Vol 6
In this Issue WESTERN VISAYAS
The Province of Iloilo was adjudged as the best performing LGU for the province category in the 2016 Excellence in Local Governance Awards by DILG-6 during the Pagdayaw 2016 held Dec. 21 at Punta Villa Resort here. The province of Iloilo was also inducted in the Hall of Fame for being the champion in the province category for three consecutive years.
Dec. 19 - 25, 2016
Published by: PIA 6, 7 & 8
Issue 51
Pag-IBIG Fund bares good news to members Ferliza Calizar-Contratista CEBU CITY, Dec. 19 (PIA) – Pagibig Fund has announced several good news for their housing loan clientele. In the recently held Kapihan sa PIA to mark the celebration of the 36 years Founding Anniversary of Pagibig Fund, several positive developments were divulged to those who had or who are planning to avail of housing loans. Fermin Sta. Teresa, vice president for Home Lending Visayas and Mindanao, said they were able to grant 6858 borrowers in the Visayas for housing loans equivalent to P5.8 billion. This is 82 percent accomplishment of this year‘s target of granting 7,955 units with a loan value of P5.7 billion. He said the loanable amount for Housing Availment is now increased from P3 million to P6 million. A member can also avail of more than one unit as long as it does not go beyond P6 million, with the interest rate for End User Financing already reduced to 5.5 percent annually instead of the 11 percent. ―We had also improved insurance for the Housing Loan borrowers giving them a feeling of security and assurance,‖ Sta.
Teresa said. These include the reduction of premium rates from 0.41% for every P1,000 to only .23 now. They also gave a burial benefit of P20,000 and the extension of full payment of housing loan extends not only upon the occurrence of death of borrower but also upon Total Permanent Disability (TPD). ―For the insured, there is also an Amortization Support up to P500,000 in case of terminal illness,‖ Sta. Maria said. There is also an Experience Refund equivalent to 20 percent of the Insurer‘s Profit refunded the insured and all claims processing within 24 hours. Furthermore, there is an additional number of Accredited Developers from 15 to 63 for this year. Pagibig is also offering full decentralization of service delivery thru creation of more member services branches and creation of Business Development Services Department for more personalized services to Institution Clients. (rmn/fcc/ PIA7-Cebu)
More on Region 6, pages 2-3. Also CLICK Here…
DOST-SoLeyte introduces oneStore for on-line business Ma. Rebecca G. Cadavos
MAASIN CITY, Southern Leyte, Dec. 19 (PIA) - The Department of Science and Technology (DOST) – Southern Leyte Provincial Office introduced the oneStore, an on-line business for micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs). Lysander King III, DOST officer, informed that oneStore is a digital marketing which incorporates e-commerce in the operation of MSMEs. ―It is an on-line platform for Small Enterprise Technology Upgrading Program (SET UP) beneficiaries of DOST,‖ he said. Around 7,000 products are uploaded on-line through the oneStore, King said. There is one DOST-assisted MSME for A media interview with BSP Cebu Regional Southern Leyte, he said, adding that it can now be viewed through Office RD Atty. Leonides B. Sumbi was held internet at www.oneStore.ph or its Facebook account, DOST December 20 at BSP Regional Office, Cebu Onestore.ph. City. The interview focusses on BSP's last call and reminders on the demonetization and the extended deadline for OFWs and other updates from Bangko Sentral. #EmpoweringCommunities #AngBagongPIA (vvv/PIA Cebu)
CENTRAL VISAYAS
King added that oneStore is a strategy that helps business enterprises to widen the scope of their market and can also increase their business opportunities. King added that with oneStore, travel costs are reduced as it uses a mobile phone, email and other ICTs to substitute for travels. It also improves customer service by providing more responsive order-taking and after-sales service to customers using live chat and email which can result to increased customer loyalty. The oneStore was introduced during the DOST forum on programs and services for MSMEs held in Maasin City and participated by SET UP beneficiaries throughout the province. An awarding of SET UP graduates-beneficiaries was also conducted. (ajc/rgc/PIA8-SoLeyte)
Media: FOI online portal makes job easier
Leonard T. Pineda I More on Region 7, pages 4-5.
ILOILO CITY, Dec. 20 (PIA6) --- The local media here is optimistic that the Freedom of Information (FOI) online portal can help them better accomplish their task of providing news and Also CLICK Here… information to the public. In a media forum on the FOI spearheaded by the Philippine EASTERN VISAYAS Information Agency (PIA)-6 Iloilo Information Center, print reporter Merianne Grace Ereñeta said that the online portal which was launched last month is a helpful platform for media practitioners. ―Madali ko makita ang data nga kinahanglan ko sa isa ka agency by browsing lang sa data.gov.ph (It is easier for me to find needed data from one agency by browsing through data.gov.ph.),‖ she said. She said, however, that it remains to be a challenge for media practitioners to validate the information or data in the FOI portal. Aljohn Torreto, a radio reporter, said that the passage of the executive order on the FOI is an important step in promoting transparency and accountability in government. He said the executive order has given the right not only to the media but to every Filipino citizen, the right to all information pertaining to official acts, transactions or decisions implemented by the government. He said he also looks forward that all government agencies, PIA-North Samar: North Samar PDRRMO not only the executive branch, be covered by the FOI so the ―true convened December 17, after receiving reports concept of transparency can be realized‖. of flooding in some areas in the province. Bingbing Josue, a television reporter, said the FOI can (ADiaz) enhance the credibility of media practitioners in delivering the information needed by the public. ―It is easy to provide a complete story to the viewers nga wala na sila pamangkuton (viewers will no longer ask),‖ she said. She said that the FOI also cautions those working in the More on Region 8, pages 6-7. executive branch to be more transparent and be more accountable which are indispensable to good governance. Also CLICK Here...
PIA-6 Regional Director Atty. Ma. Janet Mesa conducted a briefing to local media here on the features of the executive order on the FOI including the FOI manual which contained the list of exceptions, and the use of the eFOI portal. The FOI online portal was launched by the administration of President Rodrigo Duterte last November 25, 2016. Interested citizens can access it at foi.gov.ph. The eFOI is initially limited to 15 agencies namely Presidential Communications Operations Office (PCCO), Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA), Department of Budget and Management (DBM), Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT), Presidential Commission on Good Government (PCGG), National Archives of the Philippines (NAP), Department of Transportation (DOTr), Department of Finance (DOF), Department of Justice (DOJ), Public Attorney‘s Office (PAO), Office of the Government Corporate Counsel (OGCC), Office of the Solicitor General (OSG), Philippine National Police (PNP), Department of Health (DOH), and PhilHealth. (JCM/LTP/PIA-Iloilo)
PIA-6 Regional Director Atty. Ma. Janet Mesa explains to local media the features of the executive order on the Freedom of Information (FOI) during a media forum spearheaded by the PIA-6 Iloilo Information Center held Dec. 20 at the Madison Hotel here.
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WESTERN VISAYAS
MGB bares policy directions for the mineral industry By Elsa S. Subong ILOILO CITY, Dec. 20 (PIA6) — There are five policy directions which the Mines and Geosciences Bureau is pursuing toward a long term and stable environment situation.
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GB-6 Regional Director Leo Van Juguan said these policy directions a r e es se nt i a l s in r ea l i z i n g the true potentials of the country‘s mineral industry. MGB has set the minerals and metal-led industrialization initiatives, which include investments in human resource capital development from the science and industry sectors and ensuring continued availability and security of supply of materials and commodities. ―This way, we minimize risks to the direction of economic growth, through a strong mine-to-metal value chain,‖ Juguan said. Another policy direction is the streamlining of application procedures and simplify and rationalize all requirements which are easily understood which contributes to
strengthening the foundation of good governance. Still another policy, according to Juguan, is that MGB should be lead agency in coordination and regulation of mining industry, in terms of the approval of mining projects. ―The management of the country‘s mineral resources focuses on the sharing of authority among government agencies,‖ Juguan said. These agencies are the Environmental Management Bureau for the Environmental Compliance Certificate; Biodiversity Management Bureau for areas closed to mining such as protected areas, national parks; the National commission on Indigenous Peoples for the required Certification Precondition; the National Water Regulatory Board for water rights and the Local Government Units. Further, the MGB also aims for strong
community relations programs by facing the challenge of addressing issues, providing information and encouraging cooperation and involvement of host communities. Meanwhile, since mining is a temporary land use, MGB sets it as policy to ensure that final land use options are consulted with local government units and other stakeholders. ―It is important that all the stakeholders have a say in determining the most suitable and sustainable final land use,‖ JUguan said. The MGB said that for the mining industry to contribute in the development of communities where there are potential mineral deposits, it must grow more. ―But in any of the imperatives cited in the five policy directions, there should be no mining undertaken in any given area,‖ an MGB statement said. (ESS/PIA-Iloilo)
CSC gives ‗excellent‘ rating to SSS offices Carlson B. Alelis NEGROS OCCIDENTAL, Dec. 19 (PIA6) – Five branches of the Social Security System (SSS) in the Negros Island Region got ―excellent‖ ratings from the Anti-Red Tape Act – Report Card Survey (ARTA-CRS).
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he Civil Service Commission (CSC) recognized the efforts of the SSS branches in the cities of Bacolod, Kabankalan, San Carlos, Sagay and Dumaguete in Negros Oriental, with all five offices bestowed with the Citizen‘s Satisfaction Center - Seal of Excellence. Helen Solito, SSS senior vice president for Visayas perations group, Branch Head Teresita Gonora, Josephine Sombilla, OIC-assistant
branch head and Lilani B. Benedian, OIC-vice president for Visayas West 1 Division presented the certificates to the offices. The certificates were given during the SSS‘ Year-End Employees' General Assembly held at the SSS Bacolod Branch, Dec. 7. Piloted in 2010, the ARTA-RCS gathers feedback from clients transacting at government offices as part of efforts to reduce bureaucratic red tape and prevent graft and
corruption. The agencies are rated on their delivery of frontline services and compliance with Republic Act (RA) 9485, also known as the Anti-Red Tape Act of 2007. Government offices recognized as ―excellent‖ have earned a high rating of 90 to 100 in the ARTA-RCS, with passing marks in all of the RCS sub-areas, and are awarded with the Seal of Excellence. (JCM/ CBA/PIA6-Negros Occidental)
Dengue cases in Aklan up Sheila Q. Patoza KALIBO, Aklan, Dec. 23 (PIA6) – Dengue cases in the province of Aklan increased by 52 percent, Epidemiology Surveillance and Response Unit data showed.
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total of 1,689 cases of dengue with one death have been recorded in the province from January 1 to December 19, 2016. In last year's data, the province listed 1,112 cases and no record of fatality due to dengue. Kalibo, the capital town had the most number of victims for January to December this year with 344 cases; followed by Malay with 169 cases; Numancia with 138 cases; Banga 132; and Ibajay 110.
The municipality of New Washington registered with 109 dengue cases; Madalag with 89 cases; and 88 to two-nearby non-Aklan towns. Other towns noted with dengue were: Nabas and Libacao with 67 cases each; Altavas with 62; Tangalan 59; Makato 57; Buruanga 48; Malinao 44; Balete 41; Batan 40; and Lezo 25. Most of the victims were aged 11 to 20 years old with 572 cases. The month of August was the peak of dengue in the province with 331 cases.
Aklan Provincial
With the increasing number of dengue cases, health officials here are calling the public to put their collaborative efforts together and start action with their homes through the 4S campaign of the Department of Health. The 4S campaign stands for: search and destroy mosquito breeding places; use self-protection measures; seek early consultation for fever lasting more than two days, and say no to indiscriminate fogging. (JCM/SQP/PIA6 Aklan)
WESTERN VISAYAS
BFP: Fire holidays
prevention
3 a
must
during
By Pilar S. Mabaquiao SAN JOSE, Antique, Dec. 21 (PIA6) - - The Bureau of Fire Protection is intensifying its campaign on fire safety in line with the celebration of Christmas and New Year.
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/Chief Inspector Crosbee Gomuwang said that the Fire Stations in towns have their respective campaign to remind the public of their responsibility to ensure safety as they celebrate this holiday season. As we anticipate the dry months and windy days, we are reminding the public to be extra careful with the use of matches, electronic gadgets and make sure lighted candles/lamps, and oven stoves are put off after
use, said Gomuwang. The Municipal Fire Stations have been out in various barangays to conduct ‗recorida‘ or public address of the fire safety tips and distributing fliers and info materials on fire prevention. Other municipalities have their Fire Trucks out in the streets for visibility and to remind the public on fire safety while some are conducting Ugnayan sa Barangay and post PNP hotline numbers.
SFO3 Alex L. Ortiaga Acting Municipal Fire marshal of San Jose Fire Station assisted the Department of Labor and Employment on the One-Day Safety Awareness Course for sellers of firecrackers and pyrotechnics in San Jose. BFP reminded everyone to comply with the requirements of the law in selling firecrackers and pyrotechnics and observed the firecracker designated zone/area. (JCM/PSM/ PIA6Antique)
'Yolanda' made rural workers more committed, resilient Jemin B. Guillermo ROXAS CITY, Capiz, Dec. 20 (PIA6) – Thousands of rural workers and micro entrepreneurs in Capiz and Iloilo gathered together to show their commitment and resiliency
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aren Tuason, Panay Island team leader of HEKS Swiss Church Aid and Task Force Mapalad, said that the event dubbed as ―Pagtililipon,‖ (a local term for gathering) of the farmers and fisher folks including the micro entrepreneurs was organized to show that said rural workers can stand anew. ―Three years after Yolanda, Panay farmers and fishers were able to emerge from the ashes of the devastating typhoon but are not yet strong enough to weather the other ‗storms‘ in their lives‖ citing poverty, threats to their land rights, and unstable sources of livelihood as among those are are still to be addressed. Tuason said that aside from the rural
workers and micro entrepreneurs from 26 barangays in Capiz and Iloilo, including the Panay Island Farmers‘ Association, representatives from the different local government units, government and non-government organizations likewise joined the gathering. The ―Pagtililipon showcased the rural worker‘s labor after Yolanda such as shell crafts, seafood products, rice cakes, drift wood figurines, root crops, smoked fish, and pickled papaya. ―The event was also a venue to listen to their stories of triumph after the typhoon and the remaining struggles they are facing,‖ she said. She added that the participants also
echoed the calls for the Duterte administration particularly for the leaders of the Department of Agriculture and Department of Agrarian Reform to carry on the government‘s mandate of promoting social justice, creating sustainable economic opportunities and improving access to markets especially for the marginalized and disaster-vulnerable sectors like them. ―Through a roadshow the services, technologies and programs offered by government agencies, NGOs and educational institutions to farmers and fishers such as post-harvest facilities, technical trainings, block farming, subsidized crop insurances and value-added food processing were also given emphasis,‖ Tuason stressed. (JCM/JBG/ PIA6-Capiz)
First Guimaras Organic Trading Post launched Elsa S. Subong ILOILO CITY, Dec. 22 (PIA6) — The province of Guimaras had its first ever Organic Trading Post (OTP) launched recently with the Department of Agriculture-6.
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he OTP, besides being a necessity to promote production and consumption of organic produce, is a requirement of the organic agriculture standards. Guimaras Provincial Agriculturist Ernie Villanueva said that a separate area to display organic produce is needed so that these will not mix with non-organic products in retail stores. ―The local chief executive is also mandated by law on organic agriculture, to establish at least one OTP,‖ Villanueva said. The DA is promoting the establishment of OTP to strengthen the adoption and consumption of organic products.
―The OTP is seen as a venue to encourage farmers to engage in organic farming in growing rice, corn and other high value crops,‖ Mildred Gencianeo, municipal agriculturist of San Miguel, Jordan in Guimaras said. ―People have the options now for healthier, organically-grown products, and the OTP is a certain source for these,‖ Gencianeo added. The construction of the OTP was funded at P1.5 million, with P300,000 worth of facilities including operational capital. Primary beneficiaries of the OTP is the Jordan Organic Growers Association headed
by Rosario Griesser, together with the various associations, namely, Buenavista Organic Growers, Bukaw, Tarog, Bugnay, Guimaras Natural Farming Advocates, Dasal-Sibunag Vegetable Association, who expressed appreciation for the support of the DA. Members of the local council of San Miguel, Jordan said that when people learn of their ventures in organic farming and operation of the OPT, the potentials for market tourism will grow. ―As people come, they will kmow of this and we will become a market tourism destination,‖ SB members Daks Ricabar and Arsan Gaitan said. (JCM/ESS/PIA-Iloilo)
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CENTRAL VISAYAS
PDEA to parents: Help keep kids away from illegal drugs trade By Rey Anthony H. Chiu TAGBILARAN CITY, Dec. 19 (PIA) – The Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA) has appealed to parents to keep a closer watch on their wards following reports of the growing number of minors implicated in the drug trade and use.
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We urge the parents, the society in general to help us in the campaign [against drugs],― PDEA Bohol Chief Ferdinand Kintanar appealed during a radio forum aired over DyTR. ―This is a campaign we cannot win without your help,‖ the Bohol narcotics chief stressed. The Philippine National Police (PNP), National Bureau of Investigation (NBI), and other law enforcement agencies have been pooled to support PDEA in eradicating the drug problem. Kintanar said most of the minors involved in illegal drugs are from broken or unstable families. Speaking over the Kapihan sa PIA forum to advance the advocacy for crime prevention, Kintanar added that minors with parents working abroad have the means to buy drugs and may not trust a family member to share their problems with. In a report culled from the Municipal Women and Children‘s Desks, the Oplan Double Barrel showed about 2,540 children among those
who surrendered to police authorities. These children are below 18 years old, with one suspect still an elementary pupil. Tecson said that this forms 7.5% of the total number of ―surrenderers‖ which Bohol PNP accounted from July to November this year. Of that number, 2,491 were males who confessed to have used illegal substances especially shabu. Another 13 were males who sold shabu and 4 of them admitted to have acted as drug mules, transporting illegal substances across police security lines, the BCPC report said. In the same report, PNP also noted 31 girls confessing to be drug users. One girl admitted to have been selling dangerous drugs too. This issue highlighted the need for the establishment in Bohol of a home for children in conflict with the law. Bohol Provincial Government has been streamlining for the establishment of a facility for
the rehabilitation of children in conflict with the law. Bohol has submitted a project proposal for the establishment of the center which was endorsed by the Provincial Development Council to the Social Development Committee of the Regional Development Council in 2015. According to Bohol OPSWD, the proposal was sent to the Department of Social Welfare and Development. Tecson said DSWD has positively acted on the proposal, and notified Bohol that P10M of the funds needed for the Bohol Youth Home would be financed under the Juvenile Justice Welfare Code fund. But Bohol needs to finalize the site of the facility while revision of the earlier proposal‘s program of works may have to be revised, Tecson said. She, however, said that instead of the P5 million local counterpart for the BYH, Bohol has allocated P10M. (rmn/rac/PIA7-Bohol)
NegOr guv cites major accomplishments in his ‗challenging year‘ By Jennifer C. Tilos NEGROS ORIENTAL, Dec. 16 (PIA) – Governor Roel Degamo reported his administration‘s various major accomplishments despite many odds he faced in what he described was a challenging year.
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What could be considered as one of our top accomplishments is the understanding reached by the leaderships of both the executive and legislative departments of the province and to work as one for the good of the people,‖ said Degamo. In spite of all the challenges, the governor said this year has been highlighted by a number of positive developments. One of these is the completion of the four-storey Negros Oriental Hospital Central Block Building with the P36 million oxygen generating plant fully operational. Another one is the IWAG Award given to the province by the Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG) for being one of the best implementing provinces of the anti-drug
campaign. The province is recognized by the Department of Agriculture-Bureau of Animal Industry as best implementing local government unit on its anti-rabies campaign. Meantime, the province continues to be under the conflict manageable category for having controlled the insurgency situation particularly in the southern part of the province. ―We have a lower crime rate as compared to Negros Occidental as well as the other provinces in the Central Visayas region," Degamo said. According to the governor, the province has continued to bring the basic medical services closer to the people, especially those living in the hinterlands thru the Magdegamo
Medical-Dental-Surgical and animal welfare missions. As of t od ay, a t ot al of 6 1 Medical, Dental, Surgical Animal Missions have been conducted benefitting around 65,000 individuals all over the province. A total of 781 beneficiaries of the Magdegamo Scholarship Program are enrolled in the various Negros Oriental State University (NORSU) campuses aside from the other 442 student-beneficiaries of the other scholarship program. Degamo also mentioned some achievements under the thrusts of environmental protection, agricultural production, gender and development, among others. (rmn/jct/ PIA7-Negros Oriental)
Dumaguete City intensifies crackdown vs defective mufflers Jennifer C. Tilos DUMAGUETE CITY, Dec. 16 (PIA) – The Dumaguete City government has intensified the elimination of defective mufflers in the streets of the city.
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ayor Felipe Remollo directed the Traffic Management Office (TMO) to be more aggressive in apprehending those with defective mufflers especially this Yuletide season to promote peace and order.
So far, 119 persons have been apprehended by TMO since September last year for using defective mufflers. TMO Chief Danny Atillo revealed that nearly P60,000 worth of fines were also imposed on the violators, while P44,000 of fines and
penalties were meted out for other offenses. Atillo vowed that his office will b intensify the crackdown against the misuse of mufflers which drew numerous complaints from citizens. (jct/PIA7-Negros Oirental)
CENTRAL VISAYAS
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BSP: Dec. 31 deadline to swap old peso bills Elvira C. Bongosia TAGBILARAN CITY, Dec. 15 (PIA) -- The Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) reminded the information officers of the local government units and national government agencies about the December 31, 2016 deadline to swap holdings of New Design Series (NDS) paper bills.
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uring the recent general assembly meeting of the Association of United Development Information Officers in Bohol (AUDIO-Bohol), BSP Bank Officer Hazel Cultura said the old NDS banknotes launched in 1985 will fully lose monetary value starting Jan. 1, 2017. Cultura added that under Section 57 of Republic Act (RA) No. 7653 or the New Central Bank Act, the BSP may replace notes of any series that are more than five years old and coins that are more than 10 years old. The BSP defines demonetization as ―the process of removing the monetary value of a legal tender currency by the issuing authority.‖ However, Cultura clarified that only paper
bills are included in the latest demonetization. She said holders of NDS can still exchange NDS paper bills at face value in banks, the Cash Department of the BSP and the various BSP offices nationwide. For NDS notes that are subject of court cases, it can be exchanged within six months after the corresponding legal cases have been terminated. Clerks of Courts and law enforcement agencies were given an extension to swap their NDS from end of December 2016 to January 31, 2017. Meanwhile, for overseas Filipino workers (OFWs), they are also allowed to swap their NDS holdings outside of the period given to the
public. OFWs are required to register their NDS holdings with the central bank through online application at https://orbs.bsp.gov.ph that started on October 1. The NDS holdings can be swapped within a year after the registration. OFWs are allowed to swap up to P50,000 worth of NDS holdings in line with the 11th foreign exchange liberalization of the central bank. ―For those who are situated in war torn countries, the deadline for exchange is extended to 31 December 2017. There is no need for them to register,‖ Cultura said. (rmn/ecb/PIA7-Bohol)
DOST introduces aquaponics to GK NegOr residents Jennifer C. Tilos DUMAGUETE CITY, Dec 16 (PIA) – About 20 participants from different Gawad Kalinga (GK) villages in the province participated in a seminar-workshop on basic urban gardening and fabrication of simple barrel aquaponics recently here.
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rganized by the Department of Science and Technology (DOST), the training aims equip the residents on basic gardening and aquaponics so they can apply it in their houses and share it with the constituents in their respective communities, said DOST Information Officer Sean Adrian Guardino. Aquaponics system is a food production process which combines traditional aquaculture (raising aquatic animals in tanks) with hydroponics (cultivating plants in water). ―The animals and plants in an aquaponics system have a symbiotic relationship. Effluents from aquatic animals are used by plants as food.
In the process, the plants purify water for the aquatic animals," Guardiano said. The activity is in cooperation with GK Negros Oriental and Foundation University (FU). Klein Koerkamp, the current dean of College of Agriculture of FU discussed urban gardening, its concept and practice, seedling management and types of containers, nutrient and pest management, hydroponics and aquaponics. Other topics also included types of hydroponics and aquaponics systems, their advantages and disadvantages, fabrication of
vertical hydroponics and barrel aquaponics. The activity also included a tour in FU hydroponics/aquaponics facility. Video clips on urban gardening in the Philippines and modular aquaponics were also shown to the participants. Koerkamp was formerly connected with Buglas Bamboo In stitute (BBI) and Philippine Bamboo Foundation (PBF) and has been involved in numerous trainings nationwide and abroad on bamboo and bamboo furnitures, hydroponics and aquaponics, among others. (rmn/jct/PIA7-Negros Oriental)
NM to rebuild Bohol's most beautiful ‗Kasilak Church‘ Rey Anthony H. Chiu TAGBILARAN CITY, Dec. 19 (PIA) -- The National Museum (NM) would be rebuilding the church of the Lady of Light or the Kasilak Church which was wrecked by the October 2013 quake.
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he earthquake leveled the church to the ground. NM Director Angel Bautista announced the plans for rebuilding during the simple turn-over ceremonies of the P2.1 million rehabilitation of the Inang-angan. "We will build it, we will be bringing in international and local experts to see how we will go about it," Bautista said. The church of Loon, dedicated to the Lady of Light, was built between 1854 to 1864 when it was blessed. Although built by Augustinian Recollects, the devotion to the Lady of Light could have been
Jesuit in origin as the Jesuit devotion is also evident in the other parts of the country. Constructed according to the plans of the Director of Public Works then in Cebu Domingo Escondrillas in 1853, the church which is often referred to as the crowning glory of the Recollect Architecture has been acclaimed as one of the finest and largest in the Visayas. The church feature twin bell towers and two side buttresses which could tell the immensity of the engineering sophistication then at that time. It has also been revered as the grandest
church in Bohol, becoming the focal symbol of the town until 2013. At the NM Bautista's announcement, a heave of relief could be heard from the crowd witnessing the turn-over of the restored stone stairway. Loonanons at the turn-over rites still can recite the inscriptions on the old stone walls of their toppled church: Yn ea omnis, qui petit, accipit, et qui querit, invenit et pulsante, which means "In Luke 11:10, it says, For everyone who asks receives, the one who seeks finds and the one who knocks, the door will be opened." (rmn/ rac/PIA-7/Bohol)
6 Can Bazaar entrepreneurship
EASTERN VISAYAS
trains
studes
for
Ninfa B Quirante CATBALOGAN CITY, Samar, Dec. 19 (PIA) - The Samar Kids Can Bazaar is set up to train senior high students entrepreneurship, so said an official of DepEd at the opening of the event on Saturday, December 17, 2016.
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epEd Assistant Regional Director 8, Atty Roan Olivia in her message at the opening of the Samar Kids can Bazaar told a crowd of DepEd folks and the very kids that man the different booths. The Samar Kids Can Bazaar is a laboratory for the students to exhibit their limitless potential of creativity linking the event to Spark Samar, the province tourism campaign brand, added Olivia in her message. She further said that the kids bazaar is not a mere display of products and sights and
services, it is an actual laboratory for senior high to develop their entrepreneurial skills as what K-12 is all about. She thanked the governor for subsidizing them all with 20 thousand pesos each school 10 thousand for the booth and another 10 thousand for the products. Marvin Piczon, provincial tourism officer said that all 24 towns and the two cities converged for a very significant purpose to showcase all the pride and products of all 26 local government units through the DepEd. Governor Ann Tan in her speech
admitted that she is very happy with the outcome of her and Dr Ramil Uyticos (DepEd 8 Regional Director) brainchild, the Samar Kids Can Bazaar. Edwin Rodulfa of Pagsanghan National High School said that his students were very excited for the new experience. C la ir e M en d of De pEd wh o heads the working committee said that DepEd plans to replicate Samar Kids Can! Bazaar in time with the province other significant events. (nbq/ PIA 8-Samar)
Program for young farmers urged Samuel D. Candido BORONGAN, Eastern Samar, Dec. 16 (PIA) - The proposal in the House of Representatives that would urge the government to make a program for young farmers is being supported by the solon in the lone district of Eastern Samar.
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ong. Ben Evardone informed he already mandated the management of the Eastern Samar State University (ESSU) before to design a program that would encourage the youth to continue to study Agriculture in order for them to replace — if not follow in the footsteps of the few aging farmers and to help secure the food security of the country. The bill, passed by Congressman Alfred Vargas is now being deliberated in the House of Representatives. The bill also aims to encourage incoming college students to choose and finish a course in Agriculture through the Socialized Tuition Scheme for those who will enroll in
Agriculture as well as in Fisheries. The said legislator pushed through in passing this bill as the youth are no longer encouraged to take up courses in Agriculture due to its difficulty and that a farmer‘s income is not enough. Aside from this, the average level of education of a farmer is mostly elementary — reason they are not that open to use modern farming technologies that would help in developing the industry. The said bill — if ever it becomes a law — mandates the members of National Agriculture and Fisheries System to implement the Young Farmers Program (YFP). Local Government
Units (LGUs) are also mandated to support the said program through an additional counterpart funding assistance. Last December 14, 2016 in a text message, Evardone announced the realization of one of his programs in education that he is pushing through — the free college education for State Universities and Colleges (SUCs) students starting on school year 2017-2018. According to him, included in the 2016 National Budget approved by the Bicameral Conference Committee on December 14, 2016 is the ₱ 8 billion fund for the implementation of the said program. (ajc/SDC/ PIA8-E. Samar)
Christmas collaterals usher in Holidays in Maasin City Ma. Rebecca G. Cadavos MAASIN CITY, Southern Leyte, Dec. 19 (PIA) - Christmas spirit is now seen around the city hall grounds, particularly at the public plaza, just in front of the Lady of Assumption Cathedral in Maasin City.
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arol (Lanterns) display and Christmas Belen are the things that siginified Christmas holidays in the city proper and in time for the start of the Simbang Gabi (Misa de Gallo) last December 16. Maasin City Mayor Nacional Mercado, led the barangay chairmen, Sangguniang Panglungsod members and the city hall department heads and employees in the launching of the Christmas diplays at the public plaza, night before the start of the Misa de Gallo here.
There are a total of 70 barangays that displayed their parols at the Anatalio Gaviola Plaza here that competed with each other with corresponding prizes such as the Most Outstanding Parol with a P15,000 cash prize; Best Parol – P7,500 and a consolation prize of P3,000 for the non-winning remaining entries. The Christmas Belen had a total of 9 entries participated by the barangays just along the poblacion area, a source from the office of City Investment and Promotions said.
The prizes for the ―Belen‖ are P30,000 for the Most Outstanding Belen, while for the 1st runner up is P25,000 and P20,000 each for the remaining entries as consolation prizes. The city government also prepared presentations for 4 nights composed of the Department of Education-Maasin City Division Night; the Maasin City College Night; Market Night; and the City Hall Night. The source added the awarding of the Lanterns and Christmas Belen will be done on January next year yet. (rgc/PIA8-SoLeyte)
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DOLE-RTWPB introduces 5S to boost productivity Ma. Rebecca G. Cadavos MAASIN CITY, Southern Leyte, Dec. 19 (PIA) – The Department of Labor and Employment-Regional Tripartite Wages and Productivity Board (DOLE-RTWPB) presented the 5Ss to increase productivity during the Reactivation of the Provincial Tripartite Industrial Peace Council (TIPC) and POSHNET orientation/seminar held Friday here.
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TWPB Board Secretary Reynaldo Soliveres said that in order to boost productivity, follow the 5Ss as the basic housekeeping resources at the working area such as Sort; Systematize; Sweep; Sanitize; and Self discipline. He said that objectives of these 5Ss is to provide and maintain a clean, safe, and orderly surroundings for all the employees/workers; more comfortable and productive workplace; and discipline and orderliness in the workplace. Sort things accordingly to their needs, Soliveres told, saying that ―there are many
benefits in sorting things taken out from your office wastes like used papers, used bottles, among those that are recyclables.‖ He narrated on the benefits that are given from a company where all employees cooperated with each other and produces financially out of the office wastes such as the free-rice program, educational scholasrship programn, among the few. ―A stable environment will create a good relationship with employees to their employer,‖ Soliveres bared adding that ―treat your employees as part of your family‖ talking to the participants composed of managers,
proprietors or representatives from the differents establishments in the locality such as food establishments, hotels, resorts, and the like. On the other hand, Soliveres also discussed the proposed wage increase, still to be approved by the national board, though he did not confirm yet the increase for the agricultural and non-agricultural sector, among others. ―We are still waiting for the approval of the increase and the official wage order fom the board,‖ Soliveres informed. (ajc/rgc/ PIA8-SoLeyte)
DENR8 deputizes environmental officers in ESamar Samuel D. Candido BORONGAN CITY, Eastern Samar, Dec. 15 (PIA) - The Department of Environment and Natural Resources-Regional Office 08 (DENR-RO-8) Director Leonardo Sibalucca led the oath taking ceremony of the 115 deputized environmental officers of Borongan City and Maydolong on December 13, 2016 at the Provincial Governor‘s Conference Hall, Provincial Capitol Building, this city.
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e emphasized that the said measure pushed through due to the collective effort and cooperation of the German Technical Cooperation or GIZ, the provincial government of Eastern Samar, Borongan City Government, Local Government Unit of Maydolong, and DENR in the implementation of the National REDD+ System Philippine Project in Eastern Samar.
He firmly reminded as well to the deputized environmental officers to act based on what the law mandates. ―Don‘t abuse this power that is entrusted to you in the implementation of environmental laws,‖ Sibalucca said. He also clarified that the Special Order that he signed is effective only for one year as well as the deputized ID for environmental officers.
Sibalucca gave an assurance that their office will process for a Special Order and a deputized ID signed by DENR Secretary Gina Lopez effective for five years. Among the deputized environmental officers, 84 are from Borongan City coming from upland and coastal barangays, while 31 come from Maydolong. (ajc/SDCA/PIA8-E. Samar)
Samar floods leave one dead Ninfa B Quirante CATBALOGAN CITY, Samar, Dec 21 (PIA) — The floods that submerged some Samar barangays left one dead in Matuginao town.
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his was bared by Provincial Disaster San Jose de Buan and Matuginao were safely Risk Reduction Management Officer evacuated by LGUs. Manuel Van Torrevillas in a phone Landslides also occurred in Tinaplacan, interview. Calbayog, Tarangnan and Buenavista, San Jorge. Gil Ogacho, 49 reportedly drowned in the In the Wright-Taft Road (heading to rampaging waters of Matuginao River. Eastern Samar), authorities closed the road to Torrevillas said the death could have been traffic as 75% of the pavement in the San avoided if only people will give heed about Rafael, Hinabangan portion of the warnings. In his report, Torrevillas said that road collapsed. Motorists are advised to take some 2, 963 families in some 46 barangays in the Basey-Marabut Coastal road in going to the towns of Gandara, San Jorge, Tarangnan, Eastern Samar.
Anita Taran, provincial agriculturist also reported damages in agriculture. She said that farmers have started replanting their palay, but the damage is still being assessed. Today, weather is better and the PDRRMO will be dispatching some rice stocks to San Jose de Buan. Torrevillas admitted that those evacuated have returned to their homes but they will still receive the food packs as mandated by Governor Sharee Ann Tan. (ajc/ nbq/PIA 8-Samar)
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