One visayas enewsletter vol 7 issue 46 20171117 r6

Vol 7

In this Issue WESTERN VISAYAS

PIA-6 Regional Director Atty. Ma. Janet Mesa expounds the provisions of the executive order on the Freedom of Information (FOI) during the conduct of the ASEAN multi-sectoral forum held recently at the gymnasium of San Miguel, Iloilo. (PIA-Iloilo)

More on Region 6, pages 2-3.

Nov. 13 - 19, 2017

Published by: PIA 6, 7 & 8

Issue 46

1st SEA Beach Handball game held in PH

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

Dumaguete City Mayor Felipe Remollo takes pride that the city is hosting the international game which is held in the Philippines for the first time.

Philippine Handball Federation Program Jana Franquelli Director said that Dumaguete City was chosen as the venue of the championships featuring powerhouse teams Thailand and Vietnam in recognition of the city's strategic location, excellent record of hosting sports events, quality facilities, and supportive local government.

Mayor Remollo said he intends to brand Dumaguete City as the beach game capital in the country as several beach games have been hosted here, especially with the international handball game. ―With this event, it will boost the local economy for the locales, restaurants, stores, pedicab drivers among

others while it encourages the youth to be more active in sports and healthy and stay away from illegal drugs,‖ the mayor said.

The Asian Handball Federation (AHF) is the governing body of handball and beach handball in Asia.

It has 44 member countries, mostly located on the Asian continent. (jct/PIA7-Negros Oriental)

Dumaguete City Mayor Felipe Remollo takes pride that the city is hosting the Southeast Asian Beach Handball Championship which is held in the Philippines for the first time.

CENTRAL VISAYAS

DTI, DA highlights PRRD programs as pillars for ASEAN integration Ailene N. Diaz

The Association of Government Information Officers - Philippine Information Agency in Central Visayas (AGIO-PIA 7) Forum features the observance of filaria and malaria awareness month, National Skin Diseases Detection and Prevention Week, and National Fortification Day. Officials from the Department of Health (Philippines) here in Central Visayas are the guest speakers.

More on Region 7, pages 4-5.

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CATARMAN, Northern Samar, Nov. 15 (PIA) – The Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) and the Department of Agriculture (DA) highlight each agency‘s thrusts under the administration of President Rodrigo R. Duterte being pillars for ASEAN integration as presented during the ASEAN Information Kiosk Launching and Small Forum at Provincial Capitol Lobby, province of Northern Samar.

As he expounds his topic on Rich and Economically –Driven Communities, DTI Provincial Director Stanley Tabiando, stressed the importance to empower micro enterprises to achieve prosperity for all. Achieving the development goals is through ensuring inclusive business, inclusive growth and addressing income inequality.

These interventions, according to Tabiando, will empower those at the bottom of the pyramid and marginalized sector with the right mind set and know how to move up in life.

The role of agriculture, on the other hand as discussed

by Ms. Belen De Pedro, Project Evaluation Officer IV of the regional Department of Agriculture, is to prepare the farmers, fishermen, women and rural youth for the production of various crops, live stocks and fisheries, train them how to

process and produce quality products derived from agriculture and make them available for foreign and ASEAN countries.

Further, Northern Samar as one of the poorest provinces of the country is a beneficiary of SAAD (Special Area for Agricultural Development) program concentrated for the production and livelihood of the poorest farmers and communities in the province.

On the first ASEAN Kiosk launching in the province, PIA region 8 officer-in-charge Alicia Nicart, introduced and presented the overview and project brief of ASEAN Integration to more than 200 participants to include local government leaders, vice-governor, board members, mayors, barangay officials, heads of national and local agencies, students, media, among others.

Message of support was expressed by vice-governor Gary Lavin and board member Fawa Batula representing the provincial government, vice-mayor Butch Bonsol, representing the capital town of the province, Mr. Fermin Honey from the media, Mayor Clarence Datu of the League of Municipalities and Mr. Rei Echano of the Provincial Information Office. (ajc/ ADiaz, PIA8-NSamar)

EASTERN VISAYAS

PNP pursues illegal drugs with DARE By: Elsa S. Subong ILOILO CITY, Nov. 14 (PIA6)—The Police Regional Office-6 said it has not stopped pursuing its campaign against Opening of Borongan City Athletic Association illegal drugs despite being sidelined in the task.

City Meet 2017 with the theme "Sports, Culture In a press release, PRO-6 Spokesperson Sr. Supt. Gilbert and Environment, Bridging the Gap, Sharing the Future." November 15-17, 2017@ESNCHS Gorero said the PNP has strengthened its campaign in another Playground, Borongan City, Eastern Samar level. ―We intend to make the PNP DARE officers to be visible (Photo By: Mel R. Caspe-PIA Eastern Samar) in schools and be teachers in their complete uniforms,‖ Gorero said.

Gorero was referring to the program which the PRO-6 has re-launched, the DARE or Drug Abuse Resistance Education, in schools.

More on Region 8, pages 6-7.

He added that through the program, the presence of the police in schools will make the students feel safe.

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"DARE is also aimed at educating the youth to avoid illegal drugs, be concerned about personal safety and

understand their basic rights and responsibility,‖ Gorero said.

The PRO, led by Police Chief Supt. Cesar Hawthorne Binag, signed a memorandum of agreement with other government agencies and non-government organizations, for the re-launching of the DARE Program.

Other signatories were DILG-6 Regional Director Anthony Nuyda, Department of Education-6 Director Gemma Ledesma, Commission on Higher Education Director Cesar Medina, Bless our COPS Movement Pastor Joel Degillo, Battle Against Drugs Regional Coordinator Rev. Danny Bornales.

Chief Supt. Binag said that the ultimate aim of the DARE Program is to help bring about a drug-free environment for children. ―The DARE program is unique in its thrusts of prevention rather than rehabilitation, where the police will increase its visibility,‖ Binag said. (JCM/ESS/PIA-Iloilo)

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WESTERN VISAYAS

DOT6 to launch ‗Bring Home a Friend‘ Leonard T. Pineda I

ILOILO CITY, Nov. 17 (PIA6) --- The Department of Tourism (DOT)-6 is slated to launch the ―Bring Home a Friend (BHAF) to the Philippines‖ in the region to help increase inbound tourism figures.

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OT-6 Regional Director Helen Catalbas said that the launching of BHAF program and DOT-6 Branding Campaign on Nov. 24 at SM City Iloilo, aims to encourage Filipinos, residing here and abroad to help in promoting Philippine tourism by inviting their foreign friends to come and visit the country. ―The launching activity is in time for the celebration of the Month of Overseas Filipinos and

International Migrants Day, as part of the program to pay tribute and recognition to the migrants and overseas Filipinos‘ hard work and efforts, sacrifices, and important contribution to national development,‖ she said.

It can be recalled that the ―BHAF‖ program had a grand relaunch in Manila last month.

The BHAF is a rewards program which seeks to promote travel to the Philippines by encouraging

Filipinos or expatriates in the Philippines to invite friends from abroad with the lure of prizes for both ―sponsor‖ and ―invitee‖.

By simply following four simple steps: Invite, Accept, Travel and Register, any eligible ‗sponsor‘ and ‗invitee‘ can join.

Program mechanics are available at the www.bringhomeafriend.online. (JSC/LTP/PIA6 Iloilo)

New PSA-Aklan office sports 'One Look, One Feel' design Venus G. Villanueva KALIBO, Aklan, Nov. 17 (PIA6) -- The Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA) here which recently moved to its new office located at Redepermavic Building, North Capitol, Kalibo, Aklan, is the very first PSA office in the whole country to sport the ―One Look, One Feel‖ Design.

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his is according to Editha Orcilla, PSA Assistant National Statistician, Civil Registration Service, who along with PSA Assistant Secretary Romeo S. Recide, Deputy National Statistician, Sectoral Statistics Office, recently graced the blessing of the PSA-Aklan‘s new office.

The ―One Look, One Feel‖ design is the standard appearance of all PSA offices which offers services of the Civil Registration System or the ―Serbilis‖ System.

According to PSA-Aklan Head Engr. Antonet Catubuan, Chief Statistical Specialist, the ―One Look, One Feel‖ appearance of PSA offices makes clients identify the office easily and if it offers the ―Serbilis‖ services which had become synonymous with the statistics office.

In Western Visayas, the other two offices offering ―Serbilis‖ services – the provision through

request of birth, death, and marriage certificates including certificates of no marriage or CENOMAR are in Iloilo and Negros Occidental.

Engr. Catubuan said the PSA‘s transfer to a new office, which is more spacious is in order to serve the public better.

The merging of other offices with the PSA – like the Bureau of Agricultural Statistics, also made the transfer to the new office essential.

Some clients availing of services of PSA-Aklan come from other adjoining provinces like Antique and Capiz in Western Visayas, and from Romblon.

The whole three-floor building is occupied

by PSA-Aklan with the first floor used for the ―Serbilis‖ service, the second floor as offices and the third floor, which has a conference room convenient for meetings and other activities of the office.

In his message, ASEC Recide called on the PSA

personnel and staff present, to include provincial heads who graced the activity from Antique, Capiz, Iloilo, Negros Occidental and Guimaras to continue to respond and give in to demands of users by offering ―world-class‖ services, and to work hard to attain the PSA‘s common vision.

On the part of the province of Aklan, Provincial Administrator Atty. Selwyn Ibarreta, who represented Aklan governor Florencio T. Miraflores, told the PSA officials and employees that the provincial government is very glad with the performance of the PSA in the the province. ―LGUs need the Philippine Statistics Authority.

LGUs cannot push through with programs without statistics, because we need facts‖, Ibarreta said.

The new PSA Office is just across the Provincial Capitol Building and the Regional Trial Court in Kalibo. (JCM/VGV PIA6 Aklan)

BSP accommodates old banknotes exchange until Dec. 29 LILIBETH A. FRENCH

ILOILO CITY, Nov. 17 (PIA6) - - The Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) will accommodate those wanting to replace or exchange their old peso bills belonging to the New Design Series (NDS) banknotes for New Generation Currency banknotes until December 29, 2017.

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t will be recalled that BSP extended the deadline to exchange the old NDS banknotes consisting of eight denominations from 5, 10, 20, 50, 100, 200, 500 and 1000 peso to March 31 of this year.

However, BSP-Iloilo Bank Officer II Lowen Andrew June Ligad said the government bank‘s Monetary Board considered the numerous

requests from the public especially those who have still in their possession large amount of NDS banknotes and extended the replacement and exchange transactions on the NDS banknotes up to December 29.

Ligad said the replacement is free of charge in all BSP cash department, offices and branches nationwide. In BSP-Iloilo the exchange will be

accommodated from Monday to Friday from 9 A.M. to 2 P.M. ―The allowable maximum amount of demonetized NDS banknotes that you can exchange is P100,000.00 per transaction,‖ said Ligad.

NDS exchange for larger amounts may be allowed but payable only by check or direct credit to a bank account. (JSC/laf/PIA6 Iloilo)

WESTERN VISAYAS

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38,000 households to benefit from P356M cash grant Jemin B. Guillermo ROXAS CITY, Capiz, Nov. 16 (PIA6) -- Nearly 38,000 households in Capiz are benefiting from the government‘s monthly cash grant.

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rovincial Operations Officer Joselito Estember of the Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program (4Ps) disclosed that as of November this year, the total cash grant released for the 37,891 4Ps beneficiaries in the province reached more than P356.52-million. ―We have also monitored 68,103 children who are 3 to 18 years old on the compliance of some conditions for the granting of said assistance to them to include school attendance, health check up and attendance in family development sessions,‖ he said.

In the recent meeting of the Provincial Convergence Committee meeting here, Estember revealed that as of November this year, a total of 321 households will exit from the program after they were found to have improved their status based on the criteria set.

He cited, among others, Alejandro Marisol Diaz of Buntod, Panay town who had already significantly improved his economic status to include owning already a ―talabahan/tahungan‖ (oyster farm), a sari-sari store, one unit tricycle, home appliances, other home amenities and a monthly family income

of more than P18,000. ―The household that does not currently have critical vulnerabilities that will prevent them from coping with economic shocks is also among the conditions where the 4Ps beneficiary will already be removed from the program,‖ he said.

Since 2008, the government has been catering the more than 4 million household beneficiaries under the 4Ps program who were assessed as poor and having at least one child aged 0 to 18 years old and/or pregnant member. (JCM/JBG/ PIA6 Capiz)

Drug rehab program to help surrenderers Liez‘l M. Lamasan NEGROS OCCIDENTAL, Nov. 15 (PIA6) -- Bacolod City Mayor Evelio Leonardia underscored the necessity to have a steadfast program on drug rehabilitation.

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ddressing the participants of the City Anti-Drug Abuse Council (CADAC) initiated Trainer‘s Training, Leonardia stressed that drug surrenderers must have guidance that would help them change their lives. ―The idea here is what to do with these surrenderers. It is not enough that they have surrendered.

They have to be guided to facilitate their eventual return to the society,‖ Leonardia emphasized.

The implementation of the Community Based Drug Rehabilitation Program (CBDRP), which is

under the Bacolod City Health Office (CHO) and Department of Social Service and Development (DSSD), will be based on Administrative Order 2017 -18 of the Department of Health (DOH).

Leonardia, who also serves as the CADAC chairman, commended the participants for their participation and support to the city‘s drug rehabilitation program.

According to a release from the Bacolod City Information Office, these 75 trainers will lead the second batch of the CBDRP. Out of the 75 trainers, 10 teams are designated in every police station of the Bacolod

City Police Office (BCPO) to assist the surrenderers who will closely coordinate with the barangays.

The team is composed of a psychiatrist, psychologist, nurse, social worker, a member of a faith-based organization, peer counselor, and a representative from the BCPO- Women and Children Protection Desk.

CADAC also assigned five facilitators who will assist the teams. Meanwhile, a support service will be established to prevent the surrenders and convicted drug dependents from returning to their old habit. * (JCM/LML-PIA6 Negros Occidental)

Antique‘s November electricity rates decrease Lilibeth A. French SAN JOSE, Antique, Nov. 14 (PIA6) – The Antique Electric Cooperative announced the decrease in the rate of electricity this November by P0.29 per kilowatt hour for typical residential consumer.

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he decrease in the rate resulted to the reduction of overall rate of P11.25 per kWh last month to P10.96 per kWh this month, said Information Officer Ruth Ann C. Fadrigo.

The decrease was mainly due to the refund of PSALM Adjustment for net recovery of National Power Corporation (NPC) amounting to P0.2836 per kWh. Last 19 October 2017, Energy Regulatory Commission (ERC) ordered the deferment of

implementing the collection of the said amount due to unresolved issues raised by Private Electric Power Operators Association (PEPOA).

This refund will be a separate line in the bill and ANTECO will refund the total amount collected last month.

The Transmission rate charged by the National Grid Corporation of the Philippines (NGCP), the System Loss rate charged by generation and transmission companies and the

Value-added-tax (VAT) charged by the government also contributed to the reduction of rate.

On the other hand, the generation rate charged by power suppliers, such as PEDC, GCGI, SIPC and WESM increased by P0.1028 per kWh and does not affect the overall rate this month.

All other rates charged by ANTECO (Distribution, Supply, Metering & Reinvestment Fund for Sustainable Capital Expenditures) and the Government‘ Universal Charges (UCs) remain as it is. (ANTECO/JCM/PSM/PIA6Antique)

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CENTRAL VISAYAS

NegOr marks end of violence vs women campaign

By Jennifer C. Tilos NEGROS ORIENTAL, Nov. 3 (PIA) – Negros Oriental joins the country in the observance of the 18-day campaign to end Violence Against Women (VAW) with a series of activities lined up between November 25 to December 12, this year.

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n support of the campaign, the Provincial Council for Women (PCW) will kick off its celebration by participating in the grand fiesta parade of Dumaguete City‘s Charter Day on November 24 at 2:00p.m. around the main thoroughfares in the city.

Members of the PCW are set to join the activity to raise awareness among stakeholders that VAW is a public issue of national concern.

On December 1, a Kapihan Forum will be held to tackle VAW-related issues and concerns, including this year‘s theme as the main topic, ―VAW-Free Community Starts With Me‖, at the Provincial Convention Center.

Invited discussants include prosecutors Emmylou Mendanillo and Milmon Bryce Tenorio of the provincial and city prosecutor's offices, respectively; Deputy Chair Phoebe Tan of PCW; C/ Insp. Catherine Ramos of the Provincial Police Office; and Romualdo Seneres of Visayan Forum.

A Women‘s Congress and Workshop on anti-trafficking of persons will also be held on December 12 at 9:00 a.m. at the Provincial Convention Center with an expected crowd of 200 women.

On the same day at 2:00p.m., an Awarding Ceremony will be held in recognition of ―Babayeng

Garbo sa Katilingban and Grupong Garbo‖ winners at Robinsons Place-Dumaguete.

The advocacies support the government‘s goal to protect the rights of women and its commitment to address all forms of VAW. The following issuances provide the national legal mandate for the annual campaign: Proclamation 1172 s. 2006 – Declaring 25 November to 12 December as the 18-Day Campaign to End Violence Against Women (VAW) and Republic Act ‎10398 (2013) – Declaring November 25 of Every Year as National Consciousness Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women and Children. (jct/PIA7-Negros Oriental)

NORDAPC to hold drug education forum

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

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

She said the forum will be funded by NORDAPC as part of the activity in the observance of National Drug Abuse and Prevention Month slated on second week of November.

Invited as participants are barangay officials, educators, school heads, health personnel of DepEd,

heads of government offices, and NORDAPC members.

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

Dumaguete City eyes post-Typhoon Paolo rehabilitation

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

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espite the heavy flooding due to Damage to crop and livestock amounted to P Typhoon Paolo that affected 14 678, 118.86. barangays, no casualty or fatality was City Information Officer Dems Demecillo reported. said Typhoon Paolo brought major destruction to The City Social Welfare and Development the various flood control boulder dikes and Office (CSWDO) also reported that 301 families or spillways of Dumaguete City, which requires an 1, 328 individuals of Poblacion 2, Poblacion 8, estimated P 40.3 million for rehabilitation and Bagacay, Balugo, Bantayan, Batinguel, Bunao, reconstruction.

Cadawinonan, Camanjac, Candau-ay, Cantil-e, Junob, Some 33 homes were also totally or partially Tabuc-tubig and Taclobo were affected. damaged by flood water that breached the Banica Twelve houses were totally destroyed while 21 and Ocoy river banks, said Demecillo. were partially damaged.

Mayor Felipe Antonio "Ipe" Remollo is To feed the evacuees, the CSWDO expected to release financial assistance to validated activated the community kitchens and relief goods and qualified affected residents. were distributed to them.

City Planning and Development Coordinator Those whose homes were totally or partially Engr. Leonides Caro and Engr. Wilfredo Oira of the damaged will be granted financial assistance by the City Engineer's Office both admitted that the damage city government. caused by Typhoon Paolo was much greater than On the other hand, the City Agriculture what was sustained during Tropical Storm Sendong Office recorded the devastation of livelihood of at in 2011, which also unleashed flash floods that hit least 32 farmers in Barangays Bajumpandan, Banilad, several villages across Negros Oriental, causing Camanjac, Cantil-e, and Junob. deaths and injuries.

Caro believes that many boulder dikes and spillways were destroyed due to the large trees that were uprooted in the uplands, wreaking havoc to the city as logs and boulders smashed the infrastructure made of concrete and steel which eventually collapsed, allowing flood waters to inundate the homes and communities along the river banks.

The rehabilitation and reconstruction work of flood control projects along Ocoy River is expected to cost P14.8 million particularly for the boulder dike from Candau-ay to Camanjac septage area.

It is proposed that 13 rehabilitation and reconstruction of boulder dikes or spillways dikes along Banica river will be undertaken by the local government in the following areas: boulder dike near Foundation University area, spillway dike going to BIR, at Villa Fortunata, Mananquil Subdivision, Habitat Candau-ay, El Pueblo, Scandinavian, Grotto Candau-ay and JICA bridge. (jct/PIA7-Negros Oriental)

CENTRAL VISAYAS

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Global Shapers Cebu hosts Shape Asia Pacific 2017

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

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he event dubbed ―Shape Asia Pacific 2017: Embracing the Past to Shape Up the Future" was hosted by the Global Shapers Cebu hub.

It focused on the host hub‘s support for the United Nations Education, Scientific and Cultural Organization or UNESCO‘s efforts to highlight UN‘s subtarget 11.4, which aims to ―strengthen efforts to protect and safeguard the world‘s cultural and natural heritage.‖ A welcome dinner at BIG Hotel‘s Kalea Hall opened the event on October 12 with a cultural dance presentation by the multi-awarded San Diego Dance Company with entertainment from the Rondalla group of Pooc National High School.

On the second day, October 13, participants went on a curated hop-on, hop-off tour dubbed as the CEBus Learning Tour.

The Cebu Hub featured five local initiatives as concrete examples of how the city is using various aspects of its culture and heritage as tools for sustainable development in light of its hub pillars C.E.B.U. - C for Citizen Engagement, E for Environmental Conservation, B for Business Development and U for Universal Education.

The Citizen Engagement pillar took the

participants to Qube Gallery to learn about Kadasig, a crowdfunding effort that aims to sustain and empower local songwriters to continue producing songs in their native language, Bisaya.

The Environmental Conservation pillar led participants to the exhibit of Nature‘s Legacy at Montebello Garden Hotel‘s glass house, where the company featured their material innovation, Naturecast, a patented material by inventor and speaker, Peter Delantar, that utilizes agroforestry scrap for decor, furniture, jewelry, and construction materials.

There were two speakers featured for the Business Development pillar, namely multi-awarded furniture designer and manufacturer Kenneth Cobonpue and Raquel Choa, also known as the Philippine‘s first natural chocolate sommelier.

The last stop was the Universal Education pillar at the Ramon Aboitiz Foundation Office. The foundation hosted a mini-Gabii sa Kabilin, allowing the participants to walk through Fort San Pedro and Casa Gorordo, ending their tour with a tartanilla ride at Parian's Heritage Monument.

The second day of the event ended at the Cebu Provincial Capitol Banquet Hall with dinner and cultural presentations hosted by Vice-Governor

Agnes Magpale, Provincial Board Member heading Culture and Heritage, Jerome Christian Librando, with the help of Protocol and Events Management Head, Grace Paulino.

A welcome address by Governor Hilario Davide III was also read during the start of the program.

On its last day, October 14, the Shaper participants from different hubs became speakers and moderators to a series of conferences and synthesis session that tackled different issues on culture and heritage particularly those that deal with tangible and intangible heritage, cultural heritage in urbanization, and cultural heritage in the midst of migration.

Global Shapers Cebu won the bid to host Shape Asia Pacific 2017 last November 2016, following the footsteps of HongKong and Hiroshima hubs which hosted the 2016 and 2015 events consecutively.

The Cebu hub is composed of 16 young, empowered individuals from different fields that have come together to improve the state of their city. The Global Shapers Community is the youth arm of the World Economic Forum. (rmn/PIA7Cebu)

MGB-7: Mining companies in CV compliant with rehab efforts

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

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GB-7 reported that all 15 mining companies in Central Visayas have been compliant with the said plan.

In the case of Carmen Copper Corporation (CCC) in Toledo City, MGB-7 Chief of Mining Environment and Safety Division Ramcie Brillante said that CCC already deposited P49 million for their Final Mine Rehabilitation and Decommissioning Fund.

They are expected to give a total of P73 million before their mining operations end.

The money collected will be used for post-mining land use by restoring and rehabilitating

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

Brillante shared that Apo Land and Cement

Quarry in Naga City recently rehabilitated a mining area, covering up their deep excavation behind a school and planting 1,500 trees on it.

He added that they also monitor the mining companies.

Failure to comply with their responsibilities can be a ground to stop their operations, he said.

The budget for post-mining land use is determined by the mining company depending on the area that is being mined. The plan is then submitted to MGB-7‘s Mine Rehabilitation Fund (MRF) committee for evaluation with the approved amount paid in installments annually. (asv/PIA-7 Cebu)

DTI-NegOr implements price freeze in Dumaguete City

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

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

The basic necessities covered by the price

freeze include sardines in tomato sauce, condensed milk, evaporated milk, powdered milk, refill coffee, bottled water, instant noodles, detergent soaps, and bottled water.

Fortunato said any retailer found selling more than the prescribed prevailing price shall be imposed with an administrative fine of up to P1 million and/or a maximum of 10-year imprisonment.

The DTI official also encouraged consumers to

report retailers that sell basic commodities more than the price specified by the department.

Consumers may report them through their hotline 422-5509.

The City Government of Dumaguete placed the city under a state of calamity due to the severe flooding caused by incessant rains brought by Typhoon Pablo last week. (ral/ PIA7-Negros Oriental)

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EASTERN VISAYAS

Tacloban Mayor grateful to PRRD for Yolanda rehab efforts By: Consuelo B. Alarcon TACLOBAN CITY, Leyte, Nov. 14 (PIA) - Tacloban City Mayor Cristina G. Romualdez expressed her gratitude to President Rodrigo Duterte for pushing the national government agencies to implement the Yolanda projects the soonest possible time.

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his was emphasized by the local chief executive during a press conference held at Patio Victoria, San Jose as Tacloban marked the fourth year anniversary that brought devastation in the city. ―Syempre we are very grateful although alam naman natin na hindi pa tapos ngayon pero we are very grateful to the present government, of course, to President Duterte na talagang binibigyan niya ng push or timeline itong mga national agencies especially yung mga permanent houses,‖ Romualdez said.

Romualdez‘ reply was in response to the statement of Presidential Assistant for Special Concerns Undersecretary Wendel Avisado that the government is doing its best to complete the projects in Yolanda corridors within two years.

As of October 31, 2017, from the original housing allocation of approximately 16, 250 housing units, the city mayor was able to increase the grant

to a total of 18,193 housing units for the underprivileged and homeless Yolanda typhoon victims.

Meanwhile, of the 14, 433 housing projects of the National Housing Authority (NHA) in the city, 10, 677 units were already completed and 9, 538 are ready for occupancy while 5, 580 were occupied as validated by the city housing office.

As to NGO sponsored resettlement projects, of the 3, 760 housing units, 1, 635 were almost occupied.

To provide electricity light to different resettlement areas, the city has installed around 628 streetlights inside the subdivisions.

Furthermore, the city shouldered the costs for secondary lines while for NHA projects, the LEYECO II has agreed to connect electricity to the beneficiaries even without the required application and supporting documents.

As to transportation, Ceres Bus Company

donated 6 buses to the city government to help in transporting students and workers from the northern barangays to the city proper. However, last October 25, the Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB) has approved resolution no. 22 granting the opening of missionary routes for Tacloban north.

With the approval of the request, 45 new public transport franchises will be opened that would cater to the entire Tacloban north where resettlement sites are located.

In order to solve the water problem in the northern barangays, the city is working to install pipelines to the North while proposals and programs of work were already submitted to the Office of the Cabinet Secretary and other concerned agencies for funding a sustainable water supply system.

To date, the city has already procured six water tankers delivering 130 tons of water to the resettlement sites daily. (ajc/cba/PIA8)

Maasin City Division recognizes outstanding partner stakeholders of Brigada Eskwela 2017 By: Erna S. Gorne MAASIN CITY, Southern Leyte, Nov. 14 (PIA) – The Department of Education – Maasin City Schools Division recognize several groups who extended outstanding assistance and best schools implementation during the opening of classes this year.

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uring the Partnership Appreciation Program and Sports Get-Together 2017 held at Hollins Beach Resort, Isagani, Maasin City, some 20 institutions received certificates of appreciation as outstanding stakeholders with six schools named as best implementers during the Brigada Eskwela program implementation this year.

Led by DepEd- Maaasin City SGOD Chief Josefina Matibag, distribution of certificates were given to the following outstanding stakeholders: PNP (City and Province), BJMP, BFP, Phil. Red Cross,

Edmund Rice Services, City Savings Bank, East West Bank, Saint, Joseph College (Elementary and Secondary), College of Maasin, Modulators Action Group, Gawad Kalinga-SoLeyte, Couples For Christ, House of Destiny, DYDM, PIA, Viper FM Radio, SoLeyte Times and LGU-Maasin City.

Meanwhile, Division ASP Coordinator Victorino Pia also named the best school implementers by categories, as follows: Elementary Level: Small School-Lunas Elementary School; Medium School- Ma. Clara Elementary School; and Large School- Maasin Central School. On Secondary

Level: Small School- Hinapu Daku National High School, Medium School –Maasin VHS and Large School-Maasin City NHS. Pia disclosed that mentioned schools will vie for the regional competitions this year. He added that Maasin City Vocational School garnered the second place in the regional competition on Brigada Eskwela program implementation in 2016.

The overall resources generated by the city division amounted to P6 Million and the total volunteers reached to 11,015 in the conduct of Brigada Eskwela 2017, he added. (esg/PIA8 SoLeyte)

Red tide toxin downs 31 persons in Samar By: Consuelo B. Alarcon TACLOBAN CITY, Leyte, Nov. 15 (PIA) – Thirty one (31) individuals in the province of Samar reportedly got poisoned due to paralytic shellfish poisoning otherwise known as red tide.

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his, after the 31 persons ate the shellfish called green mussel and leaf oyster.

According to the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR), the reported poisoning happened from November 2-13, 2017.

The victims, aged 1 year old to 60 years old came from various places in Samar province such as Catbalogan City; Tarangnan; Daram and Barangay Gumamela, Sta. Rita.

All victims are fully recovered from the poisoning as of this writing.

Based on shellfish bulletin no.36 series of 2017 dated November 10, 2017, shellfishes collected at the coastal waters of Daram Island, Irong-Irong bay, Maqueda bay, Villareal bay and Cambatutay bay in Samar are still positive for paralytic shellfish poison that is beyond the regulatory limit.

The same also with the status of the coastal waters in Matarinao bay in Eastern Samar and in Carigara bay in Leyte.

Hence, all types of shellfish and acetes sp. or alamang gathered from the seven coastal waters

in Eastern Visayas are not safe for human consumption.

But fish, squids, shrimps and crabs are safe for eating provided they are fresh and washed thoroughly and the internal organs such as gills and intestines are removed before cooking.

Meanwhile, the coastal waters of Calubian and Leyte, San Pedro bay, Cancabato bay in Tacloban City, all in Leyte and the coastal waters of Biliran province are still free from red tide toxin. (ajc/cba/ BFAR8/PIA8)

EASTERN VISAYAS

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SAAD project ushers farmers training for improved production By: Samuel D. Candido BORONGAN CITY, Eastern Samar, Nov. 15 (PIA) — The Special Areas for Agricultural Development (SAAD) project helped some 1,393 Eastern Samar farmers as they graduated from the Farmers Field School (FFS) on rice, corn and vegetable production.

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he farmers‘ graduation was one of the highlights of the 52nd Founding Anniversary of Eastern Samar as a province.

Deogracias C. Paano, provincial agriculturist, said, that the training which lasted for 16 weeks, was enough for the farmers to learn modern ways of high value crop production.

The FFS is a hands-on training on methods of production where farmers learn Plan Diseases Management, Plant Morphology (Growth Stages),

Post Harvesting Management and Farm Business Management.

He added that once a week, the farmers and the facilitators of OPAS meet, discuss and evaluate their farms based on the learning from the lectures on land preparation up to harvesting.

Inigo Guarino, 35 years old, a farmer and student of FFS from Hernani town, said that he learned of harmful and helpful insects affecting his plants.

The said training is part of the P25-M first tranche fund of Special Area for Agricultural Development (SAAD) of the P50-M allotted budget for the province under the fiscal year 2016.

The program aims to provide livelihood opportunities, thereby improving farmers marginal income which in turn helps reducing poverty incidence by 20% in 2017 out of the 25% three years reduction target for the Province of Eastern Samar. (ajc/SDC/PIA-E. Samar)

DOLE campaigns for child labor-free establishments in EV By: Rodrigo S. Victoria ORMOC CITY, Leyte, Nov. 13 (PIA) – The regional office of the labor department strongly campaigned for child -free establishments in Eastern Visayas.

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his came after a nationwide record from the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) reported that only the Philippine Associated Smelting and Refining Corporation (PASAR), located in the Leyte Industrial Development Estate (LIDE) in Isabel, Leyte here in Eastern Visayas, qualified as child labor-free establishment in 2013 until 2016.

Virgilio A. Doroja, Jr., senior labor employment officer and the focal person on child labor program of DOLE 8, said in a meeting with the child labor-free stakeholders, this city, the campaign is under the Incentivizing Compliance Program of DOLE with the objective of promoting compliant and socially responsible business practices as establishment and/or

zone-based components of the Child Labor-Free Philippines campaign.

Doroja informed that an establishment should first meet the following criteria to become a child labor-free establishment: holder of tripartite certificate of compliance with labor standards, company policy on child labor prohibition, contracts with suppliers and contractors have stipulation on child labor prohibition, and company and suppliers/ contractors have no pending case on use of child labor.

He encouraged establishments in the region to enrol in the child labor-free program because DOLE will give incentives like the issuance of certificate of recognition as child labor-free establishment/zone, priority endorsement in DOLE programs and

labor

services, use of child labor-free establishment/zone logo in promotional materials and activities, and promotion in DOLE websites as partner implementer of the Child Labor-Free Philippines campaign.

DOLE will provide the necessary assistance to give an establishment which will apply the child labor- free program, the easy facilitation of the certification process, the labor officer said. ―Hope more establishments/ zones here in Eastern Visayas region will apply the child labor-free program,‖ Doroja further said.

The country observes the national children‘s month celebration in November this year with the theme: ―Bata: Iligtas sa Droga.‖ (ajc/rsv/PIA8-Ormoc Desk)

Naval Cultural and Arts Council prepares 2nd Pasko Fiesta PIA 8 NAVAL, Biliran, Nov. 13 (PIA) – The Naval Cultural and Arts Council (NCAC) laid the guidelines and mechanics for the conduct of the second Pasko Fiesta in the town and its 26 barangays.

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uring the council meeting with Mayor Gerard Roger Espina, the council sat the date of opening and official lighting of Christmas decorations, and preliminary judging of the 26 barangay entries on December 1, 2017 while the second and final judging is scheduled from December 12 to 15.

All Christmas decorations in the 26 barangays will be judged in its overall set and presentation.

Special awards will likewise be given for the Best Belen, Best Christmas Tree, Best Lantern, Best Use of Indigenous Materials, Best Use of Recyclable Materials, and Internet Choice.

On the other hand, the Fiesta sa Munisipyo or Pasundayag sa Pasko another event which is part of

the activities of the Pasko Fiesta runs from December 19 to 22.

The activity is intended for fanfare and family get-together. Food stalls will be set up within the Naval municipal grounds, however, smoking and alcoholic drinks will not be allowed.

Singing, choral, and group talent competitions are also set during the Fiesta sa Munisipyo or Pasundayag sa Pasko as entertainment for those spending their nights out dining with family and friends.

Awarding of winners is scheduled on the last day of the Fiesta sa Munisipyo on December 22.

The local government of Naval enjoins all its 26 barangays to participate and compete in the Pasko Fiesta to give them the opportunity to express their

creativity, use their indigenous and recyclable materials, and be part of the merrymaking during the holiday season.

Meanwhile, upon proposal of Sangguniang Bayan Member Marieta Ebio, the council presented to Mayor Espina, the peoples‘ clamour of initiating again the traditional New Year countdown and grand march in a public place that ceased to be held in the ‗80s.

Mayor Espina approved the motion and advised the council to make the necessary preparations if it is still possible to hold the traditional New Year countdown and grand march this year, considering the venue needed for the event. (ajc/FJ/mlt/PIA8-Biliran)

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