One visayas enewsletter vol 7 issue 20 20170519 r6

Vol 7

In this Issue WESTERN VISAYAS

PIA Iloilo Information Officer II Leonard Pineda I briefs Information Officers, media, student interns, PIA staff on the overview, benefits and thematic priorities of the Philippine Chairship of ASEAN 2017 during a forum held May 18, Iloilo City.

More on Region 6, pages 2-3.

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CENTRAL VISAYAS

May 15 - 21, 2017

Published by: PIA 6, 7 & 8

Issue 20

DepEd: Collaboration needed for smooth opening of classes Roi Lomotan DUMAGUETE CITY, May 17 (PIA) – Officials from the local divisions of the Department of Education (DepEd) emphasized that collaboration between education stakeholders is important to achieve a smooth and orderly opening of classes next month.

As the Brigada Eskwela 2017 goes full swing this week, Dr. Nelson Caday, Chief of Schools Governance and Operations Division (SGOD) of DepEd-Division of Dumaguete City, reiterated that the goal of this endeavor is ―to bring together all education stakeholders to participate and contribute their time, effort, and resources to prepare public school facilities for the opening of school year 2017 to 2018 this June 5.‖ On the other hand, DepEd-Division of Negros Oriental SGOD Chief Dr. Rachel Picardal encouraged community members to participate in this activity since this is the only avenue where they can prepare the schools in time for the opening of classes.

The DepEd had a national launching of Brigada Eskwela on May 15 led by Education Sec. Leonor Briones with a kick-off program and caravan held in Cebu City.

This activity will run for six days and will culminate on May 20.

However, the DepEd – Negros Island Regional (NIR) Office had the regional launching last May 12 at Dumaguete City High School which was two days earlier than the national launch.

DepEd Sec. Briones was also present at the regional launch.

Picardal explained that they held the regional launch in advance because they wanted that by May 15 all schools have begun their own Brigada.

This year, the theme of Brigada is ―Isang pamayanan, isang bayanihan para sa handa at ligtas na paaralan‖ which focuses on school safety and preparedness.

Caday cited that based on DepEd Memorandum 43 series of 2017, school heads are guided in preparing schools to be safe learning facilities also in disaster management and disaster risk reduction in education.

DepEd-Dumaguete City also disclosed that school heads are directed to strategize how to encourage community stakeholders to participate in the six-day Brigada and also plan other activities in relation to this program.

Another highlight of this year’s Brigada is the inclusion of rabies awareness and prevention lectures during the Brigada Week.

Meanwhile, Caday announced that there will be a regional search for the Best Brigada Eskwela Implementers.

One of the criteria is participation of stakeholders to encourage parents to join in this activity. ―With your help, I think we can (give) our young people an assured future,‖ Caday said. ―If we prepare the schools, we prepare the students, the stakeholders. Everybody’s efforts are for the good of our children,‖ Caday stressed. (ral/PIA7-Negros Oriental)

New school for agriculturists opens in Catbalogan

(L-R) DepEd NegOr SGOD Chief Dr. Rachel Picardal, DepEd CID Chief Dr. Judith Mapue and DepEd Dumaguete SGOD Nelson Caday discussed DepEd's Brigada Eskwela and Senior High School voucher program in a Kapihan sa PIA Forum on May 16 at Bethel Guest House.

(GG Lumayag/PIA7-NegOr)

More on Region 7, pages 4-5.

Ninfa B Quirante CATBALOGAN CITY, Samar, May 18 (PIA) - A new school devoted entirely to agriculture is opening in Catbalogan City.

This was revealed by Schools Division Superintendent Cristito Eco of DepEd, Catbalogan City.

S t u d e n t s o f th i s s ch o o l w i l l s t u d y the methods in farming as well as livestock and crop production.

A nine-hectare farm land will serve as laboratory for students who will be provided free board and lodging for

DENR chief eyes Iloilo River as model for cleanest river

Elsa S. Subong ILOILO CITY, May 17 (PIA6)—Environment Secretary Roy A. Cimatu said that he is eyeing Iloilo River to be a model for cleanest rivers in the EASTERN VISAYAS country. Cimatu made an ocular visit of the Iloilo Espalanade and the Iloilo River on his way to the Department of Environment and Natural Resources Regional Office here, May 16. ―DENR-6 Regional Office is my first ever choice of an office outside of Luzon,‖ Cimatu said.

He added that when he met Iloilo Governor Arthur Defensor, Sr., and learned of his passion for protecting the environment, the more that he wanted to make Iloilo a Presentation of Philippine Nutrition Action Plan model for the department’s projects. for 2017-2022 by NNC Director Dr. Catie Meanwhile, as the new secretary of the DENR, Dotollo in Maasin City, May 18, 2017.

Cimatu assured the officers and staff that he is after their welfare all the time but he will not tolerate corruption, receiving bribe money for their services. ―I will look after your welfare but you have to do your job as I go for Meritocracy in promotions,‖ Cimatu said.

More on Region 8, pages 6-7.

On the other hand, he also alerted them about a ―fake agent‖ who uses his name to ask for favors, have Also CLICK Here... some transactions carried, as well as extort money from mining companies.

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two years of schooling. There will be two scholars per barangay.

During a press conference, Eco, also the project manager, said that this school will offer courses on livestock and crop production.

Eco said, "This is an initiative of the city government to become a food self-sufficient area."

This Agri-Industrial school will be launched on June 16, 2017 during the Management Committee meeting. (ajc/ nbq/PIA8-Samar)

―I have not authorized anyone to transact business under my name, so be careful,‖ Cimatu said.

Secretary Roy Cimatu is a retired Philippine Army General who has served as the 30th Chief of Staff of the Philippine Army under former President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo. (JSC/ESS/PIA6 Iloilo)

Environment Sec. Roy Cimatu (R) interfaces with officers of DENR-6, getting status and updates of programs and projects of the department, during his visit here in Iloilo City, May, 16, 2017. #PartnerForChange

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WESTERN VISAYAS

New PRO-6 chief vows excellent leadership Santacruzan

Leonard T. Pineda I ILOILO CITY, May 15 (PIA6) --- Incoming Police Regional Office-6 regional director Chief Superintendent Cesar Hawthorne Binag committed to sustain the excellent police leadership in Western Visayas.

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n the turn-over of command ceremony held May 15 at Camp Delgado here, Binag officially took the reins from outgoing PRO-6 regional director Jose Gentiles who was designated to lead the Directorate for Integrated Police Operations (DIPO) in Eastern Mindanao.

Binag said he will continue the excellent programs led by his predecessor and align these with the desired outcomes set by the national headquarters. ―Expect that the actions will be measured always‖, he said.

He said that Philippine National Police

(PNP) Director General Ronald Dela Rosa gave his marching order last week which was set clearly by President Rodrigo Duterte. ―These are the campaigns against illegal drugs, criminality, corruption, and internal cleansing efforts,‖ he said.

He also said he will vigorously sustain these operations in partnership with stakeholders including the local government units, national government agencies, non-government agencies, people’s organizations, media, religious leaders and volunteers. ―Without them, we cannot perform our duties

and responsibilities effectively,‖ he said.

He emphasized that he will faithfully execute the different operations plans set before them to achieve the objectives of the President and the chief of the PNP. ―More than the statistics presented to us, our goal is to save the lives of our future, the youth, the next generation,‖ he also said.

He added that he also aims to create a safer place to work, live, and do business in this part of the country and help sustain the progress and development being experienced in the region. (JCM/ LTP/PIA-Iloilo)

PNP-NIR: Livelihood a must for drug rehab persons Lorenzo Lambatin Jr. NEGROS OCC., May 18 (PIA6) — Police Regional Office 18 - Negros Island Region Director Chief Supt. Renato Gumban stressed the need for a livelihood aid and monitoring of those who underwent drug rehabilitation.

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umban said the NIR regional directors believe a livelihood project will help those rehabilitated live normal lives while monitoring them will tell whether the rehabilitation was effective.

He said the livelihood will give sustainability to the drug rehabilitation program of

the NIR. According to Gumban, who is set to retire on May 21 for reaching the mandatory retirement age of 56, the DSWD can provide the livelihood programs while the LGUs can do the monitoring.

LGUs should create anti-drug abuse council and provide budget for it.

They should also see to it that members of the Barangay Drug Abuse Council, BADAC are not involved in drugs, he said.

During a recent Regional Peace and Order Council Meeting here, Gumban confirmed there is a list of barangay officials who are into illegal drugs but said he has no copy of it. (JSC/Lljr-PIA6)

TESDA holds mass induction for BKKK skills trainees Venus G. Villanueva KALIBO, Aklan, May 18 (PIA6) -- The Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA) Aklan Provincial Office recently held a Mass Training Induction Program for training beneficiaries of its Barangay Kasanayan para sa Kabuhayan at Kapayapaan (BKKK).

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he mass induction was conducted at the Montfort Technical Institute in New Washington, Aklan, and attended by more or less a thousand inductees/beneficiaries coming from various municipalities of the province.

The BKKK aims to provide suitable skills training programs at the barangay level, and is geared at establishing close links with barangay chairpersons to bring the technical-vocational programs closer to the grassroots level.

Dr. Julius Sol Jamero, TESDA-Aklan Provincial Director, said that as many as 2,500 Aklanon beneficiaries could be trained under the program on various qualifications provided that trainees would render 100% attendance.

Their 100% attendance is essential in order to pass assessments, after which successful trainees will get National Certifications (NC) I, II, or III. Jamero said trainings and assessments of BKKK beneficiaries in Aklan will be given for free.

Besides the BKKK trainings, TESDA will also be providing emergency skills training programs for drug

surrenderers in the province.

TESDA will also provide emergency trainings for Overseas Filipino Workers (OFWs) and family members, and dependents of members of the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP).

These groups, according to Jamero, will be receiving P100.00 daily allowance on top of the free trainings and assessments they would undergo.

TESDA has listed in Aklan 24 partner institutions where BKKK beneficiaries could avail of various skills trainings, ranging from driving, agricultural crops production, organic agriculture production, food and beverages services, English language proficiency, bread and pastry production, Housekeeping, security service, massage therapy, dressmaking, automotive servicing, electronic products assembly, computer systems servicing, hairdressing, beauty care services, motorcycle/small engine services, shielded metal arc welding, Carpentry, Bookkeeping, Caregiving, health care services, Cookery, Wellness Massage, Events Management Services and Emergency Medical

Services.

Schools/Institutions where these Aklanon beneficiaries could train can be found in Banga, Kalibo, Lezo, Boracay Island, Malay, New Washington, Numancia, Nabas, and Ibajay composed of colleges, training schools for security guards, culinary schools, massage spa, business center and government training centers.

The mass induction was also graced by representatives of Aklan officials like Nonoy Macahilig who represented Cong. Carlito Marquez, and Sangguniang Panlalawigan Member Nemesio Neron who represented Governor Florencio T. Miraflores.

New Washington mayor Shimonette Francisco also attended the activity, who urged the beneficiaries to give their full commitment to the trainings by finishing their courses. ―Upgrade your life. The government has a lot to offer. I am looking forward to your graduation‖, Mayor Francisco told the beneficiaries. (JSC/VGV/ PIA6 Aklan)

WESTERN VISAYAS

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More info kiosks up in WV PIA 6 ILOILO CITY, May 19 (PIA6) – More PIA Information Kiosks were put up in Western Visayas this week to raise people’s awareness of ASEAN 2017 and the event which the Philippines is hosting this year.

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he additional kiosks were put up in Antique at the Robinsons Mall in San Jose; Capiz, also at the Robinsons Mall in the capital city of Roxas; and Iloilo, at the Guimaras-Iloilo Ferry Terminal here.

It was a launching event for Capiz since they are having it for the first time, unlike in Antique and Iloilo, as well as Bacolod City, where the kiosk was launched ahead earlier in time for the ASEAN-related meetings and other special events held in said areas.

This brings to nearly a dozen the number of information kiosks already located around the

region.

During the launch program Roxas City, the tourism officers of the province and city encouraged Capicenos to visit the kiosk to know more about ASEAN for awareness and self-enrichment.

Provincial tourism officer Al Tesoro, who is also a Commissioner of the National Commission for Culture and the Arts (NCCA), the City’s Bryan Mari Argos underscored the importance of the kiosk put up by the Philippine Information Agency and said it would be good for them to know about the benefits that can

be derived from the country’s involvement in ASEAN. They also emphasized the cultural and tourism value of the country’s hosting of ASEAN 2017.

The kiosk also features information materials from other government agencies in keeping with the mandate of PIA to keep the public informed about government programs and services.

Additional kiosks will be installed in the region. This and other information activities are being undertaken by PIA in the region for ASEAN 2017. (PIA6)

P409M Kalahi-NCDDP funds released to Antique barangays Pilar S. Mabaquiao SAN JOSE, Antique, May 17 (PIA6) – The Department of Social Welfare and Development has released the amount of P409,527,001.42 for the province of Antique under the project Kalahi-National Community Driven Development Project.

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his covers the 590 barangays in the province with 659 sub-projects, said Joy Velasco, Sub Regional Project Coordinator covering Antique Guimaras and Iloilo 1 in an interview.

She said, the Cycle 1 of the project that started in 2016 is 99 percent completed benefiting 138,393 households while Cycle 2 is only on its 20 percent completion and expected to serve 17,941 households.

The biggest slice of the budget was spent for Basic Infrastructure like roads and bridges with 31 percent, Construction of River Protection structures, drainage system, solar powered

street lights among other projects under the Environmental protection and Conservation got 30 percent while Basic Social Services such as establishment of health and day care centers has 29 percent.

The remaining 8 percent went to Community Production, Economic Support and Common Service Facilities like post-harvest facilities and 2 percent went to Skills Training and Capability Building including disaster preparedness activities.

The project has also employed 10,654 laborers with at least 50 percent from the community, 1,921 are women laborers and 1,780 are beneficiaries of Pantawid Pamilya.

Velasco thanked the all-out support of the local officials (barangays, municipal and provincial levels) that facilitated the timely completion of the project.

She also lauded the active involvement of community leaders and their vigilance in seeing to it that the projects are constructed according to standard and with transparency and accountability.

Cycle 2 of the project is expected to be completed in the next two months while Cycle 3 is on the Social Preparation Stage. This will focus on big impact projects, said Velasco.(JSC/PSM/PIA6 Antique)

Veggie farmers get P 846K incentive Jemin B. Guillermo ROXAS CITY, Capiz, May 15 (PIA6) – The Capiz provincial government gave out P846,000 as incentive to veggie farmers.

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he amount represented the cash reward for the first quarter winners in the province’ vegetable production contest, a livelihood project under the Office of the Provincial Agriculturist.

The cash prizes were awarded during the Farmer’s Day, April 20, where over 2,500 farmers and fishermen attended.

The first prize winners from the 16 towns and city each received P20,000, the second, third and fourth place winners also received P10,000, P5,000 and P3,000, respectively.

A quarterly evaluation is conducted by the Provincial Evaluation Team for the said competition.

Sylvia de la Cruz, head of the Office of the Provincial Agriculturist explained that the vegetable production contest, which is a special livelihood project of the provincial government, aims to ensure food security in the province of Capiz by making food to be always available in every farmer or fisherfolk’s home.

The second quarter household-based vegetable garden evaluation is set on the 4th week of June

while the awarding of prizes to winners is on July, Dela Cruz said.

Earlier, Governor Antonio Del Rosario said that the vegetable production contest aims to address some issues raised on proper waste segregation and livelihood concerns.

Del Rosario also said that the project is also for food security and conversion of organic waste into fertilizers for the vegetable crops aside from promoting cleanliness of the surroundings and tourism promotion. (JCM/JBG/ PIA6)

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CENTRAL VISAYAS

PSA embarks on ASPBI, asks biz respondents to be honest Santacruzan

Rey Anthony H. Chiu

TAGBILARAN CITY, May 12 (PIA) -- The Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA) launches the 2016 Annual Survey of Philippine Business and Industry (ASPBI) by sending out survey questionnaires to 30,000 business and industry establishments nationwide.

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he survey aims to provide planners and policy makers critical information on the levels and structures of the country's economic activities so they can draft a plan on how to approximate an approach to the attainment the country's Millennium Development Goals, said PSA-7 Regional Director Leopoldo Alfanta Jr. At the ASPBI Responders Forum held at the Jjs Seafoods Village, PSA authorities initially met with the ASPBI 2016 responders in Bohol and asked for cooperation for the PSA to be able to collect detailed information on employment, income, expense, capital expenditures, establishment assets and generate key indicators to evaluate the performance of industries in the regional and national levels. At the ASPBI 2014, the results generated have been useful in analyzing the performance of micro, small and medium enterprises to the total economy, in conducting market research and feasibility studies

as well as in updating the frame of establishments, according to Alfanta in his presentation.

"Covered under the 2014 survey were single ownership establishments engaged in one predominant kind of activity from a fixed location," he added.

In last year's survey, the 2016 ASPBI uses 18 sectors under the 2009 Philippine Standard Industrial Classification, from agriculture, forestry and fishing to service activities.

By the 2014 ASPBI, economic planners found out that of all sectors, the highest number of workers was seen in the manufacturing sectors, accounting to 25 percent of the country's total employment. Manufacturing had a total of 1,031,058 workers, followed by Administrative and Support Services with 803,363 workers.

The recent survey also showed a total of 4,127,621 workers, Central Visayas owning 397,000

employees from establishments with over 20 workers, which ranks third nationwide after national Capital Region (1.9M) and Region 4-A at 665,000.

Total income of establishments of top sectors in the country reached P12 trillion, with manufacturing still racking up P4.3 trillion followed by wholesale, retail and motor vehicles, and motorcycle repair getting P2.4 trillion.

For those intending to find jobs with best compensations, the 2014 ASPBI showed that the annual average compensation on sector per employee basis is highest at Electricity, Gas, Steam and Air Conditioning Supply with P696,000, followed by information and communication at P584,000 and then at a little half a million for Financial and insurance activities. For the survey which the PSA is holding, authorities assured of the confidentiality of the responses as they are guided by RA 10625. (rahc/ PIA-7/Bohol)

DepEd announces redemption of vouchers under SHS-VP Roi Lomotan DUMAGUETE CITY, May 17 (PIA) – Vouchers under the Senior High School Voucher Program (SHS-VP) of the Department of Education (DepEd) for school year 2017 to 2018 shall be redeemed within the first semester of said year.

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epEd-Dumaguete City Division Curriculum Implementation Division Chief Dr. Judith Mapue disclosed this during a Kapihan sa PIA forum here yesterday.

Mapue said this is part of the guidelines governing the implementation of Senior High School Program effective school year 2017 to 2018 or DepEd Order No. 19 s. 2017. ―Vouchers should be redeemed in the first semester of school year 2017 to 2018, and shall no longer be valid if not redeemed in the said period,‖ Mapue said.

The department order also stated that the voucher program covers the two years of SHS, Grades 11 and 12, and if the beneficiary extends beyond two years, the voucher covers only the first two years.

Those who are automatically qualified for this program are Grade 10 completers from public Junior High School, State Universities and Colleges (SUCs), Local Universities and Colleges (LUCs), and Grade 10 completers from private secondary schools who are Educational Service Contracting (ESC) grantees.

Dr. Mapue disclosed that this is the second year of the implementation of SHS VP. The application for SHS VP for academic year 2017 to 2018 was opened in January and ended in February this year.

DepEd then re-opened the application through online on May 1 to 15 but this time, the deadline is non

-extendable, Mapue said.

Dumaguete City has a total of 12 private schools, with one SUC offering SHS. Out of the seven public secondary schools in the city, only three offer SHS. ―We found out that a lot of our children are transferring to public school and this year we will be opening three more which are Piapi High School, Junob National High School, and Camanjac National High School," said Mapue.

SHS VP is one of the initiatives of the government to make basic education accessible and affordable for Filipino learners nationwide.

This program provides a subsidy for Grade 10 completers who wish to pursue SHS education in private schools offering SHS. Mapue also said that the amount that the voucher program beneficiaries in Dumaguete City will receive if they are enrolled in a private school is at P17, 500 and P8,750 when they enroll in a SUC. SHS in public secondary schools are free, thus, SHS VP is not applicable in public high schools.

Meanwhile, DepEd-Division of Negros Oriental School Governance and Operations Division Chief (SGOD) Dr. Rachel Picardal, who was also part of the panel of resource speakers during the Kapihan, said the voucher program will be forfeited if they transfer to another school within the second semester. ―They have to stay in the school where they are

enrolled in the first semester. If the student transfers to another school during the second semester their voucher program will be forfeited. It’s because the funds were already disbursed to the school where the student was enrolled in,‖ Picardal said.

Other reasons for forfeiture of SHS VP include students dropping out in the middle of the school year, if the students don’t re-enroll in the following school year, failed to be promoted to the next grade level or retained to the same grade level, transfer to another SHS within the school year and transfer to a DepEd SHS. Picardal said the DepEd-Division of Negros Oriental is also ready to implement the second year of SHS VP this school year while gearing up for the first year implementation of Grade 12.

She disclosed that they have hired 300 new teachers who will be trained in handling Grade 12.

With this, DepEd encouraged all school-aged youth to enroll in any school offering SHS. ―We appeal to young people and Grade 10 students to go senior high. SHS is free in public schools and there is subsidy when you go to private schools.

Do not waste this chance.

This is our chance to go to school with the (ongoing) preparations of the teachers, facilities and schools. Grab this chance. Our target is 'no one is left is behind.' All school children are in school,‖ Mapue added. (ral/PIA7-Negros Oriental)

Bogo City youth compete in Malaysia tennis tournament Ferliza Calizar-Contratista CEBU CITY, May 16 (PIA) — A tennis player from Bogo is the only Filipino competing in Malaysia tournament. As of press time, 17-year old Jan Godfrey ―Noy‖ Seno is now in Terangganu, Malaysia for six days to compete in the 2nd ITF Terannganu International Junior Championship.

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ccording to the City of Bogo Public I nf orm a ti on an d Co mmun ica tio ns Office, Seno is competing from May 16 to 21 along with other Asian players.

It will be Seno’s fourth time to compete in Malaysia, having won as Champion in the Asian Tennis Federation 14 Under Series in 2013 and as 5th Runner-up in the 3rd Penang Asian 14U Series

Tennis Championship in 2013.

He also competed in the 8th Malacca ITF International Tennis Championship back in 2015.

The 2nd ITF Terengganu International Junior Championship is part of the ITF Junior Circuit, a series of international tennis tournaments for successful national standard players.

The circuit gives players the opportunity to

measure their standard against the best players from other nations and provides experience of international competition as a junior player transitions into a career in professional tennis.

Noy Seno will be the lone Filipino competing in the prestigious tournament.

Seno has already dominated the local tennis scene.(fcc/PIA7-Cebu)

CENTRAL VISAYAS

Dumaguete Palaro medalists incentives from city gov’t

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receive

Roi Lomotan DUMAGUETE CITY, May 15 (PIA) – Student athletes in the city who earned medals in the 2017 Negros Island Regional Athletic Association (NIRAA) can expect cash incentives from the city government.

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his after the city council approved the request of Mayor Felipe Antonio Remollo for the appropriation of P149, 900 as cash incentives to Dumaguete athletes who placed 1st, 2nd, and 3rd ranks in the previous NIRAA that was held also in the city from February 24 to March 1. City Information Officer Dems Demecillo disclosed that per recommendation of the Local School Board chaired by Mayor Remollo, cash incentives per medal will be given to 51 athletes at P1,000 for gold medals, 83 athletes at P800 for silver medals, and 65 athletes for bronze medals at P500. ―Mayor Remollo directed that the supplemental budget amounting to P149,900 be taken from

unappropriated surplus of the general fund,‖ Demecillo added. He explained that cash incentives will be released to the recipient athletes as soon as all the required documents are submitted to the responsible agencies.

City Councilors Michael Bandal, Lilani Ramon, and Manuel Arbon sponsored the appropriation that was approved by all the members of the body during its 16th regular session on April 26.

On the other hand, Demecillo also reported that the city received 20 medals in the recently concluded Palarong Pambansa in San Jose, Antique.

With this, Demecillo said Mayor Remollo plans to hold a victory party with the Palaro delegation.

The Government Agencies of Negros Oriental (GAANO) held its first ever 2017 GAANO Inter-Sports Festival with a grand parade recently around Dumaguete City.

More than 30 national agencies led by its respective agency heads with approximately a thousand government workers participated in the event.

According to GAANO President GSIS Branch Manager Mercedes VPE Enriquez, the association aims primarily to establish among workers in the national government better relationship, camaraderie, and linkages as public servants of Negros Oriental. (ral/PIA7-Negros Oriental with reports from City PIO)

Balicasag PPA port plan resurrected at AUDIO Rey Anthony H. Chiu TAGBILARAN CITY, May 12 (PIA) -- There is hope for Balicasag, Panglao and maybe Cabilao to set up their municipal ports to be supervised by the Philippine Ports Authority (PPA), but they have to redo the proposals to get the plan back on track.

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PA Engineering Services Division Chief Engr. Richard Elopre told members of the Association of United Development Information Officers in Bohol (AUDIO) meeting at the PPA Multi-Purpose Hall that there used to be a proposal for the PPA to help build Balicasag and Cabilao Ports.

Although technically beyond the jurisdiction of the PPA as the proposed ports would be serving small motorized boats and are regulated by the Maritime Industry Authority of the Philippines (MARINA) and fishing boats by the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR), the PPA would have all operated ports under their supervision, PPA Chief Safety Officer and Public Information Officer Archt Epelito Arao-arao said.

Earlier, information officers who listened to the PPA mandates asked how the PPA determines the establishment of ports.

Concerned about the haphazard manner by which boat operators dock in Panglao's tourism island Balicasag, Panglao Information Officer and Executive Assistant Danny Reyes asked if the PPA

can help put up a port of sorts to streamline Balicasag dive, snorkel and island hopping operations and spare the tourists from the hassle.

Reyes said around 80 to 100 motorized bancas come to Balicasag every day and just dock anywhere.

On this, Archt Arao-arao explained that since the 1970's creation of the PPA, it has predetermined ports based on revenues, income, size and strategic locations as part of PPA ports system, then which were strategically spaced less than 50 kilometers.

Balicasag happens to be less than 50 kilometers from Tagbilaran.

"All (established) ports in the country shall be under the supervision of the PPA," Araoarao said as he cited the mandate of the office and added that in Bohol, the PPA also exercises supervision over municipal ports like Bien Unido, Loay and Alburquerque.

"We evaluate, as we are mandated by law, to assess the capacity of the operator, private entities, individual private ports," he said.

For those starting to operate one, he advised

that they should have approval and permission from PPA as the agency will have it under its supervision.

In Bohol, PPA operates the ports of Tagbilaran, Loon, Tubigon, Getafe, Talibon, Ubay, Tapal and Jagna.

But for Panglao, Archt Arao-arao said that the PPA in Tagbilaran may help endorse the project proposed to the Central Office.

Elopre said a common port for Balicasag and Cabilao was tackled way back but the move did not prosper.

The PPA engineering chief added that an ocular inspection has been completed then and resurrecting the plan would also restart the paper process.

For now, the establishment of a PPA-supervised port in Balicasag could be a move supportive of the town's efforts to regulate and streamline motorized banca operations as well as stop the degradation of Balicasag coral cover or the indiscriminate dropping of anchors ruining patches of marine coral gardens. (rahc/PIA-7/Bohol)

Crime incidents drop in NegOr Jennifer C. Tilos NEGROS ORIENTAL, May 15 (PIA) – In a Provincial Peace and Order Council (PPOC) meeting recently, the Negros Oriental Provincial Police Office (NOPPO) reported a decrease in crime statistics in April 2017 compared to the same period in 2016.

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Supt. Carlos Lacuesta of NORPPO reported a total crime volume of 568 for April this year compared to 719 crime incidents recorded in April 2016. Lacuesta said index crimes decreased by 25 incidents or 25 percent while non-index crimes reduced by 26 incidents or 26.26 percent.

The most prevalent index crime is theft with 33 incidents or a reduction of 16 percent, followed by robbery with 10 that reduced to 66.64 percent, murder with 7 incidents, motornapping with 8, homicide with 5, and rape with 14 incidents.

However, physical injury saw an increase by 10.81 percent or 41 incidents.

L a cu e s ta al s o n o te d tha t tra ff i c related-incidents contributed to the crime statistics of 217 incidents, however, this is

still lower compared to the same period by 20.80 percent.

Through the Managing Police Operations, the police officer said there were no major crime incidents that transpired within the province, except for the reported 143 index crimes, 73 non-index, 135 under special laws, and the prevalent traffic related incidents of 217 that contributed to the total crime volume. Under the Revised Penal Code and Special Laws such as enforcement on Republic Act 9165 or Anti-Illegal Drugs campaign, Lacuesta said a total of 1,204.356 grams of shabu and marijuana have been confiscated from January to April this year with a value of about P12 million.

While in the same period of 2016, only 457.21 grams were confiscated by operatives worth P5,362.192.

In July 2016, the drug-affected barangays in the province totalled to 557, with 10 moderately affected and 547 slightly affected. As of May 7, 2017, Lacuesta said there were 41 barangays cleared of drugs, 77 moderately affected, 424 slightly affected, and a total of 15 barangays unaffected.

Per police record, barangays cleared with drugs include 3 in Dumaguete City, 8 each in Bindoy and Manjuyod, 6 in Jimalalud, 4 in Bais City, two barangays each in Sta. Catalina, Pamplona and Basay, one each in La Libertad, Siaton, Dauin, Sibulan, Mabinay, and Bacong.

He said a total of 501 barangays or 90 percent are still affected with drugs. Nevertheless, Lacuesta said the province remains to be one of the most peaceful places in the region. (jct/PIA7-Negros Oriental)

6

EASTERN VISAYAS

TESDA Leyte calls for BKKK program scholars

Santacruzan

Consuelo B. Alarcon

TACLOBAN CITY, Leyte, May 18 (PIA) - Young Leytenos who are interested to undergo skills training from the government through a scholarship program can now avail the new flagship program of Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA) dubbed as Barangay Kasanayan para sa Kabuhayan at Kapayapaan (BKKK) Program.

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he program aims to ensure that the marginalized sector of the society is afforded the equal chance to avail the training and education they need.

The program prioritizes those barangay residents who are out-of-school youths, the unemployed, underemployed and with no schooling.

Said program can be availed of by coordinating with officials of the respective barangays or through an online a p p l i ca t i o n th r o u g h TE S DA ’ s w e b s i t e www.tesda.gov.ph.

Said program is anchored on the 10 point socio economic agenda of the president to include human capital development.

To date, a total of 2,123 beneficiaries f ro m va ri ous mun i ci pal i ti es in L e yte were trained for a scholarship under the BKKK program.

Interested applicants may visit TESDA Leyte Provincial Office located at Trece Martirez Street Tacloban City or call at telephone number 523-0897.

(TESDA/PIA8/ajc/cba)

LCEs’ role in anti-illegal drug committees crucial Samuel D. Candido BORONGAN CITY, Eastern Samar, May 12 (PIA) - Cognizant of the key role of Local Government Units (LGUs) in promoting peace and order in localities, the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG), Officer-in-Charge Catalino S. Cuy said Local Chief Executives (LCEs) should ensure that all local peace and order councils and committees are proactive and fully functional in each level of local government.

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n a directive to the Eastern Samar DILG-Provincial Director, Jude Villero, said that LCEs must create Local and Barangay Peace and Order Councils (LPOCs/ BPOCs) and Anti-Drug Abuse Councils (ADAC) in the provincial, city/municipal and barangay levels as well as Mamamayang Ayaw sa Anomaliya, Mamamayang Ayaw sa Iligal na Droga (MASA -MASID) teams and ensure that these are functioning and performing their roles and responsibilities as stated in all relative issuances. ―Everyone must pitch in their share to eradicate illegal drugs and to attain lasting peace in

the country,‖ Cuy said.

"The compliance of LCEs in safeguarding that these issuances are carried out is very crucial as it assures that efforts for peace and order, and illegal drugs are cascaded down to the barangays," Cuy said.

Cuy added that LCEs should also make sure that the said committees will formulate their respective Peace and Order Plans (POPs) and Anti-Drug Action Plans (ADACs), and allocate substantial amount to support their operations.

"Non-compliance, of course, merits proper sanctions to ensure that all parties are aware of their

role in the campaign for peace and order, and illegal drugs," he said.

Sanctions for non-compliance is suspension/ withdrawal of the deputation of the National Police Commission upon consultation with the provincial governor and congressman concerned, pursuant to RA 8551; non-approval of the request of the LGUs for additional confidential funds granted by SILG; and sanctions provided by the existing laws relative to the non-performance and non-compliance of an LGU, including the officials of the barangay, in addition to the administrative case that may be filed. (ajc/SDC/PIA8-E. Samar)

SoLeyte conducts PRDP livelihood project review Ma. Rebecca G. Cadavos MAASIN CITY, Southern Leyte, May 16 (PIA) - 8 out of 10 recipients of the Philippine Rural Development Project (PRDP) in Southern Leyte attended the project review as what they submitted to the provincial government of Southern Leyte for approval.

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rovincial Veterinarian Francisco Cabarrubias in a project review held at the RKK Function House, Friday said that the PRDP livelihood project include piggery, chicken and duck raising with organized associations as its beneficiaries.

Around P7 million are ready and available for the first release of PRDP livelihood project in the province and they are already available for release, Dr. Cabarrubias said.

The said associations who submitted for project approval include Mahalo-Lewing Irrigators Association (Maleia), in Anahawan; Buena-Pama Cooperative in Bontoc; 4H (Head, Hand, Heart,

Health) in Guadalupe, Macrohon; Marayag Women’s Association, in San Francisco; Organisasyon sa Katawhang Mag-uuma in Padre Burgos; Hinunangan Integrated Duck Raisers Association; Magkasa Irrigators Association in St. Bernard; and one in Barangay Canyoum, Maasin City.

The other two beneficiaries are from San Ricardo and Tomas Oppus.

All documents to be prepared in the submission of budget proposals were discussed from the procurement plan, purchase request, canvass, purchase order, among all other documents that are to be submitted for liquidation purposes of the said cash grant from PRDP.

Provincial Planning and Development Officer Ida Sy Monzon clarified that the first cycle of the business profits should be expanded, saying, ― don’t spend the money out from the business to other materials, it should be solely for the business itself.‖ She said that the provincial government is hopeful that someday Southern Leyte will be known as the supplier of native chicken not only in Eastern Visayas but the whole of the Visayas region.

Monzon added that the capital including the profits should be expanded based on the associations’ business plan. (ajc/rgc/PIA8-SoLeyte)

EASTERN VISAYAS

7

SOS Children's Village extends tech-voc training to adults Ninfa B Quirante CATBALOGAN CITY, Samar, May 18 (PIA) - - The SOS Children’s Village in Calbayog City houses and cares for orphaned or abandoned children.

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n 2007, SOS Children's Villages launched its family strengthening programs in Calbayog.

The programs are intended to support families at risk of abandoning their children, it also encourages families to stay together.

In 2009, an SOS Vocational Training Centre was opened in Calbayog. It consisted of 14 classrooms, an assembly hall, an administration and service area and accommodation for the participants. The training centre also included a demonstration farm. Today it is now called the Herman Gmeiner Technical Vocational Training Center.

The training center worked with some industry partners, local authorities and TESDA to offer the tech-voc courses not only to Calbayog residents but even extended community based training to villages in island towns and remote Samar villages such as Zumaraga, Gandara, Basay, Pinabacdao, and San Jose de Buan.

As the adults acquired skills they were able to find employment or became self employed.

The acquired skills gave them a better income affording them to support their families and their children.

The job also made them stay in their hometown with their children thereby removing the risk of leaving their children.

Courses varied from dress making, hair cutting, small engine repair and pastry making and cookery.

Novelyn Charita, training in charge said the courses that villagers take would depend on their location, for islanders they were keen on small engine repair for their motorcycles and motorboats, the womenfolk prefer dressmaking. In the city, most trainees enroll in Pastry making or cookery and beauty and wellness courses.

They also offer trainers methodology for K-12 instructors which requires college graduate trainees.

Charita added that they also provide

not only hands on training but also entrepreneurial knowledge for those who want to engage in business.

Students can avail scholarships from the Bottom-Up-Budgetting (BUB) Scholarship of the local government or the Training for Work Scholarship Program (TWSP) from TESDA. While most of them were TESDA scholars, still some were paying like retired teachers who took up pastry making.

Soon, said Emily Torculas, the SOS Village Director, they will be offering a driving course. ―We are studying the different skills needed by the booming city of Calbayog, with the construction boom, the center plans to offer heavy equipment operation,‖ said Torculas.

Not only did they afford the loving family of children but the training center also provided a better income for the families, said the SOS Children’s Village Director. (ajc/nbq/PIA 8-Samar with reports from Pam Carcellar)

Pinabacdao One-Stop Training Center offers welding course Ninfa B Quirante CATBALOGAN CITY, Samar, May 18 (PIA) - The Pinabacdao One-Stop Training Center in Pinabacdao Samar announces the availability of the course on Shielded Metal Arc Wielding (SMAW) accredited by the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA) under the Training for Work Scholarship Program (TWSP).

A

dministrator Gil Ocenar, during the PIA Huruhimangraw radio program at DYMS said that students avail free tuition fee under the TWSP from TESDA. They undergo hands-on training on wielding.

Graduates are referred to Hanjin,

a company in Subic for an On-the-Job Training (OJT) which will last for three months. Trainees usually recieve an allowance of P180.00 per day and will be awarded a National Certificate (NC II).

Ocenar also said some of their trainees come from Hinabangan, Daram, Calbiga, Sta Rita, and other

neighboring municipalities.

Enrollees must be 18 years old and above and at least a high school graduate.

The administrator said that presently, they have two women enrollees at the Pinabacdao One Stop Training Center for tech-voc courses. (ajc/nbq/PIA8Samar)

Region-8 PNP recruitment still open, can apply online Marcelo M. Pedalino MAASIN CITY, Southern Leyte, May 16 (PIA) -- The regional headquarters of the Philippine National Police is still accepting applicants for the entry level position of Police Officer 1.

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ccording to Police Sr. Superintendent Warren De Leon, provincial P N P d i r e c t o r , th o s e w h o a r e interested can use the internet technology by logging in to www.pnporas.pnpbprm.com This developed after the 800 quota for the whole region was not met, where only about 400 had applied, De Leon said during the second press conference held at his office Friday,

May 12.

The earlier deadline for receiving applications, set on May 28, was likewise extended, De Leon added. ―Sana maraming pulis makapasok sa Southern Leyte,‖ he wished.

Meanwhile, for this month, a number of activities have been lined up for police community relations (PCR), such as the ―Pulis Kasaligan‖ Basketball tournament starting May

15 that pits four teams: Panaon, Sogod Bay, Pacific, and Provincial HQ. In May 16, the police joined the Brigada Eskwela by repainting the school buiildings of Maasin Central School.

By May 27-28, the first PD Cup shootfest blasts off, in which personnel from various field units will compete for their shooting skills. (ajc/mmp/PIA8-Southern Leyte)

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.

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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