One Visayas e-Newsletter Vol 4 Issue 44

Vol 4

Issue 44

In this Issue WESTERN VISAYAS

Anti-Trafficking Against Persons Seminar: Regional Director Atty.

David Bermudo, Commission on Human Rights 6 emphasizes that building the awareness of women and children on the issue of trafficking could empower them and help combat the incidence of illegal recruitment and trafficking against persons during the Seminar to members of the Provincial Council on Anti-Trafficking and Violence Against Women and Children on Expanded Anti-Trafficking in Persons Act of 2012 or RA 10364 in San Jose, Antique recently. (PSM/PIA6 Antique)

More on Region 6, pages 2-3.

CENTRAL VISAYAS

MOA Signing on Maritime and Port Security.

DOTC Usec. Julianito Bucayan Jr. leads the MOA signing on Int'l Ship & Port Facilities Code and Nat'l Security Program for Sea Transport & Maritime Infra between the Office of Transportation Security and CPA, SBMA, CEZA & PHIVIDEC. (PIA7)

November 3 - 9, 2014

Published by: PIA 6, 7 & 8

Tacloban economy soars TACLOBAN CITY, Leyte, Nov. 6 (PIA) - One year ago, the city‟s physical picture was horrible and hopeless, with scattered debris, cadavers and all. Then, one could barely imagine that commerce could ever have a chance in this once progressive city.

Tacloban was the center of commerce in the entire region, in fact, “prior to the super-tyhoon “Yolanda” there were about 12,900 registered businesses, but in a wink of an eye they all disappeared. The storm surge ate them up and if there were left overs, desperate and hungry citizens looted them off.

Today however, some good signs of a recovering and booming economy have set in, as some 7,734 businessmen have renewed their permits as of November 1. This was learned from councilor Cristina Gonzalez-Romualdez in a recent interaction with media.

According to her, this record has brought in more or

less P90M in revenues to the city government and this is close to the P120M target by December this year.

She added that the biggest chain of department stores in the country, Shoe Mart (SM) is opening its grocery department on the 20th of November and by December it can open and fully operate the entire department.

“The Mayor is truly happy that these are a ll h appe ning no w in th e ci ty, a s h e continues to work harder for further improvement of Tacloban”, the beauteous actress-turned politician said.

She assured media that SM can generate employment in the region, boost income and increase the purchasing power of the consuming public.

Indeed, many observers have commented that in less than a year, Tacloban has quickly recovered and business is once more alive in the city. (PIA-8)

Visayas to have first wind farm ILOILO CITY, Nov. 5 (PIA6) --- Visayas will have its very first wind farm once the Trans-Asia Renewable Energy Corporation (TAREC) completes the 54-MW San Lorenzo Wind Farm Project in Guimaras province by the end of November.

In a PIA interview, Danilo Panes, assistant vice president for renewable energy of Trans-Asia, said that 20 of the 27 wind turbine generators (WTG) have been erected as of October 30, 2014 and the remaining seven will be completed before the end of the month.

He said five of the 20 WTGs have been fully-commissioned and have been supplying 10 MW of energy to the National Grid Corporation of the Philippines (NGCP).

Each of the windmills can produce 2 megawatts of electricity for a total of 54 MW once all 27 will be operational.

The 27 windmills, each measuring 80 meters high and 40 meters wide, are built in the villages of Cabano, Suclaran, M. Chavez, and Cabungahan in San Lorenzo town.

According to Trans-Asia, the strait between the islands of Guimaras and Negros effectively funnels the wind passing through the area which makes it ideal for

harnessing wind energy.

The San Lorenzo Wind Project is expected to bring not only a sustainable source of energy but also new opportunities for the community and the people of Guimaras. (JCM/LTP/PIA-Iloilo)

The 54MW Wind Farm project of Trans-Asia Renewable Energy Corporation being constructed in San Lorenzo, Guimaraas. (PIA 6)

Pact to strengthen PH ports, maritime security

By Fayette C. Riñen CEBU CITY, Nov. 6 (PIA) --- Cebu played host to the signing of a Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) to strengthen maritime and port facilities between the Office for Transportation Security (OTS) and four major port authorities across the country.

More on Region 7, pages 4-5.

Transportation Usec. Julianito Bucayan Jr. witnessed the MOA signing last Tuesday led by OTS Administrator Commodore Roland Recomono and top officials of the EASTERN VISAYAS Cebu Port Authority (CPA), Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority (SBMA), Cagayan Economic Zone Authority (CEZA) and the PHIVIDEC Industrial Authority (PIA).

The pact is aimed at making the concerned agencies ensure the implementation of the International Ship and Port Facilities (ISPS) Code and the National Security Program for Sea Transport and Maritime Infrastructure.

NYC Com Dingdong Dantes administers the Bucayan who represented Sec. Joseph Emilio Abaya oath of Climate Change Warriors at the SSU read the latter‟s message stating that maritime security during the Climate Change Congress held threats are issues vital to the economic well-being of the Nov. 3, 2014 in Tacloban City. (PIA8) country which should be addressed accordingly.

“We must be daring and innovative to find viable solutions in the pursuit to protect our maritime transport system against acts of terrorism for the common good of the country, the maritime industry and the Filipino riding public,” contained Abaya‟s speech.

During the press conference that followed after the More on Region 8, pages 6-7.

MOA signing, Recomono said the Philippines is only about Also CLICK Here...

60 to 65 percent compliant in implementing standard

security measures in port facilities under the ISPS Code.

With the pact, Recomono expressed hopes that all port authorities will comply and implement standard comprehensive security measures in all ports under its jurisdiction.

“By middle of next year, we hope for the PH to be 100 percent compliant to the ISPS Code” when it comes to port facilities, said Recomono.

“For shipping lines, the Philippines is already 100 percent compliant in instituting standard security measures under the ISPS Code,” claimed Recomono.

The ISPS Code is a comprehensive set of measures designed to strengthen the security of ships and port facilities following the 9/11 terror attack in New York in response to perceived threats to ships and port facilities.

Implementation of the code is enshrined in the International Convention for the Safety of Life at Sea Convention (SOLAS) to which the Philippines is a signatory.

According to Recomono, the agreement also entails consequential power for the port authorities to impose fines and penalties in violation of security regulations.

All port authorities are required to have a detailed security plan to which its security measures should be uniformly implemented by all port facilities under its management which will form the basis on the issuance of security certification by the OTS. (mbcn/fcr/ PIA-7)

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WESTERN VISAYAS

Children have a role in local dev’t councils – DSWD

By Elsa S. Subong ILOILO CITY, Nov. 5 (PIA6)—Local government units should ensure that children are represented in the the Local Development Council (LDC) according to the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD).

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velyn Macapobre, DSWD-6 regional director, said that to make LGU programs relevant, children should be consulted as to what and how these should be implemented.

Macapobre was guest during the culmination activity of Children‟s Month Celebration in the province of Guimaras, where Governor Samule gumarin delivered his State of the Province Address.

Macapobre underscored the fact that in the Local Government Code the local government is free to craft programs and services for children.

“Let us put the children in the loop so that their lives and ours will be more pleasant,” she said, adding that LGUs need not pressure themselves into making plans for children which in the end are not producing expected outcomes.

While lauding the efforts of the province of Guimaras in promoting the interest of children, Macapobre called on the children themselves to remind adults to put them in the loop. “you have the right to demand that you be included,” she told the children present.

During the program, the provincial government gave tribute to children who excelled both in academics and extra-curricular activities.

Given certificates and cash prizes also were finalists in the provincial level in the Search for Exemplary Pantawid Pamilya children led by Terence Talagon.

Meanwhile, Macapobre said the department has been implementing programs for children, like the Pantawid Pamilya to keep the children healthy and in school. (DSWD/ ESS/PIA-Iloilo)

Beware of Phantom Load KALIBO, Aklan, Nov. (PIA6) -- There’s a ―Phantom of the Opera‖, a phantom jet and ―The Phantom‖, a comics strip published in a daily broadsheet, but did you know that there is another phantom which could bore a hole on your much-abused pocket?

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here is one, according to Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) – Aklan Provincial Director Diosdado P. Cadena, Jr., and this is the so-called “phantom load”, a burden caused by power consumers themselves, who might be too tired or too lazy to get up to turn off their electrical appliances at home or at the office.

The existence of the so-called “phantom load” was revealed during the conduct recently of DTI-Aklan of „DTI Meets the Media on Consumerism‟ which was one of the activities of the agency in observance of Consumer Welfare Month in the month of October.

For most of the Aklan tri-media members who attended the press conference, this was the first time for them to hear of this “phantom load”.

“Phantom load”, according to Director Cadena, is an electrical device operating 24 hours a day/365 days a year even if one thinks the device is turned off.

“These are the glowing red lights indicating the appliance is on standby mode, like the television, microwave, cordless phone, digibox, answering machine, VCD/DVD player, hi-fi stereo, AVR and power adapter,” according to Director Cadena.

Cadena said the best way to avoid “phantom load” is to unplug these appliances, not only to reduce electric consumption, but for safely purposes.

The existence of the “phantom load” in electric consumptions was confirmed by Cheng Ocampo, AGM for Human Resource of the Aklan Electric Cooperative (AKELCO), one of the resource persons of the press conference, who said the unseen burden represents 10% of the total electric consumption of a household.

She agreed with Director Cadena that unplugging electrical appliances when not in use is the best solution to the problem, while emphasizing that as the only power distributor in Aklan for its 17 municipalities and the two municipalities of Antique, AKELCO is also doing its best to prevent consumers and the power distributor too from paying extra because of jumpers and other means of power pilferages done by unscrupulous people.

“AKELCO‟s monitoring and inspections against “jumper” connections are continuous”, Ocampo said.

For those caught having “jumper” connections, Ocampo said the perpetrator will be fined P10,000.00 plus differential billing from the time he or she used a “jumper”.

Ocampo also said sharing a common meter is illegal.

On top of the reminders against illegal connections, Ocampo also gave some tips on how to save electricity. Some of these she said, include using Compact Fluorescent Lamps (CFLs) instead of

incandescent bulbs; placing refrigetors away from the stove; clearing the freezer of thick ice; choosing an air conditioner with high energy efficiency ratio; putting the electric fan at steady status when the user is alone; scheduling the use of washing machine at weekends so all clothes could be washed at one time and using the electric iron during daytime so there is no need to turn on the light.

Other concerns discussed in the activity as aired by the media included safety tips in using Liquified Petroleum Gas (LPG), monitoring of Noche Buena Products supplies and prices, safety of Christmas Lights, safe refilling practices for LPG, the truth behind the so-called power saver gadgets sold house-to-house, etc.

Other resource persons at the press conference included Wilfredo Rivera of Aklan Appliance Center, dealer of Gasul, Aleli Baladjay of Marianing Shell, dealer of Solane, and John Pascual Ibabao of AKELCO. Both Rivera and Baladjay assured the media that their establishments are taking extra efforts to sustain safety use of their LPG products.

Theme of this year‟s Consumer Welfare Month celebration is “Sapat na Impormasyon, Susi sa Wastong Paggamit ng Enerhiya”. (JCM/VGV PIA 6 Aklan)

Five illegal fishing boats seized NEGROS OCCIDENTAL, Oct. 31 (PIA6) - - Combined efforts of government operatives led to the apprehension of five trawl fishing boats in the municipal waters Manapla.

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he operation took place in Barangay Punta Mesa, Manapla town amidst heavy downpour as five trawl fishing boats were spotted violating Republic Act 8550 particularly the prohibition on the use of Active Fishing Gear within Municipal Waters and Bays and other Fishery Management Areas.

The apprehension was made by the combined operatives of the Office of the Agriculturist of the municipality of Manapla,

assisted by the Northern Negros Aquatic Resources Management Advisory Council (NNARMAC) and the Province of Negros Occidental through the Provincial Task Force Lawod.

Task Force Lawod is a composite coastal law enforcement team formed by the merging of five different enforcement agencies, namely, the Regional Maritime Unit, the Philippine Coast Guard, the Philippine Navy, the Bureau

of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources, and the Negros Occidental Provincial Police Office.

Appropriate legal charges were immediately filed at the Municipal Trial Court of EB Magalona, five separate cases have been filed for each violator and are currently awaiting their respective schedule of hearing while the accused are detained at the Manapla Police Station. *(JCM/EAD-PIA6/PEMO Negros Occidental)

WESTERN VISAYAS

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Sinadya sa Halaran festival activities up

By Jemin B. Guillermo ROXAS CITY, Capiz, Nov. 7 (PIA6) – The activities for the upcoming Sinadya sa Halaran Festival in December are now in place.

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estival Director Rev. Msgr. Victor Bendico disclosed that religious and civic activities have already been lined up for the event set from December 5 to 8 this year.

According to him, this year‟s celebration which is anchored on the theme “Halad Alagad” speaks of the Virgin Mary who is a servant (alagad) and who offered (halad) her life as a Mother of God. In a press conference here, Bendico explains that Capicenos are having this annual festivity to celebrate joyfully the values of sharing and thanksgiving to God through Mary due to the abundance of the produce of the sea and of the farm.

After consultation and meetings with various groups and organizations including the Provincial and City Tourism Offices here, religious and cultural activities have been finalized, he said.

The four-day celebration will kick off with an early morning “pamukaw-pukaw” around the city, opening mass, opening program and flag-raising, drum and lyre exhibition, Halad Capisnon, Capiz product expo, motocross display and exhibition, Daigon, Saot Capisnon, opening of Christmas village, TODA night and food fest.

Other activities include the run for environment, parade of festivals, photo exhibit, bully run, RMN Pasundayag, Mutya sang Sinadya sa Halaran, Barangay Night, Prosesyon, vespers mass and candle lighting, prosesyon sa suba, fireworks display, and Marcha dela Immaculada.

On December 8, high mass will be said in honor of the Feast of the Immaculate Conception who is the Roxas City‟s Patroness.

A dog show, Halad Capisnon, Artista sa Sinadya

sa Halaran, Pasikat Abilidad will likewise add up to the various activities here.

On the other hand, Provincial Tourism and Cultural Affairs Officer Alphonsus Tesoro pointed out that the various cultural activities for the festival here are anchored on the Capisnon‟s culture as these depict the good natured-people here.

Tesoro said that Capisnon‟s values of being hospitable, generous and thankful for all the graces received are also showcased through the Sinadya sa Halaran celebration.

So far, more than P2.2-million has been appropriated for the activities here of which P1.1-million and P1.151-million were already set aside by the provincial and city governments, respectively. (JCM/JBG/PIA6-Capiz)

PSA survey notes maternal health care gaining in WV ILOILO CITY, Nov. 5 (PIA6) - - Western Visayas has made a significant improvement in the promotion of maternal health care among women, particularly pregnant women.

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ata from the 2013 National Demographic and Health Survey (NDHS) conducted by the Philippine Statistical Authority noted improvements on the following aspects: women seeking the help of skilled health care practitioners for their deliveries; women turning to health facilities for their deliveries; and women availing antenatal care (ANC).

The result of the survey indicated that sixty-eight percent of births in the region were attended by health professionals and sixty-one percent took place in a health facility as compared to only 60 percent of births attended by medical professionals and 46 percent delivered in health facilities in the 2008 NDHS.

It also showed that 7 in every 10 women or 68 percent in Western Visayas were assisted by a medically-trained provider like doctor, nurse or midwife while 30 percent were assisted by traditional health attendants

or “hilot”.

More pregnant women in the region have also recognized the benefits of ANC. Based on the result of the survey, 9 in 10 or 98 percent of women who have live births in the last five years preceeding the survey received ANC from skilled health providers – 31 percent from a doctor and 67 percent from a nurse or midwife.

PSA 6 Assistant Statistician April Dream Pugon said that antenatal care aims to monitor the status of health of the mother and her baby to diagnose early pregnancy-related problems.

It is most beneficial in preventing negative pregnancy outcomes when it is sought early during the pregnancy and continued until the delivery of the child.

Pugon said the quality of ANC services can be determined if pregnant women received necessary medical examination.

Among women in the region who received ANC for their most recent births in the past five years, 85 percent were informed of signs of pregnancy complications, 66 percent had their blood samples taken, and 71 percent had their urine samples taken.

Majority of the women in the region were also weighed and have their blood pressure checked with 97 percent and 98 percent respectively during their ANC visits.

Among the regions in the country, Western Visayas (89%) is next to Eastern Visayas (93%) in terms of performance on protection against neonatal tetanus.

Tetanus toxoid injections are given during pregnancy to prevent neonatal tetanus, which continues to be a major cause of infant deaths in many developing countries. The result of the 2013 NDHS was presented by PSA 6 during the data dissemination forum held in Iloilo City on October 28. (JCM/LAF/PIA-Iloilo)

Education can curb trafficking against persons SAN JOSE, Antique, Nov. 3 (PIA6) - - Educating families and communities on issues of trafficking can curb the incidence of illegal recruitment and trafficking against persons.

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tty. David Bermudo, Regional Director of the Commission on Human Rights 6 in an interview said educating women and children on the issue of trafficking could empower them.

Bermudo was in the province as a resource speaker during the Orientation Seminar to members of Provincial Council on Anti-Trafficking and Violence Against Women and Children on Expanded Anti-Trafficking in Persons Act of 2012 or RA 10364 recently.

“If the families and communities are aware of the issue they will not be easily swayed or convinced by illegal recruiters,” he said.

With that, he urged the stakeholders especially the parents to send their children to school.

Education is really the key to combat trafficking in persons and other unlawful acts taking advantage of women and children.

Bermudo further said that the government‟s

campaign against trafficking in persons is moving on the right track.

The campaign has cascaded to the provincial level wherein local government units organized their own Provincial Council on Anti-Trafficking and Violence Against Women and Children, he said.

However, much is still to be done to heighten the awareness of the people especially with the poor families who are vulnerable to illegal recruitment.

In Region 6, there is a high percentage in the resolution of the case however, there are victims that are not willing to pursue their cases because of the inconvenience that comes with testifying in court plus the time and resources that they need to spend, said Bermudo.

During the seminar Bermudo emphasized that filing cases against the perpetuator of

human trafficking is not an easy job but when victims are willing and determined, the case is easy to prove.

Likewise, he called on families and communities to mobilize and make anti-trafficking in persons a personal advocacy and be courageous enough to report cases of trafficking to the local officials or persons in authority like the social workers and police officers.

RA 10364 defines trafficking in persons as recruitment, obtaining, hiring, providing, offering, transportation, transfer, maintaining, harboring, or receipt of persons with or without the victim's consent or knowledge.

The RA also says it can be within or across national borders by means of threat, or use of force, or other forms of coercion, abduction, fraud, deception, abuse of power or of position, taking advantage of the vulnerability of the person. JCM/ PSM/PIA6 Antique)

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CENTRAL VISAYAS

Save Phil. Seas invites Negrense youths for SEA Camp

By Jennifer C. Tilos NEGROS ORIENTAL, Dumaguete City, Nov 6 (PIA)--The Save Philippine Seas (SPS) in partnership with the U.S. Embassy Manila, is looking for Negrense youth leaders aged 18 to 23 and passionate about marine conservation to participate in a regional Sea and Earth Advocates (SEA) Camp on April 27 to May 3 next year.

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SEA Camp: Empowering youth as leaders in c o n s e r va t i o n , ” a c c o r d i n g t o S P S Communications Officer Anna Helen Yap aims to give young people a platform to play bigger roles in conservation of marine life.

The organizer identified three regional camps in the country which include the municipality of Siaton, Negros Oriental for Visayas region, Batangas in Luzon on April 15-21, and Tawi-Tawi in Mindanao on May 9-May 15. The national culminating camp will be in Calamianes, Palawan on June 11-15.

Some 30 youth-representatives from each region will be chosen from the pool of interested applicants, making 90 participants in the Philippines.

All chosen camp sites, including Siaton, are Marine Key Biodiversity Areas and Ecosystems Improved for Sustainable Fisheries (ECOFISH) Project areas.

This is a USAID-funded project that aims to

reform the fisheries sector through an application of ecosystem-based fisheries management.

Yap said the Philippines is recognized as the “center of marine biodiversity” in the world, being home to about 300 species of coral and nearly 60% of the world's known shore fish.

Many of these are threatened or endangered due to overfishing, destructive fishing methods, pollution, and unsustainable tourism practices.

She said to conserve, protect, and restore the country‟s marine resources, the Filipino youth must be recognized not just as leaders of tomorrow, but also as leaders of today.

The SEA Camp will bring together 30 participants in each region.

They will spend five days immersed in fun and educational activities like workshops, fieldwork, panel discussions, snorkeling, and mural painting.

Participants will also have the chance to take PADI‟s Discover Scuba Diving course for free. All

travel, accommodation and activity costs for the camp will be covered.

At the end of each regional camp, the SEA camp youth will present a project proposal geared towards coastal and marine conservation to a panel of judges.

The top 10 proposals will receive funding to help implement their projects with assistance and guidance from local partners and SPS. All the regional representatives with projects will once again gather for the national culminating SEA Camp in June to give updates about their accomplishments. They will also have the chance to receive additional funding to take their projects further.

Interested youths may download the applications and requirement at www.savephilippineseas.org/seacamp. All applications must be emailed on or before December 23, 2014. (mbcn/JCT/PIA7-Negros Oriental)

DOST urges food hygiene practice in hotels, resorts, restos

By Rizalie A. Calibo SIQUIJOR, Nov 2 (PIA) --The Department of Science and Technology (DOST) Siquijor and the Negros Oriental Food Safety Team (NOFST) encouraged the hotel, resorts and restaurants in the province to implement Basic Food Hygiene (BFH) and Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP) during the 2-day seminar workshop on the subjects.

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he seminar was held recently at the Provincial Science and Technology Center (PSTC) of DOST Siquijor and participated in by owners or food handlers of hotels, resorts and restaurants.

Members of the Negros Oriental Food Safety Team (NOFST) namely Cherie Mae Doit (DOST-Neg. Or.), Analiza Bais of Negros Oriental State University and Evelyn Fajardo of Silliman University served as resource persons.

In his opening remarks Engr. Mario E. de la Peña, Prov‟l Science and Technology Director, told the participants that the seminar was crucial when securing a license from the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to operate food and hotel business.

De la Peña added that DOST sponsored such event because it is very timely and necessary considering the influx of tourists in the province.

Doit reminded participants that no person or entity shall operate any food establishment for public patronage without securing a permit from the local health office.

Bais on the other hand informed the participants that in order for the province‟s food service sector to compete head on with the ASEAN neighbors, they must be GMP compliant.

Fajardo further emphasized to monitor the six factors affecting the growth of microbial contaminants namely food, acidity, temperature, time, oxygen and moisture (FATTOM).

She said that when the food is exposed within the

bounds of the “danger zone”, say 5-57 degrees Celsius, food handlers should exercise caution because food will no longer be safe after two hours of continuous exposure due to bacteria build-up.

Participants were taught on the proper hand washing and showed why such method is very important when one is in the food service sector.

“Contamination and cross-contamination can be avoided by simple hand washing,” Fajardo said.

Meanwhile, Analiza Bais discussed the importance of personal hygiene and stressed that food handlers will not contaminate food by maintaining an “appropriate degree of personal cleanliness” and behaving and operating in an “appropriate manner”.

NOFST members stressed the importance of attending the seminar due to the upcoming ASEAN economic integration by 2015.

According to Evelyn Fajardo, attending the seminar is the first step in securing a GMP Certificate.

“Cheap products will flood the supermarkets,” Fajardo said. “But with GMP, you can be competent,” she added.

Ma. Nenita Completano, one of the participants and cook of Danish Lagoon expressed her gratitude that she was able to attend the seminar.

She said she would share all the important lessons she learned at the seminar not only to co-workers but also to family and friends.

Maria Cristina Greenfield, the owner of Infinity Heights thanked DOST for considering her as one of the participants to the seminar as it was free of charge with good meals and knowledgeable speakers.

Arlene Mack, the manager of Royal Cliff opined that it was one of the best seminars she has attended so far.

All participants committed to practice Basic Food Hygiene and Good Manufacturing Practices in their respective establishments.

Meanwhile, the DOST-Siquijor thru the Science and Technology Information Institute (STII) launched recently the Science and Technology Academic and Research-based Openly Operated Kiosk Station (STARBOOKS) at DOST Siqujor Provincial Science and Technology Center (PSTC).

Administration Coordinator of STARBOOKS Annie Lyn Bacani in her briefing to the beneficiary-institutions explained that the purpose of installing STARBOOKS in key areas in the country is to create interest in the field of Science and Technology to increase Filipino enrollees in S&T courses.

It also wants to encourage great and curious minds to develop new ideas - inventions and innovations and to inspire capacity for entrepreneurship and research for socio‐economic development. (mbcn/RAC/PIA7-Siquijor/with reports from Engr.

Reinhold Jek Abing/DOST-Siquijor)

Bohol total crime volume down in September -PNP TAGBILARAN CITY, Bohol, October 31 (PIA) –Total crime volume in September this year decrease, as police chief Colonel Dennis Agustin and his men aggressively sought ways to make Bohol a peaceful place to live and do business with.

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he decrease, which crime statisticians at Camp Dagohoy posted at 59 cases, elated members of the Provincial Peace and Order Council (PPOC) who gathered on October 31 despite a declared half day holiday for government workers for the All saints and All Souls Day traditions.

Police Senior Superintendent Agustin said crimes volume reported in August 2014 totaled 712 cases, but by September, crimes dropped to 653.

The downtrend, Col. Agustin pointed out was also consistent with the downtrends for index and non-index crimes type in the last two months.

Camp Francisco Dagohoy chief noted that

index and non index crimes in September reached up to 412 which was still considerably low compared to August of this same year.

Index and non-index crimes in August, according to the provincial police director showed 417 and 295 respectively, where a noted 5 cases down for index and as much as 54 cases less for non index crimes in September.

For the crime types, only physical injuries found an increase while all other indexed crimes experienced stability or down trends.

Theft, physical injury and robbery remained top crimes in Bohol, according to Col Agustin who used to be an anti-organized crime task force chief in his past assignment.

Theft comprises 38% of the crime pie, Physical injury, 38% and robbery at 18%, Camp Dagohoy reports.

Theft decreased by 8 from 163 in August, physical injuries increased by 18 cases over August‟s 129 and robberies decreased by two from 76 last month, Col. Agustin pointed out.

The biggest and most notable change however is the drastic decrease of carnapping in Bohol, which has single digit from double digits in the beginning months of the year.

Col. Agustin hailed Tagbilaran City Chief Major George Vale for significantly lowering carnapping cases from 67 in the beginning five months to 22, averaging 4 per month compared to 13.4 in the first five months. (mbcn/RAC/PIA7-Bohol)

CENTRAL VISAYAS

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Guso farming: viable option for communities climate change adaptation

By Rey Anthony H. Chiu TAGBILARAN CITY, Bohol, Nov. 3 (PIA) –In efforts to help communities adapt to changes in climate and and global warming, Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR) put their hopes and push for the viable of seaweed farming for Bohol coastal areas and islets.

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uitable for Bohol's waters and favorable currents, seaweeds of the euchauma cottonii variety, when farmed can be a very good source for alternative income earning for a farm 1/8 of a hectare an ascertained P14,000 per month, Aurelin Eugenio Mayor, BFAR Aquaculturist shared.

Mayol, who also put up a small seaweed farm in Mabini town attests that the strung seaweeds attract fish and bottom dwellers that catching them becomes easier as the fish stay and linger in the farms over going to nearby areas which are overly fished.

The seaweed farms also act as small marine protected areas, she added, while giving a good sanctuary with its shade and food for fish.

Speaking at the Kapihan sa PIA, she said

fishers have complained about depleting and scarce fish stocks that they would have to paddle long hours to get to the depths to fish.

"They would have to paddle long to catch more and earn more, but, we have opened an option, go seaweed farming instead," the aqua-culturist who makes rounds convincing people of backyard fisheries blurted out.

With seaweed farming, especially with the euchauma cottonii (guso) variety, they are assured of income while tending to their farms, and occasionally fish using lines in nearby areas, Mayol said.

Most of Bohol seawaters are suitable for guso, which not only supplies food for the table, its high value when dried can be the answer to low income fishers.

Farmed in lined strings and strung together in uniform distances, guso is the raw material for carrageenan, a seaweed extract that is extensively used in the food industry due to its gelling, stabilizing and thickening properties.

Six or seven kilos of guso when dried can weigh a kilo and is sold between P60-70 in dry weight, Mayol said who added that seaweed farms are even frequented by traders who may buy even the raw and undried guso, so farmers really do not need to put up solar driers.

We need to present alternatives to communities now feeling the effect of climate change, and the option which guso offers opens a new window for families to unite and work closer to home, BFAR said. (mbcn/RAC/ PIA7-Bohol)

NegOr students to compete 23rd PSQ

By Jennifer C. Tilos DUMAGUETE CITY, Nov. 4 (PIA) -- Some 30 freshmen college students in Negros Oriental are expected to compete for the country’s young statistics wizards for the 23rd Philippine Statistics Quiz (PSQ).

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rovincial Statistics Officer Ariel Fortuito of the Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA) said the provincial elimination will be conducted on November 10 at 2:00 p.m. at the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas, Dumaguete City.

Fortuito said the competition is for first-time college freshmen students currently enrolled during the second semester of the school year 2014-2015 in 10 colleges and universities in Negros Oriental.

Foruito said the PSQ is an annual quiz competition designed to test freshmen college students‟ knowledge on statistics and promote appreciation of the importance and value of science, particularly statistics in all

development-planning activities.

Each school could send three participants and three coaches that must be officially endorsed by the school where the students are enrolled.

The top three winners will represent the province during the regional elimination on Nov. 14.

The regional winner will represent the region and compete with the representatives of the other 16 regions in the National PSQ contest which is set on December 9, 2014 at the Commission on Higher Education (CHEd), Quezon City.

This year‟s participating schools include Silliman University (SU), Foundation University

(FU), St. Paul University (SPUD), Negros oriental State University (NORSU), COSCA, Maxino College, Maritime College, Science Technology Institute (STI), and AMA. At stake for the top five winners in the PSQ national finals shall receive a PSQ trophy and cash prizes.

Each of the national finalists shall be given a PSQ medal and a Certificate of Recognition.

Their coaches shall likewise be awarded with Certificates of Recognition.

The PSQ primarily aims to assess the competency and skills of students in statistics as acquired from the secondary education curriculum. (mbcn/JCT/PIA7-Negros Oriental)

Public urged to report cases of child abuse to authorities

By Ferliza C. Contratista CEBU CITY, Nov 1 (PIA)---Authorities urged the public to be more vigilant in reporting of cases involving minors.

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n the recently held Kapihan sa PIA-Cebu, representatives from the law enforcement, regional and local social welfare and child focused non-government organization, call on the public not to close its eyes on any abuses done to minors.

This despite statistics in Cebu City that showed similar number of recorded abuses done to children this year and last year.

Police Inspector Arieza Otida, Women and Children Protection Desk head of the Cebu City Police Office (Wcpd-CCPO) revealed that in 2013 there were 460 cases recorded from January to December. As of September 2014 there are 429 cases reported.

In the province, there is however a significant decrease of recorded abuses in children

from 1126 January to December 2013 to 526 this year, according to the records of the Cebu Provincial Police Office (CPPO).

According to the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD-7) Social Welfare Officer Grace Yana said they had served 661 recorded cases for the entire 2013.

Otida said majority of the cases against children are in the forms of physical abuse causing injuries and harm.

What were notable in the province are records of acts of lasciviousness, child labor and trafficking in the form of cyber pornography.

Yana said even If the parent or relatives are not interested to report, the neighbor or anyone who knows can report the case directly to them.

It can also be reported to the police who

can also file a case in the child‟s behalf. They believed that there are still cases which do not reach their desks.

October is dedicated to children, particularly observing their participatory rights.

For CCPO, Otida said they conducted information drive in five schools about important applicable laws to children.

They also did a poster making contest with the theme, “Bata Kasali ka, Ikaw ay Mahalaga” and a marriage encounter for about 20 policemen couples.

They concluded the celebration with a talent contest among street children.

CPPO also made a campus advocacy campaign and knowledge enhancement seminars to women investigators. (mbcn/FCC/PIA7-Cebu)

6

EASTERN VISAYAS

Farmers in 'Yolanda' areas trained to be self-sufficient-Sec. Alcala

By Jonnie H. Buenaventura TACLOBAN CITY, Leyte, Nov. 4 (PIA) - The assistance provided by the Department of Agriculture (DA) to the farmers in Region 8 are just temporary in nature due to the extent of the damaged brought by super typhoon ―Yolanda‖ which mostly devastated parts of the region in November 8, 2013.

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ccording to DA Secretary Proceso J. Alcala, they prioritized the farmers in Yolanda-affected areas due to the escalation of prices in agricultural products and rebuild the agriculture industry and livelihood of farmers.

Sec. Alcala elaborated that 65.27 percent of irrigation canals or 673,306 linear meters of irrigation canals had been cleared of debris and desilted to further boost the plantation in agricultural products.

Theregional office has distributed a total of 2,280 kilos of assorted vegetable seeds to local

government units; 24,738 bags of corn seeds; 142,423 bags of certified and hybrid rice seeds to affected farming households.

Farmer beneficiaries who had been provided with rice and corn were also provided with fertilizers.

A total of 162,878 bags of various types of fertilizers had already been distributed to farmer beneficiaries.

Sec Alcala said that the assistance provided by the Agriculture department will somehow ease the pains and sufferings of the farmers and in turn give them the courage to regain the healthy

agriculture industry.

The farmers were also taught to practice intercropping by planting vegetable products aside from rice and corn as well as encouraged to raise livestock as a means of additional income.

Sec. Alcala is assured that even if the assistance provided to the farmer beneficiaries is just temporary it has long-lasting effect due to the skills acquired 0 by the farmers in sustaining their livelihood by not only being dependent on one product but other products which can generate additional income. (ajc/jhb/PIA-8)

DAR turns over P37-M worth of projects in Biliran ALMERIA, Biliran, Nov. 5 (PIA) – More than P37 million worth of rural development projects had been turned over by the Department of Agrarian Reform (DAR) in two Biliran towns.

AR Assistant Regional Director for rehabilitate the irrigation system in Barangay farm-to-market road from Sitio Pitoguhan of Program Beneficiaries Development Magbangon which now supplies water to about Barangay Jamorawon to Barangay Iyusan, Ismael Aya-ay led in the turnover of 53 hectares of ricefields here and in adjacent Agajan said he never expected it would be this three irrigation projects, a farm-to-market Barangay Libertad. beautiful and durable. road (FMR) and a potable water system to the Another project turned over in this Road accidents in this area will now be local government units of Cabucgayan and municipality is the potable water system avoided, he added.

Almeria. implemented in Barangay Balaquid, which For the road improvement, DAR tapped The local chief executives of the said according to Mayor Gemma Adobo, is of big the Department of Public Works and Highways towns likewise turned over on the same help in securing the health of the 208 (DPWH) for the concreting where more than occasion to the recipient barangays, irrigators‟ households.

2,600 residents are expected to benefit. associations and barangay water services Like irrigation, health is also an important Meanwhile, DAR Regional Director association the completed projects for the factor in rural development, she added.

Sheila Enciso disclosed that an agricultural operation and maintenance.

In Almeria, DAR also commissioned NIA warehouse in Barangay Balaquid in Cabucgayan With a combined total cost of P37.6 for the construction of an irrigation system in is soon to be turned over too to the agrarian million, these projects funded by the Japan Barangay Iyusan and rehabilitated the one in reform beneficiaries organization (ARBO) to International Cooperation Agency (JICA) thru Barangay Jamorawon that could now supply complete the package of support services in the third phase of the Agrarian water to about 102 hectares of rice terraces in the area.

Reform Infrastructure Support Project these upland villages.

The warehouse is also funded by JICA (ARISP-3), according to Aya-ay, are expected Almeria Mayor Dominador Agajan said under ARISP-3, she added. to hasten economic growth in the agrarian during the turnover that this may now be the Enciso hope these projects would help reform communities (ARCs) in these realization of their town‟s vision of becoming not only improve the quality of life of the ARBs municipalities. the tourism hub and rice basket of the here but also in the economic development of In Cabucgayan, DAR commissioned the province. the region particularly the agriculture sector.

National Irrigation Administration (NIA) to On the newly-concreted 4.4-kilometer (JAS/DAR-8)

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Livelihood Seeding Program launched in Tacloban TACLOBAN CITY, Leyte, Nov. 5 (PIA) – In partnership with the United States Philippines Society and the Philippine Disaster Relief Foundation (PDRF), the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) in Eastern Visayas has launched the Livelihood Seeding Program Monday at Liceo Del Verbo Divino, this city.

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eventy Four (74) beneficiaries of the program in the City of Tacloban have received the livelihood packages distributed to them.

The beneficiaries include dressmakers, food makers, food vendors and small eatery operators.

DTI 8 Regional Director Cynthia Nierras, said that a big number of micro enterprises have been affected by super typhoon Yolanda in 64 municipalities and cities in Region 8.

Hence, the beneficiaries need to restore back their livelihood which they

were used to for many long years.

Nierras likewise said, around 12, 300 micro enterprises were registered at the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) before Yolanda hit the region last year.

Initially, four to five hundred beneficiaries in eight (8) places in the region are being targeted by the program.

These includes the worst-hit areas such as Tacloban, Palo, Tanauan, Tolosa, Dulag, Tabon-Tabon, Mayorga, all are in Leyte and Guiuan, Eastern Samar.

The launching was spearheaded by DTI

through Regional Director Cynthia Nierras, Leyte Provincial Director Desiderio Belas, Hank Hendrickson, Executive Director, U.S. Philippine Society and his wife Anne; Veronica Gabaldon, Program Manager, PDRF, Rene S. Meily, President, PDRF and Tacloban City Assistant Administrator Brando Bernadas.

The Livelihood Seeding Program is the DTI‟s response to a particular need that was identified during the Post Disaster Needs Assessment (PDNA)) conducted immediately after Yolanda struck the region last year.(ajc/cba/PIA-8)

EASTERN VISAYAS

7

DPWH-4th LED concentrates improvement projects

on

its

ORMOC CITY, Leyte, Nov. 5 (PIA) – A number of improvement projects are currently being undertaken by the Department of Public Works and Highways – Leyte Fourth Engineering District (DPWH-4th LED), one of which is the drainage system along the Palompon-Isabel-Merida-Ormoc Road.

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istrict Engr. Lino Francisco C. Gonzalez of DPWH-4th LED informed that the ongoing project, which has a contract cost of P1,360,000.00 under the GMP Builders, took off last September 10.

The improvement project on the drainage system is necessary for the easy flow of water coming from the higher areas.

Another improvement project that is also being undertaken is the double box culvert along the Kananga-Tungonan Hot Spring Road which is now 50 percent accomplished.

The double box culvert which is along the Geothermal Plant started last January 31.

Said project, according to Engr.

Gonzales has a contract cost of

P5,900,000.00. The project, as an alternative route between Ormoc and Kananga, benefits some 500 households.

This improvement project is being given priority because the river in said area is prone to flooding which results to making the road not passable to both the residents and the Geothermal Plant employees. (ajc/ maa/PIA-8)

NYC supports Climate Walk, advocates 50 ways to curb greenhouse gas emissions TACLOBAN CITY, Leyte, Nov. 3 (PIA) – As a solid supporter of the Climate Change Commission (CCC)-led ―Climate Walk,‖ the National Youth Commission (NYC) did its share as they launched on Monday its advocacy dubbed as ―50 ways to cut greenhouse gas emissions‖ before more than 2 thousand more supporters who were mostly students as they converged with the climate warriors at the Samar State University.

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s a sign of support, NYC Commissioner Jose Sixto Dantes III (Dingdong Dantes) came over from Manila to join the youth supporters of CCC in Catbalogan, Samar.

In a media interaction at the Tacloban airport held shortly before he left for Catbalogan, the NYC Commissioner said that they are seriously supporting the activities of the Climate Change Commission all throughout as he underscored the importance of youth participation in the said advocacy campaign.

Commissioner Dantes said that the youth is one of the most vulnerable sectors as far as calamities are concerned.

“Ayaw naman natin na maging biktima lang parati ang mga kabataan (We don‟t want that the youths have to be victims always),

we also want them to be part of the solution,” he said.

Dantes emphasized that at this early stages, the youths should be involved specially in the prevention, mitigation and climate change awareness.

“Naniniwala ako na you don‟t have to be an environmentalist to care, everyone should care right now,” he said.

Dantes shared his best three of the 50 simple ways to cut greenhouse gas emissions: reduce, reuse and recycle plus tree planting at the right place.

“Simple lang siya (50 ways), pero „pag marami po ang gumagawa, there‟s a possibility na maa-attain natin ang goal ng UN na by 2100 zero na ang emission ng greenhouse gas,” he said.

NYC will be releasing an infomercial

which will serve as an educational tool in schools to disseminate these simple messages to the youths as wide as possible with the help of social media.

Likewise, Dantes stressed that these messages be relayed in such a manner that it will be understandable, doable, attainable and inclusive, including the out-of-school youths.

It was learned that thousands of advocates and climate change warriors pledged to wage war against climate change led by Commissioner Dantes, Commissioner Naderev Sano of the Climate Change Commission and Catbalogan Mayor Step Uy-Tan during the Climate Change Congress held at the Samar State University. (PIA-8 with reports from PIA-Samar)

Climate change walkers stirs thousands of Catbaloganons CATBALOGAN CITY, Samar, Nov 3 (PIA)—Climate Change walkers reached their 802nd kilometer walk as they trudged the City of Catbalogan on Sunday night.

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h e c lim a te c h a n g e w a lk e rs numbering 40 (sometimes the number would swell depending on the communities they happen to pass through, and sometimes would shrink to the original 40) entered the city despite being soaked in the rains.

According to Charlie Sta Maria, the climate change walker/photographer, their task is to invite attention from people that climate change is here and that communities should act. She also narrated some poignant stories of the people she met along the way.

Walking since October 2, where they started off at the Luneta, the climate change walkers which Catbalogan City Mayor Steph Uy-Tan also called warriors have been almost sunburned, but their determination to reach the last 89 or so kilometers to

reach Tacloban has not slowed down the team-they intent to move forward-„usad -usad‟ (move-move) as the song rendered by Nityalila says.

On Monday, the walkers and their commissioners Naderev Sano, Dingdong Dantes and Jo Jan Paul Penol converged at the Samar State University Gym where they were met by more than two thousand supporters most of whom were students from all over Catbalogan City.

“Catbalogan City has broken the climate change walk record with the more than 2 thousand supporters,” said Sano.

It has been their 33rd day walking since October 2, 2014, the walkers target to reach Tacloban City on November 8, 2014, anniversary of the strongest typhoon Yolanda onslaught in the region. “Climate Change is a war we can not afford to lose,”

he said. Despite the long and tiring walk, the climate change walkers/warriors have encountered inspiring support from the communities they pass through. Their present to Mayor Stephany Uy-Tan was a Climate Change resiliency tool kit.

In return, the mayor and Vice Mayor Art Gabon presented to the National Youth Commission an ordinance that will include the participation and representation of the youth in the disaster risk reduction-climate change plans for the city.

The city, said Dantes is the first city to recognize the participation of the youth in the DRR/Climate Change issues.

“I hope that what the leaders in Catbalogan did will be replicated in other LGUs,” Dantes said.

The city also launched 50 ways to cut greenhouse gases. (PIA-Samar/NBQ)

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