One Visayas e-Newsletter Vol 5 Issue 21

Vol 5

Issue 21

In this Issue WESTERN VISAYAS

Congresswoman Leni Robredo tells more than 300 women leaders of the Girl Scouts of the Philippines to serve in excellence during the 23rd National Council Convention held at Diversion21 Hotel in Iloilo City, May 28. (PIA 6)

More on Region 6, pages 2-3.

Also CLICK Here…

CENTRAL VISAYAS

“Hangtud asa ang kaya ninyo nga himoon alang sa inyong isig ka tawo?” PIA DG USEC. Jose Mari Oquinena asks the more than 600 youth participants of the HOPE Conference in Anda Bohol. (PIA7)

More on Region 7, pages 4-5.

Also CLICK Here…

EASTERN VISAYAS

US Ambassador to the Philippines Philip Goldberg (3rd from right) hands over the symbolic key to one of the sari-sari store owners during the turn-over ceremony at Brgy. Fatima, Tacloban City, May 22. These stores were made possible with the generous support of the American people thru USAID in partnership with Coca-Cola and Procter and Gamble in coordination with LGU Tacloban. (Vino R. Cuayzon/PIA8)

More on Region 8, pages 6-7.

Also CLICK Here...

May 25 - 31, 2015

Published by: PIA 6, 7 & 8

Goldberg praises resiliency, courage of Haiyan survivors

TACLOBAN CITY, Leyte, May 22 (PIA) – “I shall return!” So goes the famous affirmation statement of then General Douglas MacArthur as part of his address to the Filipinos when he came to the Leyte shores during the World War II. This historic event was cited today by US Ambassador Philip Goldberg who came to inaugurate and present to San Fernando Elementary School, Pampango district Tacloban, some eight resilient classrooms which can withstand a 360-strength windfall or a 8.5 magnitude earthquake.

“My flying in today is symbolic of two events, first during the Leyte Gulf Landings and second, after super typhoon “Haiyan”. From our point of view, we are proud to be part of your recovery, because we see in you, your effort, resiliency and courage and that you are showing the world that you are bouncing back even better”.

Goldberg said that in his five trips here, he saw the city looking so much better.

“Congratulations to you all”, the Ambassador concluded.

“America has not left us”, said Congressman Martin Romualdez in his speech during the ceremony, “in fact it has

kept on returning to Leyte”.

And for his part, Cong. Romualdez assured the donor country representative to assume the responsibility in seeing to it that the pupils at San Fernando will attend and finish school.

Ambassador Goldberg turned over today to the DepEd officials, eight of the 250 classrooms which are funded by the U.S government and USAID. Then, he proceeded to turn over 100 sari-sari stores at barangay Fatima with each structure costing P90,000.00 with goods amounting to P15,000.00 in partnership with Coca-Cola and Procter and Gamble.

In the afternoon, Ambassador Goldberg turned-over to DOH-08 officials, a health facility concentrated to treat TB, with second floor to serve as the city health office at Kanhuraw Hills.

All these gifts, as Mayor Alfred Romualdez put it are gifts from the US government who came on day-1 after “Yolanda”, in their interest to rehabilitate Tacloban and Leyte from the ravage of the calamity. (PIA-08)

APEC recognizes need for women's economic empowerment

By Venus G. Villanueva KALIBO, Aklan, May 26 (PIA6) -- Women have also a big role in the economic prosperity of the Asia Pacific Economic Cooperation‟s (APEC) 21-member economies and this the Ministers Responsible for Trade (MRT) acknowledged in their statement read at the close of their meeting held in Boracay Island May 24.

The statement was read by Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) Secretary and MRT Chair Gregory Domingo before the conduct of the joint press conference at the lobby lounge of Shangri-La Boracay, venue of the meetings held from May 23-24, 2015.

In the statement, the Ministers Responsible for Trade reaffirmed their commitment to take concrete policies and innovative measures to further enhance women‟s economic empowerment through improved access to capital, assets and markets, as well as to innovation and technology, educational and health services, and promoting women‟s leadership in public and private sector.

“We welcome the establishment of the APEC Women and the Economy Dashboard as a tool to track progress in reducing barriers in women‟s economic participation and

informed family discussions,” the MRT statement went, as read

by Sec. Domingo.

The statement also assured its commitment to integrating gender considerations across APEC activities including through cross-fora collaboration such as the “Healthy Women, Healthy Economies” initiative.

Besides the women, the APEC MRT also acknowledged persons with disabilities (PWDs) in the workforce, by stating that they welcome the initiative to help persons with disabilities to participate in the workforce, and providing them equal access to education to enable their participation to the economy.

The commitments issued by the MRT for women and PWDs were some of the outcomes that emerged in the High-Level Policy Dialogue on Human Capacity Building meeting to promote inclusive growth through quality education and training aligned to industry needs.

The 2015 Meeting of APEC MRT was preceded by the APEC Senior Officers Meeting and Related Meetings (MRT) held from May 10-22.

“Building Inclusive Economies, Building a Better World” is the theme of this year‟s APEC. (JCM/VGV PIA6 Aklan)

Ferrer: 'BBL will change the lives of next generation Filipino-Muslims‟ Rachelle M. Nessia CEBU CITY, May 28 (PIA) --- The proposed Bangsamoro Basic Law (BBL) will change the lives of the next generation of Filipino-Muslims, says Prof. Miriam Coronel-Ferrer, chairman of the Government of the Philippines (GPH) Peace Panel.

In a media briefing held today at AFP Central Command, Camp Lapu-Lapu, Ferrer explained that BBL will pave the way for development programs to be introduced in the region.

“For every year that we delay stabilizing the peace and order in this area, this will have an impact on the next generation of Filipino-Muslims,” she stressed.

Ferrer said the proposed law will help enforce peace and order in the region since members of the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) - which she described as “the strongest armed group in the country today” – are willing to put down their arms as their weapons and combatants will be decommissioned under said law.

The briefing kicks off the nationwide information drive for BBL conducted by the Office of the Presidential Adviser on the Peace Process (OPAPP) in partnership with the Philippine Information Agency (PIA) in strategic areas across the country.

The campaign aims to inform the public on the key provisions of BBL in the midst of prevailing misconceptions about the law.

During the briefing, Ferrer discussed the key features of BBL and answered questions from the media and members of the Cebu Blogging Community (CBC).

Ferrer pointed out that the BBL was drafted by the Bangsamoro Transition Commission which was created by an executive order issued by the President on December 2012,” she clarified.

The creation of the Bangsamoro is provided for under the Philippine Constitution and under the BBL, a new form of government that is parliamentary in structure will be introduced in the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region while providing them with fiscal autonomy.

“This will provide a reformed institution where they compete for political power peacefully through a democratic process,” explained Ferrer. (rmn/PIA Cebu)

Government of the Philippines (GPH) Peace Panel Chair Prof. Miriam Coronel-Ferrer gave a briefing on the #Bangsamoro Basic Law during a media event in Cebu City on May 28, kicking off a nationwide info drive to inform the public on the key features of BBL while correcting misconceptions about the proposed law. (PIA7)

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WESTERN VISAYAS

Post Yolanda assistance focuses on water, health issues

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Jemin B. Guillermo ROXAS CITY, Capiz, May 27 (PIA6) – International humanitarian organizations are giving attention to water, health and hygiene (WASH) issues in the aftermath of super typhoon Yolanda.

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he ACF International in partnership with the United Nations Children‟s Fund is implementing programs giving priority on WASH towards disaster risk reduction.

Behavior Change and Communications Officer Leomer Lacorte of ACF-Panay disclosed that they are capacitating the people in selected super typhoon-affected areas in Capiz and Iloilo.

He said that in Capiz, they are supporting two towns, namely Pontevedra and Pilar, particularly in 13 and 6 villages, respectively.

Lacorte also said that their WASH program implementation in Iloilo province are in Concepcion, San Dionisio, Sara, and Ajuy.

Recently, a one-day legislation workshop on WASH was conducted for barangay and municipal officials of the program beneficiary barangays and towns in Capiz and Iloilo, with the involvement of other partner agencies such as the Provincial Health Office, Department of Education, Department of the Interior and Local Government and Department of Health.

Lacorte said that the WASH Disaster Risk

Reduction program aims to address the WASH needs of typhoon Yolanda-affected population as a transition to developmental phase, particularly as an approach to total sanitation.

During said gathering, the issues on access to safe and clean water both for drinking and domestic use as well as effects of lack of access to it, particularly on health, sanitation and hygiene were given attention.

According to him, legislation in relation to WASH is a must in addressing the various issues relative thereto. (JCM/JBG/PIA6-Capiz)

Security plans for opening of classes in place Vicente W. Villavert SAN JOSE, Antique, May 28 (PIA6) - - Police visibility, assistance desks and mobile patrol will be in place to ensure the safety and security of students for the opening of classes on June 1, 2015.

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Supt. Jose Roy Torrechilla of the San Jose Municipal Police Station said that their security plans for the “Balik Eskwela 2015” is now in place to ensure safety and security of the students, schools, as well as maintain peace and order in business areas, roads and other vital institutions.

Torrechilla said that schools with bigger student population will be deployed with policemen in order to maintain peace and order.

He said that the policemen will also provide security for the private

schools on their scheduled opening of classes.

For the opening of public schools, Torrechilla identified Antique National School with a population of about 4,000 students.

Other focus of the policemen will include the Delegate Angel Salazar Jr. Memorial Schools, Atabay Elementary School, Assemblyman Segundo Elementary School, San Pedro National High School, among others.

“The policemen will also distribute crime prevention tips to parents and

students, as we strengthen police visibility along major routes leading to all learning institutions or school premises,” Torrechilla said in a PIA interview.

Torrechilla said that they have also directives from their higher headquarters to prevent bullying in schools. Meanwhile, the Malacanang press report disclosed that President Benigno S. Aquino III underscored the importance of unity and cooperation as he praised the efforts of those who joined the Brigada Eskwela and Oplan Balik Eskwela.(JCM/ VWV/PIA Antique)

DOH bats for antenatal care for safe motherhood Carlson B. Alelis NEGROS OCCIDENTAL, May 26 (PIA6) – The Department of Health (DOH6) is urging pregnant women to undergo antenatal care (ANC) to ensure a healthy and safe pregnancy.

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edical Specialist Mary Ann pregnancy.

Matillano said the antenatal The four prenatal visits must be care is one of the pillars of the done: once during the 1st trimester, once DOH‟s National Safe Motherhood during the 2nd trimester and twice during Program. the 3rd trimester.

“The program is in line with DOH‟s Prenatal visits help prevent, commitment with the World Health detect, alleviate or manage different Organization, to attain the Millennium types of health problems during Development Goals (MDGs) 4 and 5,” she pregnancy that might cause problems on said. the mother, the baby or both, Matillano MGDs 4 and 5 aim to reduce infant said. mortality and to improve maternal health, The visits address the complications respectively. of pregnancy, pre-existing conditions The DOH is requesting mothers to that worsen the pregnancy and effects of have at least 4 prenatal visits during their unhealthy lifestyle, she added.

The ANC offers an opportunity to d e v e l o p b i r th a n d e m e r g e n c y preparedness plan, which include preparations after giving birth. Counseling on postpartum family planning is also included.

Matillano said the family of the pregnant woman plays an important role during pregnancy.

“Involvement of the family and community is crucial for healthy home behaviors during pregnancy and a major determinant of the use of ANC services,” she said. (JCM/CBA-PIA Negros Occ.)

WESTERN VISAYAS

Flores de Mayo– Mayo– Santacruzan

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Fish landing centers to help marginalized fisherfolks Elsa S. Subong

ILOILO CITY, May 26 (PIA6)—Fish landing centers are aimed at addressing poverty among marginalized fisherfolks, according to the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources–6 (BFAR).

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FAR has identified 17 fish landing centers found in various coastal areas in the region.

BFAR-6 Regional Director Remia Apari said they have chosen as beneficiaries the poorest among the poor according to the data of the Department of Social Welfare and Development in Western Visayas.

“This is our contribution to the poverty alleviation program of the government,” Apari said, adding that it is

also a way of improving facilities of LGUs so that fish catch will remain fresh.

The landing centers will each have a freezer as the beneficiaries themselves will be taught fish handling and processing.

Apari added that people within the community will also be taught value-adding to fish products as well as to handle catchment basin to maintain sanitation in the place. The landing centers will also be the venue to determine the volume of catch in the municipal waters of

an LGU. “Enumerators, about 84 of them, are deployed in the centers to assess stocks to determine status of resources,” Apari said.

The major landing centers are in the Philippine Fisheries Development Authority at Iloilo fishing Port Complex, Libas in Roxas City New Washington, aklan and Sagay in Negros Occidental.

The others are minor landing centers in the selected coastal municipalities in Western Visayas. (ESS/PIA-Iloilo)

One Negros region won't hurt WV economy Elsa S. Subong ILOILO CITY, May 25 (PIA6)—The proposed Negros Island Region (NIR) will not hurt the economy of Western Visayas, according to the National Economic and Development Authority-6 (NEDA).

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EDA-6 Assistant Regional Director Atty. Raul Anlocotan said that progress won‟t slow down in Panay and Guimaras as it has been taking off well.

“Life goes on for us here in Panay and Guimaras without the Negros island,” Anlocotan said in a media interview.

“We pursue our growth here and wherever we go we see buildings sprouting, development booming in Iloilo City, in northern Iloilo, in Guimaras and in Boracay,” he added.

Anlocotan said Negros Occidental is contributing well to the growth of the region but the separation will not affect the partnerships and friendships of the people.

Negros Occidental comprises more or less 32 percent of the population of Western Visayas and is the largest producer of sugar.

The NIR will lump Negros Occidental and Negros Oriental into one administrative region, bigger than the Cordillera Autonomous Region (CAR) and the Caraga.

Negros Occidental is currently part of Western Visayas while Negros Oriental belongs to the Central Visayas region.

“There is much potential for sustainable growth, considering the size of the NIR,” Anlocotan said.

Anlocotan said that the Department of Interior and Local Government is currently preparing the Implementing Rules and Regulations (IRR) for the creation of the NIR. He added that President Aquino is ready to sign the executive order for NIR once the IRR is presented to him. (JCM/ESS/PIA-Iloilo)

Flag day in Sta. Barbara boosts tourism efforts Leonard T. Pineda I ILOILO CITY, May 28 (PIA6) --- More tourists have become fascinated with Sta. Barbara town here which will be the site of this year‘s grand Independence Day celebration on June 12.

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unicipal tourism officer Irene Magallon noted a 20 percent increase in tourists visiting the town this summer alone as compared to the previous years.

“Sta. Barbara has generated media mileage on the restoration of the church and convent. A number of visitors flock the town and take pictures in front of the church which was recently improved,” she said.

She said the church is one of the better preserved churches and convents in Iloilo and an excellent example of Filipino baroque colonial architecture.

“Our church is a pilgrim church and a

good venue for nuptials while the convent may be a good site for small gatherings if the parish would allow it in the future,” she said.

She said the town also boasts of the first gravitational dam constructed in 1926 which was transformed into an eco-park.

“We also have the first and the oldest golf course in the Philippines which is the Iloilo Golf and Country Club,” she said.

Sta. Barbara also established a Heritage Zone which is an area within the „poblacion‟ designated for the purpose of knowing the value of the Santa Barbaranhons struggle for freedom.

The Heritage Zone features historical

spots and edifices including the Cry of Santa Barbara Marker, Gen. Martin T. Delgado Monument, Sta. Barbara Catholic Church and Convent, “Victory” Plaza, Flagpole Park, Rizal and the Propagandists Monument, and the Sta. Barbara Centennial Museum.

Magallon said that the holding of the Independence Day commemoration in Sta. Barbara will boost the tourism potential of the municipality.

“Even after the Independence Day celebration, we know that we will still be busy accommodating local and foreign tourists who will visit our town,” she added. (JCM/LTP/PIA-Iloilo)

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CENTRAL VISAYAS

NOCCI, Canada ink deal to boost tourism in NegOr, Siquijor

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BY JENNIFER C. TILOS DUMAGUETE CITY, May 22 (PIA)-- Negros Oriental Chamber of Commerce and Industry (NOCCI) and government of Canada signed a memorandum of agreement (MOA) recently under the Local Governance Support Program for Local Economic Development (LGSP-LED) with Negros Oriental and Siquijor provinces.

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his is to support both the private sector and local government to boost tourism investment and generate employment for local residents and eventually reduce poverty through local governance.

With this agreement, NOCCI, the Government of Canada, and the two provinces through LGSP-LED, agree and commit to collaborate for sustainable local economic development.

NOCCI president said, “The battle cry now is poverty reduction, if we can create one job that‟s already a great accomplishment, providing a job to a single person can eventually help one family.”

This will also improve the business climate

or local tourism economy to attract investments and generate jobs for the tourism sector in Negros Oriental and Siquijor.

The MOA plans to provide technical assistance for the capacity building of the LGU‟s and private institutions.

LGSP-LED Philippines field director Francis Gentoral said the assistance includes investment forums, training of local and economic investment.

The geographical location of Negros Oriental and Siquijor is considered being suited for the investment of the tourism sector because the two provinces are one of the country‟s tourist destinations. Du challenged the private sectors and local government to make Negros

Oriental and Siquijor the next Economic Tiger of the Philippines.

Since Siquijor is near to Negros Oriental, the tourists who visit Dumaguete automatically hop to the neighboring island.

“Canada‟s bilateral development program supports the Philippine development plan of 2011 -2016 by working to improve the investment plan and the competitiveness of the economic sector such as tourism and to increase the economic opportunities in the country and in the world,” said Stephen Weaver, Head of Aid of the Department of Foreign Affairs Trade and Development of Canada. (mbcn/jct/PIA7-Negros Oriental/with reports from Ronelyn Faith Vailoces, Intern)

DSWD-7 holds ‗Voice of the People‘ forum in Dumaguete City Roi Anthoni B. Lomotan DUMAGUETE CITY, May 23 (PIA) – The Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD-7) recently conducted a ―Voice of the People‖ forum and workshop to 100 Parent Leaders (PLs) of the Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program (4Ps) beneficiaries in Negros Oriental.

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he forum aims to provide an avenue where PLs and DSWD-7 Officers can discuss some issues and concerns related to the implementation of 4Ps in their area and the same time strengthen the commitment of between DSWD and partner beneficiaries for the continued success of the program.

“What we want to know the concerns on 4Ps coming from them,” 4Ps Negros Oriental Provincial Link Asela Bella Tse said. Tse supervised the forum.

The participants that came from the Metro Dumaguete cluster, Bais City and municipality of Pamplona. Metro Dumaguete is composed of Dumaguete City and the towns of Sibulan, San Jose, Amlan, Bacong, Valencia, Zamboanguita, Dauin and Bacong.

They were divided into groups with one or

two DSWD staff facilitating the forum.

Participants were instructed to write some issues and problems they encounter on the implementation of 4Ps after which each group presented the outputs in a plenary session.

Some top issues on 4Ps center on non-attendance of some parent-beneficiaries of the program to family development sessions; delays in the payout of cash grants; misuse of cash grants and non-compliance to other conditions set by the program.

On the issue of misuse of cash grants, Tse said some beneficiaries misuse the funds because of health problems. She explained beneficiaries would borrow money from a person and use to buy medicines or pay medical consultations. They would later pay their lender once they receive their cash grants.

Tse also noted there are still few cases where 4Ps beneficiaries misuse the grants and use it for gambling or to support their vices. But Tse said that generally this issue is already being resolved.

DSWD officers will tackle these issues and look for solutions for these concerns along with the help and commitment from the PLs. Tse disclosed that this forum is part of empowering PLs and she hopes what they learned here will be applied in their respective localities.

As of March 2015, there are 259, 234 active household beneficiaries of the program in Central Visayas. Cebu has the highest number of beneficiaries with 126, 244 followed by Negros Oriental with 70, 084, Bohol with 58, 904 and Siquijor with 4,002 beneficiaries. (mbcn/ral/PIA7 -Negros Oriental)

DSWD-7 kicks off Listahanan 2nd round HH assessment Juju M. Empuerto CEBU CITY, May 25 (PIA) -- The Department of Social Welfare and Development in Central Visayas (DSWD-7) kicks off its Listahanan second round of household assessment to update its database of the poor in the region.

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SWD-7 regional director Mercedita Jabagat said the household assessment has already started here in Region 7 and we have deployed our trained enumerators in the field.

DSWD-7 information officer for Listahanan, Kerwin Macopia said in Central Visayas alone, DSWD7 will assess more than 1 million households.

There are 524,717 households target in Cebu while Negros Oriental has target of 240,134 households while Bohol has a target of 232,625 households and 18,794 in Siquijor.

Jabagat urged all households to cooperate once their enumerators will go to their houses and to give them the needed information.

In conducting the household assessment, information is gathered using the family assessment form (FAF), a four-page questionnaire with 52 observable and verifiable variables, explained Macopia.

Macopia added that the household will be assessed based on composition; the household members‟ highest educational attainment and occupation; features of the housing structure and access to basic services or facilities like water, electricity, and sanitary toilet, households‟ ownership of assets and tenure status of housing among others.

Jabagat warned the community to be vigilant during the conduct of the assessment. “There might be bogus or fake enumerators who will

knock on their door and ask money before their household will be assessed.

This is tantamount to extortion and we will not tolerate this kind of action,” Jabagat added.

Jabagay asked the public to immediately report to DSWD or to the Local Social Welfare and Development Office in case there are fake enumerators.

To report complaints on the Listahanan assessment, one may text to 09178902327 using the for mat DSWD<space>Listahanan<space>Name<spa ce>Location<space>Question or Complaint.

T h e y c a n a l s o e m a i l to ask.listahanan@dswd.gov.ph or call (02) 717-3770, he added. (mbcn/jsme/PIA7-Cebu/with reports from Kerwin Macopia/DSWD7)

CENTRAL VISAYAS

Flores de Mayo– Mayo– Santacruzan

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BSP conducts 1st multi-sectoral dialogue for demonetization program Ferliza C. Contratista

CEBU CITY, May 26 (PIA)—Some 100 representatives from various agencies participated in a ―Multi Sectoral Consultative Briefing on the Demonetization Program‖ of the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas recently.

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he participants include those from the transport, telecommunications, media, academe, banking, retailing and from other government agencies.

BSP-7 acting regional director, Leonides Sumbi in her opening remarks said it is about time that the government change the currency bills since the New Design Series has been used the last 30 years.

“The NDS was launched in 1985 and we are now 2015, supposedly bills had to be changed every five years and 10 years for coins,” Sumbi said.

Sumbi said there were just a few changes made to some bills like the P5 and P10, but these are already rare ones, they were made into coins.

She said that it is best for all the sectors to be aware of the important dates of the demonetization program which is to take its full effect on 2017. Managing director of the

Currency Management Sub-Sector (CMSS) Illuminada Sicat said starting January 1, 2016 all NDS banknote will no longer have monetary value and could no longer be use in business or financial transactions.

However, it can be changed with New Generation Currency (NGC) if surrendered to banks or to BSP itself.

Sicat reiterated that by January 1, 2017 NDS banknotes that have not been exchanged shall no longer have any monetary value, and are considered demonetized.

“Kung hindi nyo po maipagpapalit during these period; collectors item nalang po yan at hindi na liability ng BSP ” Sicat said.

Sicat appealed to the public that as early as now they should use their NDS bills or surrender them for exchange. “Hindi naman po masamang mag-ipon, pero meron na pong mga bangkong tutulong sa inyong magtago ng inyong pera, kung

magagamit nyo po ngayon,gamitin nyo na bago pa mahuli na ang lahat” she said.

On the other hand, persons living abroad who have in their possession banknotes from old series, which they cannot exchange within the prescribed period may register online from October 1 to December 31, 2016 throgh the BSP website (www. bsp.gov.ph).

These persons can exchange their banknotes with BSP within one year from the date of registration. Banknotes are advised to be changed every 5 years for security purposes.

As of now there are 542 million pieces of NDS banknote in the entire country equivalent to 112 Billion pesos. BSP is hoping that before 2017, all these NDS will be surrendered to them in order to have a single currency circulating with strong security features. (mbcn/fcc/PIA7-Cebu/ with reports from Joshua Carbonillas, CTU Devcom Intern)

BNSC brings writers pool for summer journ training Rey Anthony H. Chiu UBAY, Bohol May 25 (PIA) -- A course completion requirement in journalism as well as a prelude to school publication, Bohol Northern Star Colleges (BNSC) in partnership with Bohol Balita Daily News (BBDN) brought in a pool of writers to introduce journalism topics to its summer enrolees on May 22 in Ubay, Bohol.

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traditional event for incoming staff of the school publication for the semester, the journalism workshop was coordinated by professor John Diocor Labayos, who also writes a column for BBDN's English daily; The Bohol News Today.

BBDN publisher and veteran newspaperman Juanilo "Johnny" Orioque, syndicated news writer Ric Obedencio and the Philippine Information Agency in Bohol came to share topics on newspapering, news writing and photojournalism during the day-long event.

Orioque shared his newspapering experience to students who had a bit of idea how

it is to run news papers.

A former councilor turned newspaperman, Orioque first handled a weekly publication in Bohol as layout artist, and decided to buy out the printing machine.

Now the publisher of two daily papers: BBDN a Cebuano daily and BNT an english daily, Orioque has shown that hard work and diligence in newspapering can be a good profession.

On the other hand, Obedencio writes for local papers, including BBDN and BNT, as well as provincial and regional papers.

A decorated lens man and a sharp witted

writer, Obedencio just retired from government and decided to write full time.

PIA Bohol on the other hand, offered its student writers' crafted photography and photojournalism module to the student writers.

This is the first time that we invited resource persons and we did not expect this good response, Labayos said during the event.

The activity, part of the summer course offered for the 30 students at BNSC, was held to add more inputs into the students learning after a summer course. (mbcn/ rahc/PIA7-Bohol)

Former rebels in NegOr receive financial aid from CLIP Leandria P. Pagunsan DUMAGUETE CITY, May 27 (PIA) -- Comprehensive Local Integration Program (CLIP) in Negros Oriental recently turned over immediate and livelihood assistance in the amount of P15,000 and 50,000 respectively to 33 Former Rebels (FR).

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racing the ocassion were Governor Roel Degamo, Maj. General Rey Leonardo Guerrero, Commander of the 3rd Infantry Division, Philippine Army (PA), Col. Allan Martin, Commander, 302nd Brigade, PA, PSSUPT Reynold Andot of the Negros Oriental Provincial Police Office and Department of Interior and Local Government Provincial Director Dennis Quiñones.

In behalf of the CLIP committee, Gov. Degamo distributed the financial assistance in a form of checks to the 33 former rebels.

Degamo, in his speech, welcomed and felt honored that the 33 former rebels re-integrated

themselves back to the folds of law.

The governor also encouraged them to use properly the financial assistance of P65,000 given to them so they can start a new way of life and be partners in sustaining the development programs of the provincial government and hopefully become productive members of the community.

He said that it is through the government's effort in bringing basic services and support to the people especially in the rural areas that peace can be truly achieved.

He urged the former rebels to be partners in sustaining development programs all for the

good of the people in Negros Oriental.

Col. Allan Martin, commander of the 302nd brigade, also urged formers rebels to be extra cautious with the money and not to be influenced to return to the rebel movement.

One of the former rebels, Jessie Dacal-dacal, conveyed his message of thanks to the provincial government, the Philippine Army and to the rest of the CLIP committee members for the trust and confidence in their decision of re -integrating themselves back to the community and most especially for the financial assistance extended to them. (rmn/lpp/PIA7/Negros Oriental)

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EASTERN VISAYAS

LGUs, media vital in achieving MDG health targets - DOH

Phalaenopsis x intermedia Orchid variety also known as Star of Leyte

TACLOBAN CITY, Leyte, May 26 (PIA) – We need the local chief executives and media in helping us document good stories and challenges as well in our efforts to hit by 2016 the Millennium Development Goals (MDG) four and five.

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his was admitted by Department of Health (DOH) Undersecretary, Dr. Vicente Y. Belizario, Jr., in a press conference today at the Leyte Park Hotel.

According to him the MDG goals to be hit by May next year, is like playing a basketball game on its last quarter.

“The fight is so close, but let us target not just to be kulelat, kung pwede lang let us be number one,” the doctor urged the health officials present, mayors and media.

Undersecretary Belizario admitted however, that it is rather hard for them to fully achieve the MDG goals of reducing the number of deaths among mothers of reproductive age as well as the number of deaths among infants, but he emphatically stated his expectation to hit the mark, in partnership with line agencies, media and local government units, before the President Aquino‟s term is completed in June next year.

In fact, he said, by May next year, they at DOH hope to present to Malacañang a good report card, as to where went to, the investment in health services, which the Aquino Administration has so put up in.

Thus the launching today of the “Universal Health Care High Impact Five”, which expects to cover the provinces of Northern and Eastern Samar and Leyte provinces. Biliran and Western Samar were not included though in the DOH-08 urgent targets but, DOH-08 Regional Director, Dr. Jose Llacuna, said they are not totally neglecting the two provinces.

To execute the High Impact breakthrough that is aimed to approximate the MDG goals 4 & 5, Dr. Paula Sydiongco, DOH-08 Assistant Regional Director, shared that they will do Health Caravans in these areas, where they will render services in 1) Maternal Care, 2) Infant Care, 3) Under Five vaccines and Integrated Management

of Childhood Illnesses, 4) Diagnosis and Treatment and Peer Counselling for HIV-AIDS and 5) Profiling, Mapping and Matching.

Previous reports indicate Eastern Visayas to be in need to improve health interventions so as to reduce maternal mortality rate (MMR) from 102 per 100,000 births, to at least 52.

The health of babies and infants are certainly the current focus also of DOH-08, Dr. Llacuna said.

“The babies‟ or infants‟ health has to be given exact attention and appropriate services too, because when the mother is not healthy, so would the baby be and vice-versa”, Dr. Llacuna added.

In the country, some 43 provinces are now taking DOH limelight in terms of health interventions and services before the buzzer of June 2016 sounds up, as Dr. Belizario concluded.

(PIA-08)

Pilmico honors 'Yolanda' heroes, provides livelihood assistance Jonnie H. Buenaventura TACLOBAN CITY, Leyte, May 25 (PIA) - The Pilmico Foods Corporation gave due recognition to the unsung heroes of Eastern Visayas during the onslaught of typhoon Yolanda.

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ccording to Ms. Norie Bermudez, Pilmico Assistant Vice President, the giving of due recognition to Yolanda heroes was their way of honouring the exemplary service they provided despite their being victims themselves of the super typhoon to ever hit the Philippine soil on November 8, 2013.

AVP Bermudez shared the story of Ferdinand “Nick” P. Quieta from Brgy. Calogcog, Tanauan, Leyte who lost five children during the typhoon but despite such loss he and his wife did not give up and instead contacted their friends and relatives abroad to ask for help to be used for the survivors by giving them food, clothing and carpentry materials as well as established an

association for the purpose of planting crops and other vegetable products.

AVP Bermudez bared that this kind of extraordinary service is uncommon but due to the natural attitude of Filipinos in not giving up despite challenges in life, it will eventually come out specially during calamities, disaster and even on ordinary times.

Other awardees were Engr. Cleto Villaflor, Riverside Burayan, San Jose, Tacloban City; Maria Emma R. Bagon, Marasbaras, Tacloban City; Nila O. Gacusana, Basey Samar; Security Guard Tristan A. Enales, Brgy. Aringit, Pastrana, Leyte; Melenda Melendres, Brgy. Camaysihay, Palo, Leyte. The awardees were given a token of

recognition, livelihood assistance in the form of piggery or poultry provided with egg machine and sari-sari store.

Their company is promoting backyard gardening as a way of sustaining food security for every family, said Bermudez.

Pilmico Foods Corporation is the food subsidiary of Aboitiz Equity Ventures (AEV) and is one of the country‟s largest flour milling companies. In 1998, they ventured into feeds and swine business through their wholly-owned subsidiary, Pilmico Animal Nutrition.

The Pilmico Foods product is available in all agrivet, and authorized dealer and retailer stores throughout the Philippines. (ajc/jhb/PIA-8)

DepEd-E. Samar spearheads convergence meeting SAMUEL CANDIDO BORONGAN CITY, Eastern Samar, May 29 (PIA) --- The Division of Eastern Samar conducted their Inter-Agency and Stakeholders‘ Convergence Meeting on May 20, 2015 at the 3rd Floor, DepEd, Division Office Building, this City.

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he meeting was spearheaded by OIC, Asst. Schools Division Superintendent Elena de Luna.

During the meeting, issues and concerns of DepEd on how to address the problems commonly encountered during the opening of classes this coming June 1, 2015 were tackled and discussed.

On the part of the DPWH, represented by Engr. Domcelio M. Natividad, Chief Maintenance Section said that for the year 2014 there were 138 school projects wherein 25 were completed, 85 are on-going and 28 not yet started.

Engr. Natividad added that for this year

2015, there are 25 school projects to be constructed.

He further said, that DPWH will conduct repainting on the pedestrian lane and to remove obstruction nearest to the school premises to ensure the safety of the children.

While on the part of ESAMELCO, General Manager, Atty. Jose Michael Amancio informed the participants that the ASEAN Development Bank – Japan Fund for Poverty Reduction (ADB-JFPR), donated $1.5M for the reconnection and connection of electricity of different schools and hospitals in the province.

Some 67 public schools stands to benefit

from stable supply of electricity.

The PNP for its part assured security through deployment of PNP personnel in their respective area of responsibility and the visibility of policemen nearest the school premises especially the big schools.

ASDS de Luna thanked the participants for their wholehearted support to the DepEd to achieve a successful school year 2015-2016.

The said meeting was attended by school principals, supervisors, DPWH, DENR, PNP, DSWD, ESAMELCO, DYES, Radyo ng Bayan, PAG-ASA and PhilHealth. (ajc/sdc/PIA8-E Samar)

EASTERN VISAYAS

Flores de Mayo– Mayo– Santacruzan

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TB control extremely important, says US official CONSUELO B. ALARCON

TACLOBAN CITY, Leyte, May 25(PIA) - The US government is continuously working to restore normalcy to the lives of Yolanda survivors particularly on the health aspect.

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his was proven during the recent visit in the city of United States Ambassador to the Philippines Philip S. Goldberg who led the inauguration of a two-storey health facility at the Tacloban City Health Office that will house a tuberculosis treatment clinic.

Said health facility complete with medical equipment for ready-use will benefit the residents of Tacloban who are infected with TB. When asked why they prefer on constructing a TB DOTS facility, the ambassador said they want to help the Philippines in controlling this disease as it gets to be of high proportions. “Tuberculosis control is extremely important. The Philippines is ranked 7 out of 20 countries with the highest tuberculosis cases in the world. We focused on TB because that‟s

where we thought we can make a difference,” he said.

On his part, Tacloban City Mayor Alfred Romualdez was very grateful for the wholehearted support of the US government in rebuilding the lives of the people of the city.

Meanwhile, Tacloban City Health Officer Joedina Gumagay, who formally accepted the project on behalf of the government of the Philippines, assured that the facility will be put to good use.

On said occasion, Gumagay admitted that TB is a major health problem in the Philippines.

Among the 22 high-burdened countries with TB, it is the 6th leading cause of mortality and 75 Filipinos die of tuberculosis each day.

Last year, 258 smear positive cases and 608

patients manifested all forms of TB. In Tacloban alone, there are 5 cases of drug-resistance patients undergoing treatment and it costs P600, 000 for each patient.

After Yolanda struck in 2013, restoration of TB services was a very big challenge for the city heath office of Tacloban. However, with the help of foreign partners and the Department of Health the disease was controlled from spreading.

With the overall effort in restoring primary health care services, the new health facility and equipment will enable the city health office to provide safe TB treatment medications. A total of 12 health facilities will be constructed by the US government implemented through the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) Rebuild project. (ajc/cba/PIA-8)

SoLeyte Search for Most Environment-Friendly LGUs on ERNA S. GORNE MAASIN CITY, Southern Leyte, May 25 (PIA) - One of the highlights during the 55th founding anniversary of the province of Southern Leyte will be the honoring of Local Government Units (LGUs) both for the municipalities and barangays who are best prepared for any disaster and aggressively greening the community to fight against climate change.

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As the province of Southern Leyte will celebrate its founding anniversary come July 1, 2015, the provincial government has started its search for the first time for the Most Environment-Friendly LGUs, both for the municipal/city and barangays with the creation of the Provincial Search Committee for the Most Environment-Friendly LGUs.” Provincial Environment and Natural Resources Management Officer (PENRMO) head Dr Eva Abad said.

She noted that Provincial Governor Roger Mercado also wanted to know the status of disaster preparedness of the province and how the LGUs cope with the climate change thru this search.

The search is anchored on implementation of programs and projects geared towards disaster reduction management and environment and natural resources management and climate change adaptation.

Among the priority programs are the LGU institutionalization of the offices of the City/

Municipal and barangay Environment and Natural Resources Officer (C/MENRO) and the City/ Municipal and barangay Disaster Risk Reduction Officer (C/MDRRMO) already established in respective LGUs if the foremost consideration of the search.

The LGU must be armed with law enforcement mechanisms like the presence of Bantay Dagat, Bantay Katunggan, Bantay Lasang, Bantay Basura and Mining Regulation Task forces, she added. The search team will scrutinize the financial mechanisms of each LGUs to the coastal and fisheries projects, forest rehab projects waste collection and disposal projects and local disaster risk reduction management funds requirements for the various programs and projects to move, Abad said.

She noted that these offices with corresponding officers and budget are very crucial in the preparedness of any eventuality by way of focusing in the acquisition of emergency response equipments, early warning devices, standard

evacuation centers, relocation sites established, among others.

The environment and natural resources management which is also among the mitigating measures includes the marine protected area/ sanctuaries protection, aqua/mariculture projects like tilapia, bangus, seaweeds, etc, planting of mangrove/beach trees, waste disposal facility, waste recycling projects, riverbank planting, roadside planting and production forests, she further informed..

If all of those mentioned programs, projects are implemented in each municipality down to their barangays, the province will create a micro climate of a cool atmosphere, hence, strong typhoons will not prosper as it nears the premises of the province particularly with the abundance of trees across the province, Abad said further..

Another challenge for each LGU is the establishment of proper solid waste management in their respective municipalities and the city of Maasin, Abad concluded. (esg/PIA8 SoLeyte)

381 farmers graduate from DA‘s university on the air JONNIE H. BUENAVENTURA TACLOBAN CITY, Leyte, May 28 (PIA) - A total of 381 farmers in Leyte and Samar coming from 23 municipalities graduated from the Department of Agriculture's (DA) University on the Air (UOA) aired over Radio Station DYVL Aksyon Radyo, Tacloban City.

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ccording to Leo P. Caneda, DA Regional Executive Director, the UOA Program is a broadcast course aimed to provide farmer-student the knowledge on the latest farming technology to achieve food security in the entire region.

Dir. Caṅeda added that in order for the Eastern Visayas region attain food security "we must attain the 100% threshold, for now we reached 94% but still has a gap of 6% which the agriculture department is filling in order to attain a food secure region."

He went on to say that one of the initiatives of the office is to provide a program that can reach the remotest barangay across the region thru active involvement and participation by the farmer-student of the problems they encounter and how to combat such problems through the use of the latest farm technology and by providing them quality rice seeds.

Most of the farmer-students comes from the remotest barangays in Leyte and Samar who are registered farmers in their respective municipalities. Lorenzo Caca, Jr. from Sta. Fe,

Leyte in his valedictory address congratulated his fellow graduates and promised to apply his acquired knowledge and continue to be a farmer.

In Eastern Visayas the ratio per hectare of rice production is 70 to 80 cavans per hectare.

The Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA) posted in its latest survey that of the three regions in the Visayas area, Eastern Visayas has a positive outlook of sustaining and increasing rice productivity. The University on the Air commencement exercises for this year is the 26th graduation rites. (ajc/jhb/PIA-8)

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

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Ms. Minerva BC Newman Regional Director, PIA 7

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

Ms. Alicia E. Nicart Regional Director, PIA8

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