One Visayas e-Newsletter Vol 4 Issue 47

Vol 4

Issue 47

In this Issue WESTERN VISAYAS

National Youth Commissioner Assistant Sec. Jo Jan Paul "JP" Peñol encourages student writers to be always the best, during the 2014 College Press Conference and Awards held at Diversion21 Hotel, Iloilo City, Nov. 28. (PIA 6)

More on Region 6, pages 2-3.

Also CLICK Here…

CENTRAL VISAYAS

Published by: PIA 6, 7 & 8

Flights to Borongan back BORONGAN CITY, Eastern Samar, Nov. 21 (PIA) ---After renegotiations and preparations, the SeaAir Airline is back and took flight to Borongan City on Oct. 29, 2014.

The maiden flight of the airline was in 2006 incumbency of then Governor Ben P. Evardone.

According to reports, it was the initiative of the then governor to have flights to Borongan during that time, but the flights were unfortunately stopped due to high fare rates, in which the people of Eastern Samar could not afford.

The re-launched took place in October 29 at the Borongan City Airport at Brgy. Punta Maria, located more or less nine (9) kilometres north from the city.

Among the passengers of the 6:00 am flight from Manila to Borongan were Governor Conrado “Aklan” B. Nicart, Jr. and some local officials.

The newly constructed airport has a new terminal building classified as a feeder airport by the Civil Aviation Authority of the Philippines (CAAP).

The airline operates a 32-seater Dornier 328 plane which can land in a short runway like the Borongan City Airport which has a 1.2 kilometers runway.

In a PIA interview with PIA, Hon. Jesse C. Solidon, Sangguniang Panglunsod (SP) Member, Chairman on Tourism, said that the flights to Manila and from Borongan would be at first chartered flights until the flights would be commercially sustainable.

More on Region 7, pages 4-5.

Project Chief of Party Dr. Cielito Habito, DTI Asst.

Secretary Dr. Rafaelita Aldaba, NEDA 6 Director Ro-Ann Bacal, Philippine Institute for Development Studies Senior Research Fellow Dr. Roehlano Briones, Board of Investments‟ Francis Penaflor, University of Asia and the Pacific -Center for Food and Agribusiness Specialist Marie Annette Dacul were the resource speakers.

BOI and the Regional Operations Group of DTI spearheaded the event. (JCM/LAF/PIA-Iloilo)

DTI Secretary Gregory Domingo delivers his keynote address to participants during the Industry Roadmaps and the AEC Game Plan - Regional Roadmaps for Competitiveness held in Iloilo City, Nov. 26. (PIA 6)

EDC encourages youths to consider career in renewable energy

VALENCIA, Negros Oriental, Nov. 25 (PIA) – The Energy Development Corporation (EDC), a renewable energy firm operating in Negros Oriental, advised young people to consider taking a career in the renewable energy industry.

(EDC) official Carlo Borromeo said the expansion of hotels, malls and other commercial establishments and industries yields an increase demand for power therefore, there will be a demand for workers in the renewable energy field.

Students majoring engineering, chemistry, geology, natural sciences and even accounting, marketing and some other business related courses are welcome to apply in renewable energy companies like EDC. EDC is renewable energy company operating a Samar government officials pose after the geothermal power plant facility in Valencia town. switching on of the 'Light a Tree' Christmas Aside from the geothermal energy in Negros Island, EDC spectacle at the Samar Capitol grounds. also maintains a wind-energy power plant in Burgos, Ilocos (PIA-Samar) Norte and a hyrdo-electric power plant in Nueva Ecija.

Recently, the company gathered over 70 student leaders from different colleges and universities throughout Negros Island for an environmental youth camp to inform them on the benefits of using clean and renewable energy.

More on Region 8, pages 6-7.

Campers had the chance to meet with some EDC officials who discussed some possible career opportunities in Also CLICK Here... the renewable energy industry. Other EDC employees also

EASTERN VISAYAS

Solidon added, that in case there are vacant seats to the 32-seater plane, the Provincial Government of Eastern Samar and the City Government of Borongan inked to subsidize in full any vacant seat.

He informed that currently the fare is P6,000 per passenger to and from which is lower compared to Tacloban City. The fare rate in Tacloban City is P7,000.

“There is 20% discount for Senior Citizens, if the fare rate is P6,000, the senior citizens will only pay P4,800”, Solidon said.

Borongan city Mayor Ma. Fe R. Abunda said the aircraft will definitely fly with or without passengers.

“For me, it‟s normal that passengers are few for the first few flights, but once people learn about the aircraft in Borongan City airport which fly every Wednesday, once a week, they will eventually Avail of the flight. The passengers from Eastern Samar and from nearby towns will no longer have to travel to Tacloban City, Calbayog City, Catarman or even in Cebu just to take the plane.”, Abunda said.

She encourages the locals and tourists to support the flights.

The more passengers that will fly the Manila-Borongan –Borongan – Manila route, the higher the possibility to have commercial flights.

Booking of flights is temporarily available at Pashada Travel Agency located at Barangay Alang-Alang, Borongan City.

(AJC/SDC/PIA-E.SAMAR)

AEC game plan, industry roadmap up in BOI/DTI briefing

ILOILO CITY, Nov. 27 (PIA6) - Trade and Industry Secretary Gregory Domingo was the keynote speaker at the multi stakeholder briefing on the ASEAN Ecnomic Community (AEC) Game Plan and Industry Roadmap Project of the country on Wednesday, November 26, here.

“Converging on the AEC Game Plan for Industry Competitiveness” targets to reach stakeholders across Five in one para sa kalikopan gets to Catigbi-an industries and sectors in the region to provide them with with KATawhang Impormado ug Ga-amoma sa significant and useful information on the AEC, its BAnikanhong KAHIUSAHAN (KATIGBA-one). opportunities and benefits, and how together they can harness Activities include Environment Briefing, the potential of regional economic integration.

The one-day briefing focused on the strategic value of MAKAKALIKASAN tagging for the town's industry roadmaps in regional integration and encourage the fruit tree ordinance, Tree Planting and formulation of regional roadmaps that are aligned with the Kaligkasan Branding, Blogging Seminar for national industry roadmaps.

Tourism and Environment and Campus It covered topics such as AEC 2015 and the Writers for the Environment Trainings, all on National Development Agenda; AEC, Regional Clusters and November 24. the Philippine New Industrial Policy; Potentials and Challenges in the Island/Region; Strategy for the Agribusiness Industry; Rapid Industry Appraisal Processed Meat; Processed Shrimp, among others.

USAID Trade-Related Assistance for Development

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November 24 - 30, 2014

shared their fulfilling experience working in a renewable energy company.

According to Borromeo, the good thing about working in a renewable energy firm is that “It is a company that takes care of the environment.”

Aside from the career talk, Borromeo also gave a briefing on renewable energy to campers. He noted that renewable energy is good to use because it free, natural, indigenous, it will never run out and has a minimal negative impact to the environment.

However, he also told them that there are some sacrifices to be made in harnessing renewable energies.

“We affect the environment because of the development footprint or the area we sacrifice to harness energy,” Borromeo disclosed. He added that even hydro power plants can cause inundation in big areas of land.

But he clarified renewable energy companies have environmental programs to help restore the biodiversity and ecological balance in their area of operations. For its part, EDC has this BINHI program which aims to reforest inundated lands due to EDC activity with indigenous trees.

Meanwhile, Borromeo also mentioned to campers EDC‟s plan to operate a solar energy farm. As of now, the firm is looking for areas to develop into solar farm. (mbcn/ral/ PIA7-NegOr)

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WESTERN VISAYAS

Energy Chief inspects Guimaras wind turbines

By Lilibeth A. French ILOILO CITY, Nov. 30 (PIA6) - - Department of Energy (DOE) Secretary Carlos Jericho “Icot” Petilla on Wednesday inspected the progress of the 54MW Wind Farm Project of Trans-Asia in the municipality of San Lorenzo in the province of Guimaras.

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etilla was welcomed by local government officials led by Mayor Jimmy Gajo and officials of the project proponent - Trans-Asia Renewable Energy Corporation (TAREC) led by their President Dr. Francisco Viray, former DOE Secretary.

Accompanied by Gajo and Viray, Petilla visited the TAREC Substation and control center.

He also went to San Lorenzo Municipal Office where he got a panoramic view of the entire wind farm located across four barangays of San Lorenzo.

According to a report from Trans-Asia, all the 27 wind turbines of the renewable energy facility have already been completed.

Petilla, during his visit, discussed the potential business opportunities brought about by the wind farm and how the local government and the residents should prepare for this boost in their local development He expressed his gratitude to the officials of San Lorenzo for their support to the wind farm project and renewable energy initiatives of the DOE. Likewise, he lauded the cooperation and assistance

given by the locals to the project.

For its part, Trans-Asia has been promoting local tourism in Guimaras through close coordination with the provincial and municipal tourism offices in the island. Together with local stakeholders, the company is developing a program to showcase the wind farm, integrating opportunities for livelihood to benefit the locals.

The wind farm project is expected to generate significant provincial and local taxes that will be instrumental in the development of the island. (JCM/LAF-PIA6 Iloilo)

DSWD launches „Kaya Ko ang Pagbabago‟ campaign By: Lilibeth A. French ILOILO CITY, Nov. 27 (PIA6) - - The Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) launched here on Wednesday an information and empowerment campaign dubbed “Kaya Ko ang Pagbabago”.

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LOILO CITY, Nov. 27 (PIA6) - - The Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) launched here on Wednesday an information and empowerment campaign dubbed “Kaya Ko ang Pagbabago”.

DSWD 6 Director Evelyn Macapobre said during the media launch that the campaign aims to inform the public of the changes that have happened in the lives of the beneficiaries of the different programs and services of the department.

“We are allowing our beneficiaries to tell the public and whoever would like to listen to them of the changes that have happened in their lives,” said Macapobre amidst criticisms that much funds have been entrusted to DSWD every year and the public has no information on what happened to the lives of the beneficiaries especially of the Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program.

Aside from the stories of beneficiaries, workers, and partners in

development, Macapobre also asked the support of the media to openly share their observations on what has happened to the lives of the beneficiaries.

She further urged them to know the stories behind the lives of some of their clients who have experienced positive changes through the services that they have availed from DSWD. Among the many beneficiaries, she cited Vicente Rubio or Mang Itik of San Remegio, Antique who won the Search for Successful Client, the family of Gemma Tanutan of Lemery, Iloilo, national winner of the 2014 Huwarang Pantawid Pamilya Search and Jocelyn Aligata, an out of school youth and recipient of the Students‟ Grant-in-Aid Program for Poverty Alleviation who is now a dean‟s lister.

Macapobre pointed out that the sharing of positive changes is also a way of confirming the successes of their clients and a way of proving that if given enough

support from the government and other sectors their clients can rise up from poverty.

To boost the campaign, the DSWD has used the social media sites by creating a Facebook page and Twitter account dedicated for the campaign.

Through the Facebook page fb.com/ KayaKoPH and Twitter account@KayaKoPH, beneficiaries, workers, partners and other stakeholders can share their stories of change, their thoughts and experiences in implementing the program.

Macapobre led the ceremonial posting of the message in the Facebook page during the event followed by beneficiaries of Pantawid Pamilya who attended the event.

Jonathan Anteza, Regional Program Coordinator reported that as of November 25 there are 326, 214 active Pantawid Pamilya beneficiaries in Western Visayas. (JCM/LAF/PIA-Iloilo)

No guns allowed during Ati-atihan fest By: Venus G. Villanueva KALIBO, Aklan, Nov. 27 (PIA6) -- The Kalibo Sangguniang Bayan recently approved a resolution banning guns during the celebration of the Kalibo Sto. Nino Ati-atihan Festival next year.

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he approval of the resolution stemmed from a letter of Kalibo Police Station Chief PSupt. Pedro Enriquez requesting the municipal legislative body to pass a resolution declaring a gun ban and the suspension of the Permit to Carry Firearms Outside Residence (PTCFOR) within the jurisdiction of Kalibo for 10 days starting

January 10-20, 2015. The resolution was sponsored by SB Member Augusto c.

Tolentino, Chairman, Committee on Peace and Order.

According to SB Kalibo, the resolution could help prevent or eliminate possible incidents involving guns during the Ati-Atihan Festival. The move Is also seen to make the celebration

peaceful and orderly. Based on the resolution, only law enforcers are allowed to bring guns, while there will be checkpoints at strategic areas to prevent trouble-makers from doing their thing.

The resolution, according to SB-Kalibo, is addressed to PNP Chief Alan Purisima. (JCM/VGV PIA6 Aklan)

WESTERN VISAYAS

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Antique revives December Binirayan Festival

By Vicente W. Villavert SAN JOSE, Antique, Nov. 26 (PIA6) - - Preparations are in high gear for the celebration of Binirayan Festival 2014 which will be observed starting December 1 and the highlights of the event will be on December 26-29, 2014.

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inirayan is a cultural festival from last week of December to last week started during the administration of April and then back to December of the late Governor Evelio B. which confused the visitors of the event‟s Javier. exact date.

The festival reenacts the landing and This year the festival‟s date was fixed settlement of the ten Malayan datus in to be celebrated every December through what is now Malandog, Hamtic, Antique. an Ordinance passed by Antique‟s The theatrical presentations are Sangguniang Panlalawigan according to SP portrayed in Malayan and “Ati” Committee on Tourism Chair SP Member costumes to showcase to both local and Victor Condez. foreign tourists the Antiqueños‟ noble “This will be the basis for the beginnings, colorful history and heritage. permanency in celebrating Binirayan The festival‟s observance was then Festival,” SP member Condez said in a PIA affected with several changes of dates interview.

Governor Exequiel B. Javier said that the launching of Binirayan Festival 2014 will be held on December 1 at 7:30 A.M. at the Evelio B. Javier (EBJ) Freedom park in San Jose.

The launching will feature the raising of the Municipal banners by the Mayors assisted by their respective Lin-ay candidates.

Javier said that at 7:00 P.M., Christmas lights will light up the EBJ Freedom park as the tricycle lights competition opens with the simultaneous lighting of Giant Christmas tree.(JCM/VWV/PIA Antique)

Campers form Climate Change advocates' group By: Lorenzo O. Lambatin BACOLOD CITY (PIA6) -- As an off-shoot of the environment camp recently held at the Bacolod City College campus, 43 college student-campers organized themselves into an environment and climate change advocates' group.

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fter a day discussions on climate change and wildlife, the campers decided to elect officers who will respond to the call of the government urging the youth to take an active role in protecting the environment as well as advocate in mitigating and adapting to the global Climate Change.

It was emphasized during the lectures and deliberations that massive forest destruction largely contributed to major floodings and other calamities that claimed thousands of lives of Filipinos, particularly Ormoc flood and super-typhoon Yolanda.

Deforestation also poses serious threat to a balanced wildlife ecosystem where wild animals and plants are deprived of their

natural home resulting to their poor population growth and eventually extinction, Philippine Biodiversity Conservation Foundation Inc. Ornithologist Philip Godfrey Jakosalem said.

Irresponsible lifestyle like littering and wasteful behavior of humans are also destroying the environment he added.

BCC Administrator Johanna Ann Bayoneta, Ph.D. approved the students‟ decision saying “we should go beyond what we have heard and seen today.”

College Department Head and Dean of Instruction Elias Alivas, Ph.D., urged students to become good stewards of God‟s creation.

DENR Forester Gina Gerangaya was the resource person during the

open-forum while Jakosalem spoke on the uniqueness of Philippine wildlife particularly bat species that are only found in Mambukal Resort, Bacolod City.

Jakosalem said the PBCFI can assist the newly formed environment group in training on Zoo keeping course, biodiversity trainor‟s training course and wildlife-environment tour guiding.

Earlier in the program, the campers planted 53 Calamansi fruit tree seedlings in the campus garden.

The PIA Negros Occidental and DENR spearheaded the activity capping the six-month climate change advocacy activities for schools in Negros Occidental.

(JCM/Lljr-PIA6)

110 families in Pan-ay town get 70K each

By Alex A. Lumaque ROXAS CITY, Capiz, Nov. 27 (PIA6) – One hundred ten families in Pan-ay town received each P70,000.00 as Core Shelter Assistance Program (CSAP) from the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) last Nov. 22 at the Municipal Hall of Pan-ay. (AAL)

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he handing of checks to the family – beneficiaries came hours after the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) by DSWD-6 director Evelyn Macapobre, UN Habitat Human Settlements Officer Bernhard Barth, Capiz Gov. Victor A. Tanco and mayors of local government units of Panay, Pontevedra, Roxas City and Estancia in Iloilo.

It also took place 10 days after DSWD Sec. Dinky Soliman‟s announcement on upcoming financial assistance for those with partially as well as totally damaged houses after Yolanda during a gathering for a Rehabilitation

After Yolanda consultative meeting here.

The co-funding agreement will benefit the 610 UN Habitat beneficiaries of core shelter units under the project “Post – Yolanda Support for Safer Homes and Settlement” that will continue until March 2015.

Macapobre said that a budget of P42.7 -million has been allocated by the government for the agreement.

“UN Habitat will be putting up a counterpart depending on the design of the house,” Macapobre said during an interaction with local mediamen.

The core shelter designs include elevated and non-elevated houses

depending on the location of the beneficiaries.

Under the agreement, the LGUs will monitor disbursement and actual construction of houses to ensure that implementation will be in accordance to typhoon – proof specifications.

For his part, Capiz Gov. Victor A. Tanco has reminded the core shelter beneficiaries to take care and value the houses as a way to convey appreciation on the foreign and national assistance for identified Yolanda survivors in the province. (JCM/ AAL/PIA 6 Capiz)

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CENTRAL VISAYAS

PRO-7 clamps down on illegal drugs in CV CEBU CITY, Nov. 24 (PIA) --- Records from the Police Regional Office (PRO-7) showed that more suspects involved in illegal drugs, either as users or pushers, have been nabbed in Central Visayas with 2,720 arrests from January to November 15, 2014 compared to the 1,759 arrests last year and 1,258 in 2012.

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ince then the PRO-7 arrested 5,737 illegal drugs suspects in the region.

The PRO-7 also reported a drastic hike on the number of cases filed against illegal drugs suspects with 3,091 cases now lodged in the proper courts since January to mid-November, this year compared to the 1,622 cases last year and 1,374 in 2012.

“There is an increase of 90 percent in the volume of illegal drugs cases filed in the courts this year compared to last year,” bared P/Supt.

Marvin Sanchez, chief of the Regional Anti-Illegal Drugs Special Operations Task Group (RAIDSOTG) of PRO-7 during the recent „Talakayan sa Isyung Pulis‟ (TSIP) Forum.

According to Sanchez, more anti-illegal drug operations have also been conducted this year

from January to November 15 with 2,173 operations corresponding to slightly over 50 percent increase compared to last year.

In 2013, the PRO-7 conducted 1,417 drug operations and in 2012 with 1,188 operations.

From 2012 to November 15, this year, PRO-7 confiscated some 13,785.42 grams of shabu with a net worth of P162.667 million.

The Cebu Provincial Police Office (CPPO) on the other hand conducted the most number of anti-illegal drugs operations since 2012 with 1,544 followed by the Cebu City Police Office (CCPO) with 1,291 and in third spot is the Negros Oriental Provincial Police Office (NPPO) with 616.

In the most number of apprehensions since 2012, the CPPO also ranked first with 2,019

followed again by the CCPO with 1,527 and third placer is again the NPPO with 664 arrests.

Likewise, CPPO led all police offices in the region with the most number of cases filed against illegal drugs suspects since 2012 at 1,670 followed by the CCPO with 1,474 cases while Lapulapu City Police Office ranked third with 922 cases.

PRO-7 deputy regional director for operations S/Supt. Conrado Capa said population and local economy are major factors that determine the rise of illegal drugs which comes as of no surprise why Cebu among all provinces in the region is beset with the social problem. “But we assure the people of Central Visayas that your police is working hard in addressing the problem,” said Capa. (mbcn/FCR/PIA-7)

PIA teaches Negrense youths to be responsible social media handlers VALENCIA, Negros Oriental, Nov. 24 (PIA) – Young people should use social media with a purpose, to spread good news and positive information that can help shape positive opinion of the country.

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his was the message of the Philippine Information Agency (PIA-7) regional director Minerva Newman in her talk about Youth‟s Role in Social Media during an environmental youth camp for some 70 Negros Island student leaders last weekend.

The Energy Development Corporation, a geothermal energy firm operating in Valencia, Negros Oriental conducted the event that started on Nov. 20 to Nov. 22 at the EDC‟s camp facility in Barangay Puhagan.

Over 70 student leaders from different colleges and universities from Negros Oriental and Occidental attended the youth camp.

In her talk, Newman stressed to campers that social media is a tool that can be used to influence and shape the opinion and promote positive thinking and nation building since information on the net and social media are accessible, easier to find and can be used readily.

Based on the 2013 Young Adult Fertility and Sexuality study conducted by the University of the Philippines Population Institute (UPPI) and the

Demographic Research and Development Foundation, 67.0% of young people in Central Visayas are using internet and 54. 6% have social media accounts.

The advancement of technology resulting to creation of computer tablets and smartphones contributed to the increased access of internet and social media sites.

With this, Newman encourages camp participants to use social media sites as an avenue to express positive posts instead of spreading lies, violence and anger.

“It is your platform to be able to sway and shape the opinion of the world,” Newman said.

She also told them to use their social media accounts in promoting an advocacy especially environmental protection awareness which is the aim of the youth camp.

Newman shared to campers some applications she uses to maximize her use of social media. Most of these applications can be downloaded in apps service provider in

smartphones.

Aside from this she also taught them how the advantages of putting “hastags” in their posts. „Hastags‟ are words with the # found at the beginning of them. This forms a category for posts in social media sites like Facebook, Twitter and Instagram. Social media sites automatically collect and collate posts that contain the same hashtag and this can be viewed in a single newsfeed.

Later on, campers were given a hashtag they will use in the whole duration of the camp.

Organizers of the event put campers in a contest by challenging them to gain many „likers‟ and „shares‟ in their post using the given hashtag and the one with the most number of „likes‟ and „shares‟ gets a prize from EDC. But more importantly, Newman emphasized that young people should be responsible media handlers. She reminded everyone that whatever they post in their social media accounts reflects their character so they should be careful in what they put in Facebook status or tweets in Twitter. (mbcn/ral/PIA7-NegOr)

PIA, DENR strengthens climate change advocacy during Dumaguete charter parade DUMAGUETE CITY, Nov. 24 (PIA) – The climate change advocacy team from the Philippine Information Agency (PIA) and the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) with the Dumaguete City Environment and Natural Resources Office (ENRO) join the 66th Charter Day Parade today to further boost Dumagueteños‟ level of awareness on the on-going climate change advocacy campaign.

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his is part of the tactical reinforcement to the campaign‟s objective to instill the importance of carrying out climate change adaptation and mitigation measures to avoid its adverse impacts to the environment.

The PIA, DENR and City ENRO created a parade float designed with some handicraft products made of plastic bottles and other recyclable materials. A placard which hung at the upper part of the float flashed the words “Basura Mo, Buhay Ko.” This conveys the message that people can have livelihood opportunities with recyclable garbage.

Meanwhile, four officers of the city ENRO wore four different receptacles that represented the four types of waste based on R.A. 9003 and these are biodegradable, non-biodegradable, hazardous wastes and residual wastes.

This is to remind the public on the city

ordinance that enforces residents to practice proper waste segregation. Each receptacle has its own color depending on the type of trash. Green is biodegradable wastes, red for non-biodegradable garbage, yellow for hazardous trash, and black for residual wastes.

At the same time, two Santa Claus mascots carrying tree seedlings and a slogan that says “Nagbago na ako” and “Santa plants trees” also paraded the main thoroughfares of Dumaguete City.

Its purpose is to remind young people on the gift they can give to mother Earth in this season of giving and that is planting trees to mitigate and adapt to the bad effects of climate change.

Also, PIA-Negros Oriental personal handed over caps and fans to parade spectators as freebies.

A total of 46 personnel from PIA, DENR and ENRO participated in the citywide civic-military parade. Several Dumaguete City local government

offices, schools and barangays also partook in the parade.

To recall, since January, the PIA-DENR worked hand-in-hand to carry out a climate change mitigation and adaptation campaign.

The two government agencies did some briefings and seminars to several stakeholders like media, public information officers and the youth to inform them on this on-going climate problem.

In September, PIA and DENR went to different high schools in Dumaguete City to conduct an eight-day school caravan to encourage young people to be actively involved in climate change mitigation and adaptation.

Recently, the PIA, DENR and City ENRO installed a “LaKAsLIKASAN” billboard at Rizal Boulevard to create appreciation to the city‟s coastal resources and emphasize to the public the value of contributing to sea and marine preservation. (mbc/ral/PIA7-NegOr)

CENTRAL VISAYAS

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Negrense student leaders plant native trees to help preserve Mt.Talinis VALENCIA, Negros Oriental, Nov. 22 (PIA) – To show the importance of preserving and sustaining biodiversity in Mount Talinis, several Negrense youths participated in a tree planting activity in Nasulo, Valencia recently.

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ver 70 student leaders from different colleges and universities from Negros Oriental and Occidental helped in preserving Mt. Talinis by planting a some 43 indigenous tree species in a tree planting site in Nasulo as part of the activities of a weekend environmental „BINHI‟ Youth Camp organized by the Energy Development Corporation (EDC) in partnership with the Philippine Informtion Agency (PIA)-Negros Oriental.

The camp was held last November 20-22 at the EDC camp facility in Barangay Puhagan.

BINHI campers specifically planted six seedlings of Tuai, six seedlings of Udling, six seedlings of Almaciga, five seedlings of Lokinai, two seedlings of White Lauan, three seedlings of Supa, five seedlings of Nato, four seedlings of Kamagong and six seedlings of Kalantas.

These are just some of the indigenous tree species that grow in Mt. Talinis.

EDC Watershed Management Head Abba Grace Sanchez noted that EDC staff will takeover in taking care of these seedlings and ensure their growth into big trees.

This aims to instill to these Negrense youth

leaders some environmental protection measures they can do and also inform them on different environmental programs conducted by the renewable energy firm.

Sanchez said youths are energetic sector that can help in spreading the advocacy on environmental conservation and sustainability.

“We are actually doing this youth camp to train these student leaders to enhance leadership skils nila, to instill environmental awareness and to educate them on clean, renewable energy,” Sanchez said.

Meanwhile, EDC officials clarified that the renewable energy firm has not yet conducted any tree cutting activity this year in response to allegations that another 700 trees were cut for their expansion project.

Sanchez, whose division is in charge of securing permits from DENR, explained that so far, EDC had its tree cutting operation last year for the expansion of their Nasulo geothermal site and the access road for it.

The permit for this tree cutting activity was issued in February 2013.

“As of now, we haven‟t submitted any tree

cutting permit application for this year,” she adds.

“Kung walang tree cutting permit na binibigay ang DENR at kung walang makukuha doon ang public ibig sabihin walang tree cutting activity na gagawin si EDC,” Sanchez stressed.

EDC Vice President for Negros Island Geothermal Business Unit (NIGBU), Engr. Dwight Maxino on the other hand, mentioned that EDC is keeping its responsibility in maintaining the biodiversity in Mt. Talinis and its watershed areas by planting 100 seedlings for every tree that is cut.

“We cannot replace immediately those trees we have cut but after many years of taking care of these seedlings, there will come a time that these will become big trees also,” Maxino said. So far, EDC‟s tree planting program has reached 2, 200 hectares of denuded land in their area of operations.

He assured the public that EDC will continue to plant more trees around their areas of operation. According to Maxino, this is part of the company‟s program to save Mt. Talinis.

EDC is a Lopez-run renewable energy firm that operates a geothermal plant facility in Valencia town. (mbcn/ral/PIA7-NegOr)

PIA7 to take Climate Change Advocacy to next level DUMAGUETE CITY, Nov. 27 (PIA) – Philippine Information Agency (PIA-7) to take climate change advocacy to the next level.

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ll staff of PIA from the provinces of Cebu, Negros Oriental, Bohol and Siquijor are all gathered to plan for the next necessary steps in taking to the next level advocacy strategies of climate change.

The Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) tasked the PIA to carry out majority of the information and communication programs geared on features and mitigating factors surrounding the climate change phenomenon.

“This year in terms of marketing, we were able to reach out wholesale. This time, or next year, we go in retail,” according to PIA7 regional director Minerva Newman as she quoted the 'next level' advocacy campaign with the communication tagline "Pagbabago".

The campaign‟s over-all battle cry is “Nagbago-bago na ang panahaon, panahon na para magbago” (The time is changing, it‟s time to change).

This year‟s activities were all drawn to raise level of awareness on the nature of climate

change, factors that lead to its occurrence and current manifestations like flood, increase in water level, extreme weather changes and landslides.

There were also messages on human behaviors which contributed to climate change such as vehicle gas emissions, factory toxics, power and water wastage and indiscriminate cutting of trees among others.

“The main message was to create the will and urgency to change and to take actions now,” Newman said.

The provincial information centers were able to reach out to thousands of children in Campus Caravans, sports activities as well as literary and photo contests.

There were also geo tagging of places in need of protection or a model of an environmental best practice.

Along with DENR, PIA initiated tree growing within the climate change advocacy implementation and were able to plant over 10,000 narra seedlings in the entire Central

Visayas.

By next year, Newman said, the advocacy will now reached to specific sectors with a list of all the behavior changes aligned with being a person that has really adapted to change for the environment.

“This time, we will have 'Kalikasan Natin, Kaligtasan Natin' (Our environment, our Safety) as our continuing message flow," Newman added.

The provincial information center managers were then tasked to come up with activities bearing the newly developed message to brand.

The various strategies include the use of local celebrities and personalities endorsing the advocacy.

At the end of the three day gathering is also the presentation of a region wide audio video production showcasing the different activities of each province.

This will be shown at the Climate Change Summit in Manila on December 3. (mbcn/FCC/ PIA7-Cebu)

Agrarian farmers receive indemnity from insurance program CEBU CITY, Nov. 22 (PIA) --- The Department of Agrarian Reform (DAR)-Cebu Provincial Office and the Philippine Crop Insurance Program (PCIC) distributed indemnity awards to some 148 agrarian reform beneficiaries (ARBs) that were affected by typhoon Yolanda that hit northern Cebu last year.

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AR-7 assistant regional director and concurrent provincial agrarian reform program officer Dr. Antonio del Socorro said, as of October 31, 2014, they distributed crop loss indemnity checks of P1,277,192 to the farmer beneficiaries from the municipalities of Bogo, Borbon, Daanbantayan, Medellin, San Remegio, Sogod, Sta Fe, and Bantayan Island whose crops were destroyed by the super typhoon Yolanda.

DAR and PCIC forged an agreement under the Agricultural Insurance Program (AIP) that allows farmer-beneficiaries to collect payments in case of losses and damages to their crops and farm animals caused by natural calamities or fortuitous events.

The AIP is a P17.1 billion crop insurance coverage plan implemented by DAR and PCIC which is an attached agency of the Department of Agriculture (DA), where the agrarian reform office provides a premium subsidy worth of P1

billion to PCIC for 2014.

It is a safety net for ARBs against losses caused by crop pests, diseases, losses from damage of farm machineries and also from the devastating unpredictable weather patterns due to climate change.

The insurance program benefits agrarian reform beneficiaries who are members of agrarian reform beneficiary organizations (ARBOs) in Central Visayas. (mbcn/HFG/PIA-7/ with reports from Gay Visitacion/DAR-7)

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EASTERN VISAYAS

Public works officials learn DRR, climate change lessons CATBALOGAN CITY, Samar, Nov. 27 (PIA) - Employees of the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) in Eastern Visayas attended a two-day seminar workshop on District Disaster Risk Reduction Management (DRRM) and climate change.

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he Bureau of Maintenance headed

by Engr. Ma. Vishna M. Manio reviewed and enhanced the participants‟ knowledge on the Incident Command System (ICS) as well as the details of their roles and responsibilities during a disaster.

Members of the DRRM Team from District Offices in Biliran, Eastern Samar, Southern Leyte, Northern Samar I and II and Samar I and II attended the event.

Through the seminar-workshop strategies, the participants realized the varying disaster risks brought by climate change.

As per Republic Act. 10121 -

Philippine Disaster Risk Reduction Management Act & Republic Act 9729 or Climate Change Act paved the way for the creation of the National Disaster Risk Redu ct ion Man agement Coun cil (NDRRMC) chaired by Secretary of National Defense.

Presently, the country has 17 Regional Disaster Risk Reduction Management Councils, 79 Provincial DRRM Councils, 122 City DRRM Councils, 1,512 Municipal DRRM Councils and 42,027 barangay DRRM Councils.

The four pillars of DRRM includes prevention and mitigation, disaster preparedness, disaster response and rehabilitation and recovery.

Resource Speakers stressed more on managing incidents using the Incident Command System which provides for the achievement of tactical objectives, efficient use of resources and common operating procedure.

The employees were also instructed to submit situational reports and funding request for structures damaged by disaster.

“It cannot be denied then, that climate change is here to stay and disaster may occur anytime of the day,” said District Engineer Virgilio Eduarte. (ajc/nbq/PIA8 Samar with reports from Marianette Gomez of DPWH Samar 1)

P160-M infra completed in Samar CATBALOGAN CITY, Samar, Nov. 26 (PIA) - Some P160 Million worth of infrastructure projects have been completed by the DPWH Samar First Engineering District Office this November.

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n a statement, District Engineer Virgilio Eduarte said that on top of the project package under the National Expenditure Program (NEP) is the most awaited concreting of the Gandara-Matuginao Road with P 50 Million.

Though the total distance has not been concreted fully, this could be a start as some more funds will be infused then in the 34 kilometer road.

This P50 M project covers some concreting of 2, 757.00 linear meters road, subgrade preparation, and aggregate base course and Portland cement concrete pavement with 230 mm. thickness.

At this early, Matuginao Mayor Melissa dela Cruz, is very grateful.

“It has been a long-time dream for us that Gandara-Matuguinao road will be concreted. It gives us hope that time will come when the road to Matuguinao will be fully-concreted, then economic activities will be more vibrant for a more progressive municipality.”

The Gandara-Matuginao Road is followed by flood control structures along strategic locations within the district to avert flooding in flood prone areas.

This includes the construction/rehab of the flood control structure in Minlawa-an Phase ll of Barangay San Policarpo, Calbayog City; another flood control project in Barangay Bugtong, Calbayog City; paved road slip along Calbayog Old National route;

retrofitting /rehab/strengthening of Oquendo Bridge along Calbayog-Catarman road and the construction/rehab of another flood control structure along Baarangay Begaho, Oquendo District.

All infrastructure projects have adapted the build back better scheme, Eduarte said in an earlier interview.

This maybe more expensive, he added but this will ensure resiliency. The District‟s Inspectorate team composed of the Section Chiefs headed by Assistant District Engineer Alvin Ignacio conducted the final Inspection on all six completed projects to see to it that these projects comply with the plans and specifications. (ajc/nbq/PIA8 Samar/ Drixel Ortega DPWH Samar 1)

Road traffic team holds day of remembrance in Maasin City MAASIN CITY, Southern Leyte, Nov. 24 (PIA) – The caravan of the Road Traffic Injury Prevention Program Team in Eastern Visayas motored to Maasin City in November 21 for this year's conduct of the World Day of Remembrance for Road Traffic Injury Victims and for the Unity Ride.

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he caravan was participated by around 300 motorists from Tacloban City which include the Department of Health (DOH) and Land Transportation Office personnel, PhilHealth-8, Tacloban City Medical Team, EVRMC Medical Team, Department of Toursim-8, among other riders throughout the region.

The city government of Maasin led by Mayor Maloney Samaco joined the team as they reached the city in a motorcade.

Maasin City Mayor Maloney Samaco as he welcomed the visitors said, “Maaasin City is very supportive of the programs of the health department,” disclosing Hall of Fame Awards received by the city such as the Hall of Fame Award in Nutrition Program and the Red

Orchid Hall of Fame award.

He was grateful for DOH for conducting the World Day of Remembrance for the Road Traffic Injury Victims 2014 and the Unity Ride in Maasin City.

Meanwhile, Dr. Paula Sydiongco from DOH-8 who represented Regional Director Dr. Jose Llacuna revealed that road traffic injury victims is one of the major public health issue of DOH, saying that there are 3 major causes of traffic injuries such as unsafe roads, unsafe vehicle and the lack of concern on traffic rules.

She added that road safety and vehicle‟s safety should be a primary concern of motorists. “In the Philippines, accidents can also be caused by stray animals, particularly

streets dogs.”

DOH is advocating road safety not only the LTO, she noted. Education is not enough, it should be backed with a political will, Sydiongco added.

Ordinances from the local government is important, she further stressed such as the use of seatbelts, preventive drunk drivers, lightened major roads, among other important concerns.

A lighting of the Urn of Remembrance was also conducted led by Mayor Samaco and Dr. Sydiongco, among other officials and guests. The signing of commitment by the participants concerned concerned folowed after the lighting of the Urn of Remembrance. (ajc/rgc/PIA8-SoLeyte)

EASTERN VISAYAS

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Borongan City pupils take part in climate change forum BORONGAN CITY, Eastern Samar, Nov. 22 (PIA) - More than 500 elementary school children in Borongan City learned more about climate change in two forums organized by Philippine Information Agency.

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he forum were held in Eugenio S. Daza Pilot Elementary School and Sabang Central Elementary School on November 18, 2014.

Speakers from PIA and the Department of Environment and Natural Resources gave the children insights on waste management and environment protection.

PIA-8 OIC Alicia E. Nicart said she was very pleased with how the children

responded to the speakers during the forum.

“These schoolchildren are really aware of climate change so we really hit our target,” Nicart said.

The same activity is being organized by PIA in other provinces in the region.

The government‟s climate change advocacy campaign no longer only focuses on awareness but a general

shift of attitude towards climate change.

This is evidenced by its slogan, “Nagbabago na ang panahon. Panahon na para magbago.”

The students also took part in a choral competition and extemporaneous speaking contest and were shown documentaries about climate change and supertyphoon Yolanda. (ajc/Medora Quirante/PIA8-E Samar)

Guinsaugon survivors face another battle TACLOBAN CITY, Leyte, Nov. 28 - On February 2006, a remote village in Saint Bernard, Southern Leyte hugged the global headlines when it was buried under mud and rubbles in a landslide killing thousands of people. The agony of some of the survivors in Barangay Guinsaugon continues as they face another battle.

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he Guinsaugon Livelihood Association (GLA) is now in a quandary how they can save their livelihood.

After the landslide only a few residents then survived. Some said they were able to run to safer grounds, while others said they were in another area when it happened.

Various assistance poured in from different sectors nationally and internationally for the survivors.

Barangay Guinsaugon is a farming village at the foot of a mountain with 89 agrarian reform beneficiaries (ARBs) prior to the catastrophe, thus it was launched into an agrarian reform community (ARC) by the Department of Agrarian Reform (DAR). Sadly, less than 50 percent of the ARBs survived.

Following the tragedy, the survivors took refuge temporarily at the Cristo Rey Regional High School (CRRHS) under the care of Bishop Precioso Cantillas before they were relocated permanently at the New Guinsaugon relocation site.

In an interview with Chona Bolasco, one of the ARB survivors and president of the GLA, she narrated that while at the CRRHS the women were organized and GLA was formed for a livelihood where 20 took it seriously. Twelve of them were ARBs. From 2006-2009, according to her, GLA engaged in salboro, otap and miki making. Each of them was paid P70 per day until the production was stopped for unknown reason to them.

But before 2009 was over, then Mayor Rico Rentuza requested from the Department of Science and Technology (DOST) to conduct livelihood training for them, she added.

DOST then introduced the squash noodles as

the raw material was abundant in the area all-year round.

In order to equip them with the machines needed in the production of the squash noodles and enable them to move on with their livelihood, the local government unit under former Mayor Rentuza entered into a P397,000 loan agreement with DOST. Meanwhile, non-government organizations (NGOs) Plan Philippines, Care Philippines and ACCORD provided the GLA financial assistance which amounted to a combined total amount of P70,000 which the latter used as a start up capital.

GLA treasurer Jovy Rafaela explained that the association sold the noodles at P140 per kilo or P35 per pack (equivalent to ¼ kilo).

Their biggest market according to Bolasco is the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) which the latter used for their feeding program in Day Care centers.

According to Rafaela, DSWD orders from them 131 kilos though not regularly. DSWD‟s order just depends on the agency‟s availability of funds, she added.

When asked how much they earn from noodle production, Rafaela disclosed that from the 131-kilo order of DSWD, they earn P18,000 less P11,000 production cost leaving them a net income of seven thousand pesos.

With their meager fund and limited market GLA produce intermittently.

To legalize the existence of the association and help them venture into a larger scale business DAR facilitated the registration of the GLA at the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) and at the Bureau of Internal Revenue for them to be able to issue official receipts.

They are now also in the process of securing a license from the Bureau of Food and Drugs.

Municipal Agrarian Reform Program Officer (MARPO) Franco Cinco disclosed that the association became a recipient too of P100,000 financial assistance under DAR‟s Village Level Processing Center Enhancement Project, which they used to renovate the vacated building of the Philippine Business for Social Progress (PBSP) at the New Guinsaugon relocation site where they transferred their processing center last year.

The product somehow is already known to nearby towns with present St. Bernard Mayor Napoleon Cuaton himself promoting it as a healthy food.

But just like their life in Guinsaugon, the journey of the GLA is not smooth sailing at all.

As they were thinking to have discovered an alternative income after they lost their farmlots in that landslide, the members of the GLA are currently facing another battle.

The burden of paying the P397,000 loan with the DOST is now being thrown to them by the present local government administration.

“Where in this world will we get that amount?”, Bolasco asked. Some members have even withdrawn their memberships upon learning this, she added.

Bolasco is now calling for financial help to save their livelihood. According to her, DOST threatened to pull out all the equipment and utensils should they fail to pay the amount.

Meanwhile, DAR Regional Director Sheila Enciso instructed the Program Beneficiaries Development Division (PBDD) to study what possible assistance the agency could still extend to GLA. (JAS/DAR-8)

Samar Capitol brings back Christmas cheers CATBALOGAN CITY, Samar, Nov. 25 (PIA) - Samar Capitol brings back the tradition of bringing Christmas cheers to its populace through the “Light a Tree” project ushered by the provincial government.

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t dusk yesterday, Governor Sharee Ann Tan switched on the light that brought the whole Capitol Park into a glittering Christmas Village with the theme “Christmas around the World”.

“We missed this last year as we condoled with Yolanda victims, now that they are back on their feet, we have bounced back too, to also show the world that we have moved forward, that we have risen above the challenges caused by Yolanda,” said Tan in her message. Samarnons found themselves

awed by miniature landmarks from the Sydney Opera House in Australia, Petronas Twin Towers in Malaysia, the Eiffel Tower in Paris, The Colosseum in Rome, the Hanging Gardens of Babylon, Angkor Wat in Caambodia and many others.

Each agency took responsibility in „lighting the tree‟ and making extra effort for the theme.

Ron Roma who is now 23 and works under the Government Internship Program (GIP) said that ever since he remembers, the spectacle at the Capitol

Park has brought cheers to the young and old alike. Park patronizers have a grand time taking pictures all around.

Mobile Food Stalls have also made money out of the many park goers that they stay until midnight to serve them.

There is also a Christmas Bazaar where food, clothing apparel and other household items are for sale.

The nightly spectacle will be available to all Samarnons until January 4, 2015, said the young governor. (ajc/nbq/PIA8 Samar)

One Visayas e-newsletter is published weekly by the Visayas Regional Cluster of the Philippine Information Agency (PIA) comprising Region 6, 7 and 8. Its main editorial office is located at PIA Region 6, Iloilo City.

One Visayas e-newsletter is part of the online news and information dissemination services of PIA and is powered by www.issuu.com. For inquiries and suggestions, call Tel. Nos. (033) 3378719/3377301 or e-mail piaamo6@yahoo.com.

Ms. Minerva BC Newman Regional Director, PIA 7

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

Ms. 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