One Visayas e-Newsletter Vol 5 Issue 39

Vol 5

Issue 39

In this Issue WESTERN VISAYAS

DTI Undersecretary Zenaida Maglaya discusses to members of the media how micro, small and medium enterprises can benefit from the "Iloilo Initiative" during the press conference for the 22nd SME Ministerial Meeting held Friday, Sept. 25, 2015 at the Iloilo Convention Center. (LTP/PIA-Iloilo)

More on Region 6, pages 2-3.

Also CLICK Here…

CENTRAL VISAYAS

Kapihan sa PIA forum held in observance of National Family Week discussed important issues on gender equality, children's rights and the role of church in promoting gender sensitivity. Speakers during the forum were: Cecilia Hoffman of G-WAVE, Fiscal May Flor Duka from the City Prosecutor's Office and Pastor Ted Picardal of Maranatha Full Gospel Church-AG.

More on Region 7, pages 4-5.

Also CLICK Here…

EASTERN VISAYAS

NMP Executive Director Manuel Roldan and PIA-8 OIC Director Alice Nicart lead the launching of the Filipiniana Culture and Arts Section of the NMP Learning Resource Center with a grant from The National Commission for Culture and the Arts, September 25. The library is open to the public. (PIA6)

More on Region 8, pages 6-7.

Also CLICK Here...

September 28 - October4, 2015

Published by: PIA 6, 7 & 8

PIA official tells students: Believe in the good in APEC

By Elsa S. Subong ILOILO CITY, Oct. 1 (PIA6)—When people come together, possibilities happen and believe that it is for the good, like when experts come together for the Asia Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC).

Jose Mari Oquinena, director general of the Philippine Information Agency, guest in the on-going APEC dialogues with young people in Iloilo City, said that it is important to get into the APEC and understand it to see the good in it. ‗There are some basic things we have to embrace in order to understand and that is believe that humanity is basically good,‖ Oquinena said. ―When the world experts and leaders come together and talk, believe that it is for good,‖ he added.

The PIA official said that hosting the APEC is an affirmation that the Philippines is important to the world, that its value as a country is recognized. ―The Filipinos should be the first to like APEC,‖ Oquinena said, adding that today‘s young are the leaders bringing forward the benefits of the APEC. Oquinena brought the inspiration for the creation of the APEC Activity Center in Iloilo City so that the various sectors, especially the young, who are not able to get direct information and knowledge on the events in Iloilo, will have the chance to interact with agencies involved.

The PIA-6, leading the operation of the Activity Center, located at the ground floor of the Old Iloilo Provincial Capitol, has so far catered to some 260 students, campus paper writers and walk-in participants. ―Our efforts may be small contributions to make the young appreciate Iloilo City‘s hosting of the APEC, but at least, we are reaching out to the long-term beneficiaries of the outcomes,‖ PIA-6 Director Janet Mesa said.

The Activity Center gives the audiences an overview of the APEC, brief history, a glimpse of the Iloilo Convention Center, some activities and the meetings, and first hand experiences of personalities and agencies directly involved in the APEC activities. (JSC/ESS-PIA-Iloilo)

PIA Director General Jose Mari Oquiñena ―inspires‖ participants composed mostly of college students to see and believe in the good in APEC at a forum at the APEC Activity Center in Iloilo City. (LTPI/PIA6)

RDC pushes studies on new Bohol bridges Rey Anthony H. Chiu TAGBILARAN CITY, Sept. 26 (PIA) — Three bridges which would be crucial to Bohol's integrated development are now being endorsed by the Regional Development Council (RDC) for feasibility study by the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH).

This as the Provincial Development Council in Bohol, through its executive committee meeting on June 15, passed resolutions 38, 39 and 42 endorsing to RDC and DPWH the conduct of feasibility studies for the construction of Tagbilaran City to Panglao Island bridge, President Carlos P. Garcia to Ubay bridge and Bien Unido to Talibon bridge.

Panglao, a major tourist destination in Bohol and the site of the new and still being constructed Bohol Airport, can be accessed by land transport now via its two bridges: Borja bridge in Junction Mansasa and Castil linking Poblacion Ubos to Totolan Dauis.

A recent DPWH traffic survey showed that the annual average daily traffic along Panglao and Dauis junction increased by 50% from 2,455 vehicles in 2008 to 11,897 in 2012.

At this rate, the existing bridges in Panglao to Tagbilaran will be rendered inadequate to accommodate the projected increase in traffic volume to and from Panglao to Tagbilaran.

For this, the construction of a new bridge is now considered a viable option to improve traffic inter-connectivity between Panglao Island to Tagbilaran City, according to RDC.

Meanwhile, northeast of Bohol sits another island town President Carlos P. Garcia, in which the main mode of transportation is motorized banca to Ubay, its nearest town.

Not only is the existing transport system expensive, it is also risky and the erratic schedules result in huge business losses, leaving the island underdeveloped and its residents left behind in Bohol‘s growth.

On the other hand, second district towns Talibon and Bien Unido are separated from each other by Talibon Bay. Talibon, notably the district‘s commercial hub, is about a few kilometers of air distance from Bien Unido. But with the bay, residents have to go through a network of national and provincial roads with a combined length of 18.70 kilometers.

The proposed bridge would effectively shorten the distance, cut travel time and boost economic activities in the regions of San Isidro Talibon to Nueva Estrella in Bien Unido, where the proposed bridge would jump off.

The proposed construction of the three mentioned bridges requires the conduct of feasibility studies to include engineering design, traffic study, comparative alignment study, exploration of alternative routes and transport analysis among others, according to the RDC endorsement to the public infrastructure agency.

Along this line, the RDC, headed by Bohol Governor Edgar Chatto, pushed for the conduct of the feasibility studies on said bridges. (rmn/rac/PIA7-Bohol)

Eastern Samar names 'bridging leaders' TACLOBAN CITY, Leyte, Oct. 1 (PIA) – For their improved health outcomes resulting from health system reforms in their respective municipalities, at least nine Eastern Samar mayors were recognized recently by Zuellig Family Foundation, Department of Health (DOH) and University of the Philippines-Manila, School of Health Sciences as ―bridging leaders‖.

Mayors Viscuso De Lira (Balangiga), Allan Contado (Balangkayan), Jaime Uy (Gen. McArthur), Mark Biong (Giporlos), Christopher Sheen Gonzales (Guiuan), Edgar Boco (Hernani), Enrique Cabos (Mercedes), Nedito Campo (Quinapondan), Melchor Melgar(Salcedo) were named bridging leaders for completing as well, the Municipal Leadership and Governance Program (MLGP), a leadership capacity program which helps local health leaders in becoming better health stewards of their constituents.

Modular in approach, MLGP contributed in curbing specifically the rate of maternal and infant deaths in ―Yolanda‖ affected areas that considerably had some health challenges after the November 8, 2013 calamity.

Despite the worn-out health facilities, the mayors with their doctors advocated for facility-based deliveries, where

pregnant mothers had to give birth only in the presence of a professional health worker who are posted in lying and birthing clinics or rural health units (RHUs).

In addition, with the MLGP, which they took side by side with their official duties, the local chief executives became fully aware of their people‘s poor health indicators and thus, felt the urgent need to improve them, and build back better and more resilient communities.

As DOH-08 Regional Director Minerva Molon put it, after completing the program, they, together with the other partners expect, that these municipalities would be able to sustain better health programs that are not only responsive to the needs of the poor but also resilient to disasters.

For Dean Salvador Destura, UP-MSHS, he feels elated that his institution has contributed to the transformation of local chief executives as well as the municipal health officers into becoming ―bridging leaders‖, as desired outcomes of the MLGP. The United Nations Population Fund(UNFPA) was also a partner in the MLGP program.

The Colloquium Ceremony was done at the SMX Aura Taguig, with the presence of Tacloban media. (PIA-08)

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WESTERN VISAYAS

Iloilo City ready for more investments

By Leonard T. Pineda I ILOILO CITY, Sept. 28 (PIA6) --- The city of Iloilo is ready to accommodate more investments and more industries, said the Department of Tourism (DOT)-6.

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OT-6 Regional Director Helen Catalbas said that the major impression of a number of delegates and guests to the Asia Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) meetings here is that Iloilo City has become so progressive that it can cater to more investments and more industries can be put up here. ―The impact of hosting APEC in the long term is the influx of more investments

particularly for SMEs because they have seen the potential of Iloilo and Guimaras that we are ready to cater to these enterprises,‖ she said.

She said that if there are more businesses, there will be more jobs available to people and the standard of living will be elevated. ―Raw materials available in the region can also be used for production of processed goods and crafts‖, she said.

Last week, Iloilo City hosted the 9th Senior Disaster Management Officials‘ Forum and the 22nd Small and Medium Enterprises Ministerial Meeting and related activities.

The High Level Policy Dialogue on Food Security and the Blue Economy is slated here from Sept. 28 to Oct. 6. (JCM/LTP/ PIA-Iloilo)

PhilRice advocates planting of drought-resistant rice varieties

By Lorenzo O. Lambatin Jr. NEGROS OCC., Sept. 30 (PIA6) -- The Philippine Rice Research Institute-Negros Occ. is urging rice farmers to use drought-resistant variety seeds that will stand the expected heat of the El Niño Phenomenon.

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hilRice Science Research ―From preparation to harvest, a one Specialist Jose Arnel Cordova square meter needs around 4,000 liters of said 18 tons of Rc10 is now available water to yield ½ kilo to 1 kilo of rice. Given in their office at Cansilayan, Murcia at P42.50 proper management, Rc 222 can reduce that per kilo. water requirement to only 1,733 liters,‖ he A 20 kg of the seed, he said, is good for said in an interview over Radyo Kumando one-half to one hectare of rice land.

103.1 FM. Another 78 tons of Rc 222 and Rc 284 He gave eight key check guides for will be made available anytime this October, he farmers to get better yield even during added. prolonged drought.

Cordova said the varieties need only a First is to use high quality seeds of a little water and is good across eco-systems recommended variety, there should be whether rain-fed or irrigated. no high and low soil spot during

levelling, synchronous planting after fallow period and sufficient number of healthy seedlings, approximately 250,000 hills per hectare.

Also, rice plants should have sufficient nutrients, pest managed well and harvest and thresh crop at right time.

Only right amount of water needed should be given and it should be free from drought stress. ―Choosing the right rice variety of seeds during drought is the foundation of good farming,‖ he reiterated. (JCM/Lljr#PIA6)

Aklan Tourism Week contest winners get P47,000 in prizes

By Venus G. Villanueva KALIBO, Aklan, Sept. 29 (PIA6) -- The provincial government of Aklan recently awarded a total of P47,000 cash prizes to winners of various contests spearheaded by the Provincial Tourism Operations Office (PTOO) as part of the recent Tourism Week celebration.

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he various contests were participated in by students from colleges here mostly taking Tourism and other related courses like Hotel and Restaurant Management (HRM) included Tourism Quiz Bee, T Shirt Printing, Feature Writing and Sabor Akeanon (a cooking contest).

STI College-Kalibo led the winners of the Quiz Bee placing first and winning P7,000 cash prize followed by Aklan State University (ASU) Banga Campus, second place, with P5,000 cash prize, and ASU-New Washington Campus, third place, with P3,000.

Contestants from ASU -Ibajay, Northwestern Visayan Colleges (NVC), and ASU-CIT (Kalibo) received Consolation Prizes of P500.00 each.

Meanwhile, the other contests – T-Shirt Painting, Feature Writing and Sabor Akean were dominated by students of ASU‘s various campuses who won major places.

For T- Shirt Painting, first place winner was Mark D. Gumboc of ASU-CIT who

received P3,000.00; Arvin Sabiaga, ASU-CIT, second, P2,000.00; and Alexis Flores of NVC, 3rd, with P1,000.00, while Mark Leonard Peren, Ed Rian Casidsid, Angel Grace Panaligan all from ASU-CIT; Eden Carpio and Jessie Renz Pelayo, both from ASU-New Washington, Tom Jones Villariez of NVC and Rowena Nabarte of Garcia College of Technology received P500.00 each as Consolation Prizes.

For Feature Writing, Jemuel B. Garcia III of ASU-CIT won first place with P3,000.00 cash prize; Aaron Marc Crisostomo of ASU-New Washington, 2nd, P2,000.00; and Roces Jamaela D. Rabuco, ASU-New Washington, 3rd, P1,000.00.

Ten other contestants – 8 from various ASU campuses and 2 from NVC got P500.00 as Consolation Prize.

For Sabor Akean winners – ASU-CIT and ASU-Ibajay shared the top prize receiving P3,000.00 each while ASU-Banga placed second getting P2,000.00 cash prize and NVC, 3rd, P1,000.00.

Contestants from ASU-Ibajay and GCT received P500.00 each as consolation prize.

The various schools/campuses had 3 group members each.

The week-long Tourism Week in A k lan a ls o h e ld T in da T ur ism o, Unveiling of Municipal Tourism Posters, Tourism Awareness Seminar and Bisikleta Karera.

The unveiled posters are now on display at the Kalibo International Airport (KIA), according to the Provincial Tourism Operations Office (PTOO) here, aimed to create awareness among tourists – domestic and foreign, that besides Boracay Island, there are other beautiful attractions that Aklan could offer found in its 17 towns. ―One Billion Tourists, One Billon Opportunities‖ was the theme of this year‘s Tourism Week celebration, while the province adopted the tagline ―Feel Alive, Fee Aklan‖.

(JSC/VGV-PIA6 Aklan)

WESTERN VISAYAS

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APEC: Public-private ties could reduce food losses

By Lilibeth A. French ILOILO CITY, Sept. 29 (PIA6) - - The Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) has recognized the critical importance of reducing post harvest losses in the food supply chain in the region by strengthening public-private partnership.

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These kinds of issues have many policy implications that cannot be addressed solely by the private sector nor only by the government. So we need to work as partners, and also among the APEC as a community,‖ said Emily Chin Cheng Chang, Research Fellow of Chinese Taipei in today‘s press briefing at the International Media Center here.

Chang said there are two aspects that private sectors can work together with the government in reducing food losses. These are in terms of loss assessment and loss reduction.

She cited the importance of useful information provided by the private sector in helping the government make the right decision and the needed support given by the government to the sector to be able to play their role in addressing the issue.

On the other hand, Executive Director Rex Bingabing of Department of Agriculture- Philippine Center for Postharvest

Development and Mechanization said APEC economies have a big role in addressing challenges in food production that include food loss and waste, among others, since majority of total global food production comes from the region. ―We also recognize that solving the problem is not solely the responsibility of the government institutions but also of the private sector which includes the producers, processors, service providers and consumers who are the players of the food supply chain,‖ said Bingabing.

According to him, in some studies, food loss and food waste account for about one-third of the total food production.

Chang and Bingabing are among the delegates who attended the one-day seminar held on September 27 in this city under the APEC multi-year project which was carried out this year with the theme of post harvest losses on livestock and fishery.

The ―2015 APEC Seminar for Strengthening Public-Private Partnership to Reduce Food Losses in the Supply Chain of Fishery and Livestock‖ was participated in by some 80 delegates.

Chang said under the limitation of water and land the activity is a valuable undertaking stressing the importance of reducing food losses and waste to ensure food security in the region.

She said livestock accounts for 70 percent of global production while fishery, even higher or about 80 to 85 percent. In terms of trade, it is about 50 to 60 percent.

"The seminar will help member economies and the producers to benefit from some of the strategies and also the practices we are proposing and also to share the very useful information and also experience in the seminar", said Chang. (LAF/ PIA6-Iloilo)

Creation of Anti-Illegal Fishing Coordinating Board mulled

By Vicente W. Villavert SAN JOSE, Antique, Oct. 1 (PIA6) - - The provincial government through the Office of the Provincial Agriculturist has undergone initial steps towards the organization of the Provincial Anti-Illegal Fishing Coordinating Board.

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rovincial Agriculturist Nicolasito S. Calawag said that the proposed Board, with members coming from the different local government units, national government agencies and civil society organizations will formulate plans and programs to enforce fishery laws, rules and regulations and ordinances in the province. ―This initiative aims to provide coordinative mechanism in implementing and enforcing all fishery laws within the jurisdiction

of the province of Antique to conserve, regulate and protect our fisheries and aquatic resources,‖ Calawag said.

Calawag noted that there are several commercial fishing boats that are encroaching in municipal waters and the continued occurrence of illegal fishing and once this measure is in place, it will help monitor, control and manage fishing activities thereby beneficial for small-scale fishermen.

It will also be the objective of the taskforce to strengthen the education and awareness of fisherfolks on biodiversity and sustainability of resources.

Meanwhile, the Aquino government amended the Fisheries Code of the Philippines (RA 8550). The law now has stronger mechanisms to curb illegal, unreported and unregulated fishing, as mandated by the European Union (EU) which plays a key role in the fisheries market.(JCM/VWV/PIA Antique)

Capiz has 1000 food guardians

By Jemin B. Guillermo ROXAS CITY, Capiz, Sept. 29 (PIA6) – More than 1,000 Capiceños have volunteered to be food guardians.

Information Officer Mary Christie Hari-on of the National Food Authority here disclosed that a total of 1,089 individuals from the different sectors of the community have volunteered themselves to be a partner of the government as food guardians.

She said that the food guardian campaign was done in time for the observance of the Grains Industry Week last September 21 to 25.

Hari-on said that the food guardian campaign was conducted at the Hercor

College, Ivisan public market and at their Roxas City Provincial Office.

The ―Food Guardians‖ is a program of the NFA to protect the consumers against unscrupulous grains business men as well as helping in the campaign not to waste rice but instead ―BeRiceponsible.‖ According to her, by being a food guardians, they pledge to help ensure that rice is available, accessible, visible and affordable in public markets.

―The food guardian, must follow the correct food handling procedure to make sure that rice is safe for the consumers,‖ Hari-on said.

She also said that their celebration of the NFA‘s 43rd anniversary is anchored on the theme Seguridad sa Pagkain, Tungkulin Natin,‖ where the food agency has reaffirmed its commitment to ensure food security especially in times of natural and man-made disasters or emergencies. (JCM/JBG/PIA6)

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CENTRAL VISAYAS

RDC gears for seamless travel from Mactan airport to Bohol Rey Anthony H. Chiu SAN JUAN, Siquijor, Sept. 28 (PIA) -- If you happen to be among the people inconvenienced by the far-from-seamless airport to port transfer in Mactan Cebu to Bohol, then here is a good news: the Regional Development Council 7 (RDC-7) is now laying the ground works for a High Quality Public Transport System (HQPTS) as an airport-to-port seamless travel connectivity that will make the long nagging hassle of airport transfer a thing of the past.

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QPTS would deploy high quality buses that could interface with the existing Cebu traffic and the proposed Cebu Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) System. It was already franchised for 77 bus units to ply identified routes.

HQPTS would accordingly be a precursor of a BRT System complete with bus stops and stations, electronic card-based fare collection system using modern air-conditioned and low platform design friendly for persons with disabilities, using state of the art Euro-5 emission compliant diesel engines, which is also hoped top jumpstart the adoption of Euro-4 emission compliant engines and fuels in the country.

Earlier, Panglao resort-owners have been apprehensive because catering to international guests appear to be a challenge to them, especially now that the dream of Panglao Airport appears too far to be hoped for.

David Baile, a Briton owner of Alona Citadel in Panglao, said his guests tell him it is tough to book to Bohol.

Apart from no online booking for ferries in Bohol which would have facilitated a tourist‘s seamless travel, he would see that he could be left fending for himself and his family scouring for a transport that could bring him to the pier to Bohol.

Baile has aired apprehensions of Cebu getting a taxi and the inconveniences it could offer: overcharging, luggage loss, and limited shuttle space for large groups.

The problem is even complicated by the fact that as he is dropped at the port terminal building, he has to take the queue of regular passengers to Bohol to obtain a ticket.

Ferry ticket booths also happen to be outside the port, which leaves him leaving his luggage, risking untoward incidents.

Through RDC resolution 36 series of series of 2014, the RDC requested Mactan-Cebu International Airport Authority (MCIAA) to allow shuttle service operators to provide land transfer service from the airport to Cebu seaports for seamless travel connectivity.

RDC Economic Development Committee worked on the proposed airport-port seamless travel connectivity with the HQPTS and met with MCIAA, Cebu Port Authority to discuss the details of the land transfer concern and looked into the cooperation of SM Prime Holdings which earlier planned to field buses taking the Mactan International Airport.

On this, the RDC has reviewed LGU traffic synchronization and bus stations and stops while SM Prime Holdings has secured permits for moving trees that would be affected in identified bus stations, and the use of certain road right of way sections as terminals.

RDC then passed Resolution No. 27 (2015) requesting the Department of Environment and Natural Resources Central Office to speed up the issuance of tree permit relocations for those affected by the HQPTS. (rmn/rac/ PIA7-Bohol)

PMHA pushes for Philippine Mental Act of 2015 Jennifer C. Tilos DUMAGUETE CITY, Sept. 28 (PIA) -- The Philippine Mental Health Association (PMHA) Cebu and Dumaguete Chapters conducted an ―Awareness on Mental Health Act‖ forum recently to generate a signature drive pushing for the Philippine Mental Health Act of 2015 to be legislated into a law.

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hilippine Mental Health Act of 2015, passed by Senator Pia Cayetano, promotes the mental well-being of patients, protects those who have mental illness, and ensures that Filipinos can have a mental health care.

PMHA Chair Dr. Glenda Basubas, a speaker in the forum, said that 6% to 15% of Filipinos are likely have depression.

"Everyone also has one percent possibility of breaking down," said Basubas.

Children, overseas Filipino workers, people with chronic illnesses, are some of those who are vulnerable to mental illnesses.

The signature campaign‘s website is MHactnow.org. Once a supporter registers, it will be counted as a petition.

One of PMHA‘s ways of spreading awareness on mental health is to visit different universities in the country.

Some universities they have visited are Cebu Normal University, Cebu Doctors University, Negros Oriental State University, and Silliman University. (rmn/jct/PIA7-Negros Oriental with reports from Andrea Lim, SU intern)

Cebu hosts 2015 Nat’l Literacy Conference Fayette C. Riñen CEBU CITY (PIA) -- Hundreds of participants throughout the country particularly in the education sector gathered in Cebu, September 30 — October 2 for the three-day 2015 National Literacy Conference at the DepEd Ecotech Center in Cebu City.

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ith the theme ―Educational Justice and New Literacies,‖ the activity aimed to explore the scope, definition, and application of new literacies; provide a venue for the exchange of experiences using new literacies relevant to education justice; and promote effective integration of new literacies in local literacy programs.

Plenary sessions for the conference included discussions on digital literacy,

socio-cultural literacy, media literacy, financial literacy, and political literacy.

The conference also highlighted the awarding of the Municipality of Plaridel, Bulacan to the Hall of Fame Awards for its exemplary accomplishments in literacy development, and for being a three-time first place winner for Outstanding Local Government Unit Municipal Level Class A in the 2010, 2012, and 2014 National Literacy Awards.

Cebu City Mayor Michael Rama

delivered the welcome message while DepEd Usec. Dina Ocampo gave the opening statements including the rationale behind the event.

The undertaking is spearheaded by DepEd through the Literacy Coordinating Council and in coordination with other government organizations, local government units, private organizations and non-government organizations. (rmn/fcr/ PIA-PMD/PIA7)

CENTRAL VISAYAS

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DAR turns over farm tractors to ARBOs in NegOr Roi Anthoni B. Lomotan NEGROS ORIENTAL, Sept. 30 (PIA) – The Department of Agrarian Reform in Region-7 (DAR-7) recently turned over P12.3 million worth of heavy tractors to some agrarian reform beneficiary organizations (ARBOs) in the province to help them increase their farm production.

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he farm equipment are composed of four 90 horse power, four-wheel drive tractors.

This is part of DAR‘s Agrarian Reform Community Connectivity and Economic Support Services (ARCCESS) project. ―The farm tractors, implemented under the Agrarian Reform Community Connectivity and Economic Support Services (ARCCESS) project of the DAR will help develop farmers‘

organizations and ultimately increase their farm yield,‖ DAR-7 regional director Alejandro Otacan said.

ARCESS is an alternative rural development approach of the department where support interventions are directly given to selected ARBOs. DAR officials who witnessed the turnover were assistant Regional Director and concurrent PARPO II Antonio del Socorro and

Provincial Agrarian Reform Program Officer (PARPO) II Grace Fua. Atty. Louie Naranjo, DAR-Negros Oriental PARPO, signed the acceptance of farm facilities.

Naranjo disclosed that the equipment will also help ease burden in land preparation. (rmn/ral/PIA7-Negros Oriental/with reports from Dir. Erlinda M. Manluctao, DAR Public Assistance and Media Relations Service)

Former NegOr rebels receive aid from government Roi Anthoni B. Lomotan NEGROS ORIENTAL, Sept. 28 (PIA) – Four former rebels received P65,000 cash assistance from the provincial government and Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG) as part of the Comprehensive Local Integration Program (CLIP) livelihood package.

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n a simple ceremony held at the Governor‘s Office, Negros Oriental Gov. Roel Degamo personally handed over the checks to the four rebel returnees together with Lt. Col. Pascua of the 79th Infantry Battalion (IB) of Philippine Army, 302nd Infantry Brigade executive officer John Oliver Gabun, DILG provincial director Dennis Quiñones, and Alicia Lagarde, CLIP facilitator from the provincial government From said amount, P15,000 is allocated for immediate assistance while P50, 000 is allocated for livelihood assistance.

Gov. Roel Degamo also disclosed that apart from this, the four rebel returnees will

be trained on carabao-cattle raising to provide them with a sustainable livelihood. ―What we handed over to them today is a start-up for their livelihood and we will guide them to ensure that the money given to them is not misused,‖ he said.

On the other hand, Lt. Col. Harold Pascua, commander of the 79th IB, reported that the CLIP committee rolled out 33 livelihood packages and the recipients of the package are benefitting from the program based on the regular monitoring conducted by the committee. ―We can see that their livelihood is really improving,‖ Pascua noted.

Pascua also reported that the CLIP committee was able to facilitate the availment

of the livelihood package for the four former rebels within two months.

This is attributed to the joint efforts made by the Philippine Army, provincial government along with some national government agencies and civil society organizations, Pascua said.

With this, he hopes that more rebel in the hinterlands will be convinced to avail of the CLIP livelihood package.

Lt. Col. Pascua continues to appeal to other rebel to abandon armed struggle and return to mainstream society. ―We appeal to the remaining rebels, we don‘t have to fight. The program of the government is good. Let us help each other,‖ he said. (rmn/ral/PIA7-Negros Oriental)

Voters urged to undergo biometric registration for clean elections Amor Saludar CEBU, Sept. 29 (PIA) --- The Commission on Elections (COMELEC) here urged the public to undergo biometric tration to help the advocacy of a clean elections in 2016.

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uring the forum on ‗Do‘s and Don‘t‘s for Political Ads in Media for the 2016 Election,' Cebu Provincial Election Supervisor Atty. Marco Lionel Castillano said that the commission is now intensifying moves for all voters to be biometric registrants.

Castillano added that the objective of biometrics registration is to eliminate multiple registrants and to achieve clean and honest elections as biometric registration will help cleanse voters‘ lists.

He noted that biometric registration prevent multiple registrants as every voter has a unique biometrics.

Castillano said that Comelec has exerted measures to make sure that voters are aware of the need for biometric registration.

The commission posted on their website the voters who do not have biometric registration, followed by sending written notices to them.

Comelec has likewise conducted registration in malls, far-flung barangays, jails, islands, and islets.

Castillano noted that after October 31 this year, Comelec will cleanse the voters‘ lists and there will be no multiple registrants or voters. ―Voters without biometrics will be taken

regis-

from the official voters lists and cannot vote in the 2016 elections,‖ Castillano stressed.

He called for the public participation in the advocacy for a clean and just election by being a biometric registrant and for voters to practice their right to vote this coming elections. ―It is not the election of the COMELEC, it is the election of everybody,‖ Castillano said.

The forum is a joint effort of KBP-Cebu and the Philippine Information Agency (PIA-7) that aims to inform the youth and the public on the prohibitions of media on elections and the ethics media should practice during elections. (rmn/ays/ PIA7)

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EASTERN VISAYAS

So Leyte barangay is 2014 Lupon national winner

TACLOBAN CITY, Leyte, Sept. 30 (PIA) -- Brgy. Hingatungan, Silago, Southern Leyte is the national champion for barangays in 4th – 6th class municipalities in the 2014 Lupong Tagamapayapa Incentives Award (LTIA) held at Marriott Hotel, Pasay City on September 28, 2015.

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n behalf of the Hingatungan Lupong Tagapamayapa (HILUTA), Punong Barangay Alberto M. Orias received the cash prize of Php300,000 and a trophy.

This is HILUTA's 4th grip at the national awards - having won in 2001, 2007, 2012, and 2014.

The National Awards Committee composed of officials from the DILG, Department of Justice (DOJ), Supreme Court (SC),

National Police Commission (Napolcom) and Liga ng mga Barangay (LnB) chose the winners from lupons nationwide based on the following criteria: a) Efficiency in Operations b) Effectiveness in Securing the Objectives of the KP Program; and c) Creativity and Resourcefulness of the Lupong Tagapamayapa.

"The Lupong Tagapamayapa is a big help not just in the speedy administration of justice in the barangays. It has also been a big aid to

unclog our courts and allowed the government to save billions," DILG Secretary Mel Senen Sarmiento said.

The LTIA aims to provide recognition to performing Lupons, which are barangay conflict-resolution bodies under the Katarungang Pambarangay Law in 1978 and strengthened by the Local Government Code of 1991. (DILG8-Southern Leyte)

CSC-8 announces winners of photography, 'siday' contest TACLOBAN CITY, Leyte, Sept. 30 (PIA) – The Civil Service Commission (CSC) Eastern Visayas has announced the winners of the Lingkod Bayani: In Focus (A Photography Contest) and the Siday/Poetry Competition held recently during the Service Fair at the Robinson’s Place, this city.

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SC regional director Victoria F. Esber said, the purpose of the activity is to showcase the talents of the government employees in the region.

Of the 15 photography entries submitted by government employees from various government agencies in the region, the ―CAAP Firefighters: The Prompt Responder‖ emerged as 1st place and ―The Modern Bayanihan‖ as 2nd place, both by Antonio B. Alfonso of the Civil Aviation Authority of the Philippines while ― A Policewoman Helping School Kids Cross the Road‖ by Jansenn A. Juntilla of the Mines and Geosciences Bureau as 3rd place.

Meanwhile, the winners of the Siday/

Poetry Competition were ―Padayon..Bayani‖

by Hudson H. Dasal of LGU-Bontoc, Southern Leyte as 1st place; ―Isabuhay and Kawaning Bayani‖ by Vicente T. Belena Jr. of the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) as 2nd place and ―Serbisyo Gobyerno Hin Empleyado‖ and ―Kayang Kaya Mo, Lingkod Bayani tied for the 3rd place which were written by Noemi A. Eclipse of the Philippine Science High School and Cyrill Apurillo Chu of the Jaro PNP Station, respectively.

The judges of the Siday/Poetry Competition were Professor Evelyn A. Lanuza

of Leyte Normal University, Professor Liezel Fabrigas of Eastern Visayas State University. Director III Rowin P. Rinos of the Civil Service Commission Regional Office 8 while that of the Lingkod Bayani: In Focus (A Photography Contest) were Elmer T. Eclipse of the Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR) and Sharon Cerro-Fontanar of the Civil Service Commission.

Said activities were part of the month-long celebration of the 115th Philippine Civil Service Anniversary this September which is anchored on the theme ―Kayang Kaya Mo, Lingkod Bayani‖. (ajc/cba/PIA8)

Joint CPOC-RPOC meeting tackles disposal of accumulated prohibited drugs MARCELO M. PEDALINO ORMOC CITY, Sept. 30 (PIA) -- What happened to the confiscated drugs held by authorities?

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he Regional Peace and Order Council (RPOC) wants to know, and in a meeting held at the city hall here Monday, September 28, jointly with the City Peace and Order Council (CPOC), no less than the RPOC Chairman, Calbayog City Mayor Ronaldo Aquino, posed the question.

Mayor Aquino‘s interesting, attention-grabbing query came about after the presentation of the peace and order situation in the region by Police Sr. Supt. Ramil Ramirez, but well before the topic on the regional drug situation by the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA) Region 8 office.

Apparently, it was addressed to PDEA,

and Mayor Aquino premised it on widely-read r ep ort s , th ough un c onfir me d an d unsubstantiated, alleging that deposited banned drugs found its way sooner into the user-pusher underground community in a recycled manner.

PDEA Regional Director Morfel Navales declared that the Courts order his agency to destroy these prohibited drugs, adding that the law invests in them the mandate to carry out such type of destruction. ―The process of destruction is the same as that of apprehension, wherein there will be witnesses, such as the media and barangay officials,‖ among other

stakeholders, Navales explained, implying the impossibility of such talks as market re-sale or re-use.

Navales said he hoped to carry out such act of destruction one day following a Court order, and he will invite all RPOC members to attend.

Ormoc City Mayor Edward Codilla opened the joint CPOC-RPOC meeting with words full of gratitude for the privilege of hosting the event.

He urged all the members and visitors present to continue striving for peace and never lose hope for peace to be achieved, (ajc/ PIA8-Southern Leyte)

EASTERN VISAYAS

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Assistance continues for Yolanda-displaced workers EASTERN SAMAR, Sept. 30 (PIA) – The Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) 8 released a total of P4,311,121.50 financial assistance to the Local Government Unit (LGU) of Maydolong, Eastern Samar, as aid for its constituents on the recovery and rehabilitation from Typhoon Yolanda.

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he P4.3-M constitutes for the livelihood assistance for the 167 beneficiaries for their individual projects on food vending, fishing, farming, carpentry and welding, sewing, grooming and personal care (P1.6M); as well as, for the employment assistance for the 600 Yolanda-displaced workers (P2.7M).

The employment grant will serve as salaries and wages of another set of beneficiaries, who assisted their communities on the recovery and rehabilitation programs and activities, particularly on declogging of canals and repair of public utilities.

The grant was formally turned over by Regional Director Elias A. Cayanong, to LGU representative, Ms. Delilah A. Tamondong, Revenue Collection Officer, at the DOLE Regional Office, Tacloban City.

RD Cayanong said that the grant, which is primarily intended for the purchase of tools and equipment, is expected to aid the beneficiaries to get back on their feet after the typhoon. ―We envision that these beneficiaries will attain a more productive and decent employment, as a way to provide a new horizon for their families from the storm.

We are confident that we are on the right track. DOLE will continue to assist the marginalized sectors of our society by giving them opportunity to live a decent life and somehow alleviate them from the bondage of poverty,‖ said the regional chief.

Ms. Tamondong, in return, thanked DOLE for helping their town recover from the nightmares of Yolanda. ―Damo an nawarayan pakabuhi han pagsagasa

ni Yolanda, kay dumuroy dama na dumamo an pobre ha amon. Pero, tungod han bulig han DOLE, makakasiring ako na dako it bulig hini ha amon pagpukrat tikang han bangungot. Salamat madamo!‖ (On the devastation of Typhoon Yolanda, a lot of the townsfolks had lost their jobs and livelihood, thereby increasing the poverty rate in our town. However, with the help of DOLE, I can say that this is a huge help for us to be able to wake up from the nightmare. Thank you so much, DOLE!).

RD Cayanong and ARD Guzman assured closer partnership and continuous delivery of DOLE programs and services to LGU Maydolongprovided proper implementation and liquidation of previous assistance granted are undertaken. (ajc/nc/DOLE-8)

PSHS-EV students champs in 4th ASEAN Science Odyssey CONSUELO B. ALARCON TACLOBAN CITY, Leyte, Sept. 29 (PIA) – Three students from Philippine Science High School Eastern Visayas Campus who emerged as the overall champion of the 4th ASEAN Plus Three Junior Science Odyssey (APT JSO) held at Tangerang, Indonesia were given recognition by the Department of Science and Technology (DOST).

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he awarding ceremony to the Philippine team composed of PSHS-EV Campus students was one of the highlights of the 2015 Visayas Cluster Science and Technology Fair and Science Nation Tour at Ormoc City, Leyte.

The students identified as Johan Castillejos, Ryan Roi Cayas and Honeylene Trinchera received their gold medals from Secretary Mario G. Montejo of DOST. The students also bagged other awards in physics laboratory skills assessment, biology skills assessment, chemistry laboratory skills assessment, innovation laboratory skills

assessment, field project presentation, poster presentation and best cultural presentation.

PSHS-Eastern Visayas Campus Director Reynaldo B. Garnace was very thankful for the support of the training team headed by Janeth Morata-Fuentes.

In his message, Secretary Montejo extended his warm congratulations to the school for having won in the competition for the 4th time in four years.

81 participants with 27 teams from fourteen countries joined in the competition.

The participating countries were Brunei

Darussalam, Myanmar, Laos, Cambodia, Thailand, the Philippines, Malaysia, Indonesia, Vietnam, Sweden, China, South Korea, Taiwan and Singapore.

The ASEAN Plus Three Junior Science Odyssey (APT JSO) is an annual educational event in the field of science and technology for the young students aged 13 to 15 years old.

Said event is designed specifically to develop the gifted and talented young individuals in the field of science and technology as well as nurture future scientists and engineers. (ajc/PIA-8)

NMP joins Maritime Week Celebration CONSUELO B. ALARCON TACLOBAN CITY, Leyte, Sept. 29 (PIA) –The National Maritime Polytechnic (NMP), a government-owned maritime training and research institution located at Brgy. Cabalawan, this city, joined the country’s maritime week celebration, September 2027, and the World Maritime Day last September 25.

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eries of activities were conducted such as the beach clean-up drive along the coastal shoreline of the NMP premises participated in by the employees and trainees of the training center, the Research Forum on Completed Researches, the NMP-Media Partnership Forum, the Demonstration of Advanced Firefighting Techniques, Safety and Water Borne Survival Techniques to selected trainees and the Launching of the Filipiniana Section at the NMP Learning Resource Center.

During the NMP Media Partnership Forum, NMP OIC Executive Director Manuel C. Roldan emphasized the importance of

extensive training for the seafarers to prepare them to become more productive in the seafaring industry. ―It is only through safe seafaring that the economy of the nation will prosper. Pag hindi safe ang seafaring, goods and people cannot be well transported, baka hindi makaabot sa destinasyon. So, it is very important that the basic component of maritime which is the manpower must be well-prepared,‖ Roldan said.

Records showed that seafaring industry has contributed much to the economy of the country. In 2014, cash remittances of the sea-based workers were recorded at US$5,575,722 which was higher compared to

2013 which totaled to US$5,215,378.

Meanwhile, from January to July 2015, cash remittances totaled US$3,325,657.

To date, around 1,501 seafarers are undergoing extensive trainings at the National Maritime Polytechnic. The trainings at NMP officially started in July after MARINA gave the accreditation to the NMP. In 2014, the Philippine Overseas Employment Administration (POEA) has reported that the total number of Filipino seafarers was recorded at 401, 826.

This year‘s celebration was spearheaded by the Philippine Coastguard anchored on the theme ―Edukasyon at Pagsasanay sa Maritima: Kabalikat sa Patuloy na Kaunlaran‖. (ajc/PIA-8)

One Visayas e-newsletter is published weekly by the Visayas Regional Cluster of the Philippine Information Agency (PIA) comprising Region 6, 7 and 8. Its main editorial office is located at PIA Region 6, Iloilo City.

One Visayas e-newsletter is part of the online news and information dissemination services of PIA and is powered by www.issuu.com. For inquiries and suggestions, call Tel. Nos. (033) 3378719/3377301 or e-mail piaamo6@yahoo.com.

Ms. Minerva BC Newman Regional Director, PIA 7

Editorial Consultants Atty. Ma. Janet C. Mesa, Ph. D. Regional Director, PIA6

Ms. Alicia E. Nicart Regional Director, PIA8

Managing Editor Jaime S. Cabag, Jr. Contributors All PIA Information Officers of Regions 6, 7 & 8 Production and Layout Edson J. BaĂąares Lynnor C. Regalado Regional Offices: PIA 6, 2/F RC Building, Rizal St., Iloilo City, Iloilo 5000, Tel. Nos. (033) 337-8719/3377301/509-0993, Fax No. (033) 337-8719/509-0993, e-mail: r6_pia@yahoo.com/ piaamo6@yahoo.com PIA 7, Room 304, 3/F Machay Bldg., Garardo Avenue, Cebu City, Cebu 6000, Telefax No. (032) 232-4062/232-4126, e-mail: pia7_cebu@yahoo.com.ph/r7_pia@yahoo.com PIA 8, Children‘s Park Compound, Sen. Enage St., Tacloban City, Leyte 6500, Tel. No. (053) 325-5124, Telefax No. (053) 321-2029, e-mail: pia_ev@yahoo.com/r8_pia@yahoo.com