One Visayas e-Newsletter Vol 4 Issue 25

Vol 4

Issue 25

In this Issue WESTERN VISAYAS

PRESIDENT Benigno Aquino assisted by Senate President Franklin Drilon unveils the marker of the newly constructed Jaro Bridge II in Brgy. Ungka, Jaro, Iloilo City, June 27. Joining President Aquino are DILG Secretary Mar Roxas (partly hidden), DPWH Secretary Rogelio Singson, Governor Arthur Defensor and Iloilo City Mayor Jed Patrick Mabilog.

More on Region 6, pages 2-3.

CENTRAL VISAYAS

June 23 - 29, 2014

Published by: PIA 6, 7 & 8

PNoy inaugurates, inspects projects in Iloilo City By: Lilibeth A. French ILOILO CITY, June 26 (PIA6) - - President Benigno Aquino inaugurated, during his visit here June 27, several infrastructure projects designed to help spur economic growth.

Inaugurated were the four bridges along the Iloilo Circumferential Road, the 2-kilometer section of the Sen. Benigno S. Aquino Avenue road widening project, Esplanade, and Iloilo River Plains Subdivision Phase I. The particular projects have a combined cost of more than P1billion.

The Chief Executive also inspected the ongoing construction of the P700-million Iloilo Convention Center at the Old Iloilo Airport. Its 1.70-hctare site was donated by Megaworld. It aims to draw local and international guests for large-scale conventions and other important events and put the country on the business tourism map.

The bridges are part of the P1.9-billion Iloilo Circumferential Road, which is a 14.18-kilometer and four-lane circumferential road around Iloilo City.

President Aquino conducted an inaugural drive-through at the Jaro Bridge II in Brgy. Ungka in Jaro District together with Senate President Franklin Drilon, Department of Public Works and Highways Secretary Rogelio Singson, Department of the Interior and Local Government Secretary Mar Roxas and local officials led by Iloilo City Mayor Jed Patrick Mabilog and Iloilo Governor Arthur Defensor.

During the inaugural drive-through at the Sen. Aquino Avenue, at Barangay San Rafael in Mandurriao District, about a hundred Iloilo bikers of different age groups joined the President from the avenue‟s bike lane.

From there, the President proceeded to the Esplanade where a program was held.

Before returning to Manila in the afternoon, the President also inaugurated the subdivision project at Barangays Camalig and Lanit, Jaro in this city, constructed for informal settlers.

Based on data from the National Housing Authority-6, some 1,000 units were completed, of which 876 units were already awarded to beneficiaries. The remaining 124 units will be awarded by end of this June.

President Aquino said of the infrastructure projects: “Ang mga proyektong ito ang magpapabilis at magpapadali sa biyahe hindi lamang ng mga Ilonggo at Ilongga, kundi pati na rin ng mga turistang bumibisita at mga negosyanteng namumuhunan sa Iloilo. (These projects will hasten travel not only of the Ilonggoas and Ilonggas, but also of visiting tourists and businessmen who are investing in Iloilo.)” (JCM/LAF-PIA6)

PRESIDENT Benigno S. Aquino together with Senate President Franklin Drilon, DPWH Secretary Rogelio Singson and DILG Secretary Mar Roxas leads the ceremonial drive-through to formally open the Jaro Bridge II in Brgy. Ungka, Jaro, Iloilo City during his visit, June 27.

(LAF-PIA6)

PRO7 intensifies anti-drug campaign BY: FERLIZA C. CONTRATISTA CEBU CITY, June 26 (PIA) --- The Police Regional Office (PRO-7) has maintained that the illegal drugs problem in the region is still manageable in the wake of their intensified anti-drug operations.

AGIO7 Forum on DPWH 116th Records from the Regional Operations Division showed anniversary. DPWH7 RD Engr. Ador that from January to June this year all units under the region Canlas (w mic) says their target by were able to file 1,229 drug-related cases in court. yearend is to pave all national primary Said number is 93 percent higher than last year's arterial roads from upgrading to asphalting accomplishment which was only 636. to concrete pavement.

PRO-7 was also able to arrest 1,143 persons this year while last year's figure was only 710.

In Lapulapu City, PSupt. Armando Radoc said the drug More on Region 7, pages 4-5. problem is not alarming as it looks.

"Let us not mistake the recent arrest and operations as an indication of alarming drug problem but instead it means that your police is working double time," Radoc said.

EASTERN VISAYAS

Lapulapu City Police was able to haul between January to May this year some P2.3 million worth of shabu, compared to last year's accomplishment of only P99,000 covering the same period.

They conducted 35 anti-illegal drugs operations last year, which increased to 67 in 2014.

In the entire Province of Cebu, PSSupt Noel Gillamac said that other than increasing accomplishments in conducting operations, they are also doing demand reduction at the sides.

Gillamac said there is no other way to kill a business than to reduce or eradicate the demand.

"Thats why we closely coordinate with the schools and the parents, let them also closely watch their children," Gillamac said.

Overall, the police officials urged the public to continue coordinating with the police in solving the drug problem. (rmn/ fcc/PIA-Cebu)

DSWD launches expanded CDD programs for poor and Yolanda hit areas

By Lizbeth Ann Abella ORMOC CITY, June 24 (PIA) - The Department of Social Welfare and Development launched Monday, this city, the Kapit Bisig Laban sa Kahirapan Comprehensive and Integrated Delivery of Social Services-National Community Driven Development Program (KALAHI-CIDDSS -NCDDP).

The event dubbed as “CDD: Mga Kasaysayan ng Pagbangon sa Kalamidad at Kahirapan (Stories of Hope amidst Calamity and Poverty) served as a learning forum for Media interview with Office of participants to find out more about Community Driven Presidential Adviser for Environmental Development (CDD) and the partnership between national Protection Secretary Nereus Acosta in government and the civil society organizations in response to the impact of typhoon Yolanda.

Sogod, Southern Leyte.

Aside from DSWD Secretary Corazon Juliano Soliman, the launching was also attended by the Department of Education Secretary Bro. Armin Luistro, Department of Agrarian Reform Secretary Virgilio Delos Reyes and the Department of the Interior and Local Government Secretray Mar Roxas III who served as the More on Region 8, pages 6-7. keynote speaker. Some mayors of target municipalities Also CLICK Here... participated the event.

Another highlight was the signing of Memorandum of Understanding on World Bank-ADB partnership for NCDDP with ABD Country Director Richard Bolt and World bank Country Director Motoo Konishi.

In her Overview of NCDDP, Sec. Soliman said that she recognized those affected by Yolanda to have urgent needs that should be addressed immediately, thus, the KALAHI-CIDDS NCDDP was redesigned as a way to address the concerns.

KALAHI-CIDDS-NCDDP is the scale up of KALAHI-CIDDS which started in 2003 as the flagship poverty alleviation program of the DSWD. As a CDD program, KALAHI CIDDS NCDDP builds up on KALAHI CIDDS‟ thrust to empower communities and empower local governance to support poverty reduction efforts of the Philippine government. KALAHI CIDDS–NCDDP has 9.3 billion project cost and will be implemented from 2014 to 2019.

It was also emphasized by Secretary Soliman that the project was intended for the municipalities while the major cities such as Tacloban, Ormoc and Baybay, are excluded from the project. (PIA-8)

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WESTERN VISAYAS

Local garlic more aromatic, lasts longer than imported ones BY: LEONARD T. PINEDA I ILOILO CITY, June 24 (PIA) --- The Department of Agriculture (DA) in Western Visayas said that the locally grown garlic can compete with the imported ones in terms of quality.

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A-6 Regional Technical Director Manuel Olanday said that while the imported garlic is easier to peel, the local garlic is more potent and flavorful compared to the imported varieties.

“It is a matter of choice. The imported garlic is easy to peel but the aroma of the local garlic lasts longer,” he said.

He said that native garlic is being grown in Iloilo‟s southern towns including Miag-ao, Igbaras and Tubungan, but majority of the market supply here come from Central Luzon.

In a press release, the DA has urged the public to patronize locally grown garlic which has the advantage of not only being cheaper but will also lower consumption due to its potency and flavor.

The DA said that patronizing locally-grown garlic is also a form of assistance to our own farmers.

On one hand, the Bureau of Agricultural Statistics (BAS) reported that the price of garlic has increased according to their latest monitoring.

Stephen Arana, Provincial Agricultural Statistics Officer, said that the price of local garlic ranged from P180 to P209 per kilo in April. By June, its price has become between P200 to P280 per kilo.

He said that imported garlic was sold between P130 to P200 per kilo in March but its price has now ranged between P280 to P400 today. He added that the pricing of imported garlic here in Iloilo only follows the price set by the time the stocks reach Manila. (JCM/LTP/ PIA-Iloilo)

Antique multi-sectoral group adopts 'Estero Project' BY: PILAR S. MABAQUIAO SAN JOSE, Antique (PIA) - - A multi-sectoral group in San Jose converged its services and resources for the cleaning of Bagumbayan Creek in the said town dubbed as ‗Adopt Estero Project‘.

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osephine Maguad, Focal Officer Environmental Management Bureau in Antique said „Adopt Estero‟ is a nationwide undertaking and collaborative program between and among communities , private sector, local government units and DENR along esteros or creeks and rivers to achieve a cleaner, safer and healthier environment.

This was launched in Antique sometime in March this year. This is a three-year project which hopes to clean up the Bagumbayan Creek of wastes, debris, and silt, ensure

unimpeded flow of water during rainy season and reduce pollution loading to the river going to the shoreline of San Jose.

Recently, about 300 students from Antique National School and 400 students from St. Anthony‟s College volunteered for the cleanup drive along Bagumbayan Creek. Areas covered are Barangay 5 going to Malaiba.

Other supporters include DDL and Sons, Local Govt Unit of San Jose, EN Rice Mill, Gaisano Grand Mall of Antique, Antique Medical Center and Gahasan Ice Plant.

Maguad said about 25 sacks of garbage were collected from the creek. Most were household wastes, plastic containers, bottles and cans. he appealed to the households near the creeks not to make the area their dumping site, instead to dispose their garbage properly through segregation and making use of their material recovery facility.

There is also the need for local officials to have the political will in the implementation of the Solid Waste Management Act, she said.

(JCM/PSM/PIA6Antique)

PIA-DENR join hands for climate change campaign in Aklan By: Venus G. Villanueva KALIBO, Aklan, June 26 (PIA6) -- The Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) and the Philippine Information Agency (PIA) launched June 25 the Advocacy and Social Mobilization Campaign on Climate Change Adaptation and Mitigation at Yuan‘s Foods, Kalibo Aklan.

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he launching was through a press conference with the local media here with environment experts as resource persons coming from DENR-Aklan led by Forester Merlene Aborka, Officer in Charge of the Community Environment and Natural Resources Office (CENRO) Kalibo, and Heherson Alvarez, Environment Management Specialist II, DENR6 Environment Management Bureau.

The launching here was held simultaneously nationwide although with varying schedules.

In Western Visayas, the partnership for the Climate Change Advocacy Campaign between the DENR and the PIA is anchored on a Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) signed between DENR6 Regional Executive Director Jim Sampulna and PIA6 Regional Director Atty. Ma. Janet C. Mesa on November 27, 2013.

Under the MOA which will be effective up to December 2014, the DENR will be the lead agency that heads the environment cluster on climate change adaptation and at the same time will lead the advocacy work of the government in raising public awareness of disaster risk reduction.

In Aklan as in other Western Visayas

provinces, the PIA will be providing technical, administrative and management services in implementation of the Climate Change Advocacy Campaign, develop and maintain social media community and platform, organize and conduct advocacy activities/events on the ground including the use of interpersonal media, campus tours, community for a and the use of tri-media for dissemination of information materials.

For this campaign, the PIA and the DENR have already conducted several activities to hype awareness of the public on the effects of Climate Change and caring of the environment through radio programs in two radio stations here and the Kapihan Sa Aklan Program held Saturdays, organized by the Aklan Press Club and the Aklan Media Forum even before the launching.

At the press conference June 25, several of the issues raised by the local media which were addressed by Aborka and Alvarez were about the strategies that the DENR will employ in trickling the information to the grassroots especially those who could not be reached by social media, the effects of Typhoon Yolanda on the National Greening Program (NGP) of the government,

NGP accomplishments of the DENR in Aklan, protection of forestlands in Boracay Island, scouring of Boracay Beach Front, lack of trash cans in Boracay Island, sewerage system in Boracay Island, burning of agri waste which has ill-effects on the environment, solid waste management, tree-planting involving students, and several success stories gained through the tree-planting programs of the DENR. In the press conference also, Dr. Ambrosio Villorente, Editor-Publisher of Madyaas Pen, a local newspaper here recommended to the DENR resource persons that the solution to Climate Change should be a change of attitude and behavior of the people.

This involves avoidance of burning of farm waste because this emits carbon dioxide bad for the environment, and planting of trees because these are better alternative to air conditioning units.

DENR-Aklan Provincial Environment and Natural Resources Officer (PENRO) Ivene Reyes was supposed to join the press conference but had to attend a national conference on the same day in Manila. (JCM/VGV PIA6 Aklan)

WESTERN VISAYAS

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DENR, PIA launch climate change advocacy BY: LEONARD T. PINEDA I ILOILO CITY, June 25 (PIA) --- The Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR)-6 and the Philippine Information Agency (PIA)-6 officially launched the climate change mitigation and advocacy campaign held Wednesday at the DENR Regional Office 6 here.

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his partnership project is in line with the memorandum of agreement (MOA) signed by DENR and PIA to conduct an extensive and intensive climate change advocacy campaign to strengthen partnership among communities for climate change adaptation.

Atty. Ma. Janet Mesa, PIA-6 Regional Director, said that the advocacy campaign is the result of the environmental impact of climate change and all environmental concerns are in ways connected to climate change.

She said that the campaign‟s national logo is “Nagbabago na ang Panahon, Panahon na Para Magbago”.

“The campaign shall provide the thematic advocacy brand as focal agenda for all DENR‟s environmental programs and efforts,” she said.

She said the campaign also aims to weaken public‟s apathy to climate change concerns and to environmental agenda.

She stressed that “apathy is now a thing of the past” and there should be active cooperation and participation for own protection with adaptation capability to build resiliency and mitigation measures to protect ourselves and the environment.

The PIA official also said that the campaign‟s implementation strategies include the positioning and engaging of the youth as active proponents and the value and behavioral formation to the “near future” generation.

“In fact, major activities for this campaign include the conduct of campus tours to various schools, colleges and universities in the region and the holding of the youth camp to intensify

the participation of school communities,” she explained.

The campaign will also utilize a two-pronged advocacy tagging for strategic presence and visibility for the campaign and as a strategic implementation to strengthen brand equity.

“The campaign tagging will use “LaKAsLIKASAN” which is a merged phrase of Lakas Kalikasan, with the objective of creating appreciation of natural elements and environs,” she said.

She also urged the public to visit the campaign‟s official Facebook account for the region by searching “PIA-DENR 6” and like the Facebook page “LaKAsLIKASAN” which shall serve as the online social mobilization mechanism for various activities and events.

(JCM/LTP/PIA-Iloilo)

NCGP trains NONECO linemen on safety practices BY: EASTER ANNE D. DOZA NEGROS OCCIDENTAL, June 23 (PIA6) - - The National Grid Corporation of the Philippines trains around 79 linemen of the Northern Negros Electric Cooperative formerly known as VRESCO on the global safety requirements and practices needed in line maintenance.

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he Basic Linemen Training is the fourth of the trainings conducted since 2009 conducted for NONECO as part of NGCP‟s commitment when the latter acquired its 69 kilo volts line covering the line from Cadiz to Victorias.

Engr. Nilo Agudelo, Planning Engineer of NGCP said the training is also part of strengthening their customer relations with NONECO. “Linemen are taught how to conduct installation of welding cluster voltage testing,

pole climbing, pole dressing, pole undressing, conductor riding, knot tying and even how to negotiate for right of way since they are the front liners in the field,” Agudelo said.

Agudelo disclosed that the most common maintenance concerns linemen encounter in the field is the replacement of the insulators since the metal part or the insulator shank corrodes easily brought by fertilizers in sugarcane fields, rice fields and exposure to sea especially those in the shoreline.

Participants of the training are linemen from the cities of San Carlos, Sagay, Escalante, Victorias and the municipalities of Manapla and E.B. Magalona.

At peak, according to Agudelo, NONECO‟s power demand is at 40 megawatts.

NGCP brings the electricity produced by power plants to distribution utilities serving as the power highway through its transmission lines. *(JSC/EAD-PIA6 Negros Occidental)

Climate change preparation insures survival BY: JEMIN B. GUILLERMO ROXAS CITY, Capiz, June 26 (PIA) – "When we talk of climate change, we talk of survival of the human race,‖ according to Capiz Gov. Victor Tanco. anco, who was the guest speaker reduction as well as disaster preparedness.

Mother Earth and help mitigate the impacts of during the nationwide launching He added that when nature is our enemy, climate change. “Protecting the environment is of the Philippine Information Agency people are helpless and the only thing to do is everybody‟s duty and responsibility,” Talabero and the Department of Environment and just to pray, citing the experience in the stressed, adding that a public and private Natural Resources Climate Change Adaptation supertyphoon Yolanda wrath in November partnership is needed to have a wider and Mitigation Advocacy Campaign in 2013. dissemination of information on climate change Capiz, said that the perennial flood “Because of Yolanda, I have shifted my adaptation and mitigation. problem, long drought, earthquake, landslides priority agenda to disaster risk reduction as On the other hand, head agencies as well and other disasters which are being well as on disaster preparedness,” the as representatives from the various public, experienced now are just among the results of Governor said, urging the public to be private and religious sectors including the climate change. prepared as disasters are becoming stronger media have affirmed their commitment and Tanco said that disaster risk reduction due to climate change. support to the climate change advocacy must be the priority of everybody.

For his part, Capiz DENR head Valentin through the signing of pledge of commitment He pointed out that since disaster comes Talabero called on everyone to help in during the launching activity here. (JCM/JBG/ anytime. efforts must focus on disaster risk protecting and preserving the environment and PIA6-Capiz)

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CENTRAL VISAYAS

DENR, PIA NegOr lead 'Environment Month' with climate change advocacy BY: BY JENNIFER C. TILOS DUMAGUETE CITY, June 25 (PIA) -- The Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) and the Philippine Information Agency (PIA) in Negros Oriental highlight climate change advocacy as the center of the 'Environment Month' celebration as it ends on June 28 with a "Walk, Run & Bike for Environment.

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housands of students from nine colleges and universities in Dumaguete City are expected to participate in the event with the officials and personnel from the DENR, ENRD and NOSDEP of NegOr province, ENRO of Dumaguete City, the Philippine Information Agency (PIA) and other national and local government agencies and NGOs leading the 'Walk, Run & Bike' to raise awareness on climate change issues.

Students and group- participants will run, walk and bike the 1-2 kilometers starting from each respective schools and offices at 5:30 a.m. and converge at the Freedom Park, Capitol Area, Dumaguete City.

At 7:00 a.m., a short program will be held of which invited guests Dr. Angel Alcala, former environment secretary, Governor Roel Degamo, and DENR-7 regional director Dr.

Isabelo Montejo to deliver their messages to give meaning to the celebration and stimulate public awareness of the challenges of global climate change that the environment faces today.

Likewise, the DENR Negros Oriental will also lead a group of environmental-advocates in planting mangroves at Mantalip Reef in Bindoy town in celebration of Arbor Day on June 25.

The activity is also part of the Environment Day celebration which anchored on the theme, “Small Islands and Climate Change: Raise your voice, not the sea level”.

PENRO Charlie Fabre said small islands faced with many environmental challenges brought about by Climate change.

Rising ocean levels is threatening to wipe

out if not reduce small islands into smaller pieces of lands.

Melting ice and the expansion of the oceans which both due to global warming are the causes of sea level rise, said Fabre.

Dumaguete City joined the country in the celebration with 30 barangays participated in the citywide clean-up on June 21 where NFA, DENR, PIA personnel and 4Ps recipients helped out in the drive.

Barangay Candau-ay officials also helped in the clean-up drive by gathering plastic trash/ garbage, dried leaves, twigs among others along the roads and near the dumpsite.

Series of advocacies of DENR and PIA will focus on the distinct theme of “Nagbabago na ang Panahon, Panahon na para Magbago.” (mbcn/JCT/PIA7-Negros Oriental)

DA lays out plans to counter climate change effects to agri sector BY: RIZALIE CALIBO SIQUIJOR, June 24 (PIA) — The Department of Agriculture (DA) laid out its plans to counter possible damages that the climate change may bring to the agriculture sector in the Siquijor province.

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n a recent Kapihan sa PIA forum here, Provincial Agriculture and Technology C o o r d i n a t in g O ff i c er ( PA T C O ) Bernadith Bunado said the office has proposed nearly P10 million to fund Climate change preparation activities and measures.

She said this would focus on vulnerable sectors such as, rice, corn, high value crop, vegetable growers and livestock raisers as the DA vowed to sustain food sufficiency in the province.

Regional Technical Director for research and regulatory said preparations for climate change were already started since the last

quarter of 2013 which include information, education and communication campaign, buffer stockings of seedlings, strengthening and monitoring of evaluation facilities, fund allocations for vaccines for livestocks as well as campaign for good and responsible husbandry practices.

He said funds for cloud seeding are already in place as he discussed El Nino onslaught that is feared to greatly affect agriculture. He advised farmers to seek technical support from their local offices and encouraged every household to join and participate in the DA‟s move for food

sufficiency through integration of food commodities in farming. He, however, advised farmers to seek technical assistance from their local counterparts prior to planting so that the seeds and their efforts will not be wasted.

Supporting the call for intercropping technique and backyard gardening, Provincial Agriculturist Ramon Taroc said intercropping enables farmers to have sure yields while backyard gardening will boost food security and sufficiency in the province. He told farmers to plant drought tolerant crops like cassava and other crops. (mbcn/RAC/PIA7-Siquijor w/ reports from IAAbatayo)

DTI installs business assistance centers in Bogo City, Daanbantayan BY: AMOR Y. SALUDAR Central Visayas, June 22 (PIA) ---- The Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) – Cebu installed its Business Assistance Centers (BAC) in Yolanda-affected areas such as in Bogo City and Daanbantayan town.

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n a media release recently, DTI-Cebu explained that these BACs will function as the “little DTI” operating within the locality and will implement its flagship projects and basic functions within its geographical scope.

These centers will also function as DTI-Cebu‟s contact point or administrative extension in the different affected LGUs and help in delivering and facilitating the necessary and immediate support services related to rehabilitation and recovery efforts for the industry, trade, services (ITS) sectors.

DTI-7 said the BAC installed in Bogo City and Daanbantayan will also aid in building and enhancing linkages with the local governm ent un it s an d con duct ing

consultancies to facilitate the needs of the business sector.

Bogo City Mayor Celestino Martinez and the Daanbantayan Municipal Mayor Augusto Corro are actively supporting the project and are positive thate these centers will bring government closer to the towns business instead of the residents travelling to Cebu City to transact with DTI. BAC personnel assigned in Bogo City will cover the areas within Bogo City, Medellin and San Remigio while personnel assigned to cover Daanbantayan will also include Malapascua Island.

Programs and services that will be coordinated by the BAC are Bottom-Up Budgeting (BUB), Shared Services Facilities

(SSF), Streamlining of Business Permits and Licensing System (BPLS), Industry Clustering/ Value Chain mapping, Green Growth and Disaster Resilience, Building Local Competitiveness and Investment Promotions.

DTI will also establish BACs in the municipalities of Sta. Fe and Sogod.

First order of business for BAC personnel is an updated profile of the LGU for identifying raw materials indigenous in the locality that can be used for skills training and livelihood development.

For more information on the Business Assistance Centers, interested parties may call the DTI Cebu Provincial Office at tel. nos.

255-6971 or 255-3926. (mbcn/AYS/PIA7 with reports from DTI-Cebu)

CENTRAL VISAYAS

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DENR-7 highlights 'Enviro-Exhibit' environment month celeb

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CEBU CITY, June 23 (PIA) --- The Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR-7) through the Environmental Management Bureau (EMB) highlighted two events during the weekend fo cap the celebration of the Philippine Environment Month-- the Enviro-Exhibit and the 2nd Cebu Run for the Rivers. This was in partnership with SM City Cebu.

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ENR-7 Information Officer, Dr. Eddie Llamedo said with the theme, “Nagbabago na ang panahon, panahon na para magbago,” the Enviro-Xhibit featured recent climate trends with available solutions and technologies, original artworks with concepts on greening the way of life and current DENR projects, programs and activities.

The expo prepares people to recognize that we all face the same challenges and are connected and united by our common goal of a sustainable and prosperous life for all, explained DENR-7 regional executive director Dr. Isabelo Montejo “Through this exhibit, our call is to raise our voice in solidarity with one another for one goal, which is to live in a clean, healthy and sustainable environment. I encouraged you

all to walk the talk and do the share in environmental protection,” Montejo added.

In a separate statement, EMB-7 regional director William Cuñado urged everyone to take part and become more aware of the current status of the environment and help mitigate the effects of climate change.

The expo also gave way to stakeholders and private partners featured their green advocacies and campaigns in partnership with the environment department here in the region.

Six partner exhibitors include the Edward Marcs Philippines Inc., Prozza Hirose Manufacturing Inc., RRDS Petro-Chemical Industries, Cebu Megalube, Greenworld LED Solutions, Inc., Cleanway Philippines, Inc. and the Cebu Climate Change Association Incorporated.

“We have chosen to put up the exhibit in SM this time to reach out to the community for them to appreciate the roles each has to play to help address the impact of climate change,” Montejo said.

The exhibit will last in 10 days with its opening program last Saturday, June 22 at 2:00 pm in the Mosaic Area, SM City Cebu.

The 2nd Cebu run for the rivers, on the other hand was held the following day June 23, Sunday at 4:00 am that started at the Northwing Parking Area of SM City Cebu.

Raised proceeds of the fun run is allotted for the rehabilitation project of Guadalupe River under the Sagip Ilog program and adopt a river program by the DENR-7 in partnership with the Cebu Chamber of Commerce. (mbcb/ jsme/PIA7-Cebu with reports from Ed Llamedo/DENR7)

Nutri-walk to kick off nutrition month celebration in July BY: LEANDRIA P. PAGUNSAN DUMAGUETE CITY, June 23 (PIA) -- In observance of the Nutrition month celebration in July, the Provincial Nutrition Council (PNC) will spearhead a nutri-walk on July 1 at 5:30 in the morning to start at the Sidlakang Negros Village going to Freedom Park with a program at 8:00AM. egros Oriental Governor Roel universities. fair contest with first, second and third prizes Degamo will give a message on the This year's celebration banners the theme: at stake for each category. provincial government's programs, K a l a m id a d P agh an d aan , G ut om a t Culminating the activity on July 31, the services and implementation of its nutrition Malnutrisyon Agapan". which focuses on Provincial Nutrition Council members will be agenda. mitigating and preventing malnutrition in times heading for Sta. Catalina town being identified Participating in the nutri-walk are of disaster and calamities. Other activities lined as one of the local government units in Negros employees from the national and local up for this year's celebration include: Kapihan Oriental with a non-functional barangay government agencies, Department of sa PIA forum, disaster preparedness drill, on nutrition committees, to conduct supplemental Education, Philippine National Police (PNP), the spot poster making contest, cooking feeding to malnourished children. (mbcn/lpp/ and students from the different schools and contest, well baby and jingle contest, and agro- PIA7-Negros Oriental)

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Siquijor folks warned against heat exposure BY: RIZALIE A. CALIBO SIQUIJOR, June 24 (PIA) — With ‗extreme heat‘ and El Nino occurring, Department of Science and Technology provincial director Mario de la Pena advises locals especially the farmers not to over expose to heat to avoid heat-related death and illnesses. n a series of information caravan on El t h i r s t , d e h y d r a t i on , w e a k n e s s or thrust for tourism promotion, says Dr. Cortes.

Nino, de la Pena said farmers are discomfort, dizziness or fainting, anxiety and In an interview with PIA, Cortes said the normally exposed to the sun but warned headaches. area must be clean all through the year them that excessive sun exposure will cause To prevent heat stroke, she said, one because it is the gateway of both local and skin cancer and other illnesses. should limit the amount of time spent foreign tourists visiting the province.

He advised them to start working very outdoors, drink plenty of water; avoid tea, It is one way of preserving the ocean early in the morning and stop at about 10:00 coffee, soda and alcohol; wear a wide-brimmed water ecosystem by removing the trash a.m and restart later in the afternoon. hat and long-sleeved clothing outdoors; and and debris that imparts water quality, wildlife, The Department of Health (DOH) has schedule strenuous activities in the beginning people, tourism and the local economy, he recently released health advisory on heat or end of the day when it‟s cooler. said. stroke.

Dominguez said one should not wait to be A total of 10 tons debris was collected It said the risk of getting heat stroke thirsty to drink because. “If you feel thirsty, and disposed to dumpsite by the local increases during hot and humid weather, that means, you are partly dehydrated, she government unit (LGU) garbage facilities. especially if you are engaged in physical said.

The clean up drive was participated by the activities, are dehydrated, or have been directly Meanwhilr, barangay folks of Poblacion, Knights of Columbus Council 6129 of exposed to the sun for too long.

Siquijor headed by its barangay captain Dr. St. Francis of Assisi Parish, The Siquijor Tennis Also during the information caravan, Peck Cortes conducted coastal cleanup along Club and Provincial Disaster Risks Reduction Information Officer Pamela Dominguez of the seaside area in barangay Poblacion, Siquijor, Management Council (PDRRMC) members and Integrated Provincial Health Office (IPHO) Siquijor. personnel of the Bureau of Fire Protection reminded the public to watch out for the The effort is in line with the celebration of (BFP) in the municipality. (mbcn/RAC/ following signs of heat exhaustion: intense Environment Month in June and the province‟ s PIA7-Siquijor)

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EASTERN VISAYAS

Resiliency comes from within -- Sec. Acosta By: Marcelo M. Pedalino SOGOD, Southern Leyte, June 24 (PIA) -- Presidential Adviser on Environmental Protection Secretary Neric Acosta emphasized the need to empower individuals and communities so they can recover fast in the aftermath of any natural disaster.

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Being resilient is inherent in the individual, and the surrounding community where they live.

The sooner they can stand back on their feet, the better,” Acosta said during a press conference here Thursday following a symposium on Post-Yolanda Eastern Visayas dubbed “Tindog Visayas, Tanum Para sa Paglaum” (Stand Up Visayas, Plant for Hope).

Acosta, who is also the General Manager of Laguna Lake Development Authority LLDA), took a swipe at some sectors that has the tendency for indefinite reliance on government aid and relief goods, even as in the same breath they also scored the government for not heeding on their so-called “emergency” demands.

The main goal is “to help communities help themselves with greater skills, applicable knowledge, and where possible, technologies and facilities to enhance preparedness and resiliency.”

He cited the adoption of transitional shelters in four Leyte towns of Tabon-tabon, Julieta, Lapaz, and Dulag, wherein each cluster is composed of ten homes made of coco lumber and bamboo, and people in these clusters will soon be on their own as the initiative will then move on to other places.

The “Tindog Visayas . . . “ spearheaded by his office “goes beyond temporary, band-aid solutions.” “What the Visayas needs is resiliency management which is more than just helping rebuild communities, but more importantly, make them

adequately prepared for severe climate change impacts and extreme weather events,” Acosta also said.

During the symposium, Sogod Mayor Imelda Tan, wife of Vice-Governor Sheffered Tan, said the objective was to provide a forum to account on the current situation, what has been done thus far, and discuss the challenges ahead, and seek ways to respond with those challenges. Dr. Eva Abad, Provincial Environment Natural Resources Management Officer (PENRMO), welcomed the participants, mostly college and high school students, and barangay officials, in behalf of Gov. Roger Mercado, who institutionalized tree-planting every 8th of the month to honor the lives that perished during Yolanda. (mmp, PIA8-Southern Leyte)

DAR-Samar awards outstanding farmers By: Ninfa Quirante CATBALOGAN CITY, Samar, June 25 (PIA) — The Department of Agrarian Reform (DAR)-Samar cited four outstanding farmers in their Agrarian Reform Communities (ARCs) as the department marked its 26th Comprehensive Agrarian Reform Program (CARP).

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edro Abajo of Brgy Panoypoy, Calbayog City; Leo Piczon of Bogy Nacuve, Gandara, Samar; Renato Tiara of Bogy Camurubuan, Jiabong and Luisa Bardaje of Daram Samar got their plaques of recognition from the DAR Secretary himself, Sec. Virgilio de los Reyes yesterday.

Abajo cultivates 2.2 hectares of land awarded by DAR in 2001, from then on, the fruits of the land have given his family of six sustenance.

The 50 something farmer said that he divided his lot into plantations of coconuts

and banana, a portion of which with jackfruits and cacao and a portion of which palay.

“The lot given me is a great help, so in return, I work very hard to get the maximum benefits from the land I till,” Abajo said.

He takes pride that he has sent one son to school who now teaches in their barangay. He has also acquired a motorcycle that he uses to vend his products to other barangays.

Renato Tiara, 46 from Barangay Camurubuan, Jiabong also cultivates 2.8

hectares of land where he grows mangoes, rice and banana. He also takes care of farm animals for additional income.

Tiara owns now a concrete two-storey house, a motorcycle and some appliances.

His being an outstanding farmer has also given him popularity that he won a seat in the barangay council.

The awarding ceremony took place as DAR marked its 26th CARP anniversary, De los Reyes also awarded Certificates of Land titles to some 470 agrarian reform beneficiaries. (PIA 8-Samar)

Local chamber of commerce to build homes in Marabut, Samar By: Ninfa Iluminda B. Quirante CATBALOGAN CITY, Samar, June 23 (PIA) — A fund raising activity named Sagubay Waraynon (roughly : Embrace Waraynon) has gathered some Php700 thousand for the victims of Yolanda in Marabut, Samar.

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he fund drive done by the Greater Calbayog Chamber of Commerce and Industry (GCCI) then targetted only half a million pesos to build homes for their fellow Warays in Marabut, one of the two towns in West Samar hardest hit by typhoon Yolanda in November 2013.

According to GCCI President Nicholas “Intoy” Chan, he is happy that the cause surpassed its target, it was Calbayog City

Mayor Ronald Aquino who led the donors through his Php 50 thousand donation.

The amount even swelled at the pledging session during the GCCI 4th Visayas Regional Business Conference, where it totalled to Php 700 thousand.

Soon, the fund will be given to the city government for implementation.

City Administrator Rosario Gonzaga said the city planners will craft mechanics on

the project implementation.

The team will coordinate with Marabut LGU for the identity of beneficiaries and the lots where the homes will be erected.

“Sagubay Waraynon” fund will be used to purchase building materials while labor will be through volunteerism or bayanihan.

GCCI Vice President Joe Ng also donated 51 boxes of nails for the building of homes. (PIA 8-Samar with reports from Eleen Lim of DYOG)

EASTERN VISAYAS

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MV-DA-BFAR unloads thousands of fishing gears By: Alicia E. Nicart BORONGAN CITY, Eastern Samar, June 19 (PIA) – After some days of cruising the Manila - Visayas waters, MV-BFAR‘s (Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources) Cargo Vessel has finally docked yesterday at the Borongan Seaport, bringing here, hundreds and thousands of fishing gears for typhoon ―Yolanda‖ survivors dubbed ―Ahon‖ project.

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n a phone interview, BFAR Provincial Officer, Jaime Salazar informed that the vessel had been to the ports also of Aurora province and Tacloban to unload the same fishing paraphernalia.

In a separate interview over Radyo ng Bayan DYES, Salazar said some 70-units of Fishing Shelters, locally known as Payaw are to be distributed to Fishermen‟s Organizations of Arteche down to Guiuan towns while 5,225 of Tuna Hook-and-Lines (Kawil) are to be given to fishermen -“Yolanda” victims from Maydolong to Guiuan.

According to him, the same vessel will bring the Payaws to the different beneficiary-areas and set-up the same with

the heavy, concrete anchors, for the local fishers to just catch from inside the shelters.

Salazar cautioned the fishermen though, to take heed of BFAR‟s warning not to use lighting equipment, Squid Ink(Toyum) nor “Likom” in catching the fishes around the Payaw, because either of these fishing techniques will harm or drive away the fishes inside the shelter.

“Only the hook-and-lines must be used”, he said.

It is also important he said that the fishermen, maintain the state of the fishing gears.

“That is only their counterpart”, Salazar stressed, “to see to it that the fishing gears are taken cared of. But their daily catch

should also be recorded in a Logbook that they have to maintain”, he added. “This is so, because BFAR likewise has to evaluate later the success and benefits of the project to the target beneficiaries”.

BFAR‟s current project is one answer to the livelihood uproar of hundreds of “Yolanda” victims here. Other fishermen, particularly in Guiuan have already received fishing boats from international humanitarian organizations and other agencies.

Meanwhile, the Provincial Rehabilitation Plan which was submitted to the Office of the Presidential Assistance on Recovery and Rehabilitation(OPARR) indicated the need of some P1,151,800,00,000.00 for livelihood assistance.(PIA-Eastern Samar/aen)

PLAN International inspires organized groups in So. Leyte By: Marcelo M. Pedalino MAASIN CITY, Southern Leyte, June 22 (PIA) -- An global non-government organization (NGO) in the province has managed to mobilize groups of people into forming self-reliant communities that cater their own welfare and interests.

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LAN International, whose 5-town coverage includes the four towns in Panaon Island of Liloan, San Francisco, Pintuyan, San Ricardo, and Libagon, inspired the creation of more than a dozen Barangay Water Sewarage Associations (BAWASA) and money savings groups, said Jennefer “Toots” de la Cruz, PLAN Unit Manager in the province.

These groups developed over time in response to a specific need, in addition to the community-centered initiatives of PLAN that focused on the general welfare of their 4,000-strong sponsored children in the covered communities, de la Cruz said in a recent cable TV program Action Center Kapihan sa PIA.

“The continued presence of these groups will serve as our legacy as PLAN is now phasing out in the province effective June, 2016,” de la Cruz said, adding that they will be assigned somewhere in Mindanao for their new assignment but no more details just yet for now.

Leah Payud, PLAN area Supervisor, said that aside from leaving behind organized groups, they are glad to note that since 1998 when PLAN was established in the province the NGO has touched a number of lives, and was even a key factor in integrating good virtues and values in their sponsored children.

She cited a number of grown-up kids that used to be under the care of PLAN who

are now young professionals, and these young adults had vowed to keep up what they had learned from PLAN, like nurturing of children, sharing with them inputs on basic privileges and rights as children, including the need for protection and education.

In the next two years that they are still here in the province, PLAN continues its usual round of programs and projects aimed for the benefit children and the communities where they lived, de la Cruz said.

Two infrastructure projects are on the pipeline, one was a Day Care Center in Pintuyan, and another a classroom for the new Libagon National High School, de la Cruz also said. (mmp, PIA8-Southern Leyte)

Social services caravan to reach Calbayog‘s remote areas CATBALOGAN CITY, Samar, June 25 (PIA) - The city government of Calbayog along with the army‘s top officials met to plan on holding a social services caravan for the remote areas located in Seven Hills and Happy Valley.

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hey are proposing a “2-week Seven Hills and Happy Valley LGU Service Caravan”.

Mayor Aquino presided the meeting and said that people in the hinterlands should also enjoy all the services of the government and instill in their minds that they are not neglected.

This proposed service caravan is a joint undertaking with the army as the mission sites are all located in the city‟s rural area they are securing.

These are the barangays of San Antonio, Pinamurutan, Olera, Himalandrog and Tanval composing Area 1.

Also included in the coverage barangays are Mabini 1, Calocnayan, Salvacion and Canhumadac, to benefit some 3,429 beneficiaries in the area.

For Area 2 with population totaling 2,079, the mission sites will be Helino, Dinawacan, Calilihan, Tigbe, Mancol and Jacinto, while other barangays to be covered are Nag-uma and Buenavista.

The AFP will also augment in the manpower and assist in the LGU‟s community services – medical consultation for morbid cases, surgical/minor operation, dental extraction, prenatal consultation, weighing, deworming, diagnostic services, OPT and Vitamin A supplementation, circumcision, immunization, sanitation survey, and other services like mass wedding, local civil registration, COMELEC biometrics service and others. (PIA 8-Samar with Aimee Catalan –Calbayog City)

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.

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Ms. Minerva BC Newman Regional Director, PIA 7

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

Ms. Erlinda Olivia P. Tiu Regional Director, PIA8

Managing Editor Jaime S. Cabag, Jr. Contributors All PIA Information Officers of Regions 6, 7 & 8 Production and Layout Edson J. BaĂąares 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, Childrenâ€&#x;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