One Visayas e-Newsletter Vol 4 Issue 8

Vol 4

Issue 8

In this Issue WESTERN VISAYAS

Senate President Franklin Drilon together with PPA General Manager Juan Sta. Ana inspect Dumangas Port and Lanit Relocation Site in Brgy. Lanit, Jaro, February 27. Governor Arthur Defensor and Dumangas Mayor Rolly Distura joined them during the inspection of the Dumangas Port. (LTP/PIA6)

More on Region 6, pages 2-3.

CENTRAL VISAYAS

PNoy visited Bantayan Island, Cebu on February 25 to turn over a check worth more than P5M for identified beneficiaries under DSWD's Cash for Work program. He also inspected the Bantayan Public Market and the fishing boats donated by various NGOs for the livelihood of typhoon-hit fisherfolk. He announced that funds worth P191-M are available for the repair of typhoon-hit school buildings, of which there are 253 in the island. (vvv/PIA Cebu)

More on Region 7, pages 4-5.

EASTERN VISAYAS

President Benigno S. Aquino leads the groundbreaking of the Memorial in honor of those who perished in super typhoon Yolanda and the rehabilitation of the Tanauan Public Plaza, February 25. With the President are (l-r) Leyte governor Dominico Petilla, Presidential Assistant for Rehabilitation and Recovery Secretary Panfilo Lacson, Double Dragon president Ferdinand Sia and Tanauan mayor Pelagio Tecson. (Vino R. Cuayzon)

More on Region 8, pages 6-7.

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Published by: PIA 6, 7 & 8

Feb. 24 - Mar. 2, 2014

IOM launches project to help PHL protect overseas workers TACLOBAN CITY, Leyte, Feb. 25 (PIA) -- The International Organization for Migration launched on February 24, 2014 a project to support the Philippine Government‘s effort to protect migrants in trouble.

The project will equip frontline public servants with the skills to protect migrant workers caught up in crises abroad, whether it be an outbreak of conflict, an epidemic, a natural disaster or the effects of an economic downturn on a host country. ―Through this project, we hope to support the government in promoting safe and orderly migration during the most critical times, and to empower frontline staff who find themselves in emergency situations that require quick action to promote the protection and well-being of Filipino migrant nationals,‖ Marco Boasso, Chief of Mission at IOM Philippines said The IOM, in a press statement, noted that Filipino migrants, currently numbering over 10.4 million, can be found working in thousands of different occupations in almost every country in the world.

This huge overseas migrant workforce coupled with a relatively limited number of diplomatic and consular staff presents a number of issues, particularly when an emergency situation breaks out in a host country.

The project will consist of three phases, beginning with the production of a manual of standard operating procedures for assisting migrant nationals abroad in times of crises.

This will be followed by the delivery of interactive training tools to benefit those already posted overseas and classroom training sessions for Foreign Service Officers, consular staff and embassy staff.

The IOM hopes that the training will become a pre-requisite for staff deployment to the Assistance to Nationals Unit (ATNU), Philippines Overseas Labor Offices (POLO) and other service staff abroad.

The two-year project, financed by the IOM Development Fund, is a response to a request made by the Philippine government in 2012, when the worsening crisis in Syria and the MENA region led to mass repatriations of thousands of Filipino workers. (PIA 8)

DOT launches ‘Experience Western Visayas First’ campaign BY: LEONARD T. PINEDA I ILOILO CITY, Feb. 26 (PIA) --- The Department of Tourism (DOT)-6 is set for the grand launching of the ―Experience Western Visayas First‖ tourism campaign to entice more tourists for a sustainable development of the region‘s tourism industry.

Lawyer Helen Catalbas, DOT-6 Regional Director, said that this affair, slated on March 2 at J.M. Basa Street and the Iloilo Freedom Grandstand, is one of the big events DOT VI is launching this year in partnership with Smart Communications, Inc. She said that DOT-6 started to rally Western Visayas a year ago to create awareness and increase interest among the people on traveling within the region. ―Now is the time to kick off further the tourism campaign to attract more tourists to come and experience first the region‘s tourism before opting to travel to other places,‖ she said.

The DOT official said that various activities are set from

8:00 AM to 5:00 PM and an array of costumes and different beats coming from all over Western Visayas will be featured during the parade from 1:00 – 2:00 PM from the Capitol Grounds to the Iloilo Freedom Grandstand.

Numerous performances of local artists and audio visual presentations of Western Visayas will be shown on the main event from 2:00 – 5:00 PM at Iloilo Freedom Grandstand.

Smart Communications and DOT-6 will also hold special raffles during the event.

The DOT said that tourism fair is set for the promotion of the local products and tourist attractions within the region on the same day from 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM at Calle Real here.

Participating provinces include Aklan, Antique, Capiz, Guimaras, Iloilo, and Negros Occidental and the two highly urbanized cities of Bacolod and Iloilo.

Local government units, private sector, the academe, and special guests coming from all over the region will take part in the grand event. (JCM/LTP/PIA-Iloilo)

‘EDSA means love of country, upholding what is right and true’ says PNoy BY: FAYETTE C. RIÑEN CEBU CITY, Feb. 25 – President Benigno S. Aquino III placed emphasis that the essence of the People Power revolution in 1986 did not only happen in EDSA but also in other provinces as the country marked the 28th anniversary of the historic event in Cebu. ―EDSA (People Power) did not only happen in Manila. It also happened in Cebu and other places,‖ said Pres. Aquino adding that similar uprisings were also felt in other provinces.

During the media interaction that followed after the EDSA program in front of the Capitol grounds, Aquino said bringing the annual celebration to Cebu highlights the contributions of other Filipinos who were boldly showing their rebellion against a dictatorship rule.

In1986, Cebu became the hallmark of the opposition and the place where the late President Cory Aquino sought refuge during the EDSA revolt. ―Why not Cebu?‖ posed the President in an impromptu speech before more than 10,000 crowd that gathered for the program where he stressed the significance of the Filipinos‘ Bayanihan spirit that was demonstrated in 1986 up to this date.

The President said the EDSA revolt is all about the Filipinos, their love of country and their struggle for freedom from repression.

In the Tagalog dialect, the President exalted the sacrifice of the Filipino people back then until today where love of fellowmen was clearly evident in the aftermath of the several disasters that struck the country.

He cited the Zamboanga crisis, Bohol quake and the Yolanda tragedy among others where people volunteered their time, effort and resources to help disaster victims.

No matter what challenges will be thrown our way, if we just continue to demonstrate the Bayanihan spirit, our country will overcome all odds, Aquino said.

For the first time in 28 years, the EDSA celebration was moved outside of Manila and brought to the provinces where the President chose to underscore the Filipinos resiliency and Bayanihan spirit in areas devastated by calamities.

Prior to this, Pres. Aquino visited typhoon-ravaged Davao Oriental and quake-hit Bohol. After the EDSA program this morning, he visited some areas wrecked by super storm Yolanda such as Bantayan Island and Tacloban City and Tanauan in Leyte and Guiuan in Eastern Samar.

The highlight of the EDSA event however, was done in Cebu for the reenactment of the Salubungan. Salubungan is the commemoration of the peaceful struggle for freedom and change through the converging of forces between the ordinary people and the military forces in 1986. (mbcn/FCR/PIA-7)

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WESTERN VISAYAS

DOLE 6 ensures implementation of RAY

Agbalo Bridge in Pontevedra, Capiz

BY: LILIBETH A. FRENCH ILOILO CITY, Feb. 27 (PIA6) - - Department of Labor and Employment 6 (DOLE 6) Director Ponciano Ligutom said that preliminary activities have already been undertaken to ensure the implementation of the Reconstruction Assistance on Yolanda or RAY in communities devastated by the super typhoon in Western Visayas by the end of first quarter of this year.

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igutom said in a press briefing held here that DOLE has partnered with DOST through a convergence program on technology-driven, resources based, and sustainable livelihood in support of RAY. The convergence program is a technology -based and innovation led entrepreneurship expected to create sustainable livelihood employment opportunities among target beneficiaries such as the poor, vulnerable and marginalized workers, including those displaced by natural and man-made calamities, and returning /displaced overseas Filipino workers and their families.

Ligutom said the convergence program will be implemented this year until 2016 together with other partner agencies such as the Department of Agriculture and Department of Trade and Industry with an initial of P10 million.

However, Ligutom said they are expecting contributions from partner agencies and other interested government agencies, LGUs and

international organizations.

The amount will fund various approved projects that were proposed by beneficiaries that focus on the rehabilitation of the four industries affected by the typhoon such as dried fish, poultry and livestock, indigenous fibers and muscovado.

Under the program the rehabilitation of the dried fish industry in Northern Iloilo and Capiz will be taken care of by DOST, the rehabilitation of the poultry and livestock industry focusing on meat processing in Northern Negros Occidental will be led by DA, the rehabilitation of indigenous fibers and handicrafts production in Aklan was tasked to DTI; and the municipal muscovado production in Antique with DOLE. Some of the identified beneficiaries of the program are the Yolanda survivors especially the dried fish processors associations in the municipalities of Concepcion, Estancia, Carles, San Dionisio and Ajuy in Iloilo province; in cities of Sagay, Cadiz, and Escalante in Negros

Occidental; in Roxas City in Capiz; and Tibiao and Culasi in Antique for the rehabilitation of the dried, poultry and livestock industries.

Weaver associations in the towns of Ibajay, Libacao, Banga, Numancia and Kalibo, in Aklan will stand to benefit from the rehabilitation of indigenous fibers and handicrafts production and the Laua-an Multi-Purpose Cooperative in Lauan-Antique for the municipal muscovado production.

Beneficiaries will be exposed to various trainings that will be conducted through the program such on good manufacturing practices, product development and packaging, marketing, product costing and pricing, dyeing and designs, material treatment and finishing techniques, among others.

The Technical Education and Skills Development Authority and Overseas Workers Welfare Administration have also pledged their support to the program. (LAF/ PIA6)

6 BACs up in Antique to serve SMEs BY: VICENTE W. VILLAVERT SAN JOSE, Antique, Feb. 26 (PIA) - - The Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) will establish Business Assistance Centers (BACs) in six municipalities of Antique to give focus on the recovery and rehabilitation of the small and medium enterprises affected by typhoon Yolanda.

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The government through the Department of Trade and Industry is doing its best to help the affected small and medium enterprises (SMEs) in six Municipalities but hopefully towards the latter part of the year, we will also establish BACs in all municipalities here,‖ DTI-Antique Provincial Director Lea T. Gonzales said.

Gonzales said that the first Municipality to be established with BAC is in Laua-an last January 30, 2014, but she clarified that there is no order of priority in the establishment of the said service center.

Four (4) other BACs were set up in the municipalities of Tibiao, Culasi, Barbaza and Pandan., recently.

She did not indicate when and where will the sixth BAC be established during the interview with the PIA. ―We have close coordination with the local government units to attend to the queries and other needs of the SMEs,‖ Gonzales said.

The total number of ‗Yolanda‘ affected SMEs were not readily made available during the interview.

However, Gonzales assured that DTI will soon release the list after the consolidation of the needs assessment forms coming from the various BACs. Gonzales said that the LGUs will provide a table and some staff for the DTI personnel at the BAC to attend to the needs of the SMEs. ―Through the BAC we will be able to find out what support can be provided to help the SMEs recover from damages caused by typhoon Yolanda,‖ Gonzales said. (JCM/VWV/ PIA6-Antique)

POPCOM cites Iloilo Teen Centers BY: ELSA S. SUBONG ILOILO CITY, Feb. 24 (PIA6) – The 15 Iloilo Teen Centers, established in strategic towns in Iloilo Province, have been cited as among the good programs for young people.

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ommission on Population Juan Antonio Perez said during the regional convention of population officers held here, the project is a very effective approach to reaching out to the young people through meaningful activities and development of skills. Perez said empowering the youth begins here where the centers are intended to promote values formation and reproductive health

so that teenage pregnancies can be curbed. Ramon Yee, Provincial Population Officer of Iloilo, said theproject is a priority in the wake of the report that 10 out of 100 women aged 18 and below gets pregnant. Yee said the provincial government saw this as an issue which needs immediate intervention, so in addition to the establishment of the centers, they have instituted other

programs. ―Aside from teenage pregnancy, our programs also seek to address concerns on adolescent health, drug addiction, smoking and alcoholism,‖ Yee said.

To date, the provincial government and the PopCom haveestablished and made functional 15 Teen Centers worth a total of P4 million, and will be adding 14 more this year. (JCM/ESS/PIA-Iloilo)

WESTERN VISAYAS

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438 farm workers now landowners Agbalo Bridge in Pontevedra, Capiz

BY: EASTER ANNE D. DOZA

NEGROS OCCIDENTAL, Feb. 24 (PIA6) - - From farm workers, 438 agrarian reform beneficiaries are now official landowners with the awarding and installation of the 381 hectares of land in Hacienda Teresa in E.B. Magalona town here.

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hese ARBs gathered in a small hacienda (farm) chapel elated to receive their Certificate of Land Ownership Awards (CLOAs), where the landholdings formerly owned by Arturo Ledesma were voluntarily offered for sale to the Department of Agrarian Reform.

Ledesma, who wholeheartedly graced the occasion with his two children, recalled how his family tilled the land for 45 years together with the farm workers present. ―For the past 45 years, this is a good land. Work for the land correctly, now that this is yours, this is your opportunity. You don‘t have to rely on me anymore, this is yours already,‖ Ledesma said in a rare occasion where the landowner graced the CLOA distribution and maintains good rapport with its ARBs. ARB Romeo Española affirmed this when he thanked Ledesma for taking them back in as farm workers after a long time of lobbying in Manila for land to be awarded to them. ―Miskan dugay kami sa Manila, gapasalamat gid ko kay Noy Art kay ginbaton ya kami liwat kag wala ya kami ginpabay-an nga magutom (It‘s

been a long time that even after we lobbied for this in Manila, when we came back to the farm, we still have work. Noy Art never left us to go hungry even until now.),‖ Española said. ―What is important is we maintain a peaceful relationship.

Let us help each other. The land if not tilled, nothing will happen. I brought my children to teach them that we do not only look after the gains of this land for the past 45 years. We are for our people. I have a piece of the land left for me here. I will still work for it, and if you need anything from me, I will still help you,‖ Ledesma said as he wished the new landowners good luck in their lands.

Department of Agrarian Reform Regional Director Alejandro Otacan told ARBs that they are farm workers before, and although land owners now, they need to work for it, cultivate the land and continue to produce change in their lives towards progress. ―Ginapanginbulahan namon tanan nga ARBs (we congratulate all our ARBs), in behalf of the DAR Secretary and the whole DAR 6 family. This is one of the important occasions

for DAR, when we see the titles in the hands of the ARBs,‖ Otacan said.

Otacan added that the ARBs should also be thankful to the government under President Benigno S. Aquino that the Comprehensive Agrarian Reform Program was continued, otherwise, the CLOA awarding will not happen.

Assistant Regional Director Florentino Siladan disclosed that out of the 483, 65 ARBs will get P3.8 million loan as part of the support services of DAR under the Agrarian Production Credit Program or APCP. EB Magalona town Executive Assistant Jovy Madayag, in behalf of Mayor David Albert Lacson thanked the landowners for their generosity and the DAR for facilitating the awarding of CLOA to ARBs. Madayag assured the ARBs that there will also be support coming from the local government for ARB cooperatives for the sustainability of farmer-beneficiaries. ―The municipality has plans to purchase machineries for lower rental to beneficiaries as a support system of the municipality, Madayag said.*(JCM/EAD-PIA6 Negros Occidental)

Ivisan's shelter program gets boost with DENR lumber BY: JEMIN B. GUILLERMO ROXAS CITY, Capiz, Feb, 26 (PIA6) – More than 10,000 board feet of lumber were turned over to the municipal government of Ivisan, Capiz for the shelter program of the homeless.

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nformation Officer Ma. Judy Bernas of the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR)-Capiz disclosed that a total of 10,578.66 board feet of lumber from the 489 felled trees in Barangay Agustin Navarra reforestation project were partially turned over to said local government unit.

She said that DENR Capiz Provincial Head Valentin Talabero personally turned over the said sawn lumber to Mayor Felipe Neri Yap for the shelter program of the town after supertyphoon Yolanda knocked down thousands of houses of the Ivisan residents.

Bernas said that the turned over lumber

came from the 454 mahogany trees, 31 Gmelina and 4 Magalinga species that were destroyed by the typhoon.

According to her, there are still many felled trees in said reforestation project that are to be sawn and hauled for utilization especially in the shelter program for homeless families residents.

On the other hand, Yap said that the turned over lumber by DENR to the town will be of great help for their households whose houses were destroyed by the said disaster.

He revealed that a total of 2,850 houses in their town were totally damaged and 3,020 houses were partially damaged due to said

typhoon.

Yap said that since their town‘s calamity fund is not enough for the various rehabilitation programs such as shelter of their homeless residents, they are waiting for the help of other agencies and groups.

He also acknowledged the assistance of the various local and international communities such as the Red Cross and International Organization for Migration, among others.

He said that so far the Gawad Kalinga pledged to help in the rebuilding of the destroyed 10 units of DSWD-funded core shelters in barangay Agustin Navarra. (JCM/ JBG/PIA6-Capiz)

Aklan, NBI set procedure for faster, orderly clearance release BY: VENUS G. VILLANUEVA KALIBO, Aklan, Feb. 28 (PIA6) -- Aklanons who go to Iloilo City to apply for clearance from the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) may no longer need to sleep on sidewalks to stay in the line.

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his, as the provincial government of Aklan through its Public Employment Service Office (PESO) and the NBI have come up with procedures to ease the hardships of clearance applicants from the province.

The advisory circulated by PESO Aklan involves step by step procedure to be undertaken by NBI clearance applicants.

According to the advisory, an applicant should first register in the Official NBI Clearance Online Application Website (http://nbi.njis.com); then fill up

the eClearance Form.

The applicant should then take note of the Registration Code of the application, print the application and sign the printed application form and fill out the date.

After this, the applicant must bring the signed form to PESO-Aklan together with two valid IDs, like valid passport, Voter‘s ID, Driver‘s License, PRC License, SSS ID, GSIS UMID, Postal ID, School ID, TIN ID, Philhealth ID, Authenticated Birth Certificate, Alien Certificate of Registration, Senior

Citizen ID, or Previous Copy of NBI Clearance, and secure an indorsement letter from PESO to expedite processing of the clearance.

The applicant may then proceed to NBI Iloilo at Fort San Pedro for processin and issuance of clearance.

Solano said this procedure will be implemented by the Provincial Government and the NBI Western Visayas Regional Office until such time that the new NBI system is institutionalized and a new satellite office is installed in Aklan. (JSC/VGV-PIA6 Aklan)

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CENTRAL VISAYAS

PNoy inspects bunkhouses in Loon Cansaga Bay Bridge in Cebu

BY: ELVIRA C. BONGOSIA

LOON, Bohol, Feb. 25 (PIA) -- President Benigno ‘Noynoy’ Aquino III visited Bohol again to make a post-earthquake inspection of rehabilitation projects in the province, kicking off a series of post-disaster activities in the Visayas and as part of the 28th anniversary celebration of the EDSA People Power Revolution.

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resident Aquino upon arrival in Bohol proceeded to Cogon Norte in Loon to inspect the construction of bunkhouses and service facilities for the residents affected by the earthquake.

The President arrived with Presidential Communications Operations Office (PCOO) Sec. Herminio Coloma, Jr., Dept. of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) Sec. Mar Roxas, Dept. of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) Sec. Rogelio Singson, Department of National Defense (DND) Sec. Voltaire Gazmin and Dept. of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) Sec. Dinky Soliman.

Aquino was welcomed by local officials headed

by Gov. Edgar Chatto, 1st Dist. Rep. Rene Relampagos and Loon Mayor Lloyd Peter Lopez.

DPWH Regional Director Ador Canlas then took the President in a walking briefing of the emergency shelter bunkhouses.

The 10 bunkhouses with ten units each for 100 shelter beneficiaries of Loon have five communal service facilities provided for the occupants.

Service facilities include eight restrooms, four shower rooms, four washing sink, 20 grill stove facilities and running water.

Of the 10 bunkhouses, eight are partially finished while two are now being occupied.

Started January of this year, these are now near completion. There is also an ongoing construction of bunkhouses in Ubujan, Tubigon.

Part of the P20M fund is provided by the Philippine Ports Authority (PPA) to DPWH, which

implemented the project.

After the inspection of the bunkhouses and service facilities, the President toured the retrofitted Congressman Natalio P. Castillo, Sr. Memorial Hospital in Barangay Basac, Loon and checked some parts of the hospital damaged by the October 15 earthquake.

Aquino then attended the 28th anniversary celebration of the EDSA People Power Revolution beside the hospital where stories of heroism and kindness of ordinary Filipinos and resilience in the wake of calamities were highlighted.

Prior to the President‘s visit here he also went to Cateel, Davao Oriental and was also scheduled to visit Cebu, Bantayan, Leyte and Samar. (mbcn/ECB/ PIA7-Bohol)

PH Yolanda survivor documentary set in Football Match CENTRAL VISAYAS, Feb. 26 (PIA) -- Marked by the recent visit of international Football icon and same time UNICEF Goodwill Ambassador David Beckham a documentary on stories of recovery after Yolanda is set to be played in an international football match.

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enowned Swiss Filmmaker Michael Steiner, one of the successful directors in Switzerland today started the camera rolling in a new documentary for release on March 4 at the United Nations Development Programme‘s (UNDP) annual Match Against Poverty to be played in Bern, Switzerland.

For the 11th year running, UNDP Goodwill Ambassadors and football legends Zinédine Zidane and Ronaldo will rally their team of internationally renowned football players for a friendly match against the Bern professional football club, the BSC Young Boys and Friends.

This documentary that would tell the stories of recovery in the Visayas region of the Philippines through the plight of local football players that many of whom have participated in UNDP‘s emergency employment scheme will be played during halftime of the said match.

This involved the stories of 11 local football players from Tacloban, Leyte and in areas devastated by typhoon Haiyan (Yolanda) in the Visayas region of the Philippines.

This year, two-thirds of the funds raised from ticket sales and television rights will help communities affected by the biggest storm ever recorded globally to rebuild their lives in the Visayas regions of the Phillippines.

As reported Typhoon Haiyan (Yolanda) devastated one of the poorest parts of the Philippines last November, affecting millions, leaving them homeless or without incomes. Over half (51%) of fisher folk and 29% of farming households reported that their livelihoods were completely destroyed.

UNDP Country Director in the Philippines, Maurice DeWulf stressed, ―Many of the people here were already living in extreme poverty, reliant on subsistence agriculture or fisheries. We must help them restore their lives quickly.‖ ―People here are determined to fight their way back after this disaster, but they can‘t do it alone.

Through this documentary, we want to shine a spotlight on the urgent need for recovery support,‖ said Mr DeWulf.

The annual match against poverty - which is

televised globally - is supported by both football‘s governing body, the Fédération Internationale de Football Association (FIFA), and the Union of European Football Associations (UEFA).

The 11th Annual Match Against Poverty in Bern will start at 20:00 local time on 4 March 2014. Ticket prices range from CHF 20.00 up to CHF 60.00 and are available at www.stadedesuisse.ch/tickets or www.ticketcorner.ch For more information contact: In Manila : Lisa Hiller-Garvey, Mobile +63 (0) 9175147983, lisa.hiller-garvey@undp.org; or Anna Mae Lamentillo ; +63 (0) 9175068700, anna.mae.lamentillo@undp.org ; Aziyadé Poltier-Mutal; Mobile: + 41 79 349 16 10 -Tel: + 41 22 917 8368 aziyade.poltier@undp.org; Stade de Suisse, Albert Staudenmann ; Mobile : +41 79 301 85 11 - Tel : + 41 3 1 344 80 07 , a.staudenmann@stadedesuisse.ch; Online: undp.org/ povertymatch | @undp | #PovertyMatch; YouTube: http://youtu.be/adeKnCVuqMw To donate: http://donate.undp.org/. (mbcn/AYS/ PIA7 with reports from UNDP)

Dumaguete approves ordinance for voluntary blood donation BY: JENNIFER C. TILOS DUMAGUETE CITY, Feb. 26 (PIA) -- Dumaguete City has approved recently an ordinance institutionalizing a voluntary blood donation program. he program proponent city councilor the City Health Office that will subsequently each barangay to initiate the information Lilani Ramon, said the program manage the consolidated databank,‖ said dissemination with the support of each involves massive bloodletting and Ramon. barangay council. massive blood typing.

Each barangay will have its list of walking Ramon disclosed that the blood is free but The measure seeks to provide a local blood donors according to blood types and for the blood screening the client will have to mechanism by which Republic Act 7719, or the with their contact numbers. pay P1, 500 at the Philippine Red Cross ―National Blood Services Act of 1994‖, will be The ordinance cited that there will (PNRC). implemented in the city for the promotion of also be a separate list for people with rare The PRC Negros Oriental Chapter public health. blood types (those with type AB blood or through its blood bank and transfusion service Ramon explained that the bloodletting will those with RH Negative etc.) with their will be the main depository center of the be conducted by the City Health Office every addresses and contact numbers to facilitate Blood Donation Program. six months. coordination and assistance in cases of She added that the city will allot P200, 000 The 30 barangays of Dumaguete will emergencies. for the program. have to identify at least one percent of its Ramon further explained that walking Residents of other local government units total population who are 18 years old and blood donors are those individuals included in may also access the blood deposits of above to undergo blood typing every six the list of qualified donors that are ready to Dumaguete through PRC but will have to months. donate blood whenever needed by their automatically replenish the quantity of blood ―Their names will be entered into the community. they used. (mbcn/JCT/PIA7-NegOr/ with databank of each barangay to be shared with She said the city health personnel will visit reports from Jingky Bucad, intern)

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CENTRAL VISAYAS

Cansaga Bay Bridge in Cebu

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Pag-IBIG allots P15B for Special Program for Yolanda victims

CEBU CITY, Feb. 23 (PIA)--- The Pag-IBIG Fund Board of Trustees, led by its Chairman, Vice President Jejomar C. Binay, recently approved the Special Program for Pag-IBIG members affected by supert yphoon Yolanda.

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he program includes (1) private-public partnerships with top developers in developing housing projects, (2) interest-free home rehabilitation/reconstruction loans for the first six months of the loan then at subsidized interest rates for the next 1.5 years; 3) six-month grace period for new calamity loans; and (4) six-month moratorium on amortization payments for existing housing loans as well as short term loans of affected members.

This special program is complemented by the regular programs, completing the Special Package that Pag-IBIG offers for its members-- calamity loan at 5.95% per annum, and assistance to claim insurance proceeds for damaged houses of existing housing loans.

Vice President Binay‘s instructions to Pag-IBIG must clearly have a significant role in ensuring that members hit by typhoon Yolanda are given the help

necessary to get them back on their feet.

Pag-IBIG President and Chief Executive Officer, Atty. Darlene Marie B. Berberabe said, ―We heeded his directives and as a result, Pag-IBIG has set aside a total of P15 Billion for the Yolanda-affected areas which will benefit 720,000 Pag-IBIG members."

Berberabe said some P5.5 Billion was allocated for Pag-IBIG-led development of housing projects and home loans in selected areas. Pag-IBIG hopes to initiate the construction of homes for its members to help spur the economic activity in the communities, she added.

To help our members get hold of cash for their other needs, Pag-IBIG set aside P5 Billion for calamity loans, at lowest interest rate of 5.95% per annum. These shall be augmented by the P4.5 Billion funding for the regular home financing program for Visayas. This loan product is for members who may need to borrow more than P450, 000 for their home

financing needs, Berberabe said.

Atty. Berberabe also shared that the houses to be developed and financed under Pag-IBIG‘s special program shall cost no more than P450, 000.

Private sector developers who are currently being engaged by Pag-IBIG are advised to choose the Yolanda areas where they would put their 20% socialized housing compliance under the Urban Development and Housing Act (UDHA) of 1992.

It is Pag-IBIG who shall also prescribe the design of the houses to be produced, which should be disaster-resilient, as mandated by President Benigno Aquino III. "We are coordinating our plans with rehabilitation czar Secretary Ping Lacson, to ensure that government efforts are centralized, so that no city or municipality is left out in the national plan," Berberabe concluded. (mbcn/JSME/PIA7- Cebu/ Pag-IBIG-7)

DPWH sets P342M for multiple projects in Siquijor BY: RIZALIE A. CALIBO SIQUIJOR, Feb. 24 (PIA)—The Department of Public works and Highways (DPWH) has appropriated some P342 million to finance multiple projects in Siquijor, bared a report of the local DPWH.

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he amount, the report said, is divided based on the projects of the six municipalities.

Siquijor town gets a share of P26,672 million; Larena, P92.5M; Enrique Villanueva, P58 M; Maria, P19.197 M; Lazi, 118.855 M; and San Juan, 26.776 million.

The projects for Siquijor town include construction and rehabilitation of drainage system al ong Banban , Siqu ijor am ounting to P6.172M; construction and rehabilitation of river and flood control structures at the Siquijor circumferential roads; Dumanjug River, Candanay

Norte and Luyang that amount to P20.5M. Larena town has eight projects which include construction and rehabilitation of flood control strutters at the circumferential roads of Datag (downstream), Canlambo, Taculing, Cangbagsa, Sabang, Sabang River, Siquijor Circumferential Road (upstream extension) and the improvement of Sabang Bridge along Siquijor circumferential road.

Enrique Villanueva town has four projects which include the construction of flood control structure at Lotloton River, Olave River, and rehab of flood and drainage structure at Poblacion along

Siquijor circumferential road.

Maria town has also four projects, two of which are the construction of river control along Cantaroc and Poblacion, Maria, Siqujor circumferential road and flood control structure at Sawang, and improvement of Siquijor circumferential road.

The town of Lazi has five projects while San Juan has three, all for the construction of roads, river , flood control structures and drainage systems for both towns. (mbcn/RACalibo/PIA7-Siquijor w/ reports from IAAbatayo)

1M volunteers for this year's Bayani Challenge nationwide By: Ferliza C. Contratista CEBU CITY, Feb. 23 (PIA)---This year’s Bayani Challenge hopes to gather one million volunteers to cater to the disaster hit areas in the country.

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hilippine Information Agency Director General and also Bayani Challenge overall head, Jose Mari Oquinena said they are targeting no less than a million volunteers from government, private, organizations from the different sectors.

Oquinena said Gawad Kalinga, which is the initiator of this movement, along with partner organizations, had initially identified 97 areas in Bohol, Leyte, Cebu and also in Zamboanga in Mindanao. ―There has been a huge devastation and I say there is no single organization, not even the government can do this alone,‖ Oquinena said.

The Bayani Challenge will run from April 9 to June 12 and volunteer groups may choose five days to service in a chosen area.

There are three legs, Holy Week Build, Labor Build and Independence Day Build—All are strategically grouped based on long weekends.

The groups and volunteers will stay in a camp site that is already taken care of by the Armed Forces of the Philippines. ―This is the best and memorable way to spend summer as a family, as an organization, or as a company, joins the Bayani Challenge,‖ Oquinena said.

And because its volunteerism, those who will join, he said are expected to pay for their own fare, cook their own food.

The Bayani Challenge is more than building a

house, he said. ―We can assure the victims better if we bring people from the outside, it will create a different impact,‖ Oquinena said.

He said the AFP already assured 15,000 warm bodies which includes engineers.

There is also a commitment from the shipping and transport companies to send in three shiploads of volunteers from Luzon to Leyte, Cebu and Zamboanga.

Here in Cebu Toby Florendo, Gawad Kalinga provincial head said, around 80,000 are aimed to be mobilized in the 11 municipalities targeted.

The areas include Madridejos, Sta. Fe and Bantayan in Bantayan island, Tabuelan, Sogod, Borbon, Bogo, San Remegio, Tabogon, Daan Bantayan and Medellin.

Around 400-500 houses are to be built in three municipalities of Bantayan and San Remegio.

The houses are already of stable structure and costs P125,000 each.

Other categories for volunteers top choice include other than House Build, is school rehabilitation / repair; tree/mangrove planting; feeding; medical activity.

Those who wants to join just log on to the website of Gawad Kalinga http://gk1world.com/ bc2014 for more details.

Bayani Challenge started eight years ago, after a devastating earthquake hit Guinsaugon, Leyte.

Meanwhile, the national greening program

(NGP) plantations in the Central Visayas region registered nearly 82% survival rate, according to Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR-7) regional executive director Dr. Isabelo Montejo.

Montejo added that the standing of the region in terms of survival rate of seedlings planted in 2011 and 2012 plantations is about 81.49 percent based on the completed validation conducted by the Forest Management Services (FMS).

The region‘s higher survival rate is attributed to the strong support of the people‘s organizations (POs) and local government units (LGUs), the proximity of the available seedlings to the planting site and the aggressive regular monitoring and maintenance programs, said the DENR-7 official.

In another development, the Department of Health (DOH) already approved the P21.03 million budget for repair of 60 badly hit health facilities in Northern Cebu.

DOH7-Health Emergency Management Staff (HEMS) officer Russel Gako bared this during the Press Briefing on Post Yolanda Rehabilitation held at the Officers' Club House, AFP-Central Command, Cebu City.

Gako said that out of the 107 being classified as partially damaged, 60 were considered as the most affected health facilities after the super typhoon hit Visayas. (mbcn/FCC/JSME/HFG-PIA7)

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EASTERN VISAYAS

PIA trains all 54 Tanauan barangay chairs as info partners

Agas Agas--Agas Bridge in Southern Leyte

TANAUAN, Leyte, Feb. 21 (PIA) – The Philippine Information Agency Region 8 in partnership with the Local Government of Tanauan, is set to conduct a Citizens Journalism Seminar Workshop on February 21 from 8:00 o’clock in the morning to 4:00 o’clock in the afternoon at the Conference Hall of the Sangguniang Bayan.

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his is in line with the PIA thrust of strengthening the Community Development Information Officers by including the barangays so that they will be able to communicate the important happenings in their respective areas especially in times of disasters and emergencies.

The participants will be taught on what to report, how to make news and send them as SMS, how to send photos

and video clips.

After completing the training, the participants will be designated by the PIA as the Barangay Community Development Information Officer in their respective barangay.

The importance of communication and information has never been more apparent than after Yolanda, PIA Region 8 Director Olive P. Tiu said.

In fact, focus group discussion

conducted by PIA and UN OCHA two weeks after Yolanda should that access to information was the number 1 need of those people in the evacuation centers.

Director Tiu commended the LGU Tanauan thru its Mayor Pelagio Tecson Jr., for being the first town in Eastern Visayas to have BCDIOs in 100 percent of its 54 barangays. The PIA in Eastern Visayas is set to train all the barangays in the region on citizens journalism. (PIA 8)

LEYECO II energizes 40.21% of household connections By: CONSUELO B. ALARCON TACLOBAN CITY, Leyte, Feb.25 (PIA) – The Leyte II Electric Cooperative is committed to meet the March 2014 deadline imposed by the National Electrification Administration (NEA) to complete the rehabilitation of its power distribution system.

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s of February 20, 2014 data released by LEYECO II on the Restoration Update on Typhoon Yolanda, 40.21% or 20, 532 number of households of the 51, 065 members-consumers within the coverage area of Leyeco II have been energized.

This figure consists of 131 barangays of the 196 barangays covering the City of Tacloban and the Municipalities of Palo and Babatngon Leyte.

Ma. Rosario Avestruz, OIC General Manager of LEYECO II said, after they

finished Babatngon Leyte, the repair work will concentrate in northern villages of Tacloban which were heavily damaged by the typhoon such as Tagpuro, Diit, Cabalawan, among others.

Avestruz has clearly emphasized that areas which are less complicated as to the damages on primary and secondary lines, transformers, electrical wires or connections, and electric posts were the first one to have restored the power supply. ―We will do everything we can to meet the march 31 target even if LEYECO

II has only 125 work force with 43 linemen‖, Avestruz said.

With the help of other electric cooperatives like BILECO and MERALCO, LEYECO II is striving hard to complete the work on March 31, 2014, the deadline set by NEA. It maybe recalled that 98% of the power distribution systrem of LEYECO II was destroyed by super typhoon Yolanda in November last year.

(PIA-8)

SoLeyte to launch ‘Negosyohanong Pang-uma’ technos for sustainable crop production By: Erna Gorne MAASIN CITY, Southern Leyte, Feb. 24 (PIA) – Southern Leyte government drafted an array of programs and projects to be implemented this year, Governor Roger G. Mercado informed during his second State of the Province Address (SOPA) held this morning at the Sangguiniang Panlalawigan Session Hall, Provincial Legislative Building here.

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At the forefront of these planned programs and projects is the launching of an intensive and expanded crop production program called Negosyohanong Pang-uma or business-oriented farming,‖ the provincial executive said during the SOPA attended by municipal mayors, SP members, different provincial heads of offices, some national line agencies-reps, the media , to name a few.

In ―Negosyohanong Pang-uma‖, the farmers will not plant crops without adequate technical and market knowledge and ‗definitely not on a trial and error basis, Gov. Mercado disclosed. Crops to be planted will be chosen based on market demands, he said. ―Farmers will be encouraged to grow

crops that have been tested and proven to be suitable in our areas and those which have good market potential,‖ he explained further. Technologies to be used are those sustainable and suitable to local conditions like here in the province.

The components of the ―Negosyohanong Pang-uma" program include capital assistance, technology enhancement and/or transfer, as well as market access and development, Mercado added.

It was learned that Southern Leyte is surrounded by coconuts. There are over 68,000 hectares in the province planted with coconuts. ‗This accounts for over 66% or more than half of agricultural lands throughout the province, and over 74,000

coconut farmers,‖ the governor said, adding that coconut farmers rank the highest group in the agriculture sector at 67%.

Thus, the local exec pressed that with new technologies and adding a few processes, other products, aside from copra and charcoal, can be produced from coconut such as virgin coconut oil, coco flour, coco coir, activated carbon, nata de coco, coco cream, coco milk, desiccated coconut, and the like. ―By undertaking one or two additional steps that can be made locally, we can help increase the income of coconut farmers and help alleviate poverty in the province,‖ Gov. Mercado disclosed during his SOPA that lasted for about one hour and five minutes. (esg/rgc/PIA8-SoLeyte)

EASTERN VISAYAS

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Mayor cites GK for relocation site for Yolanda displaced families Agas Agas--Agas Bridge in Southern Leyte

By: Erlinda Olivia P.Tiu

TANAUAN, LEYTE, Feb. 23 (PIA) – Tanauan, Leyte Mayor Pel Tecson does not hide his gratitude to the Gawad Kalinga Executive Director Louis Oquinena for the permanent relocation site for Yolanda-displaced families in the municipality.

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hile other local government units are t al ki n g ab ou t b u n kh ou se s as temporary homes for their Yolanda displaced families, Tanauan, a coastal municipality next to Palo, Leyte, is now busy building permanent homes in the town‘s permanent relocation site.

Talking about Filipinos‘ resiliency, this municipality is truly on the way to recovery and rehabilitation, and with the build back better in mind, the municipality has already road map of what the municipality would be because as Tanauan Mayor Pelagio Tecson said, ―The best way to predict the future is to create it.‖ Now ongoing is the site development of the permanent relocation site of the municipality of Tanauan, one of the hardest hit areas by Super Typhoon Yolanda.

In fact, now ongoing is the construction of a row of 30 houses, two of which are expected to be completed on or before February 25, according to Mayor Tecson when interviewed by the Philippine Information Agency.

The first turnover of the houses is targeted for March 8, the fourth month anniversary of Yolanda, the first 100 days of PAR. To which, PIA was quick to add: ―Mayor, it would be your best gift to the women of Tanauan

because March 8 happens to be the International Women‘s Day.‖ It was a busy day at the Permanent site with the Department of Public Works and Highways workers and graders building the road going to the site where volunteers and workers are building the houses at the Pago Relocation Site, just a few minutes ride from the town proper.

The Pago Relocation Site consisting of 2.4 hectares of land is the first relocation site in Tanauan. Some 360 houses will be built here, according to Mayor Tecson.

The second relocation site is at Barangay Maribi, the next barangay after Pago. The site will be able to accommodate about 640 houses.

Another site is at Barangay Sacme, Mayor Pel, added. Totaling 1,200 hectares, the permanent site is enough for the families of 1,200 informal settlers that used to live along the coast. About 200 of them are in a tented encampment in a school.

The beneficiaries will have 36-square-meter lots and there will be provisions made for the houses to have a second level. The housing estates will have concrete roads, drainage and community facilities, and water and lighting systems. The lot for the relocation sites was purchased and donated to the LGU by the Gawad

Kalinga through Executive Director Louis Oquinena, the Mayor said. The GK will also build 1,000 houses in the relocation sites.

The National Housing Authority was in-charge of the site development. The spirit of EDSA is very much alive in Tanauan, Leyte with government, non-government organizations and ordinary citizens are working together for a common goal. Beneficiaries of the housing units are the displaced families from Barangay San Roque who are now staying at the tent city.

These families can no longer go to back to their area which was declared as No Build Zone by the LGU. By the way, the Sangguniang Bayan of Tanauan has already passed a resolution declaring a 50 meter No Build Zone at the coastal areas of Tanauan. Tanauan is one of the oldest towns in the Province of Leyte, dating back to the year 1710. It is a second class municipality composed of fifty-four (54) barangays. According to the 2010 census, it has a population of 50,119 people.

The town has been baptized the title of ―Cradle of the Intellectuals‖ or "Bungto Han Kamag-araman" since the Spanish colonial period.

Tanauan is approximately eighteen (18) kilometers south of Tacloban City which is the Capital of the Eastern Visayas Region. (PIA 8)

Tacloban gets 140 generator sets from ROK Ministry of Foreign Affairs TACLOBAN CITY, Leyte, Feb. 21 (PIA) – Some 140 generator sets were donated to the city of Tacloban by the Republic of Korea Ministry of Foreign affairs this month. ccording to Vice Mayor Jerry T. was able to assist the group from Korea‘s Min- it, to put up temporary streetlights for the Yaokasin, the generator sets are istry of Foreign affairs to unload the generators peace and order of the barangay. intended for the 138 barangays of with-out delay.

Yaokasin said that he is thankful of the Tacloban and the other two for the Tacloban According to Yaokasin the generators are many organizations government or City Hall and the Tacloban legislative building. solid and concrete donations without no-government for all the support given to Yaokasin said that the Ministry of Foreign conditions.

Tacloban after 100 days after Yolanda‘s Affairs coordinated with his office and The generators are not for personal use onslaught. Yaokasin emphasized that really with requested his help because the Ministry were but for the constituency of the barangays. a deep sense of gratitude he wanted to thank having a difficulty in unloading the generator These generators according to Yaokasin is these organizations hoping thay they will sets from Cebu. of big help to the barangays especially that continue their assistance until such time that Yaokasin said that it was fortunate that he there are still areas in Tacloban that do not Tacloban will be able to build back better. (PIA knows the owner of the shipping company, he have their electricity yet wherein they can use 8 with Lizbeth Ann Abella)

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DOT-8 implements Tourism Students Welfare Program By: Erlinda Olivia P. Tiu TACLOBAN CITY, Leyte, Feb. 22 (PIA) – The Department of Tourism is implementing starting February 22 to May, 2014, the Tourism Students Welfare Program in order to ease the burden of Yolanda affected families in paying the tuition fees, boarding house and meals and daily allowance of their children going to school.

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irector Karina Rosa Tiopes said that the program will started with Mass at 7:00 o‘clock in the morning at the Madonna of Japan Park along Magsaysay Boulevard in Tacloban City.

The signing of the Memorandum of Agreement between the DOT and the four educational institutions offering Tourism courses namely Leyte Normal University, Eastern Visayas State University, ABE and Asian Development Foundation College, was conducted after the mass.

The Tourism Students Welfare Program, according to Director Tiopes, involves the clean up of parks and plazas by the 100 pre-screened students from the four academic institutions in Tacloban City that offers tourism courses.

The 100 students are divided into two teams of 50 and shall render park clean-up during weekends, Saturdays and Sundays.

The two teams shall work on alternate weekends starting February 22 until the end of school year on May, 2014.

The students will be provided a stipend of P260 per day and a meal allowance of P80 per day or a total of P340 per person per weekend work day.

This will not only help local students to continue their education but it will also pave the way for the rehabilitation of parks and plazas and other tourism assets, Director Tiopes said.

The program was conceptualized by DOT as its contribution in the rehabilitation and rebuilding programs of government. (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) 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