One Visayas e-Newsletter Vol 4 Issue 5

Vol 4

Issue 5

In this Issue

UN OCHA chief ends stint in Eastern Visayas

TACLOBAN CITY, Leyte, Feb. 5 (PIA) – United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs team leader in Eastern Visayas, Mr. Jesper Lund cited the resiliency of the Yolanda victims in Eastern WESTERN VISAYAS Visayas which made the work of the humanitarian groups present easier.

Mr. Lund made the pronouncement at a Farewell Party held on Tuesday, February 4, 2014 at the Hotel Alejandro, Tacloban City.

Mr. Lund was set to return to UNOCHA headquarters in Geneva, Switzerland, ending his almost three months stint in Eastern Visayas coordinating humanitarian relief and assistance for the Haiyan-devastated region.

Mr. Lund said that in Ormoc City right after the RDRRMC VI Cluster meeting with Yolanda onslaught, he and the other local responders International Humanitarian Organizations, Feb. walked for one hour after a one hour ride to reach one of 7, 2014 . the most devastated barangays.

As soon as the team arrived, Mr. Lund saw that people there were already rebuilding their houses.

“Is there anything we can do for you?” asked Mr. Lund.

More on Region 6, pages 2-3.

One of them replied, “None. We are used to this.

We just rebuild our homes and just move on.”

Mr. Lund said looking and listening to the victims was the turning point in his life. He said the resiliency of the CENTRAL VISAYAS people inspired him to have a goal to really work hard for the benefit of the victims of Typhoon Yolanda.

Working in the region was free of resistance and free of peace or security problems, he said.

As he goes home to the UN OCHA headquarters in Geneva, he will bring with him the new insights he gains in Eastern Visayas, Lund said.

During the Farewell Party, RDRRMC chair OCD Members of the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) Area Coordinating Team and Manjuyod town Mayor Felix A. Sy (3rd from right) receive an award for the first cycle implementation of Kapitbisig Laban sa Kahirapan-Comprehensive and Integrated Delivary of Social Services (KALAHI-CIDSS) in their municipality. The award was handed in by KALAHI-CIDSS Regional Program Head Daisy Lor. (RAL/PIA7-NEGOR)

More on Region 7, pages 4-5.

EASTERN VISAYAS

Feb. 3 - 9, 2014

Published by: PIA 6, 7 & 8

Director Rey Gozon who expressed his appreciation for having the opportunity to work with Mr. Lund and that he hoped of meeting with him in a more happy situation.

For the Communication with Affected Communities Group, Philippine Information Agency Regional Director Erlinda Olivia P. Tiu said the quotation “silent water runs deep” aptly describes Mr Lund, a quiet but very efficient and effective leader and humanitarian worker.

Director Tiu presented Mr. Lund with a “Budyong” which was a means of communication in the barangays in the olden times, in order to highlight the importance of communication especially in times of disaster.

Other speakers were from the Office of the City of Tacloban and the heads of the various humanitarian clusters. (PIA 8)

Mr. Jesper Lund, UN OCHA head for Eastern Visayas. (Photo courtesy of Ormoc City Hall/Richard A. Reyes)

Fish program to be launched in WV BY: LILIBETH A. FRENCH ILOILO CITY, Feb. 6 (PIA6) - - The Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources National Program for Municipal Fisherfolk Registration (FishR) will be formally launch in Western Visayas on February 18.

BFAR Director Atty. Asis G. Perez will lead the launching expected to be attended by around one thousand participants composed of local chief executives, Municipal Agricultural Officers, Fisheries Extension Officers, Municipal Fisheries Aquatic Resource Management Chairpersons and fisherfolk from all coastal local government units in the region to be held here in Iloilo City.

Also invited were Provincial and Fishery Officers, Heads of State Universities and Colleges, representatives of non-government organizations and national government agencies, and other BFAR Regional Directors.

BFAR 6 Information Officer Janice Ragus said the

one-day event aims to orient the participants especially local chief executives on the program and to get their support and cooperation.

With FishR, BFAR is targeting to register 100,000 fisherfolk in the region as the program intends to fast-track, enhance and complete the municipal fisherfolk registration.

The registration of local fisherfolk is required under Republic Act 8550 or the Fisheries Code of 1998.

It will also pave the way for BFAR to come up with a national database which will be used in designing programs to help municipalities in managing, regulating, conserving and protecting fishery resources and in establishing a Comprehensive Fishery Information System.

Region 6 with a total of 84 coastal municipalities/ cities is well poised for more government interventions which will be appropriately created and implemented based on the FishR data. (JCM/LAF/PIA6)

ICT-Dumaguete, DTI host Visayas ICT Conference Signing of Deed of Agreement in support of Project Recyclass, an organization of kids across the country whose main objective is to protect the environment. In photo during the signing at the Tacloban City Division are (l-r) Michelle Santillan, Tang Philippines Sr. Brand Manager; South East Asian Regional Director Alex Tacderas of Mondelez Philippines for Powdered beverages; DepEd-8 director Luisa Bautista-Yu; and Tacloban City Schools Div. Superintendent Gorgonio Diaz.

(Photo by Neil Lopido/PIA-8)

More on Region 8, pages 6-7.

Also CLICK Here...

BY: JENNIFER C. TILOS DUMAGUETE CITY (PIA) -- The Information and Communication Technology (ICT)-Dumaguete and Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) hosted the 2nd Visayas Information and Communication Technology Organizational (VICTOR) Conference on February 7 here.

The VICTOR conference aimed to present the ICT councils achievements in the promotion of ICT in the Visayas.

DTI Provincial Director Javier Fortunato said the conference was set to also tackle how the local government units can benefit from DOST’s ICT programs in hosting world-class Business Process Outsourcing (BPO) companies to accommodate hundreds of high skilled jobs.

This year’s event theme is “Growing the ICT Industry in the Countryside."

It brought together BPO industries, academe, as well as local and national officials to create a culture of IT entrepreneurship and discover the “impact sourcing” and

employment opportunities for LGUs. Fortunato said those who attended the conference included the ICT Council-Organizations from Samar, Tacloban-Eastern Visayas, Cebu, Bohol, Dumaguete-Negros Oriental, Bacolod-Negros Occidental, Iloilo, and Kalibo-Aklan.

The Information and Communications Technology Office (ICTO) and the Information Technology and Business Process Association of the Philippines this year recognized Dumaguete City as one of the Top 10 New Wave Cities for outsourcing locations in the Philippines.

The award recognizes the ICT hubs outside Metro Manila wherein Dumaguete City was awarded tenth place.

At the top is Davao City being the best IT-BPO destination followed by Santa Rosa City, Bacolod City, Iloilo City, Metro Cavite (Bacoor, Dasmariñas City, Imus), Lipa City, Cagayan de Oro City, Malolos City and Baguio City. (rmn/JCT/PIA7-NegOr)

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WESTERN VISAYAS

WV focuses on culture-based tourism

Agbalo Bridge in Pontevedra, Capiz

BY: ALEX A. LUMAQUE ROXAS CITY, Capiz, Feb. 6 (PIA6) – Director Helen Catalbas of the Department of Tourism – Regional Office 6 (DOT-6) said that one of the primary tourism products in Western Visayas is culture-based tourism.

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his was disclosed by the region’s top tourism official during the launching of Philippine Arts Festival (PAF) 2014 last Jan. 30 at the Capiz Gym at the Villareal Stadium here.

The PAF launching was held for the first time outside of the National Capital Region (NCR).

“What makes the Philippines more attractive is not its beaches, is not its festivals, is not its trees and forests.

It is the Filipino people themselves,” she said in her message before thousands of students, tourism stakeholders,

National Commission for Culture and the Arts (NCCA) officials and local government officials, among others.

“Take away the Filipino from the beaches, from the hospitality and tourism industry and our beaches will be nothing but just like any anywhere else,” she added.

Catalbas stressed that the province of Capiz has a potential for culture-based tourism products especially that the place is envisioned as the “Eco-Cultural Tourism Hub in Central Philippines”.

The DOT official also challenged the participants and spectators to contribute

in making Philippines a more fun country to live in by “putting forth the artist in each of us”.

She also underscored that artworks contribute to the country’s tourism slogan “Its More Fun in the Philippines” especially if these art expressions are cascaded down to the grassroots level.

Aside from its culture-based tourism, the region is also known for the world-renowned beach of Boracay, biggest bell in Asia, sweetest mangoes in the world and country’s top festivals like Dinagyang, Masskara and Ati-Atihan, among others. (JCM/AAL/PIA6 Capiz)

NFA assures enough rice for Aklanons BY: VENUS G. VILLANUEVA KALIBO, Aklan, Feb. 5 (PIA6) -- The province of Aklan will have enough rice for consumption of Aklanons to last 105 days, said National Food Authority (NFA) – Aklan Provincial Manager Martina Lodero.

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he province’s palay/rice stocks are at the government warehouse, households, retailers, millers and wholesalers, according to Lodero.

The on-going harvest in some parts of the province is also seen to add to Aklan’s current palay stocks.

Foreseeing the selling of the farmers produce to the NFA this harvest season, the food agency is setting up two more satellite buying stations in Ibajay and Makato for easy access of farmers in the western side of Aklan.

Those who are far from buying stations and have a hard time delivering their palay to the NFA can also call the office so their produce can be picked up in the area and be paid on the spot.

Presently, NFA buys clean and dry palay at P17.00 a kilo with additional incentives if these are delivered to the government warehouse, or if the seller is a cooperative, which could reach as much as P17.70 per kilo.

Lodero said the NFA is now paying cash to farmers selling their produce to

the food agency.

Telling time and again Aklanons that NFA is buying palay for their own consumption during lean months as well as to stock up so there will be available supply in times of calamities, Lodero appealed to Aklan farmers to sell their produce to the NFA. Lodero said Aklan is one of the provinces offering a good price for palay because farmers harvest their ricefields at the right time producing good quality palay grains. (JCM/VGV PIA6 Aklan)

DILG Antique sets trainings for newly elected Barangay officials BY: VICENTE W. VILLAVERT SAN JOSE, Antique, Feb. 6 (PIA6) - - The Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) here is planning to conduct training programs for the newly elected barangay officials on the first quarter of the year.

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ILG Antique Provincial Director Victorio S. Pagapulan said the DILG is preparing the training design to train the barangay officials from February to March this year.

He said the activity aims to equip the barangay officials with necessary skills in performing their mandated tasks and responsibilities as development partners of the national government.

The province has 18 municipalities and 590 barangays, and each barangay has more or less 8 to 10 officials including barangay secretary and

treasurer, said Pagapulan. “With that number of officials, the DILG will group the municipalities into clusters and likewise we will form five (5) training teams in order to cover all the municipalities,” Pagapulan said.

Pagapulan said that the topics during the training will include orientation of their respective roles, functions/duties; and formulation of their Barangay Development Plan.

The DILG Antique Provincial Director said that after the training for

barangay officials, they will focus on another demand-driven training for the strengthening of the Barangay-based institutions like the organization of Barangay Nutrition Committee; Barangay Tanods; Lupong Tagamayapa, and many others.

“We expect that the barangay officials will imbibe what they will learn from the trainings so that they will be efficient in the implementation of various development programs of the government,” Pagapulan said. (JCM/VWV/ PIA6-Antique)

WESTERN VISAYAS Faulty wirings, cause fire - BFP Agbalo Bridge in Pontevedra, Capiz

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unused

appliances

may

BY: LORENZO O. LAMBATIN JR.

BACOLOD CITY, Feb. 5 (PIA6) -- The Bacolod City Bureau of Fire Protection is warning citizens to check their house and building wirings as well as unused electrical appliances connected to electric power as they are potential causes of fire.

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ity Fire Marshal Major Bartolome Beliran said despite the cold weather, faulty electrical wirings and overloaded electrical connections can still trigger fire anytime.

Electrical appliances that are not used, but are plugged to a socket still carry dangers because electricity still runs in the unit, he further said.

In an interview, he told PIA, that rodents and insects can damage wirings that usually trigger sparks while wirings hidden under rugs are also fire vulnerable

materials.

He said daily activities among informal settlers pose hazards too due to the common practice of illegal electric tapping, use of tampered fuse and full use of octopus outlet.

Beliran urged households to practice good housekeeping by maintaining proper garbage management, cleaning surroundings of dry leaves and avoid the habit of throwing lighted cigarette butts anywhere, among those who smoke.

He also appealed to sugarcane planters not to burn cane fields as a way of clearing the lot for replanting.

The practice, he said, poses dangers to neighboring areas.

The fire chief said although summer is still more than a month away from now, but as days move towards dry season, the environment and properties become more prone to fire if the people are not cautious of following fire safety guidelines.

(JCM/LOL/PIA6)

MV Sportivo salvage, refloating operations to start February BY: LEONARD T. PINEDA I ILOILO CITY, Feb. 6 (PIA) -- The Philippine Coast Guard (PCG)-Iloilo said that the refloating and salvage operations for the sunken cargo vessel MV Sportivo in the Iloilo-Guimaras Strait will take place this month.

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CG-Iloilo station chief Lt. Commander Dominador Senador III said that the Coast Guard and Seen Sam Shipping Corp., owner of the ill-fated M/V Sportivo have agreed that refloating operations would have to be conducted this month as based on the submitted timeline of the vessel’s owner.

Senador said that Seen Sam Shipping has opened the bidding for the refloating contract to interested companies to

recover the ship from the seabed and siphon the fuel from its tanks.

He said that a marker has been placed at the portion where the vessel sank to avert any hazard to ships and vessels navigating in the area.

The PCG has already started underwater assessments of the sunken vessel by six professional divers Tuesday in preparation for possible refloating or salvaging of the vessel. PCG divers are to

take footage of the position of MV Sportivo to determine how the vessel will be refloated or salvaged.

The MV Sportivo sank between Iloilo and Guimaras after encountering strong currents from tropical depression Agaton last January 19.

The vessel had about 12,000 liters of special fuels on board and was heading for Palawan to transport fertilizers. (JCM/LTP/ PIA-Iloilo)

SSS promises faster ID processing BY: LEONARD T. PINEDA I ILOILO CITY, Feb. 5 (PIA6) -- The Social Security System (SSS) said that the processing time of members’ identification cards has been cut down to 10 working days.

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va J. Cura, SSS Iloilo Branch Head, said that 10-working day processing time starts from the date of application up to the date the Unified Multi-purpose Identification System (UMID) card package is released to the Philippine Postal Corporation (PhilPost) for delivery to the member's mailing address.

Cura said that UMID applications start with the data capture, or the enrolment of biometric information – such as fingerprints, photo and signature – and encoding of the applicant's name, address, parents' names and other demographic data.

To ensure that only one UMID card will be issued to an individual, the member's fingerprints are compared with

other fingerprints in the database during the centralized biometric data matching process.

Applications with a fingerprint match are immediately investigated by SSS, while those passing the uniqueness check are assigned a Common Reference Number (CRN), and then sent for card printing and personalization of the contactless smartchip, which takes three working days.

To ensure good quality, each printed card undergoes visual inspection within one to two working days, depending on the volume of cards, and then forwarded for card packaging, a one-day process that also includes the readability check and data verification of the smartchip.

The SSS said that mailing can take

seven to 10 working days for areas outside Metro Manila and even 10 to 20 working days for remote areas.

Cura said that SSS Iloilo is equipped with a data capturing machine which could accommodate a maximum of 100 persons in a day. Members can check their UMID card status thru the SSS website (www.sss.gov.ph),email sss_id@sss.gov.ph, or call SSS Iloilo at 509-9826 or 338-1307.

Members claiming their UMID cards must present one primary ID or document such as government-issued IDs, birth or baptismal certificate, or company ID. Two secondary IDs and documents, one of which bearing the member's photo, can also be used in claiming the card.

(JCM/LTP/PIA-Iloilo)

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CENTRAL VISAYAS

DSWD-7 continues food packs in northern Cebu Cansaga Bay Bridge in Cebu

BY: FAYETTE C. RIÑEN

CEBU CITY, Feb. 4 (PIA) – Yolanda-affected families in northern Cebu continue to receive family food packs from the government as the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD-7) said its relief operations would go on as long as there are families that still need help.

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We continue packing relief goods for the typhoon victims and we will continue doing so as long as they need assistance,” said DSWD-7 Social Welfare Officer Sheba Dabon during a recent press briefing on government interventions in post-Yolanda disaster under the rehabilitation phase.

Dabon said the instruction from Social Welfare Secretary Corazon “Dinky” Soliman “is to continue with the relief operations until necessary, and we do not know when this will end.”

Since November 12, 2013 until January 23, 2014, DSWD-7 said it has given over 150,000 food packs and counting to affected households through their respective local government units.

Dabon said despite the shift of focus now largely towards rehabilitation and recovery of typhoon-stricken communities, affected households still need assistance so they could get back on their feet.

Dabon said the government is extremely grateful to other countries that continue to donate relief items to the victims coursed through their agency, as well as other non-government organizations and private companies directly to the affected families on their own.

A major challenge that confronted DSWD-7 in the aftermath of the disaster was an adequate storage area to stock the vast donations of relief goods and items.

Dabon likewise disclosed another difficulty they encountered is the accurate list of affected families which should immediately be provided by the concerned local government units.

Dabon said an important lesson to be learned from the Yolanda tragedy is pre-emptive evacuation in order to prevent the unnecessary loss of lives.

Meanwhile, express your love and deliver flowers, chocolates, and other items for your loved

ones on Valentine’s Day through the ‘Love Express’ delivery services of the Philippine Postal Corporation (PPC) - Cebu.

“We are now accepting bookings for delivery services on February 14,” said Rachel Betos, marketing specialist of the PPC-Central and Eastern Visayas Region Branch based in Cebu.

Betos said the delivery fee can be as low as P60 to P100, but an add-on rate of P30 would be collected for delivery in mountain barangays.

The delivery service, however, is only applicable in four inter-cities namely, Cebu, Mandaue, Lapulapu, and Talisay, bared Betos.

An annual project that was launched in the lats 90s, the ‘Love Express’ was previously called ‘Oplan Pagmamahalan’.

Those interested to avail of "Love Express" are encouraged to call the PhilPost Central Cebu Office at tel. no. 520-6265 for early bookings (rmn/ FCR/PIA-7)

IBP Cebu seeks understanding for court hearing delays BY: FERLIZA C. CONTRATISTA CEBU CITY, Feb. 3 (PIA) --- The head of the Integrated Bar of the Philippines Cebu City called on chapter members to make efforts for clients to understand the current judiciary situation in Cebu.

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BP Cebu City Chapter President Atty. Mae Elaine Bathan in her post at the IBP Facebook Page encouraged their members to let their clients understand the current set up of the courts in Cebu after the 7.2 magnitude earthquake that hit the region last year left Marcelo B. Fernan Palace of Justice unsafe for occupancy.

Certain delays on hearing schedules are imminent considering developments on the new temporary venue.

Pursuant to a dialogue held recently with Deputy Chief Administrators Raul Villanueva and Jenny Lind Aldecoa-Delorino, there is already a P36-million fund for the the renovation and outfitting of the Quimonda Building at the North Reclamation Area.

“They will prioritize the setting up of the partition of the courts in the first floor which can accommodate only eight to ten courts.

Thereafter they will finish the rest of the courts in the remaining floors which will take another three to four months to do,” Bathan said.

She said that if the judges will follow the mandate for all of them to transfer to Quimonda Building immediately, each court can only conduct hearings once every three months since the building can only initially accommodate about ten courts.

Most of the judges have opted to stay in the tents where they can continue to conduct their own hearings until the building is ready.

“With this, IBP board is supporting the decision of the judges, and as President I am asking that the

rest of the membership to extend the same support and understanding to this situation. I also hope you take efforts to let your clients understand this unfortunate situation,” Bathan said.

Furthermore she learned that there is yet no clear plans with regards to the Marcelo B. Fernan Palace of Justice.

IBP has earlier verbally expressed that the Sshould coordinate with the Provincial Government for the repair and rehabilitation of the building and that it should remain inside the Provincial Capitol Grounds.

The Marcelo Fernan B. Palace of Justice housed Municipal Trial Court in Cities Branches 1 to 8, Regional Trial Court Branches 5 to 24 and 57 and 58. (rmn/FCC/PIA-Cebu)

Bohol eyes 4.0 MT per hectare rice yield BY: REY ANTHONY H. CHIU TAGBILARAN CITY, Feb. 5 (PIA) – The mission to increase the average rice production per hectare takes off as local agriculture authorities take on the dare to make a new production record in the region.

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ngr. Eugene Cahiles, Bohol Agricultural Promotion Center (BAPC) Manager, said the regional agriculture chief is excited and wants to stake another record for Bohol’s rice productivity this year.

Speaking at the Kapihan sa PIA recently, Cahiles said since 2011, Bohol has been consistently breaking its own rice production per hectare record as the Provincial Government is intent on realizing Bohol’s bid of becoming the food basket in Central Visayas.

In 2014, Bohol sets its eyes on a 4.0 metric tons (MT) per hectare, or 0.7 tons more harvest on a per hectare basis, Cahiles said.

Bohol now averages 3.4 MT per hectare, a new record over the 3.08 MT per hectare in 2012.

We also have reasons to believe that it can be done, said Engr Cahiles who is optimistic that Bohol has all the aces to attain the goal.

Fresh from a meeting with the Department of Agriculture Regional Director Angel Enriquez at the APC, Cahiles cited the Bohol provincial

Government’s support, the presence of key agricultural research facilities here, the National Irrigation Administration’s regional center, the presence of former agriculture secretary, and the continued government support from the national to regional offices as the key in realizing Bohol rice production goal as factors in attaining the mission.

Citing production trends, Cahiles cited that in 2011, Bohol’s average harvest reached 2.89 MT per hectare, a figure that was later topped by 2012 with harvests breaching the 3.0 MT per hectare mark.

The increase is 3% over the previous year, according to Cahiles, citing data culled from Bureau of Agricultural Statistics (BAS) reports.

In 2013, BAS data also showed that Bohol’s rice production reached 3.3 tons per hectare, a high performance considering that agricultural experts earlier projected a 3.24 MT per hectare yield, said Sergio Cuaco, crop division chief at the Office of the Provincial Agriculture (OPA) during the forum aired at DyTR. Asked if the earthquake which destroyed public

infrastructure also affected Bohol’s rice sufficiency stake, both agriculture authorities agreed that the damage the tremor dealt to rice claim is minimal.

Saying that they would have to see the damage reports at the National Irrigation Administration, Cahiles admitted that there might be some problems with irrigated farms losing water, but there is very little reports of key agricultural infra suffering major damages.

Besides, NIA is certainly looking at the problem and could have already fixed the problems, according to Cahiles.

The APC head also showed that the earthquake did little damage to dent rice production goals of Bohol in 2013.

Using BAS data, he said that from October to November 2013, Bohol harvested 128, 816 MT of rice, which is slightly higher than the harvest recorded from the same period last year.

Last year’s rice harvest between October to November reached only 124,737 MT. (rmn/RAHC/ PIA Bohol)

CENTRAL VISAYAS

Cansaga Bay Bridge in Cebu

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40 forestry-related cases pending in various RTCs in CV BY: JUJU MANUBAG-EMPUERTO

CEBU CITY, Feb. 6 (PIA) --- The Department of Environment and Natural Resources legal division here reported that as of December 2013, some 44 forestry-related cases are pending in various regional trial courts in Region 7.

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ccording to DENR 7 Regional Executive Director Dr. Isabelo Montejo, most of these cases have been filed for the last four years or 2010 up to 2013.

The highest number of cases filed were recorded in 2012 with 18.

Of the 44 forestry-related cases pending, Bohol Province has the most number of cases filed with 25, followed by Cebu with 15, and Negros Oriental with four.

There are no cases filed for Siquijor.

For the last four years, nine cases were filed in 2010, six in 2011, and 11 in 2013 or a reduction of 61% in 2012.

The decline in the number of forestry-related

cases filed was attributed to the continuous and aggressive information and education campaign, strong coordination and partnership among the local government units and other stakeholders, said Montejo.

Montejo has directed foresters and forest rangers and other DENR personnel involved in these cases to be critically mindful of the schedules of court hearings and not to miss out on these hearings to ensure the sincerity in pursuing these cases at different RTCs. “We have been strengthening the call of DENR Secretary Ramon JP Paje to reinforce forest protection in support to the anti-illegal cutting or logging campaign of the department,” Montejo added.

For this year 2014, Montejo vowed to continue the strict campaign against illegal cutting or logging by installing check points in strategic areas with the Philippine National Police and Armed Forces of the Philippines and other law enforcement authorities to protect and preserve the forest cover in the country.

“We need the vigilance of the communities and local government units (LGUs) as we try to sustain closer ties with them in enforcing relevant forestry laws, rules and regulations,” he said.

The national anti-illegal logging task force (NAILTF) passed last year a resolution focusing of the revitalized anti-illegal logging campaign under the military leadership. (rmn/JSME/PIA-Cebu/DENR)

PNP eyes tourist assistance center, desks in Siquijor BY: RIZALIE A. CALIBO SIQUIJOR, Feb. 3 (PIA) –- The Philippine National Police (PNP) here is eyeing the establishment of a Tourist Assistance Center (TAC) and Tourist Assistance Desks (TAD) in the province.

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his, after the conduct of Tourism Awareness Seminar for Tourist-Oriented Police for Community Order and Protection (TOPCOP) Phase 1 on January 28 to 29, this year.

Police Superintendent Teofilo C. Siclot Jr. of the Siquijor Police Provincial Office (SPPO) said the TOPCOP center has been proposed in the previous years but it did not materialize because the PNP personnel that were sent to Bohol for the TOPCOP training were not accredited by the Department of Tourism (DOT).

This time, we have screened more than 30 police officers to undergo the underground so we can hopefully establish the center and put up tourist assistance desks, said Siclot.

According to Rowena Lopez of the Department of Tourism in Region 7, Siquijor province is one of the country’s tourist destinations and that part of the functions of the PNP is to oversee the area to make it secure and attractive to

tourists.

The establishment of TOPCOP centers is one of the measures seen by the government not only to protect tourists and other foreign visitors in the country but to enhance the general peace and order situation of the country’s tourist destination, as well as improve its overall travel and investment climate.

"The incidence of crimes committed against tourists, investors and foreign visitors is projecting a negative image for our country abroad, hence it is imperative that appropriate and stringent measures be taken,” the PNP has stated.

At least 30 police officers will complete today the Tourism Awareness Seminar for TOPCOP conducted by the DOT 7, the Philippine National Police (PNP) and the Provincial Government of Siquijor.

The Training include discussions and presentations on the Role and Mission of the Tourist Police by P/SUPT. Elemer Cabreros of the PNP

Central Office and Overview of the Philippine Tourism, DOT Mandate and Attached Agencies, Tourism Basics and Tourism Trends by Lopez.

Provincial Senior Tourism Officer Jossette Armirola gave her presentation on the Local Tourist Product and Services while Marianito Luspo of the Holu Name University on the Philippine History, Filipino People and Culture and Tradition.

Police First Responder that includes basic Investigation Procedures, Ways in Handling Tourist Related Cases, Principles of Tourist Safety, and Tourist Security Protocol is handled by P/Suipt. Julian Ceballos Entoma while Child Wise Tourism and Child Protection Laws by Atty. Julse BACOLOD OF THE Children’s Legal Bureau.

P/Supt. Siclot said after the Phase I, II and II series of training, the graduates will then be deployed to tourist tourist police assistance center to provide protection and respond to the needs of the tourists and other tourist-related incidents. (rmn/RAC/PIA-Siquijor).

Manjuyod town receives award for KALAHI-CIDSS BY: ROI ANTHONI B. LOMOTAN DUMAGUETE CITY, Feb. 6 (PIA) -- The municipality of Manjuyod bagged several recognitions from the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) for the first cycle implementation of Kapit-Bisig Laban sa Kahirapan-Comprehensive and Integrated Delivery of Social Services (KALAHI-CIDSS) in an awarding ceremony yesterday.

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SWD bestowed the Community Empowerment Champion Award, Best in Fund Utilization Award, Best in Sub-Project Implementation Award and Database Award and Best in Reporting for the Area Coordinating Team (ACT) of Manjuyod.

The department also handed a plaque appreciation to Manjuyod for its support for KALAHI -CIDSS. Manjuyod town Mayor Felix Sy expressed his gratitude for the recognition given to his municipality.

“I am very grateful that Manjuyod is one of the chosen Local Government Units for KALAHI. KALAHI provides amount for the construction of farm-to-market roads, school buildings, barangay health stations and others,” Mayor Sy said.

Mayor Sy added that seven barangays in his town benefitted from KALAHI-CIDSS project.

Most of the projects were construction of farm -to-market roads since it is beneficial for transport of

agricultural products and convenient for students going to school.

For 2014, about 12 barangays will be included in the cycle 2 implementation of KALAHI-CIDSS. Aside from Manjuyod, DSWD also handed over the Best in LGU Engagement Award to the ACT of Dauin and Pamplona, Technical Standard Award for ACT of Zamboanguita, Database Award and Best in Reporting Award also to Bindoy and Mabinay.

Plaques of Appreciation were also given to the LGUs of said towns and also to Ayungon, Basay, Jimalalud, Sta. Catalina, and Zamboanguita.

The awarding ceremony was held at Bethel Guesthouse during the year-end reporting of ACT in the province.

DSWD gives recognition to ACTs as a way of being grateful to their partners in the field and acknowledging their efforts.

Meanwhile, the Negros Oriental Electric Cooperative-I (NORECO-I) announced that there will be no power rate hikes for now.

NORECO-I general manager Jose Juvileo Acabal said that increase in power rate charges due to higher generation costs is unlikely to happen in their coverage areas because of the stable rate they have with three power suppliers.

The electric cooperative sources electricity from three power suppliers which are the Korea Electric Power Corporation (KEPCO) in Cebu, Energy Development Corp.- Greencore Geothermal Plant in Palinpinon, Valencia and the National Power Corporation-Power Sector Assets and Liabilities Management Corp. (NPC-PSALM).

Another power source for NORECO-I is the Wholesale Electricity Spot Market (WESM) but Acabal said the electric cooperative gets only a minimal supply of energy from WESM. However, Acabal noted a slight increase in power rate charges could not be avoided because the price of electricity in WESM is unstable but he assured all member-consumers that these are centavo-increase and not peso increase. (rmn/RAL/PIA7-NEGOR)

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EASTERN VISAYAS

Better pay for nurses Deployment Program

in

DOH

Nurse Agas Agas--Agas Bridge in Southern Leyte

CATBALOGAN CITY, Samar, Feb. 5 (PIA) - - Better pay for nurses is in store for the newest Nurse Deployment Program (NDP) of the Department of Health.

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his was revealed by the Municipal Health Officer of Motiong, Dr Perlie Langi in an interview today.

This was also confirmed by Paul Quitalig, a member of the NDP stationed at Barangay Inalad Health Station, Motiong, Samar.

Quitalig was one of the fortunate ones who worked under the Registered Nurses for Health Enhancement and Local Service (RN-HEALS) but then again qualified to the new nurse program.

“We used to receive a stipend of Php 8,000.00 but under the NDP, we will get Php 18,549/month,” the male nurse told PIA. He added that the LGU of Motiong is also giving them Php 2,000.00 as allowance.

Recruitment to the program was stiff, said a DOH staff from the Samar Provincial DOH team. There were some 400 applicants, all

took written exams and 250 qualified to be interviewed, the number was further reduced to 170 qualified nurses.

“The 170 nurses are now deployed all throughout Samar province, the number depended on the National Household Targeting System,” the DOH staff added.

The position they are in, DOH added, is equivalent to Nurse 1 or getting a salary grade 11.

According to the DOH Guidelines, the nurses are hired under a contract for six months, if ever their performance is satisfactory, they can be re-hired for a maximum of two years.

And since they enjoy a better pay, the nurses will be evaluated and will submit a monthly accomplishment report and a Daily Time Record to be supervised by the Municipal

Health Officer.

The nurses are assigned in Rural Health Units, Birthing Homes, and Barangay Health Stations.

They will perform the functions of a Staff Nurse.

These nurses will also be trained as trainers and supervisors of the Community Health Teams.

Quitalig on his part confides that he is more inspired by the upgraded pay and hopes to create an impact in his stay in the barangay health station.

“Much has been done before but there is still so much to do, I hope that with the nurses’ commitment to the program, the DOH dream of a more responsive health care will be realized,” Quitalig said. (PIA 8-Samar)

Philippine-Minnesota Medical Association conducts medical mission in NSamar Teresita B. Cardenas CATARMAN, Northern Samar (PIA) – The Philippine-Minnesota Medical Association (PMMA) conducted a medical mission in Catarman, Northern Samar, according to Governor Jose Ong.

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ov. Ong said PMMA will provide free, safe and effective medical and dental as well as surgical interventions to Nortehanons who wanted to avail their services.

The mission held Feb. 3 to 7 at the Northern Samar Provincial Hospital for the surgical interventions and at the Municipal Covered Court in Catarman for the out patients consultation, he said.

Gov. Ong informed the mission will cover free medical operation for cleft lip

and palate, goiter, organ surgeries, tumor and other reconstruction surgeries.

The medical team headed by Dr. Bernard Quebral is composed of five physician assistants/nurse practitioners, five certifies registered nurse anesthetists, two doctors of orthodontic, twenty five medical doctors, one pharmacist, fourteen paramedical, twenty registered nurse and three student, all coming from Minnesota, USA. Meanwhile, Mr. Mike Muelkin,

International Program Director of Hope for the City provides the medical equipment, medicines, food packs and other stuff for the medical mission.

The Philippine Minessota Medical Association was established in 1972 by practicing physicians of the Philippines descent in Minnesota.

The three founding fathers of the association were Doctors Emmanuel Balcos, Ramon Gustilo and Teodoro Elumba. (PIA8-Northern Samar)

Biliran province, six towns receive 2013 SGH award NAVAL, Biliran, Feb. 5 (PIA) – The practice of governance that values transparency, accountability, participation and performance into an institutionalized status paved the way for the provincial government of Biliran and the six towns of the province the much-coveted Seal of Good Housekeeping (SGH) award given to qualified local government units in the country for the year 2013.

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he announcement of the 2013 SGH awardees in Biliran province was made by no less than Marilyn Saboy, provincial director of the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) in Biliran province in an executive forum attended by the local chief executives and top officials of the eight towns held recently at the Naval State University (NSU) Hostel, this town.

The 2013 SGH awardees are the provincial government of Biliran and the towns of Almeria, Biliran, Cabucgayan, Kawayan, Maripipi and Naval .

Boris Pascubillo, program manager of the Seal of Good Housekeeping-Performance Challenge Fund (SGH-PCF) of DILG-Biliran disclosed that the seven local government units that are recipients of the 2013 SGH award under the silver category will also receive check as incentive.

The provincial government will receive P7M and P1M each for the six towns, Pascubillo assured upon submission of the required documents to DILG. He informed that the requirements to be submitted to DILG before the incentive check will be released include the

following: Memorandum of Agreement (MOA); trust fund certification from Land Bank of the Philippines; and the 2014 annual investment plan of the municipality.

The SGH-PCF program manager of DILG-Biliran further said that no less than DILG Secretary Mar Roxas will give the award and the incentive check to the awardees in Biliran this month of February in Tacloban City.

The towns of Caibiran and Culaba have also qualified to receive the 2013 SGH under the bronze category but will not receive incentive check. (PIA 8 Biliran)

EASTERN VISAYAS

Agas Agas--Agas Bridge in Southern Leyte

7

Batang Pinoy 2014 MVP is from Leyte Sports Academy

TACLOBAN CITY, Leyte, Feb. 4 (PIA) - Adjudged as one of the five Most Valuable Players in the recently concluded Batang Pinoy 2014 is Karen T. Jonario, 14-year old scholar of the Leyte Sports Academy.

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onario won won five gold medals from 100-meter dash, 200-meter dash, 100 meter high hurdles, 2 relays 4 by 100 and 4 by 400 in the National Finals held in Bacolod City on January 28 to February 1, 2014.

The group of Jonario, the Athletics girls. was also the over-all champion for the athletics, it was learned.

Mr. Ruben Tamayo, Executive Director of Leyte Sports Academy informed the Philippine Information Agency that 21 athletes from LSA, 10 from athletics where Jonario is a member, 5 from swimming, 5 from boxing and 1 from wrestling joined the recently concluded

sporting event.

The LSA team got 5 gold medals, 2 silver medals, and 3 bronzes from athletics alone.

Jonario said that few of her secret to in her winning streak in Batang Pinoy was training hard and trusting and believing in her coaches.

Jonario who happens to live in one of the hardest hit municipality Barangay Libertad, Palo, revealed that she really prayed hard that she’ll be spared from the typhoon hoping that she will not be injured so that she can play well in Batang Pinoy.

Jonario, it was learned, won 4 medals in last year’s Batang Pinoy Visayas Leg. Mr. Tamayo said that Jonario will receive

P2,000 per medal, and over-all Jonario will receive P10,000 from the provincial government of Leyte.

Batang Pinoy is an annual national competition program for children aged 15 years old and below. A way to develop athletic skills required in making a sports champion, Batang Pinoy is an avenue to harness positive values and characteristics of children: disciplined, socially-integrated, value-laden and conscious of a healthy lifestyle.

It was learned that Batang Pinoy is the Recruitment base for Youth Olympic Games in 2014 in Nanjing, China. (PIA 8 with Lizbeth Ann A. Abella)

SLSU to hold 2nd research congress on freshwater prawn

By Marcelo M. Pedalino SOGOD, Southern Leyte, Feb. 7 (PIA) -- The Southern Leyte State University (SLSU) main campus here, in connection with its tenth anniversary celebration, is inviting researchers once again to present technical papers and business opportunities on freshwater prawn next month, March 6-7.

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his will be the second time a research congress on freshwater prawn will be held, the first was in January last year at SLSU-Bontoc campus, expectedly with local and international presenters, participants, visitors, and guests.

But this time around a new potential on production, propagation, and utilization of rubber trees to extract natural latex, a main ingredient in the making of rubber, will be integrated.

At a press conference held at the SLSU Boardroom yesterday, Prose Ivy Yepes, Vice President for Research, Development and Extension (RDE), disclosed that about ten research papers from the country and abroad were already received.

Resource persons from within the country , from Vietnam, and Indonesia have also confirmed their presence for the 3-day activity, which will be held this time at the

SLSU main campus, to share inputs and best practices, among others, on the two in-demand industries, Yepes said.

On the query over how was the first freshwater prawn congress impact on the community, especially the farmers, Mabel Calva, SLSU-Bontoc Campus Administrator who was in charge of last year’s maiden forum, reported that a businessman from Cebu, after learning about the successful prawn congress, signified intention to invest on commercial scale.

But the farmers going into prawn farming -- around 62 of them -- cannot cope up with the stated demand, Calva said.

Still, the second prawn congress will hopefully sustain farmer’s interest beyond backyard venture for their own food to a surplus supply to be sold to the market, Calva said, adding that the forum was also a way to attract interested investors.

With the introduction of rubber trees, in which a concern was raised it may also have less takers like the prawn, Valerio Cabalo, Vice President for Administration and Finance, emphasized that SLSU was more on sharing technical expertise, exchange of technology, and extension assistance to farmers, not as a source of fund or capital.

He, however, said the school may link with financing agencies for farmers who will really devote time and energy to engage in either freshwater prawn, rubber trees, or both.

Jason Calva, representative of Cong.

Damian Mercado, suggested that SLSU establish a close tie-up with a province-wide livelihood project pushed by the lawmaker through the Southern Leyte Socio-Economic Development, Inc. (SOLSED), to solve worries on capital and market. (PIA8-Southern Leyte)

LEYECO II energizes 60% of barangays By: Consuelo B. Alarcon TACLOBAN CITY, Leyte, Feb. 4 (PIA) – More than sixty (60) percent of the barangays within the coverage area of Leyte II Electric Cooperative (LEYECO II) have been energized nearly three months after Yolanda hit the region.

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n the recently concluded meeting of the Regional Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (RDRRMC) held at Leyte Sports Development Center, this city, Engr.

Rommel Moron of LEYECO II said, the municipality of Babatngon, Leyte has the biggest percentage which is about 76 percent followed by Tacloban City which is 60.87% and 45.45% in Palo Leyte.

Out of the 138 barangays in Tacloban City, 84 were already energized. As to

households, of the 51,065 member consumers of Leyeco II including the towns of Palo and Babatngon, Leyte, 23.

42% of the households have restored the power supply.

Meanwhile, LEYECO II has completely restored the power supply of the households in six (6) Subdivisions within the city such as Kassel Homes, San Gerardo Heights, City Homes, Jiboren, JB Homes and Beriso I Subdivision while linemen are working to complete the

restoration of electric power in Kassel City, V & G Subdivision, Cristina Heights, Salazar Subdivision, Imelda Village, all in Tacloban City and Lolita heights in Palo Leyte.

Tacloban City and the Municipalities of Palo and Babatngon Leyte are within the coverage area of Leyeco II.

By March, LEYECO II hopes to fully restored the power supply within the coverage area of the electric cooperative.(PIA-8)

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

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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. Bañares 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