One visayas enewsletter vol 7 issue 28 20170717 r6

Vol 7

In this Issue WESTERN VISAYAS

PIA Director General Harold Clavite assures residents of Brgy. Getulio, Buenavista that PIA will bring their concerns to appropriate government agencies during the KumpaS Barangay (Hinun-anon sa Barangay ni Presidente) held at Getulio Elementary School Gym, July 14. (PIA-Iloilo)

More on Region 6, pages 2-3.

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CENTRAL VISAYAS

The Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA) officials present the results of the Annual Survey of Philippine Business and Industry (ASPBI) and Survey Tourism Establishment in the Philippines (STEP) in a Data Dissemination Forum held in Dumaguete City. (PIA7-NEGOR)

More on Region 7, pages 4-5.

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EASTERN VISAYAS

July 10 - 14, 2017

Published by: PIA 6, 7 & 8

Issue 28

Decrease in number of underweight children in CV noted PIA 7 CEBU CITY, July 10 (PIA) -- The National Nutrition Council in Region VII (NNC-7) reported a slight decrease in the percentage of underweight children in Central Visayas.

Dr. Parolita Mission, regional nutrition program coordinator of NNC-7, disclosed that there is a .31 percent decrease in 2016 compared to the previous year.

Based on their 2016 Operation Timbang (OPT) Plus, NNC-7's data showed that the percentage of underweight children in the region in 2016 was at 4.6 percent compared to the 4.91 percent in 2015.

OPT Plus is an annual weighing and height measurement of all pre-schools aged 0-59 months or below 5 years old in a community to identify and locate malnourished children. Data generated through OPT Plus are used for local nutrition action planning particularly in quantifying the number of malnourished children and identify who will be given priority interventions in the community.

Among the four provinces in the region, Cebu province still ranked first in under-nutrition with 6.21 percent or six out of 100 pre-school children are under nourished. This is followed by Negros Oriental with 5.84 percent and third spot is Siquijor at 4.46 percent while Bohol recorded 3.97 percent.

Mission cited the lack of caring practices, habits of individuals, insufficiency of food, and unavailability of health facilities as some of the reasons of malnutrition.

In order to address this, the Regional Nutrition Committee together with the different local nutrition committees is set to launch a campaign region-wide for healthy diet consistent with the principle of moderation, variety and balance in food choices of school canteens, hospital cafeterias, and other food establishments here.

This is part of their observance of the 43rd Nutrition Month celebration in July.

NNC-7 believes that the core to one's good health is a healthy diet. In order to achieve a healthy diet, they are encouraging mothers to breastfeed their newborn babies.

They are also encouraging parents to have their children eat variety of foods and plenty of vegetable and fruits.

They are reminding the public to eat moderate amounts of fats and oil and eat foods with less salt and sugars.

These recommendations are reiterated by NNC through its 10 Kumainments campaign and the Pinggang Pinoy, which shows the right amount and portion that you need to consume. (fcr/ Gwen Gaviola, UP-Cebu intern/PIA7)

PRRD prioritizes power restoration in quake-hit Visayas region Rodrigo S. Victoria ORMOC CITY, Leyte, July 14 (PIA) – “What is very important is really the restoration first of power, energy,” President Rodrigo Roa Duterte (PRRD) emphasized on Thursday in his visit to quake-hit Kananga and Ormoc City.

Cebu, Bohol, and the whole Eastern Visayas region lost electric power after the 6.5 magnitude earthquake with epicenter in Jaro, Leyte, hit several places in the Visayas region at around 4:03 in the afternoon in July 6.

Undersecretary Ricardo B. Jalad, executive director of the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (NDRRMC) and the administrator of the Office of Civil Defense (OCD), during the situation briefing held at Ormoc airport, presented to President Duterte and the concerned cabinet members the economic impact of the power outage brought by the 6.5 magnitude earthquake.

He reported a total daily loss of P105M or about P2.1B in 20 days and about P24M in the manufacturing sector including temporary lay-offs.

Jalad added Eastern Visayas will not sustain its double-digit economic growth achieved in 2016 considering the effect of the region‟s economy due to the impending power situation.

The NDRRMC chief also recommended the immediate restoration of power in the short term along with comprehensive planning of the energy sector how to make it disaster-resilient.

For DTI Secretary Ramon Lopez, the power outage greatly affected businesses in the quake-hit areas considering the high cost for using generator sets which is only a temporary measure undertaken by businessmen for their continued business operations.

DOE Secretary Alfonso G. Cusi, who was called by the President to render a two sentences report on the power situation, reported that power restoration has been going on and NGCP is working 24/7. Cusi

announced the full restoration of power on July 31 with the dispatch of 40MW on July 16 and additional 90 MW on July 19 in Leyte.

He said a signed document by both the National Grid Corporation of the Philippines (NGCP) for transmission and the Energy Development Corporation (EDC) for generation was made to ensure the immediate restoration of power in the quake-hit affected areas.

Power was restored in the cities of Ormoc and Tacloban hours after the visit of PRRD after the successful energization of NGCP‟s two power transformers at its Ormoc Substation late afternoon Thursday and energization of its feeder with 10 MW power. (ajc/ rsvictoria/PIA8)

President Rodrigo Roa Duterte listens to the report of cabinet secretaries on the actions taken by their respective agencies relative to the 6.5 magnitude quake that hit Leyte on July 6, 2017. The situation briefing, held at the Ormoc airport, was part of the President's visit on July 13, 2017, to assess the quake-hit Kananga town and Ormoc City. (Photo by Rodrigo Victoria/PIA-8)

Buenavista residents know about benefits of ASEAN Lilibeth A. French

BILIRAN ENERGY FORUM. Biliran Electric Cooperative, Inc. (BILECO) Manager, Engr.

Gerardo Oledan, informs stakeholders of the three megawatts electric power supply available for BILECO area today for rationing to its more than 34,000 connections. Engr. Oledan commits to inform BILECO's member-consumers on the updates from its system operator - the National Grid Corporation of the Philippines (NGCP). (mlt) #PartnerForChange

More on Region 8, pages 6-7.

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ILOILO CITY, July 16 (PIA6) - - About 400 people gathered in the municipality of Buenavista, Guimaras on Friday, July 14, for an information, education and communication campaign on government programs and advocacies.

Philippine Information Agency (PIA) Director General Harold Clavite led the IEC campaign which consisted in the conduct of a Multisectoral and Barangay Fora focusing on the country‟s chairmanship of the 2017 Association of South East Nations (ASEAN).

He encouraged participants to be responsible in spreading or forwarding unverified information using their cellphones citing its possible negative effects, during the Multi-Sectoral Forum attended by more than 200 municipal and barangay officials, students and representatives of national government agencies, non-government organizations, people‟s organizations and business held at the Agri-Tourism Convention Center of Guimaras State College in Buenavista.

Clavite said another primary task of PIA, one of the agencies under the Presidential Communications Operations Office, is to bring President Rodrigo Roa Duterte's message of change to the people on the government's accomplishments and programs as well as that of the national government agencies.

During the forum participants were introduced to ASEAN and its benefits by Clavite and PIA – Iloilo Information Officer II Leonard Pineda I. They were also briefed on the Freedom of Information by PIA 6 Director Atty. Janet Mesa and on the tax reform package by economists from the Department of Finance Manila.

The PNP thru P/SInsp. Idel Hermonso, Chief Operations and

Plans of the Guimaras Police Provincial Office also updated them on the peace and order situation of the province.

In his message, Mayor Eugene Reyes expressed his gratitude to PIA for making Buenavista a part of the IEC campaign that enabled Buenavistahons to directly receive information on government's initiatives and programs from concerned government agencies that increased their awareness and participation in the implementation of these programs.

Clavite and Reyes joined barangay officials and representatives of PDEA, DOLE, BFAR and local social welfare and development office and agriculture office and Dir. Mesa in the KumpaS Barangay (Hinun-anon sa Presidente) held in Brgy. Getulio in the afternoon of the same day, which was participated in by around 150 residents.

Hinun-anon participants took turns in airing their concerns and inquiries on government's social pension program and Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino program, livelihood opportunities for women, use of RHU birthing facility, amongst others during the two-hour event.

Clavite assured participants that their concerns are being noted by PIA and will be brought to appropriate agencies or to the Office of Secretary Martin Andanar and President Duterte.

The participants were given free seeds from the local agriculture office.

The PIA 6-Iloilo Information Center initiated IEC campaign in Buenavista, Guimaras was the first in Western Visayas. Another Multi-Sectoral Forum will be organized in Iloilo province. (JCM/laf/PIA6 Iloilo)

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WESTERN VISAYAS

NEDA 6 holds AmBisyon Natin roadshow Easter Anne D. Doza NEGROS OCCIDENTAL, July 13 (PIA6) - - The National Economic Development and Development Authority 6 will hold a regional roadshow showcasing President Rodrigo R. Duterte’s Philippine Development Plan (PDP) for 2017 to 2022, at the SM City Cinema 1 in Mandurriao, Iloilo City, July 14.

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he roadshow with the theme, “Tayo Nang Abutin ang AmBisyon Natin” will highlight the long term vision of the President as embodied in “AmBisyon natin 2040” through Executive Order No. 5 where it aspires for a matatag (strong), maginhawa (comfortable) at panatag (stable) life for all Filipinos in the next 25 years.

PDP is the first medium-term plan anchored on the 0-10 point Socioeconomic Agenda of President Duterte and geared towards AmBisyon natin 2040, a release from NEDA 6 said.

NEDA Assistant Secretary Mercedita A. Sombilla will talk about the PDP while other resource persons include, Jose Mari Oquiñena of Gawad Kalinga who will talk on “Malasakit: Promoting Philippine Culture and Values; Harriet Ong Bengzon of Pueblo de Panay who will speak about “Pagbabago: Increasing Access to Economic Opportunities; and lawyer Irene Mae Alcobilla, Vice President of the Integrated Bar of the Philippines-Antique Chapter on Patuloy na Pag-unlad: Reaching Full Potential of the Demographic Dividend.

About 600 regional development council

members, representatives from the national government agencies, local government executives, non-government organizations, media and artists in Western Visayas as well as faculty and students of state universities and colleges are expected to grace the roadshow-launching.

Meanwhile, award winning music artist Joey Ayala with the Dagyaw Bayle Choristers of Iloilo School for the Arts, Ribbon Gymnast, and Francine Kate Rusia will provide entertainment during the roadshow. *(JCM/EAD-PIA6/NEDA Negros Occidental)

OWWA scholarships for OFW beneficiaries open again Venus G. Villanueva KALIBO, Aklan, July 11 (PIA6) -- Children of active Overseas Filipino Workers (OFWs) or their siblings (if unmarried or childless) stand to benefit as Overseas Workers Welfare Administration (OWWA) scholars with the resumption of the scholarship program offered by the agency.

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he OWWA is offering 2 kinds of scholarships – the Education for Development Scholarship Program (EDSP), and the Overseas Dependent Scholarship Program (ODSP).

Eligible beneficiaries of the EDSP, according to the Public Employment Service Office (PESO) here tapped by OWWA 6 to spread this information, are children of active OWWA members or their siblings who are not more than 21 years old and currently enrolled in Grade 12; and are incoming college freshmen belonging to the top 20 percent of their graduating class.

Qualified applicants who are incoming college freshmen will be required to take the Department of Science and Technology (DOST) national qualifying examination.

OWWA said the scope of the scholarship also include members‟ beneficiaries already enrolled in

2nd to 5th year in college who are single, not more than 30 years old, and with 85% equivalence in all academic subjects during the last school year attended on a “first come, first served” basis. Only 6 slots will be allocated for Aklan.

The scholars will be entitled to P60,000 financial assistance per school year, as well as a group health and accident insurance coverage of P300,000.00.

OWWA has expanded the EDSP slots from 200 to 1,000.

The ODSP, on the the other hand, offers financial assistance to qualified dependents of active OWWA members with a monthly salary of US$600 or below regardless of job category, who shall enroll, is currently enrolled or has been enrolled in any 4 year or 5 year baccalaureate course or associate course in any college or university.

For this scholarship, eligible are children of

active OWWA members who is single and 21 years old for incoming freshmen and not more than 30 years old for those who are already enrolled or have been enrolled in college; or sibling of unmarried OWWA member who is single and 21 years old for incoming freshmen and not more than 30 years old for those who are already enrolled.

The ODSP scholars shall be entitled to financial assistance of of P20,000 per year to cover tuition fees and other academic-related expenses.

Only 13 slots are available for Aklan for this scholarship.

The OWWA temporarily suspended these scholarships due to the implementation of K-12 in 2015.

Deadline of submission of application is July 25, 2017, according to PESO-Aklan Manager Vivian Solano. (JCM/VGV PIA6 Aklan)

DTI eyes globally competitive micro, small entreps Jemin B. Guillermo ROXAS CITY, Capiz, July 14 (PIA6) – Small and micro entrepreneurs are being enhanced to become more competitive in the world market.

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apiz Trade and Industry Director Ermelinda Pollentes said that this year‟s observance of the Micro, Small and Medium Enterprise (MSME) week will be focused on the ensuring a more competitive, resilience and sustainable business.

The MSME Week celebration is scheduled from July 17 to 23 this year with a theme “ 7Ms Toward A Shared Prosperity for ASEAN MSMEs.”

Pollentes explained that the 7 Ms stand for Mindset, Mastery, Mentoring, Marketing, Money, Machine and Model of business.

“We are enhancing the capability of our MSM entrepreneurs so their business would be at par with those with other countries,” she said.

She said that the MSMEs known as our Entre-Pinoys have been recognized as one of the country‟s economic growth drivers.

Included in the week-long celebration is a motorcade around the major streets in Roxas City on July 17 to be followed by a Kapatid Mentor Me on taxation.

Other activities are the seminar on branding, green labeling and visual merchandising, Trade Expo and Livelihood Seeding Program starter kits distribution to the identified beneficiaries. (JCM/JBG/ PIA6)

WESTERN VISAYAS

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ISP urges seafarers to save, invest Lorenzo Lambatin Jr. BACOLOD CITY, July 15 (PIA6 ) — The Integrated Seafarers of the Philippines is urging seafarers and their families to save and to invest to ensure a steady provision of their needs while still actively employed until they decide to retire.

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SP President Capt. Jess Morales said only 20 percent of Filipino seafarers are successful partly because their opportunities are limited to foreign seafaring or opt in the local maritime industry.

Morales said the Philippines has about 406,000 Filipino seafarers deployment in 2015 but dropped to 400,000 in 2016 when there was a global shipping market downturn

Mostly, while having good income from sailing, seamen help their families and relatives financially, he said.

Although seeing nothing wrong with helping others, he said seafarers should also save and learn to invest.

The ISP he said is helping their members achieve financial literary through their Multi-Purpose

Cooperative and are offering business loans and cash advances before boarding the ship.

Morales urges seafarers to take part in the recently launched Business Plan Competition Plan for Seafarers by checking at the DOLE- National Reintegration Center for OFWs or through its website www.nrco.dole.gov.ph.

(JCM/Lljr-PIA6)

Community movement to protect Panay and Guimaras launched Elsa S. Subong ILOILO CITY, July 11 (PIA6) — A project called ―PROTECT PANAY AND GUIMARAS‖ was launched, participated in by some 5,000 barangay officials, members of civil society and non-government organizations and some government agencies in Panay and Guimaras.

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he Police Regional Office-6 led the launching, July 10, with the Jaro Archdiocesan Social Action Center (JASAC), which spearheaded the movement.

JASAC Director Msgr. Meliton Osos said PROTECT PANAY AND GUIMARAS, is a movement against criminality, illegal drugs and terrorism.

“This is a community movement that will help law enforcers and security forces in d e f en di ng th e pro vin ces o f An ti qu e, Aklan, Capiz, Iloilo, Iloilo City and Guimaras,” Oso said.

There are members coming from all Panay provinces and the towns in Guimaras.

With this, according to Oso, the community will also serve as watchdog against criminality and other forms of violence and illegal activities, and has committed to immediately report suspicious persons in the community.

PRO-6 Spokesperson Police Supt Gilbert Gorero said there is a social media account and hotline numbers where the public can report concerns, There is www.facebook.com/Protect-Panay -and-Guimaras -480268. Twitter: Protect

Panay. Smart – 09498833741 and 09999955072; Globe – 09175943753 and 09173233809.

Those present during the launching signed a covenant as a show of commitment in protecting Panay and Guimaras, under the logo and the them which says, “Hulag Na, Kaupod Ka!” (Kilos Na, Kasama Ka!), which also calls for community partnership.

For his part, PRO-6 Director Chief Supt.

Cesar Hawthorne Binag said he was pleased with the movement initiating support for the PNP to keep the region safer to live. (jcm/ESS/ PIA-Iloilo)

DILG conducts training on LGU alliance building Pilar S. Mabaquiao San Jose, Antique, July 10 (PIA6) - The Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) Antique recently conducted the Provincial Alliance Building at the Tuburan sang Kabuhi Training Center, San Jose to strengthen the alliance between the provincial government and the municipalities as well as to identify specific areas of cooperation.

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We want to see a strong alliance between the provincial government and the municipalities of Antique”, said San Jose Mayor Elmer Untaran in his opening remarks.

DILG Provincial Director Victorio Pagapulan also said “we hope to settle bad politics in favor of our constituents. If we can transcend our political interests, we can better serve the Antiqueños”.

Among the participants are the nine Municipal Mayors from the towns of Sebaste, Barbaza, Tibiao, Belison, San Jose, Valderrama, Tobias Fornier, Sibalom and Culasi, Municipal Planning and Development Coordinators (MPDCS), Municipal Local Government Operations Officers (MLGOOs) and Julie Cepe, Provincial Planning and Development Coordinator.

The event also served as a venue to discuss development issues at the provincial level and promote collaboration among local government units by having a systematic means of identifying areas of convergence, said Information Officer Judy Mae Magdato.

DILG LGCDD Chief Roselyn Quintana said that Antique is the first province to conduct the Provincial Alliance Building in Region 6.

It is the third essential component of the Newly Elected Officials (NEO) Program. The NEO consisting of three parts is intended to capacitate LGUs in formulating a term based development roadmap that is anchored on the national agenda.

PPDC Juliana Cepe, in her presentation of the

provincial situationer, vision, mission and challenges said that one of the main economic drivers in the province is tourism. Cepe assured the participants that the list of priority projects, as an output of this activity, will be included in the Provincial Development and Physical Framework Plan as long as it fits the criteria.

Considering that the funds are limited, projects with the utmost urgency will be considered and the projects should complement each other in resolving a certain issue.

She asked the commitment of the participants to help them package project proposals for projects that the provincial government cannot fund for external sourcing of funds. (DILG/JCM/PSM/ PIA6Antique)

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CENTRAL VISAYAS

DENR7 awards partners for environmental protection efforts CEBU CITY, July 10 (PIA 7) --The Department of Environment and Natural Resources in Central Visayas (DENR-7) recognized the efforts and contributions of its active partners in the protection, conservation, and management of the environment in this year’s 3rd Gawad Tugas Awarding Ceremony.

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he recent awarding witnessed nine categorical awards giv en to n on -gov ern m ent organizations, national government agencies, and civil societies.

Bagging the award for the National Greening Program category were the Banacon Fisherfolks and Mangrove Planters Association (BAFMAPA) of Bohol Province as well as the Municipality of Tuburan, Cebu.

The Bojo Aloguinsan Ecotourism Association (BAETAS) in Cebu Province, which has been a community-based organization for four years now, was awarded under the Biodiversity Conservation and Management category.

Both the provincial governments of Cebu and Bohol were recognized under the Patent Issuance category. The Solid Earth Development Corporation in San Fernando, Cebu, moreover, was the sole awardee for the Responsible Mining category.

Cebu Mitsumi and Global Business Power Corporation, through subsidiaries Cebu Energy Devel-

opment Corporation (CEDC) and Toledo Power Company (TPC) were the awardees for the Clean Air and Water category.

For the Coastal and Marine Ecosystems Management category, the Rare Philippines and Barangay Agujo, Daanbantayan, Cebu, with its mangrove plantation, were awarded, too.

The Carmen Copper Corporation in Carmen, Cebu as well as the APO Cement Corporation in Naga, Cebu both bagged the award for the Forest Protection and Management category. Regional Trial Court Judge Maximo Perez, and the Philippine Coast Guard Sub Station of Panglao Bohol were recognized under the Enforcement of Environmental Laws category.

For the Protected Area Management category, the people‟s organization Obo-ob Mangrove Garden Integrated Environmental Cooperative Association (OMAGIECA) in Bantayan Island, Cebu also received such award.

Moreover, DENR‟s media partners who published

stories of the agency‟s projects and support for the environment were given recognition.

Among them were Cebu Daily News, Sunstar Cebu, Manila Bulletin, UNTV, The Freeman, GMA 7, Philippine Information Agency- 7, CCTN 47, ABS-CBN Central Visayas, DYMF, DYRC, DYDR, DYAR, DYSS, DYMR, DYHP, and DYAB 1512.

Meanwhile, DENR-7 also paid tribute to its former regional executive directors for shaping the agency to what it is today. According to Eduardo M. Inting, assistant regional director for technical services of DENR, Gawad Tugas continues to award its active partners to promote and replicate good governance, and the environmental practices done by the awardees which are, for him, “worthy to be emulated by others.”

Emma Melana, regional director of DENR 7, gave her closing remarks hoping that, like the tugas, the Philippines will be persistent, sturdy, and strong in its commitments and endeavours for environmental protection. (fcr/Gwen Gaviola, UP Cebu Intern/PIA 7)

NNC-7 promotes healthy diet, lifestyle CEBU CITY, July 8 (PIA) -- There’s nothing wrong with eating rice as long as it is eaten in moderation.

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his is what Christine Melody Caylan, chief dietician of Chong Hua Hospital in this city, emphasized when asked if eating too much rice is bad for one's health.

During the recent forum of the Association of Government Information Officers - Philippine Information Agency (AGIO- PIA7), Caylan emphasized that rice is really part of the diet of a person.

“Rice and rice substitutes are the cleanest source of energy. Gamitonon sa imong heart and sa imong body. Controlled amount lang. Everything has to be in moderation,” she said.

(Rice and rice substitutes are the cleanest source of energy. This energy will be used by your heart and your body. This should be in controlled amount.

Everything has to be in moderation.)

Caylan explained that the rice intake of one person would depend on the weight, height, and the type of activities that one does.

Dr. Parolita Mission, regional nutrition program coordinator of the National Nutrition Council in Central Visayas (NNC-7), cited boxer and Senator Manny Pacquiao as an example. She said people or athletes like Senator Pacquaio would need more amount of energy,

thus the need to eat more rice.

But which is healthier - rice or corn?

Caylan said that in terms of the number of fiber, corn has more of this than rice. Corn also has lower glycemic index (GI), a value assigned to foods based on how slowly or how quickly those foods cause increases in blood glucose levels.

Mission advised those who are keeping watch of their weight to consider eating root crops instead as these have high fiber contents.

According to NNC-7, three out of 10 Filipinos in the region are overweight.

Is this a call for alarm?

Mission said compared to other regions, the number here is lower. But she warned not to be complacent since being overweight entails risks in acquiring non-communicable diseases like diabetes and heart problems.

That's why this July, the NNC- 7 has partnered with schools, hospitals and food establishments in promoting healthy diet to its customers by providing healthier food choices for them.

Mission said they are encouraging the different school and hospital canteens as well as food establish-

ments to serve vegetable dishes and other healthy options for the public.

This is in line with the agency's observance of the 43rd Nutrition Month this July with the theme, "Healthy diet, gawing habit - for life". The month-long celebration will include activities namely the Healthy Diet Promotion Caravan, and a Nutri-Fiesta Food Bazaar. It will officially kick off on July 3, 2017 at the Park Mall, Mandaue City.

Meanwhile, Dr. Annessa Patindol, medical officer III of the Department of Health in Region 7 (DOH-7), has also warned the public about several non-communicable diseases resulting from an unhealthy lifestyle. Among these are diabetes, hypertension, kidney and liver complications, and cardiovascular diseases.

To combat several medical conditions, one of agency‟s advocacies is to assess, identify, and manage hypertensive and diabetic patients in the locality, and to provide free medicines for them.

Patindol however, encouraged the public to adopt a healthy diet and lifestyle. According to her, quitting the habit of smoking, limiting alcohol intake, and having a diet low in salt, fat, and sugar may help one avoid such health complications. (fcr/Gwen Gaviola, UP Cebu Intern/PIA7)

Mothers urged to prepare healthy meals for children Leandria P. Pagunsan DUMAGUETE CITY, July 6 (PIA) -- At the recent kick-off ceremony of Nutrition Month 2017, Dr. Michelle Naranjo, head of the Nutrition and Dietetics Department of Siliman University in Negros Oriental urged mothers to prepare healthy foods for their children.

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others should educate their children on the respective work places and free from unhealthy lifestyle importance of eating healthy foods and how diseases. A healthy diet according to Dr. Henrissa it will benefit their body and mind, said Calumpang, Provincial Nutrition Action Officer (PNAO), Naranjo. based on the World Health Organization (WHO) is the Naranjo emphasized the importance of a balance regular intake of vegetables, fruits, whole grains, root diet that consists of a variety of healthy foods and eating crops, low fat milk, lean meats, poultry, fish, eggs, beans in moderation too. "Putting color to our children's plate and nuts. with different vegetables and fruits will make them Dr. Calumpang pointed out that unhealthy diet healthy and strong," said Naranjo. The kick off high in cholesterol, sugar, saturated fats and sodium can celebration started with a flag-raising ceremony attended cause cardiovascular diseases like diabetes, hypertension, by provincial governor Roel Degamo, heads of offices, and certain types of cancer, said Calumpang. provincial and national government employees at the Intake of more than one teaspoon of salt a day is ground floor of Mariano Perdices Memorial Coliseum. already high sodium, which can cause high blood The governor also urged his employees to pressure, heart disease and stroke, said Calumpang. maintain a healthy diet so they can be effective in their Moreover, Calumpang said the WHO

recommends 400 grams of fruits and vegetables intake daily. Another study also revealed that there is a 13 percent decrease in the monthly grocery spending of Filipinos that corresponds to a 25 percent increase of eating out in fast foods and restaurants.

Furthermore, Calumpang said several studies revealed that consumption of sweetened beverages particularly sodas are consistently consumed by Filipino children aged six to 12 years old. She then reported that malnutrition rate in Negros Oriental had a slight decrease from 6.4 percent in 2015 to 6.1 percent last year. She also urged mothers to breastfeed their children exclusively for six months, giving only mother‟s milk without water and solid foods. (fcr/lpp/PIA7/Negros Oriental)

CENTRAL VISAYAS

DOH-7 urges rehabilitation

LGUs

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CEBU CITY, July 8 (PIA) -- Political will of local government units (LGUs) and their receptiveness to handle the drug rehabilitation program are among the issues that need to be addressed in order to succeed in the war against illegal drugs, a top official of the Department of Health (DOH) in Central Visayas said.

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r. Dino Caing, head of the non-communicable disease of DOH-7, said only San Remigio town in northern Cebu had successfully conducted the community-based drug rehabilitation program here in the region. What is the secret to their success?

Caing emphasized the seriousness and the political will of San Remigio Mayor Mariano Martinez in personally handling the drug rehabilitation program.

“San Remigio was successful because he handled this by himself. He personally conducts the inspection of attendance in every barangay,” Caing said.

In case a barangay official, municipal health staff or official was absent, Caing said the mayor calls them to report to his office to explain their absence.

There were 812 drug surrenderers who graduated from the 12-week community-based drug rehabilitation program and all of them underwent a holistic drug rehabilitation approach which includes psychosocial, spiritual and medical intervention. The health official highlighted the importance of community-based rehabilitation program citing that 90 to 95 percent of the drug users in the region are mild users.

Mild users, Caing explained, are those that can be

treated under the community-based rehabilitation program and do not need to be admitted in a rehabilitation facility. “We view a drug user not as a criminal but a mental patient suffering chronic relapsing disease,” he said.

In a data provided by DOH-7, Caing said there are 109,000 surrenderers in the region that needed to undergo drug rehabilitation. Central Visayas ranked fourth all over the country in the number of drug surrenderers. The National Capital Region (NCR) topped the list followed by Region IV-A and Region III. The DOH is also targeting to achieve 100 percent establishment of a community-based drug rehabilitation program in every LGU by 2022 or by the time the term of President Rodrigo Duterte ends, said Caing.

In Cebu province, only San Remigio was the first to complete the implementation of the community-drug rehabilitation program involving all of its 27 barangays.

Other LGUs that are currently implementing it are the cities of Cebu, Mandaue and Bogo and the towns of Sogod in the north and Argao in the south.

Other LGUs that have yet to start their community-drug rehabilitation program are the

municipalities of Tabogon, Tabuelan, Daanbantayan, Medellin and Carmen in the north and the city of Lapu-Lapu as well as Cordova town in Metro Cebu area.

In Bohol, the LGUs currently implementing the program are the city of Tagbilaran and the towns of Lila, Inabanga, Candijay, Alburquerque, Loay, Guindulman, Baclayon, Talibon and Tubigon. For Negros Oriental, only the city of Canlaon was cited by the health agency as the LGU currently implementing the program. As for Siquijor, DOH-7 is still currently conducting the Alcohol, Smoking, Substance Involvement Screening Tool – Brief Intervention (ASSIST-BI) to profile the drug surrenderers and their level of drug use and dependency.

Meanwhile, Caing said DOH-7 will be entering into a memorandum of agreement (MOA) together with the Mandaue City Government and the private sector in the establishment of a recovery home in the city.

A pilot project in the region, the recovery home would serve as a rehabilitation facility for those drug users classified under moderate users, where they will be monitored to take their medication. (fcr/Jan Karla Madrio, UP Cebu intern/PIA7)

BFAR turns over CFLC to Anda fisher folks Rey Anthony H. Chiu TAGBILARAN CITY, July 8 (PIA) - - Efforts to make fish accessible and affordable to Boholanos continue as the government is set to turn over a multi-million-peso infrastructure that would conveniently allow fishermen to land their fish catch locally.

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he Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR) is set to turn over a P3 million Community Fish Landing Center (CFLC) in the tourist town of Anda, Bohol anytime soon, according to BFAR Information Officer Nimfa Mesina.

During the recent meeting of the Association of United Development Information Officers (AUDIO) of which she is a member, Mesina said the government would turn over the facility to local officials who would in turn turn over the facility to a local fishermen's organization. Observers have affirmed what most Boholanos complained about: while Bohol sits in a vast marine treasure trove, it has Visayas' most expensive fish in its markets.

Although people say the absence of capital and the presence of loan sharks compounded the alleged monopoly of the local fishing industry. Boholanos still

need to see to it that the CFLC could do something about the high fish price.

BFAR Bohol Officer Leo Bongalos, in a separate statement, added that the CFLC is a common designed two-storey facility that incorporates fish drying areas, stall spaces, administrative offices, and refrigeration facilities. The Anda CFLC is among the eight bagsakan centers which the BFAR gave to Bohol towns as incentive for facilitated registration of industry stakeholders.

Given and funded last year, the Anda CFLC would be the 6th of such facilities erected from the 2016 funds, while construction of two more facilities in Ubay and in Baclayon is still ongoing, Mesina updated information officers during the regular organization's information sharing.

In 2016, BFAR funded P2.8 million to each of the

towns of Inabanga, Tubogon, Clarin, Calape, President Carlos P. Garcia, Anda, Baclayon and Ubay of the CFLC building construction while LGU recipients gave in P.2 million worth of lot as counterpart.

As this transpired, BFAR also released funds for its 2017 CFLC projects, two of which are already being erected at the moment, according to Mesina.

For 2017, she said BFAR also gave Bohol towns funds for six more towns: Getafe, Talibon, Loon, Lila, Panglao, and Dauis.

As to Getafe and Talibon CFLC, construction is now ongoing while the facilities in Loon, Lila, Panglao have been awarded to contractors who would soon start with the construction, the information officer relayed. For Dauis, Mesina said the project is already on bidding process. (rahc/PIA-7/Bohol)

LTO: Use of cellphones, gadgets while driving a violation Rey Anthony H. Chiu TAGBILARAN CITY (PIA) -- The implementation of the law on anti-distracted driving may be suspended as yet, but Land Transportation Office (LTO) insists that the use of mobile phones and similar gadgets while on the steering wheel is still illegal.

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TO Information Officer Florencio Balazuela said the use of cellphones while driving is still a form of reckless driving and is punishable under Republic Act 4136.

RA 4136, or the Land Transportation and Traffic Code of the Philippines, defines the policies in the operation of land transportation and the conduct of vehicles and their drivers while on any public and private roads in the country. In a public advisory, the Department of Justice (DOJ) has defined reckless driving as over-speeding, drunk driving, and distracted driving.

The law defines reckless driving as “the act of operating a motor vehicle without reasonable caution considering the width, traffic, grades, crossing, curvatures, visibility and other conditions of the highway and the conditions of the atmosphere and weather, or

so as to endanger the property or the safety or rights of any person, or so as to cause excessive or unreasonable damage to the highway.”

Over this, the DOJ rule that "every time a person operates a motor vehicle in violation of traffic rules, at the risk of harming others and with less than the full attention, focus and skill required of every driver, he is driving recklessly."

Lastly, distracted driving is “the act of operating a motor vehicle while, at the same time, focusing one‟s attention on other activities not related to driving,” including using mobile phones. To avoid such offenses, the DOJ advised motorists not to engage in distracting activities while driving, being careful when driving through accident-prone areas, and being vigilant.

Explaining the essence of the law during the

weekly Kapihan sa PIA, Balazuela clarified that in the suspension of the Anti Distracted Driving Act, or RA 10913, the LTO would be stricter on the usage of mobile phones and gadgets while the vehicle is in motion. Violations against reckless driving, including distracted driving, according to RA 4136, is punishable with a fine of P2,000, LTO said.

The suspended law, however, states that those found to be distracted while driving would be fined P5,000 for the first offense, plus confiscation of license, Balazuela affirmed.

By the second offense, a driver could be fined P10,000 while for the third offense, a driver could be fined P15,000 and for a habitual offender, the LTO reserves the right to suspend the license or a full revocation of the diver's privileges. (rahc/PIA-7/Bohol)

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EASTERN VISAYAS

Residents in 2 Ormoc brgys to be relocated Consuelo B. Alarcon ORMOC CITY, Leyte, July 14 (PIA) – Various recommendations were presented on Thursday by the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (NDRRMC) during the situational briefing at Ormoc City airport when President Rodrigo Duterte met with local government officials of the quake-hit areas.

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n his situational briefing, Undersecretary Ricardo V. Jalad of the Office of Civil Defense (OCD) laid down all the recommendations following an evaluation of the quake-hit areas.

Following the 6.5 magnitude it was known that barangays Tongonan and Lake Danao are situated near the epicentre and those living there are vulnerable to landslides, thus the relocation of some communities are being recommended.

The relocation of Lim-ao High School in

Kananga, Leyte which was damaged by the earthquake and experienced liquefaction recently was given attention by authorities.

NDRRMC also recommended for an immediate release of the Php637 million quick response fund (QRF) to the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) for the provision of emergency shelter assistance and other needs of quake-affected families.

Being affected by the quake and as a long-term intervention, construction of a water supply in the city was also given emphasis during the situational

briefing.

Meanwhile, the power situation in Eastern Visayas has a big impact on the economy which was reportedly incurred Php2.1 billion total loss in 20 days.

Thus, NDRRMC recommended for an immediate restoration of power in the short term along with a comprehensive planning on the energy sector.

To date, rotational brownouts is being experienced by the electric cooperatives in Eastern Visayas.(ajc/cba/PIA8)

DOH Surgical Caravan up in ESamar Samuel D. Candido BORONGAN CITY, Eastern Samar, July 14 (PIA) - The Department of Health (DOH) and in partnership with the provincial government and the Eastern Samar Provincial Hospital (ESPH), headed by Dr. Salvador Evardone, launched the DOH Surgical Caravan on July 10, 2017 at the ESPH.

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he Surgical Caravan dubbed: “ToDOH Alaga, May Tsekap na, May Operasyon pa."

The Surgical Caravan is the DOH‟s response to President Rodrigo Duterte health care agenda of providing free check – ups and quality health services to the Filipino people especially to those who need it most.

It aims to enhance the service delivery of hospitals run by local government units through the technical assistance of DOH hospitals and intensify health service provision for the poorest of the poor to help alleviate their medical woes.

The caravan that offers operations, ranging from minor to major cases for free to indigent constituents in need of surgical procedures is currently underway at the ESPH till July 14.

Almost two hundred beneficiaries from all over Eastern Samar were pre-identified and profiled for the surgical caravan during check-ups conducted by the different RHUs. DOH-Provincial Officer Dr. Jean Marie Egargo bared that the caravan is an offshoot of the Philippine Health Agenda (PHA) – Checkup program aimed to deliver provision of medical intervention, in line with PHA guarantee of Service Delivery Networks wherein health care providers are organized to ensure the public of an easy access to high quality services regardless of financial capacity to pay.

DOH-8 as well as LGU-Eastern Samar collaborated for fund/resource sharing, P1-M from DOH and P500,000 from the provincial government.

Philheath- Local Health Insurance Officer

(LHIO)Borongan, Ms. Josephine Mosquisa, stressed that all surgical procedures done during the caravan shall be compensable with Philhealth while laboratory and diagnostic procedures, drugs, medicines, supplies, professional fees may also be covered by DOH. DOH-run Jose Reyes Memorial Medical Center and San lazaro Hospital facilitated the surgical operations by bringing in additional general surgeons, health consultants, and physicians.

Meanwhile, Eastern Samar Lone District Representative Ben P. Evardone stressed the importance of convergence in addressing the medical needs of the poorest of the poor. He assured the transportation service for patients referred to Manila. (ajc/SDC/PIA8-E. Samar)

New SoLeyte police office to rise soon Marcelo M. Pedalino MAASIN CITY, Southern Leyte, July 11 (PIA6) - The Camp Alfredo K. Bantug Philippine National Police (PNP) office based here will soon house an additional structure, the new police provincial office.

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t is a three-story building to be built at a cost of P 10.4 Million, said Police Sr. Supt. Warren De Leon, PNP provincial director.

Work on the project is expected to start as soon as the money can be downloaded, De Leon said during the fourth monthly press conference “Balitang Kasaligan” last week.

Winning contractor was JA construction, De

Leon added.

The old PNP building, which is as old as the establishment of the province, will have to be preserved for some other purposes, De Leon said, suggesting that the new SLPPO will stand somewhere in the compound‟s open, grassy space.

In a related development, De Leon said several municipal police stations are now undergoing construction, such in Hinundayan,

Macrohon, and San Francisco, while other LGUs without own/ donated lots still lack such facility.

These included Anahawan, Silago, San Ricardo, Bontoc, Liloan, and Malitbog.

But Bontoc, Liloan, and Malitbog are in the process of negotiating deals to secure lots for their own municipal police stations, De Leon further informed. (mmp/PIA8-Southern Leyte)

EASTERN VISAYAS

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Specific recommendations to solve malnutrition urged Ma. Rebecca G. Cadavos MAASIN CITY, Southern Leyte, July 12 (PIA) – In a meeting held with the city Nutrition committee members, Maasin City Mayor Nacional V. Mercado urged the local health personnel to come up with specific recommendations in order overcome malnutrition problems in the locality.

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In order to overcome the problems of malnutrition throughout Maasin City, I urged those officials and department agencies concerned to make specific recommendations and present it in the next nutrition meeting,” the city mayor said who presided over the meeting attended by Nutrition Committee members from the Department of Education (DepEd), Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG), PIA, city social welfare office, local agriculture, among other rural health personnel.

The nutrition committee listed top 10 barangays with the highest nutrition rate, such as

Bactul II, Pansaan, Sto. Rosario, Acasia, Bato II and Sta. Rosa, Baugo, Nati and Nonol Norte, Libertad, San Jose and Hantag.

Mercado said that attention of parents, especially those with malnourished children s h ou l d b e ca l l e d u p and th e ci ty government to help them overcome the malnutrition issues.

“Monitor the results of each activity given to the malnourished child, especially after the supplemental feeding sessions and report the results of the health interventions,” he said.

He added that parents should be informed on the status of their children and result of each

intervention.

The meeting held at the city mayor„s conference room, Friday, also tackled nutrition month celebration activities for this month of July which carries the theme, “Healthy Diet, Gawing Habit for Life.”

Maasin City Nutrition Action Team planned activities for nutrition month celebration were as follows: Anthropometric measurement, Blood pressure; waist/height measurement for Maasin City employees; distribution of seeds; supplemental feeding; Nutrition Congress; educational visit; and nutrition culmination activity; among the few. (ajc/rgc/PIA8-SoLeyte)

Parts of EVisayas has no power yet Consuelo B. Alarcon TACLOBAN CITY, Leyte, July 7 (PIA) – There is no definite date as to when the power supply in most parts of Eastern Visayas will be restored.

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his, after a strong earthquake struck leaning during the inspection.

Leyte, Thursday, where the epicenter Legaspina also said that NGCP has already was located at 67 degrees west of Jaro, mobilized six line gangs to temporarily restore the Leyte.

Ormoc-Tongonan 138kV Line. Another line gang was Ma. Edna Legaspina, communications officer of sent to Kananga Switchyard to assess possible ways the National Grid Corporation of the Philippines of extending power from the Tabango Substation to (NGCP) said aerial and ground patrols are Ormoc Substation. being conducted to assess areas affected by the On the part of the Leyte II Electric quake.

Cooperative, it informed that as per technical survey NGCP reported that both the Ormoc HVDC and assessment of their personnel, LEYECO II‟s and Ormoc Substation sustained damages. A tower distribution line infrastructures are intact along the 138kV Ormoc-Tongonan Line was found following the 6.5 quake denoting that the

cooperative is ready to receive power from the source through NGCP. However, due to the extent of damage towards the power source, LEYECO II is taking conscious efforts to continuously communicate with the power source to keep the electric consumers abreast and updated. As of this posting no definite date had been given both by the GCGI (power plant) and NGCP (transmission) as to when power will be up.

Thus, LEYECO II is seeking the fervent understanding and prayerful spirits of their member consumers. (NGCP/PIA8/ajc/cba )

Classes suspension allows structural assessment of buildings, schools Consuelo B. Alarcon TACLOBAN CITY, Leyte, July 11 (PIA) - The City Engineers Office here recommended the recent suspension of classes to allow their personnel to conduct an engineering inspection and structural assessment or evaluation on buildings and schools.

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his was following the 5.4 magnitude aftershock occurred at 9:41 in the morning of July 10, 2017, which was originated at 009 km 87•E of Ormoc, City, Leyte with a depth of 001 km and tectonic in origin.

The strong quake that was felt at Intensity V in

Ormoc City, Intensity IV in Mayorga Leyte; Tacloban City and Mandaue City; Intensity III in Cebu City, Intensity II in Lapu-Lapu City, Palo Leyte and Lapu-Lapu City was considered an aftershock of the 6.5 earthquake last Thursday that resulted to the death of two persons and more than a hundred injuries.

Classes in preschool, elementary, secondary and senior high school levels were suspended, July 6 and 10, 2017 in the city of Tacloban by Mayor Cristina Gonzales Romualdez through an executive order 2017-07-062 series of 2017 to ensure the safety of schoolchildren. (ajc/cba/PIA8)

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