Vol 6
Issue 52
In this Issue WESTERN VISAYAS
GRAND OPENING OF BINIRAYAN FESTIVAL 2016. Gov. Rhodora J. Cadiao leads the lighting of the symbolic torch of unity during the grand opening of Binirayan Festival 2016 at the Evelio B. Javier Freedom Park, San Jose, Antique with the theme “Celebrating Culture and Greatness.” With Gov. Cadiao are Vice-Gov. Edgar Denosta, SP Member Fernando Corvera, Hamtic Vice-Mayor Julius Pacificador, among others.(PIA6/T.Villavert)
More on Region 6, pages 2-3. Also CLICK Here…
CENTRAL VISAYAS
Vehicles of some local government units in Negros Oriental are decorated with banners and a sample comfort room structure to get people's attention and raise awareness on the Zero Open Defecation advocacy in Negros Island. These vehicles participated in the Grand Pantawid Pamilya Caravan organized by DSWD-NIR recently. (lpp/PIA7/Negros Oriental)
Dec. 26 - Jan. 1, 2017
Published by: PIA 6, 7 & 8
DPWH Southern Leyte gets 5 mega projects Erna S. Gorne MAASIN CITY, Southern Leyte, Dec. 28 (PIA) - The Southern Leyte Engineering District Office (SLDEO) of the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) got the nod to manage 5 mega projects in 2017. In a press release, SLDEO is exempted from the Department Order No. 156 that limits the authority of a district engineering office to approve program of works and budget for the contract of project with cost not exceeding P50 Million. SLDEO posted a 90.34% completion rate of 84 projects as of November 17, 2016, the PR reported. The report quoted District Engineer Ma. Margarita C. Junia saying, “I thank our central office and regional office for the trust and confidence. This is all because of the
good performance of Southern Leyte.” The projects with approved special authority are P109.43 million slope protection along critical road sections in Sogod town, P100 million road opening and construction of bridges for San Ricardo-Liloan Circumferential Road, and P179.95 million road widening and drainage system in various national road sections, the report further disclosed. Also included are the P115 million Boundary Southern Leyte- Maasin City- Macrohon road upgrading and P235 million road widening and drainage system in various national road sections in the province. (ajc/ dpwh-sldeo/esg/PIA8 SoLeyte)
WV farmers start mechanization with P13M equipment Leonard T. Pineda I ILOILO CITY, Dec. 27 (PIA6) --- Farmer associations in Western Visayas benefitted from a recent distribution of agricultural farm machineries worth P13, 650, 000 from the Department of Agriculture (DA). Cesar Mongan, president of Tigbatas Farmers’ Association in Dumangas, Iloilo, said these equipment and machineries are important to uplift their conditions especially the small farmers. “As of now, kulang katama ang aton manug-ani, amo na importante gid ang combine harvester (There is a lack of farmers who can harvest that is why the combine harvester is important),” he said. Mongan’s farmer group was one of the recipients of three combine harvester distributed in a ceremony held Dec. December 22 at Western Visayas Integrated Agricultural Research Center, Jaro, Iloilo City. Aside from the combine harvesters, DA led by Assistant Secretary for Visayas and Regulations Hansel O. Didulo and Regional Executive Director Remelyn R. Recoter also turned over 18 units of pumps and engines, three units of reaper harvester, 14 rice threshers, and four mini four-wheel drive tractors to identified farmer groups.
Meanwhile, Didulo said that the distribution of machineries and equipment is part of the plan of the department under Secretary Manny Piñol to fully mechanize the agriculture sector in the country. “You can expect more from the Department of Agriculture,” he said. He said that the department was mandated by President Rodrigo Duterte to fulfill its goals of producing available and affordable food for all Filipinos, uplifting the lives of farmers and fishersfolk, and to stop corruption. (LTP/PIA-Iloilo)
More on Region 7, pages 4-5. Also CLICK Here…
EASTERN VISAYAS
DTI-e PRESYO LAUNCHING. Ronelo G. Jamin (standing in front wearing white polo shirt), senior trade and industry development specialist, DTI-Biliran provincial office, explains to the participants the rationale of the launching of the DTI-e PRESYO in the province of Biliran, Biliran Island Inn, Naval, Biliran, December 23, 2016. (rvictoria/ PIA Biliran)
More on Region 8, pages 6-7. Also CLICK Here...
Filipinos envision better living in 2040 - NEDA Ferliza Calizar-Contratista CEBU CITY, Dec. 28 (PIA) – A survey revealed that majority of the Filipinos see a predominantly middle class society where no one is poor in the year 2040. During the recent launching of “Ambisyon Natin 2040”, National Economic Development Authority (NEDA) Regional Director Efren Carreon reported highlights of the recent survey on the Filipinos' vision for themselves and the country in the next 25 years. Accordingly, Filipinos remain positive that by 2040 there will be no poor as there will be majority middle income families. Filipinos then will enjoy long and healthy lives, are smart and innovative and will live in a high trust society. On the other hand, by 2040, Filipinos envision themselves to be living a stable and comfortable lifestyle, secure in the knowledge that there is enough for their daily needs and expected expenses. They also see themselves to be able to plan and prepare for their children’s future and the families live in a place they own. Other than that, they will also have the freedom to go where they desire and are protected by a clean, efficient and fair government.
Carreon said these were the results of the recent survey which covered both male and female from 15 to 50 years old from all income ranges in the entire Philippines. He said the results are necessary in the crafting of government policies as many of the agencies are bound to craft new plans. “It will be best if the plans, which are strategies, will take into consideration the visions of the Filipinos, long term included since 2040 will cover four administrations,” Carreon said. The survey covers ideals on housing, education, priority sectors, transportation, health and communication. Carreon said these are merely visions and ideals, and it is now up to the agencies both private and public to strategize for the plans. He urged the media and the information officers of the different line agencies to help in relaying the visions to the public. “What we have is a vision, we need now is to communicate the vision,” according to Dionisio Lebres Jr., NEDA-7 assistant regional director. (rmn/fcc/ PIA7-Cebu)
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WESTERN VISAYAS
Pag-IBIG Fund to members: increase Fund savings, win prizes By Elsa S. Subong ILOILO CITY, Dec. 29 (PIA6) — The Pag-IBIG Fund is encouraging all qualified members. Local or abroad, and are actively remitting monthly savings with the Fund, to join a Raffle Promo Project.
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ccording to the Fund, this project aims to encourage the members to upgrade their savings as preparation for their family’s immediate financial need. The promo has been going on since May 1, 2016 and will end with a Grand Draw on March 31, 2017, with monthly draws held as scheduled. A Pag-IBIG primer says that one electronic raffle ticket is issued for every P600 for every Pag-IBIG savings per month. The same primer says that a member wishing to join the raffle promo should remit
the required saving per month and then register online at www.pagibigfund.gov.ph only once and follow the instruction. A new member can join in the raffle promo as long as he/she remits the required minimum saving of P600 per month within the promo period, but the upgraded savings which are part of the housing loan amortizations are excluded in the raffle promo. The Fund also said that all active members are encouraged to remit more than P600.00 for more chances of winning the raffle promo. The Pag-IBIG member who qualifies to join the
raffle promo will receive an e-mail confirmation from the Fund, and another e-mail will indicate the raffle entries corresponding to the member’s remittances. Available prizes to be won in this Expanded Raffle Promo, include 20 units of Mac Book Pro, 25 units of Samsung S-7 Edge, two P250,000, two P500,000 and the Grand Prize of P1,000,000.00. All winners are notified through call, emails or registered mails and informed of the requirements for claiming the prize. (JCM/ESS/ PIA-Iloilo)
LGUs to commemorate 120th Rizal‘s martyrdom Lilibeth A. French ILOILO CITY, Dec. 28 (PIA6) - - The country will mark on Friday, December 30, the 120th anniversary of the martyrdom of its national hero, Dr. Jose P. Rizal.
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n line with this, Secretary Ismael Sueno of the Department of the Interior and Local Government has enjoined all local chief executives to conduct simple but meaningful activities to encourage participation in their respective localities during the observance. Some of the suggested activities in the Memorandum Circular No. 2016 – 172 issued by Sueno on December 1, this year, are flag raising, wreath laying rites, display of Philippine
flag in LGU offices, and civic parade. For Iloilo City, Junel Ann Divinagracia, City Tourism Officer said the observance will be highlighted by various commemorative activities to be held at the monument of the hero in Plaza Libertad on Friday. A flag raising ceremony at 7:00 AM will kick-off the activities. It will be followed by a wreath laying ceremony and a program which will be capped by the releasing of doves and balloons.
Brigadier General Jon Aying, Commander, 3rd Infantry Division of the Philippine Army based in Camp Peralta, Jamindan, Capiz, will be the guest speaker. “Rizal: Bayaning Global, Aydol ni Juan” is the theme of this year’s Rizal Day which is a regular holiday nationwide. The month of December of every year is also declared as “Rizal Month” pursuant to Proclamation No. 126 s. 2001. (JCM/laf/ PIA6-Iloilo)
Torch parade, fireworks open Binirayan Festival 2016 Vicente W. Villavert SAN JOSE, Antique, Dec. 27 (PIA6) - - Torch and ‗torotot‘ parade, and a grand display of fireworks marked the opening of the Binirayan Festival 2016 at the Evelio B. Javier Freedom Park here.
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ov. Rhodora Cadiao and Vice- Gov.Edgar Denosta led the grand opening of the festival with the various other provincial and municipal officials in attendance. The Lin-ay Kang Antique candidates were also present to add color to the event. The Binirayan Festival is an annual celebration of heritage and culture started during the administration of the late Governor Evelio B. Javier. The festival re-enacts the landing and settlement of the ten Malayan Datus in what is now Malandog, Hamtic, Antique. The theatrical presentations are portrayed in Malayan and “Ati” costumes to showcase to both local and foreign tourists the
Antiqueños’ noble beginnings, colorful history and heritage. The re-enactment was held in the afternoon of December 26 at the shorelines of Malandog. The festival’s theme this year is “Celebrating Culture and Greatness.” The activities from December 27-30 to be held at the EBJ Freedom Park are as follows: December 27Drum and Glockeinspiel competition elementary and secondary; Rafflesia children dance completion; Tricycle lights contest; Lin-ay Kang Antique 2016 Talent’s Night and Festival Costume; December 28: Wreath Laying at the Evelio B. Javier Statue, EBJ Freedom Park; Binirayan Football Festival at Binirayan Sports
Complex; Globe Village at EBJ Freedom Park; First Binirayan Motocross in Tobias Fornier; Bugal kang Antique Awards, Rampatadyong Fashion Night at EBJ Freedom Park; December 29: Red Cross Blood letting; Binirayan Mass; Tumandok nga Sipal, Arnis Exhibition and Boxing tournament; Lin-ay KangAntique Grand Coronation Night at EBJ Gymnasium; and December 30: Grand Binirayan Day celebration, Rizal Day celebration, Parada kang Lahi, Float Parade Contest, Malay-Ati Competition, Karsadyahan/ Street-Dancing/Merry-Making; and Closing ceremony and awarding of prizes with Grand fireworks display at EBJ Freedom Park. (JCM/ VWV/PIA Antique)
WESTERN VISAYAS
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Use ‗torotot‘ instead of firecrackers Carlson B. Alelis BACOLOD CITY, Dec. 28 (PIA6) – The City Health Office (CHO) here made use of ‗torotot‘ or horns as a way to make noise as part of the health department‘s Iwas Paputok Campaign.
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HO led hundreds of employees of the city government in using the torotot to advocate against the use of firecrackers and pyrotechnics as the New Year celebration nears. This happened during the Christmas Party of the Bacolod City Government Employees’ Union (BCGEU) on Dec. 23 at the Government Center lobby, a release from the
City Information Office said. The campaign focuses on disseminating information about the prohibition of individual and residential use or possession of firecrackers, and promoting community fireworks display, the CHO said. The theme for this year’s campaign is, “Iwas Paputok, Community Fireworks ang Patok.” The Department and Health, along with
the CHO here, is partnering with various agencies to ensure the campaign’s success. These agencies include the Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP), Philippine National Police (PNP), Department of Education (DepEd) and Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office (DRRMMO) to advocate against the use of firecrackers. (JCM/CBA/PIA6-Negros Occidental)
DTI launches ‗e-Presyo‘ in Capiz Alex A. Lumaque ROXAS CITY, Capiz, Dec. 23 (PIA6) – An Online Price Monitoring System (OPMS) was launched by the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) – Provincial Office before members of local mediamen and retailers last Dec. 21 here.
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PMS or “e-Presyo” will give access to consumers to check the monitored prevailing prices of basic necessities and prime commodities, said DTI provincial director Ermelinda Pollentes. She added that OPMS can be accessed through the DTI website, www.dti.gov.ph and through android mobile application. Consumers can see in the “e-Presyo”
the Suggested Retail Prices (SRPs) of basic necessities and prime commodities, monitored prevailing prices and stores with the lowest prices and comparative prevailing prices for the past week, month and year. “We are glad that DTI Central Office has come up with the initiative as this will prevent undue increases on prices of the basic necessities and prime commodities,” she
added, noting that OPMS will make retailers more competitive “that is selling best value for money.” This will also be a promotion on the part of the retailers, she added. About 25 local retail outlets are expected by DTI to come up with prices that can be accessed anytime through web and mobile application online. (JCM/AAL/PIA6 Capiz)
APIOA ends the year with community outreach Sheila Q. Patoza KALIBO, Aklan, Dec. 29 (PIA6) – The Aklan Public Information Officers Association, an organization of government Information Officers here, marked the year with a community outreach program dubbed ―Adopt a Barangay Project,‖ in Barangay Bagong Barrio, Makato, Aklan recently.
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PIOA’s Vice-President Lt. Col. Antonio Tumnog of the 12th Infantry Battalion of the Philippine Army and the major proponent of the project said that the success of the event was due to the desire of each member to do a community cause for the less privileged Aklanons. “This project, considered as a second major activity of the organization this 2016, had further enhanced the close working relationship among the members of APIOA while enabling to touch the lives of the residents of Bagong Barrio,” Lt. Col. Tumnog added. The one-day community outreach
project was a venue for giving free medical and dental services to indigent residents of the said barangay, gift giving, information drive, and tree planting activities. About 70 households and 140 children were able to receive Noche Buena packs and bags with school supplies, respectively. In the same day, two of the residents of the barangay, pre-identified by the council, were given wheelchairs. Meanwhile, information officers were given the opportunities to cascade the programs and projects, as well as the services of their agencies to the people of
Bagong Barrio. Free haircut and massage were also offered during the event. A tree planting activity ended the one day community outreach which were participated in by the information officers. Aside from the proceeds of the Color Fun Run held in November, the Adopt a Barangay Project of APIOA was funded with the major sponsorship from the GMA Kapuso Foundation, Philippine Charity Sweepstakes Office, Aklan Electric Cooperative, Inc., and the contributions of each APIOA member and their agencies. (JSC/SQP/PIA6 Aklan)
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CENTRAL VISAYAS
CV sends relief aid to storm-hit areas in Region 5 Amor Y. Saludar CENTRAL VISAYAS, Dec. 27 (PIA) --- Several government agencies in Region 7 sent various relief aid to areas in Region 5 that were badly hit by Typhoon Nina.
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epartment of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD-7) sent a total 2, 600 food packs, while the Department of Health (DOH-7) sent 66 boxes of assorted medicines, 29 gallons and 50 pails. The relief aid was transported via a C130 of the Philippine Air Force to Virac, Catanduanes. Office of Civil Defense Assistant Regional Director Engr. Verniel Balaba said the operation started yesterday afternoon with C130 flying to Virac Catanduanes carrying 1,500 food packs. The second batch was sent early this morning. Balaba said the Regional Disaster Risk
Reduction and Management Council (RDRRMC -7) – Disaster Response Emergency Operation Center was immediately established at the Mactan Airbase as the logistics hub for Typhoon Nina. He said that since yesterday, the relief goods were already prepared waiting for the go signal to be transported to Virac, Catanduanes. “Yesterday afternoon the goods were already in the hands of DSWD -5 and we assumed that immediately upon receiving the distribution of goods to affected areas started,” Balaba said. Personnel from the Armed Forces of the Philippines, Philippine Coast Guard (PCG-7),
Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP-7), and Philippine National Police (PNP) served as porter of goods, while personnel from the National Telecommunications (NTC-7) and volunteers from the Federation of Volunteers Radio and Communication (FVRC) supported in the communication process. DSWD-7 targeted 10,000 food packs for sending to typhoon-stricken areas. Balaba added that the RDRRMC/OCD-7 is on standby should manpower for Response Team and assessors will be needed. (rmn/ays/PIA-7)
Renewal of business permits starts Jan. 4 Ferliza Calizar-Contratista CEBU CITY, Dec. 27 (PIA) – The renewal of business permits in Cebu City will start on January 4.
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n a press release by Cebu City Public Information Office, the processing for renewal and application of Mayor’s Business Permit for year 2017 will start on January 4 and will run for two weeks until January 27, 2017. This time, the processing done by the City Mayors Office (CMO) and City Treasurers Office (CTO) will be at Robinsons Galleria Ground Floor. Business processing time starts 9:00 am until 6:00 in the evening from Monday to Friday. They are also open for two Saturdays, January 7 and 27. City Treasurer Tessie Camarillo encouraged the businessmen to renew their business permits within the scheduled date on January 4 to 27 to avoid the two percent interest and 25 percent surcharge and penalties. “I also encourage everyone to be early, visit the Robinson’s Galleria Cebu to familiarize the site because it is new, and bring complete requirements,” Camarillo stressed, adding that the clients will be
catered on a first come, first served basis following a computerized queuing management system. She stressed that CTO will conduct tax mapping and will send notices to business establishments who will not renew their Mayor’s Business Permits. CTO targets to collect P2.8 billion in business taxes and permit fees in 2017. According to her, there are only three requirements this year for the issuance of Mayor’s Business Permit, the duly filled-up application form; preceding year’s income tax return; and the financial statements duly received by the Bureau of Internal Revenue or BIR (if available) or the preceding year’s Sales Journal or VAT/Percentage returns (for the first, second and third quarters, and for the months of October and November) only. Businessmen will undergo at least four steps in the one-stop shop services. Claire Cabalda, head of the Cebu City Business Permit and Licensing Office, also shared that the
services at Robinsons Galleria Cebu will also include the application for New Mayor’s Business Permit, Retirement of Business Operations, Application for Special and Delivery Permits, and also Cedula issuance for business permit purposes only. However, Cedula issuance for other purposes will be available at the Cebu City Hall. City Hall employees will be deployed to accommodate the operators, owners or representatives of the more than 30,000 business establishments from the city’s 80 barangays. They will be on a shifting duty and will observe a no lunch break policy. Meanwhile, Cebu City Mayor Tomas Osmeña and Floramie Vega, regional operations manager of Robinsons Land Corporation, the developer of Robinsons Galleria Cebu, signed a memorandum of agreement (MOA) last week for the new venue of the processing of the Mayor’s Business Permit at a space in the ground floor of the Robinson's Galleria Cebu. (rmn/fcc/PIA7-Cebu/with reports from Greggy Senados, Cebu City PIO staff)
NegOr PVO vows to intensify rabies eradication program in 2017 Roi Lomotan NEGROS ORIENTAL, Dec. 23 (PIA) – The Provincial Veterinary Office (PVO) here vowed to intensify its rabies eradication program in 2017 in response to a high rabies incidence recorded this year.
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VO Officer in Charge Jaime Villaluz met with field implementers in the different Local Government Units (LGUs) in the province on Dec. 21 in Dumaguete City to discuss the progress of the rabies eradication program in the province. Villaluz disclosed that the accomplishment so far is at 56.70 percent out of the 80 percent target in the total population of animals to be covered by the program. He admitted that the accomplishment is below the target set but hopes that the figure will go up once LGUs submit their report for the month of December. Villaluz explained that 80 percent is the least required percentage of the animal population in a locality to be covered by the rabies eradication program, of which part of it are vaccination, spaying
and neutering. An increase was noted in the number of animal bite incidents this year compared to last year as reported by Dr. Alice Yap, provincial rabies coordinator of the Integrated Provincial Health Office. Provincial Veterinarian Villaluz said one of the reasons of a high rabies incidence here this year is the increasing number of stray dogs. With this, Villaluz said that for next year they will intensify the conduct of massive vaccination for animals, information drive among barangays and hold animal population survey as part of their strategy. He also said they will also strengthen community involvement as part of their program. The Provincial Veterinarian also urged LGU field implementers to make rabies eradication a
priority program of their respective areas. Department of Agriculture-7 Technical Director for Research Joel Elumba who also participated in the activity pointed out that LGUs should make it a priority program since lowering rabies incidents can have a good impact to the community like in tourism. “Meanwhile, despite the 50 percentage of accomplishment for the year, Dr. Maria Dulce Vilan also reported in the year-end assessment meeting that the PVO was able to vaccinate 9, 707 and deworm 2, 483 animals in the conduct of their rabies caravan. Aside from this the PVO also provided vitamin supplementation for 2,504 animals and had 423 and 516 undergo spaying and neutering procedures, respectively. (rmn/ral/PIA7-Negros Oriental)
CENTRAL VISAYAS
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Bohol turns over P450K legal aid fund to law enforcers Rey Anthony H. Chiu CORTES, Bohol, Dec. 27 (PIA) — Governor Edgar Chatto turns over Bohol‘s assistance to a law enforcement program which provides legal assistance to the fight against drugs and criminality.
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hat day coincides when the Provincial Peace and Order Council (PPOC) noted a better batting average by getting more convictions than acquittals in the prosecution of drug offenders. After several months of tracking dismaying accomplishments in the conviction rates as against those cases filed by authorities, members of the PPOC noted 11 drug convictions as against four acquittals and two dismissals. In the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA) report which the Department of Interior and Local Government presented, it also showed that during October to November 2016, a total of 193 drug-related cases were filed. The assistance goes to the Integrated Bar of the Philippines (IBP) Bohol Chapter through its presi-
dent Atty. Teodoro Lagang for Bohol’s Legal Assistance to Effective Law Enforcement Program (LAELEP). LAELEP is a program lodged at the IBP and entails the IBP to extend free legal assistance to law enforcement agents who may be getting counter-charges while in the performance of their legal duties. In the implementation of the LAELEP, the program also extended to providing law enforcement agents the capacity to be more efficient in their case build up to get a better conviction rate. The support system assures that state operatives in the performance of their duties do not necessarily dip their hands into their pockets just to defend themselves.
This too came as the PPOC noted that plenty of cases have been prosecution turn-downs largely due to insufficiency of evidence, failure to follow the custody of evidence protocols, and several technicality issues. At the turn over of the assistance to IBP for LAELEP, Chatto explained that the fund was the initial tranche and another one would be given as soon as the IBP can use up the aid. The governor also reminded those in attendance to the simple rites that the fund would be subject to normal auditing rules. For the IBP, Lagang assured the PPOC that the money would go to the intended projects even as he announced that an activity of the IBP for the program has been stated this week. (rmn/rac/ PIA7-Bohol)
Bidding for new city dump trucks to start first quarter of 2017 Roi Lomotan DUMAGUETE CITY, Dec. 23 (PIA) – The City Government of Dumaguete is set to begin the public bidding for two new garbage compacters and four new dump trucks on the first quarter of 2017 in response to alleged frequent breakdown of units from the City Environment and Natural Resources Office (ENRO).
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umaguete City Mayor Felipe Remollo believes that the purchase of the new equipment will ensure efficient garbage collection within the next years. Remollo appealed to barangay officials and residents of the city to wait until the procurement process is completed in strict adherence to all applicable laws and regulations by the Commission on Audit (COA).
“It is the policy of my administration to consult the Commission on Audit, seek the auditors’ guidance and clearance in all transactions and expenditures of public funds to avoid incurring Notice of Disallowances,” Remollo said. On the other hand, the city government has also adopted a new scheme which maximized the use of other trucks from other departments while adjusting the collection tome schedule to avoid
escalating the traffic congestion in the downtown area. While the law cites that it is the primary role of the barangays to segregate, collect and dispose garbage within their jurisdictions, the city government will do its best to assist in order to keep the city clean and green, said City Public Information Officer Dems Demecillo. (rmn/ral/PIA7-Negros Oriental/with reports from Dumaguete City PIO)
Bohol crimes continue to dip in November Rey Anthony H. Chiu CORTES, Bohol, Dec. 27 (PIA) — Crime volume in Bohol continue to slide down, this time at 22.4% in November compared to the previous month.
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n view of this accomplishment, Bohol Governor Edgar Chatto assured everyone involved in the anti-crim campaign that their sacrifices for Bohol would not go unnoticed. At the recent Provincial Peace and Order Council (PPOC) meeting at the Governor’s Mansion, Bohol Provincial Police in Camp Dagohoy bared that despite the dwindling number of persons arrested in relation to the President’s anti-drug war, the crime downtrend persists. Speaking for Camp Dagohoy, Police Superintendent Lorenzo Batuan showed that of the 227 index crimes reported in October, the figure reduced to 197 in November. This is some 14% decrease in index crime volume. As to non-index crimes, Batuan also cited a similar decrease: a much bigger and more pronounced dip at 26.2%.
In October, non-index crimes in Bohol went as high as 503 cases, according to Camp Dagohoy crime trackers. By November, the figure dipped to 317, which police credited to their efforts despite notable disparity in their number of operations and the number of person arrested. Previously, police authorities basked in relative success when their raids almost always nets a criminal. Due to this, the total crime volume in November could only reach 566 as compared to October’s 730. The month therefore netted a decrease of 164 cases, an accomplishment that trended in Bohol since July. Of the same period, top index crimes are still theft, physical injuries, and robbery. Theft cases reported in police blotters
across the province totaled 76, physical injury cases reached 74, and robbery stayed at an even 27 cases in November, Batuan showed. As to non-index crimes, violation of special laws dipped by 44% from 155 to 87 in November. Other non-index crimes posted an 11 percent decrease from 122 to 109 while traffic related incidents, another kind of non-index crime, also pegged a 23 percent decrease. In October, traffic related incidents reached 226 which went down to 175 in November. For the month, Bohol also enjoys an 11 percent decrease in average monthly crime rate which in November is nailed at 41 from 52.9 in October. As to average monthly index crime rate in November, Bohol enjoys 14.1 crimes compared to the 16.6 in October. (rmn/rac/PIA-7/Bohol)
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EASTERN VISAYAS
DPWH Southern Leyte among the top in PCMA use nationwide Erna S. Gorne
MAASIN CITY, Southern Leyte, Dec. 28 (PIA) - The Department of Public Works and Highways Southern Leyte District Engineering Office (DPWH-SLDEO) ranks among the top 20 district offices in the usage of the Project Contract Management Application (PCMA).
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ccording to the DPWH -SLDEO Press Release (PR), SLDEO ranked first in the Eastern Visayas region and 20th nationwide in terms of PCMA use with the score of 86.14 percent, as of November this year. The PR noted there are 234 DPWH district offices in the country. The PCMA replaces the modernized project monitoring system used to check projects from 2015 and prior years, it
reported. PCMA include data quality and internal control features to prevent basic date problems from occurring, immediately highlighting the error and preventing data entry until corrected, it further noted. The PR quoted District Engineer Ma. Margarita C. Junia saying, “This is something that we should be happy about because PCMA was just adapted in the district this quarter and yet we’re
able to make it to the best of 20 district offices.” Through the PCMA, the public can verify data available online and actual physical accomplishments of project on sites, according to DPWH, it added. “Aside from improved monitoring of project contracts, the new system also aims to achieve transparency since project updates can be viewed online,” Junia added, the PR further quoted. (ajc/dpwh-sldeo/esg/PIA SoLeyte)
Samar governor enrolls in leadership learning journey Ninfa B Quirante
CATBALOGAN CITY, Samar, Dec. 28 (PIA) — Samar governor Sharee Ann Tan is now enrolled in the Zuellig Family Foundation leadership learning journey.
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his means that Tan will be visiting her poorest constituents right in their very homes to feel their health needs and really to address them within her power. She has visited four families last weekend, said Dr Antonio Tirazona, DOH Representative. Tan also reportedly did rounds of the Samar provincial hospital wards to check on the condition of the facility and also to check with patients about their needs. Visiting her poorest constituents needing health care
will allow the governor to personally experience the barriers to their health care seeking journey, said Tirazona. He added that this is the essence of the program, also dubbed as Governors for Health and Development. The program aims to bring the local chief executive to a level where health champions are, towards achieving the goals of the Philippine Health Agenda 2016-2022, said Dr. Perlie Langi of the Integrated Provincial Health Services. Langi narrated that with the
then enrolment of Motiong town in the Zuellig program, the increase of mothers delivering in health facility rose from a mere 6% to 87%, she said, she also talked about other health gains that Motiong achieved with this Zuellig program. Though she said this was achieved with the full support of the local government and the health allies. Langi is hopeful that the municipal mayors of chosen towns will cooperate with the governor for a change in the health status of Samarnons. (ajc/nbq/PIA 8 -Samar)
EASTERN VISAYAS
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PNP-8 chief asks newly-formed press corps vigilance on abusive police officers Aurora J. Casimpan PALO, Leyte, Dec. 22 (PIA) – The Philippine National Police regional honcho has asked the newly-formed PNP Press Corps to be vigilant and to report abuses that might be committed by police officers across the region.
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Chief Supt. Elmer Beltejar, PNP regional director, speaking before the gathered media corps during the Christmas party for the group held at the PNP Matapat Hall, December 16, said in no uncertain terms that he would not tolerate abusive police officers.
He told the media to let him know of any abuses committed by police officers, even just knowledge will suffice so proper filing of charges can be undertaken. Allegation of abuses manifested because of the President’s relentless war against illegal drugs. The police officer informed the
press group not to hesitate to report to him any unlawful acts such as cops not following standard operating procedures in the conduct of duty or acts deemed irregular. He said he would not tolerate such behaviour from his men. (ajc/ PIA8)
Borongan City holds first ever Eastern Samar Christmas Chorale Samuel D. Candido BORONGAN CITY, Eastern Samar, Dec. 21 (PIA) - The first ever Eastern Samar Christmas Choral Competition was held last December 19, 2016 at the Mayor Luis Capito Cultural Stage, this city.
T
he competition was conceived by the Office of the Congressman and the provincial government of Eastern Samar. “While I was contemplating on how we can nurture our culture peculiar to us as a province, what occured to my mind maybe was the way we celebrate Christmas in this part of the country. This may not be so manifest in this initial event, however, I am sure this will attain its purpose as we do the succeeding events, Evardone said. He added that culture is the best expression of our shared values. External influences may have diluted it but it is good to go back to tradition at least in the aspect of interpersonal relations and family ties. This year’s competition were ten contestants from the different municipalities and one city. The competitors followed rules set up by the organizers. The said competition was open to a singing group whether existing or to be assembled and/or whether school,
church or any association -based in the municipality or a city or a combination, as may be appointed by the Mayor to represent the municipality or city. All members were residents of the municipality or city he or she represents. A minimum of 17 and a maximum of 27 members, inclusive of one accompanist and one conductor constituted the chorale. Three songs needed to be p r e p a r e d b y t h e competitors: Preparatory Song – An Waray-waray song; Contest Piece – “Simbang Gabi” and Finale song – “Ang Pasko ay Sumapit”. The criteria for judging were as follows: Stage Discipline – 10%, Technique – 30%, Musicianship – 30%, and Performance – 30% or a total score of 100%. The competition had three major prizes: Champion - P 50,000.00, Donor: Cong. Ben P. Evardone; Second Place – P 30,000.00, Donor: Gov. Conrado B. Nicart, Jr., Third Place – P 20,000.00, Donor: Vice-Gov. Ferdinand Marcelo
A. Picardal, and the consolation prizes of P 5,000.00; Donors: City Mayor Ma. Fe R. Abunda, Sangguniang Panlalawigan (SP-Members): Karen D. Alvarez and Annabelle A. Capito. A Plaque of Certificate of Participation was also given to the contestants. The result of the competition were: Grand Champion - Eastern Samar State University (ESSU) Glee ; Second Prize – Municipality of Balangiga and the Third Prize – Eastern Samar National Comprehensive High (ESNCHS) School Teachers Chorale. The Board of Judges were: Chairman - Professor Stephen Lagarde, Members – Professor Danilo Lerios, and Professor Rolando Calleja from Tacloban City. Cong. Evardone confirmed that next year’s competition will be represented by 22 municipalities and one city. Attendees in the event aside from the congressman, were nine municipal mayors, the city mayor, two SP Members and two Sangguniang Panglungsod of Borongan City. (ajc/ SDC/PIA8-E. Samar)
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