One Visayas e-Newsletter Vol 5 Issue 41

Vol 5

Issue 41

In this Issue WESTERN VISAYAS

GSIS Senior Vice President for VISMIN Group Atty. Dionisio C. Ebdane, Jr. presents the different reforms that they have implemented to provide more responsive service to members and pensioners during the GSIS Stakeholders’ Dialogue held at the Diamond Jubilee Hall, DepEd Division of Iloilo City, October 15. (PIA6)

More on Region 6, pages 2-3.

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CENTRAL VISAYAS

Give and take, this is how Boholanos see Sec Alcala's visit to Bohol on World Food Day. As the DA Secretary hands in P254 million in aid and projects, Bohol also hopes to deliver food to feed the country. Here Gov Edgar Chatto hands to the secretary a plaque and a token from thankful Boholanos. (rac/PIA-7/Bohol)

More on Region 7, pages 4-5.

October 12 - 18, 2015

Published by: PIA 6, 7 & 8

Stay passionate in your passion, DG Oquinena tells radio group Marcelo M. Pedalino MAASIN CITY, Southern Leyte, Oct. 14 (PIA) -Director-General Jose Mari Oquinena of the Philippine Information Agency (PIA) urged members of a radio communications group here to continue what they have been doing, especially in providing a voice during disasters when all power lines bug down.

“Let your actions speak louder than your words, stay passionate as you continue with your passion . . . in times of disaster when all communications are off, yours is the voice that says kalma lang, help will come,” Oquinena said before an audience of more than 200 ham radio enthusiasts and members of Modulator Action Group of Maasin (MAGMA) at the city gym.

Also in the audience were City Mayor Maloney Samaco and Danilo Atienza, head of Provincial Disaster Management Office (PDMO), who spoke in behalf of Gov. Roger Mercado.

It was MAGMA’s ninth anniversary celebration October 3, and Oquinena was invited as the guest speaker.

A highlight of the occasion was the launching of Ham Emergency Action Response Team (HEART), the direction MAGMA intends to take in the near or far future in coordination with various local government units, private individuals, and other radio groups for quick response in

any emergencies not just calamities, said Dr. Jerome Paler, one of the organizers.

Oquinena praised MAGMA for having reached nine years of volunteer service, adding that he hoped the group will flourish even more in the years ahead with their brand of volunteerism that puts others first before their own welfare.

“What is important is you have conviction, you believe what you are here for . . . you guys give it a good fight, you have a different level of commitment,” he added.

In a video presentation of the past nine years, Dr. Paler showed images of MAGMA in the thick of action in every man-made and natural calamities, starting in the Panaon landslides of 2003, the displacement of peoples in Mindanao, the earthquake in Bohol, and Yolanda in Tacloban, where MAGMA did not just relay communication inputs but distributed relief goods and helped in rescue operations as well.

Because of these efforts, President Benigno Aquino recognized the group in one of the awarding occasions in Malacanang last year.

Oquinena said such inspiring story should not remain in Southern Leyte but should be shared so others can be equally inspired. (ajc/PIA8-Southern Leyte)

GSIS Iloilo improves collection efficiency

By Leonard T. Pineda I ILOILO CITY, Oct. 15 (PIA6) --- The Government Service Insurance System (GSIS) Iloilo Office posted 99 percent in collection efficiency for the 2nd quarter of 2015 for premiums payments.

In the Stakeholders’ Dialogue held Thursday at the Department of Education Jubilee Hall here, lawyer Dionisio Ebdane Jr., GSIS VISMIN Group Senior Vice President, said that the collection efficiency improved by 2 percentage points as compared with the 97 percent posted in the 1st quarter.

For 2015, a total of 1,527 collections were posted out of the 1,560 open items for premium accounts.

The GSIS also posted 80 percent in collection efficiency for loans payments this year which is equivalent to 1,051 collections out of the 1,306 open items.

Meanwhile, Ebdane said that the agency’s strong financial standing has been noted for the past four years with P232 billion of revenue posted in 2014.

“Revenue posted growth from P96 billion in 2010, P123 billion in 2011, P137 billion in 2012, and to P135 billion in 2013. In 2014, revenue rose to P232 billion,” he said.

Total assets stood at P787 billion in 2013 from P567 billion in 2010. In 2014, assets already reached P910 billion.

Total income also increased from P64 billion in 2010 to an all-time high of P139 billion in 2014.

GSIS said that claims were also processed within the prescribed turn-around time, owing to the reduced number of documentary requirements and the e-crediting of benefits to the eCard or UMID card accounts of members. (JSC/LTP-PIA6 Iloilo)

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APEC ministers sign Cebu declaration on energy EASTERN VISAYAS

#‎Panginsayod #‎KapihanHaPIA with Ms Jasmin Herusalem of the Leyte Center and Development and partners (l-r) Carlos Padolina of the Citizens' Disaster Response Center and the Country Coordinator Markus Koth of the Diakonie Katastrophenhilfe share their success stories as well as updates on their Yolanda Response program from early recovery to rehabilitation, to include livelihood programs, permanent sherter project, psychosocial services, disaster risk reduction efforts, among others. DKH is a protestant iNGO in Berlin,Germany and a long-time donor partner agency of CDRC.

More on Region 8, pages 6-7.

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By Ferliza Calizar-Contratista LAPULAPU CITY, Oct. 14 (PIA)— The signing of the Cebu Ministerial Declaration concluded the Energy Ministers Meeting of the 21 member-economies of the Asia Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC).

Energy Working Group head Department of Energy Acting Secretary Zenaida Monsada said the Cebu Ministerial Declaration contained all the workable recommendations made by the ministers in the three-day meeting.

The four major thrusts of the declaration include climate-proofing of energy infrastructure, adoption of advanced energy efficiency technologies, promotion of the use of clean energy in poverty-stricken areas, and improvement of energy trade and investment.

On the improvement of trade and investment the APEC energy ministers took into consideration the recommendations of the Chief Executive Officers of energy businesses.

Sen. Loren Legarda, who authors several energy and environment laws in the Philippines, said there are 246,000 megawatts of untapped renewable energy capacity that the private sector may be interested to invest in.

“This is 13 times more than our current installed capacity. Failure to develop these capacities would be unforgivable,” Legarda said.

In the concluding press conference, Mandaue City was declared winner among the three local government units in APEC communities to have a feasibility grant that could make the city a low-carbon LGU model.

Mandaue City will receive a feasibility study grant to help establish integrated green growth areas in the city and a mass transit based on the recommendations of the Mega Cebu roadmap by the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA). Mandaue City administrator James Abadia was present during the announcement.

The other LGUs considered were in Russia and Malaysia. (rmn/fcc/PIA7-Cebu)

12th APEC Energy Ministers' Meeting and Related Meetings (AEMMRM) Joint Ministers' Press Conference held October 13 at the Shangri-La Mactan #‎APEC2015ph #‎APECCEBU. (vvv/PIA Cebu)

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WESTERN VISAYAS

PhilHealth WV tops in membership coverage

By Lilibeth A. French ILOILO CITY, Oct. 13 (PIA6) - - The Philippine Health Insurance Corporation (PhilHealth) in Western Visayas has a higher coverage rate than the national average.

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ccording to Ana Theresia “Risa” Hontiveros-Baraquel, Board Member, Health Care Providers’ Sector of PhilHealth for years, Region 6 leads the way in terms of membership coverage even higher than the national percentage.

As of June 30, Region 6 has 92 percent coverage rate or equivalent to 6.9 million from its estimated census population of 7.5 million.

On the other hand, across the country the data shows that there are about 88 percent or about 87 million Filipinos who are currently covered by PhilHealth and half of them are enrolled under the agency’s indigent program.

“Subong (now) we are still aware that since President Noy’s part of his vision way back in 2010 was the universal health care for all Filipinos by 2016, in principle the target should be 100 percent coverage membership of all Filipinos, kasi, if you think there is 88

percent there is still 12 percent or about 12 million Filipinos not enrolled with PhilHealth.

So we are going after that,” said Baraquel.

The agency, according to Hontiveros has intensified its information dissemination about membership and the benefits package that members, especially the indigents, could avail of.

In Western Visayas, PhilHealth 6 Management Services Division Chief Marjorie Cabrieto said they have also carried out various information dissemination activities to reach the remaining eight percent who are not yet enrolled with PhilHealth particularly on the employed sector.

Cabrieto said they are in coordination with the Department of Social Welfare and Development in line with the implementation of Listahanan, a database in identifying potential poor beneficiaries of Philhealth cards.

They have also beefed up their efforts to

inform employers about the Kasambahay Law that mandates that PhilHealth contributions are mandatory for household helpers.

Data also showed that as of June 30, PhilHealth 6 has paid almost P2.5 billion in benefits and reimbursements. However, their collection has only reached P1 billion which is only 44 percent of the amount they paid.

Thus, Cabrieto appealed to their members to religiously pay their premium payments. Aside from the regional office at Gaisano City, members in Iloilo can pay at their express office at the Robinsons Place in Iloilo City.

Baraquel and Cabrieto met members of the media after the recent opening ceremonies of the 26th National Statistics Month celebration in the region. Baraquel was the keynote speaker during the event which was co-sponsored by PhilHealth. (JCM/LAF/ PIA6-Iloilo)

Child rep sees health, education, protection as priority

By Pilar S. Mabaquiao SAN JOSE, Antique, Oct. 13 (PIA6) - - A child representative in her response to the State of the Children‘s Report during the launching program of the Children‘s Month celebration in San Jose, Antique called on government and other child rights duty bearers to give priority to health, education and protection of children.

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rianna Kailene Diana, Grade 9 student of Antique National School said children are faced with lots of challenges such as child labor, inadequate income of parents that deprived them to obtain quality education, enough food and more often force them to work to augment the family income.

Diana also mentioned about lack of schools in remote villages that caused children to drop out from school and lack of health centers in far flung areas and made them vulnerable to ailments/sickness.

“It is also sad to note that some girls are victims of abuse and teenage pregnancies.

Parents should be vigilant over their children and government should strictly implement laws protecting children,” she said.

On the other hand, Diana said children should also be responsible for every decision they made.

In her speech, Diana also expressed gratitude to government in general and non-government organizations for ensuring their rights and welfare, however, she called for the efficient distribution of basic social services particularly for children of poor families.

Governor Rhodora Cadiao in her State of the Children’s Report cited interventions of the Provincial Government to pursue the compliance on the Convention on the Rights of the Child.

Cadiao said the Provincial Government has established program on Child Health and Nutrition like newborn screening, expanded

program on immunization, feeding program, essential health care among others.

On education, she also mentioned about the Early Childhood Care and Development, support to deployment of teachers with the Department of Education, provision and improvement of classrooms and water sanitation projects.

The provincial government in partnership with other government agencies has made functional the local council for the protection of children, violence against women and children’s desk and provincial inter-agency committee on anti-trafficking of women and children. Cadiao assured that she will continue to implement programs for children’s welfare as well as look into issues affecting them. (jcm/ psm/pia)

218 MT pineapples exported to Korea, Japan

By Carlson B. Alelis NEGROS OCCIDENTAL, Oct. 14 (PIA6) – A total of 218 metric tons of fresh pineapple fruits was exported during the first two quarters of the year from Murcia town to the countries of Korea and Japan, according to the Bureau of Plant Industry – Plant Quarantine Service (BPI-PQS) – Negros Occidental.

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lant Quarantine Officer John Calumpiano said the export of fresh pineapple fruits has slowed down from January to June this year compared to last year because of the shortage of fruits.

He said the exporters here under the Negros Golden Pineapple, Inc. (NGPI) are currently in the process of planting more pineapples in order to meet standard requirements of their buyers.

In 2014, the province exported a total of 316 metric tons of fresh pineapple fruits from Murcia town to Korea and Japan.

The number of pineapples exported rose from the previous year, as a total of 75 metric tons of fresh pineapple fruits was shipped to Korea only in 2013.

The province began exporting pineapples back in 2013 when the plantation covered 30 hectares of land in Murcia town.

After they are harvested, pineapples are placed inside a refrigerator van which can hold 19 to 20 metric tons of the fruits which are shipped first to Cebu and then delivered to certain countries afterward.

The province has also exported ornamental and medicinal plants, but they are not for business purposes, according to Calumpiano. (JSC/CBA -PIA6 Negros Occidental)

WESTERN VISAYAS COMELEC extends validation, registration

3 office

hours

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By Venus G. Villanueva KALIBO, Aklan, Oct. 14 (PIA6) -- Offices of the Commission on Elections (COMELEC) throughout the country will be opening its doors for 12 hours daily from Monday to Sunday starting October 17 to October 31, 2015, the deadline for voters‘ validation. ccording to COMELEC-Aklan Only Municipal COMELEC offices will be transfer, shuffling of government employees; Provincial Election Officer Atty. Ian Lee entertaining individuals for validation, gun ban including carrying ammunition/gun Ananoria, the move is to have longer registration and other services but Atty. Ana- parts; and possessing/carrying of deadly office hours in order to serve better those noria said the Provincial COMELEC office will weapons. who would be flocking to Municipal COMELEC also be open on the said dates.

For his part, COMELEC-Kalibo Election offices either to have their biometrics taken to Meanwhile, a mini-briefing of the Aklan Officer II Atty. Benliro said that validate their voters’ status, to register, media was held October 12 at the Provincial COMELEC-Aklan is set to go around the transfer, or correct entries in order to be able COMELEC Office by COMELEC-Aklan province in a roadshow presentation to show to vote in the May 9, 2016 national and local Information Officer Chrispin Raymund to the public the new machines which will be elections.

Gerardo with inputs from Atty. Ananoria and used in the elections. The roadshow will be In Aklan, Atty. Ananoria said they are still COMELEC-Kalibo Election Officer Atty. conducted in the eastern and western part of awaiting orders or agreement among Rommel Benliro on updates regarding the filing the province by December 2015 or January themselves on the appropriate start of office of Certificates of Candidacies (COCs) of aspir- 2015, according to Atty. Benliro. hours to cater to the public for the various ing candidates in the province which started Atty. Benliro also took the opportunity to services.

October 12 up to October 16, 2015, as well appeal to the local media on the need for “It could be from 8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. or on the start of the election period and Kalibonhons who have not validated yet to 9:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m. for as long as time prohibited acts. proceed already to the Kalibo COMELEC rendered is 12 hours, and the time is Gerardo reminded the media that the Office to have their biometrics data taken and appropriate enough for people to start going election period will start on January 10, 2016 not to wait for the deadline. (JCM/VGV PIA6 to COMELEC offices”, Atty. Ananoria said. with accompanying prohibitions like banning, Aklan)

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Army transformation program needs information support

By Jaime S. Cabag, Jr. ILOILO CITY, Oct. 12 (PIA6) – Whatever good things and reforms we do, these are for the Filipino people, said Col. Francisco Mendoza, Jr. in his keynote message during the orientation seminar on the Army Transformation Roadmap (ATR) held Oct. 9-10 at Iloilo Grand Hotel here. e enjoined the members of the orientation seminar designed to acquaint the initiatives that would make the Philippine Army media including PIA Information media with the reform initiatives pursued by world-class and a source of pride.

Officers who were participants to the organization.

“It expresses our earnest commitment to the activity to help disseminate to the public In his overview, Maj. Ray Tiongson, pursue genuine transformation founded on the transformation effort they are doing and 3ID-PA Spokesperson and chief of the Division good governance and performance excellence,” how they are doing it.

Public Affairs Office, said ATR is an 18-year said Tiongson.

Mendoza is the Chief of Staff of the 3rd program whose primary purpose is to For pursuing reforms that have yielded Infantry (Spearhead) Division of the Philippine transform the Philippine Army into a better, good results, the Philippine Army has been Army based at Camp Peralta in Jamindan, Capiz more dynamic, more capable and more chosen as one of 12 government institutions and headed by Major General Rey Leonardo professional Army committed to its mandate of that will be named the country’s first “Islands Guerrero. serving the people and securing the land. of Good Governance”.

He also thanked the participants coming The program, started in 2010, also aims to Resource speakers in the seminar were from Antique, Capiz, Iloilo, Negros Occidental, advance and institutionalize good governance officers of the Philippine Army who have been and Negros Oriental for sharing their time and performance excellence and establish, involved in the crafting of the transformation with the Philippine Army by participating in the maintain and synchronize the performance roadmap. (JCM/JSC-PIA6)

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Capiz shellfish now safe to eat

By Jemin B. Guillermo ROXAS CITY, Capiz, Oct. 13 (PIA6) – All types of shellfish in Capiz are now safe from the red tide toxin.

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n the latest Bulletin issued by the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources, all types of shellfish are now confirmed as free from the toxic red tide organism, thus safe for human consumption.

Following such confirmation, Capiz Governor Victor Tanco issued Executive Order No. 014, series of 2015 that directs for the lifting of the earlier issuance on the total ban in the gathering or harvesting, transporting or marketing of all kinds of shellfish in the entire province.

Office of the Provincial Agriculturist head Sylvia dela Cruz has recommended to the

Governor for the lifting of the shellfish ban after their October 8 Red Tide Update showed that the coastal waters of Roxas City, Panay, Pontevedra, President Roxas and Pilar are all free of red tide toxin.

Dela Cruz also said that the Sapian Bay, covering Sapian and Ivisan waters, has likewise met the required three consecutive weekly samplings with toxicity levels below the regulatory limit of 60 microgram per 100 gram shellfish meat sample.

Tanco had issued, September 7, Executive Order No. 011 that directs for the total ban in the harvesting, transporting and selling of all

types of shellfish in the entire province after the coastal waters and shellfish meat samples were found positive of red tide toxin and went beyond the regulatory limit set by BFAR. Earlier, the municipalities of Sapian and Ivisan were placed under the state of calamity by their respective local Sanggunian after recommendation by their Municipal Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council because of the presence of paralytic shellfish poison, otherwise known as red tide toxin that affected livelihood of their residents. (JCM/JBG/ PIA6-Capiz)

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CENTRAL VISAYAS

DA turns over P254M for Bohol's WFD event

By Rey Anthony Chiu TAGBILARAN CITY, Bohol, Oct. 15 (PIA) — Agriculture Secretary Proceso Alcala gave to Bohol a total of P254-M worth of farm implements, projects, crucial farm roads, inputs, and fishing gears to highlight the government‘s goal of food sufficiency as Bohol commemorated World Food Day on October 14.

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lcala, who was the guest of honor during the event held at the Bohol Cultural Center, symbolically handed over P153-M farm to market roads in Balilihan, Catigbian, Sagbayan and Loboc through the Philippine Rural Development Project (PRDP).

This comprises more than half of the entire amount the agriculture department handed to Bohol.

Other than those, through the government’s Bottom Up Budgeting (BUB), DA also turned over farm to market roads in Dauis, President Carlos P. Garcia, Talibon, Bilar, Carmen, Duero and Sierra Bullones.

This, according to Jake Madrio of DA, is a total of P41.27 million.

The agriculture department, in its effort to sustain the food supply by supporting new farming technologies in Bohol and the Visayas, handed 4WD 90 HP tractors to

Mabini, Maribojoc and Loon, the same tractor and combined with a harvester to the Ubay Stock Farm and the Provincial Agriculture Office amounting to P6.4 million.

Other 45 HP 4WD tractors went to Loon, Calape and Bohol Agricultural Promotion Center, goods worth P2.3 million.

For San Miguel Caluasan Farms service provider and the Malingin Irrigation System Farm service providers, DA turned over 35 HP 4WD tractors worth P1.5 million.

For smaller farms where tractors are impractical, DA also gave hand tractors with trailer for irrigation system based services to San Jose Mabini IA, San Rafael-Bangi IA in Mabini and the Malingin IA in Ubay, these farm implements costing the government P260K. The DA secretary also handed had tractors with cultivator to Carmen's La Salvacion FA and LGU San Miguel, Madrio said.

Bohol being the only province with high rice sufficiency level, DA also gave rice threshers with blowers for irrigation systems in San Jose Lamak IA Mabini, San Rafael-Bangi IA Mabini, Malingin IA Ubay, San Miguel Caluasan Dagohoy and Malingin IA Ubay worth P1.4M. The DA secretary from Quezon also handed pedal threshers for San Jose-Lamak IA Mabini, San Rafael-Bangi IA Mabini, Malingin IA Ubay and other floating tillers for 14 other farmer organizations worth over P2 million.

With Sec. Alcala at the ceremonies were DA Regional Director Angel Enriqiez, BFAR Regional Director Alan Poquita, DA and BFAR-7 support staff, Bohol DA-Agricultural promotion Center manager Engr. Eugene Cahiles, ATI manager Dr Carol Daquio, Gov. Edgar Chatto, BM Cesar Tomas Lopez and ten mayors recipients of agricultural implements. (rmn/rac/PIA-7/Bohol)

DENR lauds the 10M in 10 project in Negros Island

By Roi Anthoni B. Lomotan DUMAGUETE CITY, Oct. 12 (PIA) – Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) Assistant Secretary Marcial Amaro Jr. commended the launch of the 10 Million in 10 (10M in 10) for Greener Negros project in this city recently.

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he 10M in 10 project is developed by Energy Development Corporation (EDC), the company that runs the geothermal power plant in Valencia, Negros Oriental.

It aims to grow ten million native trees and increase the dwindling forest cover of Negros island in ten years.

In his message during the launching of 10M in 10 at St. Paul University Dumaguete on Oct. 10, Asec. Amaro disclosed that the project, together with EDC’s primary forest restoration program BINHI, shares the components of the department’s National Greening Program (NGP).

NGP is the biggest forest restoration program initiated by DENR. Apart from this, it is also a climate change adaptation and mitigation strategy of the government.

Amaro congratulated EDC for creating the 10M in 10 project and said this initiative is

the right approach and strategy towards a long term and sustainable forest restoration in the whole Negros Island.

“10M in 10 is an island-wide forest restoration. It aims to mobilize all stakeholders from the grassroots community, public and private institutions, businesses and civil society organizations in greening the whole island,” he said.

“The program is expected to create opportunities for collaboration between different stakeholders, promote forest reforestation and create widespread positive environmental and socio-economic impacts,” he added.

The project will also boost eco-tourism, health, safety and security, and compatible livelihood activities in local government units in Negros Island.

The highlights of the launch were the signing of partnership agreement between

said stakeholders and EDC in promoting this program and the advocacy to preserve the island’s forest covers.

Stakeholders also signed the pledge wall to express their commitment for forest restoration.

EDC president and Chief Operating Officer (COO) Richard Tantoco reaffirmed the company’s commitment to preserve the island’s forest covers.

Tantoco emphasized that watersheds play a critical role in ensuring continued geothermal operations.

He explained that geothermal energy comes from the steam that we extract from the water reservoirs that are heated by old volcanic magma chambers deep within the mountains.

The launching concluded with a tree planting activity inside St. Paul University Dumaguete. (rmn/ral/PIA7-Negros Oriental)

Siquijor LGUs receive Seal of Good Local Governance Award

By Rizalie Anding Calibo SIQUIJOR, Oct. 12 (PIA) – The province and the towns of Maria and Siquijor were recently awarded with the Seal of Good Local Governance during the awarding ceremony held at Bohol Tropics Resort Club.

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epartment of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) gave the award to the province along with the provinces of Bohol and Negros Oriental, nine towns in Bohol, and four towns and two cities in Negros Oriental.

The towns and cities each received

P 3 m i l lion , w h ile the p r ov inc ia l government awardees received P7 million each.

The awards were personally received by Governor Zaldy S. Villa, municipal mayors Mei Ling Quezon of Siquijor and Meynard Asok of Maria with other officials and personnel.

SGLG was the brainchild of the late Local

Government Secretary Jesse Robredo.

The award measures how LGUs manage and address financial housekeeping, disaster preparedness, social protection, peace and order, environmental management, and business-friendliness and competitiveness. (rmn/rac/PIA7-Siquijor)

CENTRAL VISAYAS

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APEC gears for energy resilient economies

By Ferliza Calizar-Contratista LAPULAPU CITY, Oct. 13 (PIA) – More players in the energy sector are encouraged as Asia Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) members gear for energy-resilient economies.

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epartment of Energy (DOE) Undersecretary Loreta Ayson in a press briefing said that one of the major goals of the meetings of Energy Ministers is to improve energy trade and investment in APEC economies.

“The role of the private sector is very important as far as putting in place energy projects in power generation and distribution for us to be able to move forward,” Ayson said.

The Energy Ministers met with chief executive officers of power-related companies to see where the latter can place their services and the infrastructure needed to meet the energy demand in the next years.

The need to put up a climate-proof system for the energy sector is the direction of the thrust for resiliency in APEC

economies.

The Philippines introduced the concept note on energy resiliency considering its vulnerability to natural disasters.

“We are doing energy resiliency in our grid areas, we are doing workshops and inviting experts and at the end of the day we hope to put up a manual or a set of documents of best practices so that when calamites or disasters, either man-made or natural, strikes in certain economies these guidelines will be able to help out,” Ayson said.

Dr. Phyllis Yoshida, chair of the Energy Working Group, added that the government cannot afford to put up solely the infrastructure to establish resilient energy facilities and services.

“So we meet with industries and CEO’s to get their recommendations and views on what would make the most sense for us to do and

to encourage them to work in private public partnership,” Yoshida.

Doris Magsaysay-Ho, who heads the APEC Business Advisory Council (ABAC), said ABAC Philippines took the lead in gathering the CEO’s around the region.

“We discuss to share with the energy ministers what are the most important things that energy companies can do to achieve those goals of energy resiliency and sustainability,” Ho said.

She said that one of the things that they are grateful for are the opportunities from the discussions of the changing world.

The 12th APEC Energy Ministers Meeting and Related Meetings ran from October 11 to 14, the last leg of the APEC meetings held in Cebu Province. (rmn/fcc/ PIA7-Cebu)

DTI opens 2nd Negosyo Center in Dumaguete City

By Jennifer C. Tilos DUMAGUETE CITY, Oct. 13 (PIA) -- The Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) will launch the second Negosyo Center on October 20 at 9:00 a.m. in Dumaguete City.

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he first Negosyo Center in Negros Oriental was opened on July 16 this year to boost the development of micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs) in the province.

Dumaguete City mayor Manuel Sagarbarria along with the Sangguniang Panglunsod members and Negros Oriental Chamber of Commerce and Industry are expected to grace the occasion.

DTI provincial director Javier Fortunator said the establishment of Negosyo Centers

nationwide is in accordance with Sen. Bam Aquino’s Republic Act 10644 otherwise known as Go Negosyo Act enacted on July 15, 2014.

Its Implementing Rules and Regulations (IRR) was issued 29 December 2014 by virtue of DTI Department Administrative Order No. 14-5.

Pursuant to Section 3 of the Act, a Negosyo Center shall be established in all provinces, cities and municipalities.

Negosyo Centers are responsible for

promoting ease of doing business and facilitating access to services for MSMEs. The Centers shall provide business registration assistance, business advisory services and business information and advocacy.

The Negosyo Centers shall be under the supersivion of the Micro, Small and Medium Enterprise Development (MSMED) Council, which shall, through the DTI Provincial Offices, perform oversight functions. (rmn/jct/PIA7-Negros Oriental)

Local farmers in NegOr learn how to make bokashi fertilizers

By Roi Anthoni B. Lomotan NEGROS ORIENTAL, Oct. 16 (PIA) – Hundreds of local farmers in the province learned how to make ―Bokashi‖ fertilizers during the organic farming lecture held at the Provincial Agriculturist Office (PAO) compound in Dumaguete City yesterday.

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okashi is a form of Effective Microorganisms (EM) technology developed in Japan and can be used as organic fertilizer.

According to PAO Officer Joshua Demerre, bokashi helps the soil to be more fertile because of the EM. Aside from this, it is also sustainable because it is not expensive and can be made within one’s backyard and the ingredients needed to create this fertilizer are easy to find.

Demerre demonstrated how to create a bokashi compost by combining two sacks of

copra mill, one sack of rice brand, three sacks of rice hull, 40 liters of water, and 200 grams of molasses.

After mixing all the components, farmers have to wait three to 14 days before they can use the bokashi and mix it with other organic fertilizers like vermicompost.

He explained that this technology will fill the soil with more nutrients which will be absorbed by the plants which then makes vegetables and other farm products more nutritious.

The Provincial Agriculturist Office will incorporate bokashi-making in their following

trainings for local farmers in the hinterlands.

By the end of his lecture, Demerre once again recommended to farmers to use organic farming methods.

He underscored that organic farming is taking care of the soil.

“If the soil is poor, then we will have low production. If we have low production, then our economic productivity will also go down,” he pointed out.

The organic farming lecture is part of annual Buglasan Farm-Family Agri-Fair held at PAO compound. (rmn/ral/PIA7-Negros Oriental)

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EASTERN VISAYAS

Plan Int‘l advocates ‗because I am a girl campaign‘ CONSUELO B. ALARCON TACLOBAN CITY, Leyte, Oct. 14 (PIA) - In line with the global campaign for girl‘s rights and gender equality, Plan International-Philippines, a non-government organization based in the city has initiated a half-day celebration of the International Day of the Girl Sunday, October 11.

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epresentatives coming from the academe, local government units, the youths, the private and the government sector joined the half-day activity dubbed as “Because I am a Girl (BIAAG) Campaign”.

The half-day celebration started with a fun walk at 5:30 am around the city followed by a program, photo gallery and a signature campaign from different sectors showing their support of the campaign.

Teshome Assefa, Emergency Response Manager of Plan International emphasized the importance of the campaign as girls are the most disadvantaged and most

discriminated members of a society compared to boys.

“Yes it’s very clear that girls are the most disadvantaged, most separated and the most discriminated members of the community,” he said.

He likewise pointed out that there are countries in the world where girls are denied of education, career and even called to marry at a young age and they cannot decide on their own.

Badeene Verora, CP Gender Advisor said, on the other hand, that girls must be given a chance to live with dignity, be protected, educated and be empowered.

Her data revealed that one in every three girls in the world is denied of secondary education due to poverty, violence and discrimination.

According to her, around 75 million girls in the world are not in school; 10 million are forced into marriage every year and many were raped or have experienced other forms of sexual abuse or violence before reaching 18 years old.

With these figures, Plan International pushed for this extensive campaign, paving the way for the declaration of the United Nations in every October 11 as official International Day of the Girl. (ajc/PIA-8)

Agri infra investment continue in Leyte villages CARIGARA Leyte, Oct. 9 - Investments in rural infrastructures continue in Leyte‘s second district with the recent completion and ongoing Department of Agriculture-funded farm-to-market road projects implemented through the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH).

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PWH 2nd Leyte Engineering District Engineer Carlos Veloso said the office has completed four farm to market road (FMR) projects in 2015, while another, a P15 million worth FMR in Barugo is currently underway.

Another FMR project in Brgy.

Tagadtaran, Burauen town, will be started soon, he added.

The total six FMR projects have a P25 million fund from DA’s agricultural infrastructure repair, rehabilitation and construction program aimed at providing agriculture goods better access to markets and support the establishment of agri-business enterprises through linkages between and among communities in the provinces.

Veloso said the projects completed by

2nd LED will now benefit hundreds of farmers and agricultural producers across Leyte province.

As part of DA’s climate-change adaptation, the specifications standard of farm-to-market roads would now be five meters in width and six inches in thickness, with 1.5-meter extension on both sides of the shoulder. (DPWH-2nd LED/PIA-8)

New fishing policy to help tinapa industry in Calbayog NINFA ILUMINADA B. QUIRANTE CATBALOGAN CITY, Samar, Oct. 14 (PIA) - To ensure the availability of Alumahan ( aka island mackerel) for the Tinapa (smoked fish) industry, the alliance of Samar Sea Mayors has proposed the ―No-fishing‖ policy during the months of March-April-May-June.

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FAR studies reveal that alumahan and other fish species spawn during these months.

The move is not only tinapa related, it also ensures the sustainability of the fishing industry.

Overfishing threatens the Samar Sea, Mayor Ronald Aquino who is the Chairman of the Samar Sea Alliance said.

While there were some 500 fish species in the past, due to overfishing, the species have been reduced to 97, Aquino said.

Alumahan is the number one fish species used by Tinapa producers in the city, it is also more popular than bangus and tamban in this side of the country.

Chat Gonzaga, city administrator added that tinapa has given livelihood to some

families, that the industry has sent Calbayognons through school so that it is important for the government to help and support the industry.

The city though has no record of how much tinapa industry contributes to the local economy.

Tinapa or smoked fish is a good present and can last to two months if vacuum packed.

“These are my presents to my relatives in the US and Manila,” Aquino said.

Tinapa is alo given as tokens to visitors especially during the tourism week celebration where Tinapa 101 cookfest contest is held.

The packing has not only improved but the flavors have been diversified.

“We now have garlic, cinnamon and nutmeg flavors,” said Gonzaga.

On related development, Aquino said that the city agriculture office has installed artificial reefs in Barangay Tinambacan and established the Biatungan-Alimpupuro Fish Sanctuary project in the same barangay.

Massive mangrove rehabilitation have also been done in the mangroves of Matobato, Basud, Tomaligues, Tinambacan and San Policarpo to ensure that breeding and spawning continues for the various marine resources the city enjoys.

Strong implementation of fishery laws are also pursued to stop destructive fishing strategies and regulate commercial fishing in the seawaters of Calbayog. (ajc//PIA 8-Samar)

EASTERN VISAYAS

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DOH to upgrade Northern Samar Provincial Hospital TERESITA B. CARDENAS CATARMAN, Northern Samar, Oct. 10 (PIA) – The Department of Health (DOH) will soon upgrade the Northern Samar Provincial Hospital (NSPH) and will construct of a blood bank building within the hospital compound in Catarman

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r. Rommel Francisco, DOH Provincial Health Team Leader said that DOH has allotted P36 million for the upgrading of NSPH, which is under the Health Facilities Enhancement Program (HFEP).

The amount will be utilized in the construction of the new

hospital building including the blood bank, he added.

The program seeks to upgrade the infrastructure and equipment of government health facilities across the country, he stressed.

The health officer said that the upgrading and rehabilitation of public health facilities is in line with the department’s

overarching goal of providing universal health care or “Kalusugan Pangkalahatan” in partnership with the local government units.

The program will complete the needed facilities and will bring quality health care to the most vulnerable sector of the province. (ajc/PIA8-North Samar)

Vote counting machine to replace PCOS in 2016 polls RODRIGO S. VICTORIA NAVAL, Biliran, Oct. 15 (PIA) - The Precinct Count Optical Scan (PCOS) machine will already be out of the picture in the 2016 elections with the use of Vote Counting Machine (VCM).

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his was revealed by Lawyer Karen she said.

C. Cajipo, acting provincial election Further, she said, she has yet to see supervisor (PES) of the Commission the actual VCM but COMELEC will train on all the personnel of the agency on its use Election (COMELEC) in Biliran province and operating system. during the Kapihan at Pulong-Pulong ng “The members of the Board of Election Bayan hosted by the Philippine Information Inspectors (BEIs) will also be trained on Agency (PIA)-Biliran Provincial Information its use and operating system”, the 30-year Center on Thursday, October 15, 2015 live old Bililran PES said. over Radyo Natin-Naval.

She likewise shared the calendar of She informed that COMELEC will activities in the conduct of the May 9, 2016 use the VCM in lieu of the PCOS machine national and local elections, which is in the May 9, 2016 national and local important for both the candidates and elections. voters to know.

“It has a rectangular shape but Prohibited acts within the election has more features than a PCOS machine” period were likewise thoroughly discussed

including among other Comelec rules, regulations and laws by the acting Biliran PES. She also said that an initial meeting with the Army and Philippine National Police officials was held for the purpose of coming up with a security plan in the 2016 elections.

Cajipo vowed to have an intensified and a comprehensive information dissemination campaign to the public regarding updates on the 2016 elections through radio appearances and other forms of mass media platforms as the date of the election draws near. (ajc/fj/PIA 8 Biliran)

PAMANA road projects highlight PPOC meeting SAMUEL D. CANDIDO BORONGAN CITY, Eastern Samar, Oct. 13 (PIA) – The Provincial Peace and Order Council (PPOC) chaired by Governor Conrado B. Nicart, Jr convened recently at the Governor‘s Conference Hall, Provincial Capitol, this city.

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ttended by top officials of the Philippine Army (PA) and the Philippine National Police (PNP), the meeting highlighted the status of implementation of PAMANA (Payapa at Masaganang Pamayanan) road projects in the province of Eastern Samar.

PPOC members were one in saying that PAMANA road project has been a huge help in delivering government services to interior barangays.

In an interview, PIA, Col. Perfecto M. Rimando, Brigade Commander of 801st Brigade, 8th Infantry Division said that PAMANA road projects get communities closer to progress since farm products from the interior barangays are now easily transported to the market.

Residents of Jipapad and Maslog, Eastern Samar are now more confident that they can market their vegetables and other farm products to other municipalities in the province and as far as Northern Samar.

According to Mr. Bryan M. Azura, E. Samar PAMANA Coordinator, the farm to market road from Brgy. Imelda, Lapinig, Northern Samar to Jipapad, E. Samar, is already passable and the travel is a bit easier and faster now compared before when travelling from Oras to Jipapad via pumpboat took six to seven hours.

According to Engr. Michael C. Ador, DPWH Construction Section Chief, road rehabilitation and improvement of Jipapad to Brgy. Imelda, Lapinig, N. Samar is estimated

at 85% accomplished, and a P60M additional fund for its completion is slated for bidding this week.

While the construction/rehabilitation of a section of Maslog to Carolina, Can-avid, E. Samar is estimated at 70% completion and an additional fund of P200-M for this project is also scheduled for bidding this week.

PAMANA is the national government's program and framework for peace and development implemented in areas affected by conflict and communities covered by existing peace agreements. It ensures that the communities benefit from improved delivery of basic social services and are served by responsive, transparent and accountable government units. (ajc/PIA8-E. Samar)

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