One visayas e newsletter vol 4 issue 20

Vol 4

Issue 20

In this Issue WESTERN VISAYAS

Vice President Jejomar Binay leads the turn-over of P7-million check to the Hinigaran Government Employees Multi-Purpose Cooperative under the Pag-IBIG Fund Group Land Acquisition and Development Program assisted by (l-r) Third District Rep. Alfredo Abelardo Benitez and Assistant Department Manager for Operations of Pag-IBIG Fund Bacolod Branch Wilmer Lirazan during the turn-over rites in Talisay City. *(EAD-PIA6 photo)

More on Region 6, pages 2-3.

CENTRAL VISAYAS

PIA Cebu held a Kapihan to discuss the preparations being done to make sure the classrooms are ready in time for the opening of classes. Held at the conference room of the Coalition for Better Education (CBE) at Cebu Normal University, the forum's panelists were DepEd-7 Regional Dir. Dr. Carmelita Dulangon and Jestoni Babia, chairman for research, training and development committee of CBE. (vvv/PIA-Cebu)

More on Region 7, pages 4-5.

EASTERN VISAYAS

Published by: PIA 6, 7 & 8

May 19 - 25, 2014

IOM puts typhoon Yolanda stories in book BY: CONSUELO B. ALARCON TACLOBAN CITY, Leyte, May 14 (PIA) – The International Organization for Migration (IOM) recently launched a book entitled “Typhoon Haiyan: Portraits of Recovery” in an effort to keep everyone informed of what really happened in Yolanda-affected areas more than six months after.

The book contains stories of the terrible experiences of the people and how they survived the storm surge which ended the lives of thousands of their loved ones and destroyed homes and properties.

It also states how the government of the Philippines has exerted efforts in terms of disaster response in collaboration with the United Nations and its agencies and several international organizations particularly the International Organization for Migration (IOM) who extended an impressive contribution to the relief and recovery efforts of the government and the people.

Leonard Doyle, Communication Officer of

International Organization for Migration said this is to give dignity and some kind of respect to the voiceless who are considered as vulnerable groups and who are often ignored in a busy world.

“We as an organization do really work with the most vulnerable. But often the most vulnerable are forgotten, they don‟t have a strong voice, they are often voiceless.

So, we really believe that, it is important to identify the vulnerable and the voiceless and also to give them some dignity and give them some respect and so we make a conscious effort to focus on the voiceless because as you know in a busy world where lots are going on, where lots of commercial interests are, whatever, the vulnerable are often ignored and that is very much our thinking,“ Doyle said.

The Filipino‟s resilience and how they move forward to build back better were also portrayed in the book.

Initially, 500 copies of the book were produced and distributed by IOM. (PIA-8)

Rehab efforts top priority of RDC-VI Advisory Committee ILOILO CITY, May 20 (via PIA6) – More than half a year after the onslaught of Typhoon Yolanda, rehabilitation efforts remain a top priority of the Regional Development Council Advisory Committee at the annual Advisory Committee (AdCom) meeting held recently at the Batasang Pambansa, Constitution Hills, Quezon City.

Discussions of the meeting focused on the Post Disaster Needs Assessment and the status of implementation of the Rehabilitation and Recovery Plan for Typhoon Yolanda.

Undersecretary Danilo Antonio from the Office of the Presidential Assistant on Rehabilitation and Recovery (OPARR) for Typhoon Yolanda presented the rehabilitation efforts of both the government and private sectors and emphasized the need for the provinces to submit their own rehab plans directly to OPARR so that funds can be directly downloaded to them.

Implementation of projects in accordance with set standards and in compliance with the "build-back-better" guidance will proceed after the President‟s approval. Firm commitments were ensured in order to fast track legislation and action responses toward these post typhoon recovery efforts.

DPWH Secretary Rogelio L. Singson presented the DPWH Strategic Infrastructure Policies and Programs, including the upgrading or widening of national roads with high volume capacity ratio (VCR) and reduction of roughness in national highways in order to improve quality.

A total of P280 billion is allocated for the various infrastructure projects for CY 2015. For Western Visayas,

the budget is P18 Billion, of which P11.9 Billion will be allocated for Negros Occidental where more roads still need to be paved. An additional P6.1 Billion for Region 6 for Yolanda rehabilitation was submitted by DPWH to OPARR. The Advisory Committee Meeting was presided

by Acting RDC Chairperson and NEDA-VI Regional Director Ro-Ann A. Bacal and attended by 13 (out of 18) members of the House of Representatives from Region VI, 13 RDC-VI EXCOM Members, DPWH Secretary Singson, the Undersecretary of OPARR, the Assistant Secretaries of DOE, DepED, and DOH, members of House Representatives from Leyte and Zambales, and the Partylist Representative of APPEND. (CMPamonag/ NEDA6/PIA6)

DPWH Sec. Rogelio L. Singson (center) explains the prioritization process for infrastructure projects at the recent RDC6-Advisory Committee meeting in Metro Manila. With Sec. Singson are Iloilo City Rep. Jerry Trenas (left) and Rep. Alberto “Albee” Benitez of Negros Occ.‟s 3rd district. (NEDA6)

Bohol 1st to complete 'bottom-up' planning, budgeting process

BOHOL, May 22 (PIA) – All the 346 barangays in the14 municipalities of the second district of Bohol were the first in the country to complete the „bottom-up‟ planning and budgeting concept in identifying projects in their respective areas and come up with the Integrated Barangay Development Plans (IBDP).

Earlier this year, the IBD plans were finally turned over to the local government units of the second district of Bohol in a ceremony in Ubay, Bohol with the NEDA deputy director general Margarita Songco attending.

The Bohol second district is composed of the Kick-off of the 2014 Brigada Eskwela at Lamingao National High School, Villareal, municipalities of Bien Unido, Buenavista, Clarin, Dagohoy, Samar, May 19. (Photo by Nancy Mendoza Danao, Getafe, Inabanga, Pres. CP Garcia, Sagbayan, San Dion Isidro, San Miguel, Trinidad, Talibon, and Ubay.

The „bottom-up‟ planning and budgeting process was among the last initiatives undertaken by the late Congressman Erico B. Aumentado before he passed away in December 2012.

More on Region 8, pages 6-7.

The late congressman commissioned the NEDA-7 Also CLICK Here... and the Department of the Interior and Local Government

(DILG 7) to prepare an integrated barangay plan for his district.

The project was launched in Ubay, Bohol in February 2011 in the presence of Bohol Governor Edgardo Chatto.

The plan preparation activities were completed in November 2012 with the presentation of the Bohol Second District Integrated Framework Plan to the stakeholders of the district.

Incumbent representative of the Bohol second district, Congressman Erico Aristotle Aumentado received the plans from the NEDA deputy DG Songco in a turnover ceremony attended by municipal mayors and barangay chairmen of the congressional district.

Assisting DDG Songco in the turnover were NEDA-7 regional director Efren Carreon and DILG Bohol provincial director Ma. Loisella Lucino.

Also present were some provincial officials of Bohol and some government agencies such as DTI, DOH, TESDA, DOLE, DepEd and DPWH. (mbcn/PIA7 with reports from Leslie Guantero/NEDA-7)

WESTERN VISAYAS

2 Gov’t services WVisayans

caravan

serves

62,749 University of San Agustin in Iloilo City

ILOILO CITY, May 19 (PIA6) – The Caravan of Government Services has served 62,749 people in Western Visayas with varied social and medical services since it was initiated by the Office of the Ombudsman in the Visayas in 2008.

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raft Investigation Officer and Caravan Project Coordinator Evangeline G. Nunal said the number of beneficiaries was achieved by their agency from 12 caravans conducted in the different provinces, cities and municipalities of the region.

So far, the areas reached by the caravan are the following: San Jose, Antique – April 4, 2008; Pototan, Iloilo – August 21, 2008; Kalibo, Aklan – May 29-30, 2009; Roxas City, Capiz – August 31-September 1, 2010; Kabankalan City, Negros Occ – August 4-5, 2011; Sagay City, Negros Occ. – September 8-9, 2011; San

Carlos City, Negros Occ. – February 16, 2012; Bugasong, Antique – September 27-28, 2012; Tubungan, Iloilo – October 19, 2012; Carles, Iloilo – August 29, 2013; Jordan, Guimaras – November 15, 2013; and, Dian-ay, Escalante – November 28, 2013.

Om b u d s m an Vi s a y as Re gi o n al O f f i c e N o . 6 A c t i n g D i r e ct o r Philip C, Camiguing said the caravan of government services is an alliance between partner agencies to make government services readily available to the people by putting efforts together in one event.

Camiguing added that through this activity “we make people feel that the government is working together to serve them better”.

He revealed that they are co nduct ing anoth er services caravan in Maayon, Capiz on May 28-29 to serve the people of said municipality and the neighboring towns of Pontevedra, Panitan, Dao and Cuartero.

Omb u d s m an R eg i o n V I h el d a coordination meeting with partner agencies recently here in preparation for the Maayon caravan. (JSC-PIA6)

OWWA scholarships up BY: VENUS G. VILLANUEVA KALIBO, Aklan, May 23 (PIA6) -- Children and siblings of Overseas Filipino Workers (OFWs) will have a better chance of entering college this school year with the scholarships being offered by the Overseas Workers Welfare Administration (OWWA). ccording to Vivian Ruiz, Public and good moral character.

(DOST), must not be more than 21 years Employment Service Office The income of his/her OFW parent or old, belonging to upper 20% of graduating ( P E S O ) M a n a g e r , t h e s e sibling should be not more than $400.00. students, in good health and of good moral scholarships are of two types: Only 12 scholarship applicants can be character. the Overseas Dependent Scholarship accepted, said Solano.

If a qualifying examination passer, the Program (ODSP) and the Education Applications will be accepted on a first student could enroll in any 4 to 5 year for Development Scholarship Program come, first served basis up to June 6, 2014. course at any college or university (EDSP).

Qualified applicants could enroll in accredited by the Commission of Higher Applications for these scholarships can government colleges/universities only and Education (CHED). be coursed through PESO-Aklan, Solano will receive P10,000.00 per semester or The student could avail of P30,000.00 said.

P20,000 per year. scholarship grant per semester or For ODSP, qualified to apply are those On the other hand, the EDSP has P60,000.00 per year. who graduated from high school this year, qualifying examinations through the Deadline to apply for this scholarship is not more than 21 years old, of good health Department of Science and Technology on July 18, 2014. (JCM/VGV PIA6 Aklan)

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Pantawid Pamilya bares 311 new Scholars for Antique By: Pilar S. Mabaquiao SAN JOSE, Antique May 22 (PIA) - - Children of poor families were given another opportunity to pursue their college education through the Expanded Student’s Grant-in-Aid Program for Poverty Alleviation (ESGP-PA) commonly called Pantawid Pamilya Scholars.

Another batch of scholars was approved related expenses.

Likewise, their parents will also do their for this school year 2014-2015 and the Earlier, Secretary Dinky Soliman during share in ensuring that their children religiously province of Antique got 311 slots, said Lemuel her visit in Antique said this scholarship comply with the school requirements, said Tabaosares, Provincial Grievance Officer of program is government‟s way of ensuring that Tabaosares.

Pantawid Pamilya. children of poor families are taken care of.

In Western Visayas, 11 universities are This is in addition to 41 scholars already “Walang iwanan at walang iiwanan, lahat ay accredited by the Commission on Higher on 3rd Year College come school opening, he dapat makatamasa ng kaunlaran, ito na po ang Education to be part of this program including said. inclusive growth,” he said in Filipino, during the University of Antique.

List of passers of the qualifying exam program in Laua-an, Antique.

ESGP-PA hopes to contribute to the conducted for this program is with the The Secretary further said that if the Government‟s thrusts in effectively addressing Pantawid Pamilya Offices in all Municipalities. children have finished their studies they will poverty alleviation by increasing the number of Parents and applicants can verify with Municipal have a bigger chance of finding decent jobs. graduates in higher education among poor Links concerned.

On part of the student-beneficiaries, they households and to get graduates employed in Each scholar is allotted P30,000 per will be required to sign a commitment of high-value added occupations to lift families out Semester for his/her educational needs to in- participation to the program by maintaining of poverty and contribute to national clude tuition fee, book allowance, and other satisfactory academic performance. development. (JCM//PSM/PIA6Antique)

WESTERN VISAYAS

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Rice Supply sufficient even with El Niño University of San Agustin in Iloilo City

BY: ELSA S. SUBONG

ILOILO CITY, May 19 (PIA6) – There is sufficient supply El Nino hits Iloilo, according to the inventory made by the National Food Authority.

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n approximately 2,171,815 prepared for the El Nino but for the coming bags, good for 103 days lean months as well. were inventoried from Bejemino said the public need not commercial warehouses, grain retailers and panic as NFA-Iloilo can readily receive an households. import of 450,000 bags and will augment NFA-Iloilo Provincial Manager 300,000 more of deficit during dry spell and Marianito Bejemino said the agency is not just lean months, since it will take 90 days more

of

rice

in

the

event

that

before harvest.

He also said that there will be no change in the price and should there be, it might be because of the better quality.

NFA is consistently monitoring price and supply of rice in the province. (JCM/ESS/ PIA-Iloilo)

Broadcasters urged to adopt area for mangrove plantation BY: ALEX A. LUMAQUE ROXAS CITY, Capiz, May 23 (PIA6) – The Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) – 6 regional office has urged the officers and members of the Kapisanan ng mga Brodkaster ng Pilipinas (KBP) – Capiz Chapter to adopt an area for mangrove reforestation. he proposal was conveyed by and seedlings will be provided by the Tanque and Cagay, here, respectively.

DENR -6 director Jim Provincial Environment and Natural Broadcastreeing is a tie-up project of Sampulna before local tri-media Resources Office (PENRO) if the KBP and DILG to help realize the 2011 to practitioners during a recent media broadcasters are favorable on the offer, 2016 National Greening Program target of interaction about climate change and other stressing that tree planting activities as a about 1.5 billion trees planted in an environment – related issues and concerns climate change mitigating measure is a shared estimated 1.5 million hectares of lands in here. obligation of all. public domain.

“Why don‟t you adopt 100 to The proposal was as offshoot of the The top DENR regional official also 1,000 – hectare site for mangrove plantation broadcasters active involvement in added that the adopted mangrove which you can say later on that it was mangrove tree planting activities dubbed reforestation site may also be utilized by the realized thru the efforts and cooperation of “Broadcastreeing” which has planted about broadcasters as rest area and venue for team the KBP,” he stressed.

7,500 propagules at Cadimahan River and building activities in the future. (JCM/AAL/ He added that an area will be identified Palina Greenbelt Ecopark in Barangays PIA6)

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News Feature : NegOcc eyed as renewable energy center BY: EASTER ANNE D. DOZA NEGROS OCCIDENTAL, May 20 (PIA6) - - Numerous investments on renewable energy- bioethanol, biomass, and solar broke ground, inaugurated and commissioned makes Negros Occidental an ideal Renewable Energy (RE) capital of the Philippines.

In October last year, three groundbreakings were done for the 22 megawatt solar power plant of San Carlos Solar Energy Incorporated, the 25-megawatt biomass plants in La Carlota City and Manapla town with the inauguration of the 19.99 megawatt San Carlos Biomass Power plant.

These, and the recent commissioning of the 22-megawatt San Carlos solar farm, groundbreaking of an 18-megwatt solar plant in La Carlota City and the upcoming 22-megawatt solar project in Manapla town which are both expected to be in operation before the end of 2014 and are major renewable energy projects in the province looks forward to.

During the groundbreaking of the San Carlos Solar II or SACASOL II in Barangay Cubay, La Carlota City, Department of Energy Assistant Secretary Daniel Ariaso said that Negros Occidental is a very promising place to be an RE capital of the country.

According to Ariaso, the DOE has always reckoned RE as one of the

department‟s substantial arm in the development of the nation‟s energy capacity and with these kinds of investments in the province, you are making Negros Occidental as the Renewable Energy Capital in the Philippines.

Energy Secretary Jericho Petilla disclosed that with the power generated from SACASOL I in place, they are looking into increasing the quota for renewable energy from 50MW to 500MW in order to encourage more investors to go into RE. SACASOL, the pioneer implementer of these projects with partners ThomasLloyd Cleantech, a leading global banking and asset management group, among others, said they are pushing through with all these projects in response to the call of Secretary Petilla to increase the quota for solar power in the country.

SACASOL President Jose Maria Zabaleta Jr. said they are very proud to support President Benigno S. Aquino III, who led the switch on of the solar plant in San Carlos,

and Petilla in their objective of harnessing indigenous resources to meet the growing demand for power.

Even San Carlos City Mayor Gerardo Valmayor Jr. told foreign investors and energy officials San Carlos City is positioning itself as the renewable capital (city) of the country.

Zabaleta said that with one site alone, they are able to provide jobs to about 1,600 people on at least a six-month period.

“The need for power facing the country is here today, the growth of economy is so strong that we need it here and now, not five years from now,” Zabaleta said.

According to him, solar power is available between 9AM to 3PM, which is precisely the same time when power demand goes highest. It is when the national grid uses diesel power which is expensive. .

We want to keep Negros clean and green,” Zabaleta said when asked for his reaction if Negros Occidental becomes the renewable capital of the country. *(JCM/EAD -PIA6 Negros Occidental)

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CENTRAL VISAYAS

PCA-7 sets 4-point recovery agenda Silliman University in Dumaguete City

BY: AMOR Y. SALUDAR

Central Visayas, May 20 (PIA) --- The Philippine Coconut Authority (PCA-7) here implemented projects that would help in the fast recovery of the people and the coconut industry in the typhoon ravaged areas specifically in North Cebu.

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n a recent PIA-7 initiated Post Yolanda Disaster Rehabilitation Phase Media Briefing, PCA-7 regional manager Dennis Andres said that the four-project agenda comprised debris management program, coconut replanting, coconut fertilization, food security.

The debris management program includes clearing of uprooted coconut trees in the areas devastated by typhoon Yolanda in North Cebu and Camotes Island.

Andres said there are about 179,000 coconut trees uprooted and damaged during typhoon Yolanda and this had to be cleared and be taken off from the areas that inconvenienced the people.

“We already have 36 chainsaws deployed in North Cebu to fastrack and continue the clearing operations,” Andres stressed.

PCA-7 declared that it had already cut 16,000 or 10 % of the total uprooted coconut

trees. With this the agency then plans to train farmers on chainsaw operations.

“We have relaxed our rule on the need for a tree-cutting permit in the typhoon-hit areas,” bared Andres. Under the law, a permit is required from the PCA to cut coconut trees.

The trained farmers also benefitted from the PCA‟s Cash-for-Work Program where as trained chainsaw operator, each would receive P400 a day.

Andres said the assistance however, did not stop there. “Each chainsaw operator needs two helping hands which usually is a member of the farmer‟s family or a relative. Each helper is paid P300 a day,” said Andres.

An amount of P1.2 million has already been allocated for the temporary livelihood program, said the PCA-7 official.

The coconut replanting begins to replace them with typhoon resistance breed of coconut.

“We have 530 hectares of land for

replanting and we will need 101,599 seedlings,” Andres said.

Another program is the fertilization that will help in the fast recovery of the affected coconut trees. Under this project farmers will be given fertilizers to help save the remaining coconut trees and for the fast growth of the newly planted coco trees.

Andres said that there are now 26,940 bags of fertilizer in the PCA Cebu warehouse ready for distribution in close coordination with the LGUs. PCA-7 also boost the food security of these families in the typhoon affected areas through the introduction of inter cropping method of farming.

Under this program farmers are taught to have their coco farms planted with vegetables, corn, monggo, sweet potato, banana and other crops. (mbcn/fcr/AYS/PIA7)

Dengue cases in CV decrease in 2014 BY: HAZEL F. GLORIA CEBU CITY, May 21 (PIA) --- The Department of Health (DOH) in region 7 reported an 81.7 percent decrease in dengue cases in Central Visayas for this year compared to the same period of last year. r. Jonathan Neil Erasmo, 98 cases and 1 death.

Meanwhile, the department intensified its Communicable Diseases Minglanilla, Cebu and Sibulan in Negros campaign to fight against dengue through the Control Section Head of Oriental recorded 38 cases while Tagbilaran “Aksyon Barangay Kontra Dengue” program DOH-7 said 1,150 cases were reported from City, Bohol had 39 cases. which involve regular clean-up in the January 1 to May 17 of this year compared to Other reported dengue cases in Talisay communities with the local officials and the last year with 6,294 cases.

City, Cebu-32; Carcar -22; Guihulngan-20 and people in the barangay.

The number of deaths caused by dengue Naga City, Cebu 19.

DOH-7 regional director Jaime Bernadas also went down with 5 deaths this year Ages people with dengue cases cases range reminded the public that prevention is the best compared to 21 deaths last year. from one month – 87 years old but most of defense against dengue, to maintain a clean Based on the report, Cebu City had the those affected were under the 6-10 age group. environment or surroundings. most number of cases with 216 and 1 death, Dengue, as defined by the World Health He also said that an increase in awareness followed by Lapu-Lapu City with 122 cases Organization, is a viral infection transmitted by is a factor of the decrease in dengue cases. while Dumaguete City in Negros Oriental with the bite of an infected female Aedes mosquito. (mbcn/HFG/PIA-7 with AGIO-7)

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P5M allotted for solid waste management system BY: JENNIFER C. TILOS DUMAGUETE CITY, May 21 (PIA) --- Dumaguete City has allocated P4.9 million recently for the implementation of solid waste management system, P3 million of which goes to the establishment of Material Recovery Facilities (MRF) for the 21 barangays. n the other hand, P1.9 million is The thermolysis technology facilitates for species have been planted in over three for the construction of a Central t h e a c c e l e r a t e d d e c o m p o s i t i o n o f hectares in different barangays the city in 2013.

MRF at the present dumping site b io- degradab le th rou gh b io - en zymes With this, Dumaguete City Environment which will serve as depository of garbage from treatment. and Natural Resources Office (ENRO) barangays where construction of MRF is not Parallel to this technology, environmental reported an increase of 2% of forest cover from feasible. enforcers were instructed to strictly enforce previous 28% after three years.

Environmental management specialist Edgar segregation-at-source pursuant to Republic Act According to Arestio Encabo of Caro said Barangay Junob is the first barangay to 9003.

ENRO, the city has strengthened its greening establish its own barangay-based MRF while In 2002, the solid waste management program through massive tree planting construction of the central MRF started in May system was first implemented in the City Public and growing to further address climate 2 this year.

Market area and spread out to the eight phenomenal events.

To diversify its approaches and poblacion-barangays.

Apart from institutionalizing the Urban technologies in mitigating solid wastes, Caro These first waves of activities that were Forestry Management and Development said the technical staff of Dumaguete City installed and institutionalized on the new waste (UFMD) program component for 12 years since Environment and Natural Resources Office management system have earned for its inception in 2002, the program is also a (ENRO) submitted a project proposal on Dumaguete City as regional champion twice as climate change mitigation strategy that aims to thermolysis composting with bio-enzyme the “Cleanest City in Region 7” and twice as increase the city‟s forest cover to raise its amounting to P2.6 million, which was national finalist for the same category for capacity to absorb carbon dioxide, which is subsequently approved by the City Mayor component cities. largely blamed for global warming. (rmn/jct/PIA7 Manuel Sagarbarria.

Meanwhile, more than 8,000 forest tree -NegOr)

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CENTRAL VISAYAS

Silliman University in Dumaguete City

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DSWD-7 partners with US Navy for repair of centers BY: JUJU MANUBAG-EMPUERTO

CEBU CITY, May 20 (PIA) --- The Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD-7) recently inked a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with the 30th U.S. Naval Construction Regiment for the renovation and repair of its centers. he MOU was signed by is why we are here," said Commander Joe Jabagat expressed her deepest gratitude DSWD-7 Regional Director Harder. to the leadership of the US Navy for the Mercedita Jabagat and Harder added: “We don‟t work with new established partnership.

Commander Joe Harder in order to seal the our objectives alone, we work with our The US Navy intends to complete partnership in a brief ceremony held partners.” the renovation and repair of the following at DSWD-7 office, this city.

The MOU states that the DSWD-7 centers; Home for Girls “The US military is invited by your US Government will perform their quality Dormitory, Persons with Disabilities government and the Department of National assurance while the Civil Action Detail Dormitory, Regional Haven, Area Vocational Defense to support your country. We (CAD), Philippines will do the periodic Rehabilitation Center (AVRC II), and the support their objectives of internal peace construction progress reports for Regional Rehabilitation Center for Youth and security plan called „bayanihan‟ and that submission to DSWD. (RRCY). (rmn/jsme/PIA-Cebu/DSWD-7)

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Siquijor FITS plans to mitigate El Nino BY: RIZALIE A. CALIBO SIQUIJOR, May 21 (PIA)—The Farmers Information and Technology Services (FITS) consortium in Siquijor province plans anew advocacy campaigns and some mitigating measures to prepare locals for El Nino effects. his, amid fear on the damage May 26. catchments in every household is strongly the drought can possibly bring Mitigating measures to counter El Nino encouraged. to Siquijor province. effects on rice, corn, High Value Crops FITS chair and Provincial Veterinarian Previous reports from the Office of the Development Program (HVCDP), livestock Bernadita Tabada said their office is Provincial Agriculturist (OPA) said that and poultry and on human health were intensifying measures to counter El Nino drought damage to rice, corn and other identified. through info drive and other services. crops, livestock and fisheries in the past These include, among others, Provincial Environment and Natural years of El Nino in the province was identification and validation of areas Resources Officer (PENRO) Moreno Tagra considerable. vulnerable to El Nino, inventory of existing also gave a perspective of their activities in It also poses staggering threats to the water resources, rehabilitation of agri-infra relation to El Nino and Climate Change. environment like soil degradation, facilities such as irrigation and drainage He said the people‟s organizations in domestic water supply shortage that cause systems and promotion and provision of the province under its National Greening significant reduction in farm productivity and drought tolerant seeds and other alternative Program (NGP) have intensified growing of even health problems, said another report. crops. trees both in forest and mangrove areas.

With these, local El Nino Task Force is According to Provincial Agricultural Eco-tourism activities, biodiversity reactivated and planning workshop made Coordinating Officer Bernadith Bunado, program and sustainable coral reef Monday (May 19) that identified series of Siquijor province is allocated some ecosystem program are also pushed with activities in relation to El Nino and Climate P4 million for the rehabilitation of Maria and Lazi as its priority although all six Change. agri-infra facilities like communal irrigation towns are included, he said.

Information caravans for local system and Small Water Impounding The DENR, he also said, is encouraging government units and farmers are scheduled Projects (SWIP). projects that would augment the livelihood in June including the conduct of a Kapihan sa She said conservation measures to of the fisherfolk and eventually make it their PIA on forum on “Climate Change address water supply shortage should be put b u sin e ss e n te rp rise . ( m b c n /R A C / Preparedness Program on Agriculture” on in place so that establishment of rainwater PIA7-Siquijor)

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Migration info drive held in storm-hit areas in Cebu BY: RACHELLE M. NESSIA CEBU CITY (PIA) --- An advocacy campaign to heighten community awareness on migration, illegal recruitment, and human trafficking was rolled out Commission on Filipinos Overseas (CFO) starting May 18 in Yolanda-hit areas in northern Cebu. he information campaign Sangguniang Kabataan, local civil registrar, according to CFO Chairperson Sec. Imelda kicked off in Madridejos on police officials, and Public Employment Nicolas in a letter.

May 18 and 19, and moved to Service Officers in the areas.

The series of activities also serves as Bantayan on May 20, Santa Fe on May 21, The campaign aims to assist venues to raise issues concerning migration, San Remigio on May 22, and Medellin on prospective migrants in making informed intermarriages, and existing government May 23. decisions regarding settling abroad, policies and programs directed against illegal The information drive includes public and to generate community recruitment and human trafficking. (rmn/ assemblies attended by local officials, involvement on migration concerns, PIA-Cebu/CFO)

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EASTERN VISAYAS

DBM trains mayors on local gov’t process, procurement updates Liceo de Verbo Divino (formerly Divine Word University) in Tacloban City

BY: ERLINDA OLIVIA P. TIU

TACLOBAN CITY, Leyte (PIA) – Mayors in Eastern Visayas attended a seminar on the local government budget and procurement updates held recently at the Century Park Sheraton Hotel in Manila. he activity was spearheaded by present a comprehensive lecture based on a Procurement related cases as well as latest the League of Municipalities of Plan-Budget-Procurement Link Model.

GPPB Circulars and Opinions on Non-Policy the Philippines (LMP) Region VIII This Model encompasses the whole gamut Matters.

Chapter thru its National and Regional of Local Planning through the AIP, the Resource speakers were pooled from President, Hon. Leonardo M. Javier, Jr., Budgeting Cycle and Procurement Process. ensemble of calibrated and seasoned Municipal Mayor of Javier, Leyte, in close The Model emphasizes the need for inter Government Officials coming from collaboration with the Department of Budget connectivity of the three (3) crucial processes various Offices to share their expertise and Management Regional Office VIII headed needed by an agency to produce Results and encompassing a unique confluence of topics

by Dir. Imelda C. Laceras. achieve Desired Outcomes. from the Local Planning, Budgeting, As the Head of the GPPB Regional This Executive Seminar aims to equip Procurement Process and Procurement Training Team, the DBM in close Provincial, City and Municipal Officials Audit which will be delivered by Dir. Imelda C. coordination with the COA Regional particularly the Local Chief Executives (LCEs) Laceras DBM RO VIII Regional Director, Atty.

Office VIII Office headed b y in Eastern Visayas on the latest Department of Dennis S. Santiago Executive Director of the Dir. Atty Susan Pace Donalvo and the Budget and Management (DBM), Government GPPB-Technical Service Office, Engr. Blas other member agencies like DILG, SUCs Procurement Policy Board (GPPB) and Mathias Sypaco Technical Support Office of and the REALBO as Administrative arm Commission on Audit (COA) Circulars and COA and Atty. Susan Donalvo Regional have been conducting Procurement Guidelines pertaining to the preparation of the Director of COA RO VIII. Trainings attended by Procurement yearly AIP and Annual Budget viz a viz the This special module is also envisioned to Practitioners (HOPEs) of various Procuring Bottom up Budgeting (BuB)/Grassroot be rolled out to other Local Officials in Eastern Entities, BAC Members, B A C Participatory Budgeting (GPB) budget Visayas like the Vice Mayors League, Board Secretariat and TWG, and End-User Unit allocation for 2013, 2014, 2015.

Members League, Councillors League, Local Heads) in Eastern Visayas.

Most of the topics pertained to R.A. 9184 Finance Committee (LFC) members, Bids and Director Laceras said however that the or the Government Procurement Reform Act Award Committee (BAC) members, activity is a special module conceptualized to and the Revised IRR. Latest SC Decisions on Observers and bidders. (PIA 8)

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Continuous SMEs learning program begins CATBALOGAN CITY, Samar, May 15 (PIA) — The 2014 series of Small and Medium Enterprises Roving Academy (SMERA)-Gabay-Negosyo sa Pag-Asenso of the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) Samar has begun.

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he SMERA, which is a continuous learning program, aims for the development of micro, SMEs to become competitive in the domestic and international (global) markets according to a DTI personnel Rosario Quilapio.

In Paranas, some 97 SMEs enrolled during the April 10 financing forum and entrepreneurship development training while in Marabut, some 101 SMEs registered in April 24.

In Calbiga, some 103 interested SMEs

enrolled in May 7 while 48 SMEs in Basey also got enrolled early this May. The SMERA integrate the business development services for SMEs at the national and local levels. This would help them to establish the provincial, regional, and national entrepreneurship development networks.

It manages the promotion program with partner agencies Business Development Services (BDS) Providers; Local Government Units (LGUs); Training Institutions; Chamber; Academe; Financial

Institutions; Trade and Industry Associations; other government and non-government organizations.

Presently, DTI is inviting all interested SMEs to come and register on or before May 16 for the upcoming schedule at Catbalogan City on May 20 at Twins Resto, Catbalogan City.

DTI is targeting 100 SME participants, there is no registration fee.

Quilapio said that there are six more SMERA activities set in Samar. (PIA 8 Samar Avha H. Ebalde)

6 NSamar towns pioneer AWS recipients CATARMAN, Northern Samar, May 16 (PIA) – Six municipalities of Northern Samar namely; Catarman, Gamay, Lao-ang, Allen, San Jose and Catubig will receive an automated weather stations (AWS) from the Weather Philippines Foundation (WPF) and Local Climate Change Adaptation for Development (LCCAD) today after MOA signing with LGU Catarman and the provincial government of Northern Samar.

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he automated weather station (AWS), according to LCCAD, is a modern, easy to operate and maintain weather instruments that senses global radiation (solar), wind direction, wind speed, temperature, pressure, rainfall and precipitations with live computerized real time feed at the WPF website accessible to all at any given time.

Accordingly, all municipalities are entitled to receive the AWS as an incentive for LGUs who completed the training-workshop for the formulation of the Local Climate Change Action Plan (LCCAP).

The 1,700 LGUs across 7,101 islands of

the country are required to formulate LCCAP as a vital capacity building mandate of the Local Government Academy of the Department of the Interior and Local Government, said LCCAD Executive Director and LCCAP Resident Trainer Manuel „Nong‟ C. Rangasa.

These weather stations are given free to LGUs to prepare them for Climate Change Adaptation on top of Disaster Risk Reduction and Vulnerability response mechanisms.

“At this time, only adaptation is the best option that can guarantee attainment of a zero-casualty goal provided that it is scientifically-based and appropriately implemented, hence,

more effective, less expensive and more sustainable than short-term prevention measures like pre-emptive evacuation or reactive responses such as rescue and relief operation,” Rangasa further explain.

The Local Government Academy headed by Executive Director Marivel C. Sacendoncillo has given the LCCAD the umbrella authority to conduct the LCCAP Training-Workshops to fulfill President Benigno S. Aquino‟s priority agenda for disaster risk and vulnerability reduction towards the attainment of the Millennium Development Goals (MGD), LCCAD informed. (ADiaz/PIA8-Northern Samar with report from LCCAD)

EASTERN VISAYAS

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

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Partnership summit on HR reforms, good governance slated May 26

GOVERNMENT CENTER, PALO, Leyte, May 16 (PIA) - The first ever Partnership Summit on Human Resources Reforms and Good Governance in Eastern Visayas will be conducted on May 26 at Visayas State University VSU, Baybay City.

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n a statement from Civil Service Commission Regional Office No. 8, through it regional director Atty.

Victoria F. Esber, the summit will be a convergence of the competence and commitment among leaders and HR Practitioners of both national and local government institutions.

It will be an opportune time to share principles and practices on organizational productivity (SPMS), effective frontline service delivery and promotion of good governance Anti-Red Tape Act (ARTA) Program said

Esber.

The program to Institutionalize Meritocracy and Excellence in Human Resource Management (PRIME-HRM) will also be launched in the said event.

PRIME-HRM aims to continuously capacitate agencies in the performance of their human resource management functions; as well as recognize best practices in the various areas of human resource management.

Moreover, two important activities shall take place in the summit, the signing of Memorandum of Cooperation among Civil Service

Regional Office 8 Leaders and the awarding of the Anti-Red Tape Act Citizen‟s Satisfaction Center Seal of Excellence to deserving agencies.

Erbes also emphasized the need for the involvement of the external stakeholders particularly the Multi-Sectoral Advisory council to encourage feedback and recommendations; views and perspective in formulating and executing strategies initiatives on Commission policies, programs and services which heightens transparency and accountability. (PIA 8 with Lizbeth Ann Abella)

BIR extends deadline for affidavit and registration of books GOVERNMENT CENTER, Palo, Leyte, May 16 (PIA) - The Bureau of Internal Revenue through Revenue Memorandum Circular No. 32-2014 has extended the deadline for self-employed professionals to register their official appointment books and to submit their affidavit indicating the rates, manner of billings and the factors they consider in determining their service fees.

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IR Eastern Visayas Director Atty.

Diosdado Mendoza said that in order to give ample time for all the parties concerned to prepare and comply with all the requirements, the period within which to submit said affidavit and to register the official appointment books was extended from 06 May 2014 to 31 May 2014.

Director Mendoza said that under Revenue Regulation No. 4-2014 which took effect on April 6, 2014, the BIR imposed

additional requirements to monitor the service fees of self-employed professionals.

This includes the submission of an affidavit indicating their rates, as well as registration of official appointment books containing the names of clients and the date/time of the meeting.

They are likewise obliged to register their sales invoices and official receipts (VAT or non -VAT) before using them in any transaction.

In cases where no professional fees are

charged by the professional nor paid by the client, a BIR registered receipt, duly acknowledge by the latter, shall be issued showing a discount of 100% to serve as the substantiation for the “pro-bono” service.

This revenue regulation intends to promote transparency and eradicate tax evasion among self-employed such as doctors, dentists, accountants, architects, engineers, interior decorators and others, Director Mendoza said. (PIA 8)

Several ‘firsts’ in 54th SLeyte anniversary bared BY: MARCELINO PEDALINO MAASIN CITY, Southern Leyte, May 15 (PIA) -- There will be a lot of ―firsts‖ as this province celebrates her 54th founding anniversary on July 1 this year. his was learned from three the date of the opening salvo of activities, Still another kind of a first-time provincial heads of offices who unlike in previous years where farmers‟ experience will be the selection of this year‟s handled various committees for booths per town were displayed only in two breed of outstanding Southern Leytenos, now the forthcoming festivities and the head of a days until anniversary proper. called “Idol Mo, Nominado” (literally, non-government organization (NGO) who is Norman Ordiz, Provincial Assessor “Nominate your Idol”). a member of the screening committee on who is in-charge of the eagerly awaited Totch de la Cruz, provincial head of Plan potential awardees for this year‟s set of MissSouthern Leyte pageant, disclosed International, an NGO, and a member of the outstanding Southern Leytenos. that this year‟s talent search will be Idol screening committee, said the selection The four were guests during the Action held on June 29 instead of the usual June field has been expanded to cover not just for Center Kapihan sa PIA Cable TV program 30, so the winners will have enough rest and professional achievers but for common, Wednesday. will be well prepared to join the parade on ordinary folks who inspired others by their Marina Gador, Provincial Agriculturist July 1. works, made a difference in the lives of who chairs the Agri-Aqua Fair, said a “duma” He said most of the 19 Mayors have others, and made significant impact to the or rootcrops festival will be held to showcase already signified their interest to have their community. various edible rootcrops grown in 18 towns own candidates, a practice uninterrupted Any Southern Letenos with such rare and one city of the province, in order to over the last five years, wherein all the 19 qualities will be honored, be he or she a promote these as cheap but nutritious food LGUs were duly represented. vendor, potpot/motorcab driver, fishermen, substitutes for rice.

He expected all candidates known by farmer, barangay worker, and others who are A well-known TV personality for June 14, the start of the preparations. unheard, de la Cruz said, adding that cooking has been planned to be invited to Another kind of talent search, the nomination forms are now distributed to demonstrate preparation of rootcrops into “Bangga sa mga Halangdong Awit”, which will barangays, municipalities, and even rural various edible dishes and other easy recipes, be featured for the first time, involves a solo health units.

Gador informed. and duet singing contest for all elected Deadline for the submission of She added that because of these new officials from the barangays to the nomination to the Provincial Planning Office twists in the annual holding of agri-aqua show, municipalities, said Nedgar Garvez, Provincial will be on May 30, 2014, de la Cruz also the opening was moved earlier, on June 23, Tourism Officer. said. (mmp, PIA8-Southern Leyte)

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