PIA ONE VISAYAS Issue 5

Vol I

In this Issue WESTERN VISAYAS

Farmers, fisherfolks get P331.7M

by Hazel Gloria and Jaybee Binghay

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EBU CITY, September 26 (PIA) -- The Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD-7) in the region has disbursed some P331.7 million for rice and food subsidy to farmers and fisher folks in Central Visayas.

DSWD-7 regional director Ma. Evelyn Macapobre explained that with this funds, the beneficiaries’ income

Mr. Christopher Lorenzo, ICT management consultant /director for business development at Netlearn Ventures, Inc., says the new media including online journalism allow for faster and wider dissemination of information and which PIA information officers can use—at less cost. (PIA6)

More on Region 6, pages 2-3.

Also CLICK here...

CENTRAL VISAYAS

Sept. 26– Oct. 2, 2011

Published by: PIA 6, 7 & 8

Issue 5

Ceremonial Harvest. Showcasing the municipality of Lila, Bohol as the first hybrid rice municipality in the region, Lila farmers in a photo opportunity with 3rd Dist.

Rep. Arthur C. Yap (center) during the Harvest Festival of the Rice Hybridization Program of Lila municipality on September 23, 2011. (PIA-Bohol/ecb)

will be augmented. This will also encourage community participation during disaster and post disaster activities including hunger mitigation and food security initiatives.

Macapobre added this is an intervention to provide temporary employment to farmers and fisher folks as well as their families who are distressed, displaced or needing assistance in undertaking preparedness, mitigation, relief, rehabilitation or risk reduction projects and activities in their communities.

With this assistance, the beneficiaries are able to enhance food production through farm preparation, construction or repair of shallow wells and irrigation canals as well as additional income for road rehabilitation, construction and/or repairs of classrooms and day care centers, Macapobre said.

Of the total budget allocation the DSWD-7 disbursed in Central Visayas, the municipality of Mabinay, Negros Oriental received the biggest chunk at P13,104,814 benefitting nearly 4,462 individuals.

For Central Visayas, this short–term aid has benefitted some 112,939 marginalized and small scale farmers and fisher folks.(PIA-7/hfg & DSWD-7/jb)

PIA Visayas writers train on new media

by Jaime S. Cabag, Jr.

SMART public affairs senior manager for Vis-Min lawyer Jane Paredes tells PIA information officers they can gain much headway in information dissemination by using the new information technology. (PIA 6/Visayas)

More on Region 7, pages 4-5.

Also CLICK here...

EASTERN VISAYAS

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LOILO CITY, Oct. 2 (PIA) – Information Officers of the Philippine Information Agency (PIA) from the Visayas Cluster gathered in Cebu City, Sept. 29 – 30 to undergo training on social networking, blogging and e-newsletter production.

PIA 6 Regional Director and Visayas Cluster Head lawyer Ma. Janet C. Mesa said the training sought to enhance the knowhow of PIA writers on disseminating news and information about government through the internet.

The training is a public-private partnership between the government information agency and SMART Communications.

Participants came from the PIA Visayas Cluster comprising Western Visayas (Region 6), Central Visayas

Return of Balangiga Bells resounds after 110 years

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Disaster risk reduction and management group members in Region 8 conduct a drill to enhance their capability to respond during a calamity or disaster. (PIA8)

More on Region 7, pages 6-7.

Also CLICK here...

ACLOBAN CITY, Leyte, Oct. 2 (PIA) – The people of Balangiga, Eastern Samar, about one and a half hour away from Tacloban, commemorated, Sept. 28 the 110th Anniversary of the Balangiga Encounter.

The anniversary rites commemorated the event that took place more than a century ago in which revolutionaries almost wiped out an entire American detachment posted in Balangiga then.

The commemoration program and reenactment, a tradition in the municipality and Eastern Samar province, was again held at the town plaza where the P6-million Balangiga Encounter Monument and Memorial Library designed by National Artist Napoleon Abueva stand as a reminder of the encounter that clearly shows the Filipinos’ love for democracy and independence.

(Region 7) and Eastern Visayas (Region 8).

Mesa described the use of the internet as channel for information dissemination as one of the most exciting developments in the field of communication. It is faster and cheaper and can reach a wider audience everywhere, she added.

Beside Mesa, PIA Regional Directors Minerva BC Newman of Region 7 and Erlinda Olivia Tiu of Region 8 also led their respective staff in attending the training.

The training jives with the program of the Agency headed by Director General lawyer Jose A. Fabia on the use of the new media to disseminate news and information about the Presidency and government programs, projects and services.

The PIA has a website at www.pia.gov.ph.

(JSC/PIA6) As in previous years, the commemoration also became a venue for the solitary wish of residents for the bells of Balanginga to be returned to its original and rightful owner, the Philippines. The Bells, now at the "Trophy Park" of the Warren Airforce Base in Wyoming, belong to the Church for the use of the people of Balangiga.

Some years ago, a representation was made by the Philippine delegation led by former President Fidel Ramos and Ambassador Raul Rabe and supported by some American legislators, resulting in a compromise, that is, to have the two bells recast and then give one original and one replica to each country.

This is the position that is accepted and supported by members of the United States Catholic Conference (USCC). The Diocese of Borongan, with much reluctance, agreed to this arrangement.

However, to this date, the Bells remain in Wyoming, Mayor Viscuso De Lira lamented. The people of Balangiga are optimistic that at last, their wish will become a reality.

(PIA 8)

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WESTERN VISAYAS

LCEs call for bioregion approach to disaster risk reduction by: Elsa S. Subong ILOILO CITY, Sept. 27 (PIA) -- Local chief executives (LCEs) and various key players composing the Metro Iloilo-Guimaras Sustainable Bioregion met in Iloilo City to lay down a holistic approach to disaster risk reduction and management framework of the region.

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n a press release by the Canadian Urban Institute (CUI) Project Manager Benjamin Luz said a bioregional approach is meant to be a collaborative effort that compliments each local government unit’s efforts as they anticipate the increasing threats of disasters.

The CUI is a partner of the Bioregion Initiative, participated particularly by towns and agencies in the Tigum-Aganan Watershed Management Board (TAWMB) and the Metro Iloilo-Guimaras Development Council (MIGEDC).

Luz said the bioregion’s DRRM framework aims to strengthen the region’s disaster preparedness, response and mitigation measures in the context of climate change.

Guimaras Governor Felipe Hilan Nava

said though his province has already its own DRRM plan, a bioregion effort is more appropriate at this time because the region, through its experiences of disaster, has started to become conscious of the adverse effects of climate change.

“Let us train our people together, plan together and maximize our resources to make our region a better place,” Nava told the other participants during the workshop.

The participants were divided into workshop groups, based on geographical locations, such as lowland, upland, coastal areas, and the Guimaras province.

The participating local officials included Gov. Nava, Iloilo City Mayor Jed Mabilog, San Miguel Mayor Victor Saclauso, Leon Mayor

Rolito Cajilig, Sta. Barbara Mayor Dennis Superficial, and Leganes Mayor Enrique Rojas, and representatives from the DILG, Office of Civil Defense, Department of Budget and Management, and the TAWMB and the MIGEDC. The participants said they noted that they have insufficient resources, including training and technical skills, as well as there is a need for legislative requirements, protocols, information and education campaign to be put in place.

They also said that there is the need for mainstreaming the DRRM in the provincial and regional disaster risk reduction plans. (CUI/ ESS/JCM/PIA-Iloilo)

EJOW bus to resolve Boracay cases faster

by Venus G. Villanueva KALIBO, Aklan, September 25 (PIA) -- The deployment of a bus by the Supreme Court (SC) in Malay will make resolution of cases committed in the island of Boracay faster.

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he deployment of the white and blue bus, one of the two brought by the SC to Aklan, Sept. 23 is a component of the highest court of the land under its Enhanced Justice on Wheels (EJOW) program, according to Regional Trial Court Executive Judge Marieta Homena-Valencia during the launching of the program held in front of the RTC at the Capitol Compound here.

The launching was graced by Hon. Raul Bautista Villanueva, Deputy Court Administrator, Aklan provincial officials led by Governor Carlito S. Marquez and Vice Governor Gabrielle Calizo-Quimpo, Kalibo mayor William S. Lachica, RTC and MCTC judges in Aklan, court employees, jail officials and detainees and the local media.

Judge Valencia said the bus will serve the 5th Municipal Circuit Trial Court (MCTC) composed of Malay and Buruanga, and will cater mostly to cases committed in Boracay Island and cases committed by residents in the

island.

“Of the 229 cases in the area as of August 2011, 90% were committed in Boracay Island,” Judge Valencia said.

The bus to be deployed in Malay will also serve as mobile courts in resolving cases of Aklanons detained at the Aklan Rehabilitation Center (ARC) and the Bureau of Jail and Penology (BJMP) here.

Judge Valencia told the audience that the buses, colored white and violet, sport the Justice on Wheels words with the message written in the lower portion that read “Our Courts Are Driven to Serve You Better.”

The buses, according to Valencia, are the SC’s visible courts under the leadership of Chief Justice Renato Corona to show the accessibility of justice to many.

“For his part, Aklan Governor Carlito S. Marquez thanked the SC represented by Hon. Villanueva for coming to Aklan for the third time in four years.

“It is our third time to be honored by the SC by coming here – first, in 2008 after Typhoon Frank when these buses became temporary courts due to the destruction of the RTC here, the second, during the inauguration of the rehabilitated Hall of Justice, and this third time, with the launching of EJOW. Governor Marquez added he has full appreciation of the rule of justice in governance, which contributes to the full faith of the citizenry.

“Let our voice rise in harmony to honor our judiciary,” Marquez said.

Besides hearings conducted in the two buses, other components of the EJOW in Aklan included information dissemination to barangay officials, jail visitation and medical and dental mission, dialogue with Supreme Court officials and Team Building for Court Employees. (JSC/VGV-PIA 6 Aklan)

Bacolod hotels get early booking for Masskara Festival

by Easter Anne D. Doza BACOLOD CITY, Sept. 26 (PIA) -- More Hotels are getting booked in time for the world-renowned MassKara Festival come October.

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acolod City Mayor Evelio Leonardia revealed that since 3-4 months ago hotel rooms in the city were getting booked by local and foreign tourists who wanted to witness the MassKara Festival that the mayor called the "crown jewel" of Bacolod’s Tourism industry.

Hotel rooms have increased from 1,612 rooms in 2004 to 3,678 hotel rooms this year.

“Robinsons Land is also building a hotel

and is even adding an additional floor from its original plan. This tells us therefore that the tourism industry is growing and continues to grow,” Leonardia said.

Flights have also increased from four flights 10 years ago to 17 flights now going in and going out of Manila and Cebu.

“An increase in flights indicates that there is vibrancy in the economy and the industry continues to grow,” Leonardia added.

With the expected overflow of people during the festival on October 1-19, the mayor urged the local police to prepare for the security and safety aspects of the revelers.

Bacolod City Police Office Director Col. Ricardo dela Paz presented to the members of the City Peace and Order Council the PNP’s security and traffic plan with its re-routing schemes.*(JCM/EAD-PIA6/Negros Occidental)

WESTERN VISAYAS

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DOT to make PH a key Asian destination

by Lilibeth A. French ILOILO CITY, Sept. 26 (PIA) -- Department of Tourism Undersecretary for Tourism Planning and Promotions Daniel G. Corpuz said that several efforts are underway to make the country a key tourist destination in Asia.

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hile the Philippines lagged behind its ASEAN neighbors, ranking only 6th and accounting for 5.2 percent share of total regional visitors, several efforts are now currently underway to turn the table around for the Philippines’ eventual rise as a key destination in Asia,” said Corpuz during his keynote address at the opening of the Philippine Statistical Association (PSA) Annual Conference 2011 held here in Iloilo City until September 27.

Corpuz said recently, the DOT completed the National Tourism Development Plan for 2011 to 2016 which will provide the framework for the development and promotion of the tourism sector anchored on environmentally and socially responsible practices that aims to deliver more widely distributed income and employment opportunities for more Filipinos.

According to Corpuz, the NTDP has adopted a cluster development approach to

ensure wide distribution of socio-economic benefits of tourism throughout the country. It has identified some 21 strategic destination tourism clusters with some 77 tourism development areas (TDAs).

The tourism clusters and TDAs serve as a catalogue for both foreign and local tourists, and investors. It will offer theme-based tourism products to cater to various types of tourists.

Among these nature-based, cultural, sun and beach, shopping/leisure and entertainment, cruising, MICE (Marketing, Incentives, Conferencing, and Exhibits), health and wellness, and nautical tourism.

“Through this approach, the NTDP envisioned to encourage both foreign and local tourist to stay longer by visiting more sites and attractions and spend more in the destinations.

These will surely create more jobs and income for local residents and taxes for LGUs,” said Corpuz.

Corpuz commended the PSA for adopting

the theme “Tourism and Statistics” for their annual conference as it has come at an opportune time.

Tourism is one of the high valued economic activities that world leaders, including the Aquino administration are currently focusing on to further stimulate and sustain the world’s economic growth, he said.

Also present during the event were Bureau of Agricultural Statistics Director Romeo Recide, National Statistical Coordination Board Secretary-General Romulo Virola, National Statistics Office Administrator Carmelita Ericta, Iloilo City Mayor Jed Patrick Mabilog, Governor Felipe Hilan Nava and DOT 6 Director Edwin Trompeta.

Nava discussed the Agri-tourism Development Program of his province during the first plenary session of the conference.

(LAF/PIA-Iloilo)

Capiz district tops NAT through mobile review classes by: Jemin B. Guillermo ROXAS CITY, Capiz, Sept. 26 (PIA -- The operationalization of two mobile review teams in all schools has been cited as one of the factors for President Roxas' schools district topping the 2011 National Achievement Test for the elementary level.

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i s t ri ct Su pe rv is o r D r. An g e l Payo disclosed that to prepare their students for the division, regional and national achievement examinations, they have initiated the conduct of intensive review activities through the mobile review team.

Each review team which is in charged for Grade III and Grade VI, respectively, is composed of four teachers, Payo said, pointing out that the review team for Grade III is conducting review classes in four subject areas while five subject areas are handled by those responsible for the Grade VI classes.

He explained that the teams goes to the different schools in the entire district for the intensive review classes.

According to him, the mobile review classes which is conducted during Saturdays starting October until February in 19 elementary schools in President Roxas, is in addition to the built-in review classes in the classrooms.

He added that review materials are also provided by the Capiz Schools Division office.

Payo also said that they have the district monitoring team composed of school administrators and school heads that conduct supervision and evaluation of classes in the classroom.

He also acknowledged the full support of the local government of said town by providing sufficient funds to the Local School

Board.

“In fact, some barangays here are the ones that pay for the miscellaneous fees of their students in order to ease the burden of the parents while there are private individuals and groups that are extending feeding program to undernourished children and sponsor for the miscellaneous fees of indigent pupils,” Payo stressed.

Recently, Capiz Governor Victor Tanco extolled the Department of Education in the Capiz division for ranking first in the recent NAT in Region VI, with President Roxas leading all elementary schools in the province here. (JCM/JBG/PIA6-Capiz)

Tourism hubs should follow international standards - DOT by: Lorenzo O. Lambatin, Jr. BACOLOD CITY, Sept. 28 (PIA) - The Department of Tourism (DOT) urged tourism establishments in the province to conform to international standards in order to keep tourism here alive and thriving.

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uring the Provincial Tourism Conference at Business Inn, the DOT through Atty. Helen Catalbas, Senior tourism Officer, urged entrepreneurs to maintain good housekeeping of their businesses so that tourists will patronize their product and place.

She said promotion of an establishment alone will not be sufficient in making customers

satisfied. Good service should be coupled with good housekeeping so that tourists will keep coming back, she added.

Catalbas revealed that DOT will do more accreditation activities in the coming days and will urge owners to upgrade their facilities.

“We will convince you, not close your establishment,” she stressed.

She said Negros Occ. had 500,000 visitors and 700,000 excursionists last year noting that these excursionists do not stay 24 hours in the place they visited as she challenged the audience keep on working to lure more local and foreign tourists. (JCM/LOL-PIA6 Negros Occ.)

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CENTRAL VISAYAS

Over 128T kids in C. Visayas benefit from feeding program

by Hazel Gloria and Jaybee Binghay CEBU CITY, September 24 (PIA) -- Pre-schoolers in Central Visayas numbering 128,082 will benefit from the Supplementary Feeding Program (SPF) of the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD 7).

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his program is in partnership with the local government units (LGUs) and Day Care Centers that aimms to provide supplementary food to day-care children aged three to five years old.

It is in the form of hot meals served either as breakfast or afternoon snack for five days a week for the period of 120 days.

DSWD-7 regional director Ma. Evelyn Macapobre said they have already spent P38,424,600 million for the purchase of rice from the National Food Authority (NFA) to be distributed to some 4,072 day care centers all over region Vll. Likewise, the amount of P167,376,550 was also disbursed to 132 LGUs for the purchase of vegetables, meat and poultry products to

complete the meal, and further enhance the nutritional value of children’s meal, Macapobre added.

The budget also includes the purchase of eating and cooking utensils, she added.

Parents will manage the feeding program based on a prepared cycle menu using available indigenous food materials.

The children’s weights and heights are taken at the start of the feeding and monitored every month to determine improvements in their nutritional status.

This program aims to provide augmentation support for feeding program in LGU managed day care centers, using indigenous foods and other available foods equivalent to one third of the Recommended

Energy and Nutrient Intakes (RENIs).

The feeding helps to improve knowledge, attitude and practices of parents and caregivers through intensified nutrition and health education; improve and sustain the nutritional status of all target children, and to assess and manage any health and nutrition –related problems.

DSWD-7 Nutritionist Dietician Melinda Canares disclosed that the program will not only boost the health of the targeted children but also encourage the parents to be responsible in preparing inexpensive nutritional meals from resources that are available in their community.(PIA-7/HFG & DSWD-7)

RAFI to hold moonwalk for breast cancer awareness

by Jennifer Catan-Tilos DUMAGUETE CITY, Sept 24 (PIA) -- The Eduardo J. Aboitiz Cancer Center (EJACC) of the Ramon Aboitiz Foundation Inc. (RAFI) will hold the 8th annual “Moonwalk: A Walk for Breast Cancer Awareness” on October. 12.

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ommunication Officer Haidee Emmie Palapar of RAFI said "moonwalk" is a unique advocacy campaign of RAFI held every full moon of October, aims to promote the importance of observing monthly breast self-examination for women aged 20 and beyond.

“The campaign (aims to) get more people to be aware on the importance of early cancer detection and prevention, at the same time, a tribute to the victims and survivors of breast cancer,” said Palapar.

Breast cancer is the leading cause of cancer-related deaths among Cebuano women, based on the Cebu population-based Cancer Registry of RAFI. EJACC recorded a total of 3,005 reported breast cancer cases in Metro Cebu and found a continuous increase of breast cancer incidence

over the past 10 years, caused by lifestyle and health-related factors.

The assembly area for this year’s Moonwalk will be at the Cebu Business Park near Pag-Ibig Fund Tower at 4:00 p.m.

Participants will walk to The Walk in Asiatown I.T. Park where they will form a human pink ribbon. A short program and Pink Rock Concert will follow.

“With the growing awareness on breast cancer, we are expecting more participants this year—around 3,000 from 1,500 last year. Most of the participants are cancer patients, women from the barangays, and the youth.

We encourage everyone, from all walks of life, to join us in this year’s Moonwalk, ” Ronald delos Reyes, EJACC program coordinator, said.

Moonwalk is organized in collaboration

with The Walk and in coordination with Ayala Center Cebu and I CAN SERVE. It is supported by the Cebu City Government, Department of Health Region 7, Asiatown I.T. Park, Cebu Business Park, Allied Banking Corporation, Phillipine National Bank, Cebu Praedia Development Corporation, Rotary Club of Cebu Fuente, and Destiny Medical Fund, Inc. Moonwalk is an initiative under the Integrated Development focus area of RAFI, addressing health issues of communities in order to create a better quality of life.

Moonwalk is in observance of Breast Awareness Month in October.

This is open to the public and participants are encouraged to wear pink shirts. (PIA NegOr/JCT)

Minimum wage now P275 all over Bohol

by Rey Anthony Chiu TAGBILARAN CITY, Bohol Sept 24 (PIA) -- Minimum daily wage in Bohol is now pegged at P275 following the recent round of additional P20 wage increase less than a year after the last increase was ordered.

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epartment of Labor and Employment Bohol information Officer German Guidaben said the increase took effect September 22 and would be valid despite the absence of a corresponding implementing rules and regulation for the increase.

The wage increase would be retroactive, so that those who would not immediately implement the raise would still be bound to release the said amount to their workers, he explained at the recent Kapihan sa PIA Thursday.

Labor unions in the Visayas have asked for an even bigger increase citing the recent surge

in prices of fuel and basic commodities, which has also greatly affected daily wage earners and their families.

The Regional Tripartite Wage and Productivity Board, however, in consultations and countless meetings with business leaders and representatives was finally convinced that a new increase was due even if it comes less than a year since the last increase.

Increases were supposedly not to happen twice in a year’s time, unless a supervening condition exists, according to the law.

Guidaben also revealed that formula to help determine the increases for workers who

have already attained the minimum is available at the local DOLE Office.

Dole also stressed that since the minimum wage determination is as good as a law, any worker who feels he is not given his rightful pay by his employers can seek DOLE assistance for possible mediation.

Over this, the DOLE spokesperson said he hopes the business sector would also be keen enough to see that they would have to adjust wages or face sanctions.

After all, the P20 increase as determined by the RTWPB is a win-win solution from the initial P125 increase demanded by unions.

CENTRAL VISAYAS

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Farmer Scientist winners in Siquijor receive awards

by Rizalie A. Calibo SIQUIJOR, September 22 (PIA) -- The Provincial Farmers Information and Technology Services (FITS) Consortium has awarded the winners of its search for Farmer Scientists in Siquijor.

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eter Paul Jutba of Capalasanan, Lazi won the first prize of P5,000 in cash and farm implements; second prize went to Nida Bonocan of Nonoc, Larena with P4,000 cash and farm implements; and Salome Patoy of Tambisan, Siquijor for the third prize of P3,000 in cash plus Farm Implements.

Consolation prizes of P1,000 each were also given to the three other nominees, namely: Dexter Lomocso of Cansayang, Siquijor, Nilo Magsayo of Logucan, Maria, and Saturnina Boco of Olave, Enrique Villanueva.

The farmer scientists are judged based

on their credibillity and leadership, 10%; accessibility of farm, 10%; profitability, 10%; productivity, 10%; Resource Utilization, 10%; Innovativeness, 35%; and Socio-Economic Impact, 15%.

Innovativeness, according Provincial Director Mario de la Peña of the Department of Science and Technology (DOST), means that a farmer has adopted integrated farming systems showing scientific or technological innovations, adaptable under his own farm’s condition; conducted trials at his own farm and showed conclusions, comparably advantageous over other farmers’ productivity; and showcased his adopted

technologies exploring ideas that has set him distinct with other farmers.

De la Peña is the FITS secretariat and also one of the evaluators in this year’s Search for Farmer Scientists.

Awarding of prizes was done at the Provincial Capitol during the Ruby Jubilee Araw Ng Siquijor Awarding Ceremony with Provincial Governor Orlando A. Fua Jr., FITS Chair Bernadita Tabada, and Engr. De la Peña.

Awarding was held on Siquijor Day.(PIA Siquijor/RAC)

7 Bohol towns nail down Seal of Good House Keeping award

by Rey Anthony H. Chiu CLARIN, Bohol, September 26 (PIA) -- Seven towns of Bohol won the prestigious Seal of Good Housekeeping award.

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he award is conferred on local government units (LGUs) that have satisfactorily disclosed their fiscal management and operations publicly while following all the requirements of the country’s audit procedures. The award is granted by the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG).

The seven towns received the award of prestige in rites this week. Bohol comprises 47 towns.

Winning the seal are the towns Clarin, Panglao, Dauis, Loboc, San Miguel, Carlos P. Garcia, Jagna and Ubay.

Balilihan and Mariboojoc.

The “good housekeeping seal” is given to LGUs that have excelled in the areas of planning, budgeting, revenue mobilization, financial management and budget execution, procurement and resource mobilization, said DILG Bohol chief Louella Lucino.

The award also carries with it a cash incentive of P1 million from the government’s Performance Challenge Fund.

The Congress has allotted some P500 million as incentive cash stash to be granted to towns which have satisfactorily shown excellence in the delivery of public and social services to their constituents.

Earlier round awardees included Catigban, The incentive, on the other hand, would

be released to selected local government units as soon as they could show that they have also allocated a similar amount of P1 million for specific priorities that help achieve the Millennium Development Goals as drawn by the United Nations.

Winning LGUS, in other words, should be able to pick out items in their annual investment plans that support national development priorities that help bring down poverty, spur economic development, and help conserve the environment through programs in ecological solid waste management or disaster risk reduction. (PIA Bohol/RAC))

NegOr distributes P500,000 worth of educational supplies under CPC6

by Jennifer Catan-Tilos DUMAGUETE CITY, Sept 23 (PIA) -- About a thousand school children at the Pio Macahig Memorial Elementary School (PMMES) in Barangay Bonawon, Siaton received free school supplies recently from the Negros Oriental government under the 6th Country Programme for Children (CPC6).

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rovincial Governor Roel Degamo handed over P500,000 worth of educational supplies, vitamins and equipment to municipal Mayor Albert Ator of Siaton, school principal of PMMES, Municipal Social Welfare & Development Officer, and Barangay Captain of Bonawon.

The governor assisted by the mayor initially distributed school bags with pad paper, pencil or ballpen, umbrella for girls, rain coat for boys, pair of slippers, including bottle of fresh milk to one pupil each level from Day Care children to Grades 1 to 6.

In his message, Gov. Degamo pledged to continue the Country Programme for Children (CPC) saying education program is part of the

centerpiece priority agenda of the provincial government, the HELP as Health, Education, Livelihood Programs and Projects for peace and development.

With the provincial tag line, “Sa Probinsya -MagDEGAMO Ta,” prepares and fast track the development of the different programs and projects under HELP, he said.

The provincial chief executive reminded the barangay Bonawon school children to study hard as they are provided school supplies to lessen the financial burden of their families.

With the current administration’s support for the children’s development in the municipality, the chief executive said an P800,000 has been allocated for the complete

fencing of the PMMES, P10 million for the construction of gymnasium, water installation for P2 million, and market construction.

The provincial government has allotted some P3 million this year as counterpart for the CPC6 activities.

For this year, the Provincial Technical Group (PTWG) has identified eight barangays as CPC6 recipient expansion barangays which include; barangays Bangka and Tamao of Jimalalud; P. Zamora and Trinidad of Guihulngan; Pinalubngan and Cambaye of Tayasan; Bonawon , Siaton; and Bolirocon, Bayawan City. (PIA NegOr/JCT)

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EASTERN VISAYAS

Eastern Visayas RDC Week focuses on promotion of 2011-2016 Regional Development Plan TACLOBAN CITY Leyte, October 2 (PIA) -- In line with the theme “Advocating Growth, Advocating Regional Development,” Eastern Visayas centers this year’s RDC Week celebration on region-wide advocacy and promotion of the 2011 -2016 Regional Development Plan. he RDC, centers this year’s celebration advocacy and promotion of the Regional RDC Chair discussed The RDC and its role in on region wide advocacy and Development Plan particularly on eco-tourism, regional development at the RDC Hour. promotion of the 2011-2016 Regional agri-industry and information and On September 27, the RDC Hour focused Development Plan particularly, tourism, communications technology or ICT,” on the 2011-2016 Regional Development Plan agri-industry and information and Governor Petilla said. with NEDA 8 Director Buenaventura communications technology, Leyte Governor The RDP which was approved through Go-Soco Jr. as the main discussant.

Carlos Jericho L. Petilla who is the chairman of RDC Resolution No. 6 series of 2011, embodOn September 28, DTI Director Cynthia the RDC, said. ies the Region’s long term vision of making Nierras, Chairman of Economic Development Governor Carlos Jericho L. Petilla said Eastern Visayas an eco-tourism haven, agri- Committee, discussed Investment opthat the RDC, through RDC Resolution No. business leader and an ICT leader. The Plan portunities in ICT, Eco-tourism and 13, series of 2011, recognizes the importance supports the present Administration’s “Social agri-business. effectively communicating to the people, public, Contract with the Filipino People.”

DBM Director Imelda Laceras, DAC private sectors, stakeholders and other The RDC Radio Hour starting September Chair, discussed funding for tourism project development partners, the government’s 26, intended to raise public awareness on the during the RDC Hour on September 29 while efforts and development plans to solicit active existence of the RDC and its importance to DOLE Director Forter Puguon, SDC Chair, participation and ensure common development Regional Development, to advocate RDP, and discussed the establishment of employment direction. enable the RDC officials to communicate to database in Region 8. (PIA-8) “Thus, aligned with the theme, the RDC the public their roles in implementing the RDP. centers this year’s celebration on regionwide On September 26, Governor Petilla, the

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First major PPP project in Maasin City opens doors October 1

by Bong Pedalino MAASIN CITY, Southern Leyte, Oct. 2 (PIA) -- A Public-Private Partnership (PPP) undertaking that binds the city government here and a mall investor from Cebu City in a 25-year Build-Operate-Transfer (BOT) scheme opened on October 1, when Gaisano Metro opened its doors to the public.

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s this developed, City Mayor Maloney Samaco reiterated during city-paid radio broadcasts in recent days that speculations on non-sustainability of these big deals were just that, mere speculations, as he stressed that the people behind these multi-million investments had studied long and hard before putting in their money’s worth.

Last month right after the fiesta, another major investor, this time a home-grown one, the Brodeth family, began work for a foundation of another mall complex, boosting optimism that an economic uptrend has been prevailing in the city.

And just two weeks ago, another high-end commercial outlet, the Prince Warehouse, opened in an otherwise sleepy street in

downtown Maasin, making this portion of the city abuzz with people nowadays.

Two or three more large buildings within city proper are set to open sooner when finished, further bolstering the city’s emerging and changing image, from a pilgrimage site to a shopping and recreation center.

Samaco pointed out that the presence of mall giant Gaisano in the city undoubtedly served as a magnet or a catalyst for more vibrant economic activities, as consumers or shoppers will usually go around the area, their mobility benefitting other businesses like transportation, eateries, and other stores.

He noted that shoppers from places as far as Tomas Oppus, Malitbog, Burgos, Macrohon, and even from Matalom, Leyte, has been

purchasing their basic needs here in the city, more so now with the opening of the Gaisano Metro, which is located at the city’s bus terminal.

In December, 2010, after having the formalities of a Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) signed, a formal inauguration and laying of the capsule was held right in the spot where the mall stood.

The date October 1, however, was not yet the grand opening, as the latter will still be held in the third or last week of October, no specific date yet, according to information gathered from learned sources. (Bong/PIASouthern Leyte)

PNP-8 cites 38 internal security training graduates TACLOBAN CITY Leyte, October 1 (PIA ) -- The Philippine National Police in Eastern Visayas yesterday cited 38 uniformed men for successfully completing the Internal Security Operations Enhancement course.

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he graduation of the thirty-eight (38) trainees from Provincial Public Safety Company of Southern Leyte Police Provincial Office was witnessed by PSSupt Edgar Orduña Basbas, Deputy Regional Director for Operations, who was the Guest of Honor and Speaker.

PSSupt Edgar O Basbas awarded the Certificates of Completion assisted by PSupt Raymundo P Graveles, Training Manager, Regional Special Training Unit 8.

In his message, PSSupt Basbas underscored the importance of training for the police officers in the conduct of community-based activities, information campaign and other doable, sustainable and other activities in the insurgency affected areas.

He said that pursuant to the AFP-PNP Joint Letter Directive No. 3, the AFP turned over on September 29 the entire Southern Leyte to the Provincial Peace and Order Council (PPOC) declaring the province as insurgency-free area.

Other PNP officials who witnessed the activity were PSSupt Eusebio Adamero Mejos, chief, Regional Personnel Human Resource Development Division; PSSupt Elizar Patano Egloso, Chief Regional Police Community Relations Division; PSupt Raymundo P Graveles, Training Manager, Regional Special Training Unit 8, other officers in the region, non-commissioned officers and non-uniformed personnel. (PIA 8)

EASTERN VISAYAS

7

PNP-8 conducts dental outreach program, awards Medalya ng Kagalingan to 4 cops

by Bong Pedalino TACLOBAN CITY, Leyte, September 27 (PIA) -- The regional office of the Philippine National Police (PNP) in Eastern Visayas recently served some 149 residents in the different barangays in Alang-Alang town in Leyte province in the agency’s dental outreach program.

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he community outreach program led by the PNP-8 Regional Health Service on September 22, 2011 was made in coordination with the health personnel of the ICOT Caravan, a community outreach program of Leyte Governor Carlos Jericho L. Petilla, and the local government unit of Alang-Alang thru Mayor Loreto Yu. Police Senior Supt. Elizar Patano Egloso, chief, Police Community Relations (PCR), PNP8 informed the said one day free health consultation and dental services was conducted to uplift the health care benefits of the constituents coming from the different barangays in Alang-Alang town.

“The effort is an effective way of winning the hearts and minds of the people” Egloso

said noting this could pave the way for the people in the community to give their full trust and confidence to the men in uniform and the present administration.

Meanwhile, police regional director Police Chief Superintendent Arnold Rayala Revilla assisted by Police Senior Superintendent Eusebio A. Mejos, chief, regional personnel and human resource development division of PNP8 gave the Medalya ng Kagalingan (PNP Medal of Merit) to four cops for their courageous stand and successful defense of Hinabangan Municipal Police Station, Samar Police Provincial Office during the raid perpetrated by the New People’s Army at said Police Station on or about 4:45 in the morning of September 12, 2011.

The four cops given the award during the traditional PNP’s Monday flag raising ceremony held at Gen Caboboy Hall, Camp Ruperto Kangleon, Palo, Leyte on September 26 were SPO1 Leon H. Talua, SPO1 Adriano C. Rafales, SPO1 Almore A. Villacarlos and PO2 Dennis C. Balindo.

Egloso said that the PNP leadership in the region recognized the deserving PNP personnel through giving of rewards.

This is one way of acknowledging their good deeds while performing services over and above what is normally expected in similar circumstances just to maintain the peace and order in their area of responsibility” Egloso added.(PIA 8 with reports from PNP 8)

Livelihood opportunities for Eastern Samarenos bared

by Ninfa B Quirante BORONGAN CITY, Eastern Samar, Sept 25 (PIA)-- Several livelihood opportunities were spelled out for Estehanons during the League of Municipalities of the Philippines(LMP) consultation with Representative Ben Evardone and attended by 16 Mayors and Regional Directors of national government offices.

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epartment of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) Director Letty Diokno talked about the Self-Employment-Assistance Kaunlaran where borrowers interested to venture into business or expand their business are given ‘soft loans’.

The Labor Department through Regional Director Forter Pugu-on also bared livelihood opportunities and even vowed thorugh the prodding of Evardone to allot two million for Eastern Samar and even more depending on the project proposals that will be approved.

As to fisheries, Mr Jaime Salazar, Provincial Fisheries Officer bared opportunities for the year 2011 for mudcrab culture, siganid, lapu-lapu and seaweeds.

As for 2012, BFAR will be eyeing projects for fish production through resource conservation and try to establish fish sanctuaries, Marine Protected Areas and mangrove reforestation.

There will also be payao (fishpens) assistance projects for the fisherfolks of Salagan, Gen MacArthur, Mina-anod Llorente, San Eduardo, Oras and Japitan Dolores.

Besides targetting specific areas for projects, BFAR is reseeding tilapia fingerlings to communal waters and is providing technical assistance to fiherfolks in aquaculture, fish processing/ post harvest.

Meanwhile, the Department of Environment and Natural Resources also

talked about the National Greening Project where farmers will be paid for planting trees and as forest guards against timber poachers in the province.

The different mayors were tickled by the different projects for their constituents that the regional directors were pelted by numerous questions about the different livelihood opportunities.

Evardone, pleased with the outcome of the consultation vowed to repeat the same activity and invite some more government agencies to present the next time. (NBQ/PIA 8 - E Samar)

PIA North Samar organizes media group anew

by Ailene N. Diaz CATARMAN, Northern Samar - Media as a catalyst of change, plays a crucial role in uplifting the lives of the people of all walks of Life. They regard themselves as channels of information which can effect, influence and change perspective and behaviour of individual, family and community.

It is on this context that Philippine Information Agency (PIA) Northern Samar Information Center decided to organize the media anew to be integrated as one, into a single objective which is to establish a stronger and united organization regardless of one’s affiliation, station, paper or otherwise.

Media Society of Northern Samar is the name favoured by the majority to be the name of the organization.

The new president elected is Ms. Rachel Arnaiz, an anchor of MUEWS FM and writer of

Leyte Samar Daily Express and Philippine Daily Inquirer; Vice-president for print Perigrino Arillo, publisher of Waraynon; Vice-president for broadcast Beth Betonio, Manager of FM Allen; Secretary Arlyn Tepace, information officer of Provincial Information Office; Treasurer Jayne Galit-Bantayan of DYSM; Auditor Tito Tepace of MUEWS FM; Business Manager Virgilio Besarino of DYSM and PIO Maurice De Guia of Provincial Information Office.

The new president expresses her

pleasure with the organization of the media as this has been long overdue due to conflict of interests and incongruous behaviour towards one’s standpoint. She is grateful with the PIA for facilitating the organization after a series of attempts being done Year end activities of Media Society of Northern Samar were tackled during the meeting including the formulation of constitution and by laws, schedule for oath taking and trainings needed for the practice.

(AND/PIA-Northern Samar)

This week in pictures

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) 3378718/3377301 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. Erlinda Olivia P. Tiu Regional Director, PIA8

Managing Editor Jaime S. Cabag, Jr. Contributors All PIA Information Officers of Regions 6, 7 & 8 Production and Layout Edson J. Bañares 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