One Visayas e-Newsletter Vol 4 Issue 42

Vol 4

Issue 42

In this Issue WESTERN VISAYAS

ILOILO Infocen Manager Elsa Subong discusses with judges the criteria for the ongoing Search for the Best LGU Projects on Climate Change Mitigation and Adaptation in the province before their desk review of project entries on October 17. The contest is held in line with the Climate Change Advocacy campaign launched by DENR and PIA. (PIA Iloilo)

October 20 - 26, 2014

Published by: PIA 6, 7 & 8

CREBA optimistic about housing growth By: Elsa S. Subong ILOILO CITY, Oct. 23 (PIA6)—Officials of the Chamber of Real Estate and Builders‘ Association (CREBA) said they are optimistic about the real estate market as they continue to push for reforms for the housing sector. ―The reforms are for the sustainability and growth of the housing industry,‖ Charlie Gorayeb, CREBA National chairman told media in a press conference.

CREBA held its 23rd National Annual Convention here in Iloilo City recently.

In that convention Gorayeb said CREBA set its five-point agenda aimed to unlock and link the sustainable and strategic approaches to keep the growth path and reinforce the commitment of industry stakeholders. ―We hope to advance land and housing as primary catalyst for economic and social progress,‖ he added.

The major areas in the agenda include long-term and affordable funds for socialized and economic housing; affordable homes for employees in urban areas; efficient local

government housing regulation; and, a full-fledged housing and urban development department.

CREBA said the country still has a backlog of some 5.5 million housing units and overcoming this will require innovative government approaches and creative strategies by the private sector. ―Our five-point agenda is doable, effective and strong package of reforms,‖ said Gorayeb, adding that it would redound to the benefit of the home-buying public, the government and the public sector.

He admitted that there is a gap between increase in informal settlers and the bustling real estate industry, and their advocacy is always to maintain lower and affordable rate.

He said he expected that their agenda will be supported to unfold because it will clearly demonstrate how to address the housing backlog and enable them to achieve an annual production target of 500,000 housing units.

(JCM/ESS/PIA-Iloilo)

BOC posts monthly entry of import goods More on Region 6, pages 2-3.

CENTRAL VISAYAS

Usec Jose Mari Oquiñena of the Presidential Communications Operations Office (PCOO) concurrently Director General of the Philippine Information Agency (PIA) recently challenged some 3,000 school-leaders in Negros Oriental to unite in taking care of the environment. DG also encouraged the youth to plant more trees to lessen the impacts of climate change. (PIA7-NegOr)

BY: FAYETTE C. RIÑEN CEBU CITY, Oct. 21 (PIA) --- Customs Commissioner John Philip Sevilla bared import entry of goods is now being posted monthly at the Bureau of Customs (BOC) website as part of the reforms on transparency in line with the ‗Matuwid Na Daan‘ policy of the Aquino Administration. ―Every beginning of the month, usually every 5th working day, we update the posting on the entry of goods‖ from cars to imported onions that enter into the country, said Sevilla during a recent talakayan on good governance in Cebu.

Sevilla lamented that public response seems to be lacking on the agency‘s efforts for reforms. ―I hope there is more public response as they see the beauty of what we are doing now in initiating reforms within the bureaucracy which have never been done before,‖ said Sevilla.

The customs chief said the data that is posted averages 120,000 import transactions every month as he urged people to check the data ―and tell us whether the values of import goods are fair‖.

Sevilla said with the thousands of import transactions every month, the BOC can no longer check each transaction to determine whether the values of import goods are declared true to its worth or undervalued. ―We no longer have the time to go through the 120,000

data with valued goods every month. ―This is why we want the public to check our website and inform us whether the prices of import goods that have arrived are declared fairly,‖ said Sevilla. ―For example, a steel manufacturer can complain after checking our website that an importer of steel products has declared the amount too high,‖ cited Sevilla.

Sevilla also said the posting of import goods or products indicate the agency‘s pursuit to be transparent in all its transactions ―and we want the public to know we are not hiding anything‖.

Currently, the customs commissioner said they are working on making the filing of import entry easier as he promised that by next year, ―filing an import entry with the BOC will be much easier than filing with the BIR.‖ The talakayan on good governance also featured Deputy Commissioner Lilia Guillermo of the Bureau of Internal Revenue and General Counsel Camilo Correa of the Securities and Exchange Commission.

It was part of the two-day ‗Good Governance Dialogues: A Regional Forum on Open Government and the National Budget‘ for the Visayas leg primarily undertaken by the Department of Budget and Management. (mbcn/PIA-7)

President Aquino pays tribute to WWII veterans More on Region 7, pages 4-5.

EASTERN VISAYAS

President Benigno S. Aquino III receives from Philippine Postal Corporation postmaster g e n e r a l J o se f i n a D e l a C r u z th e commemorative stamp during the 70th Leyte Gulf Landing anniversary at MacArthur Landing Memorial National Park in Palo, Leyte, October 20. (Vino R. Cuayzon)

More on Region 8, pages 6-7.

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By: Consuelo B. Alarcon PALO, Leyte, Oct. 20 (PIA) – His Excellency President Benigno S. Aquino III paid tribute to our forefathers who fought and gave their lives at Red Beach, Palo Leyte 70 years ago.

This was emphasized by the President during his speech Monday at the commemoration of the 70th Leyte Gulf Landings Anniversary at MacArthur Landing Memorial National Park, Brgy. Candahug Palo, Leyte as he recognizes the courageous leadership of General Douglas MacArthur who reminded the world of the need to reclaim the freedom of the Philippines.

He also encouraged the people to have some kind of reflection of the good things extended not only by our allied countries during the World War II but also to those who were once our enemies. ―Today‘s ceremony, I believe, gives us an opportunity to engage in this kind of reflection to pay tribute to our forefathers who fought and died here, and to recognize the good will we now extend to those who were once our enemies.

Beyond cataloguing the horrors of war, let us honor the peace that has reigned among our nations for close to 70 years.

Let us renew our commitment to the strong and enduring friendships between the Philippines and its wartime allies, and perhaps most meaningfully, the countries that were once its foes,‖ the President said.

He also acknowledged the assistance extended by our allied countries who demonstrated unity and friendship in their desire to help the Filipino people affected by typhoon Yolanda in November last year.

President Aquino led the commemoration of the 70th Leyte Gulf Landings Anniversary at MacArthur Landing Memorial Park, Brgy. Candahug, Palo Leyte under the theme ―LEYTE 1944, LEYTE 2014: Yesterday‘s Heroes, Today‘s inspiration on the Road to Recovery‖. (fej/cba/PIA-8)

President Benigno S. Aquino III leads the wreath laying ceremony at the MacArthur Landing Memorial National Park during the commemoration rites of the 70th Anniversary of the Leyte Gulf Landing in Palo, Leyte, October 20. (Vino R. Cuayzon)

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WESTERN VISAYAS

NegOcc. hits 100% NGP target By: Easter Anne D. Doza NEGROS OCCIDENTAL, Oct. 22 (PIA6) - - Even before the year could end, the Department of Environment and Natural Resources-Provincial Environment and Natural Resources Office (DENR-PENRO) has already reached its target of 3,689 hectares planted or 100 percent of target for the National Greening Program.

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ince NGP started in 2011, 9,567.3486 hectares were already planted and covered by the NGP until 2013.

This year, PENRO has reached its NGP target bringing to a total of 13,256.3486 hectares already re-forested in the province, a report from PENRO Information Officer Teray Robles revealed.

PENR Officer Andres Untal said that for them to reach their target, it took them four years of patiently coordinating with all the sectors involved to attain the vision of

successfully growing trees for the future. ―It is a must that what we are planting will all grow for protection of our environment and sustainability of the program that will eventually benefit everyone,‖ Untal said.

The national target of the NGP is to grow 1.5 billion trees in 1.5 million hectares within six years.

NGP was created by virtue of Executive Order No. 26 which was issues by no less than President Benigno S. Aquino III in February 24, 2011.

The program aims to reduce poverty, attain food security, biodiversity conservation and climate change mitigation and adaptation that seeks the involvement of the local government units, people‘s organizations, private and public organizations down to the community level in NGP identified areas.

Untal added that the NGP is only one of the many ways we could all get involved in visioning a better future for our Mother Earth.* (JCM/EAD-PIA6 Negros Occidental)

Capiz activities for ‗Yolanda‘ commemoration up By: Jemin B. Guillermo ROXAS CITY, Capiz, Oct. 21 (PIA6) – The province of Capiz is now finalizing the various activities for the first year supertyphoon Yolanda commemorative program on November 8.

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rovincial Administrator lawyer Jose O. Villanueva disclosed that ―we are not remembering the fate of Yolanda but the opportunity to work together and how people cooperate with each other to stand anew during the crisis.‖ Villanueva said that the first anniversary of the devastating typhoon Yolanda will serve as a thanksgiving day and a moment for recognizing the people, agencies and groups locally and internationally that have helped the people of Capiz during the tragedy.

He said that the event will be spearheaded by the Provincial Tourism and Cultural Affairs Office led by Mr. Alphonsus Tesoro.

According to him, the one day event will

picture out how Yolanda affected the lives, properties and livelihood of Capiceños and how the people here were able to cope with and overcome such incident.

On the other hand, Tesoro said that the program will elaborate the Capiznon‘s bayanihan way of coping after the typhoon and how we were comforted by the presence of one another and the support of various agencies, individuals and organizations.

Tesoro said that Capiznon did not allow Yolanda to overcome and topple us down, hence November 8 is a time for the people here have to recall all the good things that have happened to us during and after the

calamity.

Part of the activities during the first year commemoration are the thanksgiving mass, forum with video presentation of various humanitarian groups and organizations of what they have done to Capiz, candle lighting and cultural presentation.

Various agencies and groups will likewise have their own activities during the day.

As part of the province‘s commemoration program, the Philippine Information Agency and Capiz Association of Government Public Information Officers will have a tree planting activity and offering of thanksgiving mass on the same date at the Meditation Hills, Maninang, Sapian, Capiz. (JBG/PIA6-Capiz)

Aklan holds farmers, fisherfolk marketday By: Venus G. Villanueva KALIBO, Aklan, Oct. 20 (PIA6) -- For farmers and fisherfolk in Aklan to get their money‘s worth for their farm produce minus the intervention of middlemen, the Office of the Provincial Agriculturist (OPA) mounted here recently a market day for them at the Provincial Trade Hall, Capitol Grounds.

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he idea, according to Salome David, Assistant Provincial Agriculturist, is to give the farmers and fisherfolk a chance to directly meet their buyers, and for buyers to be able to buy fresh fish, vegetables and fruits straight from the farms from various municipalities of Aklan.

The farmers/fisherfolks and buyers‘ market encounter is seen to repeated the following months, as the initial one mounted only serves as a ―dry run‖ for the provincial government to see how best they could implement this concept.

David said the idea to conduct this kind of activity came from Sangguniang Panlalawigan

Soviet de la Cruz, Committee Chair of Agriculture.

The market day dry run was participated in by 8 towns which sold produce abundant in their municipalities – like Batan, which sold seafoods and other marine products, Altavas, vegetables and toasted puto; Tangalan, fruits and vegetables, Balete, pinipig; Kalibo, black rice.

Other towns sold siopao, polvoron, ampao, and other food delicacies.

The Office of the Provincial Veterinarian (OPVET), which has a stock farm in Makato, slaughtered a cow, which was also sold at the Provincial Trade Hall.

Buyers were mostly Provincial Capitol employees who were really the targeted customenrs for the novel marketing event.

According to Sangguniang Panlalawigan member Soviet dela Cruz, proponent of the activity, they will try to gather more municipal participants next time, double their efforts to gather them, and for the municipalities to double their products for sale.

Hon. De la Cruz said they will conduct the succeeding marketing activities in time for paydays of government employees. (JSC/VGV -PIA6 Aklan)

WESTERN VISAYAS

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More Singaporean and Malaysian tourists coming By: Leonard T. Pineda I ILOILO CITY, Oct. 22 (PIA6) --- The Department of Tourism (DOT) in Western Visayas said that the first ever WV Tourism Business Mission in Singapore and Malaysia brought in more tourists for the region.

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n a media release, DOT-6 Regional Director Helen Catalbas said there is a reported increase in tourist arrivals from these two Southeast Asian countries particularly in Boracay Island.

An increase of 99.72 percent of Singaporean tourist arrivals was recorded in Boracay for the period January to September 2014. For Malaysian arrivals, the DOT reported a 187.52 percent increase for the same period.

Catalbas said the tourism business mission

was held in Singapore and Malaysia last July 8 and 10, 2014.

The delegation from Western Visayas composed of representatives from the local government units of Guimaras, Negros Occidental, Malay in Aklan, and DOT Region VI along with several private sector representatives.

The event enabled the tourism officers and representatives to present their respective tourist attractions and facilities including their connectivity to these countries and their

provinces to more than 100 travel agents and media representatives in both countries visited.

Meanwhile, Boracay remains to be one of the top tourism destinations in the country amid the encountered slump from the travel ban imposed by China in September, according to the DOT. DOT-6 said that Western Visayas is gearing for the ―Visit the Philippines‖ campaign for 2015.

(JCM/LTP/PIA-Iloilo)

Antique farmers get pumps, engine sets By: Vicente W. Villavert SAN JOSE, Antique, Oct.22 (PIA6) - - Farm productivity will be further enhanced with the recent distribution of some 70 pumps and engine sets to the 70 farmers‘ associations in Antique recently.

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rovincial Agriculturist Nicolasito Calawag said ―this assistance came from the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations, and part of the effort to help typhoon victims in the province."

The farmers‘ associations also received fuel and oil assistance from the Department of Agriculture Regional Field Office 6 during the program held at the Evelio B. Javier Freedom Park.

The recipients are the following: for Valderrama - Binanogan Valderrama Antique I r ri g a t o r s A s s o ci at i on , Br g y . T a k a s Farmers Association, Bugnay Irrigators Association, Buluangan 1 Multi-purpose Coop; Canipayan Irrigators Association; Valderrama Antique Irrigators Association; Bugasong, Antique - Brgy. Arangote Bugasong Farmers Association, Brgy. Ilaures Small Farmers Association, I gb al an gao -Bagt ason Agrari an Ref orm Communities association; Igbalangao Bugasong Irrigators Association;Pangalcagan Farmers Association; Tono-an Upland Farmers Association, Yapo Integrated Social Forestry Upland Farmers association; Laua-an-Casit-an, Omlot, Oloc, Liya-liya, Igtadyao Irrigators Association, CLIA Lindero; Guinbangga-an, Maria

Jaguiquican MPCAR, Guisijan Farmers Association, Bagongbayan Farmers Assoc., Poblacion Farmers Assoc., Tigunhao Farmers Assoc., Jinalinan Farmers Assoc.; For Barbaza- Barbaza Farmers Irrigators Assoc., Barbaza MPC, Beri Farmers & Fishermen Assoc., Binanu-an-Binangbang Centro, Cubay Magtulis ISA; Calapadan Upland Farmers Assoc., Camp Eupre Farmers Assoc., MALALUBI Upland Farmers Assoc; for Tibiao- Bandoja-San Francisco Sur-San Francisco Norte, San Isidro CIA, Inc.; Brgy Importante-Centro Amar CIA, Inc.; Brgy.

Amar Farmers Association; Sta.Justa-San Isidro-Martinez-San Francisco Norte-San Francisco Sur CIA; KASSAMA; Pitac, Tibao Irrigators Assoc., Tibiao-Dalanas River Irrigators Assoc; United Sta.Justa-Martinez Irrigators Assoc.; for Culasi-Alojipan Farmers Assoc; Asosayon kang mga Buenavistahanon nga Mangunguma kang Mamumugon; Bita Farmers Assoc; Flores Farmers Assoc.,Janlagasi Small Farmer & Farm Workers Assoc., Katilingban kang mga Mangunguma sa Condes; Magsaysay Integrated Social Forestry Association; Tigbobolo Mangunguma, Mangingisda kag Mamumugon Association; For Sebaste- Abiera Small FarmersIrrigators Assoc., Aguila-Bitadton Irrigators Service Assoc.,

Aras-asan Sebaste IA; Bacalan Sebaste Irrigators Assoc; Idio Communal Irrigators Assoc; Idio Communal Irrigators Assoc; Callan Burabod Irrigators Assoc; Nauhon Irrigators Agrarian Reform Beneficiaries Assoc; Sitio Viejo FarmersAssoc; for Pandan- Asosasyon kang mga Mangunguma kag Mamumugon sa Brgy. Candari; Duyong-Tingib Irrigators Service Assoc; Guia Pandan Irrigators Assoc; Luhod Bayang ARBs & Farmers Assoc; Mag-aba Irrigators Service Assoc.; Patria MPC; Sta. Ana San Joaquin MPC; JINAFRABA; kag Libertad-Barusbus Irrigators Association; Codiong-Inyawan Green Forest Association; Inyawan Riverside Assoc.;Kinyang Irrigators Assoc.; San Juan Farmers Assoc.; Union Libertad Antique Irrigators Assoc.; WESINPAN Irrigators Association Inc. Governor Exequiel B. Javier, Congressman Paolo S. Javier, FAO Area Operations Coordinator Brenda Saquing and other provincial officials led the distribution of the equipment to the farmers.

According to Calawag, the said farm equipment will help increase farmers‘ productivity on rice and other crops especially those in areas not reached by irrigation system. (JCM/VWV/PIA Antique)

Photo contest on environmental protection up By: Lilibeth A. French ILOILO CITY, Oct. 22 (PIA6) - - The Metro Iloilo Airshed launched a photo contest to engage young Filipinos in Western Visayas in the protection of the environment particularly the ozone layer.

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he ozone layer protects the earth from the harmful radiation of the sun.

Invited to participate in the National Ozone Protection Month 2014 Photo contest are those aging 16 to 21 years old from Region 6.

They are asked to submit entries that strictly adhere to the contest theme ―Ozone Layer Protection: The Mission Goes on‖.

Photo entries taken using any type of camera within the country this year must be unedited and colored or monochromatic.

Each participant is allowed any number of entries with corresponding photo captions/

descriptions explaining what the photo is about with a maximum of three sentences written in English, Tagalog or Hiligaynon.

Entry forms can be downloaded at MIA Facebook account www.facebook.com/ iloiloairshed6 or search for Metro Iloilo Airshed.

Participants are advised to submit the digital (JPEG format only) copies of their entries and f orm s t o t h e MI A emai l address metroiloilo@gmail.com with the subject title: The Mission Goes On before or on November 20, 2014.

Entries submitted will be uploaded to the

MIA FB account for the People‘s Choice Award which will be given to the entry with the most number of likes during the awarding ceremony.

The grand prize winner will receive P5,000 while second and third placers with P3,000 and P2,000. The People‘s Choice Award will get P1,000.

For full details, contact Ninfa Adolfo and Margarita Padernal of the Environmental Management Bureau 6 at telephone numbers 300-1135, 509-9133, or 3209995 local 033. (JCM/ LAF/PIA-Iloilo)

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CENTRAL VISAYAS

Sec. Abad: P13B supplemental budget set aside for 2015 BY: FAYETTE C. RIÑEN CEBU CITY, Oct. 20 --- Budget Secretary Florencio ―Butch‖ Abad bared that a P13 billion supplemental budget has been allocated for 2015, which underwent review by the Office of the President and was submitted to Congress on October 20.

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bad during a breakfast meeting with reporters in Cebu late last week said the supplemental budget will be used to fund three priority projects.

According to Abad, first priority would go to projects funded by the Priority Development Assistance Fund (PDAF) which were started but were not paid for.

Second priority goes to completion of PDAF projects which have already been listed, said Abad, adding that the Department of Public Works and Highways has compiled a listing of all projects that need to be completed.

The third priority will be for new projects, the bulk of which pertains to the Philippine hosting of the APEC Summit next year, declared Abad.

Ministerial meetings of the APEC Summit will

start in January 2015 "so we need to fast track projects needed for the country‘s hosting of such an important event," he said.

Other projects up for funding from the supplemental budget included the survey of the National Household Targeting System for Poverty Reduction, which is needed after 44 provinces nationwide have been hit by super typhoon Yolanda.

Because of Yolanda, there are thousands of families that have been displaced. We need to update our data which is also needed for the conditional cash transfer program, said Abad.

Abad further said funding for the reconstruction and rehabilitation of all national bridges will also be taken from the supplemental budget.

―There is a standing order from the President that he wants all national bridges rehabilitated or reconstructed completed by 2015,‖ said the budget chief.

Abad said the 2015 budget had already been finalized as of March or April, this year so the additional priority projects that need funding have not been contemplated.

Also at the breakfast meeting were Interior and Local Government Secretary Mar Roxas and Presidential Spokesperson Edwin Lacierda.

The cabinet members also attended the opening of the two-day Good Governance Dialogues undertaken by the Department of Budget and Management with USAID and the Union of Local Authorities of the Philippines. (rmn/fcr/PIA-7)

NegOr 4Ps beneficiaries avail P2.7B grants BY: LEANDRIA P. PAGUNSAN DUMAGUETE CITY, Oct. 18 (PIA) -- Identified as among the top 20 poorest provinces in the Philippines, Negros Oriental has 68,708 active 4Ps beneficiaries receiving a total grant of P2.7 billion in the form of education, health and livelihood assistance from the government‘s Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program (4Ps) since 2008 up to the present

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his was bared by Department of Social Welfare & Development -7 (DSWD) assistant regional director Shalaine Marie Lucero during the Kapihan sa PIA on the topic: "4Ps Update" held recently at the Negros Oriental Provincial Convention Center.

Lucero emphasized that the government's Pantawid program does not provide all the needs of poor families, however, it has helped them cross the poverty threshold that improved their living condition through their active participation and involvement in the Pantawid program.

Such activities include seminars on disaster preparedness, proper hygiene and family d e vel op m en t s es si on s t h a t b rou gh t transformation in their behavior on why they are required to avail of health services and encouraged their children to go to school.

Lucero said that there is an almost perfect compliance rate in health services at 96-97%, education at 98% and family development sessions at 98%.

Implementation of the sustainable livelihood programs in Negros Oriental engaged 4Ps beneficiaries in skills training to improve their well-being and equip them with knowledge for possible employment or start a business for them to become self sufficient.

Lucero added that set 1of the s u s t ai n ab l e l i vel i h o od p ro g r am w a s implemented in Negros Oriental in 2008 where 15,185 beneficiaries availed a total of 78 million grant poured in as capital to start their own business.

The Trabahong Lansangan, a partnership between DSWD and Department of Public Works & Highways (DPWH) hired from 2011 to

2014 thirty two (32) male and female workers from Negros Oriental for DPWH projects.

Some of them were absorbed as permanent workers by DPWH, Lucero said.

The Pantawid program also assists children of 4Ps beneficiaries to go through college and finish a degree with the student assistance program.

The amount of 30,000 per semester will be paid directly to the school to pay for tuition fees, books and other school requirements for deserving students.

Lucero informed that out of the 2,093 college students assisted in Central Visayas, Negros Oriental has two hundred twenty two (222) student-beneficiaries who availed of this program at Negros Oriental State University (NORSU). (mbcn/lpp/PIA7-Negros Oriental)

14 cuisines clash for best of NegOr‘s Buglasan Lutong Garbo BY: JENNIFER C. TILOS NEGROS ORIENTAL, Dumaguete City, Oct. 22 (PIA) --- Everything is set for the battle of local culinary talents dubbed ‗Lutong Garbo‘ with a total of 14 menus from towns and cities in Negros Oriental on October 24 at 9:00 a.m. at Provincial Agriculture Office (PAO), Dumaguete City.

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ontest culinary entries include chicken carnaval of Jimalalud; pinaisang pasayan sa kolo with kolo sauce of Tanjay City; malunggay rolls with sweet and sour sauce of Siaton; pan grilled chicken of Amlan; esculenta con gallus lumpia, Sta. Catalina; and cassava leaf roll, Sibulan.

From Manjuyod town, shrimps in taro leaves; sinakbit of Zamboanguita; malunggay omelet with shrimps of San Jose; nilubihang halang-halang tibuok manok with gulay of Valencia; adobong tuway of Bayawan City; Dumaguete express; Dumaguete City; and bahug-bahug sa mais of Basay.

The entries are all coming from the cities and municipalities of Negros Oriental endorsed by the local chief executives.

Lutong Garbo Committee Chair Sylvia Uy said this food festival promotes Negros Oriental‘s native

cuisine in celebration with the Buglasan Festival which showcases what the province has to offer to tourists.

Sylvia Uy said the local chefs will prepare main dishes or recipes that must feature ingredients indigenous to the area represented as part of the criteria of the contest; and the use of ingredients such as monosodium glutamate, canned goods, imported products, and artificial seasonings are not allowed.

All participants of the cooking contest must wear appropriate white cooking attire with hair bonnet and provide his/her own cooking utensils and equipment.

These will be inspected including the ingredients before the cooking time.

The contestants are given 30 minutes to

prepare, marinate, and set up ingredients and an hour to cook and present per main dish and required to cook a recipe good for ten persons.

Food preparation will be judged according to the following criteria: palatability, 30 percent; 40 percent for originality; 10 percent for texture and 10 percent for dish presentation and another 10 percent for cost of dish.

Uy said winners for this competition will receive P10,000 for the 1st prize; P7,000 for 2nd prize; and the 3rd placer P5,000 plus a trophy each .

For non-winners, consolation prize of P2,5000 cash and certificates of appreciation will be awarded by the Lutong Garbo Competition committee. (rmn/ JCT/PIA7-Negros Oriental)

CENTRAL VISAYAS

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BJMP-7 marks Nat'l Correctional Consciousness Week, Oct 23-30 BY: AMOR Y. SALUDAR Central Visayas, Oct. 21 (PIA) --- The Bureau of Jail Management and Penology (BJMP-7) celebrates the 20th National Correctional Consciousness Week on October 23 – 30 with services for inmates in Central Visayas.

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n an AGIO7Forum today, J/SInsp Elsie Eireen Alcomendras said the inmates are given emphasis to celebrate with the BJMP's services. ―Every jail has various services and activities for inmates and most of these are for rehabilitation of the inmates in Central Visayas," Alcomendras added.

There are different rehab services delivered with the bureau and others stakeholders. Some of the activities installed for the inmates in the weeklong celebration include a mass, paralegal, medical/dental services, information/education

campaign, and cultural activities such as drama and dance contests.

Alcomendras added that BJMP-7 wants to ensure that inmates will benefit with these rehab services for them as the bureau links with the civil societies, academe, religious sectors, NGOs and NGAs. Meanwhile, BJMP-7 senior jail officer II Ma. Roselle Escaño,sounded the appeal to pharmaceutical companies and drug stores to donate hypertensive drugs and even those for diabetes for inmates,‖ urged.

Escaño said the allocation for medicines per

inmate is only at P5 per day. ―The amount only covers medicines for common ailments such as flu, colds and headache and does not include drugs for hypertension and diabetes,‖ said the senior jail officer.

Most of the detainees are poor and cannot afford to buy maintenance medicines for hypertension and diabetes, said Escaño.

Escaño said the health condition of inmates is further aggravated by over congestion of detention cells. The most congested jail facilities in the region are the Mandaue City Jail and the Cebu City Jail. (mbcn/ays/FCR/PIA7)

DOST Siquijor pushes for BFH, GMP BY: RIZALIE A. CALIBO SIQUIJOR, Oct. 19 (PIA) — The Department of Science and Technology (DOST)-Siquijor pushed for Basic Food Hygiene (BFH) and Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP) in a 2-day seminar-workshop recently in cooperation with the German Foundation for Entrepreneurial Development Cooperation and its regional DOST office.

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OST-Siquijor Provincial Science and Technology Director Engr. Mario de la Peña said the seminar aims to empower food entrepreneurs as efficient food handlers in the food preparation.

De la Peña said the training-seminar is crucial to food entrepreneurs when applying for a License to Operate (LTO) at the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). ―Because a lot of foreign and local tourists are already visiting Siquijor and still more will visit, it is imperative that we ensure not only delicious ―pasalubongs‖ but also safe foods,‖ de la Peña added.

DOST-7 Food Safety Team Senior Science Research Specialist Josie Elli, also an active member of the Cebu Food Safety Team, was the seminar‘s guest speaker.

Elli highlighted the importance of washing hands properly which could go a long way in preventing food contamination and the spread of food borne illnesses.

Elli said health hazards from food can arise from the raw materials used; from handling and

through all the stages involved in the processing, transportation, storage and sale of food.

Elli said that while it is essential to maintain an appropriate degree of personal cleanliness, it is essential to food handlers to ensure that they will not directly or indirectly contaminate foods.

According to the organizers, the seminar covers topics vital to food preparation, proper hand washing, food safety hazards, personal hygiene, food contact surfaces, cross contamination, food preparation, raw materials and pest control.

During one of the workshops, the facilitators applied ‗Glo-germ‘ a specially formulated lotion to hands of participants and exposed them to UV rays.

They were surprised to see that a lot of germs inhabit their hands. After proper hand washing they saw the drastic decrease and to some participants the elimination of germs.

In food preparation, food entrepreneurs were encouraged to write simple operational procedures and construct process flow diagram, if possible in the local dialect, to serve as guide to

workers.

Raw materials were also defined and emphasized to be of high quality. Standard procedures in checking and storing them were reviewed.

They were reminded of the ‗no pest policy‘ in the food preparation area. Its prevention and control measures were also discussed. ―With BGH and GMP implemented in the work area, food recall due to contamination can be avoided. Not only are that, your products‘ shelf life better and extended,‖ she said.

She also said that aside from ensuring profit in the food industry food entrepreneurs should also put food safety on top of their priority.

In return, the participants assured the organizers to implement and practice what they have learned during the 2-day seminar-workshop not only in their workplace but also at home.

Participants were current Small Enterprise Technology Upgrading Program (SETUP) beneficiaries and would-be SETUP beneficiaries. (mbcn/RAC/PIA7-Siquijor/with reports from Engr.

Reinhold Jek Abing/DOST-Siquijor)

DAR-NegOr clarifies CARP implementation BY: ROI ANTHONI B. LOMOTAN DUMAGUETE CITY, Oct. 21 (PIA) – Negros Oriental Provincial Agrarian Reform Officer (PARO) Atty. Louie Naranjo clarified that the Department of Agrarian Reform (DAR) did not discontinue the implementation of the Comprehensive Agrarian Reform Program (CARP).

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What expired last June 30, 2013 was the issuance of the notice of coverage,‖ Naranjo disclosed during a briefing with the members of Association of Negros Oriental Public Information Officer (ANOPIO) in Dumaguete City.

Naranjo explained that DAR can no longer issue notice of coverage to compulsory acquired land holdings but it can still provide notice of coverage to landowners that will voluntarily sell their land to the department.

The issuance of the notice is the first step in DAR‘s land acquisition and distribution process.

Naranjo made the clarification to shed light

on claims by some stakeholders that the implementation of CARP has already ended.

Naranjo assured agrarian reform beneficiaries in the province that land acquisition process will still go on to landowners who already received notice of coverage from DAR. On the other hand, the implementation of CARP might just go beyond 2016. Engr. Marlon Galon of DAR told government information officers on the possibility that the department will be able to issue notice of coverage to landowners until June 30, 2016.

This if members of the House of Representatives will pass the CARP Extension Bill

No. 4296 which is certified urgent by President Aquino.

This bill was already approved on third and final reading in the the Senate.

With this, DAR will still process claims beyond 2016 or until the termination of land acquisition and distribution activities, Galon adds.

Meanwhile, as of September 30, 2014, DAR-Negros Oriental has already distributed 105, 562.1260 hectares of land holdings to 52,130 agrarian reform beneficiaries in the province.

This is equivalent to two hectares for each beneficiary. (mbcn/ral/PIA7-NegOr)

6

EASTERN VISAYAS

1,100 houses turned over to Yolanda victims next month TACLOBAN CITY, Leyte, Oct. 21 (PIA) – President Benigno S. Aquino III announced on Monday that the government is set to turn over 1,100 permanent housing units to beneficiaries in Yolanda-affected areas next month.

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n a short press conference held near MacArthur Landing Memorial National Park, Brgy. Candahug, Palo, Leyte after the commemoration of the 70th Leyte Gulf Landings Anniversary, the President told the media that 120 thousand housing units are targeted to be constructed for this year for the six regions including Eastern Visayas. ―The target number of housing units for this calendar year is 120 thousand units for 4B, 5, 6, 7, 8 and Caraga and a total of 56,78140 units or 47% of the total number

of units has been allocated for the 6 provinces of Region 8,‖ the President said.

To date, 18,456 units were already bid out. Some are still under construction.

As to survivors still residing in tents, most of them were already transferred to temporary houses while some are fishermen who prefers to stay because of their livelihood. ―Ang sabi sa akin, may natitirang ila-ilan at ang iilan-ilan raw ay mga mangingisda na ang gusto sana ay manatili sa lugar na yun

para malapit sa kanilang kabuhayan," the President said.

It was learned from the President that as of September, the Department of Budget and Management (DBM) has released a total of P40, 865, 675, 624.00 to various national government agencies, government owned and controlled corporations and local government units for the implementation of relief and rehabilitation of programs and projects for Yolanda-affected areas. (ajc/cba/ PIA-8).

US Ambassador says P176-M credit facility available to micro enterprises By: Jonnie H. Buenaventura TACLOBAN CITY, Leyte, Oct. 21 (PIA) - The promise fulfilled by hero General Douglas MacArthur in his famous phrase ―I Shall Return‖ was echoed by US Ambassador Philip Goldberg during the 70th Leyte Landings commemorative anniversary in October 20 in Baras, Palo, Leyte.

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he United States of America vows to provide long lasting benefit to the survivors of typhoon Yolanda by offering them credit assistance that will generate income in the form of small and medium enterprises.

The United States Ambassador to the Philippines announced that the United States Assistance for International Development (USAID) had provided P176M (US$4M) Micro Enterprises Disaster Assistance Fund for Resiliency (MEDAS) Fund to the typhoon Yolanda hit areas which will cover Leyte and Samar.

This MEDAS fund will be implemented by the Philippine Business for Social Progress which will enable eligible entrepreneurs

from typhoon Yolanda hit communities to borrow money in establishing or expanding their micro enterprises.

The micro enterprise covers food processing, sari-sari store, bakeshop, furniture making, and many more small and medium enterprise.

Ambassador Goldberg was touched when he saw the progress, determination, resiliency and courage of typhoon Yolanda survivors to recover and refuse to bow to the challenges and adversaries from the mass destruction brought by the super typhoon.

Around 36 sari-sari stores in barangay Baras and San Fernando Palo, Leyte had been distributed by USAID that were

reconstructed and restocked with inventory with the support of Coca-Cola and Procter and Gamble Philippines to the eligible beneficiaries as a form of rehabilitation and livelihood assistance.

Ambassador Goldberg promised that at least 1,000 stores in typhoon Yolanda affected areas will be rehabilitated and through the rebuild project, the United States government is working with the government of the Philippines to restore access to education and health services, livelihood activities and provide technical assistance to the Office of the Presidential Assistance for Rehabilitation and Recovery. (ajc/jhb/ PIA-8)

Maasin stores padlocked for anti-smoking drive violation By: Marcelo M. Pedalino MAASIN CITY, Southern Leyte, Oct. 21 (PIA) -- Convenience stores that continue to sell cigarettes here in this no-smoking city, in open defiance of a national law and local ordinance, had one thing shared in common: they were served closure notices and were padlocked.

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ity Mayor Maloney Samaco did just that, hammer and nails in handy, to prove he meant business, and over the last four months or so, ten (10) sari-sari stores within city limits and outskirts experienced having been closed, the closure notice prominently displayed.

Most of the stores had since reopened after having paid the penalty of P 5,000.00 and a strong resolve to never again hawk the puffing thing under pain of another sanction. So far, no outlet was tagged as repeat offender. ―We exercise maximum tolerance. We called the concerned owner after having conducted initial moves to serve as evidence, warning and appealing them to stop the

practice. If these were unheeded, then we closed the stores,‖ Mayor Samaco told PIA last week while conducting a closing operation in barangay San Rafael and Soro-Soro stores.

On Wednesday, October 15, another two stores were similarly paclocked, one in sitio Tuburan, barangay Tunga-tunga, witnessed by Punong Barangay Boy Panelo, and another one at barangay Canturing witnessed by Kagawad Abigail Cerro.

Previous closures were also witnessed by barangay leaders, it was learned.

The move to close commercial stores selling cigarettes was part of a strategy to cut the supply even as demand for smokers are still felt, Samaco said during the Action Center Kapihan sa PIA Cable TV program Tuesday.

Told that those who are still smoking are asking the city government to provide a place where they could puff, Samaco quoted a statement of Davao City Mayor Rodrigo Duterte, an anti-smoking advocate like himself, as saying smokers can only smoke at the top of Mount Apo and Samal Island.

But in Maasin, Samaco paraphrased it, saying smokers can only smoke in the confines of their private place.

Meanwhile, colorful photos on the ill effects and the resulting diseases caused by smoking had been posted in conspicuous places around the city for all to see and be warned, the pictures so graphic and telling, and enough to send the message for smokers to quit the habit. (ajc/mmp/PIA8-Southern Leyte)

EASTERN VISAYAS

7

DOLE releases P6-M for livelihood programs to Cabucgayan town By: Rodrigo S. Victoria NAVAL, Biliran, Oct. 20 (PIA) – The provincial office of the labor and employment department in Biliran province released to the beneficiaries the amount of more than P6M to the municipality of Cabucgayan in May this year for the various livelihood programs.

The bigger part of the amount is under component of the YRRP where it benefitted intended for the establishment of small the Yolanda Recovery a n d some 240 beneficiaries composed of fishermen, enterprises in support to the development of Reconstruction Program (YRRP) of the women and other identified sectors in rural families.

Department of Labor and Employment Cabucgayan town.

Last September this year, DOLE also (DOLE)‖, said Ma. Alita Chavez, officer-in Some of the livelihood projects funded released the amount of P1.56M to the -charge of DOLE Biliran during the Kapihan at include the provision of raw materials and municipality of Culaba where it benefitted Pulong-pulong ng Bayan hosted recently by the equipment and establishment of facility for fiber some 134 fishermen for the enhancement of Philippine Information Agency (PIA), Biliran glass boat production in support to local small scale fishing through the provision of Provincial Information Center. fishermen and acquisition of facilities, tools and fishing paraphernalia with fiber glass boats and Chavez, who was the guest during the equipment for the establishment of small engine in support to fishermen affected by kapihan forum further said, DOLE has enterprises in support to rural families super typhoon Yolanda, she added. released some P2.6M under the emergency affected by super typhoon Yolanda, Chavez She said, her office had previously e m p l o y m e n t p r o g r a m o r T u l o n g added. implemented the emergency employment Panghanapbuhay sa Ating mga Disadvantaged The lady labor officer said, DOLE also program immediately after the onslaught of and Displaced Workers (TUPAD), a program released the amount of P1.79M as livelihood super typhoon Yolanda from November, 2013 component of YRRP where some 540 support under the Grassroots Participatory to December 2013 in the 13 barangays of beneficiaries were identified in Cabucgayan.

Budgeting Process (GPBP) where it also Cabucgayan; seven barangays in Biliran town; She informed that DOLE also released the benefitted some 187 beneficiaries composed of three barangays in Caibiran; one barangay in amount of P1.9M under the Kabuhayan or farmers, fishermen, women and other Almeria and 16 barangays in Naval, all of Biliran livelihood program which is also a program identified members in the community province. (ajc/rsv/PIA 8 Biliran)

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FAO distributes boat engines to Abuyog fisherfolk By: Rodrigo S. Victoria ABUYOG, Leyte, Oct. 21 (PIA) - The Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) of the United Nations distributed boat engines to Abuyog fisherfolk affected by super typhoon Yolanda.

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he turn-over ceremony of boat engines this Otober 21, 2014 was at the Abuyog town hall.

No less than Ambassador Guy Ledoux of the European Union graced the turn-over ceremony. He was joined by Czech Ambassador Jaroslav Olsa, Jr., FAO representative to the Philippines Jose Luis Fernandez and Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources Regional Director Juan Albaladejo.

The provision of boat engines under the European Commission's Humanitarian Aid and Civil Protection Department (ECHO) of the

European Union.

Some 1,700 fisherfolk from Abuyog are set to receive boat engines from the ECHO funded project which is one step leading to the rehabilitation of the fishing communities' livelihood.

The EU has provided 1.9M US dollars for fisherfolks in affected areas in the country by super typhoon Yolanda.

Ambassador Ledoux said in his message that it is rewarding to see how the fisherfolk have become more empowered one year after typhoon Yolanda.

Ledoux hoped that the local communities sustain the hardwork and collaboration to ensure that Abuyog will become more self-reliant.

For his part, Fernandez emphasized in his message to ensure that fisheries-based livelihood are restored in a way that is meaningful, sustainable and resilient to natural disasters. The country FAO representative added that the rehabilitation process of the fisheries sector presents the opportunity to introduce improved practices to contribute to more resilient livelihoods. (ajc/rsc/PIA8-Biliran)

IOM embraces counter-trafficking initiatives TACLOBAN CITY, Leyte, Oct. 20 (PIA) – The International Organization for Migration (IOM) has taken another milestone as it continues to extend its helping arms to ―Yolanda‖ affected areas in Region 8.

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n his message at the press launch held at Patio Victoria here, IOM Chief of Mission, Mr. Marco Boassosaid that counter-trafficking and protection is a key sector for IOM migration crisis operational framework (MCOF) adding that they provide protection and assistance to vulnerable migrants, including victims of trafficking, exploitation or abuse and unaccompanied migrant children, during a crisis situation.

With the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) its provincial and municipal offices, Bureau of Immigration (BI), Commission on Filipinos Overseas (CFO) and the Inter-Agency Council Against Trafficking

(IACAT), IOM expects that trafficking in persons, particularly in women and children would be eliminated.

P r e v iou s r e p or t h a s i t t h a t trafficking in women and children, is becoming a global concern and everybody is susceptible and can become a victim of it particularly those in disaster devastated communities.

However, Mayor Alfred Romualdez reminds parents the family being the first line of defense of their children.

Romualdez who was present during the program launch cited that on top of all government and non-governments‘ efforts to stop trafficking, nothing can beat the parents‘ positive values

that should be learnt by their children, he stressed. ―Poverty could not be the sole reason for one to be trafficked‖, Mayor Romuladez said. ―If the family is closely knitted with each other and regularly communicating at each other and helping one another, then, the problem on trafficking might have no place in the home‖, he concluded.

IOM‘s work in the Philippines to counter trafficking, exploitation and abuse dates back to 1996 even when a national law has yet to be passed.

The task has been anchored on awareness raising, capacity building and protection support services. (PIA-8)

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

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

Ms. Minerva BC Newman Regional Director, PIA 7

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

Ms. Erlinda Olivia P. Tiu Regional Director, PIA8

Managing Editor Jaime S. Cabag, Jr. Contributors All PIA Information Officers of Regions 6, 7 & 8 Production and Layout Edson J. BaĂąares Lynnor C. Regalado Regional Offices: PIA 6, 2/F RC Building, Rizal St., Iloilo City, Iloilo 5000, Tel. Nos. (033) 337-8719/3377301/509-0993, Fax No. (033) 337-8719/509-0993, e-mail: r6_pia@yahoo.com/ piaamo6@yahoo.com PIA 7, Room 304, 3/F Machay Bldg., Garardo Avenue, Cebu City, Cebu 6000, Telefax No. (032) 232-4062/232-4126, e-mail: pia7_cebu@yahoo.com.ph/r7_pia@yahoo.com PIA 8, 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