One Visayas e-Newsletter Vol 4 Issue 17

Vol 4

Issue 17

In this Issue

April 28 - May 4, 2014

Published by: PIA 6, 7 & 8

PIA DG urges graduates to be new Filipino leaders

By: Leonard T. Pineda I ILOILO CITY, April 28 (PIA) --- Philippine Information Agency Director-General Jose Mari Oquiñena challenged the 2014 graduates of the University of the WESTERN VISAYAS Philippines Visayas to step up and contribute to the new brand of Filipino leadership.

In the 35th Commencement Exercises of UP Visayas held Friday, Oquiñena said that this brand of Filipino leadership is about care, compassion, and servant-leadership and not about competition of who is better or who is not.

“It is about „walang iwanan‟ (leaving no one behind), about „bayanihan‟, because this is who we are and what we are,” he said.

He said that leadership is not about the family name or position we have. It is about the inspiration and value given to other people wherever they come from.

He also said that Filipinos are so consumed with A number of job applicants queue for brands and branding that there is a need to change this employment interviews during the May 1 Labor Day Jobs Fair held Thursday at SM culture.

“We have to be competitive by the merit of what we Events Center . (PIA 6-Iloilo) have become and not because of where we came from,” he said.

“What we need in the future are leaders who can deliver promises, who can make it happen in each More on Region 6, pages 2-3. community, and who can make sure that no poor will be left behind,” he also said.

He said that as these graduates are moving forward in life with all the learning, becoming the best that they can CENTRAL VISAYAS

be, he expressed hope that they will also give the best for others making their lives meaningful and joyful.

“Volunteerism is taking one step forward without counting any cost and without thinking what is in store for you,” he said.

He also advised the graduates to always have the hunger for learning and never lose that.

“What‟s the point of living and waking up every day if not to learn things in life and be able to share it to others,” he said.

He also emphasized the importance of not forgetting the people behind them – their parents.

“The most important thing that each one of us can inherit aside from education in school is the value you get from your parents,” he added. (JCM/LTP/PIA-Iloilo)

Philippine Information Agency Director-General Jose Mari Oquiñena imparts valuable life lessons to the graduates of the University of the Philippines Visayas during its 35th commencement exercises held Friday at the Miagao Campus Parade Grounds. (LTP/ PIA-Iloilo)

Visayas Ombudsman seeks public involvement vs corruption

Deputy Ombudsman for the Visayas Pelagio Apostol (with mic) says no full development will happen when corruption exists as he calls on all Filipinos to rally behind the government‟s anti-corruption drive.

Apostol was one of the speakers during the AGIO-7 Forum on „The Continuing Battle Against Graft and Corruption in the Bureaucracy‟ at PIA-7 Office. Other panelists were Associate Graft Investigator Officer III Irene Pintor. (AYS/FCR/PIA 7)

More on Region 7, pages 4-5.

EASTERN VISAYAS

City Mayor Stephany Uy-Tan delivers her speech during the opening of the 3-day youth leadership camp, gathering nearly 150 youth leaders both in-school and out-of-school to be immersed in skills enhancement, values formation and character building held at Camp Lukban, Barangay Maulong, Catbalogan City, April 28. (PIA Catbalogan)

More on Region 8, pages 6-7.

Also CLICK Here...

BY: AMORGANDA Y. SALUDAR Central Visayas, April 29 (PIA) --- The office of the Ombudsman Visayas is calling for unity in the fight against corruption.

Deputy Ombudsman for the Visayas Pelagio Apostol stressed during the recent Association of Government Information Officers (AGIO 7) forum that this is the right time for all Filipinos to protest against corruption.

"Kung lahat ng mga tao lalo na dito sa Visayas magprotest against corruption matitigil ang corruption (If everybody, specifically here in the Visayas, will protest against corruption, then corruption can be stopped).

Apostol said the reason why there are cases that

seem to be slow in progress and unknown to everybody is that nobody is willing to expose what they know about corruption taking place in their offices.

He stressed that one of the simplest formulas against corruption is unity and action in one.

Apostol is also calling for the joint and synchronized efforts of the public and private sectors in the quest against corruption.

“Efforts of the public sector should be complimented by that of the private sectors.”

Apostol then recognized the importance of media in revealing the truth, be it legal or illegal. (rmn/AYS/PIA 7)

Japan grants US$20-M for rehab projects in EVisayas By: Erlinda Olivia P. Tiu TACLOBAN CITY, Leyte, April 28 (PIA) – The Japanese Government through the Japan Fund for Poverty Reduction (JFPR) is providing some US$20-million grant for the rehabilitation effort in Eastern Visayas.

The said fund will benefit about 1.2 million individuals from 74 municipalities in the region that was hardest hit by Typhoon Yolanda.

It was learned that of this amount, about US$3 million will be used for rehabilitation projects to be implemented through the Kapit-Bisig Laban sa Kahirapan-Comprehensive and Integrated Delivery of Social Services (Kalahi-CIDSS), one of the three core poverty alleviation programs of the national government being implemented by the Department of Social Welfare and Development.

Kalahi-CIDSS targets the speedy rehabilitation of 220 small-scale municipal and community infrastructures in 13 municipalities using the community-driven development (CDD) strategy.

The implementation of the funding started earlier this month, with the groundbreaking of the construction of a two-classroom building within the compound of Bislig Elementary School in Barangay Bislig,

Tanauan, Leyte.

Aside from the construction of the new classrooms, 10 old classrooms will also be repaired with a budget of P7.08 million.

During the groundbreaking activity, DSWD Secretary Corazon Juliano-Soliman cited the good Kalahi-CIDSS implementation of this town as the reason why it was chosen as one of the municipalities that will benefit from the JFPR grant.

She disclosed that Asian Development Bank (ADB) President Takehiko Nakao visited Bislig Elementary School sometime in February during which he committed to help in the rehabilitation of the campus.

It was learned that the ADB is the administrator of the JFPR grant.

Meanwhile, in the same activity, Mr. James A. Nugent, Director-General of the ADB Southeast Asia Department, said that the reason why ADB is highly active in the post-„Yolanda‟ rehabilitation efforts is because the Philippines is “ADB‟s home”.

Moreover, it was learned that some US$8 million from the JFPR grant will be allotted by DSWD for the Sustainable Livelihood Program, another poverty alleviation program of the national government. (PIA 8)

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WESTERN VISAYAS

NGP provides livelihood to upland folks

University of San Agustin in Iloilo City

By: Lorenzo O. Lambatin Jr. NEGROS OCC., April 29 (PIA6) -- The Provincial Environment and Natural Resource Office here has paid various People’s Organizations (POs) more than P3.8 million for their services in the National Greening Program for the last three years.

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n an interview over PIA‟s program Radyo Kumando 103.1 FM, PENRO Administrative Officer Emerita Balinario said POs produce, plant and maintain trees through a contract scheme with DENR. POs are support groups that take over the growth of trees planted by volunteers from the different parts of the province.

The figure, she said, cover the years 2011 with a release of P1.3 million, 2012 P11 million and 2013 P26 million.

Organizations are given 15 per cent

mobilization fund once contract is awarded and from there it submits progress reports to the DENR. The NGP, Balinario said, has provided the much needed livelihood for poor families in the upland and lowland POs that enable them to send their kids to school and provide for their daily needs.

POs are partner of the DENR in the rehabilitation of denuded forest land through contract and coordination, providing them technical and financial support to maintain regular coordination and ensure success of the National

Greening Program.

She said monitoring the forest of the province is a challenge to the department as the office has one forest ranger for every 10,000 hectares.

Folks in the uplands and shorelines experience the effects of climate change first hand as felt by dwindling water and lesser animal productivity as she called on Negrenses to act to protect the environment.

“If you love yourself and your family, I challenge you to also love the environment,” she said. (JCM/lljr-PIA6)

Capiz food processor avails P3M SBC loan By: Jemin B. Guillermo ROXAS CITY, Capiz, April 28 (PIA6) – A local entrepreneur in Capiz has accessed a loan to restore it back to business.

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apiz Trade and Industry Director Ermelinda Pollentes disclosed that the Small Business Corporation (SBC) has already approved the P3-million loan to a Hercules Foods and Distribution (HFD), a food processor in the province here.

Pollentes revealed that of the approved loan, P1-million was already released to the said enterprise, representing the first tranche of the approved loan.

She added the said food corporation was the first micro, small and medium enterprise (MSME) that had accessed to the special window for the

Yolanda-affected enterprises from the SBC, which is a DTI financing arm.

“The HFD is a producer of premium meat products based in Pontevedra with various mass merchants and grocery store outlets in Metro Manila and Davao, with its owner being in the meat industry for more than 20 years now employing 30 direct and 16 indirect workers,” she said.

Pollentes pointed out that the said food processor was not able to operate since after most of its equipment were damaged due to supertyphoon Yolanda, the reason they have strongly endorsed the application for loan of said MSME.

She added that the said food processor is one of the MSMEs in the industry and trade sector that suffered severe damages and losses as a result of supertyphoon Yolanda.

According to her, the DTI is currently assisting six other MSMEs with their loan applications with the SB Corporation as part of its post-Yolanda rehabilitation and recovery program.

“With the funds infused to the business, we are optimistic that the MSMEs here will be able to continue to bounce back again and have their expansion program,” she said. (JCM/JBG/ PIA6-Capiz)

PRC to set up satellite offices in Bacolod and Roxas By: Lilibeth A. French ILOILO CITY, May 1 (PIA6) - - The Professional Regulation Commission will soon open its satellite offices in the cities of Bacolod and Roxas, Capiz.

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RC-Iloilo Supervising Professional Regulation Officer and Officer-in -Charge Blesilda Masangcay said the location for the PRC satellite office in Bacolod will be at the Masskara Hall of Bacolod Government Center while the possible site for the Roxas City satellite office is in Pueblo de Panay.

Masangcay also reported during a recent press briefing in line with the Labor Day celebration here in Western Visayas that the Commission is set to bring its Mobile Service dubbed “PRC-Iloilo On-the -Road” Program to Bacolod City on May 13, 14 and 15 at the Masskara Hall of the

New Government Center.

She said the establishment of the satellite offices and the mobile service are part of the efforts of the commission to bring its frontline services closer and accessible to clients in the region.

Renewal of professional identification cards, initial registration and application for examinations can be accommodated at the mobile service.

The next stop of the mobile service will be the province of Antique on May 20, 21, and 22 at the premises of Antique Provincial Capitol and in Roxas City on June 4, 5 and 6 at the Provincial

Capitol.

Since February to April this year, according to Masangcay, the PRC team through the "On-the-Road” Program has already served 1, 717 clients and generated over P1.3 million.

She urged those who have plans to take the Nurses Licensure Examination (NLE) and the Licensure Examination for Teachers (LET) from Bacolod City and neighboring municipalities to file their applications at the mobile service.

Bacolod City is one of the venues for the NLE on May 25 and 26 and LET on July 27. (JCM/LAF-PIA6)

WESTERN VISAYAS

University of San Agustin in Iloilo City

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DOLE: Jobs fair is more than just recruitment By: Leonard T. Pineda I

ILOILO CITY, May 1 (PIA6) --- The Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) in Western Visayas said that the annual May 1 jobs fair is more than just providing employment but a life changer for individuals who would be fortunate to land a job.

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n the opening ceremonies of the Labor Day Jobs Fair at SM City Events Center here, DOLE-6 Assistant Regional Director Salome Siaton said that the jobs fair is an opportunity for people to uplift their lives and economic condition.

“We would like to see people who will change their lives in a year or two with uplifted economic conditions so they could send their children or siblings to school,” she said.

She said that the jobs fair at SM City

Events Center is participated in by 42 local employers and companies and five recruitment agencies for jobs abroad.

“We are convincing the employers and companies to hire more applicants on the spot because we would want more people to be employed,” she said.

She also said that the jobs fair also recognized workers in the informal economy with the awarding of the city government some starter kits to beneficiaries from the Technical Institute of Iloilo City (TIIC).

She said that the city government under the leadership of Mayor Jed Patrick Mabilog has provided the beneficiaries the necessary trainings and skills required for them to be self-employed.

“They were also given tools that would enable them to start their livelihood,” she also said. The May 1 Jobs and Livelihood Fair is the highlight activity for this year‟s Labor Day celebration with theme “Sa Sipag, Tiyaga, at Talino, Buong Mundo Saludo sa Manggagawang Pilipino.” (JSC/LTP-PIA6 Iloilo)

Gov't structures get P24.7M Yolanda rehab fund By: Pilar S. Mabaquiao SAN JOSE, Antique (PIA) - - Ten (10) towns of Antique hit by Typhoon Yolanda last year received financial assistance from the government through the Department of Interior and Local Government in the amount of P24,877,150.

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he said amount is intended for the rehabilitation of municipal buildings, public markets and civic centers damaged by the super typhoon said Raymund Palanog , Cluster Head of DILG Antique.

The towns of Barbaza and Sebaste, among the hardly hit towns in northern Antique got the highest allocation of P7,800,000 and P6,500,000 respectively.

Other towns affected are San Remigio – P3 million; Bugasong – P2,700,000; Laua-an – P1,850,000; Tibiao- P1,170,000; Culasi – P835,000; Libertad – P600,000; Pandan – P282,150 and Valderrama – P140,000.

The check according to Palanog was turned over last April 11, 2014 and the local government units concerned are in the process of procurement of materials

and other pre-construction preparation so that work could start soonest.

Completion of the rehab of said government structure is expected before the end of the year, the source said.

DILG likewise urged the people in their respective towns to take part in the rehabilitation process undertaken not only by government agencies but by the private sectors as well. (JCM/PSM/PIA6 Antique)

Aklan gov't assures judicious use of taxes By: Venus G. Villanueva KALIBO, Aklan, April 29 (PIA6) -- Aklan governor Florencio T. Miraflores assured Aklan’s top taxpayers here that the taxes they pay are put into good use by the provincial government.

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iraflores gave this assurance at the awarding ceremony of the 2014 Outstanding Taxpayers and Outstanding Municipal Treasurers held April 24 at the Provincial Capitol Lobby. The awarding of Aklan‟s top taxpayers and municipal treasurers was one of the major highlights of Aklan‟s celebration of its 58th anniversary as a separate province from Capiz.

In the same activity, the province‟s outstanding revenue generation task force composed of Philippine National Police (PNP) officers and employees from the Provincial Treasurer‟s Office were also awarded. Noting the cool comfort offered by the spacious lobby of the new Provincial Capitol Building which served as the venue of the awarding, Miraflores said the building is a manifestation that the provincial administration was very selective and judicious in spending the

people‟s money. For her part, Aklan Vice Governor Gabrielle Calizo-Quimpo, who joined Governor Miraflores in the awarding rites, told the awardees and others present that all Aklanons have the responsibility to pay taxes in order to get the right services and infrastructures.

Awarded as Aklan‟s top taxpayers for 2014 were Mary Luz P. Leong of Altavas; Emerald Dela Rosa of Balete; Smart Communications Incorporated, Banga; Jayner L. Demeterio, Batan; Alma C. Morland, Buruanga; Petron Corporation, Ibajay; Royal Four Seasons Corporations, Kalibo; Anita G. Rescate, Lezo; Ulysses E. Ruiz, Libacao; Loreto N. Gonzales, Jr., Madalag; Heirs of Asuncion Maravilla, Makato; DMCI-PDI Hotel Inc., Malay; Caluda I. Jayme, Malinao; Panay Power Corp oration , N ab as an d New Washington; Ramas Uypitching & Sons, Inc.,Numancia; and Mr. Aristotle Tirol,

Tangalan.

The top taxpayers hall of famers who were also cited were Mayor Teodoro V. Calizo Jr. of Balete; former Aklan governor Carlito S. Marquez, Banga, and HEVA Management and Development Corporation, Kalibo. Awarded Outstanding Municipal Treasurers were Dediosa C. Dioso of Malay, who ranked 1st; Elsa M. Tabuena of Kalibo, 2nd; Froilan N. Redison of Banga, 3rd; Angelyn A. Rubias of Tangalan, 4th; and Shirley T. Timbas of Makato, 5th.

On the other hand, awarded Outstanding Revenue Generation Task Force were P/C Inspector Pedro H. Enriquez; SPO3 Greg F. Ginoy, SPO1 Arman I. Ibea, and PO3 Clemente B. Magtanum from the PNP; and Jethro Laserna, Donald Marquez and Roderick Urbano of the Provincial Treasurer‟s Office. (JCM/VGV PIA6 Aklan)

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CENTRAL VISAYAS

PH, Aussie partners to strengthen human resource for 2015 ASEAN integration Silliman University in Dumaguete City

BY: JUJU MANUBAG-EMPUERTO

CEBU CITY, April 28 (PIA) --- About 1,500 public and private human resource (HR) and organizational development (OD) experts from the Philippines and all over South East Asia gathered recently in Cebu for the Second HR Symposium.

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he event was a joint undertaking of the Civil Service Commission (CSC) and the Australian Government though the Philippines Australia Human Resource and Organisational Development facility (PAHRODF).

With the theme "Gearing Towards ASEAN Integration though Strategic HR," this year's symposium highlighted the vital role of strategic human resource in the coming economic integration of ASEAN member states, including the Philippines.

The symposium also served as a venue for human resource and organizational development practitioners from the government and private sector to exchange strategic HR applications, solutions, and best practices that will help the country move

toward ASEAN integration by 2015.

CSC Chairman Francisco Duque said that economic advancement relies on human resources.

"Unless people have equal access to education, training and capacity building, the country may be deprived of a large pool of creative thinkers and entrepreneurs.

The Commission‟s task as the central human resource development is to ensure that the government‟s human resource is to achieve the development and societal goals of the country," he said.

Duque added that human resource development and capacity building is one of the areas of cooperation that have been identified in the ASEAN integration in 2015.

This means investing in human resource

development to have the right structures, business processes, systems, people, and competencies to support the ASEAN integration.

The Australian Government has been a committed partner of the Philippine Government in building human resource management and development.

The PAHRODF is the Australian Government‟s flagship program on HR and OD and it has been helping its partner government agencies improve their processes, structures, skills set and behaviour to enable change and continuous improvement Australian Deputy Head of Mission David Button along with Counsellor for Development Cooperation Geoff King also attended the HR Symposium. (rmn/JSME/PIA-Cebu/CSC-7).

Eight Cebu studes receive leadership awards BY: RACHELLE M. NESSIA CEBU CITY, May 1 (PIA) --- The Coalition for Better Education (CBE) awarded eight outstanding students from various universities in Cebu with Medal of Excellence awards.

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he awardees are education students who have contributed to the creation of empowered learning communities and met CBE‟s standards of being self-sustaining, socially responsible, nationalistic, and globally competitive, among others.

The awardees were recognized during a presentation and ceremony held April 30 in Cebu City.

Said students all come from member-universities of CBE. The awardees are, namely: Jhon Mark

Aroa of University of Visayas; Guian Paulo Godofredo, Cebu Institute of Technology; Joe Mari Ferolino, University of San Jose R e c o le to s; Ch ie de z b e rg J a ca of University of San Carlos; Ronald Ryan Macabinguil of University of Cebu; Brigella Querubin of Dr. Caridad C. Labe Educational Center, Inc.; Luvi Alexa Saceda, Three H Childhood Academy; and Nhikie Del Socorro, Southwestern University.

CBE grants the award to currently

enrolled graduating students in the university taking up education courses and high school students who displayed outstanding leadership.

Application period for the awards begins every first week of March and October during the Grade Consultation Day. Awardees are entitled to receive the CBE Leadership Medal and a certificate of recognition, plus a one-year free membership in the coalition. (RMN/PIA Cebu)

DOE to transport operators: 'Shift to alternative fuels' BY: ROI ANTHONI B. LOMOTAN DUMAGUETE CITY, April 30 (PIA) – Research specialists from the Department of Energy (DOE) encouraged the transport sector here to shift from conventional to alternative sources of energy to fuel their vehicles.

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OE senior research specialists conducted an Information, Education and Communication (IEC) Campaign yesterday in the city to promote the use of alternative fuels for transport since it is safe, efficient, environment-friendly and can help increase income of transport operators.

DOE representatives persuaded transport operators to go for Auto-LPG or electricity-operated vehicles like the Electric Tricycles (E-Trike) which is better and cleaner than the conventional fuels.

But for Dumaguete City, DOE Senior Research Specialist Federico Domingo believes E-trikes are more feasible than Auto-LPG vehicles since most people use tricycles as main mode of transportation.

E-trikes can run for 80km per day with only 7kwh needed and electricity charging costs only P11.50/KWH. This is more efficient compared to motorcycles consuming 5 liters of gasoline, which is expensive to drivers who pay P55/liter of

gasoline.

The shift to E-trikes mean that tricycle drivers can earn a daily net cash flow of P415, which is higher compared to P295 daily net cash flow earned by drivers who use regular gasoline, according to George Vincent Bitoon, also a Senior Research Specialist of DOE. Bitoon explained to tricycle drivers during the symposium that if a tricycle driver who uses gasoline has a daily cash inflow P720 and has P425 cash outflow due to boundary (P150) and re-fueling (P275), his daily cash net flow will be at P295 a day.

However, if a tricycle driver uses an e-trike, P305 (boundary, P225 and charging P80) will be taken away from his daily cash inflow of P720 leaving him with P415 as his daily net cash flow.

Bitoon noted that the boundary increased because of the new technology, but he stressed that e-trikes can still yield higher income for drivers.

DOE's E-trikes are on a lease-to-own arrangement.

Bitoon said the P225 boundary fees can be added to the daily net flow of drivers once they have already finished paying their unit of E-trike.

Bitoon explained that local government unit (LGUs) interested to make the shift need to submit a letter of undertaking to DOE citing its plan to implement E-trike in their locality and a specific number of E-trikes needed.

On the other hand, when asked about the status of Auto-LPG users in Dumaguete, Domingo said based on the information they gathered, vehicles here do not use Auto-LPG. But Domingo clarified if there would be a group of transport operators who will decide to shift to using Auto-LPG, DOE can refer them to Auto-LPG, thus paving the way for investors to create facilities for Auto-LPG in the city or in the province.

According to studies, Auto-LPG is 15% lower in greenhouse gas emission and 80% less toxic than regular gasoline. (rmn/RAL/ PIA7-NEGOR)

CENTRAL VISAYAS

Silliman University in Dumaguete City

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Thousands flock to Labor Day jobs fairs in Cebu BY: RACHELLE M. NESSIA

CEBU CITY, May 1 (PIA) --- Thousands of job seekers flocked to the four jobs fairs in Cebu City today marking the annual Labor Day celebration.

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total of 17,500 job vacancies are open for job applicants in all four jobs fairs held in Cebu, with a total of 165 participating employers.

Of the total, 11,000 vacancies are for overseas while 6,000 are for local employment.

The four jobs fairs were held at SM Cebu City, SM Consolacion, Abellana Sports Complex, and Capitol.

The jobs fairs are important in helping address the unemployment problem especially in a booming city such as Cebu, according to Cebu City Councilor Sisinio Andales.

“Cebu City has a progressive and booming economy with many sprouting condos and hotels…nakahatag ni ug dakong importansya nato sa pagsulbad sa unemployment problem (this is an important help to us in solving the

unemployment problem),” said Andales during a presscon held earlier this week.

High school graduate Marvin Masayon, 30, is one of those who showed up early at Capitol to try his luck in seeking employment.

A high school graduate, Marvin hopes to find a job in the production sector.

“This is my second jobs fair already, and I hope to get a job after this,” he said.

This is his second time to join a jobs fair undertaken by DOLE and he is grateful for the opportunity that it offers job seekers.

In Abellana Sports Center, job seekers Karen Roqueno, 29, and Madelin Arinas, 34, are both hoping to secure work abroad as massage therapists.

Karen and Madelin are no strangers to jobs fairs as they have joined jobs fairs in the past years.

They both agree that the jobs fairs are ideal for job applicants as it serves as a one-stop that makes job hunting easier.

Karen advised applicants not to give up easily when participating in jobs fairs.

“Pasensya lang gyud na taas ug pila ug bisan init (Have patience because the lines are long and it‟s very hot,” she said.

The Labor Day celebration here kicked off with a Thanksgiving Mass and opening program at SM Cebu City attended by members of the local labor groups and Tripartite Industrial Peace Councils here.

Cebu City government is the host of this year‟s Labor Day celebration here, saidDepartment of Labor and Employment (DOLE-7) Regional Director Chona Mantilla.(RMN/PIA Cebu)

52 CV towns vulnerable to climate change BY: HAZEL F. GLORIA CEBU CITY, April 30 (PIA) --- The Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) 7 has released the list of 52 municipalities in Central Visayas identified as most vulnerable to climate change impacts.

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he result is based on the assessment conducted by the Protected Areas, Wildlife and Coastal Zone Management Services (PAWCZMS).

Of the total, Cebu province got the highest number with 20 municipalities, followed by Bohol province with 18, Negros Oriental has eight, and Siquijor province with six.

DENR 7 Regional executive director Dr. Isabelo R. Montejo said these areas should give priority for mangrove rehabilitation and reforestation to mitigate and reduce various hazards associated with climate change.

“We are releasing this list to encourage the local government units (LGUs) in these areas to be one with us in implementing environmental programs in their localities to lessen the hazards that climate change can bring to their constituents,” Montejo added.

Hazards caused by climate change may include increasing air and sea surface temperatures, storm surges, sea-level rise, more intense and frequent typhoons, changes in amount and pattern of rainfall, and ocean acidification.

For Cebu province, areas include Tabogon, Borbon, Sogod, San Francisco, Catmon, Carmen, Compostela, Lapu-lapu

City, Cordova, Naga, San Francisco, Minglanilla, Carcar, Sibonga, Argao, Dalaguete, Alcoy, Oslob, Boljoon and Santander.

For Bohol province, listed are Panglao, Baclayon, Albur, Loay, Lila, Dimiao, Valencia, Guindulman, Anda, Duero, Candijay, Mabini, Loon, Maribojoc, Calape, Talibon and Bien Unido.

For Negros Oriental province include Sibulan, Bacong, Dauin, Zamboanguita, Siaton, Sta. Catalina, Bayawan and Basay.

Lastly for Siquijor province, the municipalities of Enrique Villanueva, Maria, Lazi, San Juan, Siquijor and Larena were identified. (rmn/HFG/PIA-7/DENR-7)

Siquijor Lawyer briefs parolees, probationers on VAWC BY: RIZALIE A. CALIBO SIQUIJOR, April 28 (PIA) — Parolees and probationers here were briefed on the significance of RA 9262 or the Violence Against Women and Children (VAWC) Law.

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tty. Ramon Y. Cinco, head of the Public Attorney Office (PAO) here, discussed the law that protects women and warns men to be cautious because violating them is considered a criminal offense.

Cinco cited that in Siquijor, VAWC cases mostly pertain to the husband‟s or

father‟s neglect of financial support to the wives and children.

Only a few concerning physical violence were raised, he said.

Cinco also warned that drunkenness is not an excuse for committing the crime.

Husband or ex-husband, live-in partner or ex-live-in partner, boyfriend or

ex-boyfriend, dating partner or ex-dating partner can be charged with violence against women under this law.

Physical abuse, physical violence, sexual and phychological violence and economic are the four types of violations against RA 9262. (rmn/RAC/PIA-Siquijor w/ reports from IAAbatayo)

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EASTERN VISAYAS

DOT consultation tackles development of Filipino Brand of Service BY: ERLINDA OLIVIA P. TIU

Liceo de Verbo Divino (formerly Divine Word University) in Tacloban City

TACLOBAN CITY, Leyte, April 27 (PIA) – A cultural learning experience was held at the Governor’s Hall of the Leyte Provincial Capitol from 9:00 o’clock to 4:00 o’clock in the afternoon of April 25-26, 2014.

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epartment of Tourism Regional director Karina Rosa Tiopes said that a consultation workshop on the Filipino Brand of Service was conducted with the Filipino culture expert Professor Eric Zerrudo as resource speaker.

Through lecture and theater workshops, he conducted the consultations, synthesized the regional brands of service and

develop a distinct national Filipino brand of service.

Director Tiopes disclosed that the activity was made possible through the Office of Tourism Standards and Regulation of the Department of Tourism.

Said office is undertaking the development of the “Filipino Brand of Service” which represents the rich Philippine

Culture as well as the Filipino Quality Values to be at par with international standards of service.

This service brand is envisioned to represent everything that is good and positive about Filipino hospitality that can be used by all tourism stakeholders in dealing with domestic and international tourists, Director Tiopes said. (PIA 8)

DPWH earmarks P126.5M for 15 infra projects in North Samar By: Ailene Diaz CATARMAN, Northern Samar, April 29 (PIA) – The Department of Public Works and Highways, Northern Samar Second District Engineering Office (DPWH-NSSDEO) will implement 15 infrastructure projects with a programmed amount of P126,566,000.00 for the Calendar Year 2014.

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his was learned from Mr. Rey Orsua, PIO Unit of said office.

OIC-District Engineer Ferdinand Briones disclosed that out of these 15 projects, 6 are under the DPWH Regular Projects amounting to P 36, 566, 000.00 whereas 9 are labelled by fund source as Other Slips/ Emergencies/Protection Works (OSPW) amounting to P 90, 000,000.00.

The six (6) identified DPWH regular projects are as follows: (1) Construction/ Rehabilitation of Slope Protection of Bantayan River Control, San Roque, N. Samar, at P 14,250,000.00, (2) Road Upgrading (Gravel to Paved) of San Roque-Cababtoan Old Road, San Roque, N. Samar, at P 14,291,000.00, (3) Road Upgrading (Gravel to Paved) of San Roque-Cababtoan Old Road, San Roque, N. Samar, at P1,025,000.00.

It also include, (4) Rehabilitation/ Retrofitting/Strengthening of Pambujan Bridge,

Pambujan, N. Samar, at P4,000,000.00, (5) Rehabilitation/Retrofitting/Strengthening of CamparangaBridge, Pambujan, N. Samar, at P1,500,000.00, and (6) Rehabilitation/ Retrofitting/Strengthening of Cabacongognan Bridge, San Roque, N. Samar, at P1,500,000.00.

The nine (9) Other Slips/ Emergencies/ Protection Works (OSPW) Projects are as follows: (1) Rehabilitation/Reconstruction of Road Slip along Rawis-Catubig-Las Navas Road, ,Catubig-Las Navas Section, Las Navas, N. Samar, (2)Rehabilitation/Reconstruction of Road Slip along Catarman - Laoang Road, San Roque Section, San Roque, N. Samar, (3) Rehabilitation/Reconstruction of Road Slip along Catarman - Laoang Road, Pambujan Section, Pambujan, N. Samar, (4) Rehabilitation/Reconstruction of Road Slip along Catarman - Laoang Road, Brgy. Burabod, Laoang Section, Laoang, N. Samar.

Part of the funded projects are also

allotted to: (5) Road Slip along Pang-pang -Palapag- Mapanas- Gamay- Lapinig, Palapag Section, (6) Rehabilitation/Reconstruction of Road Slip along Rawis-Catubig-Las Navas Road, Catubig-Las Navas Section, Las Navas, N. Samar, (7) Rehabilitation/Reconstruction of Road S lip a long Pang pang - Pa lap ag -Mapanas-Gamay-Lapinig, Anito-Gamay Section, (8) Rehabilitation/Reconstruction of Road Slip along Pangpang-Palapag- Mapanas -Gamay-Lapinig Road, Lapinig Section, and (9) Rehabilitation/Reconstruction of Road Slip along Rawis-Catubig-Las Navas Road, Catubig - Diversion Section, Catubig, N. Samar.

Some of these infra projects were already launched and expected to finish before the year ends. Completion of these infra projects will pave way to a more progressive Northern Samar more specifically in the 2nd District of the province, Briones concluded. (ADiaz/ PIA8-Northern Samar)

Summit empowers youth as peace and dev’t advocates, conduits CATBALOGAN CITY, Samar, April 29 (PIA) - The 8th Infantry Division of the Philippine Army and officials of the local government of Catbalogan led by City Mayor Stephany Uy-Tan initiated the 2nd Youth Leadership Summit (YLS) 2014 here to engage the youth in advocating and promoting the army’s peace and development programs.

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ome 89 Catbalogan City scholars are joining the three day YLS at the 8th ID, Maulong, Catbalogan City, that started on April 28 and unti April 30.

The delegates of the said summit will enjoy various workshops that will truly make summer more fun and worth remembering.

This three-day activity aims to strengthen the spirit of public leadership of the youth.

It also intends to equip the youth in becoming responsible citizens and epitomes of true leaders.

“This is my first time to attend YLS, I am eager to learn how to be a good leader and a better person after the three day activity here,” expressed by one second year college student participant from Samar College.

“Instead of patronizing negative influences around, this event challenges the youngsters to

be more productive and dynamic this summer through their involvement in the Bayanihan activities,” 8th ID Commander Maj Gen Jet Velarmino said.

He also added that Bayanihan activities will make the young people realize that their participation plays a big role in the country's internal security and progress.

This activity will give them the opportunity to grow individually, build relationships, and earn recognition and self prestige despite their young age.

Division of Public Affairs Chief Amado Gutierrez said that YLS activities will also make them realize and perhaps appreciate the efforts of the government in winning peace.

The 8th ID command highly believes that because the youth sector comprises the majority in the country's population, they could bring a positive "change" to the country

through their active participation in nation-building and peace development campaigns, he added.

In his address, Velarmino said, "Young people, stay in school and be good citizens.”

Also: Contribute to the well-being of your family, neighbors and community.

Be wary of the machinations of some groups.

Be wary of those who abuse your youthful idealism, agitating you with the social problems of our country and dragging you into the armed struggle."

Meanwhile, many were amazed during the speech of the young lady mayor as she rendered the song “Greatest Love of All”.

Mayor Tan supports AFP‟s mission in molding future leaders as she also believes that the youth is the hope of tomorrow. (PIA 8Samar Avha H. Ebalde)

EASTERN VISAYAS

Liceo de Verbo Divino (formerly Divine Word University) in Tacloban City

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DSWD receives 5,000 M.T. rice from Thailand thru One ASEAN By: Erlinda Olivia P. Tiu

TACLOBAN CITY, Leyte, April 27 (PIA) - Some 5,000 metric tons of rice from Thailand were received by the Department of Social Welfare and Development last week through the efforts of the Department of Agriculture and the National Food Authority.

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SWD Region 8 Director Nestor Ramos who represented Secretary Corazon Soliman during the turn over ceremony held at the DSWD Relief Hub in Barangay Apitong, Tacloban City, underscored that said donation was a gesture of the true spirit of being a member of the ASEAN community.

“We can assure you that you will always be a part of history, in the recovery and in the hearts of our internally displaced persons (IDPs), referring to the 200,000 Yolanda

victims of the 42 hardest hit municipalities in the provinces of Leyte, Eastern Samar, and Samar,” Director Ramos said.

Acting General Manager Nongnooch Deetae of the ASEAN Plus Three Emergency Rice Reserve (APTERR), said that the Kingdom of Thailand was deeply saddened by the many lives lost, and announced that two more donations are coming - 350 metric tons of rice from Malaysia, and 600 metric tons of rice from Japan.

She added by saying that, “ With the little donation, I wish that Yolanda victims will be back on their feet.”

For Leyte, there are more than 150, 523 IDPs in 34 municipalities; there are close to 29, 858 families in 12 towns of Eastern Samar, and 19, 619 in six areas of Samar.

It was learned that the turn-over rites was also attended by NFA Administrator Orlando Calayag and Department of Agriculture Secretary Proceso Alcala. (PIA 8)

K to12 provides sufficient time for mastery of concept and skills CATARMAN, Northern Samar, April 28 (PIA) – The K to 12 basic education program provides Filipino students sufficient time for mastery of concepts and skills so that they are ready for tertiary education when time comes.

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his was the message of Congressman Emil Ong of the 2nd district of province during the recently conducted stakeholder‟s summit at Bulwagan ng mga Guro in Catarman.

Ong said that the program is a major overhaul in the education system which will bring it in line with the education system worldwide and this change to domestic education policy is far reaching and is important for international educational institutions when looking for potential new student recruitment markets.

With the new 12-year curriculum in place, future Filipino students will be ready and better equipped to join overseas universities at the undergraduate level and the program therefore

aims to provide every Filipino child with the education he/she needs to compete in a global context, he added.

Ong explains however that with the K to 12 program the use of mother tongue language as the medium of instruction for students in the basic and lower years to facilitate and expedite learning proved to be a new problem area which needs to be threshed out.

For some though, it is a welcome development.

The difficulty lies with the private schools, since they use English as the medium of instruction in practically all subjects except Filipino since comprehension of some technical terms became a gray area.

Moreover, along with the program‟s

implementation arose the problems of lack of classrooms, teachers, textbooks and other facilities which are necessary to facilitate learning. The congress has appropriated funds, although insufficient, to increase the department‟s budget to accommodate these needs.

In the province, the challenge remains to improve the present state of education through the provision of more classrooms, teachers and books.

Efforts have been exerted to tie up with private sector such as Federation of Filipino-Chinese Chamber of Commerce and Industry so that more classrooms will be donated for Northern Samar, he concluded.

(PIA8-Northern Samar)

NLRC-8 Chief commits to solve labor cases in 6 months or less TACLOBAN CITY, Leyte, May 1 (PIA) - Executive Labor Arbiter Atty. Amelia B. Docena of the National Labor Relations Commission NLRC is committed to solve labor cases within the span of six months or less.

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ocena made the pronouncement during the recently held press conference at the Department of Labor and Employment Regional Office.

She said she believes that justice delayed is justice denied.

Docena added that the NLRC in Eastern Visayas is known for being always up-to-date in deciding cases brought to its sala.

The National Labor Relations Commission (NLRC) or Pambansang Komisyon sa Ugnayang Paggawa, is a commission organized by the Philippine government to resolve, investigate and settle disputes between employees and employers.

The NLRC is a subsequent part of the Department of Labor and Employment where its policies and programs are coordinated.

As member of DOLE family, Docena

said that their agency is one with their mother agency in celebration of the 2014 Labor Day on May 1.

Since NLRC‟s mandate will not afford them to put a booth, Docena said that their commitment in this year‟s celebration is that as the agency‟s quasi-judicial authority on illegally dismissed cases, we see to it that cases filed before the NLRC will be resolved within the six-month period.

As of press time there are only 2 arbiters in NLRC office and one is about to retire from office in July and as a policy of their office 3 months before retiring, cases are not to be raffled to the retiring officer.

All cases are now raffled to the office of the chief arbiter so there are about 58 cases now handled by Docena since March 31.

Aside from the 58 cases, Docena is

anticipating a number of additional cases that were raffled last April 23 because of the death of two arbiters.

Docena is proud that their office is able to solve labor cases in less than six months.

She informed that all the 58 cases she is handling are to be decided and a number of cases for execution.

Almost all of the 58 cases Docena said involve closure of some establishment and retrenchment from office because of typhoon Yolanda.

Docena boasted that Region 8 is current - which means that all labor cases were given resolution in less than six months.

“This is the pride of Region 8 when we have our year end assessment,” Docena added. (PIA 8 with Lizbeth Ann A. Abella)

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) 3378718/3377301 or e-mail piaamo6@yahoo.com.

Ms. Minerva BC Newman Regional Director, PIA 7

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

Ms. 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