One Visayas e-Newsletter Vol 4 Issue 40

Vol 4

Issue 40

In this Issue WESTERN VISAYAS

Climate Change Quiz Contest Winners: Rhealyn Bartolome and Marriel Labios (2nd from left) students of Col Ruperto Abellon National School receive Certificate of Recognition and Cash Prize of P5,000 from PIA Manager Margie L. Gadian (center) as First Place Winner of the PIA-DENR Climate Change Contest held in San Jose Antique on Thursday. With them is their Coach Gregorio Magbanua (extreme left). The activity hopes to heighten the awareness of students about the climate change mitigation and adaptation campaign and mobilize their sector to take part in the said endeavor. (PSM/PIA6Antique)

More on Region 6, pages 2-3.

CENTRAL VISAYAS

October 6 - 12, 2014

Published by: PIA 6, 7 & 8

RDC7 endorses Bantayan wilderness area plan BY: RIZALIE A. CALIBO SIQUIJOR, Oct. 8 (PIA)--The Central Visayas Regional Development Council (CV-RDC) in its full council meeting in Siquijor province recently endorsed the Bantayan Island Wilderness Area General Management Plan (BIWA-GMP) crafted by the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR-7).

This was made following unanimous approval of the island‟s Protected Area Management Board (PAMB) and endorsement of the Provincial Development Council (PDC) of Cebu earlier.

The GMP which classifies areas in the island into a multiple use zone and strict protection zone will serve as a tool to de-establish the declaration of Bantayan island as a wilderness area after it was ravaged by Typhoon Yolanda, the resolution reads.

Bantayan Island is classified as a protected wildlife area under Presidential Proclamation 2151, signed by then President Ferdinand Marcos in 1981. The Presidential Proclamation prevented such areas from becoming alienable and disposable.

One of the RDC‟s recommendations was to request

Congress to lift the wilderness and protected area status of Bantayan Island so that settlements could be reconstructed and rehabilitated and commercial activities resume after Typhoon Yolanda ravaged the island.

The BIWA-GMP defines the strict protection areas of Bantayan Island for mangrove areas, water lens or water-recharge area, and sea turtle nesting sites, all of which are more than 596 hectares.

This leaves more than 10,000 hectares of the island open for various uses such as agriculture, agro-forestry, livelihood activities and recreational tourism.

But investments and reconstruction efforts would go to waste if the island remains in the wilderness and protected areas status, the RDC resolution said.

The RDC-Economic Development Committee (RDC-EDC) in its resolution passed during its full council meeting at Salagdoong Beach Resort, Maria, Siquijor recently, supports and recommends RDC endorsement of the GMP to the DENR Secretary and to the House of Representatives to fast-track approval and implementation. (mbcn/RAC/PIA7-Siquijor)

Candle lighting to mark Year-I of „Yolanda‟ TACLOBAN CITY, Leyte, Oct. 6 (PIA) – Close to 50,000 participants are expected to join the Candle Lighting Ceremony on November 8, as Eastern Visayas marks the first year of “Yolanda” devastation.

The 24-kilometer stretch of lighted candles will be spotted from the Daniel Z. Romualdez (DZR) Airport down to barangay Nula-tula to the north, including the major city streets.

“This is not a procession though," clarified Mr. Jeff Manibay, organizer of “One Tacloban”, a non-government initiative that aims to ensure that the memories of “Yolanda” victims and casualties will always be remembered.

“Instead, barangay folks will just have to stand-up by the roadsides of their streets, get ready with their candles lined up on the ground and await the radio announcements, for the signal when to start lighting each of the candles,” Manibay explained.

Manibay, who operates a local TV station, lost his parents to the killer typhoon with more than 6 thousand

others.

In a brief coordination conference at the Tacloban City Hall recently, Manibay informed that local radio stations will start broadcasting the event at 3 p.m. The anchors will update the public on the sequence of events as well as advisories.

“That is why we encourage the participants to bring their transistor radios so they can be updated with the on-going activity, one after the other,” Manibay said.

“For the specific hour, electricity will be switched off, and aside from the lighted candles seen by the sides of the major city streets, the public can also expect floating candles around the coast of the city as well as flying lanterns with lighted candles,” he added.

“One Tacloban” likewise organized the same candle lighting ceremony when the 40th day of “Yolanda” victims reached last December 17, 2013. More than 10-thousand were reported to have joined in that particular memorial. (PIA-8)

from Western Visayas will serve as ambassadors of goodwill and help strengthen the ties between Japan and the Philippines.

This, after taking part in the Japan-East Asia Network of Exchange for Students and Youth (JENESYS) 2.0 Program for Mass Media Batch 3 implemented from September 29- October 7, 2014 in Tokyo, Chiba, and Hokkaido, Japan.

The JENESYS 2.0 Program is a project advanced by the Japanese government from the standpoint of providing a sound foundation for strong solidarity within Asia through large-scale youth exchange.

Jeffrey Ballaret, a JENESYS 2.0 student participant and faculty of West Visayas State University (WVSU), said that the program with the aim of creating romantic solidarity among students and youths globally has resulted in intensified relations in the region.

During the nine-day program, the students were provided the opportunity to actively take part in activities including courtesy call to local officials, student interaction in universities, visits to prominent places such as historical sites, museums, companies, sports facilities, among others, and homestay.

The delegates crafted action plans to further promote mutual understanding, friendship, and trust based on firsthand exchange with Japanese students and local residents.

the JENESYS 2.0 program is already a feat and being able to contribute even just a little in promoting the good relations of two countries is a big achievement.

Rachelle Etino, a Journalism student from WVSU, said the most impressive characteristic of the Japanese is that they are able to easily embrace changes brought by the advanced technology yet they still delicately preserve their traditions.

The JENESYS program, conducted by Japan International Cooperation Center (JICE), invites approximately 6,000 youths from overseas to Japan every year with a view towards promoting mutual understanding and friendship with Japanese youths and citizens. (JSC/ LTP-PIA6 Iloilo)

Gov. Edgar Chatto (R) receives the new reading books from Australian Ambassador to the Philippines H.E. Bill Tweddell (center) and The Asia Foundation Country Director Steve Rood (L) during the turn-over of over 40,000 new reading books to 250 public schools throughout the Province of Bohol recently at the Bohol Cultural Center in Tagbilaran City after the launch of the Abot-Alam program, WV students help strengthen Japan-PHL ties thru JENESYS supported by the Asia Foundation and the By: Leonard T. Pineda I Meanwhile, Pauline Mission, a Communication student Australian Government. (mbcn/ecb/ ILOILO CITY, Oct. 9 (PIA6) ---Twenty three students from St. Paul University Iloilo, said that being a delegate to PIA7-Bohol)

More on Region 7, pages 4-5.

EASTERN VISAYAS

Agriculture department 8 regional information officer Romeo Delmo (center) invited individuals to join the on-the-spot poster making contest for the first commemorative anniversary celebration of typhoon Yolanda victims, November last year. The invitation was aired live over DYVL Aksyon Radio during the program on climate change, “Nagbabag-o Na an Panahon, Panahon Na Para Magbag-o.” (Vino R. Cuayzon)

More on Region 8, pages 6-7.

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Student delegates from Western Visayas show their certificates for having successfully completed the Japan-East Asia Network of Exchange for Students and Youth (JENESYS) 2.0 program for mass media during the closing ceremony held at Tokyo International Exchange Center in Japan. (LTP/PIA-Iloilo)

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WESTERN VISAYAS

WWF study results on ‗urban corridor‘ known soon ILOILO CITY, Oct. 7 (PIA6) – The results of the study on identifying an ―All-Weather Urban Corridor‖ for Iloilo City will be presented during a multi-sectoral presentation slated October 13 at Diversion 21 Hotel in Mandurriao district here.

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tty. Angela Consuelo S. Ibay, Head of the Climate Change and Energy Programme of WWF-Philippines which spearheaded the study said in a letter that the results were achieved through a series of coordination work using secondary data from various key agencies and generation of preliminary and final maps using Geographic Information Systems (GIS) and inputs and feedbacks from the partner agencies.

WWF-Philippines stands for World Wide Fund for Nature – Philippines.

An “All-Weather Urban Corridor” is a series of all-weather routes connecting one point to another. For example, a series of flood -free roads connecting the sea ports to the marketplace will ensure that the price of fish sold at Iloilo‟s public markets will not

ridiculously increase every time it floods.

A series of flood-free roads connecting the Airport to Iloilo‟s commercial areas makes it possible to do inter-island business despite the hard rains.

Ibay said the study seeks to minimize the effects of flooding being experienced by Iloilo City especially on the movement of goods and services and people and overall business operations.

Based on a briefer on the research project, the goal of the study is to identify existing all-weather routes, and help create public awareness on the existence of such, as well as ensure that whatever the weather situation Iloilo City is in, people can travel from East to West or from North to South.

The study is supported by the Yuchengco

Group of Companies with whom WWF-Philippines has partnered in 2012 to organize “LIga Para sa Klima” workshops involving 23 local government units including Iloilo City.

The activity provided a venue to discuss climate change issues and identify possible solutions. Flooding had been identified by all participating LGUs as a major climate change related issue.

Ibay said WWF-Philippines has been working as a national organization of the WWF network since 1997 and spearheads practical solutions to help the Philippines adapt to climate change, secure food and water sources, switch to clean sources of renewable energy and infuse sustainability into the lives and businesses of Filipinos.(WWF-Philippines/PIA6)

More DOH-6 personnel up for better health services By: Elsa S. Subong ILOILO CITY, Oct. 7(PIA6)—The Department of Health in Western Visayas said it is continuously beefing up health services in the region to serve the poor and the elderly.

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r. Marlyn Convocar, DOH regional director, said that the first thing the agency has focused on is to fill in the shortage of nurses in government hospitals, through the Nurse Development Program (NDP) Convocar said in a radio interview that they have hired 861 nurses so far.

The NDP, which was before called RN Heals, is a way of helping new nurses learn and earn within two years. She added that NDP aims to combat the exploitation of nurses,

through voluntary service wherein they earn nothing.

“DOH does not encourage nurses to work on voluntary basis. We don‟t even allow it,” Convocar said.

Meanwhile, the DOH has also hired 232 midwives and together with the nurses were deployed to rural health units and barangay health stations. With these nurses and midwives, Convocar said, the performance of the rural health units is given boost.

She said that for this year, DOH has hired 10 doctors and assigned to RHUs with no physicians.

The services of these doctors, midwives and nurses in rural areas can minimize infant and maternal deaths.

On the other hand, Norma Losanes, president of the Philippine Nurses Association in Panay, said that the NDP has helped much in filling up the shortage of nurses in government hospitals in the region. (JCM/ESS/PIA-Iloilo)

Aklan town to benefit from DA's poverty-alleviation program By: Venus G. Villanueva KALIBO, Aklan, Oct. 9 (PIA6) -- The municipality of Libacao has been identified as the lone beneficiary of the Panay Island Upland Sustainable Rural Development Program (PIU-SRDP) in the province of Aklan.

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ibacao‟s inclusion to the program was shared here during the joint Provincial Development Council and Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction Management Council meeting held recently at the Conference Room of the Provincial Guest House by Mira Talabong of the Department of Agriculture Region VI who briefed the council members and the officials of Libacao about the program.

According to Talabong, the PIU-SRDP aims to meet the upland communities‟ need for nutritious and healthy food and to give equal attention not onlyon increasing productivity but also towards enhancing sustainability, resiliency and promoting equity.

Talabong added that the program is founded on agro-ecological principles which recognize the multi-functionality of upland

agriculture considering its wide range of outputs and impacts on the environment, stakeholders and local economy.

Implementor of the program, Talabong added, will be the DA through its five banner programs in partnership with the Korean International Cooperation Agency (KOICA), the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR), the Department of Agrarian Reform (DAR), National Commission on Indigenous People (NCIP), Provincial and Municipal Government Units, Civil Society Organizations and People‟s Organizations.

The program targets to reduce poverty incidence in upland areas, increase income levels and amplify collaboration and ecological awareness of the rural farming sector.

Aklan Governor Florencio T. Miraflores, who, as PDC chair presided over the joint

meeting, said Libacao is very fortunate for being chosen as beneficiary of the program because this will help realize the good potential of the municipality.

For his part, Libacao Mayor Vincent Navarrosa expressed elation over the program for his municipality, which was approved for implementation by the council.

“This program will open the doors of Libacao for agri-tourism”, Mayor Navarrosa said.

Along with Libacao, other towns in Panay Island identified as recipients of the program are Alimodian in Iloilo, Tapaz and Jamindan in Capiz and Patnongon in Antique.

The program, Talabong said, will be implemented from 2016 to 2020. (VGV PIA6 Aklan)

WESTERN VISAYAS

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DENR: Brace for the impact of climate change By: Pilar S. Mabaquiao SAN JOSE, Antique, Oct. 9 (PIA6) - - With the recent occurrence of extreme weather events and rising sea level, there is no doubt that climate change is no longer a frightening scenario but a grim and unavoidable reality.

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ani Sardina, Administrative Officer of the Department of Environment and Natural Resources said that we need to raise a call for solidarity with all the islands of the world and work hand in hand with them to get our communities prepared.

Speaking before the students of various schools in Antique joining the Climate Change Contest organized by Philippine Information Agency and DENR she said, “we should understand that our state of environment is connected with food security, declining air and water quality, economic loss, biological diversity, climate change, and disaster risk reduction.”

She shared a study released by the Asian Development Bank that Southeast Asia faces a bleak future if governments don‟t act quickly to address climate change.

The study found out that Southeast Asia will be hardly hit by Climate Change, causing the region‟s agriculture-dependent economies to decline.

It also identified Indonesia, Philippines, Singapore, Thailand and Vietnam as the most vulnerable countries.

How we get people to act and get involved in this call for positive action, Sardina said. Communication, education and public awareness are crucial in promoting the

values of environmental protection and conservation.

In simple ways, she said we can do a lot like tree growing, waste minimization and segregation, recycling a n d c om p os t in g , p a r t ic ip a t i on t o environmental conservation program and engaging in the advocacy campaign.

In schools, we can raise the level of environmental awareness through sports, education and training, arts and culture, music and dances and other activities.

She enjoined the students and teachers to be counted as an advocate for environment.

(JCM/PSM/PIA6Antique)

More tractors for ARBOs in SNegros By: Easter Anne. D. Doza NEGROS OCCIDENTAL, Oct. 3 (PIA6) - - Eight more tractors were turned over by the Department of Agrarian Reform for Agrarian Reform Beneficiaries Organizations (ARBOs) in southern Negros a day after first eight units were also turned over to ARBOs in the north.

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his brings to a total of 16 units of long as the ARBs retain in their possession brand new 120-horse power Massey their landholdings and will not engage in Ferguson tractors each costing P5.9 pawning or leasing their awarded lands, more million. support services will be given to them,” The eight tractors turned over by DAR Taberna said.

Undersecretary for Support Services Rosalina Taberna added that DAR is even willing to Bistoyong together with Provincial Agrarian provide assistance to increase their production Reform Program Officer II Lucrecia Taberna and engage in agri-enterprise to help improve will benefit 12,757 agrarian reform beneficiaries their lives. covering an area of 9,247 hectares.

Meanwhile, Bistoyong told Taberna said this is just the first batch of farmer-beneficiaries that gone are the days the tractors and beneficiaries as she is when farmers are considered low-income optimistic more of these support services will individuals with low esteem, now, farmers are come for the ARBs. primary contributors to food security, like in “We at DAR hope that this will be Negros, farmer are major contributors to the extended to benefit the other ARBOs. For as country‟s export on sugar.

“DAR will train ARBs to become business entrepreneurs.

Use these tractors as instruments to raise your level of living.

More than anything else, it‟s the extension service; it‟s the business development service that DAR wants to provide for our ARBs so there is no reason for you not to increase production. So you are all millionaires in the making,” Bistoyong added.

The lead ARBOs who will group manage these tractors are General Malvar ARBs Multi-Purpose Cooperative, Nagasi Agrarian Reform Cooperative, Minoro-Isabela ARB Association and the Occidental Negros ARB Planters Association. *(JCM/EAD-PIA6 Negros Occidental)

11 exhibitors join product quality expo By: Alex A. Lumaque ROXAS CITY, Capiz, Oct. 9 (PIA6) – Eleven exhibitors joined the Consumer Welfare , Product Quality and Safety Standards Expo staged by the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) held this week at the Robinsons Place Mall here.

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he exhibitors are Robinsons Appliance Center, Dancorr Car Care Center, PSC Construction Inc., Amado Lim Enterprises Inc., Roxas City Solid Merchandising, Mansour Construction Supply, AM Builders, JECO Distributor Inc., Imperial Appliance Plaza and Mirola Hardware – Roxas City and Ivisan town branches.

DTI provincial director Ermelinda Pollentes said that the three-day activity was designed to increase awareness among business and consumers about mandatory products that affect life,

property and safety.

The various products on display include car tires and batteries, helmet, automobile lubricants, construction materials, electrical supplies and household appliances, among others.

For his part, Capiz administrator lawyer Jose O. Villanueva lauded the DTI initiative as he also underscored the importance of safety and security above comfort and style to avoid damages to lives and properties.

The opening ceremonies were also graced by Capiz Archdiocese Commission

on Social Communications and Mass Media head Rev. Fr. Emilio O. Arbatin, Philippine Retailers Association – Capiz chapter president Engr. Reubin Yap, Provincial Micro Small and Medium Enterprises Development Council chairperson Danilo So Chan, Philippine Chamber of Commerce and Industry – Capiz president Dale Bernas and exhibitors representatives. The expo is in line with the Consumer Welfare Month celebration with the theme “Sapat na Impormasyon: Susi sa Wastong Paggamit ng Enerhiya”. (JSC/AAL-PIA6 Capiz)

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CENTRAL VISAYAS

PIA-DENR team to tackle climate issues at Youth Summit BY: ROI ANTHONI B. LOMOTAN NEGROS ORIENTAL, Oct. 9 (PIA) – The climate change advocacy team from the Philippine Information Agency (PIA) – Negros Oriental and the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) provincial office will once again tackle the challenges as well as the appropriate response to this environmental problem at the three-day Youth Summit organized by the Department of Education (DepEd) – Division of Negros Oriental on October 17-19 in Amlan town.

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his is part of PIA and DENR‟s campaign for climate change adaptation and mitigation to youths.

DepEd Education Program Supervisor Adolf Aguilar mentioned that around 3, 000 student leaders from different high schools in 19 municipalities of Negros Oriental are expected to attend the event which will be held at Amlan Gymnasium.

The climate change advocacy team would like to impart to the participants the importance of taking proactive measures to avoid the negative effects of this on-going climate crisis.

These include planting of more trees that will absorb carbon dioxide, a primary greenhouse gas that pollute the atmosphere and proper waste segregation and disposal to lessen the emission of

methane and other greenhouse gas which comes from garbage.

DENR officers will also discuss the key points of National Greening Program (NGP) which is the government‟s solution to fight climate change.

Apart from informative discussions, there will be also giving away of t-shirts, school supplies and other prizes during the open forum and fun games portion for a more lively and enjoyable interaction between the climate change advocacy team and the students.

Recently, the PIA-DENR climate change advocacy team has concluded an 8-day school campus caravan to eight identified public high schools in Dumaguete City.

Participating schools in the recent school

caravan were Heremenigilda F. Gloria Memorial High School, Dumaguete City High Schools, Junob National High School, Camanjac National High School, Taclobo High School, Piapi High School and Negros Oriental High School.

Some 8, 000 combined students from the mentioned schools participated in the eight-day climate change school campus caravan.

The climate change advocacy team continues to emphasize to young people to change their bad habits and practice environmental protection measures in their homes.

Meanwhile, Aguilar also disclosed that DepEd-Negros Oriental has invited PIA Director General Jose Mari Oquiñena to give an inspirational talk on responsible environment stewardship and leadership to the participating school leaders. (mbcn/ral/PIA7-NegOr)

Siquijor gets half billion pesos share for infra, other projects BY: RIZALIE A. CALIBO SIQUIJOR, Oct. 9 (PIA) — Siquijor province gets close to half a billion share from the national budget for the various infrastructure and other development projects province-wide, reports representative Marie Anne Pernes of the lone district here. ernes bared this report as part of Allocations are also made for the water revenues and thousand employment her message while congratulating resource system of barangay Saguing, Maria opportunities.

Siquijodnons for the commemoration town.

Also included in her reports are the of the birth of Siquijor as an independent She said identification of barangays more than 1,000 scholars program province. continues so that more barangays will benefit under the Commission on Higher Education “The more develop the country or the from the various projects that she strives to (CHED); 14 million worth of budget given to province is, the healthier and stronger its implement in 2015. the (Department of Social Welfare and citizens become,” she said assuring Pernes also reported that she has sent a Development (DSWD) and the Department of Siquijodnons of a stronger effort to bring request to the Department of Transportation Health (DOH); DOLE‟s emergency development to the province. and Communication (DOTC) for the inclusion employment program; and TESDA‟s training “We have put together substantial of ports of Larena and Siquijor in the programs. government funding from the national development plans.

She assured to get more share from the government for the province,” Pernes Within the request, she said is the national budget and bring more development said citing that the bulk of these projects allocation of more than two million for the for the island province of Siquijor. a r e b e i n g i m p l e m e n t e d b y t h e improvement of Larena pier and more than Meanwhile, thousands of Department of Public Works and P20 million for Siquijor port.

Siquijodnons availed of the free services Highways (DPWH) in municipalities and in Renovation of the Cang-alwang airstrip is offered by the different national and local barangays. also worked out with representations being agencies during the Halad sa Katawhan at the Also citing the importance of made with DOTC for potential investors, Siquijor Capital Square, Siquijor, Siquijor. infrastructure for the province‟s economic Pernes said.

Initiated by the local government of development, she said good infrastructure She said the plans and programs will be a Siquijor, spearheaded by municipal mayor Mei facilitates the movements of goods, people and big boost to the economic development of the Ling Quezon, the activity was in line with the services that in turns bring development to the province especially tourism which is one of the town‟s celebration of the 42nd founding province. strengths and potentials for the source of huge anniversary.(mbcn/RACalibo/PIA7-Siquijor)

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LTO 7 to implement new plates for vehicles BY: AMOR Y. SALUDAR CEBU, Oct. 8 (PIA) ---- The Land Transportation Office (LTO) is set to implement the placement of the new design for plates both for motor vehicles and motorcycles on October 16, 2014.

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and Transportation Office (LTO-7) regional director Arnel Tancinco clarified that the implementation is only intended to motor vehicles and motorcycles registered from February 14, 2014 onwards.

“Enforcers will flag down vehicles without plates and ask the driver for the registration” Tancinco said.

He added vehicles caught without the plates

on the day of the implementation will be charged for violating Administrative Order 2014-01 and have to pay P5,000 as fine for every offense .

Tancinco clarified that even if this will only apply to newly registered vehicles, vehicles owners with the old plate design is required to have the new plates upon renewal of their vehicle registra-

tion.

About 41, 000 new plates that comprised of 14, 983 for motor vehicles and 26,000 for motorcycles are now at the office of LTO 7 ready for distribution.

Tancinco stressed that there will be LTO 7 personnel roaming around the region to monitor the implementation. (mbcn/ays/PIA7/AGIO 7 Forum)

CENTRAL VISAYAS

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DAR implements P33.2M worth ARCCESS projects in CV CENTRAL VISAYAS, Oct. 8 (PIA) -- The Department of Agrarian Reform (DAR) recently implemented P33.2 miilion worth of projects with Professional Service Providers (PSPs) for the agrarian reform beneficiaries‘ organizations (ARBOs) in Central Visayas.

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his developed after the signing of the memorandum of agreement between the DAR and the PSPs on Agri-Extension Services (AES), Business Management Services (BMS) and Progress and Process Monitoring (PPM) under the Department‟s Agrarian Reform Community Connectivity and Economic Support Services (ARCCESS) program.

DAR-7 regional director Stephen Leonidas challenged the service providers to improve the lives of the beneficiaries.

Leonidas explained that under ARCCESS projects, partnership would help ARCCESS beneficiaries undertake and manage effectively their agri-enterprises.

DAR provides support services that will help the ARBs become viable entrepreneurs.

The BDS is the capability building and technical assistance component that will help ARBs enterprises, and in their farm management and business operations.

Leonidas said the projects are under the ARCCESS program with contract price of P4.156 million to provide Agri-Extension Services for the six leading ARBOs in Bohol and P4.625 million for the 17 other ARBOs in Negros Oriental.

Leonidas said Siliman University would provide business development services with contract price of P6.93 million for 17 ARBOs in Negros Oriental and First Consolidated Cooperative Along Seaboards in Tañon Strait (FCCT) as service provider with P3.51 million contract price for six ARBOs in Bohol and P4.74 million for nine ARBOs in Cebu.

Leonidas added that Infoshare Management would implement the Progress and P r o ce s s M on i t o ri n g ( P PM ) p r oj ec t s systems with a contract price of P1.698 million for 6 sub-projects for 6 lead ARBOs in Bohol.

The All -Asian Centre for Enterprise Development Inc. (ASCEND Inc.) with a contract price of P2.52 million for 8 sub-projects for 9 lead ARBOs in Cebu.

Ateneo de Davao thru its Institute for Socio Economic Development Initiatives (ISEDI) for a contract price P4.052 million for 12 sub-projects for 17 ARBOs in Negros Oriental and P.963 million for 3 sub-projects for 10 lead ARBOs in Siquijor. (mbcn/PIA-7/with reports from Dir. Erlinda M. Manluctao/DAR)

40-day Climate Walk takes place from Luneta to Yolanda hit areas Central Visayas, Oct. 3 (PIA) ---- The Climate Change Commission (CCC) initiated the 40-day equivalent to 1000 kilometer by foot journey from Rizal Park, Luneta, Manila (Kilometer Zero) to Tacloban (Yolanda ‗Ground Zero‘).

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his kicked off October 2 also set as to combat and deal with climate change.

International Day of Non-Violence until This advocacy for Climate Change include November 8- the first anniversary when walking in the morning, and a „Climate Fair‟ in the Super Typhoon Yolanda devastated the Visayas afternoon-in the form of educational and creative Island. set up. Each town will be entrusted with a This will cross the San Juanico Bridge down Climate Resiliency Toolkits. to Tacloban City on November 8 the exact date In a press release CCC stressed that Yolanda devastated the area.

Climate Walk has set vision as a more just, fair, The Climate Walk then will proceed to equitable, and caring world. other areas hit by super typhoon crossing Its mission then is to build a global Ormoc, Northern Cebu, Northern Iloilo and movement that can open the eyes of world Palawan. leaders and governments on the reality of In a letter sent to Philippine Information inequity, poverty, and the planetary crisis.

Agency (PIA), CCC Commissioner Usec.

Specifically, the international call to action Naderev Yeb Saño said that as Climate Walk involves demanding all countries to finalise a fair, takes place participants will be interacting with ambitious, meaningful, and equitable global the communities and local government units to agreement on climate change by 2015. convey the message that preparation and The over all objective of Climate Walk is to building of resilient communities is needed so as drive momentum for grassroots social

action that would strengthen global public opinion on climate change and provide the push for countries to finalise a fair, equitable, ambitious, and durable new climate agreement in 2015 in Paris. This solidarity walk takes place in different parts of the world as many groups in cities around the world embark on solidarity walks with the Philippines.

CCC then anticipated that as the walk took place many more will join as this is envisioned as one of the most significant non-violent actions that highlight the ill effects and impact of climate change. Everyone is welcome and encouraged to participate in this act of unified actions against climate change.

F o r d e t a i l s , v i s it www.climatewalknow.com (mbcn/ays/PIA7/ Climate Change Commission/A Peoples‟ Walk for Climate Justice)

OCD-7 holds 4-day course to strengthen civil-military ties on disaster response BY: FAYETTE C. RIÑEN CEBU CITY, Oct. 3 (PIA) --- Over 40 participants from the military and government personnel graduated yesterday from the four-day Humanitarian Civil-Military Coordination Course undertaken by the Office of Civil Defense (OCD-7) and the United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (UN-OCHA).

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el Schmidt, civil-military coordination section officer of UN-OCHA based in the Philippines told the graduates composed of military officers mostly engaged in civil military (CM) operations from the Armed Forces of the Philippines-Central Command (AFP-CentCom) and representatives from regional line agencies and civil society groups that they are now “cadres” in CM coordination during a disaster response.

“This is a pilot course and based on the outputs, this course will further be refined for a similar activity to be conducted by November in Manila and Mindanao,” said Schmidt adding that such a course is tailored fit for the Philippine setting.

The coordination course was a joint undertaking by OCD-7 and UN-OCHA aimed at

enhancing inter-operability between the military and civilians during the response phase following a disaster.

The training was however facilitated by UN-OCHA. “After the training course in Manila and Mindanao, we will hand it over to the Philippine Government and hope that it could be integrated in your program,” said Schmidt.

OCD-7 Regional Director Olivia Luces said there is a need to enhance coordination among military considered as first-line emergency responders and civilians for an effective and coordinated delivery of immediate assistance to stricken communities.

AFP-CentCom Chief Lt. Gen. Nicanor Vivar meanwhile, said that with effective coordination results to better preparedness response.

What was stressed during the four-day activity was constant and essential dialogue and interaction among the stakeholders so that when emergencies occur, there is automatic action with concerned agencies knowing their respective roles.

Schmidt likewise gave emphasis on the clustering approach where one agency leads as coordinator for a certain cluster like health or search and rescue or emergency telecommunication with other member agencies from government, civil society groups and private sector. “We should not work in a parallel system but rather, we should work in a singular system,” where we all act as one in pursuit of a common goal which in the case of disaster response is the immediate aid and relief of affected communities. (mbcn/fcr/PIA-7)

EASTERN VISAYAS

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TACLOBAN CITY, Leyte, Oct. 6 (PIA) – A Commemorative Walk from the Magsaysay boulevard up to the City Hall Grounds will highlight the one-year memorial of super typhoon ―Yolanda‖.

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o informed Mr. Brando Bernadas of the city LGU, the very agency that spearheads the memorable program, assisted by the United Nations-Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (UN-OCHA).

One year ago come November 8, thousands of people perished and another thousands wounded in Samar and Leyte as the strongest typhoon hit this part of the country, thus the memorial activities, to give tribute to the resilient survivors and honor the dead who are considered “heroes”, as in the words of Derek Delgado of “Bugsay” Community.

Delgado, who is spearheading a “Bugsay” activity for the same memorial events, stressed, that the casualties of “Yolanda” should be called heroes because their death has spawn learnings here and abroad, that everybody, every nation must consider seriously by now, how to protect the earth.

A maximum of 50-members per

organization are invited to join the Commemorative Walk that will start at exactly seven in the morning.

During the walk, or at exactly eight o‟clock, a simultaneous ringing of church bells and sounding off of sirens are also expected for five minutes, then, the walk continues.

Afterwards, an Ecumenical Service will be held upon reaching the city hall grounds, then, a memorial service follows at the Holy Cross Memorial Cemetery.

Some 2,000 pcs. of candles will be lighted and flowers offered aside from a big wreath from Mayor Alfred Romualdez that will be visible in the site, with small flower arrangements from each city hall department In the coordination meeting held recently, Information Officer Bernardita Valenzuela urged everyone to remember the first year of “Yolanda” casualties.

Most Catholic families in the country observe the yearly death anniversary of their departed loved ones with mass intentions

and novena prayers, and according to her, the coming November 8 will be a big memorial event for lives lost to “Yolanda”.

She also informed that aside from the national press, foreign journalists are also coming over to Tacloban to document every single activity for the one year mark.

“That is why, this meeting is called for, to arrange each organizer‟s program one at a time, in order for media to be able to cover all the day‟s events”, Mrs. Valenzuela said.

A number of INGOs, UN-agencies, local and national government agencies, barangay officials, religious groups, media, including foreign practitioners and academe have signed-up their participation in the commemorative event. Rain or shine the walk will continue but should there be a typhoon signal, the Commemorative Walk will be suspended definitely and participants will have to content in simple ceremonies in a venue to be announced later. (PIA-8)

Tree planting marks Civil Service anniversary in Samar CATBALOGAN CITY, Samar, Oct. 5 (PIA) - Adding environmental impact in observance of the 114th Philippine Civil Service Anniversary, a tree planting activity was held in the towns of Tarangnan and Jiabong, Samar.

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his activity was participated by all government employees from the different agencies in the province.

With this year's theme, “Tapat na Serbisyo Alay Ko Dahil Lingkod Bayani Ako,”CSC envisioned to imbibe government employees the environmental consciousness and the significance of planting more trees in strategic places, according to CSC Samar provincial director Albert Uy. “This will inspire public servants to cross the line between being ordinary civil

servant to being servant heroes and environmentalist,” he added.

Catabalogan City Environmental and Natural Resources Office provided the seedlings for said activity.

CENRO Marcialito Torres said that about 600 participated in the tree planting; two hundred seventy individuals planted mangrove species in Maligaya, Jiabong, Samar while three hundred thirty participants planted narra, tuog, bayog and lauan in the hills of Balugo,Tarangnan,

Samar.

Torres said that the tree planting activity is aimed at arresting the ill-effects of climate change as trees help absorb carbon.

Also important is to rehabilitate the mangrove areas as man‟s activities have depleted them.

Mangroves are spawning grounds of fish and other marine species.

They also serve as natural barriers to the settlements during storm surges. (jrc/ Avha Ebalde/PIA 8-Samar)

TESDA-SoLeyte caters to TWSP scholars BY: REBECCA S. CADAVOS MAASIN CITY, Southern Leyte, Oct. 4 (PIA) – The Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA)-Southern Leyte awarded scholarship certificates to 25 beneficiaries for the Training for Work Scholarship Program (TWSP) in a ceremony held at Hinunangan Skills and Technological Center (HSTC), Hinunangan, Southern Leyte, October 1.

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ESDA administrative officer Jocelyn Gidal informed that the scholars will undergo five months training in Shielded Metal Arc Welding at HSTC. “TESDA will shoulder the training cost amounting to P10,000.00 as well as assessment fee in the amount of P500.00,” she told.

She added that the 25 awardees were chosen through the Community Training and Employment Coordinators (CTECs) that is composed of the local Social Welfare Office personnel from the different municipalities in the province.

“The scholars come from the Pacific towns of St. Bernard, San Juan, Anahawan, Hinundayan, Hinunangan and Silago,” Gidal

disclosed further.

During the awarding program, TESDA OIC-provincial director Rodrigo Lacaba presented the scholarship certificates to the beneficiaries assisted by scholarship focal person Alma Mesa, competency assistant Silvestre Paedlin Sr. and HSTC Chancellor Wilma Elivera. (jrc/rgc/PIA8 -SoLeyte)

EASTERN VISAYAS

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USAID turns over typhoon resilient school buildings BY: JONNIE H. BUENAVENTURA TACLOBAN CITY, Leyte, Oct. 4 (PIA) - The United States Agency for International Development (USAID) turned over two school buildings with ten classrooms each in Tacloban City National Agricultural School (TNAS) located in Barangay Bagacay, Tacloban City.

SAID Phillippines mission director and earthquake. local government of Tacloban focuses on Gloria Steele said that the two school She was amazed that typhoon-survivors building better government infrastructures that buildings donated by their agency can still manage to smile despite the are calamity resilient, he said. worth Php.17.5M was in response of the destructions to life and property, a remarkable Mayor Romualdez was thankful for the United States government to address the way among Filipinos, which make it unique genuine generosity and kindness of the USAID needs of typhoon stricken areas, specifically in among all human beings around the world, she and other international organizations for their Tacloban City, whose school buildings were said. untiring support to the people of Tacloban City damaged by super typhoon Yolanda in Tacloban City mayor Alfred Romualdez and other neighboring towns.

November last year. promised to maintain the structures donated The Tacloban City National Agricultural Director Steele further elaborated that by USAID. It is of general knowledge that School is a technical-vocational school with a this two school buildings are typhoon resilient whenever there is a storm everybody seeks for population of 650 students from grade 7 to 10. structures that can withstand strong typhoon safer shelter in the city, the reason why the (jrc/jhb/PIA-8)

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DOLE-8 settles work-related accident TACLOBAN CITY, Leyte, Oct. 4 - Stella Bus Liner manager Esteban Amoroto, appeared before DOLE-8 regional director Elias Cayanong to facilitate the P200,000.00 compromise payment for the hospitalization of its employee, Manuel Pazon, at the Philippine General Hospital. Bonifacio Pazon, the victim‘s father, received the initial payment of P100,000.00.

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itnesses revealed that the accident happened in May 9 in Culaba, Biliran while Pazon was assisting the mechanic in the repair of public utility vehicle.

The jack support unexpectedly listed and lost vertical balance, bringing the full weight of the vehicle on the employee‟s body and caused his spine to snap.

A Work Stoppage Order was consequently issued to the bus company and an Accident Investigation was conducted by Labor Laws Compliance officer Engr. Emmanuel Dela Cruz.

In the course of the investigation, the labor assessor discovered that the victim was not covered Phil Health and a non-SSS member, a clear violation on the part of the bus liner.

With the help of DOLE Med-Arbiter, Atty. Roy Buenafe, the victim will receive a monetary assistance of P200,000.00.

The last tranche or 50% of the monetary award will be released on November 3 with the employer‟s condition that Pazon be hospitalized at the Philippine General Hospital. DOLE will also extend livelihood assistance to the family of the victim who wished to have a motorized fishing boat.

Meanwhile the Employees Compensation Commission (ECC) assured parents of the victim-employee that it will help facilitate the hospitalization of their son in Manila.

The Employees Compensation Commission (ECC) is an attached DOLE agency which provides a package of benefits for public and private employees

and their dependents in the event of work -related contingencies such as sickness, injury, disability or death.

Regional Director Cayanong once reminded employers not to take the chance of skirting their responsibility in enrolling their workers in SSS, Philhealth and Pag-ibig.

“Apart from complying with the minimum wage, employers have to ensure that all their workers are enrolled in SSS, Philhealth and Pag-ibig.

Their compliance will not only spare them from legal battle to some extent, but it will prove to be advantageous rather than costly as it minimizes the burden of shouldering all the costs whenever work-connected happen,” says the regional head. (jrc/MTabanao/ DOLE-8)

Commitment of EV statisticians to reg‘l economic integration urged By: Consuelo B. Alarcon TACLOBAN CITY, Leyte, Oct. 9 (PIA) – Statisticians in Eastern Visayas were asked to unite and be part of the commitment to respond as the country geared towards globalization and regional economic integration between ASEAN countries starting next year.

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his is in line with the government‟s goal to become a highly competitive economic region in order to present ASEAN to investors in other regions as viable alternative to India and China as investment destination.

Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA) Interim Regional Director Raul F. Dones encouraged his fellow statisticians to be ready for next year‟s economic integration for this would demand for a timely, reliable and accurate statistics from the stakeholders, the economic planners and the policymakers, as the region celebrates the 25th National Statistics Month this October.

Dones added that with this year‟s theme, “NSM at 25 Years and Beyond: Solid and Responsive Philippine Statistical System in Support of Globalization and Regional Economic Integration” is very timely as the country prepares for the inevitable time in barely three months.

“To us statisticians, we have to be solid and responsive. Solid means strong, reliable, independent.

Responsive means relevant, consultative, accessible and dynamic in providing appropriate data and statistics to the stakeholders,” Dones added.

With the merging of four statistical agencies which was signed into law by

President Aquino last September 12, 2013, the Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA) envisions to have an effective and efficient professional workforce that optimizes resources to deliver minimum statistical products and services that support national development to achieve inclusive growth in the country and our country‟s competitiveness internationally.

The four statistical agencies are the National Statistics Office, National Statistical Coordination Board (NSCB), Bureau of Agricultural Statistics (BAS) and Bureau of Labor Employment Statistics (BLES). (vrc/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.

One Visayas e-newsletter is part of the online news and information dissemination services of PIA and is powered by www.issuu.com. For inquiries and suggestions, call Tel. Nos. (033) 3378719/3377301 or e-mail piaamo6@yahoo.com.

Ms. Minerva BC Newman Regional Director, PIA 7

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

Ms. Erlinda Olivia P. Tiu Regional Director, PIA8

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