INFOBYTES

VOL. 2 l NO.12 l May 23, 2012

Over 100 LCEs to attend DILG reg'l summit on disaster ByFayette C. Rinen

MAXIMIZING INCOME POTENTIAL. Bohol Provincial Government and the National Dairy Authority partner for a Calf Fattening Program for farmers and increase their income while upgrade the quality of local breeds. At the TBTK product showcase, Governor Edgar Chatto turns over the livestock to Balilihan people’s organization members. (rahc/PIABohol)

Dumaguete City sets to mark Int'l AIDS Candlelight Memorial

By Jennifer C. Tilos DUMAGUETE CITY, (PIA) -- Dumaguete City is set to commemorate the 29th International AIDS Candlelight Memorial (IACM) activity this Sunday, May 27 with candle lighting at 5:00 p.m. at the Quezon Park.

City Health Officer Dr. Maria Sarah Talla said the candle lighting is an annual activity spearheaded by the City Health Office to commemorate the lost lives of those people who died of AIDS.

It is also a support of those individuals who suffer from HIV, and an awakening for the communities to move against HIV and AIDS, she added.

This year’s celebration theme is “Promoting Health and Dignity Together.”

According to Talla, the theme is a people-centered and a human-based approach which is why it seeks to promote awareness on HIV and to promote respect for the human rights of people living with HIV.

Expected to participate in the candle lighting are members of the stakeholders committee on HIV, Department of Social Welfare and Development in the city, SEAK and Kalipi, City Population Office, MARPA, youth in different barangays in the city; Department of Education, Holy Child Hospital; Silliman University Medical Centr, Negros Oriental Provincial Hospital, and Dumaguete City HIV/AIDS Council.

CEBU CITY, (PIA) -- Over 100 local chief executives from the different municipalities, cities, and provinces in Central Visayas are expected to attend the "Tapatan on Disaster Preparedness and Climate Change Adaptation: A Call To Action" summit in Cebu on May 25, spearheaded by the Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG).

DILG 7 Regional Director Ananias M. Villacorta bared the activity, which serves as their agency’s response to the clamor from different sectors of society to strengthen the disaster preparedness efforts of local government units (LGUs) following the occurrence of various calamities in many parts of the country.

Villacorta added the activity is also in line with RA 10121 or the Philippine Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Act of 2010 and RA 9729, otherwise known as the Climate Change Adaptation Act of 2009.

Apart from the local chief executives of the 136 provinces, cities and municipalities in Central Visayas to include the Local Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Officers, targeted participants included representatives from the DRRM-CCA partner regional line agencies, civil society organizations, private companies engaged in disaster-related corporate social responsibility projects, leaders of communities at risks, media, and the agencies under the DILG 7.

The summit is the second of a series of summits to be conducted in the Central Visayas Region on May 25, with the Cebu International Convention Center in Mandaue City as the venue.

The Tapatan on Disaster Preparedness is an offshoot of the success of the series of Tapatan activities last year focusing on the Full Disclosure Policy requiring LGUs to make public pertinent financial information.

DILG Secretary Jesse M. Robredo said the “Tapatan Roadshow” aims to increase the level of public awareness on potential and actual dangers and risks; understanding or knowledge about the dangers or risks that people face; public acceptance of the facts and realities about real threats and empower people to confront disaster when it happens; and, public involvement, thereby moving people from inaction to action, from callousness to sensitivity, from being passive to being active and from being mere witness to active participant.

“We want to develop a culture of preparedness among LGUs and the public so that the country would be able to respond more effectively and mitigate the adverse impacts of every disaster that hits the country,” Robredo further said.

Highlight of the upcoming summit would be the signing of the Pledge of Commitment by the participants for disaster preparedness to manifest their firm resolve to put in place their local disaster risk reduction and management and climate change adaptation plans.

The DILG will be holding a series of regional summits aimed to promote advocacy on the institutionalization of disaster preparedness and climate change adaptation and mitigation

FOR MORE REGIONAL STORIES, LOG ON TO: http://pia7news.blogspot.com among LGUs nationwide. (PIA7, Cebu)

INFOBYTES COMMUNITYNEWS

NEGROS ORIENTAL

Dumaguete City collects 2,670 kilos of garbage in coastal clean-up

By Jennifer C. Tilos

DUMAGUETE CITY, (PIA) -- Dumaguete City, through its Environment and Natural Resources Office (ENRO), has collected 2,670 kilos of garbage during the coastal clean-up last Saturday along the coastal barangays in the city.

ENRO Fishery Coordinator Roy Lumjod said the coastal clean-up drive is one of the initiatives of the city government to address a heavy influx of solid waste that could possibly affect our coastal resources.

Lumjod said the activity was also one way of making the environment life-supportive and ecologically friendly for Dumagueteños and tourists as well.

"With, this, aquatic and marine life will be transformed and preserved," he said.

The clean-up drive was participated in by the city hall employees and local officials in line with the Ocean Month celebration for the whole month of May.

“The coastal area of Dumaguete has very rich fishery and marine resources which will be soon depleted if everybody refused and neglected their responsibility in helping save and protect the

Local environmentalist Leo Mamicpic holds up an eco-bag during the May 2 Kapihan forum held in Bethel Guesthouse, Dumaguete City to raise awareness for the May 5 celebration of Climate Impacts Day. The city government is set to implement an anti-plastic ordinance later this year. (LJD/PIA NEGOR)

dwindling resources,” said Lumjod.

The city government has been implementing Ordinance No. 88, the Comprehensive Coastal Resources Management program, to address coastal problems on dumping of solid waste along the coastlines and waterways by residents, Lumjod added. (rmn/JCT/PIA-Negros Oriental)

NegOr launches manual backyard herbal medicine program

By Rachelle M. Nessia

DUMAGUETE CITY, (PIA) -- The Provincial Agriculture Office in Negros Oriental recently launched a backyard herbal medicine program, dubbed “Go Herbal, Negros Oriental,” with the presentation of a manual of herbal medicines.

The manual was formally presented by local agriculture officials before Negros Oriental Gov. Roel Degamo, Board Member Erwin Macias, and First District Board Member Liland Estacion.

One of the herbal plants cited in the manual is aloe vera, a species of succulent plants known for its rejuvenating, healing, and soothing properties, and for treating hair loss.

Capitol Information Officer Adrian Sedillo, however, said local studies have shown that the improper use and application of aloe vera may lead to skin cancer.

“The manual serves as a guide for Negrenses on the proper use of herbs, which plants to use in treating common illnesses, and the appropriate herbal preparations,” he said.

Gov. Degamo lauded the manual, saying that it will give Negrenses an alternative to the high cost of medicines and hospitalization.

He said the program will boost the preventive aspect of the provincial government’s delivery of health services in the province.

The provincial government’s herbal medicine program was initiated by the late former Gov. Emilio Macias II, a doctor by profession who pushed for medicinal plants as an alternative remedy in treating various ailments.

Degamo, who pursued the late governor’s herbal program, earlier ordered the agriculture office here to conduct further scientific studies on backyard herbal medicine. (RMN/PIA Negros Oriental)

NegOr veterans groups to enjoy annual monetary aid from prov'l gov't

By Rachelle M. Nessia

DUMAGUETE CITY, (PIA) -- Negros Oriental Gov. Roel Degamo pledged to allocate an annual budget of nearly P100,000 to fund the activities and programs of groups of war veterans here.

This was disclosed by the governor in his speech during the recent local celebration of the 67th anniversary of the Liberation Day held at Lamberto Macias Sports and Cultural Center in Dumaguete City.

Degamo said he saw the need to help the local war veterans who he said are responsible for the freedom enjoyed by the current generation.

“Because of their bravery, the Filipinos were freed from the hands of those who wished to control the country,” he said in his speech.

The governor hopes that the funds will greatly benefit the activities of local war veterans groups so they can enjoy the fruits of the hard work and sacrifice they made for the country. (RMN/PIA Negros Oriental)

BOHOL

INFOBYTES COMMUNITYNEWS

Bohol guv scores marine resource protection, conservation

By Rey Anthony Chiu

TAGBILARAN CITY, Bohol (PIA) -- Bohol governor Edgar Chatto underscored the province’s resolve to protect and conserve its prime marine resources as key to sustainable eco-tourism program of Bohol by

launching the “Coastal Restoration of Amazing Balicasag (CRAB) and Task Force Dolphin” programs.

In his speech during the opening of the Month of the Ocean in Bohol on May 2, Chatto called on Boholanos to get “passionately

Exhibit. Bohol LGU mounted Boholano Product Exhibits at the Plaza Rizal fronting the Capitol in Tagbilaran City on May 10-12, 2012. The activity features various Boholano products from fresh vegetables and fruits, processed food products and handicraft, while opening new business opportunities for the micro-entrepreneurs. (mbcn/ecb/PIA-Bohol)

involved” in the daunting task of protecting, developing and giving focus on Bohol’s marine environment.

“Sustaining Bohol treasures in dolphins and the premier dive-sites in Balicasag Island assures communities of better seas and thus, better lives,” the governor said.

Chatto cited the huge premiums from the eco-tourism activity in the Pamilacan and Balicasag islands dolphin watching tours, Bohol also treasures other source of important revenues in Balicasag island dives.

“Both however are at the risk of being lost due to unsustainable practices as well as highly commercialized operations that threaten to kill them,” Chatto reminded the public.

The governor said that the participation of agencies and sectors from the Provincial Government, national government, Armed Forces, Navy, the DA, BFAR, and non government organizations including the municipalities represented by the Coastal Law Enforcement Councils (CLECs) is already a good sign. (mbcn/rahc/PIA-Bohol)

Feature: Keeping Balicasag Island pristine as dive-paradise in Bohol

By Rey Anthony Chiu

The local government unit of Bohol through its SocioEconomic and Environment Management (SEEM) cluster pushed for an agreement with the island stakeholders to keep Balicasag Island as pristine and as ideal as it was promised when it was declared a naval reservation.

Balicasag Island, lying 10 kilometers southwest of Panglao has world class seascapes, which have been internationally recognized, making it a premier dive site.

Since 1907, the American Governor General James Smith declared the island a naval reservation for lighthouse purposes.

This allowed the navy and the Coast Guard to put up detachments for lighthouse operations and island security.

During the time of President Ferdinand Marcos, a presidential decree put the island under the Philippine Tourism Authority.

Under a memorandum of agreement (MOA), it established the Balicasag Island Dive Resort in 1987 allowing it to have built-billeting quarters and tourist amenities, to promote underwater sports which the island boasts of.

The same MOA largely aims to protect the marine life sanctuary that was to showcase a model for marine environmental conservation, ecological preservation and tourism.

But like all success stories, Balicasag did not only lure tourists, it also drew people to live within the 25 hectare island which sits amid Bohol’s most productive seas.

Capitol’s SEEM head, Liza Quirog and marine conservationists shared the same observation that the island’s ecological sustainability is seriously threatened

from population pressures, unhampered inward migration and expanding tourist arrivals.

That is however just part of the problems spawned by a tourist island.

Unlawful buildings using the island’s beach sand, substantial waste-water seepage polluting its reefs, improper waste disposal, harmful fishing practices of island dwellers.

Issues such as unchecked diving and snorkeling activities, unethical tourism service operations and plain disregard for sound environmental policies put the island teetering in its certain crumbling future, Quirog lamented.

After a long delay, the government has finally looked into these problems in Balicasag. Recently, the local government led by Governor Edgar Chatto formalized the MOA with Balicasag island stakeholders for a project that will unify efforts to respond to the issues long besetting the island reservation The MOA launched during the Ocean Month celebration on May 2 is called “Coastal Restoration of Amazing Balicasag” (CRAB).

It now seeks to harmonize all government agencies having stakes in the island to jointly pan for the restoration of the island’s lure as Bohol’s marine protected areas showcase, Quirog said.

Signatories of the MOA include Philippine Navy, Philippine Coast Guard, Tourism Infrastructure and Enterprise Zone Authority, Department of tourism, Department of Environment and Natural Resources, Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources, National Housing Authority, Congressional office for the First District, Provincial Government of Bohol and the Municipality of Panglao. (mbcn/rahc/PIA-Bohol)

INFOBYTES COMMUNITYNEWS

SIQUIJOR

Lazi unveils Heritage Marker on St. Isidore feast day

By Rizalie A. Calibo

SIQUIJOR, (PIA) -- The San Isidro Labrador Parish in Lazi, Siquijor unveiled its official church marker to mark the National Cultural Treasure of the Philippines on the feast of San Isidro Labrador on May 15, 2012.

The unveiling ceremony followed the blessing of the Retablo Mayor and pulpits officiated by Most Rev Archbishop Onesimo Gordoncillo with special participation of U.S. Embassy Cultural Affairs Officer Allan Holst.

A certificate of declaration declaring the church as National Cultural Treasure was also presented.

The restoration of the "retablo mayor” and the pulpits was implemented by the National Museum of the Philippines with financial assistance from the US Embassy in Manila.

In a press release, the Embassy said it provided $15,000 last year for the project that was completed in March this year.

The project supported the repair and restoration of the church’s roof, main altar and twin pulpits and intricate wooden flooring considered among the best in the country.

The work was coordinated by the Siquijor Heritage Foundation, Inc. in partnership with Rev. Fr. Leonardo Tan, Parish Priest of San Isidro Labrador Church.

Present during the ceremony were local officials and representatives of the province led by Gov. Orlando A. Fua, Jr. who proudly described the town of Lazi as the “heritage center of Siquijor.”

Also present were National Museum Associate Director Cecilio G. Salcedo, Archbishop Onesimo Gordoncillo and a representative from the National Commission for Culture

Unveiling of the San Isidro Labrador Official Church Marker in Lazi, Siquijor as National Cultural Treasure of the Philippines with US Embassy Cultural Affairs Officer Alan R. Holst on its Feast Day on May 15, 2011.

(RACalibo/PIA-Siquijor with foto from Siquijor Tourism Office)

and the Arts.

On July 2001, the National Museum through Presidential Decree No. 374 declared San Isidro Labrador Church Complex as National Cultural Treasure due to its religious, historical and architectural importance not only to the province, but to the to the country.

The Church was built during the second half of the 19th Century under the Augustinian Recollects.

It has two pulpits, original wooden statuary and high reliefs and intricate wooden flooring.

It is the best well-preserved church complex that is grandly conceived and occupies two blocks in

the island.

The convent across the church is the largest in the Visayas.

The Lazi church complex also figures on the Baroque Churches of the Philippines list submitted by the National Commission for Culture and the Arts (NCCA) to UNESCO as a candidate for World Heritage Site classification. (RAC/PIA-Siquijor)

DA Sec urges Siquijodnons to plant more corn, rootcrops

By Rizalie A. Calibo

SIQUIJOR, (PIA) -- Agriculture Secretary Proceso Alcala encouraged Siquijodnon farmers to plant more corn and rootcrops as he pledged support to help Siquijor farmers improve corn and root crops production and processing.

In his keynote speech during his visit to the island earlier, Alcala noted that farmers may have lost interest in planting corn and rootcrops due to lack of new machineries that could have lighten their chores.

He said that eating corn and root crops never speaks of poverty, as he

cited some renowned personalities like Cong. Lucy Torres-Gomez, husband Richard Gomez, and boxer Manny Pacquiao preferring to eat corn and rootcrops rather than rice.

He said his real purpose in coming to the island is to know the farmers’ needs and provide answers to such needs.

“In that way, we will be sure that we are not wasting government money as we hope to provide you sufficient food for your daily needs,” he said as he also asked the farmers’ support to the government’s effort.

The agricultural support the secretary promised included mini-corn mill, mechanized corn sheller, and cassava granulator and shredder to be distributed to all six towns in the province.

Corn seeds of good variety will also be provided aside from assistance in the marketing of the farmers’ produce.

Alcala’s visit is part of President Benigno Aquino’s directive to check and hear issues and concerns of local farmers and to find solutions and strategies to address the issues.

(MBCN/RAC-PIA 7, Siquijor)