One Visayas e-Newsletter Vol 5 Issue 12

Vol 5

Issue 12

In this Issue WESTERN VISAYAS

March 23 - 29, 2015

Published by: PIA 6, 7 & 8

Women urged to protect rights CONSUELO B. ALARCON TACLOBAN CITY, Leyte, March 26 (PIA) – Women‟s rights advocates in the city encouraged all women in vulnerable circumstances to assert their rights and file complaints against their spouses who are circumventing their rights.

During the “Harampang ha PIA” held Thursday at PIA Regional Office 8, Senior Police Officer 3 Marissa Monge, in-charge of the Women‟s and Children Protection Desk of the Tacloban City Police Office, said their office is 24 hours open to all women who are victims of all kinds of violence or whose rights are being violated by their husbands and partners.

“Violence against women and their children” refers to any act or series of acts committed by any person against a woman who is his wife, former wife, or against a woman with whom the person has or had a sexual or dating relationship, or with whom he has a common child, or against her child whether legitimate or illegitimate, within or outside the family abode, which result in or is likely to result in physical, sexual, psychological harm or suffering, or economic abuse including threats of such acts, battery, assault, coercion, harassment or arbitrary deprivation of liberty.

Chief Inspector Ma. Bella D. Rentuaya, Chief of the Tacloban City Police Community Relations Office, also said as part of their advocacy campaign police personnel went to barangays to strengthen awareness of the law. They even conducted family development sessions in coordination with the City Social Welfare and Development Office in 138 barangays.

“Women must be empowered and motivated to assert their rights regardless of their level of education and or socio-economic status. It is necessary for all individuals, especially women in vulnerable circumstances to have full knowledge of their rights and access to legal recourse against violations of their rights”, she added.

Meanwhile, as an advocate of women‟s rights, Lawyer Jo Ann Yu Balaga of PUMA Law Office gave an assurance that she is willing to render free legal advice to women in the city who are victims of violence.

Records at the Tacloban‟s women and children protection desk (WCPD) show that 619 reported cases of violence against women were recorded in 2014. Most of these are physical violence. (ajc/cba/PIA-8)

Various local government units and the Province of Negros Occidental enter into an agreement with the Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit (GIZ)-Protected Area Management Enhancement (PAME) for environment-related projects. The MOA was signed by Gov. Alfredo G. WVisayas is country‟s 5th largest GDP contributor Marañon (seated, 4th from left), GIZ-PAME (DOT)-6 showed a total of 3.18-million total tourist arrivals in the program manager Dr. Berthold Schirm (extreme By: Leonard T. Pineda I ILOILO CITY, March 23 (PIA6) --- Western Visayas is the fifth region for 2014. right) and other officials. (EAD-PIA6 photo)

largest contributor to the country‟s Gross Domestic Product (GDP) in 2014, according to the National Economic and Development Authority (NEDA)-6.

More on Region 6, pages 2-3.

As per NEDA-6 report, the region‟s economy has a lower Gross Regional Domestic Product (GRDP) at only 4.0 percent last year as compared to the 4.4 percent registered in 2013 but it is still Also CLICK Here… considered one of the country‟s largest contributions to GDP. NEDA-6 said that the region‟s economy was propelled by the services sector at 57.9 percent, agriculture, hunting, fishery and CENTRAL VISAYAS forestry at 23.5 percent, and the industry sector at 18.6 percent.

The region‟s employment rate increased from 93.1 percent in 2013 to 94 percent in 2014. Region 6 ranked No. 4 with the highest employment rate as compared to other regions in the country.

Western Visayas also ranked 4th in terms of the lowest unemployment rate in the country. The unemployment rate decreased from 6.9 percent in 2013to 6.0 percent in 2014.

According to NEDA-6, the 2014 exports valued at US$302.47 million increased by 12.4 percent compared in 2014.

The exportation of coal contributed to the 46 percent increase of Making a stand. As others sat, several HNU exports in the Port of Iloilo.

Imports also increased by 59 percent valued at P23.95 billion SEED and tourism students made a stand for the environment and walked in slippers or compared to 2013‟s figure of P15.08 billion.

The preliminary report of the Department of Tourism barefoot to pool slippers for deprived children and to reconnect the body from the earth in attempts to start a healthy lifestyle. (rac/ Bogo City among 2015 UN Sasakawa winners in PIABohol) Fayette C. Riñen CEBU, March 24 (PIA) – The City of Bogo is one of the 33 winners of the 2015 United Nations Sasakawa Award for Disaster More on Region 7, pages 4-5.

Reduction.

The UN Information for Disaster Reduction (UNIDR) Also CLICK Here… announced this during the 3rd UN World Conference on Disaster Risk Reduction at the Sendai International Center in Sendai, Japan on March 17.

All the 33 winners that came from different backgrounds and EASTERN VISAYAS contexts were recognized due to their outstanding contributions to disaster risk reduction.

Bogo City's flagship program on Information Management in Preparation for Disasters or “I.M. Prepared” Program, a system of disaster preparedness measures that starts with the family gets the Sasakawa recognition.

Bogo Mayor Celestino Martinez Jr. said the “I.M. Prepared” program aims to change the mindset of the people from reactive to proactive and it encompasses beyond government‟s existing mechanisms in addressing preparedness issues down to the family level through baseline data, family interaction and drills, capacity Focused discussion on gender and building, barangay information and education drive in schools. development resource person Lovelle Lapura Martinez said a ready local government unit (LGU) can only (right) enlightened PIA 8 regional office staff be achieved if the families are ready as well while they deserve the and some invited guests from the Association best service from the government.

According to Martinez, most LGUs invest more on expensive of Government Information Officers (AGIO) equipment and trainings for rescue teams but undermine the basic and the private media with her lecture in line and essential DRRM service which is family preparedness. with the Women‟s Month celebration held at As a taxpayer, Martinez claimed that no one should be the PIA regional office, Tacloban City, March exposed to hazards. If you prioritize disaster risk reduction and management (DRRM) response alone, it is tantamount to saying 23. (Vino R. Cuayzon) that one should first be carried away by flood water or screaming for help before the government can serve you, said Martinez.

More on Region 8, pages 6-7.

Another advantage of family preparedness is that the LGU can maximize its resources efficiently, said the mayor.

Also CLICK Here...

Meanwhile, the four-strong Sasakawa Award Jury used a set

The tourist arrivals in Western Visayas generated total receipts amounting to P74 billion.

In terms of inflation rate, all commodities increased from 3.8 percent in 2013 to 4.7 percent last year. Compared to other regions, Region 6 ranked no. 6 in terms of high inflation rate.

Among the provinces in the region, Antique had the highest inflation rate in 2014 posting 6.8 percent; followed by Guimaras at 5.0 percent; and Iloilo at 4.9 percent. (LTP/PIA-Iloilo)

PH 5th largest GDP contributor in 2014

disaster reduction of criteria to select the final short-list of nominees, assessing how influential, extensive or encompassing, permanent and innovative the nominees actions are.

The winning Sasakawa Laureatte Allan Lavel, is a disaster risk researcher and consultant based in Costa Rica.

Born in Britain but based in the Americas for most of his career, Lavel is a highly respected researcher and practitioner in disaster risk reduction.

His work spans four decades, adopting a multi-disciplinary and holistic approach. He has also authored a number of publications and has presented papers in 42 different countries.

Lavel on the other hand, has pledged his commitment to coordinate with the City of Bogo and the province of Cebu through governor Hilario Davide Jr. for possible development and replicating the Bogo DRRM practice in other local government units.

The UNIDR stated the 2015 Sasakawa Award attracted 88 nominations from 44 countries including the Philippines which placed its official bet on Albay Province.

Bogo‟s „I.M Prepared” program has been hailed as one of the best practices in DRRM by the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) which also nominated Bogo to the Sasakawa Award.

Because of the city‟s commitment to DRRM, the DOST said it would donate a hybrid monitoring system while Phivolcs said it would also set up a state-of-the-art solar-powered earthquake monitoring system that allows the transmissions of data every microsecond.

Bogo City‟s local disaster risk reduction and management officer Ben Frederick Rodriguez, has been trained on weather forecasting and the Fleet Numerical Meteorology and Oceanography Center by Pagasa-Visayas.

Bogo is currently formulating its localized weather forecast in Cebuano under the supervision of Pagasa-Visayas, the only LGU in the Visayas capable of such. (mbcn/fcr/PIA7/with reports from Ben Frederick Rodriguez/Bogo City)

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WESTERN VISAYAS

Parents should monitor social media use of kids

by Lorenzo O. Lambatin Jr. NEGROS OCC., March 24 (PIA6) --The social media has brought people closer across the globe but evil minded persons have turned it into a platform to commit crimes.

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t is in this setting that the role of parents come into play where women become easy targets of sweet-talking men who are supposed to be their friend either on Facebook or thru cellphone.

Negros Occ. Provincial Police Office Women and Children‟s Desk Head Capt. Vanessa Gayle Sonoy said the friendly and love relations that develop through these media sometimes end in tragedy where one partner is either robbed

or molested when they arranged to meet in person.

The usual victims are young women, she added. “The oft-repeated advice - never trust a stranger - is a basic guide that‟s applicable here.”

To avoid these crimes, she said parents should guide their children by knowing what their activities are and with whom they go out with.

She said the parents have direct relations to their children and have the responsibility of focusing

the minds of youngsters on more important things over other teenage concerns.

Sonoy further advised parents not to tolerate the wrongdoings of their children and seek to be abreast of their interests like learning to use the social media themselves.

As the youths spend more time in school, the teachers are also requested to teach them preventive guides to stay out of Cyber Crimes, she said. (JCM/Lljr-PIA6)

Ilongga consul links Spain and WVisayas By: Leonard T. Pineda I ILOILO CITY, March 25 (PIA6) --- The newly-installed Ilongga honorary consul of the Spanish government for Western Visayas is planning to bolster partnerships between Spain and the region here.

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aria Rosa Cacho, who is also the provincial head of Gawad Kalinga-Iloilo, said that she will push for more investment and tourism opportunities for Western Visayas to bring in more businesses here.

“I plan to bring in more partnerships and find social entrepreneurs in Spain who are willing to put up businesses here to generate more jobs for the Ilonggos,” she said.

As the honorary consul, she has functions of representing the consulate with the Spanish nationals living in Western Visayas, carry out administrative activities to assist the needs of Spanish citizens, and make contacts with local authorities.

Cacho said that she will also conduct cultural activities, trade and commerce

promotion that will strengthen the linkage between Spain and Region 6.

“I also decided to accept this post for the healing because people kept talking about the Spanish colonization but they were gone for more than a hundred years ago,” she stressed.

“I think it is time that we should not make it as excuse if the Philippines is not progressive for it is up to us, and i t ha s n oth in g t o do a ny m or e that we were colonized so many years ago,” she added.

Cacho also shared that she plans to form an organization or association of Spanish nationals here in the region.

“I have established a Facebook page to connect everybody and this will be a good start to invite them for meetings and fellowships,”

she said.

According to Cacho, there are some 240 Spanish citizens in Western Visayas. Of the number, 160 are in Negros Occidental while 60 or 70 are from the different provinces in Panay.

She also clarified that issuance of Spain visas to Ilonggos is not part of her responsibility as honorary consul “I am not allowed to give visas nor process the Spanish passports mainly because they need to show the fingerprinting in the consulate in Manila,” she said.

Cacho, whose great grandfathers are Spanish, is the first honorary consul in Western Visayas. She is the fourth one to be appointed in the country following the consuls in Cebu, Bicol, and Mindanao. (JCM/LTP/ PIA-Iloilo)

Guv lauds Capiz information officers

By Jemin B. Guillermo ROXAS CITY, Capiz, March 26 (PIA) – Capiz Governor Victor Tanco commended the information officers for the continued goal in promoting public awareness.

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n his message, delivered by Provincial Administrator lawyer Jose Villanueva during the recent induction ceremony of the newly elected officers, Tanco lauded the members of the Capiz Association of Government Public Information Officers for its vision to usher the best service and enabling Capiceños through information dissemination.

He said that while the information officer‟s role is to advance awareness, knowledge and transparency to the public, they are also becoming agents of peace and progress for the community as part of public duties.

Tanco also urged the public information officers to maintain the observance of propriety and sobriety in leading the

organization as well as uphold the honor while representing the organization.

He also called the members of the CAGPIO to be armed with steadfast dedication and full commitment towards public service.

The governor likewise pledged the support of the provincial government for a more proactive and productive partnership in order to forge a synergy in serving the Capiceños.

For his part, Provincial Administrator Villanueva reiterated the assurance of governor Tanco and the entire provincial government of Capiz for CAGPIO and the Philippine Information Agency in the goal towards peace and development in the province.

“We count on PIA and CAGPIO in helping us remain as transparent, responsible and accountable as every information outfit like you,” Villanueva stressed.

He also asked the information officers and the media to help in bringing to the great level of competitiveness the province of Capiz so that it will become among the ranks of first.

The induction of newly elected officers led by Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Officer Esperedion Pelaez was also graced by PIA Regional Operations Officer Jaime Cabag, Jr. and Regional Trial Court Judge Honorable Esperanza Isabel Poco-Deslate, who was the association‟s president in 1996. (JCM/JBG/PIA6-Capiz)

WESTERN VISAYAS

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DPWH ensures safe travel with ‗Lakbay Alalay‘ By: Elsa S. Subong ILOILO CITY, March 26 (PIA6)—The Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) in Western Visayas is activating its ―Lakbay Alalay‖ Project for the Holy Week observance, starting 6 a.m. of April 1 until 12 noon of April 6.

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PWH-6 Director Edilberto Tayao said in an advisory, that he had instructed the district engineers of all Engineering districts in the region to create a composite crew, including an anchorman who will assist the travelling public in strategic locations in their areas.

Tayao also said that he had directed the district engineers to coordinate with the Land Transportation Office, the Philippine National Police and the officials of local government units so that required assistance will be

provided.

“They have also been ordered to submit situationer reports every six hours,” Tayao said.

With the huge influx of people expected in some areas, the engineering offices were also instructed to ensure that all national roads, particularly those leading to churches and terminals, should be thoroughly maintained and always kept in good shape for safer travel and ensure uninterrupted transport flow.

Along with these, various highway routine maintenance, such as in carriageway and road,side, should be implemented.

“Traffic service maintenance should also be vigorously undertaken,” Tayao added.

He further said that the endeavours will be intensified by the provision of informative/regulatory warning signs or traffic advisory, as well as directional signs which will be installed to assist the public. (JCM/ESS/PIA-Iloilo)

BIR honors Aklan's top taxpayers Venus G. Villanueva KALIBO, Aklan, March 27 (PIA6) -- Four top tax papers in Aklan were among those honored by the Bureau of Internal Revenue during the 2015 Tax Campaign Kick-Off held March 27 at the Grand Ballroom of Amigo Terrace Hotel in Iloilo City.

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ccording to Eralen B. de Aro, Revenue District Officer of RDO No. 7, Kalibo, Aklan, these top taxpayers are Federico J. Jarantilla of Seawind Resort and Hotel in Boracay Island, Malay, Aklan and the Estate of Wilfredo M. Gelito of Willy‟s Resort, Boracay Island for Individual Category, and Discovery World Corporation and Boracay Island Water Company, Inc., both also located in Boracay Island, as top corporate taxpayers.

To be honored too are top taxpayers of the provinces of Capiz, Antique and Iloilo in the kick-off participated in by five revenue

district offices like RDO-72 Roxas City, Capiz, RDO-73 San Jose, Antique, RDO-74 Iloilo City and RDO 75 Zarraga, Iloilo and the regional office, revenue region 11, Iloilo City.

The 2015 regional Tax Campaign Kick-Off had Deputy Commissioner Nelson Aspe as keynote speaker.

Aiming for greater participation and cooperation among Filipinos to pay their taxes as their contribution to nation building, the theme of this year‟s campaign is “Angat Pa, Pinas”!

Meanwhile, RDO De Aro reiterated her call to Aklan taxpayers to file their income tax

returns early to avoid the rush.

On April 11, Saturday, BIR offices will accommodate filers.

Authorized Agent Banks (AABs) will also be accommodating filers on weekend.

BIR-Aklan Information Officer Elaine Tirazona said banks accepting tax payments are Land Bank of the Philippines, United Coconut Planters Bank, Development Bank of the Philippines, Philippine Veterans Bank and the Metropolitan Bank and Trust Company.

Deadline of filing is April 15, 2015. (JCM/ VGV PIA6 Aklan)

Women leaders essential to development By: Pilar S. Mabaquiao SAN JOSE, Antique, March 27 (PIA6)—This year‘s theme of the Women‘s Month celebration ―Juana ang Desisyon mo ay Mahalaga sa Kinabukasan ng Bawat Isa, Ikaw Na‖ describes women leadership and decision making as essential to development. arilou Llavan, Program Officer of vegetables and other cash crops compared Government.

Antique Human Deve lop ment to the preference of men which is more on On top of the leadership position is the P r o g r a m , a n o n - g o v e r n m e n t timber trees, she said. newly installed woman governor; however, no organization working for the empowerment of The same is true with the fisher folk or- woman member has been elected for rural women for more than two decades now, ganization since fishing is a seasonal Sangguniang Panlalawigan which is the said women leaders excel in organizations of venture. When it is off-season for fishing, legislative body of the province. farmers and fisher folks. women play an important role in meeting the For municipal mayors and vice mayors, Based on experiences in the rural immediate needs of the family. two (2) or 11% and four (4) or 22% of the 18 areas, she said, the statistics are quite As to women participation in towns respectively are women while for different compared to government offices cooperatives, Llavan said cooperatives are Sangguniang Bayan – 39 out of 144 or 27 % are wherein few women occupied leadership or composed of 70% women members. women. managerial positions.

Lllavan emphasized that women‟s Women Leadership in the Provincial There are lots of women leaders in participation is a major consideration in all Department – out of 33 managerial organizations of farmers and fisher folks. their undertakings. positions, eight (8) are occupied by women or We have seen the advancement of On the other hand, Prisceli Joyce Galuego, 24%. women decision makers in terms of livelihood Provincial Women„s Desk Coordinator, shared Galuego said there‟s the need to activities or sources of income, said Llavan. some statistics of women occupying leadership catch up in number of women occupying Take the case of agro-forestry, women position in the province as reported by managerial positions in government. (JCM/PSM/ are more bent on planting fruit trees and the Department of the Interior and Local PIA6 Antique)

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CENTRAL VISAYAS

Women advocates stress women participation in decision making Roi Anthoni B. Lomotan DUMAGUETE CITY, Mach 21 (PIA) – Women empowerment advocates in Dumaguete City continue to call for an increased participation and representation of women in decision making processes in their community.

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rovincial Commission of Women (PCW) Chairperson Phoebe Tan says this year‟s celebration of Women‟s Month, “Juana, desisyon mo ay mahalaga para sa kinabukasan ng bawat isa, Ikaw na!” highlights the role of women in the decision making, whether in their respective homes or in their barangays.

Tan stressed it is important that women participate in processes to create more awareness of women‟s capability to take on leadership responsibility as well as to promote advancement of women in the society. She further noted that up to now, a lot of women at the grassroots level are still afraid to take on leadership roles and are scared to be involved in policy making because they have doubts about their capabilities.

Because of this, the challenge for women to rise in leadership and policy development continues up to this time. “This has been a challenge for over a long time. Until now, this is not yet realized. Let us evaluate, are we able to make decisions (even) at home?” she added.

Tan urged women to start believing in themselves that they can handle these responsibilities so they could be more empowered and advance their lives. Tan suggests „Juanas‟ should

have more exposure to more development sessions and trainings.

She encouraged women to attend as much development sessions as they can and not only during the observance of Women‟s Month or during the assemblies of women‟s group.

She also made an appeal to men to allow their wives to attend these development sessions to express support to women empowerment. The PCW Chairperson emphasized that „Juanas‟ should be part of policy making because there are issues in which they can express their opinion.

She cited issues on disasters, reproductive health and livelihood as some of the important concerns that affect women.

Friends of the Environment in Negros Oriental (FENOR) and also a member of the PCW Judith Alpuerto said, women has a role in keeping environmental sustainability.

Alpuerto disclosed that rural women can help rehabilitate forest areas by planting native trees which are slowly decreasing. She explained that these trees help a lot in absorbing water and preventing floods and other kinds of disasters.

For those living in urban areas, women should

take the lead in mobilizing the barangay in proper waste segregation. In that way, they are also helping to protect the environment.

On the other hand, Dumaguete City Sports Coordinator Ike Villaflores also suggested that women should get into sport as a way of empowering themselves.

Viillaflores underscored that only few women excel in sports but he pointed out that sports promotes equality, health and unity and provides leisure for women.

He said women need to be engaged in various sports activities to shake off stress and prevent lifestyle diseases.

With this, he encourages women to form groups in their respective barangays that will push for more sports opportunities for „Juanas‟.

He shared that the City Sports Department is open for meetings with the barangay council and women residents of each village to discuss how his department can provide support to sports needs of the community.

Like Tan, Villaflores also made a call to husbands to allow their wives to join in sports activities because “Juanas need to have time for themselves.” (mbcn/ral/PIA7-NegOr)

4Ps trains on toilet production in NegOr

BY JENNIFER C. TILOS DUMAGUETE CITY, March 23 (PIA) --The Water and Sanitation Program of World Bank (WSP-WB) in cooperation with the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) provided skills training for masons and on entrepreneurship skills to over 20 Pantawid Pamilya (4Ps) grantees in Negros Oriental and Siquijor.

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n support of the zero open defecation (ZOD) campaign, the participant-grantees of DSWD were trained for entrepreneurial skills to produce toilet bowls.

Water and Sanitation Program of World Bank(WSP-WB) consultant Engr. Marieto Perez said this technical assistance not only intends to prepare poor household-beneficiaries for income-generating opportunities but the community to have access to low cost affordable toilets.

Provincial Technical Working Group (PTWG) for ZOD campaign has targeted to train beneficiaries in masonry and carpentry to construct toilets for the remaining 24 percent household who are still without access to sanitary toilets.

Perez explained that giving out latrines for free to households is not effective and would not change their behavior to use it properly.

“With this kind of strategy, the trainee initiates his own livelihood with one sack of cement he can produce six to eight toilet bowls and sell it to a lower price in the barangay,” said Perez.

The municipal engineers also participated in the skills training to assist the beneficiaries and aimed to cascade or train to other barangays in the towns.

This is to encourage pantawid beneficiaries to see the importance of proper hygiene and sanitation and help protect them from infectious diseases, said Perez.

The PTWG has identified barangays in the

province which has high number of open defecation cases and started to adopt the Community- Led Total Sanitation (CLTS) approach, the development of local sanitation enterprise-sanitation marketing.

Meantime, the PTWG has set to visit local government units to encourage local councils to craft an inclusive sanitation policy agenda, specifically appropriate and timely ordinances that address the issue of open defecation and poor access to improved sanitation.

The group lead by Provincial Health Assistant Officer Dr. Edgardo Barredo will visit Mabinay on April 6; Tanjay City and Pamplina on April 8; Bais City and Manjuyod on April 13; and April 15 to Dauin, Zamboanguita and Siaton. (mbcn/JCT/PIA7-Negros Oriental)

SSF to boost coco farmers raw material production Ferliza C. Contratista CEBU, March 25 (PIA)-- The half a million worth of Shared Service Facility package is seen to boost manufacturing of processed coconut raw materials of farmers in Toledo City.

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ag uuma Nagkahiusa sa Sam-ang ug Magdugo (MANAGSAMA) chair Benjamin Siaboc said, from the usual 50 to 80 coconuts skinned and grated manually every day, the group can now process more than 300 pieces and shorten the processing time from five days to one day. This after the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) handed over three main equipment-- the deshelling machine, coconut meat grinding and desiccated dryer as part of the Shared Service Facility package.

"There are many of the farmers who will benefit from this and may no longer have to leave the

barangay and go to the city, " Siaboc said.

An official from the Southern Partners and Fair Trade Center Inc Rolando Labradores said, they expect to haul 200 kilos a week with the SSF interventions. Fair Trade buys Toledo City farmers materials which are either raw or semi processed. Labradores said, this time they can sell the desiccated coconuts because of its value added. A kilo of desiccated coconut is at P70.

On the other hand, coconut briquettes (charcoal) is also another product to profit from. With the briquetting machine, they can now

produce charcoal faster at P12.50 per kilo.

DTI-7 regional director Asteria Caberte said, they hope that the farmers will really use these machines since Toledo is among the 11 in Central Visayas DTI selecfed as recipients of the SSF. Representing Toledo City government, Fernando Marquez said the local governmt will make sure the equipment are well taken cared of.

Other than the machines, DTI also extended trainings to farmer-members. MANAGSAMA has over 200 members and has been existing since 2007. (mbcn/fcc/PIA7-Cebu)

CENTRAL VISAYAS

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Philippine Navy, US Navy hold military training exercise in Cebu Rachelle M. Nessia CEBU, March 24 (PIA) --- The Philippine Navy Naval Forces Central in Cebu recently completed a two-week joint military training exercise with the US Navy.

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art of the exercise was a Visit Board Search and Seizure where the Philippine Navy and US Navy teams simulated a rescue mission of a hostage situation aboard a vessel along Mactan channel in Cebu.

The simulation was done twice in less than two hours involving 15 members of the US Navy and 14 from the Philippine Navy‟s Naval Forces Special Operations Unit.

According to Naval Forces Central Spokesperson Lt. James Reyes, the exercise aimed

to develop the personnel‟s skills in conducting special maritime operations and their ability in close quarter combat, marksmanship, and combat board and search.

“We saw the need to develop the men‟s special maritime operations, especially since Cebu and the Philippines are surrounded by water and this is one of the activities that we can undertake and help us become ready to respond to any situation,” Reyes told the media who witnessed the joint exercise.

The exercise also served as an exchange of knowledge between the US Navy team and the Philippine Navy team.

“It was not only the Philippine Navy who learned from the US Navy, they also learned from us. It was an exchange of specialty and knowledge, a consolidated effort,” he said.

The joint military exercises is done annually in line with the Philippine-US Mutual Defense Treaty and the Visiting Forces Agreement. (rmn/ PIA7-Cebu)

DTI warns consumers: Watch out for substandard construction materials Rey Anthony H. Chiu BOHOL, March 26 (PIA) -- The Department of Trade and Industry warns the public against substandard construction materials sold in Bohol and in neighboring areas.

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TI-7 regional director Aster Caberte said the agency is closely monitoring standards compliance for consumer products and construction materials, especially during this time that Bohol LGUs are currently undergoing reconstruction and rehabilitation efforts after the October 2013 earthquake.

DTI recently confiscated some P258,326 worth of substandard construction materials already displayed in six establishments from Tagbilaran City and in Tubigon town.

The DTI along with a group from the Fair Trade and Enforcement Bureau issued notices of violations to the same stores for selling construction materials that could not pass the Philippine National Standards (PNS).

Caberte said the DTI does this according to the mandates of Republic Act 7394 or the Consumer Act of the Philippines The consumer Act mandates DTI to conduct monitoring and enforcement activities on the proper marking and labelling of consumer products.

“We have notified our field offices in the provinces to increase the frequency of their market visits to check on more products, including electrical supplies,” Caberte added.

According to the DTI, so as not to be fooled into buying substandard construction materials especially in plywood, deformed bars and galvanized iron sheets for roofing, consumers must do the following: Check the basic markings on the plywood

and galvanized iron (GI) sheets prior to purchase. These basic markings include company name, trade name and the address of the manufacturer.

The DTI added that consumers must check the thickness in millimeter (mm); width in mm and the date of manufacture (month and year).

G.I. sheet markings must contain the phrase “For Roofing Use” on its face, DTI reminds.

Consumers should be aware that despite strict monitoring by government agencies tasked to implement product standards, some enterprising businessmen still sell products that could not pass the test of strength needed to construct disaster resilient structures. (mbcn/rac/ PIA7-Bohol)

DENR-7 urges everyone to join ‗Earth Hour‖ on Mach 28 Juju M. Empuerto CEBU CITY, March 26 (PIA) -- The Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) 7 urged the public to pledge and to go ‗Beyond the Hour‘ as the world observes Earth Hour by switching off the lights for one hour in support to a global campaign to mitigate climate change and global warming on March 28, from 8:30-9:30 in the evening, bared Dr. Eddie Llamedo, head of the Regional Public Information Office of DENR-7. lamedo added, this as the country intends other electronics in support of efforts to solve Paje likewise called on all local government to take part in the observance of Earth the problems related to climate change and glob- units, educational institutions, commercial Hour on March 28. al warming. establishments, outdoor advertisers, civic groups DENR-7 regional director Dr. Isabelo Carbon footprint refers to the totality of and households to do the same.

Montejo explained, “We have seen the the impact or effect of all activities done “The Philippines has consistently registered tremendous impact of climate change and this has by an organization, group or individual on the the most number of participating towns and been attributed to overconcentration of environment. It covers all greenhouse gases cities, earning the distinction as an “Earth Hour greenhouse gas emissions (GHG) and carbon is that each individual or organization may Hero Country” since it first joined the event in released in the process of producing power or emit in the atmosphere as a result of its 2008,” Montejo added. electricity from coal.” activities.

Earth Hour started in 2007 in Sydney, He added, the Philippines has been Changing light bulbs to compact fluorescent Australia when 2.2 million residents switch off dependent on coal-fired or fueled which is light (CFLs) instead of incandescent bulbs may the lights of their homes and offices in order to considered as „unclean‟ source of energy because help in conserving energy as CFLs use up 75 pledge their support to saving the environment. it emits a certain amount of carbon which is one percent less electricity and last up to 13 times The trend soon caught on and several other of the GHGs. longer, according to Llamedo countries participated across the globe in the Dubbed as the single, largest, symbolic mass “The idle cell phone chargers which when initiative. participation event in the world, Earth Hour is not unplug still consume 25 percent of their WWF is the world‟s largest and held every last Saturday of March on the initiative energy wattage consumption so it is important most experienced conservation organization, of the Washington-based environmental group to avoid overcharging our mobile phones,” he operating in over 100 countries through World Wildlife Fund for Nature (WWF), added. the support of over five million people said Llamedo Montejo pointed out that DENR Secretary worldwide.

The DENR-7 official added that the Ramon J. P. Paje issued a memorandum directing Last year, a record of 7,000 cities and participating offices or institutions in Earth Hour all lights in all DENR offices and their vicinities municipalities from 150 countries observed the shall shut off all lights including streetlights, nationwide to switch off in support to Earth 60-minute lights-out for the environment. (mbcn/ signages and key monuments, appliances and Hour. jsme/PIA7-Cebu/DENR7)

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EASTERN VISAYAS

'Summer in Samar' offers swimming, white water rafting

snorkelling,

NINFA B. QUIRANTE CATBALOGAN CITY, Samar, March 26 (PIA) - Samar guests may try snorkelling, swimming, white water rafting and other eco-tourism adventures through an aggressive campaign called ―Summer in Samar‖.

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Let us disprove that Samar is an insurgency hotspot, a typhoon stricken land and the home of the Waray-Waray gangsters. Samar is the new emerging alternative tourist destination this summer," one government official said.

To prove that the province has gone beyond this negative impression. the province will launch “Summer in Samar” campaign to hook yuppies in backpacks from neighboring towns and other parts of the country to try the different „tourism ready‟ destinations.

Governor Sharee Ann Tan in a recent meeting stated that she is endorsing the Sta Rita, Marabut, Basey tourist loop where tourists can experience the grand San Juanico Bridge in Sta Rita, frolick in the white beaches of Marabut and sail in the Golden River in Basey to check out the world

famous Sohoton cave, the tourist can also go shopping with decorative mats from the „tikog reed‟ and even experience weaving mats with the locals in some caves.

Another tourist destination is the Olot River where adventurists can go white river rafting with experienced boatmen in torpedo-like boats, they can watch the last forest frontier in the country.

Only in Samar are exotic flora and fauna and in a rare experience may watch the Monkey eating eagle soar.

The Pinabacdao mangrove site also offers a natural spawning ground for the rich marine life that Samar produces.

As to history, it was Samar island particularly Homonhon (now part of Guiuan, E Samar) which signaled the discovery of the East in 1521. It is also

considered the 3rd largest island in the country.

The missionaries also established the Catholic Faith in October 1596 with the coming of the Jesuits.

Samar also gained national significance during the second world war. Due to its proximity to Leyte, war preparations versus the Japenese Imperial forces spilled over to Samar. Significantly famous is the Battle of Samar Sea. As the grand launch gets near, the tourism council is preparing an opening salvo of A Grand Night under the Samar Sky where the local government with some invited celebrities can welcome tourists through a night of cultural relevance and gastronomic fiesta of the rich marine produce of the island.

Tourists and balikbayans are then urged: Try Summer in Samar!” (ajc/nbq/PIA 8-Samar)

NMP's seafarer courses undergo inspection TACLOBAN CITY, Leyte, March 20 (PIA) – The National Maritime Polytechnic (NMP) here underwent a three-day inspection of its five seafarer courses as part of the accreditation process conducted by the Maritime Industry Authority.

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MP‟s five Standards of Training, Certification and Watchkeeping (STCW) courses are: Operational Use of Electronic Chart Displace and Information System, Ratings Forming Part of Navigational Watch, Ratings Forming Part of Engineering Watch, Consolidated Marine Pollution 73/78 Annex I-VI, and Ship Security Awareness Training and Seafarers with Designated Security Duties.

During the inspection, specific key areas (SKAs) were assessed against requirements which include the program implementation of each of the courses with regard to the incorporation of knowledge, understanding and proficiency from the STCW Code; Qualifications of instructor/s, assessor/s and supervisor; teaching process; written policies and procedures in relation to program implementation; course intakes; classrooms; training equipment; books and teaching aids; assessment system manuals; and quality system documents.

Prior to the inspection, NMP had already

structured a pool of accredited trainers and guest lecturers who will be handling the five courses as instructors, assessors and training course supervisors. Although satisfactory in several of the SKAs, NMP was given 30 days to comply with the minor deficiencies cited by the MARINA accreditors. The inspection team was composed of MARINA STCWO personnel and Maritime Education and Training Standards Supervisors, Marissa L. Dasmariñas, Capt. Samie Lou L. Sedurante, Presca Lee B. Lugo, and Engr. Ronnie D. Gernato.

In addition, NMP is set to submit for accreditation nine other courses which include Basic Training with four modules, namely, Fire Prevention and Fire Fighting, Personal Survival Techniques, Personal Safety and Social Responsibility, and Elementary First Aide; Advanced Fire Fighting; Proficiency in Survival Craft and Rescue Boats other than Fast Rescue Boat; Prevention of Alcohol and Drug Abuse in the Maritime Sector; Ship Simulator Bridge

Teamwork with Bridge Resource Management; and Medical Emergency First Aid .

Meanwhile, NMP continues to offer its Faculty Development Courses (IMO Model Course 6.09 Training Course for Instructors; IMO Model Course 6.10 Training Course for Simulator Instructors and Assessors; and IMO Model Course 3.12 Assessment, Examination and Certification of Seafarers).

Other upgrading courses for marine officers and ratings include Marine Electrical System, Marine Refrigeration and Air Conditioning, Maritime Law for Ship‟s Officers, STD/HIV/AIDS Prevention in the Maritime Sector, Prevention of Alcohol and Drug Abuse in the Maritime Sector, and Gender Sensitivity Training for Seafarers.

The training schedule for these courses is now available at NMP. For more inquiries and reservation, you may call the Registrar Office thru cell phone numbers: 09771269675 / 09298417490 or e-mail info@nmp.gov.ph or nmp.info@yahoo.com. (NMP/PIA-8)

Naval CSOs support campaign vs illegal drugs RODRIGO S. VICTORIA NAVAL, Biliran, March 20 (PIA) - This time, finding solutions to the problem on illegal drugs does not solely rest on government functionaries, as different civil society organizations (CSOs) in this town signified their strong commitment in the campaign against this social menace.

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Time has come when no one government can stop the menace brought about by illegal drugs. It cannot anymore just be the responsibility of one but the responsibility of all,” Naval Mayor Susan V. Parilla emphasized in her letter-invitation calling the different heads of civil society organizations in Naval to a meeting held recently at the Naval conference hall to come up with plan of actions geared toward fighting illegal drugs.

Engr. Warlito Alagao, head of the Knights of Columbus (K of C) of Naval Diocese, pushed the idea of posting tarpaulins bearing anti-illegal drug messages and asked the LGU to install closed circuit television cameras (CCTVs) in conspicuous

and strategic places of this town. “We will also post tarpaulin bearing anti-illegal drugs messages in every barangay,” the K of C head promised as the commitment of their group in the fight against illegal drugs Another idea that cropped up during the meeting was the holding of anti-illegal drugs fun run endorsed by Naval councilor Gabino S. Velasquez IV, who is also the president of the Biliran Medical Society. “This is one way of bringing the message to the people behind the illegal activity that the people in the community are now well aware and vigilant of the wrong they have done in the community,” Velasquez informed.

Lolita Darantinao, representing the Catholic

Women‟s League (CWL) of the Diocese of Naval and Paulina Olaivar, representing Mother Butler, of the religious organizations in the diocese, suggested a comprehensive information dissemination campaign in the community on the ill -effects of illegal drugs. Representatives of some CSOs also suggested to focus on schools in the information drive and even appealed to ask the officials of the Department of Education to include the teaching of the ill-effects of illegal drugs in schools. Mayor Parilla also gave hotline numbers 09173087374 and 09126708668 to call on or send messages to, in case of any suspected illegal drugs activities spotted in the community. (ajc/fj/rvictoria/ PIA 8 Biliran)

EASTERN VISAYAS

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SAC helps 'Yolanda' victims with their livelihood NINFA B. QUIRANTE CATBALOGAN CITY, Samar, March 26 (PIA) - The Calbayog Diocese Social Action Center, through Fr. Cesar Aculan and the Caritas group, is helping Barangay Salvacion folks in Basey town (Samar) to get up from the quagmire that Typhoon Yolanda caused for them.

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s their livelihood is mostly getting Yvette Nachura, Program Director also tried fish from the sea, the priest urged to lift up the group‟s spirit. them not just to catch but to culture “We will continue to help you,” said them.

Nachura in the dialect, “ we will continue to On March 20, PIA witnessed the turn-over assist you because we see that your are of some fish cages materials that the island committed, it is just that forces of nature fisherfolk can use like nets for their bangus, crabs are not yet kind to us, but soon it will be, let and grouper cages. us not be hopeless, you have survived the The 47-member group calls itself Barangay deadly storm, you will survive again,” she Salvacion Island Fisherfolks Association and takes appeased them. turns in caring for the „fish species‟ from the Junie Ragaodao, the group president, said funding/sponsor agency. that the typhoons have taught them some lessons.

However, they were somehow disappointed He said that their first harvest is so meager that the frequent typhoons like Ruby, Seniang and compared to the effort they put in, but they have Amang dwarfed their prized bangus. learned their lessons and will try to contact, Aculan in his message urged them to be consult the local agriculture technicians for some more resilient, that they should prepare for any concerns. calamity as their barangay is right there on the Aculan said that if they will continue to trust typhoon belt. the group with the project,

“We are not only turning over you the materials but more - the responsibility that comes with the project that will uplift your lives.”

On the side, Salvacion islanders have so much to be thankful for the assistance that local and international agencies have poured in, they built them typhoon resilient houses in relocation areas on higher grounds.

They were also provided livelihood fund. Each household has either a livestock, a vegetable garden, or a motorboat for fishing and a sari-sari store.

“All of us have something productive to attend to,” said kagawad Cherry Llegue who showed the PIA team around the barangay including where the newly built houses were, the boats and the fish cages and the vegetable gardens in their homes. (ajc/nbq/PIA 8-Samar)

BIR-8 hope for better collection performance in 2015 CANDAHUG, PALO, Leyte, March 20 - The Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR) Revenue Region (RR) No. 14 officially launched Monday its 2015 Tax Campaign at the jam-packed Multi-Purpose Building of the regional office in Candahug, Palo, Leyte.

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n his message, regional director Diosdado R. Medoza said that "after Yolanda, the BIR in the region has recovered and has set tax collection and administration on a higher plane."

He said also that in the last three months of 2014, our Revenue Region consistently surpassed its collection in collection target by 28.39% or roughly Php307.8M.” He informed everyone that in the 1st Quarter of 2015, with a very small deficit in January 2015, the region had surpassed its collection target in February with an increase of 4.58% or P19.03 million.

The BIR has a collection goal of P1.704 trillion for 2015 compared to P1.456 trillion in 2014.

Deputy Commissioner of Internal Revenue (DCIR) Nelson M. Aspe, speaking through a prepared message read by Assistant Regional Director Nasser A. Tangcor, thanked and congratulated the taxpayers and the men and women of RR No. 14, Tacloban City for their support and contribution to the region‟s 2014

collection performance.

DCIR Aspe emphasized that there will be no extension of the said deadline. The anticipated summer brownouts will not be valid grounds for the extension of the deadline or for the abatement of penalties for late filing.

He encouraged taxpayers to file their returns electronically. He warned that those required by the BIR (e.g. TAMP Taxpayers and NO Payment Returns Filers) to file their returns online but who opt to file manually shall be (penalized and be) the first priority for audit.

He concluded by asking all stakeholders to help raise the P1.704 billion target of the BIR to sustain the country‟s economic growth and maintain its status as one of the world‟s fastest growing economies.

The 2015 tax campaign theme “ANGAT PA, PINAS” calls for greater cooperation among Filipinos to pay their taxes as their contribution to nation-building. The campaign logo takes cues from the colors of the Philippine Flag, using

arrows that show an upward movement to denote greater progress and positive change for the country. The campaign jingle provides a battle cry for Filipinos to work for a better tomorrow.

The 2015 BIR Eastern Visayas Tax Campaign was officially launched through a dance interpretation of the “ANGAT PA, PINAS” video jingle by the SAMLEYAW Dance Company. The St. Paul Chorale sang the opening prayer and the Philippine National Anthem with their angelic voices.

The kickoff was attended by revenue officials and personnel, local government officials, tax practitioners, professionals, media p artn ers, bu sin ess, p rofessi on al an d academic organizations, and students from Revenue District Office Nos. 85 (Catarman, Northern Samar), 86 (Borongan City, Eastern Samar), 87 (Catbalogan, Samar), 88 (Tacloban City), 89 (Ormoc City), and 90 (Maasin City).

(BIR-8/PIA-8)

Roads are climate change resilient – MCA-P MEDORA NIMFA QUIRANTE BORONGAN CITY, Eastern Samar, March 25 (PIA) - In a recent press briefing, Millennium Challenge Account-Philippines (MCA-P) assured that the secondary national road project is climate change resilient.

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he road rehabilitation project which is already nearing completion, according to MCA-P, follows specific road designs that will weather harsh climatic conditions including intense heat and rains.

During the briefing on March 19, members of the press were shown road and drainage designs with consultants explaining why a certain

design is used for a specific location.

According to officials, the rehabilitation project not only includes the construction of drainage systems, repair and reconstruction of bridges but the installation of street lights as well.

With the recent spate of record-breaking natural calamities, government has pushed for designing infrastructure that will withstand the

forces of nature.

As of March 2015, MCA-P through its contractors has completed 61.5% of the 222-kilometer road network from Paranas, Samar to Guiuan, Eastern Samar.

The project, which broke ground in October 2012, is expected to be completed by 2016. (ajc/ Medora Quirante/PIA8-ESamar)

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, Childrenâ€&#x;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