Vol 6
Issue 50
In this Issue WESTERN VISAYAS
Medical & Dental Civic Action Program (MEDCAP) Information Drive and Gift Giving. Bagong Baryo, Makato, Aklan. 8 Dec 2016. Special thanks to LTC Antonio Tumnog, Leomar Jose Doctolero, Battalion Commander, 12th Infantry Battalion and his men and APIOA Family.
More on Region 6, pages 2-3.
Dec. 12 - 18, 2016
Published by: PIA 6, 7 & 8
Ilonggo MSM entreps urged to ensure product quality By Jaime S. Cabag, Jr. ILOILO CITY, Dec. 13 (PIA6) – Agriculture Undersecretary for High-Value Crops Evelyn Laviña urged farmers-cum-entrepreneurs here to band together into cooperatives or associations so that they can avail of assistance extended by the Department of Agriculture to agri-based micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs). Laviña also called on them to always ensure the quality of their products to become competitive in the market, as she keynoted the launching, Dec. 10 of the Weekend Tienda sa Iloilo at Casa Real here. The activity was organized by the Regional Development Council (RDC) and partners in the public and private sectors to provide a venue to upstart home-grown MSMEs to find markets for their products. NEDA-6 Director Ro-Ann Bacal said the weekend market was also conceived to provide an opportunity for these entrepreneurs to learn from the side sessions about business registration, product development, design improvement, packaging, market matching, financial management, compliance with environmental laws, and other areas of their
operations. Iloilo Gov. Arthur Defensor, Sr. assured the full support of the province of Iloilo to the weekend market and MSME entrepreneurs. Part of this support was the hosting by the provincial government of the project launching at the historic old provincial capitol building during the weekend. From Casa Real, organizers will be bringing the weekend market to the Atria Park District here where it will be continued next year under a memorandum of agreement signed by the Weekend Tienda management board including private sector partner Taytay sa Kauswagan Inc. and Youth First Initiative with the Atria Park District Management. Bacal said the RDC is committed to support the growth and marketing needs of MSMEs and make the weekend tienda sustainable or a year-round activity for aspiring entrepreneurs looking to diversify at the local market, and local businessmen to showcase their products, as well as a model of public and private partnership and cooperation in Iloilo. (JSC/PIA6)
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CENTRAL VISAYAS
DG Clavite urges CV IOs to write good news By Amorganda Y. Saludar
PIA Cebu Infocen Manager Rachelle M. Nessia accepting the Certificate of Recognition for Philippine Information Agency's valuable contribution and support given to DOH programs and projects. #PartnerForChange (vvv/PIA Cebu)
More on Region 7, pages 4-5. Also CLICK Here…
EASTERN VISAYAS
BLOOD LETTING. Dr. Fernando B. Montejo (standing in white t-shirt), municipal health officer of LGU-Naval, conducts medical check-up to an intern Criminology student of Naval State University (NSU) before the conduct of actual blood letting. The blood letting activity conducted at the Naval Gymnasium in Naval, Biliran on December 13, 2016 is in line with the Kadugo Program of the provincial government of Biliran in coordination with LGU-Naval. (rvictoria/PIA Biliran) #PartnerForChange
More on Region 8, pages 6-7. Also CLICK Here...
CENTRAL VISAYAS, Dec. 13 (PIA) -- Philippine Information Agency (PIA) Director General Harold Clavite appealed to national government agencies‘ information officers here to write good news. In a recent gathering of the Association of Government Information Officers (AGIO-7), Clavite encouraged the info officers to write good stories that will highlight good and inspirational developments in the communities and barangays. ―I think as communicators of the government we have the responsibility to change the taste of news and make it more meaningful for the public,‖ Clavite stressed. He then called each and every information officer to do extra effort in highlighting good news as part of information dissemination to the public to counter the negative views of the people in government. ―It is important to write success stories, and even simple things that are much needed to change the negative views of the public,‖ Clavite said. ―Being the communicators of the government it is our responsibility to counter the negative view of the people in the government." Clavite continued that information officers have the power to write and share information that does not allow negativity to excel.
―We can‘t allow the negativity to flourish, let‘s talk about good stories, take pictures of beautiful happenings, beautiful faces and views,‖ he said. He encouraged information officers from the national government agencies and local government units to gather and write news that would be meaningful to the people. Clavite was in Cebu as special guest during the year-end assembly and training–workshop of AGIO-7 where PIA-7 stands as secretariat and facilitator of the activity. (rmn/ays/ PIA7)
PIA Director-General Harold Clavite. (PIA 7 file photo)
PIA-8 joins observance of int’l day against trafficking Golda Meir T. Tabao TACLOBAN CITY, Leyte, Dec. 13 (PIA) - The Philippine Information Agency (PIA), Regional Office 8 joined with the rest of the PIA offices nationwide, national government agencies (NGAs) and other groups in observing the International Day Against Trafficking, on Monday, December 12, 2016. In Eastern Visayas, the occasion was spearheaded by the Regional Inter-Agency Council Against Trafficking (RIACAT) which was highlighted by a program held at the Leyte Normal University (LNU), Tacloban City. In his message, Prosecutor Ruperto B. Golong Jr., who is the RIACAT 8 Chair, shared that the Philippine ranking for trafficking is now upgraded to Tier 1. This means, he said, that the Philippines, in its overwhelming efforts to combat trafficking and the effects of which, complied with the minimum standards of the Trafficking
Victims Protection Act. The activity was participated in by mostly high school students, to give emphasis for schools in having active participation. Report shows that most of the victims of human trafficking are high schools students. Prosecutor Golong, left a message to the young fellows, when he said, ―You shall be advocates and help RIACAT 8 so that nobody in this region, and the entire country shall fall prey to Human Trafficking.‖ The Regional Inter-Agency Council Against Trafficking is a regional counterpart of the Inter-Agency Council Against Trafficking, the body created by law to coordinate and monitor the implementation of Republic Act No. 9208, otherwise known as the ―Anti-Trafficking in Persons Act of 2003‖. (aen/ gmtt/PIA 8)
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WESTERN VISAYAS
Iloilo mulls long-term solution to SWM problem By Elsa S. Subong ILOILO CITY, Dec. 12 (PIA6) — The provincial government of Iloilo is setting up a long-term plan to address problems on garbage.
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program for a long-term solution will give the local government a direction towards what the law requires, according to Atty. Arturo Cangrejo, PENRO Officer-in-charge. Republic Act 9003 or the Ecological Waste Management requires the LGUs to put up sanitary landfills for proper disposal of segregated wastes. ―We are attending to this problem so that it will not become big later on,‖ Cangrejo said in a radio interview. ―We recall that the Environmental Ombudsman has filed charges against many LGUs for violation of the law,‖ he added. The Iloilo Provincial government has allocated P1.7 million for some municipalities to help them start a sanitary landfill.
Recently, the provincial government held its first ever Solid Waste Management Summit to discuss the problem and initiate efforts towards compliance. The town of New Lucena is considered a model in solid waste management, according to Mitzi Penaflorida, Iloilo SWM provincial coordinator. She said New Lucena has an eco-park and an active municipal environment and natural resources officer that monitors the barangays‘ solid waste activities. Meanwhile, the Office of the Environmental Ombudsman said it is investigating the officials of six towns in Western Visayas for operating open dumpsites, ―These towns are Nabas in Aklan, Banate, Ajuy, Concepcion, Sara and Sta. Barbara in
Iloilo,‖ Environmental Ombudsman Gerard Mosquera said, adding that the results of the investigation may be released early next year. Section 37 of RA 9003 prohibits open dumpsite and comes with a heavy penalty. Mosquera said the penalty constitutes an administrative offense for gross neglect of duty and punishable by dismissal from service, and perpetual disqualification from holding public office. In 2013, the Environmental Ombudsman Office and the Environmental Management Bureau of the Department of Environment and Natural Resources launched a three-year nationwide information and education campaign for LGUs to be full aware of Republic Act 9003. (JCM/ESS/PIA-Iloilo)
NGP provides 34,919 jobs in WV By Lilibeth A. French ILOILO CITY, Dec. 13 (PIA6) - - The Department of Environment and Natural Resources 6 (DENR 6) through the National Greening Program has created 34,919 jobs that provided employment to some 6,863 persons in Western Visayas, as of November this year.
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his was reported by DENR 6 Assistant Regional Director Livino Duran when he presented the agency‘s accomplishments in its major programs and projects in the region for calendar year 2016 in a media forum held December 12. Duran said of the total number of people who were given the opportunity to work under the program, most were males numbering to 4,234, who were involved in the production of seedlings and care and maintenance of the planted seedlings in line with the poverty alleviation efforts of the government. As of November 2016, DENR 6 has produced 16, 285, 709 seedlings of fast growing mangrove, coffee and other fruit trees planted
in 9, 114. 42 hectares of open and denuded areas. The latest data also showed that DENR 6 has exceeded its target for the production of seedlings by 109 percent. Since 2014, DENR 6 maintained and protected some 32, 423 hectares of established plantations. Regional Director Jim O. Sampulna who led DENR 6 officials in answering questions from the media during the forum said that Region 6 has been a top performer in the implementation of the NGP nationwide. The regional office ranked number 1 in the NGP implementation in 2014 attaining a 104 percent accomplishment for seedling production and 102 percent in plantation
establishment. Sampulna is confident that DENR 6 will be included in the top three performers in NGP this year. Launched in 2011, NGP is a massive forest rehabilitation program of the governm ent that see ks to gr ow 1.5 billion trees in 1.5 million hectares all over the country for a six-year period until 2016. However, Executive Order No. 193, series of 2015 expanded the coverage of the program until 2028. Aside from addressing poverty alleviation, NGP is expected to enhance climate change mitigation and adaptation. (JCM/ laf/PIA6-Iloilo)
Police trainees complete community immersion program By Carlson B. Alelis BACOLOD CITY, Dec. 14 (PIA6) – A total of 375 trainees from the Bacolod City Police Office (BCPO) recently finished their five-day community immersion.
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irector Supt. Jimmy Laguyo of the Negros Island Region Training Center (NIRTC)-18, said the trainees took part in several activities under their Community Immersion Program (CIP), held in seven barangays here. Their activities included social investigation, clean-up drive, feeding program, and other activities, Laguyo said.
They were enrolled in the Public Safety Field Training Program in NIRTC-18 at Bakyas, Mansilingan, a release from the City Information Office said. According to Laguyo, the CIP is in compliance with Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) Memorandum Circular 2003-206. The circular directs the integration of
Barangay Immersion Program into the curriculum of all the Public Safety Courses of the Philippine Public Safety College. The same police trainees were turned over by their director, Senior Supt. Flynn Dongbo of the BCPO, to Bacolod Mayor Evelio Leonardia on Nov. 28, prior to their CIP training. (JCM/CBA/PIA6-Negros Occidental)
WESTERN VISAYAS
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End VAW-C campaign goes grassroots By Pilar S. Mabaquiao SAN JOSE, Antique, Dec. 12 (PIA6) - - The 18-day Campaign to End Violence Against Women and Children (VAW C) is reaching out the grassroots communities in Antique.
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he activity is in line with Proclamation 1172 s. 2006 – Declaring 25 November to 12 December as the 18-Day Campaign to End Violence Against Women (VAW) and Republic Act 10398 (2013) – Declaring November 25 of Every Year as National Consciousness Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women and Children. This year‘s theme is ―VAW Free Community starts with ME.‖ The Provincial Gender and Development Inter-Agency Committee (GAD-IAC) spearheaded the community forum on Gender Sensitivity and laws protecting women and children in Barangays Lapaz-Tubog, Hamtic, Distrrict II Sibalom and Malaiba, San Jose. The forum tackles orientation on gender
sensitivity among parents of Day Care children, Pantawid pamilya beneficiaries, barangays officials and other community residents. Laws protecting women such as Republic 9262 or Violence Against Women and their Children Act and Magna Carta for Women was discussed. It was emphasized during the forum that VAW C cases are not subjected to settlement. The Punong Barangay determines the merit of the case without hearing and will issue the Temporary Protection Order to the respondent. Resource Persons of the forum are composite team from the Philippine National Police, Provincial Health Office, Provincial Women‘s Desk and Philippine Information Agency. The PNP in particular talked about the
―Good Touch and Bad Touch‖ campaign among day care children wherein their parents are present during the discussion. Children are taught to deal with the actions of other people towards them. They were told to report to parents or any other trusted persons in case they experienced or felt bad about the actions of other people towards them even if they are relatives or other members of the family. The children are also assured that police officers are friendly to them and are doing their best to protect them. Punong Barangay Roger Sanchez of Lapaz-Tubog, Hamtic expressed appreciation for the effort of conducting the forum to increase the awareness of residents on VAW C prevention despite short period of notice. (JSC/PSM/PIA6 Antique)
Boracay to hit 1.7M tourist arrivals target By Sheila Q. Patoza KALIBO, Aklan, Dec. 11 (PIA6) – The island of Boracay in Malay, Aklan is on track to reach its target of 1.7 million tourist arrivals this year.
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ata from the Municipal Tourism Office of Malay showed that from January to November 2016, the world famous island already received a total of 1,585,821 tourists. Of the total number, foreign tourists listed were 801,956; while local tourists were 745,772; and Overseas Foreign Workers were 38,093. Boracay is only short of 114, 179 tourist arrivals to meet the 1.7 million target this year. With a month left to end the year,
tourism officials are confident to achieve the target, basing last year‘s figure that the island had welcomed 135,847 tourists in December 2015. Based on the MTO‘s comparative statistics of Boracay tourist arrivals, the month of December has the most number of visitors; hence, tagging the aforesaid month as the super peak season in the island. In a media report, the police force in Boracay is all set in providing security
and order for the major influx of tourists in the last month of the year. About 50 police officers are added to the existing 80 personnel of Boracay Tourist Assistance Center. Meanwhile, Caticlan Jetty Port Administrator Niven Maquirang revealed that many of the travel agents from China had expressed interests in bringing in their clients to Boracay, especially in 2017.
Firemen are medical responders too By Jemin B. Guillermo ROXAS CITY, CAPIZ, Dec. 14 (PIA6) – Firemen are not just fire incident responders. They are health emergency responders too.
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nformation Officer Marlon Garbo of the Roxas City Bureau of Fire Protection said the firemen are also asked to provide help in cases of emergencies such as vehicular incidents, drowning and other health-related need for response. ―From the typical responders during fire incidents, we are also going out of our way to assist in other emergencies such as vehicular
incidents and search and rescue operations,‖ he said. Garbo explained that the Bureau of Fire Protection has its Emergency Medical Service where personnel are trained on basic emergency response. ―Some fire personnel are also assisting in the safe delivery of mothers who cannot reach anymore the health facility,‖ he said, citing a mother in Dumarao town who was assisted by
the BFP personnel in giving birth to healthy baby. He added that while the campaign on fire prevention and fire suppression response are their main line of work, but they are now going out of their comfort zones to help in the total preservation of life to provide the true meaning of public service. (JCM/JBG/ PIA6-Capitol)
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CENTRAL VISAYAS
RTWPB appeals to businesses to ‘right size’, not downsize By Rey Anthony H. Chiu CORTES, Bohol, Dec. 12 (PIA) — Regional Tripartite Wage and Productivity Board (RTWPB) member and Department of Trade and Industry Regional Director Asteria Caberte proposed "right-sizing" amidst the veiled threats that labor groups and businesses in Bohol issued over the rising petitions for wage increase in the region.
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year after the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) implemented the P310 daily wage, the ban for a wage increase is lifted, and without any supervening conditions in the region, the RTWPB now convenes to hear labor and management sentiments, especially with two groups petitioning for across the board increases in the daily pay of workers, explained RTWPB Chair and Labor Regional Director Exequiel Sarcauga Jr. Earlier, the Trade Union Congress of the Philippines (TUCP) has proposed for a P161 across-the -board increase in minimum wage, as incorporated in a position paper submitted to DOLE. Another labor group, SENTRO / Alliance of Progressive Labor (APL) along with major labor unions in Cebu asked for P140 across the board increase. At the wage consultation held at the Metrocenter Hotel last week, Bohol Chamber of Commerce and Industry (BCCI) Panglao Island Chamber of Commerce and Industry and Bohol Association of Hotels, Resorts and Restaurants (BAHRR) appealed for a moratorium on the wage increase.
―Wage increase at this time, would create an alarming destabilization in the employers level that could result in the downsizing or relieving of employees, price inflation, closure of businesses, loan defaults and loss of investments," BCCI representative Dominic Butalid reads from the group‘s formal petition. Hearing this, DTI Regional Director Caberte appealed to local businesses to "right size" instead. Caberte noted that one of the most stunning differences in local establishments and foreign companies is the number of employees. ―You get into a mall here and you will notice so much number of sales people following you,‖ she pointed out. These, she hinted, are ways where the business establishment could explore to cut on the operational costs. And to bolster Caberte‘s claim, Sarcauga guided everyone to think as to why fast food businesses flourish. Right sizing, he illustrated, is how fast food companies use minimal employees to efficiently do
multiple tasks. Fastfood companies often employ cashiers who also double as counter assistants, busboys, ushers, and other tasks in the frontline. RTWPB is not just about wages, it is also about productivity, and the only way the Philippines can be as competitive as with other countries is through these innovations, Sarcauga stressed. In Bohol, while a P310 minimum wage is in effect, labor sectors have accused DOLE of failure to monitor and implement the right wage. Complaints of employees being made to sign double payrolls abound even as labor agents continue to scour the establishments to get proof of the possible labor malpractice. On this, resort owner operating in Anda and in Panglao, Fred Carmona, asked DOLE to strictly implement and impose the P310 minimum wage, rather than push for a possibly devastating across the board increase all over the region. (rmn/rac/PIA-7/ Bohol)
Hundreds join AFP CentCom’s 1st fun run By Rachelle M. Nessia CEBU CITY, Dec. 12 (PIA) --- Around 400 running enthusiasts in Cebu joined the first fun run on December 9 staged inside the headquarters of the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) Central Command in Camp Lapulapu, Lahug, this city.
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ubbed the ―Colorful Night Party Run,‖ runners took part in navigating the course for 3K, 5K, and 10K categories set up inside the CentCom headquarters, a race course made challenging as the run took place in the evening. At 6:00 p.m., the race kicked off with a video presentation showing the advocacy behind the fun run. ―This is to promote our advocacy which is to encourage support for our troops, especially the frontline soldiers who are battling terrorism in Mindanao,‖ explained Lt. Col. Medel Aguilar, assistant chief of staff for the Civil Military Operations of CentCom here.
Aguilar said that Rio 2016 Olympian, Mary Joy Tabal, spoke before the runners before the race, urging them to support the Filipino soldiers. By watching their advocacy video, Aguilar said this gave the fun run a new meaning for the participating runners who were composed of not only soldiers but also civilians. Some parents who ran the course tagged their children along with them, making the race a family affair, while some runners as old as 60 were also seen racing through the course that featured bright and colorful Christmas lights put up along the road. At the finish line, runners were greeted by an
impromptu party as the area was flooded with bubbles blown from a foam machine, while dancing, colorful lights lit up the suds. Aguilar, who also ran in the 5k category, is hopeful that other civilian organizations and government agencies will hold more fun runs with CentCom to rally support for the government troops. Runners‘ Club, a private organization, initiated the first fun run. ―We‘re looking at holding the fun run every quarter from now on. We‘re ready to support our partner agencies that will want to initiate the race with us,‖ he said. (rmn/PIA Cebu)
SWAT members to boost Bohol anti-drugs drive By Rey Anthony H. Chiu TAGBILARAN CITY, Dec. 12 (PIA) — Bohol would have 72 more new Special Weapons And Tactics (SWAT) operatives equipped with close-quarter-battle techniques trained to breach houses and hideouts of illegal activities, especially drugs, revealed Police Senior Inspector Manuel Soliva Jr.
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n an interview during the reception ceremonies of the 70 men and women of the different police and army units wanting to get through the SWAT training course, Soliva said the men need to survive 45 days of intense physical, mental, and intellectual honing to get the bragging rights as among Bohol‘s most elite. Soliva met the media at the parade ground stage of Bohol Provincial Police Office while SWAT cadets in teams of three squads took the rains and mud in stride, seemingly enjoying the harsh physical exercise. Stamina building, teamwork, and clockwork coordination, Soliva said, would be each SWAT member‘s aggression tool. This, too, as apart from close quarter combats, SWAT would also be trained in insertions in operations, rappelling and weapons and marksmanship proficiency. In the training are 34 members of the Provincial Public Safety Company, 18 members of the Armed
Forces of the Philippines, one from the Bohol Tourist Police Unit, 11 from the Tagbilaran City Police Station, one from Buenavista Police Station, one from Antequera Police Station, two from Loboc Police Station, one from Ubay Police Station and another one from Dimiao Police Station, according to PSupt Patricio Degay Jr. of Camp Dagohoy. Soliva stressed that the training comes in time when President Rodrigo Duterte issued the directive for police and the military in the fight against drugs and illegal activities. ―Most of these illegal activities are based in houses in populated and built-up areas, the perpetrators are armed and dangerous that an assault would be necessary to neutralize the threat,‖ Soliva explained. In such situations, it is important that SWAT operate as a unit, equipped with the target proficiency and operate like clockwork, he emphasized, even as
government has reported police and military operatives killed in anti drug operations. "That is why it is important that our men are tested to be physically fit and can still operate in distressed situations," Soliva added. Army SWAT operates in squads of six elements trained in specialized operations while police have eight elements each with specific specializations, which also include small explosives and ordnance control. The trainings should boost Bohol‘s anti-kidnapping efforts and its counter terrorism program, Soliva said. In Bohol, the Provincial Government and the Philippine National Police cost-share in the training logistics and mobility, Soliva told the media. As to where these trained men would operate, Soliva said ideally, these would be constituting a unit where the SWAT would be most effective. (rmn/rac/ PIA-7/Bohol)
CENTRAL VISAYAS
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Bohol LMP prexy inducts AUDIO 2017 IOs By Rey Anthony H. Chiu TAGBILARAN CITY, Dec. 12 (PIA) — The president of the League of Municipalities of the Philippines (LMP) Bohol Chapter officiated the induction rites of the newly-elected officers of the Association of United Development Information Officers (AUDIO) in Bohol.
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eld at the Jjs Seafoods Village on December 8, and Fiel Angeli Araoarao-Gabin (Tagbilaran City) Vice Clarin Mayor and LMP President Allen Ray President for LGUs. Piezas emphasized the need for accurate and Also sworn into office were Bernarda Villarojo timely information as key element in a democratic (Bohol Island State University) as Secretary and Elvie society. Bongosia (Philippine Information Agency) as Assistant Piezas, whose mother also incidentally was among Secretary. the older members of the AUDIO in her capacity as Bureau of Treasury‘s (BOT) Hermelina Bulasa was information officer, reminded everyone during the elected treasurer and Jojeline Ruiz (Trinidad) was organization‘s year-end assessment and evaluation that Assistant Treasurer, while Ma. Elena Maniwang in these times when information is easily accessible from (Balilihan) was sworn as Auditor. social media, accurate and timely information can help Bruce Eric Zabala of Bohol District Jail (BDJ) got people arrive at smarter decisions. the Press Relations Officer post for 1st District, Ellen Elected as new set of officers and sworn into office Marie Buno (Talibon) as PRO for 2nd District, and are Nicolas Sendrijas (LGU Calape) for President, while Amiela Balaba (Jagna) was 3rd District‘s PRO. elected as vice presidents are Ma. Lydia Bantugan of the As good news for the AUDIO members during Department of Agrarian Reform (DAR) VP for NGAs the activity, Mayor Piezas relayed an ongoing LMP
advocacy in the setting up of another tranche for the Bohol Earthquake Assistance 2. In a Cebu year-end workshop with the Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG) through Director Rene Burdeos, Piezas relayed to the government one of Bohol local official‘s major concerns. The earthquake of 2013 has damaged so much of Bohol‘s infrastructure that several towns still need the government‘s fresh funds infusion to keep up the rehabilitation works started by BEA 1. While it is still up to the national government to act on the request for BEA 2 funds, Piezas relayed that Senator Panfilo Lacson has filed for a billion peso fund for Bohol‘s BEA 2. "At least there is a slight hope that we can look forward to something," Piezas said. (rmn/ rac/PIA-7/Bohol)
EDC marks 1st anniversary of ‘10M in 10’ By Jennifer C. Tilos NEGROS ORIENTAL, Dec. 12 (PIA) – The Energy Development Corporation (EDC) and its 89 partner-institutions planted a Red Lauan tree (Shorea negrosensis) today in Silliman University for its one million tree to mark the first anniversary of the ‘10 million trees in 10 years’ for a Greener Negros movement.
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ccording to EDC Corporate Communications Officer Frances Ariola the planting of the Red Lauan is a fitting and significant way of commemorating 10M in 10's first anniversary since the tree species' name - negrosensis, was taken from the name Negros. The specimen on which this species was described was first collected in Negros Island and it is endemic in the Philippines, said Ariola. Moreover, the International Union for the Conservation of Nature's (IUCN) Red List of Threatened Species has identified it as a critically endangered tree. Belonging to the IUCN's highest risk category means that this species is facing a very high risk of extinction in the wild. "We are thankful to our 89 partners who all worked to meet our target of planting 1 million trees on the first year," said EDC's geothermal business unit head for Negros Island Jay Joel Soriano. "The success of the
movement lies on everyone's cooperation." Today's event caps 10M in 10's series of events which started with the first Negros Island Positive Energy Battle of the Brains on October 10 and a series of tree planting events with its various partners. The movement was initiated by EDC in 2015 to expand its BINHI greening legacy program in the region. As the only private company in the country that has identified and rescued 96 of our country's endangered premium and indigenous tree species through its BINHI Tree for the Future program, EDC led other organizations from different sectors in this ambitious movement to restore the Negros Island's forests. This initiative goes well beyond its need to plant and grow trees to recharge the geothermal reservoir and continuously supply clean, renewable power to the Visayas region. "We are doing this because it is the right thing to do," explained Soriano.
He invited other environmentalists to be a part of the movement as well. "We need more like-minded individuals and organizations to join us in greening Negros Island." The event is led by Soriano, the environmental ecologist and Professor of Wildlife Biology from the University of the Philippines' Institute of Biology Dr. Perry S. Ong; 10M in 10's Executive Director, Ms. Myrissa Tabao; Venture for Fundraising, Inc.; officials of Silliman University; and the Negros Oriental Association of Corp Commanders. 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. (rmn/jct/PIA7-Negros Oriental)
DOST trains NegOr milling companies on weighing scale calibration By Jennifer C. Tilos DUMAGUETE CITY, Dec 12 (PIA) – About 20 participants from sugar and coconut milling companies and planters associations in the province participated in a training on weighing scale calibration recently at the Sugar Bowl of Asociacion Agricola de Bais y Tanjay Inc. (AABT) in Bais City, Negros Oriental.
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rganized by the Department of Science and Technology (DOST), the training aims to give importance on the calibration of industrial weighing scales on various applications and the acceptability level on error readings of weighing scales in the market. Information Officer Sean Adrian Guardiano of DOST said large industries are required to calibrate their weighing scales to avoid sanctions that may be imposed to them by the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) once they will be found violating, as provided under Republic Act 7394 or the Consumer Act of the Philippines. The Act is the policy of the State to protect the interests of the consumer, promote his general welfare
and to establish standards of conduct for business and industry. ―The activity is in cooperation with Negros Oriental Chamber of Commerce and Industry (NOCCI), DOST 7 and DOST NIR. Engr. Roberto Edra, the laboratory head of DOST-7 Regional Standards and Testing Laboratory (RSTL) was the resource person during the training," said Guardiano. During the seminar, Edra expounded on metrology, calibration, mass, measurement standards, traceability, classification of weights and calibration of weighing scales. Other topics on basic calibration principles, metrology in the Philippines, traceability, classification of balances, computations on maximum permissible errors
and the relationship between mass and weight. The speaker also discussed proper care of weights, methods of weighing, weighing errors and their causes, minimum accuracy class of weights used with weighing instrument and the International Organization of Legal Metrology (OIML). ―The starting point of International Standards begins with the Bureau International des Poids et Measures (BIPM). Its mandate is to provide the basis for a single coherent system of measurements throughout the world. It directly disseminates units and coordinates international comparisons of national measurement standards as well as performing calibrations for member national metrology institutes ,‖ Edra added. (rmn/jct/ PIA7-Negros Oriental)
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EASTERN VISAYAS
DepEd - ESamar Best Brigada Eskwela Implementor Samuel D. Candido BORONGAN CITY, Eastern Samar, Dec. 12 (PIA) - The Department of Education- Eastern Samar Division (DepEd-Eastern Samar) is still proud of the five schools in Region VIII recognized by DepEd as Best Brigada Eskwela Implementor for school year 2016-2017.
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his was relayed by DepEd Eastern Samar Information Officer Mr. Abner Aclao, who represented the Division. He said the 2016 Brigada Eskwela National Awarding Ceremony was held last November 29, 2016 in Dumaguete City was graced by DepEd Secretary Leonor Briones as Guest Speaker. Four public schools in Eastern Visayas received recognition, according to Aclao. In the Small School Category, Sto. Niño Elementary School of Sta. Fe, Leyte and Puerto Villa Elementary School of the same Division were national awardees. For the Big School Category, Catarman Central Elementary School, Catarman, Northern Samar and Tanauan School of Craftsmanship and Home Industry of the Leyte Division were given recognition. As for the Exceptional School Category, the Dr. Ybañez Memorial Elementary School of the Tacloban City Division was given recognition. He said these schools are Region VIII‘s Best Brigada Implementor chosen last November 20, 2016. The selection was based on three categories: scope of work or the width of the schools‘
accomplishments, at 40%; diverse volunteer participation or the number of individuals, organizations, and agencies who participated in the activity, at 30%; generation of resources or the number of resources used in line with activity, at 20%; and the alignment of maintenance effort, comprised10%. Aclao also said his participation in this very meaningful activity will serve as a guide and inspiration to improve the Brigada Eskwela implementation in Eastern Samar. For Eastern Samar and Borongan City Division, he observes that the community still lacks participation in the activities of the DepEd. The number of volunteers — who join in the improvement of schools within the weeklong preparation of the DepEd before the opening of classes school starts — has a big point in the selection of the Best Brigada Eskwela Implementor. He further disclosed that in the regional level, Malabag National High School of the Eastern Samar Division is only at rank number 4 and the Maypangdan National High School of the Borongan City Division is ranked 5th for the Small School Category.
Meanwhile, in the Big School Category, the Eugenio S. Daza Pilot Elementary School of the Borongan City Division is at 4th rank while the Quinapondan Elementary School is at 8th rank. In the secondary category, the Eastern Samar National Comprehensive High School of the Borongan City Division is rank 5th while the Giporlos National High School of the Eastern Samar Division is at rank 8th. Mrs. Lina Montallana Fausto of Giporlos is the Most Supportive Stakeholder of Eastern Samar due to her big contribution in the Brigada Eskwela 2016 through a cash assistance and vehicle provision for the Giporlos National High School. Despite everything, the Eastern Samar Division still is thankful towards the stakeholders who continue to support the programs of the DepEd. In line with this, Aclao encourages Estehanons to be more supportive to the Brigada Eskwela of the Division — not just to be able to get a reward but because since this is also a manifestation of a united community that cooperate for the welfare of the students. (ajc/SDC/PIA8-E. Samar)
BFP reminds public to make Christmas celebration safe Ninfa B Quirante CATBALOGAN CITY, Samar, Dec. 13 (PIA) — Authorities of the Fire Department (BFP) has issued guidelines to the public for a fire-free, safer and merrier Christmas season.
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s Filipinos are fond of Christmas lights, the public is reminded to use only DTI approved Christmas lights. They must also follow the prescribed use whether indoor or outdoor. The bureau also reminds families to turn off their lights before sleeping and before leaving their homes.
They are cautioned from using metal Christmas tree with lights as the metal conducts electricity and this may cause fire. Another reminder coming from the BFP is to place electric outlets out of children‘s reach and to never overload the electric outlets or extension wires. Finally, the public is reminded to place their
Christmas trees with lights within a safe distance from fire hazards like curtains, paper, carpets and the like. BFP-Samar Fire Marshall Rodrigo Almaden, Jr., hopes that the public will heed the warnings and precautions so that everybody can enjoy the holidays. (ajc/nbq/PIA 8-Samar)
Modified ‘tokhang’ draws illegal fishers in Samar Ninfa B Quirante CATBALOGAN CITY, Samar, Dec. 13 (PIA) — Modified Tokhang (police operations on knock and plead to stop illegal drug use) operations is being implemented in illegal fishing.
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alit-Lambat, a Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR) project draws out illegal fishing gears in exchange for legal fishing gears. BFAR said that it is difficult to track illegal fishing operations as they can easily hide. Besides, there is a lack of manpower to run after illegal fishing, thus the Palit-Lambat scheme. Mari de Luna, 32 of Barangay Bunuanan and partner Jestoni Nuevo, 21 carried their pahulbot gears to BFAR-Samar today. BFAR-Samar Provincial Fishery Officer Rolando Ay-ay said they will
exchange these illegal fishing gears with a bottom gill net set. The bottom gill net set is also a fishing net but the net‘s eyes are bigger so that it avoids catching juvenile fish species. Ay-ay said they target some 500 or so illegal fisher folks in Samar and drew them to Palit-Lambat. With this, there will be a significant impact on the marine life in the seawaters of Samar. ―Pahulbot fishing that uses fine nets destroy smaller fish species and seagrass,‖ said Ay-ay. Presently, BFAR has exchanged 182 ‗pahulbot‘
gears with fisher folks from Daram, Talalora and Catbalogan City, all of Samar province. On December 7, 2016 BFAR‘s Regional Director Juan Albaladejo also turned over two units of fiberglass patrol boats to Samar Governor Sharee Ann Tan. The boats with complete accessories will be used to patrol Samar sea waters against illegal fisher folks. In the same event, Tan led the fisher folks to a Panunumpa ng Pagbabago, where they pledged to change anew and shy out from illegal fishing. (ajc/nbq/ PIA 8-Samar)
EASTERN VISAYAS
DOST presents MSMEs developments at forum
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Ma. Rebecca G. Cadavos MAASIN CITY, Southern Leyte, Dec. 13 (PIA) - The Department of Science and Technoogy (DOST) in close coordination with the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) conducted a Micro Small Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) Forum, friday here.
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he day activity held at Maasin Country Lodge was participated by MSMEs throughout Southern Leyte. It is aimed to provide innovative, cost-effective and appropriate technologies for micro, small and medium enterprises to help them develop world-class products, DOST Provincial Director Florita Santiago told. Some of the programs presented by the DOST include the Food innovation Center; Small Enterprise Technology Upgrading System (SET UP); Community Empowerment through Science and Technology; Comprehensive Agricultural Productivity Enhancement; Food Safety; Project NOAH; the S & T Scholarship Program; StarBooks; Ceramics Water Filter Production Center; the
RxBox; Grants-in-Aid program, OneStore, to name a few. She said that the S & T agency is closely working with the DTI in terms of programs and development to strengthen the MSMEs in the province. DTI on the other hand will train staff of the enterprises with modules that are fit for their business‘ needs, DTI Division Chief Aurora Sabalo informed. Sabalo said that some of the basic requirements for food business is the proper packaging and the business license from the Bureau of Food And Drugs (BFAD). ―We are urging the MSMEs operators to avail the facilities of DTI, particulalry the Shared Service
Facility (SSF) or the Food Development Center that will extend the shelf life of processed foods and agricultural products based in Tacloban City. DTI is also conducting a regular franchising foum for the small businessess in the locality, Sabalo added. Other resource speakers during the activity include Joshua Reambonanza, Jema Gisulga, Norma Cecille Bagarinao and Vanessa Kelly Bariata, all from DOST. The highlight of the MSMEs forum was the awarding of certificates to the seven SETUP beneficiaries who grduated from the program. (ajc/ rgc/PIA8-SoLeyte)
Indigenous, recyclable materials shine in brgy. Christmas decors Mary Lailani Pitao-Tupaz NAVAL, Biliran, Dec. 14 (PIA) – All the 26 barangays of Naval town used indigenous and recyclable materials in decorating their streets as they celebrate the Christmas season and join the town’s Pasko Fiesta contest.
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rom the first public viewing in December 1 until the judging period from December 2 until Monday, December 12, 2016, barangay folks showed their creativity in using indigenous materials and transforming their community‘s trash to beautiful Christmas decorations such as the Christmas tree, stars, and the Nativity scene to the amazement of visitors and barangay residents. Indigenous materials used were seaweeds, shells, coconuts, palms, nipa fruits, rattan, atsuete, romblon mats, bamboos, and rice hay. Recyclable materials used were plastic bottles and cups, compact discs, cans, motor vehicle wheels, plastic bags and straws, and worn-out slippers.
The Pasko Fiesta is an inter-barangay Christmas lights and decors competition where judging is based on Christ-centered concept and symbolism, creativity of the design, coherent use of indigenous and recyclable materials, and visual impact of the lights and designs. The chosen streets and corners for the barangay entry become the people‘s center of activity where families and friends prefer to bond together as they dine and watch the unique decorations and blinking lights that go in synch with the music. This competition was conceptualized by the Naval Culture and Arts council to make use of indigenous and recyclable materials, to bring out
the creativity of its people and to draw visitors and tourist to visit Naval. Other competitions are also set such as the Lamdag sa Pasko or Parol Making Contest, Panaygon sa Pasko or Chorale Competition, Tawag ng Tanghalan or Singing Contest, Indak sa Pasko or Christmas Dance Competition, and the Christmas League or Basketball Tournament. Naval Mayor Gerard Roger Espina joins his people as he personally visits all the 26 barangays in their effort to beautify their respective areas. Mayor Espina will personally award the prizes to the winners during the awarding ceremony. (ajc/ mlt/PIA8-Biliran)
DOST recognizes 7 SET UP graduates-beneficiaries in SoLeyte Ma. Rebecca G. Cadavos MAASIN CITY, Southern Leyte, Dec. 12 (PIA) – A total of seven Small Enterprise Technology Upgrading Program (SET UP) were given recognition by the Department of Science and Tehnology (DOST) Southern Leyte Provincial Office in a forum held December 9, 2016 here.
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he awarding of certificates were given to those who availed the SET UP of DOST and had already refunded the borrowed amount without any interest. These are Saavedra Welding and Repair Shop; Rhea Noemi Food Products; Bontoc Multipurpose Credit Cooperative Inc.; Estela Marine Products; and Marte Technova Machine Crafts Industries. While the remaining two businesses had earlier received their certifictes in another event such as the Southern Leyte Employees Multipurpose Cooperative (SLEMCoop) and the Alfanz Cuisine. DOST Provincial Director Engr. Florita Santiago in her message during the Programs & Services for Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises
(MSMEs) Forum held at Maasin City Country Lodge said that there are a total of 45 SET UP beneficiaries throughout the province, 27 of them are now on-going, 7 graduated while the remaining 11 were terminated. ―We are urging those who wanted to uplift their livelihood to avail the SET UP,‖ Santiago said, adding that It can be food processing, furniture business, making give-aways for any occassion or gift making, including agriculture and aquaculture, to name a few. DOST SET UP focal person Joshua Reambonanza presented on how to avail the SET UP. He said that the business should be at least 3 years existence with proper registration and licensed,
while for micro enterprise at least one year of operation, since one of the basic requirements of the SET Up is the financial statement of the business. He said that for the purchase of equipment, the financial assisatnce will be directly given to the borrower and will be payable wihtin three years. SET UP is a nationwide strategy to encourage MSMEs to adopt technological innovations to improve existing products, services, and operations; increase productivity and competitiveness; and more importantly to enable MSMEs to develop new products and establish or sustain market niches. (ajc/ rgc/PIA8-SoLeyte)
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