One visayas enewsletter vol 7 issue 51 20171229 r6

Vol 7

In this Issue WESTERN VISAYAS

PCOO Office of the Assistant Secretary for Policy and Legislative Affairs Creative Communications Officer Kate B. Refendor gives updates on the implementation of the Freedom of Information Program during a media briefing held December 28, PIA 6 Office, Iloilo City.

Dec. 25 - 31, 2017

Published by: PIA 6, 7 & 8

Issue 51

Government aids pour in to help Biliran Rodrigo S. Victoria NAVAL, Biliran, Dec. 21 (PIA) -- A day after the visit of President Rodrigo Roa Duterte (PRRD), initial aids in various kinds from different agencies poured in to help the typhoon-devastated province of Biliran.

PRRD vowed to help areas devastated by Typhoon Urduja in his rejoinder during the situation briefing held at the Naval State University (NSU) Hostel Conference Hall on December 19 with the cabinet secretaries, undersecretaries and representatives of the national government agencies and the local chief executives in Biliran province.

The cabinet secretaries, undersecretaries and representatives from the national government agencies reported to the national and local members of private and government media of their respective assistance particularly to Biliran province during the press briefing led

by Presidential Spokesperson Harry Roque earlier before PRRD arrived.

It was learned from the situation briefing that some 15,000 family food packs from DSWD were expected to arrive in Biliran province within the week.

Some initial 2,700 family food packs arrived at the Naval port on board a Navy ship, Biliran PDRRMO reported.

Heavy equipment and personnel from other engineering districts in the region of the DPWH arrived in the province to help in

the clearing of mudslides that blocked road in areas where landslides occurred.

They also helped in the rehabilitations works of damaged government infrastructure like bridges and roads, DPWH-Biliran informed.

Some heavy equipment like dump trucks and personnel from the Southern Leyte engineering district arrived December 18 and helped in the clearing operations of the landslides in Barangay Burabod, Biliran, Biliran.

The offices of DOH in regions 7 and 8 on Tuesday delivered various medicines amounting to P245, 525.67.

The medicines were distributed to the eight towns in Biliran province also on the same day, the Biliran Provincial Health Office (PHO) informed.

Health personnel also arrived as compliment to the health manpower of Biliran PHO. The Philippine Red Cross (PRC) in Eastern Visayas also deployed a water treatment unit consisting of six bladders and water tanks with capacities of 5,000, 10,000, and 15,000 liters respectively, placed in strategic areas in this town, Biliran PHO added.

Personnel from the PNP and AFP were deployed in Biliran province for the on-going rescue, retrieval and relief operations. (ajc/rsv/PIA8-Biliran)

More on Region 6, pages 2-3.

SEAFDEC-AQD scientists to boost shrimp farming CENTRAL VISAYAS

Fire Truck Christmas Decoration Contest.

Mandaue City Fire Station bags the top prize in the 2nd year of the competition undertaken by the Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP-7). The contest is an innovative approach to heighten awareness on fire prevention amid the use of firecrackers this Yuletide season. (PIA 7)

By: Elsa S. Subong ILOILO CITY, Dec. 28 (PIA6)—Scientists of the SEAFDEC Aquaculture Department have a new challenge – to perk up shrimp farming and boost the industry which has been a ―risky‖ business for decades. ―The many constraints and problems besetting the industry for years, have made the industry so,‖ Dan Baliao, SEAFDEC/AQD chief said. ―We are launching our banner program ‗Oplan Balik Sugpo‘ to revive the shrimp industry in the Philippines,‖ Baliao added.

To pave the way for this, scientists at the Fish Health Section of the department has developed technologies to improve protocols to immediately spot any sign of disease in prawns.

Baliao said that the scientists are now developing a culture technique that will consider factors like temperature, photo period, bird migration and season. ―These factors can enhance growth of pathogens so the scientists are developing efficient and effective use of probiotics as priorities,‖ Baliao said.

On the other hand, the Shrimp Brood stock Development Team is now implementing an improved scheme of brood stock selection, by thorough screening in the different stages of fry growth.

The scientists said they are also establishing and refining quarantine and biosecurity measure and protocol.

Meanwhile, the Nutrition and Feed Development Team is set to test the development of low cost diet to reduce production cost with more alternative local feed ingredients.

The scientists said that finding an ideal diet for shrimp is a recurring concern of farmers and pond operators.

SEAFDEC/AQD said that despite high production cost for shrimp farming, the promise of high profit can be tempting, as the local market can command a price ranging from P400 to P600 per kilogram.

The department has vowed that along with its revival of the industry is the foal to make it globally competitive in the world market. (JCM/ESS/PIA-Iloilo)

SSC prexy underscores ASEAN benefits in oratorical, essay contests Rizalie Calibo More on Region 7, pages 4-5.

Also CLICK Here...

EASTERN VISAYAS

PSSupt. Warren F. De Leon, SLPPO Provincial Director, talks on the regulation and control of the use of firecrackers and other pyrotechnic devices, list of firecrackers and pyrotechnic devices allowed inside or outside firecracker zones during the recent ―Kapihan sa PIA‖ aired over DYDM-AM Radio Station in Maasin City.

(PIA Southern Leyte)

More on Region 8, pages 6-7.

Also CLICK Here...

SIQUIJOR, Dec. 20 (PIA) – Siquijor State College (SSC) President Dr. Ma. Imogen T. Quilicot of the Siquijor State College (SSC) sees the relevance of the ASEAN Oratorical and Essay Contests in the province of Siquijor.

In her opening message, Quilicot said the contests are imperative especially that the ASEAN motto, ―One vision, One Identity, and One Community‘‖ is not totally understood by the youngsters involved in the activities.

The activity is the avenue for information dissemination on the benefits of ASEAN to the Philippines and to Siquijor province in particular, the SSC president said.

A total of 56 elementary and high school students from public and private schools in the province joined the ASEAN Oratorical and Essay Writing Contests conducted at SSC on December 1, 2017.

Initiated by the Philippine Information Agency (PIA) in cooperation with the Siquijor Association of Information Disseminators (SAID) and the Department of Education (DepEd), the contests focused on the benefits of ASEAN. Twenty six schools participated in the Oratorical Contests while 30 schools joined in the essay writing contests.

For the Oratorical Contest high school category, Kyla Blaire Macalisang of Ponong National High School bagged the first place.

Vincent Mamhot of SSC and Rhean Justine Baguio of Tambisan National High School won the second and third places, respectively.

Winners for the Oratorical Contest elementary category are Melissa Andrea Fua of Lazi Central Elementary School, first place ; Nean Therese Manginsay of Larena Central Elementary School , second place ; and Dante Mari Tingcang of Cantaroc Elementary School, third place.

Essay Writing High school category winners are Michael Angelo Y. Conui of the Siquijor Provincial Science High School for the first place, Cathlene Jade C. Caspiz of Campalanas National High School for the second place, and Kristian John P. Caalem for the third

place.

Libo Elementary School‘s Yhanni L. Villaflores was the champion in the Essay Writing Contest, elementary category, Mycah A. Delacura of Pisong A Elementary School and Nova Naiza W. Enanor of Bogo Elementary School got the second and third places, respectively.

First place winners for both contest categories reeceived P2,500 each; second place winners, P1,500; and third place winners, P1,000 each with a Plaque of Recognition.

Consolation prizes of P200 each and certificates of participation were also given to non-winners.

Reading the message of PIA-7 Regional Director Fayette Rinen, PIA-7 Administrative Officer Hazel Gloria said that the contests are one way to strengthen the on-the-ground communication of the PIA to make every Filipino understand the significance and relevance of ASEAN. It also aimed to develop the leadership potentials of the students through communication skills. (rac/PIA7-Siquijor w/ reports from IAAbatayo)

SUC President Dr. Ma. Imogen Quilicot gives her Opening and Welcome Message during the ASEAN Oratorical and Essay Writing Contests conducted by the Philippine Information Agency (PIA) at the Siquijor State College (SSC). (rac/PIA7-Siquijor)

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WESTERN VISAYAS

GSIS urges members to update their records Lorenzo O. Lambatin, Jr. NEGROS OCC., Dec. 25 (PIA6) -- A top GSIS official is urging its members to regularly update their membership data in the state insurance fund.

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uring a recent briefing for PIA Information Officers, Iloilo GSIS manager Eleanor Gregorio said they are appealing to members to help the office in maintaining and updating their records.

She said members' contact numbers, for example, are among items that can be updated and accessed using their Unified Multi-Purpose ID.

Other data may not be on real time but it may show an estimated or tentative figures such as loans, that can later be confirmed at the GSIS office.

According to Gregorio it is best to update one's records at an earlier time than go through the difficult process when one is already retiring.

She said the documents given by members are the documents they also rely on.

Gregorio reported that GSIS total assets stand at P1.013 trillion in 2016 from P958.19 billion in 2015.

The state insurance fund's net income last year was P56.19B from P46.94B in 2015. (JSC/Lljr./PIA6 Negros Occ)

Antique health facilities ready for firecracker-related injuries

By Vicente W. Villavert SAN JOSE, Antique, Dec. 27 (PIA6) - - Health facilities in the province are in Code White Alert status in preparation for the New Year celebration.

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nformation Officer Irene Duldoco of the Provincial Health Office (PHO) said during the PIA Radio program that all hospital staff are ready to respond to any emergency or give prompt services to injured persons who may become victims of fire cracker blast during the observance of the holiday season. ―The Code White Alert started December 21 until January 5 next year,‖ Duldoco said as she encouraged the public to only use alternative noise-makers such as ‗torotot‘ and other safe merry-making instruments.

The public especially the children were reminded that fire blast can result in serious injuries such as blindness, loss of fingers or arms.

Based on Executive Order No. 28 dated June 20, 2017, the use of legal firecrackers must be confined to community fireworks display or in a designated area only or firecracker zone identified by the local government unit.

According to the PHO Information Officer, about 16 cases of firecracker victims were recorded in year 2016 higher compared to only eight (8) victims in year 2015.

Four victims suffered eye injury, twelve for blast/burn without operation.

As to age bracket, the PHO report showed that most of victims were children aging 6-10 years old recorded at 8, followed by 11-15 years old and 20 years old and above each with three victims; and one each for the 1-5 years old and 16-20 years old.

The type of firecrackers used by the victims were camara, kwitis/skyrocket; trianggulo, fountain/ roman candle, watusi/piccolo, improvised firecracker, boga and others. (JCM/VWV/PIA Antique)

DOLE funds P33M for livelihood projects BY: LILIBETH A. FRENCH ILOILO CITY, Dec. 28 (PIA6) - - The Department of Labor and Employment 6 (DOLE 6) has released around P33,342,217.20 to fund various livelihood projects intended to improve the income of underemployed workers and marginalized groups beneficiaries in Western Visayas.

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s of November this year, DOLE Region 6 Director Johnson G. Cañete said the amount funded the implementation of 32 livelihood projects benefiting around 3,640 underemployed workers and marginalized or vulnerable groups in the region.

The projects under the DOLE Integrated Livelihood and Emergency Program (DILEEP) and beneficiaries in the region are expected to increase this December. ―The number of projects and the number of beneficiaries as well as the amount of funds

granted will increase significantly this month as more project proposals are coming in from our field offices,‖ said Canete in a DOLE press report.

Recently, DOLE 6 turned-over to the Local Government Unit of Miag-ao a check amounting to P3,440,000 as counterpart fund to the various kabuhayan projects proposed by the municipality with a total cost of P6,820,473.

As proponent, LGU-Miag-ao also put up a counterpart of P1,367,300 while the beneficiaries some P2,013, 173 equity from the total

amount.

The livelihood projects included Cattle Fattening, Provision of Fishing Gears, Food Vending, Sari-sari Store and Hablon Weaving of some 172 beneficiaries comprised of marginalized/vulnerable groups of farmers (31), fisherfolks (30), persons with disability (50), underemployed women (46), and Hablon weavers (15).

Miag-ao Mayor Macario Napulan said that the assistance will help improve the economic condition of the beneficiaries. (JCM/laf/ PIA6-Iloilo)

WESTERN VISAYAS

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1M foreign visitors flock to WV in 2017 By: Leonard T. Pineda I ILOILO CITY, Dec. 28 (PIA6) --- Western Visayas recorded more than one million foreign tourist arrivals in 2017, according to the Department of Tourism (DOT)-6.

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ata from DOT-6 partial report of visitor arrivals for 2017 showed that a total of 1,005,280 foreign tourists visited the region, as of December 15, 2017.

The province of Aklan registered the most number of foreign tourists with 898,914 arrivals while 69,337 visited Bacolod City.

Iloilo City recorded 21,278 foreign visitors;

Negros Occidental with 4,681; Antique, 4,072; Guimaras, 2,968; Iloilo Province, 2,162; and Capiz with 1,868.

Visitors from East Asia remain the top foreign tourists in Region 6 with over 754,052 recorded tourist arrivals.

Chinese nationals registered the most number of tourist arrivals with 349,011.

China is followed by South Korea with 342,525 arrivals; Taiwan, 40,253; United States of America, 35,710; and Malaysia with 20,270 arrivals.

Meanwhile, DOT-6 targets 5.7 million tourist arrivals for 2018. This is higher by 3.5 percent as compared to the 5.5 million target tourist arrivals for 2017. (JCM/LTP/PIA6 Iloilo)

Aklan, 3 towns bag EXCELL awards By: Sheila Q. Patoza KALIBO, Aklan, Dec. 28 (PIA6) - The province of Aklan and its three swept awards in the recently conducted Excellence in Local Governance (EXCELL) Awards at the Iloilo Convention Center in Iloilo City.

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he EXCELL Awards is the Department of the Interior and Local Government‘s a w a r d p r o g r a m f o r th e l o c a l government units to recognize municipalities, cities and provinces for their efforts in instituting good governance in their respective communities.

According to DILG-Aklan Information Officer John Ian Vic Guarino, the said award program is conceptualized as a continuing project of the DILG VI for best managed local governments in the region showcasing their achievements in governance, administration, social services, economic

development and environmental management initiatives.

In the said EXCELL Awards, Aklan was named as the Best Performing Province in Western Visayas; that was likewise recognized as champion both in the Excellence in Administrative Governance and Excellence in Social Governance categories; and first runner-up in Excellence in Economic Governance.

For the first to third class municipality, Kalibo bagged the first runner-up for the Best Performing Municipality; and named champion for Excellence in Administrative

Governance and Best Practice in Administrative Governance. Meanwhile, the town of Malinao got the second runner-up for the Best Performing Municipality for the 4th to 6th class municipality; recognized as first runner up for Excellence in Administrative Governance, Excellence in Social Governance, and Excellence in Economic Governance. Malinao was also the Excellence in Environmental Governance second runner-up.

Also in the same municipality class, Tangalan was a nominee for the Best Performing Municipality and was able to get the 2nd place in the category of Excellence in Economic Governance. (JSC/SQP/PIA6 Aklan)

Capiz Expo registers P1.08M sales

By Alex A. Lumaque ROXAS CITY, Capiz, Dec. 21 (PIA6) – A total sales of P1,087,475.00 was recorded by DTI Provincial Office from the 4 - day product expo dubbed "Estilo Capiz" held last Dec. 7 to 10 at the Robinsons Place – Roxas in view of the ‘Sinadya sa Piyesta dela Immaculada Concepcion” celebration.

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he expo was participated in by 41 actual exhibitors from the food, craft and horticulture sectors who showcased their products and new designs like the skillfully – made handicrafts, lavishly delightful foodstuff and beautifully grown ornamental plants as well as cut flowers.

DTI has engaged some of the participants in a product development program in preparation for the marketing event.

The selling event introduced an organic shoe shine cream made from banana peel produced by a

team from College of Business Administration of Hercor College as an output of DTI‘s ―Business Unusual: 2017 Business Plan Competition‖. ―The Capiz Expo is an excellent opportunity to promote our province since the products made by our local producers are world class,‖ said Capiz vice-governor Esteban Evan Contreras II during a program to formally open the DTI initiative.

He added that the nation is blessed with resources and creative individuals who genuinely produce a wide variety of products that are as good or even better than imported ones.

Estilo Capiz also highlights the province‘s rich and diverse local resources as well as its creative, skillful and resourceful entrepreneurs who genuinely produce a wide variety of products that are as good or even better than imported ones, he added.

The expo opening also included the awarding of best green practices of Micro Small and Medium Enterprises, business plan competition, Best Product Showcase and children‘s fashion show of accessories, among others. (JCM/ AAL/PIA6 Capiz)

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CENTRAL VISAYAS

PPA-DOJ recruits more volunteer assistants Rizalie Calibo SIQUIJOR, Dec.18 (PIA) — The Parole and Probation Administration of the Department of Justice (PPA-DOJ) is recruiting more Volunteer Probation Assistants (VPAs) in line with Proclamation Decree 968 or the Probation Law.

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his is to generate maximum citizen participation and community involvement in the overall process of the client‘s rehabilitation, Senior Supervising Probation and Parole Officer (SPPO) Antonnette Baldonado said.

Baldonado said the VPAs will augment the human resource capacity of their office which has only three personnel with more than 80 clients province wide.

The main task of the VPA is to assist in the supervision of probationers, parolees and

conditional pardonees in their respective communities.

She said community services are offered to their clients not as a punishment but to allow the community to appreciate the worth of the offender.

This will lead to them gaining back their self-dignity, Baldonado said.

PPA-DOJ has two flagship programs for the rehabilitation and development of the clients, namely: therapeutic community (TC) and the restorative justice (RJ)

Both programs need active and committed VPAs in order to attain holistic success in the implementation of the program.

An orientation-seminar was conducted recently for the newly recruits composed of barangay officials, retired policemen, retirees from different profession, and other concerned citizens.

Topics tackled during the orientation include overview of the criminal justice system, Probation Law of the Philippines, PPA Rehabilitation Program, and Basic Interviewing and Communication Skills. (rac/PIA7-Siquijor w/ reports from (AAbatayo)

CAOCAMPIO elects first woman president for 2018 PIA 7 CEBU CITY, Dec. 9 (PIA) — The Cebu Association of City and Municipal Public Information Officers (CAOCAMPIO) recently elected its first woman president since its creation almost 30 years ago.

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ocal information officers in the province elected Michelle Mondigo of Danao City Public information Office (PIO) as the CAOCAMPIO president for 2018.

She replaced Sofrontio Pintado of Tuburan town.

Mondigo is the assigned focal person to CAOCAMPIO by Danao City PIO Ramonette Durano-Mahinay for the last three years.

Mondigo also received a Best Practice Award for Danao City PIO‘s ability to mobilize a public information group from among its local government departments, the Public Information Associates (PIAs).

In her acceptance speech, Mondigo said there is a purpose why the CAOCAMPIO as an information

network exists and how the association benefits the PIOs. ―We all have something to contribute.

We will learn more skills, grow together, and strengthen relationship among local government units through communication.

With PIA's guidance, we‘ll be aiming for CAOCAMPIO to level up and be better than what it is,‖ Mondigo said.

Mondigo said her being elected as president is humbling considering that she was chosen by majority who were senior than her in the organization.

Elected Vice President for Cebu South is Candice Acuna of Carcar City and VP for North is Restituto Congson Jr. of

Consolacion.

The rest of the officers are Greggy Senados, Cebu City PIO, secretary; Atty. Jessica Banzon-Natad, Cordova PIO; Lolit Bontigao Jr., Dumanjug PIO; and Nino Wilo Ybanez, San Remigio PIO. Board of Directors are Lianne Lesol, Cebu Province; Kenneth Francis Pore, first district; Christian Conejo, 3rd District; Rodrigo Almonicar, 5th District; and Fe Lawas, 4th District.

They were immediately sworn into office

by Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) Director for Visayas, Atty. Leonides Sumbi.

CAOCAMPIO, a network of all 53 local government units in Cebu, will celebrate its 30th year in 2019. (fcc/PIA7-Cebu)

Siquijor province acquires P15M rescue equipment Rizalie Calibo SIQUIJOR, Dec. 18 (PIA) – The provincial government of Siquijor has acquired P15 million worth of rescue equipment this year.

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rovincial Governor Zaldy Villa, in an interview, said the acquisition of said equipment is crucial for the province‘s disaster preparedness program to be able to effectively respond and cope with the effects of disasters.

Apart from the rescue equipment, the Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (PDRRMC) has put in place plans and programs for disaster preparedness and conducted

massive information campaign in all barangays province wide.

PDRRM Officer Blezela Mae Omictin said a series of trainings on Basic First Aid, fire prevention, and mountain and water rescue were also done in different government offices in the province.

The provincial government, through its PDRRM fund, has also allocated P100,000 for the two-day Emergency Response and Disaster Risk Reduction

and Management (DRRM) awareness training for all public elementary and secondary school heads and DRRM coordinators of the Department of Education (DepEd), Omictin said.

The training, she said, aims to strengthen efforts in the preparation for calamities and enable schools to target resilient, effective, and strategic DRRM implementation. (rac/PIA7-Siquijor w/ reports from IAAbatayo)

CENTRAL VISAYAS

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Embassy of Iran turns over materials to Silliman University Roi Anthoni Lomotan DUMAGUETE CITY (PIA) -- The Embassy of the Islamic Republic of Iran in the Philippines recently turned over books, learning resources, and cultural artifacts related to the rich culture of Iran to Silliman University (SU).

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is Excellency Mohammad Tanhaei, the Ambassador of Iran to the Philippines, led the turn over of the learning materials in a ceremony held December 4.

SU Office of Information and Publications (OIP) Director Mark Raygan Garcia said that SU Vice President for Academic Affairs Dr. Betsy Joy Tan and SU Vice President for Development Prof. Jane Annette Belarmino received the

donation in behalf of SU President Dr. Ben Malayang III. An interfaith lecture organized by the Religion and Peace Studies Department was held at the lecture room of the Nutrition and Dietetics Department following the turnover ceremony where audience.

The Iranian Ambassador led the panel of resource persons from the Embassy.

Students from different disciplines attended the lecture.

Garcia noted that Silliman has over 300 foreign students from around 30 countries, including Iran, and for many years Iranian students were the second largest foreign student group in the university. (ral/PIA7Negros Oriental/with reports from Mark Garcia of SU-OIP)

Danao City PIO receives Best Practice Award PIA 7 CEBU CITY, December 18 (PIA) – The Danao City Public Information Office (PIO) was awarded as PIO with the Best Practice for this year among all local government units (LGUs) in Cebu by the Cebu Association of City and Municipal Public Information Officers (CAOCAMPIO).

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n CAOCAMPIO‘s recent meeting and Christmas gathering, Danao City was the only PIO among the local government units (LGUs) that was known to have exerted more efforts to mount and come up with its o w n co mmu ni ca tio n n e two r k thr ou gh the creation of its Public Information Associates (PIAs).

The award was handed over by PIA Cebu Infocen Manager Rachelle Nessia to Michelle Mondigo, Information Officer assigned to

CAOCAMPIO by Danao City PIO Ramonette Durano-Mahinay.

PIA Cebu conducted several communication workshops in Danao City attended by representatives from the different departments of the LGU including the line agencies.

This was fully supported by Mayor Ramonito Durano who issued an order for the official composition and involvement of the designated PIAs. Every month, the PIAs meet and conduct

individual reporting of update and announcements from their respective departments.

Mondigo said the outputs are then made into stories which are published in their community newsletter ―Sidlak Danao‖.

PIA Cebu has been conducting seminars and workshops on government communication for the Cebu LGUs on news writing and feature writing, communicating local governance, press release writing, social media for government, and media relations. (fcc/PIA Cebu)

Bohol Provincial hospitals now on white code alert Elvira Bongosia TAGBILARAN CITY, Dec. 19 (PIA) -- A white code alert was raised in all 10 provincial government-owned hospitals in Bohol in preparation for the Christmas and New Year revelries.

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rovincial Health Office (PHO) Chief Dr. Reymoses Cabagnot assured that all the provincial hospitals in the province are now ready in preparation for the festivities particularly in welcoming 2018.

The PHO defined code white alert as the readiness of hospital staff to respond to any emergency situation, placing on on-call status its nursing and administrative staff residing at the hospital dormitory.

Rural Health Units (RHU) in various towns are directed to be on alert as these

facilities should not be without personnel during the holidays.

Cabagnot said that employees of RHUs were told to be on call throughout the day.

According to the health official, preparation in health facilities is crucial during the holiday period as firecracker-related and even stray bullet injuries have been rampant in the previous years.

So far, there have been no reported injuries caused by firecracker accidents in the province.

The Department of Health (DOH) is expecting

fewer firecracker-related injuries during the Christmas holiday up to the New Year‘s eve celebration to welcome 2018, since the use of firecrackers and fireworks is now confined in a community fireworks display area, based on EO 28 signed by President Rodrigo Duterte last June.

This year‘s DOH ―Iwas Paputok‖ campaign, which carries the theme ―Oplan: Iwas Paputok, Fireworks Display ang Patok! Makiisa sa Fireworks Display sa Inyong Lugar,‖ started on December 16, 2017 and will end on January 5, 2018. (ecb/ PIA7-Bohol)

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EASTERN VISAYAS

Info officers gather to support ASEAN integration Nimfa Iluminada B. Quirante BORONGAN CITY, Eastern Samar, Dec. 7 (PIA) -- In an effort to gather more information multipliers to advocate ASEAN integration, PIA Eastern Samar gathered Information Officers from local government units and national government agencies.

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ith the 40 invites, 36 came with the commitment.

In her project brief, PIA 8 Officer -in-Charge Alicia Nicart said that the gathering is an initial move for the full implementation of ASEAN Integration these coming years.

Nicart warmly received the IOs saying that their presence in the event shows their commitment to become ―partners for change.‖ PIA also invited former PIA 8 Regional Director Dr. Aileen V. Candido to lecture on news writing to refresh the information and communication officers on their acquired news writing skills.

In the same event, Acting Gov. Marcelo

Ferdinand Picardal sent Eric Aseo, Information and Communication Specialist, to inform about the province‘s ―priority development agenda‖.

He underscored the significant role the information officers play to realize the ―poverty alleviation‖ projects of the local government.

Likewise, Provincial Agriculturist Dr. Deogracias Paano talked about how the province can compete with the different products coming in due to the integration. He admitted though that a lot of work is still needed to achieve the level on Agri Competitiveness.

Paano expressed enthusiasm that with the deluge of opportunities from the national

government and the local government, the province can. He took special mention of the Cacao production that the province pursues.

Mary Gwyndele Ponferrada of DTI also enumerated the different opportunities that the public can take advantage especially in support to Small and Medium Entrepreneurs (SMEs), livelihood and financial program opportunities towards a rich and economically driven ASEAN Community.

The CDIO/IO ASEAN Training and Conference was held at the Rawis Resort , Borongan City on December 1, 2017. (ajc/nbq/PIA 8-E Samar with Pen Pomida-Radyo Pilipinas)

Maasin City PWDs showcase talents in sports, arts Ma. Rebecca G. Cadavos MAASIN CITY, Southern Leyte, Dec. 6 (PIA) -- Around 150 persons-with-disabilities (PWDs) participated in the Sports Festival and Cultural Show held in Maasin City, from December 5 to 6, 2017, city Social Welfare and Development Services Office Focal Person Salvador Valdez reported.

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he two-day activity, according to Valdez was based on the theme, ―Karapatan at Pribilihiyong may Kapansanan, Isakatuparan at Ipaglaban.‖ The participants were distributed into three teams, namely, Progresibo (Progressive), Positibo (Positive) and Agresibo, (Agressive). Each team competed in athletic sports and cultural/literary/

musical show, Valdez said.

The athletics include discuss throw, shot put, javelin throw, long and high jump, wheel chair race and chess and swimming.

The cultural/musical/literary shows were composed of modern dance, folk dance, balak, drawing, solo and duet singing contest and slogan

competitions.

Valdez informed that the awarding of cash incentives and trophy, among others were given immediately after the afternoon activities, December 6. ―This will prepare the winner-participants for the regional competition to be held early next year, Valdez told. (ajc/rgc/PIA8-SoLeyte)

Infra projects to tourist sites in ESamar completed By: Ninfa Iluminada B. Quirante BORONGAN CITY, Eastern Samar, Dec. 7 (PIA) - Eastern Samar completes three infrastructure projects namely an access road, a bridge and a wharf leading to different tourist destinations.

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he Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) recently turned over to Balangkayan town the completed access road leading to Minasangay Ecological Park recently.

The project which costs P 11 M is expected to spur tourism and increase commerce through economic development and tourist activity.

It will also provide safe and convenient access and a better recreational experience for travelers.

Minasangay has been attracting tourists because of its relaxing natural ambience and its clear green waters perfect for swimming.

In San Gabriel, Maydolong town, DPWH

also inaugurated recently the San Gabriel Bridge 11 leading to the Borongan-Llorente Closed Canopy area.

The project worth P44 M will provide tourists access to the breathtaking attraction of the virgin forest lurking in the Borongan-Llorente Closed Canopy Forest Area.

The bridge is part of the multi-year program of the access road to Borongan-Llorente Closed Canopy Forest Area which is another tourist site, said Engr Jayson Espejo of DPWH-Eastern Samar. He added that the bridge will also connect hard to reach areas to the growth centers.

Meanwhile, the jump-off point to tourist sites in Sulat town has also been turned over recently. The

completed wharf in Barangay San Isidro, Sulat town promises convenience and safety to would-be tourists to the islets of Makati, San Vicente and Makalayo.

Sulat Mayor Virginia Macate who was present during the turn-over said that the project has a direct impact to the residents of San Vicente who can easily cross the island during low tide as the embankment has been extended.

Apart from the islanders of Barangay San Vicente, tourism and hospitality workers will also enjoy better access as they provide services to the increasing number of tourists who have just discovered Eastern Samar. (ajc/nbq/PIA8-ESamar with DPWH-E Samar)

EASTERN VISAYAS

7

PDEA-8: Tacloban is first drug-free HUC in the Visayas By: Consuelo B. Alarcon TACLOBAN CITY, Leyte, Dec. 7 (PIA) - It’s official. Tacloban City in Leyte is now drug-free.

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his, after the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA) officially declared Tacloban as the first highly urbanized city in the Visayas as drug-cleared.

In a press conference held at the new PDEA-8 Tacloban Office in December 6, Monday, PDEA-8 regional director Edgar T. Jubay said the declaration was made after the regional oversight committee on barangay drug clearing operations validated the status of the city after the 138 barangays met the 14 parameters pursuant to the provisions of the Dangerous Drugs Board (DDB).

The 14 parameters include the non-availability of drug supply, absence of drug transhipment

activity, absence of clandestine drug laboratory, absence of clandestine drug warehouse, absence of clandestine chemical warehouse, absence of marijuana cultivation site, absence of drug den or resort, absence of drug pusher, absence of drug user/dependent, absence of protector, coddler and financier, active movement of barangay officials in anti-drug activities, active involvement of SK to help maintain the drug-liberated status of the barangay, existence of drug awareness, prevention, education, information and other drug related programs and existence of voluntary drug treatment and rehabilitation processing desk.

In her speech, Tacloban City Mayor Cristina G.

Romualdez expressed her thanks to the concerted efforts of various law enforcement agencies, the barangay officials, the New Beginnings Rehabilitation Program of the city and the public that paved the way for the declaration of the city as drug-cleared.

She likewise called on Taclobanons to help keep the city as drug-free in order to maintain the status of all barangays.

A drug cleared city is classified as previously drug affected and subjected to drug clearing operation and declared free from any illegal drug activities pursuant to the parameters set forth by DDB regulation no. 3 series of 2017.(ajc/cba/PIA8)

Filipina one of 12 int’l Climate Heroines By: Consuelo B. Alarcon TACLOBAN CITY, Leyte, Dec. 7 (PIA) - Ms. Jazmin A. Jerusalem, LCDe Leyte Center for Development Executive Director/ CDRN Citizens Disaster Response Chairperson, has been chosen as one of 12 Climate Heroines in a Photo Exhibit/Press Conference which featured women leaders from all over the world. The Climate Heroines each had a story to tell of how she led her organization in facing the challenges brought about by climate change and its effects.

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erusalem represented the Philippines in this momentous event.

The activity was spearheaded by CARE-Germany, which is an International NGO Non Government Organization granting projects world-wide to fight poverty and restore human dignity.

The Climate Heroine Photo exhibit was attended by German government officials like the Minister of Environment, parliamentarians, Mayor of Bonn as well as top officers of CARE International.

Furthermore, Ms. Jerusalem was asked to speak in forum during the United Nations Conference on Climate Change or COP23 also in Bonn, Germany. She spoke on Women‘s Role and the Challenges of Climate Change.

In attendance were government and NGO representatives from different countries united in a common cause…that of combating climate change through pressuring governments to reduce their carbon emissions.

Jerusalem has this to say on the events ―It is such an honor to have been chosen as Philippine

Climate Heroine in the prestigious photo exhibit by CARE-Germany.

The event gave me a chance to speak about the conditions of our people especially after Typhoon Yolanda hit us four years ago. It also opened opportunities of partnership with various organizations in Germany and Belgium.

Most importantly, I was able to share how LCDe made a difference in its emergency response and rehabilitation after the strongest storm ever recorded in the world affected thousands in Eastern Visayas.‖ (Leyte Center for Development/PIA8)

OCD urges LGUs to evacuate mountain slope residents By: Rodrigo S. Victoria NAVAL, Biliran, Dec. 21 (PIA) - The Office of the Civil Defense (OCD) in Eastern Visayas strongly advised all local government units (LGUs) in Biliran province to evacuate all residents in their area who are living in mountain slope including those residing near one.

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CD 8 Regional Director Edgar Posadas told the advisory group on Thursday in a meeting with the members of the Biliran PDRRMC in its Operations Center (OpCen).

"We have to evacuate them," said Posadas, ―to avoid further loss of lives.‖ Data from the PDRRMO as of Thursday, December 21, showed 40 fatalities where 22 of it came from the landslide area in Barangay Lucsoon,

this town.

The OCD 8 chief categorically instructed to evacuate the residents living in mountain slopes as another weather disturbance is expected to hit some of the Eastern Visayas area on December 24 or 25.

He further said that under a state of calamity, the government can use police power to forcibly evacuate the people living in dangerous and

hazardous areas.

"If they will not evacuate, let them sign a waiver, " Posadas further instructed to LGUs so that nobody will be blamed if in case something will happen.

We wanted to have a merry and safe Christmas as we celebrate it on December 24 and 25, the expected dates for Typhoon Vinta to hit Eastern Visayas region. (ajc/rsv/PIA8-Biliran)

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

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

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

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

Ms. Alicia E. Nicart Regional Director, PIA8

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