One Visayas e-Newsletter Vol 4 Issue 43

Vol 4

Issue 43

In this Issue WESTERN VISAYAS

Department of Budget and Management Assistant Secretary Maxine Tanya Hamada (2nd from left) leads the ribbon-cutting ceremony that kicked off the exhibit (inset) for the Development Talk 2014 held Tuesday at Hotel Del Rio here and spearheaded by the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG)-6. Also in photo are (from left) National Economic and Development Authority (NEDA)-6 Assistant Regional Director Raul Anlocotan, DSWD-6 Social Welfare Office II Sharon Tusalem and DILG-6 Regional Director Atty. Anthony Nuyda. (PIA-6)

More on Region 6, pages 2-3.

CENTRAL VISAYAS

Mangrove Recovery.

DENR represented by information officer Cora Colarines and Juliet Paler and BFAR with PFO Cresencio Pahamutang share the challenge of recovering 360 hectares of Bohol mangroves now isolated from tides due to post quake upliftment in several areas. Mangroves, they said are crucial, not just for spawning fish and creatures but also for capturing largely carbon emissions. BEMO, represented by Adelfa Salutan (3rd from left) also commits help in the reforestation plan. (RAC/PIABohol)

October 27 - Nov. 2, 2014

Published by: PIA 6, 7 & 8

PDS now cheaper with EPIRA-NGCP By: Rey Anthony H. Chiu TAGBILARAN CITY, Bohol, Oct. 29 (PIA) –The National Grid Corporation of the Philippines (NGCP) said power distribution service (PDS) in the country has considerably gone down, from P315.4675 per kilowatt hour per month (Kwh/d) in October 2013 to P297.3155 for firms in April this year.

This is even lesser for non-firms when it had P10.3715 kilowatt hour per day (Kwh/d) in October to P9.7748 kwpd in April of 2014.

The power distribution rate decreased for residential and non-commercial establishments at an average of P10.0498 kwhd in the last 7 months.

And it could still go down, hinted Atty. Cynthia Alabanza, as she credited this to the effect of the Energy Power Industry Reform Act (EPIRA), among other reforms bundled in and the NGCP‘s.

Alabanza, Spokesperson and Head of the NGCP‘s Corporate Communications Affairs relayed the message to members of the Bohol media present at the Power 101 Briefing held at the Bellevue Hotel in Panglao recently.

It may be recalled the country‘s restructuring of the power sector brought the government to pass the EPIRA Law, which ensured quality, reliable, secure and affordable supply of electric power in the country.

In 2001, the EPIRA took its effect and as early as then, people demanded that the law would bring in the promised lower power cost amidst allegations that lowered power rates are among the

largely false government promises.

The NGCP put up, long-term value creation as a more sustainable measure to bring the prices down, even if it were against popular opinion of giving lower tariff rates to power which could trigger subsidies or the unavoidable tax burdens it could bring, an NGCP insider revealed.

The country‘s transmission service provider NGCP for one, wants to give that aspiration a head start: its keen desire will be to bring down power rates for Filipino consumers, according to NGCP President and Chief Executive Officer Henry T. Sy Jr. But he also said before reaching ―cheaper rates regime‘, massive investments have to be made to expand and upgrade the transmission system and its integrated facilities so their operating efficiencies will eventually improve. ―(NGCP‘s) average rates and charges are deliberately designed to decrease as demand for its services increase, thereby, encouraging efficiency,‖ Mr. Sy stressed, in his quoted statement as reported in a major paper.

And true enough, NGCP showed that in the Visayas Grid alone, power distribution service per hour on a day, in October of 2013 to April 2014, it had P10.3715, 10.3691, 10,3486, 9.8212, 9.8310, 9.8324, to 9.7748 Kwh/d.

Visayas grid PDS for non-firms now in fact has lower rate compared to Luzon, which had 9.9393 while Mindanao Grid still is saddled with a P10.1817 kwh/d in April 2014. (mbcn/RAC/ PIABohol)

DILG-8 honors Yolanda heroes

By Consuelo B. Alarcon TACLOBAN CITY, Leyte, Oct. 24 (PIA) – Eight Yolanda heroes will be given recognition by the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) Regional Office 8 on November 5 at Ritz Tower de Leyte, this city.

According to DILG information officer Myles Joseph Colasito, the award recognizes people who risked their lives in the service of the community during the brunt of supertyphoon Yolanda and to glorify exemplars of the virtues of courage, selflessness, gallantry, and bravery worthy of emulation.

Said Yolanda heroes were nominated by those who have witnessed their heroic deeds when the typhoon struck the region in November last year.

Colasito said the recognition is for Acts of Valor and Acts of a Good Samaritan Category.

The 8 finalists were identified as Benjoe G. Mercenes, 28 years old, single and a resident of Brgy. 83-C, Taguictik, San Jose Tacloban City; Christopher M. Caspe, a resident of Brgy. 56 Magallanes, Tacloban, City; Isagani Sabalza of Brgy. Magay, Tanauan Leyte; Dionesio M. Bagon of Sitio Caloogan, San Jose, Palo, Leyte; Armando E. Corillo of V&G Subdivision, Tacloban, City; Chief Inspector Adel D. Bautista of Brgy. Guindapunan, Palo, Leyte; Nilda

A. Quiero, a Red Cross worker and resident of Salazar St. Tacloban, City; and Ranil Repasa of Brgy. Canramos, Tanauan, Leyte.

Mercenes used his body to shield women and children from strong winds and debris to help them cross the makeshift bridge he put up between roofs and eventually pulled them one by one over the remaining concrete wall to the safety of the home of the Barredo‘s in San Jose District while Caspe swam to help a certain Jacqueline M. Salem being swept away by the storm surge.

On the other hand, Sabalza reportedly dived into violent and debris strewn floodwaters to rescue 14 persons in Brgy. Magay, Tanauan Leyte at the height of the typhoon disregarding his own safety. Despite being emotionally drained at that time as he lost his girlfriend who was with him at the evacuation center, he managed to guide the family of Regine Cinco who was trapped by the floodwaters under the bleachers of the cockpit arena where they evacuated.

A security guard named Dionesio Bagon who was on duty at Sundance showed his bravery when he rescued 10 members of the Baquilod Family including an 11-month old baby inside the compound of the lodging house of Engr. Teresita Acidre at Real St. Fatima Village, Tacloban, City. (cba/PIA-8)

PH Ebola free but precautionary measures in place More on Region 7, pages 4-5.

EASTERN VISAYAS

Fishery Expert Emil Cebu talks about how the fishery sector can mitigate climate change. At PIA's Huruhimangraw/Nagbabago na ang Panahon, Panahon na Para Magbago radio/tv program October 30, 2014.

More on Region 8, pages 6-7.

Also CLICK Here...

By: Elsa S. Subong ILOILO CITY, Oct. 28 (PIA6)—The Department of Health in Western Visayas said as of this date that the country is still free from Ebola, but it is not leaving anything by chance in its preparations.

There is no need for the public to panic, even if the Ebola spread seems fast,‖ said Dr. Glenn Alonsabe, chief, Regional Epidemiology and Surveillance Unit, DOH-6, in a media interview.

He added that the Filipinos have survived the threats of MERS-CoV because they observed precautionary measures, responsible attitude and good hygiene practices.

He said in the same interview that certain cultural practices in countries in West Africa have triggered the spread of the disease. ―Some tribal communities have rituals and ceremonies which lay the dead affected by Ebola for public viewing and direct touch,‖ Alonsabe said, adding that Africans love to hug, have the habits of sharing utensils and eating in the same plate.

He said Ebola is not airborne and can be transmitted through close contact with blood, secretions, body fluids and stools of infected persons.

Alonsabe said he was particular about overseas Filipino workers coming home to their families ignoring some precautionary measures, or not telling the authorities at the airports upon arrival, of the countries they have visited prior to home. ―I would advise them to declare in full honesty, their places of origin and those they visited, close to the countries affected,‖

Alonsabe said, adding that it is members of the family that will be in danger.

He noted that the government is mobilizing its resources and is collaborating closely with partners to effect measures and precautions for the safety of the public.

This also includes surveillance of the many entry points in the country, coupled with information and education campaign through the media.

In Iloilo Province, the Provincial Health Office has secured about 100 protective gears to be distributed to the municipalities should Ebola enter the areas. (JCM/ESS/PIA-Iloilo)

Dr. Glenn Alonsabe. (PIA 6 File Photo)

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WESTERN VISAYAS

Aklan to have first call center, school By: Venus G. Villanueva KALIBO, Aklan, Oct. 27 (PIA6) -- The AMA Computer University is set to put up a school and call center in Aklan.

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his good news was relayed here recently by Arnel Hibo, First Vice President and Chief Operating Officer (COO) of the AMA Computer University when he graced the recent Job Fair held at the ABL Sports Complex which was organized by the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE), the Congressional District Office (CDO) of Rep. Teodorico Haresco and the Provincial Government of Aklan under Governor Florencio T. Miraflores.

Hibo said the AMA University has chosen Aklan, particularly Kalibo to house its school and call center because the province has enough manpower who are proficient in English and who are dedicated to work.

Hibo added the province of Aklan has already some vital infrasfrustructures in place, like the Kalibo International Airport (KIA), and has efficient internet connectivity.

For his part, Governor Miraflores said he is happy that AMA made representations with the province tao set the first Business Process Outsourcing (BPO) center in Aklan, saying this will bring more jobs to the people of Aklan.

Because of this development, Miraflores said more BPOs will follow AMA‘s example and come to Aklan.

He said the BPO is a big opportunity for Aklan, with the right infrastructure in place and the most modern internet connectivity due to Boracay Island which is favorable for the call center.

He also said Aklan ha sufficient manpower composed of students and college graduates who could work at the call center, and who are at par with other workers in the industry in different areas in the country.

Rep. Teodorico T. Haresco of the Lone District of Aklan also graced the one-day Job Fair, who called on Aklanon students to avail of various scholarships offered by government schools and agencies to help improve their lives and that of their families and obtain better opportunities at employment.

DOLE 6 was represented by OIC ARD Salome Siaton, who said the Job Fair in Aklan intended to turn the ―unemployed to employed‖.

She revealed that the job fair had 28 participating companies looking for applicants to fill up a total of 8,147 local and overseas jobs. ―Sama-sama Hanap Trabaho para sa Todo Asenso‖ was the theme of the recent job fair, the second to be conducted in Aklan for this year by the DOLE. (JSC/VGV-PIA6 Aklan)

10 Bacolod schools recipients of Text2Teach program By: Easter Anne D. Doza BACOLOD CITY, Oct. 27 (PIA6) - - Ten public elementary schools in Bacolod City have been chosen as beneficiaries of Text2Teach program of Ayala Foundation as part of its corporate social responsibility (CSR).

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hese schools include the Education and Training Center School I, Andres Bonifacio Elementary School, Estefania Elementary School, Handumanan Elementary School I, Bata Elementary School II, Handumanan Elementary School II, Kabugwason Elementary School, Don I. Nessia Sr. Elementary School, Graciano Lopez-Jaena Elementary School and ISLA Elementary School.

Text2Teach is a comprehensive mobile learning package that uses Nokia mobile phones, which can download more than 300 educational video materials on grade 5 and 6 Math, Science, English, and Values

Education.

A Teachers Training and Stakeholders Orientation were conducted to train fifth and sixth grade teachers on how to use the technology the foundation will provide.

Bacolod City Mayor Monico Puentevella said that if the partnership yields positive results, there would be a possibility that all elementary schools in the city will be covered, a release from the City Public Information Office said. ―This is one way to uplift the teaching method in public schools with the use of new technology,‖the mayor added.

The city government of Bacolod has

previously signed a Memorandum of Agreement with Ayala Foundation last year to implement the program.

As a counterpart, the city will provide P476,400.00 funding or 38 percent of the total cost for the ten recipient schools prior to the implementation of the program while Ayala Foundation Incorporated will provide P740,000.00 or 62 percent of the total cost.

Each school will receive a complete TV set and other learning materials from Ayala Foundation. *(JCM/EAD-PIA6/CMO Negros Occidental)

DTI, LGU step up Operation Timbangan BY: PILAR S. MABAQUIAO SAN JOSE, Antique, Oct. 29 (PIA6) - - The Department of Trade and Industry sustained its campaign on Operation Timbangan and confiscated defective weighing scales in partnership with concerned local government units.

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his is to ensure that consumers don‘t fall victims to deceitful acts of unscrupulous traders who took advantage of defective weighing scales to gain more profit, said Glen Fernando, Trade and Industry Development Specialist of DTI Antique.

In anticipation of the holiday season, DTI also called on traders and business establishments to be accurate in the weight and measure of their goods sold in the market including ICC and PS markings for products that require DTI standard seal.

DTI record showed that for the period

January to October 2014, a total of 611 weighing scales were checked and 40 were found defective.

Defective weighing scales Fernando said are confiscated by the composite team of designated officers from the Municipal Government and DTI. The said weighing scales are calibrated by the Municipal Economic Enterprise Development Office.

Target location of spot checking of weighing scales are public markets, wet market, grocery, vegetable and fruit, rice and dried fish sections.

Fernando said this undertaking protects consumers and ensure they get the right weight of the goods they bought that corresponds to the value of their money.

Likewise, DTI has conducted six market visits in different towns to monitor prices of basic necessities and prime commodities and monitoring of compliance of business establishments to Fair Trade Laws.

In observance of the Consumer Welfare Month this October, Fernando encouraged consumers to be vigilant and well-informed of their rights. (JSC/MLG/PSM -PIA6 Antique)

WESTERN VISAYAS

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Training transfers IM knowhow to local partners

By Jaime S. Cabag, Jr. ILOILO CITY, Oct. 27 (PIA6) – The recent training organized by the United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (UN-OCHA) and Office of Civil Defense (OCD) passed on to the hands of local government partners the knowhow on a vital component of disaster preparedness and response – information management.

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nformation Management is the collection and management of information from one or more sources and the distribution of that information to one or more audiences.

It is the means by which information related or arising from an emergency situation such as during a typhoon is made understandable, organized and stored especially with the use of information technology.

It involves data collection, processing and analysis towards the making of an information product such as a database or report, and its subsequent dissemination.

Earlier, officials of the UN-OCHA office for Western Visayas here said that information management is part of the process of preparing

and responding to humanitarian crises and it requires that the information or data are well organized and stored and come in a standard format for sound decision making.

UN-OCHA Region 6-Iloilo head Kenga Shandralingam whose organization came here to help in the aftermath of typhoon ―Yolanda‖ (international name Haiyan) said that there is a huge need for information management on the ground as a support to disaster preparedness and response.

The training, held October 21-23 at Hotel del Rio here, equipped the participants representing member-agencies of the Regional Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (RDRRMC) with knowhow on the salient aspects of IM. The participants are members of the

Information Management Working Group formed as part of the RDRRMC and headed by OCD. There have been preliminary activities including meetings prior to the formation of the group and the conduct of the training.

It is one of the activities initiated by UN-OCHA in preparation for their eventual exit from the region as Yolanda-related operations shift to recovery and rehabilitation.

The training was conducted by OCHA Information Management Analysts Aileen Oliveros, Irene Talam and Noel Victorino.

Shandralingam said that with the knowhow acquired from the training the team would be able to provide the needed support during DRRM operations in the region. (JSC -PIA6)

Survey notes uptrend in contraceptive use in WVisayas

By Lilibeth A. French ILOILO CITY, Oct. 29 (PIA6) - - There is an increasing trend in the level of contraceptive use among married women in Western Visayas, according to a survey of the Philippine Statistics Authority-National Statistics Office

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rleen Bagoning, Statistician of PSA-NSO 6, in her presentation during the dissemination forum on the 2013 NDHS, said that from 46 percent in 2003 married women using some methods of contraception in Western Visayas went up to 55 percent in 2013.

Most contraceptive users or about 34 percent rely on modern method with only 21 percent relying on the traditional method.

As reflected in the survey, the use of pill has increased over the past 10 years.

The use of female sterilization in 2013 is far from 7.0 percent users in 2008.

However, the study noted a decrease in the use of IUD and rhythm methods since 2003 and slow growth in the use of condom among males.

The 2013 NDHS revealed that 74 percent

of women who were currently using contraception were informed about the side effects of the methods they were using at the time of the survey while 67 percent were informed about what to do if they experienced side effects.

On the other hand, seventy-seven percent of women were informed about alternative methods.

Other key findings of the recent survey on fertility and family planning are that women in the region have an average of 3.8 children and seven in ten women said there is consensus with their husbands on the number of children they would like to have.

Bagoning said the information is useful for reproductive health program managers, particularly those responsible for program

logistics. ―The trend in current use of family planning can be used to monitor the progress of family planning programs over time,‖ said Bagoning.

The 2013 NDHS is the 10th in a series of surveys conducted every five years since 1968 by the PSA-NSO. It provides basic information on fertility, childhood mortality, contraceptive knowledge and use, maternal and child health, knowledge regarding HIV/AIDS and included for the second time, data on violence against women.

Some 16,155 out of the 16,437 women identified as eligible respondents aging 15 to 49 years old were successfully interviewed nationwide from August 12 to October 16 last year. (JSC/LAF-PIA6 Iloilo)

Church-based training helps OSYs find jobs BY: ALEX A. LUMAQUE ROXAS CITY, Capiz, Oct. 30 (PIA6) – Fifty out-of-school youths from various parishes of the Archdiocese have graduated from carpentry and bread and pastry courses funded by Caritas Italiana through the Capiz Archdiocesan Social Action Center (CASAC) to empower OSYs in the province.

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Almost half of the graduates got employed after the 21-day training,‖ said CASAC training coordinator Loriene Garra.

She added that 25 OSYs are currently undergoing a massage training at the temporary training center within the Archbishop's Residence Compound in Barangay Lawaan here while the construction of the Archdiocese‘s St. Joseph Training Center is underway.

The temporary training center used to be a retirement house of some priests.

Garra added that the community – based training has integrated inputs on volunteerism, social justice, gender sensitivity, HIV/AIDS, drug addiction and recycling to positively develop also the values and behavior of the OSYs. Each of the enrolled OSYs has a P100.00 allowance per day during the training which tapped competent resource persons

from the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA), Dumalag Vocational Technical School (DVTS) in Dumalag town, St. Nicholas Training School in Iloilo and Mcarsi which is a Roxas City – based culinary arts and restaurant services training center, among, others.

The church-based initiative will soon offer meat and fish processing module. (JSC/ AAL-PIA6 Capiz)

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CENTRAL VISAYAS

NIA-7 turns over 1st veggie irrigation project BOHOL, Oct. 28 (PIA) – The National Irrigation Administration (NIA-7) turns over Bohol’s first vegetable irrigation project to the Sal-ing Irrigators’ Association of Balilihan town on October 26 as part of the highlights of the 182nd Sumad Foundation festival of the municipality.

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IA-Bohol/Cebu Irrigation Office, Pacifico Alfarero, Jr. said this will be the bright future of the once sleepy town of Balilihan. ―Balilihan will soon regain its prominence as the No.1 vegetable-producing town in the province of Bohol,‖ Alfarero added.

The Sal-ing Pump Irrigation Project (Sal-ing

PIP) is expected to support the higher production of varied vegetables such as eggplant, ampalaya, tomato and other types of high-value crops of some 32 vegetable farmers in barangay Sal-ing.

The Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) through the Department of Agrarian Reform (DAR) Infrastructure Support Project 3

(ARISP3), funds the project with P5.2M budget designed for 27 hectares service area.

Bohol governor Edgar Chatto led the turnover with 1st district Congressman Rene Relampagos represented by Archie Lungay, NIA regional and officials and farmer-beneficiaries. (mbcn/PIA7/with reports from NIA7)

Health professionals to train on Ebola response at RITM

By Hazel F. Gloria CEBU CITY, Oct. 29 (PIA) --- The Department of Health (DOH-7) through Vicente Sotto Memorial Medical Center (VSMMC) sent five health professionals to the Research Institute for Tropical Medicine (RITM) to join the training in responding to the threat of Ebola Virus Disease (EVD).

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r. Dino Caing, Section Head Regional Epidemiology and Surveillance Unit, explained during the Association of Government Information Officers (AGIO-7) forum that the Institute is tasked to conduct researches and implement programs to prevent and to control occurring tropical and other infectious diseases in the country.

The institute also trained medical and health workers in order to be educated in their fields in relation to the management of tropical infectious diseases.

Dr. Antonio Roque Paradela, VSMMC Chief of Clinics said the core group sent to Manila for the training is composed of two medical doctors, two nurses and one medical technologist.

This comprehensive three-day training course is to strengthen its preparations for the possible entry of EVD in the country especially here in Central Visayas, Paradela continued.

The training conducted by RITM is in coordination with DOH and World Health Organization (WHO) for the healthcare professionals in the country.

Dr. Caing also added that the training course will include guidelines on infection prevention and

control, clinical management and isolation, laboratory diagnosis, with demonstration and hands-on sessions.

He also recalled that the Institute was previously in the forefront of global threats like the Pandemic Influenza H1N1, SARS, Corona virus, and Ebola-Reston years ago.

The training will be done to ensure the readiness of health care workers in government and private hospitals for the potential entry of EVD, Caing said.

He explained that RITM has developed a triage system of screening and evaluating suspected cases of EVD while health workers have been trained to use the Personal Protective Equipment (PPE).

According to Dr. Paradela, VSMMC is ready to accept patients detected with EBOLA since the hospital is equipped of six negative pressure isolation rooms, an intensive care unit (ICU), supplies and medicines.

They also procured 50 sets of PPE and ordered another 50 PPE sets and 150 hygiene kits.

PPEs include headgear, power air purifying respirator, breathing tube, battery for eight-hour use, scrub suit, gloves, cover all, mask and goggles

with a cost of P22,000 per set.

Meanwhile, DOH-7 is trying to meet with officials from the private hospitals on November 5 and will have a separate session with the local government units (LGUs) as soon as possible.

On the other hand, Dr. Philbert Muga of the Bureau of Quarantine said two thermal cameras were installed at the Mactan Cebu International Airport (MCIA), one is a hand-carried camera directed to incoming passengers from foreign flights upon getting to the tube and the other one is in the immigration area.

Dr. Muga explained that the thermal cameras will detect the body temperature of the incoming passengers and if it is above 37 degrees Celsius, the passenger will be invited to the clinic for an interview on his medical history and whereabouts.

A checklist of health and travel details, as well as contact details, must also be filled by passengers arriving at Mactan-Cebu International Airport from abroad.

The government is working hard and take all necessary measures to ensure that CV remains Ebola-free.(rmn/hfg/PIA-7)

VECO inaugurates 1st phase of underground distribution system

By Fayette C. Riñen CEBU CITY, Oct. 29 (PIA) --- Cebu City Mayor Michael Rama and top officials of the Visayan Electric Company (VECO) yesterday led the inaugural rites of the 1st phase of the latter’s Underground Distribution System (UDS) Project which transferred overhead power lines and buried these wires directly underground.

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he 1st phase covered a one-kilometer stretch from the Cebu Provincial Capitol down to the Fuente Osmeña Circle in Cebu City while the initial phase will continue to cover from Fuente Circle to P. Del Rosario Street, which will be implemented next year. ―This is what we need for a long time. Cebu needs this to make it a livable city,‖ said Jaime Jose Aboitiz, president of VECO. Aboitiz said although the first phase only covers a short stretch, ―this is not the end of this project as we intend to continue and keep doing it for years to come.‖ Cebu City Mayor Mike Rama who delivered the key message after the ribbon cutting and unveiling lauded VECO‘s project saying ―the day has come for us to be proud to claim we now have underground electric connection‖ adding

there will be no more worries that an electric post would fall on passing vehicles when strong typhoon strikes.

Rama told VECO officials just to complement the local government‘s sidewalk beautification project making it more aesthetic and retaining its historical value, pertaining to the first stretch, as part of promoting Cebu City as a cultural city.

VECO‘s UDS project was designed to initially comply with Cebu City Ordinance No. 1894 to create a power distribution system that is aesthetically pleasing.

The project started in middle of last year after the Beautiful Cebu Movement Foundation, Inc. endorsed the UDS as it complemented the city‘s Osmeña Boulevard Restoration and Beautification Project, stated VECO‘s press

release.

According to VECO, the UDS is patterned after those in India and parts of the United States while the project eliminates outages in the network caused by vegetation and reduces operational expenses in trimming the trees near power lines. ―VECO is bringing Cebu to another level in beautifying the city. No more unpleasant wires to look at and trees can now flourish and grow to their fullest potential,‖ said Sebastian Lacson, chief operating officer of VECO. Lacson said more importantly, the UDS ensures reliability of power services.

VECO, the biggest power distribution utility in the Visayas, is the first power firm to implement the UDS in a public street within its franchise area. (mbcn/fcr/PIA-7)

CENTRAL VISAYAS

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P83M worth of illegal drugs seized in CV

By Fayette C. Riñen CEBU CITY, Oct. 24 (PIA) --- Illegal drugs with net worth of P83.175 million were seized by the Police Regional Office (PRO-7) from the different provinces of Central Visayas from January to September, this year.

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he confiscation of illegal drugs was based on 1,830 operations conducted for the first 10 months this year resulting to the arrest of 2,376 persons, said S/Supt. Conrado Capa, deputy regional director for operations of the PRO-7 during the Talakayan sa Isyung Pulis (TSIP) Forum recently.

In a presentation of its significant accomplishments against illegal drugs, the PRO-7 showed that 2,511 cases have already been filed in

the proper courts.

Confiscated were 6,691.33 grams of shabu, 52,513.39 grams of marijuana and 280 ampules of nubain and other paraphernalia, the presentation revealed. ―The most number of confiscations started last June when PRO-7 intensified its focus on illegal drugs,‖ said Capa.

The month of August scored the biggest haul of illegal drugs with value set by the Dangerous

Drugs Board at P23.22 million corresponding to 1,962.98 grams of shabu, 165.35 grams of marijuana and 11 ampules of nubain and paraphernalia. ―Because of our intensified campaign against illegal drugs, the PRO-7 has been recognized as the number one among all regional police offices nationwide in the operation against illegal drugs,‖ said Capa. (mbcn/ fcr/PIA-7)

PRO-7 all set for Undas ’14

By Amor Y. Saludar CENTRAL VISAYAS, Oct. 27 (PIA) --- The Police Regional Office (PRO-7) already plotted its measures and security preparations to be implemented on October 31 and for the upcoming All Saints and All Souls Day celebration on November 1 and 2.

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n the recent Talakayan sa Isyung Pulis (TSIP) Forum, P/Supt Julius Caesar Gornez deputy chief of regional operations division said that all police office in the region are already given command to reactivate the measures and security preparations for All Saints and All Souls Day celebration.

Gornez added that given emphasis are the measure and security preparations to secure other areas of concern not just limited to ports and cemeteries.

All units are required to put police assistant desk in areas visible to the public.

The Cebu City Police Office (CCPO) then has set measures to ensure safety and security in the 27 cemeteries and other areas of concern.

Police assistant desk will also be established in each cemetery. P/Supt. Alet Virtucio deputy city director for operations of CCPO said they have already identified cemeteries and other areas for special concern. ―We have identified Carreta and Calamba cemetery and other mountain barangays under special concern,‖ Virtucio said.

He added that 50 police personnel and force multipliers will be deployed each in Calamba and Carreta cemetery. ―We also identified entrance and exits for placement of police personnel and putting of CCTV cameras.

The Mandaue City Police Office (MCPO) is also set to deploy around 600 personnel combine force of PNP and force multipliers.

There will be 17 public assistance desk set to be established manned by one (1) policeman and force multitier for each desks.

P/Supt. Crisaleo Tolentino deputy city director for operations of MCPO said that these personnel will be deployed in eight (8) cemeteries, four (4) wharves, one (1) port and one bus and PUV terminal starting October 28.

Tolentino said that standby response team will also be activated in any case force augmentation is needed in certain areas.

The Lapulapu City Police Office (LLCPO) is also set to deploy 200 police personnel and 70 force multipliers at the 4 cemeteries, 7 churches, 4 wharves, 5 PUV terminals and in Mactan Cebu

International Airport (MCIA).

Resorts, hotels and beaches in Lapulapu city will also be manned with police personnel as large number of local and foreign tourists are expected to come for vacation. ―We will be maximizing our tourist police in resorts, hotels and beaches,‖ said P/Supt Virgil Trillanes deputy city director for operations of LLCPO. Trillanes also added Lapulapu City Police will also set up one (1) police assistant center to be manned by police personnel and representatives from other national government agencies (NGAs) and 20 police assistant desks.

On the part of the Cebu Police Provincial Office (CPPO) there will be 1, 200 PNP personnel and over 3,000 force multipliers for deployment on November 1 and 2 in 34 cemeteries, 15 public bus terminals and 21 wharves.

There will be 68 road security marshals for deployment in main highways and 63 public assistance desk set to be established. (mbcn/ays/ PIA 7/TSIP Forum)

Model OFW Family of the Year winners named

By Hazel F. Gloria CEBU CITY, Oct 24 (PIA) --- The Overseas Workers Welfare Administration (OWWA-7) held recently the awarding of the Search for the Model OFW Family of the Year (MOFYA) at Casino Español de Cebu, Cebu City.

WWA-7 regional director Wilfreda and who have excellent performance in their in their respective categories at the national Misterio in her message said, this respective professions. level on the first week of December this year. search is an award-giving program MOFYA has two categories, the Based on the recent statistics from held annually and it is designed to give Land-Based Category and the Sea-Based OWWA-7, there are 162,323 OFWs in recognition to outstanding OFW families in Category.

Central Visayas and 61% of these are males promoting best practices in managing family During the search, three (3) finalists were while 39% are females. amidst challenges. nominated for each Sea-Based and Land-Based The top 3 countries of destination are MOFYA aims to promote success stories categories and one (1) from each category will United Arab Emirates, Saudi Arabia and about the OFW families‘ endurance over the be declared winner to represent Region 7 in Singapore while the top 3 skills of the OFWs challenges on their family relations and uplift the national search. are household Service Worker, able seaman the image of the OFW families in the Elmer Kitong, a master mariner, and his and nurse. community. family who are from Poblacion, Siquijor, Now on its 10th year, the MOFYA has Misterio continued, the search focuses on Siquijor, was the winner in the Sea-Based become a symbol of the unity and solidarity of OFWs and their families who have maintained Category while Daanbantayan Mayor Augusto the Filipino family, despite the challenges that strong family relations, who are active in Corro, a former drilling consultant abroad, and OFW families face in modern times. socio-civic activities in the community where his family, who resides at Suba, Poblacion, The MOFYA recognizes the they reside, properly managed the financial Daanbantayan, won the Land-Based Category. determination of OFW families to balance the benefits from the OFWs‘ overseas Both winners received plaques of necessity for financial needs and for family employment, have educational achievements recognition and will represent Central Visayas unity, Misterio concluded.(mbcn/HFG/PIA-7)

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EASTERN VISAYAS

Tacloban readies activities to mark 'Yolanda' TACLOBAN CITY, Leyte, Oct. 24 (PIA) – The City Government of Tacloban announced the activities lined up to commemorate typhoon Yolanda on November 8.

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n a meeting held Thursday at the City Hall presided by City Information Officer Bernardita Valenzuela, she said that the commemoration is one way of remembering those who perished on that fateful day and thanking God for all who were saved from the onslaught of the super typhoon.

She said that as early as 7 o‘clock in the morning, a commemorative walk will begin at the Tacloban Astrodome going to Old Road Sagkahan-Imelda Avenue-Rizal Avenue-Justice Romualdez Streets and last stop is at the City Hall grounds.

This will be participated in by international non-government organizations, national government agencies, local officials, barangay residents and the private sector.

During the walk, sounding of sirens will be expected and all catholic church in the city will simultaneously ring their church bells followed by a 1-minute silent prayer and a thanksgiving prayer.

Afterwards, the walk will resume until it reaches the city hall.

At 10:00 in the morning, memorial services through a Holy Mass including

blessing of the dead, offering of flowers and candle lighting will be done at the Holy Cross Memorial Park in Brgy.

Basper, Tacloban City, a place where most bodies were buried.

A video showing about Tacloban before and after Yolanda will also highlight the day's event at the City Hall lobby.

At 5:30 p.m., thousands are expected to join the 24-kilometer stretch Candle Lighting Memorial from Tacloban Airport to Nula-Tula to be spearheaded by "One Tacloban," a non-government organization. (cba/PIA-8)

Maasin City receives National Nutrition Honor Award MAASIN CITY, Southern Leyte, Oct. 24 (PIA) – The City Government of Maasin received Thursday the highest distinction in nutrition - the National Nutrition Honor Award - from the Department of Health through the National Nutrition Council in an awarding ceremony held at the Philippine International Convention Center in Pasay City..

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he National Nutrition Council conferred the Nutrition Honor Award to Maasin City since it showed outstanding performance in nutrition program management as manifested by the continued reduction in the prevalence of undernutrition/ malnutrition, both among pre-school and school children for six consecutive years.

Maasin City group that participated the awarding ceremony was led by Mayor Maloney Samaco with ABC Federation

President Nacional Mercado and city department heads.

It was learned that the national validating team led by NNC Executive Director Maria-Bernardita T. Flores evaluated last May, this year wherein they randomly selected 5 barangays such as Pinascohan, Laboon, Malapoc Norte, Ibarra and Canturing.

Other local government units that received the NHA include Lal-lo in Cagayan province in Region 2 and the

province of Ifugao in the Cordillera Administrative Region in their own categories.

The nutrition champions received trophy and cash incentive in the amount of P1,000,000 each, it was learned.

Other awards were also given to the 1st and 2nd Consistent Regional Outstanding Winner in Nutrition (CROWN) Mainten an ce Award; CROWN awardees, among others. (ajc/ rgc/PIA8-SoLeyte)

ABOT ALAM program reaches SoLeyte capital MAASIN CITY, Southern Leyte, Oct. 29 (PIA) – The Maasin City Government through the Department of Education-Maasin City Division will conduct a convergence meeting with different heads of government agencies involved in the ABOT ALAM Program implementation on October 31, 2014.

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he convergence meeting set is an initial step in supporting DepEd‘s Abot-Alam Program through better partnership with converging agencies, City Mayor Maloney Samaco disclosed in a letter inviting the Philippine Information Agency as one of the participants. ―This will also serve as a venue to discuss the schedule of Abot Alam Summit and how each agency can help and contribute in the implementation of the program,‖ the city mayor said.

He said that the meeting aims to

converge various government and non-government agencies to support the said program with the vision of helping the Out-of-School Youths (OSYs) aged 15 to 30 years old through opportunities for education, entrepreneurship and employment.

It was learned that Abot Alam program envisions a Zero OSY Philippines come 2016. It is an inter-agency convergence effort that seeks to locate out-of-school youths and enroll them in program interventions while providing all Filipinos access to quality education and

ensure that no learner is left behind.

Other participating agencies for the convergence, among others, are Department of Trade and Industry, Department of Science and Technology, Department of Labor and Employment, Department of Interior and Local Government, Technical Education and Skills Development Authority, City Social Welfare and Development Office and City Agriculture and 2 non-government agencies such as Edmund Rise Services and the Rotary Club of Maasin, (rgc/ PIA8-SoLeyte)

EASTERN VISAYAS

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Petilla takes oath as new RDC chair for EV TACLOBAN CITY, Leyte, Oct. 29 (PIA) – Leyte Governor Leopoldo Dominico L. Petilla took his oath Monday as the new Chairperson of the Regional Development Council (RDC) in Eastern Visayas.

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udge Altone M. Miralles, Presiding Judge of the Regional Trial Court 8 Branch 3 administered the oath taking of Governor Petilla witnessed by Palo Mayor Remedios L. Petilla, Northern Samar Governor Emil Ong and the council members and its representatives.

Right after his oath taking, the governor presided for the first time the regular meeting of the Regional Development Council.

As a new chair of the RDC 8,

Governor Petilla is expected to set a direction for the formulation, implementation and monitoring of development plans and programs for the whole region.

In his message, Petilla emphasized the importance of setting a right direction for the council in order to achieve a common goal particularly to defeat poverty.

He believes that a concerted effort of all committees is necessary to revitalize the economy of the region which, will in

turn, uplift the living condition of the people who suffered a lot when Yolanda struck the region last year.

Petilla who is serving Leyte as a first-termer Governor was appointed as RDC chair by President Aquino last August 27, 2014.

The Regional Development Council (RDC) is the highest policy-making body that sets the direction of the economic and social development efforts in Eastern Visayas.(ajc/cba/PIA-8)

‘Lamiraw’ workshop now open for applications TACLOBAN CITY, Leyte, Oct. 26 (PIA) - The Lamiraw Creative Writing Workshop is now open for applications for a 3-day writing fellowship which will be held on November 26-28, 2014 at the Northwest Samar State University (NwSSU), Calbayog City, workshop director Harold Mercurio said.

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ccording to Mercurio, 15 slots are at stake: 3 Sebuano, 8 Waray, 2 English, and 2 Inabaknon.

Writers are required to submit either 2 flash fictions or 1 ‗full-length‘ short story on the languages mentioned in MS Word format, Times New Roman, Font 12.

Now on its 11th year, the fellows

who will qualify will avail of free transportation expenses, board and lodging, and workshop materials with funding from the National Commission for Culture and the Arts (NCCA).

Panelists in said workshop are: Prof.

Merlie M. Alunan, Ms. Daryll Delgado, Ms. Yvonne Esperas, Ms. Jennibeth Loro, Ms.

Janis Claire Salvacion, and Mr. Dante Rosales.

For interested writers, e-mail your entries along with the official application form to lamiraw@yahoo.com and haroldmercurio@yahoo.com not later than November 15.

For inquiry, contact Harold Mercurio at 09167569693. (ldl/PIA-8)

Biliran PNP has new prov’l director NAVAL, Biliran, Oct. 24 (PIA) – The Philippine National Police (PNP) - Biliran Police Provincial Office (BPPO) has a new provincial director in the person of Police Senior Superintendent Lito Turalba Bigoy who assumed office on October 16 in simple change of command ceremony held at the PNP-BPPO headquarters in Brgy. Larrazabal, Naval, Biliran.

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rior to his new assignment, PSSupt.

Bigoy was the Chief of the Investigation and Detection Division of the Philippine National Police (PNP), Regional Ooffice No. 8 in Campetic, Palo, Leyte.

The guests of honor during the ceremony governor Gerardo J. Espina, Jr. and Police Chief Superintendent Henry Pelobello Losanes, PNP regional director for Eastern Visayas.

Also in attendance were the chiefs of police (COP) of the eight municipalities of Biliran, heads of national government agencies, PNP officials from the regional office and other visitors.

Police Senior Superintendent Felix Alberca Diloy, outgoing provincial director of the BPPO was presented an award for his outstanding performance by regional director Losanes. He also received a token of appreciation from the officers and men of the BPPO. The termination order of PSSupt. Diloy and Designation Order for PSSupt Bigoy were read by PSupt. Franco Pabona Simborio, Acting Chief of the Regional Police Human Resource Development Division (RPHRDD).

After signing his relinquishment of office,

PSSupt Diloy delivered his remarks highlighting his accomplishments during his stint as BPPO provincial director for two years and four months.

On the campaign against illegal fishing, he informed that more than P93,000 worth of fishing paraphernalia were confiscated while on illegal logging, a total of 127,394 board feet of illegally cut lumber were confiscated and in their campaign against illegal drugs, 43 persons were arrested and all cases were filed in cour.

He thanked and recognized the efforts of his two deputies, the COPs of the eight municipalities of Biliran and the officers and men of the BPPO for their support, saying, their contributions were instrumental of what BPPO is, at present.

For his part, PSSupt. Bigoy in his remarks after signing his assumption to office, said, he recognizes the efforts of the entire BPPO especially the COPs in carrying out their responsibilities in maintaining peace and order in the province.

On the other hand, PNP Regional Director Losanes who was also the guest speaker said he was impressed by the

commitment and dedication of PSSupt. Diloy because of the many innovations he introduced to the BPPO. He told his men to wear their uniform with dignity and pride and maintain the good image of the police. He urged them to support PSSupt. Bigoy as their new BPPO provincial director.

RD Losanes told PSSupt Bigoy to work closely with Governor Espina in concerns related to the BPPO activities and programs in maintaining peace and order in Biliran province.

For his part, Gov. Espina in his message expressed his appreciation to the achievements of PSSupt. Diloy during his stint as the police provincial director.

He told PSSupt. Bigoy, who was formerly assigned as chief of police in Naval, the capital town of Biliran province several years back to continue the programs of his predecessor.

Gov. Espina thanked RD Losanes for his support to the province of Biliran.

He said, he will coordinate closely with the new provincial director in areas related to peace and order efforts for Biliran province.

(PIA 8 Biliran)

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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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