One Visayas e-Newsletter Vol 5 Issue 48

Vol 5

Issue 48

In this Issue WESTERN VISAYAS

Sta. Barbara Mayor Dennis Superficial welcomes bishops, priests, guests, local officials, donors and benefactors during a program held in line with the unveiling of the National Cultural Marker of Sta. Barbara Church and Convent, December 3.

More on Region 6, pages 2-3.

Nov. 30 - Dec. 6, 2015

Published by: PIA 6, 7 & 8

Info officers urged to inspire others

By Alex A. Lumaque ROXAS CITY, Capiz, Dec. 3 (PIA6) – Director General Jose Mari Oquinena of Philippine Information Agency (PIA) urged government information officers in the region to inspire hope, courage and aspiration in carrying out their tasks to bring change for a better future.

“We need to be able to motivate our countrymen to aspire for something,” said Oquinena who was guest of honor and speaker of the 2015 Information Officers Year-End Conference and Awards last Nov. 27 here.

The Undersecretary’s eloquence and wit brought cheers to more than 200 participants belonging to different associations of information officers in Western Visayas.

The gathering, organized by PIA – Regional Office 6, was highlighted by the awarding of outstanding public information officers as well as offices, government publications and special citations in recognition of the role of information officers in advancing the development thrusts of the government.

During the awarding rites, the PIA – 6 cited 11 Best Performing Information Officers, three Best Performing Information Offices, 10 Best Agency or local government unit newsletters and three Best Information, Education and Communication (IEC) publications.

Hall of Fame Awards were also given to Best Information

Officers and Information Offices which have been consistently awarded in the past three years.

The activity was also graced by Capiz Board Member Eduardo Magallanes, Capiz 1st Congressional Office Senior Staff Officer Melanie Arancillo and PIA 6 director lawyer Ma. Janet C. Mesa, among others. (JCM/AAL/PIA6 Capiz)

PIA Director General Jose Mari Oquinena urges the region’s information officers to inspire countrymen to bring about change for a better future. (PIA-6)

Also CLICK Here…

CENTRAL VISAYAS

A Kapihan sa PIA was held December 2 at the Plenary Hall, 6/F RAFI Building, 35 Lopez Jaena St., Cebu City with DENR-7 Licensing, Patents & Deeds Division Chief Ma. Clea Arceño (2nd from left) and Development Management Officer II Felimon Embalzado to talk on the Processes/Procedures of Acquiring a Tree-Cutting Permit and Penalties & Exemption under Executive Order No. 23.The forum was aired live thru DYMR-Radyo ng Bayan-Cebu 576 Khz from 10:00 am to 11:00 am and delayed telecast at Sky Cable Ch. 61at 5:00 pm. (vvv/PIA Cebu)

DFA opens RCO in Dumaguete City Jennifer C. Tilos NEGROS ORIENTAL, Nov. 25 (PIA) – Passport processing and Overseas Filipino Workers assistance services of the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) are now accessible to Negrenses with the inauguration of its new Regional Consular Office at Robinsons Place in Dumaguete City.

Undersecretary for Civilian Security and Consular Concerns Rafael Seguis said the DFA regional consular office in Dumaguete City is the 9th consular office hosted by Robinsons Land around the country and there will be more as the agency continues to expand its operations to provide accessible, convenient and world class services.

Seguis assured that the DFA office here will be able to deliver efficient, effective and prompt services to address the needs of OFWs, businessmen, travelers, tourists, and students.

The RCO-Dumaguete has two Data Capturing Machines that can handle 300 passport transaction-applications per day.

But for now, OIC Tita Rebollos of RCO-Dumaguete said

an average of 50 passports applications can be processed each day but this will be increased to as many as 100-200 a day when possible.

RCO is open from 9:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. Mondays to Fridays, and 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. on Saturdays.

“We are accepting regular passport fee of P950 for 20 working days and P1,200 for express passport processing for 10 working days,” said Rebollos.

With the opening of the RCO- Dumaguete, residents here will no longer have to go all the way to Cebu City and Bacolod City to apply for passports, said Edward Du, president of Negros Oriental Chamber of Commerce and Industry (NOCCI).

Asec Frank Cimafranca of DFA, Dumaguete City mayor Manuel Sagarbarria, operations director for VISMIN Joseph Sian of Robinsons Land Corporation, and Ed Du graced the inauguration rites at the 2nd floor of Robinsons Dumaguete. (rmn/jct/PIA7-Negros Oriental)

DOST's digital employment program goes rural NEIL D. LOPIDO TACLOBAN CITY, Leyte, Nov. 30 (PIA) – In its aim to More on Region 7, pages 4-5. develop the Information and Communications Technology (ICT) industry in the countryside, the Department of Science and Also CLICK Here… Technology through its Information and Communications Technology Office (DOST-ICTO) is embarking on a new program called Rural Impact Sourcing (RIS).

In an interview at the sidelines of Rural Impact Sourcing EASTERN VISAYAS workshop at the Eastern Visayas State University on Saturday, DOST-8 director Edgardo Esperancilla said that the program focuses on giving meaningful jobs on socio-economically disadvantaged areas, mostly rural areas, where there is high population but low employment due to lack of investors.

“The RIS aims to create jobs in the rural or remote communities using ICT such as programming, web pages creation, animation, data encoding and other ICT-related jobs which can be done anywhere, anytime or even in their homes for as long as there is internet connection,” Director Esperancilla said.

In line with the “Internet for All” thrust of the government World AIDS Day Celebration, Slogan and thru the DOST-ICTO, Esperancilla said that it has allotted P1.4 Poster Making Contest @ SSU, Catbalogan billion this year, as authorized in the General Appropriations Act, to City December 1, 2015 (pics by JunArc) provide free wi-fi internet access in public places for 3rd-6th class municipalities.

The free wi-fi internet access project covers selected public spaces such as plaza and parks, primary and secondary central schools, libraries, Rural Health Units and government hospitals, State Colleges and Universities, train stations of the MRT and LRT More on Region 8, pages 6-7. systems, airports and seaports, city and municipal halls, and national government offices.

Also CLICK Here...

Esperancilla said that Eastern Visayas has two internet hubs

for this project, one in Palo for Leyte and another in Calbayog for Samar hub. These hubs, he said, will distribute wi-fi connectivity to identified communities as prioritized by Secretary Mario Montejo who himself is a Taclobanon and feel the need to help redevelop the ICT industry in the region, the poorest in the country due to super typhoon Yolanda’s devastation in 2013.

“One of the strategies we have now is the Rural Impact Sourcing. We are still having difficulty in inviting big investors to come to our region with the effect of super typhoon,” the DOST director said.

For the meantime, DOST is focusing on generating individual employment for rural communities while overcoming the situation until such time that big ICT-related investors will gain back confidence by putting up resilient infrastructures and buildings.

Esperancilla also said that Eastern Visayas actually has enough talents in the ICT sector who are now working in other parts of the country particularly in Cebu and Manila after Yolanda.

“If we will be able to invite again medium-sized or big ICT companies, our talents will not look anymore for ICT-related jobs in other areas,” he said.

Esperancilla further said that the country produces over 600,000 graduates every year and 10 percent are from Region 8.

“While fifty percent finishes ICT-related courses, however, digital jobs need not be an ICT graduate. You only need to develop your own skill for the particular work,” he said.

DOST-ICTO is now having rounds of workshops and forums as part of the commitment of the Philippine government to produce 1.3 million traditional IT-BPM jobs by 2016 to include 500 thousand RIS employees to be involved in “digital employment thru rural BPO for inclusive growth.” (PIA-8)

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WESTERN VISAYAS

Farmers get P500K worth of crop insurance Merry Christmas

By Easter Anne D. Doza

NEGROS OCCIDENTAL, Dec. 4 (PIA6) - - Negrense farmers received P595,340.00 worth of crop insurance under the Negros First Universal Crop Insurance Program in a turn-over ceremony at the Provincial Capitol Social Hall.

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overnor Alfredo G. Marañon, Jr. led the turn-over of checks to farmers enrolled under the program while P147,000 of the total amount were given as death benefits to the beneficiaries of the farmers, a release from the Capitol said.

The beneficiaries were farmers from the cities of Bago, La Carlota and Kabankalan, and from the municipalities of Valladolid, Pulupandan, Pontevedra, San Enrique and Hinigaran.

Philippine Crop Insurance Corporation

president Atty. Jovy C. Bernabe, said that the NFUCIP was successfully implemented by the provincial government of Negros Occidental and more local government units plan to replicate the province’s crop insurance program in their respective LGUs. Meanwhile, Marañon said that the farmers are always the primary concern of the provincial government through the Office of the Provincial Agriculturist (OPA) as he also hopes that NFUCIP will continue to help the farmers.

NFUCIP is on its fourth year of

implementation which was created to mitigate the adverse effects of climate change directly affecting Negrense farmers.

Based on OPA record, since 2011, the province has been providing funds with a total amount of P12 Million to cover rice crops of farmers such as rice that expanded to corn and sugarcane.

Out of the total enrolled farmers, 7,466 had received indemnity claims in the amount of P32,067,585 for 7,730 hectares of damaged rice crops. *(JCM/EAD-PIA6 Negros Occidental)

BuB orientation for Antique held

By Pilar S. Mabaquiao SAN JOSE, Antique, Dec. 2 (PIA6) - - The Provincial Orientation Workshop on fiscal year 2017 Bottom-up Budgeting (BuB) was recently held at San Jose, Antique attended by members of the Local Poverty Reduction Action Team (LPRAT).

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ILG Antique Provincial Director Victorio Pagapulan said that the activity is meant to orient LPRAT members on the guidelines of the national government agencies in the implementation of FY 2017 BuB Projects.

It also discussed the menu of programs, and solicit comments or suggestions from Civil Society Organizations (CSO) to further improve the implementation of the BuB Program.

“The level of awareness of stakeholders on the BuB guidelines can spell the success in the implementation of the program in 2017,” said Pagapulan. He also mentioned that the Province of Antique is the first to conduct the Provincial Orientation Workshop in Region 6.

Pagapulan particularly lauded the participation of Mayors Reynaldo Pollicar of Anini-y, Darell B. dela Flor of Belison and Jose

Christopher Varona of Sebaste during the workshop.

Other participants are Municipal LPRAT members composed LPRAT Chair (Local Chief Executive), Municipal Planning and Development Coordinator, Mun. Budget Officer, MLGOO, SB Chair on Appropriation, LPRAT Co-Chair (CSO Representative), CSO signatories to the LPRAT and other CSO representatives, community mobilizers, NGA representatives and Regional PRAT members.

DILG Region 6 BuB Focal Person Christian Nagaynay presented the guidelines on the (1) BuB planning process, (2) fund release, and (3) project implementation, as well as the project monitoring and blacklisting of LGUs as reflected in DBM-DILG-DSWD -NAPC Joint Memo-Circular No. 7.

Nagaynay emphasized that there will be an increase of Php5 Million Pesos in the BuB

budget cap to be given to good performing LGUs as a form of incentive on top of the Php20 million pesos total BuB allocation per LGU. He also highlighted the deadline of submission of LPRAP which is on December 10, 2015.

The representatives from DA, DENR, DOE, DTI, DOT, NAPC, PCA, BFAR, DILG, TESDA, DOH and DOLE then presented the 2017 menu of programs followed by the orientation on the conduct of LPRAP Workshop by the AFON Executive Director and Community Mobilizer Romeo Baldevia.

BuB Provincial Focal Person and Program Manager Raymundo Palanog expressed optimism that the program could enhance strong partnership among CSOs and different government agencies and will contribute in the success of the BuB Program. (JCM/DILG/PSM/ PIA6Antique)

Ignorance of youth leads to HIV cases

By Leonard T. Pineda I ILOILO CITY, Dec. 2 (PIA6) --- The National Youth Commission (NYC) said that a number of young people in the country are catching the HIV (human immunodeficiency virus) infection through ignorance.

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n his keynote address during the commemoration of World AIDS Day held December 1 at Robinson’s Mall here, NYC Commissioner for Luzon Percival Cendana said that ignorance is a major driver of HIV infection among the youth now which resulted to higher cases of the infection in the country.

“What is alarming is that 30 percent of young people now believe that there is cure for AIDS,” he said.

He said that around 70 percent of the youth sector have this so-called “Superman

Syndrome” which predisposed them to think that they are not susceptible to the infection, as revealed by the 2013 Young Adult Fertility and Sexuality (YAFS).

“HIV/AIDS along with teenage pregnancy are two of the adolescence and sexual reproductive concerns which are considered as defining issues of this generation,” he said.

Cendana even compared the concern on HIV/AIDS with a “complicated” relationship status on social media platform Facebook because the infection affects the wellness and well-being of the youth.

“Young people are intelligent and smart.

What we need to do is provide them with appropriate information to prevent them from engaging in risky behaviors,” he said.

He stressed that the development of appropriate information will enable the young people to make responsible decisions and conduct suitable behavior.

He added that latest updates from UNICEF (United Nations Children's Fund) showed that the number of youth who have HIV/AIDS has tripled in the past three years.

(JCM/LTP/PIA-Iloilo).

WESTERN VISAYAS

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Sta. Barbara Church nat’l cultural treasure marker unveiled Merry Christmas

By Lilibeth A. French

ILOILO CITY, Dec. 6 (PIA6) - - Sta. Barbara town earned another historical marker commemorating the declaration of its parish church and convent as national cultural treasure.

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he national cultural marker was unveiled to the public in a ceremony led by His Eminence Orlando B. Cardinal Quevedo, Archbishop of Cotabato, and National Museum of the Philippines Assistant Director Angel Bautista on December 3, a day before the feast of its patron saint, Sta. Barbara.

National Historical Commission of the Philippines (NHCP) Chairman Ma. Serena Diokno, Governor Arthur Defensor, Congressman Arcadio Gorriceta, Mayor Dennis Superficial and Vice Mayor Rema Somo also joined Quevedo and Bautista during the unveiling ceremony.

The National Museum of the Philippines confirmed the status of the Sta. Barbara Church and Convent as a national cultural treasure through its declaration no. 1-2013 which was signed by Jeremy Barns, Director of

the National Museum on November 17, 2013.

“The Church, of Baroque-Renaissance style, together with the convent or rectory and other elements of the complex, is one of the best preserved examples of the Spanish colonial church architecture in the province, and is emblematic of the unique, outstanding and intact quality and historical, cultural and artistic significance of the Augustinian churches of the Western Visayas dating from that period,” according to the declaration.

In 1991, the National Historical Commission which is now NHCP also declared the church as a National Historical Landmark in recognition of its contribution to history as the headquarters of the revolutionary forces against Spain in the Visayas during the Philippine Revolution. Built in 1849 and was finished in 1878, Sta. Barbara Church is Baroque-Renaissance architecture made from

quarried stones from neighboring towns of Leon, Alimodian and Tubungan on its ground floor and so with the hardwood of mulawon and mangle on the second floor. The famous earthquake locally known as “Lady Caycay” on January 25, 1948 destroyed parts of the church including the walls of the two side altars. Msgr.

Enrique Perez restored the church and convent in 1979.

Also the NHCP poured in P39,740,078 and the Office of Governor Arthur Defensor some P5,000,000 for the restoration of the church and convent which was completed in May this year.

Sta. Barbara Tourism Officer Irene Magallon said the Sta. Barbara Church and Convent is the third National Cultural Treasure in Panay Island. The two others are San Joaquin Church and Panay Church in Capiz. (JSC/laf-PIA6 Iloilo)

PhilFIDA holds stakeholders meeting

By Sheila Q. Patoza KALIBO, AKLAN, Dec. 6 (PIA6) – The Philippine Fiber Industry Development Authority (PhilFIDA), Region 6, in collaboration with the Local Government Unit of Libacao conducted a one-day stakeholders meeting on abaca fiber industry on December 4 at Ati-atihan Country Inn, Kalibo, Aklan.

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larito M. Barron, Executive Director of PhilFIDA, said that the meeting was held to give stakeholders new information and knowledge, current trends and developments of the abaca fiber industry in the country and even in the world with the different competent resource speakers the PhilFIDA provided.

“With this forum also, relevant issues and concerns coming from the different stakeholders, especially of the abaca farmers that play the big role in this industry, were discussed and gave solution or will help reach the issues to the different agencies concerned,” Barron said.

Provincial Fiber Officer Antonino C. Castronuevo of PhilFIDAAklan said that Aklan listed in the top 10 Abaca producers in the

Philippines, hence considered as one of the major abaca producers in the country, “Aklan has seven municipalities in the province engaging in the abaca fiber industry, these are - Libacao, Madalag,Malinao, Ibajay, Makato, Banga, and Balete,” Castronuevo enumerated.

Topics that were discussed in the meeting were: overview of the forum and prospects of the industry; updates on abaca sustainability project; Non-Timber Forest Products Exchange Programme (NTFP-EP) Philippines projects in Aklan; awareness on the standard classification and grading of hand, spindle and decorticated stripped of abaca fibers; and presentation on efficiency and profitability of different stripping knives in abaca fiber production. Furthermore, the different fiber

quality requirements of the abaca traders and processors - such as the cordage sector, pulp and handicrafts sectors, and the grading baling establishmentswere discussed.

Some of the issues and concerns that were raised were the quality of the fibers being produced, the sustainability of Aklan in the flourishing abaca fiber industry, the pricing of fibers being sold to traders by the farmers, and the unreachable support of the government to far flung areas in Aklan that have the abundant plantations of Abaca.

The event was participated in by the different farmers of the seven abaca producing municipalities in Aklan, LGUs, abaca traders and processors, Non-Government Agencies, National Government Agencies and other stakeholders. (JSC/SQP-PIA6 Aklan)

Iloilo prov’l newsletter is WV’s best

By Leonard T. Pineda I ILOILO CITY, Dec. 2 (PIA6) --- The official publication of the Iloilo provincial government was recognized as the best newsletter in Western Visayas by the Philippine Information Agency (PIA)-6.

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IA-6 cited “Balita Halin sa Kapitolyo” as the best agency/local government unit newsletter for relevance of content and messages, technical quality and responsiveness to the needs of clients and effective communication support to development.

The newsletter, published quarterly by the Public Information and Community Affairs Office (PICAO), bested other entries from Region 6 including “City Bridge” of the local

government unit of Bago City, Negros Occidental which placed second and “Pagbag-o” of the Roxas City government which came in third.

Other winners include “Bantala” of the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR)-6 and “Tubi” of the Metro Roxas Water District, Roxas City, Capiz.

Nereo Lujan, department head of PICAO, received the award during the 2015 Information Officers’ Year End Conference

held recently at El Circulo Convention, Roxas City, Capiz.

On one hand, Lujan was also given a special award of distinction for his exemplary accomplishments as information officer of the province of Iloilo.

He was cited for his information, communication, education activities and efforts in putting together pieces of local history and culture for the benefit of this and the future generations. (JCM/LTP/PIA-Iloilo)

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CENTRAL VISAYAS

CV Pantawid exemplary Children's Congress 2015

kids

join Merry Christmas

By Jennifer C. Tilos

NEGROS ORIENTAL, Nov. 26 (PIA) -- Three exemplary children-beneficiaries of Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program representing the provinces of Negros Oriental, Cebu and Bohol joined this year's National Children's Congress (NNC) held recently at Greenhills Elan Hotel in San Juan City, Metro Manila.

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ccording to Pantawid Pamilya Information Officer Phoebe Jen Indino, the NCC participants from Central Visayas are the top three regional winners of the Pantawid Pamilya Exemplary Children Search 2015 composed of Baby Lou Roda of Bayawan City, Jufel Pradilla of Tabogon, Cebu, and Ruth Celine Narciso of Dauis, Bohol.

This year's NCC bears the theme “Batang Pilipino, Tuloy ang Pagbabago” that highlights the gains of the program and the positive change in the lives of the children-beneficiaries.

More than 50 children participants joined the event and underwent several workshops like Ako, ang kahirapan, at aking pag-aaral, Ako, ang kahirapan, at aking kalusugan, Pagbabagong nasimulan sa aking pamilya at pamayanan, Komunidad at pamahalaan magkaisa, pang-aabuso sa bata wakasan na, said Indino.

Meanwhile, the three children participants shared their learning during the five-day event.

Baby Lou of NegOr for her part shared that she is grateful for the opportunity of joining NCC, “Daghan kog nakaila, nahibaw-an ug napun-an akong mga amiga (I met new people, learned new things and gained friends)."

She added that the activity taught her the importance of cooperation and unity to achieve one goal.

Baby Lou recalled that the “egg-drop game” was the most memorable for her because their group was tasked to throw the egg without cracking it. “We looked for ways on how to do it and we did it by securely wrapping the egg with several manila papers.”

Because of NCC, she was able to stay in a hotel and experience airplane ride. “Lipay kaayo ko nakasakay na gyud kog eroplano unya nagpuyo pa gyud me sa hotel.”

Ruth also added that the experience is definitely something she will remember for the rest

of her life.

Moreover, all the NCC participants were also invited to join the Araw ng Kabataan at Quirino Grandstand, Luneta Park.

“Araw ng Kabataan” was organized

by DSWD together with its two attached agencies, the Council for the Welfare of Children (CWC) and the National Youth Commission (NYC), and is in line with the National Children’s Month Celebration this November with the theme, “Komunidad at Pamahalaan, Magkaisa; Pang-aabuso sa Bata, Wakasan Na!” DSWD Secretary Corazon Soliman said that the event was a demonstration of the collaborative efforts of communities and the local and national governments to combat all forms of abuse and exploitation against children, and to create a friendly society where children can develop their full potential. (rmn/jct/PIA7-Negros Oriental)

Sikatuna LGU seeks advice on unused Globe tower Rey Anthony H. Chiu TAGBILARAN CITY, Nov. 23 (PIA) -- The local government unit of Sikatuna is seeking Capitol's legal advice on what to do with an unused communications tower in a school compound.

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ikatuna Mayor Jose Ellorimo Jr. along with local officials fear that the presence of the tower and its reported radiation may not be good for the health of school children nearby.

The tower, owned by Globe Telecommunications, sits on a municipal-owned lot bearing tax declaration number 1594. It was designed to serve the municipality through a Globe landline and wireless connection.

About ten years ago, Globe Telecommunications negotiated the administration of Abucay Elementary School to construct and erect the tower to serve the town, according Mayor

Ellorimo in his request for legal advice from Capitol.

The negotiations also included a monthly rental for the used property, one which was paid to the Abucay Norte Elementary School Administration, the mayor said.

Upon construction until sometime in 2009 or 2010, Globe ceased its operation and service in Sikatuna.

The local officials' concerns include the presence of a big tension crack near the tower, to which local officials have raised to the Mines and GeoScience Bureau.

The MGB has not sent any official reply to their

coordination, Ellorimo said. "The crack which the 7.2 magnitude earthquake caused, may pose more danger to our children as we are not aware of [what might] this crack affect the tower," the mayor said in his letter to Provincial Legal Officer Atty. Mitchell John Boiser dated November 9.

The ceased tower operations also caused the payments of rentals. Globe also ceased paying for business permits to operate upon the stopping of its operations, but continues to occupy the school town lot for over six years now.

Boiser is expected to give Capitol's advice to Sikatuna anytime. (rmn/rac/PIA-7/Bohol)

Bohol reconstitutes child-welfare council

By Rey Anthony H. Chiu TAGBILARAN CITY, Nov. 23 (PIA) -- Through Executive Order Number 16 dated November 9, Gov. Edgar Chatto reconstituted the Provincial Council for the Welfare of Children (PCWC).

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he move is to ensure synchronization and integration of policies, programs and projects for children, according to the EO. Chatto said there is also a need to strengthen the LCPCs in all government units for the efficient and effective implementation of all policies, programs, and projects for the well-being of children.

LCPC shall be responsible for the planning and spearheading programs of children in the locality with the end view of making the locality child friendly.

Its functions include the crafting of a comprehensive Provincial Program for Children (PPC), review and integrate city and town programs and projects needing assistance into the PPC, monitor and review its implementation, submit quarterly reports on the implementation of PPC to the Regional Sub-Committee for the Welfare of Children (RSCWC) through the Provincial Development Council (PDC).

The United Nation's Convention of the Rights of the Child has stipulated that every child has the right to protection from all forms of violence, abuse, neglect and exploitation.

For this, the Philippines enacted Republic 7610 which is commonly called the Special Protection of Children against Child Abuse, Exploitation and Discrimination Act. Also called the Child Protection Law, it provides for stronger deterrence and special protection against child abuse, exploitation and discrimination and providing corresponding penalties.

Corollary to this, the Department of Interior and Local Government has been mandated to oversee the organization and functionality of the LCPC, thus allowing the agency to issue memorandum circulars enjoining LGUs to organize local CPC that will lead the implementation of the children's programs in their

respective localities. In Bohol, Provincial ordinance No. 2000-30 puts the Bohol Children's Code and provides for the creation of the PCWC. PCWC is now composed of the governor as the chairperson.

Its members include Sangguniang Panlalawigan Committee chair of Women and Family Affairs, Provincial Planning and Development Coordinator, Health Officer, Social Welfare and development Officer, Schools Division Superintendent, Provincial Youth and Sports Coordinator, P r o v i n c i a l A BC P r e si d e n t , P r o v i n c i a l LMP President, Police Director, Leagl Officer, DSWD Officer, DILG Officer, Labor Officer, Prosecutor, Information Agency Officer, Local Finance Council, Bohol Chamber of Commerce and Industry, World Vision and a child representative. (rmn/rac/PIA-7/ Bohol)

CENTRAL VISAYAS

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DOST bats for better craft, furniture designs Merry Christmas

BY JENNIFER C. TILOS

DUMAGUETE CITY, Nov. 26 (PIA) -- Some selected homegrown designers and representatives of some micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs) in Negros Oriental have undergone a series of materials innovation seminar recently in Dumaguete City.

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epartment of Science and Technology (DOST ) in cooperation with Foundation University (FU) concluded this two-day seminar to create a pool of local industrial designers to support Negros Oriental’s craft and furniture industry.

“This seminar also aimed at equipping local designers with some technical knowledge on various types and properties of materials so that their designs become more suitable to specific types of materials,” said provincial director Gilbert Arbon of DOST. Five experts on materials innovation from the different DOST Research and Development Institutes (RDIs) came to share their knowledge and expertise, representing the following agencies:

Philippine Textile Research Institute (PTRI), Forest Products Research and Development Institute (FPRDI), Metals Industry Research and Development Institute (MIRDC) and Industrial Technology Development Institute (ITDI).

Engr. Adela Montalvo of PTRI discussed natural and synthetic fibers as materials for craft industries.

Josefina Celorico, an expert from TDI explained on the use of plastic, ceramics and fiberglass as essential materials for the craft industry, while Engr. Edilbert de la Peña of MIRDC talked about metals and related resources.

For their part, Foresters Robert Natividad and Moreno Santander of FPRDI lectured on wood, bamboo, and other forest products.

“FPRDI is mandated to conduct research and development on wood and non-wood forest products. We transfer technologies and provide technical services and trainings especially to MSMEs, since majority of the businesses in the country come from your sector,” Forester Natividad said, addressing the participants.

“We ensure the global competitiveness of environment-friendly forest-based products and enhance the efficiency and effectiveness of existing forest-based industries and assist in the establishment of new enterprises,” he added.

MSME sector include manufacturers of furniture, gifts and decors, handicrafts, and fashion accessories have composed the participants of the training. (rmn/jct/PIA-7 Negros Oriental)

DSWD7, NOCW mark 18-Day campaign to end VAW

By Jennifer C. Tilos NEGROS ORIENTAL, Nov. 25 (PIA) -- Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD-7) and Negros Oriental Commission on Women (NOCW) organized various activities in observance of the 18-Day campaign to end Violence Against Women (VAW) in separate occasions.

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he 18-Day Campaign to End Violence Against Women (VAW) is observed annually from November 25 to December 12 with the theme “End VAW Now! It's Our Duty!: Gains and Ways Forward."

According to DSWD information officer Phoebe Jen Indino, as a kick-off event they held a parade in cooperation with the members of the Regional Inter-agency Council Against Trafficking (RIACAT) from Jones Avenue to Plaza Sugbu, venue for the opening ceremonies.

The objective of this annual event was to raise awareness among all stakeholders that VAW is a public issue of national concern.

It supports the government’s goal to protect the human rights of women and its commitment to address all forms of VAW. For the NOCW, gender and development

(GAD) focal person Josie Columna said a series of Gender Sensitivity Trainings (GST) has been conducted continuously to provincial government officials and personnel.

On December 10 to 11, a two-day GST will also be conducted to members of local media and Association of Negros Oriental Public Information Officers (ANOPIO) at Mabinay Spring, Mabinay town.

Columna said this aims to promote gender responsive local governance pursuant to RA 9710 know as the Magna Carta for Women.

Indino said the campaign is considered as another turning point in our anti-VAW advocacy in the country.

Meanwhile, every year women’s groups from different regions of the world observe 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence

(November 25 to December 10).

It originated from the First Women’s Global Leadership Institute sponsored by the Center for Women’s Global Leadership in 1991.

The campaign links November 25 (International Day Against VAW) and December 10 (International Human Rights Day) to emphasize that VAW is a human rights violation.

The global campaign was further strengthened with the launching in 2008 of the United Nations (UN) Secretary-General’s UNiTE to End VAW Campaign which envisions a world free from all forms of violence against women and girls.

In support of the activity, the Philippine Commission on Women is encouraging everyone to wear orange starting today until December 12. (rmn/jct/PIA7-Negros Oriental)

Kalahi-CIDSS volunteer embarks on community dev’t in NegOr

BY JENNIFER C. TILOS NEGROS ORIENTAL, Nov. 25 (PIA) -- To the community volunteers like Emily in Sta. Catalina town, patience, dedication and hard work are the best weapons for them to achieve the needs of the community to improve their bamboo bridge and make a safer pathway for the residents to cross.

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mily, one of the volunteers of Kapit-bisig Laban sa Kahirapan- Comprehensive and Integrated Delivery of Social Services (Kalahi-CIDSS) Millennium Challenge Corporation in Sitio Pagtigaon, Caranoche, Sta. Catalina, shared the story of her struggles to accomplish their community project.

According to Social Marketing Officer Venice Polancos of Kalahi-CIDSS, the volunteers know that every drop of tears and sweat that fell on the ground will be balanced by the happiness of seeing that their sub-project has brought great help in their community.

Barangay Caranoche proposed sub-projects in the 1st and 2nd cycle, were not prioritized during the Municipal Inter-Barangay Forum (MIBF).

Polancos said some volunteers of Sitio Pagtigaon had lost hope and had given up, but not Emily. She stood her ground. She remained patient and prayed for courage in persuading her co-volunteers to persevere, Polancos cited.

“It may not have been our time yet to be prioritized, but I believed that we can make it happen. Our time would come," an optimistic Emily shared. When the much awaited Sub-project prioritization came, the community volunteers rose to the challenge of the MIBF to have their sub-project consisting of one single barrel box culvert and one double barrel box culvert prioritized in the 3rd Cycle.

Polancos said they gave all their effort and owned it. They knew this project was given to them

for the purpose of assisting them with their struggles, - in crossing the river they have to face daily, facing rain and flood.

“Sta. Catalina is one of the municipalities in Negros Oriental, where it rains almost every day.

This is also one of the challenges of every community volunteer in the implementation on the sub-projects.

Sometimes they must take extra time to finish it,” observed Polancos.

Volunteers have been empowered in a many ways. Kalahi has taught them to be independent and to stand on their own in every decision they make.

This is why the community volunteers love to be asked about their encounters in Kalahi, and how it touched their lives being volunteers of Kalahi-CIDSS. (jct/PIA7-Negros Oriental)

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EASTERN VISAYAS

Council to include nutrition in LGUs’ emergency plan

Merry Christmas

MACELO M. PEDALINO ORMOC CITY, Nov. 27 (PIA) -- The nutrition needs of infants, children, and lactating mothers, among others, should be integrated into the preparedness and disaster risk reduction management plans of local government units, in particular here in region 8, a region said to be vulnerable to natural calamities.

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his, in essence, is the path the Regional Nutrition Council intends to undertake for 2016, according to Dr. Catalino Dotollo, Jr., the Regional Nutrition Program Coordinator (RNPC).

To make this happen, a Nutrition in Emergencies (NiEm) Management Plan has been crafted to guide LGUs for inclusion in their disaster preparedness and response plan, Dotollo told PIA in an interview at Sabin Resort Hotel here.

A number of nutrition technical committee members from all over the region

met here last week for a three-day planning-workshop in which the details of the emergency-driven nutrition plan were discussed.

“A primary concern during emergencies and disasters is to prevent death and malnutrition among the affected population, prioritizing the most vulnerable groups: infants, children, pregnant women and breastfeeding mothers, older persons, disabled people living with debilitating conditions,” the NiEm Management Plan pointed out as a backgrounder.

Dotollo said the lessons learned from Yolanda prompted the regional nutrition council to craft such a management plan, inasmuch as “nutrition is a key public health concern in times of emergency and disaster management.”

“Eastern Visayas Nutrition in Emergencies Management Plan defines the direction of the regional nutrition cluster in preparing for an effective and efficient response in any event of emergency or disaster,” the Management Plan’s description stated. (mmp, PIA8-Southern Leyte)

Three more Negosyo Centers up in SoLeyte MACELO M. PEDALINO MAASIN CITY, Southern Leyte, Dec. 2 (PIA) -- To impress upon the minds of would-be entrepreneurs and established businessmen that to engage in business is the way to go, three more Negosyo Centers are planned to be opened in 2016.

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hese Centers will be located in Sogod, Liloan, and Hinunangan municipalities, said Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) Provincial Director Mike Nunez.

In an interview at the dysl Kapihan sa PIA Friday, Nunez said the Centers are actually Private-Public-Partnership (PPP) projects inasmuch as the local government units in the host municipality as well as the private sector will work hand in hand for the Center to function.

Last November 26, the first Negosyo Center, located just behind the DTI office at SJC Building, was formally launched in the city, the blessing and ribbon-cutting attended

by City Mayor Maloney Samaco and the officers and members of I-ACT SMED, the

Investments-Arts, Culture, Tourism, Small, Medium Enterprise Development.

Officers and members of the Southern Leyte Chamber of Commerce and Industry, including some representatives of financial institutions also attended the Center’s inauguration.

Samaco, in his short speech, said the city government fully supports the operation of the Center, a venue to breed emerging entrepreneurs that can help sustain the economic activity of the city.

Director Nunez said the Center would serve much like a library, a data bank for research on latest trends and innovation in the challenging field of business, wherein those with much money to burn may visit for advice, share ideas, and learn anything worth investing

in the locality.

“When you are sick you go to a doctor, for legal needs, a lawyer. But those wanting to be in business have no one to turn to, and this need is filled up by the Negosyo Center,” said Nunez.

He stressed that money, or capital, although decidedly important to start and expand an enterprise, is not really all that matters, for what matters most is one’s willingness to be in business and learn the ropes, the tricks, the trade in the process.

Many Filipino billionaires like those owning giant malls or popular food chains across the country, around the world, started small, and they even began from zero, from scratch, Nunez also said. (mmp, PIA8-Southern Leyte)

CARITAS, ‘Yolanda’ survivors support community managed DRR CONSUELO B. ALARCON PALO, Leyte, Dec. 2 (PIA) – The Archdiocese of Palo Relief Unit (CARITAS Palo) together with some Yolanda survivors formally declared Tuesday their commitment to support the goals of the first national community managed disaster risk reduction summit held last month in Cebu City.

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he support was strengthened through a commitment signing of the Caritas Declaration on Climate Change and Community Managed Disaster Risk Reduction at Palo Chancery, Palo, Leyte.

In a press statement, Caritas Palo Director Fr. Al Cris Badana emphasized the importance of the involvement of the communities in addressing climate change and disaster risks knowing the impact of super typhoon Yolanda that wrought havoc to the people in areas affected by the typhoon.

“A plan of action to address climate change and disaster risks must be undertaken using community-managed disaster risk reduction (CMDRR) as the strategy citing the poor as the most vulnerable,” Badana said.

Aside from signing of the declaration of commitment, at least 200 survivors from 15 barangays in the municipalities of Palo, Santa Fe, Alang-Alang, Mayorga, Dulag and MacArthur, all in Leyte presented to the participants how their communities are actively participating in community-managed disaster risk reduction (CMDRR) measures.

The move is in solidarity with the on-going climate change conference in Paris, France after Pope Francis highlighted the adverse effects of climate change on the poor and other vulnerable groups.

It was learned that the Archdiocese of Palo through Caritas Palo and NASSA/Caritas Philippines extended assistance to Yolanda affected barangays in Leyte to stand up and be resilient despite the enormous devastation.

To date, a total of Php150 million was already invested by Caritas Palo to build resilient communities in Leyte. (ajc/PIA-8)

EASTERN VISAYAS

Merry Christmas

7

Mayor leads 18-day end-VAW campaign NINFA B. QUIRANTE

CATBALOGAN CITY, Samar, Nov. 27 (PIA) - Catbalogan City Mayor Stephany Uy-Tan led on Wednesday the 18-Day Campaign to End Violence Against Women (VAW).

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peaking before hundreds of advocates and students, the young chief executive urged all present to support the program.

For children and women, she advised them to be aware of their rights and seek protection when needed.

As to those perceived to victimize women and children, she asked them to stop and be

reminded that women and children today have been empowered and won't hesitate to come forward to seek professional help if their rights will be violated.

The 18-Day Campaign to End (VAW) is observed from November 25 to December 12.

This campaign aims to raise awareness among people that VAW is a public issue and

of national concern.

It supports the Philippine Government's goal to protect human rights of women and its commitment to address all forms of VAW. The Philippines has been hailed for its pioneering work in legislations protecting the gender rights of women. (nbq/ PIA 8-Samar)

DPWH Southern Leyte embarks on massive bridge repair MA. REBECCA G. CADAVOS MAASIN CITY, Southern Leyte, Dec. 2 (PIA) – The Department of Public Works and Highways Southern Leyte District Engineering Office (DPWH-SLDEO) is bracing for the massive rehabilitation of old bridges in the next two years.

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istrict Engineer Ma. Margarita C. Junia in a press statement said that 47 bridges will be rehabilitated in 2016 while more structures are now subject to Bridge Management System (BMS) for 2017 repair activities.

“The result of this BMS is the basis for our funding as to what bridge needs repair in 2017,” Junia informed.

This year, 37 bridges have been rehabilitated by SLDEO. The total outlay for bridge retrofitting, rehabilitation and strengthening is P408 million, it was learned further.

For 2016, the bridge rehabilitation activities require P576.97 million, which accounts for more than a third of the P1.45 billion proposed budget for next year.

Listed for 2016 major repair are bridges of Lilloan, Magaupas, Magkasag, Mayuga, Nahaong, Agogong, Awayon, Biliran, Bonbon, Caaga, Calayugan, Calian, Candatag, Canluwis, Canlupao, Cantamuac, Canumay, Casao,

Concepcion, Dinahugan, Higusoan, Hilogtogan, Hipgasan, Iniguihan.

Also up for rehabilitation are bridges of Looc, Mag-ata, Mahalo, Mapait, Maslog 1, Maslog 2, Padre Burgos, Pintuyan 1, Pintuyan 2, Sagbok, San Joaquin, San Jose, San Ricardo, San Roque, San Vicente, Sangaahon, Son-ok, Sta Cruz 1, Sta. Cruz 2, Sudmon, Timba, and Villa Jacinta.

“Some of these bridges have been existing since 1970s. There’s really a need for these bridges to undergo major rehabilitation,” Junia further noted..

The SLDEO simultaneously conducts bridge inspection for 2016 projects and BMS of old bridges for 2017 activities.

The BMS bridge data are annually collected based on the bridge inventory and condition surveys being conducted by the accredited bridge inspectors from the district office.

The accredited regional BMS coordinators from the regional office do the supervision

quality checking of the BMS bridge data.

The bridge data collected from the surveys are encoded in the Bridge Inventory Condition (BIC) stand alone program and uploaded in the repository of all national road and bridge data.

The BMS team in the central office manages the uploading and quality assurance of the BMS data, as well as the conduct of the BMS analysis.

The BMS analyze and generate a list of priority bridges that require major maintenance and replacement which can be funded locally or foreign-assisted bridge programs in the annual General Appropriations Act (GAA).

It was leanred that the province has 153 bridges along national road with a combined length of more the two kilometers.

The province has the most number of bridges in the region. Of the total number of bridges, 139 are concrete, and 14 are steel. (w/ reports from DPWH/rgc/PIA8-SoLeyte)

DOST8-TAPI conducts 2015 regional invention contest CONSELO B. ALARCON TACLOBAN CITY, Leyte, Nov. 26 (PIA) – As part of its commitment to recognize the abilities and creativity of the Filipino young inventors, the Department of Science and Technology (DOST) regional office 8 thru the Technology Application and Promotion Institute (TAPI) hold a three-day 2015 regional invention contests and exhibits at Robinsons mall, this city.

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he activity began with a short program attended by heads of national government agencies, representatives of the participating schools, the inventors themselves and other stakeholders followed by the display of the inventions of the participants in the activity area.

During the opening program, DOST assistant regional director Ernesto Granada said, 59 entries in the region are vying for the various categories in the 2015 regional invention contests and exhibits (RICE).

Five entries for Utility model category, eight for creative research,21 for student creative research (Sibol) for college and 25 entries for student creative research (sibol) for high school.

Meanwhile, Lawyer Marion Ivy D. Decena, Division Manager, Innovation Development Division, TAPI said, that this year’s regional invention contests and exhibits (RICE) unleashes the Filipinos’ creativity and ingenuity to boost economic development The participating inventors for this year’s

contest came from Visayas State University, Samar State University, Palompon Institute of Technology, Mahaplag National High School, San Jose National High School, Eastern Samar National Comprehensive High School, Llorente National High School, Pambujan National High School, Samar National School, Visayas State University Laboratory High School, Eastern Visayas Regional Science High School, San Isidro National High School, Leyte National High School and a private entity which is DORELCO. (aen/PIA-8)

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. Minerva BC Newman 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. Baùares 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