One Visayas e-Newsletter Vol 5 Issue 18

Vol 5

Issue 18

In this Issue WESTERN VISAYAS

Mayor Jed Patrick Mabilog and Swiss Embassy Counselor Raoul Imbach turn over the symbolic key of duplex housing units to beneficiaries during the Balay Kawayan Housing Initiative Inauguration and Turn-Over Ceremony at the Uswag Subdivision, San Isidro Relocation Site, Jaro, May 4. Also in the picture is Regan Schegg of the Hilti Foundation that funded the housing initiative that promotes the use of bamboo as a major structural material for housing construction.

(PIA Iloilo)

More on Region 6, pages 2-3.

Also CLICK Here…

CENTRAL VISAYAS

AUDIO-Bohol „Bisita Opisina‟. Pag-IBIG Fund Tagbilaran Branch Head, Felix Garan (left) giving his welcome message to the members of the Association of United Development Information Officers in Bohol during its „Bisita Opisina‟ (right) recently at their new office now located at the 2/F of Galleria Luisa this city. (ecb/PIA7-Bohol)

More on Region 7, pages 4-5.

Also CLICK Here…

EASTERN VISAYAS

8 ID Commander Jet Velarmino, AFP, Gov. Sharee Ann Tan Province of Samar, and DBM Regional Director Dr. Imelda C. Laceras signing the DRR Commitment at 8 ID Philippine Army Gymnasium, Camp. Lukban, Maulong, Catbalogan City last May 5, 2015.

(PIA 8)

More on Region 8, pages 6-7.

Also CLICK Here...

May 4 - 10, 2015

Published by: PIA 6, 7 & 8

Eastern Visayas is Filariasis-free - DOH 8 TACLOBAN CITY, Leyte, May 7 (PIA) - After six years of hard work to combat Filariasis, the Department of Health (DOH), Regional Office 08 received recently, the congratulatory letter from DOH Central Office acknowledging Region 08 as Filariasis-free.

In a telephone interview with Ms. Annaliza Balila, Chief DOH-08 Filariasis Control Program Unit, it was mentioned that the letter was actually dated September 2013 yet, but due to the disaster that hit the region in the month that followed, the delivery of the congratulatory document was hampered.

Asked why the region was declared Filariasis-free, Ms. Balila said it passed the criteria set forth, on top of the 95% population which did not manifest any symptom of the mosquito infection.

The same recognition, she stressed, is credited to the health workers around the region who painstakingly held the Mass Drug Administration.

However, people here should not be sitting-in-their laurels with the good news, instead, they should take it as a challenge as health workers like her, take it so.

“Sustainability is the word,” she said. “That is why, all provincial local government units had been awarded with P1M check, so they could maintain the advocacy program campaigns to continue the program against Filariasis,” Ms. Balila said.

“LGUs should help us in the sustainability campaign, because we have already gained the grounds, all we need now is sustain the victory,” she added.

With the mass “drug administration”, a person has to go to his nearest Rural Health Unit(RHU) and submit himself for

the immunization.

“It only takes one day for a person above 21 years old, to be free of Filariasis after taking 5-tablets of Diephylcarbamivine and one Albendazole except when he already has started showing signs of the disease, if so, he needs a 12-day medication,” she informed further.

Anybody above 21 years old should visit their RHU and accept the preventive drug against Filariasis.

The health educator added that the medicine has to be taken with full stomach lest, the taker gets dizzy, or his stomach gets irritated or experience body malaise (weaknesses).

Unlike Dengue, Filariasis could show-up in 5 to 15 years after a person had been bitten by the infectious mosquito and the end point could be disability due to swelling body parts, e.g legs like that of an elephant‟s and disfigured scrotum.

“And we could just imagine the repercussion it could bring to the family and loved ones of the patient,” she sighed again. “It is economically, morally and emotionally heavy to them, hence the public should be informed so they could avail of the government program,” she stressed.

Filaria-carrying mosquitoes thrive in Abaca and other Banana trees, while Dengue-mosquitoes dwell in stagnant waters in long-standing water containers, flower bases even gutters etc. it was learned.

In the region, Southern Leyte was first declared Filariasis-free in 2008, then Biliran in 2010, Eastern Samar in 2012, Western Samar and Northern Leyte in 2013 and Northern Samar in 2014. (PIA-8)

DOH to start school immunization in August

By Leonard T. Pineda I ILOILO CITY, May 5 (PIA6) --- There is no let-up in the country‟s campaign against communicable but vaccine-preventable diseases as the Department of Health (DOH) will start the school-based immunization program August this year.

This was announced by Health Secretary Janette L. Garin during the recent Kalusugang Pampamilya on Wheels program in Calinog town here.

“By August this year, we will be starting the school-based immunization as expansion of the standard program of immunization,” she said.

She said that booster doses of tetanus, diphtheria, measles and rubella will be provided to all grade one pupils and all first year high school students or grade seven students.

“These vaccines will actually protect them from many of the diseases for life,” she said.

She said that these expanded public health programs such as immunization were a result of the revenues collected from the sin taxes.

The DOH official emphasized that immunization is a concerted effort that needs the collaboration of all sectors in society.

“Vaccine alone cannot prevent threats but vaccination does. We must not be contented that it is only our child who gets vaccinated but everyone in the barangay,” she stressed.

She said that we should help in the campaign in our respective communities that every child goes to the health center and be vaccinated. (JCM/LTP/PIA-Iloilo)

PNoy commits to achieve rapid economic growth

By Amor Y. Saludar Cebu, May 4 (PIA) --- Government eyes initiatives that involves industry, livelihood for Filipinos and infrastructure as these are part of the strategies towards development.

President Benigno Aquino III in his Labor Day visit to Cebu shared these thoughts during the inauguration of an expansion project of CEMEX-Philippines, a cement company in Naga City, Cebu.

CEMEX was established in 1999 through the investments of CEMEX in Mexico and the APO Cement the largest cement plant in the Philippines.

“Nabigyan po tayo ng kakayahang itaguyod ang mga ganitong mga inisyatiba dahil sa paglago ng ekonomiya,” Aquino said.

The President cited the National Economic Development Authority (NEDA) figures that the country has recorded a 6.3 percent average GDP growth every year since the start of the Aquino administration in 2010.

“Ang pinakamabilis na paglago ng ating ekonomiya sa loob ng nakaraang 40 taon. Ayon sa ating economic managers, kapag naabot natin ito, ang resultang 6-year average ang magiging pinakamabilis na paglago ng ating ekonomiya simula po noong 1955, o sa loob ng nakalipas na animnapung taon,” the president added.

Aquino then pleged to continue this economic development of the country by targeting 6 to 7 percent economic growth increase this year and he said

because of this economic development, investors will then have confidence to invest in our country.

“Sa pag-usbong ng mga bagong negosyo, dadami ang malilikhang trabaho; lalawak ang oportunidad sa pag-asenso ng mas maraming pinaghandang Pilipino,” Aquino concluded.

President Aquino also toured the facilities of the newly-constructed University of Cebu Medical Center (UC Med) here. UCMED is first in Southeast Asia to have 3D Mammography with Tomosynthesis, first fully integrated 3D Endoalpha Minimally Invasive Surgery (MIS) Operating Room and the most Endoalphas than any other hospitals in the country. (mbcn/ays/PIA7)

President Benigno Aquino III. (PIA Cebu photo)

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WESTERN VISAYAS

DILG launches manual to simplify business processes

Orchids

By Leonard T. Pineda I ILOILO CITY, May 4 (PIA6) --- In an effort to creating more business-friendly and competitive local government units, the Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG)-6 recently launched the regulatory simplification manual in the municipality of Oton here.

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ILG-6 Regional Director Anthony Nuyda said that the municipality of Oton was chosen as pilot LGU for the implementation of the Regulatory Simplification Project for LGUs (RS4LGUs).

“A manual was created to assist the LGU to be business-friendly and competitive while adopting strategies and mechanisms applicable to its clients,” he said.

He said that this is one of the follow through initiatives after complying with the Business Permit Licensing System (BPLS).

The DILG official said the regulatory simplification involves the rationalization

and further enhancement of existing BPLS standards to give ease to the registration service and spur a more business-friendly environment.

“It improves a process operationally while reviewing and revising legal basis for requirements,” he said.

The regulatory simplification targets to infuse reforms in the regulatory framework for LGUs in business permit and licensing to increase efficiency while decreasing the complexity of the entire process.

He added that the project aims to make LGUs business-friendly while increasing their capacities in terms of realizing development

goals.

Meanwhile, Oton municipal mayor Vicente Flores, Jr. said that Oton, being the first municipality to pilot the regulatory simplification, pledged their utmost cooperation in implementing the program.

“I urged the municipal employees to do their best in implementing the program because as pilot LGU, we are looked upon by other municipalities,” he said.

He said that they are optimistic this program will strengthen the partnership of the LGU and the business establishments which are considered the lifeblood of the municipality. (JCM/LTP/PIA-Iloilo)

Poverty alleviation success stories need to be replicated

By Pilar S. Mabaquiao SAN JOSE, Antique (PIA6) - - The Antique Federation of Non-Government Organizations (AFON) in Antique facilitated the Local Economic Development (LED) Stakeholders Forum recently which featured the success stories of families and communities getting involve in poverty alleviation.

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he forum summarized the achievements, the challenges and sustainability mechanism gained during the implementation of LED program in Antique supported by Trias Southeast Asia, an in te rna t i on a l NG O that su pp or ts entrepreneurial people.

Dr. Dixon Yasay, LED Expert, Consultant and Director of Xavier University Government and Leadership Institute said the PO‟s success stories are concrete solutions to the problems of poverty that needs to be replicated in many communities.

“The stories presented by tricycle drivers,

farmers, fisherfolks, patadyong weavers, and local entrepreneurs offered concrete solutions but we need the powers of the local government units, government agencies and other sectors to sustain this program and replicate these in other areas,” said Yasay.

“What is more promising in this endeavor of AFON, and the rest of the NGOs namely Antique Development Foundation, Insol Devt Foundation, Ahon sa Hirap (ASHI) and PROCESS Foundation give us hope that development could happen with NGOs and POs,” he said.

Yasal also commended the people‟s organization empowering their communities and making the development happen.

“Let us continue working, engaging more local government units, building partnership with other sectors. Your stories are real models of development that needs to be sustained, Yasay said.

The success stories are presented in a book – Antique LED success stories.

Gudrun Cartuyvels, Country Director, Trias Southeast Asia likewise lauded the active participation of the NGOs and POs to the program. (JCM/PSM/PIA6Antique)

IT-BPO ‗Road Map‘ gets NegOcc's nod

By Carlson B. Alelis NEGROS OCC., May 4 (PIA6) -- Governor Alfredo Marañon Jr. said the province is supporting the Information Technology-Business Process Outsourcing (IT-BPO) Philippine Roadmap 2016.

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he Road Map will pave the way in giving 1.3 Million jobs to Filipinos and $ 25 billion in revenues by 2016, Marañon said in his speech during the inauguration of the Negros First Cyber Centre.

Through the Road Map, Bacolod City and Negros Occidental will be able to contribute 30, 000 jobs by the end of 2016.

“The Negros First Cyber Centre is more than just a structure – it is a central point of convergence of ideas, creativity and technology – that will generate jobs, opportunities and investments for the country,” he said.

In order for them to achieve their targets, he said the province should continue to heavily invest in talent development programs with the help of the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA).

TESDA‟s programs for stepping up the value chain should be enhanced – in the area of finance and accounting outsourcing, animation and game development, software development and health care information outsourcing, he said.

With the help of DTI, they will continue to enhance Business Ecosystem and ease of doing business as they are urging the National Government to continue initiatives to help

local government units (LGU) shift from paper to paperless.

Marañon said that through the Commission on Higher Education, he and his fellow LGU officials will continue to equip trainers and teachers in the province as a long term measure to lessen the adverse effects of labor mismatch.

The Information and Communications Technology Office-Department of Science and Technology should continue to provide support for Filipino startups – harnessing ingenuity and talent to see Negrense brands side by side their multi-national counterparts, he said. (JCM/CBA-PIA Negros Occ.)

WESTERN VISAYAS

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‗STARBOOKS‘ now in Capiz Flores de Mayo– Mayo– Santacruzan

By Alex A. Lumaque ROXAS CITY, Capiz, May 4 (PIA6) – Thirty – five digital library kiosks which is a one-stop repositories for science and technology and livelihood information will be established by the Department of Science and Technology (DOST) in Capiz State University (CapSU) campuses and 17 selected public secondary schools in the province.

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he initiative dubbed STARBOOKS Science and Technology Academic and Research-Based Openly Operated Kiosk Stations – is geared towards the needs of students, researchers, and entrepreneurs, especially those from the countryside.

“We are happy because with this synergy among the different stakeholders, we will be able to disseminate effectively and efficiently the different knowledge that we have generated out of our research and development activities,” said DOST – 6 director Engr. Rowen R. Gelonga.

CapSU president Dr. Editha L. Magallanes

and Department of Education – Capiz Schools Division Superintendent Dr. Miguel Mac D. Aposin conveyed their appreciation to DOST for the project that provides free access to information and is highly appropriate for public libraries.

Aside from the kiosks, 10 hard disk drives containing 2 terabytes of STARBOOKS database will be given to other national high schools in the province.

A Memorandum of Understanding was signed between DOST and CapSU as well as DepEd for the terms of reference in the implementation of STARBOOKS in identified sites.

A DOST – STII team also conducted an orientation among the participants, mostly CAPSU librarians and employees, on how to use the stand-alone information kiosk which holds more than half a million titles of digitized journals, serial publications, reference materials, annual reports, theses and dissertations, technical and project reports, and directories of DOST-STII‟s library materials.

STARBOOKS was developed by the Science and Technology Information Institute of DOST and has been rolled out in over 400 sites nationwide since 2011. (JCM/AAL/PIA6 Capiz)

IBC initiates link-up of local producers with businesses

By Elsa S. Subong ILOILO CITY, May 6 (PIA6)—The local producers should not be left out from the benefits of emerging businesses in Iloilo City.

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he Iloilo Business Club (IBC) has initiated a project that will link local agricultural producers to businesses that are going up in Iloilo, like hotels and restaurants.

According to IBC Executive Director Lea Lara, they are aiming for inclusive growth for farmers amidst the burgeoning businesses here.

Lara added that IBC is doing a survey as to the needs for prime agricultural commodities of restaurants and hotels here, which the local farmers can provide.

“It is lamentable that despite the fact that

Iloilo province is an agricultural economy, the hotels and restaurants still get their basic ingredients from Baguio or Tagaytay,” Lara said.

She added that they aim that 30 to 40 percent of the daily demand of businesses will be sourced from the local farmers to help them market their produce.

“We also see to it that it is not only enough supply that is available, but also the quality,” Lara said, adding that IBC will provide technical assistance for this purpose.

Meanwhile, the provincial government will be

setting up a Municipal Agriculture Information System which will collate data of production from farmers.

This mechanism includes provision of phones to farmers so that the hotels and restaurants can get data direct from them.

IBC itself is also investing on Geographic Information System so that they can pinpoint key production areas and the needed access roads to markets.

“This will lessen transportation costs for businesses in the city,” Lara said. (JCM/ESS/PIA -Iloilo)

Best booths, floats get P363,000 in cash prizes

By Venus G. Villanueva KALIBO, Aklan, May 4 (PIA6) – On its 59th anniversary as an independent province from Capiz, Aklan gifted its 17 towns with a total of P363,000 in cash prizes for winning in the Float Parade contest and Booth Exhibit.

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he Booth Exhibit, which was participated in by the province‟ 17 towns, ran from April 22-26, while the Float Parade contest was featured during the Civic and Military Parade on April 25 from the Kalibo Pastrana Park to the Provincial Capitol Grounds right after a Thanksgiving Mass held at the St. John the Baptist Cathedral.

Adjudged winners in the Booth Exhibit included the municipality of Numancia which won first place and a cash prize of P50,000.00; Altavas, second, with a cash prize of P35,000.00 and Nabas, third, with P25,000.00 cash prize.

The other 14 participating towns – Balete, Banga, Batan, Buruanga, Ibajay, Kalibo, Lezo, Libacao, Madalag, Makato, Malay, Malinao, New Washington and Tangalan got consolations prizes of P10,000.00 each or a total of P140,000.00.

On the other hand, the municipality of Nabas dominated the Float Parade Contest by winning first place with a corresponding cash prize of P45,000.00; Malinao, second, P35,000.00; and Lezo,

third, with P25,000.00.

The municipality of Banga received a consolation prize of P8,000.00.

The booths respectively exhibited the prime products of their municipality under the One Town, One Product (OTOP) scheme, like Altavas, which exhibited Livestock and Seafoods, Balete, Pina-based products; Banga, fruits and veget ables; Bat an, s e afoods ; B u ru an ga, fish eries; Ib ajay, coco-based products; Kalibo, Pina cloth and Pina-based products; Lezo, potteries; Libacao and Madalag, abaca-based products; Makato, organic rice; Malay, eco-tourism; Malinao, abaca slipper and abaca-based products; Nabas, bariw craft; New Washington, seafood/deboned bangus; Numancia, vermicast organic fertilizer and Tangalan, Eco-tourism and were judged based on the relevance of the theme, composition of exhibits, utilization and showcase of local resources, product quality and physical

arrangement.

On the other hand, the floats were judged on theme relevancy, visual impact, utilization and showcase of local resources, and creativity.

Based on records of the Office of the Provincial the booths generated a total of P451,552.00.

Meanwhile, exhibitors who joined the first-ever “Agri-Kultura Sa Aklan” a five-day exhibit and selling of farm equipment, agricultural products and livestock and free seminars for Aklan farmers on gamefowl health care management, urban gardening, art of bonsai, Babuyan na Walang Amoy, and organic vegetable production netted a total sales of P276,071.

Aklan became a separate province from Capiz on April 25, 1956 through Republic Act 1414 signed by then President Ramon Magsaysay.

Theme of this year‟s celebration was “Building Capabilities towards Greater Challenges for Aklan”. (JCM/VGV PIA6 Aklan)

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CENTRAL VISAYAS

Three Cebu LGUs chosen as pilot areas for ASAPP

Orchids

By Rachelle M. Nessia CEBU CITY, May 5 (PIA) – Three local government units (LGUs) in Cebu province have been identified as pilot areas for the Accelerated and Sustainable Anti-Poverty Program (ASAPP), a poverty reduction program spearheaded by National Economic and Development Authority (NEDA) and Human Development and Poverty Reduction Cabinet Cluster (HDPRC).

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hese are the municipalities of Dalaguete, Santa Fe, and Tuburan.

During the program‟s launching held Thursday at Capitol, Cabinet Secretary Jose Rene Almendras explained that ASAPP is an inter-agency effort seeking to reduce poverty by creating sustainable employment and income-generating opportunities.

He said the program aims to seek out initiatives, solve problems, and roll out solutions addressing poverty-related issues that will be

implemented as soon as possible.

Through ASAPP, participating LGUs w i l l c o m e u p wi t h an e co n o m i c program that will address the poverty issues in their locality.

"Mag-abot ta para magkasinabot ta kung unsa ang angayan natong buhatun (Let‟s come up with a unified plan on what we need to do)," urged Almendras.

He stressed that ASAPP is not a “one size fits all” measure, as each LGU will come up with

their own development plans.

According to NEDA, Cebu is identified as one of the ten provinces under C1 category, which has the highest number of poor households despite its booming industry.

Other identified pilot areas are in the provinces of Pangasinan, Quezon, Camarines Sur, Negros Occidental, Iloilo, Cebu, Leyte, Zamboanga del Sur, Davao del Sur, and Sulu. (rmn/Caren Gabisay, PIA7-Cebu intern/CTU DevCom student)

DOST Siquijor, Lazi ink MOA on disaster grant project

By Rizalie Anding Calibo SIQUIJOR, May 7 (PIA) -- Department of Science and Technology (DOST)- Siquijor and the Local Government Unit of Lazi inked a Memorandum of Agreement recently on disaster risk reduction management (DRRM) Grant-in-Aid project.

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his sealed the assistance on the GIA Project of DOST to Lazi entitled Enhancing the Disaster Prevention and Mitigation Capability of LGU-Lazi Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Officew.

The project aims to enable the MDRRM Office to more effectively perform its functions, especially those relating to disaster prevention and mitigation.

Specifically, the project will provide technology support for the establishment of an information system for the MDRRM office.

It seeks to develop a computerized database on local hazards, vulnerabilities, risks, and other DRRM-related matters, and organize and facilitate the gathering of data needed for the proper identification, assessment, reduction, and management of disaster risks in the municipality.

It also supports the orientation/training of local DRRM officers and personnel on appropriate disaster prevention and mitigation strategies, tools and techniques, and to develop the institutional linkages and

mechanisms needed to reinforce the MDRRM Office‟s role in designing, programming, and coordination.

Lazi Mayor Orpheus Fua and Municipal Disaster Risk Reduction Management Officer (MDRRMO) designate Earl Aljas MDRRMO signed the MOA in behalf of Lazi while Provincial Science and Technology Director Engr. Mario de la Peña represented DOST Siquijor Provincial Science and Technology Center. (rmn/rac/ PIA7-Siquijor w/ reports from Engr. Reinhold Jek Y. Abing)

Organic farming pushed as El Niño adaptation measure

By Roi Anthoni B. Lomotan DUMAGUETE CITY, May 6 (PIA) – Dumaguete City Agriculture Office advises local farmers here to shift to organic farming methods as a way of adapting to the adverse effects of the current El Niño phenomenon.

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ity Agriculture Office official Fely Barba said organic agriculture can help farmers produce good quality of crops despite the ongoing dry spell in the city.

Organic agriculture retains the fertility of soil by keeping in the essential nutrients needed by plants to grow.

Moreover, organic fertilizers are also cheaper than the commercial fertilizers which entail lesser production cost for farmers.

Barba mentioned that commercial fertilizer have elements that can affect the quality of crops.

This, along with the unfavorable prolonged dry season, can bring negative effects on food production.

The City Agriculture Office continues to raise the consciousness of farmers on organic farming measures as thisis also the advocacy of the provincial government.

Part of their interventions is the production of vermicasts or worm manure which is the end product of vercomposting.

Barba encouraged farmers in the city to avail of the organic fertilizer at the City Agriculture Office.

“They can avail of these from the city government. We will help our constituents,”

Barba disclosed.

She identified barangays Candau-ay, Camanjac, Cadawinonan, Cantil-e, Balugo and Bajumpandan as agricultural barangays in Dumaguete City.

So far the current El Niño phenomenon has brought a minimal effect to livestock but no damaged report on crops in the city, she added.

Meanwhile, Philippine Atmospheric Geophysical Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA)-Negros Oriental chief meteorological officer Neptune Catarata said the province is included in the list of provinces that are affected by dry spell.

Based on the drought or dry spell assessment issued by the country‟s weather bureau on April 23, other provinces that are experiencing dry spell are Agusan Del Sur, Albay, Bataan, Batanes, Batangas, Biliran, Bukidnon, Cavite, Cebu, Compostela Valley, Davao Del Norte, Davao Oriental, Eastern Samar, Guimaras, Lanao Del Sur, Leyte, Masbate, Misamis Oriental, Negros Occidental, Northern Samar, Nueva Ecija, Rizal, Samar, Siquijor, Sorsogon, Southern Leyte, Sultan Kudarat, Surigao Del Norte, Surigao Del Sur and Tarlac.

Dry spell happens when a province

experiences below normal rainfall condition for three consecutive months or 21-60% reduction from average normal rainfall amount.

On the other hand, drought occurs when a province experiences way below normal rainfall condition for three consecutive months.

PAGASA data cites 23 provinces currently experiencing drought and these are Abra, Agusan Del Norte, Apayao, Basilan, Benguet, Bohol, Ifugao, Ilocos Norte, Ilocos Sur, Kalinga, La Union, Lanao Del Norte, Maguindanao, Misamis Occidental, Mountain Province, Pampanga, Sarangani, South Cotabato, Sulu, Tawi-tawi, Zamboanga Del Norte, Zamboanga Del Sur and Zamboanga Sibugay.

However, based on the drought or dry spell outlook for May there are 42 provinces including Negros Oriental where drought or dry spell situation is likely to improve.

On the other hand, PAGASA also announced that drought or dry spell situation in 12 provinces across the country is likely to continue and intensify.

With this, the City Agriculture Office also advises farmers to conserve water since the El Niño phenomenon is expected to last until middle of the year. (rmn/ral/PIA7-NegOr)

CENTRAL VISAYAS

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DOLE sets up job search kiosks in 3 Bohol towns Flores de Mayo– Mayo– Santacruzan

By Rey Anthony H. Chiu

TAGBILARAN CITY, Bohol May 4 (PIA) -- An annual survey by the Holy Name University (HNU) recently showed Bohol's unemployment rate at 10%, but about 25% of those unemployed told enumerators that they are currently looking for suitable work.

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y the term unemployment, however, HNU Bohol Poll means these people desire to find work in the near future. At the annual survey to gather social temperature in Bohol, it shows that the p rovin ce has n ot considerably wrestled itself free from unemployment problem since it had the figures playing from 8% to 12% in the last five years.

Despite this, more Boholanos do not think leaving Bohol to seek work elsewhere is a good idea, the survey revealed.

For those 25% who are seeking jobs, the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) directs them to three jobs search kiosks (JSK) the government has installed in the towns of Maribojoc, Calape and Jagna, according to Bohol DOLE officer-in-charge German Guidaben.

A Job Search Kiosk is an information portal housed in an ATM-type, stand-alone equipment, which provides information on local and overseas job opportunities

and other employment related information. It helps job seekers to fast-track access to relevant information on job openings, hiring requirements of employers or upgrade, their skills through the TESDA programs and BLE career guides, DOLE, in its website stated.

Housed in said town's Public Employment Service Offices, the JSKs can be accessed by anyone seeking for jobs which match his qualifications, Guidaben explained, speaking at the Kapihan sa PIA Thursday.

DOLE through Guidaben said these JSKs are installed as the towns enrolled for the DOLE facility while preparing for the technical support to have the kiosk operational. These towns keep employment databank, skills inventory and similar data which could be helpful in facilitating jobs matching. The survey, which run from March 26 to April 17, used 400 respondents: about 100 for each district in Bohol and another 100 from Tagbilaran City, according to Maria Paz Espiritu, Bohol Poll Project Director.

The same survey revealed that the biggest unemployment rate, which is practically

employable and capable, belongs to the male group of 18 to 24 years old age bracket from class C. And Bohol Poll in fact validates the data on the urge to find work: about 25% of those unemployed said they are looking for suitable work. Of those looking for work, 41% of the respondents are male, while 45% of them are from the age brackets 18-24.

The survey also showed the provincial government sliding lowest in its five year support to the promotion of agriculture, Bohol's biggest employment niche.

Bohol Polls this year showed the Provincial Government scoring +11 in supporting for the promotion of agriculture, from a high +43 in 2013 and +36 in 2011. In providing for livelihood opportunities and employment, Capitol scored +15, but this is also the lowest in the last five years, Bohol Poll showed.

The provincial government also obtains the same sagging score in tourism promotions, another job seeker's refuge: at +44% from a high +68 in 2014, according to poll director Espiritu. (rmn/rac/PIA-7Bohol)

PIA, DSWD empower Pantawid Pamilya beneficiaries

By Rizalie Anding Calibo SIQUIJOR, May 5 (PIA) -- The Philippine Information Agency (PIA) here in coordination with Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) empowered the women beneficiaries of Pantawid Pamilya Program through a family development session.

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series of advocacy campaigns on issues concerning climate change, environmental care, agriculture, disaster management Gender and Development, Community Participation, and other government programs and services were discussed.

PIA Infocen Manager Rizalie Calibo stressed the big role of mothers in combating climate change and poverty. She said it is the parents‟

duty to teach their children and to work for the protection of the environment and natural resources. “The smallest act we do and teach to our children can go a long way in saving the earth,” she said while calling on the mothers to get involved in government programs and take care of the benefits it has given them.

DSWD Municipal Link Officer Eryl Grenia, also advised the beneficiaries to promptly

exercise their responsibilities as beneficiaries of Pantawid Pamilya Program.

Siquijor Today Editor Inacher Abatayo talked on the topic which encapsulates RA 9262 or the Violence Against Women and Children (VAWC) Act. Each event ended with an open forum participated by the beneficiaries. (rmn/rac/ PIA7-Siquijor w/ reports from Inacher Acabo-Abatayo)

IRR consultation of Open Distance Learning Act held

By Fayette C. Riñen CEBU, May 6 (PIA) -- Cebu was the venue of the third and final leg of the public consultation on the proposed implementing rules and regulations (IRR) on RA 10650 otherwise known as the Open Distance Learning Act.

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ver 150 participants throughout the Visayas region with a few coming from Mindanao attended the public consultation this morning.

The attendees were representatives of the Commission on Higher Education (CHED), Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA), private colleges and universities, private sector, and other government agencies.

RA 10650, signed into law by President Benigno S. Aquino III on December 9, 2014 seeks to institutionalize Open Distance Learning (ODL) in public and private higher education institutions, post-secondary learning and vocational institutions.

Dr. Amelia Biglete, director IV of the Office of Programs and Standards Development of CHED, discussed the salient points of the law

which include qualified ODL students can access scholarship, grants-in-aid and loans from the government or government-administered funding sources as well as can take licensure examination administered by the Professional Regulations Commission in the practice of profession.

“The University of the Philippines Open University or UPOU has a significant role to play particularly in sharing its expertise to CHED and TESDA in matters related to the ODL especially in the design of prototype programs,” said Biglete.

Under the law, CHED and TESDA must formulate, promulgate, disseminate standard policies and guidelines in the effective implementation of the ODL in the country. Both agencies are also responsible in implementing a system of quality control of the ODL programs.

The law also grants tax exemptions to individuals and organizations that donate, contribute, bequest and grant, in cash, materials and services for the promotion of ODL in partnership with higher education institutions.

All inputs form the participants during the open forum will be consolidated with the other recommendations in the previous two public consultations in Luzon and Mindanao for finalization of the IRR. The finalization of the IRR will have to be approved by the heads of the three agencies of CHED, TESDA and the UPOU. UPOU Chancellor Dr. Grace Javier Alfonso said “the ODL system will definitely enhance our education system,” adding that capacity and capability building programs will be done for the teachers and others involved in the ODL programs. (rmn/fcr/PIA-7)

EASTERN VISAYAS

6 Samar targets preparedness

households

on

disaster Phalaenopsis x intermedia Orchid variety also known as Star of Leyte

NINFA B. QUIRANTE CATBALOGAN CITY, Samar, May 6 (PIA) - - - Samar Province does not only target communities but households on disaster preparedness.

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n the recent summit on disaster risk reduction, Governor Sharee Ann Tan emphasized that every family and household should be ready for any eventuality.

“We want to institutionalize disaster preparedness,” the lady governor said.

“As DILG takes charge in the local governments through Oplan Listo, we will try to equip households with the needed information and directions to be ready,” she said.

Oplan Listo is DILG‟s program in assisting local governments in making disaster preparedness plans and through its process learn their readiness to respond to

typhoons.

This can also assists them in planning and responses to typhoons and clarify what they need so that they can ask DILG to reinforce their capacity long before any typhoon arrives, according to the listo manual.

The chief executive said soon they will distribute a manual for every household which can serve as guide of the households and families on what to prepare, what to do and whom to contact should typhoons reach them.

As many as 16 mayors out of the 26 local chief executives in the province attended the summit together with their

disaster risk reduction officer, social welfare officer, agriculturist, accountant, budget officer and local government officer.

The local officers also had speakers from DBM, COA and DILG regional director Pedro Naval who taught them the creation of DRRMO‟s, qualifications and entitlements with allocation and utilization.

As closing activity, all the mayors in attendance signed the commitment to disaster preparedness and support the inclusive community based disaster risk reduction initiatives for resilient communities as embodied in Republic Act 10121. (nbq/PIA 8-Samar).

'Governance Seal' is LGUs‘ gateway to NGAs‘ financial aid TACLOBAN CITY, Leyte, May 5 (PIA) – It only takes a ―Seal of Good Governance‖ for local government units (LGUs), provincial and municipal to get fund assistance of national government agencies (NGAs).

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his was disclosed by Ms. Pia Lovete, Chief Local Government Monitoring Unit, Department of Interior and Local Government Unit(DILG-08), in a radio interview today over DYVL Aksyon Radyo.

She said that the Payapa at Masaganang Pamayanan (PAMANA) is only one of the poverty alleviation projects of the government which can be availed of by LGUs with certain requirements, the DILG “Seal of Good Financial Housekeeping” for one. The project mostly provides assistance for construction of farm-to-market-roads (FMR), irrigations and bridges.

Lovete said that for the region, after an assessment made by DILG central office, hundred percent of the provincial LGUs here have actually passed the initial test for “good financial housekeeping” (GFH). This means that all the six provinces of Samar and

Leyte have been declared compliant to the GFH adding that the GFH is dependent on the report of the Commission on Audit (COA) being the agency mandated to look into the financial transactions of LGUs. “Unless we receive the COA report, we cannot include the LGU in our list for further assessment that will lead them ultimately to the “Seal of Good Governance” award to be accorded further of government fund assistance.

GFH compliance includes the full disclosure policy of an LGU when they make public all financial transactions with its corresponding projects and expenditures. LGUs usually present this report in a bulletin board or in the internet portal or in their respective and maintained websites.

There are six indicators or thematic

areas that LGUs have to comply with, among them are: peace and order, environmental protection, social protection, disaster preparedness and financial housekeeping.

In a separate interview, DILG-08 Information Officer, Myles Colasito reported that an LGU is considered “passing the test” if at least it has passed the 3-core indicators: disaster preparedness, financial and social services plus one more from either of the other three.

Other fund assistance for compliant LGUs is the Bottoms-Up Budgeting (BUB) which likewise empowers local leaders and their constituents. The program, Ms Lovete concluded, was initiated by then Secretary Jessie Robredo and it has brought big significance in the improvement and performance of locally elected leaders.

(PIA-8)

DPWH-North Samar urges contractors to speed-up work while the weather is good AILENE N. DIAZ CATARMAN, Northern Samar, April 30 (PIA) - The Department of Public Works and Highways, Northern Samar Second District Engineering Office (NSSDEO), District Engineer Ferdinand Briones urged contractors in a meeting held recently to speed-up work while the weather permits and still an ideal time to work in the project sites.

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PWH-NSSDEO PIO Unit Rey Orsua informed that for the Calendar Year 2015, the NSSDEO is implementing 37 Infrastructure projects which covers and comprises asset preservation of national and secondary roads, construction and maintenance of bridges, road upgrading, construction and maintenance of flood mitigation structures

and drainage systems, off-carriageway improvements and various local infrastructure projects, among others.

Latest project status report from NSSDEO monitoring unit indicates a plus 24% actual overall accomplishment, four (4) of which are already completed while construction of the rest are still on going.

Engineer Briones however, stressed that the

quality of the projects should not be compromised vis-a-vis speeding up of its implementation. He only expects that all projects for CY 2015 under the coverage area of the Second District be completed early as most of which are basically on road shouldering or re-blocking activities along the national roads of which according to him are the easiest to implement. (ADiaz)

EASTERN VISAYAS

Flores de Mayo– Mayo– Santacruzan

7

SoLeyte LGU appropriates P3M to grow rambutan fruit trees provincewide ERNA S. GORNE

MAASIN CITY, Southern Leyte, May 4 (PIA) - The provincial government of Southern Leyte launched the ―One Man, One Tree in every Household‖ restore greening movement campaign by growing rambutan fruit trees across the province.

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ccording to Agricultural Technician Ma. Luz Gaviola, provincial coordinator for High Valued Crops Development Program (HVCDP) of the Provincial Agricultural Services Office (PAgSO)during the Cable TV Provincial Report , Tuesday, April 28, “ no less than Provincial Governor Roger Mercado led in the distribution of rambutan grafted seedlings in the municipality of Padre Burgos launching of the restore greening movement, symbolic of the provincewide planting of rambutan fruit trees in the next four years.”

There were 700 grafted seedling of rambutan fruit tree distributed in Padre Burgos last Monday, April 27, she reported.

She further disclosed the following

distributions schedules with their corresponding grafted seedlings to be planted: April 30 – Limasawa, 400; May 8 – Maasin City, 5,200; and May 11 – Macrohon, 1,700.

The movement targets to enjoin 89,000 households, as per PSA Household survey in 2010, in the province of Southern Leyte to plant one rambutan tree in either at the front, sides or backyards near their homes, for the first batch choosen households to plant this year, Gaviola explained.

She disclosed that every year 25,000 grafted rambutan seedlings are targetted to be planted within four years throughout the province.

“The provincial government has

appropriated the amount of P3Million for this tree planting activity to include the procurement of grafted seedlings,” Gaviola said.

Gaviola noted that the rambutan tree is expected to bear fruits in two to three years. Off season, the price of rambutan fruit is pegged at P 80.00 per kilo but, during harvesting season, the price is lower at p20.00 to P40.00 per kilo in the market.”

The local government units are the partners of this greening movement as they will be responsible to choose the households who can join in the planting depending on their availability of lots to be planted with one rambutan fruit tree. (esg/ PIA8 SoLeyte)

CARD MRI conducts free health services to women in Samar TACLOBAN CITY, Leyte, April 30 (PIA) – More than a thousand pregnant, lactating mothers and childbearing-age women in the Municipality of Basey, Samar availed of the 3rd Community Health Fair at Basey Municipal Gym recently.

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he project dubbed as “The Healthy Mothers, Healthy Babies: Kalinga Kay Inay Project” was conducted by the Center for Agriculture and Rural De v e lo p m e n t - M u tu a lly R e in f o rc in g Institutions in partnership with the rural health unit of Basey.

OB-GYNs from the Philippine Obstetrical and Gynecological Society (POGS) in the region, doctors, pediatricians a n d v o l u n te e r n u r s e s p r o v i de d maternal health education, medical consultation, medicines, mother's kits,urinalysis and ultrasound services to women in said area.

The Philippine Health Insurance Corporation (Philhealth) also participated in the said event.

Marilyn Manila, Community Development Group Coordinator said, by the end of 2015, the program is targeting 8, 000 women to benefit from the health fairs and 600,000 individuals from the maternal health education.

Region 8 is the first area to receive the maternal health education.

“CARD MRI has the outreach to implement such project.

We hope that we will be able to create an impact to the lives of our target beneficiaries and help the country in lowering maternal mortality and reach the Millennium Development Goal (MDG) by the end of 2015, “Manila added.

The Center for Agriculture and Rural Development Mutually Reinforcing

Institutions (CARD MRI), one of the largest group of social development institutions in the Philippines and U.S.-based international development organization Freedom from Hunger and the Microcredit Summit Campaign first launched the Kalinga Kay Inay Project in 2014 in Laguna.

In the next 3-5 years, it is expected that there will be an improvement and sustainability of delivery of health education and related services through strengthening the foundation and capacity of member finance institutions of the Philippine Microfinance and Health Consortium to reach millions of women and children with health education and other health services. (ajc/cba/ PIA-8)

Eastern Visayas remains strike-free CONSUELO B. ALARCON TACLOBAN CITY, Leyte, May 4(PIA) – Eastern Visayas has remained strike-free since 2003, the National Conciliation and Mediation Board (NCMB) in the region said Wednesday.

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n a press conference held at the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) training center, Rico S. Babalcon of NCMB-8 announced that for twelve (12) years no strike among local laborers here was recorded in the whole region.

“When we talk about industrial peace ang barometer natin dito is strike. When

we say strike it means a concerted effort conducted by the employees due to labor dispute but the last strike happened in 2003,” Babalcon said.

Said strike was conducted by several employees of Eastern Samar Electric Cooperative (ESAMELCO) over a collective bargaining agreement (CBA) deadlock.

On the same occasion, the National

Labor Relations Commission (NLRC) reported its accomplishment for the first quarter in 2015.

Labor arbiter Amelia Docena said she issued a judgment award of P1, 236, 656.41 to parties who were not amicably settled during the mandatory conference and a total amount of P411,510.93 was awarded for amicable settlement. (aen/cba/PIA-8)

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

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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