One Visayas e-Newsletter Vol 5 Issue 7

Vol 5

Issue 7

In this Issue WESTERN VISAYAS

DILG USec. Austere A. Panadero explains the salient features of the Disaster Preparedness Manuals and the Operation LISTO during the regional launching of the project held in Iloilo City, Feb. 18, which was attended by DILG agencies, RDRRMC members and other stakeholders. (EJB/PIA 6)

More on Region 6, pages 2-3.

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CENTRAL VISAYAS

Published by: PIA 6, 7 & 8

February 16 - 22, 2015

DSWD answers critics of Yolanda emergency shelter aid ILOILO CITY, Feb. 18 (PIA6)—The Department of Social Welfare and Development-6 said that it has never been remiss in its duty to respond to victims of Typhoon Yolanda.

Evelyn Macapobre, DSWD regional director said in a press statement, that they have so far released P3 billion in emergency shelter assistance, relief assistance, cash for work and livelihood projects to all provinces in Western Visayas.

Responding to the charges of the farmers’ group led by the PAMANGGAs, along with some victims of Yolanda who claimed they have not been released assistance yet, Macapobre said that MC 24 spells out the guidelines and requirements as to recipients of the ESA. ―These are the same guidelines which the Commission on Audit will use to post audit such huge amounts being released,‖ Macapobre said.

She added that a circular which also applies to all other regions affected by Yolanda cannot just be scrapped without an act from the central office.

As to the issue on the slow release of ESA, DSWD said that it is just a perception, contrary to the fact that the money was downloaded only on December 29, 2014 but the regional office had already released P2.7 billion, reaching 105,000 families, to the local government units which have accomplished the requirements. ―But not all victims of Yolanda can receive because of MC 24 guidelines which we have to follow,‖ Macapobre said.

MC 24 specifically states that ―Regular employees of the government and private sectors or organizations with a fixed monthly salary below P5,000 shall also be eligible, provided

they have not received the same assistance from other agencies and are indicated in the master list of beneficiaries in accordance with the DSWD Disaster Assistance Family Access Card (DFAC).

As to the need for additional funds for Yolanda victims, Macapobre said that they are recommending to those who feel they are eligible to receive assistance, to go and see the local Social Welfare Officers to see if their names are in the list, which shall be validated by the Municipal Action Teams.

She added that DSWD will be calling all the governors for a meeting, for the latter to monitor if all their mayors have submitted a validated list of beneficiaries if there are. (JCM/ESS/ PIA-Iloilo)

DSWD 6 Director Director Ma. Evelyn B. Macapobre. Her answer to ESA critics: DSWD not remiss on response to Typhoon Yolanda victims’ shelter, other needs. (DSWD 6 File photo)

Siquijor Chamber, foreign partners to jumpstart infra project

KAPIHAN SA PIA with DOH 7: This forum is in line with the Dental/Oral Health Month obsevance with panelists from DOH -7, VSMMC, Philippine Dental Association Cebu Chapter & Naga City Dental Office. The forum was aired live thru DYMR Radyo ng Bayan-Cebu from 10:00am - 11:00 am and delayed telecast at Sky Cable-Cebu Ch. 61 at 5:00pm. PIA Cebu Infocen Manager Rachelle M. Nessia and Wen Celen of DYMR Radyo ng Bayan -Cebu moderated the forum. (vvv)

More on Region 7, pages 4-5.

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SIQUIJOR, Feb. 17 (PIA)—The Siquijor Chamber of Commerce & Industry, Inc. (SCCII) is implementing the project, Coordinating Roads and Infrastructure Investments for Development (CR+ID), a partnership with the Asia Foundation and the Australian Embassy in the Philippines.

One of the components of the CR+ID project, according to SCCII President Engr. Judy U. Booc, is the Value Chain Analysis (VCA) that identifies Strategic Road Links (SRL) and Strategic Infrastructures (SI) in Siquijor.

The SRLs, she explained, are interconnected roads within the province, regardless of classification, which are most often used in transporting goods and people and the SIs are backbones that interconnect modern economies.

Strategic Infrastructure, she added, will only drive sustained economic growth when it is properly aligned with the province’s priorities.

They must create the greatest impact in terms of economic growth, social uplift and sustainability in the province, she said.

She also said that a Consensus Building Workshop for Key Economic Drivers is done in coordination with the

Provincial Government of Siquijor and convene multi-stakeholders to present the Strategic Direction of the Province and validate the Provincial Economic Data by the VCA team of the project.

The determination of priority economic subsector of the Province also takes place and serves as basis in the succeeding data gathering for the VCA, she shared.

Meanwhile, the Department of Science and Technology (DOST) here in coordination with DOST-7 distributed ovicidal -larvicidal (OL) Kits and related reading materials in a bid to intensify efforts to educate the public about the OL trap and its ability to prevent dengue.

The identified secondary schools include Basac National High School, Candaping National High School, and Enrique Villanueva National High School.

Each school was given sets of ―Ang OL Trap sa Brgy.

Ma dengue‖, educational comics intended to inform the public especially high school students about OL Traps and dengue.

Also included in the package are ovicidal-larvicidal (OL) pellets, ladles and containers.(RAC/PIA7 with SCCII and DOST Siquijor reports)

EASTERN VISAYAS

EV agri-fishery sector to be more globally competitive

Technical Education and Skills Development Authority deputy director general Teodoro Pascua (left) welcomes guests and participants to the welcome back ceremonies and slogan signing for the Isuzu scholars of auto mechanic held at TESDA Multipurpose Covered Court, Brgy. Abucay, Tacloban City, February 16. (Raul S. Tiozon, Jr/PIA-8)

More on Region 8, pages 6-7.

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By Consuelo B. Alarcon TACLOBAN CITY, Leyte, Feb. 19 (PIA) –The agri-fishery sector in Eastern Visayas has stepped up mechanisms to be more globally competitive, the Department of Agriculture (DA) said.

This, after the European Parliament officially granted the Philippines’ request for inclusion in the European Union’s (EU) General System of Preferences Plus (GSP+) which means that the Philippines will soon be able to export, tariff-free, over 6, 200 products to the EU including processed fruit, coconut oil, footwear, fish and textiles.

DA Regional Director Bernadette San Juan said it’s great to know that the European Union included our country in the General System of Preferences so we can also share our potential benefits to the rest of the world. ―We have put in place mechanisms that are geared towards the attainment of being at par with other countries in terms of production and marketing of agri-fishery products,‖ San Juan said.

One of these is the implementation of the Philippine

Rural Development Project (PRDP) which focuses on expanding market access and improving competitiveness involving local government units (LGUs) and other Agri-fishery stakeholders.

Included in the PRDP is the Investments for Rural Enterprises and Agri-Fishery Productivity (I-REAP) aimed at developing a viable agri-fishery-based enterprises and productivity enhancement.

Some of these projects where LGUs can benefit are the vermicast production, establishment of nurseries, fish cages, fish sanctuaries, the enhancement of marine protected areas, mills, warehouse dryers, marketing facilities, among others. ―With our inclusion in this Free Trade Agreement, we envision market integration that is favorable to our Filipino farmers, fisher folks and other workers since it is tariff-free,‖ San Juan further said.

Said inclusion will also strengthen the trade incentives in respect to human and labor rights, environmental and good governance standards. (aen/cba/DA-8/PIA-8)

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WESTERN VISAYAS

BIR-Aklan collections up 14%

By Venus G. Villanueva KALIBO, Aklan, Feb. 18 (PIA6) -- The Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR) Revenue District No. 71 here was able to collect in 2014 a total of P1,220,452,576.54 in taxes registering a growth rate of 14% as against its collection in 2013, according to Revenue District Officer Eralen De Aro.

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n 2013, De Aro said total tax collections reached P1,070,923,865.74, or an increase of P149,528,710.80, making the Revenue District in Aklan No. 2 in Panay Island.

De Aro said this achievement was the result of the unified efforts of both the public and the private sector who contributed greatly to the attainment of

the collection target. ―We also recognize the strong cooperation and diligence of the men and women of the district who exerted much effort in collection generation despite the fact that some are holding two municipalities at the same time‖, De Aro said.

Meanwhile, when reminded all taxpayers except those in barangays to

make use of filing using the eBIR forms, eSubmission and the eFPS. These new systems, according to her, will be beneficial both to the BIR and the the taxpayers as well.

She also reminded all taxpayers to file their 2014 income tax returns early to avoid the rush, as the deadline is on April 15, 2015. (JCM/VGV BIR/PIA6 Aklan)

New Year, Old Bond: Celebrating Chinese influences on Ilonggo life By: Leonard T. Pineda I ILOILO CITY, Feb. 19 (PIA6) --- History tells us that the Chinese have long been part of the Ilonggos' way of life.

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ccording to the late historian and writer Dr. Henry Funtecha, traditional Chinese influences have been embedded in Iloilo’s past and present.

By the time the Spaniards colonized the country, a good number of them had already settled in the town of Molo, now one of the districts of Iloilo City.

Molo served as the commercial port of Iloilo during this time when Chinese bartered silk, porcelain wares and damask with the natives while the latter engaged in trading products from their farms, the sea and the forests.

A number of Chinese also settled down in Molo and married Ilonggo women. The descendants of these Chinese could be found among families named Consing, Ditching, Conlu, Ganzon, Guanzon, Jocson, Lacson, Layson, Locsin, Sianson, Yulo, and Yusay.

After the First World War, the growth of Chinese families and consequent presence of school-age children, coupled with cultural pride and political organizations, prompted the building of Iloilo’s Chinese schools for elementary education.

The Chinese Commercial School began in 1911 or a trade school owned by the old Iloilo

Confederation of Chinese businessmen. Sixty students enrolled.

This was followed by Sun Yat Sen School which was established through a group of nationalistic Cantonese and Fukienese supporters of the Kuomintang. The third school Chiang Kai Shek was built by the Ong Family Association due to a faction with the leadership of Sun Yat Sen. The Chinese were also omnipresent in the sinamay or weaving industry which had flourished in Iloilo by the 19th century. The province had begun to develop the reputation as the center of the textile weaving industry in the country.

The introduction of a sugar cane variety called ―sakara‖ was also among the legacies of the Chinese in Western Visayas. Subsequently, the Chinese also taught the natives how to extract sugar juice from the canes and to transform it into solid granules.

As to the sugar industry, it appears that almost all the important technology used in the process or preparation of muscovado sugar are of Chinese origin.

The large vat where the sugar juice is cooked to form into ―panocha‖ is ―cawa‖. To transfer boiling sugar from one ―cawa‖ to

another is called ―yaya‖. To clean the sap of impurities is ―suiani‖. ―Cansaja‖ on the other hand is the term for the wilted leaf of the cane and ―siapo‖ is the bagasse.

In terms of influencing the Ilonggo culinary palate, the Chinese also left a lasting legacy.

Still prominent today are batchoy, bihon, hototai, kimlo, lumpia, pancit (including pancit molo), siomai, and siopao.

La Villa Rica de Arevalo, a particular district that was once part of the Parian (Molo), became famous in the region for its beautiful fireworks or pyrotechnics and was dubbed as the home of Iloilo’s firecrackers industry.

Other lasting early Chinese influences on Ilonggo life include the wearing of the ―camisa de chino‖, the wearing of slippers, the popular leisure game of ―mahjong‖, the observance of ―feng shui‖, among others.

The list would still go long proving how Chinese had made an indelible imprint in the history and culture of Iloilo. The celebration by the city of the Chinese New Year with the theme ―United Iloilo on the Rise‖ is a reminder of the significant role the Chinese play and continue to play in the life of the Ilonggos. (JSC/LTP-PIA6 Iloilo)

Antique IO bags national award By: Pilar S. Mabaquiao SAN JOSE, Antique, Feb 18 (PIA6) – - In recognition of her exemplary performance as Trade and Industry Development Specialist and currently designated as Information Officer of the Department of Trade and Industry, a national recognition was bestowed on Engr. Lynna Joy Cardinal as SPRINT Awardee (System on Performance, Rewards and Incentives) in a recognition ceremony held at Philippine Trade Training Center Recently.

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a r d i n a l w a s a l s o n am e d B e s t Performing Information Officer during the Regional Conference and Awards of Information Officer in Region6 organized

by Philippine Information Agency (PIA) on December 2014 for her commendable performance. ―We congratulate DTI Info Officer Cardinal for attaining the national distinction, and may this award further encourages her to exert more effort to sustain her agency’s

mandate to educate the public on issues concerning consumer rights and protection,‖ said Totei Villavert, Officer In Charge of PIA Antique.

DTI’s SPRINT acknowledged the significant contribution of Cardinal to the department’s mandate that calls for advocacy on consumer rights and information by increasing media awareness of the general public on consumer issues.

Likewise, the awards committee had seen

her reliability towards her work that consistently contributed to the impressive performance of DTI Antique for the past years.

The agency shortlisted 56 employees and executives out of more than 2,000 personnel for the SPRINT Awards based on performance and behavioral ratings.

In addition, Cardinal is an active member of the Antique Association of Information Officers. (JCM/PSM/PIA Antique)

WESTERN VISAYAS

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DILG not leaving WV’s safety from disaster to chance By: Jaime S. Cabag, Jr. ILOILO CITY, Feb. 18 (PIA6) – Insofar as disaster preparedness is concerned, the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) is not leaving things to chance as it wants a safer Western Visayas.

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his was stressed by DILG U n de rsec re ta ry Au ste re A .

Panadero at the regional launching of their Operation LISTO and the disaster risk reduction and management Manuals that go with it held February 18 at Iloilo Grand Hotel here.

Panadero pointed out that the ultimate goal of Operation LISTO is to make the region a safer place through prompt, timely and adequate preparations based on the checklist provided in the Manuals. ―We can now predict (weather) better, so why leave things to chance?‖ remarked Panadero, referring to the rationale of their project in relation to the improved weather forecasting capability of DOST-PAGASA, the country’s weather bureau.

The Manuals are intended for the use and application of DILG Field Officers, Local

Chief Executives and Philippine National Police station chiefs and Bureau of Fire Protection marshals.

The project or new set of protocols in disaster preparedness also calls for closer coordination among the DILG, its family agencies, local government units and other stakeholders with the help of information from warning agencies.

The project was prompted by the experience from previous natural disasters especially typhoons and is anchored on the national disaster risk reduction and management framework, said Panadero.

Meanwhile, the DILG will roll out Operation LISTO to the provinces and down to municipalities and barangays and including the youth to their field offices and LGUs on the new protocols.

Under the guidance of the Regional

Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (RDRRMC), we will all be collaborating on all these things on the ground, Panadero said.

He also led the turnover of copies of the Manuals to the regional and provincial heads of DILG agencies including the PNP, BFP and Bureau of Jail Management and Penology and partner-agencies in the RDRRMC Disaster Preparedness Committee with DILG-6 Director lawyer Anthony Nuyda and Local Government Academy Executive Director Marivel Sacendoncillo.

Other RDRRMC Committee member-agency regional heads who also graced the affair were Director Engr. Rowen Gelonga of the Department of Science and Technology and Director lawyer Ma. Janet Mesa of the Philippine Information Agency.

(JSC-PIA6)

NFA deploys procurement teams in remote areas By: Jemin B. Guillermo ROXAS CITY, Capiz, Feb. 17 (PIA6) – Mobile palay procurement teams are ready for deployment in the different areas in Capiz.

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nformation Officer Mary Christie Hari-on of the National Food Authority here disclosed that their mobile procurement teams are now for deployment in remote areas to provide farmers easy access in selling their produce. ―We want to relieve farmers from the burden of bringing their palay produce to the NFA buying stations either in Bolo, Roxas City or in Dumalag warehouse, the reason why we are the one who are going to their areas,‖ she said.

Hari-on said that farmers are at times given additional burden in transporting their palay produce entailing additional cost.

She said that the NFA buys clean and dry palay at P17 per kilogram with additional

incentives such as delivery fee ranging from 20 to 50 centavos per kilogram depending on the distance from the buying station, drying incentive fee and cooperative development incentive fee of 20 and 30 centavos, respectively.

She said that both individual and farmer’s organizations can sell their palay harvest to the food agency.

Hari-on explained that walk-in farmers are allowed to sell and deliver their palay up to 200 bags only with a certification from the barangay captain, stating among others the area being cultivated and its yield.

For farmer’s cooperatives or associations, they only need to submit registration certificates from the Cooperative

Development Authority or Securities and Exchange Commission or any registration certificate from concerned government agency for the issuance of Master’s Passbook, she said.

Hari-on added that, for purposes of determining the procurement allocation, the said cooperative should also submit a list of farmer-members certified by the municipal agriculture office, indicating the area, palay yield and whether the said area id irrigated or not.

For this year, NFA Capiz targets to buy 75,000 bags of palay as buffer stock, she said, pointing out that sufficient fund for said purpose has been allotted for the food agency here. (JCM/JBG/PIA6)

Fight cancer with healthy lifestyle, right info By: Lorenzo O. Lambatin, Jr. NEGROS OCC., Feb. 16 (PIA6) -- With the right information and healthy lifestyle, a person can reduce his or her chances of getting cancer, a government physician said.

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n a recent interview over Radyo Kumando 103.1 FM, Provincial Health Officer III Teresa Bacabac said cancer prevention begins in knowing one’s risk by looking at a person’s medical history so that right decisions are made.

Healthy lifestyle should be observed and only a person can have a total control of his lifestyle because it is a matter of personal choice, she further said. It is ideal

to have a healthy diet that has less red meat, low in cholesterol, sugar and salt.

Vegetables and fruits consumption should be at the right amount while alcohol consumption in moderation.

Regular exercise also plays a vital role in keeping a person fit. Bacabac recommends a patient sees a doctor at once whenever abnormalities are detected-no matter how small it may be. Quoting the DOH,

she said breast cancer is the most common in the country where more than 15 percent die from a total of 50,000 cases. Doctors advise women to have regular breast examination to catch an abnormal growth at its early stage where recovery rate is at its highest.

The country recently observed cancer awareness month on the third week of January. (JSC/Lljr-PIA6)

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CENTRAL VISAYAS

DSWD holds press briefing on convergence strategy DUMAGUETE CITY, Feb. 18 (PIA) – The Department of Social Welfare and Development Region-7 (DSWD) yesterday briefed members of Dumaguete media on the department’s convergence strategy in implementing its three social protection programs to address poverty.

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SWD believes it is also important to for the local media to know how these programs carry out the strategy as well as its gains for Negros Oriental as partners in information dissemination.

DSWD’s convergence strategy is the harmonized implementation of the department’s three social protection program which are the Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program (4Ps), Kapit-Bisig Laban sa Kahirapan -Comprehensive and Integrated Delivery of Social Services-National Community -Driven Development Program (KALAHI -CIDSS-NCDDP) and the Sustainable Livelihood Program.

DSWD-7 Planning Officer Anthony Arsenal explained it is a multi-dimensional

approach to alleviate the situation of poor Filipino families. ―Convergence is focusing and synchronization of resources, services and interventions on specific target families,‖ Arsenal said.

The 4Ps is the country’s conditional cash transfer program, wherein the government hands over cash grants to poor families to ensure that the educational, nutritional and health needs of children are properly addressed has 4.4 million families nationwide.

DSWD’s 4Ps is now on the 6th year of implementation in Negros Oriental.

The KALAHI-CIDSS-NCDDP, on the other hand, aims to empower communities and improve local governance through community driven -development approach have covered 334

barangays in 14 municipalities in Negros Oriental so far. Arsenal also presented during the briefing that in 2012, the province has registered a 45.3% poverty incidence. This translates to 314, 659 identified poor families.

However, Arsenal noted that the 2012 earthquake in Guihulngan had affected the magnitude of poor families in Negros Oriental. The DSWD will once again conduct a verification of poor families within the year to update their database on the number of poor households in the province. Arsenal emphasized to local media personnel that DSWD’s convergence strategy aims bring self sufficiency to poor individuals in the province and help poor families rise from poverty. (ral/PIA7-NegOr)

CSC career service exam set May 3 CEBU CITY, Feb. 16 (PIA) --- The Civil Service Commission (CSC-7) announces the conduct of the Career Service Examination (CSE) for professional and non-professional level on May 3 for interested applicants who want to join government service.

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SC-7 public assistance and liaison division chief, Prolaine Dacalan said, the application form can be secured from any CSC Regional or Field Office or downloaded from the CSC website www.csc.gov.ph.

Eligible to apply for the CSE - Paper Pencil Test (PPT) in both levels are Filipino citizens, at least 18 years old and of good moral character.

Applicant must have no criminal

record nor have been dishonorably discharged from military service or dismissed from any civilian position in the government.

Applicants also must have not taken the same level of CSE within three months from the last exam taken.

Documentary requirements needed include four ID pictures taken within three months prior to application and an original and photocopy of any valid ID.

An examination fee of P500 for the PPT will be charged. ―Deadline for submission of application is on March 12 as interested applicants can inquire further details from their office or any CSC field office,‖ said Dacalan.

The CSE has a passing rate of 80 percent while results of the test are usually released after 45 days and will also be posted on the CSC website.

Bohol’s crimes down from Dec. 2014 TAGBILARAN CITY, Bohol, Feb. 17 (PIA) — From the spending-intensive December to the leaner January, crime volume incidence in Bohol decreases, perhaps due to lesser crime opportunity.

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or Bohol police, however, the decrease is an indication of a better accomplishment, with a huge portion of crimes listed as physical injuries, caused by alcohol intoxication than premeditation.

At the Provincial Peace and Order Council Meeting held February 17, 2015 at the People’s Mansion Conference Hall, Camp Dagohoy statisticians showed that total crime volume in December 2014 towered at 752 over the 718 reported in January 2015.

The 34 less crimes in January 2015 comprise six crimes increase in non-index crimes but an unprecedented 40 cases decrease in index crimes, pointed out Police Superintendent Nicomedes Olaivar.

On this, Supt Olaivar cited their intensified law enforcement operations as contributive of the increase of operational accomplishments, all of them resulted from consistent and aggressive campaign on illegal drugs through buy-bust operations and illegal possession of firearms through search-warrant-guided raids.

For crime solution efficiency, police also did better in December to January time frame, solving 383 of 426 cases and clearing 392 of 458 cases, Olaivar said.

Supt Olaivar rendered the report in lieu of his commander PSSupt. Dennis Agustin, who chose to sit on the sidelines of the meeting.

Top crimes for the month, according to Supt Olaivar, are physical injuries at

189 cases, followed by theft at 134 and robbery at 54.

And for physical injuries, Olayver showed that unlike what most would associate with physical injuries, mauling only constitutes 30 of the 189 cases for the month. Vehicular accidents own up the biggest share of physical injuries cases at 127, a thing which police authorities credited to drunk-driving.

Despite all of these, Camp Dagohoy said ―statistics reflect theft and physical injury remains to be the prevalent crimes in the distribution of index crimes.

Physical Injury as broken down shows that incidents in physical injuries are not mostly human inflicted crimes but due to human errors or traffic related accidents.

(RAC/PIABohol)

CENTRAL VISAYAS

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Fun Run for TESDA scholars set March 7 CEBU, Feb. 18 (PIA) – A Fun Run for a Cause dubbed ―Tatak TESDA: Dagan Ta, Tabang Ta‖ is set on March 7 where proceeds will benefit the scholars of the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA-7).

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he run early next month will have two categories which are the 3K and the 6K that will jumpstart at 5:00 in the morning beginning at Sumilon Road, Cebu Business Park.

Initiated by the Cebu Association of Private Technical Vocational Institutions (CAPTI), the purpose is to raise funds to help TESDA scholars who barely have the resources for transportation fare and food which usually cause these scholars to drop out from their

training.

Proceeds from the fund-raising activity will provide deserving TESDA scholars their daily allowance to sustain them throughout the duration of their training.

CAPTI is inviting the public to join the cause and help the poor TESDA scholars who work hard to make a better life for their families.

TESDA Sec. Joel Villanueva has given his 100 percent support to the

project and is invited to participate in the fun run.

The long time goal of the association is to sustain this kind of project to benefit more scholars.

Registration fee is at P350 with singlet and food.

Those who are interested to join can go to the following: Runners Store in Ayala Center, Primary Homes Office in SM Cebu or at TESDA 7 Regional Office. (fcr/pia7 with TESDA-7 PR)

POPCOM celebrates 45th year anniversary CEBU CITY, Feb. 18 (PIA) --- The Commission on Population (POPCOM) will celebrate its 45th year anniversary on February 18, 2015.

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ince its establishment, POPCOM has taken the lead in contributing to the improvement of the quality of life of all Filipinos through responsible parenting, better health and education, attainment of population outcomes that are in harmony with available resources and sustainable environmental conditions, and reduction of poverty and inequalities in human development opportunities.

A one-day event will be conducted in POPCOM Building, Mandaluyong City between 8:00AM- 5:00PM. The event will feature tree planting with in the POPCOM groun ds, thanksgiving mass, ribbon cutting and viewing of photo exhibit, wellness activities, and conduct of Kalusugang Pangkalahata (KP) Roadshow Activities including Family Development Session/

Responsible Parenting-Family Planning (FDS/RP-FP) session, Kalalakihang Tapatsa Responsibilidad at ObligasyonsaPamilya (KATROPA) session, and Youth-for-You (U4U) teen trail initiative. Residents of Mandaluyong City and specifically Barangay Addition Hills will be the beneficiaries of the activity, which is the way by which POPCOM gives thanks to its host community.

The event will also showcase the soft launch of the awarding ceremony of the Rafael M. Salas Population and Development Award (RMSPDA) 2014 which will commence in August 2015.

The award is designed to perpetuate the legacy of Rafael M. Salas by honoring local government units, local chief executives and institutions or individuals for their outstanding contributions in the field of population and

development.

On its 45th year in service, POPCOM hopes to further heighten the consciousness and provoke a meaningful discussion among government, non-government officials, individuals, and institutions that would lead to finding best ways to maximize the implementation of population management programs and services, not only in the national but also local levels.

With the dedication, commitment and invaluable service of its staff, partners, and stakeholders, PopCom aims that its current efforts for and with our Filipino people will be further strengthened and hopes that it will pave the way for the attainment of its vision of well-planned, healthy, happy, prosperous, and empowered Filipino families. (PIA-7/ PopCom)

Monsod:The country needs more heroes DUMAGUETE CITY, Feb. 19 (PIA) – Newspaper columnist and economics professor Solita Monsod says the country’s problems on economy and politics can be solved if more people will take the path of heroism than just being passive acceptors of the prevailing evils in the society.

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onsod shared this in a forum with mass communication students of Silliman University (SU) on Feb. 16 at the university audio-visual theater.

The event was organized by SU College of Mass Communication, in partnership with Philippine Daily Inquirer, one of the prominent newspapers in the country.

In her presentation, Monsod pointed out that the country needs more heroes, ordinary people who do social action in an extraordinary manner to counter the evil that is present in the society which hinders the development of the country.

Monsod also emphasizes that the evil triumphs when good people become passive

acceptors or do nothing to correct it. ―We can become heroes when our thoughts move from me to we. We become heroes when act instead of being passive.

We become heroes when we deviate from the normal way of doing things,‖ Monsod said. ―What is required for this social action to be extraordinary? It is in an action in behalf of other people or moral cause or principle. It is an action that is done without the thought of reward,‖ she added.

Monsod urges young people to be more sensitive to the needs of others and be critical thinkers for this will encourage them to do more social actions.

On the other hand, Monsod calls evil as

the exercise of power to harm somebody or destroy an idea. ―That is why corruption is evil. You exercise your power to benefit yourself or your family or your friends. We are a nation that is afflicted with evil and we are a nation that needs to have heroes,‖ Monsod declared. ―The way to solve the problems in the Philippines, whether in politics and economics is for more people to be socio-centric,‖ she concluded.

Monsod’s lecture in Silliman is anchored on the study by social psychologist Philip Zimabardo who believes that there is a permeable line between evil and heroism. (ral/PIA7-NegOr)

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EASTERN VISAYAS

Tourists urged: Refresh this summer in Samar

By Ninfa B. Quirante CATBALOGAN CITY, Samar, Feb. 19 (PIA) - Samar tourism council urges tourists to experience the many water forms in Samar where tourists can refresh through the hot summer months.

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n a meeting with agency partners and the private sector to push eco-tourism in Samar recently, the council headed by Gov Sharee Ann Tan revealed tourist-ready destinations in the 3rd largest island.

Despite the many tourist destinations in Samar with its undisturbed and unexplored mountains and eco-tourism sites, Samar will initially offer Sohoton Cave in Basey and Ulot Watershed torpedo boat ride.

In Basey, tourists can explore Sohoton caves, inside the Sohoton Natural Park.

The 840-hectare park features limestone walls, a natural rock bridge,

underground river, verdant forests and caves with majestic interiors that tourists rave about. According to TripAdvisor blog, Sohoton cave ranks number 6 in tourist destinations in the country. It is also considered among the top 102 attractions in Samar Island.

On the other hand, the Ulot Torpedo Boat Ride in Barangay Tenani, Paranas, Samar has also been drawing crowds of adventurers especially the younger generation for its extreme adventure.

Boat riders are ushered into torpedo-like boats.

Torpedo also means Tenani boat Operators for River Protection and Environmental Development. Ulot River is

a 31-kilometer river where the torpedo river cruise weaves in and out of large stones maneuvered by the best boatmen.

These boatmen were said to be lumberjacks who switched careers from being timber poachers to protectors of the river and the environment. The ride also treats one with the verdant forest and birdlife.

While Samar boasts of more than a hundred destinations of natural beauty and wonder, the council believes that this initial offer will draw more tourists and each time, Samar will always have something new to offer. (ajc/nbq/PIA 8 -Samar)

Biliran province, 2 towns receive nat’l health award

By Rodrigo S. Victoria NAVAL, Biliran, Feb. 17 (PIA) – No less than the chief of the health department in Eastern Visayas has announced that Biliran province and two other towns in the province were recipients of the 2014 national health award.

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Biliran province and the towns of Almeria and Maripipi were recipients of the ―national health award‖ DOH 8 regional director Jose R. Llacuna, Jr. proudly announced in a gathering of provincial health officials and workers in Biliran recently.

A provincial health summit was held on February 12, 2015 at the NSU Hostel function room in Naval, Biliran where best practices of the Biliran provincial hospital and rural health units in the province in terms of local health services delivery system brought by improved health facilities and equipment and access to quality medicines through the universal health care program of the Aquino administration were showcased.

Biliran province is one of the recipients

among the ten identified provinces nationwide and two of its municipalities namely, Almeria and Maripipi are included in the list of 20 identified municipalities that will receive the Excellence in Kalusugan Pangkalahatan Awards 2014 scheduled on February 20 at the SMX Convention Center, Mall of Asia Complex, Pasay City with no less than President Benigno Simeon Aquino III to give the award.

The Department of Health (DOH) launched the Excellence in Kalusugan Pangkalahatan Awards 2014 last year.

The award is aimed at recognizing local government units (LGUs) that exhibited commendable performance on health as reflected in the 2013 LGU scorecard report.

The award is also aimed at encouraging LGUs participation in the localization of Ka-

lusugan Pangkalahatan that leads to enhanced delivery of health services that contributed to the attainment of Millennium Development Goals (MDGs) 4 on improved child health, MDG 5 on improved maternal health, MDG 6 to combat HIV/AIDS, malaria and other diseases and MDG 7 to ensured environmental sustainability.

The recipients of the national health award will receive a cash prize of as high as half a million pesos and a consolation prize of P50,000 for the provincial awardees and as high as one million pesos and a P50,000 consolation prize for the municipal awardees.

The cash award shall be used to fund health-related projects to further improve performance of their health system. (fj/ rvictoria/PIA 8 Biliran)

PDNA ensures better disaster rehab, recovery

By Teresita B. Cardenas CATARMAN, Northern Samar, Feb. 19 (PIA) – Post Disaster Needs Assessment (PDNA) ensures efficient, effective and well-organized disaster rehabilitation and recovery, says Provincial Planning and Development Coordinator Engr. Romeo M. Cardenas in an interview at Radio Station DYSM.

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ardenas said that it is a multi -sectoral and multidisciplinary structured approach for assessing disaster impacts and prioritizing recovery and reconstruction needs.

PDNA is generally intended to estimate two important factors: 1) the short term interventions to initiate

recovery from the damages and losses; and 2) the financial requirements needed to achieve a holistic post-disaster recovery, reconstruction and risk management, he said. Cardenas added that the goal of disaster rehabilitation and recovery is to restore and improve the facilities, livelihoods, living conditions and

organizational capacities of the affected communities, and reduce disaster risks in accordance with the build back better principle. The program is led by the government in collaboration with international development partners and even private sector. (ajc/tbc/PIA8-North Samar)

EASTERN VISAYAS

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Communities urged to be responsible pet owners TACLOBAN CITY, Leyte, Feb. 17 (PIA) – Ms. Edna Tumandao, Provincial Rabies Coordinator, Eastern Samar Provincial Health Office (ES-PHO) appealed to pet owners in this province to be responsible handlers of their pet dogs and cats.

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umandao said this over Radio ng Bayan DYES amid reports of rising cases of rabies coming from northern municipalities.

According to the Anti-Rabies Campaign Coordinator, from 2011 to 2012 there was no Rabies case reported but between 2013-2014, the towns of Arteche(1), Oras(1), Dolores(2) and Can-avid (1) have these reported five cases. ―While we cannot totally eliminate the infection from the bites of animals, sometimes even human, at least we can reduce the number,‖ Ms. Tumandao said. ―But what is surprising, is, we instead noticed of an increase of rabid cases‖, she added.

She informed that last 2010 up to 2012, the province benefited the Anti-Rabies program of ―Bill and Melinda Gates

Foundation‖, with free vaccines such that the immunization coverage was high which possibly could have prevented victims from the viral infection.

Since the Foundation terminated their program here, it was then expected that LGUs would sustain the health program, Ms. Tumandao said but due to financial matters or otherwise, very few enforced the ordinance.

Come March 3 the Anti-Rabies Program will kick-off and up to May, and PHO will spearhead the yearly observance of Anti-Rabies Program, particularly the Mass Dog Immunization Campaign which expects a 70%-80% Immunization Coverage.

According to her, municipal-LGUs will share their counterpart for vaccines, TEVs and vaccinators.

She further informed however, that a

vaccine in a dog, would be good only for one year, and that, it has to be repeated annually if only to secure the people around the dog or those in the entire community.

A vial of the vaccine which costs P1,850.00 will already be god for four shots for persons.

The health-worker also reminded dog victims to submit themselves for consultation in RHUs or medical clinics, once they have been bitten, and not wait for a symptom to show up in the body or in the person, besides, ―not all bites are risky‖, Edna said, thus the need for a medical consultation. ―But it is still best if Anti-Rabies Ordinance in each LGU, which they all have, is enforced efficiently‖, Tumandao concluded.

What a pleasant barangay road to walk through with no stray dog walking here and

US docs in Borongan for 3-day medical mission

By Samuel D. Candido BORONGAN CITY, Eastern Samar, Feb. 19 (PIA) --- The Couples for Christ (CFC) – Answering the Cry of the Poor (ANCOP), Eastern Samar Chapter in partnership with the Provincial Government of Eastern Samar through Governor Conrado ―Aklan‖ B. Nicart, Jr. will conduct a Medical and Surgical Mission ANCOP-United States of America (USA) on February 19-21, 2015 this City.

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he Medical and Surgical Team are CFC-ANCOP Filipinos who are residing in USA and Manila. They wish to help the poor in Eastern Samar through the Medical and Surgical Mission.

The Medical Team will treat cough, fever, asthma, allergies, skin diseases, body pains and other diseases while the Surgical Team will conduct surgery such as: cataract removal, thyroidectomy, pterygium

treatment, cholecystectomy, cleft lip surgery, hernia and OB cases like TAHBSO. The said services are free of charge of consultation, and patients will receive free medicines and vitamins with free snacks while those who undergo Surgery are free from fees for laboratory works to the post operation care with free medicines and vitamins.

As of this writing, there are already 350 patients for medical and 32 for major

operations and 13 for minor operations.

Meanwhile, the CFC-E. Samar together with Provincial Government through Provincial Board Member, Hon. Karen Domingo Alvarez, will distribute 750 food packs in Brgys. Sohutan, Calicoan, San Jose, Siha and San Gabriel, the flooded barangays during ―Typhoon Ruby‖. According to Hon. Alvarez, the packs contain rice, beef loaf and coffee which will be distributed to every household. (aen/sdc/PIA8-ESamar)

Welfare aid services in SoLeyte bared

By Marcelo M. Pedalino MAASIN CITY, Southern Leyte, Feb. 18 (PIA) - Owing to the lingering impact of super typhoon Yolanda, the provincial social welfare and development office (PSWDO) here had disbursed funds amounting to P1.248 million for 416 families In the first quarter of last year.

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n addition, some 930 families were given food assistance or cash for work in the amount of P279,396 and for the whole year 2014, the province spent P2.032 million to 1,032 individuals to answer for various needs like medicine, laboratory expenses, and medical procedure or operation.

This was one of the highlights Gov. Roger Mercado reported last week over the new cable TV weekly series entitled ―Provincial Report‖ held at the Rizal Hall, or second floor of the provincial capitol building. ―In the aftermath of typhoons Basyang and Ruby, we distributed food packs amounting to P1.681 Million to 35,511 families who took shelter in our evacuation centers,‖ Gov.

Mercado said.

He said he was glad that despite the calamities that hit the region ―our province has been spared from any human casualty,‖ citing the efforts exerted by the provincial risk reduction management council. ―Our success in this department is a joint effort and I enjoin each and every one of you to continue to be vigilant, to be pro-active so we can sustain our zero casualty track record,‖ Mercado stressed.

Aside from typhoon-related assistance, Mercado also mentioned the Enhanced Assistance to Individuals in Crisis Situation program of the national DSWD coursed through the PSWDO, in the amount of P 5.883

Million released to 1,659 individuals all over the province.

To help equip the labor force with the required skills to be gainfully employed, the PSWDO conducted various skills and technical training which benefitted 364 individuals. The cost in the conduct of activities was P264,968.00. ―We continue to implement various programs and projects geared toward improving the welfare of our constituents, including Women Welfare Programs, Children Welfare Programs, Senior Citizens Program, Family Welfare Programs, Gender Sensitivity and Population Control,‖ Mercado said. (ajc/ mmp/PIA8-Southern Leyte)

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. Baùares 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