One Visayas e-Newsletter Vol 5 Issue 9

Vol 5

Issue 9

In this Issue WESTERN VISAYAS

Ilonggo Senate President Franklin Drilon articulates the importance of improving facilities and infrastructure in the Iloilo Fish Port Complex (IFPC) in the rehabilitation of the Iloilo River during the inauguration of various IFPC developmental projects held Thursday, March 5 at Brgy. Tanza, Iloilo City.

(PIA6)

More on Region 6, pages 2-3.

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CENTRAL VISAYAS

March 2 - 8, 2015

Published by: PIA 6, 7 & 8

Gov't works on 'Yolanda' coconut rehab in EV

By Consuelo B. Alarcon TACLOBAN CITY, Leyte, March 4 (PIA) – Secretary Francis Pangilinan of the Office of the Presidential Assistant for Food Security and Agricultural Modernization (OPAFSAM) has doubled efforts towards accomplishing the Yolanda Coconut Rehabilitation and Recovery Program in Eastern Visayas.

During his visit recently in the city, Pangilinan said he wants to get the job done in coordination with the Philippine Coconut Authority (PCA), the local government units (LGUs) and other stakeholders.

Pangilinan said he also welcomes feedback mechanism to know what‟s happening in areas funded by the rehabilitation program.

“If there is information that you think will help us, please relay to us and we will validate and we will check and cross check and double check, “Pangilinan said.

Relative to this, a helicopter survey will be conducted soon to validate reports of accomplishments relative to the implementation of the Yolanda Coconut Rehabilitation and Recovery Program in Eastern Visayas.

Some 2.8 million coco trees reportedly destroyed

by Yolanda in the region were already cut during the 30 -day operation from January 25 to February 28, this year.

However, OPAFSAM Undersecretary Fredelita Guiza said that even if the targets were met and even

exceeded, said figure has to be validated first by way of ocular survey, drone or ground validation by various parties. An estimated 2.9 million remaining coconut trees are targeted to be cut by March 30, 2015.(ajc/cba/ PIA-8)

Office of the Presidential Assistant for Food Security and Agricultural Modernization (OPAFSAM) secretary Francis Pangilinan (2nd from left) hands in a check worth P23M to governor Sharee Ann Tan of Samar for the rehabilitation and recovery of the coconut industry affected by super typhoon Yolanda during the 2nd meeting of the Task Force – Yolanda Coconut Rehabilitation and Recovery Program held at NIA regional office 8, Brgy. Marasbaras, Tacloban City, March 2. Others in photo are (l-r) PCA admin Romulo Arancon, Leyte governor Leopoldo Dominico Petilla, OPAFSAM Usec Fredelita Guiza and Leyte vice-governor Carlo Loreto. (Raul S. Tiozon, Jr./PIA-8)

LGUs strengthen solid waste management plans TESDA Director General and Secretary Joel Villanueva talks about job opportunities for skilled workers abroad as well as TESDA's training programs for the public in a short meeting with members of Dumaguete press recently. Villanueva also disclosed that for 2015, the agency has P3.2B budget intended for its training programs. (PIA7-NegOr)

More on Region 7, pages 4-5.

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EASTERN VISAYAS

Elsa S. Subong ILOILO CITY, March 2 (PIA6) --- Local government units in Western Visayas are set to implement strengthened solid waste management (SWM) plans this 2015.

The Regional Ecology Center (REC)-6 reviewed and evaluated the SWM plans by the different LGUs in the region during its first meeting and workshop with member-agencies held February 25-27, 2015 at Eon Centennial Hotel here.

The plans are based on the standard framework established by the National Solid Waste Management Commission as prescribed on the 10-Year SWM Plan outline.

According to the Department of Environment and Natural Resources- Environmental Management Bureau (DENR-EMB)-6, some 80 local

government units from the provinces of Aklan, Antique, Capiz, Iloilo, and Guimaras submitted their SWM plans.

Atty. Jonathan Bulos, DENR-EMB 6 Regional Director, said the review and evaluation conducted by REC will fast-track the endorsement to the NSWMC. He said that there is a need to hasten the implementation of the SWM plans as this has been long overdue.

The SWM plan is mandated by Republic Act 9003 or the "Ecological Solid Waste Management Act of 2000".

Meanwhile, the REC is a multi-sectoral body, comprising government agencies and organizations, that advocates the benefit of a good environment. (JSC/ LTP-PIA6 Iloilo)

New equipment, facilities to improve Mactan’s immigration services Philippine Information Agency OIC Regional Director Alicia E. Nicart leads students and teachers of the Eastern Samar National Comprehensive High School in making a pledge of commitment to climate change advocacy. This happened during the Kabataan Para sa Kalikasan Students Forum held on February 27. (Daniel Mausisa)

More on Region 8, pages 6-7.

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Hazel F. Gloria CEBU CITY (PIA) --- The Bureau of Immigration (BI) has installed new equipment and facilities for better services at the immigration counters for International-bound passengers at the Mactan Cebu International Airport (MCIAA).

“These upgrades have been lobbied for quite some time and we are very happy with the new development," said BI commissioner Siegfred Mison.

Recently, there were 29 new passport readers and 20 computers were installed at the counters while the immigration arrival counters were moved to the newly-renovated International Arrival Area 2.

“The new counters and equipment will ease passenger congestion at the arrival area and cut waiting time by more than half”, said Mison.

In 2014, the Anti-Fraud Laboratory was set up at MCIA, complete with the necessary equipment to detect fraudulent documents.

Last year, BI-MCIA was able to process 13,940 flights and 1,763,470 passengers.

“These numbers are expected to receive on a yearly basis and we are confident that the BI is fully-equipped and ready to receive the demands of the international passengers,” Mison concluded. (rmn/HFG/ PIA-7/BI)

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WESTERN VISAYAS

NIA inaugurates communal irrigation project in Aklan

By Venus G. Villanueva KALIBO, Aklan, March 3 (PIA6) -- The National Irrigation Administration (NIA) recently inaugurated its communal irrigation project in Lupo, Altavas, Aklan.

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he Agbalili Communal Irrigation Project, which took 14 years to be realized by the NIA for people of Altavas, has a potential to serve some 200 hectares of ricefields benefiting 180 farmer beneficiaries of Barangay Lupo and three other neighboring ones – Odiong, Ginictan and Man-up.

The inauguration was led by NIA Administrator Florencio Padernal who came all the way from Manila to grace the event together Deputy Administrator Estrella Icasiano.

Also present during the inauguration were Aklan Governor Florencio T. Miraflores, Congressman Teodorico Haresco, Altavas local officials led by Mayor Denny Refol, NIA Aklan and Capiz officials and employees,

Altavas barangay officials and irrigators associations and the local media.

In his message, Administrator Padernal said the irrigation project will now make it possible for farmers in the area to be able to have 2 to 3 croppings a year compared to a single cropping when the ricefields were yet rain-dependent or rainfed.

Padernal said the project will enable the farmers to increase their income and improve their living conditions.

For his part, Governor Miraflores told the farmer-beneficiaries of the irrigation system to take care care of the project and to cooperate with each other when availing of irrigation water for their respective ricefields.

“This is the result of your long wait and this will be a big help to your livelihood”, Miraflores said.

He also praised NIA Administrator Padernal for personally gracing the event. “In my years as a provincial governor, this is the first time that an administrator from NIA came to Aklan to inaugurate a project”, he said.

On the other hand, Rep. Haresco told the farmer beneficiaries that with the availability of irrigation water, they could avail from the P249 million livelihood for cooperatives and be able to plant high value crops like lettuce and other vegetables through the Aklan State University (ASU).

After the inauguration, the group proceeded to Sigcay, Banga, Aklan for the site visitation of the proposed Diversion Dam of Aklan River Irrigation System, then to Aklan State University (ASU) Banga campus for the project presentation of the proposed diversion dam. (JSC/VGV-PIA6 Aklan)

NFA Antique beefs up buffer rice stock

By Vicente W. Villavert SAN JOSE, Antique, March 5 (PIA6) - - The National Food Authority (NFA) here is buying palay from farmers which will likewise help farmers improve their lot, and beef up the buffer rice stock and food security of the province.

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ssistant Regional Manager Hedy G. Jardeleza, who is also acting as the Provincial Manager of NFA Antique, urged farmers to bring their rice at the NFA buying stations in order to avail of additional incentives.

NFA would be buying dry palay at P17.70 for individual farmers, and P18.00 for Farmers‟ Organization with additional incentive of P0.20 for drying and up to P0.50 delivery incentive.

In Antique, there are only two buying stations located at the NFA-Antique Provincial Office, Barangay San Fernando, San Jose de Buenavista with telephone number (036) 5403697 or mobile no. 09278557191; and at GID Culasi Warehouse, Barangay Caridad, Culasi, Antique with tel. no. (036)

2778593. Jardeleza said that the issuance of farmer‟s pass book is now simplified and free of charge.

To secure an individual farmer‟s/ master‟s pass book, a farmer should submit any of the following requirements: certification from the Barangay Captain, Municipal Agricultural Officer, NIA, Municipal Agrarian Reform Officer indicating hectarage and whether the area cultivated is irrigated or not, as basis in determining procurement allocation for individual farmers.

Likewise, for farmers coop/associations/ organizations, they must submit CDA or SEC Registration or any registration certificate from any government registering agency and list of farmer-members certified by Municipal Agricultural Officer indicating hectarage, yield

per hectare and location of farm as basis in determining procurement allocation of the farmer association.

Meanwhile, the new NFA administrator is Renan B. Dalisay.

The agency is now back with the Office of the President along with three other agencies, namely, Philippine Coconut Authority, National Irrigation Administration, and Fertilizer and Pesticide Authority under the newly created Presidential Assistant on Food and Agricultural Modernization with Secretary Francis Pangilinan as head.

NFA is keeping its linkage with the farmers with its slogan “Agrikultura ay pagyamanin, buhay Pinoy ay paunlarin.” (NFA/ JSC/VWV-PIA6 Antique)

Port opens new development opportunities for Dumangas By: Leonard T. Pineda I ILOILO CITY, March 5 (PIA6) --- The Port of Dumangas has brought the municipality into the limelight of progress and development.

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n the recent inauguration of the new terminal building in Dumangas port, Mayor Rolando Distura said that a number of businesses have been established since the port was opened and more investments are expected to pour in.

“The port‟s development is a vital component of plans to put up an economic zone in Dumangas,” he said.

He said the port is an immense

contribution to the efforts of developing the municipality into becoming Iloilo‟s second component city.

He said that the population also increased due to migration as people see the municipality as a secure and peaceful place to live in.

The Philippine Ports Authority (PPA) allocated a P180-million grant for the upgrade of the Port of Dumangas which serves passenger ferries and roll-on-roll-off (RORO) vessels.

The port is a vital link in the SRNH (Strong Republic Nautical Highway) Western Nautical Highway.

The port links to the Port of Pulupandan in Negros Occidental where basic commodities such as fish, vegetables, meat and dairy products, cement and animal feeds pass through.

The Port of Dumangas operates on a 24/7 service with an average of 23 trips daily. (JSC/ LTP-PIA6 Iloilo)

WESTERN VISAYAS

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Capiceños thank Japan gov’t for help

By Jemin B. Guillermo ROXAS CITY, Capiz, March 5 (PIA6) – Capiceños are grateful to the Japanese government for the continued help to super typhoon Yolanda-affected residents in the area.

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anay mayor Dante Bermejo said that they are very thankful to the government of Japan for the various assistance to his people who were among the victims of the November 2013 typhoon Yolanda.

He said that the Japan government through the Japan Heart was the first to respond to his town after the devastation of the typhoon that displaced many of his residents. “Aside from the Japan Heart, several other Japanese organizations have likewise extended their help to us particularly in providing livelihood opportunities for the coastal and island residents,” he said.

Bermejo added that the Japanese government has likewise partnered with the UN Habitat and Department of Social Welfare

and Development in the construction of 70 houses. He also expressed his appreciation to the said government for positively responding to their request for food for work program in the area.

The Japan government through its Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries donated to Panay town a total of 175.11 metric tons of rice for the identified 5,837 families in the area for the food for work program. The donation to said municipality is part of the 580.08 metric tons of rice donation for victims of Yolanda in Carles, Iloilo and Balete, Aklan.

The rice donation, for which Panay is the only recipient in Capiz, was made through the ASEAN Plus Three Emergency Rice Reserve (APTERR) for the Tier 3 program. Bermejo said that each beneficiary is given a total of 30

kilograms of rice after rendering five days works such as clean-up and clearing activity in the barangay roads and highways as well as dredging of canals and drainage.

The donation turnover, March 5, in Panay town was personally attended

by APTERR General Manager Wiroj Saengbangka, MAFF-Japan Director General Akira Karasawa, Japan Embassy in the Philippines First Secretary Ryutaro Aoki and other Japan officials.

Also present were top officials of the National Food Authority led by Deputy Administrator Ludovico Jarina and NFA Assistant Administrator Joseph Dela Cruz, DSWD representatives, as well as those from the provincial governments of Iloilo, Aklan and Capiz. (JSC/JBG-PIA6 Capiz)

BFP encourages hiring of expert for electrical installations

By Lilibeth A. French ILOILO CITY, March 3 (PIA6) - - As the country observes Fire Prevention Month this March, the Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP) here in Western Visayas advised the public to consult knowledgeable person for the installation of their electrical systems to prevent fire.

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he BFP 6 consolidated report showed that electrical connections are the leading cause of fires in the region last year. Around 460 electrical fire incidents were recorded.

In a radio interview on Sunday, BFP 6 Director Sr. Supt. Eleuterio Yturriaga encouraged the public to hire knowledgeable persons such as professionals or master electricians to perform the job to prevent electrical system overloading that puts them at danger and risk.

Likewise, Yturriaga reminded parents to put matches and lighters in safe places or to keep them out of reach of their children.

Based on the same BFP 6 data, lighted match sticks or lighters that are often played

by children are the second cause of fires in the region in 2014 numbering to 193.

Other causes of fires are cigarette butts and open flame due to unattended cooking or stove and candle or „gasera‟. Over-all, BFP 6 recorded a total 1,571 fire incidents in 2014, about 93 more as compared to 1,478 listed in 2013. The damage to property of the recorded fire incidents in 2014 was estimated at P217,750, 170.12.

Of the 1,571 recorded fire incidents in the region, 750 are categorized as structural fires and 821 as non-structural fires. Under the structural fires, residential fires recorded the highest with 509 incidents while under the non -structural fires, accounting the most incidents are grass, forest and rubbish fires with 755.

To further intensify their fire prevention awareness campaign, Yturriaga said they continue to enlist the support of the public, especially those in the grassroots or the barangays, to their various activities that include the establishments of barangay fire volunteer brigades.

He encouraged barangay officials to have their own barangay fire brigades who will act as first line of defense during the occurrence of fire in their localities.

Yturriaga said the BFP mission is “to prevent and suppress destructive fires, investigate its causes, provide emergency medical and rescue services, and enforce other fire related laws with active involvement of the community”. (JSC/LAF-PIA6)

Bacolod City welcomes more investments

By Easter Anne D. Doza BACOLOD CITY, March 4 (PIA6) – The local government of Bacolod welcomes the entry of more investments from the first branch in the country of a premium Korean coffee chain to real estate investments and new mall locations.

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acolod is the first site in the country of the popular Korean coffee brand Tom N Toms Coffee with chain already found in the United States, China, Australia, Mongolia, Qatar, Thailand, Singapore and Vietnam.

This franchise is bringing their international flavor to the City of Smiles as well as their taste, quality and services, a release from the City Public Information Office said.

Aside from Tom N Toms, the city will soon see the rise of two CityMall Commercial Centers Inc., a subsidiary of DoubleDragon Properties Corporation.

Bacolod City Mayor Monico O. Puentevella disclosed that DoubleDragon

Properties Corporation has purchased a 1.1 hectare corner lot in Goldenfields Commercial Complex and a 1-hectare prime property along Lacson Street in Barangay Mandalagan.

Ayala Land Incorporated is also set to ground-break its new locations for development in Bacolod City although these properties are previously owned by the Provincial Government.

“This is good news for Bacolod,” Puentevella said while adding that the city is doing well with the influx of investors.

Meanwhile, President and Chief Operating Officer of CMCCI Ferdinand Sia in his letter addressed to Puentevella said that they strongly believe that Bacolod is one of the

most economically prosperous cities in the Visayas and an attractive destination for investors and the decision to put up two CityMalls is a worthwhile investment.

“We believe that this additional investment in Bacolod City will further spur substantial local economic growth and will provide decent employment to the local workforce of your vibrant city,” Sia expressed in his letter. Tom N Toms Coffee President Kim Do-kyun who was here during the shop‟s opening February 27 is impressed with Bacolod because the people are very kind and they always smile, adding he wanted to come back soon, this time to play golf here. *(JSC/EAD -PIA6 Negros Occidental)

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CENTRAL VISAYAS

Gov’t ups climate change mitigation and adaptation interventions Roi Anthoni B. Lomotan DUMAGUETE CITY, Feb. 27 (PIA) – A Cabinet official announced that government will intensify its climate change mitigation and adaptation interventions to areas that are highly susceptible to the ill effects of this climate crisis.

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ec. Neric Acosta, the Presidential Adviser on Environmental Protection, said they will concentrate on introducing adaptive technologies and other climate change mitigation innovations to the most vulnerable provinces, cities and coastal communities in the remaining days of President Aquino‟s term.

He cited that Eastern Visayas as well as Cebu, some parts of Mindanao, areas surrounding the Laguna Lake and Metro Manila are included in areas where the government will focus their interventions.

Acosta was in Dumaguete City for a speaking engagement in Foundation University on environmental imperatives for present

environmental initiatives.

In a meeting with members of the press, Acosta talked about his office‟s initiative in capacity building of communities and engaging local government units, schools, barangays to take actions against climate change.

“We are here to engage schools, the community, barangays, non-government organizations because that‟s what really what counts,” he said.

Acosta also encouraged local leaders to have science and empirically driven policy decisions and community engagement kind of intervention that will enable citizens to shift to green design as part of climate change adaptation and mitigation measures.

The Presidential Adviser also lauded Foundation University‟s environmental sustainability programs and projects and he hopes that this could be replicated to other parts of the country.

Meanwhile, also made an emphasize to Manila Call to Action on Climate Change, a joint statement of the Philippines and France addressing the climate problem during the visit of French President Francois Hollande in the country.

Acosta said Manila‟s call to action will also set the direction or focus to government‟s intervention against climate change in the coming days. (rmn/ral/PIA7-NegOr)

DSWD allots P110M budget for Bohol’s SLP Rey Anthony Chiu TAGBILARAN CITY, Bohol, Feb. 25 (PIA)—The Department of Social Welfare and Development allocated over P110 million for its Sustainable Livelihood Program (SLP) in Bohol this year, according to the Regional Program Coordinator.

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SWD‟s SLP Bohol coordinator Cherry Merin revealed this during the recent Convergence Strategy Orientation for the Media held at the Reynas Garden and Haven, February 24.

SLP is a community-based capacity building program that seeks to improve the program beneficiaries‟ socio-economic status, implemented through a two-pronged program,.

SLP gives focus on microenterprise development, where it empowers communities into micro-enterprises development by capacity building people in small venture organizations to become organizationally and economically viable.

On the other hand, it is also into job facilitation, when it helps community members access appropriate employment opportunities.

As the DSWD empowers through

community driven development, it implements its SLP by an approach called Community-Driven Enterprise Development (CDED), with the end goal of creating 2.3 million self-sufficient Conditional cash Transfer families in 2016.

This trains and capacitates the p r o gr am b en ef ic iar ie s to a c t iv e ly contribute to production and labor markets by looking where these workers are necessary, where markets and employment chances are open.

For its SLP, DSWD puts in Self Employment Assistance-Kaunlaran (SEA-K), which provides entrepreneurship trainings, facilitates access to business service providers, provides start-up capital and increase business portfolio through mentoring and coaching, Merin points out.

For SEA-K, DSWD allocates as much as

P25, 470, 000 capital seed fund for Bohol in its 2015 budget.

This however pales in comparison to the P77, 940, 000 for technical-vocational trainings, which should get family member beneficiaries the right skills to land in jobs.

In fact, another allotment for pre -employment assistance at DSWD SLP reached P1,945,000, according to DSWD. Again, DSWD allots Cash for Building Livelihood Assets (CBLA) at P1,683,000.

This would be in form of compensation to members who work to build communal or privately owned livelihood assets from DSWD assistance.

Project community mobilization fund sums up as a locally counterparted amount of P3, 225, 960.00 from the DSWD and P32,000 from Local Government Units.

Over all, the SLP budget runs to P110, 305, 960.0, Merin said. (rmn/RAC/PIABohol)

Intensified illegal drug drive boosts operations, cases

By Amorganda Y. Saludar Central Visayas, Feb. 27 (PIA)--- The Police Regional Office (PRO-7) here revealed an increase in the number of operations conducted and cases filed involving illegal drugs from 2013, 2014 and 2015.

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n the recent Talakayan sa Isyung Pulis (TSIP) Forum PRO 7 data showed that cases filed in courts involving illegal drugs rose from 372 in January to February 19, 2014 to 867 of the same period this year.

The same data then showed that illegal drug operations intensified from 286 in January to February 19, 2014 to 389 covering the same period in 2015.

PRO -7 also recorded a 168% increase in the cases filed on illegal drugs in the region from 1, 622 cases in 2013 to 3, 605 in 2014.

As to operations conducted on illegal drugs in Central Visayas, PRO-7 reported that from 1, 390 in 2013 it then rose to 2, 526 in 2014.

With this development, PRO-7 reported that at present of the 142 barangays in Central Visayas 4.72% of it were already cleared from illegal drugs mostly from Siquijor.

Deputy chief of operations division of PRO -7 and acting Cebu City Police Chief P/ SSUPT. Conrado Capa said that although illegal drugs is peculiar and one of the social

problems in Central Visayas the police force here were able to find ways to combat against it.

All police units in the region is strictly implementing weekly target on illegal drugs from identification of person involved up to the conduct of the operations.

PRO-7 also revealed that factors seen to be effective in the campaign against illegal drugs include intensified operation on street pushing, secret raid and firearm recovery. (rmn/ays/PIA 7/TSIP Forum)

CENTRAL VISAYAS

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CR+ID program in Siquijor to focus on tourism, agri dev’t

By Rizalie A. Calibo SIQUIJOR, March 2 (PIA)— Coordinating Roads and Infrastructure Investments for Development (CR+ID) project of the Asia Foundation and the Australian Embassy in the Philippines, in partnership with the Siquijor Chamber of Commerce and Industry Inc. (SCCII), will focus on tourism and agriculture the priority sectors for Siquijor province. his is made as an offshoot of the transporters, wholesalers and retailers to be and infra projects, and Congressmen who are Provincial Consensus Building lobbied for inclusion in the 2016 budget, says using their PDAF as well as other legislation to workshop held February 13, 2015 SCCII Chair Judy U. Booc. support road projects, he also said. where multi-stakeholders arrived at an CR+ID, according to regional project Last year, the Australian Government and agreement on tourism and agriculture, coordinator Condrado Pono, is a successor to the Asia Foundation jointly agreed to expand particularly banana and coconut as the CRID project or Coordinating Road CR+ID in two ways: thematically, to include the priority sectors and subsectors of the Investments for Development, implemented not only roads but also key infrastructure with province. over the last two years in five provinces: Bohol, disaster risk and hazard identification, and To help multi-stakeholders trace the Cebu, Guimaras, Surigao del Norte, and geographically, to include all provinces in movement of goods and services from the Surigao del Sur. Regions VII and XIII, as well as three provinces production, processing and marketing areas It coordinates and rationalizes road in Region VI. and identify Strategic Road Links (SRL) and investments through the use of Value Chain The Australian Government‟s support Strategic Infrastructures (SI) in the province, Analysis in identifying strategic road links enables The Asia Foundation to provide the SCCII conducted on February 25 (SRLs) with local government units (LGUs) and assistance to provincial governments to to 26 Value Chain Analysis Workshop on national government agencies (NGAs) adopting complete their road network and key Tourism and Agriculture (Coconut a more regionally coordinated and integrated infrastructure maps, identify strategic roads and and Banana). infrastructure investment program, Pono infrastructure with the private sector, and This facilitates the movement of certain added. conduct municipal level road products as they flow through key market It partners with the private sector, SCCII investment planning workshops. (rmn/RAC/ actors such as farmers, traders, processors, for Siquijor, LGUs, NGAs that are funding road PIA7-Siquijor)

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Visayas launch of Metrobank Foundation's Journalists of the Year set in Cebu

By Rachelle M. Nessia CEBU CITY, March 3 (PIA) --- The Metrobank Foundation, Inc. and the Probe Media Foundation, Inc. are set to launch in Cebu the Search for Journalists of the Year (JOY) on March 5, 2014 at Crown Regency Hotel, Fuente Osmeña Blvd, Cebu City. he Search will recognize three (3) register via online form at http://bit.ly/ Outstanding Journalists (SOJ), were Sheila journalists as paragons of their JOYCebu.

Coronel, Jessica Soho, and the late Armando profession and the media Now on its 2nd year, the JOY Malay. In 2013, it was re-launched to become industry.

Search recognizes excellence in Philippine the Search for JOY with Malou Mangahas, Each of them will receive a Php 300,000.00 journalism.

Jarius Bondoc, and Jiggy Manicad as the cash prize and a specially designed medallion.

It celebrates and honors Filipino awardees.

The awardees will also be bestowed the journalists from print, television, radio and For further information, please contact title “Metrobank Foundation Fellows in online media whose excellent stories have the Probe Media Foundation, Inc. (PMF) at tel.

Journalism”, where they will share their contributed to the development of the nation, n o .

(02)433-0456 or e-mail: expertise and experience through professional and have influenced and inspired their metrobankfoundation.joy@gmail.com or visit lectures for students, academic professionals, colleagues and the broader media industry t h e following links to access and media practitioners in different parts of the over the years. downloadable forms: http://bit.ly/2015JOY, country.

The first journalists recognized by MBFI in w w w . m b f o u n d a t i o n . o r g . p h or Interested parties are requested to 2001, and then known as the Search for www.probefound.com. (rmn/PIA Cebu/PR)

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SSS opens new office in Cebu Hazel F. Gloria CEBU CITY, Feb. 27 (PIA) --- The Social Security System (SSS) has opened a full-service branch at Gaisano Grand Fiesta Mall in Tabunok, Cebu on February 4, 2015.

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his new branch will serve members in the municipalities of Talisay, Minglanilla, Naga, San Fernando and Carcar, Cebu covering a total of 14,442 employee members and 3,000 self-employed or voluntary members.

It is also expected to help boster SSS membership in the southern part of Cebu with 17,000 members in the area.

SSS Assistant Vice President for Central Visayas Helen Solito said that one of their priority thrusts is "to make SSS accessible to our current and potential members especially to the informal sector

workers.”

SSS Talisay Branch offers issuance of SS number, accepts and processes applications on benefit claims such as sickness, maternity, disability, funeral and death applications as well as UMID Data Capture Section.

SSS President and chief executive officer Emilio S. De Quiros Jr. and Cebu Vice Governor Agnes A. Magpale formally opened the said branch.

Meanwhile, bloggers and media from Cebu went home with inspiring stories from the two-day ecovoluntourism event held in the island of Bantayan recently.

Around 20 selected members of Cebu‟s press and the Cebu Blogging Community (CBC) went back to the mainland with pictures and stories of the island‟s beauty, people‟s resiliency, and how the Bantayanons rose victorious after being hit by typhoon Haiyan, so far the most devastating storm to batter the Philippines.

The participants also staged a show of force as they painted, cleaned and do other carpentry works, in helping in the construction of houses in the Gawad Kalinga site on the island. (rmn/HFG/PIA-7/SSS with FCC report)

EASTERN VISAYAS

6 89 LGUs earn Housekeeping'

seal

of

'Good

Financial

TACLOBAN CITY, Leyte, March 4 - Eighty-nine (89) or about 60% of local governments in Eastern Visayas passed the Seal of Good Financial Housekeeping for 2014.

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his was revealed by Regional Director Pedro A. Noval Jr. of the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) in Eastern Visayas who cited the official list released recently by the DILG Bureau of Local Government Supervision (BLGS).

“I am glad to report that all six provinces in our region, namely: Leyte, Southern Leyte, Biliran, Samar, Northern Samar and Eastern Samar passed the Seal of GFH. So did six cities: Tacloban, Ormoc, and Baybay in Leyte; Maasin, Southern Leyte; Borongan, Eastern Samar and Catbalogan, Samar, ” said Dir. Noval, adding that 77 of 136 municipalities also passed the GFH. The GFH, a component of the Seal of G ood L o c a l G ov e rn an ce ( S GL G ) , was formerly known as the Seal of Good Housekeeping (SGH), which the Department

initiated in 2010. GFH applies the same SGH minimum criteria: that a local government must have an Unqualified or Qualified COA Opinion for the previous year, and full compliance with the Full Disclosure Policy (FDP).

Director Noval explained that for an LGU to be a recipient of the stepped-up SGLG, it should also pass the two other essential assessments on Disaster Preparedness and Social Protection. It should likewise pass at least one of the three essential assessments on Business Friendliness and Competitiveness, Environmental Protection and Law & Order and Public Safety.

Noval said that the assessment was conducted last year through cross posting of Regional Assessment Teams (RATs) composed of DILG Field Officers, representatives from CSOs and NGAs. The complete list of GFH passers is available at the DILG website

www.dilg.gov.ph. The GFH Certification is a requirement for local governments in order to access loans pursuant to Local Finance Circular No. 1-2012, and to avail of programs such as Grassroots Participatory Process (GPP) and Sagana at Ligtas na Tubig sa Lahat (SALINTUBIG) program of DILG. LGUs that failed to pass the GFH have some immediate recourse if the reason was non-compliance with the FDP. They simply have to fully observe FDP requirements on posting to avail of the “After Assessment Compliance” and secure GFH certification without waiting for the next assessment period. On the other hand, if the LGU was subjected to an “Adverse” or “Disclaimer” opinion from COA, it should fully comply with all the findings in order to garner a passing opinion on the next Annual Audit Report (AAR). (DILG-8/PIA-8)

Biliran towns to roll out 'Oplan Listo'

By Rodrigo S. Victoria NAVAL, Biliran, March 4 (PIA) – Just right after the launching of the Oplan Listo in the province of Biliran, the eight towns in Biliran province have already prepared lists of activities for the roll-out of the Oplan Listo initiated by the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG).

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ILG in Biliran province headed

by Marilyn Saboy, provincial director, launched Oplan Listo on Wednesday, March 4, 2015 at the Naval State University (NSU) Hostel with municipal mayors, municipal disaster risk reduction and management officers, officials and personnel of the Philippine National Police, Bureau of Fire Protection and members of the Biliran provincial disaster risk reduction and management council in attendance.

One of the activities in the launching of Oplan Listo was for each town to present the plan of activities they have prepared which will help the people in the community have a clear understanding and better grasp of what Oplan Listo is all about. “Oplan Listo is one of

the components of disaster preparedness initiated by DILG to strengthen the capacity of LGUs in responding to disasters anytime and anywhere they strike” Saboy informed.

Cabucgayan town, the first to present, listed down activities like conducting a forum with barangay officials and residents on Oplan Listo, meeting with the members of the municipal disaster risk reduction and management council and conducting other Oplan Listo-related activities that would best inform the public on this disaster preparedness activity. Other towns like the municipality of Almeria will conduct a motorcade around the town as a way of bringing awareness to the constituents in the town on the importnce of Oplan Listo in terms of saving lives and

properties through putting preparedness on top anytime and anywhere disaster strikes.

Meanwhile, the provincial office of DILG in Biliran province will conduct two more big activities to solicit the support of the private sector especially coming from the different civil society organizations, people‟s organizations and non-government organizations including the youth sector in the province.

DILG-Biliran will conduct the provincial dialogue on March 17 to be joined in by the different civil society organizations, people‟s or g a n iz a t ion s a n d n on - g ov e r n m e n t organizations and will hold a Wenboree on April 15-16 to be participated by the different youth organizations in Biliran province. (ajc/fj/ rvictoria/PIA 8 Biliran)

Foundation turns over 48 new classrooms to Leyte schools TACLOBAN CITY, Leyte, Feb. 27 – A total of 48 typhoon-resilient classrooms were turned over recently by the Lopez Group to 18 schools in the province of Leyte as part of its Leyte Rebuilding Project.

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he new classrooms, costing P1.2 million each, will benefit more than 4,000 students in 18 schools in Kananga, Merida, Isabel, Albuera and Ormoc City.

The Lopez Group constructed the said classrooms using funds donated to ABS-CBN Lingkod Kapamilya Foundation, Inc. (ALKFI) while the Energy Development Corporation (EDC), which operates the Leyte geothermal power plants, donated P4.5 million and supervised the construction of the classrooms.

In his speech during the turnover ceremony, Leyte Governor Leopoldo Petilla

lauded the project and said that “what the Lopez Group is doing is not just building classrooms but building the future of the students.”

Clarissa Ocampo, Managing Director of ABS-CBN Lingkod Kapamilya Foundation, Inc. (ALKFI) and Richard Tantoco, President and Chief Operating Officer of Energy Development Corporation (EDC) led the turn-over of the new classrooms.

The rebuilding project has programmed to construct 64 new classrooms and repair of 10 classrooms in 23 schools in Ormoc, Kananga, Albuera, Merida, Palo and Isabel using

donations to ALKFI. An additional 32 classrooms will also be constructed in Ormoc City and Kananga using funds from companies under the Lopez Group.

This project will support the Adopt-a -School Program of DepEd. Last September 2014, the Lopez Group finished construction of 24 typhoon-resistant classrooms for the following schools: New Ormoc City National High School and Milagro Elementary School in Ormoc City, Matlang Elementary School in Isabel, and San Joaquin National High School in Palo. (EDC/PIA-8)

EASTERN VISAYAS

7

DOH award shows active public health sector in SoLeyte

By Marcelo M. Pedalino MAASIN CITY, Southern Leyte, March 3 (PIA) -- The Department of Health (DOH) recently conferred the 2014 Health Excellence Award for this province, dubbed Kalusugang Pangkalahatan Second Prize, and this clearly showed that DOH-driven programs and projects had reached their intended targets at the grassroots level where it mattered most.

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urthermore, the citation likewise recognized the concerted efforts of all stakeholders, the political leaders down to frontline wellness workers in the field, in the effective implementation of health-related activities to ensure maximum compliance.

This was the common assessment shared by leading health professionals as to how the province landed for the first time at second place in a nationwide ranking of 80 provinces.

On Friday, February 20, the province was cited in a ceremony held at Pasay City “for best performance in achieving systems-based

approach in local health reforms,” with a corresponding P400,000.00 cash prize.

Dr. Noel Lumen, Provincial Health Officer I, during the Provincial Report cable TV program last week, recalled that for some years now, the province was the very first LGU cited by the DOH nationwide as having eliminated the filariasis illness, hence the DOH granted the Filariasis-free tag, the first ever.

Health concerns that happened in the province thus far had not reached epidemic proportions, while health advocacy campaigns were duly carried out, making the province a show window in Region 8 for DOH program, project implementation.

DOH Representatives Dr. Verna Fernandez and Letty Tan called on the people to continue complying the health campaigns of the DOH like the rabies-free campaign, dental care, among others, even as they thanked their cooperation that eventually was a big factor for the overall Pangkalusugan award.

Dr. Edmund Villa, Provincial Health Officer, was also grateful to the local chief executives and the health workers for supporting the health programs of the province and the national level, and he rallied them to exert more efforts to win the number one spot for the next round of evaluation. (ajc/esg/ mmp/PIA8-Southern Leyte)

RDRRMC-8 monitors 'Yolanda' efforts

By Jonnie H. Buenaventura TACLOBAN CITY, Leyte, March 3 (PIA) - More than a year after typhoon ―Yolanda‖ hit Region 8 on November 8, 2013, the Regional Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (RDRRMC) again gathered its member agencies to tackle the intervention measures provided by different thematic areas to address the needs of its beneficiaries.

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c cordi n g t o Di rect or Bl an ch e Gobenciong, Office of Civil Defense (OCD-8) and chair RDRRMC, the thematic areas involved are social services, infrastructure, livelihood, and resettlement that the RDRRMC is spearheading to mobilize efforts in addressing the needs of all typhoon “Yolanda” affected areas and other disasters that hit Region 8.

Based on the data provided by the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) there are 3,002 families still living in bunkhouses and 508 families located in transitional shelter, and around 152 families had already been placed in the permanent shelters commissioned by ridgeview which provided 66 permanent shelter and GMA Kapuso Foundation which provided 86 permanent shelters.

The DSWD had served 50 trafficked persons for the period January to August 2014

and 14 of which had been provided financial assistance.

The Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) had implemented a total of Php286M out of Php1.6B funded amount worth of infrastructures which involves repair and rehabilitation of national roads, national bridges, flood control projects, local or access roads connecting to the national roads.

The Office of the Presidential Assistance for Rehabilitation and Recovery (OPARR) had targeted a total of Php 75.67B worth of resettlement projects which involves 205,128 housing units involving 116 municipalities and cities that would construct disaster resilient houses that can withstand a wind load of up to 250 kph.

It informed though that the project cannot be totally implemented because of some pressing issues that prevent its implementation such

as land availability, island barangay, coastal communities, livelihood opportunities and unsafe areas that are dependent on the suitability and unsuitability of such facilities.

Dir. Gobenciong said that the best thing that the government should do is to coordinate, collaborate, and cooperate to address the needs of its beneficiaries. Dir. Gobenciong thanked all the member-agencies of the RDRRMC for their support and cooperation on the success of the year 2014 program of work even if the responsibilities, duties and accountabilities are broad to consider everything.

Dir. Gobenciong was teary-eyed when she spoke before the council that soon she will be assigned to OCD central office and Assistant Regional Director Rey Gozon will take over until a replacement had been chosen. She anticipates that her successor can equal or even surpass her accomplishment. (ajc/jhb/PIA-8)

Discipline your child when no longer angry, says parent-advocate

By Medora Nimfa Quirante BORONGAN CITY. Eastern Samar, March 4 (PIA) - ―I now wait until my anger passes,‖ Oliva Bajado, a positive discipline parent-advocate said when asked how she switched to positive discipline on her children.

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ajado, a mother of four, faced members of the local media during a briefing sponsored by the European Union through Plan International on March 3, 2015 at Hotel Doña Vicenta in Borongan City.

According to Bajado, she avoids confronting her children when she is still angry.

Once her anger passes, she discusses the misdeed with her children and tries to get them to realize their mistake.

Bajado who is married to a police officer has even convinced her husband to adopt positive disciplining as well.

“My husband was always the strict disciplinarian but after I attended the training on positive discipline, I shared to him what I

learned and he was also convinced,” she shared.

“I am proud to say that today, my husband is trying to change his discipline methods,” she said.

Plan has been pushing for local government units to pass ordinances that prohibit corporal punishment and in 2011 the town of Llorente passed one.

The town has even allocated 1% of its internal revenue allotment for the promotion of non-violent discipline approach and training of parents and educators.

According to Plan, in the towns of Llorente and Maydolong, several day care workers and parents groups have gone through

trainings with regards to positive discipline.

“I was also raised in a family that employed corporal punishment,” Llorente Mayor Tito Codoy, Jr. said but this did not stop him from supporting the positive discipline advocacy.

According to the mayor, parents need not be divided on the issue because it is all about providing unending support to children.

Instead of physically and verbally punishing children, Jayson P. Lozano of Plan Int‟l urged parents to provide a loving and caring home so children will know right from wrong. “I always remember a quote from mass media figure Boy Abunda. He said, pain is never an expression of love,” Lozano said. (ajc/mnq/PIA8-ESamar)

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

One Visayas e-newsletter is part of the online news and information dissemination services of PIA and is powered by www.issuu.com. For inquiries and suggestions, call Tel. Nos. (033) 3378719/3377301 or e-mail piaamo6@yahoo.com.

Ms. Minerva BC Newman Regional Director, PIA 7

Editorial Consultants Atty. Ma. Janet C. Mesa, Ph. D. Regional Director, PIA6

Ms. 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, Childrenâ€&#x;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