One visayas enewsletter vol 7 issue 18 20170505 r6

Vol 7

In this Issue WESTERN VISAYAS

National Economic and Development Authority (NEDA)-6 Regional Director Ro-Ann Bacal says that Western Visayas remains an ideal place for investors during the news conference on the regional economic performance of Western Visayas for 2016 held May 4, 2017 at Grand Xing Imperial Hotel here. (PIA-Iloilo)

More on Region 6, pages 2-3.

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CENTRAL VISAYAS

PIA Director-General Harold Clavite delivers his message during the 2nd Quarter PIA Management Conference at BE Resorts in Mactan, Lapu-Lapu City, Cebu, May 3-6, 2017. (PIA Cebu)

More on Region 7, pages 4-5.

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EASTERN VISAYAS

May 1 - 7, 2017

Published by: PIA 6, 7 & 8

Issue 18

K to 12 Plus or dualized training to continue in 3 pilot schools Ferliza Calizar-Contratista CEBU CITY, April 25 (PIA) --- The German-patterned K to12 plus project is set to continue with the positive developments seen on their pioneer students.

Norbert Weiss, program manager from AFOS Foundation, said in a press conference recently that the foundation will continue its support in the three pilot schools of the Kto12 plus program. ―For now we are not thinking if expanding it yet to other schools but focused on these pilot areas. Maybe soon we will expand after seeing a lot of good effects among the students," Wies said.

The Kto12 Plus or the dualized training system were enforced in two public schools, namely Barrio Luz National High School, Zapatera National High School and a private school, Banilad Center for Professional Development .

The program was implemented in 2015, a year before the actual implementation in the Philippines through the Cebu Chamber of Commerce and Industry, the business community in Cebu City.

CCCI Executive Director May Elizabeth Ybanez said the

system is dualized just like the Department of Education (DepEd) curriculum but there are more hours spent in the industries.

There are five Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) Clusters; the Information and Communication Technology or Business Processing, food production, tourism, construction and manufacturing of different sorts. ―The basic elements of a successful training program in the industry involve academic dual linkages, plus the immersion in the different industries, plus the training in the TechVoc Institutes and the other player such as the DepEd and TESDA.‖ Ybanez said.

Lito Maderazo, former CCCI president, said the program is an example of industry guided curriculum.

This means that schools offer subjects that are more responsive to the needs of the industries.

The pioneer graduates of the Kto12 Plus projects total to 93 from the three schools. (fcc/drd/PIT intern/ PIA7-Cebu)

EV jobseekers flock to Labor Day jobs fair Consuelo B. Alarcon TACLOBAN CITY, Leyte, May 2 (PIA) – Hundreds of jobseekers in Eastern Visayas grabbed the jobs fair which was one of the highlights of the 115th Labor Day celebration spearheaded by the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE).

The applicants came from various places in Region VIII. Most of them are new graduates this year.

Assistant secretary Alex Avila of the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) in his keynote speech, stressed the important role of Filipino workers in nation building. ―Job fairs during Labor Day is one way of recognizing the workers who are laboring for the country,‖ Avila said.

In the region, around 1, 250 registered applicants were recorded in said job fair.

Out of the said figure, 27 jobseekers were hired on the spot and 85 applicants were considered near-hired which means they are already hired by the employers pending submission of additional requirements.

A total of 136 applicants were referred to undergo skills training program of the Technical Education Skills and Development Authority (TESDA); 14 applicants were referred to the Department of Trade and Industry for business opportunities and 26 qualified for livelihood assistance.

In said occasion, two of the private companies in Eastern

Visayas who responded to the call of the government against contractualization were given recognition by the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE).

These are the Ultrasteel Corporation in Tacloban City where 107 of its contractual workers were absorbed and the Philippine Associated Smelting and Refining Corporation (PASAR) in Isabel Leyte where 50 of their workers were given regular employment.(ajc/cba/PIA-8)

Job-seekers in Eastern Visayas flock to the Leyte Academic Center in Palo, Leyte on May 1 during the jobs fair conducted by the Department of Labor and Employment as one of the highlights of the 115th Labor Day Celebration . (Raul S. Tiozon, Jr./PIA-8)

PPAN outlines specific, sensitive nutrition projects Elsa S. Subong

ECONOMIC GROWTH IN EASTERN VISAYAS FASTEST IN 2016: According to the Philippine Statistics Authority 8 (PSA-8), Eastern Visayas posted the fastest economic growth in the country at 12.4 percent in 2016, higher than the 4.6 percent growth recorded in 2015 and the first-ever double digit growth of the region. The buoyant economy in 2016 also resulted in a per capita GRDP of P37,261 measured in constant term, the highest in the last seven years, which also grew the fastest year -on-year across regions. #EconomicPerformance #EasternVisayas #NEDA #PSA#PartnerForChange

More on Region 8, pages 6-7.

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ILOILO CITY, May 4 (PIA6)—The Philippine Plan of Action for Nutrition (PPAN) for 2017-2022, has outlined nutrition-specific and nutrition sensitive programs, along with support and enabling programs to meet its goals.

The PPAN is now set in motion, with the national launching done in Iloilo, May 2, 2017, led by the National Nutrition Council and the DOH officials.

In her presentation on the PPAN, ASec for Health and NNC Executive Director Bernardita Flores said the plan adopts the Nutrition-Specific and Nutrition-Sensitive Programs as interventions to address the underlying causes of malnutrition along the lifecycle of individuals. ―Nutrition-specific programs are those which were planned and designed to produce results out of the components as implemented by agencies involved,‖ Flores said.

There are eight programs under this, namely: Infant and Young Child Feeding, Integrated Management of Acute Malnutrition, National Dietary Supplementation Program. National Nutrition Promotion Program for Behaviour Change, Micronutrient Supplementation, Mandatory Food Fortification, Nutrition in Emergencies and Overweight and Obesity Management and Prevention Program.

The projects under the programs are to be implemented by member agencies and development partners including the NGOs and the local government units. ―There are specific agencies tasked to perform, kaya

maniningil tayo pagdating ng panahon,‖ Flores said.

On the other hand, the nutrition-sensitive programs are development interventions improved or adjusted to produce nutritional results, meant to complement the nutrition-specific programs.

The PPAN 2017-2022 has identified the following nutrition-sensitive projects, namely: Farm-to-market roads and Child Nutrition; Target Actions to Reduce Poverty and Generate Economic Transformation and Child Nutrition; Coconut Rehabilitation Program; Gulayan sa Paaralan, Diskwento Caravans in Depressed Areas; Family Development Sessions for Child and Family Nutrition Project; Mainstreaming Nutrition in Sustainable Livelihood; Public Works Infrastructure and Child Nutrition; Adolescent Health and Nutrition Development; and, Sagana at Ligtas na Tubig sa Lahat (SALINTUBIG) and other programs on water, sanitation and hygiene.

Flores said that these nutrition-specific and nutrition-sensitive programs have to be supported by mobilization of the LGUs and other sectors and groups in the rural villages and NNC networks. ―Likewise, priority legislative actions and policies and public advocacy supporting nutrition, will help us succeed together,‖ Flores said.

The launching ceremony of the PPAN was led by Health Secretary Paulyn Ubial, the NNC and the local government of Iloilo province. (JCM/ESS/PIA-Iloilo)

WESTERN VISAYAS

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WVisayas ideal opportunities

for

business, investment

Santacruzan

Leonard T. Pineda I ILOILO CITY, May 5 (PIA6) --- Western Visayas remains an ideal place for investments and business opportunities, according to the National Economic and Development Authority (NEDA)-6.

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n a news conference on the 2016 report on the regional economic performance of Western Visayas held May 4, 2017 at Grand Xing Imperial Hotel here, NEDA-6 Regional Director Ro-Ann Bacal said the region continues to attract more investments which have fueled its economic growth for the next years. ―Where else can they see a place where the youth are very much educated; we already have reliable power supply, though it is not yet cheap but among the investors, sometimes they do not look at the price but at the reliability of utilities,‖ she said.

She said that all the interventions of

infrastructure support are being put in place and the outlook for 2017 is upbeat with the resurgence of infrastructure projects not only in Iloilo but also in the provinces of Aklan, Antique, Guimaras, Capiz, and in the Negros Island Region. ―Our roads are being widened, and they are being concretized,‖ she shared.

She said that the connectivity of the Visayas will be responded to in the coming years with the planned network of bridges that will connect the islands of Panay, Guimaras, Negros, and Cebu. ―If you are an investor, it is easy for you to market your goods because of the many markets

available,‖ she said.

She said that the private sector remains to be bullish about the major urban centers in the region. ―They feel they must be part of the attraction, and the growth and the potential that the area is going towards to,‖ she said.

However, she said that there is a need to further assist the region’s agriculture and fisheries sectors. ―We have a very long coastline and we need to attract more investors to process our marine products and our agricultural products,‖ she added.

(JCM/LTP/PIA-Iloilo)

Panaad sales soar to P18.4M Lorenzo O. Lambatin, Jr. NEGROS OCC., May 4 (PIA6) -- The nine-day celebration of the 24th Panaad sa Negros Festival posted a total sales of P18.4 million or an increase of 72% from last year’s P10.7M, a press release from the Capitol said.

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he figures comprise the total generated income through LGU pavilions, organic agriculture fair, livestock and dairy fair, trade fair and exhibit, eco-garden show, bamboo village and food kiosks.

Reports showed that LGU pavilions have the highest sales amounting to P9.98 million. It is

followed by food kiosks with P3.79 million; eco-garden show with P1.71 million; organic village with P1.55 million; and livestock and dairy fair with P1.34M. The newly-established Bamboo Village garnered a total sale of P49, 836.

The highest sales for the day was recorded on

April 29, the 10th day of the festival, posting P2.98 million while the lowest was seen on the last day, April 30, with P963,492.

For LGUs alone, the City of Cadiz was the top grosser with total sales amounting to P1.31 million.

(JCM/Lljr-PIA6/Capitol news)

Cruise company wants homeport in Boracay jump-off point Venus G. Villanueva KALIBO, Aklan, April 29 (PIA6) -- What happens when a quantum cruise ship carrying from 4,000 to 5,000 tourists docks in Boracay Island?

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his will open up limitless opportunities for Aklan entrepreneurs producing gifts, processed food, and souvenir items, according to Aklan governor Florencio T. Miraflores, a scenario he shared with guests, visitors and participants during the opening of the 19th Aklan Pina and Fiber Festival here, one of the major activities in celebration of Aklan’s 61st anniversary as a separate province from Capiz.

The governor’s vision of a huge cruise ship docking in the vicinity of Boracay Island followed after his announcement of the launching of the arrival of the Vice President of the Royal Caribbean Cruise Ltd. to talk about the building of the cruise company’s homeport in Caticlan, Malay, Aklan – the jump-off point to Boracay Island. ―Imagine the huge food requirement of these tourists. This is an opportunity for all of you to take advantage of. They will buy your indigenous products

as long as they can come here,‖ the governor said to participating Aklan Micro, Small and Medium Entrepreneurs (MSMEs) displaying their various products at the Provincial Trade Hall.

With the possibility of a cruise hub in Aklan, Miraflores said the ―fly and cruise‖ scheme could be introduced to tourists – with foreign tourists, the Chines for instance, being flown from China, ferried to Caticlan and Boracay Island, and then riding a cruise ship where they could be taken to different tourist destinations in the Philippines.

This scheme, said the governor, is practiced already in Puerto Rico with cruise ships cruising to Miami, Florida, U.S.A. and then around the Caribbean.

The governor expressed confidence in the success of this set-up, with Aklan having two airports – the Kalibo International Airport (KIA) in Kalibo, the capital town of Aklan, and Caticlan Airport in

Caticlan, Malay Aklan, both catering to international flights.

The Chinese tourists have dominated foreign arrivals in Boracay for the first two months in the first quarter of 2017, and South Koreans a very close second who topped the list of foreign arrivals in March.

With these limitless opportunities, the governor called on Aklanons, especially the MSMEs, for the continued honing of their skills and abilities in improving Aklan products, including packaging.

The Aklan Pina and Fiber Festival was joined this year by 77 MSMEs selling indigenous fibers and crafts, gifts, housewares and furnishings, processed food, health and wellness products and garden plants.

Aklan’s 17 municipalities also displayed their respective agriculture and aquaculture products with emphasis on the ―One Town, One Product‖ or OTOP program. (JCM/VGV PIA6 Aklan)

WESTERN VISAYAS

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Swiss people donate P35M school buildings cum evac centers Jemin B. Guillermo ROXAS CITY, Capiz, May 2 (PIA6) – Capiceños expressed their thanks to the people of Switzerland for the P35-million school buildings cum evacuation centers for the island and coastal barangays in Capiz.

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EKS Swiss Church Aid delegate Anita Maria Frey Bozovic said that the money spent for the three evacuation centers in the province is from the people of Switzerland, which was just coursed through their international non-government organization.

The evacuation centers are in Manapao, Pontevedra town, Binaobawan, Pilar town and Bantigue in the municipality of Capiz.

The evacuation centers in Manapao and Binaobawan each costs P10 million while that in Bantigue costs P15 million.

The construction of said project started last year and finally turned over to the Department of

Education and local government units of the respected towns and barangays in March and April.

During the turnover ceremony, April 10, in barangay Bantigue, Panay mayor Felipe Barredo expressed his thanks to HEKS EPER for the P15-million two-storey evacuation center for said barangay. ―The people of Panay town especially in barangay Bantigue will forever be grateful to the donors knowing that the said center will not only serve as a safe haven during calamities but also as a school building for our children‖, Barredo said.

For Capiz Department of Education Superintendent Dr. Miguel Mac Aposin, the new

centers are of great help to the schools knowing that the evacuation centers will be used as classrooms during school days and a safe center during calamities or disasters.

HEKS Architect Christoph Hillman Lettgen revealed that the ―Safe Haven‖ can withstand the 8.5 magnitude earthquake shaking and a super typhoon.

On the other hand, the residents from the three beneficiary barangays have likewise expressed their sincerest gratitude to the people of Switzerland for the help extended to them on disaster preparedness and the construction of their evacuation center. (JCM/JBG/PIA6)

P9.3M SALINTUBIG projects ongoing Pilar S. Mabaquiao SAN JOSE, Antique, May 4 (PIA6) - - The Implementation of P9.3 million SALINTUBIG or Sagana at Ligtas na Tubig sa Lahat, DILG initiated project is ongoing in three municipalities in the province of Antique.

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ILG Program Manager Raymund Palanog led the monitoring and assessment of the projects with technical experts namely Engr. Jude Mckean Nagtalon and Engr. Mary Lyn Joy Camina of the Project Development Monitoring Unit DILG 6 who visited the towns of Belison, Hamtic and San Remigio.

The projects covered are the Expansion of Level III Potable Water Supply of Belison Water

District amounting to 1.3M under the BUB Program, Proposed Level 2 Water Supply system of Budbudan, Hamtic amounting to P2M under the SALINTUBIG Program, Construction of Pipe Water System in the barangays of Bugo with P1M, Lapak P1M and Lumpatan P2M all in the town of San Remigio and Expansion of Piped Water System in Brgy.

Sinundolan, San Remigio amounting to 2M under the SALINTUBIG Program.

Information Officer Judy Mae Magdato of DILG

said that the monitoring and assessment was conducted to determine the functionality of the water projects.

The barangays are identified through the National Housing Targeting System for Poverty Reduction (NHTS-PR) conducted by DSWD with findings that the said barangays have low water service coverage, high incidence of water borne related diseases and high poverty incidence. (JCM/ DILG/PSM/PIA6 Antique)

JBLFMU guidance counselor Most Outstanding Employee Lilibeth A. French ILOILO CITY, May 3 (PIA6) - - Donie Alvon Manosa, a College Guidance Counselor of John B. Lacson Foundation Maritime University (JBLFMU) in Molo, was named as the Most Outstanding Employee in the Private Sector in Region 6 for 2017 by the Department of Labor and Employment 6 (DOLE 6).

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anosa received his plaque of recognition and cash prize during the opening program for the Labor Day Job and Business Fairs on May 1 at the Atria Park District.

Other awardees are Yogie Ben Obsiana, ranked no. 2, faculty member of Filamer Christian University in Roxas City; Godfrey Antonio, ranked no. 3, faculty member of JBLFMU; and Jasper Victoriano, ranked no. 4, another faculty member of JBLFMU. DOLE 6 in coordination with the Regional Coordinating Council, Regional Tripartite Industry Peace Council and the Philippine Chamber of Commerce and Industry launched the Search for

Outstanding Workers in Private Sector in Region 6 in 2016 to recognize top performing workers who have shown exemplary work performance, leadership, productivity and innovation in their respective workplace.

On its second year, DOLE 6 said nominees came from various industries and private companies of the different provinces in the region. For 2017, about 80 percent of the nominees belong to the school industry.

To qualify, workers must be currently working in the company or establishment for at least three years, with exemplary work performance as indicated in their performance rating, productive,

innovative, promote good labor and management relations and with good moral character and leadership skills.

They were judged based on the following criteria: Work Performance, 30%; Integrity and Leadership, 25%; Productivity and Innovation 25% and Impact of Behavioral Performance and Character 15%.

Mayor Jed Patrick Mabilog and DOLE 6 Director Henry John Jalbuena handed over the awards to the winners. They were assisted by DOLE 6 Asst. Regional Director Salome Siaton and Mr. Noel Panaguiton who represented Congressman Jerry Trenas. (JCM/laf/PIA6-Iloilo)

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CENTRAL VISAYAS

DOLE -7 welcomes new regional director Santacruzan

Juju Empuerto

CEBU CITY, April 28 (PIA) --- ―I am so happy seeing familiar faces. I am glad to be working again with people who used to extend support to me back then. Let us help each other and I am very confident that we will be able to work on the Region’s objectives and goals together as well.‖

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his was the message of Elias Cayanong, the new Regional Director of the Department of Labor and Employment Regional Office (DOLE-7) during the recent joint DOLE-RCC flag raising ceremony at the DOLE-7 Building.

Cayanong accepted the key of responsibility from DOLE-7 outgoing Regional Director Exequiel Sarcauga during a simple turn-over ceremony before the Regional Coordinating Committee (RCC-7) members and staff.

Cayanong stressed the value of coordination and cohesion not only among the employees of the DOLE but also among the Department’s attached agencies. ―I’ve known a lot of RCC heads for quite some time and until now, I still treasure the support they extended to me when I was still here in the Region a few years ago. For that, my heart will always stay grateful,‖ said the new DOLE-7 head.

From October 2004 to February 2005, Cayanong was the Assistant Regional Director of DOLE-7.

Then he became the Region’s Regional Director from 2005 until March 2011. He had a three-year stint being a Labor Attache in Taichung,

Taiwan from March 2011 to April 2014.

Before coming back to Region 7, he served as the Regional Director of DOLE Regional Office 8 from May 2014 until March 2017. ―This place is not foreign to me at all. Cebu City is my birthplace and I am so excited to working again here. My heart is overjoyed and at the same time humbled for being given the opportunity to be serving Region 7 once again,‖ he added.

Cayanong urged the heads of the field offices, divisions, and units as well as the staff to give their best and always make sure to protect the image of the office, never putting it into any kind of compromise.

He especially gave policy directions on the Department’s frontline services and flagship programs such as the Alien Employment Permit (AEP), Livelihood, Labor Market Information (LMI) and the Labor Laws Compliance System (LLCS) among others, underscoring the need to strictly follow their process cycle time (PCT). ―We will be observing and implementing new processes in order to augment our delivery of services and I hope that everyone will keep an open mind and give the new system a chance to work,‖

Cayanong said, adding that there are certain issues that the region will have to concentrate on in order to catch up with the targets for the first semester of the calendar year.

In making sure that each and everyone in the region is doing what is mandated of them, the DOLE -7 head said that he does not have to control and check every part of the personnel’s assigned tasks and responsibilities. Micromanaging people, he said, is not part of how he is going to manage and lead the men and women of the region.

Extending support to Cayanong is the newly installed Assistant Regional Director Cyril Ticao, who was the OIC-Regional Director of the Negros Island Region (NIR). ―We have chemistry. And what I am going to do as ARD is to give my full support to whatever policy directions and marching orders that RD Cayanong will want the Region to focus on.

After all, all the innovations and the changes that will be institutionalized in Region 7 will be for the good not only of our external customers but also of our internal customers – the men and women behind the delivery of the Department’s programs and services,‖ said Ticao. (jsme/PIA7-Cebu/DOLE-7)

10M in 10 Movement, partners mark Earth Day celeb Jennifer C. Tilos NEGROS ORIENTAL, April 26 (PIA) – The 10 Million Trees in 10 Years for a Greener Negros Movement (10M in 10) has planted more than 1,000 various fruit and native tree seedlings during Earth Day on April 22 with agency-partners in Negros Island.

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he movement was able to mobilize partner-organizations to do their own tree-planting activities across the Negros Island Region and post them in their social media accounts to inspire others to care for the forests and planet. The participants shared their own tree-planting activities on Facebook and used the hashtag "10Min10EarthDayNIR2017."

This initiative, which is in line with the Movement’s island-wide mission to plant, grow and protect 10 million trees in 10 years, advocated for ―tree growing‖ and ―tree parenting.‖ 10M in 10 partners who participated include: Central Environment Management Office, Philippine

National Police and People’s Organizations of San Carlos City, Energy Development Corporation, DENR-CENRO Kabankalan.

"Social media proved to be an invaluable means for us to promote this activity by 10M in 10 and for Earth Day’s tree planters to share their experience in order to spread awareness on its importance to saving our planet," said 10M in 10's Project Management Office Head Pinky Medina.

10M in 10, of which the target is to plant its 2nd millionth tree this 2017 with the help of all its partners, has identified maintenance and evaluation as one of its priorities this 2017.

With the aim to strengthen this program

aspect and start preparing for the planting activities in the coming rainy season, the movement will gather its committed partners in a Cluster Meeting where best practices, areas for improvement, and action plans will be discussed.

The movement has organized its partners into three main clusters based on the types of their committed support: Cluster A: Information, Education and Communication, Knowledge Management and Capacity Building; Cluster B: Program Implementation; Cluster C: Monitoring and Evaluation. 10M in 10’s Cluster Meeting is tentatively scheduled for the month of June 2017. (jct/PIA7Negros Oriental)

PNP: 41 barangays in Negros Oriental drug-free Leandria P. Pagunsan NEGROS ORIENTAL, April 28 (PIA) — The Provincial Police Drug Enforcement Unit through SPO2 Cyrus Orcullo reported that out oF 557 barangays in Negros Oriental, 41 were cleared and declared drug-free based on their clearing operations as of April 21, 2017.

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n a recent Negros Oriental Drug Abuse and Prevention Council (NORDAPC) meeting presided by Fernando Martinez, Orcullo disclosed that during the period from March 1 to 31, 2017, there were 36 persons arrested during the conduct of barangay drug affectation operations.

Orcullo also bared that during the month of March 2017, the provincial intelligence branch of the Negros Oriental provincial police office arrested 2 persons from Dumaguete City and another 2 from Sibulan town.

NORDAPC presiding officer Fernando Martinez said that despite the number of user/pusher who surrendered to authorities, the problem still persists. Martinez said demand and supply reduction of illegal drugs need massive and continuous information campaign to convince people to cooperate and report any information related to drug proliferation in their barangay.

Some families of drug addicts also lamented on the fact that it is difficult to send their children to rehabilitation centers because they cannot afford the cost.

While the concerned drug dependents are deprived of rehabilitation and treatment, they tend to go back to their usual drug habit with friends , said Martinez.

In a related development, Atty. Joanna Ruth Utzurrum of the 7th Judicial Region, Branch 30 reported that during the period April 01 to 21, 2017 a total of two cases were convicted and disposed while during the month of March, 12 cases were disposed, 10 convictions, and two other accused remain at large for more than six months now. (lpp/ PIA-7/Negros Oriental)

CENTRAL VISAYAS

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DOST holds climate science boot camp Jennifer C. Tilos DUMAGUETE CITY, April 28 – The Department of Science and Technology-Science Education Institute (DOST-SEI) in cooperation with DOST-Negros Oriental Provincial Science and Technology Center (NegOr PSTC) recently concluded the weeklong climate science boot camp in Negros Oriental.

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round 250 high school students and teachers from four selected public schools in Negros Oriental attended the boot camp.

Anchored on the theme ―Oceans and Climate towards a Resilient Planet‖, the camp sought to encourage students to pursue S&T careers and instill deep appreciation of S&T as a way to address environmental and societal issues.

It featured lectures, hands-on activities about atmosphere, weather, ocean and marine biodiversity.

The participants were joined by scientists,

instructors and researchers from the University of the Philippines-Marine Science Institute (UP-MSI) led

by Dr. Aletta Yñiguez, DOST-SEI headed by Ruby Cristobal and meteorologists from the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical, and Astronomical Services Administration (DOST-PAGASA).

The lectures given by the resource persons centered on the following subjects about the earth’s atmosphere: temperature, pressure, rainfall, greenhouse gases, weather, hazards, and extreme weather conditions.

The resource persons also discussed oceanic

temperature, circulation, chemistry, marine biology and focused on issues such as ocean warming, rise of sea levels, ocean acidification and the impacts of coral bleaching.

Participating schools in Negros Oriental are Dauin National High School, RTPM-Dumaguete Science High School, Dumaguete City High School and Zamboanguita Science High School.

The same activity was also simultaneously conducted in the nearby province of Siquijor. (jct/ PIA7-Negros Oriental with reports from DOST Information Officer Sean Adrian T. Guardiano)

Officials urge fishermen to help guard Bohol waters Rey Anthony H. Chiu TAGBILARAN CITY, April 25 (PIA) -- Local government officials here are mobilizing information force multipliers against threat groups inside and outside Bohol.

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t the Press Briefing for the updates on the Inabanga clash between government troops and Abu Sayyaf Group members, Police Task Group Commander PCSuperintendent Noli Taliño said there is a need for a tight dragnet that could snag the remnants of the clash who are on the run and may slip out of Bohol through stolen boats.

Earlier on that same day of the briefing April 17, Governor Edgar Chatto said he met Bohol Congressional representatives, Bohol Provincial Officials, mayors and Municipal Local Government Operations Officers to cascade the mandate to form the dragnet that they would spread across all coastal towns to watch for any attempt to escape.

The expressed instruction is: convene all coastal law enforcement (CLE) groups, fishermen organizations, and commercial fishers to help in the efforts to keep Bohol safe.

Bohol has 29 coastal towns among its total 48 towns, and organizing these fisher groups and commercial fishers as additional eyes and ears can well boost Bohol's efforts to enforce an impenetrable wall from the outside and a containment that does

not allow just anybody to slip through.

While intelligence officials have hailed Bohol's community-based Purok Power movement which helped spread the information about the incursion of the ASG bandits over 10 kilometers upriver, the governor stressed that "everyone realizes the defense of the community in not just a task of the police and the military."

Army Intelligence officer Lt Col. Adolfo Espuelas Jr., however was positive that the seven ASG remnants of the encounter are still contained in the area around Napo, Canlinte, Cawayan, Dagohoy and Lonoy, in the hinterlands of Inabanga.

In a hostile community, the remnants of the clash are demoralized, left with few ammunition, have no food, no sleep, and practically no capacity to consummate what they intend to do, Col. Espuellas said.

Army intelligence also bared that the firefight that almost lasted 24 hours left the ASG's local contact Joselito Melloria with a wound in the left back shoulder and left foot, another young fighter with a wound in the right leg and yet another fighter with wound in the right buttocks.

Intelligence also reports that the remnants have only three M16 rifles, one fitted with an M203 grenade launcher, one M14, a depleted ammunition supply, an analog cell phone with spare batteries, no food, no local support, have been sleepless and are on the run without any more capacity to fight.

At the same meeting, Gov. Chatto told media that he pressed on the role of civilians in the side of law enforcement against terrorism and criminality even as he cited the role the children played that led to the thwarting of the ASG terror plans.

"The mayors resolved to strengthen all towns, barangays, and puroks especially their coastal areas," Chatto appraised the Bohol media during the briefing.

Even then, President Rodrigo Duterte announced that the government is giving a cash bounty of a million pesos to anybody who could positively share information leading to the arrest or neutralization of the remaining bandits in Bohol.

He also urged civilians to help as he hinted a government move to arm the civilians to help pursue the bandits. (rahc/PIA-7/Bohol)

Helmet use in Dumaguete City streets optional for now Jennifer C. Tilos DUMAGUETE CITY, April 24 (PIA) – The Provincial Highway Patrol Team (PHPT) has disclosed that it will only make apprehensions of motorists using the national roads, while waiting for the final decision of the Dumaguete City Council whether they would join public clamor to exempt users of city and barangay roads of such imposition.

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or the moment, it is up to the individual motorist in the city whether to wear or not to wear the helmet when driving their motorcycles.

According to Dumaguete City Information Officer Dems Demicillo, the City Council is presently divided on the issue and is at the moment incapable of making a decisive and unified stand, which leaves the highway patrolmen in limbo.

Councilor Alan Cordova, Chairman of the Committee on Peace and Order, is the most vocal opponent of the mandatory use of helmets in the city’s small and narrow streets, said Demicillo.

In a public hearing, Demicillo said civic leaders and even ordinary citizens took turns denouncing the imposition of helmet use in Dumaguete City. ―The national helmet law was also branded as anti-poor as it basically targets ordinary citizens, who cannot afford to pay for the very excessive penalties and fines. Critics also believe this to be another avenue for corrupt and unethical government officials and enforcers to resume their illicit activities,‖ narrated Demicillo.

It is also noted that another main concern is that of security amid possible upsurge of extra-judicial killings perpetrated by hire gunmen and

cases of robbery perpetuated by people who use helmets to conceal their identities. ―In these uncertain times of terror threats and return of street killings, majority of the people in the city prefer that motorists bare their faces in public,‖ Demicillo said.

PHPT Team Leader Sr. Insp. Robelito Mariano said that the national roads where motorists are at risk of being arrested for not using helmets include the Valencia-Dumaguete road in the west, Mangnao-Bacong road down south and Bantayan-Sibulan road up north. (jct/PIA7-Negros Oriental)

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EASTERN VISAYAS

DPWH to widen major road in SoLeyte

Santacruzan

Ma. Rebecca G. Cadavos MAASIN CITY , Southern Leyte, April 28 (PIA) - Works to convert a major road in Southern Leyte into a four-lane highway is now up and running with the national government setting aside P235.79 million.

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epartment of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) Southern Leyte Assistant District Engineer Allan Eway said their office will bid out on May 23 the said project, which aims to widen the road in Libagon town, a portion of the highway connecting the progressive towns of Sogod and Liloan.

The P235.79 million is on top of the multi-million funds earmarked for road widening in nearby Sogod town last year under the supervision

of the regional office, the source reported.

Eway said the road project in Libagon is considered as a major infrastructure development in Southern Leyte, saying it could further spur economic development in the Pacific side of the province. It was learned that in 2016, the infrastructure department started the road widening activity in Southern Leyte, particularly the conversion of roads from two lanes to four lanes in Sogod. ―This year, we will focus in developing the

Libagon section and we continue to commit building a four-lane highway leading to Liloan,‖ Eway quoted. ―These much improved roads will benefit both the local residents and tourists, allowing better and safer transport of people, goods, and services.’

The project will add 3.35 meters to both sides of the highway. The existing width is 6.7 meters.

Sogod, a second class town, which has regular trips to Surigao, is about 49 kilometers from Liloan Ferry Terminal. (ajc/rgc/pIA8-SoLeyte)

EV posts fastest economic growth in 2016 Consuelo B. Alarcon TACLOBAN CITY, Leyte, May 5(PIA) – Eastern Visayas posted the fastest economic growth in the country in 2016, according to the Philippine Statistics Authority in the region.

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n a news conference of the 2016 Regional Economic Performance of Eastern Visayas yesterday, PSA regional director Wilma A. Perante said the economy of the region grew by 12.4 percent in 2016, higher than the previous year’s growth rate of 4.6 percent.

Citing the total value of gross regional domestic product of Eastern Visayas in 2016, the economic situation of Region VIII has increased to Php172.1 billion in 2016, an increase of 12.4 percent from the Php153.2 billion in 2015.

Said figure is the first ever double digit growth of the region and higher by 5.5 percentage points than the country’s growth rate of 6.9 percent.

The Industry sector contributed the largest share of the region’s economy at 44.3 percent followed by the service sector at 40.6

percent and agriculture, hunting, forestry and fishing (AHFF) at 15.1 percent.

In a statement, regional director Bonifacio G. Uy of the National Economic and Development Authority (NEDA) said that the economic growth was a result of flourishing economic activities due to high domestic demand, strong business confidence, and public and private investments, as well as continued post-Yolanda rehabilitation and construction activities, which triggered the implementation of construction projects, among others.

The buoyant economy in 2016 also resulted in a per capita GRDP of Php37, 261 measured in constant term, the highest in the last seven years, which also grew the fastest year-on-year across regions.

With this development, Uy expressed optimism that these economic gains will be sustained

in the coming years in order to maintain a stable economy. ―We should not lose sight of our objective to effectuate an economic growth that translates to poverty reduction and job generation in the region,‖Uy said.

The growth regional domestic product (GRDP) simply a measure of regions’ economic performance covering various goods and services produced in a region and shows how the economy of the region grows faster or decline as compared with the previous year’s performance.

It measures the relative contribution of the three major economic sectors namely Industry, Services and Agriculture, Hunting, Forestry and Fishing (AHFF).

PSA noted that the economic growth of the region continued to improve from 2014 to 2016.(ajc/ cba/PIA8)

EVisayas is generally peaceful, says Beltejar Ninfa B Quirante TACLOBAN CITY, Leyte, April 27 (PIA) - Eastern Visayas has remained generally peaceful, said Police Regional Director Elmer Beltejar as he met the press, Wednesday.

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eltejar reacted to a question on the threats of terrorism as some members of the Abu Sayyaf are known to be in Bohol.

But he said that the region is now on alert for possible entry of the terror group. ―No confirmed report na nakalapit na sila sa atin, on the run sila sa Bohol,‖ he said.

In the national scene, Presidential Spokesperson Ernie Abella said that the arrest of PSupt Maria Cristina Brugada Nobleza who was assigned at the PNP CrimeLab of PRO11 underlines

the need for vigilance in the campaign for peace within our borders.

Investigation revealed that PSupt Nobleza has links with the Abu Sayaff Group (ASG).

Considered as a high-risk detainee, PNP Chief Bato Dela Rosa is facilitating PSupt Nobleza’s transfer to Camp Crame from Bohol. ‖The president is firm and decisive in the fight against terrorism. He has ordered government troops to carry out sustained, focused and intense operations to put an end to lawless and gruesome

acts of violence,‖ said Abella.

At the Eastern Visayas Regional Law Enforcement Coordinating Committee meeting on Wednesday, the members were one in recommending intense intelligence operations to ensure that these terrorists do not spill over to the region.

The Police Regional Director said that there is so much to do in ensuring peace and order and that we must create a culture of peace in the community. (ajc/nbq/PIA 8 Samar)

EASTERN VISAYAS

7

GSIS opens scholarship program to deserving students Samuel D. Candido BORONGAN CITY, Eastern Samar, April 26 (PIA) - The Government Service Insurance System (GSIS), Borongan Field Office has announced that GSIS is currently accepting applications for its enhanced GSIS Scholarship Program (GSIS) for Academic Year 2017-2018. Deadline for submission of application is June 29, 2017.

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r. John Vianney D. Ocana, Extension OfficeHead, GSIS-Extension Field Office, disclosed that this year, GSIS is offering a total of 400 scholarship slots nationwide to children or dependents of active members and Permanent Total Disability (PTD) pensioners with the lowest annual salary. Of the 400 slots, 40 or 10 percent are allotted for dependents of persons with disabilities, indigenous peoples, and solo or single parents.

Ocana disclosed that last year, there were three students from Eastern Samar who qualified as GSP scholars and who are now enrolled at the Eastern Samar State University (ESSU) – main campus.

They are Nida M. Eroda, Dylyn B. Nebrija, and

Ma. Lilian P. Rosco.

Active members may nominate their children or dependents if they are permanent government employees, have at least three-year government service, have a salary grade of 24 or below, and have paid premium contributions for the last six months. PTD pensioners who are below 60 years old are eligible to nominate their children as scholars.

Active members or disability pensioners also may nominate scholars if they are college students in any year level in schools accredited by the Commission on Higher Education (CHED) as Levels IV and III. Active members who are single or married may nominate one child or dependent, while PTD

pensioners may nominate their children only.

GSP scholars are entitled to the actual cost of tuition and miscellaneous fees not to exceed P40,000 per academic year and a monthly allowance of P3,000. Monetary incentives in the amount of P20,000, P30,000 and P50,000 also await scholars who will graduate with Latin honors cum laude, magna cum laude and summa cum laude, respectively.

GSP is one of the corporate social responsibility programs of GSIS. Since 1998, the program has been helping underprivileged yet deserving scholars obtain quality education from reputable schools.

Dependents of low-income members and pensioners are given priority in the selection process. (ajcSDC/PIA8-E. Samar)

PRC SoLeyte exceeds membership campaign target Erna Gorne MAASIN CITY, Southern Leyte April 27 (PIA) - ―The more members campaigned, the more volunteers are created, ― Philippine Red Cross (PRC) Chairman, Sen. Dick Gordon was quoted.

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RC Southern Leyte Chapter Administrator Jonas Maco in an interview with PIA said that the local chapter aggressive stance in membership campaign resulted in the over target of the quota required for the chapter to achieve.

They were able to subscribe 15,966 members compared from the required 13,273 membership in 2016, he added.

The Southern Leyte Chapter was duly recognized for attaining the overall goal in

membership fund drive for 2016 by no less than PRC Chairman Senator Dick Gordon during the 2017 fund and membership campaign kick-off, which highlighted the PRC’s 70th anniversary celebration of humanitarian services at PRC Logistics and Multi-purpose Center, Mandaluyong City last April 19, 2017, it was learned.

Each member gets a membership card ranging from P 60.00 up to P1,000.00. It is renewable every year, Maco said.

A cardholder is also entitled to an member

accident insurance, medical allowance and hospital assistance. However, if one wishes to become a Red Cross volunteer, one can avail several capacity trainings like the first aid- basic life support skills, among others, Maco said.

He stated that being a Red Cross member makes oneself become a part of an organization who save lives. Red Cross aims to build a safe and resilient community thru disaster response, thus the need to build a mass base of volunteers. (ajc/esg/PIA8 SoLeyte)

Leyte’s inflation rate slightly rises in March PIA 8 TACLOBAN CITY, Leyte, April 29 – Inflation rate in the province of increased at 2.8 percent in March 2017, representing an increase of point, compared to the 2.6 percent inflation rate recorded the previous month.

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h e a ve r a g e p r o v i n c i a l i n f l a t i o n rate in Leyte is generally higher than the regional average since March 2016 except in November until the reference period.

Most of the commodity groups contributed to the 2.8 percent overall inflation rate which include Housing, water, electricity, gas and other fuels (7.5 percent); Alcoholic beverages and tobacco (4.5 percent); Education (3.8 percent); Food and non-alcoholic beverages (1.9 percent); Transport (1.4 percent), and Health (1.3 percent). The rest of the commodity groups registered acceleration ranging from 0.2 to 1.0 percent.

The year-on-year rate of price change of four (4) major commodity groups slowed down in March 2017 as compared to its rates in February.

The decrease was noted on the inflation ra te of Transport (from 2.0 percent in February to

1.4 percent in March 2017); Housing, water, electricity, gas and other fuels (from 7.8 percent to 7.5 percent ); Clothing and Footwear (f rom 0.9 percent to 0.7 percent ) and Furnishing, household equipment and Routine maintenance of the house (from 1.0 percent to 0.9 percent). Previous month’s inflation rate for Health, Communic ation, Recreation and Culture, Education and Restaurant and miscellaneous goods and services were maintained during the month-in-review.

Inflation rate is the general rise of prices over a period. It indicates how fast or how slow price changes over two time periods.

Contrary to common knowledge, low inflation does not necessarily connote that prices are falling, rather, it means that prices continue to increase a t a slower rate. It is a derived indicator of the Consumer Price Index (CPI).

Leyte slightly 0.2 percentage

The CPI is a measure of change in the average retail prices of goods and services commonly purchased by a particular group of people in a particular area.

The overall CPI in Leyte for March 2017 was recorded at 157.6. This means that the average retail prices of goods and services in Leyte is 57.6 percent higher than the average retail prices in 2006 (base year). Meanwhile, the Purchasing Power of the Peso (PPP) in Leyte weakened at 63 centavos in March 201 7 from 64 centavos in February 2017, while PPP for Region 8 weakened at 63 centavos since February the same year.

This indicates that the same basket of goods and services worth 63 pesos in 2006 (base year) is now worth 100 pesos during the reference period. (ldl/saaj/PSA-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.

One Visayas e-newsletter is part of the online news and information dissemination services of PIA and is powered by www.issuu.com. For inquiries and suggestions, call Tel. Nos. (033) 3378719/3377301 or e-mail piaamo6@yahoo.com.

Ms. 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