One Visayas e-Newsletter Vol 5 Issue 46

Vol 5

Issue 46

In this Issue WESTERN VISAYAS

BFAR-6 Assistant Regional Director Carlito Delfin presents the Visayan Sea operational plan for the closed season for the conservation of sardines, herrings, and mackerels as mandated by Fisheries Administrative Order 167-3 during its kick-off held Tuesday, Nov. 17, 2015 at Estancia, Iloilo.

More on Region 6, pages 2-3.

Also CLICK Here…

CENTRAL VISAYAS

November 16 - 22, 2015

Published by: PIA 6, 7 & 8

NFA urges LCEs to campaign against rice wastage

By Ferliza Calizar-Contratista CEBU CITY, Nov. 20 (PIA) – The National Food Authority (NFA-7) in the region called on local chief executives to step up campaign to minimize rice wastage.

In a Kapihan sa PIA recently, NFA-7 information officer Agnes Militante said Filipinos as a whole wastes around P10B worth of rice every year. Every individual she added wastes an average of two tablespoons of rice daily and it could add up to 3.3 kilogram a year. ―If we compute it with the 100 million population, it is P27M daily and rice wastage could go up to 330,000 metric tons every year,‖ Militante said.

In terms of production, Cheryl de la Victoria, information officer of the Department of Agriculture (DA-7) said Central Visayas is 32 percent rice sufficient, except for Bohol Province which is 102 percent rice sufficient, the rest of the Provinces Cebu, Negros Oriental and Siquijor are more than 50 percent short, she added.

For this month both DA and NFA officials are encouraging the City and Municipal Mayors to come up with their own initiatives in becoming a "Food Guardian" which is a program of the agriculture sector launched three years ago with the tagline "Be Riceponsible Campaign". ―We cannot do anything if we don‘t have the support of the Local Chief Executives, or they can also come up with their own legislation,‖ Militante said.

Cebu City accordingly came up with a Resolution mandating food outlets to serve half cup of rice.

Other activities in the National Rice Campaign include Zumba and Run for Rice and bringing the campaign to the educators and schools.

An average Filipino eats around 4 ½ cups of rice daily. (mbcn/fcc/PIA7-Cebu)

A Kapihan sa PIA was held November 18 at the PIA -7, 3rd Floor, Machay Building, Gorordo Ave., Cebu City with (l-r) NFA -7 Regional Information Officer Mary Agnes Militante and DA -7 Information Officer II Cherryl de la Victoria to talk on the National Rice Awareness Month. The forum was aired live thru DYMR-Radyo ng Bayan-Cebu 576 Khz from 10:00 am to 11:00 am and delayed telecast at Sky Cable Ch. 61at 5:00 pm. (vvv/PIA Cebu)

DTI-8 launches Bahandi Center at Tacloban airport The National Grid Corporation of the Philippines (NGCP) recently held a ―Power 102‖ briefing in Dumaguete city to inform local media men and public information officers in the province on the developments of NGCP‘s expansion projects in Negros Island. (L-r) Engr. Jede James Cataylo, head for Negros Area Controlled Center, Engr. Hannel Tamayo, head of Visayas Systems Planning Division, Engr. Zosimo Briones, head of Negros Operations and Maintenance Division and Atty.

Cynthia Alabanza, NGCP spokesperson and head of NGCP-CCPAD (PIA7-NegOr)

More on Region 7, pages 4-5.

CONSUELO B. ALARCON TACLOBAN CITY, Leyte, Nov. 16 (PIA) — The Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) Eastern Visayas formally launched recently the Bahandi Pasalubong & Product Display Center at DZR Airport, this city.

The launching of the project was spearheaded by DTI regional director Cynthia Nierras with support from Ma. Teresa Robielos, Development Assistance Specialist of the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) Philippines which is a partner agency of the project.

In a brief interview with Director Nierras, she said the establishment of the center will serve as a good venue for marketing of the products sold by the small and medium entrepreneurs in the region particularly the members of the Bahandi Producers Association (BPA). ―Having an outlet at the Pasalubong Center would

mean a lot of opportunities to the bahandi producers for they would surely create a regular market in the city thereby generating income for the small and medium enterprises,‖ Nierras said.

On the part of the USAID, Robielos said this is a realization of the dream of their livelihood team to help the small and medium enterprises of eastern visayas particularly Leyte and Samar.

The Bahandi Pasalubong Center showcases native foods and other homemade products in region 8 particularly moron, binagol, queseo, pastillas, cassava cake, bags, mat or ―banig‖ among others.

Bahandi producers in the region stopped its operation at the airport when its business outlet was swept by the storm surge due to super typhoon Yolanda that hit Tacloban and others areas two years ago. (ajc/PIA-8)

Also CLICK Here…

EASTERN VISAYAS

Iloilo NGP areas ‘El Niño ready’

Elsa S. Subong ILOILO CITY, Nov. 17 (PIA6)—Areas covered by the National Greening Program (NGP) in Iloilo are prepared for the adverse effects of El Niño.

The Department of Environment and Natural Resources-6 (DENR) said that trained Bantay Gubat Teams have been created in seven towns covered by the Community Environment and Natural Resources Office.

Launching Program of Model Pedicab Drivers The Bantay Gubat is a composite team of Forest with Rolando Juanillo, Prov'l Director TESDA Extension Officers, Forest Technicians, selected members @ Provincial Covered Court, Catbalogan City of Peoples‘ Organizations, and barangay officials.

November 16, 2015 (pics by JunArc) The DENR Regional Public Affairs Office said that the composite group is divided into several teams to be deployed to the NGP sites identified from 2011-2015.

The teams will then be doing foot patrol around the More on Region 8, pages 6-7. sites, to watch out for forest fires and monitor activities.

There are also fire lines constructed, look-out towers Also CLICK Here... erected and fire-fighting tools acquired, as well as small

water impounding systems established, according to the DENR-6 Director Jim Sampulna. ―Actually our NGP field coordinators all over the region were instructed to prepare contingency plans to protect the NGP areas,‖ Sampulna said.

He also said that losing NGP areas to drought or fires, would also mean loss of livelihood to thousands of families who are dependent on the project for economic support.

Meanwhile, NGP Regional Coordinator Bernabe Garnace said they have prepared their contingency plans ahead of time to protect the NGP sites as these are precious to them.

Part of the preparation, Garnace said, included the conduct of information drive to forewarn stakeholders of possible effects of El Niño, which is described as the strongest by far to hit the Philippines. ―Climate change and related environmental laws are also part of our information dissemination campaigns,‖ Garnace said. (JCM/ESS/PIA-Iloilo)

2

WESTERN VISAYAS

Closed fishing season till February 2016

By Lilibeth A. French ILOILO CITY, Nov. 18 (PIA6) - - The closed fishing season for herrings, sardines and mackerels in some portions of the Visayas Sea and adjoining waters started on Monday, November 15 of this year.

T

he closed season will run until February 15, 2016 as mandated by the Fisheries Administrative Order 167-3.

Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources 6 (BFAR 6) Director Remia Aparri said it is during this period that the spawning activity of the three species in the Visayas Sea peaks. ―We want to manage that these three fish species will be allowed to spawn and reproduce young ones to replenish the stock and increase their population during the three-month closed season for sustainability and better and bigger catch for our fisherfolk,‖ said Aparri.

A study, according to Aparri, shows herrings, sardines and mackerels constitute one-third of the fish production in the Visayas Sea. She said teams from BFAR offices in Regions 5, 6, 7 and 8 will be deployed in full

force to strictly monitor and enforce the fishing ban. ―Region 8 was involved because there are observations that commercial fishing boats who evade apprehensions here go to Region 8,‖ said Aparri.

The closed season covers the following areas: from the mouth of Danao River in Escalante, Negros Occidental on the northeastern tip of the Bantayan Island to Madridejos, thru the lighthouse on Gigantes Island, to Olutaya Island, to Culasi Point in Capiz province, southward along the eastern coast of Iloilo to the mouth of Talisay River, westward across the Guimaras Starit to Tomonton Point in Negros Occidental, eastward along the northern coast of the Negros Island and back to the mouth of Danao River.

As provided for by FAO 167-3, violators

will be subject to imprisonment of six months and one day to six years and/or fine of P6,000 and forfeiture of the catch and cancellation of fishing permit or license.

Aparri together with Directors Andy Bojos and John Albadejo of BFAR Regional Offices 7 and 8 made the announcement on the start of the implementation of FAO-167-3 during a kick-off activity held in Estancia, Iloilo, November 17.

Municipal Fishery Officers, fishing boat operators and representatives of fisherfolk associations and concerned local government units and national government agencies who also attended the event expressed their support to the closed fishing season by affixing their signatures in the commitment tarpaulin bearing the words ―Ako nagaPanaad nga Amligan kag Tipigan ang Dunang Manggad sang Visayan Sea.‖ (JCM/Laf/PIA6-Iloilo)

Sagay City hosts story-book writing workshop Carlson B. Alelis NEGROS OCCIDENTAL, Nov. 16 (PIA6) – Those who are fond of writing stories and are planning to make their own books in the future can come to the story book writing workshop presented by Museo sang sa Bata sa Negros Foundation, set November 24 in Sagay City.

T

he event will be from 8:30 AM until 4:30 PM and it will be held at the Balay Kauswagan, a release from the Sagay City Information Office said.

The topics that will be presented are as follows: Writing for Children, Element in Stories, Book Design and Copyright, among others.

The workshop will be facilitated by a husband and wife team, Ronald Verso and Beverly Wico-Sy. Those who are interested or have queries regarding the event, can contact

Ms. Remar Gallego at 09177987420.

Participants are urged to register early because there are limited slots available for the event. There will be workshop to be held in Bacolod City, November 25 at the University of St. La Salle (USLS).

Beverly Wico-Sy was associated with the Filipinas Copyright Licensing Society Inc. or FILCOLS, a group to Writers and Publishers who banded together to protect the copyrights of Filipino writers.

Her advocacy made her National Book

Development Board‘s Book Champion and IP Ambassador this year.

Meanwhile, Ronald Verso is the editor of Cavite Young Writers Association‘s LITA: Poems on Women, which won The Filipino Readers‘ Choice Awards in 2013.

He is also the publisher of several anthologies from local writers, including Mesandel Arguelles‘ PESOA, which is National Book Award Finalist and FRCA Finalist this year. (JCM/CBA/PIA6/Sagay City-Negros Occidental)

Antique Irrigators' Associations unite

By Pilar S. Mabaquiao SAN JOSE, Antique, Nov. 16 (PIA6) - - The National Irrigation Administration organized the Irrigators’ Association Coordinating Council (IACC) in various municipalities in the province to consolidate the initiatives and programs of all irrigators association existing in one municipality.

T

he installation of the IACC is necessary, said Engr. Lalaine Selerio Information Officer of NIA because in most cases, there are two or more Irrigator‘s Association (IAs) organized in one municipality. In the context of NIA-IA-LGU framework in the operation and maintenance of the system there‘s a need to consolidate the initiatives and programs of these IAs. Engr. Randy C. Alipis, Acting Division Manager, NIA – Antique IMO said this council will be of great help to farmers seeking assistance to other agencies and local government units.

The IACC will act as a planning, monitoring and evaluating body on matters pertaining to issues and concerns related to

the Operation and Maintenance of the IAs. It will also act as a coordinating body during implementation of programs, projects and activities that involves farmer-members of IAs, other government agencies, the local government units, the people‘s organizations and non-governmental organizations.

Likewise, the IACC will also provide support to complement, synchronize and harmonize activities that are of cultural and social significance to all stakeholders within the municipality. It will act as an avenue or conduit to facilitate the availment of IA as an organization of government support programs related to agricultural production and technology transfer.

The IACC is composed of NIA, IA, LGU,

the People‘s Organizations and Government Organizations and Agencies who provide credits, loan and marketing assistance, good quality seeds and those who provide technology and assistance on the aspects of livelihood and enterprise development.

On November 11, 2015, the IACC was organized in the Municipality of Culasi, Antique. This activity was participated by NIA, the Local Government Unit (LGU) and Irrigators‘ Associations (IAs). Early in October the IACC was also organized in the town of Tobias Fornier. ―The rest of the municipalities will follow, since we are targeting the installation of all IACC provincewide,‖ said Alipis. (JCM/NIA/ PSM/PIA6Antique)

WESTERN VISAYAS

3

96 publications vie for major COPRE awards Elsa S. Subong ILOILO CITY, Nov. 19 (PIA) — The 2015 College Press Conference (COPRE) and Awards, an annual project of the Philippine Information Agency-6, is all set, with 96 school publications vying for major awards.

T

he COPRE 2015 will unfurl at the Kapis Mansions in Banica, Roxas City, on November 26.

PIA-6 Director Atty. Janet C. Mesa said the event is expected to gather about 400 college paper editors and writers in fellowship and writing competitions. ―The number of publications contesting for major awards is increasing every year and we are pleased to note that,‖ Mesa said.

The major awards at stake for the publications include those for Best Newspaper,

Best Magazine, Best Departmental Publication, Best Literary Folio, Best Multi-lingual Paper, and Best College Newsletter.

The Gawad Graciano Lopez Jaena Award, a Hall of Fame award is given to publications who garner a major award for three consecutive years.

Winners for Special Group Contests are also cited for categories such as, Best News Page, Best Editorial Page, Best Feature Page, Best Newspaper Layout, Best Magazine Cover Design, Best Multi-lingual Paper.

Highlights of the COPRE also include on-the-spot writing contests, and a Mr. and Ms. COPRE 2015 Pageant, which is a showcase of talent, intelligence and beauty.

The day-long activity will be capped by the awarding ceremonies, to include recognition of Best Performing School Paper Advisers.

Through the years, Mesa said, COPRE has been yielding crops of student journalists, who now are in various fields, always attributing their feats to their experiences in PIA campus journalism program.(JCM/ESS/PIA-Iloilo)

Capiz MSMEs join Product Expo Alex A. Lumaque ROXAS CITY, Capiz, Nov. 18 (PIA6) – About 30 exhibitors will participate in the Capiz Product Expo of the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) at Robinsons’ Place in Pueblo de Panay from Dec. 5 to 8 in view of the Sinadya sa Halaran 2015 celebration.

T

he five-day selling event will feature Capiz – made products by the Micro Small and Medium Entrepreneurs of the food and craft sectors. ―Some of the products of the craft sector that will be displayed are the result of the DTI‘s Product Development and Consultancy

sessions,‖ said a DTI – Capiz Industry Development Division chief Mercy Young.

Top-notch international lifestyle designer PJ Arañador has been tapped to provide the needed consulting services for the craft sector.

Products like home furnishings, fashion accessories and personal items aside from local

delicacies and processed food products will be available at the expo.

The DTI initiative for the SSH celebration highlights the province‘s rich and diverse local resources as well as its creative, skillful and resourceful entrepreneurs. (JCM/AAL/PIA6 Capiz)

Market encounters profitable for farmers, fisherfolks

By Venus G. Villanueva KALIBO, Aklan, Nov. 17 (PIA6) – For two consecutive days last October 29-30, 2015, Rosalinda Aguirre, a grandmother from Lezo, Aklan cheerfully stood behind her assigned table laden with her simple farm produce – bunches of saba bananas, violet camote tops and banana blossoms – with packs of ampaw or rice crispies (Lezo’s leading and original food delicacy) and several packs of rice puto as added attractions.

A

fter two days, her total earnings reached Called the Farmers and Fisherfolks Market Day, P3,460.00 – not bad for someone like her the market-matching was first held on October 16, who earlier was discouraged by her family 2014 in front of the OPA. from joining the activity fearing she would just get The activity was conceived to recognize the tired. importance of the farmers in the province and to At her right was Bingbing Bullo of Calizo, showcase their agricultural and fishery products and Balete, Aklan, who displayed her saba and kalatunday by-products. bananas and papayas as well as ready-to-plant fruit The first market encounter, joined by 11 seedlings like pomelo and green ―tambis‖ on her farmers/fisherfolk was able to earn P23,407.00. Sold table, at the same time eyeing her young children she were fish, fresh vegetables and fruits and processed brought along with her. products.

For her two-day selling venture, Bullo was able Encouraged by the positive response of both to earn P2,020.00. the farmers/sellers and the buyers, the Provincial Aguirre and Bullo were just two of the Government allotted a budget of P500,000.00 to the many Aklanon farmers, fisherfolks and food OPA to be able to mount the activity regularly and producers who flocked to the Provincial Trade Hall to gather more participants. late last month to earn and at the same time take The monthly market encounter – sometimes part in the 1st year anniversary of the Farmers and held twice monthly – is held a day after paydays of Fisherfolks Market Day marked by the Office of the Capitol employees to ensure that there would be Provincial Agriculturist (OPA), the organizer of the ready buyers of the farmers/fisherfolks. market encounter, as a milestone of an original Based on records from the OPA, the one-year venture. provincial marketing activity generated total sales of It was again an opportunity for the first P878,202.55. group – and the direct buyers (second group) These sales directly went to the farmers and composed of Provincial Capitol employees and some fisherfolks. national government employees and other people in Earnings were high during the month of April the vicinity having offices in the Capitol compound, this year as the farmers were able to sell their to come together to benefit from each other: for the produce for a week during the Aklan Day sellers - to sell directly to buyers their produce at anniversary celebration, with P451,552.00 while the prices they deem reasonable enough, and for buyers 2-day market day on October 29-30 earned a total to buy fresh and nutritious food items – and due to of P133,471.75. the absence of middlemen, - paying for these at Farmers/sellers usually come from Aklan‘s 17 reasonably low prices. towns selling products they are famous for, like

Numancia, which sold lechon along with vegetables and fruits; Tangalan, with its dried dilis and high-value vegetables and fruits; and Batan – with its fresh seafoods and food products like the famous puto-buko cake, recipe of which is said to be closely guarded and never shared by the producer.

The market day is also an opportunity for sellers to display and promote health and wellness items and concoctions like luya salabat, lemon grass juice, dried dragon fruits, healthy ice cream, talong patties, Malunggay/kalabasa canton, squash canton, organically-planted vegetables and many others.

Asked if Nanay Rosalinda would again join the next market day at the Provincial Trade Hall, she answered in the positive.

According to her, selling her backyard banana blossoms and violet camote tops makes her strong, and she earns from these, too, unlike when she stays at home just idling and her vegetables just asked for by her neighbors.

On the part of OPA-Aklan Assistant Provincial Agriculturist Salome David, she said she is glad everytime some farmer/sellers air positive comments regarding the marketing event. ―One farmer/producer told me he is much happier receiving his sales from his bananas and fruits than in receiving his honorarium as a college instructor‖, David said.

This shows, according to David, that the said marketing activity in the province is causing a good impact on Aklan‘s marginal farmers and fisherfolks, making them satisfied, happy and empowered. (JCM/ VGV PIA6 Aklan)

4

CENTRAL VISAYAS

NGCP readies for 2016 national elections

BY JENNIFER C. TILOS NEGROS ORIENTAL, Nov. 17 (PIA) – The National Grid Corporation of the Philippines (NGCP) has come up with a contingency plan to prevent power interruptions during the synchronized national and local elections in May 2016.

I

n preparations for the national elections, NGCP has been doing clearing operations to trees that may create obstructions to its power transmission and cable lines during the election period.

However, in a ―Power 101-102‖ media briefing held recently in Dumaguete City, NGCP spokesperson lawyer Cynthia Alabanza asked members of the media and the Association of Negros Oriental Public Information Officers (ANOPIO) to help them cautioned the residents not to plant trees under its transmission lines.

Atty. Alabanza said trees and vegetation that grow or are planted near NGCP‘s existing transmission lines are known to cause tripping or power outages.

According to Engr. Briones so far the only

problem of power failure and interruptions in Negros Island is due to trees and vegetation when it breach prescribed safety clearances for high-voltage power lines.

Engr. Briones said clearing of trees and vegetation under transmission lines has become difficult because of uncooperative landowners.

The NGCP also warned the public of the safety hazards for right of way (ROW) violators that may add up to operation problems. ―Uncooperative landowners prevent the company from conducting the much needed vegetation clearing activities, thus transmission services where areas affected are likely hampered,‖ said Alabanza.

As part of preventive measure, NGCP holds series of safety information campaigns to media and information officers and even in barangays to

remind the public to take extra precautions when near the transmission lines.

Responsible trimming of trees and vegetation within the transmission line ROW is part of regular operation and maintenance procedures done by NGCP linemen.

Alabanza said the NGCP‘s regular maintenance activities and expansion projects aim to enhance the reliability and quality of electricity delivered to customers.

The NGCP does not own the towers and lands on which the towers are standing on.

Its franchise only covers the operations and management of the transmission facilities.

The assets, including lines, substations, land and structure, will remain with the Philippine government through the National Transmission Corporation. (mbcn/jct/PIA7-Negros Oriental)

VF head wins award for championing children’s rights

BY JENNIFER C. TILOS NEGROS ORIENTAL, Nov. 17 (PIA) – Visayan Forum (VF) president and multi-awarded Filipina anti-trafficking advocate Cecilia Oebanda was named one of this year’s Child 10 (C10) Awardees by the Sophie Stenbeck Family Foundation and Reach for Change.

V

F Negros coordinator Dondee Señeris announced this recently as he said Oebanda once again brought honor to the Philippines as one of the awardees for C10 global leaders who fight against child trafficking. ―Once a child laborer herself, Oebanda served underprivileged and marginalized farmers, sugar plantation workers (Sacada) and urban poor as a catechist. She was imprisoned during the Marcos regime and raised two of her four children behind bars.

Upon her release at the end of the dictatorship, Cecilia started building Visayan Forum (VF) as an anti-slavery and anti-trafficking organization,‖ related Señeris.

VF is a Philippine-based internationally recognized nonprofit innovating solution to end modern slavery.

Established in 1991, VF seeks to build a society where people are free, protected, and empowered to explore opportunities without the risk of exploitation and slavery.

VF represents the women‘s sector in both national and local‘s Inter-Agency Council Against Trafficking (IACAT), said Señeris.

He added the VF works alongside law enforcers, government agencies, and transport groups to intercept potential human trafficking attempts.

The VF also operates shelters and a safe house to protect and heal survivors.

Señeris said its institution engages in trafficking prevention efforts such as raising awareness, providing economic vulnerable groups empowerment opportunities, and creating community watch mechanisms.

Further, VF conducts research, mainstreams best practices among key stakeholders, and advocates for policy reform.

VF played a crucial role in lobbying for the passage of landmark laws such as the Domestic Workers‘ Act of 2012.

Cecilia Oebanda is the first Filipino to receive the award. Past Child10 Awardees include James Kofi Annan of Challenging Heights in

Ghana, and Oby Ezekwesili of #BringBackOurGirls Campaign. ―There are many challenges when you‘re fighting on the ground, and certainly these can take their toll on us. But VF‘s work for almost 25 years can speak for itself: no matter what struggles we faced, we chose to fight.

We share this success with our partners in the government, civil society, private sector, faith-based groups, schools, and communities, without whom VF would not have been able to save countless lives.

The world is noticing how we have intensified our work and our collective gains in the fight. This award is for us all,‖ Oebanda said.

Oebanda received the award from with David Bussau, Chairman of the Board of Visayan Forum, on November 9, 2015 during the Child10 (C10) Summit and Awarding Ceremony at the Grand Hotel in Stockholm, Sweden. (mbcn/jct/ PIA7-Negros Oriental)

VECO,TelCos ink Emergency Response Guidelines

By Amor Y. Saludar CEBU, Nov. 18 (PIA) --- The Visayan Electric Company (VECO) and telecommunication providers recently held the ceremonial signing on the Emergency Response Guidelines following incidents of dangling wires and breaking poles that oftentimes create worst effects to the public.

R

epresentatives from VECO and telecommunication providers such as PLDT, Globe Telecom, TelecPhil, Eastern Telecom, Skycable, CCTN/NGO signed the Manifesto guidelines.

The objective of the guidelines presented

by Ian Fabian, Manager of Streetlight and Pole Utilities Department of VECO is to ensure that all pole attachment maintenance and repair, especially for emergency related works, are

attended accordingly.

VECO then noted that through this set of guidelines VECO now has the right to immediately response to emergency regardless of whose wire is affected, as can be recalled that there is a contract provisions that prohibit VECO from tampering or interfering with pole attachments.

The guidelines then covered from

reporting of emergency related pole attachment maintenance up to billing.

Chief Operating Officer of VECO Anton Mari Perdices, in his welcome remarks during the event said that they are all very cautious in terms of safety.

Valentin Saludes III of VECO added that they are in close coordination with TelCos on safety and hazards of the public. (mbcn/ays/PIA7/ with reports from VECO)

CENTRAL VISAYAS

5

NegOr, PCIC ink MOA on crop insurance for poor farmers

By Roi Anthoni B. Lomotan NEGROS ORIENTAL, Nov. 19 (PIA) – Officials from the Provincial Government of Negros Oriental and the Philippine Crop Insurance Corporation (PCIC) recently signed a Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) aimed to provide free crop insurance to the poorest farmers and fisherfolks in the province.

T

he provincial government was represented by Governor Roel Degamo, atty. Richard Enojo, Provincial Administrator, Provincial Agriculturist Gregorio Paltingca and Provincial Veneterinarian Nestor Villaflores.

PCIC on the other hand was represented by its president Atty. Jovy Bernabe, Norman Cajucom, Senior Vice President for Regional Management Group, Cresencio deligero, Regional Manager for Central Visayas, Antonio Uy II, Vice President for Corporate Business Affairs and Epifanio Maniebo, member of PCIC board of directors.

Atty. Bernabe disclosed that through this partnership with the provincial government, PCIC targets to cover 30,000 to 50,000 poor farmers in Negros Oriental for their free

insurance. ―The Department of Agriculture and the PCIC will give them free crop insurance in case they are hit by calamities or pestilence,‖ Bernabe said.

The insurance covers farmers of rice, corn, sugarcane and high value crops as well as livestock including aquaculture farms. The amount of crop insurance is pegged at P20, 000. ―This is a big help to our farmers.

Around 30, 000 to 50,000 farmers in Negros Oriental will be covered by this program so I really thank PCIC for the big help they gave our province,‖ Degamo expressing his gratitude to PCIC. Meanwhile, PCIC Senior Vice President for Regional Management Group Norman Cajucom

elaborated that the corporation has already begun coordinating with its local counterparts the Provincial Agriculturist Office as well as the Municipal Agriculturist Office in verification of farmers that will be covered by the crop insurance program.

However, in the case of Negros Oriental where sugarcane is one of the primary agricultural products in the province, Cajucom noted that the PCIC will only give insurance to those farmers whose crops are damaged by accidental fire aside from the usual calamities and pestilence.

Cajucom also added that the provincial government signified its intention to provide an office space for its office as part of the local government's support to PCIC. (mbcn/ral/ PIA7-Negros Oriental)

EDC guides universities, LGUs on energy efficiency and conservation

BY JENNIFER C. TILOS NEGROS ORIENTAL, Nov. 18 (PIA) -- Energy Development Corporation (EDC) continues to spread positive energy in Negros Oriental by helping Foundation University (FU) establish its comprehensive energy efficiency and conservation programs, starting off with an energy audit seminar on November 12 and 13.

T

he two-day workshop that took place in FU was conducted with First Philippine Holdings and the Department of Energy (DOE) to help the university foster awareness on sustainable energy use, to create a culture of conservation and a less consumptive lifestyle among its faculty and students.

A c c o r d i n g t o E D C‘ s co r p o r at e communication officer Frances Ariola even with the abundance of clean, renewable geothermal power in Negros Island, EDC believes that conserving energy should still be a way of life for Negrenses to take better care of the environment.

The training was also extended to local government units (LGUs) and other organizations in Negros Oriental to promote efficient and

cost-effective utilization of energy resources to minimize environmental impact.

The DOE's Senior Science Research Specialists, Engr. Maximino Marquez and Engr.

Marlon Romulo Domingo led the workshop on day 1, which was an orientation on the role of the academe and local government in energy conservation and an introduction to energy conservation and efficiency and energy audit.

FU's Dean Marlon Tanilon also shared with the participants the university's current energy efficiency and conservation initiatives.

Day 2 of the workshop was for hands-on application of the energy audit.

Participants from the local government of Dumaguete, Sibulan and Valencia, the Department of Environment and Natural Resources,

Department of Science and Technology, Department of Trade and Industry, Silliman University, Saint Paul University Dumaguete and FU were divided into groups to do an energy analysis of target sites and develop programs to achieve their corresponding energy efficiency and conservation programs.

Ariola said EDC is the world's largest vertically integrated geothermal company and the only purely renewable energy firm in the country.

It supplies 70% of Negros Oriental's power supply and it has been empowering communities and preserving the forests in areas where it operates for almost 40 years, said Ariola. (mbcn/ jct/PIA7-Negros Oriental)

P500M up for Siquijor road dev’t projects SIQUIJOR, Nov. 11 (PIA) — Nearly P500 million worth of road development projects in Siquijor province are eligible and approved for funding under the national government’s Human Development and Poverty Reduction-Accelerated and Sustainable Anti-Poverty Program (HDPR-ASAP).

T

his was bared during the Validation Workshops on Tourism and Agriculture as the province‘s priority sector identified through the Coordinating Roads and Infrastructure Investments for Development (CR+ID) project of the Asia Foundation and the Australian Embassy in the Philippines.

The province has proposed for a total of P643,083,342.49 worth for eight road projects province wide as a result of the Provincial Consensus Building and Value Chain Analysis workshops conducted by CR+ID earlier this year where multi-stakeholders arrived at an agreement on tourism and agriculture, particularly banana and coconut as the priority sectors and subsectors of the province.

The projects are validated based on the

following criteria: increased efficiency - 20%; spur economic activity - 20%; reduced cost of doing business - 20%; Volume of production - 15%; connectivity - 15%; and volume of traffic - 10%.

Approved for HDPR-ASAP funding are Concreting of Canggomantong (Sitio Canggaya)-Bandilaan -Cantabon Road, P53,827,969.04; Concreting of Poblacion-Tulapos Marine Sanctuary Road (via CVRP Mangrove forest), P12,153,020.59; Concreting of Banban-Pili -Canghunoghunog-Cantabon Road, P52,831,563.34; Concreting of Canlambo-Ponong -Manan-ao-Balolong-Balolang-Canlasug-Bintangan Road, P85,894,861.93; Concreting of Tigbawan -Cangclaran-Kinamandagan-Kimba-Cang-atuyom -Cang-asa-Campalanas Road‘ P129,194,850.90;

Con cret i n g of Na ger on g - Tagm an oc an -Capalasanan-Poo Road, P82,940,494.40; and Concreting of San Antonio-Cantabon-Bandilaan -Cang-apa (Cabilao) Road, P83,053,048.55.

The projects are seen to speed up tourism and economic development, as well as poverty reduction efforts of the province.

CR+ID is a successor to the CRID project or Coordinating Road Investments for Development, implemented over the last two years in five provinces: Bohol, Cebu, Guimaras, Surigao del Norte, and Surigao del Sur. NEDA Region VII highlights the importance of investment in infrastructure, especially on transportation in the updated Central Visayas Regional Development Plan for 2014-2016.(mbcn/ rac/PIA7-Siquijor)

6

EASTERN VISAYAS

Pre-Spanish pottery with Baybayin markings found in Limasawa Marcelo M. Pedalino MAASIN CITY, Southern Leyte, Nov. 17 (PIA) -- A rare piece of pottery was discovered in the historic island-town of Limasawa while the National Commission for Culture and Arts (NCCA) was having a cultural mapping of the area.

I

n a text message forwarded to PIA Monday, November 16, Nedgar Garvez, Provincial Tourism Officer, said the pottery artifact was inscribed with ―baybayin‖ writings, a form of alphabet said to be the oldest in the country.

Baybayin is an ancient Filipino writing system in pre-Spanish times. According to Wikipedia, the system originated from the Javanese script and part of the Brahmic family of Burmese, Abigoda, Tamil, and

Malayalam.

In a related development, Limasawa Mayor Melchor Petracorta confirmed the find, saying someone was digging in barangay San Agustin, the upper portion of the island, and found a skeletal remain with the pot nearby.

In a radio interview over DYDM this morning, Petracorta said the excavated pottery was only the second of its kind, with its baybayin writings, the first one housed at

the NCCA museum.

The NCCA is still continuing its work on cultural mapping during which the item was discovered, with high hopes other ancient artifacts may still be dug, Petracorta said.

The discovery was proof that long before the arrival of Magellan and his fleet in the year 1521, a flourishing civilization was already existing in the island, Petracorta also said. (mmp, PIA8-Southern Leyte)

Construction of Magellan’s Cross in Limasawa mulled TACLOBAN CITY, Leyte, Nov. 18 (PIA) – In an apparent view to create a concrete historical mark where the first Christian Mass in the Philippines and Asia was celebrated, a 15-meter-high cross structure is expected constructed in Limasawa island, Southern Leyte.

T

his was discussed today, in the Regional Development Council M e e tin g , I n f ra st ru c tu re a n d Utilities Development Committee (RDC-IUDC) being chaired by DPWH Director Rolando Asis.

The discussion emanated from Sangguniang Panlalawigan Resolution No. 720, endorsing to RDC 08, request for funding assistance for the construction of the said National Shrine in barangay Magallanes, Limasawa town.

Records show that Limasawa island has been declared a tourism zone on November 18, 1994 by virtue of R.A.7822, declaring further that the island shall be ―accorded priority development by the Department of

Tourism (DOT).‖ Upon evaluation, the RDC-8 Secretariat henceforth, said among others, that the proposed tourism infra project, with an estimated cost of P10 million is consistent with the LGUs National Tourism Development Plan and since ―it will be constructed on a government property, it is eligible for funding assistance by the Tourism Infrastructure and Enterprise Zone Authority (TIEZA).‖ The evaluation added, however, that the proponent LGU will have to submit DENR‘s Environmental Compliance Certificate (ECC) issued by the Environment Management Bureau as they shall likewise has to share a counterpart contribution of

some 10% of the estimated project cost or in a form of labor or materials.

Once, completed, the Historical Monument is expected to draw in more tourists to the region, with a better Ro-Ro port and other facilities that are up for construction.

To add more uniqueness to the monument, modern restrooms are expected built inside the big Cross Monument. History tells that on March 16, 1521, Magellan discovered Philippines, by anchoring first in Homonhon island of Guiuan, Eastern Samar, but previous claims for the first mass to be celebrated in the same shores, remained unfounded to date.

(PIA-08).

SIPPAD considers possible creation of Samar region Samuel D. Candido BORONGAN CITY, Eastern Samar, Nov. 18 (PIA) -- The three provinces of Northern Samar, Eastern Samar and Samar together with each province’s representatives from the church, government, academe, and civil society convened Friday at the 31st Samar Island Partnership for Peace and Development (SIPPAD) Assembly.

T

he assembly theme was ―Samar, One Island, One Eco-system, One Common Mission towards Total Human Development‖ at the Provincial Multi-purpose Gymnasium, Capitol Grounds, this City.

Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) Secretary Mel Senen Sarmiento was the guest of honor during this assembly. In his message, he urged the Samarnons not to stop from dreaming for the island of Samar. ―A shared vision has a big effect for the development of the whole Samar Island ,‖ Sarmiento said.

The Interior Secretary added that because of the ―Tuwid na Daan‖ principle of Pres. Aquino, many projects are already funded— especially the road projects in Samar Island which are to interlink the three provinces.

Sarmiento urged the Local Government Units (LGUs) and government agencies as well to submit their project plans early so that these can be promptly funded ―Failing to plan is planning to fail,‖ the Secretary quipped.

Meanwhile, Calbayog Bishop Isabelo Abarquez, Borongan Bishop Crispin Varquez, and Catarman Bishop Emmanuel Trance led the convenors of the assembly and chorused that it is high time for the three provinces of Samar Island to make a move and be united to create an administrative region so as to push for a faster economic development.

The Samar Island is constituted of the three provinces of Eastern Samar, Northern Samar, and (Western) Samar and is part of the Samar-Leyte Region officially called as Region VIII ( Eastern Visayas ).

In her power point presentation, Meylene Rosales, NEDA Supervising EDS/ OIC Chief of Policy Formulation and Planning Division and resource person of the assembly, said that she will neither accept nor reject the proposal of the SIPPAD. ―You will decide on your own whether to push for a separate region or not,‖ she said. ―You know your place better and you know what‘s best for you,‖ she further added. In her presentation, she also presented the needed parameters in creating a region and showed the economic status and potentials of the island.

At the end of the assembly, a resolution was passed by the SIPPAD urging President Aquino to create Samar Island as a separate region through an Executive Order. (SDC/ PIA-E. Samar)

EASTERN VISAYAS Biliran PNP Chief expects performance with new patrol jeeps

7 better

Mary Lailani P. Tupaz NAVAL, Biliran, Nov. 18 (PIA) – With the deployment of the new police patrol jeeps to the eight municipalities of Biliran province , Police Senior Superintendent Lito Bigoy, OIC Provincial Director of the Biliran Police Provincial Office (BPPO) expects better performance from the Municipal Police Stations.

P

SSupt Bigoy said during the turnover ceremony of the eight police patrol jeeps on Novemb 5, 2015 which was graced by no less than Secretary Mel Senen Sarmiento of the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG), the delivery of the patrol jeeps is very timely with the implementation of the Oplan Lambat-Sibat in the province.

Oplan Lambat-Sibat is a brainchild of former DILG Secretary Mar Roxas aimed at

combating crimes through ―deliberate, programmatic and systematic‖ approach in dealing with lawless elements.

Sustained police operations under Oplan Lambat Sibat includes checkpoint and mobile patrol where the new police patrol jeeps are of great help for the police officers on duty.

The eight police patrol jeeps deployed to the different Municipal Police Stations (MPS) of the province of Biliran is part of the 1,490 patrol

jeeps deployed to the different MPS nationwide.

The distribution of the patrol jeeps started in May 15, 2015, according to Secretary Sarmiento.

The police patrol jeeps deployed in the province of Biliran are numbered and labelled by municipality as follows: 25 for Almeria, 26 for Biliran, 27 for Cabucgayan, 28 for Caibiran, 29 for Culaba, 30 for Kawayan, 31 for Maripipi, and 32 for Naval. # (fj/PIA 8 Biliran)

Pedicab drivers to give renewed spark to Samar tourism Ninfa B Quirante CATBALOGAN CITY, Samar, Nov. 17 (PIA) — More than 5 thousand pedicab drivers are seen to give renewed spark to Samar tourism.

T

his was the clamor of the sponsoring agencies to the first batch of 150 pedicab model drivers to be trained by TESDA in the next seven days. Pedicab is a small pedal-operated vehicle, serving as taxi in downtown Catbalogan.

TESDA Rolando Juanillo urged the assembled pedicab drivers to help spur tourism development in the capital city and the province by being presentable, respectful and knowledgeable of tourist destinations, shops, hotels and diners that tourists would seek.

With the boom in eco-tourism, pedicab drivers will also benefit, as more people means more passengers in the city, as such, they will be part of the ‗inclusive growth‘ Juanillo said during his message. ―Pedicab drivers play in

the value chain in the tourism program,‖ Juanillo said.

He added that training them on desirable attitudes, values and repair and maintenance of their units will help the pedicab driver.

Erning Moreno, 37 from Brgy Mahayag says he responded to the call because he likes the idea of serving tourists. He said he wants to practice his English while talking to foreigners, yes, he knows the best restaurants and the ‗classy‘ beauty parlors in town. He also knows where to drive them to get ‗marasa‘ (delicious) coming home presents.

The pedicab drivers will attend the training in seven half-days for them still to be able to do their jobs, but their lost income will

be replenished with five kilos of rice/ day, as announced by Mayor Stephany Uy-Tan. The drivers will also be given a tool kit, five camiso -china as their uniforms, and rechargeable lamps that they can use at nighttime.

Governor Sharee Ann Tan also vowed to provide two more uniforms for the drivers, she just asked them to follow traffic rules, observe road courtesy to avoid accidents and to be respectful to their clients.

The young governor also promised to bring them to tourist spots to get first-hand experiences so that they can suggest to their passengers the natural tourist sites drumbeated in Spark Samar-the grand tourism program of the province. (nbq/PIA 8-Samar)

Road rehab to impact on ESamar’s economy Samuel D. Candido BORONGAN CITY, Eastern Samar, Nov. 18 (PIA) -- Economic and business activities in the 7 municipalities of the southern part of Eastern Samar are expected to have more vigor once the rehabilitation of the road section of the Quinapondan-Lawaan National Highway is completed.

T

he project aims to re-block the damaged portions of the Quinapondan-Lawaan National Highway without asphalt overlay.

This project shall also be an answer to the complaints of commuters and motorists who regularly pass by the damaged portions of the said national highway.

He explained that some road sections of the said highway can be observed to have deteriorated throughout the years and need immediate repair.

In an interview with PIA, Engr.

Manolo Roxas, district engineer of the

Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH)-Eastern Samar, said that more investments and businesses will be put up in these southern municipalities upon completion of the rehabilitation of this southern coastal road‘s critical section.

He also emphasized that if the said rehabilitation will be done, more vehicles — especially cargo trucks— will be able to pass. It will also encourage businessmen to put up additional businesses in the municipalities of Lawaan, Balangiga, Giporlos, Quinapondan, Salcedo, Mercedes, and Guiuan.

Roxas further said, that this road rehabilitation project is expected to be finished by next year at a cost of ₱35M preventive maintenance project based on the Pavement Management System (PMS).

Constructed in 1990s, the Quinapondan-Lawaan national highway was designed for light traffic and had a thickness of 8 inches only.

As it is being rehabilitated now, road re-blocking and repair thickness will increase to 11 inches so as to keep up with road standards and to accommodate heavy traffic. (SDC/PIA-E. 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