One Visayas e-Newsletter Vol 5 Issue 6

Vol 5

Issue 6

In this Issue

ESSU to hold 2nd int‘l confab on integrative DRRM

TACLOBAN, CITY Feb.12 (PIA) – The Eastern Samar State University (ESSU), Borongan, City will hold the 2nd International Conference on Integrative Disaster Risk Reduction Management (ICIDRRM) on September 3-5, this WESTERN VISAYAS year at the Multi-Purpose Hall, Borongan City in response to the emerging safety and security concerns brought about by increasing frequency and intensity of typhoons and other natural disasters.

The activity is aimed at showcasing research-driven programs and projects in resolving pressing issues of the day, reducing the adverse effects of disasters to the environment, health, livelihood and other socio-economic aspects.

Several topics will be discussed during the plenary and parallel research paper presentations that will primarily focus on some thematic areas such as flood, storm, weather tracking and mapping of risk system, socio-economic models related to PhilHealth-6 Regional Vice President Lourdes natural disasters, use of information technology for climate Diocson presents the accomplishment report of PhilHealth-6 to the members of the local media during a press conference held Tuesday, Feb. 10, at Westown Hotel here. (PIA6)

More on Region 6, pages 2-3.

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CENTRAL VISAYAS

Fifteen sitios in Bais City are approved for electrification this year. This was the announcement made by NORECO-I officials in a Kapihan forum on Feb 4 at the Mercado de Bais. The said figure is part of the 234 target sitios in northern Negros Oriental to be energized this year.

More on Region 7, pages 4-5.

February 9 - 15, 2015

Published by: PIA 6, 7 & 8

change adaptation, psycho-social issues and interventions, settlement and shelter reconstruction including community rehabilitation programs.

The 3-day conference slated on September 3-5, 2015 was favorably endorsed by the Commission on Higher Education (CHED) to educators and researchers from both public and private educational institutions where distinguished speakers have been invited to deliver lectures on topics related to disaster management.

During the last day of the conference, the best papers will be recognized during the awarding ceremony.

Relative to this, interested parties are advised to call or text Dr. Letecia Ladera, Director of the Extension Services and/or Dr. Felix Afable, Dean, Graduate School of ESSU at cell phone numbers 09077770674 and 09278924114 or log on to essu.disaster.summit@gmail.com. (ajc/cbaVincent Agda,ESSU/ PIA-8)

100 Negosyo Centers up in 2015 ILOILO CITY (PIA6) - - Some 100 Negosyo Centers are expected to be established nationwide before the year ends.

In his message during the recent grand launching of the second Negosyo Center in the country here in Iloilo City, Senator Paolo Benigno “Bam” Aquino said that he is working together with the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) for the establishment of 100 Negosyo Centers this year.

“We are hoping by December of 2015, kami po ni Secretary Gregory Domingo would have inaugurated about a hundred, hopefully, „yon po yung goal for the year,” said Aquino.

Aquino is the author of Republic Act 10644 or the “Go Negosyo Act” that mandates the establishment of Negosyo Center in all provinces, cities and municipalities in the country.

DTI has been given the task or responsibility for the establishment of these centers which primarily facilitate business development services for entrepreneurs such as Business Registration, Business Advisory Services, Business Information and Advocacy, and Monitoring and Evaluation.

“Nasa puso po ng bawat Negosyo Center ang kagustuhan na tumulong sa ating malilit na negosyante,” said Aquino.

He said Iloilo City was chosen as one of the pilot areas for Negosyo Center because of the higher chance of success in line with its implementation.

The growth of Iloilo City is about 7.7 percent which is faster than the national average, according to Aquino.

Meanwhile, Domingo is also hoping that many of the entrepreneurs will avail of the benefits of the “Go Negosyo Act” through the Negosyo Center.

He said the putting up of the centers is part of the efforts

of the Aquino administration to spur inclusive growth in the Philippines wherein nobody is left behind including the poor as the economy grows.

The poor should also benefit from the economic growth and that there should be jobs generated in the countryside which is part of the mandate of the Negosyo Center to be able to help generate those jobs, said Domingo.

The Iloilo Negosyo Center is located at the DTI Iloilo Provincial Office at JM Basa-Peralta Sts., Iloilo City. (JSC/LAF -PIA6 Iloilo)

Senator Paolo Benigno "Bam" Aquino leads the unveiling of the Negosyo Center signage during its grand launching held Friday, Feb. 6, at the DTI Iloilo Provincial Office here. Also present during the launch was DTI Secretary Gregory Domingo (inset) and Vice Mayor Joe Espinosa III.

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Dumaguete sets up P840T urban greening project EASTERN VISAYAS

PDIC President Cristina Orbeta leads the groundbreaking ceremony of the Gawad Kalinga Village in Brgy 8, Lawaan, Eastern Samar for the 20 family-beneficiaries who were affected by the 2013 super typhoon Yolanda. (Samuel Candido / PIA 8-ESamar)

More on Region 8, pages 6-7.

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DUMAGUETE CITY, Feb. 7 (PIA) -- Urban greening all over Dumaguete City is set to be implemented under the Urban Forestry Management and Development (UFMD) program with P840,000 budget this year.

The UFMD has expanded its components through the city-wide urban greening project to focus more on green economy which will be assisted by the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR).

The project cost has been apportioned between the Dumaguete City at 40 percent or P240,000.00 and DENR at 60 percent or P600,000.00.

With this development, project development officer Arestio Encabo of Environment and Natural Resources Office (ENRO) said the city can ably attain its physical target to raise the forest cover of the entire city by 56 percent as well as the green economic and social stability in the future.

Encabo said the city through the ENRO has institutionalized its ongoing program on UFMD pursuant to an Ordinance No. 20 and 81 series of 2002.

It has annual budget allocation to ably carry out its different program component activities focused on addressing the alarming problem of global warming and sustainable supply of potable underground water (acquifers) for the City‟s domestic consumption, said Encabo.

As part of city‟s contribution in mitigating the alarming worldwide problem on global warming or climate change, the local government targeted to produce seedlings, plant and grow 2,500 trees yearly.

“To address these environmentally catastrophic events, City ENRO adheres that one of the immediate mitigating measures is to strengthen and intensify the Greening Program activities by the all local government units in the country,” stressed Encabo.

In 2013, more than 8,000 forest trees species have been planted in different areas of the city with an area of more 32 has. and increased its forest cover by 2 percent from 28 percent in a span of three years time despite the threat of typhoon Pablo which had destroyed more than 300 trees.

For the following year, Encabo reported that the program dispersed more than 1,000 assorted forest tree seedlings to different groups and individuals for their own greening project.

To intensify its seedlings dispersal, the UFMD program has convinced academic institutions, school campus organizations and different groups to establish tree growing project and were able to plant more or less 2,000 assorted forest trees in different barangays of the city. (mbcn/ JCT/PIA7-Negros Oriental)

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WESTERN VISAYAS

More assistance for Yolanda victims underway

By Jemin B. Guillermo ROXAS CITY, Capiz, Feb. 11 (PIA6) – A complete package of assistance is now lined up for residents who were affected by super typhoon Yolanda.

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elody Nicolas, Disaster Risk Reduction HEKS-Task Force Mapalad Component Manager, disclosed that after they have provided shelter assistance to their identified program beneficiaries in Capiz, they are also giving emphasis to other program components such as livelihood and capacity building.

She added that in Capiz, they were able to provide full shelter to 1,580 families and 151 families were given shelter materials worth P10,000.

Said beneficiaries are from the four towns, namely Pilar, Dao, Panay and Pontevedra.

“We wanted that our target

beneficiaries will not only have houses but will be able to stand anew by giving them livelihood assistance such as in agriculture and fishery, depending on their identified needs and projects,” she said.

Nicolas also said that they want their program beneficiaries to become disaster resilient by providing them knowledge and capability on disaster preparedness and responding during emergencies.

“This is the reason why we are partnering with the Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office through its Speaker‟s Bureau and Capiz Emergency Response Team for community-based DRRM training,” she

stressed.

The said 3-day training for barangay officials, tanods and health workers from Rosario, Binaobawan and Dayhagan in Pilar town is the first DRRM training facilitated by said NGO. According to her, they will also be conducting the same for their other beneficiary barangays. During the opening day for the training, February 10, HEKS Delegate Stephan Titze, who is also the Panay project head, lauded the participation and willingness of the participants to undergo said training which will be of great help to prepare for disasters such as typhoon, flood, earthquake and the like. (JCM/JBG-PIA6)

Aklanons up vs. VAWC through 'One Billion Rising' By: Venus G. Villanueva KALIBO, Aklan, Feb. 11 (PIA6) -- Aklanons will be celebrating Valentine‘s Day February 14 by rising against Violence Against Women and Children (VAWC) through the conduct of ―One Billion Rising‖.

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t one of the meetings to plan out activities for this event, Jesebel Vidal, GAD-Aklan Focal Person said that “One Billion Rising” is the biggest mass action to end violence against women in human history.

The campaign, Vidal said, was launched on Valentine‟s Day in 2012 and began as a call to action based on the stunning statistic that 1 in every women in the planet will be beaten or raped during her lifetime. “With the world population at 7 billion, this adds up to more than one billion women and girls”, Vidal said.

In Aklan, police records showed that in 2014, crimes committed against women with ages 18 and up reached 841, which was higher than in 2013 with 582 cases.

On the other hand, crimes against children in 2014 reached 573. Most of these cases involved rape, acts of lasciviousness, kidnapping, murder, seduction, etc. For the “One Billion Rising” event in Aklan, the provincial government of Aklan through the Aklan Gender and Development Commission (AGADC) composed of members from national, government and municipal

offices, non-government organizations and women‟s and men‟s groups, the academe through school officials and students will hold flash mobs in key areas in Kalibo like the Gaisano Capital, Kalibo International Airport and the bus terminal near Kalibo Bridge while the streetdance or “sadsad” to the Ati-atihan drumbeats will start from the Aklan Comprehensive Center for Women (ACCW) or “Daeangpan passing DepEd-Aklan, the Kalibo Police Station and converge in Pastrana Park where a short program will be held. (JCM/VGV PIA6 Aklan)

BSP starts demonetization process By: Carlson B. Alelis BACOLOD CITY, Feb. 7 (PIA6) -- The Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) urges the public to exchange their old banknotes, the New Design Series (NDS), with the New Generation Currency banknotes, a press release from BSP said.

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he demonetization process will make way for the circulation of a single currency series, the New Generation Currency banknotes or NGC. It is in line with the provisions of Section 57 of Republic Act No. 7653, otherwise known as the New Central Bank Act, which authorizes the BSP to replace banknotes that are more than 5 years old.

The process started on January 1 of this year as part of BSP‟s objective to preserve the integrity of Philippine currency.

The NDS banknotes can still be used until December 31 of this year to pay and buy for goods and other transactions that require the use of money.

Starting January 1, 2016, the public may still be able to replace their NDS banknotes with the NGC banknotes, but they can no longer use them for payment transactions.

The public may opt to exchange their NDS banknotes with the NGC banknotes at any bank or at the BSP branch in Bacolod or any of its regional offices and branches around the country

for free.

After December 31, 2016, the NDS banknotes will have no value in financial transactions, nor will the public be allowed to exchange them at banks or at BSP branches nationwide. The NDS b an kn ot es wi l l b e con s i der ed demonetized.

The NGC banknotes which were issued on December 16, 2010 use new and enhanced security features to protect the safety of the public against counterfeiters, the press release also said.

(JSC/CBA-PIA6 Negros Occidental)

WESTERN VISAYAS

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DENR-6 tops in school site patent applications By: Elsa S. Subong ILOILO CITY, Feb. 10 (PIA6) — The Department of Environment and Natural Resources reported that it is now processing 118 school site patent applications, the highest number so far in all the regions.

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We have set the 2014 school site patent applications at 115 only,” Jim Sampulna, DENR-6 Director said, adding that this posted a 102.61 percent accomplishment for the regional office.

The patent or title for a school site is a document required for an educational institution in seeking funding assistance to improve its buildings or facilities.

Hector Garrido, OIC chief of the Licensing Division of the DENR Technical division said that the Commission on Audit now requires schools to present the titles of the sites they occupy.

Garrido said that schools which occupy lot areas that are not titled find it difficult to implement structural development and upgrading of schools facilities because they lack proprietary rights.

“We are glad that the Department of Education had encouraged the schools to process their land titles,” Garrido said, as they have actually signed a memorandum of agreement with the department.

On the other hand, Engr. Mamerto Caballero, OIC Chief of the Surveys and Mapping Division, said that through

DepEd‟s initiative, the schools in the region are preparing for their security of tenure, a legacy for the future of the children and the generations to come. Caballero said they are fast tracking the region‟s target for all land surveys to be completed before end of 2015.

Per records, the Licenses, Deeds and Patents Division is now validating 1,650 school sites in the region, whether it is owned by DepEd, or it has other licences or located in alienable and disposable lands. (DENR/JCM/ESS/PIA -Iloilo)

WVisayas needs more dentists By: Leonard T. Pineda ILOILO CITY, Feb. 10 (PIA6) --- The Department of Health (DOH) in Western Visayas is in need of licensed dentists to be deployed in various localities in Region 6.

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n a D O H p r e ss b r ie f in g , DOH-6 Assistant Regional Director Ma. Paz Corrales said that 16 of the 44 slots for their Dentistry Deployment Program this year have yet to be filled.

“These dentists will be deployed in various inter-local zones comprised of 4-5 municipalities to advance the agency‟s preventive oral health program,” she said.

The project is part of DOH thrust to send public health workers to poor and vulnerable communities identified by

National Anti-Poverty Commission.

For 2015, a total of 480 dentists are expected to be hired in this project nationwide.

The DOH said that application is open to dentists with official and validated license from the Professional Regulatory Commission (PRC).

Dentists must be physically and mentally fit.

A medical certificate from a government health facility is required before the start of employment.

Priority shall be given to dentists

residing in localities where the recipient provinces are located.

Applications shall be submitted directly to the DOH Regional Office-6 with the duly accomplished application form that can be accessed thru www.doh.gov.ph.

Meanwhile, according to DOH-6, the ideal ratio of dentists to population is 1:50,000 population based on Republic Act 7305 or the Magna Carta for public health workers.

Western Visayas has a ratio of 1:60,000 population. (JCM/LTP/PIA-Iloilo)

Sebaste inaugurates P6.5M Municipal Hall By: Alex A. Lumaque SAN JOSE, Antique, Feb 12 (PIA6) - - The newly rehabilitated and improved Municipal Hall of Sebaste was recently inaugurated, with Regional Director Atty. Anthony C. Nuyda and Provincial Director Victorio Pagapulan of the Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG) gracing the significant occasion which also marked the opening of Patuyaw Festival, the town‘s community fair.

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he Php 6.5M DILG-RAY funding assistance for the rehabilitation of the Municipal Hall is taken from the DILG- Recovery Assistance for Yolanda (RAY) program which the first tranche in the amount of P5.2 million was turned over by Secretary Mar Roxas in Capiz in April 2014, said Judy Mae Magdato, Information Officer, DILG -Antique.

The second tranche of the funds amounting to P1.3M was successfully released to the LGU of Sebaste on January 6, 2015 after completing 80% of physical accomplishment. The rehabilitation started on May 21, 2014 and ended on January 26, this year ahead of the schedule date of

completion as stated in the contract, said Osorio.

Mayor Christopher Varona expressed gratitude to the national government particularly the DILG for granting this project after the Municipal Hall of Sebaste was damaged by the wrath typhoon Yolanda in November 2013.

Sebaste is a fourth class municipality in northern Antique with over 17,000 constituents. The town‟s 10 barangays belong to the rural areas. The Municipal Building is just off the national highway with the church and plaza likewise, well off the highway forming a clean, unspoiled and peaceful center to the town.

The newly rehabilitated Municipal Hall

of Sebaste is the 2nd project under RAY-DILG that was inaugurated in the province following the town of San Remigio‟s construction of civic center which was inaugurated last December 10, 2014. The construction was built with Build Back Better (BBB) design making it a disaster-resilient structure.

In addition, about Php 25M was allocated for the Province of Antique on the first tranche of funds released for the reconstruction and rehabilitation of LGU managed and operated facilities damaged

by Typhoon Yolanda last 2013. The facilities included under this program are public markets, municipal halls and civic centers. (DILG/PSM/PIA6Antique)

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CENTRAL VISAYAS

2014 Mcluhan Fellow Che-che Lazaro meets masscom studes DUMAGUETE CITY, Feb. 7 (PIA) – Filipina veteran journalist Che-che Lazaro cites some major ethical issues on the practice of journalism in the social media platform in a forum with mass communication students and members of Dumaguete media in Silliman University recently.

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azaro was in Silliman University (SU) last Feb. 2 to give a lecture on ethics and accountability in the changing media landscape in the Philippines as part of the Marshall McLuhan forum series on responsible media.

Her talked is focused on social media as the new medium of information as well as the ethical challenges that affect the practice of responsible of journalism in the said platform.

Lazaro mentioned that while social media paved the way for the emergence of citizen journalism, the issue of accountability has become a big challenge in the said field.

She said social media has allowed people to express their comments, opinions and thoughts without using their real name or identity.

“Kung mayroon kang sasabihin sa tweets or comments mo at mali or inaccurate o kaya gawa-gawa mo lang. Ang tanong diyan, sino ang responsable sa para doon sinabi mo kung ikaw ay nakasakit ng tao?,” Lazaro points out in an interview with the press after the forum.

“Sa traditional media, kung ikay ay nasa radio o peryodista, mayroon kang byline o signature out pero sa Facebook wala, pwede kang mag-post ng picture ng ibang tao. Paano ka dadalhin sa korte para

kasuhan para sa mga sinabi mong libelous o hindi tama. Iyon ang isang major disadvantage,” She adds.

Another disadvantage is the identity theft wherein a person can steal identity of a prominent person online by administering an online fake account in social media sites where his posts can influence or mislead the thoughts of other people who are following or reading posts of that account.

“Maaaring paniwalaan siya kahit hindi niya iyon totoong identity,” Lazaro said.

Other concerns such as inaccuracy in reporting and scoop mentality are some of the issues that surround the ethical practice of journalism in the social media platform.

As the ethical practice of journalism continues to be challenged in the online universe, Lazaro reminds mass communication students and even media practitioners to always exercise the basic principles in journalism as this makes them accountable and credible information disseminators.

“Ang responsibilidad sa traditional media ay nakalapat na. Mayroon tayong KBP (Kapisanan ng mga Brodkaster ng Pilipinas) na nagsasabi na mali iyang ginagawa niyo o tama ang ginagawa niyo.

Walang pulis sa social media kaya madaling mang-abuso sa social media,” Lazaro relayed.

She also underscores the importance of keeping journalist‟s integrity even online.

“Integrity and responsibility are the badges we want to carry as journalists because that will distinguish us from animals,” she concludes.

The Philippines, however, has the Cybercrime Law that punishes crimes committed online such as accountability, cyber bullying and child pornography.

But Lazaro said she is of two minds on the role of Cybercrime Law since she firmly believes on the freedom of speech. On the other hand, Lazaro cited that social media can help create public pressure that can influence different sectors of the society.

Lazaro was recently received the Marshall Mcluhan Fellowship Award. Part of her prize is being a resource speaker for the Marshall Mcluhan forum series on responsible journalism. The forum will be hald in four provinces in the Philippines including Dumaguete.

Participants of the forum came from SU, Foundation University and Negros Oriental State University with some representatives from the Department of Education here.

Aside from Dumaguete, the forum will be also held in Baguio, Cebu and Davao. (mbcn/ral/PIA7 -NegOr)

Chatto signs EO forming tourism-HRD-plan group TAGBILARAN City, Bohol, Feb 9 (PIA) – To mold a human resource development approach especially for tourism support services, Bohol Governor Edgar Chatto signed an executive order forming a council that will look at the tourism and industry skills mismatch and address it.

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.S Ambassador to the Philippines Philip Goldberg and Mission Chief Gloria Steele witnessed the signing along with key industry and academe movers in Bohol at the Bohol Tropics, February 5.

Bohol situation shows that training institutions here may have intended to prop up the tourism industry with trained workers, but only few graduates land in desired jobs.

The signing of the executive order hopes to plug this gap by creating the Bohol Government Industry Academe (GIA) Council composed of representatives from the local industries, academe and pertinent government agencies..

It will be a venue for collaborative efforts and dialogue among industries, as recommended in the Bohol Tourism Human Resource Development Plan assures Capitol, a point also seen by Tourism Council Chairman Atty Lucas Nunag..

An earlier survey conducted by the Philippine Business for Education, a United States Agency for

International Development (USAID) funded initiative, showed that while Bohol training institutions look at helping tourism industry by training needed skills, those courses they offered are not the ones Bohol tourism establishments need.

The survey aftermath also presented to Bohol a Tourism HRD Plan, which hopes to address skills gap and mismatch between new tourism sector graduates and the work slots opened.

Chatto reiterated Bohol policy to initiate its own promotions program, encouraging and linking industry-academe partnerships to increasing dialogs between industry needs and higher education outputs.

As such the GIA will act as the implementing arm of the Provincial Government in these development programs, promotion and supervision of industry-academe partnerships with agencies concerned with local industries and post-secondary education institutions.

Chatto added the council shall create programs centered on increasing industry involvement in

academia mainly in curriculum design, setting of faculty standards, and quality assurance, as well as improve the availability and access to local market information on skills demand forecasts and school performance through the voluntary sharing of relevant information between stakeholders.

The GIA council shall formulate 3-5 year agenda, aligned with its intentions without usurping Commission on Higher Education authority.

The council shall coordinate with local industries, post-secondary education institutions, Bohol Provincial Planning and Development Office, and other agencies.

It shall also draft its initial by–laws outlining provisions, recommend to the governor to engage services of professional technical assistants from the private or government sector.

It shall undertake fund raising campaigns, accept donations from reputable sources for GIA undertakings and do all acts necessary, to carry out the council's purposes.(mbcn/RAC/PIA7-Bohol)

Sandurot Festival featured in 1st Philippine Costume Expo DUMAGUETE CITY, Feb. 10 (PIA) – The city‘s Sandurot Festival got an exposure to Western Visayas tourism market as it got featured in the recently held 1st Philippine Festival Costume Expo and 3rd Iloilo Travel Mart in Iloilo City.

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he 1st Philippine Festival Costume Expo is one of the highlight events during the Dinagyang Festival on January 23-25. It aims to present various costumes of the different festivals around the country and exhibit local heritage, culture and design.

Some 17 festivals all over the country were featured in the expo including Dumaguete‟s Sandurot Festival. Sandurot Festival is an annual celebration in honor of the city‟s patron saint, St. Catherine of Alexandria.

Aside from this, the festival also depicts a part of Dumaguete‟s early history where local

maidens were being snatched by Moro pirates.

This is the popular “Daguit” narrative. “Daguit” is a local word that means “to snatch.” It is also the term where the city got its name.

The Dumaguete City Tourism office also took the opportunity to introduce and promote the city‟s top tourist destinations, attractions, products, activities and services to foreign and local visitors who were at the expo.

“Dumaguete city continues to be aggressive on travel mart participation and any forms of positive publicity the city may acquire as this increases exposure to domestic and foreign

tourist market contributing to the marketability and desirability of the city as we work along with our Mayor‟s vision in making Dumaguete the most livable city for everyone,” City Tourism Officer Woodrow Maquiling Jr. said.

The 1st Philippine Festival Costume Expo was organized by Iloilo Dinagyang Foundation. Inc. (IDFI) and the City Tourism & Development Office (CTDO) in cooperation with the Department of Tourism Region VI (DOT 6) and the Iloilo Tourism Officers Association (ITOA). (mbcn/ral/PIA7-NegOr/with reports from KTAguilar of Dumaguete City Tourism Office)

CENTRAL VISAYAS

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USAID, Tagbilaran sign MOU for new growth hub TAGBILARAN City, Bohol, Feb. 9 (PIA) – The United States Agency for International Development (USAID) signs a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with Tagbilaran City in a bid to create a new growth hub in this part of the Visayas.

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he USAID, through Mission Director Gloria Steele and Tagbilaran City, through Mayor John Geesnell Yap agree to support the development of the city as a growth hub in the Philippines.

While it does not bind both parties, the MOU on Cities Development initiative (CDI) collectively allowed the parties to cooperate to execute sustainable, transparent and equitable economic reforms to spur rapid, broad-based, and inclusive economic growth in Tagbilaran City.

USAID will assist Tagbilaran City in the infrastructure, small and medium enterprise, education, energy, environment, health, and disaster preparedness and mitigation sectors, and give in-kind or technical assistance in the form of training and commodities to further the development objectives of Tagbilaran City.

Tagbilaran City on the other hand, will provide counterpart support including logistics, such as office space, equipment or clerical support for USAID-supported consultants.

It shall also establish and fill certain government positions, designate project counterparts; support training missions and

activities; enact and issue complementary city ordinances and relevant memoranda, receive and accept commodities, assist in installing or training staff and deploy other resources needed.

USAID Mission Director Gloria Steele explained that by signing the MOU on the CDI, USAID is willingly putting to test a hypothesis: that working with second wave cities to become new growth centers can equally bring up neighboring areas to the development.

This, she said is spreading development and allowing the other areas in the country to experience inclusive growth.

In her summary to the signing activity, Steele, who also happens to be a Filipino born in Luzon, pointed out that with 6.1% to 7.2% economic growth rates noted in the past years, it is a wonder why poverty has remained virtually the same.

She cited only Metro Manila, Calabarzon and Central Luzon enjoying the growth.

With the US assistance into five decades of helping the country improve on its poverty issues, USAID now sees the need to increase the effective demand for secondary cities, thus

Tagbilaran.

Consultations between USAID and Tagbilaran City‟s public and private sectors show development challenges with respect to investment growth, improving competitiveness, revenue administration, infrastructure development and finance, energy supply, access to capital, university-business sector-LGU links, health services delivery and health concerns of the youth, and vulnerability to disasters, according to the MOU preamble. These consultations also highlighted certain opportunities for facilitating inclusive growth in Tagbilaran City through proper planning and targeted interventions, the CDI memorandum states.

Meanwhile, USAID Chief of Party Dr. Henry Basilio also said Tagbilaran City would be the latest cities that the United States is assisting technically, in a bid to make second wave cities become primary hubs.

He named Batangas in Luzon, Ilo-ilo in the Visayas and Cagayan de Oro in Mindanao as last year‟s CDI picks. More recently are Zamboanga City in Mindanao and Tagbilaran in the Visayas. (mbcn/RAC/PIA7-Bohol)

JICA finalizes eco-tour packages for ‗Visit Bohol 2015‘ TAGBILARAN CITY, Bohol, Feb. 10 (PIA) – Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) finalizes the details on three major eco-tourism circuits it supported through its Sustainable Environment Protection Project (SEPP) in Bohol.

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alling it EcoTourism Bohol Program in support of the United States Agency for International Development‟s Visit Bohol 2015, JICA SEPP not just promises site visits but also a website and page support to allow tourists relevant site information at the snap of a QR Card Scanning cell phone.

It also puts up distinct guide plates and banners to provide instant capsulized information about the sites and its relevance to the environment.

Tour packages in the pipelines are Bohol east-coast Eco-tour, a ten-hour day trip package; Bohol Culture and Nature Tour, a 6-hour day trip package and Bohol West Coast eco-tour 8 hour tour package.

Bohol East Coast Eco Tour includes Lamanoc Mystic Island Trekking, Anda Beaches

and Lunch, Bohol Cocojam Processing (Calamay (Jagna) and Clarin Ancestral House in Loay.

For Bohol Culture and Nature Tour, included in the package are Alburquerque Calamay, Loay Ironsmith Experience, Organic Rice and Agricultural learning technologies at Balay sa Humay in Batuan, Tree Planting Experience at the Bohol Biodiversity Conservation Foundation and Clarin Ancestral House in Loay.

Bohol West Coast Tour in the other hand has Pinayagan Loomweaving Experience in Tubigon, Coral Stair and Heritage Walk at Inang-angan in Loon Town Complex, 2013 Earthquake Experience Tour at Punta Cruz Watchtower, Organic Farm and Lunch experience in Maribojoc and SAVIMA Mangrove Adventure tour in Maribojoc.

The tour packages are part of the Sustainable Environment Protection Project for Panglao, explains Go Kimura, during an interview.

The general idea is to help 150 eco-tour destinations in Bohol, he shared. These would be on the one town, more than one eco-tour, he added.

For starters, JICA is putting up the 15 eco-tour sites in Bohol.

Other than the digital information support, JICA is also improving road signs, improving restroom facilities, kitchen facilities, site signages, access road improvements, tourist collaterals like straw hats and rubber boots, provision of souvenir tents, benches, dry bags, canopy walks improvement, tree name plates and other information related collaterals. (mbcn/RAC/PIA7 -Bohol)

‗Once an SSS member, always a member‘ TAGBILARAN City, Bohol, Feb. 7 (PIA) – Once you are a member, you will always be a member.

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he Social Security System (SSS) assures this with SSS President and Chief Executive Officer Emilio de Quiros saying that any member who has stopped his contributions can pick up the pace and reactivate his dormant account anytime.

There is no such thing as lapse in period when a dormant account can become stale, also hinted Marino Talictic, Bohol SSS head.

Workers in the private sector who had started contributing but have transferred to the government, may have stopped, an issue that cropped up during the interaction with the SSS President and the local media. Government employment carries a mandatory social protection coverage by the Government Service Insurance System. That means, except for previous members in the private sector who are

now in government, government employees who wish to be new members, can not be qualified, de Quiros clarified. For former SSS members who are now in government, they can continue their contributions, based on the SSS contribution schedule or as voluntary paying members.

You can always continue what you have started as member, meaning interrupted contributions, until you have come up with the 120 contributions when the policy matures, explains de Quiros, during his recent visit to Tagbilaran.

This too as the SSS said they are to serve through social protection from sickness, maternity, disability, retirement, death or funeral benefits for workers in the private sector. For contribution payments of at least three months within the 12-month period immediately before

the semester of sickness, an SSS member who has used up his sick leave claims with pay in the current year, can claim sickness benefit.

The benefit is a daily cash allowance for the number of days he is unable to work. The claim is 90% of his daily salary credit, good for a maximum period of 120 days, according to the SSS. A maternity benefit for female members is also available as long as a member satisfies the minimum requirement: member has paid last three months of contribution within the 12 month period immediately before the semester of childbirth, or miscarriage. At the Kapihan sa SSS held at the Bohol Tropics Resort, de Quiros and his SSS family also revealed that the company has paid P110 billion in benefits, and for a sluggish SSS, it now has grown into a P42.4 billion net revenues in 2014. (mbcn/RAC/PIABohol)

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EASTERN VISAYAS

SoLeyte guv declares Ruperto K. Kangleon Heritage Day

By Ma. Rebecca G. Cadavos MAASIN CITY, Southern Leyte, Feb. 12 (PIA) – Southern Leyte Governor Roger G. Mercado issued and signed Executive Order No 005, series of 2015 proclaiming February 27 of every year as Ruperto K. Kangleon Heritage Day in the whole province of Southern Leyte.

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he proclamation stated that the “life of Ruperto K. Kangleon is worth emulating by all generations especially the youth and should always be inculcated in the minds and hearts of Southern Leyteṅos”.

Previously, the province of Southern Leyte has already declared Ruperto K. Kangleon Memorial Day by virtue of LGU Executive Proclamation dated January 11, 2011 to honor the late Kangleon as a war hero and exemplary public servant, being a /world War II Guerilla Commander, / Secretary of National Defense and a Philippine Senator, signed by then Gov.

Damian G. Mercado.

As a fitting tribute of Honorable Kangleon, an original biographical drama with cultural songs and dances titled “For Love of Country, the Ruperto K. Kangleon Story” written by a young student will be performed by the Performing Arts Ensemble of the Tomas Oppus Normal College Campus of Southern Leyte State University (SLSU) in the evening of February 27, 2015 at Maasin City gymnasium.

“Such cultural events would significantly bring the province of Southern L e yt e to a h i g h e r l e v e l o f

historical-cultural revival and development,” the proclamation stated.

The RKK Heritage Day will honor an icon of national and international prominence and reflect the gratitude of all Southern Leyteños for his exemplary achievements as a soldier and public servant including guerilla leaders of the province.

It also urged all public and private schools in Southern Leyte to initiate and promote cultural programs and projects relevant to the historical-cultural heritage of outstanding Southern Leyteṅos. (ajc/ rgc/PIA8-SoLeyte)

NGCP launches Sta. Rita-Quinapondan 69kV refo project CATBALOGAN CITY, Samar, Feb. 12 (PIA) - The National Grid Corporation of the Philippines (NGCP) chose two people‘s organizations (POs) to do their Reforestation Program in two Samar provinces affected by the Sta Rita-Quinapondan 69 kV Reforestation Project.

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hese POs have proven their track record in earlier contracts with the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR).

San Antonio-Tinaogan-Cambayan Farmers Association (SANTIFAMCA) based in Barangay San Antonio, Basey, Samar and the SamarSur Upland Farmers Association in Giporlos, Eastern Samar were entrusted by NGCP with the project.

While NGCP is aware that this project can have effects in the environment, specifically cutting trees, it said that the project is necessary to bring

better power lines and improve system‟s reliability to Eastern Samar to spur economic development.

In co mp li an c e w ith DE NR Memorandum 2012-02 requiring them to replace cut trees, NGCP entered into MOA with DENR and the people‟s organizations mentioned.

Rolando Robin, President of the PO in Basey thanked the NGCP and DENR for the project.

The farmer said that their coconuts were heavily damaged by typhoon Yolanda, the NGCP reforestation project can help them while they are waiting for

their coconuts to bear fruit.

Jonathan Fiel who talked in behalf of SamarSur farmers promised to ensure the 80% survival rate of the seedlings they will plant in the hills and mountains of Giporlos and Balangiga in E. Samar.

Fiel added that with the contracts on the greening project their lives have been better.

Julia Echavez, head of the Environmental Management Bureau of the NGCP, added that their involvement in tree planting goes beyond compliance. (ajc/nbq/PIA –Samar)

Army assures public of vigilance vs. terrorism TACLOBAN CITY, LEYTE, Feb. 10 (PIA) – Major Amado Gutierez, Information Officer, 8th Infantry Division, Philippine Army, Camp Lukban, Catbalogan, Samar assured, that their operatives have always kept a closer and heightened alert against any terror act.

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peaking live in a phone interview over DYVL today, Gutierez informed that their intelligence operatives in the region never went complacent particularly during this time when reports about the 300 Marwan-trained bombers could possibly wreck havoc elsewhere.

“We are not complacent, instead, we continue with our intelligence gathering, our men in the field are always alert”, Gutierez said.

The officer also mentioned that the Philppine Army(PA) is in lateral coordination with the Philippine National

Police(PNP) that, every time either of them needs support, it is always granted.

“We recognize the importance of our coordination, so with our communication frequencies that must be the same whenever we have tactical operation”, he added.

On February 3, 2015, a group of Army soldiers encountered a group of New Peoples Army(NPA) in barangay Imelda, Las Navas, Northern Samar while they were rendering a relief/medical mission.

The incident captured two NPAs but cost the life of the army officer and team

leader.

Asked why there still exist some NPAs when the province had already been declared in the recent past as a development-ready area, Gutierez said these are but remnants of the past insurgent force.

They are but few lawless elements who are being hunted down.

“That is why, we continue with our campaign to win the hearts and minds of these few rebels, our campaign is for them to join the mainstream society and live peacefully with their families” Gutierez concluded.(PIA-08)

EASTERN VISAYAS

7

Manguino-o Port upgrade to usher better trade, tourism CATBALOGAN CITY, Samar, Feb. 9 (PIA) - Officials of this developing city share the same observation that the upgrading of Manguino-o Port will usher better trade, commerce and tourism in Calbayog.

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oday, Representative of Samar First District, Mel Senen Sarmiento said that the Manguino -o Port Development project is being upgraded to cost Php40 million which will help improve the city‟s port and accommodate another roro vessel.

The project which covers the construction of a back-up area and a roro ramp was awarded to MAC Builders and to be constructed for 300

days.

Sarmiento added that he will coordinate with PPA for a fence and installation of water service so that the port terminal will be ready.

City Administrator Rosario Gonzaga, who represented Calbayog City Mayor Ronaldo Aquino, in her message said that the project is one of the manifestations of Rep. Sarmiento‟s effort to develop Calbayog City and the first district of

Samar.

The Manguino-o Port, some 22 kilometers from the city proper serves as port to sea-vessels plying the Cebu-Calbayog route and other vessels carrying products like flour, feeds and copra.

The port also serves other municipalities of Samar and Northern Samar. (ajc/nbq/PIA8-Samar with Jen Allegado)

DENR-8, CENRO Palo, monitor 2 migratory bird sites TACLOBAN CITY, Leyte, Feb. 9 (PIA) – A joint team of the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) Regional office 8 and Community Environment and Natural Resources (CENRO) Palo, Leyte monitored two (2) sites for the presence of migratory birds.

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he migratory birds were observed in Barangay Baruguhay Norte and Brgy. Canomantang, Carigara, Leyte and Barangay San Juan and Barangay Naungan, Ormoc City, both in Leyte.

In a press statement released by the DENR, Regional Director Leonardo Sibbaluca confirmed that Carigara Bay and Ormoc Bay wetlands are permanent migratory bird monitoring sites in the region. Said sites were ideal sites for

migratory birds because of their rich food supply for birds. With the vigilance of the residents in nearby barangays in protecting their mangroves, the migratory bird areas were preserved.

It was learned from Maita Reina G. Sucgang, OIC of the DENR-8 Regional Public Affairs Office that a total of 723 heads of migratory birds were counted by the team. Topping the list is the Philippine Duck which totaled 286 heads counted. Second on the list are the Egrets

with a headcount of 127 followed by the Plovers with 92 heads. There were also other species such as Grey Heron, Little Curlew, Whimbrel, Redshank, Greenshank, Common Sandpiper, Great Knot and Curlew Sandpiper Sibbaluca encourages the continued protection of migratory birds and the host wetlands as this will open opportunities for livelihood and potential ecotourism area particularly for bird enthusiasts. (ajc/ cba/DENR/PIA-8)

Biliran to hold rabies awareness month event in baranagy

By Rodrigo S. Victoria NAVAL, Biliran, Feb. 7 (PIA) – Tradition is broken this year with the change in venue of the rabies awareness month celebration in March.

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he members of the Biliran provincial rabies prevention and control committee in a meeting on Friday, February 6, picked a barangay, namely Barangay Lico in Naval, Biliran as the venue for the rabies awareness month celebration on March 10.

This is in stead of holding the event in the municipal center or poblacion, which has been the tradition of the PRPCC. Barangay Lico was chosen in recognition of its outstanding achievement in rabies prevention.

Headed by Engr. Camilo Castro, Lico was regional awardee of the Department of Health (DOH) in Eastern Visayas in the best sanitation practices category in 2013.

It was learned from Salita Montejo, Biliran provincial DOH representative, that Barangay Lico got the award because of its effective an d efficien t implementation of its rabies prevention and control program, one of the criteria

of the award.

Dr. Salvacion G. Salas, representative of the Biliran Medical Society, opined that it is worthwhile holding the rabies awareness month celebration in a barangay where rabies prevention and control program is successful so that other barangays in Biliran province will be encouraged to emulate what Barangay Lico has done.

The 26 top village officials in Naval town plus the seven presidents of the association of barangay captains in seven other towns in Biliran province were invited to see for themselves how Barangay Lico successfully implemented its rabies prevention and control program.

The day-long rabies awareness month celebration will commence with a motorcade which will start in Barangay Sabang and will traverse barangays Agpangi, Atipolo, Smo. Rosario, then to Sito Lupa in Barangay Calumpang and to

Barangay Lico.

Other activities include the holding of a program where part is for Lico Barangay Captain to share to barangays captains present during the celebration the best practices on rabies prevention and control program.

Free dog vaccination, spaying and neuter, presentation on updates of the province‟ rabies prevention and control program and knowledge sharing on responsible pet ownership will also be conducted in Barangay Lico to highlight the celebration of the Rabies Awareness Month.

The province of Biliran has been consistent in its successful implementation of the rabies prevention and control program with still zero recorded incidence of rabies until now since it was declared as a rabies-free province on October 11, 2012 by DOH and the Department of Agriculture. (fj/ rvictoria/PIA 8 Biliran)

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

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

Ms. Minerva BC Newman Regional Director, PIA 7

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

Ms. Alicia E. Nicart Regional Director, PIA8

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