One Visayas e-Newsletter Vol 5 Issue 44

Vol 5

Issue 44

In this Issue WESTERN VISAYAS

Dr. Edith Gimotea, DOH-6 Regional STI Medical Coordinator, discusses the importance of reactivating the Local AIDS Council by local government units during the Regional Multisectoral Partnership on STI, HIV and AIDS Prevention and Control (RMP-SHAPC) held Wednesday, Nov. 4, at Sarabia Manor Hotel, Iloilo City. (PIA Iloilo)

More on Region 6, pages 2-3.

Also CLICK Here…

CENTRAL VISAYAS

Efforts in environment activism with volunteers picking trash and ridding the seas of garbage is dwarfed by the magnitude of reclamation along the shorelines of Tagbilaran Channel. Groups have urged the DENR to act on these foreshore violations and demanded responsibility from establishments doing these projects masked in the guise of development.

(PIA-7/Bohol)

More on Region 7, pages 4-5.

Also CLICK Here…

Published by: PIA 6, 7 & 8

November 2 - 8, 2015

PNoy leads ESamar’s 50th foundation day celebration BORONGAN CITY, Eastern Samar (PIA) – Braving some unpredictable conditions of visiting the far town of Arteche, Eastern Samar, President Benigno S. Aquino, III disembarked from his chopper that landed at the Carapdapan Elementary School grounds to personally convey his greetings to the Eastern Samareños at the start of the celebration of the 50th Foundation Day of the province.

Some 10-minutes later, the President and his convoy motored to the town‟s gym where he was met with loud cheers from the more or less 3,000 member-crowd.

In his message, Pres. Aquino said he was happy to visit the tip-most town of the province where he could say his congratulatory message for the 50th Foundation Day. In 1965, the people voted in a Plebiscite to support R.A. 4221 that divided the 3rd largest island of the country into Northern, Eastern and Western Samar.

On his second visit mission, Pres. Aquino turned over to the local government of the province the circumferential road connecting Northern and Eastern Samar.

The road is significant to Manila-commuting people of Eastern Samar, as they need not pass through Catbalogan, Western Samar anymore, because they would just be using the Borongan-Oras-San Poli-Arteche-Lapinig, Northern Samar route.

“This way,” he said, “shorter travel time and lesser expense can be expected by the commuting public."

Pres. Aquino also turned over some 200 units of BP

apparatus, 100 Glucometers and 12 weighing scales for Eastern Samar Provincial Hospital, Western and Northern Samars.

He likewise listened to the testimonials of some successful beneficiaries of conditional cash transfers, a CHED-Scholar who soon would become a teacher, a TESDA Scholar who is now a lady-welder, and a transport operator who now avails of better national highway.

Pres. Aquino was joined by DOH Sec. Janette Garin, DILG Sec. Senen Sarmiento and DPWH chief Sec. Rogelio Singson. (PIA-08)

President Benigno S. Aquino III delivers his speech during the presentation of development projects of Samar Island at the Arteche E-Complex, Arteche, Eastern Samar, recently. (PIA 8)

USAID: LGUs should improve water management, conservation Leonard T. Pineda I ILOILO CITY, Nov. 2 (PIA6 ) --- The local government units (LGUs) here have a crucial role in implementing regulations and policies on water conservation.

Ramon Alikpala, USAID (United States Agency for International Development) Be Secure Project Senior Technical Adviser for Water, said that while water conservation is everyone‟s responsibility, LGUs should ensure that big water consumers also do their part.

He said that one way to address the problem on water is demand management.

“Water demand management works by closing the gap between available water supply and increasing demand by reducing water use rather than by just augmenting supply,” he said.

He said that LGUs would have to formulate local ordinances that will require property developers to put up rainwater catching facility, water fixtures that are rated, water efficient fixtures, among others.

“It is easy to say „conserve water‟ but the problem is how,” he said.

He said that there is no need to invest in new source of water if we can find simpler ways to reduce consumption of industries and freed up water available so that other areas in

Iloilo without water can have water now.

The Water Security for Resilient Economic Growth and Stability (Be Secure) Project in the country is a four-year activity that seeks to promote good governance and build capacity for long-term water security, improve access to water and wastewater treatment services, and build more resilient communities.

The project is implemented in six focal areas: Basilan, Iloilo, Leyte, Maguindanao and Misamis Oriental Provinces and Tuguegarao City.

For local and regional activities, the project works with LGUs and water service providers at the watershed scale to improve capacities for integrating climate change into local planning and the provision of water supply and wastewater treatment services.

Alikpala said that the project is also helping the national government improve its policy and develop new laws to improve water management, and push for better regulation of water use.

One of the project components is the Climate Projection undertaken by state weather bureau, PAG-ASA, and other similar private institutions.

He added that the climate projections can be used by LGUs to improve their projections and plan their preparations.

(JCM/LTP/PIA-Iloilo).

EASTERN VISAYAS

Issuance of land titles in CV 94% complete

DPWH Secretary Rogelio Singson bares the status of major infrastructure projects in Samar I sland, whi ch in clude the 222.23-kilometer Wright-Taft-Borongan -Guiuan road, Junction Taft-Oras-San Policarpo-Arteche-Lapinig road, construction and rehabilitation of 61 bridges, among others.

(PIA-8)

More on Region 8, pages 6-7.

Also CLICK Here...

Juju M. Empuerto CEBU CITY, Nov. 3 (PIA) -- The Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR-7) issued a total of 11,222 land titles as of October 23 this year in Central Visayas, according to DENR 7 Planning Officer IV Dr. Eddie Llamedo.

Llamedo said that of the total number of land titles issued, some 9,408 titles were mainly agricultural lands handed over to farmer-owners in four provinces in the region while the other 1,814 titles were all residential free patents.

Cebu province received 1,583 agricultural patents and 358 residential patents; Bohol with 7,174 and 985; Negros Oriental with 360 and 400; and Siquijor province obtained 291 agricultural land titles with 71 residential patents.

According to Llamedo, this accomplishment marks 94% and 70% accomplishment against the target of issuing 10,000 agricultural land titles and 2,580 residential titles for 2015, respectively.

DENR-7 Regional Executive Director Dr. Isabelo

Montejo said the patent issuance and distribution "is a priority program that the DENR has been putting its energy and resources on aside from the other equally important one like the national greening program (NGP).”

As a strategy to fast track the issuance, Montejo has directed the provincial and community environment and natural resources officers in the four provinces to observe the required time frame in accepting, processing, and releasing of said documents.

“Applications should be acted very promptly in accordance with the existing policies and should not be kept in a drawer and applications with incomplete requirements should be returned immediately with appropriate notifications for the applicant to comply with,” Montejo added.

Meanwhile, Montejo reiterated his call to the public to transact only with authorized personnel and to report immediately any abuses or illegal transactions committed by personnel particularly on land titling fixing like soliciting a certain amount outside of the required or legal fees. (rmn/jsme/ PIA7-Cebu/DENR-7)

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WESTERN VISAYAS

WV economy is pro-poor Lilibeth A. French ILOILO CITY, Nov. 2 (PIA6) - - The economic growth of Western Visayas during the period 2009 to 2012 was described by an official of the Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA) here as pro-poor.

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s shown by the result of the 2012 Poverty Statistics, PSA 6 Interim Director Norman Julag-ay said that poverty incidence among population of Western Visayas has reduced in a span of three years.

The latest poverty statistics indicated that in 2009 the region‟s poverty incidence was at 30.8 percent and went down to 29.1 percent in 2012. Around 22, 335 people were freed from the chain of poverty during the period.

Julag-ay said the economic growth being experienced by the region is benefiting the poor. He cited that in 2014, the economy of the region grew impressively by 4.9 percent from 3.4 percent in 2013.

“Region 6 succeeded because the poorer members of our society experienced relatively

higher increases in income compared to the rich at an average of 16.9 percent.

So, yes, our economic growth during the period 2009-2012 had been pro-poor,” said Julag-ay who keynoted the recent closing and awarding ceremonies of the 26th National Statistics Month celebration in Western Visayas.

He further said that the region has a high probability of achieving the targets on Goal 1 of the Millennium Development Goals on the eradication of extreme poverty where the region is doing better than the entire country as per latest official MDG statistics.

On the other hand, in his message, Julag-ay stressed the need to generate, disseminate, communicate and use high quality statistical information that would support the

planning and decision-making activities of the government, business leaders and entrepreneurs in the private sector, civil society and the general public in order to cope with the challenges of the Third Millennium and to be able to convert them into opportunities.

“As we now officially close the month-long NSM celebration, we need not be reminded, that through statistics we know how to measure our strengths as well as our weaknesses and we know how to assess the opportunities as well as challenges.

Through statistics, we know how to start our progress and we could implement better plans and programs for the betterment of the lives of every Filipino,” said Julag-ay. (JCM/LAF/ PIA6-Iloilo)

Tech-voc schools adapting K to 12curriculum Elsa S. Subong ILOILO CITY, Nov. 2 (PIA6) — Technical-Vocational (Tech-Voc) schools in the country are taking steps to adapt to the K to 12 program of the government.

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he Tech-Voc schools are facing weakness in the core subjects under the K to 12 four tracts for the Senior High school, according to Marjorie Mendenilla, director of Technical Vocational Schools and Associations of the Philippines.

Mendenilla said that they are very strong in Tech-voc subjects but they do not have teachers in Math or Araling Panlipunan.

Under the Academic tract of the K to 12, there are four strands, namely General Academic; Accountancy, Business and Management; Science, Technology, Mathematics; and, Humanities and Social Sciences.

The Tech-Voc tract, on the other hand, has four specializations: Information and

C o mmun ica t ion Te chn olog y , H om e Economics, Agri-Fishery and Industrial Arts, with the addition of Arts and Design and Sports.

The Tech-Voc schools may just lose students unless they adapt, Mendenilla said, so they are intensifying partnerships with public schools to address the gap.

“We look for sound strategies in order to survive,” Mendenilla said, adding that they will die as a business if they don‟t.

She further said that in partnering with public schools. Tech-Voc institutions will be taking care of the TVET course, as government data would show that about 30,000 more teachers are needed for the Senior High School.

Meanwhile, Dr. Teodoro Robles, president of Central Philippine University, said in a media interview, that the effects of the K to 12 hinges on the quality of preparations being made.

Robles said CPU has undertaken measures to cushion the impact of K to 12, especially on teachers.

“We asked them to pursue higher studies or undertake relevant researches,” Robles said.

He said the K to 12 challenge has become an opportunity for the university to keep their teachers on regular load, as they have been “overloaded” for the past years.

“Our teachers are our valuable resources, and we see to it, nobody is retrenched,” Robles said. (JCM/ESS/PIA-Iloilo)

Farmers get pumps to counter climate change Alex A. Lumaque ROXAS CITY, Capiz, Nov. 4 (PIA6) – Six water pumps were distributed by the National Irrigation Administration (NIA) – Region VI to farmers of Barangay Agmalobo in Ivisan town last month as a measure to mitigate the effects of the El Niño phenomenon which is expected to hit the country late this year until 2016.

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IA Regional Manager Engr. Gerardo P. Corsiga emphasized that the agency is now focusing efforts to help farmers adapt with the threats of Climate Change and the El Niño phenomenon.

“This is just the beginning of our commitments to our farmers. You are fortunate to be the recipients of these pumps in the entire Western Visayas despite the late release of our El Niño Funds,” said Corsiga.

He also highlighted the role of convergence initiatives between the Local Government Units (LGU) and NIA in

addressing concerns of the farmers.

NIA – 6 also distributed water pumps to Roxas City farmers last Oct. 19.

For his part, Capiz 2nd District Congressman Fredenil Castro said that the pumps given by NIA indicates that the government gives priority to the needs of the farmers.

“Our farmers are the real heroes of our province, hence we cannot afford to disregard them,” said Castro in Hiligaynon.

The Capiceño lawmaker has also thanked Corsiga and his team in NIA for the speedy action on his request for the

immediate distribution of the pumps to the farmers.

A Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) was undertaken by the farmer recipients, Congressman Castro and NIA to effect the turn-over of the pumps.

Under the agreement, the farmers will take responsibility and shall provide fuel for the equipment they received, which they shall solely be used for irrigation.

The Agmalobo Farmers Organization conveyed their appreciation to NIA for the facilities that will be in time for the upcoming long dry spell. (JCM/AAL/NIA/PIACapiz)

WESTERN VISAYAS

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DOST urges proper sanitation in food prep Carlson B. Alelis NEGROS OCCIDENTAL, Nov. 2 (PIA6) – The Department of Science and Technology (DOST) – Negros Occidental is urging food manufacturers to sanitize their food contact surfaces and indicate the ingredients on their packaging.

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his is to avoid hazards when the public consumes their products.

Allan Francis Dara-ug, DOST Senior Science Research Specialist, said food manufactures can clean food contact surfaces such as bowls, sinks, knives and chopping boards using concentrated substance that can kill bacteria and viruses.

He said concentrated substances, used to sanitize contact food surfaces as well as equipment and machines, can be bought from manufacturing suppliers.

“By cleaning them and by proper

sanitation, we can avoid food-poisoning illnesses and prevent hazards,” Dara-ug told the Philippine Information Agency during a radio interview over Radyo Kumando.

Dara-ug is also encouraging food manufacturers to check their packaging and labels so that consumers are aware of the ingredients that are found in their products.

Some hazards occur when there is mislabeling or failure in indicating ingredients on the packaging.

The four food hazards according to

DOST are: chemical hazard, which usually occurs when chemicals such as those found in fertilizers are mixe d with food; microbiological hazard, which happens when there is a presence of molds, bacteria or fungi; Physical hazard, which is present when there are metal splinters that are included inside of the products packaging during the processing; and allergic hazards, caused by allergens such as nuts, seafood, milk and legumes. (JCM/CBA/PIA6-Negros Occidental)

Anti-Trafficking activities gets more teeth with EO 89 Pilar S. Mabaquiao SAN JOSE, Antique, Nov. 2 (PIA6) - - Executive Order No 89 series of 2015 issued by Governor Rhodora Cadiao paved the way for the reorganization of the Inter-Agency Committee on Anti-Trafficking and Violence Against Women and Children (PIACAT VAW-C).

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rovincial Social Welfare and Development Officer Lazaro Petinglay said the order is in compliance to Republic Act 9208 or the Anti- Trafficking in Persons Act of 2003 and Republic Act 9262 or the Anti-Violence Against Women and their Children Act of 2004.

With the creation of the Anti-Trafficking Committee, Petinglay said, we need to revisit the Unified Matrix of Protocol in Handling Cases of Human trafficking, Illegal Recruitment and Child Labor so that we would know our roles be it in the detection, reporting , rescue or rehab or recovery of the victims.

Governor Cadiao tasked the Committee to create and establish a system of surveillance, investigation and rescue of victims of

trafficking, and violence against women and children and ensure effective coordination among agencies.

During the meeting, SPO2 Cherryl Sapinosa reported that for the period January to Sept 2015 Antique PNP recorded a total of 200 cases for violation RA 9262 or VAW C and 128 cases for violation of RA 7610 or the Anti-Child Abuse Law and 32 of which are rape cases.

There is only one case of trafficking against person recorded for the same period, said Sapinosa.

Other agencies member of the committee reported their agency‟s interventions in the implementation of RA 9262 and RA 9208.

Greta Solidarius of the Department of Labor and Employment said, DOLE is strict in the implementation of laws concerning recruitment of sugar migrant workers in the province.

“Contractors with no permit are not allowed to transport workers,” Solidarius, said.

Likewise, other agencies namely Department of Health, TESDA, Provincial Population Office, Pagsapupo Center of the Province of Antique, Philippine Ports Authority, Philippine Information Agency and Let‟s Care Foundation for Girls reported their accomplishments relative to the implementation of the said laws.(JCM/PSM/ PIA6Antique)

12 Aklan studes avail of OWWA scholarships Venus G. Villanueva KALIBO, Aklan (PIA6) - - About 12 Aklanon students, whose parents are Overseas Filipino Workers (OFW) , officially accepted the scholarship under the Overseas Workers Welfare Administration’s (OWWA’s) OFW Dependents Scholarship Program (ODSP) with Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) signing and orientation recently at the Public Employment Service Office here.

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he MOA signing was conducted between OWWA Regional Welfare Officer 6 represented by Rizza Joy Mapa and Sherwin Madayag, and the Aklanon student scholars with their parents or legal guardians.

Mapa who conducted the orientation stressed the importance of the presence of scholars and their parents /guardians on the briefing and MOA signing to familiarize themselves with the requirements of the scholarship grant.

“Scholars and parents/legal guardians should fully understand the program because

both have the obligations in the scholarship,” she added.

Under the ODSP, the new set of scholars for school year 2015 to 2016, are entitled to P20,000 per year, inclusive of enrollment during the summer term.

The qualified students are entitled to pursue an associate or baccalaureate degree in any college or university.

On the same day, seven maintained ODSP scholars in Aklan here were able to receive their financial assistance.

According to PESO-Aklan who witnessed and facilitated the releasing of checks of the

seven, two are under 2011 program, and four under 2013 program, while three for 2014.

Furthermore, a financial literacy seminar was also held to remind the scholars and parents to manage their finances to help their OFW parents who struggle in other nations for their future.

Meanwhile, Mapa said the ODSP will be suspended for two consecutive years, from 2016 to 2017 due to the K to 12 implementation.

As of 2015, the OWWA RWO6 has 218 maintained scholars under the ODSP. (JCM/ SQP/PIA-Aklan)

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CENTRAL VISAYAS

Crimes in Bohol down 29% in October Rey Anthony H. Chiu TAGBILARAN CITY, Nov. 2 (PIA) — Crimes in Bohol slid down by 29% or 157 cases less in October compared to the previous month as law enforcement authorities continue to innovate and lessen crime opportunities here.

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eptember this year recorded 533 crimes all over Bohol, compared to the 376 crimes reaching police blotters all over Bohol, according to a report from Bohol‟s Provincial Police Office, Camp Dagohoy.

The same crime reports, presented during the Provincial Peace and Order Council (PPOC)

Meeting October 30, showed similar decreasing trend in both index and non-index crimes in the month.

October showed 219 index and 157 non-index crimes while September had 299 and 234, respectively.

This showed both 26% and 33% decreases within the month.

In fact, according to police reports, about 40% or 108 of the 376 crime cases in Bohol in October are traffic-related.

These include 80 cases of traffic-related incidents causing physical injury cases, 27 cases of damage to property, and one case of homicide, statisticians at Camp Dagohoy bared. (rmn/rac/ PIA-7Bohol)

CV winners of Model OFW Family award out Juju M. Empuerto CEBU CITY, Nov. 3 (PIA) -- Overseas Workers Welfare Administration (OWWA-7) has announced the regional winners of the 2015 Search for the Model OFW Family of the Year Award (MOFYA).

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omer Balais, an overseas Filipino worker (OFW) from Antequera, Bohol, has emerged as the regional winner of the land-based category.

OFW Charle Garcia of Mandaue City, Cebu came out as the winner in the sea-based category besting two other finalists, according to Overseas Workers Welfare Administration (OWWA-7) Regional Labor Communication Officer Luchel Taniza.

Other finalists in the land-based category are OFW Rufino Capacio of Daanbantayan, Cebu; OFW Crispin Cayang of Bayawan City, Negros Oriental and OFW Victoria Gom-os of Larena, Siquijor.

In the sea-based category, the two other finalists were OFW Paulino Narisma of Dauis, Bohol and OFW Roberto Valiente of Daanbantayan, Cebu.

OWWA Regional Director Wilfreda Misterio said that coming up with seven regional finalists for the search is "first time for the

region.”

Misterio said that OFWs Balais and Garcia and their families will represent Region 7 for the MOFYA Search at the national level slated on the first week of December this year.

“The distance, the absence, the loneliness, and the challenges that each OFW and their families have to bravely bear are so immense that it takes courage, strength of characters, and prayers to make things work out,” said Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE-7) OIC Regional Director Exequiel Sarcauga.

Sarcauga congratulated the winners of this year‟s search as well as the finalists who have remained steadfast and firm in the face of all trials and adversaries they‟ve met along the way.

The MOFYA search aims to give due recognition to OFWs and families who have manifested best practices in achieving optimal

success in all aspects of life in the face of overseas m i grati on of one or more members of the household, said Sarcauga.

The recognition also goes out to the OFW families who maintained good standing in their respective communities; exhibited financial stability and success in business ventures; and successfully kept their family together despite the absence of a loved one.

Regional finalists were nominated by registered NGOs, people‟s organizations, religious organizations, community-based socio-civic organizations/associations, and OFW Family Circle Associations who have known the capability and potentials of the OFW and his family.

“They were properly screened, evaluated, and validated by the members of the Selection and Screening Committee headed by DOLE 7 OIC Regional Director Sarcauga,” Misterio said. (rmn/jsme/PIA7-Cebu/DOLE)

Cebu kicks off 2-day caravan to Yolanda-hit areas Fayette C. Riñen CEBU, Nov. 5 (PIA) -- In commemoration of the second year anniversary of the Yolanda tragedy, the Cebu Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office (PDRRMO) kicked off the two-day caravan to typhoon-hit areas starting today to showcase several government interventions and accomplishments that benefited the affected local communities.

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ith the theme “Convergence: The Key to Shared Accountability and Commitment,” the caravan hopes to present the challenges, accomplishments and what further assistance in specific areas will be needed by the affected communities in Yolanda-hit localities especially those with ongoing projects, said Cebu PDRRMO Chief Baltazar Tribunalo Jr. Likewise, the activity is said to provide a venue for strengthening convergence and collaboration in the implementation of various projects as the caravan is being participated by representatives from the local government units, national government agencies, local and

international non-government organizations, academe, business, other partners and members of the media.

Two buses are deployed for the caravan as today‟s itinerary would have the Bus 1 team visiting the three municipalities of Bantayan Island in Madridejos, Bantayan and Sta. Fe while Bus 2 is scheduled to visit Sogod, Borbon and Tabugon.

Based on the schedule, the Bus 1 would go to Tuburan, San Remigio and Daan Bantayan tomorrow and the Bus 2 would head towards Bogo City, Medellin and then Daan Bantayan as the convergence point for all participants.

The program for each stop in the identified localities include courtesy call to the local chief executive with short discussion, project visits showcasing challenges and accomplishments and the opportunity to interview at least three beneficiaries per project.

In November 8 2013, typhoon Yolanda dubbed as the strongest typhoon that ever hit land ravaged Cebu especially the northern part severely plummeting 16 local government units.

Yolanda has displaced thousands of residents in affected localities and paralyzed the agriculture sector as survivors to this day, continue to rebuild back their lives. (rmn/fcr/PIA7)

CENTRAL VISAYAS

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DTI, BOI boost provincial capability of investors Amor Y. Saludar CENTRAL VISAYAS, Nov. 4 (PIA) --- The Board of Investments (BOI) is strengthening efforts to further build sustainable groundwork to boost investments in key areas of the country and meet the global business competition.

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OI, through its Domestic Investments Promotion Service (DIPS) and the Investment Assistance Service (IAS), synchronized their respective programs to hold the investment counseling and capability building training on investments promotion with focus on project plan preparation.

In a press release, Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) said trainings are also meant to refine the skills of the Local Economic and Investment Promotion Officers (LEIPOs) assigned in the Negosyo Centers in assisting small and medium enterprises (SMEs) and providing

advanced advisory services on investments.

Apart from the DTI frontline staff and LEIPOs, participants in trainings also include economic stakeholders from the local chambers of commerce and industry, industry associations, SMEs, academe and representatives from the other line agencies.

Since last year, DTI has been establishing Negosyo Centers not just to assist businessmen but also investors.

Towards the goal of facilitating business and investment in the country, DTI has worked closely with other government agencies

particularly local government units and private sector to provide holistic services to MSMEs wherever possible.

BOI is an attached agency of DTI that works in collaboration with DTI‟s regional offices in enhancing the capability of provincial frontline staff to drive economic activities nationwide.

To know more about BOI, those interested may visit the Investment Assistance Center (IAC) at the GF, Industry and Investments Bldg, Sen. Gil Puyat Ave., Makati City or call tel# (02) 895-3640 local 253 / 895.83.22 or email : bossac@boi.gov.ph (rmn/ays/PIA7/DTI7)

Dumaguete to host 3-day convention on inclusive education Roi Anthoni B. Lomotan DUMAGUETE CITY, Nov. 5 (PIA) – This city will host a three-day convention on inclusive education for student teachers in the province starting December 3.

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he convention, dubbed as “Spectrum: Special and Inclusive Education Student and Teachers‟ Convention" is organized by the Movement of the Youth for Inclusive Development through Education in ASEAN (MY IDEA).

The event aims to gather 35 student teachers from ten teacher education institutions in Negros Oriental.

According to MY IDEA co-founder Rolando Villamero Jr., the event aims to deepen the understanding of student teachers on inclusive education and make them advocates of this.

Inclusive education is a process based on the philosophy that all children regardless of their disability, gender, age, faith, ethnicity, and language

have the fundamental right to go to school and learn with their peers, he explained.

Meanwhile, SPECTRUM convener Kathleen Dawn Ricardo said the event is envisioned to develop the skills of student teachers and provide tools which will help them become effective advocates of inclusive education.

One major output of the convention is the call to action which will underscore the need to include at least two special education subjects or courses in all teacher education institutions in the country.

This will ensure that student teachers have the necessary skills in educating children with disabilities in inclusive setting. “The reason why we are investing in our student teachers because

we believe in the dynamism and commitment of young people to make a difference in the lives of children with disabilities,” says another MY IDEA co-founder Eduard Joseph Narciso.

MY IDEA is a youth-led and youth run initiative whose goal is to mobilize student teachers in Negros Oriental to become advocates of inclusive education.

This initiative is supported by the Young Southeast Asian Leaders Initiative (YSEALI) and U.S. Department of State.

On the other hand, the start of the convention coincides with the observance of the International Day of Persons with Disabilities, Villamero added. (rmn/ral/PIA7-Negros Oriental/ with reports from Rolando Villamero Jr.)

3 Boholanos get CPG awards Rey Anthony H. Chiu TAGBILARAN CITY, Bohol, Nov. 4 (PIA) — Three Boholanos and two more were picked for this year’s annual Carlos P. Garcia (CPG) Awards as Bohol pauses to remember Bohol’s most illustrious son during his 119th Birth Anniversary.

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he CPG Awards is an annual recognition given to those who excelled in their respective fields of endeavor, fields which have reflected the ideals and philosophy of the late Boholano President CPG, according to Gov. Edgar Chatto.

For CPG‟s love of sports as he himself was an chess player, CPG awarded Boholano boxer Jessel Mark Magsayo for this year‟s sports citation.

Born in Tagbilaran in 1995, Magsayo has had four wins in the 122 kilograms weight in 2013 and another four wins in 2014.

Magsayo tucked more wins under his belt fighting under the featherweight division with 12 fights 12 wins, ten of them under an impressive knockout tally since his May 25, 2013 professional debut.

Now the titleholder for the world Interim Boxing Federation featherweight belt after he defended his belt against Mexican Yardley Suarez in Carson California USA, this October, Magsayo brought pride and honor to Bohol, thus the CPG award.

In the field of music, another CPG awardee

is former Bohol first lady Enriquieta Butalid.

A bachelor in Music, Piano major graduate of the College of the Holy Spirit in Manila, Butalid organized Bohol Cultural Society in 1984, Bohol Youth Choir in 1980, a prime mover of the arts awardee and woman achiever in the field of music.

Herself the wife of former governor Rolando Butalid, Enriquieta capped her accomplishments with Excellence in Music award by the City Government in 2015.

In the field of social development, 1025 CPG awardee is PROCESS Bohol Executive Director and Bohol Alliance of Non Government Organizations (Bangon) Director Emilia Roslinda.

A civil engineering graduate from the University of Bohol, Rosalinda started her social development work when she was elected Punong Barangay of Buenos Aires, Tubigon.

Meanwhile, non-Boholanos as they are, two more individuals receive the CGP awards in the form of special citations for their consistent service to Bohol and its people by way of their service to their respective government offices.

Also cited was Philippine Ports Authority Port Manager Annie Lee Manese, who has largely been instrumental in the quick rehabilitation of the tourist port of Tagbilaran and who has consistently lobbied for the development of the crucial public infrastructure that would be a conduit of Bohol‟s over-all development.

For peace and order, CPG Awards issued a special citation to PSSupt Dennis Agustin, Bohol‟s top cop for his unquestionable dedication to bring Bohol to its glorious perch as among the most peaceful provinces in the country.

In the awarding ceremonies were local officials and Congressman Leni Robredo, who was the keynote speaker during the 119th CPG Birth Anniversary celebrated on November 4.

Likewise, four barangay officials showed their public service commitment as frontliners in government when they were chosen out of the thousands of potential candidates for this year's The Outstanding Barangay Officials of the Year (TOBOY) Awardees in commemoration of the former President‟s 119th birth anniversary. (rmn/ rac/PIA-7/Bohol)

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EASTERN VISAYAS

PNoy's visit to Arteche historical, says solon BORONGAN CITY, Eastern Samar, Nov. 1 (PIA) - Eastern Samar Representative, Ben Evardone said on Friday that President Benigno Aquino’s visit to Arteche town was historical.

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e said this in an apparent reply to some wondering thinkers, why Arteche and not Borongan city proper when a lot of unpredictable conditions could be said of such a far place.

“It‟s historical,” the congressman of the lone district of Eastern Samar stressed in his short message before the President‟s.

According to him, then Pres. Cory Aquino opened the stretch from Oras town to San Policarpo and towards Arteche.

Unfortunately he said, it was neglected by the next successive

administrations.

“In the 80s,” he continued, “it would take one commuter five hours to reach Arteche from Oras and the fare was very much higher than in going to Manila."

However today, he said, the Oras-San Poli-Arteche-Lapinig-Mapanas national highway can be taken at ease.

He also informed that while it took eight hours by motorboat ride to Maslog before, today one can directly go by land because the road is concrete and not just re-gravelled.

The Jipapad-Arteche road is also now

funded for concrete and just for an all-weathered season road.

Recalling how Arteche people hungered for better roads, he shared that, the first time DPWH sent a vehicle to the area in the 90‟s, children wondered and got excited, they touched it all over with their bare hands. A few hours later, he said, the car transformed into a clean one, as though it underwent a car-wash session.

Pres. Aquino was the first President in the later generations to have reached Arteche. His visit was truly historical.

(PIA-08)

1,000 families in bunkhouses relocated before month’s end CONSUELO B. ALARCON TACLOBAN CITY, Leyte, Nov.4 (PIA) --- Two years after Yolanda devastated the lives and properties in the city, the government is gaining ground in bringing back the lives of the survivors of the super typhoon.

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undreds of families who are living in bunkhouses will soon be transferred to their permanent shelters located at the northern barangay.

This, after the National Housing Authority conducted raffle draws Tuesday at the resettlement areas in IPI, NHA and Abucay bunkhouses.

Marilyn Lauzon, NHA regional manager said, after the raffle of the lots and houses the relocation activities will be done immediately.

More than 600 families from IPI and NHA bunkhouses are scheduled to be transferred before this month ends to the permanent housing units at Ridge View, Villa

Sofia and Villa Diana, all are located in the northern barangay of Tacloban.

However, Lauzon informed that around 1,000 families are being targeted to be relocated within this month.

Prior to this, more than 500 families were already transferred to the permanent housing units in the city. (ajc/PIA-8)

Biliran eng’g district implements quality control in school projects By:Rodrigo S. Victoria NAVAL, Biliran, Nov. 3 (PIA) – In line with the mission of the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) to provide and manage quality infrastructure, the Quality Assurance Section (QAS) of DPWH-Biliran District Engineering Office (BDEO), headed by Engr. David Adongay, Jr., District Engieer, implemented quality control activities in all 2015 school building projects in Biliran province.

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n a report from DPWH-BDEO, the agency commissioned E.B. Testing Center of Tacloban City to conduct series of sub-surface explorations at the proposed project sites in various recipient secondary school in the province.

A 10-meter deep bored hole was done in three different locations per project site which will serve as benchmark in the exploration activity to determine soil properties and the ability of the soil foundation to resist against ground settlement, the DPWH-BDEO report stated.

Engr. Reynaldo P. Penaflor, head of the

QAS of the DPWH-BDEO, said he send some personnel of his office to witness the conduct of the exploration in the proposed project sites.

“In the design of school buildings, soil preparation played an essential role in the determination of the type of foundation suitable to ensure structure stability and safety”, Penaflor further said in the report.

The report listed the 2015 school building projects which will be implemented in the different secondary schools in the province of Biliran.

There are already two school building projects that have been started at present and these are the 2-storey, 6-classroom school building in Naval National High School and the 2-storey, 4-classroom school building in Naval Night High School both located in Naval, Biliran.

Penaflor added that he has assigned material engineers from his office to take serious monitoring on the quality control activities conducted on site from the start until project completion. (fj/PIA 8 Biliran)

EASTERN VISAYAS

7

Tacloban marks 2nd 'Yolanda' anniversary CONSUELO B. ALARCON TACLOBAN CITY, Leyte, Nov.5 (PIA) – Two years after super typhoon Yolanda devastated the lives of the people of this city, a simple yet meaningful commemoration will be conducted on November 7- 8, 2015.

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acloban City Mayor Alfred Romualdez will lead the people in its two-day second Yolanda Anniversary Commemorative Rites in the city.

He enjoins all Taclobanons to be part of the yearly commemorative observance.

“We ought to pass this practice from generation to generation to remind us to be prepared always whenever such a disastrous calamity occurs again, “the Mayor said.

Beginning Saturday, a holy mass will be held at 6:00 o‟clock in the evening in Anibong Marker, Barangay Anibong, this city followed by Reading of Dedication and Unveiling of Anibong Memorial Marker.

In the same venue, the Philippine Madrigal Singers and Power Dance by Douglas Nierras dubbed as “Concert of

Hope” will perform at the Anibong Marker followed by a free premier showing of documentary film titled “Fields of Hope” at Robinson‟s Movieworld.

On November 8, the day Yolanda wrought havoc to the people of the city, as early as 6:00 o‟clock in the morning, a commemorative walk of different contingents will be held with the participation of the officials of the city, the local residents, various agencies and the private sector.

The contingents will gather at Astrodome grounds for the holy mass followed by a commemorative program, ringing of bells, siren blasts and a storm sound.

At 8:45 in the morning, the local chief executive will lead the unveiling of the Astrodome Memorial Marker.

In the afternoon on the same day,

another free premier documentary of “Fields of Hope” will be reshown at Robinsons Movieworld followed by a holy mass at 3:00 o‟clock in the afternoon and the blessing of graves of Yolanda victims at Holy Cross Memorial in Barangay Basper.

At 4:00 o‟clock in the afternoon, there will be an unveiling of commemorative tablets at DZR airport followed by the “Light a candle for Yolanda Victims” by the survivors who will line up along the highways and streets of the city.

Said lighting of candles will be done simultaneously along the highways and streets of Palo, Tanauan and Tolosa, Leyte.

The day will end through a sundown memorial at Cancabato Bay where a release of lanterns, candles at flowers will be held at 9:00 o‟clock in the

DepEd holds division school press conference in Mondragon CATARMAN, Northern Samar, Oct. 31 (PIA) – The Department of Education (DepEd) of the Province of Northern Samar conducted a 3-day division school press conference from October 27-29 in Mondragon, Northern Samar.

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ith the theme, “The role of the 21st Century Campus Journalists in Upholding Good Governance, Leadership and Transparency,” aims to demonstrate understanding of the importance of campus journalism by expressing it through different journalistic endeavors and approaches.

Schools Division Superintendent Dr. Manuel Albano said that the contest categories are editorial writing, news writing, feature writing, sports writing, editorial cartooning, photojournalism, science and technology writing and copy reading and headline writing for individual

writing contest, radio broadcasting & scriptwriting and collaborative publishing for group contests.

Albano informed that the individual writing contest is designed to showcase the competencies of campus journalist and demonstrate holistic skills and proficiency through media exposure, intermission and press conferences, and promote free responsible journalism.

He added that only students or pupil writers from school with publication and are duly recognized as member of the editorial staff in school level are allowed to compete in the various individual and team

contests.

Participants to this year‟s DSPC are elementary and high school writers at one (1) per individual contest category, and seven (7) for radio broadcasting & script writing and the collaborative publishing and a coach for each individual contest and each team both for English and Filipino, he said.

Winners during the contests will emerge as qualifiers to the regional level and a must participation to the said level is required otherwise winnable writers who cannot make it to RSPC may not join DSPC, he stressed. (PIA-NSamar)

LGU-SoLeyte to bring more community-based livelihood training MAASIN CITY, Southern Leyte, Oct. 31 (PIA) - Encouraged with the testimonies of a better economic condition now attained by beneficiaries of community-based skills trainings, the provincial social welfare agency wants to line up more livelihood trainings in 2016.

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he Southern Leyte provincial government will be pouring more funds in the livelihood program specifically in capacitating the people, so that more community-based livelihood skills trainings down to the remotest barangay in the province will be undertaken, according to Alfonso Espina III, PSWDO Statistician Aide reported during the Maasin City Action Center Cable TV program last Tuesday.

Community-based trainings, which are mostly conducted down at the barangay halls,

were requested by the barangay folks thru their barangay officials, he added.

That sometime in June this year, one of their skills trainings was conducted at hinterland Barangay Hilaan, a remote barangay of Bontoc municipality.

According to Espina, skills trainings on accu-pressure and massage theraphy, motorcycle small engine repair, foot spa, manicure, pedicure, hair dressing, make-up, shielded metal arc welding, among others, are up for the people to pick their

choices.

He also shared a positive testimony of one Sogod beneficiary who generated extra income from the accu-pressure and massage theraphy skills acquired in the livelihood skills trainings provided by the provincial government right at their barangay hall.

Espina disclosed that an audit system is needed to be put in place in order to trace the impact on the beneficiaries especially in their employment brought by acquired skills trainings. (ajc/PIA8 SoLeyte)

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

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

Ms. Minerva BC Newman Regional Director, PIA 7

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

Ms. Alicia E. Nicart Regional Director, PIA8

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