INFOBYTES

VOL. 2 l NO. 25 l August 22, 2012

Media groups join forces DILG-7 head to support FOI Act hopes Robredo

By Amorganda A. Saludar

CEBU CITY (PIA) -- Several media organizations and editors joined forces in its efforts to push for the immediate passage of the Freedom of Information (FOI) Act.

The Philippine Press Institute (PPI), the Kapisanan ng mga Brodkaster ng Pilipinas and the Right to Know, Right Now! Coalition decided yesterday, August 15, to be marked as "FOI Day" to place emphasis on the importance of the said act.

The said activity also served as the beginning of the organizations’ plans in observing August 19 as the 1,000th day after the Maguindanao massacre of November 2009 while part of the activities for the day will be an evening vigil-prayer rally at the Bantayog ng Mga Bayani.

Different organizations involved in yesterday’s event have certain tasks

and role for the realization and success of the activity.

The PPI members are tasked to publish and upload the pooled editorial (in English and Filipino) while the KBP on their end is in charge of producing a public service advocacy plug for radio broadcast and its member stations are scheduled to air the plug starting Friday, August 17.

Other online media agencies expressed their willingness to upload this pooled editorial, while citizen journalists have promised to post and pass it around Facebook, Twitter and other social media networks.

The National Union of Journalists of the Philippines have also made the rounds of press corps in major beats yesterday and today, their members will start wearing "Right to Information, Right Now!" button pins at their worksites.

(FCR/AYS-PIA7 Cebu with PCIJ PR)

legacy will continue

By Amorganda A. Saludar

CEBU CITY (PIA) -- The Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG-7) Director Ananias Villacorta expressed optimism that the next DILG secretary will continue the legacy and the good deeds of the late secretary Jesse Robredo.

Villacorta added that he hopes whoever sits as the next DILG secretary will have the same heart as with the late secretary and that everything he has started for the development of the country and for the sake of good governance among leaders will be continued.

“Nanghinaut mi nga mapadayon

Dumaguete City Administrator William Ablong (left), who also sits as Provincial Coordinator of the Pro-Life Ministry of Couples for Christ, discussing the correlation of education to a woman's better management of her fertility and the ability to make better decisions for her family during the Aug. 15 Kapihan forum to mark the celebration of National Family Planning Month this August. With Ablong are IPHO Family Planning Coordinator Cristina Dagle (2nd from left) and POPCOM-7 Director Atty. Bruce Ragas (3rd from left) with PIA NegOr ICM Jennifer Tilos as moderator (far right). (LJD/ PIA-NegOr)

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unta ang mga maayong binuhatan nga nasugdan ni Sec. Jess ila unta nga ipadayon ang mga lakang nga iyang nahimo (We are hoping that the good deeds started by Sec. Jess will be continued as well as the actions he implemented),” Villacorta declared.

He also pledged that DILG-7 will continue to implement what Sec. Robredo started for the development of the region and the country and to ensure that good governance is also practiced here.

Today, the DILG-7 deviate from its usual daily routine through a holy mass conducted inside the regional office to express its grief on the death of the DILG secretary whom they consider as a good leader.

Officials and representatives from other government agencies, as well as local members of media also attended the mass.

Another mass is set on Friday, August 24 at the Cebu Metropolitan Cathedral with the members of the regional development council in attendance. (mbcn/AYS-PIA7 Cebu)

NEGROS ORIENTAL

INFOBYTES TOPSTORIES

Provincial government lauds steps to boost tourism

By Rachelle M. Nessia

DUMAGUETE CITY, Aug 21 (PIA) -- The provincial government of Negros Oriental lauded the efforts of tourism stakeholders in fleshing out a provincial tourism roadmap that aims to boost the local tourism industry.

The provincial tourism office crafted a tourism development plan during the strategic planning workshop with local stakeholders and officials from the Department of Tourism.

Gov. Roel Degamo said the plan will help realize his goals toward a more improved tourism industry in the province.

The governor said tourism is one of the central components behind his livelihood programs as he recognizes the potential of an improved tourism industry in opening jobs and livelihood opportunities in the province.

The provincial government allots a sizeable budget for the development of the local tourism industry every year.

These funds have been used for the continued development of Lake Balanan in Siaton town where a zip line was built and completed, Capitol Information Officer Adrian Sedillo said.

Other tourist spots that have been developed are the Twin Lakes of Balinsasayaw, Mabinay Caves, Mantalip Reef in Bindoy and Tanjay Mangrove Forest, among others.

Alfredo Delos Santos, in-charge of the Dumaguete City Dumpsite, pose with the two plastic shredders that the city government bought to cut the plastic garbage into pieces, reducing the volume of plastic dumped at the dumpsite.

This is in line with the city’s initiative for better waste management. (RMN/ PIA-7/CPIO Photo)

Sedillo said the provincial government has also prioritized the rehabilitation of popular tourist areas that were hit by the floods brought by Tropical Storm Sendong, such as the Tejeros Resort in Valencia and Baslay Hot Spring in Dauin. (RMN-PIA7 Negros Oriental)

901 interviewers needed for agri census

By Rachelle Nessia

DUMAGUETE CITY (PIA) -- The National Statistics Office in Negros Oriental is in need of 901 field interviewers for the Registry System for Basic Sectors in Agriculture (RSBSA) data gathering in the province.

Interested applicants may submit their applications to their respective barangay captains not later than September 7, according to a statement from the Capitol.

Qualifications for interviewers are, namely: preferably a resident of the barangay, not more than 45 years old, college graduate or must have completed at least two years of college education, physically fit and able to travel, good moral character, legible handwriting skills, can speak the local dialect and can operate a global positioning system (GPS) device.

Hired interviewers will receive a daily wage of P286 and a P50-fixed allowance.

They will gather data on the socio-economic profile of farmers, farm laborers and fishermen in the barangays they are residing.

The interviewers will conduct house-to-house visits in the barangays where they will list all households and hold face-to-face interviews with farmers, farm laborers and fishermen.

The RSBSA registration will start from September 17 and ends on November 9 this year.

The creation of the RSBSA database is in compliance to the directive signed by Pres. Benigno S. Aquino III to address the need for a comprehensive and systematic information system on the basic sectors in agriculture and fisheries.

The data gathered will be used to effectively formulate vital programs, policies and laws for the development of these sectors.

The RSBSA is an offshoot of the government’s effort to promote transparency, accountability, participatory governance and strengthening of public relations.

Negros Oriental is part of the second batch of provinces whose database will be completed by July 2013.

(RMN-PIA7 Negros Oriental with reports from Elgie Magallano)

New organic agriculture council created

By Rachelle Nessia

DUMAGUETE CITY, Aug 21 (PIA) -- The provincial government here created a council that will implement measures in making Negros Oriental the organic food basket in the country.

Gov. Roel Degamo has issued an executive order organizing the Negros Oriental Agriculture Management Council (NOOAMC).

This is in response to an ordinance that was passed by the Sangguniang Panlalawigan pushing for organic farming in Negros Oriental, Capitol Information Officer Adrian Sedillo said.

The ordinance called for the creation of a council that will oversee the implementation of this law, Sedillo said.

The council's members have met with the governor during which Gov. Degamo made clear of his goal of seeing a more developed food production in the province as a result of natural farming methods. (RMN-PIA7 Negros Oriental)

BOHOL

INFOBYTES COMMUNITYNEWS

DOST gives "Rapya" a world-class brand

By Rey Anthony H. Chiu

CORTES, Bohol (PIA) -- The Department of Science and Technology (DOST) classified the hand woven raffia in Bohol as 'world-class' but marketing experts account its dismal market to a poor packaging.

“It’s quite a pity that a product that incorporates the long tale of traditions, industry, artistry and ingenuity of the residence of Bohol, could not get the right price it should command,” DOST-Bohol Information Officer Vina Antopina said.

Raffia, a natural fiber obtained from “buri” palm, is one of Bohol’s leading showcases of its hand woven industry, that

CEBU

humbly emerges from a home based industry into firm-level production which has provided income and jobs to the the people of Bohol.

Raffia fiber is stripped from dried young buri palm leaves, some dyed, others in their natural colors and woven by hand or modern looms.

According to the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) product development specialist the Bohol raffia has breached out of its home-based loom industry to Bohol’s leading highly demanded green product. Crafted with the skill and artistry of the weaver, a raffia roll is adaptable, durable and artistic.

"With all the time, toil and creativity incorporated in the weave, a raffia roll can still command a better price," Antopina said.

It’s sad that raffia a pro-environment product when sold, is wrapped in ordinary paper or plastic.

"It demeans its being a highly demanded green raw material for bags, fashion accessories and home accent," she added.

According to DOST-Bohol Director Marcial Tanggaan, with DOST's technical assistance for a country branding of the raffia and focusing on its packaging, this world-class product could be Bohol's pride in the international market.

Tanggaan believed that giving the raffia its right packaging and branding is just appropriate for a product that is very close to the heart of the residence of Bohol.

Considering the toil, artistry and skill that is interwoven in the product, it should keep a niche as one of Bohol’s best, Antopina said.

Today, the Bohol raffia carries the "Rapya" brand, a neat packaging of sepia and the shades of brown. A market package that elevates the product among those showing excellence, hardwork and world-class craftsmanship. (mbcn/rahc-PIA7 Bohol)

Cebu LGU, RAFI inks partnership to address classroom shortage

By Rey Anthony H. Chiu

CEBU CITY (PIA) -- The Ramon Aboitiz Foundation Inc. (RAFI) and its partners have turned over 12 classrooms in the four public elementary schools of Asturias town. These include Bago, Tubigagmanok, Manguiao and Ubogon Elementary Schools.

The local government of Asturias shouldered the P1.3 million labor cost of the renovation of the classrooms while the RAFI donated the P4.4 million for the material costs of the repair and rehabilitation of the dilapidated classrooms.

School teachers, parents and the community on the other hand, served as property custodians of the construction materials.

This advocacy of RAFI is not only limited to providing the children with a more conducive classrooms but with a better teaching-learning environment that prepares them to become good and productive citizens

of the country.

RAFI Deputy Director for Operations

Amaya Aboitiz said, “RAFI is doing its best to help provide enabling conditions by improving physical structures, but we also recognize that other key ingredients are needed to nurture the love for learning. We wish to emphasize the need to have a more effective classroom learning and this would require change in the culture of classroom management. Our dream is to be able to help create classrooms that are more childfriendly, participative and stimulating. It is our hope that these newly-repaired classrooms will be able to contribute towards improving student performance and participation.”

“We encourage our teachers to continue with the noble mission of caring, imparting knowledge, encouraging creativity and critical thinking, and shaping and empowering students to become achievers and future leaders of our nation,” she further added.

The municipality of Asturias is chosen as one of the municipality-beneficiaries of RAFI’s School Rehabilitation Program (SRP) under the Education focus area of RAFI, creating a conducive and engaging learning environment to nurture the love for learning. Other focus areas of RAFI are Integrated Development, Micro-finance & Entrepreneurship, Culture & Heritage and Leadership & Citizenship.

At present, Asturias has 32 classrooms in 11 schools repaired and turned over through the program since 2009. Another 28 classrooms in eight schools in Asturias will be repaired as part of the second batch of the school repair program.

For more information about the School Rehabilitation Program, please contact 418-7234 loc. 205 and look for Jicel Reve Gabriel or visit www.rafi.org.ph or www.facebook.com/rafi.org. ph or http://schoolrehab.rafi.org.ph. (FCR/AYSPIA7, Cebu with RAFI PR)

SIQUIJOR

INFOBYTES COMMUNITYNEWS

Siquijor attractions showcased at Philippine Travel Mart

By Rizalie A. Calibo

SIQUIJOR, Aug 19 (PIA) -Siquijor province participated in the 23rd Philippine Travel Mart in a bid to boost the local tourism industry held at the SMX Convention Center Mall of Asia Complex on August 10-12. It is the premiere and biggest annual travel show in the country.

Siquijor Provincial Tourism Officer Jossette Armirola said Siquijor has been a regular participant to the annual event because it has been proven to be beneficial to the province’s tourism industry. "Visitors to the Siquijor booth said they love Siquijor and want to go back to the island," she said.

She said tourist arrival in the province has been increasing every year.

“Staying tourists alone (tourist spending at least overnight in the province) totaled to 18,964 from January to June, already near to reaching the whole of last year’s arrival of 26,212.

The 23rd Philippine Travel Mart launched some of the latest tour programs in the country in partnership with the Department of Tourism and the Philippine Tourism Authority, including Philippine Island Fun Caravan Getaways and the Sale Ng Bayan.

Philippine travel industry has launched the slogan “Its more fun in the Philippines,“ with regions in the country offering the most diversified products, sports adventure, ecotours, heritage, culinary, folklore, leisure and shopping.

Apart from this, Filipinos are known to be very hospitable to foreign visitors making them feel wanted and important.

With the tourist arrivals in the Philippines exceeding the 3.2 million for the year 2011, the Department of Tourism is even more optimistic that tourist arrivals will reach the ten-million mark in the next five years.

The Philippine Travel Mart is organized by the Philippine Tour Operators Association (PHILTOA). It is the biggest and longest running travel trade exhibition dedicated to the promotion and marketing of inbound and domestic tourism, Armirola said. (RMN/RAC-PIA7 Siquijor)

Siquijor Provincial Tourism staff headed by Tourism Officer Jossette Armirola (center) at the Siquijor booth where tourism attractions of the province were showcased during the three-day 23rd Philippine Travel Mart at the SMX Convention, Pasay City. (RACalibo/Tourism office photo)

DOST funds machinery, equipment upgrading

By Rizalie A. Calibo

SIQUIJOR, Aug 19 (PIA) -- The Department of Science Technology (DOST-7) in the region has approved another project for Siquijor province, this time, the Machinery and Equipment of Lyn and Sam Welding Work and Machine in Catulayan San Juan, Siquijor.

DOST-Siquijor Provincial Director Mario de la Pena said Lyn and Sam Welding Work and Machine owned by couple Sam and Lenie Tubal is the beneficiary of the project entitled “Machinery and Equipment Upgrading of Lyn & Sam Welding Work and Machine in Catulayan, San Juan, Siquijor” as a component project of Small Enterprise Technology Upgrading Program (SETUP).

He said the projects aims to upgrade the fabrication capability of the machine shop through the introduction of lathe machine to improve productivity in the production of mini corn mill and other

metal based products.

Specifically, he said, it introduces Lathe Machine to improve product quality and increase production volume by 50% based on the 2011 production output.

DOST interventions include upgrading the fabrication of mini corn mill and other steel products; acquisition and installation of turning lathe machine, and technical skills upgrading of workers through trainings.

"Our office ensure that funds received from DOST/SET-UP are used to acquire and/or fabricate all equipment needed for the project," De la Pena said.

DOST/SETUP released P374,400 recently to Lyn and Sam Welding Work and Machine to facilitate the acquisition/fabrication of all the equipment/materials.

DOST will also monitor and ensure that the implementation of the above project is in accordance with the

schedule of activities. It will also monitor, evaluate and document project activities and identify alternative courses of action to address problems met, if any, during the implementation of the project.

Lyn and Sam Welding Work and Machine, on the other hand, must ensure that funds are not used for money market placement, timed deposits and other forms of investments not related to the project citing several other provisions on the Memorandum of Agreement signed between the DOST and the beneficiary.

De la Pena said, the beneficiary is responsible for the day to day operation of the project and ensures that it progresses to a commercial scale in the shortest time possible.

SETUP is one of the strategic programs under the National Science & Technology (S&T) Plan that provides funds for various livelihood development projects in the provinces, de la Pena said. (mbcn/RAC/PIA-7-Siquijor)