PIA ONE VISAYAS ISSUE 8

Vol I

Issue 8

Published by: PIA 6, 7 & 8

October 17 – 23, 2011

In this Issue WESTERN VISAYAS

A grade school pupil seems to enjoy her hair-raising experience at Van de Graaff generator exhibit as part of the "Science on the Move" exhibit in Sagay City. (PIA/EAD/Sagay photo)

More on Region 6, pages 2-3.

Also CLICK Here…

CENTRAL VISAYAS

President Benigno S. Aquino III (center) together with (l-r) AFP chief Gen. Eduardo Oban, Counselor for Political Economic Relations & Public Affairs James Cristoff of Canada, Ambassador Extraordinary & Plenipotentiary Toshinao Urabe of Japan, Leyte governor Carlos Jericho Petilla, US Ambassador Harry Thomas, Palo mayor Remedios Petilla, Defense Attache Capt. Craig White of Australia and Veterans Federation of the Philippines executive vice-president Francisco San Miguel pose for the traditional photo ops at the MacArthur Shrine during the 67th Leyte Gulf Landings anniversary at Candahug, Palo, Leyte, Oct. 20. (Vino R. Cuayzon)

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ACLOBAN CITY Leyte, Oct. 20 (PIA) – President Benigno S. Aquino III said that there is “no greater tribute to our heroes than showing them the fruits of what they have fought for.”

Speaking before a huge crowd at the commemorative program for the 67th Anniversary of the Leyte Gulf Landings at the historic MacArthur Landing Memorial National Park at Candahug, Palo, Leyte, President Aquino said his administration intends to show the veterans the fruits of what they have

fought for.

“We strive to maintain peace because we learned in War of the toll that wartime takes on every country involved,” President Aquino said.

He added his Administration strives to instill integrity, accountability, and transparency in governance, because the past years taught us how deception and corruption in government can harm society.

This is the reason for this gathering, President Aquino said, not merely to look back at the past, but “to review the lessons it taught us, and use them to guide us forward.”

The President underscored that although we live in a relative peace, there remain challenges we must face head on.

What oppress the Filipino people now are poverty, lack of education, and lack of proper health care.

But the resolve required to attend to the needs of the people has not changed, the President stressed. The activity today is a venue to gather together people from all sectors to rediscover that resolve, President Aquino said.

The President then called on everyone present to continue the solidarity among countries in order to move respective countries forward and enjoy a large measure of mutual success. (PIA-8)

PNoy’s economic managers to convene in Cebu for PHL economic briefing

by Fayette C. Riñen

PCA. Medel Panzo of PCA-Siquijor demonstrates the proper planting of coconut trees to the first group of participants of the ‘Coco Trees in Idle lots” program.(PIA7/SPPO)

More on Region 7, pages 4-5.

Also CLICK Here…

EASTERN VISAYAS

President Benigno S. Aquino III answers questions from the national and local media during an ambush interview at Candahug, Palo, Leyte in connection with the 67th Leyte Gulf Landings anniversary, October 20. (PIA -8/Vino R. Cuayzon)

More on Region 8, pages 6-7.

Also CLICK Here...

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EBU CITY, Oct. 17 (PIA) -- Economic managers in the country will convene in Cebu for the Philippine Economic Briefing on November 4 to update the public on the latest developments and initiatives under the Aquino Administration to fast track economic progress.

Secretaries of the Department of Finance, Department of Budget and Management, Department

DA eyes organic agri demo sites in WVisayas

by Lilibeth A. French

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LOILO CITY, Oct. 17 (PIA) -- The Department of Agriculture plans to establish four (4) demonstration sites in Western Visayas this year to step up efforts to boost the practice of organic agriculture in the region.

DA 6 focal person for Organic Agriculture Program Dr. Hector Penaranda said they have allocated P1.4 million for each demo site, which will also serve as training site for organic farming.

“The demo sites will be managed by farmer cooperators and priority are those who practice integrated farming or production through the use of organic farming practices,” said Penaranda.

Penaranda said the LGUs need to submit a proposal for putting up a demo site, which should be in accordance with the guideline set by the DA Central Office. Project proposal processing would be on a "first -come, first-served basis."

The establishment of the demo sites is one of the components of the organic agriculture program that was established under the Organic Agriculture Act of

of Trade and Industry, National Economic and Development Authority and the Governor of Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas will each have his .presentation on the country’s economic outlook, among others.

Under the theme “The Philippines: Reaching for Investment Grade through Good Governance”, it will focus on communicating the government’s initiatives towards good economic governance.

A press conference will follow right after the briefing. (PIA-Cebu) 2010 or Republic Act. No. 10068. It is an act intended to develop and promote organic agriculture in the country.

Penaranda said some P21.8 million has been earmarked by DA for the implementation of the organic agriculture program in the region. Out of the six provinces in the region, Iloilo has the biggest share of the fund getting some P5.2 million, followed by Negros Occidental with P4.2 million, Capiz with P3.1 million, Antique with P2.9 million, Aklan with P2.5 million and Guimaras with P2 million.

Penaranda said the fund will also be used to finance the creation of municipal and provincial technical committees on organic agriculture that will serve as policy making and planning body in the municipalities or provinces and as fund support to LGUs and other stakeholders with existing organic agriculture programs.

“Through organic farming we will not only have safe and adequate food but safer environment as well, since the method helps mitigate climate change,” said Penaranda.

He added that “organic farming makes use of organic fertilizer and natural pesticides that reduce greenhouse gases”. (JCM/LAF/PIA-Iloilo)

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WESTERN VISAYAS

Multi-agency efforts bring maltreated OFW home

by Easter Anne D. Doza

BACOLOD CITY, Oct. 18 (PIA) -- Aleli Anonuevo, 33 of Barangay Taculing went to Kuwait last year to work as a domestic helper but has been maltreated by her employers last month, ending up with a fractured leg after she was kicked and pushed down the stairs.

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his prompted her family to seek help with her agency but to no avail and so they sought the help of the Sectoral Office Concerns (SOC) instead.

The SOC through Jeff Esperanzate, Atty.

Vicente Pettiere and her local and foreign (Kuwait) agency together with national government agencies, the Philippine Embassy in Kuwait, Philippine Overseas Labor Office (POLO) and Overseas Workers Welfare Administration (OWWA) in Kuwait worked on the quick repatriation of Anonuevo to the

country.

After two days of close coordination, Anonuevo was turned over on September 21 to the custody of the Philippine Embassy in Kuwait and stayed there while her repatriation documents were being processed.

One week after, Anonuevo arrived in Manila and underwent further medical check up for her fractured leg, which was shouldered by her agency as well as her plane tickets going back to Bacolod City on October 5.

Anonuevo paid a courtesy visit to Bacolod

City Mayor Evelio Leonardia to personally thank the mayor for helping facilitate her fast repatriation.

According to the statement from the City Public Information Office, Anonuevo said she was begging to go home to the Philippines but her employer refused adding that in exchange for her freedom, her employer insisted she return the money given to her but she cannot do so because she does not have the money and that it was already spent.*(JCM/EAD-PIA6 Negros Occidental)

DTI – Capiz to monitor ‘Undas’ items

by Alex A. Lumaque ROXAS CITY, Capiz, Oct. 17 (PIA) -- The Department of Trade and Industry – Capiz here will monitor prices of items commonly sold during “Undas” such as candles and flowers as Filipinos troop again to cemeteries on Nov. 1 and 2.

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Undas” is the Filipinized version of All Saints/Souls Day. DTI – Capiz director Ermelinda P. Pollentes reminded Capiceño consumers to buy early non-perishable goods like candles to avoid the rush as the occasion comes close.

Based on the September 2011 monitoring of the average price of candle #3 pack of 20 is P30.88; #5 pack of 20 is P35.38; and #16 pack of 4 is P26.60.

Other candle sizes like #5 and #18 will

also be monitored by the DTI so that consumers will be properly guided.

Pollentes added that prices of flowers will also be closely monitored especially during the last week of October because trading of flowers will be at its peak during these days.

Filipinos light candles and offer flowers in memory of their dead relatives in the cemeteries where their relatives or loved ones were buried on ‘Undas’, in addition to sincere

prayers.

Meanwhile, everyone will have the full opportunity to properly observe the All Saints and Souls Days with all its religious fervor as President Benigno S. Aquino III has declared Oct. 31, Monday, as special non-working day throughout the country.

The declaration is embodied in Presidential Proclamation No. 265 issued last Oct. 10 in Malacañang. (JCM/AAL/PIA 6 Capiz)

Socio-economic gains in garbage recovery

by Elsa S. Subong

ILOILO CITY, Oct. 18 (PIA) -- Iloilo City's almost half a million population generates about 170 tons of garbage daily, which are dumped at Calahunan, Mandurriao. More than half of the trash can be recycled.

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ith such amount of garbage, waste pickers like Rowena cannot cope, as they also have to contend with the scorching heat of the sun on one hand, and the drenching rain on the other hand.

Besides, without the appropriate technology, she added, they could not produce much out of the recovered garbage, and ultimately these will just go back to the dumpsite.

Rowena is one among the 300 scavengers at the nine-hectare Calahunan dumpsite in Mandurriao, Iloilo City.

In 2005, the German International Cooperation (GIZ) selected Iloilo City as a recipient of technical assistance and funding program for the improvement of the disposal facilities as well as enhancement of solid waste management programs of local government units in the Visayas.

The project was implemented within the framework of Solid Waste Management for Local Government Units (SWM4LGUs), part of which was the gradual development of the dumpsite into sanitary landfill in the years to come.

The GTZ-SWM4LGUs Project aims to build the capability of the LGUs in establishing integrated solid waste management systems and to operate them in economically and in an

environmentally sustainable manner.

On a larger scale, it provides technical support to the National Solid Waste Management Commission in the Development of the National Solid Waste management Strategy.

In 2006, Iloilo City with GIZ- SWM4LGUs project conceptualized various strategies under the waste pickers’ Socio-Economic Development project for the Calahunan scavengers.

With a mechanized recovery system, the waste pickers can recover about 30 tons of garbage a day, and with Alternative Fuels and Raw (AFR) materials as substitute, they are able to produce cement in addition to other recycled objects.

Engr. Marivic Ricana of the GIZ/AHT Group, said they were fortunate because in 2008, Holcim Philippines agreed to utilize AFR from Iloilo for cement production in their plant in Mindanao.

Ricana said more than 90 waste pickers have benefited from the project, now working under shade, protecting themselves from the adverse effects of scavenging in the open dumpsite because they already have a mechanized recovery system.

In 2009 they organized themselves into a group called the USWAG Calahunan

Livelihood Association, Inc. or UCLA. The GIZ headquarters in Eschborn, Germany, through a sector project called “Recycling Partnerships”, financed a 12-day training, where 20 local trainees were tapped to provide knowledge and lecture on interesting topics, including basics of solid waste management, teamwork, bookkeeping and marketing, composting, AFR recovery, household charcoal briquette.

They also discussed the development plans of the city, incorporating topics such as responsible parenthood, conflict management, sanitation and occupational health.

Today, UCLA has a new training center and more than 150 former waste pickers are now registered UCLA members, out of the 300.

Andrew, an UCLA member said, ”Before, I picked waste from the open dumpsite, or else hang around, loiter, play basketball. Now, with the AFR project, with Holcim and the inspiration of the SWM4LGUs, I have learned to work well, earn P800 a week and help my mother with the household needs,” Ricana said, step by step, the waste pickers are realizing that they really have options to enhance their lives, that they can have more benefits. (JCM/ESS/PIA-Iloilo)

WESTERN VISAYAS

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LGUs’ role in PNoy’s social contract crucial

by Jaime S. Cabag, Jr.

ILOILO CITY, Oct. 20 (PIA) -- Local government units (LGUs) play a crucial role through their budgets on the realization of the goals and objectives of the Social Contract of President Aquino with the Filipino People and the programs and projects that embody these aspirations in the Philippine Development Plan.

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his was the view shared by Department of Budget and Management (DBM) Regional Dir. Alfonso Bedonia, Jr., Iloilo Gov. Arthur Defensor, Sr., Iloilo City Lone District Cong.

Jerry P. Trenas, and City Vice Mayor Jose Espinosa III at the opening of the, Oct. 19 of the three-day 2nd convention-seminar of the Association of Local Budget Officers of the Visayas here.

Bedonia said LGUs are expected to fund programs and projects in their 2012 budget that would contribute to the realization of the social contract and to the promotion of the overall socio-economic development of the

country.

He said there are key areas in the social contract that should be the focus of these development efforts including poverty reduction, public accountability, anti-corruption, disaster mitigation and climate change adaptation.

Defensor said local budget officers play a crucial role in this regard as fiscal managers and by seeing to it that public funds are used properly and prudently especially along the “Matuwid na Daan” thrust of President Aquino.

For his part, Trenas said that the budget officers can help ensure that the programs of their local governments are sustainable and

supportive of national development goals.

Vice Mayor Espinosa, who spoke in behalf of city mayor Jed Patrick Mabilog said the theme of the convention-seminar, also underscored the important role of budget officers, as he welcomed them to the city.

The convention-seminar, which ends Oct. 21, has gathered about 300 budget officers from various local government units in the Visayas comprising Regions 6, 7 and 8. The theme of the event is “Mainstreaming the President’s Social Contract in Local Budgets”.

(JCM/JSC/PIA6)

Antique joins Global Handwashing Campaign

by Pilar s. Mabaquiao

SAN JOSE, Antique Oct. 1 9(PIA) -- Antique joined the rest of the global community in the campaign for Global Handwashing as one the most effective and inexpensive means to prevent diseases and infections.

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emocrito Figuroa, Jr. Philippine Coordinator, Essential Health Care Program of United Nations Children’s Fund was the guest of honor in the Global Handwashing Day program held Oct. 19 at Buhang Elementary School, some three kilometers north of Hamtic .

Figuroa also turned over manuals and kits for Essential Health Care Program (EHCP) - Fit For School.

Governor Exequiel B. Javier, Division Schools Superintendent Myrna Castillo along also graced the occasion.

According to Helen Macuja, Principal II of the said school, they are supporting the campaign since it was launched in 2008 and in fact established dental trough conducive to

hand washing and tooth brushing of children totaling to about 459 pupil-enrollees.

The program will also highlight proper ways of hand washing with soap and tooth brushing to ensure children get the right way of cleaning their hands and mouth respectively, said Macuja.

The source further explained that schools are teaching children about proper hand washing with soap as a preventive means of keeping themselves and their families away from diseases like diarrhea and respiratory infections.

In addition, the Parent-Teachers Association and other stakeholders of the school are working .for the sustainability of the program by generating funds through

donations for the purchase of soap and hygiene kits (including dental kit) of pupils.

Global Handwashing Day is a Global Public-Private Partnership for Handwashing campaign that aims to promote the culture of handwashing with soap. In the Philippines, the Department of Education, in collaboration with Fit for School (FIT), UNICEF, corporate donors and LGUs, is implementing the Essential Health Care Program (EHCP) to cultivate good hygiene practices in children by institutionalizing handwashing with soap, toothbrushing with fluoride, and bi-annual deworming in schools. (JCM/PSM/ PIA6 Antique)

Cellphones top consumer complaints list

by Venus G. Villanueva

KALIBO, Aklan, Oct. 17 (PIA) -- Most complaints of Aklanons brought to the attention of the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) here involved cellphones.

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eana Ruiz, DTI-Aklan Sr. Trade and Industry Development Specialist, said the complaints were made mostly by consumers who bought either reconditioned or second-hand cellphones.

Because of this, Ruiz called on Aklanons to refrain from buying reconditioned or second -hand cellphones to avoid problems.

She issued this call when she and Rene Retiro, also of DTI-Aklan guested recently in the weekly radio program of the PIA aired over RMN-DYKR as part of their department’s activity in observance of Consumer Welfare Month in Aklan.

Ruiz also said that to immediately resolve these complaints at the level of the consumers and establishments, the DTI will also be conducting a training on proper handling of

consumer complaints on the last week of October.

Establishments will then have to assign specific persons to handle complaints of consumers, who will undergo the said training.

“Sometimes, consumers are not just complaining about products, they also complain about the attitude of people in the establishments they are dealing with,” Ruiz said.

Because of this, Ruiz said business establishments should not just focus on selling, but must go the extra mile of making the customer happy or satisfied.

Presently, the DTI said complaints handled or entertained by the agency had 95 percent resolution.

The DTI has also noted that in Aklan,

business establishments are easy to deal with – they either change the defective product, or repair without cost.

Meanwhile, Rene Retiro, Trade and Industry Development Specialist who is in charge of monitoring helmets standards, called on Aklanons to be sure that they are buying the items with mandatory Import Commodity Clearance (ICC) stickers.

Retiro revealed all helmets sold in the country are imported.

He also called on Aklanons to use their helmets when driving to protect themselves. “Do not place your helmets on your elbows and motorcycles”, Retiro said.

(JCM/VGV PIA 6 Aklan)

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CENTRAL VISAYAS

Expand, reach out, promote the good things of gov’t, says PIA-7 chief

by Rizalie A. Calibo

DUMAGUETE CITY, Oct. 20 (PIA) -- Philippine Information Agency – 7 regional director Minerva Newman challenged the nearly 70 information officers of the provinces of Cebu, NegOr, Bohol and Siquijor to “expand, reach out and promote” the many good things that are happening in the country today.

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n her opening remarks during the 19th RADIO-7 Consultative Conference at the South Sea Resort Hotel, she said communicating the government and its thrust is a very challenging and interesting job for information officers.

“The issues of peace, poverty, good governance, sustainable energy and environment are social paradigms that need a well-coordinated and consistent advocacy for people to get engage in discussions and making this paradigms their own personal agenda,” Newman said.

This conference, she added, is an opportune time for all the information officers and its networks in the region to know each other citing the greater need to “move together, do things together and advocate government thrusts together so that we get to discuss and act on pressing issues.

“This yearly engagement is a kind where we can build and make a nation… we build a race for the next generation to come and be proud of,” she said.

The three-day conference that started October 19 carries the theme “Energy

Efficiency and Sustainable Environment”.

Topics include National Energy Efficiency and Conservation Program; Government Energy Management Program; and Philippine Energy Efficiency Program among others.

On the last day of the conference, the Information Officers will be treated to the myriad activities of the Buglasan Festival of Festivals of Negros Oriental that include street dancing, Buglasan showdown, and other cultural presentations. (PIA-Negros Oriental/ RAC)

Cebu mining firms safe from possible rebel attacks-AFP CentCom

by Fayette C. Riñen

CEBU CITY, Oct. 19 (PIA) -- Cebu-based mining companies are safe from any possible rebel attacks as the military and police are beefing up their security personnel to strengthen the protection of vital installations and mining operations in the province, amid the recent attacks by suspected communist rebels of three mining companies in Surigao del Norte early this month.

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company of 150 men of the 78th Infantry Battalion of the Armed Forces of the Philippines – Central Command (AFP-CentCom) assigned in the towns of Barlli covering the south and Sogod in the northern part have been tasked to secure vital installations like power supply, seaports, communication satellites, tourism-related infra and even mining operations, according to AFP-CentCom Spokesperson Lt. Col. Christopher Tampus.

“Even before the incident in Surigao happened, the CentCom together with the police here has already formed the Joint Security and Peace Coordinating Center (JSPPC) last year which mainly involves an exchange and enhancement of intelligence information and networking,” according to Tampus.

Tampus also said support of personnel is

also a vital component in the JSPPC wherein augmentation of security forces is provided when necessary by either the police or military and vice versa.

“We also conduct regular meetings and give updates on security concerns to respond to peace and order related issues,” Tampus declared.

Tampus gave the assurance amid the concern voiced by Rep. Pastor Alcover Jr. of the Alliance for Nationalism and Democracy that the CPP-NPA raids in Surigao del Norte is a show of force and that there is no reason why they would not stage the same action in Cebu.

The large mining companies in Central Visayas are mostly Cebu-based which include Carmen Copper Corp. in Toledo City, Philippine Mining Service Corp.-Alcoy

Dolomite Mine/Dolomite Mining Corp. in Alcoy, Apo Cement Corp./Apo Land & Quarry Corp., Quarry Ventures Philippines Inc. and JLR Construction & Aggregates Inc. in Naga City and Taiheiyo Cement Philippines Inc./Solid Earth Development Corp. in San Fernando.

The CentCom spokesperson said they intend to maintain the declaration of Cebu as an insurgency-free province along with Bohol and would make certain that the NPAs would no longer be able to penetrate Cebu again.

Tampus also said the all-out war declared

by Gov. Gwen Garcia against insurgency has made a difference in maintaining Cebu as rebel-free. (PIA-Cebu)

Agri-fair, congress held to mark Negros Oriental’s Buglasan fest

by Rachelle M. Nessia

DUMAGUETE CITY, Oct. 17 (PIA) -- Farmers and fisherfolks from across Negros Oriental gathered in the province’s capital city of Dumaguete from October 13 to 14, 2011 for the Buglasan NegOrganic Farm Family Agricultural Fair and Congress.

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aid activity was held inside the Provincial Most Outstanding Oriental Negrenses, among Nursery compound to mark the others. ongoing Buglasan Festival of Festivals The agri-fair featured various booth farm being celebrated in the city until October 23, product displays from rural-based 2011. organizations whose members are composed The Buglasan Festival is Negros Oriental’s of farmers, fisherfolks, rural improvement and provincial fiesta, participated in by the 4-H clubs from Canlaon City down to Basay Province’s six component cities and 19 town, according to Nittz Bangay, information municipalities. officer of the Office of the Provincial The Festival consists of the Tourism and Agriculturist here.

Agri-Fair theme booth presentations by LGUs, Bangay said members of said organizations corporate participants and educational pitted their skills against each other during institutions; the selection of the Festival King contests such as poster-making, dance/remix, and Queen; performing arts competitions; Miss 4-H beauty pageant, extemporaneous open air band concerts; games and sports; a speech, coco-based handicraft, Tilapia fireworks competition, and awards for the coco-based cooking, crab-catching, best tilapia

sardines and a Vhong Navarro Look-Sing/ Dance-alike contest.

Simultaneous sectoral activities were also held on the second day such as method demonstrations on organic fertilizer formulation, meat processing, vegetable salad or rice-based handicraft, locally-mixed feeds, and fish-catching.

The two-day event culminated with an awarding of prizes to the winners of the various contests followed by a raffle draw aimed at raising funds for members of the rural-based organizations. (RMN/PIA Negros Oriental)

CENTRAL VISAYAS

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DSWD notes improved school performance of 'Pantawid' children

by Minerva BC Newman

CEBU, Oct. 17 (PIA) -– The Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD-7) in Central Visayas believes that the Pantawid Pamilya program is the hope for a better educated Philippines.

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SWD-7 Pantawid Pamilya regional coordinator Aileen Lariba shared that in areas where families are recipients of the government’s cash grants there is a noted increase in school attendance and performance of children.

Lariba said the Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program gives priority to educating the children by requiring them to enroll and attend classes 85% of the time.

The parents too relive education through regular Family Development Sessions (FDS), however all these would not be possible on an empty stomach or a naked feet.

The program is designed to give conditional cash grants to poor households amounting to P500/month for health and P300/ child per month but for a maximum of three children only per household.

Lariba reported that on the first year of implementation in Cebu City, it was noted that enrollment increased by about 101% from School Year 2008-2009 to 2009-2010.

Day care centers that were used to cater

to 10-15 children are now holding classes twice a day for 20-30 students per class, Lariba noted.

This phenomenon is also mirrored in the neighboring Provinces where the program has been implemented.

In the Municipality of Pilar, Bohol, the principal of Estaca Elementary School stated that with Pantawid Pamilya, they were able to rank first in the National Achievement Test (NAT) in their district.

According to Lariba the school used to occupy the 8th place in the NAT and for Brigada Eskwela they used to rank 3rd from the bottom but recently, the Estaca Elem school ranked number 3.

The school principal Mrs. Cedica Bernante noted that children are now allowed to attend Saturday review classes instead of working in the rice fields.

“Most of the students are now inspired to go to school as they see their parents prioritize education,” Bernante said.

In Inabanga, Bohol in its early stage of

implementation, enrollment for school year 2010-2011 saw a 37% increase in enrollment compared to the school year 20092010.

In the Brigada Eskwela, there was also a 90% increase in parents and students’ participation compared to the 35% turn-out in 2009.

All these cooperation and participation gave the Estaca Elem school an 88.95% rating in the last NAT where past experiences only gave them an average 70.13 percent.

These trends have been consistent in all areas where Pantawid Pamilya program is implemented.

“This only means that the government’s Pantawid cash grants have worked very well for the poorest of the poor,” Lariba said.

True to its aim, the Pantawid Pamilya program may very well free the poor from the bondage of intergenerational cycle of poverty, illiteracy and mis-education, said DSWD. (PIA-7 & DSWD-7)

9 NegOr LGUs to compete in Buglasan Festival showdown

by Jennifer Catan-Tilos

DUMAGUETE CITY, Oct. 21 (PIA) -- Nine contingents from different municipalities and cities will compete at the grand "festival of festivals" and street dancing showdown today, Oct. 21.

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hese events will be the highlight of the Buglasan Festival in Negros Oriental.

The Buglasan Festival is Negros Oriental’s provincial fiesta, participated in by the Province’s six component cities and 19 municipalities.

It started in 1981 when a search was conducted to compose a contingent that would represent Negros Oriental in the Folk Arts Theater Festival.

The grand festival showdown was held in the morning at the Lamberto Macias Sports Center, while the street dance competition

was in the afternoon around the city main thoroughfares.

The grand prize winner will receive P100,000. The second and third place winners will receive P70,000 and P50,000, respectively.

Of the nine participating local government units (LGUs), six will receive consolation prizes.

The contingents' presentation must be grand, with elements that will surprise and entertain the audience, said festival director Mariant Villegas.

Performance, choreography, costume and music will be the criteria for judging in the main dance showdown, while in the street dancing competition, it will be the energy level, parade choreography, discipline and orderliness of the participants.

Tourists and locals alike are expected to join the street party.

Buglasan Festival is produced by the Negros Oriental Tourism Council. (PIA/JCT)

Bohol receives P2.8M worth of scholarship from TESDA BOHOL, Oct. 17 (PIA) -- Bohol province received recently some P2.8 million worth of scholarship from the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA).

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I am very happy with the progress we are making here in Bohol," TESDA director general Joel Villanueva said, as he assured the provincial leadership that he intends to put more resources in Bohol. "The Php2.8M is just the beginning.”

At the luncheon with the TESDA top official together with TESDA regional director Rosanna Urdaneta and Provincial OIC Dr. Francisca Opog, Bohol governor Edgar Chatto and the members of the Provincial Board accepted the trophies for being the most outstanding LGU partner at the regional and national 2011 Kabalikat Awards of TESDA. “When we are in public service, we aim to provide our best, quality service,” said Chatto as he generously thanked TESDA for the honors.

The key to success is excellence in whatever field we choose, the governor said.

There are many opportunities for Tech-Voc graduates, may it be in eco-tourism, agro-industry and Information and Communications Technology (ICT), all development directions that the provincial government is pursuing, Chatto added.

Villanueva for his part said TESDA aims to reach new frontiers in training the workforce through out-of-the-box programs.

He related recent undertakings of the department in the areas of furniture making out of confiscated illegal logs, livelihood production from water hyacinths, and electronic vehicles, among others.

Villanueva revealed that Pres. Noynoy Aquino had just given him instructions to focus more on creating employment and has guaranteed more funding for scholarships under the agency.

He also disclosed that TESDA is currently

concentrating on four industries: Business Process Outsourcing (BPO), Agri-business, Semi-Conductors, and Tourism.

“With Bohol on the agenda for tourism, we at TESDA are very happy to be part of this direction,” he said.

Villanueva admitted he was not surprised at Bohol’s latest achievement as best governed province in the country, and shared that according to a study conducted by the Ateneo De Manila University, the number one problem in the country is hopelessness.

“But this afternoon, Bohol made me realize that indeed there is hope for this nation. If we all continue to work hard and press on towards the goal of bringing this nation back on its right track, we’ll be able to achieve our dreams and our goals for our country”, Villanueva added. (PIA-7/mbcn & Bohol LGU/EDCom-Leah)

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EASTERN VISAYAS

PNoy awards Most Business-Friendly Province of PH trophy to Leyte TACLOBAN CITY, Leyte, Oct. 17 (PIA)--President Benigno S. Aquino III presented to Leyte Governor Carlos Jericho L. Petilla the trophy for the Most Business-Friendly Province of the Philippines, in an awarding ceremony held at the Manila Hotel recently.

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his is the third time that the province of Leyte has been cited as such, thus the Philippine Chamber of Commerce and Industry also bestowed on the Province of Leyte, the Hall of Fame award.

The annual search for the Most Business-Friendly Local Government Unit (LGU) is a project of the Philippine Chamber of Commerce and Industry (PCCI) designed to encourage transparency and good governance among LGUs nationwide.

Governor Carlos Jericho L. Petilla personally accepted the award. He was accompanied by Vice Governor Mimyet Bagulaya and the members of the Sangguniang Panlalawigan of Leyte, and several department heads, in a display of unity and force.

Governor Petilla attributed the winning to the officials, employees and the people of Leyte, without whose support he will not be able to successfully implement innovative measures that

would enhance competitiveness of the province.

Businessman Willy Julio, president of the Leyte Chamber of Commerce and Industry, said that the Province of Leyte was nominated in 2009 and in 2010, to the Search for the Most Business Friendly LGUs, provincial level. In both occasions, Leyte bagged the award.

The PCCI, the award giving body, has recognized the efforts of the local government in promoting Leyte as a business destination and the viability of industry and investments.

The group also cited the local government's effort to prepare the province as an IT destination through Leyte ICT Park and the launching of the Technology Business Incubator (TBI) that provides initial assistance to starting entrepreneurs in the IT field. The ICT Park has been recognized by the Philippine Economic Zone Authority.

PCCI also recognized the province's leadership in promoting trade, investment and

tourism in the locality as well as fostering close relationship among the private sector and local government units within the province.

The other Business Friendly LGUs for this year include the City of San Fernando Pampanga and Olongapo, Zambales for the city level 1 category; and Balanga City for city level 2 category.

For the municipal category, the winners are Carmona, Cavite for Municipal category level 1 and Guimbal, Iloilo for municipal category, level 2.

PCCI’s criteria for giving the award include leadership and dynamism of the LGU and its contribution to business growth and development in the community; its efforts to provide a suitable environment for the growth and expansion of commerce and industry; and the LGU's programs that promote trade and investments. (PIA 8)

OFW mom expands store with DBP's Pangkabuhayan Raffle Promo

by Ninfa B Quirante

BORONGAN CITY, Eastern Samar, Oct. 19 (PIA) --Mana Felipa Dulfo Dadia, mother of an Overseas Filipino Worker from Hongkong, will have an expanded sari-sari store courtesy of the Development Bank of the Philippines (DBP) Pangkabuhayan Para sa Pinoy (PPP) Raffle Promo.

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Mana Peping could hardly believe her good he Pangkabuhayan promo is a Php 25 thousand worth of grocery that daughter fortune, for one, Annie has been in Hongkong only in Annie won for remitting money in June, December of 2010, and her June remittance won her the Pangkabuhayan Para sa Pinoy prize.

2011.

"My ‘sakada’ (marketing) is hardly over five Her raffle ticket was entered in an electronic thousand pesos only, and the Php 25 T worth of raffle and won her the prize.

Her beneficiary in the country, mother Felipa goods is overwhelming," she said.

Annie is the only winner in Region 08 and in received the grocery items that she will infuse to her existing store in Barangay Can-abong, Borongan, Eastern Samar.

This DBP -PPP raffle program aims to promote Eastern Samar.

Mana Peping told PIA that daughter Annie uses livelihood opportunities for OFWs and to enhance DBP's Easy Remit promo to send home money for the public awareness of the bank's remittance her family. She added that the younger Dadia uses services.

It also envisions to encourage entrepreneurial DBP Easy Remit because it is near her place of work spirit among OFWs and their families in line with the and it is open on Sundays when she is free.

bank's continuing effort to support OFWs, according to the Head of DBP Eastern Visayas-Regional Marketing Center, Senior Assistant Vice President Rodelio Labit who came today to the DBP Borongan branch to award the certificate and the goods that came with it.

The Raffle Promo, said Borongan Manager James Laniwan, was launched in February 2011 and the grand draw is set on December 22, 2011 with a grand prize of Php 1-M. Both Labit and Laniwan encouraged all OFWs through their kins in Eastern Samar to send their relatives money through DBP's Easy Remit scheme.

(PIA-E. Samar)

North Samar has new project manager for HCAAP, NIA project

by Teresita B. Cardenas

CATARMAN, Northern Samar, Oct. 18 (PIA) -– The province of Northern Samar recently held a turn-over ceremony of the new project manager of the Help for Catubig Agricultural Advancement Project (HCAAP) and National Irrigation Administration (NIA) irrigation and drainage component project at Ibabao Hall, New Capitol Building, Catarman, Northern Samar.

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ewly-appointed project manager Engr.

Amadeo R. Montejo was grateful for the trust and confidence of the provincial government and saying that the tremendous task given to him can only be done if each one in the organization supports and cooperates with him to accomplish the challenge and commitment to finish the remaining engineering works.

The new project manager promised to work out for the best even if he said that there will be some technical problems in the future and again saying that they can work it out jointly and believed that there is always an engineering solution to every technical problem.

The outgoing project manager Engr.

Reinerio Irinco on the other hand said, that despite the implementation problems they encountered from the time construction has started in 2007, the project is now partially operational and requested all the staff of the project to give same full support to the new project manager .

The Catubig Dam is completed and CRMC is almost complete with the final inspection conducted last week, of the more than 1000 hectares area covered by the CRMC and only 500-600 hectares can be fully irrigated by the end of 2011 pending completion of 4 lateral canals, he added.

Irinco also said that about 100 hectares are now provided with paddy dikes and its

construction still continues with the assistance of DSWD through their cash for work program and for the next dry season the farmers will be able to plant and harvest rice in this area.

HCAAP helps to improve agricultural production within the Catubig Valley area that will result in a sustained increase in the income of farmers, which will be instrumental in the improvement of the quality of life among the household beneficiaries.

The project components are irrigation and drainage; rural infrastructure improvement; schistosomiasis control, agricultural support services and institutional development. (PIA-N. Samar)

EASTERN VISAYAS

7

War vets’ benefits highlight Pres. Aquino’s Leyte Landing message

by Alice Nicart

Palo, Leyte, Oct. 20 (PIA) – President Benigno Aquino III cited the government’s obligations to their respective veterans who fought for their nation’s liberty some 67 years ago, which the Philippines for one had upheld.

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e said this in the annual commemoration of the world’s famous Leyte Gulf Landings when General Douglas McArthur fulfilled his promise to return to the country in order to liberate the Filipinos from the cruelty of the Japanese then.

According to the President, the McArthur landing, side by side with President Sergio Osmena signaled the closing chapter of a long agonizing war that claimed the lives of many peoples.

Today however, he said he is happy that solidarity has reigned in the countries that in the past had fought .each other: Japan, Australia, United States and Canada among others and to top it all, they have become the country’s development and business partners.

“In close to seven decades that have passed, it is good to see that the wounds of war have healed,” he said. He added that Filipinos and foreigners alike recalled today the veterans’ sacrifices as nations renew their commitment to never again allow aggression and war to destroy lives.

For the benefits of the Filipinos who fought in the war, or the war veterans, the President specifically informed that the Philippine Veterans Office (PVO) has been validating the Pensioners’ Program in order to ensure that the list of pensioners is accurately updated and the funds set for them do not go to fraudulent pensioners.

He also said that improved medical care are made available to the veterans as the Veterans Memorial Medical Center widens their

access to hospitalization services by accrediting 562 government hospitals as of August this year; and too, the VMMC subsides the hospital bills not only for the veterans but also for their qualified dependents.

For those whose claims were denied in the Filipino Veterans Equity Compensation Act of America, he said that Foreign Affairs Secretary Albert del Rosario .met with the United States Department of Veterans Affairs Secretary Eric Shinseki to appeal for a more liberal system in processing their claims.

PNOY’s litany of pronouncements was music to the ears of the war vets who patiently stood pat in their wheelchairs even if they are now in the twilight of their lives. (PIA-Samar)

Naval LGU bags 2011 Gawad Pamana ng Lahi regional award

by Flor Jackson NAVAL, Biliran, Oct. 18 (PIA) -– It’s another feather on its cap as the local government unit (LGU) of Naval in the province of Biliran bagged the 2011 Gawad Pamana ng Lahi regional award for the municipal category, besting 148 other municipalities in Region 8 in Eastern Visayas.

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n an interview with Mayor Susan Parilla, she said that she received the award in Manila together with the rest of the LGUs all over the country who were awardees of the 2011 Gawad Pamana ng Lahi in the municipal, city and provincial category.

In Region 8, three LGUs including Naval town made it to the award. The province of Leyte won in the provincial category and Ormoc City for the city category.

The awarding ceremony was held in Manila recently at the Philippine International Convention Center. Together with Mayor Parilla in receiving the award for Naval LGU were Naval Vice Mayor Redentor Villordon and Sangguniang Bayan (SB) Member Marilou Bernardes Lucente.

Vice Mayor Villordon informed PIA in a separate interview that the efficient and effective im-

plementation of the programs and projects was a big factor in making Naval win in the prestigious award.

He said, the programs and projects implemented by Naval LGU included the Tilapia Seeding Program intended for the poor families in the area; wifi project; ram pump water improvement project; land master equipment project for the farmers; Caraycaray River Cruise; and implementation of the smoke-free ordinance of Naval among others.

The criteria for the regional point score consisted of the Local Governance Performance Management System (LGPMS) over-all performance index which is 80%; Seal of Good Housekeeping – 10%; innovation introduced for the past three years – 5%; and awards and distinctions earned – 5% or a total of 100%.

According to Mayor Parilla winners of the award will receive financial incentives. The amount of P3M will be received by the provincial awardees; P2M for the city category and P1M for the municipal category.

The prize will be used by the awardees to finance projects that are geared towards the attainment of the Millennium Development Goals (MDG), local economic development or projects that relate to adaptation of climate change and preparedness to disaster.

The giving of the 2011 Gawad Pamana ng Lahi Award to deserving LGUs nationwide is in line with the 20th Anniversary Celebration of the Local Government Code of the Philippines.

(FJ/PIA 8 Biliran)

Gov. Mercado calls for united front to fight human trafficking

by Bong Pedalino

SOGOD, Southern Leyte, Oct. 20 (PIA) -- Stressing that the battle against trafficking in persons cannot be won by one sector of society alone, Gov. Damian Mercado rallied the various stakeholders for a concerted effort to prevent it for the sake of the children, whom he called the future leaders.

“

We are all to be blamed if we do not do something today for the welfare of our children,” Gov. Mercado pointed out in his inspirational message .at the Southern Leyte State University (SLSU) covered court here.

The occasion was a “two-in-one” affair, a provincial Children’s Month Celebration for October and launching of the creation of Provincial Inter-Agency Committee Against Trafficking -- Violence Against Women and Children (PIACAT-VAWC).

Mercado acknowledged that problems of poverty, want, and lack of opportunity had driven the people, mostly women and young children, to be lured on promises of a better life by unknown and illegal recruiters, only to end up being victims of syndicates or individuals in the flesh trade either in the country or abroad.

But this cannot be solved by the Police acting alone, or the provincial officials, for this

involved a far-reaching cooperation and concerted effort of all those concerned, Mercado said, adding that any recruitment activity in barangays must be reported at once for monitoring and checking of the recruiter’s legality.

For his part, he said he was closely working with the SLSU community for income-generating initiatives which, in five to ten years’ time when successful, people will no longer long to go to other places for they will be productive right here in the province where they live.

SLSU President Gloria Reyes in her welcome remarks considered the formation of PIACAT-VAWC as a testament to the Bayanihan spirit of the people, adding that the SLSU fully supported the activity.

Among the participants were the many pupils and students from various private and

public schools in Sogod, Police officers especially those in-charge of women’s desks in their stations, some national government agencies, and Plan International, a non-government organization (NGO) that is actively pushing programs for the benefit of children.

Also present were provincial Board Members Felicula Escano, Abelardo Almario, and Daisy Gamale, wh o recapped the formation of PIACAT-VAWC on May 19, 2011, and the signing on October 3 of Executive Number 18 by Gov. Mercado.

EO 18 formally organized the provincial composition of the anti-trafficking body, its duties, functions, and responsibilities. (PIASouthern Leyte)

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.

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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