One visayas enewsletter vol 7 issue 45 20171110 r6 by piaamo6 Western Visayas

Vol 7

In this Issue WESTERN VISAYAS

Director Jose Roberto Nunez (left) was installed as the new regional head of the Office of Civil Defense - Region VI during the turnover ceremony held Nov. 3 in Iloilo City. The installation was officiated by Director Josefina Timoteo (middle), Head of OCD's Administrative and Financial Service. Also in photo is outgoing OCD-6 OIC Ma. Aletha Nogra who took the helm of the office following the retirement of Regional Director Rosario Cabrera in October. (JSC/PIA6)

More on Region 7, pages 4-5.

NEGROS ORIENTAL, Nov. 3 (PIA) – Negros Oriental joins the country in the observance of the 18-day campaign to end Violence Against Women (VAW) with a series of activities lined up between November 25 to December 12, this year. In support of the campaign, the Provincial Council for Women (PCW) will kick off its celebration by participating in the grand fiesta parade of Dumaguete City’s Charter Day on November 24 at 2:00p.m. around the main thoroughfares in the city. Members of the PCW are set to join the activity to raise awareness among stakeholders that VAW is a public issue of national concern. On December 1, a Kapihan Forum will be held to tackle VAW-related issues and concerns, including this year’s theme as the main topic, “VAW-Free Community Starts With Me”, at the Provincial Convention Center. Invited discussants include prosecutors Emmylou Mendanillo and Milmon Bryce Tenorio of the provincial and city prosecutor's offices, respectively; Deputy Chair Phoebe Tan of PCW; C/Insp. Catherine Ramos of the

Provincial Police Office; and Romualdo Seneres of Visayan Forum. A Women’s Congress and Workshop on anti-trafficking of persons will also be held on December 12 at 9:00 a.m. at the Provincial Convention Center with an expected crowd of 200 women. On the same day at 2:00p.m., an Awarding Ceremony will be held in recognition of “Babayeng Garbo sa Katilingban and Grupong Garbo” winners at Robinsons Place-Dumaguete. The advocacies support the government’s goal to protect the rights of women and its commitment to address all forms of VAW. The following issuances provide the national legal mandate for the annual campaign: Proclamation 1172 s. 2006 – Declaring 25 November to 12 December as the 18-Day Campaign to End Violence Against Women (VAW) and Republic Act 10398 (2013) – Declaring November 25 of Every Year as National Consciousness Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women and Children. (jct/ PIA7-Negros Oriental)

Also CLICK Here…

EASTERN VISAYAS

Island folks avail gov’t services , commit to support peace program By: Golda Meir Tabao CATBALOGAN CITY, Samar, Nov. 10 (PIA) – The 87th Infantry Division conducted Barangayan: People’s Peace and Development Caravan to Brgy. Pondang, Daram, Samar on October 26, 2017. Basic services were delivered during the said event to Tacloban Mayor Cristina Romualdez, Presidential Assistant for Special Concerns include medical consultations, giving of medicines, tooth Usec. Wendel Avisado and former Mayor Alfred extraction and haircuts, among others. Romualdez lead the wreath laying ceremony at The residents of Barangay. Pondang joined in the the Yolanda Memorial Marker, Astrodome, Pledge for Peace and Development campaign where they Tacloban City. (RSTiozon) took oath and placed their signatures in support to the campaign. The Peace and Development campaign aims to gather one million signatures for peace all over the Eastern Visayas region. More on Region 8, pages 6-7. Barangay Pondang is one of the barangays of the island municipality of Daram, a 3rd class municipality whose Also CLICK Here... constituents believe that economic progress is easier

achieved when the place is free from all forms of conflict. (ajc/gmt/PIA8-Samar)

OATH OF SUPPORT. Residents of Brgy. Pondang and nearby barangays take oath to confirm their participation in the Pledge for Peace and Development. (gmt with r.roma/PIA8-Samar)

WESTERN VISAYAS

Iloilo more prepared, resilient after Yolanda Elsa S. Subong ILOILO CITY, Nov. 9 (PIA6) -- Four years after Super Typhoon Yolanda hit Iloilo with tremendous devastation, the province of Iloilo has become more prepared and resilient.

n a radio interview, Provincial Administrator Raul Banias said that the rebuilding that has been undertaken after November 8, 2013 showed this resiliency. “We see disaster preparedness mainstreamed in communities and the people have become more aware and prepared for disasters,” Banias said. The most battered areas were in northern Iloilo as Yolanda struck and the Iloilo Sangguniang Panglalawigan immediately declared a state of calamity to mobilize resources.

Banias cited the efforts and assistance of the province’s “humanitarian partners” like the British Red Cross who built thousands of houses and allocated P500 million for resettlement houses in the towns of Ajuy, Batad, San Dionisio and Balasan. “The SM foundation also built 200 permanent houses for the survivors of Conception town,” Banias said. He particularly cited the assistance given by national and foreign agencies to the agriculture and fishery sectors in coastal areas, like those coming

from humanitarian organizations, the United Nations and the Italian Government, as well as the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources. On the other hand, Banias also said that thousands of wrecked classrooms were rehabilitated and built typhoon-resilient. Meanwhile, the provincial administrator admitted that efforts in the resettlement aspect have yet to be beefed up and made faster, under the National Housing Authority. (JCM/ESS/PIA -Iloilo)

SRP of noche buena items out Vicente W. Villavert SAN JOSE, Antique, Nov. 9 (PIA6) -- The Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) has distributed copies of the Suggested Retail Prices (SRP) for the noche buena products to various business establishments here.

“

The SRP will serve as guide for our early consumers who will shop early for the Yuletide season,” said Information Officer Lynna Joy Cardinal in an interview during the PIA radio program. The DTI’s market monitoring activity on the other hand is to ensure that the price guidelines are being complied by the business establishments. According to Cardinal the Noche Buena Products include among others, ham, fruit cocktail, cheese, sandwich spread, macaroni salad,

spaghetti,, mayonnaise, queso de bola, tomato sauce and creamer. Depending on the brand and net weight, the price of ham ranges from P137 to P949.00; fruit cocktail, from P46.10 to P214; Cheese- from P46.00 to P588.50; sandwich spread (pouch/bottle) - from P20 to P196.00; Mayonnaise- from P28 to P245.00; Keso de bola- from P149 to P459; Pasta/Spaghetti- P20.60 to P88.00; Elbow and salad macaroni- P15.25 to P93.45; spaghetti sauce- P19.10 to P83.30; Tomato sauce- P11.90 to P75.90; and Creamer- from P43.00 to P69.00.

The consumers also need to examine the expiry date and the price of products prior to purchase. Cardinal also reminded the public to be extra cautious when buying Christmas lights in order to prevent any disaster. More important Cardinal said is that the product they buy has an ICC sticker or import commodity clearance which is an indication that the product has passed the mandatory safety tests of the DTIs Bureau of Philippine Standards. (JCM/VWV/PIA Antique)

Yolanda survivors ‘run’ to help Marawi Alex Lumaque ROXAS CITY, Capiz 9 Nov. (PIA6) -- A run-for-a-cause was conducted by the Capiz Archdiocesan Social Action Center, Inc. (CASAC) thru its Capiz Archdiocesan Disaster Emergency Responders (CADER) last Nov. 4 to generate funds that will be partly used to help the internally displaced persons (IDPs) of Marawi.

ubbed “Run For Peace and Humanity,” the activity kicked off the Catholic church’s commemoration of Capiceños resilience and selflessness as the province struggled to build back better from the onslaught of supertyphoon Yolanda on Nov. 8, 2013. It was participated in by about 400 runners from the Roxas City Band Stand to Colegio dela Purisima Concepcion – Arnaldo Boulevard campus here. During the program, a song titled “Awit sa Marawi” was performed by the church – based

emergency responders in support to the Duyog Marawi’s initiative to the relief, recovery, reconstruction and rehabilitation of Marawi. Duyog Marawi is the Social Action Center of St. Mary’s Prelature in Marawi. In August, a solidarity mission dubbed “Help Marawi. Save Humanity” led by CASAC director Fr. Mark Granflor was also initiated by CASAC to deliver relief goods, food packs and hygiene as well as psycho social kits, among others to underserved IDPs living as home – based evacuees. The initiative was made possible through the

Capiceños generosity who responded to CASAC’s call to help Marawi. The team also facilitated the conduct of Christian Muslim Youth for Peace Volunteer Orientation and Training that included first aid and basic life support training for Duyog Marawi youth volunteers. It was learned that CASAC is the first catholic organization who was able to respond affected residents by the Marawi siege particularly those housed in some of the non-major battle areas. (AAL/PIA6 Capiz with reports from CASAC)

WESTERN VISAYAS

Iloilo Capitol Complex Redev’t Project finished in 2019 By: Leonard T. Pineda I ILOILO CITY, Nov. 8 (PIA6) --- Iloilo Governor Arthur Defensor, Sr. assured the Ilonggo public that the Iloilo Provincial Capitol Complex Redevelopment Project will be completed before his term ends in 2019.

n his 2017 State of the Province Address (SOPA) delivered Nov. 7 at the Session Hall of the Sangguniang Panlalawigan at the Iloilo Provincial Capitol here, Defensor said the provincial government has allocated P400-million fund for the redevelopment project. “Aside from making our provincial government employees proud of their workplace or making a major contribution to the tourism industry, this will be one of our tangible legacies to the people of the city and province of Iloilo,” he

said. He said that half of the budget is allotted for land improvement and landscaping of the entire area while the other half will be for the construction of a six-story parking building at the lot vacated by the National Irrigation Administration. “We will not allow our capitol grounds to indefinitely remain as a parking ground in disarray,” he said. He said that the project also aims to integrate

the old Iloilo Provincial Jail that will become the Western Visayas Regional Museum, which is now nearing completion, the Museo Iloilo, and the Philippine National Red Cross building. He said that the project will entail the demolition of the Department of Tourism building and the overpass in front of it. “We are redeveloping today the Capitol grounds of the future. People will forget what we say about Iloilo but they will never forget what we did for Iloilo”, he added. (JCM/LTP/PIA-Iloilo)

DOT6 bats for quality field trips, educational tours By: Leonard T. Pineda I ILOILO CITY, Nov. 9 (PIA6) --- The Department of Tourism (DOT)-6 is pushing for quality field trips and educational tours that will provide meaningful experiences to students.

n a media release, DOT-6 Regional Director Helen Catalbas said that field trips and educational tours play an important role in teaching the students. “It exposes them to the actual happenings outside the four walls of the classroom and lets them see the real world beyond the concepts and theories they learn in school,” she said. She said that field trips provide opportunities for students to experience and visit the different

destinations in the region and help promote these destinations to other people. DOT-6 said it spearheaded the Regional Educational Tour Summit (RETS) which gathered some 150 tourism industry players and stakeholders involved in educational tours. The summit aimed at recognizing the importance of field trips and educational tours in providing meaningful learning experiences to students.

Through these activities, students are also exposed to new and updated tourism practices that broaden their learning opportunities. The RETS also aimed at strengthening and creating a more harmonious relationship between and among the national government agencies concerned, local government units, academe, transportation sector, travel and tour agencies and other industry stakeholders. (JCM/LTP/PIAIloilo)

Guimaras’ competitiveness up by 25 notches Lilibeth A. French ILOILO CITY, Nov. 9 (PIA6) -- The island-province of Guimaras has significantly improved its competitiveness by posting 25 notches higher in the ranking, from 52nd position in 2016 to 27th this year.

overnor Samuel Gumarin reported on Tuesday in his State of the Province Address that the National Competitiveness Council underlined that Guimaras has significantly improved, particularly in the areas of economic dynamism, government efficiency, infrastructure, and resiliency. “This means that we have improved our productivity which allowed us to improve the standards of living and thereby giving prosperity to the Guimarasnons, our very people,” said Gumarin when he delivered his SOPA at the Guimaras Information and Trade Center Function Hall, San Miguel, Jordan. He attributed the remarkable improvement in the province’s ranking to the increase in the scores and ranks and over-all performance of their five component towns. Buenavista town classified under the 1st to

2nd class municipality moved up to improve its ranking to 150 this year from 190 in 2016 with government efficiency as its strongest point. The province’s four other towns which all belong to the 3rd to 5th class category also improved their rankings except for Jordan that slipped to 79th place from 67th last year. On the other hand, Nueva Valencia took a big leap from 101st place in 2016 to 28th place this year, out of the 853 participating towns in the country. Its strongest points are in its infrastructure, economic dynamism and government efficiency. San Lorenzo and Sibunag also recorded increases in their competitiveness. From 570th in 2016, San Lorenzo now ranks 414th while Sibunag climbed up to 456th place from 478 last year. Gumarin said the total number of registered businesses, new and renewed, in the province also

increased by almost 5 percent, from 2,487 in 2015 to 2,605 in 2016. The total capital investments of these businesses reached P775. 3 million in 2016 that also led to the rise in the total gross sales of registered businesses to P72 million in the same year. “This leads to our thrust of lowering the cost of doing business and attract more investors in the province to sustain the economic activities and development,” said Gumarin. Aside from the members of the Sangguniang Panlalawigan led by Vice-Governor John Edward Gando, Gumarin’s SOPA was attended by Representative Lucille Nava, local chief executives of the different municipalities, provincial heads and representatives of national government agencies, department heads of the provincial capitol, barangay captains, and media. (JCM/laf/PIA6-Iloilo)

CENTRAL VISAYAS

1st SEA Beach Handball game held in PH By Jennifer C. Tilos NEGROS ORIENTAL, Nov. 3 (PIA) – Over 70 young players from Thailand, Vietnam, and the Philippines are in Dumaguete City for the Southeast Asian Beach Handball Championship from Nov. 3 until Nov. 5 at Rizal Boulevard, Dumaguete City.

umaguete City Mayor Felipe Remollo takes pride that the city is hosting the international game which is held in the Philippines for the first time. Philippine Handball Federation Program Jana Franquelli Director said that Dumaguete City was chosen as the venue of the championships featuring powerhouse teams Thailand and Vietnam in recognition of the city's strategic location, excellent

record of hosting sports events, quality facilities, and supportive local government. Mayor Remollo said he intends to brand Dumaguete City as the beach game capital in the country as several beach games have been hosted here, especially with the international handball game. “With this event, it will boost the local economy for the locales, restaurants, stores,

pedicab drivers among others while it encourages the youth to be more active in sports and healthy and stay away from illegal drugs,” the mayor said. The Asian Handball Federation (AHF) is the governing body of handball and beach handball in Asia. It has 44 member countries, mostly located on the Asian continent. (jct/PIA7-Negros Oriental)

MGB-7: Mining companies in CV compliant with rehab efforts By Ayin S. Visitacion CEBU CITY (PIA) -- The mining companies in Central Visayas are compliant with the Final Mine Rehabilitation and Decommissioning Plan, according to the Mines and Geosciences Burea (MGB) in Region 7.

GB-7 reported that all 15 mining companies in Central Visayas have been compliant with the said plan. In the case of Carmen Copper Corporation (CCC) in Toledo City, MGB-7 Chief of Mining Environment and Safety Division Ramcie Brillante said that CCC already deposited P49 million for their Final Mine Rehabilitation and Decommissioning Fund. They are expected to give a total of P73 million before their mining operations end. The money collected will be used for post-mining land use by restoring and rehabilitating

the area of operation. “Ang mining man gud is a temporary land use. Kung temporary land use, mahuman lang gyud siya kanang operasyon dinha. Masabutan na siya sa company ug communities kung unsa ilang ganahan mahitabo dinha after the mining (Mining is a temporary land use. Since it's temporary land use, it will come to an end. The company and communities can plan on what they can do with the land after mining)," said MGB-7 Information Officer Marian Christie Codilla during a recent Kapihan sa PIA Cebu forum. Brillante shared that Apo Land and Cement

Quarry in Naga City recently rehabilitated a mining area, covering up their deep excavation behind a school and planting 1,500 trees on it. He added that they also monitor the mining companies. Failure to comply with their responsibilities can be a ground to stop their operations, he said. The budget for post-mining land use is determined by the mining company depending on the area that is being mined. The plan is then submitted to MGB-7’s Mine Rehabilitation Fund (MRF) committee for evaluation with the approved amount paid in installments annually. (asv/PIA-7 Cebu)

Dumaguete City eyes post-Typhoon Paolo rehabilitation By Jennifer C. Tilos DUMAGUETE CITY, Oct. 31 (PIA) -- Dumaguete City is seeking funding from the national government for the construction of at least two bridges to replace the Batinguel-Bagacay Spillway and Taclobo-Bagacay spillway estimated to cost almost P 1 billion.

espite the heavy flooding due to Damage to crop and livestock amounted to P Typhoon Paolo that affected 14 678, 118.86. barangays, no casualty or fatality was City Information Officer Dems Demecillo reported. said Typhoon Paolo brought major destruction to The City Social Welfare and Development the various flood control boulder dikes and Office (CSWDO) also reported that 301 families or spillways of Dumaguete City, which requires an 1, 328 individuals of Poblacion 2, Poblacion 8, estimated P 40.3 million for rehabilitation and Bagacay, Balugo, Bantayan, Batinguel, Bunao, reconstruction. Cadawinonan, Camanjac, Candau-ay, Cantil-e, Junob, Some 33 homes were also totally or partially Tabuc-tubig and Taclobo were affected. damaged by flood water that breached the Banica Twelve houses were totally destroyed while 21 and Ocoy river banks, said Demecillo. were partially damaged. Mayor Felipe Antonio "Ipe" Remollo is To feed the evacuees, the CSWDO expected to release financial assistance to validated activated the community kitchens and relief goods and qualified affected residents. were distributed to them. City Planning and Development Coordinator Those whose homes were totally or partially Engr. Leonides Caro and Engr. Wilfredo Oira of the damaged will be granted financial assistance by the City Engineer's Office both admitted that the damage city government. caused by Typhoon Paolo was much greater than On the other hand, the City Agriculture what was sustained during Tropical Storm Sendong Office recorded the devastation of livelihood of at in 2011, which also unleashed flash floods that hit least 32 farmers in Barangays Bajumpandan, Banilad, several villages across Negros Oriental, causing Camanjac, Cantil-e, and Junob. deaths and injuries.

Caro believes that many boulder dikes and spillways were destroyed due to the large trees that were uprooted in the uplands, wreaking havoc to the city as logs and boulders smashed the infrastructure made of concrete and steel which eventually collapsed, allowing flood waters to inundate the homes and communities along the river banks. The rehabilitation and reconstruction work of flood control projects along Ocoy River is expected to cost P14.8 million particularly for the boulder dike from Candau-ay to Camanjac septage area. It is proposed that 13 rehabilitation and reconstruction of boulder dikes or spillways dikes along Banica river will be undertaken by the local government in the following areas: boulder dike near Foundation University area, spillway dike going to BIR, at Villa Fortunata, Mananquil Subdivision, Habitat Candau-ay, El Pueblo, Scandinavian, Grotto Candau-ay and JICA bridge. (jct/PIA7-Negros Oriental)

CENTRAL VISAYAS

Global Shapers Cebu hosts Shape Asia Pacific 2017 By Rachelle M. Nessia CEBU CITY, Oct. 31 (PIA) -- More than 100 international youth leaders from 36 Global Shapers Community hubs coming from 23 countries converged in Cebu City on October 12 to 14, 2017, to discuss shared sentiments on the preservation, promotion, and maximization, of culture and heritage as a tool for sustainable development.

he event dubbed “Shape Asia Pacific 2017: Embracing the Past to Shape Up the Future" was hosted by the Global Shapers Cebu hub. It focused on the host hub’s support for the United Nations Education, Scientific and Cultural Organization or UNESCO’s efforts to highlight UN’s subtarget 11.4, which aims to “strengthen efforts to protect and safeguard the world’s cultural and natural heritage.” A welcome dinner at BIG Hotel’s Kalea Hall opened the event on October 12 with a cultural dance presentation by the multi-awarded San Diego Dance Company with entertainment from the Rondalla group of Pooc National High School. On the second day, October 13, participants went on a curated hop-on, hop-off tour dubbed as the CEBus Learning Tour. The Cebu Hub featured five local initiatives as concrete examples of how the city is using various aspects of its culture and heritage as tools for sustainable development in light of its hub pillars C.E.B.U. - C for Citizen Engagement, E for Environmental Conservation, B for Business Development and U for Universal Education. The Citizen Engagement pillar took the

participants to Qube Gallery to learn about Kadasig, a crowdfunding effort that aims to sustain and empower local songwriters to continue producing songs in their native language, Bisaya. The Environmental Conservation pillar led participants to the exhibit of Nature’s Legacy at Montebello Garden Hotel’s glass house, where the company featured their material innovation, Naturecast, a patented material by inventor and speaker, Peter Delantar, that utilizes agroforestry scrap for decor, furniture, jewelry, and construction materials. There were two speakers featured for the Business Development pillar, namely multi-awarded furniture designer and manufacturer Kenneth Cobonpue and Raquel Choa, also known as the Philippine’s first natural chocolate sommelier. The last stop was the Universal Education pillar at the Ramon Aboitiz Foundation Office. The foundation hosted a mini-Gabii sa Kabilin, allowing the participants to walk through Fort San Pedro and Casa Gorordo, ending their tour with a tartanilla ride at Parian's Heritage Monument. The second day of the event ended at the Cebu Provincial Capitol Banquet Hall with dinner and cultural presentations hosted by Vice-Governor

Agnes Magpale, Provincial Board Member heading Culture and Heritage, Jerome Christian Librando, with the help of Protocol and Events Management Head, Grace Paulino. A welcome address by Governor Hilario Davide III was also read during the start of the program. On its last day, October 14, the Shaper participants from different hubs became speakers and moderators to a series of conferences and synthesis session that tackled different issues on culture and heritage particularly those that deal with tangible and intangible heritage, cultural heritage in urbanization, and cultural heritage in the midst of migration. Global Shapers Cebu won the bid to host Shape Asia Pacific 2017 last November 2016, following the footsteps of HongKong and Hiroshima hubs which hosted the 2016 and 2015 events consecutively. The Cebu hub is composed of 16 young, empowered individuals from different fields that have come together to improve the state of their city. The Global Shapers Community is the youth arm of the World Economic Forum. (rmn/PIA7Cebu)

NORDAPC to hold drug education forum By Leandria P. Pagunsan DUMAGUETE CITY, Oct. 30 (PIA) — The Negros Oriental Drug Abuse and Prevention Council (NORDAPC) will hold a drug education forum in cooperation with the Department of Education (DepEd).

epEd Negros Oriental Senior Education Program Specialist (SEPS) Dr. Emma Mate discosed that the activity is in line with the school’s information, education and communication (IEC) dissemination training for school heads, teachers, and learners in the local division.

She said the forum will be funded by NORDAPC as part of the activity in the observance of National Drug Abuse and Prevention Month slated on second week of November. Invited as participants are barangay officials, educators, school heads, health personnel of DepEd,

heads of government offices, and NORDAPC members. Aside from Mate, speakers will be from the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA), representatives from RTC Branch 30, NORDPAC chair, and DepEd7 officials. (lpp/PIA7/Negros Oriental)

DTI-NegOr implements price freeze in Dumaguete City By Roi Anthoni B. Lomotan DUMAGUETE CITY (PIA) -- The Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) - Negros Oriental has implemented a price freeze in the city following the City Government’s declaration of state of calamity.

ccording to an advisory from DTI Provincial Director Javier Fortunato, based on Section 6 of R.A. 7581, prices in an area proclaimed or declared a disaster area, under a state of calamity, or under an emergency shall be automatically frozen at their prevailing prices or placed under automatic price control. The basic necessities covered by the price

freeze include sardines in tomato sauce, condensed milk, evaporated milk, powdered milk, refill coffee, bottled water, instant noodles, detergent soaps, and bottled water. Fortunato said any retailer found selling more than the prescribed prevailing price shall be imposed with an administrative fine of up to P1 million and/or a maximum of 10-year imprisonment. The DTI official also encouraged consumers to

report retailers that sell basic commodities more than the price specified by the department. Consumers may report them through their hotline 422-5509. The City Government of Dumaguete placed the city under a state of calamity due to the severe flooding caused by incessant rains brought by Typhoon Pablo last week. (ral/ PIA7-Negros Oriental)

EASTERN VISAYAS

PNP-RO8 urges Biliran gun owners to secure LTOPF PIA 8 NAVAL, Biliran, Nov. 10 (PIA) – The Civil Security Unit (CSU) team of the Philippine National Police (PNP)-Regional Office 8, at Camp Ruperto Kangleon, Palo, Leyte, urged gun holders and owners to secure License To Own and Possess Firearms (LTOPF) and renew such upon expiration.

he regional CSU team led by SPO3 Joessie Delantar who was in Biliran to conduct a one day one-stop-shop, disclosed that a total of 978 registered firearms with expired licenses have been counted for the entire province of Biliran. This figure exclude those who have already applied for the regular LTOPF at the regional office and the 68 applicants for the Provisional License To Own and Possess Firearms (PLTOPF) held on October 27, 2017, at the Naval Police Station, Naval, Biliran. The team is quite sure unrenewed licenses in

Biliran remain critical though records at the regional office cannot show the number of applicants for the regular LTOPF. With the critical assumption on the remaining unlicensed firearms, the CSU team urged all gun holders and owners whose licenses have expired to deposit their firearms in their respective police stations and apply or renew their LTOP at the regional office. Meanwhile, several applicants for the PLTOPF last October at the Naval Police Station stressed the distance of place of application and the number of requirements to be complied in applying and

renewing their licenses which also entail more expenses. They plan to seek the assistance of the congressional office and provincial government of Biliran in taking the PNP regional teams to Biliran province to facilitate the application for the regular LTOPF in Biliran. The CSU team informed it takes two days and needs four PNP regional units – Civil Security Unit, Health Office, Crime Laboratory Office, and Fiance Service – composed of around 20 personnel to handle the processing of LTOPF applications. (ajc/FJ/ mlt/PIA8-Biliran)

NSamar Disaster Council approves Climate Change Action Plan By: Teresita B. Cardenas CATARMAN, Northern Samar, Nov. 8 (PIA) – In its effort to address vulnerability in times of disasters and emergencies, the Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council has approved its Local Climate Change Action Plan (LCCAP) for calendar year 2018-2022 at the PDRRM Office in October 27, this year.

rovincial Disaster Risk Reduction Management Officer said LCCAP contains the policies and measures that a local government must implement and streamline to be able to adapt to climate change and to mitigate its effects. He said the plan extensively tackles the challenges of climate change and prioritized adaptation scheme in order to reduce vulnerability and risks of communities particularly the poor and at the same time provides policy environment that will encourage the participation of different stakeholders to strengthen mitigation initiatives towards sustainable development. Further he said, the plan charts specific

programs and strategies for adaptation and mitigation and affords adaptive capacity and resiliency of communities and natural ecosystems to climate change. Likewise, it adopts the total economic valuation of natural resources while ensuring biodiversity conservation, and recognizes the competitive advantage of putting value on the proper use of environment and natural resources, as a short to long term sustainable development goals. The plan’s ultimate goal is to build the adaptive capacities of communities, increase resiliency of vulnerable sectors particularly the women and children and natural ecosystems, and optimize mitigation opportunities towards gender responsive

and rights-based sustainable development programs. Chapter I of the plan is the background and rationale that contains the general overview of the LCCAP while chapter II comprises the situational analysis in terms of the different climate-related hazards and the various elements exposed to such hazards; and the summary findings of such assessment. Chapter III features the goals and objective of the plan anchored on the National Climate Change Action Plan and Chapter IV enumerates the program projects and activities to be conducted. Chapter V provides the system of monitoring and evaluation of the plan, its expected outputs, and the steps. (ajc/tbc-pia8northsamar)

DTI sees opportunity, allays threat on ASEAN community By: Marcelo M. Pedalino HINUNANGAN, Southern Leyte, Oct. 28 (PIA) - The Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) stresses more on the benefits that can be derived in an economic setting under the umbrella of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN).

hile acknowledging that there are accompanying threats as soon as cheaper goods from other ASEAN-member countries start to flood the grocery shelves in the Philippines, Michael Nuṅez, DTI provincial director, said this shall serve as a challenge for the country’s producers to be more innovative and quality-conscious to beat the competition. Nuṅez let out a picture of huge marketing

opportunities for the Filipino entrepreneur, saying the population of the Philippines is slightly over 100 million individuals, but the whole ASEAN has a consumer market of over 600 million people, a great possibility on economic expansion. He used the occasion to inspire the young audience to tell their parents, especially those business-minded ones, the great potential in store economic-wise for the future

under ASEAN. The same message of opportunities and potentials, while considering the threats, was expressed by the DTI provincial head in Maasin City during a multi-sectoral forum, this time the 150 plus audience were coming from various sectors like women, farmers, fisherfolks, Punong Barangays, and some business representatives. (ajc/mmp/ PIA8-Southern Leyte)

EASTERN VISAYAS

Power sources in Isabel to produce 270 MW By: Rodrigo S. Victoria ISABEL, Leyte, Nov. 9 (PIA) – A liquefied natural gas and a diesel-powered energy sources to be established in Isabel are expected to produce 270 megawatts (MW).

sabel Mayor Saturnino Medina said in an interview that Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG), a clean energy source, is estimated to deliver 200 MW and 70MW from the diesel-powered plant. The two power sources are expected to be operational in 2018 since both power plants are using pre-fabricated materials in the construction of their plants, Medina added. He further said negotiations on the establishment of LNG are underway while the preparation of requirements for the establishment of the diesel-powered power plant has started like the conduct of a public hearing in November 7.

Medina informed that the foreign investors have planned to put up these two power sources in his town after the intermittent power interruptions affected the operations of the companies of the town’s industrial zone, the Leyte Industrial Development Estate (LIDE). The power that will be generated by the two power sources will pass in the transmission lines of the Nation Grid Corporation of the Philippines (NGCP), the Isabel local chief executive said. “Both the LNG and the diesel-powered plants will be established in the LIDE area located in Barangay Libertad,” Medina further said.

He informed these two power investors will boost the town’s income though the payment of local taxes estimated to reach P10-P15M per quarter beginning 2019. Medina, who first served for two terms as mayor of Isabel in 2007 until 2013 and then back as the town’s mayor in 2016, assured the two power plants will generate big employment opportunities to the residents of the town. He also attributed the peace and order situation of the town under his terms of office for the confidence of investors to pour their big investments in the town. (PIA8)

Tacloban officials, Yolanda survivors commemorate 4th Yolanda anniversary in a simple but solemn way By Consuelo B. Alarcon TACLOBAN CITY, Leyte, Nov. 10(PIA) – Local government officials in the city of Tacloban led the various commemorative activities in separate venues for the 4th Yolanda anniversary in a simple but solemn commemoration.

s early as 4 o’clock in the afternoon of November 7, mayor Cristina G. Romualdez who was joined by her husband, former mayor Alfred Romualdez led Taclobanons in the thanksgiving mass, wreath laying and candle offering ceremony at Anibong Memorial featuring the MV Eva Jocelyn shipwreck, a cargo vessel that was washed ashore by the super typhoon and rammed into houses killing residents. On November 8, a commemorative early morning walk was held in the main streets of the city. It was participated by hundreds of city hall employees, barangay officials and residents, where most of them are Yolanda survivors. After the commemorative walk, a holy mass was offered for all departed souls at 7 o’clock in the morning in the Tacloban Astrodome followed by a short program with OPM artist Wency Cornejo as

entertainer and wreath laying ceremony at the Astrodome Memorial Marker where names of Taclobanons who were killed were engraved. In his short speech, Undersecretary Wendel Avisado, Presidential Assistant for Special Concerns extended President Duterte’s sympathy to Taclobanons in the commemoration of the fourth anniversary of super typhoon Yolanda, the most devastating storm to ever make landfall in history. “Tanggapin po ninyo ang pakikiisa ng ating pangulo Rody sa mga mamamayan ng lungsod ng Tacloban sa ating pag-alala ng pighati at kawalan kundi ng inyong pag-asa, katatagan According to him, the government is doing everything to complete all projects in the Yolanda corridor the soonest possible time to uplift the living condition of the people in Yolanda-hit areas. “Gayunpaman, ipinapaabot ng ating pangulo na

alinsunod sa kanyang naunang mga pahayag ay nagpapatuloy po ng pamahalaan sa pagtitiyak na ginagawa ng lahat ng ahensya nasyunal man o lokal ang lahat ng paraan upang matapos ang lahat ng mga proyekto sa mga naapektuhan lugar at bayan ng super typhoon Yolanda at tuluyang maiahon at mabigyan ng bagong pamumuhay at kabuhayan an gating mga kababayan na sa loob ng apat na taon ay patuloy na umaasa at naghihintay ng tulong ng ating pamahalaan,” Avisado said. The commemorative activities in the city ended up with candle lighting, a procession along the street and mass at Holy Cross Cemetery, Barangay Basper Tacloban where thousands of Yolanda victims were buried. The Yolanda commemoration honors those who perished and celebrates the second lease on life that survivors feel they’ve been given. (PIA8)

DILG SoLeyte prepares local info teams to advocate on Federalism PIA 8 MAASIN CITY, Southern Leyte, Nov. 9 (PIA) - The Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) has positioned 19 local information teams across the province to enlighten the local constituents on Federalism form of government.

ccording to DILG Provincial Director Jesus Naquila in an interview during the sidelines of the Provincial Orientation for Local Information Teams as Advocacy Partners on Federalism last November 6, 2017 at Guiseppe Hotel and Restaurant, Maasin City, he anticipated that fifty percent of the 500 barangays in the province will be informed on the features of the Federal form of government before the year ends. DILG provincial staff Atty. Ralph Bero, the main discussant, enlightened the group that federalism is a system of government where the powers, funds and programs are decentralized and devolved to the regional states and to the local government units.

In Federalism, it allows the regions to exercise the right to self-determination such as to address their problems based on their own geographic, cultural, social and economic conditions, Bero explained to the members of the local information teams. However, there will be only one constitution to govern all, that what will be provided under a Federal Constitution that will cover the entire Federal Republic of the Philippines, he added. He explained further that a vast majority of the functions of the national line agencies would be devolved to their regional state counterparts and or to the local government units.

He added that the Regional States and LGUs would have more political power, and they will be responsible for generating, managing, and spending majority of what they earn, were among the salient features as he discussed lengthily. Meanwhile, the local information team comprises the personnel from Local Government Operations Officers of DILG, municipal information officer and some volunteers, according to PD Naquila. The advocacy aims to conduct the widest information campaign across the province so that by the time there will be plebiscite on federalism, people can make a quality decision then, Naquila added. (esg/PIA SoLeyte)

One Visayas e-newsletter is published weekly by the Visayas Regional Cluster of the Philippine Information Agency (PIA) comprising Region 6, 7 and 8. Its main editorial office is located at PIA Region 6, Iloilo City. One Visayas e-newsletter is part of the online news and information dissemination services of PIA and is powered by www.issuu.com. For inquiries and suggestions, call Tel. Nos. (033) 3378719/3377301 or e-mail piaamo6@yahoo.com.

Ms. Fayette C. Riñen OIC - Regional Director, PIA 7

Editorial Consultants Atty. Ma. Janet C. Mesa, Ph. D. Regional Director, PIA6

Ms. Alicia E. Nicart Regional Director, PIA8

Managing Editor Jaime S. Cabag, Jr. Contributors All PIA Information Officers of Regions 6, 7 & 8 Production and Layout Edson J. Bañares Lynnor C. Regalado Regional Offices: PIA 6, 2/F RC Building, Rizal St., Iloilo City, Iloilo 5000, Tel. Nos. (033) 337-8719/3377301/509-0993, Fax No. (033) 337-8719/509-0993, e-mail: r6_pia@yahoo.com/ piaamo6@yahoo.com PIA 7, Room 304, 3/F Machay Bldg., Garardo Avenue, Cebu City, Cebu 6000, Telefax No. (032) 232-4062/232-4126, e-mail: pia7_cebu@yahoo.com.ph/r7_pia@yahoo.com PIA 8, Children’s Park Compound, Sen. Enage St., Tacloban City, Leyte 6500, Tel. No. (053) 325-5124, Telefax No. (053) 321-2029, e-mail: pia_ev@yahoo.com/r8_pia@yahoo.com