One Visayas e-Newsletter Vol 4 Issue 39

Vol 4

Issue 39

In this Issue WESTERN VISAYAS

PIDS Research Fellow Dr. Danilo Israel and DENR 6 Eco-Systems Research and Development Services RTD Dr. Alice Lustica receive their certificates of appreciation from NEDA 6 ARD Raul Anlocotan during the Regional Research Utilization Forum held at NEDA VI Office, Iloilo City, September 30.

Israel presented his study Assessment of the Efficiency and Effectiveness of the Reforestation Program of DENR while Lustica was the Reactor. Joining them in the picture are NEDA VI‟s Yvette Batacandolo and Ma. Teresa Guadalupe (LAF/PIA6)

More on Region 6, pages 2-3.

CENTRAL VISAYAS

Sept. 29 - Oct. 5, 2014

Published by: PIA 6, 7 & 8

Iloilo family Huwarang Pamilya national winner By: Lilibeth A. French ILOILO CITY, Sept. 29 (PIA6) - - The Tanutan family of Brgy. Velasco, Lemery, Iloilo, the region‟s bet in this year‟s Search for Huwarang Pantawid Pamilya, was declared as the national winner besting other entries from the different regions of the country.

DSWD 6 Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Regional Information Officer Alma Estember announced the good news during the Pantawid Pamilya National Family Day and Convergence Caravan held at the Iloilo Freedom Grandstand Sunday, September 28.

The event which was held simultaneously nationwide was participated in by more than 5,000 family beneficiaries of the Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino program from the six districts of this city.

Gemma Tanutan together with her three children received their plaque of recognition and cash prize of P30,000 from DSWD Secretary Dinky Soliman at the Philippine Sports Arena in Pasig City on Sunday. The family was among the program‟s family beneficiaries who attended the main event in Pasig City.

In a Philippine Information Agency interview after the regional awarding last September 5, Gemma said the award is a testament that she has done her duties as a mother to her children.

After her husband left them for Manila ten years ago, Gemma focused her attention on raising her five children and sending them to school by fish vending, farming and doing other odd jobs for additional income. All these, did not also stop her to become actively involved in activities and projects in her barangay.

Her family became a program beneficiary in 2009 and three of her children who are within the required age at that time were covered by the program. To date, only two of her children are program grantees – her Grades 9 and 5 children.

The other child grantee is now taking up an Information Technology course and a scholar in a state college.

On the other hand, DSWD 6 also recognized at the Freedom Grandstand on Sunday, Ruby Gomugda, Iloilo City‟s nominee for the search and Bernard Lipata, winner of the Search for Exemplary Pantawid Children in the province of Iloilo.

DSWD 6 Director Evelyn Macapobre said the event which is part of the National Family Week celebration in the country aims to highlight and recognize the efforts and successes of the Pantawid Pamilya beneficiaries to improve their lives.

Mayor Jed Patrick Mabilog, DSWD Assistant Secretary Camilo Gudmalin, representatives from partner agencies attended the event with the theme “Pamilyang Pilipino Para sa Pagbabago: Tumatawid sa Kaunlaran”. (JCM/LAF/PIA-Iloilo)

2014 HUWARANG PANTAWID PAMILYA. Gemma Tanutan and her sons of Brgy. Velasco, Lemery, Iloilo receive their cash prize, plaque of recognition and token after the family was declared as the regional winner for this year‟s Search for the Huwarang Pantawid Pamilya in Western Visayas during the awarding ceremony, September 5. Joining them in the picture are DSWD 6 ARD Joel Galicia (3rd from left) and other staff and judges. (LAF/PIA-Iloilo)

DOST-7 hosts 2014 Visayas Cluster S & T Fair Gov. Edgar Chatto and National Youth Commission (NYC) Commissioner At Large Dingdong Dantes lead the signing of the multi-sectoral commitment in the fight against illegal drugs at the launching of “Barkada Kontra Droga” in Bohol on Sept. 30, 2014 at the Bohol Island State University (BISU) Gym in Tagbilaran City, Bohol. (mbcn/ecb/ PIA7-Bohol)

More on Region 7, pages 4-5.

EASTERN VISAYAS

Eastern Visayas State University (EVSU) vice-president for Academic Affairs Segunda Lacaba (left) welcomes guests and participants to the Students‟ Forum on climate change mitigation and adaptation advocacy campaign held at EVSU inner court, Tacloban City, September 26. Also in photo are (l-r) OCD 8 assistant regional director Rey Gozon, PIA OIC regional director Alice Nicart, DENR - Technology Transfer Division chief Eugenia Bautista and Dean Dennis de Paz of the College of Arts and Sciences. (Vino R. Cuayzon)

More on Region 8, pages 6-7.

Also CLICK Here...

BY: HAZEL F. GLORIA CEBU CITY (PIA) --- The Department of Science and Technology (DOST-7) is hosting the 3-day 2014 Visayas Cluster Science and Technology Fair and Exhibits with DOST- 6 and 8 which culminates October 4 at the J. Center Mall Convention Hall, Mandaue City, Cebu.

DOST-7 regional director Engr. Edilberto Paradela said the Visayas Cluster S & T Fair is a major highlight in the annual National S & T Week Celebration of DOST with the theme, “Philippine: A Science Nation Meeting Global Challenges,” Paradela continued.

The fair highlights the “8 DOST Outcomes” that showcases the use of science and technology to enhance agricultural productivity, enterprise development, industry competitiveness, IT Business process management, e-government, quality healthcare, human resources and weather and geologic hazards.

According to Paradela, this 8 outcomes could contribute to overall competitiveness and help elevate vital industries in the country in the global marketplace.

The featured exhibits show the transformative as well as

broad application, critical and strategic cutting-edge technologies and facilities that our country needs now and in the future, Paradela said.

This also brings together DOST agencies and assisted companies, particularly the small and medium enterprises (SMEs), investors, non-government organization s (NGOs), scientists, researc h ers, government agencies, education institutions and community organizations in one concerted effort to promote S & T and to underscore its contributions to national development.

DOST-7 assistant regional director Jesus Zamora, Jr. said, this event is an exhibit of technologies and products that are useful in uplifting the living condition of every Filipino.

The fair is also designed to recognize outstanding scholars and scientists as to their contribution for economic development and being competent in their field of expertise, said Zamora.

The fair is initiated by the DOST-7 thru the Technology Applications and Promotions Institute (DOST-TAPI) in cooperation with DOST 6 and 8. (mbcn/HFG/PIA-7)

DENR-8 implements SCREMP in 3 marine protected areas BY: CONSUELO B. ALARCON TACLOBAN CITY, Leyte, Sept. 27 (PIA) – In order to protect and rehabilitate the coral reefs not only in Eastern Visayas but all over the country, a new program is being introduced by the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) dubbed as “Sustainable Coral Reef Ecosystem Management Program” (SCREMP) to be implemented this year until 2020.

This is based on the DENR administrative order number 2013-12 which calls for the conduct of a strategic, sustainable and ecosystem based approach in protecting and rehabilitating the coral reef ecosystem.

In an interview with Cora Makabenta, chief of the Coastal and Marine Management Division over a local radio program entitled “Nagbabag-o na an panahon, Panahon na para

Magbag-o”, she said the program shall be implemented in all marine key-biodiversity areas that are being established under the national integrated protected areas system.

One component of the program is an assessment of the status of the coral reefs in marine protected areas In Region 8, three marine protected areas are target sites for implementation: the Cuatro islas Protected Landscape in Inopacan, Leyte; Guiuan Marine Reserve in Guiuan, Eastern Samar; and the Biri Larosa Protected Landscape in Northern Samar.

It is expected that upon assessment of the Coral Reef Visualization Assessment Team (CORVAT), the status of the coral reefs in the region will be known and if destroyed, be rehabilitated in due time. (jrc/cba/PIA-8)

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WESTERN VISAYAS

RDC6, CFO sign agreement for migration and dev‘t initiative By: Lilibeth A. French ILOILO CITY, Sept. 29 (PIA6) - - The Regional Development Council VI and Commission on Filipino Overseas (CFO) on Friday signed an agreement with the Swiss Development Cooperation (SDC) and United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) for the ―Migration and Development Initiative for Western Visayas‖ (MDI-WV) project.

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is Excellency Ivo Sieber, Ambassador of Switzerland, Mr. Maurice Dewulf, Country Director of the UNDP, Secretary Imelda Nicolas of the CFO and Negros Occidental Governor Alfredo Maranon, Chairperson of the RDC VI signed the agreement during the project launching that highlighted the 3rd quarter regular meeting of the RDC VI held at NEDA VI office, Iloilo City, September 26, 2014.

Funded solely by the SDC, the approximately P10 million (USD 230,000) MDI-WV project is an additional project related to the Joint Migration and Development Initiative (JMDI) Phase II exclusive to areas affected by disasters, either by typhoon “Yolanda” or the earthquake in the Visayas.

Among the components of the MDI-WV project are the establishment of migration resource centers and the creation of a collective remittance mechanism that will support a

particular activity geared towards disaster risk reduction. The project will be implemented for 22 months until April 2016.

NEDA 6‟s Maria Lourdes Miado said the migration resource centers will be initially established in the provinces of Iloilo and Capiz, the provinces which were heavily affected by typhoon „Yolanda‟ that occurred in November 2013.

The resource centers will serve as one-stop hubs for services and projects for overseas Filipinos and their families.

NEDA 6 data revealed that there are around 240,000 Filipinos from Western Visayas who are either residing or working abroad. Of the total figure, 23 percent are residents in countries such as the United States, Canada and Australia and 77 percent are OFWs in the Middle East and Southeast Asia.

An estimate of about P22 billion remittances are sent by these overseas Filipinos to their

families in the region.

Iloilo City, Pototan, Sta. Barbara and Miag-ao in Iloilo; the cities of Bacolod, Talisay, Victorias, Silay and San Carlos in Negros Occidental; Kalibo in Aklan; San Jose in Antique; and Roxas City in Capiz are among the major source local government units.

During the project presentation, Nicolas thanked the invaluable support of the European Union and the SDC for the JMDI II which is currently being implemented in Naga City in Bicol region and in Calabarzon area in the Philippines.

“JMDI 2 now highlights the central role that local authorities play in sustaining the programs of migration and development in their respective areas, in maximizing the migration‟s positive impact and minimizing its social cost,” said Nicolas. CFO is the national government partner in the implementation of the JMDI projects in the country. (JCM/LAF/PIA)

Rehab activities in Aklan up in forum By: Venus G. Villanueva KALIBO, Aklan, Oct. 2 (PIA6) -- The Office of the Presidential Assistant for Rehabilitation and Recovery (OPARR) in Aklan headed by Atty. Clarence Guinto, Provincial Rehabilitation and Recovery Coordinator, recently held a ―Yolanda Response Forum‖ in Batan, Aklan.

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he OPARR, which was created by President Benigno S. Aquino III in December 2013 and headed by former Senator Panfilo Lacson is tasked in overseeing the implementation of rehabilitation activities in areas hardest hit by Typhoon Yolanda. Batan is one of the towns in the western side of Aklan considered to have been hit hardest by the super typhoon November 8 last year due to its proximity to Capiz province, and one of the assisted areas of various government and non-government organizations.

Atty. Guinto said OPARR is currently focusing on the country‟s 14 highly-affected provinces, one of which is Aklan, with Batan as its first venue of the forum as the town suffered the most in the province from the super typhoon.

According to him, OPARR‟s rehabilitation program is anchored on the theme “Build Back Better, Faster and Safer” in relation to infrastructure, resettlement areas, social services, and livelihood.

“Building back better, faster and safer houses and infrastructure means putting up structures which

can withstand 250 kilometer per hour of wind velocity”, Atty. Guinto explained to participants in the forum which included Batan municipal officials led

by Mayor Delfina Ramos, Vice Mayor Dante Reyes, Sangguniang Bayan members, punong barangays of the municipality, various representatives of assisting government and non-government organizations and the local media.

He said the total rehabilitation fund for the 14 provinces involves P170.1 billion and assured those present that the rehabilitation and recovery plan presented by Aklan province pegged at more than P6 billion is good as approved.

After the forum in Batan, OPARR will be holding the same forum at the provincial level targeting officers and members of the League of municipalities.

In the same forum, Joy Estanislao of World Vision, one of the assisting international organizations at the forefront of recovery and rehabilitation process of typhoon victims in Batan, presented its programs where projects zeroed in on

5 barangays which included shelter, wash, health and sanitation, education in emergency, livelihood and advocacy.

Estanislao said those with partially-damaged houses were provided with materials while those with totally damaged houses will be provided new houses, constructed by 50 carpenters trained by the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA).

Estanislao said the World Vision targets to build 74 houses in the 5 barangays with 27 of these already completed.

Meanwhile in the same forum, OPARR revealed that the National Housing Authority (NHA) is also set to build 50 houses in Barangay Songculan, Batan with a budget of P292,000 including land acquisition.

Julio Sucgang, Punong Barangay of Songculan, said he welcomes this move as most of the houses in his barangays were destroyed by the typhoon. (JCM/ VGV PIA6 Aklan)

DOST holds training on hygienic production standards By: Alex A. Lumaque ROXAS CITY, Capiz (PIA6) - A training on the Current Good Manufacturing Practices with emphasis on Proper Hygiene and Sanitation was conducted by the Department of Science and Technology (DOST) - Provincial Office on Sept. 30 at the Capiz State University - Roxas City main campus.

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OST - Capiz Public Information Officer Juafe Abareles said that the free training was designed for the agency's Small Enterprise Technology Upgrading Program (SETUP) clients in the food sector.

However, she noted that a similar training for other interested participants

will be conducted by DOST in November this year.

The day-long activity was designed for the participants to be able to learn the Sanitation Standard Operating Procedure and Good Manufacturing Practices as pre-requisites on food safety as well as the proper and sanitation practices in a food manufacturing

plant. It also wanted the participants to understand the importance of food safety practices and its effects on food products and consumers. Resource persons for the training came from DOST-6 Food Safety Team members who are trained and knowledgeable on the Food Safety System. (JCM/AAL/PIA6 Capiz)

WESTERN VISAYAS

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Iloilo City Jail Warden, Best in the country By: Elsa S. Subong ILOILO CITY, Oct. 1(PIA6) — Chief Inspector Jhon Montero was adjudged as Best District Jail Warden during this year‘s 23rd anniversary of the Bureau of Jail Management and Penology (BJMP).

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his award is for his effort of transforming the Iloilo City District Jail Male Dormitory from an ordinary jail into a place worth living for more or less 750 inmates.

“The award makes him a symbol of a dynamic district jail warden and an inspiration to other jail personnel,” said Supt. Gilbert Peremne, BJMP-6 regional chief of staff.

Peremne said Montero was the region‟s bet for the annual nationwide search for Best Performer Wardens and bagged the award, which was conferred on him by Atty. Peter Irving Corvera, DILG Undersecretary for Peace and Order.

Pastor Ellery Contreras, president of the regional service providers council, said Montero deserved the recognition, as he gave the highest value of human life and dignity to the inmates by greatly improving jail facility, and intensified jail development programs.

Contreras, who has been servicing the jail for the last ten years, said that Montero also integrated the services of civil society and non-government

organizations in the transformation and rehabilitation of the inmates.

Peremne also said that Montero was recognized for “beautifying” the jail‟s cells and visitors‟ receiving areas with tiles, constructed visitors‟ lounge and a separate passage for them, enclosing it with a fence to ensure jail security.

Further, he constructed a secondary gate to effectively regulate the vehicles coming in and out, constructed a sally port, installed nine close circuit television camera to monitor the jail from all angles, maintained zero escape and negative jail disturbance, and had installed two solar panels as part of energy conservation and austerity measures.

The jail under his wardenship was also a beneficiary of an isolation building from the Department of Health worth two-million pesos.

Montero had launched the first-ever fund raising concert of the inmates, showcased the inmates‟ craftsmanship by establishing livelihood outlet and had entered into contract with the Iloilo City government for exclusive supply of Christmas

lanterns on city streets. According to Peremne, Chief Inspector Montero has been a warden for only two years and has been consistently awarded best jail warden for the last two quarters, best municipal and city jail warden for the last two quarters also, and was best city and municipal jail warden at the regional level when he served as such in Culasi, Antique and Talisay, Negros Occidental.

“My present award serves as a challenge for me to level up jail service and to introduce more innovations,” Montero said.

He said he is planning to lobby with the city government for the relocation of the city jail to a bigger space suitable for rehabilitation programs.

Meanwhile, Senior Supt. Rex Delarmente, BJMP regional director, said Montero‟s award was not only an honor and prestige to the men and women of the BJMP in Western Visayas but for all Ilonggos, as he encouraged all other jail wardens to also show their best practices and innovations and gain the same recognition.(JCM/ESS/PIA-Iloilo)

ARBOs get 8 farm tractors By: Easter Anne. D. Doza NEGROS OCCIDENTAL, Sept. 30 (PIA6) - - Eight Agrarian Reform Beneficiaries Organizations (ARBOs) get one unit each of brand new farm tractors amounting to a total of P41-million from the Department of Agrarian Reform.

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AR-North Negros turned over eight units of 120 Horse Power Massey Ferguson to ARBOs namely : Doris Agrarian Reform Cooperative, Don Esteban ARB Association, Hacienda Bongco Farmers Association; Hacienda Canaan ARB Association, Hacienda Bernardita Multi-Purpose Cooperative; San Vicente I ARC, Hacienda Pula-Silay ARC and the CASA ARC. The tractors are complete with farm implements and accessories like backhoe, front-end loader, 20 disc trailing arrow, 5-tonner dumping trailer and four-disc plough which will benefit directly some 314 ARBs serving at least 500 hectares in northern Negros.

These are given to ARBOs under the ARCESS program or Agrarian Reform Cooperative Connectivity Economic Support Services which include the areas of Calatrava, Escalante, Cadiz, Silay, and Talisay.

Undersecretary for Support Services Rosalina Bistoyong told the beneficiaries to take care of the tractors as she had shed tears to be able get the tractors pass the standards and finally get the budget approved.

“I challenge all of you that with the tractors, to double your income and become millionaires in your own right.

Diversify and intensify your farming. Put dignity and pride in your work so you can raise a

million in a hectare,” Bistoyong said.

According to Bistoyong, these ARBs can now serve as models for other ARBOs so the same can follow their example and leave a legacy to the community.

ARCCESS is one of the support services implemented by DAR which aims to support the production needs of ARBs and promotion of agri-enterprise development of their ARB organizations.

The upport services include professional services for agri-enterprise and business development, common service facilities and strengthening their access to credit and insurance facilities. *(JCM/EAD-PIA6 Negros Occidental)

Research Utilization Forum features four studies By: Lilibeth A. French ILOILO CITY, Oct. 1 (PIA6) - - The National Economic and Development Authority VI through its Regional Research Utilization Forum provided again a venue to discuss and share the findings and recommendations of four significant studies.

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r. Gilberto Llanto, President of the Philippine Institute for Development Studies (PIDS) who discussed his study titled “Water Financing Program in the Philippines: Are We Making Progress” led the presentors during the activity held at the NEDA VI Office, Iloilo City, September 30, 2014.

Llanto‟s study has identified seven policy recommendations for a coherent water financing framework.

I t r e co m m e n d s to i m p r o v e a n d maintain the database on the water sector and make it accessible to analysts and the public; rationalize the financing programs in the sector; ask Government Financing Institutions to develop more innovative solutions to the water financing problem; and have a greater private sector involvement through

innovative models of financing, PPPs, output-based schemes.

The study further recommends to improve the policy and regulatory framework for the water sector; consolidate small and unviable water districts/ utilities to take advantage of scale and scope economies; and reform and strengthen the Local Water Utilities Administration.

Other presentors from PIDS, an attached agency of NEDA, were Dr. Danilo Israel for his study “Assessment of the Efficiency and Effectiveness of the Reforestation Program of DENR and Dr. Roehlano Briones for his study “Impact Assessment of the Agricultural Production Support Services of the DA on the Income of Poor Farmers/Fisherfolk:Review of Evidence”.

Engr. Efren Linan, Professor of Capiz

State University also shared his study “Drastic Model and GIS-Based Assessment of Groundwater Vulnerability to Contamination in Boracay Island”.

NEDA 6 Assistant Regional Director Raul Anlocotan said the Regional Research Utilization Forum is being sponsored by NEDA 6 every year in order to promote the utilization and sharing of information and knowledge on researches that are conducted in and outside of the region which directly or indirectly impact Western Visayas.

The forum attended by representatives of the provincial governments, highly urbanized cities, state colleges and universities, regional agencies and private sector organizations in the region also aimed to determine what needs to be done in terms of policy-making, program development and better projects implementation. (JCM/LAF/PIA-Iloilo)

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CENTRAL VISAYAS

CV police assures public ‗scalawags‘ don‘t exist in the region BY: AMOR Y. SALUDAR Central Visayas, Oct. 1 (PIA) --- The Philippine National Police in Central Visayas assures the public that police 'scalawags' don't exist in the region compared to some policemen in Luzon and Metro Manila that have been caught practicing illegal act.

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uring the recent Talakayan sa Isyung Pulis (TSIP) Forum, Deputy Regional Director for Operations of the Police Regional Office (PRO-7), PSSUPT Condrado Capa said that police force in Central Visayas is doing well.

Capa added that all police directors are given orders to monitor the attitude and performance of police personnel under their respective commands.

“We‟ve been doing very well, all directors are already aware that we can‟t afford to have at least 1% of the policemen here as bad cop,” Capa stressed.

Central Visayas police should be 100% good,” he added.

Capa also declared that there are policies that are being followed by the police personnel in Central Visayas in dealing with illegal drugs operation.

“Only those that are involved in illegal drugs operations, should operate,” Capa declared.

He also issued a statement as warning to police force in Central Visayas that “when they are caught, no ifs, no buts.”

Capa added that in any case as to illegal act of policemen in Central Visayas worst penalty would be dismissal in service.

He also appeal to the public specially the „netizens‟ to help the PNP maintain their good image.

“Help us, make use of the technology, let us know and we will do the best,” Capa said.

In lifestyle check matter Capa then noted that it “is not an issue as long as they can please the public and can justify their lifestyle.”

PRO 7 then noted that PNP leadership assures the public that it is not the practice of the PNP to do bad and illegal act only a few, as they plead to the public not to lose trust on the PNP. (mbcn/ays/PIA-7/Talakayan sa Isyung Pulis)

PIA-DENR climate change campus caravan kicks off in Cantao-an, Naga City BY: FERLIZA CALIZAR-CONTRATISTA NAGA CITY, CEBU, Sept. 29 (PIA) --- The hills were alive at the back of Cantao-an National High School morning of September 25, as over a hundred students participating in the first PIA-DENR Cebu Campus Caravan, made their mark by planting their respective narra seedlings.

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nd just as the last seedling was planted, the heavens immediately dropped rain as if sealing the commitment made by the students to do ways to protect the environment.

These ways, according to main speaker, Dr. Eddie Llamedo of the Department of Environment and Natural Resources 7 (DENR) don‟t have to be big or gigantic.

“A lot of simple, tiny things done everyday can already contribute a lot to save Mother Earth and mitigate the effects of climate change,” Llamedo said.

These include using a container while brushing teeth or taking a bath so that water will not just flow; not charging the cellular phones and other electronic gadgets over night; saving on paper; segregation of wastes, no burning of garbage and plastics, catching and utilization of rain water and many others.

But most importantly, Llamedo said, tree growing, not just tree planting should be pushed.

They plant trees to ensure ample supply of

oxygen and to absorb the carbon dioxide emitted by humans, animals, cars and factories.

After Llamedo‟s talk, the school children were taught by Philippine Information Agency Cebu Infocen Manager Rachelle Nessia strategies on becoming an environmental advocate.

“We are all stewards of the government and we have a lot of ways we can show our concern and make our stand known by utilizing social media,” Nessia said.

Nessia taught them the use of a cellphone‟s camera to make simple videos of their good environmental practice.

“It can be short clips of your programs, tree planting, waste segregation, or anyone you know in the barangay who contributes to the well being and protection of the environment,” Nessia said.

She then posed a challenge to the students to create simple videos and to submit this to PIA and DENR and win prizes by December.

The students also made their respective selfies and groupies in the photo booth and were

encouraged to Like the Facebook page of PIA-Cebu in order to receive more updates on the cause.

Naga City Mayor Valdemar Chiong in his message relayed by Garry Cabotaje, the information officer said, the City is supporting the program assuring that the administration is all out in going after violations made by industries against the environment.

Barangay Cantao-an Captain Vicente Aruba was also present and assured he will also help in nurturing the newly planted seedlings.

Evangelina Largo, school head, thanked PIA and DENR for choosing the school to kick off the environmental campaign.

She was the first to make known her efforts for the environment which include cleanliness and protection of the plants.

PIA-Cebu and DENR is targeting 10 schools before the year ends for the Campus Caravan. Next in line is in Awihaw National High School in Toledo City and in Pinamungahan National High School in Pinamungahan town. (mbcn/FCC/PIA-Cebu)

Police notes crimes hike, where spike is BY: REY ANTHONY H. CHIU TAGBILARAN CITY, Bohol Sept 28 (PIA) — Crime incidents in Bohol increased by 61 cases in August, or from 651 in July to 712, reports from Camp Dagohoy revealed.

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t the recent provincial Peace and Order Council (PPOC) Meeting held at the Conference Room of Camp Dagohoy, Police Superintendent Gil del Prado however said, the slight increase in total crime volumes can be attributed to the increase in non-index crimes.

In a comparative data between index and non-index crimes in July and August, police statisticians revealed that August non index crimes spiked with 42 cases over July‟s 253 cases recorded.

Index crimes here in Bohol for the month of August recorded 19 cases over the 398 cases in July.

A spike in non-index crimes always shows that police are now not anymore waiting for crime reports before acting up to solve the problem.

They are proactive against crimes, showing themselves on the streets and actively campaigning against special laws, a police officer explained.

Index crimes are mostly crimes against persons and property and are willfully pursued by criminals that the gross lack of police manpower could aggravate the situation.

Non-index crimes however are those mostly against drug possession, drug raids, reckless driving resulting to homicide, serious physical and less serious injuries. With more police visibility, or more proactive police action can curb the commission of these crimes, police added.

On crime types in August, Bohol is still bugged by theft, which is one case over July which had 162, five less cases of physical injuries at 129, and 10 more cases of robbery at 76.

Other leading crimes included carnapping at

17, rape at 11, murder and homicide at both 8.

On these, Camp Dagohoy, through Col del Prado said they would sustain the conduct of province wide synchronized checkpoints utilizing all units in coordination with HPG and LTO as embodied in our LOI 32/2013 “Manman Kalsada”.

He also said Camp Dagohoy would be religiously implementing the Police Integrated Patrol System (PIPS) with emphasis on the newly adopted QUAD boundary checkpoint and revisit the proper procedures in conducting patrols.

Similarly, the cops would maintain the deployment of Provincial PNP Task Force to augment local PNP Units with criminality problems.

Finally, the PNP is expanding the ATAK9 (Adopt and Train a K9) program in other municipalities considered as drug entry points. (mbcn/RAC/PIABohol)

CENTRAL VISAYAS

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Dumaguete tourism stakeholders win at first Belfry Tourism Excellence Award BY: ROI ANTHONI B. LOMOTAN DUMAGUETE CITY, Sept. 28 (PIA) – Some outstanding tourism practitioners in Dumaguete City and in the province of Negros Oriental bagged recognitions during the first Belfry Tourism Excellence Awards held Saturday at the Provincial Convention Center.

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he awarding ceremony for best tourism practices was part of the 1st Belfry Tourism Convention organized by the City Tourism Council in line with the celebration of World Tourism Day on Sept. 27.

Awards were given to different tourism institutions and practitioners for providing excellence in different fields of services.

Bethel Guest House was the recipient of Outstanding Accommodation Establishment Award and front office personnel Jo Anne Catacutan won Outstanding Front Office Person.

The Outstanding Travel and Tours Operator award went to Orient Wind Travel and Tours while Pearl Delicano received the Outstanding Tour Guide award.

The Outstanding Transport Operator award was also handed over to Quantum Deluxe Tour Services.

The Outstanding Customer Service (in Restaurant) was given to Gabby‟s Bistro while Lab-as Bar and Restaurant‟s specialty, the „Dumaguete Express‟ won the Outstanding Signature Dish award.

Also, the Tejero Highland Resort and Adventure Park in Valencia town was hailed as the

best business innovation in tourism.

Tejero Highland Resort and Adventure Park is a Private-Public Partnership project of PhilSouth Properties and the municipal government of Valencia.

Meanwhile, Individual awards were given to Dr. Prospero Absin for the Outstanding Tourism Practitioner for Arts and Heritage), Mr. Roy Cang, owner of Bethel Guest House for Outstanding Tourism Practitioner for Private and Business Sector and Ms. Glynda Descuatan for Outstanding Tourism Practitioner for Arts and Culture.

The winners received a trophy which resembled the „Campanario De Dumaguete‟ or the belltower beside the Cathedral of St. Catherin of Alexandria, which a famous landmark of the city.

Department of Tourism Assistant Secretary Arturo Boncato Jr. handed over the awards to the winners along with city and provincial officials.

Winners of this tourism excellence award take these recognitions as inspiration in offering quality service to local and foreign tourists. Some of them shared the awards to other people who also gave their efforts to help the province attain achievements in the tourism industry.

“Behind me are people who are members of

councils, members of councils who pioneered in festivals, artists, choreographers and event organizers. This award is not mine alone. This is for those who have the passion to make Dumaguete what it is today,” Descuatan said.

“I share this (award) to other industry partners, the transport drivers, the boat captains and crew, restaurant staff and waiters, hotel clerks and bellmen, you al deserve this recognition too. We are always thankful to the support of our city traffic and tourist police,” said Sanda Fuentes of Orient Wind Travel and Tours as she received the award for the company.

On the other hand, Dumaguete City Tourism Officer Woodrow Maquiling Jr. explained the Belfry Tourism Excellence Awards is the city government‟s way of giving gratitude and recognizing the contributions every individual and institution for a vibrant tourism industry in the city and in the province.

“We launched the first Belfry Tourism Excellence Awards, created to bring tribute to our stakeholders and frontliners in contributing to the robust tourism industry,” Maquiling said. (mbcn/ral/ PIA7-NegOr)

‗People‘s Climate March‘ to protect Mt. Talinis gains support

BY JENNIFER C. TILOS DUMAGUETE CITY, Sept. 27 (PIA) -- Dumaguete City has joined recently the largest ―People's Climate March‖ to demand actions addressing the issue of human-induced climate change.

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umaguete People's March co-organizer, John Lumapay said the march highlighted the call to stop the cutting of trees in Mount Talinis brought about by the expansion of the geothermal power plant of the Energy Development Corporation (EDC).

More than a thousand environmental advocates from Dumaguete City as well as in Negros Oriental coming from 30 organizations, composed of the academe, people‟s organizations, activists, artists, members of religious groups, and cause-organizations participated in the march around the city thoroughfares, recently.

“Elsewhere in the Philippines, there were also mass actions in Manila and Davao where the march also highlighted local environmental issues and efforts that call for transparency and concrete policy for the protection of forests from exploitation and the conservation of water systems,” said Zeph Repollo, Southeast Asia Coordinator.

The People's Climate March drew in around 400,000 people in New York City to express the urgent need for meaningful climate action.

There were around 2,700 actions around the globe, with marches in China, India, Senegal, Zimbabwe, Turkey, and South Africa, as well as in the streets of London, Mexico City and Berlin.

Repollo said the global community expressed support to the ongoing campaign to protect Mt Talinis, its biodiversity hotspot, its flora and fauna, and watersheds that are now threatened by the geothermal expansion plans of the Energy Development Corporation (EDC).

Moreover, 350.org supports the development of clean, safe, community-based, and decentralized Renewable Energy solutions that serves the best interest of communities in Negros Oriental.

Meanwhile, about 4,000 students in four public high schools in Dumaguete City are challenged to help combat climate change during the PIA-DENR series of “Climate Change School Caravan,” this week with the theme, “Nagbabago na ang Panahon, Panahon na para Magbago.”

Both PIA-7 regional director Minerva BC Newman and DENR Forester Sabina Silva explained on the importance of trees to mitigate negative

effects of global warming caused by climate change to students of Herminigilda F. Gloria Memorial High School, Dumaguete City High School, Junob National High School and Camnajac National High School in the first four schools caravan that started on September 23.

“Our Mother Earth is hurting, our Mother Earth is sick, due to mankind‟s repeated assaults and violations against our forest, rivers, airs, soil, lakes, and biodiversity,” Newman told the students.

Cutting of trees irresponsibly, improper throwing of trash, burning of waste materials, air pollution among others are some of the attacks against Mother Earth or which sooner or later resulted to a disaster to human lives, the DENR official said.

For his part, Dumaguete City‟s Environment & Natural Resources Office chief Rey Awayan urged the school children to practice waste segregation at home and in school to reduce the voluminous garbage dump at barangay Candau-ay dumpsite. (mbcn/JCT/PIA7-Negros Oriental)

COMELEC intensifies effort for youth to register on SK Central Visayas, Sept. 26 (PIA) -- The Commission on Election (COMELEC) intensified its efforts in the set Sangguniang Kabataan (SK) registration period from September 20-29 this year for youth to be involved in the SK election early next year.

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he COMELEC Memorandum for all regional election directors, provincial election supervisors, election officers and acting election officers in view of the implementation of the Resolution No. 9899 then urged COMELEC officers and employees to render Saturdays and Sundays overtime covering the registration period.

The said Memorandum mandated National Capital Region (NCR) and highly urbanized cities

COMELEC officers and employees to render overtime services from 8:00 am-5:000 pm on Saturdays, September 20 and 27, 2014.

COMELEC officers and employees in other areas are tasked to render the same overtime hours on Sundays, September 21 and 28.

The COMELEC Memorandum clarified that registration for regular voters shall continue within the said period but the reception of applications for registration of SK shall be given

priority.

Still in effect during this period is express lane for persons with disability (PWDs), senior citizens, and heavily pregnant women.

It is also stated in the same Memorandum that approved satellite registrations that fall within the SK registration period shall be reset to other dates. There shall be no applications for transfer of registration of the members of the Katipunan ng Kabataan. (mbcn/ays/PIA 7)

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BFAR-8 to celebrate 51st fish conservation week with blast TACLOBAN CITY, Leyte, Oct. 1 - The Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR), Regional Office 8 will treat the fisheries community to a more interactive and festive celebration of this year‘s 51st Fish Conservation Week on October 13-17 at the Activity Area of the Annex Building of Robinsons Place Tacloban.

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FAR-8 will hold a week-long photo and scale model exhibit which will showcase the rehabilitation efforts of the Bureau together with its partner international and local non-government organizations in rebuilding the fisheries sector through livelihood assistance initiatives to fisherfolks who were among the most, if not the most vulnerable to the onslaught of super typhoon Yolanda.

The exhibit is an avenue to commend the continuous operations of BFAR-8‟s rehabilitation banner program, AHON, and to recognize the firm unity with the private sector which has been very supportive in all rehabilitation undertakings.

On the 15th of October is a “Konsyerto

han Mangingisda,” a mini-concert which will be participated by registered fisherfolks around the region who will compete for the chorale and Siday contests.

The concert will also be graced by the country‟s renowned patriotic singer and song writer, Joey Ayala, who will serenade the audience with his famous hits.

The last day of the week-long event will be the awarding ceremonies wherein BFAR employees and partner NGOs will be given recognition.

According to Regional Director Dr. Juan D. Albaladejo, this idea was suggested by National Director Atty. Asis G. Perez who wants a joyous celebration to seemingly take a break from the hard-working days since the

AHON Program was launched.

Director Albaladejo added that this year‟s FishCon is one of the most remarkable fetes of BFAR-8 because it signifies a noteworthy reason to celebrate for – starting anew from the ravages of the world‟s strongest typhoon Yolanda.

With the theme “Sektor ng mga mangingsdang rehistrado at kinilala, kabalikat sa pagsulong ng pangisdaang masagana”, BFAR also calls for the intensified campaign of the ongoing program for Fisherfolk Registration.

The annual Fish Conservation Week Celebration aims to focus and emphasize the need for conservation and protection of coastal resources of the country. (BFAR-8)

OSYs, adults line up to board Van-Aralan BY: NINFA ILUMINDA B. QUIRANTE CATBALOGAN CITY, Samar, Oct. 2 – Some 711 out of school youths and adults have registered to learn computer operation in Catbalogan via the Van-Aralan.

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an-Aralan is a van with personal computers loaned by the AIHU Foundation to the LGU Catbalogan.

Mayor Stephany Uy-Tan entered into a memorandum of agreement (MOA) with Aihu President Alex Sy along with the TESDA-Samar Chief Rolando Juanillo.

“Studying and working using computer makes the work more efficient,” said Sy. Computer literates also are prioritized in jobs, he added.

“Take advantage of this opportunity, we are a knowledge based economy, your knowledge in computer is an addition to make you more attractive to employers,”

Juanillo also said.

Mayor Stephany Uy-Tan also recognized the need for her constituents to enter the digital age. She said that each computer course is worth P 5 to P 10 thousand but Aihu Foundation with the City government offer the course for free for those interested and committed to learn.

Friends Jhonalou Delgado and Renalyn Collantes are both in their teens, they have stopped schooling due to shortage of fund, the two are among those who lined up for registration.

Carmelita Aboganda, a market vendor who is also a mother joined the two OSYs, she too would like to learn

computer operations to reach her relatives abroad.

Thelma Ytom, a Day Care teacher also intends to join Carmelita in the three-week course. She said that after teaching the children, she would also want to learn about how computers make the world smaller.

Councilor Ernesto Arcales in his final message said.

“While in our time, we would hike hills, wade through rivers and sail dangerous waters to reach the school, now the school has come unto us,” referring to the van turned computer classroom that is called Van-Aralan. (jrc/ nbq/PIA 8-Samar)

DENR warns against open burning BORONGAN CITY, Sept. 29 (PIA) - Provincial environment and natural resources officer Arturo Salazar warned against burning of garbage in one‘s backyard or open burning, locally known as ―pagtap-ong,‖ as it is one of the causes of global warming and climate change.

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alazar said this during the Kapihan Para sa Kalikasan, a radio p rogram of t h e Ph ilip p in e Information Agency and the Department of Environment and Natural Resources aired over Radyo ng Bayan Borongan-DYES on Friday, September 26.

He also added that aside from effects on the environment, burning garbage is also against the law.

The Ecological Solid Waste

Management Act or RA 9003 prohibits open burning.

RA 8749 or the Clean Air Act also bans burning of garbage because the process leads to "poisonous and toxic" fumes as well as greenhouse gases which cause global warming.

He explained that when garbage is burned, it not only contributes to air pollution.

It will, in the long run contribute to

global warming and ultimately climate change.

Salazar emphasized the importance of waste segregation and proper waste disposal in mitigating the effects of climate change.

Also, he reiterated the other ways of protecting the environment like conserving energy and planting trees. (jrc/Medora Quirante/ PIA8 - ESamar)

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Youth leadership summit gains more peace advocates BY: NINFA ILUMINDA B. QUIRANTE CATBALOGAN CITY, Samar, Sept. 29 (PIA) - The youth leadership summit being conducted in Samar especially those out of school youth has gained more peace advocates according to LtCol Glenn Jun Calambuhay of the 43rd Infantry Battalion.

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he 3-day summit combines lecture, group dynamics and team building are all experiential in form, where the young people relate to topics such as the role of the youths in nation building, resolving violent issues and leadership development.

“We are also taught the deception strategy of the insurgents – so we know how to elude them,” said Biboy Arnejo from San Jorge town.

The youth are also given lessons on environmental awareness, early marriage, juvenile delinquency and even lectures on drug addiction.

“Those who attend are also considered youth for peace,” said Emy Bonifacio of the office of the presidential adviser on the peace process (OPAPP), one of the organizers of the summit.

Their energies will be diverted to more productive challenges as organizers plan to provide them with funds for livelihood which they themselves will propose through a workshop.

Lecturers come from different government agencies like the social welfare, drug enforcement agency, the police and some cause oriented groups like Junior Jaycees and

Waraya-a youth org for Warays.

The organizers also try to link the young people with other government and non-government entities supporting livelihood projects. “ We hope to prevent the recruitment of idle youth in armed groups which can risk their lives,” one army facilitator said about the project.

An army battalion commander told PIA-Samar that because of the series of leadership summits conducted to both in and out of school youth, recruitment by the insurgents has significantly dropped. (jrc/nbq/ PIA 8-Samar)

Fast-tracking of ports, airport dev‘t urged as dive tourism picks up MAASIN CITY, Southern Leyte, Sept. 29 (PIA) - No less than the Department of Tourism (DOT) Regional Director Karina Tiopes urged the province of Southern Leyte to fast track its port and airport developments as dive tourism in the province picks up.

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ccording to DOT RD Tiopes during the First Tourism Summit in Southern Leyte held Sept. 26 at Lourdes Convention Center, Maasin City, statistics showed that 14.6% of the total tourist arrivals in the region last year mostly converged at the dive sites located along the Sogod Bay area.

Sogod Bay dive sites has it all. Apart from being among the best place for dives, attracting thousands of foreign tourists from all over the world, while, it has

become the haven for underwater photographers, as well.

It has no lull season and can be visited all year round and equally important, the ease communication among the stakeholders in the community, it was learned.

Hence, RD Tiopes call for the improvement of ports and aiports in the province to position itself in the eventual influx of millions of dive enthusiasts from other countries.

Currently, the access of tourists in coming to the province takes too long and time consuming.

One has to take side trips to either Cebu or Tacloban, on top of three-four hours trips via land transportation beore reaching Southen Leyte.

Tiopes further diclosed that Maasin City Zoo in Danao, Maasin City and Zipline in Agas-agas are also among leading tourist destinations in the province. (jrc/esg/ PIA8 Soleyte)

NMP strives to get accreditation By: Consuelo B. Alarcon TACLOBAN CITY, Leyte, Oct.2 (PIA) – The National Maritime Polytechnic (NMP), the premier government-owned maritime training center of the Philippines located at Brgy. Cabalawan, this city is exerting all efforts in its bid to get an early accreditation from Maritime Industry Authority (MARINA) to continue with the maritime training courses previously offered by the training center.

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his, after the Maritime Industry Authority (MARINA) decided to suspend the conduct of maritime trainings effective September 22, 2014 while NMP is on the process of complying all the requirements needed for the accreditation to ensure a complete and effective implementation of STCW convention.

NMP OIC Executive Director Forter Puguon announced during the 3rd Quarterly NMP –Media Partnership Forum that they will not accept enrollees for the meantime while still waiting for the accreditation from MARINA as the single maritime administration responsible for the implementation and enforcement of the 1978 International Convention on Standards of Training, Certification and Watchkeeping (STCW Convention) for seafarers.

“What is being offered now are only faculty development courses or those

lecture-based that does not require simulators,” Puguon said.

Through the years since its inception in 1983 and its full operation in 1986 as a training center, NMP has never been accredited but when Maritime Training Council was established as the supervising agency, the board decided to have the accreditation under MTC but that was not implemented.

Hence, NMP filed for an accreditation but no inspection was made until Yolanda wrought havoc in November last year that severely destroyed the buildings, structures, facilities of the training institution.

When MARINA conducted inspection last August 2, 2014 it has advised NMP to fastrack the rehabilitation of the training center to effectively implement the International Maritime Organization (IMO) Convention in which the Philippines is one of the countries who ratified the convention.

With this development, Puguon asked the trainees to bear with the temporary inconvenience as they are trying to fix everything with a hope that as early as possible they can resume the maritime training courses.

He also explained that the move is a positive indication that the Philippines is an important supplier to the maritime industry in the world.

The IMO convention is being sought to be effectively implemented in order that seafarers who go on shipboard must possess competence to undertake the duties while on board the ship in order to promote and ensure the life and property at sea and how to protect the marine environment from the dangers posed by the shipping industry.

Of the 1.2 million seafarers that manned the ships over the world, 25% of the seafarers come from NMP. (jrc/cba/PIA-8)

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

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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. BaĂąares Lynnor C. Regalado Regional Offices: PIA 6, 2/F RC Building, Rizal St., Iloilo City, Iloilo 5000, Tel. Nos. (033) 337-8719/3377301/509-0993, Fax No. (033) 337-8719/509-0993, e-mail: r6_pia@yahoo.com/ piaamo6@yahoo.com PIA 7, Room 304, 3/F Machay Bldg., Garardo Avenue, Cebu City, Cebu 6000, Telefax No. (032) 232-4062/232-4126, e-mail: pia7_cebu@yahoo.com.ph/r7_pia@yahoo.com PIA 8, Childrenâ€&#x;s Park Compound, Sen. Enage St., Tacloban City, Leyte 6500, Tel. No. (053) 325-5124, Telefax No. (053) 321-2029, e-mail: pia_ev@yahoo.com/r8_pia@yahoo.com