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INFOBYTES THE OFFICIAL E-NEWSLETTER OF THE PHILIPPINE INFORMATION AGENCY-7 | WWW.PIA.GOV.PH VOL. 2 | NO. 8| May 23, 2013
TOPSTORIES
54 PWDs graduate in Vocational Training Center By Hazel F. Gloria CEBU CITY (PIA) -- Fifty four (54) persons with disabilities (PWDs) in Visayas and Mindanao have received their diplomas for completing training at the Area Vocational Rehabilitation Center 11 (AVRC) in Labangon, Cebu City. The rites were held during the school's 35th Graduation Exercises. O f t h e s e n u m b e r, 2 4 finished Therapeutic Massage, 1 in Consumer Electronics, 13 in C o m p u t e r Te c h n o l o g y, 2 i n Commercial Arts and Crafts, 5 in Basic Cosmetology, 10 in Commercial Cooking, 2 in Basic Sewing and 2 in Furniture and Cabinet Making. Aside from their certificates, six (6) model students received training tools that would help them develop their skills donated by Ms. Liza Yap, President of the Cebu Centennial Lions Club. Among the outstanding graduates given special awards were: Rosalinda Camus and Phoebe Francisco for Basic Cosmetology, Gilbert Betonio for Computer Technology, John Vincent Parma for Furniture and Cabinet Making, Alvin Duhaylung of and Darwin Mantaces for Commercial Cooking and Rime Fabe for Therapeutic Massage. AV R C Tr a i n i n g C e n t e r Superintendent Herminia Cabahug of AVRC reported that 88% of their graduates last year are now placed for jobs and gainfully employed. AVRC is a vocational training center operated and maintained by the DSWD since l974 which serves persons with physical and social disabilities like the visually impaired, physically handicapped, negative hansenites, mentally challenge, released prisoners and other disadvantaged sector. The center aims to maximize the residual capacities of PWDs through assessment and guidance, social adjustment, medical, vocational training and placement services as well as bring maximum functioning of PWDs for their eventual integration into the community. Interested persons with disability (PWD) who wish to study/ enroll in AVRC may approach their municipal or city social welfare office or call 2620001 or 2628107.(mbcn/ HFG/PIA-7/DSWD-7)
A guy paints the window panel of a classroom of West City Elementary School in Dumaguete at the start of Brigada Eskwela. The program started with the gathering of teachers, parents and volunteers singing the national anthem. Brigada Eskwela, which will end on May 25,
Starting them young in creativity, critical thinking By Amorganda A. Saludar Cebu City (PIA) -- Young Minds Academy (YMA) of the Ramon Aboitiz Foundation Inc. (RAFI) introduced 87 young Cebuanos to a seminar workshop on "Think Quest and Idea Lab" on April 26-27 to encourage creativity and critical thinking among the youth. Eduardo Aboitiz Development Studies Center (EADSC) spearheaded the workshop with YMA's regular modules. It aims to help the scholars identify factors that influences their creativity and nourish their critical young minds. The seminar also allows them to create 'out-of-the-box' ideas that are realistic by approach, and teach the value of open-mindedness. According to EADSC executive director Evelyn Nacario, YMA scholars went through a series of challenges, including poetry, drawing, and mind map-making during the first day of the event. Nacario said, a mind map is a diagram intended to visually outline information. Based on this module, the scholars outlined how they can contribute to the fields of environmental awareness, youth and politics, and education. They are also given the opportunity to have open space conversations, where they can share experiences and knowledge on the topics; from education to politics to youth and the environment and or other topics that the participants are most interested in. The second day marked the heightened challenge of the participants when they are tasked to pass through three Idea Labs patterned after a moving exam. Idea Labs A, B, and C provide an opportunity for the scholars to create innovative solutions on prevalent concerns and issues in their communities. The fourth modular workshop included the presentation of the final outputs of the 18 teams of Generations A (17-20 years old) and B (12-16 years old) of this season. Former scholars of the YMA also participated during the output presentation via Twitter using the hashtags #YMA7 and #YoungMindsAcademy7. This year’s batch of YMA scholars was officially announced during the Covenant Signing on April 2 at the Eduardo Aboitiz Hall of RAFI-EADSC Building. Emerging leaders aged 13 to 20 years old will begin their eight-month leadership and citizenship program this summer. This will include awareness-raising, experiential education, immersion, and open discourse on the dynamics and challenges facing the community, especially the 13 cities and municipalities comprising Metro Cebu. The scholars’ final output is to generate ideas and possible solutions to community issues and concerns through a team project which they could implement in partnership with identified local government units. YMA is a program of RAFI-EADSC under the Leadership & Citizenship focus area, which aims to groom future leaders and influences in a community that is ready to effect change. (mbcn/AYS/PIA-7 &
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CEBU
Election results to change Cebu's political landscape By Rachelle M. Nessia CEBU CITY (PIA) -- Results of the recent mid-term elections caused a historic, drastic shift in the upper echelons of the political landscape of Cebu, one of the most vote-rich provinces in the Philippines. Some longtime, major political stalwarts suffered upsets in the hands of newbies. On the other hand, some of the newcomers finally tasted victory after
several failed bids for electoral seats. One such surprising fall of an old guard in Cebu politics is Cebu First District Rep. Eduardo Gullas who, for a 736-vote margin, lost the mayoral race in Talisay City to Johnny Delos Reyes. This is Gullas’ first loss in his 38-year winning streak. Already considered an institution in Cebu politics, Gullas has been in power as congressman, Talisay City’s first mayor, and Cebu governor since 1969. Delos Reyes is a businessman
Officials and staff at the Lahug Elementary School in Cebu City started their weeklong Brigada Eskwela activity with a briefing and launching ceremony for parents, teachers, students and volunteers at the schools's covered court. Brigada Eskwela is an annual, week-long activity that aims to prepare the public schools in time for opening of classes. (VVV/PIA Cebu)
BOHOL
Bohol accounting office adopts new tech for transparency By Rey Anthony H. Chiu TAGBILARAN CITY, Bohol, May 15 (PIA) -- The Bohol Provincial Accounting Office (PAccO) has adopted new trends in IT-technology for fasttracking paper processes and making transparent accounting of public funds. PAccO chief, Joseth Celocia told employees gathered during the monthly convocation that the office uses a Commission on Audit (COA)-provided software that eases up preparation and generation of Journal Entry Vouchers (JEV) that also hooks up with the COA for easy and updated financial reports submission. The Electronic-New Government Accounting System (E-NGAS) software has made life and computing easier for them, said Celodia. The province processed some 46,076 JEVs or a bookkeeping monthly average of 3,840 entries of all funds at their keeping, Celodia added. Aside from E-NGAS, the PA c c O a l s o u s e s a n u p g r a d e d F i n a n c i a l Tr a n s a c t i o n Tr a c k i n g System (FiTTSys) which is now on version 3, she proudly shared. In its efforts to relentlessly pound for innovation, PAccO is now using a highly improved Version 3 which now includes indexing of claims and the remittance module.
In coordination with the Bohol Information Communication and Technology Unit (BICTU) under Bobong Bojos, the system can now be accessed on the web and with the FiTTSys, clients tracking the whereabouts of their claims can do so, in the comfort of their offices. At the Capitol, for more than a year now, PACCO has provided a viewing station where clients can easily browse and track their transactions from an electronic kiosk in a conspicuous place at the Capitol. For Capitol employees also, PACCo has fully implemented the improved and enhanced Remittance Information Tracking System (RITS), this one has the import and export features which facilitate the recording and tracking of GSIS, HDMF and BIR remittances, she pointed out. Since the Office takes charge of Accounting and Audit of Disbursement Services of the Provincial Government, Celodia also said they had sent demand letters to those with outstanding Cash Advances. She immediately followed the information with, “although we do these periodically, the issuance of COA Circular 2012-004 issued Nov. 2012, the Commission on Audit is really getting serious,” she said.
best known for inventing a canker sore remedy. This was his third time to run for elections; he also ran during the 2007 and 2010 polls and lost to Gullas’ handpicked successors, according to a report on Cebu Daily News. =He credits his win largely on the support of market vendors and tricycle drivers in Talisay City. News reports indicate that what caused Gullas’ loss was the swelling resentment of vendors and tricycle drivers who protested the closure of the old Tabunok market two years ago. The closure led to their transfer to a new market in Lagtang. When Gullas had the Tabunok market reopened in the last stages of his campaign, the move was apparently too late to woo back to his favor the affected vendors and drivers. Another fall of a political veteran that stunned many Cebuanos is that of Cebu South District Rep. Tomas Osmeña in the hands of his political protégé turned archrival, re-electionist Cebu City Mayor Michael Rama, for a difference of 10,000 votes. This is also Osmeña’s first loss, who many political pundits thought was unbeatable; Cebu have been dubbed by some as “Osmeña country.” He started his political career in 1988. According to Sun Star Cebu columnist Bong Wenceslao “His defeat tore down the legend that Osmeña and his supporters built around his political career. He was no longer the election genius no politician could defeat… the aura of invincibility vanished.” In Toledo City, the rein of the Espinosa clan for two decades was cut after former senator John Henry Osmena, who is also a cousin of Tommy Osmena, managed to win the Toledo City mayoral seat from Rudy Espinosa. Rudy’s daughter, Arlene Espinosa-Zambo, was vying for vice mayor but she lost to former congressman Dr. Antonio Yapha. Another big name likely to suffer a knockdown is that of Cebu City Third District Rep. Pablo John Garcia, who, as of this writing, is falling behind Atty. Hilario “JunJun” Davide in the race for Cebu governor. Davide, the son of former Chief Justice Hilario Davide, is already enjoying a comfortable lead over PJ Garcia after more than half of the precincts in Cebu province have been counted. PJ’s father, Rep. Pablo Garcia, to date trails behind his opponent, outgoing Board Member Willie Caminero, in the bid for the Second Congressional District pending completion of the canvassing of votes by the Provincial Board of Canvassers. Meanwhile, suspended Gov. Gwen Garcia, PJ’s sister, clinched the Third Congressional Seat with a slim margin of only 1,984 votes over Pinamungajan Mayor Geraldine Yapha. With JunJun’s victory now inevitable, PJ’s and Pablo’s possible defeats sent many political scribes wondering if they are looking at the impending end of the Garcia’s grip in Cebu politics. Cebu’s top Capitol post has been the turf of the Garcia clan for 18 years. If PJ won in this election, he would have been the third Garcia family member to rule in the Capitol for three consecutive times, a streak that is likely to be cut short by Davide. (RMN/PIA Cebu)
NEGROS ORIENTAL
INFOBYTES COMMUNITYNEWS
Over 300 cyclists campaign against human trafficking in Negros Oriental By Jennifer C. Tilos
DUMAGUETE CITY, May 10 (PIA) -- Over 300 cyclists in Negros Oriental rode around Dumaguete City recently to promote the 1343 anti-trafficking hotline for emergency use, and stop modern slavery and traffic congestion. The "Freedom Ride" is part of the Stop Look Listen Campaign of Dakila, a civic group creatively inspiring involvement in social transformation, in partnership with the Manila Fixed Gear and WeFXD, a group of urban cyclists who has incorporated cycling in their lifestyle. Dakila head Kimberly Limpahan said the activity empowers advocates and citizens to become watchdogs in their own communities by driving them into action through grassroots involvement and augmented action through mainstream and digital media. “So many cyclists have been involved all throughout our campaign against Members of the Philippine National Police-Bohol Provincial Police Office work hand-in-hand with other education stakeholders in the implementation of the National Schools Maintenance Week (NSMW) or Brigada Eskwela in Booy South Elementary School in Tagbilaran City on May 21. Volunteers paint classrooms, repair furniture and clean up the school grounds to prepare the facilities for the June school opening. (PIA-Bohol/ECB)
human trafficking and in promoting the 1343 hotline number. We are happy to receive the same enthusiasm from the cyclists of Dumaguete as we have received in other areas," said musician, advocate, and cycling enthusiast Nityalila Saulo. “We are overwhelmed by the support of cycling community, civil society and the local governments who have supported the campaign. This goes to show the growing concern of Filipinos to fight human trafficking,” added Nityalila. Last week, the Philippines played host to the third ASEAN Experts Working Group against human trafficking. Dakila, which has organized Freedom Rides for a Human Trafficking Free Philippines, urged the ASEAN Experts Working Group to come up with a regional comprehensive approach to fight trafficking. The Dumaguete Freedom Ride was spearheaded by the Negros Oriental
BOHOL
Bohol picks 20 new mayors By Rey Anthony H. Chiu TAGBILARAN CITY, Bohol (PIA) -- Twenty towns here have elected new chief executives while another 28 mayors get fresh mandates. Six new mayors come from Bohol’s first district, another six from second and eight from the third district. First district towns with their brand-new mayors are Tagbilaran City (John Geesnell Yap), Dauis (Miriam Sumaylo), Panglao (Nila Montero), Cortes (Roberto Tabanera), Tubigon (Marlon Amila) and Catigbian (Virgilio Lurot). This constitutes 40% of the 15 towns comprising the district. For the second district, new mayors include Inabanga (Josephine Socorro Jumamoy), Getafe (Casey Shaun Camacho), Ubay (Galicano Atup), Trinidad (Judith Cajes), Dagohoy (Sofronio Apat) and Danao (Natividad Gonzaga). The new mayors here constitute 42% of the 14, the total number of mayors within the district. In the third district, new mayors include Valencia (Maria Katrina Lim), Garcia-Hernandez (Tita Gallentes), Duero (Conrada Amparo),
Candijay (Christopher Tutor), Anda (Metodio Amper), Pilar (Necitas Cubrado), Carmen (Ricardo Francisco Toribio), and Loboc (Helen Alaba). In the third district, the eight new mayors form another 42% of the district’s 19 mayors. Among these mayors listed above, had been elected as mayors in the past and are now reclaiming the posts. The three include Inabanga mayor Josephine Socorro Jumamoy, Trinidad Mayor Judith Cajes and Dagohoy Mayor Sofronio Apat. Of the 20 new mayors elected now in Bohol, nine of them are women executives: Sumaylo (Dauis), Montero (Panglao), Jumamoy (Inabanga), Cajes (Trinidad), Gonzaga (Danao), Lim (Valencia), Gallentes (Garcia-Hernandez), Amparo (Duero) and Alaba (Loboc). The election also brings a total of 15 lady chief executives now in Bohol. Other lady mayors who have been reelected are Tesalonica Boyboy (Carlos P. Garcia), Rosemarie Imboy (Loay), Regina Salazar (Lila), Ma. Fe Piezas (Guindulman), Esther Tabigue (Mabini) and Marianita Digal (Sevilla). (mbcn/rahc/PIA7-Bohol)
Bikers Association (NOBA), Gender Watch Against Violence and Exploitation (GWAVE), Visayan Forum, One Rescue, Philippine National Police, Dumaguete Cathedral Credit Cooperative, Character First Bayawanihan, and City Governments of Bayawan and Dumaguete. (rmn/Jela Mae R. Tuales-PIA Intern/PIA7-Negros Oriental)
Dgte City retains incumbent mayor By Roi Lomotan NEGROS ORIENTAL (PIA) – It’s victory for re-electionist Manuel “Chiquiting” Sagarbarria and running mate Woodrow Maquiling Sr. as the City Board of Canvassers proclaimed them duly elected mayor and vice mayor of Dumaguete City respectively. The proclamation was made yesterday at 1:30 p.m. Both candidates ran under the Nationalist People’s Coalition (NPC) party Sagarbarria, the incumbent mayor of Dumaguete, thanked the people for once again putting their trust in him in governing the city. He said he is honored that the people gave him another chance to serve the city. The mayor said that he will continue to bring progress in Dumaguete and he will carry on the development projects his administration had started. Sagarbarria vied for the mayoralty position in Dumaguete against Liberal Party (LP) candidate Alan Gel Cordova. Final election results counted 35,285 in favor of Sagarbarria while Cordova got 19, 745. Dumaguete City has 30 barangays with 73,270 registered voters. Meanwhile, the City Board of Canvassers also proclaimed seven duly elected councilors namely Jose Victor “JV” Imbo, Franklin Esmeña Jr. Nilo Sayson and Peter Catan, Saleto Erames, Tony Remollo and Manuel Arbon. Imbo, Esmeña, Sayson, Catan and Erames were also members of NPC while Remolo and Arbon were from LP. The City Board of Canvassers who proclaimed the winners in the elections were Atty. Jerome Brillantes, City Election Officer, DepEd City Schools Supt. Ramir Uytico and City Prosecutor Eliezer Escorial. (FCR/RL/ PIA7-NegOr)
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
DepEd Asec Lajuda joins Brigada Eskwela in Siquijor
said Asec. Laguda, in an interview with the Philippine Information Agency (PIA) SIQUIJOR, May 21 (PIA) -- As here. the new school year is about to start, “It’ a social advocacy thing. all public elementary and secondary Aside from repairing the schools, it’s schools in Siquijor province are getting about telling people to get themselves ready with the Brigada Eskwela that and their kids ready for school," he said. In his four stops to Candanay, Cansayang, Napo and Solangon elementary schools, Laguda said he was very happy that parents, the barangay officials and even the Philippine National Police were very active and supportive despite the rains. He also noted the close to zero drop-out rate for elementary schools in Siquijor. It’ a good sign for a small island province. "We just need to focus on getting these kids to high school," he added. It’s always a good sign that we are providing the necessary access to education, he finally said. Aside from the parents, teachers and the barangay officials Brigada Eskwela in Solangon Elementary School also earned the special participation of some foreigners now living on the island. They are the members of the Rotary Club of Siquijor Island Education Assistant Secretary Reynaldo Laguda (center) with Siquijor Division (RCSI), the FIT for School, an essential Superintendent Erwin Joseph Lagura (left) and FIT for school project coordinator Health Care Package for Filipino and Rotary Club of Siquijor Osland President Dr. Wulf Feinhals (left) at Solangon Children (EHCP) and the German Dental Care Association headed by Dr. Elementatary School to join the Brigada Eskwela. (RACalibo/PIA-Siquijor) Wulf Feinhals as the project chairman. (mbcn/RACalibio/PIA7-Siquijor) By Rizalie Anding Calibo
started on May 20 with Department of Education (DepEd) Assistant Secretary Rey Laguda joining the activities. "Brigada Eskwela is not just about getting the community people, it’s also a way of informing them that we are about to start another school year,"
DENR-7 urges election winners to clean up campaign materials CEBU CITY (PIA) -- The Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR)-7 urged the winners of the May 2013 mid-term polls to start gathering and cleaning up campaign materials like posters and tarpaulins along the streets and even inside the school premises. “We call on our winners on the recently concluded elections to think of the environment by collecting the wastes that were generated last May 13 including that of their opponents,” DENR 7 Regional Executive Director Dr. Isabelo Montejo said. “Loads of garbage when uncollected will go to the narrow and clogged waterways thus limiting the flow of the water during heavy rains causing flood.” Republic Act No. 9003, otherwise known as the Ecological Solid Waste
Officers and members of the Siquijor Association and Information Disseminators (SAID) and the PIA-Siquijor listen to the orientation on Kasambahay Law shared by the Department of Labor and Employment, Provincial Extension office. (RACalibo/PIASiquijor)
By Hazel F. Gloria Management Act of 2000, provides the legal framework for the country’s systematic, comprehensive and ecological solid waste management program that ensure protection of public health and the environment. “These wastes like tarpaulins could still be recycled and instead of throwing them away, they can still be used to some other purposes or turn them over to recyclable shops for a fee,” he said. Meanwhile, Montejo said the same law calls for mandatory segregation of solid wastes; establishment of LGU materials recovery facility (MRF); prohibition against the use of open dumpsites, littering in public places, open burning of solid waste, squatting in open dumps and landfills; among others.
Montejo clarified, however, that the implementation and enforcement of R.A. 9003 is a prime responsibility of the local government units (LGUs). Under the law, the barangay unit is responsible for segregating and collecting biodegradable, compostable and reusable wastes, while the city or municipal government will collect non-recyclable materials and other special wastes. He said that caring for the environment is not solely the responsibility of the government, emphasizing every Filipino should do his or her share in protecting the environment. “Every little ‘green’ act we do will not only benefit this generation but all generations of Filipinos to come,” he said. (FCR/HFG/PIA-7/DENR-7)