One visayas enewsletter vol 7 issue 22 20170602 r6

Vol 7

In this Issue WESTERN VISAYAS

DepEd 6 OIC Director Ma. Gemma Ledesma says schools will open and classes will be conducted on June 5 despite the impending transport strike on June 5-6 in a press conference held at DepEd 6 Regional Office, Iloilo City, May 31.

More on Region 6, pages 2-3.

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CENTRAL VISAYAS

May 29 - June 2, 2017

Published by: PIA 6, 7 & 8

Issue 22

Peer pressure, social media, factors in teen pregnancies Leonard T. Pineda I ILOILO CITY, May 30 (PIA6) --- The Commission on Population (PopCom)-6 disclosed that peer pressure and social media are factors why teenage pregnancies have become prevalent in the region.

In a press conference held May 30 at Madison Hotel here, PopCom-6 Assistant Regional Director Rosemarie Hubag said the influence of peers among young people and the information they see on social media contribute to the increase in cases of teenage pregnancies.

Hubag said young people spend more time with peers than with their families and peer pressure has an immense impact on a teenagers‘ decision to have sex.

She also said that social media is also a contributing factor why some teenagers are starting to explore sexual activity at an early age. ―Out of curiosity, young people learn to engage in sex,‖ she said.

In Western Visayas, the incidence of teen pregnancy was at 16 percent in the 2015 records, which was higher than the 4 percent acceptable rate, according to the Department of Health.

The Young Adult Fertility and Sexuality Study 4 (YAFS 4) further revealed that one in every three young people in the region has experienced sexual activity too early, which may have contributed to the increase in teenage fertility from 4.1 in 2002 to 15.1 percent in 2013.

She said that other factors leading to the rise of teenage

pregnancies include lack of appropriate and adequate information on safe sex and the breakdown of family life. ―The topic of sex is not being talked about in their homes and the school does not provide sufficient information about it,‖ she said.

Meanwhile, PopCom-6 is also pushing for the passing of House Bill 4742, or the ―Prevention of Adolescent Pregnancy Act of 2017‖, that seeks to ―institute programs that would address the country‘s alarmingly high teenage pregnancy rate.‖ Popcom-6 added that HB 4742 will develop a national program of action and investment plan for the prevention of teenage pregnancy. (JCM/LTP/PIA-Iloilo)

Commission on Population (PopCom)-6 Regional Director Harold Marshall updates the members of the media on the agency's regional initiatives to address the rising cases of teenage pregnancy during a press conference held May 30 at the Madison Hotel here. held at DepEd 6 Regional Office, Iloilo City, May 31.

SSS-Cebu completes release of P1k hike to pensioners Carmel Loise Matus CEBU CITY, May 30 -- The Social Security System (SSS) in Cebu has announced the completion of the release of the PIA Cebu formally launches its PIA Information P1,000 hike for the monthly pension of its pensioners.

Kiosk at the Pier 1 of Cebu Ports Authority Alexander Genelza, information officer of SSS - Cebu (CPA). This is the 7th kiosk established in the Branch, told the media during the weekly forum of the region. #EmpoweringCommunities Association of Government Information Officers - Philippine Information Agency in Central Visayas (AGIO-PIA 7) that the release was done in March covering the first quarter of this year.

The release was done a month after President Rodrigo Duterte signed and approved the P1,000 across-the-board More on Region 7, pages 4-5. increase in the monthly pension of the 2.2 million SSS retirees.

Genelza added that surviving spouse of pensioners also received the increase.

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Melvyn Desuyo, another information officer of SSS - Cebu Branch, emphasized that the implementation of the P1,000 increase does not mean an increase in the contribution EASTERN VISAYAS of its members. ―We are doing other measures nga mamahimo lang dili na lang gyud mag-increase ang contribution (We are doing

other measures so that there won‘t be an increase in the contribution),‖ she said.

Currently, SSS has an 11 percent premium rate. The proposed contribution hike is 12.5 percent or 1.5 percent higher than the premium rate.

But Desuyo reiterated that the increase still remains a proposal since there was no approval on its implementation.

Meanwhile, Desuyo is urging employers to remit their contributions on time to avoid paying penalties.

Under the Social Security Law, employers are required to remit their contributions monthly. Desuyo said this also includes employers of ‗kasambahay‖ (household help).

Employers who failed to remit contributions face a three percent penalty of the amount due for remittance for that month.

SSS - Cebu Branch is also encouraging employers to set an appointment with SSS and have their employees undergo a briefing on the agency‘s services and programs. (FCR/ Carmel Loise Matus/PIA7)

DOH8 steps up advocacy campaign vs HIV/AIDS Consuelo B. Alarcon Philippine Information Agency OIC regional director Alicia Nicart expresses her gratitude to the government of Japan and the Department of Energy being one of the beneficiaries of the hybrid vehicle during the turnover ceremony held at the DOST-8 compound, May 25. This is part of DOE's campaign to promote environment-friendly and fuel efficient vehicles and in support also to the economic and social recovery of communities devastated by Super Typhoon Yolanda. (Raul S. Tiozon, Jr./PIA-8)

More on Region 8, pages 6-7.

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TACLOBAN CITY, Leyte, May 29 (PIA) – As Human Immunodeficiency Virus/Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome (HIV/AIDS) cases continue to rise in Eastern Visayas, the Department of Health (DOH) in the region intensifies its advocacy campaign to the public.

In a radio interview during the DOH PIA on AIR Program, Boyd Cerro, program manager of the HIV/AIDS control and prevention program disclosed that 22 new confirmed cases were reported this week.

DOH noted an increase of the number of HIV/AIDS cases from 1989, the year the first case of HIV was reported in the region.

Cases recorded at the regional office revealed that 44 cases were reported from January to May 2017 and this is higher as compared to the 104 cases last year.

To date, a total of 434 cases with 32 deaths were recorded by the surveillance unit of the Department of Health (DOH) since 1989.

Leyte province has the most number of cases in Region 8 with 218 HIV cases and 31 full-blown AIDS followed by the city

of Tacloban with 86 HIV/AIDS cases.

Males having sex with males are the most number of cases and the ones afflicted are getting younger at aged 20.

Cerro disclosed that in the Philippines 30 individuals are afflicted daily with HIV. HIV can be transmitted through sexual intercourse with an infected person, direct blood contact particularly through sharing injection of drug needles, infections through blood transfusion or from an infected mother to her baby that may happen before or during birth or while breastfeeding through breast milk.

HIV slows down the immune system of a person. It takes six to eight years to detect if a person is infected with the virus after getting the virus.

HIV cannot be determined by mere physical appearance of a person. Thus, Cerro advised those who indulged in risky sexual behaviors to submit for a free HIV screening at the DOH regional office or at the treatment hub at Eastern Visayas Regional Medical Center (EVRMC). (ajc/cba/PIA8)

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WESTERN VISAYAS

German Ambassador joins biodiversity conservation

bikers

for

Pilar S. Mabaquiao SAN JOSE, Antique, May 29 (PIA6) - - Ambassador to the Philippines Gordon Kricke of Federal Republic of Germany with Antique Mountain Bikers Association (AMBA) biked for Biodiversity Conservation as the 4th Autajay Aningalan Ascent (AAA) Bike Race was launched on May 27-28, 2017.

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mbassador Kricke joined the 15-kilometer cross-country race in Aningalan, San Remigio on the second day of the event.

With him were Dr. Klaus Schmitt, Principal Advisor, Forest and Climate Protection Project, GIZ and 2015 Miss Earth England Kartina Kendall who also spent their weekend supporting the event.

Ambassador Kricke in a Press Conference on May 27 said that the Philippines is a beautiful country with rich biodiversity thus it‘s absolutely important to protect and preserve it.

Governor Rhodora Cadiao, Asst. Regional Director Jesse Vego of DENR 6, Dr. Earl Autajay, President of AMBA and other officials of the province with former Governor Salvacion Perez welcomed the guests during the press conference.

The event's theme was ―Race, Restore and Reconnect – Sustaining Biodiversity was held to raise

funds for the establishment of biodiversity corridor-an area connecting wildlife populations separated by human activities or structure-between the isolated forest of Sibalom Natural park and the large contiguous forest of the Central Panay Mountain Range.

During the first day (May 27) a 62-kilometer road race was held from Guinsang-an, Hamtic to Aningalan, San Remigio about 875 meter above sea level participated in by various riders from Panay and different parts of the country.

While on the second day, a tree planting activity took place at the watershed area of Barangay Aningalan then a cross-country race in the said Barangay.

The establishment of biodiversity corridor between SNP and the CPMR is important to allow exchange between isolated animal and plant population in order to sustain their viability. Among

the endemic plant and animal population the Visayan writhed-hornbill, Visayan spotted deer, Visayan warty pig, Panay Monitor Lizard and species of parasitic plant genus Rafflesia.

The Forest and Climate Protection Project Panay II is jointly implemented by DENR and GIZ which aims to conserve the last remaining large block of natural forest of the Central Panay Mountain Range to protect its equally important biodiversity as well as enhance climate change mitigation and adaptation and contribute to poverty alleviation.

Governor Cadiao said that the province and other agencies of government had long been providing funds for the protection of these areas.

The declaration of Sibalom Natural and North West Panay Peninsula covering the Central Panay Mountain Ranges was mandated under Proclamation No. 282 series of 2000 and Proc. No. 186 series of 2002 respectively. (JCM/PSM/PIA6Antique)

Aklan's former OFWs up for livelihood training Venus G. Villanueva KALIBO, Aklan, May 30 (PIA6) -- Former Overseas Filipino Workers (OFWs) from Aklan who have no plans of going abroad again to work, will have another shot to earn money – this time through a livelihood program offered by the government.

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argeted beneficiaries for this program are females only.

This livelihood program is the ―Balik-Pinay, Balik Hanapbuhay‖ project offered by the National Reintegration Center for OFWs (NCRO) through the Provincial Publice Service Office (PESO) here. To be prioritized for the training are those

who suffered maltreatment and abuse while working abroad, and those who entered their countries of work without legal papers.

According to PESO-Aklan manager Vivian R. Solano, the free training to be undertaken by beneficiaries is on meat processing and baking, which will be conducted on June 19-23, 2017.

Solano said only 35 slots are available for the training, so interested former OFWs should register on a ―first come, first served basis.

Registration is at PESO-Aklan at the Provincial Capitol Compound, and, applicants must bring documents proving that they were able to work abroad. (JCM/VGV PIA6 Aklan)

PSA recognizes support of survey‟s respondents Lilibeth A. French ILOILO CITY, June 1 (PIA6) - - The Philippine Statistics Authority 6 recognized twelve establishments from various provinces in the region for their outstanding support and cooperation during the conduct of the 2014 Annual Survey of Philippine Business and Industry (ASPBI).

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he plaques of recognition were handed in to representatives of sample establishments by PSA 6 Director Fred Sollesta during the Regional Data Dissemination on 2014 ASPBI and Survey of Tourism Establishments in the Philippines (STEP), May 30, in this city.

Establishments awarded include: Clifford Construction Corporation and Panay Telephone Corporation for the province of Aklan; St. Anthony's College and Barbaza Multi-Purpose Cooperative, Inc. for Antique; Capiz Electric Cooperative, Inc. and Metro Roxas Water District for Capiz; Calinog

Bus Line and Iloilo 1 Electric Cooperative Inc. for Iloilo; Panay Electric Company and F. Gurrea Construction, Inc. for Iloilo City; and Buenavista Water District and Jordan Water District for Guimaras.

ASPBI is a yearly survey of PSA that intends to provide information on the levels, structure, performance and trends of economic activities of the formal sector in the entire country.

It also gathers data on employment, compensation, income, expense, total assets, capital expenditures and inventories, and generate

indicators from these variables.

The 2016 ASPBI has already started on April 17 this year. It uses seven types of questionnaires to meet the data requirements of each specific section of the economy as defined under the 2009 Philippine Standard Industrial Classification (PSIC).

Sollesta encouraged establishments or enterprises in the region involved in the survey to accomplish and provide true and correct information in the questionnaires and submit them promptly. (laf/ PIA6-Iloilo)

WESTERN VISAYAS

June 12—Philippine Independence Day

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Search for ART on Plastics on Elsa S. Subong

ILOILO CITY, June 1 (PIA6) -- The Provincial Environmental and Natural Resources Office (PENRO) of Iloilo is in search for Outstanding LGUs on Ecological and Sustainable Solid Waste Management.

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he search features Trash In A Bottle, an Alternative Recycling Technology on Plastics (ART on Plastics) project, started by Senior Environmental Management Specialist Mitzi Peñaflorida of the PENRO. ―I started this inside my own household last February 2015 for 10 days.

This technology is a resource reduction measure. Instead of the garbage scattering everywhere and being collected by the garbage collectors, at least we can minimize the collection period,‖ she said.

Trash In A Bottle is depositing plastic trash in an ecologically-conscious way. It is converting highly contaminating waste into ecological and local

construction materials with low cost and high qualities.

Plastic bottles serve as deposits and will be packed with loose, clean, and dry household trash and sealed with its screw cap lid.

These plastic bottles can be used as building materials in schools, as blinds or insulation, as fencing, garden blocks, and path walls, and as well as home decorations. ―Why do we have to wait until there will be more garbage in our waters than fishes? Since plastics are low in density, they can be carried by rainwater or be blown by the wind.

This technology will be a big help to minimize our garbage especially plastics,‖ Ms.

Peñaflorida said.

The search, which temporarily stopped for two years, was re-launched in December 2016 and is open for all LGUs in the province.

The search will kick off by the 3rd quarter of 2017, while the awarding will be during the Provincial Solid Waste Awareness Week in December 2017 with cash incentives for winning LGUs. Partners of the search include the local government of the province of Iloilo, the Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG), the Environmental Management Bureau (EMB), non-governmental organization Process Foundation - Panay, and the Department of Education (DepEd). (JCM/ESS/PIA-Iloilo).

It pays to be a centenarian Carlson B. Alelis BACOLOD CITY, May 31 (PIA6) – Nine centenarians from Bacolod City were recipients of cash incentives worth P 100,000 each from the city government.

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nly five of the nine recipients were message to the beneficiaries and representatives, able to attend the distribution rites held thanking their respective family families for taking recently at the Bacolod City Government care of them.

Center, a release from the City Information Office Leonardia said: ―This is really a special said. occasion. We would like to congratulate these One of those who were not able to attend centenarians and their family for taking good care of died after the law took effect, and other three were them.‖ unable to do so for health reasons.

The giving of cash incentives is provided for Their family or relatives, however, represented under Republic Act No. 10868, otherwise known as them in their behalf. the ―Centenarians Act of 2016.‖ Bacolod City Mayor Evelio Leonardia gave a Under the law, centenarians are set to receive

a cash of P100,000 or a ―centenarian gift‖ among other incentives, as well as receive recognition from the government, for reaching 100, whether residing in the country or abroad.

The budget allocated for the distribution came from the Department of Social Welfare and Development, while their counterpart here, the Department of Social Services and Development (DSSD) facilitated the said distribution. (JCM/CBA/PIA6-Negros Occidental)

German Red Cross assists Capiz in disaster preparedness Jemin B. Guillermo ROXAS CITY, Capiz, June 2 (PIA6) – Capiceños expressed their gratitude to the German Red Cross for helping the province to be prepared in times of disaster.

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n her message, Mrs. Melanie Arancillo, who represented Capiz Governor Antonio del Rosario, thanked the German Red Cross for addressing the humanitarian needs of the people here especially in the aftermath of supertyphoon Yolanda.

She noted that the capacity building such as training provided to the people grassroots, including the disaster equipment will help the people to be

more prepared in times of emergencies like disaster. ―We are privileged to have you here being among the active organizations in terms of providing humanitarian activities,‖ Arancillo noted during the Memorandum of Partnership Agreement signing and turnover of first aid and rescue equipment.

She also said that the provincial government of Capiz is also doing its share in capacitating the people to become ready and disaster resilient.

The MOPA singing was among the German Red Cross, Philippine Red Cross, PRC Capiz Chapter, local government units of Capiz, Roxas City, Panitan, Sigma and Dao as well as of the Department of Education Roxas City and Capiz Divisions who are the recipients of the program in the province.

The agreement focused on strengthening disaster risk reduction capacities and mechanisms in the province of Capiz. (JCM/JBG/PIA6-Capiz)

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CENTRAL VISAYAS

DOT-7 optimistic on 2016 target for tourist arrivals Carmel Loise Matus CEBU CITY, May 30 (PIA) -- The Department of Tourism in Central Visayas (DOT-7) expressed optimism that it will achieve its target of tourist arrivals in the region in 2016 after it released its partial data covering the period of January to December last year.

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OT-7 is targeting to achieve 5.8 million for the year 2016.

Partial figures from the DOT-7 showed that 5,440,417 local and foreign tourists visited Central Visayas last year.

Of the total figure, 3.22 million accounted for domestic arrivals and 2.21 million were foreign arrivals, said DOT-7 regional staff Gloriece Glen Do during the recent meeting of the Association of Government Information Officers (AGIO -7).

Cebu province had the highest visitor count in the region which comprises 62 percent or 1.98 million for domestic arrivals and 80 percent or 1.77 million for foreign arrivals.

This was followed by Bohol with 643,864 (domestic) and 259,727 (foreign); Negros Oriental with 554,550 (domestic) and 141,853 (foreign); and Siquijor with 44,905 (domestic) and 40,971 (foreign).

Korea remained the top source of foreign visitors with 43.09 percent or 824,265. DOT-7 noted an 11.93 percent growth rate compared to the data in the same period in 2015 with 736,425 visitor count.

The other top foreign tourist markets of Central Visayas after Korea are Japan, China, USA, Australia, Germany, United Kingdom, France, Taiwan, and Canada.

DOT-7 highlighted the 79.43 percent growth

rate in the visitor count coming from China. From 128,358 in 2015, the number of Chinese tourists grew to 230,318 last year.

In 2015, visitor arrivals in the region reached 4.6 million, surpassing the 4.4. million target.

Do meanwhile, said the region currently caters to 19 new direct flights. She also announced the inauguration of two new set of direct flights from Tagbilaran City to Incheon in South Korea and to Clark in Pampanga via Philippine Air Lines (PAL) scheduled on June 22 and 23.

On June 1, a new direct flight from Cebu to Kunming in China will be inaugurated. (FCR/Carmel Loise Matus/PIA7)

PIA-7 holds forum to promote ASEAN, gov‟t programs Carmel Loise Matus Cebu City, 26 May (PIA) --- The Philippine Information Agency in Central Visayas (PIA-7) will hold an „Ugnayan: A Dialogue for Progress‟ on May 31 to promote the Philippine‟s chairmanship of the ASEAN 2017 and the priority programs and thrusts of the current administration.

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ix topics have been lined up for the forum as participants will expect a jam-packed day.

These topics are the ASEAN 2017 Chairmanship, ‗ASEAN Economic Integration: Its Vital Impact to the PH Economy, Priority Programs/ Thrusts of the Duterte Administration, ENDO: Situation in CV, Ambisyon Natin 2040, and the War Against Illegal Drugs/Criminality.

Fayette Riñen, PIA-7 OIC regional director, said this forum would provide an extensive discussion not only of ASEAN but also on the programs of the present government. ―This is another venue for PIA to deliver information because we believe it is government‘s duty to report to the people its agenda, initiatives, policies and programs,‖ Riñen said.

PIA‘s Director General Harold Clavite will grace the occasion and is set to deliver a keynote message.

Other speakers invited include PIA‘s Staff Director Belina SB Capul, Department of Trade and

Industry in Central Visayas (DTI-7) Regional Director Asteria Caberte, National Economic and Development Authority in Region 7 (NEDA-7) Regional Director Efren Carreon, and representatives from the Office of the Presidential Assistant for the Visayas (OPAV), Department of Labor and Employment in Central Visayas (DOLE-7), and the Police Regional Office in Central Visayas (PRO-7).

About 200 participants are expected to be present during the forum. Mass communication students from the different universities and colleges in Cebu City, information officers from the regional line agencies and local government units, barangay officials, civil society organizations, bloggers and the media were invited to participate.

This is the fourth leg of the forum series after the holding of three successful fora in Tagbilaran City in Bohol, Dumaguete City in Negros Oriental, and Siquijor town in Siquijor last month.

Meanwhile, PIA Cebu Information Center will

launch the seventh PIA Information Kiosk here in Central Visayas also on that day.

The launching is scheduled at 9:30am with officials from the Cebu City government and the Cebu Port Authority to attend it.

Expected to lead the ribbon-cutting ceremony are PIA DG Clavite, Cebu City Vice Mayor Edgar Labella, CPA Ports Management Department manager Oscar Lopez, PIA Cebu Information Center Manager Juju Empuerto, and PIA-7‘s OIC Regional Director Riñen.

PIA Information Kiosks were established all over strategic locations in the country like airports, seaports and malls in order to promote and provide information about ASEAN. Aside from the fliers about ASEAN, other information materials that will be made available in the kiosk are security tips from PRO-7 and different leaflets from the local government units in Cebu featuring their cities and towns and its programs.

(Carmel Loise Matus/PIA7)

BSP holds Cebu City confab on external competitiveness PIA 7 CEBU CITY, May 18 (PIA) --- The Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) recently held a Conference on Gearing Up for External Competitiveness, one of their key component programs of the BSP-Economic and Financial Learning Program.

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mong their guest speakers is economist and ex-cabinet official Dr. Cielito Habito who talked about the ASEAN Economic Community (AEC) and the Philippine Economy Implications and Imperatives.

He shared how far the Philippines have gone with ASEAN, which is currently the largest trading partner at 21.7 percent.

Dr. Habito points out that as of 2016, price inflation is at a historical low at 1.8 percent and the unemployment rate breaks below 5 percent.

The Philippines is also leading ASEAN and East Asia with 2016 GDP growth of 6.8 percent.

Part of the AEC Gameplan is to address high poverty, unusual economic inequality and to expand the Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) access to finance and technology, promote education for entrepreneurship and inclusive value chains, and improve market access.

Other topics tackled were Asia‘s Economic Outlook and Middle-Income Challenge, Exchange Rate: Trend and Issues, BSP‘s Foreign Exchange

Regulations, Introduction to Hedging: Managing Foreign Exchange Risk, and Regulatory Framework for Derivatives.

Through the biannual conference, BSP aims to promote awareness of exporters/ importers and other sectors exposed to foreign exchange (FX) risks about the benefits of hedging and how FX risks could be managed through the use of derivatives and present the other determinants of external competitiveness such as quality of products, technology and market size. (jsme/PIA7-Cebu/asv).

CENTRAL VISAYAS

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P240,000 allocated for 3 new pump boats June 12—Philippine Independence Day Roi Lomotan DUMAGUETE CITY, May 19 (PIA) – Dumaguete City Mayor Felipe Remollo has allocated P240,000 for the purchase of three new pump boats for Bantay Dagat and the fisher folk association here for rescue operations and in preventing illegal fishing.

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ity Information Officer Dems Rey Demecillo reported that the 16-horsepower pump boats are intended for monitoring and regulating activities that may adversely affect the marine sanctuaries, degradation of the shoreline and illegal fishing, and marine preservation and also to prevent

smuggling of contrabands.

Aside from this, City Environment and Natural Resources Officer Rossel Marie Garcia also said the boats can be used during calamity-related rescue operations and ocean clean-ups.

Demecillo disclosed that the budget will be charged against the 20 percent Development Fund of 2017 and the procurement of the units will be through public bidding that can be completed before the end of the year. (ral/PIA7-Negros Oriental/with reports from the City PIO)

DepEd taps partners‟ support for quality education Rizalie Anding Calibo SIQUIJOR, May 18 (PIA) -- The Department of Education (DepEd) is seeking support from different stakeholders here to attain quality education for the children of Siquijor through the implementation of the Adopt-a-School program.

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n a recent forum, Schools Division Superintendent Ronald Gutay said that efforts have been made to make Adopt-a -School program benefit all the school children in the province.

The program is an engagement between the internal and external stakeholders, he said, citing the teachers, learners and school administrators as the internal stakeholders with the parents, local government units (LGUs), barangay representatives, and the General Parents Teachers Association (PTCA) as among the external

stakeholders.

Gutay said the success of the program lies in the hands and minds and strong cooperation of the various partners.

Institutionalized under Republic Act 8525 and approved on Febuary 14, 1998, Adopt-a- School program is one of the successful endeavors directed towards molding the minds of the youths as it brings in companies like ABS-SBN, Trans Asia, and Tukod Foundation to become donors and supporters of the program.

District Supervisor Francis Morados cited

Larena Central Elementary School as the recipient of the City Savings Bank donation for three years already.

Gutay encouraged the barangay captains, PTA officials, and all partners to help advocate the program.

He also advised the parents to strictly and conscientiously moitor their children‘s time and activities and encourage them to read books and other valuable reading materials for their intellectual enhancement. (rac/ PIA7-Siquijor)

Brewing soon in local cafes: Baslay coffee of Dauin Roi Lomotan NEGROS ORIENTAL, May 19 (PIA) – The aroma of freshly brewed Baslay coffee will soon spread to the coffee shops in the capital city of Dumaguete or at resort cafés in the municipality of Dauin.

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his after the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) – Negros Oriental hosted a coffee brewing and tasting event in Dumaguete City recently to encourage local resort and café owners to buy and support the locally grown coffee. ―The purpose of this is to invite local resorts in Dauin and coffee shops to carry this coffee,‖ DTI SME Senior Trade and Industry Specialist Maribel Sumanoy said.

During the activity, resort and coffee owners were given a free taste of Baslay Coffee which comes in two varieties: Arabica and Robusta.

Sumanoy shared that in the 2nd Coffee Conference held in Baguio City, DTI sent samples of Baslay coffee to be evaluated and it had a high cupping grade which is good for specialty coffee.

Baslay coffee was cultivated by the Baslay Farmers Association (BFA), a recipient of DTI‘s Shared Service Facility (SSF) Project.

Last year, the DTI turned over units of dehaulers, depulpers, dehumidifiers, sorting tables to association and also sponsored trainings on coffee harvesting, dry method processing and understanding standards and grading system.

Sumanoy said that through these interventions, members will have a competitive edge and will be able to demand a better price when selling their coffee beans to the market.

The coffee plantation is nestled near Mt. Talinis

with an elevation of 800 meters above sea level up to 1,200 meters above sea level.

The development coffee plantation was a reforestation project of the Philippine National Oil Company (now Energy Development Corporation or EDC) to give livelihood assistance to former kaingineros in the area. ―Before 1984, we were all forest occupants.

We were all forest destroyers of Baslay forests,‖ said BFA Adviser Ruel Perez.

Perez continued that sometime in 1984, they were organized into an informal group and in this process, the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) and the Philippine National Oil Company started to realize that there is a prevailing problem with the community.

It was in 1986 when different government agencies and the New Zealand government gave the community a funding for agro-forestry project.

In 1988, the group was registered with the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) making it a legitimate organization and in 1989 the BFA was launched with 135 founding members.

By 1992, the group was awarded a community forest stewardship agreement for 25 years and they were given the opportunity to manage and protect the forest of Baslay.

All those years, BFA was into coffee production and from being kaingineros, they eventually became

coffee farmers and forest conservationists.

Perez said the group practices organic farming and they do not apply synthetic fertilizers and pesticides in their crops. ―Everything there, the animals, the birds they all contribute to the pollination that‘s why our coffee has a very nice flavor coffee. Our coffee needs forest to grow and have a very nice flavor,‖ Perez said.

Sumanoy said BFA originally had a 70-hectare plantation and they had just had a 50-hectare expansion.

Perez disclosed they hope to cover a 300-hectare expansion in five years.

Meanwhile, Sumanoy disclosed that as of now, BFA has one buyer in based in Manila and that is the reason why DTI held the activity to help BFA introduce to the local market in Negros Oriental the Baslay Coffee.

The DTI official added that they requested the farmer‘s association to retain at least 20 percent of their produce for the consumption of local market here.

Sumanoy said that BFA was able to harvest 3,200 kilograms or 16,000 red cherries and then processed it to 3,200 green coffee beans last year.

He hopes that through this endeavor, local coffee shops and resorts will be encouraged to brew and serve local Baslay coffee. (ral/PIA7-Negros Oriental)

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EASTERN VISAYAS

DPWH completes fmr in San Juan, SoLeyte Ma. Rebecca G. Cadavos

MAASIN CITY, Southern Leyte, May 31 (PIA) - The Department of Public Works and Highways Southern Leyte District Engineering Office (DPWH-SLDEO) recently completed the construction of Bobon farm-to-market road (FMR) in San Juan town.

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he nearly a kilometer stretch of dusty and bumpy road has been converted into a two-lane concrete road similar to a national highway.

The P9.7 million rural road project provided enhanced links between farmers and market in the province.

DPWH-SLDEO said the project kicked off early of September last year. Completion was delayed due to unfavorable weather and minor changes of designs.

Improving and construction of new farm-to-market roads is among the priority projects of the government through the Department

of Agriculture and the DPWH in an effort to boost the movement of goods and services as well as bring economic growth to farming communities.

San Juan is a 5th class town in Southern Leyte province and home to nearly 15,000 people. (ajc/rgc/ PIA8-SoLeyte)

Negosyo Center lands in Daram town Ninfa B Quirante CATBALOGAN CITY, Samar, May 26 (PIA) - The Department of Trade and Industry (DTI)- Samar is bringing the Negosyo Center to Daram today.

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TI Provincial Director Meilou Macabare Zumaraga and Gandara will soon follow suit. said that this is the 10th Negosyo The Negosyo Center provides an easy Center in the province of Samar and access to business registration and patrons need not that they are thrilled that so many are still yearning travel to the city of Catbalogan where the DTI is, for it. said Macabare.

Someday, all 24 towns and the two cities will They can also consult regarding their business have Negosyo Centers, we will wait until they are especially the Micro Small and Medium Enterprises ready, she added.

(MSME).

Recently, DTI launched NCs one after DTI Samar Provincial Director said that the other in the towns of Hinabangan, Sta. Rita and this is an initiative of the agency to help in the Pinabacdao. economic growth of the Local Government Units

(LGU) wherein they provide space for the center while DTI provides the building, staff and the technical expertise in doing business.

DTI believes that businesses push economic activities that in turn propels the economy of a community.

Macabarre also said that they are helping the MSMEs especially those who process local raw materials, and they are happy that most have succeededthrough the assistance of the DTI. (ajc/ NBQ/ PIA8-Samar)

PAMANA road project turned over to LGUs Samuel D. Candido BORONGAN CITY, Eastern Samar, May 30 (PIA) - The Office of the Presidential Assistant on the Peace Process (OPAPP) through the PAyapa at MAsaganang PamayaNAn (PAMANA) Program, Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH), and the Department of Agriculture (DA) officials recently turned over the P110-million road project that connected the towns of Jipapad in Eastern Samar and Brgy. Imelda, Lapinig in Northern Samar to the Local Government Units (LGUs) of said

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he turnover ceremony was attended and witnessed by PAMANA Director in Eastern Visayas, Ms. Imelda Bonifacio, on May 23, 2017, at Jipapad, Eastern Samar.

According to Bonifacio, PAMANA and DPWH will also be funding the construction of a concrete Jipapad bridge with an allocation of an additional P150M. In an interview of PIA with Jipapad resident, Ms. Beatriz Jocosol said that she is very thankful

to the OPAPP for the construction of this road project which cuts travel time to the town.

In the past Jipapad was reached through a six-hour or even seven hours motor boat ride along the Oras River.

Meanwhile, Mr. Diomedes Montances, a farmer in Jipapad said that he is very happy that there is already a road from Brgy. Imelda to Jipapad, because his farm products can be easily transported to the neighbouring town,

the fare of farm products is not costly anymore compared to the past while riding in a motor boat, it took six to seven hours to reach Jipapad from Oras through Oras River.

Because of this road project, the travel time from Brgy. Imelda, Lapinig, Northern Samar to Jipapad town proper is only two to three hours depending on the vehicle used. (ajc/SDC/PIA8-E. Samar)

EASTERN VISAYAS

June 12—Philippine Independence Day

7

Maasin City supports nutrition programs, allocates P1.898M budget for 2017 Ma. Rebecca G. Cadavos

MAASIN CITY, Southern Leyte, May 29 (PIA) – A total of P1.898 million was approved by the city government of Maasin City for nutrition-related programs as presented during the Nutrition Council meeting held Friday at the city mayor‟s conference room.

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rom the total budget appropriated, P495,000 is intended for the honorarium of the Barangay Nutrition Scholars (BNS) from Barangy Health Stations throughout Maasin City, City Nutrition Program Coordinator Michelle Marie Siega informed.

Among other related-nutrition programs included in the budget are trainings, technical exchange visit activity, Nutrition

Congress, Supplemental feeding, quarterly BNS and Barangay Nutrition Council meetings, evaluation expenses, cash incentives for Outstanding BNS,among others.

Siega disclosed that from P1.5 million budget allocated for nutriton program last 2016, it increased for the year 2017 by more than 26% .

Maasin City‘s nutrition program was planned based on the Philippine Plan of Action in Nutrition

for 2017-2022, she said.

On the other hand, the Top Ten nutritionally-depressed Barangays in Maasin City for 2017 were also presented such as 1) Pansaan – 10.26%; 2) Sto. Rosario – 8.57%; 3) Acasia – 8.00%; 4) Bato II-7.69% ;5) Baugo and Sta. Rosa – 7.68%; 6) Nati and Nonok Norte – 6.82%; 7) Libertad – 6.67%; 8) San Jose – 6.25%; 9) Hantag – 6.06%; and Canyuon -5.36% at number 10. (ajc/rgc/PIA8-SoLeyte)

NNC8 presents Philippine Plan of Action in Nutrition for 2017-2022 Ma. Rebecca G. Cadavos MAASIN CITY, Southern Leyte, May 25 (PIA) -- Nutrition-specific programs, including sensitive and supportive ones were presented by National Nutrition Council Regional Nutrition Program Coordinator Dr. Catalino Dotollo Jr. in a meeting held in Maasin City., based on the Philippine Plan of Action in Nutrition (PPAN) for calendar year 2017-2022.

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he PPAN 2017-2022 is a five year plan that are targeted and directed towards the government‘s vision for 2040 in line with nutrition-related programs and projects, with no more poor Filipino people as its goal, Dotollo said.

Dotollo said that the most prevalent cases of malnutrition among Filipinos are stunting, wasting, overweight/obesity, among other factors including micronutrient malnutrition , hunger and food insecurity.

In his presentation held at the Mayor‘s Conference Room in Maasin City, Friday, Dotollo said the nutrition council in the country identified outcome and sub-outcome targets to respond fully to malnutrition problems throughout the country.

These include to reduce the level of child stunting and wasting; no increase in overweight or obesity among children and reduce overweight among adults; and reduce micronutrient deficiencies as the outcome targets.

While sub-outcome or intermediate outcome targets include the reduction on the proportion of nutritionally-at-risk pregnant women; increase the prevalence of exclusive breastfeeding among infants; among the few.

Dotollo further presented the nutrition -supportive, nutrition-specific and the nutrition -sensitive programs of the government which include the regular programs such as immunization, food and agricultural programs; among other local government and national government and private sector‘s programs and projects that support nutrition

program as a whole that address the immediate causes of malnutrition Some nutrition-related programs supported by other agencies include supplemental feeding; ―Gulayan sa Paaralan‘, Coconut rehabilitation program, ―Diskwneto Caravan‖, farm-to-market roads, infant and young child program, community-based health and nutrition support programs, establishment of breastfeeding places, enforcement of milk code of the Philippines, micronutrient supplementation, among others.

The meeting was participated by nutrition committee members in Maasin City led by its Chairman and action officer, Mayor Nikko Mercado and Dr. Francilisa Tan, respetively. (rgc/ PIA8-SoLeyte)

LGU-Salcedo among top five Local Health program implementers Samuel D. Candido BORONGAN CITY, Eastern Samar, May 31 (PIA) - The Local Government of Salcedo, this province was recognized by a non-government organization (NGO) as one of the top five Local Government Units (LGUs) in the country in terms of “excellent and efficient implementation” of Local Health programs.

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he municipality of Salcedo through mayor, Atty. Melchor Mergal received the award in a ceremony recently held at the Bayleaf Hotel in Intramuros, Manila.

The Champions for Health Governance, an initiative formed by Merck Sharp & Dohme, Kaya Natin Movement for Good Governance

and the Jesse Robredo Foundation, awarded the LGU with a cash grant worth P100,000.00 to be used in funding local health programs.

In a phone interview with PIA-Borongan, mayor Mergal expressed thanks to the town‘s Rural Health Unit headed by Dr. Ma. Socorro Ocampo, Vice Mayor Maricris Fabillar, the

Sangguniang Bayan, Department Heads and the people of Salcedo.

M a y o r M e r g a l f u r th e r s a i d th a t this LGU award is like winning a lottery. "I thank God for this award because I consider this as a blessing to my constituents as a whole." (ajc/SDC/PIA8-E. Samar)

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Ms. Fayette C. Riñen OIC - 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. Bañares 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