One Visayas e-Newsletter Vol 4 Issue 18

Vol 4

Issue 18

In this Issue WESTERN VISAYAS

Dr. Cedric Daep, Department Head of the Albay Public Safety and Emergency Management Office, explains the various weather hazards experienced in the country and Albay‘s disaster risk management program during the digital media use seminar organized

by PIA and Smart, May 7-9 in Iloilo City. (PIA 6 -Iloilo)

More on Region 6, pages 2-3.

CENTRAL VISAYAS

May 5 - 11, 2014

Published by: PIA 6, 7 & 8

PNoy inaugurates PHL’s 1st prototype facility BY: FERLIZA CALIZAR-CONTRATISTA TAGBILARAN CITY, May 2 (PIA)—The first and only modern prototyping facility in the Philippines was inaugurated in Bohol.

No less than President Benigno ―Noynoy‖ Aquino III led the May 2 inauguration of the P9.15-million Bohol Fabrication Laboratory (FabLab) within the campus of the state owned Bohol Islands State University (BISU) in Tagbilaran City.

The Bohol FabLab is a joint project between the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI), Department of Science and Technology (DOST), BISU and Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA).

He said that although he is not so knowledgeable with the technical aspects of the facility, he is very sure it will compensate the creativity of the Boholanos when it comes to coming up with new and improvised world quality products.

He said this will initially benefit 35 Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSME‘s) in the province.

He said the Fablab will improve the Boholanos competitiveness in the creative industry sector and support its long term viability by providing the necessary tools and equipment to do the rapid prototyping and modeling.

Aquino made a tour in the facility prior to the program. Some of the equipment found in the FabLab are the print and cut machine, 3D printer, computer operated sewing and embroidery machine, video conferencing equipment, test equipment depot, and other small tools and equipment.

Bohol Governor Edgar Chatto said Bohol‘s economy had recovered by 80 percent since the earthquake last year and the FabLab will further speed up the province‘s aim for

total rehabilitation.

Tagbilaran City Mayor John Geesnel Yap, on the other hand, said he is thankful that Bohol was chosen as the nucleus of technology.

The FabLab operation will be under the mentoring and guidance of Keio University in Japan and will be administered by BISU. Immediately after the launching, a conference was held with all the other FabLab operators worldwide.

(RMN/ FCC/PIA Cebu)

President Benigno S. Aquino III delivers his speech during the launching of the Bohol Fabrication Laboratory (FABLAB) Shared Service Facility Project and the 1st FABLAB Asian Network Boot Camp and Conference at the Bohol Island State University (BISU) in Tagbilaran City, Bohol on Friday (May 02). FABLAB is a technical prototyping platform for innovation and invention, providing stimulus for local entrepreneurship. FABLAB is the first of its kind in the country. (Photo by Benhur Arcayan / Malacañang Photo Bureau)

Asia, Europe heads of state to visit Leyte

Director General Jose Mari Oquinena speaks before PIA-DENR participants of the Visayas-Mindanao Cluster Orientation on Climate Change Mitigation Advocacy Campaign, held May 5-8, 2014 in Bohol. (PIA)

More on Region 7, pages 4-5.

EASTERN VISAYAS

By: CONSUELO B. ALARCON TACLOBAN CITY, Leyte, May 7 (PIA) – The Office of Civil Defense in Eastern Visayas and the Regional Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council is in the thick of preparations for the forthcoming visit in Leyte of heads of state from Asia and Europe next month.

The purpose of their visit is to see for themselves the devastation caused by super typhoon Yolanda in the City of Tacloban and the Municipalities of Palo and Tanauan particularly in the coastal barangays in said areas.

During the Regional Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council – Technical Working Group (RDRRMC-TWG) meeting held at Ritz tower de Leyte on Tuesday, the Office of Civil Defense Region 8 Director Dr. Blanche T. Gobenciong disclosed that the visit to Yolanda-stricken areas will be one of the highlights of the ASEM (Asia-Europe Meeting) Manila Conference on Disaster Risk Reduction and Management which is slated on June 5-6, 2014.

The state officials will participate in the 2014 Asia-Europe Meeting which will be hosted by the Philippines.

Local chief executives in Leyte led by Governor Leopoldo Dominico L. Petilla will conduct a briefing to said officials on typhoon Yolanda response operations during the visit. The officials will also visit one major site of the disaster which is Bislig Elementary School in Tanauan, Leyte.

Reports gathered by PIA disclosed that whatever observations by the officials will be tackled during the discussions in the two-day conference proper.

It was learned that in the 11th ASEM Foreign Ministers Meeting in India last year, ASEM partners agreed to mainstream disaster risk reduction and management in the ASEM agenda. Hence, ASEM partners were urged to match the unparalleled effects brought about by super typhoon Yolanda with an exceptional Asia-Europe cooperative response. (PIA-8)

PHL remains quota holder for US market - SRA

Daram Mayor Lucia Astorga welcomed yesterday GK Teams in this island town for the Gawad Kalinga Bayani Challenge 2014, May 7-9, where the team will feed children, plant trees, conduct health missions and aim for an ambitious coastal clean up for the whole Daram island. (PIA Catbalogan)

More on Region 8, pages 6-7.

Also CLICK Here...

BY: EASTER ANNE D. DOZA NEGROS OCCIDENTAL, May 7 (PIA6) - - The Philippines is assured of a zero tariff sugar export to the United States as the country remains as its third largest quota holder.

Sugar Regulatory Administrator Regina B. Martin said this to members of the media during a Kapihan session organized by the Peace and Equity Foundation on the Effects, Opportunities and Challenges Presented by the ASEAN Economic Community 2015 held at the Sugar Industry Foundation Incorporated in Talisay City, this province.

Martin said the assurance is part of the negotiations discussed by a representative of the US Department of Agriculture and the country‘s Agriculture Secretary

Proceso J. Alcala during President Barrack Obama‘s state visit to the country.

The country‘s US quota annually is 136,000 metric tons and so far, according to Administrator Martin, we have shipped out almost half of the total volume which is about 60,000 metric tons already. ―This, in spite of having a lower price of sugar to the US,‖ Martin added.

Meanwhile, Martin said that almost all sugar mills are ending the milling season within this month but everybody is working on the estimated target production of 2.3 million metric tons. ―We would like to assure everybody that there is no need for importation. We have sufficient amount of sugar,‖ Martin said.*(JSC/EAD-PIA6 Negros Occidental)

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WESTERN VISAYAS

PEDC strengthens pro-environment programs

University of San Agustin in Iloilo City

BY: LEONARD T. PINEDA I ILOILO CITY, May 5 (PIA6) -- The Panay Energy Development Corporation (PEDC) said that it is strengthening its pro-environmental policies and programs to mitigate effects of climate change but still maintaining stable and adequate power supply in the island of Panay.

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ngr. Petronilo Madrid, Vice President for Panay Sites Operation-PEDC, said that their main thrust at present is to plant as many trees as possible. ―Each of the department is required to plant 50 mangrove seedlings every week to cover 4.5 hectares of land designated for the tree planting activities,‖ he said.

The 164-megawatt coal-fired power plant at Barangay Ingore, La Paz here continuously uses clean coal technology as this was well-suited and compliant with environmental requirements and standards.

Clean coal describes technologies being developed that aim to reduce the environmental impact of coal energy generation.

It usually addresses atmospheric problems resulting from burning coal.

Madrid said the plant utilizes the most modern circulating fluidized bed (CFB) boiler technology which ensures practically negligible levels of emissions – a 95 percent and higher efficiency in removing sulfur dioxide and practically zero nitrogen oxide – and capture of total solid particles at 99.9 percent.

Low emissions are a key benefit of the CFB technology, allowing PEDC to meet the stringent environmental standards and operate at low combustion temperatures while giving the fuel long burning times, resulting in naturally low nitrogen oxide (NOx) formation and high combustion efficiency.

PEDC said the CFB technology allows for the capture of sulfur fuels during the heating process by its use of low-cost limestone and employing selective-non-catalytic-reduction

(SNCR) to achieve very low NOx and sulphur dioxide (Sox) emissions.

Madrid also said that a 40-kilowatt solar panel has been installed in the firm‘s administration building. At present, 70 percent of the said building is powered by the solar panel.

PEDC, a subsidiary of Global Business Power Corporation (GBPC), supplies power to the eight (8) electric cooperatives under the Panay-Guimaras Power Supply Consortium (PGPSC).

The PEDC project is at present the largest investment in the island with the aim of propelling growth for the city and the Visayas region.

The project further supports development initiatives in Iloilo City while heralding a new era for electric generation. (JSC/LTP-PIA6 Iloilo)

Capiz is WV Gawad Kalasag excellence champ By: Jemin B. Guillermo ROXAS CITY, Capiz, May 8 (PIA6) – The province of Capiz and its disaster responders team have been declared champion in this year‟s Gawad Kalasag in Western Visayas.

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n a letter sent by Regional Director Rosario Cabrera of the Office of Civil Defense Regional Office 6 to Capiz Governor Victor Tanco, she disclosed that the province of Capiz has been declared as champion in the 2014 Gawad KALASAG: Search for Excellence in Disaster Risk Reduction and Management, and Humanitarian Assistance.

Cabrera, who also chairs the Regional Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council -6, said that the Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council of Capiz, chaired by Governor Tanco, was ranked first for the LDRRMC province category based on the result of the field evaluation and validation conducted by the Regional Selection Committee last April.

Aside from the Capiz DRRMC, the Capiz Emergency Responders Team (CERT) led by

PDRRM Officer Esperedion Pelaez was likewise cited as champion in the Government Emergency Response Management (GEM) Basic Search and Rescue category.

Included in the criteria for the LDRRMC category are prevention and mitigation with 35 points, preparedness with 30 points, response with 20 points and 15 points for recovery and rehabilitation. The prevention and mitigation criteria cover the risk assessment, plans, policies, and budget, early warning system, risk financing, environmental management, and infrastructure resilience, while the preparedness criterion includes the mainstreaming of DRRM programs and projects, DRRMC organization, approved plans, capacity development activities conducted, and partnership mechanisms.

On the other hand, the criteria for the GEM category include the degree of risk or danger to the life of the rescue group in doing the

operations against the possibility of saving lives (natural or human-induced disaster/complex emergency), existence of operations center, training (availed of by the group or provided to a certain group of responders), and recognition from the community or any organization; or accreditation from higher level search and rescue organization.

For his part, Capiz Provincial Administrator lawyer Jose Villanueva said that the recent supertyphoon Yolanda has tested the capacity and capability of the PDRRMC as well as the CERT under the PDRRM Office. Villanueva likewise appreciated the commitment and dedication of PDRRM Officer Pelaez in spearheading all the activities especially in disaster preparedness through the intensive conduct of advocacy and training as well as in providing basic search and rescue response through the volunteer response team. (JSC/JBG-PIA6 Capiz)

DOH warns against heat stroke this summer BY: LEONARD T. PINEDA I ILOILO CITY, May 6 (PIA6) --- The Department of Health (DOH) in Western Visayas cautions the public against the possible danger of heat stroke with summer's searing temperature.

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r. Elvie Villalobos, DOH-6 Infectious Disease Cluster Head, said that heat stroke is the most severe form of heat illness when the body overheats and cannot cool down. ―The body cannot take off the excessive heat by sweating because of dehydration or the humid environment,‖ he said.

He said that the risk of heat stroke rises in hot and humid weather coupled with vigorous exercise, dehydration, and too much direct exposure to the sun.

Heat stroke includes the following signs of

heat exhaustion: warm and flushed skin, faintness, dizziness, weakness, and headache.

A person is suffering from heat stroke if the core body temperature is 40°C or more; skin is hot and dry; rapid heartbeat; convulsion; delirium; and loss of consciousness or coma.

The DOH official said that in order to prevent heat stroke, it is important to limit the amount of time you spend outdoors, drink plenty of water; avoid tea, coffee, soda, and alcohol; wear a wide-brimmed hat and long-sleeved clothing outdoors; and schedule strenuous activities for the beginning or end of

the day when it is cooler.

In case of a heat stroke, move the person to a shady spot or indoors and have him or her lie down with the legs elevated.

If still conscious, have the person sip cool water.

Remove clothing, apply cool water to the skin and fan them. Apply ice packs to the armpits, wrists, ankles, and groin.

The DOH said that heat stroke is a medical emergency so bring the patient immediately to the hospital after instituting emergency measures. (JSC/LTP-PIA6 Iloilo)

WESTERN VISAYAS

University of San Agustin in Iloilo City

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DA braces for El Nino BY: LILIBETH A. FRENCH

ILOILO CITY, May 9 (PIA6) - - The Department of Agriculture has already identified intervention measures like cloud seeding as part of its preparations to cushion the possible effects of the impending El Nino.

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griculture Secretary Proceso Alcala said he has already issued instruction to conduct cloud seeding not only in areas of the country where there are existing dams but also where there are standing crops during a media interaction at the Research Outreach Station (ROS) in Sta. Barbara, Iloilo.

He said they are now closely coordinating with the Department of Science and Technology and PAGASA for areas that will be possibly affected by the El Nino phenomenon.

After the close coordination with the said agencies, Alcala said he will shoot it to their regional officers for them to undertake appropriate mitigating measures.

Alcala was here in Iloilo for the blessing, grounbreaking and turn over of agricultural projects and distribution of agricultural inputs

in Barotac Viejo town.

After gracing the blessing of the Embarcadero Bridge, Alcala joined Senate President Franklin Drilon in the laying of the time capsule and ground breaking of the Small Reservoir Irrigation Project of the National Irrigation Administration at Brgy. Nueva Invencion.

The project which is expected to be completed on February 2017 will provide adequate supply of water whole year round and generate new area of 265 hectares and another 459 hectares for restoration.

It will also enable farmers to increase their rice production from 265 metric tons to 409 metric tons.

He then turned over the P2.9 million worth agricultural tramline system project to farmer beneficiaries and operators in Brgy. San

Antonio.

This is the second tramline project in the province aimed at reducing drudgery, hauling cost and intensive labor, speed up hauling time in order for products to reach market promptly and to increase income of farmer beneficiaries.

Alcala also led the distribution of agricultural inputs to some 200 farmers affected by typhoon ‗Yolanda‘ for their Organic Communal Garden at a vacant school lot in Brgy. San Antonio.

Before proceeding to Btac. Viejo, Alcala met the members of the Regional Management Council here in Western Visayas for the status on the rehabilitation efforts for typhoon ‗Yolanda‘ in the province of Iloilo and the region at the ROS in Sta. Barbara. (JSC/ LAF-PIA6)

P10K emergency shelter assistance for Antique's damaged houses underway BY: VICENTE W. VILLAVERT SAN JOSE, Antique, May 8 (PIA6) - - DSWD Secretary Corazon „Dinky‟ Soliman announced that an amount of P10,000.00 per family will be extended to Yolanda victims to help rebuild their homes.

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ecretary Soliman said during her visit in Barangay Liya-liya, Lauaan, Antique recently that the DSWD will validate the list of partially and totally damaged houses in the province and distribute the financial assistance before the end of May. ―The amount of P10,000.00 will be extended both for the owners of partially and totally damaged houses,‖ Soliman said as she expressed the concern of President Benigno S. Aquino III. Soliman said that for the totally damaged houses, the family will also be receiving GI sheets, hammer and concrete nails ―so that

their houses will be constructed soon before the rainy season comes.‖ As to cash for work program, the concerned local government units were also urged to prepare a work program on livelihood designed for ‗Yolanda‘ victims.

The DSWD will allocate funds to help the typhoon affected people earn an income based on the region‘s minimum daily wage.

Based on the DSWD Antique list of ‗Yolanda‘ damaged houses, the record showed that 38,577 houses were partially damaged while 14,777 were totally damaged. Governor Exequiel B. Javier thanked Secretary Soliman

for the assistance which he said can help the typhoon affected persons return to their normal life.

The DSWD Secretary was declared as ―Adopted Daughter of Lauaan‖ in a ceremony held at Barangay Liya-Liya during her visit to the said Municipality to observe the implementation of Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino program, distribute relief goods to typhoon Yolanda survivors, conduct meeting with the Municipal Action Team and inaugurate the Core Shelter and Day Care Center in Sitio Malawmawan, Lindero.(JSC/MLG/VWV-PIA6 Antique)

Human activities cause Climate Change By: Venus G. Villanueva KALIBO, Aklan, May 6 (PIA6) -- Various human activities cause Climate Change, according to the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) here.

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Kaingin‖ farming or slash and burn practices, vehicle driving that causes air pollution, improper disposal and burning of garbage, plastic burning and wrong agricultural practices, are just some of these human activities, according to Merlene Aborka, Officer-In-Charge of the Community Environment and Natural Resources Office (CENRO) in Kalibo.

Aborka shared this information to Aklanons at the radio program hosted by the Philippine Information Agency (PIA) and aired over RMN-DYKR Kalibo.

According to Aborka, these various human activities are altering our natural

climate, causing us to experience extreme levels of temperature. ―We are now experiencing different kinds of natural calamities like typhoons, floods, or long droughts‖, Aborka said.

She added that due to the destruction of the ozone layer because of harmful human activities, the earth is now experiencing global warming. ―Global warming is a worldwide issue that every country should address‖, said Aborka.

To help ease the problem on Climate Change, Aborka called on all Aklanons to plan t tre es, e spe cially now

that numerous tree s composing the province‘ forest cover, as well as trees planted by private landowners in the lowlands, were felled at the height of Typhoon Yolanda in November 2013.

The DENR, according to her, is encouraging Aklanons to plant trees like gmelina and mahogany for lumber production, or even fruit trees like santol and jackfruits which also produces good lumber when mature.

The agency is also encouraging Aklanons to plant indigenous trees. (JCM/ VGV PIA6 Aklan)

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CENTRAL VISAYAS

Tagbilaran hosts Int’l Fablab ’14 conference Silliman University in Dumaguete City

BY: REY ANTHONY H. CHIU

TAGBILARAN CITY, Bohol May 1 (PIA) -- Tagbilaran City hosts the first Asia conference of fabrication laboratory (fablab) operators from Japan, Korea, India, Taiwan, Indonesia and Singapore as the country‟s first Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) aided and government funded techie work shop opens its doors for Bohol entrepreneurs.

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he First International Conference of Fablab operators in Asia is here from May 2-7 at the Bohol Island State University (BISU) Main Campus, in Tagbilaran City.

The conference include a Bootcamp which will train people on the use of the facilities at the Bohol FabLab; lectures from Asian fablab mentors and coaches; symposium and panel discussion on the establishment of Digital Fabrication in the Philippines and tours for visiting fabbers; coaches, mentors to look at the challenges in the sectors and suggest possible solutions, according to the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) in Bohol.

Apart from Asian fabbers, the conference will also have existing and aspiring FabLab operators and practitioners in Asia; local MSMEs, designers, innovators and academe.

Opened here for local micro, small and medium enterprise (MSME) designers to come up with innovation driven and globally competitive products.

President Benigno S. Aquino III opens the fabrication laboratory launching event in time for his visit on May 2.

Themed ―Weave Asian Fabbers,‖ the event will feature Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) pioneering support to the country‘s future fablabs.

Bohol had Yutaka Tokushima, a Japanese design volunteer assigned at DTI-Bohol under the Japan Overseas Cooperation Volunteer (JOCV) program helping to get the fablab set up here, said DTI.

JICA has committed some funds for Bohol FabLab, organizers said. JICAs commitment to support the Bohol fablab, strengthened when it officially adopted the Bohol facility under the mentorship of Japan‘s Keio University during last year‘s Fab9 Conference.

The Bohol Fab Lab is Massachusetts Institute of Technology‘s (MIT) Center for Bits and Atoms (CBA) educational outreach component which is an extension of its research into digital fabrication and computation.

A Fab Lab is a technical prototyping platform for innovation and invention, providing stimulus for local entrepreneurship.

A Fab Lab also becomes a platform for learning and innovation: a place to play, to create, to learn, to mentor, to invent.

To be a Fab Lab means connecting to a global community of learners, educators, technologists, researchers, makers and innovators- -a knowledge sharing network that spans 30 countries and 24 time zones.

Because all Fab Labs share common tools and processes, the program is building a global network, a distributed laboratory for research and invention, DTI said.

At this, the Bohol FabLab will open to students and local MSMEs make prototypes and products such as equipment, machinery and electronic gadgets; create scale models, illustrate graphic designs and mass-produce products.

The fablab here allows people a rare access to prototyping and product development tools as 2D and 3D structures lazer cutter, computer-operated (CO) Big Milling Machine, CO Small Milling Machine, Paper and Vinyl Cutter, Test Equipment Depot, 3D Printer, CO Sewing Machine and Video Conferencing equipment.

In Bohol, that FabLab will promote community development through technology deployment, said DTI regional director Asteria Caberte.

She explained that community development through the FabLab can make better and competitive products, by enhancing the local ecosystem for MSME development.

It also encourages start-ups and the development of local entrepreneurship which in turn provide jobs, local innovation for various equipment that can be used for local manufacturing endeavors such as food processing equipment.

Access to online courses within the fablab network can also enhance the learning and skills of students and MSMEs. DTI spearheads the project with JICA, DOST and the Bohol Island State University (BISU).

BISU Tagbilaran City, Bohol manages the facility with DTI-Bohol, DOST-Bohol and JICA through Keio University in Japan.

The Bohol fablab is funded by DTI with P3.15M; JICA, P3.0M; BISU, P2.0M and DOST, P1.0M or a total of P9.15M. (mbcn/rahc/PIA7-Bohol)

Phil Navy divers undertake coral cleanup in Borbon BY: RACHELLE M. NESSIA BORBON, Cebu May 3 (PIA) --- A team from Philippine Navy dived in a marine sanctuary area here to clean up the coral reefs in line with the ongoing Bayani Challenge in Cebu.

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he underwater cleanup was done by a team of eight divers from the Philippine Navy led by Lt. James Reyes, civil military operations (CMO) officer of Naval Forces Central (Navforcen).

Patrick Doromal of Gawad Kalinga, one of the organizations spearheading the Bayani Challenge, said the marine sanctuary rehabilitation is the only such activity undertaken during this year‘s challenge.

For two days starting May 2, Reyes said the divers took turns picking up trash in a coral sanctuary area spanning 20 hectares with a depth of 50 to 100 feet.

In an interview prior to the underwater cleanup, Reyes said the divers will remove from the corals not only trash but also crown-of-thorns starfish that causes damage on coral reefs.

Reyes said the common litter items they usually fish out from coral reefs are plastic bags, plastic bottles, soda cans, and tin cans.

Rubbish, especially plastic, dumped by humans into the ocean pose a threat to corals which serve as marine habitats. ―Tayo na gumagamit ng dagat, dapat caretaker tayo mismo at ang plastic mahirap talaga ma-dispose (We should be the caretakers of the

ocean, so we must take care of it, and plastic is so hard to dispose),‖ he stressed.

Reyes said they are eying to adopt said coral sanctuary area in Borbon to make the cleanup a regular activity.

The Philippine Navy has been supporting the Bayani Challenge by sending in the needed technical support, manpower, and transportation. ―We have our engineers in the construction brigade, technical workers, and electricians that have participated in the Bayani Challenge and this time here we have our divers,‖ said Reyes. (RMN/PIA Cebu)

DENR-7 allocates P9M for Yolanda-hit areas BY: HAZEL F. GLORIA CEBU CITY, May 3 (PIA) --- The Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) 7 has reported a total of P9,571,046.82 of funds allocated to finance relief assistance and programs to typhoon Yolanda affected communities in Central Visayas.

ENR 7 regional executive director rehabilitate damaged mangrove areas and devastations brought by typhoons in the Isabelo Montejo revealed during the establish nurseries as a source of planting future,‖ said Montejo. b r i e f i n g o n ― P o s t - Y o l a n d a ‖ materials.

In its report, DENR 7 contracted around interventions and programs recently held at Others were also hired to cut fallen trees nine people‘s organization (POs) and six the Central Command, Cebu City. and coconut palms and converted it into barangay local government units (LGUs) to A total of around P1, 311.952 was given lumber of desired dimension and were used in establish around 85 hectares of mangrove to 400 beneficiaries of the Cash for Work the construction of damaged houses. plantations with a total cost of P4,420,000 in Program and another P89,094.08 was provided ―We have been very active in providing various identified coastal areas including the to the 182 beneficiaries for the ―Operation immediate relief assistance to our communities Islands of Camotes and Bantayan and other Gabas‖ program as an immediate relief in Northern Cebu, but now we are gearing affected areas in mainland Cebu. There are also assistance to residents of affected toward a more sustainable project to help our eight people‘s organizations and 11 barangay municipalities in Northern Cebu. beneficiaries and at the same time provide a local government units are also set to establish Under these schemes, affected safer place for them by establishing mangrove a total of 98 hectares of beach forest communities of the typhoon were hired and and beach forest plantations in our coastal plantations with a total project cost of utilized to clear typhoon debris, plant or areas that may protect them from further P3,750,000.00. (mbcn/HFG/PIA7/DENR-7)

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CENTRAL VISAYAS

Silliman University in Dumaguete City

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DOE pushes E-Trike program in ‘Motorcycle Capital of the Philippines’ BY: JENNIFER C. TILOS

DUMAGUETE CITY, May 2 (PIA) -- Dumaguete City is dubbed as the “Motorcycle Capital of the Philippines” and with approximately 2,500 registered tricycles, is now being considered as the pilot area of the Department of Energy‟s (DOE) E-Trike Program.

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ccording to George Vincent Bitoon, a senior research specialist of the Department of Energy (DOE), the use of E-Trikes over regular four-stroke, gasoline-run tricycles give drivers about 40 percent increase in their net daily income.

E-Trikes also do not contribute to air and noise pollution because it run on lithium-ion batteries, said Bitoon.

To avail of E-Trike units, drivers together with local government units must submit a letter of undertaking indicating a plan to implement the E-Trike ―Lease-to-Own‖ Program. ―LGUs shall commit to provide an enabling environment to support the adaptation of E-Trikes in its locality such as issuance of

ordinances, Sanggunian resolutions, grant incentives and conduct of IECs on E-Trike with Tricycle Operators and Drivers Associations (TODAs),‖ Bitoon added.

The DOE Visayas Field Office and the Energy Resource Development and Utilization Division (ERDUD) has conducted an Information, Education and Communication (IEC) Campaign on Alternative Fuels recently in Dumaguete City.

It promoted the use of alternative fuels which include natural gas vehicle program for public transport, and auto-LPG program and electric vehicles program. ―This is a key priority of government to mainstream access of the greater majority to reliable energy sources and fuel, most importantly

to increase local productivity,‖ Director Antonio Labios of DOE-Visayas Field Office said.

Labios emphasized the importance of good governance, stakeholder participation, transparency and multi-sectoral partnership for the success of the DOE‘s programs.

The agency also highlighted the economic advantages of using renewable fuel sources for the benefit of businesses and consumers.

Participant-members of various local drivers‘ associations, LGUs from Bayawan and Tanjay, academic sector and representatives from provincial government agencies have been taught practical energy conservation tips by the DOE. (mbcn/JCT/PIA7-NegOr with reports from Michico M. Bitoon/, intern)

Coast Guard to inspect hotels, resorts for water safety compliance BY: FERLIZA C. CONTRATISTA CEBU CITY, May 7 (PIA) --- Resorts and hotels in the region will be randomly inspected for their compliance to water safety requirements.

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ommander Neil Azcuna of Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) Central Visayas said that effective May 17, they will start enforcing a Memorandum Circular calling for the inspection of resorts and hotels if they have set up the necessary water safety measures.

Water safety includes the presence of trained life guards and life savers in the vicinity of pools and beaches and if they have the necessary life saving equipment.

"We will also check if their life guards are trained, and who trained them," said Azcuna during today's Kapihan sa PIA. Lt. James Reyes of the Naval Forces Central (Navforcen) said that along with the PCG, they conduct life saving trainings for free to groups of at least 20 people.

Reyes said proper training is needed considering that there are several misconceptions when it comes to saving the life of a drowning person. ―Once, I was called to rescue a drowning

person and the victim's relative wants me to jump immediately into the water.

But I asked them to wait until the victim has only about 30 percent strength and that is the time I jumped into the water, because the drowning person was taller and bigger than me,‖ Reyes said.

He said that the lifesaver should not underestimate the capacity of the drowning victim, or else both of them may die.

These are some of the things that the public needs to know and can only be learned through training from the right authorities.

Hotels and resorts must have properly trained lifesavers and they will be given ample time to comply.

Compliance is a must here in Cebu specially that most are coastal communities frequented by domestic and international tourists .

During the forum, non-profit life saving organization, Philippine Life Saving (PLS), was represented by its Secretary General

Larry Alag who disclosed that there are about 3,000 Filipinos, mostly 14 years old and below, who die due to drowning every year. ―It is the aim of PLS to have at least one lifesaver per family or household to reduce the number of deaths from drowning,‖ Alag said.

PLS had so far trained 2,000 Filipinos since the beginning of the organization in 2006, and about 300 here in Cebu particularly in Santa Fe, Bantayan Island.

PLS also aims to put the country on the map of lifesaving worldwide by sending in an official contingent in the international competition in France this year.

Cebu, he said, is the host of the national competition "The Great Titan" next week in Santa Fe Bantayan where 20 teams nationwide will compete.

Here in Cebu so far, the municipality of Santa Fe, being one of the summer getaways in Cebu, has adapted the PLS trainings through the efforts of Mayor Jose Esgana. (rmn/FCC/PIA-Cebu)

Over 600 new boats built for NCebu fishers BY: FAYETTE C. RIÑEN CEBU CITY, May 2 (PIA) – Assistant Regional Director Allan Poquita of the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR-7) bared 610 new boats have been constructed so far to be given to Yolanda-affected fishermen in north Cebu under its „AHON‟ project. This is to assist fisherfolks resume their livelihood that has been disrupted after the disaster.

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oqu it a du ri n g th i s morni n g‘ s post-Yolanda press briefing on its agency‘s rehabilitations efforts said over 200 new boats are ready for distribution.

The boats are stationed at the construction site in barangay Pulangbato in Bogo City.

Breakdown of the newly-built motorized fishing boats up for distribution include 25 units each for the three municipalities of Pilar, Poro and Tudela in Camotes Island and 101 for Bantayan Island‘s three towns of Madridejos with 25 and 40 for Sta. Fe and 36 for Bantayan proper, said Poquita. ―The BFAR aims to construct about 2,000 fishing boats for fishermen affected by Yolanda in northern Cebu with June as the target date for

completion,‖ said the BFAR-7 assistant director.

Construction of the new boats will benefit some 2,200 fisherfolks in Cebu‘s 11 northern towns covering 106 barangays while each boat is worth over P18,000, said Poquita.

One boat unit is estimated at around P15,000 plus over P3,000 for the engine with 5.5 horsepower.

Fishermen whose fishing vessels were partially damaged by the typhoon have also received assistance from the BFAR-7 like marine plywood and copper nails to repair their boats, said Poquita. ―As of the latest count, BFAR-7 has distributed 2,918 marine plywood, 446 kilos of copper nails and 1,112 liters of marine epoxy to

fisherfolks whose fishing vessels incurred partial damages,‖ said Poquita adding these materials are needed to repair their fishing boats.

Poquita also announced that some 2,348 pumpboat engine units will be distributed to fisherfolks.

As for its cash-for-work program, Poquita said P1.14 million has been released for salaries of Yolanda-affected individuals involved in the reconstruction of fishing boats which is apart from those involved in the repairs of fishing vessels. Poquita said its agency also gave P33 million to the Cebu Provincial Government and P27 million to Bohol Province for the rehabilitation of seaweed farms and other aquaculture projects. (mbcn/fcr/PIA-7)

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EASTERN VISAYAS

DILG assists rehab of damaged public bldgs.

BY: ERLINDA OLIVIA P. TIU

Liceo de Verbo Divino (formerly Divine Word University) in Tacloban City

TACLOBAN CITY, Leyte, May 2 (PIA) – The National Government through the Department of the Interior and Local Government is now focusing on helping barangays regain their ability to deliver basic services.

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ILG Region 8 Director Pedro A. Noval Jr. said this development follows after the release of national government assistance recently to provinces, cities and municipalities which were hard-hit

by Super Typhoon Yolanda.

Director Noval said that as announced by DILG Secretary Mar Roxas during the turnover of checks to local government units (LGUs) last April 10 and 11, the barangays will also receive assistance for the repair of damaged barangay halls, day care centers, and civic centers or gymnasiums or auditoriums.

In this connection, Director Noval called on city and municipal mayors to help their barangays to prepare and to submit the supporting documents to the DILG Regional Office in Tacloban City by May 7 so that they can benefit from the national government aid under the Reconstruction Assistance on Yolanda (RAY).

Director Noval disclosed that of the 61 affected local government units in Eastern Visayas, only the municipality of Albuera, Leyte has yet to claim its check for P7.75M, due to the reported failure of its Sangguniang Bayan to issue a resolution authorizing its Mayor to enter into a Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) with DILG. The amount released by DILG directly to the affected municipalities, cities and provinces in Eastern Visayas this April totaled more than P900 million.

The first batch of checks were personally handed over by Secretary Mar Roxas to the provincial government of Leyte, the cities of Tacloban, Ormoc and Baybay, and 35 towns affected in Leyte.

Other badly hit LGUs in Eastern Visayas received the RAY funds through Dir. Noval who was instructed by Sec. Roxas to distribute the checks so that LGUs could already start their much-needed projects.

Dir. Noval echoed Sec. Roxas‘ plea for

LGUs to be prudent in the use of the money, and as much as possible, tap local labor and materials to help stir up its economy.

DILG is asking non-government organizations (NGOs), media and the public to help the agency monitor LGU spending of RAY funds.

The department expects all repair and rehabilitation projects by LGUs to be completed by the end of the year.

To recall, of the 1.79 Billion (P1,791,400,000) allocated for rehabilitation of LGU buildings under RAY, Tacloban City received the biggest chunk at P230,687,979.22 for the repair of the city hall, public market, and civic center. For the provinces, Leyte LGUs received the biggest funding with allocation amounting to P801,804,911.17, or about 45 percent of the total rehabilitation fund. Allocation for other provinces in Region 8 include P19,917,634.41 for Biliran; P100,219,564.57 for Eastern Samar; and P16,528,192.25 for Samar. (PIA 8)

DBM allots P 142M for Region 8 climate change research By: Marcelino Pedalino MAASIN CITY, Southern Leyte, May 6 (PIA) -- The Department of Budget and Management (DBM) has allocated P 142 Million for the establishment of the Regional Climate Change Research and Development Center (CCC) located at Visayas State University (VSU) In Baybay City.

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ccording to Eduardo Mangaoang, RCCC Director, the Center is now preparing proposals especially on demo farms, ―trying to reach out, level down to farmers‖ so they can be oriented in the production of climate-resilient crops.

Speaking on the topic ―Forestry, Biodiversity, and Climate Change‖ during the first environment summit held in this city April 22, a date marked worldwide as Earth

Cay, Mangaoang disclosed that RCCC‘s agenda was lifted from the Climate Change Act Action Plan.

The said agenda dwelt more on food, human security, and environment protection, Mangaoang said.

Aside from that, RCCC will spearhead responsive research, development, and extension activities.

Likewise, it will also move to improve

scientific knowledge and understanding on climate change, and to coordinate closely with the local government units and the academe in sharing studies and inputs to the field, Mangaoang also said.

He added that RCCC was intended to be of service for the whole of Region 8, Leyte and Samar, and not just for VSU purposes even as it was situated in the said state university. (mmp, PIA-Southern Leyte)

DOLE 8 releases over P10M livelihood aid in EV By: CONSUELO B. ALARCON TACLOBAN CITY, Leyte, May 2 (PIA) – In an effort to help improve the plight of the people in Eastern Visayas after the disaster, over P10 M worth of livelihood assistance was released on Labor Day Celebration in the region.

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his involves ten (10) livelihood grants to various local government units in Leyte, Southern Leyte and Biliran for 1, 227 beneficiaries.

Southern Leyte got a total of P2, 237,500.00 for the following projects: livelihood formation & restoration projects of displaced fisherfolks at St. Bernard, Southern Leyte, livelihood formation & restoration projects for displaced & semi-skilled workers in same town, livelihood assistance at Brgy. Minoyho, livelihood formation and restoration projects for displaced and semi-skilled workers of Brgy. Ahayag, St. Bernard,

Southern Leyte.

25 beneficiaries from the local government unit of Baybay City will benefit the P928,764.00 livelihood assistance for the enhancement of a Cassava Processing Project.

Furthermore, the municipality of Cabucgayan, Biliran got the big bulk which is totaled to P6.4M. These will be used in the provision of raw materials, equipments and establishment of fiber glass boat production, acquisition of tools, equipments & materials for the establishment of small enterprise in support to rural workers/families affected by typhoon Yolanda, establishment of small

enterprise in support to the development of rural families in Cabucgayan, Biliran as well as in the implementation of Tulong Panghanapbuhay sa ating Disadvantaged (TUPAD) workers.

Meanwhile, the Municipality of Palo, Leyte was also a recipient of a livelihood assistance for the establishment of Cassava Flour Processing Project amounting to P1,262, 250.00 with 22 beneficiaries.

The release of livelihood assistance was one of the highlights during the Mega Jobs Fair at St. Paul School of Business and Law, Brgy. Campetic, Palo, Leyte in time of the Labor Day Celebration. (PIA-8)

EASTERN VISAYAS

Liceo de Verbo Divino (formerly Divine Word University) in Tacloban City

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BFAR nears its 32,222 target with 24,017 boats already distributed By: Erlinda Olivia P. Tiu

TACLOBAN CITY, Leyte, May 2 (PIA) – The Department of Agriculture‟s Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources draws near its target of distributing 32,222 fishing boats to Yolanda affected fisherfolks.

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FAR Director General Asis Perez happily made the announcement during the distribution of 1,000 boats, engines, freezers, fishing gears and P1,500 cash assistance to fisherfolk from all over Eastern Visayas on May 2 at the Balyuan Park¸Tacloban City overlooking Cancabato Bay. DG Perez said that to date, the total number of fishing boats constructed and or being repaired in the Yolanda affected regions has reached P24,017 covering more than 100 municipalities in the affected areas.

With the latest turnover of boats, BFAR has achieved 75% of the targeted 32,222 boats under the rehabilitation initiatives. ―This might be the last batch of wooden boats that we will be turning over to Region 8 as we have already started the construction of boats made of fiberglass,‖ Director Perez said.

Director Juan Albaladejo added that under the Phase II of the Ahon Initiative, BFAR aims to distribute fiberglass boats in areas near the Pacific -side for fisherfolk who completely lost their fishing boats.

Meanwhile, Director Perez said, ―Our work here is not yet over. Other livelihood interventions such as the establishment of seaweeds nurseries, distribution of fingerlings and re-establishment of damaged fish cages, are already underway,‖ as he assured the Region of continuous support and assistance from the National Government.

The event on May 2 was a happy occasion for the fisherfolk beneficiaries from Basey, Marabut and Santa Rita in the province of Samar; and from Tacloban, Palo, Tanauan, Tolosa, Dulag, Mayorga and Ormoc City in the province of Leyte.

The distribution was personally done by DG Perez with Director Albaladejo, Tacloban City Mayor Alfred Romualdez and PIA Director Olive Tiu. The acivity was also attended by the local media and the BFAR regional directors from all over the country.

Meanwhile, in a media interaction during the occasion, DG Perez called on private sector donors to coordinate with the agency before distributing boats to the Yolanda affected

communities.

Director Perez said BFAR is trying to avoid duplication of interventions, as well as the addition of unwanted pressure to the fishing grounds.

Also, Director Juan Albaladejo of BFAR Eastern Visayas, disclosed that the AHon boats of BFAR are already registered and numbered.

The recipients or beneficiaries may be checked at the BFAR website where they are listed, he added.

If the donors from the private sector will coordinate with BFAR, their boats will also be given corresponding numbers.

He said that of the 24,017 already constructed or repaired, some 12,256 were distributed in Region 8.

He added that under the Second Phase of Ahon Initiative, BFAR has started the construction of boats made of fiberglass. ―We are aiming to distribute these fiberglass units to areas near the Pacific side for fisherfolk who completely lost their fishing boats,‖ the Director said. (PIA 8)

DPWH 2nd LED completes road link vital to proposed special ecozone By: Erlinda Olivia P. Tiu CARIGARA, Leyte, May 8 (PIA) – The Department of Public Works and Highways 2nd Leyte Engineering District has completed the vital road link connecting Barugo, Leyte in the second district and Babatngon town in the first district.

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istrict Engineer Carlos Veloso said the 3.5 kilometer road link is seen vital to the creation of a special economic zone in Barugo, Leyte, the development of the Babatngon Port in Babatngon and the plan to reactivate the Eastern Visayas Regional Growth Center in Tacloban City.

The road link passes through barangays Cabarasan, Lower Daliran and Upper Daliran all of Barugo, Leyte.

According to DE Veloso, the DPWH was able to save bigger funds when it opted to open up this particular road link instead of another road route that would entail the construction of the Baluarte Bridge. Bridge construction costs more than paving and concreting a road, it was learned, thereby saving the office millions of funds.

Meanwhile, the 3.5 kilometer road link would open up connections along these areas and cut travel time from the second to the first district of the province. Barugo and Babatngon towns are located along the edges of the Carigara Bay and connects to Tacloban City area, the region‘s capital.

Also, the road link is seen to pave the way for easier transportation system in the envisioned economic zone in Barugo, Leyte.

It may be recalled that in 1995, Barugo was among those identified areas for the creation of a special economic zone under the Philippine Economic Zone Authority through the enactment of RA 7916 or the Special Economic Zone Act of 1995.

It was identified in the same act as special economic zone alongside a large portion spanning the northern barangays in

Tacloban City.

As an economic zone, the area is set to be transformed into a highly developed agro industrial, industrial, commercial, tourist, banking, investment, and financial centers, where highly trained workers and efficient services will be available to commercial enterprises.

Moreover, it was learned that with the provincial government prioritizing the development of the Babatngon Port under the Priority Rehabilitation Projects of the Province after Typhoon Yolanda, this particular road link in Barugo will provide vital connection for the transport system in Leyte. Likewise it was learned that this completed road project in Barugo has already undergone inspection from the central office of the DPWH. (PIA 8)

NFA gets 21,500 bags of rice for lean months By: Erna S. Gorne MAASIN CITY, Southern Leyte, May 7 (PIA) - The National Food Authority (NFA) is receiving thousands of bags of rice in preparation for the lean months from June until August this year for Southern Leyte and Leyte provinces.

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ccording to NFA Senior Staff Eliza Almacin, who is also the designated Information Officer, their office is facilitating for the unloading of 21,500 bags of rice from M/V Alfonso Wednesday.

She said the rice shipment is part of the buffer stock that the government needs to

stockpile for the province of Southern Leyte and several municipalities in Leyte province in preparation for the coming lean months from June until August this year.

Almacin also noted that their office is also procuring palay from local farmers to augment the buffer stock of the province.

She said a procurement team has been dispatched to Hinunangan for the said procurement at P17.00 per kilogram of palay.

Additional incentives shall be offered to those whose rice is already dry and delivered to their respective buying stations. (esg/PIA8 SoLeyte)

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, 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