One Visayas e-Newsletter Vol 5 Issue 25

Vol 5

Issue 25

In this Issue WESTERN VISAYAS

DOH-6 Regional Director Dr. Marlyn Convocar informs the local media about the services and programs that can be availed of in the Kalusugang Pangkalahatan Roadshow held Tuesday, June 23, 2015 at Pototan Pilot Elementary School, Pototan, Iloilo. Also in the photo are Iloilo Provincial Health Office chief Dr. Patricia Grace Trabado (left) and Pototan municipal mayor Tomas Penaflorida.

(LTP/PIA-Iloilo)

June 22 – 28, 2015

Published by: PIA 6, 7 & 8

BuB projects priority in National Greening Program Elsa S. Subong ILOILO CITY, June 23 (PIA6)—The Department of Environment and Natural Resources here said it is giving top attention to projects identified by the people in Yolanda-affected communities.

These projects are under the national Greening Program (NGP) using the Bottom-up Budgeting (BuB) approach.

DENR-6 director Jim Sampulna said the budgeting mechanism is not just about proper allocation of resources and funds for the NGP, but also to properly address environment concerns of identified communities. ―These communities are affected by Typhoon Yolanda and we are directly involving the people,‖ Sampulna said.

The coordinators from regional and field offices of the DENR-NGP recently gathered to tackle the status of these BuB projects and the related Yolanda rehabilitation and recovery work they are implementing.

Sampulna said the meeting was important for them to level off and put their acts together. ―We have to succeed and attain our targets in NGP and their Yolanda rehab efforts,‖ he added.

In 2014, the BuB in NGP has implemented 33 projects out of 46 in the region, at the cost of Php20,374,000.00. (JCM/ESS/PIA-Iloilo)

DENR 6 Regional Director Jim O. Sampulna encourages participants to plant more trees during the Philippine Arbor Day celebration held at DENR 6 office, Iloilo City, June 25, 2015 followed by a tree planting activity along Iloilo Radial By-Pass Road 4. (PIA 6/EJB)

More on Region 6, pages 2-3.

Also CLICK Here…

CENTRAL VISAYAS

Education Secretary Bro. Armin Luistro challenged the business sector to help the education sector by engaging the senior high schools in Visayas so that the curriculum will have inputs from the business sector with relevant subjects and skills that the industry needs during the recent Visayas Membership Meeting of the Philippine Business for Social Progress at Casino Espanol, Cebu City. (Rmn)

More on Region 7, pages 4-5.

DENR introduces innovative design for tree plantation Juju M. Empuerto CEBU CITY, June 20 (PIA) – The Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR-7) in Central Visayas introduces innovative planting design for mangroves and beach plantations in the region.

The new suggested planting design released by the DENR-7 shall be introduced in the implementation of its one billion mangrove and beach forest project that aims to reforest and establish around 3,454 mangrove and beach forest plantations in the region to provinces affected by typhoon ‗Yolanda‘ in 2013.

DENR-7 regional executive director Dr. Isabelo Montejo said: ―We opted to use the cluster planting design to ensure higher success in mangrove and beach forest development, number of seedlings per cluster may vary according to species but our goal is to plant 2,500 propagules per hectare,‖ Montejo explained.

As specified in the mangrove and beach forest planting design, implementers or the people‘s organizations with the technical assistance of the Provincial and Community Environment and Natural

Resources Offices, should ensure even spacing between clusters.

The cluster sizes for mangroves may vary from 2x2 meters to 5x5 meters or larger to suit conditions of the planting site.

The beach forest plantation, on the other hand, requires even space planting of 2x5 meters between seedlings at 1,000 seedlings per hectare.

According to Montejo, beach forest planting should be done a few meters above the high tide waterline to avoid conflict with traditional use of beach by the community, usually it is established along the easement zone designated under the Water Code of the Philippines.

One billion mangrove and beach forest is another project of the administration to rehabilitate coastal forests in line with the commitment of providing better and safer coastal communities against storm surges, coastal flooding and other adverse impacts of climate change. (mbcn/jsme/PIA7-Cebu/with reports from Dr Eddie Llamedo/DENR7)

Also CLICK Here…

PCSO distributes 39 ambulances to LGUs in EV EASTERN VISAYAS

National Maritime Polytechnic (NMP) OIC executive director Manuel Roldan (w/ microphone) announces the reopening of three MARINA accredited courses during the ―Panginsayod‖, a kapihan with PIA and friends at the PIA regional office, Tacloban City, June 22. (Vino R. Cuayzon/PIA8)

More on Region 8, pages 6-7.

Also CLICK Here...

CONSUELO B. ALARCON TACLOBAN CITY, Leyte, June 19 (PIA) Philippine Charity Sweepstakes Office (PCSO) Director Florencio Noel led on Friday the turn-over of the symbolic key for 39 ambulances distributed to some local government units in Eastern Visayas under the PCSO ambulance donation program.

The 39 brand new ambulances were distributed to 20 municipalities in Leyte, eight in Eastern Samar, four in Samar, two in Northern Samar, three in Southern Leyte and one in Biliran.

Municipalities in the region which were hit by typhoon Yolanda and those under the 3rd, 4th and 5th class municipalities were given priority.

In the region, Leyte got the most number of ambulances including Tanauan, Tolosa, San Miguel, Mayorga, Julita, Carigara, Alang-Alang, Babatngon, Palo, Dulag, Palompon, Barugo, Isabel, Tunga, MacArthur, Mahaplag, Inopacan, Leyte, Tabon-Tabon

and Hilongos.

One ambulance was also donated to Tacloban Chamber Volunteer Fire Brigade Association Incorporated.

Balangkayan, Jipapad, Taft, Guiuan, Giporlos, Hernani, Borongan and Can-Avid are among the lucky LGUs in Eastern Samar and Talolora, Calbiga, Marabut, Basey in Western Samar; Rosario and Pambujan in Northern Samar; San Juan, San Francisco and Pintuyan all of Southern Leyte and Naval in Biliran province.

In a brief interview, Noel disclosed that each ambulance costs over P800 thousand pesos and this is the first batch.

For his part, Leyte Governor Leopoldo Dominico L. Petilla thanked President Benigno S. Aquino and PCSO Director Noel for their unwavering help and assistance to the people in the region particularly those in emergency cases. (PIA-8)

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WESTERN VISAYAS

4 Start-ups join Negros First CyberCenter

By Easter Anne D. Doza NEGROS OCCIDENTAL, June 23 (PIA6) - - Four startups were officially admitted to the Technology Business Incubation Center (TBIC) of the Negros First CyberCentre in Bacolod City.

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ounders of SWAPROSE, Simplex Gamelabs, Audacity Studio, and Aardvark formally signed an application agreement to be part of the TBIC program and avail of the facility, equipment and mentorship support provided under the program.

Governor Alfredo G. Marañon Jr. witnessed the signing of these start-ups engage in developing business models that utilize and incorporate information and communications technology (ICT).

The start-ups are companies in their initial stage of organization and are composed of students, young entrepreneurs and mentors.

The TBIC start-up program was a concept of the Bacolod-Negros Occidental Federation for Information and Communications Technology (BNEFIT), the recognized ICT Council of the National ICT Confederation of the Philippines (NICP) led by Bacolod Councilor Jocelle Batapa-Sigue.

BNEFIT also partnered with the Department Of science and Technology (DOST) Region VI for the development of start-ups under the program ―ICT Startups Equipment Support (ISES) program to unite under the vision of scaling up the province‘s potential for ICT to encourage the

development of start-up companies and entrepreneurs by assisting in programs, projects and activities such as but not limited to start-up fora, ICT entrepreneurship trainings and development of technology incubation programs.

The start-ups will receive mentoring from successful business owners and managers, and will be required to participate in seminars, information meetings and other such activities sponsored by organizations related to improving their business marketing and management skills.*(JCM/EAD-PIA6/Capitol News Negros Occidental)

Media important in maintaining peace and order Leonard T. Pineda I ILOILO CITY, June 22 (PIA) --- The new chief of the Police Regional Office (PRO)-6 cited the vital role of the members of the media in helping maintain peace and order in the community.

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n the PRO-6 turn-over ceremony held recently, Chief Superintendent Bernardo Diaz said that the media have been in the forefront of providing precise and sensible news about peace and order situation. ―We live in an environment where the press and other social media have unlimited influences,‖ he said.

He also encouraged the media to keep connected with the police force in order to establish an environment where the rule of law is firmly uphold, where crimes are deterred,

and where people are safe.

Diaz formally assumed as the new PRO-6 director during the ceremonial turn-over of command held Friday, June 19, 2015, at Camp Martin Delgado, replacing retired Chief Superintendent Josephus Angan. ―There is a change of command in the regional office but our goals and aspirations to meet the requirements of the PNP PATROL Plan 2030 will never change,‖ he said.

The Peace and Order Agenda for Transformation and Upholding of the

Rule-of-Law or PNP Patrol Plan 2030 is the PNP‘s roadmap in attaining a highly capable, effective and credible police service by year 2030.

He said that PRO-6 will continue its mission of delivering genuine public safety service to the people and to provide safe and secure communities for them.

Prior to his new assignment, Diaz used to serve as officer-in-charge of the PRO-2 in northern Luzon and was a member of the Philippine Military Academy Class 1984. (JCM/ LTP/PIA-Iloilo)

COMELEC warns: No biometrics, no vote Lilibeth A. French ILOILO CITY, June 24 (PIA6) - - The Commission on Elections (COMELEC) on Tuesday reminded voters of the consequences awaiting those who fail to have their biometrics taken in time for the May 2016 elections.

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lection Officer G.Bert Arbis of COMELEC Oton said under Republic Act 10367 or the Mandatory Biometrics Voter Registration Act of 2013, voters who fail to submit for validation on or before the last day of filing of applications for registration purposes of the May 2016 elections shall be deactivated from the voter‘s list.

The last day for the voter‘s registration is on October 31, 2015.

Arbis noted that there are still many voters who have not validated their registration or submitted themselves to the Commission‘s biometrics system and stand to be removed from the voter‘s list and will not be allowed to vote in the May 2016

elections.

In Oton, he said, out of the more than 41,000 registered voters, around 1,500 have yet to register their biometrics data which include their automated identification such as photograph, fingerprint, and signature.

Arbis said efforts were undertaken to inform these voters to register their biometrics at the COMELEC office such as sending them individual‘s notices. ―We sent them notices not only once, but this is the third time that we will notify them again,‖ said Arbis.

Aside from registration of new voters, validation is also one of the reasons why COMELEC conducts satellite registrations in

the different barangays of the municipalities on Saturdays and in highly urbanized cities on Sundays.

The problem, according to Arbis, sometimes the voter concerned is not also around during the satellite registration.

Other reasons cited why voters failed to register their biometrics are transfer of residency, old age and some are already bedridden.

Arbis said they are now accepting registration for seventeen years old who will turn eighteen on or election-day which is on May 9, 2016. All they have to do is visit the COMELEC office and bring their birth certificate and school ID. (JCM/LAF/PIA-Iloilo)

WESTERN VISAYAS

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LGUs to focus on Nutrition Month celebration Elsa S. Subong ILOILO CITY, June 23 (PIA6)—The Department of the Interior and Local Government has issued a memo circular directing all local government units from the provincial down to the barangay levels to participate in the celebration of nutrition month.

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r. Marlyn Convocar, Department of Health-6 Director, said this is a relevant call as the local communities are enjoined to be vigilant about health concerns like good nutrition.

Convocar, who is also the chair of the Regional Nutrition Committee (RNC), said the circular should be taken seriously by local officials.

Memo Circular 2015-58, signed by DILG Secretary Mar Roxas, says the 41st Nutrition Month Celebration this July carries the theme ―Timbang Iwasto, sa Tamang Nutrisyon at Ehersisyo.‖ This theme, according to Nona Tad-y, regional nutrition program coordinator, said in the recent RNC meeting, that the theme aims to increase awareness on the role and

importance of proper nutrition in the prevention of overweight and obesity among the people.

Further, she said, the theme seeks to encourage Filipinos to make positive decisions on consumption of healthy foods and practicing healthy lifestyle. ―In this, we expect the local officials, the academe and the private sector to put in place an enabling environment that promotes proper nutrition and physical activity,‖ Tad-y said.

The DILG circular has suggested some activities and campaigns which the LGUs and those concerned can undertake.

These are promotion of the 10 Kumainments, the simplified messages of the Nutritional Guidelines for Filipinos; conduct of

seminars, fora; dissemination of advocacy materials through all forms of media, including social media; and, promotion of Pinggang Pinoy, developed by the NNC, FNRI and DOH. Further, the circular also suggested the conduct of ―Belly Gud for Health‖ of the DOH, where a contest where personnel are encouraged to reduce their waist by holding a contest.

Likewise, the circular encourages that healthy food options in office canteens should be ensured also.

RNC Chair Convocar said all member-agencies of the committee should be in the front line of initiating activities to promote the celebration of Nutrition Month and its theme. (JCM/ESS/PIA-Iloilo)

NFA to carry out aggressive palay procurement Pilar Mabaquiao SAN JOSE, Antique, June 23 (PIA6) - - While the the farmers are on planting season, the National Food Authority is readying its warehouses and dryers for aggressive palay procurement come harvest time.

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rovincial Manager Marianito Benjemino said NFA Antique will double its efforts in palay procurement to ensure that the rice buffer stock of the province will remain sufficient especially during lean months.

He said NFA will establish palay buying stations in rice producing municipalities and continue with mobile procurement to reach out to more farmers aside from the regular procurement at NFA warehouses in the towns of San Jose and Culasi.

He also assured the farmers that requirements to avail of the farmer‘s passbook

has been simplified and payment of their palay will be on cash basis either during the mobile procurement or at designated buying stations.

Antique, Bejemino said has two big warehouses in San Jose and Culasi that could accommodate 100,000 bags of rice once procurement will go on full swing. ―We are also ready to rent warehouse of any Irrigators / Farmers Association or private individual once the supply exceeds the capacity of our warehouse.

We have done this is the previous years,‖ he said.

Bejemino also mentioned the mechanical

dryers with bigger capacity stationed at the warehouses to dry the palay during rainy months while drying pavements are ready when sunlight is available.

He encouraged farmers to sell their palay to NFA because during the lean months farmers have the option to buy back and mill for their consumption or sell to other markets for a much higher price.

This is contained in the NFA‘s FOBB or Farmers Option to Buy Back program.

Meanwhile, Bejemino assured the Antiquenos that NFA rice is sufficient and available in 56 accredited outlets provincewide.

(JCM/PSM/PIA6 Antique)

DTI steps up accreditation of service, repair shops Alex A. Lumaque ROXAS CITY, Capiz, June 24 (PIA6) – An intensified drive will be conducted by the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) Provincial Office to require business establishments engaged in service and repair in the province to apply for accreditation he campaign targets service and news release. registered by DTI for year 2015 so far,‖ the repair shops for motor vehicles, ―DTI-Capiz strongly warns all service news added. heavy equ ipment , eng ine and and repair shops in the city and province The accreditation will give access to engineering, electronics and electrical to renew and or apply for accreditation permit the concerned establishments to cater appliances, air conditioning and refrigeration to avoid untoward penalties,‖ it added. government transactions needing their services units, office machines, data processing Based on records, DTI has accredited and expertise. equipment and medical as well as dental 12 service and repair shops but only DTI welcomes new applicants equipment gears. seven have renewed accreditation because for accreditation during office hour ―A reminder to all concerned others are still on the renewal process for this from Monday to Friday at its Provincial establishments will be out this month for them year.

Office along McKinley Street here. (AAL/PIA6 to comply the regulation,‖ said part of a DTI ―One newly accredited shop was Capiz)

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CENTRAL VISAYAS

NegOr Guv reports on NIR developments Roi Anthoni B. Lomotan NEGROS ORIENTAL, June 23 (PIA) -- Negros Oriental Gov. Roel Degamo met with members of local press and reported some important points of discussion at the first NIR Technical Working Group (TWG) meeting held at the main office of the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) in Metro Manila recently.

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egamo disclosed that group agreed to let Negros Oriental host 16 regional offices of major government offices under the human development, industry and labor and infrastructure.

The government agencies under the human development cluster include DSWD, Department of Education, Civil Service Commission, Philippine Statistics Authority, Professional Regulations Commission, Technical Education and Skills Development Authority and Department of Health.

On the other hand, the government agencies under the industry and labor sector include Department of Labor and Employment, Department of Trade and Industry, Department of Science and Technology, Department of Foreign Affairs, Department of Tourism and the Securities and Exchange Commission.

For the infrastructure sector, those government agencies with regional offices assigned in the province are Department of Public Works and Highways, Department of Transportation and Communication and its

attached agencies namely, Maritime Industry Authority, National Telecommunications Commission, Land Transportation Authority and the Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board.

He also said that the existing offices mentioned government offices in the province will be used as regional offices.

The first TWG was presided by DILG Sec. Mar Roxas and was attended by local officials from Negros Oriental and Negros Occidental, Degamo said. (mbcn/ral/PIA7-Negros Oriental)

DSWD welcomes creation of NIR Roi Anthoni B. Lomotan NEGROS ORIENTAL, June 22 (PIA) – An official from the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD-7) welcomes the creation of the Negros Island Region (NIR) and considers this as a good opportunity for DSWD to better address the needs of Oriental Negrenses.

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ccording to DSWD-7 deputy regional director Shalaine Marie Lucero, the merging of the two Negros provinces will enable the department to provide a more direct, effective and efficient delivery of programs and services to the poor residents of Negros Oriental. ―I think this will benefit people because regional offices are near and services will be closer (to them),‖ Lucero said.

DSWD-Negros Oriental remains to be a part of DSWD-7 since there is still no order from the DSWD central office in Manila separating the provincial office from its regional office.

However, Lucero assured the public that the

conduct of DSWD programs in the province will not be hampered with the on-going transition to NIR. She noted that the budgets for DSWD‘s programs are in place as well as their field officers who are the implementers the agency‘s programs. ―While waiting for that (transition) we will continue to do our job as long as our services are needed by the people,‖ she adds.

Just recently, DSWD-7 conducted its ―Kaya Ko ang Pagbabago‖ Awareness Walk in Dumaguete City where 200 individuals composed of DSWD program beneficiaries, field officers and regional staff, delegates from local schools and the city government paraded the Rizal Boulevard and

the downtown area of the city.

The event aims to raise the public‘s awareness on DSWD core programs and services particularly the Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program (4Ps), Kapit Bisig Laban sa Kahirapan-Comprehensive and Integrated Delivery of Social Services (KALAHI-CIDSS), Sustainable Livelihood Program (SLP) and national household targeting system for poverty reduction or Listahanan.

Apart from these, DSWD also has the financial Aid for Individuals in Crisis Situation Program, Social Pension Program for indigent, frail and disabled senior citizens and supplemental feeding for children in day care centers. (mbcn/ral/PIA7-Negros Oriental)

PDEA: Bohol moderately affected by illegal drugs Rey Anthony H. Chiu BOHOL, June 22 (PIA) -- Despite the daily stream of arrests, drug busts and the occasional summary execution of known drug personalities, narcotics agents classify Bohol as moderately affected by drugs. hilippine Drug Enforcement Agency enforcement and the provincial office of PDEA The figure is a little more than the (PDEA) intelligence officer Jigger in Bohol making a dent in the the anti-illegal P400K plus of shabu valued at the present Juniler issued the assessment, citing drug campaign in the province, Juniler said. which authorities stopped from reaching the Dangerous Drugs Board Resolution number 12, Based on the DDB Resolution No. 12, the streets in April. series of 2004 during the recent out-of-town three (3) basic categories of drug-affectation In May too, anti-drug authorities Provincial Peace and Order Council (PPOC) are slightly affected, moderately affected, and filed 60 cases in the city and provincial meeting in time for the HEAT-IT Bohol seriously affected. prosecutors office, 12 of these cases are for Caravan in Inabanga town.

The PDEA, through Juniller reports resolution, 8 for preliminary investigation, Juniler told PPOC members that Bohol is that in May 2015, it had accounted some according to Juniler. moderately affected unlike any other Provinces 8.06 grams of illegal "methamphetamine At the Regional Trial courts, narcotic in the Region with big cities like the provinces hydrochloride" or popularly known as sha- agents filed 52 cases, majority of them (26) for of Cebu and Negros Oriental where there is bu through buy eight bust operations drug possession, a violation against section 11 more demand of [sic] the illegal drugs. and 38.1 grams though the implementation of of the Dangerous Drugs Act. He added that Bohol's vast shorelines search warrant. PDEA also accounted for Other notable violations cited in the make it apparently easier for illegal drug some 0.03 grams of shabu in flagrante delicto cases filed in the RTC are for 11 cases traffickers to bring dangerous drugs supply into cases. for selling shabu (violation against section the island, and the operations ongoing against All in all, PDEA accounted for 46.19 grams 5) and 9 for possession of illegal drugs illegal drugs caused the supply to falter. of shabu, one that could have been sold at paraphernalia (against section 12). (mbcn/rahc/ The collective efforts of other law P545, 042.00, if left out in the streets.

PIA7-Bohol)

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CENTRAL VISAYAS

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Bohol rabies program attains high vaccine rate Rey Anthony H. Chiu BOHOL, June 23 (PIA) --With animal welfare groups barking at its heels, Bohol blinks in its aggressive campaign against rabies.

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ut program authorities are sniffing for other ways to get the campaign snarling again, authorities at the Bohol Rabies Prevention and Elimination Council (BRPEC) shared.

"There is no turning back," declared Dr Stella Marie Lapiz, program executive officer and Bohol provincial veterinarian.

Dr. Lapiz has earlier aired her concern over reports that program implementers in the barangays are threatened by potential cases from animal rights activists unleashed to stop the elimination of dogs.

BRPEC leaders look into the ongoing massive animal registration and vaccination as immediate alternative, while pressing for responsible pet ownership and empowering barangay rabies teams to seriously consider the paralegal measures to force owners to be responsible for their pets.

"The immediate goal is to get a high vaccination turn-out," confesses Romulo Garcia, rabies program admin officer and key motivator at the office of the Provincial Veterinarian.

World Health Organization, the global governing body on the conduct of global anti-rabies programs said a place should attain over 80% vaccination of its dog population for 3 consecutive years before the place is declared rabies-free.

Garcia however said the current vaccination rate has surpassed the WHO standards of over 80 percent.

Off to a good start with zero rabies cases after ranking high in national and regional tallies years back, Bohol saunters to a less than average performance in its rabies program when local officials' attention shifted to disaster relief and rehabilitation following the triple whammy of disasters and a major earthquake.

The after effect proved unlucky for Bohol, which had at least three unconfirmed human rabies cases, according to Bohol human rabies coordinator at the provincial Health Office, Polizena Rances.

The Bantay Rabies sa Barangay, an institutionalized barangay rabies watch team faltered

in the campaign for fear of facing administrative and potentially criminal cases for eliminating stray dogs unredeemed by owners after three days of impound.

A provincial ordinance on the Provincial Rabies Prevention has been passed in Bohol as a guide for municipal and barangay rabies team on the implementation of the rabies program.

Bohol Governor Edgar Chatto aired his alarm over the potential failure of the program after reaping a Gawad Galing Pook award, ordered to set aside funds for another batch of province-wide dog vaccination, during his latest state of the province address.

Leashed now and left baying without the threat of a bite, rabies council eyes its annual Barangay Livestock Aides (BALA) Congress June 23-25, at the Jjs Seafoods Village, as a venue to regroup and encourage each other into another send-off to attain the WHO standard and make Bohol rabies-free. (mbcn/rahc/PIA7-Bohol)

Gov't to give livelihood aid to former rebels in NegOr Roi Anthoni B. Lomotan DUMAGUETE CITY, June 24 (PIA) – Four members of the New People’s Army (NPA) who recently surrendered to the Philippine Army (PA) will receive livelihood assistance from the government.

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egros Oriental Gov. Roel Degamo recently met with the former rebels in his office at the provincial Capitol. They were escorted by the officers of the Philippine Army.

Gov. Degamo said these former rebels, whose identities are witheld for their security will undergo the procedures of the Comprehensive Local Integration Program (CLIP) so they can avail of the government‘s livelihood assistance.

The four former rebels include a male, a female and a married couple.

According to Col. Allan Martin, Brigade

Commander of the 302nd Infantry Brigade (IB) of the Philippine Army in Negros Oriental, the former rebels will temporarily stay at the 79th IB Headquarters in Siaton town while their reintegration to the mainstream society are being processed.

Gov. Degamo considers this a welcome development to the government‘s peace initiatives.

One reason that former rebels abandon armed struggle is that they see government programs carried out in the hinterlands that benefit residents of these areas, Gov. Degamo explained.

―Using guns is not the way to address the call for peace but through the bringing of exact programs in the hinterlands,‖ he stressed.

Col. Martin added that the former rebels surrendered because they saw how the government is sincere in the c o n d u c t o f t h e p r o g r a m s a nd i n bringing basic services to far flung areas of the province.

With these, the two official hopes that more rebels will be convinced to abandon armed struggle and return to the mainstream society. (mbcn/ral/PIA7-Negros Oriental)

DOE-Visayas provides solar power to IPs in NegOr

BY JENNIFER C. TILOS NEGROS ORIENTAL, June 24 (PIA) -- The Department of Energy (DOE) installed 2,300 home-based solar power facilities in 15 remote barangays in Bayawan City, Negros Oriental.

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OE-Visayas coordinator of the Household Electrification Program (HEP) Lou Arciaga disclosed that the recipient-households of the Solar Home Systems (SHS) are the Indigenous Peoples (IPs).

The off-grid hinterland barangays in Bayawan City under the coverage of the Negros Oriental Electric Cooperative II is scheduled to be energized through solar power by end of June this year.

Arciaga said this activity is considered a highlight in the implementation of the HEP as most of the beneficiaries include the indigenous people groups and rebel returnees in the area.

NORECO2 Engineer Ruel Badon said that they are now installing more SHS around the province including the towns of Siaton, Sta. Catalina and Bayawan City. ―Although the installation of the solar system units is free and there are no power bills to pay, consumers still pay a monthly flat rate fee depending on the wattage they availed, this is to cover the

maintenance costs of the solar energy units,‖ Badon said.

A r ci a ga n o te d th a t f e w o f f - gr i d households covered by NORECO I in the northern part of the province are already enjoying electricity through solar home system technology.

The DOE official said under the HEP more than 10,000 households in the country are targeted for SHS installation with the budge of P156 million.

In a Kapihan sa PIA, Arciaga told participants to go ―green‖ technology using solar energy not only to reduce the cost of electric bill but also protect the environment.

She also urged local government units (LGUs) to tap renewable energy or support solar power developers to achieve energy and self sustainability.

Meanwhile, the Government Service Insurance System (GSIS)- Dumaguete Branch Office held recently a series of consultations to

update its Negros Orientl and Siquijor members of some of its services.

GSIS-Dumaguete Branch manager Atty. Mercedes VPE Enriquez said it is the thrust of the System under the stewardship of PGM Robert Vergara and members of the Board of Trustees to promote service responsiveness and efficiency, said Enriquez.

Enriquez advised the participants to make a request for updating of service records with their respective Agency Authorized Officers (AAOs), prior to the actual filing of an application for retirements/separation benefits and Cash Surrender Value (CSV).

During the forum, the GSIS official also explained the different modes of retirement and the choices under each mode for those who planned to retire or those who are separated from the service. (mbcn/jct/PIA7-Negros Oriental/with reports from Lovelein Catubay, intern)

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EASTERN VISAYAS

SoLeyte to sustain filaria-free status MA. REBECCA G. CADAVOS MAASIN CITY, Southern Leyte, June 23 (PIA) -- More than 2,000 individuals were examined for Filariasis or known as Wuchereria Bancrofti to be able to sustain the Filariasis-Free status of the province, Provincial Health Officer Dr. Noel Lumen informed.

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he random sampling of individuals aged two years and above was conducted last week, June 15-19, in Pana-on Area such as the municipalities of Liloan, San Francisco, Pintuyan and San Ricardo and in Libagon and Limasawa towns, Lumen said. ―The surveillance activity aims to sustain

the Filariasis-Free status of the province which was declared since 2008,‖ Lumen bared adding that continuous monitoring and surveillance should be done to achieve the same target.

Medical Technologists from the Provincial Health Services Office-Technical Department and Med Techs from the different Rural

Health Units in the province conducted the surveillance activity.

Lumen revealed that the random sampling in the province gained negative results.

He further reported that an upcoming border operation is scheduled to be carried out within this year, though no definite date was set yet. (mmp/rgc/PIA8-SoLeyte)

EMB-8 conducts retooling seminar for SWM focal persons JONNIE H. BUENAVENTURA TACLOBAN CITY, Leyte, June 19 (PIA) - The Department of Environment and Natural Resources - Environmental Management Bureau (DENR-EMB) conducted a three-day retooling seminar from June 16 to 18, 2015 for all Solid Waste Management focal persons in Region 8.

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ccording to Letecia R. Maceda, EMB Regional Director, the seminar aimed to equip all focal persons of the salient provisions of all environmental laws for them to properly enforce the same.

Director Maceda said that all Provincial Environment and Natural Resources Officer (PENRO), Community Environment and Natural Resources Officer (CENRO) and member-agenies of the Regional Ecology Center (REC) are mandated to know all environmental laws specifically Republic Act 9003 otherwise known as the Ecological Solid

Waste Management Act of 2000.

Under the law, local government units (LGUs) are mandated to close or rehabilitate open dumpsite, establish a sanitary landfill and provide a 10-year solid waste management plan that describes the process of collection, segregation, storing, disposal of wastes and budgetary requirements.

In Region 8, there are three established sanitary landfills which are located in Tacloban City and Palo in Leyte and Guiuan in Eastern Samar.

Maceda urged LGUs to submit their

10-year solid waste management plan on or before June 30, 2015 to avoid penalties.

She further said that after the deadline of the non-extendible period of submission, their office will forward the list of non-compliant LGUs to the Office of the Ombudsman (OMB) and the Commission on Audit (COA) for appropriate action.

Although under the law, all regional directors of the EMB have the power to file complaint but the same was assumed by the Ombudsman and COA to ensure that the laws are properly complied with. (aen/ajc/jhb/PIA-8)

Newsfeature: Senior high school ensures work, livelihood of graduates MARY LAILANI P. TUPAZ NAVAL, Biliran, June 23 (PIA) - Senior high school, the additional two years in high school under the new curriculum, the K-12 Program, aims to hone the appropriate skills of students preparing them for work and livelihood as they graduate senior high school, as well as help them decide to choose their field of study as they enter college education.

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r. Ronico Y. Amistoso, PSDS Division Coordinator for Senior High School in the Division of Biliran, explained the benefits and advantages of adding two years senior high school in the new curriculum in his two consecutive guestings at the Kapihan at Pulong-Pulong ng Bayan hosted by PIA-Biliran over Radyo Natin Naval in June 11 and 18.

The advantages of finishing senior high school were evident in the four model schools in the entire division of Biliran where majority of the 50 graduates landed in jobs and became entrepreneurs and into on call services in their chosen track of specialization since they already have reached the maturity age of 18 on their graduation in senior high, Dr. Amistoso informed.

He added that, out of the 13 senior high school graduates in Manlabang National High School, five went to college, five got jobs, and three others are now employed in Tacloban and Manila.

Further, he informed that out of the 10 graduates at the Naval National High School, five landed a job and five are in Manila.

One is in college, 10 have jobs already, and three are waiting for employment from the 14 graduates at the Naval School of Fisheries, he said.

From the Maripipi National Vocational School where 13 finished senior high school, seven landed a job within the province, two into on call services and four remained undecided, he added. With the current statistics in the employment opportunities of senior high school graduates, Dr. Amistoso is encouraging students, parents, and other stakeholders to support the program and visit their office for further information.

Currently, four out of the 20 secondary schools in the entire division are implementing this school year, the senior high school leading to technical-vocational education.

Naval School of Fisheries, Cabucgayan National School of Arts and Trade, Manlabang National High School, and Maripipi National Vocational School chose the tech-voc education track because they are better prepared in this field.

The Division Senior High School Coordinator said, once the new curriculum is fully implemented, DepEd will see to it that all the academic, technical-vocational, arts and design, and sports track will be offered in every municipality to cater to every student‘s inclination.

Moreover, students who finish Grade 10 are given their certificate of completion while those who will graduate in Grade 12 are given their high school diploma. DepEd will ensure that students who finish Grade 12 pass the competency assessment and get their NC-II certificate that proves their capability for employment, Amistoso added. (ajc/fj/mlt/PIA8 Biliran)

EASTERN VISAYAS

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NRCO-DOLE offers livelihood grants to OFWs returnees in EV CONSUELO B. ALARCON TACLOBAN CITY, Leyte, June 23 (PIA) – The National Reintegration Center for Overseas Filipino Workers (OFWs) of the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) is offering livelihood grants to OFWs from the region.

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FWS who are qualified for the grants are th ose wh o exper ie nced distressful work experience such as those displaced by hostilities, wars or political conflicts in the host country or policy reforms, controls or changes by host government, victims of illegal recruitment or human trafficking and distressed wards at the Migrant Workers and Overseas Filipinos Resource Center who are due for repatriation.

DOLE 8 regional director Elias A. Cayanong is encouraging all qualified OFW returnees to avail of the livelihood assistance

and other opportunities as these are intended to augment their income that will eventually contribute to the economic development of the region.

Undocumented workers can also avail of the livelihood grants particularly those with expired visas or no permits to stay in the host country, no travel documents, inappropriate visas, invalid passports, and whose employment contracts which were not processed by the Philippine Overseas Employment Agency (POEA).

Members of OFW circles, associations, federations and cooperatives may also avail of

the livelihood assistance.

However, OFWs who wish to avail are required to stay in the Philippines for a year in order to monitor their proposed business or means of livelihood.

In addition, the qualified OFWs will undergo a screening process where he will be interviewed to assess their qualifications and lifestyle followed by the assessment of the experiences of the OFWs abroad.

In Eastern Visayas, there are 50 slots being offered ranging from P10, 000 to P100,000.00 worth of livelihood grants. (ajc/ cba/PIA-8)

Philanthropist, rescuer cited as outstanding Southern Leyteños MA. REBECCA G. CADAVOS MAASIN CITY, Southern Leyte, June 24 (PIA) -- Out of the five nominees chosen, a philanthropist and a rescuer will receive the Outstanding Southern Leyte Award (OSLA), Search Committee Chair Ida Sy-Monzon informed.

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Revenue Collection Clerk I from the city government of Maasin, Rolito J. Royeras Jr, one of the OSLA winners, was nominated by a Barangay Tanod of Asuncion, this city.

He noted that Royeras has achieved several outstanding accomplishments such as securing the safety of the Pope during the Papal‘s visit in Tacloban City; retrieval operations during calamities like typhoon Yolanda in Tacloban City; the Guinsaugon landslide tragedy; Punta, San Francisco landslide and San Ricardo Fluvial Parade tragedy; all in Southern Leyte; to include being a scoutmaster, Lupon Tagapamayapa, Lay Minister, to name a few.

Among other Royeras‘ awards and citations cited by the nominator include Presidential Citation during President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo‘s term; BSP National Court of Honor Gold, Silver, Bronze and Calamity Award; Semi-finalist of Dangal ng

Bayan Award (2009-2011); and Outstanding Maasinhon Award. In his nomination form submitted to the OSLA Search Committee, Royeras is a Licensed Secondary Teacher with six children, saying, ―he performs outstanding and exemplary functions with his own initiative, dedication to help others despite multifarious tasks given to him,‖ the nominator quoted.

Meanwhile, another OSLA winner, Sandra Peroso Haghedooren who hails from Buscayan, Macrohon is married to a Belgium national, Patrick Haghedooren. She and her husband are benefactors of medical equipment donated to the Southern Leyte Provincial Hospital such as hospital beds, mattresses, bed sheets, wheel chairs, walkers, crutches, bed covers and operation clothes.

The nominator, Associated Media of Southern Leyte said that Ms. Haghedooren s h o w e d e x t r a - o r d in a r y c a r e a n d compassion upon seeing hospital patients lining the corridors of the old provincial

hospital. The couple also distributed various other items in the municipalities and some Rural Health Units (RHUs) throughout the province. The OSLA Search Committee will also recognize young achievers during the awarding ceremony to be held on June 28, 2015 at the Capitol Gym, Provincial Capitol here. The young achievers award will be given to Professional Boxer Albert Pagara, in the field of Sports and Velvet Escario-Roxas, in the field of Maternal, Infant and Young Children Nutrition.

Pagara was a champion in International Boxing Federation, Intercontinental Super Bantamweight Division while Roxas‘ accomplishments were cited as follows: authored books, like Let‘s Eat Eat, Learn and Play, published Internationally and Gabay sa Nanay sa Tamang Pagpapasuso published by World Health Organization, among other various accomplishments and citations earned. (ajc/rgc/PIA8-SoLeyte)

Tacloban’s new lechon park opens CONSUELO B. ALARCON TACLOBAN CITY, Leyte, June 19 (PIA) - Lechon vendors in the city can be assured of economic resilience after the devastation of super typhoon Yolanda.

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his, after the opening of Tacloban Lechon Park located at Real Street, Sagkahan, made possible through the efforts of the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) in the region supported by the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) and European Union in partnership with the City Government of Tacloban, Coca Cola Bottlers Philippines and the Tacloban City Lechon Industry Association The project started when the government

was looking for livelihood and industries which existed before Yolanda struck but were destroyed and need rehabilitation Sixteen stalls provided by UNDP were formally turned over Thursday during the grand opening of the Tacloban Lechon Park.

In said event, DTI regional director Cynthia Nierras emphasized the importance of the revival of the business of micro entrepreneurs in the city in an improved way. ―This started as part of our efforts looking

for the livelihood and industries existing before Yolanda that were destroyed during Yolanda. So, ibig sabihin nangangailangan ng tulong para maibalik or maka-recover o ma-rehabilitate to build back better,‖ Nierras said.

The UNDP, on the other hand, has expressed hope for the sustainability of the project for it has a multiplier effect not only economically but also the tourism industry of the city. (ajc/cba/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. Alicia E. Nicart 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