One visayas enewsletter vol 7 issue 2 20170116 r6

Vol 7

Issue 2

In this Issue WESTERN VISAYAS

Miagao municipal mayor Dr. Macario Napulan receives posters on the Freedom of Information (FOI) from the staff of the Philippine Information Agency (PIA)-6 Iloilo Information Center during a CDIC visit held Jan. 12, 2017. PIA-6 conducts CDIC visits to various local government units in the province to strengthen the agency's network and linkage with the LGU.

More on Region 6, pages 2-3.

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CENTRAL VISAYAS

Jan. 9 - 15, 2017

Published by: PIA 6, 7 & 8

NOPH inaugurates P36M oxygen generator plant Roi Lomotan DUMAGUETE CITY, Jan. 12 (PIA) – Governor Roel Degamo led the inauguration of the P36-M oxygen system generator plant inside the Negros Oriental Provincial Hospital (NOPH) on January 11.

The facility was funded by the Department of Health (DOH) and was constructed in the middle of 2016.

In his message to the hospital staff and some officials of the provincial government at the inauguration ceremony, Degamo cited that establishing an oxygen generator plant is part of his goals as the local chief executive of the province in providing quality service to poor patients of the hospital.

He said the oxygen generator is 100 percent ready to supply oxygen to the rooms at the central bloc building of NOPH as per the recommendation of the contractor and the Provincial Engineer’s Office (PEO).

Aside from supplying oxygen to the patients of NOPH, Degamo also pointed out that the oxygen generator plant can provide additional revenues to the province since NOPH can also sell oxygen to other hospitals. ―Once we have our own oxygen (generator plant), we can sell oxygen to other hospitals at a lower cost. I will talk with economic managers on how much (rate) will be imposed per tank of oxygen but rest assured it will be lower than the price of oxygen we bought (from other sources).

If we can make the price cheaper, I’m sure many will purchase it,‖ Degamo said. ―We are also targeting private hospitals. I know there are no oxygen generator plants in Dumaguete and also in other areas in southern Cebu and Northern Mindanao,‖ he added.

However, the governor declared that oxygen tanks will be sold at a lower price to community and district hospitals in Negros Oriental.

Meanwhile, Degamo also revealed that aside from the oxygen generator plant, an MRI equipment is installed at NOPH. The province is also eyeing a new CT scan machine to be in place in the hospital within the year.

With this development, the governor told the hospital staff to take care of the facility and also encouraged them to work harder and provide good service to the patients of NOPH. ―My appeal to all employees of the hospital; let us work hard. Let us serve the people in a manner that that the people we serve are happy and satisfied (with our service),‖ Degamo stressed.

Aside from spearheading the inauguration of the oxygen generator plant, Degamo also officiated the turnover of leadership of NOPH from outgoing head Dr. Zenaida Jusep to its new leader Dr. Marc Angelo Llosa. (rmn/ral/PIA7-Negros Oriental)

Negros Oriental Governor Roel Degamo led the inauguration of the P36-million oxygen system generator plant inside the Negros Oriental Provincial Hospital (NOPH) on January 11. The said facility was funded by the Department of Health (DOH) and was constructed in the middle of 2016. This is part of the provincial government's goals in providing quality service to poor patients of the hospital. (PIA7-NegOr)

A Kapihan sa PIA was held January 11 at the Plenary Hall, 6 floor RAFI Building, 35 Lopez Jaena St., Cebu City with guests from the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR ) 7 (l-r) Enforcement Division OIC Forester Ariel Rica and Zoology Technician Rainier Maniegro. The forum Therapeutic food to end severe malnutrition in Samar tackled the Updates on Enforcement of Environmental Laws. Aired-live on DYMR Ninfa B Quirante Radyo ng Bayan 276 kHz and delayed telecast CATBALOGAN CITY, Samar, Jan. 12 (PIA) - Ready Presently, Samar has more than a thousand severely at Sky Cable Channel 61 at 5:00 to Use Therapeutic Food (RUFT) will soon be served in malnourished children. A severely malnourished child is 9 pm. #EmpoweringCommunities #PartnerForC Samar for kids with severe malnutrition. to 12 times at risk of dying than a normal one, said Felecita hange (vvv/PIA Cebu) This food commodity, to be supplied by the Borata, regional nutritionist.

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EASTERN VISAYAS

Department of Health and UNICEF is a special nutritional product made of peanut butter mixed with milk and some vitamins and minerals.

The DOH, Unicef and some other nutrition experts have started training health service providers for the management of Severe Acute Malnutrition for Children Under Five Years Old. Dr Andrew Bucu of UNICEF said that with the RUTF it is simpler to treat severely malnourished children. But he added that it is important to train people who will be in charge.

Bucu shares the urgency of addressing severe malnutrition. With the RUFT, recovery is 6-8 weeks as proven in a community in Davao, said Marie Ann Corsino, Kalusugan ng Mag-ina (KMI) consultant. Barangay health Workers and Barangay Nutrition Scholars will also be trained to look for cases needing the urgent treatment.

The training team would also need to face local chief executives who will become their partners. It is important to involve everyone in the community for better results, said Borata. (ajc/nbq/PIA 8-Samar)

TESDA upbeat on programs for youth "NO KISSING" CPR: Lay men and women, m o stl y m ai n te n an ce w o rk e r s f r o m DPWH-SLDEO, learn life-saving techniques using the heel of one's palm in doing cardio pulmonary resuscitation. The activity was led by Philippine Heart Association with Department of Tourism, LGUs, offices and the private sector. (mmp)

More on Region 8, pages 6-7.

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Elsa S. Subong ILOILO CITY, Jan. 11 (PIA6) — The Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA) said it is strongly pushing for a return to previous thrusts where finishers of four years in high school can choose to proceed to a technical-vocational course. ―This instead of having to go to Grade 11 and Grade 12 as mandated by the K-12 Program,‖ TESDA-6 Regional Director Toni June Tamayo said.

Tamayo said that TESDA Director General Gene Mamondiong is bent on this, as their previous experience showed that skilled-inclined youth can just right away pursue a productive, income-generating job. ―They can

maximize the number of their productive years should they join the labor force earlier,‖ Tamayo added.

Meanwhile, Tamayo said TESDA is upbeat on its scholarship program called Barangay Kasanayan sa Jaunlaran at Japayapaan (BKKK), which is for 15 years old and above. The program first surveys the respondents in different barangays to determine the tech-voc skills they want to specialize in.

The TESDA would then offer scholarships based on the results, vis-à-vis what is in demand in the market.

The BKKK has an opening for 30,000 scholars nationwide.

(JCM/ESS/PIA6 Iloilo)

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WESTERN VISAYAS

Demonetization a measure vs counterfeiting

Sinulog Festival

Lilibeth A. French ILOILO CITY, Jan. 11 (PIA6) - - The demonetization of the old Philippine peso bill which is called the New Design Series (NDS) is part of the measures of the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) against counterfeiting or faking the old banknotes.

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owen Andrew June Ligad, Senior Research Specialist of the BSP-Iloilo said the NDS banknotes are in circulation for over three decades since it was issued on June 12, 1985. ―The old banknotes were already in use for more than thirty years so it is now easier for unscrupulous individuals to counterfeit them especially with the availability of modern and quality technologies,‖ said Ligad in an interview over PIA Kapihan Regionwide radio program aired over Radyo ng Bayan-Iloilo every Friday at 10 A.M. The demonetization is also in line with the practice of other Central banks in other parts of the world which change the design of their currency every five to ten years, according to Ligad.

―In this way we safeguard the integrity of our Philippine banknotes,‖ said Ligad.

To recall, BSP has demonetized the NDS banknotes series consisting of 5, 10, 20, 50, 100, 500, and 1000-peso denomination effective December 31, 2015. It has also set the deadline for the exchange or replacement of the old Philippine bills in BSP offices, authorized banks and financial institutions with the New Generation Currency until December 31, 2016. ―This means that these NDS banknotes have no monetary value already. They cannot be accepted for payment of goods and services.

However, there are establishments that accepted them until December 2016 with the intention to exchange them before the

deadline set,‖ said Ligad.

On December 28, 2016, four days before the deadline, the BSP Monetary Board issued Circular No. 935 extending the deadline for the exchange of NDS until March 31, 2017 without charge due to public demand.

With the extension, Ligad said Filipinos who have still their old banknotes in their possession have another three months to exchange their old Philippine bills.

Those in the municipalities, they can also replace their NDS with their town’s treasurers. For Filipinos abroad, they are given opportunity to exchange their NDS banknotes as long as they register online through the BSP website at www.bsp.gov.ph. until December 31, 2017. (JSC/laf/PIA6 Iloilo)

Bacolod has no casualty due to rabies Lorenzo O. Lambatin, Jr. BACOLOD CITY, Jan. 11 (PIA6) - The Bacolod City Health Office noted no casualty due to rabies from a total of 7,433 cases of animal bites in the city reported in 2016.

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rom the figure 6,022 are dog bites while 1,396 are cat bites and 15 from other animals.

About 80 percent of those of who were bitten are owners of the animal who bit them, City Rabies Coordinator Gloria Parreno said.

This is so because owners usually play with their pets and spend time with them during feeding and grooming.

Parreno said the city has no death due to

rabies since 2015 while in 2014 a person died of the virus but is a transient resident who was bitten outside of Bacolod.

She attributed the zero death to massive animal vaccination in the city, awareness of the people on the animal bite program and availability of vaccines.

More than 7,400 bite victims were administered Tissue Culture Vaccine, three for Human Rabies Immunoglobulin and 830 for Equine Rabies Immunoglobulin.

Most of those who were bitten ages 15 years-old and above- 4,731 while those bitten below that age totaled 2,702. Total number of males bitten is 3,730 while women are slightly lower reaching 3,703.

The CHO is calling on pet owners in the city to be responsible, take the right measures to avoid being bitten and have their pets vaccinated that comes at the least or no cost in a government veterinarian office. (JCM/ Lljr-PIA6)

DTI urges bizmen to join investment mission

By Vicente W. Villavert SAN JOSE, Antique, Jan.12 (PIA6) - - The Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) challenged the micro, small and medium enterprises (MSME) here to go into investment mission in order to meet potential investors, and likewise promote the local industry.

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Trade fair is one good chance to which we promote our products,‖ DTI 6 OIC-Regional Director Rebecca M. Rascon said to the local entrepreneurs as she encouraged them to also improve packaging of their products and be open to new ideas.

Rascon said that investment mission will pave the way to attracting potential investors ―but be prepared on what you want to sell, and be prepared with smart answers to their questions in order to give the investors and

other observers a picture as well as other opportunities that await them when they visit your province.‖ She cited the province’s high value crops such as cacao, coffee and other forest products such as bamboo, rattan, nito, abaca, precious stones and many others which can bring impact to Antique’s name if these resources are properly developed with appropriate technologies.

The DTI 6 Head who was in San Jose, Antique during the Binirayan 2016 Pasundayag

Trade Fair also encouraged the entrepreneurs to bring their personnel to visit places in other parts of the country in order to adopt some technologies and observe the growth of industries. ―Product development should continue, dialogue with target stakeholders, and be competitive by conducting investment mission,‖ Rascon said as she reminded the local entrepreneurs that the government is supporting the MSMEs which is considered as a key driving force for economic growth. (JCM/ VWV/PIA Antique)

WESTERN VISAYAS

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Boracay exceeds 1.7M tourist arrivals target

Dinagyang Festival

Sheila Q. Patoza KALIBO, AKLAN, Jan. 9 (PIA6) - The Island of Boracay continues to be a tourist destination hub as it surpassed its 2016 tourist arrivals target of 1.7 million.

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ecord from the Aklan Provincial Tourism Office showed that from January to December last year, Boracay received a total of 1,725,483 tourists or 10.6 percent higher than 1,560,106 recorded in 2015.

Of the total number of tourist in 2016, foreign visitors listed were 868,765 while domestic tourist were 813,302 and overseas Filipinos 43,416.

Caticlan Jetty Port Administrator Niven Maquirang said that statistics showed that

many Filipinos, are now patronizing Boracay and preferred to spend their vacation in Aklan, compared in 2015, the ratio of foreign tourist to domestic tourist was 70 to 30.

Koreans remained the top foreign visitors last year with 321,016 arrivals; followed by Chinese with 273,297; Taiwanese with 55,736; Malaysians 26,115; and Americans 23,887.

Included in the top 10 foreign tourist were Australian with 16,745 visits; British with 16,318; Saudi Arabians 15, 681; Russian 11,593;

and Singaporeans 11,155.

The province is aiming for 2 million tourist arrivals in Boracay for 2017.

With the lineup of cruise ships arrivals this year, landing of regional and international flights at Kalibo International Airport and airbuses in Caticlan Airport and the aggressive promotions of the Department of Tourism, Aklan Provincial Government and the local government of Malay, the province is confident in attaining the set target. (SQP/PIA6 Aklan)

NFA assures sufficient rice during calamities Leonard T. Pineda I ILOILO CITY, Jan. 10 (PIA6) --- The National Food Authority (NFA)-6 assured the public that the food agency has adequate rice stocks for Western Visayas during times of disasters or calamities.

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n a media release, NFA-6 headed by Regional Director Rex Estoperez, said that it has sufficient stocks in its provincial warehouses to meet the rice requirement of the region during calamities or emergencies.

As of January 5, 2017, NFA-6 has a total of 1,151,421 bags which is good to last for 20 days based on the region’s daily rice requirement.

With its commitment to ensure food security, NFA-6 also said that it activates its regional and provincial operation centers during any tropical depression, calamity, or emergency.

These regional and provincial operation centers immediately respond within 24 hours to act on staple cereal requirement and closely coordinate with local relief agencies and monitors weather bulletins.

Meanwhile, NFA is also increasing the number of its accredited rice outlets nationwide to make affordable government rice more accessible to the consuming public.

NFA Officer-In-Charge Tomas R. Escarez directed all field offices to accredit additional rice retail outlets not only inside the market but even in remote barangays to make NFA rice

readily available especially to the marginalized sector.

NFA rice is still being sold at P 27.00 per kilogram for 25% brokens and P 32.00 per kilogram for 15% brokens. To enable those who are interested to become an NFA accredited rice retail outlet, Escarez said that field offices were instructed to ease the requirements for accreditation.

He said that interested applicants can be issued a temporary accreditation pending completion of inspection and submission of requirements so they can immediately sell NFA rice to the consuming public. (JCM/NFA/LTP/ PIA6 Iloilo)

NFA: Grains traders should have license Jemin B. Guillermo ROXAS CITY, Capiz, Jan. 12 (PIA6) - Individuals who need to engage in grains business need to secure a license from the National Food Agency to avoid sanctions.

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apiz NFA Manager Oliver Cambas advised those who intend to engage either in retail, wholesale, milling or the like, they should secure first a license to engage in such trade from the NFA. ―Those also who want to continue their grains business, they must renew their NFA license,‖ Cambas said.

To ease the businessmen’s transaction, NFA Capiz will be deploying mobile licensing team in the municipalities for the renewal of grains licenses this year, he said.

In Capiz, the said food agency has scheduled this month the renewal of grains business licenses for the towns of Dao, Cuartero and Dumarao while those from Panay, Panitan and Pontevedra towns in February, Capiz NFA Information Officer Mary Christie Hari-on said.

Businessmen from the towns of Pilar, President Roxas and Maayon can have their grains business renewal with the NFA here in March while those from Roxas City can have their renewal transaction in April. ―Those from the municipalities of

Dumalag, Jamindan, Sigma and Tapaz can have their renewal of their grains business license in May and those from Ivisan, Mambusao and Sapian towns in June, ― Hari-on said.

She said that the new applicants can secure their license to engage in grains business anytime of the year at the NFA office.

She also reminded those who wish to discontinue their business, they should surrender their license or registration certificate with a written notice of discontinuance to the issuing NFA office. (JCM/ JBG/PIA6-Capiz)

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CENTRAL VISAYAS

DTI-SMERA capacitates entreps in Siquijor

Sinulog Festival

Rizalie Anding Calibo SIQUIJOR, Jan. 9 (PIA) – The Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) has conducted a series of entrepreneurial trainings/ seminars as part of its Small and Medium Enterprises (SME) Roving Academy or SMERA.

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TI Provincial Director Nimfa Virtucio said SMERA is a learning program aimed to capacitate the industry sector in the province to increase entrepreneurial capacity, improve productivity level and boost the competitiveness of the sector.

For the month of December alone, DTI has offered Seminar on Franchising to retirees, spouses of Overseas Filipino Workers (OFWs), and other entrepreneurs interested in franchising business.

Concepts on small-scale franchise business such as food cart, retail and other line of business were

introduced with Ma. Maureana ―Dana‖ Cuneta, Strategic Planning Consultant from Franchise Corporation Philippines as the resource person. Another SMERA training on Micro Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs)-Greening Up for Success was conducted to enable the MSMEs to adapt to climate change and integrate practices into their businesses.

It also hopes to enhance their competitiveness and ensure their sustainability, said Virtucio.

She shared Greening Strategies for MSMEs and a video presentation on DTI Greening Experience.

Climate Change and its impact were also tack-

led.

Beach resort owners and Green Champions Christophe Druey of Salamangka Beach Resort and Ma. Arlene Mack of Royal Cliff gave their testimonials on the benefits of going green.

Both are recognized by DTI for their green initiatives applied in their establishments.

The Philippine Information Agency (PIA) –Siquijor also shared its support to other DTI advocacies for the MSMES and the province.

Networking with local green suppliers with display of green products was also part of the activity. (rmn/rac/PIA7-Siquijor)

Dumaguete mayor seeks support to 1st Sports Tourism Forum Roi Lomotan DUMAGUETE CITY, Jan. 10 (PIA) – Dumaguete City Mayor Felipe Remollo encourages local stakeholders here to support the first Sports Tourism Forum to be held in this city on February 1.

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peaking in a Kapihan sa PIA forum today, Mayor Remollo endorsed the Sports Tourism Forum to heads of sports associations, sports coordinators and members of the local media and said the activity would help put Dumaguete City and the province of Negros Oriental in the map of the sporting world.

The Sports Tourism Forum, an event organized by a private firm Selrahco, aims to engage representatives from different local government units concerning the sports, tourism and education sectors, local sports associations, schools and private companies with top caliber resource speakers to discuss inputs to enhance sports event organizing, marketing and media exposure to boost the province’s capability to host big sports events and develop Negros Oriental as top destination for sports activities.

Selrahco President Charles Lim cited diving as a sport which stakeholders in sports and tourism can develop as primary product in sports tourism. ―Diving is such a big thing in this part of the world. You talk to any dive associations outside the Philippines they will tell you this is one of the best dive sports we have in the region and divers from all over the world are coming here,‖ Lim

said.

The conduct of the Sports Forum in Dumaguete City is in line with its thrust of the city government in strengthening sports and tourism programs.

Remollo believes Dumaguete City can start positioning itself in sports tourism as it already has the existing facilities and areas for various sports activities.

Remollo also shared that the Twin Lakes in Sibulan town could be used for cycling marathons and kayaking events, covered courts for basketball and volleyball games, the boulevard area for bangkathons, and the reclaimed area near the Dumaguete Press Club building for beach sports.

Aside from this, the mayor also suggested that vacant lots can be turned into baseball fields.

Moreover, the city has hosted the Palarong Pambansa in 2013 and the recently held Unigames wherein athletes from different schools and universities competed in numerous sports event. ―We are so lucky. It’s the location, it’s the atmosphere, the people and it will reflect on how the leadership will welcome this events and we are so lucky that the city and the province (government) have one vision in sports. We are helping each

other,‖ Remollo said.

He also announced that on February 2017, Dumaguete City will host the regional Palaro for the Negros Island Region. ―There will be 16 divisions (of the Department of Education), (around) 5, 000 to 10, 00 people will be coming and the impact on that on our economy,‖ Mayor Reomollo disclosed. ―You cannot say it’s just sports, it's sports tourism. When athletes come, they come with their parents. Parents stay in hotels, they move around,‖ he pointed out.

On the other hand, Remollo also tagged Dumaguete City as getaway to other destinations like whale shark site in the municipality of Oslob and the Sumilon Island town in Cebu, the province of Siquijor and many others which will help attract other tourists to come to the city. ―We should support this program, this is our program,‖ Remollo told attendees of the forum.

Meanwhile, Negros Oriental Sports Development Program Head Paultom Paras agrees that sports tourism is a good promotion area as sporting event allows sports enthusiasts to go to the destinations identified as venues for sports events. (ral/PIA7-Negros Oriental)

Settling traffic fines before getting mayor's permit mulled Jennifer C. Tilos DUMAGUETE CITY, Jan. 10 (PIA) -- Dumaguete City is set to pass an ordinance seeking to address the seeming unequal enforceability of traffic rules for public and private vehicles.

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f passed, all motorists with pending traffic violations will no longer be granted a mayor's permit, franchise, tax clearance and other permits from the City of Dumaguete unless they shall have paid the accessory fines and penalties.

It was observed that virtually 100 percent of owners of public utility vehicles have paid their administrative fines but just less than 50% of the owners of private vehicles do so.

City Councilor Alan Cordova, author of the proposed ordiance, explained that this is due to the

fact that the LGU has greater regulatory power over the vehicles used for public utility and considerably less over private carriers.

Specifically to address the inequality, Cordova proposed an ordinance that would make it a requirement for the payment of traffic violations fines and penalties before a regulatory permit or franchise shall be issued by the city government of Dumaguete.

Under the proposed measure, applicants for original or renewal of permits and franchises must first secure a clearance from the Traffic

Management Office to indicate that they have no traffic violation fine or penalty still unpaid to the city government. The clearance shall be free of charge.

This latest proposal is part of the comprehensive scheme of enhancing the enforcement of traffic rules to ease the gridlock in major streets, especially that a substantial number of violators are owners of private vehicles who are less inclined to pay the penalties and fines.

The proposal will be subject to plenary debates on second reading and after a public hearing shall have been called. (rmn/jct/PIA7-Negros Oriental)

CENTRAL VISAYAS

Dinagyang Festival

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NegOr crime rate down by 18% in 2016 Jennifer C. Tilos

NEGROS ORIENTAL, Jan. 11 (PIA) -- The Negros Oriental Provincial Police Office (NORPPO) here has reported a total crime volume of 9,803 for January to December 2016, or 18 percent lower compared in 2015.

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n a Provincial Peace and Order Council (PPOC) meeting yesterday, PSupt. Carlos Lacuesta of NORPPO reported that the crime volume in the province last year is composed of 2,660 index crimes and 1,200 non-index crimes including 2,232 crimes under special laws and 3,711 traffic related incidents.

Index crimes decreased by 519 incidents or 16.32 percent while non-index crimes reduced by 3,368 incidents or 49 percent.

The most prevalent index crime is theft with 1,118 incidents or a reduction of 22 percent, followed by physical injury with 694 incidents or 6.34 percent, robbery with 380, murder with 143, carnapping with 122, homicide with 61 (which is a bit higher of 30 percent) and cattle rustling with 22 incidents.

Col. Lacuesta also noted that the number of traffic-related incidents and damage of property with

3,711 or 26 percent contributed much to the crime statistics, while the prevalent non-index crimes or the violation of special laws recorded 3,432 incidents or contributed 64 percent of the total crime volume.

For non-index crimes or offenses punishable under the Revised Penal Code and Special Laws such as enforcement on Republic Act 9165 or Anti-Illegal Drugs campaign, 562 drug personalities were arrested and 1,396.13 grams of shabu and 112.21 grams of marijuana confiscated with a total value of more than P14 million.

Under Republic Act (RA) 9287, or campaign against illegal gambling, the police force arrested 120 persons with total bet money confiscated at P48,130.

For the campaign against loose firearms or RA 8294, PNP arrested 143 persons and recovered and confiscated 254 firearms and seven

explosives.

Col. Lacuesta cited that Negros Oriental remains to be one of the most peaceful places in the region. ―Generally, the police in the province may have reduced the crime volume but the occurrence of major incidents, though these were just isolated cases will surely and greatly affect the perception and actual atmosphere of security and safety of the community and shall continue to pose as a challenge to the capability of the police in the province.,‖ the police officer explained.

However, Lacuesta said more aggressive police actions shall be undertaken focusing those crimes perpetrated by criminal groups.

He added that an enhanced monitoring, gathering of information and intelligence build–up of cases against criminals must be given priority. (rmn/ jct/PIA7-Negros Oriental)

Tagbilaran City’s December IBT revenues hit P1.1M Rey Anthony H. Chiu TAGBILARAN CITY, Jan. 9 (PIA) -- From a monthly average of P200,000 to P300,000, revenue collection at the Tagbilaran City Integrated Bus Terminal peaked over 300 times in December, according to City Mayor John Geesnell Yap.

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peaking at the Kaphan sa PIA on his traditional Mayor's annual report, Yap said their implemented fiscal policies have borne fruit and even at the IBT, reforms are showing.

Now on his third year at the Kapihan year-starters, Yap only picked one policy: building trust.

"What is important is that people trust that their money goes right into where it should go," Yap said.

Year starters are also the times when businesses renew their licenses and that is completed as soon as the mayor puts his signature into the papers.

But impressing on proper management, Yap reported that the IBT in its December collection has breached the P1 million mark.

He said the collection is P1.1 million in December.

This month, too, the city, along with partners like the USAID-SURGE, moved to streamline the business license renewal form 14 steps to just three steps in an effort to hit the three-hour target for the release of completed documents.

The reduction of the processes is in line with the Joint Memorandum Circular (JMC) of the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI), Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG), and Information and Communications Technology (DICT) ) which enjoins all cities and municipalities to use the revised standards and streamline business permits Yap issued Executive Order No. 21 on September 21 to operationalize the streamlining and implementation of the standard procedures in the processing of business permits and licenses for both new and renewal in the City of Tagbilaran, according to Jeanette Busano of the city media bureau.

Yap, who has given his all-out support to the initiative, believes a streamlined process would generate more revenues which would mean more disposable funds for noteworthy City projects.

The mayor know that efficiency and time management are vital to productivity and when applied to revenue generation processes, would tantamount to get more.

To prove that the system worked, on the 3rd day of the business renewals and application processes, an individual has attested in his Facebook account how he got his license in less than two hours.

Another shared that he had his in three hours.

On this, the mayor said there is always no ceiling for development and he vowed to make sure that city officials and employees imbibe this philosophy of continuing to strive for perfection. (rmn/rac/PIA7-Bohol)

Bohol needs 210 new CAFGUs Rey Anthony H. Chiu TAGBILARAN CITY, Bohol, Jan. 9 (PIA) — Internal security keepers in Bohol eye an additional 210 new Civilian Armed Forces for Geographical Units (CAFGU) Active Auxiliaries or CAA recruits in 2017.

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he surfaced even as military and police to respond to threats of insurrection in the south. authorities have successfully maintained To make sure that the insurgents do not take Bohol as insurgency-free since its declaration over the vacuum left by the military, Bohol officials in 2010. and internal security operators set up a Bohol They, however, pushed for the need for CAAs, Localized Internal Security System (BLISS). as legal fronts of the insurgents have reportedly been This uses an intricate network of civilians and relentless in their efforts to regain their grasp and tapping the community as intelligence sources and influence in Bohol grassroots. the CAA play a key role as active security operatives At the recent Provincial Peace and Order with suppression power.

Council (PPOC) Meeting, Army commanding officer While there is a little over 600 CAAs in Bohol of the 417th Infantry Brigade assigned here, Colonel assigned in 30 detachments all over the province’s Dodjie Belloga said the recruitment is to make sure three districts, there have been reports of depleted that Bohol still maintains the number of civilian ranks among CAA volunteers. auxiliaries who can multiply the presence of the Army 302nd Infantry Division commander Col. military in Bohol.

Arnulfo Matanguihan in his acceptance speech after After its declaration as insurgency-free, Bohol taking over the flag of command for the Division, has slowly released its army internal security vowed to secure the investments in Central Visayas. operators, especially when the country saw the need He also promised to prevent the resurgence of

insurgency that once hampered the growth and development of the region.

Stressing the pivotal role of the CAA in sustaining the bond that binds communities standing up against the reentry of insurgents, both key officials underlined the need for community cooperation in the struggle to keep Bohol free from the influence of fear brought by insurgents.

Over this, the few who are left of the Army and its CAA have intensified stakeholder engagements to gain deeper trust and confidence in communities, according to Col. Belloga.

The Bohol internal security operators have lent its presence to communities in HEAT IT Caravans, environment care and protection projects, support socio-civic events, rendered medical dental activities as well as helped schools set up and train ready reserve forces. (rmn/rac/PIA7-Bohol)

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EASTERN VISAYAS

No condom distribution in HSs in EVisayas

Sinulog Festival

Aurora J. Casimpan GOVERNMENT CENTER, PALO, Leyte, Jan. 11 (PIA) – An official of the region’s Department of Health has assured that condom distribution will not be done in any high school in Eastern Visayas.

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oyd Cerro, DOH regional chief of the epidemiology and surveillance unit said that the region is not identified by the health department as among the regions in the country where condoms will be distributed in schools.

The health official clarified that the planned distribution of condoms in high schools will be undertaken in regions where there is high incidence of cases of HIV-AIDS such as in the National Capital Region (NCR).

In Eastern Visayas, HIV-AIDS cases account for less than one (1) percent of the total cases of the country.

DOH has planned the distribution of condoms as strategy to address the growing HIV-AIDS cases of the country.

Meanwhile, Cerro informed that the region has only 370 HIV-AIDS cases from the time it started to track such cases in the country in 1984.

He, however admitted that HIV-AIDS cases in the region are increasing.

He also informed that last year

there were 84 individuals detected to have acquired the disease transmitted mainly through sex.

He added further that the number of cases could be higher since the 84 cases were the only ones the health department have monitored and there were those who did not report to DOH. It was learned that last year about six individuals died due to complications caused by the virus while in 2015 there were 89 cases with eight deaths. (ajc/PIA8)

DOT-8 to conduct CPR on Wheels, Wings Training Consuelo B. Alarcon TACLOBAN CITY, Leyte, Jan 11(PIA) – In order to provide Cardio, Pulmonary Resuscitation (CPR) training for hotels, resorts and other industry frontliners in Eastern Visayas, the Department of Tourism (DOT) conducted the ―CPR on Wheels & Wings Program‖ for tourism sector for three days in separate cities in the region.

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he CPR training was held January 12 at DPWH Maasin City, followed on January 13 at Tacloban City astrodome and on January 14 at multi-purpose hall, new Ormoc City hall.

In a press statement, DOT regional director Karina Rosa S. Tiopes said there are instances when tourists experience sudden cardiac arrest while on tour so it is necessary for the industry stakeholders particularly the

frontliners to be CPR-ready. ―CPR on Wheels and Wings gives an opportunity to gain a skill that will help ensure safe and enjoyable stay of tourists,‖ Tiopes said.

The activity was conducted in collaboration with the Philippine Heart Association Inc. (PHA).

Philippine Heart Association Inc. is a non-government, non-profit organization

composed of cardiologists and laymen committed to foster cardiovascular education and primary care for everyone.

CPR is an emergency procedure used when someone’s heart stops beating or suffers from a cardiac arrest. It is a technique using repetitive pumping of the chest to keep enough oxygen and blood flowing to the brain, thereby increasing the survival rate of the victim.(ajc/ CBA-PIA8)

PSA-Biliran starts Labor Force Survey Mary Lailani Pitao-Tupaz NAVAL, Biliran, Jan. 9 (PIA) – Despite the rains experienced in the province of Biliran, Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA)Biliran started the January 2017 Labor Force Survey (LFS) on January 9, 2017 to last until January 31.

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his was learned from Renavil V. Cueva, Officer-in-Charge of PSA-Biliran in a report sent to the Philippine Information Agency (PIA), Biliran Provincial Information Center.

She informed that PSA-Biliran hired statistical researchers and enumerators who will visit households provincewide to conduct interviews on the employment status of the household population 15 years old and above.

Respondents will also be asked on their hunger experiences, she said.

For this round of the survey, the province of Biliran will cover 388 respondent- households, systematically and randomly selected at PSA Manila in 24 primary sampling units or enumeration areas in the municipalities of Naval, Almeria, Kawayan, Maripipi, Caibiran, Cabucgayan, and Biliran,

excluding Culaba, according to Cueva.

Preliminaries of the survey are expected to come out before March of 2017. PSA’s LFS emanates from Article 6, Rule 5 of Republic Act No. 10625 which provides strict confidentiality of data gathered during the survey.

Statistical tables of the survey results will be generated and published in summary form but cannot be used for taxation, investigation or enforcement purposes.

In line with the conduct of the LFS in Biliran province, Cueva appeals to all household-respondents for their assistance, cooperation, and patience in answering the questions required in the survey for a successful data gathering.

For inquiries, PSA-Biliran can be reached through telephone number 500-9723 or office visitation at 2nd Floor, EMK Bldg., Vicentillo

Extension, Naval, Biliran, Cueva added.

Meanwhile, PSA-Biliran, through Cueva, made clarifications on the recent media reports involving the Census Provident Fund Incorporated (CPFI) receipt in the application for the ―Marcos Bullion‖ where PSA is not involved nor connected in any way to the application in said ―Marcos Bullion.‖ The CPFI receipt is issued by PSA to clients upon payment of the service charge in securing copies of civil registry documens such as birth, marriage, and death certificates, and certificate of no marriage (CENOMAR), she said.

The amount indicated in the reported receipt is not payment for their application to the ―Marcos Bullion‖. Civil registry documents may be one of the requirements for the said application, reason for the CPFI receipt, Cueva said in a press release. (ajc/FJ/mlt/PIA8 Biliran)

EASTERN VISAYAS

Dinagyang Festival

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DTI-ESamar holds business entrepreneurship trainings Samuel D. Candido

BORONGAN CITY, Estern Samar, Jan. 11 (PIA) - The Department of Trade and Industry–Eastern Samar (DTI-Eastern Samar) Field Office Provincial Caretaker, Mr. Nathaniel Fabillar disclosed that the implementation of Small Medium Enterprise (SME) Roving Academy is underway.

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his is an advocacy of the DTI regarding teaching target beneficiaries on how to start a business.

The office has done 26 entrepreneurship trainings under this advocacy and there were 1,624 participants. In 23 local government units (LGUs) of the province, 19 had already availed of this SME Roving Academy. Fabillar then hopes that the four remaining municipalities — the towns of Giporlos, Jipapad, Lawaan, and

Maslog — will be able to avail of this Roving Academy.

Fabillar added that his office is expected to benefit this year the 2017 Financial Assistance of the Duterte administration regarding livelihood projects which is going to be implemented in Eastern Samar as well as the establishment of Negosyo Centers in other municipalities.

In 2015, two Negosyo Centers were opened in Guiuan and Borongan City

and on 2016, three in Oras, Dolores, and Maydolong. Fabillar further said that this year 2017, DTI targets to open 4 Negosyo Centers in Can-avid, Gen. McArthur, Llorente, and Salcedo.

It was seen that these Negosyo Centers have a big help to municipalities around the province since the services of DTI are being brought to business owners, they no longer need to go to the office of DTI in Borongan City. (ajc/SDC/PIA-E. Samar)

PhilHealth calls on employers: Register your workers Ninfa B Quirante CATBALOGAN CITY, Samar, Jan 11 (PIA) — PhilHealth Catbalogan urges all business establishments to register all their workers with PhilHealth.

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uring the Huruhimangaw radio p r o g r a m o f P I A a t A ks y o n Radyo DYMS, aired today, Irene Tonelete, PhilHealth account executive aired this.

PhilHealth said that all workers need to be ensured with PhilHealth so that when they get sick, it will not be a problem.

She added that the employer is liable to pay all hospital bills if proven that the employer was remiss in his obligation of paying the PhilHealth premiums of his employees.

For Php 200.00 a month, a member may avail of the different health packages PhilHealth

offers.

For maternity package, a member (even indigent ones and sponsored members) can avail of maternity benefits amounting to Php8,000.00. Pneumonia and UTI hospitalization package is also worth Php 32,000.00 though they have to be confined for four days.

Laarni del Rosario, of PhilHealth explained that patients need to be cared of in the hospital for four days so that they will be completely healed. If the patient feels better earlier and goes out of the hospital l prematurely, and suffers a relapse, the patient cannot anymore avail of the same health

package within a given time.

That is why, it is necessary that the patient stays at the hospital for the given time, the PhilHealth representative said.

PhilHealth paying members need not go to the PhilHealth office to pay their premiums, they can pay at the accredited Post office in their town or in their municipal treasurer.

Members need not fear that their contribution will be diverted, PhilHealth sees to it that remittances are done every 15 days.

Members may also pay in some banks and other accredited collecting partners of PhilHealth. (ajc/nbq/PIA 8-Samar)

Nat’l government allocates P1.4B for infra projects in NSamar 2nd district Ailene N. Diaz CATARMAN, Northern Samar, Jan. 6 (PIA) – The national government through the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) allocates P1.4 Billion intended for infrastructure projects to be implemented in the 2nd District of Northern Samar for the Calendar Year 2017.

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n an interview, District Engineer Ferdinand Briones disclosed that this year’s budget is 10.28% higher compared to last year's P 1.28 Billion.

The bulk of the funds will be allocated to the three major projects under the National Road Network Services.

Specifically, the funds are distributed for National Road Network Services or Major Final Output 1 (MFO1) amounting to P1.11

Billion, Flood Management Services or MFO2 amounting to P191.60 Million and P50 Million for the Maintenance and Construction Services of other Structures or MFO3, while, around P58 million is allocated for Locally-Funded Projects.

According to Mr. Rey Orsua and Ms. Cristina Sayawan, PIO Unit of DPWH Second District Engineering Office, based on the policy, the implementation of these major

project will be undertaken either by the Central Office or Regional Office VIII of the department. On the other hand, regular projects of not more than P50 million of the programmed amount will be undertaken by Northern Samar Second District Engineering Office. A total of forty four (44) infrastructure project will cover the P1.4 Billion budget for the Calendar Year 2017. (ajc/ADiaz-PIA8 -Northern Samar)

One Visayas e-newsletter is published weekly by the Visayas Regional Cluster of the Philippine Information Agency (PIA) comprising Region 6, 7 and 8. Its main editorial office is located at PIA Region 6, Iloilo City.

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

Ms. Minerva BC Newman Regional Director, PIA 7

Editorial Consultants Atty. Ma. Janet C. Mesa, Ph. D. Regional Director, PIA6

Ms. Alicia E. Nicart Regional Director, PIA8

Managing Editor Jaime S. Cabag, Jr. Contributors All PIA Information Officers of Regions 6, 7 & 8 Production and Layout Edson J. Baùares Lynnor C. Regalado Regional Offices: PIA 6, 2/F RC Building, Rizal St., Iloilo City, Iloilo 5000, Tel. Nos. (033) 337-8719/3377301/509-0993, Fax No. (033) 337-8719/509-0993, e-mail: r6_pia@yahoo.com/ piaamo6@yahoo.com PIA 7, Room 304, 3/F Machay Bldg., Garardo Avenue, Cebu City, Cebu 6000, Telefax No. (032) 232-4062/232-4126, e-mail: pia7_cebu@yahoo.com.ph/r7_pia@yahoo.com PIA 8, Children’s Park Compound, Sen. Enage St., Tacloban City, Leyte 6500, Tel. No. (053) 325-5124, Telefax No. (053) 321-2029, e-mail: pia_ev@yahoo.com/r8_pia@yahoo.com