One Visayas e-Newsletter Vol 4 Issue 50

Vol 4

Issue 50

In this Issue WESTERN VISAYAS

Climate Change advocacy campaign press conference with DENR 6 Director Jim O. Sampulna, PIA 6 Director Ma. Janet Mesa, DENR 6 -EMB OIC Director Atty. Jonathan Bulos, DENR 6-ERDB RTD Alicia Lustica in Iloilo City, December 16.

December 15 – 21, 2014

Published by: PIA 6, 7 & 8

Sec. Domingo launches DTI livelihood seeding program TACLOBAN CITY, Leyte, December 19 (PIA) - Sec. Gregory Domingo of the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) personally came to Tacloban City to launch the livelihood seeding program to the beneficiaries of Tacloban City.

According to Sec. Domingo the livelihood seeding program was crafted in order to help the beneficiaries start or expand their own business such as sari-sari store, agri-feeds, food vending and delicacy making.

He further stated that in Tacloban City there were 174 beneficiaries who were given starter kit to start or expand their own business.

It was learned that for the sari-sari stores business, there are 225 beneficiaries across Region 8 and 87 who are from Tacloban City; for micro enterprises there were 18 beneficiaries who were given assorted goods, calculator and record book; for agri-feeds there were 38

beneficiaries given agri-feeds, weighing skills and calculator; for food vending were 31 beneficiaries who were given assorted soft drinks, weighing skill, styrofoam and calculator; for delicacy making and food vending were given brand new LPG gas tank, two burner gas stove, kitchen ware, calculator, tent, mono block chairs and plastic table.

The beneficiaries express their thanks to the DTI and its sponsor for the help extended to them and they vow that they will do good to expand the business opportunities.

The DTI top man congratulated all the beneficiaries and promised that his department will always extend assistance to the micro entrepreneurs sustain their livelihood.

The livelihood seeding program was held at St. Therese Child and Development Center, Tacloban City. (ajc.jhb/PIA-8)

More on Region 6, pages 2-3.

Also CLICK Here…

CENTRAL VISAYAS

PIA -7 RD Minerva BC Newman receives a C e r ti f i ca te o f A p p r e ci a ti o n fr o m CAOCAMPIO President & Cebu City Information Officer Carlo Dugaduga and Cebu Infocen Manager Rachelle M. Nessia after her talks on Effective Communication Planning during the CAOCAMPIO Year End Review and Assessment and 2015 COMPLAN at the Express Inn, Mabolo, Cebu City. (vvv)

More on Region 7, pages 4-5.

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West Philippine Sea issue in school curriculum proposed ILOILO CITY, December 17 (PIA) --- The Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) is strengthening its efforts in disseminating information on the West Philippine Sea (WPS) issue including a possible integration of the topic in schools' curriculum.

In a press briefing held Wednesday at Sarabia Manor Hotel here, DFA Assistant Secretary Charles Jose said that they are planning to work with the Department of Education to integrate the WPS issue in the curriculum of schools particularly in the grade school. ―It will not only affect the present generation of Filipinos but the future generation as well,‖ he said.

He said that the issue on the West Philippine Sea is a matter of national interest.

He said one of the core issues is China‘s so-called ―indisputable sovereignty‖ over nearly the entire South China Sea (SCS) as represented by its nine-dash line claim. ―The claim is expansive, excessive and contrary to International Law and it does not have exact geographic coordinates,‖ he said.

He also said that China has demonstrated an increasingly assertive, and sometimes aggressive, behavior in the South China Sea to advance its nine-dash line claim.

He stressed that the Philippine Government and the Filipino people are determined to defend what is legitimately ours. ―We are guided by the following principles: peaceful settlement of disputes, and primacy of the rule of law, which we believe is the great equalizer,‖ he said.

He said that there are two tracks that the government is pursuing including the diplomatic track involving early conclusion of a legally-binding Code of Conduct and the full and effective implementation of the 2002 declaration of conduct (DOC).

On one hand, he stressed that with the legal track, the Philippines‘ arbitration case is not about determining sovereignty over territories or maritime boundary delimitation. (JCM/LTP/ PIA-Iloilo)

DFA Assistant Secretary Charles Jose gestures as he briefs Iloilo media on the West Philippine Sea Issue during a Special Kapihan ng Mamamayan organized by the Department of Foreign Affairs and Philippine Information Agency Western Visayas in Iloilo City, December 17. Also in the picture is PIA 6 Director Ma. Janet Mesa.

EASTERN VISAYAS Siquijor PENRO says LGU CRM framework should gear towards climate change adaptation

DTI-LEYTE PRE-CHRISTMAS TRADE FAIR: Local food delicacies and native products on sale at discounted price from December 18 until December 23 at Robinsons Movieworld area (main building) in Tacloban City.

More on Region 8, pages 6-7.

Also CLICK Here...

SIQUIJOR, Dec 12 (PIA)—Coastal resource management (CRM) framework of the local government units of the province should gear towards contributing climate change adaptation and enhancing resiliency to the coastal areas.

This the Provincial Environment and Natural Resources Officer (PENRO) expressed during the Information and Education Campaign (IEC) held at the Provincial Coastal Resource Management (PCRM) office in Larena, Siquijor recently.

Tagra committed to support and intensify program for the coastal resource management in Siquijor following a recent study that assessed the province‘s coastal resources with high vulnerability to both nature and human destruction.

He said the DENR is continuously conducting studies, rehabilitations, assessments and reports to identify and provide proper actions for addressing coastal concerns.

Several programs have also been organized to mainly focus on coastal and marine resources conservation, he said.

These, and other initiatives such as trainings, rehabilitation activities and information drives have been intensified to strengthen the battle against coastal and marine degradation, Tagra said.

He cited the Sustainable Coral Reef Ecosystems Management Program (SCREMP) as the DENR‘s major ongoing project that provides strategic and sustainable ecosystem-based approach in protecting and rehabilitating coastal and coral reef.

The DENR has also assisted in the installation of amazon nets as low relief fish habitat for reef fish recovery.

These amazon nets buoyed with cable tie and marine epoxy were utilized for fast and easy ways of attaching loose coral recruits on the stabilization mats, he explained.

He said a number of low relief and high relief fish habitats were deployed to marine protected areas (MPAs) to support and provide shelter for fishes.

Tagra urged all local stakeholders to actively share the best practices and lessons learned in Siquijor province citing that the Philippines‘ designs and protocols for reef rehab specifically targeted for typhoon damaged areas are still being developed and are on its experimental stages.

The PENRO hopes to complement the methods with existing effective protocols and manuals so that DENR can introduce protocols and methods for large-scale rehab that can be implemented by LGUs and coastal communities.

Tagra also encourage every Siquijodnon to contribute in decision-making and planning stages of coral reef and MPAs. Per records from the DENR, the province has estimated 1,384.71 hectares of coral reef area; 211.17 hectares of MPAs covering the 18 MPAs province wide.

He said everyone must take active participation in the protection and conservation of the coastal assets because these will provide not only income and livelihood to locals but also to the tourism industry that is identified as the biggest contributor to the island‘s local economy. (mbcn/RAC/PIA7-Siquijor w/ reports from Katrina Abing/ DENR-PIO)

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WESTERN VISAYAS

PIA/DENR - Climate change is more than awareness

By Elsa S. Subong ILOILO CITY, Dec. 17(PIA) — It is not enough for the public to just be aware of climate change but they have to be knowledgeable on the day-to-day weather situations.

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hilippine Information Agency-6 Director Janet Mesa said in a joint press briefing today, that the advocacy campaign of the PIA and the Department of Environment and Natural Resources in Western Visayas had brought ample awareness on climate change on the youth and the community partners. ―We have to go beyond the campaign and further teach the people about geohazard maps, GPS, water level readings and the project NOAH,‖ Mesa said.

Awareness only will not be effective if people are not knowledgeable, or if they do not make use of the knowledge gained, Mesa added.

Atty. Jonathan Bulos, regional director for the Environmental Management Bureau, said through the PIA-DENR partnership, various sectors have been reached, the civil society has become knowledgeable. ―We also have the media to thank for, because of its support to the campaign,‖ Bulos told the members of the press.

As to indicators that awareness has been created, Bulos said that the experience of the latest Typhoon Ruby showed how people in vulnerable areas behaved. ―Because they have become aware of the hazards of flooding and landslides, all

triggered by typhoons as signs of climate change, they heeded the call for early evacuations,‖ he added.

The PIA and the DENR, for the last 10 months, have embarked on massive information and education advocacy campaign to create wider awareness of the climate change as the ―new normal,‖ that people have to learn to mitigate and adapt to.

The awareness campaigns targeted the youth in schools and the communities, particularly those battered by typhoon Yolanda and other calamities, through campus tours, youth camps, radio programs, climate change branding and many others. (JCMESS/PIA-Iloilo)

EMB finds Metro Iloilo air "fair to good" By: Elsa S. Subong ILOILO CITY, Dec. 18(PIA) — The air in Metro Iloilo is still ―fair and good‖ according to the Department of Environment and Natural Resources-Environmental Management Bureau (EMB) chief.

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tty. Jonathan Bulos, regional director of EMB, said in a press conference, that this is the consolidated result of the ambient air data from different monitoring stations in the city and suburbs.

Bulos said the EMB has six ambient air monitoring stations set up at the University of San Agustin, Central Philippine University, Lapaz Police Station and in the towns of Leganes and Oton.

He attributed the relatively safe air of Metro Iloilo to the cooperation of stakeholders, especially the drivers in the campaign for clean air.

The Clean Air Act of 1999 provides for measures to keep the ambient air quality free from heavy pollutants. ―Vehicle emission is a huge factor in pollution, when engines are not properly maintained,‖ Bulos said, adding that unmaintained vehicles emit sulphur, a known pollutant.

―We have been educating PUJ drivers, including taxi drivers and they have been receptive,‖ Bulos said.

He further said that DENR‘s campaign against open burning has also contributed to the good ambient air in metro Iloilo.

Bulos said DENR is also intending to set up air monitoring stations in cities like Bacolod, Silay, Cadiz in negros Occidental and in Roxas City, Capiz.

(JCM/ESS/PIA-Iloilo)

Significant cooperation between gov‘t, public helped mitigate impact of 'Ruby' By: Vicente W. Villavert SAN JOSE, Antique, Dec. 18 (PIA6) - - The top official of the province of Antique cited the significant cooperation of the government and the public wherein the people themselves were preparing and ready to leave their houses to a safer ground.

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The province has incurred zero casualty during the onslaught of typhoon Ruby,‖ said Gov. Exequiel B. Javier in a PIA interview.

Javier said that immediately, relief assistance was extended to the evacuees.

According to Social Welfare Officer 1 Rebecca Hope T. Lotilla of the Provincial Social Welfare and Development (PSWD), around 19,062 families or 74,001 persons were recorded to have been affected by ‗Ruby.‘ The PSWD record showed that some 5811 food packs were distributed to

the affected families all throughout the province; 100 sacks of rice for the Municipality of Caluya and its two barangays- Sibay and Panagatan.

Th e Dep a rtmen t of Soci al Welfare and Development also extended some 2,866 food packs in addition to the assistance given to the affected persons.

Meanwhile, Deputy Presidential spokesperson Abigail Valte said in a Malacañang press report that while ―there are 20 typhoons on the average that

pass through the country,‖ it is expected that with the recent experience with typhoon Ruby ―the government, as well as the local population have started to show an evolving or developing culture of preparedness given the geographic placement of the country.‖ Valte said that infusing a culture of preparedness in the people's consciousness is already a major feat for the government, especially in the midst of yearly typhoons that hit the country. (JSC/ MLG/VWV-PIA Antique)

WESTERN VISAYAS

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Task Force Ilahas tags 231 trees in ―Wilderness Area‖ By: Easter Anne D. Doza NEGROS OCCIDENTAL, Dec. 19 (PIA6) - - Task Force Ilahas marked and tagged 231 trees inside the ―Wilderness Area‖ at Barangay Damutan, Hinobaan town during an operation conducted November 19-22.

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hese trees were marked and tagged with GPS Coordinates by Task Force Ilahas and an inventory revealed 70.66 cubic meter or 29,959.84 board feet Fallen logs in the area and 1,128.77 cubic meter or 478,598.48 board feet standing trees in the area, a release from the Provincial Information Office said.

The inventory report was presented

by Company Commander PSupt. Gabriel Gutierrez to Governor Alfredo G.

Marañon Jr. The presence of freshly-cut fallen trees and a rice field which measures approximately one hectare inside the forest as well as evidence of timber and wildlife poaching in the area were noted in the report.

Native horn bills and parrots which lay eggs above the tree tops were taken by wildlife poachers while cutting the stems of the trees and harvesting the newly-hatched birds, the report added.

The team destroyed nets and foot traps installed by the poachers and is set to conduct an inventory of the remaining portion of the area.

Marañon strongly condemns the act of cutting down trees and poaching of wildlife inside the area and agreed to the team‘s recommendation to deputize civilian volunteers as forest guards in the area to minimize or stop forest degradation. *(JCM/EAD-PIA6 Negros Occidental)

Final Aklan damage of Ruby lists P94.9M KALIBO, Aklan, December 17 (PIA6) -- Typhoon Ruby‘s fury in Aklan wrought a total of P94,956,759.81 in damages, according to the final damage assessment report of the Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction Management Council (PDRRMC) here.

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he report, as released by PDRRMC Executive Officer Galo Ibardolaza, showed that damages in agriculture reached P15,910,754.81 while infrastructure damages reached P78,730,000.00.

On the other hand, public utilities damage reached P316,005.00 – as reported by Kalibo and Numancia, the only towns which submitted the figures to the PDRRMC. On agriculture – 10 towns reported damages – Altavas, Banga, Buruanga, Ibajay, Kalibo, Makato, Malinao, New Washington, Numancia and Tangalan – with Numancia having the highest with P4,796,440.00 and Buruanga having the lowest with P62,300.00.

For infrastructure, 6 towns reported damages –Banga, Buruanga, Malinao, New

Washington, Numancia and Tangalan, with New Washington having the biggest with P75,000,000.00 and Banga the lowest with P40,000.00.

Four (4) Aklanons were listed injured at the height of Typhoon Ruby while 60 houses were partially damaged and 8, totally.

These damaged houses, according to the report, are in Banga, Buruanga, Kalibo, Malinao, Numancia and Tangalan.

Numancia had the highest number of partially-damaged houses with 22 followed

by Banga with 14; Buruanga and Kalibo both with 10, Tangalan with 3 and Malinao, 1.

For totally damaged houses, Kalibo has 5, Numancia, 2; and Banga, 1.

Total number of families affected by Typhoon Ruby in Aklan reached 19,893

while total number of persons reached 95,704.00.

Meanwhile, the report from the Pro vin ci al So ci al We lfar e an d Development Office (PSWDO) here bared that the total number of families served before and at the height of the typhoon reached 17,538, with the total cost of assistance extended to these persons by the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD), Provincial Government of Aklan and local government units reached P1,821,733.60.

The province had zero casualty but due to the damages rendered to Aklan, the Sangguniang Panlalawigan here December 8 held a special session to declare the province under the state of calamity. (JCM/VGV PIA6 Aklan)

3ID now accessible online By: Alex A. Lumaque ROXAS CITY, Capiz, Dec. 18 (PIA6) – The 3rd Infantry Division (3ID) of the Philippine Army based at Camp Macario Peralta, Jr. in Jamindan town presented its newly revived online portal before local tri-media practitioners during the Capiz Media Fellowship last Dec. 16 here.

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We want to enhance delivery of information to the public on what are happening around us,‖ said 3ID Public Affairs Office (PAO) chief Maj. Ray C. Tiongson, adding that the 3ID website maybe access through www.spearheadtroopers.com.

Aside from news and photo releases, the site also features the Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) in joining the Army, Division‘s line units as

well as links to other related sites.

The online portal will complement the various information dissemination activities thru the different media outlets of the Division to inform the public about 3ID‘s projects, programs and accomplishments.

3ID commander Major Gen. Rey Leonardo Guerrero said that mediamen are the government soldiers' dependable and reliable partner particularly in

the implementation of Internal Peace and Security Plan (IPSP) Bayanihan.

Guerrero led other Division officials and unit commanders in a simple socialization with some Capiz-based mediamen.

For their part, the mediamen were thankful for the initiative as they look forward to sustain a good working relationship with the army officials in the future. (JCM/AAL/PIA6 Capiz)

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CENTRAL VISAYAS

PNP-7 awards outstanding cops in Siquijor SIQUIJOR, Dec 11 (PIA) — At least 12 police personnel from all six police stations and the provincial police office here were given awards and commendations for their bravery, commitment and hard work in their respective communities.

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hilippine National Police in Region 7 Regional Director Prudencio Tom Banas said the first set of awardees for the Medalya ng Kagalingan or PNP merit of medal were Police Inspectors Reynaldo E. Valmoria, Marve D. Bolay-og and Police Officer 1 Calvin King Enjambre.

Another award known as the Madelya ng Papuri (PNP Commendation Medal) were given to the Maria Police Station personnel SPO1

Reygie Kilat, PO3 Arnel Porol, and PO1 Wilmarc Hinayan.

Under general order 758, the award was bestowed out of their efforts and active participation in the campaign against proliferation of drugs in the municipality.

The same awards under general order 759 were given to the personnel of Larena police station and the provincial intelligence branch.

They are PSInsp. Perferio Gabuya Jr., PO2 Rene Gold Gumahad and PO1 Pedrito Vios Jr. PO3 Richard Laranjo and PO2 Ariel Lester Am-is were given the same PNP commendation for having exhibited perseverance and dedication to duty that led to the arrest of the no.1 most wanted persons of Siquijor. (mbcn/RAC/PIA7-Siquijor w/ reports from IAbatayo)

Expanded Students‘ GIA program launched in Siquijor SIQUIJOR, Dec 12 (PIA) — The Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) and the Commission on Higher Education (CHED) recently launched in Siquijor province the Expanded Students‘ Grant-in-Aid Program for Poverty Alleviation (ESGP-PIA).

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SWD assistant regional director Maria Shelaine Lucero said the program is created by the government to free the cycle of poverty in the country as she urged student-beneficiaries to grab the opportunity and take every single chance to finish college education. ―Not all students in the whole archipelago are given the same opportunity, she said.

She said the study grant is a continuous and additional financial assistance from the national government that ensures full coverage of education for the children of the Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program (4Ps)

beneficiaries.

Lucero said there are still 40 slots available out of the 234 given for Siquijor.

She explained that the Commission on Higher Education (CHED) has increased the scholarship slots nationwide from 4,041 in school year 2012-2013 to 40,453 this year.

The Department of Budget and Management (DBM) allotted some P2.5 billion for the implementation of the ESGP-PA this school year, adds CHED regional director Freddie Banal, also during the launching.

He said the DBM would release the funds directly to the 35 participating state universities and colleges (SUCs) nationwide.

Student grantees would receive a maximum of P60,000 each per year.

The fund covers students‘ tuition and other school fees and extracurricular expenses, textbooks, board and lodging, transportation, and clothing, among others.

ESGP-PA is a joint program of the CHED, DSWD, Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE), and the Philippine Association of State Universities and Colleges (PASUC).

It aims to contribute in effectively addressing poverty by increasing the number of graduates in higher education among poor households. (mbcn/RAC/PIA7-Siquijor w/ reports from IAAbatayo)

8th NNS Survey reveals major nutri concern for NegOr DUMAGUETE CITY, Dec. 11 (PIA) – Results from the 8th National Nutrition Survey (NNS) conducted by the Food and National Research Institute (FNRI) reveal the major nutritional concern of Negros Oriental.

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r. Zeny Narciso of FNRI disclosed in a Kapihan Forum yesterday that the prevalence of ―wasting‖ which refers to kids who are underweight for their height is high in the province.

Figures from the NNS show that the prevalence of wasting on children aged 0-5 years old rose from 2.5% in 2011 to 5.9% in 2013 while the prevalence of wasting on Negrense kids aged 6-10 years also rose from 3.3% in 2011 to 7.3% in 2013.

FNRI is still completing their correlation study regarding the increase on the prevalence of wasting among Negrense school children but Narciso encouraged nutrition health workers to intensify their nutrition interventions for pre-school and elementary school kids. ―Wasting is a serious concern because it is an indication of severe malnutrition,‖ Narciso said.

She also noted that the important time to strengthen nutritional interventions to children is during pre-school age because it is the formative stage for their development. ―We see undernutrition remains a problem in kids from 0-5 years old.

We are concerned about this because this age (group) because there is rapid growth (in children),‖ she added.

Aside from this, NNS also provided data on the prevalence of underweight and stunting in kids in the province over the past year.

For kids aged 0-5 years old, underweight

prevalence is registered at 20.3% while the rate of stunting is recorded at 35.2%.

For kids aged 6-10 years old, underweight prevalence is at 29.5% while stunting prevalence is at 32.2%.

In the middle of this year, the Integrated Provincial Health Office (IPHO) has reported an increase in the province‗s malnutrition rate from 7.1% in 2012 to 7.4% last year.

Dr. Narciso said there are two programs of FNRI which they are pushing for local government units to implement to help resolve these problems on nutrition.

The goal of these programs is to reduce undernutrition among children aged 6-35 months old.

The first is developing complementary food blends or snack foods that are rich in protein and energy.

An example of a food blend is the ―BigMo‖ which combines rice and mung bean (Bigas-Munggo) to which is ready to cook and prepared into porridge by adding water.

FNRI also promotes ―BigMo‖ curls which look like a regular junk food crisp but is also rich in protein and energy.

However, FNRI is looking for private entrepreneurs who can be adapters that will produce and commercialize these food products since it is part of their mandate to produce these.

Another intervention of FNRI is the DOST-Package for the Improvement of Nutrition

of Young Children (PINOY) strategy which involves 120-day feeding of complementary foods among 6-35 month old kids and nutrition education to mothers and guardians.

In addition, there are also seminars or capacity building done by FNRI to community health workers in producing nutritious food for under nourished children.

FNRI continues to advocate for DOS T - PI N OY st rat e gy a m on g l oc al government units (LGUs) and strengthen the link between LGUs and private entrepreneurs who are adapters of food technology component to intensify nutrition interventions for children.

But Dr. Narciso notes that in other places, the LGUs also act as the adapter of the technology which is much better.

Meanwhile, in Dumaguete City, City Nutrition Officer Lourdes Taburasa mentioned that malnutrition rate in the city for 2014 is 2.78%.

The figure is 0.9% lower than the percentage recorded 2013 which is 2.87%.

Taburasa said the decline in the malnutrition rate in the city can be attributed to different programs pushed by the city government which include home, school and community food production, food fortification campaign which encourages households to use iodized salt in their cooking preparation and nutrition information, communication and education program. (rmn/ral/ PIA7-NegOr)

CENTRAL VISAYAS

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NegOr PIOs asked to promote RBAs in their respective institutions DUMAGUETE CITY, Dec. 17 (PIA) – The Commission on Human Rights – Negros Oriental (CHR-Negros Oriental) asks help from public information officers (PIOs) in the province to promote human rights based approach to governance at their respective institutions.

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HR-Negros Oriental special investigator, Dr. Jesus Cañete, made the call yesterday during a briefing with the members of the Association of Negros Oriental Public Information Officers (ANOPIO).

Cañete explained that rights based approach (RBA) to governance is a mainstreaming process to link human rights programs to development. It essentially integrates the standards and principles of the international human rights system into plans, polices and processes of development.

He emphasized that the realization of human rights is the goal of all development efforts and good governance manages development. With this, there is a need to consciously and deliberately bring human rights standards in development and

governance. ―We find it very hard at first or even until now, to include human rights values because in our political system, sometimes human rights take a backseat,‖ Cañete relayed to ANOPIO members.

He shared that most local chief executives don‘t insert human rights values in their governance style and therefore PIOs can help address this concern by promoting RBAs in their respective offices. ―As information officers, you will be translating in operational terms human rights principles, concepts, national and international standards and its integration to development plans and policies of your offices,‖ Cañete said.

The CHR special investigator also notes that applying RBA will lead to the increased opportunities for development and

empowerment to the poor and vulnerable sectors of the society.

Aside from these benefits, the poor members of the society will also have a chance to participate in governance once they will be informed of their rights which propels a more transparent system of government, Cañete adds.

But most importantly, the observance of RBA in every local government unit (LGUs) shows the country‘s compliance to the Human Rights standards of United Nations system which the national government has signed.

With this, the CHR is willing to give orientations on RBA and its other programs to different LGUs and other institutions in the province to promote human rights consciousness to the public. (mbcn/ral/PIA7 -NegOr)

Dolores, Samar gets help thru ‗balaynihan‘ spirit DAUIN, Negros Oriental, Dec. 16 (PIA) -- The Greenpeace Philippines has led a group of ecological farming practitioners and advocates from Negros Oriental, Bacolod, Bohol and Cebu in a two-day cruise to deliver five tons of rice seeds and 1,000 kits of nutritious food seeds for farmers in typhoon Ruby-stricken Dolores, Eastern Samar.

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he 16 team member crew-farmer jumped off today from Dauin town with rice seeds, root crops, vegetable seeds and organic fertilizers loaded in two boats to help Dolores farming communities.

According to Daniel Ocampo, ecological campaigner of Greenpeace said typhoon affected communities, Dolores where first landfall of TY Ruby on December 6, will receive planting materials which include corn, rice, mungbean, sweet potato, cassava, okra, pechay, eggplant, malunggay among other vegetables.

Ocampo said some 1,000 target families in Dolores town will also be taught to a techno-transfer home gardening to get back on their feet.

In the spirit of ―balaynihan,‖ a Visayan word that connotes lending a helping hand to a neighbor in need, Ariel dela Cruz, an organic farmer from Negros Occidental said ―I want to reach out to my fellow farmers by sending out seeds to help them with their livelihood and to ensure food security in the region.‖ Dela Cruz said ―I times of crisis, it is important for Filipinos to come together and help each other, offering whatever aid or service they can give.

With the constant threat of extreme typhoons and drought, farmers should always have a secure seed supply within their reach, without relying too much on external sources, to be able to provide nutritious and diverse food to people.‖ In Dolores, authorities reported that

almost 100 percent of the area‘s farmland were damaged. The majority of the damaged crops including coconut trees were smashed down by typhoon Ruby.

Farmers and experts agree in the face of climate change, Philippine agriculture must become more resilient, said Ocampo. ―This can be achieved through ecological agriculture, a farming that does not use synthetic fertilizers, pesticides or genetically modified organisms (GMOs).

Instead, ecologically agriculture uses the diversity of nature to help the soil retain more water and stay healthier to provide nutrients to crops, while crop diversity also enables farms to withstand different stresses, including climate shocks,‖ Ocampo added. (mbcn/JCT/ PIA7-Negros Oriental)

DOST hands out P187K technological assistance to Siquijor entrep SIQUIJOR, Dec 13 (PIA) — The Department of Science and Technology (DOST) in Siquijor handed out P187,217 to Victoriano Pacanon, proprietor of VJ Foods, as assistance through the agency‘s Small Enterprise Technology Upgrading Program (SETUP). he turnover of check was done machine, and gas-operated oven. out by DOST. recently at the Provincial Science and Also included in the assistance is P40,000 Pacanon expressed his gratitude for the Technology Center (PSTC) of DOST worth of packaging and labeling as stipulated in assistance he received from DOST. Siquijor and witnessed by its personnel and the approved proposal and signed According to him, this will help his staff.

Memorandum of Agreement (MOA). firm boost production output and increase Pacanon runs a bakery in Catamboan, Before the turnover of the check, DOST revenue.

Larena, Siquijor. He personally delivers his briefed the proprietor of VJ Foods on Meanwhile, PSTD Engr. Mario E. de la goods to already established customers both in his responsibilities and privileges as DOST Peña said that VJ Food Products is expected to Larena and Siquijor.

SETUP beneficiary. become competitive locally through the In order to enhance production and to Unlike financial institutions that require assistance. comply with government standards, the borrowers to pay loaned amount with interest, He was optimistic of the positive impact proprietor approached DOST Siquijor for DOST only requires its beneficiary to pay the DOST SETUP could offer to VJ Foods. possible assistance through technological whole amount for the duration of three years He even hoped that other bakery owners intervention. without interest. who need to upgrade their processing With the amount he received from DOST However, he may opt to pay 0.5% of the equipment may visit DOST for possible SETUP, he can purchase spiral mixer, stainless total amount so that he can fully own all his assistance. (mbcn/RAC/PIA7_Siquijor w/ steel working table, bread slicer, kneader equipment he bought using the money handed reports from Engr. Reinhold Jek Abing)

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EASTERN VISAYAS

Maasin City Fire Station gets P5M aerial ladder truck MAASIN CITY, Southern Leyte, December 18 (PIA) - The Maasin City Fire Station finally got one of the vital equipment that can enhance their capability to combat in fire fighting operations.

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he generous donation came from the coffers of the local government of Maasin City. ―There are only two fire stations which have aerial ladder trucks in the region.

That same fire fighting truck in Ormoc City fire station was recipient of the said equipment from the Bureau of Fire Central Office based in Manila, ―Maasin City Mayor Maloney Samaco disclosed during the turnover in Monday‘s flag raising ceremony at the Maasin City Gymnasium.

The P 5 Million -worth fire-fighting equipment was purchased by the city government unit through the funds of the City Disaster Risk Reduction Management

Council (CDRRMC) this year, it was learned.

City Fire Marshall Inspector Kenneth Casas formally received the aerial ladder truck.

Meanwhile, with strong coordination with the city government officials, a three-day Volunteers Fire Fighting training was funded from the City Disaster Risk Reduction Management Council (DRRMC) funds amounting to P600,000.00, Casas noted.

Hence, the city fire station has just concluded the first batch of purely fire fighting training from December 11-13, 2014 to 35 rural/ barangay folks from the

first twelve barangays in the city, Casas added.

There are 70 barangays in the city where at least five volunteers can be accommodated from each barangay, he said.

He said the training aims to empower the barangay as first responder be able while they have not yet arrive in the affected area.

According to City Fire Marshall Insp.

Kenneth Casas, the whole training program seeks to provide the basic fire fighting skills to at least 350 volunteers, who will eventually becomes the first responders in case of fire incidents in their area of responsibilities. (esg/PIA8 SoLeyte)

NDRRMC bestows medal of appreciation to Araw Troop TACLOBAN CITY, Leyte, Dec.18 (PIA) – In gratitude for the successful completion of mission of Republic of Korea Armed Forces (ROKAF) Joint Support Group (Araw Troop) in the Province of Leyte, the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (NDRRMC) through the Office of Civil Defense (OCD) bestowed to the Araw troop the Bakas ―Bayaning Likas‖ Parangal.

B

akas Parangal is a recognition of Merit and Token of Thanksgiving bestowed by the NDRRMC to individuals or groups who exerted exemplary and extraordinary acts of selflessness in reaching out to those who are in urgent need of assistance in times of calamities and disasters.

The mission completion ceremony held December 16, 2014 at the Araw Troop Headquarters, Government Center, Brgy.

Candahug, Palo, Leyte was attended by His Excellency Republic of Korea Ambassador Hyuk Lee; Vice-Admiral Lee, Ki-sik, ROKAF-JCS Chief Director, Military Support Group; AFP Chief of Staff Gen. Pio P. Catapang

Jr.; NDRRMC Chair and Defense Secretary Voltaire Gazmin and USEC. Alexander P. Pama.

Other attendees were regional directors from various national government agencies, Filipino war veterans from the Korean war and the honored Araw Troop.

In its report of completion of mission, Vice-Admiral Lee, Ki-Sik said that the ROK mission was in repayment to the sacrifices of the war contingent of Filipinos during the Korean war of which resulted to freedom and peace now enjoyed by the Korean people.

It was learned that the Araw Troop in Leyte rehabilitated 37educational facilities, 25

public facilities, treated 40, 000 patients in its region based medical aid, built the Araw scholars house, established the Araw V oc a t iona l Tr a in in g Cen t er , g a ve medical aid to the war veterans as well as rebuilt the destroyed homes of the war veterans.

Defense Secretary Gazmin expressed gratitude for the help extended by the Araw troop who were the first to heed the call for help to undertake the rebuilding and rehabilitation of facilities destroyed by super typhoon Yolanda.

The Araw troop was in Leyte from December 28, 2013 and ended its stint of help in December 16, 2014. (ajc/PIA-8)

35 fire-fighting rural volunteers complete training course MAASIN CITY, Southern Leyte, December 17 (PIA) - 35 rural volunteers from different barangays of the first district in Maasin City successfully completed the Volunteers Fire Fighting Training from December 11-13, 2014 initiated by the Bureau of Fire (BFP) and the City Disaster Risk Reduction Management Council (CDRRMC).

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ccording to City Fire Marshall Inspector Kenneth S. Casas, ― this is the first group among the six batches from the six districts of Maasin City to undergo a three-day training purely on fire fighting skills.

The training aims to equip at least 350 rural volunteers from all over the barangays of the City of Maasin from December until February 2015, Casas said.

Casas noted that the training of rural volunteers is primarily conducted to help fill the gap in the lull moments when fire already erupted in the scene, however, BFP response unevitably came in late due to its distance from

the fire station.

These trained volunteers are the first responders in fighting against fires especially in their respective barangays.

The said barangays are as folows: Tam-is, Lanao, Mahayahay, Manhilo, Guadalupe, Cabulihan, Bilibol, Badiang, Tawid, Lanao, Panan -awan and Sto Rosario, all of Maasin City.

He also reported that of the 11 fire incident reports reaching their ofiice in 2014, so far, only six incidents were officially responded since the rest were responded by the barangay folks who were trained to fire fighting.

BFP-Maasin City also initiated fire fighting

trainings among the volunteers from the barangays last year, he said.

Meanwhile, local business establishment owners were confident that their establishments in the city will be protected from fires as more fire fighting trainings were conducted by BFP- Maasin City, Sangguniang Panglungsod Member Nestor Sy noted SP Member Sy sponsored for the appropriation of funds from the City Disaster Risk Reduction Management Council (CDRRMC) the amount of P600,000 for the whole duration of the mentioned fire fighting training program. (ajc/esg/PIA8 SoLeyte)

EASTERN VISAYAS Typhoon P72.5 M

Ruby

7

partial

damage in Biliran

NAVAL, Biliran, December 12 (PIA) – Partial report of the Biliran Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (PDRRMC) chaired by Governor Gerardo J. Espina, Jr. indicated that the province of Biliran suffered damages to infrastructure, agriculture, partially and totally damaged houses. power and electricity amounting to P72,504,638.49.

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ccording to the report of the Biliran PDRRMC which was submitted to the Office of the Civil Defense (OCD), assessment of damages brought by typhoon Ruby is progressing as the eight municipalities of Biliran province are also continuing assessment in their respective areas.

The report further said that in the eight municipalities of Biliran province, there were 4,406 partially damaged houses while the totally damaged houses numbered to 413.

Only one casualty was reported as a result of typhoon Ruby.

The victim, a 60-year old man and a resident of Brgy. Bool Central in the municipality of Culaba identified as Ridmoro Baylon.

The report revealed that the P72,504,632.49 amount of initial damage was broken down as follows: partially and totally damaged houses amounted to P37,037,000; roads – P23,200,000; power and electricity – P2,696,338.49; damage to agriculture on crops – P7,962,800; fisheries - P581,000, and livestock – P140,000.

Damage to building and stocks of the National food Authority (NFA), Biliran provincial office was placed at P887,500.

Bogged down facilities of the two major network providers in Biliran made it difficult for the PDRRMC to submit reports to the OCD and Regional Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (RDRRMC) in Tacloban through the internet.

Rapid assessment of the damage brought by typhoon Ruby was conducted immediately within 72 hours by the PDRRMC after the typhoon to enable humanitarian agencies and international organizations who are now in Biliran province to respond to the needs of the victims and the communities.

The PDRRMC further reported that assessment of typhoon damage is currently on-going by the Municipal Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (MDRRMC) of the eight municipalities of the province for the succeeding update reports of typhoon damage in Biliran to be submitted to the OCD and the RDRRMC 8. (fj/PIA 8 Biliran)

Coastal waters in EVisayas remain free from toxic red tide TACLOBAN CITY, Leyte, December 19 (PIA) – Based on the latest laboratory results of the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR), shellfishes collected from the coastal waters of Eastern Visayas continue to be free from toxic red tide.

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n its local shellfish bulletin dated December 18, 2014, BFAR-8 director Juan Albaladejo mentioned the following coastal waters to be negative for paralytic shellfish poison.

In Leyte, Cancabato Bay (Tacloban City); San Pedro Bay (Palo and Tanauan);

Carigara Bay (Carigara, San Miguel, Barugo, Capoocan and Babatngon); Ormoc Bay (Ormoc City, Albuera, Merida) and Sogod Bay in Southern Leyte.

In Samar, Villareal Bay in Villareal; Maqueda Bay in Jiabong; Irong-Irong Bay in Catbalogan City; and Cambatutay Bay in

Tarangnan.

Matarinao Bay in Eastern Samar is also negative for paralytic shellfish poison.

This includes the coastal waters of Salcedo, Qinapondan, Hernani, and Gen. MacArthur. (ajc/ldl/PIA-8)

NNC-8 emphasizes '10 Kumainments' to promote healthy lifestyle for Filipinos MAASIN CITY, Southern Leyte, Dec. 15 (PIA) – The Department of Health (DOH) through the National Nutrition Council introduced the ―10 Kumainments‖ also known as the 10 Nutritional Guidelines for Filipinos in order to promote healthy living among Filipinos.

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N C- 8 R eg ion a l N u tritio n Program Coordinator Dr. Catalino Dotollo, Jr. in his inspirational message during the Barangay Nutrition Scholars Assembly held resently here said that in order to have a healthy and strong life, ‖follow the 10 Kumainments which are simple and easy to remember guidelines that can be easily followed by ordinary citizens to improve their nutritional status.‖ The 10 Kumainments he referred as follows: 1) kumain ng iba‘t ibang pagkain;2) sa unang 6 months ni baby, breastfeeding lamang, at mula 6 months, bigyan din siya ng ibat ibang angkop na p a g ka in ;3 ) ku m a in ng g u lay a t

prutas araw-araw;4) kumain ng isda, karne at ibang pagkain na may protina; 5) uminom ng gatas, kumain ng pagkaing mayroong calcium;6) tiyaking malinis at ligtas ang pagkain at tubig;7) gumamit ng Iodized Salt;8) hinay-hinay sa maalat, mamantikain at matatamis; 9) panatilihing tama ang timbang; at 10) maging aktibo, iwasan ang alak at huwag manigarilyo.

Dotollo said that the nutritional guidelines aim to address and prevent malnutrition and diet-related non-communicable diseases such as cancer, diabetes and cardiovascular diseases.

The day activity participated by around 80 barangay nutrition scholars

throughout the province also presented the results of the Food and Nutrition Research Institute (FNRI) Survey based on the 2013 data in Southern Leyte and in Eastern Visayas and the country as a whole.

A presentation of BNS Provincial Federation By-Laws was tackled by Provincial Health Officer Dr. Noel Lumen for approval and will be registered with the Securities and Exchange Commission.

The whole day activity was also attended by the members of the Provincial Nutrition Committee-Technical working Group and provincial Nutritionist Nilda Rich. ajc/(rgc/PIA8-SoLeyte)

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

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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