One Visayas e-Newsletter Vol 6 Issue 2

Vol 6

Issue 2

In this Issue WESTERN VISAYAS

Genaro Lapez, Executive Vice President of UnionBank, explains why Iloilo City was chosen to host the Ureka Forum on February 20, 2016 at the Iloilo Convention Center during a press conference held Wednesday, Jan. 13, 2016 at Richmonde Hotel here. The Ureka Forum aims to champion business innovation among the local SMEs via the e-commerce platform. (LTP/PIA-Iloilo)

More on Region 6, pages 2-3.

Also CLICK Here…

CENTRAL VISAYAS

The coco-bot upscales the lowly coconut shell into a robot that sticks its tongue out and crawls crablike on robotic legs, was among the top picks in the recent BHL i2i final pitching held at the Belian. (rac/PIA-7/Bohol)

More on Region 7, pages 4-5.

Also CLICK Here…

January 11 - 17, 2016

Published by: PIA 6, 7 & 8

Sinulog Fiesta Trade Fair showcases Pinoy craftsmanship

By Fayette C. Riñen CEBU, Jan. 12 (PIA) – Over 50 exhibitors are showcasing a variety of locally-made products of Filipino‘s ingenuity and craftsmanship in the ongoing Sinulog Fiesta Trade Fair at the SM City Cebu.

Quality but affordable product lines include fashion accessories, gifts, toys, housewares, processed foods and health and wellness products from Cebu and other parts of the country. Most of the exhibitors are local enterprises while others come from neighboring provinces like Bohol, Davao City, Baguio City, Manila, Dumaguete City, Leyte, Palawan, and Zamboanga.

The annual exhibit is organized by the Department of Trade and Industry-Cebu Provincial Office in collaboration with the Cebu City Government and the Sinulog Foundation, Inc. (SFI).

DTI-7 Assistant Regional Director Nelia Navarro said the exhibit is organized to support the micro, small and medium enterprises‘ (MSMEs) need to develop new markets and to participate in the celebration of the Sinulog which attracts both domestic and international tourists.

She added the Sinulog event is a perfect opportunity for producers and manufactures to meet new buyers and establish possible linkages with other suppliers.

Ricky Ballesteros, executive director of the SFI on the other hand, said they also asked other big malls to participate by creating a Sinulog festive atmosphere and offer discounts to attract the public and the thousands of visitors that will come to Cebu. ―It will realy be a festive mood here in Cebu,‖ said Ballesteros as he also reminded the public not to forget the religious side of the event and pay homage to Señor Sto. Niño.

Meanwhile, The GMR-Megawide Cebu Airport Corp. will be distributing survival kits to the first 2,000 passengers arriving at the airport for the Sinulog as it expects the passenger terminal to be flooded with inbound passengers not only for the Sinulog but also for the 51st International Eucharistic Event (IEC), which C ebu is h osting. Th e su rv ival kits con sist of first-aid materials, water, sweets and others. (mbcn/fcr/PIA7)

RPAB okays add’l Php163M projects for EV TACLOBAN CITY, Leyte, Jan. 14 (PIA) – Help is coming especially for the victims of several calamities in Region 8, the latest of which was typhoon Nona that brought severe damage to the agricultural sector particularly in the Province of Northern Samar.

The Regional Project Advisory Board (RPAB) for Eastern Visayas recently approved for funding under the Philippine Rural Development Project (PRDP), three FMR‘s and six livelihood projects.

In a meeting of the RPAB held recently at Leyte Park Resort Hotel, Tacloban City, DA-regional executive director Leo P. Caneda said, that these projects are badly needed to help farmers and fisherfolks especially those severely affected by calamities.

The I-BUILD sub-project proposals approved by the RPAB recently consist of 2.96 kms. rehabilitation of Salhag to Kailingnan FMR in Rosario Northern Samar; 4.38 km opening/ concreting of brgy. Hantag to brgy. Laboon FMR in Maasin City, Southern Leyte and 5.95 kms. improvement/concreting of Brgy. Cogon to Brgy. Villa Aurora in Basey Samar.

Caneda disclosed that in 2015, RPAB endorsed 19 FMR sub-projects worth Php1.5 billion. The bidding process for 3 FMRs involving the municipalities of San Sebastian, Samar; St. Bernard, Hinunangan and liloan, Southern Leyte have already started in November following the issuance of a No Objection Letter 1 by the National Project Coordination Office. The

biggest road project is located in the municipality of Lilo-an, Southern Leyte with a length of 19.3 kilometers costing Php223 million.

Meantime, under the I-REAP Small Livelihood Project (SLP, Director said that Region 8 was fortunately able to avail much of the project funds for SLP compared to other regions in the country, which simply could indicate the need for such kind of funding assistance in the region.

The newly-approved sub-projects under the SLP were from the proponent groups of the municipalities of Almeria, Biliran and Catarman, Allen and Mondragon in Northern Samar.

Earlier, in December 2015, the RPAB also endorsed for funding 23 livelihood sub-projects under the SLP with a total cost of Php30 million. These were proposals submitted by various local government units of the Region.

The livelihood sub-projects endorsed by the RPAB ranges from livestock and poultry production, high value crops, organic fertilizers and root crops production as well as, aqua culture and fisheries.

Director Caneda lauded the key officials of the concerned local government units for taking some extra steps to make sure that these proposals get firmed up for the RPAB evaluation and corresponding endorsement before the last week of December 2015. (with reports from DA-8/PIA-8)

EASTERN VISAYAS

Tubungan is outstanding organic agriculture town

Dr Noel Lumen, PHO I of Southern Leyte Provincial Health Office, advises the public on diseases that come with the onset of El Niño.

So, beware of sore eyes, dengue fever, respiratory problems, food poisoning, dehydration of bodies, among others, he added. (PIA-8)

More on Region 8, pages 6-7.

Also CLICK Here...

By Elsa S. Subong ILOILO CITY, Jan. 12 (PIA6)—Tubungan is the 2015 National Outstanding Organic Agriculture Municipality, awarded in the recent organic Agriculture Congress in Bacolod City.

The municipality‘s organic agriculture initiatives started in 2002, with a series of integrated pest management and vegetable trainings.

To date, out of 5,774.63 hectares of agricultural areas, 998 hectares are now organic areas and with more than 2,000 organic agriculture practitioners, Tubungan has already produced 398,026 metric tons of organic products as of June 2015.

Tubungan Mayor Vicente Gargaritano said they attributed this winning to the overall support of the Department of Agriculture as well as the receptiveness of the farmers to the organic agriculture projects introduced.

The municipality received P6-million as award, which Gargaritano said they will use to expand the town‘s organic agriculture projects. ―It is difficult to become a national winner in organic agriculture, but it is more challenging to sustain it,‖ the mayor said.

The Sangguniang Bayan passed Ordinance No. 5, series of 2014, declaring Tubungan as an organic agriculture locality where some provisions included the regulation of synthetic farm inputs and the banning of genetically-altered planting materials and animal breeds, production of organic inputs and products, and conduct of studies to support organic agriculture.

Municipal Agriculturist Evelyn Asuncion Tabucuran, the award will be used for the expansion of the Gulayan sa Paaran Project and other organic-related school projects, procurement of ICT projects to aid in trainings and research activities, improvement and electrification of the municipal organic demo farm and marketing and operation assistance to organic food depot, and procurement of supplies and equipment for bio control laboratory.

DA Information Officer Sheila Toreno said that Tubungan has been recipient of several major projects on organic agriculture, such as the mass production of organic fertilizer worth P750,000, consisting of installation of wood vinegar facility, vermi-composting facility and the conduct of season-long training on organic vegetable production, demo garden and field day. (JCM/ESS/PIA-Iloilo)

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WESTERN VISAYAS

PHO notes less firecracker victims in Antique

Kalibo Ati Ati--Atihan Festival

Vicente W. Villavert SAN JOSE, Antique, Jan. 12 (PIA6) - - The Provincial Health Office reported eight (8) persons were hurt during the holiday celebrations in Antique.

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he report was released only this week after consolidating reports coming from their sentinel sites in the province.

The PHO on line report showed one blast with amputation; and the various injuries to other patients were caused by

camara, whistle bomb, and triyanggulo.

Two stray bullet incidents were also recorded by the Provincial Health Office.

The municipalities with firecracker related incidents include San Jose, Valderrama, Bugasong, Laua-an, Barbaza,

Tibiao, Culasi and Hamtic.

So far there was no increase in the number of victims if compared to last year's firecracker-related cases because the PHO recorded only eight victims.(JCM/VWV/ PIA Antique)

Guimaras’ first Negosyo Center launched JORDAN, Guimaras, Jan. 11 (PIA6) -- In pursuit of the agency’s goal in enabling businesses in Guimaras, the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) – Guimaras Provincial Office launched its first Negosyo Center in the island province on Jan. 7.

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he Negosyo Center, which started operations last December 29, 2015, was launched at its site at DTI Provincial Office, 2nd Floor, Mavikss Building, San Miguel here.

Trade and Industry Development Specialist II Melecia Pait said it will be operated in partnership with the Provincial Micro, Small, and Medium-Scale Enterprise Development Council (PMSMEDC).

The Center came about by virtue of Republic Act 10644, also known as the

―Go Negosyo Act‖. Signed into law last July 15, 2014, the Go Negosyo Act aims to bring government services closer to small businesses through the establishment of Negosyo Centers; further boost assistance to micro, small, and medium-scale enterprises (MSME‘s) to grow and flourish; and intensify the promotion of entrepreneurship in the country.

The Go Negosyo Act provides for the establishment of Negosyo Centers in all provinces, cities, and municipalities

nationwide.

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

Top officials of the provincial and other local government units in the province and DTI VI and MSME representatives led the project launch.

(DTI-Guimaras/PIA6)

Dengue cases in Aklan down Sheila Patoza KALIBO, AKLAN, Jan. 14 (PIA6) – Dengue cases in Aklan reached 1,137 in 2015, a 33.35% decrease compared to 2014 figure of 1,706, according to Aklan Provincial Epidemiology Surveillance and Response Unit.

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PESRU data showed that in 2015 no death was recorded due to dengue, unlike in 2014 that the province recorded with two deaths from the municipalities of Nabas and Altavas.

Last year, the town of Kalibo, considered to be the most populated municipality in the province, listed with the highest number of cases with 308; followed by Numancia with 118; and Malay with 104.

The town of New Washington recorded with 92 cases; Banga with 70; Balete with 51; Malinao with 46 cases; and the remaining municipalities in Aklan had cases not higher than 44.

Records also showed that males were more susceptible to dengue than women, comprising 51% of the total cases.

Majority of the cases belong to age goup 11-20 years old with 401 cases; followed by age goup 1-10 years old with 357 cases; 21-30 years old with 211 cases; and 31-40 years old 70 cases.

Age group 51 years old and above had 50 cases; 41-50 years old with 36; and less than 1 year old had 12 cases.

Among the Disease Reporting Units, Dr. Rafael S. Tumbokon Memorial Hospital reported to have the most number of cases with 506; followed by Saint Gabriel Hospital with 194 and Panay Health Care 174.

In the third quarter of 2015, cases of dengue increase, noted the month of September with highest number of cases of 214, mainly because, according to APESRU, of the rainy season during those months.

Meanwhile, Gino Val Taytayon, Disease Surveillance Officer I of the Department of Health here, said that because of the continuous advocacy campaign to eliminate dengue in the province, people are being educated, aware and sensitive regarding dengue.

Tatytayon said most Rural Health Units in Aklan have their own campaign or drive to inform the public, hence contributed to the decline of dengue cases here, plus the zero death record last year.

Dr. Cornelio Cuachon, Jr., Provincial Health Officer I, said that awareness of the community to dengue, most especially of the barangay leaders, and the cleanliness drive in every barangays whole year round, greatly decrease dengue cases in Aklan. (JCM/SQP-PIA6)

WESTERN VISAYAS

Sinulog Festival

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Korean investor eyes joint venture for Iloilo produce Lilibeth French

ILOILO CITY, Jan. 13 (PIA6) - - The Provincial Agriculture Office (PAO) here will step up programs to boost production of cassava, soy beans and coconuts for possible venture with a foreign investor.

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AO Chief Dr. Ildefonso Toledo said he already had initial discussion with a Korean investor who has expressed interest in buying cassava.

The Korean investor needs around 300,000 metric tons of cassava per year ―bisan 50,000 MT lang mashare sang aton farmers that would be good enough‖.

Toledo said the municipalities of San Dionisio and Miag-ao are being considered for the collaboration.

The Korean investor is also looking at soy beans and coconuts as other products of the province.

The investor is willing to buy charcoal derived from coconut shell to be used as fuel for their plant in Korea.

Toledo said they are currently scouting for areas where they could get the supplies of coconut shell.

They were already able to visit the municipalities of Sara, Concepcion, San Dionisio and Tubungan for this undertaking. Tubungan has an ongoing coco coir livelihood project.

In their preliminary talks, Toledo said the investor was interested to buy the coconut shells and bring them to Korea for charcoal making but the latest is that

they are willing to put up the charcoal making here instead. ―This is also one good potential for our coconut industry, only, sad to note is that typhoon ‗Yolanda‘ devastated some of our coconuts.

But I think this is also high time to replant our coconut which some are already century old and no longer productive in terms of giving nuts,‖ said Toledo.

The municipality of Badiangan has started its native chicken production in partnership with the said Korean investor.

(LAF/PIA6-Iloilo)

Rehab of coco trees in Capiz ongoing Alex Lumaque ROXAS CITY, Capiz, Jan. 14 (PIA6) – The bulk of the 328,000 coconut seedlings up for planting in the province that will replace the coconut trees toppled and damaged in the province during the super typhoon Yolanda devastation will be conducted this year.

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hilippine Coconut Authority (PCA) manager Jeffrey Delos Reyes said that the Yolanda Rehabilitation and Replanting Program has planted about 54,000 coconut seedlings last year on top of the 128,000 coconut seedlings under the PCA‘s regular planting

program. ―We target to plant 274.000 coconut seedlings this 2016,‖ Delos Reyes noted, adding that about 120,000 coconut seedlings have been accounted in various nurseries for the program.

The PCA also encourages coconut farmers to sell their matured nuts for

seedling production. The devastation of typhoon Yolanda in the province has left 668,429 totally damaged, 974,261 heavily damaged, 739,725 moderately damaged and 175,032 slightly damaged coconut trees based on PCA – Capiz report. (JCM/ AAL/PIA6 Capiz)

IT courses urged in SUCs, colleges Easter Anne D. Doza NEGROS OCC., Jan. 13 (PIA6) - - The Provincial Government called on a consultative meeting with heads of State Universities and Colleges here to encourage them to open doors to courses on Information Technology (IT).

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his is in line with the thrusts of the provincial government to strengthen its program on education, with the end goal of providing job opportunities to graduates in the field of IT. Governor Alfredo G. Marañon Jr. said the effort of the IT management and groups should not end after the consultative meeting as the group will meet again for the IT Summit and Strategic Planning Sessions. ―We need your help, your talent and your expertise‖, Marañon told the participants, a release from the Capitol said. Participants were mostly presidents

and academic affairs representatives of the different colleges and universities in the province.

The group also suggested for the establishment of more IT facilities in schools and continuing education for teachers, and the strengthening of English and Math subjects in schools.

Sebastian Ledesma and Eric Gonzaga, who are both based in Manila, shared on the IT updates, trends and employment opportunities for IT graduates, which provided information on IT curriculum.

Dr. Ma. Lina P. Sanogal, Provincial Planning and Development Office Coordinator, who collated the concerns

of the participants, said that there is a need to assess the schools‘ IT curriculum and a need for data banking that will serve as employment tracking of IT graduates.

During the meeting, it was agreed that there is a need to evaluate the cost of IT education in the province and the Commission on Higher Education (CHED) must be tapped.

According to Marañon there is a need to overhaul the educational system and the challenge on IT is very different. ―We need to move forward and start building our dream and work together,‖ Marañon added. *(JCM/EAD-PIA6 Negros Occidental)

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CENTRAL VISAYAS

KALSADA program supports inclusive dev’t Kalibo Ati Ati--Atihan Festival

By Elvira C. Bongosia

TAGBILARAN CITY, Jan. 11 (PIA) -- DBM Sec. Florencio Abad said the KALSADA program launch here is unprecedented and historic as it demonstrates commitment of the national government to good governance initiatives which enable government to perform better in the delivery of services.

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bad added that KALSADA program (Konkreto at Ayos na Lansangan at Daan Tungo sa Pangkalahatang Kaunlara is going to be one of the key interventions of inclusive development in our country.

The Budget Secretary lauded Bohol's initiatives and cited Chatto as a champion of the KALSADA program.

Patterned after the Bohol experience in local road reforms, the program also comprises aspects of good governance through local road management, rehabilitation and upgrading of provincial roads and turning over maintenance to the provincial government, development of a Provincial Road Network Development Plan (PRNDP) and establishment of city and provincial locational

reference system for baseline data purposes.

KALSADA is the biggest nationally-funded project with allocation of P6.5-billion for performance-based local road projects across 73 provinces in the country.

Cabinet secretaries of the Aquino administration including Abad led the launching of the KALSADA Program.

Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) Sec. Rogelio Singson handed over the capsule to Bohol Gov. Edgar Chatto in a symbolic turn-over during the launching of the KALSADA Program here last Friday at the Bohol Tropics Resort.

Other Cabinet members who joined the event were Department of the Interior and Local

Government (DILG) Sec. Mel Senen Sarmiento, Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) Sec. Dinky Soliman and Department of Health (DOH) Sec. Janette Garin.

Sec. Singson in his keynote message expressed DPWH‘s commitments to improve quality and safety of national roads and bridges and increase investment in infrastructure from less than 2% of the gross domestic product in 2010 to 5% by 2016.

The program launch also featured an exhibit of the local road programs in Bohol, the launching of the new Bohol Tourism video and an update on the Domestic Fiber Optic Network (DFON) project. (ecb/ PIA7-Bohol)

NOPPO reports crime rate down in NegOr

BY JENNIFER C. TILOS NEGROS ORIENTAL, Jan. 13 (PIA) -- The Negros Oriental Provincial Police Office (NOPPO) here reported a lower crime rate in 2015 compared to that in 2014.

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n a Provincial Peace and Order Council (PPOC) meeting yesterday, PSSupt Dionardo Carlos of NOPPO reported a total crime volume of 9,979 for January to December 2015 with 3,179 index crimes and 6,800 non-index crimes.

Carlos said, Index crimes decreased by 559 incidents or 15.86 percent while non-index crimes reduced by 592 incidents or 9.54 percent.

The most prevalent index crime is theft with 1,441 incidents or a reduction of 14 percent, followed by physical injury with 693 incidents or seven percent, robbery with 447, murder-182 incidents, carnapping-170, homicide-54, and cattle rustling 44 incidents.

Col. Carlos also noted that the number of traffic-related incidents and damaged of property with 3,813 or 38 percent contributed much to the crime statistics, while the prevalent non-index crimes or the violation of special laws recorded 1,632 incidents or contributed 16 percent of the total crime volume.

Carlos also disclosed that the crime solution efficiency (CSE) in the province had increased to 4.25 percent and the crime clearance efficiency (CCE) to 4.13 percent.

CSE refers to the crimes solved with the suspects arrested while CCE means the suspects have been identified but not arrested.

In a checkpoint operation, for violating Comelec gun ban, Col Carlos said two persons have been arrested in Guihulngan City and Basay town.

For non-index crimes or offenses punishable under the Revised Penal Code and Special Laws such as enforcement on Republic Act 9165 or Anti-Illegal Drugs campaign, 304 drug personalities were arrested and 1,424.03 grams of shabu and 1,640.18 grams of marijuana confiscated with a total value of more than P16 million.

Under Republic Act (RA) 9287, or campaign against illegal gambling, the police force arrested 176 persons with total bet money confiscated at P112, 574.85.

For the campaign against loose firearms or RA 8294, PNP arrested 100 persons and recovered and confiscated 247 firearms.

Col. Carlos cited that Negros Oriental remains to be one of the most peaceful places in the region.

Meantime, 79th Infantry Battalion commander Col Harold Pascua of the Philippine Army will be replaced by Lt. Col. Roderick Garcia in a formal turn -over ceremony on Friday, Jan. 15 at Camp Leon Kilat,Tanjay City.

Col. Dionard Carlos, provincial director of the Philippine National Police (PNP) will also be transferred to Bacolod City effective Jan. 13.

Provincial administrator Atty. Richard Enojo extends his thanks in behalf of the province of Negros Oriental for both officers for their job well done in maintaining peace in the province. (mbcn/jct/ PIA7-Negros Oriental)

DEB partners with student leaders for May 2016 polls

BY JENNIFER C. TILOS DUMAGUETE CITY, Jan. 11 (PIA) – The Diocesan Electoral Board (DEB) has gathered over 60 student leaders from colleges and universities in Dumaguete City to empower them in making informed choices on election day in a voters’ education campaign.

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EB convenor, Msgr. Julius Perpetuo Heruela encouraged youth leaders to take active role in educating their peers or young voters to ensure a clean, honest, accurate, meaningful and peaceful (CHAMP) orderly election this May 9, 2016 national elections.

While political parties and local political leaders are now starting their campaign tactics to achieve electoral success, the student leaders are reminded to choose the next set of national and local executive and legislative leaders by voting with a conscience and not selling their votes.

Msgr. Heruela presented the LASER (Lifestyle, Action, Supporters, Election Conduct, and Reputation) test, a process of finding out the integrity of the political candidates, for student

leaders to carry out in their respective campuses.

Many still believe that elections in the Philippines could never go without vote buying, violence, oppression, thus, Engr. Fred Magallano of Brotherhood of Christian Businessmen and Professionals (BCBP) challenged the young leaders to be catalyst of change as ‗today‘s youth will be tomorrow‘s leader‘.

Magallano said the youths should be fully aware and conscious on some political pressing issues which include drug related-crimes, traffic, peace and order, and poverty that the candidates must address.

The student leaders are expected to conduct voters‘ education in their respective campuses with the DEB starting next month until the first week of

March.

Meantime to maximize the use of social media in educating the voters, the DEB has also activated its facebook page for the youth volunteers/ leaders to contribute in the information sharing in relation to this year's synchronized national and local elections.

The features and apps of DEB's FB page were presented to the youths by Peter Macabingquil.

This first of a series of DEB‘s voters‘ education campaign is represented by Colegio de Sta. Catalina de Alejandria, St. Paul University-Dumaguete, Silliman University, Foundation University, Negros Maritime College, STI College, ACSAT, AMA, and the Metro Dumaguete College. (mbcn/jct/PIA7 -Negros Oriental)

CENTRAL VISAYAS

Sinulog Festival

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Smart, InnoPub release handy guide to Sinulog 2016

By Rachelle M. Nessia

CEBU, Jan. 14 (PIA) --- There is now a handy way for Sinulog revelers to be updated with this year's Sinulog festivities, thanks to a digital guide that one can donwload right on the mobile phone.

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he 2016 Sinulog Guide is a handy guide to everything Sinulog - from from religious activities to festive parties.

The digital guide is made possible through the collaboration of mobile leader Smart Communications (Smart), Cebu-based new media startup InnoPub Media, and the Sinulog Foundation, Inc. ―With the Sinulog Guide app, revelers can plan their itinerary ahead of time so they can maximize their stay in Cebu during one of the country's most celebrated festivals,‖ said Smart Public Affairs Group Head Ramon Isberto.

Available for free download on Android and iOS devices, the guide provides a comprehensive resource on the Sinulog festival, including schedule of processions and novena masses, backgrounder on contingents, and information on the exciting line-up of activities and parties such as the Oh Ship!, Invasion Cebu, and LifeDance Cebu, which are all co-presented by Smart.

A section in the app provides timely updates on

the festival, from relevant Sinulog tips to information on street dancing contingents, as it draws near and until after the Grand Parade.

The app also includes listings on the top things to do, best places to dine at, and most popular pasalubong-shopping outlets in Cebu.

Top tourism attractions featured in the app contain GPS data and feature ―check location‖ links that, when tapped, use GPS to guide a tourist to a particular site.

A directory of Cebu establishments like restaurants and malls, consular offices, and emergency services such as hospitals and police stations are available in the Sinulog Guide.

It also has a full listing of tour guides and tour operators accredited by the Department of Tourism.

The app also now includes a "virtual concierge" feature that allows app users to send questions and inquiries. ―Sinulog Guide is a platform for information and services. With the new virtual concierge feature in the app, we hope to make it even more useful to

visitors – with help and additional information a bell tap away,‖ said InnoPub Media co-founder Max Limpag. ―Sinulog Guide is a useful resource that provides important information to our guests and visitors. It‘s all about Sinulog and how to make the most of it. It is all about Cebu, its culture and the places you can visit here. It‘s all about our celebration that never ends,‖ said Sinulog Foundation executive director Ricky Ballesteros.

"The development of tourism apps such as the Sinulog Guide app is part of Smart's nationwide Digital Tourism program, in partnership with InnoPub Media. Through this initiative, we hope to enhance the tourist experience by using mobile technology to deliver tourism, cultural, and historical information," Isberto concluded.

The initiative was given an Anvil Award of Merit in February 2013 and commended by the Cebu City Council, in a resolution passed on mass motion in January 2012, as an ―ingenious‖ way to deliver tourism information. (rmn/PIA7-Cebu/PR)

DENR-7 holds 2016 planning workshop

By Juju M. Empuerto CEBU CITY, Jan. 11 (PIA) -- To kick off the 2016 program implementation in Central Visayas, Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR-7) conducted a leveling-off activity and formulation of implementation plan workshop on January 8 at Cebu Grand Hotel, Cebu City.

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ccording to DENR-7 Officer-in-Charge-Chief Planning Management Division Dr. Eddie Llamedo, the one-day activity was led by DENR-7 Regional Director Dr. Isabelo Montejo.

It was attended by more than 40 participants including provincial and community environment and natural resources officers, division chiefs, and planning officers from DENR-7.

According to Montejo, the activity is conducted annually and is important in discussing implementation plan so that it will serve as a guide on the implementation process and ensure a successful year for Central Visayas.

The objectives included identifying various programs under the 2016 work and financial plan (WFP) and putting in the right and adequate budget for every priority program. ―We are doing this, so that we can start things right for 2016, our goal is to once again accomplish our targets by end of 2016 so we have to plan,‖ explained Montejo.

The activity will also serve as an opportunity to share successful strategies, present the positive points and things to be improved in implementing the various projects and programs of the department. ―It must be emphasized here that sound fiscal management must be exercised at all times

consistent with the good governance and transparency initiatives as espoused by DENR Secretary Ramon JP Paje,‖ Montejo added.

Aside from the leveling off of 2016 work and financial plan, the participants also formulated and updated forward estimates for the period 2017-2019 to serve as guide in budgeting and planning.

Meanwhile, a three-year framework on learning and development or training for the period 2016-2018 has been developed to enhance the capacity of the various DENR personnel in delivering their tasks and responsibilities. (rmn/jsme/PIA7-Cebu with DENR7 report)

Cocobot among tops picks at Bohol fablab ideas inventions

By Rey Anthony H. Chiu TAGBILARAN CITY, Jan. 9 (PIA) — A coco-bot and two more potential inventions were chosen as top products in the recently capped Bohol Ideas to Innovations (I2I) held at the Belian Hotel on January 8.

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ther than the coconut shell robot designed as an electronic tourist souvenir, judges including Bohol Information Communication Technology Council Chair Delilah Biliran, entrepreneur Roy Bayonas, Bohol DOST head Engr.

Marcial and Tanggaan and software developer Thomas Ridenour also picked Arduino equipped contraptions to drive away mayas from palay fields and a coral growth enhancer in the recently capped Final products pitching.

At the Final Pitching and Presentation of the Bohol Ideas to Innovation, from over 200 initial teamed participants crafting technology-based solutions to local problems, the seven trimmed inventions and their inventors each had ten minutes to present their products for judging.

An initial boot camp at the local fablab allowed these inventors craft technology and digital fabricated solutions to local problems like enhancing local tourism novelty souvenirs, ridding farms of pesky

mayas and enhancing the growth of corals which, on their natural environment, takes hundreds of years to grow.

After the opening of the Bohol i2i in July, succeeding boot camps, prototyping, co-creation and the eventual exhibition leading to the final products pitching happened, according to the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) here.

The first of its kind in Bohol, Bohol i2i is a program that promotes innovation and start-ups through digital fabrication in support of developing technology-based solutions to local problems, explained event master of ceremonies Blair Panong of DTI. All trained at the only one fablab in the country today, the innovators attempted to approach development of ideas into viable products using the hatchery of innovation laboratory here.

Since July, from over 200 boot camp participants who underwent the competitions stages,

seven teams made it to the final products pitching.

Shortlisted among the seven finalists are top winners Bantay Palay, an arduino-powered motion sensor that produces shrieking sounds to drive away the pesky mayas from ricefields; a coconut shell toy robot designed as tourism novelty product souvenir, and ACCRE coral growth booster which uses electricity to hasten coral growth in damaged reef areas.

Also making it to the finals are ePlete; GPS-based automatic fares collection system for buses and tricycles, i5 eGo, a tag-along solar power bank, eGen Light; an automatic sensor regulating light by adjusting brightness according to its need and Heat Laptop Charger; a system that attempts to use the laptop‘s heat into energy to repower the laptop and other electronic gadgets.

All finalists had 2D and 3D printing as well as Basic Arduino workshops at the fablab. (rmn/rac/ PIA-7/Bohol)

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EASTERN VISAYAS

Marine life congregates at artificial reefs in Padre Burgos

Kalibo Ati Ati--Atihan Festival

PADRE BURGOS, Southern Leyte, Jan. 14 (PIA) -- A recent assessment dive revealed that marine life congregation on artificial reefs has dramatically increased barely six months after 76 bamboo artificial reef modules were launched off Barangay Poblacion, this town.

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he project is a joint undertaking of Scaph Pro (Philippines) Oceanographic Research, a French NGO, the local government of Padre Burgos, with the provincial government of Southern Leyte providing technical support.

Mr. Jean Francois Marailhac, a French Oceanographer and Vice President of Scaph Pro, (Philippines) and its President Michael Levett, a dive operator in Padre Burgos, recently submitted a report to the Padre Burgos LGU detailing the number of species of

fishes, invertebrates and other marine organisms that have since congregated and colonized the artificial reefs.

The project is still on its first phase, and Scaph Pro Philippines intends to expand the artificial reef area to the adjacent barangay of Cantutang.

In the trunk line are several additional artificial reefs ready to launch as soon as logistic requirements are met in the next few weeks.

The group is targeting a total of 400

modules to cover the two coastal barangays of Cantutang and Poblacion.

In a related development, Gov. Roger Mercado recently donated bamboos to be made into additional artificial reef modules.

The materials are now ready for transport from the Governor‘s tree park in Brgy. Bogo, Maasin City, to the construction site in Sta. Sofia, Padre Burgos. (mmp/PIA8-Southern Leyte with a report from Rio Cahambing of the Governor‘s office)

Biliran prepares for EVRAA 2017 hosting Rodrigo S. Victoria NAVAL, Biliran, Jan. 9 (PIA) – Although it is still approximately one year before the annual regional sports event in Eastern Visayas, the key officials of Biliran province, the host of Eastern Visayas Regional Athletic Association (EVRAA) Meet in January, 2017 and the Department of Education (DepEd), Division of Biliran are already in the thick of preparations.

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The personnel of the Biliran provincial engineering office have already surveyed the other day (January 7) the present conditions of the facilities of the Biliran Sports Complex including the Olympic-size swimming pool located in Barangay Larrazabal, this town,‖ Francisco L. Bayon-on, Jr., division sports coordinator of DepEd-Biliran revealed in an interview.

Bayon-on reported that the track oval of the Biliran Sports Complex will most likely be rehabilitated with options to have it rubberized or improved into its useful state depending on the availability of funds.

He added that more bleachers will be constructed in the sports complex, full rehabilitation of the Olympic-size swimming pool and total rehabilitation of the sports complex are in the list of top priorities in the preparations, one year before the holding of the annual sports event in the province, Bayon-on further said. ―We also include among the priority

plan, the billeting of the participating delegations of the 13 DepEd division delegations composed of 10,000 individuals not to include the guests and visitors,‖ he emphasized.

He said that they have already identified 14 schools with 20 classrooms each in the towns of Naval and Almeria that can accommodate such big numbers that will come and stay for a week in Biliran province.

DepEd-Biliran will also coordinate with the local officials of the different local government units in Biliran province and other concerned government agencies especially in Naval and Almeria towns as to the preparations of the EVRAA Meet to attain peaceful, orderly and successful conduct of the sports event in the province, he said.

Bayonon added that DepEd-Division of Biliran will also conduct training of its personnel in officiating and coaching as this is a vital component in the successful conduct of the annual sports event.

A series of convergence meetings with LGUs, concerned government agencies and other stakeholders will be conducted starting this month onwards to achieve a smooth holding of the event.

DepEd-Biliran and the provincial officials will attend the 2016 EVRAA Meet in Ormoc City on January 31 to February 6, 2016 for the purpose of benchmarking and apply the things they actually observe during the weeklong sports event. The observations will also be applied in the preparations of Biliran‘s hosting of the event, he added.

For his part, Biliran Governor Gerardo J. Espina, Jr. said in an earlier interview in his office that he is now setting his top priority, this early, in the preparations of the hosting of Biliran province of EVRAA Meet in 2017.

It may be recalled that Biliran province has already hosted this big event in the Eastern Visayas region, some 22 years ago during the time of former Governor Wayne M. Jaro. (fj/PIA 8 Biliran)

Help is coming to Samar fisherfolks Ninfa B. Quirante CATBALOGAN CITY, Samar, Jan. 7 (PIA) --- Help is coming for the poor fisherfolks in the province of Samar.

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his will be done through the FISH CORAL Project or Fisheries, Coastal Resources and Livelihood Project which will be launched in Samar on January 19, said BFAR Officer Rolando Ay-ay in an interview.

The project aims to help marginalized fisherfolks in region 5, 8, 13 and ARMM in Mindanao and to include 11 target bays/gulfs like Leyte Gulf, Matarinao bay, Maqueda bay

and Silago/ Cabalian bay in Region 8.

The project, worth as much as $43.739 million also aims to develop the economies of the covered areas and make them sustainable through the rehabilitation and conservation of the coastal resources.

To ensure the sustainability of the project, BFAR will be working closely with the local government units, DA-ATI, DOLE, DOST and

the DSWD. The rationale for investing in the fisheries sector is very strong, fishing communities are sources of livelihoods.

The population as a whole depends on fisheries as the major source of dietary protein and for the national economy as a major source of foreign exchange earnings, according to a BFAR report on the project.

(PIA-8-Samar)

EASTERN VISAYAS

Sinulog Festival

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DPWH-SLDEO upgrades Southern Leyte’s 37.92 kilometers of roads, bridges in 2015

MAASIN CITY, Southern Leyte, Jan. 14 (PIA) – About 37.92 kilometers of national highways and bridges have been constructed, upgraded and rehabilitatedin the province by the Department of Public Works and Highways Southern Leyte District Engineering Office (DPWH-SLDEO) last year.

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n 2015, the central government has invested P658.44 million from its regular budget to improve the conditions of major thoroughfares in Southern Leyte, aimed at creating better economic opportunities, District Engineer Ma. Margarita C. Junia informed.

Of the P658.44 million outlay, P137.61 million was used for paving, rehabilitation, preventive maintenance, and construction of 29.38 kilometers of road; P409 million for replacement, rehabilitation, and construction of 38 bridges with a combined length of 1,394 meters; and P11.81 million for concreting of 8.53 kilometers of local roads.

―For 2015, a big chunk of our budget was spent for construction, rehabilitation, and strengthening of bridges all over the province,‖ Junia stated. ―Latest engineering techniques were applied as most bridges were built 40 years ago and are no longer structurally able to withstand the loads of the newer and heavier vehicles,‖ she added.

Among the major projects are Otikon Bridge rehabilitation, Dampoy Bridge upgrading, access road construction to Napantao Dive site, Agas-Agas Bridge rehabilitation of piers and abutment protection, Das-ay flood control, and Subangdaku flood control.

Other projects funded through regular budget are water supply systems, national buildings, hospital and health facilities, market and slaughterhouses, and other public infrastructure with a consolidated cost of P8.91 million.

It was learned that the province has 293.34 kilometers of national roads with 270.31 kilometers are paved, 17 .09 kilometers with asphalt overlay, and 5.93 kilometers gravel road.

Aside from road network, under the watch of the district engineering office are the 156 bridges with a total length of 5.59 kilometers. (w/reports from DPWH-SLDEO/ PIA8-SoLeyte)

INGOs to distribute free prosthetic hands in Tacloban Neil D. Lopido TACLOBAN CITY, Leyte, Jan. 14 (PIA) – Two international non-government organizations – LN-4 Foundation and Kiwanis International – will be distributing prosthetic hands for free to qualified amputees at the Divine Word Hospital (tentative venue) this city on February 12, the Tacloban-leg event coordinator said.

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n an interview with the Philippine Information Agency, businessman Ronnie Ramirez, owner of Joebz Tacloban said that they are looking for some 40-50 amputees with residual limb that extends at least 10 cm from the elbow or 14 cm from the armpit so the prosthetic hand will fit in. ―We are encouraging our fellow Taclobanons and Eastern Visayans who have this particular disability to avail of this rare opportunity as one prosthetic hand costs more or less P300,000,‖ Ramirez said.

He added that the Foundation and their sponsors produced this artificial hand at a minimal cost as they endeavor to ―give hope – give hand by providing functional prosthetic hands at no cost at all to recipients.‖ ―The arm extension has three stationary/ fixed fingers and two latches where an amputee could be able to hold a pen and write again, hold

a glass with handle, comb hair and other similar light activities,‖ he said.

Ramirez further said that anyone may avail of this including children who are at least seven years old, without wound or pain being felt in said part of the body.

However, six year-old children may also qualify for as long as they can already control the use of the prosthetic hand.

Shown in a video documentary of one of its projects in the country that a recipient-amputee could easily put on and take off the prosthetic hand in seconds and learn how to use in less than 10 minutes.

Ramirez‘s group, who volunteered services for this charitable activity in their personal capacity, is also encouraging the public to help disseminate this information to fill in the slots, the earlier the better. ―We are also tapping the regional office of

the Department of Social Welfare and Develop men t t o l ook for possibl e recipients to come up on time with at least 40 so the sponsors will be able to prepare the prosthetic hands,‖ he added.

The INGOs will also conduct the same activity for free in Lavezares, Northern Samar on February 10-11 and in Ormoc City on February 13 for another 100 and 50 recipients, respectively.

Application forms are available at Joebz Tacloban,Salazar St., Tacloban City or one may text or call Mr. Ramirez at is cellphone number 09173254343.

The Tacloban-leg prosthetic hand free distribution of LN-4 Foundation and Kiwanis International is also in partnership with the Tacloban City Police Office and the Philippine Information Agency 8. (aen/PIA-8)

Catbalogan implements anti-smoking law in 2016 Ninfa B. Quirante CATBALOGAN CITY, Samar, Jan. 8 (PIA) — Aware of the dangers and ills that smoking brings to both smokers and non smokers, the Catbalogan City health Office will implement anti smoking ordinance this year.

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n an announcement post written in the Samarnon language, the message on the ill effects of smoking are enumerated.

A 30-day massive information campaign was started to reach the public, not only Catbaloganons but all people visiting the city.

The law prohibits, among others, smoking

in closed places where there is no ventilation, as in offices, schools, in vehicles, restaurants, churches. Smoking is not also allowed in parks, cockpits, alleys where people converge and pass through, including public markets.

It also prohibits sell of cigarettes in

schools, playgrounds and places where there are minors.

The same prohibition is implemented in transportation terminals, gas stations and other areas where flammable materials are stored. (nbq/PIA 8-Samar with reports from Bantay-Probinsya)

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