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INFOBYTES THE OFFICIAL E-NEWSLETTER OF THE PHILIPPINE INFORMATION AGENCY-7 | WWW.PIA.GOV.PH VOL. 2 | NO. 4| April 17, 2013
TOPSTORIES
Bohol to host ASEAN cyberporno, prostitution gab By Rey Anthony H. Chiu
for its 2nd Conference on Working toward a Cyber Pornography and Cyber Prostitution-Free Southeast Asia on April 23-25 at Bohol Tropics in Tagbilaran City. DSWD7 information officer Jaybee
Binghay said the Bohol conference is an offshoot of the ASEAN first conference BOHOL (PIA) –The Department in Manila in June 2012 that tackled of Social Welfare and Development the dynamics and realities of cyber (DSWD-7) in Central Visayas brings to pornography and cyber prostitution as well Bohol, 11 ASEAN countries representatives as the development of a comprehensive and responsive interventions to address this issue. “This conference specifically aims to share various enabling mechanisms in addressing the issue on cyber pornography and cyber prostitution," Binghay added. She said the gathering will also determine effective, preventive and responsive strategies; identify good practices to combat cyber pornography and cyber prostitution issues and to formulate regional agenda to address these cases. The 3-day event wilL include a variety of methodologies: lectures, group discussions and workshops, she said. The 21st century technological advancement facilitated the production, storage and distribution of information and at the same time, brought in new forms of human exploitation through cyber pornography and cyber prostitution. These situations also provided a convenient window to violate the inherent worth and dignity of numerous women and children in the region. “This happens due to poverty and lack of stringent laws to address the problem,” Bingjay pointed out. Aggravating the proliferation of cyber pornography and cyber prostitution are: public’s lack of information on the problem and addressing cyber-pornography and cyber prostitution as well as noncooperation of cyber café owners and operators in disclosing any information of their users, Binghay said as she cited the results of various researches. This makes tracking of victims and perpetrators almost impossible, DSWD noted. Child Wise Tourism Launching in Bohol : The highlight of the Child Participating ASEAN Wise Tourism Programme held at the Alona Kew White Beach Hotel & countries in the Bohol conference Resort in Panglao, Bohol on April 12 is the signing of the Covenant of include: Brunei Darussalam, Commitment for the Protection of Children in Tourism which lists the Cambodia, Indonesia, Lao PDR, pledges that concerned organizations will uphold to ensure the safety Malaysia, Myanmar, Singapore, of children. (PIA-Bohol) Thailand, Vietnam, Korea and the Philippines. (mbcn/RAHC/ FOR MORE REGIONAL STORIES, LOG ON TO: http://pia7news.blogspot.com PIA7-Bohol & JB/DSWD7)
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NEGROS ORIENTAL
DOST awards STARBOOKS to LGUs in Negros Oriental By Jennifer C. Tilos DUMAGUETE CITY (PIA) -- The local Department of Science and Technology (DOST) will launch the first online science and technology library which will be turned over to the three local government units in Negros Oriental on April 17 at DOST’s Office, Dumaguete City. Dubbed 'STARBOOKS' or the Science and Technology Academic and Research-Based Openly-Operated Kiosk Stations, will be awarded to public libraries of Dumaguete City, Mabinay town, and Bayawan City for their eLibrary on science education and technology. P r o v i n c i a l S & T d i r e c t o r, Atty. Gilbert Arbon of DOST said STARBOOKS is a stand-alone library
portal that is intended to provide the public with free access to digital science and technology information materials for academic and livelihood uses. It is a new academic resource for students and researchers equip with key access portals in strategic areas in the Philippines, said Atty. Arbon. Users can have access to the latest data and information contained at DOST (SciNeT), Philippine eLib project sources, freely-available online resources, and subscribed databases. This consist of a pod, computer server, printer, and a UPS or uninterruptible power supply, however, this does not require internet connectivity but has to be maintained by and IT specialists. This project is an initiative
. PCOS machine demo and testing in SM City Cebu: A first-time voter gets a briefing and a real feel of voting using a PCOS machine at SM City Cebu. The demonstration runs for one month and is open to the public. (FCC/PIA CEBU)
of DOST’s Science and Technology Information Institute (STII) of which the technology is available for transfer to interested LGUs. (mbcn/JCT/PIA7Negros Oriental)
LGU Manjuyod, Hedcor ink MOA for hydro project
By Jennifer C. Tilos DUMAGUETE CITY (PIA) -The municipality of Manjuyod, Negros Oriental signed recently a memorandum of agreement with AboitizPower’s wholly-owned subsidiary, Hedcor, to build a hydropower plant. Corporate communications officer Karen Padawag of Hedcor Inc. said the Mabinay-Manjuyod Hydropower project is expected to have a generating capacity of 21.9 megawatt of clean and renewable energy. Barangay officials of Kauswagan, Manjuyod led by barangay chairman Aanthony Guillen, and Jesus Daguman of New Namangka, Mabinay also signed the MOA. The agreement contains the benefits the host communities would receive from the project. These include farm-to-market roads, education and employment opportunities, health services, and generation shares on top. Padawag said the generation shares will be given once the plant is operational, over and above the minimum found in the Energy Regulation 1-94. “Aside from focusing on education, health, livelihood and infrastructure, we are also committed to lead the way in reforestation activities and watershed management programs,” Vice president for business development Boy Jabonillo said. Jabonillo added “We will also bring inclusive growth to the community of Negrenses. This means we will provide sustainability programs for the community’s progress.” The hydropower project, the first project of Hedcor in Visayas will tap the Ilog River in Manjuyod which will generate 84 million kilowatt hours annually. Padawag said the project will be an addition to the 19 plants in Ilocos Sur, Davao and Benguet provinces that Hedcor currently operates. (mbcn/JCT/ PIA7-Negors Oriental)
CEBU
INFOBYTES COMMUNITYNEWS
PhilHealth Express in Cebu malls By juju Manubag-Empuerto
CEBU CITY (PIA) -- The Philippine Health Insurance Corporation (PhilHealth) has opened a PhilHealth Express in Ayala Center Cebu. The PhilHealth Express-Ayala is located on the fourth level of Ayala mall at the Services area and is open five times a week, Mondays through Fridays from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. The PhilHealth Express-Ayala can process applications for registration of individuals and establishments, correction or amendment of member data and requests for
issuance of Member Data Record (MDR) and PhilHealth ID. It will also receive premium payments two days a week, every Thursdays and Fridays, from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. On other days, members can pay premium at PhilHealth-accredited collecting agents and to LBC and Bayad Center branches located at the same area of the mall. They will also receive premium payments from individually-paying members for a minimal transaction fee. PhilHealth Express is also at SM City Cebu from Mondays through Fridays,
10 a.m. to 7:00 pm. Cashiering services at PhilHealth Express-SM is on Tuesdays and Wednesdays up to 3:00 pm. The PhilHealth Express-J Center Mall in Mandaue City is open on Tuesdays to Saturdays, 10:00 am to 7:00 pm, while the PhilHealth Express-Pacific Mall, also in Mandaue City, is open Mondays to Saturdays, 9:00 am to 6:00 pm. PhilHealth Express is an innovative approach of bringing services closer to the people as it provides basic frontline services, particularly in vital traffic hubs such as malls or shopping centers. (rmn/JSME/PIA-Cebu/ Philhealth)
DENR7 cites chemist role in environmental growth By Jennifer C. Tilos DUMAGUETE CITY (PIA) --Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR7) regional director, Dr. Isabelo Montejo challenged about 500 chemistry teachers, researchers, industry practitioners and students from all over the Philippines to create better and effective measures in minimizing pollutants that are present in the environment. On its 28th Philippine Chemistry Congress hosted by Silliman University, Dir. Montejo in his message, placed the task to the participants in formulating simple yet efficient ways for local communities to mitigate the harmful effects of worsening environmental degradation. "The intent is to have people in place that can address the chemistry of air, water, soil, sediments, space and biota of the environment so that we can effectively carry out the mandate of managing and protecting our environment and natural resources," said Montejo. He emphasized the importance of having a strong partnership between DENR and chemists. "In the scouting and screening for strategies and methodologies for sequestering Green House Gases, chemists would be the partners that biologists cannot do without," he said. Montejo cited the indispensible role of chemists in monitoring and goal attaining activities in the flagship project of DENR which is the National Greening Program.
National Year of Rice launching in Siquijor: DA-7 Regional Executive Director Angel Enriquez (w/ mic) speaks during the launching of 2013 National Year of Rice in Siquijor. She said Central Visayas is food secured because we have all the available food requirement. (RACalibo/PIA-Siquijor)
He mentioned several studies which the DENR and chemists can support each other, namely: "analytical methods of assessment to monitor water and air quality; studies on household cleaning materials that will not be harmful. Studies on materials that can best insulate homes and spaces for Energy efficiency and conservation; studies in gain-loss of carbon sequestration vis-a-vis reforestation efforts undertaken by DENR; and studies on carbon sequestration of particular plant species, Montejo added. With the theme “Chemistry in 3D: Discovering, Defining, Developing�, the 28th Philippine Chemistry Congress aims to provide answers through the use of scientific process in chemistry to solve the underlying problems present in the physical environment which include issues on energy, environment, industry, agriculture, food sustainability, health and nutrition. (mbcn/JCT/PIA7-Negros Oriental)
INFOBYTES
is a weekly electronic newsletter produced by the Philippine Information Agency-Region 7 with stories submitted by its Provincial Information Centers in Cebu, Bohol, Negros Oriental and Siquijor.
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SIQUIJOR
Siquijor unites for 2013 National Year of Rice By Gay Therese M. Bucol
LARENA, Siquijor(PIA) -- President Aquino declared 2 0 1 3 N a t i o n a l Ye a r o f R i c e u n d e r P r o c l a m a t i o n N o . 4 9 4 and it was launched throughout the country on January 28, 2013. In the province of Siquijor, among the highlights, said Gay Therese Bucol of the Department of Agriculture, was the signing of commitment by all stakeholders and program implementers and the joint recitation of the rice pledge. The National Year of Rice dubbed as NYR2013 aims to achieve rice self-sufficiency and minimize, if not totally stop, rice importation. This advocacy campaign aims to promote the need for everyone’s help through intensified information campaign and social marketing - from the producers, policy-makers down to the general public/consumers. NYR2013 is part of the Food Staples Sufficiency Program of the country. "Sapat na Bigas, Kaya ng Pinas (Rice sufficiency can be achieved by Pinas)" is the theme for NYR 2013. This is hoped to be achieved through the joint efforts of all Filipinos. The producers/rice farmers are urged to adopt recommended technologies. This means that higher rice yield can feed more people. Policy-makers are also urged to create policies that promote farm productivity, and eaters are urged to be conscientious rice consumers. For the consumers, attaining rice sufficiency can be achieved by reducing rice wastage and eating alternative staple foods such as "Saba (a kind of banana)", sweet potato, corn, and the like. Everyone is also encouraged to eat brown rice as it has higher milling recovery and is more nutritious than white rice. In 2012, Siquijor has a rice area of 639.67 hectares, approximately 3.46 percent of its entire agricultural area. Notwithstanding, a total of 2,316.07 metric
MGA KATANGIAN NG MGA KARAPAT-DAPAT NA LINGKOD BAYAN Mga katangiang dapat makita sa isang karapat-dapat na Lingkod Bayan ay ang mga sumusunod: • Dapat ay may hangaring tapat at mahusay sa kanyang paglilingkod sa publiko. • Dapat ay may pantay at makatarungang pakikitungo sa sinumang lumalapit sa kanyang tanggapan. • Dapat ay may integridad at walang hangaring gamitin ang kanyang tungkulin sa kanyang pansariling kapakanan. • Dapat ay may integridad at paninindigan na hindi tatanggap ng anumang uri ng suhol o lagay. • Dapat maka-Diyos at may damdaming pagserserbisyo lalo na sa mga mahihirap.
Siquijor towns urged to adopt organic agri law
tons (MT) were produced on the same year. This resulted to a 2.14 percent increase in yield compared to the 2011 data. It also has the highest average yield per hectare of 3.68 MT/ha in the whole of Region 7. Furthermore, the province of Siquijor is only 14.88 percent sufficient in rice. The difference is satisfied with By Rizalie A. Calibo rice coming from other provinces and the consumption of other food staple like corn. SIQUIJOR (PIA)--The provincial (mbcn/rac-PIA 7, Siquijor/Gay Therese M. government of Siquijor through the Bucol/OPA)
(POAB) urged its six municipalities to adopt Republic Act 10068 otherwise known as Organic Agriculture Act. This is in line with the provincial Provincial Organic Agriculture Board government’s thrust to boost ‘agri-ecotourism’ and its farmers’ productivity and income, according to the POAB. Members of POAB and its technical working committee said as they unanimously agreed to request all municipalities to support the law through its adoption and creation of the Municipal Organic Agriculture Committees (MOACs) and Technical Working Groups (TWGs). The Provincial Organic Agriculture Board (POAB) and its Technical Working Committee have been created early last year along with the formulation of the Organic Agriculture Roadmap for the province and a development plan for this year. As one its activities for this year, the POAB has scheduled the whole month of February this year for a series of meetings with the members of the municipal councils and March for the orientation on RA 10078 and the importance of Pulong-pulong for Siquijor: Some women of Purok Bougainvilla, Tulapos, Enrique the creation of MOAC and TWGs. This, the PPOAB said will Villanueva, Siquijor pose with PIA-Siquijor Information Officer Rizalie A. Calibo provide for the development of a (third from right) prior to the Pulong-Pulong conducted to more than 40 barangay comprehensive organic agriculture for women folks of the Tulapos Fishermen Association (TUFA) and the Kapunungan the province and its municipalities. sa mga Anak sa yuta ug Dagat (KAYOD) on March 31, 2013 (Easter Sunday) to (mbcn/RACalibo/PIA-Siquijor) celebrate the Women’s Month. Some of the participants are also beneficiaries of the Pantawid Pamilya program. (RACalibo-PIA-Siquijor)