One Visayas e-Newsletter Vol 6 Issue 6 by piaamo6 Western Visayas

Vol 6

Issue 6

In this Issue WESTERN VISAYAS

President Benigno S. Aquino III, with DepEd Secretary Armin Luistro, turns over the keys to the new school building, funded by PAGCOR, at the Pavia National High School (PNHS). With him are (from L) DPWH Secretary Rogelio Singson, PAGCOR Chairman and CEO Cristino L. Naguiat, Jr. and PNHS Principal Delorah Cecilia Fantillo. (PIA 6)

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CENTRAL VISAYAS

February 1-7, 2016

Published by: PIA 6, 7 & 8

PNoy inaugurates 3 major infra projects in Panay By PIA-6 staff ILOILO CITY, Feb. 9 (PIA6) – President Benigno Aquino led the inauguration of the country‘s 6,200th-kilometer national roads paved during his visit to the province, Feb. 9. The 8,040.3-linear meter junction national road Mianay-Duyoc-Calaan-Panitan road is expected to bring about economic progress in Capiz as well as open the gates to maximize the economic potentials of neighboring provinces. The road project in the area will not only reduce the travel time from Panitan to Mianay, Sigma town from one hour to half hour but also lessen their transportation expenses in bringing their farm produce to the market. In his message in Capiz on the first leg of his one-day visit to Panay Island, President Aquino said that good transportation and network are very important in the efficient delivery of farm products and to having higher price of said farm produce in the market. The President said that the economic gains being reaped today are the result of the good governance and ―Daang Matuwid‖. Included in the gains of good governance on Daang Matuwid are the 4.4 million household beneficiaries of the 4Ps which supports the health and education of children as well as the 91 percent of the population that are now PhilHealth beneficiaries, he said. From there, President Aquino proceeded to Iloilo where he also led the inauguration and turnover of the P43-million ―Matuwid na Daan sa Silid-Aralan‖ project consisting of a 3-storey with 18 classrooms schoolbuilding to Pavia National High School in Pavia, Iloilo. The schoolbuilding project is funded by PAGCOR which has turned over P12 billion to the Department of Education and Department of Public Works and Highways

for the project which aims to build thousands of classrooms in state-subsidized schools. The Chief Executive also switched on the energization of 3,618 sitios in Panay Island under the Sitio Energization Program of the government designed to bring electricity to households even in remote barangays. During the ceremony held at the Pavia school, the President said that 98.60 percent of sitios in the island have been energized, adding that the Department of Energy (DOE) and the National Electrification Administration (NEA) have committed to accelerate the electrification target not only in Panay Island but all over the country under the Sitio Electrification Program (SEP). He is eyeing the 100 percent electrification of the 6,214 sitios in Panay Island this March. Members of the Cabinet and other top government officials accompanied the President during the visit. (PIA-6 with JSC/JBG/LTPI reports)

President Benigno S. Aquino III and Iloilo Governor Arthur Defensor, Sr. led the ceremonial switch-on of the 3,618 Panay Island Sitio Energization Program of the Department of Energy and national Electrification Administration during his visit in Pavia, Iloilo, Feb. 9, 2016. Also with them are DOE Secretary Zenaida Monsada and NEA Deputy Administrator Edgardo Piamonte. (PIA 6)

PHIC: Members can claim reimbursement for hospital expenses abroad

PSA-7 urges people to take the time to register and check on civil registry even as they also ask people to get to the LCR in the event of a death of a relative to make sure it is recorded for possible data needs in the future. The government may need statistics of cause of death so experts can address mortality issues. (rca/PIABohol)

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EASTERN VISAYAS

Fayette C. Riñen CEBU, Feb. 10 (PIA) -- In case of hospitalization abroad during a vacation, PhilHealth members can file reimbursement claims upon their return to the country subject to the submission of needed requirements. Dina Cinchez, public relations officer of Philippine Health Insurance Corp. – 7 (PhilHealth-7), said effective 2014, the agency has expanded their coverage to include reimbursement claims for hospital expenses abroad. ―Members who go abroad for a vacation but unfortunately, got sick and sought treatment at a hospital can claim reimbursement of their hospital expenses from their office,‖ said Cinchez during the recent forum of the Association of Government Information Officers - Philippine Information Agency (AGIO-PIA7) that highlighted the services of the agency. Cinchez, however, said attachments are needed for the reimbursement claims such as the statement of account from the hospital, medical certificate, history of procedures done and the official receipts of medicines.

The amount for reimbursement claims will depend on the coverage of the medical diagnosis or the type of ailment. Overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) who are confronted with a similar situation abroad can likewise file reimbursement claims from the PhilHealth Office, said Cinchez. Meanwhile, Cinchez said members here can file reimbursement claims for medicines bought outside the hospital during confinement. Upon discharge, the member can present the ORs to the PhilHealth Customer Assistance and Representative Staff (CARES) based in every accredited hospital which will be the basis for the PhilHealth to pay the hospital the amount for the reimbursement claims of the member. The member in turn will file for reimbursement claims from the hospital after receiving from PhilHealth the Benefit Clearance Notice which will be presented to the hospital in seeking reimbursement of medicines purchased outside during the hospitalization period. (rmn/fcr/PIA7)

Non-passage of BBL not total rejection - OPAPP TACLOBAN CITY, Leyte, Feb. 8 (PIA) – The non-passage of the Bangsamoro Basic Law(BBL) in the 16th Congress did not mean a total rejection. So said Attorney Armi Beatriz Bayot, speaker of the Maasin City Vet Dr. Rey Alinsub tackles rabies Office of the Presidential Assistant on Peace Process vaccination in dogs during the Action Center (OPAPP) during the recently held BBL7 Summit in Kapihan Sa PIA , Feb11, 2016. (PIA 8) the city. Speaking before media, government information officers and local officials, Bayot explained it was due to the lack of quorum why the bill did not pass as expected. However, it is hoped that the next administration More on Region 8, pages 6-7. would still consider it a priority, given the gains the Peace Process has obtained in the number of years of struggle in Also CLICK Here... order to achieve the trust and confidence of the

Bangsamoro people and their representatives. ―We cannot just leave it at bay,‖ Atty. Bayot said, as she referred to the signed Memorandum of Agreement with the Moro National Liberation Front (MNLF) which is so an important document to start-up a peace talk with the group representing the 13 minority groups of Mindanao. The lady lawyer who has been a member of the legal team of the peace panel since 2010 is truly hopeful that BBL would pass, if only to liberate the thousands of women, children and elderly in that part of the country, who had been deprived of peaceful and loving community that they rightfully deserve.(PIA-08)

WESTERN VISAYAS

‗Tuwid na Daan‘ infra projects get P1.1trillion By Alex A. Lumaque ROXAS CITY, Capiz, Feb. 10 (PIA6) – The national government has allocated P1.1 trillion on various infrastructure projects nationwide from 2011 to 2016 in the aim to bring development towards a better quality of life across the country. ec. Rogelio L. Singson of the congressional district with those in the second -kilometer of the overall 1,783 – kilometer D e p a r t m e n t o f P u b l i c W o r k s district. national roads are up for completion this year and Highways (DPWH) said that DPWH has committed to complete the in the island of Panay. the budget is about 2.5 times higher remaining 7,200 – kilometer national road It was learned that the increase in the than the P466-billion of the previous under the Aquino administration. agency‘s budget on infrastructure also resulted administration covering the period from 2005 ―We have already paved 6,200 kilometers in the increase of budgetary allocation for the to 2010. of national roads aside from the 1,500 island of Panay from P15.5-billion to Singson joined Pres. Benigno S. Aquino III kilometers of local roads,‖ Singson oriented P42-billion. in the inaugural drive thru of the eight the President, adding that DPWH has already The Cabinet official has also -kilometer Mianay-Duyoc-Calaan-Panitan road surpassed its target. acknowledged the contribution of the DPWH last Feb. 9 in Barangay Duyoc in Dao town. The accomplishment does not include Engineering District employees and local The project, part of the 6,200 kilometer about 2,000-kilometer completed Farm – To leaders support in the accomplishment of eveof paved national roads completed since July – Market Roads. ry infrastructure project. (JCM/AAL/PIA6 Cap2010, connects towns of the province first The Secretary added that only 54 iz)

PDRRMC approves P33.7 M contingency fund for El Nino By Lilibeth A. French ILOILO CITY, Feb. 10 (PIA6) - - The Iloilo Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (PDRRMC) has approved the proposed P33.7 million contingency fund to mitigate the impact of the current El Nino.

he proposed budget endorsed by the El Nino Task Force was approved by the body in a special meeting held at the Provincial Capitol, February 10, presided by Provincial Administrator Dr. Raul Banias, on behalf of Governor Arthur Defensor, who is the PDRRMC Chairman. Banias said the budget will be sourced out from the accumulated trust fund of the province‘s calamity fund. The approved resolution signed by the Governor will then be submitted to the Sangguniang Panlalawigan for further

approval. The amount will be used for the different programs, projects and activities identified under the seven sectoral areas to help mitigate the effects of El Nino. The sectoral areas include water getting P12,000,000; Information, Education and Communication with P3,000,000; agriculture with P10,000,000; Social Capital with P1,200,000; health with P2,500,000; veterinary with P2,000,000; forest and biodiversity with P3,000,000. For agriculture, some of the mitigation

measures are provision of drought resilient crops such as corn seeds and vegetable seeds; provision of Urea Molasses Mineral Block (UMMB) and purchase of pump and engine set with accessories for irrigation. Provincial Agriculture Office Chief Dr. Ildefonso Toledo said there are reports that seaweeds in San Dionisio are already affected by the high temperature. He said based on the forecast of PAGASA El Nino is expected to last until June. (JCM/ LAF/PIA6-Iloilo)

Provincial environment chief gets award By Easter Anne D. Doza NEGROS OCCIDENTAL, Feb. 9 (PIA6) - - Lawyer Wilmon Peñalosa, chief of the Provincial Environment Management Office (PEMO) of the province received a recognition for the Bayanihan sa Daan-Share the Road Awards at the Kalayaan Hall, Malacanan Palace.

ayanihan sa Daan-Share the Road is a movement of the Filipino People, headed by Atty. Antonio Oposa Jr, one of the most well renowned Environmental Lawyers in the Philippines, which was launched November 2014. Peñalosa was commended for his exemplary effort in organizing the first road-sharing meeting held at Bacolod City last November 2015 as well as organizing the first multi-town bike ride that was joined

by 1000 cyclists, a release from PEMO said. The Bayanihan sa Daan Organizers believed that he had sparked the enthusiasm of his fellow Negrenses and empowered them to dream, and have given them the energy and inspiration to take acts of enlightened citizenship toward a common good---the greatest good for the greatest number for the longest time.

The event was in cooperation with the Office of the President, through the Office of the Presidential Adviser for Environmental Protection (OPAEP), the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR), Office of the Senator Loren Legarda, together with the Washington DC-based Institute of Governance and Sustainable Development (IGSD) and the Center for International Environmental Law (CIEL).*(JSC/EAD-PIA6 Negros Occidental)

WESTERN VISAYAS

PhilHealth 6 intensifies IEC activities By Lilibeth A. French ILOILO CITY, Feb. 11 (PIA6) - - The Philippine Health Insurance Corporation (PhilHealth) Regional Office 6 has intensified its Information, Education Communication (IEC) activities and other advocacies specifically targeting poor Ilonggos.

he IEC activities which include Alaga Ka or Alamin at Gamitin, benepisyong PhilHealth, Focused Group Discussions, meetings, fora, among others, aim to improve the access of the poor to health care services. PhilHealth 6 said the intensified activities indicated significant results such as data on claims payment in 2015 showed that 38 percent or P644,817,629.13 out of the P1.6 billion benefit claims was payment to Sponsored and Indigent members in the province of Iloilo. Claims payment for both government and

private facilities also recorded an increase from 2010 to 2015. PhilHealth attributed the change in the health seeking behavior of patients to the increase in knowledge and understanding of members on the latest policies of the agency which in turn redound to their desire of seeking medical interventions to health care facilities in the province. PhilHealth 6 data further indicated that from 167,688 enrolled poor families in 2010, the coverage increased to 480, 399 in the province. The premium contributions of these families are shouldered by the national

government. These indigent families also enjoy automatic renewal of membership from 2014 to 2016 when the national government alloted 35.3 billion budget for the coverage of poor families into the National Health Insurance Program of PhilHealth. In his visit in this city on Tuesday, President Benigno Aquino said that about 90 percent of Filipinos are now covered by PhilHealth from 51 percent coverage in 2010 as part of the gains of his ‗Daang Matuwid‘ program. (JCM/LAF/PIA6-Iloilo)

Aklan has 345,359 registered voters By Venus G. Villanueva

KALIBO, Aklan, Feb. 9 (PIA6) -- If elections were held now, there will be 345,359 Aklanon registered voters trooping to polling centers to vote.

he Commission on Elections (COMELEC) Provincial Office came up with this figure after taking off from the roster of registered voters those who have have not undergone biometrics during the designated period up to October 31, 2015. Among Aklan‘s 17 towns, Kalibo has the highest number of voters with 46,096 followed by Malay with 33,813; Ibajay, with 27,532 and New Washington, with 26,623. The town of Banga, just adjacent to

Kalibo, has 25,513 voters, Batan, 21,450; Nabas, 19,948; Numancia, 19,908; Makato, 17,999; Libacao, 16,856; Altavas, 15,750; Balete, 15,577; Malinao, 14,219; Tangalan, 12,736; Madalag, 11,322; Buruanga, 11, 286; and the town with the least number – Lezo, with 8,731. For the May 9, 2016 national and local elections, Aklan will have 2,438 total number of established precincts and 606 clustered/ grouped precincts and 328 polling places in 327 barangays.

Meanwhile, Aklan is gearing up for the mock elections to be held in two municipalities of the province – Kalibo and Malay - on February 13, 2016. The Provincial COMELEC office recently gathered the Aklan media to brief them on the activity, solicit their assistance in disseminating information to the public as well as to have their presence during the simulated electoral exercise for transparency and integrity. (JCM/VGV PIA6 Aklan)

Antique‘s 2015 crime volume drops By Vicente W. Villavert SAN JOSE, Antique, Feb. 9 (PIA6) - - The province‘s 2015 crime volume dropped to 51.88% or 2,643 incidents lower compared to the 2014 record.

his was disclosed by PSSupt. Louis P. Garong, Officer in Charge of the Antique Provincial Police Office (APPO), during the observance of the 25th PNP Foundation Day celebration. Garong said that of the 2,643 incidents, only 837 cases were index crimes, while 1,806 cases were non-index crimes or violation of special laws. The APPO‘s crime solution efficiency was recorded at 56.07 percent. The APPO head enumerated other accomplishments which included the neutralization of 171 wanted persons and arrest of other 143 wanted persons, conduct

of nine anti-illegal gambling operations, campaign against proliferation of loose firearms, campaign against illegal fishing, timber poaching and illegal transport of forest products, and campaign against illegal drugs. The occasion also cited the Municipal Police Station (MPS) of Sibalom as the Best MPS, while San Jose and Belison were recognized as second and third MPS, respectively. Other awardees cited during the occasion included SPO1 Abraham A. Alera of Belison MPS- Best in Administrative/HRDD; Best in PCR-PO3 Dorothy Joy F. Magturo, San Jose MPS; Best in Investigation- PO3 Ryan R.

Baldestamon, Barbaza MPS; Best in Operation and Plans- PO2 Liezel Mae V. dela Cruz- Sibalom MPS; Best in Intelligence-PO3 Ariel F. Serata- San Remegio MPS; Best in Finance- PO1 Melanie P. Pablo- Valderrama MPS; Best in Supply- PO3 Jaime R. Macandog, Barbaza MPS; Best in WCPD-PO2 Genny L. Molina. Best supporting local government units were awarded to San Jose Mayor Rony l. Molina, Caluya Mayor Genevive L. Reyes and Sibalom Mayor Joel P. Occena, while certificates of recognition were likewise awarded to the PNP Provincial Advisory Council members. (JCM/VWV-PIA6 Antique)

CENTRAL VISAYAS

Siquijor MSMEs urged to avail tech upgrading Rizalie Anding Calibo SIQUIJOR, Feb. 9 (PIA) - - The Department of Science and Technology (DOST) here is encouraging the micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs) in the province to avail of the Small Enterprise Technology Upgrading Program (SETUP).

he program aims to help MSMEs be competitive through technology upgrading, trainings, and laboratory analysis of products, among others. As of this writing, DOST Siquijor has assisted more than 50 enterprises in the province under the identified priority sectors. The assistance generated additional job opportunities and additional revenues, said Provincial Director Engr. Mario de la Pena. This year, he said, DOST Siquijor Provincial Science and Technology Center (PSTC) is allocating PhP4.8 million for the program. To qualify for the program, the firm should fall under the priority sectors which include food processing, furniture, gifts, toys and houseware (GHDs), metals and

engineering, among others. As a Filipino-owned enterprise, the business must be operational for the past three years. It should have an updated Mayor's permit, Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) registration and Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR) registration. Upon verification of the applicant's credentials, DOST will conduct site evaluation and determine the necessary technology needs of the firm. Other requirements such as financial report for the last three years of operation will be reviewed along with the proposal. When approved, a memorandum of agreement (MOA) will be signed between the firm and DOST. The amount received will be spent

according to what will be stipulated in the approved MOA. The beneficiary then pays the whole amount without interest for a total of 36 months. Some of the firms which received assistance from DOST include Elena's Bakery and Pasalubong Center in Enrique Villanueva, Tating's Creamier Ice Cream in San Juan, Duran's Banana Fritters in Lazi, Sweet Sensations Cakes and Pastries in Larena and GL Motors and Industries in Siquijor, Siquijor. For inquiries, interested applicants are encouraged to visit the Provincial Science and Technology Center located in Baluarte St., Poblacion, Siquijor, Siquijor. (rmn/rac/ PIA7-Siquijor w/ reports from Reinhold Jek Abing/DOST-Siquijor)

Bohol takes medal lead at CVRAA 2016 in Naga Rey Anthony H. Chiu TAGBILARAN CITY, Feb. 10 (PIA)— Sports fans and Boholanos pray for sustained momentum for Bohol delegation in the ongoing Central Visayas Regional Athletic Meet (CVRAA) as its ranking jumped from third to first on the third day of competitions. n a post on his Facebook account, Bohol unfolded in Naga City, Cebu, February 7-13. City‘s four gold, two bronze, and five silver Department of Education (DepED) In the Elementary medal count, Bohol medals to settle for the second spot. Information Officer Lope Hubac showed a leads Siquijor and powerhouse Cebu province Cebu province clinched three golds, reproduction of the official medal tally sheets at with four golds, three silvers and four bronze five silvers and two bronze medals for the CVRAA showing Bohol leading in the gold medals as against Siquijor‘s two golds which a third finish on the third day while medal tally for Elementary and second in the earned a second rank and Cebu province‘s one Siquijor managed two golds, one silver, High School level but garnering a total of six gold gold, two silvers and one bronze to settle for and one bronze medal, according to the official medals, five silvers, and six bronze to take the third. records from the chief of the records and lead in the week-long sports meet. In the Secondary level, Cebu City topped results committee of CVRAA, Alberto Meanwhile, Tagbilaran City still remained in with three golds, two silvers and four bronze Mangaron. the tail end of the 13 delegation sports fest as of medals, while Bohol could only get three golds, Participating in the CVRAA are delegations 5:00 PM of February 9, according to Hubac‘s two silvers and two bronze medals to settle for from Bogo City, Bohol Province, Carcar City, post. second place. Cebu City, Cebu Province, Danao City, Lapulapu On the opening day, coaches were In the over-all tally, however, Bohol sneaked City, Mandaue City, Naga City, Siquijor, optimistic that Bohol can perform better with into the top on day three with seven gold, five Tagbilaran City, Talisay City and Toledo City. athletes getting batter trainings for the event that bronze, and six silver medals as against Cebu (rmn/rac/PIA7-Bohol)

PhilHealth has new benefit package for child-bearing women Hazel F. Gloria CEBU CITY, Feb. 10 (PIA) -- There is a new health benefit package now available for women about to give birth under the Philippine Health Insurance Corp. (PhilHealth).

ina Cinchez, Public Relations Officer of Philhealth-7 during the Association of Government Information Officers (AGIO) 7 Forum, said that the new package aims to provide mothers and newborn babies with financial access to essential health services that will ensure their survival and well-being. This program is part of the Millennium Development Goals (MDG) of the maternal and child health to ensure a healthy pregnancy, safety of the delivery and good health of the baby, Cinchez said. She also said that the coverage of the program will start from the prenatal,

delivery and post-natal care because it is important for the mother to have check-up with a health care professional to know her health status and condition of her baby. Members must have paid at least three months‘ premium contributions within the immediate six-month period prior to the first day of confinement so they can avail of their benefits from Philhealth. However, with the new benefit package, pregnant women who lack the qualifying contributions will be required to pay the missed quarter on top of the remaining quarter of the year for the member to be entitled of the benefits.

Philhealth will pay pregnant women their Maternity Care Package which include pre-natal, delivery, and post-natal care at P8,000. Normal Spontaneous Delivery Package is set at P6,500 while for Antenal Care Package, PhilHealth shall pay P1,500 and P19,000 for Caesarean Section. PhilHealth also provides additional package for newborn babies at P1,750 . This time, Philhealth will pay the maternity benefit regardless of the number of previous deliveries. This is to reduce the risk of stillbirth and maternal deaths during pregnancy, said Cinchez. (rmn/hfg/PIA-7/AGIO-7)

CENTRAL VISAYAS

DENR-7 exceeds 100% target in 2015 patent issuances Juju M. Empuerto CEBU CITY, Feb. 9 (PIA) --- Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR-7) reported an accomplishment of more than 100% of their target for patent issuances in 2015.

ccording to DENR-7 Officer-in -Charge-Chief for Planning Management Division Dr. Eddie Llamedo, around 10,881 agricultural free patents and 2,662 residential free patents covering a total of 4,008.16 hectares were successfully issued by his office. This covers around 109% and 103% of the 2015 target of issuing 10,000 agricultural and 2,662 residential free patents in four provinces in Region 7. DENR-7 Regional Executive Director Dr. Isabelo Montejo, in a statement, highlighted the importance of land titling in boosting economic prosperity in the country. In compliance with Republic Act No. 3844, otherwise known as the Agricultural Land Reform Code, DENR is primarily responsible for the distribution and

land disposition through the issuance of free patents or homestead patents for public agricultural A and D lands. On the other hand, issuance of patents for residential lands is in line with the implementation of Republic Act 10023, or the New Free Patent Act, which provides for DENR to process a free patent title application to any Filipino citizen who is an actual occupant of a residential land. Montejo stressed the need to issue patents as it will redound to the overall productivity of idle lands in the region and will therefore ultimately boost economic prosperity in the countryside. Of the total patents issued, Cebu province was awarded with over 2,039 agricultural patents covering 892.79 hectares and 517 residential patents covering 8.5557

hectares. Bohol province was given 8,103 agricultural patents covering 2,684.22 hectares and 1,508 residential patents for over 46.62 hectares, while Negros Oriental province received 436 agricultural patents covering 178.85 hectares and 533 residential patents covering 19.55 hectares. Siquijor, the smallest island-province in the region, was issued 303 and 104 agricultural and residential patents covering 174.27 and 2.6887 hectares, respectively. The DENR regional chief attributed these accomplishments to the efforts by the provincial officials in expediting the process by notifying directly to the applicant on certain requirements to be complied with. (rmn/jsme/PIA7-Cebu/ DENR-7)

Clinics, labs urged to register with DOH Amor Y. Saludar CENTRAL VISAYAS, Feb. 10 (PIA) -- The Department of Health (DOH) here is urging medical entities to be licensed under their department. OH is the regulating body on with X-Ray machines are mandated to get and comply with requirements. accreditation and licensure of licensure from DOH. With February set as Dental Health hospitals, clinics, and medical Mancao clarified that even though it is the Month, DOH-7 is encouraging dentists and laboratories. DOH national office that will issue the license, dental clinics/laboratories without license yet In a recent Philippine Information Agency it would be better if medical entities will pass to apply for licensure and comply with their (PIA) Association of Government Information by their regional office here so that they can requirements. Officers (AGIO 7) Forum, DOH-7 also be listed in their records as an entity ―It‘s the responsibility of the dentists, Officer-In-Charge Assistant Regional Director operating in the medical practice. dental clinics and laboratories to apply for Dr. Sophia Mancao said even dental clinics and She added that it is the responsibility of license,‖ Mancao said. (rmn/ays/PIA7/ medical laboratories mostly those operating the medical practitioners to apply for licensure AGIO7 Forum)

Anti-dengue measures can be used vs. Zika virus Ferliza Calizar-Contratista CEBU CITY, Feb. 9 (PIA)— Although the country has been declared Zika virus free, health officials here are urging the public to remain vigilant and undertake the same protective measures that they would against dengue virus. n a recent Kapihan sa PIA, officials from The prevention to be adopted include 4S to her unborn child. the Department of Health (DOH-7) said strategy or search and destroy mosquito ―They may give birth to babies with the ways to avoid Zika virus is not new breeding sites, seek early consultation, microcephaly, a congenital condition associated to the public. self-protective measures, and saying ―no‖ to with incomplete brain development and Dr. Eugenia Mercedes Canal, DOH-7 indiscriminate fogging. abnormal smallness of the head,‖ Canal medical officer, said Zika virus is transmitted by ―Treatment of the virus is still increasing said. the mosquito specie belonging to fluid intake and taking paracetamol, just like DOH-7 Assistant Regional Director Dr. the Aedes family, the same mosquito that dengue,‖ Canal said. Sofia Mancao said the country is still free from carries the dengue virus and chikungunya. She said that everyone is prone to be the virus. Cañal said the Zika virus' signs and infected once bitten. In 2012, there was a case documented in symptoms are not specific as they could also be ―It is not true that Zika can cause Cebu City of a 15-year old boy who arrived identified with other illnesses, such as dengue. infertility among men,‖ she said. from traveling to Europe and showed signs and Symptoms of Zika include fever, Canal said that more danger is seen on symptoms of having been infected with Zika conjunctivitis, and muscle pains. pregnant women who may transmit the virus virus. (rmn/fcc/PIA7-Cebu)

EASTERN VISAYAS

P62.3M fund to restore typhoon-damaged infra in NSamar Ailene N. Diaz CATARMAN, Northern Samar, Feb. 11 (PIA) – Around P 62.3 Million is at stake for the restoration and rehabilitation of various infrastructure damaged by Typhoon Nona in the second district of Northern Samar, as per report from DPWH Northern Samar Second District Engineering Office.

amaged structures include road shoulders, drainage canals, bridges‘ approach slope protection, river control among others. This is stipulated in the report by Engr. Cesar Lim NSSDEO district representative, Engr. Ferdinand Fabile, regional office representative and Juan Amado Arcega and Susan Ramos from the Bureau of Maintenance, DPWH Central Office, all DPWH technical

personnel. Typhoon Nona caused erosion on slope protection structures of bridges along national roads covers by the DPWH- 2nd District, thus, a portion of the amount is for the damagd bridge embankment located along Catarman (Boundary)- Laoang Road particularly at Tabonon Bridge, Cadat-olan Bridge and Burabod Bridge. As said by R. Orsua and C. Sayaman of

DPWH NSSDEO PIO Unit, damages was also observed along the Rawis (Junction) – Catubig Road; Simora Bridge and Opong Bridge II in particular. DPWH 2nd District Engineer Ferdinand Briones called for an immediate funding for the restoration of the structures damaged by Nona so as not to impede road-users and motorists. (ADiaz)

Dogs in SoLeyte up for vaccination Marcelo M. Pedalino MAASIN CITY, Southern Leyte, Feb. 10 (PIA) -- There are about thirty thousand dogs in this province based on the latest tally in 2015, and about 70 percent of these paws are to be subjected to the regular anti-rabies vaccination this year. ast year, records showed that 22,000 and needles procured by the province, to all Department of Health (DOH), while the whole of these home-based pets were the local government units, except for three province was cited as negative in the vaccinated by the city and municipal towns pending compliance of refrigeration transmission of rabies through dog bites. veterinary offices in coordination with the requirements for the vaccines. Cabbarubias said that aside from provincial veterinary office, according to Dr. These vials will be fully utilized in vaccination, there will also be castration Francisco Cabbarubias, of the Provincial March for the month-long conduct of the services in the towns of Liloan, San Francisco, Veterinary Services Office. dog vaccination program, Cabbarubias Pintuyan, and San Ricardo within the month of In March, the regular conduct of the vac- reported. March, the date and venue to be announced cination activity, the same number of dogs, This year‘s focus on the wide and massive later. even more, will undergo the same dog vaccination will be in the four He called on owners to be responsible in veterinary service, Cabbarubias said during the municipalities of Panaon Island, with the their pet dogs by having it registered and duly dydm/dysl Kapihan sa PIA interview Friday. objective in mind to have the island declared immunized in designated centers, or even a Last month, the PVSO distributed 2,500 rabies-free. walk-in vaccination at their local veterinary vials of anti-rabies vaccines from the DepartThe island-town of Limasawa was last offices in the municipal/city agricultural services ment of Agriculture (DA), along with syringes year‘s only rabies-free declared town by the office. (mmp, PIA8-Southern Leyte)

Biliran health office intensifies anti-dengue campaign Rodrigo S. Victoria NAVAL, Biliran, Feb. 10 (PIA) - Bannering the famous health line ―an ounce of prevention is better than a pound of cure,‖ the provincial health office here intensified its anti-dengue campaign through increasing surveillance activities and awareness campaign in the community.

his came after eleven (11) suspected dengue cases were recorded in the province of Biliran in the month of January this year as per report from the Biliran provincial health office (PHO). The report states that 11 dengue cases were monitored from Morbidity Week 1 to Morbidity Week 4 as of January 2016 and these cases came from the municipalities of Naval, Cabucgayan, and Caibiran. These reported dengue cases came from barangays Balaquid with one suspected case and Langgao with three suspected cases in Cabucgayan town; Barangay Palenque in Caibiran with two suspected cases, and barangays Lico, Capinahan and Calumpang with one suspected case each, and Villaconsuelo with two suspected cases in Naval town. The report also revealed that ten of these cases are admitted in health facilities but no

deaths were reported among the ten cases. Vanessa Veloso Ramirez, Biliran health education and promotion officer said that although these cases are lower compared to the same period of last year, surveillance activities and awareness campaign must be intensified in all barangays of the province to effectively control dengue cases. Ramirez appealed to all local officials especially at the barangay level to revitalize their ABKD or the Aksyon Barangay Kontra Dengue. She also reminded the public to observe the 4S in fighting dengue or the search and destroy, self-protection measures, seek early consultation and say ―NO‖ to indiscriminate fogging. Ramirez said, if the person will experience the following signs and symptoms of a dengue case like sudden onset of high

fever which may last for two to seven days; joint and muscle pain and pain behind the eyes; weakness; skin rashes – maculopapular rash or red tiny spots on the skin called petechiae; nosebleed when the fever starts to subside; abdominal pain; vomiting of coffee-colored matter and dark-colored stools - the affected person is encouraged to seek early consutation in the nearest health facilities like hospital or rural health units for immediate medical treatment. Ramirez also reminds the public not to be complacent with this type of mosquito-borne disease with the advent of Zika virus, now considered a dreaded mosquito-borne disease brought by the same dengue carrier mosquito, Aedes Aegypti, now affecting some South American countries like Brazil and some countries in the world. # (fj/rvictoria/PIA 8 Biliran)

EASTERN VISAYAS

6 Eastern Samar towns receive JFPR aid for classrooms Samuel D. Candido BORONGAN CITY, Eastern Samar, Feb. 9 (PIA) - Six towns in the province of Eastern Samar — whose classrooms had been destroyed by super typhoon Yolanda — received financial aid of US $ 20-M from the Asian Development Bank through the Japan Fund for Poverty Reduction (JFPR).

he National Economic and Development Authority (NEDA) disclosed that the towns of Balangiga, Balangkayan, Guiuan, Hernani, Quinapondan, and Salcedo are recepients of the financial aid for classrooms. The ADB then had commissioned Plan International to be the consulting company in the construction of the said classrooms and had been designed by the Department of Public Works and Highways — based on the

―Build back better‖ principle of the government. These classrooms are designed to withstand maximum sustained winds of 250 kilometers per hour just like during the onslaught of super typhoon Yolanda. They are also are equipped with ventilation systems, chairs, blackboards, wash basins, a separate comfort room for boys and girls, and a rain water catchment system that will serve as alternative source of water.

According to NEDA, the Japanese government hopes that after these classrooms had been constructed, the teachers, students, and parents would help in its maintenance so it can still be used by future generations. This project was also made possible through the help of the Department of Education (DepEd) and the Department of Social Welfare and Development. (SDC/PIA-E. Samar)

2,778 individuals avail of PRC mobile service Ailene N. Diaz CATARMAN, Northern Samar, Feb. 11 (PIA) – Some 2,778 Nortehanons were able to avail of the PRC Mobile Service conducted in Northern Samar on the second week of January at the Ibabao Hall, Provincial Capitol.

his is in response to the request of the provincial government thru Governor Jose L. Ong, Jr., requesting the national PRC to extend their services to the province easing the burden of applicants from a long travel to Tacloban, fare and inconveniences, considering the plight of the constituents after the devastating Typhoon Nona. Ms. Angeline Chua Chiaco, acting chairperson of PRC positively responded to the request and promised to provide the following services: Receiving application for Board Licensure Examination for Professional Teachers (BLEPT), Renewal of Professional

Identification cards, initial Registration of Newly Passed Professionals and Authentication of PRC documents. Moreover, a PRC resolution No. 64 was also issued by the Board of Professional Teachers approved by the Commission designating Catarman Northern Samar as additional Testing Center for the March and September 2016 Board Licensure Examination for Professional Teachers. As a result, in summary PRC mobile service served 2,073 BLEPT applicants, 150 initial registrants, 447 renewal/duplication of licenses and 108 certification/authentication. Ms. Elna Irinco, NSPESO Manager

informed that for Northern Samar applicants, examination is set on March 20, 2016, tentatively at University of Eastern Philippines. Applicants should be guided by the following instructions: examinees should report before 6:30 in the morning on the examination day, late examinees will not be admitted; should bring with them Notice of Admission (NOA), Official Receipt, pencils no. 1 or 2, black ballpens, metered-stamped window mailing envelope, long brown and long plastic envelopes. Cellular phones and other gadgets are strictly prohibited, and must wear the prescribed dress code. (ADiaz)

Tacloban media, IOs get info on BBL TACLOBAN CITY, Leyte, Feb. 8 (PIA) – Close to a hundred information officers, media and barangay officials received clarifications on the myths and issues hounding the Bangsamoro Basic Law (BBL).

his was during the recently held BBL Forum at the Tacloban Ritz Tower de Leyte Hotel, where Attorney Armi Beatriz Bayot of the Office of the Solicitor General (SolGen) and spokesperson of the Office of the Presidential Assistant on Peace Process (OPAPP) shared her expertise on the subject. Mrs. Bernardita Valenzuela, Information Officer of the Tacloban city Mayor‘s Office opened the Q & A portion with a well-researched question. Her question referred to the four attributes which according to her is complete in the BBL; population, government, sovereignty and territory, she asked then, if BBL could declare independence. Tita Bering as Ms. Valenzuela is fondly called by friends, was answered with a big ―NO,‖ it cannot declare. According to the speaker, just like the states of America, none of those stands in the United Nations assembly for instance, because the national state retains

its full exercise of jurisdiction. Mr. Ramil Uy (DOST I.O) expressed apprehension over the natural tendency of the Moro people to be secessionists but again, Atty. Bayot was quick to dismiss that it is a wrong impression to think that the Moro groups will be rebellious forever. She further said, that the fact that they have signed the MOA is enough indication that they have surrendered their calls to be separated from the national state, that they are now trusting the sincerity of the government to provide them with a peaceful community and a meaningful autonomy. On the aspect of decommissioning, Atty. Bayot explained that the MNLF committed to lay down their arms, as a sign of peace accord with government panel however, the state, again has the sole force on the AFP which is lawful, she added. Elements of the AFP will still be deployed in Moro communities but only in leading to normalcy of the entire envi-

ronment. Atty. Bayot expressed disgust on the issue of inflated as aired by another media man. ―It is not true that BBL gets P75B, instead it is a P27B budget which will be allotted for the first five years of government rehabilitation efforts. This allocation is not forever. We have to take note that for several decades, these areas had been left out, marginalized, and you could just imagine the thousands of children who had not been attending school, mothers who have not received health care services and fathers who do not have decent livelihood to date,‖ the lady lawyer narrated. In closing, Atty. Bayot said further, that her visit to Tacloban was not to convince people to support BBL, rather, she came to expound the issues that surround BBL. But she was gracious to reveal that in her rounds, it was here where she heard the kind of questioning. (PIA-08)

One Visayas e-newsletter is published weekly by the Visayas Regional Cluster of the Philippine Information Agency (PIA) comprising Region 6, 7 and 8. Its main editorial office is located at PIA Region 6, Iloilo City. One Visayas e-newsletter is part of the online news and information dissemination services of PIA and is powered by www.issuu.com. For inquiries and suggestions, call Tel. Nos. (033) 3378719/3377301 or e-mail piaamo6@yahoo.com.

Ms. Minerva BC Newman Regional Director, PIA 7

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

Ms. Alicia E. Nicart Regional Director, PIA8

Managing Editor Jaime S. Cabag, Jr. Contributors All PIA Information Officers of Regions 6, 7 & 8 Production and Layout Edson J. BaĂąares Lynnor C. Regalado Regional Offices: PIA 6, 2/F RC Building, Rizal St., Iloilo City, Iloilo 5000, Tel. Nos. (033) 337-8719/3377301/509-0993, Fax No. (033) 337-8719/509-0993, e-mail: r6_pia@yahoo.com/ piaamo6@yahoo.com PIA 7, Room 304, 3/F Machay Bldg., Garardo Avenue, Cebu City, Cebu 6000, Telefax No. (032) 232-4062/232-4126, e-mail: pia7_cebu@yahoo.com.ph/r7_pia@yahoo.com PIA 8, Childrenâ&#x20AC;&#x2DC;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