One Visayas e-Newsletter Vol 5 Issue 22

Vol 5

Issue 22

In this Issue WESTERN VISAYAS

Coastal Cleanup: Foresters Merlinda Sargento and Russel Rizardo weigh the garbage collected in a Coastal Cleanup activity during the launching program of the Philippine Environment Month at Beach Front of Poblacion, Belison, Antique. Combined efforts of various government agencies, local government units, schools and other volunteers were able to collect 190 kilos of garbage. The theme of the Environment Month is "Seven Billion Dreams. One Planet.

Consume with Care." (PSM/PIA6 Antique)

More on Region 6, pages 2-3.

Also CLICK Here…

CENTRAL VISAYAS

Provincial Science and Technology director Engr. Mario de la Peña (center in chequered polo) hands over the check worth P645,000 to Mayor Villa of LGU Larena for the Grant-in-Aid Project entitled ―Electronic – Services on Innovation, Government, Nature and Society (PROJECT e-SIGNS) for the Local Government of Larena‖. Also present in the picture are Vice-mayor Calibo (3rd from right), Municipal Budget Officer Quilicot (4th from right), Municipal Treasurer (3rd from left) and SB members. (DOST-Siquijor photo)

More on Region 7, pages 4-5.

Also CLICK Here…

EASTERN VISAYAS

Bangsamoro Basic Law Forum. Salem Demuna presents the different Presidential strategies to address the Muslim issues some socio-cultural some military.#‎BBL forum@ Maqueda Bay, Catbalogan City, June 5, 2015. (PIA-8)

More on Region 8, pages 6-7.

Also CLICK Here...

June 1 – 7, 2015

Published by: PIA 6, 7 & 8

DA-6 recognizes Agri Pinoy achievers ILOILO CITY, June 4 (PIA6)--The Department of Agriculture (DA) Regional Field Office 6 has cited local agricultural service providers for their significant contributions to the development of the rice industry in Western Visayas during the 2014 Agri-Pinoy Rice Achievers Awarding Ceremony held at Punta Villa Resort, June 1.

A total of 58 technicians from the provinces of Aklan, Capiz, Iloilo and Negros Occidental were cited as Outstanding Agricultural Extension Workers (AEWs) with a plaque of recognition and P20, 000 cash incentive.

Five local farmer technicians (LFT) — two from Passi City, one from Pavia and two from Sta. Barbara, Iloilo — also received plaque of recognition and P20, 000 each as Outstanding LFTs. The municipalities of Dingle, Iloilo and Dumalag, Capiz were given special citations as the region‘s outstanding municipalities for the successful implementations of the National Rice Program.

Meanwhile, the Municipality of San Enrique, Iloilo was awarded a plaque of recognition and P1 million cash award as one of the 10 outstanding municipalities nationwide in the awarding ceremony held at Resorts World Manila last March 26, .

DA aims to achieve rice self-sufficiency at the earliest by 2013 and will be sustained until 2016 and beyond.

In 2014, the country‘s rice industry has reached an all-time high national production of 18.97 million metric tons with a production growth of 2.87%. ―This rice achievers' award is just one of the many other

interventions and incentives to farmers given by the DA National Rice Program in order to encourage the full commitment and ensure excellent performance of our LGU stakeholders in attaining rice self-sufficiency,‖ said DA 6 Regional Technical Director for Operations and Extension Manuel O. Olanday.

Ma. Frea Monsale, an outstanding AEW of Miagao and Myrna Reyes, an outstanding LFT of Passi City, thanked the DA 6 for recognizing their efforts and encouraged their co-awardees to continue their support to small-holder rice farmers by extending up-to-date production technologies and providing them marketing linkages. (DA6/JCM//ESS/ PIA-Iloilo)

The local service providers recognized by DA-6 with the 2014 Agri-Pinoy Rice Achievers Award for their significant contributions to the development of the rice industry in Western Visayas during the awarding ceremony held June 1 in Iloilo City. (Photo by DA RAFID RFO VI)

PRO-7 steps up efforts vs. CV‘s ‗Most Wanted Persons‘ Fayette C. Riñen CEBU, June 2 (PIA) -- Thirty-eight criminals included in the ‗Most Wanted Persons‘ (MWP) List in Central Visayas as of May 26, this year already fell in the hands of the police as the Police Regional Office (PRO-7) said it is intensifying efforts to capture the other most wanted criminals.

PRO-7 deputy chief of the Regional Intelligence Division, P/Supt. Rex Derilo said they have 995 targets for arrest as the directive is to have a seven percent compliance of the total targets per year. ―The 38 most wanted criminals arrested indicate 54.29 percent accomplishment‖ so we are intensifying our efforts to locate all these most wanted criminals with pending warrant of arrest, said Derilo.

Derilo claimed the accomplishment for the five-month period is quite low compared to the same period last year which recorded more arrests estimated at 75 percent.

The police official said the low turn-out was due to the more aggressive campaign against illegal drugs which was the

priority focus. ―When we started our relentless drive against illegal drugs that began around September, last year, the focus on the MWP list suffered a little setback,‖ admitted Derilo.

Derilo said the battle against illegal drugs yielded two outputs which did not only result to the arrest or pursuit against culprits and the confiscation of illegal drugs but also loose firearms. ―In most if not all cases, illegal drug operations also yielded loose firearms,‖ added the regional deputy intelligence chief.

Derilo said that as of April 30, this year, a total of 508 firearms, both low and high-powered weapons, were either recovered, confiscated or surrendered out of a total of 1,295 targets. ―We will not let-up in our campaign may it be in illegal drugs, loose firearms or in the capture of most wanted criminals,‖ said Derilo as he urged the public to also help the police by immediately reporting any suspicious activities in their surroundings. (mbcn/fcr/PIA7)

Bosch Philippines donates school buildings to Leyte CONSUELO B. ALARCON TACLOBAN CITY, Leyte, June 2 (PIA) –The world‘s leading industrial brand Bosch Philippines has completed and turned over classroom buildings in Alang-Alang, Leyte which was devastated by super typhoon Yolanda.

Bosh Philippines Managing Director Andrew Powell led the inauguration of the school facilities along with Habitat for Humanity Philippines Chief Operations Officer Leonilo S. Escalada, Alang-Alang Mayor Loreto Yu, Leyte‘s board member Bob Abellanosa and some officials of the Department of Education. The project is in line with its Tindog Pilipinas initiative.

The turnover of the newly constructed Math and Science Center to Alang-Alang National High School and a computer laboratory to Alang-Alang Agro- Industrial School yesterday were filled with cheers and gratitude from the students, teachers and the local officials in said Municipality.

In his speech, Powell expressed optimism that the new school facilities will be of help in harnessing the student‘s capabilities in order to produce more topnotchers in science and math. ―Seeing the renewed hope of the school administrators and students as a result of the Tindog Pilipinas initiative makes me extremely proud to be part of a company that is both commercially-driven and socially-aware,‖ Powell said. ―Bosch is a strong advocate of education; and as a leader

in technology innovation, we are committed to be a partner of these beneficiary schools not just in constructing their facilities but also in building a strong nation of innovators,‖ he further said.

A third site, the Tanauan II Central School will also open its newly-constructed Industrial Center by the end of the month.

Said school buildings are only few of the rebuilding projects of Tindog Pilipinas that have been completed.

For his part, Habitat for Humanity Chief Operating Officer Leonilo Escalada said rebuilding the schools in affected sites was imperative in giving its residence a chance to prosper once more.

The rehabilitation efforts of school buildings were mobilized with the help of Habitat for Humanity.

Meanwhile, Deped Assistant Schools Division Superintendent Mario Rogie Sumbilan assured to take care of the school facilities with a hope to produce more topnotch students in the future.

The municipality of Alang-Alang, Leyte was heavily stricken during Typhoon Yolanda in November 2013.

Due to Yolanda‘s magnitude, almost all school buildings were damaged and classes for the succeeding months were held in tents to accommodate the school‘s 3, 600 students at the Alang-Alang National High School and in Alang-Alang Agro-Industrial School. (ajc/cba/PIA-8)

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WESTERN VISAYAS

DOLE turns over boats to fishermen beneficiaries

By Easter Anne D. Doza NEGROS OCCIDENTAL, June 1 (PIA6) - - The Department of Labor and Employment here through its Integrated Livelihood Emergency Employment Program has started turning over boats to fishermen who were victims of Yolanda.

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ecently, DOLE turned over 40 units of boats to fishermen beneficiaries of barangays Bulanon and Taba-ao in Sagay City while 28 units were already used for livelihood by fishermen of barangays Sicaba and Cadiz Viejo in Cadiz City.

DOLE Negros Occidental Labor and Employment Officer III and focal person on Livelihood Elmer Gimay said small fishermen of the 34 barangays of the coastal areas of Manapla, Cadiz, Sagay, Escalante and Toboso which are affected by typhoon Yolanda will benefit from the program.

Sagay City will receive a total of 120 units of fishing boats at P50,000 per unit or a total of P6-million for the city.

Aside from barangays Bulanon and Taba-ao, other barangays in Sagay identified are Himogaan Baybay, Vito, Molocaboc and Old Sagay with 20 units each.

According to Gimay, these beneficiaries were identified by their respective local government units and barangays who will have a sharing of five small fishermen is to one fishing boat, or 100 fishermen for 20 boats.

―Some of the boats for the other coastal areas are under construction and will be turned over to the beneficiaries in due time,‖ Gimay said.

Meanwhile, Sagay City Mayor Alfredo Marañon III in a Sagay City press release warned the beneficiaries never to indulge in illegal fishing because these fishing boats are meant for decent and legal livelihood.

This is part of the Comprehensive Yolanda Recovery and Reconstruction Program of the national government. *(EAD -PIA6 Negros Occidental)

Community support for Operation Listo sought

By Alex A. Lumaque ROXAS CITY, Capiz, June 3 (PIA6) – A dialogue on disaster preparedness was conducted by the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) to tap the support of the private sector to maximize the usefulness of Disaster Preparedness Plans of the local government units (LGU).

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he dialogue, a sequel to the Operation Listo launching last April, was highlighted by the participants formulation of an action plan to support LGUs in building resilient communities and signing of commitment for the initiative aimed at zero casualty and minimal damage to properties and livelihood whenever a disaster occurs in the locality.

DILG provincial director Clyne Deocampo said that the private sector will look for their areas of engagement based on the Municipal or City Convergence Action

Plans which were crafted during the Provincial Convergence Action Planning. ―We want to usher the preparedness of local communities in the event that typhoons and floods occur,‖ she noted.

An in-depth discussion on the early preparedness manual and possible activities that maybe pitched in by the private sector based on its resources and capability was also conducted during the dialogue.

The manual contains checklist of early preparations for LCEs and other key personnel

in the LGU that will help determine the readiness of the local government in times of disaster.

Capiz Gov. Victor A. Tanco and DILG – 6 Local Government Capacity Development Division (LGCDD) assistant chief Dino Ponsaran graced the activity. ―Operation Listo‖ was conceptualized

by DILG Sec. Mar Roxas out of the supertyphoon Yolanda experience to build capacities of LGUs in the preparation and response to any disaster. (JCM/AAL/PIA6 Capiz)

Passage of bill protecting children in disasters pushed

By Elsa S. Subong ILOILO CITY, June 3 (PIA6)—Iloilo Vice-Governor Raul Tupas has joined the other local government leaders in Yolanda-hit provinces in the Visayas in calling for the passage of the Children‘s Emergency Relief and Protection Act, or House Bill 5285.

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he Bill seeks to institutionalize comprehensive protection and emergency plans for children affected by disasters.

Vice Governor Raul Tupas said the bill would put in place mechanism and laws for children, the most vulnerable sector, during emergencies.

Save the Children, a non-government organization based in Estancia and batting for the passage, said once enacted into law, the Bill would require the Department of Social Welfare and Development and other agencies, to enhance services and increase protection for children before, during and after disasters.

These services and protection, as provided for by the law, include improved family tracing for unaccompanied minors, disaggregated data collection to identify

children, child-focused training for first responders, restoration of civil documents and limiting use of schools as evacuation centers so that children can quickly return to their classes.

Ned Olney, country director of Save the Children, said the proposed Bill is a ground-breaking legislation and the first of its kind in Asia. ―We cannot continue to leave children at risk for another typhoon season,‖ Olney said, adding that effects of every experience of disaster are felt most by children.

Olney also said that the overwhelming support of local governments for the passage of the Bill is a demonstration of the urgency felt by the public. More than 4,000 signatures of children and over 100 LGU officials were sent to Congress pushing for the Bill‘s passage.

Tupas said Iloilo was the first LGU in Western Visayas to pass a resolution supporting the Bill. ―We gave our support to it because we know this is a step in the right direction,‖ Tupas said.

Meanwhile, Save the Children has been rallying behind the passage of the Bill filed by Rep. Susan Yap (2nd District, Tarlac).

Olney said Save the Children was among the first organizations to pre-deploy its team during Typhoon Yolanda to immediately assess and respond to the needs of children and their families.

The Bill was developed as a result of the many lessons learned and collected from children affected by Typhoon Yolanda.

Municipalities in Leyte, Tacloban, Capiz province and Bacolod City have also provided their resolutions of support, through Save the Children. (JCM/ESS/PIA-Iloilo)

WESTERN VISAYAS

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198,360 kids, 133 LGUs to avail SFP SFPSSBy Leonard T. Pineda I ILOILO CITY, June 3 (PIA6) --- Around 198,360 children in Western Visayas will benefit from the Supplemental Feeding Program (SFP) of the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD)-6.

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n a media interview, DSWD-6 SFP Focal Person Salvacion Gayoma said that the SFP in Region 6 has been allocated a funding of P309,441,600 to be downloaded to 133 local government units in the region and the National Food Authority (NFA).

She said that DSWD-6 is now downloading funds to the LGUs for the implementation of the program to ensure that day care children are well-nourished as they attend classes starting this June.

SFP is the provision of food, in addition to regular meals, to currently enrolled day care children as part of DSWD‘s contribution to the Early Childhood Care and Development (ECCD) program of the government.

The SFP is also DSWD‘s contribution to the Millennium Development Goal (MDG) of eradicating extreme poverty and hunger.

The additional hot meal a day is composed of rice and meat/fish/ vegetables prepared by the parents organized as Day Care

Service Parent Group, with the supervision of day care workers and Municipal Social Welfare and Development Officers (MSWDOs).

In preparing the menu, the day care workers consider the inclusion of vegetables mostly preferred by day care children. The child-beneficiaries will be weighed at the start of the feeding program and three months thereafter. After the completion of 120 feeding days, the improvement in their nutritional status will be determined. (JCM/LTP/PIA-Iloilo)

Antique guv calls for heightened preparedness

By Vicente W. Villavert SAN JOSE, Antique June 2 (PIA) - - Antiqueños were reminded by the governor to heighten preparedness measures especially during the coming of rainy months due to the changing climate.

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Take care because according to the PAGASA we will be experiencing stronger typhoons in the coming months,‖ Governor Rhodora J. Cadiao said during the launching of the Environment Month in the Municipality of Belison.

During the occasion, Cadiao called on everyone to help in the universal campaign to conserve the environment.

She noted the good condition of the province‘s environment which she believed has a big role in mitigating the impact of El Niño or

the long dry spell. ―The money spent for tree planting activities have really served its purpose,‖ Cadiao said as she congratulated the Department of Environment and Natural Resources for the job well done in the improvement of the province‘s forest cover.

Cadiao urged Antiqueños to gather their acts together in order to save the environment.

The Environment Month is observed yearly pursuant to Presidential Proclamation

No. 237 by then President Corazon C. Aquino during her term in 1998.

The activity focuses public attention on the protection and conservation of natural resources to ensure a sustainable future.

Other speakers during the program include Belison Municipal Mayor Darrell B. Dela Flor, DENR Antique PENRO Ruel de los Reyes, and SP Member Vincent Hernandez Piccio, chair of the Committee on Environment and Natural Resources. (JCM/ VWV/PIA Antique)

The small people behind successful APEC hosting of Boracay

By Venus G. Villanueva KALIBO, Aklan, June 4 (PIA6) -- Leonora Gajisan of Boracay Island, Malay, Aklan appeared to be hugging tightly a precious object on the last day of the Asia Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) summit at the International Media Center (IMC) put up by organizers at the EcoVillage Resort and Convention Center.

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eonora was one of those who volunteered her services during the two-week summit, and what she was holding on tightly were her back-to-back framed Certificates of Appreciation she got from the Media Operations Committee (MOC) for being a volunteer during the Second Senior Officials Meeting and Related Meetings (SOM2) from May 10 – 21 and the Ministers Responsible for Trade Meetings (MRT) from May 23-24, 2015; and the other one from the local government unit of Malay signed by Malay Mayor John Yap. Leonora is what they call in Boracay Island a ―commissioner‖, one who looks for prospective boating tourists who wish to go around the island or hop to other nearby islands for a fee.

As a volunteer during the APEC meetings, Leonora temporarily lost her opportunity as a ―commissioner‖ to earn, but she said what she had experienced more than compensated for what she missed.

It is the same thing for John Patrick Visca, a student-volunteer who was everywhere during the meetings – at the Cagban Jetty Port in the island assisting the Media Accreditation Relations Office (MARO) group in releasing IDs of the media

covering APEC, at the IMC or giving his assistance in other APEC meeting venues.

Lemuel Flores of Nabas, Aklan, another volunteer, was happy enough that he received certificates of appreciation for serving during APEC. ―I will be more confident now in applying for jobs because I am going to use the certificates to boost my chances‖, Lemuel said, who have dreams of working abroad.

Just outside the IMC, two policemen, who came all the way from other parts of Western Visayas – one from Iloilo and another one from Guimaras kept watch on the IMC to ensure that the local, national and international media were safe and the area orderly and peaceful.

Police Officer 3 Arnold M. Solis of Guimaras Police Provincial Office and Police Officer 3 Arnel Araneta of Iloilo Provincial Office said they were posted in Boracay since the early days of the month, and even after the end of the meetings, they said they will stay for as long as there are still delegates and their families to protect.

Outside the EcoVillage was a lone policeman posted at the gate, who, when asked, said he came from Negros Occidental Police Provincial Office (NOPPO) to serve during APEC, together with

hundreds of his fellow Negrense policemen, posted in other various points in the island.

Just outside the IMC was another group – the Special Rescue Unit (SRU) of the Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP) from the National Capital Region, who also came to Boracay to augment the BFP personnel of Western Visayas.

In the mainland from Kalibo to Caticlan, Malay, police outposts and auxiliary police volunteers dotted the national highway to make the delegates, their families and visitors feel that they werea safe while on their way to Boracay Island.

At the Kalibo International Airport (KIA) where delegates and foreign media landed, volunteers, coming from national, provincial and local government offices also did their share in welcoming them since Day 1 of the APEC meetings.

Transport groups at KIA also cooperated, following the request of the Civil Aviation Authority of the Philippines (CAAP) to refrain from parking in front of the airport to give way to APEC-marked vehicles which would transport delegates from the airport to Caticlan. Overall, Aklanons gave their full cooperation to make APEC successful, peaceful and memorable.(JCM/VGV PIA6 Aklan)

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CENTRAL VISAYAS

DOST-7, CCCI spearhead Science Nation Tour Amor Y. Saludar Cebu, June 2 (PIA) --- The Department of Science and Technology (DOST-7) and the Cebu Chamber of Commerce and Industry (CCCI) are set to mount a 3-day science and technology exposition and entrepreneurship meet dubbed as "2015 DOST7 Science Nation Tour: Technology and Innovation Exposition" on June 18-20 at Marriot Hotel, this City.

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he exposition features the Regional Invention Contest and Exhibit (RICE) and Entrepreneurship Conference to encourage and develop technological creativity and ingenuity in the region.

It will highlight the grand opening of the 2015 Central Visayas Regional Invention Contest and Exhibit (RICE), the kickoff of the Entrepreneurship Conference and the Awarding of the DOST7 Regional Technovation Award or better known as the DOST7 Regional Best Small Enterprise Technology Upgrading Program (SETUP)

Adoptor.

The Cebu event is part DOST's ―Science Nation Tour‖, a national roadshow to inspire, engage and convert the Filipino people towards Science & Technology.

Furthermore, the regional competition and conference are aimed to spur inclusive national growth by striving to develop homegrown creativity, ingenuity and innovativeness in the fields of science, technology and entrepreneurship.

The entrepreneurship conference is expected to gather champions in the government and private sectors with the likes

of Senator Paolo Benigno ―Bam‖ Aquino, DOST Secretary Mario Montejo, Director of Chamber of Commerce of the Philippine Islands Melito Salazar Jr, and Prof. Ronald Mendoza from AIM Policy center, among others.

The conference will cover various subjects ranging from technological inn ov at ions , g ov ernan ce , ec on om ic evelopment, banking and finance, and other topics relevant to different areas of science, business, trade and industry. (mbcn/ays/PIA7/ with reports from Ronya Mae L. Bayan/ Licinio F. Gingoyon/DOST7)

PSA needs census enumerators, supervisors for POPCEN 2015 Rey Anthony H. Chiu BOHOL, June 2 (PIA) -- Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA), formerly National Census Office conducts the 2015 POPCEN in August 2015 and is in need of census enumerators and team supervisors, plus office complimentary staff.

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his is according to PSA officer in Bohol, Jessamyn Anne Alcazares.

If you are a college graduate, or at least with two years in college, not over 50 years old, physically fit and is still looking for a fast job, maybe working with the Census for Population (POPCEN) would be just right?

Applicants for enumerators and census area supervisors (CAS) however must meet the minimum qualifications: college graduate or at least 2nd year college in the absence of college graduate applicants, not over 50 years old, with legible handwriting in printed capital letters, able to speak Cebuano, physically fit and not pregnant if female.

Apart from those, applicants must have

good moral character, pleasing personality and has the ability to deal with the public tactfully, preferably a resident of the census enumeration area of assignment, willing to be assigned in any barangay on his/her area.

Moreover, applicants must be willing to work on Saturdays, Sundays and holidays and may even go beyond 5:00 if needed, with a mobile cellular phone and preferably with experience as enumerator or supervisor in statistical surveys conducted by NSO or other statistical agencies.

Finally, PSA desires that the applicant maintains no other signed contracts with other agencies. For CAS, aside from the above qualifications, CAS applicants need to be college graduates, computer literate with

knowledge in word and spreadsheet processing and preferably with experience as trainer in NSO or other allied agency statistical surveys. CAS applicants who may be selected from qualified applicants may be required to attend Third Level training for Enumeration and may be tapped as trainers for the Fourth Level Training. CAS shortlisted who performs poorly during the written examinations in the training can be assigned as team supervisor or enumerators depending on their scores.

Interested applicants must submit their Application Letter and Personal data Sheets to PSA Bohol Provincial office at San Jose Street and addressed to Jessamyn Anne Alcazaren, Interim Provincial Statistics Officer, PSA Bohol. (mbcn/rahc/PIA7-Bohol)

LGU Larena gets P645K GIA Project from DOST Rizalie Anding Calibo SIQUIJOR, June 3 (PIA) - - The Department of Science and Technology (DOST-Siquijor) through its Provincial Science and Technology Director Engr. Mario de la Peña turned over a check worth Php 645,000 to the Local Government Unit of Larena for the Grant-in-Aid Project entitled ―Electronic – Services on Innovation, Government, Nature and Society (PROJECT e-SIGNS) for the Local Government of Larena‖.

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he ceremony took place at the Office of the Municipal Mayor in the Municipal Hall of Larena.

Present during the event were Provincial Science and Technology Director Engr. Mario E. de la Peña and staff Engr. Reinhold Jek Y. Abing of DOST Siquijor. Mayor Dean S. Villa, Vice-mayor Gold L. Calibo, Municipal Budget Officer Clifford Quilicot, members of the Sangguniang Bayan and its municipal treasurer represented LGU Larena. The project is expected to be installed at the Larena Tourism Center. e-SIGNS which

is one of its component is to be used as a powerful medium to help disseminate useful and critical information. Among the information which could be displayed on the e-SIGNS include the tourism-related information not only about Larena but also about the province; public service announcements, weather alerts; health and wellness information; ordinances and accomplishments of the LGU; and information from advertisers as IGP, among others.

On the other hand, the Juan Time Clock that will also be installed at the

Larena Tourism Center will serve as reference not only to tourists but also to the general public to make sure that timepieces are in sync with the Philippine Standard Time (PST).

During the turnover, the recipient LGU was reminded to purchase the equipment within three months period for ease in facilitating the liquidation of the funds. LGU Larena through its Municipal Mayor, SB members and employees thanked DOST for the GIA project. (mbcn/rac/PIA7-Siquijor/with reports from Engr. Reinhold Jek Abing/DOST-Siquijor

CENTRAL VISAYAS

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DTI, GIZ hold Greening Tourism Enterprise, Business Matching in Siquijor Rizalie Anding Calibo SIQUIJOR, June 3 (PIA) - - The Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) and the Deutsche Gessellschaft fur Internationale Zusammenarbeit (GIZ) recently held Greening Tourism Enterprises and Business Matching through its Promotion of Green

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roGED is a joint project of the DTI and the GIZ that supports enterprises in various sectors in selected areas of the country in order to enhance their competitiveness through the adoption of climate smart and environment friendly strategies.

Invited resources persons elaborated the topics on tourism, environment, climate change and enterprises development.

DTI provincial director Nimfa

Virutcio gave updates on previous Value Chain Workshop while Provincial Planning and Development Coordinator Gladys Estrellada presented the tourism facts and figures of Siquijor. Provincial environment and natural resources officer Moreno Tagra and GIZ‘s Agnes Schneidt, respectively discussed Climate Change and its impact, and Green Economic Development-Alternative way of doing business. How to go green topics that include discussion on ProGED project: German and

Philippine Government‘s Response to promote GED; Greening strategies for SMEs; and Green Finance were also given by GIZ‘s Ralf Groening and Raquel Capio, and by the representatives of financing institutions like Landbank and Metrobank. Processing of greening strategies and business matching with green business development service providers were also made. The event was done at Coco Grove Beach Resort in San Juan, Siquijor, Siquijor. (mbcn/rac/PIA7-Siquijor)

Cordova to start biggest Philippine reclamation project in 2016 Ferliza C. Contratista CEBU CITY, June 3 (PIA)---Cordova town in Mactan Island, Cebu is set to have the biggest reclamation project in the country by 2016.

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n the recent briefing of the Cebu Association of City and Municipal Public I n f o r m a t i o n O f f i c e r s (CAOCAMPIO) hosted by Cordova town, Mayor Adelino Sitoy announced that the 1,500 hectares reclamation project was recently approved by the Cebu Provincial Board. ―They thought it was impossible, but it is possible here in Cordova. It will be known to be the biggest in the entire country,‖ Sitoy said. The whole project will cost P138 billion and is set to start next year.

He said it will be the biggest in the entire country as it is five times the South Road Properties (SRP) and will have SM Prime Holdings Incorporated (SMPHI) as the private

proponent to finance the entire project that covers 1,500 ha. in the 3,500 ha. fishing grounds in the city.

However, the mayor first made sure the livelihood programs of the fishing folks in the city are secured.

They‘ve required SMPHI to submit to Governor Hilario Davide III, Vice governor Agnes Magpale and the Provincial Board a livelihood project plan in the event that there will be displacements as a result of the implementation of the project. ―Our fishing grounds measures 3,500 ha. and the reclamation will only cover 1,500 ha. which will leave a 2,000 ha. for our fishing folks‖, Sitoy said. By the time the project will be finished,

49% of the reclaimed land will go to SMPHI equivalent to 735 ha.

The remaining 51% will be divided among the Provincial Government, the Philippine Reclamation Authority and Cordova.

According to Sitoy, this project will be of great development to the city as it will make it more industrialize and haven for opportunities. ―This project will open Cordova to the rest of the province and will make it one of Cebu‘s haven for opportunities,‖ he said.

Cordova is reportedly mushrooming with developments and new infrastructure ranging from tourism, economics and manufacturing. (mbcn/fcc/PIA7-Cebu/with reports from Joshua Carbonillas, Intern)

DENR7 to plant 25T mangrove propagules on World Environment Day Juju M. Empuerto CEBU CITY, June 3 (PIA) – The Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR-7) will plant around 25T mangrove propagules with partner stakeholders in a simultaneous mangrove planting in nine coastal areas in Central Visayas in celebration of the 2015 world environment day (WED) on June 5 that anchors on the theme, ―Seven Billion Dreams. One Planet. Consume with Care.‖

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ENR-7 regional executive director Dr. Isabelo Montejo said, WED is celebrated annually to remind us that we are the ones in-charge of the well-being of humanity and that the environment and economies ultimately depend on the responsible management of the earth‘s natural resources.

Montejo reiterated the need to establish more mangrove plantations in the region as they act as natural barriers in the coastlines to shield the communities from highly devastating storm surges and other tsunami-like waves. ―With recent challenges in forest development and tree growing brought about by frequent and stronger typhoons largely affecting our coastal forests, we are currently making innovations in our mangrove forest establishment strategies to

make it more resilient to climate change,‖ Montejo added.

According to DENR-7 regional information officer Eddie Llamedo, over 700 volunteers composed of mostly members of local government units (LGUs), DENR-7 personnel, industries, students and other stakeholders will participate in the simultaneous mangrove planting on June 5.

Llamedo identified areas for planting are Barangay Dungguan, Danao City, Barangay Bolinawan, Carcar City, Barangay Canjabagat, Medellin and Barangay Poblacion, Getafe all in Bohol; Tanjau City and Guihulngan City, Negros Oriental and in Barangay Tulapos, Enrique Villanueva, Siquijor.

While we protect our mangroves, Llamedo added that food security in terms of fish catch is assured as for every one hectare of mangrove trees produces up to 3.6 tons of

litter fall annually and one hectare of healthy mangrove ecosystem produces about 1.08 tons of fish per year.

Mangroves provide nursery grounds for fish, prawns and crabs, and support fisheries production in coastal waters.

Presently, DENR-7 intends to reforest and establish around 3,454 mangrove and beach forest plantations in the region as part of the one billion mangrove and beach forest development project implemented to provinces affected by typhoon ‗Yolanda‘ in 2013.

The one billion mangrove and beach forest development project aims to rehabilitate our coastal waters forests in line with the commitment to provide safer and better coastal communities against storm surges and coastal flooding. (mbcn/jsme/PIA7-Cebu/with reports from Eddie Llamedo/DENR7)

6

EASTERN VISAYAS

BFP-Naval ensures safety of schools, boarding houses MARY LAILANI P. TUPAZ NAVAL, Biliran, June 1 (PIA) -- With the opening of classes, the Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP) in Naval wants to ensure the safety of occupants of households against any danger from fire arising from the use of electricity.

B

eing the capital town and center of commerce in the province of Biliran, Naval houses a university and highly populated elementary and secondary schools catering transient workers and students whose accommodations vary from homestays, dormitories to boarding houses.

Senior Fire Officer (SFO) 2 David Victor Francis Casas of BFP-Naval said during the Kapihan at Pulong-Pulong ng Bayan hosted by the Philippine Information Agency (PIA)-Biliran over Radyo Natin yesterday, that to ensure safety of these accommodations not only in preparation for the opening of classes but all year round, BFP-Naval made coordination with the local government unit of the municipality to ensure that every household and establishment

follow fire safety laws as stipulated in the fire code.

He added that in January of every year, dormitories, boarding houses and business establishments have to first secure approval from the BFP before they are issued business permit from the LGU. Upon application, he said, the fire department conducts ocular inspection of the applicant‘s establishment for fire safety compliance.

Once the fire department finds deficiencies in the structure of the building, electrical installations, and firefighting equipment, said applicant is given 15 days to rectify or comply the deficiencies.

If the applicant fails to comply with the requirements to correct the deficiency, BFP is compelled to enforce closure of the

establishment.

Further, SFO2 Casas said, aside from securing these accommodations and business establishments, BFP-Naval also conducts inspection of both elementary and high schools in the municipality especially before the opening of classes in June.

He said, the most common findings of BFP-Naval in their rounds of inspection made to schools were lack of fire alarm, expired fire extinguishers, and use of substandard electrical wirings and materials.

SFO2 Casas, together with Fire Officer 1 Cyrill Salceda, Information Officer-designate of BFP-Naval represented Inspector Primitivo B. Tomilluso, Jr., Naval Municipal Fire Marshal during the Kapihan forum over Radyo Natin-Naval. (ajc/fj/mlt-PIA8 Biliran)

ECC secures benefits of poor contract laborer TACLOBAN CITY, Leyte, June 1 (PIA) – Antonio Caimoy, 45 of Barangay Nena, San Julian, Eastern Samar thought his life would be useless after a serious injury on his scalp while rendering a welding job in a public covered court in his community.

T

he accident rendered a big open wound in Caimoy‘s head but being on a Job Order (JO) status, who could ever help him for his long-time medication problem?

Caimoy‘s case, through a friend reached the ears of Employees Compensation Commission (ECC) and he was rescued. He was brought to the Philippine General Hospital (PGH) where he stayed for about one month for his operation and other medical

procedures.

Attorney Jonathan Villasoto, OIC-Deputy Executive Director of ECC informed that Caimoy was entitled to social welfare benefits despite his job status. ―He should have been paid of his contributions to SSS by his employer to achieve the full employees compensation,‖ Atty. Villasoto said.

Nonetheless, the Commission will have to run after Caimoy‘s employer for his insurance

payments, added Atty. Villasoto. ―That is why, workers, particularly in private establishments must agree with their employers or make sure of their SSS contributions before work begins, so they can be protected with employees compensations,‖ the ECC Deputy Exec. Director said.

Villasoto‘s team was in Ormoc recently, where they conducted a series of orientation with SSS and GSIS managers and media. (PIA-08)

LGU-Maasin, Cebu Mitsumi offer scholarship for women workers MARCELO M. PEDALINO MAASIN CITY, Southern Leyte, June 1 (PIA) -- The city local government unit here has worked closely with a Cebu-based firm last week in recruiting an all-female workforce for a scholarship program on any of two TESDA-accredited short term courses, complete with a daily allowance while undergoing the required training.

C

ebu Mitsumi, Inc. in partnership with Cebu Technological University and the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) offered Consumer Electronics Servicing (NC-II) and Computer Hardware Servicing (NC-II) for women 18-30 years old, married or single, at least a High School Graduate or Alternative Learning School (ALS) passer, and had not worked with Mitsumi before.

Qualified trainees will undergo 1,200 hours of training or approximately five months in a learn and earn scheme wherein each individual will have a P 255.00 daily

allowance In addition, they will also enjoy 100% free tuition fee, free hospitalization and accident insurance, with overtime and holiday pay, free medical examination, and free I.D., uniform and ATM card, says the information based on a flyer that announced the offering.

Screening of interested applicants was held for four days last week, May 26-29 at the city‘s Public Employment Service Office (PESO).

A total of 201 persons had applied for the Mitsumi-driven opportunity from Maasin City

where the first batch is due to depart to Cebu for further processing on June 4 and the second batch on June 9, said Sara Jane Edjoc, the City 4Ps link.

It was learned that members of the Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program (4Ps) in the mountain barangays of the city were among the sectors duly informed or recruited for the Mitsumi offer.

In a text message to PIA, Edjoc said that those who qualified in the initial screening were not all 4Ps, and not all the 70 barangays of the city were covered. (ajc/mmp, PIA8 -Southern Leyte)

EASTERN VISAYAS

7

Roxas brings Salintubig and RAY projects to Samar NINFA B. QUIRANTE CATBALOGAN CITY, Samar, May 30 (PIA) - DILG Secretary Mar Roxas enumerated the good tidings he brought to Samar during his visit to the ara yesterday.

H

e talked of the potable water project called Sagana at Ligtas na Tubig (Salintubig) project at Php 8 M per municipality. ―In San Jorge, some 9 thousand beneficiaries are already enjoying potable water,‖ he said while being interviewed by Aksyon Radio /DYMS announcer Yul dela Cruz.

He added that the same projects are in various stages of implementation like in the island town of Tagapul-an. ―Kailangan masolusyunan ang basic needs sa mga komunidad kahit na gaano kalayo,‖ he added.

As to the Recovery Assistance for Yolanda (RAY) project, he said that some Php 85 M is being downloaded in the different

barangays in Samar damaged by Typhoon Yolanda. ―Tutok din tayo sa pagpondo ng reconstruction ng palengke, munisipyo at civic centers,‖ he said.

He alluded this to the Aquino mantra of ‗daang matuwid‘ that makes all these things happen.

The DILG Secretary said he empathizes with the Samarnons being poor because of the typhoons almost always hitting Samar.

He added that most towns are poor and really need help from the national governments to recover. ―Nakaka-recover na sana, pero bumagyo na naman,‖ he said.

When asked what he can do to stop the killings in Calbayog City, Roxas said that he has given guidance to the different police directors

to address the worsening peace and order situation.

He said he has instructed security operatives to conduct check points, do operation katok, operate on loose firearms and the likes to put an end to the seeming animosity in the area.

The secretary had a closed door meeting with the army and police in the so called Joint Regional Security and Peace and Security Coordinating Council (JRSPSC).

Roxas also turned over 23 brand new patrol jeeps to the different local government units to help not only in maintaining peace and order but also to serve as rescue vehicles in times of calamities and disasters. (ajc/nbq/PIA 8 -Samar)

DOH official urges high-risk individuals to undergo HIV screening CONSUELO B. ALARCON TACLOBAN CITY, Leyte, June 4 (PIA) – A high official of the Department of Health (DOH) has urged high risk individuals to come forward and seek free screening test for Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) conducted nationwide by the agency.

I

n his recent visit in the city, DOH Undersecretary Vicente Belizario Jr. is encouraging the public especially those engaged in risky behavior to undergo screen test to prevent the transmission of the HIV virus.

The official likewise admitted on the increasing number of HIV cases reported specifically in major urban centers in the country. ―Ina-advocate natin na high risk individuals better come forward and seek the free screening of our free screening centers,‖ Belizar said ‗If and when somebody is found infected

there is treatment, HIV-AIDS now is no longer a death sentence di katulad nuong araw na pag may HIV-AIDS you‘re counting your days, months or years, now there is treatment,‖ he further said.

DOH records showed that from 1984 to March this year, a total of 220 cases of HIV were reported in the region.

Majority of the cases were transmitted by males who had unprotected sex with other males. The recent death occurred in one municipality in Eastern Samar.

However, DOH does not discount the possibility that thousands of HIV cases are unreported due to fear of being known by the

public.

Infected individuals are guaranteed by health authorities of the confidentiality of their identities if found positive of the disease.

Health experts estimate that cases may vary every year and are often significantly higher than the reported cases.

AIDS is a syndrome caused by a virus called HIV (human immunodeficiency virus).

This illness alters the immune system, making people much more vulnerable to infection and diseases and this susceptibility worsens as the syndrome progresses. (ajc/cba/ PIA-8)

Leyte gets 10 disaster-resilient school buildings JONNIE H. BUENAVENTURA TACLOBAN CITY, Leyte, June 2 (PIA) -- Intel Philippines turned over 10 school buildings which are disaster resilient and digitally equipped at Sto. Nino Elementary School, Tanauan, Leyte yesterday.

A

ccording to Intel Philippines Country Manager Calum Chrisholm the 10 school buildings which were turned over is a deviation from the traditional school building built because aside from being a disaster resilient it is equipped with solar panel that can provide energy at no cost.

It is a resilient building because it can withstand typhoon with winds of up to 250kph and an intensity 7 earthquake, he said.

Mr. Chrisholm further said that all teachers are provided with 2-in-1 laptop or tablet devices and a content access point for easy instructional methods that can be used by the teacher in teaching their students in a

more convenient way.

They also gave 20 laptops to the students of Sto. Nino Elementary School for easy interaction and to respond with the instructions given by the teacher, said Chrisholm.

Mr. Chrisholm appealed to the beneficiaries specially the students and would be students of Sto. Nino Elementary School to make use of the potential and opportunity of information technology in acquiring knowledge thru the Intel Philippines way.

Mr Chrishol bared that Intel Philippines thru its employee matching grant generated a total of USD 375,000 (Php. 15.6 million) in

donations sourced out from 2,400 Intel Philippines employees worldwide to fund school building damaged by typhoon ―Haiyan‖ on November 18, 2013.

They were touched by the spirit and unity of the victim-survivor for their eagerness to rebuild back better and face the challenges, he said.

Mr. Marlon Tangpuz, School Principal of Sto. Nino, Elemetary School was grateful to the Intel Philippines who donated the 10 school building.

According to him, they can use it in molding the 620 students to acquire better knowledge through the use of information technology. (ajc/jhb/PIA-8)

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