One Visayas e-Newsletter Vol 5 Issue 11

Vol 5

Issue 11

In this Issue WESTERN VISAYAS

WORLD WAR II HERO. Gov. Arthur Defensor awards the certificate of recognition to 87 year-old Gaudioso Defensor of Trapiche Oton, one of the surviving veterans of World War II, in appreciation and recognition of his services and honorable performance of duties during World War II in a program held in line with the commemoration of the 70th anniversary of Victor Day of Panay, Romblon and Guimaras on Wednesday, March 18.

(PIA6/LAF)

More on Region 6, pages 2-3.

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CENTRAL VISAYAS

The Philippine Navy Navforcen and the U.S. Navy during their Visit Board Search and Seizure (VBSS) exercise held March 19 at the Mactan Channel, Cebu. This is in line with ongoing joint combined exercise trainings between the U.S. Navy and the Philippine Navy to learn from each other and strengthen each other's capabilities. (RMN)

More on Region 7, pages 4-5.

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EASTERN VISAYAS

March 16 - 22, 2015

Published by: PIA 6, 7 & 8

Deles appeals for ASEAN support to Bangsamoro Law Fayette C. Riñen CEBU, March 19 (PIA) -- Office of the Presidential Adviser on the Peace Process (OPAPP) Secretary Teresita Deles appealed to ASEAN-member states for support on the Bangsamoro Law during the opening of the two-day workshop on ―Strengthening Women‘s Participation in Peace Processes and Conflict Resolution‖ at the Shangrila hotel in Mactan Island, Lapulapu City yesterday.

Speaking before ASEAN delegates participating in the workshop, Deles said the voices will help ―raise the consciousness of our own Philippine nation to push forward, urging our peoples to be one with the ASEAN and the world in embracing peace with might and passion.‖ Deles made the appeal as the Bangsamoro Basic Law (BBL) faces serious threat amid the tragedy of the January 27 Mamasapano encounter that left at least 67 people dead including the 44 commandos from the Philippine National Police-Special Action Force.

According to Deles, the momentum has been broken on the gains achieved in the search for enduring peace as

after the Mamasapano incident, the old biases and the submerged fears on the BBL have resurfaced.

The Mamasapano incident has derailed the BBL timetable that supposedly ―promised to conclusively shift the landscape of Mindanao from the bullet to the ballot, from conflict to development, from enslavement to poverty and marginalization to the freedom of democratic choice and self-driven governance and development,‖ said Deles. The BTA will pave the way for the election of the first regular Bangsamoro government simultaneous with the 2016 polls, she added.

Although Deles clarified during the press conference after that the ASEAN-member states do not really have any influence over the BBL as this is our law, their voices calling for peace definitely has an effect on people‘s perception of the law. The workshop is organized by the ASEAN Institute for Peace and Reconciliation which hopes to come up with a regional blueprint on more women involvement in effective peace building and conflict resolution. (mbcn/fcr/ PIA7)

BIR-8 kicks off 2015 tax advocacy campaign CONSUELO B. ALARCON TACLOBAN CITY, Leyte, March 17 (PIA) – The Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR) Revenue Region No.14 –Eastern Visayas formally launched March 16 its 2015 tax advocacy campaign dubbed as ―Angat Pa Pinas‖ at the BIR Multi-Purpose Building, Government Center, Palo, Leyte primarily aiming to achieve the P6.4 billion target tax collection for the region this year.

BIR Regional Director Diosdado R. Mendoza said the tax campaign is also meant to rekindle the nationalistic spirit of the Filipinos by calling on taxpayers to do their share through payment of correct taxes.

Mendoza admitted considerably that the year 2013 until the early part of 2014 was the toughest year for the agency due to the onslaught of typhoon Yolanda.

He said that he personally witnessed the destruction of houses, schools, buildings, churches, hospitals and major infrastructures. Most business establishments closed and peoples‘ livelihood was severely ruined.

They have practically lost everything resulting greatly the efficiency of tax collection for the first three quarters of 2014, he added.

However, with the efforts of the BIR and support of all stakeholders, tax collection slowly recovered towards the last three months of 2014 where the region surpassed the collection target by 28.39% or P307.8 million.

Furthermore, he said even if the region posted a slim deficit in January 2015, it surpassed the tax collection target in February with an increase of 4.58% or almost P20 million.

Meanwhile, BIR Deputy Commissioner Nelson M. Aspe congratulated and extended his thanks to all

taxpayers and the BIR personnel in the region for registering an incredible revenue performance in the year 2014 despite the difficulties encountered by the people after the onslaught of typhoon Yolanda in November 2013.

As the deadline of filing income tax returns gets nearer, Aspe is reminding everyone to file income tax returns now; don‘t wait for the delay as deadline will not be extended and file electronically. The deadline of filing of income tax returns is on April 15, 2015. The tax campaign was highlighted by the Pledge of Support of some national government agencies, local chief executives, the business community, bankers, academe, the media, students and other stakeholders who gathered during the formal launching of the campaign. (aen/cba/PIA-8)

Bureau of Internal Revenue No. 14 regional director Diosdado Mendoza (left) welcome guests and participants to the BIR tax advocacy campaign kick-off ceremony dubbed, ―Angat Pa Pinas‖ held at the BIR multi-purpose building Government Center, Palo Leyte, March 16. (Raul S. Tiozon, Jr /PIA-8)

Investors put premium on peace and order – IBC

Atty. Jo Ann Balaga of PUMA Law Office (w/ microphone) talks on the Magna Carta for Women during the Harampang ha PIA in connection with the Women‘s Month celebration. Also in photo are Tacloban City Police Office Women‘s Children‘s Protection Desk officer-in-charge SPO3 Marissa Monge, Chief Inspector Ma. Bella Rentuaya, chief, PCR and PIA 8 OIC regional director Alice Nicart, moderator. (Vino R. Cuayzon)

More on Region 8, pages 6-7.

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Elsa S. Subong ILOILO CITY, March 16 (PIA6)—Iloilo Business Club Executive Director Lea Lara said investors put a high premium on the peace and order situation in an area.

Lara, in a media interview, said that the declaration of Iloilo as ―peaceful and ready for further development‖ is a very positive news. ―Peace and order and security are big factors in creating a conducive business climate for investors,‖ Lara said.

A place where insurgency and criminality are addressed is a consideration for an investor to locate business in that area, according to Lara. She further said that this attracts investors and even existing businesses would want to expand, especially in a place like Iloilo which is experiencing investment growth. ―Iloilo is basically a resource area where products are transported, and supposed to be free from robbery along the way. In the recent meetings of the Iloilo Peace and Order Council and

the Regional Peace and Order Council, the Philippine Army here declared Iloilo as peaceful with less threats from the insurgents, manageable and non-government organizations‘ operations in the hinterlands unaffected by the New People‘s Army. Army 3rd Infantry Division commander Major Rey Leonardo Guerrero said the declaration is a good way in promoting the positive image of Iloilo.

He said that everybody can benefit from the declaration since the people can start promoting their culture and attract investors and tourists. ―It is also a challenge for us to maintain such status,‖ Guerrero said, adding that the declaration does not mean the army would leave the province. Lara, on the other hand, said that the province should not be complacent about the declaration, while focusing on training and equipment upgrade for the police and the military. ―There should be visibility of law enforcers especially in remote areas,‖ Lara said. (JCM/ESS/PIA-Iloilo)

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WESTERN VISAYAS

ECC: Reimbursement for actual expenses only Lilibeth A. French ILOILO CITY, March 18 (PIA6) - - The Employees’ Compensation Commission (ECC) clarified on Tuesday that only out-of -pocket expenses of employees with work-related sickness or injury shall be the subject of claim for medical reimbursement under the Employees’ Compensation Program (ECP) of the government.

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CC Regional Extension Unit 6 Information Officer II Stephene Barredo said that the EC Board has released an advisory in relation to the implementation of Board Resolution No. 12-05-15 or ―Admissibility of Certified True Copies of Official Receipts in the Filing of Claims for Medical Reimbursement‖ and as a response to the numerous queries on whether the amount covered by PhilHealth or Health Maintenance Organization (HMO) benefits may be reimbursed from its systems.

Barredo said that according to the advisory only expenses incurred by the employee with work-related sickness or injury can be the subject of claim for EC medical reimbursement after the allowable HMO or PhilHealth benefits have been completely exhausted for a particular confinement or consultation.

The amount of reimbursement should not be higher than the actual amount paid by the said employee and the prevailing rates prescribed by the Commission.

Barredo said employers may only be allowed to claim for EC medical reimbursement in case they have paid the hospitalization expenses of the employee with work-related sickness or injury.

ECP is designed to provide compensation package to public and private employees or their dependents in the event of work-related sickness, injury or death.

Aside from medical benefits, other benefits include loss of income benefit or a cash benefit, rehabilitation services, carer‘s allowance and death benefits.

Employees covered by the ECP in the public

sector are those members of the GSIS, the Armed Forces of the Philippines, elective government officials who are receiving regular salary and all casual, emergency, temporary and substitute or contractual employees. For the private sector, covered are those employees who are registered members of the Social Security System except self-employed or voluntary members.

ECC, an attached agency of the Department Labor and Employment, was tasked to formulate policies and guidelines for the effective implementation of the ECP. Now on its 40th year, Barredo said the commission is intensifying its information dissemination activities to ensure that workers are informed of their rights, benefits and privileges under the ECP. (JCM/LAF-PIA)

Capiz police to intensify drive vs. illegal drugs Jemin B. Guillermo ROXAS CITY, Capiz, March 16 (PIA6) – The Capiz police is focusing its drive against illegal drugs.

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olice Provincial director Samuel Nacion, during the Distinguished Program and Awarding Ceremony, March 16, at Camp Teodoro April, directed the policemen in Capiz to give priority attention to the campaign against illegal drugs here.

He said that there is a need to aim high to stamp out the proliferation of illegal drugs.

Nacion stressed that everybody should work together in the drive against the use and sale of illegal drugs.

He also said that there is a need to intensify the campaign related thereto through drug reduction as well as supply and demand reduction.

He directed the Capiz cops to focus on community and school-based drug awareness campaign concentrating on the symptoms and effects of drug use as well as on identifying drug personalities.

Nacion likewise warned policemen for summary dismissal from the service should they be found positive of in the drug test.

He also warned them against any involvement in illegal drug trade.

On the other hand, he commended the men and women of the said organization here, particularly the Police Community Relations Office of the province, for ranking first in the over-all Unit Performance Rating for 2014 of the

Police Community Relations Division in Western Visay He said that the exemplary performance of the PCR in the different police stations in Capiz through their active involvement in crime prevention through barangay and school symposia, implementation of Pulis Ko, Titser Ko program, clean-up drive and campaign against illegal drugs contributed to such recognition.

The awarding ceremony highlighted this year‘s celebration by the Capiz cops of the Women‘s Month, where Nacion has affirmed their support in promoting women‘s rights and keeping stronger the women in the PNP here.

(JCM/JBG/PIA6)

Tips to prevent fires

By Venus G. Villanueva KALIBO, Aklan, March 17 (PIA6) -- Smoking while drinking should not be done at the same time, as this could cause fire, according to the Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP) here.

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peaking before Aklan‘s Provincial Capitol employees and other national government employees after the flag-raising ceremony at the capitol grounds, Senior Fire Officer 2 Andrevon Rowan of BFP-Kalibo explained that when a person gets heavily drunk, he might forget he is holding a lighted cigarette and could drop this anywhere in his house and cause a fire.

This, and other important life and property-saving tips were given by SFO2 Rowan to the government employees as part of the BFP‘s information campaign in the province in the observance of Fire Prevention Month this March.

Rowan also advised the employees to ensure that lighted candles and kerosene lamps are placed in safe and stable areas far from combustible materials. People should also refrain

from using plastic objects to place their lighted ‗katol‘ or mosquito coil on because this could also cause a fire, and when they are using an aluminum can as a stand, this should not be placed near carpets as a strong wind could topple it. ―Installation of electricity in homes should also be done by authorized persons so the house owner can get the proper clearance from the BFP‖, said SFO2 Rowan.

He also reminded the employees not to use substandard wirings for electrical installations in their homes. ―Fire safety is everybody‘s concern‖, SFO2 Rowan stressed.

Since March 1, BFP-Kalibo, under the leadership of Acting Fire Marshall Inspector Donnie Torre conducted activities to drum up the importance of fire prevention in Aklan particularly in Kalibo which had experienced

several big fires. Some of these activities include a fun bike ride and zumba fitness dance, ocular visits in houses and establishments in fire-prone areas, information dissemination through materials and fire drills and lectures in schools.

In the first two months of this year, Kalibo had two fire incidents.

Not all Aklan municipalities have fire stations so BFP-Kalibo also covers other municipalities like Libacao, Banga, and Madalag.

Besides Kalibo, other towns with fire stations are Altavas, Numancia, Ibajay and New Washington.

Boracay Island in Malay town has a fire station also. ‗Kaligtasan Sa Sunog: Alamin, Gawin at Isabuhay Natin‖ is this year‘s celebration theme. (JCM/VGV-PIA6 Aklan)

WESTERN VISAYAS

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Competitiveness for AEC needs level-up actions Jaime S. Cabag, Jr. ILOILO CITY, March 18 (PIA6) – It’s been about 8 years since leaders of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) adopted the ASEAN Economic Blueprint in Singapore to serve as a coherent master plan guide for the establishment of the ASEAN Economic Community this year.

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ince then too, the Philippines has been exerting efforts to meet its commitments vis-à-vis the AEC Scorecard, concerns that have been assessed and monitored especially by the National Economic and Development Authority (NEDA) and studied by the Philippine Institute for Development Studies (PIDS).

How the country has been faring in its journey to become an active stakeholder in the community especially in making it become a highly competitive economic region depends in part on the contributions of the different regions.

In Western Visayas, in particular, the Regional Competitiveness Committee (RCC) was set to look into how Western Visayas is taking the competitiveness challenge vis-à-vis the AEC. The action involves local government units and other stakeholders as well including national

government agencies and non-government organizations.

RCC co-chairperson and NEDA-6 Regional Director Ro-Ann Bacal said at a recent meeting that the committee will be coming up by end-March with an inventory of NGA and LGU programs and projects that contribute to the competitiveness of the region.

With this, we can identify the competitive areas as well as the things that have to be done to enhance the region‘s competitiveness, said Bacal.

We should focus on things that we are already good at and to level up, she added.

The ASEAN Economic Community (AEC), according to the ASEAN website, shall be the goal of regional economic integration by this year.

AEC envisages the following key characteristics: (a) a single market and production base, (b) a highly competitive economic region,

(c) a region of equitable economic development, and (d) a region fully integrated into the global economy.

The AEC areas of cooperation include human resources development and capacity building; recognition of professional qualifications; closer consultation on macroeconomic and financial policies; trade financing measures; enhanced infrastructure and communications connectivity; development of electronic transactions through e-ASEAN; integrating industries across the region to promote regional sourcing; and enhancing private sector involvement for the building of the AEC. Bacal shared that the AEC would bring about benefits to member-countries but this also means doing more actions for the region in particular and the country in general to become competitive. (JCM/JSC-PIA6)

ANTECO: Help save energy this summer Vicente W. Villavert SAN JOSE, Antique, March 16 (PIA6) - - The management of the Antique Electric Cooperative (ANTECO) here urged the public to help conserve energy this summer.

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ngr. Luduvico D. Lim, manager of ANTECO said that the province has enough supply of energy ― based on the demand against the installed power capacity of the power plants in the Visayas.‖ ―In the Panay area we have the reliable supply of energy from the coal poer plant, wind power plant, diesel power plant, and imported energy from Negros Orriental, Leyte, and Cebu,‖ Lim said during a PIA interview.‖ Lim emphasized though that the efficiency will only be affected if the power plants bogged down. He also emphasized the need to step up

public awareness campaign to curb wasteful electricity consumption. ―As the temperature rises, anyone simply switches on their air-conditioning units, electric fans, and other appliances for comfort.

While doing this, Lim said, it would trigger the new demand or power requirement that will result to a very poor supply of electricity, and will cause some power interruptions.

According to Lim tight supply of power is experienced during summer season, therefore, ―our establishments, offices, households should help regulate electric consumption during this

period of time.‖ For some energy tips, the ANTECO head reminded the public not to leave lights on extended period of time if they are not needed; unplug electronic devices such as televisions and computers when not in use.

He reminded that major appliances as refrigerators, washing machines, electric irons, and others, account for a big chunk of monthly utility bill, and it is wise to monitor energy consumption. As for energy efficient lighting, Lim urged the public to use compact fluorescent lights, and light emitting diode or LED bulbs.

(JCM/VWV/PIA Antique)

Coop gets DAR support services, other projects Easter Anne D. Doza NEGROS OCCIDENTAL, March 18 (PIA6) - - A small cooperative in the upland barangay of Mailum, Bago City is yet another story of success.

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riends of the Highlands Producers Cooperative or FHPC is an agrarian reform beneficiaries organization that formed itself into a cooperative with 50 members, who are also residents of the Department of Agrarian Reform declared Agrarian Reform Community (ARC).

FHPC is a recipient of the various support services of the DAR from Agrarian Production Credit Program (APCP) to Agrarian Reform Community Connectivity and Economic Support Services (ARCESS) and just recently of the Community-Managed Potable Water Supply Sanitation and Hygiene or CP WASH. The CP WASH project turned over to the FHPC for management and maintenance included two units rain water collector, two units iron removal filter, three units biosand filter and one

unit biogas digester.

FHPC chairman Rodel Cadigal told PIA that their cooperative has fully paid their APCP loan of P390,000 with the Land Bank of the Philippines which they used to grow vegetables, rice and sugarcane in their land holdings and is now preparing their second loan of the same amount.

Meanwhile, Community Agrarian Reform Program Officer Edna Villaruel also revealed that FHPC is identified as Batch 3 to receive ARCESS projects like power tiller, thresher and shredding machine.

Aside from these, the local government of Bago and the Philippine Carabao Center also awarded the cooperative with 10 individuals of Murrah Buffalo in late 2013 which their members raise to source out carabao milk.

―Daily, we are able to produce 4-5 litres which we sell to Fresh Start Organics where part of the sales goes to the farmer-raiser and a part goes to the cooperative,‖ Cadigal explained.

To date, they already raised three calves from the 10 Buffalos given to them.

Aside from the buffalo milk, the cooperative is also into vermi culture production breaking a record of producing 2 tons out of 11-kilogram of worms.

Cooperative members are also into soft broom production with materials growing abundantly in the area while FHPC takes care of marketing these products.

This cooperative will also do its share in climate change mitigation, Cadigal shared, as they will soon start their nursery for seedlings production. *(JCM/EAD-PIA6 Negros Occidental)

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CENTRAL VISAYAS

Danao City information associates undergo journalism training Ferliza Calizar-Contratista CEBU, March 14 (PIA) -- Thirty information associates of Danao City Local Government Unit recently underwent a three-day extensive news and feature writing workshop.

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anao City information officer Ramonette Mahinay said the activity was spearheaded by its office in preparation for the launching of Danao City‘s monthly newsletter soon this year.

Mahinay said the participants were either officers and or staff from all the different departments of the local government unit. ―We already had a one-day training with both news and feature writing. This time we really want them to learn and start writing immediately after,‖ Mahinay said.

Human Resource Officer in Charge Dana Canson said the training will equip them to be good journalists of the city. ―Simple words are the most powerful and effective, even graders can understand what it

means,‖ Canson said who was once an editor in her school days.

Philippine Information Agency-Cebu Infocen Manager Rachelle Nessia was the first day‘s facilitator for News writing. She lectured about the 4W‘s (when, where, what, why) and 1 H (How) and the skills one has to have to be able to write a good news story. ―I also encourage everyone to read all the time, it improves your writing,‖ Nessia said.

In the workshop they were made to write different kinds of leads and to make a news story out from the activity.

Second day was Feature writing facilitated

by PIA Cebu Information Officer 1 Ferliza Contratista. ―In features, we break all the rules but keeping in mind the basic journalism

skills,‖ Contratista said.

The PIAs during the workshop wrote a personality profile of their chosen partner. They were also made to do an outline of a feature story of a program of a department chosen as a group work.

Chad Cabigon of the City Legal Office said the workshop made him realize that there is news in their offices. ―It made us think once again and use our brain, which is already rusty,‖ Cabigon said.

Adano Roble, Secretary to the Mayor was present during the culmination day to give certificates to the participants.

The Danao City PIA‘s are the first organized well represented local government information network in Cebu Province. (mbcn/ fcc/PIA7-Cebu)

Toledo City farmers receive P.5M gov’t assistance Ferliza Calizar-Contratista CEBU, March 18 (PIA) -- Toledo City farmers group to receive almost half a million government assistance to increase competitiveness. epartment of Trade and Industry drums. Other than that they also underwent Cooperators, which may be any juridical entity -Cebu Information Officer Shirelyn trainings which include food processing, such as but not limited to non-government Villamor said there will be a dessicated coconut production, management organizations, people‘s organizations, launching of a Shared Service Facility for Mag and market matching. cooperatives, industry/trade/business uumang Naghiusa sa Sam-ang ug Magdugo ―The SSF is a response to the market associations, local government units (LGUs), (MANAGSAMA) in Toledo City. demand of Fair Trade and local market for state universities/colleges technical vocational MANAGSAMA has over 200 farmer Virgin Coconut Oil, dessicated coconut and schools and other similar government and members in the two barangays and are charcoal briquettes,‖ Villamor said. training institutions. involved in the production of coconut Expected in the launching is DTI Provincial Beneficiaries of the project are the actual products. The farmers group receives Director Nelia Navarro and local officials led and potential users of the SSF which should be equipment such as dessicated dryer, de shelling by Toledo City Mayor John Henry Osmena. predominantly cooperatives, associations or machine, coconut meat grinding machine, The SSF Project is being implemented groups of Medium, Small and Micro Enterprises briquetting machine and five carbonizing nationwide with project partners termed as and individuals. (mbcn/fcc/PIA7-CEBU)

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Bohol launches new tilapia chips Rey Anthony H. Chiu BOHOL (PIA) -- From practically an unknown community of fishermen aided by the Estonian Government Development Fund and international volunteers comes a fish product that may share the goody bag of every tourist leaving Bohol--Tilapia chips!

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he Talisay Fishermen's Association (TAFIAS) launched their Tilapia chips products in neat and world-class packaging on March 18 at the Bohol Cultural Center.

TAFIAS chairperson Anna Mainit said, the tilapia chips are now becoming a popular 'Bohol taste'.

Maiinit shared that the product started when the fish farmers realized they were growing what people no longer eat.

The Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR) has been trying to help these fish/farmers find additional income than fishing out every day. They found the under-utilized taro marshes. With a starting fund of P100,000 and government support in

tilapia fingerlings and feeds, the community engaged in volunteer work after the Mainits agreed to have their taro fields converted into a pond.

Mainit said, we thought of the tilapia when the idea in converting taro fields into a fishpond came up which we figured out, can be processed into tilapia chips with a little work. The product was already in the market but with a crude marketing strategy.

Somehow tilapia chips failed to go big, Maiinit added. The redemption came in the form of AndaKIDZ, a non-profit, non sectarian organization which focuses help on the hungry kids of Anda Bohol.

ANDAKIDZ aims to recognize the rights of children and provide goods and

services through the local community that will improve the lives of children in the poorest families and ultimately reduce child poverty in the area.

Recently, the organization handled by Estonian Birgit Naur and husband British Robin Gurney successfully engaged the voluntary services of a branding expert who also believed in coordinating efforts to improve the situation of Anda's Children.

ANDAKIDz and TAFIAS with volunteers Janno Siimar and Robin Gurney worked recently to create a new identity for TAFIAS and develop and launch a range of high quality, hand-made food products, the tilapia chips foremost among them. (mbcn/ rac/PIA7-Bohol/with reports from TAFIAS)

CENTRAL VISAYAS

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BSP holds briefing on counterfeit, clean bills, demonetization Elvira C. Bongosia TAGBILARAN CITY, Bohol, March 17 (PIA) -- The Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP)-Cebu Regional Office in partnership with the Philippine Information Agency-Bohol conducted a briefing on counterfeit bills, demonetization and clean note policy to the members of the Association of United Development Information Officers in Bohol (AUDIO-Bohol) recently in Bohol.

SP bank officer Hazel Arante cotton and 20 percent abaca, so the paper feels dunot ang tago-an aron i-deposito ug mailisan presented to the information officers soft but firm, Arante explained. sa bangko. Ang bag-o ang ibayad aron the different ways to determine fake The genuine bills also have tiny but clearly ma-circulate sa tanan. (Don‘t hoard the crisp bills. printed and readable words ―Bangko Sentral ng bills instead keep the old dirty ones and have it Arante told AUDIO-Bohol members to Pilipinas‖ or ―Central Bank of the Philippines‖ changed at the bank. Use new bills for familiarize themselves with the design, on the face or back of the note. Arante said transactions for proper circulation) Make it a characteristics and distinct features of the bank anyone who gets a ―doubtful‖ bill should habit,‖ Arante urged information officers and notes. surrender it to any bank. media present during the forum held recently ―Look closer, feel and tilt‖ the peso bills The AUDIO-Bohol members were also at Casa Rey Francis Pension House and you receive to check if these are genuine. For reminded on the demonetization of the New Restaurant. the look, it is simply checking out the security Design Series (NDS) bills which will only be The provisions of the Clean Note Policy features of the notes,‖ Arante said. until December 31, 2015. She also urged the are based on the BSP Circular No. 61 Series of Arante told the participants to check out information officers to comply with the Clean 1995 entitled "Consolidated Rules and the security thread if it‘s present, and the Note Policy so as to preserve the integrity of Regulations on Currency Notes and Coins‖. embossed print on the note which has a rough the Philippine currency.

Arante said that BSP is aggressively texture.

Arante said that cash handlers should only conducting ongoing educational campaign ―The notes have watermark or what release money fit for circulation instead of the among local government units, academe, and people call the ‗anino‘ in the left or right dirty and crumpled ones. She cited the habit of the private sector to increase their awareness corner,‖ Arante added. The P500 and P1,000 most Filipinos to keep the ―crisp‖ new bills on the Clean Note Policy. bill have the ―optically variable device‖ ink or while giving out those that are already unfit for BSP will schedule visits in different OVD that changes from red to green when circulation. municipalities this time in coordination with the tilted. The notes are made of 80 percent ―Ayaw tago-i ang bag-o nga kwarta. Ang information officers. (mbcn/ecb/PIA7-Bohol)

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BSP reminds public old banknotes until end of 2015 Roi Anthoni B. Lomotan DUMAGUETE CITY, March 18 (PIA) – The Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) once again reminds the public that they only have until this year to use their old banknotes or New Design Series (NDS) currency for their payment transactions.

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SP-Dumaguete City senior research specialist Gregorio Baccay III disclosed that by 2016 unused old money will no longer be acceptable for buying or paying goods and services. By 2017, these banknotes will totally lose its tender value.

Baccay explained in a Kapihan forum today that demonetization of old banknotes is a way to keep the integrity of Philippine currency and safeguard money from counterfeiters.

Aside from this, demonetization also aims to reduce the circulation of two design series to one.

BSP has begun demonetizing NDS

banknotes since January 1 until December 31 this year.

The BSP official urged the public to have their old bills exchanged with new generation currencies at their banks, other accredited financial institutions or at the BSP office before it these are totally demonetized. ―This year, these old banknotes are still a legal tender but BSP cautioned that it should be used,‖ Baccay said.

Even though, NDS peso banknotes will no longer be used for purchasing by 2016, the public can still handover these to BSP in exchange for new currencies within the said year.

For OFWs who still has old Peso banknotes, ―Starting October 1, they have to register at BSP website to inform (us) when will they return to the Philippines to have their banknotes exchanged.

They only have one year period for that, starting from the day of registration,‖ Baccay announced.

Meanwhile, the Negros Oriental Bankers Association (NOBA) headed by its president Elmer Teves assured BSP that they will help in the massive information campaign to raise the public‘s consciousness on the demonetization of old banknotes. (mbcn/ral/ PIA7-NegOr)

DOH-7 launches 'Smoke-Free Siquijor' Rizalie Anding Calibo SIQUIJOR, March 18 (PIA) -- Cigarette smoking is one of the most common risk factors for developing cardio-vascular diseases and is labelled as the new epidemic in the new millennium.

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OH-7 non-communicable section head Dr. Jeanette Pauline Cortes said cardio-vascular disease is a condition affecting the heart and blood vessels that include coronary heart disease and is the number one cause of death today.

Cortes warns the public to stay away, if not quit smoking to reduce the risk of having the disease during the Smoke-Free Siquijor grand launching recently at the town‘s Capital Square.

Cortes said cigarette smoke contains more than 7000 chemicals.

At least 70 of these chemicals are known to cause cancer from head to foot.

She cited that there are 10 Filipinos die every hour or 240 every day because of tobacco-related diseases that includes lung cancer and chronic obstructive coronary disease that one can get from smoking.

She said the Department of Health (DOH-7) is very happy that for the first time in the province of Siquijor, they have

launched a smoke-free ordinance and lauded the efforts of political leaders and the constituents for the support.

She also lauded Siquijor as rabies-free and further said making the province a smoke-free is very attainable. ―Kining atong ordinance, ordinansa ra gyud na kon dili nato hatagan ug kinabuhi (our ordinance remains so if we don‘t give life to it), Cortes said as she urges locals to continue the efforts to really work on the ordinance. (mbcn/ rac/PIA7-Siquijor)

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EASTERN VISAYAS

DAR turns over P14.5M road project in San Julian, E. Samar SAN JULIAN, Eastern Samar, March 17 (PIA) - The Department of Agrarian Reform (DAR) recently turned over a 2.4-kilometer farm-to-market road worth to P14.5 million in Barangay Casoroy to Sitio Layog, San Julian, Eastern Samar.

More than 1,000 residents, including 72 agrarian reform beneficiaries (ARBs), will directly benefit from the project, which would make travelling to and from the town proper less burdensome.

DAR Regional Director Sheila Enciso said that the project was jointly funded by the Asian Development Bank (ADB) under the second phase of the Agrarian Reform Communities Project (ARCP-2) and the Local

Government of San Julian contributing 50 percent of the total project cost.

Enciso added that the government is expecting farmers to produce more, increase their income and contribute to food security in the country.

San Julian Mayor Ezekiel Fritz Aseo said it took residents hours to travel going out of their barangay using a paddled banca through a narrow creek due to the poor condition of

the road.

With the completion of this project, it takes one to travel to and from the town proper in just a couple of minutes, Bernie Colico, farmer-leader in the area, disclosed that many residents resettled in another barangay due to the inaccessibility of their barangay. Now, they are planning to return and make their farmlands productive once again. (jals/DAR-8)

Biliran women leaders attend women's month forum MARY LAILANI TUPAZ NAVAL, Biliran, March 17 (PIA) – Nearly 600 women leaders in Biliran province attended the one- day Women’s forum on Friday, March 13 at the Naval State University (NSU) gymnasium.

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omen vice-mayors, and sangguniang bayan members from the eight municipalities of the province; barangay captains and kagawad, and presidents of the WORD-KALIPI from the 132 barangays of the entire province of Biliran; and heads of national government offices and agencies based in Biliran comprise the participants to the forum.

Issues discussed during the forum were on RA 9710 or the Magna Carta of Women; RA 7192 or Women in Development and Nation Building Act; RA 9262 or Anti-Violence Against Women and their Children; and Anti -Trafficking in Persons with Corazon Del Mundo, CENRO-Tourism of Imus, Cavite; and Atty. Ana Luz Cristal, president of Women in Nation Building (WIN) in Manila, as speakers.

Part of the month-long celebration is a field trip for Biliran women leaders to the

DSWD's rehabilitation centers in Pawing, Palo, Leyte such as the Regional Haven, Home for Girls, and Reception for Study Center for Girls; the Center for Youth in Tanauan, Leyte; the SOS Village; Coca-Cola Bottlers, Inc.; the venue where Pope Francis held mass in the vicinity of the airport in His recent visit to Tacloban; and finally, to Robinson's Place to destress those leaders.

The field trip is scheduled in two batches on March 17 for the municipalities of Almeria, Naval, and Cabucgayan; and on March 19 for the municipalities of Biliran, Caibiran, Culaba, and Kawayan.

The island municipality of Maripipi declined to join the field trip due to the inaccessibility of early morning and late night transportation plying the island.

Participants to the yearly Women's Month celebration hope and pray that the information on the laws that protect women

be used in keeping a balance between what is being empowered and overpowering their partners, and that the knowledge they gained be used in the development of their families, their communities, and the nation in general.

This year‘s celebration of Women‘s Month is centered on the theme "Juana, Desisyon Mo ay Mahalaga sa Kinabukasan ng Bawat Isa, Ikaw Na !"

The theme is timely for the upcoming national elections for women leaders to emerge and engage in the country's political system.

As reported during the forum, there are currently 25% of women leaders holding positions in the Senate; 27% in the the House of Representatives; 22% in the gubernatorial posts; 21% in the mayoral posts; 20% in the city councils and another 20% in the municipal councils. (ajc/fj/mlt/PIA 8 Biliran)

Borongan starts pay-out of CFW beneficiaries MEDORA NIMFA QUIRANTE BORONGAN CITY, Eastern Samar, March 19 (PIA) - Borongan City has started paying out beneficiaries of the Cash-for -Building-Livelihood Assets (CBLA) otherwise known as the cash-for-work program.

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n March 16, 2015, beneficiaries from Barangay Bayubay received the P3,900 cash grant, being the first batch to receive the aid.

The barangay is among the first five barangays to implement the program early 2015 along with Barangays San Gabriel, Maybacong, San Pablo and Suhotan; the latter also receiving the cash grant In March 17.

All 61 barangays in the city implemented the program to help restore what was destroyed by typhoon Ruby which hit the

region in December of 2014.

All 17, 547 beneficiaries will soon receive the grant with a total cost of P68M. One family member in each household worked 15 days at P260 per day, repairing small infrastructure facilities, cleaning up the communities and in some cases doing backyard gardening.

In an interview with Mayor Maria Fe R. Abunda, the mayor explained that a clause in the memorandum of agreement signed by the city government and the Department of Social Welfare and Development caused a delay in

the disbursement. ―It was specified in the MOA that DSWD will disburse the funds but because of logistical concerns, they were unable to come right away‖ Abunda said.

According to the mayor, the local government unit requested an amendment to the MOA so the city treasurer was allowed to disburse the funds instead.

President Benigno Simeon Aquino personally turned-over the funds to Mayor Abunda during his visit in December 22, 2014. (ajc/mnbq/PIA-E Samar)

EASTERN VISAYAS

7

Buan pushes women’s rights, upholding of VAW-C law

BY NINFA B. QUIRANTE CATBALOGAN CIY, Samar, March 17 (PIA) – The local government unit of San Jose de Buan, a hinterland town in Samar is pushing for women’s rights, upholding of the law on Violence against Women and Children.

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his, as the Municipal Social Welfare Officer (MSWDO) Ana Gabon emphasized during the assembly of more than 300 women from Buan most of them farmers and housewives.

Before the other messages, speaker Lovella Lapura of New Life Church made the women realize the value of a woman.

In a metaphor, Lapura likened a woman to a vessel while holding a vase as she solicited the uses of a vase, where the women happily obliged saying the vase can be used as a flower, vase on display; another said that in the Bible, some would use it as a water container; and as a container for valuable things.

The lady preacher then emphasized that the value of the vase is what they offered, that it could even be more. However, she said that

some people may not realize its value and as she said this, she dropped the vase, it broke into the hard floor.

Women were stunned, most were moved to tears. A long silence ensued. One woman confided that she was scared, that this is what she feels when her husband of 16 years would come home drunk and would berate and hurt her at the slightest excuse.

The women expressed their hurt feelings in a mini-workshop where they wrote what they are capable of doing.

In her message as regards the law on Violence Against Women and Children (VAW-C) Gabon emphasized that women should assert their rights that men nor any partner should never physically, emotionally and psychologically hurt the woman.

In another dramatic turn of event, a mother complained then and there that her daughter, 16 years of age is being maltreated by her husband and that she was asking the women leaders present to rescue her child.

Cases like this, said Gabon is brimming in her office but despite the law, and its offer to protect them, some women would still forgive their abusive husbands. ―But we are glad that more women are now more aware of their rights and they know what to do in situation like this,― Gabon told PIA. Lapura in her final message informed the women that they should not allow anyone to hurt them and that they should approach the proper authorities to help them in the difficult situation. (ajc/nbq/PIA8-Samar)

Naval CSOs support campaign vs. illegal drugs RODRIGO S. VICTORIA NAVAL, Biliran, March 20 (PIA)- This time, finding solutions to the problem on illegal drugs does not solely rest on the government functionaries, as different civil society organizations (CSOs) in this town, signified their strong commitment in the campaign against this social menace.

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Time has come when no one government can stop the menace brought about by illegal drugs. It can not anymore just be the responsibility of one but the responsibility of all,‖ Naval Mayor Susan V. Parilla emphasized in her letter-invitation calling the different heads of civil society organizations in Naval to a meeting held recently at the Naval conference hall to come up with plan of actions geared toward fighting illegal drugs.

Engr. Warlito Alagao, head of the Knights of Columbus (K of C) of Naval Diocese, pushed the idea of posting tarpaulins bearing anti-illegal drug messages and asked the LGU to install closed circuit television cameras (CCTVs) in conspicuous and strategic places,

this town. ―We will also post tarpaulin bearing anti-illegal drugs messages in every barangay,‖ the K of C head promised as the commitment of their group in the fight against illegal drugs Another idea that cropped-up during the meeting was the holding of anti-illegal drugs fun run endorsed by Naval councilor Gabino S. Velasquez IV, who is also the president of the Biliran Medical Society. ―This is one way of bringing the message to the people behind the illegal activity that the people in the community are now well aware and vigilant on the wrong they have done in the community,‖ Velasquez informed.

Lolita Darantinao, representing the

Catholic Women‘s League (CWL) of the Dioese of Naval and Paulina Olaivar, representing Mother Butler, of the religious organizations in the diocese, suggested for a comprehensive information dissemination campaign in the community on the ill effects of illegal drugs. Representatives of some CSOs also suggested to focus on schools in the information drive and even appealed to ask the officials of the Department of Education to include the teaching on the ill-effects of illegal drugs in schools. Mayor Parilla also gave hotline numbers 09173087374 and 09126708668 to call on or send messages to, in case of any suspected illegal drugs activities spotted in the community. (ajc/fj/rvictoria/PIA 8 Biliran)

GSIS-Maasin needs more kiosks ERNA S. GORNE MAASIN CITY, Southern Leyte, March 17 (PIA) - As the Government Service Insurance System (GSIS) Maasin Branch continues to serve Southern Leyte down to Inopacan, Leyte for the last 14 years, there is the need to provide additional kiosks to serve its increasing members.

A

ccording to Branch Manager Igmidio F. Ponay, Jr ― With the increasing GSIS membership in Southern Leyte and portions of Leyte provinces, I am requesting for three additional kiosks to serve the municipalities of Saint Bernard, Pintuyan and the Department of Education – Maasin City Division.‖ He said that additional kiosks have already been requested from the GSIS Central Office and he is waiting for their arrival anytime.

―This is on top of the existing operations of eight kiosks that were distributed in the mentioned provinces, excluding the two kiosks located at GSIS Branch office,‖ Ponay said.

He reported that membership has increased to 11,600 from the original 10,000 members of GSIS Maasin Branch Office since 2001.

Ponay, however, desired that if the signals of the giant telecommunications company in their area of responsibility would warrant, he

would like to see that each municipality will be provided with kiosk for the convenience of the members especially those from the far-flung areas.

Last March 12, 2015 the said branch office had a simple celebration on its 14th founding anniversary in Southern Leyte, highlighted by a mass and open house at its newest location at Barangay Mantahan, Maasin City, it was learned. (ajc/esg/PIA8 SoLeyte)

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

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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