One visayas enewsletter vol 7 issue 9 20170303 r6

Vol 7

In this Issue WESTERN VISAYAS

PIA Director General Harold Clavite, assisted

by PIA DDG Angelo Villar, CAAP 6 Manager Mecine Reyes and PIA 6 Director Janet Mesa, cuts the ceremonial ribbon to open the PIA kiosk for ASEAN at the arrival area of the Iloilo International Airport, Cabatuan.

Feb. 27 - March 5, 2017

Published by: PIA 6, 7 & 8

Issue 9

USAID, PDRF donate 183 houses, 12 multi-cabs Consuelo B. Alarcon TACLOBAN CITY, Leyte, Feb 28 (PIA)--One hundred eighty three (183) butterfly houses and twelve multi-cabs were handed over Friday by the United States Aid for International Development (USAID) and the Philippine Disaster Resilience Foundation (PDRF) to the city government of Tacloban as part of the US government’s support to address post typhoon needs.

The formal turnover was one of the highlights of the culminating activity of the Building Resilient and Economically Adept Communities and Households (BREACH) program of USAID held at San Jose Central School, Tacloban, Leyte.

In her speech, USAID representative Sandra Jansen congratulated the city for the progress it made in the construction of permanent housing.

“I have been following the progress that all of you have made in rebuilding your city and it is outstanding,” Jansen said.

“The transitional shelters handed over will be available immediately to the city as preposition emergency housing

should the need ever arise again,” Jansen further said.

The butterfly houses, measured at 18 square meters are made from eco-boards consist of 100% recycled materials-80% plastic and 20% aluminum, fire-proof, water-proof and can withstand storm winds with speed of up to 195 kph.

The multi-cabs will help address transportation and livelihood means of beneficiaries as they settle in their permanent shelters in the northern barangays of Tacloban.

USAID is the principal arm of the US government that offers assistance to partner countries such as the Philippines and the citizens of those countries through PDRF and other agencies.

To date, around $143 million was extended by US government in support to typhoon Yolanda recovery which include more than 300 classrooms, health facilities, critical infrastructures to support farmers and fisher folks, livelihood training centers, planting and aquaculture materials, sari-sari stores in partnership with other private sectors.(ajc/cba/PIA-8)

PIA: Know more about ASEAN More on Region 6, pages 2-3.

Also CLICK Here…

CENTRAL VISAYAS

Hundreds of sectoral representatives participated in the ASEAN-PCOO Roadshow with Presidential Communications Chief Martin Andanar as keynote speaker held recently in Cebu City. (PIA 7)

More on Region 7, pages 4-5.

Also CLICK Here…

EASTERN VISAYAS

HEALTH CONCERN. Biliran Congressman Rogelio J.Espina (standing), shares his insights on several health concerns to further improve the health status of Biliranons and of the Filipino people as a whole in his message during the Biliran provincial health summit, NSU Hostel, Naval, Biliran, March 3, 2017 (rvictoria/ PIA Biliran) #PartnerForChange

More on Region 8, pages 6-7.

Also CLICK Here...

Leonard T. Pineda I ILOILO CITY, March 5 (PIA6) --- The Philippine Information Agency (PIA) encouraged Ilonggos to know more about the ASEAN (Association of Southeast Asian Nations) community and how it benefits them. In the launching of the PIA information kiosk held March 4, at SM City Events Center here, PIA Director General Harold Clavite said it will be beneficial for Filipinos to learn more about the ASEAN community. "Ano ba ang ASEAN sa buhay natin? Kaya kami may brochures, flyers, nagtatayo ng kiosks sa mga matataong lugar para may impormasyon kayong makuha", he said.

The PIA in Western Visayas installed two information kiosks in Iloilo; one is situated at the Iloilo International Airport in Cabatuan, and the other is at SM City Iloilo in Mandurriao district here. "Inaanyayahan natin ang lahat na magbasa,

magtanong tungkol sa ASEAN, kung ano ang importansya nito at ang impact nito sa ating mga buhay," he said.

He said that the ASEAN community is growing big in terms of economy and in terms of activities happening in between and among member-countries.

He also said citizens in ASEAN have enjoyed privileges made possible by the organization including improved physical connectivity, institutional linkages, and people-to-people interaction.

He added that 2017 is an important year for ASEAN because it is celebrating its 50th founding anniversary. It also coincides with the Philippine chairmanship which banners the theme "Partnering for Change, Engaging the World". (JCM/ LTP/PIA-Iloilo)

Andanar unveils initiatives Cebu City – Secretary Martin Andanar unveiled on Friday, March 3, the progress of the initiatives of the Presidential Communications Operations Office (PCOO) during the Cebu leg of the 2017 ASEAN-PCOO Roads show.

"The President wants to decentralize the government--transparent, inclusive. That’s why for the first time the Presidential Communications Operations Office is going around the country to make its presence felt," Presidential Communications Chief Martin Andanar.

The Cebu event is part of the PCOO’s nationwide information, education, and communication (IEC) drive on the country’s chairmanship of this year's Association of South East Asian Nations (ASEAN). "We want to achieve a few things.

One is to introduce ASEAN, reintroduce ASEAN, and underline the importance of understanding the Association of South East Asian Nations," Andanar explained. Aside from ASEAN, the campaign also discussed Freedom of Information (FOI), Presidential Task Force on Media Security, and New Media Communications for Participatory Governance.

"We salute President Rodrigo Roa Duterte for signing it right away. FOI is now in the legislative agenda," Andanar said, referring to Executive Order No. 2, signed by the President on July 23, 2016, establishing the first Freedom of Information law in the Philippines covering all government offices under the executive branch. Andanar further lauded the President for signing in October last year Administrative Order No. 1 that created the Task Force on Media Security. "It's actually the first time a President is assigning one team to protect the media here in our country," Andanar pointed out.

Meanwhile, the Presidential Communications Chief revealed his plan of having emergency broadcast centers in the country, similar to the ABC of Australia and NHK of Japan.

"We are building PTV-4 and Radyo ng Bayan as emergency broadcast centers in the entire country," Andanar said. Related to this, he mentioned tapping social media to disseminate emergency information to the public. "We have to take advantage of what we have, and what we have is social

media. And most of the people are engaged in social media," Andanar said. Hundreds of participants composed of information officers from regional line agencies and local government units, bloggers, representatives from the business community and the private sector, students, and members of the media attended the ASEAN- PCOO Roadshow at the Grand Convention Center of Cebu.

Speakers during the event included Undersecretary Joel Sy Egco of the Presidential Task Force on Media Security, PCOO Assistant Secretary Kristian Ablan, Philippine Information Agency (PIA) Region VII officer-in-charge Fayette Riñen, and blogger Carlos Munda of MindaNation.

After the roadshow, Andanar proceeded to the Mactan-Cebu International Airport to lead the launching of the PIA kiosks. "It's (PIA kiosk) a symbol that we are bringing the Office of the President, through PCOO and PIA, directly to the people," Andanar said. Those who witnessed the launching included PIA Director-General Harold Clavite, GMR Megawide Cebu Airport Corporation President Louie Ferrer, Mactan-Cebu International Airport Authority General Manager Atty. Steve Dicdican, and Lapu-Lapu City Acting Mayor Marcial Ycong. (PCO)

Acting City Mayor Marcial Ycong and Press Secretary Martin Andanar led the launching of the PIA information Kiosk at Mactan International Airport, Lapu-Lapu City. (PIA7)

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WESTERN VISAYAS

Community support urged for ASEAN meet hosting Easter Anne D. Doza BACOLOD CITY, March 3 (PIA6) - - Bacolod City Mayor and CPOC chair Evelio Leonardia sought the cooperation and support of member agencies in the preparation and hosting of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations on March 21-24 during the recent regular City Peace and Order Council meeting,

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In this age and time where terrorism is at its height, and when there are international delegates here, the security of the delegates is of utmost importance.

Nothing should and must happen during their stay in Bacolod City,” Leonardia told the police director.

Meanwhile, Wanky said they are at the final stage of their security preparations and structures

as well as task groups are already in place including the compliance of their respective requirements.

The police here is also scheduled to conduct table top and simulation exercises in order for them to anticipate their additional needs during the ASEAN hosting.

According to Wanky, this is a dry run from the airport and the different Task Groups

will be given different scenarios to address in preparation for the ASEAN. Also, this is to test our communication systems and processes.

“Logistics is one of the major challenges in our preparations but as usual we have to device a system to make do with what we have,” Wanky added.*(JCM/EAD-PIA6 Negros Occidental)

USAID Water Project to cite partners in accomplishments Elsa S. Subong ILOILO CITY, 1 March(PIA) — The USAID Water Security for Resilient Economic Growth and Stability (Be Secure) Project will end its four-year implementation on July 7, 2017.

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Close-Out Programme will be held on March 10, to thank its partners and present highlights of it accomplishments.

The Media Invite sent by the Be Secure said that the Close Out will be from 9:00 in the morning until 1:00 in the afternoon at the SEDA Atria Hotel.

The same invite said that the event will present the important achievements on water security, sanitation, and climate resilience in Iloilo as results of partnership of Be Secure with local

government units and other partners, which include those in Leyte province.

Special recognitions will also be given to those individuals and organizations, who exceeded expectations in exercising political will and leading their organizations to implement many important initiatives related to Be Secure’s work in their communities.

Be Secure is a four-year project that seeks to promote good governance and build capacity for long -term water security, improve access to water and

waste water treatment services, and build resilient communities.

It started in July 2013, operating in six focal areas namely, Basilan, Iloilo, Leyte, Maguindanao, Misamis Oriental, and Zamboanga provinces.

Meanwhile, the Close Out activity is expected to bring in the senior officials of USAID Philippines, senior officials of USAID-Be Secure Project, local leaders led by Iloilo Governor Arthur Defensor and Iloilo City Mayor Jed Patrick Mabilog. (JCM/ESS/ PIA-Iloilo)

Capiz registers continuous decline in live births Alex A. Lumaque ROXAS CITY, Capiz, March 1 (PIA6) – A gradual declining trend for the past five years in the number of registered live births has been recorded in the province from 2012 to 2016.

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he information was embodied in a Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA) special release on births in the province which is based on a compilation of data from registered certificates forwarded by the Local Civil Registry Offices of the 16 municipalities and Roxas City to the Office of the Civil Registrar General (OCRG) through the PSA – Capiz Provincial Statistical Office.

“In a span of five years, the live births in Capiz decreased 16.9 percent from 21,442 in 2012 to 17,819 last year,” said the PSA special release that was complemented with graphical presentation for an easier understanding of the 5-year comparative data.

The 2016 live births is 4.8 percent lower than the 18,711 statistics in 2015.

Registered live births in 2014 is at 18,695.

“The most notable change occurred in

2013 which recorded a decrease of 7.2 percent from 21,442 in 2012 to 19,881,” the PSA release added.

The release added that Roxas City (6,444) and the towns of Tapaz (1,332) and Mambusao (1,205) have the highest live births registered in 2016.

The municipality of Sapian has registered the lowest number of births at 280 last year. (JCM/AAL/ PIA6 Capiz)

WESTERN VISAYAS

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ASEAN meetings beef up tourist arrivals in Boracay Venus G. Villanueva KALIBO, Aklan, 28 February (PIA6) -- The Malay Tourism Office in Malay, Aklan has yet to tally the total visitor arrivals in Boracay Island for February of this year a day or two after month’s end but this early, the head of the local tourism office expressed optimism that there will be an increase in total arrivals for the month compared to the same figure last year.

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his is due to recent major events and celebrations held in the island, according to Malay Tourism Officer Felix delos Santos, like the conduct of three ASEAN meetings, cruise ships arrivals carrying foreign tourists, and Valentine’s Day celebration, to name a few.

Delos Santos said the conduct of ASEAN meetings in the island contributed to additional visitors to be counted for the month – composed of delegates, their staff and

respective families coming from ten ASEAN member states.

Aside from contributing to the increase in visitor arrivals, Delos Santos said the ASEAN meetings held in the island – the 23rd Meeting of ASEAN Intergovernmental Commission on Human Rights, ASEAN Ministerial Meeting and ASEAN Committee on Migrant Workers attended by senior officials and foreign

ministers will further boost and promote Boracay Island.

The ASEAN meetings in the island was peaceful and successful, according to Delos Santos, with zero incidents reported.

As its part in maintaining peace and order, the local government of Malay’s Municipal Incident Management Team installed its Operation Center at Ecovillage Boracay.

The team was composed of 50 personnel, said Delos Santos.(VGV PIA6 Aklan)

El Nino affected farmers receive assistance Vicente W. Villavert SAN JOSE, Antique March 3 (PIA) - - Some 615 farmers from the eight municipalities of the province whose corn plantations were affected by the El Nino phenomenon were recipients of several bags of corn seeds distributed by the Department of Agriculture through the Office of the Provincial Agriculturist.

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The El Nino phenomenon in the latter part of 2015 up to the early part of 2016 has affected 385.46 hectares of farm land planted with corn,” said Assistant Provincial Agriculturist Concepcion Cepe in a PIA interview.

The affected municipalities based on the record of the Office of the Provincial

Ariculturist include Patnongon, Sibalom, Bugasong, Valderrama, Laua-an, Hamtic, Tobias Fornier and Belison.

The corn seeds served as the government’s assistance to enable the affected farmers recover from their farm losses.

The identified farmers received hybrid corn seeds.

“Aside from the hybrid corn seeds, the DA also distributed through the Office of the Provincial Agriculturist some 217 bags of yellow corn open pollinated variety, and 70 bags of glutinous corn seeds.

These seeds are also aimed to help improve farmers production and income,” Cepe said. (JCM/ VWV/PIA Antique)

7 WV gov’t agencies bag CSC seal of excellence award Leonard T. Pineda I ILOILO CITY, March 3 (PIA6) --- A total of seven government agencies in Western Visayas were conferred the Citizen’s Satisfaction Center Seal of Excellence Award (CSC-SEA) by the Civil Service Commission (CSC).

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n a ceremony held March 2, 2017 at Casa Real de Iloilo here, CSC Commissioner Robert Martinez said the award is aligned with the implementation of Republic Act No. 9485 or the Anti-Red Tape Act (ARTA) of 2007.

“Ang mga kababayan natin ay naghahanap na ng tamang serbisyo, tama at courteous service from our public servants,” he said.

The recipients of the CSC Seal of Excellence Award were the Social Security System (SSS) Antique Branch, SSS Iloilo Molo Branch, Government

Service Insurance System (GSIS) Bacolod Branch, GSIS Roxas Branch, GSIS Aklan Extension Office, and GSIS Iloilo with four stars; and PhilHealth Iloilo Local Health Insurance Office with three stars.

A total of 15 agencies and local government units were also recognized for being compliant with the enhanced PRIME-HRM (Program to Institutionalize Meritocracy and Excellence in Human Resource Management) Maturity Level 2 Indicators.

PRIME-HRM is a program to inculcate

meritocracy and excellence in the public service human resource management through a program of reward, recognition, empowerment, and continuous development.

The awardees were the local government units of Aklan province, Altavas, Balete, Caluya, Dumarao, Ivisan, Kalibo, Madalag, Malay, Malinao, Tangalan, Roxas City; Aklan State University, Department of Education (DepEd) Division of Guimaras, and Metro Kalibo Water District. (LTP/ PIA-Iloilo)

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CENTRAL VISAYAS

BSP: Old bills still in circulation due for replacement March 31 Jennifer C. Tilos DUMAGUETE CITY, Feb. 28 (PIA) – Some P26 billion of New Design Series (NDS) or old banknotes are still in circulation which is due for replacement until March 31 this year.

“

This is the reason why the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) decided to extend the deadline for the exchange of NDS with New Generation Currency (NGC),” explained Sr. Research Specialist Greg Baccay of BSP-Dumaguete Branch.

With this, BSP has called on the public to replace the old bills before deadline at any authorized banks or BSP for this will have no monetary value starting April 1, 2017.

In a Kapihan forum conducted by Philippine Information Agency (PIA), Baccay said after March 1 the old bank notes which have not been exchanged shall no longer be valid and will be demonetized.

Demonetization is done to protect the integrity of the country’s note currency. Overseas Filipinos working abroad who still have in their possession NDS banknotes can register their banknote holdings

at BSP’s website, said Baccay.

The NDS banknote exchange facility provided by the BSP shall be limited to P50,000 for each OFW, he added.

Initially, the BSP scheduled demonetization of the NDS banknotes on Jan. 1 this year, but by April only the NGC, the banknote series launched in 2010, can be used for daily transactions. (jct/PIA7-Negros Oriental)

Talisay City shares best practices to CAOCAMPIO Ferliza Calizar-Contratista CEBU CITY, February 27 (PIA) – Talisay City hosted the first meeting of Cebu local information officers this year.

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he City of Talisay, through the efforts of the Public Information Officer Hazel Sevilleno, hosted the first meeting for the members of the Cebu Association of City and Municipal Public Information Officers (CAOCAMPIO).

CAOCAMPIO is composed of all appointed and designated public information officers in all the 54 local government units of Cebu province.

Talisay City Mayor Eduardo Gullas, who is also the Father of Talisay Cityhood, welcomed the information officers saying that the City’s doors are open to those who wanted to learn about the City.

“But most importantly, we will consider this day a success if we also get to learn the best

practices shared from your LGUs,” Gullas said.

First to present was the Chief of Police PSupt.

Emerson Dante, who highlighted various external and internal measures to improve law enforcement.

These include weekly “boodle” gathering with men to know about their problems and issues and community “pulong-pulong”.

“It is best to know and ask also the problems of your men because they will not be good law enforcers if they have problems at home,” Dante said.

City Social Welfare and Development Officer (CSWDO) Felipa Solana briefed the information officers about the Women and Children's Programs.

Talisay City was awarded Child Friendly City

and is the only LGU that has an ordinance on positive discipline.

The last presenter was Dr. Rey Bautista, head of Talisay City Aftercare and Outpatient Rehabilitation System.

Bautista said they had been implementing already a system to address drug addiction problems long before President Rodrigo Duterte ordered the Operation “Toktok Hangyo”.

It involves a 12 level system which will challenge and eventually cure a determined drug patient with the help of family and community.

CAOCAMPIO meets every month for briefings on latest developments in governance and government programs. (rmn/fcc/PIA7-Cebu)

Bohol sets up innovative film development group Rey Anthony H. Chiu TAGBILARAN CITY, February 27 (PIA) -- Governor Edgar Chatto signed an Executive Order firming up the Bohol Film Commission.

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he move makes Bohol the first province to set up a local council to map out local film development and its promotions and would allow the Film Development Council of the Philippines (FDCP) a proof of success should they bring their programs to the grassroots anytime soon.

At a simple ceremony attended by no less than FDCP chairperson Liza Diño-Seguerra and party, filmmakers Baby Ruth Villarama, animation specialist Hermie Cabrito, Bohol members of the academe, church, civil society, media, investment, tourism, government and local planners, Chatto revealed that the idea of setting up Bohol Film Commission was born as local officials exhaust all means to get Bohol the needed promotions while helping local film development.

This move formally establishes Bohol's pivotal role to model others in presenting the province and its scenic locations for international and national film

locations.

"Why not create a team to plan through and bring in more vigorously our role in the country's film development?" he asked.

The new development would allow the FDCP to promote Bohol, its sceneries, and people to film producers and companies as a viable location for a film.

The governor's order also mobilizes support for films shot and produced in Bohol and pushes for the utilization of local talents, human resources and local logistics in all film projects produced or shot here.

Meanwhile, Bohol Film Commission Chairperson Lutgardo Labad said the commission can also review and recommend for approval the release showing of any film, documentary or any form of motion pictures that capture important features of Bohol.

Seeing it as another idea and among what he

termed as "thinking outside the box", the governor in his executive order said the establishment of a local film commission is most appropriate and timely in order to enhance and project the Boholano artistry to be recognized in the national and international levels.

Other than multi-awarded cultural worker and film veteran Lutgardo Labad at the BFC, its members according to the executive order are Marianito Jose Luspo (HNU OCAD), Romulo L. Tagaan (CCAD), Liza Flores (GO/ SPU), Emilia Roslinda (Process Foundation), Engr. Albert Uy (Bohol Chamber of Commerce and Industry), Peter Dejaresco (Bohol Tri- Media Association), Rev. Fr. Val Pinlac (Diocese of Tagbilaran), a representative of the Diocese of Talibon, BACH Council chair, Mario J. delos Reyes (Film Industry), Leonides L. Borja (Tagbilaran City Administrator), Joshibiah Gaa De Juan (Chairman, City Council for Culture and Arts). (rmn/rac/PIA-7/ Bohol)

CENTRAL VISAYAS

Negros Oriental extends assistance to Surigao

5 P3-M

financial

Jennifer C. Tilos NEGROS ORIENTAL, Feb 27 (PIA) -- The Negros Oriental provincial government will extend P3-M financial assistance for victims of the 6.7 magnitude earthquake that recently hit Surigao City.

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n a Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (PDRRMC) meeting recently, Executive Officer Adrian Sedillo of PDRRMC said the funds will be taken from the 2015 PDRRM fund's unexpended balance.

However, the assistance will be sent through the PDDRMC of Surigao del Norte after it is approved by the Sanggunian Panlalawigan.

Sedillo said the amount will be taken from the

30 percent of the 5-percent calamity fund as QRF. President Rodrigo Roa Duterte visited Surigao del Norte following the 6.7 magnitude tremor that left at least six people dead and over 100 injured.

About 230 families were affected by the strong quake, based on data from the PDRRMC Surgigao.

It also indicated that estimated cost of damages

in infrastructure has reached P601.8 million.

Surigao City, the hardest hit area, had been placed under a state of calamity.

Rehabilitation funding for Surigao City is pegged at P69.8 million, which includes restoration of national roads and bridges, repair of irrigation canals and water system, rehabilitation of public buildings, burial assistance, rice/food packs, and medicines. (rmn/jct/PIA7-Negros Oriental)

Neurologist: Noise pollution can cause various diseases Leandria P. Pagunsan DUMAGUETE CITY, February 24 (PIA) — Long or repeated exposure to noise beyond 80 decibels can lead to various diseases, according to Dr. Rosalind Yu, neurologist of the Holy Child Hospital in Dumaguete City.

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his was bared by Dr. Yu in a recent Kapihan from senior citizens and business establishments like sa PIA forum on the topic: “Noise Pollution: hotels.

Effects on Business, Health and Community Cordova, however, said that while residents in Life.”

Dumaguete City are culturally tolerant, there is Dr. Yu mentioned the World Medical a need for public discussion and consultation on the Association’s report that prolonged exposure to problem especially on the behavior of people. noise beyond 80 decibels can cause sleep “It can be done, but difficult in the disturbance, high blood pressure, cardiovascular implementation,” said Cordova. disease, fatigue and hearing loss.

Nevertheless, he committed to do his best with Meanwhile, Atty. Allan Gel Cordova of the support of other lawyer councilors to study and Dumaguete City Council who heads the Committee standardize the ordinance stating that it is high time on Peace and Order confirmed he received a lot of the council should realize the importance of complaints on various noise disturbances especially addressing noise pollution and disturbances.

Esther Windler from Friends of the Environment in Negros Oriental (FENOR) cited House Bill No. 3875 which states the "state shall protect and promote the right to health of people and living in a healthy environment."

Windler looks forward to a win-win solution with the city council in solving the problem.

Relative to this, members of FENOR sponsored a signature campaign which they handed to Cordova to push for a city ordinance regulating the level of noise in public disco or “bayle” and karaoke in business establishments and in residences. (rmn/lpp/ PIA7/Negros Oriental)

Lawmaker lauds trade fair in Dumaguete City Roi Lomotan DUMAGUETE CITY, Feb. 27 (PIA) – Congresswoman Joselyn Limkaichong, vice-chair of the Committee on Small Business and Entrepreneurial Development, commended the 2nd Dagit: Arts and Crafts Trade Fair in Robinson’s Place Dumaguete for providing an opportunity to local artists and craftsmen to market their products.

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he event was organized by the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) – Negros Oriental and featured more than 30 exhibitors representing arts, music, and handicraft industries.

In her speech at the event, Limkaichong said the exhibitors can be considered as part of the country’s Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) and her committee in Congress has jurisdiction on matters related to entrepreneurial development and establishment and continuity, viability and growth of MSMEs. Limkaichong reiterated the government’s commitment to help MSMEs in line the President Duterte’s advocacy for entrepreneurship as alternative for employment.

“The DTI, with the presidential consultant for entrepreneurship Joey Concepcion came out with the Kapatid: Angat Lahat program which aims to move entrepreneurs from survival entrepreneurship to sustainable one,” Limkaichong disclosed.

Limkaichong cited one barrier is the lack of access to market. She pointed out the need to provide marketing events like the Dagit Trade Fair that would provide opportunity for artists and small businessmen to meet buyers that can help them become part of the global value chain.

Another barrier that needs to be addressed is marketing assistance and access to credit.

Limkaichong assured exhibitors of the trade fairs of her committee’s commitment to provide interventions to support MSMEs. “We have highlighted that it is very important to support MSME and I consider the artist here as part of MSME which account 99.6 percent of the total number of establishment in the country and employ 63 percent of the total labor workforce,” she stressed.

On the other hand, DTI-Negros Oriental Provincial Director Javier Fortunato Jr. emphasized that the objective of the Dagit: Arts and Crafts Trade fair will continue to find market for

Dumaguete creatives.

“Showing their art in a public display like having it here ensures them a wider audience and viewing public and allows them to find patrons or those who appreciate their art enough to pay for it,” Fortunato said.

Fortunato also disclosed that the DTI will continue to help local artists.

“In the next couple of months, we will follow up on you artists to find out how you are doing. Let’s find out how else DTI can help you,” he added.

Some of the items on display at the trade fair are paintings and artworks of different artists, accessories, handbags and handicrafts.

The trade fair runs until February 28. (rmn/ral/ PIA7-Negros Oriental)

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EASTERN VISAYAS

Bilira LGU officials vow more support to PIA Rodrigo S. Victoria NAVAL, Biliran, March 1 (PIA) - Right from the horse’s mouth the message is loud and clear, the provincial office of the information arm of the government in this part of the country will receive more help and assistance from the top local government unit (LGU) officials in Biliran province.

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iliran Governor Gerardo J. Espina, Jr., who graced the blessing of the new office of the Philippine Information Agency (PIA) in Biliran province told the community development information officers (CDIOs) from the eight towns in Biliran province and information officers (IOs) from the national government agencies in the province attending the occasion, of more help to come for PIA -Biliran.

The blessing of the new PIA-Biliran office was held on Tuesday, February 28, where it was also the first meeting of the CDIOs and IOs in the province of Biliran for 2017.

Governor Espina said that PIA will now stay in a permanent office where it used to transfer in different locations several times since it only rented an office space and later occupied a rent-free space – a school classroom, but vacated the area after it was

taken back for use because of the school's expanding student population.

The provincial government of Biliran through Governor Espina gave full financial support for the construction of the new PIA-Biliran office at the western side of the Naval Gymnasium building located at Icain Street in Naval town.

He also vowed to extend in any capacity the province can provide to some other needs of PIA- Biliran necessary for its efficient and effective delivery of information to the public down to the grassroots.

For his part, Naval Mayor Gerard Roger M. Espina, who also attended the blessing, said he will also give his full support to PIA-Biliran since the young mayor explained in brief the importance of information in the delivery of what he called “truth” in the reporting of government programs, projects

and activities to the people.

Alicia E. Nicart, OIC Regional Director of PIA 8 who also graced the occasion expressed her deep gratitude for the support extended by Biliran Governor Gerardo J. Espina, Jr. and that of his nephew, Naval Mayor Gerard Roger M. Espina to PIA-Biliran.

She said, words are not enough to thank the two local leaders and Congressman Rogelio Espina of the lone district of Biliran for their continued support to PIA-Biliran over the years.

The new PIA-Biliran office located within the Naval Gymnasium building was allocated by LGU-Naval during the mayorship of the late Gerardo S. Espina,Sr and was formally given to PIA through a Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) during the time of former Naval Mayor Susan V. Parilla. (ajc/FJ/ rvictoria/PIA-Biliran)

Fire safety starts at home - BFP Marcelo M. Pedalino MAASIN CITY, Southern Leyte, Mar. 2 (PIA) - Charity does begin at home, but so is fire safety and prevention.

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or March, considered the year’s hottest month, the Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP) ushered its Fire Prevention Month, with sounding of sirens and a unity walk around the city yesterday afternoon.

The theme for this year’s observance centered more on the message to be fire-conscious right at the household level, as it states, in tagalog words, “Buhay at ari-arian ay Pahalagahan, Ibayong Pag-iingat ay sa Sariling Pamamahay Simulan.”

New City Fire Marshall F/Insp. Jimmy Pasague disclosed the many activities that are lined up to give emphasis on fire consciousness this month, among them a fire and earthquake drill this March 21 at

Maternity hospital, the first to be conducted for a private facility complete with real patients expectedly participating.

Pasague said during the Action Center kapihan cable TV program that fire consciousness should be a daily routine and not just confined to the month of March.

In connection with the theme, Pasague said most fire incidents usually began in homes with faulty electrical wiring, overloaded circuits, neglected cooking, and untended candles, hence the way to avoid burning one’s home to the ground keep is to keep watch on these things.

Another new BFP head in the province, F/CInps. Ramil Rinos, the provincial fire marshall,

revealed that records kept by their office in 2015 and 2016, as well as in the first two months of 2017, showed that residential houses were the prime source of alarms responded by their agency.

In 2015, 15 incidents were recorded for Maasin City, 9 for the rest of the province, for a total of 24, and 13 out of these 24 cases were residential; in 2016, the fire events for Maasin were reduced to 11 cases, but for other towns increased to 14, total of 25, and 15 of them were residential.

For the first two months of this year, one fire was recorded for the city, and four for the rest of the province, in which all five cases originated in residences. (ajc/mmp/PIA8-Southern Leyte)

PHILHEALTH starts massive registration in SoLeyte Erna S. Gorne MAASIN CITY, Southern Leyte February 28 (PIA) – The Philippine Health Insurance started receiving submitted lists from the different municipalities of non-PhilHealth-member constituents from the different barangays in the province.

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HIO Henry Madula of PhilHealth Southern Leyte reported during the DyDM-DYSL Kapihan sa PIA radio program last February 21, that massive registration at respective barangays across the province is now on going for all non-PhilHealth members whose ages ranges from 21 up to 59 years old.

Madula said the latest development came

about with the universal coverage program of all Filipino citizens under the national state insurance program as directed by President Rodrigo Duterte.

He said that the registration will cover only those who have not been enrolled with PhilHealth ever since.

The activity entails registration for possible

funding by the Department of Budget and Development (DBM), he added.

He further disclosed that presently the following sectors are already automatically covered with PhilHealth such as the senior citizens, Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program (4Ps) families, and National Household Targetting System (NHTS) beneficiaries. (ajc/esg/PIA8-SoLeyte)

EASTERN VISAYAS

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SAAD program in ESamar under validation process Samuel Candido BORONGAN CITY, Eastern Samar, March 2, 2017 (PIA) - In line with President Rodrigo Duterte’s thrust to increase food production and lessen poverty incidence, the Province of Eastern Samar through Hon. Governor Conrado B. Nicart, Jr. recently received P25-M check from Assistant Agriculture Secretary Lerey Panes that will be used to implement the Department of Agriculture (DA) – Special Area for Agricultural Development (SAAD) program.

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his is the first trance to the P50-M allotted budget for the province under the Fiscal Year 2016.

In an interview with PIA, Dr. Deogracias C. Paano, Provincial Agriculturist, Office of the Provincial Agricultural Services (OPAS) – Eastern Samar, the money was already downloaded to the Province of Eastern Samar.

As of this writing, Dr. Paano disclosed, they are already in the validation process of farmers beneficiaries submitted by the Local Government Units (LGUs) through their Municipal Agriculturist Officers (MAOs).

The Provincial Agriculturist added that the

requirements to be a farmer beneficiary, must be a member of 4Ps and must be in the Master List of Registry System of Basic Sector in Agriculture (RSBSA).

The 22 municipalities and one city that are recipient to this program are clustered into five: Cluster I – Guiuan to Mac-Arthur; Cluster II- Quinapondan to Lawaan; Cluster III- Hernani to Maydolong; Cluster IV- Borongan to Can-avid and Cluster V – Dolores to Maslog, and Jipapad.

Paano further added that as of February 27, 2017, already validated are 11 municipalities out of the 22 municipalities and one city and the percentage of validation are as follows: Cluster I – 95%, Cluster

II- 20%, Cluster III- 75%, Cluster IV – 70%, and Cluster V- 50%.

The said P25-M will be used to fund agricultural assistance such as: certified rice seeds, urea fertilizers, irrigation support, corn production, livestock production (goat and native chicken), milk production, high value crops, and training support.

DA is targetting to reduce poverty in three Samar Provinces by 25% in the next three years.

SAAD is a special program of DA focusing on the top 10 poorest provinces in the country of which the three Samar Provinces are included in the list. (ajc/SDC/PIA-E. Samar)

NSamar development council endorses proposed Luzon-Samar bridge Teresita B. Cardenas CATARMAN, Northern Samar, March 1 (PIA) – The development council of the Province of Northern Samar has endorsed the proposed Luzon-Samar link bridge project for implementation of the Department of Public Works and Highways on its regular meeting in February 23.

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rovincial Planning and Development Coordinator Engr. Romeo M. Cardenas said the proposed bridge is among the infrastructure projects submitted to the Chinese government for technical assistance in the preparation of a feasibility study.

He explained that the Sorsogon-Samar Island bridge will include the construction of the three (3) long-span bridges (Allen-San Antonio, 4.9 kilometers; San Antonio-Capul, 4.9 kilometers; Capul-Matnog, 12 kilometers) to connect Samar to the main island of

Luzon.

This project is part of President Duterte’s thrust to spend up to Php 9 Trillion in the next six years for mega projects, including long span bridges that would link Luzon, Visayas and Mindanao, he added.

The planning officer further explained that at the moment, roll-on roll-off (RoRo) ferries cross the San Bernardino Strait with a distance of 28 kilometers transporting passengers and vehicles to and from Matnog Port and Allen Port.

During peak season trucks carrying cargoes to the province are usually stranded at the port of Matnog, thus causing delay in the delivery of goods.

With this mega project of the present administration, travel time will be shorter by eliminating the waiting and loading time and will also boost trade, tourism, job creation and hasten the delivery of government aid during emergencies and disasters, he concluded. (ajc/ tbc-pia8northernsamar)

Army women urged to be agents of change Ninfa B Quirante CATBALOGAN CITY, Samar, March 2 (PIA) - The 8th Infantry (Stormtroopers) Division joined the nation in celebrating the National Women’s Month themed ―We Make Change Work for Women‖ during the AFP-wide simultaneous flag raising ceremony at the Openiano Field on February 27, 2017.

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rig. Gen. Cesar M. Idio, 8ID Assistant Division Commander personally conveyed the remarks of Lieut. Gen. Glorioso V. Miranda, Commanding General, Philippine Army, to the Stormtroopers recognizing the role of women in uniform who have made contributions in the fulfilment of the Army mission.

This celebration aims to inform and engage women as stakeholders of government programs and services, create and facilitate platforms to discuss

good practices, gaps, challenges, and commitments in pursuing gender and development (GAD) and inspire and empower women and girls to be agents of change.

In his message, Lieut. Gen. Miranda encouraged the female soldiers to actively participate in the government programs, policy-makings and trainings.

Through gender mainstreaming, the Philippine Army narrowed down the existing gender gaps or

disparity between the sexes in the organization thus expanding the women’s potentials and continues to achieve their highest goals.

“Let us reaffirm our commitment of "malasakit at pagbabago" because through working together we can implement real change with our combined efforts and extensive advocacy in promoting gender equality,” Miranda added. (with 8th IDPAO, ajc/nbq/ PIA 8-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.

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