One visayas enewsletter vol 7 issue 26 20170703 r6

Vol 7

In this Issue WESTERN VISAYAS

PIA-6 Regional Director Atty. Ma. Janet C. Mesa (R) discusses the Region‟s ASEAN Accomplishment Report during the PIA-6 General Assembly and ASEAN Assessment held June 29, 2017 in Bacolod City. (PIA-6)

June 26 - July 2, 2017

Published by: PIA 6, 7 & 8

Issue 26

NFA: Stop spreading unverified ‗fake rice‘ news Samuel D. Candido BORONGAN CITY, Eastern Samar, June 30 (PIA) - The National Food Authority, Region 8 (NFA-RO-8) and NFA-Borongan City Field Office informed the public that the alleged fake rice which has been previously reported, turned out to be real rice.

According to Mr. Jason L. Y. Aquino, NFA Administrator, the NFA gathered the alleged fake rice from different areas nationwide and forwarded it to the NFA-Food and Development Center (FDC), Manila, for laboratory testing.

Ms. Jocelyn Sales, NFA-FDC Director, said in a statement that the alleged fake rice turned out to be real rice according to the analyses conducted on the samples submitted.

“No such thing as fake rice, only fake news and walang pekeng bigas sa Pinas”, Aquino added.

Aquino disclosed in a press conference by the Grains Retailers Confederation of the Philippines (GRECON) headed

by National President James Magbanua to alleviate fears of the public against fake rice being sold in the market.

In a Statement, sent to PIA-Borongan, GRECON denounced irresponsible sharing of fake news in social media,

especially those involving rice.

They assured the public that they are responsible rice retailers who will not sell fake rice because it will not benefit them but rather destroy their business, taint their reputation and create unnecessary panic.

GRECON also said in the statement that there is no actual fake rice discovered, up to this date, "hence, we are offended by insinuations that members of GRECON deliberately put additives in or sell fake rice to the consuming public", the statement said.

They also called on concerned government agencies such as: Department of Trade and Industry (DTI), Department of Information, Communication and Technology (DICT) to address the issue on "fake rice" by identifying those unscrupulously spreading fake news and those taking advantage of the situation.

In an interview with Ms.Martina O. Lodero, Provincial Manager of NFA-Borongan, she appealed to the public to stop spreading unverified news and instead, remain vigilant and report to the authorities of any unusual matters involving rice in our market. (SDC/PIA-E. Samar)

More on Region 6, pages 2-3.

Also CLICK Here…

CENTRAL VISAYAS

At the ASEAN-Ugnayan, Dialogue for Progress held at Sibulan Multi-Purpose Hall, invited guests discussed various livelihood assistance program from the Dept. of Agriculture-NIR, DSWD-NIR, provincial government and updates in disaster management.

More on Region 7, pages 4-5.

Also CLICK Here…

EASTERN VISAYAS

Over 800K SSS members avail restructuring program Lilibeth A. French ILOILO CITY, June 30 (PIA6) - - More than 800,000 members of the Social Security System (SSS) have already restructured their overdue loans with an equivalent collection of P5.1 billion.

SSS President and Chief Executive Officer Emmanuel Dooc said the Loan Restructuring Program was implemented for one year, starting April 2016 until April 28 this year. It covered short-term loans such as the salary loan and calamity loan assistance, among others.

“Marami ang nag-avail nito kaya bumaba ang antas ng delinquency, dati mahigit 50% ang delinquent, ngayon bumaba na „yan sa 48%,” said Dooc in a press conference with the local media, June 27.

He said with the successful outcome they have asked President Rodrigo Duterte for an extension of the program.

“Dahil sa matagumpay na resulta kami po ay humingi nang extension nito sa ating mahal na Pangulo at „yan po ay sa kanyang diskresyon kung „yan po ay kanyang ibibigay,” said Dooc.

He said there is a proposal in Congress to rationalize the powers of the Social Security Commission including the condonation of penalties. The proposal is currently being deliberated in the Senate.

SSS Visayas Group Operations Sr. Vice President Helen Solito noted that many members have availed of the program especially in big cities like Cebu as their

employees have to extend their working time days before the deadline.

She said the program‟s extension, if it will be approved by President Duterte will benefit those who were not able to meet the deadline.

Dooc and Solito were here in Iloilo City for the Stakeholders‟ Forum conducted by the agency and attended by around 150 employers from this city.

Participants were briefed on the various SSS self service facilities and the proposed Warrant of Distraint, Levy, and Garnishment where SSS can seize real and personal properties, subject to an auction sale, as payment for unpaid contributions.

(JCM/laf/PIA6-Iloilo)

SSS President and Chief Executive Officer Emmanuel F. Dooc gives updates on their various efforts and initiatives to improve their collection efficiency including running after delinquent employers during a press conference held in Iloilo City, June 27. Also in the picture is SSS Visayas Group Operations Sr. Vice President Helen Solito. (PIA-6 Iloilo)

PH ranks 6th in S&T dev‘t among ASEAN states PIA-ASEAN INFO KIOSK LAUNCHED IN MAASIN CITY: City Mayor Nacional Mercado (2nd from left) leads on Wednesday, June 28, in the Info Kiosk launching at the Maasin City Hall Lobby attended by the 17 barangay captains of Maasin City, department h e a d s a n d ci t y e m p l o ye e s. Wi th Mayor Mercado are (L-R) City Administrator Jenny Ang, Vice Mayor Maloney Samaco and PIA-8 OIC Director Alice Nicart. #ASEAN2017#EmpoweringCommunities

More on Region 8, pages 6-7.

Also CLICK Here...

PIA 7

CEBU CITY, June 26 (PIA) -- Among the 10 member-states of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN), the Philippines ranked number six in Science and Technology (S&T) development amid continuing government initiatives in this direction.

Undersecretary for Research and Development Rowena Guevara of the Department of Science and Technology (DOST) said that through the Philippine government‟s strong efforts in emphasizing and promoting S&T by communicating technological advances and bringing science to the people, the country continues to develop and grow more of its local talents in the field of science.

Guevara was in Cebu to kick-off of the three-day Regional Science and Technology Week (RSTW) of the DOST-7 June 20-22.

Guevara further said government‟s continuous efforts and investments on S&T programs have paved the way to the development and employment of local talents and helping them

to become globally competitive.

To enhance the country‟s performance on S&T worldwide, Guevara said that since 2007, the Philippine government has been providing scholarships on related S&T fields like engineering courses and S&T-related master and doctoral degrees.

The DOST undersecretary also highlighted the advancement of the Philippines in leading other ASEAN countries in the services of tele-health, a project that introduces Information and Communications Technology (ICT) like mobile phones, computers, and the internet as among the solutions for breaking the barrier between most Filipinos and healthcare services.

In line with this and together with the government‟s program in bringing the doctors to the barrios and right to the people‟s doorstep, this technology helped make health services more accessible to Filipinos wherever in the country. (fcr/Jan Karla Madrio, UP Cebu intern/PIA7)

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WESTERN VISAYAS

Panay Upland farmers get P45M for project Elsa S. Subong ILOILO CITY, June 29 (PIA6) — Upland farmers from selected barangays in Iloilo, Antique and Capiz were recipients of Panay Island Upland Sustainable Rural Development Project with P45 million budget.

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he project is on its second phase focusing on income generation which targets to lower poverty rate in the project barangays from 76.45 to 64.68 per cent, according to the Department of Agriculture.

DA-6 Regional Technical Director Manuel Olanday, said the project partner in this is the Korea International Cooperation Agency (KOICA) which provided P39 million, while the DA allocated P6.3 million, and the local government units shoulder labor, aggregates and food, among others.

Interventions in this second phase of implementation include the provision of rice, corn,

and vegetables seeds, garden tools, housing materials for animals, animal stocks, water pumps, hand tractors, threshers, floating tillers, rice mill, flatbed dryer, and, warehouses among others.

On top of these, are trainings on Saemaul leadership, accounting and bookkeeping, crash course and techno-clinic on crops and livestock production, which were provided to about 1,213 upland farmers.

At the assessment review held June 27, Director Olanday said the municipal agriculturists should work closely with farmers‟ associations in

implementing and monitoring the projects to ensure sustainability.

Saemaul Action Officer Jina Park said they help the farmers associations improve their farm productivity, marketing and infrastructure facilities and their capability through management and production trainings.

“We want our communities to become sustainable applying the Saemaul Undong principles of self-help, diligence and cooperation,” Park added.

The barangays covered by the project are in Tapaz and Jamindan in Capiz; Patnongon in Antique; and, Alimodian in Iloilo. (JCM/ESS/PIA-Iloilo)

Kalibo pilots diabetes and cardiovascular control program Venus G. Villanueva KALIBO, Aklan, June 28 (PIA6) -- The municipality of Kalibo will be one of the pilot areas in Western Visayas of the Diabetes/ Cardiovascular Project II to be implemented by Handicap International Federation.

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he project was recently presented to the provincial government of Aklan which aims to stop or control the effects of diabetes and cardiovascular diseases among Aklanons and Kalibonhons in particular.

To strengthen this partnership with Handicap International, Kalibo mayor William Lachica is set to sign a Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) together with the Dr. Rafael S. Tumbokon Memorial Hospital (DRSTMH), and the Department of Health-Center for Health Development (DOH-CHD) Western Visayas for the Development,

Implementation, Monitoring and Evaluation of Cardiovascular Disease in the local government of Kalibo.

The partnership and cooperation, according to Dr. Makarius Tel Aviv dela Cruz, Municipal Health Officer (MHO) of Kalibo, will be a big help to the LGU especially on the current programs of the Municipal Health Office, as Handicap International will shoulder the training of doctors, nutritionists and midwives while Kalibo‟s contribution will be the manpower it will send to trainings.

The MHO revealed that as mandated by the DOH, Kalibo has established since 2016 its Diabetic and Hypertensive Health Club and is already giving out free maintenance medicine to diabetic and hypertensive Kalibonhons.

Along with Kalibo, other pilot areas for the project in Western Visayas are Passi City, Iloilo City and Roxas City.

The CVD program will be downstreamed to these areas. Besides the CVD Program, Wound Care Clinics will be established at MHO-Kalibo and at the DRSTMH. (JCM/VGV PIA6 Aklan)

Villasor family is Antique‘s Huwarang Pantawid Pamilya Pilar S. Mabaquiao SAN JOSE, Antique, June 28 (PIA6) – The Family of Miguelina Villasor, a Pantawid Pamilya beneficiary in the upland barangay of La Union, San Remigio, Antique was declared this year‘s winner in the search for Huwarang Pantawid Pamilya, provincial level.

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he Villasor Family emerged best among the three shortlisted families from Tobias Fornier ( Francisco and Emma Eguiso and Patnongon (Alpio and Dolores Guzman).

The Department of Social Welfare and Development launched the Search for Huwarang Pantawid Pamilya in 2012 as a way of looking into the impact of the program in strengthening family relations and encouraged more families to practice good values and become productive members of the community.

The family of Migeulina and Aldrin is one among the more than 29,000 Pantawid Pamilya beneficiaries in the province whose children‟s health, education and general well-being are given assistance through the conditional cash grants and family development sessions.

When asked about their secret of making it to the top, they gladly replied, “Our kids dream to finish their studies and our good tandem as parents drive us to pursue and make the most of the

government support through the Pantawid Pamilya Program.”

"Like other members, we strive hard to comply with the conditions of the program.

We attended Family Development Sessions, community activities and ensure that our children are doing well in school", Miguelina said.

Before Pantawid Pamilya, the family‟s major source of income was being a vegetable vendor at the Sibalom market more than 15 kilometers lowland. However, the income was so meager for the needs of the growing family whose children were entering college.

Through the program they were able to start Turmeric and Ginger Tea production from an initial assistance of P10,000 under the SEA – Project (Self Employment Assistance-Kaunlaran) from DSWD. Now it has earned its Business Name Twins Food Products assisted by DTI, DOST, DSWD, local government of San Remigio and other government

agencies.

The products are displayed in Pasalubong Centers and were introduced to wider market through trade fairs which they have attended.

Miguelina also encouraged other members to continue planting turmeric and ginger for their additional income which she likewise bought for her production.

On the other hand, their children are doing well in school. The eldest son Mon Alvir graduated with the degree of BS Civil Engineering and now working at LGU San Remigio as counterpart worker for the KALAHI program while the other four are still in school. One is in college as Pantawid Pamilya Scholar at Capiz State University.

The journey was never easy according to Miguelina but with the achievements of their children they hope to continue helping others as parent leader as well as work hard to sustain their family‟s source of income. (JCM.PSM/ PIA6Antique)

WESTERN VISAYAS

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DAR launches Sagay farm business school Easter Anne D. Doza NEGROS OCCIDENTAL, June 28 (PIA6) - - The Department of Agrarian Reform(DAR) – North recently launched the Farm Business School in Barangay Poblacion I in Sagay City.

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he Memorandum of Agreement for the farm business school was signed by DAR, the local government of Sagay and the Mulawin Lanatan Farmers Multi-Purpose Cooperative.

Provincial Agrarian Reform Program Officer II (PARPO II) Teresita Mabunay said the assistance from DAR does not end with the installation of the agrarian reform beneficiaries in their properties.

“DAR is committed to provide our farmer-beneficiaries with support services for your long-term sustainability,” Mabunay said in a release from DAR. According to Mabunay, the ARBs play a significant role for the success of the said project as they are equipped with knowledge and skills to be entrepreneurs, to create linkages to the market and to gain from marketing their products.

The Farm Business School is implemented under the Capacity Building of Small Farmers in Entrepreneurship Development a n d Ma r k e t A c c e s s w h i ch a i m s t o enhance the entrepreneurial and marketing skills of farmer-ARBs to run a profitable agribusiness.

Initially, the farm business school has 35 ARB-enrollees.*(JCM/EAD-PIA6 Negros Occidental)

Capiz bizmen avail of gov‘t support fund Jemin B. Guillermo ROXAS CITY, Capiz, June 27 (PIA6) – Three small businessmen from Capiz were granted support fund by the Department of Science and Technology (DOST).

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nder its Small Enterprise Technology Upgrading Program (SETUP), a total of P3,896,330.00 was granted to the micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs) in the province this year.

These DOST-supported MSMEs include Rock 101 Construction & Supply, Carl's Bread House, Both Ends Computer Solutions.

Capiz DOST Information Officer Juafe Abareles said that under the SETUP‟s Innovation System Support Fund (ISSF), it provides assistance to MSMEs to improve product quality, production processes and production system through the acquisition of

technology or production equipment, laboratory analysis, packaging materials and label designs.

“Under the grant, the beneficiaries will refund the total cost of assistance to the government within 3 years without interest,” Abareles said, stressing that they are also given a one-year grace period to pay said support fund.

D u r i n g th e p r o j e c t p e r i o d , th e firm-beneficiaries are expected to benefit from increased sales, increased production volume, reduced process time, develop new product line and compliance to food safety standard, she said.

The program is a nationwide strategy to encourage and assist MSMEs to implement te ch n o l o g i ca l i n n o va ti o n s to e n h a n c e competitiveness and support the economic development in the countryside.

Abareles explained that the identified priority sectors which can avail of the program include food processing, furniture, gifts decors and handicraft, aquatic and marine, horticulture or agriculture, metals and engineering, information and communications technology/electronics (ICT), and health products and services. (JCM/JBG/ PIA6)

Ombudsman, Iloilo vow to implement environmental laws Lilibeth A. French ILOILO CITY, June 25 (PIA6) - - The Office of the Ombudsman in the Visayas and the Province of Iloilo have strengthened their commitment to work together in protecting the environment.

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oth parties together with the local chief executives and officials and representatives of concerned government agencies, academe, non-government organizations, private sectors and media recently affixed their signatures to a covenant committing to comply and implement key environmental laws.

Deputy Ombudsman for the Visayas Paul Elmer Clemente and Governor Arthur Defensor led the signing of the Covenant of Commitment during the launching of the Pasalamat sa Katauhan Movement (People‟s Gratitude Movement) held at the Casa Real de Iloilo on June 22.

In the undertaking, the Ombudsman being the mobilizer of the state resources as stipulated in the Constitution and Republic Act No. 6770, the Iloilo province and and the other signatories manifested their commitment to comply with the legal provisions of environmental laws that initially include the following: Ecological Solid Waster Management Law under Republic Act No. 9003; Road Sharing Principle (Sec. 9 of Executive No.

774, 2008; Edible Landscaping and Community Edible Gardens (Sec. 9 of Executive Order Np. 774, 2008; Rainwater Collectors (Republic Act No. 6716) Fisheries Conservation Law particularly the provision on anti-illegal fishing and establishment of fish sanctuaries in at least 15% of the area of the municipal waters (Republic Act. No. 8550 as amended by Republic Act No. 10654; National Cultural Heritage Act (Republic Act 10066, 2009) Signatories also pledged to nominate any public servant and private individuals to the Pasalamat sa Katauhan, a movement launched by the Office of the Ombudsman, in partnership with national and international public citizens that gives due recognition and appreciation to those deserving individuals who are doing excellent work to promote the compliance with Environmental Laws.

In his message, Ombudsman 6 Acting Director Pio R. Dargantes said the Office of the Ombudsman is mandated to discipline and prosecute erring public servants who fail in their duties of protecting the

environment but will also recognize those who are diligent in complying the laws that protect Mother Earth.

Environmental Ombudsman Program National Executive Focal Person Atty. Myla Teona Teologio and Ombudsman Special Counsel for Environmental Laws Atty. Antonio Oposa, Jr. were also present during the signing.

They discussed the Environmental Ombudsman Program and the Pasalamat sa Katauhan Movement, respectively.

Oposa, an environmental activist and lawyer, also turned-over a copy of his book entitled “Shooting Stars and Dancing Fish” to Defensor.

The book about caring Mother Earth featured the Iloilo River Esplanade and the Iloilo Bike Lane, the first of its kind in the whole Visayas.

Likewise, Oposa commended the Iloilo Provincial Government for its plan to convert the parking area of the Provincial Capitol to a public plaza which now have an approved funding support from the provincial government. (JSC/laf/ PIA6 Iloilo)

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CENTRAL VISAYAS

AGIO-7 elects officers for 2017-2018 PIA 7 CEBU CITY, June 26 (PIA) -- The Association of Government Information Officers in Region 7 (AGIO-7) elected its new set of officers for 2017-2018 during its recent 4th regional assembly participated by almost 30 regional line agencies.

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lected as the new AGIO-7 President is Arlene Tudtud from the Presidential Commission for the Urban Poor (PCUP) in Central Visayas and its vice president is Rossana Gay Visitacion of the Department of Agrarian Reform (DAR-7).

The other elected officers of the association were Leah Quintana of the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD-7) as secretary; Van Pepito from Home Development Mutual Fund as treasurer; and Petronila Fidellaga of the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA

-7) as auditor.

In an interview with Tudtud, she immediately laid out the association‟s first project which is to undertake relief operations for the displaced families from the conflict-torn Marawi City.

Earlier in the assembly, Datu Abubacar Gunang, information officer of the National Commission on Muslim Filipinos (NCMF-7), asked the group for help in their relief efforts for the Muslim evacuees, in dire need of food, clothes and other basic necessities.

Gunang previously bared there are over 200

evacuees who fled Marawi and are now seeking refuge in Cebu.

The NCMP-7 info officer later thanked the group for signifying its intent to raise their own relief efforts together with other national government agencies.

Tudtud asked the AGIO members to bring their donations on their next meeting on July 4.

On the same date, the new set of officers will have its formal induction and oath-taking. (fcr/Jan Karla Madrio, UP-Cebu intern/PIA7)

ECC helps workers' claims over work related injuries Rey Anthony Chiu TAGBILARAN CITY, June 20 (PIA) -- There is some ray of hope for workers who have been nursing work related injuries by dipping into their pockets after using up their allocations from their trusted medical insurance avail-ments.

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ecapitation, permanent loss of limbs, hearing loss due to long exposure to noise, recurrent asthma attacks due to exposure to dust, accidental loss of sight, kidney issues triggered by work stress or death: in all these cases, countless workers more often than not, spend on their own from their pockets.

After a law has made it mandatory for workers to be enrolled with the Government Service Insurance System (GSIS) or the Social security System for private workers, the problem is partly answered.

Until the availment of the medical benefits, hospitalization or funeral services get past the ceiling pegged by the provider which is then when the hassle starts.

Now comes in the Department of Labor and Employment's (DOLE) Employee Compensation Commission (ECC).

The Commission, which helps in the DOLE's implementation of the labor code, occupational safety and health advocacy and advance the promotion of workers benefits especially in work related incidents, brings the good news.

Coming in for the first time out of Manila to disseminate the good news to Boholano workers who attained health problems or met accidents in the performance of their duties, ECC Executive Director Atty. Jonathan Villasoto pointed out, "even without putting in a contribution, a worker who meets an accident, contacts an ailment due to work or dies while working, can get financial help.”

Anything, as long as it is work related accidents they be major or minor as long as it stops a worker from doing his job, Villasoto said.

Of course, the ECC also clarified that accidents caused by notorious negligence, intoxication of worker, willful intention to injure are now covered, he sidelined.

The help, he said, would come from the one employers put up as "employees compensation" in situations where workers are hurt at work.

The contribution comes from the employers, not deducted from the employees, but from the employers, he explained.

Unlike the GSIS and SSS benefits where the employee has to put up the amount, the ECC way is to help the worker recover from temporary

disability, permanent disability, rehabilitation services or even death and funeral benefits.

In fact, some claims which have been denied by the GSIS or the SSS, the ECC helps, Atty Villasoto said during the press conference to announce the Pre Employees Compensation Advocacy Seminar.

ECC also hinted that in some cases, workers have claimed double recovery of benefits.

Times when the ceilings put up by the medical insurance provider is attained, and the succeeding claims are refused, the ECC can rule out and demand payments, to allow the worker to get reimbursed of the excess amount he paid for his treatment or rehabilitation.

ECC has also facilitated death benefits for soldiers and police officers who died while in the performance of their duties, getting more financial assistance for burial services beyond the usual GSIS. Owing to the lack of material time to discuss everything at the press conference, EEC urged questions and queries to be sent through their Facebook account: Employees Compensation Commission. (fcr/rahc/PIA-7/Bohol)

45 CVisayas LGUs get P690M funding aid PIA 7 CEBU CITY, June 26 (PIA) -- At least 45 local government units (LGUs) in Central Visayas are set to receive P690.83 million funding assistance from the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG).

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n a press statement by the DILG-7, it said the LGUs here will be receiving the funding from the Assistance to Disadvantaged Municipalities (ADM) Program of the agency.

These municipalities will receive the funding once they have obtained the Good Financial Housekeeping mark from the DILG and upon completion of both the assessment and adoption of measures on Public Financial Management as prescribed by the Department of Budget and Management.

Each municipality may receive an assistance that ranged from P10.57 million to P24.39 million.

The funding assistance covers a total of 198 basic infrastructures which included the potable

water systems, evacuation facilities, access roads, small water impounding, and sanitation and health facilities.

Of the 45 LGUs, 22 towns are based in Cebu Province. These included Alcantara, Asturias, Balamban, Bantayan, Carmen, Catmon, Compostela, Daanbantayan, Ginatilan, Moalboal, Pinamungahan, Poro, Ronda, Sibonga, Sogod, Tabuelan, Consolacion, Minglanilla, Samboan, Santa Fe, Santander, and Tabogon.

In Bohol Province, the recipients are the municipalities of Carmen, Corella, Dagohoy, Dauis, Duero, Garcia Hernandez, Inabanga, Lila, Loon, Mabini, Maribojoc, Talibon, Tubigon, Valencia, Alburquerque, Batuan, Calape, Clarin, Danao, Sierra Bullones, and Ubay.

The sole recipient of Siquijor Province is the municipality of San Juan.

Sharame Dalogdog, information officer of DILG -7, said these LGUs are the first batch of recipients of the ADM Program.

Other LGUs will be included in the second batch once they comply with the fund release requirements, she added.

The ADM Program aims to provide a mechanism to assist the municipal governments in increasing the citizens‟ access to basic services and facilities. It is anchored on the need to provide fiscal help to municipalities, and serves as a tool to influence LGUs towards good governance by promoting transparency and repelling corruption. (fcr/Gwen Gaviola, UP Intern/PIA7)

CENTRAL VISAYAS

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DA-7 doubles efforts to keep agri sector thriving PIA 7 CEBU CITY, JUNE 26 (PIA) -- The Department of Agriculture in Central Visayas (DA-7) is currently intensifying its initiatives to keep the agriculture sector in the country, especially here in the region, thriving.

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heryl Dela Victoria, information officer of DA -7, recently told other fellow government information officers during the monthly gathering of the Association of Government Information Officers (AGIO-7) that several programs and projects are being pushed in order to keep the sector alive.

Among the programs they are pushing is the reintroduction of agriculture to the younger generations through their “Expanded Gulayan sa Paaralan”, which does not only introduce farming to young students but also ensures food security in the community.

Dela Victoria said the expanded program does not only include elementary and high school students but also senior high school students.

She added this is part of DA‟s slogan to produce food and address poverty and at the same time one of the solutions in addressing the gap Dela Victoria also mentioned the agency‟s

support in the production of prime commodities in Central Visayas. She identified them as cacao (cocoa), ubi (purple yam), and bananas.

Dela Victoria said DA is intensifying the campaign in promoting the planting of cacao in the country since the Philippines has the capability of producing “world-class chocolates”.

She mentioned Ralfe Gourmet in Mandaue City and Dalareich Polot in Tagbilaran City as among the locals who are already promoting and producing chocolates out of the cacao planted here in the region.

Dela Victoria said DA is also working with other agencies like the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR), Department of Agrarian Reform (DAR) and the Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG) in preserving the water sources that provides irrigation to farm lands.

In the same AGIO-7 assembly, other information officers also shared their individual

inputs to make the agri sector flourish.

Mario Limbaga of the Cooperative Development Authority (CDA 7) said there is a need to organize farmers into cooperatives but this also means supplying all their farming needs at affordable costs.

Letting farmers become land owners instead of tenants was how Junette Cabrera of the Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA 7) sees a developed agriculture.

According to Cabrera, having farmers till other people‟s lands would mean lesser income for them and thus, remaining poor.

Melquiades Ibarra, chief of the regional agriculture and fisheries information section of DA-7, considered social preparation as vital for farmers in addressing the plight they are in.

Ibarra said it is important to change the mindset and attitude of farmers towards their work and lives by not always thinking lowly of themselves. (fcr/Gwen Gaviola, UP Intern/PIA7)

PAF exam for recruits June 28-29 PIA 7 CEBU CITY, June 26 (PIA) -- Are you interested to join the Philippine Air Force?

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nterested applicants can have their chance to get in as the Philippine Air Force (PAF) announced the conduct of its entrance examination for the recruitment process of Candidate Soldiers (CS) in the Visayas.

First Lieutenant Jestoni Ortega, acting civil military officer of the PAF‟s 560th Air Base Wing based in Mactan, said the entrance examination is scheduled on June 28 and 29 at the Mactan – Benito Ebuen Air Base in Lapu-Lapu City.

Ortega encouraged those who are willing to join the PAF to file their application on or before the scheduled examination.

In order to qualify, an applicant must be at least 18 years of age but not more than 26 years old and a bona fide Filipino citizen.

He or she must have taken at least 72 units in college or a graduate under the K-12 program.

A height requirement of at least five feet is set for both male and female applicants.

Air woman Verna Mae Lañada of the public affairs of the PAF‟s 560th Air Base Wing, also added that aspiring PAF CS must be mentally and physical fit for military training and must be of good moral character.

Together with the application form, CS aspirants are required to submit two pieces of 2x2 ID pictures, original and photo copy of the birth certificate authenticated by the Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA) and photocopy of the Transcript of Records (for College and K-12 Graduates) or Certification of Grades for those with at least 72 units taken in college.

Walk-in applicants may be accommodated as long as they bring the complete documents as required. (/fcr/Jan Karla Madrio, UP- Cebu intern/ PIA7)

Tanjay City marks env‘t month with refo activities Jennifer C. Tilos NEGROS ORIENTAL, June 22 (PIA) -- The Tanjay City Parole and Probation Office (PPO) together with its Volunteer Probation Assistants (VPAs) and 40 reforming offenders joined the country‘s Environmental Month observance with a series of reforestation activities.

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he local PPO spearheaded the planting of 500 mangrove trees at Tanjay City Mangrove Forest Boardwalk and coastal clean-up in collaboration with the local government of Tanjay through its City Environment and Natural Resources Office (CENRO) According to PPO head Christine Javier, their probationers and parolees also joined a massive reforestation project in the hinterland barangay of Abante in the municipality of Pamplona during its 67th Charter Day initiated by Mayor Janice Degamo together with small holder farmers.

The initiative is in support to the Greener Negros Movement that aims to plant, grow, and protect „10 Million Trees in 10 Years‟ in Negros Island, said Javier.

The Tanjay City PPO embarked on an effort to raise environmental awareness and to protect water and land biodiversity by adopting a reforestation and mangrove site in collaboration with the LGU of Pamplona and Tanjay City.

Javier said the reforming offenders voluntarily proposed to sustain the environmental movement as it is their desire to make a meaningful legacy that will ripple across future generations.

“Coherent with the Therapeutic Community belief that “Man Can Change and Unfold” and the Restorative Justice program, the Tanjay City Parole and Probation Office assists these probationers and parolees to be accountable for their actions and to make amends for the harm done through community work service,” explained Javier.

It is noted that each reforming client is given an opportunity to make a solemn undertaking with nature by planting a tree that symbolizes their journey of rebirth and renewal of life through hope, and community support. (fcr/jct/PIA7-Negros Oriental)

6

EASTERN VISAYAS

ASEAN integration forum rolls out in Samar Ninfa B Quirante

CATBALOGAN CITY, Samar, June 30 (PIA) — Samar is set to launch two Asean-Information Kiosks in the cities of Calbayog and Catbalogan, this first week of July.

W

ith the recent challenges of terrorism, drug proliferation and poverty, the information arm of the government aims to address the low level of awareness of the public on Asean integration and other information to better the Samarnons quality of life.

In Calbayog City, after the launch of the Information Kiosk at the City Hall, a small forum composed of farmers and fisherfolks, women‟s organization, youth in the academe, PWDs, business communities and government officials will take place at the City Convention Center.

Speakers from the Department of Trade and Industry will help attendees determine the kind of

participation they can as DTI Meilou Macabare is expected to reveal information on Rich and Economically Driven Asean Community.

Department of Social Welfare and Development will also talk of ASEAN for the Vulnerable where the departments programs on PWDs, women the youth and other marginalized groups will unfold.

The ASEAN forum is being done around the country to share information to the public how best they can participate in the government‟s effort to include each and every Juan in ASEAN integration where plenty of opportunities in jobs, education, business, health,

travel, investments, response to emergencies and easier conflict resolutions.

The events also aim to secure the commitment of its leading partners, Mayor Ronald P Aquino of Calbayog City and Catbalogan Mayor Stephany Uy-Tan to the ASEAN – Information drive of the Philippine Information Agency.

The Philippines is the chairman of ASEAN 2017 in time for its 50th founding anniversary come August 8, since it started with five founding member -countries in 1967.

This year's ASEAN theme is : Partnering for Change, Engaging the World. (nbq/PIA 8-Samar)

Info kiosks add colors to provincial anniversary Marcelo Pedalino MAASIN CITY, Southern Leyte, June 30 (PIA) -- This province and city where President Rodrigo Roa Duterte was born became the scene of marathon launching events for spreading awareness about the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) to the general public.

O

n June 28, the ASEAN Info Kiosk was formally opened in a launching ceremony held at the provincial capitol lobby, and in the afternoon, the same activity was conducted also at the city hall lobby.

Gov. Damian Mercado cut the ribbon for the province, along with Police Sr. Supt. Warren De Leon, PNP provincial director, and some heads of national line agencies, while for the city, Mayor Nacional Mercado and Vice-Mayor Maloney Samaco led in cutting the ribbon, witnessed by barangay officials.

PIA Regional Director Alicia Nicart assisted in both launching rites for the province and city, and she also gave a short talk on these projects, as PIA Infocen Manager Ninfa Quirante of Catbalogan discussed the ASEAN overview.

This year marks the 50th anniversary of the ASEAN and the Philippines served as the chairman, hence info kiosk contain reading materials about ASEAN as well as programs and projects pushed by government agencies.

The holding of the ASEAN launches, with

a ccomp an yi ng m ul ti - se ctor al fo rum a t the capitol attended by selected farmers, s t u d e n ts , b u s i n e s s m e n , a n d P a n t a w i d beneficiaries, came at a time when the province celebrates its 57th founding anniversary on July 1.

One of the features of the info kiosk, the standee of President Duterte, readily attracted the crowd of young and old, taking pictures either by groups or individuals, or by one‟s own, commonly called selfie. (mmp/PIA8-Southern Leyte)

AFP calls for active involvement of youth leaders to stop terrorism threat Ninfa B Quirante CATBALOGAN CITY, Samar, June 30 (PIA) - The Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) asks for the help of the youth leaders to monitor acts of terrorism in their respective areas and report them to proper authorities.

C

aptain Nonito Basigal of the Philippine Amy said they need the help of the youth during the first ever regional youth summit held at the Samar State University Gym recently.

Basigal said that that if only one out of three, in every 300 population of the youth leaders recruited as members of the military forces, will be a big help in attaining peace and order in the country.

In the message of Major General Raul Farnacio of the 8th Infantry Division, Philippine Army, he urged the youth to take advantage of technology.

"Your generation revolves in the world of technology.

You are active in social media which is nowadays the fastest means of communication unlike before in my generation; we were only dependent on books found in libraries or newspapers.

You are very fortunate to have these advancements that could help promote change in this region", Farnacio said.

“Your presence tonight is a good indication that you really wanted to pursue change and development.

I challenge each and every one of you to use your skills and talents for the development of our

country.

There will be days that fear will overcome your aspirations. Let us reject this, instead be hopeful and strong.

Trust yourself that you can contribute to our fellowmen and our country. Be a hero today! ” Farnacio added.

Over 1,200 youths from the provinces of Northern Samar, Eastern Samar and Samar have participated this activity that aims to promote the spirit of volunteerism and to prepare them to become dedicated public servants for the future generation. (nbq/PIA 8-Samar with report from 8 ID DPAO)

EASTERN VISAYAS

7

Nat‘l Reservists Week renews passion to serve Ninfa B Quirante CATBALOGAN CITY, Samar, June 30 (PIA) – The 8th Regional Community Defense Group (RCDG) marks the 38th National Reservist Week with the theme, ―Laang Kawal: Laging Handa sa Pagtugon sa Pangangailangan at Kusang Loob na Naglilingkod Para sa Kaunlaran ng Bayan,‖ recently at Camp Lukban, Maulong Catbalogan City.

T

he reservists once more, renewed their passion to serve amidst the challenges of terrorism.

The three-day activity held at the army camp was a Provincial Assembly Test to the 1st Western Samar Ready Reserve Battalion in order to determine the completeness of the Reserve Force fill -up; to account the actual number of AFP reservists in the area; disseminate awareness of the AFP Policies; improve their Humanitarian Assistance and Disaster Response (HADR) capabilities; and to disseminate the direction of ROTC to the school administrators and cadets.

The activity focuses on the significant contributions and roles of the trained and equipped reserve force of the country and its people through maintaining internal security and stability, participation in disaster/emergency response, community development activities and humanitarian assistance.

The 8th ID Commander Maj. Gen. Raul M. Farnacio recognized the spirit of volunteerism.

“I am pleased with your presence because the spirit of volunteerism is still in our youth today.

Volunteerism is one of the many ways to show

our patriotism to our country. You‟ve chosen the right path to be among the selected few who serve our country without expecting anything for return.”

He added that the constitution recognizes the role of the Citizen Armed Force as protector of the country and its people.

“The reserve force, in tandem with the regular counterparts, has played a significant role in maintaining internal security and stability by actively participating in humanitarian assistance, disaster response and community development activities.” (nbq/PIA 8 with reports from 8th ID DPAO)

U4U conducts Teen Caravan in Borongan school Samuel D. Candido BORONGAN CITY, Eastern Samar, June 30 (PIA) - Around 900 students from Sta. Fe National High School (SFNHS), Borongan City participated in the two-day You-for-You (U4U) teen caravan, an educational and entertainment platform to teach students on how to delay sexual debut, prevent teenage pregnancy and avoid sexually transmitted infections, Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) and Acute Immune Deficiency Syndrome (AIDS).

I

n an interview with PIA, Dr. Ethel Lagria, City Population Officer of Borongan, said that the activity is part of the city's program on adolescent health and development that addresses issues and concerns of young people ages 10-19 in Borongan City.

Dr. Lagria disclosed that the activity is a roll out of the Commission on Population's

(POPCOM) program that has become popular among the youth.

U4U uses mobile and internet technologies in delivering critical information about adolescent health sexuality and reproductive health.

Dr. Lagria said several U4U caravans have been held in various schools in the city.

Aside from PopCom and CPO, Philippine

Paediatric Society (PPS) that is very supportive in conducting the event.

PPS is in collaboration with POPCOM in popularizing U4U among young people.

In 2016 up to the second quarter of 2017, about 25,000 young Filipinos have been reached out

by POPCOM so with other implementing partners through the U4U. (SDC/PIA-E. Samar)

Biliran intensifies campaign against dengue Rodrigo Victoria NAVAL, Biliran, June 26 (PIA) – With the increasing number of suspected dengue cases in Biliran province for the past five years, campaign against the disease has been intensified.

D

ata from the Biliran provincial health office revealed that suspected dengue cases in Biliran province was only 48 in 2012, 64 cases in 2013, 102 cases in 2014, 125 cases in 2015, and it reached to 178 cases in 2016.

Suspected dengue cases in Biliran province were recorded at 96 as of June 17, 2017 based on record at Biliran provincial health office.

Sheriza Y. Ballescas, Biliran provincial vector control program coordinator, said that though the suspected dengue cases were increasing for the past five years, the situation is not alarming since there was no reported dengue outbreak and dengue cases were not concentrated in just one place in the province.

Ballescas informed that Biliran Governor

Gerardo J. Espina, Jr. has issued Executive Order No 17-03 this year, organizing the Biliran provincial integrated vector management (IVM) task force.

The EO issued on February 20, 2017 mandates the establishment of a functional organizational structure which may be in the form of a committee or task force on IVM at the provincial, municipal, and barangay levels for effective coordination of activities with the participation of stakeholders in the community.

The need to track reduction of mosquito breeding sites through sustainable conduct of dengue vector surveillance with wide community participation in all affected barangays in the province is emphasized in the order.

The aim of the EO is to ensure significant reduction of dengue and even chikungunya cases of which the regional epidemiology unit reported 71 suspected cases in the province.

Biliran town tops the list among the eight towns in the province in terms of the number of suspected dengue cases as of June 17, 2017 with 28 cases followed by Naval with 19 cases, Caibiran-18, Cabucgayan-11, Almeria-9, Kawayan-6, Culaba-3, and Maripipi-2 cases.

A dengue forum was held recently by the Biliran provincial health office participated in by all elementary school district supervisors, rural sanitary inspectors of the eight towns in the province, and DepEd school nurses of DepEd-Division of Biliran. # (FJ/rvictoria/PIA Biliran)

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