Vol 7
In this Issue WESTERN VISAYAS
Seminar on Branding: Wilfredo Arcilla, (right) expert in branding conducts consultation with Liela Abong owner of Bing's Kitchen Food Products for her Gourmet Tuyo during the Seminar on Branding recently held in Antique. (DTI/PSM/PIA6Antique)
Oct. 19 - 22, 2017
Published by: PIA 6, 7 & 8
Issue 42
DAR South pilots ‘Kampanya Kontra Ariendo’ Easter Anne D. Doza NEGROS OCCIDENTAL, Oct. 18 (PIA6) - - The Department of Agrarian Reform- South piloted the massive campaign dubbed “Kampanya Kontra Ariendo” system against illegal sale, transfer, and lease of land awarded to agrarian reform beneficiaries (ARBs). OIC Secretary Rosalina Bistoyong graced the launching of the campaign in La Castellan town of the Fifth District. Ariendo is illegal sale, transfer, lease or any other form of conveyance by a beneficiary of the right of ownership, right to use, or any usufructuary right over the land acquired by virtue of being such beneficiary. According to Bistoyong, the practice has quite been rampant, although these deals are usually not documented in paper, thus, the campaign is set to counter the practice among ARBs. “There is no reason for ARBs to lease back the land because the services from DAR are already available. In terms of mandate for DAR the focus has shifted in favor of support services and no longer on the land acquisition because by this time we want to make the lands productive,” Bistoyong told the local media in a press conference.
Lucrecia Taberna, provincial agrarian reform program officer of DAR-Negros Occidental 2, said the agency has intensified its campaign after receiving reports on rampant “ariendohanay” or lease of awarded lands, specifically in the south despite of prior campaigns conducted such as posting of tarpaulins in different barangays, municipalities and cities in southern portion of province. "The law strictly prohibits the illegal sale, transfer, lease or popularly known in our local dialect as "arienduhanay" system,” Taberna said. Taberna revealed of the 73,406 ARBs, a total of 20,843 ARBs are already reached by the support services and credit program of the department. Of the figures, only about 8,000 ARBs are involved in the “ariendo” system based on personal accounts of DAR personnel on the field. “We want the ARBs to become models of sustainable rural development. We want the farmers to have sustainable livelihood. We want them to become rich in the process of producing and cultivating food for the tables,” Bistoyong added. * (EAD-PIA6 Negros Occidental)
Pres. Duterte attends Dumaguete Buglasan Festival 2017 More on Region 6, pages 2-3.
CENTRAL VISAYAS
PIA Cebu Infocen Manager Rachelle Nessia discussing Press Release Writing during the first batch of the Communication Enhancement Workshop for the Police Community Relations (PCR) officers and non-uniformed personnel (NUP) of the Cebu Provincial Police Office. (PIA Cebu)
More on Region 7, pages 4-5. Also CLICK Here…
EASTERN VISAYAS
PIA 7 DUMAGUETE CITY, Oct. 14 (PIA) -- President Rodrigo Duterte yesterday joined Oriental Negrenses in celebrating Buglasan Festival. Pres. Duterte’s attendance to the opening rites of the Buglasan Festival was the highlight of the first day of the festivity. The president arrived at the Lamberto Macias Sports and Cultural Center (LMSCC) which was the venue for the opening ceremonies of the Buglasan Festival at around 5:00 p.m. where he was welcomed by local officials led by Negros Oriental Gov. Roel Degamo and thousands of Oriental Negrenses who were inside the LMSCC to watch the ceremony. The president also handed over two Outstanding Oriental Negrense awards at the beginning of the program. The first award was the Posthumous Award for Law and Jurisprudence for the late former Supreme Court Chief Justice Felix Makasiar, which was received by Makasiar’s daughter, Cynthia Makasiar-Sikat. The second award was given to Dr. Hilconida Calumpong for the category science and environment. In his message, Pres. Duterte said he hopes that the festivity will continue to bring positive impact to the people in Negros Oriental. “May this occasion foster solidarity and camaraderie as we take part in realizing the country’s potentials,” he said. He also made a call for the people to work hand in hand with the government to achieve its goal for the Filipinos. “Hand in hand, let us lay a new foundation by which we will build a better nation. Join us in achieving our vision for a more comfortable and productive life for every Filipino,” said Pres. Duterte. The annual Buglasan Festival is Negros Oriental’s provincial fiesta participated in by the cities and municipalities in the province.
This year, the festival carries the theme “Transforming NegOr into a Sustainable Eco-Tourism by 2025”, highlighting the provincial government’s goal to make Negros Oriental a premier ecotourism destination. “Buglasan” is derived from buglas, the tall, napier-like reed which once covered the entire Negros island. The main attraction of Buglasan Festival are the different cultural presentations and competitions and also the agri-fair and tourism booths set up at the Freedom Park fronting the Capitol. Joining President Duterte in his visit to Dumaguete City were Presidential Assistant for the Visayas Sec. Michael Lloyd Dino and former Metro Manila Development Authority (MMDA) Chair Francis Tolentino. The Buglasan Festival 2017 runs from October 13 to 21, 2017. (ral/PIA7-Negros Oriental)
President Rodrigo Duterte hands over the Outstanding Oriental Negrense Posthumous Award for Law and Jurisprudence for the late former Supreme Court Chief Justice Felix Makasiar to Makasiar’s daughter, Cynthia Makasiar-Sikat, during the opening ceremony of Buglasan Festival held on Oct. 13, 2017 at at Lamberto Macias Sports and Cultural Center, Dumaguete City. (Roi Lomotan/PIA7-Negros Oriental)
Biliran DOST deploys information kiosk, STARBOOKS Rodrigo S. Victoria
Palo Mayor Remedios L. Petilla gives her Welcome Remarks during the commemorative program on the occasion of 73rd Anniversary of the Leyte Gulf Landings held at the MacArthur Landing Memorial National Park, October 20. (Raul Tiozon/PIA-8)
More on Region 8, pages 6-7. Also CLICK Here...
NAVAL, Biliran, Oct. 1 (PIA) – The regional office of the Department of Science and Technology (DOST) deployed e-research equipment to the capital town and selected schools in Biliran province. The deployment of one unit DOST Information Kiosk and 15 Science and Technology Academic and Research-Based Openly Operated Kiosks (STARBOOKS) is to make science and technology materials available to the general public in remote areas that have few information resources, no libraries and little or no internet connectivity. The DOST Information Kiosk deployed to Naval will help the Navalenos and other interested stakeholders to have access to the different DOST programs and services, said DOST regional director Edgardo M. Esperancilla in his message during the deployment. DOST livelihood programs and services can be accessed also in the DOST Information Kiosk, Esperancilla further said. “This is the first science and technology digital library in the country,” Esperancilla said in relation to the 15 STARBOOKS, a stand-alone information source designed to bring science and technology information to the grassroots.
The DOST chief added that these STARBOOKS is aimed at providing science and technology-based educational and learning resources in various formats to geographically-isolated schools and local government units throughout the country, as well as enhance the educational competence in its beneficiary schools. STARBOOKS contains DOSTkarte livelihood videos, disaster mitigation, educational videos, library materials, interactive science and math courseware, DOST technologies, DOST publications, and the Philippine Men and Women in Science. The deployment of the one unit DOST Information Kiosk to Naval and the 14 STARBOOKS to selected elementary and secondary schools including one for Naval State University (NSU) was held at the Teachers Arena of DepEd-Division of Biliran, Larrazabal, Naval Biliran on October 12, 2017. Biliran Congressman Rogelio J. Espina of the Lone District of Biliran, Naval State University OIC-University President Victor C. Canezo, Jr., DepEd-Division of Biliran Science Supervisor Rosario Canlas, Naval Councilor Ana Meracap, and the heads of the selected elementary and secondary school in Biliran province attended the occasion. (ajc/FJ/rvictoria/PIA8-Biliran)
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WESTERN VISAYAS
COPRE 2017 goes ASEAN By: Elsa S. Subong ILOILO CITY (PIA6) — It is the ASEAN Way for the 2017 College Press Conference (COPRE) and Awards as this gathering of student paper writers will focus on the Association of Southeast Asian Nation 2017 theme.
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hilippine Information Agency (PIA)-6 Director Atty. Janet C. Mesa said that the youth, especially the publication editors and writers, have been the partners of the agency in its information campaign on the ASEAN 2017 events and activities in the region. “Some of them have assisted us in our ASEAN Kiosks, Multi-sector forums, and majority have participated in Campus Journalism Trainings with ASEAN module and Focus Group Discussions,” Mesa said. “They are our Partners for Change,” she added. The College Press Conference is a yearly
activity that caps the series of Campus Journalism Workshops conducted by the PIA to gauge the indicators of application of learning of participants in these trainings. The theme “Partnering for Change, Engaging the World” will cut across the topics for the writing contests, while traditional costumes and culture will be showcased during the Mr. and Ms. Copre 2017 Pageant. “This year’s COPRE intends to help make the hosting of the country of the 50th anniversary of the ASEAN significant for the student writers, that they will be inspired to continue writing about it,” Mesa said.
COPRE 2017 will be at the Iloilo Convention Center on December 5, where over 400 campus writers are expected to join. Around 80 publications are also expected to vie for various major awards, like Best Newspaper, Best Magazine, Best Departmental Publication, Best Online Newsletter Best Multi-Lingual Paper, Best Literary Folio and a special award for Best Wall News. There will be categories for the High School publications, namely, Best High School Newsletter/ Tabloid, Best High School Multi-lingual Paper and Best High School Online Newsletter. (jcm/ESS/ PIA-Iloilo).
Aklan, 16 towns pass GFH Sheila S. Patoza KALIBO, Aklan, Oct. 14 (PIA6) – The province of Aklan as well as its 16 municipalities passed this year’s Good Financial Housekeeping (GFH).
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n a press release, John Ian Vic Guarino, public information officer of the Department of the Interior and Local Government here, said that the GFH is conferred to a Local Government Unit that exhibits exemplary performance in financial administration. DILG announced that for the year 2017, the province of Aklan and the towns of Altavas, Balete, Banga, Batan, Buruanga, Ibajay, Kalibo, Lezo, Libacao, Madalag, Makato, Malinao, Nabas, New Washington, Numancia, and Tangalan have passed
the GFH. According to DILG, the said passers were able to fulfill the following criteria: 1. Unqualified or Qualified COA Opinion of the immediately preceding year; 2. Compliance with the Full Disclosure Policy: Posting of Financial Documents in three (3) Conspicuous Places and in the Portal; 3. Posting of Electronic Statement of Receipts and Expenditures (e-SRE) in BLGF Website. Guarino stressed that the GFH Certification is
a requirement for the Local Governments in accessing loans pursuant to Local Finance Circular No. 12012; and national program windows like the Bottom-Up Budgeting Program and the SALINTUBIG Program pursuant to DILG Memorandum Circular No. 2013-066. He added that the GFH is a component of the Seal of Good Local Governance (SGLG), which was formerly known as the Seal of Good Housekeeping (SGH) was initiated by DILG in 2010. (JSC/ SQP/PIA6 Aklan)
Capiz responders train on TESDA's EMS course By Jemin B. Guillermo ROXAS CITY, Capiz, Oct. 18 (PIA) – Twenty members of the Capiz Emergency Response Team (CERT) were able to hurdle the 280-hour intensive training on Emergency Medical Services (EMS).
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he EMS National Certificate II Training for Work Scholarship Program of the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA) availed by the CERT personnel was offered in Capiz for the first time. CERT is the emergency responders under the Capiz Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office led by Esperedion Pelaez. “We are happy that the CERT was given the opportunity to avail of the scholarship program of
TESDA that will help them upgrade, standardize and professionalize the emergency medical services to the people,” Pelaez said. The Center for Healthcare Profession Cebu, Inc. was the service provider of TESDA in said training with the St. Gabriel College in Kalibo, Aklan as training assessor. He said that out of the 20 CERT training completers, 14 were able to pass the assessment test and the six others are set to take the said examination this month.
TESDA Capiz Provincial Director Abdel Bakhri Hajan, who was represented by Supervising Technical Education and Skills Development Specialist Ely Arensol, urged the members of the CERT to also avail of the other programs and courses offered by the government for their professional enrichment. Arensol said that the government is spending money for this training in order that the skills of the Filipinos will be upgraded and enhanced. (JCM/JBG/ PIA6)
WESTERN VISAYAS
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Iloilo Airport one of Asia’s best By: Leonard T. Pineda I ILOILO CITY, Oct. 18 (PIA6) --- The Iloilo International Airport is considered one of the best airports in Asia, according to an international travel website Sleeping in Airports.
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n a report published on www.sleepinginairports.net dated October 15, 2017, Iloilo International Airport ranked 12th in their list of 25 best airports in Asia. In the website’s annual survey, travelers are asked to rate airports in Asia based on their overall airport experience. Travelers ranked their experience based on: Comfort (Gate seating and availability of rest zones), Services, facilities and things to do, Food options,
Immigration/Security, Customer service, Cleanliness, Navigation and ease of transit, and “Sleepability”. Aside from the Iloilo Airport, other Philippine airports included in the list are Mactan–Cebu International Airport in Cebu which ranked 13th; Davao Francisco Bangoy International Airport in Davao on the 17thspot; and Clark International Airport in Pampanga which ranked 22nd. According to the website, Asian airports set the bar for the best airports in the world year after
year. The terminals that show up on this list are exceptionally well-designed, taking into account a wide range of traveler’s needs and desires. The website Guide to Sleeping in Airports has proven to be a useful resource for millions of travelers. It is composed a small team of researchers, writers and an illustrator that work to keep the website up-to-date and informative. (JCM/ LTP/PIA-Iloilo)
BFAR, partners ink MOU on marine conservation DA6/PIA6 ILOILO CITY, Oct. 18 (PIA6) -- Regional Director Remia Aparri of the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR) 6 signed a memorandum of understanding together with two local government units and other enforcement agencies in order to strengthen the safeguarding of the marine environment and resources of Western Visayas.
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t the opening, Oct. 16 of the 54th Fish Conservation Week Celebration in Tanza here, Director Aparri cited the importance of preserving, conserving and protecting the coastal and marine resources as the main source of livelihood of the coastal communities. She signed the MOU with Mayor Siegfredo Betita of Carles and representative of Mayor Milliard Villanueva of Concepcion, Iloilo to create a joint task force that will take actions to address the rampant and unabated illegal and unreported fishing activities within the municipal waters. The Task Force will also prohibit the use of destructive gears locally known as “Hulbot-hulbot”,
and active gears in the operation of commercial fishing vessels. “Another MOU was set to be signed on Wednesday together with Iloilo Provincial Governor Arthur Defensor Sr. to create the Task Force Poseidon to deter and eliminate illegal, unreported and unregulated fishing (IUUF) activities in the region,” Director Aparri added. According to her, the joint task force of Carles and Concepcion will convene regularly and conduct regular patrols to increase their visibility in the municipal waters. They will also hold information campaign on fishery laws. As stated in the MOU, the Task Force will impose “no tolerance” policy to violators of fishery
laws. Members of the Regional Inter-Agency Task Force also signified their support to the enforcement of marine conservation laws spearheaded by BFAR. Representatives from the Philippine Coast G u a r d , M a r i t i m e I n d u s t r y A u th o r i t y , Philippine Navy Region 6, Philippine National Police Maritime Group, Philippine Fisheries Development Authority, Criminal Investigation and Detection Group, Department of the Interior and Local Government, and National Intelligence Coordinating Agency will form the “Task Force IUUF”. #(JEEOgatis & SMHToreno/DA6Information/ PIA6)
Anini-y town achieves 25% reduction of poverty incidence By Vicente W. Villavert SAN JOSE, Antique Oct.20 (PIA) - - A commemorative stone marker will be unveiled in the municipality of Anini-y, Antique on October 23 for successfully addressing the problem of poverty.
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Mayor Maxfil B. Pollicar said the National Anti-Poverty Council (NAPC), noted there is a reduction in the poverty incidence by 25 percent in the whole Municipality of Anini-y, the only town that had made such achievement in the whole Philippines for this year. The development will put Anini-y in the map of the United Nations with the unveiling of the Commemorative Stone Marker on October 23, 2017 the mayor said. This year marks the 30th Anniversary of the Call to Action by Father Joseph Wresinski which inspired the observance of October 17 as the World Day of Overcoming Extreme Poverty.
The Call to Action recognizes the knowledge and courage of families living in poverty throughout the world, the importance of reaching out to the poorest and building alliance with all citizens to end poverty and to encourage people living in poverty to break their silence and act in solidarity with those fighting with them against poverty. NAPC Secretary Liza L. Maza will grace the occasion together with Gov. Rhodora J. Cadiao, officials from national, provincial and municipal government officials. The event will also highlight the testimonies of KALAHI Best Performing Barangay through Punong Barangay Espectacion Eiman of Barangay
Igpalge; Farmr Domingo C. Moquerio; Fisherfolk Alejandro Requina; 4Ps Exemplary Child Dayna Arcelie D. Pacete of Barangay Mabuyong; and Community Volunteer Geronima E. Ayson, the “Bayani ka Awards KALAHI-Regional and National Awardee. Records from the Philippine Statistics Authority here show that Anini-y’s poverty incidence rate in year 2006 was 37.9 percent with a projected population then of 20, 498. In the 2015 census, Anini-y has 23 barangays with a population of 21,201. Among the town’s tourist attractions include the Nogas Island, Cresta de Gallo, Siraan Hot Spring, and the Anini-y Church, among others. (JCM/VWV/ PIA Antique)
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CENTRAL VISAYAS
Cops, NUPs undergo Writing, Media Relations training PIA 7 CEBU CITY, Oct. 10 (PIA) – More than 60 police community relations officers (PCRs) and non uniformed personnel (NUPs) of Cebu Provincial Police Office (CPPO) recently underwent a press release and media relations workshop.
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o better communicate police programs to the public, CPPO partnered with Philippine Information Agency (PIA) Cebu to conduct the workshop for the first batch of representatives of police units from the southern part of the province. Cebu Provincial Police Deputy for Administration PSupt. Jaime Quiocho said the training is in response to a need to share the police’s
anti-crime campaigns to the public. The workshop focused on training the police participants how to transform spot reports into news releases. After the Press Release Workshop, they were oriented on the nature of media and its importance in police work. The first batch was composed of two representatives each from 25 municipalities in southern Cebu.
These include Talisay City, Minglanilla, Naga City, San Fernando, Carcar City, Sibonga, Argao, Dalaguete, Alcoy, Boljoon, Oslob, Santander, Barili, Aloguinsan, Pinamungahan, Toledo City, Balamban, Tuburan, Asturias, Samboan, Ginatilan, Malabuyoc, Alegria, Badian and Alcantara. The project was initiated by CPPO outgoing Provincial Director PSSupt. Eric Noble. (fcc/PIA7Cebu)
Environmentalist calls for better environmental awareness By Ayin V. Visitacion CEBU CITY, October 13 (PIA) -- Combining whimsical storytelling with tangible plans, 2009 Ramon Magsaysay Awardee Atty. Antonio Oposa Jr. raised environmental awareness and the benefits of edible gardening and road sharing during a forum at the University of the Philippines.
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tty. Oposa used symbolism and acronyms in sharing his ideas to preserve the environment. He said that in order to restore the LAW (Land, Air, and Water) of Life, give CPR (Conservation, Protection, and Restoration) to the vital organs of life on earth. To do this, he brought up two concrete solutions that everyone can do: edible landscaping and road sharing. Developing urban permaculture and edible gardens in available spaces such as parking lots will help feed families and have a sustainable source of food, he said. Meanwhile, road sharing involves giving way to pedestrians, setting up bicycle lanes, and
improving public transportation which can help ease traffic. These ideas are also found in his book entitled ‘Shooting Stars and Dancing Fish.’ He aims to change the economic mindset of mindless extraction and consumption to ecocentric model of conservation, protection, and restoration (CPR.) “The problem with us is that we patterned our development after the West and we called it ‘progress’,” he said. “Even a simple basic need as food, we have turned into money.” He also said that the people can make use of the law and start initiatives in their communities through the Local Government Code Sections
120-127. It cites that at least 1,000 people in provinces and cities, 100 people in municipalities, and 50 people in barangays may file a petition with the Sanggunian to propose the adoption, enactment, repeal, or amendment of an ordinance. Petitioners can invoke their power of initiative if there is no favorable action within 30 days of the filing of petition. Atty. Oposa is known for representing mother nature and future generations in the court to preserve and restore the environment. He also won the Supreme Court case in 2008 which compelled government agencies to clean up Manila Bay. (asv/PIA7-Cebu)
Guest arrivals up by 66.07% in 2016 By Rey Anthony H. Chiu TAGBILARAN CITY, October 13 (PIA) — Bohol tourist arrivals by room occupancy in 2016 increased by 66.07% compared to the previous year.
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ccording to Bohol Tourism Office (BTO) in a graph shared by BTO Officer Josephine Cabarrus, 2016 saw an increase of 51,044 foreign tourists as against the 215,269 who arrived and toured Bohol in 2015. This, she said, is still a 23.71% increase in foreign travelers arriving and staying overnight in Bohol. This amid reports that Bohol tourism slumped as a result of the travel advisories issued by foreign governments during the Abu Sayyaf incursion in Bohol last April. World Tourism Organization only counts tourism arrivals according to registered room occupancy, despite the fact that over half of Bohol tourist arrivals are in the island for a day tour. An increase in domestic travelers have
been noted in 2016, which still posts a 90.19% increase. Domestic tourists in 2015 reached 384,838, and this ballooned to 731,915 in 2016. Bohol tourism stakeholders consider this a milestone when after the 2013 earthquake, which affected the local tourism, guest arrivals to Bohol breached the one million mark. The Department of Tourism (DOT) had earlier reported dismal figures for Bohol tourism. BTO explained that during the time the DOT issued the tourism arrivals based on the initial BTO records in Bohol, most municipal tourism officers (MTOs) have not submitted their room occupancy reports. It was only by the end of 2016 when the MTOs finally sent in the room occupancy reports and BTO
also updated their data which was reflected in the 2017 first quarter report to the DOT, Cabarrus explained. BTO consolidates tourist arrival data from the room occupancy reports submitted by the MTOs. It collects the records of room occupancy from hotels, resorts, homestay, pension houses, and guest houses from the MTOs. “Submission by the MTOs is not really up to date, and it was only in January that we got hold of the completed data for 2016,” she said. Bohol still posted a 66.07% increase in tourist arrivals in the first five months of 2016 compared to the previous year, data from the BTO showed. (rahc/ PIA-7/Bohol)
CENTRAL VISAYAS
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Netizens asked to vote online for Geothermal May Forever’ video finalists
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PIA 7 NEGROS ORIENTAL, Oct.17 (PIA) -- The geothermal leader Energy Development Corporation (EDC) encouraged the netizens to vote on its five finalists for the "Sa Geothermal May Forever" video production contest at the Positive Energy Negros Facebook page.
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orporate Communications Officer France Ariola said the videos ask “Saan nga ba may forever?” to encourage discussions on social media and among friends on why many people find it challenging and difficult to find "forever" in their relationships. However, Ariola assures netizens that there is forever in the sustainable use of geothermal energy as shown in its video contest. “It puts the spotlight on the only form of renewable energy that can provide clean, uninterrupted power 24 hours a day, rain or shine, all year round,” she added. Five video entries from various parts of Negros Island made the cut and are now vying for the categories of Best Picture, Best Screenplay, Best Actor, Best Actress, and the People's Choice Award,. Voting is open from October 9 to 19 through the Positive Energy Negros Facebook page.
Those that made it to the finals are: Geo TV (a documentary-type video on the benefits of geothermal energy); Pero Nag-effort (a geo engineering student rushed to her class only to find out that there wasn't any because it was raining); Power (a girl finds love that is forever); Thesis Pa More (a college student who is working on her thesis breaks down after her boyfriend broke up with her); and Travel Goals (a guy who was heartbroken goes on a journey to find himself again and meets an adventurous girl who was on her journey to follow her dreams). The contest not only raises awareness on the importance of renewable energy in fighting climate change, but also serves as a venue for local and up-and-coming filmmakers and artists to showcase their talent and creativity. The grand prize winner for Best Picture will receive P20,000; P10,000 for the second prize; and P5,000 for the third prize.
The Best Screenplay winner will get P10,000 while the Best Actor, Best Actress, and People's Choice Award will win P5,000 each. The awards night will be on October 20 at the Claire Isabel McGill, Luce Auditorium in Silliman University. The event will also feature local artists from Negros Island, with 2017 Senior Grand Champion Vocalist and Performer of the World, Cristiani Rebada; National Music Competition for Young Artists (NAMCYA) finalist, Silliman University Campus Choristers; Rhythm Dance Artists featuring various dance groups and the grand prize winner of the World Cultural Dance Festival in Jeonju, South Korea, the Kahayag Dance Company; and the "Saan Nga Ba May Forever?" Radyo Teleserye cast. The awards night will also feature special guest, Star Magic artist Robi Domingo. (jct/PIA7-Negros Oriental)
Dumaguete City allocates P20.5-M for sanitary landfill PIA 7 DUMAGUETE CITY, Oct. 17 (PIA) -- The Dumaguete City Council allocated P20.5 million for the construction of a sanitary landfill project that is a top priority of the city.
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ayor Felipe Remollo and the Technical Working Group (TWG) have been scouting for lots in Valencia, Sibulan, Bacong, Dauin, and Zamboanguita to serve as the site of the landfill. According to Information Officer Dems Demecillo, should the sites outside of Dumaguete fail to secure the support of the local officials and population, the TWG will have to pursue its plan to utilize a lot in the Candau-ay-Camanjac area,
which is smaller in size but for the exclusive use of the city. The newly-approved allocation is considered an initial investment for the construction of the landfill once the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) decides which of the available sites would pass the standards of the agency. Members of the Executive Committee of the City Development Council Liga ng mga Barangay
President Lionel Banogon, Federation of Senior Citizens Association President George Villamor and Councilor Lilani Ramon, Chairman of the Committee on Finance, Appropriation and Ways and Means, shared the concern of Mayor Remollo that the budget is needed to properly manage the city's garbage disposal system pursuant to the Ecological Solid Waste Management Law. (jct/PIA7-Negros Oriental)
Purchase of heavy equipment proposed to speed up construction of infra projects in Dgte PIA 7 DUMAGUETE CITY, Oct. 16 (PIA) -- Mayor Felipe Antonio Remollo has proposed to the City Council the purchase of P43.6 million worth of brand new earth movers to replace the unserviceable heavy equipment of the city.
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ayor Remollo emphasized that the brand new equipment will be n e ce s s a r y to s p e e d u p th e implementation and completion of all infrastructure projects in the city, some of which have been delayed since 2014. The following heavy equipment proposed to be procured include bulldozer crawler type, front end payloader, hydraulic excavator crawler type, excavator, six-wheeler dump truck, and a 10-wheeler dump truck. Liga ng mga Barangays President Lionel
Banogon said that the heavy equipment will be utilized to respond to the needs of the barangays. Councilor Manuel Arbon also pointed out that the same heavy equipment can be utilized in managing the soon-to-be constructed sanitary landfill. The city government is also bidding two additional brand new compactors to augment the two other units bought earlier and now in service to collect the solid waste around the city. Councilor Alan Gel Cordova noted that the
only surviving bulldozer and payloader of the city are those procured under Mayor Remollo's previous term (1998-2001), which proves that the heavy equipment were indeed brand new when they were bought. The procurement of said equipment will address the backlog of unimplemented infrastructure projects particularly in the barangays coupled with the hiring of engineers that will solely focus on making the program of works and detailed estimates. (jct/PIA7-Negros Oriental)
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EASTERN VISAYAS
Task force to fast track land titling Ninfa Iluminada B. Quirante BORONGAN CITY, Eastern Samar, Oct. 19(PIA) – To help private land owners secure their land titles, the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) released Special Order No. 2017-641 for the Creation of a Task Force to fast track the processing and distribution of agricultural and residential free patent of some Typhoon Yolanda victims and survivors.
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hese folks from the barangays of Lawaan, Balangiga, and Giporlos towns in Eastern Samar have banded into a group called Community of Yolanda Survivors and Partners (CYSP). Stated in the Special order coming from DENR Central Office, in the interest of the service and in
order to address the request of the CYSP for speedy processing and distribution of residential and Agricultural free patent in the municipalities concerned, a task force was created composed of the following: Chairman: Engr. Henry P. Pacis (LMB);Vice Chairman : Forester CarlitoTuballa (DENR-8);Members : PENRO MoisesDela Cruz
(DENR-8), Engr. Bienvenido Cruz (LMB), Engr. Ramon S. Unay(DENR-8), Marcialito Torres (DENR-8) Representative-OASFO Visayas. LitaBagunas, President of CYSP hoped that the task force can assist them to recover from the horrors of Typhoon Yolanda. (ajc/nbq/PIA8-ESamar with Mel Caspe)
Culaba town inaugurates new buildings By: Mary Lailani P. Tupaz NAVAL, Biliran, October 19 (PIA) – Culaba town of the province of Biliran inaugurated four new buildings and one rehabilitated building as it celebrates its 64th founding anniversary on October 16, 2017.
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r. Fidel Dandan officiated the blessing of the new training center, the 15-stalls market tienda, the municipal building, the Municipal Disaster Risk Reduction Management Office (MDRRMO), and the rehabilitated municipal rural health office. According to Mayor Lorenzo Reveldez in an interview, the training center costs more than P4 million, the market tienda for more than P7 million, municipal building at P11 million, the MDRRMO at P1 million, and the RHU rehabilitation at P3.7
million. Funds for said projects come from the municipal, provincial and congressional funds, and from the Rehabilitation After Yolanda (RAY) program of the Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG). Mayor Reveldez envisions economic development among his constituents along with the physical development of the town of Culaba. Governor Gerardo Espina, for his part, expressed gratitude not only to the present leaders of the town but also to the past leaders for their
contributions in the town’s development. Congressman Rogelio Espina, Governor Gerardo Espina, SangguniangPanlalawigan members from the second district, DILG Provincial Director Marilyn Saboy, and officials and employees of the municipal government of Culaba attended the blessing and inauguration ceremonies on October 16, 2017 on the occasion of the 64thFounding Anniversary of the mucipality of Culaba with the theme “UswagCulaba! PadayonhanPaglambo.” (ajc/ fj/mlt/PIA8-Biliran)
NSU-OIC prexy banners accomplishments in address Rodrigo S. Victoria NAVAL, Biliran, October 19 (PIA) – Dr. Victor C. Canezo, OIC President of the Naval State University (NSU) here, bannered his accomplishments in his first State Of the University Address (SOUA).
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e delivered his first SOUA during the faculty, administrative staff and students’ night on October 13, 2017 with Congresswoman Victoria Isabel Noel of the An WarayPartylist and Dr. Ellen Christoforatou, Executive Director for Teacher Education of the University of Kassel, Germany together with Congressman Rogelio Espina of the lone district of Biliran, Governor Gerardo Espina, Jr and some heads of national government agencies and other guests in attendance. Canezo put more emphasis in his more than four months old accomplishments on “NSU is YOU,” his administration’s development blueprint of the lone tertiary school in Biliran province. He mentioned among others on institutional development like the activation of the Quality Assurance and Accreditation Office to fully capacitate all the activities geared towards achieving quality assurance; submission of the nine bachelors degree program for certificate of program compliance (COPCs), the first university among the state universities and colleges in Region 8 to have the most number of COPCs; and passing the Det Norske Veritas (DNV) periodic audit management system certification. Among the pro-student programs he cited in
his SUA was the four-day class scheme; the installation of free public Wi-fi with the approval of the Local Area Network (LAN) worth P5,179,240 for greater internet accessibility and for the implementation of e-processing of the major university transactions; providing funds for students in the attendance to trainings, seminars, competitions, and free board examinations review; and the immediate adoption of the free tuition fee policy based on Republic Act No. 10931 plus subsidy on miscellaneous fees coming from local and national funds. The youngest NSU caretaker at age 36, also reported the on-going construction of Phase I of the University Dormitory worth P18, 816, 039.74; reopening of the University Museum; establishment of the University Media and Information Office installation of eight closed circuit television cameras (CCTVs); and equipping classrooms of the Maritime department with four Smart televisions and airconditioning units as part of the Outcome-Based Education. Canezo gave importance to the university’s human resources by hiring 59 new instructor-I positions and making 30 of it into regular items for both the NSU Main and Biliran campuses; increased
the daily rate of the university’s utility personnel from P300 to P350 effective June 1, 2017 and approved the release of mid-year bonus of the 49 casual employees in the amount of P489, 069; and sent 237 faculty to trainings and seminars in four months time. The more than four-month old OIC university president also mentioned the decentralized system of leadership to strengthen accountability, transparency, and integrity in the organization; and the record income of the income generating project which reached up to P3, 655, 182.75 in three-months time; and the six voluminous documents submitted to CHED for the reopening of the two BS maritime programs. Canezo never failed to mention the personnel of the university behind all of the accomplishments as he emphasized in the early part of his message that “Great vision without great people is irrelevant.” He challenged the whole university organization to maintain and surpass the accomplishments achieved by the university for the past more than four months. “I am asking your support and unity on this endeavor. Let us continue to work together for the betterment of this institution. Let us make “NSU is YOU.” (ajc/FJ/rvictoria/PIABiliran
EASTERN VISAYAS
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DPWH to build 27 disaster resilient school buildings Ma. Rebecca G. Cadavos MAASIN CITY, Southern Leyte, Oct. 19 (PIA) - The Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) field office here will soon start the construction of 27 disaster-resilient school buildings under the 2017 Basic Educational Facilities Fund.
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ccording to DPWH Southern Leyte district engineer Ma. Margarita C. Junia, their office will bid out the P84.55 million projects on Oct. 18 to 20, this year. Construction in 13 towns of the province will proceed within the year, she added. Junia said the new school buildings will have an average of two classrooms each with upgraded designs, enough to withstand strong winds and earthquakes. Junia disclosed that for the past years, the country has experienced series of strong typhoons and lately series of ground tremors, specifically areas here in Eastern Visayas, prompting the Department of Education (DepEd) and DPWH to upgrade its
standard classroom design. The structural component of the buildings such as footing, columns, and beams will be expanded for safer and more conducive learning space for students. It was learned that of the total 27 buildings, four will rise in Hinundayan town; three each in Sogod, St. Bernard, Bontoc, and Padre Burgos; two each in Limasawa, Silago, and San Francisco; and one each in Liloan, Pintuyan, Malitbog, Macrohon, and Tomas Oppus towns. Junia added that these new school buildings is only part of its massive DepEd projects under the 2017 fund, that is why the engineering district is working double time for its prompt
implementation. Bidding was not pushed through early this year, according to Junia since it takes time to complete the soil test, which serves as the basis in coming up with final design of a school building project. Overall, the school building projects for Southern Leyte will cost P1.21 billion designed to curb classroom shortage in public elementary and high schools in the province. Based on DepEd Southern Leyte division listings, there are 61 sites for one-story school buildings and 55 for multi-storey buildings, however, some are still under validation for final listing and release of fund. (with reports from DPWH/ ajc/rgc/ PIA8-sl)
Borongan centenarian still reads broadsheets NinfaIluminada B. Quirante BORONGAN CITY, Eastern Samar, October 19 (PIA) - Lolo RosedoTejero is 101 who, despite his age, still devours copies of the Philippine Daily Inquirer supplied by grandson Fiscal Robert John Tejero.
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ejero though wheelchair bound does not look old and withered and could even pass up as an octogenarian but his documents revealed that he was born on April 2, 1916. He still could eat on his own, he relishes on the thoughts of eating “puruton” (edible sea-shells) that abound in the rocky beaches of Borongan. He jested that eating them may have also prolonged his life. The Borongan centenarian shared that he has rules to abide by, like praying to God, eating a
balanced diet, exercising and avoiding sex. His caretaker said that Tejero never missed Sunday mass in his home in Barangay Lalawigan where he resides. He is updated with current events, says daughter Brenda. Tejero was a former Math teacher but recalls that he never gave a failing grade. Rey Dorado, the city administrator, who happens to be a former student, recalls how patient the centenarian was with his Algebra classmates. In one instance, Tejero asked Dorado if he was
ever mean to the class, ever solicitous of what his former students know of him. Dorado assured him that he was a good teacher and very patient. When asked about his social life, Tejero said he attends senior citizens meetings and some family get together. The Borongan centenarian has three children, 10 grandchildren and 11 great grandchildren. I t w as DSW D r eg i on al d i re cto r Restituto Macuto of the DSWD who personally delivered his P100K cash. (ajc/nbq/PIA 8-E Samar)
School supplies vs. Basura Ma. Rebecca G. Cadavos HINUNANGAN, Southern Leyte, Oct. 19 (PIA) - It took a local chief to implement and prioritize information campaign on proper waste segregation within the locality - that is how Hinunangan municipal mayor Reynaldo Fernandez did when he started his campaign on the proper waste segregation.
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I started the proper waste disposal in the two barangays of Hinunangan which are considered as tourist spots in the province of Southern Leyte, if not for the whole Eastern Visayas region, the Islands of San Pedro and San Pablo,” said Mayor Sonny, as what his common friends and relatives call him. The “school supplies versus basura” concept is encouraging the school children, whom the information campaign targeted, to gather trash, specifically plastic wastes that includes plastic bottles, empty sachets of shampoo, coffee, candy wrappers, among other plastic wastes and exchange them with
school supplies – 1 school supply per one kilo of plastic wastes gathered. “I had already emptied around three boxes of notebooks since the start of the campaign, Mayor Sonny said. Each box contains 200 pieces notebooks with 80 leaves each. While the crayons are yet to be accounted for, he added. The waste disposal information campaign which started a year back is Mayor Sonny’s personal initiative, purchasing school supplies from his own pocket. Though, when the info campaign goes on, some kind-hearted people expressed to sponsor
the “prizes” to be given to the school pupils, he said. “I have seen many students who got interested in the gathering of trash which is a great help not only for the cleanliness of their surroundings but helping also their parents minimize the burden of buying school supplies when classes starts,” mayor Sonny said. The “school supplies vs basura” campaign can instill the young ones on how important it is to keep the environment clean not only at school but at their own household as well. (ajc/rgc/ PIA8-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