One Visayas e-Newsletter Vol 4 Issue 14

Vol 4

Issue 14

In this Issue WESTERN VISAYAS

WVCST College President Dr. Luis Sorolla (3rd from right) receives the trophy after the college‟s project entry “Community Welfare Through Culture of Collaboration” won the Grand Prize of the 4th Best Public Sector Projects Awards SUCs Category during the awarding ceremony held at Smallville 21 Hotel, Iloilo City, April 4. With him are RDC-SDC Chair Zinnia Teruel, RGADC Chair Fely Ibojos, RDC 6 Acting Chairperson and NEDA 6 Director Ro-Ann Bacal and DOT 6 Director Helen Catalbas. (LAF/PIA6)

April 7 - 13, 2014

Published by: PIA 6, 7 & 8

DENR, PIA join forces for intensified IEC on climate change BY: LEONARD T. PINEDA I ILOILO CITY, April 10 (PIA6) --- The Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR)-6 and the Philippine Information Agency (PIA)-6 have joined forces to intensify the information, education, and communication (IEC) campaign on climate change mitigation.

In the joint DENR-PIA workshop on held Tuesday, DENR-6 Regional Executive Director Jim Sampulna said that climate change is upon us so there is a need to strengthen the IEC utilizing the information expertise of the PIA. “PIA will serve as the voice box in this campaign with DENR providing the necessary technical expertise,” he said.

The DENR and PIA has signed a memorandum of agreement that would pave way for the conduct of a nationwide advocacy and social mobilization campaign on climate change adaptation and mitigation among the various sectors of society.

Under the agreement, PIA will provide technical, administrative and management services in the implementation of Climate Change Advocacy Campaign in the regional level.

Likewise, PIA will develop and maintain social media community and platform and organize networks of

More on Region 6, pages 2-3.

program advocates in the region.

PIA will also organize and conduct advocacy events and activities including campus tours and community fora in the region.

The DENR official said that he also wants the IEC to include the Oplan SWIM or the Sustainable Work plan for Iloilo River Management.

Oplan SWIM is DENR‟s comprehensive work plan for the rehabilitation of the Iloilo River system and its creek tributaries such as the Dungon and Calajunan creeks. (LTP/ PIA-Iloilo)

DENR-6 Regional Executive Director Jim O. Sampulna (right) said that the DENR-PIA joint advocacy and social mobilization campaign on climate change adaptation and mitigation is a “marriage” of the capabilities of the two agencies that he hoped would achieve a good result. (PIA-6)

Cebu LGUs train on disaster preparedness CENTRAL VISAYAS

In a recent AGIO 7 Forum Dr. Eugenia Mercedes Cañal, OIC of DOH 7 Non-Communicable Section (with mic) says 11-12 Filipinos die of colorectal cancer per year based on 2010 WHO data.

Colorectal cancer ranks 3rd in morbidity rate, 4th in mortality rate among Filipinos. With Cañal is DOH 7 assistant regional director Dr. Lakshmi Legaspi. (mbcn/AYS/PIA 7)

More on Region 7, pages 4-5.

EASTERN VISAYAS

CEBU, April 10 (PIA) -- Fourteen local government units (LGUs) of the Province of Cebu representing the first batch of Training of Trainers (ToT) on disaster preparedness that was conducted recently by the Corporate Network for Disaster Response (CNDR) in Cebu City under the „Noah‟s Ark Project‟.

The Noah‟s Ark Project is a community-based initiative of the CNDR and it aims to beef up the capacity of high-risk barangays and sitios to deal with disasters particularly floods, to reduce their vulnerabilities.

Cebu governor Hilario Davide III welcomed the implementation of this initiative in Cebu, saying “This will address our problem in the absence of a clear-cut system within our ranks that can harmonize our actions in preparing for and responding to calamities, both natural and man-made,” Davide added.

Also in attendance were representatives from the Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office (PDRRMO), Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG) and the Provincial Social Welfare and Development Office (PSWDO).

“The Noah‟s Ark Project encourages a behavioral shift on community preparedness during disasters.

Raising the level of consciousness and awareness of high-risk communities on the need to have a contingency plan and executing it well can very well spell the difference between life and death,” said Ramon Isberto, head of Public

Affairs at Smart.

The program involved intensive trainings and workshops that run for at least six months after which all participating LGUs should be able to come up with their own Community Risk Assessment, review the organizational Local Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council, and come up with a local contingency plan.

It involves the institutionalization of the Local Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office, Early Warning System, Communication Protocol and Evacuation Procedures to help ensure zero casualties during disasters and emergency situations.

CNDR tapped Dr. Cedric Daep and Abundio Nunez, Jr. of the Albay Public Safety and Emergency Management Office (APSEMO) as resource speakers.

The Cebu PAGASA also provided inputs on the hydro-meteorological hazards and hazard history in Cebu.

With the support of Smart, CNDR has successfully implemented Noah‟s Ark in high-risk barangays Tumana in Marikina City; Macasandig in Cagayan De Oro City; Candau-ay Dumaguete City; Banago in Bacolod City; and in the City of Malabon.

Ever since Noah‟s Ark, all these barangays have reported zero casualties despite the string of disasters that hit the country. (mbcn/PIA7/with reports from SMART)

DENR to allot P1B for beach forest rehab in Yolanda hit regions By: CONSUELO B. ALARCON TACLOBAN CITY, Leyte, April 8 (PIA) – Over PhP1 billion will be allotted by the Department of Environment and Natural Resources for the implementation of the Mangrove and Beach Forest Rehabilitation Project for this PIA Dir. Gen. Jose Mari Oquinena (2nd from year in Yolanda affected regions including Eastern Visayas.

In a press conference held Tuesday at the DENR left) leads the Unity Dance during the Grand Launching of Bayani Challenge Leyte on April 5 Regional Office 8, Forester Carlito Guante, Chief, at Alangalang, Leyte. (PIA 8) Ecosystem Research and Development Bureau of the DENR in the region said, twenty one (21) provinces in 7 regions are being prioritized for this project.

All the six (6) provinces in Region 8 are included in the proposed mangrove rehabilitation such as Leyte, Samar, More on Region 8, pages 6-7.

Eastern Samar, Northern Samar, Southern Leyte and Also CLICK Here...

Biliran.

Other provinces include Northern Palawan,

Occidental Mindoro, Oriental Mindoro and Romblon in Region 4B; Aklan, Capiz, Antique, Iloilo, Negros Occidental and Guimaras in Region 6; Cebu, Bohol in Region 7; Zamboanga in Region 9; Davao Oriental in Region 11; and Surigao in Region 13.

Of the seven regions, Eastern Visayas who was heavily affected by super typhoon Yolanda got the biggest budgetary allocation which is estimated at P638, 849, 628.75 in 17, 504 hectares while Region 9 has the least budget which is estimated at P34,458,358.43.

Based on the 2013 Philippine Forestry Statistics, it shows that today‟s Philippine mangrove forest area has now increased to 310, 531 hectares from 117, 000 hectares as cited in 2000 Philippine Mangrove Action Plan.

(PIA-8)

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WESTERN VISAYAS

Iloilo launches Beach Forest program

Typhoon Yolanda damages in the province of Capiz

BY: LEONARD T. PINEDA I ILOILO CITY, April 7 (PIA6) --- The Iloilo provincial government established a beach forest in Tigbauan town here to restore mangrove areas in order to fight the adverse effects of climate change.

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r. Rex Sadaba, professor at the University of the Philippines Visayas, said the Iloilo province is pioneer in the country to launch a beach forest program.

The project covers 10 hectares of shoreline spanning Barangays 9, Poblacion, Atabayan, Barroc and Baguingin.

It will cost P197 million for one year of implementation.

Sadaba said that the beach forest is a mixed association of creepers, shrubs, and trees above the high tide level.

These species form an impenetrable thicket in pristine forests and referred to as “beach jungle” by early explorers.

He said that the beach forest has a bioshield function which serves as protection against storm surges, prevents coastal erosion, provides medicines and has a great potential for industrial applications.

Iloilo Governor Arthur Defensor Sr. urged the Ilonggos to support this program to care for the environment and avert the revenge of nature as shown

by the huge impact of super typhoon Yolanda particularly in northern Iloilo towns.

The establishment of the beach forest is part of the Action for Regreening and Transformation for Climate Change Adaptation (ART for CCA) program of the provincial government.

The official launching also kicked off the celebration for the 113th founding anniversary of Iloilo province. (JCM/LTP/ PIA-Iloilo)

Validation, registration of voters set May 6 BY: PILAR S. MABAQUIAO SAN JOSE, Antique (PIA6) - - The Commission on Elections has set the validation and registration of voters on May 6, 2014 to October 31, 2015.

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tty. Roberto A. Salazar, Provincial Election Supervisor, COMELEC Antique urged voters to check if their registration have been validated through a computerized gathering of biometric data, if not they are obliged to do so in order to vote for the May 2016 election.

Likewise, new registrants are encouraged to apply for registration so that they can exercise their right to vote come election, said Salazar.

He said, so much time is given for

validation and registration to ensure that all qualified voters are covered.

COMELEC reiterated its request to all voters to validate and register early to avoid long queues of voters, days before the deadline.

This is part of the reforms in governance initiated by this administration three years ago, and an important component of this is the appreciation of Filipinos on the significance of registering as voters to exercise their democratic right as

citizens.

According to current data, more than 9 million voters still need biometrics identification.

In Antique, Salazar said about 12 percent of 328,000 voters are yet to validate their registration.

Starting May 6 COMELEC Offices in different towns in the province will open eight hours a day from Sunday until Thursday (modified work week) for this purpose, said Salazar. (JCM/PSM/ PIA6Antique)

NIA assures IPs of basic services BY: ELSA S. SUBONG ILOILO CITY, April 8 (PIA6) – Keeping the promise of livelihood, shelter and other services, the National Irrigation Administration (NIA) and the stakeholders of the Jalaur River Multi-Purpose Project II (JRMP II) recently met to formulate the Indigenous People’s Development Plan-Commitment Matrix.

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his, according to NIA-6 Director Engr. Gerardo Corsiga outlines the basic social services for the IPs affected by the mega dam.

The Commitment Matrix focuses on provision of services such as health, education, livelihood and micro and small enterprise development components, and environmental, ecological and organizational components for sustainability.

In that consultation NIA again discussed the background, legal basis, socio-economic survey results and current assessment of the impacts of the project.

The P11.2 billion dam, the biggest outside of Luzon, is seen to upgrade the irrigation systems in Iloilo, supplement the

power supply in the province, augment potable water supply in households and firms, generate employment and help promote tourism.

The concern, however, according to some environmentalists and the IPs themselves, were that the dam is located in an active fault line, the West Panay Fault, and that the IPs ancestral homes will be inundated once the dam overflows.

On the other hand, PHIVOCs said that the dam is not prone to ground rupture that may be caused by movement of an active fault.

An estimated 543 IP households in nine barangays in Calinog, the site of the mega dam, will be directly affected and will be losing homes and livelihood.

Corsiga has assured that the dam can withstand an 8.5 magnitude earthquake, and most importantly, th e govern men t h as p rep ared relocations and livelihood support for the IPs affected.

IP leader Peter Condez of Bgy. Guinbonyogan, said they are not against the project but they are more concerned that the government grant them assistance in housing and livelihood.

Iloilo Governor Arthur Defensor earlier assured that government will deliver its promise.

So far, NIA said they have relocation and housing plans for those affected and the design of the hosuing units done, each costing P180.000. (JCM/ESS/PIA -Iloilo)

WESTERN VISAYAS

Typhoon Yolanda damages in Canas Island, Northern Iloilo

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GK’s Iloilo Bayani Challenge 2014 starts April 11 BY: JAIME S. CABAG, JR.

ILOILO CITY, April 11 (PIA6) – Gawad Kalinga launched April 11 the series of activities for its 2014 Bayani Challenge in Iloilo that demonstrates GK’s commitment to help survivors of typhoon “Yolanda” rebuild their lives.

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ased on a letter sent by GK founder and chairperson Tony Meloto to PIA-6 Regional Director lawyer Ma. Janet C. Mesa, the event kicks off two-months of what GK calls “hometown activities” that will focus on areas affected by the November 2013 super typhoon especially in the northern portion of the province.

These activities will include house-building, Paraisong Pambata, health training, school refurbishing, balangay boat making, relief operations, river and coastal cleanup, psychological first aid, rehabilitation of GK villages, tree and mangrove planting, and building of artificial reef and marine sanctuary.

GK Iloilo headed by Mary Rose Cacho is also set to stage a fund-raising golf tournament at the historic Iloilo Gold

and Country Club in Sta. Barbara town on April 26 to support the local activities of Bayani Challenge which has “Walang Iwanan” for its theme.

The areas where the hometown activities will be held include the following: San Isidro, Jaro and Sooc, Arevalo in this city (April 11-15); Pototan (tentative: April 12-15); Batad (April 23-27); Concepcion (April 30-May 4); Sara (May 7-11); Dumangas and New Lucena (May 14-18); Carles (May 21-25); Ajuy and Barotac Viejo (May 28-June 1); and, Estancia (June 5-8).

The culminating activity of the Bayani Challenge 2014 summer activities will be held in Ajuy town on Independence Day on June 12.

Meloto said Gawad Kalinga intends to partner with survivors, volunteers, corporations, academic institutions,

government, other organizations, and other nationalities to scale the GK way of ending poverty.

They expect 1 million volunteers to take the Bayani Challenge this summer in Iloilo and 11 other provinces in Western Visayas and Bohol, Cebu, Eastern Samar, Leyte, Palawan, Samar, and Zamboanga.

Manila Archbishop Luis Antonio Cardinal Tagle has extended his support to the project by encouraging in an endorsement every parish and diocese to “be part of the biggest collective action which aside from advancing solidarity with the poor also promotes inter-faith dialogue and the integrity of creation”.

The grand opening ceremonies activity was held at the Ateneo de Iloilo gym here. (JCM/JSC-PIA6)

Bacolod City gets P41M worth of projects BY: EASTER ANNE D. DOZA NEGROS OCCIDENTAL, April 10 (PIA6) - - A press release from the Bacolod City Public Information Office disclosed that President Benigno S. Aquino III approved the P41-million worth of projects for the City of Bacolod.

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ogether with the help of Program (GPBP), which utilizes funds for Congress, the press release added socio-economic projects of local the amount was approved government units. under the 2013 proposed projects for the Roxas in the letter said that city. according to the list of the Department of The approval was stated in a letter Budget and Management (DBM), Bacolod sent by Interior Secretary Mar Roxas to City had submitted proposed projects Bacolod City Mayor Monico Puentevella portfolio last 2013 amounting to dated March 7, 2014.

P41-million and that it was approved by The President has approved the the President to be funded and amount for Bacolod City to be implemented this 2014. implemented under the Bottom-up A Bacolod Youth Home for Budgeting (BuB) Program, now known as Ch ildren -in -Con flict -With -The - Law Grassroots Participatory Budgeting (CICL) in Abada-Escay, Barangay Vista

Alegre worth P3,850,000.00 and the Technical Vocational Community Based Training for Graduates of Public Schools and Out-Of-School Youth worth P3,000,000.00 plus the Sum-ag River Development and Eco-Tourism Project worth P2,740,000.00 were among the projects included in the proposal.

Puentevella was elated about the development and was very thankful to Secretary Roxas for facilitating the projects and to President Aquino for the approval. *(JCM/EAD-PIA6 Negros Occidental)

DTI explains consumer laws; expect better service By: Alex A. Lumaque ROXAS CITY, Capiz, April 8 (PIA6) – An orientation briefing on Fair Trade Laws (FTL) and Consumer Welfare Desks (CWD) was recently conducted by the Department of Trade and Industry at Robinson’s Place – Roxas in Pueblo de Panay here.

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he activity was designed to provide target participants a walk-through on the Consumer Act of the Philippines, Consumer Rights and Responsibilities, and the Importance of establishing a CWD to enable them to better serve their clients, said a DTI activity report.

It was participated in by 94 tenants

and employees of the mall.

DTI – Capiz director Ermelinda Pollentes said it is the agency‟s core mandate to empower consumers through education and advocacy as she also lauded the management of Robinsons‟ Place for accommodating a request to conduct the FTL briefing.

She said that the orientation will pave

the way for the establishment of CWDs in some of the malls big locators to promptly attend to consumers‟ queries and complaints.

A s i d e f r o m t h e c on s u m e r empowerment initiatives, DTI is also pushing Capiz products to be sold inside the mall and other local stores. (JCM/AAL/ PIA 6 Capiz)

CENTRAL VISAYAS

4 Siquijor’s rabies-free Lapu-Lapu support

campaign

gets

BY: RIZALIE A. CALIBO

Typhoon Yolanda damages in Bantayan Island, Cebu

SIQUIJOR, April 10 (PIA) -- As the only province in Central Visayas that remains rabies-free, Siquijor province received training program from the city government of Lapu-Lapu, says a press release from Renan Ansing of the Department of Agriculture’s (DA) Provincial Agricultural Technology Coordinating Office (PATCO) here.

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he city government of Lapu-Lapu through its Office of the City Veterinarian – City Pound Section spearheads the training on human handling of dogs on March 25-26, 2014 in Larena, Siquijor, says the report.

Siquijor Provincial Veterinarian, Dr. Bernardita S. Tabada said the city sent experts to Siquijor that will surely improve the province‟s efforts in maintaining a rabies-free province in the country.

She expressed her gratitude to Mayor Paz Radaza of Lapu-Lapu City for sharing the city‟s expertise in dog catching and handling techniques.

Siquijor has been declared as Rabies-Free Province last September 22, 2008 in a joint DOH-DA declaration held in Quezon City, after the ten years of its last case of both

human and canine rabies was reported.

Based on provincial rabies data, two cases on human rabies was reported in 1997 and in 1998 up to present, no case was counted while three cases of indigenous canine rabies was reported last 1987 and it only reemerged in 1993.

In a recent visit of regional executive director Angel Enriquez of the Department of Agriculture (DA-7) in Siquijor, she encouraged local chief executives and authorities to intensify the efforts towards maintaining the province‟s status while ensuring support in the veterinary quarantine and regulatory service.

Aside from rabies program implementation, Tabada also stressed the strong partnership of DA on the regulation of incoming and outgoing of dog (canine).

Dr. Julius Galvan, the Provincial

Veterinary Quarantine Officer led the strict enforcement to ports that connects provinces in Central Visayas and Mindanao in cooperation with the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) and Philippine Ports Authority (PPA).

The continued efforts of the province include vaccination of dogs, free castration, spy and neuter of dogs to control its population.

Successful five-year implementation that covers 80 percent of dog population reaches 18,216 heads since 2009.

The rabies-free program of the province is based on Republic Act No. 9482 on the control and elimination of human and animal rabies and Republic Act No. 8485 on the animal welfare. (mbcn/RAC/PIA7 -Siquijor w/ reports from Renan Lapinig Ansing/DA)

Bayani Challenge 2014 in full swing in Bantayan island BY: FERLIZA CALIZAAR-CONTRATISTA BANTAYAN ISLAND, April 9 (PIA) --- The Bayani Challenge went full swing April 9 in Bantayan Island.

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antayan was identified as the most hit area by typhoon Yolanda last year affecting 90 percent of its agricultural and tourism economy.

At 8:30 in the morning today, volunteers gathered at the sports complex of Santa Fe town where the launching of this year‟s Bayani Challenge in Cebu was highlighted.

Present were Santa Fe Mayor Vicente Esgana and Bayani Challenge party led by Loylux Sagarria.

Sagarria said they are targeting 8,000

volunteers in the whole island of Bantayan.

James Philip Lao of Santa Fe Tourism Office said that the volunteers are from Ateneo de Manila, Philippine National Police (PNP) and the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) and several other private groups and organizations.

Lao said in Santa Fe, Bayani Challenge activities are coastal clean up and school repair. They will determine in two days how many classrooms and buildings are to be included from April 9 to 16.

The party then proceeded to Madridejos where another launching happened at the town plaza led by Mayor Salvador dela Fuente.

De la Fuente said there are 100 houses to be built in barangay Tugas.

Most of the beneficiaries are fishermen.

He said in Madridejos, there about 600 volunteers. Last to launch was in Bantayan Municipality with Mayor Ian Kintanar.

Bayani Challenge 2014 covers six towns and one city in the northern part of Cebu. (mbcn/FCC/PIA-Cebu)

DOH7: Colorectal CA is 4th in mortality rate among Pinoys with cancer BY: FAYETTE C. RIÑEN CEBU CITY, April 8 (PIA) – Eleven to 12 Filipinos die every year due to colorectal cancer, dubbed as the 4th cause of mortality rate in cancer cases in the Philippines as the Department of Health (DOH-7) reiterated its call to adopt a healthy lifestyle to minimize the development of cancer. r. Eugenia Mercedes-Cañal, acting colorectal cancer are weight loss, change in Cañal said in order to minimize the risks chief of the Non-Communicable bowel habits, bloody stool, anemia, stomach of developing any type of cancer, it is best for Diseases Section of the DOH-7 bared ache and paleness, revealed Cañal. people to adopt a healthy lifestyle such as quit the data is taken from the World Health “The cheapest diagnostic test that can smoking, drink alcohol in moderation, eat a Organization in 2010. determine colorectal cancer is the fecal occult balanced diet with more on fruits and “We do not have the official data from 2011 to blood test which can detect the presence of vegetables, exercise regularly and avoid too 2013, but the incidence on colorectal cancer is cancer in the body,” said Cañal. much stress. increasing by the year,” said Cañalin during the Other diagnostic examinations included Meanwhile, Cañal said there had been weekly forum of the Association of colonoscopy and sigmoidoscopy. talks before about the possible inclusion of Government Information Officers (AGIO-7) The health official said the etiology of colorectal cancer treatment to be included in held this morning. cancer is unknown but there are predisposing the expansion of the PhilHealth Z package Cañal said colorectal cancer also ranked factors that can lead to the development of benefit. “Possibly in the near future such third in morbidity rate among Pinoys and cuts colorectal cancer. proposal could be realized,” said Cañal. across both sexes but most at risk are those “Predisposing factors include smoking, According to the DOH-7, lung cancer aged 50 years old and above. drinking too much alcohol, eating unhealthy remains the top cancer killer followed by Colorectal cancer is the abnormal food diets, lack of exercise and too much breast cancer then cervical while fourth placer proliferation of cancer cells in the large stress,” said Cañal. is colorectal cancer and fifth ranking is ovarian intestine down to the last portion to the Non-modifiable factors mentioned by cancer. rectum.

Cañal that places a person at high risk are age Leukemia and prostate is at sixth and Among the signs and symptoms of and genetics or familial history. seventh place, respectively. (mbcn/FCR/PIA-7)

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CENTRAL VISAYAS

Earthquake damages in Bohol

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Forum helps officials reach informed decisions on disaster issues BY: FERLIZA CALIZAR-CONTRATISTA

CEBU CITY. April 7 (PIA) --- The forum on "Understanding Vulnerabilities" provided public and private officials the tools to increase their awareness and disaster preparations to help them reach informed decisions on disaster-related issues and programs.

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The forum, the third in a series initiated by the Ramon Aboitiz Foundation Incorporated (RAFI)-Eduardo Aboitiz Development Studies Center (EADSC), provided people from different sectors an overview of how last year‟s disasters affected the environment particularly in the northern part of Cebu province.

RAFI chief operation officer Dominic Chua said the over all aim of the four series forum is to provide the different sectors needed knowledge and information in order to have informed decisions when it comes to disaster preparation and response.

The first presentor was a professor from

Silliman University, Dr. Angel Alcala who gave a report on the Status of Marine Ecosystem in Bantayan Island : A Basis for Livelihood and Rehabilitation.

In Alcala‟s report he mentioned that The Silliman University Angelo King Center for Research and Environmental Management conducted a study in 2012 on the islands‟ coral reefs and fisheries stating that the fish biomass reserve in Bantayan was 45 to 55 kilograms for every 1,000 square meters.

But three months after the typhoon, fish biomass went down to 35 to 40 kilograms for every 1,000 square meters.

Alcala suggested other alternative means

of living beneficial to the fisherfolk since the fish environment still needs to rehabilitate.

He was then followed by Jermaine Baltazar Bayas, who is the interim program manager of Typhoon Haiyan Emergency Response for Northern Cebu.

Bayas talked on Institutionalizing and mainstreaming the Disaster Risk Reduction Management (DRRRM) in local government units.

Other guests were Director Andres Bojos of the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR) and Baltazar Tribunalo, Head of Task Force Paglig-on of the Cebu Province. (mbcn/FCC/PIA7-Cebu)

NegOr joins nationwide earthquake drill BY: JENNIFER C. TILOS NEGROS ORIENTAL, April 5 (PIA) -- Given a scenario in a 7.2 magnitude earthquake, more than 100 officials and employees from the various offices inside the capitol building performed and simulated the basic responses during a simultaneous nationwide earthquake drill recently. rovincial Disaster Risk Reduction Through the PDRRMC, Gov. Roel The governor said this is the essence of and Management Council (PDRRMC) Degamo called on employees and officials of the disaster risk reduction and management or executive officer Adrian Sedillo said in the provincial government to join in the said DRRM framework. response to National DRRMC, Negros activity facilitated by the Bureau of Fire “We have to prepare in order to Oriental and some other cities and Protection (BFP). minimize the risks to the limbs, lives and municipalities conducted the drill to mitigate Gov. Degamo said the earthquake drill is properties of the people,” the governor the effects of tremor which the province had one of the many activities lined-up by the stated. experienced in 2012. provincial government every year, through the The drill aimed to gauge the efficiency of “Duck, Cover and Hold,” the officials and PDRRMC, as part of the continuing warning dissemination and response if an actual employees performed when the alarm preparation to minimize the impact of earthquake takes place. (mbcn/JCT/PIA7 signalling an earthquake occurred. disasters.

-Negros Oriental)

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65 students qualify for 2014 DOST scholarships By: JENNIFER C. TILOS DUMAGUETE CITY, April 9 (PIA) -- Sixty-five (65) high school graduates in Negros Oriental passed the nationwide scholarship exams of the Department of Science and Technology-Science Education Institute (DOST-SEI) for June 2014 school year.

OST provincial director Gilbert Arbon Patoc, Lyra Faye Adloa, Jesse Adrian Banta, students who topped the examination qualified said the student-passers this year Anjanette Kate Beolanguis, Allen Joshua under the DOST-SEI Merit Scholarship Program. increases to 44 percent from that of Bungcasan, Hannah Jael Cadusale, Ladylove “Only Zacchariah Caraig from District 3 the previous year.

Princess Capunay, Michael Angelo Circulado, qualified under the DOST-SEI Merit Negros Oriental qualifiers are part of the Jhonna Jane Cuizon, Khym Jay Diamola, Fritz Scholarship,” said Arbon.

3,982 high school students in the nationwide Geralt Omangay, Janelyn Bendanillo, Tem John Qualifiers who avail of any of the S&T science scholarship examination administered on Ogatis, John Alfie Gara, Alfie Dael, Edmar undergraduate scholarships may pursue a September 22, last year.

Detecio, Klin Mendez, Kent Xyrell Mendoza and four- or five-year college degree in priority According to Arbon this year‟s figure, each Farah Faith Jane Tapis qualify from District 2. science and technology fields. city and municipality throughout the province District 3 passers include Dyan Erica As benefits, RA 7687 scholars will receive has at least one DOST passer with Dumaguete Fernando, Grace Gaga-a, Andrew Cesar Alberio, tuition subsidy, monthly stipend and book City and Bayawan City having 10 each.

Mae Faith Briones, Christian Carbelle Carbo, allowance, among others. Scholars under the The privileged high school graduates who Sheenbel Diva, Nova Mae Lecira, Vivitz Jane Merit scholarship program will likewise receive took the qualifying exam for Republic Act (RA) Lubrico, Yo Jean Macay, Lyndon Paguntalan, the same benefits except for the pro-rated 7687 undergraduate DOST-SEI scholarship Elson Timbangan, James Bantug, Jaymar Tuble, monthly stipend based on the family‟s include Arianne Montecino, Arlene Amahit, Benjie Arquilita, Jeleen Faye de la Peña, Genesis socio-economic status.

Jenica Kay Arcamo, Julius Mahinay Jr., Steve Dimatulac, Nazirite Love Tuvalles, Narchiela The new DOST scholars and their parents Patrick Besario, Christ June Layug, Keith Moser Guad, Harly Rabaya, Eunice Denolan, April Joy or guardians are set to attend the Qualifiers‟ Orcia, Junel Cayetano, Cristy Timtim, Edralyn Huang, Elemar Abuso, Maypaz Catanus and Orientation and Contract Signing in any of the Balbon, Maria Tefhanie Ho, Patrick Go, Geo Geneva Luang. dates assigned to them per batch from April 21 Vincent Leong and Amona Pitulan passed from Arbon said from the total number of the to 23 at 8am to 11:30am at the DOST Negros District 1.

2014 national passers, 3,473 who belong to Oriental Provincial S&T Center in Daro, Austine Quibot, Jake Rado, Precel Faye economically disadvantaged families qualified Dumaguete City. (mbcn/JCT/PIA7-Negros Guerrero, Christopher Cabanag, Danelle Joy under the RA 7687 Scholarship grants, while 509 Oriental)

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EASTERN VISAYAS

Mobile civil registration overwhelming support

project

gets Typhoon Yolanda damages in Tacloban, Leyte

PALO, Leyte, APRIL 10 (PIA) - DSWD Secretary Corazon Soliman cited the overwhelming support of the local government units and other stakeholders in the Mobile Civil Registration Project which was launched on April 7. ecretary Soliman led the launching of said Migration IOM, Department Of Social Welfare Aside from the LGU‟s who expressed their project at the Triara de Milagros Resort at and Development DWD, Department of Interior support to the project like Mayor Christopher Palo, Leyte which was attended by the and Local Government DILG, Office of Civil Sheen Gonzales of Guiuan, Gov.Conrado Nicart local chief executives of the LGUs which will Defense OCD, OXFAM and Interchurch of the province of Eastern Samar and Gov. benefit from the project, local civil registrars and Organization for Development Cooperation Dominico Petilla of Leyte, several partners of the members of the media.

(ICCO). project also committed support, Edgardo Ligon Soliman said the mobile registration is an The recipients of the project include Executive Director of Initiatives for Dialogue and important step to early recovery and thanked the typhoon-displaced residents of Tacloban Empowerment through Alternative Legal every organization for pushing for this project.

City, Palo, Tanuan,and Tolosa in the first district Services, Inc (IDEALS, Inc.) ; Luiza Carvalho Soliman said that she is so happy with the of Leyte. Villaba, San Isidro, Tabango, Resident Coordinator and Humanitarian support of the LGUs as well as the UN agencies, Isabel, Matag-ob,and Ormoc City in the Coordinator United Nations Humanitarian IDEALS and their allied NGOs and with the 3rd and 4rth district of Leyte. Basey Country Team; Bernard Kerblat Country national government especially PSA. and Marabut in Samar.

Lawaan, Representative-Philippine Office United The project was conceptualized and initiated Balanghiga, Quinapondan, Giporlos, Guiuan, Nations High Commissioner for Refugees

by Dialogue and Empowerment through Salcedo,Mercedes, and Hernani in Eastern Sa- (UNCHR); Dir. Lourdes Hufana of the Philippine Alternative legal Services Inc. (IDEALS) United mar.

Statistics Agency-National Statistics Office Nations High Commissioner for Refugees Through mobile registration, releasing of (PSA-NSO).

(UNCHR), United Nations Office for the important document can be done in community Soliman acknowledged that mobile Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs level, documents such as birth, death and registration as an important step in early (UN OCHA) International Organization for marriage cetificates. recovery. (PIA 8 with Lizbeth Ann A. Abella)

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Youth Friendly Space launched in Alangalang, Leyte Alangalang, Leyte, April 5 (PIA) - Youth Friendly Space was launched in Alangalang, Leyte recently as part of emergency response to focus initiative on children especially during emergency wherein the risk and vulnerability of youth is heightened.

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outh Friendly Spaces are funded by United Nations Population Fund and a consortium project that involves other international NGO‟s like Save the Children, Plan international and Friendly Care.

According to Val Estevez Asrhie, program officer of Save the Children, there is a huge possibility of the increase in teenage pregnancies, cases of sexually transmitted infection and later on maternal and infant mortality, aside from protection issues that may arise involving children during emergencies The youth friendly space aims to provide support the youth from 10-24 years old, it will provide education sessions related to adolescence, sexual reproductive health and emergencies, protections issues and be part of the

counseling and provide psycho-social support such as recreational activities and at the same time, referral agents of cases of violence and abuse.

In Leyte there are 10 youth friendly places that were launched and Alang-Alang is the 9th; next will be in Kananga, Leyte.

The others are in Tacloban, Palo, Tanauan, Tolosa, Dulag, Mayorga, Mac Arthur and Ormoc City.

Dr. Amador R. Catacutan, RH coordinator Analyst of UNFPA said that the need to address issue of the youth is being left out and there are no projects being implemented for this sector.

Eastern Visayas is second in the country in terms of numbers of teenage pregnancy and UNFPA in a way wanted to help in lowering the

number because it is risky for the youth to be exposed in teenage pregnancy.

With the youth friendly space the youth are given the right information, make them aware of the changes in their body and make them aware of the informed choice and the right values.

UNFPA is hoping that the LGU will absorb the project to sustain it.

Mayor Loreto Yu of Alang-Alang signified his willingness to absorb the youth friendly spaces into the local program of the LGU especially that UNFPA promised to put up a permanent structure that will house the activities intended for the development of the youth to be wellrounded individuals in their adult life. (PIA 8 with Lizbeth Ann Abella)

Bayani Challenge 2014: the opportunity to bring out the heroes in every Filipino thru volunteerism, beckons

By: Erlinda Olivia P. Tiu TACLOBAN CITY, Leyte, April 9 (PIA) – Bayani Challenge 2014 which aims to bring together one million volunteers for a mass build happening simultaneously around the country will be held from the Araw ng Kagitingan, April 9 to Araw ng Kalayaan on June 12.

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ow on its 8th year, Gawad Kalinga‟s Bayani Challenge will be held in 12 provinces, including Eastern Samar and Leyte, Zamboanga, Bohol, Cebu, AklanAntique, Capiz, Iloilo, Negros Occidental, Palawan, and Samar.

The Bayani Challenge 2014 is a multi-sectoral effort organized by Gawad Kalinga with Globe, Armed Forces of the Philippines, Commission on Higher Education, MMDA, Philippine Information Agency, Philippine Medical Association, Pilipinas Natin, EDSA People Power Commission and the Philippine Ports Authority, in partnership with Human Nature, LBC Foundation, and other members of the private and public sectors.

For the province of Leyte, the grand launching of Bayani Challenge Leyte was done on April 5, 2014 at Alangalang, Leyte with no less

than PIA Dir. Gen. Jose Mari Oquinena, in attendance and leading the Unity Dance.

The Gawad Kalinga Leyte disclosed that Bayani Challenge will be conducted in 12 municipalities/cities in the province.

The entire two months, from April 12 to June 12, Bayani Challenge 2014 Leyte will be conducted in the town of Tanauan and Ormoc City.

On April 12 to 16 will be the Bayani Challenge 2014 Tacloban City, Leyte; April 12-16 will be the Bayani Challenge 2014 at Maasin, Southern Leyte; April 23 -27, Bayani Challenge 2014 Albuera, Leyte; April 30 to May 4, Bayani Challenge 2014 at Isabel, Leyte; April 30 to May 4, Bayani Challenge 2014 Alang-Alang, Leyte; May 14-18, Bayani Challenge 2014 Palo, Leyte; May 21-25, Bayani Challenge 2014 San Isidro, Leyte; and May 28 - June 1, Bayani Challenge 2014 Pal-

ompon, Leyte.

On June 12, the Closing Ceremonies of Bayani Challenge Leyte will be done in Ormoc City with all participating towns in attendance.

It is not yet late. To get the full experience of adventure and inspiration, choose from any of the 9 weeks that will be filled with fun and exciting activities from rebuilding homes and schools, planting trees, conducting clean-up drives and health missions to investing time with the village children.

Moreover, Bayani Challenge has Apostolic Blessing from Pope Francis which means that the Pope is giving his blessing and praying for the success of the Bayani Challenge 2014 as well as for everyone who is a part of it. (PIA 8)

EASTERN VISAYAS

Typhoon Yolanda damages in Tacloban, Leyte

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Roxas hands over P800M checks for repair of LGU buildings in Leyte By: Erlinda Olivia P. Tiu

TACLOBAN CITY, Leyte, April 9 (PIA) – Secretary of the Interior and Local Government Mar Roxas visited Leyte, April 10-11 to personally hand over more than P800 million worth of checks to local government units in Leyte that were severely affected

by Super Typhoon Yolanda.

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ILG – 8 Regional Director Pedro A. Noval Jr. told the Philippine Information Agency, that the checks represent part of the national government‟s Reconstruction Assistance on Yolanda (RAY) to local governments in Leyte which were hard-hit by the typhoon.

It was learned that a separate turnover will be scheduled for other Yolanda-hit LGUs in the region.

Director Noval disclosed that the province of Leyte has been clustered for the said turn-over.

According to Dir. Noval, LGUs in Eastern Visayas submitted project proposals worth P938 million for the repair of the provincial capitols/ municipal or city halls, public markets, and civic centers. These proposals were meticulously evaluated and then approved by DILG. Director Noval stressed that the repair projects coursed through DILG will be implemented by LGUs, after submission of the

required Programs of Work and signing of Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) with DILG, with the corresponding Sanggunian resolution authorizing the LCE to enter into a MOA with the agency.

Additional amount will be released to the Department of Public Works and Highways which has been tasked to implement proposed projects for Reconstruction of key LGU buildings.

To recall, Supertyphoon Yolanda aside from claiming lives and properties, also devastated public buildings and facilities in Eastern Visayas.

The release of checks is a fulfillment of the promise of national government to help hard-hit towns regain their capacity to deliver basic services and respond to the needs of their community, Director Noval said.

Meanwhile, more children of Yolanda affected fishermen in Eastern Visayas will benefit from the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources scholarship program for the children of fishermen.

This, after BFAR National Director Asis Perez, in his recent visit to the Region announced that although originally, only the ten top passers in the competitive examination will be granted scholarships, more slots would be made available for the interested children of Yolanda affected fishermen in Eastern Visayas. About 300 students took the Nationwide Competitive Examination for Fisheries Scholarship Program – Fisherfolk Children Educational Grant (FCEG) offered by the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR).

The competitive examination, held at the Leyte Normal University on March 22, 2014, offers free college education to children of small-scale fishermen who are interested to pursue a four-year BS Fisheries course.

The full scholarship grant would provide free matriculation and other fees, monthly stipend of P2,500; semestral book allowance of P2,000; thesis support of P3, 000 and graduation support of P500. (PIA 8)

Biliran geothermal project to generate 200 MW By: Rodrigo S. Victoria NAVAL, Biliran, April 9 (PIA) – The developer of the geothermal project in Biliran province has seen a big potential generating capacity of the project based on the status report of the on-going exploration drilling.

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rimur Bjornsson, reservoir engineer of Orka Energy-Biliran Geothermal Incorporated, reported a “possible generating capacity of 200 megawatts” based on his report on the resource possible and proven potential.

The possible generating capacity is based on a resistivity anomaly and accessibility in a rugged terrain where a production load of 10 megawatts per square kilometer assuming the more accessible North sector of 12 square km and South sector is 6 square km, Bjornsson stated in his report.

He also reported that the current drilling campaign is expected to prove 50-100 megawatts generating potential within the next 12 months.

Orka-BGI is currently drilling the third exploration well as provided in the approved provincial ordinance allowing the conduct of drilling of three exploration wells in Barangays Cabibihan and Villavicenta in Caibiran town.

Meanwhile, Tohru Sugiura, chief specialist of Toshiba Corporation Power Systems Company, disclosed in an interview on Monday, April 7 during the presentation of the geothermal project to DOE Secretary Carlos Jericho Petilla at the

Biliran Garden Resort in Sitio Lomboy, Brgy.

Calumpang, Naval, Biliran that his firm together with another firm in-charge of the construction of the geothermal power plant, will start the construction of the power plant by July this year.

It was learned that Orka Energy contracted Toshiba Corporation Power Systems Company to undertake in the construction of the geothermal power plant of the Biliran Geothermal project.

Sugiara also informed that the timetable for the completion of the geothermal power plant is 24 months from July this year. (PIA 8 BIliran)

UNFPA, PLAN Int’l lead skills training for women in Palo PALO, Leyte, April 5 (PIA) - The United Nations Population Fund UNFPA and the PLAN International spearheaded a livelihood activity for the 1st batch of women residents of Barangay Cogon Palo, Leyte Tuesday.

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onducted under the Gender- Based Violence (GBV) Prevention, Response and Gender Mainstreaming in the Typhoon Yolanda Affected Areas was a Fish Deboning Skills Training for 25 women in the barangay.

The participants are wives of fishermen in the barangay with the training‟s aim in view to complement their husband‟s livelihood.

According to Dr. Estrella V. Serrano, Program Health Coordinator of PLAN International they are working with UNFPA and other partners for health and nutrition in Leyte and Samar, and they target pregnant and lactating women of 10 municipalities in Leyte and children 0-9 months old.

The group provides health services for women and restoring health services and repair of barangay health station but importantly they are organizing mothers for health services, good pre-natal and care of children.

The days training was in partnership with UNFPA for women‟s livelihood who are fishermen wives, this to enable them to provide a better life for the family.

Meanwhile, Sandra P. Gani the Gender Based Violence (GBV) Coordinator said that the skills training conducted in Palo was the first but in their other area coverage trainings are on – going.

Women who participated the training were given tool kit composed of a knife, chopping board, apron and hair net.

The UNFPA and PLAN international also provided the fish for the hands-on training.

They also facilitated the invitation of a speaker from TESDA to have a quality training said Gani.

The women who participated the training were glad that additional livelihood opportunities were imparted to them.

In fact other women were interested to join the training but they would be listed in the second batch of the skills training. (PIA 8 with Lizbeth Ann A. Abella)

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

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

Ms. Minerva BC Newman Regional Director, PIA 7

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

Ms. Erlinda Olivia P. Tiu Regional Director, PIA8

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