Vol 6
Issue 46
In this Issue WESTERN VISAYAS
NEDA 6’s Othelo Derecho presents the current efforts in formulating the WV Regional Development Plan,2017-2022 during the Launching and Regional Forum of Ambisyon Natin 2040 held at NEDA 6, Iloilo City, November 5.
More on Region 6, pages 2-3. Also CLICK Here…
CENTRAL VISAYAS
Nov. 14 - 20, 2016
Published by: PIA 6, 7 & 8
All can contribute to building a strong nation - DDG Villar Samuel Candido BORONGAN CITY, Eastern Samar, Nov. 10 (PIA) - ―Each of us has something to contribute to build a strong nation — whether you’re a government employee, an official or someone from the private sector – a student or a business and public leader—you can do your part. We can all fulfill our roles in seeing a better Eastern Samar, a better Philippines. We can all take part in this quest to see our communities freed from poverty.‖ This was part of the message of Philippine Information Agency Deputy Director General Gregorio Angelo Villar, during the 51st Founding Anniversary of Eastern Samar province on November 9, 2016 where he was guest of honor and speaker. The DDG affirmed the theme of the event that freedom from poverty shall solve a multitude of societal problems. In fact, the overall plan laid down by the Duterte administration offers a holistic solution to inclusive economic growth. Aside from the war against illegal drugs, the Duterte administration has launched anti-corruption campaign in all government agencies. Furthermore, it has brought almost $ 40B in trade deals which is hoped to strengthen the country’s economy and give additional jobs to different sectors and industries. DDG added that soon, the country will hear the mantra BUILD, BUILD, BUILD from many government officials and the media.
―This government infrastructure project, that is said to be the most comprehensive and most ambitious project, can herald the construction of roadways, airports, and bridges that will bring in tens of thousands of jobs in the provinces, down to the grassroots,‖ the young PIA leader said. Eastern Samar was recently recorded as one of the poorest provinces of the country, but with this Build, Build, Build of the Duterte Administration, the best is yet to come for the current and future generations. DDG Vi llar then encourag ed g o vernm ent information officers, to make sure that various government programs policies and services are effectively communicated to those who need government attention the most. (SDC/PIA-ESamar)
PIA Deputy Director General challenges the people of Eastern Samar to help build a strong nation and take part in freeing communities from poverty. (PIA-8)
Prohibition to catch sardines, herrings, mackerels up By Jaime S. Cabag, Jr. Mattias Lenz, Minister Counsellor of EU Delegation to the Philippines, giving his message at the start of the Networking Session at Cebu Normal University. This is the first time the EU brought its higher #education institutions outside of Manila to engage with their counterpart HEIs from Visayas and Mindanao. (PIA-7)
More on Region 7, pages 4-5. Also CLICK Here…
EASTERN VISAYAS
ILOILO CITY, Nov. 16 (PIA6) – It’s now strictly prohibited to catch sardines, herrings and mackerels beginning November 15 in the Visayan Sea area as the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR) enforces the closed season for these fish groups until February 15, 2017. The closed season is embodied in Fisheries Administrative Order (FAO) 167-3 which declares the particular period of each year as the closed season for the three most plentiful groups of fishes in the Visayan Sea. Offenders will be subjected to imprisonment of six months and one day to six years and/or fine of P6,000.00 and by forfeiture of the catch and cancellation of fishing permit or license, said BFAR Region 6 in a press statement. Specifically, FAO 167-3 prohibits the catching, killing, selling or possessing the sexually mature sardines, herrings and mackerels or their larvae, fry or young known locally as ―lupoy‖, ―silinyasi‖, ―linatsay‖ or ―manansi‖ in the portion of Visayan Sea and adjoining waters enclosed by line drawn through certain points and coastlines. These are from the mouth of Danao River on the
northeastern tip of Bantayan Island to Madridejos, thru the lighthouse on Gigantes Island, to Olutayan Island, to Culasi Point in Capiz province, eastward along the northern coast of Capiz to Bulacaue Point in Carles, Iloilo, southward along the eastern coast of Iloilo to the mouth of Talisay River, westward across the Guimaras Strait to Tomonton Point in Negros Occidental, eastward along the northern coast of Negros Island and back to the mouth of Danao River in Escalante, Negros Occ. The rich fishing ground is bordered by the islands of Panay, Negros, Cebu, and Masbate. The BFAR Regional Field Office No. 6 here spearheaded the kick off the closed season information, education and communication campaign on Nov. 16 -18. FAO No. 167-3 was issued on March 26, 2013, amending Fisheries Administrative Order No. 167 series of 1989, and had remained in effect since that time. BFAR said that sardines, herrings and mackerels in these waters must be protected and conserved so that future generations of Filipinos will continue to benefit from these rich fisheries resources. (JCM/JSC/BFAR/jPIA6)
Dumaguete City bags six awards from DOH
5th EGov Awards: The City of Marikina cited as Best in eGov Business Empowerment (G2B) in the 5th NICP eGov Awards for LGUs during the second day of the 8th National ICT Summit. The awarding was held in Patio Victoria, San Jose, Tacloban City, November 11, 2016. (rvictoria/PIA Biliran) #NICPsummit2016#PartnerForChange
More on Region 8, pages 6-7. Also CLICK Here...
By Roi Lomotan DUMAGUETE CITY, Nov. 15 (PIA) – The City of Dumaguete bagged six recognitions from the Department of Health (DOH) during the recently held Regional Health Summit in Cebu City. City Health Officer Dr. Maria Sarah Talla said the six awards conferred to the city were Best Local Government Unit (LGU) in implementing the Philippine Package of Essential Non-Communicable Diseases Interventions (Healthy Lifestyle), Best Practice on Community-Based After Care Program for Recovering Drug Dependents and Contributing Immeasurably to the Dangerous Drug Abuse Prevention and Treatment Program (DDAPTP). Aside from this, the city also received the citations for the Top Performing LGU on National Tuberculosis Program, Top Performing LGU on Percentage of Households with Sanitary Toilet Facilities, Exemplary
Support, Invaluable Service and Dedication During the School Based Immunization and the National Red Orchid Award for the implementation of the smoke-free ordinance, which is the second distinction of such city. Dr. Talla presented the awards to the mayor and members of the Sangguniang Panlungsod on Nov. 10. Remollo lauded the officers and staff of the city government for the recent achievements of the city. He reminded them to perform well not for the recognition but in fulfillment of their duty to serve the constituents. On the other hand, he also acknowledged the enthusiastic support of the city council to the initiatives and programs of the administration. (rmn/ral/PIA7-Negros Oriental/Dumaguete City PIO report)
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WESTERN VISAYAS
92 publications vie for COPRE 2016 awards By Elsa S. Subong ILOILO CITY, Nov. 15 (PIA6) — There are ninety two college and high school publications, both print and electronic, competing to get major and minor awards in the 2016 College Press Conference (COPRE) and Awards.
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he COPRE is the highlight of the annual Campus Journalism events of the Philippine Information Agency in Western Visayas, which gather student writers for fellowship and writing competitions. The publication entries are outputs from schools that have participated in the PIA-run seminar workshops done in the months of July to September each year. ―The entries increase every year as more schools participate and as we also vary the
categories,‖ PIA-6 Director Janet Mesa said. The major awards at stake are the Best Departmental Publication, Best Magazine, Best Newspaper, Best Magazine Cover Design, Best Newspaper Layout, Best Multi-lingual Paper, Best E-Newsletter and Best Magazine Lay-out. The other Special Awards are for Best News, Sports, Feature, Filipino, and Editorial Page. The criteria for these special awards include relevance of and developmental content of articles, mechanics, adherence to journalistic
writing styles and technical quality. ―The outputs would also reveal whether our seminar-workshop participants are applying what they have learned,‖ Mesa also said. She added that the particular bias PIA would like to see in the articles and the publications on the whole, is that of development communication. ―Our campus paper writers must not only be plain news writers but also story tellers of development and changes for the better,‖ Mesa said. (JCM/ESS/PIA-Iloilo)
EXCELL awards validation on By Pilar S. Mabaquiao SAN JOSE, Antique, Nov. 16 (PIA6) - - The Regional assessment team lead by the Department of Interior and Local Government conducted a validation of the local government units in Antique that were shortlisted for the Regional EXCELL Awards.
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ying for the awards are the Provincial Government of Antique (Provincial Category) and the Municipality of San Jose de Buenavista (for 1st to 3rd) Class Municipality), said Oscar Lim Jr, Cluster Head of DILG Antique. EXCELL Awards or the Search for Excellence in Local Governance Awards started in 2008 said Lim. It hopes to recognize local government units that showed exemplary performance and innovations in promoting transparency, accountability and good performance. Regional Director Atty. Anthony C. Nuyda
in his memo to all Chief Executives of LGUs emphasized that EXCELL awards pursue innovative programs in all facets of governance such as administrative, social, economic and environmental governance. For this year, the assessment areas expanded to included Public Fiscal Management tool of the DBM, Anti-Smoking program, Rabies Campaign, Operation Listo and Tourism indicators. The Provincial Government of Antique and LGU San Jose emerged as regional contenders based on the table assessment conducted by multi -sectoral team. All local government units
complied with the self-rating form based on the criteria of governance stated. Provincial Planning and Development Coordinator Juliana Cepe is optimistic of the result of the validation as they have put in their best efforts to comply with the requirements and have engaged support of various agencies and organizations. The Best Performing LGU (based on categories) will be given Plaque of Recognition and cash prize of P20,000. Runners up will also receive plaque of recognition. Winners will be honored during DILG’s Pagdayaw 2016 in December. (JCM/PSM/PIA6Antique)
Tourism sites turn orange to end VAW By Venus G. Villanueva KALIBO, Aklan, Nov. 15 (PIA6) – It will be the turn this year of identified tourism sites in the province to turn orange as the country sets to celebrate the ―18-Day Campaign to end Violence Against Women (VAW) from November 25 to December 12.
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he option to make tourism sites turn orange, or be donned or decorated with orange color, is in response to the Dep art m en t of In t eri or an d L ocal Government’s (DILG) Memorandum Circular No. 2016-140 calling on all provincial governors, the Autonomous Region on Muslim Mindanao (ARMM) Regional Governor, city/municipal mayors, DILG regional directors, DILG ARMM Secretary and others concerned to take part in the celebration with the theme ―VAW-Free Community Starts With Me.‖ One of the suggested activities for the observance, with guidance of all LGUs, is ―Orange Your Icon.‖ According to Erwin Rotil of DILG-Aklan who oriented the members of the Aklan Gender and Development Commission (AGADC) during the recent Pre-Planning Meeting for the activity, the orange color is a bright and optimistic color, which represents ―hope‖. Last year, it was the imposing Aklan Provincial Capitol Building which was dressed and decorated with
orange. Rotil said the province of Aklan was the only province last year who joined the ―Orange Your Icon‖ activity. For this year other suggested activities for the 18-Day Campaign to End VAW include production, display and distribution of IEC materials, participation in the online campaign thread about the observance by uploading the official logo and campaign information in LGUs website, Facebookand Twitter pages with official hashtag#VAWfreePh; feature LGUs 18-Day Campaign to End VAW activities with photos or videos in their existing publications, website and social media accounts, and organizing local activities in line with the observance. The observance is pursuant to Proclamation 1172, Series of 2006 declaring Nov. 25 to December 12 of every year as 18-Day Campaign to end VAW, and RA No. 10398, Series of 2012 declaring Nov. 25 as ―National Consciousness Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women and Children‖. This year’s theme is also in line with one of the pronouncements of
President Rodrigo Roa Duterte during his first State of the Nation Address (SONA)to put an end to VAW and implement the Magna Carta of Women down to the barangay level. The theme also enjoins everyone to pursue the common vision of a VAW-free community and give emphasis on everyone’s commitment and contributions to ending VAW, according to Provincial Planning and Development Coordinator (PPDC) Engr. Roger M. Esto. In Aklan, some of the significant activities for the 18-Day Campaign Against VAW are Orientation of the Liga ng Mga Barangay on VAWC Desk, Search for Best Governor’s VAW Desk; free HIV-Testing at the Social Hygiene Clinic, Dr. Rafael S. Tumbokon Memorial Hospital;World AIDS Day celebration; Awarding of Winners of the Best Governor’s VAW Desk; Election of new Men Opposed to Violence Against Women Everywhere (MOVE); MOVE Provincial Congress and Job Fair, among others. (JSC/VGV/ PIA6 Aklan)
WESTERN VISAYAS Bacolod eyes tourism, BPO
better
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By Carlson B. Alelis BACOLOD CITY, Nov. 16 (PIA6) – The importance of the city‘s role in creating more opportunities and expanding the tourism and business process outsourcing to restore a business-friendly climate was highlighted in a forum here.
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acolod Mayor Evelio Leonardia said the continuing innovation in creating a business-friendly environment will lure in potential investors to the city, and in turn, generate more job opportunities, during the ―Trabaho Program‖ Industry Forum of the Public Employment Services Office (PESO), at Sugarland Hotel, Nov. 15. One of the ways to achieve this is to give focus to the tourism industry and the BPO industry as the main economic drivers, he said. It is projected that tourism will be the number one economic driver in the world, he added. Former city councilor Jocelle Batapa-Sigue, trustee and past chair of the National ICT
Confederation of the Philippines, and Dr. Gina Montes, dean of the College of Hospitality and Tourism Management of STI West Negros University, were the speakers during the forum, a release from the City Information Office said. Batapa-Sigue talked of the local government unit’s (LGU) role in paving the way for investors by providing proper venue and giving easy access to start businesses. This would attract more investors and would mean more jobs, she said. For her part, Montes talked of how the LGU can improve on the local tourism by promoting and maintaining easy transportation. For the BPO industry side, it can be recalled that the city became the first LGU to snatch the "Crystal Flare for Beacon Award" for its
achievement in the BPO industry. It was awarded during the 1st FLARE Awards organized by the Information Technology-Business Process Association of the Philippines (IBPAP). Bacolod was one of only six individuals and institutions recognized for making key contributions to the accomplishment of the Information Technology-Business Process Management (IT-BPM) Roadmap 2012-2016, and was the only LGU that was given such recognition for being a game changer in the IT-BPM industry. Leonardia said the city has been recognized as the Center for Excellence for the IT-BPM in the country since 2013. (JCM/CBA/PIA6 – Negros Occidental)
Annual procurement plan of Capiz hospitals ready By Jemin B. Guillermo ROXAS CITY, Capiz, Nov. 15 (PIA6) – The Hospital Management Unit in Capiz is ready with its Annual Procurement Plan.
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ccording to Mrs. Melanie Arancillo, head of the HMU, they have already finished with the 2017 annual procurement plan. Arancillo said that the annual procurement plan of all district hospitals under the provincial government will help improve the procurement process of hospitals such as medicines, supplies and other facilities.
This will also address the clamor on the insufficient supply of essential medicines in the hospitals, she said. The province underwent a three-day workshop to correct the deficiencies and lapses in the crafting of the specifications as required under the Bids and Awards Committee guidelines. Through the proper procurement system for the entire health unit here, there will
be uniformity in prices of medicines as well as hospital supplies and facilities, she said, citing that they are already doing the bulk procurement. Health is one of the top priority agenda of Governor Antonio Del Rosario’s administration, pledging quality health services, including availability of essential medicines at the government-run district hospitals in Capiz. (JCM/ JBG/PIA6)
ASIN needs more implementation By Lilibeth A. French ILOILO CITY, Nov. 16 (PIA6) - - The National Nutrition Council 6 (NNC 6) has taken steps to strengthen the implementation of Republic Act No 8172 otherwise known as ―An Act for Salt Iodization Nationwide (ASIN) Law‖ in this part of the country.
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n November 11 this year, NNC 6 reorganized and revitalized the Regional Bantay Asin Task Force (RBATF) that will serve as watchdog for the distribution and supply of adequately iodized salt in the region. Signed by then President Fidel V. Ramos in 1995, Nona Tad-y, Regional Coordinator of NNC 6 said ASIN Law aims to promote iodized salt among households to address the lack of micronutrients. The law also requires all salt manufacturers to iodize the salt they produce and distribute. She said concerned agencies like the Department of Health and Food and Drug Administration have been doing well in terms of looking into the implementation of law but monitoring remains a challenge and that there is a need to organize the Bantay Asin Task Forces. ―While we have sanitary inspectors doing their jobs at the local or LGU level, at the regional, provincial, city and even municipal we need to put our acts together and form a task
force that will look into the enforcement of the law,‖ said Tad-y to representatives of relevant government agencies, local government units and academe who participated in the Orientation Briefing and Workshop on the RBATF. Tad-y noted the challenges that still confront the implementation of the law which include the monitoring of supply and distribution of adequately-iodized salt in the region. ―There are several manufacturers who are producing salt but there is a need to check whether these salts are iodized properly according to what is the standard which is 30-70 ppm,‖ said Tad-y. Another challenge that she cited was that there is no established monitoring team in many entry points of salt delivery. She said the Task Force should identify where the entry points are in the region. Other challenges that Tad-y also identified that need to be addressed are: there is no regular supply of salt testing kits which hinders the
submission of LGU reports; rapid testing kits only detect the presence of iodine but not the quantity of iodine; no monitoring from the regional level due to lack of manpower. Tad-y said many people still do not know the importance of salt iodization to address the problem of Iodine Deficiency Disorder (IDD) and its implications that may lead to goiter, mental retardation, stillbirth and poor performance of children in school, among others. The result of the 8th National Nutrition Survey conducted by the Food and Nutrition Research Institute in 2008 indicated that the prevalence of IDD among 6 to 12 years old children in the country is 13.8 percent which was reduced in 2013 to 8.9 percent. However, according to Tad-y the figure is still a high one to consider. In Western Visayas, except for Iloilo and Aklan, IDD is still prevalent in the provinces of Antique, Capiz, Guimaras and Negros Occidental as indicated in the FNRI survey. (JCM/laf/PIA6-Iloilo)
CENTRAL VISAYAS
4 Listing of starts
beneficiaries for coco levy fund
By Elvira C. Bongosia TAGBILARAN CITY, Nov. 11 (PIA) -- The Philippine Coconut Authority (PCA) has started listing down the names of those working in the coconut industry in Bohol who will be receiving their share of the coco levy fund.
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his was shared yesterday by PCA Information Officer Jose Allan Cajilog during the recent gathering of members of the Association of United Development Information Officers in Bohol (AUDIO-Bohol) Genera l Assembly Meeting held at Reyna’s The Haven and Gardens, this city. Cajilog said 50 enumerators will be identifying legitimate recipients, including land owners and
coconut farmers for the allocation of the P72.5-billion coco levy fund which is set to be released next year. The coco levy fund will not be distributed in cash but will be allocated to projects which will benefit coconut farmers and others involved in the industry. Cajilog said once the projects are developed, those in the list of beneficiaries will manage and run
said ventures. The listing process will continue across the country until December this year. Cajilog urged coconut farmers to register at PCA offices in Bohol. The multi-billion peso coconut levy fund currently remains with the national treasury pending the release of guidelines on the use of the amount. (rmn/ecb/PIA7-Bohol)
GCGMH reopens veterans' ward By Rey Anthony H. Chiu TAGBILARAN CITY, Nov. 11 (PIA) -- Boholano veterans will finally have a service catering to their needs courtesy of the commitment of hospital medical staff, backed by Bohol's top government hospital chief.
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t the re-opening of the Gov. Celestino Gallares Memorial Hospital in Tagbilaran City, Dr. Mutya Kismet Tirol-Macuno welcomed the veterans to the new wing and called on them to avail of the services. "If you need help, you are welcome with the same promise and commitment the hospital espouses as the leading medical institution with its own brand of service in the region," Dr. Macuno said. Qualified to benefit from the services are those who fought during World War 2, all soldiers and their surviving spouses. GCGMH Project Engineer John Melchor Namoc said a memorandum of agreement among the Provincial Government, the hospital and Philippine Veterans Hospital (PVH) opened the veterans wing in November of 2003.
The setup was for PVH to regionalize their operations and hand out veterans care services, he said. But without the provision for special medical staff to man the services, hospital officials then accordingly decided to just open the hospital wing to other purposes temporarily stopping special veterans service, relayed event guest speaker and veteran's survivor Marcoseta Jabaybay. According to the surviving wife of a veteran, the project was a brainchild of then Governor Erico Aumentado, the man she referred to as the one with the heart for the veterans who were forgotten. In this happy day, Jabaybay was saddened because veterans did not live to witness the happy occasion. Philippine Veterans Affairs Office (PVAO) was supposed to put up the personnel and their salaries,
Jabaybay continued. When Macuno came to assume as hospital administrator, she lost no time to have the wing reopened. Reopened after PVAO co-funded with Bohol the P600,000 refurbishing now opens the two rooms with 6 beds male and female wards in 66.38 square meters of space, according to Engr. Namoc. A blessing of the new ambulance also ensued after the short program to mark the reopening, which Fr. Rey Omamalin presided. Present during the event were Congress man Aristotle Aumentado, Isabelito Tongco for Gov. Edgar Chatto, Rene Espinosa for Cong Art Yap, Atty. Salvador Diputado for VGov. Dionisio Balite, Valentino Gamutin for Mayor John Geesnell Yap and hospital doctors, nurses and employees. (rac/PIA-7/Bohol)
2nd Shark Summit held in Dumaguete By Roi Lomotan DUMAGUETE CITY, Nov. 12 (PIA) – Close to 100 policymakers, advocates, government officials and shark enthusiasts participated in the 2nd Shark Summit held in Silliman University in this city and made a call for the protection of sharks at the national level.
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he summit was held on November 10 and 11 in observance of Shark Conversation Week which aimed to raise the public’s awareness on the issues on conservation, management and utilization of sharks. ―Sharks play a vital role within marine ecosystems and protecting sharks is one of the one of the more holistic ways of saving marine environment,‖ said Naderev Saño, executive director of Greenpeace Southeast Asia who was at the event. He explained that sharks are typically apex predators that help keep pray populations health by feeding on weak, sick old fishes and prevent over grazing of critical marine habitats. ―Removal of the sharks from an ecosystem has the potential to create significant changes to predator-prey interactions. Thus, saving sharks means we are also saving the future of our ocean,‖ he added. This year’s summit had three objectives, namely: to review the accomplishments and gaps based on the commitments crafted at the 2014 Shark Summit held in Cebu, second is to identify solutions
and stakeholders to address gaps and other emerging issues on shark management and conservation, and lastly, to review and enhance proposed policies on shark protection. The Shark Summit hopes to play a significant role in strengthening the conservation of shark species in the Philippines and ensuring that the plans created during the Shark Conservation Week are supported by commitments, enforceable legislation and management. ―What is important for us is how are going to enforce our existing law, the Philippine Fisheries Code to protect sharks and come up with now is a national policy,‖ said Greenpeace Southeast Asia Oceans Campaigner Vince Cinches. He noted that there is a pending Senate Bill filed by Sen. Win Gatchalian on shark and ray conservation which they want to be revised to be more effective, comprehensive, sustainable and inclusive. ―After this one, we will call for a meeting with him, a round table discussion (and) come up with a lobbying program to include other policy makers as
well,‖ he added. When asked on his opinion on shark summit, Cinches’s response was ―In a nutshell, it was able to create a very vibrant community not just of scientists, researchers, policy makers but other sectors as well to push for a very important objective of managing and protecting sharks across the country. This is crucial for me.‖ Meanwhile, Arnel Yaptinchay, director of Marine Wildlife Watch of the Philippines, cited the socio-economic benefits of protecting sharks especially with shark tourism like in the Philippines with sites like Donsol in Sorgoson which is known for whale sharks, Tubbataha reef for reef sharks, and Monad shoal for thresher sharks. ―Many more sites have this potential if only we could find a way to reduce the threat of unamanaged fishers to their populations,‖ he pointed out. The devil ray and whale shark dried meat were popular for food consumption in the Visayas, until the fishing of giant manta rays and whale shark was banned in 1998.(rmn/ral/PIA7-Negros Oriental/ with reports from Diah Abida, Greenpeace)
CENTRAL VISAYAS
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DENR Sec wants affordable renewable energy By Rey Anthony H. Chiu TAGBILARAN CITY, Nov. 11 (PIA) -- If there is going to be another source of energy for Bohol, Environment Secretary Regina Paz Lopez says she hopes it would be the renewable kind of source.
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ommenting on a question during a press conference shortly after her visit to Cambugsay Healing Hills where a 24 hectare coffee plantation and a nursery for Robusta now sits, Lopez admitted she is biased against coal energy. Explaining that she did a study of about 14 coal fired energy plants, she said coal is always bad for the environment. Lopez's statement came even as a strong lobby for the more advanced and cleaner coal technology is getting pushed as the cheaper and more immediate alternative for the country. In his State of the Nation Address, President Rodrigo Duterte hinted at the option for cheaper energy source while the Philippines guns for
industrialization. At the current rate of development, however, observers see an energy crisis in the next couple of years for the Philippines. But building a more efficient and cleaner renewable energy source may mean the government bankrolling the costs. Over this, the prospect of private public partnership could surface, but Secretary Lopez expressed her apprehensions. "I hate it when the government develops a clean energy source, and turns it over to the private sector so they can charge double," she said, recalling the profit orientation of the private companies. Earlier, Lopez said all development must be for
the people and not just a few. Lopez stressed that when it is government building the renewable energy source, people must be minimally charged. Meanwhile, the Duterte Administration through the Department of Energy (DOE), puts premium on the provision of quality, reliable, adequate, secure and reasonably-priced energy by looking at all possible resources that the country can utilize to achieve our industrialization goals. To diversify the energy mix, DOE will also study nuclear energy as a possible option for the Philippines. DOE is currently into the creation of a Nuclear Energy Program Implementing Organization (NEPIO). (rmn/rac/PIA-7/Bohol)
DENR puts 'sweet' premium on ilang-ilang essence extract Rey Anthony H. Chiu TAGBILARAN CITY, Nov. 11 (PIA) — Ilang-ilang or ylang-ylang (Cananga odorensis) offers a sweet promise to tree farmers and the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) makes sure of that.
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uring her visit to San Pascual Ubay where people’s organizations have been contracted to reforest bald rolling cogon hills with native trees as part of the National Greening Program (NGP), DENR Secretary Regina Paz Lopez assured the people of her agency's support. She said DENR would rather be looking at their impact to the people’s lives rather than other usual agency accomplishment parameters. And having been told that the place has about five hectares dedicated to planting more than 2000 ilang-ilang intercropped with coffee and bananas, she urged DENR to do something about it. ―We will bring here a distillation plant to extract the essence of ilang-ilang,‖ DENR National Resources Development Corporation chief Sylvia Ordoñez announced. "But we will have to plant more of the ilang-ilang to make sure we can have a sustainable operation for the distillation plant," she added. According to wikipilipinas.org, ―the fragrance of ylang-ylang is rich and deep with notes of rubber
and custard, and bright with hints of jasmine and neroli. The essential oil of the flower is obtained through steam distillation of the flowers and separated into different grades (extra; 1; 2; 3) according to when the distillates are obtained. The main aromatic component of ylang-ylang is methyl anthranilate. Already known for its delicate scent, ilang-ilang, or ylang-ylang has been among the more famed material for traditional welcome leis in the Philippines; the tree being endemic to the region along with Indonesia and Malaysia. In Bohol, especially for those tree-farmers awarded the Community Based Forest Management agreement for the reforestation of the 240 hectares of idle lands, the DENR move is crucial to the present market match up of the ilang-ilang with a perfume manufacturer British company based in London: The Body Shop. Visiting Bohol and landing via chopper in the heart of a 240 hectares site for the National Greening Program in Cambugsay Healing Hills, San
Pascual, Lopez also shared her revolutionary ideas and her agency's directions under her steer. ―It is not by the number of trees but by the way people’s lives are improved,‖ she said. DENR has been into reforestation projects with communities participating and getting paid for each tree seedling planted. But with areas filling up, many authorities have theorized that the usual forest fires that consume large patches of reforestation may have been done to make sure communities can still get planting contracts. Ubay Federated Tree Planters Association Inc. chair Bernardita Albarando said they put up the Cambugsay Model Tree Farm to present their CBFMA area into tourism destination for additional income to farmers. Grants from international partners also allowed the communities to go into agro-forestry development for some 16 hectares, she added. Another 115 hectares have been planted with indigenous tree species while some 15 hectares are now planted with timber, she added. (rmn/rac/PIA-7/ Bohol)
DTI clarifies issues over Price Tag Law By Rey Anthony H. Chiu TAGBILARAN CITY, Nov. 10 (PIA) -- Is affixing a bar code instead of a readable price tag in an item to indicate its price, a violation of the price tag law?
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Only if it is accompanied by a price of the product on the shelf where the product is displayed, or a pricelist is fixed near the products, plus a price scanner or verifier is provided nearby," clarified Department of Trade and Industry Consumer Welfare Division Chief Jose Hibaya. This and still many questions that could determine whether a Boholano consumer is at a losing end of a retail transaction or not surfaced at the recent Kapihan sa PIA celebrating October as Consumer Welfare Month. But as to how many price verifiers are needed to allow consumers to get an adequate information on the product price and compare them with the
offers from other establishments, DTI has not determined, admits Hibaya, who also added that these price verifiers must be in visible areas. According to Article 81 of Republic Act 7394 or the Consumer Act of the Philippines, it is illegal to sell any consumer product for retail without an appropriate price tag, label or marking to tell the consumer the price of each article. The law mandates that products should not be sold at a price higher than what is stated in the price tag. If there are any variations in the price tag, the one on the shelf must be followed, DTI said. Article 82 also says price tags, labels or
markings must be written clearly, indicating the price of the consumer product per unit in pesos and centavos. For smaller goods where placing price tags is impractical, a price list should suffice, according to DTI. So unless consumers can scan through the barcodes in retail goods, a retail establishment is mandated to fix the price tags, DTI reminded. Hibaya said there is a high consumer awareness rating for Bohol. In the recent Social Weather Stations survey, Bohol received a better consumer awareness average compared to Central Visayas. (rmn/rac/PIA7-Bohol)
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EASTERN VISAYAS
‗Rehabbed‘ drug center now accepts drug dependents Consuelo B. Alarcon TACLOBAN CITY, Leyte, Nov 13 (PIA) – Any person who manifests disorders due to drug abuse or addiction can now seek confinement at the newly rehabbed (rehabilitated) Department of Health Treatment and Rehabilitation Center (DOH-TRC) formerly Saving Lives at a Common Ground (SALAG) facility located in the Municipality of Dulag, this province.
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ichael J. Tenebro, Chief Health Program Officer of the DOH-TRC announced this during the Panginsayod ha PIA held Friday at PIA regional office 8. Tenebro disclosed that the drug rehabilitation and treatment center helps individuals to be free from dependence on drugs while improving their lifestyles. ―A 6-month detoxification treatment will be given to the patient and possibly to last for a year. Afterwards, he will undergo a holistic
after care services by the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) for 18 months, Tenebro said. Privately-owned rehabilitation centers usually cost more compared to government run-rehab centers. Affluent families will be charged P10,000 monthly rehabilitation fees to cover the patient’s stay including board and lodging, therapies, medicines and other rehabilitation services, however, for people who cannot afford to pay for
monthly rehabilitation fees, the center offers free rehabillitation services provided a certification from DSWD will be secured attesting that the patient is indigent and a court clearance for temporary his confinement. To date, 11 individuals are being treated at the rehab center which has a 110 bed capacity. The DOH-TRC which was destroyed by super typhoon Yolanda in November 2013 when it struck the region reopened last September 7, this year. (cba/PIA8)
Hackathon race up Rodrigo S. Victoria PALO, Leyte, Nov. 11 (PIA) – Kids nowadays love technology, they understand computer very well more than they visited their textbooks.
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hat’s how Elaine Cedillo, co-founder of Hack the Climate, described the seven or more groups of high school students from Philippine Science (PhilSci) High School in Eastern Visayas and young professionals participating the 24-hour race known as Hackathon. Cedillo simply puts it as a coding marathon to create an application within a period of time with the use of computer applications to arrive a solution to address climate change. ―The participants are closed in an area, provided with internet connectivity, guided by tech-savvy experts in the field of web development, interface, every component website, and mobile app,‖ she told in an interview after the Hackathon officially started inside the PhilSci Gymnasium on Wednesday, November 9. The co-founder of Hack the Climate and official of Red Wizards Event said it is a form of educational tool for young people and it teaches
them how to use the technology for their advantage to solve climate change. Hackathon originated when two student hackers from Princeton University in USA wanted to help the Philippines after it was devastated by super typhoon Yolanda in November 8, 2013 where they raised funds for 24 hours and came-up with good amount of money and donated to the country, she added. Cedillo pointed out that these Princeton hackers who came to know the Philippines because of the tragic Yolanda experience came to the country and tried to look for people staging Hackathon and it was in June, 2014, with a grant from Davies Project for Peace that the first Hackathon wwaas organized in the Philippines. The first Hackathon was supported by Climate Change Commission, Climate Change Reality, Greenpeace and was participated by students from St. Benilde, La Salle, and young professionals. The first and second Hackathon were held in
Manila, 3rd in Bicol, fourth in Oscar M. Lopez Center and the fifth now in Tacloban City. She cited a group of young professionals who call themselves Instigator who joined the Hackathon where their finished product was funded by SM. Cedillo mentioned another Hackathon product funded by Asian Development Bank which is a game type of application where it helped explained people’s lifestyle and taught young people how to save the environment in a very animated way. She mentioned of the use of solar power in solar lighted lamp used here in Leyte after the onslaught of Yolanda which is also a product of Hackathon. Cedillo’s group will also be distributing 25 laptops in Barugo I, Palo 2 and in Pambujan, Northern Samar through their e-library project. ―We are finding solutions by conducting a Hackathon to address the problem on climate change through their works. (ajc/rv-PIA8)
DA-8 reconstitutes prov‘l Avian flu task force Ma. Rebecca G. Cadavos MAASIN CITY, Southern Leyte, Nov. 16 (PIA) – The Department of Agriculture through its Technical Staff spearheaded the reconstitution of the Provincial Avian Influenza Task Force (AITF) in Southern Leyte.
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he AITF held November 15, 2016 at the RKK Function House here was led by Lyndon Jake C. Caňas who presented the Avian Influenza updates not only in the Philippines but those countries affected by the Avian Influenza (AI) or known as the Bird Flu virus. He reported that for the countries particularly in Asia such as Vietnam, South Korea, China, Indonesia, Thailand, Pakistan, among others were reported to have been affected by AI. ―In the light of the growing concern of the bird flu virus and the possible effects to the
country, Executive Order No. 280 signed by then President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo dated February 5, 2004 directing the concerned agencies on the prevention, restriction and/or regulation of the entry, movement, surveillance of people coming from infected countries,‖ Caňas quoted. The AITF will be the one to make preparedness and response plan in preparation for the AI, Caňas said. Though the Philippines is still AI-free, strategies or activities at the local level should be planned, such as monitoring of domestic fowls, wild birds, including humans, mobilization of
Veterinarians or Agriculturists, coastal monitoring, including public information through the conduct of community assemblies and the like. Caňas added that there are 4 elements of preparedness for the AI such as the creation of functional task force; enactment of local ordinances; presence of preparedness and response plan; and the checklist/resource inventory of supplies for rapid action. After the Avian Influenza updates were presented, a reconstitution of the Provincial Task Force was done with the Provincial Governor as Chairman. (ajc/rgc/PIA8-SoLeyte)
EASTERN VISAYAS
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SoLeyte dad favors federalism set-up Marcelo M. Pedalino MAASIN CITY, Southern Leyte, Nov. 15 (PIA) -- This province‘s chief local executive has expressed openness should the federalism project push through as advocated by President Rodrigo Roa Duterte.
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ov. Damian Mercado made his sentiment known in remarks delivered during his 100 days executive report at the provincial coliseum here last month. He said the federalism type of government jibed well with his work ethic since he usually initiates something into action, and not given to procrastination. President Duterte, in his first State of the Nation Address (SONA) a month after taking office, called on Congress to let discussions on having a federal form of government roll on,
among other pre-requisites, like amending the Constitution and a comprehensive consultation process. Last week at the Yolanda third commemoration rites in Tacloban City where he was the guest of honor and speaker, the President mentioned the need to go federal as a solution to lasting conflicts in Mindanao and other parts of the country, saying that he preferred a federal state with a strong President. Listening him speak were many local
officials in the region, among them Gov. Mercado, Maasin City Mayor Nacional Mercado, Vice-Mayor Maloney Samaco, and City Councilor Zaldy Olita. Meanwhile, in the hour-long first 100 days report, Gov. Mercado cited the Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction Management Council (PDRRMC) headed by Danny Atienza, for giving honors to the province by winning the Gawad Kalasag Award in Region 8, the awarding rites conducted by the Office of Civil Defense. (mmp/ PIA8-Southern Leyte)
Completion of eng‘g plans to fast track SoLeyte projects Ma. Rebecca G. Cadavos MAASIN CITY, Southern Leyte, Nov. 16 (PIA) -- Infrastructure projects in Southern Leyte are expected to kick off early next year with the completion of some pre-detailed engineering (PDE) activities for the P1.74 billion projects of the Department of Public Works and Highways Southern Leyte District Engineering Office (DPWH-SLDEO).
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istrict Engineer Ma. Margarita C. Junia said that the PDE for 24 projects have been completed. These projects are scheduled for bidding this month. They are optimistic to substantially complete the bidding process by the end of December, 2016. The 2017 regular projects include bridges repair, flood control structures, road widening, road rehabilitation, tourism access roads, among others. It was learned that the district office closely coordinates with the office of Southern Leyte
lone district Representative Roger Mercado to identify projects in line with the national government’s thrusts and local needs based on the lawmaker’s consultation. Detailed engineering activities covered the setting of design standards, conduct of field surveys and investigations, preparation of design plans and design report, preparation of contract plans, determination of contract packages. Included in the preparation are technical specifications, quantity estimates, cost estimates and approved budget for the
contract. Under the proposed 2017 infrastructure projects based on National Expenditure Program, the district office is tasked to implement P1.74 billion worth of projects, higher than this year’s P1.3 billion outlay. The district office managed to pave all primary and secondary national roads before the deadline, which is the end of 2016. The SLDEO is tasked to maintain 298.93 kilometers of national roads and 153 bridges, built in 18 towns and Maasin City, the provincial capital. (rgc/PIA8-SoLeyte)
PNP shifts to Project Double Barrel ‗Alpha‘ Ailene N. Diaz CATARMAN, Northern Samar, Nov. 11 (PIA) – The Northern Samar Police Provincial Office (NSPO) thru the leadership of the newly installed Provincial Director PSSupt. Ceasar Zafiro Tannagan inofrmed about shifting their approach in intensifying the campaign against illegal drug from the Project Double Barrel to Project Double Barrel Alpha.
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roject Double Barrel the first stance in the drive against illegal drugs, was launched in accordance to the marching order of President Rodrigo Roa Duterte . Outright in the implementation of the project, PNP NS was able to identify 137 affected barangays or 24% of the 569 barangays of the whole province, with 176 users and 288 pushers totalling to 464 drug personalities. This project has two long-standing approaches, that of Upper Barrel, pursuing High Value Targets and the Lower Barrel, Project ―Tokhang,‖ the ―toktok-hangyo‖ visiting and knocking at the doors of the houses of watch listed illegal drug users and pushers. Since July of 2016, the project has been proven effective and continuously winning
grounds with the unexpected influx of surrenderees and neutralization of drug personalities, said Tannagan. Starting October 26, 2016, Tannagan informed that direction shifted from Project Double Barrel to Project Double Barrel ―Alpha,‖ an extension and expansion of the project to focus on the neutralization of High Value Targets (HVT) involved in illegal drug trade and drug clearing operations of all drug-affected barangays nationwide. This accordingly, will enhance PNP’s anti-illegal drugs strategy and address Extra Judicial Killings. In a report presented during the MASA MASID launching, accomplishment of PNP NSPPO for Projects Double Barrel from July 1 to October 2016, recorded to 36 operations conducted, 36 persons arrested, 4 killed and 21
cases filed in courts. For Double Barrel ―Alpha,‖ from October 26 to November 3, they conducted 8 operations, 7 persons arrested, 1 killed and 48 cases filed in courts. The milestone accomplishment was the arrest of one Orlando Andales y Frago, leader of Andales Group, No. 16 in the rank of the National Level High Value Target and ranked No. 2 in the Regional Level HVT. This, according to Police Chief Inspector Rafael Tayaban is attributed to the unrelenting efforts of the new PNP Provincial Director PSSupt Ceasar Zafiro Tannagan who seriously calling all those into illegal drugs activity to stop, surrender, or else face the consequences. ―I am willing to have a dialogue with you, I am willing to listen, but I am serious in this drive.‖ (ADiaz/PIA-Northern Samar)
One Visayas e-newsletter is published weekly by the Visayas Regional Cluster of the Philippine Information Agency (PIA) comprising Region 6, 7 and 8. Its main editorial office is located at PIA Region 6, Iloilo City. One Visayas e-newsletter is part of the online news and information dissemination services of PIA and is powered by www.issuu.com. For inquiries and suggestions, call Tel. Nos. (033) 3378719/3377301 or e-mail piaamo6@yahoo.com.
Ms. Minerva BC Newman Regional Director, PIA 7
Editorial Consultants Atty. Ma. Janet C. Mesa, Ph. D. Regional Director, PIA6
Ms. Alicia E. Nicart Regional Director, PIA8
Managing Editor Jaime S. Cabag, Jr. Contributors All PIA Information Officers of Regions 6, 7 & 8 Production and Layout Edson J. Baùares Lynnor C. Regalado Regional Offices: PIA 6, 2/F RC Building, Rizal St., Iloilo City, Iloilo 5000, Tel. Nos. (033) 337-8719/3377301/509-0993, Fax No. (033) 337-8719/509-0993, e-mail: r6_pia@yahoo.com/ piaamo6@yahoo.com PIA 7, Room 304, 3/F Machay Bldg., Garardo Avenue, Cebu City, Cebu 6000, Telefax No. (032) 232-4062/232-4126, e-mail: pia7_cebu@yahoo.com.ph/r7_pia@yahoo.com PIA 8, Children’s Park Compound, Sen. Enage St., Tacloban City, Leyte 6500, Tel. No. (053) 325-5124, Telefax No. (053) 321-2029, e-mail: pia_ev@yahoo.com/r8_pia@yahoo.com