One Visayas e-Newsletter Vol 4 Issue 6

Vol 4

Issue 6

In this Issue WESTERN VISAYAS

Engr. Joselito G. Naredo, retired Philippine Basketball League Player, keynoted the opening of the Western Visayas Regional Athletic Association (WVRAA) Meet emphasizes that sports activities are essential ingredients in the early development of children. The Meet was held at the Gov. Evelio B. Javier Memorial Sports Complex, San Jose, Antique. Seated at right is Antique Governor Exequiel Javier. (T.Villavert/PIA6)

Feb. 10 - 16, 2014

Published by: PIA 6, 7 & 8

DA pilots PRDP initiatives for rice, fish production BY: ELSA S. SUBONG ILOILO CITY, Feb. 11 (PIA) – The Department of Agriculture has adopted the policies and principles of the Philippine Rural Development Program (PRDP) in implementing its current initiatives to attain sufficiency in rice and other staples.

Perlita Mecha, PRDP deputy director for Visayas Cluster said the bottom line in the policies of the program is to see to it that government projects will not go to the wrong hands, but will hit directly where it is needed.

“PRDP adopts the World Bank System of project implementation, evaluation and monitoring with use of scientific tools,” Mecha said.

This system, according to Mecha erases political interventions in projects, ensuring that these go to the right implementers and the right targets.

The PRDP is considered one of the DA’s biggest foreign-assisted projects, worth $670 million or P27.5 billion funded by the World Bank which will run for six years.

Mecha said the project was conceptualized in 2011 and the period from then was used to prepare documents following the procedures and system of the World Bank.

The overall goal of the PRDP is to create a modern, climate-smart or resilient and value chain-oriented agriculture and fishery sector.

“Proposed projects undergo a Value Chain Analysis to determine quality, viability of its goals or targets and the potentials for replication,” Mecha said.

The DA is piloting the PRDP geared towards the enhancement of infrastructure in rural areas for agri commodities to reach appropriate markets easily as well as for farmers to gain access to technology.

Likewise, it will also create viable climate and support for agri-business and partner agencies to work together and boost the economy of the local communities.

Meantime, Mecha said, the project needs massive information, education and communication support for its entry to the communities and a sustaining IEC to disseminate the accomplishments of various components. (JCM/ESS/PIA-Iloilo)

DepEd 7 to fast track school rehab on calamity hit areas More on Region 6, pages 2-3.

CENTRAL VISAYAS

The Metro Cebu Development and Coordinating Board (MCDCB) in partnership with the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) held a press conference on the "Mega Cebu Vision 2050" a long-term development vision for the sustainable urban development of Metro Cebu until 2050. (vvv/ PIA Cebu)

More on Region 7, pages 4-5.

EASTERN VISAYAS

National Artist for Literature Bienvenido Lumbera (left), discusses the theme “Paglaum ha Panahon han Kataragman” (Hope in times of Adversity) in line with the Dayaw-Taboan Literary Arts Festival 2014 held at UP Tacloban College, February 7. (Photo by Raul Tiozon, Jr./PIA-8)

More on Region 8, pages 6-7.

Also CLICK Here...

BY: AMOR Y. SALUDAR Central Visayas, Feb. 7 (PIA) --- The Department of Education pledged to fast track moves on rehabilitation and repair of schools affected by Yolanda in North Cebu.

In a recent Post Yolanda press briefing at AFP Central Command, DepEd-7 education supervisor Victor Yntig said the department had already conducted rapid assessment on the extinct of damage and the needs of these public schools in the typhoon hit areas in North Cebu.

He added that DepEd had already chosen 16 prioritize schools for school rehabilitation phase piloting in North Cebu. These chosen schools passed the criteria and were already verified by Engineers in charged and have been declared for replacement.

“DepEd had already given advice to Schools Superintendent in North Cebu to prioritize the 16 schools and go on with the others,” Yntig said He added DepEd7 is also coordinating with local and

international NGOs, companies; local communities and international humanitarian groups that committed to help rebuild and repair these affected schools to avoid duplication of aids given and to prioritize the most devastated structures.

“As days gone by we found out so many interventions so we wanted to have the latest data of damaged classrooms and updated needs of the affected classrooms,” Yntig stressed.

On this note Yntig confirmed that there is funding for the rehabilitation of about 300 public schools in North Cebu devastated by typhoon Yolanda.

DepEd reported an estimated cost of P699.23 million needed for the major repair of 1, 809 classrooms and for the replacement of 359 classrooms.

Yntig clarified that the record presented do not include data and figures from Bogo City in which estimated amount for repair and replacement of classrooms to reach P93.5 million. (mbcn/AYS/PIA 7)

Leyteños called on to join Bayani Challenge 2014 TACLOBAN CITY, Leyte, Feb. 9 (PIA) – The third month anniversary of the Yolanda onslaught in Eastern Visayas on February 8, 2014, was marked with the Leyte launch of the Bayani Challenge 2014 at the Leyte Normal University Gym. PCOO Undersecretary and PIA Director General Jose Mari Oquinena called on the youth of Leyte and Eastern Visayas to join the Bayani Challenge 2014 with the theme Walang Iwanan, which will be conducted in the disaster-hit areas in the Visayas to include Leyte, Samar , Eastern Samar, Aklan, Antique, Capiz, Iloilo, Negros Occidental, Bohol, Cebu, Palawan and Zamboanga in Mindanao.

“For this year's Bayani Challenge, we will go to the areas affected by recent disasters and show our brothers and sisters that we will not leave them behind,” Usec Oquinena who founded the Bayani Challenge told the more than 700 students who were visibly awed as the USec motivated them to join the Challenge to rebuild Yolanda hit areas.

The Filipino people's Resilience has inspired other nations to help, USec Oquinena said as he observed that there were non Filipinos who were present to signify their intention to enlist as volunteers.

With the guest of honor were Gawad Kalinga prime movers Mr. Boy Montelibano and Mr. Tanny Go who noted that with the youth staying in Tacloban to help in the rehabilitation, there is great hope for restoration and rehabilitation.

DG Oquinena exhorts Leyteños to join the Challenge. (PIA)

With at least a million volunteers from the various parts of the country and the world, this year’s Bayani Challenge will begin on April 12, a little after Araw ng Kagitingan or The Day of Valor and culminate on June 12, Independence Day, Gawad Kalinga is orchestrating it to be the most historic and most patriotic Bayani Challenge to hit the country ever.

Bayani Challenge 2014 is targeting 20,000 houses in the mentioned calamity-hit areas, it was learned.

In Leyte, Bayani Challenge 2014 will be in the municipalities of Tanauan in Palo and Alangalang, Ormoc and in Tacloban City.

GK is looking for 1 million volunteers for the manpower at about 10-15 volunteers/group for each house. (PIA 8).

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WESTERN VISAYAS

Drilon: Congress to push priority economic bills; assures support to inclusive growth

Agbalo Bridge in Pontevedra, Capiz

ILOILO CITY, Feb. 10 (PIA6) -- Senate President Franklin M. Drilon said the country’s legislators have not forgotten the overall goal of the efforts of Congress to help make economic growth inclusive for all Filipinos.

The Ilonggo solon made the assurance as he revealed that the 16th Congress is set to work on ways to streamline numerous tax incentives for businesses and tighten consumer protection as part of its legislative package that is geared towards encouraging investors, scaling up the business climate, enhancing market competition, creating job opportunities, and promoting MSMEs, among others.

Drilon has met with House Speaker Feliciano Belmonte to firm up the said legislative agenda.

He said emphasis would be given to economic measures that will maximize the country’s potential business strengths, and ensure the nation’s macroeconomic and fiscal sustainability and enhance the overall Philippine climate for greater business competition and foreign investments as more investments can translate to the provision of more jobs and economic opportunities for the people.

Up for discussion in Congress are measures calling for a Consolidated Investments and Incentives Code of the Philippines, and a bill proposing the Tax Incentives Management and Transparency Act. If approved, such bills will enable better handling of the country’s fiscal incentives for investors, thus ensuring a business–friendly environment, which maintains the effective flow of appropriate taxes into public coffers– to everyone’s benefit and avoiding overlapping and redundant incentives to cut

unnecessary revenue loss.

Similarly, Congress is expected to deal with measures that will amend existing tax laws on mining activities in the country: “There is a need to study the practice of mining-intensive countries where higher excise taxes have not dissuaded investments at all, while making funding for government projects bigger.”

The country's legislators will also address loopholes in the Build-Operate-Transfer law, Cabotage law, and EPIRA. Drilon explained that this is intended to fine-tune the BOT law to close some policy gaps and align it with the Public-Private Partnership (PPP) scheme, in order to encourage the exploration of more effective forms of PPP projects, to allow for healthier competition, and to fix interconnectivity issues and amend the Cabotage law to allow foreign-registered vessels to engage in coast-wide trade in the country, thereby opening the market to competition, bringing down transportation costs by sea, and enabling the country to fully utilize supply chain products.

“Also of importance is the amendment to the EPIRA to find ways to address the woes of our people with regard to the high electricity rates, which the EPIRA was supposed to address,” the Senate chief stressed.

Government institutions related to finance and

the economy are also in the line for massive reforms – bills filed in the current Congress propose amendments of BSP to solidify its supervisory and regulatory powers, while more than one priority bill has gunned for the systemic overhaul of the Bureau of Customs.

“We are looking at restructuring important institutions to halt the economic damage from rampant money laundering, smuggling and other financial crimes in the country,” said the senator.

The Senate leader said that they “have not forgotten our overarching goal of making the economic growth we aspire for to be inclusive of most possible socio-economic sectors.”

He then pointed to measures in the priority list calling for a Consumer Protection Act, an Anti-Trust Act, and the promotion of micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs) as development institutions across the country.

“We have to remember that economic progress is only good if it leads to improved social and economic conditions for the citizenry. We have made sure that while we are striving for policies that focus on long-term macroeconomic gains, there are even stronger efforts to uplift depressed sectors, and to uphold the financial interests of the everyday Filipino,” Drilon concluded. (Office of the Senate President/ JSC-PIA6)

Antique marks EBJ martyrdom's 28th anniversary BY: VICENTE W. VILLAVERT SAN JOSE, Antique, Feb. 11 (PIA6) - - The martyrdom of the late Gov. Evelio B. Javier (EBJ) has taught the Antiqueños to stand up and take courage to defy the tyranny of terrorism, intimidation and violence in the province of Antique.

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his was the message of Governor Exequiel B. Javier during the commemoration of the 28th anniversary of Evelio’s martyrdom.

The activity was conducted at the Provincial Park now named EBJ Freedom Park, here with various officials and the public in attendance.

During the program Governor Javier shared EBJ’s last moment before he was killed by masked gunmen on Februart 11, 1986 at the height of the snap Presidential elections, in front of the Antique Capitol where the election returns where being canvassed.

Javier’s killers were allegedly linked to the allies

of former President Ferdinand E. Marcos.

“The late Governor shed his blood and gave his life to protect our people from tyranny, violence and free the people from the bondage of poverty and ignorance,” Governor Javier said.

Javier said that the late governor’s dreams are now being fulfilled with the implementation of several infrastructure projects and programs on agriculture, health and education.

February 11 is declared a special non-working holiday in the provinces of Antique, Aklan, Capiz and Iloilo though Republic Act 7601 which was approved into

law by then President Corazon C. Aquino last June 3, 1992.

The declaration is to commemorate the death anniversary of the late governor of Antique, who was also considered one of our modern-day freedom fighters.

This year the commemoration of EBJ's 28th anniversary of martyrdom was highlighted with the conduct of a Mass at the New Capitol lobby; Wreath laying at EBJs Grave at San Jose Catholic Cemetery; Wreath Laying at EBJ’s statue at the EBJ Freedom Park; 21 gun salute; Sipal-Kabataan; Rosary; and Tribute to Evelio Original Kinaray-a Music Contest.(JSC/ VWV-PIA6 Antique)

‘Lamesa ni Mayor’ goes to barangays BY: EASTER ANNE D. DOZA BACOLOD CITY, Negros Occidental, Feb. 13 (PIA6) - - Each of the city’s 61 barangays will have “Lamesa ni Mayor” or loosely translated, “Table of the Mayor” as an extension of the chief executive’s service down to the grassroots level.

“

Lamesa ni Mayor” is another avenue for the local government to promote public awareness on the plans and projects of the administration of Mayor Monico Puentevella.

“Our program must go down and touch the barangays. This is an approach to break political barriers since it will deliver the city’s services fairly without being bias to a resident’s political affiliation,” Puentevella said.

Each table will have a designate employee

from the Public Affairs and Assistance Division (PAAD).

PAAD spearheads the implementation of this help-desk at the barangay level as a way of bringing the city government closer to the people.

PAAD Chief Andre Victor Las Piñas said that the program will speed up delivery of basic services to the barangay and for the barangay residents to actively participate, benefit and take advantage of the various services of the

government.

The program is also an extension of the services of some of the city’s major offices such as the Department of Public Services, City Health Office, MKK Action Center, City Engineer’s Office, the Urban Basic Services Division (UBSD), City Cooperative and Livelihood Development Office (CCLDO) and the Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office (DRRMO). *(JCM/EAD-PIA6 Negros Occidental)

WESTERN VISAYAS

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TESDA beefs up community-based training with P56.6M budget Agbalo Bridge in Pontevedra, Capiz

BY: LILIBETH A. FRENCH

ILOILO CITY, Feb. 11 (PIA6) - - The Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA) has earmarked P56.6 million for the implementation of its new training program in Western Visayas this year.

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ubbed as Special Training for Employment Program or STEP, it is a community-based specialty training program that seeks to address the specific needs of the communities and promote employment, particularly, through entrepreneurial, self-employment and service oriented activities.

TESDA 6 OIC Director Yolanda Porschwitz said STEP differs from other TESDA skills training programs because aside from the free training and competency assessment, scholars will receive starter tool kits and training allowance of P60 per day

during the duration of the program.

“The P60 allowance will be released directly to the scholars at the end of the training which they may use as a seed capital to start their livehood undertakings,” said Porschwitz.

She said to ensure that more can avail of the skills training, some P3.145 million was allotted to every district of the different provinces in the region from the fund.

Qualified to avail of the training are those at least 15 years old who are willing and available to complete the program.

Various qualifications or

technical-vocation courses are offered related to the following sectors: Agriculture and Fishery; Automotive and Land Transportation; Heating, Ventilation, Airconditioning and Refrigeration; Construction; Visual Arts; Electronics; Furnitures and Fixtures; Garments; Health, Social and Other Community Development Services; and Metals and Engineering.

Porschwitz advised those interested to visit their concerned local government units or go straight to the TESDA Provincial Office nearest them for more information about the program. (JCM/LAF/PIA6)

100 days after Yolanda shows Capizeños’ resilience, strength BY: JEMIN B. GUILLERMO ROXAS CITY, Capiz, Feb. 12 (PIA6) – Capizeños have many reasons to celebrate life 100 days after super typhoon Yolanda badly hit the province of Capiz.

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n collaboration with the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), series of activities have been lined up to commemorate the 100 days after Yolanda to include the thanksgiving mass for life after the disaster, launching of the photo exhibit and the flag raising ceremony.

According to Provincial Administrator Jose O. Villanueva, who is the overall chairperson of the event, the photo-exhibit at the new mall in Roxas City which will be launched on February 13, will showcase the Capizeños resiliency.

He said that the thanksgiving mass on Feb. 16 will be officiated by Capiz Archbishop Jose F. Advincula at the Immaculate Conception Metropolitan Cathedral and will be attended by key provincial officials together with local, international and private organizations.

Villanueva also said that the flag-raising ceremony in front of the provincial capitol on

February 17 will be simultaneously done with various agencies in the municipalities and schools in the entire province here, with the message of Capiz Governor Victor Tanco to be read during the event He explained that the week-long activity envisions to promote resilience, strength and camaraderie among Capizeños especially in times of calamity and disaster.

On the other hand, Governor Tanco stressed that typhoon Yolanda was a great challenge, putting the Capizeños to longest fear and hardest test, yet the people have become victorious and survivors who are seen to standing still, united, harmonious and strong.

He said that the 100 days of commemorating Yolanda means a hundred days of sustained strength as people and 100 days of showing to the world and to the Philippine nation the Capizeños unwavering Filipino trait of resiliency and victory.

Tanco pointed out that the celebration is a thanksgiving and a looking forward with high hopes that God will bless every Capizeño home.

The chief executive likewise acknowledge and appreciate the help and the continuous help of everyone, particularly the employees of the provincial government, national government agencies, local government units throughout the country, international governments and non-government organizations worldwide.

Tanco also expressed his gratitude to all the private individuals, institutions and agencies that have been showing their faith and confidence that the Capizeños are people worthy of their help and assistance As he congratulated the people here for the job well done, Tanco also urged everyone to continue to support each other and stand up as one united province. (JCM/JBG/PIA6-Capiz)

‘One Billion Rising’ up in Aklan BY: VENUS G. VILLANUEVA KALIBO, Aklan, Feb. 13 (PIA6) -- For the second year in a row, the province of Aklan will be holding the “One Billion Rising”, an activity now held all over the world to call out for a stop to violence against women and young girls on February 14.

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he same activity was first held last year on February 14, 2013 when the province joined one billion people in 207 countries and territories and rose and danced to demand an end to violence against women and girls.

Now dubbed “One Billion Rising for Justice”, the activity, according to Engr. Roger M. Esto, Provincial Planning and Development Coordinator and Vic e Chairperson of the Gender and Development (GAD) Focal Point System, is a call to women, men and youth around the world to gather safely this February 14 outside places where they are entitled to justice – court houses, police stations, government offices, school administration buildings, work places, sites of environmental injustice, military courts, embassies, places of

worship, homes or simply public gathering places where women deserve to feel safe but too often do not. “The campaign is a recognition that we cannot end violence against women without looking at the intersection of poverty, racism, war, plunder of the environment, capitalism, imperialism, and patriarchy, as impunity lives at the heart of these interlocking forces”, Esto said.

On February 14 here, the activity will start through a street dancing from the Kalibo Pastranan Park at 2:00 p.m., Flashmob at the Kalibo PNP, Department of Education (DepEd) Building, Dr. Rafael S. Tumbokon Memorial Hospital and Regional Trial Court.

A short program will follow at the Goding Ramos Park where there will be a One Billion Rising Dance, and short powerpoint messages

of support from Congressman Teodorico Haresco, Jr., Governor Florencio T. Miraflores, Vice Governor Gabrielle C. Quimpo and Sangguniang Panlalawigan Member Lillian Q. Tirol.

Judge Marrietta Homena-Valencia and Atty.

Niflem Meren will be delivering Inspirational messages.

Apart from participating representatives from various national government agencies, the activity will also be joined by three Aklan schools – the Regional Science High School, Northwestern Visayan Colleges and the Malinao School For Philippine Craftsmen, local government units of Kalibo and Malinao and the Men Opposed to Violence Against Women (MOVE). A “Hataw” at the Goding Ramos Park Grounds will conclude the activity. (JCM/VGV PIA 6 Aklan)

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CENTRAL VISAYAS

NAPC Sec. vows support for Siquijor dev’t Cansaga Bay Bridge in Cebu

BY: RIZALIE A. CALIBO

SIQUIJOR, Feb. 13 (PIA) --- National Anti-Poverty Secretary Joel Rocamora spelled out his plans, programs, strategies, and support for the development of the island province of Siquijor.

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n his keynote speech during the 1st Provincewide Development Summit, Rocamora said the province needs a baseline data to determine the present condition of Siquijor and to serve as guide for planning.

This started with a Community-Based Monitoring System (CBMS) census, a tool for poverty reduction, which will be finished in two weeks and will show what the problems and opportunities are in Siquijor for work.

He also pointed out the need for a scientific masterplan for Siquijor to develop tourism and other industries.

On the province’s problem on electricity, Rocamora assured that in about a year, starting around February or March 2015, there will be no more ‘brownouts’ in Siquijor as he said that the privatization of power provider is “very, very close to being achieved."

On the one project that they promised in the last election, Rocamora said he is confident that in a few years, Siquijor will have a new hospital that will be more than adequate for the health needs of its people and water.

"We are still in the pre-planning stage but we are working to make sure that come May, when water becomes scarce, we can provide

water so that there will be adequate water for everybody 12 months out of the year," he said.

Education, agriculture, power, hospital, water are requirements for development, he added, while stressing the need to focus on agriculture and fisheries because it’s where most of the people are, Rocamora added.

“If we cannot improve the production of corn, we are a failure...if we cannot improve the livelihood of our fisherfolk, we are a failure,” Rocamora stressed. (rmn/RAC/ PIA-Siquijor)

PSA celebrates Civil Registration Month BY: HAZEL F. GLORIA CEBU CITY, Feb. 8 (PIA) --- The Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA) with the Local Civil Registrar’s Offices nationwide celebrate yearly the Civil Registration Month in February. his year’s theme is “Ikaw at Ako Tungo create problems to the child in the near future sponsored by the LGUs, other national sa Wastong Pagrerehistro” which is to using his/her Birth Certificate for any personal g o v e r n m e n t a g e n c i e s ( N G A s ) a n d non-government organizations (NGOs) highlight the significance of civil transaction. registration in our lives.

In the region, the lined-up activities for the considering the month of February is also Love It will remind the public especially whole month celebration are the following: free Month.

The public is hereby advised to the parents, records clerk, midwives and mobile registration, information dissemination visit their respective LGUs thru the traditional “hilot or mananabang” who are in and fora among others. attendance at birth that registration of such In partnership with the Local Civil Local Civil Registrar’s Office in the City or event is compulsory and it is their Registrars, series of seminars and trainings Municipal Hall to check out such activities primary responsibilities to enter the correct data are also being scheduled in various venues in the mentioned.

This is in line with the Executive Order 326 in the document such as the Certificate of Live Local Government Units (LGUs) regarding laws Birth. and procedures on civil registration as well as signed by the late Pres. Corazon Aquino designating February of each year as the Civil Ensuring the proper and correct updates and special laws. registration is an obligation so that it will not There are also scheduled Mass Weddings Registration Month. (mbcn/HFG/PIA-7/NSO)

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NegOr to mark ‘One Billion Rising’ BY: JENNIFER C. TILOS DUMAGUETE CITY, Feb. 11 (PIA) --- Negros Oriental has joined the entire world in rising for justice in celebration of “One Billion Rising” 2014 through a series of activities. he event kicks off with an opening of This year, the world is rising for justice, dreams,” according to the film’s synopsis ‘Jerstory Exhibit’ of women artists and a according to VDay Negros Oriental Chair, on girlsrising.com.

The girls’ stories are told by celebrated Women’s Justice Fair on February 14 at Michele Joan Valbuena.

10:30 a.m. at Robinson's Place-Dumaguete.

“Let us all rise, release and dance against all writers and voiced by renowned actors, such as According to one of the local One Billion forms of injustices for women and men in the Cate Blanchett, Anne Hathaway, Meryl Streep, and Liam Neeson.

Rising organizers, Atty. Myrish Antonio, about 35 planet,” said Valbuena.

Flores said the film aims to deliver a “simple, women artists are set to display their works Atty. Antonio invited the public to join and critical truth: educate girls and you will change during the exhibits, including Elle Divine, Muffet participate in any activities to rise for justice.

Villegas, Susan Canoy, Kitty Taniguchi, Arlene The One Billion Rising activities are the world.”

Records show that around 150 million girls Delloso-Uypitching, and Sharon Dadang-Rafols. organized by core group members The exhibit and fair runs for one week from Glynda Descuatan, Myrish Antonio, Dinah Chu, around the world are victims of sexual violence February 14 to 21 during mall hours.

Michele Joan Valbuena, J Marie Maxino, Lea Janice and 50% of victims of sexual assaults are girls 15 years old and below.

Legal issues posed by women will also be Sicat, and Michelle Goldstein.

Childbirth is the top cause of death in girls tackled by legal professionals from FU Law Meanwhile, a special screening of “Girl Forum, Silliman University (SU) Law Alumni Rising,” a feature film on the power of education, aged 15 to 19, based on records from United Association, SU Law Batch 2014, and the Salonga was held Feb 7 at Cebu Normal University in Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO).

Center for Law and Development on the same Cebu City.

“It cannot be denied that one of the event.

“Girl Rising” is a ground breaking film about At around 1:00 p.m. on Valentine’s Day, the strength of the human spirit and the power marginalized sectors in the society nowadays is several public and private high schools, of education to transform families and girls girls in this age level,” said Flores in a letter.

The free screening is a result of a non-governmental organizations, and private around the world, according to Marilou Flores, advocate groups were set to converge to hold an Coalition for Better Education (CBE) executive partnership between Intel Philippines and Foundation for Information Technology Advocacy Parade around the Dumaguete City. director.

On February 16 (Sunday), the Vagina Directed by Academy Award-nominated Education and Development (FIT-Ed) in Monologues play will be staged in Tagalog and director Richard E. Robins, the film tells collaboration with CBE. CBE is a private organization advocating for Bisaya by advocate-actors at SU Luce Auditorium the story of nine girls living in the at 8:00 p.m. developing world, “ordinary girls who equal access to education for girls worldwide.

Tickets are available at the SU Psychology confront tremendous challenges and (RMN/PIA Cebu) (rmn/JCT/PIA7-Negros Department. overcome nearly impossible odds to pursue their Oriental)

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CENTRAL VISAYAS

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Circulate clean money, deposit unfit bills - BSP Cansaga Bay Bridge in Cebu

BY: RACHELLE M. NESSIA

CEBU CITY, Feb. 10 (PIA) --- Most Filipinos have a penchant for keeping clean, crisp notes and using instead the crumpled, worn out bills in their everyday transactions. owever, it should be the other way lost all the inscribed signatures. have it exchanged at central bank. around, according to Bangko Sentral Circulating the fit notes are also one way Mutilated notes, on the other hand, can ng Pilipinas (BSP). to easily detect counterfeit money. only be exchanged with BSP and not in any “BSP wants the clean notes to circulate “If dunot na kaayo ang kwarta, dili other banks. and the unfit ones should be deposited in the na visible ang security features (When a bill is BSP in Cebu regularly retires billions of bank. The public should make this a habit,” said already too damaged, its security features are unfit notes, a process where unfit notes are Atty. Ma. Lux Berciles, BSP-7 Regional hardly visible),” said Hazel Arante, BSP-7 Bank punched with holes and shredded.

Director.

Officer 1.

“Next to Manila, Cebu is the hub, holding Berciles noted that Filipinos tend to keep The central bank officials also discouraged the largest money circulation,” said Berciles. the crisp bills in their wallets and use the unfit the practice of stapling money which is Meanwhile, Berciles stressed that the or mutilated bills when making their payments. common among tellers and cashiers. ten-peso bill is still legal tender amidst reports A bill is considered unfit if it is crumpled, “Bills should not be stapled. From time to that they are no longer being accepted. contains markings, heavily creased, soiled, and time, we conduct seminars and briefings to “This is a misconception. We get to has a rag-like appearance. tellers, especially new ones, to tell them receive from the banks crisp ten-peso bills Mutilated bills, on the other hand, are that they shouldn’t continue with the habit of because they thought it’s no longer accepted, notes that have been torn and joined together marking the bills and stapling them,” said but it’s still legal tender,” said Berciles. with adhesive tape, damaged, defaced or Berciles.

She added that although the central bank perforated, scorched or burned to the extent Those in possession of unfit notes can has stopped printing the ten-peso bill, it has that it is frail and brittle, split edgewise, and have it deposited in their bank accounts, or not yet been demonetized. (RMN/PIA Cebu)

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Bohol commemorates Provincial Day of Peace BY: ELVIRA C. BONGOSIA TAGBILARAN CITY, Bohol, Feb. 12 (PIA) --- The Provincial Government of Bohol led the observance of Provincial Day of Peace recently at Pres. Carlos P. Garcia Park here. he activity aimed to revive peace in Other guests include Sec. Teresita ultimate direction anchored on a prime the province anchored on the Quintos-Deles of the Office of the Presidential eco-cultural tourism destination and a strong Boholano values of fear in God and Adviser on Peace Process (OPAPP), newly balanced agro-industrial province with a abiding by laws as articulated by the late appointed Director of the National Bureau of well-educated, God-loving and law-abiding Boholano former President Carlos P. Garcia.

Investigation (NBI) Boholano Atty. Virgilio citizenry; proud of their cultural heritage; Also commemorated yesterday was the Mendez, Commission on Human Rights (CHR) enjoying a state of well-being; and committed declaration of the province as insurgency-free Chairperson Loretta Ann Rosales, Boholano to sound environmental management. by the Philippine National Police (PNP) back in and staunch peace advocate Dr. Jose Abueva, The activity also formally launched the 2010.

Gen. Emmanuel Bautista of the Armed Forces advocacy for a NonKilling Boholano Society, A motorcade was participated in by the of the Philippines (AFP), AFP Deputy Chief of the country’s first provincial organization in offices of the Provincial Capitol at 2:30 p.m. Staff Lt. Allan Luga, and PNP Regional Director our national movement for a Nonkilling yesterday.

PSSupt. Dennis Agustin.

Philippines.

A program followed wherein the The Sangguniang Panlalawigan of Bohol The province of Bohol is leading the provincial officials led by Gov. Edgar Chatto, recently passed Resolution No. 2014-055 nation in its commitment to peace and Vice-Gov. Concepcion Lim, and 1st District declaring February 11, 2014 as Provincial Peace non-killing and is consistent with its official Rep. Rene Relampagos unveiled the Peace Day in the Province in Bohol. national recognition as “The Best Governed Monument and officially declared every The basis for such declaration is the Province” in the Philippines under Gov. February 11 as a Provincial Day of Peace. attainment of the province’s well-defined Chatto. (rmn/PIA7-Bohol/ECB)

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CVIRAA 2014 kicks off in Cebu BY: JUJU MANUBAG-EMPUERTO CEBU CITY, Feb. 11 (PIA) --- The 2014 Central Visayas Regional Athletic Association (CVIRAA) Meet opened on Feb. 9 at Cebu City Sports Center after 14 years. he last time Cebu City played host to Gocotano added that private entities are basketball at Cebu Coliseum and CVIRAA was in 2000, according to supporting the events by making their areas as Cogon-Ramos gym, secondary girls basketball Z e n a d a G o c o t a n o , D i v i s i o n playing venues for free. at Cebu Eastern College, football elementary Physical Education School Sports (PESS) The games and the venues are, and secondary and taekwondo, futsal at Don Coordinator of Department of Education namely: archery will be played at the Family Bosco Technology Center, sipa and softball at (DepEd) Cebu City.

Park in Talamban, badminton at Racquet Zone University of Cebu-METC, sepak takraw at This year, CVIRAA 2014 is hosted by in Banilad, baseball at Aboitiz Football Field, Basak gym, wrestling at Baseline, wushu at Cebu City Local Government Unit and the tennis at Alta Vista/Pardo Tennis Club and USJ-R Basak campus, and arnis at Ramon DepEd Cebu City Division.

Baseline, volleyball elementary girls at Sacred Duterte MNHS. CVIRAA serves as a selection for the the Heart Gym, volleyball secondary girls at Athletics and swimming will be at the region's delegation to the 2014 Palarong Aznar Coliseum/South Western University, Cebu City Sports gym along with boxing and Pambansa. volleyball elementary boys at Uinversity of table tennis, while chess will be at DepEd-Cebu There are from around Region 7 that are Southern Philippines (USPF), volleyball City division office. participating in CVIRAA. secondary boys at University of San Jose Billiards, futsal, wrestling, and wushu will According to Gocotano, a total of 10,000 Recolletos-Basak Campus, and billiard at only be a demonstration sport. athletes from 19 school divisions from around Gaisano Country Mall.

Dancesport is no longer included as it is Region who will be playing in 25 games during The elementary basketball will be at not in the list of Palaro events, added the one-week meet.

University of San Carlos main, secondary boys Gocotano. (rmn/JSME/PIA-Cebu)

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EASTERN VISAYAS

Citizen journalist training thrills barangay officials in EVisayas

Agas Agas--Agas Bridge in Southern Leyte

CATBALOGAN CITY, Samar, Feb. 12 (PIA)—Some 85 Punong Barangays and Information officers all over Eastern Visayas received a training on citizen journalism on February 12 at the Leyte Sports Academy, Tacloban City.

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he barangay officials were thrilled that are helping his constituents especially the they would be submitting reports to PIA fisherfolk. and to ABS CBN’s Bayan Mo Ipatrol Mo “I am sure that with my connection to (BMPM). media, concerned agencies and the generous Weng Paraan of ABS CBN talked about how donors will learn of the situation in my barangay.” to report to the BMPM and how the report can Meriam Naupan of Barangay Astorga, elicit proper action from concerned authorities.

Alang-alang, Leyte is so excited about the She also gave the barangay folks a crash prospect of reporting. course on news writing lead. The trainees eagerly As new registered patrollers and Barangay showed what they learned in the workshop.

Development Information Officers, the rural folks Barangay Captain Antonio Dizon of Barangay may report on problems in the barangay, good Salvacion, Basey, Samar said he did not regret news about their own kind topping international leaving the many rehabilitation work going on in contests, news about disaster or calamities, issues his barangay. in government and its officials and bayanihan “Maupay nala gin-pa-attend ako, dako an efforts in their communities. akon hinbaruan (I am glad that I was requested to The trainees also learned the basic attend, I learned a lot),” said Dizon. photography as lectured by Fernando Sepe, Jr, a Dizon’s island barangay was severely famous photojournalist. damaged by typhoon Yolanda, that, presently, he The barangay officials learned terms like is very busy attending to the many donors who shutter speed, DSLR, apperture, ISO and other

terms in photography.

Participants gamely competed with each other in answering questions posed by the lecturers. For their correct answers, they were awarded frebbies like my phones and t shirts.

As their final activity, they recited “Panata ng Patroller” led by veteran journalist Jing Castaneda.

They promised to verify the accuracy of their facts before reporting.

The Philippine Information Agency also presented the participants their certificates designating them as Barangay CDIOs, and call cards to that they will know what number to text their reports, and the email address so that they can email their photo releases and video clips.

There are words of caution though that the journalist-lecturers gave, safety should always be a journalist’s prime consideration in getting reports.

(PIA 8-Samar)

Red Cross to turn over 166 classrooms to Tacloban, Palo on Feb 10 TACLOBAN CITY, Leyte (PIA) – The Red Cross Society of China turned over 166 classrooms to Yolanda devastated communities in Tacloban and Palo on February 10. hilippine Red Cross Chairman Richard Earlier, PRC chairman Gordon, in a of teachers’ tables and chairs.

Gordon, Red Cross Society of China statement said “The partnership between the “We were shocked to learn the damage, Vice Chairman Dr. Zhou Baige and Philippine Red Cross and the Red Cross the destruction, the despair brought about by PRC Secretary General Gwen Pang graced the Society of China shows the best in our people Haiyan, or Yolanda as you call it,” she said in a turnover ceremonies with Leyte Governor when we work for the common good of our statement.

Dominic L. Petilla, Palo Mayor Remedios L. fellowmen.”

“When we came to know over 6,000 Petilla, Gordon said the project symbolizes “the died, we sent our search and rescue At 9:30 in the morning, the turnover rites good that can be achieved due to enduring ties team; when we learned that there are was conducted at the San Jose Elementary that bind both nations and that great goodwill, nearly 30,000 injuries, we sent our medical School with a short program and presentation closer cooperation and friendship is achieved team; when we were aware that over four of school keys to the principals of 20 recipient when both Red Cross societies cooperate on million people are affected, among whom tens of thousands of students could not go back to schools. projects that benefit humanity.”

In the afternoon, the group visited the Meanwhile, Dr. Zhao said the Hong Kong school because their classrooms are damaged, Palo National High School which is also a branch of the Red Cross Society of China we sent our construction team,” she added. beneficiary of Red Cross classrooms. donated 9,300 student armchairs and 166 sets (PIA 8)

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SLSU goes beyond instruction into actual income-generating projects

By Marcelo M. Pedalino MAASIN CITY, Southern Leyte, Feb. 13 (PIA) -- The lone state university in this province has taken the lead in engaging the farming community surrounding its five campuses to venture into lucrative freshwater prawn culture and rubber tree plantation, at the same time holding activities to attract investors.

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loria Markines Reyes, President of the Southern Leyte Sate Universtiy (SLSU), recalled a field trip they had in Mindanao in 2008, in which State Universities and Colleges (SUCs) they visited there had long been into income-generating projects for their schools.

What caught her group’s attention was the propagation of rubber tree seedlings raised by the SUCs and sold to entrepreneur-farmers, others were cultivated by the schools themselves, Reyes said during the Action Center Kapihan sa PIA cable TV program Wednesday held at the provincial capitol.

With market demand for rubber products always high, SLSU lost no time. Right there and then they bought quality seedlings, set up own nursery, sent faculties for training to learn the trade and tricks on the technicalities and the technology.

Five years later, SLSU -- and Southern Leyte

province for that matter -- is now known as the rubber capital of Eastern Visayas, where other provinces like Biliran and Norhtern Samar, among others, came here for ocular, learning visits, and buy rubber tree seedling at the Hinunangan campus, Reyes said, as she reminisced the humble beginnings of it all in a field trip sponsored by then Congressman, now Gov. Roger Mercado.

As to the freshwater prawn culture, this has been going on in Bontoc SLSU campus and was enhanced for the country and the rest of the world to notice through the first international freshwater prawn congress in January last year.

Next month, the second freshwater prawn congress will be held March 6-7 at the SLSU campus, this time with the introduction of the rubber industry as a very viable plantation for the province’s hectares upon hectares of unused lots, and for investors from within the country and abroad to be moved by this huge potential.

The second international freshwater prawn congress and rubber tree investors forum will also be among the highlights of SLSU’s tenth anniversary celebration, with the theme a “decade of excellence.”

Reyes urged Southern Leytenos, the small farmers, and landowners of idle lands to try going into rubber tree plantation which can be intercropped under existing coconut trees, and freshwater prawn culture for areas with abundant sources of water, saying this will surely propel the people out of poverty and be part of the country’s steady economic growth.

“You can still plant all the traditional crops in your farms, but please consider seriously rubber-tree planting and freshwater prawn culture to increase your income,” Reyes appealed, sounding more like an agriculture secretary than an SLSU President, a practical technocrat than an academe expert. (PIA8-Southern Leyte)

EASTERN VISAYAS

Agas Agas--Agas Bridge in Southern Leyte

7

Catbalogan LGU distributes fingerlings to fisher folks

72,500

TACLOBAN CITY, Leyte, Feb. 9 (PIA) — The City government of Catbalogan led by Mayor Stephany Uy Tan through the City Agriculture Office, distributed some 72,500 fingerlings to Catbalogan fisher folks at City Plaza, on February 5, Wednesday.

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his is in line with the administration’s effort to assist fisherfolks in their livelihood as well as to sustain the production of tilapia in the city, according to Tan. The fingerlings were distributed to Renato Diocton, SSU Mercedes Campus with 6,000, Ronnie Cabreras, Brgy. Payao with 3,000, Father Helera, Brgy. Silanga with 3,000, San Roque Lagoon, Brgy. San Roque with 6,000, Archie Tan, Brgy. New Mahayag with 9,000, Ricardo Flores, Brgy. New Mahayag with 6,000.

To complete the distribution, other fingerlings were distributed to Rex Gamba, Brgy.

New Mahayag with 9,000, Leo P. Ladrera, Brgy.

Old Mahayag with 3,000, Romy Cadano, Brgy.

San Vicente with 9,000, Raul Colocado, Brgy.

New Mahayag with 3,000, Cawayan People's Organization, Brgy. Cawayan with 6,000 and to

City Nursery Demo Farm, Brgy. San Vicente with 9,500.

After the turned over of fingerlings, the City Agriculture Office conducted an orientation to the beneficiaries.

Following the said activity, Tan personally visited the fish ponds of the several recipients at Barangays Payao and San Vicente.

Aside from the new fish pond intended for the new fingerlings, the City Nursery & Demo farm located at Barangay San Vicente, has also of eggplants, tomatoes and other agricultural products.

This initiative of the current administration is anchored on the commitment to address food shortage as well as to assist family’s economic stability through sustainable livelihood programs.

Meanwhile, although spared from the super

typhoon, Catbaloganons are currently experiencing economic difficulties due to unstable livelihood and limited supplies.

In response to the calamity, city has allocated nine Million Pesos intended for rice subsidy program for the 18,000 households in Catbalogan City.

In support to this program, Tan and the City councils issued an Executive Order.

This was officially started during the distribution at Barangays 01 and 02 Poblacion last February 06, 2014 in coordination with the City Social Welfare and Development Office and the respective Barangay Chairs and Officials.

As support to the current crisis faced by families and communities, each household will receive nine kilos of rice according to Tan. (PIA 8 Avha H. Ebalde)

Payapay fishermen receive 40 boats from generous NGO TACLOBAN CITY, Leyte, Feb. 13 (PIA) – Forty (40) boats painted with blue color with length of 20 feet and with of 18 inches, with motor engines¸ paddles¸ nets and life jackets, were turned over, Feb. 13 to the fishermen of Barangay 90 Payapay, San Jose, Tacloban City by the Urban Poor Associates and the Holy Spirit Sisters.

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he fishermen beneficiaries together “We are planning to increase the number with their wives and children of beneficiaries by providing another 125 boats gathered by the shore as Bishop John or more,” Sister Marie Claire said.

Du and Father Hector Villamil blessed the She added that the number of boats will boats. signify the 125th foundation anniversary of the “I know that this boat will bring us luck SSPS Congregation in the whole world. She because the boat united us all fishermen. We gave thanks to the donors who believed in the worked hard to make the boat and that is what project. made it different from all the gifts we received UPA partnership with SSPS was forged after typhoon Yolanda,” Rene Labucay, a after UPA conducted a forum on December 17 beneficiary, said. dubbed as “Build Back Better that aimed to He said the beneficiaries are very grateful ensure that the people of Tacloban will to the UPA and Holy Spirit Sisters for choosing beconsulted in all aspects of reconstruction, the barangay for the boat distribution. including land, houses¸health¸ He added that the Holy Spirit Sisters jobs¸administration and hygiene kits. brought UPA and the local organizers to help For her part, Alicia Murphy, UPA Field organize the community.

Director said UPA helped in organizing Meanwhile, Sister Marie Claire Manding, Barangay 89 and 90, two areas hard hit by SSPS, said that the livelihood project in Yolanda where the beneficiaries reside.

Tacloban is a collaboration of the South and “We are aiming that organizing 2000 North Holy Spirit Sisters provincials. families in the area will not only be for the

livelihood program but will eventually lead to decent and resilient permanent homes, “ Murphy said.

“We are thankful to the DSWD Secretary Dinky Soliman for giving tents and generator for the construction of boats,” Murphy added.

The fishermen organized themselves into a people’s organization which they named “Yolanda Survivor Fishermen Association.”

The women are also in the process of forming an organization that will focus on the needs of women and children.

Earlier, the UPA and the Holy Spirit Sisters distributed 14 pedicabs where the drivers are now earning P100 per day. It also helped them transport all their belongings every time there is a call for evacuation.

The Holy Spirit Sisters and UPA also conducts Saturday feeding programs that aim to provide 165 children in Payapay with nutritious meals. (PIA 8)

DENR-8 donates P3.2M worth of logs for school in ESamar TACLOBAN CITY, Leyte, Feb. 11 (PIA) – The Department of Environment and Natural Resources in Eastern Visayas recently donated P3.2 million worth of logs to the Department of Education Eastern Samar Division for the rehabilitation and repair of school buildings that were damaged by Super Typhoon Yolanda.

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ENR Regional Executive Director Leonardo Sibbaluca said that Environment Secretary Ramon Paje has mandated all DENR Regional Offices to prioritize donation of confiscated forest products to DepEd for the repair of destroyed school buildings and for construction of chairs even before the occurrence of Typhoon Yolanda.

PENR Officer Arturo N. Salazar reported that the donated logs of acacia, gemelina, mahogany and narra species consisting of 117 pieces covered a total volume of 1,280 cubic meters. Said logs were part of the planted trees

cut along the Philippine National Road Development Project from Borongan to Balangkayan, Eastern Samar.

This is under the coverage of CENRO in Borongan headed by CENR Officer Moises dela Cruz.

It was learned that in the course of the ongoing road development, trees that are affected by the widening of the road are properly inventoried and accounted for.

Trees that were cut should be properly utilized, hence the donation to DepEd, RED Sibbaluca said as he underscored that every tree

cut must be replaced with 100 trees that will be planted in designated areas.

Schools Division Superintendent Bernardo A. Adina personally received the said forest products which are now stockpiled at the 534th Engineering Brigade at Barangay Calingatngan and at the City compound in Barangay Campesao, Borongan.

RED Sibbaluca called on the public to help in protecting the standing trees as it pursues the implementation of the National Greening Program to replenish the trees that were damaged due to Typhoon Yolanda. (PIA 8)

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

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Ms. Minerva BC Newman Regional Director, PIA 7

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

Ms. Erlinda Olivia P. Tiu Regional Director, PIA8

Managing Editor Jaime S. Cabag, Jr. Contributors All PIA Information Officers of Regions 6, 7 & 8 Production and Layout Edson J. Bañares 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