One Visayas e-Newsletter Vol 4 Issue 48

Vol 4

Issue 48

In this Issue WESTERN VISAYAS

Presidential Communications Operations Office Secretary Herminio "Sonny" B. Coloma Jr. answers queries from the members of the media during the press briefing for the climate change summit held Tuesday at Iloilo Grand Hotel here. Also in the photo is Philippine Information Agency (PIA)-6 Regional Director Atty. Ma. Janet Mesa.

More on Region 6, pages 2-3.

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CENTRAL VISAYAS

"There will be no inclusive growth without SMEs. SMEs are becoming an important part of trade agreements" - Dr. Ramon Clarete of USAID during the multi-sectoral regional briefing on AEC Game plan. (Rmn)

December 1 - 7, 2014

Published by: PIA 6, 7 & 8

APEC 2015 to focus on building inclusive economies

ILOILO CITY, Dec. 3 (PIA6) --- The Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) to be hosted by the Philippines in 2015 will focus on building inclusive economies to build a better world.

In a press briefing during the Climate Change Summit held Tuesday at the Iloilo Grand Hotel, Presidential Communications Operations Office Secretary Herminio ―Sonny‖ B. Coloma Jr. said that President Benigno S. Aquino III has chosen ―Building Inclusive Economies and Building a Better World‖ as the theme for APEC 2015. ―This is very appropriate because our own Philippine Development Plan is anchored upon the concept of inclusive growth,‖ he said.

He said that inclusive growth is seen to be a prerequisite to building a better world and we have a concrete basis. ―We believe that we have concrete achievements to demonstrate the efficacy of this program,‖ he said.

The PCOO Secretary said that the APEC hosting is going on full speed ahead and all the concerned agencies of government working in partnership with the private sector are determinedly pursuing their respective tasks and

assignments. ―We can assure the delegates from all the member countries of APEC that we will be ready for these events and they will discover for themselves that indeed it is more fun in the Philippines,‖ he said.

He said that the APEC hosting will be a good opportunity to show what the Philippines and what the Filipinos are like. ―This is the second time the Philippines hosted APEC with the first one in 1996 which was eighteen years ago,‖ he said.

He said this is an opportunity to show our fellow APEC-member countries how much we have progressed and what are our contributions to building a stronger APEC. Meanwhile, Iloilo City has been assigned to host two meetings by the APEC National Organizing Committee (NOC).

This city will host the Small Medium Enterprises (SME) meeting on September 21-25, 2015 and the Food Security Week (High Level Policy Dialogue on Food Security and the Blue Economy) on September 28 to October 6, 2015. (JSC/LTP-PIA6 Iloilo)

Israeli trade mission in Cebu a success CEBU CITY, Dec. 2 (PIA) --- The recent trade mission held by the Economic and Trade Mission of the Israeli Embassy in Cebu was described by a top Israeli economic official as a "complete success‖.

Officials from leading Israeli companies involved in water and agro-technology sectors met with Cebu businessmen recently to explore possible partnerships.

"The recently concluded inbound mission of Israel agro-technology and water companies to Cebu was a complete success. The high number of attendees from both the provincial government and Cebu business sector made the event dynamic and engaging," said Doron Hemo, head of Israel Economic and Trade Office at the Embassy of Israel in the Philippines.

During the business event attended by representatives of businesses from Cebu and around the region, seven Israeli companies involved in water and agro-technology pitched their products and services by

illustrating their diverse and cutting edge technologies on dairy production, turnkey projects fro livestock, post-harvest treatment, crop protection, agronomy, greenhouse technology, water system control, and water management.

Hemo told the Philippine Information Agency that they are extremely delighted to see the receptiveness of stakeholders from Region 7 who were eager to explore potential collaboration with each company.

Israeli companies Netafim, Topgreenhouses, and Eshet Eilon were among those who received positive feedbacks and even immediately scheduled site visits after the trade event.

The trade mission put Cebu and the rest of the region as a prime and ideal place for collaboration for water and agro-technology sectors.

"We are eager to continue this promising relationship with the Visayas region," said Hemo. (rmn/PIA Cebu)

Sec. Mar assures ESamarenos of gov‘t help More on Region 7, pages 4-5.

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EASTERN VISAYAS

RDRRMC-8 meeting : Orientation on Pre-Disaster Risk Assessment (PDRA); Update on Weather Situation; Presentation of Plan of Action of Technical Government Agencies; Preparedness Agencies and Response Agencies. (PIA8)

More on Region 8, pages 6-7.

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TACLOBAN CITY, LEYTE, Dec. 6 (PIA) – Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) Secretary Mar Roxas assured the people of Eastern Samar of government assistance, should typhoon ―Ruby‖ render serious damages here.

This he said during the emergency meeting held at 8:00AM, December 6, at the Governor’s Conference room, Eastern Samar Provincial Capitol.

Roxas who flew to this coastal province braved the approaching typhoon with Presidential Spokesperson Edwin Lacierda, in order to ensure the local government units’ preparation to mitigate the impact of typhoon ―Ruby‖.

In the first emergency meeting that he called for, Sec. Roxas checked on the statistics of the Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office (PDRRMO) particularly on the total number of families living in coastal areas and danger zones who must be evacuated to safer grounds due to the possible storm surge.

He then stressed to the PDRMMO to ensure the pre-emptive evacuation of all families living along coast lines. He was happy to note however, that Mayor Fe Abunda informed him that residents living in all coastal barangays of the city have been evacuated earlier .

The two top ranking government official were met at the Borongan city airport by local officials led by Governor Conrado Nicart, Jr., Mayor Ma. Fe Abunda, Congressman Ben Evardone and other local officials.

He shared to them President Benigno Aquino’s message to cooperate with one another and in each other in order to strengthen the coordination effort of the national government.

Sec. Roxas assured the Estehanons of national government’s assistance. In fact, he said, other LGUs are poised to share theirs. Initially he said, some 2,000 sacks of rice have been shipped to Samar island from DSWD national office.

Talking over national television, Roxas informed that the province has several other evacuation centers, to include the office of the mayors, governor, the legislative building and the Eastern Samar State University (EVSU). In parting, he said that all are in God’s hands, but God helps those who help themselves , thus it is always better to be prepared for any eventuality. (PIA-8)

Sec. Mar Roxas. (DILG File photo)

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WESTERN VISAYAS

Coloma honors WVisayas best info officers

By Lilibeth A. French ILOILO CITY, Dec. 3 (PIA6) - - Philippine Communications Operations Office Secretary Herminio ―Sonny‖ Coloma led the awarding ceremonies for the Best Performing Information Officers and Best Performing Information Office in Western Visayas on Tueday, December 2 here.

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his year, eleven information officers from the different regional line agencies and local government units and seven information offices were recepients of the awards given by the Philippine Information Agency every year.

Named as Best Performing Information Officers were: Ma. Xenia Serio of the Commission on Population; Joeffry Espiritu, HEPO I of the Department of Health, Capiz; James Earl Ogatis of the Department of Agriculture; Evangeline Ganibe-Nunal of the Office of the Ombudsman 6; Esperedion Pelaez of the PDRRMO Information Office of Capiz; and Ma. Alicia Soledad Salazar of the Department of Science and Technology 6.

Also awarded were Olive Seruelo of PEMO, Negros Occidental; PO3 Nida Gregas of PPO, Aklan; Janimhe Cam of PhilHealth 6; Ramon Alvanez, Community Development Information Officer of La Carlota City; and Engr. Lynn Joy Cardinal of the Department of Trade and Industry -Antique.

PIA Iloilo Information Manager Elsa S. Subong said awardees’ exemplary performance in

the field of development communication, their continuous and consistent promotion of the thrusts and programs of the government through the mandates of their agency and for endeavouring to bring government closer to the marginalized and vulnerable segments of society were among the major factors why they won the award.

Nunal, one of the awardees, said the recognition is an affirmation that she has been effective in her designation as the Information Officer of the Office of the Ombudsman.

She is so glad that her humble contribution in bringing the government programs and services closer to the people was recognized.

She likewise, thanked the PIA for all the support given to her in promoting the programs and services of her office.

For her part, Salazar said to be included in this year’s recipients is a great honor. She shared the recognition to her team and to the DOST top management for their cooperation and support for all their efforts to deliver S&T information in the region.

Nunal and Salazar were accompanied by

their respective Regional Directors Philip Camiguing and Engr. Rowen Gelona when they accepted their trophies and certificates of recognition during the awarding ceremonies.

Recipients of the Best Performing Information Office Award were: Capiz Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office; Capiz Provincial Press Bureau; Capiz Epidemiological Surveillance and Response Unit – Provincial Health Office Capiz; PhilHealth Public Affairs Unit, Region 6; Negros Occidental Public Information Division-Office of the Governor, Metro Bacolod District Jail with SICA, Bacolod City; and Philippine Statistics Authority-Aklan Provincial Office.

Subong said these information offices were recognized for consistent, diligent and committed service to the public through information, education and communication programs, activities and services. Also for their relentless efforts in mobilizing the communities and in responding to the needs of the clients and constituents to be informed, educated and involved in the process of good, accountable, responsible governance. (JCM/ LAF-PIA Iloilo)

PIA chief urges student writers to be channels of inspiration By: Alex A. Lumaque ROXAS CITY, Capiz, Dec. 1 (PIA6) – Director General Jose Marie Oquinena of the Philippine Information Agency (PIA) has called on college student writers in the region to become channels of inspiration to fellow Filipinos.

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You should write to inspire a nation, unite the people that have been longing to be united and bridge the islands of the Philippines so that once and for all the future generation can say we are one people,‖ Oquinena said before hundreds of campus paper writers attending the annual College Press Conference (COPRE) last week in Iloilo City.

The PIA official has also reminded the aspiring journalists to consider how the

readers are influenced by the way articles are written for publication.

COPRE, a PIA regional office 6 pet project in the last 40 years, has become a training ground for student writers who have become mainstream media practitioners, among others.

Oquinena and National Youth C o m m i s s ion ( N Y C ) C o m m is s i on e r representing the Visayas Jo Jan Paul Peñol graced the awarding of student publications, on -the spot writing contests and recognition of

outstanding school paper publication advisers in the region.

Peñol, a COPRE – moulded youth leader and the gathering’s resource speaker on the role of the youth on climate change mitigation and adaptation and nation building, has cited PIA regional office for its campus journalism initiative after his presentation.

The citation was received by PIA 6 director Ma. Janet C. Mesa. (JCM/AAL/PIA6 Capiz)

New Antique Press Corps formed

By Pilar S. Mabaquiao SAN JOSE, Antique, Dec. 3 (PIA6) - - The National Grid Corporation of the Philippines pioneered the organization of Antique Energy Press Corps on Friday.

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elson Bautista, Regional Head of Communications National Grid Corporation of the Philippines in his message before the local media said, Antique media has been supportive of the endeavors of the energy sector even before the organization of the Press Corps.

With the organization of the Antique Energy Press Corps, local media will have easy access to information on electricity and the power industry in general, said Bautista.

He assured the group of NGCP’s support particularly providing opportunity to learn and

understand the power industry through trainings and facility tours.

The set of officers includes Lorie Marcelino, reporter of Voice FM, who was elected president while Eva Abajencia of Iloilo Metropolitan Times and Teody Siesa were elected vice president for print and broadcast respectively.

Other officers are: Megan Sanchez of Voice Radio – Secretary, Galileo Magbanua of Radyo Natin San Jose – Treasurer, Paul Petinglay of Bombo Radyo – Auditor, Arnold Sastrado of Voice Radio – PIO , Stephen Checa of Radyo Natin San Jose as Bus. Manager.

Marcelino in his message after the election said to the members of the media that we will unite for the common good and give the Antiquenos the information they deserve.

He pledged to level up the organization and establish rapport with various agencies of government and private organization.

The organization of the Antique Energy Press Corps was facilitated by Bautista and Michelle Vicera, Communications Officer of NGCP for Western Visayas. (JCM/ PSM-Antique)

WESTERN VISAYAS

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Youth Commissioner shares tips to campus writers

By Leonard T. Pineda I ILOILO CITY, Dec. 3 (PIA6) --- National Youth Commission (NYC) Assistant Secretary Jo Jan Paul ―JP‖ Peñol shared leadership lessons to some 400 campus editors and writers during the College Press Conference (COPRE) and Awards 2014 held recently at Diversion 21 Hotel here.

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n his keynote message, Peñol said that the task of campus editors and writers, who are also considered as leaders, is to produce more leaders than followers. ―The best gift that we could give ourselves is to produce people better than us,‖ he said.

The NYC commissioner provided advice derived from the book he authored at a young age of 18, ―Leadership Next: A Guide for Emerging Leaders of the Next Generation‖. ―My first advice is that do not wait until the situation is perfect because nothing is

perfect; if you wait for the perfect situation, you can never start,‖ he said.

His second advice is that an individual should not wait for other people to agree with him. ―For as long as you have a point and you believe in a principle, go ahead and fight for it,‖ he stressed.

His third advice is that young people should not wait until their skill is good since each day is a learning process. ―For as long as we exert our effort, we

improve every day. The best time to start is now, not later and not tomorrow,‖ he emphasized.

He also stressed that student writers should always believe in themselves, to be honest and should never pretend. ―We are equipped with the capacity to change the opinion of people through the gift of writing,‖ he said.

He added that campus writers should always aim to be the best writers. (JCM/ LTP-PIA 6Iloilo)

Kalibo tour guides form association By: Venus G. Villanueva KALIBO, Aklan, Dec. 3 (PIA6) -- In order to have a legitimate name, the two batches of Kalibonhons who underwent a free training on community tour guiding program recently merged and formed themselves into an association.

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ccording to the Tourism and Cultural Affairs Division of the local government of Kalibo, this merged group will now be called Association of Kalibo Guides, Incorporated or AKGI. These community guides were trained recently through the efforts of the local government of Kalibo and the Department of Tourism (DOT).

Officer of the association from President to Press Relations Officers (PROs) were elected, while representatives per sector were also named.

Elected President was Gerwin Garcia of the Garcia Mansion.

Rhea Rose Meren, Municipal Tourism Operations Officer (MTOO) also convinced them to register their group with the municipal

government and get occupational permit so they will be recognized in the municipality as community tour guides.

As community tour guides, the group is planning to meet regularly to identify and study the various tourist spots in the municipality in order to formulate a single script. (JCM/VGV PIA6 Aklan)

NegOcc. hosts Homestays World Summit By: Easter Anne D. Doza NEGROS OCCIDENTAL, Dec. 4 (PIA6) -- Negros Occidental‘s emerging homestay industry will be highlighted once more as the Province of Negros Occidental hosts the First Homestays of the World Summit on December 3 to 5 at the Nature‘s Village Resort in Talisay City.

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he three-day event aims to foster networking among individuals and institutions involved in homestay programs; upgrade services provided to homestay guests; and to create a database for the industry to strengthen marketing efforts.

The Summit is organized by the Department of Tourism (DOT), Homestay Philippines, Inc. (HPI), Homestay Philippines Services Cooperative (HPSC), and the International School of Sustainable Tourism (ISST).

Partner government agencies are the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG), and the city governments of Bacolod and Talisay.

Ms. Angeles Alarco Canosa, Presidenta Consejara Delagada of Paradores de Turismo de España and DOT Undersecretary Hon. Bong Bengzon addressed the participants on the contribution of homestay to cross-cultural understanding and inclusive growth.

According to ISST president and former tourism secretary Dr. Mina Gabor, Negros Occidental was chosen to be the host because of the consequence of all elements for a successful homestay experience: good organic food, happy and caring people, availability of medical and security services, accessibility of tourism sites,

good guides, and clear surroundings.

Currently, the province has three key homestay facilities, namely, Rapha Valley in Don Salvador Benedicto, May’s Garden Homestay in Bacolod City and Peñalosa Organic Farm in Victorias City which will be visited by the conference delegates and speakers.

The confab will bring together international experts of homestay Standards, namely Malaysian consultant Prof. Dr. Zainab Binti Khalifah, Turihab Board Secretary Mr. Arq.º Manuel José Costa de Carvalho e Sousa of Portugal, University of Denver President Rebecca Chopp of the United States.

There will also be country presentations from Mr. Chirag Tolia, Marketing and Information Supervisor of Nepal’s Kapan Monastery & Homestay Village; Rashidi Hasbullah, Deputy Secretary-General of Malaysia’s Ministry of Tourism and Culture; Patrick Farjas, Director for International Relations of ―Gites de France‖, and Rose Libongco, President of Homestay Philippines, Inc. (HPI) Other presenters are Domingo Ramon Enerio, Chief Operating Officer of the DOT’s Tourism Promotions Board; Ms.Angeles Alarco Canosa, President of Spain’s Paradores de Turismo de España; Jean-Luc Petit, General

Manager of France’s Alize Voyages & Adventures, Inc., and F. Widayanto, Proprietor of Indonesia’s Rumah Tana Baru.

Gov. Alfredo Marañon will host the Governor’s Night which will feature a ―Noche de los Bailes de Luces‖ cultural show.

Maranon said that the Summit affirms the province’s rising status as a convention center.

Negros Occidental hosted two major tourism-related conferences this year—the third Community-Based Rural Tourism Conference which was also organized by ISST and the 16th National Convention of the Association of Tourism Officers in the Philippines (ATOP).

Talisay City Mayor Eric Saratan and Rep. Alfredo Benitez will host ―Talisay by Night‖ which will include a visit to The Ruins, Negros’ iconic tourist attraction, and dinner at Campuestohan Highlands.

Moreover, there will be breakout sessions on the topics of organizing and pricing of homestays, as well as security and safety concerns to identify the key concerns in the industry.

The Summit draws to a close with an interactive plenary session and Partner’s Time which will tackle the business aspect of homestays on the third day. *(JSC/EAD-PIA6/Capitol News Negros Occidental)

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CENTRAL VISAYAS

‗SMEs vital to inclusive growth in RP‘ CEBU CITY, Dec. 2 (PIA) --- With the Philippines eyeing to maximize economic gains under the ASEAN regional integration, the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) is aggressively pushing the Small Medium Enterprise (SME) agenda to ensure that local enterprises can participate in the regional and global value chains.

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n a regional multi-stakeholders briefing on ASEAN Economic Community (AEC) held today in Cebu City, DTI Regional Operations Group Undersecretary Zenaida Malaya said that rural communities, particularly the Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs), can benefit from the ASEAN integration.

Maglaya cited the passage of Negosyo Act 2014 or Republic Act No. 10644 which aims to strengthen SMEs by making their services more accessible with the creation of Negosyo Centers. ―The law requires the establishment of Negosyo Centers in provinces, cities, and municipalities. We’re working closely with the local

government units, the mayors, the governors and the private sector on this,‖ said Maglaya.

She said Cebu is one of the six pilot areas where Negosyo Centers will be put up this year.

Around 100 centers will be put up around the country next year.

Maglaya said they’re also looking into amending trade rules and regulations to make them more suitable not just for big businesses but also for SMEs. The Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) Ministerial Meetings next year will also carry the SME agenda, the trade official added.

United States Agency for International

Development (USAID) Senior Adviser Dr. Ramon Clarete in his message stressed that SMEs are becoming an important part of trade agreements. ―There can be no inclusive growth without the SMEs,‖ he said.

The briefing held at Marco Polo Hotel gathered more than 200 stakeholders from the private sector, government, and the academe.

It aims to improve understanding of AEC and the Philippines' part in ASEAN integration and how to harmonize the public and private efforts in making sure the country can maximize economic gains under AEC, according to DTI-7 Regional Director Asteria Caberte. (rmn/PIA Cebu)

Budget, NAPC Secretaries visit Siquijor, talk about country‘s gains SIQUIJOR, Dec 1 (PIA)—Budget Secretary Butch Abad and his family visited Siquijor recently with National Anti-Poverty Commission Secretary Joel Rocamora and talked about ―unprecedented gains‖ the country has achieved, in two separate occasions here.

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n his talks during the welcome dinner hosted by the Liberal Party and another dinner on the second day by representative Marie Anne Pernes, Abad thanked the people of Siquijor for the support they give to the present leadership. ―You made that decision in an unprecedented way to elect a leadership that will care for you and for our country especially the poor,‖ said Abad.

He said that because of the people’s support and President Aquino’s good management, ―we have made unprecedented improvements in the way we govern our country.‖ He cited the government’s Conditional Cash Transfer (CCT) program which when they started in 2010, had only 800,000 household beneficiaries with a budget of P10 billion. This year, he reported, the budget is raised six times higher to P64 billion covering some 4.4 million families.

Budget for education sector has also increased from P225 billion in 2010 to P450 billion in 2015 so that the 66,000 classrooms gap and teachers were

closed at the end of 2013, he added.

Health sector budget has also increased three times higher from P30 billion in 2010 to P90.5 billion next year with Philhealth getting P35.5 billion to cover some 50.7 million poor people.

There will be no more charity wards in hospitals while district, provincial hospitals and even rural health centers will become viable, Abad said.

Infrastructure budget has also increased from P165 billion in 2010 to P600 billion in 2016 so that in 2016, all roads should have been rehabilitated and paved, he said.

Abad assured the LGUs that in 2016 budget will be allocated for provincial roads citing the bottom-up budgeting (BUB) that the administration has launched as a way of getting the local government units (LGUs) and the communities involved and improve their capacity to undertake more complicated projects.

He said that the increased government spending on projects is only made following vigorous

anti corruption campaigns made during the initial period.

As a result, the administration has increased spending in 2012 starting with Disbursement Acceleration Program (DAP) that enabled the economy to grow by 6.8% and by 7.2% in 2013, Abad noted.

All these is also attributed to the increase in tax collections that increased by 50% in three years from P1 trillion in 2010 to P1.5 trillion last year.

He said investors and investment analyst have seen that this country will continue to lead the growth in the region through President Aquino’s leadership.

With it, he said, collection of taxes will increase and the local governments Internal revenue Allotment (IRA) will also increase.

The room for improvement is huge. If we continue helping each other there is so much that this country and we as a people can do, he said. (mbcn/RAC/PIA7-Siquijor)

2nd Negros Oriental 100 KM Ultramarathon Set DUMAGUETE CITY, Dec. 4 (PIA) – After the success of the 1st Negros Oriental 100 Kilometer Ultramarathon from Dumaguete City to Bayawan City, Negros Oriental Sports Development Program (NOSDEP) will once again hold this running event on December 13 – 14.

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round 97 runners from Bacolod, Negros Oriental, Bohol, Cebu, Zamboanga Sibugay, Manila, Malaysia and Ilolilo will have the opportunity to run along the asphalted highway of Negros Oriental starting at 5:00 pm of Dec. 13, through the sunset, and meeting the sunrise the next day until about 5:00 pm, giving a breathtaking view between the Mindanao Sea and the Cuernos de Negros mountain range.

Speaking in a Kapihan Forum today, NOSDEP head Paultom Paras mentioned that this is a way of promoting sports tourism in the province and at the same time attract more runners and inform them that Negros Oriental can host marathons and big running events. ―We can offer a good run with our good roads,‖ Paras said.

Paras explained that the idea of holding ultramarathon came after Gov. Roel R. Degamo on what sports activities can the provincial government do in support to the province’s tourism program.

He suggested having adventure sports like kayaking and zipline and other multi-sports activities like triathlon and distance running can also entice sports enthusiasts to spend more time in Negros Oriental.

The 2nd Negros Oriental 100KM Ultramarathon was organized with the help of Metro Dumaguete Runners Club together with Dumaguete Amateur Riders and Striders Club and commitment from local

government units (LGUs) from towns that are part of the marathon route.

Maripol Tecson, registration coordinator of the marathon said the runners can compete in various categories like solo, relay for four, relay for two, barefoot category and the married man and woman tandem. ―We also have the age category. It’s for 20- 29 yrs. old, 30-39, 40-49, 50-59 and 60 and up which means runners are competing within their age bracket,‖ Tecson adds.

The ultramarathon will start at the kilometer 0 in front of the Provincial Capitol in Dumaguete City.

Runners will then have to pass five towns that include Bacong, Dauin, Zamboanguita, Siaton and Sta. Catalina before reaching the finish line which is in Bayawan City.

Paras revealed organizing the running event requires partnership LGUs who signified to counterpart in augmenting security force and in welcoming runners.

He disclosed that Bayawan City LGU, the ultramarathon’s main sponsor will provide tents, ice bath, food and bus ride for runners who will go back to Dumaguete City.

Other LGUs will provide food and refreshments in water stations every two kilometers along the way. On the other hand, a food station awaits runners every 10km of the marathon.

By nightfall, runners can rest at a pitsop in Siaton

town before continuing the course of the marathon the next day.

Tecson further said that runners will have to run an additional 3 kilometers in Bayawan City because the finish line is at the city boulevard area. ―It’s 50km to 53km (for relay by two category) and 25km-25km-25km-23 for the relay by four category,‖ Tecson said.

Meanwhile, for the security operations, event organizers are set to meet officials from the provincial police office and from the Philippine Army to finalize the security plan.

But Col. Allan Martin, Commander of 302nd Infantry Brigade assured that the army will be there to provide security to runners. ―We will be in strategic where we can react,‖ Martin said. However, he assured organizers that there is no rebel operation on the route of the marathon.

Also, the provincial police have notified its local police stations so that they can escort runners as they make their way to the next town.

Supt. Reynold Andot told the organizers that the police provide road security and has also tapped barangay tanods to augment the security force during the event.

With preparations in place, NOSDEP hopes that the marathon will be conducted peacefully and successfully. (mbcn/ral/PIA7-NegOr)

CENTRAL VISAYAS

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Cong. Pernes hails resort expansion as big boost to Siquijor tourism SIQUIJOR, Dec. 1 (PIA)—Lone congressional district representative ―Doc‖ Marie Anne Pernes hailed the owners and management of Cocogrove Beach resort for its expansion saying, it‘s a big boost to the island‘s tourism industry and local economy.

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It is Siquijor’s contribution, no matter how small, to the development of our country’s tourism sector towards meeting the growing demand for more accommodation facilities,‖ says Pernes in a keynote speech during the grand opening of its newest Casa Coco Villa and blessing and inauguration of the Coco Princess, an 80-seater yacht that will soon ply Siquijor-Dumaguete.

Pernes said there is good reason to celebrate— and even better reason for great expectations citing that Siquijor is among the best destinations in region 7 for foreign and domestic tourists.

In 2013, she cited that out of 2,138,861 domestic tourist arrivals in the region, 17,959 went to Siquijor. Cebu had 1,439,247; Negros Oriental 401,696; and Bohol 279,959.

Among foreign tourists, 15,472 visited Siquijor out of the 1,351,733 arrivals in Region 7, she stated.

San Juan town, where Cocogrove is, of course is the number one destination in Siquijor with 10,979 foreign and 6,113 domestic tourists in 2013 that made it to rank 6th among the top ten municipalities in the region in terms of tourist arrivals, she also said.

But while the island has some of the best natural wonders in the country, Pernes noted that if we go by the numbers, tourist arrivals in Siquijor account for just about one percent of the total foreign and local

tourist arrivals in the region. ―This is understandable due to the island’s limited facilities for tourists,‖ she added.

Pernes accounted the data from the Department of Tourism (DOT) that showed Siquijor province had only 62 tourism establishments and 417 rooms in 2012—representing less than two percent of the facilities in the entire region. ―Which is why Coco Grove’s investments in new facilities really matter a lot in terms of being able to draw in more tourists to the province,‖ she said.

Admitting the island’s limitations, in size and on other industries like agriculture and manufacturing, Pernes sees the need to focus on the province’s strength— tourism, which she said requires good and efficient infrastructure.

The island offers some of the best attractions and because it is an island, it needs to develop its seaports and airport to make it accessible to the rest of the country and the rest of the world, she said.

She thanked Budget Secretary Butch Abad for coming to Siquijor to see for himself what and how the island needs budget for expansion and development.

She added that she also lobbied with the Department of Transportation and Communication (DOTC), Secretary Abaya, to include in the list of

projects for development the Ports of Larena and Siquijor.

Pernes included in her request to the national government the improvement of airport which according to her gained support from the National Economic Development Authority (NEDA) in region 7.

If all these come true, she said tourists will all the more increase and investors will be attracted to bring in more development for the province. ―Hangad po natin na mailagay sa mapa ng turismo ang Siquijor. It is our goal that Siquijor be among the ―new, exotic destinations‖ for local and international tourism. Coco Grove had done its share. We are looking for more investments in tourism—and assistance from the National Government for the development of vital infrastructure, Pernes concluded.

Budget Secretary Butch Abad graced the grand opening with National Anti-Poverty Commission (NAPC) Secretary Joel Rocamora, representative Pernes and several other provincial and local personalities, expats, resorts owners, tourism stakeholders in Siquijor and Negros Oriental.

Cocogrove is the biggest accommodation establishment owned by Mr. & Mrs. Mike Butler and the first to be accredited by the Department of Tourism (DOT) in Siquijor. (mbcn/RAC/PIA7-Siquijor)

DOH-7 says there are more male than female drug dependents in CV CEBU CITY, Nov. 22 (PIA) --- The Department of Health (DOH-7) said there are more male drug dependents in Central Visayas compared to female drug dependents.

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e a l th p r o g r a m r e s e a r ch e r o f DOH-7, Myrna Nuñez said during the Association of Government Information Officers (AGIO-7) Forum, more men will go into drugs out of curiosity or experiments, or in dealing with any problems or difficult circumstances, with friends who are drug users and even using it occasionally that could lead them to be drug dependent.

In Cebu, there are only two government facilities for drug rehabilitation treatment.

For females, it is in Eversley Childs Sanitarium in Jagobiao, Mandaue City with 23 drug dependents while for males are in Argao Rehabilitation Center in southern Cebu with 150 drug dependents.

Nuñez also said that drug dependents commonly use shabu, marijuana and even milkshake with a combination of shabu and Nubain.

Venice Inihao, social worker of the Cebu Treatment and Rehabilitation Center, reported that most drug dependents are aged 23 to 35 years old who have stayed at the rehab centers for seven months to complete the rehabilitation program.

Most of them are coming from regions 6 and 7.

Inihao also said, intervention programs are being implemented at the centers such as counseling, therapeutic approach and other medication that will help and guide the patients to live a normal life again.

Nuñez emphasized that the support of the family is very important in order for the patient to

pass through the recovery process.

Although DOH-7 officials said that most of the time, there were families that would pull out their dependents even if the seven month term is not yet completed.

If the families would realized that sending their drug dependents to a rehabilitation center is a big help for the patients to be motivated to live a life for a purpose and to become a better person, Nuñez concluded.

DOH-7 is also celebrating the Drug Prevention and Control Week with its theme, ―A Message of Hope: Drug Use Disorders are Preventable and Treatable‖ on November 16-22, 2014. (mbcn/HFG/ PIA-7/AGIO-7 Forum)

34 Negros Is. student leaders attend environmental youth camp VALENCIA, Negros Oriental, Nov. 23 (PIA) – Thirty-four college student leaders from Negros Oriental and Occidental converged in a weekend environmental youth camp on November 20-22, to learn about the advantages of renewable energy, climate change adaptation and their role in using social media.

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ubbed as ―Binhi Youth Camp,‖ this activity was organized by the Energy Development Corporation (EDC) and was held at their sprawling camp facility in Barangay Puhagan, Valencia.

Campers were engaged in various experiential learning activities that underscored the importance of protecting the environment. Campers were also taught on how essential it is for the said renewable energy firm to plant trees to recharge the reservoirs for its geothermal operations. ―We train them here not only to see the beauty of nature but also how to relate themselves to the environment. They have actual planting (activity) and they have a philosophical way on how to plant it. They pray on the trees. At the same time, we also teach them leadership values,‖ Dr. Ted Esguerra, EDC’s crisis team head said.

Esguerra was one of the speakers of the youth camp where he gave a lecture on preventing disasters and accidents from happening and how to deal with them in case they happen.

The youth camp kicked-off with a lecture on the youth’s role in social media which was delivered by Philippine Information Agency-7 regional director Minerva Newman.

In her talk, Newman emphasized that youths should be responsible handlers of social media since it can be a tool to inform others and influence opinions.

She advised them to post only positive things and things which have purpose that can bring good information to others.

She also shared to them some applications she uses to maximize the use of social media accounts.

Aside from this, campers also had a briefing on the advantages of renewable energy with EDC official Carlo Borromeo.

Borromeo gave a lecture on the different kinds of renewable energy including geothermal energy. He also told them renewable energy is the good source of power to meet the increasing power demands brought by the expansion of hotels, malls, other commercial establishments and industries since it is available, free and has less negative environmental impact.

Moreover, campers were also given a briefing on EDC’s environmental conservation program which is ―BINHI.‖ BINHI is part of EDC’s corporate social responsibility that aims to plant indigenous forest trees to restore denuded forestland due to EDC activity and that will later on become new forests and attract

bio-diversity of species. ―We are doing this BINHI youth camp to train these student leaders to instill environmental awareness.

Ito ang mga stakeholders natin na very energetic so malakas ang influence ng mga bata,‖ Abba Grace Sanchez of EDC said.

Sanchez is the Watershed Management Head of EDC’s Negros Island Geothermal Business Unit Head (NIGBU). One of the highlights of the youth camp is the planting of 34 indigenous tree species (equivalent to the number of participants) to EDC’s tree planting site in Nasulo.

Meanwhile, Engr. Dwight Maxino, Vice President of EDC-NIGBU disclosed that the renewable energy firm opened is BINHI youth camp for college student leaders so that they will know the company’s environmental practices in watershed management.

Some participants of the youth camp expressed their gratitude to EDC for organizing a three-day youth camp.

Another highlight of the activity was the ―Amazing BINHI Race‖ where campers were engaged in physical games like rappelling, slide for life zipline, wall climbing and other mental puzzles to test their leadership and camaraderie skills. (mbcn/ral/PIA7-NegOr)

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EASTERN VISAYAS

OXFAM to launch SURGE in Tacloban TACLOBAN CITY, Leyte, Nov. 27 (PIA) – OXFAM, an international non-government organization who has been helping Haiyan-affected areas since last year, is set to launch the Scaling up Resilience in Governance in Region 8 (SURGE) Friday at Hotel Alejandro, this city.

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he activity which is a consortium of Christian Aid, Handicap International and Plan International aims to increase the resilience of more communities in the region.

In a press statement released to Philippine Information Agency, Rhea Catada, Media Manager of Typhoon Haiyan Response, OXFAM in the Philippines said, the launching extends the learnings on inclusive community-based disaster risk reduction (CBDRR) to more communities and advocates improvements

in disaster risk management policies and practices.

Cantada further said that given the lessons from Yolanda and from the perspectives of the marginalized sectors considered vulnerable due to poverty, disability, language, location, among others, Region VIII is deemed critical for this project.

The lessons brought about by the typhoon are equally important In the light of the review of the Philippine Disaster Risk Reduction Management Act of 2010.

Among those who are invited to attend are Office of Civil Defense Region 8 Director Blanche T. Gobenciong, Marco Savio, Deputy Country Director for Programs, Plan International in the Philippines and the DRR champions and exemplars among municipal disaster risk reduction offices.

The launching will be preceded by a roundtable discussion focusing on Republic Act 10121 or the Philippine Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Act of 2010. (ajc/cba/pia8)

Stakeholders converge for DepEd‘s Abot Alam Program MAASIN CITY, Southern Leyte, Nov. 26 (PIA) -- Different stakeholders in Maasin City converged for the Abot Alam Program implementation of the Department of Education (DepEd) – Maasin City Division, November 25, 2014 at the City Division Learning Center in Maasin City.

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ity Schools Division Superintendent Dr. Manuel P. Albaṅo disclosed during the convergence meeting that DepEd will serve as a link with the other implementing partner agencies and stakeholders that include the Department of Trade and Industry, department of Science and Technology, Department of Interior and Local Government, Technical Education and Skills Development Authority, the Philippine Information Agency including the city government of Maasin, among other government and non-government organizations.

DepEd spearheads the Abot Alam Program advocacy campaign and is expecting to generate support from the implementing partner agencies and other stakeholders for the successful

implementation of the said program, Albaṅo said.

He presented the plans for each agency for the implementation of the said program which include advocacy, communication and social mobilization; data gathering; monitoring and evaluation.

Meanwhile, Provincial Liga Federation President Nacional V. Mercado who represented Cong. Damian G. Mercado in an inspiring message said that they already started mapping out OSYs from barangays throughout the province, saying, ―our role is to help find OSYs in the barangays and submit the list to DepEd.‖ ―With the convergence of different stakeholders, there’s no reason why we cannot successfully implement the Abot Alam program, this is one way where we can give hope to our out-of-school youths,

offering them basic education,‖ he stressed.

Abot Alam Program is a national strategy to locate the out-of-school youths who are 15-30 years old and who have not completed basic/higher education or who are unemployed and to mobilize and harmonize program which will address the OSYs’ needs and aspirations.

The convergence meeting was also graced by Mayor Maloney Samaco for the city government of Maasin, Sangguniang Member Committee Chair for Education Atty. Teopisto Rojas, among other different stakeholder-representatives.

A ceremonial signing of the Memorandum of Agreement was also conducted before the meeting ended. (ajc/rgc/PIA8-SoLeyte)

East Samar gymnasium up BORONGAN CITY, Eastern Samar, Dec. 1 (PIA) --- The long dream to have a Gymnasium for Eastern Samar was materialized when it was inaugurated by Governor Conrado ―Aklan‖ Nicart, Jr. on November 6, 2014 during the 49th Founding Anniversary of Eastern Samar.

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n his inaugural message, the Governor emphasized that "this project will not benefit him.

This will benefit the people of Eastern Samar and will be a great help to the Eastern Samarenos whenever there is a big affair in the province."

The inauguration of the said Gymnasium was witnessed by the Provincial Officials and Employees of

Eastern Samar and some City Officials from the City of Borongan.

According to Engr. Thomas Campomanes, Provincial Engineer, the size of the Gymnasium is 45 meters long and 32 meters wide with an estimated project cost of P35-M. He further said that the physical features consists of two (2) comfort rooms, two (2) visitors lounge, two

(2) bleachers (left and right), stage, one (1) administrative office, rubberized flooring, one (1) parking area and three wide opening doors entrance (left, center and right).

The Gymnasium which will be named Eastern Samar Multi-Purpose Gymnasium is located at the Provincial grou n ds, B ar an g ay A lan g - A lan g, Borongan City. (ajc/sdc/PIA8-E. Samar)

EASTERN VISAYAS

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ARAW contingent completes rehab work in Leyte TACLOBAN CITY, Leyte, Dec. 2 (PIA) – In support to the recovery efforts undertaken by the national government in Yolanda -stricken areas in Leyte, the Republic of Korea (ROK) Joint Support Group Philippines (Araw Contingent) has accomplished more than what is expected from them.

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he latest data released by the ROK revealed that the Araw contingent has completed the reconstruction or repair of 66 facilities including 37 schools, 8 hospitals, 17 public offices, 8 Korean war veterans’ houses in Leyte and other welfare facilities.

In addition, the Korean soldiers also help in clearing facilities and debris caused by the typhoon, supplied water, provided vehicle maintenance, removed fallen telegraph poles, provided medical treatment to local residents and conducted fumigation activities in different areas.

Not only infrastructure, the Korean soldiers likewise established a Vocational Training Center located at the Government Center, Brgy. Candahug,

Palo Leyte in coordination with the Technical Education Skills Development Authority (TESDA) where 490 residents from various areas in Leyte including Tacloban, City have availed the skills training provided by the Korean trainers recognized by the Philippine government.

Furthermore, ROK has also offered free Korean language lessons to190 students and entertained the youths through a K-Pop dance competition and a basketball tournament.

With these accomplishments, the Provincial Government of Leyte sincerely thanks the Republic of Korea (ROK) Joint Support Group Philippines (ROK) known as the ARAW contingent for being instrumental in getting back things into normal.

In his message read by Leyte Board Member Bob Abellanosa during the graduation of 59 students in Heavy Equipment Operation Course (HEO) at ROK Vocational Training Center, Leyte Governor Leopoldo Dominico L. Petilla said, Leyte was truly blessed for having the Araw contingent because the ROK not only supported in the rehabilitation efforts but also set up a Vocational Training Course. ―We would like to extend our sincere appreciation to the efforts made by the South Korean government.

Through the support of the Korean soldiers, everything became easy for the people to recover despite the destruction of the strong typhoon last year,‖ Petilla said. (jrc/cba/pia8)

DPWH-4th LED strengthens maintenance activities ORMOC CITY, Nov. 26 (PIA) – The Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH)-Leyte Fourth Engineering District, headed by District Engineer Francisco C. Gonzalez is currently concentrating on strengthening its maintenance work in its area of coverage.

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ccording to a report from DPWH-4th LED machine grading along the Palo-Carigara-Ormoc Road Dayhagan Shoulder is currently being done in order to widen the road way and provide safety to the residents in the area as well as the riding public.

Patching of potholes on concrete pavements in said area is also being

conducted.

Another regular activity also currently being concentrated upon is the lush vegetation control which dual is to provide the drivers a clear sight of the distance they are travelling and a clean environment.

Included in the report is the repainting of the bridge along Ormoc-Baybay-Southern Leyte Boundary

Road plus the installation of warning signs along the Palo-Carigara-Ormoc Road Simangan Section.

The Department of Public Works & Highways concentrates on strengthening its maintenance activities for the safety of the residents of the communities covered by Leyte Fourth Engineering District. (ajc.maa/PIA-8)

SIPPAD convenes in Borongan BORONGAN CITY, Eastern Samar, Nov. 28 (PIA) --- The Samar Island Partnership for Peace and Development (SIPPAD), a partnership of the Church, Government, and Civil Society (NGOs, Academe, Youth etc.), in the three provinces of Samar Island will hold its 28th Assembly on December 2, 2014 at the Marian Hotel, St. Mary‘s College, this city.

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IPPAD with its main Conveners, the Bishops of the three Diocese of Borongan, Calbayog, and Catarman continues its hope and untiring effort to advocate on concerns regarding Peace and Development.

The SIPPAD aimed to provide a venue for different stakeholders from different affiliations to freely express ideas and opinions on pertinent issues of the Samar Island.

The theme for this assembly is ―Reaffirming Our Collective Call for a Genu in e Su s ta in a b le , a n d E q u ita b le

Development of the Samar Island.

According to Most Rev. Crispin B. Varquez, D.D., Bishop, Diocese of Borongan, invited to the said assembly are representatives of the National Economic Development Authority (NEDA), Department of Budget and Management (DBM) and Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) to talk about the theme and share their insights of the bigger scheme of things for the development of Samar Island in the context of the Medium-term Development Plan

recently approved by the national government.

The Bishop is expected to come up with ways by which he could effectively coordinate and collaborate for a continuing involvement in a collective journey towards genuine, sustainable, and equitable development of Samar Island that can be felt by the people especially the poor and marginalized.

The 27th SIPPAD was hosted by the Diocese of Catarman last September 19, 2014. (ajc/sdc/PIA8-E. Samar)

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. Baùares 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