One Visayas e-Newsletter Vol 4 Issue 51

Vol 4

Issue 51

In this Issue WESTERN VISAYAS

Major General Rey Leonardo Guerrero, Commander of the 3rd Infantry Division, Philippine Army, Hon Victor Tanco, Sr, Governor of Capiz and Police Chief Superintendent Josephus Angan, Regional Director of Police Regional Office-6 for the PNP signed the joint Declaration of a Peaceful and Ready for Further Development-Province of Capiz during a program held at the Hall of Governors, Capiz Provincial Capitol in Roxas City, December 23.

More on Region 6, pages 2-3.

Also CLICK Here…

CENTRAL VISAYAS

Mayor Manuel Sagarbarria led the distribution of the food packs during the SHARE-A-MEAL activity held last Saturday, December 20, 2014 at the Bureau of Jail Management and Penology, male and female dormitory with city social welfare office Carola Alquero. (PIA7)

More on Region 7, pages 4-5.

Also CLICK Here…

EASTERN VISAYAS

President Benigno Simeon Aquino III leads the ceremonial distribution of shelter-fixing kits and hygiene kits to beneficiaries from barangays in the City of Borongan affected by Typhoon Ruby. The distribution was held as part of the Early Recovery Program Launch held at the Capitol Gym in Borongan City on December 22, 2014. (DUM / MBQ PIA - 8 Eastern Samar)

More on Region 8, pages 6-7.

Also CLICK Here...

December 22 – 31, 2014

Published by: PIA 6, 7 & 8

WV best performing municipalities - Kalibo, New Luecena

ILOILO CITY, Dec. 25 (PIA6) --- The towns of Kalibo, Aklan and New Lucena, Iloilo were hailed as the ―best performing municipalities‖ of Western Visayas for 2014 in the Excellence in Local Governance Award (EXCELL) Awards of the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG)-6.

Kalibo, Aklan was awarded the best performing municipality for Category A or 1st-3rd class municipalities while New Lucena for Category B or 4th-6th class municipalities.

Both municipalities were also elevated to the EXCELL Awards Hall of Fame for winning the best performing local government unit (LGU) for three consecutive years in 2012, 2013, and 2014.

Kalibo was declared champion in three of five special awards namely Excel in Social Governance, Excel in Economic Governance, and Excel in Environmental Governance. It placed second in Excel in Administrative Governance and Excel for Valuing Fundamentals of Good Governance.

On one hand, New Lucena also won first place in three of five special awards namely Excel in Social

Governance, Excel in Economic Governance, and Excel in Environmental Governance. It placed second in Excel in Administrative Governance and Excel for Valuing Fundamentals of Good Governance.

According to DILG-6, Kalibo, Aklan has been outstanding in aligning its social, economic and environmental thrusts with its Disaster Risk and Reduction Programs through innovative projects such as the Multi-Threat Emergency Alerts and Technical System, Kabuhian sa Organic Farming and the Continuous Expansion of the Bakhawan Eco-Park.

Meanwhile, the municipality of New Lucena, Iloilo excelled and showed exemplary performance in serving its people which manifested through the quality of service delivery, economic stability and environmental awareness.

The EXCELL Awards has been recognizing the best performing LGUs in the region for the past seven years.

Launched in 2008, EXCELL puts emphasis on the outstanding accomplishments of LGUs in the field of governance, administration, social services, economic development and environmental management. (JCM/LTP/ PIA-Iloilo)

Gov‘t allocates P14M for Siquijor 4Ps scholars SIQUIJOR (PIA)—The national government through the Commission on Higher Education (CHED) has allocated some P14 million as study grants for the 234 slots for Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Programs (4Ps) beneficiaries in the province and are available at the Siquijor State College in Larena, Siquijor.

The program, according to CHED regional director Dr. Freddie Banal is funded under the ESGP-PA, also known as the Expanded Students‘ Grant-in Aid Program for Poverty Alleviation.

Banal lauded the program as one of the most beautiful programs that the national government ever created.

He said grantees are entitled to a maximum of P60,000 scholarship grant per school year.

This includes allocation for tuition fee, P20 thousand; textbooks and other learning materials, P5,000; and the remaining P35,000 as monthly stipend of P3,500 per month for the board and lodging, transportation, clothing, health/ medical needs, school supplies and other related expenses.

The program also makes sure that State Universities and Colleges (SUCs) partner extend all the needed support that guarantees completion of studies of the scholars for them to become productive workforce in the society.

Banal encouraged all the beneficiaries to do their part by giving their best in their studies. He also advised the parents to render full support to their children.

Requirements for the scholarship are as follows: identified as 4Ps beneficiary; not more than 30 years old at the time of application; must be physically and mentally fit; and has completed high school and/or equivalent.

He/She must not be covered by other higher education scholarship/grant from public institutions; must pass the entrance exam and academic requirements set by the leading SUCs. The applicants must pass the requirement set by the NSC; must enroll/shift/transfer for CHED accredited and priority programs preferably in the leading identified SUCs most accessible from their residence. (mbcn/RAC/ PIA7-Siquijor w/reports from IAAbatayo

PNoy launches early recovery program in ESamar TACLOBAN CITY, Leyte, Dec. 23 (PIA) – President Benigno Aquino III visited Ruby-hit areas in Eastern Samar where he led the launching of the government‘s Early Recovery Program for typhoon Ruby affected victims.

The early recovery package includes cash-for-work and provision of hygiene and shelter fixing kits.

A total of P113, 993, 600.00 cash for work funding for 29, 229 affected families was turned over to LGU-Borongan City (P68, 082, 300.00) and LGU-Dolores (P45,910,800.00) during the launching.

Aquino first arrived in the Municipality of Dolores, Eastern Samar where typhoon Ruby made landfall earlier this month. Later in the day, he went back to Borongan, City.

Upon arrival at Dolores gymnasium, the President was welcomed by the Doloresanons who were very eager to see him in person.

There, he turned over a check amounting to P45, 910, 800.00 to Mayor Emiliana P. Villacarillo followed by the distribution of shelter fixing kits and hygiene kits to the beneficiaries. The President also inspected reports of damaged structures in the area.

After a few minutes, he went to Borongan City. A warm welcome from the residents led by Governor Conrado B. Nicart Jr. ushered the President.

There, he turned over a check amounting to P68,082,800.00 to Borongan Mayor Maria Fe R. Abunda

where he also handed over shelter fixing kits and hygiene kits to the beneficiaries.

The President was accompanied by some cabinet members including Secretary Carlos Jericho Petilla of the Department of Energy, Secretary Corazon ―Dinky‖ Juliano-Soliman of the Department of Social Welfare and Development, Defense Secretary Voltaire Gazmin and Eastern Samar Congressman Ben Evardone.

Considering the enormity of damage brought by the typhoon to said LGUs, all affected families in Borongan City (17, 457) and Dolores (11,772) will benefit from the cash for work assistance for 15 working days. (ajc/cba/PIA-8)

President Benigno Simeon Aquino III hands over P68M check to Borongan City Mayor Maria Fe R. Abunda for the cash-for-work program that will benefit more than 17, 000 to be paid at P250 per day. (DUM / MBQ PIA 8 - Eastern Samar)

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WESTERN VISAYAS

MGB identifies 83 relocation sites for WV

By Elsa S. Subong ILOILO CITY, Dec. 27(PIA6)—There are 83 relocation sites which were assessed and identified by the Mines and Geosciences Bureau in the region.

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his is part of the parameters included in the preparation of the 1:10,000 scale geohazard maps, according to Engr. Mae Magarzo of the MGB. Magarzo said these sites are in three provinces in Western Visayas, namely, Aklan, 46 sites; Capiz, 19 and Iloilo, 18.

The results of the Geohazard Flood Rain-Induced Landslides Assessment are presented to the local government units concerned during the MGB‘s exit conference.

Magarzo said that they give lectures, present how the mapping was done, teach

the local officials how to interpret the maps and leave them copies of the results.

Engr. Leo Van Juguan, MGB-6 director said that the more detailed 1:10,000 scale geohazard maps can now guide the people at the barangay level and even the sitios, of the areas most susceptible to rain-induced flooding and landslides. ―We provide them a copy of the Flooding/Landslide Threat Advisory so they can be aware of the occurrence of such in their areas,‖ Juguan said.

He added that this will also help them in their respective disaster management

plan, showing not only when to evacuate, but the shortest way to their evacuation sites.

Juguan also said the threat advisory is meant to make the people aware of the options they can take in the event of heavy flooding in their areas. ―We have worked hard to complete the 1:10,000 scale geohazard map so we can distribute them next year,‖ Juguan said. ―We want everyone to be able to make an informed decision that can save lives in the event of calamities,‖ Juguan said. (JCM/ESS/PIA-Iloilo)

Long holiday break boosts Boracay tourist arrivals By: Venus G. Villanueva KALIBO, Aklan, Dec. 29 (PIA6) -- The long holiday break proved favorable for Boracay as visitors, both foreign and local, came in droves to spend the Christmas holidays there.

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n a radio interview over a local radio station here, Felix de los Santos of Malay Tourism Office said the number of tourists who visited the island doubled during the long Christmas break, causing the beach front to be overcrowded.

Arrivals are seen to swell further with the coming of the New Year as many

tourists, both foreign and local flock to the island to witness the year-end celebration there.

De los Santos said tourist arrivals in the island were affected by the travel ban issued by China to its people which rendered cancellations of hotel bookings in the island and the threat caused by Typhoon Ruby, nevertheless, from January up to the first two weeks of December,

visitor arrivals have already reached the 1.4 million mark.

The province of Aklan is targeting 1.5 tourist arrivals this year.

Leading in the list of foreign tourist arrivals in the island for the period, according to De los Santos, are the South Koreans followed by the Chinese and the Taiwanese nationals. (JCM/VGV PIA6 Aklan)

DTI monitors standards compliance of firecrackers, noche buena goods By: Pilar S. Mabaquiao SAN JOSE, Antique, Dec. 28 (PIA6) – The Department of Trade and Industry conducted a monitoring of firecracker products as to their compliance with Philippine Product Standards to ensure product safety particularly of firecrackers which are in demand during the New Year celebration.

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len Fernando, Trade and Industry Development specialist of DTI Antique, said that products sold in firecrackers designated areas in San Jose, Antique‘s capital town, have ICC and PS markings.

DTI has started monitoring the selling of firecrackers since December 23 at Trade town Dalipe, San Jose.

DTI also distributed list of certified firecrackers to guide the store owners as

well as customers on products that comply with the safety standards.

On the other hand, DTI also is closely monitoring the prices and supply of noche buena goods.

Fernando said that supply of noche buena items like ham, cheese, noodles/pasta, sauce, cream and other goods is sufficient and prices also follow the Suggested Retail Prices (SRPs).

We also appreciated the effort of the local dealers to ensure that supplies of these products are sufficient for the Antiquenos in celebration of Christmas and New Year, said Fernando.

DTI will continue to monitor local stores for noche buena items as well as firecrackers zones to ensure that Antiquenos are not taken advantage of by unscrupulous dealers this holiday season.

(JSC/PSM-PIA6 Antique)

WESTERN VISAYAS

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New modules to strengthen PopEd campaign By: Elsa S. Subong ILOILO CITY, Dec. 24(PIA6)—Books on Population Education have been given a new lease with the publication of PopEd Lesson Exemplars by the Commission on Population here.

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oseph Carillo of the Department of Health, serving as panellist during the launching forum, said that the familiar and comfortable language of the booklets make them understandable for young people and user-friendly for teachers.

He added that the availability of the health information in these books, should create a demand for services for young people, wherein the DOH should be readily responsive. Dr. Rovel Salcedo of

the Department of Education said that the Lesson Exemplars are much better than those previously published so the DepEd should continue collaborating with the Popcom for their use all over the region.

Former DepEd-6 Director Dr. Corazon Brown, who played a significant role in the development of the Exemplars, urged the schools to make full use of the books. ―I appeal to you, teachers, to do your share by learning and training on the

use of the lessons,‖ Brown said. The DEpEd has already endorsed the integration of the PopEd Lesson Exemplars in the subjects and are already part of the monitoring and technical assistance of the department.

The last PopEd modules were prepared in 1987 yet, making the current Lesson Exemplars more relevant, said Popcom-6 Information Officer Ma. Xenia Serio, who was at the helm of the project.

(JCM/ESS/PIA-Iloilo)

Climate Change may lower fish catch By: Lorenzo O. Lambatin, Jr. Bacolod City, Dec. 24 (PIA6)--The Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources has warned of reduced fishery catch due to the effects of Climate Change.

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n a report, BFAR research showed increased Carbon Dioxide (CO2), wastes, cause ocean acidification, potentially reducing fish and marine production.

Among the other impacts on fisheries are warm water species replace cold water species, plankton species moving towards higher latitudes, changing plankton composition; Shift in the distribution of plankton, fish and invertebrates, potential mismatch between prey and predator-disruption of food web and changes in sex ratio, altered time of spawning, migrations and abundance.

Overall impact would be reduced productivity across marine and freshwater system.

Sea level rise also results to loss of coastal fish breeding and nursery habitats, reduced production of and yield of coastal and related fisheries, coastal profile changes, loss of harbors and homes; Increased exposure of coastal areas to storm surges and cost of adaptation leads to reduced profitability Meanwhile, changes in ocean current increase invasive species, disease and algal blooms; changes in fish recruitment success that will all lead to reduced productivity of target

species.

The government has laid out plans to adapt to the situation by diversifying livelihood activities, precautionary management for resilient ecosystem and implementation of integrated and adaptive man agemen t, in tegrated coastal management and support to local management institutions.

The government is also looking at culture-based fisheries.

Specifically, it will use fast growing species, use of indigenous species, selective breeding for high temperature tolerant species, and improve efficacy of water usage. (JCM/Lljr-PIA6)

Capiz PNP campaigns for gun-free holidays By: Jemin B. Guillermo ROXAS CITY, Capiz, Dec. 23 (PIA6) – Firearms of the Philippine National Police in Capiz were muzzle- taped.

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apiz PNP Information Officer Donna Asmod disclosed that per directive from their higher headquarters, Capiz PNP Director Ulysses Caton has already mandated the muzzle-taping of firearms of all PNP personnel in the province.

She said that the same is part of their campaign against indiscriminate and illegal discharge of guns by policemen to celebrate the holidays.

Asmod said that muzzle-taping of

firearms of all personnel at the police provincial headquarters, including those in the Capiz PNP Public Safety Company and 17 police stations were already done.

She added that Caton has been campaigning for the zero casualty this Yuletide season as he pushed for the ―Ligtas Paskuahan 2014: campaign.‖ Caton, she stressed, explained that the Ligtas Paskuahan drive focuses on police presence, conduct of check point operations and establishment of Police

assistance desks, law enforcement operation, service of search warrants on loose firearms, manhunt operations against wanted persons, target hardening, police-community partnership and information operations.

In view of such campaign, Caton has appealed to the civilian gun holders to support the Capiz PNP campaign for a gun-free celebration during this Christmas and Year celebration.

(JCM/JBG/PIA6)

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CENTRAL VISAYAS

Major land, sea, air transport projects for Siquijor up SIQUIJOR, Dec 10 (PIA)— Siquijor Provincial Governor Zaldy Villa recently endorsed four major upgrading projects to fast track the development of land, sea and air transport in the province.

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his was also affirmed in the Department of Transportation and Communications (DOTC) report during the Regional Development Council (RDC) meeting in Siquijor recently.

In its report, bidding procedure for the P10.6 million Siquijor airport development has been initiated to include concreting of its apron and taxiway.

The project is funded by the National Government under the 2014 General Appropriations Act (GAA).

It is expected to finish three months from the start of the project construction, the DOTC report said.

The Passenger Terminal Building is another project also scheduled for construction in Siquijor port and up for completion by the fourth quarter of next year, the report said.

The port‘s rock causeway is also due for widening in the second quarter of 2015 until the first quarter of 2016.

Also included in the list of projects

for allocation is the Larena port for the construction of its backup area, covered storage area and covered walkway, paving of access roads, and the demolition of old roll-on, roll-off ramp.

The province has also proposed for the construction of the different bridges province-wide to include the Candigum-Cang-agong Bridge, Candigum-Cang-apa in Larena, and the Kinamandagan-Tignao Bridge in Lazi. (mbcn/RAC/PIA7-Siquijor w/ reports from IAAbatayo)

DSWD-7 needs volunteers to help repack relief goods CEBU CITY (PIA) --- The Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD-7) is calling for more volunteers to help in the repacking of relief goods as Cebu is again identified as the major hub for relief operations for the Visayas after the recent onslaught of typhoon Ruby.

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We are really in need of volunteers to help us,‖ said Artemia Degamo, DSWD-7‘s focal person on disaster response, adding that they are working non-stop just to address the immediate food needs of affected families in storm-hit localities.

Degamo u rged kin d -h eart ed individuals to go directly to the Cebu International Convention Center (CICC), the major repacking center, where a desk is established for interested volunteers. ―The CICC is operating 24 hours a day so interested volunteers can just signify their intent to help,‖ said Degamo.

Degamo said as of Saturday morning,

21,000 food packs have already been delivered to northern localities in Cebu province while as of 12:00 noon that day, over 9,000 food packs have been repacked.

Today, the DSWD-7 will be shipping 100,000 food packs to Region 8 and more relief goods need to be packed in case affected local government units will be asking for more.

Each family pack consists of six kilos of rice and 10 canned goods, said Degamo.

The DSWD-7 disaster focal person however, stressed the food assistance by the national government is just an augmentation of the food stocks of the

local government units. ―When the food stocks of the LGUs are nearly used up then they can come to us for additional food assistance,‖ said Degamo.

The Central Command of the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP-CentCom) meanwhile, has already established an operations center at the Mactan Air Base ready to transport the goods to Region 8.

A One-Stop-Shop at the Most Important Person Lounge at the premises of the Mactan Cebu International Airport Authority was also established to receive donated relief goods from other countries. (mbcn/FCR/PIA-7)

Malacanang tells public to use alternatives to firecrackers MANILA, Dec. 29 -- The Palace on Sunday called on the public in Luzon, the Visayas and Mindanao to refrain from using firecrackers and use alternatives instead.

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Ilang araw bago sumapit ang taong 2015, patuloy ang ating p an awagan sa lah at ng mga mamamayan na makiisa sa pag-iwas sa p aggamit n g mapaminsalan g paputok at salubungin ang taong 2015 nang ligtas at malayo sa anumang kap ah amakan ," said President ial Communication Operations Office Secretary Herminio Coloma, Jr., in a radio interview over dzRB Radyo ng Bayan.

Coloma‘s message was meant for all Filipinos who have traditionally welcomed the New Year with firecrackers and pyrotechnics but are now being called upon to avoid them and shift to alternatives including pre-recorded audio of exploding sounds.

Calls along this line have also been

made across Western, Central and Eastern Visayas by local authorities.

"Kaisa kami ng Kagawaran ng Kalusugan o DOH (Department of Health) sa paghimok sa ating mga kababayan na gumamit ng mga alternatibong pamamaraan ng pagdiriwang, tulad ng maingay na musika, pagpalo sa kaldero, paggamit ng torotot at maging ang pagdaraos ng kasiyahan sa kalye o street parties sa pagsalubong sa Bagong Taon," he added.

In the latest data from the DOH National Epidemiology Center, so far there is a 43 percent decrease in firecracker-related injuries from last year's record.

"Sa kasalukuyan umaabot na sa 113 ang naitalang kaso ng firecracker-related

injuries na nakalap mula sa iba‘t ibang pagamutan sa buong bansa," Coloma attributing this to the government's ‗Iwas Paputok" campaign.

Coloma noted that the DOH is helping with the Department of Interior and Local Government and the Philippine National Police to reduce the number of firecracker-related incidents.

"Sa kasalukuyan nakataas na sa Code White alert, ang pinakamataas na antas ng alerto ng DOH, ang lahat ng pampublikong pagamutan sa buong bansa upang mabigyan ng agarang tulong ang lahat ng ating mga kababayang mangangailangan ng tulong-medikal sa panahon ng Kapaskuhan at Bagong Taon," said Coloma. (PCOO/PN with PIA Visayas report)

CENTRAL VISAYAS Iloilo-Cebu ‗Seniang‘

boat

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Dec. 29 (PIA Visayas) - Operations of boats plying the Iloilo and Cebu routes were suspended by the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) as of December 28 as a sea safety measure due to Tropical Storm ―Seniang‖.

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ebu and other areas in the Visayas and Mindanao were placed under public storm warning signal due to the weather disturb ance th at has rendered coastal waters rough and that may bring heavy rains.

The situation also has prompted the Office of Civil Defense (OCD) to put its Operation Centers on 24/7 alert in the

different Visayas regions so that they can monitor their respective areas of responsibility and disseminate weather bulletins to local disaster risk reduction and management offices or councils.

The safety measure involving sea travel is one of precautionary measures taken by government in case there is a typhoon, wherein the

waves on coastal waters may gradually develop and become bigger and higher and thus pose risks.

One the whole, it is part of the disaster preparedness program of the government whose main aim is to make people and communities safe.

The boat trips between Iloilo and Cebu operate on a regular basis. (PIA Visayas)

NORECO2, GCGI ink deal to lower power rate, extend power supply DUMAGUETE CITY, Dec. 11 (PIA) --- The Negros Oriental Electric Cooperative (NORECO) 2 has signed an amendment in the power supply agreement today with Green Core Geothermal Incorporated (GCGI) for a 25-megawatt power supply until 2020 and a power rate reduction.

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ccording to NORECO 2 Board chair Atty. Fe Marie Dicen-Tagle, the amendment contract provides the assurance of clean power supply of 25MW but also a reduction of rates of P0.49 per kilowatt.

The reduced power rate is pursuant to the re-pricing provisions and market-based structure in the original ten-year power supply agreement.

Tagle said the basic energy charge was already reflected in the member-consumers‘ November billing statement.

―With the renewal of contract with Noreco2 for the 25 MW, we believe this is the best solution for the member-consumers for reliable power supply because the geothermal power plant is so close by and the risk of loses with power cable lines going down may be reduced,‖ said GCGI chief operations officer and president Richard Tantoco.

Tantoco said with the reduction of power price, the franchise area will immediately receive P30 million savings which will be passed on to the electric

consumers.

GCGI, which operates the 192.5MW Palinpinon geothermal power plants in Valencia, and the 112.5 MW Tongonan geothermal power plant in Kananga, Leyte, is the power arm of Energy Development Corporation (EDC), the country‘s leading producer of geothermal energy.

NORECO2 is one of the electric cooperatives in Negros Oriental which distributes power to its coverage areas in 14 cities and municipalities in the p r o v in c e . ( r mn / J C T / P IA 7 - N e g ro s Oriental)

Gov‘t widens tax exemptions on de minimis benefits MANILA, Dec. 29 -- Labor and Employment Secretary Rosalinda Dimapilis-Baldoz said 2015 augurs well for the country‘s millions of workers with the expansion by the government of the list of de minimis benefits to be exempted from income tax on compensation, to include benefits under collective bargaining agreements (CBAs) and productivity incentive schemes.

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This is a fitting gift to our workers in this holiday season,‖ Baldoz said in a statement, after the DOLE and the Department of Finance had agreed to have the measure take effect in January 2015. ―With this, millions of Filipino workers could welcome the new year with a more realistic hope of sharing in the country‘s growing prosperity. That is what inclusive growth is,‖ she said.

The de minimis benefits are those benefits of relatively small values given by employers to their employee on top of the compensation and these benefits are not subject to withholding tax.

She said the administration of President Benigno S. Aquino III recognizes the tangible contributions put in by millions of Filipino workers to the country‘s growing economy, and expanding the list of tax-exempt de minimis benefits is a measured way to ensure each hard working Filipino is rewarded for his labors. ―This is the fruit

of our workers‘ constructive engagement with the Aquino III administration which from Day One has been committed to their welfare,‖ she said, adding: ―The Bureau of Internal Revenue, which is under the DOF, will issue new revenue regulations to make the measure effective.‖ Citing data of the DOF, the labor and employment chief said the total amount of de minimis benefits that each worker-taxpayer can claim when the measure takes effect will reach P104, 225, up by P10,000 from the current level of P94, 225. The BIR revenue regulation on de minimis benefits was last amended in 2012. Baldoz recalled that expanding the list of tax-exempt de minimis benefits was one of the demands of labor at the dialogue with the President in the last Labor Day commemoration in May 2014.

The expansion of the tax-exempt de minimis benefits is a direct result of exhaustive social dialogue between

President Aquino III and various labor groups over the year.

Secretary of Finance Cesar V. Purisima had noted the balancing act of the government in approving the measure, saying the government believes in balanced proposals that augment the strength of our economy. He noted that P16.9 billion in revenues is expected to be foregone once the BIR revenue regulation takes effect. ―We believe that the expansion of tax -exempt de minimis benefits is fairer and more equitable than other measures of tax relief benefiting only a small percentage of the working population.

This measure directly impacts the working poor and the smallest income earners, who stand to have the most to gain from these benefits. We came to this agreement after a thorough consideration: we think this is a win for all Filipinos," Secretary Purisima had said. (www.dole.gov.ph)

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EASTERN VISAYAS

President Aquino assures continued assistance to Borongan residents BORONGAN CITY, Eastern Samar, Dec. 23 -- President Benigno S. Aquino III on Monday assured residents of Eastern Samar that the government would continue providing assistance to communities affected by Typhoon Ruby, even as it shifts from the relief phase to the recovery and rehabilitation phase.

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resident Aquino visited Borongan, one of the areas hardest hit by the typhoon, to assess the damage in the city, as well as to check the government‘s recovery and reh ab ilitation effort s. H e also visited Dolores, Eastern Samar.

Citing the importance of preparedness, the Chief Executive took note of the government‘s efforts to mitigate the impact of Typhoon Ruby, as well as the coordination between the national government and local governments in responding to the typhoon. ―Sa mabuting pamamahala at maigting na paghahanda, maraming kababayan natin ang nailayo sa peligrong dulot ng bagyong Ruby. Gayundin naiwasan ang mas matinding pinsala na maaari sanang idinulot nito kung nagwalang-bahala tayo," he said.

Prior to Ruby‘s landfall, President Aquino said 146,875 families underwent

pre-emptive evacuation, while 318,532 family food packs were already prepositioned in the regional offices of the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD). He said disaster response teams were also deployed.

The President also noted the government‘s efforts after the onslaught of Typhoon Ruby, saying that immediate relief for the affected communities were rendered.

Assistance to affected communities continues and the government is now shifting from the relief phase to the recovery and rehabilitation phase, he said, adding that in Borongan alone, 18,609 family food packs have already been distributed.

During his visit here, the President turned over to Borongan City Mayor Maria Fe Abunda a cheque worth P68 million for the Cash for Work Program. The assistance will benefit

17,457 family-beneficiaries. President Aquino, in his speech, assured the residents that the government would continue monitoring its operations to ensure the fast recovery and rehabilitation of the typhoon-stricken communities.

He also thanked the people for their cooperation in the government‘s efforts to move them to safer areas before the typhoon struck, and lauded local govern men t un its, hu man itarian organizations and volunteers for their help. ―Makakaasa po kayo: Patuloy pa nating susubaybayan ang mga operasyon ng gob yerno u p an g map ab ilis an g panunumbalik sa mas mabuti pa sa normal ng mga apektadong komunidad,‖ he said.

The President also led the distribution of kits for fixing shelters and hygiene kits to typhoon-affected residents. (PCOO/ PND (co)

PNB Naval in full online operation via satellite NAVAL, Biliran (PIA) – Philippine National Bank (PNB) now serves depositors and clients with full online operation via satellite, Joy Navarra of PNB Naval Branch said.

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lients were jampacked outside Gaudioso Ypanto, bank manager, and in the premises of the remains in his post to oversee the overall bank minutes before its opening operation of the bank. time.

He even assisted bank staff in Some clients queued a t welcoming the overwhelming clients upon the ATM kiosk as other banks are out of entering the bank to maintain peace and service. order.

Some banks though open for service were in an offline status yesterday.

The residents are expecting electricity to be energized today and internet connections to be back to normal soon. (mlt/PIA-Biliran)

NGCP restores power supply in Ruby-stricken areas in Eastern Visayas TACLOBAN CITY, Leyte, Dec. 19 (PIA) – Power interruption experienced by residents in Eastern Visayas is finally over after the National Grid Corporation of the Philippines (NGCP) restored its power transmission facilities in Ruby-stricken areas in the region except in the Province of Eastern Samar where the typhoon made landfall last December 6.

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a. Rosette B. Martinez, Regional Corporate Communication & Public Affairs Officer of NGCP Eastern Visayas said, they hope to complete the repair and restoration of power lines destroyed by typhoon Ruby before Christmas.

As early as 6:00 o‘clock in the afternoon of December 6, NGCP restored power transmission service to Southern Leyte Electric Cooperative (SOLECO) after transferring its load from Maasin Substation to Ormoc Substation and inspection on the faulted line section

which was isolated was conducted immediately.

Aside from SOLECO substations, it likewise re-energized its transmission lines supplying power to LEYECO V, LEYECO IV, LEYECO III and DORELCO substations.

To fast-track the restoration of power supply to the other cooperatives within the week, aerial and foot patrol along the transmission lines supplying power to the Provinces of Samar and Leyte was conducted.

Hence, on December 12, at 1:17 in

the morning, NGCP resumed delivery of electricity to Leyte II Electric Cooperative (LEYECO II) which covers Tacloban City and the Municipalities of Babatngon and Palo, Leyte.

This was followed by the delivery of power to all three substations of SAMELCO 1 and II and NORSAMELCO in Northern Samar.

Typhoon Ruby has devastated parts of Region 8 when it made landfall in the municipality of Dolores Eastern, Samar last December 6 of this year. (ajc/ cba/PIA-8)

EASTERN VISAYAS

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Dolores town mayor elated over PNoy‘s visit TACLOBAN CITY, Leyte, Dec. 23 (PIA) – Mayor Emiliana P. Villacarillo of Dolores, Eastern Samar was more than grateful when President Benigno S. Aquino III visited December 22, in this Ruby-hit municipality.

M

ayor Villacarillo said this only showed the President‘s concern for Dolores and Doloresnons as well as to see for himself and assess the impact of damage of the typhoon which made its first landfall in this part of Eastern Samar on December 6. ―We are more grateful na nagpunta siya para makita kami. You know when you are depressed, when you are worried, ‗pag nakikita mo that someone like the President came to assess, to help us tumataba rin ang puso mo at nae-encourage din ang tao,‖ Villacarillo said.

In his visit, the President led the early

recovery launch for typhoon Ruby affected victims accompanied by DSWD Secretary Dinky Soliman, DND Secretary Voltaire Gazmin, DOE Secretary Carlos Jericho Petilla, and Congressman Ben Evardone.

President Aquino handed over a check to Mayor Villacarillo amounting to P45,910,800.00 to be used to fund the Cash for Work Program next year to some 11,772 persons at P250 per day for 15 working days.

Villacarillo said that for the meantime, this program of the government will help affected families in their daily needs.

DSWD report said that with the extent of damage wrought by the typhoon

in Dolores, all affected families shall benefit from this assistance.

Moreover, Villacarillo showed photos to the President on the extent of damage in Dolores particularly in agriculture. ―We are an agricultural community and this calamity struck when the farmers have already planted and with the floods and the typhoon, we are back to square one,‖ she added. ―I told him, we survived and with your help we can move on,‖ she said.

President Aquino also led the ceremonial distribution of shelter fixing kits and hygiene kits to identified beneficiaries. (ajc/ldl/PIA-8)

Palo Archbishop updates local media on Papal visit PALO, Leyte, Dec. 23 (PIA) – The Year of the Poor espouses the true meaning of Christmas.

T

his was the Christmas message of Archbishop John Du of the Archdiocese of Palo which he read to media people during the papal visit update, December 22.

A weekly press conference is done every Monday to update the local media on the run-on to the papal visit to the Province of Leyte particularly Tacloban City and the town of Palo, the two hardest hit areas devastated by typhoon Yolanda.

As guest in the weekly press conference, Archbishop Du proceeded to update the local media through answers to

the questions posed by the media to the papal visit scheduled January 17, 2014.

Archbishop Du informed that the Pope will be taking lunch with 30 survivors of calamities from Bohol and parts of Eastern Visayas.

It was learned that of the 30 survivors 5 will come from Bohol; 5 from Borongan in Eastern Samar; 5 from Calbayog in Samar and 15 from Tacloban, Palo, Tolosa and Tanauan, all are in Leyte.

It was further learned that the criteria for the selection of the 30 survivors chosen to eat with the Holy Father included a totally destroyed dwelling, loss

of lives of the family involved and the suffering of the survivors during the pre and post Yolanda scenario.

Luis Cardinal Tagle and Archbishop Du will also be part of the invited who will lunch with the Pope.

The number of bishops will be from 10-15 to say mass with the Pope at the airport at 10:30 in the morning of his arrival.

The bishops will come from the eleven dioceses of Palo, Borongan, Calbayog, Maasin, Cebu, Capiz, Jaro, Palawan, Tagbilaran and from Panay Island. (ajc/PIA-8)

Info Officers commit to waste segregation MAASIN CITY, Southern Leyte (PIA) -- More than a dozen information officers from national line agencies, provincial offices, and some local government units pledged to walk the talk on segregating garbage in their offices as a step to curb, in a little way, the adverse impact of climate change.

A

t the Climate Change orientation held at Maasin Country Lodge recently, the info officers, most of them designated by their respective offices and LGUs, vowed to practice waste segregation henceforth and apply the practice at their respective homes.

The activity was a joint project undertaken by the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) with full support from the city government of Maasin and the province of

Southern Leyte.

Earlier, Edilberto Alcarde of the DENR-CENRO-Maasin discussed in a powerpoint presentation the subject on climate change and what people can be do about it, as individuals and communities, to mitigate or adapt with its bad effects, mostly manifested in strong typhoons.

Benjase Lumen of the City General Services also shared inputs on how to keep wastes to a minimum, so that what will be thrown away are purely the unwanted wastes like minute plastic

wrappers or non-reusable plastic sando bags, among others.

But some offices already have their own waste segregation system, like the one at DPWH provincial office, where all their saleable wastes will be collected to be sold to scrap buyers.

Also, some provincial government offices have five ―S‖ scheme in maintaining cleanliness institutionalized, with ―dura box‖, a durable cabinet, used as thrash bin for segregated materials. (mmp, PIA8-Southern Leyte)

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, Children‘s Park Compound, Sen. Enage St., Tacloban City, Leyte 6500, Tel. No. (053) 325-5124, Telefax No. (053) 321-2029, e-mail: pia_ev@yahoo.com/r8_pia@yahoo.com