One Visayas e-Newsletter Vol 4 Issue 37

Vol 4

Issue 37

In this Issue

September 15 - 21, 2014

Published by: PIA 6, 7 & 8

MCWD assures ample water for Metro Cebu despite El Niño

BY: FAYETTE C. RIÑEN CEBU CITY, Sept. 17 (PIA) --- Metro Cebu residents have no cause to fear of a water shortage when the effects of El Niño will be felt in the last quarter of this year and WESTERN VISAYAS will continue in the first quarter of 2015.

Metro Cebu Water District (MCWD) acting general manager Engr. Ernie Delco assured residents of eight localities in Metro Cebu that the water utility firm has a seven percent current reserve.

“We are also increasing our water production tapping Carmen town generating 18,000 cubic meters per day this year and another 35,000 cubic meters of water volume daily by next year,” said Delco during the recent forum of the Association of Government Information Officers (AGIO-7).

Delco said PAGASA warned that starting October, PIA6 Atty. Ma. Janet Mesa speaks to the youth rains will no longer be felt until March next year. “So we participants and guests on the causes and are preparing for a below normal average rainfall which is effects of Climate Change at NIPSC Ajuy why we are already increasing our water production Auditorium, Sept. 18, 2014. capacity to get the needed reserves for the „dry spell‟ ahead,” added Delco.

Delco said MCWD will slowly be shifting to surface

water from groundwater sources, the latter making up 35 percent of current water production capacity.

MCWD has two main surface water sources namely the Buhisan Dam in Cebu City and the Jaclupan Dam in Talisay City. The Buhisan Dam has an average water production capacity of 7,000 cubic meters a day while below normal production capacity is 5,000 cubic meters.

“With a dry spell due to El Niño, we expect the dam based on previous experience to only produce 2,000 cubic meters of water volume daily,” which at most during heavy rainfall has a production capacity of 10,000 cubic meters per day, said Delco.

The MCWD is prepared and ready to face in case of a dry spell due to the El Niño as we reiterate our assurance to our customers that water shortage will not be a concern, said Delco.

In the pipeline for 2015 is to build a water reservoir to augment water demand by a growing populace in Metro Cebu which “we are factoring in at three percent population growth per year,” bared the MCWD. (mbcn/ FCR/PIA7)

More on Region 6, pages 2-3.

Hernani builds new town center CENTRAL VISAYAS

PSSupt Dennis Agustin receives a plaque of commendation for leading a relentless campaign against drugs and criminality. Also getting the same commendation and cash incentives are 12 police units and leaders that have scored success in recent anti-drugs campagn.

Giving the award is PPOC chair Gov Edgar Chatto while SP Peace and Order Chair BM Yul Lopez, DILG Provincial Director Loisella Lucino, Balilihan Vicemayor Pureza Chatto, Carmen Mayor Francisco Toribio (2nd from right) and Prosecutor Macario Delusa (extreme right) look on. (PIABohol/RAC)

By: Samuel D. Candido BORONGAN CITY, Eastern Samar, Sept. 18 (PIA) After Super Typhoon "Yolanda" washed out in totality its municipal building, Hernani LGU is now set to restore their seat of governance some three kilometers away from its present location.

In an interview with PIA, Vice Mayor Wilmar S. Candido revealed that the construction of this municipal building in Brgy. Canciledes is funded by the Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG), Manila Central Office.

The cost of the construction of theses building is estimated at P43 Million: P35 Million for the construction of the Municipal Building including Mini Park (landscaped) and P8 Million for the construction of Gymnasium.

Vice Mayor Candido also said that aside from the new municipal building, also to rise in the said area are will be the New Hernani Rural Health Unit estimated to cost P8.5Million. Department of Health (DOH), Manila will fund P4.5M and HUMIDICA, an international non -government organization (INGO), will fund P4-Million.

Another building for construction is the Evacuation Center funded by Global Hope, SM Foundation estimated

to cost P6Million with complete facilities such as generator and solar energy. A Helicopter Pad which is estimated to cost P5Million, funded by the United Nations Development Program (UNDP), another INGO, is also subject to be constructed at the municipality.

The three-hectare land area was purchased by the City Government of Marikina through the initiative of the Vice-Mayor and Sangguniang Bayan (SB) members through a resolution submitted by SB members of Hernani to the Sangguniang Panglunsod (SP) of Markina for Sisterhood.

With this legislative order, SP Marikina gave financial assistance to Hernani Local Government Unit (LGU) in the amount of P2.3Million for the purchase of the said land.

On September 14, 2014, a groundbreaking ceremony was held in the site which was graced by Congressman Sherwin Gatchalian of Marikina, Vice-Mayor Fabian Cadiz and City Officials of Marikina City, City Officials of Valenzuela and Dasmarinas of Cavite City, Major Ric Domingo, Rev. Fr. Jason Ganvan of Radio Caritas of Manila.

The plan is part of the municipal government's master rehabilitation plan to build back better amid the horrendous effects of "Super Typhoon Yolanda". (aen/sdc/ PIA8-E. Samar)

More on Region 7, pages 4-5.

EASTERN VISAYAS

DOH assistant secretary Paulyn Jean Rosell-Ubial conducts monitoring visits in Tacloban and Tanauan, Leyte on September 11 and 12 in line with the ongoing nationwide Tigdas-German-Measles and Oral Polio Vaccine Mass Immunization for the whole month of September which aims to bring measles and polio cases in the country down to very low levels and move towards measles elimination. (ldl)

More on Region 8, pages 6-7.

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WV tourism sector gears up for AEC 2015 By: Leonard T. Pineda I ILOILO CITY, Sept. 15 (PIA6) --- The tourism sector of Western Visayas is gearing up towards the integration of the Philippines into the ASEAN (Association of Southeast Asian Nations) Economic Community (AEC) in 2015.

Department of Tourism (DOT)-6 Regional Director Helen Catalbas said in a media release that a five-day workshop on AEC 2015 to be spearheaded by DOT will be conducted here on September 23 to 27.

“The workshop will be attended by the tourism stakeholders in Region 6 to discuss integration readiness,” she said.

She said that this endeavor will prepare the tourism sector here on how to meet the challenges and opportunities when competing with other countries in the ASEAN. The AEC is characterized by a single market and production base, a highly competitive economic region, a region of equitable economic development, and a region fully integrated into the global economy.

On one hand, the DOT has been implementing the ASEAN Mutual Recognition Arrangement on Tourism Professionals (ASEAN MRA-TP) which has allowed free movement of tourism professionals within the region.

The agreement, which was signed by the ASEAN-member countries last Nov. 9, 2012, is a significant component in the AEC Integration in 2015.

Tourism Secretary Ramon Jimenez Jr. said the arrangement lays the foundation for the certification of skills and qualifications of working tourism professionals from different ASEAN countries. (JCM/LTP/PIA-Iloilo)

DOT Regional Director Helen Catalbas. (PIA file photo)

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WESTERN VISAYAS

DA partners with KOICA for Panay upland development By: Elsa S. Subong ILOILO CITY, Sept. 15 (PIA6) — The upland areas in Panay have so much potentials, according to the Department of Agriculture-6 such that the agency and the Korean international Cooperation Agency (KOICA) have embarked on a five-year development plan.

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n a press release, the DA said that the program called the Panay Island Upland S u st a in ab l e Rur a l De ve l o p men t (PIU-SRDP) will officially begin next year.

The areas which will be involved here are the towns of Libacao in Aklan, Patnongon in Antique, Jmaindan and Tapaz in Capiz and Alimodian in Iloilo.

These areas, according to the DA Information Office, are suitable for agro-forestry development and production of high value crops and other upland commodities.

These are also upland areas within the range up to 2,000 meters altitude, 18 percent slope and 1,000 to 2,500mm rainfall per year, hence, should be of public domain and cannot be declared as alienable and disposable,

the DA said. DA-6 Director Larry Nacionales said during the PIU-SRDP stakeholders‟ orientation, that foreign assistance is very important in the implementation of agricultural projects.

“I also urge the collaborating agencies and the LGUs, to prioritize the needs of farmers in upland communities by providing them with sustainable and appropriate projects,” Nacionales added.

PIU-SRDP will provide production technology support, capacity building, educational livelihood skills, such as conducting Farmers‟ Field School, alternative financial support and guarantee mechanisms, building of agri- infrastructures and support of institutional and organizational development. DA said this program is aimed at reducing poverty

incidence, increasing farmers‟ income, providing technical and livelihood skills, providing market access and promoting ecological awareness of rural farming in upland agricultural areas.

Manuel Olanday, DA regional technical director, said PIU-SRDP is in addition to the Rice Processing Complex erected by KOICA in Pototan, Iloilo, from the Korean Government through the Official Development Assistance.

The program has a budget of US$7 million and US$2.3 million from the DA and the LGUs, implemented in collaboration with the DENR, Philippine Coconut Authority, Fiber Industry Development Authority, DAR, NCIP, some civil society organizations and people‟s organizations. (DAJCM//ESS/PIA-Iloilo).

Mission review and validation of Project GROWTH on By: Easter Anne D. Doza NEGROS OCCIDENTAL, Sept. 16 (PIA6) - - Representatives from the World Bank led by Task Team Leader Rabih Karaky conducted mission review and site validation of the potential site of its Project GROWTH beneficiaries.

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roject GROWTH means Gearing Rural Organizations for Wealth creation Towards Household income improvement which focuses on agro-rural enterprise development.

Karaky in an interview said he is impressed by the excellent presentation of the DAR and was impressed by the General Manager of the TARA ARC Pacita “Nene Decs” Decatoria.

“The presentation was excellent and I was impressed with the general manager of the cooperative because they seem to be doing things on the right track.

We are willing to help them, that is why

we are here,” Karaky said.

The team was joined by the officials from the Department of Agrarian Reform led by Undersecretary Rosalina Bistoyong and Regional Director Alejandro Otacan who held a dialogue with the members of the TARA Agrarian Reform Cooperative (ARC) in Barangay Carabalan, Himamaylan City.

Bistoyong said that the project is looking at the partnership of producers and buyers of an area that are capable of binding themselves to an alliance or agreement to produce crops demanded by the market.

In Negros Occidental, there are four crops identified – organic rice, muscovado

sugar, raw sugar and banana.

These were determined after a thorough assessment prior to the mission review.

Meanwhile, Decatoria said that they are a very lucky cooperative which unlike the others, have benefitted from all the support services from DAR and all those from the different agencies recommended by DAR. The mission review, according to Bistoyong, was done to assess the preparedness of the Agrarian Reform Beneficiaries Organizations to participate in the Project GROWTH to be funded by World Bank. *(/EAD-PIA6 Negros Occidental)

‗September bloodlettings‘ keep Red Cross busy By: Alex A. Lumaque ROXAS CITY, Capiz, Sept. 18 (PIA6) – One hundred fifty – three successful blood units have been collected by Philippine Red Cross (PRC) – Capiz chapter in at least six mobile bloodletting activities organized by various groups in separate dates and venues from Sept. 6 to 16.

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ased on PRC records, the month‟s initial bloodletting organizers were Colegio dela Purisima Concepcion (CPC), International Care Ministries in Dao town, Brotherhood of Christian Businessmen and Professionals, Ang Dating Daan and Barangays Bonga and Capagao in Panay and Panit-an towns, respectively.

More bags of blood are expected to be added to the PRC‟s blood bank as 10 more bloodletting activities will be conducted by the Chapter until the end of the month.

These voluntary blood donation activities

will be at 3rd Infantry Division of the Philippine Army at Camp Gen. Macario Peralta in Jamindan town and Tapaz National High School in the municipality of Tapaz (Sept. 19), Barangay Jumaguicjic, Roxas City organized by CPC Criminology Department (Sept. 20), Pob. Ilawod in Ivisan town (Sept. 21), Brgy.

Esperanza in Jamindan town (Sept. 23), municipality of Pres. Roxas (Sept. 24) and Capiz State University – Roxas City main campus (Sept. 25).

The Capiz Council of Human Resource Management Practitioners has also organized a

similar activity dubbed “Red Friday” on Sept.

26 here in line with the Civil Service Month celebration this September.

The other remaining bloodletting schedules will be organized by Capiz Sugar Central in Pres. Roxas town (Sept. 27) and International Care Ministries – Roxas City (Sept. 29).

Last July, about 50 mass blood donation organizers were cited by PRC and Provincial Health Office for their efforts and support to the voluntary blood donation campaign in the province last year. (JSC/AAL-PIA6 Capiz)

WESTERN VISAYAS

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DOLE-6 re-launches Incentivizing Compliance Program By: Leonard T. Pineda I ILOILO CITY, Sept. 17 (PIA6) --- The Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) in Western Visayas re-launched the Incentivizing Compliance Program (ICP) to promote among establishments or zones voluntary compliance with labor standards.

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n the ICP re-launching program held Tuesday at Regatta Residence Hotel here, DOLE-6 Assistant Regional Director Salome Siaton urged companies to obtain certifications and awards granted by DOLE and its affiliate agencies which could lead to the Tripartite Seal of Excellence (TSE) or the Presidential Award, the highest award.

The ICP is based on Department Order No. 115-11, Series of 2011, otherwise known as the Guidelines on the Implementation of the Incentivizing Compliance Program.

This is an institutional reform outlined in the Philippine Labor and Employment Plan 2011-2016 calling for the convergence and integration of programs on labor law

compliance to strengthen self-regulation and voluntary labor standards compliance among the country‟s industries.

DOLE-6 Public Information Officer Amy Judicpa said that the ICP aims to enhance companies‟ awareness on the five certifications required to obtain the TSE. The five DOLE “good housekeeping” certificates are as follows: Tripartite Certificate of Compliance with Labor Standards (TCCLS); Gawad Kaligtasan at Kalusugan (GKK); Certificate for Child Labor-Free Establishment (CFLE); National Productivity Olympics Award; and Outstanding Labor Management Council (LMC) Award for Industrial Peace.

The TCCLS is a basic pre-qualification requirement to the DOLE Secretary's Labor Law Compliance Award and to the TSE. The Secretary's Award can be acquired when the TCCLS plus two other certificates are obtained by an establishment.

In Western Visayas, only three companies obtained the TCCLS, two were granted the CFLE, while one was nominated for the Secretary‟s Award.

Judicpa said that the number of grantees is quite small as compared to the number of establishments in Region 6.

She added that some enrolled companies fell short of complying with the requirements.

(JCM/LTP/PIA-Iloilo)

PIA,PNP Antique partner for climate change advocacy By: Vicente W. Villavert SAN JOSE, Antique Sept. 17 (PIA6) - - The government‘s advocacy on climate change preparedness and mitigation got another boost with the support recently extended by the Antique Police Provincial office or APPO.

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The urgency for a call to action to protect our environment needs everybody‟s support,” said PIA Antique Infocen Manager when she coordinated with PSSupt Edgardo O. Ordaniel, Officer-in-Charge of the APPO. Gadian turned-over to the APPO the 18 tarps to be posted in strategic areas of the 18 municipalities of Antique with the advocacy‟s theme “Nagbabago na ang Panahon, Panahon na para Magbago”.

The said info campaign material is expected to increase the level of awareness of the people about the dangers posed by climate

change to human life, agriculture, infrastructure and property.

Gadian, in her communication to PSSupt Ordaniel, solicited the support of the 18 Municipal chiefs of Police to put up in strategic areas the PIA-DENR tarpaulin, so that the people will understand the importance of caring and preservation of our environment in order to help mitigate the impact of climate change.

It will be recalled that the PIA and DENR solidified the campaign on climate change mitigation and preparation from April to December this year, where the two concerned

agencies will work closely in order to sustain awareness of the people about climate change and its effects.

Part of the PIA-DENR partnership this year in Antique is to conduct search for best LGU projects on climate change mitigation and adaptation, conduct of five-minute newscast on climate change update every Monday through Saturday over DYKA/Spirit FM, youth camp, quiz bee for high school students, and media tour in Bugang River, Pandan, Antique.(JCM/ VWV/PIA Antique)

Aklan farmers urged to sell rice to NFA By: Venus G. Villanueva KALIBO, Aklan, Sept. 18 (PIA6) -- The National Food Authority (NFA) is appealing to Aklan farmers that come harvest time, they share their rice harvest by selling part of it to the food agency.

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FA-Aklan, through Judith Tindog, Provincial Operations Officer, issued this call at a radio program here with the observance that harvest time is forthcoming and with the NFA‟s mandate to procure and buy palay to ensure enough rice supply in the province during lean months or during times of calamities.

“Although harvesting in Aklan is sporadic due to unsynchronized planting caused by the weather, we have observed that some farmers will soon be harvesting while others will have to wait a little longer, and so we are appealing to our farmers this early that they sell part of their harvest to the NFA”, Tindog said.

The palay procured by the NFA will also be stored at the food agency warehouse which will be milled and distributed in the province year-round, Tindog said.

As to the safety of the procured palay, she assured that the warehouse at the NFA compound which will store the palay procured from farmers is elevated and free from floodwaters should there be flashfloods caused by the erratic climate.

Meanwhile, RB Grace Hope Parreno, NFA-Aklan Information Officer who was with Tindog at the radio program called on Aklanons to practice the “half-order” rice serving when eating out at fastfoods and restaurants.

Parreno said the rice saved from doing this practice will contribute to our food security measures.

She said households should also cook just enough rice for their meal. During celebrations life fiestas, weddings and anniversaries, she also called on the people to just get enough rice that they could consume.

Tindog and Parreno also urged Aklanons not to feed their pets with rice because it is only meant for human consumption.

The province of Aklan already an ordinance urging fastfoods and restaurants here to serve half-rice order for rice conservation purposes. (JCM/VGV-PIA6 Aklan)

CENTRAL VISAYAS

4 RDRRMC, OCD-7 planning workshop

hold

3-day

contingency

BY: FAYETTE C. RIÑEN CEBU CITY, Sept. 17 (PIA) --- The Office of Civil Defense (OCD-7) and the Regional Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (RDRRMC-7) held a 3-day Regional Contingency Plan Formulation Workshop recently to prepare and harmonize respective roles of agencies in times of emergencies and disasters.

DRRMC-7 chairperson and OCD-7 Management System of 2010, outlined four of which 70 percent of the five percent should regional director Olivia Luces said the thematic areas are given priority namely be on disaster prevention and mitigation. formulation of a Contingency Plan can disaster prevention and mitigation, disaster Other events a ConPlan should be better prepare member agencies to address an preparedness, disaster response and considered included sudden increase of emergency and its potential humanitarian rehabilitation and recovery. displaced population, outbreak of an epidemic impact.

“But one-half of our efforts must be and terrorism.

Luces said a ConPlan is a management geared towards disaster prevention and OCD-7 consultant and previous OCD-9 tool that involves decision making in advance mitigation,” said Luces. director Adrian Fuego in the same activity said with an awareness of a range for technical, Luces said it is very important to have a a ConPlan puts emphasis on disaster risk logistical support and response taking into contingency plan “as most local government reduction and management and predicts where consideration the resources, those units that were hit by super typhoon Yolanda the disaster may possibly strike and to prevent accountable, communication plan and did not have a contingency plan.” the effects and reduce its impact. emergency equipment.

The RDRRMC-7 chair also said LGUs “Ultimately, the formulation of a ConPlan Under RA 10121 or an Act Strengthening should also allot the five percent of revenues is to save lives and properties,” Fuego said. the Philippine Disaster Risk Reduction and locally generated to disaster-related activities (mbcn/FCR/PIA7)

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VF: 3 workers, 1 minor rescued from human trafficking

BY JENNIFER C. TILOS DUMAGUETE CITY, Sept. 16 (PIA) -- At least four workers including a minor recruited from Dumaguete City as garment factory workers were rescued recently in Manila.

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isayan Forum (VF) anti-human trafficking monitoring officer Romualdo Señeris told Philippine Information Agency-Negros Oriental the victims were promised by the recruiter as factory workers but as they reached in Manila they ended up as domestic helpers and poultry workers.

The two boys were sent to Pampanga to work in the farm and two girls as househelps, however they complained and managed to inform their parents back in Dumaguete on their poor situation.

The boys reported to do hard work feeding 6,000 chickens daily with no regular salary. With their condition they were able to escape from their employers.

The girls, one a minor were rescued or pulled out from their employers by the Department of Labor & Employment (Dole), National Capital Region.

The four victims were reunited on Friday and turned over to Visayan Forum‟s halfway house in Manila port.

Señeris said the VF is now working for the coming home of the victims to Dumaguete City while its office is building up the case against the illegal recruiter.

“The recruiter from Mabinay town has no authority to recruit since the recruitment agency based in Dumaguete City under the DOLEs PRPA has an expired license during the recruitment period of the victims upon the

verification of Dole Negros Oriental,” said Señeris.

The parents of the victims from barangays Looc, Bajumpandan and Junob, Dumaguete City reported to Dumaguete City Social Welfare & Development Office which prompted the latter to coordinate with the Department of Labor & Employment (DOLE) and VF. VF is a non-government organization that works to help combat human trafficking and other forms of exploitation.

Negros Oriental is cited among the usual destinations of trafficked women and children. (mbcn/JCT/PIA7-Negros Oriental)

8-day school caravan on climate change set in Dumaguete City

BY JENNIFER C. TILOS DUMAGUETE CITY, Sept. 15 (PIA) -- The Philippine Information Agency (PIA) with the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) and Dumaguete City Environment and Natural Resources Office (ENRO) will hold a series of ―Climate Change Advocacy School Caravan‖ from September 23 to October 2 in eight identified high schools in Dumaguete City.

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ith the tagline, “Nagbabago na ang Panahon, Panahon na Para Magbago”, the climate change advocacy campaign aims to raise the youth‟s level of awareness on the different mitigation and adaptation measures to counter the negative effects of the ongoing climate crisis.

The eight-day school caravan will start on September 23 at Hermenigilda F. Gloria Memorial High School; Sept. 24 at Dumaguete City High School; Sept. 25, Junob National High School; Sept. 26 Taclobo High School; Sept. 29 Camanjac National High School; Sept. 30 RTPM Dumaguete City Science High School; October 1 Piapi High

School and October 2 Negros Oriental High School.

The series of scheduled caravan on climate change will be conducted in high schools at 3:00-4:00 p.m. for Dumaguete City Department of Education (DepEd) Division and t 9:00-10:00 a.m. for the Negros Oriental division.

The school caravan aims to strengthen adaptation and mitigation measures with the youth sector in response to climate change and motivate active cooperation and participation of communities in taking steps to protect the environment and conserve natural resources.

Before the actual date of the school

caravan, a team from the PIA, DENR, and ENRO will visit the abovementioned schools between Sept. 12 -15 to observe its environmental-friendly practices such as its solid waste management and material recovery facility programs among others for some recognition during the caravan.

The activity include video showing, orientation-briefing, trivia game, awarding or tagging for MakaKalikasan school and ceremonial tree planting in every school visited. The event is in cooperation with the DepEd-Division of Dumaguete City and Negros Oriental. (mbcn/JCT/PIA7-Negros Oriental)

CENTRAL VISAYAS Siquijor gets P9.3M program for 2014

5 TESDA

scholarship

BY: RIZALIE A. CALIBO SIQUIJOR, Sept. 15 (PIA) — The province of Siquijor gets a total of P9,345,992 from the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA) scholarship program for this year.

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his was bared during the Industry Forum conducted recently to the Provincial Micro Small and Medium Enterprises Development Council (MSMEDC) at the DTI Conference Room, Siquijor, Siquijor.

The funds are sourced out from the TESDA‟s Training for Work Scholarship Program (TWSP), Private Education Student Financial Assistance (PESFA) and the Grassroots Participatory Budgeting for 2014 (GPB), says TESDA-Siquijor provincial director Engr. Samuel Jordan.

Engr. Jordan in his opening message said SMEs participation helps in the effective implementation of the tech-voc program in the province.

Technical Education and Skills Development (TESD) program is anchored on the skills priority plan of the province-- which are tourism and agri-fishery as well as middle level manpower skills of the large and media industries in Region VII, and skills requirements of other regions and overseas, says TESD

specialist Fletcher Gumahad in his presentation during the Industry Forum.

Scholarship programs offered are Electrical Installation and Maintenance (EIM) for Siquijor and Lazi towns in four batches with a fund allocation of P550,000 and Shielded Metal Arc Welding (SMAW) for Maria, Enrique Villanueva and Siquijor, 10 batches amounting to 2P2,446.500. TWSP beneficiaries must be at least 18 years old at the time the scholar finishes the training program. Educational attainment shall be based on industry requirements or as prescribed in the applicable Training Regulations.

Pursuant to the Special Provision of the 2014 GAA, priority is given to those who are from regions or provinces where the absolute number of poor residents and the incidence of poverty are high. The regional and provincial offices shall ensure that these areas are provided access to TWSP. Other clientele groups such as persons with disability (PWDs), indigenous people, solo parents and their children and senior citizens

shall be afforded access to scholarship opportunities in the qualification/courses where they can qualify.

OFW returnees, members of the families of AFP and PNP personnel killed in military and police operations and other marginalized groups may also avail of the scholarship program subject to pre-qualification.

Likewise, PESPFA beneficiaries must be a High School Graduate, at least 15 years old; have taken the National Career Assessment Examination (NCAE) or have undergone the Youth Profiling for Starting Careers (YP4SC); have an annual family income of not more than PhP120,000; and must not be a recipient of any previous TESDA scholarships (2006 to 2013). Meanwhile, TESDA Siquijor encourages active involvement of concerned sectors, particularly private enterprises, being direct participants in and immediate beneficiaries of a trained and skilled workforce, in providing technical education and skills development opportunities. (mbcn/rac/PIA7 -Siquijor)

DPWH shortens work timelines on construction projects CENTRAL VISAYAS, Sept. 16 (PIA) -- ―Let the contractor follow our shortened schedule.‖

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epartment of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) secretary Rogelio Singson issued this order to the 16 regional directors in a regular meeting held at the DPWH Head Office recently.

Singson said that the DPWH implementing units in the regional and district offices may also order contractors to shorter project durations whenever possible to ensure timely completion of projects, especially in populated and urban areas.

“As we are about to enter the last quarter of the year, we have to tighten our project management and reduce the number of

calendar days with additional resources of contractors especially for projects in highly urbanized areas, added Singson.

In 2012, Singson through Department Order 44 implemented standardized construction duration of various categories of projects/works depending on cost.

The standardized durations for the corresponding categories of works is the maximum prescribed days.

Construction works beyond allowable period must be subject to approval of the DPWH Bureau of Construction.

The Secretary has also reminded the

regional directors to strictly follow the approved specifications and design standard in the concreting of farm-to-market roads nationwide.

In areas where the average daily traffic is less than 200, DPWH constructs minimum pavement width of 4.0 meter for two lanes and 5.0 meters for two lanes for 200 to 400 average daily traffic.

The minimum concrete pavement thickness is 150 millimeter (6 inches). (PIA7/ with reports from Beth Pilorin/ Public Info Div)

DSWD-7 honors model Pantawid families in CV BY: FERLIZA CALIZAR-CONTRATISTA CEBU CITY, Sept. 16 (PIA) — Four model family beneficiaries of the Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program Central Visayas were honored yesterday.

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he Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD-7) Field Office awarded one family beneficiary each from the four provinces, that were best examples of the 4Ps. Awarded were Alaban family from Santa Catalina, Negros Oriental (3rd place); Ates family from Maria, Siquijor (2nd ); Albasin family of Dumanjug, Cebu (1st place); and the Ewican family of Alegria, Carmen Bohol won as the grand champion.

Ewican family will represent the region in the 2014 Huwarang Pantawid Pamilya competition natrionwide.

Shalaine Lucero, assistant Regional Director said they conducted meticulous evaluation among the nominee family beneficiaries.

The criteria include maintaining a strong and harmonious relationship and upholds Filipino values despite the challenge of poverty; the family practice of healthy living and care for the environment; involvement in the community activities and an inspiration to the community.

Most of the children of the awarded families are achievers in their school and the family also made wise use of the financial

(4Ps) in

assistance.

4Ps is a human development program of the national government that invests in health and education of poor households, particularly children below 18.

Just recently Lucero said that they already include the age range until 18 to make sure that the children will be able to finish high school. The program include a conditional cash transfer to poor households with children 0-18 and pregnant mothers.

DSWD7 was porud to announced that the program already covered all barangays in the entire region.(mbcn/FCC/PIA-Cebu)

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EASTERN VISAYAS

Climate change advocacy campaign involves CCT members By: Ninfa Iluminda B. Quirante CATBALOGAN CITY, Samar, Sept 19 (PIA) -- Some 2,500 members of the Conditional Cash Transfer (CCT) also known as Pantawid Pamilya program beneficiaries joined the government's call to heed the call to change their ways due to climate change.

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ichard Peru, Catbalogan City Link said that on September 20, these families will join a Fun Run with the theme: Run and Clean.

He added that since the whole country is all agog on the advocacy of preparing the people through disaster because of unexpected catastrophies, they thought of enjoining all CCT members through its family development sessions to join the bandwagon.

"In July, we tried to incorporate disaster

consciousness in the family development sessions," said Peru.

"We decided to focus too on the causes and effects of climate change and how to save Mother Earth," he added.

The following month, true to saving mother earth, Peru said they conducted a tree planting event with the theme: 1 tree,1 family, 1 planet.

"All these are geared towards their understanding of climate change that

has caused anguish to families," he told PIA Samar.

With the different activities involving them, all three city links of Catbalogan aim to instill that climate change is here and that they should be ready to change, parallell to the climate change advocacy theme: Nagbabago na ang Panahon, Panahon na Para Magbago.

PIA-Samar will team up with the CCT program for a wider climate change ad campaign reach. (vrc/nbq/PIA 8-Samar)

PIOs, private media learn from NGCP facility tour in Ormoc By: Rebecca S. Cadavos MAASIN CITY, Southern Leyte, Sep. 14 (PIA) -- At least 28 information officers from the government agencies and the private media had the chance to tour the facilities of the National Grid Corporation of the Philippines (NGCP) in Ormoc City, September 9, 2014.

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he information officers coming from the government agencies of DILG, Philippine Statistics Authority, SSS, DTI, TESDA, Philippine Coastguard, the PNP, DENR-PENRO and CENRO, DPWH, Southern Leyte Health Services Office, Southern Leyte Electric Coop and from the private media toured the facilities like the control room room, the work station, and other significant areas related to the transmission of electricity.

After the facility tour, an orientation on NGCP's role facilities was conducted at Sabin Resort function hall with key officers from the NGCP as resource speakers.

NGCP Leyte Control Area Head Engr.

Ildebrando F. Fajardo explained the role of the power industry, the delivery of power to the consumers and the systems operations of the grid.

He said that, “the key players in our operations are the generator, transmission and the consumers.”

NGCP-Ormoc have substations where they distribute in electricity such as Leyte-Samar-Biliran, Cebu and Bohol, among other areas .

Topics discussed include the major causes of power interruptions, transmission system problems, transmission profiles, safety and security of the public, power shortage, Republic Act 7832 known as the

Anti-Electricity and Electric Transmission Lines/Materials Pilferage Act of 1994.

Other resource speakers were Alvin P. Santos, Head of Operations, Planning and Control System; Security Officer Dominggo Bernard; Chief Engineer Rodolfo Daganzo from Visayas District, and Ms. Martinez.

The National Grid Corporation of the Philippines is tasked to deliver safe and reliable electricity throughout the country. It holds the responsibility of bringing the electricity produced by power plants to distribution utilities. The tour was coordinated by PIA-Southern Leyte and NGCP thru its Corporate and Public Affairs Office. (vrc/rgc/ PIA8-SoLeyte with CBA report)

LGUs, DENR, PIA undertake action-oriented advocacy on climate change in So. Leyte By: Marcelo M. Pedalino MAASIN CITY, Southern Leyte, Sept. 13 (PIA) -- The advocacy campaign on climate change adaptation here is headed to produce concrete results in terms of waste reduction, especially in the pilot barangay of Asuncion.

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his developed following an orientation with barangay officials and heads of various sectors within the barangay Monday, September 8, with speakers from the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR), and from the General Services and Disaster Risk Reduction Council of the city government.

Forester Edilberto Alcarde of DENR-CENRO talked about the overall subject on climate change and its ill effects, Benjase Lumen of the City General Services lectured on zero waste management, while Michael Samaco of the CDRRMC briefly took up the integration of risk reduction and climate change adaptation.

Asuncion Punong Barangay Narciso Montalbo, Jr. welcomed the selection of his barangay as pioneering site of the activity,

saying he had been planning all along on orienting his constituents on the matter.

Since methane in decomposed garbage has been singled out as a great contributor for trapping greenhouse gases in the atmosphere that can lead to global warming, a project on zero basura at household and purok levels was conceptualized.

Also, a jingle-making contest for youths of the barangay was also introduced as another project that can raise awareness.

The idea on the song-writing and inter-purok zero basura was initially discussed

by Servado Acedo of DENR-PENRO, even as details on their mechanics are still being worked out.

But these contests are scheduled to be launched within this month after a purok-level information drive in the barangays‟ seven

puroks within this month, with awarding of winners set on November 29 in time for the barangay‟s annual fiesta.

The provincial government through its environment management office and the department of agriculture in the city or province will also be tapped to be involved in this undertaking.

Barangay Asuncion is the second largest barangay in the city proper next to barangay Combado. Where the seat of the provincial government and the Diocese of Maasin are located.

It has a population of about 4,000 people and, at an estimated one-half kilo of thrash per person, the barangay can generate 2,000 kilos of garbage per person per year, according to Benjase Lumen of the city general services. (vrc/mmp/PIA8-Southern Leyte)

EASTERN VISAYAS

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Two Tacloban youths to join SSEAYP TACLOBAN CITY, Leyte, Sept. 16 (PIA) – Two young individuals from this city were among the 300 participating youths from ASEAN countries who will join the 41st Ship for Southeast Asian and Japanese Youth Program scheduled on October 29 to December 18, 12014.

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he two, identified as Reden Sabela and Ma. Marjorie Culibar, 25 and 23 years old respectively are both active in their own youth organizations.

They were among the 28 young Filipinos who were chosen by the National Youth Commission (NYC) to serve as the Philippine Youth Ambassadors of Goodwill who will officially represent the country in the diplomatic cultural exchange program for the year 2014.

Together with the 300 participating youths from other ASEAN Countries, Sabela and Culibar will also have a chance to be on board the Japanese cruise ship MS Nippon Maru for 51 days. However, the participants will have their port of calls in five countries such as Brunei, Cambodia, Myanmar, Indonesia and Japan where they will conduct institutional visits, courtesy calls, interaction with the communities particularly the youths and homestay experience.

More than just a tour, a series of activities

are being lined up from the pre-departure until the program ends. This includes discussions on Youth Entrepreneurship, Cross-Cultural Understanding, International Relations, Environment and Climate Change, Food and Nutrition, Media and Information, Social Education and Health.

After the program, participants are expected to learn and use the knowledge they get in their advocacies particularly in coming up with a post-program activities with the assistance of the NYC and the SSEAYP International Philippines.

The Ship for Southeast Asian Youth Program is a youth exchange program which was pioneered by the ASEAN countries and Japan in 1974. This program is handled by the participating countries with Japan as the main sponsor.

Meanwhile, in response to the increasing incidence of teenage pregnancy, members of the Regional Youth Advisory Council (RYAC) on Monday approved a resolution urging local

government units (LGUs) in the region to adopt and implement the Administrative Order No.2013-0013 which is the national policy and strategic framework on adolescent health and development.

The passage of the resolution was done during the 4th quarter meeting of the RYAC in the region held at Ritz Tower de Leyte, this city. In his video presentation, Jig Jorris G. Morrondoz of the National Youth Commission (NYC) emphasized that as young as 15 years old, a teenager has already engaged in early sexual encounter as cited in the study of the University of the Philippines Population Institute (UPPI).

The study also revealed that teenage mothers are mostly high school undergraduates or high school graduates. In Eastern Visayas, the youngest mother is only 12 years old. The risky behavior among the youths is a growing concern in the sector with the rise of cases of HIV which could lead to AIDS. (cba/PIA-8)

TESDA conducts skills training in Yolanda areas in Samar CATBALOGAN CITY, Samar, Sept. 19 (PIA) - The Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA) conducted a skills training in the the typhoon Yolanda severely affected municipalities of Basey, Marabut, Sta. Rita and Daram all in Samar according to Community Based Training Focal Person Lerma Parado.

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ESDA conducted skills training on massage, house wiring installation, manicure and pedicure to help provide livelihood opportunities and eventually improve the socio-economic status of the community.

After the training, the graduates were given tool kits which they can use, as they start their own business using their acquired

knowledge and skills she added.

Parado added that this program caters to “poor and marginal groups,” those who cannot access formal training provisions.

Though spared by the onslaught of Yolanda, Matuginao town, in the heart of Samar also requested training on motorcycle small engine servicing and hair-cutting which started in

September 9, 2014.

Mayor Melissa Dela Cruz who co-sponsored the training with TESDA said that with this training the people can have extra income.

The municipalities of Villareal and Talalora will also avail of these programs in October, TESDA said. (vrc/Avha H. Ebalde/ PIA8 Samar)

DSWD-8 awards winners of 4Ps model family By: Jonnie H. Buenaventura TACLOBAN CITY, Leyte, Sept. 17 (PIA) – A reward system was devised by the Department of Social Welfare and Development for the program beneficiaries of the Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program (4Ps).

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he system called Huwarang Pantawid Pamilya, coursed through the social marketing unit of DSWD, was aimed to empower the program beneficiaries and show the public the progressive impact of the program, create model families who embody strong family ties, demonstrate positive Flipino values and create a positive influence in the community.

According to Resty Macuto, Assistant Regional Director for Operations, Regional Office 8, the search for “Huwarang Pantawid Pamilya” was geared to acknowledge the good performing family beneficiaries of the “Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program.”

Director Macuto emphasized that the awarding of model families for “Pantawid

Pamilyang Pilipino Program” beneficiaries was timely considering that Proclamation No. 847 was signed by then President Fidel V. Ramos declaring fourth Sunday of September as Family Thanksgiving Day. The search was tedious considering that the criteria is based on desk validation and field validation to really determine the rightful winner. The winning model family was Mr. Jaime Concon and family of MacArthur, Leyte for the regional category who received Php6,000 cash plus plaque of recognition.

Winners for the provincial category were: Mrs. Nenita Basal and family of Catbalogan, Samar who received Php5,000.00 cash plus plaque of recognition; Mrs. Arlene Narita and Family of Naval, Biliran who received

Php4,000.00 cash plus plaque of recognition; Mrs. Minda Ypulong and family of San Roque, Northern Samar who received Php2,500.00 cash plus certificate of recognition; and Mrs. Tita Berondo and family of San Juan, Southern Leyte who received Php2,500.00 cash plus certificate of recognition. According to regional winner Jaime Concon, he was hesitant in joining the search considering that since elementary he did not join any contest but he was nominated by the group of beneficiaries to represent them.

All winners are parent leaders for “Pantawid Pamiliyang Pilipino Program” in their respective community.

They are anticipating that the program will continue because it really provides help for the indigent Filipinos. (ajc/jhb/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, Childrenâ€&#x;s Park Compound, Sen. Enage St., Tacloban City, Leyte 6500, Tel. No. (053) 325-5124, Telefax No. (053) 321-2029, e-mail: pia_ev@yahoo.com/r8_pia@yahoo.com