One visayas enewsletter vol 7 issue 5 20170203 r6

Vol 7

Published by: PIA 6, 7 & 8

Issue 5

In this Issue WESTERN VISAYAS

Engr. Ramil Atando of Phivolcs discusses preparedness measures for earthquake events during the program Buylog sa Pagpangaman with Cherry Naranjo of the Office of Civil Defense (R) and Elsa Subong of the Philippine Information Agency (L). #PartnerForChange

More on Region 6, pages 2-3.

Also CLICK Here…

PhilPost is back with Valentine's Day offer Hazel F. Gloria CEBU CITY, February 1 (PIA) – Love Month is just around the corner and the Philippine Postal Corporation (PhilPost) is helping spread love this February.

Philippine Postal Corporation (PhilPost) is back with their offer to deliver flowers, cards and other gifts for loved ones during Valentine’s Day. PhilPost Postmaster Cebu Central Post Office Marilyn Omar announced this yearly Valentine’s offer during the Association of Government Information Officers and Philippine Information Agency (AGIO-PIA) 7 Forum held recently at the PIA-7 Regional Office.

“One flower costs P50 but it also depends on the kind of flower, if it is local or international and there is a delivery charge of P100,” said Omar.

He said that aside from the flowers, there are also Valentine cards available at P7 with the delivery charge of P15.

PIA08

Kapihan Sa PIA on the observation of Oral Health and National Health Research Forum Month with officials from DOH-7, DepEd-7 and Phil Dental Association-Cebu Chapter.

Dr. Melissa Paradela of DepEd-7 said 80% of Grade 1 students of City Central School have teeth cavities. Their goal is for zero cavity among Grade 1 students in Cebu City.

More on Region 7, pages 4-5.

DENR: bamboo good alternative to wood

Also CLICK Here…

EASTERN VISAYAS

Philippine Coconut administrator Avelino Andal said that 20 million target of coconut trees planted nationwide will continue every year from 2018. This was during the press conference held at the PCA Regional Office in Palo, Leyte, January 26. (Raul S. Tiozon, Jr./ PIA-8) .

More on Region 8, pages 6-7.

Also CLICK Here...

“Clients can also request the delivery of chocolates or stuffed toys to their loved ones with the additional charge,” said Omar.

The delivery of flowers and other gifts will only cater for those in Metro Cebu on February 14, added Omar.

"This is one way to surprise our loved ones and for them it is something special because it has a personal touch compared to emails or text messages," she said.

PhilPost is now ready to accept pre-orders from the clients and they can also visit the Cebu Central Post Office to choose from the display of flowers and arrangements.

PhilPost officials said that every year, there is an increase of clients availingl of their Valentines offer.

“Express your love this season of hearts, from Valentine cards to a bunch of roses to send lots of love and hearts to make them feel special,” Omar said.(rmn/hfg/ PIA-7/AGIO-7)

Coco tree rehab, conservation programs to continue TACLOBAN CITY, LEYTE (PIA) January 30 (PIA) Super typhoon "Yolanda" damaged an estimate number of 13 million trees in Samar and Leyte but Philippine Coconut Authority (PCA) is determined to bring back the glory of this "tree of life".

PCA Administrator Avelino Andal was in town recently to share to Tacloban media what the agency has been doing particularly to the coconut farmers who lost their main livelihood to the biggest natural disaster that ever hit the country.

Andal stressed that some 10-million trees of coconuts will be distributed and planted in all areas where plantations were severely damaged.

"In fact, we are adapting the Cash Assistance program where farmers are paid in planting the trees, in order to fast track the rehabilitation", Andal said.

"It will take five to six years after planting, before a coconut tree bears fruit, thus, the need to plant and

CENTRAL VISAYAS

Jan. 30 - Feb. 5, 2017

Elsa S. Subong ILOILO CITY, 3 Feb (PIA)—Under the Enhanced National Greening Program, the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) is pushing bamboo as better alternative to wood.

Besides being a fast growing grass, bamboo is resilient to fire and one of the best conservation material in nature.

Director Henry Adornado of the DENR-Ecosystems Research and Development Bureau said that bamboo is also a natural defen se against tsunami and can help coastal communities.

He said that bamboo growth rate is at one meter per day, and effective tool in addressing soil erosion, landslides and flooding and can sequester 12 tons of carbon dioxide per hectare per year.

Recently, the ERDB conducted a training with selected DENR personnel. Peoples’ Organizations. Local government units on the propagation, plantation development and rehabilitation on bamboo in line with the implementation of its Bamboo Plantation Development Project, with practicum at the town of Maasin which is considered the bamboo capital of Iloilo.

Dr. Alicia Lustica, head, Biodiversity, Coastal, Wetlands and Ecotourism Research Center, said DENR-6 should be thankful to be the first to undergo training, as

recover the production the soonest", he added.

He also shared that the industry certainly contributes to the country's economy, because it's various products have become known and in-demand around the globe.

"The coco-choir is in great demand abroad, its sturdy husk is used to control landslides, doormats and decors, not to mention the vinegar, sugar, oil and a lot more that can be made out of the water, sap and meat of the coconut", he added.

However, "Yolanda" put the industry down, placing Philippines behind other coconut production countries, India and Indonesia, however, PCA will continue to put its level best to uplift the poor coconut farmers, Andal concluded.

Part of PCA's advocacy is to plant the Coconut with ample space on top of the massive fertilization activities.

(PIA-08).

Western

Visayas

is

a

bamboo-producing

region.

The training aimed at providing the participants with technical skills and knowledge to train and assist partners on bamboo production, plantation establishment and management.

Sampulna said under the enhanced NGP, DENR targets to plant bamboo across one million hectares nationwide, especially within the country’s critical watersheds.

DENR-6 has a target of 3,898 hectares in the region, to be planted with bamboos. (JCM/ESS/PIA-Iloilo)

caintaplantnursery.files.wordpress.com photo

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WESTERN VISAYAS

DA bats for more peanut production in Antique Vicente W. Villavert SAN JOSE, Antique Jan.31 (PIA) - - Some 220 boxes equivalent to 880 kilos peanut seeds were distributed by the Department of Agriculture to identified farmers associations in the province, recently.

“

The seeds distribution activity is in support to the high value crops development program (HVCDP) of the agriculture department,” said Provincial Agriculturist Nick Calawag during a program.

Calawag said that 14 farmers associations from seven municipalities in the province were beneficiaries of the DA program.

For S an Jose, An tique , th e farmer-beneficiaries are Pantao Farmers Association, and Durog United Small Farmers Association receiving 126 kilos of peanut seeds; Laua-an- Guinbangga-an Maria Jaguiquican

ARC- 126 kilos; Bugasong- Bagtason Farmers Asociation an Ilaures Farmers Association- 126 kilos; Valderrama- Katilingban kang Mangunguma sa Pandanan MPC, Bunsod Farmers Association, Manlacbo Aton Kauswagan Association, Nabaywan Irrigators Association - 126 kilos; Sibalom- Bontol Farmers Association and Pis-anan Farmers Association- 126 kilos; San Remigio- Carawisan Farmers Association- 125 kilos; and Patnongon- Igburi Farmers Association and Catwayan Tamayoc Cabudipa IA-125 kilos.

The HVCDP aims to ensure food security, promote productivity and quality crops with export potentials, address the problem on poverty, create livelihood opportunities and contribute to national development.

Present during the ceremonial distribution of peanuts seeds were Vice-Governor Edgar Denosta, Provincial Legal Officer Atty. Art Lastimoso, Sangguniang Panlalawigan Committee on A g r icu ltu re Ch ai rm an Fe rn an d o Corvera; Assistant Provincial Agriculturist Concepcion Cepe, among others.(JCM/VWV/PIA Antique)

PAG-ASA: 1st quarter - above normal rainfall, cold temperature Elsa S. Subong ILOILO CITY, 2 Feb (PIA) — Most parts of the country are likely to experience near to above normal rainfall conditions from January to March this year, according to the state weather bureau.

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urges of cold temperature, said the Philippine Atmospheric Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (Pagasa) are also expected this January and February, as this period is the peak of the Northeast Monsoon, locally known as “Amihan.”

Pagasa-Iloilo Weather Specialist Engr. Ronaldo Naragdao said the weak La Nina levels in October 2016 termed as borderline La Nina was not sustained.

“We now have a La Nina-like conditions as seen in the flooding and landslides in some portions of the country,” Naragdao said.

Naragdao was guest in a cbale TV program “Buylog Sa Pagpangaman” jointly produced by

Central Philippine University, Office of Civil defense and the Philippine Information Agency.

He added that impact of this La Nina-like condition will still prevail that may potentially trigger floods or flash floods and landslides over vulnerable areas and storm surges over vulnerable coastal communities.

“The gradual weakening of the Northeast Monsoon may begin towards the end of February or early March,” Naragdao further said.

Meanwhile, April to June 2017 covers the gradual shift of the season from NE monsoon to Southwest monsoon, where weather systems affecting the country are the easterlies, ridge of

high pressure area and two to four tropical storms.

Pagasa said significant changes in rainfall pattern will be observed as the normal onset of the rainy season is expected to begin by the second half of May to early June for the western section of the country.

“In general, near normal ranfall conditions are expected during this period,” Naragdao said.

He also said that Pagasa is closely monitoring with regular updates issued, as it is also advising all concerned agencies to help the public take precautionary measures as the La Nina-like conditions continue to persist. (JCM/ESS/ PIA-Iloilo)

DILG bats for ‘drug-free’ Bacolod Carlson B. Alelis BACOLOD CITY, Feb. 1 (PIA6) – The Department of the Interior and Local Government launched community-based program for the prevention of corruption, illegal drugs, and criminality in barangays of this city.

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he "Mamamayang Ayaw Sa Anomalya, Mamamayang Ayaw sa Ilegal na Droga” (MASA MASID) was launched

by DILG at the BAYS Center, Jan. 31, in coordination with the city government.

The program aims to encourage communities to take a proactive stance in the government’s fight against corruption, illegal drugs, and criminality.

Roosque Calacat, Interior and Local Government Assistant Secretary for Barnbagay Affairs and Community Development, suggested

the city to come up with an executive order that would create the Task Force MASA MASID in compliance with DILG’s Memorandum Circular 2016-116.

Under the circular, the four thrusts are information and education campaign in communities for government programs against corruption, illegal drugs and criminality; creation of a reporting mechanism on illegal drugs-related activities; Formu lat ion of commu n ity -b as e d rehabilitation programs; and revive the

its

spirit of volunteerism by creating a volunteer-friendly atmosphere for organizations that wishes to be partners for change.

In addition, Calacat said that the cost of drug rehabilitation of a user ranges from P 30,000 to P 45,000 a month per individual.

The launching ended with a Pledge of Commitment from various stakeholders who signed the Unity Statement. (JCM/CBA/ PIA6-Negros Occidental)

WESTERN VISAYAS

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BFAR: Aklan shellfish now safe to eat Venus G. Villanueva KALIBO, Aklan, 1 February (PIA6) -- All types of shellfish gathered and harvested from Batan Bay and its tributaries in Aklan like Altavas, Batan and New Washington in the province of Aklan are safe for human consumption, according to the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR) here.

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he clearance to gather, harvest, market and eat all types of shellfish and alamang is contained in the recent BFAR shellfish Bulletin No. 03 dated January 17, 2017 stating that the said areas continue to be free from red tide toxins.

There are still areas throughout th e coun try whe re coas tal wate rs are still positive for paralytic shellfish poison that is beyond the regulatory limit.

One of these areas is Gigantes Island in Carles, Iloilo – the only place listed in Western Visayas affected by red tide.

The other unsafe areas include coastal waters Maqueda and Villareal Bays in Western Samar; Biliran Province, Daram Island in Western Samar; Cambatutay Bay in Western Samar; Irong-Irong Bay in Western Samar; Leyte; Matarino Bay in Eastern Samar; Balite Bay, Davao

Oriental; Dauis and Tagbilaran City, Bohol; and Carigara Bay in Leyte.

More areas however continue to be free from red tide – including coastal waters of Pilar, Panay, President Roxas, Roxas City and Sapian Bay in Capiz in Western Visayas and coastal waters of E.B. Magalona, Pntevedra, Pulupandan, Valladolid, Talisay City, Silay City, Bacolod City, Hinigaran, Cadiz City, Victorias City, Bago City Binalbagan and San Enrique in the Negros Island Region. (JCMVGV PIA6 Aklan)

Pag-IBIG kiosks ready to serve members Lilibeth A. French ILOILO CITY, Feb. 1 (PIA6) - - The Home Development Mutual Fund popularly known as Pag-IBIG Fund is ready to deploy its enrollment kiosks to agencies and local government units here with 60 or more employees who are willing to own a Pag-IBIG Loyalty Card.

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ag-IBIG Fund Molo Branch Head Gina P. Lanceta encouraged Human Resource Department of agencies or LGUs to coordinate with them in order to schedule the visit of kiosks in their respective offices for the capturing of biometrics of applicants.

Lanceta said there are also Loyalty Card kiosks in Pag-IBIG offices ready to facilitate walk-in members. In Molo Branch, it is open every Friday from 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM. She said the Loyalty Card will serve as secondary ID of members in doing transactions

with Pag-IBIG and has no expiration date.

Through the card, member-holders can also enjoy the rewards, discounts and privileges offered by partner establishments or merchants of Pag-IBIG numbering to around 163 nationwide, to date. Here in this city, some of the partner establishments of Pag-IBIG are QualiMed Hospital, EMCOR, Bong-Bong’s Pasalubong, 2Go Travel, DermCare, Gerry’s Grill, The Generics Pharmacy, Trans-Asia Shipping Lines, and Petron in Diversion Road.

Lanceta said more establishments are

interested to join the program that aims to maximize the value of Pag-IBIG membership.

To avail of the card, active member with MID no. have to fill up an application form that can be obtained from Pag-IBIG branches or may be downloaded at the agency’s website www.pag-ibigfund.gov.ph and pay a fee of P100.

As of January 31, this year, Pag-IBIG data showed that a total of 105,809 members in Panay Island have already applied for the Loyalty Card.

(JCM/laf/PIA6-Iloilo)

DTI: Give exact change to customers Alex A. Lumaque ROXAS CITY, Capiz, Jan. 31 (PIA6) – The Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) Provincial Office is stepping up its campaign on Republic Act No. 10909 or the “No Shortchanging Act of 2016 by disseminating copies of its Implementing Rules and Regulations (IRR).

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he IRR was signed by DTI Secretary Ramon M. Lopez and DTI Consumer Protection Group Undersecretary Teodoro C. Pascua last Dec. 21 The IRR was published in two national dailies on Dec. 29, 2016 which prompted its effectivity according to DTI Provincial Office Public Information Officer Merian Asas.

Under the RA 10909, all business establishments, including sari-sari stores and government – owned and controlled corporations as well as government agencies performing proprietary functions, are mandated to give the exact change to consumers and are prohibited from giving other forms of change like candy in lieu of monetary

change.

The IRR outlines the responsibilities of the DTI, Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP), Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR), Local Government Units (LGUs), Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB) and other concerned government agencies for the effective implementation of the Act and IRR. The IRR enumerates the duties of both establishments and consumers in ensuring a d h e r e n ce to t h e p r ov i s i on s a n d responsibilities of the Act. It specifies that it shall be the duty of business establishments to give the exact amount of change without waiting for the consumer to ask for it, use price tags, when appropriate, in

goods and services being offered for sale, issue Official Receipts and Sales Invoices (as maybe applicable), post notices to remind cashiers to give exact change and provide DTI documents pertaining to the establishments’ gross sales of the day for confirmation of any alleged violation of the Act and to determine the penalty imposable.

On the other hand, consumers should ensure that exact change is received immediately after every transaction and to report to the business establishment’ Consumer Welfare Desk any act of shortchanging.

A consumer may also file a complaint with the DTI within 10 working days after a violation has been committed. (DTI/PIA6 Capiz-AAL)

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CENTRAL VISAYAS

Student from Siquijor gets accepted to Harvard Forum twice Rizalie Anding Calibo LARENA, Siquijor, January 31 (PIA) – Sophomore Political Science student Carlisle Caroro got accepted to the Harvard Project for Asian and international Relations (HPAIR) Conference for the second time, according to a report from the Silliman University (SU). he first time was for the HPAIR 2016 It brings together students from the to participate in the Governance and Diplomacy Asia Conference in Hong Kong in August world’s foremost universities and leaders in the track.

2016, while the second was for fields of government, business, culture, and Carlisle is the daughter of Felimon Caroro, the HPAIR 2017 Conference on February 17 academia.

Dean of the College of Arts and Sciences (CAS) to 20 at Harvard University, Cambridge, The conference has five tracks: Environment of the Siquijor State College (SSC) and Nila Massachusetts. and Sustainability, Humanitarian Affairs, Caroro, the chief administrative officer also of the HPAIR is Harvard’s largest annual student Governance and Diplomacy, Entrepreneurship same College. connection in Asia, which creates a forum of and Technology, and Business and the World Another Sillimanian, Economics senior Genin exchange and facilitates discussion of the most Economy.

Raya Amiscaray, also got accepted to the HPAIR important economic, political, and social issues The conference has a highly competitive 2017 Conference under the Humanitarian Affairs relevant to the Asia-Pacific region. selection process and Caroro has been selected track. (rac/PIA7-Siquijor with SU report)

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PNP:Oplan Tokhang visits 80% of Siquijor households Rizalie Anding Calibo SIQUIJOR, Jan. 31 (PIA)—At least 80 percent or a total of 10,898 households have been visited province wide with 916 drug personalities voluntarily surrendered since July 1, 2016 as part of the Oplan Tokhang of the Philippine National Police (PNP) here.

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n this year’s first meeting of the Siquijor Association of Information Disseminators (SAID), PNP-Siquijor Police Provincial Office (SPPO) Deputy Director for Administration and Operations Enrique Belcina said Siquijor province has a total number of 13,437 households.

In Siquijor town, 1,888 were visited out of its 5,910 households; Larena, 1,519 out of 3,138; Enrique Villanueva, 1,390 out of 1,491; Maria, 2466 out of 3,237; Lazi 1,788 out of 5.308; and San Juan town, 1,847 out of its 3,500 households.

Out of the 916 drug personalities who have voluntarily surrendered, 784 are drug users and 132 are drug pushers, he said.

Larena town has the highest number of personalities who surrendered with 262 drug users and 20 drug pushers but Belcina said this

does not mean that there are more drug users and pushers in the town.

The number defines the level of support and cooperation to the PNP’s campaign against illegal drugs, he said.

It means that a lot of locals in the town have supported and cooperated in the anti-illegal drugs campaign, he stressed.

The record also shows that Siquijor town has 127 drug users and 21 pushers who have surrendered; Lazi, 132 and and 30; Maria, 136 and 22; San Juan 100 and 27; and Enrique Villanueva, 39 and 6 drug users and drug pushers surrenderees, respectively.

Belcina said that aside from the house to house visitation, their campaign also includes barangay clearing operations.

Based on the PNP data here, Siquijor

province has 105 drug-affected barangays and 29 not affected.

Results of its barangay clearing operations showed some 60 barangays cleared of drugs by the Barangay Anti-Drug Abuse Council (BADAC).

But barangays will be subjected for confirmation by the Municipal Anti Drug Abuse Council (MADAC) chaired by the Mayor, Belcina said.

The Anti Illegal Drugs Oversight Committee is conducting a weekly assessment of accomplishments with regards to its campaign against illegal drugs, Belcina added.

To date, there are two deaths related to illegal drugs in Lazi and San Juan that are still under investigation, he said. (rmn/rac/ PIA7-Siquijor w/ reports from I.A.Abatayo)

DOST Siquijor turns over P7.5M in 2016 to MSMEs Rizalie Anding Calibo SIQUIJOR, January 31 (PIA) – The Department of Science and Technology (DOST) in Siquijor province has successfully pushed for the technological assistance of the new batch of micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs) from among the priority

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ith 10 MSMEs in the province as beneficiaries, DOST Siquijor turned over checks amounting to a total of PhP7,755,17 to ten beneficiaries - five firms of which were classified under the food processing sector, two in furniture business, and one each in the sectors of metals and engineering, agriculture processing, and Information and Communication Technology (ICT).

Of the total amount, P2,440,000 or 31 percent was given to the food processing sector with clients namely: Elena's Bakery and Pasalubong Center, Larena Triad Coffee Shop, Claridades Meatshop, Jainin's Cakes and Pastries and Isla Noah Ice Cream.

Around P2,299,700 or 30 percent was allocated for the metals and sector with GL

Motors and Industries as sole beneficiary.

Some P1,490,000 or 19 percent was turned over to the ICT sector specifically to Siquijor Island Cable Island TV Network Systems Corporation.

The furniture sector received 15 percent of P1,149,978.

The beneficiaries include NR Builders and Dongon N Balababa Enterprises.

The remaining amount was allocated for the agricultural processing sector with Jutba General Merchandise as beneficiary.

The total assistance received by Siquijor's MSMEs in 2016 was up by 114 percent year on year which translates to P4,123,762.

In 2015, MSMEs in the province received a total assistance worth PhP3,631,416 through the

same program.

The funds were used by the MSMEs to procure the identified equipment and machineries as stipulated in the notarized memorandum of agreement.

Beneficiaries under the food processing category were also be able to use the funds for the laboratory analysis and packaging and labeling of their products.

In return, the beneficiaries will pay monthly the total amount for 36 months through post-dated checks.

This means that the equipment procured will remain property of DOST until beneficiary opts to pay to 0.5 percent of the total assistance on the 37th month. (rmn/rac/PIA 7-SiquijorEngr.

Reinhold Jek Y. Abing, DOST Siquijor, PSTC IO-designate)

CENTRAL VISAYAS

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Bohol to keep anti-illegal drugs drive momentum Rey Anthony H. Chiu TAGBILARAN CITY, January 31 (PIA)—The fight against drugs has gone a long way that even if left in the hands of narcotics agents due to the recent suspension of anti-illegal drugs operations by the police, Bohol Governor Edgar Chatto is determined to keep the momentum going and recruit Boholanos to fill in the vacuum.

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t the Provincial Peace and Order Council (PPOC) meeting January 31 inside the People’s Mansion Conference Hall, Chatto told members that in lieu of the suspension of police operations against illegal drugs, he would be issuing a memorandum to local chief executives from mayors to barangay chairmen to continue the campaign.

Coincident with the suspension, the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA) is now mandated to lead in the fight against illegal substances.

While the biggest bulk of victories against drugs is largely credited to police operations, the

governor pointed out that sustainability in the fight can not be assured with only the police working. .

The same meeting had Diocese of Tagbilaran Bishop Alberto Uy and Talibon Bishop Daniel Patrick Parcon attending.

The PPOC also adopted a community-based drug rehabilitation without walls as an adoption of the best practices in drug rehabilitation including the ones used in Talibon, Argao, and other places implementing drug rehabilitation.

Bishop Uy, in his short message, stressed that drug problem is a community problem and it

is not a simple problem as it needs complex multi -faceted solutions, thus they run the Talibon Drug rehab program.

Talibon Drug Rehab without walls worked without any experts, but with the church, government, faith-based groups, "we did what we could do," said Bishop Uy, who used to be the vicar in Talibon before his papal appointment to the seat in Tagbilaran.

For his part, Talibon Bishop Parcon, said: “Our silence will become a problem.”

Clarin Mayor Allen Rey Piezas assured the strong league’s support to give traction to the drive. (rmn/rac/PIA-7/Bohol)

NegOr hopes to achieve “zero open defecation province” by year 2023 Leandria P. Pagunsan NEGROS ORIENTAL, February 1 (PIA)—Members of the Negros Oriental Technical Working Group (TWG) met recently to discuss policy direction and realization of the province’ vision and mission towards Zero Open Defecation (ZOD) by year 2023.

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his was the first meeting of the new technical working group for 2017 under the leadership of Co-Chair Dr. Henrissa Calumpang.

Leo de Castro of Water Sanitation Program-World Bank (WSP-WB) underscored the importance of support and commitment by the local government units and members of the ZOD TWG to achieve the realization of Negros Oriental’s vision and mission towards ZOD. De Castro further said that in 2013 the WSP -WB started implementing the program and piloted the areas of Bindoy and La Libertad in Negros Oriental and Calatrava in Negros

Occidental.

De Castro emphasized on the role of the TWG to give timely and relevant information and technical assistance to the barangays and municipalities, and pointed out the active participation of the legislative people to provide budget and sponsor ordinances for strict implementation and compliance to ZOD. Bindoy being the first ZOD municipality in Negros Oriental accomplished 68 percent in a span of two years and successfully completed the 100 percent target in 2016.

Camudlas in Bindoy received the award as best barangay in sanitation practice and received a cash prize of P150,000,00 during the regional

awarding on November 4, 2016.

Engineer Karl Galing, also from Global Water Practice-World Bank, explained the how’s to overcome barriers in adopting sanitation for poor households in the country and to ensure the sustainability of water and sanitation for all Filipinos especially the marginalized communities who belong to the poorest population groups not reached by government services.

As commitment to this advocacy, the TWG agreed as suggested by Provincial Board member Georgetta Martinez to set a regular meeting every first Tuesday of the month to fast track the implementation and realization of ZOD province by 2023. (rmn/lpp/PIA7/Negros Oriental)

NGCP turns over multi-purpose building to Bohol barangay Rey Anthony H. Chiu IMELDA, Ubay, January 30 (PIA) -- Gone are the days when local officials would be sourcing out tents to shelter people during community gatherings here.

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melda Barangay Chairman Teodoro Cadorniga has to thank the National Grid Corporation of the Philippines (NGCP) for the new multi-purpose building (MPB) the transmission company gave to the barangay on January 26, 2017.

After the modest ribbon-cutting ceremony, NGCP symbolically passed the ribbon signifying full control of the building from Engr. Urgel Rameses to Engr. Irene Sab, to Engr. Jiuseppe Lomaad, then off to Mayor Constantino Reyes' representative Bonifacio Ibale, to district supervisor Dr. Bonifacio Timbal, then to Barangay Chairman Cadorniga before handing to PTA president Noli Cabusao and then to prinicipal Mary Jean Mirontos.

For their sense of corporate social responsibility and for the residents' care and help

in securing the Imelda Ubay Sub Station which the NGCP started operating since seven years ago, NGCP donated the multi-purpose building, said Engr. Shelter.

The new building, which the barangay gets and the school shares, is annexed to the school stage at the Imelda Elementary School compound and forms a covered court that can accommodate about 150 seats.

According to NGCP transmission lines for Bohol and Cebu Chief Engineer Jiuseppe Lomaad, they have operated and maintained the facilities of the NGCP in Bohol from the substation in Imelda.

The sub-station receives the 138 kilo volts of power from Leyte and sends it to Corella Sub-station using 252 steel towers.

Being the primary source of power for Bohol, Lomaad impressed upon the critical role

played by Imelda substation and its upkeep, including the proper care and maintenance of the steel towers free from any obstruction.

NGCP called for continued vigilance as it urged people to report any act which they see may compromise the stability and security of the lines.

Present at the turn over rites were NGCP's Engr Urgel Rameses, Engr Reagahn Alcantara, Engr Gil Melencion, Engr Voltaire Godines, Engr Nulfizer Bagatsolon, Engr Irene Sab, Ma. Rosette Martinez and Department of Education representatives of Dr Wilfreda Bongalos: district supervisor Dr. Bonifacio Timbal, Principal Mary Jean Mirontos, PTA president Nolie Cabusao and mayor Constantino Reyes' Executive Assistant Rolando Ibale. (rmn/rac/PIA-7/ Bohol)

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EASTERN VISAYAS

Red tide still up in 9 coastal waters of EV PIA 8 TACLOBAN CITY, Leyte, Jan 31(PIA) - Nine coastal waters in Eastern Visayas remain positive for paralytic shellfish poison otherwise known as red tide.

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ased on the latest laboratory results from the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR) released January 30 2017, shellfishes collected at the coastal waters of Daram Island; Irong-Irong, Cambatutay, Maqueda and Villareal bays in Samar; Matarinao bay in Eastern Samar; Leyte and Carigara bay in Leyte

and the coastal waters of Biliran province are still positive for red tide toxin that is beyond the regulatory limit.

Hence, all types of shellfish and Acetes sp. or alamang gathered from said waters are not safe for human consumption.

However, BFAR shellfish bulletin no. 04

series of 2017 disclosed that fish, squids, shrimps and crabs are safe for eating provided that they are fresh and washed thoroughly while the internal organs like gills and intestines must be removed before cooking.

The rest of the marine areas in the region are free from red tide toxin.(ajc/cba/BFAR/PIA-8)

Feature: City gov’t pushes to save street children Ninfa B Quirante

CATBALOGAN CITY, Samar, Jan 30 (PIA) — The Catbalogan City government is bent on saving its street children.

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n Friday, Vice Mayor Sherwin Art Gabon and the City Social Welfare Officer Nida Arosa met with the parents of some 21 problematic children.

Among those planned are the opening of a center for care where these children will be kept for the day but will return to their homes by 5:00 PM. Some of the kids will also be brought to the Center for Change in Leyte where they will receive counseling, lessons and formation for sometime and will be reintegrated to their homes.

In the past, the city social welfare officer said that they have conducted home visits, parents counseling, provision of livelihood assistance and conducted some sessions with the Psychology department of the Samar State University.

The city social welfare also shared that the street children were gathered regularly and given informal instructions just to keep them off the streets.

But despite the many interventions, the

children return to the streets.

Not homeless, with parents These children, though not necessarily homeless roam the city streets begging for food and risking their childhood innocence. Their ages range from 8 to 16 years old.

The parents are poor and busy working to feed big families to tend to them, most often they are left by themselves. The kids too are used to a non structured life, living easy lives being able to feed themselves with the help of strangers.

One mother said she went to Manila to work for her kids, but when she returned, she failed to lure her child back home. The child has grown to love the streets and her fellow street children.

Arosa said that somehow, the group has developed a bond more than their relationship with their parents.

She lamented that like the kids who refuse to be corrected, parents too have ignored their call for constant dialogue.

Planned interventions Rommel Rutor, a

senior announcer at a radio station suggested that while different psychosocial intervention are conducted for the street children, the same should be given to parents. This suggestion received a nod from the group.

Barangay captains, the police, and the social action could not help but somehow blame the parents for what have become of their children.

One barangay official said that he has nine children and she is also poor, but none of them turned to the streets.

The police also claimed that by night time, they would rescue the children off the streets, feed them, give them the sanitation they need and bring them back to their homes, but the cycle remains and parents seem just to be passive.

Parents claim their children have grown stubborn.

With the planned interventions for the 21 street children, the authorities begged to the parents: Please help us make sure that this number will not increase! (ajc/nbq/PIA 8-Samar)

Roldan bids NMP goodbye, Bernardes assumes PIA08 TACLOBAN CITY, LEYTE, January 30 (PIA) - Labatt Manuel C. Roldan, made his final vow to the students, officials and personnel of the National Maritime Polytechnic (NMP) after more than two years of leading the institution and lifting it up from the ditch where "Yolanda" smashed and fiercely left it behind.

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ust about 100-meters from the San Juanico bridge and the strait that divides Samar and Leyte islands, NMP was found at ground zero after the powerful storm surge swiftly washed out most the school's belongings.

In his valedictory address, the outgoing Chief executive recalled how he and his staff worked hard to bring back the glory of the school for seafarers in Region 8.

He said majority of their physical structures, facilities, books and equipment were all spoiled and damaged, many went off to the high seas, that he knew then, upon assumption, he was to begin rehabilitating from scratch.

He said that after two years, two months and 27-days, he was finally assuming a post in Davao, where he will be closer to family and home.

He recalled however, that the challenge given him by then DOLE Sec. Baldoz, to rehabilitate the school was great and enormous, but he pointed out that he is not fond of turning his back on challenges just like the havoc at NMP as "Yolanda" after effect, adding that he almost give up.

"But I told myself, I will not be able to see the island unless I leave the port", he cited and old adage, "and with the help of the schools responsible officials I think, we all won the

challenges of the past, and I just cannot thank them enough".

"But I bequeath the institution with same fervor, eagerness and enthusiasm from the ruins of "Yolanda".

I believe I brought back the training programs, rehabilitated the entire institution, I mended the personnel's dampened spirits and even restored relationship", the former labor attache concluded almost emotionally.

Roldan was proud to say that NMP under his stint regained its contribution to the world demand for Filipino seafarers.

A CESO holder, Romulo Bernardes from Biliran province assumes the post.(PIA08)

EASTERN VISAYAS

7

DOLE-ECP gathers stakeholders in Maasin City Ma. Rebecca G. Cadavos MAASIN CITY, Southern Leyte, Jan. 31 (PIA) -- The Department of Labor and Employment through its Employees Compensation Program (DOLE-ECP) conducted a seminar with the different stakeholders in Maasin City, Thursday.

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he one-day activity, held at Jaimee’s Hotel and Restaurant was led by DOLE-ECC Deputy Executive Director Atty. Jonathan Villasoto and participated by different stakeholders in the locality such as the Bureau of Fire Protection, Bureau of Jail Management and Penology, Government Service Insurance Corporation and the Scoial Security System, the Philippine National Police , SOLECO, local media, other provincial and city officials as well as business and private individuals.

The ECC seminar focused its discussion on the legal basis of the employees compensation

and the State Insurance Fund under Presidential Decree 626 as amended.

The undertaking also tackled issues on the employees compensation program components like prevention , compensation and rehabilitation services, basic accident prevention and occupational safety and health, compensable diseases, injuries, under the ECP and types of disability, medical and death benefits that will be compensated by the program, among others.

It was learned that the ECC covers all employees from the private and public sectors,

including the uniformed personnel of the Philippine National Police, Armed Forces of the Philippines, Bureau of Jail Management and Penology and Bureau of Fire Protection.

It is a government-owned and controlled corporation mandated by Presidential Decree No. 626, as amended, otherwise known as the Employees’ Compensation and State Insurance Fund of the Labor Code of the Philippines, to provide meaningful and appropriate compensation to workers and/or their beneficiaries who met work-related sickness, injuries or death. (ajc/rgc/ PIA8-SoLeyte)

Senior Citizens get P500.00 Christmas gift from City LGU Samuel D. Candido BORONGAN CITY, Eastern Samar, Jan 31 (PIA) - For the very first time, the Borongan City Government has given ₱ 500.00 Christmas gift to poor senior citizens in the city.

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p to almost 500 senior citizens above, do not receive any pension, and are not o f B o r o n g a n C i t y r e c e i v e d beneficiaries of the Social Pension Program of the the said Christmas gift last January 23, Government.

2017.

She also said that although it’s just a small According to Assistant Borongan City Social amount and was not given on December 2016 in Welfare and Development Officer and Senior time for Christmas, the distribution of the said Citizen Focal Person Mrs. Elsie Ador, the said Christmas gift has the purpose to give happiness poor senior citizens aged 70 years old and to the senior citizens and for them to feel

that they are given importance by the Local Government Unit (LGU).

She further said that included in the Executive and Legislative Agenda (ELA) of Borongan City for 2017-2019 is the implementation of the said program and project that would help the senior citizens of Borongan City. (ajc/SDC/Eastern Samar)

EV has 95 HIV/AIDS cases in 2016, 31 down Consuelo B. Alarcon GOVERNMENT CENTER, PALO, Leyte, Feb 1(PIA) --- Ninety five cases of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)-acquired immune deficiency syndrome (AIDS) in Eastern Visayas were reported to the National HIV Registry from January to December 2016 with 31 deaths.

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he regional epidemiology and surveillance unit disclosed that cases range from 18 to 73 years old and majority of them or 56 percent of the cases belong to 25 to 34 years old.

Eighty eight percent or majority of the cases are males. Forty six percent of them got the virus through homosexual transmission and 17 percent of those infected were overseas filipino workers (OFWs).

Ma. Elena Joy Villarosa, information officer of the Department of Health in Region 8 said transmission of the HIV infection are purely through sexual intercouse where majority of the cases or 71 percent were among males with males (MSM) sexual intercouse.

“There is no case yet from mother to child transmission and those persons who inject drugs in the region,” she said.

The human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) is spread only in certain body fluids from a person infected with the virus.

These fluids are blood, semen, pre-seminal fluids, rectal fluids, vaginal fluids, and breast milk.

It may spread also by sharing injection drug equipment, such as needles, with someone who has HIV and from mother who has the virus to her child.

In the Philippines, about 38, 872 cases were reported. Out of this figure, Eastern Visayas contributed 2 percent of the reported cases and ranked eighth among the regions.

A recent study of the Young Adult Fertility Sexuality showed 40 percent of the youth have sexual experience. Out of this figure, 20 percent of the male youth and 25 percent of the female youth had sex before reaching the age of 18.

With this, DOH8 has intensified its advocacy campaign to address the sexual risk among youths, thereby reducing HIV transmission especially among males who have sex with males.

The gove rn men t lik ewise urge d everyon e p articu larly th ose with multiple sex partners and with risky sexual activities to submit for a free HIV testing at any treatment hub in the region. (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. Minerva BC Newman Regional Director, PIA 7

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

Ms. Alicia E. Nicart Regional Director, PIA8

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