One Visayas e-Newsletter Vol 5 Issue 5

Vol 5

Issue 5

In this Issue WESTERN VISAYAS

Aklan Governor Florencio T. Miraflores (left) in his State of the Province Address (SOPA) this year highlights Aklan's progress and development and the continued effort to make the Province a better place through the cooperation of the Provincial Government and the people of Aklan. Also in in photo are the Local Chief Executives, Vice Mayors, Heads of the National Agencies and Provincial Government, and representatives from all sectors of the community. (JERR/PIA 6)

February 2 - 8, 2015

Published by: PIA 6, 7 & 8

DENR-7 sets aside P404M for 2015 NGP CEBU CITY, Jan. 30 (PIA) --- With a budget of more than P404 million for the National Greening Program (NGP) this year, Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) is ready to kick off its NGP implementation in Central Visayas after a successful completion in 2014.

DENR-7 regional executive director Dr. Isabelo Montejo said the allocation will be used to establish more plantations in the region and in maintaining existing plantations and acquiring firefighting equipment in cases of forest fires for forest protection.

Based on the forest management services (FMS) data, DENR-7 is set to produce over 11.5 million indigenous or native tree seedlings of various species to cover about 15T plus hectares of identified NGP areas in the four provinces of the region this year, bared Dr. Eddie Llamedo, head of the Regional Public Information Office of DENR-7.

Meanwhile, Montejo stressed, ―Our target for this year is 2,800 hectares lesser than that of last year since we have more maintenance and protection efforts to execute to ensure the safety and good growth of the existing plantations especially those which were established since 2011.‖ Of the total target, Cebu Province will produce

2,772,000 seedlings to cover 4, 414 hectares: Bohol Province with 2,535,400 seedling production target for 3,033 hectares; Negros Oriental with the largest target of 6,153,600 seedlings for 7,489 hectares; and Siquijor Province with 96,500 seedlings to reforest 185 hectares of NGP area in the province, Llamedo said.

He added the NGP aims to reforest some 1.5 million hectares of degraded forest lands in the country and to essentially develop a sustainable forest resource base to accelerate the national greening campaign to address poverty alleviation and climate change mitigation and adaptation.

Llamedo announced, ―On its fifth year now and as we get nearer to its completion in 2016, we will continue to do our best to contribute to our national target and deliver its objectives for the success and milestone of the first ever and largest re-greening program in the Philippine history.‖ DE NR 7 has rep orted a 1 13 p erc ent accomplishment in NGP in 2014. In a consolidated report, Region 7 was able to produce a total of 15,967,171 seedlings which reforested around 20, 296.97 hectares in Central Visayas, said Llamedo. (mbcn/jsme/ PIA7-Cebu/DENR7)

Coalition approach seen to rehab losing Abaca industry More on Region 6, pages 2-3.

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CENTRAL VISAYAS

Public schools nationwide pay tribute to the 44 Philippine National Police Special Action Force (SAF) troopers who fell during the Mamasapano incident by observing 44 seconds of silence during flag-raising ceremonies. In photo: Education Secretary Armin Luistro joins students in remembering the fallen SAF troopers. (@DepEd_PH/PIA7-NegOr)

TACLOBAN CITY, Leyte, Feb. 4 (PIA) – The old adage "In unity there is strength" is the principle that currently gives hope to the losing Abaca industry in Sogod, Southern Leyte.

Led by the Consultative Group on International Agricultural Research (CGIAR) under its research program on Aquatic Agricultural Systems (AAS), a coalition approach involving WorldFish, Philippine Fiber Industry Development Authority (PhilFIDA), Department of Science and Technology (DOST), Department of Agriculture(DA), Southern Leyte State University (SLSU) and the farmers of barangay Maac and Mahayahay, the losing Abaca industry in Region 8 might just be given a grand solution in the next two years.

Earlier, a series of study had been conducted by AAS Program, WorldFish with its partners. Foremost, the team, with DOST and SLSU engaged the community members of the two barangays, where they listened and understood their dreams for a ―rehabilitated Abaca farm‖.

According the local residents, for so long, their lives and livelihood were embedded in the fiber of Abaca , until the deadly bunchy top virus that devastated their economic activity. Not even the massive eradication program from 2009 to 2010 gave a total positive result to the lost glory of Maac and Mahayahay‘s Abaca farms.

Barangay Chairman Raul Galula of Maac said they can only return to their purchasing capacity if the Abaca industry would be restored.

A report from PhilFida mentions that the demand for the fiber is hardly met in the country thus the restoration of the Abaca plantation and industry in Sogod must be done quickly.

Director Edgardo Esperancilla of DOST hopes that the farmers, after two years of planting, can harvest four times a year, considering the young abaca that normally develops and sprout around the trunk of the main tree.

Southern Leyte used to be a home of intricately knotted bags, slippers and home decors and for several occasions have participated in national Bahandi Fairs and Exhibits. Once more, the Abaca farmers hope to regain the vibrancy of their local main livelihood.

The project in Sogod is only a part of the project in Visayas and Mindanao, targeting 840,000 poorest of the poor families, Dir. Esperancilla added PhilFIDA informs that some international manufacturers are looking up to making textiles out of the Abaca fiber. Lipton Tea, for one, has something to thank the Abaca for its teabag is made out of the fiber. (PIA-8)

Critical infra needed to support rural development - Alcala More on Region 7, pages 4-5.

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EASTERN VISAYAS

Barangay chairman Raul Galola (right) of Maac, Sogod holds one of the 4,000 abaca seedlings during the ceremonial distribution in connection with the launching of the coalition for Abaca Rehabilitation in Southern Leyte, February 2. (Vino R. Cuayzon)

More on Region 8, pages 6-7.

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ILOILO CITY, Feb. 5 (PIA) — Local chief executives in Western Visayas should focus their investments on critical infrastructure projects.

In a farmers forum here, Agriculture Secretary Proceso Alcala said that these infrastructure projects like farm-to -market roads and small irrigation systems can be pushed through the Philippine Rural Development Project (PRDP).

The PRDP is a World Bank aided project, implemented through the DA in partnership with the local government units.

Alcala told the farmers and the fisherfolk also attending the forum that such investments can help create more sustainable and stable sources of livelihood ans incomes in their areas.

He called the attention of forum participants to the situation of irrigation development in the region, which could be further improved to boost the status of the region as a major rice producer. ―We also need small water impounding projects that will surely help the farmers,‖ Alcala said.

Alcala said that records showed only 65,000 hectares, or about 20 percent of the region‘s 330,000 hectares of rice farms are being served by national irrigation systems. ―It means that a majority of the rice production areas are either served by small water impounding projects and communal irrigation systems or are rain-fed areas,‖ Alcala said.

He added that he will propose to the World Bank to include small water impounding projects in the PRDP.

The DA is implementing the six-year PDRP starting 2014, which employs the value chain approach in the identification and implementation of projects depending on their feasibility.

Further, the DA works with the LGUs and the private sector to establish key infrastructure, facilities, technology and information for food production, value adding and marketing activities of the farmers.

Secretary Alcala said that with the PDRP, agencies can better and faster assist the communities.

He also urged the LGUs to use the local development funds from their respective Internal Revenue Allotment to fund local projects, like the farm-to-market roads. (DA/JCM/ESS/PIA -Iloilo)

DA Secretary Proceso Alcala. (PIA 6 photo)

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WESTERN VISAYAS

DAR to implement ‗Tulay ng Pangulo‘ program ILOILO DINAGYANG 2015

By Leonard T. Pineda I

ILOILO CITY, Feb. 4 (PIA6) --- Projects under the Tulay ng Pangulo para sa Kaunlarang Pang-Agraryo (TPKP) that will benefit agrarian reform communities here are just awaiting for implementation, said the Department of Agrarian Reform (DAR) Iloilo provincial office.

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ccording to DAR-Iloilo, the identification of proposed sites including the submission of proposals and the validation of the feasible sites for the TPKP project have been completed.

The TPKP project involves the construction, installation and establishment of "universal bridges" in priority agrarian reform communities (ARCs) and Comprehensive Agrarian Reform Program (CARP) covered areas.

The TPKP unibridges will connect ARCs and the CARP-covered areas and road networks to main markets nationwide under DAR‘s Program Beneficiaries Development (PBD) support services delivery component.

It aims to promote rural development by linking the ARCs in the economic mainstream and open up development potentials in order to increase productivity and income.

As per DAR-Iloilo report dated Feb. 15, 2012, the project covering the site Bingauan-Ginawahan Bridge located in Bingauan, Badiangan, Iloilo already has a memorandum of agreement and with materials available and ready for installation.

The Camangahan-Bacong Bridge in Camangahan, Guimbal, Iloilo, the Cadinglian Bridge in Cadinglian, Oton, Iloilo, and Ginot-an Bridge in Ginot-an, San Joaquin, Iloilo are under on-going surveys and for geo-testing.

The Calumbuyan Bridge in Calumbuyan,

New Lucena, Iloilo, and the Nabitasan Bridge in Nabitasan, Pototan, Iloilo are for survey and geological testing.

In the same report, nine other bridges in the province also underwent validation.

DAR-Iloilo said that the validation of feasible sites involved criteria which included the density of agrarian reform beneficiaries (ARBs), density of CARP-covered areas and ARCs. On one hand, the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH)-6 said the implementation of the TPKP projects here is under the Project Management Office (PMO) of the DPWH Central Office. (JCM/LTP/PIA -Iloilo)

Petrowind invests P4B in Aklan By: Venus G. Villanueva KALIBO, Aklan, Feb. 5 (PIA6) -- The P4-billion Petrowind Energy, Inc. project in Barangay Pawa, Nabas, Aklan will not only be a big help in answering the power needs of Aklanons once operational.

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t will also be a great contributor to Aklan‘s booming tourism industry, according to Aklan Governor Florencio T. Miraflores, at his delivery of his State of the Province Address (SOPA) at the Sangguniang Panlalawigan Session Hall at the Provincial Capitol February 4.

Governor Miraflores said in his SOPA, delivered before some 190 heads of local and national government offices, municipal officials, media practitioners, academicians, clerics, Vice Governor Gabrielle Calizo-Quimpo and members of the Sangguniang Panlalawigan, Congressman Teodorico Haresco of the lone district of Aklan. Provincial Capitol Employees and many others, that when he visited the area again, one can see the island of Boracay and the Carabao Island of Romblon as well as the green mountains surrounding the place.

The Petrowind power project is now closer to operating commercially, Miraflores said. He also said the Petrowind project is the

single biggest investment in Aklan to date, and is proof that Aklan is blessed naturally, the province has also made a conducive political as well as peace and order climate for them. ―Abu gid nga saeamat, Petrowind Energy Inc. Thank you for investing in Aklan, for being extra mindful of the surrounding community and for handling our environment with due care‖, Miraflores said.

In the same opportunity, the governor cited the gains earned last year by the tourism industry anchored on Boracay Island, citing the tourism receipts generated through the 1,472,352 tourist arrivals in 2014 which reached P40,705,013,547.00 per computation of the Department of Tourism (DOT).

Miraflores said the province targeted 1.5 million tourist arrivals in 2014 and reached 1,472,352. In 2013, Boracay tourist arrivals reached 1,363,611. ―Our take on this statistic is not that we fell short of target but instead, that we

triumphed despite man-made or natural adversities. An increase of over 100,000, despite the September 2014 travel ban and numerous typhoon-related cancellations is enough reason for our province to be happy‖, Miraflores said.

He also said that the province was able to generate P293,687,084.60 from the Caticlan Port of the Philippine Ports Authority (PPA) Environmental Fee Share, Cagban and Caticlan Jetty Ports and RORO terminal fees.

For this, he commended the Aklan‘s provincial and municipal tourism operations officers and staff for a coordinated effort in year-round tourism promotions.

In actuality, the SOPA delivered by Miraflores February 4 was his 11th as he served 3 full terms from 1995 to 2004 as governor, got electedJCM/ as Aklan Congressman from 2004-2013 and now serving as governor again since June 30, 2013.

(VGV PIA6 Aklan)

TESDA exceeds enrolment target by 34% By: Pilar S. Mabaquiao SAN JOSE, Antique (PIA6) - - The Technical Education and Skills Development Authority exceeded its target of enrolment in 2014 by 34 percent with a total of 5,677 enrollees compared to the target of 4,227.

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rovincial Director El Cid H. Castillo of TESDA Antique in an interview said that of the total number of enrollees, 3170 have graduated and the remaining 2507 are still undergoing the training at TESDA Provincial Training Center and accredited schools province wide.

Based on their tracking, of the 3170 students that have graduated, 2680 have passed the assessment in their chosen courses while 2,137 are already employed.

Castillo said, not all training courses have assessment examination especially those

conducted at the community level. The most important is that the beneficiaries have earned their skills to start their livelihood.

Likewise, Castillo also said that TESDA has brought up the trainings to the grassroots to reach out to more beneficiaries.

The government had seen the need to bring in the training at the community level especially in areas affected by Typhoon Yolanda so that people could earn skills they needed to recover and pursue a normal life.

Aside from the community based training, TESDA has also accredited six private schools

as accredited training centers in addition to the government run Provincial Training Center in Brgy. Villavert-Jeminez, Hamtic, Antique.

TESDA accredited schools also offer various courses such as massage therapy, food and beverage, carpentry and masonry, welding, electronics among others.

Castillo said, this year they are committed to pursue their goal to increase enrolment so that more Antiquenos could acquire skills and become productive. (JCM/PSM-PIA6 Antique)

WESTERN VISAYAS

CEBU SINULOG 2015

NegOcc is Importance‘

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‗Wetlands of International

By: Easter Anne D. Doza NEGROS OCCIDENTAL, Feb. 5 (PIA6) - - Next to Agusan Marsh Wildlife Sanctuary, Tubattaha Reefs Natural Park, Puerto Princesa Subterranean River Natural Park, Olango Islan Wildlife Sanctuary, Naujan Lake National Park, Las Piñas-Parañaque Critical habitat and Ecotourism Area, Bago-Ilog Wetlands here is declared as ―Wetlands of International Importance‖.

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he declaration was made timely with the celebration of the World Wetlands Day, February 2 at the Social Hall of the Provincial Capitol.

The Bago-Ilog wetland spans through 10 coastal local government units namely Bago, Pulupandan, Valladolid, San Enrique, P on t e v e d r a , H i n i g a r a n , B i n a l b a g a n , Himamaylan, Kabankalan and Ilog in the southern part of the province.

Ramsar Convention Secretary General Christopher Briggs in his letter sent to the Biodiversity Management Bureau of the Department of Environment and Natural Resources congratulates the Philippine

government on this success and was delighted to learn about the World Wetlands Day celebration here.

Director for Field Operations Lisa J. Paguntalan of the Philippines Biodiversity Conservation Foundation Inc. said there is a wide range of seafood produced and collected in the area of Bago-Ilog wetlands. ―And being a Ramsar site can help give positive branding these products especially that now the area is declared ―Wetland of International Importance‖ and this also ensures that these products continue to be sustainably managed,‖ Paguntalan added.

Provincial Environment and Natural

Resources Officer Andres Untal said so far, our Bago-Ilog wetlands is the widest in the country and first to be outside of the protected area. ―This site is a peculiar site, unique than the others. This is short of proclaiming this as a protected area but when it comes to protection for the birds, it has more weight since the people are aware that these birds are migratory ones,‖ Untal said.

Untal added that tourists when they browse tourism areas, if you are not one of the Ramsar sites, you are also out of the radar of tourists and conservationists as well.*(JCM/ EAD-PIA6 Negros Occidental)

DOLE targets 10K students for summer jobs By: Lilibeth A. French ILOILO CITY, Feb. 5 (PIA6) - - The Department of Labor and Employment 6 (DOLE 6) has started to prepare for the implementation of its Special Program for Employment of Students (SPES) this summer.

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or 2015, DOLE 6 has rolled out a total of P35, 223,000 as payment for its 40 percent share in the salary of its 10, 227 beneficiaries from the region.

Of the total number of beneficiaries, 4,193 will come from Negros Occidental; 3,170 from Iloilo; 1,023 from Capiz; 818 each from Aklan and Antique; and 205 from Guimaras.

Beneficiaries of the program are those poor but deserving students in the tertiary, technical or vocational level and out-of-school youths aged 15 years old but not more than 25 years old who are provided temporary employment to earn income in order to pursue their education.

The program is open during summer and christmas vacations or any time of the year for those in tech-voc and tertiary levels.

Beneficiaries work for a minimum of 20 days and maximum of 52 days and not less than 10 days nor more than 15 days during christmas.

DOLE jointly implements SPES with the local government units or private employers.

Educational institutions, labor unions and other similar organizations and associations, government-owned or controlled corporations and other national government agencies can also participate in the program.

Under the program, DOLE pays 40

percent of the beneficiaries‘ salary and the employer, 60 percent.

As of January 22, DOLE 6 has already gathered P32,078,360.00 pledges from local government units and private employers for 11, 421 beneficiaries.

DOLE 6 Information Officer Amalia Judicpa said they are eyeing the participation of more private employers in the program this year.

In 2014, around 10,153 students from the region benefited from SPES. Those qualified may inquire about the program at the Public Employment Service Office in their areas. (JCM/LAF/PIA-Iloilo)

Arts Month showcases Capiceños artistry By: Alex A. Lumaque ROXAS CITY, Capiz, Feb. 4 (PIA6) – About 20 carvings and sculpted works of various Capiceño visual artists are on display at the Ground Floor of the Provincial Capitol here from Feb. 2 to 28 in line with the National Arts Month (NAM) celebration.

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he exhibit dubbed ―Bugal Capiznon‖ was formally opened after the Capiz provincial government‘s flag raising ceremonies at the Provincial Capitol Grounds here that also included kick off program of the month-long celebration.

Provincial Tourism and Cultural Affairs Officer Alphonsus Tesoro said that students of Capiz National High School‘s Special Program for the Arts played rondalla and performed a dance interpretation of NAM theme song Ani ng Sining during the program. ―There will also be a Saot Capiz outreach tour at the Mambusao Public Plaza on Feb. 13,‖

Tesoro noted, adding that the dance performances by the Filamer Christian University‘s Silak Dance Company and Capiz State University (CapSU) – Roxas City main campus‘ dance troupe will also be brought to other local government units this month.

A series of ―Eco-Tourism Plus Arts‖ activities like coastal and streets clean up and treeplanting, among others, have also been lined up to integrate arts with the environmental conservation efforts.

The Arts Association of Capiz will also stage a painting exhibit dubbed ―Pinta Capiz V‖ from Feb. 16 to 28 at the 2nd floor of Gaisano

Grand Mall in Arnaldo Boulevard here as part of the activities for the celebration.

Tesoro added that the provincial NAM celebration has the support of Colegio dela Purisima Concepcion which will bring its Sarayawan Dance Troupe and Grand Chorale to some towns to bring entertainment and enjoyment.

The school‘s initiative coincides with the celebration which aims at advancing the artistic talents, skills and abilities of Capicenos that will further enhance creativity and excellence as a fundamental principle of sustainable development. (AAL/PIA6 Capiz)

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CENTRAL VISAYAS

ILOILO DINAGYANG 2015

GSP+ seen to boost Philippine exports

CEBU CITY, Jan. 31 (PIA) --- Nearly a hundred participants from the business, academe and export sectors attended the information session on ―Doing Business with the EU using GSP+‖ organized by the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) at Cebu Parklane International, Hotel recently.

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ccording to Nelia Navarro, DTI Provincial Director, the Generalized Scheme of Preferences (GSP) is an autonomous trade arrangement under which the European Union grants non-reciprocal trade preferences to export beneficiary countries.

The Philippines has been a beneficiary under the Regular GSP arrangement that covers 6,209 products, 2442 of which are subject to zero duty while 3,767 are subject to reduced tariffs. Under this scheme, the Philippines exports to EU has reached EUR1,71.25 million in 2013. ―It was only last month that the Philippines was granted by the European Union with the GSP+ status. It has a larger coverage of 6, 274 products, all of which will be

accorded to zero duty,‖ Navarro said.

During the event a study made by DTI was presented wherein it projected that EU-GSP+ will increase Philippine exports

by EUR611.8 million during its first year of availment.

The product sectors projected to have highest increases are: animal or vegetable fats and oils (EUR231.2 million), prepared foodstuffs (EUR151.2 million), textile and garments (EUR79.7 million), and footwear, headwear, and umbrellas (EUR28.5 million).

This increase will generate 267,587 new jobs in both the agriculture and manufacturing sectors.

DTI Export Management Bureau Senen Perlada said that the Philippines is the only member of the Association of Southeast Asian

Nations (Asean) given this GSP+ privilege giving the country an edge over other countries. ―That‘s why exporters are encouraged to produce quality products as it guarantees successful trade to the EU,‖ Perlada said.

He said that the EU-GSP+ is just an icing on the cake hence, exporters must not put all their eggs in there because at the end of the day, it is the quality that will determine the marketability of the product.

DTI assures that they will provide full assistance to exporters in the utilization of this GSP+ status so that the Philippines will acquire a better share of the market. The session was one of the nationwide information campaigns of DTI to raise awareness on the benefits of the EU-GSP+. (mbcn/FCC/PIA7-Cebu)

DOST Food Safety Team, experts visit mfg. sites, farm in Siquijor SIQUIJOR, Feb 1(PIA) -- Experts from the Manufacturing Productivity Expansion Program (MPEX), Food Safety Team and Consultancy for Agricultural Productivity Enhancement (CAPE) of the Department of Science and Technology (DOST-7) recently visited the productions plants and farms in Siquijor as part of its consultancy and training programs. ngr. Gilberto Nakila and Engr. Dennis productivity through improvements in the beneficiary for possible interventions and Kilongkilong served as consultants for overall operation of the firm. recommendations to problems identified.

MPEX while Senior Science Research Simultaneously, a two-day training on In an interview with Provincial Science and Specialist II Josie Elli served as trainer/resource Food Safety and Good Manufacturing Practices Technology Director Engr. Mario de la Peña, speaker in behalf of the Food Safety (GMP) was conducted by Senior SRS Elli of he said the consultancy program is offered free Team Joselito Payot represented CAPE. DOST-7 Food Safety Team at the Smylen to all SETUP beneficiaries.

JH Furniture, 2KIR Furniture and Dream Extra Virgin Cold Pressed Coco Oil & He said he is optimistic that the Jermaine‘s Bakeshoppe were this year‘s Gen. Merchandise manufacturing plant in consultancy could enhance the productivity of beneficiaries for MPEX consultancy program. Candaping-B, Maria, Siquijor. the firms identified upon adaptation of the They were also Small Enterprise Technology The in-house training/seminar assists would-be measures for improvement.

Upgrading Program (SETUP) beneficiaries. the firm to be ready for its application for GMP In return, the beneficiaries pledged to Prior to the plant visit, the consultants certificate and License to Operate (LTO). extend their full cooperation during the had a short orientation to the beneficiaries In another development, Joselito Payot a conduct of the consultancy program. about MPEX and its objectives. consultant of CAPE conducted a site visit on So far, a number of firms have availed of According to DOST, MPEX assists micro, the farms of Maricar Masayon to assess the consultancy program in the province since small and medium enterprises in the technical feasibility and areas of priority in farm its implementation. (mbcn/RAC/PIA7-Siquijor/ manufacturing sector to attain higher management. Discussions were made with the Engr. Reinhold Jek Y. Abing/DOST-Siquijor)

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ILO bows out of Catigbian, hands farm tools to CAMIA TAGBILARAN CITY, Bohol Feb 2 (PIA) – The International Labor Organization (ILO) bows out of Bohol a year and four months after the earthquake, but it didn‘t just go without a stir.

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LO came to Bohol immediately after the earthquake to dish out humanitarian relief assistance being the United Nations specialized agency whose main aim is to promote rights at work, encourage decent employment opportunities, enhance social protection and strengthen dialogue on work-related issues.

Generally into cash-for-work to provide temporary source of food and sustenance to earthquake victims, the ILO also prioritized relief to those heavily affected by the calamity.

In Catigbian, where farmer members of the Cambuslot Irrigators Association (CAMIA) were severely affected by the quake, ILO lined these people for cash for work and other forms of help.

CamIA members suffered heavily when the vast rice fields they were tilling, dried up as the Catigbian mini dam lost its water.

Too bad we were apparently late in submitting the project proposal for CAMIA, them being severely affected, admitted Ardissa Estavilla, SB Secretary.

Had the proposal been accepted, it would have helped these families as they would have ready vegetables for food and for marketing, Estavilla added.

As the ILO was on the end parts of their stint, LGU Catigbian earlier pushed for an Organic Vegetable production project for ILO consideration, but it was too late.

Not really wanting to fail the Catigbianons, ILO instead turned-over farm tools to the members of Cambuslot Irrigator's

Association (CamIA) of Barangay Poblacion Catigbian.

Fifty-two CAMIA members received work boots, bolos, garden hoe and mattocks, shovels, and long sleeves working shirt as well as working masks, in fitting ceremonies at the Poblacion Barangay Hall The activity coincided with a Community based Monitoring system workshop held simultaneous at the town hall, most local officials could not make it to the ILO event, according to sources.

Catigbian mayor Virgilio Lurot was all too excited with the ILO legacy to the farmers that he wanted to make a quick visit to the event. But with the lack of material time, he sent Estavilla instead. (mbcn/RAC/PIA7 -Bohol)

CENTRAL VISAYAS

CEBU SINULOG 2015

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Tagbilaran 1st CDI city beneficiary in Visayas

TAGBILARAN CITY, Feb. 3 (PIA) -- US Ambassador to the Philippines Philip Goldberg is set to visit Bohol on February 5, 2015.

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e will witness with Bohol Governor Edgar Chatto the signing of the Memorandum of Understanding between the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) represented by Mission Director Gloria Steele and Tagbilaran City represented by Mayor John Geesnell ‗Baba‘ Yap II.

Tagbilaran is the first city in the Visayas region to be named as CDI. The signing will be held at the Dagohoy Hall of Bohol Tropics on Thursday, February 5 from 9:30 a.m. to 11 a.m.

USAID has named Tagbilaran City as one of the beneficiaries of its Cities Development Initiative (CDI) program that aims to support

secondary cities to spur local economic growth.

This is also an opportune time for the U.S. Ambassador to meet the provincial officials, as well as the officials of the City of Tagbilaran and municipal mayors, and see for himself some projects of the USAID in Bohol. (mbcn/ ecb/PIA7-Bohol)

Over 100 Fil-Canadian guests on ‗Winter Escapade‘ in Siquijor SIQUIJOR, Feb. 3 (PIA) — Over a hundred Filipino-Canadian guests led by Ambassador to Canada Petronilla Garcia with Philippine Consuls General across Canada and other professionals came to Siquijor as part of their Winter Escapade this year.

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e are here to discover Siquijor, the Philippines top envoy to Canada said at the Tambisan Wharf in San Juan, Siquijor where Provincial Governor, town Mayor Mei Ling Quezon, Philippine National POliuce (PNP) provincial director Primitivo Tabujara, Jr. and party welcomed them.

From the wharf, they were led to the St. Francis of Assisi Church grounds near the Siquijor port for another welcoming school band with some grade schoolchildren rendering them a dance.

More picture taking followed to the delight of both the visitors and schoolchildren who felt like ‗instant celebrities‘ with visitors grabbing them for more poses.

But their short stay on the island only allowed them to visit the century-old Balete Tree in San Juan with its fish spa and folk

healing, St. Isidore Labrador Parish and Convent in Lazi and a sumptuous lunch with lively cultural presentations at the Cocogrove Beach Resort. ―I hope you preserve your island as it is,‖ comments heard from the guests who said they are impressed of the island‘s beauty and spirituality and the true Filipino hospitality that is now seldom found in the cities and other places in the country.

Even big beautiful houses and the island‘s tranquillity and natural beauty didn‘t pass the envoy‘s musing as if amazed at how far it is from what she heard and read all over.

Winter Escapade, according to Garcia, is a combination of tourism and investment.

People want to come home, referring to the big number of Filipino communities in Canada and other countries, whom she said, would come home when they get old.

Saying this, she encouraged the governor to work around coming up with a good health insurance and seek assistance from Filipinos abroad to attract visitors and retirees to come to Siquijor.

She said many Filipino-Canadian communities are asking the Canadian government to help the Philippines.

Ambassador Garcia, in a press release, is said to be working on advancing bilateral relations as her priorities and strategies and pushed for activities that promotes productive community support such as the Winter Escapade.

A combination of tourism and investment, Winter Escapade 2 is group tour which she herself led from January 30 to February 06, 2015 in the islands of Negros Oriental, Siquijor, Bohol and Cebu. (mbcn/RAC/PIA7 -Siquijor)

USN Seabees turn over work improvements of DSWD-7 facilities CEBU CITY, Feb. 3 (PIA) -- A touching but happy moment filled the atmosphere when US Navy Seabees finally turned over the completion of renovations of four facilities of the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD-7) today, a week before their stay ends in the country.

SWD-7 regional director Mercedita Labangon, Cebu City. efforts, what will leave us longer is your Jabagat expressed her gratitude for Jeram Ejercito, a PWD whose legs were warmth, kindness and the time you spent with the assistance of the US Navy amputated could not express his gratitude the children, girls and the persons with Construction Civic Action Detail (CCAD) enough. ―I am very thankful to the Seabees for disabilities,‖ said Hermania Cabahug, director Philippines who have been here for six months helping in the improvement of our facilities of the DSWD facilities in Labangon. to help build school buildings and rehabilitate especially the path walk which enables me to ―Work improvements on the four public facilities. walk more steadily and safely,‖ said Ejercito facilities cost US $13,200 and took almost two ―Government cannot do it alone. We who is being taught in the center on furniture months to complete,‖ said Lt. Mike Sapienza, needs partnerships from the private sector and and cabinet making.

US Navy CCAD PH head. civic organizations to help us provide the best The four facilities are where DSWD-7 Sapienza said they leave in a week‘s time environment possible especially for our provides a home environment to trafficked as another batch of Seabees will replace their persons with disabilities and victims of some minors, victims of domestic violence and other 26-men team. circumstances,‖ said Jabagat. victims of circumstances as well as PWDs. The new batch will take over the The ceremony marked the culmination of They are taught massage therapy, cabinet continuing construction of two public work by the Seabees and the Philippine Army and furniture making and computer repair school buildings in Todelo City and in the town engineers from the Central Command of the among others. of Aloguinsan which is expected to finish by Armed Forces of the Philippines as they Marinel Kumba, 11 years old also thanked May. improved four facilities of DSWD-7. the seabees wishing them ‗long life‘ for the ―I will definitely miss the Philippines and These facilities are the Home for Girls good deeds they have done expressing her the people who have been very kind to us. Our Dormitory, Persons with Disabilities happiness for the gifts and sports equipment work here is very rewarding where we Dormitory, Regional Haven and the Area the US CCAD team gave the children. contributed to a better life even just in a small Vocational Rehabilitation Center located in ―More than the materials and your way,‖ said Sapienza. (mbcn/fcr/PIA-7)

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EASTERN VISAYAS

PDIC prexy leads groundbreaking of new GK village in ESamar ILOILO DINAGYANG 2015

By Samuel Candido

BORONGAN CITY, Feb. 3 (PIA) - As part of its corporate social responsibility program, the Philippine Deposit Insurance Corporation (PDIC), in partnership with Gawad Kalinga (GK), led the groundbreaking ceremony of a new GK village Sunday at Sitio Malmangan, Barangay 8, Lawaan, Eastern Samar.

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efore the groundbreaking ceremony, a witnessed the groundbreaking were Mr. Jose short program was attended by officials G. Villaret, Jr. Vice President for Corporate led by PDIC president, Mrs. Cristina Q. Groups; Vice President Geronimo Orbeta.

Ambe; Manager Lyka Lopez; Asst. Manager In her message, Orbeta thanked the N a p Mecu; Mr. Rey Ravite, survivor victims for their brave hearts. representing PHILDECEO; the Employees ―Our heart is with you to help you that is Union of PDIC; Mr. Ricardo Igot, team why we are here,‖ Orbeta said. member of the GK Area Coordination Team She further said, ―maliit po ang aming for Eastern Visayas – Incharge of Community nakayanan, pero sana ay pagyamanin Organizing; Mr. Bryan Gapasin, team member po ninyong lahat.‖ of the GK Area Coordination Team for On the part of the Local Governement Eastern Visayas – Provincial Coordinator; Mr. Unit (LGU) of Lawaan, Vice Mayor Raul Gade, Marlon Abayan, Municipal Planning and thanked the presence of PDIC Officials and Development Coordinator (MPDC); Vice staff.

Mayor Raul Gade and local and barangay ―This is heaven-sent to us. Kami ay officials. nabubuhayan ng loob dahil sa iyong pinakikitang In an interview with PIA, Mr. Bryan pagtulong sa aming mamamayan,‖ Vice Mayor Gapasin, said that 100 housing units will rise in Gade said. the GK Village area. With this development, The program was immediately followed by there are already 54 housing units to be the ground breaking ceremony led by PDIC built – 20 housing units from ISLA LIPANA, an President Orbeta. auditing firm in Manila which is now Other PDIC and LGU officials who on-going construction; 20 housing units from

PDIC; and 14 housing units from Business Process Outsourcing (BPO) in Manila.

The construction of 20 units of ISLA LIPANA is now ongoing.

Gapasin added that only 46 housing units need to be built to complete the 100 housing units for the 100 beneficiaries from different baranagays in Lawaan.

The total cost for the housing unit is P 150,000.00 each.

According to Abayan, the said lot was purchased by LGU Lawaan for future housing projects with a total land area of 18,000 square meters.

PDIC has sought the help of GK in the rebuilding program for ―Typhoon Yolanda‖ survivors by providing them with more typhoon-resilient houses while the GK is a movement of nation building which focuses in the restoration of the dignity of the poor by building GK homes in beautiful communities. (ajc/sdc/PIA8-E. Samar)

ARMOR-8 vows to strengthen mining industry in region TACLOBAN CITY, Leyte, Feb.2 (PIA) – The Alliance of Responsible Miners of Region 8 (ARMOR8) is committed to strengthen the mining industry in Eastern Visayas.

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his, after the alliance elected a new set of officers for the year 2015.

Engr. Dante A. Operario, Information Officer, Mines & Geosciences Bureau (MGB-8) said, the elected president Engr.

Francisco Aranes who is on his second term has vowed to pursue the goals of the MGB in the region particularly in the continuing efforts to pursue responsible and sustainable mining.

―ARMOR-8 will remain an active ally and catalyst for change in the mining industry through implementation of sound and meaningful endeavors deemed to benefit the greater majority,‖ Engr Aranes said.

The new officers are: Engr. Francisco Aranes as President; Engr. Socrates Serrano-Vice President; Gerry Mondragon as Secretary; Treasurer-Teodulo Perez and

Auditor Jaime T. Lao. PIA learned that 5 nominees vied for top positions namely: Engr. Francisco Aranes of Cambayas Mining Corporation, Engr. Socrates Serrano of EMIR Minerals Corporation, Mr. Gerry Mondragon of Strongbuilt Mining Development Corporation, Teodulo Perez of Mt. Mogan Resources and Mr. Jaime T. Lao of Masada Development Corporation. (ajc/cba/ PIA-8)

Army troops clash with rebels in N. Samar; 2 rebs captured

By Ninfa B. Quirante TACLOBAN CITY, Leyte, Feb.5 (PIA) – Army troops in Eastern Visayas remain focused in carrying out their mission to safeguard the people of the region against the New People‘s Army (NPA) rebels in the pursuit to create safe and progressive communities.

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his is despite of the death of one soldier, during an encounter with members of the New People‘s Army in a remote area of Brgy. Imelda, Las Navas, Northern Samar early morning yesterday.

In a report sent by Lt. Col. Edgar R. Delos Reyes, commanding officer of the 34th Infantry Batallion to 8th Infantry Division, Philippine Army Camp Lukban, Catbalogan City, he said his troops were conducting peace and security operations when a concerned citizen informed them about the presence of the rebels in said area.

It was learned from Major Amado Gutierrez, Chief, Division Public Affairs Office, 8th Infantry Division, Philippine Army, Camp Lukban, Catbalogan City, the troops proceeded immediately to where the NPAs were last seen and upon entering the vicinity of Brgy. Imelda, the troops were fired upon which triggered a 15 minute firefight until the NPA‘s withdrew.

The encounter led to the capture of two (2) NPA rebels left behind by their comrades and critically wounding a soldier who died while being brought to the hospital.

As of this writing, the two unidentified

NPAs are still in the custody of the troops and will be handed over to the Philippine National Police.

Major General Jet B. Velarmino, 8th ID Commander expressed sympathy and condolences to the bereaved family of the slain soldier and expressed appreciation to the efforts of the troops involved in the operation. ―I would like to express my condolence to the family of the slain soldier. He died a hero‘s death in pursuit of peace and development. His sacrifice and bravery will not be forgotten,‖ Belarmino said. (ajc/cba/8thID/PIA-8)

EASTERN VISAYAS

CEBU SINULOG 2015

7

Cayetano's PTK program benefits typhoon victims

BORONGAN CITY, Eastern Samar, Feb. 5 (PIA) -- In Eastern Samar, tricycle drivers and fisherfolks stand to benefit from a P200,000 financial support from Senator Alan Peter Cayetano.

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ersonally turned over by Cayetano on January 31, 2015, the fund will be used as seed fund for Eastern Samar State University (ESSU) Riders Tricycle Operators and Drivers Association in Borongan, and Barangay 6 Fisherfolk Association in Guiuan town. The two towns are recovering from typhoon which hit the province recently.

Borongan sustained damages to property, livelihood and lives in December 2014 due to typhoon Ruby (international codename: Hagupit) while Guiuan still continues to recover from all that was lost to supertyphoon Yolanda (International codename: Haiyan). ―Since super typhoon Yolanda hit Eastern Samar, I recognized the need for small business owners to adopt a system where they would have access to capital that doesn‘t require interest payments of up to 20%.

The PTK program would be an example of a successful financial aid structure that works,‖ Cayetano said.

Cayetano's Presyo Trabaho, Kita/ Kaayusan (PTK) Kontra 5-6 program will allow members of the two organizations to give out small loans to members at low interest rates and easy payment schemes eventually encouraging them to start their own small businesses.

Aleli Macawile, a member of the ESSU Riders TODA said he has trouble saving up for his tricycle's monthly amortization that he often turns to loan sharks that collect almost P200 in interest for every P1,000 loaned.

"My co-members tell me that through this PTK, I only have to pay P30 for every P1,000 I borrow.

This will make a lot of difference,"

Macawile said.

According to Cayetano he plans to cover more sectors with the program.

"We aim to not only provide support to a particular sector but the whole community.

From vendors, to fishermen, farms and transport workers, the PTK aims to give micro -entrepreneurs a chance to be successful by providing them a sustainable capital buildup,‖ he said. ―I want to show the government that this works. If we can give P64 Billion on Conditional Cash Transfers, why can‘t we give local government units P1 Billion per region for micro-financing programs like the PTK? Small Businesses are among the top job generators in the country and the government should encourage their growth,‖ Cayetano added. (ajc/ Medora Quirante/PIA*-Eastern Samar)

Fallen SAF heroes to get justice, families to get benefits - PNoy TACLOBAN CITY, Leyte, Feb. 3 (PIA) -- The Philippine National Police Regional Command 8 rendered full military honors to the remains of the Special Action Force (SAF) members from Eastern Visayas upon its arrival at the DZR Airport in Tacloban City, Saturday, January 31.

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olice Regional Command 8 Regional Director Chief Superintendent Asher Dolina identified the 6 SAF members from the region as PO3 John Lloyd R. Sumbilla of Brgy. Tabi, Sulat, Eastern Samar; PO2 Glen Bedua of Brgy. San Jose, Dulag, Leyte; PO2 Rodel Eva Ramacula of Brgy.

Jamo-og, Rosario, Northern Samar; PO2 Noel Balaca Jr. of Sta. Monica, Oras, Eastern Samar; PO1 Mark Lory Clemencio of Brgy. Baruguhay, Carigara, Leyte and PO1 Joseph Sagonoy of Brgy. Cabungaan, Silvino Lubos, Northern Samar.

Before the remains were flown to its

respective homes and its bereaved families, President Aquino met the family members of the fallen SAF personnel and discussed with them some specific assistance that the government will extend such as employment, livelihood, education, housing, health and the well-being of the family members.

As he expressed his sympathy and condolences to the bereaved families of the Philippine National Police (PNP-SAF) heroes, the President spent time to talk to each of the family members and reiterated that the government is determined to render justice to the fallen troopers.

He also directed DILG Secretary Mar Roxas and PNP Officer in Charge Deputy Director General Leonardo Espina to ensure that the families receive all the benefits due them at the earliest possible time.

With the President during his talks with the families were DILG Secretary Roxas, DSWD Secretary Corazon Soliman, DOLE Secretary Rosalinda Baldoz, DepEd Secretary Armin Luistro, PCOO Secretary Sonny Coloma, TESDA Director General Joel Villanueva, NHA General Manager Chito Cruz, PMS head Julia Abad and Health Acting Secretary Janette L. Garin. (ajc/cba/PIA-8)

Calbayog City welcomes dev‘t of Bangon Falls Hydro Power Plant CATBALOGAN CITY, Samar, Feb. 6 (PIA) - Calbayog City Mayor Ronald Aquino with SAMELCO-1 and the Clean and Green Energy Solutions, Inc. (CNGESI) partner to develop a renewable source of power.

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he project will be called the Bangon Falls Hydro Power Development Plant geared towards providing renewable source of power that the developing city of Calbayog needs.

Mr. Dendrick Lao, CNGESI Business Development Officer said that developing Bangon Falls into a Mini-Hydropower Project can provide the needed power to SAMELCO-I, the ―will be‖ off-taker of the power generated by the hydropower plant.

Lao added that the Bangon Falls Hydropower Project can generate a potential capacity of 1.5 MW or a total of 9,480,000KWH annually.

The Bangon Falls Hydropower Plant development, with construction duration of 30 months, will be located at Brgy.

Tinaplacan, Calbayog City, where the run-of -river technology to be used in this project would by-pass the upstream flow of water of the Bugtong River and return to its original path before the Bangon Falls.

This scheme, Lao added, will preserve the natural flow and will not decrease the volume of water flowing through Bangon Falls, which is a tourist attraction.

According to the Department of Energy, about 30% of SAMELCO-I distribution system was affected by November 2013 super

typhoon ―Yolanda‖, which are dependent on the Visayas National Grid. Having an embedded power supply, Lao assured that Bangon Falls Hydro Power Plant will give the constituents covered by SAMELCO-I an independent supply of renewable energy source, which will provide about 10% of the total demand of SAMELCO-I. Mayor Aquino said that he welcomes this project as it will not only develop renewable energy sources but also promotes tourism as Bangon Falls is one of the prime tourist destination in Samar. (PIA-Samar with Aimee Catalan/Calbayog City Mayor‘s Office)

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