One Visayas e-Newsletter Vol 6 Issue 4

Vol 6

Issue 4

In this Issue WESTERN VISAYAS

Tribu Salognon of Jaro National High School emerged as the champion of this year’s Dinagyang Ati-Tribe competition. Tribu Salognon bagged home P200,000.00 and trophy.

More on Region 6, pages 2-3.

Also CLICK Here…

CENTRAL VISAYAS

Mr. Julian Payne (far right), president of the Canadian Chamber of Commerce of the Philippines, discusses investments and immigration issues and updates with Cebu press during a media briefing held today at Cebu Marriott Hotel. PIA Cebu coordinated the media briefing. (Rmn)

More on Region 7, pages 4-5.

Also CLICK Here…

EASTERN VISAYAS

Dydm/Dysl kapihan sa PIA with Provincial Agriculturist Marina Gador and Rice Technician Nerio Lanugan. Major agri programs of the province are discussed. (mmp)

More on Region 8, pages 6-7.

Also CLICK Here...

January 25 - 31, 2016

Published by: PIA 6, 7 & 8

KALSADA program to boost growth of LGUs Leonard T. Pineda I ILOILO CITY, January 26 (PIA) --- The Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) said that the national project dubbed Konkreto at Ayos na Lansangan at Daan Tungo sa Pangkalahatang Kaunlaran (KALSADA) Program will help enhance economic activities among local government units and contribute to national growth.

In his recent visit to Iloilo City, DPWH Secretary Rogelio Singson said that the KALSADA program is the biggest nationally-funded project with allocation of P6.5-billion for performance-based local road projects across 73 provinces in the country.

“The KALSADA program was launched this year under Department of Budget and Management(DBM), Department of the Interior and Local Government(DILG) and DPWH to help local government units improve their local roads,” he said.

The program comprised 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.

“This will come up with an honest to goodness baseline data; ilang kilometro ba talaga ang city roads ninyo; ilang kilometro ba talaga ang provincial roads ninyo; at ano ba talaga ang kundisyon ng mga kalye na yan,” he said.

Singson expressed the agency’s commitments to improve quality and safety of national roads and bridges and increase investment in infrastructure from less than 2 percent of Gross Domestic Product (GDP) in 2010 to 5 percent of GDP by 2016.

He said that there is a need to put significant emphasis on infrastructure development so that the economic growth particularly outside Metro Manila is continuous.

“For all these years, prior to the Aquino administration, NCR always got the biggest share of the budget. But since three to four years ago, we have moved out our budget outside of NCR,” he said.

He added that the public can expect more infrastructure projects such as national roads and bridges to be implemented in the provinces including Iloilo that will help improve connectivity of people, services, and goods. (JCM/LTP/PIA-Iloilo)

Abaya leads ceremonial concrete pouring for Cebu airport terminal 2 Fayette C. Riñen CEBU, January 23 (PIA) -- Transportation Secretary Joseph Emilio Abaya led the ceremonial concrete pouring for the P17.5 billion passenger terminal building II of the Mactan Cebu International Airport (MCIA) at the old site of the Philippine Air Force base in Lapulapu City yesterday.

Abaya said the activity signifies the completion of the government’s task under the public-private partnership (PPP) project as it shifts its role to being a regulator once the terminal is completed.

“The PPP is best exemplified and explained by showcasing the Mactan Cebu airport rather than go into technicalities. We should push for PPP projects,” said Abaya during a short program that followed the activity.

“Efficient transportation is a basic human right and supports major drivers of economic growth especially in the areas of tourism and agriculture,” stressed the transportation secretary.

Louie Ferrer, president of the GMR-Megawide Cebu Airport Corp. (GMCAC) that is undertaking the terminal project, bared that the facility occupies over 65,000 sq. m. and is expected to be finished by February of 2018.

The expansion will increase passenger capacity to 12 million

annually from the current 4.5 million, he further said.

“This is actually the first PPP airport project. With this, we are building history,” said Ferrer.

This year alone, four new international flights will open from Cebu to Los Angeles, USA, Dubai via Clark, Taipei and Xiamen, said GMCAC Chief Executive Advisor Andrew Harrison strengthening the company’s goal of promoting Cebu as a regional hub to the rest of the world.

“The opening for additional flights this year will create more trade and employment opportunities for Cebu,” said Harrison while the construction of the terminal project within the next two years will generate around 3,000 jobs.

Abaya said once the world-class terminal II is completed, he expects the MCIA to rise and become the best airport in the region from its current rank of 18th best airport in Asia.

Meanwhile, Abaya said five new regional airports will soon be bidded out under the PPP structure.

These airports with an estimated cost of P106 billion are located in Panglao, Bohol; Bacolod; Iloilo; Davao; and in Laguindingan, Cagayan de Oro. Seven well-known bidders are set to participate in the bidding of these five PPP regional airport projects, said Abaya. (rmn/ fcr/PIA7)

DSWD-8 honors 14 ‗Bayani Ka‘ awardees Consuelo B. Alarcon TACLOBAN CITY, Leyte, Jan.27 (PIA) – A new breed of Filipinos who are willing to go beyond themselves to support their communities were given recognition Monday by the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) Regional Office 8 during the “Bayani Ka” Awarding at Robinsons Place, this city.

The awarding ceremony is one of the highlights of the agency’s 65th founding anniversary this month.

The awardees, who came from various places in Eastern Visayas are the people who, without being paid for their involvement in the KALAHI-CIDSS gave their time, talent, skills and even their own resources just to help their communities rise from poverty.

DSWD newly-assumed regional director Restituto Macuto said the Search for “Bayani Ka Awards” is a way of recognizing the silent act of ordinary citizens and partners who volunteered to do good for the communities.

“This is a simple celebration of the heroic contribution of individuals and partners of the agency in bringing change and development to the lives of those less privileged communities,” Macuto said.

Fourteen individuals, partners and local government units were awarded in said occasion.

The following are the awardees: Bernie Laurente of Brgy. San Roque, Tanauan, Leyte; Miguela Icasama of Brgy. Odiong, Javier, Leyte; Narra Jean Pacoma of Brgy. Poblacion I, San Sebastian Samar; Brgy. Holy Child I Alang-Alang, Leyte; Brgy. Pawa, Burauen, Leyte; Lilia T. Patanao as Bayani Ka awardee for gender; Jessibel Halayahay

as Bayani Ka awardee for volunteerism; Primo Palomo-Bayani ka awardee for senior citizen volunteer; Julie R. Pascual and Brgy.

Buaya, Abuyog, Leyte as Bayani ka awardees for Disaster Risk Reduction and Management.

Meanwhile, the local government unit of Laoang, Northern Samar won as the Bayani Ka LGU awardee for Improved local governance.

LGU-Laoang also won the National Bayani Ka! LGU Award for Improved Local Governance besting other municipalities from 15 regions implementing Kalahi-CIDSS all over the country.

Other regional awardees are: Ellen A. Nario as Bayani Ka awardee for community volunteer; Brgy. Chairman Allan Seco of Brgy. Balite San Isidro Northern Samar as Bayani Ka Awardee for Brgy. Local Chief Executive Category and Laoang Mayor Madeliene Mendoza Ong as Bayani Ka Awardee for Municipal Local Chief Executive Category.

Through the leadership of the mayor, LGU Laoang has developed and institutionalized the framework of the municipal implementation plan of Kalahi-CIDSS through a municipal ordinance creating the community-driven development center under the office of the mayor.

With the KALAHI-CIDSS, or the community-driven development approach, every member of the community is very important. Through this, more active community volunteers, participants and partners will be inspired to do heroic acts for the success of the different projects that will be helpful in the attainment of growth and progress in the modest communities especially in region 8. (ajc/PIA-8)

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WESTERN VISAYAS

Biz tax in San Jose up by 25 % Iloilo Dinagyang Festival

Pilar S. Mabaquiao

San Jose, Antique (PIA). The operation of the Business One Stop Shop (BOSS) of San Jose de Buenavista, Antique generated a quantum leap of 25 per cent in its business tax collection in the early part of 2016 as compared to the same month last year.

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s recorded, the total collection reached the sum of Php 18,898,440.08 from a total of 45 new applicants and 1,323 renewed business permits issued covering the period January 4 to 20, 2016 much higher compared to the last year’s collection of P15,094,490.50, said Information Officer Zairyl Len Pacheco.

The total collection of business permit in 2015 was Php27,902,176.09.

By operation of law, the Municipal Mayors are given the sole authority to issue business permits and as provided for in the Local Government Code of 1991.

The mandate opened an avenue for the LGU San Jose to be more responsive to the needs of the business sector.

For the past years, LGU San Jose has opened a BOSS at the municipal hall supported by various agencies of government thus making business registration accessible. To date, queuing machine is in place as an innovation for procedural flows in application.

To recall, 1n 2008, LGU San Jose executed an agreement with the GTZ in partnership with

the Department of Trade and Industry focused on Simplifying Business Permit and Licensing Process.

The arrangements responded to the regulatory functions of the LGU to register businesses. The common aim is to ensure that businesses meet certain standards for public safety and public health and perform in a way consistent with the legal and policy guidelines of the locality.

Beyond regulation, business registration also provides the municipality with an added source of revenue and it provided strategic tool in creating an enabling environment for businesses and investment and opportunities for investments.

The streamlining of business registration for San Jose is fully supported by the DILG as it introduced the Business Permitting and Licensing System Up-scaling process.

This innovation significantly complements the capacity of the LGU to improve its system and efforts for business licensing and permitting procedures.

In CY 2012, the Asian Development Bank (ADB) shortlisted San Jose from among the LGUs

nationwide to take part in the Revenue Generation and Land Administration (REGALA) Program knowing the in-house capabilities of its local functionaries and the innovations it has initiated for Business Permitting and Licensing System (BPLS).

REGALA aims to increase efficiency and capacity of the LGU to spend for the delivery of basic services thru locally generated revenues. To date, the system is in place, computerized with easy application. This has also paved the way to a tremendous increase in local revenues for San Jose de Buenavista.

Mayor Rony Molina said the healthy working atmosphere of the Department Heads and employees involved, triggers positive operation of the BOSS and the successful system of the BPLO. He added, we are doing our best to make business transaction easy through a more accessible business permit system and making business sector part of the undertakings in making San Jose a highly urbanized capital town of Antique. (JCM/LGU San Jose/PIA6 Antique)

MSMEs service facilities get 17M funding Elsa Subong ILOILO CITY, Jan. 29(PIA) — The Department of Trade and Industry-6 said that government has poured in some P17-million for the shared service facilities (SSF) to support micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs) in Western Visayas.

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The DTI is focused on assisting the MSMEs in the promotion of their products and services,” DTI-6 OIC Director Rebecca Rascon said in a press release.

She added that additional SSFs are already lined up to be established this year.

The SSF is a major component of the DTI’s MSME Development Program, aimed at improving the competitiveness of the MSMEs through machinery, eauipment, tools and other auxiliary items, skills and knowledge under a shared system. DTI-6 Information Officer David Sinay said as of December 31, 2015,

there were already 52 SSFs in the region totalling P17,014,880.18.

In Iloilo, the DTI has already established 13 SSFs amounting to P6,948,535.

“The SSFs included food processing, furniture and furnishings, packaging and labelling, garment, coco fiber production, abaca stripping and business resource centers,” Sinay said.

In Capiz the DTI has put up seven facilities costing P2,924,889, while in Antique DTI has put up facilities costing P1,177,448.

In Aklan,23 SSFs were established with an amount of P1,328, 580.18, and in Negros, four

SSFs were put up with an amount of P1,735,058.

Henry Tampani, DTI VI Senior Trade and Industry Specialist, said the program is designed to help MSMEs gain access to machinery and facilities that require huge capital, so that they can compete with other industries.

“MSMEs availing of the facilities have to pay a minimal fee for maintenance,” Tampani said.

He further said that DTI has partnered with some “co-operators” to help manage the SSfs. (JCM/ESS/PIA-Iloilo)

Affordable Aklan made souvenirs soon available Sheila Patoza KALIBO, AKLAN, Jan. 28 (PIA) – Kalibo will soon have locally made souvenir items to offer to its visitors and guests.

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ourism Operations Officer of Local Government Unit of Kalibo, Rhea Rose Meren said that a three-day training on crafts making that will focus on souvenir making will be conducted in Kalibo this first quarter of the year in partnership with the Municipal Social Welfare and Development.

“Kalibo as of this time has a little souvenir items that could be offer to our visitors and guests, or quite expensive like that of the “nito” and pina fiber made products ,” Meren said. ”With this training, we could able to add our souvenir items that are originally and locally made

here in Aklan, and this time, will be small and affordable items,” she added.

Some of the souvenir-making that will be included in the training are miniature of the Tigayon Hill and Caves and Bakawan Eco-park, Ati -atihan items, key chains, and small items made from pina fiber and other materials that can be found in Kalibo.

The LGU-Kalibo, according to Meren, will put up a souvenir shop in Tigayon Hill and Caves and identify stores to showcase the products to help sustainably the beneficiaries in selling the items.

Meanwhile, Lolly Espino, MSWD Officer of LGU-Kalibo said that there will be 33 participants in the three-day training coming from the different barangays of Kalibo.

“The participants of the training will come from the out of school youth, housewives, artists, and other unemployed Kalibonhons, helping them to generate income,” Espino said.

The training will be funded by DSWD under the Sustainable Livelihood Program (SLP), which will cover the registration fees, meals and transportation allowance, and starter kits for the participants. (JCM/SQP/PIA6)

WESTERN VISAYAS

Sinulog Festival

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DAR's dialogue with beneficiaries end rally By: Elsa S. Subong

NEGROS OCCIDENTAL, Jan. 26 (PIA6) -- A three-day rally to voice out concerns and needs of farmer-beneficiaries in southern Negros ended in a dialogue with the Department of Agrarian Reform.

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rovincial Agrarian Reform Program Officer II Lucrecia Taberna talked with the farmer-beneficiaries on their clamor for the implementation of the Comprehensive Agrarian Reform Program.

These farmers came from Kabankalan, Binalbagan, La Castellana, Himamaylan, and Bago who camped outside the DAR-South office in Bacolod City, also in commemoration of the Mendiola Massacre on January 22.

Some of the issues discussed during the dialogue were the prolonged agony of the farmers to own a parcel of land under the

implementation of CARP, expedite the distribution of land under their names, survey of their areas, among others.

DAR through its representative, Civil Society Organization (CSO) Point Person Domingo Gatmaitan assured the farmers that the department is already doing its part to distribute those remaining lots which already have Notices of Coverage (NOCs).

Gatmaitan assured the farmers that they are always centered on DAR mission which is to lead in the implementation of agrarian reform and sustainable rural

development in the country through land tenure improvement and the provision of integrated development services to landless farmers, farm workers, small landowners-cultivators, and the delivery of agrarian justice.

Both parties agreed to conduct a regular dialogue in every district or municipality inorder to maintain harmonious relationship of the department and its beneficiaries and to avoid further conduct of rallies and demonstrations from the group of farmers.* (JCM/EAD-PIA6/DAR Negros Occidental)

Fully rehabilitated NFA warehouse ready for use Jemin Guillermo ROXAS CITY, Capiz, Jan. 25 (PIA) – The government grains warehouse in Capiz is now ready for operation

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FA Administrator Renan Dalisay and Capiz Governor Victor Tanco led the inauguration ceremonies of the Bolo Warehouse B based at the NFA Provincial Office compound, Jan. 21.

The rehabilitation of the said warehouse was made possible through the budget of the NFA and the P8-million fund assistance from the United Nations-World Food Programme (UN-WFP).

The grains facility, with insulated roofing and LED lightings, has been designed to resist a wind load capacity of 350-kilometer per hour and an intensity 8 earthquake.

The NFA provincial office compound in Roxas City houses three grains warehouses, which can accommodate a total of 275,000 bags of rice.

In his message, Dalisay said that the

warehouse symbolizes the strength and unity of the agency’s men and women with the stakeholders whose primary commitment is to ensure food security.

He also said that the agency is also working in order that the more than 100-million Filipinos will have available and accessible food and that the Philippines will be a hungry-free country.

For his part, Capiz Governor Victor Tanco commended the NFA for always being there especially in times of disasters and calamities.

Tanco said that aside from the national government agencies, international organizations, non-government organizations and other groups, it is the Capiceños themselves that worked hard for fast recovery and stand strong after Yolanda.

He said that typhoon Yolanda’s wrath ruined many infrastructures but the devastation could eventually be forgotten with the very fast recovery and progress in Capiz.

On the other hand, NFA Capiz Provincial Manager Benilda Fidel reassured Capiceños of their commitment towards the delivery of effective and efficient public service despite the odds that may come along the way such as the destruction of physical and material possession brought by calamities.

Also in attendance during the event here were NFA Region 6 Director Bernardo Asetre, Assistant Regional Gil Ibarra, NFA provincial managers in Western Visayas, National Grains Retailers Confederation President Jaime Magbanua and other stakeholders. (JCM/JBG/PIA6)

LTFRB: Old jeepneys emit more toxic substances Leonard T. Pineda I ILOILO CITY, January 28 (PIA) --- Public utility vehicles that are at least 15 years old may emit more toxic substances in the air, according to the Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB)-6.

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tty. Jose Mari Lamparero, LTFRB-6 legal counsel, said that DOTC (Department of Transportation and Communication) is still planning the phasing out of old and dilapidated jeepneys to lessen the harmful emissions from these vehicles.

“Smoke emissions from these jeepneys contribute 20 percent to harmful emissions,” he said.

However, Lamparero clarified that the phase out will be implemented gradually.

“For 2016, it will be voluntary as based on

the certificate of registration; for 2017, rules will be created regarding this policy; and 2018 it will be mandatory unless there will be changes in the plan of DOTC,” he explained.

He said that the phasing out of public utility vehicles older than 15 years is in line with modernization plans of the transport-related government agencies.

Meanwhile, the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) issued Administrative Order (AO) 2015-14, signed

by Secretary Ramon Paje, which required oil

companies to ensure the availability of Euro 4 fuels by July 1, 2015.

As stipulated in the AO, all new vehicles to be used and introduced in the market in 2016 should comply with Euro 4 emission standards.

DENR said the implementation of vehicle emission limits was consistent with Republic Act 8749, or the Philippine Clean Air Act of 1999.

Euro 4 fuels contain less sulfur content than Euro 2, and emit less harmful substances in the air. (LTP/PIA-Iloilo).

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CENTRAL VISAYAS

DOH-7 allots P1M to conduct study on autism in CV

Iloilo Dinagyang Festival

Hazel F. Gloria CEBU CITY, Jan. 23 (PIA) – Department of Health (DOH-7) has allotted P1-million to fund the ongoing study on the prevalence of autism in Central Visayas.

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r. Josie Ann Danes, Medical Officer IV of DOH-7, explained that the study is a big help for them to gather data on the incidence of Autism Spectrum Disorder among children aged 18 to 36 months.

Twelve (12) barangays in CV are now under this study with 2 in Bohol, 7 in Cebu and 3 in Negros Oriental.

“There were 5,272 children screened and 24 of them tested positive for autism. Those who tested positive will be brought to pediatrician for further diagnosis,” said Danes.

She added that they are now in the final phase of the study and hopes to finish it within

this year.

Autism s a lifelong developmental disability that affects how a person communicates with and relates to other people, and how they experience the world around them.

Danes said the characteristic behaviors of autism spectrum disorder may be apparent in infancy from 18 to 24 months but they usually become clearer during early childhood from 24 months to 6 years.

There is no known single cause for autism spectrum disorder, but it is generally accepted that it is caused by abnormalities in brain structure or function.

Children affected with autism does not babble by 12 months, does not say single words by 16 months, repeat gesture, and does not say two-word phrases on his or her own by 24 months.

Jane Michelle Ediza, Senior Health Program Officer of DOH-7, said autism disorder can be prevented if the parents will have an early check-up for their children.

An increased advocacy and early intervention will make children with autism functional in their lives, said Ediza. The study is funded by DOH-7 with the National Children’s Hospital, Philippine Council for Health Research (PCHR).(rmn/hfg/PIA-7/AGIO-7)

BFP Tagbilaran requests for 2 firetrucks Rey Anthony H. Chiu TAGBILARAN CITY, January 26 (PIA) — The Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP) in Tagbilaran City requested for the purchase of at least two units of 1000 gallons capacity fire truck.

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ity Fire Marshal Fire Senior Inspector Raul Bustalino said they are eyeing the Local Disaster Risk Reduction Management Funds as source, noting that their disaster response capability is hampered due to logistics problems.

Moreover, Inspector Bustalino added that they also need help in the re-establishment of now defunct Tagbilaran City Emergency Medical and Rescue Operation Team (TCEMROT) as well as the procurement of basic rescue and first aid (medical kits).

As a member of the CDRRMC, Tagbilaran City Fire Station is the agency task to lead on the response and rescue and engineering activities in times of national disaster and other related emergencies such as evacuation, search and rescue, provide first aid and medical

services, he said.

At the joint City Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council Meeting with the City Peace and Order Council (CPOC), Fire Senior Inspector Raul Bustalino stressed that the firefighter to population ratio in Tagbilaran is already is 1:2687 against an ideal 1:2000, their logistics is similarly wanting.

Bustalino said that during fire emergency, they only have the six serviceable firetrucks to use.

“Tagbilaran City Fire Station fire trucks were purchased in 1950s, thus majority of them now are in poor condition,” he said.

“In fact, only three fire trucks are serviceable at present. Being one of the response teams in terms of emergency, it is necessary to have a well-equipped and in good

working condition firefighting equipment,” the city fire chief added.

Of the six fire assets they are using for disaster response, only five of them have water tanks; the other one is a boom truck that allows firemen to scale buildings in high rise fire responses.

One more fire truck, Engine Number 2, Isuzu RA 61 is serviceable but is already set for repair, according to the city fire marshal.

Two city fire trucks, Engine 5 Mitsubishi tanker and Engine 11 Nissan Condor, are now under repair.

Engine 10 Land Cruiser, Engine 4 Anos Mini Fire truck, Engine 7 Isuzu VS, and Mazda Ambulance are all unserviceable and are beyond economic repair, Bustalino said. (rmn/ rac/PIA-7/Bohol)

IEC seen to inculcate values useful in Philippine issues Ferliza Calizar-Contratista CEBU CITY, January 26 (PIA) – Catholic church officials are hopeful that the holding of the International Eucharistic Congress (IEC) in Cebu translates into applied values in the Philippine society.

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ebu Archbishop Jose Palma, in yesterday's press briefing at the IEC Pavilion, said they remain positive that the learnings and realizations that will be shared from the congress will eventually be made visible in the various issues faced by the Filipinos.

Understanding the Eucharist means the intent to transform, he said.

“It is transformative, so this would mean values such as equality, peace and honesty, patience will be practiced by public, leaders and the people,” Palma said.

Citing the Mamasapano incident which happened exactly a year ago,

Palma said they continue to hope for justice and healing for the families.

The IEC is also seen to influence the lay positively which will extend into the conduct and participation of the May elections.

“I believe in the grace of the event. Walking towards the direction of hope means doing something and not just sitting down,” Palma said.

Italian Archbishop Peirro Marini said the Eucharist is the identity of Christ.

“In the Congress, the participants are hoped to have inculcated what they learn

from the liturgy or it will be nothing," Marini said.

The second day of the IEC centered on being hopeful and the pastoral role of women in the Church.

The Papal Envoy led by Papal Legate Charles Maung Cardinal Bo will be treated today to a performance by the world renowned dancing inmates of the Cebu Provincial Detention and Rehabilitation Center (CPDRC).

There are 72 participating countries in the EIC with over 200 bishops present.

It was in 1937 when the Philippines first hosted the IEC. (rmn/fcc/PIA7-Cebu)

CENTRAL VISAYAS

Sinulog Festival

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Cebu's P500k investment leads to P12M drug haul Ferliza Calizar-Contratista

CEBU CITY, January 26 (PIA) – Cebu provincial government's half a million investment on weeklong operations resulted to a drug haul of P12 million.

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he “Oplan Limpyo Probinsya” of the Cebu City Police Office (CPPO) supported by the Cebu Provincial Anti Drug Abuse Council (CPADAC) presented recently the results of OPLAN Limpyo Probinsya which was implemented for a week from January 12 to 18 this year.

Cebu Governor Hilario Davide III said the province, through CPADAC, allotted P500,000 in the conduct of “Limpyo Probinsya”.

CPADAC is giving financial support to the police to intensify the drug campaign and the recent operations netted the biggest haul so far.

In said period, CPPO and its operatives were able to conduct 59 operations, majority

of which were enforced through a search warrant.

In terms of confiscated shabu, they were able to haul 1.059 grams which has a street value of P12,500,220.

The biggest haul from among the local government police stations was conducted by Carcar City with over 90 grams of shabu worth P1.071 million.

The City of Danao followed with 66.9 grams of shabu and a value of P855,000.

Top three are Consolacion town with a haul of P716,260 from 59 grams shabu, followed by Balamban town with P239,540 from 10.20 grams, and Argao town with P232,460 worth from 19.70 grams shabu.

Provincial Intelligence Branch CPPO teams hauled the biggest with a total of P4.7 million drug haul.

There were also 17 different firearms confiscated from 128 suspects arrested.

Among the suspects were a public school teacher from San Francisco Camotes Island and a dismiised policeman from Minglanilla town.

On the other hand, ten police stations are under watch for being unable to comply with the required operations.

“Oplan Limpyo Probinsya” is conducted every three months.

It was enforced following reports that Central Visayas ranked fourth in the drug trade in the country last year. (rmn/fcc/PIA7-Cebu)

New NegOr police chief calls for unity, solidarity Leandria P. Pagunsan DUMAGUETE CITY, January 23 (PIA) — Newly installed Officer-in-Charge /Provincial Director of Negros Oriental Provincial Police Office, P/SSupt. Harris Fama acknowledge that he faces a big challenge as the new provincial director here with only four months away from the May 9, 2016 election.

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e stands firm in his motto of unity and solidarity being the best and effective solution in addressing criminality with the support of community, media, and stakeholders.

In a recent Kapihan sa PIA, Fama disclosed that Negros Oriental is one of the six provinces included in the election watch list together with Masbate, Maguindanao, Lanao del Sur, Pangasinan and Samar provinces.

The six identified provinces under said list

was based on intelligence reports of violence in the conduct of previous elections in the area and a case of intense political rivalry with validated reports from Philippine National Police (PNP), Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP), and Comelec.

Rama also informed that one of his best practices in anti-criminality campaign is through text blast which he said is effective in disseminating information for the media and the community to establish direct contact with PNP.

This, he said, is a way to easily get support from people in solving crimes.

In February, two agents from the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) will arrive in Dumaguete City to conduct a two-day training for police investigators and intelligence officers to further enhance their capability in the field of investigation and intelligence operation.

With the gun ban taking effect now, PNP and Comelec will establish check points in various places in the province and city. (rmn/ lpp/PIA7/Negros Oriental)

NegOr identified as EWAS for May 2016 Jennifer C. Tilos NEGROS ORIENTAL, Jan. 25 (PIA) – The Philippine National Police here has confirmed that Negros Oriental is included as one of the provinces in the country under the election watch list or ‗area of concern‘ for the May 2016 polls.

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owever, Negros Oriental Provincial Police Office (NOPPO) OIC-PD Police Sr. Supt. Harris Fama, in a Kapihan forum, pointed out that being in the list "does not necessarily mean that an area is a hot spot or a high risk area."

The newly installed police director said “EWAS or election watch-list areas means the province may have recorded incidents in the previous elections that involved violent and intense political rivalry.”

Col. Fama said this is a challenged for his leadership to monitor and secure related election activities and any threats to life of a candidate.

With the activation of the Provincial Joint Security Coordinating Center (PJSCC) composed of the Comelec, PNP and AFP, the implementation of gun ban and operation of checkpoint is intensified as security measure throughout the electoral process.

Dumaguete City Comelec Registrar Atty.

Gildu Agoncillo asked to public to “bear with us in the checkpoints as it will intensify more as the elections draw near.”

Atty. Gildu appealed this to the public after it was learned that some procedures in carrying out Comelec checkpoint operations have problems.

With this, Col. Fama set a meeting with the Commission on Human Rights, Comelec, Land Transportation Office, and PNP. The Comelec official said government agencies are prohibited to hire or appoint employees as well as to transfer their officials or employees during the election period.

However, the movement of personnel will be allowed as long as they are necessary to the functions of the offices and shall not, in any manner, influence the conduct of elections. (rmn/jct/PIA7-Negros Oriental with reports from Churchill Guevarra, NORSU intern)

6 Sin tax revenues healthcare services

EASTERN VISAYAS fuel

Philhealth,

other Iloilo Dinagyang Festival

Marcelo M. Pedalino

MAASIN CITY, Southern Leyte, Jan. 28 (PIA) -- The head of the Philippine Health Insurance Corporation, or Philhealth, intimated that his office, among other health and wellness providers in government, benefited much in tax revenues drawn out of ―sin products.‖

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I think it’s awkward to say, okay, drink and smoke some more so that money generated out of taxes will go to the public health sector, among them Philhealth,” said Henry Madula, Provincial Manager, whose area of coverage include the whole province of Southern Leyte and a few neighboring towns of Leyte.

He was referring to a crucial move by the government some three years ago about raising taxes on liquor and cigarettes, an act whose main objective was to pour the collected money into public health care.

Because of the huge sum taken from the hiked taxes on cigars and alcoholic beverages, the national government took over the payment on the annual premiums of indigent Philhealth enrollees, a task used to be handled by the local governments of towns, cities, and provinces, so the LGUs saved on this cost, Madula said.

The capitation fund, a veritable monetary source LGUs get in exchange of enrolling their indigent constituents, at P 300 per individual, still went to the LGUs, this time through an innovative, pilot-tested scheme on out-patient services catered through the Rural Health Units RHUs. What’s more, this capitation fund the state granted to locals, has been increased to P 500 per person, Madula said during the Action Center Kapihan sa PIA Cable TV program Tuesday last week.

The deal is that LGUs, through their respective RHUs, have in their possession a list of 4Ps beneficiaries, teaching and non-teaching staff of DepEd, and other organized groups who are the initial captive crowd of out-patient clients.

Thus, RHU personnel should reach out to all the nooks and corners of their catchment areas to extend quality services to individuals,

such as the simple checking of blood pressure, or complete blood count, to more complicated health and wellness checks comparable in a way to an executive check-up.

And this was closely monitored by Philhealth to be at least 50% served in a year’s time in order to continue to qualify an exchange capitation fund.

In 2014, Philhealth Southern Leyte shelled out P 53 Million to various LGUs, Madula said, citing figures so taxpayers, in particular drinkers and smokers, can appreciate where part of their spent money went. Figures for 2015 are still under process, Madula further said.

“The bottom line is that no Filipino should die without seeing a doctor,” he added, emphasizing this need for those in the distant, remote hinterland barangays where health workers’ services are needed most. (mmp, PIA8-Southern Leyte)

DPWH-SLDEO outranks other district offices in quality control performance Ma. Rebecca G. Cadavos MAASIN CITY, Southern Leyte, Jan. 27 (PIA) – The Department of Public Works and Highways-Southern Leyte District Engineering Office (DPWH-SLDEO) has jumped to 7th rank in 2015 from 105th a year ago in the annual rating of project implementation quality control performance, District Engineer Ma. Margarita C. Junia informed.

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This is a very significant achievement,” Junia quoted in a press release sent to PIA. She said that they will work harder to sustain the ranking through effective quality control implementation, project supervision and reliability of laboratory equipment facilities, The annual evaluation has checked 19 projects in 2015 with overall rating of 90.55 or nearly seven points up than the 83.58 rating obtained in 2014, Junia noted.

She added that DPWH Southern Leyte is one of the seven offices in the country with outstanding ratings. “There are 234 district engineering offices nationwide” she said.

It was learned that the performance assessment looked into timeless of testing

materials relative to its actual use in the project, ability to implement quality control policies, quality of completed projects, personnel adequacy, personnel competence, star rating and adherence to standard sampling and testing procedures.

There are only two district engineering offices in Eastern Visayas that made it to the top 10 in quality control performance nationwide, the press stated.

The other one is Samar 1st District Engineering Office in Calbayog City that moved 19 ranks higher, making it the top spot nationwide, according to source.

In 2014, DPWH Secretary Rogelio Singson approved the conferment of star rating

to DPWH-SLDEO for having satisfactorily complied with the requirements and provisions of Department Order #11 series of 2013.

The Central Office classified the DPWH-SLDEO’s laboratory one star rating based on the availability of testing equipment and apparatus, competence of laboratory personnel to conduct specific tests, observance of health and safety standards, working areas of the laboratory, calibration of status and third party certification.

It was learned further that the district office acquired new testing laboratory equipments and apparatus to raise its materials testing capability. (w/ reports from DPWH-SLDEO/PIA8-SoLeyte)

Solon proposes separate region for Samar Island Samuel D. Candido BORONGAN CITY, Eastern Samar, Jan. 22 (PIA) – An Eastern Samar solon proposed to have a separate region which will be called agricultural region for Samar Island to fast track the goal of having a ONE SAMAR REGION.

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ongressman Ben P. Evardone said he will convene with the congressmen and governors of Samar, Eastern Samar and Northern Samar about the inter-province emergency response.

The solon said that an agricultural resiliency and sustainable development will be realized the soonest possible time if there is a separate region for Samar.

“When super typhoon Yolanda struck our

southern towns, Governor Nicart and I realized the need to set aside our political differences and work together. When typhoon Ruby came, our unity had been tested.

We had minimal casualties and rehabilitation works became faster. We were then able to invite and make President Aquino visit the small town of Arteche,” Evardone said.

“The recent typhoon Nona made us realize that the island of Samar has become a

typhoon route and we need to establish immediately an inter-province,” Evardone further said.

The official is confident that even Leyte congressmen and governors will abide with this initiative to have a separate agricultural region for Samar Island because the regional office of the Department of Agriculture (DA) has ample time to focus exclusively on the agricultural concerns of Leyte. (SDC/PIA-E.Samar)

EASTERN VISAYAS

Sinulog Festival

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Army needs 180 new candidate soldiers Nimfa Quirante

CATBALOGAN CITY, Samar, Jan 26 (PIA) — The 8th Infantry (Storm troopers) Division, Philippine Army will start accepting applicants for Candidate Soldier Course (CSC) for the calendar year 2016 on February 1, 2016 at the 8th ID headquarters.

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he next batch of trainees will be composed of 18 females and 162 male applicants.

The 8th Division Training School will be in charge of the overall training requirements to effectively hone them to be topnotch soldiers, loved and appreciated by the people.

An applicant must be a natural-born Filipino citizen; with 72 units in college, or with any certification of vocational courses and should be at least 18 to 26 years old; at least 5

feet tall; single and without child; and of good moral character.

He or she should have taken the AFPSAT with a score of at least 45 or PAATB with a score of at least 80 and passed the pre-qualifying physical fitness test and physical medical exam; and must be physically and mentally fit for military training.

Aspirants must bring along the following documents: Transcript of Records (Original Copy); College or High School Diploma

(Original Copy); Birth Certificate (NSO Copy) with original receipt; Marriage Contract of Parents (NSO Copy) with original receipt; AFPSAT result with dry seal (If possible attach code number).

Interested applicants may visit the office of the Assistant Chief of Staff for Personnel, G1 here with Hotline number 09778033918 or visit 8th Division Public Affairs facebook account (Dpao stormtroopers) with hotline number 09067689682. (PIA 8-Samar/ with 8th IDPAO)

DOH-Eastern Samar continues to implement ZOD program Samuel D. Candido BORONGAN CITY, Eastern Samar, Jan. 27 (PIA) --- The Department of Health (DOH) is already implementing the Zero Open Defecation (ZOD) Program.

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he ZOD is presently being promoted and implemented by DOH and other partner agencies as one of the major strategies for scaling up sanitation development.

The main objective of ZOD is to ensure that Verification and Certification of ZOD Barangays are aligned, providing the procedure and the standard that will be followed nationwide by all implementers.

According to Ms. Eva S. Esplago, Provincial Sanitation Inspector, some 153 barangays in Eastern Samar have now been declared as ZOD as of January this year.

Esplago also said that there are still 39 barangays that are subject for verification and certification by provincial ZOD Team this February.

She further said that for a barangay to be certified as a ZOD Barangay, the

following characteristics should exist in the community at the time of the assessment towards certification: the use of a functional toilet, availability of soap and water at, or near the toilet, proper disposal of babies’ and elderlys' feces, no visible feces in surroundings, and evidence of a barangay action plan to move up the sanitation ladder (Sustainable Sanitation Barangay and Total Sanitation Barangay).

SMB-Samar Office, business partners Labor law Compliant establishments Ninfa B Quirante CATBALOGAN CITY, Samar, Jan 27 (PIA) — The Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) 8 awarded a certificate of being labor law compliant to Eastern Visayas Samar Beer Region and its partners yesterday, January 26 in Catbalogan City.

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n simple ceremonies, DOLE Regional Director Elias Cayanong with City Mayor Stephany Uy-Tan, other business partners and San Miguel Beer executives unveiled the Labor Law Compliant Marker at the entrance of the SMB Complex in Barangay Sto Nino, Catbalogan City.

In the press conference that ensued, Leo Rameses Amoyan of SMB said that through their project Kapatiran, they help their business partners comply with DOLE requirements because they believe that secure and happy employees will be loyal and more productive.

The business partners numbering six agencies in Catbalogan are those that provide outsourced services to SMB like security guards, utility crew, warehouse guards and other services needed by SMB. By compliance, this means that their business partners also extend minimum wages, PhilHealth, Pag-Ibig and SSS coverage.

Director Elias Cayanong, lauded SMB for encouraging their partners to emulate them.

“We are happy that SMB has been supportive of our program, Cayanong said.

“We are also glad of the cooperation of their business partners as this would also benefit not just their employees but their business.”

“But the real challenge comes in the sustainability of being labor law compliant,” added Cayanong.

SMB executives assured this as they have developed some monitoring system with their partners.

In her message, Mayor Stephany Uy-Tan also gave her appreciation to SMB for their vibrant presence in the province.

“I would say that like the newly crowned Miss Universe, SMB is a company that is confidently beautiful with a heart,” the young mayor said in her congratulatory

message.

According to Girlie Garces of SMB, this is the third compliance marker given to SMB, the first was in Mandaue when the DOLE Secretary Rosalinda Baldoz bestowed its first marker of compliance in 2014, the second was at the Eastern Visayas Tacloban Regional Office recently.

“As business partner of SMB, we have seen that the benefits of our compliance is not just for employees but also for our business since our HR systems have been streamlined and we have less production-related concerns,” said Raul Biasong, operations manager of Roble warehouse, one of SMBs business partners in Catbalogan City.

SMB partners, signed the commitment to fully and continuously comply with all labor-related laws and other rules and regulations while the SMB executives, the mayor and the DOLE Director witnessed the commitment signing. (nbquirante/PIA 8-Samar)

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. Baùares 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