One Visayas e-Newsletter Vol 4 Issue 2

Vol 4

Issue 2

In this Issue WESTERN VISAYAS

Police Regional Office (PRO) – 6 director C/Supt. Josepheus Angan challenges policemen of Roxas City Police Station to strive more to ensure a peaceful and orderly communities during the blessing and inauguration of a new two-storey PNP building last Jan. 14 at Pueblo de Panay in Barangay Lawaan, Roxas City. In photo are (L-R) RCPS chief Supt. Julio Gustilo, Jr., Roxas City mayor Angel Alan Celino, Capiz Police Provincial Office OIC Supt. Thomas Frias, Jr. and Roxas City Vice-Mayor Ronnie Dadivas. (PIA Capiz photo/A. Lumaque)

More on Region 6, pages 2-3.

CENTRAL VISAYAS

Stalwarts of the Cebu Chamber of Commerce and Industry opened their Photo Exhibit at Paseo Solana, Ayala Center, Cebu City on Jan. 13, 2014. Among those who cut the ribbon were: Dr. Efren S. Valiente (extreme left), Francis Monera (2nd from left), and Consul Antonio Chiu (2nd from right).

The exhibit is a prelude to the chamber's 110th Anniversary celebration in February this year. (VVV/PIA Cebu)

More on Region 7, pages 4-5.

EASTERN VISAYAS

Jan. 13 - 19, 2014

Published by: PIA 6, 7 & 8

Financial aid awaits gov’t workers affected by quake, Yolanda By: Erlinda Olivia P. Tiu TACLOBAN CITY, Leyte, Jan. 16 (PIA) – Help is coming to state workers who continue to serve even if they themselves are victims of the most tragic destruction in the history of the world.

The government is proposing the provision of financial assistance from the President’s Social Fund to government employees who were affected by the 7.2 magnitude earthquake and super typhoon Yolanda.

Particularly, this will benefit affected state workers in Regions IV-A, IV-B, V, VI, VII, VIII, X and XI. Per Memo of the Presidential Management Staff, the proposed beneficiaries of the financial assistance shall be categorized according to the extent of damages to their houses.

The first category includes those whose houses were washed out totally or heavily damaged and needing major repairs to be habitable again. They will be provided P100,000 each.

The second category includes those whose houses were partially damaged and needing repairs. They will be provided P30,000 each.

PMS is requesting all heads of government agencies to submit to PMS not later than January 22, 2014, the list of employees who were affected by said calamities, with

information on the extent of damages to their houses.

The said list must be validated and certified accurate by the Office of Civil Defense, prior to endorsement by the agency head to the PMS. Included in the guidelines provided by PMS is that in case there are two or more members of the family living in one household who are government employees, only one of them shall be entitled to the assistance.

Meanwhile, separated, retired or resigned government employees affected by the two stated calamities may avail of the benefit provided that they were still connected with their respective agencies during the onslaught of the calamity.

In case the government employee is already deceased, his or her legal beneficiary may avail of the assistance provided the employee was still connected with his or her agency during the disaster.

In this case, the Department or Agency Head shall request in writing and attest that the recipient of the assistance is the legal beneficiary.

If married, beneficiary refers to the spouse. If the spouse is deceased, the term shall refer to the legal children. If single, beneficiary refers to parents. If both are deceased, the term refers to brother, sister or next of kin, if no siblings. (PIA 8)

DOT targets 4.8 million tourist arrivals for 2016 BY: LEONARD T. PINEDA I ILOILO CITY, Jan. 15 (PIA) ---The target for tourist arrivals in Western Visayas is still set at 4.8 million for the year 2016.

Department of Tourism (DOT)-6 Regional Director Atty. Helen Catalbas said that they are not revising or lowering the target tourist arrivals for 2016 despite the effects of super typhoon Yolanda to tourist destination spots in the region last year.

Catalbas said they are continuously urging local government units and the private sector of the region’s tourism industry to work harder with DOT-6 to make tourism a major socio-economic factor here.

As 2013 ended, Western Visayas had a partial total of 2,061,329 reported tourist arrivals for the year from its six provinces and two highly-urbanized cities.

“This figure represents 66.5 percent of the total 2012 tourist arrivals of 3,099,018 and does not include any December 2013 report yet,” Catalbas said.

She said that December is one of the peak months of every year and a leading contributor to the Western Visayas tourist arrivals.

The province of Aklan, with the world famous Boracay Island, recorded the most number of tourists with 1.3 million as of December 4, 2013. It is followed by the two highly urbanized cities of Bacolod and Iloilo with 250,405 and 214,760 partial tourist arrivals, respectively.

The DOT Regional Office here has trained and mentored the Local Government Units’ Tourism and Planning Officers and Staff on the proper data gathering and submission using the Standard Local Tourism Statistics System (SLTSS) in 2013. (LTP/PIA-Iloilo)

DOT 6 OIC-Regional Director Helen J. Catalbas makes a pitch for the Department of Tourism’s 'Experience Western Visayas First Campaign' during a press conference. (PIA 6)

DSWD continues to track, locate Pantawid beneficiaries hit by typhoon Yolanda UNFPA Executive Director Dr. Babatunde Osotimehin (right) turns over the Hospitainer (container hospital) key to Palo Mayor Remedios L. Petilla (center) after the ribbon cutting ceremony held at the Palo Municipal grounds. Also in photo are (from right) DOH Secretary Enrique Ona, Leyte Governor Leopoldo Dominico Petilla and Baybay City Mayor Carmen Cari. (ldlopido/ PIA-8)

More on Region 8, pages 6-7.

Also CLICK Here...

BY: MINERVA BC. NEWMAN CENTRAL VISAYAS, Jan. 11 (PIA) -- The Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD-7) here continues to track and locate all affected beneficiaries of its Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino program who transferred residence to areas in the country unaffected by ST Yolanda.

DSWD-7 4Ps information officer Aileen Lariba calls on all beneficiaries from Yolanda affected areas to notify and/or see the city or municipal links in the city/ municipality where they are currently residing and to inform them of their whereabouts.

Lariba added DSWD has conducted massive public announcements along these lines.

This effort aims to expedite the updating of the beneficiaries’ data and information needed to ensure that they continue to receive their grants due them.

Many of these affected beneficiaries were displaced and most of their belongings were washed out including their Pantawid IDs, LBP Cash Cards and other documents.

“To make sure of the continuity of beneficiaries’ grants and also ensures continuity of their children’s education and access to health services, Lariba said.

Even after the huge devastation of their lives and the destruction of their properties due to ST Yolanda, these beneficiaries do not deserve to be left behind, Lariba added. (Mbcn/PIA7with reports from ALariba/DSWD7)

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WESTERN VISAYAS

'BOSS’ in LGUs to hasten biz transactions

ATTY. MA JANET C. MESA PIA PIA--6 Regional Director

BY: PILAR S. MABAQUIAO SAN JOSE, Antique (PIA6) - - To hasten the processing of business permits during the start of the year, the Department of Trade and Industry enjoins local government units to put up Business One-Stop-Shop (BOSS) in their locality.

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nformation Officer Engr. Lynna Joy Cardinal of DTI Antique said BOSS is a single common location where an applicant can avail of complete Business Permit Licensing System (BPLS) services through a streamlined process.

“This is much needed during the start of the year since January is the time for application or renewal of business permits,” said Cardinal.

BOSS is a support mechanism to

comply with the BPLS where DTI and Department of the Interior and Local Government have a joint memorandum circular to ensure the implementation of LGUs. The Business One-Stop-Shop provides convenience and accessibility among business owners. Application, one-time assessment and payment are done in one venue and can be finished in much shorter time compared to the

system without BOSS, said Cardinal.

However, DTI reminded the applicants to also speed up the compliance with other requirements to their end necessary for the approval of their business permits such as fire safety, sanitary permit and court clearance.

Business One-Stop-shop is ongoing in San Jose, Barbaza, Bugasong and other towns in the province. (JCM/PSM/PIA6 Antique)

3 LGUs craft 3-year plan to address poverty BY: JEMIN B. GUILLERMO ROXAS CITY, Capiz, Jan. 15 (PIA6) – Local Government Units in Capiz are now in the process of crafting their respective three-year Local Poverty Reduction Action Plan (LPRAP) for 2015 to 2017.

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perations Services Division head Llanie Destacamento of the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) in Capiz disclosed that an orientation and workshop was held here, January 13, for some members of the Local Poverty Reduction Action Team (LPRAT) in the various LGUs here.

She said that the plan, which will be formulated using grassroots participatory approach by members of the team composed of a 50 percent representation from the LGUs, national government agencies present in the locality and 50 percent from the civil society organizations, aims to address the poverty concerns of the area.

Destacamento explained that included in the said plan are the identified priority problems in the community which will be

matched with the priority poverty reduction projects.

She also said that the grassroots participatory program or the Bottom-Up Planning and Budgeting, required of the LGUs is in consonance with the joint directive of the Department of Budget and Management (DBM), Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG), Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD), and National Anti-Poverty Commission (NAPC) For 2014 LPRAP, every LGU in Capiz can now access the P15-million fund for project implementation that is geared towards poverty reduction after the same was already approved at the national level earlier, she said.

Among those who attended the orientation and workshop here were the mayors, budget officers, planning officers

and DILG field officers as well as three CSO representatives from every LGU, she said Destacamento added that after the finalization of the local plan, the same will be submitted to the regional Poverty Reduction Action Team (PRAT) through the DILG for review and validation and subsequently to be submitted to the national PRAT for approval and implementation by the LGU concerned.

The LPRAP is consistent with the goal of the Aquino Administration that national agencies and other stakeholde r s shall pursue the Millennium Development Goal of reducing poverty from 26.5% in 2009 to to 16.6% by 2015 in the countryside as likewise reflected in the Philippine Development Plan 2011-2016. (JCM/JBG/ PIA6-Capiz)

New packaging for Iloilo souvenirs, food products eyed BY: ELSA S. SUBONG ILOILO CITY, Jan. 14 (PIA6) – Iloilo food products and souvenir items are already of good quality but they have to be packaged to resist the elements.

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rade and Industry Director Wilhelm Malones said the items, especially foods, are just packed with flimsy plastics which cannot protect the items from being crushed.

Food delicacies like barquillos, biscocho and pinasugbo are among the items being brought out all the time, most

to foreign countries, therefore, packaging of standard quality be done.

DTI, Malones said, is planning to further boost the image of quality produced food and souvenir items by rendering technical assistance in the packaging.

He said food-grade materials will be used for the new packaging to lengthen

the shelf life of these products.

Malones said they are also planning to replace inedible papers with edible papers as cover for cones of caramelized banana or pinasugbo.

DTI is expecting that this new packaging can be realized in time for the Dinagyang Festival last week of January. (JSC/ESS-PIA Iloilo)

WESTERN VISAYAS

ATTY. MA JANET C. MESA PIA PIA--6 Regional Director

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Iloilo City’s Scenic Express to be completed this year BY: LEONARD T. PINEDA I

ILOILO CITY, Jan. 13 (PIA6) --- Department of Tourism (DOT)-6 Regional Director Atty. Helen Catalbas said that the Scenic Express, a glass elevator that will be placed in the New City Hall Building here will be completed this 2014.

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atalbas said that the P50-million DOT-funded scenic elevator can shuttle visiting tourists direct from the ground floor to the roof deck of the New City Hall Building.

She said the express elevator can afford tourists a 360 degrees scenic glimpse of the city of Iloilo, the Iloilo River and the island-province of Guimaras.

She said that the Secretary of

Tourism has already ordered the Tourism Infrastructure and Enterprise Zone Authority (TIEZA), the funding agency, to fast-track the project.

On one hand, Iloilo City Mayor Jed Patrick Mabilog said that as commitment of the city government, a budget will be allocated to landscape the roof deck and make it into a roof garden to complement the scenic elevator.

He said that the New City Hall Building is the only government green building in the country today.

It can be recalled that during his visit to Iloilo City in 2012, DOT Secretary Ramon Jimenez Jr. recommended that the city tour begin at the top floor of the new seven-storey City Hall building for tourists to see the beautiful and rehabilitated Iloilo River. (JSC/LTP-PIA6 Iloilo)

Creation of Bacolod Arts Council pushed BY: EASTER ANNE D. DOZA BACOLOD CITY, Jan. 14 (PIA6) - - As Bacolod City prepares for the National Arts Month celebration in February, it also pushes for the creation of the Bacolod Arts and Culture Council (BACC).

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ommittee on History, Arts and Culture chair Councilor Jocelle Batapa-Sigue said she already made a request to City Mayor Monico Puentevella on the formation of BACC. Batapa-Sigue held a planning and consultation activity with art groups in the city to prepare for national arts month.

These art groups include the Art Association of Bacolod (AAB), BABAYI, Association of Negros Producers, Association of Negros Artists and the Nunelucio Alvarado-led Art Association of Bacolod-Negros.

Batapa-Sigue hopes that the

celebration would be the starting point of her several advocacies like vandalism monitoring and the creation of the Bacolod Cultural Guild.

The Guild is a grassroots scholarship program that aims to mold talented individuals coming from the different barangays of the city.

“We are given the opportunity to prepare for this year’s celebration,” Batapa-Sigue said.

The Sangguniang Panlungsod previously passed a resolution for the city to celebrate February as “Arts Month” and is now pushing for Bacolod to

celebrate the annual event in line with the National Commission for Culture and the Arts (NCCA) nationwide commemoration.

Batapa-Sigue also wants to establish Bacolod as “home for artists” considering that the city is now emerging as one of the frontrunners of the craft.

“We have to work together,” Batapa-Sigue told art groups as she took the challenge of grooming Bacolod as the country’s premier art and artist destination anchoring on Nunelucio Alvarado’s concept of “Art Tourism”.* (JCM/EAD-PIA6/Negros Occidental)

Aklan eco-park to have 8,000 new propagules BY: VENUS G. VILLANUEVA KALIBO, Aklan, Jan. 16 (PIA6) – Some 8,000 Bakhawan propagules are set to be planted by Provincial Capitol employees here led by the Economic Enterprise Development Department (EEDD) on January 22 at the Bakhawan Eco-Park in New Buswang, Kalibo.

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he planting of Bakhawan propagules on a two-hectare mangrove area at the Bakhawan Eco-Park, one of Kalibo’s tourist attractions, is seen by the EEDD as one way of mitigating climate change in Aklan, which was severely ravaged by Typhoon Yolanda last year.

According to Dr. Michael Terencio, EEDD Provincial Government Department Head, some 200 Capitol employees are expected to join the tree planting activity composed of EEDD staff, nursing students and staff of the Provincial Academic Center (PAC), Administrative Support Services, Agri-Aqua Production Services, Tourism Operation, Construction Development and Quarrying Services, Public Employment Service

Office (PESO), Port Operations, and volunteers.

The propagules, according to Terencio, will be provided by the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR).

Terencio said the conduct of the tree planting activity at the Bakhawan Eco-Park is fully supported by the provincial government under Governor Florencio T. Miraflores and Rep. Teodorico Haresco in coordination with the Provincial Planning and Development Office (PPDO) and in partnership with the Aklan Rivers Development Council (ARDC) and the Kalibo Save the Mangrove Association (KASAMA).

The tree-planting activity at the Bakhawan Eco-Park, besides being aimed to

mitigate climate change, is also deemed timely as recently, Atty. Allen S. Quimpo, ARDC Executive Director, reported that 10% of the 1.5 million mangrove trees planted at the eco-park were either uprooted, fell down or were cut across due to the strong wind and sea water surges that struck the area at the height of Typhoon Yolanda.

In 1994, the Bakhawan Eco-Park was bestowed the Galing Pook Award from the government for the innovative way of Kalibo town in developing and greening the coastal flatlands in the area which also became a breeding ground of fishes, crabs, shellfish and other marine life contributing to the livelihood of the people. (JCM/VGV PIA6 Aklan)

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CENTRAL VISAYAS

Over 30 contingents to join Cebu's Sinulog Mardi Gras on Jan. 19 BY: HAZEL F. GLORIA

MINERVA BC NEWMAN PIA PIA--8 Regional Director

CEBU CITY, Jan. 15 (PIA) -- Around 35 contingents will join the Sinulog Mardi Gras on January 19 with seven coming from other provinces.

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ccording to Ricky Ballesteros, executive director of the Sinulog Foundation, Inc. (SFI), the seven out-of-town contingents come from different regions in Visayas, Luzon, and Mindanao.

These are Placer, Masbate; Panglao, Bohol; Sta. Catalina, Negros Oriental; Plaridel, Misamis Occidental; Kidapawan, Cotabato; Lanao del Norte; and Tangub City.

Ballesteros said these are quality contingents with excellent performance during previous Sinulog street dancing competitions.

The number of contingents this year dropped after contingents from Region 8 did not join this year’s Sinulog celebration after

they were severely hit by super Typhoon Yolanda November 8, said Ballesteros.

Last year, there were 40 contingents that participated in the Sinulog Festival.

Meanwhile, some of the contingents have already arrived in Cebu City and are billeted at the Cebu City Sports Complex (CCSC) instead of their assigned public school.

“We do not want to disrupt ongoing classes so we are placing them temporarily at the Cebu City Sports Complex. They will just transfer on Thursday,” said the SFI’s executive director.

On the other hand, Ballesteros urged the public who wish to watch the grand parade on

Sunday to bring umbrellas in case it rains and to drink a lot of fluids, eat bananas, and wear comfortable shoes and clothes. Ballesteros also told Sinulog participants to get plenty of rest before Sunday.

According to Ballesteros, weather remains a big challenge for Sinulog organizers but no amount of heavy downpour will prevent Sunday’s street dancing competition. “Only under a threat of a typhoon or a warning signal number will the Sinulog grand parade be cancelled as safety of the contingents is paramount,” said Ballesteros.

Ballesteros said he expects over three million spectators to crowd the parade routes. (rmn/HFG/PIA-7/)

Police prepares for 3 million crowd during Sinulog BY: FERLIZA C. CONTRATISTA CEBU CITY, Jan. 16 (PIA) -- Police authorities here are bracing for a three million crowd on the Feast Day of Cebu’s Patron Saint, Senior Santo Nino on Jan. 19.

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n yesterday's Talakayan sa Isyung Pulis (TSIP) Forum, police forces within the province are augmenting the police personnel in Cebu City, which is the center of the yearly Sinulog Festival.

PSupt. Arnel Banzon of the Cebu City Police Office said they have at least 2,800 police personnel augmented by other security forces under their jurisdiction.

He said there are also 3,000 men from the Reserve Officer Training Course (ROTC), 755 criminology students, and another 300 reservists from the military.

He said other than the police personnel, some of the students were already manning traffic and order since the first day of the Novena.

Mandaue City Police Director PSupt.

Petronelli Baldebrin said they are already on full alert starting Friday, January 17, during the Translacion, a religious and cultural part of the Sinulog.

During the Translacion, the image of the Sr. Sto. Nino is brought to Mandaue City to the National Shrine of St. Joseph where there will be an overnight vigil.

Mandaue City, Baldebrin said, also committed 330 personnel during the Sinulog day.

PSupt. Virgil Tranes of Lapulapu City Police Office said they have already activated their security plans at the start of January and until the end of the month considering that tourists are sure to visit

and stay in their area even after the Sinulog season.

“We are closely securing the airport and the three wharves,” Tranes said.

Meanwhile, PSSupt. Armando Radoc of the Investigation Detection and Management Bureau said they will be i m pl e m en t ing t h e G e o g r a p h i c a l Information System (GIS) to prevent the occurrence of crime.

GIS is like a crime clock which runs on a database for possible crime incidents plotted at a certain time of the day.

“For this year, we will also try our best to reply and solve crimes, there will be more trainings for our policemen,” Radoc said. (rmn/FCC/PIA-Cebu)

Phil Air Force recruits enlisted personnel CEBU CITY, Jan. 16 (PIA) -- The Philippine Air Force is currently recruiting applicants to become an Enlisted Personnel through Philippine Air Force Personnel Management Center.

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o become an Enlisted Personnel, one is encouraged to join the Candidate Soldier (CS) Program.

All successful CS applicants will be trained at the Philippine Air Force at Air Education Training Command, Lipa City, Batangas.

In Cebu, the processing of applicants is ongoing at the 560th Air Base Wing, Mactan Benito N Ebuen Air Base (MBEAB), Lapu-lapu City.

Schedule of exam will be on January 23, 2014 at MBEAB.

To be qualified, the applicant should be natural born Filipino citizen, single, never been married and no legal obligation to support a child or children; height of at least 60 inches (5’0”) for both male and female; must have earned at least 72 college units; not less than 18 years old and not a day older than 23 years old upon admission tor training (born from 14 June 1991 to 14 June 1996); physically and mentally fit for military training and with good moral character.

For the initial requirements, please bring the following: fully accomplished application form; authenticated photocopy of NSO Birth Certificate; authenticated copy of Transcript of Records or for graduating/currently enrolled students; certificate of completion of number of units earned from the school registrar; two (2) pieces 2X2 Pictures.

For more inquires please call, Office of the Director for CMO,560th Air Base Wing with telephone number 2607637. (rmn/HFG/PIA-7/PAF)

CENTRAL VISAYAS

MINERVA BC NEWMAN

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Bohol proves tourism alive, hosts cruise ship tourists

PIA PIA--8 Regional Director

BY: REY ANTHONY H. CHIU TAGBILARAN CITY, Jan. 13 (PIA) –- Bohol’s resiliency to come back from the devastating earthquake that rocked its tourism infrastructure down is a mettle of good governance and local leadership.

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nited States Embassy media spokesperson Andrea Echavez, at the city tourism port cruise arrival area told media that the visit is part of the promises that US gave to Bohol as its big brother.

Bohol earlier carved a niche in eco-cultural tourism as it packaged itself as a tourism paradise and banked on its warm people as come-ons for international and domestic tourists.

But as the dust brought by the quake settled, much of Bohol’s dream of economic leap turned into a nightmare.

After the quake, the US government, through the US agency for International Development (USAID) came to the rescue, especially in tourism rehabilitation.

US ambassador to the Philippines Philip Goldberg, in his first visit to Bohol a few weeks after being appointed, assured US’ support to Bohol.

With the Bohol Tourism Council, a strong private sector group, tourism authorities announced Bohol tourism is back in major circuits, a few days after the calamity.

“We are back”, excitedly declared Bohol Tourism Officer Josephine Cabarrus, at the cruise arrival tent pitched at the port of Tagbilaran, during a rainy day with the cruiser’s tender boats ferrying tourists and crew onshore.

Looking at the potential boost of the local economy with the cruise arrival, excursion officer Martina Graf revealed

that each of the tourists on board pays about 600 euros per day for the 14 day cruise.

A brand new cruiser from Happag Lloyd, MV Europa 2 which is a 5 star luxury ship, brought in tourists on shore excursions to Bohol’s famous tourism sites including the Chocolate Hills, tarsier, Bee Farm in Panglao, beaches, and Loboc River lunch.

Along the way, tourists are expected to grab souvenirs, said Raul Asutria, Sharp Travel president, and organizer of the Bohol tour.

He also vowed the same cruise to be back in March for another excursion, after the shipping company included Bohol in its 2014 cruises. (mbcn/rahc/PIA7-Bohol)

PNP: Dumaguete City still safe despite crime increase BY: JENNIFER C. TILOS DUMAGUETE CITY, Jan 15 (PIA) -- Dumaguete City is relatively peaceful in spite of the increased crime volume in 2013, the city local Philippine National Police (PNP) reported that most of the perpetrators are not from Negros Oriental.

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otal crime incidents recorded in Dumaguete City for 2013 has reached over 4,748, more than the 2012 number of cases.

The increase in the number of incidents, however, is not an indication that peace and order in the city has worsened, as it is attributed to a new scheme of reporting of the PNP that includes the barangay blotter in listing crimes.

Dumaguete City PNP Chief of Operation Officer Zosimo Ceniza Jabas Jr. said cases such as oral defamation and slander, among others are usually reported only in the barangay level but now form part of the overall crime vol-

ume recorded by the police station.

The index crimes against persons or property committed last year reached 2,014 which include murder, physical injury, theft, robbery, homicide, rape, carnapping and cattle rustling.

For non-index crimes or offenses punishable under the Revised Penal Code and Special Laws such as enforcement on Republic Act 9165 or anti-drug law and RA 9287 or anti- illegal gambling law, the PNP registered a total of 2,734 incidents.

Jabas said the biggest contributor for the increase in crime volume is the non-index crime that it showed police operation and response are also high.

Police visibility is one of the

responses made by the city police station to address reported crime cases.

The station has deployed police personnel in different establishments and public areas including police officers in civilian attire for covert intelligence gathering.

The PNP remains vigilant and maintains its strong partnership and linkages with other law enforcement agencies and local government units including the civil society.

Jabas said public cooperation would also help in preventing and solving crime cases. (mbcn/JCT/PIA7-NegOr with reports from Kristine Cassandra Azcona, SU Intern)

NGCP gives back to host communities in Cebu, NegOr By: Rachelle M. Nessia CEBU CITY, Jan. 14 (PIA) --- New school buildings will soon rise in three public elementary schools in three Cebu towns this year.

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he National Grid Corporation of the Philippines (NGCP) Visayas has started the construction of one school building each in three identified areas as a gesture of giving back to the communities hosting their transmission lines in the province.

The identified schools are in the towns of Tabogon, Barile, and Moalboal.

Tabogon and Moalboal will each have one school building with three classrooms while Barile’s school building will have two

classrooms.

NGCP poured in around P1-million for the construction of said school buildings.

This is the first school building construction project undertaken by NGCP Visayas in Cebu in line with their corporate social responsibility (CSR) program. NGCP will also donate information technology tools to three schools in Negros Oriental.

Bulak Elementary School in Dauin

town and San Jose Elementary School in Tanjay City will each receive ten tablets, one printer, and ten secure digital (SD) cards.

On the other hand, McKinley Elementary School in Guihulngan City, Negros Oriental will receive three desktop computers, two printers, and two second-hand computers. The donations are made after the schools requested NGCP to support their computerization program. (RMN/PIA Cebu)

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EASTERN VISAYAS

Gov’t to build 247 more bunkhouses in Eastern Visayas

OLIVE P. TIU PIA PIA--8 Regional Director

BY: ERLINDA OLIVIA P. TIU

TACLOBAN CITY, Leyte, Jan. 16 (PIA) – The National Government through the Department of Public Works and Highways is set to construct 247 additional bunkhouses that will serve as temporary shelters for typhoon Yolanda affected families in Eastern Visayas.

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PWH Region 8 Director Rolando Asis made the announcement during the recently held Regional Conference held in Tacloban City.

Director Asis disclosed that of the total additional 247 bunkhouses which will be built, 208 are in the province of Leyte, 4 in Samar and 35 in Eastern Samar.

Of the 208 additional bunkhouses for the province of Leyte, 180 will be built in Tacloban City while the remaining 28 will be built in Palo, Leyte.

It may be recalled that there 222 bunkhouses in the first batch of temporary houses to be built by the DPWH for the families in Eastern Visayas who were displaced by Yolanda.

It was learned that 135 bunkhouses

have been completed while 87 are still undergoing construction.

Of the 135 completed, 55 units have been completed with toilet and bath while 5 have been painted Moreover, it was learned that as of press time, 24 bunkhouses are already occupied by homeless families.

These are in Samar where six bunkhouses are already occupied; 2 at Government Center, Palo, Leyte and 16 in Eastern Samar with 12 in Guiuan, 2 in Hernani and another 2 in Quinapondan to Borongan cluster.

Last week, the DPWH gave the assurance that the construction of temporary shelters is not overpriced. In fact, Secretary Rogelio Singson said that the bunkhouses in Eastern Visayas were

completed at a cost of P836,017 which is lower that the original estimated cost of P959,000 per bunkhouse composed of 24 units.

Singson explained that the DPWH was able to cut down the construction costs of bunkhouse which includes common wash and toilet area with the contractors generously waving the profit margin and overhead expenses.

Bunkhouses are temporary shelters, a decent dwelling for families left homeless, since it will take time to construct the required permanent housing.

DPWH has set the specifications for the construction of bunkhouses made of wooden frames, GI Sheet roofing, plywood walls and raised flooring, and cement footing. (PIA 8)

UNFPA trains health workers on Clinical Management By: Samuel Candido BORONGAN CITY, Eastern Samar, Jan. 16 (PIA) -- The United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) conducted recently a Training on Clinical Management of Rape Survivors for Health Care Service providers in Eastern Samar especially to the worst-hit areas by super “Typhoon Yolanda” at Dona Vicenta Hotel, this city.

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ome 45 participants who were doctors, nurses and midwives from Hospitals in Guiuan and Balangiga and Rural Health Units (RHUs) of Balangkayan, Hernani, Salcedo, Mercedes, Guiuan, Quinapondan, Giporlos, Balangiga and Lawaan attended the said training.

According to Ms. Edna A. Tumandao, Reproductive Health Focal Person of Provincial Health Office (PHO), Local Government Unit (LGU)-Eastern Samar

the purpose of this training was to manage the rape victims especially during the disaster.

Tumandao also said, after this training it is expected from the participants to be equipped with the technical know-how to manage, treat and collection/submission of specimen of rape survivor victims.

She further said, that there are 14 newly hired midwives who also attended

the training and they were hired by PLAN Phil, on a contractual basis for six months to one year who are to be deployed to this affected municipalities.

This training is sponsored by Gender Based Violence (GBV) of UNFPA in coordination with PLAN Phil, and World Health Organizations (WHO).

UNFPA is currently providing support as part of its response to Typhoon Yolanda. (PIA-E. Samar)

NSamar CSC announces 2014 search for outstanding public officials, employees By: Teresita Cardenas CATARMAN, Northern Samar, Jan. 17 (PIA) – The Civil Service Commission (CSC) in Northern Samar announces the 2014 search for outstanding public officials and employees pursuant to Memorandum Circular No. 25, s. 2013 dated November 29, 2013.

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SC Provincial Director Emmanuel Fuentes said the search covers three award categories, namely: the Presidential Lingkod Bayan Award, the Outstanding Public Official and Employees Award or the Dangal ng Bayan Award, and the Civil Service Commission Pagasa Award.

Fuentes said that the conferment forms part of the Commission’s advocacy of promoting excellence and recognizing as well as rewarding civil servants for outstanding performance, contribution

and achievements and or consistent manifestation of exemplary ethical behavior in public service.

In Northern Samar, Mr. Reynato P. Dubongco, Division Chief I of the Philippine Coconut Authority was adjudged as one of the Presidential Lingkod Bayan Awardees in the 2013 search for outstanding public officials and employees for his exceptional and extraordinary contributions resulting from an idea or performance, he added.

Fuentes enjoins heads of agencies and

state workers to participate actively by submitting nominations to this prestigious search.

Guidelines and nomination forms can be secured from their provincial and regional offices at the Old Capitol Building, Barangay Dalakit, Catarman or at the CSC Regional Office in Tacloban City, he said. Moreover, he said, nominations shall be submitted to the CSC Regional Office 8 or in Northern Samar Field Office on or before March 31, 2014. (TBC/ PIA8-Northern Samar)

EASTERN VISAYAS

OLIVE P. TIU PIA PIA--8 Regional Director

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DTI Leyte bares post typhoon Yolanda assistance to MSMEs, consumers By: Erlinda Olivia P. Tiu

TACLOBAN CITY, Leyte, Jan. 13 (PIA) – The Department of Trade and Industry in the Province of Leyte bared the assistance it extended to Micro Small and Medium Enterprises after the onslaught of super typhoon Yolanda.

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TI Leyte Director Desiderio Belas Jr. informed the Philippine Information Agency that it has conducted 11 Diskwento Caravans with P20 million sales generated and benefitting at least 20,000 consumers.

Director Belas said the Diskwento Caravans offered basic necessities and prime commodities at discounted prices.

The DTI Leyte also coordinated with

the Small Business Corporation in the conduct of Financing Forum where 55 MSME had one on one consultation and were able to apply for a loan amounting to a total of P81 million.

The DTI Leyte conducted Business Counselling activities where 63 MSMEs from all over Leyte were served.

The business sector was hardly hit by typhoon Yolanda that assistance and

consultations were needed as to how they will be able to start again, Director Belas said. Despite the storm surge that washed away the office equipment and service vehicle which called for the ongoing repair and rehabilitation, Director Belas said it is business as usual at the DTI Leyte office with an average of 20 clients per day or a total of 600 walk in clients served since December 2 to date. (PIA 8)

OPARR to lead in Post Disaster Needs Assessment By: Alice Nicart BORONGAN CITY, Eastern Samar, Jan. 14(PIA) – A team headed by some personnel of the Office of the Presidential Assistance on Rehabilitation and Recovery (OPARR) and the Office of Civil Defence (OCD) is set to visit the most ravaged areas here of super typhoon “Yolanda”.

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his was learned from Mr. Artemio Rebato of the Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (PDRRMC) here.

Rebato was in Cebu lately to attend the Orientation-Conference on Post Disaster Needs Assessment which was called for by OPARR. According to him, a team will be in the province to conduct the post disaster assessment and they will be joined in by their local counterparts.

He added that by interviewing local residents and barangay officials and by mere observations on the present physical conditions of the ravaged place, the 15-member team will be able to validate

the report which was earlier submitted to OCD. Rebato perceives that after the validation process , OPARR will decide or determine the resources that would be appropriately granted and sent to the victims.

The validation activities here will be done from January 16 to 31 with only Sundays as break periods.

“The task is fairly meticulous which one validation for a single LGU might take a whole long day”, Rebato said.

Initially, Governor Conrado B. Nicart sent letters to the nine mayors concerned for them to be informed of the forthcoming activity.

In order to ensure accuracy and authenticity of the gathered data, Gov. Nicart in his letter, requested for the mayors’ assistance together with their Municipal Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Officer (MDRRMO) and the LGU-Technical Working Group.

The organization of the local counterparts will also follow.

It was earlier reported that newly appointed rehabilitation czar and former Senator Panfilo Lacson had a glimpse of the places hard hit by super typhoon Yolanda when he visited Guiuan this province and Palo, Baybay city and Tacloban in Leyte to see for himself the damage caused by it. (PIA-Eastern Samar)

City of Tacloban takes extra effort to get back on track By: CONSUELO B. ALARCON TACLOBAN CITY, Leyte, Jan.16 (PIA) – In line with the recovery efforts of the National Government, the City Government of Tacloban is continuously pursuing its goal to get back on track following “Yolanda’s” onslaught in many areas in the region particularly this city.

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n a recent Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (RDRRMC) meeting held at the Leyte Sports Development Center, Tacloban City Administrator Lawyer Tecson John Lim said the city government is continuously providing assistance to public utilities so they can put back their operations normally.

He pointed out the Leyte II Electric Cooperative (LEYECO II) which is servicing the City of Tacloban and the Municipalities of Palo and Babatngon Leyte. Per information from the city official, LEYECO II has 5.28% reconnections in the city which is equivalent to 1, 898 households.

Meanwhile ,the city government has also plans to re-establish its “Oplan Spaghetti” which was created before the super typhoon hit the region. Oplan Spaghetti refers to the removal of unused cable wires and other wires and lines which are no longer usable.

Telecommunications companies like Bayantel is also trying to establish their lines.

Furthermore, the City Government of Tacloban has started reinforcing its city ordinances. As early as the second week of December, the Price Stabilization Law was already in effect followed by the clearing of sidewalk and migrant vendors and the anti-littering ordinance.

Following Yolanda’s devastation, garbage problem became worse but with the concerted efforts of the city, the Metro Manila Development Authority and the United Nations Development Program (UNDP) it has diminished.

Currently, 59 dump trucks are still being used in the debris/garbage collection around the city. A dump truck is being assigned per area. Anyone who throws garbage in the streets during the daytime shall be penalized under the anti-littering ordinance.

The new schedule for garbage/debris collection is between 7:00 P.M. to 11:00 P.M. (PIA-8)

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

One Visayas e‐newsletter is part of the online news and information dissemination services of PIA and is powered by www.issuu.com. For inquiries and suggestions, call Tel. Nos. (033) 3378718/3377301 or e‐mail piaamo6@yahoo.com.

Ms. Minerva BC Newman Regional Director, PIA 7

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

Ms. Erlinda Olivia P. Tiu Regional Director, PIA8

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