VOL. 2 l NO. 16 l June 20, 2012
Australian environmentalist fears global decline of coral reefs By Jennifer C. Tilos
PIA marked Environment Month with a Kapihan forum attended by close to 100 representatives from NGOs, NGAs, PNP Environment Desk Offices, LGUs, academe, and religious sectors at Bethel Guesthouse.
DOH-7 pushes youth to be vegetable advocates By Amorganda A. Saludar
CEBU CIT June 18 (PIA) -- The Department of Health (DOH)–7 urged the youth to become advocates for eating vegetables and fruits and become role models in their respective families by making it a habit in their daily meals. DOH-7 assistant regional director Lakshmi Legaspi made the call amid a report that there is decreasing consumption of vegetables in Central Visayas. “Eating vegetables is very important in maintaining good health. And a healthy body means a good immune system not easily susceptible to diseases,” said Legaspi. The official added that based on statistics, a decline in vegetable consumption have been noticed, attributing it to the youth’s reliance on street food. “This is why we are really calling on to our youths to be vegetable advocates starting in their own family,” she said, noting that next month’s Nutrition Month celebrating is themed “Pagkain ng Gulay Ugaliin, Araw-araw Itong Ihain. (Make eating vegetable a habit. Serve it every day.)” An increase in consumption of vegetables can also help vegetable growers in the region sustain their livelihood, because greater demand means the need for higher supply, Legaspi declared. “In increasing our vegetable consumption, we help our vegetable growers increase their income,” the director said. Although Legaspi admitted that most might not be keen on eating more vegetables compared to meat but “the essential vitamins and minerals that we get from vegetables to achieve a healthy body and prevent diseases can never be compared.”
DUMAGUETE CITY, Negros Oriental, June 20 (PIA) -- An Australian scientist and environmentalist reported that there has been a great amount of degradation of coral reefs, especially in the famous Great Barrier Reef in Australia. The loss is primarily attributed to acute mortality events from crownof-thorns starfish, coral bleaching and strong catastrophes, said the Director of the Australian Research Council Center of Excellence for Coral Reef Studies of James Cook University in Australia Dr. Terry Hughes, as he briefed a group of researchers, teachers, graduate students and representatives of local government units and government agencies in Negros Oriental, Siquijor and Cebu in the orientationbriefing on “Scale, Stock-recruitment Dynamics and the Global Decline of Coral Reefs” held recently at Silliman University in Dumaguete City. In 2008, 19 percent of coral reefs in the world were categorized as “lost” or are unlikely to recover from deterioration,
She also urged every sector and organization to implement their own advocacy program to increase the consumption of vegetables and to make people aware of its benefits and its contribution in uplifting economy through a healthy and productive citizenry. “We all must get involve and do our share in promoting vegetable consumption and ecouraging our youths to regularly eat vegetables,” Legaspi concluded. (FCR/ASPIA7,Cebu)
FOR MORE REGIONAL STORIES, LOG ON TO: http://pia7news.blogspot.com
said Dr. Hughes, citing the Global Coral Reef Monitoring Network report. Hughes said that 15 percent were “critical” or were found to have 50 percent of coral loss, 20 percent were “under threat” or with 25 to 50 percent coral loss and 46 percent were “low risk.” Along with this presentation, he highlighted the value of “no-take marine reserves,” particularly those managed by local communities, in biodiversity conservation and fisheries management. "No-take marine zones" are areas in the ocean that are permanently cordoned off to allow for marine resources, especially fishes, to grow and reproduce. This method keeps fishing activities away from specific areas of the sea. These no-take marine zones, he added, have been proven not only to protect coral reefs but also to increase the egg production of fishes. In the Philippines, there are about 1,000 marine protected areas, some of them already declared as no-take areas, four of which are areas surrounding Apo Island, Sumilon Island, Mantigue Island and Selinog Island. The lecture of Dr. Hughes, who was brought to Dumaguete by the Australian Embassy, was sponsored by the Integrated Coastal Resources Management Project of the Philippine government to which Silliman University serves as assisting institution or consultant. Professor Emeritus and Trustee of Silliman University and former DENR secretary Dr. Angel C. Alcala introduced Dr. Hughes as an internationally renowned s c i e n t i s t . ( M B C N / J C T- P I A 7 , N e g r o s Oriental)
BOHOL
INFOBYTES TOPSTORIES
Defend freedom, urges Chatto at June 12 rites By Rachelle M. Nessia
TAGBILARAN CITY, Bohol June 18 (PIA) – Bohol governor Edgar Chatto rallied Boholanos to stand in defense of freedom from intellectual pursuit, economic independence and the real threats of lasting peace, during the recent 114th Independence Day rites last June 12 at the Plaza Rizal in Tagbilaran City. Chatto, who led the rites here pointed out that even with the country’s won political independence from its colonizers, Boholanos still need to struggle for true independence. “Free Bohol from poverty,” Chatto called during the event attended by national, provincial, and local government officials and employees. He said Bohol may have achieved some independence but the struggle continues until true independence free people from poverty. He also called for Bohol’s freedom from want and hunger and from the clutches of criminal minds who want to disturb the peace. “We all want to achieve true freedom because we want to be genuinely free,” he said. By that, he means freedom also from illiteracy, malnutrition, abusive regime, where the real peace harmony and independence is anchored in genuine justice. Inheriting the governance after it has been declared insurgency free, Chatto’s leadership is now threatened by reports that abandoning rebels have attempted to reconnect their lines with their mass base to continue their protracted fight against the government. Chatto however is openly emboldened with an unconditional support from the legislative branch, who also showed their full support by coming in force for the event. The governor also cited the participation of Boholano youth during the event. Youth from Trinidad and Mabini towns presented a full length dance drama about some snippets of history in Bohol. Over this, the governor also called on the youth to keep the spirit of nationalism to actualize their roles as hopes of the fatherland. (mbcn/ rahc/PIA-Bohol)
CPG house now a heritage & tour destination: Pres. Carlos P. Garcia’s grandchildren, Carla Garcia Campos and Jose Carlos (center), also current president of the CPG Foundation both conveyed their heartfelt thanks to Boholanos led by Gov. Edgar Chatto (left) for monumental efforts not only to make the dream of leaving a legacy for CPG – the man and his works – but also to create an opportunity for this legacy to continue, which the heritage house now stands for. Last June 14, 2012 on the 41st death anniversary of CPG, his grandchildren turned over to Gov. Chatto the deed of donation for the 393 sq. m. property situated at corner F. Rocha and Hontanosas streets in Tagbilaran City, Bohol. (PIA-Bohol/ecb)
Visayas' 1st wakeboard facility opens in Getafe By Rey Anthony H. Chiu
TAGBILARAN CITY, Bohol, June 18 (PIA) -- Bohol continues to assert its dominance as a province of endless possibilities for tourism activities when it opens Visayas’ first wakeboarding facility in Pandanon island, Getafe town on June 9. Bohol now joins the elite league of Camarines Sur and Batangas, two known wakeboarding destinations, entrepreneur Michael Tan of the Board Shop said. The Board Shop is the wakeboarding outfitter and accessories’ company who helped set up the facility in the neat white sand bar in Pandanon. Governor Edgar Chatto cut the ceremonial ribbon to officially get the facility running, at 1:00 p.m. Saturday. It also signaled the official start of First Bohol Wake Fest, a wakeboarding competition participated in by local and international wakeboarding enthusiasts. Wake-boarders took turns literally in pulling out the most spectacular “tricks from their hats” while towed by cables set up by a computer run program called Sesitec 2.0. Wake-boarding is a surface water sports which involves riding a wakeboard over the surface of a body of water. It is an aqua sports developed by combining skills of snowboarding, water skiing and wind surfing techniques, in which the rider uses balance to performs tricks on the wake while being towed by a speeding boat. For environmental considerations however, Getafe facility uses a closed-circuit cable-course where computer controlled specifically designed cables that tows the riders at certain speeds to get the wakeboarders skimming on top of the water.
Governor Chatto, who is a staunch advocate for Bohol’s vision of becoming an eco-cultural tourism destination, hailed the people who developed the facility, which heaps more options for tourism in Bohol Chatto is one of those who conceptualized the campaign slogan “It’s All in Bohol,” said Bohol must not stop developing new tourism products to remain competitive. At the sidelines of the competition, Getafe Councilor Tonypet Ouano revealed that they would re-assemble the wakeboarding facility near the mainland in Getafe, while the set up in Pandanon is testing the waters for the aquasport viability. “The opening up of the competition in Pandanon is a strategy to promote the sports, get Getafe into the tourism map and open up international consciousness among tourists to experience Pandanon,” Ouano, whose family owns the only beach resort in the island said. “It was a bold move,” admits Getafe Information Officer Nelson Socias, who added that the wakeboarding facility in Pandanon uses power generators to run the cable motors. Putting the facility in the mainland in Getafe, where cheaper power is easily available, would certainly put Getafe on the tourism map, Socias added. Pandanon island is located some thirty minutes of boat ride from Getafe municipal port and would entail navigating through shallow shoals of Danajon Double Barrier reef, skirting islets and getting a peek at Asia’s biggest mangrove reforestation project at the nearby Banacon Mangrove Reforestation Reserves. (mbcn/rahc/PIABohol)
NEGROS ORIENTAL
INFOBYTES COMMUNITYNEWS
CENRO Ayungon cited as a model site of NGP By Hazel F. Gloria
NEGROS ORIENTAL, June 17 (PIA) --- The Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR-7) in Central Visayas named the Community Environment and Natural Resources Office (CENRO) in Ayungon, Negros Oriental as a model site in the entire country for the implementation of the national greening program (NGP). This came after 930 hectares of degraded forestlands were fully rehabilitated or an increase of 103.8 percent of the target of 896 hectares in 2011 with a survival rate of 90 percent which is considered the highest. CENR Officer Charlie Fabre said the achievement is attributed to the strong and vibrant support and commitment from the seven local government units and ten people’s organizations (POs). He mentioned the importance of establishing and adopting an approved forest land use plan (FLUP) by LGUs as the same could be a very good instrument or tool to delineate production and protection of the forest. Of the seven LGUs, Ayungon yielded the biggest area covered with trees of 708 hectares or 236 percent of its 300hectare target. “They have been very supportive to the greening program and the complementary roles of LGUs are just so impressive”, he added. About 927,000 fast growing species and 169,500 seedlings consisting of forest and fruit trees were also raised by CENRO Ayungon nursery to augment the tree planting requirements of the NGP. “We have seen and witnessed how the LGUs and POs nurtured the program and we urged everyone to also contribute and show the same amount of support as this is essentially critical to maintain a balanced ecosystem,” DENR-7 regional executive director Dr. Isabelo Montejo said. Due to the citation, the said office was given an additional 2,750 hectares to be planted with various native and endemic tree species this year on top of this year’s target of 1,518 hectares. Likewise, Montejo stressed that NGP is pursued to reduce poverty in the upland areas, sustain food security, increase land productivity, promote environmental stability and sustainability, climate change mitigation and adaptation, and value formation. He articulated trees could sequester carbon as they regulate climate, and provide clean water and clean air for a healthier environment. “NGP which is a priority of President Benigno S. Aquino III intends to plant 1.5 billion trees in some 1.5 million hectares from 2011 to 2016, which is more than twice the government’s accomplishment of 730,000 hectares for the past 25 years,” Montejo added. Meanwhile, a 1.5 hectare nursery facility located in Barangay Banban, Ayungon which can accommodate 400,000 seedlings was established last year and around 200,000 seedlings are up or ready for planting. The municipal government of Ayungon provides the water system to the nursery.(mbcn/hfg/PIA-7 & DENR-7)
A press conference was held at the PIA office with guests Romualdo Seneris of Visayan Forum and Johanna Wiese of ILO on the effects of calamities on human trafficking activities in Negros Oriental.
5 Silliman studes qualify for Asian Math Wizard in HK By Jennifer C. Tilos DUMAGUETE CITY, June 20 (PIA) -- Five students from Silliman University of School of Basic Education qualified for an international mathematics tournament in Hong Kong from July 23 to August 1. According to the Office of Information and Publication director Mark Raygan Garcia of Silliman University, all five are now official members of the Philippine team competing in the Search for the Asian Math Wizard in two categories: elementary and high school. Four are from the elementary department namely third graders Francis Roy Albina, Jose Miguel C. Antonio I, and Jose Marco C. Antonio II, and fifth grader Micah Edem; and one is in third year high school, Anchelle Grace Ho. Garcia said the qualifiers were first selected from the Mathematics Training Guild (MTG) provincial screening which took place for months until February this year. During the provincial screening, they were among the top five in their respective
year levels. “A month after, they underwent further screening under the Young Mathematicians In-House Intensive Training Program emerged in the top 15 percent. Their performance entitled them for higher competency training for a month at the Philippine Institute of Quezon City which determined the final composition of the Philippine delegation,” said Garcia. Albina, Antonio I, Antonio II, and Edem will compete in Hong Kong on July 23 to 27, while Ho, on July 30 to August 1. Silliman has been sending students to international math competitions, including the China Primary School Math Olympiad in Beijing. The Mathematics Trainers’ Guild, Philippines (MTG) is a non-stock, nonprofit organization of mathematics teachers committed to develop and promote excellence in mathematics education and training in the Philippines. (mbcn/JCT-PIA 7, Negros Oriental)
SIQUIJOR
INFOBYTES COMMUNITYNEWS
DENR 7: Protect pre-war reforested area in Siquijor
By Rizalie A. Calibo
SIQUIJOR, June 17 (PIA) -- The Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR-7) in Central Visayas is calling for the protection of the 202.15hectare pre-war reforestation project in Barangay Salagdoong in Maria, Siquijor. DENR-7 regional executive director Dr. Isabelo Montejo said the agency needs the support of the communities to help in the protection of this environmental treasure. Established in 1937, the reforestation site is one of the oldest
in the country. Sixty 60 percent or 121.29 hectares of its total land area are planted to molave tree species or Vitex parviflora. The rest are covered by other types of species-- Lumbang or Aleurites moluccana, Talisay or Terminalia catappa, and Bogo or Garuga floribunda Decne. Meanwhile, more than 100 seedlings of various rare medicinal tree species were planted during the tree planting held recently within the 244hectare Mt. Bandilaan Nature Park. The activity was participated in by DENR Siquijor personnel and members of the Kantabon Herbalist Association.
Among the medicinal plants that they planted are five species of “pahauling kahoy,” “tabong-hangin” and “tagnipas”. Straddling the towns of Lazi and Siquijor, the protected area shelters endemic fauna and flora. A total of 30 hectares were planted by mangroves in Barangay Lomangcapan in Enrique Villanueva with a project cost of P700,000 through the Integrated Coastal Resources Management of DENR. The said project is awarded to Lomangcapan United Fisherfolks Association to undertake the mangrove
CONTRACT SIGNING: Signing of contract for a P1.2 million coastal resource management learning center in Larena, Siquijor by Coastal Conservation and Education Foundation (CCEF) executive director Atty. Rose-Liza Eisma Osorio (center) together with Dr. Rolito Estrellado (far right), representative of State Universities and Colleges (SUC) and the contractor to formalize their cooperation in the construction and development of the learning center in the island. A groundbreaking rite followed the signing. (RACalibo/POA-Siquijor/RLAnsing/DA-RFU PATCO Siquijor)
plantation. In the face of the deleterious effects of climate change, Montejo noted the importance of trees to capture carbon dioxide emissions. “We want to draw partnership with all national government agencies, local government units, government owned and controlled corporations, including state colleges and universities to harness maximum participation through their p e r s o n n e l complement in pursuing the green program,” he concluded. (mbcn/hfg/PIA-7 & DENR-7)
LBP head reechoes PNoy's "tuwid na daan" SONA in Larena town's 114th Independence celeb By Rizalie A. Calibo SIQUIJOR, June 28(PIA)—Land Bank of the Philippines (LBP) branch head Joferdine Cui reechoed President Benigno S. Aquino III’s 1st State of the Nation Address in June 12 celebration of the 114th Philippine Independence Day celebration in Larena, Siquijor. Expounding on the theme “Kalayaan: Panangutan ng Bayanpara sa tuwid na daan,” Cui in her keynote speech quoted President Aquino saying “ang pagtanaw sa interes ng nakakarami; anng pagkapit sa prinsipyo; at ang pagiging tapat sa sinumpaan nating tungkulin bilang lingkod-bayan. Ito ang tuwid na daan.”
he said that freedom is power, and with that power comes responsibility. “As public servants, it is our responsibility to uphold public interest at all times. As Filipino citizens, it is our duty to follow rules and obey laws for the good our nation,” said Cui as she calls everyone to remember the oath on patriotism and of being law-abiding citizens recited daily in grade. The town’s celebration was participated in by local officials, national government agencies, teachers and staff of the Siquijor State College (SSC) and Department of Education, Larena district, barangay captains and some private
individuals. It started with a prayer: “heal our Land”, followed by a flag raising ceremony by the Philippine National Police (PNP) and the Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP) with a Flag Soliloquy, singing of the National Anthem, and Salute to the Flag led by the SSC students. Intermission numbers of interpretative and folk dances were given by the SSC Kultura Filipina Folkloric Dance Troupe featuring the cultures of Luzon, Visayas and Mindanao; Larena district teachers, and barangay Cabulihan. (mbcn/ RAC/PIA7-Siquijor)