One Visayas e-Newsletter Vol 5 Issue 23

Vol 5

Issue 23

In this Issue WESTERN VISAYAS

President Benigno S. Aquino III leads the flag raising ceremony during the 117th Independence Day celebration at Sta. Barbara, Iloilo. With him are (from L) Senate President Franklin M. Drilon, House Speaker Feliciano Belmonte, Jr., Defense Secretary Voltaire Gazmin, DILG Secretary Mar Roxas and Iloilo Gov. Arthur Defensor, Sr. (PIA 6/EJB)

More on Region 6, pages 2-3.

Also CLICK Here…

CENTRAL VISAYAS

In line with the government‘s information dissemination campaign about the Bangsamoro Basic Law, a forum/workshop was held with guests from the Office of the Presidential Adviser on the Peace Process (OPPAP) and the National Youth Commission (NYC) to discuss the history and context of the peace struggle in the Philippines and Young People‘s representation in the Bangsamoro with John Boittee Santos of OPPAP and Asec Perci Cendana of NYC as panelists. After the forum, Jamil Faisal Adiong of Generation Peace Youth Network-Cebu and Angeli Monique Silvan of NYC facilitated their respective workshops on: How can the youth support BBL? and Small Ways to Peace. The forum/workshop was attended by Cebu media, bloggers and school campus journalists. (vvv/PIA Cebu)

More on Region 7, pages 4-5.

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EASTERN VISAYAS

A parade around Tacloban City led by the Department of Environment and Natural Resources 8 family and participated in by different government agencies and non-government organizations kicked off World Environment Day celebration on June 4. (Vino R. Cuayzon)

More on Region 8, pages 6-7.

Also CLICK Here...

June 8 – 14, 2015

Published by: PIA 6, 7 & 8

DENR-7 completes SWID Project in NegOr Juju M. Empuerto CEBU CITY, June 11 (PIA) -- The Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) 7 recently completed its Small Water Impounding Dam (SWID) Project in Barangay Tayawan, Bayawan City, Negros Oriental under the watershed management program, according to DENR 7 Public Information Officer Dr. Eddie Llamedo.

Llamedo said the project has a total cost of P1,134,140.88 of which DENR 7 with the support and technical assistance of the local government unit of Bayawan awarded the contract to United Farmers Association of Tayawan (UFAT) for the establishment, development and maintenance.

The People‘s Organization (PO) UFAT has been an active partner of the DENR 7 especially in the implementation of the National Greening Program (NGP), Llamedo added.

According to DENR-7 Regional Director Dr. Isabelo Montejo, the small water impounding dam is a structure constructed to hold back water and develop a reservoir that will store rainfall and run-off during the rainy season for immediate or future use. ―The SWID will be a source of potable water to about 28 sitios in Barangay Tawayan, other than help add supply water

to neighboring fishponds and adjacent rice fields throughout the summer season,‖ Montejo said.

Following the completion of the SWID, PO UFAT with around 100 members thanked the DENR for granting them the SWID project and vowed to maintain and sustain it.

Aside from functioning as an impounding dam, PO UFAT saw its potential to cater aesthetic and recreational value.

The organization developed the area, built cottages and constructed a spring box to serve as a swimming pool for children and adults with corresponding affordable entrance fees to make it income generating, bared the environment and natural resources official.

UFAT President Edgar Osorio said the project "is a big help to us PO members not only that we have the water source, we have generated income out of it. This is a fulfillment of our dreams!‖ Negros Oriental Provincial Environment and Natural Resources Officer Charlie Fabre said upon learning of the development since it became an instant and sustainable livelihood opportunity to the PO members. ―This is a manifestation that people seeks to develop their economic condition and are willing to do what it takes to achieve it," he said. (rmn/jsme/PIA7-Cebu/DENR-7)

Over 5K Leyte 4Ps beneficiaries finish high school CONSUELO B. ALARCON PALO, Leyte, June 11 (PIA) – Around 5,149 high school students in the Province of Leyte who are 4P's beneficiaries have graduated Wednesday at Leyte Academic Center Gymnasium, this town.

The graduates came from various public high schools in 40 municipalities and one city in Leyte. Of the total number of graduates, 409 students were top achievers who were given honors and recognition for their achievements in school.

In her valedictory address, Danica P. Conte from Hindang, Leyte expressed her utmost gratitude to the government for implementing the Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program (4Ps) through the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) with the hope to continue helping the poor families. ―To the DSWD, saying thank you is not enough because you really mean a lot in my life.

I hope that you will continuously help my countrymen especially the families and individuals who are poor like us,‖ Ponte said.

She inspired her co-graduates by saying that ―to become a valedictorian is not just easy for it requires courage and the ability to stand up and conquer the odds.‖

Ponte admitted that there were times that she was about to give up due to some difficulties until she saw an array of hope through the 4Ps program of the government. ―Since Pantawid Pamilya came to our family, there was an improvement in terms of our livelihood. We can already sustain our basic needs with the help of social assistance and monetary support given by the government. Indeed, Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program of DSWD helps us improve our livelihood,‖she said.

Ponte was also grateful to her family who is very supportive of her. She further said without the unconditional love and care her family she is nothing.

Meanwhile, Leyte Governor Leopoldo Dominico L. Petilla emphasized that poverty is not a hindrance to success.

He reminded the 4Ps beneficiaries to continue learning and improve their value as the government will provide many livelihood opportunities and scholarship grants especially to poor families.

The event was also attended by some mayors of the Province of Leyte, DSWD assistant regional director for Operations Restituto B. Macuto and representatives from Deped, CHED and the DOH. (ajc/cba/PIA-8)

Growth and stability possible by working with others

By Leonard T. Pineda I ILOILO CITY, June 12 (PIA6) --- President Benigno S. Aquino III pledged the country‘s commitment to building a true community of nations in front of some 75 diplomats and country representatives who joined in the vin d‘honneur held at the newly-restored provincial capitol building here.

He said that a global community can truly be forged if each nation-state realizes that their growth and stability hinge on their ability to work with others. ―This is the clearest path towards a world where there is mutual respect, where we are all bound by international law and by a single definition of our entitlements and obligations; where we are all brothers, all of equal footing, working side-by-side,‖ he said.

He also cited the support of the international community that recognized the earnest efforts; saw an honest government and a people truly worth helping, which paved way for the country to achieve its goals.

He also expressed his thanks to the many countries that continue to render assistance after typhoon Yolanda (Haiyan) hit the nation in 2013. ―In turn, we Filipinos have participated in similar endeavors, including peacekeeping efforts in the Golan Heights, in Haiti, Liberia, and the Ivory Coast, among others,‖ he said.

"It has even come to the point where we are told that we punch above our own weight.

That may be true, especially when you consider that we are a country with fewer resources as compared to others,‖ Aquino said.

He added that a true community of nations is bound together not only by the earth on which we live, but also and more importantly by the determination to help each other, towards fostering global stability and prosperity. (JCM/LTP/ PIA-Iloilo)

President Benigno S. Aquino III offers the traditional toast to the guests after delivering his speech during the Vin d‘ Honneur in commemoration of the 117th anniversary of the proclamation of Philippine Independence at the ballroom of the Casa Real de Iloilo in General Luna Street, Iloilo City on Friday (June 12). (Photo by Gil Nartea / Malacañang Photo)

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WESTERN VISAYAS

Good governance needed in infra projects

By Leonard T. Pineda I ILOILO CITY, June 12 (PIA6) --- President Benigno S. Aquino III on Thursday stressed the importance of good governance in accomplishing numerous infrastructure projects that benefitted common people here.

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n his speech after inspecting infrastructure projects here, Aquino said that his ―Daang Matuwid‖ has paved way for vital government infrastructure projects that helped uplift the lives of our countrymen. ―Tinututukan natin ang pagpapatayo at pagpapaunlad ng mga kalsada, tulay, paliparan, pantalan, at iba pang importanteng imprastruktura,‖ he said.

The President also cited various circumstances on how these projects improved the quality of life of ordinary citizens. ―May estudyante, dati kilo-kilometro ang nilalakad araw-araw makarating lang sa eskuwela; nagpagawa tayo ng kalsada, kaya napabilis at napaginhawa ang kanyang pagpasok—di ho ba maganda ‗yan?‖ he said.

―May magsasakang umaasa na lang sa pagbagsak ng tubig-ulan para madiligan ang kanyang pananim; isinakatuparan natin ang kailangang sistemang pang-irigasyon, kaya buong taon na siyang nakakapagsaka, at napaparami na ang ani—di ho ba maganda rin ‗yon?‖ he also said.

He also said that farmers from far-flung agricultural areas have greatly benefitted from the construction of more farm-to-market roads which made transport of agricultural goods to market easier. ―Samakatuwid po, maganda ang naidudulot ng tamang imprastruktura sa buhay at kabuhayan ng ating mga kababayan; direkta ang pakinabang nito sa pag-asenso ng ating mga Boss,‖ he added.

Meanwhile, President Aquino inspected and inaugurated major infrastructure

projects here on his arrival on Thursday including the twin road projects named in honor of former President Corazon C. Aquino and Senator Benigno Aquino, Jr. worth P2.5 billion.

Likewise, he also inspected the Dungon Bridge IV worth P68 million, the Muelle Loney Bridge also known as Drilon Bridge costing P73 million, and the Iloilo International Airport Service Road costing P131 million.

The President also passed by the P700-million Iloilo Convention Center (ICC) in Mandurriao district that will serve as main venue for the ministerial meetings of the 2015 Asia Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) summit that will be hosted by this city later this year. (JCM/LTP/ PIA-Iloilo)

Education can provide better employment

By Carlson B. Alelis NEGROS OCCIDENTAL, June 9 (PIA6) – Talisay City Mayor Dr. Eric Saratan is encouraging the youth to go to school for better employment in the future, amidst the city’s effort to lure in investors.

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The city government is trying its best to gain recognition because we want investments to come in,‖ Saratan said, adding that it is important to educate people because education can alleviate poverty. ―It is a waste if there are investors in our city, yet our young people cannot be employed,‖ he told the youth in attendance during the Provincial Environment Month kick-off at Talisay City.

Saratan mentioned that through the city government‘s effort, they can attract

investors, similar to Ayala and Megaworld, to choose Talisay City. ―We need to encourage the youth to go to school, we must provide them with opportunities, we must have a community college and we must have a college in the barrios,‖ he said. ―We are doing this, as a local government unit, because we want to provide young people the opportunity to be more progressive and prosperous so that they can help their families in the future,‖ he said.

Saratan said opportunities for education must also be given to their graduates in high school who have no chance to enrol in big schools in Bacolod City because of financial constraints.

He also said the Department of Education‘s K to 12 program has noble intentions in helping the youth be more employable. ―We believe that after you finish your 12th year, you can be employable,‖ he told the youth. (JCM/CBA-PIA Negros Occ.)

Abaca farmers get livelihood kits

By Alex A. Lumaque ROXAS CITY, Capiz, June 9 (PIA6) – Fifteen livelihood starter kits for abaca farmer beneficiaries were distributed by Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) in Jamindan town last week as part of its program to help Micro Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) build back better after Yolanda.

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he recipients, mostly housewives and students, were also taught basic entrepreneurship during the giving out of kits which included 15 kilos of abaca fiber, dye and handicraft patterns, among others.

DTI has also turned over five solar dryers for the abaca farmers last February that will be utilized as a facility to dry up abaca strips by about 269 abaca farmers from barangays Jaena, Ganzon and San

Juan in the municipality.

The agency‘s assistance to abaca growers also included the conduct of skills training on classifying and knotting of abaca fiber in coordination with some member-agencies on abaca production convergence project dubbed ―Kurambos‖ in Tapaz town. ―There is a high demand for knotted abaca,‖ said DTI – Capiz public information officer Ken Cuñada, adding that Aklan is a

potential market of rolled and white fibers yield.

About five skills trainings aimed to add value to the products have been initiated by DTI for abaca farmers in the last five years.

The municipalities of Jamindan and Tapaz have vast abaca plantations because of their location and soil suitable to the crop.

(JCM/AAL/PIA6 Capiz)

WESTERN VISAYAS

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Real independence uplifts people’s lives – Defensor

By Elsa S. Subong ILOILO CITY, June 12 (PIA6)—For independence to have lasting meaning, it should bring freedom from want and uplift people’s lives, according to Iloilo Governor Arthur Defensor.

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n today‘s Independence Day rites in the historic town of Sta. Barbara, Iloilo, Defensor, despite recent illness, spoke with candor and vigor, citing President Aquino‘s care for Ilonggos who shared in the nation‘s struggle for freedom. ―This is the greatest thing that ever happened to Iloilo, the celebration of the 117th Philippine Independence Day here,‖ Defensor said.

President Benigno S. Aquino III led today‘s celebration of the 117th Philippine Independence in Sta. Barbara, attended by members of the diplomatic corps, cabinet secretaries, legislators and other national officials.

Defensor said that the success of a nation does not begin and end with the celebration of independence. ―We seek liberation from life‘s wants,‖ Defesor said, adding that it is freedom from

violence, corruption and poverty that makes freedom meaningful.

For the President, Defensor said, ―You have proven that independence has meaning, for having upgraded the lives of the Filpinos.‖ In his speech that followed, President Aquino cited the benefits of the Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program which had put the poor in the loop of development and has given them the opportunity to rise from economic deprivations. (JCM/ESS/PIA-Iloilo)

Antique’s P25M RAY projects completed, P26.8M forthcoming

By Pilar S. Mabaquiao SAN JOSE, Antique, June 10 (PIA6) - - The P25 million worth of projects under the Recovery Assistance for Yolanda (RAY) program for the Province Antique were completed while Batch 2 of the program is set to be released.

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rovincial Director V ictorio Pagapulan of the Department of Interior and Local Government said the completion of the government structures identified under the Batch 1 were able to help the local government units in bringing back to normal the government services which was affected by Typhoon Yolanda in November 2013.

The P25M worth of projects for Batch 1 was used to rehabilitate partially damaged Municipal Halls, Public Markets and

Civic Centers in ten Yolanda-affected municipalities namely Barbaza, Bugasong, Culasi, Laua-an, Libertad, Pandan, San Remigio, Sebaste, Tibiao and Valderrama.

The facilities are now occupied or being used for its purpose after being turned over to the respective local government units, Pagapulan said.

For Batch 2, the Department of Interior and Local Government is facilitating the documentary requirements of the projects for the province of Antique

amounting to P 26.8 million.

Batch 2 of RAY he said is intended for the rehabilitation and repair of Barangay Facilities of the 10 towns mentioned. Included are rehabilitation of Barangay Hall, Civic Centers and Day Care Centers which was also affected by the super typhoon.

Recovery Assistance for Yolanda (RAY) program is facilitated by the Department of Interior and Local Government. (JCM/PSM/ PIA6 Antique)

PDRRMC center to rise in Aklan

By Venus G. Villanueva KALIBO, Aklan, June 10 (PIA6) -- The province of Aklan has invested P12 million for the improvement of the Trade Hall building at the Capitol grounds intended to house the command center of the Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (PDRRMC).

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xpected to be completed by the fourth quarter of this year, the project, according to Aklan governor Florencio T. Miraflores, is a necessary investment as 20 typhoons visit the Philippines each year.

When completed, it will be housing the disaster risk reduction equipment, first aid and rescue training materials, Governor Miraflores said in his message during the recent Operation Listo Preparedness Dialogue which was read

by PDRRMC-Aklan Executive Officer Galo Ibardolaza who represented him in the activity.

The Operation Listo Preparedness Dialogue was organized by the Department of the Interior and Local Government

(DILG) Aklan and participated in by the Municipal Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Officers (MDRRMOs) of the 17 municipalities of the province, private/ business sectors, academe, civil society representatives and the media as a venue to identify each sector‘s roles in helping to build disaster-resilient communities.

For spearheading the activity, the governor thanked DILG-Aklan for the partnership and the concerted effort to inculcate in the stakeholders their respective roles and responsibilities on disaster risk reduction and management. ―Indeed, we must not wait for the 150 – 200 kilometer winds to start blowing before we reinforce our houses, or

evacuate. Or wait for the floodwaters to be neck-deep before we relocate to higher ground. We should not be complacent.

Disaster preparedness should be a continuing effort, a continuing program‖, Governor Miraflores said in his prepared message.

For his part, DILG-Aklan Provincial Director John Ace Azarcon, who gave the overview of the roll-out Strategy of the LGU Preparedness Manuals/Operation Listo, emphasized to the participants the importance of the disaster dialogue to upgrade preparedness. ―We have to adapt to the changing times‖, Azarcon said. (JCM/VGV PIA6 Aklan)

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CENTRAL VISAYAS

SILG Roxas turns over NIR EO to Governor Degamo Jennifer C. Tilos NEGROS ORIENTAL, June 11 (PIA) -- Local Government Secretary Mar Roxas yesterday turned over the copy of the executive order creating the Negros Island Region (NIR) signed by President Aquino to Gov. Roel Degamo at the Negros Oriental Convention Center.

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he turnover was witnessed by representatives from local government units, academe, and civil society organizations.

EO 183 states the need to further accelerate the social and economic development of the LGUs in the provinces of Negros Oriental and Negros Occidental and improve the delivery of public services.

However, Sec. Roxas said the EO is "an instrument to guide both provinces to arrive at the results that you want to happen, but it‘s up to the Negrenses how to use it. The future is in your hands.‖ In a meeting with provincial officials, Roxas cited National Economic Development Authority (NEDA) statistics that Negros Oriental has the highest poverty rate in Region 7 with 50 percent of its population categorized as poor. ―This is not something to be ashamed of but

something to recognize to do something about, we have to plan to address the situation and find the way out,‖ he added.

He noted that part of the reasons of why there are many poor may be because of lack of investments, infrastructure on tourism, power and road networks that bring goods to the markets, among others.

In the coming months, the NIR will have regional councils that will respond to its own needs which include the Negros Island Development Council, Negros Island Peace and Order Council, and the Negros Island Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council, whose priorities will be for the advantage of Negrenses.

Sec. Roxas said a Negros Island Region Technical Working Group will be organized on Tuesday, June 16, in Manila to plan institutional and organizational changes in the process of integrating the two provinces.

Initially, the Secretary said it is a consensus that a regional center will be divided equally and the first to choose the cluster government departments is given to Negros Oriental which office will be in the regional headquarters based in Dumaguete City.

It is also agreed that for now, no regional center will be set up because it will be costly but rather use the funds for services for the people.

All government departments will be put in clusters; human development cluster, social services, infrastructure, economic, and security cluster.

For his part, Negros Oriental Gov. Roel Degamo said the EO opens doors for talks and consultations towards the realization of Negros Region with the support of the TWG. Gov. Degamo said consistent to his stand is to consult the people by inviting representatives from different sectors to formulate proposals, which he believes is beneficial to the advancement of the province. (rmn/jct/PIA7-Negros Oriental)

DA opens P24M FMR project in Cebu’s upland community Rey Anthony H. Chiu CEBU, June 9 (PIA) --- Nug-as, a small upland community in Alcoy, Cebu became the latest recipient of a completed farm-to -market road project from the Department of Agriculture.

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n May 27, 2015, Agriculture Secretary Proceso Alcala and Cebu 2nd District Rep. Wilfredo Caminero led the inauguration of the two-kilometer FMR that links Nug-As to Mantalongon and Poblacion areas.

In his remarks, Alcala said the P24-million FMR project is an example of good coordination between the national government and local government units as it allowed DA to build a much-needed infrastructure in a community identified by the office of Rep. Caminero.

By doing so, the government is able to touch base with its people, in line with President Aquino instructions, the DA chief said. ―‘Yan po ang kabilin-bilinan ng ating mahal na Pangulong Aquino, na huwag na huwag pababayaan ang mga magsasaka sa buong bansa,‖ said Alcala, who became the first national official to ever set foot in the community. ―Ganyan po kayo kamahal ni Pangulong Noynoy.‖ The FMR was envisioned to make human travel and the transport of goods to and fro the upland

barangay, which is around two hours away from Cebu City, easier and faster. It, in fact, complements the Dalaguete Agri-Pinoy Trading Center (DAPTC) in Mantalongon, as it will help spur trading of agricultural products between Nug-As and Mantalongon, as well as other barangays.

This will give local farmers wider market options, and consumers access to more affordable and supply of basic food stuff, Caminero said. ―Kay pag wala market day diri sa Nug-As, ang utanon sang Nug-As, dalhon sa Mantalongon. Ug magtabo pod ma-Sabado dinhi sa Nug-As ang mga utanon. Ga-kinanglan ta guwapo ka kalsada,‖ the lawmaker explained. (During off-market days here in Nug-As, farmers can bring their produce to Mantalongon to sell. In turn, Mantalongon farmers can bring their produce to Nug-As during your market day every Saturday. Which is why we need good roads.‖) Alcoy Mayor Nicomedes De Los Santos, for his part, thanked DA and Caminero for facilitating the project, which he said will greatly benefit the local

farmers, Nug-As being a major vegetable basket after Mantalongon, growing both upland and highland vegetables.

Aside from Alcala, other key national and regional DA officials also took part in the event, including Undersecretary for Field Operations Emerson Palad and DA Regional Field Office-Central Visayas (DA RFO-7) Director Angel Enriquez.

Alcala said the government is determined to ensure the sustainable socio-economic progress of Nug-As, as with other parts of the country.

As additional assistance, Alcala approved the request of Nug-As Barangay Captain Leopoldo Cabanug for additional funds worth P3 million to expand an existing solar water pump project to address the irrigation needs of hundreds of farmers.

The DA chief also asked DA RFO-7 to deliver at the soonest possible time two thousand pieces of planting materials – one thousand for cacao and another one thousand for guyabano – for distribution to qualified beneficiaries. (rmn/PR from Mac Garcia, DA-OSEC)

DOST Siquijor now accepts 2015 PSHSS NCE applications Rizalie Anding Calibo SIQUIJOR, June 8 (PIA) -- The Department of Science and Technology-Philippine Science High School System (DOST-PSHSS) is now accepting applications for the 2015 DOST-PSHSS National Competitive Examination on October 3, 2015.

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he Provincial Science and Technology Center (PSTC) said applicants from Siquijor can submit their application forms and other relevant documents at the DOST Siquijor PSTC on or before August 24, 2015.

Application forms with information kits are available at the PSTC to all interested graduating elementary pupils, school heads or principals and/or science and math teachers. Application forms may be photocopied.

The scholarship is open to all elementary students, both public and private who belong to the

upper 10% of their graduating class.

For private school applicants, a non-refundable processing fee/testing fee worth P100.00 is collected.

Public school applicants however, are not required to pay any testing fee.

All entries in the application forms must be duly accomplished, in duplicate, with 2 latest identical 1x1 ID pictures and report card.

To note, the age of the applicant must not be more than 15 years of age by 1 July 2016 or must be born on or after July 1, 2001.

In addition, for applicants who do not have a final grade of 85 or higher in Science and Math, and a minimum final grade of 80 in all other subjects, a certification that the applicant belongs to the upper 10% of the batch is required.

Successful applicants can enjoy the following privileges: free tuition fee, free loan of books, monthly stipend and uniform, transportation and living allowances for low income group. (mbcn/rac/ PIA7-Siquijor/with reports from Reinhold Jek Y. Abing/DOST-Siquijor)

CENTRAL VISAYAS

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DepED spends P786M on senior HS classrooms Rey Anthony H. Chiu BOHOL, June 9 (PIA) -- The Department of Education (DepEd) is spending over P786 million just to equip secondary schools with classrooms for the senior high schools within this year.

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ohol Division School Governance and Operations Chief Desiderio Deligero said the sum comprises of 241 classrooms in Bohol's second district, 226 classrooms in Bohol's Third District and 112 class rooms for the First District.

At the Kapihan sa PIA recently, Deligero added the DPWH already had bidded some 579 new classrooms for Bohol's senior high schools and would be erected in 119 school sites all over the province.

Biggest chunk of budget for classrooms among the districts fall for Congressman Aristotle Aumentado's district with P331,519,345.

Congressman Arthur Yap's district comes next with P298, 244,783 while the first district of Congressman Rene Relampagos gets

P156,869,535.

Some of the classrooms are now built, some are still being constructed, Deligero assures the completion of these projects within the year.

The earthquake of 2013 ruined 1260 class rooms in the high schools and 1567 in the elementary and they all need replacements.

For the high schools, the DepEd has completed 268 class room replacements using the Quick Response Fund assistance while an initiative of the Public Private Partnership (PPP) funded 216 of these new classrooms.

Meanwhile, PAGCOR has constructed 91 standard classrooms this school year, Deligero said.

As of April 30 DepED-Bohol completed 623 replacement classrooms while another 166 have

been constructed by interest groups making it at 789 classrooms that are being readied for the school opening, Deligero said.

"The rest, or some 622 of the classrooms have been funded by the newly released batch 3 of the Basic Education Facilities Fund (BEFF)," Deligero added.

As for major repairs, DepEd identified 985 classrooms all over Bohol and as of the last weeks of May 2015, the repairs which suffered from lack of available supply material and carpenter construction workers achieved a combined accomplishment of 25 percent, Deligero reported.

Deligero however is certain these constructions can be completed in time for the end of June. (mbcn/rahc/PIA7-Bohol)

DENR continues with green school campaigns Rey Anthony H. Chiu TAGBILARAN CITY, Bohol, June 8 (PIA) -- For the Environment Month of June, the environment department is on to school visibility and engagements as their green school campaign runs from June 1 to 30.

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t the recent Kapihan sa PIA here, Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) Information Officers Cora Colarines and Jerome Pahang bared that the month-long campaign will bring DENR to schools to press on more aggressive solid waste management practices and greening activities.

The Green School Campaign is on its second year this year, added Pahang.

By June and July, DENR is set to go to schools and dish out talks and activities in line with climate change and the importance of forests, Pahang said.

This is a move to engage students into the habit of planting trees and taking care of the finite environment for the future generations.

In Bohol, while some schools have attempted to institutionalize solid waste management programs, the accomplishments have been far from the desired results.

To note, in Jagna town, students collect trash from school and convert them to school supplies, according to local authorities.

"We need to get the trash before it gets to the sea," Amiela Balaba, information officer said.

Jagna has a thriving fishing industry and being situated in a stretch with currents so strong, garbage in the sea can easily get to spread far and wide, ruining crucial marine environments.

Even then, as the Deaprtment of Education (DepEd) campaigns for school in a garden and other greening activities, most of the programs struggle against sustainability due to lack of conviction.

"For this, DENR would be touring schools doing information, education and communication activities and focusing on the Environment Month theme," Colarines said. (rmn/ rac/PIA-7/Bohol)

More towns to implement Kalahi-CIDSS program in CV Juju M. Empuerto CEBU CITY, June 10 (PIA) – There are 23 more towns in Central Visayas region that will implement the Kapit-Bisig Laban sa Kahirapan-Comprehensive and Integrated Delivery of Social Services (Kalahi-CIDSS) program of the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD-7).

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We are fast-tracking the implementation of our sub-projects in the different communities to meet its project timeline,‖ said DSWD-7 Regional Director Mercedita Jabagat.

According to DSWD-7 Information Officer for Listahanan Kerwin Macopia, at present, the Kalahi -CIDSS implemented by DSWD has an ongoing implementation in 69 towns.

Early this year, four towns started Kalahi-CIDSS implementation in Dalaguete and Samboan, Cebu, Dimiao in Bohol, and Siaton in Negros Oriental.

Macopia said the 23 towns are Maria and San Juan in Siquijor; Alegria, Alcantara, Argao, Aloguinsan, Badian, Boljoon, Malabuyoc, Moalboal, Oslob, Pinamungahan and Ronda in Cebu; Batuan, Corella, Cortes, Dagohoy, Dauis, Duero, Garcia Hernandez, Panglao, Sierra Bullones and Sikatuna in Bohol.

These towns are currently in the process of enrolling to the program which includes mobilization of communities to identify their problems and needs, according to the social welfare and development official.

She added that through Kalahi-CIDSS, the poorest barangays are given access to and control of key development decisions and resources.

Based on the latest monitoring and evaluation report, Jabagat said ―we have an average of 6,416 households per municipality who attended the first and second community consultations.‖ Jabagat emphasized that the cooperation of the people is crucial in the implementation in the various identified sub-projects because they will implement and maintain it.

A total of 53,846 community volunteers have been trained on procurement, finance, infrastructure, monitoring, evaluation and grievance redress system.

During the recent learning visit in Compostela, Cebu, representatives from Asian Development Bank (ADB) and Department of Finance (DOF) were impressed on the high level of community participation of volunteers.

K a l a h i - CI DS S s u b - p r o j e c t s i n cl u d e concreting of barangay roads, construction of evacuation centers, water systems and day care centers.

Of the 1,616 identified subprojects under KALAHI-CIDSS, 30 have been completed while 364 are still ongoing, Macopia concluded. (rmn/jsme/PIA7-Cebu/ with reports from DSWD7)

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EASTERN VISAYAS

DSWD releases P1B for Kalahi-CIDSS in EVisayas MA. REBECCA G. CADAVOS MAASIN CITY, Southern Leyte, June 9 (PIA) -- A total of P1,008,526,165.63 has already been released to the barangay-beneficiaries of the whole Eastern Visayas through the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) Kapit-Bisig Laban sa Kahirapan-Comprehensive and Integrated Delivery of Social Services (Kalahi-CIDSS) program of the national government.

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SWD Regional Social Marketing Officer Jennifer Caspe Paa in a message said that of the 1,865 barangays throughout the region about 3,820 National Community-Driven Development Program (NCDDP)-funded sub-projects have been identified by the community.

She noted that although Eastern Visayas have the biggest NCDDP scope throughout the country, Kalahi-CIDSS in Region 8 is the first region to hit the disbursement target, saying that the P1-B release is downloaded directly to the community accounts of each

barangay whose community members managed and implemented their chosen project.

Some of the identified sub-projects to be implemented this year include improvement of school buildings, rehabilitation of roads and bridges and construction of barangay evacuation centers. ―The milestones of Kalahi-CIDSS disbursement is not possible without the men and women of the community who put their heart to this program.

We need to expedite the release of funds in order to translate this money into projects

identified by the community members for their own development need especially in Yolanda-hit areas,‖ Paa quoted DSWD Regional Director Nestor Ramos.

Kalahi-CIDSS is the poverty alleviation program of the national government that seeks to empower community members using the Community-Driven strategy.

The NCDDP is the expansion into a national scale of community-driven strategy which was tried and proven effective by the Kalahi-CIDSS program in the past 12 years. (ajc/rgc/PIA8-SoLeyte)

Over 75K human rights victims file claims TACLOBAN CITY, Leyte, June 9 (PIA) – A total of 75, 537 number of claim applications for human rights violations during Marcos regime were received by the government until the last day of filing.

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n a press statement, Human Rights Victims‘ Claim Board (HRVCB) Chairperson Lina C. Sarmiento said, about 28, 409 applications were received during the second round of filing that lasted until May 30, 2015.

The first intake was done from May 12 until November 10 last year wherein 47, 128 applications were received by HRVCB. However, Sarmiento clarified that applications filed beyond May 30, 2015 will not be accepted anymore. ―There are still a few who go to the office

and ask if they can still file their claims, but even if we want to, we cannot go beyond what the law says,‖ Sarmiento added.

But Sarmiento said ―this is not the end‖.

The Board has been authorized by law to grant motu propio recognition to human rights violations victims who did not apply. ―Although no monetary reparation is given to them, these HRVV‘s are entitled to be included in the Roll of Human Rights Violations Victims to be prepared by the board, she said.

Relative to this, the Board explored partnerships with other government agencies for non-monetary reparations in accordance with section 5, chapter 5 of Republic Act 10368.

This involves coordination with the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA), Department of Education (DepEd), the Commission on Higher Education (CHED), Philippine Health Insurance Corporation (Philhealth) and the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD), among others. (ajc/cba/PIA-8)

Samar barangays embrace UBAS NINFA B. QUIRANTE CATBALOGAN CITY, Samar, June 5 (PIA) - Samar barangays adopt another transparency and accountability measure of the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) called Ugnayan ng Barangay at Simabahan (UBAS).

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fter seeking the involvement of the non -government organizations and civil society in local governance, this time the local government is asking the church for the same involvement.

In yesterday‘s launch of Ugnayan ng Barangay at Simbahan in Samar‘s capital city, DILG Regional Director Pedro Noval stressed the need to initiate meaningful change to improve local governance.

UBAS aims to harness community participation to uphold transparency and accountability measures to promote good governance in the barangay.

It also aims to identify areas that require improvement in social services. ―This is a unique opportunity to work together with the religious and even other religious denominations in the barangay,‖ said the DILG Regional Director in his

message.

Samar Governor Sharee Ann Tan added that she has high regard for Calbayog Bishop Msgr. Isabelo Abarquez and his parish priests whom she consults when it comes to her brand of governance.

The partnership, she added, has resulted to better delivery of social services. ―I also seek other religious groups to help us, ang kakulangan ng gobyerno, sila ang pumupuno,‖ Tan said.

The church vision of social services seem to rub-off on the local leaders, as the governor acknowledged the role of the Catholic Church‘s social action ministry.

She said that she experienced the strong partnership after Typhoon Yolanda struck Samar.

Although Fr. Cesar Aculan of the social action center still has some reservation, he still

showed his support and said he will take it from there.

Melania Rebato Liga President of San Jose de Buan says she welcomes the Catholic Church involvement, as a Catholic, she said she has always respected the church‘s perspective in barangay affairs.

The launch which included MOA signing was attended by the National Liga ng Barangay President Atty. Edmund Abesamis, Executive Director Atty. Mariness Ledesma and other local Liga and DILG luminaries.

DILG Director Noval once more invited the involvement of the other so called stakeholders to join and participate for a more engaged citizenry that will push local governments to action. ―Coming together is the beginning, staying together is progress and working together is success,‖ Noval said. (ajc/nbq/PIA 8-Samar)

EASTERN VISAYAS

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Gov highlights environment, tourism and agri dev’t in SoLeyte MA. REBECCA G. CADAVOS MAASIN CITY, Southern Leyte, June 8 (PIA) – In a press conference held Tuesday at the Provincial Capitol, Gov. Roger G. Mercado highlighted environment, tourism and agriculture development to boost economic situation in the province.

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e said that the Provincial Environment and Natural Resources Management Office is now busy monitoring people who are threatening the province‘ natural resources, from the sea, to the mainland and to the islands, saying that ―the environment office is denying permits to cut trees to protect and preserve our environment.‖ The provincial government is imposing a ―total log ban in Southern Leyte,‖ Gov. Mercado said.

Meanwhile, on tourism industry, the governor mentioned Napantao, in San Francisco town as one of the best dive sites in the world and discovered also a dive site in Barangay Otikon, Libagon as one of the best

dive sites, much better than Napantao He also reported on the ongoig two big ticket projects that will support the development efforts for Maasin City and the province.

These are the Maasin City airport in Barangay Pana-awan which is now extending a 500-meter runway that the Cebu Pacific Airways required the province to complete the 2-kilometer runway, and the Roro Port in Barangay Guadalupe to be operational by December 2015.

Gov. Mercado told the media practitioners that the province aims in ‖achieving progress especially in tourism, environment and agriculture.‖ The agriculture department is now

covering different municipalities in terms of delivering agriculture programs to far-flung barangays.

He informed that the vet office has delivered livestock programs and provided technical assistance to the recipients.

He is asking the media to help the province in disseminating the programs of the government because ―information is important and powerful, for the people to be aware of the said programs ‖ he said.

He then urged the provincial department heads to visit local radio outlets, prints news outlets to disseminate the activities of their office. (ajc/rgc/ PIA8-SoLeyte)

UOA boosts farmers’ awareness of latest farming technologies CONSUELO B. ALARCON TACLOBAN CITY, Leyte, June 9 (PIA) – Around 400 farmers from Leyte and Samar finished the broadcast course ―University-on-the-Air (UOA) on Sustainable Rice Production‖ recently at the Leyte Academic Center.

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he broadcast course aired over radio station DYVL was initiated by the Department of Agriculture Regional Field Office-8 in collaboration with the Office of the Provincial Agriculturist of Leyte. Topics discussed on air were focused on sustainable rice farming technologies including organic agriculture and climate mitigation strategies.

In his message, DA Regional Executive Director Leo P. Caneda underscored the importance of continuing the broadcast course to increase the knowledge of farmers on new methods of farming.

―This is a tool that will raise the awareness of farmers on latest farming technologies and help them increase their yield and income, thereby improving their way of life,‖ Caneda said. ―Our rice productivity has been sustained and increasing. Despite super typhoon Yolanda, we were able to prove our resiliency in the rice industry, he added.

On the other hand, Leyte Governor Leopoldo Dominico L. Petilla who was the keynote speaker in said activity has encouraged all farmers to pursue their farming activities.

―Let us not lose hope just as we did not give up amidst catastrophes we‘ve been through,‖ Petilla added.

Lorenzo Caca Jr. of Sta. Fe, Leyte who became the valedictorian shared his experiences in rice farming and offered some tips that can be adopted by his fellow farmer-graduates.

The ―University on the air‖ on Sustainable Rice Production was the 26th broadcast course offered by the DA Regional office 8 through the Regional Agriculture & Fisheries Information Section. (cba/PIA-8)

TESDA-8 asks local officials to monitor use of toolkits RODRIGO S. VICTORIA NAVAL, Biliran, June 11 (PIA) – The lady chief of the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA) in Region 8 sought the help of the municipal and barangay officials in the monitoring on the use of toolkits distributed to training graduates.

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o less than Cleta Omega, regional director of TESDA-8 attended the graduation and distribution of national training certificates and toolkits to some 50 graduates of Maripipi town held at the town covered court on Tuesday, June 9.

There were 20 trainees who graduated in preparing and cooking hot meals leading to cookery NC II, and 30 trainees who graduated in preparing and cooking cold meals leading to cookery NC II. Omega appealed to the local government officials of Maripipi town to also help TESDA 8

in monitoring if the distributed toolkits were used by the graduates and see to it that it will not be sold by the beneficiaries because the acquisition is quite hard on the part of the government.

She also shared to the graduates in Maripipi town in Biliran province the same reminder shel always tell during previous graduations and distributions of toolkits she attended to accept complaints from customers since this is the only way to improve their work performance and to give the best kind of service to them.

―Do not sell your toolkits since these will be a big help in your livelihood or in augmenting your income,‖ Omega told the graduates.

Meanwhile, Omega and the rest of the TESDA family proceeded to Sambawan Island Dive Camp and Resort, a famous tourist destination in the island town of Maripipi and one of the most sought of tourist destinations in Biliran province at present, to relish the beauty of nature after the graduation and distribution of toolkits.# (ajc/fj/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, 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