One Visayas e-Newsletter Vol 5 Issue 31

Vol 5

Issue 31

In this Issue WESTERN VISAYAS

PLAYFUL. Pacific Partnership 2015 mission commander Capt. Christopher Engdahl takes time to play soccer with school children of Basiao Elementary School in Ivisan town following the ceremonial turnover and blessing of newly repaired classroom buildings which capped the mission‘s engineering engagement at the school site, Aug. 1. (PIA Capiz photo/A. Lumaque)

More on Region 6, pages 2-3.

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CENTRAL VISAYAS

Bayawan City Mayor Ismael Martinez leads the ceremonial distribution of #‎solarhomesystems to barangay officials of identified un-energized villages of the city. The distribution of solar home systems is part of DOE's Household Electrification Program in cooperation with the City Government of Bayawan, NORECO-2 and Silliman University.

The beneficiaries of this program in Bayawan City reached almost 3,000 households. (More photos soon). (PIA7-Negros Oriental)

More on Region 7, pages 4-5.

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EASTERN VISAYAS

The Philippine Red Cross-Southern Leyte Chapter and the Southern Leyte Voluntary Blood Services Council conducts mass blood donation dubbed as "Dugo Mo Kinabuhing Ko," to formally launch its services held at the Provincial Coliseum, August 1, 2015. (rgc/ PIA8-SL)

More on Region 8, pages 6-7.

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August 3 - 9, 2015

Published by: PIA 6, 7 & 8

Private sector major growth driver in WV Lilibeth A. French ILOILO CITY, Aug. 3 (PIA6) - - The economic activities of the private sector will remain vibrant and will be one of the drivers of economic growth in Western Visayas for this year.

Teresa Guadalupe, Chief Economic Development Specialist of the National Economic Development Authority 6 (NEDA 6) said this is evident in the ongoing construction in the different areas in the region led by the private sector.

She cited the construction projects that are underway in Iloilo City particularly in the Iloilo Business Park, Ayala Technohub, Iloilo Convention Center, expansion of malls and the various hotels.

In Capiz province, there is the opening of Pueblo de Panay, a 400-hectare township.

Guadalupe said the region is also slowly becoming

attractive for the construction of condominiums due to rapid urbanization and the accompanying rise of the residential sector.

In the 2014 Report on the Regional Economy of Western Visayas released by the Philippine Statistics Authority on Thursday, construction grew faster from 13.3 percent in 2013 to 17.3 percent in 2014.

Construction is also seen to help and provide jobs as these establishments will generate employment opportunities.

Guadalupe said while employment will continue to show positive and encouraging figures, from 93 percent in 2013 to 94 percent last year, however, underemployment posting 21.8 percent in 2014 will remain constant/steady or may increase slightly because a good number of the new jobs are on a part time basis. (JCM/ LAF/PIA-Iloilo)

Better days ahead for EV despite economic slowdown CONSUELO B. ALARCON TACLOBAN CITY, Leyte, July 31 (PIA) – Despite the economic shakedown, we still have good reasons to see better days ahead for Eastern Visayas, according to National Economic and Development Authority (NEDA) Region 8 assistant regional director Alan O. Olavides.

Olavides said this at a press conference Thursday noting the economic slowdown in the region as reported by the Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA) Regional Office 8.

The PSA reported that the Gross Regional Domestic Product (GRDP) of the region contracted from 4.5 percent in 2013 to negative 2.3 percent in 2014 which can be attributed to the lingering effects of typhoon Yolanda which hit the region in November 2013 causing enormous damages in Agriculture, Hunting, Forestry and Fishing (AHFF) sectors.

Another contributory factor to the economic slowdown was the reported under-spending of public funds for it stymied the implementation of socioeconomic programs and projects of the government which dragged the economic growth.

Olavides pointed out the report of the Commission on Audit (COA) which stated that only 66 percent of the region‘s total budget for 2014 was utilized.

However, with the approval of the Yolanda Comprehensive Rehabilitation and Recovery Program (YCRRP), more reconstruction projects will be completed, Olavides added.

To date, 66 percent were completed of the 122 reconstruction and recovery projects undertaken in Yolanda-affected areas in the region.

Some of these projects are to be completed soon and some are still ongoing including the Secondary National Roads Development Project (SNRDP), Samar Pacific Coastal Road (SPCR) and Road Infrastracture to Support Tourism.

Said projects and those which have been recently endorsed by the Regional Development Council (RDC) include the Road Heightening and Tide Embankment for Tacloban-Palo-Tanauan, the proposed Tacloban Water Supply Distribution System, the Hilongos-Mahaplag and Jaro-Ormoc road projects, among others, are expected to boost the economy in the region. (ajc/cba/PIA-8)

UK Embassy seeks project proposals to boost rice production

BY JENNIFER C. TILOS NEGROS ORIENTAL, August 7 (PIA) -- British Embassy has urged local researchers in the province to submit project proposals to boost rice production to make it more resilient and sustainable in the country.

According to Communications Manager at the British Embassy Manila, Lynn Ayers Plata, the proposals for collaborative research should have long-term sustainable production of rice.

Food security is one of the greatest global challenges the United Kingdom government would like to help address, as Britons are as fond of rice as Filipinos, said Plata.

This initiative is supported by the UK Government‘s Newton Fund which helps build science and innovation partnerships with key emerging economies.

The Newton Fund is a research and innovation fund of £375 million to support science and innovation partnerships with emerging knowledge economies.

Programs in the Philippines are being allocated around P711 million until 2019.

This project also funds other Asian countries which include China, Thailand and Vietnam that will help farmer productivity and enhance trading in rice. ―In a country where rice is a main part of almost every meal, enhancing rice production is a major priority.

The headlines report that El Niño may be the most

intense the country has experienced in recent years.

Studies have shown that climate change will have a devastating effect of food security if it is not addressed now. Unli rice may no longer be a promo offer," British Ambassador Asif Ahmad said.

Ahmad also encouraged all researchers who are working towards the adequate supply of this staple food to submit their applications to the Newton Fund.

Proposed projects should be up to a maximum duration of three years and will require a UK principal investigator as well as a Philippine principal investigator.

Deadline for submission of applications is on August 13, 2015.

For more information on this opportunity, please visit the UK BBSRC website: http://www.bbsrc.ac.uk/funding/ opportunities/2015/newton -fund-joint-call-in-riceresearch/ (rmn/jct/PIA7-Negros Oriental)

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WESTERN VISAYAS

Pacific Partnership 2015 ends, earns gratitude of Capiceños President Manuel L. Quezon Park Park--Corregidor Island

Jemin B. Guillermo

ROXAS CITY, Capiz, Aug. 4 (PIA6) – The humanitarian engagements of the Pacific Partnership 2015 in Capiz capped with a ceremony onboard United States Naval Hospital Ship.

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he ceremony was graced by about 100 invited guests led by Capiz Governor Victor Tanco, August 1, with Pacific Partnership 2015 Mission Commander Capt. Christopher Engdahl as host.

In his message, Gov. Tanco thanked the team composed of service personnel from the different countries led by the United States of America for selflessly sharing their blessings to the Filipinos, particularly the people of Capiz.

He said that the Pacific Partnership serves as the true example of excellence and an attestation of the concern for others.

―To be in service to others, you need not be in office as what is needed is the compassion and commitment to serve,‖ Tanco said.

He also stressed that the various engagements in Capiz are full of life changing endeavors to help the less fortunate Capiceños, especially those who were affected by supertyphoon Yolanda.

The international humanitarian engagements in Capiz included the medical, dental, optal, veterinary and surgical civic action programs as well as engineering, disaster relief and rescue capacity training and cultural exchange

programs.

During the ceremony, Tanco presented a plaque to Capt. Engdahl containing the province‘s sincerest gratitude for all the services extended to the people of Capiz.

He also said that more than the humanitarian services is the bond formed that will forever be treasured by the Capiceños.

The governor likewise gave a Capiz shell – based lampshade as token of Capiceños' gratefulness to the various mission collaborators who conducted joined the team here. (JCM/JBG/PIA6-Capiz)

First-ever Negosyo Center opens in Iloilo Elsa S. Subong ILOILO CITY, Aug. 3 (PIA6) — The first-ever Negosyo Center was launched recently by the Iloilo provincial government.

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This will make doing business in Iloilo province and the city, besides providing access to services needed by entrepreneurs here,‖ Iloilo Governor Arthur Defensor, Sr. Said during the launching program.

Citing the micro, small and medium enterprises as backbone of the country‘s economy, Defensor lauded the center as promoting ease of doing business, catering to these small businesses.

Various stakeholders, including the Department of Trade and Industries, the LGUs, and the Iloilo Business Club, joined in launching the center, which is temporarily

housed at the provincial capitol.

The project is in partnership with the DTI, DILG, and the government of Canada through the Local Governance Support Program for Economic Development (LGSP-LED).

Iloilo is among the provinces with the highest number of SMEs and the Negosyo Center can help the entrepreneurs make their enterprises sustainable and earn well, according to Defensor.

The Negosyo Center‘s services include business registration assistance, business advisory services, and business information and advocacy. Trade and Industry Regional

Director Wilhelm Malones said that aside from the above, the Negosyo Center can also provide business recovery assistance during calamities.

The center will be managed by the Local Development Economic Enterprise and Investment Promotion Unit at the 3rd floor of the New provincial capitol.

Meanwhile, LGSP-LED Local Economic and Investment Promotion Officer Velma Jane Lao said that through the enabling policies and programs implemented, Metro Iloilo-Guimaras has recorder more than P4 billion new tourism investments in 2013. (JCM/ESS/PIA-Iloilo)

Quad immunization good for kids Pilar S. Mabaquiao SAN JOSE, Antique, Aug. 5 (PIA6) - - School-based routine immunization kicked-off on Monday in all public schools nationwide with the banner ‗Bakunang Tuloy Tuloy – Para sa Malusog na Batang Pinoy.

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eronica Abella, Supervising Midwife at the same time Expanded Program on Immunization Coordinator, Antique Provincial Health Office said this will be a routine immunization starting this year to cover children enrolled in Grade 1 and Grade 7. ―A total of 12,640 Grade 1 pupils and 11,424 Grade 7 students are expected to be immunized in 479 elementary and 55 secondary public schools provincewide,‖, she said.

In San Jose, Dr. Melba Billones during the launching program at San Fernando Elem School underscored the importance of this routine immunization for Tetanus, Diphtheria, Measles and Rubella to prevent

complications and boost immunity of children.

Complications of Measles she said include pneumonia and blindness while Diphtheria could also lead to meningitis. In severe these cases complications could cause death, she said.

Billones said the routine immunization will serve as a booster to children since they have been given the same immunization when they were infants at the Barangay Health Center or Rural Health Clinic.

However the efficacy of the immunization tends to decline as they grow up thus, the need to give them the booster immunization, she emphasized.

She also gave credits to the nurses led

by Richel Joseco and midwives who are grouped into teams to undertake the month -long immunization in all public schools with the support of teachers, local officials, barangay health workers, nutrition scholars and service point officers of the population office. ―The community of Muslims and Cebuanos residing at Barangay San Fernando, San Jose Billones likewise said are supportive to this school based immunization.

They in fact accompany their children to avail of the vaccination.

The town of San Jose has a target of 1,168 Grade 1 pupils and 1,441 Grade 7 students. (JCM/PSM-PIA6 Antique)

WESTERN VISAYAS

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NHA building 1T houses for Yolanda victims Lorenzo O. Lambatin Jr. Negros Occ., Aug. 6 (PIA6) - - A total of 1,017 houses are now under construction in different LGUs of the province for typhoon Yolanda victims as of July this year, according to NHA Negros Occ. Provincial chief Engr. Alejandro Ongsuco.

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he house construction is part of the accomplishment rate of 50.59 percent, government‘s commitment to Escalante City 38.27 percent, Sagay 33.30 provide shelter to Yolanda victims percent, Manapla Town 25.3, Victorias City here.

31.36 percent and EB Magalona Town 35.36 In Sagay City 168 units are being built, percent.

646 in Cadiz City, 175 in Victorias City and Breakdown of house and lot projects 28 in EB Magalona town. for LGU is as follows: Escalante 559, Sagay Ongsuco also revealed 11, 655 houses City 3, 000, Cadiz 3, 556, Manapla 2, 000, and lot packages are undergoing land Victorias City 1, 372 and EB Magalona town development in the province, with NHA 1,168. All LGUs are located in northern having received a notice to proceed with the Negros Occ., the area badly by the super project. typhoon.

The projects are now in different stages The government is targeting to build 27, of completion: Cadiz City has an 055 house package that it hopes to finish

before President Aquino term ends.

He said the project in Silay is currently stalled because of change of area for development.

According to Ongsuco one project consists of 1, 000 unit house and lot package at the most and takes one year to complete.

Lot area is 40 square meters while house area varies from 22 square meters, 26 square meters and 28.4 square meters.

The house construction and lot package costs a total of P 290, 000 per unit. (JCM/Lljr – PIA6)

Campus writers urged to spread info on geohazards Leonard T. Pineda I ILOILO CITY, Aug. 3 (PIA6) --- Campus publications can be effective channels in disseminating vital information on geological hazards in Western Visayas, said the Mines and Geosciences Bureau (MGB)-6.

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n the campus journalism seminar-workshop organized by the Philippine Information Agency (PIA)-6 held July 29-31 at Sarabia Manor Hotel here, MGB-6 Senior Science Research Specialist Leilanie Suerte said that campus writers can help raise the awareness of their fellow students on geologic hazards. ―Student writers can help develop the culture of disaster preparedness among their peers through their articles and write-ups,‖ she said to 134 participants of the seminar workshop.

She emphasized that climate change

which involves unpredictable and extreme weather events is the new normal and this includes numerous occurrences of landslide, flooding and other geologic hazards. ―Geological hazards such as landslides, floods, sinkholes, earthquakes are capable of causing negative impact on man‘s life and well-being,‖ she said.

She said that the negative impact has economic consequences such as damage to property, infrastructure, agriculture, breakdown and interruption of services, displacement of the population, among others,‖ she stressed.

―Geological hazards also have other environmental impacts including drastic changes and destruction of animal and plant habitat,‖ she said.

She also said that they are strengthening their information education campaigns through risk sharing/risk transfer, risk retention or acceptance, knowledge development, and capacity building.

She said that addressing vulnerabilities, building resilience or adaptive capacity are means to reducing the adverse impacts of disaster. (JCM/LTP/PIA-Iloilo)

KBP-Aklan sets ‗Broadcastreeing‘ 2015

By Venus G. Villanueva KALIBO, Aklan, Aug. 5 (PIA6) -- Aklan‘s broadcasters will take time-out from competing with each other on the airwaves August 15 as they embark together on a very worthy and timely activity – tree planting at Barangay Jawili, Tangalan, Aklan to make the province a greener, healthier place to live in.

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his activity here, spearheaded by the Kap isanan ng Mga Brodkaster ng Pilipinas (KBP) Aklan Chapter, is dubbed ―Oplan Broadcastreeing‖, and is a nationwide tree-planting project.

KBP-Aklan Chapter Chairman Alan C. Palma of YES FM-Boracay said the holding of ―Broadcastreeing‖ in Aklan will serve as the Aklanon broadcasters‘ contribution and participation to the National Greening Program (NGP) of the government under Executive Order No. 26 of President Benigno S. Aquino III, which seeks to plant 1.5 billion seedlings on

1.5 million hectares of land from 2011 to 2016.

Palma said the tree - planting activity in Jawili, Tangalan will be conducted with the support of the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) and the Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG). ―Some 30 to 40 KBP members from 8-member stations in Aklan with different organizations and volunteers will be joining the activity‖, Palma said.

Meanwhile, Ivene Reyes, DENR-Aklan Provincial Environment and Natural

Resources Officer said instructions had been made to concerned DENR personnel who will be assisting the group in the activity.

Reyes said the area identified for tree-planting is within the project site of the barangay.

He also expressed his appreciation on the KBP‘s concern and cooperation for the development and conservation of natural resources and compliance to E.O. 26.

DENR will also be providing the seedlings to be planted. (VGV PIA6 Aklan)

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CENTRAL VISAYAS

Model A Negosyo Center now in Siquijor province President Manuel L. Quezon Park Park--Corregidor Island

Rizalie Anding Calibo

SIQUIJOR, Aug. 4 (PIA) --- The Model A ―Negosyo Center‖, the first in the province, is now open at the Department of Trade (DTI) building in Siquijor, Siquijor.

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he blessing and launching was done last week with DTI 7 Regional Director Aster Caberte, local officials heads of national government agencies, Micro Small and Mediul Enterprises (MSMEs), financial institutions, members of the provincial micro small and Medium enterprises development council (MSMEDC) and Senator ‗Bam‘ Aquino‘s representative, Mona Yap, gracing the affair.

Caberte, in a message, said Region 7 is committed to mount Model A Negosyo Centers and urged provincial DTI offices and the local government units (LGUs) to work on it.

She said the Go Negosyo Act is empowering partners—SMEDCs, LGUs and other private sector partners—to come up with a purposive MSME development that ―for the longest time was never felt.‖ She said this as she cited the World Bank report that says Philippines will be a survivor next

year because of strong macro-economic factors that this administration has placed.

Negosyo Centers establishment is an offshoot of RA 10644 or ―An act Promoting Job Generation and Inclusive Growth through the Development of Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs)," authored by Senator Aquino.

It was signed into law by President Benigno S. Aquino III on July 15 2014 and took effect on January 13, 2015.

It aims to bring government services closer to small businesses, further boost assistance for MSMES to grow and flourish, and to intensify the promotion of entrepreneurship in the country. ―Naniniwala po si Senator Bam na ang hinahanap ng ating malilit na negosyante ay mga taong puede nilang kausapin, puedeng hingan ng tulong at advise sa kanilang araw-araw ng pakikipagsapalaran,‖ Yap said.

She said that Siquijor province is part of the top 100 Negosyo Center targeted this year which plays an important role in making their vision a reality and that proves that the province can help small businesses grow. ―There‘s a really big potential for Siquijor to grow as an economy and to contribute to the whole economy of the Philippines,‖ said Yap. She hoped that as the economy of Siquijor continues to grow micro-enterprises grow with it.

Negosyo Center, she explained, is a one-stop shop that brings together the existing and more services of the DTI and LGUs that provide three main services: business registration, business advisory council including mentoring and coaching, and business information advocacy.

In simpler terms, it‘s about providing money, marketing and mentoring for business to grow, she said. (rmn/rac/PIA7-Siquijor)

Special tours await APEC delegates in Cebu Rachelle M. Nessia CEBU, Aug. 1 (PIA) --- Delegates who will be visiting Cebu for the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) meetings will have the chance to enjoy a glimpse of Cebu's rich historic past via a special tour prepared for them by the Department of Tourism (DOT) here.

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he tour will not only bring visitors down Catholic faith of Sugbo‘s Rajah Humabon and Queen memory lane but also offer present-day Juana and a few hundred of their followers at Magellan‘s attractions and upcoming developments in Cross.

Cebu. ―Candle vendors at the Basilica will perform the The short trip will cover old structures dating traditional Sinulog dance for our visitors. APEC back to Spanish times, American period buildings, delegates will also get the chance to ride on a tartanilla commercial districts, and the upcoming seaside to Fort San Pedro where they will be welcomed by developments in the South Road Properties, said DOT-7 volunteers in Spanish outfits and served Spanish food Senior Tourism Operations Officer Judilyn Quiachon. and wine,‖ she said.

Quiachon said participants of APEC 2015 meetings At the old Chinese district of Parian, tour in Cebu will be treated to cultural performances at some participants will get to explore the centuries-old of Cebu City‘s historic structures.

Yap-Sandiego ancestral house and the Jesuit House of According to Quiachon, guests will be shown a 1730 that is now known as the Museo Parian. reenactment of Portuguese explorer Ferdinand The complimentary tour will take three hours and Magellan‘s arrival and planting of a cross on Cebu soil in will bring APEC delegates past Colon Street, the oldest 152, and the subsequent baptism into the Roman in the country, with its Chinese lantern decorations on

its way to the Provincial Capitol building, passing by such significant American period structures as the Cebu Normal University, Fuente Osmena Circle, CAP Building, and Rizal Library.

There will also be side trips to the University of the Philippines (UP)-Cebu Campus, Cebu IT Park, Ayala Center Cebu, and South Road Properties (SRP) up to the new SM Seaside City.

APEC delegates may also pick from eight paid tours crafted exclusively for them, said Quiachon.

These include the: Cebu Island Arts and Crafts Industry Tour, Island Hopping Safari, Cebu Highlands Tour, South Countryside Tour and Village Experience, Dive Cebu!, Cebu Food Trip, Spa and Wellness Package, and the Bohol In A Day Adventure. (rmn/PIA7-Cebu/ Cebu Capitol PIO)

Davide off to Japan to strengthen Cebu‘s PPP thrusts Ferliza C. Contratista CEBU CITY, Aug. 3 (PIA) — Cebu Governor Hilario Davide III will go on a seven-day trip to Japan to boost the Private Public Partnership (PPP) thrusts of the province.

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avide will lead the delegation composed of government and private sectors to attend the 10th International Forum on PPP beginning August 4 in Tokyo, Japan.

This international forum is organized annually by the Toyo University thru its Asia PPP Institute, which was tapped by Gov. Davide to study possible PPP projects in Cebu last February. ―Governor Davide III will speak on Cebu's investments potentials thru PPP during the forum, which will also be attended by former Malaysian Prime Minister Mahathir bin Mohamad,‖ according to Ethel Natera, Cebu Provincial Information Officer.

Keynote speakers of the forum also include Dr. Geoffrey Hamilton, Chief for the Cooperation and Partnerships Section of the United Nations Economic Commission for Europe‘s International PPP Center of Excellence Natera said that in the forum, Takashi Tokue will present the Case Study on "PPP Possibility Study in the Province of Cebu."

Gov. Davide will deliver a speech in the forum focusing on the identified key areas and how the PPP

could help achieve his governmental functions without depending much on the province‘s resources.

The Governor‘s six key development agenda includes private sector cooperation especially in infrastructure projects, health services, and disaster preparedness.

Members of the Cebu delegation include: senior Provincial Board (PB) Member Peter John Calderon, chair of the committee chair on health and co-author of Cebu‘s investment code; PB Member Christopher Baricuatro, author of Cebu‘s investment code and PPP ordinance; and PB Member Jude Thaddeus Durano-Sybico, vice chair of the committee on planning and development.

Also joining the delegation are mayors Raymond Joseph Calderon of Samboan, Lisa Marie Durano-Estreegan of Sogod, and Vice Mayors Wilson Wenceslao of Santander and Richard Estreegan of Sogod. Second District Rep. Wilfredo Caminero was also invited and will attend the forum.

From the private sector are Slovakia‘s honorary Consul Antonio Chiu, who is also a member of Cebu Investment Promotions Board (CIPC),

University of San Jose-Recoletos- College of Law Dean Jonathan Capanas who is a Capitol consultant, CIPC Chief Benjamin Yap and C ap itol sen ior c on su ltan t on Resou rc e Development and International Cooperation Rodrigo Lachica Jr. This year, Toyo University will be inaugurating a Specialist Center of Excellence for PPP in Local Governments under the UNECE‘s International PPP Center of Excellence.

Currently, Toyo University took under its wing 40 municipalities in Japan and Asia in developing and implementing PPP policies and projects.

In the Philippines, the pioneering initiative is the agricultural project case study in Butuan City, which is already in the implementation stage.

Aside from forum, the Cebu delegation will also pay a courtesy visit to the officials of Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) Saitama Prefecture, and Yokohama City.

The delegation will also visit private companies and public institutions in Yokohama City and Saitama Prefecture. (rmn/fcc/PIA7-Cebu with reports from Xerxes Alkuino, Capitol PIO)

CENTRAL VISAYAS

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PRO7: Security preps in place for APEC Cebu Fayette C. Riñen CEBU, July 31 (PIA) -- ―We are 95 percent ready."

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his is the assurance given by the top police Bañas during the monthly 'Talakayan sa Isyung Pulis' chief in Central Visayas as the upcoming or TSIP Forum this morning at the PRO7 media APEC event in Cebu is less than a month conference room. away. ―Part of the security requirement is the C/Supt. Prudencio Bañas, regional director deployment of one policeman in every 100 meters in of the Police Regional Office (PRO7), said that ceremonial routes with the name of the assigned by next week, the security plan for APEC Cebu personnel specified,‖ said Bañas. will be presented to the National Joint Task The PRO-7 chief said red alert will be Force as security for the delegates will be raised four days before the start of the first personalized. meeting and four days after the completion of the Over 3,200 delegates from 21 economies are meetings. expected to gather in Cebu starting August 22 until On the threat of terrorism, Bañas said ―so far, September 6 to participate in different APEC-related we have not received any report‖ on any groups that meetings as police personnel will be deployed in the are out to wreck havoc to the event adding that the identified meeting venues and the billet hotels, said greatest challenge is the traffic.

A series of dry runs will be implemented including checking on the traffic flow to ensure that everything would be smooth during the actual activities especially the Senior Officials Meeting or SOM 3, bared Bañas.

In case of street rallies, Bañas said their policy has always been ‗maximum tolerance‘ as long as protesters do not get violent as their right to air their grievances must also be respected albeit in a peaceful manner.

Policemen will also be deployed in eight identified tourist destinations in Cebu including Moalboal, Badian and Osmeña Peak in Toledo City where delegates have the option to do some sightseeing tours. (rmn/fcr/PIA7)

Solar Home System units to power 17 barangays in Bayawan Roi Anthoni B. Lomotan BAYAWAN CITY, Negros Oriental, Aug. 6 (PIA) – Units of Solar Home System (SHS) were handed over to 17 barangays here that do not have power yet through their Solar Power Association (SOPA) officers.

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he units were given by Department of Energy (DOE) in cooperation with City Government of Bayawan and Silliman University during the ceremonial switch-on and distribution of SHS event held at the Integrated Business Center yesterday.

This is part of DOE‘s Household Electrification Program (HEP) project in Visayas.

SHS units are composed of solar panels and a 10-kilowatt peak capacity and a 30-kilowatt peak capacity batteries.

Beneficiaries can use this to turn on lights and transistor radios as well as to charge cellphones.

The barangays that received these SHS are Cansumalig, San Roque, Kalumboyan, San Isidro, Manduao, Ali-is, Maninihon, Villasol, Tabuan, Manduao Proper, Nangka, Tayawan, Dawis, Minaba, San Jose, Bugay and Narra.

According to DOE-Visayas field office director Antonio Labios, this is the second time the department had this kind of activity in the Visayas.

The first was in September 2013 in Northern

Iloilo.

Dir. Labios said Bayawan City has the biggest number of household beneficiaries of HEP with 2, 989 beneficiaries. ―This number is very hard to attain especially if we are talking of very remote sitios which are generally located beyond five kilometers from the last tapping pole of Negros Oriental Electric Cooperative (NORECO 2). Most of the sitios are only accessible by foot or during good weather condition – by habal-habal,‖ he disclosed.

The first batch of SHS composed of around 924 units arrived last week, and distribution and installation of SHS in individual households will start soon after the deliveries have been completed within this week.

Another batch of SHS consisted of 2,000 units is set to be delivered within the coming months.

Bayawan City Mayor Ismael Martinez expressed his gratitude to DOE for choosing Bayawan City as a site for its HEP.

He cited that children can now study better and people will become more productive.

Another benefit, he said, is that it can deter crimes in hinterland areas.

Dir. Labios said DOE will now conduct trainings for S OPA offi cer s on th e proper management and maintenance of the SHS units.

He noted that taking care of theses SHS units is the responsibility of the recipients of these solar units.

On the other hand, Silliman University which is DOE‘s Affiliated Renewable Energy Center partner expressed their support to the program.

Silliman University vice president for development Jane Anette Belermino relayed to the SOPA officers the message of their university President Ben Malayang III. The ceremonial turnover was also witnessed by representatives from the provincial government and NORECO-2. (rmn/ral/PIA7-Negros Oriental)

RDC7 endorses TWG for Danajon Double Barrier Reef Juju M. Empuerto CEBU CITY, July 31 (PIA) -- The Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) 7 welcomed the issuance of a Regional Development Council (RDC) 7 resolution creating a technical working group (TWG) under the Economic Development Committee (EDC) to serve as a technical arm of the Cebu Leyte Bohol Southern Leyte (CeLeBoSoLe) for the management of the Danajon Double Barrier Reef.

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ENR 7 Regional Director Dr. Isabelo Montejo said in a press release: ―This is a positive development coming from the RDC 7 on its endorsement for the Danajon Double Barrier Reef as the only double barrier reef in the Philippines formed over the last 6,000 years and one of only three such sites in the Indo-Pacific region.‖ Bohol Governor Edgar Chatto as RDC chairperson approved RDC Resolution No. 29, series of 2015 last June 26 and attested by National Economic Development Authority (NEDA) 7 Regional Director Efren Carreon being the RDC vice chairperson, DENR-7 spokesperson Dr. Eddie Llamedo said.

Danajon Bank covers a total area of 272 square kilometers or 27,200 hectares with a total coastline of

699 kilometers including 40 islands located off Northern Bohol.

In a letter dated July 22 addressed to Montejo signed by Carreon, it said ―the CELEBOSOLE Project has been adopted as a special project of the Visayas Regional Development Committee chaired by Gov. Leopoldo Dominico Petilla of Leyte Province, and the RDC Chairs and Co-Chairs of the Visayas regions as members‖.

Further, destructive fishing and sedimentation have been pinpointed as the cause of the degradation in rich coral reef and sea-grass habitats in areas such as the Danajon Double Barrier Reef in northern Bohol; portions of western Palawan island; Lingayen Gulf in northern Luzon; and parts of other major islands like Marinduque and Mindoro.

The project will reduce and reverse degradation of Danajon Bank as there will be a TWG that will coordinate and manage certain programs and activities like enforcement, livelihood and food security options, and other socio-economic development initiatives as envisioned by President Aquino‘s Philippine Development Plan (PDP), said Montejo.

In the EDC-TWG, the DENR 7 serves as co-chair with Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources 7 as chair. The members are the Department of the Interior and Local Government, Department of Tourism, National Economic and Development Authority, relevant private sector and civil society organizations, and the academe. (rmn/jsme/PIA7-Cebu/with DENR7 report)

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EASTERN VISAYAS

P67M Agas-Agas bridge project 60% complete President Manuel L. Quezon Park Park--Corregidor Island

MA. REBECCA G. CADAVOS MAASIN CITY, Southern Leyte, Aug. 6 (PIA) – The Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH)-Southern Leyte Engineering District has embarked on a P67 million project to protect abutments and pier of Agas-Agas Bridge in the municipality of Sogod.

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PWH District Engineer Margarita C. Junia informed that the first phase worth P9 million was already completed last January, this year while the 2nd phase that cost P47 million is now 60% complete.

She added that another P11 million was allocated for Phase III to be implemented within this quarter.

The whole project includes the installation of gabions and stone masonry near the bridge foundation which will serve as scour protection during rainy days.

―We have to define waterways to control flow of water from the mountains that cause erosions,‖ DE Junia said.

The protection of the foundations is important to prevent the bridge to collapse, she added, saying that when DPWH completed the project in 2014, scouring near the bridge pier was unexpected and the timber poaching contributed to the abnormal flow of water under the 311 feet high bridge, Junia added.

The 350-meter long bridge which was inaugurated in 2009 was seen as the

permanent solution to landslide and rockslides in the said area. It was funded through a loan worth P1.024 billion under the Japan International Cooperation Agency – Official Development Assistance.

The amount also include the more than a kilometer road concreting approaching the bridge, road slips and drainage system.

In the past years, the bridge had a P350,000 budget for its maintenance, but for 2015, DPWH-SLED secured a P4-M special funds for its maintenance works. (rgc/PIA8 -SoLeyte)

Free operation to hydrocoele patients due to filariasis up CONSUELO B. ALARCON TACLOBAN CITY, Leyte, Aug. 3 (PIA) --- The Department of Health (DOH) Regional Office 8 encourages hydrocoele patients due to filariasis to undergo free operation at Eastern Visayas Regional Medical Center.

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c c o r d i n g to A n a l i z a Ba l i l a , Filariasis Control Program Coordinator said the urogenital operation or hydrocoelectomy is given free to all hydroecele patients who would like to avail of the service.

Since year 2009, the Department of Health has allotted Php300 thousand budget for free operation of hydrocoele patients in Eastern Visayas. ―Even if the region has been declared

filariasis-free in March 2014, it does not mean that the program has ended,‖ said Balila.

Lymphatic filariasis is a chronic parasitic infection transmitted through bites of mosquitos.

Health authorities said filarial worms live in the body for five to fifteen years and affects the lymphatics, kidneys and other organs of the body.

It can also affect children, men and

women, young and adults.

Some of the physical manifestations are elephantiasis of the breast, leg, arm and hydroecele for men. Infected person suffers from acute attacks causing swelling of legs, fever, sorenesss in glands and headache.

In Region 8, Southern Leyte and Biliran are some of the provinces that successfully eliminated Lymphatic Filariasis. (ajc/cba/ PIA-8)

SoLeyte officials, employees, students join voluntary blood donation drive ERNA S. GORNE MAASIN CITY, Southern Leyte, Aug. 5 (PIA) - Young blood donors fearlessly came and joined the voluntary blood donation to highlight the launching of the Provincial Voluntary Blood Services Council (PVBSC) in the province of Southern Leyte last Saturday, August 1, 2015 at Southern Leyte Coliseum.

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rovincial Governor Roger G. Mercado,who is also the chairman of the newly created PVBSC, led in the mass blood donation with the extraction of his (1) bag of 450 cc blood together with some provincial employees and students of the NSTP from the College of Maasin (CM), Saint Joseph College (SJC) and the Maasin City College (MCC).

The mass blood donation was facilitated with the technical assistance of the PRC Southern Leyte staff and volunteers and medical doctors from the Southern Leyte Provincial Hospital.

According to Philippine Red Cross (PRC) Southern Leyte Administrator Jonas Maco, the PRC has been designated as the collection unit of the mentioned provincial

blood council, the Philippine Red Cross and the Provincial Government of Southern Leyte will actively embark the 100% Voluntary and Non-Renumerated Blood Donation program.

Maco further said, ― that thru the dynamic partnership with all the members of PVBSC in the province, PRC is committted to get the 10% of the targeted population which is estimated at 40,000 probable blood donors .‖ He further said that if the figures will start to count down from the first month of January 2015, then the target is possibly attainable.

It is based with the nearly 400,000 total population of the province, he added.

Maco also disclosed that the provincial blood council is planning to campaign for

more blood donors across the province by municipality to include the City of Maasin.

Governor Roger Mercado was delighted to be a blood donor as a manifestation of his desire to serve humanity and fellow countrymen thru this notable cause.

Mercado also reported that the provincial government will continue to subsidize financial assistance to the indigents' need for the processing of screened blood with the appropriated funds from the provincial coffers in the amount of P600,000.00. He said that after the indigents will get a barangay certificate of indingency, they can readily avail the said financial subsidy from the provincial government, he said. (esg/PIA8SoLeyte)

EASTERN VISAYAS

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DOH-8 deworming campaign a success CONSUELO B. ALARCON TACLOBAN CITY, Leyte, Aug. 5 (PIA) – The simultaneous deworming of school children in Eastern Visayas was a complete success.

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ased on the final data gathered by the Philippine Information Agency (PIA), of the 700, 097 school children enrollees, 71, 286 children were exempted from taking the deworming medicine last July 29 as they had taken the drug before that day.

Ma. Elena Joy Villarosa, Information Officer of the Department of Health (DOH-8) said, 469, 279 pupils were

dewormed in the region during the simultaneous National Deworming Day in the whole country.

This figure represents 89.59% of the number of school age children who were dewormed and above the national target of 85%.

So far, no reported case of adverse reaction had occurred during that day and even days after the deworming

day.

Deworming children in schools has been found by health authorities to be a good strategy to reduce the burden of Soil Transmitted Helminthiasis (STH) infection and creates a positive impact on the children‘s education and health as well as reduce illnesses and deaths due to parasitism. (ajc/ cba/PIA-8)

DTI-Leyte reviews 2015 BUB projects CONSUELO B. ALARCON TACLOBAN CITY, Leyte, Aug 6 (PIA) - A one-day Bottom-Up Budgeting (BUB) Provincial Review and Consultative Assembly was conducted recently by the Department of Trade and Industry Leyte Provincial Office held at Cawaksi Training Center, Brgy. San Jose, Tacloban, City.

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he purpose of the gathering, spearheaded by DTI Leyte Provincial Director Desiderio P. Belas, was to review, finalize its 2015 BUB projects and assess the initial project proposals prepared by contracted Business Development Services (BDS) Providers as well as identify issues and concerns to refine it and ensure the fast and efficient implementation of the projects.

In a press statement, BDD Chief Faustino C. Gayas said all of the 11 BUB projects amounting to Php11,735,340.00 were reviewed during the whole day activity.

The nine recipient local government units (LGUs) were Tacloban City, Baybay City and the Municipalities of Abuyog, Capoocan, Albuera, Calubian, Tunga, Javier

and San Isidro, all in Leyte.

Among the projects are Streamlining Business Permits and Licensing in Abuyog, Processed Food Industry Clustering Project in Albuera, Food Livelihood Projects in Calubian, Alternative Livelihood Program for CSOs and Bayong Weavers in Capoocan, LRED Planning and BPLS Enhancement in Javier, Yaman Pinoy in San Isidro, Formulation of Municipal Economic Development & investment Plan in Tunga, Yaman Pinoy-Integrated Development Program for Pandan-based handicrafts in Baybay, City and the the three projects for Tacloban namely Yaman Pinoy, Skills Training and Product Enhancement and Livelihood Program for the PWDs and other vulnerable sectors.

Fatima Claire Bartolome, DTI Leyte

GPB Focal Person promised to release immediately the allocated funds to said LGUs once the project proposals were polished and approved by DTI Regional Office following the completion of all necessary documents.

This is in addition to the 2014 GPB Program amounting to Php5,920,000.00 that was previously released to eight local government units.

The Bottoms-Up Budgeting Program is a program of the government aiming at reducing poverty and promote inclusive growth through the development of innovative, globally competitive and capacitated MSMEs that would result to employment generation in the countryside.(DTI Leyte/ajc/ cba/PIA-8)

Over 1,000 families avail Aussie shelter recovery program TACLOBAN CITY, Leyte, Aug. 4 (PIA) – Some 1,533 families or 8000 individuals are benefiting from the housing units formally handed over by the Australian Government as part of its broad assistance to communities affected by typhoon Yolanda.

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he housing units were handed over in a simple ceremony recently at Palo Municipal Hall, Palo, Leyte followed by visits to the shelter sites in Barangay Libertad in Palo and in Barangay Bagacay in Tacloban, City.

The housing project was implemented by the Catholic Relief Services (CRS), Gawad Kalinga, the Philippine Red Cross and the local government units of Palo and Tacloban, City.

It was personally attended by Australian Ambassador to the Philippines Bill Tweddell, Palo Mayor Remedios L. Petilla, Philippine

Red Cross Secretary General Gwendolyn Pang, Gawad Kalinga Executive Director Luis Oquinena and CRS Philippine Response Coordinator Joshua Kyller. ―Australia and the Philippines have a deep and warm relationship covering broad areas including development, trade and defense cooperation.

Australia will always stand ready to support the Philippines and the Filipino people in times of disasters,‖ Ambassador Tweddell said.

Mrs. Magdalena Dotado, resident of Barangay Libertad, Palo, Leyte was very

thankful for being one of the recipients of the shelter assistance. ―My family and all the beneficiaries are very thankful and will forever remember Australia‘s kindness, especially during the time of our greatest need. Rest assured we will take care of the houses that have been generously provided to us,‖ Dotado said.

The shelter recovery program is part of Australia‘s Php2.6 billion immediate humanitarian assistance and recovery support for Yolanda-affected communities.

(With reports from CRSajc//cba/PIA-8)

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

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