One Visayas e-Newsletter Vol 4 Issue 29

Vol 4

Issue 29

In this Issue WESTERN VISAYAS

Chairman Francisco Duque calls on all civil servants in region 6 to ensure and give excellent service all the time to all stakeholders during the blessing and inauguration of its newly constructed annex building called „Gusali ng Mga Lingkod Bayani‟ at the CSC 6 Compound in Iloilo City, July 24.

(LAF/PIA6)

More on Region 6, pages 2-3.

CENTRAL VISAYAS

July 21 - 27, 2014

Published by: PIA 6, 7 & 8

NNC-7 urges veggie gardening for urban households BY: FAYETTE C. RIÑEN CEBU CITY, July 23 (PIA) -- Urban households are urged to plant their own vegetables in the backyard to complement food security for the family especially during emergency situations at the same time contribute to mitigating the impact of climate change.

Susan Orpilla, nutrition officer III of the National Nutrition Council (NNC-7), bared that household food security is the ultimate objective under the Philippine Plan of Action on Nutrition in order to improve nutritional status among Filipinos.

Orpilla said families with own access to vegetables can deal better in times of disasters as the National Nutrition Month celebration this July carries the theme “Kalamidad Paghandaan: Gutom at Malnutrisyon Agapan!”

Orpilla however, said the two major disasters that struck Central Visayas late last year namely the 7.2 magnitude earthquake and the super typhoon Yolanda might impact on the slight nutrition improvement among pre-school children in Region 7.

“Malnutrition prevalence rate among pre-school children in Central Visayas registered a decline from 5.92 percent in 2011 to 5.54 percent in 2013” said Orpilla during therecent forum of the Association of Government Information Officers (AGIO-7) that tackled the topic “Urban Greening for Better Nutrition, Nutrition in Emergency and Better Environment.”

Strong awareness and support to nutrition programs by local government units contributed to the slight improvement on the nutritional status among pre-school children in Central Visayas, said Orpilla.

But the nutrition officer said there is a need to aggressively campaign to eat more vegetables and fruits as a recent survey conducted by the Food Nutrition Research Institute showed there is a consumption decline of vegetables and fruits in the Filipino diet.

Anie Saavedra, urban agriculture coordinator of the Cebu City Agriculture Department (CCAD) said families without any adequate land to cultivate their own vegetable garden can make use

of any container, sacks or even water bottles where they could plant certain veggies like green onions and tomatoes.

Urban households in the city who wants to have their own veggie garden can seek help from the CCAD on how to start, said Saavedra.

Ronnie Jamola, focal person on reconstruction assistance for Yolanda of the Department of Agriculture-7 meanwhile, said planting veggies can also help mitigate impact of climate change as plants through their leaves absorb carbon dioxide, a greenhouse gas that enhances global warming ultimately leading to climate change.

“Let‟s do our share in reducing carbon dioxide emissions” so we can have a safer and healthier environment, said Jamola. (fcr/PIA -7)

A visit of PIA7 regional office staff and the AGIO7 members to the Mandaue City Vegetable Farm as part of an educational tour on urban greening focused on vegetable gardening for household food security and mitigating climate change impact. (PIA7)

World Bank pledges $62M fund package for Yolanda rehab

NGCP Visayas Systems Operations Head Raul Galano tells Cebu information officers that Clear Information is very important because unclear info creates speculation during the CAOCAMPIO Power Briefing with NGCP held in Cebu City, July 25. (PIA Cebu)

More on Region 7, pages 4-5.

EASTERN VISAYAS

TACLOBAN CITY, Leyte, July 21 (PIA) – The World Bank (WB) has pledged a funding package of $62 million for varied projects that would help in the rehabilitation and recovery of typhoon Yolanda affected areas in Leyte.

The pledge was conveyed by World Bank President Dr. Jim Yong Kim who together with Lilianne Ploumen, Minister for Foreign Trade and Development Corporation of the Netherlands and DSWD Secretary Corazon Soliman was here recently for an official visit..

He said that the $62 million funding Is expected to help typhoon survivors in terms of jobs and such projects as road and bridges.

Kim believed that the Philippines can be the next miracle in Asia. He promised to do everything he can to work with the government and the private sector to help make this happen and expressed the belief that this can happen with the cooperation of the Filipino people.

The three officials visited the “Bahay-Kubo-Kimchi Demonstration Farm”. The 5-hectare plot of land is joint a project of Korean Churches Consortium for Disaster Relief in the Philippines, the Philipine Bahay Kubo Movement and the local government unit of Palo. Kim and Ploumen conversed with locals who shared with them their stories during Yolanda while Sec.

Soliman acted as the interpreter for the beneficiaries of the project.

The party also visited the shelter program in barangay Pago in Tanauan. The shelter resettlement project aims to provide safe and sound shelters to typhoon victims, mostly from coastal barangays who lost their houses in the no build zone.

When Kim conversed with the people from Pago they said that they are more secure and safe to be living in the shelter, however they are also worried because they do not have a source of income. DSWD Sec. Soliman told the group that she will have a meeting with mayor Pelagio Tecson of Tanauan to focus on the livelihood projects for those living in the shelter.

The visit concluded at the school project site in Brgy Bislig in Tanauan. The project that involves construction of classrooms is part of the government recovery and rehabilitation of public infrastructures in partnership with Asian Development Bank through DSWD and Japan Fund for Poverty Reduction.

Kim after his visit to the three sites said that he learned of the many non-government organizationS and civil society organizations who are working for the rehabilitation and the deep commitment of the government of the Philippines in the recovery of the typhoon affected areas and the provision of help of many private sector companies. (AJC/Lizbeth Ann Abella/PIA-8)

WV unemployment rate dips

Conveners from the different sectors signed the Memorandum of Agreement for Adopt a Mangrove and Beach Forest during the launching of Climate Change Mitigation and Adaptation Advocacy campaign held at DENR CENRO Palo, Brgy. Candahug, Palo, Leyte, July 18. (Vino R. Cuayzon)

More on Region 8, pages 6-7.

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BY: LILIBETH A. FRENCH ILOILO CITY, July 25 (PIA6) - - Unemployment rate in Western Visayas fell by almost one percentage point this April, according to the Department of Labor and Employment 6 (DOLE 6).

Ponciano Ligutom, Regional Director of DOLE 6, said that unemployment rate in the region went down to 7.1 percent in April this year from 8 percent in April of last year.

Ligutom said the data showed that there are 238,000 people unemployed as of April 2014 as compared to 256,000 in April 2013.

He attributed the positive movement in the unemployment rate of the region to the ongoing construction projects noticeably in Iloilo City. Likewise he cited the presence of the Business Processing Outsourcing and the famous Boracay Island in the region that continue to generate employment.

“We have also big private and government projects ongoing.

The government has poured a lot of money in the region, for DOLE 6 alone, we have an available budget of P400 million this year,” said Ligutom.

Of the P400 million, Ligutom said some P78 million have already been released to fund various livelihood assistance projects under its regular programs including those approved proposals

under the Yolanda Reconstruction and Rehabilitation Program (YRRP) amounting to more than P49-million during the first half of the year.

DOLE‟s regular programs under the DOLE Integrated Livelihood and Emergency Employment Program (DILEEP) include Grassroots Participatory Budgeting (GPB), previously called Bottom up Budgeting (BuB) and Tulong Pangkabuhayan Sa Ating Displaced/ Disadvantaged workers (TUPAD).

For the first half of this year, the number of funded projects under the DOLE‟s regular programs almost doubled as compared to the same period in 2013. Ligutom said that as of June this year, DOLE 6 has approved and funded 65 proposals with total cost of P28,863,332.36 as compared to only 37 projects amounting to P17,550,896.00 last year.

A total of 5,251 workers in the informal economy, the unemployed and displaced workers, parents of child laborers, sugar workers, rebel returnees and vulnerable sector workers will benefit from the 65 approved proposals.

Ligutom again encouraged local government units to submit viable project proposals so that the remaining funds will be utilized before the year ends and to further boost employment generation in their respective areas. (JCM/LAF-PIA6)

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WESTERN VISAYAS

CSC opens ‘Gusali ng mga Lingkod Bayani’ BY: LILIBETH A. FRENCH ILOILO CITY, July 24 (PIA6) - - Civil Service Commission Chairman Francisco Duque led on Thursday the inauguration of the ‘Gusali ng mga Lingkod Bayani’ at the newly constructed annex building of the CSC regional office here.

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uque said the new structure which was built in 2013 at the cost of P9.9 million is part of the journey of transformation being undertaken by the commission in pursuit of excellence especially in the area of learning and development which is one of its most important Human Resource and Organization Development initiatives.

Gratified by the physical transformation, Duque did not forget to remind CSC 6 employees that “it is never enough you are housed inside a very beautiful building because what is more important is what is being offered inside this very beautiful building.

And of course, you have to make sure

that all the learning opportunities, all the HROD knowledge that can emanate from the CSC benefit all our civil servants,” said Duque.

Located on the groundfloor of the three storey building is the Learning and Development Center which will serve as training hall and venue of other Human Resource activities of the agency.

On the second floor, are housed the Office of the Assistant Regional Director, Management Services Division and Human Resource Division while on the third floor are the Policies and System Evaluation Division and Anti-Red Tape (ARTA) unit.

As stated in the marker, CSC 6 Director Rodolfo Encajonado said the building was

named “Gusali ng mga Lingkod Bayani” in dedication to men and women who have shown unconditional commitment to government service and have driven the CSC towards its vision of being Asia‟s Center of Excellence for Strategic Human Resource and Organization Development.

Lingkod Bayani refers not only to awardees of the agency‟s Honor Awards Program and Program on Awards and Incentives for Service Excellence but also to those state workers (Lingkod Bayan) who have performed their jobs well, providing efficient and effective service to their clients and stakeholders, said Encajonado. (JCM/LAF/ PIA6)

Segregate garbage or face flooding-DRRMO BY: LORENZO O. LAMBATIN JR. NEGROS OCC. July 25 (PIA6) -- Flooding in the city would worsen if residents do not practice garbage segregation.

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acolod City Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office-OIC Rufino Alcala said water ways in the city have become constricted causing flood in some streets even due to a moderate rain.

Given the situation, further flooding could result if people continue to throw garbage wherever they please.

Alcala appealed to the public not to consider creeks and canals as dumpsites because the resulting consequence will go back to the city in the form of a big calamity that will disrupt normal life and eventually

hurt the economy.

Recent canal and „estero‟ cleaning activity showed plastics are among the items that clog canals preventing continuous flow of water.

Canals have become shallow having small absorption capacity that cause overflow during heavy rains, he pointed out.

He also appealed to barangay leaders not to allow illegal structures as it also impede water flow.

Alcala clarified he has no intension of scaring the public on the resulting flooding

from indiscriminate throwing of garbage but it is an objective assessment based on actual observation of the city‟s drainage system.

Efforts are now pushed to unclog and clear canals in the 61 barangays of Bacolod as other solutions are studied. Education on the Solid Waste Management is high on the list.

“If we start to practice correct garbage management, others will just follow. It is time to change,” he said. Alcala was recently guest at the PIA radio program over Radyo Kumando 103.1 FM (JCM/Lljr.-PIA6)

Antique assures support to PWDs BY: PILAR S. MABAQUIAO SAN JOSE, Antique (PIA) - - The local officials of the province assured their support to Persons with Disabilities (PWDs) during their provincial gathering recently held in San Jose in observance of the National Disability Prevention and Rehabilitation Week.

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overnor Exequiel B. Javier and his son Congressman Paolo Javier of the Lone District of Antique likewise committed their support to PWDs. “We are trying our best to capacitate you so that you can live a normal life, so don‟t lose hope,” Governor Javier said.

This year the Provincial Government has appropriated P2 million for the operations of Provincial Disability Affairs Office (PDAO).

Under the leadership of Amy Dava as PDA Officer, this office takes care of the needs and concerns of PWDs, he said.

Antique is the first province in the country to create a PDAO Office as mandated under Republic Act 10070 otherwise known as

an Act Establishing an Institutional Mechanism to Ensure the Implementation of Programs and Services of PWDs in every province, city or municipality.

Governor Javier also said they have provided funds for the PWD's livelihood activities and scholarship programs.

"Take the case of the San Jose Association of PWDs", he said, "the Provincial Government has constructed a building intended for the fabrication of prosthesis.

This project is in partnership with Philippine General Hospital (PGH), however, we need a technician to be based in the province to be trained by PGH, so that artificial arms and legs will be fabricated here".

In terms of sustainability the elder Javier assured that next year more funds will be given to this sector.

Congressman Javier on his part emphasized that PWDs should be given access to education, livelihood opportunities, health, employment and other services of government.

Congressman Javier likewise said, he will find ways so that government could allocate more funds for your livelihood, employment, education and other concerns.

This year‟s celebration of NDPR week carries the theme “ Talino at Panindigan nga Taong may Kapansanan: Pasaporte sa Kaunlaran”. (JCM/PSM/ PIA6-Antique)

WESTERN VISAYAS

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Iloilo gets P133.6M for farm-to-market roads BY: LEONARD T. PINEDA I ILOILO CITY, July 22 (PIA6) --- The Iloilo province received the most number of completed farm-to-market road (FMR) projects in Western Visayas with a total budget allocation of P133.6 million, according to the Department Agriculture (DA)-6.

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n a media release, the DA-6 reported that the P133.6 million was utilized in the implementation of 38 FMR projects in the province.

The DA said another P38 million was used to fund eight other projects in Iloilo City.

The project in the municipality of Igbaras received the biggest allocation involving the concreting/improvement of Barangays Barasan-Igtalongon-Pinaopawan-Bagcay-Passi FMR that has a length of 1.8 kilometers.

The FMR project was implemented by the local government unit of Igbaras.

According to DA-6, a total of P352.6 million worth of FMR projects have been

completed as of June 30, 2014.

The projects were implemented in Region 6 from 2012-2013.

The province of Negros Occidental received P46 million for its 14 FMR projects; Capiz got P52 million for 24 implemented FMR projects; Aklan with P46 million for 15 FMR projects; Guimaras with P 23.5 million for 13 FMR projects; and Antique which received P3.5 million for 2 FMR projects.

The highly urbanized city of Bacolod in Negros Occidental also received P10 million for the concreting of Barangay Cabug FMR that has a length of 1.29 kilometers.

Farm-to-market roads are priority

projects of the DA Regional Office 6 under Regional Director Larry Nacionales to provide access to farmers in bringing their products to the markets and thereby address poverty in landlocked areas of Western Visayas.

Republic Act No. 8435 otherwise known as the "Agricultural and Fishery Modernization Act of 1997 AFMA" mandated the construction and upgrading of FMRs. This is one of the priority infrastructure interventions with significant impact in increasing agricultural productivity and reducing losses by Filipino farmers. (JSC/LTP -PIA6 Iloilo)

Capiceños gear for disaster preparedness BY: JEMIN B. GUILLERMO ROXAS CITY, Capiz, July 24 (PIA6) – Capiceños are becoming more alert, prepared and cautious to mitigate the impact of disaster.

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apiz Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (PhiVolcs) head Ramil Atando said that the people here have become more proactive against disaster such as fire, flood and earthquake.

Atando said that the request for disaster orientation and conduct of drills by barangays, schools, offices both public and private, including hospitals, is an evidence that the public is vigilant about the realities brought about by calamities both natural and man-made.

He said that while government frontline offices in disaster preparedness such as PhiVolcs, Bureau of Fire Protection, PAGASA, among others, were the ones that used to

coordinate and offer their advocacy expertise to the stakeholders, the scenario has already reversed as more requests are being received by said agencies through the Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office of Capiz and the Capiz Association of Government Public Information Officers.

Atando and the rest of the members of the PDRRMO-organized speakers‟s bureau are members of the Philippine Information Agency-led CAGPIO. The PDRRMO, PIA and CAGPIO are teaming up for the climate change advocacy and disaster preparedness orientation and drill being conducted in schools, barangays and

municipalities as well as government and private entities in the province.

On the other hand, PDRRMO head Esperedion Pelaez, who is also the CAGPIO president, said that disaster preparedness should take a big percentage in reducing the risks brought about by disasters such as flood, fire, earthquake, landslide, which could be summed up because of the experienced climate change.

He said that the supertyphoon Yolanda experience has really contributed much to the appreciation of Capiceños of the importance of disaster preparedness through continuous information and education campaign. (JSC/JBG -PIA6)

Aklan PWDs told to register BY: VENUS G. VILLANUEVA KALIBO, Aklan, July 24 (PIA6) -- Persons with Disabilities (PWDs) in Aklan who have not yet registered in their respective municipalities should do so now in order to avail of benefits and privileges.

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his reminder was issued by the Provincial Social Welfare and Development Office (PSWDO) as the nation observes this month of July the National Disability Prevention and Rehabilitation (NDPR) Week, through the sector‟s focal person, social worker Libny Inocencio.

Inocencio said the importance of the PWDs‟ registration was emphasized more during the aftermath of Typhoon Yolanda when the PSWDO required a list of PWDs per municipality for the distribution of aid to this sector.

The call was answered by long lists of PWDs per municipalities submitted to the office, with new names never seen before in records of the PSWDO. In order to be

counted and be able to enjoy privileges and benefits, PWDs should have themselves registered at their Municipal Social Welfare and Development Offices (MSWDOs) to be issued IDs. Before they register however, they should consult first with their Municipal Health Officers (MHOs) to assess their physical condition if they are indeed suffering from disabilities. Once armed with IDs, PWDs can enjoy 20% discounts in transportation fares, medicines and groceries.

In Aklan, PWDs also enjoy 20% discount in their hospital bills at the Dr. Rafael S. Tumbokon Memorial Hospital (DRSTMH) when they get confined.

An Aklanon PWD, once he or she dies, will also be provided P2,000.00 burial benefit

by the provincial government.

Inocencio said the province has currently more or less 4,000 PWDs, but this number is expected to swell once if others who are not counted register themselves in their areas.

Meanwhile to accommodate the concerns of Aklan PWDs and to have somewhere specific to go if they have concerns in Kalibo, the provincial government of Aklan, headed by Governor Florencio T. Miraflores, early this year inaugurated the Provincial PWDs Affairs Office structure right in front of the Provincial Capitol Building. The structure, Inocencio said, has an accessible conference room, an office, a comfort room and a receiving area for the province‟ PWDs. (JCM/VGV PIA 6 Aklan)

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CENTRAL VISAYAS

Prov’l convention of PWDs caps NDPR week celebration BY: LEANDRIA P. PAGUNSAN DUMAGUETE CITY, July 23 (PIA) -- The Federation of Persons with Disabilities (PWDs) Negros Oriental Chapter convened at the Lamberto Macias Sports and Cultural Complex yesterday for the provincial convention of PWDs in observance of the 36th National Disability Prevention and Rehabilitation (NDPR) Week from July 17-23, 2014.

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he activity is a culmination of the weeklong celebration where PWDs from the different cities and municipalities in the province gathered and presented their talents in a singing competition and intermission numbers.

Singing competition winners were Roland Ferolino from Sta. Catalina who won 1st place, while second placer was Edward Velardo from San Jose and third placer Dory Yunting from Dauin.

Board of Judges were Ramon Benedicto of

the Provincial Public Employment Services Office (PESO) as chairman and members Alberta Abrio of the Provincial Social Welfare and Development Office (PSWDO) and Adoree Trasmonte of the Provincial Treasurer‟s Office.

To cap the whole day activity, PWDs Bobby Bacud and Chary Songcayaon sang a duet after which awarding of prizes were given to winners of the singing competition.

Ryan Joseph Fontelo, Negros Oriental PWD Federation president, gave the closing remarks

thanking all his fellow PWDs for their cooperation and participation in the one-day convention.

Fontelo also encouraged other PWDs who have not yet registered to come out and be part of the organization and re-integrate themselves back in the mainstream of society.

He also thanked the sponsors of the event and other stakeholders for the opportunity and recognition given to PWDs. (lpp/PIA-7/Negros Oriental)

DOH-7 commits to contribute efforts to disaster preparedness, mitigation BY: AMOR Y. SALUDAR Central Visayas, July 23 (PIA) ---- The Department of Health (DOH-7) pledged to be on top of any measure to mitigate health crisis in times of disaster.

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uring the Association of Government Information Officers (AGIO-7) forum, head of the health emergency management, Dr. Expedito Medalla said that the agency exert efforts on giving trainings, basic first aid, basic life support and other basic medical attention needed to mitigate health risk during disasters to health workers, barangay tanods, local barangay officials, local chief executives.

Medalla added that DOH has just done conducting trainings in the municipality of

Tuburan, Cebu and Ubay, Bohol.

“All LGUs must learn on the preparations in terms of health during disasters,” he said.

Medalla added that part of the training is the giving of information on what to do during disaster and measures to intensify preparations not to experience health crisis during disaster.

He also stressed that aside from preparing the public and the LGUs on what to do to prevent worst health situation during disaster, the DOH-7 also prepares measures to prevent

disease outbreak in times of disaster.

Medalla said that in case of big disasters DOH will focus on health, water and sanitation, psychosocial and nutrition.

“DOH 7 is prepared for the implementation of preventing disease outbreak during disaster.

It is equipped with free medicines to be distrobuted to the affected areas," Medalla said.

He also advised health centers to prepositioned medicines in any case disaster hit their areas. (mbcn/ays/PIA7)

Meaningful commemorative program marks Bohol’s 160th Foundation Day BY: ELVIRA C. BONGOSIA TAGBILARAN CITY (PIA) -- A meaningful commemorative program marked the province’s celebration, July 22 of the 160th anniversary of Bohol’s founding as a province attended by provincial officials and representatives from the various sectors of the community at the Bohol Cultural Center wherein Boholano heroes who fought for the freedom not only of the province, but also of the country were honoured.

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ramed paintings of Sikatuna, Tamblot, Salazar, Dagohoy and Garcia were ceremonially installed in their places of honor near the stage.

Bohol‟s 1st Congressional District Representative Rene Relampagos delivered a message highlighting the achievements of the Boholano heroes.

President and CEO of PLDT Napoleon Nazareno with provincial and city officials as well as PLDT and SMART executives formally launched Bohol‟s Fiber Optic Network connecting the province to PLDT‟s domestic fiber optic network.

Nazareno, a Boholano by blood, launched the P700-million fiber optic network in Bohol, a 300 km fiber optic system running from Cebu to Misamis Oriental.

This connects Bohol to the PLDT nationwide digital fiber optic network that will provide more reliable and resilient high speed internet through fiber as a backbone of high speed internet, which literally allows information to travel at a speed of light.

Through this project, Bohol makes a bigger leap in opening its doors to the information and

communications technology industry, bringing more progress and development.

Bohol Gov. Edgar Chatto in his message highlighted the Boholano‟s resilience amid calamities, emphasizing how the Boholanos positively worked together to recover from the October 15, 2013 magnitude 7.2 earthquake that rocked Bohol and damaged major infrastructure.

The governor said the takeoff of projects such as the New Bohol Airport, New Provincial Capitol, New Gov. Celestino Gallares Memorial Hospital, the Albur Sanitary landfill, and the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas proved the resiliency of the Boholonos.

Chatto also reported NEDA‟s announcement of Bohol as best performing province in poverty reduction.

The 2012 NSCB revealed 30.6% poverty incidence, 6% lower since 2009, thus removing Bohol from the list of poorest provinces.

Part of the event is the giving of the Governor‟s Award to the oldest living public official Pedro Samuya.

Similarly, the “Father of Bohol‟s Tourism Development” was awarded to Atty. Anos Fonacier, while the award for Business/Enterprise

was given to Richard Uy, Chairman of the First Consolidated Bank (FCB).

Tagbilaran City Mayor John Geesnell Yap II was also present and introduced the guest speaker, Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the People‟s Republic of China to the Republic of the Philippines, His Excellency Zhao Jianhua.

The ambassador mentioned during his speech that the Chocolate Hills and the Loboc River and of course the province itself, is popular among Chines people.

He also extended his condolence to those who lost friends and relatives during the earthquake last year and congratulated the Boholanos for their resilience after the disaster and the progress so far.

The ambassador is optimistic that more Chinese tourists will visit Bohol in the near future. He also expects that more projects in agriculture will be implemented by China and Bohol.

His Excellency Zhao Jianhua also mentioned that the Chinese government will continue to support the sisterhood relationship between Bohol and a province in China. (mbcn/ecb/PIA7 -Bohol)

CENTRAL VISAYAS

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OCD-7 to form HACC on disaster response BY: FAYETTE C. RIÑEN CEBU CITY, July 22 (PIA) -- The Office of Civil Defense (OCD-7) as chair of the Regional Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (RDRRMC-7) will create a technical working group to form the Humanitarian Assistance Coordinating Center (HACC) mainly responsible for the immediate emergency response in times of disasters.

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he HACC, once member-agencies are determined, will meet to discuss the policies, guidelines and SOPs in disaster response during times of emergencies.

This surfaced in the conclusion of the three-day Humanitarian Assistance and Disaster Response (HADR) Simulation Exercise recently undertaken by the OCD-7 and the Armed Forces of the Philippines - Central Command participated by over 50 representatives from different regional line agencies, local government units and non-government organizations.

Such activity was undertaken aimed at strengthening coordination, networking and partnerships among regional line agencies, emergency responders to include the military forces and non-government organizations in synchronizing steps in delivering humanitarian assistance and disaster response immediately

following a crisis.

OCD Deputy Administrator Director Romeo F. Fajardo in a brief visit told participants that after the Yolanda tragedy, the national government has formed 13 clusters that will focus on specific areas like response, evacuation, health and search and rescue and retrieval operations.

“The United Nations has created 11 clusters in disaster response. We added two more making the total clusters at 13 in order to make delivery services more specific,” said Fajardo.

Fajardo said the 13 clusters are still being finalized of which one of them is the search and rescue and retrieval operations or SARR which will be headed by the Department of National Defense – Armed Forces of the Philippines.

“We have seen the huge efforts of the

military even before Yolanda struck” and how they were indispensable in the relief operations with their military resources like sea and air assets and even up to this day, the AFP is still helping in the rehabilitation phase, said Fajardo.

Fajardo said government agencies in the national level will hold the National Disaster Response Plan with a similar simulation exercise on July 31 and August 1 as he expressed appreciation that Central Visayas did it first.

AFP-Central Command Commanding General Lt. John John Bonafos on the other hand, said “the participating of agencies is very critical for synchronization so we can prepare better in case of emergency situations.”

The activity was just one of the series of activities that highlighted the annual observance of July as National Disaster Consciousness Month. (mbcn/FCR/PIA-7)

PHL tourism stakeholders prepare for ASEAN integration CEBU CITY, July 19 (PIA) – The Tourism Congress of the Philippines (TCP), the national organization of tourism enterprises created by virtue of the Tourism Act of 2009, embarked on a series of consultative workshops on the ASEAN integration, July 19-20 at the Marco Polo hotel in Lahug, Cebu City. his is the first of a series of Industry (DTI). the Visayas region. nationwide consultative meetings The USAID Advancing Philippine The other speakers include B/gen Rodante dubbed as “Tourism Integration Competitiveness or COMPETE Project Joya of CAAP, former NEDA Secretary Briefing and Consultative Meeting.” supports the activity.

Cielito Habito and currently Chief of Party of TCP President Rosanna Tuason-Fores said Fores said, the ASEAN integration will the USAID TRADE project, and Dr. Mario the ASEAN Tourism Integration „Briefing and have more impact to smaller and Lamberte, former President of the Philippine Consultative Meeting‟ aims to contribute to medium enterprises not only in terms of Institute of Development Studies and of the the preparation of the Philippine Tourism competitiveness but also in terms of ADB Institute in Tokyo and now Team Roadmap for AEC 2015 and Beyond, in manpower.

Leader on SME Access to Financing of the support to the ASEAN initiative.

“With the opening up of the market, will USAID-COMPETE Project.

The key objectives of the consultative we be able to compete with our more ASEAN groups the Philippines, meetings are to increase the awareness advantaged neighbors?” she asked.

Indonesia, Thailand, Malaysia, Cambodia, level of the implications of the economic According to Fores, this is just some of Singapore, Vietnam, Laos, Myanmar and integration to tourism enterprises particularly the issues that will be looked into in these Brunei. the small and medium enterprises; to series of consultative meetings.

The ten member countries will establish a identify market access opportunities for There is a need to mitigate any adverse single market economy by 2015 to attract business in the Philippines and other ASEAN effects brought about by the integration,” more investments and facilitate intra-ASEAN economies.

Tuason-Fores stated. trade and investments.

Fores added that the series of consultative DOT assistant secretary Rolando Canizal The next consultative meetings will be meetings seek to come up with important discussed the regional and Philippine initiatives held on July 23-24 at the Waterfront Hotel in inputs to the roadmap of the Philippine in relation to the ASEAN Strategic Tourism Davao City; August 12-13 in Clark, Pampanga Tourism in AEC 2015 and Beyond that is being Action Plan 2011-2015. and will end in Manila also sometime in jointly prepared by the Department of Tourism Asec Canizal emphasized on the need to September. (mbcn/PIA7/with reports (DOT) and the Department of Trade and enhance connectivity to and from and within from AHTE/USAID-COMPETE)

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PSA-NSO to hold 7th National Workshop on Civil Registration BY: LEANDRIA P. PAGUNSAN DUMAGUETE CITY, July 19 (PIA) -- The Philippine Statistics Authority-National Statistics Office (PSA-NSO) will sponsor the 7th National Workshop on Civil Registration (7NWCR) on August 5-7, 2014 at Waterfront Hotel, Lahug, Cebu City with the theme "Ikaw at Ako Tungo sa Wastong Pagrerehistro".

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he workshop aims to provide a venue for exchange of ideas and sharing of experiences for the city/municipal civil registrars, mayors, members of the judiciary and other stakeholders.

Relevant topics that will be discussed to include civil registration to our development partners, role of civil registration on health,

implementation of RA 9048 and RA 10172 and the value added service being offered by the PSA-NSO. A registration fee of P 3,000.00 will be collected from the participants to defray cost of venue, food and convention kits.

For further inquiries, please contact Ms. Editha R. Orcilla, Chairman, Program and

Invitation Committee at telephone number 926 -1075 or through email address at E.Orcilla@census.gov.ph.

You may also inquire from Negros Oriental Provincial Statistics Office,at telephone number 422-4372 or through email address nsonegrosoriental@yahoo.com.(mbcn/ lpp/PIA-7/NegOr/NSO NegOr)

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EASTERN VISAYAS

DENR, PIA in EV launch climate change advocacy campaign By: Consuelo B. Alarcon PALO, Leyte, July 20 (PIA) – The Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) and Philippine Information Agency (PIA) in Eastern Visayas officially launched the climate change mitigation and adaptation advocacy campaign recently at the Provincial Environment and Natural Resources Office in Brgy. Candahug, Palo Leyte.

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he activity aims to intensify public awareness on climate change, the most pressing environmental challenge that is facing the world today.

DENR Regional Executive Director Leonardo R. Sibbaluca together with PIA Deputy Director General Virgilio DC. Galvez as represented by Ms. Aurora J. Casimpan, led the launching of the advocacy campaign.

Along with the launching was the signing of the memorandum of agreement (MOA) between the DENR and the PIA Offices in the region, to signify their strengthened advocacy efforts and other interventions on climate change adaptation and mitigation.

A pledge of Commitment was likewise manifested by the participants who were representatives of the national government agencies, academe, students,

media, local an d in tern ation al non-government organizations, private/ business sector and the cooperatives and other sectoral representatives showing their support and commitment to the campaign.

With the significant activity, it is expected that people‟s perception would improve particularly on their roles in environmental protection. (GTT/CBA/ PIA-8)

300 new permanent homes eyed for Yolanda survivors in Tanauan, Leyte BY: CONSUELO B. ALARCON TANAUAN, Leyte, July 24 (PIA) – More permanent homes are to be built for 300 families made homeless by super typhoon Yolanda in the Municipality of Tanauan, Leyte.

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his was learned recently from Tanauan Mayor Pelagio Tecson following the ground breaking ceremony of the SOS Primetown Housing Project in Brgy. Pago, this municipality.

The ground breaking ceremony signifies the immediate start of the construction of the housing project.

Mayor Tecson said the project is the fourth relocation site in said municipality which will be sponsored by SOS Villages International.

He pointed out the need to relocate

the survivors to a safer ground so homes can more effectively withstand the country‟s all-too-frequent typhoons in the future.

A total of 1,500 permanent homes are targeted to be constructed for Yolanda survivors in Tanauan, Leyte.

Out of this number, 1, 200 are being constructed by the national government through the National Housing Authority (NHA) in partnership with the Gawad Kalinga, 50 of which have already been turned over to the beneficiaries.

Along with the ground breaking

ceremony was the signing of the memorandum of agreement between the local government unit of Tanauan led by the mayor and SOS Children‟s Villages President Siddhartha Kaul.

Tecson also emphasized that this move is in line with the thrust of the national government to build back better in Yolanda affected areas.

The Municipality of Tanauan is seen as one of the hardest hit municipalities where more than 1,000 persons died when Yolanda struck last November 8. (GTT/CBA/PIA-8)

LTO reminds PUV drivers to accommodate PWDs

By Alice Nicart BORONGAN CITY, EASTERN SAMAR, July 22 (PIA) – Public utility drivers were reminded of their compliance with Batas Pambansa 344 or the Accessibility Law, providing among others, mobility of persons with disabilities (PWDs).

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his was said Tuesday by Land Transportation Office (LTO) Provincial Head, Ms. Narcisa M. Tabarnero over Radyo ng Bayan DYES. According to her, it is highly unlawful for drivers not to take PWDs as passengers as stated in Section 2 of BP 344.

She added that the law provides further that failure to transport PWDs, would mean penalty of P50thousand for the first offense, P75thousand for the second offense and P100thousand for the third offense plus revocation of permits.

Moreover, under the LTO Program, buses must provide PWDs five seats near the entrance and exit of the bus while other utility vehicles should reserve two to three seats for PWDs. However, if there is no sitting PWD in the seats provided for them, it can be occupied by a physically normal passenger, but again, should there be an incoming PWD, the same seat should be vacated in his favor.

Ms. Tabarnero also mentioned that these spaces for PWDs in public utility transports should be marked with stickers, which must be prominent inside

the vehicle for PWDs to immediately identify their specified seats.

As of now, she said, LTO awaits for DSWD to issue the stickers and once they are supplied with those, they will immediately mark the still unmarked seats of PUVs. July 17-23 is devoted to the observance of PWD week, when all institutions are encouraged to hold programs to raise the public‟s awareness level and too, support the cause of PWDs who should have equal rights and opportunities.(PIA-Eastern Samar/aen)

EASTERN VISAYAS

7

A passion for reviving forests By: Marcelo M. Pedalino MAASIN CITY, Southern Leyte, July 24 (PIA) -- Long before talks of climate change or global warming hugged the headlines, a man with passion for creating jungles out of barren hills and mountains had started the fight of his lifetime, which is planting trees.

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eet Southern Leyte Governor Roger Mercado. He was governor for the first time since last year, 2013. But before this gubernatorial post, he was Congressman representing the lone district of Southern Leyte over the last two decades, with brief interruptions.

His passion for planting trees, however, had no interruptions.

And so over the last two decades, he has been preaching the gospel of tree planting, living what he preached, and preaching what he lived for.

Every year on his natal day without fail, the celebration will not be complete without a trek to the mountains in this city, and all well-wishers would do well, and would be greatly appreciated, to greet him with dirty hands, literally, meaning they had planted their share of seedlings.

Aside from his birthday, any significant event for an office in the city, province, and national levels, caught on with fire in the action -driven advocacy that he started which was, and is, well, tree-planting.

Over time, many of those who joined the regular tree planting activities wore T-shirts depicting the man in action of planting a tree, emblazoned with the message that proclaimed “One Man, One Tree, Can Make a Forest.”

The wearing of T-shirt itself carries a subliminal message: count me in as an avid supporter of this man-tree-forest thing.

So from one man, it goes for two men, then three, four, five, tens, hundreds, thousands . . .

The once brown, cogon-infested heights along the barangay Bogo mountain ranges in this city, the area often made the annual site for the tree planting activities joined by

students, employees, and other concerned individuals and groups with similar foresights, is now teeming with greeneries.

Acasia mangium species of trees, among other tree species, their heights reaching more than an average person‟s tall, dominated the landscape as far as the eyes can see, a tangible testament to the consistent efforts of one man that infected others as well like a welcome virus or a raging wildfire.

“Only God can make a tree,” author Joyce Kilmer wrote in a poem aptly titled “Trees.” No doubt about it.

But one man planting one God-made tree can certainly produce a man-made forest in the long run, nay, in the near future -- and within his or her lifetime at that, for added bonus.

Certainly, the Almighty will not envy such initiative. (mmp, PIA8-Southern Leyte)

NNC ends Nutrition Month with Summit By: Marivic A. Alcover TACLOBAN CITY, Leyte, July 21 (PIA) – The Philippines is known to be prone to calamities and this usually results to hunger and malnutrition among the areas hit by the disaster.

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elative to this, to be able to give adequate focus on nutrition in times of calamit ies, t h e National Nutrition Council (NNC), ACF International with the support from the UNICEF will be holding a Nutrition Summit on July 31, 2014 at the Leyte Park Hotel, Tacloban City.

Expected participants to the whole day activity are the Municipal Mayors and the Municipal Nutrition Action Officers in the whole province of Leyte.

NNC reported that the conduct of the Nutrition Summit is for the culmination of the celebration of the Nutrition Month this July.

Centered on the theme “Kalamidad Paghandaan, Gutom at Malnutrisyon Agapan,” the Summit aims to uphold interventions in addressing the nutrition needs of the Filipino people.

Topics to be covered during the discussions will center on nutrition in times of emergencies, nutrition in

the first 1,000 days of a child‟s life, and nutrition as an economic and development issue, among others.

Likewise, several nutrition campaigns will be presented to aid the participants in their advocacy in the dissemination of nutrition security.

The organizers of the Nutrition Summit believe that the local government leaders will be effective and instrumental in the success in meeting the nutrition needs of their constituents. (PIA-8)

ES submits P10.6B budget for rehab, recovery to OPARR BY: ALICIA E. NICART BORONGAN CITY, Eastern Samar, July 22 (PIA) - After a series of long and tedious compliance with required documents, Governor Conrado B. Nicart, Jr. has finally submitted the final copy of the Provincial Recovery and Rehabilitation Plan to the Office of the Presidential Assistance on Recovery and Rehabilitation (OPARR).

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t is costing a total of P10.6 billion, so said Provincial Agriculturist, Mr. Regalado Opena, who informed media recently through DYES. According to Opena, OPARR Secretary Ping Lacson assured them that the funds will be downloaded to the province before the month ends, as they await only for the signature of His Excellency President Benigno S. Aquino III. The P10.6B Rehab and Recovery Fund which will be implemented until 2016 will be budgeted as follows: P3.2B for

infrastructure projects, P2.8B for resettlement, P1.3B for Social Services, and P3.3B for Agriculture, Livelihood and Industry.

Mr. Opena informed further that Eastern Samar is also fortunate to be one of six provinces in the country that will benefit the $57 million fund for Food Sufficiency Program of Philippine Rural Development Program.

Its share will be implemented in the nine most ravaged communities by “Yolanda”; these are Guiuan, Mercedes,

Salcedo, Quinapondan, Giporlos, Lawaan and Balangiga.

A reliable source likewise disclosed that OPARR approved in principle the proposed construction of a P25M Evacuation Center which will be constructed on top of a mountain near the capitol building.

Th e n ewly bu ilt Provin cial Gym served as one of the four Evacuation Centers in the city before and after "Yolanda". (PIA-Eastern Samar/ aen)

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