One visayas enewsletter vol 7 issue 21 20170526 r6

Vol 7

In this Issue WESTERN VISAYAS

DOT-6 mounts the largest display of fresh produce from the rich provinces in Region 6 dubbed "Fruits and Vegetables of Western Visayas" where the first 50 shoppers to register can avail of the fruits and vegetables for only P100, held May 24 at SM City Northpoint. This activity is part of the 15th Fiestas in the City event spearheaded by DOT-6.

More on Region 6, pages 2-3.

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CENTRAL VISAYAS

May 22 - 28, 2017

Published by: PIA 6, 7 & 8

Issue 21

Hybrid vehicles strictly for official use only PIA 8 PALO, Leyte, May 25 (PIA) - For official use only, not for official‘s use.

That was the dominant message expressed by Regional Directors, Assistant Direc tors, an d representatives, who directly received the symbolic keys to possess futuristic vehicles that move by gasoline or electric power.

The occasion was the turn-over ceremony of hybrid cars, held at the Department of Science and Technology (DOST) regional office here this morning, the event made possible under the Japan non-project grant aid program implemented by the Department of Energy (DOE).

It was part of Japan‘s commitment for post Yolanda economic and social recovery support, while for DOE, an opportunity to showcase energy efficiency with alternative fuels, as well as promote clean air.

Assistant Regional Director Rufino Mengate of DOST, one of seven recipient agencies, said in his response the vehicles can very well help in monitoring their projects, be those projects Yolanda-related or programmed by the agency.

Office of Civil Defense (OCD) Assistant Regional Director Rey Gozon, whose agency got two units, declared their mobility in responding to emergencies and during disasters will be greatly augmented.

Others who got their share and shared the same professed vows included Atty. Ledwino Macariola of the Land Transportation Office; Leticia Maceda, regional director of the Department of Environment and Natural Resources – Environment Management Bureau (DENR-EMB); Cynthia Nierras, regional director of Department of Trade and Industry (DTI); Supt. Adel Bautista of the Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP); and Alice Nicart, regional director of the Philippine Information Agency (PIA).

Everyone heartily thanked the Japanese government and the DOE for having been listed and lucky enough to be one of the beneficiaries.

The symbolic keys were handed in by DOE Director Antonio Labios assisted by Director Jesus Anunciacion.

Lourdes Capricho, division chief at DOE‘s alternative fuel and technology division (AFETED), earlier worked for the past weeks, backed-up by PIA, to ensure smooth coordination with the receiving agencies.

DOE official Federico Domingo, Jr., who was also an active figure during coordination meetings, took to the wheels after the ceremonies together with other agency drivers, and drove away individually the newly-delivered cars for a test driv e for a short distance trip. (ajc/mmp/ PIA8-Southern Leyte)

Seven recipient agencies received the symbolic keys to possess the futuristic hybrid vehicles that uses both gasoline and electric power during a turnover ceremony held at the Department of Science and Technology (DOST) 8 regional office, Palo, Leyte, May 25. The event was made possible under the Japan non-project grant aid program implemented by the Department of Energy (DOE). (PIA 8)

Measures to curb timber poaching up Elsa S. Subong ATM: Talk on #Federalism with Ustaz Najeeb Razul of Christian-Muslim Brotherhood Cooperation Cebu Inc. with the information officers of the different national government agencies in Central #Isaias.

More on Region 7, pages 4-5.

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EASTERN VISAYAS

ILOILO CITY, May 23 (PIA6)—The Regional Anti-Illegal Task Force is proposing measures to regulate forest products that are consigned to furniture establishments in Western Visayas.

This, according to the task force, in the wake of timber poaching and illegal transport of forest products to furniture stores. ―There is a proliferation of furniture shops utilizing forest products in the region, hence the increasing demand for raw materials,‖ said Department of environment and Natural Resources-6 Director Jim Sampulna. ―The illegally transported forest products go directly to these furniture shops and produced as market commodities,‖ Sampulna added.

The task force said it saw the need to regulate forest products consigned to furniture shops and should come from legitimate sources.

It added that in this, there is a need to collaborate with the local government units which has jurisdiction on the giving of permits for the operation of the establishments. ―There is the need then, to coordinate with local law-enforcers,‖ task

force members said during their recent meeting.

The regional task force is composed of the DENR, DILG, Armed forces of the Philippines and the Philippine National Police.

The DENR‘s annual report on apprehension and confiscation, showed that for 2016, the estimated volume of forest products apprehended is about 87,540.9 board feet with an estimated value of P1,401,956.54.

The DENR said the apprehended forest products are being subjected to further evaluation, until the time that a confiscation order is approved and issued.

Director Sampulna has urged the public not to hesitate to proper authorities or the those who violate the law. ―This will warn the public that we are serious in our task of running after those who destroy the environment or violate environmental laws,‖‖ Sampuna said.

The Anti-Illegal Task Force was created by Executive Order 23, series of 2011 to enforce the moratorium on the cutting and harvesting of timber in the natural and residual forests and lead the anti-illegal logging campaign. (JCM/ESS/PIA-Iloilo)

CHED continues scholarship grants for tertiary faculty members PIA 7 DOE Director Antonio Labios gives his message during the turnover ceremony of Toyota Prius Hybrid Vehicles from the Govt of Japan under the Japan Non-Project Grant Aid to the seven seven recipient agencies, at the DOST Regional Office 8 compound, Palo, Leyte, May 25. (PIA 8) #PartnerForChange #EmpoweringCommynities

More on Region 8, pages 6-7.

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CEBU CITY, May 18 (PIA) --- With the K to 12 implementation displacing some faculty members, the Commission on Higher Education (CHED) continues to push for institution development and offer scholarship grants for graduate studies.

Dr. Freddie Bernal, CHED-7 and Negros Island Region Director, highlights the opportunity for the displaced faculty to avail of the K to 12 Transition Programs such as the scholarships and research grants.

According to Dr. Josefino Ronquillo, Supervising Education Program Specialist in Region 7, only 42 percent of college and university faculty members are master‘s degree holders. ―It‘s not enough,‖ he said, adding that

the rounds of allocation for scholarships are being increased.

Dr. Ronquillo also hopes that by 2018, faculty members with master‘s degrees will increase to 70 percent.

A master‘s degree is the minimum requirement to teach in tertiary schools.

Existing college and university faculty members without master‘s degree are welcome to apply for scholarship grants offered by CHED. As of academic year 2016-2017, a total of 164 scholarship grants for local graduate studies and one for abroad were given under CHED‘s K to 12 Transition Program.

The deadline of submission of requirements to CHED-7 office is on June 30, 2017. (jsme/PIA7-Cebu/asv)

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WESTERN VISAYAS

Santacruzan

PhilHealth strengthens PEERs Lilibeth A. French

ILOILO CITY, May 23 (PIA6) - - The Philippine Health Insurance Corporation (PhilHealth) Regional Office 6 continues to strengthen its engagement and partnership with employers in the region, both from the private and government sectors.

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his May, PhilHealth 6 rolled out a series of Reporting System (EPRS). They are usually from the fora participated in by PhilHealth Employer Human Resource or the Accounting Department of Engagement Representatives (PEERS) in the a company. region.

To date, there are now around 16,000 PEERs help employers ensure that the employers in the region using the PhilHealth EPRS. membership and contribution records of agency Monteverde said the fora which are part of the or a company, among others, are updated with regular activities of PhilHealth with PEERs were PhilHeath. conducted in Iloilo and Guimaras on May 16 to 17 Janet Monteverde, Chief, Field Operation and in Negros Occidental on May 17 to 19.

Division of PhilHealth 6, said PEERs are the In the provinces of Capiz, Aklan and Antique authorized contact persons or liason officers of and Boracay Island, the PEERs FORUM will be agencies and companies when it comes to conducted on May 25 to 26.

PhilHealth concerns such as registration, collection The forum sought to update employers of remittances, updating of employees‘ membership through their PEERs on the latest PhilHealth records and reporting using the Electronic Premium circulars, new policies and, issues and concerns

related to collection, Accredited Collecting Agents and EPRS. EPRS is a web-based application designed to allow access to employee information through PEERs. It also enables employers to remit their contributions to PhilHealth electronically.

Through the forum, Monteverde said they also hoped to gather feedbacks, concerns, suggestions and even recommendations in line with the programs and projects implemented by PhilHealth.

She said PEERs have helped a lot in ensuring on -time compliance of remittances and submission of reports of employers.

They also helped ease the long queue in PhilHealth offices. (laf/PIA6-Iloilo)

Bacolod City Lib now a Tech4ED center Easter Anne D. Doza

BACOLOD CITY, May 24 (PIA6) - - The Bacolod City Public Library is now a Tech4ED center or a Technology for Economic Development Center as declared by the Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT) in a launching ceremony recently.

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ity Librarian Greta Memoria said that one of the area in the library has been converted into a Tech4ED Center which offers services like eGovServ, eAssist, eEduSkills, eMarketplace, and eAgri, all internet based, a release from the Bacolod City Public Information Office said.

The eGovServ is for government transactions such as applications for birth certificate, driver‘s license and clearance from the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI); eEduSkills for learning on demand, including the Alternative Learning

System and courses under the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA); eAssist, which aims to enhance digital and financial literacy; eMarketPlace which aims to help people reach markets beyond their for exponential growth; and eAgri which aims to enhance farm technologies for product diversity, which includes products from aquaculture, livestock, and agriculture.

The Tech4Ed is a project component of the eFilipino program of DICT, which aims to harness ICT to enable, empower and transform society

towards creating an inclusive, integrated and equitable countryside through providing opportunities for employment and empowering entrepreneurs.

Meanwhile, the Bacolod City Public Library has been awarded one of the five outstanding libraries in the country by the National Library of the Philippines in March this year.

This was the second national award received by the Bacolod City Public Library with the first one in 2009 under the same administration. *(JCM/ EAD-PIA6 Negros Occidental)

Aklan lauds 25 Palarong Pambansa athlete achievers Sheila Q. Patoza

KALIBO, AKLAN, May 20 (PIA6) – Twenty five Aklanon athletes who exceptionally performed in the Palarong Pambansa in Antique were commended and given incentives in a ceremony recently held at the Aklan Provincial Capitol here.

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he Sangguniang Panlalawigan of Aklan had passed resolution no. 2017-319 or a resolution warmly congratulating Aklanon youth athletes for the outstanding performances in the Palarong Pambansa that brought honors and respect for the province of Aklan, and was approved on May 8, 2017.

The twenty-five Aklanon athletes were able to contribute a total of 16 gold; nine silver; and 15 bronze medals for the Western Visayas Regional Athletic Association (WRAA); which greatly helped the team to be placed in the third spot out of the 18 regions in the country.

Top on the list who were commended in the event was Kyla O. Soguilon, hailed as the most bemedalled athlete during the Palaro; achieving 5 gold medals for individual swimming events. Soguilon was also in the swimming team

category that had produced one gold and one silver medal.

Other gold medallists for the individual events were: Sheila S. Talja (Athletics); Angie Nicole A. Reyes (Arnis); and Jasper Jay C. Lachica (Pencak Silat).

For the Paralympics Category, Claire S. Calizo and Edwin Villanueva produced two and three golds, respectively; while Anna Mae Rico was awarded gold medal for the athletics event.

Reyes also got silver medal for the arnis competition; along with Jil Iron A. Tabuena for athletics and Aina Nicole O. Dela Cruz fo pencak silat. Cristina I. Dela Cruz, was a silver medallist for athletics paralympic category.

For the team category, athletes who achieved silver medals were: Aaron Vincent Merin and Christian Paul Tiongson for the athletics; Shanello

Malolos and Arnel Tolentino for volleyball; and Lachica (pencak silat).

The bronze medallists for the aerobic gymnastic individual category were Jea Angel Esquilito and Christian Jade Pablo; while for the team category were Dela Cruz (pencak silat); Cherish Joy Reyes, Pablo, and Esquilito (aeobics); and Michael Gabriel T. Lozada and Jemuel Booh B. De Leon (swimming team).

Athena Romylla M. Molo, Mary May Z. Ruiz, and Jerrylyn R. Laurente for volleyball; and Kyle Joshua D. De Pedro, Jan Patrick A. Sagang, and Rosalyn S. Penticase for baseball were awarded bronze medals.

Meanwhile, the Sannguniang Panlalawigan here had given the athletes with cash incentives of P10,000 for every gold medal won; while P8,000 for silver; and P5,000 for bronze medal. (JCM/QP/PIA Aklan).

WESTERN VISAYAS

Nine Antique municipalities anti-smoking ordinance

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Vicente W. Villavert

SAN JOSE, Antique, May 22 (PIA6) - - Of the province‟s 18 municipalities, nine have already passed an Anti-smoking ordinance, a positive step to educate the public that exposure to smoke can cause serious damage to health.

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nformation Officer Irene Dulduco of the Provincial Health Office said that they are strongly advocating for the tobacco control program.

Dulduco disclosed during the meeting of the Antique Association of Information Officers hosted by the local government of San Remigio, Antique that the nine municipalities with anti-smoking ordinance included Pandan, Hamtic, Culasi, Patnongon, Belison, Sebaste, Libertad, Laua-an and Tibiao.

PHO is still lobbying for other municipalities to also pass an ordinance to safeguard the public‘s health against the ill effects of smoking.

Dulduco also said that the municipality of Pandan is an entry for the Red Orchid Award and is undergoing regional and national evaluation.

Red Orchid award is annually conducted by the DOH in recognition to local government units, government offices and health facilities that are strictly enforcing tobacco control measures.

Meanwhile, President Duterte signed recently

Executive Order Number 26 which calls for the establishment of smoke-free environments in public and enclosed places.

The Executive order cited that scientific evidence has unequivocally established that tobacco consumption and exposure to tobacco smoke cause death, disease and disability, lead to devastating health, social, economic and environmental consequences, and places burdens on families, on the poor, and on national and local health systems. (JCM/ VWV/PIA Antique)

DTI Capiz rolls out 'Kapatid Mentor ME' Alex A. Lumaque

ROXAS CITY, Capiz, May 22 (PIA6) -- About 120 Capiznon entrepreneurs are expected to join and witness the KapatidMentor Me (KMME) kick off Program of the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) Provincial Office on May 23, at the Gerry Roxas Training and Convention Center here.

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The program aims to help existing micro and small enterprises scale up their businesses by equipping them with the proper mindset and values, and practical knowledge of functional areas through lecture and mentoring sessions delivered by business owners and or practitioners,‖ said a DTI news release.

Capiz Gov. Antonio A. Del Rosario and DTI – 6 OIC – regional director Rebecca M. Rascon will be joined by Paul Anthony De Guzman of the

Philippine Center for Entrepreneurship (PCE) during a program for the roll out of KMME. De Guzman will represent Presidential Consultant for Entrepreneurship and Founding Trustee of the PCE Joey A. Concepcion.

Competent and seasoned resource speakers have been invited to discuss KMME Entrepreneurial Mind setting as well as Values Formation and Marketing, respectively.

Successful Capizeño entrepreneurs Leny Albert

Apaitan of Black and White Supermart and Mark Anthony Ortiz of Anchor Development Corporation will also share their stories of hardships and sweet victories to inspire neophytes in the business field.

A one-on-one business consultation will be facilitated after the presentations.

Business enthusiasts are encouraged to take advantage and learn from the KMME. (JCM/DTI/ PIA-AAL)

New record in Manggahan 'eat-all-you-can' Lilibeth A. French

ILOILO CITY, May 23 (PIA6) - - A resident from Koronadal City, South Cotabato has just broken the record for the most number of mangoes consumed this weekend in the island province of Guimaras.

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arry Aclo ate 46 pieces or about 14 kilos of the world‘s sweetest mangoes in 30 minutes in this year‘s 'Mango Eat-All-You Can' event of the Manggahan Festival of the province.

The previous record was 13 kilos.

Guimaras Provincial Agriculturist Ronnie Morante said he was not around in the activity area located at the Capitol Grounds in Barangay San Miguel, Jordan last Saturday, May 20, when Aclo made the new record.

Morante said the 'Mango Eat-All-You -Can' event of the province continues to attract tourists, both local and foreign, as the available data from the Provincial Office for Agricultural Services (POAS) showed that around 5,456 persons registered to savor the Guimaras mangoes during the nine-day duration of the event this year which opened May 11.

He said POAS preliminary data also indicated that about 9,829 kg. of mangoes were consumed in the nine-day period.

'Mango Eat-All-You-Can' is a staple activity of

the province‘s annual Manggahan Festival to promote the province‘s mango industry and as a marketing support to local growers.

For P110, participants are given 30 minutes to eat mangoes as many as they can. They have the choice of ripe or green mangoes with bagoong or shrimp paste.

Morante said to make the Guimaras pride fruit crop affordable to visitors who witnessed the Manggahan Festival, the registration fee was reduced to P100 on May 21 and 22, upon the approval of Governor Samuel Gumarin.

The Guimaras Mango Growers and Producers Development Cooperative supplies the mangoes for the event.

Morante said about 6,037 hectares of the 60, 457 hectares total land area of the province are planted to mango. All the five municipalities of the province: Buenavista, Jordan, Nueva Valencia, San Lorenzo and Sibunag grow mangoes.

To date, there are 274,822 mango trees planted in the province.

Guimaras mangoes which have been declared as seeds and pulp weevil-free were allowed to enter foreign markets such as that of United States, Australia and Japan. They have also made their way as far as the White House and Buckingham Palace.

This April, the access of Guimaras mangoes to international markets further increased when the Intellectual Property Office of the Philippines approved its adherence to Geographical Indication (GI).

Morante said the GI is a sign or label that distinguishes the mangoes from Guimaras with its distinct qualities or reputation. ―Guimaras mangoes will now bear GI seals so consumers are assured that the fruit crop really originated from the province and growers followed the Code of Practice from planting, management of flowers and fruits, harvesting and postharvest handling,‖ said Morante.

Last year, the province produced around 11,500 metric tons of mangoes. (JCM/laf/PIA6-Iloilo)

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CENTRAL VISAYAS

VP launches 'Istorya ng Pagasa'in Dumaguete Santacruzan

Roi Lomotan

DUMAGUETE CITY, May 19 (PIA) – Vice President Leni Robredo launched the search for extraordinary stories of ordinary Filipinos that motivate, inspire, and bring hope to other people in Dumaguete City.

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ubbed as ―Istorya ng Pagasa,‖ the project aims to gather stories of common Filipinos that highlight hope and positivity which will be shared in schools, government offices, and even in malls and airports.

The launching was held yesterday afternoon in Silliman University attended by students from different schools and some sectoral representatives.

In her message, Robredo said the project started when she was invited to speak in a youth forum entitled ‗Let Us Change the Conversation.‘ ―The youth group in that forum told me that many of them felt beaten and depressed by all the negativity around them and they want to do something about it,‖ Robredo explained. ―Istorya ng Pag-asa is born out of this need to change the conversation,‖ she added.

Robredo also added that she shares the

same sentiments of the young people she encountered. ―Nowadays, when we open our social media accounts, it seems everyone is getting into a fight,‖ Robredo said. ―We need to restore hope to our countrymen, we need to restore the dignity that was lost because it was buried by bad news. We need hope to nourish our sense of dignity as a nation, to build our people‘s trust in liberty and freedom and to fight truth in an age of lies."

The vice president believes that these stories will be able to ―change the conversation‖ and counter the negativity surrounding the society. ―Hope is what gives life to love, faith and peace.

It lives intimately with many other values of the Filipino family: courage, grit and determination, pride in an honest work, pride in a life simply lived.

Hope is the only thing that is stronger than fear. We need more of it to counter the negativity in this era of post truth, fake news, trolls and alternative facts,‖ she said.

With this, she invited young people in the city to send stories that will inspire hope in others.

She said stories can be found inside Silliman which can be about the lives of students and graduates who, despite the challenges, were determined to work hard to achieve their dreams. ―We need your help to change the conversation. This is an invitation to all of you join us. Let us join hands in finding stories of hope that will inspire our kababayans and change the negativity around us,‖ said Robredo. (ral/PIA7 -Negros Oriental)

DOLE calls for safe, healthy work places Rizalie Anding Calibo

SIQUIJOR, May 18 (PIA) -- The Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) recently reminded private companies, business owners, entrepreneurs, workers, and other stakeholders province wide to observe occupational safety and health (OSH) as mandated by law during the forum at the Sylvia‟s Solangon, San Juan, Siquijor, Siquijor.

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OLE 7 Occupational Health and Safety Management Officer Gines Timosa said occupational safety and health is mandated by law so that every establishment should provide workers and management a well, sound, and safety work environment.

He said OSH management system has 15 basic elements that should always be present in every workplace.

Among these basic elements are safety and health meetings, safety and health rules, enforcement

of safety and health rules, injury and incident investigation, workplace audits and inspections, modified duty and return to work system, and off the job safety and health.

Also mandated are recognition for safety and health performance, safety of facilities and equipment, measuring and benchmarking safety and health performance, hiring for safety and health attitudes, safety and health of contractors and subsidiaries, involvement in community and customer safety and health, the

safety and health organization and safety and health specialist.

The forum also tackled the overview of the DOLE‘s programs such as Labor Management Convergence, Family Welfare , Productivity and Innovation in Labor and Management, Gener and Development (GAD), Anti-Sexual Harassment, Employees compensation benefits, safety and health program and productivity 101, and productivity-based pay incentive scheme. (rac/ PIA7-Siquijor)

Metro Dumaguete needs CLUPs to reduce disaster risks Jennifer C. Tilos DUMAGUETE CITY, May 18 (PIA) – The Department of Science and Technology (DOST) here gathered six local government units (LGUs) that may comprise the Metro Dumaguete to help its land use planning for the harmonization in hazard mapping.

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ssistant Regional Director Atty. Gilbert Arbon of DOST-Negros Island Region explained that said LGUs have yet to update its Comprehensive Land Use Plans (CLUPs) as their respective existing plans do not match with that of the neighboring LGUs. Initially, the plan to create Metro Dumaguete shall be composed of the City of Dumaguete as the metropolitan center, the neighboring municipalities of Dauin, Bacong, Valencia in the north, Sibulan and San Jose in the southern part of Negros Oriental.

Undersecretary Renato Solidum Jr. for Disaster Risk Reduction-Climate Change Adaptation

(DRR-CCA) of DOST warned that Visayas region and Negros Oriental are exposed to various natural hazards that can cause loss of lives, properties and severely impact the economy.

Solidum said that what turns potential hazards into disasters is poor planning, hence, a joint effort is needed to lessen the impact or get better at disaster prevention, preparedness and mitigation. ―Since creating a Metro Dumaguete has been talked about for so many years, we wanted to focus the resources of DOST to help the LGUs update CLUP to partly reduce the impact of disasters,‖

Arbon said.

Recently, Dumaguete City Mayor Felipe Antonio Remollo took the initiative to unite the six LGUs to establish a common sanitary landfill. ―We want to build up on that issue to keep the momentum to go beyond and tackle climate change adaptation as a common concern in Metro Dumaguete," said Arbon.

Arbon added that there is really a need for LGUs to work together and agree, for instance on waste management and the problem of flooding as LGUs are inter-dependent with each other. (jct/PIA7 -Negros Oriental)

CENTRAL VISAYAS

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P240,000 fund allocated for 3 new pump boats Roi Lomotan

DUMAGUETE CITY, May 19 (PIA) – Dumaguete City Mayor Felipe Remollo has allocated P240,000 for the purchase of three new pump boats for Bantay Dagat and the fisherfolk association here for rescue operations and in preventing illegal fishing.

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ity Information Officer Dems Rey Demecillo reported that the 16-horsepower pump boats are intended for monitoring and regulating activities that may adversely affect the marine sanctuaries, degradation of the shoreline and illegal fishing, and marine preservation and also to prevent

smuggling of contrabands.

Aside from this, City Environment and Natural Resources Officer Rossel Marie Garcia also said the boats can be used during calamity-related rescue operations and ocean clean-ups.

Demecillo disclosed that the budget will be charged against the 20 percent Development Fund of 2017 and the procurement of the units will be through public bidding that can be completed before the end of the year. (ral/PIA7-Negros Oriental/with reports from the City PIO)

DepEd taps partners‟ support for quality education Rizalie Anding Calibo

SIQUIJOR, May 18 (PIA) -- The Department of Education (DepEd) is seeking support from different stakeholders here to attain quality education for the children of Siquijor through the implementation of the Adopt-a-School program.

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n a recent forum, Schools Division Superintendent Ronald Gutay said that efforts have been made to make Adopt-a -School program benefit all the school children in the province.

The program is an engagement between the internal and external stakeholders, he said, citing the teachers, learners and school administrators as the internal stakeholders with the parents, local government units (LGUs), barangay representatives, and the General Parents Teachers Association (PTCA) as among the external

stakeholders.

Gutay said the success of the program lies in the hands and minds and strong cooperation of the various partners.

Institutionalized under Republic Act 8525 and approved on Febuary 14, 1998, Adopt-a- School program is one of the successful endeavors directed towards molding the minds of the youths as it brings in companies like ABS-SBN, Trans Asia, and Tukod Foundation to become donors and supporters of the program.

District Supervisor Francis Morados cited

Larena Central Elementary School as the recipient of the City Savings Bank donation for three years already.

Gutay encouraged the barangay captains, PTA officials, and all partners to help advocate the program.

He also advised the parents to strictly and conscientiously moitor their children‘s time and activities and encourage them to read books and other valuable reading materials for their intellectual enhancement. (rac/ PIA7-Siquijor)

Brewing soon in local cafes: Baslay coffee of Dauin Roi Lomotan

NEGROS ORIENTAL, May 19 (PIA) – The aroma of freshly brewed Baslay coffee will soon spread to the coffee shops in the capital city of Dumaguete or at resort cafés in the municipality of Dauin.

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his after the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) – Negros Oriental hosted a coffee brewing and tasting event in Dumaguete City recently to encourage local resort and café owners to buy and support the locally grown coffee. ―The purpose of this is to invite local resorts in Dauin and coffee shops to carry this coffee,‖ DTI SME Senior Trade and Industry Specialist Maribel Sumanoy said.

During the activity, resort and coffee owners were given a free taste of Baslay Coffee which comes in two varieties: Arabica and Robusta.

Sumanoy shared that in the 2nd Coffee Conference held in Baguio City, DTI sent samples of Baslay coffee to be evaluated and it had a high cupping grade which is good for specialty coffee.

Baslay coffee was cultivated by the Baslay Farmers Association (BFA), a recipient of DTI‘s Shared Service Facility (SSF) Project.

Last year, the DTI turned over units of dehaulers, depulpers, dehumidifiers, sorting tables to association and also sponsored trainings on coffee harvesting, dry method processing and understanding standards and grading system.

Sumanoy said that through these interventions, members will have a competitive edge and will be able to demand a better price when selling their coffee beans to the market.

The coffee plantation is nestled near Mt. Talinis

with an elevation of 800 meters above sea level up to 1,200 meters above sea level.

The development coffee plantation was a reforestation project of the Philippine National Oil Company (now Energy Development Corporation or EDC) to give livelihood assistance to former kaingineros in the area. ―Before 1984, we were all forest occupants.

We were all forest destroyers of Baslay forests,‖ said BFA Adviser Ruel Perez.

Perez continued that sometime in 1984, they were organized into an informal group and in this process, the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) and the Philippine National Oil Company started to realize that there is a prevailing problem with the community.

It was in 1986 when different government agencies and the New Zealand government gave the community a funding for agro-forestry project.

In 1988, the group was registered with the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) making it a legitimate organization and in 1989 the BFA was launched with 135 founding members.

By 1992, the group was awarded a community forest stewardship agreement for 25 years and they were given the opportunity to manage and protect the forest of Baslay.

All those years, BFA was into coffee production and from being kaingineros, they eventually became

coffee farmers and forest conservationists.

Perez said the group practices organic farming and they do not apply synthetic fertilizers and pesticides in their crops. ―Everything there, the animals, the birds they all contribute to the pollination that‘s why our coffee has a very nice flavor coffee. Our coffee needs forest to grow and have a very nice flavor,‖ Perez said.

Sumanoy said BFA originally had a 70-hectare plantation and they had just had a 50-hectare expansion.

Perez disclosed they hope to cover a 300-hectare expansion in five years.

Meanwhile, Sumanoy disclosed that as of now, BFA has one buyer in based in Manila and that is the reason why DTI held the activity to help BFA introduce to the local market in Negros Oriental the Baslay Coffee.

The DTI official added that they requested the farmer‘s association to retain at least 20 percent of their produce for the consumption of local market here.

Sumanoy said that BFA was able to harvest 3,200 kilograms or 16,000 red cherries and then processed it to 3,200 green coffee beans last year.

He hopes that through this endeavor, local coffee shops and resorts will be encouraged to brew and serve local Baslay coffee. (ral/PIA7-Negros Oriental)

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EASTERN VISAYAS

DTI opens another Negosyo Center

Santacruzan

Ma. Rebecca G. Cadavos

MAASIN CITY, Southern Leyte, May 25 (PIA) – The Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) Southern Leyte Provincial Office opened the fifth Negosyo Center in Hinundayan in a launching activity held May 15, 2017.

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he event was attended by Municipal Mayor Alfredo Lagumbay, DTI Provincial Director Michael Nuńez, Vice Mayor Elisa Cadingan, Sangguniang Bayan members, department heads and local staff and a businessman in the said locality.

The Negosyo Center opening was based on the Memorandum of Agreement inked between the trade and industry department and the local government of Hinundayan, among its signatories.

Lagumbay expressed his gratitude to DTI for establishing a Negosyo Center in the locality saying,‖ with the establishment of Negosyo Center here in our municipality, many micro, small and medium enterprises will be benefited.‖ The mayor urged his fellow LGU officials to provide DTI with the needed support in order to raise the quality of life of every Hinundayanon.

Meanwhile, Nuñez who gave an overvview of

the Negosyo Center said that the said project is part of a nationawide plan to establish a Negosyo Center in all provinces, cities and municipalities to promote and intensify entrepreneurship in the country. ―We encourage local businessmen to visit and avail the services provided by the center for their business‘ growth and sustained development,‖ Nuňez said. (ajc/rgc/ PIA8-SoLeyte)

Teachers, school heads reminded of „no collection policy‟ Samuel D. Candido BORONGAN CITY, Eastern Samar, May 25 (PIA) - Almost two weeks before School Year 2017-2018 opens, the City Division officials of the Department of Education (DepEd) reminded teachers and school administrators of the department‟s “no collection policy”.

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n a press conference held on May 22, 2017, Borongan City Division Superintendent, Ms. Judith C. Boco reiterated that DepEd Order No. 41, series of 2012 still stands and no fees should be collected from pupils and students during the opening of classes.

According to Boco, pupils enrolled in grades one to four should not be made

to pay fees during the entire month of June while those in higher grades may pay voluntary contributions. ―Even voluntary contributions are discouraged,‖ Boco told PIA-Borongan.

Meanwhile, Ms. Boco said that in conduct of the school's Brigada Eskwela, she sought the help of other stakeholders in the community for clean-up and repairs of classrooms.

In several schools in the city, personnel from the Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP) and Philippine National Police (PNP) helped in cleaning school buildings and grounds.

The Superintendent added that school administrators received funds for the upkeep of schools under the allocation for maintenance and other operating expenditures (MOOE). (ajcc/SDC/ PIA8-E. Samar)

New mother and child building offers general services Consuelo B. Alarcon

TACLOBAN CITY, Leyte, May 22 (PIA) - The highest official of the Department of Health (DOH) Eastern Visayas has called on the public to maximize the use of the newly-built Eastern Visayas Regional Medical Center (EVRMC) located in brgy.

Cabalawan, this city.

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n a radio interview at the launching of DOH-PIA on Air Radio Program, DOH regional director Minerva P. Molon urged residents near the new EVRMC site particularly those coming from the northern barangays of Tacloban and the three provinces of Samar to cater to the services of the newly

constructed hospital. ―While the old EVRMC in front of the capitol is still operational, the mother and child hospital, a birthing hospital is now offering general services,‖ Molon said.

The mother and child hospital is now a level 1 license hospital since April 18, 2017.

The Outpatient department ward which was donated by Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) will be turned over before the month of July this year.

Before this year ends it is expected that the new EVRMC compound will be operational. (ajc/cba/ PIA8)

EASTERN VISAYAS

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20 graduate from „Kapatid Mentor ME‟ program Ninfa B Quirante CATBALOGAN CITY, Samar, May 25 (PIA) - Some 20 entrepreneurs froom Samar graduated after ten Thursdays of studying under the Kapatid Mentor ME (KMME) Program of the Department of Trade and Industsry (DTI).

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hese graduates, said Provincial Director Meilou Macabare have learned from the coaching and mentoring of resource speakers from the Philippine Center for Entrepreneurship, Go Negosyo and the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI)as part of their strategy to boost economic activity focusing on Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSME).

The ten Thursdays focused on entrepreneurial skills development and business management, values formation, marketing, business model canvass and key partners, product development, operations management, supply and value chain, human resource and organization management, entrepreneurial accounting and financial management, taxation and business law.

Macabare said that there were 300 applicants but they shortlisted them to those determined to pursue their businesses despite odds. ―Being in a group, one can seek help and support from each other in times of need,‖ Macabare said during PIA‘s Huruhimangraw radio program on Wednesday.

Mentees who graduated are Ma. Ana Jangue from Basey Associaton for Native Industry, Armando Manas from Arman's Food Products, Isidora Pantaleon from Tuba Bahalina han Samar, Abraham Quinay from Abe Trading and Agrivet Supply, Mila Radomes from Sam and Ava Cakes and Cookies, Analyn Sagales from Jas Healthy Mixed Products, Agnes Saniel from Andrea Mae Delights, Letecia

Silvano from, Letty's Tablea and Keseo, Thelma Taburnal from Three JS Food Product and Bernadette Vipinosa of BJV Homemade Cookies, among others.

In an interview, DTI-Officer in Charge in the Consumer Protection Division Maricel Navarra said that this program aims to assist the MSMEs in their businesses using the strategies and knowledge shared by mentors who are highly experts in the field of business.

The Duterte administration focuses on the MSMEs as they push the economy to greater heights, she added.

No less than the DTI Assistant Secretary Blesilda Lantayona graced the event. (ajc/nbq/ PIA8-Samar)

Smoking cessation clinics offer free services to smokers Consuelo B. Alarcon

TACLOBAN CITY, Leyte, May 25 (PIA) - The Department of Health (DOH) Eastern Visayas urged smokers in the region to avail the free services offered of various smoking cessation clinics to help them stop smoking gradually.

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harisse Daya, Tobacco Control Program Coordinator of the Department of Health regional office 8 said a number of smoking cessation clinics are available in the region which are located at Eastern Visayas Regional Medical Center (EVRMC), Department of Health regional office, and Schistosomiasis Hospital in Palo, Leyte.

Daya stressed that smokers who are willing to stop but find it hard to do so may contact these health facilities so they would be able to know how

to quit smoking.

It has long been known that smoking harms nearly every organ of a human‘s body, causing many diseases and reduces the overall health condition of smokers in general.

In the Global Adult Tobacco Survey (GATS) in 2015 released on May 5, 2017, the tobacco prevalence in the country has decreased by 19.9%.

From the 29.7% prevalence rate in 2009,

tobacco users decreased to 23.8% in 2015.

DOH attributed the decrease to the implementation of the sin tax law and the anti-smoking ordinance in most local government units.

Now that President Duterte expressed support by signing executive order number 26 banning smoking in all public places and prohibiting consumption by minors, DOH expects to achieve more success in the campaign. (DOH8/PIA8/ ajc/cba)

ESamar creates RPRH law prov‟l implementation team Samuel D. Candido

BORONGAN CITY, Eastern Samar, May 23 (PIA) - The Commission on Population (POPCOM) has completed its series of orientations and fora on Responsible Parenthood and Reproductive Health (RPRH Law) in Eastern Visayas.

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ncluded in that orientation is the Marie Egargo, DOH Provincial Officer creation of P r o v i n c i a l / C i t y led the organization of PIT in the Implementation Teams (P/CIT) of the province. law.

The PIT is to be headed by the Provincial In Eastern Samar, Dr. J e a n Health Officer and co-chaired by the Provincial

Population Officer.

Dr. Egargo said she will support the PIT for the meaningful implementation of the law done in Eastern Samar.

(SDC/ PIA-E. Samar)

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

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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