Vol 6
In this Issue
Nov. 28 - Dec. 4, 2016
Published by: PIA 6, 7 & 8
Issue 48
DILG capacitates CSOs on climate change By Rizalie Calibo
SIQUIJOR, Nov. 25 (PIA) -- The Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) conducted a series of capacity WESTERN VISAYAS development trainings for civil society organizations (CSOs) in Siquijor province. The event centered on Disaster Risk Reduction and Climate Change Adaptation and Mitigation. Maritess Boca, municipal local government operations officer of Larena, said the training aimed to provide the CSOs in the province with significant skills like proper techniques on how to respond in times of disasters/emergencies. CSOs will be oriented on different hazards within their The Best Performing Information Officer awardees in Western Visayas pose for a photo respective communities/ baragangays and provided with a deeper with PIA Director General Harold Clavite and learning on what is climate change. They will also be capacitated on their responsibilities/roles in PIA-6 Regional Director Atty. Ma. Janet Mesa during the IO Year-End Conference and combating the effects of climate change and be equipped with the Awards held December 2, 2016 at Iloilo Grand Hotel, Iloilo City. (PIA-6 Iloilo)
Basic Knowledge on First Aid and Basic Life Support (BLS) particularly on Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR). Topics discussed were the Philippine Disaster Risk Reduction and Management System; Philippine and Local Disaster Situation (Geological Hazards in the Barangay); Natural and Human Induced Hazard; Legal Basis on Climate Change; Management of Evacuation Center; Disaster Relief Operations and Warehousing; Geological Hazards (Earthquake and Volcanic Hazard); Emergency Rescue Transfer(ERT); First Aid and Basic Life Support; and Rope Rescue Techniques. Participants of the training were from the different sectors representing women, elderly, farmers, fisher folks, youth leaders, and the churches. The training was funded under the Bottoms-up Budgeting (BUB). (rmn/rac/PIA7-Siquijor w/ reports from I.A.Abatayo)
Lapinig hosts 5th RDC-DAC Peace Caravan More on Region 6, pages 2-3. Also CLICK Here…
CENTRAL VISAYAS
PIA 08 TACLOBAN CITY, LEYTE, Dec. 2 (PIA) - More or less 700 constituents and local officials of Lapinig town of Northern Samar, joined the 5th Peace and Development Caravan of the Regional Development Council – Development Administration Committee-08 (RDC-DAC8) on November 28. Many of them were farmers and fisher folks who gladly listened to the government programs that were reported to them by a number of agency representatives. Department of Agriculture (DA) Regional Office 08 representative, Belen de Pedro informed that some P50 million financial assistance is subjected for the marginalized farmers of Northern Samar province. She added that the three Samar provinces are now being focussed by the Duterte Administration. With the fund added to the technical assistance of Municipal Agriculture Officers (MAO), farmers can embark on vegetable production, free swine dispersal or native chicken dispersal and others, the DA representative said. ―Small water impounding projects can also be constructed so farmers can depend on the gathered water, other than the rain for the production of Palay, she added.‖ It is important however that social preparations must be conducted so farmers can appreciate and assume certain
responsibilities and belongingness to the government aid provided of them. Former Mayor Romualdo Menzon asked DA how to avail of the fund that will be downloaded to the provincial LGU of Northern Samar and Ms. De Pedro replied that a MOA with the Sangguniang Panlalawigan will have to be entered into on a first come first serve basis since there are nine other priority areas in the province Lapinig town falls under the 5th priority area of the province, having 54% poverty incidence against 56% of the province‘s. It comes second to Silvino Lubos and it is therefore the target of government to reduce its poverty level by 25%. In the talk of the representative from the Office of Presidential Assistance on Peace Process (OPAPP) Maricel Balasolla, it was heard that the Duterte Administration have Six-Points Development Agenda and 5th and 6th cover peace promoting activities in conflict areas. According to Balasolla, people must feel the sincerity of PRRD with his administration ready to help the marginalized sectors of the country. She commended further the Peace and Development Caravan held as an approach to reach the poor in far remote communities. (PIA-08)
A 9th Halad sa Kabataan Program with the theme: ―Pasigarbo sa Katakos sa Batan-ong Sugbuanon‖ was held November 29 at the Capitol Social Hall, Cebu City with Cebu Vice Governor Agnes Magpale welcoming the guests and participants and delivering her inspirational message during the opening ceremony. The highlights of the program were the contest on guitar-duet, vocal duet, and rondalla competitions from the various LGUs of Cebu province. This is in line with the Andanar: FOI a big leap for the country’s progress children‘s month celebration in November. #PartnerForChange (vvv/PIA By Leonard T. Pineda I Cebu) ILOILO CITY, Dec. 2 (PIA6) --- Presidential Communications He stressed, however, that signing the executive order is Office Secretary Martin Andanar said that the passage of the different from implementing it so that it can be a tool that gives executive order on the freedom of information (FOI) is a big leap citizens genuine access to information about the working of their for the country‘s progress. government. In his speech during the PIA6-led Western Visayas ―For this, we commend all the agencies that have worked to More on Region 7, pages 4-5. Information Officers‘ Year-End Conference and Awards held Dec. 2 implement the Freedom of Information,‖ he said. at the Iloilo Grand Hotel and delivered by PIA Director General He also said that this is a new task for government workers Harold Clavite, Andanar said that the signing of the executive order including information officers who serve as spokespersons, linkers, Also CLICK Here… on the FOI by President Rodrigo Duterte only 24 days as chief organizers, and mobilizers of the community. executive was considered by many as a milestone, landmark, or ―As we continue to learn the ropes, we are confident that we EASTERN VISAYAS record-breaking. can craft mechanisms that may further improve efficiency, because ―After all, it took more than two decades of fighting to this resolve to promote transparency is a big leap for the country‘s strengthen this freedom of information and to strengthen the right progress,‖ he added. (JCM/LTP/PIA-Iloilo) to information,‖ Andanar said. He said that the EO states that every Filipino shall have access to information, records, and documents to official government transactions as well as research data. ―Since the issuance of the order, the Presidential Communications Operations Office has taken the lead to oversee the operation of the FOI program,‖ he said. Together with the Department of Information and PROCESSIONAL. DepEd-Division of Biliran officials, non-teaching and teaching personnel Communications Technology (DICT), Department of Budget and and top local elected officials in Biliran province Management (DBM), National Privacy Commission (NPC), take part in the processional ceremony during Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA), National Archives of the the launching of Project KASIKAS, NSU Philippines (NAP), and the World Bank, PCOO has guided the Gymnasium, Naval, Biliran, December 1, 2016. different agencies in knowing more how FOI works in other countries, as well as assist them to formulate agency implementing (rvictoria/PIA Biliran) rules. He said that workshops were conducted for the agencies of the executive branch, aiming to ensure that all agencies will be able to institute their own internal procedures on handling the FOI More on Region 8, pages 6-7. requests. PCOO Secretary Martin Andanar. (Presidential Communications ―With the Freedom of Information, the release of the (Government of the Philippines) file photo) Also CLICK Here... requested information should not take more than 15 days,‖ he said.
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Campus journalists should assert right to info By Leonard T. Pineda I ILOILO CITY, Nov. 29 (PIA6) --- Campus journalists should be at the forefront in utilizing and pushing the right to information.
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regorio Angelo Villar, Deputy Director General of the Philippine Information Agency, said that the recent launching of the E-FOI (freedom of information) and FOI People‘s Manual has paved the way for citizens to be more informed of the programs and projects of the government. Villar spoke to over 300 student writers and editors from Western Visayas during the 2016 College Press Conference (COPRE) and Awards spearheaded by the PIA-6 held recently at the Iloilo Grand Hotel here. ―The FOI levels the playing field wherein everyone not just the journalists will be able to inform, influence, empower, participate, and develop our country to what we want it to be through the information that is spread,‖ he said. In July, President Rodrigo Duterte signed the
executive order on the FOI which declared that every Filipino shall have access to information, official records, public records, and documents pertaining to official acts, transactions, and decisions as well as government research data used as basis for public development. ―Thanks to the signed EO, you can now obtain various records from government and from various agencies for your perusal and informing the citizens what the government is doing,‖ he said. He said that the E-FOI is an online platform which will make the tasks of campus journalists easier in obtaining information. ―Para lang siyang Google kung saan pwede nyo nang i-search kung ano ang gusto niyong malaman tungkol sa inyong gobyerno and kami naman po ay more than willing to provide this,‖ he said.
The first phase of the E-FOI will cover around nine departments and government agencies but will eventually cover all in the online platform. ―But rest assured that if you need information from any agency, you can approach their offices,‖ he said. He also said that the signed FOI has given every citizen a sort of library card to government records which mandates all departments under the executive branch to be more transparent and be more accountable. ―The FOI is nothing if it is not utilized. By simply asserting the right to information about the processes of our national government agencies and local government units, you are empowered to contribute to the country that you want it to be when you grow up,‖ he added. (JCM/LTP/PIA-Iloilo)
NFA stores now rolling in Capiz By Jemin B. Guillermo ROXAS CITY, Capiz, Dec. 5 (PIA6) – Rolling stores will be established by the National Food Authority in the different towns in Capiz.
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his is to provide the public access to quality and affordable rice especially for those who were affected by the recent typhoon ―Marce‖ where Capiz was under typhoon signal number 2. Information Officer Mary Christie Harion of National Food Authority in Capiz disclosed that the move is part of their response during and after disaster. On the other hand, NFA Provincial Manager Oliver Cambas pointed out that in times of
calamities such as typhoon, their office is open 24 hours to cater the rice needs of the different local government units. Cambas likewise assured Capiceños that their agency has sufficient rice stock for the consuming public. He also called on those LGUs that have not signed still their Memorandum of Agreement with the NFA to have it facilitated soon in order that they can withdraw rice stocks from the agency anytime especially during calamities.
Records as of November 29,2016 show that Capiz NFA has 160,860 bags rice stocks which can last for 28 days based on the 5,745 bags daily rice requirement in the province. In addition, the commercial stocks reached 268,590 bags of rice comprising those from the retailers, wholesalers, millers and warehouses, aside from the 376,810 bags which is accounted in the households, the NFA record noted. (JCM/JBG/ PIA6-Capiz)
MASA MASID gains support of various sectors By Pilar S. Mabaquiao SAN JOSE, Antique, Nov. 29 (PIA6) -- Interfaith groups, civil society organizations and local officials collectively support the implementation of MASA MASID as they inked the commitment of support recently in San Jose, Antique.
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sst. Secretary for Barangay Affairs Roosque B. Calacat of DILG counts on the active participation of inter-faith groups and civil society organizations in the implementation of Mamamayang Ayaw sa Anomalya (MASA) - Mamamayang Ayaw sa Iligal na Droga (MASID) during his visit to Antique last week to launch the program at Eagle‘s Place San Jose. As manifestation of support Calacat led the signing of the Commitment of Support Provincial Director Victorio Pagapulan and PSupt Teddy Tomas of Antique PNP. For Faith-based organization Reverend Romeo O. Laza, Bishop ,Catholic Church Diocese of San Jose de Antique committed to support the program likewise Marilou Llavan, Executive Director Antique Human Development Program.
For the Local officials, the following have manifested their commitment to MASA MASID, SP Member Fernando Corvera in behalf of Governor Rhodora Cadiao, Vice Governor Edgar Denosta, Mayor Francisco Baladjay for League of Municipalities and Punong Barangay Dindo John Lignig for Liga nga mga Barangay. MASA MASID hopes to heighten community involvement by mobilizing the support of local stakeholders, volunteers civic organizations, faithbased organizations and private sectors in the fight against illegal drugs, criminality and corruption Calacat emphasized that the administration of President Rodrigo Duterte in bent to put an end corruption, criminality and illegal drugs, thus we need to collectively work including families and communities especially in the rehabilitation of drug
surrenderers. Bishop Lazo likewise expressed the backing of the church in the fight against corruption, illegal drugs however, he emphasized that there are values that the church cannot compromise and are non-negotiable. These are the right to and respect for life, no to extra judicial killings and no to death penalty. ―We value life, it‘s God‘s gift to the people‖, he said. MASA MASID launching in Antique was also attended by representatives from NACPhil, Uganayan nga Barangay at Simbahan, Antique Federation of non-gpvernment organizations, Municipal Mayors and President Liga ng mga Barangays in municipalities and Municipal Local Government Operations Officers of DILG. (JCM/ PSM/Antique)
WESTERN VISAYAS
Coal plant investments
expansion
3 to
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By Elsa S. Subong ILOILO CITY, Dec. 1 (PIA6) — There is not only enough power supply but more than the need, with the expansion of a coal-fired power here, according to Iloilo Governor Arthur Defensor.
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efensor said in a radio interview that the P15.6-billion expansion ―of the coal-fired power plant run by the Global Business Power Corporation in La Paz, Iloilo now brings an ―oversupply‖ of power. ―We should be happy of this,‖Defensor said during the switching-on of the 150-megawatt expansion last week.
―This also shows the business friendliness of Iloilo,‖he added. On the other hand, Iloilo City Mayor Jed Patrick Mabilog echoed the same opinion when he said that the plant expansion is a testament to Iloilo‘s reputation as an ideal business destination. ―There is a steady stream of investments in service-oriented industries and real estate,‖Mabilog told media.
The two Ilonggo leaders noted that years ago the setback on investments was insufficient supply of power but with more power plants the province and the city now enjoy more than enough electricity. In 2011 the GBP had poured in P20 billion for the first two 82-megawatt coal plants run by the Panay Energy Development Corporation. (JCM/ESS/ PIA Iloilo)
ASEAN organizers conduct Bacolod ocular visit By Lorenzo Lambatin Jr. BACOLOD CITY, Dec. 2 (PIA6) - - The Association of Southeast Nations (ASEAN) 2017 National Organizing Council (NOC) recently conducted a two-day ocular inspection from Nov. 30-Dec. 1 in preparation for next year’s event .
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he ASEAN 2017 NOC announced in October that it has chosen Bacolod City as one of the meeting sites for the Philippine hosting of a Senior Officials Meeting and the 15th Senior Officials Meeting Responsible for Information, SOMRI. A mb as sa d or Ma r ci an o P a yn or Jr. , director-general for Operations of the ASEAN 2017 NOC, led the 45-member team arriving in Bacolod straight from their ocular inspection in Iloilo City. The NOC inspected SMX Convention Center Bacolod and Planta Centro Bacolod Hotel and Residences. They inspected L‘Fisher Hotel, Business Inn, and Circle Inn. The 16-member Team 1 of NOC, led by Paynor, also paid a courtesy call on Mayor Evelio Leonardia at the Bacolod City Government Center in the afternoon of Nov. 30. Accompanying Paynor during the courtesy call was Undersecretary Revimarc de Mesa, Deputy
Director-General for Conference Management Services of ASEAN NOC, a press release from the PIO city office said. The ASEA NOC-Committee on Security, Peace and Order, Emergency Preparedness and Response will conducted an orientation meeting with officials of the Bacolod City government, and Philippine National Police, and other concerned agencies. In his letter to Leonardia in October, Paynor said that "As one of the founding members of the ASEAN, the Philippines will host the ASEAN meetings in 2017 as part of its endeavor to intensify community-building through enhanced regional cooperation and integration among its member-countries." The meetings that will be convened by various lead government agencies will be attended by high-level delegates such as senior officials, Paynor also said. Bacolod City has a critical role in this national
hosting, he added. For his part, Leonardia said "We are thrilled and honored to host this very significant meet especially in the light of the ASEAN integration program which can affect our daily lives." The integration, called ASEAN Community 2015, groups together the economies of the ASEAN member-states Indonesia, Malaysia, Philippines, Singapore, Thailand, Brunei Darussalam, Vietnam, Cambodia, Lao PDR and Myanmar. ASEAN was born in 1967, when the leaders of Indonesia, Malaysia, Philippines, Singapore and Thailand met in Bangkok to form the group ―We can no longer think of ourselves as simply a Philippine city, we must now think of Bacolod as a city of Southeast Asia and align our goals with this," Leonardia stressed. Meanwhile, the ASEAN 2017 NOC has conducted a similar activity on meeting sites in Iloilo. (CITY PIO/ JCM/LLJR/JSC-PIA6)
Oplan Double Barrel leads to decrease in crimes By Venus G. Villanueva KALIBO, Aklan, Nov. 28 (PIA6) -- The effective implementation of Campaign Plan Double Barrel by the Aklan Police Provincial Office (APPO) resulted to a 15.5% decrease in crime incidents in the province from January 1 – October 31, 2016, as compared to 2015 of the same period.
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his is the assessment of the APPO when it presented the accomplishments of OPLAN Double Barrel during the recent launching of the Mamamayang Ayaw sa Anomalya, Mamamayang Ayaw sa Droga (MASA MASID) at the Aklan Training Center by the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG). Based on the presentation of the APPO, for the said period this year, Aklan had an Average Crime Monthly Rate (AMCR) of 158.4, while in 2015 for the same period, a total of 182.5 AMCR was recorded. As for the province‘ Comparative Crime Clearance and Solution Efficiency, in 2015 from January to October, Total Crime Volume (TCV) crime clearance efficiency was 36%, while this year for the the same period, the APPO accomplished 46%.
Crime solution efficiency from January to October 2015, on the other hand, reached 35%, while this year for the same period, the APPO recorded a higher rate of 44%. Meanwhile, as of November 22, 2016, the APPO recorded a total of 1,863 pushers and users who surrendered at various municipal police stations in Aklan under the Project: Tokhang of the PNP. Surrenderers started flocking to various police stations on July 1 of this year. Towns which listed big numbers of surrenderers composed of pushers and users are Kalibo, with 424; Malay, 234; Ibahay, 194; Numancia, 149; New Washington, 140; Altavas, 127 and Nabas, 123. The rest of Aklan towns had less than 100 surrenderers, with Libacao having the least with 9.
Under the project, a total of 29,789 houses were visited by the police to urged suspected drug users and pushers to stop their illegal activities, with Altavas having the biggest number of houses visited with 2,927 followed by Nabas with 2,2629; Ibajay, 2,399; Numancia, 2,269; and Madalag, 2,163. The rest and more than a thousand surrenderers and lower, with Tangalan town having the least at 984. The APPO also reported that as of October 31, 2016, of Aklan‘s 327 barangays, 214 are drug-affected, or 65%. As to the status of Barangay Drug Clearing Operations, the APPO reported that as of November 3, 2016, there are already 57 drug-cleared barangays while 113 barangays are non-affected. (JCM/VGV PIA6 Aklan)
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TaRSIER 117 trains on media relations By Rey Anthony H. Chiu TAGBILARAN CITY, Bohol, Nov. 29 (PIA) — In their normal daily grind, their affinity to the stethoscope, sphygmomanometer and the trauma first aid is beyond question.
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ohol‘s Telephone and Radio Systems Integrated Emergency Response (TaRSIER 117) emergency responders underwent media and community relations training with the Philippine Information Agency in a half-day workshop at the Aaron Hall of the Bohol Plaza Resort in Mayacabac Dauis. The response team of the Provincial Disaster and Risk Reduction Management Council (PDRRMC) TaRSIER 117 responders attend to a menu of response services ranging from emergency medical services, fire alarms, high altitude rescue, underwater rescue, trauma response and trapped victim extraction from life threatening situations. But owing to the sensational nature and drama of rescue, media personalities and curious individuals attempt to seek critical information from the
responders for public consumption, sometimes disregarding privacy and ethics, said Darwin Bernasor, Tarsier responder. Not really familiar with the media operations, many TaRSIER responders find themselves in uncomfortable position when asked for rescue details and updates on air, Mark Sidney Galia added. The training, done in two modules of Media Handling and Building Relationships, allowed the Tarsier rescue teams comprised mostly of emergency medical personnel, the rough picture of the media and their mission of passing information to the public. At the workshop, TaRSIER responders tackled two emergency response situations: both needing serious consideration before engaging the media and
curious individuals. The workshop which also slightly delved on journalism ethics, considered responders‘ response to information sought considering the international treaties which the Philippines is a signatory as well as the media rules of coverage and the radio and television codes. It is a positive development when emergency responders help educate the community in covering crisis situations, rescue events and other emergency responses, TaRSIER‘s Maynard Butalid added. In the advent of social media, responders can also talk to curious onlookers what to take for the social media, careful not to trespass the privacy of people and protecting reputation and dignities of people. (rmn/rac/PIA-7/Bohol)
Bohol police accomplishes 99% of Nov drug war targets By Rey Anthony H. Chiu TAGBILARAN CITY, December 2 (PIA) -- Bohol police accomplished 99% of their targets of bringing to 2,130 drug personalities the warning that their continued implication with drugs can be a hassle.
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rom the moment Bohol police started Oplan Double Barrel Alpha from October 26 to November 24 this year, 2,055 have surrendered and showed themselves to authorities, 46 have been arrested and two were killed fighting against authorities accounting for the 2103 drug personalities given the proper warning to stop of suffer the consequences, according to Camp Dagohoy Operations Chief Police Superintendent Lorenzo Batuan. Using a chopsuey of menu to bring the warnings, elements of police stations all over Bohol implemented Toktok-Hangyo Alpha, Tapok-Hangyo, Text-Hangyo and a newly unleashed Prosperity Toktong-Hangyo (PROTOK) to get to those personalities listed by the barangay drug abuse councils and the municipal drug abuse councils. The names are constantly validated and those who have previously surrendered but slid back to the
illegal business are operated upon: raided, their homes searched and are confirmed through test buys, Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency officer for Bohol Agent Ferdinand Kintanar explained. Earlier, police have implemented a target of 4,606 for surrendering, arrest or neutralization from October to end of December, Batuan said. But amidst fears that this quota could force police to go creative and anchor the drug fight accomplishment on the numbers thus fabricate stories to hit the targets, Bohol Police Provincial Director PSSupt Felipe Natividad assured that nothing of this kind would happen. Rising to the occasion to defend the police, Natividad said: "We are not that desperate." Pointing to the bulk of accomplishments as "surrenderers," Natividad added that they are more of the clearing operations and would rather talk to the drug personalities into peacefully giving up the
vice than get arrested. "Your PNP would never do that," Natividad stressed. Earlier on, Bohol police have accounted for over 30,000 drug surrenderers and arrests as Oplan Double Barrel ended October 27. Oplan Double Barrel Alpha would usher in the official clearing of barangays and towns as drug free, one that Natividad asid, would have to be multisectoral, collaborative and inter-agency in approach. This means that the Philippine National Police, the Department of Interior and Local Government and the PDEA would have to unify their lists to ascertain if the area is really freed. Last week, SPO4 Quinciano Lopena admitted then that clearing a site from drugs is not just a declaration of a single agency; it has to be validated from the list kept by other law enforcement agencies. (rmn/rac/PIA-7/Bohol)
NCR to count on Region 7 LDRRMOs if ‘Big One’ strikes By Rachelle M. Nessia CEBU, Dec. 1 (PIA) --- The Region 7 Liga sa mga Local Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Officers (LDRRMOs) and the Metro Manila Development Authority (MMDA) are forging a strong alliance.
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he group of LDRRMOs representing the Liga of LDRRMOs in Bohol, Cebu, and Siquijor Provinces led by the Regional Focal, Ben Fredrick Rodriguez of City of Bogo made exposure visits to the National Disaster Risk Reduction Management Council (NDRRMC) offices, Metro Manila Disaster Risk Reduction Management Council (MMDRRMC), and Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA). The LDRRMOs are the primary operators of DRRM at the local level. MMDA welcomed the delegation and discussed
mainly interoperability in times of disasters as well as uniformity and standardization of trainings and equipment for DRRM. As soon as the agreement will be signed between the two entities, they will start training emergency responders of Region 7. ―After capacity building, the next national simulation earthquake drills (NSED) will be performed with selected responders from Region 7 flying to Ground Zero in NCR and response time will be documented,‖ Rodriguez said. The DRRM Protocol of the Liga sa mga
LDRRMO-Sugbo which was the first in the country is now being studied by MMDA to be merged with their OplanYakal Plus. Region 7 responders are now assigned in the Northern Quadrant of NCR covering the LGUs of Caloocan, Mandaluyong, Quezon City, San Juan, and Valenzuela whenever the Big One hits NCR. DILG Undersecretary Austere Panadero, who also met with the delegates, expressed appreciation of the regional twinning as he is promoting twinning between LGUs. (rmn/ PIA7-Cebu/Bogo City PIO)
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Pinoys urged to vote online for PH Choice Award entry By Fayette C. Riñen CEBU, Dec. 2 (PIA) -- The Philippines and Malaysia were declared the country-winners in the Information Society Innovation Fund (ISIF) Asia Awards 2016 but both are competing in the Community Choice Award through online voting.
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he ISIF Asia is a grants and awards program that empowers communities in the Asia Pacific region to research, design and implement internet-based solutions for their own needs. It places particular emphasis on the positive role of the internet in social and economic development. A Cebu-based project dubbed ―Movable and Deployable ICT Resource Unit (MDRU): Restoring Connectivity During Disasters‖ was submitted as an entry from the Philippines and declared a co-winner last month out of 52 entries from 11 economies in the Asia Pacific under the Community Impact Category. Piloted last 2014 in San Remigio in northern Cebu after the Yolanda catastrophe, the project is a unit that can be quickly deployed to restore
communications in communities in the aftermath of a disaster with a battery pack that can run for four to five hours, enough to be able to communicate in getting the real situation in disaster-stricken areas. At the forefront of the MDRU Project is the Central Visayas Information Sharing Network (CVISNET) Foundation, Inc. based in Cebu which was assisted by the Department of Science and Technology (DOST-7), Ministry of Internal Affairs of Japan and the United Nations – International Telecommunications Union. Jeffrey Llanto, executive director of the CVISNET said it was the second time the Philippines won in the same award; the first time was four to five years ago. Awarding ceremony is scheduled on December 6 in Mexico. ―We are already a winner along with Malaysia.
But it would be much nicer if we also win the Community Choice Award,‖ said Llanto. ―I urge all our fellow Pinoy brothers and sisters to please vote for our country so we can bag the popular community choice award,‖ said Llanto. Online voting has started in early November and will end on December 5 midnight as all Filipinos are encouraged to vote for our country‘s entry, said Llanto. An additional 1,000 Australian dollars will be given to the winner of the Community Choice Award as Llanto stressed it is the recognition that matters more than the monetary incentive. Llanto urged the public to visit the following link http://isif.asia/projects/projects/view/1295 for the online voting and follow the steps to count one‘s vote. (rmn/fcr/PIA7)
EDC named one of Asia's top green companies By Jennifer C. Tilos NEGROS ORIENTAL, Nov. 29 (PIA) -- The country's biggest geothermal company, Energy Development Corporation (EDC), was awarded as one of the Top Green Companies in Asia at the recently concluded Asia Corporate Excellence & Sustainability (ACES) Awards 2016 organized by Malaysian-based MORS Group.
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ccording Corporate Communication Officer Frances Ariola, EDC bested almost 200 other nominated companies and individuals from various Asian countries this year. The award was received by its Chief Finance Officer Nestor Vasay. In her message during the awards night held in Shangri-la Hotel, Singapore, MORS Group CEO Shanggari Balakrishnan said that the ACES awards recognized entrepreneurs, corporate leaders, and best corporate practices in sustainability in Asia. "These are companies that have innovative approaches to sustainable business into their operations. The winners have been able to show us how to build meaningful sustainability practices that do not only improve their business but also make a significant impact to their communities," added Dr. Jayanthi Desan, lead jury of ACES Awards.
"These are also companies that have strong disclosures, most of them using the Global Reporting Initiative's (GRI) sustainability reporting framework," said Desan. As a global, diversified, renewable power company, energy, environment, and empowerment resound in all of EDC's business undertakings for over 40 years now. The company has been generating clean, renewable energy to power infinite possibilities for the country's growing economy without harming the environment. As one of the earliest sustainability reporters and adopters of the GRI in the country, EDC has been measuring and reporting on its environmental and social impacts to its stakeholders for their informed decision since 2010. The company's 2010 integrated financial and sustainability report was the first in the Philippines to
validate by the GRI's head office in Amsterdam in 2011. "Sustainability has been weaved into EDC's business since the start of its operations," said Vasay. "The integrated financial and sustainability report that we release every year is something that our investors and lenders appreciate because it tells them how we take care of the environment and our communities as a truly green company." EDC is the country‘s leading producer of geothermal energy and a multi-awarded Filipino company in the areas of geothermal development, environmental excellence, corporate governance and corporate social responsibility. Its 222.5-MW geothermal facility in Valencia, Negros Oriental has been sustainably generating clean, renewable geothermal power for Negros Island and the rest of the Visayas region for 34 years now. (rmn/jct/PIA7-Negros Orientla)
Public told to stay calm despite terror alert level rise By Ferliza Calizar-Contratista CEBU CITY, Dec. 2 (PIA) — The Police Regional Office (PRO-7) urged the public to remain calm despite the Terror Alert Level 3 hoisted over the country.
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n a statement, PRO7 Director PCSupt. Noli Taliño said people in Central Visayas should remain calm but cautious as the raising of the alert level is mainly precautionary. This after Police Director General Ronald de la Rosa declared the whole Philippines under the highest alert level of security. According to Taliño, with the pronouncement, the police are expected to double their efforts in implementing the target hardening measures. These include the frequency of checkpoints on strategic areas under Oplan Sita, the conduct of random searches on motorists, and raids on the hideouts of suspected terrorists in Central
Visayas. Additional PNP personnel will be deployed at the different seaports, airports and terminals to implement the tightened security coverage. Taliño, however, stressed that Central Visayas is still safe and secure and that despite the terror threats, there is no cause for alarm. ―The police and the Armed Forces of the Philippines and other counterparts are doing their best to secure the country,‖ Talino said. The public is encouraged to report to the nearest police station on the presence of any suspicious persons and activities and any unattended luggages in their respective localities.
De la Rosa made the declaration after a foiled bomb attack near the United States Embassy in Roxas Boulevard, Manila. It is not the first time that such alert level was raised. In 2013, PNP adopted a three-level defense system which consists of intelligence, target-hardening or increasing security at vital installations and establishments, and incident management. Terror Level 3 has previously been declared in Metro Manila after the LRT bombing and Rizal Day bombing several years ago. (rmn/fcc/ PIA7-Cebu)
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EASTERN VISAYAS
NHCP appropriates P20M for SoLeyte prov’l library restoration Erna S. Gorne MAASIN CITY, Southern Leyte, Nov. 28 (PIA) – The centuries-old Southern Leyte Provincial Library is finally scheduled for restoration and renovation in 2017.
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ollowing the National Historical Commission of the Philippines (NHCP) presentation to the provincial government of their work program last October 28, 2016, the provincial library restoration and renovation shall proceed by next year, OIC Southern Leyte Provincial Library Officer in Charge Florida O. Galos disclosed. According to Galos, the commission
will ensure for the conservation of the centuries-old building now mostly patched with concrete cement and old paints back to its original wooden floors and coral stones -made walls, among other renovation works. The said project shall be funded with P20M budget, she was informed by Architect Maria Luisa Valerio of the NHCP. Galos said the building has been
considered as one of the historical treasure of the country and has been declared by the commission as Oppus Ancestral House. She further disclosed that NHCP has already prepared the historical mark as a historical site which shall be turned-over as soon as the provincial library renovation and restoration are done. (ajc/esg/PIA8 SoLeyte)
NIA offers free irrigation service Samuel D. Candido BORONGAN, Eastern Samar, Dec. 2 (PIA) -- The National Irrigation Administration-Eastern Samar (NIA-Eastern Samar) announced that the government is now considering to amend the charter of the office - free irrigation service.
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NIA official said that there is already a measure in the Senate as well as in the House of Representatives to change the guidelines or charter of the agency so as to remove the Irrigation Service Fee (ISF). Early in November 2016, the Senate has already approved — particularly the Senate Committee on Finance — the ₱ 2.3 billion fund that will be used in the
implementation of the Free Irrigation Program in 2017. This is outside the ₱ 36.4 billion fund approved for the National Expenditure Program for NIA under the General Appropriations Act that reached up to ₱ 38.7 billion expenditures for 2017. NIA emphasized that free irrigation will only be possible in 2017 if these plans will be approved in Congress.
Under existing laws, NIA obligates to pay the ISF that reaches up to ₱ 2 billion every year. This collection is for the salary and allowance of employees of the agency and operational expenses in the maintenance of the irrigation systems. Nia believes that the free irrigation will reduce the production cost of rice farmers by 6%. (ajc /SDC/PIA-E Samar)
DPWH SoLeyte adopts project contract management app Ma. Rebecca G. Cadavos MAASIN CITY, Southern Leyte, Nov. 29 (PIA) -- The Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) Southern Leyte District Engineering Office (SLDEO) has fully adapted the Project Contract Management Application (PCMA) in the bid to enhance project monitoring and contract management.
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n a report sent to PIA, District Engineer Ma. Margarita C. Junia said that starting this quarter, the field office implemented the PCMA, after a series of trainings to all 15 project engineers this year. The PCMA replaces the project monitoring system used to monitor projects from 2015 and prior years. She said that aside from improved monitoring of project contracts, the new system also aims to achieve transparency since project updates can be viewed online.
The PCMA include data quality and internal control features to prevent basic data problems from occurring, immediately highlighting the error and preventing data entry until corrected. Through the PCMA, the public can verify the data available online and actual physical accomplishments of project on sites, according to the report of DPWH. The PCMA utilizes the new project identification and project component identification structure in the multi-year programming and scheduling application.
The application adheres to the new way of project identification with monitoring of physical accomplishments will be by project, project component, and contract. It was learned that under the 2016 infrastructure projects based on National Expenditure Program, the district office has P1 billion worth of infrastructure projects this year. 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)
EASTERN VISAYAS
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DSWD-08 releases P3M CFW aid for ‘Ruby’ victims PIA 08 TACLOBAN CITY, Leyte, Dec. 2 (PIA) - Department of Social Welfare and Development, Regional Office 08, through Ms. Yvonne Abunales handed-over to Lapinig Mayor Maria Luisa A. Menzon, a P3.049 worth of check in aid for disaster stricken communities in this far town of Northern Samar.
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his was during the recently conducted Peace and Development Caravan of the Regional Development Council -Development Administration Council-8 (RDC-DAC-8) where agency representatives informed the Lapinig folks and local officials of the various government services, programs and projects for the poor.
Foremost, DSWD08 gave the check to help the town‘s folks get short-term employment, particularly those who were seriously hit by typhoon ―Ruby‖ in December 6, 2014. ―There were 480 totally damaged houses and 2,168 partially damaged in 15 barangays of Lapinig with cash allocations of P936,000.00 and P2,113,800.00 respectively,‖ Abunales said. She stressed that a ten-day day
paid-work shall be granted to family heads with totally damaged houses and five-days for those with partially damaged. Then, Mayor Menzon readily thanked DSWD08 for the financial assistance to her constituents. ―It might have come later since Dec. 2014 but it is still so much better to receive than not, at all,‖ the medical doctor Mayor concluded. (PIA-08)
Groups fuse efforts for children’s welfare, protection Ailene N. Diaz CATARMAN, Northern Samar, Dec. 1 (PIA) - As the nation celebrates Children’s month every month of November each year, Northern Samar various groups join hands and merge efforts in making the celebration more significant.
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n a meeting attended by the Local Council for the Protection of Children-Provincial Technical Working Group (LCPC/PTW), government and non-government member agency presented each agency‘s course of action for the said purpose. Activities of the Department of Education (DepEd), Northern Samar Division include Batang Pinoy Sports Competition, Search for Child Friendly School, Project Tsinelas and support to One-Million Lapis Campaign. Provincial Health Office (PHO) stick to the continuous Immunization program, proper Toothbrushing and Hand Washing, Vit A Capsule distribution, Feeding program with MonRice cooking demonstration while the DOLE runs the Youth Summit in Pambujan.
The Provincial Social Welfare and Development Office conducted the Zumbata, Fun Run, Quiz Bee competition on CRC while the DSWD-Pantawid Pamilya Pilipino Program conducted the Youth Congress, Youth Development Session and Family Development Session. The local church through the Diocesan Social Action Center conducted a Medical and Dental Mission, Project Plastic Shoes and Feeding Program (Sanggo Milk), and the SHIFT Foundation handled the Children‘s Basic Sector Conference, Values Formation and Care for Earth Program. Non-Government Organizations such as Plan Philippines organized an Education Campaign, and Youth Peer Educator Campaign on Adolescent and Reproductive Health, and Sali Kabataan Session while the NSCMNI
led the Orientation on Good Treatment Campaign Seminar, launching on Youth Safety Activity and Training on Operation Safe and Safe Child in Disaster. The Philippine National Police, Northern Samar Police Provincial Office also reported their share in the celebration by having a feeding program in the kindergarten and Grades 1 and 2 pupils of different schools, series of advocacy campaign, lectures on anti-drug abuse, crime prevention safety tips, spearheaded the Zumbata, joined the Fun Run with PSWDO, among others. PNP Provincial Director Ceasar Tannagan encouraged the stakeholders to work together to produce holistic and sustainable strategies that protect and promote child‘s rights. (ajc/ADiaz/ PIA-Northern Samar)
DILG confers Samar LGU Seal of Good Local Governance Ninfa B Quirante CATBALOGAN CITY, Samar, Nov. 29 (PIA) — The DILG conferred to the province of Samar the Seal of Good Local Governance recently.
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ILG Regional Director Marivel Sacendoncillo personally handed the certificate to samar Governor Sharee Ann Tan in simple ceremonies after the unveiling of the SGLG marker at the capitol. The province was given the SGLG
because of its efficiency in ‗financial administration, disaster preparedness, social protection, business friendliness and competitiveness, peace and order and environment management,‘ said DILG in its conferment comment. The SGLG makes the province eligible
for project grants from the national government according to DILG Provincial Director Judy Batulan. For her part, Tan vowed to work extra hard to sustain the gains of her governance. (ajc/nbq/PIA 8-Samar)
One Visayas e-newsletter is published weekly by the Visayas Regional Cluster of the Philippine Information Agency (PIA) comprising Region 6, 7 and 8. Its main editorial office is located at PIA Region 6, Iloilo City. One Visayas e-newsletter is part of the online news and information dissemination services of PIA and is powered by www.issuu.com. For inquiries and suggestions, call Tel. Nos. (033) 3378719/3377301 or e-mail piaamo6@yahoo.com.
Ms. Minerva BC Newman Regional Director, PIA 7
Editorial Consultants Atty. Ma. Janet C. Mesa, Ph. D. Regional Director, PIA6
Ms. Alicia E. Nicart Regional Director, PIA8
Managing Editor Jaime S. Cabag, Jr. Contributors All PIA Information Officers of Regions 6, 7 & 8 Production and Layout Edson J. BaĂąares Lynnor C. Regalado Regional Offices: PIA 6, 2/F RC Building, Rizal St., Iloilo City, Iloilo 5000, Tel. Nos. (033) 337-8719/3377301/509-0993, Fax No. (033) 337-8719/509-0993, e-mail: r6_pia@yahoo.com/ piaamo6@yahoo.com PIA 7, Room 304, 3/F Machay Bldg., Garardo Avenue, Cebu City, Cebu 6000, Telefax No. (032) 232-4062/232-4126, e-mail: pia7_cebu@yahoo.com.ph/r7_pia@yahoo.com PIA 8, Children‘s Park Compound, Sen. Enage St., Tacloban City, Leyte 6500, Tel. No. (053) 325-5124, Telefax No. (053) 321-2029, e-mail: pia_ev@yahoo.com/r8_pia@yahoo.com