sandig received P25.000 cash as the regional winner in the Provincial Focal Person Category. Other winners included the Vegetable Growers Association of Tubungan, that received P75,000 cash, as Outstanding Organic Agriculture Farmers‟ Group, and the Meliton Family, with P50,000 as the region‟s Outstanding Organic Agriculture Farming Family. Special citations were also given to Leydee Sedino, of Buenavista, and to the Dasal Vegetable Growers‟ Association of Sibunag, as provincial entries of Guimaras in the Organic Agriculture Small Farmer and Organic Agriculture Small Farmer Group Categories respectively. (JCM/ESS/PIAIloilo)
DENR-6 intensifies forest protection and conservation By Leonard T. Pineda I ILOILO CITY, Nov. 10 (PIA6) --- The Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR)-6 has further strengthened its anti-illegal logging campaign to sustain the forest protection and conservation efforts of the government.
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n the Regional Multi-Sectoral Forest Protection Committee (RMSFPC) Meeting held November 10 at the Madison Hotel here, DENR-6 reported that 4,496 pieces of lumber were apprehended by the different provincial environment and natural resources offices (PENRO) in the region which is equivalent to130.11 cubic meters, for the period January to October 2016.
DENR-6 said that the PENRO offices in Western Visayas were also able to apprehend 467 pieces of round poles, 748 pieces of charcoal, and 145 pieces of fire wood. In terms of apprehension of conveyance and equipment, the PENRO offices in Region 6 were able to capture 19 truck/elf, three jeeps, eight tricycles, and three chainsaws.
DENR-6 said that 11 provincial/ municipal forest protection committees (FPC) have been established in various local government units in Region 6. Of the figure, two MFPCs are from Aklan; three in Antique; three in Capiz; two in Iloilo; and one provincial FPC in Guimaras. DENR-6 added that these provincial/municipal FPCs comprised of 118 members. (JCM/LTP/PIA-Iloilo)
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CENTRAL VISAYAS
Coffee production facility farmers
now with Dauin
By Jennifer C. Tilos DAUIN, Negros Oriental, Nov. 2 (PIA) – The Baslay Farmers Association (BFA) of Brgy. Baslay received recently a coffee production equipment worth P1.2 million under the Shared Service Facility (SSF) program of the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI). TI-7 Regional Director Aster Caberte support the coffee production of BFA because and over the past years, coffee chains have led the turnover of 11 pieces of there is an expected wide market waiting. become more popular not only among the equipment to 160 member-farmers of The farmers sold the red berries with a old but also the youth who enjoy their coffee. BFA for their coffee production. dictated price of P20 per kilo only, but with SSF is DTI's flagship program to promote BFA organic coffee farm is identified as this project the facility is now ready to come the development of small and medium SSF and one of the first ventures in Region 7. up with roasted bean coffee and can be sold enterprises. The program aims to improve the Dir. Caberte said this coffee production for P300 per kilo, said Caberte. quality and productivity of famer associations, is one of the six national industry clustered A memorandum of agreement (MOA) was institutions, and micro-enterprises by that DTI is promoting to gain access to better signed between the Baslay Famers Association addressing the gaps and bottlenecks in the technology to increase competitiveness for President Hermie Enojaldo and DTI. value chain of industry clusters by providing economic growth. It is noted that coffee is one of the most processing equipment for their common use. She said DTI takes the opportunity to widely consumed beverages in the Philippines (rmn/jct/PIA7-Negros Oriental)
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Fish landing center assures cheaper, fresher fish Rey Anthony H. Chiu INABANGA, Bohol, Nov. 7 (PIA) -- Cheaper, fresher fish and sanitary displays in fisherfolks soon available. This was the assurance to Inabangnons deprivation fishers of post harvest facilities, the during the turnover of the P3 million new fish landing center would be equipped Community Fish Landing Center inside the with chest freezers, an ice-plant, stainless steel Inabanga Public Market Complex in Barangay display stalls and processing plants to make Ilaud, November 3 by BFAR Regional Director sure fishers get the value of their catch and Andres Bojos. lose nothing, Bojos explained. The new Community Fish Landing Center The BFAR 7 Chief challenged fishers at in Inabanga is one of the eight such facilities the the gathering to make sure the facility serves Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources its purpose: have fish here and use the facility (BFAR) allocated for Bohol in 2016, and the properly. first completed. He also called on the people to continue "It would be a legacy of BFAR RD Andres protecting the municipal waters of the town, Bojos who would be bowing out after 41 years so the next generation would have the same of government service," said Inabanga Mayor resources enjoyed today. Josephine Socorro Jumamoy, who felt honored An NGO worker who organizes to be the town's conduit for the government communities for USAID ECOFISH project in the new facility. project, Anecita Gulayan, in a separate "We are just instruments of the interview explained that the mangroves and government for a project like this," Jumamoy wide spawning areas of Inabanga, mangroves told the crowd. flats, sea grass beds, largely conserved corals Bojos also announced the additional help make the town and its waters a rich P300,000 worth of livelihood projects for fishing ground. the fishers of coastal or island barangays The fish landing center would also be a of Cuaming, Lawis, Hambungan, Tungod, venue for fisherfolk organization meetings, Cagawasan and Ondol. trainings and where they can share the post Faced with fish prices issues due to harvest equipment and learn the technology of
a one-stop venue for consumers and its production, added incoming BFAR RD Allan Poquita who is also a Boholano. In her message during the event turn-over, Jumamoy rallied her people to unite to show to the world how Inabangnons are bound by the principles of protecting its marine resources and environment for the future generations. Inabanga has implemented an integrated community based coastal resource management project where it earned certification levels 1 and 2 for CRMP in 2001-2002. The management plan included upland and coastal resource management plan which are community based in approach and assures widest participation and community ownership, Inabanga CRM Coordinator Reynante Cempron said. The town also earned Ramsar wetlands conservation award and even represented the country's wetlands in Uganda, Cempron said. He added that Inabanga's conservation and wise use of its wetlands largely contributed to the over-all goal of sustainable food and thus development in the town. (rmn/rac/ PIA-7/Bohol)
Cebu PIO website provides LGUs with online portal By Ferliza Calizar-Contratista CEBU CITY, Nov. 8 (PIA) – The Cebu Provincial Information Office (PIO) provides free online site for all Cebu local government units in one portal.
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n the recent meeting of the members of the Cebu Association of City and Municipal Public Information Officers (CAOCAMPIO), Rex Go, information technology staff of the Capitol PIO, said the province is almost ready with the full operation of the new website www.cebu.gov.ph. Go said the Information Officers or the designated staff of the municipality and city will be given exclusive access to the assigned site. “From there, the city or the town is
already free to put up whatever information they want to share to the public,” Go said. The templates used are user-friendly and easy to operate, he said. Needed data include tourism spots, economic highlights, daily news and any update the LGU would want the public to know. Go said the site will be fully operational in the last week of November. This can be used as the online portal of LGUs that still do not have a website mounted as of November
or while these are still under construction. This can also supplement existing LGU websites and social media accounts. The province has three independent cities, six component cities and 44 municipalities. As of press time, only 10 percent are estimated to have active websites. The Freedom of Information (FOI) sets November 24 as the deadline given to LGUs to activate their websites to make essential information available to the public. (fcc/PIA7-Cebu)
CENTRAL VISAYAS
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DSWD assistant secretary visits Cebu By Juju M. Empuerto CEBU CITY, Nov. 10 (PIA) --- Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) Assistant Secretary Hope Hervilla for Operations and Programs Group-Protective Programs visited Cebu early this week to talk with various People’s Organizations (POs) and Civil Society Organizations (CSOs) on issues surrounding the department's emergency shelter assistance (ESA) in Typhoon Yolanda-hit areas.
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SWD-7s Regional Information Officer Leah Quintana said that Asec. Hervilla participated in a forum at the St. Theresa‟s College Audio Visual Room organized by the Community Empowerment Resource Network (CERNET), Inc., a group of development institutions of Cebu in cooperation with St. Theresa‟s College. The forum carried the theme “Yolanda Survivors 3 Years After: The Devastation Continues." Last November 8 marked the 3rd year
anniversary since typhoon Yolanda devastated most parts of Eastern Visayas and some provinces of Western Visayas and Central Visayas including Cebu. It caused loss of lives and damage to properties. Many people were killed, and damaged billions worth of properties. It was the strongest typhoon that hit the country. During Asec. Hervilla‟s visit to DSWD's regional office, she joined the staff in
the Monday convocation. She inspired the workers by acknowledging that DSWD workers are hardworking and dedicated. “Despite the challenges and sacrifices, we are happy to serve the people," she said. After the convocation, she had a consultation meeting with DSWD-7 Regional Director Ma. Evelyn Macapobre and other department officials regarding implementation of various DSWD programs and services. (rmn/jsme/PIA7-Cebu/DSWD-7)
DSWD implements door-to-door delivery for social pensioners By Juju M. Empuerto CEBU CITY, Nov. 3 (PIA) --- The Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD-7) now implements a new payment scheme for the government's social pension through door-to-door delivery.
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S W D -7 R eg i on a l Inf o rm at i on pension through door-to-door delivery. Officer Leah Quintana said the Another pensioner, Celestino Vaflor, 85, social pension refers to the who is a tenant-farmer, also expressed his monthly stipend of Php 500 to indigent senior gratitude over the new payment scheme. citizen. “Gawas nga lisod na para kanako nga According to Quintana, beginning this tigulang na, di na usab kami mogasto sa pay-out for the third quarter, social pensioners pamasahe paglugsong sa syudad aron mokuha will receive their money right at their door sa kwarta (I am happy that our pension is now steps. delivered door-to-door because it is already "Dako akong kalipay nga gihatod na gyud hard for me to go down to the city and I do sa balay ang hinabang sa goberno. Kining hanap not have to spend for the fare anymore)," said na akong panan-aw, maglisod na gyud kog Lolo Celestino. lakaw (I am happy that my social pension is Julita Plarisan, 84, said the new scheme now delivered in the house. My eyes cannot helps her a lot because she has been on clearly see now, it would be hard for me to go medication and she wouldn't have to travel to out),” said Emiliano Masayon, 96, of Barangay the city anymore. Sto. Nino, Toledo City who received his The social pension for indigent senior
citizens is given every quarter and aims to augment the capacity of indigent senior citizens to meet their daily subsistence and medical needs. It also reduces hunger incidence and protects them from neglect, abuse or deprivation. A social pension is given to 60 years old and above who are frail, sick or with disability and without pension from the GSIS, SSS or AFPMBAI and other private insurance company, no permanent source of income or regular support from relatives to meet their basic needs. At present, Region 7 has a total of 57,567 senior citizens who are receiving a stipend of P500 per month or P1, 500 per quarter. (rmn/ jsme/PIA7-Cebu/DSWD-7)
Bohol, Cebu CLEs undergo communications training By Ferliza Calizar-Contratista CEBU CITY, Nov. 4 (PIA) – Coastal law enforcers (CLEs) from Cebu and Bohol underwent communications and media training to commemorate World Fish Conservation Week.
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he Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR-7) initiated the training with the support of the United States Agency International Development (USAID) under the ECOFISH project. There were 39 participants from the Fisheries Management, Regulatory and Enforcement Division (FMRED) of BFAR-Central Visayas, as well as information officers, Sangguiang Bayan members, and heads of Bantay Dagat groups from municipalities along the Danajon Reef in Bohol province. Those from Bohol are from the towns of
Inabanga, Bien Unido, Buenavista, Tubigon, Clarin, Buenavsta, Getafe, Talibon, Trinidad and Ubay. The objective of the event is to enable the coastal law enforcers to know how to report to the public and utilize the media what they are doing in their respective localities as part of transparency. The speakers include former and current mainstream media practitioners and communication authorities from the Philippine Information Agency (PIA). The Freeman editor John Destacamento
was invited as resource person to discuss “Basic News Writing”. BFAR-7 Director Andres Bojos said that FMRED is one of the most active enforcement bodies in the country but little is known about their activities by the public. “Letting people know who they are and what they do increases transparency and accountability in fishery law enforcement while giving the community the opportunity to participate in field enforcement through reporting of violations,” he said. (rmn/fcc/ PIA7-Cebu)
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EASTERN VISAYAS
Post-harvest equipment for Biliran agrarian farmers assured Rodrigo S. Victoria BALAQUID, Cabucgayan, Biliran, Nov. 6 (PIA) – The presence of no less than the top official of the agrarian reform department during the turnover ceremony of a post-harvest facility this weekend here has paved the way for the provision of two more post-harvest equipment.
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ecretary Rafael “Ka Paeng” V. Mariano of the Department of Agrarian Reform (DAR), who graced the ribbon-cutting and inauguration ceremonies of P 7, 170,657 worth Balaquid Agrarian Reform Beneficiaries (ARB) Multi-Purpose Cooperative (MPC) post-harvest facility this barangay, named the provision of a multi-fast rice mill and a mechanical dryer. Ka Paeng „s visit to Biliran province is his 10th official engagement since he assumed the top post at DAR. The DAR chief saw the necessity of the
two post-harvest equipment after his brief inspection tour and dialogue with the farmer leaders of Balaquid Agrarian Reform Beneficiaries Multi-Purpose Cooperative. Sec. Mariano who lauded the heartfelt welcome of the officials and agrarian farmers in Biliran province vowed to give more assistance to the agrarian farmers to uplift their economic conditions. He also shared to reporters in a press conference held after the turn-over ceremony of instituting several major reforms at DAR. Among the reforms include the imposition
of two-year moratorium on land conversion, to review lease contract agreements with agribusiness ventures, to conduct an inventory on all agricultural lands and to implement and open door policy for the accessibility of agrarian reform beneficiaries in all DAR offices nationwide. He also mulled of writing-off the unpaid amortization of agrarian reform farmers from payment of irrigation fees and providing quick response fund to immediately address the damages on crops in times of calamities. (ajc/ rvictoria/PIA Biliran)
Northern Samar LGU opens Contact Center ng Bayan Ailene N. Diaz CATARMAN, Northern Samar, Nov. 7 (PIA) – The provincial government of Northern Samar acted on the call of the national government to improve efficiency in the delivery of government services, reduce bureaucratic red tape and prevent graft and corruption as provided for in RA 9485 or Anti-Red Tape Act of 2007 mandating the establishment of public assistance and complaint desk in all offices.
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n response, an Executive Order No. 03-11 establishing the Contact Center ng Bayan of the provincial government of Northern Samar was signed by Governor Jose L. Ong, Jr. in November 4, 2016 timely during the launching and orientation of Masa Masid Program initiated by the Department of the Interior and Local Government. The Contact Center ng Bayan according to the Executive Order shall serve as the mechanism for citizens to convey their feedback in the form of queries, complaints and grievances on the programs, delivery of services, systems and procedures of the provincial government. In his message, Governor Ong challenged everyone to give
feedback, report any irregularity observed in the delivery of services but express appeal to be also mindful and appreciative of what is good, noteworthy and extraordinary efforts extended for the good of the province. The Provincial Government of Northern Samar-Contact Center ng Bayan (PGNS-CCB) shall be under the supervision of the Provincial Information Office and the communication channels shall be short message service (SMS) “Text mo si Gov” hotline, electronic mail, website/webpage (www.northernsamar.gov.ph) and social media and will be open 24 hours, seven (7) days a week. The Executive Order states that a citizen‟s concern received through any of the
communication channels shall be acknowledged immediately and referred directly or indirectly to the concerned department or office for appropriate action and response, and shall be acted on within seventy two (72) hours from receipt of the concerned department of office. Apparent in the EO No, 03-11, that failure on the part of the provincial government official or employee to respond to or act on a legitimate concern of a citizen received through the PGNS-CCB shall be a ground for administrative sanction under existing rules and regulations, without prejudice to filing of other appropriate actions for civil and criminal liability of the violator. (ajc/ADiaz/ PIA8-Northern Samar)
TESDA asks rural folks: What training skills do you need? Ninfa B Quirante CATBALOGAN CITY, Samar, Nov. 9 (PIA) — The Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA) engaged the help of village chieftains to ask rural folks what training skills they need in Samar villages.
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ESDA-Samar information Officer Shiela Marie Taon announced this as she guested in PIA‟s Huruhimangraw radio program aired at Aksyon Radyo-DYMS today. Taon said that they have distributed the survey forms in September yet, but a measly 10 percent of the forms have returned to them. “We are worried that only a few slots will be allotted to us if this percentage remains,” Taon said. That is why she sought the help of the
radio station and government media PIA to help them disseminate the information. The future skills training is under the program “Barangay Kasanayan Para sa Kabuhayan at Kapayapaan.” The program aims to get the pulse of the rural folks themselves what skills training they need to earn a decent living and better their quality of life. One need only to visit the barangay and list what skills he needs and state some
personal data like age, educational attainment and learners‟ classification like whether he is OFW, PWD, rebel returnee and others. She added that they can also visit the TESDA office near them or register on line at www.tesda.gov.ph/education for the millennial, those born in the early „80‟s. TESDA also calls on the youth to help them inform more people so that the survey forms can be retrieved before the month ends. (ajc/nbq/PIA8–Samar)
EASTERN VISAYAS
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Making sense of sorrowful Yolanda memories Marcelo M. Pedalino TACLOBAN CITY, Nov. 8 (PIA) -- When super typhoon Yolanda turned this city as well as other places in Region 8 and across the Visayas into a virtual wasteland three years ago today, the wind speed recorded hovered around 200 to 250 kilometers per hour (kph).
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hat is roughly the equivalent of one kilometer per minute, or simply 100 meters per second. In contrast, the Jamaican sprint runner, Usain Bolt, in 2009 set the world record in 100 -meter dash at 9.58 seconds; thus what Bolt did in nearly ten seconds Yolanda finished in just a second. (Bolt‟s speed in kph is rounded at 45 kph, only one-fifth of Yolanda‟s). With such a strong velocity, it was no wonder many coconut trees in a mountain slope in Dulag overlooking the sea and the highway were blown off, piling each other like disordered toothpicks. But that was three years ago. Today, the surviving, standing coconut trees still showed traces of the tragedy in their shattered, disfigured leaves, yet many are
bearing fruits again. Elsewhere, signs of life flourished in the everyday routine: the businesses, the schools, and the lively community. The people have survived and moved on much like the sturdy yet resilient standing coconuts. In barangay Anibong five ships were washed ashore. When the astrodome was flooded with rampaging seawaters, those who sought refuge there went outside, only to meet the same fate. That was the dark side. The death toll figures, including the missing bodies, varied from 6,000 to 10,000, and still counting days, weeks and months after the calamity. Pope Francis consoled with the victims
and survivors in January last year, and even he could not offer answers to the struggle for understanding on why such suffering happen, ironically within a week after All Souls Day. The brighter side was that the world responded, individually and by organizations, to help the people pick up the pieces, and be back on their feet sooner. And on this third anniversary the theme centered more on faith, hope, and love -basic ingredients to cook a recipe of strength and courage and spiritual peace. There are still unfinished tasks, but for now it is best and fitting to take a moment to remember the dead, and inspire the living to keep on the business of living. (ajc/mmp/ PIA8-Southern Leyte)
Duterte, Leni join Taclobanons in Yolanda anniversary Consuelo B. Alarcon TACLOBAN CITY, Leyte, Nov. 9 (PIA) --- President Rodrigo Roa Duterte joined Taclobanons yesterday in the spirit of commemoration in honor of those who perished during the onslaught of super typhoon Yolanda three years ago.
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he President, together with vice president Leni Robredo, and some local officials led the wreath laying ceremony at the graveyard of the Holy Cross Memorial Gardens Brgy. Basper, Tacloban City. In his commemorative speech, he expressed disappointment with the progress of the housing projects for some Yolanda victims who are still in temporary shelters. Hence, he issued a directive to Presidential Special Assistant for the Visayas
Mike Dino to complete all housing projects by December this year upon his return to Tacloban. He also directed Dino to take the orders of Robredo who is the chairperson of the Housing and Urban Development Coordinating Council (HUDCC). A similar directive was issued to other government agencies involved in the implementation of Yolanda projects like the Local Water Utilities Administration (LWUA), National Housing Authority (NHA) and
Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) to fast track the projects. In the same occasion, the president announced a P5, 000 financial assistance for Yolanda survivors and P5,000 livelihood assistance from Department of Trade and Industry (DTI). The 3rd year Yolanda commemoration was also graced by elected officials of the local government unit of Leyte province,Tacloban City, and some cabinet secretaries. (ajc/cba/ PIA8)
3C’s bannered in MASA MASID launching Rodrigo S. Victoria PALO, Leyte, Nov. 7 (PIA) - The lady chief of the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) in Eastern Visayas bannered three C’s in the launching of the department’s program on putting an end to corruption and illegal drugs in its launching in Leyte province, Monday, November 7.
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Pagburoblig” emphasized DILG 8 Regional Director Marivel C. Sacedoncillo in her keynote address, a Waray term which means Collaboration, Cooperation and Complementation (3Cs‟) during the launching of Mamamayang Ayaw sa Anomaliya, Mamamayang Ayaw sa Ilegal na Droga (MASA MASID). Sacedoncillo was speaking before more than a thousand participants in the MASA MASID launching and Anti-Illegal Drugs Summit composed of top elected local officials, members of law enforcement agencies and from the youth sector in Leyte province and
heads and representatives of some concerned national government agencies in Eastern Visayas. She admitted that even the President who also acknowledged the magnitude of the problem on illegal drugs in the country cannot solve it alone. “Bis hin-o pa nga makarit nga Presidente, dili makakasulbad kun dire magburoblig” (Whoever that smart President would be, it cannot be solved without cooperation), Sacedoncillo added. She called each and everyone in the community for help in the fight of the
government against illegal drugs, criminality and corruption for in the end she said is “the only way to spur progress in the country.” The DILG 8 chief who showed a video on the ill effects of illegal drugs in the family in the middle of her speech also called on to start the campaign against illegal drugs in the family. “This is a challenging task of rebuilding lives and communities,” Sacedoncillo further said on the fight against this social menace which needs sustained effort from all the stakeholders in the community. (ajc/rvictoria/ 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
Editorial Consultants Atty. Ma. Janet C. Mesa, Ph. D. Regional Director, PIA6
Ms. Alicia E. Nicart Regional Director, PIA8
Managing Editor Jaime S. Cabag, Jr. Contributors All PIA Information Officers of Regions 6, 7 & 8 Production and Layout Edson J. BaĂąares Lynnor C. Regalado Regional Offices: PIA 6, 2/F RC Building, Rizal St., Iloilo City, Iloilo 5000, Tel. Nos. (033) 337-8719/3377301/509-0993, Fax No. (033) 337-8719/509-0993, e-mail: r6_pia@yahoo.com/ piaamo6@yahoo.com PIA 7, Room 304, 3/F Machay Bldg., Garardo Avenue, Cebu City, Cebu 6000, Telefax No. (032) 232-4062/232-4126, e-mail: pia7_cebu@yahoo.com.ph/r7_pia@yahoo.com PIA 8, Childrenâ€&#x;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