One Visayas e-Newsletter Vol 4 Issue 22

Vol 4

Issue 22

In this Issue WESTERN VISAYAS

DENR-6 Regional Executive Director Jim Sampulna (first photo, upper row) and PIA-6 Regional Director lawyer Ma. Janet C. Mesa (first photo, lower row) lead the heads and representatives of other national government agencies and local government units in signing the pledge of commitment to the National Greening Program (NGP) during opening program of the tree planting activity held June 5 at Anilao town here. The tree planting activity was part of the activities spearheaded

by DENR in celebration of the Environment Month this June. (LTP/PIA-Iloilo)

More on Region 6, pages 2-3.

CENTRAL VISAYAS

June 2 - 8, 2014

Published by: PIA 6, 7 & 8

DENR calls on public to protect riparian zones, foreshore areas BY: ROI LOMOTAN DUMAGUETE CITY, June 5 (PIA) – The Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) in Negros Oriental advises the public to plant crops along riparian areas instead of building structures to prevent soil erosion and help preserve these areas.

Provincial Environment and Natural Resources Officer (PENRO) Charlie Fabre said aside from bamboo, people can also plant other crops that can hold the soil on riparian areas.

This not only helps in mitigating bad effects of climate change but it can also provide livelihood to the community.

Riparian zones are strips of land located near water sources like rivers, streams and creeks.

The DENR here continues to make a call to the public to preserve and manage riparian zones and foreshore areas.

This is in line with the celebration of Environment Month this June with the theme ―Raise your voice, not the sea level‖.

Speaking in a Kapihan Forum here yesterday on the topic ―Protection and management of riparian zones and foreshore areas,‖ PENRO Fabre said one of the pressing issues on the environment nowadays is the continuous building of structures along the said places without permission from the Local Government Units (LGUs).

Fabre appeals to LGUs to exercise its political

will in implementing laws and guidelines on protecting riparian zone and foreshore areas.

Fabre said loss of lives and damages to properties during floods can be evaded if the local government can prevent the construction of illegal structures on these areas.

According to DENR-7 Land Management Sector Division Chief Bonifacio Rivera, at least 3 meters easement from the shoreline is required in building structures in urban areas based from Art. 51 of Presidential Decree 1067.

The provincial DENR hopes the local government will help in protecting riparian zones and foreshore areas in Negros Oriental. (mbcn/ral/ PIA7-NegOr)

PIA 7 with DENR 7 and the Cebu media combine efforts in a beach clean -up activity in Alegria, Cordova Cebu last May 30 as part of efforts on environmental protection.

(PIA-7)

Leyte rehab master plan to be implemented soon Office of the Presidential Assistance on Rehabilitation and Recovery (OPARR) Chief Sec. Panfilo Lacson (4th from left, seated) leads the signing of the respective provincial and city rehabilitation and recovery plans of Cebu, Tacloban City, Western Samar, and Leyte at on May 30, 2014 at Waterfront, Cebu City. With Sec. Lacson are DSWD Sec. Dinky Soliman, DPWH Sec. Rogelio Singson, Budget Sec. Florencio Abad, and the cluster heads. (vvv/PIA-Cebu)

More on Region 7, pages 4-5.

EASTERN VISAYAS

TACLOBAN CITY, Leyte, June 4 (PIA)—The rehabilitation plan of the Province of Leyte will soon be implemented as soon as President Benigno Aquino III approves the plan.

This after Leyte Governor Leopoldo Dominico L. Petilla presented the Rehabilitation Master Plan for Leyte during the cabinet clusters meeting in Cebu City recently.

The master plan will be the basis of the national government for the funding release.

More than P22 billion are being allocated for the rehabilitation program of the Province of Leyte which was hard hit by typhoon Yolanda in November 8 last year.

The governor said P9 billion have been allotted

for the infra sector.

This includes the repair of roads, bridges, school buildings and other infrastructures that were damaged by the super typhoon.

Livelihood, job creation, business opportunities and shelter projects for displaced families were also included in the plan.

The governor asked his constituents to be patient in waiting as the government is trying its best to ensure that the rehabilitation plan w i l l b e i m p l e m e n t e d i n a c c or d a n c e with the laws, rules and regulations of concerned agencies.

The master plan will be the basis of the national government for the funding release. (PIA-8)

Major infra projects worth P12.8B up in WV Education secretary Bro. Armin Luistro (3rd from left) distributes diploma to one of the first batch graduates of the K to 12 Senior High School from Palo National High School and Merida Vocational School during the graduation rites at the Palo Municipal Hall, Palo, Leyte, May 30. Assisting the Secretary are (l-r) DepEd 8 regional director Luisa Bautista-Yu and Leyte vice-governor Carlo Loreto. (Vino R. Cuayzon)

More on Region 8, pages 6-7.

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By: Elsa S. Subong ILOILO CITY, June 3 (PIA6) – Department of Public Works and Highways-6 Director Edilberto Tayao said some P12.8 billion budget has been allotted for major infrastructure development in Western Visayas.

Tayao, said in a radio interview that about 20 percent increase can be expected based on the absorptive capacity of the agency in implementing and maximizing the allocation.

He said that funds allocated should be used up at the end of the year, as excess funds means that allocations have not been maximized.

He further said that the numerous big projects implemented by the agency have caused a shortage in contractors even as Western Visayas has about 45-50 contractors for small and big projects.

He also said that this shortage in contractors has prompted the national government to consider inviting foreign contractors to help with the implementation of the projects. ―By maximizing use of funds through fast and good implementation of infrastructures, we can be assured of bigger funds, the next time around,‖ Tayao said. (JCM/ESS/PIA-Iloilo)

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WESTERN VISAYAS

Innovation Center for SMEs up soon By: Leonard T. Pineda I ILOILO CITY, June 3 (PIA6) --- The Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) in Western Visayas will launch the Business Resource and Innovation Center for small and medium enterprises (BRICS) in July 2014.

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TI-6 Public Information Officer Ruby Melliza said BRICS, as one of the priority projects of the department this year, will provide technical assistance to small and medium enterprises (SMEs) in order to increase employment opportunities and sales generated. ―The BRICS in Iloilo will be located in a mall in this city and will be accessible to SMEs,‖ she said.

She said that BRICS will be providing the following services: consultancy services, trainings and seminars, financing facilitation, market linkage and facilitation, trade mark and patent application assistance, and Geographic Indication (GI) mark application assistance.

―Iloilo is one the cities in the country where the four model BRICS will be launched in July 2014. The others will be located in the cities of Batangas, Cagayan de Oro, and Quezon City,‖ she said.

The DTI official said that the four models will use different venues for the BRICS. Batangas BRICS will be housed in the local government unit (LGU); Iloilo will be located in a mall; Cagayan de Oro will be within the DTI office while Quezon City will also be in a mall. ―After six months of operation, an evaluation will be done to determine the most effective venue for the BRICS and may be used as a model for the upscaling of the project

nationwide,‖ she explained.

The BRICS will also complement the other centers established by DTI including Small and Medium Enterprise Development (SMED) Center, National Economic Research and Business Assistance Center (NERBAC), among others.

She also said the BRICS in Iloilo will be headed by a Center Manager and assisted by Business Development Staff from the DTI Iloilo Provincial Office.

The establishment of BRICS is in partnership with the Iloilo City LGU, Intellectual Property Office Philippines, and the Design Center of the Philippines. (JCM/LTP/PIA -Iloilo)

Teachers tapped for bio-diversity conservation, environmental protection By: Easter Anne D. Doza NEGROS OCCIDENTAL, May 29 (PIA6) - - Thirty public elementary school science teachers undergo marine bio-diversity conservation and climate change adaptation workshop conducted by the Museo sang Bata sa Negros (MSBN) in Sagay City.

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he science teachers who participated in the two-day workshop were from the cities of Sagay, Cadiz, Sipalay and the municipality of Manapla.

The activity is a partnership of the Second Congressional District of Negros Occidental, Department of Education and and the respective local government units.

MSBN Executive Director Lilibeth La O said they have been conducting similar workshops and marine camps for many years and they do this so that will have a ripple effect. ―More teachers and students will learn about our marine environment more intimately and that they will spread the awareness and consciousness for our environment in our

province,‖ La O said.

Second District Congressman Leo Rafael Cueva also told the participants to inspire their students and their community to love the environment and help realize our collective dream to have more established marine protected areas in our district.

Marine Biodiversity Conservation and Web of life, Climate Change, Coral Reefs, Mangroves, Seagrass, Fish and Seahorse, Marine Mammals, Marine Mammals stranding, Turtles, Shells, Marine Debris and the importance of Marine Protected Area were discussed during lectures.

Lecturers were marine biologists Myrtle Arias and Mario Marababol while facilitator is Remar Gallego of Museo sang Bata sa Negros

Foundation.

Aside from the lectures, participants also planted mangroves in Brgy. Taba-ao, visited the Suyac Island Mangrove Eco Park and snorkeled through the protected seascape of Carbin Reef marine sanctuary.

Henry Monares, one of the participants said after his encounter with the underwater paradise, his appreciation of the environment is more profound than ever. ―After this experience, I am all the more convinced of the need to protect the environment and I will do my part to help advocate for marine conservation,‖ Monares said. *(EAD-PIA6/Sagay Negros Occidental)

Roxas City launches clean-up campaign By: Alex A. Lumaque ROXAS CITY, Capiz, June 5 (PIA6) – A clean-up drive dubbed ―Ciudad Ko, Tinlo-an Ko‖ was officially launched by the Roxas City government June 2 at the public plaza here to further beautify the city through multi-sectoral support and cooperation.

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cting Roxas City mayor Ronnie T. Davidas led the kick-off of the clean up drive along the public plaza premises by sweeping the street and painting the gutter section after a program that launched the cleanliness campaign. ―There is a need to clean our surroundings to avoid diseases and give a fresher as well as newer look to the city,‖ Dadivas said in an interview with Straight to the Point aired over local RMN station.

The campaign also intends to bring back the city‘s glory as Western Visayas‘ cleanest and greenest component city earned about a decade ago. ―We can regain it with the community‘s

participation,‖ he stressed, adding that developments on the beautification and cleanliness of the city will be noticeable in the next 15 to 20 days.

The program was also graced by Capiz Gov. Victor A. Tanco, Provincial Environment and Natural Resources Officer Valentin Talabero and Department of Public Works and Highways – Capiz 1st District Engineer Sonny Boy Oropel, among others, who extended their support to the campaign.

Also present were city hall employees and officials, some barangay officials, different national government agencies representatives, firemen, army soldiers, policemen, Capiz Network for Enterprise Development

workers, Metro Roxas Water District employees, United Architect of the Philippines as well as Philippine Institute of Civil Engineers – Capiz chapter members and army reservists.

Aside from the public plaza and adjacent surroundings, the campaign will also initially cover areas of Roxas Avenue, San Roque, Teodoro Arcenas Trade Center (TATC) and the stretch of Arnaldo Boulevard leading to the city‘s Baybay Beach.

The campaign also includes restoration and repair of streetlights along the major thoroughfares which were damaged by supertyphoon Yolanda last year. (JCM/AAL/PIA 6 Capiz)

WESTERN VISAYAS

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2,000 seedlings planted in Anilao as part of NGP By: Leonard T. Pineda I ILOILO CITY, June 5 (PIA6) --- Some 2,000 tree seedlings were planted in Brgy. Cag-an, Anilao town here during a tree planting activity spearheaded by the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR)-6 held Thursday as part of the celebration of the Environment Month this June.

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ENR-6 Regional Executive Director Jim Sampulna said that one purpose of this environmental activity is to create awareness about climate change. ―Climate change is already considered the new normal so there is a need to cope with it,‖ he said. ―Before when there was an approaching storm with the strength of 20 kph, we were already afraid but now we were able to experience typhoon with strength of 450 kph.

This is climate change,‖ he explained.

He said that this month as we are celebrating the Environment Month with the theme, ―Raise your voice, not the sea level‖, it

is necessary to implement mitigation measures to avoid global meltdown or the melting of the ice caps especially that the Philippines is one of the most vulnerable countries in the world.

As for Anilao municipal mayor Ma. Theresa Debuque, climate change has already taken its place in our midst and for many times we have experienced its wrath and terrible effects. ―We should look for solutions and we should be ready on what climate change would continue to bring upon us,‖ she said.

She said that as a local chief executive and as an environment advocate, she is campaigning for the restoration of the once glorious state

of Mother Nature. ―Perhaps not on its original state but on its reliable condition,‖ she said.

She said that the municipality has been implementing programs and projects such as tree-planting activities, with the goal of seeing the community safe from hazards and natural or man-made calamities.

The tree planting activity is part of the National Greening Program (NGP) which aims to plant 1.5 billion trees covering at least 1.5 million hectares all throughout the country from 2011-2016.

The NGP was launched by virtue of Executive Order 26 approved by President Benigno S. Aquino III. (JCM/LTP/PIA-Iloilo)

10 more nurses for Kalibo under Nurse Deployment Program By: Venus G. Villanueva KALIBO, Aklan, June 5 (PIA6) -- The risk of women dying while giving birth in Kalibo is seen to be avoided or lowered with the deployment this year of 10 nurses here under the Nurse Deployment Project (NDP).

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his, as members of the NDP recently met with Kalibo mayor William S. Lachica, Chairman of Community Health Team (CHT) Management Council in the municipal level to talk about this program and the group‘s role in assisting the implementation of health programs in this capital town of Aklan.

Under the project, 10 nurses will be deployed in Kalibo whose salaries will be paid by the national government through the Department of Health (DOH).

The nurses were accompanied by Kalibo Municipal Health Officer Makarius Tel Aviv dela Cruz and Robbie Bastareche CHT-Aklan

Point Person, who briefed Mayor Lachica on the various duties of the CHT, as well as the duties and responsibilities of the deployed nurses in the municipality.

The NDP in Kalibo targets to lower if not eliminate the number of maternal deaths in the barangays.

The nurses will also be keeping track if pregnant women are availing pre-natal services, or if all new-born babies are being given all types of immunizations.

The nurses will also implement New Born Screening and Exclusive Breast Feeding along with 120 CHT Partners composed of Barangay Nutrition Scholars (BNS), Barangay Health

Workers (BHW) and Barangay Population Officers (BPO).

They will also conduct house-to-house visits and will monitor beneficiaries of the National Household Targeting System (NHTS) Poverty Reduction composed of 2,499 members.

The NDP is a DOH project that aims to improve local health systems and support the Philippines‘ attainment of Universal Health Care or ―Kalusugang Pangkalahatan‖.

It also aims to give employment opportunities to the growing number of unemployed nurses in the country. (JCM/VGV PIA6 Aklan)

10 Antique towns eyed as beach forests By: Vicente W. Villavert SAN JOSE, Antique, June 5 (PIA) - - The establishment of a coastal forest in the identified 10 municipalities of Antique is seen to make the coastlines less vulnerable to extreme weather events.

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ccording to OIC Provincial Environment and Natural Resources Officer Ruel L. de los Reyes the project was conceptualized by the DENR following the devastations wrought by typhoon Yolanda in the country last year.

The identified municipalities are Libertad, Sebaste, Pandan, Culasi, Tibiao, Barbaza, Lauaan, Bugasong, Patnongon and Belison, said Reyes as he explained that the beach forest program is an effort also to help people who were affected by ‗Yolanda‘. ―This is a cash for work program to help these Yolanda affected people, and at the same we are working something to protect our coastal areas,‖ Reyes said in a PIA interview.

This year around 350 hectares of coastlines in said municipalities are targeted by DENR for the establishment of the beach forest which will serve as protection or natural barriers to storm surges or strong currents from the sea.

Reyes said that mangrove will be planted in identified coastlines of Libertad, while mountain or beach agoho trees will be planted for the nine other municipalities.

Several Memorandum of Agreements, and contracts have already been signed with the program‘s stakeholders, Reyes said.

It will be recalled that President Aquino has issued directives to appropriate government agencies to prevent a repeat of the loss of lives and property caused by natural disasters like super typhoon ―Yolanda‖ (Haiyan).

The DENR was directed to devise a comprehensive environment protection program to minimize the impact of storm surges, flooding and calamities following Yolanda‘s devastation.

According to Reyes the beach forest program here has a budget of P12 million.

Meanwhile, hundreds of elementary pupils of Igbonglo and Lugutan elementary schools in this municipality expressed gratitude to the National

Grid Corporation of the Philippines (NGCP) after receiving sets of school supplies in time with the opening of classes this year.

According to Michelle T. Visera of the NGCP Communications and Public Affairs Office in Western Visayas, the activity is part of their corporate social responsibility program where they give assistance to communities where NGCP facilities are constructed. ―For Panay island and Negros Occidental, around 32 schools are beneficiaries of the program,‖ Visera said in a PIA interview as she n o t e d t h a t t h e t ot a l n u m b e r o f student-beneficiaries in the entire region is not yet available considering that the activity is still being conducted in some parts of the region.

Each beneficiary received a bag containing ten notebooks and pencils.

The notebooks‘ covers are printed with the NGCP messages on line safety. (JCM/MLG/ VWV/PIA-Antique)

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CENTRAL VISAYAS

DENR-7 marks June as environment month BY: FAYETTE C. RIÑEN CEBU CITY, June 5 (PIA) -- The Department of Environment and Natural Resources marks the observance of June as environment month with various activities lined up to promote environmental protection and preservation.

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ENR employees, its partners and the media planted mangrove propagules and had a coastal clean-up drive in barangay Inoburan in Naga City, Cebu in celebration of World Environment Day (WED), June 5 with this year‘s theme ―Raise your voice, not the sea level‖.

It was followed by a short briefing on the importance of mangroves especially in mitigating the impact of storm surge. Similar activities were also done in 14 coastal areas within the four provinces of the region initiated by DENR's provincial offices.

DENR-7 regional director Dr. Isabelo Montejo said almost every day of this month, there will be activities aimed at raising the consciousness of the public to the importance of the environment not only for food security but also to prevent or ease the impact of natural calamities. ―We need to remind the people the essence of preserving the environment for the next generations to come,‖ said Montejo.

On June 9, Montejo said the country will also celebrate the Coral Triangle Day which calls for ocean and marine life preservation highlighting the significance of coral reefs for the survival and healthy proliferation of marine species.

A five-day site visit in northern Cebu is also

slated to showcase the best practices on the implementation of the National Greening Program (NGP) starting June 9 to 13.

On June 10, the DENR will celebrate its 27th year anniversary which will kick off with a Holy Mass followed by an awarding of retirees, games and bingo socials to foster camaderie and teamwork among employees at the DENR-7 grounds.

Environmental Stewardship Fora are scheduled on June 17 at the Negros Oriental State University in Guihulngan City, Negros Oriental while on June 18 at the Bohol Island State University-Main Campus and the following day at the Cebu Technological University in Argao, Cebu.

Balancing development and environment will also be further strengthened by crafting eco-tourism plans and programs in a two-day strategic planning workshop this month with the members of the Department of Tourism - Regional Eco-Tourism Council. Members of the council come from the local government units, regional line agencies and other stakeholders.

On June 22, the 2nd Cebu Run for the Rivers is set that calls for the rehabilitation of rivers, creeks and other water bodies in Cebu.

From June 23 to 30, an Arts and Environment

Exhibit will be conducted at Ayala Center Cebu while a Mine Plant Tour and symposium on June 26 is set at Solid Earth Development Corporation -Taiheyo Cement Philippines Inc. in San Fernando, Cebu. Discussion during the symposium will center on the current policies and trends in responsible mining.

The whole month of June however, will witness the advocacy on the ‗Green Schools‘ campaign in public elementary and secondary schools in the whole region.

Objective of the campaign is to involve the schools to practice proper solid waste management, tree growing and other environment-friendly activities.

For the culmination of the Environment Month celebration, the DENR-7 will give recognition and award to companies, groups and individuals in advocating environmental protection, conservation and maintenance. The awarding ceremony will be done at The Terraces of Ayala Center, Cebu.

Montejo further said that they are also intensifying their pro-environment campaign through media briefings, interviews and guesting. (mbcn/FCR/ PIA7 with reports from Mary Jane G. Conciliado, intern)

Cebu's BRT Project BY: FERLIZA CALIZAR-CONTRATISTA CEBU CITY, June 3 (PIA) --- Cebu gets a congratulatory letter from one of the world‘s successful advocates of green mass transport system.

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his after learning that the National Economic and Development Authority (NEDA) board already approved the P10.6-billion Bus Rapid Transit (BRT), a mass transport system proposal eight years ago, Mactan Cebu International Airport Authority head Nigel Paul Villarete, who was then the City Engineer of Cebu City said he received an electronic mail from Enrique Penalosa, the former Mayor of Bogota, Columbia.

Penalosa has been flying in and out of Cebu in the proposal years of BRT telling his own success story in Bogota.

Penalosa, a green advocate, had successfully transformed the face of Bogota, into a new and environment-people friendly city by implementing a BRT, which had successfully decreased number of

private vehicles and traffic. He also eventually made spaces for parks and bike lanes. ―Please give my congratulations to all Cebuanos for the BRT they have decided to build! I congratulate most particularly all who have had to to with the efforts leading to the final decision to go ahead with the project,‖ according to Penalosa in his email to Villarete.

He said the Cebu BRT will do many things by helping in terms of mobility and save transportation time to tens of thousands of Cebuanos which are better spent with family and friends.

He said it will also help Cebu´s urban structure. ―It will be a symbol of democracy, as public public transport users move faster than those in private cars; it will strengthen Cebuanos´ confidence in their capacity to create their destiny,‖ Penalosa

said.

Last week the BRT was among the P62.4 billion projects approved by President Benigno Aquino III in a marathon meeting two years after it was poposed to the NEDA Board.

The other approved projects were the P18.7-billion Kaliwa Dam project and the P5.8-billion Angat Dam water transmission project for Metro Manila‘s water needs; the P4.1-billion improvement of Busuanga airport in Palawan; and the P1.2-billion Laoag airport road link project.

The BRT will cover 16 kilometers and will be built in two phases. The first phase will be from Bulacao to the Cebu Business District, with links to the malls Ayala Center and SM City Cebu, while the second phase will be from Ayala Center to Talamban. (mbcn/FCC/PIA7-Cebu)

NGCP assures stable power in Bohol BY: ELVIRA C. BONGOSIA TAGBILARAN CITY, Bohol, June 03 (PIA) -- The National Grid Corporation of the Philippines (NGCP) assured Boholanos of stable power service in the province amid the increasing power consumption accelerated by Bohol‘s development.

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his as the P1.1-billion expansion project of the NGCP in barangay Sambog, Corella town will improve the power distribution in the province.

Contrary to earlier speculations, the project has nothing to do with the rumored construction of SM shopping mall, but it is a project that is expected to cater to the increasing power demand in the province.

Winifred Paguia, head of the NGCP Visayas Project Division said that NGCP is set to complete its Ubay-Corella 138-kiloVolt (kV) transmission line and Corella substation project.

After the reconfiguration last June 1, NGCP

proceeds with the finishing touches to be able to energized the Bohol Backbone Transmission Project (BBTP) by June 30.

The BBTP will bring more reliable power transmission services to 60 barangays in the towns of Balilihan, Carmen, Catigbian, Corella, Cortes, Dagohoy, Sagbayan, San Miguel and Ubay.

The Corella substation serves as a new power delivery point to reduce the load of Ubay.

This project will ensure stable and reliable power supply in Bohol to serve the growing demand as the development framework of the provincial government has been expanded to cover ICT industry and the BPO sector, in addition to

agriculture and tourism as economic drivers.

NGCP believes that aside from addressing Bohol‘s load forecast, the project will also benefit the whole Visayas in the future as it will ―reinforce the high-voltage transmission backbone and ensure that the power grid remains secure and reliable‖.

NGCP recommended for Bohol to acquire power sources that are sustainable and renewable such as solar and hydro.

Bohol is being served mainly by the Tongonan geothermal as well as hydro power plants in Balilihan, Loboc and Sevilla towns and the 16-MW Bohol Diesel Power Plant in this city. (mbcn/ecb/ PIA7-Bohol)

CENTRAL VISAYAS

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Cebu to host 3-day reg'l info summit on June 9-11 BY: FAYETTE C. RIÑEN CEBU CITY, June 3 (PIA) -- Preparations are in place for Cebu‘s hosting of the three-day information summit of the Regional Association of Development Information Officers (RADIO-7) in Central Visayas starting June 9-13 that will tackle the agenda on climate change, disaster preparedness and tourism.

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ver 70 public information officers from various local government units and regional line agencies in the region as well as city and municipal tourism officers in Cebu, Bohol, Negros Oriental and Siquijor are invited to participate in the 1st Regional Summit.

The Summit carries the theme ―Relevant Information: Tool for Sustainable Development in Tourism, Environment and Disaster Preparedness.‖ ―We are all set and ready to host the 1st Regional Information Summit and the 21st Consultative Conference of RADIO-7,‖ said Carlo Dugaduga, president of RADIO-7 and likewise the president of the Cebu Association of City and Mu n i ci p a l Pu b l i c In f o r ma ti o n O f f i ce r s (CAOCAMPIO).

Given the two major disasters that struck the region late last year, the 7.2 magnitude earthquake that left Bohol severely devastated with over 200 casualties and hundreds injured and super Typhoon Yolanda which killed over 70 people in north Cebu and thousands of families displaced have made it even more imperative to discuss the specified agenda.

Secretary Sonny Coloma of the Presidential Communications Operations Office will keynote the opening day with a talk on ―The Role of PIOs in Disaster Communication.‖ Gov. Hilario Davide III will deliver the Inspirational Message while Cebu City Mayor Michael Rama will welcome the participants.

Tourism Secretary Ramon Jiminez Jr. will keynote the event on the second day with a talk on

―Strengthening Tourism Information through Public Info and Provincial Tourism Officers.‖ Other resource speakers include Lapulapu City Mayor Paz Radaza to showcase the ‗Lapulapu Experience‘ as a tourism best practice and businessman Jay Aldeguer on ‗Tourism 2014 and Beyond: Business Challenges and Opportunities.‖ Participants will also be briefed on maximizing digital media for tourism promotion which will be handled by Max Limpag, business editor of Sun Star Daily on the last day.

Also invited to speak are Sun Star Editor-in-Chief Isolde Amante and Bobby Nalzaro, manager of RGMA-DYSS on ―Building Synergies with Print Media‖ and ―The PIOs and the Broadcast Industry: Forging Relationships‖. (mbcn/fcr/PIA-7)

Negros media now empowered to face crisis, disaster situations BY: ROI ANTHONI B. LOMOTAN VALENCIA, Negros Oriental, June 2 (PIA) – Negros media men are now empowered to face crisis and disaster situations arising in their area.

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his after a group of 28 print and broadcast journalists from Negros Oriental and Negros Occidental graduated from a recent Energy Camp for Negros Media organized by the Energy Development Corporation (EDC) on May 29-31 at the Southern Negros Geothermal Project site in Valencia town.

The camp was focused on providing experiential learning on disaster response, survival and environmental conservation to its participants.

For two-days, campers were engaged on various physical activities that equipped them with practical knowledge in facing disasters or emergencies.

Dr. Ted Esguerra, EDC‘s Disaster and Crisis Team Head, demonstrated to the campers some tips on emergency response and survival. He also gave them tips on how to prevent disasters or accidents or how to deal with them in case they happen.

Dr. Esguerra‘s main advice to media men was to avoid being victims of disasters and always be

prepared. He said being prepared means knowing the possible hazards in the areas,having a plan for safety or emergency in case disasters happen and piling up food and equipment for evacuation.

Negros journalists were then divided into groups and were put in a situation where a member must play as a victim while others play as rescuers to test what they have learned during their exercise.

Esguerra also shared some basic defense skills to help journalists protect themselves.

Meanwhile, the highlight of the whole camp was the mini-―Amazing Race‖ which had five main challenges namely the ―Bakya‖ walk, wall rappelling, mind puzzles, wall climbing and the zipline ―Slide for life‖ challenges.

There were also ―pit stops‖ or parts of the race where facilitators asked campers some questions about EDC. Also part of the camp were the lectures on geothermal energy and EDC‘s programs focused on community development.

An EDC representative discussed the Health, Education, Livelihood and Environment (HELEn) program that addresses the concerns of the host community and the environment.

Moreover, campers also learned about EDC‘s BINHI program which is centered on environmental conservation through tree planting activities.

Campers were then brought to a tree planting site where they planted Mabolo trees. The activity aimed to illicit Negros media‘s commitment in conserving the environment.

For 11 years, EDC has been conducting energy camps for its scholars and employee‘s children every summer. This is the first time that the company organized a camp for media practitioners. ―Our aim is to provide the same experiential learning environment to the Negros media who have been covering EDC and the energy camp all these years,‖ said John Arnaldo, EDC‘s Vice President for Corporate Affairs. (mbcn/ral/ PIA7-NegOr)

Danajon conservation finds ally in VMCI mobile theater musical BY: REY ANTHONY H. CHIU TAGBILARAN CITY, June 1 (PIA) — Danajon Double Barrier Reef conservationists found a new ally in a mobile children‘s theater capable of bringing out key conservation issues on stage.

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ne of the world‘s only six double barrier reefs, the Danajon has been the common fishing grounds of people from Cebu, Bohol, Leyte and Southern Leyte and is now suffering from severe fishing pressure to feed majority of the Visayas.

Dwindling fish catch and destructive fishing methods in trawl, blast fishing and encroachment of commercial fishers in the municipal waters have contributed to the rapid degradation of the area and threatening communities already wallowing in poverty.

Mayor Restituto Auxtero has aired his concern over keeping Talibon waters free from these opportunistic fisher but the campaign has largely been cat-mouse, the numerous islands and islets in the Danajon reefs affording unlimited cover for illegal fishers, most of them living within the numerous

islands comprising the string of islands in the Danajon.

Seeing that the problem can only be solved with the communities involvement, a group of missionaries in the diocese of Talibon took up the dare to help in the campaign.

Visayas Missionaries Confraternity Incorporated (VMCI), a group of religious missionaries led by Rev. Fr. Bienvenido Disu, CM has always been looking for ways in protecting Danajon.

VMCI, a missionary NGO was established in response to the spiritual, human development needs of several under-served rural areas, and its mobile theater has been one of its implementing arms to effect the desired socio-cultural transformation.

With the help of key Bohol community theater workers, artists and arts consultants,

VMCI, went into staging a creative production of the folk tales of the people of Danajon with playwright Jerrey Aguilar and a host of artistic talents integrating a musical play called Sirena sa Jao. With funds from the National Commission for Culture and the Arts, Local Governments of Bohol and Talibon, Kasing Sining and Teatro Bol-anon, Sirena sa Jao recalls the story of the famed mermaid guardians of Danajon and its counterparts in the islands; the monitor lizards or hawo (Jao).

The musical tells of the tragedy of Dana, princess of the mermaids to Jao, prince of the reptiles, who had to die to keep their love.

The play also aggressively moves the community to pledge for the preservation of Danajon, Jao and its islets and its spectacular underwater environs. (mbcn/rahc/PIA7-Bohol)

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EASTERN VISAYAS

Group pushes for fishing moratorium in Samar and Biliran Seas CATBALOGAN CITY, Samar, May 29 (PIA) — Seven Local Chief Executives (LCEs) from Calbayog City, the island towns of Almagro, Sto Nino, Daram, Tagapul-an and Maripipi (Biliran) and Sta Margarita through their group called CATSDM are proposing a moratorium in commercial fishing from April to July yearly.

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n a meeting presided by Calbayog City Mayor Ronald Aquino, the group identified measures to protect Samar and Biliran Seas from overfishing by commercial fishing boats.

This means that only small-scale fishermen with 3-tonner boats and below will be allowed to fish. ―Our seas are given the chance to halt for rest, and our marine resources, to thrive and multiply,‖ said Aquino. The group of mayors are alarmed

of the reports that rampant illegal activities, like ―pangulong‖ have been observed recently where even tons of juvenile fish and crablets are not freed from their catch.

They also agreed to deputize fish wardens‘ authority to overlap jurisdictions when running after illegal fishers. A common comprehensive ordinance as regards fishery protection was also agreed upon, which will be passed by the alliance

and their respective councils.

Members of CASTSDM include Calbayog City Mayor Aquino, Almagro Municipal Mayor Kathleen S. Prudenciado, Sto. Nino Mayor Lilia A. Conejos, Tagapul -an Mayor Vicente F. Limpiado, Sta. Margarita Mayor Gemma P. Zosa, Daram Mayor Lucia L. Astorga and Maripipi Mayor Uldarico P. Macorol. (PIA 8-Samar with Aimee Catalan Calbayog City Mayor‘s Office)

GSIS offers 200 scholarship slots to gov‘t employee‘s‘ dependents CATBALOGAN CITY, Samar, June 3 (PIA) - The Government Service Insurance System (GSIS) has offered 200 scholarship slots nationwide to government employee‘s dependents for school year 2014-2015.

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f the 200 slots, 100 will be allotted for lowest salaried memb er gr an t ees wh ose dependents are accepted in Commission on Higher Education (CHED) identified priority courses, while the remaining 100 slots will be allotted for those accepted in other four or five year courses.

GSIS Catbalogan City Branch Manager Rene Cinco said that those qualified to apply are active and regular GSIS members who at the time of application have premium payments for the last six months.

It was stressed that only permanent employees in the government with at least three years of service and with salary grade of 24 or below or its equivalent job level are eligible to apply.

Cinco added that the member applicants should have incoming college freshmen dependents who are accepted in

any four or five year course or in priority courses identified by the CHED in a higher education institution with its own charter or a school qualified by the CHED as levels IV and III, autonomous or deregulated.

Cinco also cleared that eligible GSIS members will be selected based on annual basic salary, length of service, and status of appointment.

For the four to five year course, scholars shall be entitled to benefit from actual cost of tuition and miscellaneous fees not exceeding P20, 000.00 every term excluding summer classes but may include trimesters, provided that the course is finished within the regular duration prescribed by the school for that course.

Scholars will also receive a monthly stipend of P2,000.00.

The branch manager also stressed

that the scholarship grant is non-transferable. Only those who complied with the said requirements and whose dependents will enroll as freshmen for SY 2014-2015 in any four to five year course or in CHED identified accredited school are qualified to apply.

In Samar Island, only three selected schools or state college/universities were identified by GSIS scholarship program and these are Samar State University (SSU) in Catbalogan City and Paranas, Samar Campus, North West State University (NWSU), Calbayog City and the University of Easter Philippines (UEP), Northern Samar.

GSIS informed that the deadline for submission of applications for the GSP AY 2014-2015 has been extended until June 30, 2014. (AJC/Samar Avha H. Ebalde/PIA8 -Samar)

DPWH-4th LED extends assistance in the observance of ‗Brigada Eskwela‘ By: Marivic A. Alcober ORMOC CITY, Leyte, June 3 (PIA) – As per Department of Education Memorandum Circular No. 32, s. 2014, dated 14 March 2014, the ‗Brigada Eskwela‘ otherwise known as National School Maintenance Week, has been conducted last May 19-24, 2014.

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elative to this, the Department f Public Works and Highways (DPWH ) – Leyt e Fou rt h Engineering District (4th LED) extended assistance to school officials in the various schools in their area of coverage through general cleaning and clearing of all garbage in the school premises.

District Engineer Lino Francisco C. Gonzalez informed that the DPWH - 4th LED employees joined hands in the

cleaning of the school premises at the San Pablo Elementary School.

According to him, the activities conducted were the cutting of trees, clearing of boulders and debris, among others.

Grass cutters were also deployed by DPWH – 4th LED at the Balugo, Seguinon, and Concepcion Elementary Schools.

Likewise, maintenance crew also repainted the pedestrian lanes along the

Elementary Schools of Balugo, Damula-an South Central, Mahayag, Tinag-an, San Pablo, Kananga, Lonoy, Natubgan, Lilo-an, Concepcion, and Seguinon in preparation for the opening of classes.

On the other hand, vegetation control has also been conducted at the Balugo Elementary School along the Ormoc-Baybay-Southern Leyte Boundary Road; and Concepcion Elementary School along the Palo-Carigara-Ormoc Road.

(AJC/PIA-8)

EASTERN VISAYAS

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Korean Araw Forces to commemorate war anniversary TACLOBAN CITY, Leyte, June 4 (PIA) - The Korean Araw forces is set to commemorate Korean war anniversary in Leyte a day earlier of June 25 the Korean war anniversary.

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his was revealed by Chulwun Lee, the commanding general of the Korean Araw forces based in Government Center, Palo, Leyte.

The Korean forces has always emphasized that their presence here in Leyte is a way of repaying the blood shed

by Filipino Korean war veterans and their sacrifices.

The Korean War was between the Republic of Korea (South Korea), supported by the United Nations, and the Democratic People's Republic of Korea (North Korea), at one time supported by China and the Soviet Union.

It was primarily the result of the political division of Korea by an agreement

of the victorious Allies at the conclusion of the Pacific War at the end of World War II. The war lasted for 3 years, 1 month and 2 days from June 25 1950 and ended July 27, 1953.

On the 24th, all living Filipino Korean war veterans and their family will be invited for a ceremony to commemorate their services , the family of the deceased filipino Korean war veteran will be invited as well.

The Korean Forces is also planning to give scholarships for younger family member of the Korean war veterans.

The event will be at the Korean base

camp.

Meanwhile the repair of the house of th e 4 th Filip ino Korean war veteran whose house is to be repaired will start on the second week of June. The houses of three more veterans were already repaired by the Araw Forces. The reapaied houses are in Carigara, Dagami and Tacloban.

It was learned that the incoming echelon to replace the current military forces will be added of a group composed of 25 military engineers.

According to Lee, their functions will be dedicated to repairing the war veterans residence and government agencies. (AJC/Lizbeth Ann Abella/PIA-8)

DepEd bares early implementers for K to 12 in So. Leyte By: Marcelo M. Pedalino MAASIN CITY, Southern Leyte, June 2 (PIA) -- Four public national high schools from this province‘s schools division, and two from this city‘s schools division, have been primed to roll into motion the new K to 12 curriculum one year ahead of schedule.

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fficer-in-Charge Arturo Isip, Southern Leyte Schools Division Superintendent, identified the four pioneer schools as the Villa Jacinta National Vocational School, Sogod National High School, Pintuyan National Vocational School, and the Hinunangan National High School.

This school year 2014-2015, the Department of Education (DepEd) will implement the K to 12 curriculum for Grade 3 and Grade 9 (third year high school).

But for the early implementers, those

who will graduate in high school in March 2015 can voluntarily choose either to proceed to college or to enrol in the two years of senior high school. ―About 75% of the students in the pilot high schools confirmed they will proceed to senior high school, and the parents were aware of this for we have been informing them of this development‖ Isip said during the recent Acton Center Kapihan sa PIA cable TV program.

The two additional years of Senior high school, or Grades 11 and 12, are

mandatory starting the school year 2016-2017.

All the faculties and facilities in the four early implementer schools have been prepared and readied to cater to the different tracks the students are expected to take in the two senior years, Isip revealed.

At the city division, the two early implementers are the Maasin City National High School, and the Maasin Vocational and Technical School, the two schools located in barangay Combado, Maasin City. PIA8-Southern Leyte)

PDEA-8 to continue serving people Tacloban City, Leyte, May 30 (PIA) - The Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency Regional Office No. 8 is glad to announce that they now have a permanent office located at Brgy. 77, Marasbaras, Tacloban City near the Office of the Ombudsman in Eastern Visayas.

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hus says Liza Bauy Information Officer of PDEA-8, who admitted that for a while their office‘s performance/operations went down because they were severely affected by typhoon Yolanda. She informed that all of their equipment and records were damaged as their old office was near the sea in Candahug, Palo, Leyte.

As of press time, the agency is slowly recovering with the help of the national office, to restore damaged equipment.

Bauy called on the public to visit their

office especially those who want to transact business, assistance for an advice for rehabilitation, conduct of drug symposia, renew of S-2 license, submission of compliance record, and to have coordination for anti-drug operations.

Bauy is also happy that with the restoration of the files with their new computers, they are bent on fulfilling their mandate.

Presently, the drug enforcement agency is now conducting different coordination activities especially with

the Sanguniang Bayan members to help their agency enact ordinances and resolutions that will strengthen their anti-drug programs in the different local government units in the region.

PDEA-8 is also planning activities with the different schools in the region especially that school classes will be opening soon.

PDEA regional office temporarily held office at Brgy. Sampaguita after their office was damaged by the typhoon. (AJC/ Lizbeth Ann Abella/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