One Visayas e-Newsletter Vol 4 Issue 27

Vol 4

Issue 27

In this Issue WESTERN VISAYAS

RDRRMC 6 Chairperson and OCD 6 Director Rose Cabrera answers queries from the media during the press conference and launching of radio plugs held July 9 in line with the National Disaster Consciousness Month observance in Region 6. Also in the picture are NEDA 6 Economic Specialist Ma. Lourdes Miado, DILG 6 ARD Margie Biligan, DOST 6 Director Rowen Gelonga and DSWD 6 Focal Person on DRRM Judith Barredo. (PIA6)

More on Region 6, pages 2-3.

CENTRAL VISAYAS

The Department of Health observes Voluntary Blood Donation and National Diabetes Awareness Month every July. A Kapihan was held at DOH-7 to discuss the need for more blood donation in Cebu and the incidence of diabetes cases in the country and in the region. (VVV/PIA-Cebu)

More on Region 7, pages 4-5.

EASTERN VISAYAS

The Regional Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council 8 kicks off with an earthquake drill held at the Department of Environment and Natural Resources regional office in Tacloban City in connection with the observance of the National Disaster Consciousness Month observance this July.

The activity was participated in by the Bureau of Fire Protection, Philippine Army, PNP, CDRRMC of Tacloban, TOMECO, DOH, government employees and the media among others. (Vino R. Cuayzon/PIA8)

More on Region 8, pages 6-7.

Also CLICK Here...

July 7 - 13, 2014

Published by: PIA 6, 7 & 8

DAR, service providers sign support contract By: Consuelo B. Alarcon TACLOBAN CITY, Leyte, July 10 (PIA) – A contract for a P19.6 million worth of project was entered into by and between the Department of Agrarian Reform (DAR) Regional Office and the Professional Service Providers for Business Development Services and Progress and Process Monitoring (PPM) in order to increase productivity of the farming sector in Eastern Visayas.

The project, called Agrarian Reform Community Connectivity & Economic Support Services (ARCCESS), is a support service delivering mechanism to help reduce poverty in rural communities.

DAR Regional Director Sheila Enciso explained the rationale why the government invested such huge amount for the benefit of agrarian reform communities.

“Para po yung lupa na ibinigay sa inyo huwag niyo po‟ng pabayaan, huwag niyong isanla, huwag niyong ibenta. Ang DAR ginagawa ang lahat para mag-improve ang inyong pamumuhay kaya tangkilikin po natin,” Enciso said.

The project will benefit around 20,000 Agrarian Reform Communities in the provinces of Leyte and Biliran.

Present during the signing of the contract were officials of the Department of Agrarian Reform (DAR) Regional Office led by Region 8 Director Sheila Enciso, Assistant Regional Director Ismael P. Aya-ay, Provincial Agrarian Reform Officers in the region, Agrarian Reform Beneficiary Organizations and the Professional Service Providers for Business Development Services (BDS-Batch 1 & 2) represented by Dr. Delma P. Manila of Metro Dumaguete College Inc. and Imelda C. Pangga, Chief Executive Officer of Infoshare Management Systems for Progress and Process Monitoring (PPM) Batch 2.

With the implementation of the Agrarian Reform Community Connectivity & Economic Support Services (ARCCESS) Projects, it is expected that by 2016 the farmers/entrepreneurs in the region will no longer be inferior with the entrepreneurs in the world market. (AJC/ CBA/PIA-8)

WV to get 24 more weather monitoring equipment BY: LILIBETH A. FRENCH ILOILO CITY, July 9 (PIA6) - - The Department of Science and Technology 6 (DOST 6) plans to install 24 additional units of weather monitoring equipment in Western Visayas before the year ends.

DOST 6 Director Rowen Gelonga said to date, there are 101 weather monitoring equipment scattered all over the region and with the 24 additional units, this will now bring to 125 the total number of equipment in the region.

“There are lots of equipment which give us real data when it comes to rainfall - the rise of waters in our rivers and other weather parameters,” said Gelonga when he updated members of the Iloilo media on disaster prevention and mitigation efforts of the Regional Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council 6 particularly on the area of early warning system during a press conference held in Iloilo City, July 9.

Gelonga said some of these equipment are still undergoing debugging operations but majority of them are already operational.

Of the 101 weather monitoring equipment deployed in the different provinces of the region, 12 of them are Automated Weather Stations (AWS), 50 are Automated Rain Gauges (ARG), 28 are Water Level Monitoring System (WLMS) and 11 are Tandem which are basically a combination

of WLMS and ARG. AWS is a monitoring station equipped with different sensors capable of measuring weather parameters such as wind speed and direction; air temperature, humidity and pressure; and rainfall amount, duration and density.

The ARG gathers and records the amount of rainfall over a set period of time. Selected ARGs are capable of measuring air pressure.

WLMS is a monitoring station equipped with sonar sensors capable of measuring the water level.

Gelonga said the Department of Agriculture has also adopted their technology and funded the installation of 6 automated weather stations, one for each province of the region, to help farmers when it comes to climatological data.

Joining Gelonga during the press conference were RDRRMC 6 Chairperson and OCD 6 Director Rosario Cabrera, DILG 6 Assistant Director Margie Biligan, NEDA 6 Economic Specialist Ma. Lourdes Miado and DSWD 6 Focal Person for DRRM Judith Barredo.

The press conference came after the launching of the radio plugs related to DRRM produced by OCD 6 in cooperation with the Philippine Information Agency 6.

The activities are part of the observance of the National Disaster Consciousness Month in the region. (JSC/LAF-PIA6)

Inter-agency committee formed to check rice supply, quality BY: FAYETTE C. RIÑEN CEBU CITY, July 9 (PIA) – An Inter-Agency Committee on Rice has just been created chaired by the National Food Authority (NFA-7) to check on stability of supply and quality of commercial rice including NFA rice access in the markets.

Zaide Bation, chief of the Consumer Welfare and Business Regulatory Division (CWBRD) of the DTI-Cebu Province bared the inter-agency committee was formed last week during a meeting that tackled the rice situation in Central Visayas including Cebu.

Bation said committee members included DTI-Cebu, PNP-Criminal Investigation and Detection Group and the National Bureau of Investigation-7.

The DTI-Cebu official assured the group will be very active including mounting regular monitoring of any rice hoarding activities by rice traders who might exploit the situation.

“We already have schedules in checking warehouses to check on possible hoarding,” said Bation during the recent forum of the Association of Government Information Officers (AGIO-7) that tackled „Rising Oil Prices and Impact to Costs of Basic Goods and Commodities.‟ Amid news reports on rising prices of commercial rice in the market especially in Manila, the issue was aggravated by suspicions of commercial rice being mixed with NFA rice and the availability of NFA rice in public markets which Bation said will be part of their monitoring.

The past few weeks however also witnessed the steep prices of agricultural products with garlic exhibiting the highest

price from P300 to almost P400 per kilo.

But Bation said monitoring of prices on agri products is not part of their agency mandate as this falls under the responsibility of the Department of Agriculture (DA).

“We, however, are open to partnering with the DA for any price monitoring on agricultural goods,” including measures to be implemented to ensure that consumers do not fall prey to unscrupulous traders. (mbcn/fcr/PIA-7)

AGIO'7 Forum on Rising Fuel Prices & Impact to Costs of Basic Goods. Zaide Bation , chief of Consumer Welfare Business Regulation of DTI-Cebu, says an inter-agency committee on rice chaired by the National Food Authority-7 with PNP-CDG & NBI-7 and DTI Cebu as members has been created to monitor and check supply and quality of rice in Cebu. The committee will check several warehouses to ensure that there is no hoarding by unscrupulous traders. (PIA7)

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WESTERN VISAYAS

3 LGUs, 1 hospital make it to Hall of Fame BY: LEONARD T. PINEDA I ILOILO CITY, July 7 (PIA6) --- The Department of Health (DOH) elevated three local government units and one government hospital from Western Visayas to the DOH Red Orchid Awards (ROA) 2014 Hall of Fame during the awarding ceremony for the Visayas cluster held recently at Sarabia Manor Hotel and Convention Center here.

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he local government units of Iloilo City, Anilao, Iloilo province, and Dumalag, Capiz and Don Jose S. Monfort Medical Center Extension Hospital in Barotac Nuevo, Iloilo were recognized as hall of fame winners for implementing 100-percent tobacco-free environments for three consecutive years.

The DOH Red Orchid Awards is the search for 100-percent tobacco-free provinces, municipalities, cities, government offices, government hospitals and DOH Centers for Health Development.

The search follows the World Health Organization (WHO) Framework Convention on Tobacco Control Article 8 that recommends adoption of measures to provide protection from exposure to smoke in indoor workplaces, public transport, indoor places, and other public places.

Republic Act 9211 or the Tobacco Regulation Act of 2003 also provides protection from exposure to tobacco smoke for a healthful environment.

According to the DOH ROA Central Office Awards Committee, Iloilo City garnered a score of 105.56 percent, Anilao, Iloilo obtained 102 percent, and Dumalag, Capiz with 100 percent. Don Jose S. Monfort Medical Center Extension Hospital also garnered 100 percent.

Aside from the four hall of fame winners for Western Visayas, other LGUs, government offices, and government hospitals were also recognized as Red orchid awardees during the ceremony. For the local government units, New Lucena, Iloilo, Buruanga, Aklan, and Sta. Barbara, Iloilo were recognized.

For government offices, the following were cited: PhilHealth-Capiz; Bureau of Jail

Management and Penology (BJMP)-Victorias City, BJMP - Kabankalan City, BJMP - Bago City, PhilHealth- Kabankalan City, PhilHealth – Sagay, PhilHealth - Bacolod City, all of from Negros Occidental;, PhilHealth – Antique; PhilHealth – Aklan; PhilHealth - Passi City, PhilHeath – Sara, and PhilHealth – Regional Office 6, all based in Iloilo.

For government hospitals, the following were also cited: Camp Peralta Station Hospital in Capiz, Teresita L. Jalandoni Provincial Hospital in Negros Occidental, Dr. Rafael S. Tumbokon Memorial Hospital in Aklan, and Western Visayas Medical Center in Iloilo. On one hand, the Iloilo City District Jail - Female Dormitory was conferred with the DOH White Orchid Award while the municipality of Villadolid, Negros Occidental was given the certificate of participation. (JCM/ LTP/PIA-Iloilo)

Micro-insurance forum to highlight Capiz MSME week BY: JEMIN B. GUILLERMO ROXAS CITY, Capiz, July 9 (PIA6) – Owners of micro and small enterprises in Capiz will gather for a forum on micro-insurance.

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apiz Trade and Industry Director Ermelinda Pollentes disclosed that the gathering of small businessmen here, particularly those whose enterprises were affected by super typhoon Yolanda, is part of the activities for the Micro, Small and Medium Enterprise (MSME) Development Week on July 14 to 18 this year.

Pollentes said that their agency under its SME Roving Academy (SMERA) project will facilitate the said forum which aims to provide knowledge to owners of small enterprises on the importance of insuring their businesses as a form of financial risk protection.

“It also hopes to heighten their understanding and appreciation of the concept of insurance and make it as an integral part of their business expenses,” she said.

Invited to speak during the gathering is Iloilo-based MicroEnsure-Philippines Country Manager William H. Martirez.

Pollentes said that the Provincial MSMED Council has decided to adopt the conduct of forum as one of its advocacy strategies in line with the “building-back better” policy of the national government following the onslaught of typhoon Yolanda last year.

Other activities for the week-long

celebration include the MSME Week Trade Expo on July 14 to 18 July at the Roxas City Plaza, Street Food Festival in front of the Provincial Capitol on July 15, tour inside the Panay Cold Chain on 15 July at the Pueblo de Panay, Forum on Entrepreneurship on July 16 July and soft launching of the Investment Promotion-cum-Business Resource Center on July 17 July at the Capiz Business and Government Center.

This year‟s event has a provincial theme, “Ensuring Micro &Small Enterprises' Resiliency through Micro-Insurance". (DTI/JSC/ JBG-PIA6)

Nutri month focuses on disaster preparedness, malnutrition BY: EASTER ANNE D. DOZA BACOLOD CITY, July 10 (PIA6) - - The Department of Social Services and Development of Bacolod leads the celebration of the Nutrition Month with the theme, “Kalamidad Paghandaan, Gutom at Malnutrition Agapan”.

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SSD Officer in charge Pacita Tero said that as of 2014, there are a total of 3,104 severely underweight or undernourished children in the city aged 0-6 years old, a report from the city Public Information Office states.

Tero said the figure in 2013 dropped from 4,508 total underweight children in 2012.

The decrease was attributed mainly to the daily regular feeding in each barangay conducted by both the DSSD and the Urban

Basic Services Division.

The report added that both offices commit to reduce the current figure by 50 percent by the end of the year.

“Our office conducts daily feeding program in 115 day care centers all over the city‟s 61 barangays.

And we offer “hot meals” or rice and viand right after each session to all day care students whether they are undernourished or not,” Tero said.

DSSD also recognizes the role of the

Barangay Nutrition Scholars in their effort to curb malnutrition and promote proper diet and healthy lifestyle in the community.

On July 24, members of the Nutrition Council of the Philippines will orient BNS of the city to enhance their nutrition education to further their information dissemination pursuit to proper nutrition in their respective barangays.* (JCM/EAD -PIA6 Negros Occidental)

WESTERN VISAYAS

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No 'cocolisap' in Aklan - PCA BY: VENUS G. VILLANUEVA KALIBO, Aklan, July 8 (PIA6) -- The “cocolisap”, an insect that infests coconut trees, has not reached Aklan, according to the Philippine Coconut Authority (PCA) here.

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n a radio interview here recently, PCA-Aklan Provincial Coconut Development Manager Plevy Raco said that the “cocolisap” infestation has already reached Mindoro, and because of this, PCA-Aklan is employing preventive measures so the infestation will not reach Aklan.

Raco said the PCA has already coordinated with concerned government agencies at various points of entry here to help them strictly monitor the entry of plant materials to the province which might be carrying “cocolisap” or Aspiodotus rigidus, an airborne insect that has already infested coconut plantations in Batangas, Laguna,

Cavite and Quezon provinces in Luzon, the way quarantine officials strictly focus on infested animals and meat products.

Even as they are closely monitoring the possible entry and infestation of cocolisap in Aklan, Raco said the PCA is sustaining its watch against brontispa which has long affected coconut trees in the province.

Brontispa is a small black beetle that seeps the juice of young coconut leaves, so that emerging leaves appear brown and dry.

“Cocolisap, however, is more harmful that brontispa,” Raco said.

Just recently, the Sangguniang Panlalawigan (SP) passed a resolution urging the PCA and the Department

of Agriculture (DA) Regional Field Unit VI to strictly implement President Aquino‟s Executive Order No. 169, which calls for the implementation of emergency control measures with the help of local government units and identify infested areas.

Based on PCA records, Aklan has 46,000 hectares of coconut plantations with an annual copra production of 36,163 metric tons.

The province is also a priority-recipient of coconut seedlings to restore or rehabilitate the coconut industry here which was greatly damaged by Typhoon Yolanda. (JCM/VGV-PIA6 Aklan)

DTI tells Antiqueno consumers to be vigilant BY: PILAR S. MABAQUIAO SAN JOSE, Antique, July 8 (PIA6) - - Consumers need to be vigilant of their rights to prevent unscrupulous traders or business owners from employing some deceptive acts to induce customers to buy their products.

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his was emphasized by Information Officer Engr. Lynna Joy Cardinal of the Department of Trade and Industry during the information campaign on consumer awareness before the Liga ng mga Barangays recently .

“We call on Antiquenos to become vigilant consumers,” Cardinal said.

Punong Barangays and other local officials are crucial in this campaign, she said, so we request them to echo the information to their constituents.

There are some tips that a consumer

should do to become responsible and vigilant.

Consumers should prioritize their needs, look for quality and not the quantity of goods, be quality conscious not brand conscious, read labels, look for product certification marks such as PS and ICC marks for mandatory products.

Before signing warranties or other documents, read everything especially the fine prints, if you have time canvass before buying, and be wary of special offers like free items.

Likewise, be observant on how

consumer laws are being implemented and take time to attend public hearing and consultations.

DTI also encouraged consumers to file complaint with the appropriate agency if the store is unresponsive on complaints regarding defective items. Everyone is also urged to practice the 3Rs of environmental protection (reduce, reuse, recycle.)

Aside from consumer vigilance, DTI also called for their awareness on the impact of their consumption as well as its consequences to the environment. (DTI/ JSC/PSM-PIA6 Antique)

SMEs should meet demands of global market ILOILO CITY, July 7 (PIA6) – The Department of Trade and Industry in the region has posed the challenge for Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) to upgrade and cope with the rapid development in Iloilo City.

“They should beef up in order to survive,” Ruby Melliza, DTI-6 Information Officer said in media interviews.

Melliza said everybody wants to see his business grow and the DTI is willing to extend help to these SMEs. She enumerated some tips that the SMEs should be keen about, like good product quality, reasonable prices and on time delivery of goods and services.

“These things are important for our SMEs to be able to compete in the global market,” Melliza said.

She added that the SMES can avail of DTI‟s assist an ce th rou gh SME development, financing assistance options, design development, marketing assistance, trade fairs and trade mark registration.

Earlier, Ms. Leah Victoria Lara, executive director of the Iloilo Business Club, said that SMEs are now in a stage where they are looking at options to “ride the tide” of development.

She added that SMEs in Iloilo should grow and evolve for them not to miss the opportunities brought by development.

(JCM/ESS/PIA-Iloilo)

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CENTRAL VISAYAS

DTI-7 continues to monitor prices of prime goods in CV BY: FAYETTE C. RIÑEN CEBU CITY, July 9 (PIA) – With rising fuel prices and high costs of agri goods such as garlic, the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI-7) based in Cebu is doing constant monitoring of the prices of prime commodities and basic necessities.

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ose Mae Quiñanola, chief of the Consumer Welfare and Business Regulatory Division (CWBRD) of the DTI-7bared only prices of processed milk products have risen such as evaporated, condensed and powdered milk goods.

“We are constantly and regularly monitoring prices of prime commodities and basic necessities to ensure prices are within the suggested retail prices or SRP,” said Quiñanola during the weekly forum of the Association of Government Information Officers (AGIO -7) recently that tackled the topic „Rising Fuel Prices and Impact to Costs of Basic Goods.‟ Prime commodities that are constantly being monitored by the DTI-7 include processed meat, bottled water, sardines, coffee, detergent, laundry soaps, instant noodles, salt, vinegar, bread, soy sauce, toilet soap, batteries, cement and steel bars.

Zaide Bation, CWBRD chief of DTI-Cebu Prov-

ince said the increase in prices of processed milk products ranged from .5 percent to eight percent of the SRP as price increases differ based on the brand.

Bation said supply and prices of basic commodities are stable in the province and that most manufacturers‟ petitions for price hikes undergo strict validation and evaluation before they can implement any increases.

Engr. Antonio Labios, regional director of the Department of Energy-Visayas in the same forum said rising fuel prices can really impact on the prices of basic commodities but could not determine how much. “The DOE website shows a composite monitoring of fuel price hikes and its impact on prices of basic goods,” said Labios.

Bation however said there are various factors why manufacturers petition for price hikes such as costs on distribution, raw materials, electricity and fuel. “But the major factor is always the cost of raw materials” and

that any high movements in this area will definitely have a big impact to pricing,” said Bation.

Bation cited the manufacturing of canned sardines which only used two percent fuel so any oil price hikes would not have a very big bearing on its pricing.

Quiñanola on the other hand, said prime commodities mostly affected by oil price hikes are cement and steel bars. “Cement manufacturing uses 19 percent electricity and five percent on fuel,” said the DTI-7 official.

Meanwhile, manufacturers of canned meat have petitioned for a price adjustment but this was not approved based on evaluation while bottled water manufacturers need additional justification on their petition for price increase, disclosed Quiñanola.

Quiñanola advised consumers to check the weight and price tag of the products before purchasing them. (mbcn/fcr/PIA-7)

Cebu Guv Davide reports on gains of his first year BY: RACHELLE M. NESSIA CEBU, July 8 (PIA) --- Cebu Gov. Hilario P. Davide III highlighted the gains his administration has achieved on his first year in office during his Report to the People yesterday.

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n his report, the governor touted the accomplishments particularly in health and social services, countryside development, education, infrastructure, and environmental protection.

Davide said the Department of Health (DOH) has upgraded the status of 10 of the total 16 province-owned hospitals to Level One, which means they now have the necessary hospital equipment, supplies, and medical teams to perform surgical procedures.

Said hospitals are in Bogo City, Danao City, Carcar City, Bantayan, Tuburan, San Francisco, Argao, Barili, Badian, and Sogod.

The governor reported that DOH has provided P173.5-M under the Health Facility Enhancement Program leading to the complete rehabilitation of eight hospitals.

New ambulances each worth P1.2-M were provided to six provincial and district hospitals, namely: Balamban, Bogo City, Danao City, Carcar City, Badian, and Oslob.

Davide‟s administration also reached out to the private sector in erecting better classrooms.

He reported that in cooperation with Department of Education and the Ramon Aboitiz Foundation, Inc. (RAFI), more and better classrooms and facilities were built for elementary and high school

students in the different parts of the province.

A total of P149-M was appropriated for education this year to fund scholarship programs, school buildings, books, and other learning materials.

The provincial government also allotted P7-M to 31 public schools that were hit by typhoon Yolanda.

Davide said they partnered with Bluewater Academy for a skills training program that will produce trained and better qualified Cebuanos who can work in tourism industry.

Financial aid under the Special Program for the Employment of Students was also extended to over 1,600 students under a collaboration scheme between the provincial government and the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE).

Davide announced that he will propose to the Provincial Board for the allocation of P1-M in financial assistance to each local government unit here for the farmers‟ training, production, and marketing under the Farmer-Scientist Training Program (FSTP) next year.

Also, his administration has revived and expanded the FSTP to increase yield per unit area of farm.

With the aim of crafting a long-term plan for urban development reaching out to the year 2050, the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) is

working with the private sector and LGUs her on the east coast of Cebu for the Mega Cebu Project.

The project covers roads and transport, gateways to neighboring islands, land zoning, drainage and sewerage, waste management and urbanization issues.

A third Mactan-Cebu link is now being studied. It is a 15-B project that will allow more convenience for travellers from the southern towns of the province to access the airport.

The governor assured that the Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction Management Office will monitor the P12.2-B rehabilitation and recovery plans in northern Cebu.

The Office of the Presidential Assistant for Rehabilitation and Recovery has earlier approved the P12.2-B rehabilitation plan for Cebu province.

The governor said that the President has described as “the template” to be used nationwide Cebu‟s quick assessment, coordination with the private sector, programs and project proposals, including the implementation, monitoring and evaluation to ensure transparency and accountability.

The governor appealed to Cebuanos to join hands and “let us be comrades in this mission”.

“So much more needs to be done… let us work together and build a solid gateway to progress,” said Davide. (rmn/PIA-Cebu)

Smart, PIA hold disaster preparedness trng. for NegOr IOs, media BY: JENNIFER C. TILOS DUMAGUETE CITY(PIA) -- Information officers, local media and members of the Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction Management Council (PDRRMC) in Negros Oriental participated in the training on “Disaster Preparedness vis a vis Climate Change Using Social Media” held July 10 at Negros Oriental Convention Center, Dumaguete City.

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he wireless leader Smart Communications, Inc. (Smart) in cooperation with the Philippine Information Agency (PIA) gathered the members of the Association of Negros Oriental Public Information Officers, Dumaguete Press & Radio Club and PDRRMC to beef up their capacities on emergency communications.

This is in response to the growing concern to strengthen local government unit‟s capability in disaster preparedness through effective information dissemination.

The training aimed to enhance the Information Officers' use of social and digital media in early warning and disaster communication management along with

identifying the disaster risks and appropriate mitigation.

“The information officers and the media play an important role in disseminating information to the public especially before, during and after disasters.

For communications to be effective, media practitioners must have at the very least basic information on disaster management,” said Ramon Isberto, head of Public Affairs at Smart.

The training program tackled the use of online media for emergency communications such as writing for the web, how to maximize social media for disaster management, cyber ethics, tips in creating infographics, and online media tools.

“Timely and accurate information, including media

advisories, during disasters and emergency situations can help save lives,” said Isberto.

Smart is also conducting a series of training programs on emergency preparedness for its employees nationwide.

These are all part of the telco‟s SafePh initiative to make the organization and its partners more resilient to disasters.

For its part, PIA intends to equip government communicators with information and knowledge on climate change and urges media to help the government in its advocacy on climate change adaptation and mitigation. (mbcn/JCT/PIA7-Negros Oriental)

CENTRAL VISAYAS

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RDC-7 endorses LTEZ for TIEZA registration BY: REY ANTHONY H. CHIU BOHOL, July 5 (PIA) – The Central Visayas Regional Development Council (RDC-7) endorsed the establishment of the Loon Tourism Enterprise Zone (LTEZ), a crucial pile that supports the framework of the socio-economic recovery for Bohol and most especially to earthquake devastated Loon.

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he RDC support and project endorsement is a crucial step in LTEZ registration at the Tourism Infrastructure and Enterprise Zones Authority (TIEZA), said Congressman Rene Relampagos, at the sidelines of the RDC Full Council Meeting in Bohol last week.

Relampagos, the House Tourism Chair said that Republic Act No. 9593 (Tourism Act of 2009) supports the establishment of Tourism Enterprise Zones (TEZs) which will contribute to the accelerated creation of mployment opportunities by encouraging and supporting investments in the development and operation of these zones.

The TIEZA (formerly Philippine Tourism Authority), is a Department of Tourism attached agency mandated to designate, regulate and supervise the TEZs, as well as develop, manage and supervise tourism infrastructure projects in the country.

It shall supervise and regulate the cultural, economic and environmentally sustainable development of TEZs toward the primary objective of encouraging investments.

An LTEZ registration at the TIEZA allows its operators and tourism enterprises operators some fiscal incentives, six years Income Tax Holidays (ITH)

for new enterprise in tourism zones and even more if they undertake substantial expansion or upgrades within the first six years of operations.

Tax-free and duty-free importation TEZ operators and registered tourism enterprises are also entitled to an exemption of 100% of all taxes and duties on the importation of capital investment and equipment, transportation equipment and spare parts, consumption goods, and services, subject to certain conditions.

Earlier, Loon local government identified the LTEZ establishment under its post-earthquake recovery program.

The town council also based the proposal to the framework and action recommendations of the DOT-Japan International Cooperation Agency Central Philippines Sustainable Tourism Master Plan which has included the establishment of international cruise tourism activities and improvement of other tourist destinations, which anchors on the establishment of a cruise ship port in Catagbacan.

The plan also dovetails with Bohol‟s Tourism Corridor Competitive strategies which puts Loon in the map as a major cruise ship destination for regional and international tourists.

The LTEZ is also strategically located that it is in close proximity to white beaches, teeming marine life, sports, eco-tourism and world class dive sites, Loon LGU said.

The LTEZ will be established in Loon and will cover the vicinity of Catagbacan Port including its mangrove areas for conservation, foreshores and backwaters, the islands of Cabilao and Sandingan and the established Loon Tourism Circuit Zone including the coastal uplifted zones from the boundaries of Maribojoc-Loon to Calape.

Loon officials said it will operate the LTEZ as the town‟s revenue generation economic enterprise, after they can complete a decade-long investment program which it is developing with Bohol and private sector experts.

Loon LGU has already prepared its application for registration even as the town council has endorsed the project to appropriate government agencies.

Bohol LGU has similarly endorsed the LTEZ but a requirement in the registration at TIEZA will allow Loon to dangle offers to enterprise zone investors. (mbcn/rahc/PIA7-Bohol)

Ist wellness, health center put up in Cebu City BY: HAZEL F. GLORIA CEBU CITY, July 4 (PIA) --- Vicente Sotto Memorial Medical Center has its first Wellness and Occupational Health Center in Cebu City.

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r. Annabelle Fuentes, Hospital Wellnes Program of Vicente Sotto Memorial Medical Center (VSMMC) said this health center was established in order to educate and open the minds of the people to the importance of having a healthy lifestyle and maintain good health.

In an Association of Government Information Offic ers (AG IO -7 ) F oru m h eld at the Department of Health (DOH-7) regional Office, Fuentes added that the center offers a comprehensive wellness program including physical check up packages, consultations and other health care services that are affordable to all regardless of social status.

The rates for medical packages range from P700 to P3,500 depending on the medical

laboratories the patients want to avail.

The center started in August 2013 that catered to only 30 patients per month but as of the moment, it increases to more than 100 patients in month.

There are 10 private and government offices that already signed the Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) with Vicente Sotto to cater to their annual medical check ups and other health related services.

Fuentes encouraged the other offices to try its services and visit the center to see and experience how patients are treated.

On the other hand, Dr. Christopher Samson, Hospital Wellness Program Coordinator of VSMMC said cigarette smokers decreased since the sin tax law is

implemented and due to the price increase of cigarette products mandated by the law.

The law imposes higher taxes on tobacco and alcohol products, overcoming a strong industry lobby that kept prices in the Philippines among the cheapest in the world.

Samson also said they are strongly advocating for the "no smoking" campaign all throughout the year.

He said this advocacy means they are educating people to avoid smoking and to refrain from drinking liquor and maintain good habit for healthy living.

Meanwhile, VSMMC is one of the hospitals in Cebu City awarded with Red Orchid Award for a s m o k e - fr e e en v i ron m en t. (m b c n /h fg / PI A7 / HFG with AGIO-7)

Bohol school children involved in disaster response planning BY: REY ANTHONY H. CHIU BOHOL, July 4 (PIA) – Start them young and everything should follow.

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his is what most teachers here believe as the Department of Education (DepEd) and an international humanitarian organization Save the Children (StC) signed an agreement on School-based Disaster Risk Reduction and Management, one that lets school children become an active part of disaster planning and risk reduction.

During a signing activity at the South Palms Resort in Panglao, StC Bohol project director Roxanna Epe said town disaster reduction and management plans are so generic, the children and their needs have not been among its focused areas.

There are towns with disaster response plans, but those are only known in paper, communities are lucky if they see these plans, so you don‟t actually expect people to know and respond according to plans, said a teacher from a school in Maribojoc town, who was there during the signing of the agreement.

DepEd Bohol officials and StC authorities led by

Edward Olney, StC country director inked the agreement.

The dire need for the school based DRRM was best exemplified in a case when, in an aftershock, a child was seen in a yard, arms wrapped around a tree, his head planted on the ground.

Asked why he did that, the boy replied: “I think the world was going to invert itself, if that happens, I would be upright, I could easily wrap my feet around the tree and not fall off."

In Bohol, stories of how children shiver and shout at the event of an aftershock depict a psychological trauma which is common among people who were not properly-appraised of a disaster and were not aptly prepared for what would happen in such.

Children who were traumatized in the October 15 aftermath were just left to fend on their own and their needs were not among the high priorities for response if not for humanitarian organizations seeing this specific

need, admits Leah Bugtay, Save the Children Communications Officer at the Kapihan sa PIA recently.

The project, funded by Prudence Foundation and implemented by StC is piloted in 2 earthquake damaged towns of Maribojoc and Loon, where children, teachers and immediate community are given trainings on disaster related skills to better respond to any disaster, Bugtay remarked.

The worst is that parents think schools are the safest places for a child during a disaster, not really realizing that the teachers and the kids do not have any plan on what to do in times of disaster, Bugtay added.

The program would allow kids to set up early warning signals, coordinate disaster evacuation routes and designate evacuation areas, plan for the mobilization and eliminate panic which is often the culprit for most disaster response flops, she said. (mbcn/rahc/PIA7 -Bohol)

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EASTERN VISAYAS

DOH tells those with risky sexual behaviors to undergo HIV testing By: Consuelo B. Alarcon TACLOBAN CITY, Leyte, July 3 (PIA) --- The Department of Health (DOH) in coordination with the Philippine National AIDS Council urged the public especially those engaged in risky sexual behaviors to undergo HIV testing at the nearest Regional Health Facility.

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uring the press conference with the DOH on Wheels: Kalusugan Pangkalahatan Program launching held recently at the Schistosomiasis General Hospital in Palo Leyte, Dr. Chito Avelino, Executive Director of the Philippine National AIDS Council called the people of Eastern Visayas to be tested with HIV as the cases went higher for the past ten (10) years.

Unexpectedly, the global AIDS report in 2012 disclosed that the Philippines is one of the nine countries in the world where cases of HIV/AIDS rapidly increased by 35% in the last 10 years covering the period 2001-2011.

In Eastern Visayas, there are 151 reported cases of which 121 are males and 30 are females.

Avelino further said that HIV infected

persons are now getting younger.

Previously, most Filipinos who are infected with HIV are OFWs but now, professionals as young as 29 years old are reportedly infected with the virus.

HIV infection is transmitted through sexual intercourse, by blood transfusion and from an infected mother to her child.

(GTT/CBA/PIA-8)

Construction of P 40M BIR building in SoLeyte starts By: Marcelo M. Pedalino MAASIN CITY, Southern Leyte, July 4 (PIA) -- Work on the new building for the government’s tax collecting office began in earnest at the reclaimed land in barangay Combado here following formal groundbreaking and blessing on July 2.

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orales Construction from Ormoc City, bagged the contract for the P 40-million, 2 -storey project with a floor area of 600 square meters out of a total lot area of 1,400 square meters donated by the city government.

Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR) Regional Director Atty. Diosdado Mendoza joined local BIR personnel and staff led by OIC Susan Golo for the groundbreaking rites with Fr. Garnet Kirong administering the prayer blessings.

Gov. Roger Mercado was also around for the lowering of the capsule, as well as city officials led by Vice-Mayor Ma. Effie Sabandal, City Councilor Antonio Cardoza, Mrs. Epifania Sy, head of the Southern Leyte Chamber of Commerce

and Industry, and a handful of businessmen.

In his message after the ceremonies, Atty. Mendoza acknowledged Maasin City as one of the big contributors in the region‟s overall tax take, saying the city “improved its collection.”

He hastened to add, though, that such an improved collection picture “is not enough,” and so he prodded the men and women of BIR Revenue District Office No. 90 to work harder, exert greater effort, even warning them of the strict performance system followed by the agency based more on results and outputs.

“To stay in BIR, be performing, otherwise, out you go,” he told the employees, teasing but in a serious mood that

some may not be able to enjoy the comforts of the new building now under construction if they continue to be under-performing.

He called on the private sector, the local government units, addressing Gov. Mercado “to help Maasin City attain its goal.” Mendoza said that for the entire Region 8 their collection goal for the current year is P 6.1 billion and as of now they are still 30% short.

In an interview after the luncheon, Mendoza said close monitoring and enforcement of laws were the key strategies to attain the goal, saying that in 2012 Region 8 was 5th nationwide but last year no rate was given because of typhoon Yolanda.

(AJC/MMP/ PIA8-Southern Leyte)

More Catbaloganons get free education through LGU scholarships CATBALOGAN CITY, Samar, July 4 (PIA) - “In order to develop the city, it is important to educate the youth and give them the duty to educate the future generation,” thus said Catbalogan City Mayor Stephany Uy- Tan during her report on her first 365 days in the office.

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ore Catbaloganons are now enjoying free education through the local government unit of Catbalogan scholarship program.

Tan reported that during her first year as a mayor, from sixteen (16) college scholars in 2013, it increased to 652 college scholars in 2014.

“All Catbalogan elementary and high school public school students enjoy free school fees making them the city‟s scholars,” Tan expressed.

She also detailed that as of May this year, 2,410 children are enrolled at Daycare centers in various barangays of the city, and a total of 118 children with

disabilities granted with financial educational assistance by the LGU. During the State of the City Address, Tan expressed her gratitude to 1700 participants who joined the “iskolar run” held recently, the fund gathered will send poor but deserving students to college.

She also reported that the City government together with the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) also implemented the special program for employment of students that gave benefits to 200 students from low-income families.

Meanwhile, Tan enumerated the city government‟s accomplishments after a

year of being elected as the first city lady mayor of Catbalogan City through her "Pagpahamtang: 2014 State of the City Address" at the Samar State University (SSU) Maceda Gymnasium, Catbalogan City on July 1, Tuesday.

The lady mayor said that her administration is anchored on the acronym “STEP”, which means Serbisyong Panlawas Papakusgon (More Responsive Health Services), Turismo Tatagan Duon (Tourism), Edukasyon ngan Ekonomiya, Paparig-unon (for education and economy), Progreso Han Catbalogan, Magapapadayon (Progress for Catbalogan will continue). (AJC/Avha H. Ebalde/ PIA8-Samar)

EASTERN VISAYAS

7

Deped EV awards donors during 39th founding anniversary By: Consuelo B. Alarcon TACLOBAN CITY, Leyte, July 8 (PIA) – As an expression of gratitude to the overwhelming support of the donors to the Department of Education (Deped) in Eastern Visayas, an awarding ceremony was held Monday at Deped Regional Office 8 in time of the celebration of the 39th Founding Anniversary of the agency which was anchored on the theme, “Pasasalamat”.

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eped Region 8 Director Luisa Bautista-Yu said the awarding ceremony was the highlight of the celebration as these benefactors became our partners in the recovery process.

“Words of gratitude are not enough to repay the goodness and compassion of our benefactors.

But in our sincere way of pagpasalamat, we want them to feel the still soft voice of gratitude from our hearts,” Yu said.

Local, national and foreign donors including private individuals and anonymous ones were among those who extended help to Deped Region 8.

The assistance poured in were psychosocial interventions, water sanitation, food, shelter, clothing, temporary learning spaces, construction materials, school supplies, learning kits for school children, teaching kits, instructional materials, classrooms, comfort rooms, cash donations, equipment and other facilities.

Some local and foreign donors also did the repair of classrooms and offices, conducted medical and dental missions, feeding programs and other services on rebuilding and reconstruction process of the department.

With the help of the aforementioned donors, DepEd quickly recovered from the devastation of typhoon Yolanda even if majority of the school buildings were destroyed in five hardly hit schools divisions to include the regional office.

(GTT/CBA/PIA-8)

PAMANA 4.4-km. Phase II project in Samar resumes this month CATBALOGAN CITY, Samar, July 7 (PIA) – In two months time, traveling the road going to the main highway will be easier for Samarnons in the hinterland town of San Jose de Buan in Samar. This is due to the resumption on July 15 of the Payapa at Masaganang Pamayan (PAMANA) 4.4 kilometers Phase II project in Samar.

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his project is a 4,400 meters one lane, amounting to P 100 million and was funded through the Office of the Presidential Adviser on Peace Process (OPAPP).

The access road to San Jose de Buan town will start construction again after the Samar Provincial Technical Working Group (TWG) of PAMANA which was approved by Governor Sharee Ann Tan. The TWG also gave Tan authority to grant permit on the contractor to continue the pending project.

San Jose de Buan a hinterland town is 74 kilometers from the capital city of Catbalogan. About 24 kilometers of the

total road length is poorly maintained and in a very sad state where time travel by bus runs from five to six hours.

Due to the difficult road, Buan folks are facing low agricultural productivity; low household income; lack of efficient infrastructure facilities and support services.

San Jose de Buan bus traveler Rodrigo Cabrillas said that since the construction of the road started last year, their time travel from San Jose de Buan going to Catbalogan now runs from two to three hours, but they still experience hassle during rainy season in some road section.

PAMANA TWG members and PLGU proponents express hopes that the road project will eventually improve the delivery of government services to the rural folks.

Meanwhile, Department of Interior Local Government (DILG) Director 8 Pedro Noval asked the contractor during the meeting to submit a catch up plan to the TWG for updating.

The military and PNP also hope that an improved peace and order situation will bring better road connection to the main highway if this is completed by September this year. (PIA 8-Samar Avha H. Ebalde/AJC)

Leyte, Pilmico and Terra Firma launch 'Mahalin pagkaing atin' By: Lizbeth Ann Abella PALO, Leyte, July 4 (PIA) - A Memorandum of Agreement(MOA) was signed Friday by Pilmico Foods Corporation, Terra Firma and the Provincial Government of Leyte to promote sustainable entrepreneurship which is based on home category.

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ilmico is a wholly-owned subsidiary of Aboitiz Equity Ventures that focuses on feeds and swine business, while Terra Firma is a project management corporation that focuses on community-based tourism, high -value agriculture and investment promotions and relations especially in areas with high incidence of poverty, disasters and conflict.

Pilmico,Terra Firma and the Provincial Government of Leyte has launched the ”Mahalin Pagkaing Atin” campaign in Palo, where egg machine starter kits or pens

with ready to lay hens will be distributed in the different municipalities of Leyte.

The “Mahalin Pagkaing Atin” aims to encourage growers and entrepreneurs to put pride in their local produce.

Terra Firma has formed a consortium composed of DSWD, DOT, Provincial Government of Leyte and other significant partners for the distribution of 100 egg machine business kits in Leyte, one of the provinces hardest hit by typhoon Yolanda.

Pilmico on the other hand will provide the egg machine business kits to

identified recipients as selected and screened by the LGU. Representatives of Pilmico, Terra Firma, Palo Mayor Remedios Petilla, Leyte Governor Leopoldo Dominic Petilla and Department of Tourism Region 8 Director Karen Tiopes were present during the MOA signing held at the Palo Municipal Hall.

Governor Petilla expressed his gratitude to Pilmico, Terra Firma and members of the consortium for providing livelihood opportunities to the people of Leyte. (GTT/Lizbeth Ann Abella/PIA-8)

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

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Ms. Minerva BC Newman Regional Director, PIA 7

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

Ms. Erlinda Olivia P. Tiu Regional Director, PIA8

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