One Visayas e-Newsletter Vol 5 Issue 47

Vol 5

Issue 47

In this Issue WESTERN VISAYAS

Ma. Francesca Santiago of the University of St. La Salle Integrated School, Bacolod City shows the certificate and medal she received as a special recognition from PIA-6 for having been cited by President Benigno S. Aquino III, for her article ―The Blame Game‖ published in the Young Blood Section of The Philippine Daily Inquirer, August 21 2015 issue, during the College Press Conference held recently at the Kapis Mansions, Roxas City, Capiz. (LTP/PIA-Iloilo)

November 23 - 29, 2015

Published by: PIA 6, 7 & 8

Samar lad wins National Pantawid Pamilya Exemplary Child NINFA B. QUIRANTE CATBALOGAN CITY, Samar, November 24 (PIA) - Jake Lere Boyles, a Grade 8 student from Barangay Tigdaranao, T arangnan, Samar is the grand winner in the national search for exemplary children.

This was relayed by Catbalogan City Link Richard Peru in a text message.

A week earlier, Peru and Boyles‘ mother Armida were guests at PIA-Samar Huruhimangraw (Conversation) radio program which featured them and other model families from the Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program.

Boyles‘ mother, who cooks and sells food for a living shared then that her son was soon leaving for Manila to represent Eastern Visayas in the contest.

The young Boyles is a Grade 8 student of Tarangnan National High School, whose principal Teotimo Gososo has hailed the child as a model student.

Armida said she has seven children who are all ‗good in school,‘ with the young Boyles on top of his elementary grades and now belongs to the Top Ten students in the high school. ―He brought home a trophy, pictures and many stories about his adventure in the big city,‖ Armida shared through the telephone.

Though she does not know yet the details like prizes and other tokens, her son bringing home the recognition is enough for

this mother who labored with her fisherman-husband to send all seven kids to school.

As a member of the Pantawid Pamilya, the family has always complied with the conditions set by the program and expressed hopes that the clamor to institutionalize the program gains merit ―It is not just for ourselves, as we will soon graduate from the program, but for young people like my son Jake Lere, so that they will be given an opportunity to rise above poverty.‖ she added. (nbq/PIA 8-Samar)

Jake Lere Boyles, from Tarangnan, Western Samar, was declared grand winner of the 2015 National Pantawid Pamilya Exemplary Child. (DSWD Photo)

More on Region 6, pages 2-3.

Also CLICK Here…

DENR-6 exceeds mangrove, beach forest target

By Leonard T. Pineda I ILOILO CITY, Nov. 23 (PIA6) --- The Department of CENTRAL VISAYAS Environment and Natural Resources (DENR)-6 has exceeded by 2.6 percent its mangrove and beach forests plantation target in Western Visayas.

DENR-6 said it has achieved a total of 102.66 percent accomplishment in terms of plantation establishment or a total of 2,820 hectares from its target of 2,747 hectares under the Mangrove and Beach Forest Development Project (MBFDP).

The MBFDP is a component program under the National Greening Program (NGP) aimed at strengthening the coastal areas in the country.

Rupert Ambil of Rappler discussing disaster The project is both a rehabilitation and reconstruction communication, the value of information project for disaster launched in mid-2014 after super gathering thru social media in times of typhoon ―Yolanda‖ hit the country on Nov. 8, 2013. disasters. "First step to rescuing people is No less than President Benigno Aquino III has commissioned giving information," he said. Mr. Ambil is one the project, who looks forward to a more Climate Change resilient of the resource persons during the first day of Philippines in the future.

2015 PIA Infocen Managers Conference at In Region 6, coastal areas in Northern Iloilo, Capiz, Antique, Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas central office in Manila.

Aklan, portion of Guimaras and Negros Occidental were badly hit

by Yolanda. DENR buildings and structures in the these provinces were also damaged by the typhoon.

The event highlighted the need to reforest thousands of hectares of denuded coastal and beach forests in the country. ―The guardians of the coasts – the mangroves and beach forests – have the strength to protect our coastal communities from the devastating effects of extreme weather events,‖ said DENR-6 Regional Director Jim O. Sampulna.

He added that after Yolanda, DENR-6 had acted first by assessing and validating the damages and afterwards, started identifying coastal sites to be rehabilitated by each province.

The following were the target areas for mangrove and beach forest development: Aklan – 319 hectares; Antique – 200 hectares, Capiz – 488 hectares; Guimaras – 350 hectares, Iloilo – 1,080 hectares; and Negros Occidental – 1,030 hectares.

DENR 6 is actively implementing both the NGP and MBFDP which help to reforest the upland, coastal, urban and mangrove areas in the region. (JCM/DENR/LTP/PIA-Iloilo)

Special drug court judge pushes for distribution of Cebuano info materials More on Region 7, pages 4-5.

Also CLICK Here…

EASTERN VISAYAS

Sir Eugenio delos Reyes and Melyn Godin enriched today's edition of Tingog han Kagurangan. The duo said that out of the 1.5 M hectares to be planted, some 25 thousand ha is alloted to Samar or only 2% of the whole project. The target this year has been achieved.

More on Region 8, pages 6-7.

Also CLICK Here...

By Roi Anthoni B. Lomotan DUMAGUETE CITY, November 23 (PIA) – A special drug court judge here suggested that government agencies concerned with drug prevention to produce information materials related to drug abuse and translate them into Cebuano language for better public understanding.

Special drug court branch 36 Judge Joseph Elmaco made the suggestion during a recent Kapihan Sa PIA in observance of the Drug Abuse Prevention and Control Week. ―I think it is high time to review our approaches whether it is effective,‖ he said.

Judge Elmaco underscored that people in the barangays would be more informed on the ill-effects of drug abuse as well as the laws related to it if these are relayed in the local language.

He shared that he made a Cebuano translation of R.A. 9165 and its rules two years ago and presented it to the city government for reproduction but he did not get a response from them.

But now, he is open to collaborating with government agencies concerned with drug control and prevention for reproduction of his translation of the said law as well as in formulating other information materials in Cebuano language.

Aside from this, Judge Elmaco also encouraged government agencies to install billboards in barangay halls that state the general provisions of R.A. 9165 which is also translated into Cebuano. ―The point there is the massive education campaign so that the people who will be apprehended in the future cannot tell us they are not informed,‖ he added.

In response to this, Negros Oriental Drug Abuse and Prevention Council (NORDAPC) Action Officer Fernando Martinez said the council welcomes the suggestion of Judge Elmaco.

Martinez said the council has funds for the production of information materials and they could probably first distribute

information materials in Dumaguete City.

For the part of the law enforcement, Sr. Supt. Dionardo Carlos, OIC and provincial director of the Negros Oriental Provincial Police Office also welcomes the suggestion of Judge Elmaco.

He made a commitment to assign police personnel that will help distribute these materials but he also underscored the role of community stakeholders in strengthening this advocacy campaign.

Meanwhile, law enforcement agencies here gave an update on the drug situation in Negros Oriental as well as in its capital, Dumaguete City.

According to Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA) intelligence and investigation officer Francisfil Tangeres, there are about 111 drug-affected barangays in the province and majority of them are classified as moderately affected barangays.

The top two illegal drugs commonly circulating in the province is Methamphetamine hydrochloride or ‗shabu‘, followed by cannabis sativa or ‗marijuana.‘ However, he reported that there are no verified reports of drug manufacturing in the province and the supply of drugs comes from Manila, Muntinlupa City, Cebu and Mindanao.

In Dumaguete City, Police Inspector Luis Lacandula of Dumaguete City police office said they were able to arrest 19 drug pushers and 13 drug users in the city from July to October this year.

Lacandula added that the total amount of confiscated shabu in the city for the said period is 330.80 grams with the monetary value of P3, 903, 444. On the other hand, the total amount of confiscated marijuana in the city is 58.84 grams.

He added that the city police was able to conduct 28 police operations and 10 buy bust operations in the said period this year. (mbcn/ral/PIA7-Negros Oriental)

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WESTERN VISAYAS

Coffee production in Capiz given push

By Alex A. Lumaque ROXAS CITY, Capiz, Nov. 24 (PIA6) – A planning workshop to develop the local coffee industry will be conducted by the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) – Provincial Office on Nov. 27 at the MVW Restaurant and Tourist Inn here.

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he activity will be participated in by the top coffee producing m u n ic ip a lit ie s o f Du m a ra o , Dumalag, Tapaz, Jamindan and Mambusao.

The town of Panit-an will also join the group because of the 90-hectare coconutintercropped-with-coffee project implemented by the Philippine Coconut Authority (PCA) in the municipality.

The workshop seeks to identify the issues, concerns and problems besetting the industry and the strategies and interventions needed to address them.

DTI has announced it will tandem with the Office of the Provincial Agriculture to re -establish coffee as one of the important economic crops of the province.

DTI provincial director Ermelinda Pollentes said a survey of existing growers and plantations will be conducted to determine who and where the location of industry players are. ―A Provincial Cluster Group will also be organized to serve as a catalytic link between the technology service providers and industry stakeholders,‖ Pollentes

stressed.

Other significant partners include Department of Agriculture, Department of Environment and Natural Resources, PCA and Nestle Philippines.

Coffee and coffee processing are being considered as a potential agricultural commodity and agribusiness venture in the province, respectively.

It is among the province‘s major crops along with palay, corn, coconut, sugarcane, cassava, banana and peanut, among others.

(JCM/AAL/PIA6 Capiz)

Organic Congress gets 12M funding from DA-NIR

By Carlson B. Alelis NEGROS OCCIDENTAL, Nov. 25 (PIA6) – The Department of Agriculture – Negros Island Region (DA-NIR) has released P 12 million as counterpart budget for the 12th National Organic Agricultural Congress which will be held at the SMX Convention Center, Bacolod City, November 25-27.

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oyce Wendam, Technical Director for Research and Regulation for DA-NIR, said some 1, 500 participants of the congress from all over the country will be subsidized.

A total of 150 slots will be for free for participants in the Negros Island Region, 100 from Negros Occidental and 50 from Negros Oriental. ―This is a case of Public-Private Partnership because they are involving the organic sector, private sectors in the

province, the academe, implementing partners, national government agencies, the provincial government and the local government units,‖ Wendam added.

More or less 1, 500 participants who are being subsidized by DA-NIR will join small farmers to attend the congress because there will be new learnings and additional knowledge, she added.

The participants of the congress are divided into three groups: beginners –those who are interested in venturing into organic

agriculture, will be oriented of the organic farming system; researchers – involves the academe wherein the research results will be disseminated to stakeholders; and participants for the marketing side of the congress.

Meanwhile, DA-NIR has a counterpart budget of 500,000 for the Organic Festival Week slated November 25-29 at the Provincial Capitol Grounds, Bacolod City. (JCM/CBA/PIA6-Negros Occidental)

BFAR steps up campaign on amended fisheries code Lilibeth A. French ILOILO CITY, Nov. 25 (PIA6) - - The Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources 6 (BFAR 6) is stepping up efforts on information, education and communication campaign on Republic Act No.10654, a new law which amended the Philippine Fisheries Code.

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A 10654, an act to prevent, deter, and eliminate Illegal, Unreported and Unregulated Fishing (IUUF), amending RA No. 8550, otherwise known as the Philippine Fisheries Code of 1998, became a law in February this year. ―With the passage of RA 10654, we will be having our IEC campaign so that we will be able to inform and disseminate information of what the law is about‖, said Director Remia Aparri of BFAR 6.

The IEC campaign is part of an action plan created and implemented by the bureau which includes activities such as distribution of materials and the conduct of fora to orient the stakeholders especially in the fishery sector on the salient features and provisions of the amended Fisheries Code.

The law focuses on making people aware of the various types of IUUF and what disadvantages it could bring. It also addresses high seas fishing and imposes higher fines and a wide array of accompanying administrative penalties. Furthermore, the law empowers BFAR to ensure enforcement of regulatory measures.

The implementation of the Implementing Rules and Regulations of the Amended Fisheries Code covers specific procedures on how to impose the penalties to fisher folk who committed unlawful fishing activities.

Fifty percent of the fines, penalties and proceeds shall be allocated to the area where the violation was committed.

Aparri said with the continuous act of IUUF, the bureau will also continue to develop ways to prevent illicit acts through

capacitating its monitoring and control and surveillance group. ―Here in Western Visayas we are still facing many challenges, continuous illegal fishing, intrusion of commercial fishing operations in the municipal waters and increasing population in the coastal community who are dependent on fishing,‖ said Aparri.

She said BFAR is counting on the partnership between its stakeholders that include the private sector, the academe, government agencies, the fisheries sector and the general public to work hand in hand to protect the marine and aquatic resources. ―BFAR cannot do this alone, we need cooperation from other concerned agencies to help us manage and conserve our fishery resources,‖ said Aparri. (JCM/laf/PIA6-Iloilo)

WESTERN VISAYAS

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'Orange Icon' marks VAW campaign

By Venus G. Villanueva KALIBO, Aklan, November 20 (PIA6) -- This year’s observance of the 18-Day Campaign to end Violence Against Women (VAW) in Aklan from November 18 to December 12 is full of various significant activities laid out in a Calendar of Activities identified by the Aklan Gender and Development Commission (AGADC) during a recent meeting here.

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he observance of the 18-Day Campaign to End VAW is pursuant to Republic Act 10398 and Proclamation No. 1172, series of 2006, spearheaded by the Philippine Commission on Women (PCW) in coordination with other government member-agencies of the Inter-Agency Council on VAW and Their Children (IACVAWC).

Some of the activities to be held in the duration of the campaign in Aklan had been tried already while some are new ones.

Some of those which had been held before include the conduct of the Men Opposed to Violence Against Women and their Children Everywhere (MOVE) Congress, now on its 6th year; PESO Forum Among Punong Barangays Part II, Search for Best Barangay VAW Desk, Photo Contest, and Kapihan Sa Aklan.

The new activities, on the other hand, include the Launching of the Orange Icon on November 25 at the Provincial Capitol

Lobby, Capability-Building Training for Social Workers, Women and Children Protection Desks (WCPD) and other Law Enforcement Agencies in Handling Cases on Children and PNP-WCPD Training on RA 10364, and Gift-Giving in partnership with the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) to 30 Victim-Survivors of VAW at the Aklan Comprehensive Center for Women (ACCW) – Crisis Intervention Unit (CIU) on November 28.

The launching of the Orange Icon, according to the PCW, involves having landmarks in a given locality – which could include historical places, statues, monuments and buildings adorned with orange-colored decorations. The PCW said the ―Orange Your Icon‖ activity is in solidarity with the United Nations‘ UNITE to End VAW Campaign, and everyone is encouraged to be creative as they decorate their icons with orange flags, streamers, or banners, or even use paints and orange spotlights especially at

night. Meanwhile, big cash prizes await Aklan barangays which will be adjudged as having Best Barangay VAW Desks. According to AGADC, the first placer with get P30,000 while the second placer will get P20,000 and the third, P10,000. Seven (7) barangays located in different municipalities are vying for this year‘s contest – which include Barangays Ambolong (Batan), Linabuan Sur (Banga), Pook (Kalibo), Laguinbanua East (Numancia), Tagas (Tangalan), Banay-Banay (Malinao) and Sta. Cruz (Lezo).

The contest is sponsored by the Provincial Government of Aklan and the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG). Winners will be awarded on December 11 at the GCLC Tourism and Training Center in Old Buswang, Kalibo, along with winners of the photo contest.

This year‘s 18-Day Campaign Theme is ―End VAW Now! It‘s Our Duty! Gains and Ways Forward‖. (JCM/VGV PIA6 Aklan)

K to 12 classrooms finished by June 2016 Elsa Subong ILOILO CITY, Nov. 23(PIA)—The Department of Education said construction of additional classrooms for K to 12 in Iloilo province is ongoing and will be completed by June next year.

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ducation Supervisor for School Governance and Operations Gilbert Solidum said the construction is being implemented by the four engineering districts under the Department of Public Works and Highways.

Funding for the classrooms came from the DepEd central office and downloaded to the DPWH. Solidum said that there is an estimated 599 additional classrooms needed to

accommodate more or less 34,000 senior high school students in the province. ―We expect these classrooms to be completed and ready to accommodate incoming senior high students, by June next year,‖ Solidum said.

One hundred of the 176 public schools in the province applied to accommodate SHS. On the other hand, 40 private high schools have submitted their applications to

accommodate senior high schools and they are being evaluated by the DepEd now.

Meanwhile, Iloilo Governor Arthur Defensor, Sr. Said the province is not getting any loan for the construction of the additional classrooms as there is no threat of classroom shortage. ―But should DepEd not being able to shoulder the construction, we are ready to secure a loan to fund the construction,‖ Defensor said in a press conference.(JCM/ESS/PIA-Iloilo)

3rd ID head thanks media support

By Jaime S. Cabag, Jr. ILOILO CITY, Nov. 25 (PIA6) – Major General Rey Leonardo Guerrero has moved from the Visayas to assume his new post as Commander of the Eastern Mindanao Command (EastMinCom) effective November 21, 2015.

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his was confirmed by Major Ray C. Tiongson, Chief of the Division Public Affairs Office of the 3rd Infantry ―Spearhead‖ Division of the Philippine Army based at Camp Peralta in Jamindan, Capiz. Before assuming the post, however, Gen. Guerrero took time to express his gratitude to the members of the private and government media organizations in Western Visayas and Negros Island Region during a recent fellowship night here.

He handed in Certificates of

Appreciation to media practitioners who attended the event ―in grateful recognition of the unwavering support extended during my stint as the Commander of the 3rd Infantry (Spearhead) Division, Philippine Army‖.

This support, according to Gen. Guerrero, has contributed significantly to the attainment of the Division‘s peace, security and development thrusts, programs and operations in Western and Central Visayas. ―Our joint commitment to serve the

people and their communities have indeed contributed in the attainment of the objectives of the Internal Peace and Security Plan ―Bayanihan‖ and the Army Transformation Roadmap,‖ said Gen. Guerrero, who served here from September of last year. The assumption of Gen. Guerrero during a turnover of command held November 21 was led by Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) Chief of Staff Gen. Hernando Delfin Carmelo A. Iriberri.

EastMinCom is based at Camp Panacan in Davao City. (JCM/JSC-PIA6)

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CENTRAL VISAYAS

111 b a r a n g ay s in NegOr moderately drug affected — PDEA

are

Leandria P. Pagunsan NEGROS ORIENTAL, November 23 (PIA) -- Out of the 557 barangays in Negros Oriental, 111 are identified as moderately drug affected according to Intelligence and Investigation Officer Francisfil Tangeres of the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA), Negros Oriental based on its latest intelligence workshop with the Philippine National Police (PNP).

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angeres said that Dumaguete and Negros Oriental are considered as crucial drop off of illegal drugs from Manila, Cebu and Mindanao and transported through land, sea and air.

Barely two months ago, a joint operation of the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI), PDEA and PNP confiscated shabu concealed in goods via courier from Manila, Tangeres said.

Tangeres also confirmed that drug personalities are now careful in operating in the city streets and in other areas with the combined efforts of PDEA, PNP and NBI in sustaining and strengthening their operation.

Based on the latest apprehension records in Negros Oriental, PDEA and PNP confiscated 1,319.82 grams of shabu totaling P1.3 million, according to Tangeres.

PI Luis Lacandula of the City PNP reported that they are into massive information campaign in schools and barangays conducting lectures and

symposia against the use of illegal drugs.

Lacandula said the PNP continues its operation in patrolling the streets, however, he also believes that the best tool to minimize the proliferation of illegal drugs is through education with holistic family approach where parents plays a vital role in ensuring that all members of the family are not in any way, involved in illegal drugs.

On the other hand, PSSUPT. Dionard Bernardo Carlos, OIC-Provincial Director of the Negros Oriental Provincial Police Office confirmed that the biggest challenge for PDEA and PNP is to make the community in Dumaguete City and Negros Oriental drug free.

Carlos further said that prevention is a better option than conducting police operation which is expensive and entails a lot of police personnel.

The support of the community in partnership with the family is the best solution in preventing the proliferation of illegal drugs,

after all, the problem is not only the concern and job of the police but the whole community as well.

Attesting to the statement of PSSUPT Carlos is Judge Joseph Elmaco of the Special Drug Court Branch 30, when he confirmed that 80% of persons jailed are drug related cases due to poverty.

Elmaco explained that reproduction of Cebuano version of the rules of law, RA 9165, should be considered for distribution in barangays and schools for them to understand the laws governing illegal drugs and the consequences they will be facing once they are caught.

To be more effective in the campaign, Elmaco urged the local government units to tie up with TESDA in making intervention through livelihood skills training as an alternative source of living especially for poor residents in the barangays. (mbcn/lpp/PIA7/NegOr)

Cebu has over 2.6M registered voters Hazel F. Gloria CEBU, November 19 (PIA) --- Cebu Province now has 2,689,717 registered voters as of October 31, 2015, says Atty. Marco Lionel Castillano, COMELEC-Cebu Provincial Election Supervisor during the Association of Government Information Officers (AGIO-7) forum recently.

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astillano, however, said that out of 2.6M registered voters 74,110 are without biometrics data. There are 2,607,668 registered voters with complete biometrics data and 7,939 with incomplete biometrics data, added Castillano.

The bulk of voters who have no biometrics come from Mandaue City with 12,431, followed

by Toledo City with 8,639 and Cebu City 1st District with 8,513.

He also explained that all these given data are subject to change since there is still an on-going verification of the registered voters by the Election Registration Board in order to come up with a final voter‘s list.

This year‘s registration increased from 4 to 6 percent compared to the period 2010 and 2013, added Castillano. As of now, there is no advice from COMELEC- Manila for the extension of registration.

COMELEC-7 assistant regional director Atty. Veronico Petalcorin encouraged the public to be ―responsible citizens.‖ He said It is our responsibility to vote for the right candidate for any position they are running. ―Voters should be discerning in choosing their leaders; they should vote not on the basis of popularity or money but on the basis of substance,‖ Petalcorin said. (mbcn/hfg/PIA7)

US Pres. Obama meets Filipino youth leaders in Malaysia

BY JENNIFER C. TILOS MANILA, November 20 (PIA) -- Some 500 young leaders from all ten ASEAN nations, including 65 Filipino youth delegates met U.S. President Barack Obama at a town hall meeting in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.

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his was part of the U.S. Department of State‘s three-day 2015 Young Southeast Asian Leaders Initiative (YSEALI) Summit.

According to US Embassy Kurt Hoyer at the town hall, youth delegates discussed with President Obama the challenges facing Southeast Asia and how young people can work together across national borders to develop solutions.

"While one voice can have a meaningful impact on the world, the combination of 400 million youth voices across the ASEAN region can have a transformative impact on the pressing challenges of the day,‖ said Andy Rabens, Special Adviser for Global Youth Issues for the U.S. Department of State.

Rabens said ―Connecting youth voices across the ASEAN region is part of the reason why President Obama launched YSEALI in 2013 and why the U.S government is hosting the YSEALI Summit this week in Kuala Lumpur.

More than 50,000 people have signed up

online to be part of our YSEALI network, demonstrating that there is huge interest among young people in Southeast Asia in working cooperatively to solve regional challenges."

The town hall was broadcasted live via satellite beginning at 4 PM from Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.

The 2015 Young Southeast Asian Leaders Initiative (YSEALI) Summit, held November 19 – 22, is dubbed the largest gathering of the State Department‘s YSEALI network to date.

At the summit, more than 40 experts from the United States and ASEAN countries led the training sessions, including private-sector leaders from Accenture, AirAsia, Foundation, Coca-Cola, Dell, IBM, Intel, LinkedIn, Malaysia Global Innovation & Creativity Center (MaGIC), Microsoft, Startup Malaysia, Techstars, Uber Malaysia, and more, said Hoyer.

Launched by President Obama in 2013, YSEALI creates opportunities for young ASEAN leaders to engage with peers from around the region to develop innovative, local solutions for

their generation‘s greatest regional challenges: economic development, environmental protection, civic engagement, and education.

YSEALI provides professional and academic skills-building and opportunities to put those skills into action through exchanges to the United States, professional development workshops in the region, online networking, and project seed money.

Any ASEAN youth between the ages of 18 and 35 can join YSEALI for free at http:// yseali.state.gov.

Today, the YSEALI network engages nearly 50,000 ASEAN youth, including more than 7,000 Filipino young leaders.

Filipino delegates to the Summit were comprised of bright young leaders, 18–35 years old, who are winners of the YSEALI Seeds for the Future grant competition, alumni of YSEALI Academic and Professional Fellows exchanges to the United States, or participants in regional YSEALI Generation workshops. (mbcn/jct/ PIA7-Negros Oriental/with reports from the US

CENTRAL VISAYAS DILG awards 22 brgys. in outstanding BPOCs, BTTs

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BY JENNIFER C. TILOS NEGROS ORIENTAL, November 20 (PIA) – Twenty-two (22) barangays in Negros Oriental received an award and a cash prize of about P200,000 recently as Outstanding Barangay Peace and Order Committees (BPOCs) and Outstanding Barangay Tanod Teams (BTTs) this year in Dumaguete City.

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he lead agency, in cooperation with the provincial government held this first-ever search for outstanding BPOCs and BTTs as part of its mission to strengthen community-based mechanism in promoting public safety and maintaining peace and order in the province.

Provincial DILG director Dennis Quiñones said this endeavor was designed to enhance the capacities of barangays as partner peacekeepers at the grassroots level.

Quiñones added this was also to recognize their exemplary performance in ensuring peace and order and public safety in their respective barangays.

NegOr governor Roel Ragay Degamo stressed the importance of BPOCs and Tanod teams as they were instrumental in making Negros Oriental ‗conflict-manageable and development-ready province‘ as per the joint declaration of the military and provincial government officials last May 7, 2014.

The outstanding BPOC and outstanding Tanod team winners received P11,000 cash with plaque, while the 1st runner-ups were given P9,000, the 2nd runner-ups P7,000 and consolation prizes of P2,000.

Barangay Looc of Dumaguete City got the outstanding BPOC award in Category A or component cities category with 84.81% rating.

Chosen as the first runner up was Barangay Tayawan of Bayawan City, followed by the BPOC of Poblacion in Guihulngan City, while Barangay Motong received the consolation prize.

For category B or 1st to 3rd class municipalities, the big winner was the BPOC of Barangay Campuyo in Manjuyod (85%), followed

by Barangay Bagawines in Vallehermoso and Calag -calag in Ayungon. Poblacion, Pamplona took home the consolation prize.

In category C or 4th to 6th class municipalities, the winners were Poblacion, Amlan (88%), Barangay Tapon Norte of San Jose, Mayabon, Zamboangita and Boloc-boloc, Dauin.

Barangay Tayawan in Bayawan City bested 10 other barangays in category A to win the top prize for Outstanding Barangay Tanod Teams by garnering an award-high of 92.62%.

Barangay Calindagan in Dumaguete City took the 1st-runner up honors while the Poblacion of Guihulngan City got the 2nd runner up award.

For category B, the winners were Barangay Bagawines of Vallehermoso town (87.12%), followed by Campuyo of Manjuyod and Puhagan of Valencia.

Poblacion Amlan took home the top honors for category C with 87.75%, followed by Mayabon, Zamboangita and Boloc-boloc, Dauin.

Present in the event was Negros Oriental Provincial Police Office OIC director, Senior Superintendent Dionardo Carlos that presided over the award ceremony. (mbcn/jct/PIA7-Negros Oriental/ with reports from Churchill P. Guevarra, NORSU intern)

Election gun ban starts January 10, 2016 Hazel F. Gloria CEBU CITY, November 19 (PIA) --- The Commission on Elections (COMELEC-7) said the implementation of gun ban for the 2016 elections will start on January 10 (Sunday).

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OMELEC-Cebu Provincial Election Supervisor Atty. Marco Lionel Castillano explained that under Philippine laws, ―election period" means 120 days before the actual date of the elections and 30 days after it.

Since the election period will start on January 10 then it will end on June 9, continued Castillano, during the recent AGIO7 Forum at the Philippine Information Agency (PIA), Gorordo Ave., this city.

This 120-day election period contains the actual campaign period from Feb. 9 to May 8 for national candidates, and from March 26 to May 8

for local candidates, Castillano said.

As per COMELEC Resolution 1814, the gun ban applies to everyone except government security forces such as the Philippine National Police (PNP), the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP), and other law enforcement agencies.

Aside from the regular firearms and deadly weapons, also covered by the ban are air guns and replications, as well as bladed instruments, hand grenades, and other explosives except for fireworks.

Castillano also said, the poll body will allow

candidates or individuals with security threats to have escorts during the election period upon application and assessment.

The escorts can come from the PNP, AFP, or the National Bureau of Investigation and limited only to two (2) personnel.

The Comelec officials said any person that will be found guilty of violating the provisions of the gun ban will be imprisoned of not less than one year but not more than six years aside from disqualification to hold public office and deprivation of the right to suffrage. (mbcn/hfg/ PIA7)

DSWD7 warns swindlers collecting membership fees from 4Ps recipients

BY JENNIFER C. TILOS NEGROS ORIENTAL, November 23 (PIA) – The Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD-7) warned individuals who are taking advantage of the program by asking membership fees to become beneficiaries of Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program (4Ps), the Philippine government's version of conditional cash transfer.

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We do not collect membership fees to become Pantawid Pamilya beneficiaries,‖ stressed (DSWD) Field Office VII regional director Mercedita Jabagat after receiving fraudulent reports. ―Beneficiaries are selected through the National Household Targeting System for Poverty Reduction (NHTS-PR) or Listahanan, which identifies who and where the poor are in the country,‖ said Jabagat.

The DSWD is the lead government agency implementing the program with over four million household beneficiaries nationwide.

Of the total household-beneficiaries, about 250,000 are from Central Visayas.

She pointed out that there are criteria to become beneficiaries of the program and these include the following: residents of the poorest

municipalities, based on 2003 Small Area Estimates (SAE) of the National Statistical Coordination Board (NSCB), households whose economic condition is equal to or below the provincial poverty threshold, households that have children 0-18 years old and/or have a pregnant woman at the time of assessment and households that agree to meet conditions specified in the program. ―We encourage the public to be vigilant and not to fall prey to these hustlers,‖ she said.

DSWD also urged the public to immediately report to their nearest office if they know of irregularities regarding the implementation of the program. ―You can also reach our Municipal/City Links for inquiries regarding Pantawid Pamilya,‖ Jabagat added.

Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program is a human development measure of the national government that provides conditional cash grants to the poorest of the poor, to improve the health, nutrition, and the education of children aged 0-18.

It is patterned after the conditional cash transfer (CCT) schemes in Latin American and African countries, which have lifted millions of people around the world from poverty.

It covers three children-beneficiaries per household and provides a monthly education grant of P500 per household for high school student and P300 for elementary.

The household-beneficiary will also receive P500 as monthly health grant or a total of P6,000 every year. (mbcn/jct/PIA7-Negros Oriental)

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EASTERN VISAYAS

Sweden King revisits Leyte; sees progress after 'Yolanda' CONSUELO B. ALARCON TACLOBAN CITY, Leyte, Nov. 23 (PIA) – His Majesty King Carl XVI Gustaf of Sweden returned to Leyte Saturday to see how the people have recovered from the wrath of the super typhoon particularly this city two years ago. he King arrived 9:26 in the morning After the presscon, he visited the BSP the area, a few months after typhoon Yolanda at the Tacloban DZR airport and was building where the BSP marker was presented wrought havoc to the lives of the people. welcomed by the local officials to him and walked around the building The King who is a Scout himself headed by Leyte Governor Leopoldo followed by a meeting with the BSP local has donated millions of funds for the Dominico L. Petilla and some local scout council executive board members Leyte rehabilitation of the whole Boy Scout of the officials. chapter headed by Gov. Petilla.

Philippines (BSP) building after it was severely Upon arrival, he immediately proceeded He also met with motorboat and some destroyed by typhoon Yolanda in November to the VIP lounge where he met with the local scouts livelihood beneficiaries at Leyte Park 2013. media for a short press conference. hotel whom he extended assistance after the The BSP building which is under During the press conference, the King said typhoon. construction is expected to be completed by there was tremendous development of the As he toured the city of Tacloban, His the middle part of February 2016, in time for place even seen from the plane before it landed Majesty was very happy to see the progress as the King‘s return to the city for the unveiling of at the airport. compared in January 2014 when he first visited the project. (ajc/PIA-8)

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Agri experts lead cacao planting in 9 South Leyte towns ERNA S. GORNE MAASIN CITY, Southern Leyte November 25 (PIA) - The provincial agriculture experts has identified nine (9) municipalities to join in the intercropping of cacao plants under the coconut plantations program.

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ccording to Provincial High Valued Crops Coordinator Ma. Luz Gaviola during the weekly Action Center Kapihan sa PIA recently, the provincial government is assisting the local farmers to engage in intercropping of cacao plants under the 90 hectares of coconut plantation province-wide.

She said the following beneficiary - municipalities engaged in cacao production were Maasin City, Macrohon,

Tomas Oppus, Bontoc, Hinundayan, Lilo-an, San Francisco, Pintuyan and San Ricardo, all of Southern Leyte.

The said intercropping program included the participation of 20 farmers from every municipality.

Each municipality will dedicate 10 hectares of coconut plantations for the mentioned intercropping program, Gaviola added.

Gaviola further urged the farmers to take advantage of the rainfall and to plant within this

month.

She also disclosed that to ensure pr op er man a ge men t of t he s a id intercropping, the provincial agriculture arm will conduct cacao production to the mentioned farmer-beneficiaries.

It was learned that one of the potential market for their cacao products is the Kennemer Foods, Inc, one of the manufacturers of chocolate products. (esg/ PIA8 SoLeyte)

Spanish envoy turns-over 'BangKapayapaan' nets, fishing boats project Samuel D. Candido BORONGAN CITY, Eastern Samar, Nov. 19 (PIA) — It has been two years since the small town of Hernani—located in the coastal area of Eastern Samar facing the Pacific Ocean—was ravaged by ―Supertyphoon Yolanda‖.

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overnment and non-government organizations came to Hernani‘s aid during the said disaster and until today, the municipality remains to be a beneficiary of livelihood projects granted by these government and non-government organizations.

A new livelihood project is added to the roster of livelihood projects granted to Hernani. In November 11, 2015, Ambassador Luis Antonio Calvo, Spanish ambassador to the Philippines and Office of the Presidential Advisor on Peace Process (OPAPP) Secretary Teresita Quintos-Deles were in Hernani to lead the turn-over ceremony of 63 fishing boats and nets livelihood project for the three municipalities of Llorente, Gen. MacArthur, and Hernani.

In his message, Ambassador Calvo said that ―First and foremost, I pay tribute to your Waray spirit that all of you to get over the catastrophe that hit this part of the country two years ago and allow you to bring back better lives, better folks, and better

homes.‖ ―Be assured that we, the Spanish people and authorities will continue to be alongside with you in your efforts to reconstruct‖, he said.

On the other hand, Sec. Deles—who was celebrating her birthday on the event— disclosed that the livelihood project must be sustained so that progress, development, and peace can be fully achieved. ―Sa aming pagdating ngayon, ang ating paniniwala at ang ating intensyon sa patuloy na pagtutulungan sa pagtahak ng landas tungo sa kapayapaan at kaulanran na tunay na mararamdaman at pangmatagalan,‖ Sec. Deles said.

In partnership with the Agencia Española Cooperacion International para el Desarrollo (AECID), the OPAPP came up with the "BangKapayapaan" project as a Typhoon Yolanda response for the communities situated in the coastal areas. Beneficiaries of the said livelihood project were fishermen whose main source of income is fishing.

The "BangKapayapaan" project, with a total project cost of P3.1-M, provided 18 engine-powered fishing boats to Gen. Mac-Arthur, seven to Llorente, and 38 to Hernani. A set of nets were also given that would help in the upliftment of the livelihoof of the fishermen beneficiaries.

In an interview with Mr. Ben Baful, Jr., one of the project‘s beneficiaries, he said that the boat and a set of nets are big help to his livelihood considering the fact that he is but a fisherman and a father of five with his wife working as a housekeeper. ―If I only depend on my income as a fisherman, I really can‘t buy a fishing boat.

Now that I have my own boat, this will greatly help in uplifting my livelihood and my son can go to college already,‖ he further said.

AECID supports the OPAPP in mainstreaming peace and development in local governance in the country through the Mainstreaming Peace and Development in Local Governance Project (MPDLGP). (SDC/

EASTERN VISAYAS

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Pursuit of transformation road map results to the New Army CATBALOGAN CITY, Samar, November 19 (PIA) – The army’s pursuit of the transformation road map (ATR) has given you, the new army, said Col. Jose H. Narciso, Chief, Governance Strategy Management Office.

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There is a process of how to transform from being reactive, inefficient, barely capable, with bad image and poorly equipped to a strategy-driven, word class, full-mission capable, ethical, competent and a professional army for following the ATR/ Philippine Army Strategy Map,‖ he added.

These were passionately delivered by Narciso and the Assistant Division Commander of the 8th Infantry division, Brig.

Gen. Demy Tejares as they met the press in an orientation on the ATR on November 13-14, 2015 where some 48 media practitioners attended.

Tejares said that AFP is aiming of a 2028 world-class army that is a source of national pride. ―The army is now on its process to

develop, organize, train, equip, support and sustain army forces for the conduct of prompt and sustained ground operations to accomplish the AFP mission as a core purpose to serve the people by securing the land and uphold the core values of honor, patriotism, and being responsible on duty.‖ There is a certain scorecard being maintained by each army element or official towards this grand aim of serving as new model army.

While some media men doubted the feasibility of the process, some officials have testimonies to this effect. Captain Isagani Viernes, the 8th ID public affairs chief, said that their soldiers have received high ratings in local and foreign peace keeping operations.

He said that some 12 soldiers from the

division had a brief stint in the Golan Heights peacekeeping operations.

In communities, the army elements are also received warmly as they pursue their Bayanihan activities.

Another official said that the surrender of some armed elements or insurgents are also results of the public‘s renewed trust to the state soldiers.

It may be a difficult task and an uphill climb especially in the region where some insurgents have yet to be uncovered or persuaded to surrender.

Yet, the army believes that the ATR coupled with positive outlook on the projects of the government will complement forces to bring out the model army. (PIA 8-Samar with reports from Ron Roma)

Photo tilt to reveal snapshots of Tacloban women in resettlements NEIL D. LOPIDO TACLOBAN CITY, Leyte, November 19 (PIA) – Oxfam, an international non-government organization, is spearheading a photo contest aimed at raising people’s awareness on the issues of women after super typhoon Yolanda by highlighting their real situation in resettlement areas.

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ubbed as ―Snapshots at Women in Resettlements: An Epitome of Women‘s Issues, Empowerment and Rights,‖ the competition is also in support of the 18-day Campaign to End Violence Against Women (VAWC) (Nov. 25-Dec.12) and International Day Against Trafficking.

Israel Infante, Oxfam Philippines-OIC Program Manager, said that the competition will highlight the real situation of women living in coastal barangays, in temporary and permanent relocations sites and in bunkhouses.

Leah Payud, Oxfam Tacloban Program Manager informed that the competition is open to all students from universities and colleges in

Tacloban City, both professional and amateur photographers.

Snapshots will portray women challenges living in resettlement areas in a positive and inspiring way, Payud said.

Entries will be judged based on the following criteria: Content (20%) or the persuasiveness in telling the story based on the theme; Composition (20%) or the technical excellence and quality; Creativity and Originality (40%); and Artistic Merit or the wow factor (20%).

First, second and third prize winners will received P3,000, P2,500, and P2,000, respectively, while a consolation prize of

P1,000 and certificate will also be given. Major prizes will also receive medals and certificates.

Each participant is entitled to only one original entry with high resolution (jpeg format), not more than 10MB and with a short description of not more than 50 words.

Entries must be submitted on December 1 while the winners will be announced during the culmination activity of the 18-day campaign to end VAW on December 12.

The activity is in partnership with the City Government of Tacloban, Internally Displaced Persons Leaders and Universities and Colleges in Tacloban City. (PIA-8)

Samar town declared as insurgency-free NINFA B. QUIRANTE CATBALOGAN CITY, Samar, November 24 (PIA) - San Sebastian town – home to more than 7,000 inhabitants (based on the 2010 PSA survey) – is now insurgency-free.

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oday, security forces like the army and the police affirmed this declaration.

Col. George Domingo of the 87th Infantry Battalion in reading the insurgency-free document said that periodic intelligence assessment has found out that the communists in the area do not function anymore. The populace has somehow achieved a peaceful and orderly community where economic activity has been in the upswing and that the people have renounced communism. ―What is left of us are law abiding citizens who renounce armed struggle to effect

change,‖ said Vice Mayor Imelda Abalos.

An insurgency-free municipality is a notch higher than manageable conflict affected and ready for development area, said an army official. ―With the army‘s Bayanihan, its Internal Peace and Security Plan, we will now be ready to accept development and be tourism ready,‖ said 801st Brigade Commander Perfecto Rimando in his message.

Mayor Antero Gaviola said that his town has rich marine resources, expansive mangroves, vast agricultural lands that are just

waiting to be developed. ―We have all nature‘s bounty in this coastal town,‖ citing the all year availability of prawns, mudcrabs, blue swimming crabs, mussles and organic vegetables grown by San Sebastian folks.

He then urged cooperation from all the officials of the 14 barangays to support the security forces in their quest for peace.

As a final gesture , all present, army, police and local officials signed the manifesto to ensure that they are all for peace. ( nbq/PIA 8-Samar)

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

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

Ms. Minerva BC Newman Regional Director, PIA 7

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

Ms. Alicia E. Nicart Regional Director, PIA8

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