One Visayas e-Newsletter Vol 4 Issue 26

Vol 4

Issue 26

In this Issue WESTERN VISAYAS

Various media personalities representing media groups and their respective organizations pledge support for an intensified and extensive information, education and communication campaign on climate change mitigation and adaptation measures during the launching of PIA-DENR Climate Change Advocacy Campaign in Capiz last June 25 in Roxas City. (PIA Capiz photo/Jemin B. Guillermo)

More on Region 6, pages 2-3.

CENTRAL VISAYAS

June 30 - July 6, 2014

Published by: PIA 6, 7 & 8

TESDA grants P40.5M scholarship vouchers for CV BY: FAYETTE C. RIÑEN CEBU CITY, July 1 (PIA) -- The Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA) recently distributed scholarship vouchers to the 16 municipalities in northern Cebu that were hit by typhoon Yolanda.

TESDA director general Joel Villanueva visited Cebu recently to lead the distribution of the scholarship grants to the mayors and their constituents of the towns which got the bulk of the P40.5 million allocated for Central Visayas.

“The free trainings for typhoon survivors will allow them to start their own small business to sustain them,” Villanueva said as livelihood starter kits will be given to beneficiaries as well.

Vocational trainings for the recipients included those on carpentry, welding, commercial cooking and massage therapy among other special trainings that could open opportunities for the survivors.

TESDA is advancing its special training for the recipients so they could benefit from employment opportunities.

This way, Villanueva said, the agency can contribute in effectively addressing underemployment and unemployment in the regions.

“TESDA’s scholarship programs for Cebu last year had P32 million budget intended for 3,036 slots.

“This year, the agency increased its budget allocation to P101.268 million to provide for 6,029 targeted slots,” Villanueva said.

Villanueva added that TESDA advocates its programs for the young people, especially out-of-school youths for them to realize there is still hope in this country and to inspire them to

never stop dreaming.

After a press conference, Villanueva with ex-players of the Philippine Basketball Association (PBA) showed off their skills during a basketball exhibition game billed “Shoot for your Dream” organized by TESDA-7.

The game is part of TESDA-7’s social marketing and advocacy program.

The game ended with a score of 98-95 for the Team Trabaho over Team Specialistas. (mbcn/FCR/PIA7 with reports from Kristal A. Eduyan, PIT intern)

TESDA Dir. General and Sec. Joel Villanueva (center) poses with some recipients of TESDA's scholarship voucher in a recent awarding ceremony last June 24 at the Provincial Convention Center. TESDA awarded P20 million worth of scholarship vouchers to 17 schools in Negros Oriental for its Training for Work Scholarship Program. (ral/PIA7-NegOr)

Army launches Project Shoe Box in EVisayas CATBALOGAN City, Samar, June 26 (PIA) - About 9,000 shoe boxes containing school supplies and personal care items were turned over to Department of Education Samar Division and to 8th Infantry Division Philippine Army.

The 8th ID Philippine Army launched Project Shoebox in a simple ceremony at their Headquarters in Catbalogan City PIA Director General USec. Jose Marie recently.

Oquiñena accepting the plaque of appreciation Boyet Singson, representing 2GO (a cargo forwarder) from PIA -7 Regional Director Minerva BC Eduardo Pabunan, DepEd-Samar, and Maj Newman and RADIO-7 President Carlo turned over to Dr. Dugaduga after his talk on the Bayanihan in Gen. Jet B. Velarmino, the Commander of 8th ID PA. The Climate Change Mitigation during the cargo forwarder shipped the items from Metro Manila for launching of PIA-DENR Climate Change free.

“This is a simple way of letting our elementary students Advocacy Campaign at Elizabeth Hotel, Cebu City on June 10. (vvv/PIA Cebu) feel that the Army here in Eastern Visayas and other stakeholders show our simple but genuine concern for their welfare,” Velarmino said.

Project Shoebox was first launched by the U.P. Sigma More on Region 7, pages 4-5.

Alpha Sorority and the 4th Light Armor Battalion, Light Armor Division in Camp Nakar, Lucena City in February 2012 according to 8th ID Public Affairs Division Office (DPAO) EASTERN VISAYAS Chief Amado Gutierrez.

He said that the project utilized a shoe box as a package, wherein basic school supplies and other personal care items were put into it and were distributed to selected Elementary schools.

From then on, the Philippine Army and its subordinate units spearheaded the same project that helped thousands of families who had problems buying school supplies for their children.

In 2013, some 116,096 recipient-students from 381 public elementary schools in different areas in Metro Manila, Central Luzon, Southern Luzon, Bicol region, Compostela Valley, and Davao Oriental received the same.

Velarmino calls on all education stakeholders, especially those in the business community and those who have much in life to support this project.

“As we do this, we are strengthening the nation’s culture that places importance on giving something to alleviate others plight. In turn, we expect that the recipients will emulate the same action in the future,” Velarmino expressed during the turnover ceremony. (PIA 8- Samar with Avha H. Ebalde)

Ilonggos' strength, industry, talent lauded

Cabinet secretaries (counter clockwise) Corazon “Dinky” Soliman (DSWD), Virgilio de los Reyes (DAR), Bro. Armin Luistro (DepEd), Mar Roxas (DILG), Leyte governor Dominico Petilla, Oriental Mindoro governor Alfonso Umali, National President, League of Provinces of the Philippines, Javier (Leyte) mayor Leonardo Javier, and LMP National President and Ormoc City mayor Edward Codilla shared a light moment during the launching of the National Community-Driven Development Program (NCDDP) held at Ormoc Villa Hotel, Ormoc City, June 23. (Vino R. Cuayzon/PIA8)

More on Region 8, pages 6-7.

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By: Leonard T. Pineda I ILOILO CITY, June 30 (PIA6) --- President Benigno Aquino III lauded the strength, industry and talent of the Ilonggos which paved way for the implementation of big time development projects in the city and province of Iloilo.

In his message during the inauguration rites of the Iloilo River Plains Subdivision Phase 1 Project in Bgy. Lanit, Jaro district during his recent visit here, President Aquino said that the astounding transformation in Iloilo is the result of careful planning, collective efforts, and appropriate use of government funds.

“Malinaw na hindi ito nangyari sa isang iglap lang. Mula ito sa masusing pagpaplano, sa kolektibong pagsusumikap, sa masinop na paggugol ng kaban ng bayan, at sa paninindigang ito ay maisasakatuparan,” he stressed.

“Ang susi po nito: Mulat kayo sa inyong mga kalakasan.

Batid ninyo ang biyayang kaakibat ng estratehikong lokasyon ng inyong probinsya, ng inyong likas na yaman, at ng kilalang sipag at talento ng mga Ilonggo—at kitang-kita naman po na sinasagad ninyo ang potensyal ng mga positibong katangiang ito,” he said.

President Aquino said that the success of these big time

projects stemmed from the unity and cooperation of the national government, the local government units, and the private sector.

“Pero higit sa lahat, mula ito sa mga kababayan nating Ilonggo, na bukod sa tiwala at matibay na suporta, ay nakikiambag din sa katuparan ng ating mga inisyatiba,” he also said.

President Aquino also assured the residents that he will continue to seek reforms so progress will be continuous.

“Habang umaarangkada nga po ang kalakhang Iloilo sa kaunlaran, tinitiyak natin na sa ating mga Boss na Ilonggo ay walang maiiwan,” he said.

Aside from the inauguration of the P170-million NHA housing project, President Aquino also led the inauguration of four bridges along the Iloilo Circumferential Road (C-1) Jaro Bridge II worth P2.1 billion and the two-kilometer section of the proposed P500-million Senator Benigno Aquino Jr. Avenue Road Widening Project in Brgy. San Rafael, Mandurriao district here. The President also inspected the P700-million Iloilo Convention Center in the Iloilo Business Park, Brgy. Old Airport, Mandurriao district. (JCM/LTP/PIA-Iloilo)

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WESTERN VISAYAS

Customs’ revenues surge to P546.3M BY: LEONARD T. PINEDA I ILOILO CITY, July 2 (PIA6) --- Total revenues collected by the Bureau of Customs (BOC) Collection District VI here continued to grow with a total collection of P546,350,678.00 for the first and second quarters of 2014.

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rnelito Aquino, District Collector of Port of Iloilo, said that the amount is 31.3 percent or P130 million higher than their targeted income of P416 million for the first half of the year.

The total revenue is the combined collection performance of Port of Iloilo and the Sub-Port of Pulupandan in Negros Occidental from January to June 27, 2014.

“For the first quarter of 2014, the total collection reached P249,439,466.00

which is 24 percent higher than their 1st quarter target of P200 million,” he said.

He said that for the second quarter, the total collection surged to P296,911,212.00 which is 38 percent higher than their target of P215 million.

The Customs official also said that the District Port of Iloilo is dependent on the collection performance of its sub-port in Pulupandan.

The total collection for the sub-port of Pulupandan reached P389,106,161.00 which is 71 percent of the revenues

collected by Collection District VI for the first half of the year.

The sub-port has the biggest player by the name of Seaoil, an independent petroleum company.

“If the Seaoil imports, every vessel more or less pays P45 million to P50 million in terms of dues and taxes,” he said.

The BOC Collection District VI is tasked to collect P843,983,000 as annual collection target for 2014. (JCM/LTP/PIA -Iloilo)

Climate change mitigation is everybody's concern BY: EASTER ANNE D. DOZA NEGROS OCCIDENTAL, June 30 (PIA6) - - Natural calamities are not exclusive, they don’t choose their victims. Thus, addressing the challenge of climate change needs everyone’s concerted effort.

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e a n of t h e S c h o ol o f Environment Science and Management of the University of the Philippines, Los Baños Dr. Leonardo Florece said this in a forum organized b y the Center for Environmental Initiatives here as part of the 22nd Provincial Environment Week.

Florece said people could easily cope with the changing climate, especially Filipinos because we are resilient but the suffering will be too much as even small

children are not spared because climate change will take some time.

“Adaption measures on climate change vary strategies on how to cope with changing climate depending on society and the different sectors like fisheries, urban cities, forests, among others,” Florece told PIA. But, it’s not all adaptation, according to Florece. It is how we can mitigate the impact, like rehabilitation of watershed because the denudation of forests

contributes greatly to global warming.

“Climate change is caused by increasing green house gases in the atmosphere.

Therefore we should recover/ rehabilitate a lot of forests,” Florece added.

“Select and use products that are organic and made of biodegradable materials rather than use a lot of plastics,” Florece added.*(JCM/EAD-PIA6 Negros Occidental)

OCD6 renews call for disaster preparedness By: Vicente W. Villavert SAN Jose, Antique, July 2 (PIA6) - - Office of the Civil Defense Director Rosario Cabrera, who is also the Regional Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (RDRRMC) chair, cited the national simultaneous earthquake drill as a renewed call for disaster preparedness.

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This is the simultaneous drill for the third quarter of the year, and likewise part of the government’s program on disaster preparedness,” Cabrera said in a PIA interview.

Accordin g to Cabrera, the Municipality of San Jose is this year’s focus of the drill “in order to showcase their disaster-response capability”, with national, regional and local evaluators identifying specific weaknesses for improvement and promote continuing efforts to stren gth en disast er preparedness.

“We will look into their (San Jose) response in areas of applications in the incident command system, management of mass casualty, and conduct of earthquake and earthquake drills.

The evaluators are Dr. Joseph Bacareza of the Bureau of Fire Protection

(BFP) and one of the officers of the Incident Command System National Cadres; Fire Marshall Pamela Candido of the BFP Bago; Fire Officer Gamaliel Borro, BFP 6; Deputy Administrator of Public Safety Academy Rodney Fabon; and John Dignadice, coordinator of Health Emergency Management, Western Visayas State University Hospital, among others.

Cabrera said that all sectors must be equipped with knowledge of what to do during and after the occurrence of disasters.

Dr. Menchu Diana, the incident commander of the Angel Salasazar Memorial General Hospital during the earthquake drill said that they also performed the proper action and response during earthquakes, like evacuation of patients to safer

grounds, and after the assessment that the facility is stable and safe, the evacuated patients were returned to their rooms and the hospital’s personnel went back to their respective station.

Soon after, ambulances coming from different venues of the drills start arriving at the hospital and the incident commander shifts attention with his staff assessing the medical needs of the incoming patients.

The OCD 6 official said that the drill will constantly remind everyone of the occurrences of disasters, and that efforts to increase the public’s level of awareness must be strengthened, as well as sustain the first r e sp o n de rs t o reh e ar s e t h e i r emergency response plans. (JCM/VWV/ PIA-Antique)

WESTERN VISAYAS

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Pag-IBIG Fund upgrades Roxas City office By: Alex A. Lumaque ROXAS CITY, Capiz, July 3 (PIA6) – The Pag-IBIG Fund has recently upgraded its Capiz Extension Office into the Capiz Branch to bring Pag-IBIG services closer to its members.

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The aim of branching out is to come closer to the municipalities and is part of the Fund’s push to reorganize its structure to better address the needs of members and current business concerns,” said Pag-IBIG Fund Capiz Branch head Ronnie M. Macainan in the branch’s newsletter publication.

Pag-IBIG office in Capiz is the 64th branch in the country.

He added that Multi-Purpose Loan (MPL) loan application processing and approval will be catered at Pag-IBIG Capiz Branch upon completion of its staffing

pattern.

On the Fund’s housing loan, it is only limited to receive applications and facilitate documentation because appraisal and approval will be at Pag-IBIG Branch in Bacolod City.

“There are new programs like Hospitalization and Educaltion Loan Program (HELP) and Pag-IBIG Fund Loyalty Card that are presently piloted in some key cities will also be offered in all branches next year,” Macainan noted.

The Pag-IBIG Branch is

complemented by the creation of the Municipal Information Service Assistance (MISA) Desk in Cuartero, Pontevedra and Mambusao towns since June 5.

MISA Desks serve as Fund’s extension office to the municipalities that will offer access on Pag-IBIG services on a monthly basis for the benefit of its members.

The Fund has also its service center through the Lingkod Pinoy Service Desk at the Robinson’s Place within Pueblo de Panay here for the mall goers comfort in accessing Pag-IBIG services. (JCM/AAL/ PIA6 Capiz)

PIA6 starts campus journ seminars July By: Elsa S. Subong ILOILO CITY, July 2 (PIA6) – The Philippine Information Agency in Western Visayas has slated the 2014 Campus Journalism seminar-workshops starting July.

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hese seminar workshops expected to be participated in by incoming editors and writers, are scheduled as follows: July 30 to August 1 for colleges and universities all over the region; August 6 -8 for high schools from Capiz and Guimaras; August 13-15 for high schools from Iloilo; August 20-22 for high schools from Aklan and Antique, and September 2-4 for high schools from Negros Occidental and Bacolod City.

The seminar-workshop for college level will be at the Sarabia Manor while the rest except Bacolod City, will be at the Iloilo Grand Hotel.

Atty. Janet Mesa, PIA regional director, said the seminar-workshops are yearly offer-

ings of the PIA dating back as far as the mid-70’s to stress the relevance of development-oriented news. “It must have helped our writers much and done them good, as we have gone this far with this project,” Mesa quipped. She added that the event has added certain “flavours” each year to be responsive to current needs and concerns of campus journalism.

The sustaining modules, besides journalistic writing, started a few years ago include on-line journalism undertaken with Smart Communications, Cyber Ethics, and multi-lingual, mother-tongue publication in keeping up with the K to 12 program. This year, PIA is incorporating Collaborative Publishing to encourage teamwork and

simulate editorial office press work, adapted from the Department of Education, and the inclusion of topics on Climate Change with the DENR and Power Generation, with the National Grid Corporation of the Philippines.

Embedded in the perspective formation part of the seminar-workshops is the discussion on development communication and the thrusts of the Aquino administration.

Director Mesa said PIA has always been appreciative of the cooperation and participation of public and private schools in the region, as shown by the overflowing number of participants, way above the agency’s target. (JCM/ESS/PIA-Iloilo)

Dentists get briefing on tax liabilities By: By Venus G. Villanueva KALIBO, Aklan, July 2 (PIA6) -- The Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR) Revenue District N0. 71 here headed by Eralen B. de Aro, Revenue District Officer, recently held a briefing on Revenue Regulations (RR) No. 4-2014 at the Nino’s Ihaw-Ihaw in Kalibo, Aklan.

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he briefing, according to De Aro, is in line with its campaign to promote transparency and to eradicate tax evasion among self-employed professionals and to give clarity on the provisions of RR4-2014 among which is the compliance with BIR requirements on registration, issuance of official receipts and invoices and maintaining of books.

Some 37 dentists from all over Aklan attended the forum, although according to BIR-Aklan, there are 39 listed in the data bank, and there was also information that the province has more or less 70 dentists.

For this, BIR-Aklan RDO De Aro appealed to those who have not yet registered to register themselves with the

BIR. “We are now bringing the BIR to your doors, as registration is necessary and mandatory among self -employed professionals”, De Aro said in her welcome remarks.

De Aro said that BIR-Aklan, for this year, has a collection target goal of P1.318 billion, and collections from self-employed professionals should grow accordingly too, based on their registration with the Professional Regulation Commission (PRC).

“Let us show that Aklanons are compliant. Let us always pay our taxes, because paying our taxes is not always a burden but a blessing”, De Aro told the dentists. The briefing proper was conducted

by Revenue Officer Archie G. Delgado of

BIR-Aklan Assessment Section, followed by an Open Forum to entertain questions from participants, moderated by Revenue Officers Antonio C. Fernandez and Leslie George Plagata of the Assessment Section.

Just recently, the BIR also conducted a briefing on the Enhanced and Integrated eAcc Reg and eSales System to owners of business establishments, accountants and bookkeepers of the region to educate business taxpayers on the proper use of their Cash Register Machines (CRM), Point of Sales Machines (POS) and other business machines for the generation of receipts or invoices under the new system covered by Revenue Memorandum Circular 45-2014. (VGV-PIA6 Aklan)

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CENTRAL VISAYAS

DAR-7 assures CARPER to continue beyond June 30 BY: FAYETTE C. RIÑEN CEBU CITY, July 3 – Regional Director Stephen Leonidas of the Department of Agrarian Reform (DAR-7) assured farmers in Central Visayas whose lands have yet to be distributed under the Comprehensive Agrarian Reform Program with Extension and Reform (CARPER) that they would receive the land title as promised.

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eonidas gave the assurance during the recent forum of the Association of Government Information Officers (AGIO-7) amid reports that no land acquisition and distribution under the CARPER would be made as the program ended last June 30.

“There is nowhere in the law that states that CARP will end on June 30, 2014,” said Leonidas, adding that the law is clear that government should undertake agrarian programs founded on the rights of landless farmers.

According to Leonidas, in the Philippine agrarian setting, only 10 percent are landowners and 90 percent are workers which is why government wants to reverse the

situation through the CARP aimed at equitable land distribution favorable to landless farmers.

Leonidas clarified that what ended on June 30 was the issuance of Notice of Coverage (NOC) for landholdings under the CARPER. But for lands that have been already issued with NOC, the DAR will continue to distribute these to qualified farmers, said Leonidas.

Leonidas explained that House Bill 4296 is now pending in Congress that seeks to extend the land acquisition and distribution until 2016 for landholdings that have not been issued the NOC. “The bill is certified urgent by President Aquino himself and it is the first priority for lawmakers to tackle when Congress resumes

soon,” bared Leonidas.

Leonidas said under CARPER, a farmer-beneficiary can own a maximum of three hectares of land and a minimum of one hectare. Qualified to avail of the CARPER are shared tenants and regular farm workers, he added.

Landowners on the other hand, can still retain five hectares of their land while their children, if qualified, can each get a maximum of three-hectare land, said the DAR-7 director.

In Central Visayas, Leonidas said CARPER accomplishment is at 91 percent and only over 18,000 hectares of lands still need to be distributed. (rmn/fcr/with reports from Mary Jane G. Conciliado, PIA-7 intern)

Youth cited as powerful agents of climate change in NegOr BY: JENNIFER C. TILOS DUMAGUETE CITY, July 1 (PIA) --- In a recent ―Walk, Run & Bike for Environment‖, Regional Executive Director Isabelo Montejo of Department of Environment and Natural Resources-7 (DENR-7) recognized thousands of student-participants as powerful agents of climate change advocates. ir. Montejo has called on the expressed their concern over the increasing National Greening Program, this may pursue students from different colleges and threat posed by rising global carbon emissions sustainable development for poverty reduction, universities in Dumaguete City to and the changing climate, thus, each school food security, biodiversity conservation and bring forth collective action to address the representative presented some solutions to climate change mitigation and adaptation. In his various environmental challenges. the problems thru their slogan and poster they final statement, Montejo said that "not only do “One of the global challenges that the made. young people have a right and a need to tackle people are facing right now is climate change.

A student from Negros Oriental State climate change, they also have much to The vitality and sense of involvement of the University (NORSU) stated in his contribute.” youth are needed to be empowered citizens poster: “Protect the Nature for Our Future Meanwhile, the province of Siquijor will and as partners in pursuing to protect and Children”. For his part, Gov. Roel Degamo, soon institutionalize Climate Change mitigating conserve environment and natural resources,” through his executive assistant Angelo measures following the launching of Green Line cited Montejo. Climate change alters the Tiongson, cited the importance of young Siquijor Project and the tree-planting activity frequency and intensity of weather events, he people being environmentally conscious with held June 24 at Barangay Dumanjug, Siquijor, said. Super typhoons and cyclones are causing transportation choices that can make a big Siquijor. In a brief interview with the Philippine widespread devastations, loss of lives and impact on reducing emissions. Montejo Information Agency (PIA), provincial properties and cause sufferings of the strongly considered collective responsibility administrator Peter Samson cited the populace. Montejo cited super typhoon and people’s commitment by protecting and importance of the project and encouraged Yolanda that brought devastating effects to keeping the environment as the country works Siquijodnons to do environmental efforts communities along the coastlines thus, storm for economic development. regularly. We hope to institutionalize this surges could happen and this is the “new The DENR official said that with activity, review the process, and make it more normal”.

Presidents Aquino’s executive order No. 26 to efficient and productive, he explained. (rmn/ In the same event, young people reforest 1.5 million hectares of land under the JCT/PIA7-Negros Oriental with FCR report)

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PNP now uses social media to discipline men BY: FERLIZA CALIZAR-CONTRATISTA

CEBU CITY, July 1 (PIA) --- The Philippine National Police reminds all policemen to conduct themselves properly as they are now acting on violations posted in social media networks. n a Memorandum issued by Directorate the memo. their personnel to refrain from committing for Police Community Relations head Among the violations captured in photos violations and strictly follow PNP rules or they PCSupt Danilo Contantino, all police and videos are the non compliance to “Tamang will be held liable for the violations committed personnel are reminded to promote the Bihis” policy; improper use of vehicle plates; by their men. culture of professionalism at all times. non-wearing of helmets while riding Police Regional Office This after, the PNP had acquired photos motorcycle; violation of traffic rules; and non (PRO-7) information officer PSupt Renato captured by netizens and posted in social observance of discipline while on duty.

Dugan said the higher PNP immediately media, including that of the organization “If these concerns are not properly furnishes them a copy of cops from Central owned Facebook and Twitter Account addressed then our organization will be Visayas who were posted on social media with @PNPHotline. mocked in public and in the media due to the violations.

“However some personnel do not set the irresponsibility of the very few PNP The public is encouraged to post their best examples when in public view and while personnel,” the memo stated. complaints on the twitter and facebook performing their duties,” Constantino said in Heads of units are reminded to advise accounts of PNP. (mbcn/FCC/PIA7-Cebu)

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CENTRAL VISAYAS

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CDP-PPM troops in villages stymies rebs’ reclaim plot BY: REY ANTHONY H. CHIU BOHOL, July 2 (PIA) – "They are hurting." Thus implies 2nd Special Forces Battalion commander Lieutenant Colonel Julius Tomines, at the report that progressive peasant groups allied with Hugpong sa mga Mag-uumang Bol-anon (HUMABOL) are now incessantly demanding the removal of army development workers deployed in some barangays in Bohol.

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he demands for removal of troops are mostly in barangays which have been tagged as either insurgency affected or influenced and where legal front organization members are living.

Military sources believed the demand for army pullout is in relation to the apparent incapacity of the legal group members to reorganize and put up a semblance of regained control of the community which used to be a reliable strong mass base support.

Bohol attained “insurgency-free” status since 2009 and it has been said that communist insurgents held a tenacious grip and control of Bohol, sowing fear so the people remain submissive and could easily be pushed to support a protracted war.

The declaration came after armed groups in Bohol fled to the neighboring islands following intensive military and civil operations which all had poverty alleviation in its

crosshairs.

But life for the fleeing rebels outside Bohol was getting harder that several of them are now trying to reconnect with their mass base in Bohol in preparation for their come back, military intelligence reports revealed.

The same barangays which used to cover under the fear of fire-arms have sworn back to support the government and are implementing government development projects through the Countryside Development Program-Purok Power Movement (CDP-PPM) and its volunteers. At the Provincial Peace and Order Council (PPOC) meeting held in Dagook Park of Catigbian town recently, Col. Tomines told council members that progressive groups allied with the left have been vocally demanding the ouster of army development workers deployed under the CDP-PPM. But instead of getting alarmed, Col Tomines took the development at a positive

note.

It shows our efforts are effective for their angry reaction means that the troops’ presence may have stymied their activities, Col Tomines pointed out. It means that they can not get back in and reconnect with their mass base because somebody is watching, Tomines hinted.

The army soldiers here have long placed their firearms aside and the hammer, saw and construction equipment became their new weapons in the bigger and nobler task of nation building, according to Special Forces Information Officer Captain Jiro Poblacion.

With a perceived need to restore government trust from communities, the troops assigned to maintain the peace in Bohol partnered with civil society groups and implemented community development works under the CDP-PPM, explained Liza Quirog, program coordinator. (mbcn/rahc/PIA7-Bohol)

Cebu province calls for unity on disaster preparedness, mitigation BY: AMOR Y. SALUDAR CEBU CITY, July 2 (PIA) ---- The Cebu Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction Management Council (PDRRMC) called on the public to share efforts and be responsive to measures installed to reduced risk during disaster.

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n a recent "Post Yolanda Disaster Rehabilitation Phase: Press Briefing," Cebu PDRRMC and Task Force Paglig-on Chief Baltazar Tribunalo said that the public, government, and other stakeholders have to consider response and preparedness as one of the factors that need to be prioritized amid disaster.

Tribunalo then added that disaster risk reduction and preparedness must be shared by every part and sector of the community. “We have to engage academe, religious and business

sector and the media in disaster risk reduction and preparedness,” he said.

He noted that media must be well-informed on the plans crafted by the government on disaster. Tribunalo then added that all the plans crafted must be risk reducers.

He also said that it is now the right time for the attitude and perspectives of the Filipinos to be changed towards disaster risk reduction and to focus on mitigation and adaptation. Tribunalo then called for the public to honor every program of the government

geared towards elimination of risk at times of disasters.

He also stressed the importance of the government’s initiative in the integration of disaster risk reduction in identifying good governance among local government unit (LGUs) and government agencies.

Tribunalo also identified the integration of risk reduction in the academe and the putting of knowledge to the youth as one of the factors seen to be effective in disaster risk reduction and mitigation. (rmn/ays/PIA 7)

Visayas contributes complans for PAMANA BY: AMOR Y. SALUDAR Central Visayas, July 1 (PIA) ----- The Visayas Island established its contribution to the Payapa at Masaganang Pamayanan (PAMANA) program of the government through the creation of its regional communication plan for peaceful and developed community.

AMANA is a government’s program the PAMANA program included rebranding of Visayas included in its regional communication on promoting peace, unity and projects implemented through the PAMANA plan the utilization of the regional offices development, specifically in conflict program, control of narrative to counter through the public affairs office the integration affected and vulnerable areas in the whole propagandas that may trigger conflicts, of the PAMANA program. country. populate gains and success stories of returnees.

The Visayas Island also aimed to renew Recently the PAMANA Capacity Building The Visayas region then envisioned to be harmony and calmness of the people in noted and Communication Workshop for the best tool in transforming communities; be conflict areas by having tree planting and Government Information Officers organized by the most transparent program; insurgency free longest Espasol for Guinness world record to the Office of the Presidential Adviser on the for all areas; be removed from the poverty be done in the PAMANA road.

Peace Process (OPAPP) was held in Cebu City stigma; to have a change of attitude towards Also part of the regional plan is the on June 24-27. the government and be the best legacy of the identification of specific audience in which Part of the workshop was the crafting of PAMANA program, after two years.

Visayas region identified as grassroots the regional communication plan anchored on The region also explore the possibility of communities, youth, women, children, CNN the objectives of PAMANA program. including peace and development in the sympathizers, bone of PAMANA. There are about six (6) groups of curriculum for children to be use as channel of Polly Michelle Cunanan Communications participants from CAR, Region 4-A, Region peace.

Unit Director of OPAPP said that the Visayas 4-B, Region 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12 and Samar in particular also aimed to have a regional communication plan is very good as CARAGA. The Visayas region was divided into rebranding of road in Mondragon, Silvino some of its items presented are very realistic groups joined by CAR. Lobos, Samar into a road of peace. and with a national significant. (mbcn/AYS/ Strategies drawn by the Visayas region for Philhealth regional office in Central PIA7)

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EASTERN VISAYAS

NSO to conduct pilot census in ‘Yolanda areas’ in EV CATBALOGAN CITY, Samar, July 1 (PIA) — With the aim of providing benchmark information that will measure the impact of typhoon Yolanda in Eastern Visayas, the Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA) formerly National Statistics Office (NSO) is set to conduct the 2015 pilot census of population in August this year.

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ccording to Provincial Statistics Officer Leticia Chu, the pilot census also aims to test the operational procedures and census instruments for actual census and make necessary improvements accordingly.

Moreover, the list of households from the pilot census shall serve as a sampling frame for areas where there is no list of households from the 2012 census of agriculture and fisheries or where the list cannot be used as a frame due to considerable displacement of households caused by typhoon Yolanda, Chu added.

Selected municipalities of Samar such as Basey and Marabut are chosen as pilot areas.

Meanwhile, PSA in Catbalogan City announced that population census 2015 is now accepting applicants for enumerator and supervisor.

The minimum qualifications for applicants must be a college graduate, or has completed at least second year college, not more than 50 years old, with legible handwriting (preferably in printed capital letters), and able to speak the local dialect.

Completing the requirements, applicants must be physically fit for field work, if female, must not be pregnant, good moral character, pleasing personality and ability to deal with the public tactfully, preferably a resident of the

barangay, city or municipality in Eastern Visayas, willing to be assigned in any province in the region, when needed, willing to work on Saturdays, Sundays, holidays and beyond 5:00 PM, if necessary and with mobile ellular phone, if selected as supervisor.

Chu said that the selection of supervisors is from among the enumerators that will be done by the trainers and the Provincial Statistics Officer at the end of the second or third level training.

Deadline for submission of applications is on July 4, 2014 at PSA Noble bldg., Rizal Avenue, Catbalogan City. (PIA 8- Samar Avha H. Ebalde)

MARINA, NMP salute Filipino seafarers in EVisayas By: Consuelo B. Alarcon TACLOBAN CITY, Leyte, JuNE 28 (PIA) – Various government agencies in Eastern Visayas have recognized the important role of Filipino seafarers in the growth of world economy.

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uring the Filipino Seafarers Day celebration held recently in the region, the Department of Transportation and Communications through the Maritime Industry Authority (MARINA), together with National Maritime Polytechnic (NMP), Philippine Ports Authority, Philippine Coastguard, Maritime Police and other agencies have joined in giving a big salute to the Filipino seafarers in the region who are giving

indispensable services to international seaborne trade, the world economy and the society as a whole.

With the theme “Pinoy Seafarers: Proudly Moving the World”, National Maritime Polytechnic (NMP) Executive Director Lawyer Forter Puguon underscored the great help of the Filipino seafarers not only to their families but also to the country’s economy.

Records show that in Eastern Visayas,

there are at least 11, 856 seafarers who are currently on board in many ships all over Asia, Europe and other parts of the world.

Out of eleven thousand eight hundred fifty six ( 11, 856) seafarers, 6, 812 come from Leyte, 2, 224 from Southern Leyte, 938 from Biliran, 743 from Samar, 590 from Northern Samar and 545 from Eastern Samar. (GTT/CBA/ PIA-8)

Best Samar, Bacolod, Cebu fests give relief to Yolanda survivors By: Consuelo B. Alarcon TACLOBAN CITY, Leyte, July 1 (PIA) – Despite heavy rains in the city of Tacloban on Saturday afternoon, thousands of spectators coming from different places in Eastern Visayas flocked to Leyte Sports Development Center (LSDC), this city to see for themselves the ritual presentations of the visiting best festivals in the country.

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eople from all walks of life gathered inside the sports complex as early as noontime to witness the non-competing performances of Kawayan-Banigan Festival of Basey, Samar; Uway Festival of Talalora, Samar; Mayaw-Mayaw Festival of Pinabacdao Samar; Maskara Festival of Bacolod, City and Tribu Lumad Basakanon-Sinulog Festival of Cebu, City, giving some kind of relief to the survivors of the super typhoon.

Palo Mayor Remedios L. Petilla, Chairperson of the Pintados Kasadyaan Festival of Festivals expressed her sincere thanks to the local chief executives who

responded to their invitation to come and join the fiesta celebration.

Even in the absence of the local festivals in Leyte and not being able to parade at the main thoroughfares of the city, the festivities had pushed through with the ritual presentation of the five festivals in said sports complex where people have enjoyed so much.

Others even stayed till night to take a closer look at actor Daniel Padilla who performed a thanksgiving concert.

Now on its 19th year, Kasadyaan become the most awaited event in the celebration because it brings together the vibrant and diverse cultures of the

different mun icip alities of th e Province of Leyte and other festivals in our country.

Although the festivals in Leyte did not join in the presentation after the local chief executives begged off to participate as most towns are still on the recovery and reconstruction stage, the Festival Committee decided to push through with the presentation in a non-competing performances of the visiting festivals.

The activities emphasized the spiritual and cultural dimension that were part of the healing process of the people who suffered from the aftermath of typhoon Yolanda. ( GTT/CBA/PIA-8)

EASTERN VISAYAS

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More Paranas youth become professionals due to LGU scholarship CATBALOGAN CITY, Samar, July 2 (PIA) - Some 500 poor but deserving students enjoy education support as scholars of the local government unit (LGU) of Paranas, Samar with 200 more added this school.

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ecause of the LGU scholaship, more and more Paranas youth are graduating from degree courses and becoming professionals.

Paranas Mayor Felix Babalcon said that the program started in 2008, and has then produced almost 200 graduates and board passers.

Paranas scholarship coordinator Mary Jean Cartel said that the first batch of the graduates was in 2012. For SY 2013-2014, three scholars graduated with honors as cum laude.

These brilliant scholars were identified as Jefrey Baccol from Barangay

Pabanog; Jennelyn Cabrigas from Barangay Apolonia and Luchie Baccol from Paranas Poblacion.

Cartel explained that since 2008, the LGU has accepted 100 applicants every year for scholarship grants, but only those scholars who are able to maintain their grades enjoy the grant until they finish their course.

She said that the Paranas LGU shoulders tuition fees of not more than P 5,000.00 per semester based on the brackets defined in the scholarship policy.

The scholars pay for the excess or other school obligations.

The scholars enter into a memorandum of agreement with the Paranas LGU to solidify their engagement.

They also attend a quarterly meeting to thresh out problems that may nullify their scholarship.

In an interview with Mayor Babalcon, he stressed that his administration prioritizes education, hoping that the municipality will have plenty of professionals who would eventually become partners of the local government in its development efforts. (PIA 8-Samar with Avha Ebalde)

DTI-So. Leyte assures prospective entrepreneurs of fast service, assistance By: Marcelo M. Pedalino MAASIN CITY, Southern Leyte, July 3 (PIA) -- The provincial office of the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) has assured business-minded individuals and sectors attending a seminar on rootcrops processing here over the weekend that the agency will readily respond to their needs.

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n registering for a business name for instance, all it takes is fifteen minutes of processing time, granting all requirements were in order, and beyond that something may be missing in the procedures.

In fact, if the internet connection is steady and reliable all over the province, one may no longer need to go personally to the office but simply register online at a much lesser time than fifteen minutes, said Mike Nunez, DTI Provincial Director.

“Our personnel are professionals.

They deal with you for your specific queries and assistance, no shady deals.

If ever, report it to me,” Nunez told a gathering of would-be entrepreneurs coming from various municipalities and

city of the province, an estimated crowd of more or less a hundred people.

The event was the DTI-initiated Small, Medium Enterprise Roving Academy (SMERA) held at the SLEM Function Hall June 29, a Sunday, as part of the activities marking the 54th founding anniversary of the province with the theme “Southern Leyte: Ready to Soar.”

SMERA’s main focus was to present investment opportunities for rootcrops processing as extensively discussed by Julieta Roa of Philrootcrops based at Visayas State University (VSU), while Dr. Marlene Agabon dwelt more on the healing properties of rootcrops as foods, and shared some marketing techniques.

Other speakers were Dr. Dominador

Clavejo, Provincial Director of the Department of Science and Technology (DOST), who discussed his agency’s interventions to starting entrepreneurs in terms of technology and financial package assistance.

Neil Moraleta of the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) provincial field office also reported several financial assistance DOLE extended to several groups and organizations in the province to finance their livelihood projects.

Rootcrops processing can be eligible for DOLE’s funding support through their accredited co-partner, mostly local government units or cooperatives, Moraleta also said. (mmp, PIA8-Southern Leyte)

More Catbalogan kids are well nourished By: Ninfa Iluminda B. Quirante CATBALOGAN CITY, Samar, July 2 (PIA) - Catbalogan presently is home to many well-nourished children according to the latest operation timbang results.

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ayor Stephany Uy-Tan said Tuesday that she is happy to inform her people that the malnutrition prevalence rate of the city has decreased.

Though she did not cite figures, she attributed the good news with her “more responsive” health services.

She said that aside from the locals having access to quality health care 24/7, she also offered locals rice subsidy where some 23,000

families have benefitted since it started a year ago.

The city health office headed by Dr. Gerarda Tizon also supports close to 200 mothers who exclusively breastfeed their babies up to six months.

The children were also dewormed and given Vitamin A supplementation and immunization.

Some 2,300 children also enjoyed supplemental feeding.

To ensure that the families can sustain

good nutrition practices, the chief executive also provided livelihood programs to poor families through swine dispersal, vegetable seeds and tilapia fingerlings.

Today, nutrition advocates ushered the start of the Nutrition month through a motorcade around the city of Catbalogan with the theme: "Kalamidad, Paghandaan: Gutom at Malnutrisyon Agapan!" (PIA 8-Samar/ NBQ)

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

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Ms. Minerva BC Newman Regional Director, PIA 7

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

Ms. Erlinda Olivia P. Tiu Regional Director, PIA8

Managing Editor Jaime S. Cabag, Jr. Contributors All PIA Information Officers of Regions 6, 7 & 8 Production and Layout Edson J. Baùares Lynnor C. Regalado Regional Offices: PIA 6, 2/F RC Building, Rizal St., Iloilo City, Iloilo 5000, Tel. Nos. (033) 337-8719/3377301/509-0993, Fax No. (033) 337-8719/509-0993, e-mail: r6_pia@yahoo.com/ piaamo6@yahoo.com PIA 7, Room 304, 3/F Machay Bldg., Garardo Avenue, Cebu City, Cebu 6000, Telefax No. (032) 232-4062/232-4126, e-mail: pia7_cebu@yahoo.com.ph/r7_pia@yahoo.com PIA 8, Children’s Park Compound, Sen. Enage St., Tacloban City, Leyte 6500, Tel. No. (053) 325-5124, Telefax No. (053) 321-2029, e-mail: pia_ev@yahoo.com/r8_pia@yahoo.com