One Visayas e-Newsletter Vol 5 Issue 16

Vol 5

Issue 16

In this Issue WESTERN VISAYAS

Iloilo Governor Arthur Defensor Sr., Archdiocese of Jaro Vicar General Rev. Msgr. Higinio Velarde, and DENR-6 Regional Director Jim Sampulna affix their signature in the memorandum of agreement (MOA) that will require the planting of trees prior to officiating the rites of baptism, marriage and/or burial during the MOA signing held Wednesday, April 22 at the Archbishop's Palace, Jaro district here.

More on Region 6, pages 2-3.

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April 20 - 26, 2015

Published by: PIA 6, 7 & 8

DSWD fast-tracks release of shelter assistance

By Elsa S. Subong ILOILO CITY, April 22 (PIA6)—The Department of Social Welfare and Development-6 said it is fast tracking processing of documents for the release of the Emergency Shelter Assistance Rebecca Geamala, DSWD assistant regional director, said that the recent releases of P30,000 each for destroyed houses were done in Concepcion, Iloilo last April 20.

Five more local government units are set to receive theirs, in the amount of P16.9 million for Ibajay, Aklan; P56.8 for San Rafael, Iloilo; P2.6 million for Laua-an, Antique; P15.1 million for Lezo, Aklan;and P5.5 million for Nabas, Aklan.

Recently, the regional office received P2 billion intended for those with destroyed houses in Iloilo, Capiz, Antique, Aklan and Negros Occidental. ―The funds are not yet with the LGUs so we call on the public not to harass their mayors and other local officials,‖ Geamala said. ―But we assure them the DSWD staff is working double time to fast track processing,‖ she added.

The intended recipients for the amount are the towns of Dao, Maayon, Dumalag,Cuartero, Panit-an,

Sapi-an, Dumarao, Mambusao, and Pres. Roxas, in Capiz; Ajuy.

Estancia, Passi City, Carles, Lemery, Batad and Mina in Iloilo; Libertad, Valderama, San Remegio, and Patnongon in Antique; and, Nabas, Buruanga, Balete, Malinao and Numancia in Aklan.

Recipients in Negros Occidental are in Sagay City.

May Rago-Castillo, DSWD information officer said all families with destroyed houses will be prioritized in the release, which will each receive P30,000, while those with damaged houses, will get P10,000.(JCM/ ESS/PIA-Iloilo)

Gov. Victor A. Tanco (2nd from left) and Panay Mayor Dante Bermejo (center) present the check turned over by DSWD to Capiz for the Emergency Shelter Assistance (ESA) for Typhoon Yolanda survivors during the turn over. Also in photo are DSWD-6‘s Rosa Sanagustin and LGU staff. (DSWD-6 photo)

CENTRAL VISAYAS

DILG brings Operation ‗LISTO‘ to NegOr LGUs

DILG Sec. Mar Roxas graced the consultative forum on the proposed One Negros Island Region in Silliman University last April 21, 2015. Roxas hopes for more public consultations on the above-mentioned topic in Negros Oriental to help residents of the province become more informed of the issue.

He noted that an intensified information drive regarding the said proposal will raise the public‘s awareness on its advantages and disadvantages and help them make a concrete stand on the topic. (PIA)

More on Region 7, pages 4-5.

BY JENNIFER C. TILOS DUMAGUETE CITY, April 16 (PIA) -- The Department of Interior Local Government (DILG) leads in the orientation on disaster preparedness manual yesterday with about a hundred local government units (LGUs), academe, civil society among others in Dumaguete City to know its level of readiness and strengthen the local disaster plans.

The DILG saw the need to assist the local chief executives in terms of disaster preparedness action, since they are appointed as the front liners in the community during calamities, as mandated by law, said DILG provincial director Dennis Quiñones.

DILG pursues to strengthen the capacity while maintaining the active participation of LGUs in responding to calamities and disasters in their communities.

Under R.A. 10121, the LGU is mandated to ensure safety and resiliency of communities to face the challenges of disasters.

The operation manual is a guide on what are the proper steps to do before, during and after disasters and

calamities.

Quiñones said this is also a tool to minimize mistakes that will cost grave destruction to lives and properties.

The manual contains three critical preparedness actions: Alpha (Yellow), Bravo (Orange), and Charlie (Red). Alpha actions will be done by LGUs inside the cone but are farthest from the direct typhoon track.

Bravo presumes Alpha actions have been done coupled with additional acts that are essential for LGUs near the vicinity of the direct typhoon path.

While Charlie assumes that Alpha and Bravo actions have already been done and additional actions must be undertaken to address the severe threat of the typhoon by those in its direct path.

DILG‘s Operation Listo responds to the continuing threat of natural disasters that confront LGUs. It is an extensive action that aims to inform Filipinos, especially the LGUs on the importance of right preparations and actions in times of calamities. (mbcn/jct/ PIA7-Negros Oriental/with reports from Sheena Mae Diongco, SU intern)

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EASTERN VISAYAS

Energy secretary Carlos Jericho Petilla (left) inspired graduates with his message as commencement speaker during the Visayas State University (VSU) 62nd Commencement Exercises in Bayabay City, Leyte, April 22. (Vino R. Cuayzon)

More on Region 8, pages 6-7.

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DPWH enforces road-right-of-way in national roads CATBALOGAN CITY, Samar, April 22 (PIA) -- The Department of Public Works and Highways-Samar First District Engineering Office in Calbayog City strictly enforces its reacquisition of the road-right-of-way (RROW) in compliance with Department Order No. 73, series of 2014 which also known as ―Prohibited Uses within the Road- Right-of-Way of National Roads‖.

According to Engr. Albert Lazana, Chief of the Maintenance Section, some 6,867 structures have been identified within the ten meter-limit from the centerline as a result of the re-inventory on the encroachments along the National Road within the coverage of the district based in Calbayog.

These are stalls, fences, houses, stores, walls, and boxes constructed within the RROW which obstruct the use of the roads shoulders intended for pedestrians and motorists.

While some of these structures can be easily

removed, some may take some time because of its being permanently constructed.

Undersecretary Raul C. Asis issued a memorandum to effect the removal of the obstructions whether immediate or gradual in terms of permanent structures.

The department believes that less accidents will occur if these obstructions are removed permanently. ―With the road shoulders or sidewalks full of illegal encroachments, pedestrians have no option but to walk on road pavements,‖ the Official Gazette quoted DPWH Secretary Rogelio Singson then. ―We have to recover the road-right-of-way for the safety of the public,‖ he added.

A study has shown that pedestrians are victims of more than half of the recorded road crashes along national roads. (ajc/nbq/PIA–Samar with Marianette Gomez/DPWH Samar First Engr. District)

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WESTERN VISAYAS

Emergency response team ready for APEC

The Bataan Memorial Cross

By Lorenzo O. Lambatin Jr.

BACOLOD CITY, April 20 (PIA6)—Bacolod City is prepared to handle emergency cases and other untoward incidents that may take place during the APEC summit meeting on April 29-30.

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n an interview, City Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Officer OIC Rufino Alcala said preparations are being made to ensure worse-case scenarios are addressed before, during and after the meeting of foreign officials here.

Ambulances, dump trucks, cherry picker, sewer jet and other vehicles will be made available with the assistance of hundreds of volunteers, he said during an

interview in PIA radio program over Radyo Kumando 103.1 FM. Preparations were made to handle man-made and natural risks and hazards.

Incident command areas will also be set up and coordination was made to augment other manpower and equipment needed from the regional and national counterpart organizations.

Earlier, the DRRMO hosted the

national simultaneous earthquake drill at SM City here, Bacolod being the center of activity for Region VI. Alcala said the APEC activity is a welcome development in the city that will give positive impact in the over-all aspect of governance including tourism and livelihood as he appealed for the cooperation of every citizen to support the hosting of this important event. (JSC/ Lljr-PIA6)

Panay Balikatan centers on humanitarian, disaster response

By Jemin B. Guillermo ROXAS CITY, Capiz, April 20 (PIA6) – Capacity building and humanitarian services are the center of the Balikatan 2015 Exercises in Panay Island.

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aptain James Meyer, commander of the United States Joint Civilian-Military Operations Task Force for Palawan and Panay, disclosed that the Balikatan Exercises here focused on the humanitarian assistance and disaster response exercises.

Meyer, during the recent press conference here, stressed that part of their humanitarian activities in the construction and repair of public infrastructure facilities, particularly schools, which were destroyed by supertyphoon Yolanda in November 2013.

Initially, two schools in Capiz, namely the Don Joaquin Artuz Memorial School in Taft and San Nicolas National High School in San Nicolas, Tapaz town were the beneficiaries of the construction of two-classroom building and repair and repainting of their school buildings, respectively.

In addition, an assessment of the

airports and seaports in Capiz, Aklan and Antique was done as part of the humanitarian disaster response.

On disaster response exercises, a total of 105 participants composed of 82 military personnel from the 3rd Infantry Division of the Philippine Army, 13 reservists from the 6th Regional Community Defense Group and 10 personnel from the Capiz Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office was trained on Basic First Responders Training by the US Balikatan Team.

A similar training was likewise conducted among health personnel, social workers, barangay volunteers and some residents of barangays San Nicolas and Taft.

Seminars on health, civil-military operation exchange and humanitarian assistance and disaster response were also done.

For his part, Governor Victor Tanco expressed gratitude to the United States

through its military personnel for choosing Capiz to be their site for their humanitarian assistance and disaster response exercises as part of the Balikatan 2015 in Panay Island.

Tanco noted that the help after the onslaught of typhoon Yolanda is a very welcome service fo r the Cap i ceñ o s wh o were among those who were greatly suffered from said disaster in November 2013. The Balikatan Exercises in Panay Island, particularly in Capiz, is the 31st in the series of exercises in the Philippines and the first in Western Visayas, Meyer said.

The press conference held at the provincial capitol was also attended by 3ID-Philippine Army Spokesperson Maj. Ray Tiongson, 3ID Civil Military Office Chief 1st Lt. Krystle Rose Abay, US Joint CMO Task Force Panay head Lt. Commander Catherine Eyrich and other US military personnel. (JCM/JBG/PIA6-Capiz)

Info campaigns help reduce dengue cases in WV

By Leonard T. Pineda I ILOILO CITY, April 24 (PIA6) --- The Department of Health (DOH) in Western Visayas said that massive information dissemination campaign helped reduce cases of dengue fever in the region.

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n a media release, DOH-6 Regional Director Marlyn Convocar said that the information, education, and communication materials disseminated to the communities have helped raised public awareness about the disease.

According to DOH-6, a total of 747 dengue cases were recorded from January to April 4 this year, with one fatality. ―The figure is 29 percent lower compared to the same period in 2014 which is 1,055 cases,‖ she said.

Of the 747 dengue cases registered this year, Iloilo recorded the most number of cases with 194; followed by Negros Occidental with 160; Capiz with 141; and Aklan with 109. The provinces of Antique and Guimaras each recorded less than 100 cases.

However, Convocar stressed that maintaining clean surroundings is still key in combatting the disease. ―Cleaning of surroundings must be done regularly to destroy the breeding

places of dengue mosquitoes,‖ she said.

The DOH official also reminded the public to observe the 4S: search and destroy of breeding places, seek early consultation, observe self-protection, and say no to indiscriminate fogging.

She added that the public should not be complacent.

Although mosquitoes proliferate during the rainy season, dengue has become a year-round disease. (JCM/ LTP-PIA6 Iloilo)

WESTERN VISAYAS

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4Ps has 343 College scholars, 41 to graduate Mt. Samat National Shrine

By Pilar S. Mabaquiao SAN JOSE, Antique, April 20 (PIA6) - - The Extended Students Grants in Aid Program for Poverty Alleviation (ESGP-PA ) or commonly called Pantawid Pamilya Scholarship Program has sent 343 scholars to college and 41 of them are up for graduation this coming school year.

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effrey Gabucay, Provincial Officer of Pantawid Pamilya reported that the first batch is in 4th year college come opening of classes and the remaining 302 are in 2nd year college studying in different universities in Region 6.

Each of them is receiving P30,000 per semester to support their school needs such as tuition fees, books, uniforms and living allowance.

Roy Tocoyo, BS Civil Engineering student of the University of Antique and Donnie Jasper Tabaco-an of Nagdayao, Sibalom and studying at Capiz State University- Pilar, Capiz Campus taking up BS in Business Administration are among those who expressed their gratitude to

the government for sending them to college.

Tocoyo said if not for the ESGP-PA grant, his parents who are seasonal laborer and carpenter could hardly send him to college, the fact that he graduated in high school as a working student.

He was class Valedictorian of the Night Class at Antique National School. ―The Pantawid pamilya is a big help to us students from poor families,‖ Tocoyo, who is determined to finish his course, said in an interview.

On the other hand, Tabaco-an said, he is willing to endure the hardship that lies ahead to be away from his parents just to pursue his studies. Pilar, Capiz is almost a day of travel from Tabaco-an's

place but what comes to his mind is to earn a degree and soon help his family and community.

Tabaco-an is the eldest son of three siblings whose parents are a farm laborer and helper in a grocery store. ―Without the help of Patawid Pamilya, I could not proceed to college.

The income of my parents is meager ,‖ he said.

Pantawid Pamilya scholars share similar stories and likewise expressed their willingness to brave the difficulty just to finish their studies, Gabucay said.

Gabucay disclosed that some of the scholars are on the Dean‘s Lists or academic awardees. (JCM/PSM/PIA6 Antique)

MGB-6 training to identify, assess groundwater supply

By Elsa S. Subong ILOILO CITY, April 21 (PIA6)—Personnel of the Mines and Geosciences Bureau here had a hands-on training on the use of geo-resistivity meter for groundwater resource assessment.

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GB-6 Director Engr. Leo Van Juguan said the geo-resistivity meter is an equipment used for a survey for groundwater resource vulnerability such as salt water intrusion. ‗This equipped our personnel with technical capacity in using the instrument in the field and in interpreting the data,‖ Juguan said.

Lara Artajo, MGB-6 information officer, said that the training is among the initiatives of the office to implement a scientific way of looking for groundwater

resource and with possibly enough supply. ―This is a response to the possibility of the supply of water getting very critical, which is not yet in that level for the region,‖ Artajo said.

She added that the geo-resistivity meter is used to detect surface groundwater, more scientifically than the ―tasuc‖ which people are used to doing.

The trainees, under the tutelage of Abrahan Gatdula, a geophysicist from the MGB Central Office, had a two-day test

run of the geo-resistivity meter along the circumferential road in Jaro and Pavia, Iloilo.

Director Juguan said that for this year, groundwater resource vulnerability assessment will be conducted in Kalibo, Aklan, and Bago city, Negros Occidental.

H e adde d th at a gra du al implementation is being done because there is only one equipment, which costs over a million, available for Western Visayas. (JCM/MGB/ESS/PIA-Iloilo)

Aklan's 2015 Pina fiber fest a PPP showcase – DTI

By Venus G. Villanueva Kalibo, Aklan, April 23 (PIA6) -- The ongoing Aklan Pina and Fiber Festival at the Aklan Trade Hall is a showcase of Public and Private Partnership (PPP), according to DTI-Aklan Provincial Director Diosdado P. Cadena, Jr.

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s a PPP showcase, this big economic event, which is now on its 16th year, is jointly conducted by the provincial government of Aklan, Department of Trade and Industry (DTI), Philippine Fiber and Development Authority (PhilFIDA), the Hugod Aklanon Producers Association, Inc. and the Aklan Pina and Indigenous Fibers Manufacturers and Traders Inc. (Pinamantra).

As one of the major events to highlight the Aklan Day anniversary, the fiber fest which mainly features Aklan‘s

best products made of pina, abaca and raffia loom-woven fabrics, fashion accessories and souvenir items, health and wellness products, will be up until April 26.

The five-day fiber festival will be joined by 78 exhibitors, composed of Aklan‘s 61 Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs), Aklan Horticulture Society, and 17 municipalities of Aklan displaying their products under the One Town, One Product (OTOP) program.

The fiber festival also mounts special

features like a garden wedding setting by local artist/designer Nina Candelario; and a mini fashion show presenting various ensembles of wearing apparel made of indigenous materials and fashion accessories.

This year‘s Pina and Fiber Festival targets to earn at least 10% increase from last year‘s sales, which had P3.4616 million in cash sales, booked orders and negotiated sales.

Last year, 55 MSMEs joined the exhibit. (JCM/VGV PIA6 Aklan)

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CENTRAL VISAYAS

PAGASA cites indicators El Niño can be felt in Dumaguete City

The Bataan Memorial Cross

Roi Anthoni B. Lomotan DUMAGUETE CITY, April 16 (PIA) – The country‘s weather bureau station in Negros Oriental has seen a decrease in the amount of rainfall and a rise of temperature over the past three months which indicate that El Niño phenomenon has set in Dumaguete City and possibly in other parts of the province.

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hilippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA)-Negros Oriental chief meteorological officer Neptune Catarata said Dumaguete City, for example, experienced less rainfall amount from January to March this year.

For the month of April, the city has just experienced 11.9mm amount of rainfall so far. But this is still lower than the average rainfall amount which is 53.7mm.

On the other hand, PAGASA also noted an increase of temperature during

the mentioned period.

Catarata underscored that even 1 centigrade anomaly can bring a big impact in hotness of temperature.

He also added that these data are seen only in Dumaguete City and other parts of the province can possibly experience hotter temperature. ―These are indications of abnormality in our temperature and our rainfall (conditions). These are the signals of El Niño,‖ Catarata noted.

The impact of El Niño can be damages to crops and livestock.

However, Provincial Agriculturist

Office (PAO) research division Chief Charito Catarata disclosed that so far, the dry spell has not yet affected the cropping of major agricultural products. ―According to the provincial agriculturist, most of the farmers have harvested already the first crop and also the second crop. The first and second cropping seasons are seen normal,‖ Catarata mentioned.

For livestock, the PAO continuously conducts vaccination to animals to make their resistance stronger against diseases spreading during prolonged dry season. (mbcn/ral/PIA7-NegOr)

PAO: No agricultural crops damage from El Niño

BY JENNIFER C. TILOS NEGROS ORIENTAL, April 20 (PIA) – As early as second semester of last year, Provincial Agriculture Office urged the farmers to plant drought tolerant and early maturing crops to offset the effects of El Niño, ―Thus for now the office has not received any damage reports,‖ agri researcher Charito Catarata of PAO reported in a Kapihan forum recently.

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atarata said, so far the occurrence of El Niño has brought very minimal effect to most palay and corn farmers in the province since they already harvested their crops as early as September 2014 for the first crop and February this year for the second cropping.

As an advocate and practicing organic farming, Negros Oriental may outlive the intense hot weather since the soil is filled with organic matter and carbon, the agriculture official said.

Other set of contingency prepared to mitigate the adverse effects of the weather phenomenon El Niño, the farmers have been advised to access drought-tolerant varieties of crops or rice which thrive even limited water supply.

In the same forum, National Irrigation Administration (NIA) division chief Engr.

Joseph Naparota said more than 5,000 farmer-members from 60 irrigator famer associations did not feel much the El Niño weather event.

NIA has set its water crisis management plan to equally distribute the

availability of the water supply in the irrigations.

The water level of the three impounding reservoirs in Calango, Zamboanguita and Dauin towns is still normal where water supplies of the irrigation systems are taken from the rivers, said Engr. Naparota.

However, the Nasig-id, Zamboanguita reservoir has very low supply of water, thus was temporarily closed to be able to collect more water. (mbcn/jct/PIA7 -Negros Oriental with reports from Sheena Mae Diongco, SU intern)

NegOr LGUs intensify ZOD campaign

BY JENNIFER C. TILOS NEGROS ORIENTAL, April 20 (PIA) -- The Provincial Technical Working Group of Zero Open Defecation (ZOD) campaign has enjoined the local government units (LGUs) of Dauin, Zamboanguita, and Siaton to intensify the implementation of ZOD program in a monitoring visit-caravan recently.

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t is noted that more than 7,000 households in the three LGUs are still without toilets and practicing open defecation.

Former assistant provincial health officer Dr. Edgardo Barredo who heads the PTWG said defecating in open places poses a serious threat to everyone‘s health in the community. ―The high incidence of diarrhea, anemia among other diseases endangers the neighbourhood even those who have

fixed toilets as fly flies,‖ said Dr. Barredo.

While open defecation is a practice among the poor, it is very important to educate them to slowly change their behaviour, the doctor said.

With this health and sanitation problem the LGUs face, Siaton mayor Alberto Ator has set to issue an executive order for the creation of local technical team to assist the 5,378 households without toilets in the implementation of ZOD program in his town.

For Zamboanguita, barangay captains in 10 brgys led by mayor Kit Mark Adanza committed to support the 1,326 households without toilets to achieve ZOD. Dauin local government has also allocated P300,000 for toilet construction this year while 554 households identified without toilets will take care of the labor as their counterpart under ZOD program. (mbcn/jct/PIA7-Negros Oriental)

CENTRAL VISAYAS AUDIO-Bohol 'Bisita Opisina' Pag-IBIG Fund Tagbilaran Branch Mt. Samat National Shrine

5 goes

to

Elvira Bongosia

TAGBILARAN, April 20 (PIA)--The Association of United Development Information Officers in Bohol (AUDIO-Bohol), an aggrupation of information officers of the municipalities and national government agencies based in the province will have its ‗Bisita Opisina‘ on Tuesday, April 21 at the Home Development Mutual Fund (HDMF) Pag-IBIG Fund Tagbilaran Branch at the 2nd Floor of Galleria Luisa, Tagbilaran City.

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Bisita Opisina‘ is one of the activities of AUDIO-Bohol where the members visit government agencies and municipalities to conduct discussions and learn about government programs for the group to assist them with their communication needs.

Pag-IBIG Fund Tagbilaran Branch Head, Felix Garan is set to give his welcome message at 8:30 a.m. at their office on Tuesday.

AUDIO-Bohol members will then

have an office tour and orientation of the Citizen‘s Charter of the host office. At 9 a.m., the group will transfer at Arabelle Suites located at New Calceta Street for the Pag-IBIG Fund Programs briefing.

Information Officer and Marketing & Sales Head of Pag-IBIG Fund Tagbilaran Branch, Leonardo Cirujales will brief the AUDIO-Bohol members on the implementing rules and regulations (IRR) of R.A. 9679 also known as the Revised Pag-IBIG Law of 2009.

He will also discuss on Pag-IBIG Loyalty Card: Enrolment, Benefits and Introduction of Merchants Partners.

Cirujales is also set to brief the group on the benefits of upgraded contributions and Modified Pag-IBIG Fund II (MP2) Program and the Pag-IBIG Housing Loan Programs.

In the afternoon, the information officers of the municipalities and national agencies will have their information sharing. (mbcn/ecb/PIA7-Bohol)

PNP: NegOr‘s crime volume rises slightly, still remains peaceful Jennifer C. Tilos NEGROS ORIENTAL, April 20 (PIA) -- The Philippine National Police (PNP) reported recently that Negros Oriental‘s crime volume went up by 3.83 percent in the first quarter of this year compared to incidents reported in the same period of last year.

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Sr./Supt. Mariano Natuel Jr., PNP provincial director said crime statistics from January to March this year totaled to 5,495, of which 2,491 were taken from the PNP blotter, 2,430 from barangay blotter, while the 574 came from other law enforcement agencies.

In a provincial peace and order council meeting recently, Natuel said that on the PNP‘s crime records, a total of 1,298 are index crimes and 1,193 are non-index. For index crimes, or crimes committed against persons or property, the breakdown is as follows: murder, 49; physical injury, 612; theft, 388; robbery, 91; homicide, 38; rape, 52; 58 incidents for carnapping; and 10 for cattle rustling.

For non-index crimes or offenses punishable under the Revised Penal Code and Special Laws such as enforcement on Republic Act 9165 or anti-drug law and RA 9287 or anti-illegal gambling law, the PNP registered a total of 1,193 incidents. It is noted that among the six cities, Dumaguete City, the capital center of the province, registered the highest share of total crime volume from 965 in 2014 to 1,110 this year.

Sibulan, the adjacent municipality of Dumaguete City, also has the highest total crime volume recorded from 147 in 2014 to 158 crime incidents this year.

However, Natuel said its crime clearance efficiency increased 54.20 percent from only 50.90 percent during the same period while in index crimes

efficiency also increased from 35. 29 to 39.65 percent. The provincial police conducted 83 operations against illegal drugs resulting to 99 apprehensions and confiscated drugs worth around P3 million and 117 cases filed, Natuel said.

Other police accomplishments on flagship programs include loose firearms with 55 operations, 144 arrested wanted persons, and 23 operations with 32 persons arrested in illegal gambling. ―The untiring effort of police force in the campaign against all forms of lawlessness has resulted into much peaceful environment with trust and respect of the Negrenses as partner in providing them a desirable place to live, work and do business,‖ said the police director. (rmn/jct/PIA7-Negros Oriental)

DOE-Visayas opens 5 vacant positions for hiring Fayette C. Riñen CEBU, April 21 (PIA) – The Department of Energy (DOE) - Visayas Field Office is opening five vacant positions in its Energy Industry Management Division and is now accepting applications from qualified individuals.

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ositions that are open are one Sen io r S c ien c e Re se a rch Specialist (SSRS), three Science Research Specialist (SRS) II and another SRS II in a different field.

For SSRS, one must have a Civil Service Level II Eligibility or its equivalent and a graduate of any technical baccalaureate course (Engineering is preferable) with corresponding training and experience in his or her field of work.

He or she must function with less supervision, capable of handling project,

work planning, supervision, implementation while experience in public relations is an advantage.

Likewise, the three SRS II must have a Civil Service Level II Eligibility or its equivalent and a graduate of any technical course (Engineering is preferable) with relevant training in his or her field of work.

The last SRS II however, must be a graduate of Chemical Engineering or Chemistry and must also have a Civil Service Level II Eligibility or its equivalent

with experience or familiarity in laboratory procedure and analysis.

Interested applicants may submit their application, resume, transcript of records and Civil Service Commission or Professional Regulation Commission result to Director Antonio E. Labios, Department of Energy-Visayas, 3rd floor, Escario Building, Escario Street, Cebu City. For further inquiries, one may also call DOE-Visayas at telephone numbers (032) 253-7222 or 2533459. (mbcn/fcr/ PIA7/with reports from DOE-Visayas )

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EASTERN VISAYAS

Medical Mission Matters heals 95 kids with facial deformities in SoLeyte

The Bataan Memorial Cross

BY MARCELO M. PEDALINO MAASIN CITY, Southern Leyte, April 22 (PIA) -- Some 95 kids, mostly infants, are now being treated for a free surgery at the provincial hospital in barangay Dongon here, so that the in-born anomaly on their faces and voices can be corrected.

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e d i c a l M is s i o n M a t t e r s , a newly-organized non-government organization based in Ilo-ilo and founded by Dr. Lawrence Malley, spearheaded the free cleft and palate surgery since Friday, April 17, in cooperation with the city and provincial governments, among other sectors. ―We have a total of 164 successfully conducted operation since we began in December 2014 following the approval of our papers by the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) in November 2014,‖ said Lyla Grace Isiderio, the Office Manager, in an interview Thursday at Dongon National High School where the patients and their families are staying for the duration of the mission.

This has been their fifth surgery operation, and the first held outside San Jose, Antique, Isiderio said, adding that she is hoping the 95 patients on their list would be added to their record of successful operations.

She said their activity has been sponsored

by Smile Train, an International Organization with the same advocacy as theirs.

At the DYSL Kapihan sa PIA where they guested, Isiderio said the cleft palate operation normally costs P 120,000.00 but because of the mission this is free of charge -- including other expenses of patients such as laboratory, transportation, and food.

Ronald Woods, a foreigner who had married and lived in barangay Asuncion, Maasin, said the huge costs on medical procedures was waived, courtesy of the efforts of the

specialists and expert doctors from St. Luke Hospital who volunteered their time and talent. ―This is a labor of love for them,‖ Woods said, referring to Dr. Richard Cabotage, a plastic surgeon, and Dr. Hedwig Reyeg, anesthesiologist.

And Woods himself started rolling the unselfish labor of love, for he was the one who initiated to bring a cleft child from barangay Asuncion to San Jose, Antique, for treatment, until in the process the idea of an outreach operation in the province was conceived and now realized. ―My mission is to eliminate this deformity in Southern Leyte, then move on to other places,‖ Woods said during the dySL kapihan sa PIA. (jrc/mmp/PIA8-Southern Leyte)

PNP-South Leyte gets 25 computer sets from police foundation

By Marcelo M. Pedalino MAASIN CITY, Southern Leyte, April 20 (PIA) -- The provincial office of the Philippine National Police was able to solicit 25 units of computers from the organization‘s foundation.

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olice Sr. Supt. Marni Marcos said that distribution of the new computers, which were given by the Philippine National Police Foundation Inc. (PNPFI) to the field stations all over the province will be timed during the visit of the Police Regional Director soon.

The computers will be very useful in office and administrative matters of the various police stations, especially now that the social media have been the prevailing way for gathering and disseminating information on programs and projects in every police station, Marcos disclosed during last week‘s Provincial Report cable TV program.

In fact, the PNP last year recruited

non-uniformed personnel (NUP) whose main function is to attend to the online needs of the stations, while uniformed cops were all dispatched to the field for the actual police work, Marcos shared.

Aside from the computers, Marcos also reported that eight municipal police stations such Macrohon, Padre Burgos, Hinundayan, Libagon, Pintuyan, Saint Bernard, San Juan, and Silago were recently issued each a motorcycle unit. Other field stations in the province had already been issued their units except for the eight police stations.

Asked if all the police stations in the province have their own separate, and

concrete made offices, Marcos, who assumed as provincial director six months ago, said there are still a few which are still housed in old, Spanish-era structures while others hod offices near municipal halls.

He called on the local government units who have no separate stations yet to find a suitable lot, inasmuch as the PNP has a continuing program for construction of police stations with funds coming from the central PNP office.

Also guests at the cable TV program were Police Chief Insp. Napoleon Inot, Investigator, and Police Sr. Insp. Richard Castanares, in-charge of Police Community Relations (PCR). (ajc/mmp/PIA8-Southern Leyte)

NNC-8 urges new HIMSoG officers to strengthen advocacy programs

By NINFA B. QUIRANTE CATBALOGAN CITY, Samar, April 22 (PIA) - The National Nutrition Council (NNC) urged members of the re-energized Harmonized Initiatives of Media for the Spread of Good Nutrition (HIMSoG-8) to help advocate the Promotion of Good Nutrition (PGN) to bring down malnutrition prevalence in the region.

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NC-8 regional head, Dr. Catalino Dotollo said that different indicators in the Millennium Development Goals (MDG) have not been achieved especially in the Maternal Mortality Rate and the Under Five Mortality Rate. ―We need extra-ordinary acts to meet the challenge,‖ Dotollo said during the HIMSoG general assembly held on Monday.

As he posed his challenge for the continuous advocacy of good nutrition in the different LGUs, the NNC director also assured

the support of NNC behind HIMSoG 8 activities.

Reports have it that one Samar municipality landed top three in the list of nutritionally depressed municipalities nationwide.

While the malnutrition prevalence has declined, still nutrition stakeholders have to double their efforts to reach the target pledged in the MDG. HIMSOG President elect Antonio Pueblos vowed to ―steer the boat‖ in faster speed

while maintaining its course towards eradication of malnutrition. ―Padayon an aton bubuhaton, mapaspas la kita hin bugsay,‖ (We shall continue our plans and actions but we will paddle faster.)

HIMSoG 8 is a media organization in Region 8 with nutrition advocacy, the group has been to nutritionally depressed provinces, municipalities and barangays to hold dialogues with the local officials offering ways how best to curb malnutrition. (ajc/nbq/ PIA –Samar)

EASTERN VISAYAS

Mt. Samat National Shrine

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PSA Biliran to continue labor force survey until April 30

BY CONSUELO B. ALARCON

TACLOBAN CITY, Leyte, April 21(PIA) --- The Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA) Biliran Provincial Office is requesting the cooperation of 148 households in the province who were systematically and randomly selected for the April 2015 Labor Force Survey.

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n a press statement, Interim Provincial Statistics Officer Francisco D. Rostata said the Labor Force Survey (LFS) is a nationwide quarterly survey of households conducted by PSA to gather data on the demographic and socio-economic characteristics of the population.

The objective of this activity is to measure the distribution of household population from

15 years old and above and their employment status whether employed, unemployed or underemployed.

The various employment characteristics such as industry, class of worker, nature of employment and basis of payment will also be determined.

Furthermore, question on hunger experienced by any member of the

household will also be included in the questionnaire.

Rostata assured that the data gathered during the survey will be strictly confidential and will not be used for taxation, investigation and enforcement purposes.

The labor force survey (LFS) is mandated

by Commonwealth Act 591 and Executive Order No. 121.(jrc/cba/PSA/PIA-8)

DILG-Southern Leyte bares Lupon winners

BY MA. REBECCA G. CADAVOS MAASIN CITY, Southern Leyte, April 22 (PIA) -- The Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG)-Southern Leyte Provincial Office bared the winners of the Lupon Tagapamayapa Incentives Awards (LTIA), a joint project with the Department of Justice (DOJ) at the provincial level.

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he Provincial Assessment Team which includes the Philippine Information Agency through Infocen Manager Erna Sy Gorne conducted the assessment in the middle of March, this year.

The awardees include Barangay Biasong in the municipality of Hinunangan as 1st place for the 1st-3rd class municipality, while 4th-6th class municipalities were awarded to: 1st – Barangay Hingatunggan, Silago; 2nd – Barangay Canlabian, Anahawan; and Barangay Nahulid of Libagon the 3rd place.

The winners will receive cash awards and

plaques of recognition, the source said, such as P20,000 for Biasong and P20,000, P15,000 and P10,000 for the 4th-6th class winners, respectively.

The LTIA aims to recognize the best top three performing lupons throughout the province and to aid the lupons in effectively performing their functions and to further encourage them to perform the same.

Previously, the Lupong Tagapamayapa in Barangay Hingaatunggan of Silago town was awarded as 1st runner-up in the LTIA National Awards, December 2013 at the Malacaṅang

Palace, while last year, Southern Leyte Lupons were recognized at the LTIA Regional level awarding such as Barangay Hingatunggan, Silago, Barangay Biasong, Hinunangan and Barangay Tagnipa, Maasin City were declared as Regional winners for the 4th-6th class municipality, 1st-3rd class municipality and 1st-3rd class component city categories, respectively. It was learned that awarding of the current best Lupons in the province will be given during the Southern Leyte Founding anniversary in July, this year. (ajc/rgc/PIA8 -SoLeyte)

400 ‗K to 12' students in EV finish senior HS, expect to get job soon

BY CONSUELO B. ALARCON TACLOBAN CITY, Leyte, April 21 (PIA) – Around 400 K to 12 senior high schools in whole Eastern Visayas marked a significant event in the history of the Department of Education (Deped) Friday as they joined the graduation rites of the K to 12 Modelling Program for the school year 2014-2015 at Leyte National High School Gym, this city.

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he senior high schools 2nd batch graduated from 20 schools coming from the different schools division with specialization in commercial cooking, food and fish processing, bread and pastry, food and beverages services, computer programming, animal production, tourism, building construction, automotive servicing, driving, small engines and motorcycles servicing, software and hardware development, agri-business civil technology, agriculture, food trades, aquaculture, among others.

In her speech, DepEd regional director Luisa Bautista-Yu underscored the significance of developing the skills of Filipino workforce to prepare them for the future and to make them globally-ready for the 2015 ASEAN Economic Integration. ―Indeed our coming together

indicates that we are in the right mode in achieving the main purpose of the enhanced basic education,‖ Yu said.

The Deped official further said that the graduation rites of the 2nd batch of the K to 12 senior high school modeling program is just the beginning of the journey in fulfilling the commitment to serve the community and build the whole nation as well as producing the good workers. The senior high school offers an array of opportunities for workers and ensures future employment not only locally but internationally.

Yu explained that this is the reason why the K to 12 Program was introduced in order for them to be equipped with the necessary skills and competencies that will enable them

to compete with the global market.

However, Yu said this can only be achieved with the continuous support of partner-agencies and other stakeholders.

The graduation rites was attended by Deped officials led by Assistant Secretary Reynaldo Antonio D. Laguda who served as the special guest; some regional directors, local government executives, school division superintendents, teachers, parents, partner-agencies, employers and other stakeholders.

In an interview with a number of graduates and their parents, they told PIA that they are expecting their children to land a job soon after some employers expressed commitment to give them jobs after graduation. (aen/cba/PIA-8)

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

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

Ms. Minerva BC Newman Regional Director, PIA 7

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

Ms. Alicia E. Nicart Regional Director, PIA8

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