VOL. 2 l NO. 21 July 25, 2012
One Cebu Expo 2012 showcases over 100 locally-made goods By Fayette C. Rinen
The 2012 Sandugo Trade Expo at The Block in Island City Mall in Tagbilaran City banners the theme "Greening Products, Winning Markets", and features innovative creations from Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises in Central Visayas and other neighboring provinces of the region.
Philhealth launches Z package benefit By Hazel F. Gloria
CEBU CITY, July 24 (PIA) --- The Philippine Health Insurance Corporation (Philhealth) in Region 7 has officially launched the new Z benefit package for members suffering from breast cancer, acute lymphocytic leukemia for children, prostate cancer and kidney transplant at the Vicente Sotto Memorial Medical Center (VSMMC) in Cebu City. Philhealth-7 Public Affairs Head Atty. Karisma Agraviador said the Z benefit package could be availed of by members and beneficiaries of the health program who are diagnosed with any of the four cases,. In the Visayas, Philhealth accredited only VSMMC because of the required facilities and equipments in providing medical treatments for both breast cancer and kidney transplant. The hospital is also capable of meeting the package cost of the said illnesses. Meanwhile, Dr. Avril Tiu, Medical Specialist, Benefits Administration Section explained that under Philhealth’s Type Z package, breast cancer patients get a P100,000 subsidy while kidney transplant is subsidized by P600,000. With regards to the sponsored members such as the indigents or registered under the National Household Targeting System for Poverty Reduction (NHTS-PR), they will fall under the “no balance billing” category which mean that they don’t pay a single centavo while the employed members will pay the excess amount under the fixed reimbursement system, Tiu added. This is only an initial offer to our members, and we are hoping for additional benefits in order to help them avail better and quality services in the future, Agraviador added.(PIA-7/HFG)
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CEBU CITY, August 3 (PIA) -- Over 100 Cebu-made products supported by the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) Cebu under its ‘One Town, One Product’ (OTOP) Program are on showcase starting today with the launching of the One Cebu Expo 2012. Gov. Gwen Garcia led local officials and exhibitors in the ribbon-cutting late this morning to signal the launching of the event that will run for 11 days from August 3 to 11 at the Cebu International Convention Center in Mandaue City. Around 450 exhibitors are participating in the annual event as the expo features Cebu products including furniture, delicacies, toys, fashion accessories, houseware and local tourism attractions. Nelia Navarro, provincial director of DTI Cebu, said with the over 100 OTOP goods on display, more than 50 of these products are supported by their respective local government units. “There are more than 100 OTOP goods that are showcased here today. And more than 50 of these products are under the OTOP of local government units in Cebu,” said Navarro. Navarro said the expo is one of the venues where LGUs and other micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs) can display their OTOP goods and other products including those of export-quality. One Cebu Expo, which is an initiative of Gov. Garcia, began five years ago or in 2008 with only about 188 exhibitors on its first trade fair. Last year, it had 360 exhibitors which this year grew to 450 exhibitors participating in the yearly event. “This year has the biggest number of LGus joining the expo,” which Navarro claimed has helped MSMEs and LGUs significantly promote their popular products and local tourism sites. This year’s event also boasted of its “three firsts” which were the participation of the Portrait Artist Society of the Philippines and the different universities and chambers of commerce as well as the free film showing of Visayan movies. Among the LGUs that joined the event were the municipalities of Borbon which showcased their ‘Takyong’ delicacy, edible bush ‘snails’ in corn oil; Bantayan Island’s dried fish and squid; Liloan’s rosquillos; and Dalaguete’s aqua attractions. The One Cebu Expo is just one of the major highlights of the 443rd anniversary of Cebu Province on August 6. (PIA-Cebu)
INFOBYTES TOPSTORIES
NEGROS ORIENTAL
USAID strengthens commitment with local partners By Jennifer C. Tilos
DUMAGUETE CITY (PIA) -- The United States Agency for International Development (USAID) plans to work more closely with a greater number of local organizations
in the country. This will enable it to deliver its programs more effectively, USAID Mission Director Gloria Steele said in a press statement.
Negros Oriental Chamber of Commerce of Industry (NOCCI) President Edward Du (far left) receiving a plaque of recognition from DOST Region 7’s Engr. Jesus F. Zamora (center) and DOST NegOr Assistant Prov'l Director Roslyn Tambago (far right) during the July 19 Kapihan forum. The honor is given to individuals or organizations for their contribution to advancement of science, technology and innovation as catalyst towards socio-economic development. The other awardee is the Negros Oriental Business Development Foundation (NOBDF). (LJD/PIA)
DSWD7 asks 4Ps recipients to update any transfer of residence By Jennifer C. Tilos
This expanded engagement with local organizations is part of "USAID Forward," an ambitious reform effort, USAID Administrator Dr. Rajiv Shah said. This will help modernize and strengthen the work of USAID missions around the world, including the Philippines. USAID Forward will also strengthen the monitoring and evaluation of USAID's programs around the world and will emphasize science, technology, and innovation. Wo r k i n g w i t h th e Ay a l a Foundation, USAID already provides a range of capacity building services to strengthen local community organizations in core organizational management competencies. Early this month, USAID posted new solicitations seeking proposals from local organizations for two upcoming projects: "Communication for Health Advancement through Networking and Governance Enhancement" and "Health Policy Development Program – Phase 2 (HPDP2)." The USAID is the US government’s development arm. “Over the last 50 years, USAID has worked with public and private partners to help communities throughout the Philippines to reduce maternal and child mortality," Steele said. Steele added that USAID aims to foster good governance and rule of law, increase economic opportunities, protect the environment, improve access to basic education, strengthen peace in conflict-affected Mindanao and recover from natural disasters that are embedded in the projects. To further the impact of its efforts in the Philippines in the coming years, USAID takes steps to work directly with a broader range of Filipino partners on upcoming programs. “USAID Philippines values the partnerships it has built with the government, the private sector and civil society to meet our development objectives," Steele said. USAID has posted more information on several websites such as http://philippines.usaid.gov, www. grants.gov and www.fedbizops.gov. (mbcn/JCT-PIA7 Negros Oriental)
DUMAGUETE CITY, July 30 (PIA) -- The Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD-7) in Central Visayas has called on all Pantawid Pamilya beneficiaries in Central Visayas to update any changes particularly the transfer of residence to avoid removal from the list of beneficiaries. DSWD-7 Information Officer Aileen Lariba said the social welfare office intensified its effort to ensure that all intended beneficiaries of the pantawid program are covered with the right payment of grant relative to their monthly compliance. Some beneficiary-families do not comply with such conditions and transfer of residence without informing the program implementer. And this has caused non-monitoring and non-payment of their grants, said Lariba. Lariba said updates from the provinces of Bohol, Cebu, Negros Oriental and Siquijor may be texted to 09157984215. Calls may also be made to Maricor Rote at the DSWD-7 regional office, and to city and municipal links or the nearest DSWD office. The Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program (4Ps) is a national government’s anti-poverty program involving conditional cash transfer (CCT) including sending the children to school and health development if the familybeneficiaries. Qualified beneficiaries receive P6,000 a year or P500 per month per household for health and nutrition expenses and P3,000 for one school year or 10 months or P300 per month per child for educational expenses. (mbcn/JCT/
BOHOL
INFOBYTES COMMUNITYNEWS
100 sacks of wooden charcoal seized in Bohol
By Hazel F. Gloria
CEBU CITY, (PIA) --- Nearly 100 sacks or 20.0 cubic meters of wooden charcoal were spotted by a team of foresters and policemen in Poblacion East, Alburquerque, Bohol recently. The confiscated wooden charcoal estimated to be worth P12,000 was seized during transport on July 30, 2012 without necessary transport permits. Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) 7 Executive Director Dr. Isabelo Montejo said this is in line with the strengthened campaign against environmental law violators particularly on forestry laws, rules and regulations. T h e o w n e r, a c e r t a i n Lolita Nalla, and her driver Eddie Mangana are set to be subjected to administrative adjudication proceedings to determine their criminal liability under existing
DSWD project monitors look down to the Tabunok River from the river dike funded by the KALAHI MCA. The project is hoped to stop the floods from getting to the houses in the community by building a 300 meter dike to direct the river flow away from the plains. (PIABohol)
forestry laws. The confiscated forest products are now at the custody of DENR, Community Environment and Natural Resources Office (CENRO)-Tagbilaran City compound under the supervision of Rolando Hilot. In a related development, the group also confiscated 28 pieces or 516.95 board feet of lumber Gemelina species amounting to P10, 392.10 in the same town. Montejo articulated that full implementation of environmental laws will be strictly enforced as they received instructions from DENR Secretary Ramon Paje to conduct a step up and aggressive campaign and apprehension on the rampant and indiscriminate illegal cutting of trees.(HFG/PIA-7/DENR-7)
CEBU
DENR-7 requires LGUs' endorsement for special tree cutting By Hazel F. Gloria
CEBU CITY (PIA) --- The Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) 7 has required the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) the endorsement of local government units (LGUs) and the Office of the Provincial Governor as a requirement in issuance of a cutting permit. Montejo said that the requirements include application letter, photographs of trees to be removed, sketch map showing the location of trees to be removed, endorsement of local government unit concerned, and environmental compliance certificate (ECC) and minutes of public consultation concerning the removal of trees. DPWH requested the DENR to cut trees that will be affected by the implementation of the widening of Natalio Bacalso Avenue, Naga-Carcar Section. DENR 7 Regional Executive Director Dr. Isabelo R.Montejo said, however, that his office have not yet received the endorsements from the concerned LGUs
to support the application for a special tree cutting permit by DPWH. “We should consider the social acceptability component here and the communities should be consulted,” he said. Based on the inventory conducted by a joint team of four from DENR 7 and one from DPWH in May 11 and 16 last year, 155 trees with an aggregate volume of 192.77 cubic meters of different species will be affected. Of the 155, 25 are century old acacia trees (Samanea saman) with a diameter ranges from 92 centimeters to 226 centimeters. Also, out of 25 trees nine are considered hazardous, defective and need immediate attention. He further added that the said request was forwarded to DENR Central Office in Manila as the authority is vested upon the DENR Secretary as it involves century old trees with heritage significance to be cut down. “We endorsed the application to Manila as DENR Undersecretary Analiza Teh issued a memorandum last June 22 stating, among others, that all requests for tree cutting
permits shall be properly endorsed to the Secretary thru the Forest Management Bureau, as well as the implementing guidelines of Presidential Decree 953 and Executive Order 23,” Montejo said. Further, Motejo said that “Removal of trees in urban areas can be through earthballing or cutting, however, when establishing infrastructure projects, removal of the trees shall be the last option and the design of the projects shall complement the presence of existing vegetation”. “The application for the removal of trees causing obstruction to building construction and other infrastructure projects like road widening and road right of way shall be filed at the nearest DENR office,” Montejo added. “Heritage trees, those with historical and cultural significance as certified by the National Historical Institute or by other appropriate agencies, and landmark trees as certified by the concerned LGU shall be preserved, nurtured and applied with tree maintenance practices as necessary,” Motejo said.(RMN/HFG/PIA-7/DENR-7)
SIQUIJOR
INFOBYTES COMMUNITYNEWS
DOST-SETUP approves P0.445-M food processing upgrading project in Siquijor By Rizalie A. Calibo
SIQUIJOR, (PIA) -- The Department of Science Technology (DOST) Region-7 has approved and released P445,000 for the upgrading of the food processing technology in the manufacturing of dimsum products of the Larena Triad Coffee in Larena, Siquijor. The project, according DOSTSiquijor Provincial Director Mario de
la Pena, is a component project of Small Enterprise Technology Upgrading Program (SET-UP) as one of the strategic programs under the National Science and Technology (S&T) plan. He said DOST-7 has identified the S&T intervention for the project through the introduction of a freezer, burner, steamer and stainless steel working table to increase production and improve the quality of dimsum products of the Larena
Triad Coffee. The expected output of the project includes: efficient equipment for dimsum production, enhanced process flow, and increased storage capacity for quality products and product packaging and labeling, among others. Larena Triad Coffee Shop is owned and managed by Elena J. Masayon of Larena, Siquijor. (RACalibo/PIASiquijor)
improve product quality to ensure effective and efficient implementation of the project, DOST Provincial Director Mario de la Pena said. With the project, Elena’s Bakery and Pasalubong Center is expected to increase its production volume by 50 percent based on 2011 production aside from enhanced product packaging and labeling. This is possible with the efficient
bakery equipment and technology provided for mass production of breads and pastries, as well as upgraded dough mixing and proofing technology, de la Pena said. He said that the DOST also sees to it that the bakery complies with the food safety training and good manufacturing practices standards. (RMN/RAC-PIA7 Siquijor)
DOST-7 funds upgrading of bakery, 'pasalubong' center in Siquijor By Rizalie A. Calibo
SIQUIJOR, (PIA) -- Another upgrading project in Enrique Villanueva town was approved and funded under the Small Enterprise Technology Upgrading Program (SETUP) of the Department of Science and Technology (DOST) in Region 7. The Elena’s Bakery and Pasalubong Center of Poblacion, which is owned and managed by Elena T. Ibera is a recipient of funds amounting to P378,500 from the DOSTSETUP to facilitate the acquisition and fabrication of equipment and materials needed for the upgrading of its baking technology. S c i e n c e a n d Te c h n o l o g y interventions for the project include introduction of an efficient bakery equipment, manpower training and skills enhancement, enhancement training on packaging and labeling technology, training on equipment operations and preventive maintenance, and introduction of nutrition facts and laboratory analysis increase production volume and
Elena's Bakery and Pasalubong Center and Larena Triad Coffee shop are among the beneficiares of the Small Enterprise Technology Upgrading Program (SET-UP) of the Department of Science and Technology (DOST) in Region 7 recently. Above photo shows owner/manager Elena T. Ibera 2nd from left) receiving the check amount of P378.500 from DOST-Provincial Director Mario de la Pena (2nd from right) at the Provincial Science and technology Center (PSTC), Siquijor, Siquijor. Below photo is the owner of Larena Triad Coffee signing a Memorandum of Agreement with the DOST director (RACalibo/PIA-7, Siquijor with photos from DOSTSiquijor)