One Visayas e-Newsletter Vol 5 Issue 34

Vol 5

Issue 34

In this Issue WESTERN VISAYAS

Senate President Franklin Drilon leads the distribution of a total of 1,184 free patents under the Handog Titulo program of the DENR at Casa Real de Iloilo, August 21.

Assisting him during the ceremonial distribution are Governor Arthur Defensor, Congressman Richard Garin and DENR 6 Director Jim Sampulna.

August 24 - 30, 2015

Published by: PIA 6, 7 & 8

DAR to distribute additional 3,500 has. in Iloilo ILOILO CITY, Aug. 28 (PIA6) - - The Department of Agrarian Refrom (DAR) in Iloilo is hopeful to distribute an additional 3,500 hectares to farmers in the province this year.

Provincial Agrarian Program Reform Officer II Dr. Enrique C. Paderes said they have already documented the landholdings comprising 2,700 hectares to be submitted to the Land Bank of the Philippines for valuation as of August 26.

He said DAR-Iloilo has also finished the survey for the 600 hectares and prepares for another 200 hectares.

They will try to accomplish the necessary documents of these landholdings to be submitted to Land Bank before its cut-off period on September 30.

To date, DAR-Iloilo has distributed a total of 67,565 hectares to 45,476 farmer beneficiaries in the province under the Comprehensive Agrarian Reform Program (CARP) which was strengthened by Republic Act 9700 or known as the Comprehensive Agrarian Reform Program Extension with Reforms (CARPER) in 2009 that extended the land acquisition and distribution of agricultural lands for five years.

The number is about 79.9 percent of 84,461 hectares, the targeted landholdings to be distributed in Iloilo through CARPER. From July 2009 to date, land distribution balance is

16,896, mostly through compulsory acquisition.

Paderes said resistance of land owners and technical documents remain their major challenges in the implementation of CARPER in Iloilo.

He said Land Tenure Improvement which is operationalized through land acquisition or leasehold operations is just one of the key program components of CARP. The agency also ensures that lands distributed are made by beneficiaries more productive or as their source of livelihood through the support services provided to them not only in agriculture but up to their households.

Some of these support services include Farm to Market Road (FMR), irrigation system, water system, financial assistance, insurance to crops, and day care center.

Per DAR-Iloilo data, some P209,886,485.00 were provided to fund FMR projects in 5 Agrarian Reform Communities in the province. This is aside from the 45 foreign assisted infrastructure projects implemented worth P353,579, 164.00.

A total of P47,711,760,00 credit line was also approved under the Agrarian Production Credit Program and portion of the fund was already released to five farmer organizations in the province.

To date, some 557 Agrarian Reform Beneficiaries have already availed of the loan assistance. (JSC/LAF-PIA6 Iloilo)

P23-B infra projects in Cebu under PNoy’s term More on Region 6, pages 2-3.

Also CLICK Here…

CENTRAL VISAYAS

President Benigno S. Aquino III visit in Cebu, August 24, 2015 at the DPWH -7 for the briefing by Secretary Rogelio L. Singson on the major infrastructure projects in Cebu and a media inter-action. The President and party proceed to Cebu Coliseum for the "Gathering Of Friends". (vvv/PIA Cebu)

More on Region 7, pages 4-5.

Also CLICK Here…

EASTERN VISAYAS

ISUZU IML Sr. Counsellor Yoshimora Ida led other guests in observing the skills demonstration done by the trainees after the welcome and recognition ceremony at the TESDA Auto-Mechanic Training Center in Brgy. Abucay, Tacloban City, August 24. (Vino R. Cuayzon/PIA8)

More on Region 8, pages 6-7.

Also CLICK Here...

Ferliza C. Contratista CEBU, Aug. 25 (PIA)—The province of Cebu has benefited from P23 billion worth of infrastructure projects, the biggest among the provinces in Central Visayas under the administration of President Benigno ―Noynoy‖ Aquino III. In a project briefing held at Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH-7) in Cebu City, Public Works and Highways Sec. Rogelio Singson informed the President that in the last six years, Cebu received more than half of the infrastructure budget for Central Visayas.

Since 2010 until 2015, P43 billion were allocated and implemented for Region 7, of which Cebu province received P23 billion, he said.

He reported that in 2010, Cebu’s budget was merely P2.1 billion, in 2015 it is now more than P7B, and to reach P9 billion by 2016, used mainly for the improvement and rehabilitation of more than 950 kilometers of bridges and roads in the province.

In the last six years, there are 2,652 infrastructure projects with only 209 yet to be completed while 85 are yet to start.

These also include over P8 billion worth of infrastructure projects implemented through the funding of other agencies like the Department of Agriculture's (DA) Farm to Market Roads; Department of Education’s (DEPED) Basic Educational Facilities Fund; Department of Health’s (DOH) Health Facilities Enhancement Program, and the convergence project with the Department of Tourism (DOT).

Singson noted the completion of the major thoroughfare in the city, which is the 2.5 kilometer Serging Osmena Boulevard Port Corridor costing P289 million.

Another project he also cited is the widening of Mactan Circumferential Road which is earmarked a total of P150 million.

Pres. Aquino made a windshield inspection of said two projects before facing the crowd gathered at the DPWH Motorpool in Cebu City.

In his speech, Aquino said the report of the DPWH Secretary goes to show that Cebu has not been neglected by the administration.

The President lauded DPWH for having adhered to a purpose-driven administration.

Cebu Provincial Governor Hilario Davide III for his part thanked the President for not neglecting the province and for taking time in letting the public know about the projects implemented. (rmn/fcc/PIA7-Cebu)

DPWH Secretary Rogelio Singson reports that the province of Cebu has benefited from P23 billion worth of infrastructure projects under the administration of President Benigno S. Aquino III during the President’s recent visit to Cebu City. (PIA Cebu)

2 provinces, 5 towns earn 2014 Seal of Good Local Governance TACLOBAN CITY, Leyte, Aug. 25 (PIA) -- Two provinces and five towns in Eastern Visayas passed the 2014 Seal of Good Local Governance (SGLG) of the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG).

DILG-8 Regional Director Pedro A. Noval Jr. revealed today that the SGLG awardees in Region 8 are the provinces of Biliran and Northern Samar, and the municipalities of Barugo, Carigara and Jaro in Leyte; Limasawa in Southern Leyte; and Gandara in Samar.

The seven winning LGUs passed all three (3) SGLG Core Indicators namely, Disaster Preparedness, Social Protection, and Good Financial Housekeeping; and at least one (1) other Essential Indicator (either Business Friendliness and Competitiveness, Peace and Order, and/or Environment) to earn the highly coveted award.

Dir. Noval expressed happiness that seven local government units (LGUs) here were able to pass the high standards of the SGLG in its first year of implementation. He is optimistic that more will be able to earn the SGLG nod in the coming years. ―Most LGUs in Eastern Visayas are actually passers of the Seal of Good Financial Housekeeping (SGFH), and if they are able to maintain that and perform well on DRRM and other indicators, it would enable them to cop the SGLG award, ― Dir. Noval said. He

said LGUs in the region could improve more on Social Protection, particularly on compliance to the Accessibility Law for persons with disabilities.

DILG Secretary Mar Roxas launched SGLG in 2014 to build on the successful run of the Seal of Good Housekeeping (SGH) that was introduced by his predecessor the late Secretary Jesse M. Robredo. SGLG challenges LGUs to continue good governance practices and improve basic services, in addition to measuring their compliance to the Full Disclosure Policy and observance of COA guidelines.

To ensure objectivity, DILG cross-posted DILG field officers during the evaluations. The SGLG criteria is a product of a series of workshops and consultations with trained DILG personnel.

Dir. Noval said DILG shall hold appropriate awards rites this September in each winning LGU, where the SGLG Marker will be formally conferred and installed in a conspicuous area in the municipal hall.

Further, SGLG recipients will have the opportunity to avail of the DILG Performance Challenge Fund (PCF) to be used for development projects. Under SGLG, the PCF incentive fund for each winning province is seven (7) million pesos, while for municipalities it is now three (3) million pesos each - up from 1 million pesos under SGH.(DILG-8/PIA-8)

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WESTERN VISAYAS

PRO-6 gets 'Best Practice' rating

President Manuel L. Quezon Park Park--Corregidor Island

By Elsa S. Subong ILOILO CITY, Aug. 26 (PIA6) — The Police Regional Office in Western Visayas earned the―Best Practice‖ rating in the evaluation recently conducted by the Compliance Evaluation Process Team from Camp Crame.

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n a press release, PO3 Francisco Lindero, PRO-6 Strategy Communication and Alignment Officer, said the evaluation was part of the Performance Governance System (PGS) certification and reporting in the implementation of the good governance system. Lindero said the evaluation process was composed of the Strategic Readiness Test and Performance Audit.

In a five-point rating system, the evaluators gave PRO-6 a rating above 4.21 points or a scale equivalent to ―Best Practice‖.

The evaluation team, headed by Police Director Wilfredo Franco of the Directorate for Police Community Relations, used focus

group discussion, personnel interview, documents review and field visit as methodologies. ―The methods determined the compliance of PRO-6 with the elements of the second level of the PGS pathway, which is the Compliance Stage,‖ Lindero said.

The PRO-6 seeks to attain the compliant status by formalizing its advisory council, cascading its strategy to individual personnel, aligning its budget to strategy, institutionalizing the use of balanced scorecard, implementing a responsive communication plan, and collating its emerging best practices on crime prevention and solution. ―PRO-6 is set to complete the evaluation process on September 11, 2015, with an oral presentation before a

panel from Camp Crame,‖ Lindero further said. Last year, PRO-6 was conferred with PGS -Initiated Status and was given the Silver Eagle Award.

For Compliance Stage, PRO-6 is vying for a higher rating as confirmation for the litany of tangible things achieved in adopting good governance through the implementation of the PNP Peace and Order Agenda for Transformation and Upholding the Rule-of-Law (P.A.T.R.O.L) Plan 2030. PRO-6 Regional Director Chief Supt. Bernardo Diaz said this year’s rating showed the efforts and innovative approaches of the office towards the attainment of a highly capable, effective and credible police service. (JSC/ESS-PIA Iloilo)

Scholarships for NegOcc IPs available

By Carlson B. Alelis NEGROS OCCIDENTAL, Aug. 26 (PIA6) – Some 21 scholarship slots for school year 2016-2017 are available for the Indigenous Peoples (IPs) of the province, according to the National Commission on Indigenous Peoples (NCIP) – Negros Occidental. azel Acse, NCIP Head of Provincial different IP communities in the province, Acse not lower than 80, Acse said.

Community Service Center, said IPs told the Philippine Information Agency.

Birth certificate, certification of the school who are currently in senior high The scholarship includes free tuition, principal, and certification of the barangay school, out-of-school youth, or have once uniform allowance and book allowances per captain, among others, are the requirements studied in college for a year can avail of the semester with monthly stipend of P 2,500, he for the application, he added. scholarship. said.

A total of 21 scholarship slots The scholarship forms are available at the The applications will be evaluated by the were made available for this school year NCIP’s office located at the Provincial Committee on Scholarship for Indigenous 2015-2016.

Administration Center in Bacolod City, and the Peoples in the province, and short-listed ―I hope that you’ll make an effort to deadline for submission of applications is set applicants will be notified of the date and prioritize your education because it can help August 31. venue of the exam. you find well-paying jobs in the future,‖ Acse Some forms have been distributed to Applicants must not have a grade average urged IPs. (JSC/CBA-PIA6 Negros Occ.)

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Executive Briefing highlights Antique’s dev’t reforms

By Pilar S. Mabaquiao SAN JOSE, Antique, Aug. 24 (PIA6) - - The Executive Briefing recently conducted in the province of Antique took to the forefront the development reforms of the administration of Governor Rhodora J. Cadiao.

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peaking before the 31 directors of different national agencies in Region 6, Cadiao emphasized that Antique deserves to be given priority just like other provinces in the region as she said it in Kinaray (local dialect) ―kami naman‖. ―We are not here only to update the regional directors regarding our plans and programs we intend to undertake during our term of office but also to have a dialogue on how we could work together and complement each other in addressing the pressing issues faced by the province,‖ Cadiao said.

The Governor mentioned the growth map which the executive and legislative bodies of the province have to work for the following reforms political, administrative, legislative,

cultural & tourism, education, peace and order, economic and social reform. ―My administration is a government for every Antiqueno wherein all opportunities and privileges will be delivered in a long aspired economic growth and self-sufficiency,‖ Cadiao said.

During the forum Regional Director Atty.

Ma. Janet C. Mesa of the Philippine Information Agency 6 said this is the reason why the Executive Briefing was organized, and that is to bring national government agencies closer and work hand in hand with the provincial government. ―It’s not easy to convene the Regional Directors particularly those whose agencies have no programs for the province.

If we think of inclusive growth, that is precisely the reason why we should come to

Antique because development is not only for certain areas but all provinces in the region,‖ Mesa said.

The Executive Forum was conducted August 18 at Adelaide Inn, San Jose was attended by more than 70 participants , 31 of them regional directors, some representatives and local counterparts. ―Executive Briefing, Mesa said, was started way back in 2001 by PIA6 in partnership with the different provinces in the Region and the Office of the then Presidential Assistant.

In Antique, the briefing was conducted during the time of former Governors Salvacion Z. Perez and Exequiel B. Javier. The last Executive briefing was held in Guimaras with Gov. Samuel Gumarin. (JSC/PSM-PIA6 Antique)

WESTERN VISAYAS

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KALAHI-CIDSS’ projects in Aklan town visited

By Venus G. Villanueva KALIBO, Aklan, Aug. 26 (PIA6) -- Projects in the municipality of Ibajay implemented through the Kapit-Bisig Laban Sa Kahirapan-Comprehensive and Integrated Delivery of Social Services (KALAHI-CIDSS) of the Department of Social of Welfare and Development (DSWD) were recently visited by officials of the Millennium Challenge Corporation (MCC), the Millennium Challenge Account Philippines (MCA) and the National Project Management Office.

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he projects in Ibajay are funded under the MCC. The projects visited included a two -classroom building in Barangay Bagacay and three bridges in Monlaque, Ibajay.

Prior to the site visit, an orientation on the completed and ongoing KALAHI-CIDSS projects was held at the Ibajay Function Hall, where the visitors were welcomed by Mayor Ma. Lourdes Miraflores, who thanked the visitors profusely for the projects in Ibajay.

The visitors included Jim Mazarella, Managing Director, Congressional and Public Affairs, MCC; William P. Cole, Office Management and Budget, US government; John Polk, Country Director, Thomas Cabuenos, Jr., Deputy National Program Manager, MCC; Andy Moll, Director for KALAHI-CIDSS, Andy Saracho, Communication Specialist; Belen Gebusion, Deputy Regional Program Manager, MCC; Leo Quintilla, Deputy Regional Program Manager, NCDDP, and Beth Ferraris, Regional Community Development

Specialist. ―With the implementation of the badly-needed projects in Ibajay provided through KALAHI-CIDSS, the lives of the people here were uplifted‖, Mayor Miraflores said.

Mayor Miraflores related how, in 2012, the KALAHI-CIDSS program was expanded and Ibajay was one of the 5 lucky towns chosen through drawing of lots.

The other towns under the expanded program are Tangalan, Makato, Batan and New Washington. The site visits came with interactions with community volunteers in the two respective barangays – Bagacay and Monlaque; and installation of project markers.

The 2-room school building in Barangay Bagacay, according to barangay and school officials, will cater to Grade 6 pupils of both Bagacay and Unat, a neighboring barangay.

Community volunteers of Barangay Bagacay, who, from the very start, participated in the selection of the much-needed project in their barangay up

to the implementation and construction, were one in saying that planning and execution of the project made them feel that they can contribute to something useful for their barangay.

The same sentiment was echoed in Barangay Monlaque, where the barangay officials and residents said the three bridges solved their problems in their daily lives – the school children, who are able to go to school even if the creeks are flooded, and the residents and those from neighboring barangays who use the bridge in transporting their agricultural products to the town.

Ibajay town has 35 barangays with a total population of 45,279. Forty (40) sub-projects had been implemented there through KALAHI-CIDSS with a total project cost of P47,250,000.00.

Projects included school buildings, roads, bridges, pathway, seawall, drainage, slope protection, harvest facility and artificial reef. (JSC/VGV-PIA6 Aklan)

20 Capiz MSMEs get DOST Awards

By Jemin B. Guillermo ROXAS CITY, Capiz, Aug. 27 (PIA6) – Micro, small and medium enterprises in Capiz were again provided help by the Department of Science and Technology.

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apiz DOST Information Officer Juafe Abareles disclosed that 20 micro, small and medium enterprises in the province were recently awarded new and improved product label designs with appropriate packaging materials.

Abareles said that the DOST has provided an initial volume of printed label designs which is ready for immediate implementation in the

market. ―They were likewise given a soft copy of the design in a CD for future printing and initial volume of recommended packaging material and structure,‖ she said. Abareles said that the enterprises-beneficiaries are into food production business.

She explained that the packaging improvement will enhance their product

presentation and comply with the Philippine regulatory requirements on food product labeling.

This will also enable the firms to penetrate better and wider market of their products, she said. Abareles added that appropriate packaging materials will also protect product quality and even prolong product shelf-life. (JSC/JBG-PIA6 Capiz)

Light of Peace to highlight San Enrique’s progress

By Leonard T. Pineda I ILOILO CITY, Aug. 27 (PIA6) --- The local government unit of San Enrique, Iloilo is looking forward to inviting more tourists and potential investors with its hosting of the Light of Peace 2015 event this year.

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n a press conference, Mayor Ramona Palabrica-Go said the event will benefit the populace not only in attaining inner peace but contribute in developing the town’s agro/eco-tourism potentials and strengths and open doors to tourists and investors. ―I will do my best to bring peace, progress, and development to my hometown,‖ Go said.

The Light of Peace 2015 event is slated on August 29, 2015 at the San Enrique Central School oval which can accommodate 10,000 participants who will light the Candles for Peace for the municipality, the province, the country, and the world. ―We are confident everything is in place for the big day and San Enrique will not be the

same after the Light of Peace,‖ she said.

Venerable Burin Thitakusalo, Director of the Middle Way Meditation which spearheads the event, said the highlights of the event include the meditation activity and the lighting of 10,000 candles. ―The participants sit and meditate together for 30 minutes and will perform the flaming image by using 10,000 lit candles,‖ he said.

He said the candles will depict the Light of Peace in San Enrique 2015’s logo and motto ―Progress through Inner Peace‖ as well as the map of the Iloilo province with emphasis on San Enrique.

Meanwhile, Go said that the event is aimed to make San Enriquenhons aware of the

importance of genuine peace starting from their family more than the desire to expose the municipality to the outside world. ―The five universal goodness of cleanliness, orderliness, politeness, punctuality, and meditation have been implemented in San Enrique in a bid to promote the municipality to be the first Inner Peace Town in the world,‖ she said.

On one hand, Department of Tourism (DOT)-6 Regional Director Helen Catalbas said that San Enrique could potentially be the next tourism destination in Iloilo province with its diverse natural wonders. ―Tourism should be developed as a vehicle to improve livelihood in San Enrique,‖ Catalbas added. (JSC/LTP-PIA Iloilo).

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CENTRAL VISAYAS

Smart, Innopub Media, and Cebu Capitol provide Cebu Guide app for APEC delegates President Manuel L. Quezon Park Park--Corregidor Island

Amor Y. Saludar

Cebu City, August 22 (PIA) -- Delegates attending the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) meetings in Cebu now have access to a handy guide on where the top attractions and latest activities in the province are with the release of the updated travel app Cebu Guide.

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ade available by InnoPub Media and mobile leader Smart Communications (Smart) in partnership with the Cebu Provincial Government, the mobile app can be downloaded for free from the Google Play Store for Android devices and Apple App Store for iOS. The app can also be downloaded from apps.myguide.ph/cebu/.

The guide lists island attractions - from heritage structures like ancient houses and centuries-old stone churches to white sand beaches and island-hopping destinations, a wide range of land and water activities, the best accommodations, food to try, and important contact numbers. ―Cebu is working to make APEC 2015 meetings a success. One of the initiatives is tapping existing partnerships like the Digital Tourism program with SMART and InnoPub,‖ said Cebu Governor Hilario Davide III. ―By providing delegates with information through the Cebu Guide app, we make their visits meaningful. By using the platform for announcements, we are also helping Cebuanos get the latest updates on APEC

activities,‖ said Gov. Davide.

The app directory also provides a complete listing of Department of Tourism-accredited tour guides, tour operators, transport services as well as consular offices and emergency contacts like police and hospitals.

Tourist attractions, hotels and other locations featured in the app have GPS data and users need only to tap the "check location" link to be guided on how to get to a place. Contact details are also active and users need only to tap on phone numbers to call a guide, tour operator, police station or any person or organization listed on the app. ―We are happy to support the Cebu Provincial Government in promoting what Cebu can offer to the APEC delegates. A comprehensive and handy guide to Cebu, the Cebu Guide can help the delegates maximize their stay in the country. This is aligned with our digital tourism program which aims to enhance the delivery of tourism information through the use of mobile and digital technologies,‖ said Smart Public Affairs Group Head Ramon Isberto.

A chapter of the travel guide will carry important

Cebu updates, such as developments pertaining to the anticipated APEC meetings scheduled from August to October. The locally-relevant APEC updates will be provided by the Cebu Provincial Government.

The mobile app has a notification function that allows users to immediately receive information on such things as traffic changes like rerouting and road closures for the duration of the APEC 2015 meetings in Cebu. ―We are excited to collaborate with SMART and the Cebu Provincial Government to help tourists and APEC delegates make the most of their Cebu visit by providing them with important information on where to go and what to do when in Cebu,‖ said Max Limpag, InnoPub Media co-founder.

The app is released as part of the nationwide Digital Tourism program by SMART and InnoPub Media in collaboration with local government units and private organizations. The program started in Cebu and is now in Iloilo, Baguio, Albay and Bohol and is set for expansion in key tourism areas in the country.

The program was given an Anvil Award of Merit in February 2014.(mbcn/PIA7/PIO-Provincial Office)

EDC to tackle community participation under BINHI program in NegOr Jennifer C. Tilos NEGROS ORIENTAL, Aug. 26 (PIA) – The need for a multi-sectoral participation to grow and manage forests for a greener Negros Island was tackled in a Stakeholder Consultation for Energy Development Corporation’s (EDC) expansion BINHI program, August 27 in Dumaguete City.

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DC believes that it takes more than planting a tree seedling to nurture the future with other stakeholders.

This EDC realized in the six years that it has been implementing its own BINHI greening legacy program.

EDC launched its Binhi in 2008, which aims to reforest 1,000 hectares per year for the next ten years.

At the Southern Negros Geothermal Project (SNGP) located in Negros Island, most of the trees that the company planted were in the towns of Valencia, Dauin, and Zamboangita in the Mt. Talinis area where it was able to reforest 935 hectares.

Beyond doing its share to help address climate change, BINHI wants to ensure that the diversity of our Philippine forests and its vanishing native tree species are restored.

Led by the company's dedicated Watershed

Management and Corporate Social Responsibility teams, BINHI revolutionized corporate greening by using science to achieve its sustainable broad-scale reforestation and biodiversity conservation goals.

EDC Watershed Management head in Negros Island Abba Grace Sanchez said BINHI's Tree for Life aims to bridge forest gaps, biodiversity research and rehabilitation of forestlands covering key biodiversity areas in the country.

This is done either through assisted natural regeneration or through rainforestation to continue providing ecological services while being safeguarded, Sanchez said.

With almost 1,100 hectares of total reforestation in the Mt. Talinis area from 1998 to 2014 for combined non-BINHI and BINHI projects, EDC was able to plant almost one million trees.

EDC's 15 farmers' associations in Negros Oriental have been helping the company protect and

maintain its BINHI areas for their livelihood.

Sanchez said the farmers get compensated so they can provide for their family's needs.

Among the company's institutional partners are Bencab Art Foundation,Inc., the local government Don Salvador Benedicto in Negros Occidental, Philippine Science High School, and the provincial government of Southern Leyte and the University of the Philippines-Diliman that both set up an arboretum of threatened species with EDC last year.

EDC employees from its geothermal business units also make it a habit to join each BINHI tree planting in their partner schools and public parks.

EDC is the country’s leading producer of geothermal energy and a multi-awarded Filipino company in the areas of geothermal development, environmental excellence, corporate governance and corporate social responsibility. (rmn/jct/PIA7-Negros Oriental)

NegOr's Buglasan Festival stalls now open for business Jennifer C. Tilos DUMAGUETE CITY, Negros Oriental, Aug. 26 (PIA) – Business booth spaces are now available for rental for this year’s Buglasan Festival at the Capitol Area and at the Sidlakang Negros Village (SNV).

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egros Oriental Tourism Council (NOTC) announced this for interested concessionaires for Buglasan Festival on October 16 to 25.

Concessionaires for the festival specifically for commercial, dry goods, and corporate booths including the Negros Oriental Hotels, Resorts and Restaurants (NOHHR) may set up to sell and display their products and services.

The following rates for each type of booth in the Capitol area covering the entire duration of the

Buglasan Festival include: fruit and food stands for P2,500; small stalls booth, P5,000; dry goods, P7,500; and corporate booth, P25,000.

Under the Sangguniang Panlalawigan ordinance, for the rates of NOHRR A and B booths, the provincial government will charge P30,000 and P15,000, respectively, as these occupy right beside the Capitol jet fountain.

However, a commercial booth with sponsorship will cost P50,000.

Right now small stalls and food stands fronting

the capitol building stage and along Kagawasan Avenue are also available.

Rates for restaurants, small stalls and fruit and foods stands located at SNV are at P7,200, P2,500 and P1,500, respectively.

The rent is based on fixed rates that include location, type of booth or stall, area, size, electricity and water consumption. Interested concessionaires may do their booking and pay directly to the Provincial Treasurer’s Office, Capitol building for available slots. (rmn/jct/PIA7-Negros Oriental)

CENTRAL VISAYAS

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CARD Bank is LandBank’s 2015 outstanding CFI Jennifer C. Tilos NEGROS ORIENTAL, August 25 (PIA) -- Land Bank of the Philippines has awarded CARD Bank, member of CARD Mutually Reinforcing Institutions (CARD MRI, recently as one of its 2015 outstanding accredited client-countryside financial institution (CFI).

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microfinance-oriented rural bank, CARD Bank won first place in the category of Rural Bank in the national level and a special award, Best CFI Availer-Agri -Agra Loans.

CARD Bank has the highest loan portfolio on agri-agra based on its submitted report to the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP).

According to CARD Bank president and CEO Dolores Torres CARD Bank "will never tire helping people living in the countryside to help them uplift their quality of life.‖ CARD Bank is one of the financial institutions of CARD MRI that helps empower

millions of Filipinos especially people who are excluded in the mainstream financial system.

Land Bank president and CEO Gilda Pico commended CARD Bank for its noble mission to help the poor communities during the Gawad Award ceremony held in Manila.

Torres said ―CARD Bank will continue to partner with appropriate institutions, like Land Bank, that share the same mission as ours to achieve our mutual goal of eradicating poverty in the country.‖ Land Bank’s Outstanding CFI-clients awarding is being done annually to recognize CFIs that modelled excellence in rural financial

services.

This recognition aims to maintain a good partnership between Land Bank and CFIs in providing financial access to marginalized sectors and development players in the countryside. The cash prizes received by the institution will be added to the calamity loan fund of CARD MRI. Present during the awarding include officials and representatives from the Rural Bankers Association of the Philippines, Chamber of Thrift Banks, key officers and leaders of SMEs and Corporations, other government agencies and senior officers of Land Bank. (rmn/jct/PIA7 -Negros Oriental)

Private hospitals in Bohol to open TB DOTS centers Rey Anthony H. Chiu TAGBILARAN CITY, August 24 (PIA) -- The control strategy recommended as the most cost-effective way to stop the spread of tuberculosis in communities would soon be available even in private hospitals in Bohol, according to the Department of Health (DOH).

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ohol TB program coordinator Polizena Rances bared this at the recent Kapihan sa PIA as the whole country commemorates the death of former President Manuel L. Quezon, whole life was nipped by the disease in August.

Tuberculosis or TB, a lung disease that still ranks among the six diseases with a high morbidity and mortality rates in the Philippines, is getting world attention that the World Health Organization (WHO) recommended a strategy called Directly Observed Treatment Short Course (TB DOTS).

This came after health authorities noted program failures in the past and these were largely due to the perception that the patient stops the treatment when he feels well after a few days of medical regimen. .

This, according to the health experts, only makes a bigger problem out of the disease because the bacteria could morph into a

multi-drug resistant TB, a rather complicated case.

In some instances, patients undergoing treatment sometimes forget to take the medicines that they have unwittingly strengthened the bacteria enough to become resistant to other medicines in the treatment package, Rances said.

To be able to reach out to the patients, TB DOTS employs five components: government commitment, case detection, standard length of treatment observed by a health care worker for at least the first two months, a reliable drug supply and a standard reporting and monitoring that allows results assessment.

Already with free drug treatment for TB, the government extended its programs to the localities by setting up TB DOTS Centers in Rural Health Units and government health facilities and hospitals, Rances said.

To get to those in need of treatment just as Bohol suffers a sub par 67% case detection rate which is far from the international standard of 90%, the government is set to open up treatment centers even in private hospitals.

Provincial health authorities believe this can help them increase their cure rate, that as soon as a case is detected, the stigma of going to the public treatment centers can be minimized by opting for the more secretive private hospitals.

Even then, Rances, who is a nurse by profession, reminds Boholanos that TB is never something one must be ashamed of, because there are already treatments available.

All they need to do is go to the nearest PHU or private hospital of choice offering TB DOTS and then treatment can start, he said.

In private hospitals however, while drugs are free, diagnostic examinations and medical supplies used in the drug administration may be charged. (rmn/rac/PIA-7/Bohol)

GSP to hold camp on disaster preparedness Jennifer C. Tilos DUMAGUETE CITY, Aug 24 (PIA) --- The Girl Scouts of the Philippines (GSP) Negros Oriental and Siquijor Council is focusing its activities on disaster preparedness on this year’s 33rd cadet encampment from September 17 to 20 at Camp Lily I. Gamo Sibulan, Negros Oriental.

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ctivities lined up during the event include disaster preparedness lecturettes, first aid, earthquake drill, waste segregation, tree planting, and adventure games.

However, as part of the activity, the Philippine Information Agency (PIA) will also conduct a video documentary presentation on West Philippine Sea to show to the campers China’s massive reclamation activities which may have caused destruction to marine environment and fishing industry.

Negros Oriental and Siquijor provinces expect

to gather more than 3,000 Girl Scouts delegates for the four-day encampment.

Council President Mariant Villegas said this year’s event banners the theme ―I imagine, I achieve, I serve‖.

The campers will be divided into the Junior or elementary level, Senior or high school level, and Cadet or the college category.

In an encampment committee meeting, the local government unit of Sibulan is tasked to provide electrician for the installation of light in the campsite, water supplies, an ambulance and additional doctor

from its Rural Health Unit to augment the medical team of the Provincial Health Office (PHO).

The police personnel team also keeps all security measures on alert 24/7 for the duration of the encampment.

The Provincial Health Office will provide medical health services including spraying the camp area to maintain sanitation and safety.

The young scouters are expected to learn some skills to be responsible, progressive, dynamic and patriotic through outdoor activities. (rmn/jct/ PIA7-Negros Oriental)

6

EASTERN VISAYAS

Investment, economic promotions conceptualizes Biliran 2020

office President Manuel L. Quezon Park Park--Corregidor Island

RODRIGO S. VICTORIA NAVAL, Biliran, August 26 (PIA) – Think and picture out what the province of Biliran will be in the next five years. Nobody gets the idea that far, except the brilliant concept of the head of the newly reinvigorated Biliran Investment and Economic Promotions Office (BIEPO).

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I’m happy that I am now in the right office where my educational background, trainings, work experiences and networks are most useful‖ said Diana Bernardes-Chawdhury, the newly designated head of the BIEPO, in her radio appearance at the PIA Kapihan at Pulong-Pulong ng Bayan at Radyo Natin-Naval. Diana or Diane, as she is fondly called by her close friends and circle of associates in Biliran province, presented a concept in a matrix of what the province of Biliran will be come year 2016 up to 2020.

She conceptualized a five -year development framework plan called Biliran 2020 anchored on Biliran Paraiso Movement which incorporated major development components ranging from infrastructure, tourism, environment, trade and commerce, support services and the whole development perspective including that of

human capital development. Based on the matrix of Biliran 2020, the year 2016 will be the launching year of the plan with its groundworks already being worked out by her office manned by just three personnel.

In 2017, it is envisioned that zero waste management and the province’ investment code are already implemented; 2018, architect’s perspective of the Biliran Paraiso ready, reforestry program thriving and coconut integrated processing industry also thriving; 2019, infrastructure of the Biliran Paraiso evident, support service and industries set up, physical beautification evident and wholistic tourism systm set up; and in 2020, Biliran is envisioned to become a first class province where unemployment rate and poverty levels are low while its gross domestic product increase and the province as an important tourism destination.

She emphasized that the vision of Biliran 2020 is quite a big thing but with the people’s cooperation as well as the different sectors collaboration, the vision is within everybody’s reach coupled with the full support of the provincial leadership. Chawdhury, who has been the guest in one regular and one special episodes of the PIA Kapihan forum this month of August just to fully promote the concept of Biliran 2020, expressed full optimism that Biliran 2020 will be realized. ―Let us erase negativity and passitivity and avoid that crab mentality which pull us down everytime somebody espouses a good idea for Biliran province’s development‖ she said.

The new head of BIEPO further called on all the stakeholders in the province to rally and support the idea of Biliran 2020 since after all, every Biliranon will reap the benefits after it will be realized. (ajc/fj/rsv/PIA8-Biliran)

PNP-Borongan creates advisory council for police reform and dev't SAMUEL D. CANDIDO BORONGAN CITY, Eastern Samar, Aug. 24 (PIA) -- The Philippine National Police (PNP), Borongan City will create a City Advisory Council for Police Reform and Development (CACPRD) on August 21, 2015 at the Borongan City Police Station.

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he purpose of the Council is to encourage the participation of different stakeholders, both internal and external to support the implementation and to share the gains and victories of the PNP-Integrated Transformation Program – Performance Governance System (ITP-PGS).

According to Police Supt. Matthe L. Aseo, Chief of Police, ITP-PGS serves as the organization’s roadmap to lasting change aimed to transform PNP into a more capable, effective and credible police service by 2030 through the development of

individual scorecards/dashboards.

He further said, that the ITP-PGS relies upon four different yet integrated perspectives namely: Community Stakeholder Satisfaction; Resource Management – organization’s financial requirements and performance; Process Excellence – core functions of the organization; and Learning and Growth – focuses on how the organization train and educate its personnel.

The PNP has instituted the ITP-PGS program last January 2009 in order to measure

the effectiveness of the PNP organization in preventing crimes and solving those that has already been committed.

Invited to the creation of the said Council are: Mrs. Salome Calinaya – Senior Citizen, Mrs. Gilda Rodeles, City Welfare and Development Officer (CWDO), Mr. Samuel D. Candido – PIA (Media), Atty. Goldelisa Cesista, Judicial (PAO), Hon. Anadel Sual – Women Sector, Hon. Edsel Casillano, LGU, Mr. Conrado Uy – Business and Ms. Marissa Acoren – Tourism. (ajc/sdc/ PIA8-ESamar)

60 ES police officers promoted SAMUEL D. CANDIDO BORONGAN CITY, Eastern Samar, Aug. 24 (PIA) - The Philippine National Police (PNP), Eastern Samar Police Provincial Office (ESPPO) conducted mass oath taking ceremony to 60 Police Non-Commissioned Officers who were promoted to the next higher rank. The activity is in line with the approved Memorandum in August 4, 2015 from Camp Kangleon, Palo, Leyte on August 17, 2015. The oath taking was held in Camp Asidillo, ESPPO, this City.

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ome 11 police personnel were promoted from PO1 to PO2, six from PO2 to PO3, 16 from PO3 to SPO1, 14 from SPO1 to SPO2, one from SPO2 to SPO3 and 12 from SPO3 to SPO4.

The newly promoted PNP personnel took their mass oath in front of Police Senior Superintendent Romeo P. Campomanes, Provincial Director, ESPPO their families and the guest of honor, Hon. City Councilor Estanislao Quiletano, Jr. In his message, P/Sr. Supt.

Campomanes said that there are challenges that face them upon accepting their well deserved promotion. ―I encourage you to continue working for your career advancement and for the good of the people so that they can deliver your services to Estehanons effectively and efficiently,‖ Campomanes said, while Hon. Quiletano said, ―Keep up the good work.‖ ―Your promotion is a result of your exemplary performance with equal services to the people,‖ Quiletano added.

Meanwhile, some five PNP Commissioned

Officers were also promoted to the next higher rank and took their oath before Police Chief Supt. Asher A. Dolina, PRO-8 Regional Director. The newly promoted PNP officers are: from Police Inspector to Police Senior Inspector, P/Sr. Inspector. Benjamin B. Lodo; P/ Sr. Ins. Ivan Frank C. Gabornes; and P/Sr. Ins. Mark Lester B. Uminyad.

Other PNP officers are: from P/Sr. Ins. to P/Chief Ins., P/Chief Ins. Cerilo R. Nicart, Jr. and P/Chief Ins. Sulpicio G. Jabagat, Jr. (ajc/sdc/ PIA8-ESamar)

EASTERN VISAYAS

7

BSP demonetizes Philippine currency AURORA J. CASIMPAN TACLOBAN CITY, Leyte, August 24 (PIA) - The Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) will be replacing the current currencies with the issuance of new banknotes.

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his was announced by the regional BSP in a presentation during the regular monthly meeting of the Regional Law Enforcement Coordinating Committee 8 (RLECC 8) in August 20, 2015 at the Matapat Hall, PRO 8 Headquarters, Camp Kangleon, Palo, Leyte.

Accordingly, the replacement of banknotes known as demonetization is aimed to safeguard the integrity of the currency for protection against counterfeiters.

The BSP will be issuing the ―New Generation Currency‖ (NGC) banknotes as replacement for the ―New Design Series‖ (NDS) banknotes. The NDS banknotes according to BSP need to be replaced as it has been in use as the country’s currency for

twenty nine years.

The NGC banknotes have been in circulation and used as the legal tender since its launch in December 16, 2010 in ceremonies led by President Benigno S. Aquino III at Malacañang Palace.

Currently, the NGC banknotes in circulation are in the denomination of 20-piso, 50-piso, 100-piso, 500-piso, and 1000-piso.

The design elements included in the NGC banknotes feature important people who have played significant roles in shaping Philippine history, politics and democracy. Added features are world heritage sites and iconic natural wonders of the country.

BSP wants the public to know that demonetization schedule is from January 1

to December 31, 2015 though the old banknotes or NDS is still being used for daily transactions until expiry schedule which is end of this year.

From January 1 to December 31, 2016, the NDS banknotes can no longer be used for daily transactions but can be exchanged in authorized agent banks and BSP Cash Department or any of its regional offices or branches. Authorized agent banks of the BSP are those banking institutions under the supervision of the BSP. In addition BSP says that starting January 1, 2017, the old banknotes are demonetized and considered of no monetary value. Only the new banknote series will remain as legal tender in the country. (AJC/PIA-8)

Ecoblast in Leyte launched CONSUELO B. ALARCON TACLOBAN CITY, Leyte, Aug 24 (PIA) -- The Saint Paul School of Business and Law (SPSBL), a prestigious college institution in the Province started its tree planting activity in support to the 1 Billion Mangrove and Beach Forest Development Project of the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR).

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ubbed as ―Ecoblast‖, an estimated 500 mangrove seedlings were planted Friday near the beaches of Brgy. Cabuynan in Tanauan and Brgy. Tanghas, Tolosa, both in Leyte. ―This activity is a product of the belief of the institution on the tri-focal function of an educational institution that it must not only focus on instruction but must also focus on research and community service,‖ said SPSBL President Erwin Vincent

G. Alcala. ―That is the reason why we conceptualized this beach forest rehabilitation in various areas in Eastern Visayas,‖ Alcala added.

The Ecoblast is a classic representation of the SPSBL’s high regard for service and care for the environment.

Aside from Tanauan and Tolosa Leyte, other local government units that were initially identified as recipients

of the tree planting activity are the municipalities of San Juan in Southern Leyte, Naval in Biliran and Guiuan in Eastern Samar.

The seedlings planted during the first phase of the Ecoblast shall be maintained and cared by each local government unit in cooperation with DENR. The ecoblast was initiated by SPSBL in cooperation with DENR, the five LGUs and Ms. Earth Foundation Inc. (ajc/cba/PIA-8)

Army upholds rule of law in combat operations CATBALOGAN CITY, Samar, Aug 25 (PIA) – The recent encounter of army troops with suspected members of the New People’s Army bespeaks of our troops respect to the Rule of Law, Human Rights and International Humanitarian Law, said 8th Infantry Division Commanding General Jet Velarmino.

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his, after some army troops encountered NPA members in a remote area of Barangay Bunga, Motiong Samar on August 19, 2015.

Based on the initial report of Lt. Col. George M. Domingo, Commanding Officer, 87th Infantry Batallion, 8th Infantry Division, Philippine Army, his troops were conducting combat operations to check the presence of NPA members in the outskirts of the barangay.

While approaching the area, the troops encountered a group of heavily armed NPA rebels. Firefight ensued for some 15 minutes then the rebels withdrew from their temporary lair made of assorted leaves and wooden poles.

Government troops immediately scoured the area which led them to a

wounded NPA rebel left behind by his fleeing comrades.

He was identified by the barangay council of Bunga as Michael Gabane aka Lagbo. The troops provided first aid to the wounded rebel and transported him to Camp Lukban Station Hospital.

After the encounter, troops recovered one caliber .45 pistol with live ammunition, one caliber .38, empty shells of AK47, two civilian backpacks containing NPA personal belongings and subversive documents with high intelligence value.

Domingo reported that there were no casualties on the government side, while one NPA rebel identified as Jenny Gabane aka Dacles was killed in action.

The troops, with the assistance of the barangay official, brought the cadaver

to Motiong Funeral Homes for proper disposition.

Maj. Gen. Jet B. Velarmino, Commander of the 8th Infantry Division, extended his appreciation to the troops for abiding the rules of engagement particularly in situation warranting attendance to wounded enemy combatants. ―These local NPA combatants are just victims themselves of communist leaders who take advantage of them just to pursue their personal motives. As an abider of International Humanitarian Law (IHL), even a wounded enemy deserves immediate medical care. This was manifested by our troops despite of the volatile situation, when they provided immediate medical attention to the wounded combatant,‖ he added. (PIA-8-Samar with reports from 8th ID Presscorps)

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. Baùares 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