One Visayas e-Newsletter Vol 5 Issue 36

Vol 5

Issue 36

In this Issue WESTERN VISAYAS

DSWD Secretary Corazon Juliano-Soliman witnesses the signing of the Memorandum of Understanding between DSWD 6 Director Ma. Evelyn Macapobre and DILG 6 Director Atty. Anthony Nuyda in Iloilo City, September 10. The MOU will establish an independent fact-finding team to monitor the implementation of Shelter Assistance for typhoon Yolanda affected families in Western Visayas. The team will be led by the Ugnayan ng Barangay at Simbahan (UBAS). Also witnessing the event are Msgr. Meliton Oso of JASAC, Victoria Garchitorena of UBAS and Atty. Marines Ledesma of DILG/UBAS.

More on Region 6, pages 2-3.

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CENTRAL VISAYAS

Department of Finance Secretary Cesar Purisima led the unveiling of APEC Cebu Action Plan Commemorative Marker before the start of the Joint Press Conference of the APEC Finance Ministers held September 11 at the Marquee Hall, Shangri-La Mactan, Lapulapu City. (vvv/PIA Cebu)

More on Region 7, pages 4-5.

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Published by: PIA 6, 7 & 8

Sept. 7 - 13, 2015

8 EV LGUs cited for reducing maternal and infant mortalities CONSUELO B. ALARCON TACLOBAN CITY, Leyte, Sept. 4 (PIA) – Eight local government units (LGUs) in Eastern Visayas have successfully completed the Municipal Local Governance Program, a program for local chief executives and municipal health officers aimed at instituting transformative changes for better health outcomes of their respective municipalities.

This program is in response to the gap in the health service delivery directed towards achieving the UN Millenium Development Goals to reduce maternal and infant mortalities within the ambit of the agency‘s Kalusugan Pangkalahatan program.

In a press conference held Friday at DOH Regional Office 8, Regional Director Minerva P. Molon congratulated the local leaders for the Colloquium, a recognition tendered for all mayors and municipal health officers who had undergone the rigorous and intensive training and have overcome their health challenges.

She was referring to the Mayors from the municipalities of Can-Avid, Taft, Jipapad and Dolores, all in Eastern Samar; Lavezares, San Roque and Lapinig, all in

Northern Samar; the late Mayor of Paranas W. Samar including the municipal health officers of said municipalities.

Said leaders faced the challenges of the child and maternal health condition of their respective municipalities. ―With this new perspective on my leadership role, I became very much concerned whenever there is emergency birthing. I want to make sure that the mother and the baby will be able to safely go through the process of birthing,‖ Mayor Gil Norman Germino of LGU Can-Avid said. ―The Municipal Leadership and Governance Program (MLGP) taught me a lot. Together with the MHO, we have activated the Local Health Board and moved towards keeping maternal death at zero despite our being a geographically isolated and disadvantaged area (GIDA),‖ Jipapad Mayor Delia Monleon said.

The Municipal Leadership and Governance Program (MLGP) is a project of the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) and Zuellig Family Foundation (ZFF) in partnership with the Department of Health and the University of the Philippines School of Health Sciences (UPSHS). (ajc/cba/PIA-8)

Pres. Aquino: Cebu Action Plan augments PHL economy's rise

By Ferliza Calizar-Contratista CEBU CITY, Sept. 11 (PIA6) — The Asia Pacific Economic Conference (APEC) Cebu Action Plan (CAP) reinforces the growth of the Philippine economy, according to Pres. Benigno ―Noynoy‖ Aquino III. Welcoming the delegates at the start of the two-day Finance Ministers Meeting, Sept. 10 at the Shangri La Hotel, Lapulapu City in Cebu province, the President said: ―I am told that it ticks all the right boxes: better financial integration among APEC members fosters an environment ripe for investment,‖ Aquino said.

He also said that CAP, which was launched after the meeting, enforces greater transparency when it coes to government funds, maximizes efficiencies, and the benefits enjoyed by the constituents.

Aquino hoped there will be clearer pathways for the building of inclusive growth and better world, as APEC economy leaders will meet in November.

Earlier in his speech, Aquino shared the economic accomplishments of the Philippines in the last five years, after quickly realizing how the leaders had underestimated how much the severity of patronage and corruption of the past had undermined the institutions.

Five years after Aquino said the Growth Domestic Product rate from 2010-2014 posted a growth of 6.2 percent, the fastest for the Philippines‘ period of economic growth in four decades.

He said the country also received 22 positive credit rating actions. ―The most prominent among these occurred in 2013,

when the world‘s most prominent credit ratings agencies unanimously declared the Philippines investment grade.

On top of this, the Philippines‘ credit default swaps have remained one of the lowest in the region,‖ the President said.

In terms of competitiveness, the Philippines rose from 85th to 52nd in the World Economic Forum‘s Global Competitiveness Index, from 144th to 95th in the World Bank‘s Ease of Doing Business Report, amongst many other indices.

Among the reforms mentioned by the President which led to the improvement of the economy include the revamp of the budgeting system and fiscal prudence.

The four pillars of CAP are: financial integration, fiscal reforms and transparency, financial resilience and infrastructure development and financing. (rmn/fcc/ PIA7-Cebu)

President. Benigno S. Aquino III delivering his Welcome Address during the Finance Ministers‘ Meeting of Asia Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) held September 10, 2015 at Mactan Shangri-La, Lapulapu City. ‪#‎APEC2015PH (vvv/PIA Cebu)

EASTERN VISAYAS

PNoy to unveil convention center, business park markers

Change of Command Ceremony for new 801st Brigade Commander Col Perfecto M. Rimando Jr INF (GSC) PA, 801Bde with BGEN Leonico A. Cirunay Jr AFP 801Bde & MGEN Jet B. Velarmino AFP, Commander, 8ID as presiding officer @ Camp. Daza, Hinabangan, Samar, September 14, 2015. (PIA8)

More on Region 8, pages 6-7.

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By Lilibeth French ILOILO CITY (PIA6) -- President Benigno S. Aquino is scheduled to lead on September 14 the unveiling of the marker of the Iloilo Convention Center (ICC), the first state of the art convention and event center in Western Visayas. He will also unveil the township marker of the Iloilo Business Park, a 72-hectare business location developed by Megaworld in Mandurriao district.

The 700-million ICC is situated within Iloilo Business Park. It can accommodate more than 3,000 people at any given time and comprised of a ground plenary hall, function rooms, museum and a VIP room.

Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) started the construction of the ICC in December 9, 2013.

The facility boasts of a unique architectural design by Ilonggo architect, William Coscolluela featuring paraw, a native double outrigger sailboat in the Visayas region, used

in the annual Paraw Regatta Festival sailboat race. Also, abstract designs of the famous Dinagyang Festival are eatured on the glass walls of the center.

After his tour of the facilities, President Aquino who will be introduced by Senate President Franklin Drilon, instrumental behind the construction of ICC, is expected to give a message during the inauguration program.

Dr. Andrew Tan, Chairman and CEO of Megaworld Corporation, will likewise give a message.

Aside from Drilon, other top government officials expected at the event are DPWH Secretary Rogelio Singson, Department of Tourism Secretary Ramon Jimenez, and Department of Agriculture Secretary Proceso Alcala.

Congressman Jerry Trenas, Governor Arthur Defensor, Mayor Jed Patrick Mabilog will lead the local officials who will welcome President Aquino. (JCM/LAF/ PIA6-Iloilo)

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WESTERN VISAYAS

APEC to showcase the best of local products

By Leonard T. Pineda I ILOILO CITY, Sept. 9 (PIA6) --- The Asia Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) meetings here will be a great opportunity to showcase the best of our local industries including souvenir items, said the National Economic Development Authority (NEDA)-6.

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EDA-6 Regional Director Ro-Ann Bacal said that the hosting of the APEC meetings is a chance to showcase what Iloilo can offer to neighbors in the Asia Pacific region. ―Iloilo City is already in the consciousness of the APEC member economies and this means so much for the city,‖ she said.

She said that APEC delegates and guests

also look around to what Iloilo City can offer and what it is all about. ―They also want to bring home part of the host country and if that means bringing home souvenirs, then we must be ready to bring out our best,‖ she said.

She said that their visit here may encourage them to come back and they may also entice their friends to come over and

check the city.

Iloilo City is set to host three more APEC meetings including the APEC Small and Medium Enterprise meeting from Sept. 21 to 25 and the Senior Disaster Management Officials Forum from Sept. 22 to 23.

The High Level Policy Dialogue on Food Security and the Blue Economy is from Sept.

28 to Oct. 6. (JCM/LTP/PIA-Iloilo).

OPA urges farmers to prepare for El Niño

By Jemin B. Guillermo ROXAS CITY, Capiz, Sept. 10 (PIA6) – The Office of the Provincial Agriculturist is urging farmers to prepare for the long drought.

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ccording to OPA head Sylvia dela Cruz they are intensifying their information and education activities for farmers on the measures to mitigate the impact of the El Niño phenomenon experienced here and in the other parts of the country.

She said that the El Niño could result in the reduction of harvests on crops and livestock, which measures should be planned out now.

Dela Cruz said that since supply of water will be a primary concern for rice farms, farmers should also take alternative crops,

recommending them to plant root crops, vegetables and rice variety having early or short maturity.

She explained that as of August, Capiz is experiencing the dry spell or having a rainfall below normal. ―Starting December until March next year, we will have drought already where the rainfall will be way below normal,‖ she said.

Dela Cruz said that the OPA is already finalizing its El Niño mitigation plan and is urging the different agricultural offices of the local government units here to have their

respective mitigation plans also.

She also appealed to the City and Municipal Agricultural Offices to conduct monitoring and assessment of their various irrigation systems as well as submit damage report whenever there are damages due to the El Niño.

She likewise pointed out that while the El Niño has an advantage to the fishponds where photosynthetic process takes place, the situation has a negative impact to marine waters because of the bloom or growth of red tide organism. (JCM/JBG/PIA6)

POPCOM presents sexual/non sexual behavior of teens

By Venus G. Villanueva KALIBO, Aklan, Sept. 10 (PIA6) -- The Commission on Population 6 (POPCOM) recently conducted a forum on Young Adult Fertility and Sexuality Survey (YAFSS) result in Aklan centered on the risk behavior of young people of Western Visayas.

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he forum, held at Nenette‘s Garden in Kalibo in coordination with the Aklan Provincial Population and Gender Office (AKPPGO), was attended by high school students from various high schools in the province, representatives from the academe, provincial and municipal health offices and other sectors and the local media.

POPCOM 6 Regional Director Harold Marshall presented the result of the fourth round of YAFSS which was conducted in 2013 through interviews of some 19,178 young people representing all sectors including males and females, single and married, and the Muslim youth.

Surveyed were young people from ages 15-24.

Director Marshall revealed during the presentation that the survey in Western Visayas included young people from the municipalities of Madalag and Balete in Aklan.

The result of the survey, contained in the research papers of Prof. Maria Paz N. Marquez and Dr. Andre C. Ortega of Demographic

Research and Development Foundation of the University of the Philippines Population Institute, was dubbed Risk Behavior of Young People in Western Visayas.

The paper provides a summary of key findings from the 2013 YAFSS survey which focused on the various sexual and non sexual risk behaviors, teenage pregnancy and knowledge and awareness among youth residing in Region 6.

Reacting to the presentation as one of the panelists, Dr. Melanie Tolentino of RHU-Kalibo said the survey provided information on the behavior of the youth and she shared that in Kalibo, the rural health center has catered to problems of the youth like sexually-transmitted diseases and health workers have devised a way for these young people to share their health problems.

She also said that the center is offering pre-natal check-ups and has catered to pregnant teenagers which at the same time they subject to counseling in a tie-up with the Provincial Health Office (PHO).

On the other hand, Ruby Agnes Estrada of DepEd-Aklan said there is a need to strengthen the advocacy on young adult fertility through integration of ideas but teachers need to be capacitated through trainings in order to sustain the advocacy in schools.

Meanwhile, Chloe Reynaldo, a Grade 10 student of Regional Science High School (RSHS) in Kalibo, also a panelist, said the result of the survey may not represent the totality of the youth‘s sexual and non-sexual behavior as others might have been ashamed to answer truthfully. ―Some peers share more information with their own age because they feel they wouldn‘t be judged‖, Reynaldo said.

For all these, POPCOM Marshall acknowledged that their observations are valid and he appealed for their help to generate information and formulate programs to benefit the youth, saying that the commission cannot do all things on its own. (JCM/VGV PIA6 Aklan)‎

WESTERN VISAYAS SETUP to push competitiveness

3 for

MSMEs

By Leonard T. Pineda I ILOILO CITY, Sept. 7 (PIA6) --- The Department of Science and Technology (DOST)-6 continues to push for more competitive micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs) in the region through its Small Enterprise Technology Upgrading Program (SETUP). ccording to a report from DOST-6, Engineering, and Others (ICT and which in turn were able to penetrate 4 new the SETUP is a strategy to enhance the Pharmaceutical and Health Products). markets, as of the first semester of the year. competitiveness of MSMEs through Under the program's Innovation System The Regional Standards and Testing technological innovations and upgrading of Support Fund (ISSF), several MSMEs were Laboratory (RSTL) services also provided their products and processes towards progress provided with both technical and financial support to MSMES in terms of quality and growth in the countryside. support in order for them to upgrade their assurance, product development and The program offers a wide range of equipment, machinery and processing compliance to market standards. technical assistance namely Technology technology.

As of this quarter, the DOST-6 RSTL Transfer and Commercialization, Technical These technological innovation and human rendered 3, 240 services to 1, 407 clients Assistance and Consultancy Services, capital development have empowered MSMEs‘ which generated an income amounting to Laboratory Testing Services, Product capacity to meet the demands of the global P1.38-million for the services rendered.

Packaging and Labeling, Technology market.

The program also involved the conduct of Trainings, and the Innovation System Support As of the second quarter of 2015, 63 73 technology trainings and similar activities for Fund. technology interventions were provided in the free, particularly for SME development and SETUP covers the following priority region which generated employment to 41 dissemination. Among of the technology sectors: Food Processing, Furniture, Gifts, individuals. training modes included technical lectures, Decors and Handicrafts (GHD), Aquatic and On one hand, a total of 293 packaging and demonstrations, hands-on training, seminar, or Marine, Horticulture/Agriculture, Metals and labeling services were provided to 149 MSMEs, workshop. (JCM/LTP/PIA-Iloilo)

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K-12 is biggest educational transformation

By Easter Anne D. Doza NEGROS OCCIDENTAL, Sept. 8 (PIA6) - - The K to 12 curriculum is the biggest educational transformation in the country according to Department of Education Regional Director Gemma M. Ledesma.

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edesma was keynote speaker during a gathering of about 1,100 DepEd officials for Districts 1 and 2 of the province in Sagay City for the launching of the K to 12 with the theme ―K-12 Kayang-kaya, Sama-sama‖, a release from Sagay City said. ―Amidst the negativity we stand up for this one great transformation of our educational system,‖ Ledesma said as she told educators that everyone is needed in this major change especially the teachers.

According to Ledesma, employment is one of our biggest concerns after graduation and K to 12 will successfully match students with the job and the company if they opt to work after senior high school.

Sagay City DepEd Schools Division Superintendent Marsette Sabbaluca, presented

the implementation of K to 12 in behalf of the other partner divisions.

The gathering aims to enhance awareness of the senior high school course offerings and present initiatives of the divisions towards the implementation of K-12.

Sagay City Mayor Alfredo Maranon III said that education should be our greatest priority and we should all join hands to make K to 12 happen.

Both Mayors Araceli Somosa and Richard Jaojoco of Calatrava and Toboso towns respectively expressed support to the program and donated lands for the construction of senior high school buildings in their localities.

Other local chief executives namely Patrick Escalante of Cadiz City and Lourdes Escalante of Manapla also expressed their

support to the program Cadiz City Mayor Patrick Escalante said the program has his full support because our country will gain from it by providing our future nation builders the skills and knowledge they can use for life.

Sagay City Division Assistant District Supervisor Dr. Azucena Falales said that the caravan for K to 12 is one of their pride and given to them to collaborate with the best minds.

Private schools like the Colegio de Santa Rita of San Carlos City, Holy Family of Sagay City and other industry partners such as the Lopez Sugar Corporation and Sagay Central Incorporated also expressed their full support to K to 12.*(JCM/EAD-PIA6 Negros Occidental)

Tabang Antique surgical mission performs 18 operations

By Pilar S. Mabaquiao SAN JOSE, Antique, Sept. 9 (PIA6) - - A total of 38 operations for prostate, inguinal hernia, hydrocele, undescended testis and other urological conditions was performed for free for indigent Antiqueño patients during the Tabang Antique Urological Mission held at Angel Salazar Memorial General Hospital in San Jose, Antique last September 3 to 5, 2015.

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r. Egidio P. Elio, a member of the Sangguniang Panlalawigan of Antique and Chair of Committee on Health facilitated the surgical mission composed of 12 members of the Philippine Urology Residents Association (PURA) from nine hospitals in Metro Manila, with four anesthesiologists and three operating room nurses.

The latest surgical mission, Elio said was the 8th urological mission and the 18th surgical mission held under the auspices of ‗Tabang Antique‘ an association of volunteers and medical practitioners conducting medical and surgical mission for free among low income

families in Antique.

Of the 18 surgical missions, the association has performed over 6,000 major and minor operations and 3,000 dental extractions. In addition, Tabang Antique has rendered thousands of consultations, laboratory, x-ray and ultrasound examinations.

The association was founded in 1985 to deliver quality charitable medical services to needy Antiqueños.

As a co-founder and president of Tabang Antique Elio said extreme poverty on top of the inadequate basic surgical personnel and equipment moved them to organize and

conduct such medical and surgical mission to make health services affordable and accessible to the needy.

In 2002, Tabang Antique, gathered a team of 280 doctors, dentists, nurses and support personnel for a medical and surgical mission.

Most of the volunteers came from St. Luke‘s Medical Center where Elio also served as a practicing urologist. ―Today, Tabang Antique has evolved into an effective program of health care delivery to the countryside with the active participation of various outreach groups and almost all sectors of the society,‖ he said.

(JCM/TA/PSM/PIA6Antique)

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CENTRAL VISAYAS

Private sector participation crucial in Cebu Action Plan Ferliza Calizar-Contratista MACTAN, Cebu, Sept. 10 (PIA) – The private sector's participation is seen as crucial in crafting the Cebu Action Plan (CAP) in its final form.

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his after more than 100 financial industry players gather in Cebu to join in the discussion on CAP, a development roadmap drafted by the Philippines with inputs from the rest of the 21 member-economies of APEC. In the event titled ―Finance Sector Roundtable and Dialogue with APEC finance officials and Ministers‖ and which runs from September 10 to 11, details of the CAP will be presented to the private-sector delegates.

The private sector is expected to share views on the pressing issues confronting the financial industry and economies.

They will also give additional suggestions on

how the financial sector can help pursue the objectives of CAP. Department of Finance Secretary Cesar Purisima said the private sector participation is a crucial determinant of success in any endeavour. ―As host of the 2015 APEC meetings, we are pleased with the overwhelming participation and interest of the financial sector executives in the CAP discussions,‖ he said.

This, according to him, makes Asia–Pacific‘s financial future in great hands.

The two-day event with the financial sector representatives runs parallel to the ―APEC Finance and Central Bank Deputies‘ Meeting and the APEC

Finance Ministers Meeting.

The formal launch of CAP will be held Friday to highlight the Finance Ministers' Meeting.

The four key pillars of CAP include: financial integration, fiscal reforms and transparency, financial resilience and infrastructure development and financing.

The roadmap will serve as a legacy of the Philippines for the Asia Pacific as it enjoys broad support from APEC member economies.

Earlier this month, the Senior Officials Meeting and Related Meetings were also held in Cebu.

Over 80 APEC-related meetings were done in the province. (rmn/fcc/PIA7-Cebu)

APEC 21 pushes for stronger structural reforms for inclusive growth Ferliza Calizar-Contratista CEBU CITY, Sept. 9 (PIA) --- A much stronger focus on promoting economic growth through structural reform was the agreement reached during the recently-concluded Asia Pacific Economic Conference (APEC) Structural Reform Ministerial Meeting (SRMM).

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ed by the Socioeconomic Planning Secretary of the Philippines Arsenio Balisacan, the ministers and high level officials of APEC economies held a press conference reiterating their agreement to push for structural reforms.

Structural reform is about changing government policies and regulations so that economic transactions can be done efficiently.

Balisacan said the group agreed to endorse a work program they will follow in the next five years which is embodied in the Renewed APEC Agenda for Structural Reform (RAASR).

The work program covers five areas which will stimulate balanced and sustainable growth and reduced inequality.

First was the relationship between structural reform and inclusive growth, Balisacan said. ―When correctly implemented, it can provide

for enhanced inclusion of hitherto underrepresented groups, firms and regions by providing more opportunities to participate in and benefit from the growing economy,‖ Balisacan said.

Second is about structural reforms and innovation which will pave the way for policies that are needed to address middle income trap and slowing growth potential in their economies.

Next is the area on Services, which he said is one of the priorities of APEC. ―There has to be structural reforms on Services which is highlighted in the APEC Services Cooperation Framework,‖ he said.

There will also be tools for structural reform which include promotion of international regulatory cooperation and use of international legal instruments to strengthen legal infrastructure.

Under tools, APEC economies will also

undertake a self assessment of barriers and competitions including review of current competition laws and policies.

And also, Balisacan said they agreed that there will be new directions based on the review of the RAASR every two years until 2020, under which they will adopt a more quantitative measure.

And lastly, the ministers agreed to push for ease in doing business (EoDB) which they hope will be improved by 10 percent in 2018.

An APEC EoDB plan Implementation Plan will also be drafted and used to guide capacity-building over the next three years.

The SRMM was held the last two days in Cebu following the Senior Officials Meeting which was conducted in the last 20 days.

Over 80 APEC meetings were done in Cebu Province. (rmn/fcc/PIA7-Cebu)

BSP lauds CARD Bank for pushing country's financial-inclusive system

BY JENNIFER C. TILOS NEGROS ORIENTAL, Sept. 8 (PIA) -- The Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) lauded CARD Bank for pushing country’s financial-inclusive system in the latter’s 18th anniversary recently and Savings Month celebration.

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SP managing director Chuchi Fonacier expressed appreciation working with CARD Bank in crafting relevant and responsive policies, which are supportive to financial inclusion.

The anniversary theme, ―Fulfilling a bright and stable future for every family: Making financial inclusion a reality‖ aims to strengthen its advocacy in savings consciousness. ―CARD Bank is an industry leader and therefore plays a significant role in building an inclusive financial system in the country,‖ said Fonacier.

Speaking to hundreds of clients on opportunities of saving in a financial institution is way more advantageous than keeping it at home, ― it protects our money from theft and safeguard it from

disasters and pests or insects,‖ Fonacier said.

She added ―Saving in a bank is the first step to avail other financial products such as credit and insurance and banks is insured by Philippine Deposit Insurance Corporation (PDIC).

To date, CARD Bank has a total of 1.5 million clients served with total loans outstanding of P4.6 billion and total savings of P4.4 billion.

Based from the BSP‘s National Baseline Survey on Financial Inclusion, only four out of 10 Filipino adults currently have savings. Of such, 68 percent keep their savings at home and the rest in banks.

According to Fonacier, with the help of microfinance institutions, they are seeing positive results in terms of micro-deposit accounts.

An increase of 2 million accounts had recorded

in 2014 from 1.1 million in 2012. In terms of value, the total amount of micro-deposits grew by P4 billion in 2014 from P2.3 billion in 2012.

The BSP official shared that aside from ensuring the availability of appropriate, affordable and accessible financial services is to promote greater awareness through financial education, capacity building and personal finance management.

The BSP is committed in promoting financial inclusion and implementing the tactical plans in the National Strategy for Financial Inclusion (NSFI), which was launched recently.

Established in 1997, CARD Bank is a microfinance-oriented rural bank and a member institution of CARD MRI, a social development organization that aims for poverty eradication in the country. (mbcn/jct/PIA7-Negros Oriental)

CENTRAL VISAYAS

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Four Lapu-Lapu City schools get digital laboratories Rachelle M. Nessia CEBU, Sept. 7 (PIA) --- Four public schools in Lapu-Lapu City are the latest recipients of mobile digital laboratories called Smart Technocarts, which aim to boost kindergarten learning using technology tools and solutions.

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he cart, an initiative of mobile leader Smart Communications, Inc., can be easily wheeled from one classroom to the next and contains 20 units of seven-inch tablets, a laptop, a projector, and a Smart BRO pocket WiFi that comes with an initial load for Internet connectivity.

The technology carts were turned over to representatives from Pusok Elementary School, Marigondon Elementary School, City Central School, and Pajo Elementary School led by Assistant Schools Division Superintendent Marcelita during the opening of the Asian Carriers Conference (ACC) 2015 on

September 1 in Lapu-Lapu City.

The Smart Technocarts for the four schools were sponsored by the ACC, said Smart education program head Stephanie Velasco-Orlino.

Each digital laboratory package is worth P200,000.

Fun learning ACC president Edgar Antonio, who is also the PLDT head of carrier marketing and product development, said the conference allows telecommunications companies to do business with each other and give back to the community at the same time.

"We're very happy to be a recipient of this

program. We're thankful to Smart, PLDT, and the ACC for this assistance to our schools," Dignos said in an interview before the turnover.

With the right guidance, kindergarten kids will learn how to use the tablets to learn subjects as English, Reading, Science, and Math in fun ways, she added.

Technocart beneficiaries are two other institutions in Cebu, the Regina Mercado Elementary School and Banilad Elementary School, which were among 15 learning institutions all over the country that each received a Smart-sponsored digital laboratory last June. (rmn/PIA7-Cebu/Press Release)

Immediate disaster response, insurance crafted in APEC Cebu Ferliza Calizar-Contratista CEBU CITY, Sept. 7 (PIA) — Asia Pacific Economic Conference (APEC) member-economies discussed ways for immediate and less costly disaster response during the meeting in Cebu.

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r. Alan Bollard, executive director of the APEC Secretariat, said that included in the discussions of APEC delegates are finalizations of ―Disaster Risk Finance-APEC Roadmap of Resilient Economies‖ which is included in the soon-to-be launched Cebu Action Plan.

Bollard, in a briefing at the International Media Center, said the discussions about disaster risks and management among APEC economies had been ongoing earlier this year.

Disaster, he said, is an issue common among APEC member-economies and had greatly affected economic activities.

―We're talking about how to ensure we can get equipment quickly into countries and across borders when there is a natural disaster,‖ Bollard said.

This after certain provisions imposed oftentimes prevented easier and faster transfer of needed equipment during or immediately after a natural disaster.

Other important suggestion is disaster risk financing and disaster insurance, an initiative he said is led by the Philippines which has been coping a number of disasters over the years.

It was reported earlier that the Philippines has secured the assistance of World Bank in developing

an insurance framework wherein disaster-prone provinces will pool risks and then have these risks insured collectively.

In case a province is hit by disaster, it can file claims from the insurance facility.

Implementing it in a regional scale was studied by the APEC members.

Other topics in the APEC meetings in Cebu include urbanization and building better cities, ridding regions of illegal logging trade, international money maundering, corruption, and terrorist financing.

Over 80 meetings are held in Cebu from August 22 until September 11. (rmn/fcc/PIA7-Cebu)

DOLE reminds companies in NegOr to comply with OSH standards Roi Anthoni B. Lomotan DUMAGUETE CITY, Sept. 9 (PIA) – The Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) here is reminding companies to comply with the occupational safety and health (OSH) standards in workplaces.

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his is to encourage more companies in the province to promote OSH programs in their respective agencies to ensure the protection of their employees especially those who are working in hazardous workplaces like construction sites, sugar mills, and industrial plants. ―Occupational safety and health is a right that cannot be compromised,‖ said DOLE provincial head Maritess Mercado in a Kapihan Forum held today in this city.

Mercado reiterated that complying with OSH standards is the responsibility of employers to avoid injuries or accidents in workplaces.

Moreover, Engr. Diego Amado Nochefranca, senior labor and relations officer of DOLE, further explained that aside from attaining zero percent accident in workplaces, another aim of OSH is to prevent employees from getting diseases like tuberculosis or pneumonia.

Part of promoting OSH is designating a safety officer.

Mercado reminded companies to assign one of their personnel as safety officer and allow them to

undergo OSH trainings to make them more qualified in their designation.

Occupational Safety and Health Network (OSHNET) is the training arm of DOLE in enhancing the capabilities of safety officers.

OSHNET conducts Basic Occupational Safety and Health (BOSH) trainings as well as the Construction Occupation Safety and Health (COSH) trainings for companies.

BOSH trainings are for non-hazardous workplaces like hotels, retail establishments, broadcast stations as well as industries which are not related to construction business.

On the other hand, COSH trainings are designated for safety officers of construction firms.

According to Engr. Renato Infante, president of OSHNET-Negros Oriental, their group has already conducted 12 trainings in the province to enhance the skills of 500 safety officers. ―Once companies have safety officers, accidents in workplaces will be minimized because they can identify the hazards in your company,‖ Infante stressed.

For this month, OSHNET is scheduled to conduct one COSH and BOSH trainings.

The BOSH training will be on September 14 to 18 while the COSH training will be held on September 21 to 15 to be held at Manhattan Suites Inn, Dumaguete City.

These trainings are also required by DOLE department order 16 series of 2001 in establishing safety officers in each agency.

Infante hopes that more companies will respond to this invitation.

On the other hand, Mercado disclosed that companies who fail to comply with OSH standards will receive a stoppage order from DOLE regional office.

But before the department will issue such an order, companies will still be given 90 days to comply with OSH standards.

Mercado reported that so far, there is no stoppage order issued here in Negros Oriental.

With this, DOLE hopes that stakeholders involved in the labor industry will give more importance to occupational safety and health of their employees. (ral/PIA7-Negros Oriental)

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EASTERN VISAYAS

NCCA meets with potential arts and culture project stakeholders ERNA S. GORNE MAASIN CITY, Southern Leyte, Sept. 9 (PIA) - For the first time, the National Commission for Culture and the Arts (NCCA) set foot in Maasin City to meet with the potential arts and culture project stakeholders as millions of pesos worth of arts and culture projects are up for grabs.

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ccording to National Endowment Fund for Culture and the Arts (NESFA) accountant Maritess Pitalbo, the NCCA grant program for 2016 aligns with the goal of the National Government of inclusive growth and poverty reduction down at the grassroots level.

She said, the project proposals of the representatives from a civil society organizations like the local native dance groups, school representatives, municipal tourism officers, barangay officials, among others, could help articulate the local culture and developments and hopefully bring about economic activities at the communities as soon as arts and culture projects will be implemented by them.

The program further aims to fund activities that would revive the way of living of locals before the advent of social media like the childhood games, food preparations such as budbud, native mats and baskets weaving among others, that we can call our own creation, Pitalbo explained.

Pitalbo reported that the national arts and culture agency has set aside P2.5M funds for Layag Leyte: Sakayan Pagparibhong project that aims to develop and implement various activities for a sustained cultural development for Leyte.

However, Pitalbo said that the mentioned project is an integrated cultural development program in towns and cities in Leyte and Biliran Islands, namely, Palo, Tacloban City, Biliran, Ormoc City and

Maasin City.

Last Monday, NCCA met with the local media for a press conference and broke the news that one of the 8 activities of the Layag Leyte project is intended for the media sector to specifically produce a quad media campaign using public heritage spaces and local media establishment.

In the afternoon, NCCA also met with the representatives from the Visayas-based Civil Society Organizations (CSO), People's Organizations (POs) and networks and educational institutions, the priority proponents of the NCCA grants program.

The said program shall be implemented next year, she added. (mmp/ esg/PIA8 SoLeyte)

DA-8 cites need for Commodity Investment Plans under PRDP TACLOBAN CITY, Leyte, Sept. 5 - DA-8 Regional Executive Director Leo P. Cañeda said at the PCIP Preparation Workshop that we should not only focus on coming up with sub -project proposals, rather we need to also look at such aspects on how it would potentially impact on improving the lives of our rural folk and promoting sustainable agricultural development.

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The holding of this activity is just right in time. Starting next year we will need compliance with the required Priority Commodity Investment Plan (PCIP) before any of our proposed sub-projects could be enrolled under the PRDP,‖ he disclosed.

RED Cañeda adds, ―After we have completed the Value Chain Analysis, this time, we need to finalize our PCIPs. It may not be easy and may p ossib ly take awh ile b u t we should just build on the gains we have

achieved so far and never simply lay waste our efforts. Once the PCIPs are ready, series of stakeholders‘ forum will be conducted before these could even be finalized.‖ The 3-day activity held recently at Sabin Resort Hotel here was attended by some key personnel comprising the Provincial/City and Municipal Project Management Implementing Units throughout the region, personnel from the Regional Project Coordination Office-8, and from the Project Support

Office for Visayas, Ms Imelda Fernandez - I-PLAN Component Head, Mr. Dennis Huervana – Natural Resource Specialist, and Ms Gretchen Gayona and Mr Carlo Willister Jontilla – Project Development Assistants. Priority commodities initially identified to be supported under the project were: Coconut (Northern Samar, Eastern Samar, Southern Leyte and the municipality of Sogod), Banana (Leyte and Samar); Swine (Tacloban City), and, Vegetable-pinakbet type (Ormoc City).

(DA-8)

Further growth seen with 2 SoLeyte congressional districts MARCELO M. PEDALINO MAASIN CITY, Southern Leyte, Sept. 8 (PIA) -- Having two congressional districts for this province will spur growth and development, which in turn can mean wider access to government services reaching more people.

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his was the motive behind the initiative of incumbent Lone District Representative Damian Mercado when he filed House Bill 4066, a measure which had hurdled first reading in Congress. ―With two congressional districts, there will be two representatives working for the welfare, for the good of the province and of its people,‖ Cong. Merca-

do said in an interview last week at the sidelines of the Tanod Congress at the city gym.

It was learned that for a new legislative district to be created, a minimum population of 250,000 is required.

The last census of Southern Leyte in 2010 put the overall population at 420,000 people.

The Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA) is currently undertaking a nationwide census, the results of which will be used as the official basis if the province of Southern Leyte can qualify to divide into two congressional districts.

The other requirements are sector consultations and a plebiscite, it was also learned. (ajc/mmp/PIA8-Southern Leyte)

EASTERN VISAYAS

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DAR launches farm business school in South Leyte MAASIN CITY, Southern Leyte, Sept. 4 – A Farm Business School (FBS) was launched last week by the Department of Agrarian Reform (DAR) in Barangay Hantag that would help agrarian reform beneficiaries (ARBs) build knowledge and skills to make their farm lots more profitable.

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rogram Beneficiaries Development Division (PBDD) chief Melecia Ong, who represented DAR Regional Director Sheila Enciso on this occasion, explained that the ―school‖ is an on-site training where the farmers will not only learn about high value crops production, but in the marketing of their produce as well. The participants who are expected to become agricultural entrepreneurs later on will be developing their own 500-square meter lot under this project, she added.

Barangay Hantag, which is part of the Maasin Agrarian Reform Community (ARC) was fortunate to be included among the 15 sites nationwide selected for this project. Each site is provided with P128,000 for the conduct of this season-long training.

In partnership with the Department of Agriculture (DA) thru the Agricultural Training Institute (ATI), FBS will run for 25 sessions. Thirty-one farmers, all ARBs and members of the Hantag Farmers Multi -Purpose Cooperative, Inc. (HAFAMCI),

attended the first session after the formal launching of the project here.

Resource speakers during the first session were Lucita Galleto from DAR, Virgilia Barrientos and Nida Tagana, both from the City Agricultural Services.

Ong stressed that this project is among the various support services extended to ARBs under the Comprehensive Agrarian Reform Program (CARP) aimed at increasing farmer‘s income and likewise contribute to food security as well. (jas/DAR-8)

Justice on Wheels reaches Samar NINFA B. QUIRANTE CATBALOGAN CITY, Samar, Sept. 8 (PIA) – Justice on Wheels reached Catbalogan Friday, September 4.

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en and women dressed as if in a courtroom swamped the provincial covered court where Justices Mariano del Castillo, Justice Midas Marquez, Hon Thelma Bahia and Governor Ann Tan converged to launch the program of the Department of Justice.

In his message, Marquez said that

since the operation of the Enhanced Justice on Wheels (EJOW), some eight years ago, it has declogged the courts with nine thousand criminal cases and 13 thousand civil cases.

Fernando Dequina of Daram, Ray Abatayo of Salug, Catbalogan and Reneir De Lima of Calbiga were the first three beneficiaries of the program.

De Lima was jailed for three years as he was suspected of robbery but the 23 year old was released through the EJOW and now plans to help his ailing father tend to their farm.

The program also conducts judicial education to barangay officials to treat petty issues that can be resolved in the barangay. (ldl/nbq/PIA 8-Samar)

We are ready for tourists, says Calbayog mayor CATBALOGAN CITY, Samar, Sept. 11 (PIA) — Calbayog City Mayor Ronald Aquino said that the city is ready to receive tourists during a press conference Monday.

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his was his reaction when asked him if his people and the city are ready to receive tourists. ―We have hotels, restaurants, convention center, function rooms, our roads leading to tourist destinations are being prepared,‖ Aquino said.

Aquino told the media that his city is a city of waterfalls which has nine breathtaking and majestic ones, the waterfalls and the scenic beaches along Samar Sea has drawn tourists to this third largest city in the country.

One of the waterfalls will also be developed to become a mini-hydro power plant, the mayor said.

He also asked those present to visit Malajog Beach where the city will construct a zipline.

As to tourists looking for food adventure to satisfy their gastronomic taste, Calbayog has the best tasting tinapa and other gourmet dishes.

Actress and presidential sister Kris

Aquino has mentioned that Calbayog has the best tinapa in his tv show recently.

Calbayog City has also the best hotels where the most famous is Ciriaco Hotel that faces the scenic Samar Sea. Calbayog City is also considered the gateway to Christianity in the Visayas as the first wave of Jesuit missionaries commenced their mission there in 1596.

Calbayog has also the so called pilgrimage tour where tourists are conducted to different Catholic Churches.

As to the peace and order and security of travelers, Aquino said that the city is relatively peaceful.

He acknowledged the leadership of the P/Supt Ernesto Salvador Tagle of the city police force.

It will be recalled that the whole police force was replaced following the spate of killings in the city early in June 2015. ―Look at you, do you feel unsecure here?‖ he asked the media that attended

the presscon, after the Vesper Day parade.

Aquino adds that since January up to June this year, some 53 thousand tourists have been registered where some 51 thousand are local ones and some 2 thousand, foreigners.

Although the police reports of some ten killings in the hinterlands in three months, the crime recorder said that they have reached a crime clearance index of 89.19% in July and 70% in August of this year.

Crime clearance index means that in a crime committed, the suspect is identified, the case is filed and the suspect arrested.

The killings happened in the hinterlands, the police officer told PIA. With active security forces in town, the chief executive of Calbayog beckons tourists, come and visit Calbayog City for its natural wonders, gastronomic delights from Samar Sea and hospitality. (PIA 8-Samar with CTIO)

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

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Ms. Minerva BC Newman Regional Director, PIA 7

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

Ms. Alicia E. Nicart Regional Director, PIA8

Managing Editor Jaime S. Cabag, Jr. Contributors All PIA Information Officers of Regions 6, 7 & 8 Production and Layout Edson J. BaĂąares Lynnor C. Regalado Regional Offices: PIA 6, 2/F RC Building, Rizal St., Iloilo City, Iloilo 5000, Tel. Nos. (033) 337-8719/3377301/509-0993, Fax No. (033) 337-8719/509-0993, e-mail: r6_pia@yahoo.com/ piaamo6@yahoo.com PIA 7, Room 304, 3/F Machay Bldg., Garardo Avenue, Cebu City, Cebu 6000, Telefax No. (032) 232-4062/232-4126, e-mail: pia7_cebu@yahoo.com.ph/r7_pia@yahoo.com PIA 8, Children‘s Park Compound, Sen. Enage St., Tacloban City, Leyte 6500, Tel. No. (053) 325-5124, Telefax No. (053) 321-2029, e-mail: pia_ev@yahoo.com/r8_pia@yahoo.com