One visayas enewsletter vol 7 issue 10 20170310 r6

Vol 7

Issue 10

In this Issue WESTERN VISAYAS

Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) Secretary Judy Taguiwalo, chair of the 17th ASEAN Socio-Cultural Community Council Meeting, delivers her opening address during the meeting's opening ceremony held March 8, 2017 at the Iloilo Convention Center here.

(LTP/PIA-Iloilo)

March 6 - 12, 2017

Published by: PIA 6, 7 & 8

ASEAN meetings bring PHL closer to neighbor nations Leonard T. Pineda I ILOILO CITY, March 9 (PIA6) --- Various meetings of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) in the Philippines bring Filipinos closer to their neighbor-nations in the region.

Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) Secretary Judy Taguiwalo said it is time that Filipinos should know more about the people and culture of ASEAN member-states.

“For the longest while, we have been closer to the North than to our neighbors. We know more about the United States or Canada than about Indonesia or Malaysia or Thailand,” she said.

ASEAN meetings here provide a platform for people to be more aware of the culture and aspirations of their ASEAN neighbors she said.

“It is also giving our ASEAN neighbors the richness and diversity of the Philippine culture,” the Secretary said.

She said that these meetings here allow other member-nations to experience what the Philippines is, including the shared problems of poverty, exclusion, and the common desire to provide services to the people.

“Those are the things that we want our interaction in ASEAN to strengthen; that we are the same, we share common problems and that we need to work together so we can meet these challenges and provide a better life for our people,” she said.

The Secretary also shared that the ministers were glad that the 17th ASEAN Socio-Cultural Community (ASCC) Council Meeting was held outside Manila.

“Iloilo City is so beautiful, the people are so warm, and the dances were amazing,” she said.

Taguiwalo served as chair of the 17th (ASCC) Meeting held March 8 here in Iloilo City.

The ASCC aims to contribute to realizing an ASEAN community that is people-oriented and socially responsible with a view to achieving solidarity and unity among the peoples and member-states. (JCM/LTP/PIA-Iloilo)

DSWD Secretary Judy Taguiwalo answer queries of media during a press conference after the opening ceremony of the 17th ASEAN Socio-Cultural Community Council Meeting held in Iloilo City, March 8, 2017. #ASEAN2017 (PIA 6/EJB)

More on Region 6, pages 2-3.

Also CLICK Here…

CENTRAL VISAYAS

Kapihan Sa PIA featuring the Implementation of Enhanced National Greening Project (NGP) and Sustainable Integrated Area Development and Management (SIADM) with Jose Cleo Cary Colis, PENRO, Cebu Province. Denr Region 7 E c o t e c h L a h u g C e b u City #EmpoweringCommunities

More on Region 7, pages 4-5.

Also CLICK Here…

EASTERN VISAYAS

Pres. Duterte tells Cebuano businessmen to be assertive Ferliza Calizar-Contratista CEBU CITY, March 3 (PIA) – President Rodrigo Roa Duterte called on Cebu businessmen to report corrupt officers in government transactions.

In the recent oath-taking of the new members and board of directors of the Cebu Chamber of Commerce and Industry (CCCI), Duterte said one needs to be assertive in helping him bring the change in governance.

In his speech, he mentioned instances where Filipino businessmen must exert their rights against any government officials and employees they meet.

“On the first hint, you know the thing about corruption is that, ang Filipino hindi assertive, he knows his rights, he will complain about it but he will not do anything,” the President said.

He cited that each government agency is implementing a routine slip that will trace the whereabouts of the document processed.

“Ang mga directors sa departments must husband the papers, sila mismo ang magtingin kung saan yung papel at a given time, and they are only given 15 days,” the President said.

Duterte gave a standing order to heads of departments to be the first to arrive in the morning and the last to leave in the evening.

Other than shortening transaction time, he also earlier ordered the reduction of signing authorities.

“For the Mayors ganun din, or else I will file a corresponding case, I will direct the DILG to file appropriate charges baka may abuse of authority or whatever and I could dismiss you, basta may corruption,” Duterte said.

In the securing of permits, Duterte said the businessmen will

just have to write what is lacking in the papers.

“Sulat kayo ano ba ang kulang dito, what is it that is lacking or inadequate so that we will correct it immediately,” he said.

And if one does not get a reply, a complaint should be filed at the Office of the Ombudsman and if nothing happens he will take jurisdiction.

In reaction, Cebu Chamber of Commerce and Industry re-elected President Melanie Ng said the President’s pronouncements were assuring to the businessmen.

“It just gives us the confidence that there will already be positive change as we deal with government in our business transactions after all we are partners,” Ng said.

The lineup of New trustees include Enrison Benedicto, Antonio Chiu, Charles Kenneth Co, Kenneth Cobonpue, Teodoro Locson Jr., Ronald Po, Francis Dy, Edward Wincent Onglatco, Christian Paro-an, Robinson Uy, Benjamin Avila, Virgilio Espeleta, Edwin Ortiz, Fr. Dioniso Miranda, Manuel Pages Jr., Benedict Que, lawyer Tomas Riveral, Jimmu Chua, Rey Maximo Eleccion and Robert Go. Lawyer Chad Rodolfo Miel was named legal counsel. Other officers include Chiu, vice president for finance and administration; Locson, vice president for external affairs and relations; Espeleta, vice president for business development; Paroan, vice president for membership development; Po, treasurer; and Riveral, board secretary.

The President earlier that day headed the groundbreaking of the third Mandaue Mactan Bridge in Ilipog, Cordova. (rmn/fcc/ PIA7-Cebu)

Gov’t agencies in EV intensify advocacy of women’s rights Consuelo B. Alarcon RABIES AWARENESS MONTH. Felicisima G. Amador representing Dr. Suzette Apura, Biliran Provincial Veterinarian, pushes for responsible dog ownership and urges dog owners to submit their dogs for vaccinacion to prevent rabies. (mlt/PIA8 Biliran) #PartnerForChange

More on Region 8, pages 6-7.

Also CLICK Here...

TACLOBAN CITY, Leyte, March 8(PIA) - Various government agencies in Eastern Visayas have collaborated in calling all sectors of society to help strengthen the advocacy of the rights of women in the region.

This, as the country celebrates Women’s Month this March after it was disclosed during the Panginsayod ha PIA held Tuesday that violation against the rights of women and girls is still on the rise.

PNP 8 Women and Child Protection Desk chief Police Senior Inspector Yazmin F. Vilches disclosed that rape cases of women and girls went up from 35 cases in six months last year to 24 cases in just two months this year.

PRO8 recorded that from January to February 2017, 24 cases of rape were reported in the region. Out of the said figure, Leyte has 10 - the most number of cases; followed by 5 in Samar; 1 in Biliran; and two each for Eastern Samar; Northern Samar; Tacloban City and Ormoc City.

Meanwhile, Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) region 8 focal person on the Recovery and Reintegration Program for Trafficked Persons Tiffany Jane Co, said that series of orientation to local officials were conducted in municipalities with high incidence of human trafficking in order to increase awareness of women and girls who frequently prey victims to trafficking.

In 2016, 29 cases of trafficking incidents were reported at DSWD regional office 8. Out of the said figure, Leyte recorded the most number of cases with 13 incidence followed by 9 in Samar; 5 in Northern Samar with 2 cases in other parts of the region. “ School-age girls who usually fall prey as victims were befriended first by suspects who displayed kindness and compassion to the needs of their would-be victims,” Vilches said.

With this development, authorities warned young ones to avoid walking in dark places and trusting strangers to prevent from being victimized by rapists and human traffickers.(ajc/cba/PIA-8)

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WESTERN VISAYAS

PHL showcases best people-oriented programs

practices

in

Leonard T. Pineda I ILOILO CITY, March 8 (PIA6) --- The Philippine government is equipped with best practices in implementing people-oriented and people-centered programs.

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n a press conference held March 8, 2017, at the Iloilo Convention Center here, Department of Social Welfare and Development Secretary Judy Taguiwalo said that the current administration has implemented programs which integrated the participation of various stakeholders within and outside the government.

Taguiwalo served as chair of the 17th ASEAN Socio-Cultural Community Council (ASCC) Meeting held March 8 here in Iloilo City.

The ASCC aims to contribute to realizing an ASEAN community that is people-oriented and socially responsible with a view to achieving solidarity and unity among the peoples and member-states.

"The edict of President Rodrigo, his theme 'Gikan sa Masa, Para sa Masa' (From the Masses, For the Masses), is essentially translated into the first priority theme - people-oriented and people-centered development," she said.

She said that the different documents that

will be discussed in the ASCC went through process which incorporated participation of various stakeholders. "The participation of civil society organizations is important," she said.

She said that the CSOs in the country are dynamic and a proof of a best practice of inclusiveness of hearing the people who have the stake on the ASEAN. "We hope that these documents will carry that spirit - it is from the people and eventually will benefit the people," she added.

(JCM/LTP/PIA-Iloilo)

Aklan mayor calls on MSMEs to love their businesses Venus G. Villanueva KALIBO, Aklan, 8 March (PIA6) -- For a business to prosper, one must have love and have commitment, according to Lezo, Aklan mayor Mary Lenette Fernandez.

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he also called on her constituents planning to engage in business to venture into something they are good at, instead of choosing one just because it is earning big for the moment.

Mayor Fernandez issued this call to her constituents in Lezo who attended the recent Negosyo Encounter in the municipality as a follow-up activity of the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) –Aklan after the establishment of the Negosyo Center there.

The Negosyo Encounter in Lezo, spearheaded by DTI-Aklan under OIC Provincial Director Ma. Carmen Iturralde, was attended by 75 participants, a mix of existing and potential entrepreneurs in the

municipality who were assisted and counselled by various partner agencies of the DTI like the BIR, DAR, DENR, DOLE, PhilFIDA, PIA, TESDA, Provincial Governor’s O f f i c e , O ff ic e of th e P r ov inc ia l Agriculturists, Land Bank of the Philippines, PHILEXPORT, and Sma ll Business Corporation.

Other assisting partners included Hugod Aklanon Producers Association, Pina MANTRA, Philippine Chamber of Commerce and Industry, TRIKE E-Solutions, and Athena Business Solutions.

At the “Encounter”, participants were briefed on the programs and services of partner agencies.

Aspiring and existing entrepreneurs also availed of a one-on-one consultation with the agencies on areas such as access to finance, access to market, business enabling, and productivity and efficiency.

Lezo town is a popular producer of Ampao or rice crispies, unique potteries, clay bricks for buildings, other food delicacies, and fiber and fiber products.

Besides Lezo, other established Negosyo Centers in Aklan are in Kalibo, Ibajay, Altavas and Numancia. Soon to be established Negosyo Centers in the province are in Makato, Libacao, Malinao and Malay. Malay’s Negosyo Center, according to DTI-Aklan, will be placed in Boracay Island. (VGV PIA6 Aklan)

San Carlos ups greening program with 25T seedlings Lorenzo Lambatin Jr. NEGROS OCC., March 9 (PIA6) -- A total of 25,600 seedlings of Acacia Mangium were transported to San Carlos City by the Deparment of Environment & Natural Resources (DENR)-Negros Island Region (NIR) last year for planting.

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h e s ee d l i n g s c am e fr o m t h e DENR-NIR’s state-of-the-art nursery of 9.3 hectares in Brgy. Banban, Ayungon, Negros Oriental called Mechanized & Modernized Forest Nursery, a press release from the San Carlos PIO office said.

DENR-NIR Forester Cristina Manlangit said the seedlings were ordered by Mayor Gerardo Valmayor in support to the city’s tree growing program. Earlier, San Carlos City launched its reforestation project at So. Buli,

Brgy. Bagonbon led by the Community Environmental and Natural Resources Office (CENRO) and City Environment Management Office (CEMO) Supervising Environmental Management Specialist and Officer-in-Charge Engr. Loreto Sanchez.

Sanchez said the DENR has allocated P5 Million under the Bottom-Up-Budgeting for the reforestation which so far planted 433,000 various indigenous and other fruit-bearing trees at the area.

Sanchez also stressed that aside from Brgy. Bagonbon, four other barangays will undergo reforestation including Nataban, Prosperidad, Codcod and Rizal, with an allocation of 20 hectares each for said project.

Flash Hoods, landslides and water shortage were the results of the diminishing forest, hence, the national government has initiated mitigating measures of which the city government is always in support, Sanchez said.

(San Carlos PIO/JCM/Lljr-PIA6)

WESTERN VISAYAS

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DPWH bares P3B infra projects for Antique Pilar S. Mabaquiao SAN JOSE, Antique (PIA) - - The Department of Public Works and Highways bared a total of P3,049,130,000 budget for infrastructure projects for the province of Antique as approved under the General Appropriations Act of 2017.

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sst. Regional Director Jose Al Fruto of DPWH said that the budget covers a lot of projects for the province for roads, bridges flood control and drainage, school buildings and facilities, water management projects among others during the dialogue with national and local officials with Senator Loren Legarda.

He expressed gratitude to Senator Legarda, Chairperson Senate Committee on Finance responsible for inclusion of the huge amount of budget for the province.

Major road networks up for 2017 implementation are the Panay West Lateral in which the provinces of Iloilo and Antique have an initial approved budget of P380M each, San Remigio-Bugo-General Fullon Road in the amount of P250M. Also included are the Brgy. Comon- San

Pedro Coastal Road or San Jose Boulevard/ Esplanade in the amount of P160M and the completion of Solong Bridge in Sibalom – P100M. Likewise part of the budget is the Local Infrastructure Program for Road and Bridges in the total amount of P1,209,250,000 covering 94.78kms of national roads (61 projects), flood control and drainage covering six projects in the amount of P222,000,000, Building and other infra with 32 projects in the amount of P152,000,000 and Water Management program with three (3) projects in the amount of P15,000,000.

Fruto mentioned that the rehabilitation and improvement of seven major rivers in the province is also a priority and likewise the infra projects for tourism convergence program.

Senator Legarda encouraged government

agencies or local government units to request for financial assistance or budget allocation for programs and services, be it for skills training, livelihood assistance among other needs of the people of Antique.

Present during the dialogue are ASEC Hope Herbilla of DSWD, ASEC Lawyer Hanzel Didulo of DA, Director Rebecca Calsado of TESDA, ASEC Bernardita Flores of DOH, USEC. Zenaida Maglaya of DTI, USEC Rafael Yabot of DPWH, regional directors, heads of offices in the province, civil society organizations among other agencies.

The dialogue was facilitated by the Provincial Government of Antique with Governor Rhodora Cadiao and Vice Governor Edgar Denosta attended the Sangguniang Panlalawigan members and other local officials.

(JCM/PSM/PIA6Antique)

Capiz averages 10 daily weddings in 2016 Alex A. Lumaque ROXAS CITY, Capiz, March 9 (PIA6) – A total of 3,793 couples exchanged vows in the province last year.

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he figure, based on the Certificate of Marriage submitted by local civil registry offices to the Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA) – Capiz Provincial Statistical Office, indicates an average of 10 daily weddings province wide.

It is 14.2 percent higher than the 3,322 marriages in the province in 2015.

The 3,089 marriages in 2014 was the

lowest recorded in the past five years, said PSA – Provincial Statistics Officer Frankie Dordas.

It was not clear if the super typhoon Yolanda’s devastation in the province last Nov. 8, 2013 contributed to the nuptial drop.

The PSA report noted that Capiznons chose the month of May as most preferred to say “I do” with 560 total marriages. It was followed by months of January and April with

520 and 394 couples who “tied – the knot,” respectively.

The least number of marriages was recorded during the lean months of July and August with 191 and 163 couples that got married, respectively.

The registered marriages were either solemnized in church and civil wedding rites. (jcm/AAL/PIA6 Capiz)

Halfway house for parolees to rise in Guimaras Elsa S. Subong ILOILO CITY, 9 March (PIA) — A Halfway House and Livelihood Training Center (HHLTC) will soon be established in Guimaras, for parolees and probationers.

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he HHLTC, according to the Parole and Probation Administration (PPA), is a model community-based approach designed to carry out residential and non-residential programs for DOJ-PPA clients.

“The proposed HHLTC can accommodate 20-30 clients at a given time,” PPA-6 Director Charito Zamora said.

Zamora added that the facility aims to provide mechanisms to selected probationers, parolees and conditionally pardoned to facili-

tate their transformation into effective lawabiding and productive members of society.

“This also aims to provide our clients with shelter and family life experience, as well as a venue for skills development and incomegenerating projects and a venue for structural life experiences and group dynamics activities,” Zamora said.

The center will also provide need-based and focused human resource development program and a venue for live-in training, seminars and workshops for PPA programs

and projects. The establishing of the HHLTC is a convergence project of agencies like the NEDA, DPWH, LGU-Guimaras, DENR, DBM and other non-government organizations.

A series of consultations were held, according to the LGU-Guimaras, where the details were discussed and finalized, including land requirements.

The lots, according to the PPA, were given by three donors, namely, Mr. Gregorio Garmay, Dr. Domingo Diel, Jr., and Mrs. Divina Granada-Inocito. (JCM/ESS/PIA-Iloilo)

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CENTRAL VISAYAS

NFA-Siquijor intensifies program to ensure rice sufficiency Rizalie Anding Calibo SIQUIJOR, March 8 (PIA) -- The National Food Authority (NFA) here has intensified campaigns and programs to ensure the rice sufficiency in the province.

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his was bared by NFA provincial manager Carlos Cortes during the monthly info sharing of the Siquijor Association and Information Disseminators (SAID) held recently at the Siquijor State College (SSC) Cafeteria in Larena, Siquijor.

Cortes cited NFA’s flagship programs such as Farmers Market Invention Programs (FOBB), Grains Exchange Program for Farmers Organization and Retailer’s Association (GEPFORA), Farmers Incentive Rice Purchase Program (FAIR), Palay Marketing Assistance for Legislators and Local Government Units (PALLGUs) and LGUs and Legislator, Corn Marketing Assistance Program for Industry Producers/Users- Local Government Units (CMAPIPULGUs), Institutionalized Farmers as Distributors (IFAD), Corn Development Fund

(CDF) and Enhanced Electronic Trading System (EETS) for Corn.

These are undertaken to ensure the price of the farmer’s yield, protection of their rights and establish a manageable relationship between NFA and the local farmers, he said.

Other flagship programs of NFA include licensing and accreditation program, rice fortification program, and the Philippine Grains Standardization Program (PGSP), among others.

NFA has also a special project which for Disaster and Crisis Preparedness.

This enables NFA to operate 24 hours in Operation Centers (OPCEN) and is activated during disasters and calamities to ensure the availability of rice within a two-week period during emergency and crisis program, Cortes explained.

Under this program, NFA extends rice loan to relief agencies like Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD), Philippine Red Cross (PRC) and the local government units (LGUs) under Memorandum of Agreement executed by NFA with the agencies.

Another special program of the NFA is the supplementary Feeding Program.

It is a joint project of NFA, DSWD, LGUs and the Department of Education (DepEd) to feed the Day Care pupils of the entire country to address the malnutrition problems.

Cortes assured that NFA-Siquijor is doing its best to provide excellent and immediate services to the ensure food security and sufficiency in Siquijor Province. (rmn/rac/PIA7-Siquijor w/ reports from IAAbatayo)

DTI-CIAP hosts dialogue on construction capacity, readiness Amor Y. Saludar CENTRAL VISAYAS, March 8 (PIA) ---- Department of Trade and Industry-Construction Industry Authority of the Philippines (DTI-CIAP) held a dialogue with the construction industry and government implementing agencies here to determine the industry's capacity and readiness to face the Golden Age of Infrastructure.

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his is in line with the pronouncement of President Rodrigo R. Duterte that the administration is gearing to ramp up infrastructure spending to 7 percent of GDP or a total of P8 Trillion in the next five years.

A press release from DTI reported that according to Atty. Ruth B. Castelo, Undersecretary for CIAP, the dialogue also aimed to identify and look into the concerns of local contractors to encourage them to participate in government infrastructure projects.

Present in the dialogue were representatives from the National Economic Development Authority (NEDA), Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH), Department of Transportation (DOTr), Government Procurement Policy Board (GPPB), Department of Education (DepEd), Philippine Constructors Association Inc. (PCA), National Constructors Association of the Philippines Inc. (NACAP) and the Chairmen of the different Implementing Boards of CIAP. PCA President Engr. Dante M. Abando

emphasized that the local construction industry is ready, willing and able to face the Golden Age of Infrastructure while Engr. Abando said that local contractors in the past has demonstrated strong capability by its proven track record of completing the Tarlac-Pangasinan-La Union Expressway Project (TPLEX) thru an organized consortium supported by local financial institutions.

This is amidst perceptions that local contractors do not have enough capacity and inadequate capability to handle big ticket infrastructure projects. Undersecretary Castelo said that “the construction industry is excited to build, build and build in the Golden Age of Infrastructure.”

A press release from DTI stated that there is no doubt that the construction industry, given the chance to demonstrate its capability to design and build major infrastructure project, will accomplish the projects faster, within standard specifications and at a much lesser cost.

During the same dialogue, the constructors associations raised several issues encountered in the

procurement and implementation of projects specifically in the pre-qualification system, project pricing, payment delays, and levelling of the playing field with the entry of foreign contractors, among others.

The dialogue marked a strengthened public and private partnership that will help the construction industry prosper and meet the demands of the Philippine Infrastructure Development Plan.

Among other measures identified to address the issues are: (a) government to find ways on how to improve and simplify the procurement system, (b) establish a hotline for contractors’ complaints, and (c) continue to hold similar discussions with the industry.

CIAP is the central authority of the construction industry mandated to promote, accelerate and regulate the growth and development of the construction industry in conformity with national goals. For more information on the services of the DTI, visit http://www.dti.gov.ph (rmn/ays/PIA 7/with reports from DTI)

PhilHealth to employers: Remit premiums on time Carmel Loise Matus CEBU CITY, March 6 (PIA) -- The Philippine Health Insurance Corporation in Region 7 (PhilHealth -7) urged employers in the region from the government and the private sectors to observe a punctual remittance of the monthly premium contributions of their employees.

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hilHealth made this call following the re-imposition of the two-percent penalty on delinquent employers.

Laarni Joy Allanic, chief social insurance officer of PhilHealth-7, said it is the responsibility of the employer to comply with their obligation to pay for the monthly premium contributions.

Employers automatically deduct these monthly premium contributions from the monthly basic salaries of its employees.

Under the revised Implementing Rules and Regulations of the National Health Insurance Act of 1995 (Republic Act 7875), monthly premium contributions of employed members shall be

remitted by the employer. However, contribution payments remitted beyond the deadline will be charged automatically with a two-percent monthly interest. Since early 2000, there was already an implementation of this penalty but it was abolished and later re-imposed in 2013 in order to enhance the collection of premium contributions.

Allanic also reminded the employers to regularly update the member data record (MDR) of their employees so as not to encounter any problem during in times of hospitalization involving their family members.

Meanwhile, PhilHealth has given out about 500 emergency kits to hospitals in Metro Cebu area.

These hospitals are Vicente Sotto Memorial Medical Center (VSMMC), Cebu City Medical Center (CCMC), Perpetual Succour Hospital and Visayas Community Medical Center (VSMC) in Cebu City and Eversley Child’s Sanitarium and General Hospital in Mandaue City.

Each emergency kit contains a face towel, sanitizer, flyers and brochures of PhilHealth which contains information on its programs and advocacy.

The distribution of these kits is part of PhilHealth’s 22nd Anniversary.

PhilHealth-7 reported that as of December 2016, it has already 6,076,376 members in Central Visayas. (rmn/clm/ PIA-7)

CENTRAL VISAYAS

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PIA opens two info kiosks at Cebu airport Elvira C. Bongosia CEBU CITY, March 7 (PIA)--The Philippine Information Agency (PIA) in Central Visayas launched its information kiosks for the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) at the Mactan-Cebu International Airport (MCIA) in Lapulapu City on March 3.

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he kiosks are located at the domestic passenger arrival area and at the international passenger arrival area of MCIA. The PIA info kiosks feature information about ASEAN, the importance of the Philippine Chairmanship of ASEAN, and the programs of the national government.

No less than Presidential Communications Operations Office (PCOO) Secretary Martin Andanar led the ribbon-cutting of the ASEAN info kiosk.

Andanar was joined by PIA officials led by

Director-General Harold Clavite, Deputy Director General Angelo Villar and PIA-7 OIC Fayette Riñen.

They were also joined by Lapulapu City Acting Mayor Marcial Ycong, MCIAA General Manager Atty.

Steve Dicdican, GMCAC President Louie Ferrer and GMCAC Chief Executive Advisor Andrew Harrison.

Clavite in his message during the launching said the setting up of kiosks at airports and other areas where people gather hopes to give the public the much needed information about ASEAN, the tourist spots, emergency numbers, and other information

material from the various national government agencies.

Available in the kiosks are fliers and brochures about what ASEAN is and also other information materials about the programs of the national government and the local government units.

This is part of the mandate of the PIA to provide timely, accurate and relevant information to the public as a tool for people empowerment.

ASEAN 2017 is one of the major programs of the government this year being the host country. (rmn/ecb/PIA7-Bohol)

Bohol records 15.78% fewer crimes by first 53 days of 2017 Rey Anthony H. Chiu TAGBILARAN CITY, March 6 (PIA) -- There have been far fewer crimes in Bohol when the anti-drug drive was implemented in 2016 compared to the same period in 2017.

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n a report which the Philippine National Police (PNP) in Bohol delivered before the Provincial Peace and Order Council (PPOC) assembled at the People's Mansion Conference Hall on February 28, Bohol police Camp Dagohoy Spokesperson PSInspector Vincent Paul Dumaguing revealed that total crimes in the first 53 days of 2016 were 187 incidents higher than the same period in 2017.

Within the first 53 days of 2017, Camp Dagohoy police headquarters registered an average monthly crime rate of 37 from 42 last year, or 6 cases variance.

For average monthly index crime rates, Camp Dagohoy also noted similar down trend of 13 from 17 recorded in 2016 and or 4 cases variance, Insp.

Dumaguing pointed out.

As to crime solution efficiency, Bohol police pegged a 45 percent, solving 528 of 1185 crimes in January to February 2016.

In 2017, the crime busters noted a 51 percent crime solution efficiency solving 511 of 998 crimes in the starting days of 2017.

According to Camp Dagohoy Chief PSSUpt Felipe Natividad, police would consider a crime solved when they have identified the suspect, filed appropriate charges, and has arrested the culprit or suspect.

And as to its crime clearance efficiency, in 2016, Bohol police registered 51 percent in 2016, a record which improved in 2017 with 60 percent by clearing 598 of 998 crimes recorded.

Cleared crimes are those which police have identified the suspects, and a case has been filed relative to the accusations of a crime, Col. Natividad added.

Dumaguing showed that in January to February 22 of 2016, total crimes in Bohol reached 1,185.

By the same period of 2017, or from January to last week, crimes decreased by 15.78 percent, which redounds to 187 less incidents.

Citing data from the Provincial Investigation Detection and Management Bureau, Inspector Dumaguing showed the index crimes data which details 114 cases less in 2017 at only 363 incidents recorded. This is a 23.9% percent downtrend.

For non-index crimes, police statisticians noted 73 cases less, or a 10.31 percent decrease from 708 to 635 cases.

And as to crimes against person, only physical injuries and homicide showed significant increases in 2017 with 35 incidents more from 94 in 2016 to 129 and from 2 to 4 in 2017 respectively.

The rest, like murder and rape, decreased, with nine incidents less for rape and seven incidents less for murder.

And as to crimes against property, except for cattle rustling which showed 6 cases over none in 2016, robbery, theft and carnapping each enjoyed 16 less, 102 less and 22 less cases for robbery, theft and carnapping.

Except for other non-index crimes which showed a significant increase of 29 cases increase in 2017, crimes against special laws and traffic related incidents registered huge decrease.

Crimes against special laws registered 23 incidents less in 2017 while traffic-related incidents scored highest with 90 cases less this year. (rmn/ rac/PIA-7/Bohol)

PSA-7 intensifies registration drive Carmel Loise Matus CEBU CITY, March 6 (PIA) -- Statisticians in Central Visayas have intensified its registration campaign especially in the mountain barangays in order to address the growing trend of non-registration of deaths specifically occurring inside the premises of their homes.

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unette Cabrera, information officer of the Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA-7), cited that most of the municipalities are experiencing non-registration of deaths.

Cabrera said this prompted them to pay these barangays a visit and determine those individuals who have died inside their homes but the family failed to have their deaths registered due to the distance and costs that would entail in doing it.

According to Cabrera, registration of death, as well as live birth and marriage, is a right cited by the United Nations (UN) to have a name and a nationality.

Juanilla Premne, supervising statistical specialist

of PSA-Cebu, said this also provides legal documentation of an individual.

“It provides regular and frequent records of births and deaths, age and cause of death.

It is also essential to planning of basic social services, infrastructure development, and understanding and monitoring of health issues,” Premne added.

In line with this, Cabrera said local civil registrar offices in the respective municipalities and cities are waiving some additional fees on scheduled dates for the month of February as part also of the celebration of the “Civil Registration Month”.

Pursuant to Presidential Proclamation No. 682

signed by the late President Corazon Aquino, the month of February is declared as the “Civil Registration Month”.

This year’s theme “Pilipinong Rehistrado, Matatag na Kinabukasan ay Sigurado” is in consonance with the global advocacy of getting everyone registered and of promoting awareness on the importance of civil registration in the lives of every Filipino.

Aside from this, each municipality has also come up with mass weddings where unwed couples get the chance to officially tie the knot at the expense of the local government unit that they belong. (rmn/cml/PIA-7)

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EASTERN VISAYAS

Catbalogan mayor appeals for unity, cooperation in hosting UCLG-ASPAC Ninfa B Quirante CATBALOGAN CITY, Samar, March 8 (PIA) - Catbalogan City Mayor Stephany Uy-Tan appeals to all Catbaloganon and Samarnon to cooperate with the city organizers in hosting the United Cities and Local Governments Asia-Pacific (UCLG-ASPAC) Conference and Executive Meeting on April 5-7, 2017.

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n a press briefing with local media, the mayor said that there will be 300 local and international participants.

The conference aims to gather important sectors of society, solicit their commitments through declarations, workable actions, policy proposals and sustainable programs and projects as regards the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), New Urban Agenda and Local Economic Development.

The conference also needs to determine and evaluate the Asia pacific rating on enabling environment of cities and local governments.

The UCLG is an association of local governments and democratic citizens focused structure where CITIZENS express themselves though their democratically elected representatives who

are members of national association grouped together into continental sections represented on the world stage by UCLG. UCLG also reinforces the role of the local and regional authorities in the international decision making process where it mobilizes local action in favor of development.

Catbalogan City joined the UCLG in 2015.

When asked what the city aims to gain in hosting the international event said to be first in the region, the mayor said Catbalogan will have an international mileage in terms of tourism, cultural heritage preservation, and investment promotion.

It also positions the city as an alternative destination for meetings and conferences and pursue a sustainable partnership with

international bodies for development.

Ariel Donceras, Chairman of the Samar Chamber of Commerce said that the guests will be pouring money to the city by way of hotel accommodations, restaurants and souvenir shops.

Mayor Uy-Tan will be doing the rounds of dialogues in different levels to solicit commitments for the success of the event.

She appeals for patience to the average Catbaloganon as there might be inconvenience brought about by the event like traffic and congestion.

“Let us all unite and show our visitors that Catbalogan is friendly and hospitable and they can return anytime and still feel our warm welcome,” the mayor also said. (ajc/nbq/PIA 8-Samar)

NGCP to improve 54 kilometers transmission line to BILECO Rodrigo S. Victoria NAVAL, Biliran, March 8 (PIA) - ―There’s a possibility for the improvement of the transmission line going to BILECO,‖ a top

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ngr. Sisinio C. Quindao, chief, Ormoc HVDC Converter of the National Grid Corporation of the Philippines (NGCP) in the Visayas informed the participants of the possibility during the energy summit initiated by Biliran Electric Cooperativ (BILECO), Incorporated on Monday, March 6 at NSU Hostel, Naval, Biliran. The 54 kilometers transmission power line runs from 69 KV in Milagro Ormoc Sub-station going to BILECO and Leyte Electric Cooperative (LEYECO) V. He said the possibility for the improvement of the 54 kilometers transmission line serving the

two electric cooperatives is due to the presence of solar and geothermal power plants in Biliran province.

The Biliran geothermal power plant which is expected to produce an initial power capacity of five megawatts and the Biliran solar power project awarded by the Department of Energy (DOE) on March 31, 2016 which is also expected to produce 25 megawatts are the factors considered by NGCP for the 54 kilometres transmission power line improvement, he added.

“The transfer of classification from Residual Sub-Transmission Asset (RSTA) to Rate Asset

Based (RAB) of this transmission line will result to decrease in sub-transmission charges to the member-consumer and increase power reliability of the electric cooperative,” Sisinio informed.

The NGCP official also shared to the energy summit participants the NGCP vision of no wooden electrical poles after year 2020.

He revealed that there are 70 wooden electrical poles remaining that are subject for replacement out of the 372 wooden electrical poles along the NGCP 54 kilometers transmission line going to BILECO and LEYECO V. (ajc/FJ/ rvictoria/PIA Biliran)

DPWH SoLeyte maintains among country’s best field office Erna S. Gorne MAASIN CITY, Southern Leyte March 3 (PIA) - The Southern Leyte District Engineering Office (SLDEO) of the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH)a maintains its strength as one of the country’s best DPWH field office.

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ccording to the DPWH Press Release dated Feb.27, 2017, DPWH -SLDEO sustained its outstanding performance as one of the best DPWH field office in terms of quality control nationwide.

SLDEO recently got the 9th rank among the 234 DPWH district offices across the country in

the 2016 annual rating of project implementation quality control performance conducted.

District Engineer Ma. Margarita C. Junia thanked all employees for working hard to maintain its performance.

In 2015, SLDEO was ranked 7th nationwide, moving 98 ranks higher from the

previous year.

Only two district engineering offices in Eastern Visayas made it to the top in quality control performance nationwide.

The other one is Samar 1st district engineering office in Calbayog City, it was learned. (ajc/DPWH PR/esg/PIA8 SoLeyte)

EASTERN VISAYAS

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Maasin Jail equips residents with various livelihood skills Erna Gorne MAASIN CITY, Southern Leyte March 3 (PIA) - The Bureau of Jail Management and Penology (BJMP) – Maasin City Jail successfully equipped residents with livelihood skills while undergoing transformation in prison cells.

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aasin City Jail Warden, Jail Chief Inspector Arlene Barraca reported that a total of 64 residents and a mobile teacher underwent the three day skills training conducted right at the jail's visitation area of Maasin City Jail from February 27 up to March 1, 2017.

City Jail Warden Barraca further reported that with the assistance of BJMP Region VIII staff, Senior Jail Officer 2 (SJO2) Erick Elisan of Inmates Welfare and Development (IWD) facilitated for

the conduct of livelihood skills training on food processing, paper handicrafts, rubber stamp making, trending balloon design and balloon twisting.

The residents who participated were guided to the different skills training as follows: (35) food processing,(21) trendy balloon design/ balloon twisting, (11) rubber stamp making, (12) paper handicraft. A mobile teacher on Alternative Learning System (ALS), Dioscora Asis participated in the said training.

On food processing, SJO2 Erick K. Elisa demonstrated how to make smoked fish with the use of improvised smoke house and coconut husk and also how to make pork tocino. While on paper handicrafts, the materials used were scratch paper of old newspapers water cellophane and tie wires.

The materials used for the trendy balloons or balloon twisting and rubbers for the rubber stamp making were provided by SJO2 Erick Elisan, Barraca said. (esg/PIA8-SoLeyte)

LGU-Naval to launch SMART program Flordelis E. Jackson NAVAL, Biliran, March 7 (PIA) – The local government unit (LGU) of Naval, the capital town of the island paradise of Biliran province is set to launch its pioneering summer program for the youth dubbed ―Sports, Music, Arts and Recreational Training (SMART).

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his was revealed by Naval Mayor Gerard Roger Espina in a letter-invitation sent to the Philippine Information Agency - Biliran Provincial Information Center, to assist LGU-Naval in discussing the details of the program in a meeting set on Friday, March 10, 2017 at the conference room of the municipal hall.

The mayor said, the planned summer youth activities for Sports under the SMART program include basketball clinic for children in the elementary level; volleyball for girls in the elementary level and also for boys in the seconday level.

He added that table tennis has also been identified under Sports for children aged seven

years.

Part of the sports activity under the SMART program for the youth in the municipality of Naval are chess for beginners; taekwondo for seven to 15 years old; soccer for boys in the elementary grades and swimming for elementary and high school students.

In the field of Music, Mayor Espina said, the SMART youth program lines up lessons in drums, guitar, violin and piano.

For Art lovers, children and youth may attend sessions in drama and acting workshop for three to 12 years old; print and broadcast journalism for elementary and high school; painting for kids and cooking and baking for children eight to 15 years old.

On the recreational side of the SMART program will be weight loss training; zumba sessions; ballroom dancing both for Latin and standard dancing and also hip-hop.

The SMART pioneering summer youth program to be launched will start on April 17 to May 22, this year in time for the summer vacation.

The program is aimed at promoting a healthy lifestyle among the youth population in Naval town in Biliran province.

The program also envisions to make the young citizens of the municipality develop their skills physically, socially and mentally in the field of sports, music, arts and recreational activities. (ajc/ F. Jackson, PIA 8 Biliran)

Firemen to public: no prank calls please Marcelo M. Pedalino MAASIN CITY, Southern Leyte, March 8 (PIA) - Fire fighters take emergency calls seriously, even those that turned out to be false.

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ut more than being false, firemen even respond to alerts that turned out as fake, a joke, and anything done in bad taste.

Acting fast on such no-fire scenario is no laughing matter, so Information Officer F03 Raul Inocando appealed to the public not to make fun calling the fire department for an imagined incident.

“We take action on these calls, only to find out they are prank calls, and we already exerted

time, effort, resources, so please avoid making these kinds of calls,” Inocando pleaded to radio listeners of dydm and dysl-Sogod during the Kapihan sa PIA live last Friday.

The fire bureau led this month’s observance of fire prevention month themmed, “Bahay at Ari-Arian ay Pahalagahan, Ibayong Pag-iingant ay sa Sariling Pamamahay Simulan.”

Newly-assigned City Fire Marshall F/Insp.

Jimmy Pasague, also a guest at the radio kapihan,

warned pranksters that their numbers will be noted, and once they call for a real emergency their calls will no longer be taken seriously.

This was similar to a story in Aesop’s fable on the shepherd boy who made fun of his elders by shouting “wolf, wolf” without the presence of the menacing animal, but when a true wolf was around the boy’s call fell on deaf ears, the wolf had a feast. (ajc/mmp/PIA8-Southern Leyte)

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

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Ms. Fayette C. Riñen OIC - Regional Director, PIA 7

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

Ms. Alicia E. Nicart Regional Director, PIA8

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