One Visayas e-Newsletter Vol 4 Issue 34

Vol 4

Issue 34

In this Issue WESTERN VISAYAS

Iloilo Governor Arthur Defensor, Sr. delivers his State of the Province Address (SOPA) for 2014 during the session of the Iloilo Sangguniang Panlalawigan held Tuesday at the Iloilo Provincial Capitol. (PIA6)

August 25 - 31, 2014

Published by: PIA 6, 7 & 8

CV provinces ink „reforms‟ MOU with NEDA, foreign partners BY: MINERVA BC NEWMAN CEBU CITY, Aug. 28 (PIA) – Cebu, Bohol, Negros Oriental and Siquijor thru their respective governors inked a memorandum of understanding (MOU) with the National Economic and Development Authority (NEDA-7), Australian Aid and The Asia Foundation in the Philippines for new roads and infrastructure reforms.

The signing was done during the formal launching of the Coordinating Roads and Infrastructure Investment for Development (CR+ID) project on August 27 at the Harold‘s hotel in Cebu City.

In his keynote message, Australian Embassy Deputy Head of Mission, Hon. David Dutton said the Australian government through the Australian Aid (AusAID) has been a consistent partner of the Philippines in government development through its various projects in support to the country‘s economic growth.

According to him, AusAID has been working closely with sectors that promote health, agriculture, infrastructure, gender equality, among others and always looking for innovations to achieved the very best results. ―Close alignment with our attitudes and objectives on development as basis of partnerships of both countries. We will introduce new programs including infrastructure to promote economic development of the partner countries,‖ Dutton added.

He particularly quoted a tagline from the SONA of President

Benigno Aquino that ―Good economics is good government ―which sums up why the CR+ID expands in Central Visayas,‖ Dutton noted.

Bohol governor Edgar M. Chatto, also the chair of the Regional Development Council (RDC) here said, ―We are in for a long journey of partnership.‖ Chatto validated the effectiveness of the CR+ID process as the mechanism used in creating, choosing or identifying projects from the ground up to achieve more chances of approval from funding institutions both local and foreign.

The CR+ID project uses the value chain analysis with the private sector particularly the local chambers of commerce to identify strategic road links.

These are interconnected roads within the province, regardless of classification, and these are most often used in transporting goods and people.

This year, the Australia Government and The Asia Foundation jointly agreed to expand CR+ID in two ways; thematically, to include not only roads but also key infrastructure with disaster risk and hazard identification and geographically, to include all provinces in regions 7 and 8 as well as the three provinces in region 6.

The CR+ID also works to strengthen the Regional Development Council for broader participation in the realms of investment programming. (mbcn/PIA7)

More on Region 6, pages 2-3.

Full-blown rehab to begin in 6 Yolanda affected areas CENTRAL VISAYAS

BY: CONSUELO B. ALARCON TACLOBAN CITY, Leyte, Aug. 21 (PIA) – The full-blown implementation of the rehabilitation in six (6) areas affected by typhoon Yolanda will start anytime as soon as the budget will be released by the Department of Budget and Management (DBM).

Undersecretary Lesley Cordero of the Office of the Presidential Assistant for Rehabilitation and Recovery (OPARR) said during her visit in this city recently, that once the budget will be downloaded to the national government agencies who will implement the priority projects, the rehabilitation will begin immediately in six (6) areas such as Leyte, Western Samar, Eastern Samar, Iloilo, Cebu and Tacloban City.

However, Secretary Panfilo Lacson is pushing for a bottom-up approach so that certain funds will be downloaded to the local government units (LGUs).

OPARR assured the public that all funds will be accounted for.

Aside from the Commission on Audit (COA) which has the

primary function to examine, audit and settle all accounts and expenditures of the funds and properties of the government, the Office of Secretary Lacson is preparing a monitoring and validation team to make sure that everything is accounted for.

Cordero said Secretary Lacson is hoping to achieve an 80% completion of the rehabilitation projects under the Comprehensive Rehabilitation and Recovery Plan (CRRP) before the end of President Aquino‘s term in 2016.

She further stressed that the national government‘s goal is not just to build back better but to do it faster and safer.

Under the CRRP, rehabilitation in the six (6) mentioned Yolanda devastated areas was already approved as announced by President Aquino in his State of the Nation Address (SONA) last July 28.

According to Cordero, the approved rehabilitation plan for the province of Leyte was estimated at P39 Billion; Samar -P8.8 Billion; Eastern Samar-P11.3 Billion while Tacloban City has P15.7 billion budget rehab plan.(PIA-8)

climate change advocacy by starting to cut their carbon footprints and live a lifestyle worthy of emulation by their peers, said DENR-6 official.

Director Alice Lustica, designated climate czar for Western Visayas, told the more than 900 campus paper writers in her series of lectures during the Campus Journalism seminar workshops held July to August this year, spearheaded by the Philippine Information Agency here.

Lustica said while campus paper writers can disseminate information on climate change, they can be more effective if they are able to show by the way they live every day that they are reducing their carbon footprints.

She said carbon footprint is the sum of all emissions of carbon dioxide induced by human activities in a given time frame.

Generally, Lustica said carbon footprints can be reduced tremendously with a change in lifestyle, like turning off lights and appliances not in use or minimize unnecessary use, be prudent in use of water, food consumption, as well as avoid use of plastics, opt for electric fans rather than air conditioning units, watching what they eat all the time Further, carbon footprints can also be reduced through use of alternative fuels, practicing car pooling, or better still go carless most of the time, prefer locally produced food rather than pre-packaged and processed food.

Student writers can also lead in sustaining tree planting activities and maintaining community gardens in their schools and start a green roof to cool their homes and reduce pollution. ―There are so many ways so you reduce your carbon footprints, starting with yourselves as change agents,‖ Lustica said, as she reiterated her appeal for healthy living. ―You owe it to yourselves and to the next generations to give the world

―In the process, be a carbon cutter, and better still, a carbon hero,‖ Lustica said.

Lustica served as lecturers for all the training sessions in Panay, with students representing their school publications from colleges, universities, public and private high schools.

The series of lectures on climate change were components of the joint advocacy campaign of the DENR-6 and the PIA, bannered by the theme, ―Nagbabago na ang Panahon, Panahon na Para Magbago.‖ (JCM/ESS/PIA-Iloilo)

PIA Director General Jose Mari Oquiñena reminded the teachers in NegOr schools division to be united in facing or addressing climate change and other social challenges. DG Oquiñena said ―Teachers should tell more about Filipino solidarity to their students,‖ in a Reduce carbon footprints, student writers urged recent Pintig Pinoy forum with the your best, b y becoming aware of what you buy, eat and do,‖ she Department of Education (DepEd) in By: Elsa S. Subong ILOILO CITY, Aug. 27 (PIA)—Student writers have to lead in added.

Dumaguete City. (PIA7-NegOr) More on Region 7, pages 4-5.

EASTERN VISAYAS

SM Corporation vice-chairperson Teresita Sy-Coson (center), OPARR Secretary PanfiloLacson and Tacloban City mayor Alfred Romualdez led in the ceremonial cutting of the ribbon during the inauguration and turnover ceremony of the rehabilitated Tacloban City Hospital on August 27.

(Vino R. Cuayzon) More on Region 8, pages 6-7.

Also CLICK Here...

Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR)-6 Regional Technical Director Alicia Lustica stresses the importance of reducing carbon footprints to campus paper writers to mitigate the impact of climate change during the Campus Journalism Seminar-Workshop held August 20-22 at Iloilo Grand Hotel. (PIAIloilo)

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WESTERN VISAYAS

2 Iloilo mentors are Metrobank outstanding teachers By: Lilibeth A. French ILOILO CITY, Aug. 27 (PIA6) - - Western Visayas has recently added two more educators to its list of outstanding teachers honored by the Metrobank Foundation.

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r. Jesus Insilada and Dr. Resurreccion Sadaba are among the winners of the 2014 Metrobank Foundation Search for Outstanding Teachers which recognized the best teachers who have served as models of excellence and personal integrity to the community and the country.

Dr. Insilada who is one of the four winners in the secondary competition of the search is a Teacher III of the Alcarde Gustilo Memorial National High School in Brgy. Alibunan, Calinog, Iloilo.

He is the first awardee from the school and from the town.

On the other hand, Dr. Sadaba is one of the two winners in the higher education competition.

He is an Associate Professor of the University of the Philippines Visayas in Miag-ao with specialization on Mangrove Studies. He is the 5th awardee from the university.

With the addition of Insilada and Sadaba, Region 6 has now 50 awardees in the search or 15% of the 326 outstanding teachers produced by the search since

1985.

For this year‘s search, the Final Board of Judges was chaired by Senator Cynthia A. Villar and co-chaired by Supreme Court Associate Justice Arturo D. Brion.

Winners will be honored at a formal awarding ceremony on September 5, 2014.

They will be conferred with gold medallions and an increased cash prize of P500,000 each in celebration of the Search 30th year. They will also receive a trophy and a plaque of recognition for their school. (JCM/LAF/PIA6-Iloilo)

Scholarships, OFW assistance up in Bacolod City By: Easter Anne D. Doza BACOLOD CITY, Aug. 27 (PIA6) - - Scholarships and assistance to the Overseas Filipino Workers displaced by the Libya conflict are lined up as part of the social services of Bacolod City.

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he local government of Bacolod with the Department of Education and the Fuel Hope program of Petron Corporation launched the Tulong Aral ng Petron Scholarship program or TAP. This is in support to the anti-poverty pursuit for basic education of the city that will provide out of school children from aged six with a subsistence that will provide them access to basic education in the form of school uniforms, shoes, school supplies, meal allowance and Christmas

gift packs.

TAP is a holistic program that will also include education and child development, health and nutrition, livelihood, values formation, leadership and volunteer program and child monitoring, a release from the city public information office revealed.

Beneficiaries will be identified by the Department of Social Services and Development (DSSD).

Meanwhile, the DSSD is also giving P10,000 each for the six Bacolod based

OFWs who were recently repatriated from war-torn Libya as livelihood assistance from the city government.

Bacolod City Mayor Monico O. Puentevella said this is the city government‘s little way of helping them get back on their feet. ―If you decide to remain in the city or in the country, try to explore local employment or start your own small business,‖ Puentevella told the OFWs.* (JCM/EAD-PIA6 Negros Occidental)

Aklan targets 95% measles immunization rate By: Venus G. Villanueva KALIBO, Aklan, August 26 (PIA6) -- The province of Aklan is targeting to immunize 95% of children here from ages 9 months to 5 years old against measles this month of September with the nationwide conduct of Measles Rubella Oral Polio Vaccine Mass Immunization.

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n Aklan, some 66,107 children are targeted to be reached by health workers and be vaccinated against measles, and for Oral Polio Vaccines – some 77,604, according to Dr. Cornelio Cuachon, Provincial Health Officer I who oriented the local media at the orientation/press conference spearheaded by the Department of Health (DOH) and the Provincial Health Office (PHO) and attended by the local media and health officials held August 26 at the Ninos Ihaw-Ihaw in Kalibo. ―All children belonging to the said age group will be immunized regardless of previous vaccination status,‖ Dr. Cuachon said.

The immunization activities will be

conducted at fixed sites in all areas of the province and at sitios, followed by mopping operations through Rapid Coverage Assesment (RCA) to ensure that no children were missed for vaccination.

If any group misses to immunize two or more children, the activity will be deemed a failure, but the team will still come back to immunize the children but in the following months already of October or November, Dr. Cuachon said.

This year‘s mass immunization aims to interrupt measles and rubella virus transmission, to protect against the spread of wild poliovirus and to link the mass immunization to routine immunization by identifying high risk communities for

routine vaccination. Last year, based on PHO records, Aklan had 442 cases of measles with two deaths. The two victims who died were siblings from Manika, Libacao, Aklan and were unimmunized against measles.

The two – whose ages range from 2 to 4 years, died of pneumonia complications.

For 2014 from January to June 18, PHO records showed that there are already 76 cases, with Kalibo having the highest number of cases followed by Malay, and Nabas.

These municipalities, Dr. Cuachon said, are densely-populated areas, one of the factors for high incidence of cases. (JCM/VGV PIA6 Aklan)

WESTERN VISAYAS

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Lactating mothers support 1st Breastfeeding Congress By: Alex A. Lumaque ROXAS CITY, Capiz, Aug. 26 (PIA6) – Two hundred lactating mothers here joined the 1st Breastfeeding Congress of the Provincial Health Office (PHO) last Aug. 22 at Robinsons Place – Roxas in view of the National Breastfeeding Awareness Month celebration.

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he event, designed to promote the importance of providing proper support to all breastfeeding Filipino families, was attended by local health authorities and officials who admitted to have been then breastfeed babies. ―I was breastfed by my mother as it is the most convenient and practical way to feed babies during the Japanese occupation,‖ said Capiz Gov. Victor A. Tanco. Babies latched on to their mothers for the simultaneous breastfeeding that was followed by various lectures and

testimonies on breastfeeding aside from the free services provided by the partners of PHO in the event.

The congress was complemented by the formal opening of a Baby Care Lounge of Robinsons Place that was also graced by Tanco and Roxas City government local officials led by Vice-Mayor Ronnie T. Dadivas. The lounge will be a venue for mothers who want to breastfeed and replace the diapers of their babies in privacy while at the mall.

The congress has the support of the Department of Health, Roxas City Health

Office, UNICEF, Capiz Medical Society, Philippine Red Cross, Filamer Christian University, gay group Capiz Shells, Philippine Information Agency, Capiz Association of Government Public Information Officers, Inc., Roxas City and Capiz Press Bureaus and Robinsons Place, among others.

Republic Act No. 10028 or the Expanded Breastfeeding Promotion Act provides for the yearly National Breastfeeding Awareness Month celebration every August. (JCM/AAL/PIA6 Capiz)

DTI issues tips on managing household budget By: Pilar S. Mabaquiao SAN JOSE, Antique (PIA6) - - Use of credit cards, ATM and debit cards among consumers as mode of payment of goods and services is increasing due to its convenience in business activities and consumer transactions.

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his is the reason why the Department of Trade and Industry issued Administrative Order No. 10, Series of 2006, to constantly remind sellers or retailers about the prohibition on extra charges imposed in the use of credit/ATM/debit cards.

Joy Cardinal, Information Officer of DTI Antique said AO No. 10 provides that stores cannot impose extra charges on top of the cash price for purchases of goods or services via credit/ATM/debit cards.

For Antique in particular, department stores or business establishments such as drugs stores, appliance center, gasoline stations, and hardware stores accepting

credit cards payments are increasing as well as banks issuing credits cards.

Here are some guidelines on credit card charges relative to the rules on price tags, modes of payments and other price tag practices: 1. When the consumer pays in cash, he shall pay only the price indicated in the price tag.

2. When the consumer pays through credit/ATM/debit card, he shall pay only the price indicated in the price tag.

3. When the retailer offer the consumer an option to pay in cash, card or on installment, the same is allowed provided the payment options shall be disclosed by

way of a separate information to the consumer but not in the price tag.

4. Price tag indicating a separate cash price tag and regular price tag on each product or service is not allowed.

5. Price tag indicating a separate cash price tag and card price tag on each product or service is not allowed.

Cardinal emphasized that the Consumer Act of the Philippines or RA 7394 declares that the best interest of the consumers and his/her general welfare must be protected.

Thus, violation to its provisions shall have its corresponding penalties. (JCM/PSM/ PIA6 Antique)

Private sector, gov‟t partners in pursuit of inclusive growth ILOILO CITY, Aug. 28 (PIA6) – The government is banking on the private sector to create jobs as its role in the pursuit of inclusive growth.

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his was stressed by National E cono m ic an d Deve lopm en t Authority (NEDA) Deputy Director General Margarita Songco as she conveyed the message of Director General Arsenio Balisacan at the 5th Regional Development Council-Private Sector Representatives National Convention held here recently.

Nevertheless, the government would not just leave the private sector to do the job alone – it will have its own role too.

The result of this reciprocal relationship is partnership.

Based on a report about the event prepared by NEDA VI here, Songco emphasized that it is the private sector that will create the jobs and that government‘s role is to make it easier and less costly for the private sector to do business and to

encourage investments in the country.

The delegates were reassured by Songco of the fact that under the updated Philippine Development Plan (PDP), the government is focusing its strategies on fostering a more conducive business environment to facilitate economic activities.

The PSRs were called upon to promote the country‘s overall development and their fellow Filipinos‘ welfare, as well as, to reflect and reassess how they can better contribute to their respective region‘s development, vision and goals.

The PSRs formalized their role by signing the Manifesto of Support doe the updated PDP and Regional Development Plans by the heads of the regional delegations.

The NEDA VI report said a total of 172

participants from the different regions of the country attended the national convention which was hosted by RDC-VI and supported by its Secretariat, NEDA VI. The theme for this year is ―PSRs: RDC‘s Crucial Partners in the Pursuit of Inclusive Growth and Job Creation‖.

RDC X will host the 2015 national convention and RDC V for 2016.

NEDA VI described this year‘s event as a success. This was measured not only by the quality of the inputs from the resource persons nor the relevance of the outputs form the delegates and the excellence of the work rendered by the hosts but also by the unquantifiable benefits of networks established and friendships built among the private sector leaders in the RDC, said NEDA VI. (CMP/NEDA6/PIA6)

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CENTRAL VISAYAS

Siquijor furniture makers consumerism‟ trends

learn

„Green

BY: RIZALIE A. CALIBO SIQUIJOR, Aug. 28 (PIA) -- Department of Science and Technology (DOST-7) and the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) in Siquijor encouraged furniture makers in the province to consider „Green” consumerism as one of the trends in making furniture products globally competitive and sustainable.

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OST-7 assistant regional director Engr. Jesus Zamora said local furniture makers should look into how their products are made to positively respond to environmental challenges in the advent of climate change while meeting the needs of consumers.

Zamora cited the increasing number of foreigners coming to the island, which he said is a big opportunity for furniture makers to consider especially that most of those opting to stay in the island are Europeans.

Zamora was one of the resource persons on ―Green‖ consumerism during the seminar on Resource Efficient and Cleaner Production (RECP) for Small and Medium Entrepreneurs (SMEs) conducted in Siquijor recently.

Europeans are used to green products.

They are very keen at how your products are

made, he said as he urged them to follow the trend to be globally competitive and sustainable despite global warming.

Meeting their demands can also mean adapting to climate change which is a also a form of risk management, he said. ―Usba ang inyong mindest. (Change your mindset). Think of how you can improve your products and protect the environment at the same time at lower costs and keep it ready for the emerging markets in your island,‖ he added. He warned the furniture makers to be relevant.

According to Zamora, the trend for sustainable development despite global warming is now embracing the concept of green consumerism. Green consumerism is using organic products and those that are made of recyclable and biodegradable

materials, and other practices that lead to resource efficiency, cleaner production, and or waste minimization.

Waste minimization, he added will lead to increased productivity, reduced operating costs, public health and environmental benefits, improved work and health safety, reduced risk of liability, improved corporate image and improved global competitiveness.

Discus sin g the econ omic and environmental impacts of the DOST's Resource Efficient and Cleaner Production (RECP), he said the program calls for a shift in attitude.

The new attitude should be that "Manufacturers accept responsibility for the pollution caused by their products from design to disposal," he concluded. (mbcn/RACalibo/ PIA7-Siquijor)

PIA, DTI, DOST hold climate change adaptation, energy audit seminar BY: RIZALIE A. CALIBO SIQUIJOR, Aug. 28 (PIA) – The Department of Science and Technology (DOST), Department of Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) and the Philippine Information Agency (PIA) in Siquijor province pooled efforts and resources to conduct a seminar recently on climate change adaptation and energy audit to the members of the small and medium entrepreneurs in the province.

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TI-Siquijor provincial director Nimfa Virtucio in her opening remarks ex p la in e d th e i mp o r tan c e o f convergence for SMEs development and to strengthen advocacy on climate change adaptation and energy conservation.

The activity, she said is part of the DTI‘s SMERA (SMED Roving Academy) that brings learning program through a series of training and seminars to the micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs) to help them become

competitive both in the domestic and international markets.

PIA-Siquijor through this writer also briefly explained that business should embrace the need to tackle climate change and enhance energy efficiency to improve their competitive position because Climate Change and Energy Efficiency advocacy are a shared challenge.

DOST provincial director Mario de la Pena also gave his message for DOST‘s part and introduced the participants and the resource

persons.

DOST7‘s Engr. Edgar Osorio talked on energy management in response to the call for climate change adaptation while Engr.

Roberto Edra presented actual Energy Audit with the Furniture Makers in the island as the subjects.

Participants come from the gift, decors and housewares (GDH), engineering and metal, food processing, furniture and the tourism sectors. (mbcn/RAC/PIA7-Siquijor)

Gov't seeks more men involvement in FP programs BY: ROI ANTHONI B. LOMOTAN DUMAGUETE CITY, Aug. 21 (PIA) – Men are encouraged to be more involved in family planning programs of the government to deepen their understanding of responsible parenting.

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his came after Barangay Kagawad Alfredo Omoyon of Barangay Banilad in Dumaguete City raised this concern during a recent Kapihan sa PIA on why men are hardly participating in family planning lectures set by the barangay officials.

Omoyon is also a member of Men in Action for Responsible Parenthood (MARPA), a male organization that advocates ―man to man‖ talk on family planning and responsible parenting. ―Family planning can‘t be done by one person alone, there should be a husband and a wife,‖ Omoyon said.

Omoyon asked some representatives from the Integrated Provincial Office (IPHO) and the Commission on Population (POPCOM) who are the panelists in the Kapihan whether there are government family planning programs that directly focused on men.

In response, IPHO family Planning Coordinator Cristina Dagle said the IPHO conducts ‗Usapang Maginoo‘ which is part of the ‗Usapan Series‘ or lecture forum on family

planning programs exclusively for men. ‗Usapan Series‘ is IPHO‘s new strategy to step up its campaign on the importance of family planning to married couples in Negros Oriental with the help of (POPCOM) and Department of Health (DOH).

Dagle noted that men today are now becoming interested and are greatly involved in topics related to family planning.

Dagle cited a recent ‗Usapang Maginoo‘ forum held in Dauin town which drew positive response from its male audience. Dagle said participants were very active during the discussions and men were eager to raise questions regarding pregnancy concerns of their spouses.

Aside from ‗Usapang Maginoo‘ there are also different modules in ‗Usapan Series‘ which are for pregnant women, couples who are still able to bear a child and couples who are contented with the number of children they already have.

Meanwhile, the IPHO and the POPCOM stressed that they promote natural and artificial family planning in these forums. Dagle explained

they only want to lead couples to informed choices.

She also clarified that IPHO does not force couples into using artificial family planning methods.

On the other hand, Josephine Dela Cerna of POPCOM-7 said they always discuss the advantages and disadvantages of every family planning method and let the couple decide what is best for them. ―Our stand in POPCOM is that what we do is legal, safe and is for the benefit of all,‖ Dela Cerna concluded.

August is declared as Family Planning month where the DOH and the POPCOM work together to intensify information dissemination on the importance of family planning.

This year's theme for the celebration of the Family Planning Month is "Ang Planadong Buhay ay Maayos na Buhay" which emphasized the benefits of family planning in the health, economic, and relational aspects of each family members. (mbcn/ ral/PIA7-NegOr)

CENTRAL VISAYAS

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DOH-7 aims to immunize 1.8M kids for measles, polio BY: FAYETTE C. RIÑEN CEBU CITY, Aug. 27 (PIA) --- The Department of Health (DOH-7) in Central Visayas aims to immunize 1.8M children ages nine to 59 months old for measles, rubella and polio during its massive nationwide immunization campaign in September dubbed as "Ligtas sa Tigdas, Magkaisa, Magpabakuna."

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OH-7 child health program coordinator, Dr. Emmelie Pflieder Silao said for both measles and rubella, the target for Region 7 in next month‘s massive immunization drive is 840, 555 children ages nine to 59 months old or almost five years of age.

Rubella is commonly known as German measles and shares common manifestations with measles but to a lesser degree, said Silao during the weekly Association of Government Information Officers (AGIO-7) forum.

For polio, Silao said the target for Central Visayas is much higher with 986,739 children at birth until 59 months of age.

Measles cases in Central Visayas however, witnessed a drastic increase from

January 1 to August 16 with 1,098 recorded cases this year compared to the same period last year with only 93 cases or a significant rise of 92 percent. ―Cebu has the most number of the 1,098 cases with Cebu City alone having over 400 measles cases followed by Negros Oriental, Bohol and lastly, Siquijor,‖ revealed Renan Cimafranca of the DOH-7 Regional Epidemiology Surveillance Unit.

For both measles and rubella, the common symptoms are fever, headache, runny nose, red eyes, rashes, joint pain and cough, said Cimafranca but measles manifest hi-grade fever and redder rashes than rubella.

Pneumonia is the most common complication of measles as parents are urged

to immediately seek medical help when manifestations occur, advised Cimafranca.

Meanwhile, a new memo circular of the Philippine Health Insurance Corporation (PHIC) released last week now permits members to file direct claims for allowable hospitalization reimbursement from PhilHealth to its office or any of its express lanes in major malls in Central Visayas. PhilHealth chief of the Benefits Administration section, Dr. Nelda Pe said that unlike before, where hospitals are the only ones that can file reimbursement claims for hospital bill deduction of PhilHealth members from PHIC, the new memo now allows members to directly file hospital reimbursement claims, retroactive to January 1, this year. (mbcn/fcr/PIA-7)

Lapulapu City launches new branding BY: FERLIZA CALIZAR-CONTRATISTA CEBU CITY, Aug. 26 (PIA) --- Not just the place but the people itself. This was the thrust of Mayor Paz Radaza‟s speech as Lapulapu takes a step higher than the rest of the local government units, in launching it‟s new branding.

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Lapulapu City - The Historic Resort City‖ not only brands its beaches, economics and resorts but as home of people with values of the first ever hero that defended the country. ―We are a city, named after a hero, you must think that it is exceptional, out of the ordinary and a cut above the rest.. In fact, it is...but it is only as world-class as its people,‖ Radaza said.

Radaza said it is the heroism of every individual Oponganon that makes Lapu-Lapu: The historic resort city. ―The collective heroism of the Oponganons both in the public and private sectors create that world-class brand that makes visitors come to Lapu-Lapu City,‖ the Mayor said.

The City shows an icon ―Lapulapu in the Sun‖ with vibrant colors representing the core values of Oponganons; of the city‘s diversity and dynamism.

Its colors are: sky blue – means trustworthy, dependable, secure and responsible; golden yellow – for positivity, light, warmth, motivation and creativity; persimmon orange – represents vitality, fun, playful exuberance and forest green- for wealth, health, prestige and serenity.

Other than visual branding, they also launched a jingle entitled ―Come to Lapulapu and Free Yourself!‖. ―We created a brand for Lapu-Lapu City based on its distinctive appeal developed through a deeper insight on how values, attitudes, behavior and characteristics developed into core competencies of the city, and how they fit into the emerging trends.‖ The Mayor also posed a challenge to every Lapulapu City resident to live up to the created brand inculcating the culture of tourism.

This culture, according to Radaza, empowers Oponganons to demand from their local government five-star service just like how our

visitors look forward to five-star resort service. ―A culture where we, as a people, will constantly and consciously provide warm hospitality to our guests.

A culture where we as Oponganons cherish our past, defend our independence and always be self-reliant,‖ Radaza said.

The Mayor assured that the city government will make sure that they can provide the citizens with high quality of life.

Immediately after the launching of the brand, Lapulapu City hosted the 3rd Cobra Ironman and featured the first ever fly board and helium balloon experiences in the country.

Indeed, as what the participating athletes said during the Cobra Ironman event, one can certainly come to Lapulapu and be free.

Lapulapu is a highly urbanized city of Cebu province that has the first ever export processing zone and is the location of the international airport. (mbcn/FCC/PIA-Cebu)

Napolcom wants PNP to strengthen BI of applicants BY: FERLIZA CALIZAR-CONTRATISTA CEBU CITY, August 27 (PIA)--- National Police Commission (NAPOLCOM) calls on police to strengthen its intelligence back ground investigation of applicants to the rooster of the organization.

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n today‘s Talakayan sa Isyung Pulis (TSIP-Cebu) Napolcom assistant regional director Atty. Jose Concepcion reminded Police Regional Office 7 officials to be serious in doing back ground investigation to incoming members of the organization. ―I talked with a dean of a criminology school saying that there are noted drug users who found their way into the organization and got accepted,‖ Concecion said.

Concepcion reiterated the call to the Regional Intelligence Division. ―I don‘t know but there might be instances wherein you tell the applicant, nag bi BI kami sa iya, bigyan mo kami ng ganito,‖ Concepcion said.

He suggested to RID, headed by Psupt Rex

Derilo to also include the schools where some of these applicants came from in the background investigation.

According to the application process, PNP applicants submit several clearances to prove their capability and worthiness, from barangay, police, law enforcement board and court clearances.

The intelligence units of their respective local government units where they applied are usually the ones who conduct the background investigation.

NAPOLCOM is the agency mandated by the 1987 Constitution and the Major Police Reform Laws, Republic Act Nos. 6975 and 8551 to administer and control the Philippine National

Police.

Under R.A. 8551, otherwise known as the "PNP REFORM AND ORGANIZATION ACT OF 1988" the Commission gained the powers to investigate police anomalies and irregularities, administer police entrance and promotional examinations and summarily dismiss erring police officers.

Meanwhile the Regional Legal Service also accepts complaints filed against harassing and erring policemen.

At the same time, Psupt Etidel Periera said that they are also ready to provide legal services to policemen who encounter cases in the performance of their jobs.(mbcn/FCC/PIACebu)

6

EASTERN VISAYAS

NSamar conducts prioritization workshop on the 2015 annual investment plan BY: TERESITA B. CARDENAS CATARMAN, Northern Samar, Aug. 22 (PIA) - The provincial government of Northern Samar has conducted a prioritization workshop on the 2015 Annual Investment Plan (AIP) at Ibabao Hall, New Capitol Building, Catarman on August 19.

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rovincial Planning and Development Coordinator Engr.

Romeo Cardenas said that the rationale of the workshop was to identify priority projects for funding in the 2015 economic development fund and come up with a draft of the annual investment plan.

He said prioritization criteria has been enhanced or improved based on the

provincial governments‘ trust, CHANGE, which means community based ecotourism; health and nutrition; agri industry and livelihood development; natural resource protection and management; good governance and education and welfare.

Cardenas informed that AIP is a summary of programs, projects and activities to be implemented for fiscal year

2015 and will serve as an exclusive basis of priority programs/projects to be funded by the economic development fund of their 2015 executive budget.

The draft AIP is scheduled to be considered by the Provincial Development Council on September 3 on its council meeting, he added. (AJC/TBC/PIA8/ Northern Samar)

DOH official recognizes media as partner in promoting health programs BY: RODRIGO S.VICTORIA SUBIC, Zambales, Aug. 28 (PIA) - An official of the health promotion division of the Department of Health (DOH) central office recognized the media as „greatest ally‟ of the agency in informing the public on the different health programs.

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It is very difficult to reach our target audience,‖ said Luz B. Tagunicar, supervising health promotion officer and the current officer-in-charge (OIC) of the DOH health promotion division citing the media in the dissemination of the various health programs of the agency at the grassroots level.

Tagunicar mentioned recent health programs of the DOH that need massive information dissemination campaign like the special campaign on mass immunization program which will be implemented in the whole month of

September, 2014 to reach down to the barangays.

She added that there is really a big need to inform the public on health programs and services for the people to be aware on how to avail of these health programs and services.

The lady health promotion officer also cited having a regular interface not only with the national media but with the local media as well since they are the people who know best the culture and language in the community.

Tagunicar delivered the opening

message during the two-day media seminar 102 on August 27-28, 2014 held at the Camayan Beach Resort, Subic Bay, Zambales.

The lectures of the media health seminar with the national and regional government media as well as the private media in attendance focus on immunization, health facilities enhancement, health human resource, PhilHealth benefits and emerging infectious diseases. (AJC/RSV/PIA 8 Biliran)

DOLE allots P59-M to assist workers in Eastern Samar BY: SAMUEL D. CANDIDO BORONGAN CITY, Eastern Samar, Aug. 22 (PIA) - In an effort to assist in the rehabilitation and reconstruction of the lives and livelihood of the victims of “Typhoon Yolanda”, the Department of Labor and Employment DOLE), Eastern Samar Provincial Field Office launched “Yolanda Rehabilitation and Recovery Program” (YRRP) which is now accepting project proposals.

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he program provides emergency and employment livelihood assistance thr ough i ts DOLE Int eg rat ed Livelihood and Emergency and Employment Program (DILEEP).

The program aims to contribute to the reduction of poverty and vulnerability to risks of the poor, vulnerable and marginalized workers either through transitional emergency employment and promotion of entrepreneurship and community enterprise.

In an interview with PIA, Fe A. Estrella, Chief-Labor and Employment Officer, DOLE- Provincial Field Office said that for Eastern Samar, the department has allotted P59.06M of which P11.61M is for Emergency Employment.

This targets to benefit 2,322 worker-victims in six municipalities: Lawaan, Salcedo, Mercedes, Giporlos, Quinapondan and Maydolong

Also, P47.45M is allotted for Livelihood Assistance which targets to benefit 3,469 worker-victims in ten municipalities: Maydolong, Balangkayan, Hernani, Mac-Arthur, Quinapondan, Giporlos, Lawaan, Salcedo, Mercedes and Guiuan.

Estrella also said that a P4M-assistance has already been released to the municipalities of Hernani, Balangkayan and Guiuan. ―This micro financing mechanism allows members of cooperatives, entrepreneur groups and or individuals wider access to capital that they can use to improve their livelihood and increase their income‖, Estrella added.

She further said that as of this writing, there are about P30M worth of project proposals submitted to their office for evaluation and endorsed by the Provincial Project Management Team (PPMT).

After the evaluation, the DOLE Eastern Samar endorses the proposals to the

DOLE-Regional Office which are again evaluated and discussed by the Regional Project Management Team (RPMT) for recommendation of the said project proposals.

When the requirements are complete and the proposals are passed, the RPMT based on the DOLE Integrated Livelihood Program and the DOLE-Regional Director, being the Chairman of RPMT will grant and approve the project proposals for funding.

The submitted proposals to the DOLE, E. Samar Field Office for cooperatives and entrepreneur groups are: fishing paraphernalia, motor boat, farming implements and equipment while for individual projects are: vulcanizing, electronics, cosmetology, cellphone repair shop, electrical services, welding, car wash, massage, plumbing, appliance and upholstery repair.

The program will last until December 2014 only. (AJC/SDC/PIA8-E. Samar)

EASTERN VISAYAS

7

Gov assures full support to ICT industry in Region 8

By Jonnie H. Buenaventura TACLOBAN CITY, Leyte, Aug. 28 (PIA) - The damage brought about by typhoon “Haiyan” (Yolanda) to the province of Leyte and the entire Region 8 did not stop the conduct of the ICT EXPO 2014 which carries the theme “Rebuilding a Better Eastern Visayas Through ICT.” The activity is a two day affair from August 28 to 29 at St. Paul‟s School of Business and Law.

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ccording to Leyte Governor Dominic L. Petilla, this kind of activity should be given utmost importance considering that the people had temporarily relocated themselves in order to earn a living in other regions or provinces in the Philippines particularly in Manila and Cebu.

Gov. Petilla further stated that this is a timely activity in order to rebuild the once IT park located at the academic center in Palo, Leyte.

Gov. Petilla emphasized that the future of the economy is in the information technology, considered a big help in the real property tax and business

tax collection through ITAX. The local government unit uses ITAX to have an efficient and increase tax collection.

The presence of multi-national companies such as QUALFON and IBEDIN Philippines which are both into business process outsourcing and information technology, to venture in the province of Leyte and recruit possible future candidates to fill in their needed manpower was likewise a positive indication that Leyte province is among their top priority for their business expansion. According to Atty. Jocelle Batapa-Sigue, Member of the Board of Director of the National ICT

Confederation of the Philippines, ―the Philippines has a talent pool reaching 450,000 a year is considered as the third largest English-speaking country. The workforce from the year 2013 was estimated to have 643,000 and in April 2014 has a massive increase of 765,000 which is near the target of 1,000,000 workforce for year 2014.

The resiliency, perseverance, and hardwork are among the best attributes of the survivors of typhoon Yolanda which the whole world witnessed is the reason why there is fast recovery in the economy of Tacloban City and the entire Region 8.

(AJC/JHB/PIA-8)

SLDEO seeks funds to repair scoured grounds BY: MARCELO M. PEDALINO SOGOD, Southern Leyte, Aug. 22 (PIA) -- The Southern Leyte District Engineering Office (SLDEO) has exerted efforts to prevent further erosion just ten meters away from the bottom of two giant columns of the mighty Agas-Agas Bridge here, a mighty and imposing superstructure that is a tourist attraction by itself.

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ccording to a news release written by SLDEO Information Officer Rouella Altar sent by email to PIA, District Engr. Ma. Margarita Junia referred the matter and consulted with Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) Regional Director Engr. Rolando Asis in order to seek funding on the restoration and rehabilitation project for the damaged portion near the piers, which can cost millions of pesos.

The inevitable move came after an SLDEO inspection team, headed by DE Junia with Engr. Erlinda Cruz of the

Maintenance Section and Engr. Vincent Sy, Chief for Planning and Design, visited the bridge in August 7.

It was found out that the grounds nearby where both Bridge Piers I and II, the bridge‘s foundation, were situated have been scoured, and that the access road beneath the structure has collapsed, the SLDEO report said. ―Preventive measures such as drainage canals and gabion flood controls, previously applied by the SLDEO, were all washed out,‖ the report stated, adding that if neglected the scouring would seriously damage the foundation of the

huge infrastructure.

Considered one of the engineering feats in the Philippines, Agas-Agas Bridge was opened to traffic in 2009 following a drive-through inauguration by former President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo.

It stands 84 meters high, spans 350 meters long concrete, and traverses the North-South Maharlika National Highway that links the country, hence it has enormous economic significance for the province, as travelers use it for their long land trips in going to Mindanao or Luzon. (mmp, PIA8-Southern Leyte)

South Korean soldiers continue to help in Leyte‟s rehab BY: CONSUELO B. ALARCON PALO, Leyte, Aug. 22 (PIA) - The Republic of Korea Armed Forces (ROKAF) Joint Support Group is continuously providing support to the rehabilitation efforts in the Province of Leyte even if nine (9) months have passed since typhoon Yolanda caused havoc in many areas in Eastern Visayas.

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n an interview with Col. Lee Chul won, Commander, Republic of Korea Armed Forces Joint Support Group (ARAW Contingents) at their base camp in Brgy. Candahug, Palo Leyte, the official said out of the sixty (60) public facilities targeted for completion on December this year, forty (40) facilities were already repaired.

Among these are public schools, government hospitals, fire stations, police stations, Korean War veteran homes and other local infrastructures.

Recently, ROKAF has turned-over to the administration of the newly rehabilitated Manlurip Elementary School located in Manlurip, San Jose District in Tacloban City where 372 pupils and 11 teachers will benefit. Said project was jointly done by Republic of Korea Armed Forces (ROKAF) Joint Support Group, the 546 and 543 Engineer Construction Battalion (ECB) of the 53rd Engineering Brigade, Philippine Army.

ROKAF also extends assistance by offering training and free use of their

heavy equipments to TESDA scholars coming from various municipalities in Leyte including Tacloban City.

It can be recalled that after Yolanda hit the region in November last year, the ROKAF was the first of the groups who rendered immediate humanitarian assistance and disaster relief (HADR) and clearing operations on places heavily affected by the typhoon as well as rendering medical services to typhoon victims. (AJC/CBA/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.

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

Ms. Minerva BC Newman Regional Director, PIA 7

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

Ms. Erlinda Olivia P. Tiu Regional Director, PIA8

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